Rating: G
Pairing/s: None
Character/s: Merlin, Kilgharrah, Aithusa
Summary: With Kilgharrah’s help, Merlin finds the Aithusa
Warnings: Set after 5x13
Word Count: 389
Prompt: #49 Lost
Author's Notes: Sequel to Noise of Loneliness, Dreaming of the Past & His Gift, His Duty.
As they flew over forests, plains, villages and around mountains, Merlin thought of how they might restore Aithusa to a more natural form. How the damage done in the years couped up with Morgana could be undone. And not just the physical.
If Kilgharrah thought it was a lost cause, he was keeping it to himself. Merlin knew the old dragon wanted this to work as much as he did and there was no destiny to stop him this time.
It took a few days and nights until they finally found the cave Aithusa had taken refuge. It was half way up a mountain and the entrance was not big enough for Kilgharrah to enter. The Great Dragon used his talons to cling to the mountain’s side so Merlin was able to clamber off his back into the cave.
“I’ll wait at the bottom. Call me if you need me.”
“Thanks,” Merlin smiled and turned into the cave as Kilgharrah took flight again. He saw Aithusa was resting, huddled on the ground at the back of the small cave. “Aithusa,” he called softly.
The white dragon opened her eyes and raised her head to look at where the noise had come from. When she saw Merlin, she scrambled to her feet and assumed a rather defensive stance.
“It’s okay, Aithusa,” Merlin soothed. “I’m not going to hurt you. I want to help you.”
Merlin stretched out his hand towards the dragon as he moved closer. Aithusa made a pained noise and took a few steps back until she couldn’t move any further. He lowered his hand and tried again in the dragon’s tongue. “I’m here to help you. I want to right the wrongs that were done to you. I am your kin, as is Kilgharrah, and we both want the best for you, Light of the Sun.”
Some of Aithusa’s fear seemed to subside as Merlin spoke to her in the dragon’s language. She made some tentative steps towards the Dragonlord. Merlin slowly raised his arm again, stretching it towards the white’s dragon and inched towards her.
It took a bit of time, but Aithusa allowed Merlin close enough to touch her. As he did, his magic reached out to give added reassurance.
After a time, Merlin let Kilgharrah know he would spend the night by Aithusa’s side.
~*inspired being*~