Kendall said something. Matilda caught most of it, deciphering through the hiccups. She worked up her nerve to respond.

And then Arven entered the room.

It was like staring into the sun. Her eyes, her brain, were not wired to witness all of that splendor. She was going to burn up. Matilda covered her face with her hands and shook. She was crying, and didn't know why. She shouldn't be here. She didn't deserve to be here. In front of these incredible people and the savior of humanity, she must have been a sorry sight indeed.

She felt the hush around her as Arven came before her. Heard him name her, and her domain. Moved her hands long enough to see him bow. It was too much. She couldn't take it.

"Don't," she said, shaking her head. "Please, just don't. I'll do it. I'll stay. I'll help however I can. Just please, don't bow to me. I'm not worth that."