Midnight’s Forest *Closed, for Leetah and I*

[Ravenloft]

Cael/Idris

Idris lurched Cael's body at the cell's bars as Ceridwen spoke her parting words, seeking simply to startle her, then he went calm again, and stood, just staring at her, a grin spreading across Cael's lips, a grin of pure malice and evil intent.

 

[Leetah]

Ceridwen

The sun was hanging low in the purple and orange hued sky as Ceridwen made her way toward the Circle, where she heard the sound of voices, speaking in hushed tones. She didn't know if she were ready for what the Council would decide, but she knew if they believed the tale, Cael would at least live until after the seremonii. After that, if she could not save him, as well as her Queen, most likely they would kill him to stop Idris from possessing anyone else if at all possible. She had only one more day to prepare, and then the time would be upon them. She knew Glyns would be asked to fill in for Midnight, but that they would bring the Queen's closely guarded body out for the all important ritual.

Ceridwen walked into the Circle and glanced at the fire in the center. It was high now, and lit the gloaming tide. She saw Andras, Glyns, an older gentleman named Brendan, Cian who was the oldest male member of their Tribe, Eithne, the oldest female member of the tribe, a year or two older than Glyns, and finally, Macha, one of the only female members of the tribe to also be a fighter. She had been trained by Aeron, and was the best. This was the Tribal Council. Always three male and three female members, the wisest and most just of the people. When one passed from life to the Morning Lands, then a new member was chosen. Such an event had not occurred in many years, but probably would within a few.

The firelight flickered on the faces present. All of the people were gathered to see what the judgment would be. No one spoke. Ceridwen found her seat, near the Council, where it would be easy to move to them when called. Andras stepped into the center of Circle by the fire and called out, "The time has come. Bring the prisoner to the Council and let him be judged."

 

[Ravenloft]

Cael/Idris

Once Ceridwen left, Dendis, Idris's father came slinking out of the shadows of the stables. He held a flask in one hand and a drinking tin in the other. He came to sit in front of the cell. "Father, you've returned." Idris said with a smirk. "And you've brought me a drink?" Dendis nodded as he undid the flasks top and poured a splash of the dark liquid it held into the tin. "Ye remember ow I taught ye to drink boy?" Dendis asked calmly as he passed the tin through the bars. "Of course I do." Idris hissed as he took it and sloshed it under his nose, drawing in a sniff of the spirit. "Aged six years in the wood?" He asked, knowing it had. Dendis nodded. "Only the best..."

Idris drank some, slowly, savoring the way it burned all the way down, just as his father always had. He finished the tin with a throaty growl and pushed the tin out to his father. "Another?" Dendis asked, not waiting for an answer as he poured. Idris drew it back into the cell once it was full and took a swallow, hissing out a breath of fire afterward. Dendis stared, and Idris looked up into his eyes.

"Poison father? Have you grown so infirm that you would resort to such a cowards murder?" Idris asked as he instantly understood his fathers intent. Dendis only shook his head. "No boy, no poison, a potion of sorts, to loosen yer tongue when the councel asks its questions of you..." He said as he stood, capping the flask and turning away. "The least I could do for Ceridwen and her man..." He added as he strode away, just as men were comming to collect Cael for the trial.

 

[Leetah]

Idris/Ceridwen

Idris

Idris could feel the alcohol swimming in Cael's head, but he could feel something else as well...the potion that was flowing through the dog's bloodstream. He snarled and roared his hatred of his father. The Bastard! How dare he?! Idris planned to murder the old man, even as he felt the potion rob him of his will and he knew that his words would be true regardless of what he wanted to speak. He heard the click of the lock and looked up with hatred in his eyes as three large and strong men came into the hovel. "Come with us, you." Aeron was one of the men and he was not gentle as hauled Cael's body to its feet. "You're needed now." Idris struggled, but he was no match for the men, and Cael's body, while quick and young, was impaired at the moment by the drinks. He was led into the Circle, where all eyes fell upon him. The men dragged him over to a bench near where the Council sat, and pushed him onto it, then they flanked him, one on each side and one behind him.

Ceridwen

Ceridwen felt as if her heart would burst it was pounding so hard in her chest, as she waited for a glimpse of Cael. Even though the evil still possessed him, the face was that of the man she loved, and she longed for him. She sent up a quick prayer to the Mother Goddess, and for any other ears that might be listening, begging for help and strength. She heard them coming even before she saw them. She could hear Cael's voice, musical but hoarse, calling out all kinds of filth. She heard some murmurs of concern around her, but the crowd was still hushed.

Ceridwen watched as the unwashed body of her Beloved was cast onto the bench, with no light touch. She was certain he must be in great pain, but he stared around at the crowd with eyes filled with hatred. Those beautiful azure orbs searched until they found her, and then Idris let them fasten to her. She immediately felt unclean, for even though the face and eyes were Cael's, there was nothing of him in that gaze. Idris let his arrogant gaze rake her body from her eyes all the way down to her toes, slowly and meaningfully. Ceridwen vowed then and there that if she could not save Cael, she would take her own life, rather than let this vile creature touch her.

Now Andras stepped up and immediately there was a hush throughout the crowd. "We are ready to begin."

 

[Ravenloft]

"Who will speak on the strangers behalf?" one of the councel elders called out, iliciting a cold silence, as several people in attendance marked themselves against the evil they percieved in the accused's countenance. Idris sneered and spat upon the ground, then turned his eyes back to Ceridwen a glint of perverse pleasure over the jeering crowd in his eyes.

"Filth!" one person barked and was backed by three others, who only made sounds of disgust.

Andras lifted a hand and all fell silent.

"Ceridwen?" He asked, giving her a meaningful look.

 

[Leetah]

Ceridwen/Idris

Ceridwen

It was up to her. Ceridwen felt her body tremble and her hands grow cold, but Cael's fate lay in what she would say on his behalf. She took a deep breath, glanced at Cael's face, ignoring the hate-filled gaze that leered at her, looking as deeply into his eyes as she could, to find Cael. She thought she glimpsed him for a moment, and she felt his love for her, which gave her strength. She rose, pulling herself to her full height, and nodding to Andras. "Thank you, Blaenor....Council." She acknowledged them as well. "I know this man is a stranger among us, and that most do not trust strangers. I felt as you do, and still feel as you do, but I have come to know this man very well. I must share with you a tale of evil and purity, and hope that the truth shall show itself."

Everyone's attention was focused on Ceridwen, and not a sound could be heard. Even the night sounds of the forest seemed to be stilled, waiting for her to speak. Drawing a deep breath, she said, "This man, Cael, came to us wounded. I wished to help him, as any good and true Iachwar must do. Is this not so?" She paused, and heard the murmurs of assent. "As I helped him, Idris came to me, and was jealous. All of you know he wished me to be his mate, and that I did not wish the same." Again, there were sounds of agreement. "After he tried to force himself upon me, I escaped, and then he attacked Rawnie when he could not have me. He raped her." There were gasps of outrage from the People. "He hurt her badly, and left her, and she came for help."

"He took me into the forest to a cave, and planned to rape me as well, and torture me and many other things, but Cael followed us and found us. To save me, he took Idris' life. This was wrong, but it was an act of love, for Idris would have slain me without thought. Idris cursed him with his dying breath, and now....Idris holds Cael's body and spirit imprisoned. It is he that has done the evil things that Cael is being held prisoner for. Question him. Perhaps he will lie, but perhaps the Mother Goddess will smile upon Cael this day and Idris will speak the truth."

Exhausted, Ceridwen went back to her seat. She could hear mutterings througout the crowd, for they knew of death curses and the power they could hold, but it was hard to trust the stranger, so they did not know what to believe. Andras rose again and walked over to the prisoner. "We will now question you, boy. Are you indeed Idris hiding in this young man's body?"

Idris

Idris listened to the slut's words, fighting against the potion with all his strength, but it did no good. Unless it wore off quickly, he was going to be forced to answer their questions and then he did not know what would happen. He did know he wasn't done with any of them yet. Knowing he was without recourse for the moment, he let his mind dwell on the twisted pleasures he would visit on Ceridwen as soon as he was free again. She would beg for his mercy and sob for his cock before he was done with her. He thought of renting her body out to others, drugging her and making her crave nothing but fucking for days at a time. Oh yes, she would pay dearly.

Now, he realized she had stopped speaking and that Andras was moving towards him. He heard the question and tried to seal his lips shut, but they refused to obey. He heard Cael's voice answering the question. "Yes, it is I, Idris."

 

[Ravenloft]

Idris dug Caels fingers into his thighs, sitting there in impotent rage over what his father had done. He sealed his lips, seeking to remain silent from then on. It took several minutes before the crowd was hushed enough for Andras to ask more questions of the accused.

 

[Leetah]

Idris & Ceridwen

Andras raised his hands for silence, and as soon as the crowd quieted, he looked toward the Council, and at the nods from the others, continued to question the prisoner. "I see. How was this accomplished?" Cael's face showed the strain of Idris fighting the potion's effects. He half rose and was shoved roughly back to his seat. His hands balled into fists, and he bit his lips, but it was all in vain. Cael's mouth flew open, and he snarled, "I cursed this bastard dog with my dying breath. He murdered me. I was in a dark place and then suddenly, I was able to move into him."

"What have you done to Midnight?"

Idris laughed coldly. "I fucked the bitch using this body and then when I was able, I took her soul and imprisoned it."

Ceridwen felt slightly ill at the thought that Cael's body had been used against the Queen, but she knew that he could not help it. Her heart ached deeply and she twisted her hands tightly together.

"Did you rape and beat Rawnie?"

"Yes, I raped her. Once when I was alive and once using this body. I beat her when I was alive and would have again if Ceridwen hadn't stopped me."

Idris was even more furious with his father than ever. He was revealing far more information than he wished. He had no control whatsoever over what he would say or when to stop speaking.

"Where is Midnight's soul now?"

"Still imprisoned by my demons. They are raping her even now. They will continue to do so until I stop them, which I have no intention of doing."

"Will you release her?"

"No. I feed from her soul. I need her power and her life force to give me strength. I will feed from Cael as well, and Ceridwen when she is bound to me."

All eyes turned to the pale maiden, trembling on her seat. There was horror on many faces, and a few moans were heard. Ceridwen sat straight, refusing to look around. She would not let them see her fear. They needed her to be strong. Andras frowned at the stranger, who he was quite sure by now, was indeed possessed by Idris. He had known the other far too long not to believe it.

"Do you ever rest or sleep?"

"At times I must replenish my powers, which is when I feed. Those times I cannot control my host. He has been free a few times, much to my displeasure." He stopped for a moment, then smiled a lecherous smile at Ceridwen. Speaking directly to her, he said, "You know, I can see his thoughts. He desires you, my pretty one, spread-eagled beneath him on a bed, his cock plunging into your sweet cleft. He thinks of nothing else but you. He intends to stop me from having you, but he won't be able to. It will be me who fucks you raw, my little sweet slut, even though it may be his body."

Ceridwen looked into the beautiful blue eyes that held only the tiniest flicker of Cael, and said nothing. Her face betrayed not a flicker of emotion. The Council was impressed that she could remain so calm and still. Andras watched her stare at him for another few moments, before she turned her eyes away. Idris screamed at her, "I will not be ignored, you bitch! You have always wanted me, and you know it to be true. I will have what is rightfully mine, Healer. You have belonged to me from the moment I first saw you. Your body has always responded to my touch and my kiss. Don't you remember?" His voice dropped seductively on the last two sentences. "By the river a few summers ago...."

Now his words managed to shake her, although she tried to keep from showing it. Idris had come upon her as she picked berries by the river, and had sat and talked with her for awhile. This was before she realized how he truly was. Before he had shown her anything but a kind and tender side. He had kissed her very gently on the lips that day and she had responded. The kisses turned heated after a bit, and his hands had roamed her body freely, to the point that he had her bodice undone and was kissing her nipples there on the riverbank. Her heart had pounded wildly and she'd felt the wetness between her thighs then. He had caught her hand and gently placed it on his hardness, showing her how she made him feel. Fortunately for her, as Idris had laid her back on the soft moss, his mouth suckling at one firm breast, his hands lifting her skirt slowly, Glyns had come looking for her. She quickly put a stop to the goings on, sent Idris on his way, and sharply reminded the girl of her path. Ever since that day, every time she encountered Idris in any intimate way, even after she learned to dislike him intensely, her body still couldn't forget his touch and kisses.

Blushing, Ceridwen realized her nipples had hardened, remembering that day, and a slight bit of dampness began to ooze between her thighs. Idris laughed, seeing her body's reaction, and knowing her thoughts. Andras interrupted suddenly.

"Enough of this. Is there a way to defeat you?"

 

[Ravenloft]

Idris

"Facing me in the nether realm, only there may anything touch me. Do you dare risk oblivion at my hands? Do any of you? How about you, Ceridwen, my sweet little hussy. Do you dare risk your soul, to be rid of me? Hah! Hahahah!!!" Idris said, growing more confidant that he was invulnerable to anyones attempts to destroy him.

 

[Leetah]

Ceridwen

Hearing Idris' answer, Ceridwen felt herself go completely still. The seductive thoughts left her mind, and she felt the clarity of the Mother Goddess filling her mind instead. Her eyes met Glyns' gaze, and an understanding passed between the two. Ceridwen rose to her feet and called out "Blaenor..."

"Yes, Healer?"

"I request private audience with the Council."

Andras gave her a brisk nod, and motioned her over, then the two of them stepped over to the Council's designated seating area. Idris watched them through Cael's blue gaze, hoping the potion would wear off soon. He was beginning to weaken a bit, and knew he would lose control of his host soon. He did not want that happening until the meeting was finished, and he knew what the verdict would be. He studied the Council closely, feeling hatred for every one of them, and also for the Healer to be, Ceridwen. He had loved watching her reaction to her memories of him, and it made him hard for her.

Standing in front of the Council, Ceridwen spoke softly. "I ask that this decision be waived until the Seremonii. The Mother Goddess has spoken to me, and given me wisdom against this evil. I feel there is yet hope. Please do not condemn a good man to punish an evil one."

"Step aside for a moment, Healer, and let us discuss this." Ceridwen moved aside where she could not hear the words of the murmured discussion. After several long minutes of talk, Andras faced the crowd again, then looked to Ceridwen.

"The Council has decided that the prisoner shall be kept locked away until the Seremonii, then a final decision will be determined. Have you anything else to say, foul demon?" His stern gaze focused on Cael's face.

Idris sneered at him, the expression looking very out of place on the handsome face. "I have much to say, Andras, you son of a bitch. I hate you and everyone else in this place. I intend to kill as many of you as I can before I depart in my new body. I....."

Suddenly Cael's eyes rolled back in his head and he slumped forward, as Idris lost his grip on the Minstrel's mind and soul once more. Ceridwen rushed to his side immediately and took his hand, holding it tightly.

 

[Ravenloft]

Cael/Idris

Cael tenderly squeezed Ceridwen's offered hand, his voice shaking with passion as he said. "I want this demon out of me." His eyes stinging with tears of impotent frustration over being used as Idris's puppet. That was all he was allowed though, before he was forcefully marched back to his cell, and pushed in. He stumbled to the cot within and sat, head hung low.

Idris was an inky black whorl of evil in the realm of the dead, and in his rage over losing his grip upon Cael's body. He returned to where he left Midnight imprisoned, his shades still defiling her. "Away! It is my time to assuage my wrath upon the whore now!" At that the demons hissed and fled from him, leaving Midnight only moments to collect herself before Idris started in on her. If she had been encased in her flesh still, the demons would have long since fucked the life from her, but being that she was now a naked soul, she endured, though, was greatly diminished. "I beg of you, let me recuperate, I can be of no good to you if you simply devour all that I am... I have so little strength left..." Midnight gasped forlornly. "How very compelling, fret not, I have no intentions of devouring you whole, but you'll be changing your tune before long, and wish I had." Idris warned, scornfully he formed several thick, black tentacles from his essence that plunged into her, plumbing what little strength he could from her, without sending her to final oblivion.

He raped midnights soul for hours, all the while, whispering to her all the things he would do to her people in the mortal realm, Ceridwen in particular.

 

[Leetah]

Ceridwen/Rawnie

Tears streamed down Ceridwen's face at the hopelessness in Cael's voice. He was pulled away from her immediately and dragged off, to be put back in his cell. His pain was her own, for they would never be able to be together if the situation was not resolved. Great weariness flowed through her, but she drew a deep breath again and started to rise. She felt a strong hand on her arm, and looked up to see Andras there. "Glyns wishes to see you, Little One."

Ceridwen moved over to where her mentor still sat, dropping to the ground at her feet, and looking up at her. Glyns laid a worn hand on the girl's shining hair, and stroked it softly. "I know you are weary, Child, but I must know....are you ready? Truly ready?"

"Yes, I am. I am as prepared as I will ever be for the Calling."

"Very well then. Go and rest for as long as you can. You will have a long day tomorrow of preparation. Tomorrow night will come more quickly than you can imagine."

Nodding, Ceridwen made her way back to her wagon alone. She laid out the items that would be needed the following night, checking them one last time, and then climbed into bed. She felt sorrow at the fact that she had not visited Cael another time, but she could not allow herself to concentrate on anything but the task at hand. Exhausted, she slipped into a deep sleep.

Rawnie

Rawnie sat staring out the window of the cabin she had been left in, locked securely away from harm. She was calm, but bored. She had not even been allowed to attend the meeting that night, as the Tribe was worried for her safety. She appreciated their thoughtfulness, but she felt with all the people about, she would be in no danger. Deciding that there wasn't much else to do, the girl prepared herself for bed and slipped under the covers. She didn't realize that she had changed somewhat after Idris had spoken with her last, but since that time, she had been wearing her hair long and loose, and when she went to bed, she slept in the nude, liking the feel of the linens on her skin.

As the night wore on, and Rawnie sank into the deepest realm of sleep, she heard a voice calling. "Rawnie....come to me, pet. I need you....." In her dream, she rose and walked down the dark path to where the Shadow that was Idris stood, holding out his arms to her. She walked into the embrace, and felt his mouth on hers again, the snake's tongue sliding against hers, as he slid his cock into her. "You become more mine each time we meet, my slut," Idris said silkily. "You are losssssst.....remember that in the depths of your sssssssoul.....and despair." He thrust into her again, his tongue slithering down to taste her nipples.

"I have need of you, my pet. Ceridwen is to have her Seremonii tomorrow night. Perhaps you can find a way to release Cael tomorrow so that he may see her before that time, and I will be able to use the dog to defile her once and for all. Then she will be bound to me as well. You and she will make lovely petsssssss." He laughed as he continued to fuck his slave, making her writhe in her sleep.

 

[Ravenloft]

Rawnie

"Posess me, Idris... Use me, fill my flesh, allow me to be your instrument." Rawnie pleaded as her dream self lay under Idris, clinging to him, as though he was all she knew. Her body lulled from side to side in her bed as she dreamed this. "Defile her through me, kill her, take the outsider, and come to me in the flesh once more!" Rawnie exclaimed as she shuddered in orgasm for him.

 

[Leetah]

Idris/Rawnie/Ceridwen

Idris laughed wildly as he slammed himself into Rawnie's dream form, harder and harder. He felt her muscles clench him and drain him, and then he took her again. There was no issue of stamina now, other than when his power waned. He laughed at the sight of her body in the real world thrashing about, her hands frantic on her flesh. He could fuck her to death if he wished, but he needed her for now. She was going to be of great use to him.

"Oh yes, my little wanton, I will come again to you in the flesh, and have you again, until I tire of you. You and the bitch shall serve me well over time, until I sell you to the highest bidder."

Rawnie continued to moan and twist beneath him, experiencing one orgasm after another, in rapid succession. She never wanted him to leave her, only to love her however he would. Now, he drew his strength and slammed home one last time, twined tightly with her flesh and soul. "Here is what you will do, Rawnie. When your guard comes in next, flirt with him. Come on to him. He is young and easily swayed. When you have coerced him inside, render him unconscious but do not kill him. Go to where the dog is being held, and release him, explaining that Ceridwen needs to see him. He will be suspicious, but he will follow you in the end, I believe. When he is inside with the bitch, then I shall take over and have her then we shall all leave together."

"Oh, yes, Idris, my love. I will do as you say. Anything, but please let me torment her. She has tried to take you from me and I hate her for it."

"Yes, all in good time, slave. Now, awaken, and your guard will be here soon. Do as I say and all will be well."

Rawnie found herself awake in almost an instant, the bedclothes twisted around her body, and her hair tousled and tangled. She looked beautiful with her cheeks flushed and the afterglow of sex, so when her guard knocked, and she called him in, he was astonished by her beauty. "Shut the door," Rawnie said softly. "I've been wanting to talk to you, Bane."

The young man gulped and did as he was asked. After all, she was only here for her own protection, not because she was a prisoner. She patted the bed beside her and he seated himself. "You know, Bane, you are very handsome. I have been attracted to you for some time...."

"Really, Rawnie?" The young man seemed surprised.

"Yes. You are so young and virile...so manly...." All the while she moved closer to him, until her lips were inches from his own. "So very sexy...." Now she leaned in and kissed him deeply, reaching to the side of the bed and catching the lamp in her hand. As she kissed him, she brought the lamp down on the side of his head, immediately rendering him unconscious. Smiling, she pulled his body onto the bed and covered him, giving him another kiss. Quickly, she dressed and rushed out the door, eager to carry out her orders.

Meanwhile, Ceridwen was up early. She had bathed and drunk a cup of herbal tea and was now in meditation, preparing herself for the night ahead. She felt she was as ready as she would ever be. Clad in a thin shift, similar to the one she would wear that night for the inspection by the People, she sat on her bed, breathing the incense that burned around her and praying she would have the strength to face what was required of her that night.

 

[Ravenloft]

Cael

Cael lay in a cot, facing the stables when Rawnie rattled the bars, and called to him in a hushed voice. "Cael, come quickly, Ceridwen needs to see you!" She said, her voice quiet, yet on edge. Cael rolled over and looked at the young woman. She was flushed, her hair tossled, and wore cloths that looked as though she had just thrown them on. Her eyes were alight with wild excitement.

"What is this?" Cael asked as he sat up. "You should not be here Rawnie." Cael stated as he stayed seated firmly where he was.

 

[Leetah]

Rawnie

Looking at Cael, sitting there on the dirty cot, Rawnie's newly developed sense of sexuality and sensuality caused her to look at him as a lover now, knowing that Idris would soon be inhabiting his body. He was indeed handsome and young, strong and virile. She remembered the feel of those hands on her body, and how he had made her cum over and over again. The pain was forgotten in and of itself and remembered only as part of her sexual experience.

"Please Cael.....Ceridwen really needs to see you. She is distraught with worry over you, and fears that it will hinder her tonight at the Seremonii. You wouldn't want that would you?" She could almost feel the doubt and concern raging in him. He obviously didn't know whether she could be trusted or not. "Please? I'll bring you back here when she's seen you, and lock you back up. No real harm will be done. I'm frightened for her....she's always been a good friend to me and I don't wish to see harm come to her." Rawnie sounded as if she were on the verge of tears.

She left the window and moved to door, pulling the bar back and unlocking the simple hasp, opening the door to set him free. "Hurry, please...."

 

[Ravenloft]

Cael

"You were under guard, how did you get out to see Ceridwen?" Cael asked, uncertainty shaking him as he stood, nervously, looking about. No one was near, and there stood Rawnie with the cell door open. "It isn't wise to take me to Ceridwen, little one, I pose a danger to her, and to you..." Cael whispered, hesitantly stepping forward.

 

[Leetah]

Rawnie

Rawnie stepped into the dirty room, beckoning Cael. "Please come...I.....I'm really worried about Ceridwen...." Her voice broke softly and a tear trickled down her cheek. "I realize what I did to her when I was...not myself, and I feel horribly. I want to make it up to her somehow, and with her worrying so about you, and how you are faring, I am terribly frightened for her safety tonight. The Seremonii is very difficult from what I have heard, and I am afraid with the distraction of worrying about you...." She left the sentence unfinished, stepping to him and catching his hand. "I don't fear you, Cael. You have been kind to me, and something in me allows me to know when....when he is coming." She shuddered deliberately, tugging on Cael's hand and looking into his eyes pleadingly. "I will be able to sense if you are going to be a danger and we will get away from you. She needs to see you desperately though...."

Idris listened from the depths of Cael's mind, chuckling quietly to himself. She was putting on quite a performance, his little slave was. He hoped it would be enough to convince the man to leave the cell and go to Ceridwen.

 

[Ravenloft]

Cael

Nodding, Cael took Rawnie's hand, ignoring his better judgement, and going with her to see Ceridwen. The young woman led him to his love's vardo door, somehow unseen.

 

[Leetah]

Rawnie/Ceridwen

Rawnie

Inwardly Rawnie was thrilled when Cael took her hand and followed her. She could feel Idris' pleasure at her deception of the man, and she hoped he would reward her well, especially when he took over Cael's body permanently. The man was definitely not unattractive, and his body had pleased her when Idris had taken her before, even though it had been rough and painful. She had been under his power long enough now to crave the pain from him. It aroused her more and more each time.

Idris helped her know what path to take through the encampment to arrive unseen at Ceridwen's dwelling. Rawnie pulled him up the stairs and opened the door to the vardo without knocking, leading Cael inside.

Ceridwen

Feeling refreshed by her morning of prayer and fasting, Ceridwen drank another cup of tea and inspected every item needed for that night's ceremony. All was in order. She knew she needed to see Glnys soon, just to go over everything again. She thought of Cael, alone in his prison cell, and then shook the thoughts away. To save him, she had to forget about him for the time being. Any distraction might cost them all dearly. She felt a chill pass over her momentarily and shivered. Gathering her things together, she prepared to take them to the spot where she would dress and prepare to go before the People. She only hoped she could serve them well.

Taking one last sip of her tea, Ceridwen set the cup on the counter and took a last look around to make sure she had all she needed before departing. She would not be returning until after the night's fesitivities. Hearing a sound behind her, she turned, shocked to see Cael and Rawnie standing there. Without a sound or even a thought, she rushed across the room to throw her arms around the man she loved and bring his lips to her own.

 

[Ravenloft]

Cael

Cael returned Ceridwen's kiss with fervor. Pulling back to speak. "Ceridwen..." But before he could utter another word, they were locked in another kiss. "I came..." He managed between kisses. "To see... You one last time... Before our fates... Are decided." He finished after several more kisses. He smoothed her hair back, and looked lovingly into her eyes, paying no attention to how Rawnie paced behind them like a cat pacing her prey.

 

[Leetah]

Ceridwen/Rawnie

Cael's lips on her own, what heaven! Ceridwen could scarcely stand to let him pull back for a moment to even speak. When he did so, she pulled his lips to hers again, and continued to do so after every few words he attempted to say. Her mind could focus on nothing else, save the fact he was here and he was wholly Cael this time. He held her closely, and the feel of his hard body against her own through the thin garment inflamed her. Those beautiful blue eyes stared into her own as if memorizing her features for all time, as his slender fingers brushed her hair from her cheek.

"Oh, my love....my love..." Ceridwen murmured softly. "You shouldn't have come, but I am thankful and grateful to the Mother Goddess you are here. You must return to your cell, however, for if you are found free, it will not be well. I must meet with Glyns very soon."

Despite her words, Ceridwen could scarcely find the strength to release the Minstrel. Her heart was so filled with love and joy at holding him again, and fear that it would be the last time, that she did not wish to let him go. He seemed to feel the same way, holding her tightly. She could feel his heart beating against her. Glancing toward Rawnie, she suddenly felt a chill, and wondered why the young woman was there.

"Rawnie, thank you for coming with Cael. It's good to see you looking well again." Ceridwen smiled warmly at the girl, but felt fingers of doubt creeping through her. Rawnie gave her a strange smile back, but said nothing. She had stopped pacing and had been staring at the couple, no expression on her face, but feeling such a deep hatred for Ceridwen, she would have gladly killed her on the spot, if Idris would allow it. She knew he would not, for he wanted the girl, but she wished for the opportunity to inflict pain and torture on her rival for Idris' twisted affections.

When Rawnie did not answer, Ceridwen clasped Cael tightly one last time and then forced herself to release him. "I love you Cael, with all my heart and soul," she said softly, touching his cheek. "No matter what happens, always remember that." She moved away from him, taking up her bundle of items and clothing, and stepping past him toward the door. Rawnie moved in front of her to block her way. "Rawnie, I must go. Glyns waits for me and I must place my things where I am to dress this evening before I see her. Please, would you help Cael get back to the cell?"

Rawnie looked at Ceridwen and smiled her strange smile again, slowly rocking back and forth on her heels, looking the girl up and down. Conversationally, she said, "I guess I can see why he finds you so attractive....you are actually quite pretty...." She reached out and stroked a lock of Ceridwen's hair. "I know he wants your body....and your soul...." She cocked her head to one side, in a birdlike fashion. "He's going to enjoy playing with you, you know.....using you....he's going to let me help too." She giggled wildly, clapping her hands together like a child. "I can't wait to see what he'll let me do to you. And don't worry, he won't use you up too quickly....that wouldn't be any fun. I think he'll feed on the others for as long as he can, and maybe even on some new ones, until he tires of you. Then he can sup on you for a long time..." She giggled wildly again.

Ceridwen felt as if she were frozen in place, unable to move or speak. She could only listen to Rawnie's strange words. Rawnie caressed her cheek with gentle fingers. "He feels really good inside you, Ceridwen. The pain is so exquisite..." She sighed deeply with rapture. "You'll feel him take you over and over again, while he wraps you in his arms and in his body.....you'll crave him quickly once you've had a taste....you'll beg him to fill you...." She gave a shuddering sigh of longing, then reached out and ran her fingers over Ceridwen's left breast. This shook Ceridwen out of her stillness and she stepped back, bumping into the solid wall of Cael's chest. She had completely forgotten about him being there, mesmerized by Rawnie's speech. She quickly glanced up and saw that his blue eyes were becoming unfocused, and knew that Idris was about to be present once more.

 

[Ravenloft]

Cael

While Rawnie went on about what Idris had planned for them, Cael slid over to Ceridwen's herbalist's bench and wrapped his fingers about a hefty implement. He came up behind Ceridwen, catching her against his chest as he felt his will ebbing away. He took her hand and pressed the implement into her hand. "Knock us out, my love, before it is too late." He whispered in her ear while giving Rawnie a knowing look, hoping to fool her into thinking he was already taken over by Idris. He leaned in and licked ceridwen's neck leciviously, to sell the act before pushing her toward Rawnie, praying that she would be able to remove her from the equasion before he was lost, and Idris returned. He sunk to his knees, fighting with all his will to keep Idris locked away for just a few seconds longer.

 

[Leetah]

Ceridwen

Terrified when she bumped against Cael, and seeing he was slipping away again, Ceridwen prepared to scream as his arm snaked around her, pulling her body against his. Then, she felt him press the mallet into her hand and heard his whisper. She could feel the tension in him as his tongue tasted her tender flesh, making her shiver even now. She was aware of his grip loosening and moving toward Rawnie, who watched with them with a lust-filled look, opening her arms to receive Ceridwen next. What she got was a surprise instead.

Ceridwen came up with the mallet, catching Rawnie in a solid blow to the temple and watched her crumple to her knees, her eyes fluttering closed. Hearing Cael's voice groan behind her, she grabbed her clothing and rushed out the door of the wagon without looking back. Her feet seemed to grow wings as she raced toward the place where she would meet Glyns'. No one knew of the grove except those who were or were to be Iachwar, so she would be safe there and could tell the older woman to inform Andras of what had happened again.

When she arrived in the clearing, after winding her way down the non-existent path into the forest, Ceridwen burst into the clearing and rushed over to the startled form of her mentor. She was gasping for breath and her heart pounded wildly, as Glnys laid a hand on her head to steady her. "Easy child....take a breath, then tell me."

"No...time..." Ceridwen gasped out. "Idris....in Cael again....at my wagon with Rawnie....tried...." She couldn't speak any more, but Glnys understood. "Stay here, Ceridwen. I will return soon." The girl dropped to the ground to rest as the older woman hurried away to inform Andras of the situation.

 

[Ravenloft]

Idris (In Caels Body)

With a cacophany of mad laughter, Idris rose in Caels body, looking about wildly. "Gone, but it will do you no good, bitch." He hissed with as he purposefully crossed the room and took up a ritualistic knife that had been hidden among Ceridwen's herbs. He crossed back, and knelt down beside Rawnies crumpled form. "And for you... Who failed me..." He placed the knife's edge against Rawnie's throat, trailing it lightly over her skin.