Merlin’s eyes widened almost comically at the mention of a dragon. Stop it? What was it doing? Do you know what color it was? He didn’t want to bombard her with questions, but he was dying to know. I might be able to help with whatever you were doing before.
“Dragons come in colours?!” It was all she could manage; the whole situation was just overwhelming and terrifying and all she wanted to do was think about something else. “I don’t even know where it went after I fell.”
Probably, replied Merlin. I don’t see why they wouldn’t have different colors like we have different skin colors. He stopped himself before he could start rambling and tried to focus. I’m sure someone will find it sooner or later, for better or worse. It probably isn’t easy for a dragon to hide. Kilgharrah had managed it well enough so far, though. If she had been chasing Kilgharrah, Merlin was going to have a word with the supposedly-wise dragon.
Summer just dropped her face into her hands. “God help us all. Honestly, I just wanted it away from our lands before it did something like burn our crops to the ground or kidnap a virgin or something. Now I don’t even know how I’m going to get back, much less what to do about the dragon, if it /was/ a dragon.” She forced herself to take a deep breath. “Okay. Okay. There’s nothing else I can do about it right now.” Her tone was practical. “May I ask your help in finding a place to stay, maybe some more clothing, food? I don’t want to impose on you any more than I can help.”
Merlin thought for a moment. I’d be willing to let you stay here, but I’d have to run it by Gaius first. If that doesn’t work out, though, it might not be too late for me to rent you a room at the inn nearby. The inn would be a bit expensive, but he had been putting some of his pay aside for emergencies. In his eyes, this counted as an emergency. He hesitated for a moment before offering, I also might be able to help you with your dragon if you’re willing to let me try.
“That’s terribly sweet of you! All of it!” Impulsively she kissed Merlin on the cheek. “You, sir, are an amazing person. Is there anything I can do to help you out in exchange? I know some healing …” Summer tried to get up, but that turned out to be a mistake. Most of the muscles in her body screamed in protest, and a throbbing ache started in her head. “Or not,” she finished, falling back. “Sorry.”