Ealdor

November, 507 AD

By some heavenly miracle, we managed to reach the mouth of the cave without any incidents and Merlin hurried everyone inside. "I will cover our tracks, you keep going!" he called out. I hung back with him and drew my bow.

"Astraea! Come on!" Arthur yelled.

"Go, we'll catch up!" I replied.

"I am not leaving without you!"

"Sorry, Sire. It's my knightly duty to protect you."

"Astraea!"

Merlin placed a hand on my shoulder and leaned down to whisper, "Go. I cannot summon Kilgharrah if he is watching." I gave him a wary look, dreading what could happen to him if I don't stick by his side – even if the idea is irrational because he's basically a superhero with powers and all. "I'll be fine. Go."

"Fine," I grumbled and gave him a quick hug before running towards Arthur, who promptly grabbed my hand as we took off sprinting through the narrow tunnel.

I slid to a stop after about a minute, unwilling to keep moving until my brother caught up.

"Why are you stopping?" Tristan asked, looking concerned as his gaze darted between Arthur and I.

"Y'all can keep going if you want. I'm waitin' for Merls," I responded, fixing my eyes on the dark passage behind me.

I heard faint footsteps and drew my bow again as I took a deep breath.

To my relief, Merlin emerged from the shadows, panting slightly but sporting a small grin. I lowered my weapon and ran to hug him. He squeezed me tightly for a moment before we let go and continued walking.

"Did you lose them?" Arthur asked.

My brother nodded. "It's safe."

"Are you sure?"

"Do I look like an idiot?"

"Yes."

"You're supposed to say 'thank you'," I told the King in a mumble while sending him a semi-playful glare. He really could've learned more from his simpleton self.

He nudged my side gently and slipped his hand into mine.

Some four minutes later, we found a fork in the path.

"Which way now?" Arthur inquired.

I watched my brother as he hesitantly looked between the two paths, a pensive frown forming upon his features.

"I thought you said you grew up in these tunnels," the King pressed.

"I did!" Merlin quickly replied. "It's just... it could be that way…" he nodded towards the left.

"Or it could be that way," Arthur completed as he nodded right.

"Yes."

"That is very reassuring."

"Just pick one," I cut in with an eye-roll. "Anything's better than back."

The ground rumbled with the sound of footsteps, proving my point.

"Let's go right!" I decided and shoved Arthur towards the path to the right before motioning for Tristan and Isolde to follow. They did so without hesitation and I went in behind them, leaving Merlin to trail in case he needs to use his magic again.

"I thought you said we had lost them," the King grumbled as he glanced back at my brother.

"I thought I had," Merlin defended.

"It will not take long for them to catch us," Tristan pointed out, his voice grave as he took a glance down at the struggling, limping Isolde.

I clenched my jaw as I scanned her for a moment, knowing that she would likely not survive another encounter with the enemies. Arthur's ribs aren't in a much better shape. Kilgharrah obviously can't fit inside the tunnels and help us, and I would never dare to suggest bringing Phoenix and Aithusa into this. There's only one plan I could think of.

"Keep going. Merls n' I will 'Timon and Pumbaa' this crap," I announced as I halted while giving my brother a knowing look. He instantly nodded, a determined look taking over his features.

"You will what?!" Arthur questioned, his eyes widening in bewilderment as he stared straight at me.

"Create a diversion," Merlin clarified.

The King quickly shook his head in protest. "No, Astra. It is too risky."

"There aren't many of them, judging by the footsteps. We can take 'em, " I argued.

"Besides, I know these tunnels and Agravaine does not," Merlin threw in.

Arthur clenched his jaw and I reached up to give him a quick kiss. "We'll be fine, I promise."

He let out a shaky breath and placed a hand on the side of my face. "Just... do not do anything stupid."

"Us?" Merlin questioned with a scoff and a small grin.

The King still didn't seem happy, but he relented and kissed my forehead before continuing to walk with Tristan and Isolde while Merlin and I ran back.

"What's the plan?" I asked in a whisper.

He responded with a shrug and a small smirk.

I raised an eyebrow. "All right. Fun. Lead the way."

Suddenly, Merlin grabbed my arm and moved us to press against a rocky wall – just in time for a stray light to reach us, the flames causing a parade of shadows to dance through the tunnel. He peeked around the corner and his breath hitched. I gave him a questioning look.

'Agravaine,' he mouthed.

I took a deep breath and tightened my grip around my bow. Then we shared a nod and stepped out of hiding.

"Oh, hello!" my brother chirped as several enemy gazes fell on us.

In a flash, they took off running our way and we turned to sprint down the tunnel, taking the path to the left this time to lead them away from our party. Navigation was tricky, seeing as we only had the faint lights from the enemies' torches to illuminate our path, but we managed to cover a nice distance without crashing or tripping. That is until there was nowhere left to run as a natural wall blocked the way.

"Awesome. Now what?" I questioned in a whisper while my eyes darted around for any possible escapes.

The enemies soon reached us and we turned around, panting as we shared a wary look.

"Merlin and Astraea," Agravaine acknowledged us through gritted teeth.

"Aggravate! What a coincidence!" I responded with a grin while stepping towards him a little.

"Where is Arthur?" he demanded in a growl.

I didn't waste a chance to quote the great Stiles Stilinski, "I dunno. We haven't seen him since the last time we saw 'em."

Agravaine took a threatening step towards me, so Merlin grabbed my arm and moved me behind him.

"Be careful," he told the traitor in an eerily calm voice.

The snake bastard frowned. "What are you talking about? Where is Arthur?"

Merlin shifted his weight. I looked up at him and noticed an almost remorseful expression taking over his features. What is he planning?

"Tell me. Now!" Agravaine pressed. "Or I will have to kill you both."

My brother shook his head and made a 'tsk' sound. "I don't think so."

The man took a menacing step towards us and, in a flash, he was sent flying backwards along with his companions, a rumble shaking the tunnels as they landed on the hard stony ground with an echo of groans.

"Ye hast been yeeted," I said with a smirk.

Agravaine gasped for air, his eyes finding us as a look of complete shock claimed his face. He sat up, looking straight at Merlin as he raised an accusatory finger while brilliantly deducing, "You have magic!"

"I was born with it," my brother revealed while holding his head up proudly.

Agravaine's eyes travelled to me with a questioning look.

"I'm just here for moral support," I waved him off.

He returned his attention to Merlin as he stood up. "So it is you," he stated in a breathless whisper. "You are Emrys."

"That is what the druids call me," my brother affirmed.

Agravaine turned to me again. "And you… You are his shadow."

I quirked an eyebrow while recoiling slightly. So I have a superhero alias now, too?! This can't be real life! "Right..." I mumbled.

"And you have been at court all this time, eh?" the snake bastard asked as his eyes fixed on Merlin again, looking almost fearful as he put on a smile. "At Arthur's side," he continued with a forced chuckle. "How you have managed to deceive him," he shook his head. "I am impressed, Merlin. Perhaps we are more alike than you think."

He took another step forwards and outstretched his arm to Merlin. Almost as if asking for a truce? Merlin put out a hand to stop him and Agravaine paused. Something sinister flashed past his eyes and he suddenly pulled out a dagger. Merlin's eyes glowed gold again and Agravaine was sent flying backwards one more time, then he fell limp with his eyes still open.

Merlin started to breathe a bit heavily and I looked up at him to find some distress in his eyes as he stared at the man's unmoving body. I slipped my hand into his and gave it a light squeeze. He sighed and squeezed back before taking a few steps towards Agravaine.

There was blood smeared on the rocky wall from where his head collided with it, and his chest wasn't rising. I slowly crouched beside him and felt his wrist for a pulse, holding my breath for a few moments as I waited for a sign of life. But nothing came.

"Well, we won't have to worry about him anymore," I announced as I stood up and returned to Merlin's side.

He dropped his head and clenched his jaw, a troubled look settling in his eyes.

"He dug his own grave, Merls. You did what you had to. You're a hero," I reassured him while wrapping my arms around his torso.

My brother returned the hug and let out a sigh. I could feel some tension leaving his body, which caused me to smile slightly.

"C'mon, Art's gonna freak if we don't catch up soon," I pointed out when we pulled apart. He chuckled under his breath and slipped his hand into mine again, then he began to lead the way back to where we left the party.

"So... The shadow, huh?" Merlin commented with a small grin as we walked.

"Yep!" I chirped. "Looks like I'm officially your side-kick!"

"You are not my side-kick. You are the... Bucky to my Steve," he countered with a squeeze to my hand and a knowing look.

A big smile formed on my face. "And we can make our own movie! 'Captain Emrys and the Winter Shadow'."

"Captain Emrys," he echoed as he laughed slightly.

I smirked in triumph at the sound, happy that I was able to make him laugh, and I gave him a side hug.

Merlin slid to a stop, forcing me to halt with him, and he held a finger to his lips as another light was seen in the distance. I drew my bow and stepped in front of him, figuring that it is my turn to face whatever enemy might be coming our way.

The figure sped up and I dropped my weapon when I saw who it was.

"Astra! Merlin!" Arthur ran the rest of the way and he swept me off my feet in a tight hug.

"Hi, Artie," I whispered as I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

"Where the hell have you two been?!" he asked as he set me down, keeping an arm around my waist.

"Aww. Were you worried about us?" Merlin questioned with a teasing smirk.

Arthur scoffed and tightened his grip on me. "Not you, Merlin."

"Oh, please. Merls is your best friend whether you're willing to admit it or not," I shot back while smirking up at him. He rolled his eyes. "You'd be lost without him."

"Do not be ridiculous, Astraea," he grumbled and unwrapped his arm from around me before starting to walk back the way he came from.

I chuckled along with my brother and he grabbed my hand as we started to follow after the King.

I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders at the knowledge that Agravaine is no more, and I hope that my brother feels the same way even under the burden that inevitably comes with ending a life, no matter whose it was.

We soon caught up to Tristan and Isolde and we made it out of the tunnels with no further incidents. Sunrise was nearing when we reached the outside, a faint layer of bright orange illuminating the mountaintops as the giant star began to push out the darkness and bless us with another day.

"So, where now?" Tristan wondered as he looked around.

"To the plains beyond the mountains," Arthur responded.

"Are you sure?" the middle-aged man questioned with a frown. "That is Lot's kingdom. He is no friend of the Pendragons."

"Or we can get back to Camelot," I piped in. "We can't run forever and I'm itchin' to hunt some witches." Also, I wanna try to find Dallas before I spontaneously combust from worrying about him, but I kept that part quiet.

"No, we need to keep going," Arthur argued with a shake of his head.

"If we hold up in the Forest of Ascetir, we will be safe, at least for a while," Merlin backed me up.

The King disagreed again.

"If anyone has survived this battle, that is where they will be hiding," my brother pressed.

"I know which I would do," Tristan commented, eyeing Merlin and I before turning to Arthur. "You are the King, Arthur," he said, his tone almost taunting. "You are our leader–"

"All right!" Arthur raised his voice slightly, cutting the man off. "Forest of Ascetir it is," he relented and began walking without another word.

"Gotta love democracy," I mumbled to Merlin.

I felt my jaw clench as my eyes darted between the potatoes I was chopping and Tristan in the distance, a flame threatening to light up in my chest fuelled by the burlesque looks he kept giving Arthur while the two of them 'teamed up' to collect firewood.

"Should I worry that my husband's head will catch fire?" Isolde asked me with a bit of an amused smirk.

"I wish I could say 'yes', but I don't have any magic powers," I answered through gritted teeth, earning a nudge to the side from Merlin, who was beside me arranging a campfire.

I stole a glance at the woman, half-worried that she might fling the knife she was sharpening towards me, but she simply let out a dry chuckle.

My fist clenched around my own knife when Arthur suddenly stormed away from the middle-aged man and I set my task aside as I jumped to my feet. I stopped by Isolde for a second to tell her, "For the record – your husband's a jerk," before sprinting after my King.

I gently grabbed his forearm when I reached him. He stopped walking and turned around to face me. I immediately took notice of the stormy look in his eyes as they travelled up and down my figure.

"Do I need to castrate an ass? 'Cause I will," I promised, smiling a little in hopes that it might ease his mood.

It didn't work.

"What if he is right, Astra?" Arthur questioned, his voice breaking a little.

"No, he's not! He's just a resented brat who found the most perfect target to unload all his frustrations on."

He scoffed and turned away, so I tightened my grip on his arm and pulled him back to me.

"Who's he to comment on who you are, anyway? He doesn't even know you! But do you know who knows you? Me! I know you! And I know that you're the most awesomest King this land has ever known!" I took a sharp breath when I ran out of oxygen from speaking so quickly. "Wow, that's a lot of 'knows'."

My words seemed to make a dent as his pretty lips curved upwards a little. "Most awesomest?" he echoed while raising an eyebrow.

"Yup! And if you don't believe me, then you're dumb, 'cause I'm always right."

Arthur wrapped me tightly in his arms and he tucked his face in the crook of my neck. I instantly returned the hug and gently ran a hand up and down his back.

"Haters gonna hate, Artie. Ya' just gotta shake 'em off," I added with a small grin, even if he couldn't see it.

He let out a breathy chuckle and nodded. A tingle shot through my spine as his nose brushed against the exposed skin of my neck, but I ignored it. Now's not the time to get flustered!

"Taylor Swift wrote a song about that," I commented. "Wanna hear it?"

"Just stay here for a minute," he whispered.

I lifted a hand to stroke his hair and kissed the side of his head. "For as long as you want, Artie."

There is something uniquely special about sitting under the night sky. Even on a cold November. The black expanse above makes me feel incredibly small. Almost insignificant. Like a random stray ant that crawls onto your tablecloth when you're having a picnic. But when I look at the stars, that feeling goes away. Instead, I'm filled with peace and comfort. As individuals, they, too, might seem small and insignificant. However, when you put them together, they become part of something much bigger. I like to think people are like that, too. Insignificant on their own, great when they become part of a constellation they can shine with.

Even if they have to step out of time to find that place.

A strong gust of wind caused my breath to hitch as the remaining leaves on the pine-tree I was sitting on shook, making a loud whooshing sound. My arms shot out to cling onto one branch on each side of me and I waited with widened eyes until the heavy air let up and allowed me to lean back in peace again.

"Psst! Astra!" A whisper calling from the ground caused me to look down, finding Merlin standing at the base of the tree. In a flash, he was climbing up and he didn't stop until he reached me, sitting on a thick branch just below the one I was occupying.

His eyes held a troubled look as they connected with mine

"'Sup, buddy?" I asked in a tired mumble. "It's, like, two in the morning."

He let out a sigh. "I am worried about Arthur."

"Glad to know it's not just me," I responded.

"H-he... It is almost like he has given up…" Merlin said. "He said that Camelot should find itself a new king while the two of you move to America and start a new life he might be more worthy of."

My eyes widened. "He said that?!"

He nodded. "He also said that you're the only good decision he has ever made."

As wrong as this may sound – given the circumstances – I couldn't help but feel my ego grow a little at his words. And my heart grow a lot.

I bit down on my bottom lip and looked away from my brother before letting out a shaky sigh. "That snake bastard Aggravate really messed with his confidence, huh?" I said through gritted teeth. "I wish I could bring him back just to kill him again. Only, I'd make him suffer more."

Merlin gave me a disturbed look and I responded with a nonchalant shrug.

"Sadly, we cannot do that," he told me pointedly, "but there must be something we can do to help him."

I let out a puff. "Well, I'm all outta motivational speeches and he didn't wanna listen to 'Shake It Off'. What else d'ya got?"

My brother raised an eyebrow at me while his jaw clenched.

"Sorry, my brain's fried," I mumbled, knowing that he's not amused by my lack of seriousness.

"You have hardly slept since we left Camelot," he noted.

"Stalker much?" I teased with a small grin. He narrowed his eyes at me. "'M just worried 'bout Dallas, that's all."

Merlin reached for one of my hands and gave it a small, reassuring squeeze. Then he let go and began to climb back down. I tilted my head at him.

"Come on. We can ask Kilgharrah for advice, and maybe he will also be able to tell you where Dallas is," he said.

I grinned at his brilliant idea and climbed down after him.

Despite the world of chaos that surrounds me, I couldn't help but feel overjoyed when the great dragon descended upon a field. Phoenix and Aithusa followed suit, only more clumsily as they still haven't quite mastered how to operate their wings.

The two babies charged at Merlin and I without warning and we fell backwards laughing when their Great-Dane-sized bodies collided with ours.

"Hey, Finny! Hey, Ai!" I greeted through giggles.

"Friends! Friends! Friends!" Phoenix squeaked as he jumped in circles around Merlin and I.

"Best friends!" Aithusa chirped in.

I shared a smile with my brother and leaned against him when we were allowed to return to our feet. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders while his other hand ran gently up and down Aithusa's back. Phoenix nuzzled his head into my stomach and I instantly started petting his head, liking the feeling of his smooth, warm scales against my cold hands.

Kilgharrah cleared his throat, causing us to look up at him.

"Well, thank you. You saved us all," Merlin told him with a small grin.

"The land of Albion and the future we have all fought for was in peril," the great dragon responded.

Ah, right. We're in the middle of a crisis.

I bit down on my bottom lip. A sad glance passed between Merlin and I as our eyes connected for a moment and he let out a shaky sigh, dropping his head slightly. Aithusa nudged his hand, causing a grin to flash across his face.

"What is troubling you?" Kilgharrah inquired.

"Art's given up on life. We don't know how to snap his head back into the game," I replied, feeling my heart twisting in my chest.

"He has lost the will to fight, he feels he has failed his people, he believes he no longer deserves to be king," Merlin explained further in a grave tone.

"The fate of Camelot rests in your hands, young queen and young warlock," the great beast responded in a calm tone. Merlin and I exchanged a wary look. "For you and you alone can restore the King's faith."

"How?!" Merlin questioned.

"You must make him believe that he can be king once more."

"Yeah, we figured as much," I responded while rolling my eyes at his vague answer. "But how do we do that? One more blow and he'll end up like... Thor after Infinity War!"

Merlin nodded in agreement. Then we glanced at each other and looked away before our eyes connected again in a flash, widening as the same idea seemed to silently blaze between us.

"Thor!"

"Mjölnir!"

"Excalibur!"

Kilgharrah grinned while Aithusa and Phoenix skipped around joyously.

"It seems like you have a plan," the big dragon noted.

"Always," I responded with a wink.

"The people who fled Camelot – do you know where they are hiding?" Merlin asked him.

"What about the horses?" I threw in.

"I can cover many leagues in the blink of an eye," Kilghrarrah responded. "They should not be too hard to find."

A big smile formed on my lips as I cheered, "Yes! All aboard Air-Dragon!"