Learning the Ways

[lushlips18]

Lathia

Lathia gathered the food as instructed by one of the guests that had accompained Morgain to the isle. Something was going on she could feel it in the air, everything was changing. She wanted to ask what was happening but knew better and held her tounge. If she behaved and made herself useful then maybe the Lady of the Lake would use her as the Mother Goddess needed.

"Is this all my Lady?" she asked bowing her head a bit as a sign of respect. She definatly had alot of food here, enough for a feast.

 

[bullshot]

Gawain

Gawain sat and listened to what was going on knowing that his turn would come later after they’d all eaten he hoped that the information he carried wasn’t too late but the fact that the Elven Prince was here proved that up until now there was still time.

From the look on the Prince’s face he gathered that the tea ritual had a very significant point but he didn’t know enough about the elves to understand just what it meant.

Valanthe left to gather stores for the feast as Vivianne had called it accompanied by Lathia to assist her when needed although he didn’t think that Valanthe looked the type to need any help she looked as if she spent her time in the forests finding game for food.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Suddenly speaking somewhat out of turn, Morrigann stood and began in a many voice.

"What we shall do is plague upon those whom wish to defy us. As the Pendragon himself, I sit upon my throne and justly take this action into my own hands. We will wait for Igranne's daughter to return to the castle. With the heathen Elvish pawn in tow. We will reign down upon them and kill them. The legion of elves and men will be no more for the deaths will appear of his doing. I will smite the wretched elves and the darkness that those of the unchristian faith possess will be smothered and burned out." As the last words escaped her mouth, she felt the air escape her lungs and collapsed at O'Bonn's feet. The words she had spoken came from her step-father Uther. Turning her head to him, her eyes filled with tears. The vision was to much for her and she burried her face in his lap and cried.

 

[InnerKitty]

Vivanne's house

Vivanne inclines her head toward O'Bonn in formal respect,"I give you my deep gratitude, Prince O'Bonn, for the tea and its ceremony. It is generous of you to bring the civilized traditions of the Eleves to this place at this time. We should all remember that how we treat each other bonds us in friendship in times of war and of peace... and now is the time when we need friendship... allies, if you will... more than ever." she locks eyes with each person in the room at this statement, smiling serenely. "There are many things coming soon to Avalon, and many are not pleasing. Maybe war... turmoil and strife for sure...but Avalon will stand. There are many things that the Mother has not made clear to me," looking pointedly at her neice and O'Bonn-but only for a single breath,"but have a deep and important meaning to the future of our fair island... and the world across the Lake."

Suddenly Morgainne stands up and begins speaking. That voice! I know those intonations....Uther! She turns to Merlin quickly, eyes locking with his.. "Uther!" she whispers through clenched teeth, anger apparent in her voice, her eyes sparkling "the ungrateful dog, after all that was given to him by Avalon... HE will not destroy what we build here today."

She stands and moves to her neice, whose head is in the lap of the prince. She kneels down next to Morgainne, lifting her head and putting a cup of the elven tea to her lips. "Daughter of my heart..." she begins, kissing the young womans tear streaked cheeks, whispering a prayer..."Goddess save us... Mother, protect this child, your daughter, keep her safe!" Looking up at O'Bonn, as a equal, she states, "It seems we should begin discussing what you came here for and how Avalon will assist."
Turning to Gawain, "Gawain, do you care to discuss among us you secret for the prince or do you instead wish to share your information with him in private. If in private, then please use my study," gesturing to a heavy oaken door, "you will neither be disturbed nor overheard in that room. but I feel the time for pleasantries has passed and we... all of us... must move forward to plan for the threat that is even now marching toward our world. If you two must make secret plans, then I ask you to start now. I will serve you food myself once it arrives. But you must," she looks at O'Bonn and then back at Gawain, "start now. Time has caught up with us at last. I fear it will not wait long before it passes us by....and then it will be too late. Too late for Avalon, too late for the world of men and ... elves"
She stands raising Morgainne with her and wrapping her arms around her in consolation of the womans pain. "Morgainne, forgive my intrusion please," she whispers in Morgainnes' ear low enough no one hears-to them it simply seems she is giving the girl a deep hug, "the Goddess deemed to show me your love for this man, your need and he of you, I should have left it at that, without question. It seems even I have lessons to learn, as I sometimes forget to place my faith in the Mother's decisions. Please forgive me when you can. I shan't bring up the subject again." she stands back, looking deep into the young womans eyes, searching for indications that she is out of the vision completely. Hoping to see the composure she is used to seeing in her neice, she wipes the remaining tears from her face.

 

[dragonrazor]

Merlin looked pointedly at his apprentice, who pulled out a book borrowed from Merlin's study. The book was written by The Chronicler, a man forced by immortality to write of the world's history as it happened. He handed the book to Merlin, who read from it, before speaking quickly and quietly.

"Thus did Uther violate his oath, and the humans marched to war. The only hope seems to be from Avalonne itself." He closed the book, and looked at those around.

"He speaks the truth, but he was always so vague." Merlin scoffed slightly, then puffed at his pipe for a few moments, before watching Morrigan.

Mercurius took the book, and put it back in his pouch. He stood up slowly, then walked over to the Elf prince.

"If you need me, I will draw my sword for you."

 

[bullshot]

Gawain

“Providing the Prince has no objections I can speak openly,” Gawain replied to Vivanne. “But the first thing that must be done is some men must block the route I took getting here, if the Warlord suspects that I haven’t been captured or killed he’ll change his plans and I’ll have spent my time for nothing,” he added.

Taking out a map he showed the route he was suppose to investigate for possible use by the Warlord “When I don’t return he’ll send more scouts out and they must be turned back or killed,” he explained to the group.

“Now highness do we speak of the Warlords plans openly or would you prefer to hear them first in private?” Gawain asked the Prince.

Gawain wasn’t really concerned as long as the Prince acted on his information which would require the main part of the Elven and Human forces moving from the strong position they had at the moment or quickly being overrun as the Warlord attacked from more than one direction at the same time.

From the words spoken by Morgainne it sounded as though her step father was going to join the Warlord even if it was unintentionally which added another problem to the puzzle.

He wondered if the urge to kill O’Bonn and Morgainne could be turned to their advantage by leaving a false trail towards the Warlords camp and have Uther follow it with his troops making the Warlord think that he was being attacked from that direction.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn had just finished a seat bow to Vivianne when Morrigann stood and began speaking. At first, he looked at her with utter astonishment on his Elven face, then sat back as she collapsed into his lap. His hands found her hair as he looked upon her face with sadness.

As Vivianne tended to her, he turned to Mercurius. "Your sword may be needed," he said, patting him on the shoulder. "And you have my thanks," he added.

O'Bonn then stood to his full height and looked directly at Gawain. He bowed respectfully.

"Sir Gawain," he said, "as it does appear that everyone within this place shall soon play a part in what comes, I ask of you to tell me the plans of Ur, and how he shall seek to conquer the Freelands of Elf and Man.

"But know this now," O'Bonn finished, eyeing everyone in the room individually, "Gawain has spoken truth already. If Ur learns of his escape to this place, then he will surely change his plans, and the secrets this noble knight possesses will be useless to us." With that, O'Bonn produced a small parchment set from his belt pack, and scribbled ancient runes upon the small piece of paper. He rolled the paper and handed it to Mercurius.

"Your fastest carrier bird, or steed, or even magic for this. This dispatch must be taken to King M'Rhun at Suran within minutes, for it requests a contingent of infantry to stand gaurd where Gawain crossed the road."

 

[Screech]

It had taken several minutes for Valanthe and Lathia to prepare the food for the assembled party, but at last it was complete! Stonebaked bread in abundance, followed up with a fine pine broth, some sweetened boiled clams that had been stored away perfectly, and honeyed tea were all arranged on a pair of large serving trays

Taking one of the trays, and letting Lathia handle the other one, Valanthe walked back into the main meeting hall very quietly. Apon her arrival, she noticed that some of the assembled party had very serious faces. This would not do at all! Grinning to herself, she called out cheerfully. "The luncheon is served!"

 

[InnerKitty]

food and conversation

Looking up, Vivianne gives Valanthe and Lathia a tight smile, "Thank you, please place the food on the table here," she gestures to a low table in the middle of the grouping. "Please everyone, take sustenance, Morgainne, here take bread and honey, to get your strength back." she prepares the bread and hands it to Morgainne herself. Looking at everyone, she sees they seem to hesitate, "Please, please, our dear huntress has prepared a wonderful feast for us, and taking disturbing news might be easier on filled stomachs. She herself takes a few morsels from the tray and begins to eat slowly, giving herself time to wonder where this meeting shall take the future of Avalon, and wondering just what the significance the goddess has in store for the new love budding between her neice and the prince.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

OOC: I am going on vacation. Yall keep writing and you may take liberties with my character and move her along as necessary. I will be back at least by the weekend. HAPY FOURTH OF JULY YALL!!!

 

[lushlips18]

Lathia

Lathia gave a bow after setting her tray of food down as she turned to address the Lady of the Lake with reverence. After all not everyone got the chance to get a glimpse of the Lady of the Lake let alone stand in her prescence. It was like being in the prescence of the Mother Goddess herself.

"If there anything else my Lady wishes?"

 

[bullshot]

Gawain

Gawain was deep in thought when Valanthe and Lathia returned with trays of food he was trying to sort out in his mind how they could use the threat to the Prince and Morgainne to their advantage.

“Is it possible that one of the priestesses could cause an illusion so that she and I looked like the Prince and Morgainne fleeing from her stepfathers forces so we could lead them to the Warlords forces and they could do half of the job for us?” he asked as they all took breakfast.

“As for the Warlords original plans unknown he thinks to the Elven and Human forces he’s been moving a portion of his forces bit by bit around the allies. His plan is for the smaller force to attack from an unexpected direction then when the allies are engaged with that attack his main force will strike from the rear trapping them in between two groups,” Gawain told them.

“Before I left he’d moved about a quarter of his force and intended to attack when he had a third in position making a large enough force to make it look like it was the main attack. If the priestess and I can lead Morgainne’s stepfather towards his main force he’ll think he’s being attacked which might give the allies time to deal with the smaller force while he’s engaged in a battle he doesn’t need to fight,” he suggested trying to think of anything that could go wrong other than the priestess and himself being overtaken or captured.

If they were captured he could claim that he was fleeing the troops following him and the priestess was his prisoner which would give her a modicum of protection as he had fairly good standing in the Warlords forces.

If they were overtaken they’d just have to hope that bher standing would protect them both although he knew that the illusion would certainly annoy him because he’d followed the wrong prey.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

"No" she replied to Gawain.

"No priestess could partake in that illusion save for Vivianne and myself. It would be wrong to ask them to do such. The things that have been set in motion for the wars of men cannot be undone by such trickery. Each of us has a job of their own to do. There will be fighting and there will be much death and destruction. But, the Merlin can and as well as Vivianne, go free from the shores of Avalon to where ever it is you wish and unharmed. They could travel from the shores to visit within the courts of Camelot and speak to my brother as well as to my own treacherous mother. For now, let us be content with each other and the company we share. For tomorrow, things will turn and there will be those coming that we must speak to. The elves are restless, my love, can you feel the unrest within you? We must seek privacy at the top of the Tor O,Bonn. There, you and I will make something of the pact we have created. Gawain, you shall go from here tonight into the Land of the Fay. I will create the passage and see you there myself. Valanth, you shall acompany him and leave no trace you have been there. These are the wishes of the Goddess herself for now." Morrigann spoke these words almost tastelessly. She knew that O'Bonn and herself would be together once more. When each of them returned to Avalon, war would be afoot and the battle raging. But, those that were sent to seek help would find it in the most unusual of places.

 

[Screech]

Valanthe nodded at Morriagnne's words. It made sense for her to travel with Gawain. She was one of the best at moving unseen and unheard through the wilderness. The travel may be a long time, so it would likley be up to her to forrage for food if they didn't overpack with supplies.

And, with the two of them together, prety much everything would be easier...

"I'll do as you ask. I'm sure my presence will be reassuring to the Fey"

 

[AmenRa]

The High Warrior O'Bonn looked into Morrigann's eyes. He raised an eyebrow, then smiled. A chance to be with her again, before such war came upon them, was a chance to feel alive forever.

As for the unrest she spoke of, O'Bonn had a sense of the coming battle and the part he would play. It was the natural instincts, given to him by years of hard training, that made him nearly thirst for battle the way a vampire thirsted for blood.

He recalled the Battle of Onyur Plain, where the warlord's first wave had crossed the river Odai. He had slain countless foot soldiers from afar with his bow. And then, when the melee became too thick for he and his archers to pick off the enemy from afar, he drew his sword and walked in amongst them. He watched countless more fall to his scimitar. He swung the blade as if it were alive, spitting curses upon his foes as he smote them down. And at the end he stood alone in a circle of hundreds of corpses, covered in the blood of the enemy, and his own sweat, and he craved more.

An Elf was indeed dangerous when the battlelust took them.

And, he surmised, if Ur's army crossed Odai once more, and the battle came to Avalon, then Ur would learn that the High Warrior O'Bonn, son of the king of the High Elves, was the most dangerous Elf of all.

And again, looking at sweet Morrigann, O'Bonn realized he craved her more than battle.

Love makes the flower smell sweet, his mother had told him.

Indeed it did.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

She waited. Her breath held. Things were about to begin and she was not sure where they would take her. She wanted to speak with Vivianne and Merlin before they were to take their journey. She wanted to be alone with O'Bonn.

The feelings she felt held her to the floor. She was grounded. Centered.

She was more aware of his eyes on her as she spoke. Elves were, by nature, fickly creatures. They had no real interaction with humans.

Why was it that she were to be with this one? She felt the tingle and warmth spread throughout her body. She was not sure how long she could wait to be with him again.

For now, she would content herself with things and preparations. The time would come about. Neither would know, but it would happen. This time, it would be a coming together, a forging of their souls. This time it would be forever.

 

[dragonrazor]

Mercurius had left the room, and headed to his quarters. He busied himself with sharpening his swords and knives, and also gathering the rest of his weapons.

 

[InnerKitty]

Vivanne

Vivanne, smiled sidelong at Merlin as her neice took control of the meeting and situation. She will make a fine replacement for me someday soon... I feel the veil enwrapping me... the threads being pulled... she thought to herself. She pats Merlins hand in a gesture of companionship, yes they will travel as needed and talk to Uther... and they will also shore up Avalon against what is to come.

"Morgainne allow them all to eat before you send them off again. They need their strength and Valanthe has done a beautiful job feeding us all. Here Lathia, take some to Gawain. He left and I'd guess he's eaten nothing and is even now readying his weapons for war." She smiles at the eleven prince and gestures to the food, "Please Prince O'Bonn, eat, it will not do for us to lose your strength at this important crux in time." She looks pointedly at Morgainne, and says in a low voice for Morgainne alone, "Neither for you neice, you will need your strength... the Tor is no place to be be weak, no matter what your buisness with the goddess there." Vivanne, averts her eyes from those of her niece and smiles at Vialnthe, "You my dear huntress have outdone yourself again, please make sure and fill your own stomach, for it may be a while before any of us have a decent meal again."

She sits back in her chair, a tight smile on her face. For a moment she is lost in her thoughts, Mother, help me understand, help US understand what it is you are wanting... or planning for us... protect us from folly. she looks up at the elf and her neice then the rest of the room. protect us from ourselves...

 

[lushlips18]

Lathia

Lathia bowed to the Lady of the Lake and her visitors. She gathered some food up and acrie dit carefully as to not spill or drop anything as she began to make her way to Gawains encampment. She was a bit disappointed to leave the discussion she loved knowing what was going on. Living on Avalon was like living in another world. The higher priestesses had the sight so they knew what went on beyond the isle but the others like herself relied on visitors for news of the outside world.

 

[bullshot]

Gawain

Gawain wasn’t pleased when Morgainne said he was to go to the land of the Fey with this Elf Valanthe he didn’t trust the Elves unless they were fighting along side him. He was nearly as upset as Morgainne’s step father that she’d taken up with an Elf even if he was the Prince of the Elves.

What use Valanthe would be to him in the land of the Fey he couldn’t understand as he was quite capable of fending for himself off the land and he’d have some warning if he was approached. It would have been better for somebody who could mind speak with the Fey to go with him even if that person was a burden to his movement.

Still he would leave Valanthe as soon as they passed through the gateway and make his own way if she decided to try to follow him that would be her problem not his.

He’d said all he needed to say it was up to the others what they did but if Morgainne was sending him on an unspecified mission into the land of the Fey obviously to attempt to get their help. Again he realised that it had been overlooked that somebody who could contact the Fey from a distance was more use to the attempt than an Elf who wasn’t that much better than himself at surviving in the wild.

As he sat preparing his weapons for the journey he saw Lathia coming towards him carrying food he’d forgotten to eat in his annoyance with Morgainne.

 

[lushlips18]

Lathia

Lathia gave a small bow of respect and held the tray out to him.

"I'm sorry to bother you but the Lady thought you might like some food to fill yourself with before your journey" she said keeping her eyes lowered to the ground as a sign of respect.

"I can leave the tray here and come back and get it later if you'd like", she offered carefully noticing that he didnt look to pleased.

 

[dragonrazor]

Merlin nodded, smiling at the gesture of the Lady. "I suspect Mercurius has done the same as Gawain. Of all the people here, Mercurius might be the best weapon we have. I believe he is a Roman soldier, and the Romans are known for their ability to wage war."

 

[AmenRa]

With no further tarrying, O'Bonn began to eat.

He spared no waste, eating quietly and in the calculated, precise manner of the Elves.

He stopped once to listen to others around him as they talked, and realizing the conversation held no place for him, went back to eating.

His mind, however, was elsewhere. It was with the woman beside him, Morrigann, whom he longed to touch and taste once again. And it was with the coming battle. Would he be asked to lead yet another army into war? Or, would he be asked to supply his bow and scimitar as a soldier upon the field?

 

[Screech]

Valanthe smiled at Vivienne's praise. It was nice to recieve the little compliments, and she had to admit, even without the game meat, she had done well with the resources to hand.

She took some of the honeyed bread, and started to eat slowly. Like most wildlings, she had a high metabolism, and required to eat lots, on a regular basis. However, this was not the time, nor the place to stuff her face like a pig! Manners were part of castle life!

She leaned back against the wall and looked at Gawain. He seemed... bothered. Perhaps it was because he had to go to the land of the Fey? Or perhaps it was because of her....

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Morrigann suddenly aware of the gloom impending rose.

"I do not wish it to be so heavy weighing on all of you but, things are set in motion as we know. I would that you all be careful on your selected journies. It is that I shall stay here, but, I must speak with Gawain and Valanth as well as Lathia. They are the most important messengers that will leave the shores soon. They bear the hilt of our sword" and she rose to follow Lathia. Valanthe would come when the food was done.

She had needed this time to think clearly and those around her made it hard to do that. Gawain was in distress, that she could feel for he was her closest. He was uncertain about his mission and the reason he must have this accomanying elf.

She marked her entrance and bid Lathia a good day.

"If it is your wish, you may sit with us dear one for today you as well as myself and Gawain will be tied to Avalon" she said. Watching the girls eyes, she noted the suprise. What had to become between the three of them would only make the bonds of family stronger. Forbidden in the outer worlds, the coming events would been seen only as sacrifice.

She knew that the priestesses were to only be touched when the goddess saw fit. Lathia was to be made sacrifice to Gawain today and she was also to be help.

They would form the bond with body and mind.

Watching the eyes of her cousin, they soon became aware of the images she displayed in her mind. Almost instantly, she saw the want come over his face. She walked back to the door, turning the latch. Turning back to the two sets of eyes on her now, she raised but one hand.

"By the Goddess, Lathia of Avalon, it is your maidenhood that will be given in this time of need to those around. Fear not, for pain and suffering will be with you always. Pleasure will be given today to those of us who wish to take it from you" her words were again not her own. She met their eyes. They would now begin.