A/N: Well because of all the requests via reviews and PMs I've received recently, I've decided it's time to reopen this story. It's taken several days, a lot of digging, and a ton of thinking to try and recall where this story was going but I finally have it, and the sequel, planned out. So strap on in, be prepared for better grammar, and enjoy the ride. Blood Bonds is back! (May 6, 2017)

By the end of the first day, Fira was exhausted again. Her back, still a bit sore from the wyvern attack, was done with riding. Galahad noticed her dragging behind and dropped back to her.

"You alright?" He was concerned to see her hunched over.

She chuckled, sitting straighter. "I'm fine. I just wish we could rest."

"Soon enough," he assured her. "Just a bit farther I'm sure."

And indeed he was correct. Another half hour passed but soon Leon called a halt. A set of beautiful apple trees had cropped up beside the road and before a river. Here they tied their horses up and made dinner.

"Alfheim seems simply wonderful." Fira smiled as she sat with Galahad and Gareth, chewing on an apple and some cheese.

Gwaine walked over. "Yes it is. The last time I was here was years ago, and I have missed it."

Tor and Morholt gestured for him to sit with them. He did as offered, sitting beside them and eating some fruit.

"When were you last in Somerset, sir Gwaine?" Tor asked this as he fluffed his pack to use as a pillow.

"Oh, boy," Gwaine blew some air as he thought about it. "At least ten years ago."

Morholt nodded. "Things haven't changed too much, except for our King."

"Still a land of warm coasts and magical forests then." Gwaine smiled and closed his eyes, thinking of the beautiful land.

"So you have been there then," Morholt chuckled and nodded. "People seem to remember the land most."

"Oh I remember the people too!" Gwaine smirked. "One in particular."

Tor laughed long. "And what was her name then?"

"Lorie." Gwaine smiled and blushed, a rarity for him. "My, was she one hell of a woman. Gifted in magic, too, you know."

"Only the best for Gwaine." Percival came over and pat him on the back. "Isn't that right."

"Of course!" Gwaine grinned and lifted his cup to the heavens. "To Lorie, wherever you are."

The days went on and soon they had passed from Alfheim into the next kingdom. The city of Alfheim had been spectacular, so beautiful in its stonework and decor that they didn't want to leave it. But they had to

"A word of warning," Sir Tor mentioned to Leon, "In this kingdom we must approach the King first before traveling in his lands. He is very particular about that."

"That's how we wound up in jail for a few days," Sir Morholt added bemusedly, "We didn't realize he was at war and that traveling through his lands require permission."

"Good to know," Gaheris nodded.

Elyan agreed with a snort then asked, "So how far is Somerset now."

Tor shrugged, "Probably two weeks, I'd say, without interruption."

"What's the country we are entering called," Leon asked them.

"Oxfordshire," Tor told him, "We will make for White Horse Hill, where the central city castle is located."

"How many days' ride is it to there," Leon asked him.

Morholt and Tor both shrugged, Morholt replying that it was only a matter of about three days at most from where they were at then.

Gwaine piped up, "It's a pretty city."

"You've been there, then," Fira asked him.

Gwaine nodded. "More than once, but it's a bit too cloudy over long stays for my taste."

"Have you been everywhere, Gwaine," Fira joked.

Gwaine nodded, "Most places."

They camped that night in the open air because there was no shelter to be seen. As such they picked the top of a hill near a set of medium sized boulders where the lookout could sit. First up on watch were Gwaine, Tor, and Morholt. Everyone settled into their bedrolls and got fast to
sleep.

Except Fira.

Fira couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned, trying to find a relatively comfortable sleeping position but sleep eluded her. Finally someone came over to her, tiptoeing, and she glanced up to see who it was.

"Are you alright," Gwaine asked, somewhat amused. "You've been rather restless for the past hour."

Fira rolled her eyes but sat up and shook her head, "Just can't sleep. Mind if I join you three?"

"If you must," Gwaine complained good-naturedly.

Fira used his sleeve to pull herself, much to Gwaine's amusement. Together they walked over to where he had been sitting with Tor and Morholt. The grass was springy, comfortable to her feet as she slipped off her boots and socks. The blades of grass slipped between her toes and cooled them in the night air.

"So in Somerset magic is legal?" Fira turned to face her three companions. "For everyone?"

Tor nodded. "Of course. We recognize that because some have inborn talent, it would be foolish to kill all sorcerers. Instead they are trained to use their powers wisely." He played with a stick, twirling it between his fingers. "Did you never stop to think there were refuges for your kind out in the world?"

"No I didn't," she admitted. "All I've ever known is Camelot."

Morholt smiled at her in pity. "Camelot is hardly the place for a warlock to grow up."

Gwaine huffed. "We've looked out for her well enough."

Tor held up his hand and apologized. "Of course, Sir Gwaine. I meant nothing of that sort." He turned back to Fira. "But you could've learned so much about your magic in Somerset. It makes me sad that you were robbed of that privilege."

"Indeed, I would've liked that." She turned to the two knights of Somerset. "But since you know my title, you know my purpose is to remain in Camelot and protect the knights."

Morholt nodded to her. "Yes. And we cannot change the past, only the future. It is our honor to help the Lady of the Knights."

Fira smiled and tipped her head to him. She turned to Gwaine and bid him first goodnight, then the others. She needed to rest.

That night she was plagued by dreams about two traitors and a lady dressed all in green. With the lady rode a gigantic knight, at least as large as Percival, head to toe in green armor. His eyes were hidden.

She did not yet know what it meant, but she knew it meant something. There were two traitors, or would be, and Fira knew it was her duty to stop them.