6

The hall was huge and well decorated, though everything still seemed to be attached to the wooden walls, it was al so alive that John wondered for a moment if it actually was. Sherlock led him though to another large room in which sat the elf who had approached them earlier. Morrisa had walked in behind them, the doors had obviously been built to allow for dragons to fit as there was still plenty of space above her. On the way over, Sherlock had told John to stay as close to the dragon as possible, no one would dare try to harm him with her so close by. The human gladly agreed to this, he did feel safer with the black creature by his side. Why that was, he didn't know, he was sure that if something was bigger and stronger than you, you should have more than enough good reason to be fearful and run for your life. Morrisa had found his comment hilarious when he had shared it with her, he found he could reach out with his mind. Though he had only tried it with the dragon. What was interesting was that Sherlock chuckled too, that proud look was in his eyes directed once again at John, it seemed that the two shared a link, they didn't have to speak to be in each others mind. Mycroft coughed politely to bring the attention back to himself. When he had the three looking at him, he spoke.

'John, I suspect Sherlock hasn't told you anything worth while knowing yet, so I'll fill you in. the elves decided we wouldn't allow another human into our settlements many years ago because you cause havoc and cannot be trusted. Sherlock here, has broken this rule and yet can't be punished for it because there is no one above him who could admonish him for it. For you however, it is a different story.' This was met with a low growl and a fixated stare. 'Please, Sherlock and Morrisa. You are both being childish about this. The first rule is that now he is here, he won't by allowed to leave. He is to be confined to Sherlock's treehouse, unless with Sherlock. He is not allowed to fly Morrisa and is not allowed near the elves.' John was gob smacked, he had known that it would be hard living away from everything he had ever known but this was insane.

'You may as well put me in prison,' He said, a little harsher than he meant. 'I would have about the same amount of freedom.' Sherlock held his brothers gaze for an unknown amount of time, neither of them moved. Finally the dragon rider spoke, still staring down his brother, 'Morrisa, take John to the retreat. I will follow when I am finished here. John, get in the saddle.' John hesitated, this was defying the head elves words in front of his face. The dragon knelt and moved her wing so that he could climb on board. 'Get in the saddle or she will carry you in her claws. Either way is fine.' The human hoisted himself into the saddle and strapped his legs in the way Sherlock had done before. The guardsmen at the gate held the doors firmly closed but it only took a growl and smoke from the creatures nostrils to make them lose their nerve and allow the two to pass.

Outside, the elves had gathered round to see what would become of the human. Gasps filled the crowd as they saw Morrisa carrying the thing. The dragon growled as her voice boomed into every mind outside,

This human has a name, John Watson, and you will call him that. He is under my protection. You shall not harm him in any way. The elves scattered away from the raged animal as she took off into the crimsoning sky.

What is the retreat? John asked once they were flying at a comfortable speed.

It is a place that only dragons and dragon riders can reach, mostly because only they know where it is. Each rider has a different retreat. It is where we go when we wish to be alone or need to lay low for a while. It is a peaceful place, I enjoy being there. Once Morrisa started her descent, John could see what she was talking about. The clearing had a small path that lead to a large cave with running water just outside. Inside, the rooms were openly large, spacious enough for the dragon and four people to live in comfort. The kitchen area was stocked with food and John helped himself to fruit and bread.

After a couple of hours, Sherlock entered the cavern. John smiled to see him but then blushed slightly and backed away.

'I'm sorry.' He said, sitting down. The elf lifted the others head,

'Don't be. Me and my brother have had words. He will change his mind given time. Until then, we can live here. It was about time I took a retreat.' He looked at the human. 'You know when someone is in your mind, don't you?' John nodded, slightly confused. 'No, most humans can't. But, if you can do that…' The elf turned round and picked up a rock, with the uttering of a few words, then made it float an inch or so off the palm of his hand, the human watched in amazement as it changed from brown to red to white, the steam from the air rose off it, showing it's immense heat. The rock was then through at John's face. He put his hands up and waited for the stone to hit. When it didn't he lowered his hands to find that the stone had lodged itself in one of the cavern walls. He looked at Sherlock, eye begging for an answer. The elf smirked,

'I didn't do that. You did.' John blinked and looked at the half embedded stone. 'I had wondered if you possessed magic. Humans don't. which means, you aren't a full human. This is actually good for you. Before I take you back, though, I think we should practise magic. It can kill you if you aren't trained. John's mind suddenly caught up with him.

'You threw a blazingly hot rock at my face to see if I possessed magical powers? What if I hadn't? What would you have done then? 'oh, I'm sorry you know have a huge burn completely covering your face. It was an experiment.' What the hell, Sherlock?'

'It wasn't hot.' This stumped the blond for a second.

'What?'

'It wasn't hot. I changed the colour and made the water condense and steam around it to make it appear hot. I would never intentionally hurt you John, you must know this.' John calmed down immensely.

'I'm sorry, I-' His apology was cut short by the elf.

'Don't. It was my fault but if I had explained before I did, you wouldn't have been in the position to feel you had to untap your magic.'

They walked out into the sunlight and down the hillside to the bank of the crystal blue river which flowed silently through the forest. John's fingers subconsciously stroked the fabric of his tunic.

'Do you make any clothes from sheep's wool?' He asked, he realised how much he missed the feel of wool on his skin. These clothes, he didn't know what they were made from, were more comfortable by far but gave the place he was in a dream like quality. He had to keep wondering if it was real.

'No, we don't but I can get you some if you like.' John thanked the other and then they turned their minds to the task before them.