Learning the Ways

[Mystical Avalon]

Learning the Ways(Temp closed for Amen Ra and Me)

Morrigann knew that she was different. Her father, Goloris Duke of Cornwall was a fair hearted man but stern. Her mother was Igraine one of the sisters to the Lady of the Lake. Morrigann knew she was possessed of the powers enabled to the Lady at a very young age but fought control to use them. Her father had been a a Christian man and using those powers was forseen as a devilrty and pagan. Upon the marriage of her mother and Uther Pendragon, Morrigann felt betrayed by her Christianity and fought hard to embrace it for it was all she had left of her father.

Morrigann longed to run in the forest deep within its belly. Hiding playing games with the Fay. She knew of them yes, for she was often told stories to keep her on the castle grounds. She had sensed them also. She was free spirited and tended to look beyond what others could have seen. She would endulge her fantasies alone or when her aunt Vivianne came to visit. Upon the birth of her brother Arthur, Morrigann felt a renewed sense that she was not to belong within the castle walls. She would hide each morning just after sun up and scurry down the paths into the forrest deep. Looking for all manners of creatures to play.

On this very day, Morrigann came across a man standing half naked from the waist up by the stream over the waterfall. She had never actually encountered any of the fairy or elven folken on her journies but she was sure she had this day. Nestling herself into the crook of the old Oak, she watched in a curious state as the Elvish creature went about his business unaware of his human counterpart watching.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn stood quietly in the stream. Here, the river Odai was nothing more than a few paces across. Still in the hills away from Balmora, the mighty river had yet to become full. It was here he had stopped, for his journey had been long.

He had started the journey three days ago. Three days since the Last Battle of Edgemoor, where the alliance of Elves and Men stood strong. He had stood on a plateau overlooking the remains of the battle, smelling the stench of trolls that had turned to stone with the morning sun. It had been a fierce battle, a great battle, but good had prevailed once again over the evil warlords that had left their homes in the Warlands and sought to conquer.

N'Leuthra, the general of the High Elf infantry had come to him while he stood on the plateau.

"Master O'Bonn," N'Leuthra said, "the king calls for you."

O'Bonn turned and nodded, and followed the general to his father's pavillion. O'Bonn entered and approached the center of the large tent, stopping to kneel before the table where his father, M'Rhun, king of the High Elven Nation, sat.

"Rise my son," M'Rhun said, taking O'Bonn by the arms and standing him. M'Rhun embraced his son, then looked him in the eyes. "We have received word from a spy that the priestesses of Avalon have in their safekeeping a scout from the Warlands. It has been surmised that this one will know of Warlord Ur's plans to attack the human nation once again.

"You must ride swift, O'Bonn, to Avalon, and there take counsel with the priestesses. Learn as much as you can."

O'Bonn bowed his head. "It will be done as you ask, Father." He turned and left to gather his armor, bow, and scimitar. The High Warrior then saddled his horse and left at full run.

General N'Leuthra smiled as he and M'Rhun watched O'Bonn ride off. "He is the finest warrior I have ever trained, my lord," N'Leuthra observed.

King M'Rhun smiled. "He is my son."

That had been three days past. Now, O'Bonn waded quietly in the stream, waiting for the fish he knew would pass by him. He would snatch it from the water, and cook it, and eat it.

His horse grazed nearby, on the banks of the stream. He was two days from Avalon. Two days more of riding.

The afternoon sun shone on his naked torso, bathing his golden-bronze skin in its glow. O'Bonn's white-blonde hair hung loose about his shoulders. He tensed, muscles flexing in his lean and tall body as he raised his right hand. The stream trout was close now.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morigann watched intently as this dark beauty waded in deeper into the water. She longed to feel her hands on his bronze skin to see if it was a soft as it looked. She felt the breeze blowing just beyond where she lay and watched the softness ruffle the tunic that lay haphazard on his thighs.

She closed her eyes and summoned what little courage she could and began making her way out of the tree to where the horse stood grazing in the tall grass. What a beautiful creature she thought as she approached.

Without warning, the horse reared and began stomp the ground where he was as if saying come no closer. She stopped suddenly in her tracks, fully aware that the man in the stream was watching her. She had not intended to be noticed yet. She wanted to watch more closely. Sighing her own, she turned.

"Stranger, I am Morrigann Pendragon of the house of Uther. I am neice to the Lady of the Lake, I am a studied follower of the Goddess. If you please, I am not intended to do you any harm" she spoke her words clearly and without hesitation. He was one of the Elven folk, that was plain. To Morrigann, her eyes had not lain on anything more beautiful. She made a deep low bow, one customary for a priestess to the Lady or the Merlin himself acknowledging his Elvish. She righted herself and in her best she spoke his language.

"N'furl gon Uther, hl'de Morrigann lac maset Avalon" I am Morrigann of Uther Priestess of Avalon.

His eyes widened at this last statement.

 

[AmenRa]

Amazing. He had not expected her to speak his tongue.

It was clear she was one of Avalon. One that he sought. What's more, she was as beautiful a creature as he had ever seen. She was of Man, and although he should have torn his eyes from her, he realized soon that he was indeed staring. And he realized that he was standing waist deep in water, with only his leather pants upon him, and his bow and sword were laying upon the bank of the stream.

The very bank that his horse had reared and pawed. O'Bonn had also missed his fish.

"Calm, Frazah," he said to the horse. "I do not think this one means us ill will."

O'Bonn waded out of the stream and stopped within an arm's length of her. He could smell her. His large amber eyes roamed over her, stopping at the sensual pout of her lips. Lips made for kissing.

O'Bonn returned the bow. "I am O'Bonn, High Warrior and son of M'Rhun," he told her, holding his chiseled chin high. Would she know the king? Surely she would know of the alliance of Elf and Man. And, if she knew this, then she would know why he travelled to Avalon.

The afternoon sun had plastered his hair to his forehead with perspiration. His bangs hung across his eyes, eyes that watched her every breath. O'Bonn had forgotten the fish. A hunger of a different sort had begun to swell within him.

He stepped closer to her, gazing down into her eyes. It was a hot afternoon indeed, but O'Bonn was sure that was not why he was melting inside.

"I travel to Avalon," he told her. "There is one within your midsts that can aid us in the coming battle. I must speak with him."

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morrigann looked deep into his amber eyes with her deep blue ones.

"It is Gawain L'therta you seek. My cousin. He resides with the Merlin on the Isle. The Isle of Avalon is shrouded from outsiders. You must have the Lady to guide you there or someone who knows the way. Would you rest a bit just beyond that grove over there? I shall bring you food and drink for to Avalon is a long trek up the mountain and is said an old crone lives deep within the rock face." She watched his face as she spoke. The invitation was there on the table. She had been as subtle as she dared for he was of the Highest Born in Elvish. Something inside her yearned for his touch though as forbidden as it was. She had to turn her head for his gaze was much to strong. It was as if he could read her thoughts.

"I shall make haste and meet you there within the hour. You will notice the tall green grass and the large Willow by the stream head. There I will be waiting O"Bonn of the Elves" with that she turned and within and instant she was gone. Having almost vanished upon the wind. When she reached the outpost, she stopped and wandered why she even offered. Quickly making her prescence unknown to those within the walls she put a large basket of fruit, breads and cheeses, ale, and some fresh salted meat under the blanket and walked back down the stairs to the castle common. He would want to know of Gawain. Of that she was positive. She would hide nothing from him.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn walked his horse to the grove by the willow that Morrigann had indicated.

He had redressed in his swordsman's shirt, yet his Elven mail armor and weapons were still packed on Frazah, the black steed. O'Bonn sat under the willow by the stream and waited.

Morrigann would return, and he would eat. Then she would take him to Avalon. And that is how it would be, he thought. Anything else was forbidden. To touch her iwas forbidden. Especially to touch her the way he wanted to touch her.

If only she wouldn't look at him......

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morrigann restled with her feelings as she approached the grove and the Willow. She knew the magic possessed in this place and would surley not abide by any mortal rules bearing her to heed what she felt.

She stood just beyond the tree watching him settle. He was the most beautiful creature. She knew he was of high blood. The markings on his horse told true. She caught her breath as he looked towards here. For a moment she was sure he saw her watching.

Mixed emotions ran rampant now within her as she descended the hill. Approaching she spoke.

"I bring meat cheese fruits and bread with ale sire. It is a meal to bring only a little comfort for we have an army lodging within our castle keep. I would if you wish, sit and stay a bit longer with you for I am weary. The trek to the castle is a long one and frought with many dangers" at this she laughed. Now she sounded silly, like her aunt Morgause trying to win a prize husband. Her eyes met his with the laughter dancing. There would be no way under the Goddess she could refuse him anything. Anything he asked would be his. Even her. No matter how unnatural. She would weild to him anything he wanted. She touched the hand that extended to the basket and a shock ran through her body. She had only felt this once and that was last year at Beltane. There was a passion there. Would it engulf her?

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn had reached for bread, but instead he found his hand intertwining with hers. Something passed between them. Fire. Water. Metal. All of the elements, all of that which is the Fay, called to him.

He leaned forward. His eyes were narrowed now, his breathing but a shallow pant. He pulled slightly with his hand upon hers, and she yielded. His fingertips went to her cheek, drawing her mouth to his.

It is forbidden.

O'Bonn would pay the words no heed. He knew the disdain the High Elves kept for Man. Humans were duplicitous and greedy, yet even now the High Elven Nation allied with Man, a noble effort to drive the warmongers back to their homes. O'Bonn had trained in the ways of his people since he could first walk. From his mother, O'Boneureni'a, he learned magic. From his father, the king M'Rhun, he learned warcraft. Yet now, here, he learned from his heart.

His lips touched hers, his eyes closed, and the world stopped.

He heard the water sprites playing in the stream. He saw a field of green grass where centaur foals ran and frolicked with Elven, and Human, children. He saw a great dragon rising high on leathery wings.

When he opened his eyes again, drawing slightly away, he only saw Morrigann. He traced the outline of her jaw with the tip of a finger. He looked into eyes the color of the sky.

"My lady," he whispered, "this is some great magic, or a spell you have placed upon me." O'Bonn looked into her eyes with everything that he was. "Release me," he whispered, touching his lips once again to hers.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

The shock that ran through her body was almost to much for her to bear. She leaned her body closer to him as he whispered "Release Me"

Morrigann pulled him closer to her. She needed to feel his skin against hers. She ran her fingers through his hair calling his name softly. In his eyes she saw yearning, fire, passion. She felt the ends of the earth surround her as she pulled him to the ground. Breathing her kisses upon his face, she stopped for just an instant.

"Whatever is to become of this day will be the makings to the rest of our lives" her voice in quick gasps. She kissed him deeply, slowly. She felt his reserve at first then soften under her. The act that was to be committed would lead both of them on a treacherous journey. It was forbidden for any Human to know anyone of the Fay. In that moment Morrigann realized that her hopes of christianity were foolish and silly.

"If it is for you to love me then do it here, now. Do not hesitate. I offer myself to you High Warrior. I give you not the christian lady in my heart but, the Goddess within my being. Take my love, let it wash over us" with these words, all things ceased. Time itself stopped. She felt him grow rigid under her touch.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn's hands were roaming across her body. He could not stop himself. He reached down, across her breasts, across her hips, ruffling her dress as he pushed its hem across her thighs.

Looking into her eyes, he kissed her again. He savored her mouth, her lips. Now not hearing the whispered words of the Fay, he unbuckled the clasps of his breeches, planting kisses across her neck and throat as he pushed them down.

O'Bonn heard thunder, then realized it was the beating of his own heart he heard.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morrigann felt the wonderours beating of his heart as he entered her. She cried out but not in pain. Only in her dreams had she experienced anything this passionate.

She moved to accomodate him as she looked into his face. She moaned as he planted kisses on her neck and breasts. She moved with fluid motion against his eager thrusting. Fire grew from within her as she rocked against his thrusts. She felt the warmth spread from between her now spread legs to all parts of her body.

"Yes, my lover, Yes!" she said gasping. The power held back by this man would kill her but she wanted his full being. She begged him to hold nothing back. She lay beneath him under the warm sun hidden beneath the grove of willow trees. The ground beneath them shook as they consumated their meeting with an act of animal lust.

 

[AmenRa]

Sweat was beginning to form on O'Bonn's brow as he moved his hips against hers. His large, amber eyes gazed deeply into Morrigann's. A slight smile pursed his lips as he reached under her legs, lifting them higher, allowing him deeper.

Somewhere, distant as it were, the sound of a raven called. O'Bonn would not have known though. Nor had he heard the rustling of the breeze through the willow fronds, or the gentle murmur of the stream as it flowed. He only heard her gasps as he gritted his teeth and tried to force as much of himself into her as he could.

And then, the realization came to him, as he entwined his fingers in her locks of hair. He knew.

He was in love.

And, forbidden though it was, it felt right. And now, feeling was all he knew.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morrigann felt as if she were being ripped apart as he brought himself inside her fully. She gasped in pleasure as well as in pain. She could never in her wildest dreams have imagined the act so passionate as this. She felt her own sweat rise on her body from the heat of the two. Slick with perspiration, she held onto him gripping his back feeling him arch against her. She felt the warmth rise again inside her and knew she was again releasing the power inside her. Feeling him grow rigid inside her she shuddered under him as he spilled into the dark crevices of her body. For many moments she lay there, gasping him spent inside her. Something inside her head cried out in warning but she spoke the words.

"If this be love, then let it not end here Great Warrior. We are tied now, for the time we walk this earth. The act itself was unnatural for what we are, but, the force bringing us to the act was not. Fear not, for as Avalon courses her blood inside my veins, there will be no reprocussions for this mating. We hold our destiny soley in our own hands now and make of it as we will" with that she ran her hands through his hair and tenderly kissed his lips. She would not return to her father's castle but once more and in that return she would turn her back on all she had loved for the man laying limply inside her. It was a decision that she would not regret.

 

[Screech]

It had been a fine days work for Valanthe. She had been out prowling her hunting grounds, and managed to snare three fine hares! They would make a fine addition to th Lady's grand meal that was coming soon! Her heart lept as she imagined all the joy that normally ensued from one of the grand feasts that she so often provided for.

Happilly, she made her way through a cropse of trees, her steps barely making any sound, until something alerted her senses. She could hear near-animalistic groans and grunts coming from nearby. Perhaps it is boar? Oh how she loved hunting boar! The thrill of the chase, the danger of the hunt that thrilled her so...

Placing the brace of hares on the ground, and drawing out her bow, Valanthe stealthily made her way towards the sounds, her movements leaving almost no trace that she was even there. Her heart pounded with excitement as she drew closer, but the sight that met her eyes caused her to stop suddenly, and she barely supressed a gasp. A human girl lay on her back, crying out in pleasure, her legs wrapped around the waist of an elven man! But, from the look of the powerful elf who was, it seemed, eagerly thrusting himself into the girl, he was of the Highborn elves, and a strong warrior to boot!

Remaining still, Valanthe sat and watched the coupling until the High Warrior tensed and collapsed half beside the human girl. Her gaze wandered for a short moment, and came across the Warrior's horse! A wicked thaught crossed her mind.

Remaining in the undergrowth, she made her way round to the fine animal. It's ears pricked up at her approach. It had keen senses, and would no doubt make some noise soon. Of course, Valanthe wouldn't be much of a Wildling if she knew nothing of calming spirits. Whispering an enchantment as she crept closer, the horse's eyes glazed over slightly, enabling Valanthe to reach out and take it's reigns, and lead it out of the clearing and into a secluded spot. She would have to be quick, because she just had to see the look on the couple's faces when they realised their horse had vanished! It would be priceless!

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morrigann did not want the moment to end. She lay beneath him in the warm sun feeling his breath on her face. Her words, spoken as an afterthought. She knew that this wouldnt last. Happiness never set its pretty face on her for long. She knew he would ask her to take him to Avalon. There, the reprocussions of what had happened between her and this Elven beauty would show and Vivianne would say something. She again sighed heavily, the thoughts coming to rest upon her soul.

She heard the clamouring of the horses but gave it no thought. She wanted only to content herself in the images running through her clouded mind of this creature lying within.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn felt a surge of strength and renew, even though he had spent himself inside the beautiful woman with whom he laid.

He smiled at her, kissing her softly. Then, he raised his head, looking towards the spot where his steed of war grazed. He found this spot empty.

"My Lady," he whispered to her, "the horses are with us no more!"

The High Warrior redressed himself in an instant, and took up his scimitar, running to the grassy area where his mount had stood. He searched around with his Elven eyes.

"What magic is upon us now?" he cried.

 

[Screech]

Valanthe watched from the undergrowth as the High warrior and the girl noticed that their steeds had gone missing. The girl had a look of bewilderment while the High warrior was more prepared to do battle with what he percieved as the unseen force that had whisked away their horses. She couldn't help but chuckle which undoubedly the two would hear

Swiftly, Valanthe moved through the undergrowth, moving away from her last position. Stopping behind a tree, she peered round to see the High warrior with his blade drawn searching close to where she was previously. Time to reveal herself.

Moving out from behind the tree into relativly plain sight, she smiled broadly. "Magic indeed, High one! Which one of you cast the spell of lust on the other, I wonder"

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morrigann wondered over to where they stood. Immediately she recognized the huntress but her name evaded her.

"Magic? Why neither of us concocked a spell. Do you not know of the Fay that live in this area? We are all but prey in their hands. Whatever has befallen us today was of no mortal magic of ours. What happened was by their own doings huntress." She nodded as she spoke.

"What of my aunt the Lady? Would you prehaps speak of her to me here?" she asked also. She knew that she must soon make the journey to Avalon with the Warrior. She wanted not a moment to leave his side.

 

[AmenRa]

For a very brief moment, O'Bonn thought it would have been best if he had not taken the time to stop to fish in the stream. Someone had seen him with Morrigann. He cast his eyes towards the ground for a moment, contemplating.

He was a High Elf. He was the son of the king. He was a High Warrior, no small feat in itself, but even more so, he was a leader among his people. He would not yield to shame or guilt over what he had done. He glanced at Morrigann and smiled.

Morrigann seemed to know this huntress, this woman of the wood. O'Bonn noted she moved with slient grace, not unlike the Elves of the Woodland Realm who were his kin.

He stood before the newcomer, the girl hunter, in his leather breeches, armored boots, leather hauberk and chain mail. He nodded, then returned to the clearing where he took up his bow and placed his quiver of arrows upon his back. Sheathing his scimitar, he returned to where Morrigann and she stood. He bowed politely from the waist.

"I am O'Bonn, of the High Elves," he told her. "May this day find peace within you," he finished with a nod.

"Now, there were some horses about, particularly a black one of great strength and branded with the mark of the king. Would you know of this one?"

O'Bonn pulled his long, white-blonde hair into a tail and set his large amber eyes upon Valanthe with the question. He knew the answer already, but mischief had been set upon them, and he couldn't help but laugh inwardly at the fun she must have had.

 

[Screech]

something pulled at Valanthe's memory. Something to do with the human girl. It was on the back of her mind until she mentioned her aunt being the Lady. Surely then, this must mean that she is Morrigan of Avalon! Yes, yes. Valanthe recalled seeing her once or twice before...

Valanthe smiled broadly and let out a chuckle. "Indeed! The sprites can be as cunning as any man or elf" She glanced over to O'Bonn and bowed. "I am Miss Nailo, huntress for the Lady. And she is in good spirits for the upcoming feat, mistress Morrigan of Avalon" She gave a knowing grin to the girl as she straigtened up, and tossed back a curl of green hair.

Valanthe nodded slowly at O'Bonn. "As for yoour steeds, I do believe they were drawn away to a spot close to here. I shall lead, if you can keep up" She chuckled again, and then spun on her heel, as swiftly and stealthily as any hunter in their prime, bounded to where she had hitched the horses. Swinging her way up into the lower branches of the tree, she sat and watched for O'Bonn and Morrigan to catch up

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Turning to O'Bonn, she reached for his hand. A gesture of faith, she had seen it done many times. What magic indeed. She longed to be alone with him just once more to hold him to her and feel his warmth. The day itself was but early but yet it possessed a coldness. She walked silently with the great Warrior. She knew she would soon be missed and was not to eager to head homeward. She must know more of his journey to Avalon.

"Tell me, dear one, what of your journey to Avalon? Are you to travel tonight or by the light of the morning sun?" she spoke silently. Keeping her head bowed watching her steps lest she trip and fall. The underbrush seemed to come alive with each step.

Magic was about, oh yes. What magic, she would be sure to ask of Vivianne when she saw her.

 

[AmenRa]

"I was to make my journey of mid-day," O'Bonn answered her. He held her hand tightly as they walked. "I would have left from this place after I had eaten, yet someone made me miss my fish," he smiled.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

His fish, the food~!! how could she have forgotten in so little time.

"It was only out of curiosity that I happened upon you there in the stream. Mayhap it was you whom lost the fish and not of my doing" she smiled wickedly. They found the horses tethered where she said. Morrigann wanted not this day to end.

"For now, I must return to the castle. Would you stay here tonight, and meet me at first light by the willow?" she asked. "For I shall want to see you on your journey, unless you wish me come with you" she dropped her eyes. Morrigann knew that she was the only person among the three that could release the mysts around Avalon. The huntress yes of course would know the back ways in but someone not acquainted by the Lady would fall short and lost. Would he know this? Surely, the answer was yes.

She would not, however, let him travel alone. As far as she could with him.

They stopped just short of the horses and seemed again to find it just themselves.

"I will dream of you tonight" she said. Her hesitation of going was lingering. She wanted not to part company but the guards of the castle keep would be drawing the bridge soon and she would have no way in.

"I must go now. Forget not to meet me by the willow. Good night High Warrior, O'Bonn" she planted a kiss on his lips. Mounting her horse, she turned quickly and was off. Dusk would soon be upon the land and she wanted not to face her father nor his henchmen for being out of grounds at night. There were strange creatures afoot at night. At this thought Morrigann laughed. Strange indeed.

 

[AmenRa]

"Until the sun rises again," O'Bonn said to her, returning the kiss. He watched her ride away, then turned to his own horse.

"So, Frazah," he said to the black horse, "it seems we should once again camp beside a stream."

The horse nieghed and shook his black mane.

"No," O'Bonn said, "I am sure no water sprite will come to bathe you this night." The water fairies were notorious for bathing animals near streams, and especially this horse it seemed.

O'Bonn removed his bedroll and pack from Frazah, and put some small branches together. He spoke words in Elvish, and a small fire started, and then he spoke more words, and the fire was wrapped in magic that would contain it and keep it still.

"Now," he said to no one in particular, "time for that stream trout." And he waded out into the stream once again.

 

[Screech]

Chuckling to herself, Valanthe gracefully dropped out of the tree she had been sitting in and walked over to where she had left her brace of hares. Taking one off, she walked silently over to the stream where O'Bonn was trying to fish from and sat down on the bank.

"Truly, you two do seem to pull strongly at each other's heartstings, Master O'bonn. And any would be lucky indeed to have one such as yourself at their side."

She smiled up at the warrior as he struggled to concentrate on his fishing with her chatter.

"Huntress I may be, Master O'Bonn, and Wildling too, but my heart is not so cold as to sit and watch you fish. Come, why not share this brace of hares I caught earlier today? I can easily catch something bigger in the morning"