*peeks around the corner, red faced and ashamed*
Hello? Anyone still there?
What can I say... I'm not quite sure sorry excuses my terrible terrible lack of updates...
Recently I have found myself lacking the will to write... But don't worry, I will end this story! I just need to find time to really concentrate!
Anyway, if you're still there THANK YOU SO MUCH! I'm writing for you!
Once again, I hope it will not take me that much time to post next chapter (but it has yet to be corrected and after that one nothing is written, but I will go to that!)
Enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 46 :
Tension was thrumming through Gwaine as Merlin organized the human dragons.
Once more he was struck by how natural it seemed for the clumsy manservant to take charge like that. And how efficient he was.
It took no time at all for even the most reluctant to obey his orders and form small groups. When the first four human dragons advanced in front of their Dragonlord, Gwaine stepped back to create room.
Aithusa came closer to rest right next to him and he swear he could feel her heart speed up in anticipation.
He reached down and placed his hand on her head, discreetly crossing the fingers of his other hand.
He didn't want to think about what would happen should Merlin fail to give their form back.
Fortunately, he didn't have to wait for long. It only took the warlock a few minutes and one small incantation before, in a blinding white flash, four dragons stood in the place of the humans.
The knight grinned and cheered with the other human dragons, breathing easier with Merlin's victory.
The first newly returned dragons took off, ruffling Gwaine's hair as four new men quickly took their place around the warlock.
He felt Aithusa shift next to him and looked back down. He saw she was observing the process too, an unreadable expression on her face.
He frowned but his musings were interrupted by another flash of white light which left four more dragons back in their true form. Once more they left without a word. The knight thought they were all being fairly rude to the dragonlord: after all, he had just saved them.
He knew, however, that showing his irritation would do nothing to help so he kept quiet and a careful eye on Merlin until, finally, the last four human dragons were changed back.
And this time one of them did hold back. Elenora. He knew he liked her for a reason.
Once she took off Merlin turned toward them, eyes tired but a grin stretching his lips. As he observed them, something passed between him and Kilgharrah. The older dragon bowed low and took off without a word.
"Well done mate!" Gwaine congratulated as Merlin came closer, feeling proud of his friend's achievement.
"Thanks." Merlin answered, watching Aithusa.
Gwaine also turned to the dragon, remembering his previous worry.
"You can go with them you know, Aithusa." The dragonlord cajoled.
Gwaine felt stupid. Of course that was what was bothering the young dragon. She had always been the last of her kind but suddenly there were more than a dozen others. She has never interacted with that many of her kin before. Only Kilgharrah.
The knight couldn't begin to imagine what that would feel like.
"They are your kin. You should be with them." Merlin insisted as Aithusa shook her head against his suggestion.
"What about you?" She asked, making Gwaine smile and Merlin kneel to pet the white 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!" Gwaine added playfully.
The look of alarm in the dragon's eyes told him that Aithusa didn't understand the joke.
"Don't listen to him!" Merlin quickly said, glaring up at the knight who shrugged guiltily. "Now go, be with your kin!"
The dragon shifted her weight, still looking conflicted.
"Don't make me order you Aithusa." Merlin threatened.
"Fine, fine. You'll call if you need me?"
Gwaine thought it was sweet that the dragon was that worried about them but he agreed with Merlin. She needed to go be with her kin.
He smiled when she rubbed herself against their thighs before she took off and he watched her until she had disappeared.
Only then did he turn back towards Merlin, clapping his hands loudly and making the warlock jump in the process.
"So, oh mighty saviour of the dragon race, should we think about going back to our dear king or do you need a bit of rest?"
Gwaine had to admit Merlin did look a bit weary, shoulders dropping slightly, leaning against the wall rather than standing straight.
"Well, as much as I'd like to bathe in victory, I guess we'd better start our way back now. Arthur will be mad enough as it is."
The knight laughed.
"Yeah, I'm sure he has already turned Gwen crazy."
He clapped Merlin on his back and they turned back into the castle. Back at their camp it took only a few whispered word from Merlin to have everything packed and ready to go.
"I really love that trick." Gwaine commented, shouldering his pack and taking hold of Merlin's.
"You don't have to carry mine." Merlin protested.
"It's fine. Now lead the way."
Merlin looked like he wanted to protest but Gwaine wasn't having any of it and gestured towards the door.
"Okay, okay, but don't come complaining to me when you're sore."
"Wouldn't dream of it mate."
And it was in a light, happy, atmosphere that they left the Isle of the Blessed, both feeling proud with what they had achieved.
They found their horses exactly where they left them, in good shape even if they had eaten almost all the grass in their makeshift pen.
They were greeted by high whines and hooves hitting the ground impatiently.
"Hey girls." Merlin said approaching the barrier. "I know, we've been a bit long."
The horses both snorted but came closer, nudging Merlin. He smiled and fished two apples from his pockets.
It seemed enough to settle the animals and they could put their saddles on without any problem.
Once their bags were firmly attached, knight and warlock mounted up, turned one last time to observe the misty Island before kicking their heels and galloping away into the forest, towards Camelot.
They had made a good way by the time it was too dark to see under the cover of the trees. They stopped in a small clearing near a stream. Gwaine went to refill their water skins while Merlin tethered the horses and started a fire.
Gwaine plopped down on the mat Merlin had prepared for him with a grateful grunt. He had forgotten how taxing an afternoon riding was. Merlin sat down beside him and rubbed his own back with a yawn.
"You okay?" Gwaine asked as his previous concern about Merlin's weariness came flooding back.
Merlin nodded.
"Just sore. Here, time for dinner!"
He handed Gwaine a share of their last piece of meat and some fruit before settling down to eat himself.
They ate quickly and silently and were soon lying down on their sleeping maps, blankets taking care of the evening chill.
"So, how does it feel to have brought back a race of magical beings?" Gwaine asked, eyes fixed on the leaves above him.
He heard Merlin sigh and shift. He stayed silent for long enough that Gwaine thought he had fallen asleep.
"Good. Very good."
The knight smiled, heart warm and proud for his friend.
I hope that at least the chapter was good! Leave a little comment? (even I don't really deserve them)