A Ride Away from the Castle [Lilith]

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin had organised to meet Lilith after work that day, and he was incredibly nervous. He worked with Lilith daily carrying out Gaius' various chores, and ate dinner with her most nights. She was a welcome presence in his daily routine, and this ride was a chance to spend some time with her out of a working environment. And somewhere where Arthur won't turn up to distract her! Merlin thought wryly; damn his chiseled good looks and proportionate ears!

He was holding the rains to a horse he had borrowed from Arthur's private stable in the barracks. Merlin had turned down a dappled grey mare in favor of this much larger chestnut stallion in hope of impressing Lilith, and he was already beginning to regret that choice. The horse, taller than Merlin, was even more restless than he was, tossing his head and loudly whinnying. Merlin was not a confident rider, and had instead opted to lead the horse to this point on the outskirts of the city by foot.

"Ssh." he said, waving a warning finger at the horse, and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

[Lilith Blackmore]

Lilith was excited about her meeting with Merlin after work. She had worked next time him for quite some time now and yet they never managed to really get to know each other. She knew that he was a talented magician, something she aspired to be, and that he also worked three jobs in the palace. She had watched him be ordered around by two different men and smiled as she saw him work hard, though his clumsiness had always made her giggle.

Lilith briefly wondered if they were going to be interrupted by Arthur again. Part of her still glowed from his attentions paid on her, yet another part felt guilty. Perhaps subconsciously she knew that Merlin had a thing for her, but consciously she did not know what she felt for either of the boys. Arthur was handsome and brave, yet Merlin was intelligent and funny. And she did like his smile.

Lilith arrived on her white mare. The horse was not completely white; it had black legs and a little black diamond pattern on its nose. Her father had given it to her when she became Gaius' apprentice. He thought that she might sometimes be sent out on errands that required a speedy and trusted horse. Unfortunately, Lilith had not become an excellent horsewoman, though she knew how to ride and keep her balance. She still found herself afraid sometimes.

Lilith had changed her gown before meeting Merlin. She wore a light blue dress that complimented her eyes and adorned her dark locks with little blue flowers she had found in the garden. As she cantered to where Merlin had asked to meet her, she spotted him by his rather large, impressive horse. Lilith dismounted and walked the rest of the way, leading her horse. She did not want to appear rude.

"Hello Merlin!" Lilith greeted with a smile. She could feel her palms growing warm.

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin could hear horses hooves before he could see Lilith, and he quickly patted down his hair and cleared his throat in preparation. The stallion beside him swung his broad brown neck around in the direction of the approaching horse; unprepared for the sudden movement, Merlin's arm was yanked that way too and he almost toppled off balance.

He righted himself just as Lilith came into view, and a broad smile spread across his face as he waved to her. She looked very pretty, wearing a dress Merlin hadn't seen before, and the small blooms in her hair reminded him of spring. Her attire combined with the white horse beside her made Lilith look like a noble, Merlin thought. He was suddenly very aware that he was wearing the same old red and blue clothes he wore daily, and hoped Lilith didn't think he wasn't making an effort. He'd spent so much time worrying about finding a horse, that he hadn't even remembered to change his clothes.

"Hi Lilith!" Merlin replied in greeting, watching as Lilith made her way toward him. He moved his eyes consciously to her horse so she wouldn't think he was staring at her... "What a lovely horse." What a lovely horse! Merlin was already berating himself for such a lousy conversation opener. He should have complimented her on how she looked... The stallion beside Merlin seemed to have the same idea, and pulled away to reach over and sniff Lilith's horse. Merlin ended up being pulled closer too. He eyed the stallion warily as realisation dawned on him, Of all the horses I could have chosen, I had to chose Arthur's best stud!

The stallion pressed forward again and Merlin pulled him back a little more forcefully this time. He threw Lilith an apologetic smile- "Sorry, I think he's just excited to be going for a ride..."

[Lilith Blackmore]

Lilith did not notice that Merlin was still wearing what he had worn earlier. Though she had time to change, perhaps Arthur had kept Merlin busy at the last minute, so Lilith wouldn't have minded anyways. She just had to get out of her everyday clothes and always enjoyed a reason to dress nicely.

A smile appeared on Lilith's face when Merlin greeted her and said her name. She looked at his hand holding his horse, too nervous to look at him. "Thank you," she replied. "Your horse is quite nice as well," she said, berating herself for sounding so stiff and formal. This was Merlin after all. They had shared embarrassing moments and silly jokes before. But suddenly, away from the castle and with an arranged meeting, it felt different. Lilith continued to smile, still nervous.

When Merlin's horse began to act up, Lilith giggled. Her own mare moved toward the stallion. Perhaps it was instant chemistry, but Lilith found it quite amusing. "Yes," she said with a nod. "I think she is too," she added. "Thank you again for inviting me out," Lilith added. She had needed an excuse to leave the castle walls.

[Merlin Emrys]

The initial formality seemed to be broken as their horses acted up, and Merlin couldn't help but laugh.

"Thank you for agreeing!" he replied, part-joking but also part-relieved that Lilith had agreed to come. "Gaius won't know what to do with himself without anyone to complain at. Shall we?" Merlin attempted to swing himself up onto the stallion in one swift movement, but failed. He hung onto one side of the horse with both hands, trying to edge his leg up and over. With an almighty heave, he had pulled himself up into the saddle. His horse took a few eager steps towards Lilith's mare, before Merlin took control of the reins and pull his head away.

"Behave." he addressed the horse, then looked toward Lilith, "I thought we could ride out to the ruins?" There were some stone ruins from a building belonging to the old religion a little way out from the City walls. Seeing as both himself and Lilith had magical ability he thought she might enjoy going there.