I don't own Merlin... but if I did I might still write fan fiction because, let's face it, it's fun.

1500 years ago...
It was her first official occasion since the events at Camlann a month ago and her coronation as sole ruler of Camelot. Gwen stood on the steps in the courtyard with her back straight and her face in a composed expression. Leon stood at her right shoulder, Gaius at her left. Percival stood further up the steps. Other knights had wanted to be here to greet the arriving delegations, but she had refused. She didn't want to present any unnecessary hostility. Though her expression didn't show it, Gwen was concerned about the upcoming parley. She wished, once again, that Merlin was here. Her position on magic would be much more defensible if he was in Camelot to represent the benefits. Not to mention her position on the unification of the five kingdoms. According to Gaius, Merlin had wanted that long before anyone even thought it was a possibility. Gwen hoped she could convince the sovereigns without him. She knew Annis would support her, but the others...
It had been a trying month. Through it all, Gwen had maintained a stony calm that was more taxing than anything else she was going through. The only times she let her grief or exhaustion show was when she was alone with Gaius, or occasionally the the knights here now. Arthur's death was a blow to everyone, but as queen she had to stay strong. Especially now. The treaty to come required he to be assertive, now was not the time to be seen as a grieving widow. He thoughts were interrupted when, with a clatter of hooves, the rulers and their parties rode into the courtyard.
Gwen took a deep breath and formed her face into a cordial grin, "Greetings, welcome to Camelot. I can't begin to express how glad I am that you all agreed to come."
As she greeted each of them individually, servants appeared to show the rulers to rooms. Hanging back a little, Queen Annis paused beside Gwen, "How are you doing?"
"I've been better," with a weak smile she continued, "I do wish Merlin were here, it would make this all go more easily.
"Have you hear from him recently?"
"He left Ealdor after a few days, he decided to travel the five kingdoms on foot for a while. He was on the outskirts of Odin's kingdom last time I heard from him."
The last of the servants and knights went inside, Gwen and Annis tuned and began to climb the steps after them. Gaius paused to let them pass before following. Gwen continued, "But that was two weeks ago, so he could be anywhere now."
"Well I'm sure everything will go smoothly, even without him."
Gaius came up next them, "Gwen, everyone here is open to the idea of unifying, we all want peace. The kings wouldn't have agreed to come if they weren't interested."
"I know, thank you, both of you. I'm just not sure they'll be welcome to uniting under Camelot."
In fact, she was not sure their agreement to come meant they were open to uniting at all. It was equally plausible they wanted to take advantage of Camelot's vulnerability, or of the presence of all five rulers in one place. Her brow creased as she considered this.
Annis touched her shoulder, "Don't worry, Gwen, it will go splendidly. I'm sure. Now, please excuse me, I think I'll rest for a few minutes. I'll see you when the talks begin."
"Thank you Annis," as soon as the queen was gone Gwen's shoulders sagged. She brought her hand to her face and closed her eyes.
Gaius gave her a supportive arm around her shoulders, "Come on, let's get you sitting down."
When they reached the royal bedchamber Gwen collapsed into a seat, "Thank you, Gaius. It's just so much at once."
"I know, but don't worry, Gwen, you're doing excellent work. You've already removed the ban on magic in Camelot, and you've brought all the representatives here. You're doing a fine job, and I know Arthur would be proud."
"Yes, I know. I just can't help but be concerned about this. you know they might not want to unify, don't you?"
"I'm well aware of the risks. But this is a noble cause and one well worth pursuing. You have to at least try."
"Of course."
"Now, have you been sleeping? Eating well?"
"Yes, don't worry about me. Worry about Albion."
"Alright, I'll let you rest now, please tell me if there's anything you need."
"I will. Thank you again, Gaius."
"You're welcome."
Gwen nodded and gave him a fleeting smiled as he walked to the door. When he was gone, she gave a fleeting glance to the bed before turning towards the divan that had been moved into the room three and a half weeks ago. She lay down and closed her eyes. She couldn't sleep, but she wanted to maintain her calm demeanour. It would make the difficult diplomacy to come all the easier. Half an hour later, she stood up, smoothed her dress, and left with her face set and her head held high.

So I'm still figuring out a good length for these, so feedback on that front would be especially appreciated, as well as any feedback in general. Seriously, I want to improve my writing and the best way for me to know how is through reviews. Thanks for reading!