A/N: Yeah I received my first review on this! Finally! And what a review! Thank you so much for the support! Seeing as not many people added this to their alerts, I was desperate to have some readers... Maybe 'cause it's a crossover, I dunno... Anyway, here comes the last recap of Merlin's episodes, after that, one last glimpse at Camelot, and all Storybrooke! :)
11. The coming of Arthur
"What do you mean there were beans missing?"
Lily sighed and faced her almost-sister-in-law, who decidedly didn't like her one bit. "I'm just saying that when I ripped some off the branch, there were already some missing, Emma. Which means Tamara and Owen are also willing to open a portal. To where, that remains a mystery."
"I have an idea on that."
The whole company whirled around as the Mad Hatter himself, with his daughter Grace high on tracks, entered the room.
Henry immediately went next to Grace, while Emma advanced on Jefferson. "What the hell are you doing here, Jefferson?"
He smirked down at the princess. "Well, running away is something I'm used to doing, princess. And I managed to have a short but interesting conversation with the woman rudely trying to torture me." He looked up at the rest of the group. "She's enrolling Cora's army back in Wonderland."
Lily's eyes narrowed. "The cards?" He nodded. "Well, that's bad news. Those men can't be killed by us. They need something more than a bunch of humans. Unfortunately, there isn't much people like me left in here."
"What, with magic?" Emma snorted.
"Emma, Neal, you and I can't hold this army. We need help. And I know where to get it. The problem is, I have to think carefully of where to open the portal."
A few months passed. After her last encounter with Gwaine, Lily became involuntarily distant with Leon. If he noticed, he never said. Every moment they passed together was seemingly enough for him.
Anyway, he had decided something important, and with or without her consent, he'll ask soon.
In fact, Lily was sensing her time drawing to a close more than ever. She knew something big was to come. Something really important was going to happen to her. And to Camelot. And after that, she'd leave.
She didn't want to plague Leon, or her friends, with her grim thoughts, although Merlin had guessed.
To anyone else, especially Arthur, she missed a secret lover.
Horrid rumours spread through Camelot of her possible cheating on a knight, but Leon never asked. His mark of trust was maybe a little too much, because Lily knew that if she had to make a choice, she'd rather leave than make it.
One night, as Lily and Gwen were tending to the King, Morgana and Arthur's supper, the young witch felt a horrible twitch in her heart.
Something dooming.
Something bad had happened.
Merlin's arms caught her before she fell on the ground.
The King's eyes settled on her at once. "What is wrong, child?"
She coughed. "Nothing, Sire, I just...I feel a little faint."
Merlin bowed to the King. "Permission to bring Lily to Gaius, Sire?"
"Of course, of course."
As they made their way in the maze of corridors, though, Merlin seemed a little upset.
"Lily, tell me you haven't heard Kilgharrah again."
She looked up at him and shook her head. His gaze softened at once. "It was different. It was as if...as if part of my heart had suddenly disappeared." She swallowed. "Merlin, Leon... He's gone on a mission...I...I think something happened to him."
Merlin seemed tense for a moment, but then he plastered a perfectly fake smile on his face. "Nah, I'm sure it's nothing. Perhaps you're a little too exhausted. You've worked extra hard since...well since our last adventure."
Lily put a hand to her forehead as they arrived to Gaius' door. "Maybe. But I still feel something is off."
The following morning, Merlin and Gaius were called to the Great Hall. Lily, still feeling too weak to stand, had to wait for the news she knew dooming.
But when her teachers returned, they both acted as if nothing was bad.
"The King only wanted to tell us that Cenred's men were seen moving close to the borders, that's all."
But she could tell Merlin was lying to her.
With all the strength she could muster, Lily invaded his mind and mentally yelled as loud as she could. "Emrys! Do not dare lying to me!"
Merlin grabbed his head and glared at her. "Lily! That hurt!"
"That's what you deserve for lying to a friend."
Gaius sighed and sat at Lily's feet on Merlin's bed. "Lily... This will not be easy to hear."
His next words were swallowed in a black wall of pain.
Lily heard herself screaming, but she could do nothing to stop it.
Instead, she fainted.
For hours, her conscious moments were plagued with stabbing pain and cries.
She refused to eat or to drink.
Soon, the tears stopped altogether. Not because she wasn't feeling bad anymore, but because she hadn't enough water left in her to cry still.
She felt dead inside.
However, as night fell on Camelot and on Lily's empty shell, Merlin came.
And he was grinning.
He shook her from her slumber.
"Lily! Lily, come on, I have news for you."
She opened her eyes. It hurt even to do that.
Merlin was truly looking happy.
"Leon is not dead."
Not that something twitched inside Lily. Her heart seemed to start beating again, and she shot upwards. "How?"
"Well, that's a tale for later. For now, I'm sure you want to see him."
"He's wounded?"
"No, just exhausted and dehydrated. As you are, in fact. Here," he handed her a cup full of water, "drink before you go, or you'll fall as soon as you walk."
Lily gulped the drink and carefully pushed herself up on her two feet.
She was still weak, but strength slowly returned to her. "Help me, Merlin."
The door wasn't closed when they reached it. It was as if Leon was waiting for her.
Merlin let go of her arm and nodded once before leaving.
Lily took a deep breath and entered.
Leon's blue eyes snapped at her at once. "Lily! Thank the Lord, they told me you were unwell."
She felt a lump forming in her throat as if she needed to cry again, but this time in joy. "I was worried for you. When they told me you were dead, I...I died with you."
Leon shook his head and got up, getting to her in two long strides.
His strong arms encircled her, and she rested her head on his chest, sobbing.
"No death is worth your tears, Lily. Not even mine."
"No. You're the man I love. If you die, my heart goes with you."
To these words he lifted her chin. Blue eyes locked on green eyes. "So, are you finally ready to tell me what had been wrong with you lately?"
She chuckled darkly before kissing him slowly. "Not now. For now, let me rejoice that my knight is alive and well."
He kissed her back. "Alright."
Lily spent the night in Leon's arms for the very first time.
She didn't care if anyone could walk in and see them tangled like that.
She didn't bloody care if the King himself saw them.
Leon was alive and well, that's all that mattered.
When dawn arose, Lily went back to Gaius and Merlin.
But she found the physician alone.
"Where's Merlin?"
Gaius shrugged. "He left at dawn with Arthur. But apparently he didn't know where to."
Lily shot him a knowing glance. "Gaius... You know where to. Tell me."
"This has to remain secret." She nodded and made as if she zipped her lips. "Leon has been healed by the druids, using the Cup of Life."
She frowned. "Merlin told me that Cup had been destroyed when he killed the sorceress Nimueh."
"It can't be destroyed, Lily. I can only guess Uther has sent his son retrieving it."
"And he took Merlin with him, clever boy." She started pacing around the room. "Still something is off, can't you feel it? Something like...a shadow coming closer and closer."
"I do not possess the magic you have in you, Lily, but yes, I too sense something bad is coming."
"I should go after them. But... I do not wish to. For the moment."
"And I understand. Between love and friendship, the choice is quickly done."
She nodded. "I'll keep my mind open if ever Merlin tried to join me."
And she exited the office, to go back to her still sleeping knight.
She knew he had to train a new bunch of squires, as he was once again the last Knight of Camelot. Still, she didn't want to leave his side for now.
That afternoon, Lily followed Leon to the training field – the one she always practised in and in which no one could see her do so – as he managed to gather a few young men almost ready to be knighted.
The best of them will be Knights. The others will remain squires for a little while longer.
The test was simple. They had to beat Leon.
Leon was nowhere near Arthur's technique, so at the end of the row, all save two had beat him.
Still, Lily wasn't sure they had the talent to protect the city yet.
She walked into the field, wearing her leather trousers under her working dress, in case she had to pack and go as soon as possible.
Many of the young men eyed her arrival with glares.
A woman? On the field? Blasphemy.
"Leon? An I have a word?"
"Of course, Lily." They walked away from the others for an instant. "What is it?"
"Don't take this badly, but you're not as good as Prince Arthur."
He chuckled darkly. "Yeah, I know."
"You know that every Knight knows of my secrets. It has been so for two years now. Arthur trained me himself. If they have to compete against someone, let it be me."
"Lily, I don't think they'll take it gladly to be beat by a woman."
"Then tell them to make no difference." She smirked.
He sighed. "You're probably right. Come."
They walked back to the youngsters, Lily ripping the low part of her dress as she went, to make her able to move better.
"What is she doing here?"
She glared at the young one, even more so when she realised she knew him a little. "Zephyr, is that your name?" He nodded stiffly. "Shut up and listen to your Captain."
Leon chuckled again, then turned to his new men. "As you know, each and every Knight of Camelot has an oath to perform. As of lately, one oath has been added to the list. Each one of you will become a Knight. I'm asking you to swear this one oath a little earlier than scheduled. Am I understood?"
"Aye!" They all saluted.
"Good. Lily, here, is not only a maid." Some snorted. "She is also a trusted ally of the King. She once saved Camelot from a great peril, and I'm sure you remember the day a dragon attacked the citadel."
A rumour spread in the ranks. Many eyed Lily suspiciously at that.
Leon put his hands up to calm them. "The Prince, Arthur, has decided after that to train Lily as any Knight. She is a protector of the realm, should you like or not. The King doesn't know. Therefore, I ask of you to solemnly swear to never tell a soul."
Silence fell.
Many pondered Leon's words. Should they do as asked, or run to their King to inform him of the abomination going on on the field?
One young man stepped forward. "I, Cerdic, son of Cynric, solemnly swear to never tell a soul." He put his fist on his chest, near his heart.
Lily bowed her head to him.
Then two others stepped forward, then four, then five, then ten, and soon, only a fistful of men remained back.
Leon gestured them forward. "You have not yet sworn your oath, squires. For that, you will witness the rest of this training, and not be able to pass as Knights for now. Maybe later will you understand your mistake."
One immediately stepped forward and swore his oath as quickly as he could. He really didn't wish to be pushed to the side.
"Cerdic, step forward. To become a Knight, you will have to beat Lily, for she is the only one here close to fighting like our Prince."
Another rumour spread.
Lily stepped forward, grabbing Leon's sword and taking a defensive pose so similar to Arthur's Cerdic, before her, gasped.
"Fight me, Knight. Fight me as if I threatened your home and loved ones."
He took a deep breath, then lunged forward.
Their swords clashed. Cerdic was good, very good by the look of it.
But Lily was a woman. He was holding back.
So she decided, against her own principles, to draw blood.
Cerdic's eyes darkened as he eyed the thin gash on his arm.
With a feral cry, he lunged at her once more. And didn't hold back.
Lily was the first to fall.
Cerdic's blade left her throat as soon as she surrendered, and her mouth stretched into a grin.
"Welcome to the King's service, Cerdic, son of Cynric."
The now-Knight smiled back at her and helped her up.
After that, all men wanted to fight against her. And didn't hold back at all.
Only twelve, plus Cerdic, managed to beat her.
The others were left ashamed of themselves, until Lily bowed to them and praised their valour.
"You will be acclaimed Knights. Once you learn how to push your principles aside."
Of the men who had refused to take an oath, all except one took it at the end of the day.
That rebel, a blonde man called Elfric, was dismissed from the King's squires until he swore. And was threatened by none other than half the men to never speak of what he had seen.
Lily was proud.
Exhausted but proud.
That night, however, Lily felt a tug at the back of her head.
She opened her mind and grunted. "I'm trying to sleep, Kilghie."
"It's not Kilgharrah, it's Merlin."
She sat up. "Merlin?"
"Since when do you nickname your dragon anyway?"
She smirked in the dark of her room. "Shut up. What is it?"
"It's Arthur. He's wounded. And I don't have the tools."
"How did this happen?" She got out of bed, trying her best not to wake any of her room-mates, and got out of the room.
"We lost the Cup of Life. Cenred – and I'm sure Morgause – now have it."
"Where are you?"
"Just after the border. In the Forest of Aneir. Will you find us?"
"I think so. What do you need."
"The usual. But please hurry up."
"Merlin, if I'm not there fast enough, you know what to do."
"I'd prefer if it didn't come to that."
"I'm coming as soon as I can."
She closed their connection and rushed to Gaius' office.
She took a horse, thinking it best not to ask Kilgharrah for a ride – not the best of times to do that – and galloped as fast as she could into the woods.
What took Arthur and Merlin half a day took her two hours.
The horse was exhausted.
As soon as she jump off it, she dismissed the beast to go back to Camelot. Her satchel was full of herbs, alcohol, bandages and euphorbia. And she still had her magic, anyway.
She opened her mind, trying to settle her radar on Merlin's magic.
It was there, not far. Not far at all.
Her mind caught not one, but two others souls.
Lily gasped. "No. All but that."
She rushed forward.
"Merlin!"
Gwaine got to his feet and unsheathed his sword. His brown eyes softened as he saw Lily erupt from the trees. "Lily."
Her green eyes settled on him, amused. "Hello Gwaine." She rushed to Arthur's side, and addressed Merlin. "You didn't tell me you had a guest."
"Thought it best surprise you."
"Yes, who doesn't like a good surprise?" She smiled then frowned as she felt Arthur's forehead. "He's boiling. That arrow was poisoned, wasn't it?"
"That's what I thought as well."
"Let me." She reached into her satchel and took several herbs, which she chewed on for a good minute before plastering them on Arthur's wound on his leg. "This dollop-head always calls for trouble."
Merlin chuckled darkly. "And now the enemy has the Cup of Life."
"We'll find a way, Merlin. We always do."
Gwaine watched Arthur warily. "And now what?"
Her eyes locked with his once more. "Now we wait."
But night passed, and Arthur's fever didn't falter.
After a long moment of thought, Lily reached Merlin in mind.
"Merlin, you need to cast a spell on him. Otherwise, he'll die."
"But Gwaine-"
"Leave him to me."
She stretched on her tree-stump, then got up and walked away from the fire.
She heard Gwaine enquire on her to Merlin, then she heard him follow her.
She smirked in the dark. The power she held on that man... It'll always amaze her.
"Lily?"
She whirled around but still walked backwards. They had to walk away enough for Merlin to be invisible to Gwaine's eyes. "What?"
"Where are you going?"
"I need some air. Come with me, if you're so worried for my well-being."
He smirked. "You wicked woman." Then hurried at her side.
They walked for a good ten minutes until Lily walked in a large buckle to join Merlin back. He had to have performed it by then.
"Will you not tell me you've missed me then?"
She chuckled. "I've missed you, Gwaine, of course I have. What good is it that I tell you?"
He grabbed her arm and whirled her around to him. "It's always nice to hear."
His smiled she had missed, his gaze she had missed, the way he seemed to not have one care in the world she had missed.
She had missed all of him.
And it scared her.
"Yesterday, Leon died. And came back to life. I suppose it made me realise something."
Gwaine's smile faltered. "That you love him more?"
She shook her head. "That I can't live without him."
He sighed and resumed walking, though their fingers were now entwined. "I won't pretend I'm glad to hear it. But who would I be if I did not care for my lady's happiness?"
Lily caressed his hand with her thumb. "Gwaine. You should be knighted."
He huffed. "I know!"
When they got up the following morning, the spell Merlin had cast had worked. Arthur was well, and back into grumpy mode.
He didn't even ask for the fact that Lily was present. All he was obsessed with was getting back to Camelot.
But when they arrived in sight of the last village before the capital, they found something worth tears.
Young Knights,some of those Lily had been fighting against, all slaughtered.
"No!" She fell at one Knight's side. "Cerdic!"
Gwaine put a hand on her shoulder. "You knew him?"
She nodded. "He's been knighted only yesterday. I've fought against him. He was one of the best swordsman I've ever seen, including Arthur and you."
Arthur limped to her, glaring. "You fought against new knights?"
She looked back, glaring as well. "You were a bit occupied, my lord, and Leon doesn't have your skills. They all swore an oath to silence my secret."
He threatened her with his finger, and then walked away, clearly upset.
"Come, Lily. There's nothing more you can do."
She got up and squeezed Gwaine's hand in hers. "I wish there had been."
"I know."
Camelot was still smoking with inextinguished fires when they reached it.
Dread flew over Lily's heart.
Gwaine's hand just squeezed her harder. "I'm sure he's fine."
She gave him a tearful glance. "I hope you're right."
As they advanced through the lower-town's remains, Arthur decided to make for Gwen's house, the only one he knew would be safe.
The house was empty, but Lily had a sense someone was lurking in the shadows.
And indeed, a dark-skinned man attacked Arthur.
"Elyan!"
Lily adjusted her sight to the dark. Yes, it was Gwen's brother.
Arthur put his sword down. "Where is everyone?"
Elyan pushed his hood down. "I...I...I thought that-"
"Elyan, please, what happened?"
"It came out of nowhere. A mighty army. Weapons were useless against them. They were men, Sire but...not men. Nothing can kill them. Nothing."
Arthur and Merlin exchanged a look.
"Whe-where's your sister, where's Guinevere?"
"She was in the citadel when they attacked."
"Then there's still hope."
"Sire... The citadel's been taken."
Arthur's head fell. Never before had Camelot fallen. Attacked yes, fallen, never.
The Prince soon took the hard decision to enter the castle and try to free Gaius, Gwen, and the King.
Never once did he think that Leon could have survived.
But Lily knew better. Her heart was still in one piece. He could be hurt, but not dead.
They exited Gwen's house in silence, getting into the walls as shadows.
Elyan had provided Lily a blade. Only Merlin remained unarmed.
But as they reached the upper corridors, Arthur nearly fell from loss of blood.
Merlin took the decision for him.
"Lily, go to the dungeons with Elyan and Gwaine, see if you can find them."
She nodded and rushed the opposite way.
She reached Merlin in mind as they got down a flight of stairs. "Be careful."
"We'll find you soon. Go."
Once they reached the dungeons, they saw Uther being dragged out of a cell by two of the Undying.
Lily looked back at her companions. "We need to go back to Arthur, tell him his father's alive."
Elyan nodded and rushed back from where they came.
Gwaine grabbed Lily's hand. "There's something else, isn't it?"
She looked at him sadly. "I have to go and find him."
"No!" He pushed her against the wall. "I won't let you! If you go, you'll die!"
"I don't care."
"I do." He leaned in and placed a short but tender kiss on her lips. "I do, Lily."
She stopped struggling and locked eyes with him. She was calmed down.
"Besides, you're our only chance should we need magic. Now come with me, and if you struggle again, I'll knock you out."
She couldn't say a word. So she just nodded and let him drag her back.
She had troubles breathing.
Gwaine...had kissed her.
They burst into Gaius' office, to see the old physician alive and well.
Lily rushed to give him a hug while Elyan and Gwaine shared the news.
"The King is alive."
"They're bringing him to the throne room as we speak."
Arthur's eyes lit up. "This may be my last chance." He grabbed his sword.
Merlin tried to stop him. "Arthur, there's too many of them, you'll never make it."
"I won't leave my father to die here alone." He turned to his friends. "Gwaine, Elyan, take Gaius and make your way to the woods beyond the castle. Hope we meet again." They nodded and hurried out, Gwaine glancing one last time at Lily.
She crossed her arms and looked at her prince. "What about me?"
"You," he grabbed her shoulder, "are Camelot's last chance if I fail. Go, protect these men. With your life. I'm counting on you, Lady Lily."
She gasped at his words. "Lad-"
"If we survive this, you might be the first woman to be ever knighted. Go, now!"
She smirked to herself and rushed out behind the boys.
A knight, her...
When Merlin and Arthur joined them an hour later, the prince seemed dead. His gaze was settled on nothing in particular, and he seemed properly exhausted.
Lily took the head of the operations. "Gwaine, can you carry him?" He nodded. "Then follow me, I know of a safe place."
As they walked, Gaius enquired on Arthur's behaviour. "What happened, Merlin?"
"We saw Morgana taking the throne. She claimed she was Uther's daughter."
Lily snorted. "I knew she heard him. I knew it." She herself had been told by Gaius at the same time as Merlin. "It'll take some time to swallow."
They walked as far as they could until dawn broke. Lily had brought them to a cave, a small cave she had known to be one of Kilgharrah's safe places.
Sometimes she blessed the day she met that dragon.
As soon as Arthur was set down, Gaius rushed to his side with his satchel and Lily's. Merlin was with him.
She turned to Gwaine and Elyan. "Guard the entrance. I'll relieve one of you in an hour. We all need sleep."
Elyan patted Gwaine's shoulder and took first turn, while his new friend went to sit by Lily.
He put a comforting hand on her thigh. "You did the right thing."
Her eyes locked on his and she took his hand in hers. "I know. I just-"
"He's alright, Lily, I'm sure he is. Morgana would still need the Knights to win the people's trust. He's their Captain."
She thought about it a moment, then broke in a grin. "I hadn't thought about that."
He smiled then pushed her head down until she was leaning on his shoulder. "Rest now. I will relieve Elyan. You need sleep more than us mere humans."
She squeezed his hand, and fell asleep to the feel on his breath on her skin and his fingers threading in her hair.
"Gwaine..."
A week passed. Elyan or Gwaine often raided in the woods in search for food. Lily sometimes accompanied them to search for edible roots or plants.
Arthur was still catatonic. And Merlin could do nothing to help.
So Lily remained leader for long days.
She couldn't sleep at night if she hadn't Gwaine by her side. She was plagued by nightmares otherwise. Nightmares always involving Leon, a sword, and Morgana.
One morning, however, as she was on guarding duty, Lily felt something changing. The air was different.
"Merlin!"
The young warlock hurried at her silent call at once. "Lily? What is it?"
"There's something different. I don't know what it is. Do you feel it?"
Merlin closed his eyes at the same time a wave of magic flew over them, knocking them slightly backwards.
"I definitely felt this. What do you think it is?"
She clenched her teeth. "My father."
"What, now?"
She got up. "I won't go. Not now. He'll have to wait."
And she got back into the cave.
She crossed Gwaine's gaze, and shook her head.
Now was not the time to talk.
She eyed Arthur, still sitting on the ground, silent, weak.
"Merlin, make him eat. It's time he wakes up."
That night, she was the second to guard the entrance.
Not long after midnight, she felt a pair of lips kissing her cheek.
She whirled around, her sword ready.
Gwaine lifted his hands in surrender, and chuckled. "Sorry, m'lady, couldn't help myself."
Her gaze softened and she sheathed her sword. "Silly. I thought I was attacked."
He tilted his head. "Have you often been attacked by a kiss?"
She nudged him playfully. "What are you doing here?"
"Nature calls." He winked and walked away in the dark.
Lily shook her head and resumed her watch, not even moving when Gwaine came back.
When Merlin came out of the cave not long after though, she moved.
"Where the hell are you going?"
He turned to look at her, his ocean-blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I've seen Freya."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she's told me what I must do. I'm heading there, to the Lake. I have to retrieve Excalibur."
Lily smirked. "You'll need a lift."
He chuckled. "Thanks."
"Thank him when he lands you safely."
Merlin hurried off, Lily plunged into herself and growled. "Oh, dracon! Thaiss Merlin ekipass Avalon Thissass kail!"
Deep down in her heart, she felt a growl answer. She smiled to herself. "Thank you, Kilghie."
Lily didn't see Merlin come back, for she was fast asleep when he did, but the following morning, she saw him fidgeting with a sword in his hands.
Upon seeing her as she was heading to the smaller cave where she could bathe properly, he handed it to her.
Lily shook her head. "No, Merlin. You know that only you and Arthur can wield it. If I do, who knows what will happen?"
He smiled. "You're probably right."
"I'm always right."
When she came out, clad in her armour and leather trousers, her sword hanging at her belt, Lily's path crossed Arthur's.
Her eyes widened as she saw him. "Awaken at last, my lord?"
"Lily..." She pursed her lips, swallowing a laugh. "I wanted to thank you. You've lead these men as I would have, and none are dead. I'm grateful."
"They are my friends as much as yours, Arthur." She walked up to him. "What are we to do?"
"Try and save my father. And Gwen, if we can."
She smirked. "And Leon, please."
"Of course. And Leon."
Not ten minutes later, though, they all heard cries coming from outside. Arthur, Merlin and Gwaine immediately went to see what it was, while Elyan was on watching duty and Lily stayed to protect Gaius if there was any need.
"Sir Leon!"
Lily gasped at the name, and rushed out.
Her knight, upon seeing her, ran to her side and encircled her in his arms.
As she hugged him with all her might, Lily saw Gwaine's gaze on them.
Pain written all over it.
She closed her eyes and swallowed her tears.
"We've been found!" Lily pulled off Leon's embrace to see Elyan running back to them. "They're almost upon us!"
Arthur looked at Merlin. "Get Gaius." The warlock hurried back inside.
Lily waited for the physician to get out of the cave to start running behind him, Leon by her side.
They ran and ran until they reached a path between two boulders.
They all crossed, Merlin last, until the Undying arrived...
And rocks fell from the sky, blocking their way.
All gazes lifted, only to see a face Lily had never seen but knew to whom it belonged very well.
Gwen sucked in a breath. "Lancelot!"
The dark-eyed man smiled. "We need to hurry." And he rushed down the slope, one kind-faced giant following him.
Once the two groups were joined, Arthur pushed his sword to the ground. "I take it that rock fall wasn't an accident."
Lancelot chuckled and patted the giant's shoulder. "This is Percival. It is his strength that brought them down."
"Your Highness." Percival bowed his head.
Arthur smiled widely and shook his head. "Arthur."
Percival grinned and shook hands with the prince, wincing a little against his strength. "Arthur it is."
Arthur then turned back to Lancelot. "What are you doing here?"
Merlin got up at that. "It was me." Lily eyed him suspiciously. "I sent for him."
Arthur nodded. "Well, we owe you our lives. Thank you."
Lancelot shot Gwen one look full of longing, then turned to Lily. "I'm Lancelot."
She grinned. "I know. Merlin has told me everything about you."
He stole a glance at Merlin, then grinned back. "Then you are Lily." He shook hands with her.
She glared at Merlin. "You never told me you told Lancelot about me!"
"Must've slipped my mind..."
Percival chuckled. "Percival. Nice to meet you. But why are you armed?"
She lifted her gaze – up, really up – and smirked. "Try me, giant man. You'll lose."
Merlin snorted. "Yeah, don't mind her. She's Arthur made woman."
Arthur took back the leadership of the group, though Lily was never far behind, her two guardian angels following her like her shadow.
Although Gwaine was very aware of Leon's stare at his...let's say...worry, he never once said a word.
Lily was aware of this. Painfully aware.
The prince lead them to an abandoned castle, the one Lily knew to be the ancient capital.
The throne room was wide, and circular.
Gaius spoke up his worry. "Are you sure we'll be safe in here?"
"This is the castle of the ancient kings. It'll do for a while." He turned back to his men. "Search the place, see what we can find."
Lily and Gwen lit the remaining candles, Merlin lit a fire, and the rest rounded the room, finding weapons and goblets to drink in.
Percival was proving to be of kind nature. He took care of Gaius' thirst before Lily could even turn around.
This was when Arthur realised the table Gaius was sitting at was a huge, round table.
Lily felt as if fate had brought them here.
"Here. Come and join me."
Lily smirked to herself before heading to the table, sitting on Gwen's left side, next to Gaius.
Leon and Gwaine were both facing her.
Arthur helped his lady down, and remained up.
"This table belonged to the ancient kings of Camelot. A round table afforded no man more importance than any other." Merlin's gaze met Lancelot's, then Lily's. "They believed in equality in all things. So it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now. Without each of you," he looked down at Merlin on his right, "we would not be here. My father has languished in prison for too long. Tomorrow, I make my bid to rescue him. Are there any around this table who would join me?"
Some looked deep in thought, other avoided Arthur's gaze, until Lancelot stood up.
"You taught me the values of being a knight. The code by which a man should live his life. To fight with honour for justice," his gaze switched to Merlin, "freedom," then to Gwen, "and all that's good." She answered with a shy smile. "I believe in the world that you will build."
Arthur seemed profoundly touched by those words.
Elyan spoke up next. "Even though I was a commoner, a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur. It is now my turn to repay you."
Leon stood up next. "I have fought alongside you many times. There is no one that would rather die for." His blue eyes settled on Lily, she smiled back and nodded. She had understood.
So she stood up next. "You have not killed me when you learnt I had magic," Gwen and Elyan, that only two to whom that revelation was news, gasped, "and for that I will always be grateful. I will fight by your side until my time comes."
Arthur smiled kindly at her and bowed his head.
"I think we've no chance." Lily's eyes crossed Gwaine's gaze. "But I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Your enemies are my enemies." Lily smirked. She had a feeling Percival didn't speak much.
Gaius sprang up. "If you need an old man."
Gwen last stood. "You know the answer."
Silence fell on the group.
Only one had not spoken up.
"Merlin?"
The warlock shook his head. "Nah, I don't really fancy it."
"You don't have a choice Merlin."
So he stood up, but said nothing.
It only took the two friends a glance, and Arthur knew.
If only one would have fought alongside him, it would've been Merlin...
"I want to thank you for staying loyal to me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something that my father won't approve of."
A few minutes later, Lancelot, Gwaine, Percival and Elyan knelt before Arthur.
Before he could knight any, though, the prince turned to Lily. "I told you I would knight you. Now is the time. On your knees, Dragonlord."
She chuckled and did as asked, taking her spot next to Elyan.
Leon's blue eyes were settled on hers. She didn't let go for even a second.
"Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Gwaine, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Elyan, Knight of Camelot." Lily took a deep breath. Arthur's blade touched her shoulder. "Arise, Lady Lily, Knight of Camelot."
She release a breath and stood up, Leon's arms going around her at once. "Congratulations, my lady."
She laughed and cried of happiness.
Once Leon released her, Gwaine walked to them, kissing her knuckles as he did when they first met. "Well, seems that I get to call you Lady Lily for real now."
She chuckled. "And I you Sir Gwaine."
He nodded once and left the couple alone.
"Will you sleep next to me tonight?"
She looked up into Leon's eyes. "Of course I will. Why ask?" She pushed herself on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
Only Merlin behind Leon saw the single tear escaping her eyes.
The following day, all save Gwen and Gaius departed for Camelot.
It was said that Merlin and Lancelot would take out the warning bell, but Lily knew better. Merlin had Excalibur. He'd try to take the Cup of Life from Morgause.
She was worried, but she had sworn an oath. She had to protect Arthur at any cost. Might it be her bestfriend.
Camelot's outer walls were not guarded, they entered the secret tunnel unseen.
However, Lily had a feeling this was far too easy to be believable.
They reached the dungeon tower, and split up, Lily sending one last warning look to Merlin before he disappeared in the stairs.
To open the cells and free the knights was easy.
To get out of Camelot would be far less.
The warning bell had been rung.
Lily found someone she knew well as she fought the Undying. "Elfric. Nice to see you."
"Well, I shouldn't say, but it's nice seeing you too, my lady."
"Careful!" She threw him back into Percy's arms, and advanced on the men. Once they were far enough from her, she threw her palm forward. "Katyth!" They were all sent flying back. Lily whirled and found Arthur. "It won't hold, they'll come back. I need to hold the left stairs."
Gwaine walked up. "I'm in."
She nodded and hurried in the passage with him.
No Undying came that way.
Lily was cursing under her breath and was about to go back...
When Gwaine grabbed her and crushed her to a wall.
When her eyes met his, she saw the change. His brown eyes were blazing.
"Gwaine, this-"
His lips came crashing on hers.
It had nothing to do with the soft kiss he had given her not long prior. This one wasn't tender, it was all fire and passion and anger.
Gwaine was really angry with her.
But instead of pushing him away from her, Lily just wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, kissing him back with all the love she could muster.
Soon, very soon, she let go of her sword which clashed hard on the ground, and threaded her fingers through his long hair, while his hands gripped her waist and lifted her up so she could wrap her legs around him.
She wasn't thinking. Her mind had left to somewhere dark and empty while her body was in a place full of light and warm.
In fact, she was lost in Gwaine.
When at last they parted for breath, Gwaine pushed his forehead to hers. "If I die here, I want you to know-"
"Sh, you won't die here, Gwaine."
"But in case. Lily...I love you. Like I've never loved anyone else."
Her eyes locked on his.
She answered the easiest way. She kissed him for one long, soft moment. "And I love you, you stubborn, insufferable man."
That's when they realised the fight was over.
Because no sounds of battle subsided, and because Elyan called.
"Gwaine? Are you alive?"
Gwaine sighed and kissed Lily one last time, settling her back on her feet. "What do you think?"
Lily heard hurried feet, and Leon appeared at the corner of the hall. He ran into her arms and lifted her up the ground.
"Thank the heavens you're alright."
"Yes, I am..." She looked one last time at Gwaine before locking eyes with Leon. "Now kiss me, Captain, or I'll be very angry."
She was never really aware of what happened next. Her thoughts were conflicted. Conflicted because her heart beat for two very different men. Conflicted because she sensed she had to go.
Conflicted because she didn't want to go.
But she knew her father.
And Rumpelstiltskin always got what he wanted...
"So you think the forest is the best place?"
"Look, last time, the portal opened in the Lake of Avalon. This isn't close enough to Camelot. So the forest is the best place. That's where I landed when I went there the first time."
Neal nodded. "Right. I'm coming with you."
Lily looked up at the group around her, once again taking the lead without being asked. "Actually, I think it better if you all came with me. I have a feeling that the final battle is upon us. Snow, Charming, Neal, Emma, Grumpy, Granny, Red, arm yourselves. You'll need it." Then she knelt at Henry's side. "You are coming, Henry, but you have to promise not to leave without permission. If Tamara takes you as a hostage, Storybrooke is lost, understood?"
"Yes, Auntie."
"Good lad."
Lily, Lady of Avalon, then straightened up, five magic beans throbbing in her hand. "Well then, let's go to war."