Just Can't Wait to be King… Again

All the work from the day caught to Elia as she dropped onto the air mattress in the tent she was sharing with Merlin just inside the gate to The Willows. While they probably would have been more comfortable staying in one of the many abandoned dwellings or even the old palace, the group decided it was better to stay closer to the gate just in case Morgana showed up earlier than expected. Once the small camp had been set up, they determined who would stay up for the first watch while the rest retired.

The ride over had been quiet, though she tried not to stare at Merlin the whole way. She hadn't had a chance to speak with anyone about her second vision yet, and just thinking about it had her in a near constant state of stress. He had disappeared for a bit right before they set out and she had been about to go look for him when he showed up with a sheepish smile and something wrapped up in a blanket that he loaded into the back of their SUV without an explanation. He then declared they were ready to leave and hopped into the driver side to lead the caravan.

While she didn't want to be away from him, she was so tired that it almost didn't bother her when Merlin said he was going to chat with Elidren, Fianna and Cameron - all on the first watch - before going to bed. All Elia wanted was a blanket, pillow and sleep in the hopes that she could finally calm down. So, it was no surprise when she nodded off as soon as her head hit the pillow before she even bothered to change out of her clothes.


She was once again in the chamber, standing next to the bed. The baby was wrapped up in a blanket as she smiled down at it.

"Hello, little one," she crooned, tears in her eyes. "I've been waiting a long time for you…"

Elia frantically looked around, searching for Merlin. Why wasn't he there? She knew that she would have had him in the room with her. It didn't make sense and set her on edge.

"You look so much like your father…"

A dark mist began to swirl as Elia looked back down at the bed, her heart clenching. She needed to see more. To be sure of what this meant. Perhaps he was just outside. She didn't want to think of the other option.

She couldn't fathom a future without Merlin.

The black mist enveloped her, taking her away and when it cleared, Elia was standing in the willow grove behind the palace. Looking around, she wondered just why she was there. The others stood around, their eyes fixed on something. Turning to look, Elia saw several figures standing around the tree. Walking closer, she frowned as she noticed Morgana, Mordred and Merlin there among them, each with tense looks upon their faces.

They then began to chant in unison, their eyes flashing as they held their arms out, hands clasped. Elia's eyes widened as she felt a great surge of magic filled the air. Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see the people closest to her stumble a bit under its weight. The three looked tired and drained very quickly, though they were steadfast in their task.

As they continued, Elia's eyes widened as she saw the great willow burst to life, branches filling out with leaves. Suddenly, it was finished and Elia looked around in awe as the entire kingdom was now blooming and alive.

"They did it," she murmured as a smile filled her face.

"MERLIN!"

She whipped her head around just in time to see him fall to the ground. Mordred and Morgana did not look much better, the three of them pale and sweaty. Elia felt her heart stop for a moment as she started towards him.

"NO!"

Before she could reach him to see if he was alive or dead, the dark mist surrounded her again, pulling her away.


Elia sat up gasping for air in the tent, her eyes wide. She quickly covered her mouth, not wanting to draw any attention from the others just yet. She had seen more of her and her future daughter, but while the second vision brought with it hope, she couldn't help the nagging fear that settled in.

Had she just watched Merlin die?

"Lia," Merlin exclaimed as he ran into the tent and dropped by her side. "What is it?" She looked up at him a few moments, unable to speak as she shook her head and tears filled her eyes. She wasn't sure what exactly to say to him. "Did you see something?" She swallowed and nodded.

"I saw you… and Mordred and Morgana. You did some spell… it brought The Willows back to life," she whispered. Merlin stared at her a moment, confused as to why she seemed upset by this.

"But… isn't that what we've been looking forward to? A return of The Willows?" he asked. She nodded but continued to stare at him silently. "And if Morgana's there… perhaps this means that we can work things out…"

"I don't want to lose you," she whispered as she threw her arms around him.

"What do you mean? I'm not going anywhere," he said, though a cold sliver of fear slid through him. Elia couldn't speak, just held onto him as the tears fell. He began rubbing her back and doing whatever he could to comfort her. After some time, he realized that she had fallen back to sleep.

Sighing, Merlin laid her down on the mattress and stood, thinking he should get back to Elidren and the others. But one look at Elia's face, her expression of pain still there, stopped him. Instead, he crawled under the covers next to her and pulled her into his arms.

Tomorrow he would get it out of her.


The next morning, Bridget stretched as she walked around the edges of the city near where they were camping. It was a shock to see the once vibrant place now long dead and abandoned. Though hope was still there; it was in every small sprig of green that she saw. She hoped that it would not be long before it was once again thriving.

"Bridget," a voice called out. She stopped and turned, watching as Mordred walked up to her. She had been avoiding him since that night in London, suddenly unsure of what she wanted to do about it. She had been certain of her feelings for him, still was, but being back with the others, she was unsure if she should act upon them.

"Finally got a moment with you alone," he said, smiling. She nodded and glanced around, noting that the other elves were sleeping, having been up all night taking the first watch. "I was hoping that we could talk…"

"Of course," she said quickly, though a bit stiffly. He sighed and shook his head.

"Look… I know that I got a bit… I dunno, things were confusing that night, but… I wanted you to know that I am grateful for you and everything you've done for me," he said.

"Think nothing of it," she said.

"There's more," he said before she could say anything further. Bridget only nodded, motioning for him to continue, though she could feel her heart rate pick up. "You were right. It's time that I left the past in the past and started focusing on now and the future. And… I really hope that perhaps, well… there could be a present and future for us."

Bridget's eyes widened as her breath hitched. Was he really doing what she thought he was? Was Mordred confessing that he did have feelings for her? She was part elated, part scared and wasn't sure on which side to fall on. She glanced over towards the tents where the other elves were sleeping.

"I know that… I mean, I'm not sure what the laws are now. Especially with Elia and Merlin, but I'm willing to give it a go if you are," he said. Bridget blinked a few times before starting to smile slightly.

"That law has long been gone. And it was only for royalty anyway. I am not of royal blood," she replied. Mordred began smiling as he took a tentative step towards her.

"So… are you saying that you would like to see where this could go as well?" he asked. Bridget nodded, at first a bit hesitant, but then more vigorously.

"Yes. I would," she said.

"Good. Because I was terrified that you'd say no," he replied.

"Why?" she asked, slightly confused.

"Well… Cameron hasn't really hidden his feelings towards me," Mordred said, kicking at the ground with the toe of his shoe. "And I wasn't sure if there was… something going on there."

"No! There is nothing, and… I can handle Cameron," Bridget said. She then took Mordred's hand and started leading him away. "Perhaps you would like a tour of The Willows? Or well, a small one, at least." He nodded as they walked away from the encampment and towards the outskirts of the city. They were silent, though he couldn't help but smile at the fact that Bridget still held his hand.

"I always wanted to see here," he said, looking around.

"I wish that you could have seen it in its prime. But hopefully that will happen someday soon," Bridget said, her eyes looking up into the branches of the dead trees. "It was… wondrous to see… All of this green. And the weather always fair. Thousands of elves lived here. More in the outer villages spread throughout the kingdom. Before that, there were even more in the neighboring kingdoms."

"There used to be more?" Mordred asked, looking over at her. "Besides yours, I mean." Bridget nodded, her eyes still on the trees.

"At one time, there were many. But then they started dying. After my home passed into memory, there was only Rosewood - Elia's home - and The Willows. Then even Rosewood faded," she said, a pained expression on her face.

"D'you think… is there a chance they could all return?" he asked. Bridget glanced at him and shrugged.

"I do not know. I do not think any of us know. But I hope they do," she said.

"Would you return to your homeland if you could?" he then asked.

"I have thought of it but… I feel as though my place is at Queen Elia's side," she said, resolute. "Wherever she chooses to dwell, I will follow." Mordred was silent as he looked at the ground just ahead of them.

"Would there be a place for me as well?" he asked. Bridget stopped walking and looked over at him.

"Of course. Always," she said. "For hundreds of years before our kind left for the Isles, druids and elves lived together peacefully. I am sure that you would be welcomed among us." He looked up at her, smiling.

"All that matters to me is that you want me there," he said.

"Thought it was understood that I do," she said.

"It is," he said shyly before continuing to walk. "Think you could show me where you used to live…"


Elia stood in the doorway to her old rooms at the palace, taking in the decay and scattering of dead leaves across the floor. The lights no longer worked and the pool was empty of water, but some of the furniture was still there. She walked across the room, memories flying through her mind. There were many happy ones. The night that Merlin happened upon her and they shared a drink on her balcony. Others less happy.

She stepped out onto the balcony and looked out over the dead city, leaning against the railing. She wondered when the fireflies would return even though it was still morning and unlikely that she'd see them anyway.

"Lia," she heard from the door. She turned slightly, seeing Trevor walk in. He too took in the room, the pain clear on his face. The last time he saw this place, it was still alive.

"I know," she said. "Broke my heart to watch it die." He frowned as he looked to her, quickening his pace towards her as she turned back to look at the city. "All these years and I don't think I ever got used to it…"

He nodded as he stepped to her side, looking down.

"I can't imagine the pain of coming here all the time. Watching it die and fade," he said softly.

"Wasn't the first time," she replied. He then looked at her, his brow still furrowed.

"I feel as though there is something more on your mind," he said. Elia sighed heavily.

"Many things," she said.

"You've seen something else, haven't you?" he asked. Elia swallowed and then nodded.

"Before, I… there was another vision that I saw," she started, her voice quiet. "I saw… I saw myself giving birth…"

"I don't see why that's a bad thing," he started, though the look of pain on her face silenced him.

"Merlin wasn't there."

The phrase hung heavy in the air.

"Did you-"

"I don't know," she said. "He wasn't there, and he should have been. Then last night I had another… he wasn't there as well. But it was followed by a vision of him, Mordred and Morgana returning magic to The Willows along with a group of druids. It came alive in seconds, but… he collapsed… I was pulled from it before I could figure out what happened…"

"So… there is a chance that he did not die," Trevor said. Elia shrugged, tears already filling her eyes.

"Maybe?" she said. "I just… don't know. You know how these things are. Frustratingly open to too many possibilities. Maybe it happens. Maybe it doesn't. Maybe he dies. Maybe he lives."

"Then there is no reason for you to be so upset," Trevor said gently.

"But we don't know that!" Elia shouted, gripping the railing tightly. "We saw what would happen to Arthur and despite everything, he still died! And now… I see this… and ultimately it is good, and I know if I tell Merlin, he'll do it regardless of if there is a chance he could die."

"Which is why you haven't told him," Trevor said. She nodded.

"How would you feel if I told you that I had seen you possibly die?" she asked, wiping at her cheeks. "I mean, I know I probably should, but…"

Trevor pushed off the railing and reached over, pulling Elia towards him.

"It's been me and him for so long and… even though I've had over a thousand years with him, I want more," she said, her voice muffled. "I want him to see his daughter."

"I can't tell you what to do, Lia," he said, rubbing her back.

"I know," she replied woefully.

"But I can promise you that I'm here for you. And that perhaps… you should have a bit more faith that it'll work out," he said. Elia pushed away from him slightly, looking up at him.

"Really? That's the best you could come up with?" she asked. Trevor chuckled.

"Too many of our kind have gotten far too wrapped up in foresight and what it could mean that they were blind to what was right in front of them. Merlin is here. Now. Focus on what can be done now and deal with the future when and if it happens," he said. Elia just stared at him a few moments before nodding slowly.

"Right," she said, stepping back towards the railing.

"So then… you're pregnant?" Trevor asked, a slight smile on his face.

"Not like there's a nearby corner store to get a test," she said. "I saw that I have a child - didn't really get a good idea on when."

"Becoming a parent changes you," he continued. "Makes you realize there is more to the world." Elia looked over at him.

"How did you feel when you found out about Lila?" she asked.

"Elated. Scared. Well, petrified was more like it," he said, still smiling as he looked over at her. "But at the same time, holding her for the first time… it was the best feeling in the world." Elia nodded as she looked back out at the city.

"All Merlin's ever wanted was children. Myself as well, though… I wanted to wait," she said. "I regret that now."

"You were only doing what you thought was right," Trevor said. "And honestly, how would you have dealt with all this with children?"

"Dunno. How are you dealing?" Elia asked, looking over at him. Trevor sighed heavily and shook his head. He was silent a bit before a look of resolution came over his face.

"It makes me fight harder," he said finally, meeting her eyes. "For both of them. Marissa and Lila." Elia nodded and smiled slightly.

"Hard to imagine you married… and as a father," she said lightly. "Here I thought you were still hoping I'd marry you." Trevor chuckled.

"I did for a long time. But when I realized how happy you were with Merlin, it just… disappeared. And I wanted to find that same happiness for myself," he admitted. "I did agree to help you, after all."

"That you did. And you'll always remain one of my closest friends and allies," she said, reaching out to grasp his hand. Trevor nodded.

"And I will always remain at the service of my queen," he replied. Elia smiled and nodded. She let go of his hand and wiped at her cheeks once more.

"Suppose we should get back…"


When Merlin woke up, he was surprised to see that Elia was gone. He quickly made his way out of the tent and looked around, finding the rest of the camp sitting under a large tent at a table as Gwaine and Percival manned a camping grill they had brought - Gwen hovering nearby - but Elia and Trevor were nowhere to be found. The other elves were likely getting some sleep after staying up all night to keep watch.

"Went off for a walk," Marissa offered when she saw his confused look. "Sure they'll be back soon." Merlin nodded and then set his sights on Arthur. Elia would have to wait, but there was another conversation he needed to have.

"Arthur, if you have a moment," he called out. The king paused from eating and looked at him. Upon seeing the serious look on his face, he immediately stood and walked over, following as Merlin stepped back into his tent and grabbed Excalibur, which was still wrapped up in the blanket. He then stepped out and started walking towards the city, Arthur following him with a concerned look on his face. He could tell that something was off as Merlin tucked the package under his arm and rubbed his face with his free hand.

He looked rough and Arthur wondered if he had even gotten any sleep the night before.

"What's this about?" Arthur asked. Merlin glanced at him and then back at the others. Sighing, he shook his head as he continued moving forward, apparently wanting a bit more privacy. Arthur couldn't help but frown, becoming even more worried.

Finally, Merlin came to a stop as they had reached the edges of the city, now no longer able to see or hear the others. Merlin glanced towards the city as though he were searching for someone. He then looked back at Arthur.

"I went to the lake last night… and Freya appeared," he said. Arthur's eyes widened slightly as he glanced down at the parcel. Could it be? Had the Lady of the Lake returned his sword? "Before I give this to you, it came with a warning… she said to use it as a last resort."

"A last resort?" Arthur asked, frowning slightly. Merlin nodded.

"She said that we should try and resolve this without bloodshed," he continued.

"And then gave you a sword," Arthur replied.

"I'm serious, Arthur," Merlin said with a sigh. "She said that we should rely on each other and that together we could accomplish great things. She wasn't keen on details, but I think she was telling me that we can work this out without violence."

"It's not like I was going to walk up and lob off her head without a word," he said, still frowning.

"I know," Merlin said. "But still… we should try talking first." Arthur was silent, thinking it over. He then sighed and nodded his head.

"I was thinking that you and Elia might be right," he admitted. "I was able to make amends with Mordred… perhaps there is still hope for Morgana. We were once close." Merlin breathed a sigh of relief. There was one problem solved. He then uncovered Excalibur and held it out, smiling slightly. Arthur just stared at the sword, hardly believing that it was here where yesterday it had been at the bottom of a lake. "You want me to kneel or something?"

Arthur snorted as he looked up at Merlin and took the sword.

"Course not," he said, returning to studying it as he stepped back and swung it around a bit. He started smiling as he got used to its familiar weight.

"You look… kingly," Merlin said, still smiling slightly. Arthur chuckled as he stopped swinging it and turned his full attention to Merlin. While he seemed happier, there was still something in his eyes.

"You planning on telling me what else is going on?" Arthur asked. Merlin glanced down the trail again.

"Elia had another vision last night," he said. "She saw me, Morgana and Mordred work together to bring magic back to The Willows." Arthur's eyes widened.

"This is good news, isn't it?" he asked. There was something about Merlin's countenance that told him there was something that wasn't.

"I think she's keeping something from me," he said, looking back at Arthur. "The night that she had the vision about the spell… she… something was off. Ever since, she's constantly watched me or tried to be close by. Always touching me. And then last night… she burst into tears and said that she didn't want to lose me." Arthur was silent, taking it in. "I think… I think she may have seen me die and she's too afraid to say it…"

"But… if you work to bring back The Willows, doesn't that obviously mean you survive?" Arthur asked. Merlin shrugged.

"I dunno," he confessed. "I mean… the elves' visions are tricky…"

"Any trickier than other sorts?" Arthur asked. Merlin shrugged again.

"Not as though I've had many myself. Morgana did, though," he said. "Granted, it's not as though I've spent a large amount of time discussing them with her." Arthur nodded, now frowning. He could see that Merlin was clearly worried - both about Elia and about the future.

"Have you tried talking to her about it?" Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head.

"I had planned to today, but she had run off by the time I got up," he said, running his fingers through his hair.

"Find her. Talk to her," Arthur said, reaching out and placing a hand on his shoulder, squeezing slightly. Merlin nodded.

"I will…"


Getting closer to the end…

OechsnerC – Haha, I'm not actually sure if I have enough ideas for a third story. Thinking I'll end it after this one. Got the "what may come" stuff out of the way in the epilogue, I believe.

AndreKl – Haha, that was just a story that Marissa's grandmother had told her – not the real story. It's actually Nimueh's spell. But more coming up on that. And you'll have to see what comes…

IlColen – We are getting close to the end – just four more chapters in the story and the epilogue. So bit more to go!

Thanks everyone for reading and following!