Written for another prompt. Based on the song "Don't Fear the Reaper."
The Queen of Camelot could feel her time was nearly up. The combination of sickness and old age had taken the last of her failing strength. Even Merlin's magic could only do so much. But she was happy with her accomplishments. After Arthur's death, she had ruled the kingdom through famines, wars, and crises alike, with Merlin at her side as Camelot's Court Warlock.
And it was clear she couldn't go on…
Ever the faithful friend, he had done whatever he could for her. She was forced to order him to stop trying to find a miracle cure after he collapsed from exhaustion. The warlock sat at her side now, holding her frail hand in his eternally youthful one. A slight summer breeze blew through the open windows and fluttered the curtains. A few of the candles lit to stave off the coming gloom of night flickered and died. The wind picked up slightly, and the faint form of her long-dead husband appeared behind Merlin.
"Guinevere."
The slight whisper grew louder as the ghost became clearer. She felt her friend calling her, trying to tie her to the mortal world for just a few moments longer, but she followed the king's voice. "Gwen? Gwen!"
And she ran to him…
As Merlin's words faded away into the distance, the rising moon became brighter; the world more beautiful. She stepped from the bed with a grace she had not felt in years, leaving her body behind. The Queen looked behind at her friend with sorrow and pity, but didn't stop moving forward. Gwen walked towards her king's hand, towards her father and brother, towards her dead friends, and to Avalon.
Thoughts?