Word
from Pegasus sponsor
Pacing
franticly through the halls of Olympus, Zeus yells up at Pegasus, flying
overhead, *You do understand I will have to fix the mess you made cocky beast.
Now you’ve got Hercules wondering what I’m up to. You didn’t remember to
think at all, did you, Pegasus. The order of the Great Cosmic Puzzle has
demanded a Big Gathering, just after Helious gets off work. Imagine that... Me,
Zeus, ruler of Olympus, summoned by the Highest Boss-Lady to explain just what I
thought I was doing to the uh, uh.... Quantus, no, Quantum Continuum? I’d
better start reading up. ARTEMIS, APHRODITIE, GET UP HERE, RIGHT NOW.*
Word,
uh meditation,
from the sponsors, sponsors, sponsor.
Somewhere
in the universe. * Ohmmm. Hey
Buddha dude, how’s it hanging bro. Noticed the huge Quantum interruption
coming this way yet? Western woman is going to sleep soon. *
*Yeah
Brahma, peace…. while it still lasts for human folk. Here, have a spliff dude.
Just coz they’ve got the millennium lasting war itch doesn’t mean we gotta
loose coolness, so chill.*
* Yaah man, coolness rules. We’ll send em a bunch of wise old souls to help them wake up when Aquarius cruises the night sky again. Old Goddess woman just be slumberin’. She be ‘round keepin’ an eye close man, just wait and see. Iaweh dude and Allah brother promise to send a son or prophet down soon, that’ll delude them for a while, no sweat man. Listen to ya ‘mama of Dao’. Go with the flow.. Keep them grubby little hands off ya sister ‘s toys, Yang. Kids? <sigh> Someone mention a spliff? *
Within the realm of Flying
(Love is
itself alone, all else is transitory)
By Bronwyn of Llewelynn
Part
two
Spring-cleaning
To
take the damp and dust of winter out of the huts and communal buildings, all
Amazons gathered to help each other out. Rugs flew round the dusty square and
brooms seemed to have been bereft of their private, secluded lives. At least for
a day or two.
The
sun shone down on scantily clad, dirt and slick, stained limbs. Arms and legs
bare
abdomens and backs flashed when rays of light danced over clean patches of skin.
All Amazons were hard at it, working up a mean sweat cleaning and rearranging
their huts. The village center resembled a dust storm.
Ephiny
sat on the edge of her spacious but cluttered porch, one arm leaning on a
broomstick and sighed. All those beautiful
women right here in front of me. All this time, right here. And I have to go
fall for a... stranger? The Regent closed her eyes for a while. When images
of the Celt appeared in her mind, she opened her eyes fast, sighed again and
stood up. “Now the insides of this stuffy pit. It looks like a mad woman lives
here.” She stated to herself loud and nodded. But
not her room... it still smells like her. Gods how long will I have to wait? Her
brain added and heart involuntarily registered a deep sense of loss she could
not rationalize.
The
Regent entered her quarters and was caught off guard by a pair of hands covering
her eyes. Ephiny’s heart skipped a beat. She made a spin to find out who it
was and instinctively reached for her dagger. “Oh Gabrielle.” Be still my heart. “For a moment there I th--”
“Sorry
Eph, It’s only me.” Gabrielle lowered her small hand over that of the Regent
and pulled it away from the knife, a little worried about the wide-eyed
expression on her friend’s face. “They
can’t be back that soon.” The Bard wrapped her arms around her friend's
shoulders and pulled the visibly disappointed and embarrassed Regent in for a
hug. “I miss them too,” she murmured into curly hair. “I haven’t been
apart from Xe, since we… well, you know.” A crimson blush washed over the
Bard’s face. “Rhiannon was starting to grow on me as well.”
Ephiny
felt tears burning at the back of her forest brown eyes and let her Queen go
abruptly. “I need to keep busy. Will you help me clean up? I don’t want to
be alone right now.” The woman took a deep cleansing breath, gave the Bard a
brave smile and walked into her sleeping chamber. How
am I going to explain what I don’t understand? Be patient with me, my Queen.
“Why
of course. I hate not being useful. My hut is being cleaned for me and I’m not
allowed to help says Solari.” A playful pout appeared as Gabrielle offered her
assistance. “I thought you’d never get round to cleaning out this dump, my
dear, distracted Regent.” The Bard followed her friend into one of the royal
big huts. She almost tripped over one of the many stacks of scrolls, lying in
and around the door opening of the usually neat study. “It looks like you are
using the entire Amazon archive as upholstery. There’s a parchment causeway
running all the way through the main rooms up to the back door.” A chuckle
wove its way through Gabrielle’s teasing observation. So
you don’t want to be alone? I’m confused.
Both
Queen and Regent got stuck into making the living room smell and look fresh. By
the time they were finished, young hibiscus scented the hut with the promise of
summer and Ephiny had told the Bard about her confusing, adventurous dreams. She
left out the intimate parts though.
The
curly blond Amazon was having a hard time keeping her mind at bay, while
explaining her problems to Gabrielle and throwing around documents.
“What
do you think about this, Gabrielle? Ephiny held up a role of parchment that
could easily be mistaken for old cheesecloth. “Keep or chuck out? I wish I could just disappear right now. I know my Queen and she’s not
going to leave me to my thoughts for long. I shouldn’t have asked her for
help, but Gods what a mess.
“I’d
say toss.” The Bard replied and giggled softly. “So you and Rhiannon appear
in your dreams as some kind of morphing beings, covered in what… paint?”
“Hmm,
and we seem to have known each other forever.” Another stack of documents flew
out the window, right behind the roll of parchment. “It’s as if I’m
dreaming our history in some other dimension or something like that, complete
with the sounds, smells and feelings. I can’t place much of it besides that
the other being is Rhiannon.” I think,
no… hope.
The
bard just listened and helped Ephiny sort out the mosaic of parchments,
scattered over the table. But what do you
do in those dreams Eph? Gabrielle stuck a fingernail between her teeth and
started chewing. Patience bard. “Can
I do anything to help you figure out what your dreams might mean?”
“No”
Came the Regent’s short reply. You’re
not liking this, I know but please leave it for now Gab. Please.
“You
know you can tell me anything, when you are ready my friend. Your well being is
important to me, you know that by now don’t you Eph.” Gabrielle reminded her
friend with a gentle smile.
Thank
you. “Of course I know that.” Ephiny returned the smile and sighed.
After
the central living area and study room were cleared out and cleaned, they split
up and finished doing the smaller quarters.
“Shall
I take these sheets to the wash house? You won’t be needing them, no?
Gabrielle asked her friend, popping her head round the door of the almost empty
spare room. Only to notice that the Regent’s thoughts were miles away again,
like so many times already the past days.
You are hurting my Regent and I intend to find out what is really going on in
your head before the day is over.
“Hmm,
which house?” Sitting on the bed where Rhiannon had slept, only the Regent
‘s lips moved and automatically replied. Her mind was clearly focussed on that
other dimension and here eyes were almost one with the piece of parchment
resting in her lap.
Gabrielle
smiled at her friend and left for the water springs while thinking to herself. Don’t
worry Eph, Xena promised to bring her back safe... she ‘d better... or I’ll
give old Britannia a piece of my Amazon mind, and army if needed. No, Xena will
come threw for us, she always has. But you need to tell me more about this
connection you feel with the Celt soon, my Regent.
Mirror,
mural on the wall
“Hey,
Tallie, mom needs you. She’s up to the hard part and Rhi is doing an ‘emo’
flip. She’s really going through hell in there.” Vivian came skipping
towards two figures standing near Eilan’s old hut and pointed towards her own
new dwellings with a bored face. Why does
this place get so desolate whenever Gwydion brings guests? Small town
virgins…Avalon is getting as boring as the little monk’s village on Inis
Withrin. The girlies won’t know what’s hit them when I take over the show.
“Yes my child. Is it that time already?” Two wrinkly hands
pushed back the brown hood of his robe and he smiled knowingly at Vivian.
“Boadecia is working harder than I figured she had the courage to do.” The
old druid said to no one in particular with a smirk on his mousy face.
“Excuse
me Xena, I must tend to the matter.” The Taliesin stated formally, lifted his
robe off the ground and worked himself out of site with frantic, little paces,
now and then leaning on his crooked staff.
“Hey
there Warrior Princess, need some help drilling priestesses for information?”
The new High Priestess-to-be asked with a seductive smile as soon as the druid
was out of sight. With swaying hips she walked towards the Warrior, one sensual
step at a time.
Xena
looked at the young woman closing in on her through her eyelashes and chuckled.
“No, stay right there, Vivian. Here we
go. If I remember correctly,
you are going to be the leader of these women soon.”
And you better be nicer to these
ladies than you were to me. The raven-haired woman locked eyes with the
spitting image of Rhiannon, threw a dry grin at her and added. “Let me come to
you.”
“Oh
please do.” The redhead batted her eyelids and held out a hand for Xena to
kiss.
“It’s
easy to come to anyone’s attention
of the physical sort. To come for the
soul of the one you love is an entirely different matter.” The Warrior voiced
in a serious tone, reacting to the decadent, self-absorbed gesture of the young
woman. A tone she knew would bore Vivian instantly and she walked over to her.
“What do you want, Vivian?”
“Oh
pooh, you are no fun. What happened to the Warrior woman that liked to play
rough and tumble? I bet she’s still in there. She
was worth the effort.” The priestess moaned, licked her top lip and slid her
arms around Xena’s waist. “Drill me, I’m game. I will tell you everything
you want, and more.”
She
looks like Rhi, sounds like Rhi, but oh brother she certainly is not Rhiannon. “I
only do Greek royalty these days, sorry kid.” Xena took a step backward to
break the embrace, gave the young woman a wink and walked away from her. With
long strides the Warrior’s legs took her to the building where she left
Rhiannon before following the Taliesin. All the round thatched buildings of the
Avalon village looked the same, beside from the slight variation is size and the
variety of the carvings on the doors. Xena focused on the faint arguing voices,
coming from the West Side of the desolate square, to find her way back to
Rhiannon.
Passing
a small pond and some alter stones, half way between the village square and
Eilan’s hut, Xena saw Vivian following her from the redhead’s reflection in
the water. She sensed her behind her for some time but waited until Vivian
risked getting closer. One, two, three,
four… five.
The Warrior reached behind herself with one arm while slowing her
pace. She grabbed the unsuspecting priestess by her night blue robe and flung
the woman in front of her.
“Here,
take a long, hard look at yourself, future High Priestess of Avalon.” Xena
hissed and forced the woman to face her own reflection in the pond.
Vivian
struggled in the Warrior’s hold for a few moments, but gave up when she saw
Xena’s expression grow cold. Why in the
Morrigan’s name did you have to show up Warrior Princes? Oh shit, I know that
look.
Xena
relaxed her grip on Vivian when she saw the young woman’s eyes fade behind
thick tears and her shoulders started to jerk.
Vivian
felt the ground fall from under her and eventually realized that Xena had picked
her up and was walking towards her hut. With a heaving chest she surrendered to
the fear she felt growing, ever since the Taliesin summoned her to the Orkneys
and relaxed in the familiar hold of the Warrior. If
only you knew the half of it, Xena.
Xena
kicked the door to the High Priestess’ quarters open with a soft nudge of her
boot. From a back room she heard muffled voices and gently sat the crying Vivian
down on a bench in the hall.
The
young woman collapsed on the seat and covered her face with both hands. “Leave
me alone.” Her voice broke from angst. Go
back to poor little Rhi. You always liked her better.
“Don’t
beat yourself up about it. You are human before being the priestess of any god.
Remember that and stay true to your heart.” Xena gave the
over-dramatically-crying redhead a warm smile and added. “I learned that from
a wise soul.” She then carefully made her way towards the back room where the
arguing was taking place.
On
her sort walk through the hall, the Warrior’s eyes fell upon the long murals
on either side of the walls.
Shades
of emotion
“There
goes any decent chance I had left of- of-” Rhiannon dropped her head to avoid
looking at herself in Vivian’s dress mirror. Tears soaked her face and her
hands clenched to fists. Trying to focus on getting information from her mother
was a challenge, as usual.
“Any
chance of what, Rhi?” Xena entered the exuberantly lit room, dodging huge,
copper candleholders on her way over to the young Celt and looked admiringly at
what she saw. A young woman of almost six-foot dressed in green leathers, with
thick red wavy hair, braided like the murals on the skirts of the hut walls,
threaded with silver beads. She owned two bright green eyes with rings around
the pupils that sparkled a delicate oker in the candlelight. Her eyes looked
burdened with self-doubt and fear. Her face seemed hard and worn, almost older
than her age. She was armed to the teeth but still carried the charm of youthful
innocence around her. A green light seemed to radiate from her body. Her
nervously clenching and unclenching hands suggested she was loosing al grip on
her world. Twitching jaw muscles gave away the anger rising.
“Look.
I’ve almost gone black.” Rhiannon yelled and pointed a shaky finger at
herself in the mirror. Gods, do I have to
spell it out to you Warrior?
“Oh,
that. Interesting. I just see Rhiannon and you are beautiful.” The Warrior
gave her reflecting partner a lopsided smile and traced the back of her hand
along the frustrated Elfling’s cheek. She leaned into the Celt and whispered
so her mother would not hear. “Eph won’t care what you look like. Don’t
worry Rhi.”
“That’s
what I said.” Boadecia walked over to the gazing women and entered the
reflected picture. “My beautiful girl. You get that from you father.” The
older Celt chuckled with a slight bitter edge to it and walked back to her seat
at the rough, oak table. “Would you like some mead, Xena? It takes the chill
off the bones.” Or aren’t you cold
after snuggling with my lass?
“Hmm,
sounds good. The Warrior walked towards the offered seat and drink. “You too
Rhi. Come over here.” Xena stepped back to the Celt and dragged her along to
the table. “You are just as bad as your sister.”
“Why,
what’s that leach gone and done now?” Rhiannon’s face screwed up as she
slammed a fist down on her thigh. I’m
going to get you Viv.
“She
went looking for trouble and found out she was it.” The Warrior told her
friend with a low timbre and one eyebrow raised. Xena got comfortable and sipped
mead from the drinking horn offered to her by Boadecia. Her eyes wandered around
the spacey room to cover that she was actually keeping an eye on all company
present. Including the Taliesin huddled into a corner of the room, not saying or
doing anything at the moment. When did you
get here?
“Sounds
like our Viv.” The Leader of Celts said and lifted her hands up to the
heavens. But what did you do to entice
such behavior, Xena?
“I
think she just woke up to herself.” Xena replied and caught Rhiannon change a
shade of green in the corner of her eye. Ephiny
is certainly not going to be spooked by this. It’s the other Amazons I’m
worried about. I hope Rhi hurries up and settles for one color.
“Vivian
is not stealing my show again,
mother. You were about to end my agony.
Now
do it.” Rhiannon reclaimed the older Celts attention when she took hold of her
sword, while still sheathed and threw her mother a dirty look. Her skin shaded
to a deep, dark green once again.
Equinox
lullabies
Amazons
were getting prepared for the up and coming celebrations of Persephone’s
release from Hades realm. Lighter clothing and moods filled the village
atmosphere. Little witnesses of spring disclosed their beauty all around the
countryside to announce the goddess' promise to bring new life.
The
Regent had spent the entire day taking care of the offerings for tomorrow
evening’s ritual, running around the village like a woman possessed. The
offerings of herbs and last season’s best oil were in place. The guards
practiced their special drills until Lizzeah almost ordered the Regent to give
it a rest. Two candle marks before the full moon reached its zenith, Ephiny
excused herself to rest and eat.
Images
of Rhiannon and places that seemed familiar in a vague kind of way controlled
her nights and disrupted her daily focus now.
Ephiny
took one look at the lump of soft goat’s cheese, green olives and bread,
stacked on a plate and shoved it off the living room table with her arm. “I
can’t even eat this.” She got up and slantered over to her sleeping quarters
and prayed she would fall asleep that night. Laying herself down on her bed, she
pulled the parchment she found when cleaning the room Rhiannon slept in. She
recognized the Celt’s hand and scribbly attempts at writing Greek Ephiny
decided to change the bed sheets after all, not needing the excess torture.
There it was, under Rhiannon’s pillow. The love sick and frustrated Regent
went over the words she needed to hear, again and again.
Somewhere
in the darkest night
Peace
will come, as the spirit flies
As
we weave a spell, by another name
Snow
falls with the late summer rain
Then
I will come to you my love
With
the passing of the days
And
I will set you free each time
Your
heart is bound in chains
Innocents
and wiser men
Will
somehow be the same
You
and I will take our place in time
We’ll
find a way to fly
Far
beyond the crystal sea
I
can hear your whispered dreams
And
the endless signs of the ones who love
They
seem present, like the stars above
Then
I will come to you my love
With
the passing of the days
I
will set you free each time
Your
heart is bound in chains
Innocents
and wiser men
Are
just one and the same
You
and I will take our place in time
We’ll
find a way to fly
Ephiny
turned the piece of parchment but could not read on with blurred vision.
She
felt tears fall from her chin onto her hands and closed her eyes. “What am I
still doing here? Why am I not following her?” The words came flowing from her
lips as she exhaled a deep, raged breath.
All
other thoughts the Regent might have had were blown away when a new wave of
images crashed through her mind. Two bodies entwined-- arms and a leg covered
with delicate purple and crimson tattoo’s of serpents and snakes- moving to
the oldest rhythm of life. The gender and sort of the two beings changed every
few heartbeats, which made it hard for Ephiny to actually see who they were.
Somehow she just knew they were images of Rhiannon and herself. She definitely
heard the Celt’s powerful alto voice singing to her in her native tongue, as
if Rhiannon were standing next to her bed.
When
the dark wood fell before me
And
all the paths were overgrown
When
the priests of pride say there is no other way
I
tilled the sorrows of stone
I
did not believe because I could not see
Though
you came to me in the night
When
the dawn seemed forever lost
You
showed me your love in the light of the stars
Cast
your eyes on the ocean
Cast
you soul to the sea
When
the dark nights seem endless
Please
remember me
Then
the mountain rose before me
By
the deep well of desire
From
the fountain of forgiveness
Beyond
the ice and the fire
Cast
you eyes on the ocean
Cast
your soul to the sea
When
the dark nights seem endless
Please
remember me
Though
we share this humble path, alone
How
fragile is the heart
Oh
give these clay feet wings to fly
To
touch the face of the stars
Breathe
life into this feeble heart
Lift
this mortal veil of fear
Take
these crumbled hopes, etched with tears
We’ll
rise above these earthly cares
When
the lonely nights seem endless
Please
remember me
At
the bottom of the page there was one line Ephiny answered every time she read
it.
What
am I?
“What
you are doesn’t matter to me, my love. Just come back home.” The Regent laid
herself back on the bed face down and cried out, her words muffled by a pillow.
“Artemis please, why does this creature affect me right down to the soul. Why
do I feel so alone?” She curled up into a ball and hugged the parchment tight,
close to her heart. After waiting for her breath to become calm and her muscles
relax, she hummed herself to sleep with the tune she remembered all too well.
Her Elfling’s words echoing soothingly through her mind.
Powers
that want to be
*Silence* A loud voice bellowed, coming from no where and every
where, at the same time.
*Odin,
what do you think you are doing here? I do not remember requesting your
presence* The hollow voice continued.
Odin
looked at Zeus, dressed in a long, pristine white; gold trimmed robe for the
occasion and sulked. *We never get informed on anything fun. How come glamour
guy gets all the attention?* The Viking god scoped the hall, made an angry face
at Ares and some of the other gods present. He then blasted from sight, hitting
his colleague, god of war with a lightning bolt.
Ares
patted at some flames emerging from the groin of his black leather pants and
howled. *Is that the best you can do, farm boy?* He laughed, throwing his head
back.
*Finished? * The voice asked in a flat tone and sighed. He continued when all was silent again. *Listen closely, She will only say this once.*
A
gentle, patient female voice took over. To the gathered gods, the voice seemed
to originate from their own minds and they looked at each other like lost
children.
*My
dear Artemis and Ceridwen.* The caramel coated voice started. *You two seem to
understand what needs to be done. I trust you will set matters right in Avalon
and Amazonia. Take down the mortals that do not respect the Powers that Be a peg
or two. They need a lesson in humility and compassion. Aphrodite, bless you
child, the two women are all yours after that, although I don’t sense they
need much help in your department. The Celt’s resistance will break
eventually. The rest of you please let this come to pass without interfering.
May this universal event be treated with respect by all of you. Blessed be my
children.*
The
white marble hall became silent.
Ares
leaned over to Zeus and mumbled in his father’s ear. *Don’t know about you
but that bitch pisses me off. But uh, I’ll let the girlies have their fun and
games. I was planning to have some fun with the Persians anyhow. I hate what the
pesky lot is trying to do with my army. I’ll see this out for a while. It just
might be a laugh.* The god of war growled, flashed his teeth at Ceridwen and
vanished leaving behind the space that he had occupied crackling.
Zeus
stood still for a moment with his eyes closed and sighed, dropping his shoulders
with relief.
Epona
scraped a hoof over the marble floor to attract the old god’s attention and
let Zeus know her mind in a statement of fact kind of way. *We will be calling
in a favor at a later time, colleague. I will see you later, Olympus man.* The
goddess of horses galloped from the hall with a clapping echo rumbling into the
distance.
*Yes
I realize that. If need be, you know how to find me.* Zeus replied in a serious
tone, not interested if the horsewoman had heard him and then directed his
attention to the female deities to his right. *Ladies, my children. Make sure
this is over as soon as possible. I have never known the High Powers to give in
to a mortal’s affairs like this before. Oblige the Ancient Mother or be damned
hey? She must realize sooner or later that her influence in the cosmic realm is
at it’s best in demise. Helping her does not mean ways will become as they
once were over here before the Titans, children.* Zeus shook a finger at his
offspring and frowned. Just imagine what
would happen if women were in charge again. By Cronous, chaos would sweep the
known world and leave me… nowhere. *Remember that.* As the ruler of
Olympus disappeared his last words echoed through the hall. *And remember that
you and yours are guests here, Ceridwen.*
*I guess that’s a wrap babes.* Aphrodite concluded and smiled at the remaining goddesses. I’m outa here. The Atlantis twist is way cool, moon sisters. Even Dad is like, so clueless on that part.* Mischievous laughter filled the hall. * He’s the guest if there are any. Toedels.* The barely clothed, bombshell blond giggled, wriggled her fingers while waving at the two remaining deities and left.
The
offer
Standing
straight in front of Boadecia, restraining herself from attacking the older
woman with all her might, Rhiannon yelled, “So that’s it?” Rhiannon turned
around and resumed pacing in front of the mirror, glancing at her reflection now
and then. “That’s all you can tell me.
I’m Eanfled’s and Viv is Prasutagus' child... conceived when you got
lost on the Dream Stone, with da—” Metal rang against the soft limestone
wall as the red head struck it with her sword. “ Step dad. My father is an
elf. You had it on with an elf? No wonder Vivian got all the
attention. The mean bastard always spoke of elves with such venom in his voice.
He hated me and I’m not his child.
You must know more about Eanfled or at least about El-” The redhead froze as
she saw her skin turn bright emerald and the rage of questions that had
overloaded her mind dissolved.
Turning
to the Taliesin, who had been sitting at the table in the left corner of the
room in silence for a long time now she panted, “Help me druid. What’s
happening to me? Mother is clearly not in a hurry to tell me the truth.” The
desperate Celt collapsed to her knees before she reached her alchemist mentor.
The
bony druid took to his feet slowly. He seemed to glide across the room towards
Rhiannon. Not a candle flickered when he passed. Without taking his eyes of the
Elfling he stated. “Boadecia, Xena, I need some time alone with Rhiannon.”
His eyes shifted to the women he addressed via the mirror. “Rest assure, her
skin changes shade, parallel to her emotional state. She’s all right, my
Queen. I will teach her all she needs to know… soon.” The Taliesin slid his
hand around the young woman’s upper arm, pulled her to her feet and led her
towards the door.
Rhiannon
sheathed her blade and glanced over her shoulder at Xena with little trace of
relief on her face before she left the room, but could not bring herself to look
at her mother.
Xena’s
jaw muscles were doing overtime as she watched her friend leave with the druid. So
you want her alone? Well, can’t be done old man. But you don’t have to know
that yet. The Warrior thought to herself and planned her next move.
The
Taliesin patted Vivian’s head gently as they passed her sleeping form in the
cold bare hall. “Yes child, rest now.” He whispered. “The ceremony is only
tree days away.”
Rhiannon
looked down at her sister, feeling both contempt and pity. What’s
your role in all this besides becoming the new leader, sis? The thought of
her twin in charge of the countries spiritual matters gave her heartburn. Whose
pawn have you become, now Daddy’s pride and joy is unprotected?
Druid
and Elfling set off across the Avalon settlement. As they passed the square and
made a turn to the East Side of the island, Rhiannon sensed that her mentor
wanted to walk along The Lake and wondered how long he would remain quiet. Oh great. Another one who can block the mind.
Before
they cleared the last cottages of the village, the Taliesin had silenced his
former student several times.
Reaching
the Lake banks, the red head sank down on the damp grass and refused to move.
“I can’t stand this anymore. Out with it.” Rhiannon said to the old man
with demanding tone.
The
druid stood still and remained standing; rising over his prodigal made him feel
more in control. He smiled down on the Elfling and asked. “Do you wish to know
everything my child?”
“No
more questions old man... answers. You give me answers before I go insane.”
The Celt ordered and placed a hand over her sword.
“I
can tell you who you are, but I have a better offer.” The druid turned his
back to the anxious woman and continued. “I can lead you to Eanfled and he
will show you.”
Rhiannon
jumped up, grabbed the Taliesin by his bony frame and shook franticly, as if the
information she needed would fall out of his body by doing so.
“Take
me to him, please Taliesin, please. She pleaded.
“On one condition, young Elfling.” The old man said in a serious tone and straitened his robe before he continued. “We go now. Boadecia and Xena would only stop you.
I
am willing to help you though.” He held his hands up, palms opened to the
heavens and asked. “Do you trust me, Elfling?”
“Do I have a choice?” Rhiannon ran her hands through her hair and asked. “Why would mother stop me?”
“Because
she isn’t an elf and doesn’t understand what you are becoming. She is afraid
of you.” The Taliesin placed an arm around Rhiannon’s shoulders and spoke
softly. “Why do you think she never spoke of your ancient heritage before and
even now denies knowing what an elf or elfling can be like? Keeping silent,
about which your father is now, would be like trying to hide her tattoos. She is
truly afraid you will want revenge or leave her for good.”
The
red head shook the arm of her mother’s confidant off her shoulders and walked
a few paces away from him.
With
a slightly raised voice the Taliesin continued. “ She knows elves all right.
Boadecia is an Ancient One herself. Just a human one that chose to stray but
educated by Fawns and High Elves, none the less. Hence the wings on her face.”
The druid giggled under his breath and stared at the young woman, rapidly
showing obvious elf like qualities during her impatient pacing.
Rhiannon
covered her face with both hands and let her head fall back as the Taliesin’s
words fell into place. Her mother’s reluctance to answer her questions over
the years. Why she never did anything about Prasutagus’ violent tempers
repeatedly directed on her ears and face, once she was old enough to hit back.
Why she had to become High Priestess of Avalon instead of Vivian, who actually
wanted to be called. The dreams of elves and other beings and the tattoos she
woke up with, long ago. With a gasp she looked at the druid, walked over to him
and lowered her hands into his. “Take me to Eanfled.” Her voice was dark and
broken from anger.
The
Taliesin closed his hands around those of the trembling Celt for a moment and
watched the Elfling’s skin grow as dark as the night. That’s
a good girl. Let the rage grow. Yes
that’s right, now I have you. The druid smiled, sprinkled some violet dust
over his pupil and disappeared from the Lake bank. Rhiannon was left lying there
as the mist from the Lake gradually closed in on her.
The
deal
“You
here... old man?” A creature that
would normally have integrated from sight in his lush forest environment, had it
not been his intention to be noticed, spoke.
The
pending twilight gave the elf a dusty, mystic appearance. Age-old fauna around
him seemed to dance in circles, holding branches, swaying on the warm breeze.
“Elusive
as always.” The Taliesin spun round on the spot and tried to focus on the dark
elf that hovered and closed in on him in a spiraling motion.
“No,
just better equipped for amazing stunts.” The five feet of sinewy elf grinned
and then gave a demonstration of loops and twirls in the air above the druid.
His silvery wings caught the last rays of sun as he decorated the sky. His high,
boyish voice rang through the air. “State your request Taliesin. Find out if
the Gate Keeper will grant you a favor and bless you with the wisdom of the
Powers th-”
“Yes
and so on. Can we get to the point and will you keep still for even a blink?”
The old man interrupted; impatiently shook a fist at the air borne ancient and
bellowed in frustration. “You are making me dizzy, arrogant son of a Troll.”
The
elf abruptly dropped height, arms folded across his dusky green chest. Dark
emerald eyes locked mockingly with the watery gray ones of the druid. “Zero
points for politeness. Sticks and stones, old man.” He told the alchemist off
with a serious tone and continued. “You’ve come to tell me… that Rhiannon
and her jummy warrior friend are on their way to the Dream Stone.” Eanfled
rubbed his chin, flung back a few strands of his long, jet-black hair and took a
deep breath. Taking his time, the elf also readjusted the leather arrow case,
hanging from his belt; retied his boot laces and arm braces. “You want the
Elfling to learn and the Warrior lost... Hmm?” The elf guessed, grinned and
waited for the Taliesin to react.
“The
Warrior? That paranoid woman followed me, didn’t she Eanfled.” The druid
hissed through his teeth as his eyes narrowed. “Not a bad development, well
assuming she would want to know about and ruin everything.” He closed his
eyes to enjoy this unexpected addition to his up coming victory. “I know
Boadecia will eventually break when Xena backs her into a corner. She’ll even
beg for help, if I’m right.”
“The
Powers that be, grant thee, with the force of Three.” Eanfled stated in a
formal tone and raised his arms gracefully. “But are you awake to see?” The
elf gently pushed off the ground and floated over the Taliesin. “Now leave and
let me work, old man.” He then let himself become cloaked from sight by the
majestic trees of his domain, like a watercolor fading in the rain.
“That’s
a deal, overgrown fly.” The druid mumbled as he watched the creature
disappear, oblivious to Eanfled’s final words. So blinded he was, by a
momentary lapse of interest in anything beyond his all-consuming lust for power.
Anti-spells...
and... Aphrodite?
*Aaauwh,
please, please, pretty please.* Cupid begged his mother on all fours.
*Can
I come? I wanna help do the Gabster. She’s like a real cutie pie.* The
muscular god pouted his lips and a slight frown accented his kicked puppy dog
eyes. Can’t she get some nice, thick rugs in her temples or something? My
knees are killing me.
*I
heard that. Sorry kiddo, this is all Magick jive. Can’t let you screw up an
anti-spell now, can we. Tooddels pretty. * The goddess of love replied, shimmied
her shoulders and blew her clueless son a kiss. She left the winged bundle of
brawn with an array of sparkles flying in front of him
The
goddess reappeared by Ephiny’s bed. The Amazon lay restless, trapped in the
eye of a nightmare. The deity watched the Amazon for a while, sighing with the
pity she felt. *You have been like so totally too deprived of love, Amazon.*
Aphrodite could not resist and bent down to caress the Regent gently on the
cheek. In anticipation if what she was about to see, the deity
closed her eyes.
Flashes
of Ephiny with a stranger, from a strange land appeared in between scenes of
Amazons battling with each other over the throne.
A
little surprised, but not shocked, Aphrodite broke the connection and took a few
steps back. *Remember whom you love. Why is so not the point, babe. Your little
green honey will be back, I promise.* The deity blew softly and caused the air
in front of her to ripple towards the sleeping woman.
*Hey,
airhead. She said you could do your thing after... remember. * Artemis appeared
in front of her spouse, just in time to stop Aphrodite’s premature meddling.
*Hey
yourself, bush brat. Look at her. This is breaking my precious heart, even
though she’s usually your problem
child.* The love goddess giggled
and winked at the frowning archer. *By the by... why in Dad’s name did you
ever let this beauty’s blood boil for that, iiieuwh, Centaur?* Aphrodite
shuddered the revolting thought from her mind and unscrewed her face.
*Bulls
eye, ‘Ditie. Dad’s orders. Now, you want to get on his wrong side or are you going
to let me get on with things?* Artemis asked her half sister in a stern voice.
*And leave my Chosen one alone too. She’s doing fine with Xena.* She added in
an agitated tone and waved a hand to communicate the blond goddesses’ cue to
exit.
Artemis
turned to the sleeping Regent and sighed. *She’s right you know. You could do
with warm soul next to you by now. *
Rhiannon
speaks...
I
crossed another threshold that day. Doing so left me feeling... empty. Not the
nothing there kind of emptiness, more like oblivion saturating my mind with
total awareness of that ‘nothing’. My
skin turned a pale white, ears had gone to normal and my back ached as if I‘d
been hanging from a tree by the shoulder blades for a moon.
The
Taliesin drugged me and led me to the Dream Stone, which floated somewhere in
The Lake since the beginnings of time. I once heard a tale of this place. Humans
that got lost were usually never seen again. The few that did come back were
changed forever. The total reverse of Faerie, the other natural wall around
Avalon, hidden deep within the marsh bogs.
After
spending gods know how long in this dream realm-- surviving on a warrior’s
instincts that were the only thing left, familiar to me- the thick Dream Stone
forest finally came to life.
Torn and twisted
“Eanfled.
Gate Keeper of the Dream Stone. Please, where are you?” Rhiannon whispered to
herself. “Why won’t you help me, find me at least? It’s me, Rhiannon.”
The Celt added with a whimper and balled up underneath a huge willow tree, close
to a small, muddy stream.
Miserable,
hungry and sore all over. That is how she felt after roaming the vast forest, in
search of her father. Green hills and endless meandering streams were all she
found. “I can’t believe the Taliesin left me here at the mercy of and elf.
Even if he’s my father.” And how long
have I been talking to myself for now? Two days… a moon?
All
sense of time was lost to Rhiannon. Even by using the Sight, she could not trace
the presence of a living soul. The energy feedback of the trees, animals and
what ever was out there was very loud, but the Elfling failed to see anything
besides the trees. The never ending, dancing trees. Everything seemed to move.
Nothing was in the same place by the new sunrise.
“Why...
why do you forsake me Ceridwen? Surely you are the creator of this realm.”
The
Celt cried for the Goddess into her dirt smudged arms, not improving the mud
mask around her hollow, red eyes.
“Why
do you think Ceridwen would even know you, human?” A familiar yet bitter voice
replied from somewhere amongst the foliage. “Yes you have the Sight and are an
initiate of the Mysteries, but more humans have leaned those tricks.”
Rhiannon
startled, scrambled to her feet and searched the greens around her for proof of
life. She rested her trembling hand on the pommel of her sword and cocked her
head to the left.
“Show
yourself.” The Celt forced her voice to sound calm. She circled on the spot
once, straining her eyes to pick up any kind of movement and listened for
audible clues.
Coming
from somewhere in the sky, a boyish voice spoke to her. “Granted is your wish,
by the power of three. Sweet girl, open your heart and truly see.”
Again
twirling on the spot, head raised to face the heavens, Rhiannon saw what
reminded her of a rainbow fade in between the arched branches of the willow
tree, against a clear blue sky.
Slowly
she dropped her head and let the sword go. “So he’s not going to make it
easy for me. This far, elves are proving to be a pain in the neck, but much
lower. Maybe that wasn’t even him?” With a deep breath the Celt dropped to
her knees and closed her eyes to think.
“And
why should he be fun, human?”
Discovering
that the voice belonged to an elf, standing one arm length away in front of her,
Rhiannon opened her eyes wider with a shock and froze.
Before
her stood a tall, almost muscular, dark elf, peering at her with bright green
eyes through wild, red curls. Her exuberantly, silver braced arms were folded
across her chest and she only just touched the ground. She wore a short skirt
and top of the most delicate fabric the Celt had ever seen. Her clothing and
skin color were identical. Two majestic, silvery, see-through wings rose above
her proud shoulders. The rays of sunlight that filtered through the greens
bounced off them like fireflies.
“You
are tuff enough on yourself. Eanfled’s
job is a breeze, lassie. I’m here to do his dirty work.” The elf snarled at
her and took a step closer to the still kneeling, baffled woman.
“Well,
cat got your tongue?” The elf spat and slapped her in the face.
Rhiannon’s
head snapped to one side as the elf’s hand forcefully chafed it with a crimson
blush. She rolled over on her side, flowing with the motion already caused by
the blow. Taking her sword from its scabbard, she got up fast and gave the
female elf the once over. Oh great,
she’s violent. Like I need this?
“As
if I have to tell you anything.” Rhiannon grinned at the elf, planted her
sword beside her and mirrored the elf’s stance. “How productive. And I was
told elves were smart, as well as sadistic.” A low growl escaped the red
head’s mouth as she took in the female elf before her. Green.
Wings. Reddish hair and a very dark skin. My height. Darker skin tone than I
have seen in my dreams as a kid. Would she be a da- no a dark elf would have
killed me instantly, I think? Why is she here instead of Eanfled? Figure out the
clue, Rhi. This must be a test or something.
“So?”
“So
what? You tell me, elf.” Rhiannon’s face had gone pale again and she
swallowed hard. “You make it quite clear, I’m the insignificant human.” She
want me to grovel or what?
The
two stood in a dead lock, staring each other in the eyes. Faces a hand length
apart. The air between them vibrating. The trees forever dancing around them.
“Even
now you won’t dare recognize me?” The elf broke the silence, keeping her
voice low, attempting to hide anger. “Even now I am standing here, in front of
you. You won’t recognize me?” She yelled and slammed a knee into
Rhiannon’s abdomen, while pulling the Celt’s head over her shoulder.
The
red head collapsed onto the ground and grabbed her stomach, coughing and
panting.
“I
don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to get you into trouble all the time
but you leave me no choice, human. You have become just like those who hate
them… us.” A light gush of wind
blew across Rhiannon’s face as the elf elevated and hovered over her, while
she spoke.
Rhiannon
recollected her warrior edge, lunged at the elf, before she flew out of reach
and pulled her back down to ground level. The startled and angry elf tried to
fight the Celt off, without success. The grounded elf was helpless.
The
winged creature ended up under the Celt. She gave up the struggle and started to
laugh when she saw the human was fighting back tears as well as her frustration
and desire to lash out.
“Well,
well. A sensitive Celt. And you
always claim to be a warrior?” The elf sneered at Rhiannon. “Don’t let
step Dad see those big clumsy tears, girl. He’ll knock you around, won’t
he.” She demonstrated what she meant by slapping at Rhiannon’s ears. “Oh,
don’t cry now lass. Mommy can’t hear you and she won’t come to help you
this time.”
The
last remarks of the elf made the red head snap and see red. She smashed a fist
into the elf’s face, rolled off the now limp figure towards her sword and got
to her feet.
Rhiannon
quickly ran back, placed her feet on the wings of the elf at the height of her
waste, where they got thicker and pressed the tip of her sword on the
creatures’ neck. “You sadistic piece of work.” She screamed at the elf.
“Who are you?”
Confrontations
“Sit
down now, Warrior Princes.” Boadecia told the pacing woman and pointed at a
bench, near the window.
“No,
I’d rather not, if you don’t mind. Where do you think the old man is taking
her?” Xena turned to face the Leader of Celts with a stoic expression.
“Relax
Xena. The Taliesin is on her side. Gwydion knows more about elves than any
mortal should. I trust him like family.”
She sat herself down and took another mouth full of mead, avoiding the
Warrior’s penetrating stare.
“But
you don’t trust me enough to believe me when I say the man is up to something
nasty?” The raven-haired woman asked, while she walked over to Boadecia with
an eyebrow raised.
“You
know nothing about my people and come to mention trust; No, I don’t.
Need
I remind you of most of our former encounters?” The Queen of Celts rose from
her seat and looked Xena in the eyes with a frown. “I have already thanked you
for your help, defeating Caesar. That is all I have to offer.”
“So
why the cozy scene on The Lake shore when we arrived?” The Warrior hissed,
returning the look, closing in on the older woman some more and holding her
hands up in question.
“I
do not need to complicate my daughter’s life even more, by acting on any miss
feelings I might have towards you. Not even while you may well be the reason she
leaves Britannia for good.” Boadecia took a deep breath, got closer to the
Warrior and relaxed her face into a small grin. I
know my Rhi. She’s into warrior women real bad and would follow a specimen
like you blindly. But you Xena, what’s in all this for you? Wasn’t Vivian
enough of a kick?
“What?”
Xena breathed through closed teeth, examining the older woman’s grinning yet
pensive expression. Oh boy.
“You.
I’m still outraged by your breech of loyalty in Gaul, not to mention your
affair with Vivian, but can’t stop feeling thankful once again for your help
bringing Rhiannon home to me. Be wise Xena. The family can take care of Rhiannon
from here. Show me you have changed and do as I ask.” The frown was on the
Celt’s face again as she waited for Xena to react.
The
raven-haired woman broke her stare and paced in front of Boadecia for a while,
her mind almost in chaos. Every fiber of her body “screamed danger”, but for
who? Her self, Rhiannon, both, man kind? Her emotions were telling her to let
the Elfling’s destiny take it’s coarse and go home to her love, sweet
Gabrielle. Gods, I wish my thoughts were as logic as the paintings on these walls.
Everything connects; all lines come together and form a pattern, hmm.
“Xena.
Talk to me.” The Celt blocked the Warrior mid pace and held on to an elbow.
“Why
am I here?” Xena asked herself out loud, looking past rather than at the older
woman, studying the knots and circular patterns of the mural by the window.
“I
don’t understand?” Boadecia let go of the Warrior and looked surprised.
“I’m
not seeing the bigger picture yet.” Xena mumbled, with a thumb stuck between
her lips, no longer taking note of present company. She resumed her pacing,
glancing at one segment of the mural each time she passed it. Three horses
running after one and other, mains and tails entwined. By
the power of three. That’s what Rhi kept talking about. What am I missing
here?
Oh
but I do see your bigger picture, warrior woman. You are thinking with a lower
part of your anatomy. Had enough of the young Bard already? The
Celt shook her head and continued thinking but this time out loud. “The bigger
picture is for Rhiannon to find out. Let her be, please.” The now worried Celt
voiced seriously and blocked her guest’s path with her body again.
Xena
snapped out of her vacant stare and took a step back, hands on hips.
“Now
you listen to me woman. To show you I have changed by betraying the promise I
made to your daughter would not be my first choice. So far this whole situation
has reeked of spells and interfering gods. That old druid is close to the source
of it all, I can feel my skin crawl when he’s around.” Xena almost shivered
at the thought of the Taliesin and continued.
“I
don’t see a worried mother and brave warrior acting on her love for her
daughter and there for protecting her the best she can. Are you afraid of her
because she almost challenged you into a fight or are you torn by a deeper
guilt?” Ending in a hoarse whisper. Blue eyes wandered over the red head’s
features. Hades, how do I get through to
her?
“You do not know what you are talking about, woman,” the Celt flung at Xena angrily and turned away to pour herself ano