Hello everyone. I'm sorry I haven't been posting in a long time, I've lost motivation for writing for a while. But now I'll do my best to continue with the stories I have started.
The forest around them seemed tense. As if waiting to see what would happen. It was quiet, no sounds of a summer night. Hoof beats echoed into the ground, as a horse carried its two riders. Gwaine rode as fast as dared while balancing Merlin in front of him. Keeping his focus on the path ahead so as to not think about what might happen when they reached the Elvish city. There was a very slight chance that Merlin wouldn't remember, although Gwaine wasn't that Naïve.
"Uncle Gwaine?" Merlin asked when the horse was slowed down to a fast walk.
"Yes Merlin?"
"I'm scared."
Gwaine looked down at the boy in front of him, unsure of what to say, he was never good at sentimental conversations.
"I know Merlin, but you know what? It's alright to be scared."
Merlin turned around to look up at him with those big blue eyes; "really?"
Gwaine nodded. "Yes Merlin, being scared is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone gets scared sometimes."
"Even you?"
"Of course, Merlin, being a knight, doesn't mean you stop being afraid. We are taught how to push past a fear. But sometimes being afraid is a good thing."
"How?"
"Well, when you're afraid of something, you usually keep away from it right?"
Merlin nodded.
"Right, but fear can help you become more alert. As knights, we are able to trust our instincts, and fear is a natural instinct. Does that make sense Merlin?" Gwaine asked looking back down at him.
"I, I think so."
Gwaine smiled. "Don't worry, when you get older things will be easier to understand."
They carried on for almost another hour. Merlin had to have been tired by now as it was past his bed time. Though Gwaine didn't want to stop until they were safely inside the Elvish city. "Hay Merlin, how about a story to pass the time?"
So Gwaine told one of his many stories from his travels. Keeping it child appropriate of course. All of a sudden, Gwaine fell silent.
"What uncle Gwaine? What happens?"
"Merlin," Gwaine said with is voice lowered. "I want you to be very quiet."
Merlin wanted to ask why, but he knew that his uncle wouldn't have asked to stop talking unless it was very important.
Gwaine felt the hairs on the back of his neck stood up on end. Not only that, but his horse's ears have been flicking back and forth suspiciously. As if listening for something. Gwaine's eyes strained for any type of movement within the trees. He wasn't sure if it was from stress from the situation or his nerves, or both. But something felt wrong. Reaching his hand to his sword, Gwaine gripped the handle tightly.
As if on Que, the forest suddenly erupted into battle cries. Foot soldiers charged out from behind the trees with their swords raised. They were surrounded, and too many for him to fight by himself. Reflex took over as Gwaine drew his sword from its sheath, with a pure ring. Swinging his head around, looking for an opening to escape though. Gwaine, griped his arm over Merlin's middle while still holding onto the reigns. Kicking his horse into a gallop, Gwaine pushed past the human wall. Hacking his sword at anyone who tried to stop them. Merlin yelped as the horse was suddenly kicked into a gallop. If it weren't for Gwaine holding him, he would have fallen.
The shouts behind him didn't drift farther away like he expected them to. Instead, they were keeping up with them. Looking around his shoulder, more men were following them on horseback. "Crap"
A sound of rushing air whizzed past just left of Gwaine's arm, and sunk into the tree next to him. An arrow shaft. "Double Crap." Gwaine pushed the poor horse faster, weaving through the trees so as not to be a direct target. Arrows were still being fired at them and didn't seem to be letting up. Thankfully, Gwaine recognized the area they were in. "Just a little bit closer. Where is Aithusa?!" Risking a glance up in the sky, he couldn't see any sign of the white dragon. Another arrow just narrowly whizzed passed him. A few paces ahead of them stood the two oak trees guarding the entrance "Almost there."
At that moment, a thunderous roar came from the skies, and it was filled with rage. If Gwaine looked behind him, he would have seen the shocked faces of their pursuers. Looking up into the sky, Gwaine tried to judge which direction the dragon was coming from to avoid collision. Branches began cracking overhead while white scales could be seen barreling through the trees. Aithusa landed behind Gwaine and Merlin, facing the enemy. Spreading her wings wide prevented any attempt to swerve around her. Although a simple show of her teeth stopped them dead in their tracks. Gwaine pulled on the reigns to look back.
More horses could be heard coming from up ahead. Gwaine tensed again. "Aithusa?"
No sense of alarm came from the dragon. Taking that as a good sign, Gwaine searched for who would be coming. A few seconds later, Gwaine's heart soared. It was the Elves! Recognizing the two leaders as the Elvish king Thondiar and his second in command Aldaras.
The small army of Elves rode past them, encircling the enemy soldiers who didn't dare make a move in front of the dragon.
"Sir Gwaine." Thondiar said once they pulled their horses to a stop next to the knight. "It is a pleasure to see you again. Although I wish I could say the same about the circumstance."
"Thondiar, your timing is impeccable" Gwaine smiled at him.
"Aldaras," Thondiar addressed the elf next to him. "I entrust you will help aid Aithusa in disposing these men?"
"It would be my pleasure Sire."
"Good, we will await your return. If you would follow me Sir Gwaine, I think you would agree a battle is no place for a young man." Thondiar smiled warmly to Merlin who gave a shyer one.
Three other elves rode around the group, acting as body guards. Merlin remembered reading about elves in his book. It said that they left Camelot's lands to escape the Great Purge. Not even the druids have heard or seen of them since. Merlin didn't pay attention to the conversation his uncle was having. It's been a long and emotional day, and he was tired. Closing his eyes, Merlin let his head drop, not having the energy to keep it up.
"Merlin?" Gwaine said shaking him a little.
"Go away"
"I know your tired Merlin, but I really want you to see this" Gwaine said.
Merlin groggily opened his eyes. In front of them were two large Oak trees next to each other with a big enough space that could fit two horses. One of the elves passed through the two trees, a shimmer could be seen between them. Like a pebble dropped in water. Merlin's eyes widened when the elf didn't reappear on the other side.
"It's magic Merlin," Gwaine told him. "Pure magic."
Nudging the horse forward, bringing him up to the vail. Gwaine, was just as amazed passing though the shield as the first time. Looking down at Merlin, he could see his eyes wide in wonder as the shimmer acted all around them. Traces of gold could be seen in the ripples, the color of magic. It lasted for just a moment, and then a rush of wind burst forth. The world turned back to normal and a soft breeze touched their faces. Laid out before them was a hidden valley filled with green. A sent of fresh pine filled the air. To the right, a roaring waterfall came from a cliff, a river flowing after it all the way down the valley.
The horse's hooves struck against a cobblestone road. There was an upper curved bridge crossed over from a narrow gap between the valley near the waterfall. Gwaine could feel the mist sweeping over him as they went past.
On the opposite side was the white stoned city of El Paran, resting on the cliff's side. Its walls were smooth, no signs of bricks ever being used for the city's structure. Even though he's seen the city before, it was still a sight to behold.
Coming into the small courtyard. The wife of Thondiar stood on the bottom of the steps leading up into the one level Estate; ready to greet them. Gwaine pulled his horse to a stop, dismounting first before lifting Merlin down. He was still staring in astonishment, swiveling his head this way and that. Trying to take in the view all at once. The Queen wrapped an arm around her husband's arm, as they approached the Knight.
"Sir Gwaine, how good it is to see you. It has been far too long."
Gwaine smiled back and kissed the Elf Queen's hand. "Asiniell, I was just about to say the same to you my Lady."
Asiniell gave a small laugh. "Still as charming, I see. You haven't changed a bit." Asiniell crouched down at eye level with Merlin. "And who is this lovely young gentleman with you?"
Acting shy, Merlin clung to his uncle's leg. Gripping his trousers. "This is Merlin."
Shock overcame both of the Elves. Asiniell gasped as she stood back up in surprise, throwing hands over her mouth. Thondiar's eyes grew wide with surprise, "It can't be." He said quietly.
"Can't be what?" Merlin suddenly asked.
Gwaine wasn't quite sure how to answer that. Glancing back down at the small child, Merlin's eyes looked up at him, questionably. "That will have to be a story for another time little one. Right now, it is way past your bed time. Come, I'll show you to your rooms."
Gwaine followed the Elf down the halls while carrying Merlin who was quickly falling asleep.