The Doctor darted around the consol, brown eyes alight. Merlin and Rose watched him, amused. "Where are we going?" Rose asked, hazel eyes shining with the promise of adventure. A huge grin covered the Doctor's face.
The TARDIS jolted violently into motion, shaking and trembling. The trio stumbled, falling to the ground when the TARDIS slammed to a stop. They laughed from the metal grating, used to the rough travel in the time machine.
Rose stood, pulling Merlin up with her. "Where are we?" The Doctor silently swept a hand towards the door. Rose grinned, running to the door, Merlin hot on her heels.
She paused to take a deep breath, then shoved the door open. A gasp was drawn from both she and Merlin's lips, crystallizing in the chilly air. They stepped out, feet crunching in fiery leaves. The Doctor leaned against the door frame. "All Hallows Eve." He announced, a touch smugly.
Merlin and Rose were too entranced to care. "Wow." Merlin breathed.
'Wow' about covered it. A velvet black sky sparkled with thousands of brilliantly colored stars. Scarlet and orange leaves covered everything, like a blanket of fire. Small flames danced in the trees, like they had been pulled from the sky. The air smelled of cinnamon, woodsmoke, and something sweet and spicey Merlin couldn't identify. Small balls of pure light raced through the trees like fairies, and enchanting music wafted through the air.
"Where are we?" Rose murmured, breath becoming white clouds before her.
"It's called Haven. Not the first place to call itself that, it won't be the last. This Haven will one day be famous for it's celebration of Halloween. Samhain to you, Merlin. Remembering the ancestors that come before you, and respecting the spirits of the universe, both good and bad. There are parties in the streets. Feasts, dancing, music, and storytelling. The best storytellers in the universe come to the festival, once a year. Haven city is a few miles away. Up for a walk?" He grinned at the pair. They nodded eagerly, and set off.
The walk was about an hour long, but the trio wouldn't have cared if it were five times that. The forest alone was stunning. They followed a path lined with lanterns that glittered like diamonds, iridescent leaves falling like snow, crunching beneath their feet.
Rose stood shoulder to shoulder with the Doctor, holding Merlin's hand. The orbs of light danced around them, accompanying them on their way. The Doctor started to explain what they were, but Rose shushed him, content to only watch.
They arrived in Haven city, only to be once more amazed. The charming towns streets were lit with more lights, and yet more fairies danced around. Decorations covered everything, hand crafted masterpieces, childrens work, and bundles of dried, alien flowers. People handed out hot food, sweets and drinks. Music and laughter filled the air as people danced happily.
Merlin, Rose, and the Doctor celebrated for hours with the locals, sampling some of the best food and drinks they had ever tried. They danced to lively music, and Merlin played with the native children. Around midnight the festivities wound down.
They gathered around roaring fires, and storytellers began to weave their tales. They listened, enraptured, to ghost stories and legends, tales of heroes and brave deeds. Then as the twin suns began to paint the horizon, they stood.
The Doctor scooped an exhausted Merlin into his arms, and they began the walk back to the TARDIS.