The Negotiations

Elia strode into the council hall the next morning, a bright smile on her face, with her council following. Whatever unease she had felt the night before seemed to have disappeared. That or she was extremely talented at hiding it.

Arthur stood and walked over, offering her his arm. While some of his council had the decency to stand, others remained seated, watching the elves through narrowed eyes. Elia lifted her chin slightly, staring down at them, her dark blue velvet dress swishing around her. Though rather than her crown, she had opted for a simple circlet.

Arthur led her to a chair next to his as her council sat in the various open chairs at the table. Once he was sat, he looked around and cleared his throat.

"Let us begin," he said. "It is understood that the elves wish to open trade with Camelot." He looked over at Elia.

"Yes," she said. "As you have all been made aware, we do have rather fine wines. We also offer a variety of herbs that are not grown here that have many uses-"

"How can we trust such concoctions? They are potions! Magic!" Alrich shouted.

"I assure you, they are not," Elia said evenly, glancing down the table towards Agravaine, who was silent from where he sat on the other side of Arthur.

"We do not make potions," Elidren added. "As said before, we are not sorcerers. We cannot conjure things or mutter spells to make things move. We make use of the plants that grow within The Willows for their healing properties."

"But you are magical beings," another of Arthur's council shouted.

"Yes, but that does not mean that we use it in the same ways as others," Elidren said, looking as though he were already bored with talking about this particular subject.

"It gives us immortality and the ability to heal. But that is all," Elia said, looking around the table and fixing each of the dissenters in stern gaze. It was a lie, of course, but none of the mortals would know. The elves had agreed that it was best not to mention their gift of foresight to the council. It was rather unreliable and even the elders struggled to interpret what they saw. Not to mention, not every elf had this particular gift.

"Must we continue discussing this topic?" Elidren said. "Each time it is brought up, our response does not change. You do not need to fear us."

"Now, I do believe there are several areas of trade that would benefit both parties," Elia said, attempting to move the conversation along.

"Absolutely not," Alrich said. "We cannot trust the quality of your goods."

"You've been drinking their wine this whole time and have had no complaints thus far," Arthur said, narrowing his eyes at him. "In fact, didn't you say just last night that it was the finest wine you had ever tasted?"

"That was… I was intoxicated!" Alrich stuttered, losing some of his bluster. Arthur started smiling as he looked around the other members of his council.

"In fact, I overheard many of you commenting as such," Arthur continued. "Lord Rickard, did not your wife take an interest in the silks that the elven company brought?"

"She did not," Rickard said, his face turning red.

"She expressed an interest in purchasing some to me," Elia said, smiling. "Complimented the craftsmanship of my gowns as well."

"But, but…"

"It would seem that individually you all are rather pleased with the quality of the elven wares," Arthur said, looking around. "What's more, we would be sending our own to the elven kingdom, opening up a new source of revenue for Camelot, easing the burden of taxes on our own people."

The council members were momentarily silent as they looked at each other. The king had a point.

"My, my, it would appear as though open trade can be a good thing," Elia muttered just loud enough that her council and Arthur could hear. The king glanced at her with a half-smile before returning to address the table.

After a few hours of going back and forth on trade, even Arbelldon was starting to look perturbed. When not much progress was being made, Arthur attempted to steer the talks to the military arrangement when things were not working with trade, but found an even larger impasse. When Alrich very nearly insulted the elven troops, Rhys, Cameron and Trevor all shot dark looks towards him.

"You've seen our warriors in action, myself included," Elia said evenly. "What makes you think we are incapable of lending aid should Camelot ask?"

"Who leads these troops?" Alrich shot back.

"I do," Elia said, her eyes flashing.

"You must see my point," Alrich said, chuckling.

"As mentioned earlier, she has proven herself in the tourney," Arthur replied.

"That was different. Just games. What battle experience do you actually have?" Alrich asked.

"Plenty more than you," Elia snapped, very near to losing her patience. "I have been alive a good 500 years."

The dissenters among Arthur's council went silent as they studied the young queen. Arthur looked between the two sides and sighed heavily.

"I believe we should take a small respite," he said loudly, worried that war would break out in the council room if they pushed Elia further.

"Yes, lets," Elia said, pushing up from her chair abruptly.

"Until tomorrow," Arthur said as Elia began striding out of the hall, her council following. She was already muttering under her breath in the Elven tongue, though her council obviously heard every word.

"Queen Elia," Arthur shouted after her just as she passed into the corridor. Elia stopped, spinning around to look at him. "If I might have a word… alone." She looked at her council and dismissed them. Trevor kept glancing back as they walked away.

"What is it?" Elia asked.

"I was hoping perhaps you and I could dine tonight in my chambers. I feel as though we are getting nowhere with the councils. Perhaps it is time we took matters into our own hands," he said softly, smiling slightly. Elia gazed up at him, a small smile beginning to grace her face as a twinkle entered her eyes.

"I believe I could agree to that," she said.

"Good. I will send Merlin for you later," he said. He nodded. "Till then, your majesty." Elia offered a small curtsey.

"Till then, King Arthur."

Merlin kept glancing at Elia as he walked her through the corridors towards Arthur's chambers. She seemed to be deep in thought and he was curious as to what was on her mind. He knew the day's negotiations did not go as planned from Arthur's ranting earlier and was curious as to her thoughts. She didn't seem nearly as irritated as he expected her to be, though perhaps that had to do with the dinner meeting he was currently escorting her to.

"I heard today was rather difficult," he finally said.

"Yes, I am hoping things are finally going to turn for the better," she said, glancing at him. "At least Arthur seems reasonable."

"I told you he is a good king," Merlin replied.

"It would seem you may be right," she said, smiling. They reached Arthur's chambers and he held the door open for her.

"Thank you, Merlin," she said, smiling at him. He nodded and followed her in. Arthur rose from the table where a large spread was set out.

"Queen Elia," he said.

"King Arthur," she replied as he held out a chair for her. Once she was sat and he had taken a seat across from her, Merlin stepped over and poured wine for the two before stepping back.

"I hope you do not mind that Merlin stays," Arthur said, glancing at him. Elia shrugged as she reached for her goblet.

"I trust Merlin," she said lightly. She then fixed her bright green eyes on Arthur. "Where should we begin?"

"First of all, I apologize for my council today. I firmly believe in the capabilities of your army as well as yours in leading said army," he said. "And I know should the time come, you would be a much needed help."

"Thank you," Elia replied, smiling as she glanced at Merlin, who smiled in returned and raised his eyebrows as if to say, "Told you so." She then turned to study Arthur a moment. "I honestly don't understand how you put up with that lot day in and day out."

"You eventually learn to work around them," Arthur replied.

"Or ignore them completely," Merlin added. Elia nodded.

"I suppose I can understand that. Many of the older members of my council who stayed behind are rather set in their ways as well and require delicate maneuvering. In fact, some of them advised me against this meeting," she said.

"Is that so? You made it sound as though they were all in accord with you in your letters," Arthur said, frowning slightly. Elia sighed.

"They begrudgingly gave me their blessing, knowing I would go with or without it," she said. "But thankfully Elidren had convinced most of them that it was for the good of the kingdom before we left. Wouldn't do to have my people see us in discord. Bad enough half of them think me mad."

"Why is that?" Arthur asked. Elia chuckled.

"You've seen how progressive I can be. And I am a young queen. Both in age and experience. They had assumed I would be second to Tobias. None were expecting him to die when he did," she said.

"Or that you would become the sole ruler," Arthur finished for her. She nodded.

"I would assume that is something you can relate to," she said. "In being a young ruler." He nodded.

"Though it helps to have good friends to give sound council when needed," he said, glancing at Merlin.

"That it does," she said. "Truth be told, I've always seen things differently. Even in Rosewood, I was often scolded for my mouth and my thoughts. But I just don't believe that things must be done a certain way – that doesn't work, mind you - just because that's the way they've always been done. I never thought that we should hide away from the world. Be afraid of it."

"But it has kept you safe all these centuries," Arthur said.

"To what end?" Elia asked. "It won't keep us alive forever. And what happens after the Morgana threat is over with? Return to hiding? That would be impossible. It's time we took our place among the world again. It's time we regain the glory we once had."

"You wish to regain your kingdoms?" Merlin asked, causing both leaders to look over at him.

"They are abandoned. No one is there, not even mortals. But if the magic returns to them… perhaps they will bloom once again and the elves will return," Elia said. "All I wish to regain is our strength so that we do not fade out of existence. Granted there are a few on my council that I would not miss if they chose to leave or fade." Arthur nodded and then sighed, seeming to relax a bit.

"Some days I want to sack the lot of them," he admitted. "It takes forever to get them to agree to anything. Most of the time I just make the decisions and tell them later as it involves far fewer headaches." Elia chuckled.

"Oh, to not have every decision questioned a million times," she said. "Though, I suppose to an extent I can understand where they are coming from. They worry. About Morgana. About the safety of our kingdom. Our future."

"Why stay then? Would it not be safer to go to the Isles?" Arthur asked.

"Because our kind have been in this land for centuries. Why should we have to leave our home?" she said, her eyes lighting up.

Arthur studied her a moment as Elia went silent. She studied her plate a bit, as though she were contemplating what to say next, before sitting up, meeting his gaze.

"What I said before is still true. We are not weak. But… I fear how long even we will survive if Morgana is allowed to continue her bloody campaign. It will be the death of us all," she said sternly. "That is why I want this alliance, Arthur. The Willows needs Camelot. And whether or not your council chooses to see it, you need us, too."

"Besides an army, just what do you have to offer? They will want something more," Arthur said.

"We can teach you our skills… as best we can, anyway, since you do not live as long as we do. We can provide you with elven weapons. Herbs for healing. We can teach you some of our ways," she said. "Open trade and share knowledge and experience. There is much we can learn from each other." Arthur thought over her words.

"You are right in that we need all the help we can get. Morgana and her forces are strong," he admitted. "I am ready to sign an accord." Elia grinned.

"I am very much happy to hear this, King Arthur. Though I must ask, what changed your mind? When we last met in The Willows, you did not seem so keen," she said, studying him. Arthur sighed as he glanced at Merlin.

"I suppose I realized that I just needed to give this a chance," he said. "What's more, you've shown that you and your kind are no threat to Camelot. During these times, we need as many allies as we can get."

"I agree," Elia said, glancing at Merlin with a small smile. "Perhaps soon you will learn that there are even more allies out there, if you just open your mind a bit more."

"For now, let's just focus on ironing out the details of this alliance," he replied.

"When shall we sign?" she asked. "Now? Tomorrow?" Arthur sighed.

"Just as you need your council's support to keep up appearances, so do I need mine. We shall give them tomorrow to come around of their own accord. If they do not-" Elia snorted, earning a frown from Arthur, "then we will announce the accord the day after."

Elia thought a moment before answering.

"Fine, I agree," she said. "Though I'd rather just sign."

"Patience is a virtue," Arthur replied. She rolled her eyes.

"Now you are sounding more like Elidren," she replied, though she was still smiling. She then sat up and held her goblet out. "A toast is in order. To Camelot and The Willows."

"To Camelot and The Willows."

"Well that was certainly fruitful," Elia said, grinning as Merlin walked her back to her chambers.

"Seems Arthur does have a bit of conniving in him," Merlin replied.

"Now to convince the others," Elia said with a sigh, as she glanced at him. "Though it matters not if we succeed there, as we will sign regardless." Merlin stopped and looked down at her.

"I have faith that you will pull through," he said.

"Just what makes you say that?" she asked.

"I've seen how persuasive you can be," he replied, smiling. Elia shrugged, feeling a flutter in her heart. She pushed it aside.

"It's true… I am rather persuasive. I've managed to convince Arthur he can trust me," she said. "Though I suspect I may have had a bit of help." Merlin shrugged.

"He does listen to me. I may have mentioned that you seem to be trustworthy," he replied. "Besides, any success of yours will ultimately help in my success." Elia stopped, turning to face him. She reached out and grabbed his arm, a spark shooting through both of them.

"You will succeed, Merlin," she said softly. Merlin swallowed, his heart starting to race at her nearness.

"What makes you so sure?" he asked.

"I choose to believe it," she said simply. Merlin looked away, feeling his cheeks heat up. He started walking, feeling a certain coldness run through him when her hand left his arm.

"I will do what I can," he said. He sensed that Elia was once again at his side. The two were silent, though Elia kept glancing at him. "Well, here we are." He smiled as he motioned towards the doors of her chambers. Elia nodded slightly.

"Thank you, Merlin," she said before walking in. She shut the door and leaned against it, her hand upon her heart, which was still fluttering. She looked around the room, unsure of what this feeling was. She walked over to a table, pouring water from a jug into a goblet and quickly drinking it down.

"My lady, shall I help you prepare for bed?" Fianna said softly, as she stepped in. Elia looked over at her, her cheeks flush.

"Yes, of course," she said. Fianna walked over to a cabinet, pulling out at night dress. She then walked back towards Elia but stopped.

"My queen, is something the matter?" she asked.

"I'm fine," Elia said, not meeting her eyes.

"But you're flush," Fianna said. "Shall I fetch the healer." Elia waved her hand in the air.

"No, there is no need," she said. She then looked at Fianna. "Though… the strangest feeling has come over me… I just… every time he looks at me… my heart…"

Fianna's eyes widened as she stepped closer to her.

"It's ridiculous, really… I can't… this can't be it… not with him," Elia said.

"Are you speaking of… Merlin?" Fianna asked. Elia looked over at her, eyes wide.

"What if I was?" she asked softly. Fianna smiled.

"He is a most noble man. Kindhearted," she said.

"But he is mortal," Elia said.

"I've seen the way you look at him. And the way he looks at you," Fianna said. Elia frowned and shook her head.

"This is folly," she said. "Futile. It can never be. I must push this aside. Especially now that we are so close to signing an accord." Fianna sighed and nodded.

"Yes, my lady," she said, placing the nightdress on the table and moving to start undoing the laces in the back of Elia's dress. "But if I may be so bold…"

"What is it?" Elia asked.

"In my experience… whatever the obstacle… true love tends to find a way," Fianna said. Elia laughed ruefully.

"This is nothing more than an infatuation," she replied. "That's it." Fianna nodded.

"Yes, your majesty. Of course."

"You're late," Morgana said, stepping out of the shadows. Agravaine jumped slightly, not expecting her to move so quietly. Granted after a few days amongst the elves, he wondered if he'd ever get used to it. "What news of the elves?"

"Their queen is powerful, but it seems they do not use magic the same as you," he replied. "They say it gives them immortality, but nothing more, as far as I am aware."

Morgana nodded slowly as she began to slowly pace, studying the forest floor.

"She and Arthur seem to be getting along, but the rest of the council is still wary," he said. "What shall I do? Thwart the accord?"

"I do not care if they sign or not. It is of no consequence to me," she said.

"But if Camelot and the elves join together, they would create a formidable army," Agravaine said.

"I said it matters not," Morgana snapped, eyes blazing as she stopped pacing and stared at him.

"Then what do you propose? Attack and kill their queen?" he asked.

"No. Let the talks continue as they have. When the elven court leaves, I will follow them. Find their haven," she said. "And if they cannot be persuaded to join us, attack them there. It will do Arthur no good to make new allies when said allies cannot come to their aid."

"But there is old magic that protects them. Magic much older and more powerful than yours," Agravaine said.

"Must you have so little faith in me, Agravaine?" Morgana asked.

"We still do not know exactly what they are capable of. They could be hiding the extent of their magic from us," Agravaine replied. Morgana stepped towards him.

"Then I will take their queen and break her," she hissed. "Find out just what it is they can do. And if I cannot convince her to join us, then I will destroy her and all her kind. Just. Watch. Me."

Agravaine studied Morgana a moment before bowing.

"I understand," he said.

"Get back to Camelot before someone notices you missing," Morgana said, starting to move away from him.

"Yes, Morgana."

Tried to post this yesterday and it wasn't working, but here we are! Should probably slow down with posting as I still need to finish up the last several chapters.

xSapphirexRosesxFanx - I know... But he'll get some happiness. ^_^

Guest - Glad to see you're happy with the updates! I'm going to keep working at it so I can post regularly!

gaylelbf - Thanks! ^_^

Guest - Well, to be honest, it's not really until the end of the series that we find out he's immortal. And the elves' foresight isn't always clear, which we'll see in later chapters.

Taz - Couldn't have said it better myself. ^_^ "Merlin/Emrys doesn't know he's immortal yet. I don't think they really specified in the TV series when he was told or if he just figured it out when all his friends started dying of old age." And there will lots of dancing to come.

Thanks for reading and following, guys!