Thru The Myst

[AmenRa]

Now why do they fear me? MacLeod asked himself. Was it because he was James MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod? He shook his head and took a seat on a mossy stump. Probably so. Lots of history there, even back unto the Celtic tribes that had come forth on the isles of Scotland and Ireland.

The Druids, as they called themselves, took great interest in things unnatural. MacLeod knew there was nothing unnatural about himself. At least, not that he had found as of yet.

The few artifacts he carried in his leather satchel had supposedl magical properties. A golden ankh from the much-disputed tomb of Nefertiti. A magical (supposedly) bracelet from a Zambuli shaman in Africa. There were a few other odds and ends in there, trinkets he had collected on his many adventures.

Fine, then. He didn't want to go to any temple, anyway. Surely not. Certainly, though, there was an adventure to be had here. Avalon? MacLeod shook his head. Well, Alan Quartermain did find King Solomon's Mines, didn't he?

Avalon. Surely not.

Would Moora be in danger? Now that would not do. Entirely not at all.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Somehow in the back of her mind Lady Raven knew what would be said by the Merlin as she watched the lowly priests take the three into the quarters to change. She walked as a scolded child into the private quarters of the Merlin.

"Father, I speak to you of things I cannot myself make of. Why is it that my mind sits so heavily on the three that I have been bade to bring on the Isle?" she asked. The Merlin was not her father but the only one she had ever known and in his cousel she felt safe. He turned slowly to her and repeated words. Words that cut into her like nothing before. She WAS being scolded. for she had forgotten. MacLeod. The link that would eventually seek to destroy the truths she was preparing the three for.

"But you have seen inside this. For what purpose is it of mine to travel back and gather him to the Temple? I have done as she has requested. The elder, the maid and the babe and girl have been brought ashore. Why MacLeod?" she asked. Turning to her, Merlin spoke. Sighing heavily, Lady Raven knew it was not for her to know yet. She shook her head in agreement and went again out of the Temple silently to the edge of the shore. She spied on MacLeod sitting there on the stump. Gathering her courage, she spoke.

"You are permitted only this once to come have warm clothing and food from the Temple. Passage will be permitted tomorrow to the shores of Old Brittan Sir MacLeod."

Her words only sought to betray her instincts. She watched as he turned to her and smirked. She did not like him, she knew him to be of the immortals from the Celtic lands. It was not natural for a true Immortal to be on hte shore of Avalon for their pressence alone seemed to disrupt the feelings of Peace on the Isle. But she was in servitude to not only the Goddess but Merlin. Merlin had told her that Moora and the babe would meet with him and she need be there. She felt it best for the sake of the girl. The others, Rose and Lucian, they would reveal their own purpose to Lady Raven in the days to come. She prayed that instant to the Goddess for clarity, for patience and for understanding. It was not unlike the Lady of the Lake to pray to the goddess in times of uncertainty. It was however, strange that she should be compelled to do it now as she approached MacLeod.

 

[AmenRa]

James MacLeod looked at Lady Raven as if she had just slapped him. Permitted? He smirked. Permitted? With a sigh he realized he was not in Scotland, not resting in his home in Glennfinnen. He supposed he would have to be "permitted" to do much of anything here.

MacLeod stood and bowed. "My lady," he asked, "why are you afraid of me?"

It was a sincere question. MacLeod knew the answer already. Or, at least he thought he did. He figured it was because of a story he had heard, of a kinsmen that came before him, a MacLeod named Connor. Surely they knew it was just a story. No one lived forever.

 

[Mantra]

Lucian allowed himself to be led away by the priests and be taken to a small, steam filled room where a simple pool of continually flowing water was present. He was still very leery of these people and what was going on around him and so when they came to collect his clothing for washing, he refused to allow them to tale his belt, bandolier or sabre. Partly because of his mistrust, but also because the pistols and sabre were all that he had of value left to him. In either case, once the last priest had left the room, his first act was to voraciously fall on the small tray of hard bread and apples left for him. A bowl of clean water was also left for his use. Lucian wasn't quite sure if it was meant for washing his hands or drinking, but it was clean and a bath was nearby, so nessessity and practicality overcame courtesy and maners so he drank the water instead.

After devouring every last crumb and drop, Lucian eased himself into the steaming bath, probably fed by some natural hot spring, and let the water soothe tired and aching muscles. He didn't particuarilly care for the flowery scented soaps but it was a sight better than the crusting of salt leftover from his encounter in the water. He also took the liberty of wiping down his pistols and sabre, noting that he would need to treat the metalic parts with oil to prevent rust and corosion. At some point he'd also have to lay open all his cartriges and atempt to dry the powder before they were ruined, if they wern't already. Finally, after what he thought might have been an hour or two, Lucian dried himself and re-dressed.

The only thing that had been left for him was a long, white woolen robe which tied in the middle and a pair of rather flimsy looking sandles. He tied the robe around him, rather missing his boots, as well as being a touch uncomfortable around all these youngsters without any undergarments as was proper, but there was nothing for it at the moment so he slung his belts over one shoulder and strode out to find the others.

 

[LadyFairy]

Mora looked up from feeding Gabriel as Lucian walked in, he looked clean and a little out of place in the robes but then again she was sure she looked much the same way. Smiling she moved down on the bench so that he could sit next to her if he wished, and finnished feeding Gabriel before she begain on her own food.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

James MacLeod looked at Lady Raven as if she had just slapped him. Permitted? He smirked. Permitted? With a sigh he realized he was not in Scotland, not resting in his home in Glennfinnen. He supposed he would have to be "permitted" to do much of anything here.

MacLeod stood and bowed. "My lady," he asked, "why are you afraid of me?"

It was a sincere question. MacLeod knew the answer already. Or, at least he thought he did. He figured it was because of a story he had heard, of a kinsmen that came before him, a MacLeod named Connor. Surely they knew it was just a story. No one lived forever.

The Lady sighed. Deeper than she knew was possible. All of her teachings and upbringings were at this moment put to the test. James MacLeod was of course the great grandson of Connor MacLeod. For many reasons, Raven had wanted to so end this and see him off the shores of Avalon. Turning to him, she spoke softly and in earnest.

"Mr. MacLeod, things have been set in place and begun that neither you nor I have any control over. The only things I am permitted to do is offer you solace and rest. You have stumbled into events that, in another time, would have no affect on you. You, MacLeod, have become something most unnatural to us here on the Isle. You, MacLeod, are immortal. That most intimate of knowledge has not escaped the Goddess nor the Merlin. However, it upsets the fabric of things on this peaceful place. You will cause suffering and evil to those around you if you seek to stay on the shores of Avalon" she said. Without warning, Lady Raven walked to MacLeod and kissed him passionately.

She wanted to feel the touch of something real at that moment. Be that as it may, she knew that it was predestined for things to happen as they were about to. In the few seconds their lips touched, Raven saw death, bloodshed , and pain. She tasted the fear James held inside for her and those around. She was breifly invaded by the hate and the desire to control. She pulled away only to see a single tear run down his cheek. Within a year he would be truley immortal and once again she would see him in this light. It would be by the side of a King most honorable. He would be standing at the gallows, for treason he would be hanged.

Lady Raven stepped suddenly back drawing her breath around her. She forced the feel of him away from her and took his hand. Leading him to the Temple, she bade the priests to show him the same courtesy they had shown the others. Merlin saw her, when their eyes met, she knew it was time to begin. She went first to Lucien with his belts slung over his shoulder. Seeing this a laugh escaped her lips. He would be the first. The time has come. It was now the beginning.

 

[AmenRa]

MacLeod stood silent, with the remains of Lady Raven's kiss upon his lips. He drew a breath, a deep one, and wiped his eye.

He could say nothing. Aye, there was nothing for him to say.

He was James MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod. The Zambuli shaman had told him that he carried the fire of an immortal soul. And now, he had this mystical woman, whose lips he had tasted, telling him the same.

Perhaps that is why he never got sick. Never had fever. Never felt really tired, or really hungry. But wasn't there a catch? The legends tell of Connor MacLeod falling to a foreign warrior when the MacLeods fought the Frasiers. And then he lived, and was called a devil, and driven from Glennfinnen.

And, if there is truth in this, there were other immortals. There had been, from the dawn of time, moving silently down through the centuries, living many secret lives. Waiting until the time of The Gathering, when the few who remain will battle to the last. In the end, there can be only one.

MacLeod followed Lady Raven into the Temple. And, as he was offerred food and drink, he refused them both, and simply sat down upon a bench. He placed his head into his hands and wept silently.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

The Lady Raven aqpproached Lucian with somewhat of a reserve. She was about to send this man to see Merlin. As she approached, she saw James sitting alone and weeping. Dropping her head she walked past to where Lucian sat with Moora.

"Sir, it is time. The Merlin wishes to speak with you first" she said taking him by the arm slightly. She walked him down the corridor to a room lit only by the fire. There she waited to be dismissed.

She walked back to the main room and approached James. Not knowing what she could say, she spoke words she only felt would help.

"James, the magic of Avalon never changes. No doubt you have come from a world where men come and go as they please. If we could but make all kingdoms as peaceful as Avalon we may have met in another place. Even as different people. The world outside is filled with strife. The Goddess has not made her will known to me on all events to take place. I do know that you are part of the things that must not be. I can do no more to make you feel anything other than comtempt even anger at us. What I can offer is little food and mead to fill you and warmth to see you through until the morrow when a boat will be summoned for you. These are but words and may have no meaning to you. I offer solace myself if you so wish. Be that as it may, I may help you understand what things are known to me and what things are of yet to come if it is to your wanting" The tears coursing down his cheeks made the heaviness of the situation weigh heavily on her shoulders. Offering solace and understanding was not something she could do to anyone. Knowing full well that this true Immortal was unnatural to the people of Avalon themselves, she felt drawn to him. Almost as if he were part of an unseeing event she was to be part of. Hoping above hope that he would consider, she sat beside him breaking the bread and dipping it into the broth and offering it to him as somewhat of a peace bond.

 

[AmenRa]

MacLeod took a bite of the offerred bread. He looked at Lady Raven, smiling slightly at her beauty. He shook his head.

"I did not want this. I did not ask for this," he said. "These things you told me, and I believe you, because somehow in my mind I always knew it was true." He took a sip of the mead, and made a bit of a face. "Mead is fine, but I'd prefer a good single malt right about now. A few casks of it, actually."

"Have you ever seen Scotland, Milady? Have you ever seen the heather blooming in the Highlands? Or the stag as he runs across the hills? Aye, its cold there, but you feel so alive there!" Macleod smiled fully now. "I suppose now I can't go back for a long time." He took another sip of mead. "So, I'll take your boat back to somewhere in the morning, and then I'll forget about this place, and I'll be looking for Connor MacLeod. I've got a question or two for him."

"But I know," he said, looking into her eyes, "I'll never forget you."

 

[LadyFairy]

Mora watched as Lady Raven enterd and moved to speak with Lucian telling him that Merlin wished to speak with him first, and smiled as she watched him go. Mora turned back to Gabriel and noticed James had entered the temple behind the Lady.

Seeing MacLeod start to cry Mora begain to rise so that she could speak with him and find out if he were injured in some way for she had never seen the man cry in all her years of knowing him as her fathers friend, but seeing Raven go to him she stopped, and tho she could not hear their words she noticed there seemed to be a connection between the two, she watched as his tears dissapeared and he took a bite of bread, before they started talking again.

Mora smiled glad that he was warm and getting some food rather than being left out in the cold night, and found herself again wondering why they were here and why Jame MacLeod had not been welcome...

Turning back to Gabriel, she did her best to push toughts of Lucian and James from her mind. Picking Gabriel up she quietly cleaned the boys face and hands as well as the robe he wore the best she was able at that point in time.

 

[Mantra]

Lucian nodded to Moora as he returned from the baths and settled onto a stone bench opposite her, adjusting himself as to not be so ...revealing, in the simple robe.
It wasn't long before Raven came back in, tailing after James who was sobbing for some reason or another. He watched the two for a time and noted the nearness and moony-eyed gazes they cast at one another. He recognized the emotion at work, probably before they themselves did and groaned to himself.

"Kids." he muttered. But he supposed that James didn't have to worry too much about being kicked off the island now though.
In any case, Raven approached him finally and bade him follow.

"So what's this all about?" he asked.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Raven listened as James spoke of his homeland. She knew the yearning herself. She had felt it many times as she journeyed from the shores. How she wished she could know more about his fate. This beautiful man with whom she had done something never before. She had become to him intimate. She touched the rough fabric of his robe and wondered what he might look like out of it. His manly features and suared jaw resembled that of the old warriors she saw during the reign of Arthur and his Samatian Knights.

She felt eyes on her and looked to see Moora watching them intently. The girl was young and beautiful by anyones standards. The child was at home in her arms and the loving manner with which she attended him was almost to much for Raven. Listening for the sounds of the door opening to the hall, she saw Merlin emerge with Lucian. Drawing herself upwards, she stood and with a nod from Merlin himself she knew it was time for Moora.

"Dearest James, there are other secrets hidden from you that tonight shal be revealed. If it is your wish, I would like to see you through tonight and onto the boats tomorrow. For that you must not be sad. Avalon stays in the hearts of those who cross her shores even if only for the most breif encounter. I bid you let me take my leave as I will return" she spoke to him in her most loving voice. The passion which she flet rising within herself for this unnatural creature was almost overwhelming and the scent of him as she spoke into his ear was maddening. Without waiting for a reply, she rose and walked to Moora.

"My lady, it is time. The Merlin wishes to speak with you and see the babe" Her words seemed alien to her as she stole a glance over her shoulder. She was letting her emotions surface for as they approached Merlin she was scolded for her lack of temperance. Merlin asked that he be alone with the lady and the babe and as Raven bowed her dissmissal, she felt his thoughts invade her head. With horror, she rose her head turning from Merlin to James,

That was impossible. She could not believe the revelation that came with Merlin invading her conciousness. James was her FATHER!! Taking a step back she searched for some type of ground with which to protest but the foreboding in Merlins eyes told her true. James MacLeod was her father.

 

[AmenRa]

OOC: Hey, if Darth Vader can be Luke Skywalker's father, why the hell not? LOL


IC:

MacLeod raised a quizzical eyebrow at the look on Lady Raven's face. She looked as if she had just eaten bad barley. It was shock, certainly. He clearly did not understand. Perhaps it had something to do with the old man that came from the doorway? Whatever the case, he stood from the bench and walked to her.

Placing his hands lightly upon her shoulders, he asked, "Are you alright, My Lady?"

 

[LadyFairy]

Mora arose when Raven told her that Merlin wished to see her and the baby. Picking Gabriel up she begain moving twords the room she had inicated when she stopped seeing an elderly man move into the room and watched as the Lady Raven's face paled.

Moving twards her with the baby still in her arms she watched as James placed his hands on her sholders and asked if she were alright. Mora was concerned as well, and looked from her to James. Is she alright?

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Lady Raven forced a smile and bade the girl Moora to go ahead with Merlin.

"You mustn't trouble yourself with me now child. Go, for the Merlin must have his palaver with you before the night ends. I am well, in need of rest perhaps, but well just the same". The words seemed almost alien to her. Suddenly, it seemed as if the world shifted. Raven found herself pushed through the mists back and farther back to a time of when. A child, in a basket, taken to the temple. Given to a younger Merlin and sent by priestess to the Lady of the Lake Viviann. Never asking, never knowing she was reared to one day take the place she now held. Lady.

From Moora she looked to James. The concern on his face was real. Her father. The reason he was not welcome in Avalon. An immortal and father of the Lady herself. In her mind, she knew he would never know must never know. Whatever feeling of connection they shared it shall be shrouded with only patience and good nature.

As Moora walked down the corridor with Merlin, Raven turned to James and spoke.

"I wish sir, that you stay and rest with the priests. It is late of the hour and I must see to the other, Lucian. I will be here at dawn to summon the boats to take you to shore. By the will of the Goddess, rest, until tomorrow" she said bowing to him in the attempt to conceal her face. When she rose, she was met by a look of knowing on his face.

Her fate lay in the hands of the Goddess herself. Her emotions were, however, like an open glass which everyone could see. Her thoughts screamed out of her. She was being betrayed by her own will. What could she do? She turned almost to quickly and walked to where Lucian now sat.

"Elder Lucian, you may rest here tonight, and tomorrow, you will take quarters with the others in the Great Hall on the hill of Tor. It is as the Goddess wills" her words more even. Shooting a quick glance over her shoulder, Raven saw James watching. However, something was amiss with Moora and Gabriel and Merlin was calling her. Something was not right, had she made a mistake?

 

[LadyFairy]

Moora walked with Merlin and listend to what he had to say. She told him of the ship, and that Gabriel's real mother had been lost overboard along with his father, and explained as well that she would truly love to raise the boy as her own if she were allowed to do so.

Her own heratage of scotts and irish blood, perhaps keeping her from what the boy needed but her blood was also english as well...

She didnt understand all that Merlin had told her but she kept an open mind and listened willing to learn..what he would empart. Merlin was much as she had expected a Druid in his own wright..the stories of him did him no justice they were mearly a small glimmer of the man himself.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Reaching to Moora and Gabriel, she wanted them to spend the evening in her cottage. She saw the look of uncertainty on Moora's face as she took Gabriel out of her arms. Raven only shook her head and spoke softly.

"You, young miss are tired and weary from your travels. It is with great honor that I offer you bed and wartmth tomnight within the confins of my own cottage. It is just over the rise you saw when we walked in. You must not fear me. You need not close youself off to anyone here for we are only to help. Merlin will see to it that you are properly guided in the path you are sworn to take. And, young miss who knows? Young sire here may grow the be as honored as the Samatian knights asn Arthur himself. But that is a story for another day. we must make haste or we will loose the light" Raven said taking her by the arm.

She looked at James who sat with a stunned bewildered look upon his face. She would not be able to say goodbye. She only hoped that in the morning, she wcould see him to the boats and off the shores of Avalon for good. Yes, he would only complicate things. Being and Immortal, Avalon was not the place for that kind of black magic. There was nothing Raven could do to stay the powers from coming to her father. For she knew that before he reached the shores of Old Brittan he would die and be reborn. But in that rebirth, he would become and enemy of Avalon. Destined, if not stopped, to destroy her and all of it's inhabitants.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

OOC: Sorry it has taken me so long to reply and post. But I hope we can continue on!

 

[LadyFairy]

Moora watched Raven take the baby from her arms and wished she could keep him but knew from all the Merlin had explained that she couldnot at least not at this time.. for now he was in the care of Avalon its self.

Mora followed Raven to her home greatful for the chance to rest it had gone from pirates to the storm and the ship wreck and now Avalon and so much more.. it was time to rest. Thank you for the use of your home, but what of Lucian, and James where will they be? she asked as they made their way to Ravens house.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

"My sweet child, Lucian will make his way to the Tor tomorrow and James to the boats off the shore as well in the morrow. For tonight, they will be housed by the Temple priests. You must not fret now, here, drink, it will warm you and please sleep in the bed by the window" taking the cup held by the younger priestess, Raven offered it to Moora.

She knew that her secrets would reveal themselves in the coming days. But for now she must content herself with the swaddled bundle she held in her hands.

"For what is your purpose here little man? For what is it that we must risk our very lives for you?" She whispered as she held him closer. The scent of fresh water surrounded her. She kissed the babe and held him to Moora.

"Tonight, you may hold him close. Tomorrow may be different all together"

 

[LadyFairy]

Moora accpted the cup offerd and took a drink..Knowing that Raven was right that tomorrow would decide her fate wether she stayed with the baby, and Lucian or wether she returned with James on the boats for scotland.

Moora held the baby close when Raven offered him back. Checking to see if he needed changed before laying down on the bed Raven had offered with Gabriel in her arms she sag him a scottish lullaby before going to sleep.

 

[Mystical Avalon]

Watching as the girl held the babe, Raven went silently into the back of the cottage. What was about to be was the work of the Goddess as she had spoken to her while they were traveling from the Temple. She picked up the dagger. The spell was an easy one. She would remove any mortal coils the child held and make him one. The one. He would rule all of Avalon after she was gone.

The incesnce she burned was quickly fading as she stepped to the altar and spoke. "Goddess, to you I offer life. For life, I bring death. For healing I bring sickness. For peace I bring war. For death, I offer the child. For life, I offer myself" as she brought the dagger from its sheath. She pluged it deep within her chest. The blood pooled as she caught it in the goblet. Walking into the front room, she saw the look of horror on Moora's face as she approached. Pouring the blood around the bed binding them to that place, she spoke the spell again. Louder. Her voice ringing . The walls of the little cottage seemed to shake. She would have what the babe offered., James MaCleoud was not the only true Immortal on the island. How this babe was, she knew not. Avalon as she knew it was dead. A new time was coming.