a/n: Congratulations to everyone who made it this far! I was nervous when this started, but that damn cactus got what was coming to it. Anyway, thanks for reading! And special thanks to my not-so-silent readers.
It ended with a song.
Kilgharrah lay dozing within the cave, his breaths heavy with content, when a low soothing hum caught his interest the dragon peeked out from beneath a leaden lid at the young warlock resting against his side.
Unaware that he had woken the great dragon Merlin continued his affectionate tune while he gently stroked Aithusa's neck, which was laid across the man's lap.
Kilgharrah listened to Merlin's voice as it dipped and rose in simple strokes, and recognized it as a lullaby.
Closing his lid, the dragon asked, What is it you sing young warlock?
Merlin paused, and when he spoke there was love in his voice, "A hymn my mother used to sing me."
The dragon's lip curled, and he listened carefully this time, taking in the song and remembering it for when he and the child were alone.
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End
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