Flame (Merlin Fanfiction)

Chapter 16

We drew near to the border of the camp, my curiousity levels rising. There were gaurds placed at each side of a tree each. Naturally, gaurds told us to halt there and then, questioning our identity. They didn't seem to want to check us over after we told them who Arthur was, so we snuck our weapons in very easily. 

The Drewid camp was beautiful. Nothing compared to Camelot of cousrse, but breathtaking all the same. There were mitchmatched pots and pans, tents and curtains everywhere. Everyone seemed to know everyone here, and it showed. Everyone greeted everyone with a warm welcoming smile, no matter who it was. Children ran and played, while the adults took care of the work. It seemed no one was in charge here, like the whole community was seated around one, big, round table. Everything was peaceful and quiet, with only the sound of horses hooves and pots clanging together. Merlin nudged me and pointed to a man in purple yarn robes. He looked cheery, olive skin and crinkles by his eyes when he laughed. And his eyes were nearly identical to Howard's. A fierce blue. It made a somewhat unpleasent clash with his golden skin, but you could get used to it. I turned to Merlin and Arthur. "I've got this one. I'll yell if I need help." They didn't even bother to argue. They knew me too well. 

I flattened out my clothes and exahled outward, suddenly nervous. I aprached the man with a smile, and bowed. "Good day sir." I said, hoping I wasn't being too formal. He laughed. "Please, my dear, call me Maldouse. Leader of the Drewid company." He spread ihs arms out and basked in in surroundings. Then turned to me with an expecting look. "So who are you, my dear? And your friends?" He said, reffering to Merlin and Arthur. I blushed. I figured it best not to mention out real names or identities, just incase he couldn't be trusted. "My name is Leah Rose." I began. " The boy with the black hair is my... cousin, Stewart," I said, making it up on the spot. "And the blonde man is my adopted brother... Pablo." I almost winced at my own stupidity. Pablo? Oh my god. But Maldouse grinned a wide smile. "well bring them over and let us talk." I waved them over as Maldouse started to walk toward a particularly grand tent. I hung back, waiting for a chuckling Merlin and a bemused Arthur. "Pablo?" He grinned. I shrugged and sighed as Merlin burst into a new fit of laughter. Arthur turned to him. "I don't know what your laughing about, Stewert." He said, thumping Merlin on the back of his head. Merlin's laughter ceased but  smile still played on his lips. "C'mon," I said walking toward the tent Maldouse was in. "Time to either make new freinds, or get killed."