A/N: Well well, I never thought it'd be drawn to an end so close... Only four more chapters, and I'm done with it. I'll be sad to leave my knights once again... :'(

10. The eye of the phoenix


One of the few advantages of Lily's dormant magic was that Tamara and Owen, in their vendetta against magical beings, had no idea they had to neutralise her.

So when Neal learnt about his fiancée's treason, he was devastated. On two accounts. He loved Tamara genuinely, and she had just taken Rumpel's powers out of him.

Storybrooke was at its darkest hour.


"We need a plan of attack."

Lily opened her eyes on the scene before her.

Emma, the Charmings, Red, Granny, the dwarves, Neal and Henry were all gathered in her living-room, planning, plotting.

While she was pushed aside like a mere host.

"How are the beans?"

Emma looked aside at her and sighed in annoyance. "Regina destroyed the field, you know it.

Lily snorted. "I'm gonna rectify this: Regina destroyed the field and took one plant for herself."

"And how would you know that?"

Lily smirked devilishly. "You're not the only one here with dormant magic, princess."

All eyes settled on her at that.

Very well then.


"Lily is the Lady of Avalon. Didn't you guys know?"

Not one being paid attention to Henry.

Granny stepped forward. "You said your magic didn't work here."

Lily got up and nodded. "Because it doesn't. I need my dragon to practise magic, not to have it in me. I still sense magic around me, and Regina and one beans' plant kinda broadcast."

"Right, and? What good are you if you can't help us?"

"Ah, that's the thing, princess. I can help you. I just need one bean, to open a portal where I know no one can close it, and use the power leaking through from Camelot to have my magic back. And I swear they're gonna pay." Her eyes flashed dangerously gold.

Neal put a soothing hand on her shoulder. "She won't be going alone. I'm going too. Regina may be harmless now, but no one knows where Tamara and Owen are settled. They could very well be living in the mansion, for all we know."

Emma shook her head at that. "I don't think so. There is still one person in Storybrooke who they know have magic, and I'm sure he won't let them catch him easily." A smirk played at her lips.

Henry chuckled. "Yes, Jefferson will be a good diversion."

"Settled then." Lily fell back onto her couch and drifted off.


Months passed, and with them weariness waved around Lily like a blinding veil.

Three years.

She had been in Camelot for almost three years.

Her time was running out, she knew it. Her father would call her back to his side anytime now.

She still ignored if she'd answer his call or not.


It was time for Arthur Pendragon to prove his valour as crown prince. One night awaken, and he had to be revealed the content of a quest in a vision.

Lily had thought it ridiculous at first.

But tradition was tradition, and Leon almost scowled her for even thinking so.

Leon...

As much as she sometimes still thought about Gwaine – especially when she was sparring with Arthur – her heart still belonged to her red-haired knight.

Still, sometimes she wondered... She wondered, and it hurt to wonder.


Merlin burst into her room one morning – it was a habit now to burst like that everytime something was off – to tell her what quest Arthur had chosen.

He was to retrieve the Fisher King's trident. And it was going to be dangerous.

"I'll probably need your help."

"And how will we explain to the king that we're leaving Camelot at the same time as the prince?"

"Ealdor. We'll make for Ealdor. Well, would make for Ealdor. I'll tell the King my mother is unwell and needs a physician, but that Gaius is too weary for the trip. He'll understand. Sometimes he's not that bad."

"Okay then, if you're certain, I will come with you."

Merlin shot her a grin. "Then pack your bags. Arthur means to leave at first light tomorrow."


When they were ready to go and up on their horses, then only did Merlin tell lily why they needed to help Arthur.

The young witch's eyes widened at his revelation. "A jewel that drains life from you? Hell, Morgana really wants him dead, doesn't she?"

"Yeah, and I'm not sure I'm the most qualified for this task."

"Why not?"

He shrugged. "I dunno. I just had a feeling you had to come with me."

She smiled and kicked her horse's sides.

Once they reached Camelot's doors, she turned back to her companion. "Where to then?"

"Left. But we won't be after Arthur at first. We need one last addition to our party."

And the smirk playing on Merlin's lips wasn't telling her anything good...


They rode for the rest of the day and a part of the night, and when the sun rose in the east, they were already close to a small village clad between two high mounts.

"Merlin, are you going to tell me where we're going or not?"

"Just wait." He smirked again and pushed his horse forward, until they reached a small tavern.

As she distinctively heard grunts and clashes displaying a fight inside, Lily rolled her eyes.

As she feared. "Merlin, tell me Gwaine isn't in there."

Merlin smiled widely. "Stay here, okay?"

"And what do you think I want to do? Run into his arms and snog him senseless?" Her angry mutter passed unnoticed.

Gods she was going to have a bad day.


Not ten minutes after Merlin had gone fetching the man plaguing her dreams, Lily saw both of them running away from anyone against whom Gwaine was fighting in the tavern.

When they reached her after a long chasing, Gwaine's brown eyes widened.

"Lily? What are you doing here?"

She smirked. "Delighted to see you too, Gwaine. But let's put some distance between us and those guys before we hug each other, right?"

He pouted but grinned soon after. "As my lady wishes."


They galloped for an hour before stopping for breakfast.

Gwaine, the gentleman he was, made to help Lily off her horse.

She only rolled her eyes before letting herself fall on the other side of the beast. "Gwaine, please, we both know that's only an excuse to have me in your arms."

He winked from above the horse's back. "As if you'd say no."

"I haven't missed you in the slightest." She let herself fall next to Merlin, who gained himself a slap on the cheek when he snorted at her words.

Gwaine just sat before her, still smiling. "Another lie. One day, dear Lily, you're going to finally accept that you love me."

"I don't, and never will. Now shut up, Gwaine, I wish to eat."

But deep down, she wanted to grin.

She was happy.

She wasn't empty anymore...


They rode for the rest of the day. The Perilous Lands, home of the Fisher King Pellès, were not far, but they needed their strength before entering those unwelcoming plains.

As Merlin strode off to find some firewood, Lily made herself comfortable and started diner, consisting in some roots and herbs she had found, and which she cooked in a stew of potatoes and meat.

"You're avoiding me..."

Lily looked up at his playful tone. Gwaine was staring at her from above the cauldron. A flame she had seen before danced in his orbs.

"I'm not avoiding you."

"Yes you are. You thought you'd never see me again, and here I am. Have you noticed your feelings hadn't faltered with my absence?"

To that Lily threw one root aside in a huff. "Would you please stop making assumptions? There are no feelings!"

"Really?" He quirted an eyebrow suggestively and moved closer to her, taking a spot right next to where she sat.

His thighs were brushing against hers, warming her up with their heat.

Her eyes darted up, slowly, slowly, as if she was trying to memorise every part of him.

When Lily's eyes met Gwaine's, he leaned dangerously in...

That's when Merlin tripped on something and cursed, sending Lily jumping back and away from Gwaine's offending form.

Oh, offending, really?

It maybe was time to stop lying to herself...


One night passed, during which Lily could barely sleep, plagued as she was with visions of her earlier "talk" with Gwaine.

She needed to be more careful with him. He knew she had feelings for him and wanted her to act on it, but her heart also belonged to Leon...

How could she ever love two men at once?

"Lily? Wake up, we're close and need to find Arthur today."

She shook off her thoughts and soon prepared, jumping on her horse and turning it away from Gwaine's.

She felt his gaze on her, but he didn't enquire on her. Maybe he also had not slept well.

Maybe he also wondered what would have happened if Merlin had not come back...


About half-an-hour after they started off, they came in sight of a path between two hills, and through it they could see a deserted land, with a blazing sun above it.

"This is it." Lily's gaze turned to Gwaine for a slight second before it returned to their destination. "Only the fire of the sun lights the Perilous Lands."

"This doesn't look too friendly."

Gwaine chuckled darkly. "It's because it's not. Believe me, it's wretched."

"How do you know? You've never been there!"

"I've travelled to many places, Merlin."

"Not the Perilous Lands, I'd have heard about that!"

"I told you it was wretched."

Both men chuckled, Lily smiling a little. Their friendship was obvious to anyone who looked at them interact. She was glad Merlin had someone else he could count on.

She just wished he hadn't been so handsome and funny and brave and charming...

Darn.


They left the horses once they reached the forest marking the borders of the Fisher King's lands. Gwaine gestured for both Lily and Merlin to stay where they were as he went investigate on the small bridge they had to cross, but as soon as he left, both warlocks exchanged a look and hurried forward.

There was something about that place...something...magical.

Lily blinked, and jumped backwards.

There, on the bridge, where she had been looking one millisecond prior, stood a small man.

"So, Magic has arrived."

Merlin stood where he was. "What?"

The man put his hands in the air. "There is nothing to be afraid of. Your presences is essential if Arthur is meant to succeed on his quest."

"How do you know about Arthur? Who are you?"

"The Keeper of the Bridge. I only wish to see the Fisher King's lands restored and prospering again. Until your mission is complete, this cannot happen."

Merlin huffed. "It's not our mission, it's Arthur's."

"That's what you choose to believe. It's no accident Arthur chose this path or you chose to follow."

Gwaine chose that moment to come stand by Lily.

"Ah, finally! Strength has arrived! The trio – or quartet – is complete!"

Gwaine drew out his sword. "Who's he?" But as Lily put a soothing hand on his arm, the man's eyes flashed gold...and Gwaine's sword was turned to flowers.

"I mean no harm to any of you. Now, thank you to mean to harm in return."

Gwaine gestured with the flowers. "Where is my sword?"

"It'll return to you once you reach the other side." He gestured them forward.

Lily passed first, to which he bowed to her, then Gwaine.

When Merlin stayed back a little longer than both, she understood the small man had one last thing to say. To him alone.


She reached Merlin in mind soon after. "What was this about?"

"Nothing. Apparently, the Fisher King might want something, and I'll have to give him what he wants."

She shrugged. "Meaning you'll be the one meeting him, and not me. Great, now I feel useless."

"Not useless. You'll have to watch Gwaine's back. He has a tendency to throw himself into trouble."

"As if I didn't know that already..."


They walked all day under a blazing sun. Lily felt bad for wearing her travelling leather trousers. They clang to her skin and she felt roasted.

"If you wish me to take them off for you, I'll be happy to oblige."

Lily didn't even answer. Merlin did it for her. "Gwaine, just shut up."


Another night came to pass. Twigs was not the rarest thing in those dead lands, so lighting a fire was the easiest thing to do.

Although, as they all sat around the flames for comfort, a screech rang in the air, something that reminded Lily of the gargoyles Cornelius Sigan had once, a long time prior, thrown onto Camelot.

"What was that?"

"Pheasant."

Lily's head snapped at this. "Pheasant?"

"Very big one." But he still took his sword off the ground.

Merlin spoke up. "You can turn back if you want."

"Ah! I'm not scared of pheasants." He put his sword back to the ground.

"I dunno... Why do you wanna do this?"

"Same reason as you: help a friend."

Merlin's eyes softened. "Arthur's lucky to have us."

But Lily already knew Gwaine's answer before he spoke it. "Not Arthur."

Merlin turned to Gwaine. He was stunned, but grateful. He nodded. "I'd do the same for you."

"Well, I hope so. You're the only friend I've got."

Lily chuckled a little. "I'm not surprised."

Gwaine chuckled, but still, Lily's hand grazed up his leg and settled on his thigh as comfort.

His dark brown eyes locked on hers. The emotions passing through them were many, but all were settled on the most important of all: love.

All three friends jumped at another screech, soon joined by two others.

"That sounds like three pheasants."

"I never was one to count." Gwaine's smile settled back on Lily. She blushed a little under the intensity of his gaze, but her hand didn't leave his thigh until later, much later.

She fell asleep her head on his shoulder.

The first move she'd make.

The sole move she'd make.

Or so she persuaded herself.


As soon as the sun rose, they all hurried forward, catching up on Arthur quicker than they'd have thought.

After climbing a rocky hill on which Lily scratched her hands, they came in sight of the Dark Tower.

"There it is!"

Another screech.

"What's that in the sky?"

Lily's eyes snapped upwards. Sure thing, there were two creatures flying around the tower. Creatures resembling dragons.

"They're not birds."

"Oh no, I've never seen creatures like that."

"It's like they're hunting something."

Lily cast a silent spell, and her sight flew forward, running over rocks and dead herbs and right to... "It's Arthur. He's not far off."


They ran as fast as they could to the tower, and as they came in sight of the creatures, Gwaine groaned. "I should've known."

"What?"

"Wyverns! These things are cousin to the dragons! They're creatures of magic, so be careful."

Lily and Merlin exchanged a look. Well, this could help indeed. "Good thing I'm a Dragonlord then."

Gwaine's eyes snapped at her. "You're what?"

Merlin shook his head. "Later, Gwaine, please."


Once they passed the doors, Merlin decided they should split up.

Of course, he went his own way while Lily ran behind Gwaine.

He stopped her in an empty and ruined corridor, pushing her against a wall.

"What was that story about Dragonlords?"

She glared at him. "It was no story. I am a Dragonlord."

"Dragonlords are men, never women."

"Rarely women."

He loosened his grip. "Does it mean you have magic."

"Yes, I do, though Arthur made me swear to only use it when needed."

"Arthur knows? And you're still alive?"

"I've saved Camelot once. Only the knights and him know, apart from Merlin and Gaius."

"And me."

"And you."

His gaze softened. "Thank you for trusting me with this."

She smiled kindly and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'd trust you with my life, Gwaine."

But at the same time these words left her lips, one wyvern crashed onto the outer wall, trying to reach them.


Lily flew to the ground, pulling Gwaine with her.

Once danger was far, though, she realised what kind of a...delicate position they were in.

Gwaine braced himself on his forearms and looked down at her. "I knew you'd surrender one day, Lily."

She smirked. "I haven't surrendered yet." She put her feet under his legs and used them to roll them around, with her now being on top of him.

"Oh, but you will." He pushed a strand of hair hiding her eyes from him, and they stared at each other for a long moment. "I have missed you, lady Lily."

She smiled at the long lost nickname. "And I have missed you, sir Gwaine." She propelled herself up and helped him with her hand entwined with his.

But before they left to retrieve Arthur and Merlin, he pulled her to him one last time.

His lips met her forehead in a sweet kiss. "Be careful."

Her green eyes widened in what just transpired. She smiled up at him, flabbergasted. "You too."


As they ran their way towards where two wyverns were surely trying to kill Arthur, the third one made its way into the tower's walls, and stopped right before them.

Gwaine immediately moved before Lily to shield her, but she calmly pushed him away.

"Let me."

She advanced to the hissing beast, and a growl escaped her lips.

"Non didikai! Espe ei kaliss therinai!"

The wyvern bowed its head and walked away.

Gwaine's hand found Lily's in a second. "You know, that is quite alluring."

She chuckled and pulled him forward.


As they arrived into the room where Arthur was lying, he was already recovering, and yelling at Merlin.

Upon seeing Gwaine, he sighed. "Great. Just better and better. Are Gwen and Morgana here too?"

Lily chuckled and walked forward until he saw her. "Just me. Saving your sorry ass. Again."

"Holy-! Lily! I said alone!"

She bowed. "And I don't care."

"We're gonna have a surprise party?"

Lily rolled her eyes, Gwaine sighed. "There are more wyverns on the way, we need to get out of here."

Arthur pushed himself up, already good to go. "I'm not leaving without the trident. It was the whole point of the quest."

Merlin huffed and let him walk away, then called after him. "D'you want us to help, or d'you want to do this alone?"

"Merlin!"

Lily burst into laughs and followed her friend, with Gwaine on her heels.


They soon found the throne room, but as Merlin stepped into it, a boulder fell and closed the path, leaving Lily, Arthur and Gwaine behind.

She smiled sadly to herself. It really had to be Merlin.

"There must be a way to open this."

Gwaine started searching frantically under every stone around the archway. His concern was touching. Lily just looked back to see if any wyvern came their way.

After a few stumbles, Arthur found a stone willing to be pulled off the wall.

"Now, I'm sure if I can reach behind this," a whole bunch of insects crawled out of the hole, "I can find a way to open the door."

Gwaine smirked at his hesitation. "Go on then, it's your quest after all."

Arthur pulled on his gauntlet as a challenge, and put his hand inside."

Lily called back. "Careful, my lord, some might be venomous." She winked at Gwaine who repressed a laugh.

"Very funny, Lily." Arthur shot a glare at her.


When Arthur finally managed to open the door and slide inside, Lily and Gwaine followed, the latter soon pulling Merlin into a hug.

Arthur found the abandoned trident, and exited the room as fast as lightning, Gwaine on his heels.

But Lily stayed back with Merlin, sensing something was off.

She reached him in mind. "What has he told you?"

Merlin's blue eyes locked on her. "It's strange. He's talked of my destiny, of how I'll save Albion, but never once did he mention you."

Lily felt a lump form in her throat. "Merlin... I've always known I'd leave Camelot one day. And I fear this day is growing near." She patted his shoulder and pulled him out with her. "But come, let's make the rest of my days here a feast."


It took them less than a full day to reach Camelot's borders.

Gwaine stopped his horse there. "This is the border. By your father's decree, I can go no further."

Arthur sighed. "I'm sorry, Gwaine. There's nothing I can do to change that."

Merlin joined in. "Maybe one day."

"Yeah, when Camelot gets itself a half-decent king."

"Careful! He is my father."

"Well, you can't have everything, eh?" Lily sensed his words were for her, but he didn't look at her as he said it.

"Where will you go this time?"

He pondered. "Think I'll ride south."

Merlin chuckled. "You can't keep living like that."

"Yeah, but it's fun trying."

Arthur moved forward without a word, Merlin following with a thanks.

Lily didn't move from her spot.

"Lily?"

"I'm coming Merlin, just a second."

The warlock shot her a knowing smile and advanced.


Once both their horses had disappeared in the nearby forest, Lily jumped off her horse, waiting for Gwaine to do the same.

She rushed to him and encircled his chest with her arms, hugging his as tight as she could.

"I'll miss you terribly."

"I know, my lady, and I will miss you."

"One day you'll stay."

He chuckled darkly. "Don't think that, because the day I do, you'll have a choice to make."

Lily's felt a pang in her chest. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be. I'm just late, that's all."

Lily pulled away a little and kissed his cheek as tenderly as she could. "Come take this back when you can."

He smirked. "Believe me, I will."


Lily and Neal were both standing in Regina's living-room, the beans' plant right before their eyes.

But something was off.

Something in the air told them both that, should they move forward, they'd lose their head.

"What do we do?"

Lily smirked. "Like Gwaine." She jumped forward onto the woodboard floor.

It gave way under her feet, but she kept jumping until she reached the jar in which was kept the plant. She jumped on it and rested, her balanced precarious, on the thin socket around the glass.

"Lily! For fuck's sake, what the hell?"

"Shut it, Neal, I'm thinking."

She thought hard, and came to the conclusion that she had to lift the glass as carefully as she could, and if she leaned on the wall behind her, it'd be better.

She worked slowly, very slowly.

The glass lifted higher and higher...


She grabbed a handful of beans and launched herself in the air, confidently.

Lily fell down and down and down...

She heard Neal's voice call her name.

She just opened her mouth and spoke ancient words. "Theiblaste." The force of the curse sent her flying towards her brother, and she landed on him with a grunt.


"Bloody hell! I thought your magic was gone!"

Lily smirked. "It seems someone from Camelot is trying to reach this world to find me."