Chapter 13

Aria

I tossed and turned that night. Music was on my mind, infecting my body. I moved involuntarily to the melody in my head. My dreams were dark, pitch black and I heard the song clearly resonating only for me to hear. Words came then, swirling white against the black. It was a haunting song.

I gripped my blanket, willing myself to go into a deeper sleep. Expel the dream. Eradicate the sound. But the urge tugged in my chest, spreading out into every fiber of my being. No, don't, I warned myself. This was not the time to give into…compulsions. The song grew louder, begging to be let out. I could've sworn if I didn't sing the song soon, the sounds would kill me.

Still I fought but as the night went on, I realized the problem within my dream. It was the full moon. I cursed under my breath and in the moment of realization, my hold broke. My eyes flashed open and I scrambled to my feet, running. The ground flew beneath my feet, leaves crackling. My wings caught the breeze as I ran faster.

The speed was exhilarating but I kept feeling it wasn't fast enough. The sky, the night. I needed it. I needed it now. My lips trembled with the effort it took not to explode where someone could hear me. I unfurled my wings and took to the sky, rising higher and higher.

I opened my mouth and the music tore from my lips. I was drowning in the beauty of the night. The sweet sound that was my haunting song vibrated through the sky as if it would ripple the clouds. I sang and let my heart fill with the joy that the full glare of moonlight brought. It was so real up there and extraordinarily surreal too.

I was cold and awake. I didn't shiver though there were goosebumps on my skin. I was on a kind of high, adrenaline and excitement. The moon glowed, sending her sweet rays into my face. I gazed up at the stars that had a part in calling me. Calling me back as close to home as I could ever get.

Merlin

Today was the last day. We had to do the spell before noon so that we'd be able to get back to Camelot. Aria was a fast learner and an eager one but she was new to control and constantly unsure of…

'Merlin, what if I can't do it?' She asked worriedly, biting at her lips.

'You won't know till you try!' I said, aware that our entire group was watching, hoping that this would work.

'I will be helping you by directing part of your magic to your wings. The point is to make them in tangible.' I instructed, smiling as she nodded nervously.

'Now close your eyes and relax, breathe. We are creatures of magic. Magic is what we are.' I said, taking her hands to direct my magic through the contact.

Her eyes closed and I closed mine too, ignoring the watchful stares of our spectators. My magic flowed out easily from my hands to hers, searching for a piece of her magic. My magic felt a spark of hers and instantly I felt my spirit lift. She was so lively, impatient, just waiting to be unleashed. I moved our magic towards her back. Intangible, I thought insistently.

Our magic flared and spread, rushing to complete the task set before it. It took awhile before it receded, choosing to return to its original place. Slowly, I withdrew my magic, opening my eyes. I felt strangely light, smiling oddly. It must be her magic. She is one of a kind, after all.

'You can open your eyes now, Aria.' I said, holding back a laugh.

'Can you see them?' She asked, looking hopeful.

'Why don't you look and see?' I shot back.

She looked over her shoulder and gasped. She turned around in a full circle, giving everyone a full view of her back through the slits where her wings used to be.

'This is so strange. I feel so normal.' She said.

'We're going to introduce you as an orphan girl who's family got killed by bandits. You've been living in the forest for weeks until you stumbled across our camp.' Leon said, relaying the story the public would know.

'The princess shows some sympathy and since you have no family, you're going to live in the castle under his care.' Gwaine said, grinning widely.

'Really? Thank you!' She said happily, rushing over to hug Arthur. Everyone laughed at the surprise on his face.

'Now, now, you shouldn't be so happy for an orphan girl.' Lancelot said, cheekily.

She laughed even louder. I grinned. I've never seen a girl so incredibly brazen. Definitely not a proper kind of lady but wonderful in that way. Camelot is in for a shock. And maybe perhaps Kilgharrah as well.

Lancelot

Aria rode with Merlin on his horse. The ride back to Camelot was filled with everyone's description of Camelot. Aria was excited and nervous at the same time. It was agreed on the way that Merlin would sneak up to her new room to teach her magic. It wouldn't do for her to make something catch fire by accident.

The strangest thing was that every time someone said how important it was that she stayed away from Uther, she'd get this look on her face and smile a little like she was hiding a secret. Not very reassuring. I brightened up as I caught sight of Camelot, standing proud and majestic. All the men puffed up in pride and rode a little faster towards the city. I rode faster for a different reason.

We arrived at the gates in just a few minutes and the guards started immediately at the sight of a very conveniently scared looking Aria, complete with quivering lips. Arthur calmly explained the situation to the guards with orders to send a few servants to prepare Morgana's old room. The guards spluttered but nodded and rushed off.

My horse sensed my anxiousness, and began to paw the ground, making impatient clicking noises. Merlin heard it first and smiled knowingly at me. I flushed hotly and looked down at the reins I was holding.

'Lancelot, aren't you supposed to pick up something in the lower town. You better not be late.' Gwen said, loudly so that Arthur would hear.

I looked up and flashed her a smile to thank her, calling to Arthur in acknowledgement. I spun around and rode on into the lower town. It only took a few moments to arrive at the familiar little cottage at the edge of the street. I tied my horse to the side of the house and walked up the front door steps.

The door opened before I could knock, revealing a fiery haired woman with a wicked smile. She took my hand and pulled me in, ignoring the pleasantly surprised look on my face. Placing one hand on my chest and the other against my neck, she pressed a firm, sweet kiss to my lips. I moved my lips against hers even as she stole my breath.

'Safira.' I murmured. 'You knew I was coming.' I accused, smiling from our kiss. She smiled her wicked smile and shrugged.

'I also know that you've returned with one extra in your party. And that she's very special.' She said innocently, looking anything but innocent.

'How?' I began, shocked to near speechlessness. How much did she know? How did she find out.

'I just know.' She said and I could see that even she didn't understand it.

So I brushed my lips against hers once again, fire burning under my skin deliciously.