Learning the Ways

[NaughtyHogwarts]

Tree looked up as the trees begain to sway. She could hear a storm coming. Tree shrugged and went back to her carving. Sudden storms from the direction on Avalon were nothing new. On Avalon they would be saying that the Goddess was angry. Tree snorted at this thought. In Avalon everything had a meaning. Sometimes a storm was just a storm. Nothing more, nothing less. Tree watched as a group of birds flew over head, away from the river in the middle of the forrest.

"Now, what has them riled up, so?" Tree said to a hare sitting beside her."Best take a look."

Tree picked up her bow and quiver and begain walking toward the river. It was probably just some herd of animal that had scared them. At worst, Avalon was intruding on her home. Tree broke into a run and made it to the river in a short time.

Tree stopped as she neared the river. It was quiet. Way to quiet. Tree dropped down and crept to the rivers edge. All the animals that were normaly at the rivers edge were gone. Tree lay flat on the ground, hidden by the reeds, waiting. A bird flew down beside her.
"What is it little one?" Tree whispered to the small animal.

Tree closed her eyes and reached out to the animals mind. She could see a boat with people on it leaving Avalon. They were looking. Looking for someone.
"Show me more." Tree thought to the bird. Suddenly she saw the figures of a man and a woman. She thoughts she knew the man. But the woman....

Tree's eyes snapped open as she recognized the woman.
"Morgainne." Tree said softly."Thank you little friend." Tree said to the bird as she pushed him off her arm.

What was Morgainne doing out of Avalon. And who was the man? And why did Tree have the feeling she was about to have to go to Avalon and help Morigainne, again. Last time she had done that, she had be banished. Not that she really cared.
In Tree's mind Avalon was a silly, superstisious place. To much was put on keeping the God's and Goddess's happy. To much of the wonder around them was ignored. It was as if nothing outside Avalon mattered. Tree had felt closed in, trapped, on Avalon. There were no miles upon miles of forrest to play in. no wild animals to talk to, no free moments. Everything on Avalon was structured, planned out, meaningful, purpouseful. Tree had never fit in with that way of life. For Tree Avalon was like a prison. If she staed to long she would die.

Tree sighed as she waited for the boat. If Morgainne needed her, she would go to Avalon to help her old friend. It was best to wait for her sign. See how the winds were blowing.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Guiding the boat out of sheer memory, Morriganne let it drift just beyond the shore. She knew her aunt would be out to greet them. Of this she was sure. She also knew that the Merlin would scold her for using her powers. She was strong and any use of her powers by such force and before could disrupt the others in more ways than imaginable. As the boat eased to shore, she stepped out. Turning to O'Bonn she reach for his hand only to find him unresponsive and distant. Lowering her head, she spoke.

"We shall see my aunt and the Merlin at once for I suppose they know we are here" tears edged her voice as she turned from her companions.

 

[AmenRa]

His title in the Army of the Elven Nation was Master Warrior. He was the son of a king, and when many years have passed and the other nobles houses had their turns at the throne, he would be king himself.

Here, on the shores of this sacred place they called Avalon, he felt he was nothing more than another Elf.

O'Bonn looked to Morrigann, then lowered his eyes. His love for her unwavered. His belief in them was strong, as was his resolve to finish the quest his father had placed upon him.

He would learn the secrets of the Warlanders. He would learn these things so that the Alliance of Elf and Man would prevail, and turn back the warlords and send them once again across the River Odai.

Even if it meant he must bring the pain of battle to this sacred place?

Yes. Even if.

 

[Screech]

Valanthe smiled and put her arms around both Morriganne and O'Bonn. They were getting gloomy, and she would be having none of it!

"Aww, c'mon you two. Don't look so glum! We're young, alive.." She lowered her voice. "And you two are most definatly in love"

She alughed with merryment.

"And this is Avalon! It's a place of celebrations, not sorrow! Sure, Merlin can be a bit of a grouch at times, but hey. He comes with the place, so what you gonna do, eh?"

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn turned to Valanthe.

"This Merlin you speak of, he is a wizard?"

He saw her nod.

"My father told me of a wizard he knew once, a powerful sorcerer that could turn metal to gold. He also told me of the wizard's treachery, his betrayal of a king, and of his allegiance to a dragon." The High Warrior shook his head so that his long ponytail swished. "I think I would not like to meet this Merlin."

He touched Valanthe's cheek. "Young one, now is a time of war. Those in the fields have put down their plow and hoe and taken up their sword. The warlord tyrant has sent his black riders across the mighty river Odai, and the drums have shaken many a castle walls. Now is a time of woe for Elf, Man, Centaur, and all creatures of the realm of peace.

"And that," he finished, "is why I am here, now, in this place."

 

[dragonrazor]

Merlin, it just so happened, was close enough to hear the young elf's remark. He scoffed, loud enough for them to hear, and then started in on a long tirade about 'false prophets' and 'misuse of powers, and what not. He was known to be a bit longwinded at times, and this was definitely quite the display of his lung capacity. Mercurius shook his head, knowing that Merlin could go on for a while, and managed to cast a line on their boat and start back for the shore.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Stepping from behind her lover, Morrigann smiled shyly at Merlin.

"How is it that you do go on and on without care nor concern dear one?" she said to him. Her voice light. Her fear escaping her now as they stood on the solid grounds of Avalon.

"What of my aunt the Lady? Is she well and, Gawain. He is about the grounds somewhere I can sense him. You should do well also to remember your own manners" she said once again smiling at Merllin. As a young girl growing up in Avalon, she knew him well and spent many hours watching him at his business. What she wasnt prepared for was the few words he spoke to her of the Elf she was holding on to now.

 

[dragonrazor]

Merlin fixed the young woman with a glare, then gave a sigh of mock exasperation. "What brought you to Avalon? You weren't supposed to come back until your aunt sent for you." Merlin was as irreverant as ever, but Morrigan could hear the teasing tone in his voice. Meanwhile, Mercurius sized up the elf, along with the third member of their travelling party, and leaned against the trunk of a tree, watching them. He had been there when Morrigan had last lived there, but he had been a little on the savage side, from his memory loss. Merlin himself had a scar on his side from where Mercurius had attacked him, but the wizard understood what had prompted it. Some things were never forgotten, no matter how bad the amnesia. When he spoke, it was with the calm and cold efficiency of a soldier.

"Mayhap these things could best be discussed indoors."

 

[Screech]

Valanthe gentlt grasped O'Bonn's hand is it brushed her cheek. She looked back, deep into his eyes.

"Master O'Bonn. Avalon has been like a home to me for so very long. I do not know of how the warlord conducts his business, but if he steps apon these shoures, he will soon find my arrow within his chest"

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Holding ever tightly to O'Bonn, Morrigann gave him a winning smile.

"I do so agree. We should go in doors. Maybe to Vivianne even. There are things about that have great bearing on O'Bonn's intended visit here. As for me, Merlin, I had no choice as my father and mother have deemed it unfit for me to be about the castle grounds. There is some strange magic at work there within the trees" she spoke these last words almost as if she were someone else. She felt the eyes of the other on her as if he knew her in a most personal manner. Was it he, the one she had first lain with at the Beltane fires all those years ago as a young priestess here in Avalon? She knew that the stirrings within her shift were not her own and the warmth she felt as of late with O'Bonn and now this wild looking man creature were odd indeed.

"Merlin, do forgive me my curtness with you. A long trying day it has been for me and my fellow travelers. May we be sought out to rest before the day wans on?" she asked. Noticing the eerie silence that seemed to have stolen over her lover and the man with Merlin.

 

[bullshot]

Gawain

Gawain made his way towards his rooms not bothering to check if Lathia was following he'd given her his advice it was up to her to heed or ignore it.

Collecting his weapons he made his way down towards the shore where everybody appeared to be gathering.

There didn't appear to be any pursuit so he hung back listening to the exchange between Morrigann and Merlin.

Seeing the Elf he wondered if he was the important person who was coming to talk to him and if so who was he.

Gawain didn't know any Elves when he'd left they and the humans had an untrusting truce between them. He waited to see what happened intending to follow when they left.

 

[InnerKitty]

Aunt Viv

Vivanne hurried down the path to just before the waters edge. she had heard talking, and lots of it. Morgannies voice then another (familiar), then Merlin going on... now it was silent. In the back of her mind she could feel Gwain nearby. Standing tall, adjusting her hair and gown, and holding her head up reagally, she stepped forward into the group.

"Morgainne... you have come home." Vivanne spoke in a level measured tone with no emotion. " And I see you have brought a visitor to our Isle. Narrowing her eyes she stared at him for a moment, nodded her head once and said, "Prince O'Bonn of the Elven Nation, you are welcome here in Avalon. While you stay here you are safe from harm and mischief," gazing pointedly for one moment at Valanthe, then back to O'bonn, " although I fear that your very presence here precipitates disaster for Avalon." She looks him over, and then as if giving up some inner discussion, shrugs her shoulders. Turning a quarter of the way away from the group she calls out, "Gawain, please come forth, I believe His Highness is the person for whom you have been waiting. And leave your weapons behind you for now, Lathia will collect them later and bring them to your quarters."
Gracefully and in one quick movement she turns back to her neice's party. "Come, it is early yet, but I would wager you haven't eaten, or at least not eaten well," the last directed to Morgainne. To Valanthe she says, "Valanthe, anything you might have caught would be welcomed, I have missed your venison stew and your fried hare. But I do have bread, butter, honey, fruit and fresh milk to start, then we will see what else there is, come now..." Turning her back to them she begins walking back toward the center of Avalon as if she expects them to follow. When they hesitate, she turns, "Well come on! You can talk on the way or better yet over full stomachs!" she turns back the way she is walking and continues on towards her cottage.

 

[lushlips18]

Lathia

Lathia wasted no time changing into dry clothes and making herself presentable. She felt as if she were on thin ice already and she would make sure she looked the part of the priestess she was trying to be. She glanced out the window and seen the Lady and Merlin or Talesin as some called him walking with Gawain and the woman who could be none other then Morgainne. Looking at her she could see why people added le fay to the end of her name for she did look a bit like a fairy with her dark hair and small features just like her aunt the Lady of the Lake. She quickly exited and walked biskly toward them bowing before them all.

"My Lady, may I be of any service to you today?"

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn returned Vivianne's nod with a curt bow. He stayed close to Morrigann, his shoulder touching hers. He looked around at the ones that had gathered.

No one here was prepared for war. It should be thus, he thought. Avalon was long sheltered from the trials of those that dwell beyond its shores. And the words Vivianne spoke about his presence precipitating disaster stung deeply into him. He was afraid now that he would indeed bring war to this place. He knew not why he cared for these people, but he soon realized it was because they were kin of Morrigann, the one who he now loved without shame.

Standing on the shores of Avalon, the High Warrior O'Bonn made a decision: should war find its way to this place, then he would fight for Avalon. The speed of his arrows and the sharpness of his blade would be felt by anyone who dared to upset the tranquil peace that longed to envelope him. Valanthe had said as much, her arrow would be buried into their chest. A slight smile formed on his face as he silently agreed with her, knowing that there would be an Elven arrow beside hers.

But he was an Elf, surely something out of place for them. Some would long to touch his white-blonde hair, or run their fingers over his bronze skin to see if he was real. Others would scorn him. Man, in their duplicity, was a race he would never understand, although he fought alongside them, befriended them, and in one particular case, loved them.

O'Bonn turned to Morrigann. "She spoke of food?" he asked with a smile.

 

[Screech]

Valanthe scowled almost mockingly as Viviene cast her gaze over the young huntress and mentioned 'no mischeif'. She liked mischeif! It was fun! Especially with courting couples.

She wasn't evil in her thaughts, just mischevious, and never tied of witnessing the faces of those she tricked in one way or another. However, if war did come to Avalon, those tricks would have to be turned to a defensive purpose

Following slightly behind Viviene, she bowed her head. "I am sorry, y mistress, but I have no catch today. I had prepared hares, but with Master O'Bonn's unfortunate inability to catch a fish, I sharred it with him." She glanced back, almost wickedly in O'Bonn's direction. "However, I'm sure I can prepare a delicious meal for everyone"

 

[dragonrazor]

Mercurius started towards the Tower, and Merlin followed slowly. "We'll talk about this mess indoors. Oh, and welcome back, Morrigan."

 

[bullshot]

Gawain

Gawain heard Vivanne call the strange warrior Prince O’Bonn of the Elves He’d heard the name before he’d planned his escape from the Warlords forces back to Avalon. Was the information he had that important to the Elves that they sent a Prince to meet him, he knew he carried something very important but didn’t realise how much they must be hoping for from him.

When Vivanne told him to lay down his weapons and join them he carefully piled them beneath a tree before joining his cousin and her strange friend or was it more than a friend the way they stayed close to each other implied more but he was an Elf and her a Human and it was forbidden.

The mention of food reminded him that he’d missed breaking his fast that morning with the arrival of Morrigann and her small company he followed the rest after Vivanne towards her cottage.

He wondered how much the Elven Prince knew of the Warlords plans soon he would find out when they talked in private.

 

[AmenRa]

As they walked, O'Bonn looked toward Gawain.

He was the reason the High Warrior had come to Avalon.

Gawain looked very much to be a soldier, a knight even. O'Bonn had no doubts the man held knowledge of battle and warfare. O'Bonn only hoped that he did indeed hold knowledge of the warlord tyrant's plans.

N'Leauthra's army was camped just beyond the river Odai. Some 10,000 strong, this infantry would form a formidible barrier between the warlord's advancing army, if they chose to cross the river. O'Bonn also knew his cousin, General N'Kan, held almost 5,000 mounted calvary in Balmora, to the river's east. O'Bonn himself would have commanded the Elven nation's archers, but now that task must fall to Ommateuraena, his sister. And these were only the Elven ranks, the humans and Centaurs had more. Much more. But where would Ur strike? Where would he attack this alliance?

 

[bullshot]

Gawain

Gawain had seen the Elven Price studying him and knew that he wanted the information that he carried but the first thing they were going to have to do was send some men to guard the route that Gawain had been following to get to Avalon.

The Warlord was sure to send more scouts out once Gawain failed to return and it was important for him to think that he’d been captured or killed either way wouldn’t change the warlords plans but if he even thought that Gawain had willingly vanished he’d change his plans and all Gawain had done would amount to nothing.

The main plan could come later and the alliance would have to be careful to avoid warning the Warlord that they were prepared for his assault as he tried to distract the Elves and Human forces with an attack from an unexpected direction before the main attack arrived.

 

[InnerKitty]

Vivanne's house

Vivanne opens the door to her cottage and gestures that everyone enter. The room is spacious and open, and everyone can find a place to sit. She watches as Morgainne and O'Bonn choose a low couch together. Gawain she motions to a stool near the Elven prince. Merlin grumbles and moves to his customary chair, Mercurius finding a nearby pillow to sit upon, sits near him.
Calling one of her novices to her, she turns to Valanthe, "Valanthe, my faithful Huntress and blessed of the Goddess, if you would, this young lady will take you to our stores, I ask of you to please select the best of what you see there for our guests and yourself, I trust your judgement above all others to the quality of meats and their preparation." Turning back to the young girl, "See to every need, obey every command and find her anyone she need for assistance, even if they are at meditations."
The Goddess has set this meeting in motion, she will allow some slacking on her account I'd wager!
Turning back to her other guests, "Would anyone like tea? Or does this occasion call for wine," looking toward Merlin, " or something a bit stronger"
She begins weaving a spell in her mind that will keep out listeners and eavesdroppers, they will hear only small talk or nothing at all whether listening at the door or scrying. When the spell is done. She smiles contentedly at everyone in the room.
"All right," she says sitting in her chair which puts her at the center of attention-and at the left hand of Merlin, somehow no one seemed to notice it before, "what is all this business about? Your Highness? Gawain?" She looks at them both in turn, elbows resting on the arms of her chair, her hands steepled under her chin, a look of bemused curiosity on her face, slowly she turns her face to look her neice straight in the eye.
Morgainne hears in her head, "And you dear neice, what is this about taking an elven lover? You and I have some things to discuss when all this world breaking talk is over, don't you think?" Vivanne seems more amused than angry, but there is an undertone of worry in her thought...

 

[Screech]

Valanthe bows to Vivienne. "As you command, my lady" Taking the young girl by the hand, she led her out of the room and down into the kitchen area just as she heard the faint mutterings of a spell being cast behind her.

The kitchen had numerous supplies, and Valanthe wagered that the parlor would be just as well-stocked. That would help as she'd need quite alot of foodstuffs to prepare a truly great meal. But anyone else? No, probably not required. The young girl would do.

Taking a couple of scrolls from a shalf, Valanthe instructed the girl in what to collect. This would be a great meal!

 

[Mystical Avalon]

OOC: Am having trouble with my net. Should be back on line by the weekend yall

 

[dragonrazor]

Merlin pulled out a pipe, and started to stuff it with tobacco. It was his custom to smoke while hearing important news, even though it tended to irritate the Lady. She only tolerated it because of his insight into things.

---

Mercurius sat silently, studying the faces of both the beautiful Morrigan and the noble Elven Prince O'Bonn. Mercurius could guess why they sent the Prince. The Elflord was one of the best riders, hunters, trackers, and bowmen the Elves had. It only made sense that he would have been chosen for the mission. He then turned his gaze upon the Lady, who seemed almost amused by the fact that Morrigan had ended up with an Elf, and then to Merlin, who was grumbling around his pipe. He had no idea that both the Lady and Merlin knew that even though he'd gladly follow any order either of them gave him, he'd rather be anywhere else. It was almost stifling in the room.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn sat quietly, listening to the conversations around him. They spoke loudly, although to them it was probably the normal voice. The Elves generally spoke quietly, softly, for their ears were more sensitive than those of Man.

At Vivianne's mention of tea, O'Bonn reached into his belt pouch and withdrew a small tin. He opened its top and poured a small bit of the Elven black tea into a wooden cup that sat on the table.

He then filled the cup with water from the kettle that Vivianne had placed upon the table. He let it steep a moment, then passed the cup to Vivianne.

"For everyone, if the lady approves," the High Warrior announced. And then to Vivianne, "the finest from the fields west of the Glacier Citadel. Even in morning, or noonday, this we drink."

He then glanced around with his large, amber eyes. Perhaps his sharing of tea would go un-noticed by them. To the Elves, this was a way to say welcome and hello, a recognition of friendship and acceptance among the noble houses and commoners alike. If a wandering Elf were to make his way into the palace at Suran, then the king would offer him tea.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Shocked at the intrusion into her thoughts, Morrigann eyed Viviann with a contempted suspicion. She wanted not to tell the tale of the lust she had felt and expressed with the handsome young Prince. The union was looked down upon by all elders and the like in Avalon for his was different. But was she too not so different? Was she not of the dark and fairy people beyond the lake? What transpired between O;Bonn and herself would not only be subject to Merlin and Viviann but would involve those around her for not did one life encompass the path of others with which it intertwined.