Chapter 2

Mithian looked about her, her excitement making her gasp out as she followed the various magical guardians, who by now had been joined by glowing buzzing creatures. Some of the creatures were shaped like butterflies, yet as she looked closer they seemed to have almost human faces. Everywhere about her colour and magic exploded around them.

Once she had gathered her senses she asked, "What does Gwynfa mean?"

Merlin smiled, and pulled her towards him, "It means paradise. Welcome to the place I come too, whenever I need a lift,"

"I can see why," Mithian laughed, still taking everything in. The colour and noise about them seemed to increase in volume and magnetic colours, making her almost emotional as a result. Never in her life had she seen such a sight. There she had been a Princess living in a proud and historic castle, but never for one minute did she know that such a place existed in the world at large.

"Come over here," Merlin caught hold of her hand and pulled her down a path by the lake.

Over the lake the glowing magical creatures seemed to have assembled all buzzing around them. Mithian was sure they were going to fly into each other, but always at the last minute they avoided any collision, leaving a magical trail in the night air. It felt as if the world was alive with the vibrance of magic and to Mithian it was the most amazing thing she'd ever experienced.

The terrain under their feet got a bit more slippery so Merlin held her hand more tightly. Suddenly he was climbing up a little slope, by the side of the lake. He rummaged into a bush, obviously looking for something. Mithian watched him curiously, while stealing glances across the lake. Eventually he seemed satisfied as he found it. He unrolled the rug, lying down on top of it and inviting Mithian to do the same.

She did so. "I have a feeling you have done this before," She whispered into his ear, she giggled as he nodded.

"We must be quiet otherwise it won't arrive," he whispered.

She looked around her, knowing it would be useless to ask him anymore, as he wouldn't say. So, for a time she contented herself watching the magical show in front of her. The Guardians and creatures were by now swooping over the lake, low and quickly, leaving endless magical swirls around the water.

Mithian felt as if the whole world was lit up in front of her eyes, a show just for her. She stole a glance at her husband, but he was totally engrossed looking on the horizon. Mithian thought he was looking out for something. She continued to watch, as two glowing creatures buzzed low over their heads.

But then just as quickly everything went quiet, it was as if the world had suddenly become dark, yet there was still a wonder about the lake. The water's ripples seemed to intensify under her gaze, making her think there was something underneath the water itself. Just as she concentrated studying the water, something came swooning down from the night sky. She looked up, not quite expecting it. The movement was so quick though she missed it, until it banked and came back once again, spreading endless light around the lake.

At first, she thought it might be a hawk, but as it came back in low over the water, the flying creature became fully invisible. Mithian gasped, never had she seen such a beautiful creature before, not even the unicorn could compare she thought.

It was the size of an owl, it also had the features of a bird, ornate features a beautiful emerald green, with brown markings around the tips of them. Its face was oval shaped and was a lovely shade of pink and white. On top of its head, were two beautiful plumes which caught the light of the moon. As it flew over the water it dropped magical sparks all around it, which turned into intricate patterns. Each one more stunning then the one before. Mithian was transfixed her eyes only on the creature. She longed to ask Merlin what it was, but was afraid she scare it away, so she contented herself with watching it.

The creature kept diving low over the water, each time coming in lower and lower, until it almost skimmed the water's surface with its beautiful plumes blowing on the light breeze which blew around them. Each time it came nearer them, Mithian discovered it had many colours all over its delicate feathers, leaving her utterly speechless.

She had no idea how long they lay watching it, but she just marvelled at how perfect the whole night had been. She sensed that this was a rare event, she couldn't imagine that this magical creature was around all the time. She could see by the tender amazement in her husband's eyes as he lay silently watching it alongside her. For a moment their eyes met in that moment, Mithian had never felt such love. She longed to thank him over and over again, but she forced herself to stay still and continued watching the spectacle in front of her. By now, it appeared to be slowing its flight. To her surprise Merlin slowly stood up.

She was about to ask something, but he put his finger on his lips, so she remained silent and watched as Merlin approached the water. She could see him put his hands out in front of him, she caught a few words as he whispered a spell into the breeze. To her amazement the bird came flying over to him landing on his hand. He laughed quietly then beckoned her over to him.

She walked over slowly, still convinced any sudden movement would scare it away. But then she was right by the bird. She noticed it had a glow around it, as she stared she longed to touch it.

"Go ahead," Merlin urged her, smiling.

Mithian carefully put her hand gently out, stroking the tips of its features, as the bird studied her. She was amazed at how deep its eyes were. She was sure she could drown in them if she wanted too. She became bolder and eventually stroked its body, the bird still staring at her as it moved its head around.

Just as Mithian was becoming more confident it flew off leaving her stunned and disappointed. She looked around her but couldn't see it anywhere. Then she heard a splash, looking ahead she saw some ripples moving quickly.

"Where did it go?" she asked.

"It has gone, the moment we touch it, the Junifer disappears. It's time on earth is over. I just wanted to show you a magical miracle," Merlin smiled.

"Was it my fault it disappeared?" Mithian asked, feeling afraid that she caused it some stress.

"Not at all," Merlin assured her, "The Junifer is born of the moon. Once the moon goes down, then so does the Junifer. Look around, the night is in its final phase. I should be taking you back, in a few hours it will be morning."

"It has been an incredible evening, I have seen a world I never knew existed, thanks to you," she said, kissing him softly.

"It was special to show you such a thing. It's not easy for me to explain about magical rituals, sometimes it is easier just to see them yourself. This was a unique night, it only happens on certain nights." Merlin explained folding up the mat. He was about to take it back with him, but Mithian came to a decision.

"Leave it where it was. One day we must show our daughter this Jupiter Bird. She will love it, then you can share your magical world with her as well. Maybe it will awaken something inside of her too."

"That would be wonderful. I do wonder if she will have some magical senses." Merlin admitted, taking hold of Mithian's hand once more.

"I am still confused," Mithian said, "You said this doesn't happen every night, so how did you know about tonight?"

"My magic is at its most potent around nature," Merlin explained, "It's something that is difficult to explain. It's a feeling I have deep in me, the first time it happened I didn't have any idea about this place or the Junifer. I just knew something was calling me, so I followed it, just like we did earlier on," Merlin explained.

"That could be dangerous as well though surely?" Mithian said, worriedly.

"Not really," Merlin reassured her, "I can tell by the feeling whether its something good or bad. I would never take you anywhere that's risky. You know that."

"Yes, of course silly me," Mithian laughed, "It's just sometimes I can't believe how beautiful magic can be, yet also how terrifying it is as well,"

"That's natural Mithian to feel that," Merlin said softly, "I can never understand how anyone can use magic is a destructive way."

"You have only ever showed me magic that is beautiful, I could never see you doing anything destructive. I know you must have from time to time, but only in protecting Arthur and your friends,"

"Gaius would always warn me about how magic can corrupt you, if you are not careful. I too have had those moments, when I've tittered on the edge, so I know he has a point. But it's the job of all sorcerers to only use magic when its for the good of those around. But we all have to learn through our own experiences,"

"I suppose so, it can't be easy though. You know you can always speak to me about anything. I know I can't take the place of Gaius, but I will do my best to help," Mithian smiled.

"You mean more to me, than I could ever explain," Merlin answered

"Thank you for tonight, it has been the most amazing experience," Mithian smiled.

They held hands as they began the walk back to through the woods. Every now and then Mithian remembered the odd path, tree or bush. Yet as she looked around her she saw everything with fresh eyes. The world they had shared may have been secret, but she realised even in the world they shared with everyone else, there was magical elements to it. It felt as if everything in the world tonight had combined, to make the night a magical extravaganza for her, one that she would never forget. Maybe she thought they could bring Alana Hunith to it and let her experience it as well. Just as she grew suddenly restless to see her daughter once again, Merlin's voice cut into her thoughts.

"Here we go, it seems your ride has returned,"

Mithian smiled, as the unicorn reappeared. After stroking its nose, and climbing onto its back, she said, "Would you like to join me?"

"Why not?" Merlin laughed, climbing up behind her.

As the unicorn slowly walked down the path, the buzzes of the magical creatures became fainter as they left Gwynfa behind them. Slowly but surely the light of a new day was beginning to show itself on the bushes and trees to the side of them. Mithian knew before long they would have to leave even the beautiful unicorn behind them and return to the real world. She thought about her daughter at home sleeping away. She hoped that she did indeed have some magical senses just like Merlin, so he could share his world with her as well.

As the wood became more familiar the unicorn suddenly stopped, Merlin helped her down from it. Before she had the chance to look behind her, the magical creature had vanished from sight. As if sensing her disappointment Merlin put his arm around her, "We will return to Gwynfa on another night,"

They set off down the path within a few minutes the sun was beginning to shine and, in the distance, she could see the white towers of Camelot ahead of them.

"Another day ahead," she sighed, cuddling up to Merlin.

"Yes, another day of writing speeches, doing his endless chores and remembering his wife's birthdays for him," Merlin said, with a mocking smile.

"You love it all," Mithian laughed, "So do I, I loved last night, but it's good to be home,"

"Yes, it is, now let's go and rescue our daughter, before Gwaine starts telling her things, she doesn't need to know," Merlin suggested,

Mithian laughed as he ran on, down the path into the lower town. It was already beginning to get busy with trades people arriving for a day's business. Mithian took one last look back at the beautiful magical secret world she'd experienced, before running after her husband. All of a sudden it was as if the night had been just a dream.

The End