The gates of Camelot opened to the sight of Alora and Bandruí walking side by side, their presence a striking contrast. Alora's battle-worn armour was stained with blood and shadow, while Bandruí radiated an ethereal aura, her fae guardians flitting around her like silent sentinels.
The Vanguard gathered in the courtyard, their relief palpable as they rushed to greet the pair. Christopher was the first to reach them, his cigarette falling from his lips as his gaze locked on his daughter.
"Elusona?" he whispered, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Bandruí smiled faintly. "Not anymore. I am Bandruí now, Father."
Christopher's eyes darted between Alora and Bandruí, his expression a mix of astonishment and unease. "What the bloody hell happened to you?"
In the great hall, Bandruí recounted their ordeal aboard the Nightrender. She described the High Matron's experiments, the rapid ageing process, and her awakening as the druidess. Her voice was calm but firm, her words carrying the weight of someone far older than her years.
Arthur listened intently, his expression grim. "The Inphel's desperation knows no bounds. They sought to use you as a weapon."
"And they failed," Bandruí said, her tone resolute. "But their war is far from over."
Firebrand leaned against the table, his flames flickering faintly. "She's got a point. The Matron's not going to let this slide. We need to be ready."
Later that evening, Christopher found Bandruí in the gardens, her fae guardians hovering as she knelt by a patch of wildflowers.
"You've got a green thumb now, huh?" he said, lighting a cigarette as he approached.
Bandruí smiled faintly, not looking up. "The earth speaks to me. It's... calming."
Christopher sat on a nearby bench, exhaling a plume of smoke. "You've changed, Elusona—Bandruí, whatever you want to call yourself. You're not the little girl I remember."
She finally met his gaze, her eyes glowing faintly with emerald light. "I've had to grow up fast. But I'm still your daughter."
"That's what worries me," he said, his tone softening. "Your powers—they're incredible, but they're dangerous. I know what it's like to carry that kind of weight. It's easy to lose yourself."
Bandruí tilted her head. "You're worried I'll turn to... substances? Like you did?"
Christopher winced but nodded. "Yeah. I don't want you falling into the same trap. Power like yours—it can chew you up if you're not careful."
Bandruí reached out, placing a hand on his. "I won't, Father. I'm not you. I understand why you're worried. I'll need your guidance to stay grounded."
Christopher smiled faintly, his grip tightening on her hand. "Then you'll get it. Just don't shut me out, yeah?"
The Vanguard convened in the war room to plan their next move. The Nightrender loomed in orbit, its shadow a constant reminder of the threat they faced.
"We need to strike back," Shadowleaf said, her voice firm. "If we wait for them to attack again, we're done for."
Arthur nodded. "Agreed. But a direct assault on the Nightrender would be suicide. We need a strategy."
Fantasia stepped forward, her glowing eyes narrowing. "I've been studying the data we retrieved from their technology. The Nightrender has a core—a nexus where the Matron's influence is strongest. If we take it out, we cripple the entire fleet."
"Easier said than done," Firebrand muttered. "How do we get past their defences?"
Bandruí spoke up, her voice calm but commanding. "I can help. The earth's magic flows through me, and the fae are stronger than ever. Together, we can disrupt their systems and create an opening."
Arthur's gaze met hers, his expression thoughtful. "It's a bold plan. But it might be our only chance."
As the meeting concluded, Christopher caught up with Bandruí in the corridor.
"About this plan of yours," he said, his tone serious. "You're not going in alone."
Bandruí smiled softly. "I wasn't planning to. We'll need all of us to make it work."
Christopher nodded, his expression softening. "Good. Just remember—you're not just the druidess. You're my daughter. And I'm not losing you again."
Bandruí placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes glowing faintly. "You won't. We'll face this together."
As preparations began, the people of Camelot rallied behind the Vanguard. Soldiers trained, engineers fortified defences, and the fae worked alongside the humans, their combined efforts creating a sense of unity and hope.
Arthur stood on the balcony of the great hall, watching as the city came alive with activity. Alora joined him, her expression weary but determined.
"She's extraordinary," Alora said, her gaze shifting to Bandruí as she trained with her fae guardians.
Arthur nodded. "She is. And she is the hope we needed."
Alora's voice softened. "We'll need more than hope to win this war."
Arthur placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze steady. "Then we'll give them more. Together, we will prevail."