Chapter 10. Back Home
The days moved quickly for Gwaine. Thondiair said that was because time moved differently here then the living world. Upon Gwaine's request, Thondiair told him about his race. Gwaine had heard about Elves on his travels; but he didn't believe the tales. Mostly because they were tavern stories. The elves had built cities for themselves years ago, which they concealed when they fled for Avalon. Thondiair hoped to return when magic would be accepted again. Gwaine learnt that the elves had taught magic to men sharing their knowledge with them. Elves only used it for the good of others; while men would use it for their own gain. Gwaine also learnt about Emrys, and how he would side with the Once and Future King to bring about Albion.
The time came to return to the world of the living. Gwaine hadn't seen Arthur at all since he came to Avalon. Thondiair said it was because only those with pure magic were allowed between the vail. Gwaine was needed for Merlin, that is how he could be here, but unable to pass the tree line into the meadow.
Now they were in Camelot. "So how are we going to get in without being spotted?" He asked Arthur after they watched Merlin's display. Gwaine saw the sadness in Merlin's eyes and it was shocking. Merlin always had a smile on him; granted he had a smile for the children but if you didn't know him, you could tell it was fake. Gwaine was happy that the people of Camelot were accepting of magic and Merlin was being treated fairly. He had that at least.
"I have a plan."
Granted Gwaine thought it was a terrible plan; but he didn't have any other ideas so he kept his mouth shut. They both waited for Merlin to make his way back up the steps and disappear inside the castle. Not wanting to risk getting spotted by him again, at least not yet. Gwaine and Arthur went in through a side door. Both of them took off their cloaks and placed them in a basket of dirty laundry they each carried so they looked like servants. Keeping their heads down, they made their way to where Leon's room was. Arthur wanted Gwenevere to be the first person to know he was still alive; but he had a better plan for that than the surprise they were going to spring on the first knight.
They got to his door and knocked; no one answered so they went in. Gwaine and Arthur put down their baskets and sat at the small table. "How are we supposed to convince Leon it's really us?" Gwaine asked. "I'm hoping Excalibur would prove it's us, if not, then we'll have to convince him another way."
"You're hoping?"
"Well it's not like I've done this before Gwaine" Arthur replied in a huff. They didn't continue the conversation for long, because the door opened.