*peeks around the corner* Hello?
Ahem, hi! Did you miss me?
I am really so sorry to have left you for so long but what can I say... Real life really went in the way... I went on holiday (obviously was too busy reading my 7 books to write), then I was busy with organizing a hen party and, there was also this french writing competition (no excitement, I went into finale but then lost, as ever, why do I even bother?)
But, hey, there it is! New chapter! Let's hope next one will be faster to come!
Oh and before I leave, thank you each and everyone of you for favoriting/reviewing this story! You really keep me writing! I love each one of you!
Enjoy!
Chapter 45:
Merlin woke up as the first rays of sun filtered into the room. For a long time, he stayed where he was, enjoying the warm weight of Aithusa against his side, her breathing deep and powerful in her sleep. He felt peaceful and well rested. He couldn't quite say he was back to full capacity but the early night and undisturbed sleep had definitely done him a whole lot of good.
It was only when the sun was high enough to touch his feet that he carefully pushed himself up, making sure not to wake the slumbering dragon. He stood up and stretched his muscles. He took a deep breath and decided he could do with a bit of morning walk.
Quietly, he made his way out of the room and let his feet guide him across the castle's ruins. He found himself on the east shore of the island, the exact opposite to where they had arrived.
There, he was able to see the sun rise above the surrounding water. He was also surprised to find none other than Kilgarrah, peacefully resting on the ground.
Merlin thought he might be asleep too and jumped when the dragon's head lifted to watch him.
"Young warlock." He greeted in his deep, powerful voice.
"Kilgharrah." Merlin answered, walking up to the beast.
"I trust you are alright."
The dragonlord thought he could feel a touch of relief in the dragon's voice and smiled.
"I am, yes. See, you should have trusted me."
The ancient beast didn't reply and the warlock turned to the lake.
"Did Aithusa tell you what happened and how many dragons have come?"
Merlin asked after a moment of peaceful silence.
"She did, yes."
The man frowned, turning to observe the dragon.
"You don't seem very happy about it."
The beast sighed, resting his head on his crossed pawns lying in front of him.
"It's not a question of happiness. I have lived a long life Merlin. And seen things you cannot imagine. I just cannot help being… cautious."
Images of what he had seen in the crystals of the Crystal Cave flashed again in front of Merlin's eyes.
Fire. Destruction. Pain.
He shook himself, forcing the thoughts away.
"You worry too much."
"Maybe." Kilgharrah conceded, in a sigh. "Aithusa said you planned on performing the counter ritual as soon as possible."
"I do. They have waited long enough."
The dragon hummed in answer and silence fell once more. Distantly Merlin thought he could hear people beginning to wake.
"I should go." He announced as the sun reached well above the surrounding trees. "Else Gwaine will be mad."
"You are lucky to have friends like Sir Gwaine, young warlock."
Merlin grinned at that.
"I know. I'll see you later?"
The beast nodded and Merlin stood up, dusted himself down and departed. He took a route via the gardens where he picked fresh fruit in the hope Gwaine's temper could be calmed.
As expected, Gwaine was waiting for him with his arms crossed and an expectant look in his eyes that screamed where the hell have you been and why the hell didn't you wake me? Closely followed by a more hidden but, to Merlin at least, still visible I was worried about you.
Merlin just shrugged and offered the fruit.
"I went for some breakfast and bumped into Kilgharrah." He offered as explanation.
It didn't quite erase the scowl on Gwaine's face but at least it distracted him from starting another rant as they settled down to eat.
It wasn't long before they had finished that Merlin was once again up.
"Well, time to round up the human dragons and give them their freedom back." He announced, heading towards the room where they had been installed.
He knocked politely and entered. Automatically, everyone turned towards him and he smiled at them.
"It is time." He just said. "If you could please follow me to the courtyard."
A flurry of movement erupted as all the human dragons stood up and began following Merlin out.
Outside they were greeted by the warmth of the sun. Kilgharrah, Gwaine and Aithusa were already there, waiting in a corner. Both dragons nodded encouragingly at Merlin while the knight just nervously gripped the hilt of his sword.
"Right." Merlin said, his back straight with confidence. "I don't think the courtyard will be spacious enough to welcome all of your natural forms at once so I'm going to change you back in small groups of four."
There was a whisper of agreement and the first four human dragons stepped forward.
"Fine. Just spread apart around me."
They obeyed without complaint and Merlin closed his eyes. He breathed deeply and focused his magic. He let it expand of himself, feeling for the core of the dragons around him, calling it forth. After a few minutes he breathed the words of the spell he had learned a month or so ago.
He felt the magic pull and shift around him and opened his eyes to be face with 4 dragons of different sizes and colours. In unison, they roared loudly and expended their wings as if stretching from a long sleep.
In a mighty gush of wind, they all took off to the cheers of the remaining human dragons. After that, things picked up smoothly and before long, all of the human-dragons had their true form back and had flown away.
Only one dragon remained, hovering just above the surrounding wall, black skin shimmering in the sun, blue eyes sparkling in happiness.
"Thank you Merlin. I will not forget this."
Merlin bowed to her, ignoring the slight dizziness that came with the use of this much magic.
"Thank you, Alenora."
"Take care of yourself."
"I will."
And then, with a gust of wind, she too rose until she was nothing but a dark point in the sky.
Merlin turned back towards his friends. Gwaine was grinning at him while Aithusa was almost bouncing next to him. Kilgharrah was more reserved even though the dragonlord could feel pride in his ancient gaze.
The beast didn't say anything but bowed low before he too took to the skies.
"Well done mate!" Gwaine cheered as the warlock came closer.
"Thanks." Merlin answered distantly, observing Aithusa.
The young dragon kept shooting glances the way the other dragons went.
"You can go with them you know, Aithusa."
She immediately shook her head even if her eyes drifted up again.
"They are your kin. You should be with them."
"What about you?" The dragon asked in a whine.
Merlin laughed, kneeling down to pet the dragon's head.
"We will be perfectly fine. And you forget, I have a knight of the Round Table to protect me!"
"Yep! I am really disappointed by the lack of faith you have in me, darling!"
The dragon looked alarmed.
"Don't listen to him!" Merlin hastily reassured her, sending a glare at Gwaine. "Now go, be with your kin!"
Still, Aithusa hesitated.
"Don't make me order you Aithusa."
"Fine, fine. You'll call if you need me?"
Merlin nodded with another reassuring smile. Aithusa rubbed herself against his and Gwaine's thigh before taking off, quickly disappearing.
And this is it! I hope it was worth the wait (I know, it wasn't really, super sorry again!) Leave me a little comment to brighten my day :D