X.
Making his way through the forest, Kilgharrah watched his step so as not to stumble over roots and pebbles. Pleionis followed behind him, constantly hovering by Aithusa's side. He seemed to have little trouble, although the former unicorn did occasionally have to regain his balance. Because his hooves were cloven, his white boots had slight, broad heels, whilst everyone else in the company had spurs in place of claws and talons. Rather than a horn, Pleionis now carried a long spear, its handle a tight, pearlescent spiral. His white hair was straight, and slightly shaggy. A pure white hammer hung from his waist.
Aithusa, sadly, did not look very good as she ambled stiffly along: her long, white hair was wispy, and the delicate armor she wore looked very thin. Kilgharrah felt like a single touch could seriously dent the white gold plating. Her cheeks had a rosy element to them, as did the inside of her cape, but even then it seemed like any color—even on her white raiment—was muted and dull. Furthermore, Aithusa's aquamarine eyes were still as glassy as ever. Come to think of it, she looked blind, but he dared not ask if she could see at all (lest he should be wrong). The most unwise thing anyone could do was to agitate a female dragon, at least in his knowledge. Besides, she seemed fully aware of her surroundings; however, the fact that she was so obviously in pain pierced Kilgharrah's very heart.
"Are we going to be stopping to rest soon, Great Dragon?" Pleionis asked him. Glancing over his shoulder, Kilgharrah noticed it was not a complaint. Indeed, the one who asked was still moving energetically: it was the one next to him who needed rest. Aithusa must have realized Pleionis' intention for asking: she straightened her back and looked at Kilgharrah questioningly.
She wants to appear strong, he mused, but knows her pain is too great for her to continue for much longer. "We will reach a resting point soon." The golden leader assured them. "I know of a place where we can gather food and water." Having flown above Albion for many years, Kilgharrah knew the land almost like the back of his foot…Perhaps that is a bad comparison, he thought, looking at his new hand. Oh, well.
"Thank you, Great Dragon." Pleionis bowed as best as he could, managing to remain on two feet.
"You may call me Kilgharrah from now on, Pleionis." As he spoke, Kilgharrah moved back and supported Aithusa on her right side, using his shoulders to hold her arm. Seeing this example, Pleionis followed suit on her left. The former dragoness waved the latter off, but even so she gave him a grateful smile. Indeed, it seemed she only needed one person to assist her at the moment. "By the way," the ancient being glanced around, wondering where two members of the group were, "where are the phoenix and the hippogriff?"
"Oh, do you mean Fawkes and Buckbeak?"
"No," Kilgharrah deadpanned, "the other phoenix- and hippogriff-turned-human." Aithusa gave him a slight shove for teasing her friend in such a manner, causing them both to stumble. He could not help chuckling, though, and Pleionis took no offense. Just then, they all heard a great shaking of leaves and several branches snapping. Buckbeak and Fawkes appeared, dirt staining their tunics and twigs caught in their capes.
"We tried hunting." Fawkes explained, rather embarrassed, and started pulling the twigs out of his yellow shirt. Kilgharrah lifted an eyebrow quizzically.
"And how did that turn out for you?" he asked the two. As a reply, Buckbeak pulled one arm from behind his back and lifted a squirrel up into the air, beaming triumphantly. "Impressive." he said genuinely, "Next time, however, I expect you to let the rest of us know when you're leaving." Kilgharrah turned, motioning for them to follow. "After all," he explained, "we wouldn't want anyone to be separated, would we?"
"No, headmaster." The former phoenix responded, absently checking his red cape for any tears.
"Did you just call me 'headmaster'?" Kilgharrah stopped in his tracks for a moment. He was rather surprised at the odd title. Why would he use such a term? He wondered.
"Nothing, sir." Fawkes said, a little quickly. "A mere force of habit. I used to live near a school, you see, and I just…"
"…Equated me to the highest authority?" he finished helpfully. "You were very closely acquainted with the headmaster, weren't you?" Fawkes nodded.
"Yes…I was." He looked away so Kilgharrah would not see him blink away the tears in his coal-black eyes as he thought of his owner's tragic ending.
"In that case," Kilgharrah's voice was quiet and understanding, "I'm sorry for your loss." He had heard Fawkes' tone often enough to know what it meant. Obviously, someone very dear to him had passed away, and the memories were still fresh in his mind. Curiosity was a difficult thing to overcome, but it was stifled out of consideration for Fawkes. Kilgharrah addressed the whole group: "We should reach the Lake of Avalon soon enough, say, nightfall. Midnight, at the latest."
"That's not directly on the way to Camelot. Why are we stopping there?" Buckbeak wondered.
"There is something we must do there." Kilgharrah answered simply. Truth be told, he wanted to do something very risky. There was a problem Merlin could not help them with…and it had to do with Aithusa and her destiny.
Ah, the Lake of Avalon: where most important things seemed to happen in the Merlin universe.
Now we seem to be getting into a somewhat lighter tone. I hope you don't mind . After all, we need some relief, non?
Guess what!
I HAVE BEGUN TO WRITE ANOTHER STORY, TO BE POSTED ON FRIDAY. This one is actually a collaboration with Venus Luxia and AlphonseLover13! It would mean very much to me if you would all read it, and I'm certain they would appreciate it, as well . It'll be great fun to see where this new story goes, combining all of our different writing styles and ideas. The chapters will be posted as part of my profile, but it would be great if you could look at their other stories, too ;D. I am telling you it will be posted on Friday, and gall-darnit, it will! Only the best for our readers!
I do not own Merlin, nor do I own Harry Potter (if I did, more characters would be alive XP).