Lost in Albion 3 (Merlin) - Completed

Chapter 25: Gwaine and Nothing Good

Chapter 25

Not surprisingly, the small town Gwaine told me to meet him at is almost vacant of any business for travellers except the one tavern. I look up at the sign, licking my teeth with a short sigh. There is the tug pulling me back to Camelot. It is not so much painful as it is irritating. I send a mind message to Merlin, apologising as it must be irritating on him as well, but he dismisses it but also adds that he has some news for me on my return.

Sighing again, I push the door open. Warm air fills my lungs, the men and woman heavy with alcohol pulsating heat off them. No one takes notice of my entrance, just keeping to themselves and their company. I stay near the entrance, my head leaning from side to side as my gaze surfs the crowd, looking for the familiar head of hair.

He's sitting by himself in a corner, facing out towards a window. His legs are up on the seat next to him, dried dirt crusted on the heel and toe. A tankard rests in his hand, supported by the table. There's no telling how much he has drunk but I would assume that since he isn't carrying on that he has restrained himself for the night. It would be almost hard to tell that it is him, except one candle near his head lights up the outline of his face.

I beam, readjusting my pack closer to my body. If he hears my feet thumping against the ground as I walk up to him, he takes no notice. I sit down in the only other unoccupied seat, letting my satchel slump to the ground under my feet. This catches his attention, his eyes finally leaving the world outside the window.

"Ellie," he grins. "I didn't think you were going to make it."

"Neither did I," I admit, taking the drink from his hands. He begins to protest but I only take a sip before handing it back to him. "I missed a wedding for this."

"A wedding? Couldn't have been too important if you'd rather be here with me." His eyes gesture around the room as though making a point by the company he keeps. I shrug, my fingers finding interest in the grooves of the wooden table.

"Only Arthurs," I say. "To Princess Elena."

Gwaine looks surprised, sitting up straighter. "I take it that you're not talking about you own wedding."

"No," I laugh but it dies in my throat quickly. "No, just someone that shares the same name. She's nice though. She will make a great Queen." I shake my head, planting a grin on my face. To talk about the wedding is the opposite reason to why I am here. "So, tell me; where have you been since I last saw you. You didn't stay long in Mercia."

'No," he agrees. "Got a broom up my backside." I snort and a genuine laugh escapes me. "Good old Ruth."

"Well Merlin and I just stopped a Sidhe from getting the throne and let me tell you, you do not want to go against a pixie."

Gwaine smiles toothily, taking another long drink of ale. "You and Merlin, always getting into trouble."

"Oh hush," I say, smacking his arm that is resting on the table lightly. "Barely always."

"Bar fight, sneaking around, someone wanting to kill Arthur. I could go on," he says, smirking as he holds up fingers in count. I raise a brow but my head gestures in submission. "How'd Arthur take you missing his wedding?"

"He doesn't know I wasn't there. I'm hoping he never realised, and I don't have to come up with an excuse."

"An excuse? I'm insulted that you don't think I am a good enough reason that you have to lie," he taunts. I roll my eyes, taking his drink once again.

"I don't think that at all but I'm not sure how to Crown Prince would take it if I told him that I missed one of the most important days of his life to go drinking in a tavern with a drunk."