Wow... no. i am not leaving you at that. i have another filler for you. that would just be cruel if i left you at that. it's early. i have no school tomorrow. =D Enjoy.

"I hate dragons," Artemis muttered helping another person inside the place were the wounded were being healed.

"Really?" Ava asked helping a man.

"Shut up," Artemis said.

"I don't think people can handle a third night of this," Gwen said passing her.

"We must trust Arthur," Artemis replied.

"I do, but eve he stands little chance."

"We can only hope," Artemis said helping a man.

"We have no clean water left," Gwen said.

"I know," Gaius said, "but it's too dangerous out there." Artemis grabbed the bucket from Gwen.

"Artemis!" Gaius called.

"Arthur has forbidden you to risk your life!" Ava called.

"So of course I do the opposite!" she called back. Ava laughed.

Bodies were scattered along the streets. Fire burned everywhere. Screams filled the air. Artemis ran through this all not really caring. She ran to the well as the dragon circled above. She spun the well wheel.

"ARTEMIS!" she heard someone call. She looked. Arthur was staring at her in fear. She looked up. The dragon was coming her way. Her eyes widened and she turned and started running. Among the things she couldn't handle, a pissed off dragon was at the top of the list.

She suddenly felt someone push her down. She fell to the ground. Arthur was beside her. He was injured. The dragon flew away

"Didn't I forbid you from putting yourself in mortal danger?"

"Since when do I listen to you?" Arthur got up and pulled Artemis with him into a building.

"You shouldn't have risked your life," Artemis said sternly. Arthur sat in front of her shirtless as she tended to his wound.

"I wasn't going to let anything happen to you," he said. There was a hint of a smile there. She smiled and removed the cloth she was holding from his chest, but he took her hand and put it back so her hand was right above his heart. She looked up at him.

"You make my life difficult."

"You love it."

"Maybe a little," she said with a slight smile.

"The dead number 49 men, 27 women, and further 18 women and children are unaccounted for. Most of last nights fires are all out. The castle was, in particular the western station, they could collapse. I could go on," Arthur asked. They were gathered in a small chambers in the castle. Artemis was there in the tradition Servants 'armor.' It was a leather top, trousers, gloves, and boots. All were brown. A symbol of a dragon was sewn into the vest on the left side, a pair of wings on the right. Metal armguards was the only metal on her. Her hair was braided and held behind. Her battle sword was strapped to her side.

"Do we have any further idea on how the beast escaped?" Uther asked.

"I regret to sat sire, we don't," Sir Leon said. Merlin looked guilty, and Artemis knew he was.

"There must be someway to rid ourselves of this aberration," Uther said as he went to the window and Arthur sat down in a chair worn out. He looked around. His eye fell on Artemis, who held a mask very coldly. Her hands were behind her back. "Will the Servants help?" he asked her. She gave a bitter laugh and looked down at the ground.

"No. They believe you are to blame for this, and I cannot say they are wrong."

"How am I to blame for a monster's deeds?" he asked frustrated with her. "Servants are all the same pointing blame to a person instead of the thing itself."

"And you are so predictable! Always pointing the blame somewhere else! Has it occurred to you why the dragon is angry? You murdered it's kin and locked it in a cage! If someone did that to you, wouldn't you be a little mad?"

"It's nothing but a beast! It does not feel!" Uther snapped.

"Fine! Then let's look at it differently! If you hadn't killed all the Dragonlords, we wouldn't have this problem!"

"I cannot take that back now!"

"You shouldn't have done it in the first place!"

"Wonder," Gaius said over the two of them arguing, "if there was indeed one last Dragonlord left?"

"That's not possible," Uther said.

"But if there was?"

"Even if," Artemis said, "he would not help Uther. Uther has killed his kin and his kind. If I were him, I would rather have Camelot fall than help."

"But if there is a chance he will say yes?"

"What are you saying?" he asked walking closer to Gaius.

"It may just be rumor."

"Go on."

"I'm not exactly sure, but I think his name is Balinor."

"Balinor?"

"Where does he live?" Arthur asked.

"He was last seen in Cendred's kingdom. At the border town of Ingid, but that was many years ago." Arthur stood.

"If this man still exists, then it is our duty to find him," Arthur said.

"Our treaty with Cendred no longer holds. We're at war. If they discover behind their border, they will kill you."

"I will go alone."

"No."

"I will not be detected."

"No, Arthur, it is too dangerous."

"More dangerous than staying here? I will not stand by and have my men die when I have the chance to save them."

"I've given you my orders!"

"Do not make this a test of wills Father."

"I'm not talking to you as a father; I'm talking to you as a king!" Artemis stepped in front of Arthur.

"My lord," Artemis said bowing. "I will go with. What better protection than a servant? Cendred will not dare attack me. It would mean war." Uther looked about to refuse. "Do you dare deny me?" Artemis stared at him with eyes as peircing as Gwydions. She knew how to get her way. He didn't seem to know what to say. "Good. We will ride immediately." Artemis swept past Uther. Arthur followed.

"My concern is for you," Uther said to Arthur.

"My is to Camelot," he replied. "I'll send word when I've found him." He looked to Merlin. "Prepare the horses."

"Who are the Dragonlords?" Ava asked as Artemis packed a bag for the trip. They were in a chamber in the castle for now. It was to dangerous in the lower town.

"They are not quite fully human. They are kin of dragons, and when they speak to dragons, they are forced to listen."

"Is Balinor truly the last one?"

"Yes, Ava. Dragonlords were unique to Camelot and the lands around it."

"Why?"

"I do not know."

"Have you met Balinor?"

"No. I have been denied the opportunity of meeting him."

"Why?"

"He is my father."

"You're father?" Ava asked surprised.

"Yes," she replied quietly.

"Why have you never mentioned this?"

"I didn't feel the need to. I've never met the man."

"This will be hard for you?"

"I do not know. I feel nothing right now. I should head off."

"Good luck," she replied.

"Take care. Don't put yourself in harms way."

"Fair enough."

Artemis met Arthur and Merlin at the outer wall. They said nothing. They rode fast out of Camelot. They had to reach Balinor in a hurry.

"This is it," Arthur said after much riding. They looked out over the land. "One more step and we're in Cendred's kingdom. Will he truly not attack you?"

"He wouldn't, but his men would."

"This Balinor better be worth it." Arthur urged his horse forward. They followed.

Not long after, it started to pour outside. They were forced to stop at an inn. When the entered, it went silent. There was this awkwardness.

"Greetings!" Arthur said with a forced grin. Artemis laughed and pushed him out of the way making her way to a table. The bar hand threw a glass in front of Arthur. "We're looking for a man named Balinor," Arthur said. "We are willing to pay." Arthur placed a pouch of gold on the table. "Handsomely." The bartender looked around before nodding to Arthur. He got closer.

"Never heard of him." The bartender took his money for the drink and left.

"You think one of these men is Balinor?" Merlin asked.

"I hope not," Arthur said.

"So do I," Merlin replied. Artemis chuckled.

"Relax you two. You're as noticeable as a purple unicorn."

"Again with the purple unicorns," Arthur said.

"Well, they are really noticeable."

"They don't exist."

"Says you. Now, if you'll excuse me not only am I going to get my own room away from you two, but I'm going to get a decent drink, gamble a little, and make some new friends. Problems? No? Good." Artemis got up, and she was true to her word. She was clearly better at connecting with people. By the end of the night, she managed to get the whole common room to drunkenly sing a tune about a man who woke up eating a shoe. She got a better drink and a good deal of money before she headed off to bed.

The next day they knew where they were going. Apparently a thief tried to steal from Arthur. Bad mistake. Arthur threatened him and he revealed that he knew where Balinor was.

About midday, Arthur looked slightly bothered by something.

"It's alright," he said to both of them.

"No, it's not. It's the wound. Let me have a look at it."

"No, let me have a look at it," she told Arthur. "I am the most qualified here." They stopped and Arthur leaned against a small tree. Artemis gently moved his shirt. Merlin was literally right behind her watching. She turned and smacked him.

"Stop breathing down my neck! I can't work like this!" He backed away.

"Sorry." Artemis started again but a crack in the forest stopped her.

"Get down," Merlin said pushing Arthur and Artemis down. "Get down." They did as he said. They watched as soldiers passed them. "Arthur?" he didn't respond. "Arthur?" he shook him.

"The wound must have gotten infected," Artemis said quietly. "We need to get him help."

"Why can't you do something?"

"Because I have nothing to heal an infected wounds. Rule of magic: make sure it won't get infected before you heal it!"

They got on their horses and continued riding. Arthur was slung over his horse. Their only hope was Balinor.

"Stay with Arthur," Merlin said. Artemis nodded before he ran off.

The man, presumed to be Balinor, rubbed some salve on Arthur's wound. He didn't look well. Artemis watched with her arms over her chest. He put his hand of his head and said an enchantment.

"He needs rest," Balinor said before standing.

"How long?" Artemis asked.

"Until morning," he said as he passed her.

"Thank you," Merlin added.

Balinor was kind enough to share supper with them. It was a bit awkward. Merlin and Artemis knew he was their father, but he knew not.

"Looks good," Merlin said before eating.

"What is this made of?" Artemis asked staring at the stew. There were a few things Servants do not eat.

"Nothing sacred," he replied. The answer surprised her, but she started to eat and did not question.

"How long have you lived here?" Merlin asked as the silence set again.

"A few winters."

"Must be hard," he said.

"Why are you here?" Balinor asked annoyed by the questioning.

"Just traveling," Merlin said. There was silence. "We're looking for someone…. I was told… well they said he lived somewhere here else. A man… named… Balinor." They ate a little more. "You've ever heard of him? He was a Dragonlord."

"He's passed on."

"What a shame," Artemis said dryly.

"You knew him?"

"Who are you!"

"I'm… Merlin and this is Artemis."

"Him?" Balinor asked pointing to Arthur.

"He's my master," Merlin said.

"His name?"

"His name is Lancelot," Artemis said with a straight face. "He's a knight. You know a nice one though not like all those other arrogant asses."

"His name is Arthur Pendragon. He is Uther's son."

"Yes," Merlin nodded.

"This is Cendred's kingdom. He's asking for trouble. What do you want from me?"

"Are you Balinor?" He didn't answer. He continued eating. "The Great Dragon is attacking Camelot."

"His name is Kilgharrah."

"Well we can't stop him. Only you, a Dragonlord, can."

"He doesn't act blindly. He kills for a reason. Vengeance. This is of Uther's making."

"He's killing innocent people, woman and children."

"Uther pursued me! He hunted me like an animal!"

"I know."

"What do you know about anybody's life, boy?" he asked standing. He walked away and turned back to them. "Uther asked me to use my powers to bring the last dragon to Camelot. He said he wanted to make peace with it, but he did not! He lied to me! He betrayed me! And you want me to protect this man?"

"Only to protect Camelot," Artemis objected.

"He killed everyone of my kind! I alone escaped!"

"Where did you go?" Merlin asked.

"There was a place called Ealdor," he said quieter.

"Yes."

"I had a life there, a woman… good woman. Ealdor is beyond Uther's realm, but still he pursued me. Why would he not let me be? What is it that I had done that he wanted to destroyed the life I built, abandoned the woman I love! He sent knights to kill me! I was forced to come here! To this! So… I understand how Kilgharrah feels. He's lost everyone of his kind, everyone of his kin. You want to know how that feels? Look around. Let Uther die. Let Camelot fall."

"You want everyone in Camelot to die?" Artemis asked quietly.

"Why should I care?"

"What if one of them was your child?" Merlin asked.

"I don't have any children."

"If I told you-" Merlin was cut off by Arthur saying his name.

"Merlin," he said again coughing. Balinor left. Merlin put his hand to his head frustrated.

"You were right," Merlin said to Artemis. "He wouldn't help."

"I wish I wasn't."

Artemis woke early. Balinor was already gone. She went outside and saw him by the river. She stared for awhile before going to him. She didn't notice Merlin behind her had woken and was up.

"Nature is a wondrous thing, isn't it?" she asked approaching him.

"It is. You are much more quiet and reserved then your friend," he noted.

"He is not my friend. He is my idiot twin brother. And as for quiet and reserved, perhaps you should ask Arthur. He will argue with his dying breath that I am anything but. I m only ever serious when I am worried for Camelot."

"Servants are not meant to care for one place."

"I know that, but I do. I see a place where justice rules and the balance his strong."

"You truly believe that."

"I do. Arthur is a good, strong, brave, just man. I believe he will be one of the greatest kings I have seen."

"A woman who defends a man so must love him," he replied.

"Do you expect me to call Arthur an idiot? Because he's that too." Balinor seemed amused by that.

"Does he love you back?" Aremis was silent for a moment.

"As much as I allow him to," she said quietly.

"You cautious."

"I never think with my heart, always my head. It is not a good thing, but it is what is. I love Arthur and I love Camelot. I know your hatred for Uther, but the Servants believe in what is. This was meant to happen. It is all a journey to the road of greatness."

"Some do not want greatness. Some were happy with what was."

"I could not agree more. I am one of these people, but I discovered that some must accept such greatness. Where would we be if we roamed so freely without a leader? We would get nowhere far, that's where."

"You are a wise person."

"My experiences have taught me much. I have recently thrown all my gold on the table on one place, Camelot. It is a good place. A place I wish to see become great."

"Balinor."

"And here's the idiot I love now," she said to him before turning.

"Artemis," Arthur said. "Let me have a word with Balinor."

"Don't make a prat of yourself," she said walking away. Artemis went to Merlin. He was sitting on the rocks.

"You know that Balinor-"

"Is our father? I do."

"What did you say?"

"I told him of the future Camelot."

"Did he seem swayed?"

"A little, but Arthur's going to ruin what I said anyway." Arthur came back moments later.

"What did he say?"

"He'll change his mind," Arthur said.

"He said that?" Merlin asked.

"Of course not," Artemis said. Arthur gave her a look.

"Have you no faith in me? Just give him a moment." Balinor approached. He looked at them for a moment.

"Farewell then," he said nodding and leaving back to his cave.

"That's your decision?" Arthur asked him.

"I will not help Uther," he said clearly.

"Then the people of Camelot are damned."

"So be it."

"Have you no conscience?" Arthur asked.

"You should ask that question of your father."

"And you are no better than him," Merlin said. Balinor stared at Merlin before going into his cave.

"Do waste your time Merlin!" Arthur yelled at Balinor. He marched away. Merlin looked at Artemis. She nodded to him.

"Say something to him. I tried. Now you try." Artemis followed Arthur and got on her horse. Arthur was muttering about something ridiculous. Arthur called Merlin annoyed.

"Merlin!" He didn't answer "Merlin!"

They stopped and Merlin started to make a fire. Artemis laid on the ground. Arthur was sitting on a rock. Artemis stared at the sky thinking.

"I always thought silence would be a blessing with you two, but I find it just as irritating. I think that's the thing that makes me realize you two are related. You both are a riddle."

"A riddle?" Merlin asked absently.

"Yes. You know I've grown to quite like you, Merlin." Arthur picked up a stick.

"Really?"

"Now I've realized you're as big a fool as you look," he said nudging Merlin forward with a stick. Merlin smiled.

"Yea, I feel the same. Now I realize you're not as arrogant as you sound."

"You still think I'm arrogant?"

"No more, supercilious..."

"That's a big word Merlin, you sure you know what it means?"

"Condescending," Merlin said without hesitation.

"Very good."

"Patronizing."

"Doesn't quite mean that."

"No these are other things you are," Merlin said looking at Arthur.

"Hang on!" Arthur argued.

"Overbearing," Artemis offered.

"Sh!" Arthur said suddenly hearing a snap in the woods. He rose with his sword in his hand.

"Very over bearing…," Merlin agreed.

"Merlin!"

"You wanted me to talk," Merlin said. Another snap was heard. Merlin rose with a sword in his hand. Artemis stayed laying on the ground.

"Artemis!" Arthur hissed. She waved a lazy hand at him as if to say whatever.

"Careful boy," Balinor said nearer to Artemis than the other two. "I thought you might need some help. This is dangerous country."

"And will you return to Camelot with us?" Arthur asked.

"You were right Merlin," Balinor said. "There are some in Camelot who had risked their lives for me. I owe a debt that must be repaid."

"If you succeed in killing the dragon-"

"He will do no such thing!" Artemis yelled standing.

"Artemis?" Arthur asked.

"He will not kill Kilgharrah! He is the last of an ancient, noble breed!"

"He's killing people!"

"And I wonder why!" she snapped.

"So you want a dragon roaming around the skies! Need I remind you I had to save you from that thing!"

"UH! You're infuriating!" she snapped marching off.

"Get back here!"

"No!"

"Artemis!" Arthur yelled.

"Leave me alone, Arthur!" she called back.

Artemis sat on a pile of rocks that overlooked the landscape. She didn't know how long she was sitting there, but she was joined by Balinor around sunset.

"May I sit?" he asked. She looked at him.

"Indeed," she replied moving over. He sat by her.

"If I has to take a guess, I would say you are a blue." Such a simple sentence surprised Artemis.

"How do you know the Servants so well?"

"All the Dragonlords knew of them. We were welcomed by them. How is it my daughter became one?" There was silence.

"Merlin told you."

"He did," he replied.

"A series of a events brought me to seek their help. It truly is my calling."

"Servants are rarely happy," he said. "Truly happy."

"I was okay with that," she informed him.

"Are you now?"

"Not really," she admitted.

"It is hard path to follow. Eventually, you will have to choose what you truly want, not what the word wants, not what the Servants want, what you want."

"Now I know where I get my wisdom from," she laughed. She turned serious. "I know… and you know… I think I already know the answer to that. I think… I'd rather choose a love of one than the unrequited love for an emotionless but beautiful object."

"You speak of Arthur."

"I do. What I feel for him may be all over, but what I feel is true, and yet I push him away."

"You fear what could happen. You fear the consequences. Sometimes you must say to hell with such things. I thought the Servants would have taught you that."

"They tried…. Will you leave me to think?" she asked.

"Of course." Balinor stood. "I am pleased to meet you, Artemis."

"I will not call you father if you expect such things."

"I thought you would not," he said walking away. "And I am alright with that."

Artemis stayed on her rock formation for a long time before she went back to camp. Artemis stepped over Arthur and purposely kicked him in the process. He jolted awake.

"What was that for?" he whispered.

"For complicating my life," she replied getting under her blankets.

"Crazy woman," he muttered turning over.

"You love me." He didn't deny it. Artemis closed her eyes and let sleep dawn on her.

Artemis and Balinor woke up first. Artemis decided to go down to the river. She started walking and halfway there she spotted soldiers coming her way. Quickly, she ran back to camp and woke Arthur, who in turn woke Merlin.

"Cendred's men," Arthur explained pulling his sword out. Artemis did the same. There was silence.

"Ah!" A soldier came from the hills.

"Yours," Artemis said to Arthur. They started to swordfight. Another came down the hill. "Mine!" Artemis yelled getting into combat with him. More came from the hills. Merlin and Balinor joined the fight. Artemis turned to Merlin and Balinor when she finished with the men she was fighting. Balinor was fatally wounded. She ran to him. He looked at her.

"My daughter…," he muttered. "You only get one life with the person you love. Don't let that go. You both… make me proud." With that Balinor faded.

"No, father," Merlin uttered. He was crying. Artemis did not cry. Death was celebrated by the Servants. He would rather have it that way.

"NO!" Arthur yelled from behind them. He was furious. Merlin hid his tears and wiped them away. He stood and looked at Arthur. "Camelot is doomed."

They had no choice but to ride back.

Arthur, Merlin, and Artemis entered the knights chambers. Arthur approached his father.

"I'm sorry Father. I failed you. The last Dragonlord is dead." There was silence as the room absorbed it.

"How many years have I wished for this news?"

"All is not lost, Father. We have to fight the monsters ourselves. So let us ride out and fight on our own terms. On open ground, on horseback where we can maneuver better."

"There is no point," Uther said hopelessly.

"So what? We stand here and watch Camelot fall?" Uther slowly took this in. He nodded.

"You have my blessing." Arthur looked around at the knights.

"I need a dozen knights. Though who do not fight can do so without staying on their character. For those brave enough to volunteer should know, the chances of returning are slim. No one moved at first. Then Sir Leon stepped forward and slowly the others stepped forward. They made a circle around Arthur.

"And so," Artemis said next to Merlin, "the Knights of the Round Table form to forever serve their great king." Merlin looked down at her confused. She smiled. "It was destined."

"Merlin, get out. I want to talk to Arthur alone," Artemis said entering Arthur's chambers. He was almost done getting his armor on. Merlin left without a word. "I knew you would argue with me so this time I'm taking this up with you in private. I want to fight the dragon with you."

"I thought that you were mad I wanted to kill it."

"Right now, there is no other choice. Let me go with."

"No," Arthur said.

"Arthur, please."

"No."

"Arthur, I told you… you fight; I fight; you die; I die."

"No."

"If this is about me being a woman, I am as strong… stronger than any of your men!"

"It's not about that," Arthur replied.

"Is it about me getting hurt?"

"No."

"Then what is it!"

"It is because if I die… you are the only person I trust to make sure the people of Camelot get out safe." He gripped her gently and leaned in to her. "I know that if I die… you can make my father see reason. You can get out those who can get out. I need you to do this for me if I do not come back."

"Arthur," she breathed.

"Artemis, promise me."

"I promise." Arthur leaned in and kissed her. It wasn't passionate; it wasn't deep. It was simple. A kissed made for lovers.

"Know that I love you."

"I do and know I feel the same."

"Go," Arthur said. Artemis turned and left the room.

Artemis watched from the wall as Arthur and his knights went off. Gaius came to her side.

"Care a lot for him, don't you?" Gaius asked. She nodded.

"Everyone does."

"I think he cares the same way about you." Artemis smiled slightly and looked to the ground.

"It's alright. I won't tell anyone."

"I know it can never be."

"Well, the world is a strange place, Artemis. Never underestimate the power of love. I've seen it change many things."

"Thank you, Gaius."

Artemis waited in the castle. She watched out a window. If Arthur did not return by daybreak, she would do as Arthur asked, but she prayed she wouldn't have to, but then again… she knew the chances of him living and it tore her apart. Ava came to her many times to check on her, but never stayed long. She was still tending to the injured.

Many hours of looking out the window later, Artemis saw two figures approached. She stood. They got closer. It was Arthur and Merlin. Artemis ran out the door and collided with Arthur into a kiss not caring who saw.

"I thought I lost you," she said quietly pulling away and embracing him. "I love you."

"I love you too," he replied quietly.