𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄
— Valiant —
❝Hello again, old friend.❞

ELAINE ENTERED HER Lady's chambers the next morning after knocking softly on the polished wooden door, smiling when she noticed that the dark haired beauty was already up and dressed and sat down in front of her mirror.

"Good morning, my lady. Did you sleep well?" Elaine asked as she picked up the comb, getting straight to work and brushing through the wavy raven locks, pinning it into and elegant up-do.

"I suppose not." Morgana smiled softly at the blonde through the mirror, although it didn't quite reach her eyes, she was worried about something. And she knew Elaine would be able to tell.

"How so?" Elaine questioned, framing some of the Lady's fringe around her face and proving her correct.

"I had this dream. Oh, it was terrible, Elaine. I saw Arthur get hurt. He died fighting against Sir Valiant!" Morgana exclaimed with furrowed brows, fidgeting with the sleeves of her blue gown.

"I'm sure it was just a dream, my lady. Arthur is the best fighter in the kingdom!" The blonde assured the Ward, even though she knew of Sir Valiant's evil intentions. She put the comb down onto the dresser and retrieved some jewellery for Morgana to wear.

"I know, that's what I keep telling myself, but I know I'll feel better if I at least warn him." The Ward replied, standing to her feet.

"Very well, my Lady. Do you require anything else?" Elaine asked, glancing around the quarters for any chores that needed doing. Morgana was a very tidy person, she had already made her own bed and Gwen had already taken away her things from breakfast. There really wasn't any point for Morgana to have Elaine as a second handmaiden, but the Ward liked her company so she kept her around.

"No, no. Everything is fine now. Thank you for helping me with my hair. Go and enjoy the last tournament." Morgana insisted, shooing the girl off kindly.

Elaine curtseyed before leaving the chambers and heading for the training grounds where the battle was being held. The stands were filling up quickly, even Morgana, Gwen and the King had taken their seats, Arthur and Sir Valiant were ready to begin, but there was still one person she couldn't find in the crowds. 

Merlin.

He was nowhere to be seen, it was so unlike him not to be there. Surely, him being sacked wouldn't prohibit him from trying to stop Sir Valiant from killing Arthur? So, where was he? And what could he possibly be doing that was more important than this?

The clapping died down as Arthur and Sir Valiant got in a ready stance, shields and swords at the ready. Elaine was still searching the crowds anxiously for the raven haired boy when Valiant let out an angered roar, charging at Arthur and the fighting commenced.

Swords and shields crashed against each other as Arthur pushed his opponent back several steps, they circled each other and bashed once more until Arthur knocked off Valiant's helmet. Arthur, being a fair adversary, took off his own to make it a fair fight. One of the only things that Elaine found admirable about him, he fought fair. She relaxed a little more when she spotted Merlin finally appear in the corner of her eye.

Though she wasn't relaxed for long when Valiant knocked the Prince onto his back, standing on his shield while he tried to drive his sword through the blonde's chest. Arthur rolled out of the way just in time and stood back up with only his sword in hand, which was also knocked out of his hand a few seconds later.

Valiant stood threateningly in front of the unarmed Prince, ready to swing, when all of a sudden, the snakes emerged from Valiant's shield. The crowd stood up in shock and gasped as they hissed.

Valiant shifted nervously as he looked down at the snakes, "What are you doing? I didn't summon you."

"He is using magic!" The King exclaimed in anger.

"Now they see you for what you really are." Arthur told his opponent.

Valiant chuckled, not really having anything to lose anymore. The cat was out of the bag. Well, the snakes were out of the shield, I suppose. "Kill him!" He ordered.

The snakes advanced on Arthur, backing him to the wall. But fortunately, Morgana came to his aid and threw him a sword. "Arthur!"

Arthur caught the sword and swung around, swiftly cutting the heads off of the snaked in one swing. He then turned his attention to Valiant. He quickly disarmed Valiant's sword and pierced him through the gut with his own, whispering something unheard into the evil man's ear before dropping him to the floor. Dead.

The crowd rejoiced, Elaine even saw the king look very relieved and she couldn't help but think that Merlin had done something to make everything turn out the way it did. She didn't know what, but she was thankful that no one else got hurt because of Valiant.

⋆⋅✦⋅⋆

"Hello again, old friend. I brought you some food." Elaine greeted the dragon as she walked into the cave, gracefully sitting down with her legs over the edge and holding out the large tray of raw meat that she had stolen from the kitchen. She'd snuck away while everyone else was at the banquet so it was fairly easy to accomplish.

The dragon's hot breath ruffled her blonde hair as he leaned closer, making her giggle as she dropped the meat into his open mouth. It wasn't much, but it was the thought that counted. It's not like anyone else was going to bring him food anytime soon, the King didn't want anyone in the city to know the dragon existed. And truth be told, Kilgharrah would probably eat the poor soul.

"I have lots of things to tell you." Elaine announced, setting the empty tray beside herself and wiping her hands on her apron. She didn't want her hands smelling like raw meat all night. "I met the sweetest boy. His name is Merlin, you'd like him. I certainly do. He's so kind and brave. There's just something about him, I'm not sure what, but I know it's a good thing. Oh, and he saved the Prince's life twice already and he hasn't even been in Camelot for a month yet. There was this Knight, Valiant was his name, he had an enchanted shield-" She rambled on and on, telling the dragon all about Merlin, not knowing that Kilgharrah already knew about Merlin and his destiny. Their destiny.

The dragon smiled as he listened to her and her stories, resting his snout on her lap slightly so that she could stroke him as she spoke. He wasn't like this with anyone else, not even Merlin had seen this side of him. Elaine was special, it was no wonder that Emrys was so enamoured with her when they first met. He could already see the future unravelling in front of him, it wouldn't be long now. Elaine had met Merlin, now she just needed to learn the truth. Albion had never been closer, magic would thrive in Camelot once more and all because of one magical boy.

After Elaine had finished her story, she sighed. Kilgharrah lifted his head as if he was asking her what was wrong.

"I'm worried...about Lady Morgana." She revealed, "She's been having such terrible dreams as of late. She's had them since she was a child, but recently they've become more focused. She dreamt about Arthur dying in the tournament today. It almost came true. Do you think it's just a coincidence?"

Kilgharrah just looked at her silently, she couldn't know about Morgana's fate. There were many doors she needed to go through before ending up there.

"I must be going mad! It has to be a coincidence, it's not like Morgana can see the future." She chuckled to herself, carefully standing up with the tray. "Thank you for listening to me, old friend, but I must be going. Perhaps one day, I can return the favour."

Kilgharrah nodded at her, watching as she left the cave. She was a smart one, that girl. Loyal and courageous, a perfect match for Emrys.

❝IN A LAND OF MYTH AND A TIME OF MAGIC❞