New Day - Chapter Three

"Scars" Part 1
- Sir Amlyn
- Lady Morgan

The carriage travelled westwards, leaving the city walls and entering the
darkness that shrouded Alban in a thick cloak. This late at night, Amlyn
felt tired but alert: the rocking of the carriage and the comfort of Morgan's
arms was tempting for slumber, but he was not trapped by sleep. He
guessed that it was about half an hour's travel outside Alban, when the
carriage stopped and the door was opened.

Amlyn exited first, helping the priestess of Donn onto the ground. The
building that it appeared she was staying at loomed over them like a
towering cliffline, blocking out the stars with a defined silhouette. He
stood and took in the night air, while the driver closed up the carriage
door and led it away around to the stables, leaving them alone.

"You want for little, my Queen," he said, using her title for the first
time. He had not ignored the herald's announcement at the ball.

"Do not use that title.  It is no longer mine to use regardless of a
herald's intent.  There is a new king in the shire and I am not his
queen."  Her eyes glistened slightly and it was clear that this was a
sore topic.  "As for wanting, I do not believe in wasting comfort if I
can afford it.  Will you stay?" 

"If you wish me to stay, I will," he said. "And I... apologise for my
off-handedness."

"I do wish you to stay.  I would garner what comfort and happiness
I can whilst it is available." She answered.

They went inside, where Morgan then picked up a candle left
burning on a side table in the entrance hall. Amlyn closed the door
on the blackness outside, and the world became contained within
the small sphere of light that eminated from the candle's wick.
Amlyn began to feel anxious. It was a feeling of half excitement and
half terror. He thought he knew what might happen later, and while
his body began to betray him, his mind worked over the jumble of 
consequences in his mind. He took interest in the furnishings and
tried to calm himself. Glancing at Morgan only seemed to make his
feelings worse.

Morgan stopped at the stairs and turned to look at Amlyn.  "I can
feel your concern.  If it is not your wish to hold me this night, I will
not hold you to blame." Her words were softly spoken.  The flickering
candlelight betrayed the hope in her eyes that he would choose 
to stay.

"If I could not do so this night, Morgan... then I fear I would still
feel the same, at any night in the future." He walked up to her,
putting his hand gently on her arm after some hesitation, and
leant over the candlelight to place a soft kiss on her lips, that
lingered. "I have told you of my problems before, and they are
not worth repeating here," he whispered. "I am full of longing,
but I am also afraid. I do not want to go through this and
prove to be just like any other man. I... I desire more than
that, for us."

Morgan looked at him for a long time and then slowly looked down
at the candle.  "Have you ever watched a moth come to a candle flame.
It will bounce away, burning itself again and again.  It knows the candle
will hurt it, that it will burn and yet it does not resist the pull of the light.
That is how I feel when you are in the room.  I do not care if it destroys 
what I have made, or who I have become... I do not wish to resist."  She 
looked back up at him.  "Before, I would have just snuffed the candle?"

Amlyn took a breath. "That you would think that way... It is even more
a dream in mine eyes." He allowed her to slowly lead him upstairs, the 
wooden steps creaking slightly under their weight. They turned left
at the top and passed down the hall to a large wooden door at the end.
Morgan worked the latch deftly and opened the door, entering with
Amlyn closely behind her, who closed it again. She went over to a
large, posted bed, placing the candle down on a small table next to
it.

She got a slight surprise when she turned about and saw that Amlyn 
was already next to her. However, he was intent on only one thing...
blowing out the wick of the candle. The room was plunged into 
darkness.

Morgan reached out for him.  She was surprised by his action but
undeterred.  Her hands found his face and pulled him down to meet
her. Her lips met his in a tender questioning kiss.  "I have dreamed
of this for many nights." She whispered. "I do not understand this
power you have but I know that I want to find out."

"I have no power," he replied. He kissed her gently on the forehead
and began trying to remove her clothes. It proved to be difficult
however, because he had only one hand that refused to stop 
shaking, and he lacked any understanding of the mystery of a
woman's garments. After a few moment's of fumbling, he
reluctantly gave up, and gave a short laugh. "I am cursed
with clumsiness," he admitted. 

Morgan smiled and guided his hand as she helped untie the stays
of her gown.  Slowly her clothes fell the floor till she stood only
in her simple shift.  She then turned her attention to his.  She took
her time, caressing his trembling body.  This was new to her, this
slow gentle tenderness.  She realized she had craved such
touches for a long time and had not even realized it.  She realized
in that moment that she could not ask this man to travel the road
she had taken.  She had two choices.  She could give this up
before it consumed her, or she could attempt to walk away from
the darkness that surrounded her.  As his lips touched hers once
more, she realized that the decision had already long been made.

Suffering such a profound effect from her presence, Amlyn was
almost at a loss at where to begin. Always in the back of his
mind, he kept her hands gently away from a particular place on
his body, near his left shoulder. In the meantime, he let the shift
gently fall to the floor, slowly, so that he could explore what was
revealed by touch and taste. Eventually they even made their way
onto the bed. It never once occurred to him to consider the
previous men whose bed she had shared. He had an overwhelming
sense of worship, and despite the lack of experience, he used
patience to ensure that he left no part uncared for.

Morgan gave up control for one of the very few times in her life.
She was content to gently explore and let him explore as well.
She felt a strange warmth and knew that somehow if they never
made it beyond this moment, she wouldn't care.  This gentle
share of body and soul was enough. 

At some stage, they committed themselves to an act of
consumation. But it was lost to Amlyn admist sensations of
skin against skin, lips against flesh. Time had no relevance,
apart from the slowly growing crack of light that clawed at
the edges of the shuttered window. His nerves now at peace,
he held her close to him. For a few hours, everything else
had seemed temporarily unimportant, and it was for that,
he was most grateful.

Morgan drifted off into a peaceful sleep.  Usually her dreams
were plagued with nightmares of past deeds and things to come.
This night, the demons of the night let her slumber in silence. Her
head lay upon Amlyn's chest and she felt like a young girl once
more...

Many hours later into a day that threatened to pass by
unnoticed, Morgan awoke. There was enough dim light in
the room now to see a little. Amlyn was still asleep,
breathing deeply in unknown dreams, his torso exposed.
For the first time she noticed the scars.

The most obvious one was the mangled mess of his
shoulder. The joint had been smashed, and a large, indented
section of puckered sinew and skin extended from the top
of the shoulder, through the severed collar bone and down
to the upright edge of the pectoral muscle. The stump of the
arm itself looked like a rugged landscape, made from severed
edges of flesh sewn tightly together. There were many other,
smaller scars as well. Cuts and abrasions, mostly, and some
that Morgan recognised to be signs of torture.

Morgan frowned at the ineptness of the healers that had surrounded
him.  She wondered briefly if he would let her treat his scars.  There
were creams to ease the pulling that must be plaguing him.  Her hand
gently traced the scars but avoided his stump. The intimacy they 
had shared was too fresh for her to ruin it by bringing attention to 
his impairment.  

He shifted slightly with the attention she gave to his old wounds.
Morgan nestled her head back against his chest.  There were so
many choices before her.   If she choose the wrong path, she could
destroy everything.  If she did not choose she was sure to.  Morgan
sighed deeply, she had wrongs to right somehow and then she shivered
at the thought. She did not right wrongs, she had to stop this tender
flood, she didn't know how to handle it.  Her hand still absently traced
various scars upon his body.=20

Amlyn's good arm added a little pressure around her, a slight hug that
told her he was awake. He said nothing, but just studied her with
a neutral expression. Yet she could see that his eyes were soft at the
edges, failing to hide the emotions that flowed through him. He =
tolerated
her interest in the marks on his body. "Most I received after the war,"
he eventually said by way of explanation. "During the last battle, and
after I was captured. They cause me little greviance," he lied. He moved
a little again to look at her. "Are you alright?" Uncertainty.

"I will admit, I am a little uncomfortable with the tender emotions I =
feel.
I am not used to such ... feelings."  She stopped, unable to express
more and then continued on another topic. " I ... I can make these
wounds pull less with a simple cream that will ease the strain of both
skin and muscle."

He opened his mouth to refuse, but closed it again when he realised that =
it=20
would hurt him little to agree to her offer. "We can try that," he =
answered.

Morgan smiled at him and rolled to look at him better. "I need to know =
where you stand? I don't mean between us but... do you still serve this King?" =
She watched his face closely. Amlyn told a lot by what he refused to speak =
of or disclose in his face.

There was much Amlyn could speak about his reasons why. Yet it was clear
that the reasons meant nothing. It was only an answer that Morgan =
wanted.=20
"No," he replied. "But that does not mean I will act against him," he =
added, as an afterthought.

"So you do not care of his fate as King or that of his court?" She asked =
carefully. It was clear that Morgan was fishing.  Her eyes had that calculating = look that only crossed her face when she was deep in thought.

Amlyn could only frown in response. "What are you asking of me, Morgan? =
And=20 what does it have to do with the King?"=20

"There are things afoot that could be devestating to this King.  I am in =
a position
to either further them, or forstall them.   It is a typical place for =
me, but for the first
time, I am uncertain of the path I wish to choose." She looked away, =
uncertain
and a brief look of fear was in her eyes before he lost direct contact =
with her gaze.

Amlyn watched her for a few moments. "I believe... that I will trust =
your judgement.
Whatever happens after that, well... I would not have spent the night =
here with
you if I did not- did not hold you close to my heart." He reached up =
with his hand
and cradled her head gently through her hair. "Whether you do the right =
thing
or not."

"You once said you wanted to walk back into the light having traversed =
darkness
too long.  Is this still true?"  She did not look at him though her hand =
absently
covered his within her hair.

"Yes. It is," he admitted. "But I'm tired of reaching for the light =
alone."=20

"The King's sister is in danger." She breathed out.  "She is soon to =
join the Lady
Burke on a long journey."  She whispered the words, unsure of his =
reaction or=20
what part he would want to play.

Amlyn's head jerked up a little. His first instinct was to ask her how =
she knew
this. But after the last few minutes of coy questioning from Morgan, he =
decided
he didn't want to know. "Tell me more," he said. "Where, when, how..."

"I was supposed to arrange her capture.  But I have delayed doing so.  =
The=20
person who is making the sale will not wait much longer and will most =
likely
act on their own.   The boat is coming from some sheik with a taste for =
Brendaine=20
women, preferrable of noble birth.  The boat will be here before the =
next full moon."
Morgan was very uncomfortable with this betrayal upon her part.  She had =
never
backed out of a bargain in such a manner before and didn't know if she =
would do
so again.  "That is why Lady Burke was taken so early, so she could be =
trained
to her duties.  One must be accomplished and one must be untouched or at =
least
innocent in manner."  She didn't mention the other reasons she had =
helped with
these arrangements.  They no longer mattered to her anyway.

"Which port will this vessel use?..." he turned over his brain, looking =
for a name.
"Ast?" He figured that the next moon would be only a matter of weeks =
away.

"No,  I think it is going to Suier."  She sighed.  "I think that they =
will
wait if the Princess is not delivered on time."

Amlyn didn't know who the Lady Burke was, but he could only imagine the=20
consequences of the King's sister being abducted. He didn't feel that he
was in any position to prevent this from happening, and letting slip the =

impending abduction to the King would only raise more uncomfortable
questions. So his mind revolved around dealing with the ship and the =
people
who would take delivery of their 'slaves'. Probably around the same time =
that
they would be taken onboard.

He drew Morgan closer to him and kissed her forehead gently. He felt...
relieved. He finally had some direction again, a purpose to serve, and a
reason to fight that went beyond his own self-interest. "I'll need three
people, archers preferably."

"I can provide you that." She answered.  "You will not tell the King?"
She was curious as to his mindset and what he was thinking.

"No," he replied. "That would bring many questions and perhaps his
wrath." There were simpler plans that floated about in his head, but
none called for a statement such as the one he was prepared to=20
make. He hated slavery as much as he had hated his late father.=20
"First I'll deal with the ship. And then we'll take care of whoever is
transporting Lady Burke. To clean such a mess, it's important to
be thorough. And the less anyone knows about your involvement,
the better." He then sat up, subconciously willing to start right
away even though it was still some time away. "How will this
other woman be transported to the vessel?"

"As I have not kept my end of the bargain, I do not know how she
will be transported to be honest." Honest, the word had a strange feel=20
from her lips.  She wondered how long she could continue to be so.
Morgan pulled the quilt up around her as she sat up as well, turning
to face him.  "I know where Lady Burke is being held." She answered
quietly. "If you want discreet assistance, she is the lady love of
Sir Gwynne." This confession said a great deal more then she
was willing to go into. If he made connections, so be it, she=20
had chosen her path. "He believes the young woman to be dead."

"Then perhaps letting that information be known to him in some
fashion would be best: he can then deal with the problem on his
own." Morgan's previous embrace with Sir Gwynne that Amlyn had=20
witnessed was still in the back of his mind... he had no desire to
assist him personally in any way.

"I do not think it best that I somehow manage to have such
information."  She pointed out. She leaned over and gently kissed
his cheek.  "There are hours left before the servants will disturb us,
spend this time with me.  Fate is fickle and I would treasure this=20
moment."  She gently turned his lips to hers.

Amlyn barely registered the brush of her lips against his. Her
words reverberated deeply within him: ~ fate is fickle ~. He knew
only too well that fate was a cruel taskmaster. But then the=20
pale softness of her skin, and the fond memory of the time they
had recently spent in each other's embrace, overwhelmed that
thought. Soon he could think of nothing else...

"Drunken Meeting"

Renny, PC
Baron Seth McCullen, PC
Raven and Sparrow, NPC's

------------------------------------------------------------

Sparrow raised his tankard lazily, swishing the frothy brown liquid around
and singing a bawdy tale.  Raven, beside him, snuggle into his side, her own
tankard tipped over on the tabletop as she sang right along with him.  Renny
sat a little further away, eying the two with a mixture of disdain and
busmusent, as she quietly sipped her cup of ale.

It had been nearly three days since she had sent Bear away and already the
three of them were smashed out of their minds for the better part og each
night.  Raven and Sparrow moreso--losing inhibitions that they hadn't already 
lost as the amount of alcohol entered their bloodstreams.  Renny, only on her 
second (that night at least) as compared to her companions fourth (at least), 
was feeling slightly tipsy herself.

She took another swig of her ale, curling her nose at the lacklustre taste
of it all, before slouching further in her seat.  "Osh Edmund..." she 
whispered
despondantly.  "When...did thingz get soo...mezzed up?" she asked.

Seth hadn't been to have a drink in a very long time.  Not that he was
complaining, life was very good for Bronwen and himself.  He decided to just
go have a drink for the heck of it.  He entered and spotted three figures he
recognized, but a lone figure stood out.  He had just seen her be quite
angry a few days ago.  He wondered if she might be more inclined to talk.
He moved up beside her."Hello Renny, may I sit here?"  he indicated the seat
next to her.

Renny looked up from staring at the grain of the table to blink at the
figure standing above her.  "Who'it?" she muttered, sitting straighter in
her chair and concentrating on focusing.  "Oh.  You." she shrugged, kicking
a chair out a bit for him to sit in.  "Whyz not?" she raised her cup for
another round and glanced at Seth questioning.  "You want?"

Seth smiled and noted she was already quite drunk."Sure, but just one."
Seth looked over to her and noticed her complexion was not one of
happiness."How is your fiancee Renny?"

Renny slapped the table and waved away the person who brought the drinks to
them.  "Can ne'er have juz one!" she exclaimed.  "My fia--my fiaz--the guy I
planz to marry...he's...he's..." she leaned over the short gap between
herself and Sparrow to punch his arm.  "Waz wrong with Edmund?" she
demanded, rousing Sparrow from his caressing Raven.

"'ez...out!" Sparrow told her, trying to snap his fingers together.  He
finally gave up and continued to kiss Raven.

Renny bobbed her head.  "Yeah.  Out!  Me mum she just..." she slashed the
air and whistled.  "Hurt him bad she did..."

Seth's eyebrow rose.  it was incredibly hard to understand what was being
said."Your mom hurt your fiancee?  Is that why you were looking for Diora?"
Seth was attaching some pieces together.

"King promised me the use of 'iz healer.  What with Bear lying and all.."
Renny trailed off with a shrug.  She leaned in and waved Seth closer so she
could speak privately.  "Did you know me mum was an outlaw Sethie?" she
asked with a giggle at the nickname.  "She killed so many..." she grinned
widely, looking for all the world crazy.  "And I waz meant to kill the
King!" she prounounced in a chanty voice before laughing loudly.

Seth could tell she was downright plastered."No, I didn't know that."  he
smiled a bit."Renny, I think you've had enough to drink."  he downed some of
his drink after saying that.  He would almost certainly take her out of here
before she passed out and who knows what happened to her.

Renny stared blankly at him a moment before finishing her own drink, the
taste not bothering her now.  To her it tasted of freedom.  "Oh what would
you know!" she cried suddenly, dropping her cup to the ground.  Sparrow
reached out automatically to catch it, his attention never leaving Raven.
Setting the cup back on the table, Sparrow patted Renny's back.  "You...you
who were a squire, how ish it you made it to bein' a Baron right?  How ish
it that for the first time in me life there ish no one to order me around?"

Glumly she stared at the table again, slightly pouting as she traced a whorl
in the grain haphazardly.  "He's up there--" she jerked a thumb towards the
stairs "--totally oblivious to the fact I killed me mum...for him...for
me..." she drifted off staring at the wall blankly.  "After all, what's
another death to a murdah--morde--killer like me?"

Seth put his hand on her shoulder."You don't have to be like that anymore.
I think based on what you have told me you might have been justified with
your mom.  I just hope you take this opportunity for what it is, a chance
for freedom from your old ways.  Renny, people can change, I am sure you
can.  You're extremely strong, I know this.  If you want to you can change,
if not for yourself, then for your fiancee."

Renny stared at his hand before flicking it away.  "Oh now who's Mr. Holier
then all else!  What happen'd to change your tune I wonder?" she peered at
him intently for a moment before laughing.  "You didjit!  You went and got
yourself that fancy lady!" she kept laughing until abruptly she stopped.
"It's easier to diz out that advicsh when you got a pretty lady warming your
bed eh?" she tilted her head slightly and added, "A pretty NOBLE lady..."

"I'm a noble as well Renny, but that doesn't change common sense or second
chances.  I'm only trying to tell you what i know you can do.  I don't
believe I am better than you, I know better than that."  he gulped down some
more of his drink."I can only show you a different road, you have to choose
to walk down it."

Renny waved his explanation away.  "You're noble, she's noble, I'm noble and
Edmund's noble...hell he beat us all with being a Prince..." Renny babbled.
"But what did noble get me?  A trai-traite-a father who can't be loyal to
hish king and a mozher who killsh and kidnaps me..."

Seth looked to her."Your parents have nothing to do with you being noble.
you don't have to be like them either.  I am certain that you can change
that.  You're very strong Renny."  he looked for her eyes to show her he was
being serious.

"Ren will youz just listen to'im?  'e's ruinin' my concent--kissing!" Raven
spat tossing her cup at Renny.  Again Sparrow's reflexes acted automatically
to catch the cup and sit it on the table.  Raven peered queerly at Sparrow
who only shrugged.

Eyes half-lidded, Renny rested her chin on her crossed arms and nodded
wearily.  She was so tired.  "Course I'm strong...Moira wouldn't have it
o'erwise..." she muttered bitterly.  She sat up quickly and patted Seth's
shoulders.  "Here's wh't you can do for me Sethie." she giggled at the small
rhyme.  "You go tell Edmund--when he wakes gotta wait until he wakes--all my
bad deeds.  T'at way I can rest easily." she said the words slowly.

Seth was amazed by this turn of events."You want me to tell Edmund all of
your past deeds for you?  I'm not even sure I know all of your past deeds.
How am I to speak for you?"  Seth paused and had an idea."I could be by your
side when you tell him?"

Renny looked at him with exasperation.  "If I had wanna a guy to be 'ear me
when I told 'im, I woulda had Sparrow." she jerked a thumb in his general
direction.  "He at least knows my self." she sat down and held her head
lightly betwix her hands, moaning slightly at the pain that abrupt action
had given her.  "'Sides Edmund isn't w'at you'd call ob-jet-tive when it
comes to me, if yah know w'at I mean. I tells 'im and he'll go on 'bout how
wonderful it is to be so truthful ....without ever really listenin'."

"So you wany me to tell him, so he'll have a chance to think about it before
praising you?"  Seth asked getting the general picture now.

"More like 'fore he sticks to the notion that I'd make a good Princess and
wife to him..." Renny muttered unhappily.  "I jus' can't le'im marry me not
knowin' what I have done...what I'm able to do." she finished softly, tears
forming.  "He's too damn good for that!  'Ell he's even better then you
Seth."

"I'm sure he is, but even if he knows all of your trasngressions and he
still wants to marry you, why not?  Love transcends wrong doings Renny.
Have you ever thought that maybe he would still accept you?  If he's them an
I have heard of and spoken to once I believe he will still love you and want
to marry you."

"Its all t'em years of searchin' for me that got him so done in to marry me." 
Renny said.  A few moments went by, as she thought about what was going on, 
before she grinned.  "Yah know...maybe he will...if them bastards don't come 
back that is.." she trailed off shoving the first solution to that problem 
that presented itself.  

"We can all tackle that problem if it happens Renny.  I'll go talk to Gwilyn 
though and I am sure he will do exactly what I said.  I'll go to him as soon 
as I can Renny.  I'm headed home to my wife to discuss something with her.  
Take care of yourself, alright?"  He smiled warmly to show her he was being 
sincere.

Renny waved away his explanation.  She briefly wondered who the hell Gwilyn 
was before recognizing the name vaguely.  "Eh...one good thing, my drink 
passes me through quickly enough." she tossed aside her empty cup.  "No more 
though...gotta talk to the King, perhaps, later." she told him with a 
lopsided grin.

She stood a little shakily and hugged him briefly.  "Go tell that noble wife 
of yours t'at Renny sends her regards." she said before sitting back down.  

he hugged her as briefly as she allowed and smiled."I'll do just that.  Have 
a good one Renny."  He stepped out and was bound for the love of his life, 
Bronwen.

Renny watched with half-lidded eyes, tired suddenly of everything and 
everyone.  Sparrow nudged her side and told her he was heading upstairs with 
Raven.  "Yeah...see yah later." she muttered following after to collapse 
beside Edmund's bed.  At some point, this was all going to end, she thought. 
'Doesn't everything?' Edmund asked her, in her mind, in a slightly mocking 
voice.  

The Cold After The Fever
--Lethwain Lugwaide
(n.b: - takes place several months after the events in 'Infectious
Investigations')

It was a cold night in Alban, several hours before dawn. Along the empty
streets a large figure moved. He was cloaked in a thick, heavy coat with a
scarf wrapped around his mouth; the sound of scraping metal could be heard
as he walked. Every few steps he would stop and keel over in a fit of
coughs. When this happened he would pull out a small metal box from within
his coat and have to sniff the contents into his nostrils before being able
to continue on his way.

Lethwain had not been outdoors for many months now. Due to his sickness he
had been confined to his lodgings, his world being made up of those four
wooden walls and the temporary respite of his eyelids. And now he was
sufficiently healthy to leave his home he was not going to stay another
minute trapped in there, even if it was three o' clock in the morning. He
had woken in the night feeling much better, strong enough to walk abroad
and, wrapping himself up warmly, he had set out for an early morning walk.
He couldn't find any other shoes and in his anxious hurry he had settled for
his chain-mail boots. The medicine was working but he was still heavily
dependent upon it. Relieving his mind with another whiff of its soothing
aroma, he continued on his way.

Turning down a side street he came upon the burnt remains of the church.
This was where it all started. He had followed those putrid worshippers of
Donn to Abertawe and come upon their wicked ambitions within this church.
They had planned to spread their disease through the kingdom and at first he
had mistaken their hybrid creation for the bubonic plague. He was later
proved wrong, but its effects would be just as fatal. 

He was soon infected with Donn fever, as he had come to call it, but was
able, before the symptoms became to serious, to lead a band of citizens in
burning down this church - the source from which those acolytes of Donn had
planned to spread their artful disease. Some would say it was sacrilegious,
blasphemous and that they would want him killed for doing it, but Lethwain
knew it was necessary if more lives were not to be lost. The burning had
worked to cull the spread but several townsfolk were already infected.

Fortunately, Donn fever did not spread as prolifically as the bubonic
plague; but there were fatalities nonetheless. Several townsfolk had already
died from it before Lethwain could discover a cure, and still that was not
perfected.

Wrapping his coat around him to keep out the night chills Lethwain moved on,
debating with himself what he should do next. He was fit enough now to
continue upon his persistent crusade, and he knew that the months he had
spent bedridden would only have served to benefit the schemes of the sect.
Were they still in Alban? He could not say, but he realized that he must
quickly make up for lost time. He needed to find people who had knowledge of
them and perhaps he would soon be back upon their trail.

?Fighting Words?

Gwilym ap Gavin, Earl of Westcliffe
Niall ap Drystan, Animal Trainer
Diora di`Annagar, Priestess

Murial di`Annagar, APC
Jael ap Annagar, APC


Murial came running to Niall from tending to the children. She was 
distraught. "Oh, Niall. I have heard the most distressing news. Someone had 
kidnapped Diora, but she had been found. She's been bruised. Who would want 
to do such a thing??"

Niall was shocked from the bit of news. It was just the other day that Diora 
came by bringing Murial out for the first time. He was happy that things had 
gone as they did. This news was discouraging. "I would not have any idea as 
to who would do such a horrible thing save bandits maybe. It sounds as if 
there was a quick turn around though, if she is already found. If you wish 
we could saddle up and go check on her?"

"I would like that, she could probably use a friend or two,? she said. 
Murial was distraught. She knew of the rumors that were flying from the 
marshlands from her brothers and had to find out if they were true.

Niall rested his hand on her shoulder, "All will be well with you're 
sister." Niall then realized he was touching her and slightly blushed. Niall 
turned to the boys he used from the orphanage to saddle up the horses. He 
then went into his house to get his armor and weapons; a thick hardened 
leather breastplate with riveted plates of metal all over it covering his 
chest, shoulders, upper-arms, and torso; His weapons, oversized two headed 
axe at and a jagged hand and a half which he wields one handed. For some 
reason he felt that there was danger in the mix and he wanted to be 
prepared.

Niall came outside and did not see Murial figuring she too was getting stuff 
ready. He decided to head over to the orphanage and inform father Paul what 
was going on and that they'd be gone for a little while. He made his way 
from there into the stables and found both horses ready to ride. He smiled 
and patted the boys on their backs dismissing them. From there, Niall lastly 
retrieved his longbow with a quiver of arrows and his two-handed battle-axe 
and attached them to Whisper. As he finished he looked up to see Murial 
standing at the stable door.

She was still white as a sheet with worry. "Niall, I'm scared." Her heart 
yearned to make sure her sister was safe.

"No need to worry, my dear. If she's found than it means she must be in safe 
hands. We'll head to the castle and find her whereabouts then go to her aid. 
You can provide comfort, and I'll hack the first lost soul who intends to do 
her harm. I am not an intelligent man, but with these by my side," Niall 
placed his hands on his weapons, "I don't have to be intelligent ... just 
smart." Niall grinned in satisfaction at hurting anyone who would seek to 
harm his friends. Bending down, Niall kissed Murial's forehead, "Come, and 
let?s tend to your sister."

Murial nodded and went to her horse. She was glad she had Niall in her life 
and was grateful for his compassion. "I think the guy was in the forest. 
Somewhere nearby." She said.

*-*-*-

Diora woke to the sun streaming down on her face and her head throbbing. She 
knew she was alone for she heard the squirrels running along the trees. She 
was propped up against the tree and everything hurt. It seemed that Baron 
McCullen had other duties and left her to rest. She just wished she knew 
where she was.

Donovan had followed Baron McCullen and the priestess.  He was not going to 
let one man ruin his chance, so he waited until the Baron had run off.  The 
Priestess was left alone and he had a chance to do something.  "The lady 
said unspoiled." He thought to himself but she was too damn gorgeous.  He 
slowly crept up on her.

Gwilym rode with haste through the front gates of the city and down the rode 
to Diora's last sighting. Even though reports said she was found and with 
Baron McCullen, he still feared for her life. It would be a pain he could 
not bare now that he had found love once again. He also knew that he had 
dispatched a squad of soldiers to come and escort The Baron and Diora, but 
he was not about to wait for them. It would take them a couple of hours 
before they were off just because they had to follow military protocol in 
their preparation.

Making his way to the crossroads, Gwilym noted two riders coming from the 
other fork and heading in the same direction he was. As the closed in, 
Gwilym could tell it was Niall dressed head to toe in battle gear of his own 
and, for a brief second, thought the other rider was Diora. He hung his head 
slightly when he realized it was someone else.

Murial saw him first.  She waved him over.  "Hallo..." she said quietly.  
There was something familiar in him and she wasn't going to say anything 
more until Niall made introductions.

"Hello, Earl Gwilym. I have a feeling you are heading in the same direction 
as we since you do have the heart of the fair maiden Diora. Could we ride 
with you? This is her sister, Murial," Niall motioned his hand to Murial's 
side, "and we ride for Diora's safety as well." Niall bowed his head tot he 
Earl in respect.

"You're company would be most welcome, Niall, and you do not have to go 
through the formalities with me when not in court. I don't mind." Looking to 
Murial, Gwilym could easily see the resemblance and understood why he 
thought it was Diora for a split second. "It is an honor to meet you. 
Milady, though I am sorry for the circumstances."

"Aye Tis a pleasure to meet the man who holds my sister's heart." she said.  
She still was worried for Diora.

A scream was heard clear in the air.  Diora screamed at the top of her lungs 
and hoped and prayed to the lady that someone heard her.

Niall didn't wait for the introductions to finish. With a female scream like 
that, he feared trouble and rode hard pulling his jagged sword out in 
preparation. He just hoped it wasn't Diora.

Gwilym quickly lashed the reigns and bolted with Niall towards the scream 
fearing that the voice sounds similar to that of his love. Gwilym gave a 
small prayer to the goddess in hopes that Diora was safe.

Donovan gave a leering smile as he drew his short sword.  "Not so powerful 
now eh witch.  Let's see how well you will do after I am finished with you." 
  He hit her again and raised her up on her feet.  He was too busy with his 
dealings to not notice the hoof beats on the soil.

'No' Gwilym whispered as he watched the man strike Diora. Riding next to 
Niall, Gwilym spoke just over the hoof beats, "He's mine. Secure the area." 
Gwilym watched the man pull Diora to her feet and pulled out his hand axe 
while spurring his horse to its top speed.

Donovan raised his short sword to strike just when he heard the noise of 
hoof beats along the road. The hesitation was enough, though, as Gwilym came 
down with his hand axe catching the short sword and pulling. Donovan 
maintained his grip on the blade but the force threw him back a few feet 
separating him from Diora.

Gwilym pulled the reigns stopping his horse and jumped down pulling his 
claymore from its back sheath. Donovan recovered in time and was to his feet 
standing square with Gwilym. Gwilym smile was wicked with no trace of 
kindness, "run, fight, it makes no difference. As of right now you've taken 
your last breath."

Donovan pulled his long sword out and still held onto his short sword.  He 
ran once but he was not going to run again.  "Nyssa be damned.  She is a 
prize..." he said and prepared himself for the battle.  He would die here.

Gwilym smiled as the man pulled out his long sword so as to stand and fight. 
"She is more than a prize. She is untouchable to the likes of thief and 
vagabond such as yourself, in this life ... or the one I'm going to send you 
to." Gwilym came in hard and fast immediately taking aim to Donovan's long 
sword side forcing him to parry with the larger blade. Gwilym held no fears 
of the short sword except for puncturing moves as his armor was more than 
sturdy enough. He didn't go in directly for the kill. Gwilym was not going 
to underestimate this opponent.

Murial slipped off her horse and ran to Diora.  She held onto her sister and 
would not let anyone hurt her again.  She had heard Donovan say "Nyssa be 
damned" and she knew who set this up.  "Niall, my mother is the instigator."

Donovan circled Gwilym and brought his sword in for a dual strike. He knew 
that he didn't stand a chance but by the gods, he was going to try.  He 
cursed his luck as he saw Murial and realized that there were two.

Niall jumped from his horse and ran to the area of Diora scanning to see if 
there were others. He could not believe that one man would act so foolish as 
to be alone. With Gwilym preoccupied, it was his responsibility to protect 
the ladies, and he was hoping he would shed some fool's blood for the attack 
on his friends.

Hearing Murial speak of the betrayal, Niall could feel compassion for the 
women. He knew all to well about betrayal from his parents who threw him 
aside like a bent shilling. Deep inside his feeling for Murial grew not only 
because of the mother's deception, but also because of his overpowering 
desire to protect her. Niall could not shake how awful he would have felt if 
it were Murial that had been abducted. He also understood the anger that 
must be flowing through Gwilym. He was not about to interfere in their 
fight. It was between Gwilym and the idiot dumb enough to have caused the 
problem. Niall's face twisted with an evil smile as he realized Gwilym would 
make quick work of this fool and make him suffer at the same time.

They came from behind and heard the fighting.  "Well, looks like we have 
another pickle to get Donovan out of." Jessua said to Jael.  They were late 
as usual and when Donovan didn't meet them at the crossroads they came 
looking for him, that's when they heard the scream and the fighting.

Gwilym threw his strength into his block of the paired attack crashing into 
the long sword with determination. Spinning to the outside of the blade, and 
escaping the short sword, Gwilym brought the flat edge of his claymore into 
the back of Donovan with a resounding 'thud' and sending the assassin 
sprawling forward onto the ground. "Tis only the beginning, cutthroat. You 
will pay heavily for trying to murder my future wife."

Donovan quickly got up and saw Jessua and Jael, and sighed.  He prepared 
again.  He half smiled and half sneered. "What you saw was only going to be 
harmless...to rile her up...but not to kill her...keep her alive was what I 
was told."

"Shut up you imbecile." Jael yelled at Donovan. "Nyssa'll do more to you if 
this knight doesn't run you through. We need to be gone without her now."  
Jessua threw a rock and hit Donovan in the head. Donovan fell to the ground 
where he stood.  "Milord, we are sorry for this. We will take our leave." 
Jessua said with a bow to Gwilym. "This has gotten out of hand and we did 
not want anyone to get hurt."

Gwilym stared at Donovan unconscious on the ground, disgusted that anyone 
would interfere with his business, before looking up at the two men standing 
before him. "Gentlemen, you realize you now stand on my soil? Once you 
headed west out of the lines of Alban you entered Westcliffe. I am the Earl 
of Westcliffe, Sir Gwilym ap Gavin. Are you going to stand before me and 
call me a liar? This man here is accused of attempted murder of Diora Di' 
Annagar, the king's personal healer and my future wife. I am the witness. 
Will you stand against me?"

Niall watched the men come from the clearing and begin talking with Gwilym 
intrigued at how they so subtly tried to wiggle out of their predicament. 
Cautiously, he removed both his weapons and walked into the woods using his 
outdoor skills of maneuver to its advantage. He emerged around the back of 
the two men and stood by as imposing as he possibly could.

Gwilym studied the men closely as the corner of his eye found Niall nearing 
a location behind the men both of his weapons drawn, an intimidating site 
for most eyes including Gwilym's. "Here is what is going to happen. You," 
Gwilym said pointing to Jael, "are going to come with us to Alban and state 
all you know before the king including why you abducted Diora and how you 
'didn't mean anyone any harm. I do not wish to hear the answers as they mean 
nothing to mean, and I'd prefer you all dead. Now you," Gwilym said pointing 
to Jessua, "will run your pathetic hide back to the witch, Nyssa, and tell 
her to be better prepared as I am coming for her and The Hells will not be 
able to stop me!"

Pausing only a second, Gwilym smiled, "the other option is that the two of 
you pull weapon and meet my friend's wrath," Gwilym then pointed to Niall 
standing behind them.

Niall let out a monstrous roar like he used to when he was an intimidator 
allowing the full effect of his birthmark to show to the fools as they 
turned around. His nickname was The Ogre well earned from moments such as 
this as he raised his weapons high up in the air, then grinned as if he was 
about to eat them for a snack.

Both men were white as a sheet.  They knew that if they didn?t do as they 
were told, their life would end at this very moment.  Jael bowed to the 
Earl.  ?Milord, I will do as you bade me do.?  He took one look at Jessua 
and ran out of Westcliffe and towards Nwyddwyn and to the Marshland Witch, 
Nyssa ap Neveya.

Jael bowed to Gwilym.  ?I will do as you instruct.  I will not go against 
you, Milord.  I will answer to the king as you have requested.?

Gwilym left the giant man to handle the reigns of Jael. Walking over to 
Donovan, Gwilym reared back his right leg and kicked the side of the dolt to 
wake him up hoping that something broke in the process. He then whistled for 
his horse, a trick taught him by Niall who sold him the well-trained horse.

Gwilym noted that Donovan rolled onto his siding with his hands clinging to 
the side that Gwilym had just launched his foot into and it brought a smile 
to his face. "Your friends saved you from my blade. You should feel lucky 
... for now. You will die quicker with a rope around your neck." Gwilym 
pulled some rope from his saddlebag and hog tied Donovan then threw him over 
his saddle.

Diora started to stir in Murial?s arms. She remembered getting hit and put 
her arms up.  ?Please don?t hurt me??

?Shh?little one.  No one?s going to hurt you.  Murial?s here.? Murial said 
rocking her quietly.  Murial looked over to Gwilym.  ?Lord Gwilym, your lady 
is awake.? She said quietly.

Gwilym immediately came to Diora's side and gently grabbed her hand. He said 
nothing realizing she was still groggy from being hit and trying to focus 
her eyes to her surroundings.

Diora heard Murial and started to come to her senses.  The bruise that 
Donovan had left was not as bad as it felt and her head didn?t hurt as bad 
as before.  She sighed as the pain settled into every muscle she had.  She 
didn?t say much but looked into Murial?s face and managed a smile.  With 
Murial?s help she sat up and that?s when she saw Niall and Gwilym.  Tears 
started streaming down her face when she saw Gwilym.    All she could manage 
at that moment was a silent ?Thank you? to the lady.

Once Gwilym saw that she was fully aware of who was around her, he bent 
forward and kissed her forehead gently squeezing her hand, "I thought I had 
lost you..."

Diora smiled "Well, you didn't and I know...it won't happen..." she said 
quietly and she caught Jael looking at her out of the corner of her eye.  
"Jael?? Why?"

Jael looked away from her ashamed.  He couldn't speak and his head was bowed 
as Donovan began to stir awake.

Gwilym listened intently to the question as he quickly realized that Diora 
knew the lad. It disgusted him even more as this whole situation stunk with 
betrayal. "You have been cooperative this far, lad. Do not make me bring you 
back in a coffin, now answer her question." Gwilym just glared at Jael so 
that he understood Gwilym meant business.

Niall walked over and placed a hand on Murial's shoulder as a sign of 
support. Diora was the main focus here and he didn't wish to take away from 
that. "It is good to have you back with us, Priestess." Niall gave Diora a 
warm smile.

"Thank you Niall it?s nice to be back." she smiled and looked at both Murial 
and Niall.  Her smile got bigger as she saw Murial place her small hand over 
his.  Diora then tried to stand up.

Gwilym quickly placed his arms around her for support and lifted her to her 
feet. He continued to hold on in case dizziness took over and she began to 
fall. He was not about to let her fall be hurt again, he would swear to her 
safety from this moment on.

Jael still couldn't look at her.  "I'm sorry Diora...If I had known the 
intent of what she wanted to do I would have stopped her...I didn't want her 
to hurt you, but she sent me too.  She's trying to betray father by sending 
me..."

Murial kept silent and watched the youngest of Annagar's children speak.  
"It was the same with Aidan, Diora.  She's out for Fagan and Annagar as 
well."

Diora looked at Murial.  "You knew?" she said in disbelief and fainted again 
in the arms of Gwilym.

Murial sighed.  "No one knew what was going on.  I just played dumb so she 
didn't think twice about me.  I know that Annagar wasn't her father or the 
father of our brother Aidan. Fagan was and she planned to hurt him and 
Annagar.  I'm not smart when it comes to much but I know when to listen."

Gwilym was slightly confused, "why would the mother make the real father and 
pretend father pay? What does she accomplish by hurting both of the 
fathers?" Gwilym figured there was something more to this story that wasn't 
being said.

"What I can figure out is that she objected to her marriage to Annagar to 
seal a tie with Rhodri.  She would have rather stayed with Fagan, but was 
forced into this marriage.  She got pregnant with Aidan and then again with 
Diora on her trips into Alban.  She knows that Fagan is tutoring the 
princess and Annagar is still loyal to both the duke and to the crown.  
She's causing trouble just to ease what she could not have." Murial said as 
she looked at Gwilym and at Niall, "Jael is our youngest brother and barely 
even 11, he, and myself are the only two children fathered by Annagar...out 
of six." Murial said.  "It?s taken me 12 years to put things together, and 
things started when Diora left to come here."

Niall was not quick to think and had no idea what the two were speaking of. 
He had gotten lost somewhere back at 'Fagan is the real father' and stood 
there scratching his head as he listened. Finally he gave up and shook his 
head as a headache crept up from all the confusion. "I'm going to get the 
horses. I give up understanding it all." He then 'swooshed' at them with his 
hands giving up on the whole thing and left to retrieve the horses.

"I don't know what to say about your mother, Murial. She has real problems 
and has now put me in the midst of them. I mean no offense to you when I say 
that your mother will answer for what has transpired." Gwilym did not look 
directly at her. The tone of his voice made it clear that he meant it, but 
the look on his face said he was sorry he was going to do it. "Is Donovan 
kin as well?"

Murial nodded as she listened to Gwilym and understood full well that her 
mother's end would be at the end of his sword.  "Donovan is just a stable 
hand in my father's stables.  He is not kin to me or to Diora."


"Has your father been sent notification on all that has gone on. If not, 
then we'll send word from the castle. I am not sure what to do about your 
little brother. I have to bring him back to Alban so that he can explain to 
the king what had happened, and I will stand by his side until your father 
arrives for him." Gwilym had been talking as if the boy was not there, but 
then turned to look at him, "boy, why would you agree to do something like 
this? Harm meant upon your sister or not, this was wrong. Your father is an 
upstanding man and loyal to the crown. Your actions here border disgracing 
your family name."

"If he isn't in Alban by now he would be on his way very soon." Murial said 
but she had a feeling her father was already in Alban and more than likely 
looking for, if not already found Fagan.

Jael looked absolutely terrified.  "She threatened me with an inch of my 
life if I didn't sir, I...I didn't want to hurt her...I love my father and I 
don't want to hurt him." he said with tears falling down his face.  The boy 
was completely distraught and he ran and held onto Murial.  "I hate her...I 
hate what she has been doing...how she's hurting everyone...I just wanted to 
protect Di...but mom hit me and told me I had to go find Di and bring her 
back...no matter what..." he was sobbing holding onto Murial's skirt.

Gwilym listened to the lad but said nothing so as to show no judgment upon 
him. He was young and easily influenced, Gwilym believed, and it was the 
mother that needed to answer for his mishap. "It will be dark soon. Murial, 
let us place Diora with you in the saddle. Niall and I will walk with these 
two riding in the horse." Gwilym did not talk as if that was a question but 
more like a statement as he bent down to pick up his unconscious love and 
hold her in his arms.

Niall made his way back with the horses and said nothing as he helped Murial 
to her feet and into her saddle. He then grabbed the boy and put him on 
Whisper grabbing the reigns as he prepared for the walk back to Alban.

Murial looked between Jael and Niall.  Her heart was breaking and she knew 
she alone would have to be strong, as now her family was drawn into the 
betrayal of the long-standing feud of Rhodri and Madragor.  She sighed and 
held onto the reigns and onto the sleeping Diora as they made their slow 
journey back to Alban.

?Plans of a Nightmare?

Nyssa ap Neveya, APC
Jessua, APC

Jessua ran as fast as he could.  He knew that the Earl would not go back on 
what he said.  His look was enough for the thief to relate things back to 
his lady.  He knew where she was, because her lord, Annagar was in Alban, 
the lady hid back into the Marshland of Aberystwyth.  He also knew that she 
had been planning this for years and was hoping that Madragor would pull the 
stunts as he had been.  Jessua knew he had to get the lady far away as 
possible or get her to stop the antics, but he also knew he had very little 
in the way of doing either.

Nyssa was sitting at a small table in the cottage where she hid.  She knew 
that either the buffoons would bring her daughter to her or some word would 
make it to her.  She frowned when she heard and saw Jessua return empty 
handed.  ?And where is my Bastard daughter?? she asked.  The cold look she 
gave him cut right through his soul.

?She is in the safety of Earl Gwilym ap Gavin, Earl of Westcliffe.  He sent 
me a message for you.? Jessua said after much problem.  ?He told me to tell 
you that you better be prepared because he is coming for you and the Hells 
will not be able to stop him.  He accused Donovan of murdering his future 
wife and he has kept your youngest son instead of killing him as you had 
hoped.?  He said shying away from Nyssa.

She stood up with a sweet smile.  ?It seems that a gander has taken up after 
my swan of a daughter then.  This will be interesting to see.  Let him come 
and get lost within my swamps.   She said with a smile. Nyssa had hid in 
these swamps when she knew how mad she had made Rhodri when she was little.  
  She walked over to Jessua and stroked his cheek.  ?You have done well, my 
pet.  You shall be rewarded in time, but I need you here beside me.  For 
time is growing near when we need to act.?

Jessua didn?t like the idea of acting.  He just wanted to go home to his 
parents and far away from the crazy witch as possible.  When Nyssa looked at 
him it made her skin crawl.  He knew he had to run and run as fast as he 
could for he wanted nothing to do with her at all, and he would do just that 
when night fell.  He knew the swamp as well as Nyssa did and he would leave 
and never return and he did just that.  He ran all the way to Caer Nwyddwyn 
and to his parents.  He knew that the Duke would protect him and that?s 
where he stayed.

What Nyssa didn?t know was that a storm was brewing and soon it would come 
and sweep her away.  The storm with the eyes of steel will end her life in 
the midst of feud she helped keep alive.  She had seen them in her dreams, 
and those dreams are coming more frequently.  She sees his face more clearly 
now but does not know his name.  He is strikingly handsome and in one of her 
dreams she thought to tempt him and when she did he killed her every time.  
The reason the same time, for breaking his heart, because of Diora.  Always 
because of Diora and that made her want to end the life of her with more 
fervor.  She needed to get her to Rhodri?s lands and then with a Madragor 
knife, in the hands of Madragor?s heir have Diora defiled on the full moon 
and have her slain.  The lands will be in the midst of a blood bath because 
Rhodri?s youngest neice was slain by Madragor?s heir. And yet, she still 
sees the dark black hair and the eyes of blue, of Lord Gwilym ap Gavin, Earl 
of Westcliffe.

"even women are included, it must be serious"

by Duke Iorwerth has several knights and other persons of the realm :)

Iorwerth was still beside himself with fear; he knew his son was doing 
anything he could to get his little sister back. But he just couldn't sit 
here and wait, so he summoned to him several men and women that he knew he 
could trust, hoping they would have the time and the inclination to help him 
search.

Seth was not surprised by the summoning. He had come with his sword and 
weighted shoulder pads on. He knew exactly what this was about and knew he 
needed to help and find his sister-in-law. He knocked on Iowerth's door. "It 
is Seth McCullen." He had also figured that their session was cancelled due 
to the turn of events.

"Come in." Iorwerth said. "You already know what happened?" The general 
asked. "I have asked some other knights to join us."

Sir Feirha was already in the room. When he had first heard the news he 
headed directly for the king's quarters to comfort his friend. Before he 
arrived, however, he changed his mind. He decided that it might be best to 
leave Hawk with his own thoughts at this time, knowing that they were likely 
to be dark. They may be friends but Hawk was still king, and kings needed 
all the precious little privacy they could get.

So, having made his decision to leave Hawk to private brooding, Feirha 
immediately turned in the next obvious direction. He went to visit Lord 
Iorwerth. The seasoned campaigner would doubtlessly be taking all available 
action in the hunt for his daughter. "My Lord," Feirha nodded in grim 
greeting as the young man entered.

Seth nodded to Feirha not recognizing him and nodding to Iowerth. "Lady 
Bronwen informed me of what happened. I will do all I can to help you. She 
is my step-sister after all and family is one of the most important things 
there are." He turned to Feirha. "I'm Baron Seth McCullen and you are?"  He 
held out his hand to show he was in peace.

"I know," the older man smiled taking the offered hand, "Josiah Feirha, 
Crest of Pearl. I am pleased to finally meet you, though would rather the 
circumstances were better."

Arianna had left the bedside of Moryver once she heard Iowerth's request for 
all knights to join him. She was skeptical of leaving but knew her 
grandfather was in good hands at the hospital. She also knew better than to 
ignore a request by a noble such as Iowerth. Arianna didn't bother to look 
the part of a knight as the page made it sound important. She looked haggard 
after not seeing much rest over the past few days added with everything else 
that had occurred. Her hair was a mess and she looked to be in common pants 
and an untucked, long sleeve shirt, clothes more commonly worn by men. Once 
she reached Iowerth's room and found the door open, Arianna knocked and 
entered noting the other members present and walking up to Iowerth. "Hello 
Milord, is everything alright?"

"No." The general said, as he kissed her on the cheek in greeting, not even 
noticing her clothes. "My youngest daughter is missing, together with the 
eldest son of Baroness Waterford."

The last was news to Feirha, though he kept his silence waiting for Lord 
Iorwerth to begin the briefing formally. He half bowed to Arianna - the 
respectful greeting to a fellow knight - as she took her place in the room.

Renny knocked on the door, but went in before hearing a confirmation. 
"Hello? A royal messenger bade me come here...he said something about a girl 
missing?" she said, glancing about the room. Few she knew, but she felt the 
tension of the room. She was then glad she wore a pair of pants with one of 
her rougher tunics, her weapon strapped to her back. "I've come to offer my 
assistance, as well as any of the people under my...protection. My name is 
Renny Alberwine." she bowed briefly.

Arianna looked saddened by the news, "I am so sorry, Milord. If that is why 
you have paged me, then you have my sword." She hated using titles with a 
man who would one day become her father-in-law but figured to stick with it 
until he gave permission to speak frankly. Arianna was also a little shocked 
that he would summon her and the woman who introduced herself as Renny since 
she did know Iowerth's stand on women in combat, and if this was an 
abduction, would surely lead to combat. She did see Feirha's greeting during 
this and bowed her head in respect to the knight. She also recognized the 
baron though she had never personally met him. Strangely enough, they might 
one day become related through marriage, if Hawk could see through the fog 
in his life and find her standing in front of him. She held on to faith that 
one day the goddess would help him see clearer.

Turning towards the woman who had just come through the door, Arianna nodded 
to her, "Hello Renny. I am Arianna. It is good to meet you." Arianna was 
curious as to her association to Iowerth so as to get called for this duty. 
Arianna had not met most of the knights of the realm yet, and wondered if 
Renny was another female knight like herself which probably wouldn't bode 
well with Iowerth either.

Renny bowed towards Arianna, who she assumed was at least equal in status to 
her supposed title. "Hello Arianna, wish it was under better circumstances."

"I am open to options." Iorwerth said. "I can't think straight myself." He 
admitted. "If it were up to me, I would go out there and search for her 
straight away. But I would like to know if one of you has a better idea." 
Through the years the general had learnt to admit to his weaknesses.

Feirha spoke first. Like Iorwerth he had seen more than his share of 
campaigns, though the general was easily his superior. He had also learned 
to detach his emotions in such situations. Iorwerth was not ashamed to show 
that his detachment was under strain today and no one could think any less 
of him for it. Feirha himself felt a fondness for the princess, the youngest 
sister of his oldest friend, but he was not nearly as closely effected as 
Iorwerth.

"If I may milord," Feirha began, "what exactly do we know? How did the 
princess manage to slip her guard? How is this Waterford involved?" The name 
was unknown to Feirha. "Has any ransom been issued, or do we expect one?" He 
knew many of the possibilities were going to be painful to face, but they 
had a duty to address them all the more.

"Perhaps things are being overblown a tad? Mayhap the Princess like myself 
wished privacy with someone she was fond for?" Renny didn't express beyond 
that, thinking perhaps it would not be well received. Nobles, no matter 
their speak, never allowed crude talk about their offspring.

Renny held up her hands in her own defense. "Before I am railed at for my 
suggestion, are we even sure this is a kidnapping and not an agreed 
upon...outing?" not knowing much of the situation, Renny was unsure if the 
two mentioned were to be married or whatever.

"That's exactly what I'm trying to establish Mistress Alberwine. You are 
correct that it is possible, even likely that the princess has merely 
slipped her guard to go about the normal business of nine year olds - if 
only I could remember what that was," he winked at the young woman, "but we 
must also remember that Rowena is a princess. The sister of our king. And as 
such she is, and will doubtless always be, a potential target for those 
wishing the king, and our country, ill will. I hope, and I have prayed, that 
you are right and I am wrong, but we would do the girl, and our king, no 
good if we simply assumed it and left her to return home in her own time."
"Ladies and gentlemen, my child is only nine, I don't think she's away on a 
romantic outing. She knew she was not to leave the grounds, for her own 
safety. There have been successful abduction attempts before, and after the 
murder of my sons...healer." he looked at Arianna. "We have become more 
cautious. We have not received a demand for ransom yet. But my daughter 
would not stay away this long for fun, she is responsible for a 
nine-year-old, and she knows we worry. She was last seen in the Market 
Square together with the young Baron Waterford. After that nobody knows."

Upon getting the summons Shannon donned his gear and made for Lord 
Iorwerth's rooms. Having spent most of his time either in the forge or on 
the practice field, he was quite nervous about this summons. But as 
instructed he came prepared to travel and ready for fighting. Arriving at 
Lord Iowerth's door he knocked and waited for an answer.

"Come in." The general said. He smiled when he saw Sir Shannon come in. 
"welcome, my lord. I am glad that everybody here came so quickly. I need 
your help to find my missing daughter."

"I am at your service M'Lord" Shannon said bowing in respect.

"Very well," Feirha continued as if they had not been interrupted, "if that 
is all we know then that is where we must begin. I assume the royal guard 
are scouring the city? We will need to co-ordinate with the Captain, at 
least in the beginning. They may have found more leads in the meantime. We 
may also want to divide our efforts once we have a clearer plan, so perhaps 
you would all like to think on a possible strategy for that while we are on 
our way."

"The guard has been searching all day, without success," Iorwerth said. He 
was looking his age now. "Maybe we could all team up in pairs, and go 
searching." He suggested.

Renny looked up from her spot leaning against the wall. *A nine year old 
eh?* she thought, briefly wondering what she had been like. "I have other 
men...women...at my disposal milord. If you need them I will be willing to 
call them." Renny didn't add what that would mean.

"We need all the help we can get, my lady," he said. "So if you can do that, 
please."

"Right, I'll send word out soon as we leave this place then." Renny told him 
nodding. "Tell'em to be more thorough seeing how she's a young kid and all, 
she could be just about anywhere."

As the knight led the way from Iorwerth's suite he paused briefly to grasp 
the old general's shoulder in a subtle but surprisingly powerful show of 
support, loyalty and reassurance.

Iorwerth squeezed back, glad for the support. "Thank you." He said softly 
and than added. "Do you remember that lady we visited a while back, Lady 
Morgan? I think it's time we paid her another visit."

Feirha nodded his agreement. "If we are to split our efforts from the 
beginning may I suggest we each take along a couple of squires, pages, 
guardsmen - anyone who can replay our movements to a central point; say the 
Captain of the Guard?; so that we can each contact or locate each other 
should the need arise."

"A very good idea, my lord." Iorwerth said.

Seth nodded. "I would have to agree. I believe having someone as the center 
for the search would help to keep us all informed and centralized as well. I 
hope that I may be of help in the search, as anyone who knows me or has 
heard of me knows that I seem to have a good nose for helping in such 
searches. Not that I am any better than anyone at the task that is before 
us." He corrected any possible accusations of boasting with his last 
comment.

Arianna listened to everyone's ideas and decided to keep her mouth shut. The 
testosterone was thick and when more than one of the species gathered the 
opinion of a woman became less and less heard. Arianna could not help but 
wonder who would try and abduct the princess though she was sure the king 
had many enemies.  In the back of her mind, she tried to picture if Sanglett 
was somehow involved in all of this. "Lord Iowerth, is it possible to search 
the areas of Sanglett's estate? For some reason, I cannot help but think 
that he is somehow tied up in all of this."

Renny's head snapped up at the mention of Sanglett, that encounter coming 
back to her in alarming degree. "Earl of Sanglett or whatever that jackass' 
name is? I could well believe that...man...would kidnap a small child." 
Renny said, spitting on the floor. Smudging that out she looked at the group 
more calmly. "Then again, what does he have to gain?"

Iorwerth thought for a moment. Duke Sanglet was certainly a suspect, but 
they had to tread likely there. He still did not want to antagonize the man 
completely, not without absolute proof. He needed somebody to spy around 
there, it was very dangerous so Arianna and the other lady, Renny, were out 
of the question. "I want him investigated, but carefully, with out him 
knowing." He looked around trying to select somebody for the task.

Renny didn't even think, she stepped forward and raised her hand. "I wish 
to, now that my situation is a bit more public, I won't have to be nancy 
fresh with the guy and can do some honest to goodness threatening." she said 
with a feral smile. "Our last meeting was less the fun and I truly do wish 
things had been more...action oriented." she thought for a moment. "Actually 
perhaps it would be better if someone came with me."

Seth spoke up. "I have a distaste for Sanglett as well, but I believe it 
would be best to do so under the cover of night and in dark clothing. That 
is one of the best ways to spy, or so I have been told." He smiled politely. 
"I believe that if Renny could keep herself from beating up Sanglett and 
simply observing it could work out and I'd like to accompany her if you 
think that would be best."

Iorwerth looked uncertain. "I appreciate the offer, and it would be 
wonderful, but I do not think that's a job for a lady like you. It could be 
dangerous."

Renny bristled slightly before giving a throaty laugh, doubling over. 
"Milord the fact you think me a lady is fact enough that you have no idea 
who I am." she told him. She looked at Seth and grinned. "I'd be more 
worried about my corrupting Sethie here--us outlawed types can be 
troublesome I am told." she winked at Iorwerth.

Feirha tried to catch Iorwerth's eye and give him an approving nod. The 
priest-knight had no idea who this woman was but he knew that Iorwerth had 
invited her to this briefing and that spoke volumes for her worth and his 
trust in her. The old general seemed to be forgetting that in his chivalrous 
nature and was further clouded by his worry.

He saw Feirha look and sighed internally, it was still so hard for him to 
place a woman in danger. "I know exactly who you are, my lady, but you are 
also a woman, and therefore someone I swore to protect." He hesitated. "Yet, 
if my son-in-law" he stressed that part" will go with you to protect you, I 
can live with that."

Seth smiled to Iowerth and nodded. "I can protect her, it may be hard to 
protect her from herself, but she will be safe." he looked to Renny. "We'll 
observe and only act if we have proper evidence Renny, understood?" Seth 
didn't want Sanglett asking for either of their heads on a platter.

Arianna noted that the church knight Feirha was going with Iowerth to visit 
this Lady Morgan and that Renny was teaming with Seth to visit Sanglett. 
"What is left to check out, is there any other leads? I do not wish to sit 
around idolly nor search the city like a 'soldier', and do not bother 
keeping me out of harm's way because I am a woman. You did not train me to 
use this," Arianna rested her hands on the hilt of her sword, "so that I 
might pick my teeth after dinner." She smiled at Iowerth. "Also remember 
that there are few that can match my aim with my bow."

Arianna then thought of Niall and how he had worked with rogues and mercs. 
He might no a friend or two to speak with who might have some information on 
the subject. She also knew that Niall would help out if children were 
involved. "Actually, I have an idea Iowerth, but I'll tell you more about it 
if something pans out. I'll gain the aid of Niall. He's big enough to 
'protect' me so that you can feel at ease."

"She's right, Niall's big enough to scare me and Be--" Renny cut off that
sentence, abruptly changing her tone as she turned to nod at Seth.  "Right, so
if Seth promises to come with, then I promise not too...to harm the stupid
duke." she said nodding.  "Sounds good enough.."

"sounds good to me."  Iorwerth said. Niall was a big man, and he would look
after her.  He turned to Sir Shannon.  "Do you have any plans Sir, or do you
want to join any of the groups?"

"if it's all right then, I will come with you sir." the quiet knight said.

Iorwerth nodded."let's get going then.  And everybody I appreciate what you
are
going for me and my family." 

"A Giant's Love"

Niall ap Drystan
Murial di`Annagar


Murial was standing underneath the tree where Spirit and Timor had a nest.  
She had Timor on her shoulder and was talking to him quietly.  She was 
watching Jael out of the corner of her eye playing with several of the 
children in the orphanage that were close to his own age.  "Sometimes I wish 
he was given the right childhood.  He was supposed to go to the Duke for his 
tutelage, but mom had her way and kept him close.  You know friend, he's not 
safe in Aberswyth anymore."

Murial was so caught up speaking with Timor, she hadn't realized Niall had 
entered the area and was next to her. "Why would he not be safe? Does 
someone have it out for him?" Niall didn't know if there was more said as he 
had only caught the part about Jael not being safe.

She turned and faced him. "My mother, I have a feeling would have killed us 
all one by one to keep the feud going between Madragor and Rhodri.  Jael's 
the heir to the Marshlands that was my home for so long and that's why she 
sent him.  To die so the lands would default after my father's death back to 
the Duke."

"I do not know this feud you speak of so I do not understand why a mother 
would sacrifice her children and husband to keep it going." Niall scratched 
his head and remembered why he didn't like all the complicated affairs that 
seemed to surround nobles.

Murial could see that she was confusing him.  "I shall make it easier for 
you to understand, dearest of my heart.  My mother has gone mad.  She 
believes it's the lady's will to slay her children to gain the power from 
the lady and to cause trouble within the land.  She is doing this all for 
the lady, so she says.  I fear she has just completely lost her mind and in 
her own way she thinks that this is her only way of release by keeping an 
age old family fight going stronger."  She reached up and touched his cheek. 
  "I just want to keep what is left of my family safe." she said with a 
loving look in her eyes.  She sent Timor back to the roost and sighed.

Niall had heard the words but was instantly lost. He felt a hunger deep 
within him as she laid her hand upon his face. 'Dearest of my Heart' she had 
said and the words echoed through his soul. Murial was the most beautiful 
creature he had ever placed his eyes upon, and he could not understand how 
she could find comfort with him.

Closing his eyes, he moved towards her as if to place his lips upon hers. He 
desired her and thought she felt the same. Then it happened. His manhood 
saluted the situation and Niall turned instantly red. "Um ... excuse me," he 
said as he tried to stand yet remained hunched over with one hand covering 
up his privates. If possible, Niall turned a darker shade of red before 
finally making to his feet and exiting the scene.

The whole time he ran to the house, he continued to curse his actions. He 
must have just looked like a fool. He had been with a woman a few times, but 
that was when he was with the mercenary group where whores flowed like the 
ale. He had never been with a woman he was fond of, never kissed a woman who 
actually might have feelings for him. The feeling frightened yet excited 
him. Somehow he would have to rectify the situation. That's when he realized 
Murial was chasing after him.

"Niall wait...please." She said going after him. She finally stopped and let 
him go.  She knew he was embarrassed as she was too.  She in that moment 
knew for a fact that she loved him, and knew too that it would take some 
time for him to overcome his embarrassment and realize that she did care for 
him as a person and not what he thought he was.  She watched him run 
upstairs and to his room and heard the door slam.  She sat there in the 
great hall confused.  She didn't know what happened and thought she did 
something wrong.  That's when the tears started to fall.  She sat in his 
large chair and curled her feet up underneath her and she watched the fire 
in the fireplace.  She would wait and would talk when he was ready.

After a half hour or so, Niall walked out of his room and too the steps when 
he realized Murial was balled up in his oversized chair. He hesitated at 
first, not sure if he was ready to speak with her, but decided it would be 
another foolish mistake on his part, and he had done too many of those since 
she had moved in. He walked down the stairs and up to her chair, "Can I get 
you something to drink?"

"Aye" She said quietly and she wiped her face.  She waited until he returned 
before she spoke.

Niall needed a stiff drink, something with longlasting effect. Once at his 
liquer cabinet, Niall removed his aged bottle of brandy he saved for unique 
occassions and deemed this a perfect time. He then mixed her a rum drink 
with some of the fresh squeezed berries the orphan children had turned into 
juice. He quietly walked back to her side and handed her the drink before 
sitting on the couch.

"I am going to say this to you, and I don't know how you will take it, but 
please listen.  I have feelings for you.  Yes, it's true.  I love you..." 
she couldn't finish because the tears were falling down her face again.  "If 
I have offended you then send me away.  You don't deserve to be treated 
cruelly, and if I have done so then that is what I ask of you."

Niall was taken back with shock from this discovery. He sat speechless as a 
slight smile fought with guilt lined his face. "Murial, I ... I don't know 
what to say. No woman has ever cared for let alone love me. To most who view 
me, I am nothing more than a monster. A freak at best left in the horror 
stories told at night to children."

Niall choked back a few tears that tried to fall, "My own mother disowned me 
because I am hideous. I do not understand what fate the gods have placed on 
me to have your beauty entoxicate this place but you leaving would only 
devistate me."

Niall walked over to her chair and got down on one knee, "Murial, I have 
been a fool for the way I have acted. I have never been loved nor been in 
love. This is all new to me. I am ... in love with you, too. Please forgive 
me for my poor actions." Niall looked to her with saddened eyes knowing he 
had hurt her.

Murial wrapped her arm around him and hugged him.  "I forgive you Niall, it 
seems the Gods themselves favor us enough to bring us together.  We were 
graced with goodness and it we will not let anyone take that away from us, 
we will be hurt no longer.  I believe that is the reason we were brought 
together."

"Aye, that may be," Niall says blushing under the touch of his new love. "I 
have something I wish to ask you." He hesitated a moment. "Could you watch 
over the land and everything while I am away? I fear Gwilym is going to do 
something a little bit drastic and go after your mother alone. I have a 
feeling, as if a voice is talking to me, to go and give him aid. It is a 
strange feeling but I feel compelled to listen. I am going to leave in the 
morning." He hoped she wouldn't try to pursuade him otherwise but was 
saddened that he was going to leave her side.

She listened and knew something in her heart that this was something he must 
do.  "I can do that dearheart...if something is telling you to go then go.  
I will be sad that you are gone, but I can manage the land and everything in 
your absence.  I have something to ask of you.  Use your knowledge of the 
forest around you when in the Marsh.  You can get disoriented real easy if 
you don't know where you are going.  Return to me safely. Tis all I ask."

"I will make it back safe. You can count on it." Niall leaned towards her 
and looked into her eyes. He felt as if he was drunk and it felt good. He 
smiled and leaned in closer and, for the first time, kissed a woman he 
loved.

Murial welcomed his kiss.  She held onto him and returned his kiss.  She 
pulled away just as there was a knock on the door.  "I wonder who that could 
be." she said still within his embrace.

"I haven't a clue, but hold that thought and I'll return quickly to pick up 
where we left off," Niall stood up and went to answer the door.

A man of no older than 50 graces the doorstep of Niall ap Drystan.  He still 
held the stature of a knight and his proud shoulders held back. Annagar ap 
Lleyw was standing at the front door and looked slightly up at Niall.  
"Excuse me, I am looking for Murial. Could you please let her know that her 
father has come to pay her a visit."

Niall froze as thoughts of this man not accepting the two of them together 
entered his mind. "I ... uh ... yes sir, please come in. I am Niall. I will 
go get her for you." Niall left the door hang open and darted back into the 
main room. Quite a sight considering Niall's size.

Niall rounded the corner as quick as he could gasping for breath from 
nervousness. "Murial," he said with slight panic in his voice, "it's ... 
your ... father." Niall paused as he watched her rise fromt he chair. "I 
think I'm gonna go check on Koda, Kain, and the pups." Niall took a step 
towards the backdoor, but Murial caught his arm stopping him.

She kissed him and took his nervousness away with a touch.  "Calm down love. 
  My father is not a noble but a soldier. He has passion is for animals. He 
will approve, trust me on this."  she said to him as if reading his thoughts 
of panic.  She touched his cheek.  "All will be well, you will find him to 
be very liking to yourself, so just calm down and stay near.  He will be 
very interested in seeing Timor and Spirit and will be pleased that you got 
the stubborn hawk to mate.  He's been trying for years.  When he asks what 
you do, just be honest.  He will be pleased with this match.  I know so."  
she said quietly before kissing him again and gave him a comforting smile.  
She walked to the front door and embraced her father.

"Tis a splendid surprise.  I hope your travels were well." she said to him.

"Aye, I just came from visiting your sister and am on my way to find Fagan.  
I cannot stay long, but wanted to see what you are doing." He said quietly.  
He looked at Niall again, "Greetings, Sir, we have already met, I am Annagar 
ap Lleyw and you are?" he said with his hand out to shake Niall's hand.

Niall accepted his hand with a firm shake in return, "I am Niall ap Drystan, 
sir. It is a pleasure to meet the father of Murial and Diora. They are 
wonderful ladies." Niall wanted to say more but was nervous. Niall could not 
help but think that he was more noble than the man infront of him as his 
father was a baron from Cylidd. Yet, Annagar had a presence that demanded 
respect. Niall always felt that it was more noble a quality than plain old 
birthright.

"Aye they both are." Annagar said with a proud look on his face.  He could 
tell that the man in front of him was nervous.  "Be at ease, Niall.  If you 
are worried I wouldn't like you, I wouldn't have sent Murial.  You are known 
for your animals as far south at Aberyswyth." He said with a smile.

Niall smiled but was still a little tense, "it'd be different if I wasn't 
trying to court your daughter." Niall hesitated for an instant realizing 
that it might have been best if Murial had told him, then he decided to 
relax a bit. He figured he'd already blurted out the worst that he could 
say. If Annagar could like him after that comment, then Niall didn't have 
anything to worry about.

Murial touched Niall's arm and Annagar spoke up before Murial had a chance 
too.  His smile was proof that he approved of the match.  "Niall, If I 
didn't think my daughter would be suitable, I wouldn't have sent her to 
Alban.  I just needed to see if the match worked." He said almost laughing.  
"I knew she had a way with animals and children.  Speaking of which, let's 
see those fine animals."

Murial smiled to Niall.  She whispered quietly.  "He has always seemed to 
know about these things, in otherwords, he approves of you courting me."

Niall sighed with relief and his shoulders slumped as if a weight had been 
removed so that he could relax. "Ok, follow me," Niall said and led Annagar 
around the land. Niall was unlike his normal self when it came to speaking 
on animals. It was one area that Niall was full of knowledge and enjoyed 
sharing it with those who would listen. He went on to explain his plans for 
the animals as well as training ending with his business ideas. Niall ended 
the tour with Timor and Spirit. "Well Annagar, would do you think?" Across 
the field, the orphanage could be seen with the children out front playing.

"Amazing...simply amazing.  I can tell you take great pride in your work 
here and it has paid off." Annagar said with a smile.  He noticed Jael 
playing with children his own age.  "I see he has come to no harm. He must 
be put into some type of training soon."  His thoughts drifted until he 
heard the chitter of the chicks.  "Well I'll be...I don't know how you did 
it, but you got the stubborn hawk to finally mate." He said with a laugh and 
a sigh.

"Actually, Diora and I didn't do a thing. They sorta found each other. That 
is how Diora and I met," Niall said as he looked up at the hawks and smiled. 

Annagar shook Niall's hand again and kissed his daughter on the cheek.  "I 
would love to stay longer but the day is wearing on and I still have Fagan 
to find.  Niall, thank you for the tour, and for finding something special 
in Murial." He said with a laugh.  "I have a boon to ask of you both.  Would 
you mind keeping Jael here safe, until I come to bring him home?" He said 
with a serious look on his face.

Niall looked to Murial, "It is fine by me, my love, but I won't be a round 
for a little while to help or protect him." He didn't go any further knowing 
that Murial knew what he was speaking of and feared saying anything since it 
was Annagar's wife that Gwilym was after.

Murial smiled. "Then that's settled.  Off you go father.  Jael can stay here 
as long as you wish." She said to him.

Annagar smiled and waved. He walked back around to the front, climbed onto 
his horse and rode back towards the castle.

"Well, that was painless." Murial said with a giggle.  "Now where were we??"

Niall knew better than to hesitate. Grabbing her arm, Niall pulled her in 
close and once again placed his lips to hers with an explosion of passion 
immediately following. Seconds seemed and eternity before they seperated. 
Without a word, Niall led her upstairs and to his room, "I have a little 
time before I am to leave," he whispered followed by a small chuckle.

Murial let out a little giggle and whispered back.  "I've not ever...been 
with a man before." she said before kissing him very passionately.

Inside, his drive was urging him, but he knew better than to deflower the 
woman before she was ready. "If you desire, my love, I will happily wait 
until we are properly wed. I will hold no ill will nor regrets. My desire is 
to be with you forever."

She smiled and touched his face.  "Honestly?"  She looked into his face and 
knew he was being honest. "I desire you to love me, this night and always." 
she said in almost a whisper.

Niall bent down kissing her passionately once again, then walked in the 
bedroom and closed the door behind them ....

"We still have to.."
Lady Isa
Lady Bronwen


Isa was working like mad.  As long as she kept busy with affairs of state, 
she
had no time to think about her little girl.  Where was Rowena, was she
scared?" the Queen Mother shook her head, no, those were the kind of thoughts
that were not allowed.

Bronwen stepped into the room and looked about. It was a fury of activity.
"Mother?" She said walking to her and putting a hand on her arm.  

Isa smiled at her daughter.  "Bron, it's good to see you.  Are you all right,
sweetheart?  Your brother and your father keep me pretty busy.  Hawk is not 
as
bad as your father, but he doesn't really enjoy the paperwork."

"I am fine.  I still get ill in the morning. I hope it will soon pass."
Bronwen
answered. 
"I thought.. I thought we should plan Rowena's birthday party." 

her mother paled.  She even ignored the comment about the morning sickness. 
"lets...not think about Rowena right now, shall we, darling." 

"Mother, if she comes home tomorrrow or on her birthday, we can show her
we did not forget about her?  We need to plan her birthday and trust that 
Hawk
will get her home.  We can plan it so it can be pulled together within a day
from the time Hawk brings her home.  She is missing..mother, we have to think
about her." Bronwen answered softly.  "When you were missing, we never
forgot."  She searched her mother's face.

"could you do the preparations, dear."  Her mother said.  "If I think about
her now...I am afraid I will...you do it, honey."  Her mother smiled bravely. 


Bronwen sighted.  Her mother was avoiding her pain and burying it in work.  
It
would burst through at some totally horrid time and there was not much she
could 
do about it.  "Are you sure that is what you wish?" She pushed gently.

Isa was not certain.  She wanted to give into her pain, and have a good cry. 
But she had always been the strong one in the family, until her recent
illness.  And she hadn't liked it at all when the family had suddenly
looked at
her differently.. She remembered the fear in her husband's eyes, the
concern in
her son's.  Theyneeded her strong. "no."  She said honestly.  "But I do not
want to break down, your father and your brother need me, they need a woman's
strength to tell them everything will be okay.Do you understand, sweetheart?"

"If you don't react at all, mother, do you not think we will see through
that? 
Papa is not blind and neither is Hawk." Bronwen gently pointed out.

"then what should I do.  "her mother asked. "in the past they never noticed,
but they changed after I was ill.  I need to show them that I can still be
strong."

"Then cry with me and then let us turn our attention to matters as if she
is to
return by her birthday." Bronwen suggested gently.

"but child, I must be strong for you to."  Her mother said stroking her hair. 

"You have had a difficult time to."  But there were tears in her eyes now.

"I have a husband to be strong for me." Bronwen said gently.  "Now, I need
a mother, not some stalwart soldier." 

"mother's don't cry in front of their children, it should be the other way
around."  The tears were dripping on her cheeks now.  "I don't know what I
will do if we lose her."

Bronwen's eyes clouded up as well.  "We won't.  She has a destiny and she is
always telling us about it.  I haven't seen her be wrong to many times." 
Bronwen pointed out.

"no.  But she is a little child.  And I know how frightened she gets."  and
finally Isa broke down and started to sob. 

"We still don't know that she isn't exactly where she intended to be." 
Bronwen
pointed out.  "What if she really did run away?"

"she didn't.  I know those things.  And your brother is sure of it.  Those 
two
developed a bond since he came back.  Something is seriously wrong." 

Bronwen moved into her mother's arms.  "I hope you are wrong." She whispered.

"I hope so to honey.  I hope so too."  And she held her eldest daughter very
close. 

Bronwen suddenly pulled away.  "We must plan this party." She said, forcing
herself to brighten.  "Rowena would never forgive us if we forgot the 
birthday
that her Da has promised so much upon." 

"than we shall do that." Isa smiled.  "Thank you dear.  Thank you for being
there for me." 

Bronwen smiled.  "It is what my mother would do." She pointed out with
a gentle smile.

Isa smiled.  "You will make a good wife and mother.  You've grown up, my
little girl.  Maybe it's time for me to share  the burden with you, if you 
wish." 

"I would like that." Bronwen answered after a long moment 

"Good."  Her mother said.  "Let's start with organising that party."
The two women put their heads together to arrange for the party of one little 
girl.

"A Note"
Lady Bronwen

Seth had gone out with her father.  Her mother was laying down.  They had
spent the afternoon preparing for Rowena's party.  Bronwen entered her rooms
and sat down.  She began brushing out her hair when she saw the scroll on her 
desk.  Breaking the seal, she unrolled the parchement.

Milady.

I am sure you are vastly concerned for the safety of your
little sister.  I can arrange for her to be returned to you.  
However, I do not trust the men in your family and will only
return her to your gentle hand.  

If you wish to see her alive and well, meet me and the
small cavern where once you trysted with your husband.
I will have her there waiting for you.  Tell no one, if my man
sees anyone accompanying you but your maid, I will be
forced to hand this child over to the slavers rather then risk
my own hand or head in the matter. 

Yours truly,
A concerned subject of Abertawe.

Bronwen sat stunned.  It was a trap, of that she was sure.  Yet,
if there were any truth of it, she could be discarding the very
safety of Rowena.  Rowena was going to be important one
day, of that Bronwen was sure.  She slowly stood, laying the 
note upon her table.  She would go, but she would leave the
note behind so that someone could come behind her.  Seth
would follow hot on her heels, of this she was sure.  

Bronwen summoned her maid to ride with her.  She slowly 
changed her clothes, being sure to hide a small dagger inside
her bodice.  She also encouraged her maid to hide a small
dagger though she did not tell her why. 

The two women soon rode out of the keep.  Bronwen often
rode with her husband and maid. Today, she told the gatekeeper
she was joining her husband inside the city.   Despite her insistence, 
the man sent two gaurds with her.   Bronwen rode into the city 
perplexed as to what to do.  She stopped at the millenar's.  The men
waited outside the small shop.  She stood looking at the small veils
and hats as she pondered what she could do.  Slowly Bronwen
smiled.  She soon began shopping with a vengence.  The poor men
were soon overloaded with the purchases of the Princess.  

Bronwen deliberately led the overburdened men into the crowds and send her 
maid ahead of them. She turned off and doubled back to the horses. She would 
save her little sister. After all, Rowena would save her.

"Onward"
Kingdom of Abertawe
Sir Gwynne Hawley
Lord Jon Sanglet and a few of his men



Sanglet was riding to meet with the King. The king had promised a meeting at
the ball and he was just now receiving the summons. He was irritated that he
had been forced to wait. Second in station only to the King's immediate
family, the cut was felt deeply. He rode his tall white stallion proudly
with only two retainers.

Gwynne was riding hard and fast, stopping only to give his horse rest and
water. His only thoughts were on Jolene and saving her from a life of
servitude. She was better than that and did not deserve it. He had planned
to go to the ends of the earth for her, to defeat anything or anyone to save
her and so he would. He saw a noble and a small band up ahead and
reluctantly slowed his horse.

When he was close enough to speak, so they could hear, he greeted them,
"Greetings, I am Sir Gwynne Hawley, an Abertawe knight of the realm," he
announced.

"I know you, Sir knight. Do you not know me? Lord Jon Sanglet." Jon said,
not bothering to bow. What was this impertinent interloper doing on the road
to his manse.

"Aye milord, my apologies. I am in a hurry," Gwynne replied, his mind was
concentrating on saving Jolene but it did not serve him well to dismiss such
a powerful man.

"In a hurry, this road only leads to my estates? Why are you in such a hurry
there if I am here before you?"  Jon's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Sorry milord, but I am only taking a thoroughway across your forest. There
are slave traders hiding out on your land, I have been sent to dispose of
them and save the women they intend to sell. I am acting on the King's
authority," Gwynne lied, "and must get there post-haste," he said, clearly
wanting to ride on. Gwynne was consumed with saving his love and fiancé.

"Really? Well, let me send one of my men to guide you." Jon said gallantly.
"However, I would like a writ from the King first. Such invading of my lands
goes against any policy of the crown. Such men would be my affair and the
king would have told me. In fact, I travel to him now. Join me!" Jon said
firmly.

"Nay milord, I welcome the extra man. However, there is no time to return to
Alban. I have just come from there. I will not risk the brigands escaping. I
must continue on, for lives are at stake and they shall not be sold when I'm
assigned to save them. Boggling me down in writs sir will not sit well with
the King when lives are at stake," Gwynne replied, he was pulling back the
reins of his horse as his ol' friend sensed his impatience and wanted to
continue running. "Every minute counts milord, I prithee to allow me
onward."

"Nay, you will not cross my lands without some sanction from the King. I
think you act in your own interests and I do not happen to agree that such
interests should be pursued on my lands." Jon answered more arrogantly. "I
will send my men to search for such brigands." He promised.

"I mean you no ill-will sir, however lives are at stake. You act in
foolishness, as if you sanctioned these slave traders? Shall I tell the King
this? Our honorable King would never appreciate a slave trade on Sanglet
lands, much less sanctioned by a Sanglet. It is not our way. I press onward
sir, do what you will, but I shall not be stopped!" he replied and quickly
started his horse galloping past Sanglet and his men. He would not stop for
anyone, nor be deterred. Though it was interesting that Sanglet minded a
Knight of the King on his land, who was on a mission of chivalry. Gwynne
would care about that later, all that mattered now was saving Jolene.

Nasir was somewhere behind him on the road, he only hoped the man would turn
back and not risk confrontation with Sanglet.

Jon swore. "Stupid fool." He beckoned one man to him. "Ride back to the
keep. Tell Macbarath to clean the chicken coop." He looked down the road,
glad that the hut the knight searched for was not in his current path. "And
see if someone can accidentally hunt a little hart in the direction of our
knight errant."

The man nodded and rode off down the road after the Knight. However, his
task was at the manse and not wherever the misled man was headed.

Gwynne was riding his trusty steed hard, he knew he was, but there was no
time for a simple gallop, he leaned down and whispered to his horse,
"Dearest black lady, I will not ask much of you after this ride, but onward
my ol' friend and I shall buy you a whole bag of apples," he laughed
playfully and the horse seemed to pick up speed at the sound of "bag of
apples." Gwynne didn't look back to see what Sanglet was doing, but the King
would hear of his reluctance to help him.

Lethwain Lugwaide-Lone Crusader

Footsteps In The Dark (Part 1):

Lethwain had taken to walking the streets of Alban during the early hours of
the morning. His sickness still meant he had to sleep for most of the day
and so, during the few hours that he was awake, he preferred the
convalescent effects of the cool night air both upon his mind and body. 

He had walked the same route for the past few nights and, apart from the
occasional sleeping drunk, he had seen no one. Alban really did sleep when
the lights went out. That morning, as he passed by the Market Quarter, he
heard a strange noise coming from one of the side streets. It sounded as
though someone was scraping a large metal slab across the cobbles and was
soon followed by the sound of running feet. 

Lethwain was on his way to investigate when he was overcome by another bout
of sickness. His head grew dizzy and he had to hold onto a boarded up market
cart to keep his balance. Feeling inside his pocket for his medicine box, he
pulled out some kempium (the herbal cure he had discovered up for
alleviating his fever), and sniffed its relieving aroma into his nostrils.
He stood, holding himself up against the cart for a few minutes before
clearing his head and looking around the market place. The square was empty,
and he proceeded to the side street from where the noise had come. 

Arriving at the entrance to the narrow mews he was unable to discern
anything inside. Tall, multi-story buildings shadowed the street on either
side and the centre of the road was used for parking broken and disused
market carts. Lethwain's eyes gradually grew accustomed to the dark and he
had the idea of calling out to see if anyone was there but thought better of
it lest he wake the sleeping tenants.

He began to move down the street, when, in the shady light he slipped and
came crashing down on the cobbles with a clatter. He was wearing his
plate-mail breastplate and its metallic sound resonated through the street
as it hit the ground. Unhurt, he got to his feet and examined what he had
slipped on. There was a slimy film covering the cobbles, some sort of rancid
manure, and upon closer inspection he perceived there to be other such
patches at regular intervals along the street. Rather similar to the gaps
between footsteps! He remarked to himself.

He followed these down the street for a while until they faded away and
their track was lost, though this brought him outside the castle gates. The
sky was still dark and there was no chance of picking them up again and,
Lethwain, feeling the fever coming on again, was about to return home, when
he heard the sound of barking up ahead. Dogs! So maybe the tracks were not
be lost after all.

He soon found the canine, a wandering stray, which had found a dead rabbit
to play with. Bending down Lethwain motioned to it in the special way that
he had learnt in communicating his thoughts with animals and, leaving the
furry carcass, it came running up to him. They exchanged gazes and soon the
happy canine was on the trail of the footsteps. The strong rotted smell was
no problem for the dog to track and it soon brought them to a large
warehouse a few streets away. All the windows were boarded up and there
seemed to be no light inside, but the dog was sure that this was the place. 

The dog was about to bark its findings to its newly acquired master when, it
was silenced by a look from Lethwain. The crusader bent down and patted the
canine on its head, ruffling its flee-ridden fur, before sending it on it
way. 

As the dog ran off, Lethwain tried to make out the sign on the door of the
warehouse, 

"ERNEST FEAGH: - PROPRIETER: SPECIALISING IN VALUABLE MERCHANDISE."

Lethwain's face puzzled as he tried to understand what 'valuable
merchandise' would mean. He eventually gave up, satisfied with his initial
accomplishment of finding the destination of the tracks. It was still dark
and he hadn't been long in following, so, moving into a dark corner of the
building opposite, he decided to wait and see who would emerge.

It wasn't long before he heard a bolt turn and the front door was opened a
short way. A faint glow of light lit up the street and the thin face of a
man slipped through the gap to check if the coast was clear. Lethwain
recognized that face instantly; they'd met several months before on
Lethwain's voyage into Abertawe. The crusader knew him as Tellon Ramius, a
follower of the sect of Donn, those vile worshippers that he had sworn to
destroy. As the man donned his hood and began to make his way back to where
he'd come from Lethwain stepped out.  

Ramius heard a noise and looked around, he couldn't make out any detail in
the moonless light, but he saw the large figure of a man striding towards
him and the chink of metal as it approached. The figure stretched out its
powerful arm, about to grab him by the shoulder, when it suddenly keeled
over and gave a gasp. It was all Tellon needed. Giving the accosting shadow
a kick in its leg he turned and made off down the road as fast as he could. 

Settling down from his rush of fever Lethwain let the kempium's soothing
aroma drift about his head. Regaining his vision he cursed the timing of his
relapse into sickness. He had fallen helpless before a man he knew would
have liked to see him dead; he had been lucky to get away with only a
bruised thigh. He had failed tonight and he needed to rest but he knew that
the Sect was still in Alban. He'd try again tomorrow night, and this time
he'd make sure to stock up on the kempium first.






"No Longer A Knight"

king Hawk
Arianna ui Llewellyn

After the meeting with his advisers, Hawk could not help himself, he needed 
to see Arianna. So far he had not have time for her today, and he missed 
her. The King walked to her apartments, "I...I just came to ask how your 
grandfather is, and if you spoke to my father." He asked clumsily.

Arianna giggled at Hawk's clumsiness. She wasn't sure if it had to do with 
his hidden attempt to see her, or the fact that she was gaining some well 
needed rest and only had on a sleeveless nightie that came down just past 
her bottom, but she did not wish to ruin the fact that he came to visit. "My 
grandfather rose for a little while but our conversation was short. His 
heart still gives him trouble and Diora thought it best to allow him to 
sleep a little more."

Arianna moved aside to allow him entrance into her residence. "As for 
Iowerth, everything is wonderful between us. We had a nice conversation 
about my grandfather and you more than anything else."

Hawk flushed bright red. "Uhm, milady, shouldn't you dress yourself before 
you ask me in." He could not help himself, his eyes kept going to her 
shapely formed breasts that were barely hidden by her nightgown. And her 
beautiful long legs. "You talked to my father about me?"

Arianna was pleased with his wandering eyes. It spoke volumes about his 
desire. The redness in his face placed a devilish smile upon her lips, and 
she decided that it was all the teasing she would do for this day. Too much 
sweetness for the eyes could make a man go blind. Gracefully, Arianna walked 
over to the edge of her bed, bent over slightly to pick up her robe, and 
slowly slid it around her body. She pretended not to notice his attempt to 
hide his lustful stare. "Yes, Hawk, we talked about you. After all, you are 
his son, and everyone at the Ball noticed the connection between you and I. 
He was curious how things went ? before I made the evening a disaster." She 
was learning to accept her mistake though it still pained and embarrassed 
her.

Hawk was still a little bit nervous. When he looked at her, he couldn't stop 
thinking of the body under the clothes. "You did nothing wrong, Arianna." He 
said softly. "It wasn't your fault." Gods, even the smell of her was 
intoxicating. "I...I might not have much time to see you the coming days, my 
sister has gone missing. She is only a small child, and I am greatly 
worried."

Arianna almost responded knowing full well the devastation her outbreak at 
the party caused. It didn't help that those opposed to the king saw his 
interaction with her just moments before. What they were thinking only the 
heavens knew. It was as he spoke about his sister, that Arianna decided not 
to respond about the ball anymore. "I am teaming with Niall, to do a little 
investigating. I met with Iowerth and the other knights just a short while 
ago. If there are any clues, love, we'll find them. Every man is dedicated 
to that." Arianna was unsure as to what comfort that would bring Hawk, but 
it was all she could think to say. She never had brothers or sisters to 
worry about but understood by the pain on his face that Rowena was important 
to him.

"Father did that?" He smiled. "I am surprised he asked you? He watches over 
you as if you were his own daughter. Will you be careful?" He asked looking 
at her tenderly.

"You are wrong my liege," she said playfully, "he watches over me as if I 
were his daughter-in-law. She smiled teasingly to him. "I will be careful. I 
think that in his state of mind, he didn't care who helped as long as Rowena 
was found." She desperately wished Hawk would let his guard down once and 
take her, but he seemed stubborn in his task to 'protector' by not being 
with her. She would not tell him, but inside he hurt her far worse than by 
not showing interest.

Hawk hesitated, not sure what to do. He loved her, she was beautiful, 
intelligent, everything he wanted in a woman, and she was of noble blood. 
Yet he remembered what her grandfather had said. He could not hurt her, and 
that was exactly what he would be doing if he showed his love now.

While they were standing there, the door that had not been completely closed 
opened. Arianna had been given a room very close to the apartments of the 
royal family. And now she could see a three-year-old little boy staring at 
her with large curious eyes.

Arianna made sure her robe had her fully covered before smiling gently to 
the little lad, "hello there. What is your name?" Arianna gave him a little 
wink.

"I'm Rhys." He said proudly. "Are you going to be my new mummy?"

Hawk turned even more red. "Rhys! You have to excuse my son, he's very 
small."

Arianna laughed, "there is no need to, he is a beautiful child." Arianna 
could see Hawk's intense eyes in the lad as she walked towards him and got 
down on her knees to speak with him, "my name is Arianna. How about you and 
me start off as friends. I don't have very many of those and you seem a good 
fit. We can tell each other stories and sip hot cocoa. What do you think?"

He smiled a beautiful smile. "You're nice. Everybody sad, nana and Bronny 
crying." He said serious.

"Well, little Rhys, your Aunt Rowena, it seems, has taken a walk and now 
nobody can find her. You know how to play hide and seek, right? Well, you 
papa has sent all of the knights out to find her, but your nana and Bronny 
are just scared that she might not return." Arianna didn't wish to lie to 
the child, but she didn't want to come across with adult like honesty 
either.

"Me help!" The little boy said.

"No!" Hawk said pretty sharply, he still wasn't used to being a father. "You 
go back to your room, and you stay there, do you understand. It's very 
important." The thought that anything could happen to this little boy 
terrified him. Rhys his upper lip began to tremble.

Arianna wasn't sure if it was her place but instantly she reached out and 
grabbed Rhys hand, "come Rhys and show me your room. Everything will be 
fine. Your father is just worried about Rowena also. He didn't mean any 
harm." Arianna turned for just a second and made eye contact with Hawk, not 
out of anger but instead with compassion. She truly wondered how he felt at 
the disappearance of a family member but then realized how she would feel if 
she were to ever lose him.

He smiled at her, grateful for her kindness to his son. "Thank you." He said 
softly.

Rhys easily took her hand. The boy began to smile, happy with the attention. 
"Come!" He said.

He showed her a small but nicely decorated room, a lot of care had been 
taken to supply toys, yet it was not overdone. "Me like you." He said.

"Aw, Rhys, you're a sweet little boy. I like you very much and am happy we 
are going to be friends." Arianna would stay for a little bit but did not 
want to leave Hawk for very long. They still had things to discuss.

A moment later his nurse came in and curtsied to Arianna. "I am sorry 
milady, he got away from me for a second. I hope that he has not been any 
trouble." She seemed scared to be told off.

Arianna looked at the nurse, "with all that is happening in Abertawe, I 
would recommend you keep a better eye on my little friend here. Consider 
this your warning." Arianna winked to Rhys then left back to Hawk. She had 
not really wanted to scold the nurse, but the family was in an uproar with 
the disappearance of Rowena. They did not need a second child missing in the 
night.

Arianna made her way back into her room and found Hawk still there waiting 
for her. "He is a splendid child. He has part of you in him that stand out, 
and I'll assume the parts that aren't recognizable are those of your past 
wife. The two of you did a splendid job. He is worth being proud of."

It still hurt to think of his dead wife. "She was beautiful, an angel, and I 
killed her." He said softly.

Arianna had heard enough. She was tired of the pity that oozed from this man 
over something totally out of his control. "I cannot take this anymore! You 
sit by and drowned in self-pity all the while making everyone around you 
suffer as well. I want nothing more than to be with you but am unhappy here 
trying month after motnth to deal with this. I can't do it anymore. I am 
going to spend some time with my grandfather as well as get to know my 
father. After that I will be leaving Abertawe. I am unsure at this point 
where I will go. I am renouncing my knighthood!" Arianna knew she spoke out 
of anger but inside she meant it. This had gone too far.

Hawk looked at her with just about the same expression as his son in his 
eyes, like a lost little boy who didn't know what to do any more.

"I don't want to make you unhappy.  Don't you see how much I love you. 
I...even your grandfather, you know he doesn't want us to marry.  He is 
afraid I will kill you.  I haven't talked to your father yet."  He took a 
deep breath, his eyes too bright.  "I love you, and I cannot stop you 
leaving. I had hoped you would be a part of my life somehow, Also for my 
father.  I would make you unhappy if we married, I vowed never to lay with 
another woman again.  I watched her die, Arianna.  I watched her die giving 
birth, I killed her and still she loved me.  She was 18, had her whole life 
in front of her, only I needed an heir."  He sounded bitter.

"I did not even want to see my son until a few months ago when I returned to 
court.  I left here three years ago to die.  Yet I could not.  I stayed 
alive and I healed.  I began to enjoy my life again and I even loved again, 
I believed that maybe I was not cursed and that I would have a second 
chance.  And this lady died because she dared love a King.  Again a woman 
died because of me, and you dare to accuse me of self-pity?  I love you more 
than my own life, and I will do anything to keep you safe and happy. Even if 
that means I cannot be happy myself, don't you understand that you stupid 
woman.  Don't you understand how hard this is."

He turned around, not wanting a woman to see his tears, by now he could not 
keep them in any longer and his shoulders were shaking.  It was a long time 
ago since he had lost his composure so completely, and allowed himself to 
let others see inside himself.

"STUPID! ... I ... How dare you speak of love and that you care for my 
feelings! Telling me you would want me around yet not wishing sleeping in my 
bed because of a childishly stupid vow! YOU HYPOCRITE!!" The words echoed 
through the halls. She knew he was crying yet she could not control herself. 
"You are blind and foolish. My grandfather did not wish us to wed because he 
is angry at your family for doing nothing about the death of my mother."

Arianna paused but picked back up before he could say anything. "Women die 
giving birth. It is a natural part of life. Will you not allow men and women 
to be together so as to prevent innocent death. You have no control over it. 
It is not because of heirs or because certain men are jynxed. That is as 
obsurd as tribal superstitions. You of all people should no that. No, I do 
not accuse you of self-pity, you are too full of it for everyone else not to 
see. All you care about is yourself. Proof and fact you ran away instead of 
facing life because life was too hard .. waa waa waa!! You left your child 
behind as well as your mother, father, and the rest of your family with no 
concerns as to their feelings. You up and packed your bags and just walked 
away. Now you claim to return for the better interests of life yet you 
refuse to let anyone close to you. It sounds to me like you're living in a 
closed room with no windows."

Arianna took one last breath, "marriage is a vow just like becoming a 
knight. Men and women fight for their families and would happily die to see 
the rest live. You know this from war. Every military trainer teaches it's 
soldiers that the hardest people to fight are the farmers backed into 
corners protecting their homes and FAMILIES! Ask your father! How dare you 
say you are willing to die for a woman you love but not allow her the same 
respect. It just goes to show that women as knights is really a farce in 
your own eyes as you would be willing to let them die in honor but not for 
the man they love. If you could reach into the heavens and ask your mistress 
that question, I bet she would tell you she would die all over again for 
that chance to love you. You STUPID MAN! Shame on you!" Arianna then burst 
through the door past Hawk and ran with all of her mustered speed. She did 
not wish to be around Hawk another minute. Arianna ran to Diora's room. She 
would help her.

"A Friend to Lean On"

Arianna ui Llewellyn
Diora di'Annagar

Diora was resting quietly bored out of her mind.  Her head was still 
pounding and she had atleast a chance to open her left eye for the first 
time this morning.  The sun was shining in and she so wanted to take a walk 
in the garden, but she was afraid her legs wouldn't hold her yet.  She hated 
the fact that she was still weak from the brutal beating she took.

She sighed as she heard the birds this morning and sat up.  She knew she 
wasn't expecting anyone but was surprised when she heard the knock on her 
door.

Arianna had run through the castle hoping to leave Hawk far behind her. 
After a few moments she found Diora's door and knocked. Attempting to hold 
back the tears, Arianna spoke, "Diora, it's Arianna. Oh please be in, I need 
to speak with you."

"Come dearheart.  You need not knock come on in."  She said to the door. She 
took one look at Arianna as she entered and opened her arms to her. "What 
has he done this time?  Tell me all about it."

"The fool started spouting off comments about killing his wife and lover 
again. Everytime we get together he has to bring me down with the same old 
routine. I thought at some point he'd get over the mourning. I have been 
patient and waited long enough. In any case, I could take it and I yelled at 
him. In the process, I told him how I felt about being near him anymore. I 
told him I would no longer be a knight and that I was going to spend time 
with my family and then move away. He got mad in return and called me a 
stupid woman. That put me over the top and I called him self-centered and a 
hypocrite. It was ugly but deep down inside, I meant it." Arianna launched 
into Diora's arms and began to cry.

Diora held her and let her cry.  She stroked her hair as they lay there on 
her bed.  "You are alright.  You spoke in anger, calm yourself now.  He 
loves you, and wants to protect you but he's not doing a good job in his 
mind of protecting his heart.  He's still in pain, and you must be patient.  
You must help him through the pain, and he will realize how wrong he has 
been.  I see the conflict in his eyes.  He wants to be good for you but he's 
afraid.  You must help him by showing no, teaching him to love again." she 
said quietly.  She closed her one good eye as the other was still sore and 
puffy and sighed.  "All will be well, and you have time, but you must be 
patient."

Arianna layed in her arms for a while until the tears subsided. "You are 
right about me speaking in anger. As for being patient, I just pray I have 
more patience in me. I do know one thing. I am going to make him come to me. 
I have been available for him and that has gotten us no where. This time, he 
is going to have to work for it. My love is nothing to take for granted. I 
have remained pure to life. That is something special in itself. I will take 
nothing less than marriage from him. I cannot be a mistress nor someone for 
him to google over when he has the time. I will help him, but he is going to 
have to come to me and ask for it."

"I think in his heart he wants to marry you, but he has to push past the 
fear.  You are right in the fact that he has to come to you.  I don't think 
the time is quite right yet, but it will be soon." Diora said softly.  
"Come, I am going to open an invitation to you and Hawk as well.  I have a 
feeling this full moon will be an interesting one.  Celebrate it with me and 
Gwilym.  I have a feeling Hawk's eyes will open and his fears will be 
removed. Can you be patient until the full moon?" Diora asked her quietly.

Arianna sighed, "I will wait." Then she thought about it and fellowed out 
... even began to smile. "Maybe waiting until then will be good for both of 
us."

She sighed a moment more.  "How was the morning.  I have not been out of 
doors since I have returned.  I am afraid to step into the garden, for fear 
of falling again." She asked looking at Arianna.

Arianna rose to her feet and held out her hand to help Diora to hers, "It is 
beautiful, but I will say no more. Come and see for yourself."

Diora took her hand and settled herself on unsteady feet.  She was clutching 
onto Arianna as she walked with her.  "I think I am one of the worst 
patients and this is coming from a healer." she said with a small chuckle 
and then a moan.

Arianna helped her into the garden and over to the bench for her to sit on, 
"So tell me all, how are things with you and Gwilym?" Arianna's curiosity 
had gotten the best of her.

Diora smiled.  "Things are absolutely wonderful.  He has talked with Annagar 
already and had made his intentions known.  We'll eventually be married. He 
has said so, but he has gone off to find my mother.  She's the cause of my 
injury and one of the reasons why Rhodri and Madragor are arguing.  This 
feud has gone on long enough and she hasn't helped things much." she said 
sighing and rested her head on Arianna's shoulder.  "Tis too beautiful to 
sit inside."

Arianna had heard about the feud between those two, but it was an affair she 
cared little about. "I am so happy for you and Gwilym. It will be a 
wonderful marriage. I can't wait to watch it." Arianna looked to the sky and 
admired the day as well. She was happy to have brought her sister-friend out 
here.

"Twill be nice...but I'm not in any hurry.  It will be nice too when 
stubborn souls see the error in their ways and come to their senses." she 
said with a giggle and hoped that Hawk would see.  She would have to send 
him a message to come see her, instead of her going to him.

Arianna laughed. "I hope you're right. Wouldn't it be the grandest of ideas 
if we were both wed on the same day ... a double wedding!" Arianna let her 
mind float to visions of her and Diora in wedding gowns with Gwilym and Hawk 
beside them.

Diora smiled.  "Though I would rather be at your side not taking away from 
your day.  For I know it will be grand when it happens.  Fret not, I will 
speak with him, though I have a funny feeling he is speaking with Gwilym 
right now, just as we are speaking."

"Do you think so?" Arianna asked knowing she was probably right. "Well, I 
hope Gwilym can help him out somehow. I sure pray everyday that he would be 
through mourning his past and look to me and the future."

Diora nodded.  "Gwilym has been there so he's the best person to help Hawk.  
Their friendship is too close, like ours.  Who else could he talk to at a 
time like this??"  She said quietly listening to the birds.

"You're right, Sis," Arianna loved calling her that. "I will stay away from 
him until we celebrate this full moon. I hope you are right about this full 
moon being an interesting one. Now, what should I wear?"

Diora smiled.  "Nothing too fancy.  This is just a simple celebration of 
bringing family together.  If you know what I mean.  I'm wearing my sapphire 
blue dress that Murial had made for me.  She brought it with her.  It's 
gorgeous, and yet very simple.  We are about the same size and height, why 
don't we go look in my small wardrobe." She said with a giggle.

"Oh, that would be wonderful," Arianna said rising from her seat to give 
Diora a hand. She knew that Diora had said simple, but she wanted to look 
really nice for Hawk. "Since this is meant for family, will Murial be there 
with Niall as well?"

Diora took her hand and they walked back inside.  "I think Murial has plans 
of her own with Niall, but we shall see them soon enough." She said smiling 
as they stopped at the wardobe door and Diora opened it.  "Let's see. The 
creme one would be too light, how about this one?"  She reached in and 
pulled out a beautiful ruby colored dress that had a fringe of lace at the 
kirtle and at the hem.  "Try it on and tell me what you think?  I have never 
worn it, and I think it will suit you." Diora said happily.

Arianna slipped into the dress and danced around the room in sheer delight. 
The dress was beautiful and fit her perfectly. "Do you think he'll like it?" 
Arianna asked refering to Hawk.

Diora smiled knowing that she had the dress made for Arianna.  "He is going 
to be speechless. I think he's going to love it." she said quietly proud of 
her gift. "Consider it my gift to you." she said again.

Arianna rushed over and gave Diora a hug, "Thank you, Sis. It's beautiful. 
When is this celebration and where will it take place?" Arianna was already 
thinking of the time she would spend with Hawk and completely forgot about 
their earlier argument.

"The full moon will be in a couple of days and it will be in the main 
garden. It's the only place big enough that if you want to be alone there is 
enough garden there." She said with a smile.  "Just meet me there as the sun 
is setting." She said with a hug.  "Go on now.  I still have one more 
invitation to give, and I need to start my way down the hall." She said 
shooing Arianna out the door.

"No Comfort"
- Lord Annagar (npc)
- Fagan the Ovate (npc)

**********

A page came to Fagan bearing news.  By now the word that Rowena was
gone had already reached him, but the page was unsure how the Ovate
would take to