Politics - Chapter Seventeen

"Finding The Objective- Part 2"
Kingdom Of Abertawe
Arvel ap Kynan
Megan ap Kynan
Sir Gwynne Hawley- Crest of Topaz
Location: Evandler, Abertawe


Arvel brings the knight inside where Megan already has a cup of brewed tea
waiting for him. Both of Arianna's foster parents take a seat and sit in
silence before Arvel speaks up.

"Arianna's real father is a major player in the courts of Abertawe,
Llewellyn ap Windemere. Her mother was a young lady that worked in the
infirmary with Megan. Her name was Veralyn. All we ever knew about her was
that she had great manners but was nothing more than a peasant woman.
Llewellyn treated her like royalty buying her gifts and giving her money."
Arvel paused to remember all that had occurred.

"He had gotten her pregnant and he had been around during most of the
pregnancy. One day they got into a fight over something, I'm not sure what.
She said Llewellyn was acting funny and told her he never wanted to see her
again. He walked out of her residence telling her never to come around him
again.

"She was in tears and came over to our house. She could not think straight.
She asked us to take the child into our care. She was acting kind of crazy
which scared me and I grabbed my sword. We decided to head to the infirmary
because the stress was going to send her into labor.

It was very dark that night with a terrible storm brewing. The raining was
falling all around and visiblity was minimal. Out of nowhere came a group of
men hell bent on mugging us or so we thought. There were five total I was
fending off and had killed two when one of them yelled that the job was
done. The remaining men turned to leave and I sliced one across the leg
sending him to the ground. I turned to see Megan in tears holding the still
body of Veralyn. Our maid heard the commotion and came out to see what was
going on. She immediately went to help Megan get Veralyn back in the house.

I stayed behind and questioned the individual who was injured and on the
ground. He eventually told me that he was sent by Llewellyn. There objective
was to kill Veralyn so that she could not ruin his name with a bastard
child. I was so distraught that I killed him in the street and ran into my
own house.

When I got inside, the maid was holding a baby while Megan lay on the bed
crying with her arms draped around the dead Veralyn. I knew that Windemere
was very influential in the courts and would have his son freed from any
charges I made. He was a very deceitful and untrustworthy man, and I
believed he would have Megan and I killed if we mentioned anything. We
decided to tell the guard that the men in the street were attempting to rape
the woman and I ran out to save her. I told them I had never seen the woman
before so that no ties could be brought to use. We then took the child and
retired to Evandler. We've been here ever since.

"When Arianna turned fifteen, I told her the truth. She swore that she would
become a knight and avenge the death of her mother by killing Llewellyn. She
ran away. I never paid any attention to her threats because she was upset. I
figured she'd return in a few weeks. She never returned and we haven't heard
from her since. Once Hawk took the throne and allowed women the right to
become knights, I knew it was only a matter of time before someone showed up
at my door as you have done, except I expected you to tell me she was dead.
I wanted to stop her but she has chosen her own destiny and it is not my
place to interfere." Arvel hung his head low relieved to lift the burden but
looking as if he were carrying a deeper one. One that spoke of his only
child possibly being dead.

"I am sorry for all you have gone through. I believe both, and if Arianna
would like I would stand by her side and see her revenged. I am tired of
innocents dying. I too have recently lost my fiance' and well." Gwynne
clearly lost his voice at that moment. He could even imagine not being able
to walk and talk with his beloved ever again. He saw similarities here,
vague but yet, an injustice had been done. Something snapped in the knight
at that moment.

"Thank you both for being honest with me, this injustice will be righted and
hopefully avenged," Gwynne drank his tea, sitting there seemingly miles
away. He thought of Nasir, and was concerned that he might just leave.

"One more thing, I knew Windemere and the family. Llewellyn never had the
cutthroat court room temperament that his father had. I felt then, and I
still do feel, that someone deeper was behind this. I don't know about
Llewellyn's involvement, but I don't believe he had what it took to initiate
something like this. That was the biggest reason for me leaving like I did.
I didn't know who the enemy would be so that I could face him." Arvel had
obvious frustration on his face. "If you do not mind, I wish to come with
you. I am the proof that the courts will need because I was there. Besides,
I wish to be with my daughter again."

"I would not deny you this right Sir Arvel, I would be honored. I am riding
with another man whom I owe a life debt too. We will meet up with him at the
entrance of your farm and be on our way." Gwynne kindly regarded Arvel's
wife Megan and left their house.

As he saw Arvel mount his horse, he too mounted his steed and said a final
farewell to the lady Megan. Then like the wind, the two rode off with high
importance back to the capitol of Abertawe. Arvel wondered if he would make
it in time to see his daughter alive.

"Extraordinary Wine"

Syngen Arglwydd

Syngen walked into the Ball well dressed and looking dapper. Things had not
been going well for the new business owner and this party was just what he
needed. He smiled and walked regally once his name was announced.

His business had ran into a snag when his informants told him that the more
Syngen interfered with the shipments of Corsican, the more Corsican took it
out on his wife who happened to be Syngen's sister. Oh, to the business
world Corsican was in trouble and losing the king's money fast due to
pirated shipments and employees quitting, not to mention a little sabatoge
here and there. Corsican was seen on many occassions in a drunken stupor and
even once found passed out in the street's gutter. It was this drunken state
tha caused Corsican to start beating his wife.

From a business perspective, Syngen was in a froth over the recent
developement of bandits stealing his wine deliveries he was sending to
Alban. His spices and native jewelry were still flowing, but the more
shipment dates he missed to the capitol, the less orders came in. He was
livid and wished nothing more than to gut the man responsible. If not for
native jewelry and spices making enough money from importation, he would
have gone on a man hunt. As it was, this bandit would slip up sooner or
later, and Syngen would be right there to catch him.

Removing the thoughts that had been driving him mad over the last few weeks,
Syngen grabbed a glass of wine and sipped it savoring the taste. He smiled
as he saw Corsican from across the room already drunk. He had to be careful
because his sister was sure to be here as well. His looks were quite
different from when he was a young boy, but family knew family no matter
what, and he didn't want to prove that theory just yet.

Syngen took another sip of the wine. It had extraordinary flavor unlike
local wines in Abertawe. This had to be imported. His fury built up again
instantly. Nobody was importing wines save him. He had made sure to master
that area of trade specifically, and he resided in the main shipping docks
of Abertawe where he could monitor importation and exportation. He needed
proof, though, for these allegations to become fact.

*Later*

After some investigating with the servers, Syngen had found his way into the
kitchen area and over to the trays of freshly poured wine. One look at the
bottles and Syngen knew these were his at one time. He made his way into the
main room and continued to mingle. He decided to bring up the extraordinary
tasting wine with everyone he met. Sooner or later, he'd get the name of the
one responsible. It was only a matter of time.

"A Fine Line Between Service and Revenge"

Rhys ap Yestin

Rhys had finally made it to Alban and paid for a room at The Swan. He had
shopped around town and bought an excellent set of clothing for the gala. He
figured the gala would be the best way to meet the king. Rhys also assumed
his father would be there. If things were to go as he hoped, he would meet
the king and announce his name sending his father in a fury. Rhys would
mingle around as long as it took so that he could walk up and introduce
himself to his king at the same moment his father would be close enough to
hear what was going on.
It would be an evening to remember.

Getting dressed, Rhys reminded himself of the stature of the one who trained
him. Rhys knew that to become a knight of Abertawe would be an honor and of
servitude. For him to succeed in getting revenge on his father, he had to be
the best knight he could be while showing his pure loyalty to the king. It
was a fine line he was walking and Rhys knew it. He could not serve to get
revenge, and he could not seek revenge by serving. Rhys had to serve and
allow great service to be the revenge. This way he showed honor to his
mentor.

Finally, the time had come for Rhys to be introduced at the party. He had no
problem getting in with the nobles since his name was ap Yestin. He stood
proudly at the door for all to hear as the attendant announced ...

"Rhys ap Yestin, First Son of the Baron of Drechfa!"

Rhys flashed a smile at his father who stood in the back by Sanglet. Yestin
only glared at his hated son whom he thought was dead.

"Family, the tie that binds."

Diora di`Annagar, Priestess
Fagan the Ovate

Diora had seen Fagan enter and she knew she held little love for the man.
She had been introduced to him as a child and even though her mother held
high regard for him, she herself had felt wrong with him. She knew that she
had to speak to him before the night got too hectic, for this would be a
chance so few. Diora walked quietly up to and stood behind Fagan. "May the
Lady's Blessing be upon you, Master Fagan. Might I take a moment of your
time?"

Fagan did not move or flinch. "Well met, child," he answered. "What is your
concern?" He was reluctant to remove his gaze from the Raven, although she
had now stopped to speak with one of the guests.

"My concern is with my family and that concerns you." She said
matter-of-factly. "I know you have never approved of me, but it was you
that chose me to this life. Though at least twas what my mother had said.
She sends her regards and made mention that I should get to know you
better,when you have the time." Diora followed his eyes and now saw that
Fagan was watching a woman, dressed in an amber gown with long blonde hair
and blue eyes. She was approaching a man garbed in black, with what appeared
to be a red cross emblazoned over the breast of his cloak. She held out her
hand to him, and he took it in his, and kissed it. The shock on his face
before that moment was readily apparent.

"Your mother lacked prudence," said Fagan bluntly. "As did the sage who
insisted on filling your head with greatness." Diora was no longer a
girl,but a woman, so Fagan expressed his views without reserve. "Had the
Archdruid showed a little more wisdom in your case, then your upbringing
may have been different. More tempered and disciplined." He then looked
at her briefly. "Many times I wondered whether you had been pampered
too much, allowed to do as you please with the surety of your destiny.
It was never my choice as to how you were brought up, child of the moon."

Diora nodded, she was not offended and had heard these words before. She
continued to watch the woman. "The sage told me stories, but my time in the
hall has shown me more temperance than I had when I was around my mother.
Never have I once given my destiny a thought, for I thought it was only a
story. All I live for in life is to help those that need help. I remain a
healer, that's all I am. The Archdruid was tied up in other matters. He
left my teaching with the strictest of the order. I am more tempered than
the child you had seen many summers ago."

She stopped for a moment. "My mother had her head filled with dreams of my
destiny as she would have wanted herself to be. I know who I am and where I
come from and know that I can heal, tis all the destiny I wish." Diora had
grown up in the life that a good Druid should be. She knew she was
everyone's equal and not better than anyone else, as she thought when she
was a child. "Sometimes, I wished that I was sent to you. I have always
respected you and will continue to."

The woman in the amber dress and the knight in the black cloak moved
away from the centre of the hall, towards the terrace and the garden
outside. Fagan shot a brief glance elsewhere in the room, and then relaxed
somewhat, clucking his teeth together. "I have been a hermit for far too
long," he grumbled to the young druidess. "Where you see strictness, I see
only weakness. They need to be led around like sheep, and now that the
Archdruid has vanished, they no longer see fit to make any decisions for
themselves." His eyebrows soared above his forehead in exasperation. "There
I go. Complaining again like a grumbling fool,
distracted and annoyed." Then he sighed, leaning back on his staff and
finally acknowledging Diora by turning to look at her. "You are a talented
healer, child. And despite your confidence, you should never have known
about things you were never meant to know. No one deserves that burden."

Diora was quietly listening to him. She watched the woman leave with the
knight. She looks at him and smiles softly. "Aye, but it was a burden that
was given me, but I do not let it affect me. You have the right to complain.
You are not a fool, you are loved, yet you do not know it, dear uncle."

"Bah!" he replied, but he gave a wry smile nevertheless. "What are you
still doing here? Shouldn't you be out amongst the guests, having fun
as a carefree spirit should?"

"I do not know very many here, and the few that I do know are pre-occupied."
She looked over in the direction of the King and Arianna. She smiled back to
her uncle. She stood up on her tip-toes and kissed his cheek. "I meant to
give you that. Please do not be such a hermit. You know you can always
visit me within the Druid Hall whenever you are in town and frankly, I would
enjoy the visit."

"Hrm. Well, I am here in Alban now. And unfortunately young one, I am
somewhat indisposed at the moment, so I am unable to leave the castle
to attend the Hall. But should you visit here again, I should be lurking
around somewhere near the castle gardens, so I will not be difficult to
find," he finished with a chuckle.

Diora smiled. "That should not be a problem. I am one of the healers that
watches over the hospital here at the palace in the afternoons. So, we
should not have a problem in finding each other." She giggled lightly.

"Well, how did you come to be here at the ball then?" he said, with a
great deal of scrutiny.

"The Dame Arianna had invited me, but I could see in her demeanor that she
did not want to be here alone. So, after making sure the patients were
taken care of, I told her that I would." She stopped for a moment. "There
is something in the air here as well, that it might not be a bad idea for a
healer to be present."

"Be wary of these folk, Diora," he warned her, suddenly and seriously.
"They are smooth of talk and looks, but their concerns are trivial and
material, and will not last them into the otherworld when they pass on
to the care of the goddess."

Diora nodded at his comment. "I will take the warning to heart, dear
uncle." Diora noticed that in the conversation that they just had, he had
gone from the mean old man that she remembered as a child, to
someone that she really cared for. "I had heard that the Followers of
the One God are turning people to him for what was it that they had
said...'salvation'. It sounds like the talk of men to me, and because of
such promises, they are turning from the goddess all together. It
worries me."

Fagan's eyebrows knitted in thought. "The one god is born from the
minds of men. His promises can only be delivered upon death. For
us, death is rebirth into a new life, a continuation of the cycle. For
the one god, death is either the glory of heaven, or the curse of
hell. I've often pondered why man would pass over the goddess
for such vague rewards." He then raised his eyebrows. "I put it
down to most people not wanting to go through the burden of life
once again. The eternal bliss of heaven sounds rightly joyous. But
I don't think they realise that life is a blessing it itself: and neither do
the lords and ladies who rule over them in absolution." His
mouth quirked. "Is that the right answer, Diora? For in all
honesty, I have no idea. So I don't lose sleep over it. And
neither..." he tapped her on the nose playfully. "... should you."

Diora wrinkled her nose playfully. "Twas not something that I dwell on for
long. Twas something that I had heard today by one of the patients that I
was tending to. I don't believe that they realize that life is joyous, most
toil hard only to find everlasting peace when they die." Diora furrowed her
brows remembering the conversation she had with a young prentice. "It's
just unnerving tis all." She sighed for a moment and smiled.

Fagan had assumed he would be bothered by a young girl. It was then with
a realisation akin to shock, that he realised he had been talking to a young
woman. ~ I have been away so long ~ he thought to himself, with a
hint of sadness. "Go on," he said finally. "Take the blessings of the
Goddess to all these 'heathens'. And remember what I told you," he
added. "Don't break too many hearts."

She kissed his cheek again. "Aye Uncle Fagan, and may the lady bless you
too. I shall be in touch with you. I will not forget what you have said."
She smiled. "I don't think that's possible to break too many hearts." She
smiled devilishly at the last sentence.

Fagan watched the druidess move back into the throng. He looked
again for the young Princess, and finding her still safe and secure,
paused to reflect on how much his niece had changed. Meanwhile,
the ball danced along without him.

"A Conversation Between Friends"

Niall ap Drystan
Diora di`Annagar


Diora quietly walked over to the gentlemen and quietly waited until all
introductions and the like were done. She smiled at Niall hopefully to help
him ease his calm. "Excuse me gentlemen, I have come to pay well wishing
respects to my friend, Niall." She curtsied to Lord Iowerth and to King
Hawk. She gives Niall a 'I'm here to take you out of the spotlight and make
you more at ease look.'

Niall was thankful in her attempt to remove him from this political arena.
The king seemed like a nice enough man, but he didn't feel like getting all
dressed up just to go hunting. He was glad he wasn't a king. "Hello
priestess. I did not expect to see you here."

"I was not expected to be here, but I seem to turn up at the most unexpected
places." Diora smiled. She still looked uncomfortable in the gown that was
made for her, but she still had to show appearances.

"Aye that would be true. I have unexpectedly come across you twice now. When
should we unexpectedly meet again?" Niall returned the smile. The priestess
was very pretty and it put goosebumps on him when he was near her. He
sighed, though, for no one was ever gonna want someone ugly like him.

"Only the lady will know." She smiled softly to him. "Would you honor me
with your company?" Diora saw a good man, not the rough and disfigured man
before her.

"I would like that, Milady. There are far too few times in my life when a
beautiful woman, such as yourself, has asked for my company. Only a fool
would turn down such a rare chance such as this." Niall chuckled at his
attempted joke then he held out his arm to escort her around the Ballroom.

"You are too kind. I am not as beautiful as you say I am. I am just me."
She chuckles at his joke. "A fool indeed and ye are far from that to be
sure. So, tell me, how is everything?"

"I believe everything is okay. Though, I am not particularly happy to have
to be here. Father Paul said it would be best for business if I showed up. I
am also not too pleased that someone actually researched my past and found
out who my father is. For that matter, I hope he is not here." Niall
searched around the room really fast for any traces of his father.

"I am not going to pry." Diora said quietly. She thought quietly for a
moment. "Well, worry yourself not. You are not the only one uncomfortable.
This is the first time, ever that I was invited to any function." She
looked around at the different people and started her thought again. "Well,
if he was, you would have known by now."

"I guess we follow suit you and I. My father would only have me married off
as a commodity and my mother has her mind filled that because of the destiny
that was goddess given to me. I am to do great things, and because of that,
she expects more from me than being just a healer and a druid. She would
have me in the Arch Druid's place, but I am happy as I am, just being a good
healer." She sighed. The only other person that knew of this was Fagan the
Ovate, her uncle. "I am sorry for telling you my burden, but there has been
no one else I could tell. You are the only one beside my uncle who knows of
this. I have had to deal with this since the age of 4."

"Your words are safe with me. I don't mix with the populace to tell them
too. It is nice to have a mother that wants the best for you. I was disowned
by my mother and father yet I had to live in their presence until I had had
enough and ran away. I haven't seen them since." Niall thought of the day he
would face his father just to slap him in the face. It brought a smile to
Niall's face. "I say we forget our problems and enjoy this eve's events.
Maybe later, after we have made our appearances, we can go for a walk in the
garden and get away from here?" Niall blushed a little bit for his question
almost sounded as if he asked her on a 'date'. Deep inside himself, though
he would never admit it, his question was kind of meant that way.

"My mother has never had the best for me. It's always been about what she
would gain from it. Tis why I have the insecurity that I feel around people
and what they think of me." She listened to him speak and she smiled. "I
would like the idea for once, just forgetting about the problems in my life,
but they always seem to resurface. I'm sorry, I'm rambling again." She
sighed. "I would like that. To forget the problems and enjoy this eve."
She saw him blush when he asked her if she wanted to go for a walk later.
"Maybe I would like too, all depends on what happens." She smiled softly to
him.

Niall was in shock. Even a maybe was the best answer he had ever received.
Not sure what she meant exactly about whatever was to happen, Niall decided
not to ask too many questions. He held out his arm and escorted the
priestess around. He wondered what life would be like as a priest then shook
his head. Priests studied and were smart. Niall was still learning how to
read and do basic arithmetic. There was no way he could be a priest.

Diora looked around and noticed that Niall had gone quiet. "What are you
thinking on. I can tell that you are thinking heavily on something."

"Everything and yet nothing, milday. I am afraid if I told you my mind's
thoughts I would be too embarrassed to stay in your company. You must
understand, I am no where near the ladies catch and I lack the intelligence
to handle hard things; my thoughts are all I have." Niall was flustered. He
had a tendency to drift off in thought when around people, and it usually
got him in trouble.

Diora could see she distressed him. "I am sorry for asking you the
question. Aye, you are right. Your thoughts are your own and the lady
knows I do not want to embarrass you. I am sorry for flustering you." She
went quiet again.

Niall got embarrassed,"Awww, it was nothing you did. It has to do with me
and my insecurities. You did not fluster me. I tend to be flustered with
myself. How about we go over and have a drink?"

"I would like that, thank you." She smiled again.

Niall walked her over to the table and retrieved two glasses of wine. He
handed one to her and drank from the other. He looked around the room at the
people dancing. Soon his foot was tapping to the beat the orchestra was
playing. Niall may be ugly and slow, but he was agile and loved to dance.
"How would you like to dance? This is slower than I'm used to but it works."

Diora was blown away. She had never been asked to dance before. "I...I
would love to..." she stammered out. She was the one blushing this time.

Niall grabbed her hand and took her onto the dance floor. immediatelt he was
leading her through the footsteps of the dance that these nobles appeared to
enjoy. He smiled as he took her around the dance floor. For the first time
this evening, in the stuffed room of nobles, Niall was happy.

"Wheels in Motion"
- Sir Amlyn
- Lady Morgan (npc)

**********

Morgan made her way around the outside of the room, avoiding the royal
family for now. She spotted the little princess and smiled. She was careful
not to seem too concerned with the little sprite as she also kept an eye on
her. Her eyes fell on a familiar sight and her heart seemed to still. Amlyn
was here. He had left without a word and she had not expected to see
him again.

She slowly made her way across the room and waited for him to quit speaking
with the king. Once they had parted she intercepted him. "Good Evening
milord and well met." She ventured cautiously. She held out her hand to
him and watched him closely.

Seeing Morgan at the ball was a sudden and sharp shock to Amlyn. Given who
she really was, he thought this would have been the last place and time she
would ever dare to show her face. Recovering his composure took a supreme
effort, and he doubted that he had been very convincing. Anyone who was
paying attention would have seen the brief turmoil that raged within him.

"My lady," he replied, taking the offered hand gently. He kissed it and
reassembled his defenses piece by piece, although he knew all along that she
had the measure of those defenses. "I regret to say that you have caught me
at a difficult time. My business here in Alban is quite unfinished at this
point," he said measuredly and carefully, aware that others around them may
be listening to their conversation. The gathered throng shifted about the
pair.

"As is mine." She answered. "I recently had a guest leave unexpectedly, it
gave me cause to think that perhaps I should finish my business here in the
city myself, before withdrawing permanently."

Amlyn frowned for a moment. "Would you care to take a turn about the
garden?" Then he said quietly, "Perhaps we could discuss such
arrangements in a more peaceful and less obtrusive place."

Morgan glanced about. The princess was still surrounded by well wishers
and court mongers so it was unlikely she would find a way to draw her
off for some time. She held out her hand to Amlyn, "as you wish." They
walked towards the open doors that led out to a terrace surrounded by
gardens. It was early yet, so those who would normally slip away to such
places were still enjoying seeing who had come to the King's ball.

"You look... beautiful this evening, Morgan," he said as they walked. "You
surprised me. I was not expecting to see you here," he confessed, opening
out the palm of his hand from between the edges of his cloak.

"I was counting on you not being the only one." She admitted. "I must
admit, I had hopes that you might be here. I was unsure of why you left
as you did."

"I've had some time to think about things," he said somberly, not looking at
Morgan. "I left full of fury and anger. But now, I feel powerless. I can't
grasp the reasons why." He stopped and faced her, a torn look in his eyes.
"Will you listen to me? Should I explain things I have never told another
soul... will you hear?"

Morgan found herself tongue tied for a moment. She slowly brought her
eyes up to meet his. "I would listen and hear for I know they are both far
different matters." She felt a strange flood of emotion eminating from him
and found herself deeply affected by it.

Amlyn took a very deep breath and tried to settle himself. "I have little
purpose left in my life," he said slowly. "I've devoted all of my being to
pursuing the one person in this world that I believed was responsible for
betraying me. But now, that man is finally dead: and it seems there is
now a new source of betrayal. One that I should have always expected
to have caused me further heartache." He shook his head in frustration.
"I feel so empty. I chase shadows, but in turn I realise that the shadows
belong to me, and I am insubstantial and hollow. My father was just as
pitiful as I am: he threw himself from a tower window to avoid the edge
of my sword, believing he could serve some last ounce of good."

Uncaring about whether they were being observed, he hesitantly took
Morgan's hand, if only for the feeling of being 'grounded'. "I had... for
a long time... loved another woman. It was unrequited, yet she held my
heart from the first moment I saw her. This woman was kind, and
gentle, and compassionate, with a beauty of spirit and strength of heart.
She always spurned me, but never with malice or contempt. Through
the result of my dishonour and broken promises, I... slew her, believing
that she was another knight at the time, who had challenged me." He
let her hand drop and looked about the garden, as if seeing his
surroundings for the first time. He couldn't tell her that was part of
the cost for retrieving her child... and a small part of the anger that had
drove him to this point.

Morgan stood silently, allowing him to unburden himself. To speak now
would be to still his thoughts and it was clear that this airing was much
needed.

"My lady... I have never been as close to drawing my sword and walking
back into that hall to murder a man, as I am at this point. More dishonour
and more death... This time, however, it would be a trade in life. Mine for
his. And from what I have done and seen, I would be getting a very fair
deal." He gave a desperate shrug and shook his head again, struggling with
words. "But I cannot! I came all this way, to the last moment... Nothing. I
can't do it..."

"Who is it that you would murder thusly?" This she understood, the need
to avenge oneself and all that one had lost upon another who seemed
to hold the fault most highly. Something she knew that he did not, however,
was that once that one was dead, it always seemed as if another rose to
that position to replace them. The cycle did not end and neither did the
trail of death that followed such actions.

"The man who was responsible for arranging the sordid deal in the first
place... Nwython." He held his breath for a few moments, tearing at
his mind, trying to calm himself down. "I think... that I need to find
out what happened to Edhan. The *real* Edhan."

Morgan frowned at the name. "Perhaps a lady's touch is needed in this
matter? After all, Edhan is MY son." She reached out and touched his
face. "You owe me no further debt, Amlyn."

Her touch seemed to calm him, but he still held a hint of stubborn tenacity
to his expression. "You are welcome to try," compromised Amlyn. "But
this is, and always has been, personal. A promise is also a promise. I've
broken enough lately to dread any future consequences should I
continue."

He then took her hand and held it against his chest. "I am sorry for leaving
you. I dreamt of Donn that afternoon, and I am still not sure if I am going
mad. I... I could not face you after I awoke from that. But I can honestly
say that in the few lucid moments I have been blessed with, I have missed
you terribly."

Morgan looked at him with a stunned expression. "I feared it was your
disgust that made you leave as a thief in the night." She whispered.

"Disgust? Why should I think such a thing?" Amlyn was genuinely
confused.

Morgan had expressed her own heart and was a little befuddled as to how
to answer. "Be.. because you could not take what I am and reconcile it
to who you are?" She finally managed to both answer and yet question.

Amlyn took a few moments to work through what Morgan had said.
"You are perhaps the only person I know left in the world, who
could even begin to understand what I have gone through." He
then gripped her hand tightly. "You are a mother to a missing child,
a daughter to a murdered king, and a wife to a dead husband. How
could I even dare to be reproachful of you."

"Because you will never accept what I must do." She answered, glancing
back at the hall. How would he ever accept the path she had chosen.
Could she stop what she had started, she doubted it.

"Tell me what you have to do. If you cannot, then we may as well go our
seperate ways now. Confide in me, Morgause... please."

"I cannot do so, here. It .. it would be too dangerous if it fell on
careless ears and as you well know, such events always have those about
willing to spread tales." Morgausa sidestepped his request. First, she was
not ready, secondly, she truly did not dare to tell him here.

Exasperated, he could not deny her the wisdom of her reasons why. But
he still felt cheated somehow. "Well, we are at a stalemate then," he said,
letting go of her hand. "I don't know what else to say."

Morgausa's eyes searched his. "Come, see me when this evening's
festivities are over and I will tell you all. But, it is not a pleasant tale
in many ways, of this I must warn you." She put a hand up to touch his
face. "Be careful what you ask for, Amlyn, for life often gives it to you
in its fullest form."

"I have demanded little from my life, except the strength to kill. The time
has long come to pass that I ask for something else." He then kissed her
softly on the lips. At any time in the past, he would have been bashful and
proper: he would not dare to be so open in a display of affection. But with
Morgan... it seemed natural and uncomplicated.

Morgan tenderly pulled away and pushed a lock of her hair out of her face.
"If Donn wills it, then you shall have what you ask for." She smiled at him
gently. "It is best I go now."

"Donn can wait in hell," he murmured. "I will pass time until the evening is
at it's end, Morgan. Then I will seek you out."

"I will look for you." She touched his lips to silence him and then turned
with a whirl of skirts and disappeared back into the ballroom, leaving him
with his thoughts. She had much to accomplish before she told Amlyn all.

The Making of a Noble

Gwilym ap Gavin

King Hawk

Hawk walked over to where Gwylim was standing talking to some people. "Excuse me, but I have to borrow this young man for a few moments."

"I think it is time I made you an earl." hawk said with a smile.

Gwilym returned the smile to the king. "As you wish, My Liege," he replied with a wink.

Hawk motioned for his friends to follow him up to the dais. As soon as the King stood there, the whole Hall fell silent to look at him. "Ladies and gentlemen. Tonight is a joyous occasion. For my family, we are together again in good health, but also for the kingdom. In these troubled times, we need strong leadership. And therefore I would like to present you to our newest earl, The Duke of Glen Farr and Knight of Justice, lord Gwilym ap Gavin, Earl of Westcliffe.

"Thank you, My Liege. I will do you honor and serve this country to my fullest extent." Gwilym bowed with full respect to King Hawk and then to the people in the hall.

"Do you swear fealty to King and country above all others?" The King asked. "Do you swear to protect its people and freedom of religion."

"I swear my life before King and country to serve its people and uphold the laws that made Abertawe what it is today." Gwilym replied as he faced his king.

"Rise, Earl Gwilym." Hawk embraced his friend, and kissed him on both cheeks. The mood in the hall was a happy one, and he could see that most people agreed with this appointment. That made him happy, having a friend near would make his task much easier. "Let the dance continue." The King commanded.

Gwilym watched the people disperse into their little groups of friends. The talk was loud, yet none of it was heard. He could tell from the constant turn of heads in his direction that he had become the topic of conversation. "Hawk," Gwilym said loud enough that only his friend would hear, "What do I do now? I feel as if things have all the sudden changed, and I am expected to be different somehow. Am I still a knight or did I just lose that responsibility? Do we have a replacement in mind for the Crest of the Ruby? Can I chose my successor?" Gwilym was a ball of questions as the instant confusion hit his mind.

"Take it easy my friend." Hawk said, he saw the confusion in the other. "Of course you are still a knight, you will always be that. It is customary to lay down your position as crest knight. But it is no rule, so if you want to think about it, take your time." He said gently. "A replacement would be chosen by me, but of course you could make recommendations if you choose to step down."

Gwilym smiled and instantly relaxed, "No, if it is customary to surrender the crest, then that is what I'll do. Come let us have a drink together and toast our futures." Gwilym signaled for the server to come to them, and he removed to glasses of champagne handing one to Hawk. Raising his glass, Gwilym toasted to the two of them, "To new and strong friendships, to the king's health, and to the land of Abertawe!"

"To friendship!" Hawk echoed. "You will do fine. And now my friend, you must mingle. People have to meet our new earl."

Gwilym bowed to King Hawk after being dismissed and set about to mingling with those that wished conversation with The Earl of Westcliffe.

"The Confrontation"

Gwilym ap Gavin - Earl of Westcliffe

Diora di'Annagar - Piestess of Morrigan

Baroness Gwynwen - NPC

Gwilym froze as the king had walked off with Arianna. He stood motionless with Diora near his side. He could tell she too could think of nothing to say. He wished he could close his eyes and make everything go away when things got worse. Gwyn found who she was looking for and came walking up to Gwilym.

Gwilym decided to let everything go mentally and allow fate to deal the cards. From this moment, he knew not what to expect, but Gwilym also knew that he could not go on allowing this to tear him up inside. He turned towards Gwyn as she made her way to them. She did look delightful with her hair done so and many of the men turned to watch her go by.

"Hello, Milady. You look captivating this eve," Gwilym said as he took her hand and kissed it. He paused as his lips met her flesh. There was that familiar smell that delightfully haunted his dreams from the moment he first tasted her neck. Gwilym released her hand and smiled at her. "I hope your trip was pleasan! t."

"A pleasure for it is rare that I come to court. A delight now that I have found myself in warm company." She replied with a gentle smile. Gwyn glanced at the young woman at his side. "Good Evening, milady, I do not believe we have met?" Gwyn was familiar with most of those who graced court. It made it easier to watch for knives if you knew what words might be said by whom. The glance the girl had given her had made it clear that this young woman was unsure of herself and her place here.

"Nae, milady, we have not met." Diora curtsied quietly and then spoke again. "I am Diora di`Annagar, Priestess of Morrigan." Diora took a deep breath and knew whom she spoke to. This was the Baroness that had captured Gwilym's heart and Diora knew that this woman held an interest in him. There was nothing she could do, except that what she was taught to do; be demure and kind, but do not hurt, for that is what she was not. 'If Fate was watching,' she thought to herself, '! then I will either learn from this as a mistake and move on, or I will continue to lose my heart.'

The two exchanged words and Gwilym felt uneasy of the whole thing. He had hoped to speak with Gwyn before this moment had occurred, but as fate would have it, here they all stood together. "Please forgive my rudeness for not introducing the two of you, Lady Gwyn. The Priestess and I have recently become friends as we met in the forest on my return to Alban." Gwilym almost kicked himself for he thought that what he said didn't come out right. He knew that if he flat out told Gwyn all that occurred while in Diora's presence that it would be an insult to her.

"Well met, I have not seen a priestess of your sect for some time. Perhaps we can spend some time tomorrow and you can tell me recent news. It seems as if the numbers of those who follow the old ways are dwindling." Gwyn turned her attention back to Sir Gwilym. "Do you think the dancing will begin soon?"

Diora nodded and curtsied again. "As you wish milady."

"Yes, I have it on good accout that the king will open the dancing festivities with Dame Arianna, though I am not sure exactly when this is to take place." Gwilym could see how uncomfortable Diora felt. Part of him wanted to reach out and comfort her, but courtroom etiquette did not allow for it. This place was the wolves den and to show mercy now, just before he was to be titled, would show weakness to those who already stood against him.

"I do not see a server anywhere, could I get you ladies a little something to quench your thirst? I am in need of a glass of wine." Gwilym asked as he looked be! tween the two women. The aspect of these two spending a little time
together made him a little queasy.

"That would be wonderful, milord. It will give me time to speak to Dame Diora." Gwyn smiled reassuringly at the shy child.

Diora was unsure about what conversation will be about, but she just kept her cool and quiet and listened to what the Baroness has to say.

Gwilym was a little skeptical of the situation, but he was the one that asked to get the drinks. He bowed cordially to each lady and left to obtain the three glasses of wine. Once he got to the table where the wine was, he took one glass and sipped from it before he turned to observe the two ladies from a distance.

"He is a fine man and I can see you are much taken with him." Gwynn said to her young rival. She believed in honesty above all things. "But I discern that our mutual admiration is causing our dear knight discomfort." Gwyn did
not need to turn to look at Gwilym to know he! stood watching them both.

"I see him as a good man aye, and it does seem that he is in a bit of discomfort." Diora looked her straight in the eye. She knew that Gwilym was indeed watching them, and she knew of his discomfort. "What do you suppose we do?" Diora knew in the back of her mind that something was happening. She remained calm as she asked her question.

"We allow him the time to find his feet or both of us would lose him. We agree that whatever he chooses, we will not hate the other." Gwyn said gently. "I do not play games, child, I do not want to be with a man who does not truly want me but craves another."

"T'was something that I had told him before and I whole heartily agree with you. I would rather have a friend in you than an enemy. He will have to make up his mind when he is ready and I will stand by any decision he makes." Diora smiled softly to the Baroness. She had been completely honest with the woman in front of her.

Gwyn smil! ed at Diora in return. "Of course, that doesn't mean we can not enjoy an evening of vying for his attention in a friendly manner of course. I shall allow you the field for awhile, I suggest you make good use of it."

"Aye milady." She curtsied to her. She looked at Gwilym from a distance and smiled. She looked back at Gwyn and smiled softly. All the while, she kept thinking something may still go wrong, she still had a warning that her uncle had given her.

"Tell Sir Gwilym that I saw someone I must speak to. Please tender my apologies, I will seek him out later." Gwyn withdrew as she had said, leaving the field for Diora.

"I will, milady." She watched Gwyn withdraw. Diora then quietly picked up her skirts and walked barefoot over to where Sir Gwilym was standing. "The Baroness gives her apologies for leaving. She had seen someone she had to
speak to and would find you later." She quietly watched him for a moment. "Would you care to go for a walk?"

Gwilym handed Diora a glass of wine and set the other down, "Yes, that would be nice."

"Tha Dance"

Arianna Ui Llewellyn - Knight
King Hawk


Hawk led Arianna on to the dance floor. She was looking so beautiful, so
radiant in her dress. He loved watching her. "My lady Arianna," he said.
"You do not look like somebody who is not enjoying herself. Like somebody
who does not want to wear a dress. Has my father gotten to you?"

Arianna giggled, "No My King, you're father has not gotten to me. I prefer
to suit up in armor, carry a sword, and ride upon a warhorse, but I am still
a woman and love a good party. Unfortunately, armor is not the 'proper'
thing to wear for such an occasion." Arianna gave a quick wink to her king.
"Is the first dance proper only for the king, and if so, who do you normally
open this dance with?" Arianna was still smiling.

"Actually, this is my first ball as King. My uncle usually danced with my
mother. But I don't much feel like that. So I think it is my prerogative to
dance with the prettiest girl here," He bowed and offered his hand. "Shall
we?"

Arianna giggled as she continued to flirt with the king. She curtsied and
accepted his hand, "I am ready."

Hawk started to dance, and to his pleasant surprise she was good. She was a
joy to dance with. He smiled at her. "My lady, you have to be less radiant,"
he teased, "or my father is going to win, with you looking like that. I
think the minute you step of this dance floor you will have admirers around
you."

"Not to worry. They'll admire me now because they know not who I am. The
second they find out I am one of your knight's, most of these lads will go
running back to daddy. Besides, I have my eye on someone else. He is
someone, I believe, will except me for who I am, and it would make your
father happy. In the end, we both will win." Arianna giggled a bit more. She
learned to dance from Bromlin but had never had the opportunity to try it
formally until now. She continued to hold her eyes on Hawk for she knew that
if she looked around everyone would be staring. That would make her too
nervous and cause her to slip up.

Hawk did not even notice that his face fell. He should be happy for her that
she had found somebody. What was she to him but another pretty lady, yet he
felt envy at this other guy that had captured her eye. He forced himself to
smile. "I am happy for you, I hope it works out. Although I had hoped you
would make it a little bit more difficult for my father."

Arianna giggled before she decided to bait him in, "My dear king, If you do
not realize who is holding my heart, then I fear I must question your
intuition. You can decide that your heart is not allowed to love, but your
eyes show different. I know how you look at me. Your heart has captured
mine, but it is your mind that refuses to listen to the beating of your
heart." Arianna finished there to give Hawk enough time to let what she said
sink in.

Hawk looked at her as if she suddenly had two heads. "No, you are wrong. I
will not allow myself to love again. Don't you realize, the two women I
loved before are both dead and both because of me. Don't you realize that I
will never take a risk like that again, I can't." He was suddenly very
upset. "You must put that from your head. It cannot be. Even if I would have
feelings for you." Again the look in his eyes betrayed him. "I... I..." he
suddenly felt faint.

Arianna used her strength while holding her dance posture to help support
the king. She smiled at him and spoke in whisper that only he could here,
"Hawk, fate decides what will occur. You are free to decide what you will do
with what fate has given you. I am not saying that we will rush out and
marry. I am only saying that when the time has come, I will be there."
Arianna continued to smile knowing there were many eyes throughout the Ball
fixed on them.

Gently he raised a hand and stroked her hair. "Don't you see. If I love you,
I cannot do this to you. I will admit, that I have some feelings for you. I
am fighting that, you should do the same." He was very serious now.

Arianna smiled, "I have nothing but time, Milord, and I am a patient woman.
I will not pressure you into changing your mind. If it is to happen, then
I'll be there. It is a simple as that. Until then, we will enjoy each others
company as friends." She continued to dance and enjoy herself. After all,
she wasn't sure this same man would not have her killed before the night's
end. She felt relieved in knowing that at she told him the truth before
everything was to happen.

Hawk was confused, so he concentrated on dancing, not knowing what to do, or
what he wanted.

"King's Justice..."
Renny Alberwine
King Hawk

*****

Renny nodded at the waiter with as much dignity as she could muster. With
her mother gone and her ruse all but up, her confidence was severely
lacking. "I wish to see King Hawk." she said firmly. "Tell him Re-the
Lady Renalla ap Capall wishes to speak with him." If things were different
she would find him herself, but not knowing who knew what about her, she
didn't trust venturing too far into the room.

"As you say miss." the waiter bowed and walked quickly away to comply with
her wishes, silently wondering why she didn't do it herself. He wasn't
there to play messenger.

The waiter found the King greeting guests, and trying to chat with everyone
of them.

"My liege, there is a lady Renalla ap Capall who wishes to speak with you
urgently." He said with a little bow.


"Bring me to her." Hawk said, interested that somebody had the courage to
ask him to come to them.

He spotted the young woman, and remember having talked to her before, but
that was about all he remembered.
"My lady, you needed my company?" He said friendly.

"Yes your majesty. I beg pardon for not coming to meet you personally, but
given my-uh-circumstances I decided caution was better," Renny said, bowing
from the waist. She hated curtsying, plus she'd look the fool if she
curtsied while in pants. "I had hoped to clear up any...rumors you might

have heard about myself." she continued, glancing about warily.

Grasping his arm, she pulled him away from the growing crowd to a less
populated--but easily accesible in case his guards thought she meant

violence--area. "This is better said in private." she said softly by way of
explanation.

"My Dear lady, I haven't heard anything about you." He said slightly
amused. "But I would love to hear your story."


Renny stared at him outright, her hand tightening involuntarily. "I'm
sorry!" she gasped letting go immediately with a look of contrition. "You

honestly don't know, sire? I thought Lord Alterian woulda told yah
straight out..." Renny murmured, confused. She peered closely at the King,
noticing some lines that weren't there before. Maybe things were as bad as
the people were saying.

"You know, maybe I got it wrong? Maybe he didn't say King but uh...Ling.
Yeah he must have meant Master Ling in the village...I better go see him
now." Renny said hastily with a shaky smile. If he didn't know she wasn't
going to apraise him of the fact she should be executed for treason.

"Hold it." Hawk said. "There is obviously something wrong with you, and Ian
Alterian already knows, or is going to find out pretty soon. Do you really
think he will keep it from me then? So what do you prefer, that I hear the
story from you or from him?"

Renny cursed silently. She could hear her mother's laughter, scolding her
roundly for her impulsive and rather assuming nature. "I'd rather you
never knew personally...but I bungled that didn't I?" she gave a short
harsh laugh.

Renny, the former Lady Renalla ap Capall soon to be who knew what, allowed
herself a moment to listen to the strains of the music with faint nostalgia. "When I was younger my father wouldn't allow me into the Balls he held. He said I should wait until I was older." her lips curved into a simple smile. "I used to sneak in anyhow, to see the twirling ladies and the lords prance about. The music kept me awake, so that sleep was near impossible. He always caught me, but never sent me to bed. Instead, he'd take me in his arms and dance with me, night dress and all."

"I tell you this because until recently I didn't remember my father. Until
recently I only knew my mother, Moira Capall, better known as the Captain
of the Lotus Band of Outlaws." she bowed mockingly. "She sent me, her only
child stolen from her one year after my birth by my father, to help
overthrow you."

Hawk Stayed calm on the outside, but his mind was working very fast. "I
assume the fact that you are talking to me, means you have changed your
mind? or is this conversation part of your plan to overthrow me."

"Eh? Oh I left out the part where I had to kill my mother didn't I? See my
fiancee, Edmund, came looking for me. Seems he still loves me after all this
time..." she trailed off letting that news finally sink in to her brain.

"Well he's the one who triggered much of my memories to re-appear. A crisis
of identity is what I had, causing me to be in much pain for several hours.
With his help--and the help of some of my companions from the Band--I was
able to kill my mother." Renny left out Nia's name on purpose, she didn't
want her involved if it could be helped at all.


"Lord Alterian met with me and Edmund and I discussed this with him
already. That's why I assumed you knew...but I should have realized that things like
this would wait until after you had rested." Renny said frowning. "I shot
myself in the foot--isn't that the saying? Well I came here to plead my
case, and that I will." she told him drawing herself up to her full height,
still much shorter then himself, and looking him square in the eyes. "And
that of my friends as well."

"I see." Hawk said. "When I understand you correctly, your mother
manipulated you, and you had no memory of Who you were. When you found out,
you and all your companions turned against your mother?"

Renny considered his question carefully. "That about sums it up nicely."
she nodded, cautious. Any minute she expected guards to come out and
arrest her, or for the King to decry her murderous scum and let the people
gathered to stone her to death.

"What can I say, other then when will you plan the wedding, and that I
would be delighted if you And your people would work for me." He smiled and
her.

Renny's mouth fell open and she stared outright at the King. Wondering if
his mind was ruined or he was just plain crazy. "You aren't serious. Do
you offer all treasonous people a place in your castle to work?" she
blurted out, astounded. Renny rubbed her eyes and pinched herself several
times before speaking again. "I think maybe I didn't win that fight and
this is some sort of twisted dream...excuse me I must sit down, I feel a
bit faint..." having said that she promptly sat down on the ground.

"why not? You made your choice. And you chose not to betray me. I think
that makes you pretty reliable. And I can use people like you." The king
said honestly.

"This isn't a trick then. I'm going to live. We're going to live." Renny

said slowly. "Marry Edmund...a job..." she murmured in wonder. She shook
her head quickly and got up, brushing herself off hastily. "I'm sorry Your
Majesty, the shock you know." she apologized, bowing deeply.

Hawk looked at Her a bit concerned. "Are you sure that you should not sit
down a little bit longer. Do you want anything to drink?"

"I...perhaps a minute or two more. No nothing to drink, besides it wouldn't
look right for the King to be fetching a drink for an ex-outlaw would it?" she
joked, smiling weakly. Bracing herself against the wall, Renny slumped down a
little bit and sighed. "One thing though, sire, is that Edmund and I wish to
journey to see my father. I think he might wish to see me, considering all
that's passed."

"Sounds like a good idea to me." Hawk said.

"When we return we'll be more then happy to take you up on your offer," she
assured him hastily. "We will return, count on it." she added with a large
grin. She flicked a piece of loose hair away from her face and glanced at the
dancers. "We can't leave until Edmund is better anyhow. Mother did quite a
job on him to get to me, but she's no longer a threat."

"Do you need help with him? We have some good healers here." The King asked
concerned.

"Help?" Renny echoed lost in thought for a moment. "I suppose that might
be for the best. Bear knows alot, but not everything." Renny agreed,
turning back with a sigh. "I'll just have to drag Nia along to and she'll
have to forego that trip..." Renny said in a marytred tone, her eyes
twinkling.

"That's good. I will arrange for one of the healers to see him." Hawk said.

"Most of my stuff is still here, in my room from...before..." Renny said
with a slight hesitation. "Is it all right if Edmund is placed in my room
too? And Nia close by of course, for as long as she likes."

"Why not. It is still your room. Be glad about that, because at this
moment it would be very difficult finding something for you, we are a bit
overcrowded."

"Its what you get for having a ball," Renny teased with a playful nudge to
the King's shoulder. Collecting herself, Renny got up and bowed. "I guess
I should be going; make sure Nia's not dead or exhausted...see if Edmund's
awake. I'll be back before the end of the night though." Renny promised. A
shadow passed over her face as she added, "It has been a while."

"take your time. "Hawk said. "And remember to find the healer, and if you
need more help let me know."

"It was good to see you again King. Thank you again, I'll make sure to
tell everyone." Renny said gratefully. Backing away, she smiled brightly
and waved, her previous concerns gone. "Try not to faint of desperation
for me while I am gone!" she called giggling.

Hawk was smiling after she left. People like that where Refreshing, and
just what he needed once in a while.

"The Spoken Heart"

Diora di`Annagar, Druidess
Sir Gwilym, Earl of Westcliffe

Diora quietly took her glass of wine from Sir Gwilym. "Let me be the first
to congratulate you, Earl of Westcliffe." She tried to keep a mild panic
under control. "May the lady guide you in your deepest desires." She smiled
softly. She thought to herself as well. 'Lady, guide him to a decision that
is wise and true...and let him get his heart's desire.'

"Thank you milady," Gwilym said after handing her the wine glass.

She sipped on her wine for a moment. "Would you like to walk through the
garden and maybe get a little air?"

Gwilym and Diora walked out into the castle garden. A full moon lit the sky
adding serenity to the quiet evening. Gwilym and Diora walked in silence
enjoying the tranquility surrounding them. Finding a bench along side bed of
roses, Gwilym led Diora over and sat down.

"I am not sure how to handle what happened in there. Actually, I don't know
what happened in there. My wish was to have told her before the two of you
met. I think it might have made things easier ... somehow. I apologize if I
caused you in discomfort. It was not my intent." Gwilym held his eyes low.
He knew, when they were all together, that she was uncomfortable and never
wished to harm her.

Diora was quiet for a time as she sat listening to him. She then spoke her
mind. "She was going to know sooner or later who I am and what I look like.
I was better off this way than worrying more on if you had talked to her
otherwise. She knew that you care for me as well as you care for her. We
both agreed that we will give you time."

Diora was quiet for a moment. "I had already told you that you needed time
and that I would give you as much as you needed. I care a great deal for you
Gwilym and I don't like to see you hurt. You did not cause me discomfort,
tis a lesson I had to learn." She touched his face lightly. "So much has
happened in your life that you were never given a chance to heal an old
wound. In the days I have known you, I haven't stopped thinking of you. I
know too, that whatever you decide, I still can talk to you because there
will be no avoidance of each other."

"I have yet to stop thinking of you ? or Gwyn. I feel as if I am pressured
to make a decision. Not by either of you ladies, but by my own beliefs. I
feel that having feelings for the both of you is wrong. Because of this, I
worry that I'll make a mistake. I'll chose poorly and hurt both of you in
the process. I do not seek my own happiness as much as I desire to see both
of you happy." Gwilym paused to take a breath.

"It would be different if I could look at things comparatively, but both of
you are so unique and wonderful in my eyes. Your innocence and physical
beauty versus her inner strength and beauty, they all remind me of the
qualities that my wife held. I do not search for a woman like her. I wish to
cherish her memory in full, yet I see a little of her in both of you."
Gwilym let out a sigh.

Diora smiled softly to him and then lightly kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
She sat thoughtfully and then spoke again. "I'll let you in on a little
secret of mine. No matter what you decide, I will be happy. I am thankful
for the lady for allowing you to enter into my life, and if that is all that
happens, I will cherish this moment we have. Our lives will cross again, I
don't know how I know it but I do."

Her eyes danced in the moonlight and her hair gave off a blue hue. "You
honor your wife's memory every day that you live, and in everything that you
do. She shines through you in the crest that you wear. She will always be
a part of you and a part of how you see the world. She became part of your
inner strength. Her light is your light and no one, not even myself or the
lady Gwyn can or will ever take that from you."

Gwilym smiled, "You are too kind, Diora, but I do my wife honor by being
happy for I know that is her wish. If I chose unwisely then I not only hurt
the women I have come to love, but I dishonor my wife's wish. That makes it
hard to chose. I am happy, though, that you place your trust in me to decide
and not force any issue. Yes, we will always be friends no matter the
outcome." Gwilym relished in the thought of friendship. He was not aware as
to how Gwyn would take such things.

Diora smiled once more and then looked up at the night sky. "Tis a beautiful
evening tonight." She was trying to change the subject. She knew, even
though they had established their friendship as well, she had precious time
before Gwyn came for him and he would possibly walk out of her life, though
not entirely.

"Aye, it is at that," Gwilym said looking up. "What plans do you have for
your life and how does being a druid effect that desire whether good or
bad?" Gwilym was curious, he had never gotten to know the depth of the woman
who was before him like he had with Gwyn during their dinner together.

This was a question she had not expected, but she already knew the answer.
"My life as a druid was pre-destined by my uncle, you may know him or have
seen him around, Fagan, the Ovate. He knew something was different in me
from my birth. My mother had it in her mind that I would be greater than
any in the realm. Greater even than the archdruid, but I do not wish it,
but it's the destiny that I am being pulled to and it's a burden I bear, and
have beared since I was of the age of 4." She got quiet for a moment.
"Plans for my life, well they are to remain a healer and be a good one as I
can be and being a druid affects that both good and bad."

"I never told you the whole story about my pain." She waits a moment and
then continues. "When I was 12, my brother Aidan whom I was closest to was
a squire to one of the knights on the outskirts of Mor Hafren. Layden ap
Gwive, I think his name was. I don't remember now. Anyways, Aidan was
thrown from a horse and Sir Layden requested that I come and save my
brother. I did all I could. The last thing he told me was to never give up
on my healing and to remember him through what I do in life." She sighed
finding Aidan's star. "He told me if I had ever had a son...to honor him
with giving the boy his name. One day, if the lady allows I will do
so...but now I remain Diora and will fulfill the burden when the lady sees
fit." She looked at the goblet in her hands and is quiet. "Forgive me, but
I do not wish to depress you with my troubles. I just wanted to let you
know where I was coming from."

Gwilym thought hard on the knight's name but couldn't find any memory of
him. "I am afraid I don't recognize the name of the knight even though Mor
Hafren is my homeland. I am sorry to hear for your loss." Gwilym thought for
a moment, "What if fate is right and the goddess places you at the head of
the order. Our archdruid never married for lack of time to commit to a wife.
How would you chose? Your life or the will of the Morrigan?"

Diora thought about that for the moment. "Well, the Morrigan is one who
loves children as well as one who fights for preservation of the old ways,
so it would seem she would direct me to marry before if fate were to allow
me to be placed at the head of the order. It would be something that would
be partially directed from the lady and have a play of fate. I have a funny
feeling she will have me directed in things that will put me at my husband's
side, whomever he may be, as well as what is good for the order." She was
quiet. "It was something that my mother and most of the women in my family
have done for centuries. Only the men in the family, who became druids did
not pledge."

Gwilym was definitely concerned when thinking of the future. He knew his
life became more complicated with the acceptance of the title and he needed
to feel reasured that his wife would be their to watch the children. Gwilym
worried that if Diora made High Priestess that she would not have the time
to tender to the children. She was right, though, if this was the will of
the gods, then a way would be found.

Gwilym smiled at Diora and reached out for her hand. The time for words had
passed. Gwilym sat silently admiring her beauty in the moonlight, but as he
stared at her, his mind flashed to he and Gwyn sharing dinner in her tent
after they had met. Gwilym remembered that same moon. Gwilym's smile faded
and he released her hand.

Gwilym knew that when it came to romance, or in his case lack of romance, he
placed his hands in fate. Gwilym closed his eyes feeling as if seeing Gwyn's
face while looking at Diora was yet another sign. Gwilym didn't know what to
say and sat in silence.

"Honesty," he whispered just loud enough for Diora to hear. Gwilym opened
his eyes and looked at Diora, "I am sitting here with you and remembering
times I have had with Gwyn. I see her face as I look on yours. I think i'm
being told my answer."

"If that is your choice, then I must abide by it. Know this, I am always
here if you ever need to talk. I am your friend Gwilym and always will be."
Diora said quietly. She was strong on the outside but inside her heart
was breaking. She knew he would choose Gwyn and yet, she had a slight hope
that he wouldn't. She needed peace. "Go to her then." She said quietly.
"I will be alright."

Gwilym rose to his feet without saying a word. He looked down to Diora and
admired her beauty. Leaning forward, Gwilym kissed her forehead, "Yes, we
are always to be friends. The goddess will provide you with a husband. I can
see it in your heart, and faithfullness is always rewarded." Gwilym smiled
to Diora before he turned and left the garden.

She watched him go. "Goddess, please guide him true. He needs that now
more than ever. Above all, let him be happy." She sighed and followed
shortly after he had left.

A Perfect Time
Morgan ui Costic

Morgan watched as the little princess and the baroness' son spent
more and more time at the ball together. She glanced over to where
the priestess, Diora had left with the newest Duke in Abertawe.

She tapped her chin thoughtfully. Perhaps multiple things could
be accomplished at the same time. But how to begin the avalanche
while appearing on firm ground was the difficult question. She had
not allowed the princess to see her yet. So far, she had not been removed
and that was a good sign as well. Of course, she also had stayed out of
Lord Iowerth's sight as well.

Morgan wandered back into the gardens and listened quietly to the end
of the conversation between the priestess of Morrigan and the Duke.
It was time, yes a perfect time to begin the cascade of chaos and if
Amlyn hated her, then it was only as Donn wished.

"Plans, Drunks and News"
Renny Alberwine
Raven, Sparrow, Bear (NPCs)
****************

Leaving the Ball was much different for Renny then entering. For one, she didn't worry overly much about being spotted since she was just guranteed by the King no action would be taken against her. For another, she had great news to tell Edmund. And Raven, Sparrow and Bear of course...

A nagging voice in the back of her head told her that Edmund wasn't awake yet, but she ignored it. Life was beautiful right then.

-----
"Guys, news!" Renny burst out, a huge stupid grin on her face. Sparrow made a barely audible noise and Bear grunted. "Some welcome."

"Hello RENNY, how are YOU?" Raven asked with exaggerated cheerfullness. She scowled and made a face. "We're looking at death or exile and you're HAPPY. How do you expect us to act? 'Sides I think those two are drunk anyhow." Raven snorted and took a long sip of her mug.

"That's just it Raven dear, we aren't looking at death or exile." Renny said with a big grin still. "I just had an interlude with his majesty. He said it was fine." this got their attention. All three sat up and looked at her, if a bit blearily for two of them. "He also offered us jobs." she finished with a nod of self satisfaction.

Far from the response she wanted, the three stared shocked at her. Sparrow recovered first and asked, "You slept with him didn't you?"

"No I did NOT. We had a chat. I told you the King was a sweet man." Renny scolded, not too mad since he was drunk and Sparrow drunk wasn't pleasant for anyone.

"Well...uh...illances...it seems you outdid us..." Bear stammered, hammered so badly he could barely put two words together without pausing.

Renny frowned and placed her hands on her hips. "You know, I have no idea why I was worried about any of you! I even got us rooms at the castle!" she re-thought that and said sheepishly. "Actually...just me and Edmund, cause he staying in my room with me..."

"Wa-hoo! Miss Prim has fallen!" Raven annouced with much glee.

Renny glared and kicked a chair at her new supporter, toppling the tipsy woman off her chair. "I'm going to check on Nia and Edmund." she told them stiffly, marching away.

"Little Priestess"
Lady Morgan
Diora, Priestess

"Isn't it interesting that men can speak so lightly of love not aware of the
pain cast in its wake." A woman stepped out of a path and in front of
Diora. "And yet a little priestess seeks it in a worldly manner. That is
not the way of your faith, is it child?" The woman now visible in the garden
torchlight was one of the fairest in court. Her face was almost white,
hardly kissed by the sun. Her hair was a beautiful gold color that fell in
long curls from a top knot on her head. Her dress showed she was of
nobility. "But I am rude, Morgan ui Costic." Morgan watched the little
priestess of Morrigan closely.

Diora was startled at the voice. She looked at the lady quietly and knew her
not. She did however get an odd feeling about the woman named Morgan. She
held her ground as she listened to Morgan speak. "Whether it is worldly or
locally tis in my faith to love, but to be guarded as well, Morgan ui
Costic. Tis what it means to be the Child of the Moon. I am Diora
di`Annagar."

"Ah, a child of the moon. So mystical and so easily misled." Morgan
smiled at her and sat down beside her. "It is a harsh life that leads one
to believe that all will fall as the lady plans. What of one's self? What
of the part we play with our own actions?" As a follower of Donn, Morgan's
beliefs were far different then Diora's and yet a similar thread was there
for the them both.

"One's self plays a big part in one's own actions. I am a healer. The lady
guides my path in my choices in life, but ultimately the choices that are
made are made by me." She said quietly. Diora studied Morgan quietly for a
time.

"And you choose to hand the man you love to another woman? One who does not
follow the lady's path?" Morgan chided gently.

"Tis his choice. I may love him, but in his own mind he loves her as well.
Whether it is the right choice or not, he has to find that out for himself.
I will continue to live, but by my word my only wish is that he is happy."
She looked at the stars, one flew across the sky and Diora smiled sadly.
"Tis what I wish for anyone." She said quietly.

"What of your happiness, child? Do you not also deserve love.. happiness.
Do you not deserve to be loved and have a son? Where is your goddess now
when those things are within reach?" Morgan childed.

"My Goddess is with me...and those things are within reach aye, but as you
say choices have to be made. I was not raised to pine nor chase after
something that does not aptly seem fit to do." Diora said solidly. Her
voice did not waiver and a fire seemed to be lit in her eyes. "Everyone
deserves love and a life of happiness. I am happy with what I do and with
who I am, but one cannot be forced into something that does not rightfully
fit."

"Or is it that you see yourself as insignifigant beside such glamour as the
Baroness holds? Perhaps you do not see yourself worthy?" Morgan had
what she wanted from the little priestess. She stood. "I will see you
again soon, I think."

Diora was flabergasted. "On what grounds?" She asked quietly.

Morgan smiled. "Only you can answer that." Morgan turned
and headed back for the ballroom.

"An escalation"
- Sir Gwilym
- Nwython (npc)

**********

Gwilym finally found a moment to himself and his thoughts quickly shifted
to the dilemma he found himself in with Gwyn and Diora. Completely
confused, he wasn't sure what to do or how to handle the situation. He
laid within his thoughts when he heard someone speak to him.

"My lord Gwilym," said Nwython. "It is a pleasure to see you again," he
said with an amicable smile, bowing briefly.

Gwilym took a moment to recognize the gentleman before he realized
who he was, "Good eve, Sir Nwython. It is good to see you again as
well."

"You are certainly turning the heads of many women this evening." He
did not add that his discomfort was readily apparent to anyone who paid
close attention. "It is also pleasing to see so many people here showing
their support for the crown."

Gwilym tried not to reflect on the idea of turning anyone's head. "I am
much pleased as well for the turn out here. Though, Sanglet is present
which means not everyone here is necessarily a supporter. I'll assume
those that have flocked around the Earl are swayed more in his
direction than my king's."

"Or perhaps they are merely wishing to appear so, that they may avoid
any possible unpleasantries," added Nwython. "Appearances are often
deceptive." He plucked two goblets from a passing servant and offered
one to the Knight of Ruby. "I would wager that there are a few nobles
here tonight who would be nervous at the Duke's rise to power.
Nervous enough to hedge their bets in any case."

Gwilym accepted the goblett as a look of shock struck his face. How
did this man know? "That is true as well. I am sure there are many
people here who try to hold up the idea that they support the king
when they truly stand on the fence which lie between." Gwilym had
tried to hide his shock but to no avail.

"Is there anything wrong, my lord? You look extremely concerned?"
asked the paladin.

"I had not thought that anyone knew what was going on between
King Hawk and I. The fact that you know something means that
Sanglet and his supporters might know something as well. A Duke
is no small title and his rise to power could sway people back to the
king. This would not do well for those such as Sanglet for they might
lose some leverage. I suddenly fear that something might go awry
here when The King makes his announcement." Gwilym had not
thought of this until now. He quickly glanced around to look at the
security. Inside he felt that he was over reacting. Making a stand
against the king such as he was speculating fell along the lines of
treason. Inside he knew that even Sanglet would not go that far.

Nwython digested the news divulged to him carefully. He had been
conversing about Sanglet as the 'Duke' in question, describing the
threat of his gradual rise to power for those nobles situated around
him. But now he realised that Gwilym was referring to himself. The
King was planning to grant this man a dukedom! Inwardly, he was
pleased that his estimation of this man's importance had been
absolutely correct. He slid into the new line of conversation with an
ease born from experience, giving away nothing of the thoughts that
had raced through his mind. "I would not over-react just yet, my
lord," he soothed. "There is a time and place for any such action,
should it occur, and if blood were to be shed here it would violate
all the unwritten laws of hospitality. The worst you should expect
would be harsh words and promises of later retribution."

"Yes, I must agree with you. I am overreacting. With all that is
going on, I am more nervous than a fly in a spider's web. How
have your affairs been going?" Gwilym asked to change the topic.

"As well as could be expected," replied Nwython. "We have
already begun the process of assembling the King's 'intelligence'
network. Not an easy task, given much of the reluctance of the
people to accept outside help." He took a sip of the drink and
appeared to relax visibly.

"I am curious," Gwilym asked slightly confused, "what do you
expect to gain from this intelligence. Though he might learn more
about his enemies and who they are, if the people caught wind of
an espionage network, he might lose some of their support. I know
the people are not noble, but one rumor from a peasant will land
ten times as far as that of a noble for noble rumors tend to begin
and end in court." Gwilym wasn't sure himself how he felt about
using spies, but he could see the pros and cons from either side.

"All the support in the world is useless, if you are blind and cannot
see the dagger of your enemy coming down into your back. And
as for peasants being able to spread rumours... I think you will
find that most peasants rarely leave their farms and homes,
nevertheless travel the countryside, spreading rumour and innuendo.
Only the nobles and their retainers have the luxury to travel at will,
and more importantly the organisational skills to arrange any
resistance should they decide to withdraw their support." He took
a moment to cast a wandering glance at the assembled guests. "I
do not believe the King would like to call his plans an 'espionage'
network. That indicates a more proactive approach, where he
would take action through such an organisation. I believe at the
moment, he just 'needs to know'. And who can blame him?"

"Forgive me for sounding accusatory. That is not what I meant. I can
see the upside and downside to the use of information gathering. It
definitely is a tactic that is like walking the fence. It is good to have
but can easily be put to wrong use. I would much rather hear that
our country was not torn in two when it came to support, and that
our information network were being used to gather intel on those
countries that surround us." Gwilym thought the enemy would be
easier if it were on the ouside looking in instead of one of its own.

"So what do you suggest we do about the enemies within, Sir
Gwilym?" Nwython was already beginning to form an opinion about
the young knight. Idealistic and loyal: the sort of traits the King
would obviously appreciate and seek to cultivate. No wonder Hawk
was planning to grant the man land and title.

Gwilym chuckled, "I am a knight first so this answer would be the
wrong one, but I would eradicate them. I do not believe in a lack of
loyalty towards king. It is okay to disagree with something the king
says, but to openly object him. In my eyes that is treason and treason
deserves death. As for what to really do about them, I am not sure
because I have never seen this kind of dissention before. Mor Hafren
didn't have these kinds of problems. We were too worried about
our borders and the possibilities of war. If we were to show the
weak front that Abertawe has, countries like Plas Gorerddan would
see the weakness and attack. I fear that for Abertawe. I stay though
because I believe in King Hawk. He has a rare quality within him, a
mix of compassion and righteousness. I respect that."

"Let us say then, for example, that you are in the King's position.
You have certain nobles who are threatening to revolt. Your
neighbours have been quiet, but let's say, oh, Aberystwyth is
contemplating helping one of those dissenting lords to attack one who
supports you?" Nwython slid the truth into the scenario like the cut
of a knife across an unsuspecting person's throat. "Do you ignore the
external threat, and deal with the unruly noble? Or do you bring the
other kingdom to account first."

"You remove the noble, first, while watching your borders. Send his
head to the country in question to let them know that their inside
source has been removed." Gwilym was not sure if this was the right
answer, or if there was a right answer, but it was the course of
action he would consider first. "Fighting a war on two fronts is very
hard to strategize without being in the situation and knowing exactly
what you are facing."

"How are you going to prove to the other nobles that your action is
the right one? You kill one of their number... they will think, 'That
could have been me!' How are you going to get the proof to satisfy
them that the man was a traitor to his country?"

Gwilym laughed, "Are you sure you're not the politician here? I can
see where you are going with this, and I don't have the answers. The
questions you ask are designed for men who train their whole lives
knowing they are to be king. I was trained by the sword. My justice
is with the sword. Thank the good gods above that I am no king. My
role in life is to serve my king. I am happy with that, and I do it well."

"Your role is about to change, my lord," said Nwython with a knowing
smile. "After tonight, you can no longer claim to be a swordsman
blindly pointed at the King's foes. With title comes power, and
responsibility. The King will need you more than ever, to share the
burden of decisions, and to assist him to make the difficult choices.
I am not scared to admit I count being a politician amongst my talents,
Sir Gwilym. But I think you will find that it is a skill you will have to
learn quickly, and learn well."

Gwilym looked at the man who stood before him, "How about you?
How would you handle that scenario? The decision must not be too
easy for you because your final loyalty lies in the one god and not to
a king. The priests in the streets preach about thou shalt not kill as the
beliefs of the one god along with compassion for your brother and
forgiveness. I do not question your loyalty. I just do not understand
your religion. How could you bear arms against either enemy having
those beliefs?"

"We are practical, my lord. In times such as these, bloodshed is
unavoidable. But if the cause is righteous, and we are one step closer
to a lasting, tranquil peace, then the sacrifice may be worth it, and we
can seek the forgiveness of the Lord after the din of war has quietened
down. However: the decision we discussed is not mine to make. And
my weapons would not be the ones brought to bear. That 'scenario' I
described to you is actually very real, Sir Gwilym. As we speak, Earl
Rhodri plans his attack, and Madragor returns home to confront his
intended assailant. You will notice," he paused, looking around briefly,
"that neither man is here tonight." He took a slow sip of his wine,
watching Gwilym with careful measure.

Gwilym let the information sink in like a mesquito bite. The more he
let it stir, the more the information bothered him. The frustration was
apparent in Gwilym's face, though not meant for the knight. He was
extremely disappointed that he had to hear this from a man not of the
realm. He had yet to even be informed on what the feud was all
about, let alone that they were preparing to bear arms.

"And you tell me this for what reason? What do you wish to gain
from this unexpected news?" Gwilym had lashed out already feeling
guilty for taking his frustration out on the knight. "Are you telling me
that one of these men is being supported by Aberystwyth? If so, then
which one? I find your questioning a bit offensive and would prefer
you just plain tell me the truth of what you know."

"My apologies my lord," said Nwython with perfect sincerity. "I
realize this must be a rude shock on such a night as this one. The
reason I burden you with this, is that I don't think it would be fair to
the King to have this dumped in his lap, while he is obviously enjoying
himself this evening. And while he promotes religious freedom, I think
it will take him a little while to accept the potential influence of the one
god in this kingdom." He placed the empty goblet down on an offered
tray. "I am doing the job I promised to do for the King. That is, to be
his eyes and ears. You were there at the meeting, I recall, which is
another reason I bring this to you. Rhodri has called on alliances and
promises made by his ancestors to certain nobles in Aberystwyth.
And they have responded, although I don't believe they wish it to be
made common knowledge. I have sent scouts already southwards to
monitor the situation. They appear to be quite serious from what I
have heard."

Gwilym tried to hold back the shock of this information. Did the king
know about what was going on? Probably not if Hawk was using this
man to be his eyes and ears. Why would Nwython share this
information with Gwilym before telling the king, or did he tell the king?
It was too late to speculate on such things. Gwiylm knew he needed to
leave by morning and gain audience with the king before he left.
Gwilym looked back to Nwython, "What do your informants say is the
reason for this feud? I understand there is no love loss between the
two, but what has transpired that would cause an internal war using
troops from another nation?"

"As to the issue of how this fued came about, I do not truly know. I
have not been here long enough to work that out, but I believe the truth
must lie deep. Rather like a buried coffin." Nwython briefly raised his
eyebrows. "However the recent instability of leadership has served to
trigger the conflict: I believe Rhodri is also frustrated at Madragor's
attempts to block the construction of a road to the barony of
Waterford. Whatever reason for the dispute, it has proved useful in a
way, because Earl Rhodri has been too distracted to assist in any
plans against the King."

Gwilym absorbed the information and knew he would need to do some
research on the issue. Speaking with Hawk would be first on his priority.
Gwilym bowed to Nwython, "I thank you very much for this information
and will ponder as to the best course of action. Please, excuse me."
Gwilym wasn't sure what to think of this knight. He had a hard time
understanding the religion of the one god, but knew he didn't like the
sounds of allowing an outsider the use of so much information. It could
be diverted to the enemy way too fast for the man was not loyal to this
country or king. Deception was a serious game especially in politics
and he seemed to understand politics all too well. The only problem
was that Nwython didn't give a reason to not trust him, which is the
first sign in politics that something was wrong.

Nwython bowed. "As you wish my lord." As he watched the young knight
leave, he was quite happy with the way the evening was turning out.
Every conversation seemed to be a delightful learning experience. And
all the information being gained was proving to be every bit as delicious
indeed...

"Swearing Loyalty"

Rhys ap Yestin
King Hawk
Baron Yestin

Rhys stood quietly by. He knew the time would come when the king would be by
that disgusting excuse for a man that was his father. He stayed in one
location the entire time allowing his father to see him no matter where he
moved to. Rhys smiled from time to time at the redness in his father's face
apparent from anger.

Hawk was making his rounds. He had talked to most people already. But there
was one of or two of the nobles he had not talked to yet. Most of those
where people he knew had little love for him. Yet when he saw Baron Yestin
of Drechfa close by, one of the people he knew who supported Sanglet, he
knew he could not postpone it any longer. He made Ready to walk over to the
baron.

The time had come and Rhys was ready for the moment. He made his way over to
the king at about the same time the king made his way over to Yestin. "My
Liege," Rhys said getting down on one knee. "I am Rhys first, born son of
Baron Yestin. I have been in training for the past six years of my life to
become a knight so that I might serve you. I have passed the trials given me
by Sir Huw, and he has taught me the values of honor and loyalty. I swear
that loyalty upon you this day that I might become your knight." Rhys gave a
twisted smile in the direction of his father, "I hold the future of the
family." Rhys returned his focus to the king. A man could see the truth in
another man's eyes, and Rhys wanted the king to see the honor and truth that
his eyes could not hide. Inside, Rhys was bursting at the seams with
laughter knowing his father would be equally busting at the seams with
hatred.

Yestin clenched his hand about his sword. Only Sanglet's steadying hand upon
his arm quelled him. "It is not time my friend." Sanglet whispered into his
ear. Yestin forced a smile upon his face and Sanglet's insistence, the
battle hard won.

Hawk was surprised. He did not know that the son had different ideas from
the father. And first he thought this was some kind of trial, but he did not
think that the baron was that good an actor, and Sanglet looked angry too.
"You are very welcome, Rhys." He said kindly to the young man at his feet.
"Do I understand correctly, that you are not yet a knight?"

Rhys remained on one knee. "Nae, Sire, but given the chance, I will champion
your beliefs. I was trained well by a former knight of the land, Sir Huw. He
gave me this to show his decree of me," Rhys handed the parchment to the
king with Sir Huw's seal upon it. "I hold his honor at stake. I will fail
neither you nor him."

Rhys had noted his father's behavior and saw the angered look in both
Yestin's and Sanglet's eyes. "Sire, I may be my father's son, but I do not
hold his beliefs which is why he had forsaken me at the age of thirteen. His
title is to be handed down to my younger brother for he shares my father's
views. I proved more versatile than he expected, though, by still being
alive and standing before you today, a better man because of his
punishment."

Though Sanglet moved to restrain him, Yestin stepped forward. "That is not
true boy and well you know it. You were sent to train under a knight of
renowned reputation and as the King can see, you have survived a rigorous
training designed to make you a better man." His tone was firm and scolding.

"That is why I overhead him, him being Sir Vaughan - a knight in league with
Sanglet, with your servant telling the lad to inform you that I will be dead
as you ordered by my sixteenth birthday. At the time, that was only two days
away. If you sent me two train then how would you explain my training by Sir
Huw." Rhys devilishly smiled, "If I lie, then you are admitting to the
populace here and now that I am your son thereby, as first born, having all
the rights to title upon your death. Or are you lying to my king now and
have decided that you do not know who I am?"

Yestin turned three shades of red. "I have not passed you over for title.
There is no record of such a deed and why you would shame our family this
way in public, I cannot begin to conceive."

"Milord," hawk said. "There is no reason for this. Please stay calm. Milord
Baron, your son seems like a valiant man, and if you agree, it would be my
honour to knight him." hawk knew very well that this would annoy the Baron
and Sanglet, but he kept a straight face.

"I am ready, my liege. Knight me," Rhys wanted to serve the king so bad he
could taste it upon his lips.

A range of emotions flashed across the Baron's face. "The boy did not even
bother to tell me he had returned, I know not his measure to offer him
before your majesty for such an honor." The Baron answered beginning to
recover from the shock and anger coursing through his veins.

"If you want to speak to your son privately first, I understand completely,"
the King said. "I will step aside for a minute"

"That would be much appreciated, your majesty." The Baron replied with a
respectful bow. The king nodded, then stepped back so father and son could
talk together.

"Hello ? Father," the words flew like poison towards Yestin. "What a
pleasant surprise to see you again. If have missed the family so." Rhys
bowed.

"You impudent little puppy, what in Hades are you up to?" Yestin hissed. "If
you think you will survive such a step, think again. I cannot believe you
are blood of mine. I think I shall beat your mother once again for daring to
cuckold me." Yestin kept his face neutral as his words raced to Rhys so only
he could hear him.

"And what, pray tell, do you care. You hated me, you disowned me, and then
you sent me to die. The proper question is not 'What in Hades' but 'Who in
Hades' and that answer is you. I will live my life to torment you just as
you have done me. I will pursue this up until your death, and if I die first
in my task, then I will be there to torment you in the after life. You
forfeited my life ? I'm back to return the favor!" Rhys devilish grin
broadened from ear to ear.

"I care, for now you interfere in what does not concern you. I have no
choice but to allow the king to give you knighthood for to not do so would
set the King against me and I have enough without that. But know this Rhys,
your brother will not stand for it. Accidents happen and who knows how long
you shall stand my heir. At least if you swear to this king's vows, I do not
have to worry about a knife in the back from you. Unless you plan to prove
yourself the son I had always hoped for and those vows will mean nothing?"
Yestin's words were both hopeful and yet a taunt.

Rhys chuckled, "You'll never have to fear a knife in the back from me.
You'll screw up sooner or later, and I'll be there to watch you suffer. I
won't have to stoop to your way of thinking. As for my brother, well,
things happen. He'd better succeed, though, it would be a shame if you lost
the only son you ever loved." Rhys looked to the king as if in invitation to
indicate all was said between these two that needed to be.

Hawk had not been listening to the conversation, as he had promised he kept
out of earshot. This was between the father and his son. But now Rhys his
expression made clear to him that he was needed again. So he moved forward.
"What have you decided?" He asked.

Yestin bit his tongue as the King approached. He bowed low before the royal
personage. "It would be my family's pleasure to give our eldest son to your
service, Your Highness." Yestin manage to utter smoothly.

Rhys looked to the king and got down on one knee lowering his head. A smile
creased his face and felt the evening was going even better than he had
hoped. His only concern lie in what his brother might attempt in the future.
He would not be an easy one to handle. Rhys disagreed with his father's way
of thinking, but he had loved his brother and wasn't sure he'd be able to
kill him if things went in that direction.

Hawk drew the ceremonial sword, he was glad he had it with him, because of
the ceremony with Gwylim. "Rhys ap Yestin, do you swear to serve King and
country, to help those in need, to protect the innocent, to uphold the laws
of the land and the freedom of religion?" He asked.

Rhys listened to the words and his thoughts went to Sir Huw ?'Do me honor by
serving well' ? Rhys looked up to the king, "With all of my heart, I swear."

The King gently lowered the sword on the young man's two shoulders and then
his head. "Rise, Sir Rhys."

Rhys stood up to face the king with a broad smile on his face, "I will
always be there for you King Hawk. You have my support." The words held more
meaning than it sounded. Rhys was swearing himself to the king not just as a
Knight of Abertawe, but as the future Baron when his father moved on.

Yestin could barely force himself to stand appearing proud. He wanted a
drink in the worst way and the look of disappointment on Sanglet's face was
making him flush as well. He knew he had let the Earl down.

Hawk smiled at the young man, "I am glad to here that because I can use all
the help I can get, and may be one day even your father will be proud of
you."

Rhys laughed, "My Liege, I truly doubt that day will happen, but one can
pray." Rhys did not know anyone at the ball and chose to stay by the king's
side.

"If your majesty would excuse me, I would speak with other guest. Welcome
home, son." Yestin managed to reply. He bowed and backed away a respectful
distance and then turned on his heel to stalk off.

"You are excused, my lord Baron." Hawk turned to Rhys. "Let me introduce you
to some of the other knights."

"It would be a pleasure, Your Highness." Rhys replied and fell in step with
the king.

"A Decision on the dance Floor"

Earl Gwilym ap Gavin

Baroness Gwynwen

Gwyn stood speaking to a group of men. It was clear she was in her element. Her face radiated happiness. Yet even so, when her eyes saw Gwilym's, a strange calm tenderness crossed her features. One of the men at her side followed her gaze.

"It is no use, milady. Our new Earl is quite taken with a little priestess." He whispered in her ear.

"Really? He doesn't seem to be taken at the moment, now does he?" Gwyn said with a slight smile at the Viscount beside her. It was clear that Gwilym was headed in her direction and her circle of admirers parted to allow him admittance. Gwyn held out her hand in greeting. "A pleasure to see you, milord, I had thought you had forgotten our dance." She took his hand so he could lead her onto the floor for the set just forming. The men beside her flashed Gwilym looks for the Baroness had refused to dance with any of them.

Gwilym bowed to the gentlemen standing around Gwyn. She did look rather! radiant pushing a smile onto Gwilym's face, "Please excuse me, gentlemen. I would love to converse with each of you in due time, but the lady has taken my attention, and I fear With out her in my arms, I would only babble."

Gwilym took Gwyn's hand, "Milady, it shames me that you think I could forget such an opportunity to place you under my arms. The dance is my pleasure." Gwilym led her to the dance floor and found a spot where all in the ball could watch them dance. He like seeing all of the eyes that fell on them. Gwilym had managed to partner with one of the court's most sought after Ladies.

"It is a pleasure to see you, Lady Gwyn. It seems you still have my heart." Gwilym said as the dance began. "I am truly sorry for not being able to speak to you on the matter until now. Diora is a beautiful lady, and I was mesmerized at first. I could see the error I was about to make, though, and told her my heart belonged to you." Gwilym worried that she would not t! ake to all that occurred very well, and did not know what to expect from her.

The music began it was a few moments before the dance brought them back together long enough to speak. "Do you not think it premature to make such a firm decision, milord? Surely a walk in the garden could not confirm a matter of the heart." Her words were spoken with compassion. It also showed she
had been very aware of his whereabouts.

"I have been in turmoil for days over this. It was not a quick decision. I just know that when I was with her, I thought of you. I worried about hurting you. You face has been framed in my mind and I see it whenever I close my eyes. Oh, I felt an attraction when I met her. I was drawn by her innocence. I was not drawn to her in whole as I am to you. I long for another conversation, to hear of your life, to touch your skin. As I dance with you, I do not see her face. I do not worry if I hurt her. I do not say that to try and be cruel just that I pra! y she find what she seeks, and I know that is not me. All you have seen here tonight was the last of my decision. I would ask that you forgive me for having to decide in the first place?" Gwilym looked at her with desire in his eyes, the desire that burned in his heart for her.

The dance parted them once more but not before Gwilym caught a look of surprise in her eyes. When at last they swirled back together, she did not speak. A faint flush was on her cheeks and he could tell she was at a loss for words.

Gwilym happily lead Gwyn over to one of the wine trays and handed her that drink he had promised her some time ago. "Can I take your silence as a sign of forgiveness, milady?" Gwilym said staring into her eyes.

Gwyn took a long sip first. "There was really nothing for forgive, milord. There are no words of promise between us. You owed me no allegiance. I must admit, a feeling of surprise at the largess of your infatuation. For I feared, that I had misp! laced my own regard." She could not hold his gaze after such a confession and looked out at the dancers.

Gwilym felt as happy as the moment he saw her at the assembly, "and what say you now, is it misplaced? I see now that my time away from you has helped to solidify what I feel. Has time been kind to you as well?"

"There is little I have thought of that you have not surfaced amongst those thoughts, milord." The Baroness lifted her eyes to meet his. "My heart races at the sight of you. I feel as if I cannot breathe."

Gwilym placed her hand to his lips. "Then tonight is a celebration. Let all who have eyes see us together and know that you hold my heart." The taste of her skin swirled on his lips and he felt lost in desire.

As his lips touched her hand, Gwyn felt as if her legs would give way. "I fear you will make enemies of all my admirers," Gwyn managed to say with some composure. It was much more then she was feeling at the moment.

Gwilym chuckled, "you must forgive me for being amused, but I am more than willing to accept such a risk for the reward is worth fighting for. How fare your children now that you have returned home? Are things still as bad as you predicted before with the nobles?" Gwilym desired to stay on the real topic at hand but knew not to push the issue much. They had plenty of time in more private quarters to discuss such things.

"My children are here. I thought it proper that my son be at the ball. He is amongst a few friends vying around the young princess. As for the nobles, there is an air of caution at the moment. As if, something is about to happen but I know not what. If these two come to blows, I fear it will be on my lands." Gwyn immediately fell into a serious deameanor. "Look at how they draw their lines even here." She pointed out one who was not far from the side of Lord Sanglet. The other was across the room with another group of men. If one looked closely, there! were three distinct groups in the room. The group courting the King. A group close to Sanglet and another close to kin of the Earl Madragor.

"Later this evening then, I would be delighted to meet your son." Gwilym looked the room over to observe what she had seen. As the new politician within himself seemed to surface, his eyes could see the formation. 'It was a shame things had to be like this' he thought. "Gwyn, since we are discussing politics, could you tell me more of what is going on between Mandragor and Rhondi? I have heard some rather terrible news regarding the two and need to know all that is going on starting from the beginning. I am not only being sent to protect you by order of the king, but I am also to put an end to what is going on once and for all between the squabbling lords. I need all the information I can gather."

"They have been feuding for so long, I am not sure they even remember the cause, milord. There are rumors as to what caused i! t, but I am not sure of the truth of the matter. I do not think that their reasons would seem valid under scrutiny. It is a hatred that takes a life of its own and perverts the truth." Gwyn said watching the lines of the room that seemed seamless to the casual observer.

Gwilym looked downtrodden hoping to get more information than he received. "Milady, I do not know how to tell you this but I fear your lands are in grave danger. Neither lord is here tonight and a war between the two is eminent. I think we should discuss this further with the king tomorrow morning. I'll set up the meeting. Until then, we should enjoy each others company." Gwilym grabbed her hand to try and comfort the news. There was nothing they could do tonight that was going to effect the situation any.

Gwyn's eyes had widened at such a possibility. "Perhaps the children and I shall remain in the capital for a short while." She looked up at him with grave concern. "I fear both men in anger wo! uld not think of the consequences of one widow and her children in their hatred."

Gwilym nodded in agreement. A smart remark filled his mind, but this was not the time to act playful. Her face was full of concern, and it was Gwilym's responsibility to be comforting to her needs. "Gwyn, that is a course of action I was going to ask you to consider. I am happy you will remain here and safe with your children by your side. I will do all that is within my grasp to save your land and try to put and end to this conflict."

Gwilym watched couples forming for the next song, "Now, milady, let's say you and I have another dance. The younger gentlemen all seem to be having a good time around the princess, so I am assuming your son, being amongst them, is enjoying himself as well. You are dressed for a grand ball, and one of the best dressed, I might add, which means you too wish to enjoy yourself. I am but the means for such an endeavor. Use me as you will," Gwilym said pl! ayfully as he held out his hand to escort her to the middle of the floor.

"An offer that few women could resist." She answered with a teasing look. She took his hand and let him lead her back to the floor. She did not care if comments were made about two dances in a row. She was here to enjoy herself and it was this man that had pryed her from her estates.

"I Trust Him With My Life"

Arianna ui Llewellyn
Lord Iowerth

When his son left with the pretty healer, Iorwerth finally seized his chance
to talk to Ariana, he knew very well that she had been avoiding him the
whole evening. And he was having none of it. "Good evening, my lady" he said
with a smile. "You seem to be enjoying yourself. Maybe acting like a lady is
not so bad as you thought? How do you like my son?" He then asked.

Arianna didn't wish to discuss matters of Llewellyn with Iowerth, but she
didn't mind this direction of conversation. "Don't be fooled, Lord. A woman,
even one such as myself, enjoys a good party. I am still a knight and would
chose no other path." Arianna gave him a wink. "As for your son, there is no
hiding feelings that have stirred inside me about him. On the other hand, he
is still strickened by the loss of his previous loves, and will have nothing
to do with me when it comes to a romantic nature. I have faith something
will work out, but if not, he'll still hold my heart." Arianna's face showed
a mix of happiness and sadness.

Iorwerth surprised her by taking her in his arms. "Give him a little time. I
watched him. He likes you, and when that boy gives his heart, he is lost.
And I for one would love to have you as my new daughter."

Arianna returned the hug and lay speechless in his arms. This definitely was
not the scolding she had expected. Arianna's thoughts raced through her mind
on how to defend herself against whatever Iowerth would say next.

"Now my dear." He said very softly. "Would you care to explain this business
about Llewelyn?"

"I am afraid I cannot. There are things that must be said between he and I
that are about he and I. Anyone is more than welcome to hear what we have to
say to each other, but until then, you'll have to trust me." Arianna did not
speak out of anger but instead as a scared child. She had never spoken like
this before. It was not a ploy to get compassion from Iowerth. She was truly
scared and accidentally let it show.

Iorwerth still held her. He felt this different and strange emotion in her,
and he felt for her. "Child, I don't know what is between the two of you. I
do now that Llewelyn knows anything about your existence, if he had he would
have acknowledged you, remember this, he is a good man. I don't know what
you might have heard about him, but I trust him with my life, let that
account for something." He looked her deep in the eyes.

"I will remember," she told him as she stayed comforted in his arms like a
tearful daughter. Arianna's emotions filled her. She had great respect for
both the king and Ioworth and both of these men were loyal to Llewellyn.
Either her father was a changed man or a master manipulator. She would find
out the truth soon enough.

"That is all I ask." The general said. He was glad that Arianna trusted him
enough now to cry on his shoulder. "You had better wash your face before you
meet your father." He said to restore her back to herself.

Arianna smiled at Iowerth but said nothing as she departed to the nearest
powder room to freshen up.

"Pulled Stitches and Secrets"

Diora di`Annagar, priestess
King Hawk

Diora had an evening for sure, but when she glanced over at the king, she
could see how tired he was getting. Even when he and Arianna were dancing,
she noticed the pain on his face. Apparently on of his wounds had reopened.
She sighed, since she was alone now anyways she figured she could take him
away for a moment.