14
The group came to a set of large sturdy doors. Sherlock pulled his partner in close then they both climbed back in Morrisa's saddle. John didn't know why they were getting back in the saddle but he wasn't going to ask. Sherlock chuckled and stroked his chin.
We have to appear as dragon riders. And it's just another reason to show off. John blushed, he'd forgotten about the mind thing. He'd have to ask Morrisa how to block his mind as there were some thoughts he'd really like to keep to himself. The doors opened, letting beams of light break through the widening gap. John squinted and put his hand up so that the shadow cast over his eyes. When the entrance was opened fully, Morrisa stepped forward.
It took a moment for the doctors eyes to adjust but when they did he found himself face to face with a huge crowd. He looked at Sherlock who grinned wildly as he waved to the silent faces.
Go on, wave. They want you to.
Shut up. John waved anyway and the crowd burst into a cheer. They applauded and parted so that Morrisa could walk through. The two men on her back smiled at each other, though the blonde doctor was still indomitable with the fact that he had once again found the centre of attention. The dragon stopped when they reached a great red gem.
That's Isidar Mithrim Morrisa said. The star Safire. Probably the most prised possession of the dwarves. John gazed in amazement. He had seen it in his partners minds but even elven and dragon memory couldn't compare with the stones true beauty.
'Wow. It's… It's beautiful.' John couldn't help but say.
'I'm glad you like it.' Said a man from the ground. Sherlock smiled down and slipped out of the saddle.
'Diren! How nice to see you.' The dark haired elf called. John gave a confused look.
Sherlock doesn't like the common greeting when conversing with humans. They always say it wrong. So he did away with it many years ago. You should go down and meet the leader with him. Morrisa said bending slightly low for the blond. John nodded and slide out of the saddle and landed softly by Sherlock's side. The taller male smiled and took his hand.
'Diren, allow me to present John Watson.' Sherlock said proudly. John somehow managed to hold back the blush as he held a hand out to shake with the leader. Diren was an average height for a human, he had tanned skin and short black hair. He also had the most amount muscle that John had ever seen on man. The leader looked at John with a puzzled expression.
'Can you really be an elf? I have never see a male with such light hair. And your name, it is human. What are you?' Diren asked. A low grumble radiated from the dragon. 'I'm sorry, I did not mean to offend.' John smiled.
'No, it's fine. You're right. I'm not actually a elf. I'm a dragon rider.' He answered. Diren immediately looked to the sky.
'So where is your dragon?' He asked. Sherlock chuckled.
'You humans are so narrow minded.' He said, mostly to himself.
They are both mine and you would do well to remember that. The dragons voice thundered through the minds of all those who had been following the conversation.
Morrisa, be nice. John said, turning to apologise to the leader. His apologies were waved away.
'Sherlock is right, we are too narrow minded.' Came the reply.
I am tired of this. Morrisa projected to her riders and Diren. I'm going to retire to the cave. Then she took off in the direction of the red Safire.
A young man walked up to the two men in a slightly anxious manner.
'Uh. I. Um. I heard that elves were the best fighters in the land. I've always wanted to fight one, just to see, so I was wondering if at some point during your stay one of you would possibly have a match with me?' The man asked, trying his best to be polite. Sherlock looked down his nose at the man. John held his breath, he knew how mean the elf could be.
'Do you have your sword?' Sherlock asked. The stranger nodded energetically, quickly grabbing a one handed sword from another man in the crowd which had now formed a large circle.
'Pass me your weapons.' John said to both the men. Sherlock did it unquestioningly but the stranger looked wary for a moment before conceding. The blond ran his hand over the metal edges, utter the words.
'I've dulled the blades but they can still break bones so be careful with them.' John said, passing the weapons back. Sherlock took up his stance- a position that John knew well- and the stranger took up his own.
'Start!' Diren called, as eager to she the elf in action as the rest of the population watching. John smiled as his partner took his first step in parallel with his young opponent.
The young man lunged but Sherlock gracefully stepped out of it's path in a sort of dance. He let his blade run down the length of the other weapon then swiftly flicked, launching the sword out of it's owners hand. He then moved in blur, stepping forward and tripping his opponent before placing the blade gently on his neck. John looked shocked. Sherlock had told him he was an exceptional fighter but he never believed the elf. Yet here, this man who had clearly fought all his life lasted less than three minutes were he had lasted so much longer. The crowd burst into applause.