Arthur woke as a mystical humming sounded in his ear. "Good morning, sire," Ella greeted with a warm smile. He sat up with a frown and was given a bowl of soup and a small piece of bread by her. "Thank you, Ella," he smiled. Ella smiled in return and then helped the others. Her hair was now tamer than before, and her eyes sparkled contently. She had definitely changed from the night before. "She's not usually like this" Branwen said from behind him, seemingly appearing from nowhere, "This is one of her good days. We never know how long it lasts. It looks like you have a positive effect on her, sire." Arthur spotted Merlin talking to Ella, and both had smiles on their faces.
"I don't think it's just me, Branwen," Arthur argued.
Branwen frowned and followed his gaze, smiling at the sight of the pair. "Is that Merlin, the boy she is talking to?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
"She told me about how she ended up in Camelot. She talked often of him."
"I don't know why, but they seem to have a strong bond. There must be something similar that they've found in each other. Though I can't think what it is."
"It's quite obvious if you look close enough, though it does depend if the people concerned want you to see."
"Oh. How do you know these things?"
"I am far older than I look, Sire. I have learnt the tricks of my trade and see things that are clear as day to me, but not as easy to see with the average eye."
"You really do seem wise, Branwen."
"Thank you, Sire. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must set to work."
"Of course."
"You seem in good spirits, my dear," Branwen said as Ella helped her wash the bowls in the pond. She had been all too aware that the pond water was incredibly clean and that there was a very pure taste to it that she somehow found strange. Water always had a different taste to it, but this made her somehow feel odd.
"I had no nightmare," Ella replied.
"That doesn't happen often."
"It doesn't."
"Ella, there are bad times to come. I know better to ignore my visions. Sometimes, magic is not enough. Your enemies will see you as a mere girl playing with fire, and they will laugh. Have a sword pointed at their neck and they will see you as dangerous."
"Branwen, I'm not dangerous."
"My dear, your gift is far more powerful than you know, and you must protect yourself and those around you at all costs."
"How am I meant to do that?"
Branwen picked up the long item on the ground next to her that was covered with a deep red cloth. She held it to Ella and unwrapped it. It was a sword in a golden, decorated sheath. It looked beautiful and precious and almost mystical. "It was given to me and the person who gave it to me told me that I would know what to do when the time came. I never thought I would use it, and it turns out I never will. It was given to me for me to give it to you."
Ella smiled, still not understanding, "Why?"
"It was crafted in the Old Religion. It is said that it can channel the power of the one who wields it and use the magic that flows through it."
"It must be powerful."
"Powerful beyond imagination apparently, but it's yours now, and you must use it to defend what you hold dear." She gave a little nod to where Merlin was, then smiled at Ella.
Ella grinned and nodded, "Thank you, Branwen."