Disclaimer:I do not own King Arthur, Thranduil, Merlin, or any of the other characters that appear in this story except Eriael. I claim her. The rest of this I have no claim to.

The Last Hope

Chapter One:Revelation

"Eriael," the voice came from the other side of the young lady's door. A frustrated groan

was all that King Thranduil received in response to his call. He swallowed his pride and nudged the door open a bit.

"I take it your birthday celebration did not go well," he ventured, seeing his daughter sprawled on her bed. Eriael rose, seeing her father had no intention of leaving her alone. The young girl was as proud as any warrior and strove to disguise the tears she had shed through the powers she had yet to master. To the king's practiced eyes it was useless, though. Thranduil knew this child better than his own son. He strode over and sat beside his daughter on the bed.

"I have something for you that may explain why you are unlike any other elf in Middle Earth," the king told her. He drew a cloth from the folds of his cloak. "I was given specific instructions to give this to you on your twelfth birthday. Happy birthday, my darling daughter." He held the crystal white fabric out to the child, who accepted it wonderingly. She tenderly unfolded it, and saw within it a necklace with a jewel in the shape of a sword, engraved elegantly with glorious rhuns. Upon the cloth was the same design, but with a shining star behind it. Eriael placed the necklace around her neck and her father fastened it for her. For some time, her blue eyes gazed at the fabric. Then she looked at her father.

"What does this mean?" she wondered. The king sighed, prepared to reveal all he knew.

"Although I have kept you in my care and loved you for these past twelve years, I am not your father, Eriael. You were born in another realm, a realm of men who knew your life was in danger. For this reason, they brought you to me here, in Mirkwood, for your protection. You are a princess there, and it is there that you go now." In a golden flash of light, the room disappeared.

"Adar! father" she cried, but his face had fallen from view. When she could see again, Eriael found herself amidst a vast ocean of grass. It extended as far as her eyes could see, save a forest in the east and some scattered buildings. Eriael went toward the forest, feeling more accustomed to the luscious shade than the open prairie. She had not gone far into the wood before her well-trained ears detected the flow of a river in the distance. She continued in its direction and before long she gazed downhill into a shining lake. In the center was an island, which looked quite beautiful. Looking closer, the girl saw a ship approaching the shore she now stood upon. In the boat stood a strange bearded man, clothed in grey. The man met Eriael's eyes just as the ship came to the shore.

"Hello, Princess Eriael. I am Merlin. I don't suppose you remember me," the old man smiled.

"No, sir," she replied. "I suppose you would like me to accompany you." He nodded and helped her into the boat. He followed her in and the oarsmen, who Eriael hadn't noticed before, propelled them on their way.

"Where are we going, nin hiru my lord, Merlin?"

"O, just plain Merlin will do, Eriael. As for your question we are going to Avalon. There you will understand further, my dear."