Lady of Magic

XV

The young couple finds Gwaine in the hallway. Merlin stops him.

"Do you know what this is?" he asks, handing over the cloth. The knight looks at it.

"It looks like iron dust. There is only one place that this could have come from."

"Great," Ava responds. "Where?"

"Now why are you two asking? Because I know that it is not for after the wedding."

Merlin is quick to respond. 

"We think it can lead to where Gaius is."

"Well then lets go."

"You are planning on coming us?" Ava asks.

"Yes. Now lets go."

The two look at each other before following the knight. The two men go to prepare the horses while Ava grabs a sword from the armory. She should start carrying one all the time at this rate, but she tries to be "proper". She rushes out of the castle to join them. She pulls herself onto the saddle quickly. Merlin and Gwaine look at her.

"What?"

"Are you really going in a dress?" the sorcerer asks.

"Yes. Now we're wasting time."

She kicks the sides of the horse, taking off out of the citadel. The other two follow behind her. Gwaine takes the lead and the three hurry off in one direction. It is a good thing that Gwaine has traveled all over and knows the layout of the land very well. Soon the three arrive to a set of caves as the sun is starting to set. Once they dismount their steeds, Merlin lights a couple torches. The knight and the princess draw their swords before entering in the passage way. Soon a fork in the path appears.

"Merlin and I will take this one," the red head orders. "You the other."

"Why that split?"

"Merlin stupidly didn't bring a sword," Ava points out.

"Fell appreciated," Merlin jokes. The knight agrees and they split. The couple walk side by side down the tunnel. Merlin holding a torch and Ava holding a sword. Just as they turn a corner, Morgana rushes toward them. She sends the two flying back against the stone wall. The force knocks the wind out of Ava, but she pushes herself up, holding the sword.

"Are you going to fight me with a sword, Sister?" the witch asks.

"Well magic alone doesn't seem to work."

"You know, I am curious what you saw when I imprisoned you in your nightmares. Maybe once Gaius gives me the information I need, I'll have a little peak inside your mind."

Some color leaves the warrior's face. Merlin flings Morgana back and she collects herself quickly. The princess hurries to strike. The dark hair sorceress holds her back. Though it is obviously difficult, she manages to keep the couple at bay enough where they are almost equal. Ava takes this advantage to tip the scale a bit and send the other woman across the cavern with magic. 

A man with a staff enters, pushing the couple to the other side. A pressure holds the two in place, preventing them from using magic. Morgana stands up and brushes dust off f her. She holds up her hand and smirks. All the air starts to leave Ava's lungs. An invisible hand grasps at her neck.

"Actually, I think I will just send you straight back," Morgana asks. "Did you find out the information?"

"Yes."

"Then tell me."

The man looks at her before using his staff. He directs a spell at her, releasing Ava from her grasp. The princess falls to her knees, gasping for air. Merlin hurries to her side as the man kneels before them.

"I am Alator," he informs them. "I believe in the future the two of you will usher in. I know of the burden you two carry hiding the truth. I, along with other sorcerers, are willing to lie our lives down for you two."

"Thank you," Merlin responds. "Where is Gaius?"

"Your friend has already found him."

The two thank him again before leaving the cave system. They find Gwaine waiting by the horses.

"Where is Gaius?" Merlin asks.

"Agravaine took him back to Camelot," he informs them.

"Of course he was here," Ava mutters under her breath. The three mount the steeds and hurry back to the castle. She keeps thinking of what Morgana said to her. And with Agravaine being at the castle, it is a threat looming over her. They manage to get there not too long after Gaius returned safely. Arthur is outside waiting for them. He looks slightly annoyed.

"You just disappeared," he scolds his sister. She leaps down easily.

"You would have stopped me if I told you the plan."

Agravaine steps forward. 

"I think we owe Gaius and Merlin an apology, my lord."

"He is right," Arthur states. "I am sorry I questioned you, Gaius. And Merlin, you were right."

Merlin smiles at the fact Arthur told him he is correct. The group disperses. Most to get some rest. While Arthur is not looking, Ava pulls Merlin up to her chambers. He pushes her against the wall as they start kissing. Merlin pulls away.

"Are you okay?" he asks her. 

"I don't want to think-"

"Think about the spell you were under?" She nods her head. "I don't want to use you like that."

She kisses his lips.

"Than just stay here, please."

"That I can do."

He picks her up and lays her on her bed. He lays next to her and he pulls her close to him. The two lay there, just focusing on each other.