13

The journey took little over a day, the sun had just begun to set and was casting a hazy glow on the mountainside. John looked round in amazement that the sights that he was now able to see. The various animals below scattered as Morrisa flew overhead, their shadows trailing after them as they ran for the safety of their homes. The dragon banked and slowed until she lightly touched the ground in front of a large waterfall.

It's been a long time since we were last here. Morrisa said then she remembered John, And a first time for one. We must be careful, many of the humans would not have been alive the last time and most of them will be extremely cautious.

Agreed, The dark haired elf drawled. He moved forward so his mouth was level with the blonds' ear,

'Get ready to hold your breath.' He whispered. Then spoke a few words out loud. John couldn't find any reason for why he had said anything. He suddenly found himself underwater, he was about to flail when he realised that he was still attached to Morrisa.

The three surfaced and he looked round to the now revealed cave, behind the waterfall. John spluttered and gulped in air, he was about to get off Morrisa when he found a range of spiked staffs in his face. He froze and the dragon growled. Sherlock poked his head round and coughed slightly to draw the attentions of the short men. One took a curious look at him then broke into a wide smile,

'Sherlock? Is that you?' The weapons were removed and the two men slid off the saddle. Now he was on solid ground, John could appreciate how small these men really were. They're dwarfs, John, not men. The blond blushed at his mistake and the elf chuckled.

The three were led through many lengths of tunnels, John stayed as close to the dragon as possible while Sherlock talked animatedly with the various creatures that accompanied them. The doctor felt Morrisa contact Sherlock but she blocked him out so he couldn't hear what was said. He frowned and tried to push the barrier but failed epically and retreated back into the relative privacy of his mind. John kept his eyes to the floor, hoping that they got to where ever they were going soon because the closed space was being to get to him. He suddenly realised that he wasn't walking by himself anymore. Sherlock strode along side him, his hand wrapped round the doctors hip. He placed a kiss to his partners cheek,

'You're not getting scared, are you?' He asked, mostly in jest.

'Not any more.' John replied, resting his head on the taller males shoulder. The dwarfs had turned round and watched with raised eyebrows but didn't say anything. John stepped away quickly and cleared his throat, remembering that humans didn't allow same sex couples. It wouldn't be that far a jump to say that dwarfs didn't either. One of the small creatures saw his distress and tried to help,

'No. It's not that we don't allow that or anything, it's just that he's-you know- an elf and elves are uptight. No offence. And well, we didn't think they would allow that kind of thing, you look a lot more like humans than we do. And you're not a full elf anyway, at least, I don't think you are. It's kind of hard to tell.' Sherlock chuckled,

'I didn't think you'd be this bashful, John.' He smirked. John glared and stood taller than before.

'I just didn't think it would be a good idea for a group of humans, who might attack us, find out that the dragon rider…riders are, well, gay. It won't help with our winning them over scheme. After all, I was brought up that way and I'm still not used to this.' He huffed indignantly. The elf chuckled and held his hands up in surrender.

'Calm down, I didn't mean to offend you.' He said with a slightly joking tone. John let out a shaky breath.

'I know. I just. Just need some time to come to terms. I'll be fine.' The doctor put on his best smile, one that even Sherlock telling if it was fake or not.