Talibah - The Egyptian
Chapter 2 - Page 1
Acceptance

Having returned to the main Council Seat, Wynseren, for the winter, the Acting Head of Council prepared for a quiet evening in her quarters of the caverns. Though the old Council latticework of caverns and tunnels had been destroyed for safety's sake early in Rhiannon's leadership and the Council Itself had become more scattered into smaller groups as a result, other spots for teaching and administration had been set up over time in smaller caves, caverns and tunnels. What was thought of now as the main Council Seat resided near the Great House and lands of Gwydion, the first Ricon of Cymru.

It was interesting how the Bards had made little drafts in places throughout the caverns so that a comfortable fire could be created in several worked out 'rooms' within. The Acting Head's 'room' was warm with a lighted fire and wooden doors built in to close the area off. In many ways it looked like a room in a Great House except for its obvious lack of windows and faint earthy smell that were tempered by herbs cast into the fire from time to time. The door was snuggly shut with rugs and pillows strewn about the floor near a large comfortable bed. The Acting Head of Council sat amid the pillows near her bed with various works and scrolls all about her as well as beautiful musical instruments of different sorts and sizes.

Looking through the bits and pieces about her, she ran a hand through her light graying hair, her gray eyes scanning what she saw with a tired but real interest. Though there was much to do, much to decide and much responsibility, she knew she rather enjoyed her status all the same. Yet, she was concerned for the future; an Acting Head is still an 'Acting Head' and she knew she could not resolve that matter on her own. Nor could the Council Itself; only the actual Head of Council, if still living, could do that and though she knew he was all right, it had been long since he had been heard from. As if in answer to these thoughts a low, quiet voice whispered from the shadows, “Gwen, my friend, how are you? ”Although the voice was soft it was distinct, causing her to quickly look up in the voice�s direction.

“Maerdynn?... Maerdynn, is that really you? ” She gazed to see a figure quietly step toward her. She was so happy to see him that she did not wait for him to come to her, but got up immediately to greet him. When he got to her, they hugged long and warm. “ It's been so long, my dear, dear friend.”

“Much too long,” Taliesin said into her hair, “Much too long... there was no reason for me not to at least visit you from time to time... but, I don't think I realized how long... and my heart has been so distracted.”

Gwen withdrew and bade him sit amidst the pillows with her., “May I offer you anything... tea?... something to eat?”

“No... I'm fine... ” he smiled, then noticed all the scrolls and work paraphernalia feeling some pangs of guilt, “I see you've been busy.”

“It's called acting as Head of Council... You know what that's like.”

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