A/N - So for this chappy I totally forgot what color Esme's eyes were and had to go back and read the first few chapters, ugh. I honestly don't know why any of you guys are bothering with this story, it sucks. Seriously, the whole time I was reading it I was like "omg, I actually wrote this? WHAT THE FUDGE MUFFINS IS WRONG WITH ME?" Anyhow, for once in my life I actually wrote a decent lengthed chapter, yay me! Enjoy. :)
Esme crept quietly through the castle, careful not to disturb anyone who might be sleeping. After several minutes she reached the physician's chambers, her outstretched arm was prepared to knock on the door when suddenly she felt a hand grasp her shoulder. She whirled around to face her opponent, dagger in hand, then let out a relieved sigh when she realized who it was.
"Merlin, you scared me!" she whispered angrily. He mumbled a quick apology and motioned for her to follow him outside. They moved silently through the shadows, making their way though the courtyard. With a few magical words Merlin sent a barrel rolling towards the castle entrance to distract the guards. Esme giggled softly as she watched the men chasing wildly after the runaway container and then quickly followed Merlin though the gate. The snuck their way through town quiet easily, ducking under tables or hiding behind crates to avoid being seen. Once out of the city, they began their trek through the forest, making their way along a path that Merlin had often walked alone. After nearly an hour Esme began to grow skeptical that they would ever reach their destination.
"How much further is it, Merlin?"
"We're nearly there." the sorcerer replied softly. Esme grumbled as she continued to trudge along the dirt pathway. Soon, they reached a large clearing, Merlin rushed straight to the center of the moonlit meadow, calling for Esme to join him.
"It's beautiful out here." she commented. The warlock nodded,
"It is, but that isn't why I brought you here." Esme shot him a questioning glance, as if asking him to continue. Merlin gazed at her intently, he wasn't sure why, but he felt content telling her his secrets. With her he felt completely at home, he didn't have to hide who he was and he loved that, but at the same time it scared him. After all he'd only known Esme for a few weeks and she already knew him better than any of his other so called friends. He took a moment to gaze deeply into her warm brown eyes that clashed fiercely with his own icy blue. Her dark curls fell softly around her face which was illuminated by the pale moonlight. Taking a deep breath he told her the one thing left that she didn't know about him.
"Esme, I brought you out here to tell you that I'm a Dragonlord." Esme gasped in awe,
"But I thought Dragonlords didn't exist anymore. The Druids said that they were all wiped out during the Great Purge."
"They were, all but one. My father, Balinor." Merlin said with a weak smile. Esme gave an understanding nod, she knew full well that the gift of the Dragonlord could only be passed on when the father died.
"Merlin, I'm so sorry..." she whispered, wanting to comfort him but not knowing how.
"It's alright." he smiled, wanting to lighten the mood. "So, do you want to see a dragon?" Esme nodding excitedly, all her life she had dreamed of seeing such a creature and now she was finally getting the chance. Merlin stepped forward, lifted his face to the sky and began to shout in a voice that was she didn't recognize as his. The words were deep, filled with authority and a powerful magic that only a creature of the old religion could posses. The tongue of the dragons, she marveled thoughtfully. The sound of beating wings filled the cool night air, echoing loudly through the valley. Merlin noticed that Esme's body was trembling slightly, so he reached out and grasped her hand, pulling her close to his side. The pair watched as a majestic golden dragon landed in the field before them.
"I take it you had a fairly good reason for summoning me at this hour, young warlock." Merlin nodded,
"Yes, I wanted to introduce you to my friend." Kilgarrah squinted suspiciously at the girl before speaking.
"Ah, yes, the Lady Esme. You have a vital role to play in destiny of Albion." She stared up at the dragon, her brow furrowed in confusion,
"What do you mean?"
"You will be the downfall of a great man and making of an even greater man." Merlin noticed that she still looked rather confused so he leaned over and whispered softly in here ear,
"Don't worry, he's always like that; talking in riddles." The two spent a bit more time speaking to the great dragon, learning only that their destinies were in some way connected before heading back to Camelot.
After hours of restless tossing and turning, Leon decided to go for a walk in the courtyard. He spotted to shadows lurking in the darkness, one belonging to a man and the other to a woman. He quickly ducked behind a large wooden barrel to avoid being seen and listened intently to their conversation.
"Thank you, Merlin." came a young woman's voice which Leon immediately recognized as Esme's, what was she doing out with Merlin at this time of night? "I had a lovely time." The knight poked his head out from behind the barrel just in time to see Esme plant a soft kiss on Merlin's cheek. Instantly Leon's face flushed red with jealousy, he had half a mind to throw a punch at Merlin and demand to know where he and Esme had been and what they were doing. But logic told him to push aside his emotions for the time being, he would have all of tomorrow to inquire Esme. He watched as the pair snuck back into the palace, then stood up and headed inside himself, a thousand unanswered questions swirling through his mind.
A/N - So, what did you guys think? Any guesses about who Kilgarrah might have been talking about with the whole great man and greater man thing? Also, what do you guys think Leon is gonna do to poor little Merlin? Thanks for reading, reviews are much appreciated! :)
