In the Gideon-suite in Balador...

Nettle sits cross-legged on the giant bed with two very large suitcases in front of her-- one containing Alec and Ian's things, and the other containing her and Simone's things. She has on her purple-tinted rectangular sunglasses, and is holding a small lit taper candle in her hands. Concentrating on the mass of the suitcases and the gravity immediately around them, she gets up onto her knees and moves the candle over and around while murmuring to herself.

The light of the candle and her mother's movements attracts Simone's attention as she lays in her little baby-carrier, and her green eyes shift over to fix on the candle-- as best a 3-month old baby's eyes can fix on anything! She watches and makes little sounds while kicking her legs and tightening her little hands into fists.
Ian sleeps peacefully in his baby-carrier beside her.

After a moment, Nettle feels her control over the magick strengthen, and then the spell is complete. She pinches out the candle, gets down off the bed, and then takes a hold of the handle on one of the suitcases. Lifting, she almost falls over backwards. She wanted to make the suitcases lighter, and oh, they're lighter, all right! She was expecting to have a little resistance when she pulled, but the suitcase came right up as if she were lifting one of her babies!

"Alec! I did it! Jesus...I REALLY did it!" she stares in amazement at the case that's practically holding itself up.

Alec picks up the case and nods, "That's awful light, love." he says. He looks over at Simone and smiles. He bends down to tickle her chin. "See mommy cast that? Eh Simone,' he says smiling at her. Simone makes happy-noises and reaches her hands out to grabs his face. He leans and kisses her forehead.
'There's daddy's girl."

The door opens and Mrs. Spiffle walks in and looks at the luggage. "Preparing to go so soon, dearie?"

Nettle hurries over and gives Mrs. Spiffle a quick hug. "We wouldn't want to leave until these two munchkins were teenagers if we didn't have to!" she says with a laugh and a touch of regret in her voice. "But because of Ian's legacy...well...I just feel very strongly that we're meant to go next to the Llandona coven and learn what we're meant to learn there." Nettle sighs. She really IS sad to be leaving Balador, but at the same time she's SO excited to meet her great-great-etc-etc-grandfather's people-- Verbena, Cult of Ecstasy, and Order of Hermes Mages!
She reaches out and trails the fingers of one hand around Ian's fine blonde hair absent-mindedly, deep in thought.

Mrs. Spiffle nods and walks over to the children. "Oh my look at the wee angels, yeh? Balador just won't be the same with out ye!" she says and holds a hanky to her eyes.

Alec looks over at the two women and smiles. He picks up their suitcases and carries them to the door.
"We'll be back again, Mrs. Spiffle. The children will be older so you'll be able to play with them."

Nettle feels tears come to her own eyes as she watches Mrs. Spiffle's reaction. "Thank you for everything-- you...Jameson...Balador...Bacchus...everyone. You've all been SO cool...so wonderful! It's been almost overwhelming, but exactly what we needed!"
Nettle hugs Mrs. Spiffle again tightly, and then laughs and lowers her eyes when the hug breaks so Mrs. Spiffle won't see the tears in her eyes.
She walks over to the dresser and picks up the two baby-slings, and then turns back to face Alec.
"Ready to be papoosed, baby?" she grins, holding up the baby-slings.

Mrs. Spiffle takes one of the slings and buckles it around Nettle. "Oh I'll do it, Mr. Gideon." she says. She finishes the buckles and hugs Nettle. "Ye be safe out there ye know. And o course, Balador's doors are always open to ye and the wee ones," she says.

Nettle smiles gratefully. "Thank you, Mrs. Spiffle. It's very relieving to hear that! We'll be safe-- don't worry about us, right Ian?" Nettle grins fondly at Ian as Mrs. Spiffle helps slide him down into the sling so he's resting with his chest against Nettle's. He blinks his eyes open sleepily during the transfer, but then closes them again when he's resting comfortably.
"What a good little angel-boy!" Nettle whispers, stroking the top of his head and giving it a kiss.
She glances back up at Alec. "Oh god...I feel like I'm pregnant again!" she laughs, looking down at the baby strapped to her front.

Mrs. Spiffle smiles, "Aww he's comfortable isn't he?" She says. She walks over to Alec and buckles his carrier on, and then picks up Simone who suddenly coos and shakes her fists. Mrs.Spiffle slides her into the sling and straps her in. Simone looks up at Alec and kicks her feet.
"She's a happy one, just like her da yeh?" she says.

Alec laughs and smiles down at Simone. "Hey there, little girl, hey there!"

Nettle laughs and nods vehemently. "Oh yes she is! It's hard to get that one to stay asleep very long, but little Ian here sleeps all the time! Simone is a little ball of energy, aren't you Simone!" Nettle calls to her daughter, walking over and making funny faces at her to get her to smile.
Once she's gotten a smile out of Simone, she kisses Alec's cheek. "Ready to go, sexy?" she asks. She feels her stomach clench up a little in anticipation and excitement.

Alec nods and puts on his sunglasses. "Too right, love. I'm ready." he says.

Mrs. Spiffle crosses her hands and smiles, "Now ye be safe!" she says as she opens the door for them. She watches them leave and closes the door. "I'll miss the wee babes," she says as she begins to straighten up the room.

The two pick up their luggage, cross the door, and go down the hallway. Jameson smiles and nods his head as they pass.
"Oh do be careful, Mr. and Mrs. Gideon." he says.

"You bet me old china," Alec says with a smile and gives the man the peace frog.

Nettle grins, and then steps up to Jameson and kisses him on the cheek. "Thank you for everything, Jameson. I hope there's a Mrs. Jameson, and that she treats you well!" Nettle whispers sincerely.

Jameson smiles and walks back down the hall. Turning back to the front door, the couple sees Balador standing there in a lovely white evening gown with black arm gloves. She smiles gently and nods to the two of them.
"I was hoping the two of you would spend more time with us here." She says. "We will have to wait to see these two when they are older." she says.

Nettle feels herself choke up for some reason, and this time can't hold back a little sob. She covers her mouth with her hand for a few seconds to muffle her crying, and then sniffles and wipes her eyes as they walk up to Balador.
"We promise to bring them back for visits!" Nettle tries to smile through her tears. She hugs Balador-- careful not to squish Ian-- and Alec can hear more crying coming from over Balador's shoulder.
"You look beautiful..." Nettle manages to whisper to Balador.

"Thank you, Mrs. Gideon," she says with a smile. She pats Nettle's back as they hug and then lets her go.
"Good luck learning of your past, Mrs. Gideon. I am sure you will tell us all about it when you return."

Alec smiles and pushes the sunglasses up. "Later, Balador. It's been fun. You took very good care of us."

She bows her head and smiles, "Perhaps you will return when all this is over, and bring your friends. I am sure they could use a vacation."

Nettle gives a loud laugh that helps drive the tears away for good. "Oooh yes we do! A certain couple that hasn't spent enough quality-time together...a man who needs to loosen up his love-interest...two near-strangers who would make a cute couple and probably haven't been layed in a long time...and finally, and most-especially, one particular woman-- who you would find very intriguing-- who could really use a good fuck!" Nettle breaks out in giddy laughter as she thinks of Veil and how much she misses her, and how excited she is to introduce her to Balador!

Balador smiles and nods, "Then this is the place to bring them. All are welcome here, but for the four of you this door is forever open." she says as the great double doors opens. A bright light washes in surrounding them.
"Wherever you wish to go, it is out that door."

Alec nods and takes Nettle's hand. "You know the place better than I, love..."

Nettle suddenly remembers that scene from "Ghostbusters" where whatever the guys thought of would come as their destroyer, and she tries to keep stray thoughts from clouding her mind! So many people she'd love to show her babies to right now...
Nettle clears her throat, closes her eyes, and pictures a map of north-west Wales in her mind. Then she zooms in on the town of Niwbwrch in Anglesey and holds the image firm in her mind. Opening her eyes, she nods quickly to Alec, and the two step through the doorway.

Balador watches as they pass through and closes the door behind them. Mrs. Spiffle walks up to the door and sighs. "I do hope they will be safe."

Balador looks at Mrs. Spiffle and nods, "For all our sakes I hope so as well."

Nettle steps out into the warm, slightly-humid air of a town near the sea, and then makes sure that Alec and Simone follow OK. She looks around and feels her chest tighten with the unexplained recognition of a descendant of Wales. The couple is standing on an ancient cobblestone path surrounded by unspoiled, rich green hills, and fields with fences that hold in black and white cows and a lot of sheep. The sky is clear and blue with fluffy white clouds.
Nettle smiles a big, toothy smile at Alec. "Isn't this gorgeous, Alec?? No pollution...no technology or urban sprawl...healthy air and land..." Nettle's eyes suddenly fill with tears and she pretends to look down at Ian and check the straps on the sling while she chokes back emotions that threaten to overwhelm her.

Alec looks at the surroundings, lowering his sunglasses. "I didn't think places like this still existed, love. It's beautiful, innit?" he says. "I wouldn't mind settling down here...not one bit," he says putting his arm around her. "Why look," he says as he points to a tract of land. "We could build a little house right there."

Nettle puts her arm around Alec and sighs. "Could be a possibility, but I think I'd miss our chantry too much..." She glances around again. "Well...maybe the cabal would want to move here, too!" she grins selfishly.
After continuing to look around for another minute, Nettle finally decides that they better find who they've come to see since they're basically without transportation or shelter. They start walking up the coblestone path, which ascends at a gentle grade leading up to a grouping of small cottages that make Nettle wonder for a moment which century they've arrived at.
Nettle reaches out and takes Alec's hand. "This should be it-- oh goddess I hope we're at the right place!" she murmurs.
Just after she says that, a woman-- who looks to be about Nettle and Alec's age-- comes out of one of the cottages and starts walking towards them with a light gait. She wears a wreath of leaves in her long, dark hair, and has on a long, gauzy skirt and peasant-shirt. She's barefoot, and a large dog follows at her side.
Nettle tightens her grip on Alec's hand, wrapping her other arm around Ian's baby-sling, and studies the woman quickly.
'Awakened...' she thinks to Alec, and then feels excitement in her belly. 'We DID come to the right place!'

Alec nods and looks over at the woman, "Yeah but are they friendly?" he asks Nettle. He lowers his sundglasses and gives her another look. "Only one way to find out." he says leading Nettle towards her.
"Allo, nice day isn't it?"

As the woman gets closer, the Gideons can see she has a smirk on her face. She nods in agreement with Alec.
"Mae'n diwrnod braf! Sut ydach chi?"

Nettle's eyebrows raise, and she glances from the woman to Alec and back.
"Err...we don't speak Welsh...I'm sorry!" Nettle flushes.

The woman laughs a deep, rich laugh. "I didn't think so! That's all right-- everyone here speaks English, as well! We've been expecting you! It's a pleasure to meet you, great-grandchild of Meredy of Cadwaldr, child of the Fae!" The woman curtsies low before Nettle. "I am Ashlon Rowansong of the Llandona. We know why you're here, but we don't know your names!" she smiles pleasantly.

Nettle's mouth drops open with surprise during this little speech, and when Ashlon asks her for their names, she swallows and tries to pull herself together.
"I am Nettle Gideon-- this is my husband Alec, and our newborns Ian and Simone." Nettle says a little breathlessly.

"Nettle..." Ashlon nods. "A good name-- probably appropriate, too, if you're anything like-- well, nevermind! You'll see soon enough!" She motions at the tattoos of green nettled vines around Nettle's wrists and nods admiringly. "Nice..." Then-- as if coming back to reality-- Ashlon moves quickly to peek down at Ian. "Oh..." Her eyes get a little moist. She reaches out as if to touch Ian's head, but then stops her hand as if she's worried she might offend Nettle. Nettle nods permission to her, and Ashlon lightly touches Ian's little head.
"Oh goddess...thank the goddess..." She glances at the amulet around Nettle's neck and a tear finally slides down her cheek. "Oh don't mind me...so many have waited your coming-- you and HE..." she whispers, indicating Ian. Then she looks up at Alec with his baby-sling hanging in front.
"I'm dreadfully sorry-- Alec, was it? It's a pleasure to meet both you!" she holds out her hand to shake Alec's. Nettle can tell this woman is a little in awe of her and Ian, and it amuses as well as confuses her!

Alec takes her hand and shakes it. "Thanks for the welcome. So you've been waiting eh? You sound like a few friends back home...speaking of home, I think I need to change Simone..."

Nettle lets out a loud laugh and flushes bright red at the implications of what Alec just said.

Ashlon laughs along with Nettle. "Of course! Come with me! Amrys will be wondering what's taking us so long!"

Nettle looks excited and nods. "Amrys Gwent, who owns these cottages and the grove-- oh I can't wait to see the grove!" Nettle exclaims.

Ashlon raises her eyebrows. "So you've been doing some research, have you? Aye, that's right! Amrys owns this land here-- as much as any mortal can own anything the God and Goddess have made! The cottages are for the coven-members, and for any visiting Mages who need sheltering. We have one made up just for your little family! You're in luck, for some of the women have given birth within the past year and have brought over things for you to use!"

Nettle exhales in relief as they walk with Ashlon up the path. "Oh thank you so much, Ashlon! We feel a bit like vagabonds right now, moving from place to place! The babies were born in Balador, and--"

"Aaah Balador! Wonderful place! A bit like a floating paradise-island, eh?" she winks at Nettle. "I know you're Verbena, so then Alec-- you're the Cultist? Welcome, both of you! There are many of both Traditions here, although once here we're all Llandona! It was one of your kind--" Ashlon nods to Alec, "-- who foretold of your coming. He's very powerful in the ways of scrying."

Alec walks down the path rubbing Simone's back as she sleeps, not really paying attention until he hears about the Cultist. Alec looks at her askance, "Really? What is his name? Is he still here?" he asks.

Ashlon nods at Alec. "Of course-- he lives here! His name is Cidric! He's got his hands full, but you'll be meeting him soon, as well!"

"I hope as well, it'd be nice to talk to someone who knows what's going on." He says with a smile.

Nettle grins, suddenly feeling at home here. 'Verbena and Cultists...what more do you need?' she chuckles to herself.

"Ah! Here we are! Come in and Amrys will show you to your cottage so you can change the pretty baby girl!" Ashlon opens the cottage door and holds it open for the couple as they walk inside. There sits a woman probably in her 40s with shoulder-length dark hair with a couple of white streaks in it. She stands quickly and motions everyone inside.
"Hello, Gideons! Welcome! We're so relieved you've finally arrived. I hope you don't mind-- I was listening in on your conversation with Ashlon." she smiles.

Ashlon laughs. "I'll go tell the others they've arrived."

Amrys nods. "Yes, please do. Some will want to know when to have the feast ready, and others need to finally relax!" she winks.
Ashlon grins and disappears.

Amrys turns back to Nettle and Alec. "Nettle...Alec...I am Amrys Gwent, and you are now within the Coven Rheibau ferch Llandona. We'll see to your every need while you're here. This is my cottage, but everyone comes and goes within as they please. We've been preparing a grand feast to celebrate your arrival, so I hope you're hungry!" she smiles pleasantly. "We'll introduce you to everyone, but first I think you'll be wanting to be shown to your cottage so you can settle in...take care of your babies..." Amrys' eyes widen slightly when she gets a good look at Nettle and Ian and sees the amulet around Nettle's neck. She closes her eyes for a moment and takes a deep breath. "You don't know how welcome the sight of all of you is to us. I see by the stone around your neck, Nettle, that you must know the prophesy of your son." She says it as both a question and a statement.

"We do and we don't," Alec says as he continues to rub Simone's back.

Nettle nods quickly, lightly touching the moonstone with her fingertips. "Alec's right, and that's why we're here. We want to learn everything we can about my family-line and what my son is to do...everything we can."

Amrys gives a little smirk. "Oh I think we'll be able to tell you anything and everything you want to know-- don't you worry about that! Now come with me." She leads them out of her cottage to one just beside it.

Alec follows the two women. "Don't worry, little Simone, we'll get you changed and right as rain as soon as we can." he says. He watches Nettle but keeps his eyes peeled for any trouble. 'They seem nice,' he thinks, 'but it's best to be safe eh love?' he thinks to her.

Nettle glances at Alec and lowers her eyebrows at him as if to say, 'Are you crazy? Of COURSE we're safe here!' but then she glances at little Simone in his arms and feels her heart bursting with love for her wonderful husband who's just trying to keep his little family safe. She gives him a soft smile.

Alec nods and smiles at her. 'Yeah they seem cool, eh?' he thinks, 'I'm a bit jumpy is all.'

Nettle smiles and nods back. 'I know, baby. It's scary being away from everything familiar-- being gone from home so long with two newborns!'

"All right, here we are!" Amrys announces, opening the front door of the cottage just to the right of Amrys' own cottage. She turns and hands an old-fashioned-looking brass key to Alec. "I know the two of you aren't used to the level of trust we enjoy here because of the country you live in-- we being able to keep our doors unlocked without fear of anything being stolen-- so here is the key to the cottage so you can lock it up nice and snug. Feel free to put up any wards you like, as well."
She leads the couple into the cottage, and it DOES looks nice and snug-- even without the key! There's a lovely sitting-room just to the right of the front door, and a kitchen to the left. Between the two rooms is a staircase leading up.
"There is just one big room and a bathroom upstairs-- we filled one side of the room with the baby-necessities so you can use it as the nursery, too. There's electricity and running water, so you won't have to worry about carrying a lantern around at night or running to the well for water, or having to leave the house to use the privy!" Amrys grins with twinkling eyes. "However, if that sounds intriguing, there ARE some cottages that haven't been modernized!"

"Perhaps...then again," he says looking down at the two babies, "Perhaps not."

Nettle grins at Alec. "I may be Verbena, but I'm still attached to modern conveniences! Especially with dirty diapers to deal with!"

Alec nods, "Right, love. Thank you, Amrys." he says looking around for a second. "Phew.." he says. "I'll be right back," he waves his hand in front of his face and heads up stair to change Simone.

Nettle laughs and flushes again as she watches Alec disappear upstairs. "He can be so blunt about things like that!" she apologizes to Amrys.

Amrys laughs. "Oh don't worry! We'd prefer bluntness to politeness around here! People should feel free to express whatever they're thinking-- in a perfect world, anyhow-- but we're trying to get as close to that as we can! Now why don't you two unpack a little and do whatever you need to, and either myself or Ashlon will come to get you in an hour. How does that sound?"

Nettle smiles and nods. "That sounds perfect. We weren't expecting our own cottage! Thank you so much for everything!"

Amrys walks back to the door. "You are welcome, Nettle. It's the least we could do. See you in an hour." She walks through the doorway and shuts the door behind her, leaving Nettle and Ian standing at the foot of the stairs.

Nettle walks around the sitting room and kitchen, inspecting everything curiously and rubbing Ian's back. He's awake and looking up at her face. She looks down and laughs.
"Hey Baby Blue-eyes!" she smiles. "Let's go see what Daddy and Sister are doing!" she coos. She walks carefully up the stairs with her luggage, and can immediately tell which room is the nursery by the smell coming from it.
She sets down the luggage and walks in, waving her hand in front of her face. "Good GOD, Simone! It's only milk! How do you turn it into something so nasty??" she complains, wrinkling her nose.

Simone kicks her feet a little as Alec cleans her up. He drops the dirty diaper into the wastebasket and covers it. He walks to the sink and washes his hands. "I'm not sure love, but good lord eh? That is the worst."
He smiles at her and then finishes putting a fresh diaper on Simone and picks her up and lays her in one of the cribs.
"You might want to check Zander as well," he says with a smile.

Nettle peers down at Ian. "Are you stinky, too, baby boy?" she smiles, and he gurgles a little and clenches his fists, eyes still looking up at her. "Well, Daddy thinks we should check!"
She lifts Ian out of the baby-sling and lays him on the changing-table, and he kicks his legs and shakes his arms-- happy to be able to move again. Nettle unbuckles the sling and lays it on the floor. "Alec, you're such a good daddy!" she smiles at him over her shoulder as she undoes Ian's little sleeper. "I bet Simone's relieved to be able to stretch now that she's out of her sling-- aren't you, Simone!" she coos.

Alec smiles and kisses Nettle on the cheek. "I bet, Zander's happy about that too eh?' he says tickling his chin. He walks over to look at Simone, who stretches and yawns. "They do sleep alot don't they?"

Nettle smiles and nods. "I read about why they do that! It's because they're growing so fast-- growing faster than they ever will at any other point in their lives. That's why they're hungry all the time and need to be changed so much, too!" Nettle explains. "Hey-- looks like Ian didn't do too mu-- GAAAAH!!!" Nettle turns her head away quickly as the happy and bare Ian turns into a little cherrub-fountain for a moment. "Oh shit, all over my shirt!" she cringes, looking down at her front. "Why do boy babies feel the need to do that all the time, Alec?? Why??" she implores, holding the material of her shirt away from her skin while Ian makes happy-noises and kicks his legs again.

Alec laughs, "Maybe the cold air. I don't know, love, but it is funny eh?" he says. He smiles at her and hands her a towel from one of the bags.

Nettle grabs the towel from Alec, and then pulls her shirt off and drops it on top of the garbage pail distainfully. She wipes off her chest and stomach with the towel, and then finishes changing Ian in her bra, muttering to herself.
She finally takes a deep breath, picks up Ian, and turns around and gives Alec a crooked smile.
"Well, at least he didn't do it in the fresh diaper! I'll just lay him down for a nap while I take a quick shower...want to join me, sexy? No funny-business, tho-- we only have an hour until they come back for us and I have to feed the twins before then, too!" she winks.

"No funny business eh? I take my business very serious," he says kissing her. "No I think I'll stay out here with the kids, but you go ahead." he says. He takes off his jacket and pulls out his two glocks and checks them. He lays one on the bed and keeps the other in the holster. He sits on the bed and smiles.
"Go on love, I'll just sit here a bit and rest. It's been a long day eh?"

Nettle grins and watches Alec regretfully. "Damnit, Alec, I hate when you suddenly turn responsible!" She turns around and takes off her bra slowly while watching Alec over her shoulder with smouldering eyes. Then she unbuttons her jeans and starts to push them down her hips, puts a finger to her bottom lip thoughtfully, and then smiles and shakes her head, pulling her jeans back up. Laughing, she drops her bra on top of her shirt and hurries out of the room to the bathroom.

Alec rolls his eyes and sits down on the bed, "For someone who didn't want any funny business," he says to himself. He scoots up on the bed and lays his back against the head board. He looks over at the two babies and smiles.

Nettle has a quick shower-- the first one she's taken alone in, well, about a year, to be exact!-- and then comes out with a towel wrapped around her. She stops in the doorway and smiles, contentedly taking in the scene of Alec and the babies resting. She walks over to her suitcase and lifts it effortlessly onto the bed, opens it, and starts rummaging through. She pulls out a pair of lavender latex pants with slightly-belled bottoms, and a tight black shirt with sleeves tight to the elbows that then flair out in a peasanty-style past her hands. She finds black underwear and a bra, drops the towel, and starts getting dressed.
"You changing clothes, baby? You look good how you are now, but you ALWAYS look good!" she smiles. "How should we dress the babies? I bet they're going to be peeked-at by just about everyone!"

Alec opens his eyes and smiles, "I suppose something green and cute," he jokes. He stands up and looks down at himself. "I suppose I could change." Walking over he picks up the other suitcase and unzips it. He takes out purple slacks, a yellow shirt and purple blazer. "That's it," he says and begins to undress and change into his new outfit.
"Smashing baby!"

Nettle laughs, eyeing him as he changes. "Purple's definitely your color, baby! Hmmm...Ian's still too small for the little suits I packed for him, and Simone's too little for the outfits I can't wait to put her in, so they'll have to be conservative-cute tonight!" she winks.
After Nettle gets herself dressed and her long hair brushed out, she picks out a soft green velvet sleeper for Simone, and a light blue one for Ian. "Those are really pretty..." she murmurs as she walks over to Simone's crib and picks her up. Simone yawns and blinks while Nettle sits down in a rocking chair, and then begins to feed her.
"Are you still feeling nervous about being here, honey?"

"A little but I'll get over it I'm sure,' he says. He watches Nettle feed Simone and shakes his head.
"They seem to have expected us, which is a little concerning, but so far they seem benevolent. I won't relax until we see what they've been waiting for..."

Nettle feels her stomach clench up a little. "You know...right about now I wish we could just be anonymous Mages of little importance with a son who has a future all his own. Look at him, baby-- how...how can we..." she quickly closes her eyes and a tear squeezes out and trickles down her cheek.
"Just not going to think about it..." she murmurs to herself. "...but we'll be contantly reminded of it as long as we're here...but we KNEW what we were getting into when we got pregnant! Why didn't it seem to bother us so much then, Alec??" She lays her head back and sniffles while rocking the feeding Simone.

"It'll be alright love, just think-- our son will do something very important, I suppose. Something only he can do." He shrugs, "Would you rather he followed in our footsteps? I know I would not want him to."

Nettle looks up and lowers her eyebrows. "What do you mean by that?" she asks a little defensively.

"Always fighting the technocracy, having to worry about vampires drinking down your loved ones, or some telescope or whatnot. Come along love, do you really want that life for either of them?" Alec says shrugging.

Nettle's face relaxes when she gets Alec's meaning. "Aaah...THAT. No, you're right. I wouldn't want that for him, either."
Nettle falls silent as she finishes feeding Simone, and then stands and hands her over to Alec.
"Would you get her all dressed, baby? Make sure her hair looks cute and everything?" she grins. She walks over to Ian's crib and lifts him gently, carrying him over to the rocking chair and sitting down to feed him.

Alec picks up Simone gently and lays her down on the bed. Taking her little outfit, he puts it on her and then combs her hair. "Look at that love. Her hair is so thick..." he says. He ties a little bow in it and Simone kicks and gurgles at him. He smiles.
"Hey there...hey there..."

Nettle peers over to see what Alec's doing, and gives a little laugh. "Oh that's cute! Now how many 3-month old babies have enough hair to tie a bow in, hmm? Oh sorry, Ian-- you didn't hear that!" she apologizes with a grin, running her fingers through Ian's fine, blond hair.
She finishes feeding him, and then stands and walks over to the bed, laying him down and putting him in his light blue velvet sleeper. She makes sure his wispy hair is laying down, and then packs the diaper bag with the necessaries. Grabbing their blankets, she finds two baby-carriers amidst the things the Llandona left for them to use and lays the blankets in them.
Then she hears a knock downstairs.
"Oh-- that must be them! Will you get the twins into the baby-carriers, honey? Be right back!" Nettle hurries down the stairs and opens the front door.
"Hey Amrys! All ready for us?" Nettle grins.

Amrys smiles and walks into the cottage. "Just about! Do you know what day it is, Nettle?"

Nettle's eyebrows lower as she thinks. "Goddess...let's see...the babies were born March 23rd...it's been about 3 months..." Nettle's eyes open wide, and then she looks at Amrys with embarrassment. "Midsummer! What is wrong with me? I'm so all-consumed with my babies that I've let myself get out of sync with nature!"

Amrys laughs and pats Nettle's shoulder. "It's all right, Nettle-- very understandable! I hear you've spent the past year in Balador-- you have nothing to apologize for!" she smiles. "Last night was the eve of Midsummer's Eve, tonight is Midsummer's Eve, and tomorrow is Midsummer-- we celebrate everything in 3s." she explains. "Have your babies been consecrated to the God and Goddess yet?"

Nettle flushes again, but smiles. "I've been waiting until we arrived-- I was going to ask you--"

Amrys smiles a big smile. "Of COURSE! What an honor! We'll do it tomorrow at sunset-- how's that? Will your husband object?"

Nettle glances up the stairs worriedly. "I...don't *think* so. He's been to so many of our rituals-- he's pretty open-minded, but I'll ask him!"

Amrys nods and places her hand on Nettle's arm. "He's a little jumpy, but I think he'll be fine once he gets to know us better."

Nettle nods. "I hope so! Too bad Balador's not here to give one of her massages! I think HE could use one, for a change!" she laughs.

Amrys raises her eyebrows at Nettle in surprise, which makes Nettle laugh even harder.
"I'll go get my babies-- all three of them!" she winks, and then hurries up the stairs.
"Hey Alec-- ready to go, baby?" Nettle smiles, walking over to the bed.

"You bet love," he says picking up the two carriers. "One baby boy for you and one baby girl for me," he says with a smile.

Nettle laughs and takes the handle of Ian's baby carrier and slings the diaper bag over her other shoulder.

"Well I heard you two talking-- what was that all about?" Alec asks.

Nettle gives a little smile. "Tonight's Midsummer Night-- my tuning with nature has been off since we entered Balador! They're having a celebration tonight and tomorrow-- tomorrow they've offered to do the baby blessing ritual for Ian and Simone, but Amrys wanted to make sure that would be OK with you. You and I would be a part of the ritual, of course. It's basically a ceremony where the babies are formally introduced to the Elementals, the Lord, and the Lady...protection is given to them...they're blessed and consecrated...and someone of the same gender as the baby is chosen to be the "guardian," if you will, of each of them. I already told Veil she would be Simone's guardian, but I'm not quite sure who should be Ian's guardian. Anyhow, would that be OK if we did that tomorrow, baby?" Nettle watches him worriedly.

"Sounds alright, love. I'm with it." He says. He smiles at her, "Maybe for Ian it should be Ozzie. What do you think?"

Nettle's eyes go as big as saucers and her mouth drops open. "No WAY, Alec! I mean, no offense to Ozzie, but saying you'll be a guardian means that if something were to happen to us, the guardians would adopt our children and raise them in the way we would want them to be raised! Ozzie's a Son of Ether who lives below the earth, works with man-made creatures, and has 6 daughters already! I don't think he'd be able to fulfill that role!! Seriously, Alec!"

Alec laughs and pats her on the back, "I know. I just wanted to see that reaction," he says. "We could think of someone else..." he says.
He walks down the stairs to the door. "I know-- Gardner! Yes, that would be nice. He would make a good guardian," Alec says with a smirk.

Nettle sighs and sticks out her tongue at Alec.

Amrys raises her eyebrows, not understanding the joke, but smiles. "Ah good! I take it Alec said yes to the ceremony, then?" She peers down at the babies, and her face softens. "Well aren't they beautiful creatures...you must be proud." Her eyes have a sad look to them, which she quickly blinks away.

Nettle nods. "Extremely proud. Just TRY to part Alec and Simone and you'll have a fight on your hands!"

"Right there love," he says with a smile. "Allo Amrys. Nice to see you again. So where are we off to? Heading out for the nickle tour?" he says playfully.

Amrys smirks. "Glad to see you're in better spirits, Alec! There's not too much to show, aside from the Grove-- which is the centerpoint of life in this village-- and...the Horizon Realm. But the Grove is where everything takes place-- it being safe and free from intruders, and part of the the Mother. We prefer to work there. Come-- everyone's anxious to meet all of you!"
Nettle and Alec follow Amyrs out of the cottage, and she leads them to the path between the cottages. "So, Alec-- where in England are you from, then?" she smiles curiously as they walk.

"I'm from London, born and raised. But I've lived in the states these past few years." he says. "You from the isle then? You sound Liverpudlian, then again you sound like you're an Irish lass." he says with a smile. "So which is it?"

"Very funny, you high and mighty English city-boy!" Amrys huffs good-naturedly. "We have our own language, but when we speak yours it's a little affected by our neighbors. The Irish owned this island for many centuries, you know."

Nettle elbows Alec and furrows her brow at him as if to say, 'be nice!' Then she turns back to Amrys. "I read all about Welsh history. It sounds like England, Ireland, and even Scotland have all had their hooks in Wales, on and off."

Amrys nods. "Tis true...being a peaceful country has its problems, but we seem to be at a place where we're able to exert more power over our destiny. The south, however..." Amrys shakes her head. "They've latched onto the idea of being progressive-- bringing in technology and international corporations. The Technocracy is slowly worming its way into our paradise." She sighs. "I fear...I fear the gates to Arcadia may never fly open and stay open. There is SO much that would have to be accomplished! We miss our Fae relations! You know the history of our coven?"
Nettle nods, listening with wide eyes.
"All of us have the blood of the Fae running through us. We still intermarry with the Changelings, but we mourn for the pure Fae who are forever walled away from us in Arcadia."

"That's the reason we came, I believe. To get the rest of the history." Alec says. "So are there any Fae here now?"

Amrys looks at Alec with wide eyes for a moment, and then her face relaxes and she gives a little chuckle. "There are, indeed! Especially tonight, it being the night where the veil between the mortal realm and the Dreaming is thinnest. The Cultists would be quite disappointed if the Satyrs didn't show up, now wouldn't they, Alec?" she winks.

"Ah satyrs eh?" He says with a smile. "Stick close to me love," he says with a wink at Nettle. "No foul mouth types who smoke cigars and drive cabs eh?"

Nettle giggles and winks back at Alec.

Amrys cocks her head to the side for a moment and gives Alec a confused look. Then dawning realization lights up her face and she gives a laugh.
"Ah yes! We'd heard about that little group! Your son will be very grateful to them when he gets older for them doing a lot of his job for him! It's the first time-- since Gwendolyn-- that many Fae have believed in the power of the amulet, but what was once merely the quest of a powerful family to bring home their subjects has turned into a prophesy that might affect the entire country. But we'll get more into dept with all of that later, shall we?"
The little group walks past the last of the cottages, and Nettle and Alec can hear the sound of music being played up ahead-- drums, wind instruments, stringed intruments-- all kinds of Medieval-sounding instruments. They can hear people singing, laughing, and talking, and Nettle grins at Alec excitedly. The path leads up to a wall of trees, but when they get close, they can see a shady opening between two trees that the path winds into.
Amrys smiles and takes the lead, ducking a little and walking between the trees. "Welcome to the Grove, Nettle and Alec!" she calls softly over her shoulder at them.
The three step into a large, grassy meadow filled with people in various styles of dress. The meadow is rimmed with trees in back and on the sides, and a rocky barrier in front covered with leavy indiginous plants such as thrift, sea champion, bird's foot trefoil, and kidney vetch-- all bright with flowers. Nettle listens carefully and peers ahead with squinted eyes at the line of gray-blue on the horizon past the rocks.
"Oh my god...is that...the ocean??" she gasps.

Amrys laughs. "Yes it is! Our grove goes right up to the edge of the cliffs that overlook the sea. On the other side of the channel is the city Caernarfon where Gwendolyn's family had their freehold back in the days before the gates to Arcadia shut."

"Oh, this is magnificent, isn't it, Alec!! A magickal grove that encompasses earth, air, and water...just...breathtaking...oh, and fire!" she laughs as she notices two large bonfires at one end of the meadow.

"Charming," he says with some sincerity, "It's beautiful. How have you kept this place so pure and clean?" he asks. "It must take alot of powerful magicks to pull that off."

Amrys laughs. "And a lot of money! I own all this land, as far as the government's concerned, so it would be against the law for any to come here without my permission. But British people do have a strong love of nature, gardening, and keeping the land pure, so it's not too much of a struggle, really." Amrys sighs and glances out at the sea. "I only hope we're not biding our time against what the south is starting to fall to."

"I hope so as well, Amrys. This is a near paradise you have here," Alec says nodding.

Amrys stands contemplative for a moment, and then blinks her eyes quickly and gives an embarrassed laugh. "Come! I want to introduce you to everyone!" She waves the Gideons forward until they're out of the shadows of the trees, and instantly everyone turns and takes interested notice of them.
Amrys raises her arms. "Everyone! Please welcome Nettle, great-granddaughter of Meredy of Cadwaldr, and her husband Alec and their two babies! They've come a long way to seek our wisdom and protection!"

Alec smiles and waves at everyone as they walk over to them.

The coveners begin to murmur excitedly, and quickly take their turns coming up and hugging Nettle and Alec, introducing themselves, and commenting on the beautiful babies. They all have awed looks on their faces, but still come across as warm and friendly. The last of the people to approach them look...interesting. Nettle instinctively scans their auras and lets out a tiny gasp.
'Alec!! A group of Changelings!' she thinks quickly through their mind-link.
Alec looks over and nods, 'I see them...'

The Changelings are inspecting the couple carefully. Suddenly one points at the amulet around Nettle's neck and says something to the others in Welsh, and all the Changelings quickly bow to Nettle and Alec.
"My lord...my lady..." they murmur reverently, keeping their heads down.

Alec looks at Nettle with a raised eyebrow and then bows to them. "Hello, fair ones. It is good to see ones such as yourself so far from home. The last group of your kind were very helpful to us, and we will remember that kindness," Alec says in a serious tone. 'Don't mind me love, the Cultists and fae have a long history together.'

Nettle grins at Alec. "Take it away, Alec! I hardly know what to say!" she whispers back. She immitates Alec and bows back to the Fae.

The Satyrs and some Pooka in the group lift their heads and make eye-contact with Alec-- each doing their own variation of a smile or nod-- and then they go back to bowing their heads respectfully.

Nettle takes a deep breath. "Greetings! I understand that my ancestors were of the Fae, and that our own son--" Nettle motions with her head down at the baby-carrier she's holding, "--is one of you.
That's why we've come. We want to know everything about his people and history so we can teach him." She touches the moonstone amulet lightly. "This will be his someday." she says in a soft voice.

A very tall and muscular man lifts his head and steps forward.
"Then you know of the role he is destined to play. For that you have our undying gratitude. All our hopes rest upon him."

Nettle nods and bows her head to the man wordlessly.
The man next turns and addresses Alec.
"My lord-- we are relieved to see that the group did find you and deliver the amulet into your hands." The Troll gives a little smirk. "We were a bit...hesitant to send that group, but we should not have doubted that they would succeed."

"I can see how you would think that, however they were very adept at finding us," Alec smiles and gives them the peace frog, "Odd of course, but very good at what they did." He claps his hands and rubs hem together. "So tell us of the history before my wife explodes."

Nettle's mouth opens in indignation and she turns and fixes a very un-countess-like incredulous stare on Alec.

A Satyr woman smiles and steps forward. "If I may be so bold, might I suggest we enjoy a good belly-full a' food an' drink before the lorists in the group get ta talkin'? Who knows HOW long we'll be standin' here once they get started!"
The other Satyr nod their heads vehemently, the Pooka giggle, and the Trolls give the Satyr disapproving stares.
Suddenly the giggling stops and all faces go stiff and serious as the Fae look over Alec and Nettle's shoulders. Then the Fae rush around Nettle and Alec to stand and bow before the opening in the trees that leads back to the cottages. Nettle squints her eyes but can't see anything.
After the Fae raise up from bowing, they split into two groups neatly down the middle and turn to face in, creating a path between the two groups with the opening at one end and Nettle and Alec at the other. The Changelings all lower their heads-- the Trolls standing straight and tall with their chins raised proudly-- and the clearing becomes silent. Nettle and Alec hear Amrys give a little sigh of worry from somewhere behind them. Nettle watches the opening worriedly.

Suddenly a figure steps from out of the opening and throws back the hood of his long, black cloak. Nettle's mouth falls open a little. Pure...Fae. No mortal body housing it. Nettle feels herself frozen in astonishment.
The man is very tall-- taller than Alec-- and very thin. He has long, pale hair-- a touch paler even than Nettle's-- very white skin, and light blue eyes. When Nettle's eyes fall upon the man's, she feels agony and sadness wrench through her-- those eyes are so filled with pain!
Ashlon and a hippy-looking man of about the same age suddenly step out to either side of the man and watch him with obvious concern.
The Fae-man seems, also, to be frozen staring back at Nettle. Finally his eyes move...down to her amulet. He closes his eyes and a hand emerges from the cloak holding some kind of silver chain tightly. He opens his eyes and walks forward slowly-- never taking his eyes off of Nettle's.
"It is you, isn't it? They all tell me it is not, but I refused to believe them. I heard how you had to take refuge within a human woman's body-- she does look quite similar to you, my sister..." The man raises the hand with the chain and takes two quick steps towards Nettle with imploring eyes.

"My lord--" the hippy-looking man calls quickly, and the Fae-man turns sharply and makes a slashing-motion with his hand and the hippy-man falls silent. Nettle didn't detect any magicks being used.

The Fae-man turns back to Nettle, and she can see tears on his cheeks-- which makes her own eyes tear up. He closes the distance between he and Nettle until they're very close, and then suddenly throws his arms around her and hugs her tightly. Nettle gasps, tightening her grip on Ian's baby-carrier.
"Oh Gwendolyn, do you not recognize your own brother Corrander after all this time??" he weeps into her hair, and now Nettle-- overwhelmed with the realization of who this is-- starts to weep, as well, although her arms stay at her sides.

"Allo what's all this then?" Alec asks. He taps the man on the shoulder, "Allo, that's my wife you've got there and all." He says. "Her name's Nettle by the way, not Gwen, and she's not your sister...at least I don't think she is."

The coveners and Fae all take in sharp breaths and listen with trepidation.

Corrander holds Nettle for a few more seconds, and then slowly raises his head and fixes a look of anger on Alec. Sidhe majesty fills him, but Nettle quickly breaks in.
"Corrander-- he's right. I'm so sorry...you don't know how sorry...I'm not Gwendolyn...I'm her...great-great granddaughter, of sorts..." she manages to get out between crying.

Corrander steps back, holding Nettle's shoulders and peering at her intensely. Nettle can see a great black sword-sheath strapped at his side under the cloak.
"How...?? No, no-- it CAN'T be true! Where is Gwendolyn, and how did you get this amulet??" he demands, fresh tears filling his eyes.

"Lord Corrander...Cidric was correct. You must believe--" Amrys begins.

"SILENCE!" Corrander shouts, and Fae and Covener alike take a step back in fear. "There is a way to find out!" Gritting his teeth, he reaches out and grasps the amulet in his hand. Murmuring words in a language Nettle doesn't know, he raises his other arm to the sky, and suddenly the world spins and turns black.
Nettle finds herself standing beside Corrander watching a scene unfold before her-- everything in the same manner as when the amulet has shown her things in the past. Corrander is staring intently at everything going on.

Vachan runs through the Dreaming with Gwendolyn held tightly over his shoulder, the rest of the group of loyal Fae following behind sending out cantrips to trip up their pursuers and buy them some time. The Sluagh runs ahead even faster than Vachan and directs the party into a gloomy and shadowy part of the Dreaming.
"In here!!" he urges in a harsh whisper.
Vachan nods and follows after without argument. The Pookas glance at one another as they run.
"Ah, this forest! Why, I feel right at home here!" cries one in false bravado.
"This is MY forest! Watch yourself or I'll call my minions upon you!" another Pooka warns.
Vachan and Gwendolyn ignore the Pookas' comments-as light-hearted as the comments really are- as Gwendolyn is filled with fear, and Vachan is determined to get his mistress to safety.
Gwendolyn is still in shock. How could the commoners turn on her like that when she offered them their only salvation?? She knows these people! They were always loyal and trustworthy! But perhaps�perhaps their anger at her is justified in that her father DID order the closing of the gates. Gwendolyn holds her face in her hands and closes her eyes as she jostles along on Vachan's shoulder. Somehow she must calm them down and get them to follow her. Perhaps-given time-they WILL calm down.

The mob of angry Fae has thinned out considerably since Gwendolyn's group entered the eerie forest, but the Redcap and a few others still pursue.

Suddenly the Sluagh leads Gwendolyn's group to a cave and they all run inside. Vachan draws his great axe and stands ready, but just as the Redcap and his follows approach the cave, Gwendolyn's Pooka reach into their pockets, bring out two little lizards, and jump forward shouting, "BOO!"
At least that's how it looks to Gwendolyn and the group! To the Redcap and his henchman they see a green 2-headed dragon suddenly come roaring towards them. They shriek in terror, turn, and bolt from the cave so fast that some of them drop their weapons in their haste to get away. The Pookas start rolling around on the ground laughing.

Gwendolyn smiles with relief and gratitude. "Thank you all! You were wonderful! All of you! And thank you so much for believing in me and standing by my side."

"Aaw, Lady Gwendolyn! We believed in you all along!" a Pooka-girl nods with wide, innocent eyes, and Gwendolyn gives her a knowing, long-suffering smile.

"I fear you have quite a job ahead of you, my lady, but given time, I am sure our fallen countrymen will see to reason and come to you begging for forgiveness when they realize you hold their only means of returning home." A kindly Boggan Wilder tries to assure Gwendolyn.

Gwendolyn lets out a breath and puts her hand on his shoulder. "Let's hope you are right."

The group stays in the cave overnight, and then a few go out scouting the next morning. They come back to report that there seems to be no sign of the angry Fae. The group gathers together for a quick conference in which Gwendolyn lays out her idea. They will follow the main group of Fae at a distance and try to approach those who separate from the group. Even if they have to use cantrips, they should be able to bring more and more Fae to their sides given time.

This is what Gwendolyn's group does for the next 6 months-following�hiding�approaching Fae who break off from the main body to bathe�hunt for food�walk and explore...in this way Gwendolyn's group grows slowly larger and larger, but all too slow for Gwendolyn's liking. She still cannot believe they don't all just give up their misguided vengeance and return with her and her followers! But the Red Cap who leads the large group has such a hatred for her that it keeps the rest of the group infected.

For the first few months Gwendolyn's group stays in hiding and comes out stealthily to find Fae whose hearts could be softened to bring back-- the Red Cap leading constant raids against them. But unable to find Gwendolyn's group, the Red Cap grows more and more furious.

And then one month the large group of Fae turn and start marching. Gwendolyn's group follow behind at a wary distance, but continue to approach and convert over those that they can. And then after the sixth month since the Shattering, the large group disappears though a portal into the mortal realm.

Gwendolyn and her followers aren't sure what the Fae are up to. Where are they going, and why did they go into the world of men-further away from Arcadia?? They conference amongst themselves-the new recruits to Gwendolyn's side arguing that they are sure they can win over more of the Red Cap's followers if they gave chase-and so it was decided that they would follow after the large group.

A portal is opened into the mortal world-Gwendolyn's heart filled with apprehension and excitement-and the group leaves the Dreaming.
Immediately upon entering the new realm the Fae feel their bodies bombarded by Banality�feel themselves start to grow weak. They now realize why their counterparts in Arcadia had voted to shatter the gates-the human world has grown incredibly dangerous for them! Why would the other Fae choose to come here instead of waiting things out in the Dreaming??

It isn't long before they get the answer to their question. Two weeks to be exact. After hiding nervously in the woods-- growing weaker and weaker and trying to find some sign of the large group of Fae while evading Christian fanatics-- it is the large group that finds them.
The Red Cap advances, smiling and tapping the handle of a twisted axe in his hands. He looks different�very different. There is another form enclosed around him�like a hazy picture superimposed over his grotesque body. Gwendolyn and her group look around at one another in confusion. What is this? As they look across the rest of the Red Cap's followers, they see that the rest of them are riding inside of hazy body-shapes, as well.
Then it hits Gwendolyn like something slamming into her stomach as she realizes what was going on. These Fae are existing inside of human hosts somehow! Coexisting, rather. And the human bodies are acting as suits of armor against Banality. Their attackers are strong, and Gwendolyn's group is not armed to fight mortal flesh affectively.

"So, LADY Gwendolyn! You've finally been outsmarted, and this time we'll have our revenge! You and those weak fools you have with you will be butchered like the pigs you are! But don't think it will end there-oh no! We'll torment you into eternity!"
And with a sneer, the Red Cap orders his army of Changelings to attack, and they follow his command with bloodthirsty eagerness.
Gwendolyn and her followers fight the best they can, but in their weakened and unprepared state many are killed in the first wave of attack. Gwendolyn panics. She will fail her mother! She sees her fate before her own eyes, and she is angry! She left her family behind in beautiful Arcadia to come and help these people, and now they are slaughtering her good followers because of that bastard Red Cap!!

Her anger gives her new strength, and inspires Vachan and the others nearest her into new vigor. This re-grouping catches the Red Cap's forces off-guard for a moment-enough to gain an advantage-but the advantage doesn't hold up against odds that are easily 1 against 3�and 3 who are completely shielded from the crippling flow of Banality all around.
Gwendolyn gives a loud shriek that comes from deep within her soul, and all she sees is red as she charges forward. She plunges her sword into the heart of her nearest opponent, and suddenly the Sluagh woman freezes with Gwendolyn's sword sticking into her. Gwendolyn has the sudden crazy notion that it is her mother's sword she holds in her hands, but then she looks around and notices that all the Fae of the Red Cap's army are frozen this way.
She turns in confusion to see the same perplexed expressions on her comrades' faces.
"What sorcery is this?" Vachan whispers to Gwendolyn, and as Gwendolyn opens her mouth to speak, suddenly many forms wearing black robes materialize all around them.

"Quickly, friends, please come with us. We will protect you!" a woman steps forward and murmurs in a low voice.

"We have many enemies here-we will go with no one who cannot prove they are friend and not foe." Vachan straightens, moving in front of Gwendolyn protectively.

The woman smiles and pushes back her cowl. It's plain to every Fae there that this woman has Fae blood within her.
"We are of the Rheibau ferch Llandona-kinfolk of the Fae of Freehold Carnarfon. We are at your command." She bows her head respectfully, and Gwendolyn pushes past Vachan.

"My mother was head of that freehold many centuries ago. We will go with you." Gwendolyn says quickly.

The woman nods and raises the cowl back up over her head. "Quickly. We have a gateway opened back to a realm where the unfortunate effects of this world will cease to weaken you."
She turns, and some of the cowled figures step aside to reveal a large shimmering doorway.
Gwendolyn looks around her, and the bodies of those Fae who had fought and died for her have already disappeared. The bodies of those on the Red Cap's side are lying where they fell-stiffening as mortal bodies do-void of the Fae spirits that once inhabited them. Gwendolyn nods sadly, and leads her people after the cloaked woman through the gateway into the Horizon Realm.

Upon entering, Gwendolyn suddenly realizes how weak she has become, and collapses. She's vaguely aware of Vachan lifting her into his arms, but he, too, is very weak from the fighting and Banality, and stumbles. Friendly arms catch them, and as Gwendolyn is born aloft, she hears-as if from far away-a voice saying that they need to rest. Then the world grows black as Gwendolyn falls into unconsciousness.

When Gwendolyn comes to consciousness, she finds herself lying on a low, soft pallet in a beautiful green meadow, the scent of flowers and call of birds filling the air. She takes a deep breath and feels instantly renewed.
The woman who led them to this place approaches and kneels down beside Gwendolyn, her long silvery-gold hair falling down over her shoulders-a color very near that of Gwendolyn's own.
"Royal cousin, you look much better. How do you feel?" she smiles.

Gwendolyn smiles back and sits up, stretching. "I feel completely renewed! Where are we? I know so little of what is going on!"

The woman gives a little laugh. "I am Ariana ferch Emyr, wife of Baron von Rader of the Hermetic Order, and witch of the Llandona. This is a place akin to your Dreaming in that it is in a different dimension than the mortal world. The meadow we are in is this realm's version of our sacred meadow back in the realm of man, save for that tree, which can only be found here." She turns and motions to the center of the meadow where a single perfect rowan tree-their world-tree-stands, its ever-blooming silver leaves bearing Quintessence within their veins. The moon shines down on the silver leaves, causing them to shimmer as they rustle in a gentle breeze.

Gwendolyn looks at the tree with wonder, and suddenly feels tears come to her eyes. "It is beautiful�much like the trees back home in Arcadia�" she says softly as a tear slides down her cheek.

Ariana nods sympathetically, patting her hand comfortingly. "We often patrol the forests and hills of the Welsh mainland when we are tipped-off by our seers that those sympathetic to us are nearby, or in need of our aid. I do not understand, however, why we found Fae fighting Fae in that glade. It is rare, indeed, to see a Fair One such as yourself since the gates to Arcadia were closed. I have heard of cases where Fae of your bearing attempt to reclaim their followers and meet with resistance. Is this your case, as well?"

Gwendolyn is shocked to hear this, and the disbelief is plain on her face. After a moment she finds her voice again, and begins to explain everything to Ariana. She tells her about the days preceding the Shattering�about her mother's worry that many of their people would be trapped in the Dreaming because of the hastiness of the decision to shatter the gates. She draws the amulet from inside the soft, diaphanous gown she was dressed in and shows it to Ariana, and then tells her about how she, her brother, and her mother had enchanted it, and what it can do. She tells Ariana about how she took her mother's place, and then describes the last 6�nearly 7 months of hiding from and pursuing these other Fae. And finally she describes her shock at seeing what they did with the mortal bodies.

Ariana nods. "Yes�it is a process that has been discovered by Fae desperate to hide from the withering effects of what you call Banality."

Gwendolyn sits up straight and faces Ariana-eyes boring into her. "You do not seem repulsed-please explain this�process to me."

Ariana gives Gwendolyn a gentle smile. "We are not repulsed when men and women who once posed a threat to our very existence are taken over by Fae folk! The change our once-enemies' demeanor is rather miraculous! Very pleasant!" she laughs, but when Gwendolyn's face only grows more confused, she takes a breath and nods.
"In a simple ritual-which we here have been taught to do using our own magicks-the spirit within a mortal body is caste out and sent on to its afterlife, and a Fae then moves into the body�inhabiting it and becoming, in essence, mortal with Fae powers. Over time the body starts taking on some of the Fae's features in subtle ways. And when the body dies, the Fae goes on-either into the Dreaming to recuperate, or on to Arcadia�we are really not sure what becomes of a Fae after a mortal death, to tell you the truth. This body-sharing process hasn't been going on long enough to see any one Fae twice. One of our seers believes that if the Fae does not return to Arcadia, it might be born into a human body where it slumbers until awakening at a future time. There have been a few births in our coven where the baby seems to have the aura of a Fair One about it, and its parents have no Fae blood. We will be watching those children carefully as they grow. Perhaps this is a new phenomenon."

Gwendolyn listens to everything Ariana says, trying to digest it and decide how she feels about it. Ariana sees the turmoil on her face, and stands, reaching down to take Gwendolyn's hands.
"Come-you need a good meal to give you the rest of your strength back!"

Gwendolyn takes Ariana's hands gratefully and is pulled up to her feet. She follows Ariana over to where other recently-awakened Fae are sitting and eating, and joins them-inquiring about their health and well-being.

Through all of this Corrander has remained silent and motionless beside Nettle�until now. After the description of the body-swapping process, Corrander gives a hiss of disgust. Nettle glances aside at him, but he doesn't take his eyes from the scene before him.

Time passes. The meadow is beautiful, but it is always night here, and soon the Fae yearn to get back to the task at hand. They want to explore past the boundaries of the Horizon Realm, but they know they will be instantly weakened if they return to the mortal world as they are, and they fear that they will be hunted down and slaughtered by the Red Cap's forces if they step foot outside the meadow-whether back into the Dreaming OR the mortal realm. The have come to a difficult decision-one Gwendolyn has been delaying and delaying giving an answer to: should they, too, take mortal bodies?

Gwendolyn sits with her back resting against the sacred rowan tree, deep in thought. Her fingers stray to the amulet around her neck, and she looks down, studying it. Time is wasting. Who knows how much time has passed in Arcadia since she left. Has her family given up on her? The families of those trapped here? Perhaps her parents are persecuted there as she is here! The thought sends panic through her. Gripping the amulet tightly, she stands and finds Ariana.

The next night Ariana returns. "My Lady Gwendolyn, suitable hosts have been found for each and every one of you. We will begin the ritual process at your word, and we will teach it to those who have the aptitude to learn it once they are in their mortal shells.

Gwendolyn nods quickly, worry tightening her stomach. When she is successful and has rounded up all the Fae, will they have to die a mortal death to get back into Arcadia, she wonders? She knows mortals could once enter Arcadia through their dreams, and some HAVE been brought in bodily-but only a rare chosen few. She hopes they are not making a huge mistake in doing this. All she knows is it seems to be the only choice they have if they want the mission to have any chance at all.

Ariana watches patiently as Gwendolyn's mind grows far away, and then finally touches her arm. "My lady, would you like to be the first?" she asks quietly.

Gwendolyn gives a start, and then quickly shakes her head. "No-I would prefer to be one of the last. And you say the hosts you have chosen for us are enemies of the Fae-those who would kill us, or you?"

Ariana nods. "All are those who cause suffering to the Goddess. The less of them who are able to use their influence to create more terror and Banality, the better off we will all be." Ariana says with a hardness to her voice that Gwendolyn hasn't heard before, but approves of. Then Ariana's face lightens as she remembers something.
"Ah-all except for you, my lady. As countess in your own right, we did not wish to soil your pure form with the body of a heretic. We have a volunteer-a girl from our own coven Llandona-who has eagerly offered her body for you. She is, inarguably, the most beautiful, fair girl of our people, and she resembles you very much-as near as a human girl can resemble one of the Fae. We hope you will be pleased with her." Ariana bows slightly.

Gwendolyn feels her head grow light. This is too much�too much�she reaches out and holds the branch of a nearby tree to steady herself.
"Thank you�tell�tell her I�I thank her�" she says, her voice wavering.

Ariana gives a smile. "I will, my lady. We will be ready for you in 3 days time."

The days pass painfully slow for Gwendolyn. All she can think about is this beautiful girl who will be dying in order to give her a body of flesh. She wishes she could return to Arcadia and spare the girl this end-she dreams about it every night. She misses her poor, dear Corrander so much�her sweet mother�even her father. Each morning she awakens with tears drying on her cheeks.

And then Ariana comes for her. She leads Gwendolyn out of the Horizon Realm, and suddenly Gwendolyn finds herself standing in a cottage. The Banality that presses all around her causes her to stumble and to feel her courage slip, but Ariana takes her arm and leads her out the front door into a village of identical cottages. They turn and walk up a stone path to a wall of trees, and then through a walkway between the trees into a meadow that looks nearly identical to the one in the Horizon Realm. There in the center of the meadow-instead of a rowan tree-is a table draped with white on which lays an unconscious girl. Flowers have been strewn around her body, which is naked and covered with a white cloth. The girl IS beautiful-her features lovely and perfect. Her long hair is the same white-gold color as Ariana's-Ariana had said that this girl has Fae-blood within her. Again Gwendolyn is seized with misgivings, but Ariana urges her forward.

Those involved in the ceremony smile and bow to Gwendolyn, and then approach the unconscious girl. They begin to chant and move their hands in gestures very much like Fae would use in their cantrips. The chanting and gesturing grows and grows until a great climax, and then suddenly the girl lets out a gasp and sits up involuntarily-the sheet falling around her waist-and then Gwendolyn feels herself falling backwards. Hands catch her head, and she realizes she's now the one lying on the table. She looks around in wild confusion for a moment-her eyes trying to accustom themselves to looking out through human eyes-and then she begins to weep with the pain and shock and realization that she is within the human host. People move in closer with expressions of concern and relief mixed, and then one who's face is a mask of agony moves his hands above her, and she falls into a deep sleep.

When Gwendolyn awakens a time later, she is still laying on the table in the center of the meadow, and the man who's face had been so sorrowful when he magickally eased her to sleep is peering down at her with concern. His hair is a deep, rich brown that falls to his shoulders-his eyes the color of autumn leaves with swirls of greens and oranges.
Gwendolyn tries to sit, but finds it a great effort.

"No, no, my lady-you must rest. You will feel a little weak and disoriented for a time as you�grow used to a human body." He says haltingly, and Gwendolyn can tell he's holding in a great sadness.

"You�are in pain. What is wrong?" Gwendolyn says in a voice not quite her own. She clears her throat in embarrassment, hoping the next time she speaks that the voice will come out sounding more pleasing.

The man gives her a sad smile. "My name is Aberthol Cadwaldr, and I am a Witch of the Llandona. The woman whose body you now inhabit is that of my beloved-we were betrothed. We are both honored that you found it a worthy vessel in which to reside." he says with great respect in his voice, and bows deeply to her. She detects not a hint of remorse nor resentment towards her�nothing but awe and respect. This helps to keep her from bursting into a torrent of tears over hearing that this man is now without a future wife because of her. Oh what these Llandona sacrifice for the Fae! What great service they have done for her kind over the millennia!!
Gwendolyn closes her eyes and presses her hands to her heart-feeling the unfamiliar skin beneath unfamiliar hands.
"I thank you both for your great sacrifice�" she is barely able to whisper.

Aberthol gives her a sad but caring smile, takes a cloth wet with rose-scented water, and bathes her brow, neck, and shoulders familiarly. His touch causes her to stop and study him. She can tell that he is in love with this body still, and it causes her some discomfort, but she cannot bring herself to ask him to stop. He has lost so much.

Something about the look in her eyes causes him to hesitate for a moment.
"I am sorry-am I causing you discomfort? You still look exactly like her, and we were together for a number of years�I am falling into touching you as I did her without thinking." He pulls his hands away slowly and stands holding the cloth with a look of awkwardness.

Gwendolyn quickly shakes her head. "No-it is all right. I understand. Please-continue. It was soothing." she tries to reassure him, and after a second's hesitation he resumes bathing her exposed skin with the rosewater.
Gwendolyn watches him-trying not to be too obvious about it. He is a striking man-that much is plain to see. His face seems kind and gentle, but there is definitely power within him-she can see it in his eyes. She finds herself very�curious to learn about him, however when she compares him to her brother Corrander, she can feel the wide chasm that exists between herself�her family�her people�and this man. He has no way to relate to her, save through their mutual persecution, and use of what some would deem "supernatural" abilities.

After a minute of this, Aberthol pauses.
"Are you feeling well enough to sit up?" he asks gently.

Gwendolyn nods. "I am."

Aberthol offer her his hand, and she takes it. He helps to pull her to a sitting position and her head gets dizzy for a moment, but that soon passes. Aberthol watches her with concern the entire time, and then quickly takes her arm when she attempts to stand. The sheet starts to slide from her body, and they both reach and grab it together to pull it back up. Their eyes meet for a moment and they both pause, and then Aberthol drops his hand and Gwendolyn quickly wraps the sheet tightly around her torso so it drapes down her body, leaving her arms free. The first twinge of frustration tugs at her mind-that this man will always look at her that way and treat her with special reverence because of who she looks like. She's so overwhelmed with everything that has happened today�sad for the loss of this man�that she can't even begin to deal with this complication. Luckily, Aberthol seems to sense her turmoil and starts to lead her slowly and carefully out of the grove.

"Does the�Banality bother you now, my lady?" he asks, peering at her as he holds her arm.

Gwendolyn pauses to feel with her new senses, and then exhales and shakes her head.
"Only the smallest pressure, but that is a curse that comes with being Sidhe. If I keep my spirits up, I will barely be affected." She gives Aberthol a small smile. "My strength is returning, and I'm learning how to�operate this body quickly."
The two pass between the tree-wall and start towards the cottages. Ariana and a few other women emerge from one of the cottages, see her, and hurry to meet them.

"Ah! Lady Gwendolyn! You look very well! You are up and walking! How are you feeling?" Ariana asks, her face lit up with joy and relief.

Gwendolyn gives her a smile that doesn't quite touch her eyes.
"I am learning quickly�physically I feel strong and well�" She feels a lump in her throat, and quickly stops herself from bursting out with the torture she's going through internally because of what she's done, but Ariana senses that she's holding back, and looks up to Aberthol, nodding to him that he may leave Gwendolyn with them.

A look of pain passes across Abethol's face for a moment, but he quickly suppresses it. He turns to Gwendolyn and takes her hand, bowing.
"My lady�I am here for you. Please�do not hesitate to call upon me." His eyes have a look of pleading in them, and Gwendolyn quickly nods in order to reassure him, but again she feels that tug that she is now bound to this man, like it or not. She gives a silent sigh, and then the women are ushering her to a cottage, chattering to her and asking her questions. She glances over her shoulder once at the departing Aberthol, and then answers the women's questions.

The days pass quickly. Gwendolyn-once dressed, fed, and released from the women's care to roam around the village-quickly found the cottage Aberthol shared with this woman who's name she isn't sure she wants to know. He looked so overjoyed to see her that she tried to share in his happiness. He really WAS a very handsome man�very gentle and attentive�but she knew his favor for her was only there because he was trying to see his lost love's spirit within her former body so he could resume his life where hers had left off.
Gwendolyn knew that while she was disoriented and off-balance, she would be able to play the meek and patient companion, but once she began to get comfortable with her new situation, her true personality would start to show, and Aberthol might be put out. She was not one to be comfortable with being coddled and fawned over. She wanted�she wanted�she thought for a moment about what she wanted. She wanted a man with spunk! A man with an attitude! One who loved her and treated her well, but who wouldn't let her walk all over him, and this man seemed to be begging her to do just that, and it put her off. He didn't speak much, either, but perhaps he, too, was hiding a bolder personality.

But as more days passed, Aberthol's treatment of her never lessened or changed. He seemed to be waiting for her to just say the word and he would resume a relationship with her that had never existed.
One day when she was especially feeling the need to be left alone, she had to hold her tongue before she unintentionally hurt his feelings. She quickly wracked her brain for something to ask him.
"Aberthol�tell me about this village. What is important to all of you? To YOU?"

Aberthol looks at her with surprise, and then thinks.
"The maintaining of the paradise we have here, I would say. The upholding of the ways of the Lord and Lady�the continuance of our line�our friendship with the other Crafts who are our allies�producing offspring who will take our places when we grow old�" Aberthol's face falls a little after he says this, and Gwendolyn sees it.
She spends the rest of the afternoon trying to get him to open up-to tell her more about himself. He always avoids talking about the other woman-almost as if she never existed-and secretly Gwendolyn is relieved. It causes a sharp pain in her heart whenever she thinks about what happened to the other woman.
In return she tells Aberthol all about her home-her parents, Corrander, her friends, their mission. Aberthol expresses his strong support of her quest in such an impassioned way that Gwendolyn feels a barrier somewhere in her heart come down a little. She relaxes, and spends an enjoyable rest of the afternoon in Aberthol's company.

The next day she excuses herself to meet with her people. Vachan and some of the other Fae have been scouting the forests, and they have news. They found the Red Cap's group-just across the bay about a half-day's march from the coast. Their numbers have grown, Vachan informs Gwendolyn with a heavy voice.
Gwendolyn thinks this is wonderful-more Fae to bring home-- until one of the Sluagh tells her about how they're preparing for some kind of war or invasion of some sort. Gwendolyn looks confused.
"Why would they do that? They cannot be preparing to invade this village!"

Vachan shakes his head. "Not exactly. They have no idea of our whereabouts at this moment, but it probably won't be long before they do find us using Glamour. They know we keep powerful sorcerous company, but the Red Cap is insane. He will have your head at any cost."

"If ye beg me pardon, Sir Vachan, that's not entirely what he said." A Boggan interrupts, and everyone turns their attention upon him.
"He said he would have her soul-or some such nonsense. I don't think he means to kill her. He wants her alive."

Gwendolyn gives a short, bitter laugh. "And why?? Why would he want me alive? What-to torture me? How crude and pointless!" she exclaims.

The Boggan shakes his head. "I don't know, m'lady. I only know that he babbles with those strongest in the ways of Glamour in his party about somethin' involvin' yer soul." The Boggan shrugs. "I'm thinkin' we'd be best off to just leave 'em here and go home."

Gwendolyn quickly shakes her head. "Oh no. The moment I come through that gateway with only a third of our people, my mother will start to agonize over how we'd lost our chance to rescue everyone else, and I'm sure for the rest of her life she'd resent that I went instead of her because she would know that she could have done it!" Gwendolyn turns away as tears sting her eyes. "I won't let her or Corrander down!"

Vachan takes a deep breath. "Then I am afraid we, too, will have to prepare for war. If we can defeat the Red Cap, I believe we could turn the hearts of his followers to your side, my lady."

Gwendolyn shakes her head silently. "Many on both sides would die. It could cost us all we end up gaining if we are victorious. No�perhaps if we wait it out here the people will lose their morale naturally when they are unable to find us-begin to grumble against the Red Cap and start to desert him. Then we could pick up those who leave his forces."

The other Fae glance around at one another and nod in relief. They like this idea much better than fighting again. They lost good friends and family in the last confrontation-they would have ALL been lost if not for the Llandona! The Red Caps outnumber them, plus their hatred gives them extra strength. They all agree to Gwendolyn's plan, and then adjourn back to the village for supper.

The weeks begin to pass. Gwendolyn feels a genuine affection for Aberthol, and the two become very good friends. However, she keeps a kind of tangible space between them. She watched her parents' marriage for thousands of years, and she will NOT allow herself to get entangled in a relationship where her feelings are anything less than in-love for the man she's with. She doesn't want to follow in her father's footsteps unintentionally- end up being the neglector�the one doesn't return the intense love their partner wants to share with them.

It was at the Beltane celebration that year that the subject at last came up. The people of the coven had been celebrating for three days-partying�eating�drinking�making love. The air was one of carefree love and laughter. The Satyr and Seers of Chronos were running rampant, as this was their time of year to shine! Even Gwendolyn felt her defenses come down in the moonlit meadow with bonfire crackling and warming her skin.

Aberthol turns to her and takes her face in his hands, and she is so intoxicated with the magick in the air that before she realizes it, she's moving her face towards his, and then they're kissing-softly at first, and then passionately. Unbeknownst to them, two little Satyr Childlings giggle and sneak out from where they have been hiding behind the couple for quite some time to scamper off into the night and gloat over their success with the uptight couple!

Breathing heavily, the couple start to undo the laces and bindings on one anothers' clothing, and then when they fall back in each others' arms, Gwendolyn suddenly comes to her senses.
Aberthol notices her suddenly stop, and looks at her with concern, wiping a light sheen of sweat from his brow.
"My lady-what is it?" he whispers, running his fingertips over her forehead and cheek.
Gwendolyn reaches up and takes hold of his hand.

"Aberthol�I have meant to tell you this for some time, and if this�if this evening is to continue on with how it's currently progressing, it is only fair that I tell you." Gwendolyn sighs. "I am not in love with you. I do�I do love you, Aberthol, but I am not in love with you. My mother suffered in torment-- STILL suffers-- because my father does not return her love. I cannot condemn you to that existence. Aberthol�I believe that the only reason you love me is because I look like your beloved. That is not fair to me! This is not the way to start any kind of relationship!" Gwendolyn brushes her tussled hair out of her eyes in a huff.

Aberthol smiles softly at her and catches her hand again.
"I know this, Gwendolyn. I know that you are not in love with me, but I do believe you when you say that you care for me. And�you are right about my initial feelings for you having stemmed from my love of this body which I have loved for years�" Aberthol touches her shoulder gently.
"But my Gwendolyn, I am not the simpering fool you accuse me of being if you think I do not know that her spirit is no longer within this body-- that I am trying to pretend that you are her!" he laughs kindly. "There came a point where I would have stopped paying you attentions and moved on with my life if I were not truly attracted to your spirit! I thank the Goddess that she blessed me with such as being as you to come into my life, Gwendolyn! I know that a few months of gentleness and affection would never be enough to reverse the damage that thousands of years of suffering from watching your parents' marriage has done to you, but my lady�" Aberthol gets on his knees in front of Gwendolyn, "�do not close yourself off from love, my beautiful Fae! At least give me a chance to touch your heart!"
Aberthol watches Gwendolyn pleadingly, still holding her hand.

Gwendolyn feels a hard place in her heart melt. "But Aberthol�when we are finally successful with ridding ourselves of the Red Cap and befriending the lost Fae who stand at his side, we must return to Arcadia! I cannot bring you with me! If I allow you into my heart-and myself into yours-you will again be robbed of love! I cannot do that to you!" Gwendolyn suddenly thinks of her mother's Mummy-friend-the one she knows her mother is in love with-- Amon was his name. "I cannot do that to myself, either�" she sighs, looking down sadly.

Aberthol smiles and nods slowly. "I had thought of that�but as one of our Seer-friends always says, 'never give up a chance at love, no matter how fleeting.' We never know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know how I feel now, and I love you, Gwendolyn."

Gwendolyn looks tenderly into Aberthol's eyes, and then nods while getting up onto her knees, and then embraces him tightly. Aberthol exhales into her hair as he wraps his arms around her, and then the two again find one another's lips, and this time when they fall back onto the grass, nothing interrupts them from giving themselves to each other under the bright, full moon.

Corrander exhales angrily, which breaks the spell Nettle was under-entranced by everything going on before her-and she looks over at Corrander in confusion.
'Bloody smooth bastard�oh VERY nicely done�" he mutters under his breath.
Nettle opens her mouth to speak, but then suddenly Corrander waves his hand in the air and the scene before them speeds up until Nettle can't make out what's before her. When Corrander's satisfied that they've moved on quite past the love-scene, he allows time to slow back to normal-speed again.

More weeks pass-peaceful, beautiful, happy weeks-and then a sudden sickness grips Gwendolyn�one like she's never experienced before. She thinks that it must be a human-related sickness that she will soon recover from, and so when her loyal Fae request a meeting, she agrees-although she has to excuse herself once or twice to run from the room as she's suddenly and violently ill. The female Fae smile secretly at one another, but the males whisper worriedly.
During the meeting, Vachan and the others who spy constantly on the Red Caps' group report-unhappily-that their enemies have not lost morale, and none have deserted. In fact, they move their position closer to the coast as if they seem to have picked up Gwendolyn's group's trace in some way. Gwendolyn feels fear clutch her belly, but she exhales and nods.
"Well then, we will wait until we know for sure if they've found us, and then we will send a message that we wish to negotiate with them. If we can lure the Red Cap into agreeing to such a meeting-which he will instantly plan to sabotage and turn into a slaughter-then we will strike quickly and kill him, and then perhaps our Witch-friends will, once again, aid us in escaping. I hold to the belief that without the Red Cap amoungst them, the people will quickly give up their vengeance and join us! Who could resist the lure of returning home? I ask you!"

The group nods vehemently. This plan involves action, but not war, and offers a response to the group-fear that they may be close to being found. They look with admiration upon Gwendolyn, and everyone shakes hands and claps one another on their backs with grins on their faces.
After most of the group has filed out, a Satyr woman approaches Gwendolyn, all smiles.
"My lady, I believe I have had some experience with the "illness" you now suffer from. May I escort you to the healers of the village and offer my diagnosis?" she asks, trying to keep herself from smiling.

Gwendolyn-hanky pressed to her mouth-nods quickly.
"Thank you, Hiraela!" she murmurs gratefully, and Hiraela takes her arm and leads her to the healers' cottage where Ariana and a number of other woman are drying herbs.

"Ah! Hello Lady Gwendolyn�Hiraela! What brings you both here?" Ariana also attempts to keep her mouth from curling into a smile.

Hiraela puts her arm around Gwendolyn. "My lady is with child and is in need of some herbs to ease her stomach. She suffers from�" and Hiraela motions with her hand from her stomach up to her mouth and out, and the women in the cottage and chuckle and giggle.

Gwendolyn's mouth drops open as she stares at Hiraela in shock, and then when her eyes scan the room and see that the women there already knew of her condition, she realizes that what Hiraela said is true. Her head gets light, her knees grow weak, and she faints away. Luckily Hiraela knows Gwendolyn well enough to suspect she might react this way, and that's why she had her arm around her!

Corrander reaches up a hand to rest on his mouth, and Nettle glances at him out of the corner of her eye.
"Then it IS true�" she hears him whisper. He looks over at Nettle, and Nettle quickly moves her eyes back forward, pretending to be caught up in the scene in front of her. Corrander studies her carefully-looking back and forth between Nettle and Gwendolyn for quite some time-and then when Gwendolyn starts to stir, he shifts his attention back to the scene being played out before them.

When Gwendolyn comes to, she's lying on the bed in the corner of the cottage and Aberthol is sitting by her side, beaming a great smile and holding her hand.
"Ah my Gwendolyn! I have heard the news! This is truly the happiest day of my life!" He bends down and hugs her gently, kissing her softly. "How do you feel?"

Gwendolyn manages a little smile. "My stomach has calmed-I assume those gossiping witches by the hearth there forced their healing-brew down my throat while I was out!" she says weakly but with humor.

Ariana turns to regard Gwendolyn and shakes her head.
"Now that would be crude when we can just�" and Ariana flicks her hand, making a magickal symbol in the air, and then winks at Gwendolyn.
Gwendolyn and Aberthol laugh, and then Aberthol turns back to Gwendolyn and speaks to her in low tones.
"Now when you and your people return to Arcadia you will have a part of me with you always."

Gwendolyn raises her eyebrows, and then almost groans when she imagines herself returning triumphantly-pregnant or with a baby-to watch the reactions on her family's faces! And the baby would certainly be human-she couldn't bring it with her�COULD she?
She sighs. "Aberthol�I could not take our child from your side! I will be returning to family, but here you have none of your own. No�instead YOU should be the one to keep a part of me- -me AND your formerly betrothed, as this is her body. I will stay here until our child is born and weaned at least. The ancient pact remains true. We mix our blood with yours, and increase your numbers that your line will continue on." she says in a voice that sounds wise for coming from so young a face.

Aberthol smiles and touches her face. "You speak of betrothals�if I am to raise our child, there is one thing I ask of you. Gwendolyn�will you be my wife for as long as you are permitted to remain? We can be handfasted by the high priest and high priestess for any specified length of time. Will you do me this great honor, my dear Gwendolyn?"

Gwendolyn feels her head spin for a moment, and again her fears about marrying someone she's not in love with surface, and she nearly turns him down flat. But then she hears his words repeat in her head-that they can be married for a specific length of time-and once she is returned to her people, he will be free to find�Gwendolyn feels a knot in her throat. She's surprised to realize that she doesn't want him to find someone else! She�just felt jealousy!
Gwendolyn exhales and smiles a happy smile at Aberthol.
"That was quite the proposal, Aberthol! And this is what we will tell people-that you proposed at my sick-bed as I was suffering from the effects of early pregnancy!" she laughs. "All right, then. I will be your wife!"

Aberthol laughs and throws his arms around her, holding her tightly to him. "Oh Gwendolyn-- you have made me the happiest being in the universe!"

The sharp-eared women over by the hearth can't help but turn and cheer the newly-engaged couple, and it isn't long before the local Pooka have spread the news-in one form or another-to the entire village!

Corrander folds his arms tightly in front of his chest and starts to tap his foot angrily-his lips a thin line. Nettle grows intrigued over his obvious distaste for Aberthol, but when she opens her mouth to ask him why he hates Aberthol, Corrander shoots her a look that silences even HER curiosity! For the moment, anyhow�

Their handfasting took place the following month on the night of the full moon, and was one of the most beautiful, joyful evenings the coven could remember. Gwendolyn had explained to her Fae companions that she was still going to lead them home-that she and Aberthol had the understanding that their time together would be short, but they would make it count.
The Fae continued to spy on the Red Cap's group as the months continued on and Gwendolyn's pregnancy advanced. The Red Cap's group had come as far as the coast, and then stopped. No one quite knew what to make of it, but as Gwendolyn was so close to delivering, they decided to just keep their eyes on the small army for the time being.

Gwendolyn went into labor and gave birth to a healthy baby boy on February 2nd. Amidst crying, laughing, and hugging one another, Gwendolyn and Aberthol chose to name their new son Trevelyan. He had golden hair and green eyes, and to his parents he was perfect in every way. As he was handed to Gwendolyn for the first time and she was gazing down at him, she wondered how she would ever be able to leave him behind when the time came. The thought broke her heart. Through all her careful strategizing about how to get everyone home, the one thing she hadn't planned on was how she would feel about her son once he was born.

For the next two months Gwendolyn could barely think about returning to Arcadia because she was so happy being with Aberthol and Trevelyan. Her followers were sympathetic and very pleased to see her so happy-and also delighted with her child-but they were extremely nervous about the Red Cap and his group across the bay from the island they were on.
When the third month since Trevelyan's birth began, Vachan suggested strongly to Gwendolyn that they send their request to the Red Cap for the peace-talks. The Fae were growing restless. They were glad for their lady's happiness, but also wanted some of their own.
This news shocked Gwendolyn back into reality. If she let herself become distracted, and neglected her people's needs, it would be as if she were trapping them on the other side of Arcadia all over again, and this time everyone really WOULD have the right to want to kill her because it WOULD be her fault!

Gwendolyn apologizes to everyone, and they're very understanding and wave off her apologies-but secretly they're very relieved to be back on task.
Gwendolyn asks for a volunteer to take the message to the Red Cap-warning that it's a very dangerous mission because that Fae will have to speak with the Red Cap, himself, to arrange a meeting-place for the peace talks. By suggesting that Gwendolyn would be there, the Red Cap should be so desperate to get his hands on her that he would have to release the messenger to return to Gwendolyn or the meeting could not take place.
A Sluagh volunteers to deliver the message, and that very night he is off across the waters to the camp.
And the Sluagh does return�three days later�in little pieces scattered across the bottom of a rowboat�with a note nailed to the side.
With hands shaking from anger and grief, Gwendolyn reads the note. It's scrawled in the Sluagh's blood by a brutish hand. It simply states:
"Very clever, girl, but there will be no peace talks between us. Lots of time for talking later. Count on it. In one week we will cross the water and attack your safe-haven of witch-friends-- destroy them all-- unless you agree to meet us in battle here. One week. If we don't see you, you'll see us."

Gwendolyn throws down the note and lets out an uncharacteristic shriek of rage.
"Battle?? We will be destroyed! And what does he mean that there will be plenty of time for talking?? Oooh I will KILL him!"

Vachan puts his hand on her arm.
"My lady-what if we could get the witches and casting humans to aid in the battle�to join us? Our numbers would still be less than theirs, but with the casters' magick�"

Gwendolyn slumps a little, and then shakes her head.
"No�no�I will not bring them into this! Their cause must not be jeopardized! If they were wiped out�no, no, no! They have done too much for our kind to bring them into our fight! No�we must fight this battle, ourselves." Gwendolyn clenches her fists. "We will all ignore the other Fae of their army and zero in on the Red Cap. We can still attempt this plan! Kill the Red Cap and quickly retreat--"

"If some of the casters came along, they could have one of their portals open and ready to take us back." Vachan suggests.

"Yes, yes! It would be the only way we could escape their forces, my lady!" one of the Boggans cries.

Gwendolyn is about to protest when she realizes that they are right. She sighs and runs and fingers through her hair, and then reluctantly nods.
"I will ask them."

The mages hold a council that evening. Gwendolyn shows them the note, and asks if any could be spared to open a portal for them. She makes it very plain that she is reluctant to endanger any of them, but two men and two women quickly volunteer to go with them.
"My lady, your plan may be the only chance for you to get all of your people back to Arcadia. We will help in any way we can, and pray to the Goddess that one day the world will again be friendly to the Fair Folk so the gates to Arcadia can be opened once more." one of the volunteer-men says, bowing at the waist to Gwendolyn.
Gwendolyn-very relieved-thanks him with tears in her eyes.

Six days later the Fae and four mages prepare to enter a portal that will take them just outside the Red Cap's camp. Aberthol stands holding baby Trevelyan in his arms, trying to keep up a brave face to give his wife strength. He smiles at Gwendolyn as she spots them, and she strides up to them quickly. When she reaches them, she wraps her arms around Aberthol-careful of Trevelyan-and kisses him.
"I will see you soon, Aberthol."

Aberthol nods. "Yes you will, love. Rid your folk of this Red Cap, and then come back to us."

Gwendolyn smiles at him, and then bends down and kisses Trevelyan gently on the cheek, touching his golden hair with her fingers. Then she straightens, kisses Aberthol again, bids him farewell, and then turns and joins her party. Within minutes they step through the mage-created portal and disappear from sight.

Back on the mainland, the group steps from the portal and quickly ducks into nearby bushes. They came a day early in order to try to throw off their enemies and gain whatever advantage they could, but the going quickly becomes tough. Red Cap sentries alert their comrades to their presence, and the battle is on.
The Fae form up around Gwendolyn. Vachan had tried to persuade her to just stay behind because she was too important to lose, but she looked so hurt and insulted after he said that that he quickly apologized and retracted his statement. Gwendolyn had proven time and time again that she was nearly her mother's equal with the sword, and that kind of talent would be greatly needed.
The group advances-the Fae in front using their cantrips to disarm or hurl their opponents out of their path rather than kill them.
All seems to be going to plan when at last they spot the Red Cap with Changelings formed up all around him, much as Gwendolyn's people are formed up around her. When Gwendolyn's Fae try to use their Glamour against the Red Cap's bodyguards, they find that something powerful is protecting him.

"My lady, we will have to fight our way to him!" a Nocker whispers to Gwendolyn.

"So be it!" she whispers back, and then raises her sword and calls the charge.
The two forces run together-Gwendolyn in the lead-and the battle commences. Gwendolyn-now confident and fueled by mounting anger-slashes her way through the Red Cap's lines of defense, and when she finally reaches him, the two engage in fierce sword-play while the rest of the Fae continue fighting all around them.
Gwendolyn is a little taken aback when she realizes that the Red Cap is merely parrying her blows-not trying to kill her. Unfortunately for him, her intentions are much more deadly. With every slash she wears him down-he is an inferior swordsman-and he begins to laugh and hurl insults at her. She's quite willing to trade a few right back.
But then suddenly from behind the Red Cap steps a group of Eshu. Unarmed, they begin to weave a cantrip in the air. Gwendolyn can feel their power, and fear trickles into her blood. What are they doing??
Suddenly rage fills her.

"ENOUGH!!" she shrieks, twirls, and plunges her sword right through the Red Cap's chest. The Red Cap locks his eyes on hers', reaches up, wraps his hand around hers, and helps her push the sword into his chest even further.
"I'll see you in hell!" he rasps as blood pours from his mouth.
Gwendolyn grabs his hand in her other hand and flings it from her, yanks the sword out of his chest, gives the Eshu one last look -who continue their cantrip-weaving while watching her eerily- and then she turns and runs back to Vachan's side.

"The Red Cap is dead! We retreat now!" she shouts to be heard over the battle.

Vachan nods and motions to those Fae he'd designated to be commanders, and they, in turn, call a retreat to those under them. The Fae-in discipline that would make Gwendolyn's parents proud-form back up into their places, and the Fae in front start disarming and hurling their enemies out of their path using cantrips once more.
Gwendolyn exhales with relief, but is still uneasy-- wondering about those Eshu back there. And then it hits her. They weren't Changelings. They hadn't taken human bodies! But�why?

Suddenly the group stops progressing as the Fae using glamour in the front fall.
"Vachan! What's happening??" Gwendolyn cries.

"Rain of arrows! Get down!" he shouts, pushing Gwendolyn to the ground, covering her with his body. The arrows fall all around them and take out many of their numbers. The Fae who Gwendolyn's followers had thrown or disarmed earlier have taken up bows and arrows and are firing down upon Gwendolyn's group from tree and incline. Vachan uses a cantrip to make his body harder than armor, and the arrows deflect off of him.
When Vachan lets up a little, Gwendolyn peeks out and gives a loud groan. So many of her people lay dead with arrows protruding from them like pincushions. Her head spins with doubt and misery. Perhaps these people-these creatures who followed the Red Cap-never deserved to be rescued. Perhaps all along she should have taken what loyal followers she had and returned to Arcadia. Maybe her pride and drive to bring back as many people as she could was a fatal mistake.
Vachan sees her face and senses the great depression that has settled over her. He grabs her arm and pulls her to her feet.
Run with me, my lady. Quickly!"

Gwendolyn-consumed by regret-runs after him half-heartedly. And with them runs the handful of their Fae who are left alive. She cries silently as she runs.
Suddenly she hears a shout from behind her, hears a twang, and feels herself impacted by something hard. She staggers and falls into Vachan's back. Vachan quickly turns and grabs her arms.

Corrander shouts and clenches his fists until his knuckles are white, tears springing up in his eyes.
Nettle already knows this story�knows how it ends�and so she looks away and cries as quietly as she can.

"My lady? Wh-" Vachan looks down and sees the arrow protruding from Gwendolyn's back, and a cold rage settles into his body.

Gwendolyn looks up at him-her face a mask of surprise-and tries to speak. A trickle of blood runs from the corner of her mouth. Again she tries to speak, but she can't find her voice.

Vachan looks over her head and sees the archer standing there with a look of infuriating pride upon his face. Vachan doesn't think twice, but bring his great axe back and hurls it like a throwing-weapon. His aim is true, and the axe splits open the skull of the archer and takes the body back about 10 feet with the impact.
Satisfied, Vachan looks down to his mistress and lifts her into his strong arms. If she dies, he vows to take his own life. He won't be needing his axe, anyway, in that case. He leaves it wedged in the murderer's skull and runs.

Corrander gives a shout of triumph that turns into a shaky sob.
"Good Sir Vachan�good man�" he sobs through clenched teeth.
Nettle holds her hands together tightly and continues to cry.

The other Fae of Gwendolyn's group are in shock by the horrible wounding of their lady, and many turn as if to go back and take their vengeance on the traitors, but Vachan urges them back to the portal in a voice that sends chills of fear through their spines.

As they come into view of the mages, the mage who had proclaimed his service to Gwendolyn so eloquently earlier sees her in Vachan's arms with the arrow protruding from her, and with a great yell of anger he strides forward.
"GO!" he shouts to Vachan, raises his arms, and the spring clouds that are thick overhead begin to rumble and crackle with electricity.
Vachan runs past the mage with Gwendolyn and the small handful of Fae, and then the sky pours down with rain, and lightening crashes down to pick off the traitorous Fae one by one.

Back in the village, the group emerges from the portal with wide eyes that stream tears.
Ariana watches as they emerge.
"Oh Goddess�Gwendolyn�quickly-to the healers' cottage!" she cries.

Another witch watches the portal until the 4 mages return and close it.
"But�where are the rest of the Fair Ones??" he exclaims. "You left them?"

"Those who came through are all who survived�and I do mean�all." The mage who has mastery over the forces of nature says in a flat, heavy voice. He dusts off his robe, and then hurries towards Aberthol's home.

In the healers' cottage, the great table in the center of the kitchen has been pushed clear of what was on it, and Gwendolyn has been laid in the center on her stomach. Witches murmur and move their hands over her-trying to sustain her life-force and dull nerve-endings as the arrow is pulled from her back. The blood is staunched, but they soon realize that her soul is only hanging onto her body by their extreme efforts to keep it there. There is nothing any of them can do, and it would be against nature to force her Fay spirit to remain-not to mention it would take the concentration of a powerful witch at every moment, day or night, in order to do it.
Every face is a mask of pain and anguish as they look down at the woman who holds the only hope of this small group of Fae returning to Arcadia, and suddenly the door bangs open and Aberthol runs in followed behind by the weather-mage, who is holding baby Trevelyan. He already knows what Aberthol refused to hear-Gwendolyn is dying. She would want to see her baby son before her eyes close upon this world forever.

Aberthol lets out a sob and falls upon Gwendolyn's torso, holding her tightly, and then lifting her in his arms and rocking with her while bawling.
Gwendolyn's arms weakly try to wrap around Aberthol, but she can only hold him lightly.

"Aberthol�please�lay me back�it is�painful�" she gasps, the pain causing black dots to swim before her eyes.

Aberthol murmurs his apologies over and over again as he lays her back down carefully, and then takes up her hand and holds it tightly.
"Gwendolyn�oh my Gwendolyn what happened to you�" he says thickly through his tears.

"I�am so sorry�Aberthol�Vachan�everyone�" she breathes, her eyes flickering around the room to rest on every face. "I�have failed�" she cries, and a tear trickles down the side of her face to run into her hair. Her hand slides slowly up to rest on the amulet, and then her eyes fall upon the mage holding her son, and realization dawns on her face.
"No�no, I have�not failed!" she whispers with a look of triumph in her eyes.
"Please�Belmawr�bring my son�to me�" she gasps-the effort to speak becoming more and more difficult-and the mage walks quickly to her side, handing Trevelyan over to Aberthol.
Aberthol leans down with Trevelyan so Gwendolyn can see her baby.

Fresh tears spring up in Gwendolyn's eyes, and a small sob escapes from her mouth.
"Ariana�if you would help me to raise up a bit?"

Ariana is at her side in a flash, and lifts her shoulders up off the table gently. Gwendolyn summons the last of her strength to reach up and pull the amulet off over her head, and then hold it out and lay it around the neck of her little son. She nods to Ariana, and Ariana lays her back down again.

Gwendolyn places her hand over the amulet on her son's tummy, and her eyes shift up to Aberthol's. "This amulet�can be used by anyone�of my blood�to lead our people back." she exhales with great effort. "Our son�is of the Sidhe�he will know�how to find the gates�when he is older�"

Aberthol nods quickly, tears flowing freely down his cheeks. "He will lead your people-that I promise, Gwendolyn."

Gwenolyn's eyelids flicker, but she maintains consciousness for another moment. "Tell him�I love him�I love�you�" she murmurs, and then the healing witches gasp, their eyes flying open.

"It was as if her spirit was pulled right from our grasp! It must be because she is Fae. Very odd, though�" one of them says in astonishment. The other healers nod their agreement, but then fall silent in respect for the sobbing man holding the baby who now carries a burden far heavier than the enchanted amulet around his little neck.

Corrander stops the vision abruptly-having seen enough-and suddenly Nettle finds herself back in present-day, standing in the meadow beside Alec with everyone still around them, and Corrander standing right before her with the amulet still clutched in his hand. They both fall back a step or two with a gasp-feeling disoriented by their sudden return-- and a witch steps forward to quickly snatch Ian's baby-carrier handle as Nettle staggers.
Nettle reaches out her arm instinctively to grab the nearest thing to her-which happens to be Alec's arm-to keep from falling, and Corrander releases his grasp on the amulet. Two Changelings rush forward to help and steady their lord as he stumbles backwards.

Alec reaches out to catch Nettle and a look of worry holds his eyes. "Nettle? Nettle you alright?" he asks. He looks at Corrander. "What did you do to her?" he says. He looks to the witches, "Tell me what he did to her?"

Nettle shoots a grateful look at the witch holding Ian's baby-carrier for her, and keeps a hold of Alec while her head swims.
"No...I'm fine..." she breathes, a little unsteady.

Amrys opens her mouth to answer Alec's question, but Corrander beats her to it-- his voice trembling with tears.
"When we made the amulet, I enchanted it with the power to reveal to anyone of my mother's blood everything that happens to those who wears it...a continuous stream of visual and audial information recorded by the amulet, if you will."
A tear rolls down his cheek, and he's suddenly aware that a Troll and Nocker are helping to hold him up on his nervelss legs. He glances around, and-- seeing a chair-- he pulls his arms from his subjects' grasps and stumbles over to it, sitting down and holding his head in his hands.
"Gwendolyn..." he chokes out, and then begins to sob.

Nettle closes her eyes and her mouth trembles. She lowers her face and keeps a tight hold of Alec's arm.

Cidric nods and exhales. "So he saw it then-- saw everything?" he asks Nettle.

Nettle opens her teary eyes and nods. "We saw everything...from before she arrived here, up until..." Nettle glances over at Corrander's shaking form, and lets her sentence die out.

"Good...he needed to see the truth so he would finally believe it. He's been here for months, and the whole time-- since we told him Gwendolyn's tale-- he's been ranting and raving about how we were liars! Basically making our lives a living he--"

"Cidric..." Amrys says in a low voice, and Cidrc quickly hushes. "Are you all right then, Nettle?" Amrys asks gently.

Nettle is gazing about the meadow with wonder. "It's exactly as it was centuries ago! This meadow...the cottages...incredible!" she murmurs. Then she notices Amrys addressing her. "Oh...I'm a little shaken-up and dizzy, but fine...how long were we...gone?" she asks curiously. To her it felt like weeks!

"You were frozen in place for a few seconds-- long enough for me to guess what was happening. I suppose what you saw has answered a lot of your questions?" Amrys gives a sad smile.

"It did, but it brought up a lot more, too..." Nettle smiles shakily at Alec and rubs his arm-- so glad to have his familiar presence there in the eye of this chaos-- but she's still disturbed by the sound of Corrander crying.
It appears that Ian is, too, because suddenly he starts to cry, as well.

Alec nods to Nettle and gives her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "You can tell me later what you saw," He whispers into her ear. "You steady now?" He asks looking into her eyes and then over to Ian.

Nettle wipes her eyes and nods, so grateful for Alec! She glances over quickly when Ian starts to cry, and the witch hands the baby-carrier over to Nettle. Nettle takes it from her, sets it on the ground, and then lifts Ian from it, cradling him in her arms and cooing to him.
"It's all right, baby boy...it's all right..." she murmurs to him. Ian cries for a few more seconds, and then when he hears his mother's voice he calms down.

Corrander's sobbing has also stopped, but he continues to sit bent over with his head in his hands.

Amrys watches him with great concern, and then notices that all the Fae and Mages are frozen staring between Corrander and the Gideons. She quickly raises her arms.
"Everyone! Please continue with the feasting and let our guests have their privacy!"
She nods to the musicians, and the music starts back up again.
The Mages quickly get back to what they were doing, but the Changelings mill around uncertainly, shooting worried glances over at Corrander. Finally a Troll female takes charge and forces the Fae back to the party.
Cidric and Ashlon move back to the thick line of trees and covertly watch Corrander as they talk quietly.

Amrys steps close to Alec and Nettle.
"We are very relieved that he finally believes the truth, but also very concerned. For a Sidhe-- particularly one as old as Corrander-- hope and joy are held in such a delicate balance that they are the most easily-succeptible to the ravages of banality. Corrander refuses to take a body for his protection, and now we fear that if his grief over the loss of his sister is too overwhelming, he may choose to fade from existence, as so many ancient Sidhe before him have done."

Nettle looks up quickly at Amrys in shock, and is about to ask how someone could just decide to fade away like that...when she remembers her own feeble suicide attempt. She swallows and nods sadly, holding Ian tightly to her as if trying to transfer more love to him so he will never feel such grief.

"Hmm," Alec says looking over at Corrander. "And perhaps if he met Ian he would feel better eh?" he looks over to Nettle. "Let me see Ian a moment love," he says holding out his arms.

Nettle understands what Alec's doing, and hands Ian over to him-- feeling a little ping of pride at seeing Alec holding his son. She bends down and picks up little Simone, cradeling her close to her heart and murmuring to her while watching Alec and Ian.

Alec smiles at Nettle and winks. He walks over to Corrander. "Excuse me, Corrander. But I'd like you to see what all this fuss is over," He says smiling and looking down at Ian. "According to...well everyone...Ian here is supposed to do something for the Fae that no one else can do."
He smiles at Corrander, "Would you like to say allo then?"

Corrander lifts his head up slowly from his hands-- eyes teary and red-- and regards Alec with a tired-looking face for a few moments.
"She is your wife, you said?" Corrander asks, motioning with his head towards Nettle. He studies her for a moment, and then nods. "I have no doubt she is descended from Gwendolyn. You are happy together? In love?"

Alec nods, "Very happy, very much in love. And I promise you, Corrander. I can and have protected her...when she doesn't end up protecting herself first," he says with a smile. "That's one tough bird over there," he says looking back at Nettle. "But one with very lovely feathers."

Corrander raises his eyebrows, and gives a ghost of a smile. Smiling has become alien to him. He runs his fingers through his hair, and then finally seems to take notice of Ian. "This is your son?" He pauses again. "If you would just give me a second...I do apologize..." He rests the side of his head against his hand as if trying to recover from a dizzy-spell.

"Ian can wait a few moments, lad. From what they have been saying...he's been waiting a long time to do this," Alec smirks.

Corrander glances up and looks at Alec with alarm. "What do you mean?" He pushes himself to his feet, and steps over to stand before Alec, peering down at Ian. He looks at the baby wordlessly for a few seconds before his face crumples and his lips quiver.
"Who is he?" Corrander asks in a whisper.

Nettle bites her bottom lip and watches this scene with trepidation-- her breathing stopped.

"You don't know?" he asks. He looks over at the rest of the witches and then to Nettle.
He shrugs, "Alright then here's the story. There's a prophecy of the one who will open the gates to Arcadia an all that, and according to everyone who knows about it says he's the one. Even the leader of my particular group of mages believes so." He looks over at Corrander. "He's my son Ian...and I'm sure he's happy to make your acquaintence."

Corrander exhales a little and nods. "Yes-- it was Gwendolyn who made that possible. She gave the amulet the power to be used by any of our mother's line." Corrander looks back down at Ian and falls silent for a moment. "It is just that...I thought you meant..." Corrander squints his eyes. "...he feels very familiar to me, but...I suppose that would only be natural as he is my...nephew." Corrander tries out the word, lost in thought for a moment. Then his eyes re-focus on Ian. He folds his arms, bringing one hand up to tap his lips with his forefinger. Then he glances back at Alec.
"Might I...hold the child?"

"Of course, me old china. You are his uncle after all eh?" Alec says with a little smile. He gently hands over Ian to Corrander. "One thing," he says. "Look at the eyes," he says. "There is something in those eyes, Corrander..."

Corrander furrows his brow and takes Ian carefully from Alec. Holding him somewhat awkwardly for a moment, he finally settles Ian into a comfortable position and looks down at him-- taking in the pale hair and small form.
"Oh Gwendolyn...where are you now??" he whispers. "I look down at this child, and I can only see the one you gave birth to here...the one who..." Corrander breaks off, glancing up at Alec. He clears his throat. "I never thought to have a nephew, you see. Gwendolyn and I...I assumed neither of us would find..." Thoughts swirl through Corrander's head, leaving him momentarily speechless. His eyes move back down to Ian. "It seems she was fated to die in the mortal realm. It would be an emptier world had she left nothing of herself behind."
Corrander reaches down and lightly touches Ian's forehead, and Ian's eyes open and look around. When he sees Corrander, he stares up at him with fascination and shakes his little fists, cooing. Corrander's mouth falls open slightly as he looks into Ian's blue eyes. He thinks he sees something there...recognition??
"Hello...who...who are you, little one?" Corrander breathes. "I am Corrander Moonglow..."

Nettle can't stand not knowing what's going on over there with Alec, Corrander, and Ian, and so she hurries over to stand beside Alec.
'What's going on?' she thinks to Alec.

"Oh," Alec says putting his arm around Nettle and shrugging, "Just introducing little Ian here to Corrander." he says. "I think the two are getting off well eh?"

Amrys folds her arms and leans back against a tree, watching this scene with hope in her eyes. They-- the Gideons-- are the only ones who can save him now. Cidric said as much. There is so much Cidric won't tell them of the future, but so much direction he can give to keep the prophesy on track.
Preserving that which cannot be lost-- Cidric swore this to be his mission.

Alec smiles at the two and then nods, "He has a tough road ahead, but I'm sure he'll have a few companions to help him along the way...perhaps even someone who could protect him..." he says with a hint of suggestion.

Nettle smirks at Alec. "You know, I had been thinking the very same thing! Why...we must be psychic!" she jokes cornily. After she clears her throat and endures a look from Alec, she continues. "For a moment I didn't know if you were referring to Ian or Corrander when you said he has a tough road ahead. Maybe both. The two of them seen fascinated with one another, in any case..." Nettle breaks off from talking as she watches Corrander holding Ian.

Corrander turns his back towards Alec and Nettle, and brings Ian closer to his face. He begins murmuring to Ian in Welsh-- pouring his heart out to him about everything he's feeling right now...everything that's happened since Gwendolyn left Arcadia...all that he's endured-- as if he believes Gwendolyn could somehow hear his words through her descendant's ears. He touches the light, fine hair on Ian's head as a tear trickles down his cheek. Ian watches him with wide, bright eyes the entire time-- hands reaching up to clap against Corrander's cheeks as he speaks. But then when Corrander whispers the last sentence, Ian begins to wail.
Corrander blinks and looks at Ian in surprise. 'Is it possible...that this child understands?' he thinks to himself incredulously. After a second he turns back to Alec and Nettle.
"No, my nephew. My mind is made up." he whispers.

Nettle steps forward holding Simone, and smiles at Corrander.
"Well look at you two! He looks exactly like you!" she laughs, speaking to Corrander. "Same hair...same blue eyes..." She glances back at Alec. "Looks like blue eyes run in my family, too, baby!"

Corrander looks down at Ian, feels his heart tighten, and then closes his eyes.
"He does. Take good care of him. There is one who is all alone back in Arcadia, and his coming might save her...hoping to the gods it's not too late already."
Corrander holds out Ian as if to give him back to Nettle, realizes she's already holding a baby, and hastily turns to Alec to hand Ian to him, instead.

Alec takes the baby and nods. "We will, Corrander. Besides we have plenty of mates back home who'd protect him well. And he'll have a few kids to play with as well." he smiles. "Seven little girls who'd love to watch him..." he looks over at Nettle.

Nettle shoots Alec a look that says, 'don't EVEN tell him where they came from!!' and then looks down at Ian, who's still crying loudly.
"What's a-matter, baby boy? What's a-matter?" she coos to him. "Daddy's got you-- don't cry!" But Ian just cries even louder.

Alec rocks Ian but still he doesn't stop. "Maybe he's hungry," he says to Nettle.

Nettle glances down at Ian. 'He hasn't been eating as much as Simone...' she thinks back to him in agreement.

Corrander shakes his head. "I could take this burden from Ian right now-- take the amulet and open the gates to Arcadia, myself-- but that annoying magician back there...that...Cydric has warned me against it. Says he can see the future, and that Ian must do this or much will be lost. He will not say more than this, but after having met Ian...I would agree with him. Your son is extraordinary. He may be able to save the Fae...save my mother...but he cannot save Gwendolyn, and he cannot save me. It was an honor to meet all of you--" Corrander nods to Nettle and Alec, "-- but I am no longer of use to anyone. I go now to seek Gwendolyn, and leave you to Ian's future. Good day."
Corrander bows with a flourish, and then turns to go.

Amrys, Ashlon, and Cidric all start with alarm as they watch Corrander turn to go, and Nettle-- already alarmed, herself-- steps forward and puts her hand on Corrander's shoulder.
"Corrander, wait! You can't go! We need you!" she cries. "Ian needs you!"
Corrander stops for a moment, and turns his head slightly-- listening silently-- as if daring Nettle to prove her statement to him.
Nettle walks around to face him, holding Simone up against her chest. "We brought him here to learn about his heritage-- who better to teach him than you?? What these Mages could tell him from ancient records, you could tell him from first-hand experience! And you talk of saving your mother, yet you're so willing to let yourself die?? How much harder will Ian's arrival be when he brings news of both her daughter AND son's deaths?"
Corrander raises an eyebrow at her and folds his arms stubbornly, cocking his head.
Nettle is encouraged to continue.
"And finally, you can't go because Alec and I have chosen you to be Ian's guardian, and Amrys is performing the rite tomorrow night!"

Corrander straightens a little at this news.
"You would do this to me? You would DAMN me from ever being reunited with my sister by tying me to the mortal realm in this way??" he growls, but not with real anger. He clenches his fists and closes his eyes-- head hanging as he thinks silently.

Nettle stands straight and just as stubbornly in front of him, not moving or speaking.
Simone struggles against Nettle's shoulder, wanting to turn around and see the person who's voice is so loud behind her.

"We would be honored if you would do this. He needs to know why he must do this, and for whom he does this. Who better to tell him than you? Who better to show him than you? We need you, Corrander...Ian needs you." Alec calls.

Ian's crying lowers from wailing to whimpering-- almost as if he hasn't had his needs met but he still wants to hear what's going on.

Corrander glances over at Ian and sighs. "From what these sorcerers have told me, when our people are born into the bodies of mortals, they do not regain their memories until sometime around puberty. You realize I will not take a mortal body-- that I will have to remain in one of your...horizon realms, or...chantries..." Corrander struggles to remember the Mage-lingo, "...if I am to survive for that many years." He folds his arms and crosses one leg in front of the other. "I don't know many people who could stand my company for that long." he says with a wry smirk. "I fear you will change your minds before too long."

Nettle pushes up the sleeve of her left arm and holds her arm out for Corrander to see. Concentrating and murmuring to the Goddess, she brings back the scars caused by the broken wine bottle 3 years earlier.
"I DO understand your pain, Corrander. I did this when I thought Alec was dead. I am your blood. But look!" She turns Simone around to face him, and Simone gurgles sweetly, kicking her feet. Tears form in Nettle's eyes.
"If I had succeeded at this...stupidity--" she pauses, turning her arm around for Corrander to see again, "--I would never have had her!" she exclaims, raising Simone up a little. "Or him!" she indicates Ian. "Our family-urges to be self-destructive should be fought. I mean, Alec wasn't gone! I would have destroyed his life, too, had I taken mine! Our babies would have never been born...the Fae-- the WORLD, maybe-- would have been condemned to a darker fate! What will saving your life do for the world? You'll just have to wait and see, but I think Ian might be able to tell you someday...don't you?"

Corrander stands stunned by everything Nettle has just shown him and said. She has so much of Gwendolyn in him! Gwendolyn was the only one who had ever dared to stand up to him-- even his mother had coddled his whims! He looks back at Ian again. Maybe Nettle's right...maybe he should wait until Ian has his Fae-memories restored to see what wisdom he carries.
He gives Alec an ironic grin.
"You have a handful with this one, eh?" He cocks his head towards Nettle.

"You have no idea," he says with a smirk. "We may know a place where you can stay. A horizon realm that would be very agreeable to you. Plus I think there's a little girl there you may want to meet. Maybe you can discover what exactly she is."

Corrander decides that he likes Alec very much in that moment! He also realizes-- although he doesn't want to admit it to himself because he's too proud-- that he's been convinced to stay.
"A little girl? You mean one like Ian? Changeling?" he asks Alec.

"Well," he says shrugging. "No I don't think so, but you should see her. She can talk to plants. They seem to move towards her when she's around, you know how like a flower will turn towards the sun? You should see it...oh and she's three years old..."

Corrander gives a little smile. "Elementary for a Fae-child of three! But for one who is not Fae?" He pauses a moment. "Yes...I would like to meet her. A mortal who can speak with the elementals of nature bodes well for the world. When miracles such as this occur...well...perhaps it is a sign of things to come."
Corrander turns back to Nettle. "And speaking of little girls, I believe I have neglected my niece for long enough." Corrander finds-- for the first time in centuries-- that he's feeling his old, good-natured self returning, slowly but surely. "They are twins, you said? Is she, then, also Fae?"

Nettle glances at Alec. "I don't think so. I mean, it COULD be possible since she does have Fae-blood within her, but I think it's just Ian in our family. Right Alec?"

"I think Ian is our only fae," he says. He looks at Simone and smiles, "But I'm sure Simone will be like us when she grows of age." he says. "Any kids of your own, Corrander?"

Corrander's face blanches and he gives a little grimace. "No...I am afraid not. Gwendolyn and I made an unspoken pact at a young age that we would never marry or have children. I won't bore you with the details of our parents' marriage-- particularly because, really, there WERE no details to bore you with--" Corrander gives a bitter laugh, "-- but we did not wish to repeat history with victims of our own. However..." he steps forward and touches Simone's face, "...perhaps Gwendolyn was right about a point she made. In depriving our father of grandchildren, we were also depriving ourselves." His eyes move up to Nettle's face.
"May I?" he asks, holding out his arms.

Nettle smiles. "I thought you'd never ask!" She hands Simone over to Corrander, who takes her gently and moves her into the crook of his arm. "And what's this about ME being difficult!? Alec can be just as difficult!" She puts her hands on her hips.

Alec chuckles and smiles at Nettle sticking out his tongue.

Corrander throws back his head and laughs. "I am sure he has to be, Nettle!"
Nettle purses her lips and scowls.
Corrander smiles and looks down at Simone, taking in her features, and then looks over at Alec.
"I see she takes after her father, although she has my father's eyes. Simone-- an interesting name. Very...shimmery. A good name."

"I believe that was my idea," he says. "My name for Ian was shot down...but eh. Ian fits him better than Zander." he says with a laugh.

"Zander...Zander...you know, what would quite fit in with our family pattern!
Loviander...Corrander...Zander..." He grins a conspiratorial grin at Alec.

"Well, his middle name is Aleczander-- that was MY idea-- if we're having a bragging-contest now!" Nettle sulks.

Corrander chuckles. "Well, Nettle, from what I've heard it will not matter in the end, for when his memories return he will know his Fae name."

Nettle's eyebrows shoot up. "Oh?? I hadn't heard that..." She chews her bottom lip while thinking, and then glares lovingly at Alec. "Fine then-- call him Zander if you want. See if I care..." Nettle sniffs and flips her hair back melodramatically while turning her back on Alec and Corrander...to come face-to-face with Amrys, who suddenly grabs her in a hug.

"Nettle! You did it!! Oh we are SO pleased! So pleased!" she exclaims as quietly as she can so Corrander doesn't hear. "You've prevented him from fading off into the ether! Oh Nettle! You have our eternal gratitude!"
Nettle looks over and sees Ashlon and Cidric hugging and jumping up and down, and then laughs and hugs Amrys back. Amrys smiles.
"Cidric says there is much for Corrander to do yet. Saving his life-- who can tell what he's meant to do, but every life is precious to the Goddess."

Nettle nods emphatically. "That's what I told him, too! Don't worry-- it looks like when we do return to the States, we'll be bringing him back with us."

Amrys nods. "I think that will be best. Being there as Ian grows-- it can only make things easier for Ian...better-prepare him for his destiny."

Nettle smiles a wistful smile and nods. She prefers to think of her little boy as a normal baby-- not as a mortal body that she and Alec created for a Fae-spirit to inhabit! That angle gives her the creeps!

Amrys holds Nettle's arms. "Now don't stand around talking too long! We have plenty of food and drink waiting to be consumed, and all of you look like you could use a little meat on your bones!" she winks. She pats Nettle's shoulder. "Come join the party when you can." And then Amrys turns and hurries back over to Ashlon and Cidric, who link their arms around her and practically skip over to join the rest of the partiers.

Alec smiles at Corrander and nods, "See I knew Zander would be an appropriate name." he says with a wink. He looks over at the food and realizes how hungry he is. "What do you say we go get something to eat, Corr eh?"

Corrander raises his eyebrows at this nickname, but gives Alec a smile. "I promise not to call you 'Al' if you promise not to call me 'Corr'?" he suggests good-naturedly.

Nettle walks back over. "We've been summoned to join the party! Oh-- I'll talk Simone now if you want, Corrander." Nettle holds out her arms.

"No, no...I actually would not mind to hold her a little longer. Let us go get some food." he smiles, and then leans in towards Alec and Nettle. "If my mother could only see me now..." he winks, motioning down at Simone with his head.

Nettle laughs. "If MY mother could only see us now! She hasn't seen these two, either!" Or Alec's mother, for that matter!"

The little group makes their way over to the food-tables. Some of the Changelings see the group and quickly run over.

"M'lord! Shall we carry the baby for you?"
"Count Corrander! Let me show you to a seat! We will bring your food!"
"Sir-- how may we serve you??"
The Changelings hastily call out questions and suggestions as fast as they can draw breath.

Corander rolls his eyes and smiles good-naturedly at Nettle and Alec before turning to his subjects.
"Please-- return to your celebrating, good people. I do not require any assistance this evening. My...family will be sufficent." he says haltingly, motioning to Nettle and Alec with his head.

The Changelings all nod quickly and bow to Corrander, Alec, and Nettle, and then return to what they were doing.

Nettle smiles and squeezes Corrander's arm encouragingly. "That sounded nice, didn't it! The amazing part is...that it's true! We ARE family!" she beams excitedly. "Oh I can't wait to introduce you to everyone back home! Oh GOD! It'll blow their minds! Ooh I'll have to do your shopping for you! Your clothes are incredible! Where did you get them??"

Alec shakes his head. "You're in for it now, old boy," he says with a sad look on his face.

Corrander's eyebrows raise higher and higher, and he finally stops walking and fixes Nettle with a look of bemusement. Her face colors and she clears her throat.
"Nettle, I do not require new clothing, but thank you. If I do--" he says quickly, raising a finger in the air, "--I'll let you know!" He gives her a little bow-- trying not to jostle Simone-- but she just gives a happy gurgle.

"Nice sidestep," Alec whispers out of the side of his mouth. "But sooner or later she'll get you out clothes shopping. She did it to me, too...even with my impeccable taste!"

Corrander raises an eyebrow and takes in Alec's suit with a grin. He's about to say something, but shakes his head and keeps it to himself.
"Luckily, Alec, I will not be able to leave your chantry to accompany her!" he whispers and winks.

Nettle puts her fists on her hips, jutting out one of her hips. "All right, knock it off, you two! See if I offer you my help anymore! Hmph!" Nettle flips her hair and stocks over to the table to start filling a plate for herself.

"If only she meant that," Alec says with a wink at Corrander. "Come on then, let's eat." he says walking over to the table to fill his plate. "I can't wait for you to meet our chantry-mates. They'll be thrilled to meet you...oh yeah," Alec says. "Don't mind Oswald, he means well and he's just curious." he says.

Corrander raises his eyebrows again. "Oh goddess..." he murmurs. He follows Alec over to the table, and then glances down at Simone in his arms.
'How to do this...' he ponders to himself, taking in the situation. He sets the baby-carrier down, lays Simone in it, and then picks up a plate. After putting some items on it, he reaches down and picks up the carrier-- moving it a few feet to the next food-selection that appeals to him.
"You know, Alec, I am the youngest in my family-- never had a little sister to tease..." he trails off meaningfully with a devious grin on his face.

"Well then you've got alot of catching up to do eh?" he says giving him a nudge in the ribs. Alec picks up Ian's carrier and moves down the line, sets him down and adds a few things to his plate.
"I'm very anxious to return home, and I think Nettle is, too. She misses our friends."

Nettle sits down at an empty table and bows her head down so her hair falls in front of her face so she can covert watch this little display while nibbling a biscuit. She starts to giggle-- dispite herself-- and her face softens.

Corrander listens to Alec's words, and his face falls a little. "I do understand that sentiment-- all too well." He sighs. "If only these years would pass quickly. How I miss Gwendolyn...how I worry for Mother...and my poor father..." Tears fill his eyes and he quickly clears his throat and picks up Simone's baby-carrier, murmuring a low apology to Alec. How quickly his resolve and joy can be reversed in the blink of an eye.

"I'm sure they're fine, Corrander. Once the gates are open, all this will seem like a bad dream," Alec says hauling Ian's carrier over to the table. He sits down and pats a seat next to him.
"Ave a seat me old china, and once we eat we'll pass the little ones off to Nettle and get ourselves good and in the bag eh?"

Corrander follows Alec over to the table-- not having the heart to tell him how wrong he is-- but then when the topic of drinking is brought up, his eyes brighten a bit.
"That we will, Alec-- that is a surety!" he nods, exhaling and trying to keep his spirits up.

"What's a surety? That I'm going to get ganged up on until Simone's old enough to know who's side she should be on?" she smirks, taking Simone's baby-carrier from Corrander and setting it beside her so she's got a baby on either side of her.

Corrander manages a little smile. "But why would it stop then? We would only have another recruit!" He pats the handle of Simone's carrier, and she looks up at Corrander and claps her hands clumsily.

Nettle sticks her tongue out at Corrander, and then looks down and shakes her finger at Simone. "You better not, you little traitor!" she grins.

Alec nods to her, "That's right, that's daddy's little girl," he says with a smile. He looks over at Nettle and smiles sweetly. "If we didn't love you, we wouldn't pick on you," he says with a nod.

Nettle raises an eyebrow at Alec. "Oh yeah? Well you better love me tonight, Alec! It's been a couple of days now!" Nettle hints, tapping her fingers on the table and smirking.

Corrander covers his mouth with a napkin as he laughs. "This is glorious to see-- a happy marriage filled with, ahem, love!" He laughs again. "I did not realize we had Satyrs in the family! I always did get along with them quite well..." he winks at Nettle and Alec, and then takes a healthy bite out of a piece of meat.

Alec laughs and takes another bite of his food. The rest of the meal follows suit with Alec and Nettle's cute little jabs at each other and Corrander finding himself most-amused by them.
The two little ones sleep on and off waking up only to look about drowsily and then fall right back to sleep. With the feast over, the witches bring out wine and honey mead-- much to Alec and Corrander's delight.

Alec digs into his pocket and brings out a clove. Lighting it, he takes a long drags and sighs, scouching down into his chair.
"Ahhh nothing like a clove after a meal," he says offering Corrander one.

Corrander takes it hesitantly and inspects it. He sniffs it, and then smiles and nods. "Cloves...good pain-killers-- especially for the stomach-- and a token of kinship and amiability! Thank you, Alec-- I'll give this a try." He looks around. "I wonder if they have any boiling water accessible..."

Nettle laughs fondly. "That's my great-uncle, all right!" she grins. "Corrander-- burn and inhale it the way Alec is doing. It's much more pleasant."

"Aah-- right!" Corrander grins, and leans forward as Alec lights the end for him. He inhales and puffs carefully, holding the smoke in his lungs and then releasing it. He sighs and closes his eyes.
"Definitely a pain-duller...thank you, Alec..." he murmurs, leaning back.

Nettle watches Corrander with a hint of worry in her eyes, and then gets up and brings more honey mead and strawberry wine back. "Looks like more drinking is in order!"

"Yes bring on the wine!" Alec says raising his hand.

The next few hours find them drinking a great deal of wine and mead, and soon Alec and Corrander are singing songs while Alec plays the guitar for everyone.

"That's a great song!" Alec says after Corrander finishes singing. "Have you heard this one?" he says as he begins to strum a Beatles tune.

"Oh goddess!" Nettle laughs. "How would he know that one, Alec??"

Corrander puts his arm around Alec's shoulders as he plays and sings the first line. Nettle's eyes bug out, which makes Corrander laugh.
"I have been in the mortal realm since shortly before your birth, Nettle! These songs are, indeed, familiar to me!"

"Aaah..." Nettle nods.

The singing continues for some time-- the elders of the coven reluctant to interrupt because they've never seen Corrander laugh or smile until this day-- but finally after Alec, Nettle, and Corrander finish the song they're singing, Amrys raises her arms.

"Beloved friends and family, now that the fires have grown a little smaller..." Amrys grins, motioning to the bonfires behind her, and everyone chuckles, "...we will commence jumping the bonfire! Those who are hoping to be blessed with little ones come spring equinox-- or just want a little extra fruitfulness in their lives-- come line up over here!" she smiles.
Mages and Fae, alike, start tittering excitedly and stand to form a line behind Amrys.

Nettle glances at the baby-carrier and then looks over at Alec and starts laughing. "Why don't we just stay riiiiiight here, baby!"

Alec nods, "Yeah we're staying right here. We don't need any help in that area," he says with a wink.
Alec looks over at the bonfire and sighs. "This place is perfect, isn't it hun?"

Nettle puts her arms around Alec and lays her head on his shoulder. "Yes it is, baby..." she sighs happily.

Corrander pulls his chair back into the shadows so his followers won't notice him and try to pull him into line.

The three watch the excited Changelings and Mages run and jump over the bonfires-- most-commonly in couples-- until everyone who wanted to has had their turn, and then the musicians start playing a very sensual, relaxing melody. Those couples who jumped together hold hands and run off towards the trees, or just embrace and lay down where they're standing, or walk off a few feet-- whatever strikes their fancy-- and begin making love in hommage to the Great Rite of the Lord and Lady. Singles pair up...even groups form. Nettle elbows Alec and runs her hand up his thigh.

Corrander sighs and sits down on the ground between the baby-carriers-- rocking them gently.

Alec wriggles his eyebrows and stands up taking her hand. "Let's find a place out in the forest, love." he says and pulls her along with him as he runs into the forest.

Nettle laughs and waves over her shoulder. "Thanks, Corrander!!" she calls, and then disappears giggling after Alec into the forest.

Corrander smiles and waves back half-heartedly. Suddenly the magic has gone out of the evening for him. There's no one he desires to couple with, and he doubts there ever will be again. He rocks the two baby-carriers slowly and hums a song his mother used to sing to him and Gwendolyn when they were Childlings a few millenia ago. Suddenly a shadow falls over the babies' sleeping faces and Corrander's song breaks off as he looks up.
There stands a Cult of Ecstasy Mage in her late 20s. She has long, dark hair streaked with cherry-red-- probably some punk-fad, Corrander thinks to himself.

"Count Corrander...what do you say, love? Little bit a' company do you well this evening, would it?" she smiles invitingly.

She's intriguing-enough looking, but it's quite out of the question.
Corrander shakes his head. "I am flattered, but I'm afraid I must decline. I have my niece and nephew to look after." He gestures to the sleeping infants.

Amrys suddenly appears behind the girl. "T'would be an honor to care for them, m'lord." she smiles, and she has a look in her eye that challenges Corrander to try to decline the offer.

Corrander closes his eyes and massages his temples. It has been many, many years since he indulged in any physical pleasures...he feels like a campfire that has long-since burned out, and he has no idea how he would even be able to honor this woman's wish. Maybe a bit of his father is within him, after all. He sighs. Then suddenly a picture from the amulet's recall fills his mind-- the memory of seeing his sister in this very grove with that...man. That man who got her with child. He feels an anger start to burn deep within him. She even had the nerve to marry that mortal! How could she get so distracted from her goal by a mere human male?? What was so special about him, anyway??
Corrander glances up at the Cultist with fire in his eyes. He will not get this woman with child, but giving her what she wants will even the score with his sister, in his mind.
He stands abruptly and takes the woman's arm roughly. She smiles at him with excitement at his treatment of her.
"My, my, my...I had my suspicions about you, love..." she murmurs appreciatively.
Corrander ignores her comments.
"Take very good care of these babies, Amrys, or it will be your head!" he says in a low voice through clenched teeth.
Amrys bows her head and gives Corrander a little curtsy. "With my very life, m'lord."
Corrander gives her a penetrating stare for another second, moves his eyes down to the twins and murmurs something, and then drags the Cultist off in the opposite direction as Nettle and Alec went.

A while later...

Alec wakes up slowly to find Nettle nestled into the crook of his shoulder. He smiles and kisses her head and squeezes her tight. "Allo love, you awake?" he asks softly.

Nettle snuggles more tightly against Alec and smiles, making contented-noises.
"Mmmm...are we back home in the horizon realm?" she murmurs. "It feels like it! The breezes in the trees-es..." she grins dopily, and then suddenly sits upright and looks around. The sky is just lightening with the pinks and peaches of sunrise.
"Where are the babies??" she cries in alarm.

Alec closes his eyes and then looks over to her. "They're fine. Relax," he says with a smile and a pat on her back. "They are with the witches." He stretches on the ground and then sits up.
"I'm famished. Let's head back and get some breakfast."

Nettle nods distractedly, hurriedly picks up her articles of clothing and loads them in her arms, and then starts back towards the clearing without putting them on. Alec has to stop her and make her put SOME of her clothes on before letting her go again, and then she hurries ahead. Stepping into the meadow, she sees a group of witches standing in the center doing a sunrise-salutation. She looks all around frantically, but doesn't see Corrander or the twins.
Ashlon turns and sees Nettle and Alec emerge from the clearing, and excuses herself. She hurries over with a smile.
"Your babies are in Amrys' cottage!" she whispers, and then jogs back over to join the group. Nettle lets out a huge sigh of relief, and then grabs Alec's hand and practically drags him across the meadow...through the opening in the trees...and down the path to Amrys' cottage.

"Nettle," he says as she drags him down the path. "Nettle relax. They are fine." he says. They reach Amrys cottage and Alec knocks, before Nettle can.
"Best to wake her nicely than you pounding on the door love..."

Nettle folds her arms with a hmph, but doesn't try to argue with Alec. She taps her foot nervously as she waits for Amrys to answer.

It isn't but a minute before Amrys comes to the door in a dressing-gown.
"Aah! The lovers have returned! Well good for you, I say! I'm sure it's been a while since you got a bit o' private-time, hmm? Come in, come in! I'll get some breakfast started!"
Alec and Nettle follow Amrys into the cottage. Nettle scans the spacious area but doesn't see her babies.
"Amrys--" she begins.

"Ah yes! They're upstairs sleeping peacefully-- you look like you've had a fright! One of the women of the village who is nursing a newborn of her own fed them before we layed them down, but I expect they're ready for another feeding about now." Amrys smiles.

Nettle barely waits to hear the end of Amrys' sentence before she's already started up the stairs. After a moment Alec and Amrys can hear Nettle's muffled cooing and exclamations of relief.

Amrys laughs and turns back to her food-preparations.

"I don't think she'd be this jumpy if she hadn't heard the prophecy an all that." he says. "She's afraid someone will ty to stop them." he says sitting down. "Know of anyone who'd want to stop them, Amrys?" he says pulling out a joint.

Amrys raises her eyebrow and glances at Alec over her shoulder.
"Oh aye-- in the southern part of Wales there are Changelings who are against the heirarchy of the Fae...bitter from the Shattering that happened centuries ago, and who would stop at nothing to fight any Sidhe claiming regency over them." Amrys turns back to her cooking. "There is a legend from Gwendolyn's time about a group of Eshu lurking in the Dreaming, but no one has proof that they are there. Those who survived the battle with the Red Cap's followers spoke of them, saying that they were using enchantments to seek revenge, but I believe their revenge died out when Gwendolyn died."

Nettle comes downstairs holding Ian to her breast and smiling. She's carrying his baby-carrier in her free hand.
"One little baby boy recovered!" she grins, and then sets down the baby-carrier on the floor and settles into a rocking chair to continue feeding Ian.

Alec smiles,"Is Simone missing her daddy?" he asks as he heads upstairs. In a few moments he comes back down with Simone. "I guess she isn't," he says holding a very sleeping Simone. "Let's hope that's the case, Amrys. I wouldn't want to hurt anyone."

Nettle's head turns sharply to stare at Alec. "What are you talking about, Alec?"

Amrys gets some plates and glasses down from the cupboards and turns.
"He's just being a protective father, and I'm glad to hear it. Very glad." She sets the table as the food finishes cooking.

Nettle lowers her eyebrows at Alec. 'What were you talking about?' she thinks to him.

'Nothing, just asking if any of those Red Caps were around.' He thinks back.

Nettle gets a worried look on her face, but looks down and starts murmuring to Ian, holding him a little closer.

"So Amrys, tell me. How long has Corrander been here? And has he always been so sad about his sister?" Alec asks.

Amrys looks a little surprised at Alec's last question. She starts setting food out of the table. "To answer the first question, he has been here for about a year. He says he came through the Arcadian gateway at the end of the 1960s. At that point he tried to use the piece of amulet that he carries with him to find its larger counterpart in the Dreaming of our area. One he realized it wasn't there after a decade or so, he finally stepped into the mortal world. It was there that he started tracking its path from Wales across the ocean. He went back into the Dreaming, crossed the Atlantic, and continued following the amulet's path through America. He was behind by so many years, and hampered by having to duck into the Dreaming constantly, that by the time he tracked the amulet to Salt Lake City, you folks had disappeared into the Horizon Realm, and from there into Balador. He ran across the little group of Changelings lead by Cabbie, and were they ever blown away, I'll tell you! They suggested he return to Wales, and let him know where to find us, and so he's been here ever since waiting for the four of you."
Amrys sits at the head of the table and motions Alec and Nettle over to eat.
"As for your second question, he has been suffering the loss of his sister for, oh, about 650 years, but he did not realize she was dead until last night." Amrys' face falls, and she starts dishing herself a plate of breakfast in silence.

Nettle blinks quickly as she feels tears threaten to fill her eyes, and stands to burp Ian. She doesn't quite know what to say.

Alec nods, "Right then. Well I'm glad he felt a little better last night. Perhaps protecting the babes will help him get out of it." he says sitting down.

"There will never be a 'getting out of it'..." Nettle murmurs, understanding her ancestor's thought-processes from first-hand. She lays Ian in his baby-carrier and brings him over to the table with her-- Ian looking up at everyone with curious, large, blue eyes.
Nettle dishes up some food, lost in thought, and then suddenly turns back to Amrys.
"Amrys...where is he right now?"

Amrys swallows and wipes her mouth, and then gives a guilty smile.
"One of Alec's kinsmen gave him an offer that he didn't refuse...although he looked very angry at the time he disappeared with her. SHE, however, was looking very pleased this morning, I'll tell you!" she chuckles, and then when she sees Nettle's gape-mouthed stare she quickly clears her throat and becomes more subdued. "He's resting at the home we built for him in the forest of our Horizon Realm, but I'm sure we'll see him soon. He's been an early-riser the entire time he's been here."

"Right, so let him be, Nettle. He needs to sort a few things out right now, I'd imagine. Best to let him do it on his own." He looks down at Simone and puts her in her carrier, and then walks over to the table and gets some food. He sits down and begins to eat. "Come along then, love. You need some food, I think we both worked up quite the appetite eh?"

Alec's joke brings Nettle out of her funk, and she laughs loudly and fans her face when she feels a little blush coming on.
'I don't know, baby...I got a lot of protein last night...' she thinks slyly to Alec, and then gives another laugh and finally starts eating. She reaches over and rubs Simone's tummy. "You get breakfast next, little pixie!" she grins, and Simone makes a laugh-noise and waves her fists and feet happily.
"I better eat fast while she's still in a good mood! She usually hates it when I feed her last, but she was still asleep when I found them upstairs!" Nettle rattles on more cheerfully.

"She woke up finally eh?' Alec says looking over at her. "Hey my little princess hey there." he says cooing at her. Simone waves her hands and kicks her feet at the sound of his voice.
"Aww she's knows it's me."

Nettle grins and nods as she reaches for her juice-glass. "That she does, baby!"

Breakfast goes by pleasantly-- Simone finally getting her meal once Nettle's done eating-- and after the babies are changed and comfortable, Amrys escorts the little family to the door.
"You have the afternoon to yourselves-- do whatever you like! Just meet back at my cottage at sunset-- we will be having the ceremony in the Horizon Realm to lend strength to the magicks we'll be summoning, and the entrance is through one of the other cottages."

Nettle smiles and nods. "Thanks Amrys! We'll be here! Right Ian?" Nettle brings the baby-carrier up and plants little kisses all over Ian's face. Ian makes giggling-gurgling noises and waves his hands, and Nettle laughs.
"Come on, you two! I could use a shower and a change of clothes!" she grins to Alec and Simone.

Alec smiles and waves at Amrys. "We'll see you later." He follows Nettle back to their cottage and puts Simone in her crib and lays on the bed.
"That's better," he says. "I think there was a root stabing my back."

Nettle lays Ian in his crib and winds up a little mobile hanging over it to entertain him. She laughs hard at Alec's comment.
"There was a root stabbing me, too, baby!" she grins, and then gets on the bed and crawls over the top of Alec to kiss him slowly.

Alec raises his eyebrow and smiles, "Oh really baby, and how was that root?" he says giving her a look.

Nettle grins through half-closed eyes, reaching her hand down to grip and then massage him.
"Slightly bigger...slightly harder...but I'm sure that'll be taken care of in a moment..." she purrs, kissing him again.

"And how do you propose to do that?' he says grabbing her and pulling her on top of him.

A little while later...

Alec sighs and leans over, fishing a clove out of the pack. He lights and sighs again. "I think we both need a shower now, love..."

Nettle grins, leaning back and closing her eyes. She reaches over and snatches the clove from Alec-- taking a deep drag-- and then hands it back, exhaling the smoke.
"That was exquisite, baby...oh, and the clove was great, too..." She winks at him and continues grinning.
One of the babies makes a noise, bringing Nettle back to the present. She sighs and slowly gets off the bed.
"Parent-time is almost up, honey. Baby-time about to commence. Let's get that shower while we can!"

"Alright love," he says taking a final drag and stamping it out. He leans over to see the babes still asleep. "Let's leave the door open so we can hear them," he says opening the bathroom door. "Ladies first..."

Nettle-- still naked-- grins and does a curtsy, holding out an imaginary skirt as she does, and then skips into the bathroom, followed behind by Alec.
Alec smiles and smacks her behind. "Love that bum, sugar," he says.

Nettle squeals and jumps when Alec smacks her, and then laughs and runs to the shower.

The two have a relatively quick shower, come out, and get dressed. Nettle walks over to peek at the babies, and then glances out the window by the cribs.
"Hey Alec-- there goes Corrander! I saw him come out of one of the cottages, and it looks like he's heading to the meadow. You want to go say hi, or what do you want to do this afternoon?"

"Yeah let's go talk to him." He says grabbing Ian's carrier. "I want to see how the old boy is doing with all this eh?"

Nettle nods. "And I want to ask him what he was up to last night! Sounds like he was UP, all right!" she says sarcastically with a hint of disapproval in her voice.
Nettle helps Alec settle the babies into their carriers, grabs their diaper-bag, and they head downstairs and out of their cottage.
They walk up the stone path to the grove, between he opening in the line of trees, and then step into the meadow. People are there talking in little groups...some are laying on blankets and enjoying the warm day...others are having lunch. Corrander-- wearing another black outfit with the cape draped around him-- is stalking around the perimeter of the grove. He seems to be either booding, or deep in thought.
Nettle glances at Alec.
"I think Amrys was hinting that we're in charge of his welfare as much as he's in charge of Ian's." she whispers. "I guess we should go walk with him, or something?"

Alec nods, "Let me do it," he says. "He hands her Ian's carrier. "You remind him too much of his sister. Maybe I can get his mind off of that."

Nettle's eyes widen. "Aah...I hadn't thought of that...you're probably right." she says regretfully.

He smiles at Nettle and kisses her cheek. "I'll be back in a bit love," he says turning and walking over to Corrander.

He digs into his pocket and pulls out a joint. He lights it and takes a drag. "Allo me old china. Care for a bit of the weed?"

Corrander is walking with his hands held behind his back. His eyes shift from looking straight ahead to looking sideways at Alec. He glances down at the joint, sniffs, and then shakes his head.
"No thank you, Alec. I am in the mood to deal with my pain head-on at this moment, but I thank you for the offer." he says in a tight voice, but politely.
Nettle stands holding a baby-carrier in each hand, watching Alec and Corrander and fidgeting. One of the Changelings sitting with a group on a blanket notices her, jumps up, and hurries over to her. Alec and Corrander can see them converse for a moment, and then Nettle nods and smiles and follows the Changeling over to the blanket to join the others there. The first Changeling keeps offering to take one or both of the baby-carriers, but Nettle smiles, shakes her head, and says something that makes the Changelings laugh. She sets the carriers down and then sits beside them on the blanket. Corrander motions to her with his head. "She send you to look after me, then?" he asks wryly.

"No," he says with a smile. "But she was concerned that you were a bit down. Actually I enjoy just talking to you."
"So did you enjoy the party last night?" He says taking another hit and holding in the smoke, only to let it out a few seconds later.

Corrander smirks and raises an eyebrow. "You know, I have not heard someone say that they enjoy talking to me in a century, at least! The last was probably an opportunistic little courtesian! Then again, aren't they all?" He gives a laugh, and then sighs, his eyes growing far away for a moment as he thinks back to his cantrev in Arcadia. Then he realizes that Alec asked him a question, and he ponders it for a second.
"I did enjoy myself, yes. I...well..." he glances around them before continuing. "...I was a bit rough with a lass after you and Nettle left. She seemed to enjoy it..." he shrugs. "If you come seeking something you do not understand, you should be prepared to receive anything-- that's what I say."

Alec laughs and nods, "How very true eh?" He says walking alongside Corrander. "Nettle and I were talking about how long we should stay here in Wales. She is getting a bit homesick an all. And I absolutely can't wait for you to meet our friends..."
"And the conversations between you and Sarah will be fantastic...you can't imagine the brain on this little girl...it's astonishing.."

Corrander glances at Alec wordlessly for a moment, and then looks ahead again and nods as they walk. "I suppose Nettle would be. You two disappeared for over a year. Why is that?" he asks curiously.

"We didn't want to take any chances with the births. Our friends are on a quest right now-- that Nettle could explain better than I. It got a little hairy there." he says. "But things are calmed down now so it's all good to go."

Corrander raises his eyebrows. "Your...chantry-" he hesitates, trying to remember the word, "-was it under attack? Is it a secure place?" He gets an eager look in his eyes, and his hand unconsciously falls to the hilt of his sword that is concealed under his cloak.

"Oh yes it's secure. Trust me. We have a few guardians plus us...and then Tania-- wouldn't want to mess with her and Veil..." he says with a smile. "There's something as well...you and Tania sparring would be interesting to watch..."

Corrander raises his eyebrows again. "She is trained to fight with a sword? So few people in this time seem to know the skill." He makes a noise of disgust. "They buy swords that would shatter in a simple parry, and hang them in their homes like art!"

"She knows a bit of the arts. You should see her. She's pretty good at it too." He says. "But she's not violent an' all. She just sees it as a way to protect those she loves...much like I know how to handle a gun..."
He takes another drag and smiles. "I've seen her take a few people out with her sword..."

Corrander smiles. "I could use a good sparring...you would surprised as how many of these magicians have been trained at sword-play. Nothing that would impress Mother, of course, but it is good to know that some people keep the old ways alive. I have studied guns. Efficient for quick killing at a distance, but if my opponant deserves to die, I would rather feel my blade penetrade his body...the sweet satisfaction of his last shudder vibrating in the handle..." Corrander's eyes grow faraway again for a moment, and then he glances aside at Alec. "What of Nettle? Is she trained in it? Sword-fighting, that is?"

"Oh yes, and she's pretty good at it as well. We have some wooden swords at the chantry to train with, and as a mage sometimes it is easier to kill with a sword than a gun." He says.
"I prefer guns meself. They just feel natural in my hands an all."

Corrander nods. "As does a sword in mine. I am feeling restless today...perhaps Nettle would care to spar in a while? To answer what you said a bit ago, I, too would like to have a conversation with this Sarah. After staying with these magicians for a year, I have come to the conclusion that the fate of the Fae lies with them and their influence with the non-magickal mortals. I also know of the Garou, and a creature Mother called 'Child of Ra,' but who Gwendolyn and I referred to as 'the Mummy.' These creatures seem to be striving towards the same purpose as the Fae, but I have not met any...that I know of, anyhow. Have you?" Corrander looks at him eagerly.

"I don't think so. Then again I've met many people in Balador...maybe one of them were one," Alec shrugs. "You could ask Nettle if she'd like to spar, but use wodden swords if you would," he says with a wink.

Corrander gives Alec an offended look. "You think I could not pull a jab or swing were she to miss? Or is it that she is that bad?" He smirks at Alec challengingly.

"No, but I'd hate for an accident to happen," he says. "Why don't you ask her? She'd love to have the practice..."

Corrander nods eagerly. "That I will. Let us start over to where she's sitting." The two change direction. "So...I noticed the two of you had not yet returned when I passed your cottage this morning. It's a good thing Amrys volunteered to take them-- I do not think I would have been of much use once their mealtime came around!" He elbows Alec teasingy.

Alec smiles, "Yeah we got a bit of the wind-up and decided to make use of the woods." he says. "I hope we weren't too loud." he comments, following Corrander.

Corrander laughs. "I took note of which way you two went, and purposefully went off the other direction! Didn't want to show you up, an' all!" he winks.

"Oh really," Alec says raising an eyebrow. "Perhaps you went that way so as to not feel, oh I don't know, out-done?"

Corrander throws back his head and laughs loudly, clapping Alec on the back. The mages nearby look over and smile pleased smiles-- the Changelings looking surprised at the sound of Corrander's laughter. Nettle turns and gives Alec a grateful smile, and then stands up and brushes off the back of her pants.
"Hello boys! Having fun?"

Corrander grins. "Did this lot here tell you about how you and your husband kept them awake last night?" he motions to the Changelings. "Well...maybe not ALL of them, eh Ethni?" he calls to a blonde female Satyr. Ethni grins deviously and bows her head to Corrander. Nettle gasps indignantly-- her cheeks coloring a little-- and she puts her hands on her hips. "Well that's calling the kettle black, ISN'T it, Mr. Casanova with the Cultist?! What was her name, hmm?" She smirks.

"I couldn't tell you that, but I could tell you what she called me! Let's see..." Corrander taps his finger against his lips, and Nettle shrieks and waves her hands.

"Oi, me old china. Word to the wise don't open yourself up to that," he says nudging Corrander.

"For god's sake please don't!" Nettle pleads.
Simone catches sight of Alec's bright suit and lets out a little squawk.

"Hey princess," Alec says kneeling down to tickle Simone. "Who's daddy's little girl?" he coos at her.

Nettle looks down and grins. "Yeah, she missed her daddy-- so did her mommy!"

"Nettle-- if you wouldn't miss your 'daddy'-- that is to say Alec-- I was told that you've been trained in sword-play. Would you care to do a little sparring? I have not had a good sparring-partner in a few decades." Corrander bows before her, flourishing his cloak behind him and extending his leg in front of him gallantly. It's the bow he uses when he wants charm females into agreeing to his wishes.

Nettle smiles, and then gets a good look at Corrander's sword when he bows.
"Jesus...will you be using THAT?" she asks, pointing at it.

Corrander looks down at his sword, and then quickly covers it with his cloak and glances at the Changelings. The Changelings are all silently watching Corrander with wide eyes.
Corrander clears his throat. "Alec suggested we might use wooden swords as he was afraid I might injure you."

Nettle's mouth falls open and she plants her hands on her hips and fixes a look on Alec.
"You said that, baby?" she asks incredulously.

"Hey I just want you and him safe is all. So relax, I wasn't questioning your abilities, alright," he says with a winning smile.

Nettle exhales and rolls her eyes, and then smacks Alec's shoulder lightly. "Stop with that English-charm! That should be an illegal weapon!" she complains, trying hard not to smile.

"English-charm? Ah! So it DOES exist! Fascinating!" Corrander grins at Alec. Nettle smacks Corrander's shoulder this time.

"OK, so maybe we should use wooden swords the first time around-- until we get a feel for each other's style. But I'm really excited to show you my saber! It's had some amazing modifications done to it!" Nettle says excitedly.

"Oh really? Do tell..." Corrander leans in rubbing his hands together.

"I'd rather show you-- I don't think you'd believe me until you saw it, anyhow!" Nettle grins, wiggling her eyebrows.

Corrander leans back up and folds his arms. "All right then. First we spar, and then we compare weapons." Corrander leans his head in Alec's direction. "How about it, Alec? Care to...compare weapons?" He gives Alec a big toothy-grin.

"There's nothing to compare, really. Besides, I hate to see old men cry eh?" he says taking the last drag off the joint and stamping it out. "Go on then let's see this duel..."

"Ah! AH!" Corrander cries, clutching his heart and staggering back a few steps. "He got me, Nettle. What can I say to that?" Corrander stops his little melodrama after a moment and motions to a Nocker sitting nearby.
"Sulien-- could you round us up a couple of practice-swords?"

"Sure thing, Count!" Sulien nods, jumping up and jogging from the clearing. He comes back a few minutes later holding two wooden longswords that have little nicks and notches up the sides, as if they've seen a lot of use. He hands one to Corrander and one to Nettle.

Corrander inspects the "blade" and then does a couple test-swings.

Nettle holds the handle in both hands and shakes the sword to make sure it's well-made, and then tests its balance. She nods. "OK, this should work."

Corrander nods. "It will do." He holds the sword in his left hand and then offers Nettle his arm. "Niece?" he smirks.

Nettle grins and takes his arm. "Uncle?" She gives him a cheesy smile, and then a thought comes to her head. "Hey-- if I'm getting beaten too badly, can I cry uncle?"

Corrander looks at Nettle with puzzlement, which makes her laugh hard.

Alec shakes his head and leans back looking down at Simone. "This looks bad for your mom. She's already conceding defeat." He looks back up at Nettle and smiles sweetly. "Try not to hurt him too badly love."

Nettle squinches up her mouth and glares at Alec. "I heard that, baby! And don't you worry-- I won't!" She sticks her tongue out at him, and then flips her hair back and hmphs, pretending to be pissed. "Let's go, Corrander!"

Corrander turns his head and raises his eyebrows at Alec with a grin. "If she kills me, you will need to find a new guardian for Ian. Of course, if she kills me I never would have been a good guardian for him in the first place, now would I?"

Nettle's not quite sure if she's been insulted, so she drops Corrander's arm and heads off to the center of the meadow in a huff-- just in case.

"Right o then...we'll just use this as an audition for all would be guardians and such. I can see it now," he says holding up his hands, "Beat this mom and be the children's guardian forever...perfect..."

Corrander gives a laugh. "To beat a protective mother is quite a feat! My mother and Sir Vachan sparred often enough. Vachan was me and Gwendolyn's bodyguard when we were Childlings. He could never best Mother at straight sword-play, but when Glamour was added to the mix...it was always a stalemate. Vachan was a bit more adept at Cantrips than Mother-- although that is saying a lot. But I'm just rambling on and on now! It appears your wife is ready for me!" He grins and bows to Alec, sweeping his cloak back as he bows, and then jogs over to face Nettle.

Nettle is pacing and swinging her longsword in figure 8s from side to side. When she sees Corrander, she holds the hilt in both hands and plants the tip of the sword in the earth.
"Ready?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.

Corrander removes his cloak in one smoothe movement and tosses it to the ground-- but a quick Pooka runs past and catches the cloak and then takes a few steps back. Corrander gives a little laugh at the eagerness of the Commoner, and then unstraps the sheath holding the large, black sword from around his waist and holds it out to the Pooka with a smirk.
The Pooka shakes her head and takes a step back, clutching the cloak to her chest in fear.
"Oh come now-- take it! It cannot hurt you with someone to wield it! Why should you fear it?" he murmurs soothingly.

"I'm sorry, my lord, but...my arms are already full! See?" the Pooka bundles up the cloak to make it look bigger, and then stoops a little as if to convey that the cloak is heavy.

Nettle watches this little exchange. "What's going on?"

Corrander rolls his eyes and walks up to Nettle, pulling the sword from its sheath as he does. The Pooka gives a frightened squeal and bolts off, Corrander's cape falling into a pile where the Pooka was just standing.
"This blade is made of cold iron-- the only thing that can permanantly destroy Fae. Its very banality and all it represents is anethema to Glamour."

Nettle glances at the blade, and then back at Corrander. "Then why do you carry it? Don't you think it's contributing to how depressed you get??"

Corrander's lips thin into a line. "Hardly. I've enchanted the sheath. It would not matter, anyhow. I will never use another-- not so long as Fae turns against Fae."
He re-sheaths the sword and then tosses the sheath onto the cloak and takes a few practice-swings with the wooden sword. Finally he turns and faces Nettle. Holding the hilt in both hands he lifts it to rest against his nose and forehead, and he bows his head slightly to Nettle.

Nettle raises her sword and does the same salute, and then has to quickly swing it to block an attack when Corrander suddenly lets out a yell and makes a slash at her.

"Holy shit! I thought you were going to give me some kind of warning!" Nettle breathes.

"You were warned. Good block." Corrander says under his breath, and then comes at Nettle again. Nettle has to keep on her toes to continue blocking the shots, and she has a brief flash of herself laying bleeding on the ground and saying good-bye to Alec and the twins!
This brings Nettle back to the immediate situation, and she grounds herself. This time when Corrander yells and swings, she yells, too, and swings with all her strength to block his blow. Their hands vibrate painfully when the blades crash. Nettle pushes back against his sword, pushing it close to his face. He pushes back against her with narrowed eyes and a deadly grin, and finally they both push away from each other and break the hold.
"Good...good...I see you are a Moonglow after all. Anger is our true weapon. The sword is our means of delivering our wrath. Have you ever killed someone with your sword, Nettle?" he asks between breaths.

Nettle paces back and forth, thinks, and then shakes her head. "No...but I've killed with magick."

"And how did it feel?" Corrander presses.

Nettle furrows her brow. "It was too easy...too quick. I was surprised when I realized the bastard was dead. It was...unsatisfying. He should have suffered more."

Corrander lets out an unholy laugh and wraps his free arm around Nettle in a quick embrace. "Right! But never let your anger make you a sloppy fighter. Never let it dull your senses. Instead, let it spiderweb your senses into everything around you-- the trees, the grass, and animals. Feel everything around you so you can never be taken by surprise."

Nettle nods enthusiastically. "I've done that! I do that everytime I meditate!"

Corrander gives her a big smile. "Good! Now where were we?"
He slashes his sword up and around Nettle's sword so the point is against her throat. He shakes his head and makes a tsk-tsk-tsk-sound with his tongue.
"You are so young and so short-lived...you will never have the years to train and become truly great." he says regretfully.

Nettle clenches her teeth and suddenly whips her sword against his-- leaning back so the point doesn't hurt her as she smacks it away from her throat. She starts yelling like a banshee and raining down blow after blow against him-- which this time he has to stay on his toes in order to parry-- and she drives him backwards a good 20 feet before he finally recovers and pushes back.
A look of triumph flickers in Nettle's eyes as their swords lock again, and Corrander looks back with equally-fierce eyes.

"Now you see. Just don't tire yourself out too quickly..." he murmurs while catching his breath.

Alec watches the interplay with a smile. He's an excellent swordsman...a good teacher and protector for the kids, he thinks. "I'm glad he's on our side," he says to no one in particular.
"Whoo kick his butt, Nettle!"

Nettle grins when she hears Alec call out to her, but doesn't dare take her eyes off of Corrander for a moment.
Corrander smiels and nods when she doesn't allow herself to be distracted, and then swings again. The two spar back and forth, matching blow-for-blow, until suddenly Nettle is stopped from walking backwards by a tree. She brings up her sword and stops the blow close to her face. Corrander draws back and swings again, and this time she ducks as the sword hits the tree where she was just standing, and she rams forward and runs with her shoulder against Corrander's stomach, pushing him backwards until he finally falls backwards and sprawls onto the ground. Nettle loses her balance and falls on top of him and rolls to the side, and both start laughing.
Not wanting to stop just yet, Corrander rolls towards her as she's on her hands and knees trying to get to her feet, and he leaps on top of her, flattening her to the ground on her stomach with an oof. He straddles her back and grabs her hair, pulling her head back and bringing his blade to just barely touch her throat.
He leans forward so his face is next to hers. "You're dead." he whispers.

"OOOW!!! Fucker!" she hisses, and then her eyes suddenly grow calm and a slow smile spreads across her face. She finds her old zone-- the zone she used to go into with ease as pain was inflicted on her voluntarily-- and draws strength from the pain. In this awkward arched-back position with her hair being pulled painfully, she brings up her hand and rests the palm against the blade, pushing the blade away from her throat and closing her eyes.

Corrander is surprised but intrigued and impressed when she doesn't whine for him to release her, but continues to press. He tries to hold the blade strong and steady, but she sees to have transcended pain and continues to push it away from her until both of their hands shake from pushing as hard as they can.

Nettle concentrates more and more deeply as the pain fills her with power, and suddenly the sword bursts into flames.
Corrander looks at it in surprise for a moment, and then throws it in front of them a few feet with a yell. It's enough of a distraction that Nettle reaches back and grabs a handful of Corrander's hair and pulls, and he releases hers enough that she pushes and rolls to the side so he tumbles off of her. But Corrander quickly collects himself and reaches to grab her shoulder...but she suddenly disappears! He looks all around himself in frustration, and then feels a stick bounce off his head. He looks up and sees Nettle sitting in the tree above him, waving to him and laughing.

"Oh really!" he mutters, makes a slashing-motion with his hand, and suddenly he's sitting in the tree beside her-- a matching grin on his face.

Nettle lets out a shriek of surprised laughter and makes to turn around and get off the branch, but Corrander grabs her, makes the slashing-motion, and suddenly they're both sitting back on the ground again. He makes a swirling-motion with his finger, and grass and vines suddenly grow out of the ground and wrap around Nettle, immobilizing her. He arches an eyebrow at her challengingly.

"Yeah right! You Fae think you're so tough, but you have to make gestures in order to get your cantrips to work, whereas we Mages do not!" Nettle cackles. She closes her eyes and murmurs, and suddenly Corrander feels an invisible force pressing against his body from all sides, only barely allowing him to breathe.
Nettle lifts her head and looks up at him from where she's laying on the ground. "Do you concede?" she grins.

"Concede to what?" he gasps, barely able to move his lips.

"That I win?" she grins.

Corrander fights against the force-field but is unable to budge it. Finally he droops a little, sweat on his brow. "No."

Nettle laughs hard and tries to get comfortable. "I guess we'll be here for a while then."

Alec shakes his head, "Alright kids...let's quit the theatrics, eh?" He walks over to the two of them and smiles down at Corrander. "I hate when she does that...annoying isn't it?"

"Oh Alec, I haven't had to do that to you in years!" she jokes.

Corrander's eyes shift up to Alec.
"Can you...release this?" he asks through tight lips.

"No, no! That would be cheating!" Nettle cries gleefully.

"No I can't. I can't undo what she's done. She has to release it herself..." He looks down at Nettle.
"C'mon now love be a good sport and let him go, Corrander, you too-- let her go and play nice both of you..."

Nettle sighs. "Oh fine. I'll be a good sport-- don't laugh, Alec! I concede that I played dirty when I brought magick into it. I was-- technically-- killed just before that."

"Good answer." Corrander mutters, unable to smile.

Nettle closes her eyes and murmurs, and suddenly Corrander sucks in a deep breath of air as he's released from the paralysis, and sighs.
"OK, now me..." she hints.

Corrander pushes to his feet and rubs his chin, studying Nettle curiously. "Tell me, Alec...is she...ticklish?" he asks Alec in a conspiratory voice.

"She is," he says with a smile and a nod. "But she also holds grudges, so I would think twice if I were you," he says chuckling. "It seems you found your match, Nettle love."

Nettle relaxes and lays back when she hears she's NOT about to receive the tickle-torture, and looks up at Alec with grateful eyes.
"I love you, baby!! Good Alec! You get a biscuit!" she laughs, and then suddenly wishes she hadn't said that...just in case it makes him change his mind.

Corrander sighs. "You are right, Alec. She DOES look the type to seek revenge, and probably at the most-embarrassing of times. All right, Nettle, your husband has rescued you from a horrible fate." He makes the swirling-motion with his finger in the air, and the grasses and vines unwind from around her body, and she sits up and stretches.

"Cool...very cool...we should try that sometime, Alec!" she winks, getting up and brushing off her pants.

"My mother can manipulate fire, as well..." Corrander calls over his shoulder as he walks over to retrieve his sword and cloak, and then he walks back over to stand with them.
Suddenly Ian starts crying from his baby-carrier.

Nettle squints up at the sun, licks her finger and holds it into the breeze, and then nods. "Something tells me it's Ian's lunchtime..." she jokes, pretending not to hear his cries. "Listen-- soon Simone's going to be crying, so this might be a good time to talk. We should move off to a corner of the meadow. I'm sure we both have questions for you about everything that's going on..."

Corrander's face grow serious, and he nods. "Of course."

Alec walks over to the carriers and picks them up. He smiles and hands Nettle Ian's carrier.
"I believe this one is for you eh?" he says. They find a nice place to sit somewhere in the meadow and Alec sits down cross-legged.
"So Corrander, any questions on your end?"

Nettle-- not wanting to traumatize Corrander-- flips a blanket over her shoulder and holds out her arms as Alec hands Ian to her. She gets Ian situated, and then drapes the blanket over her front to shade Ian from the sun, and her chest from everyone else. She watches Corrander intently.

Corrander settles down cross-legged, as well, laying his sheath across his thighs and resting his hands on it.
"This has been a truly harsh and confusing time in my life. I went hundreds of years not knowing where Gwendolyn was. My father was murdered by those I counted as my friends. I watched my mother decline and decline until she finally handed the cantrev over to me and receded into the shadows..."

Nettle sits up in alarm, and Corrander raises his hand.
"She is still with us, but I admit I wonder for how long. Do you see the urgency I have to get home? Or if not, then to try to find Gwendolyn or my father? Yet that Cultist's vision tells him that I am not the one to take the amulet and return with those who will follow. I am supposed to remain here and wait for your son to do it."

"But how would you find your sister and father if you let yourself fade away?" Nettle asks worriedly.

Corrander shrugs. "Ever since the bloody Shattering nothing has been the way it once was! A Fae is killed, and they disappear now. Before the Shattering they would simply go into a coma from which they would re-awaken after the proper amount of healing-time. But Father faded away, and he was not killed by cold iron! It must have been something in the poison, but where did he go? And why? And this whole bleeding Changeling-situation! I understand that for a Commoner when their human body is killed, the Changeling's spirit is re-born into another human body, but from what these Changelings have told me, it doesn't work this way for the Nobles. When a Sidhe's mortal-form is rendered useless, they supposedly return to Arcadia." Corrander gives a bitter laugh. "Gwendolyn did not return. Where IS she? I have a theory that if I kill myself here-- in the mortal realm-- I will go to wherever they went to. All I want are answers!" He clenches his fists tightly on top of his sword.

"Yeah well me old china if you hadn't noticed nobody is tellin on the other side eh? It's not a safe bet you'd go back to arcadia." He says taking out a clove and lighting it.
"Think of it this way. Maybe you're supposed to be here at this time to help little Ian here open the gates eh? Maybe you're here to protect him..."

Corrander slowly unclenches his fists and runs his fingers through his hair. "Perhaps...but if I could do it, myself, then why wait for him to come of age? Why take him from this family? He IS Fae, so he will naturally have the desire to return to Arcadia when he regains his Fae-memories..." Corrander fixes a look on Alec and Nettle. "You do know that when he opens the gates and everyone goes through, they will shut again and he will be in Arcadia with no way back to the mortal-realm."

Nettle lowers her head as her eyes fill with tears. She covers her eyes with one hand in embarrassment.

Corrander nods. "I am sorry. This whole Changeling-idea devastates lives on both ends-- the mortals AND the Fae. Whoever thought of it should be..." Corrander clenches his jaw and drops his hands back to the sheath. He takes a few breaths. "They were trapped here...I should not blame them for doing what they had to to survive...I suppose..."

"Perhaps...but maybe he is to open the gates and keep them open for good eh?" He says. "You never know-- that may be what the prophecy means..." Alec says putting an arm around Nettle.

Nettle lets out a held-in sob when she feels Alec's arm go around her, and then covers her face with her hand and leans her head against Alec's shoulder.
"That would be nice..." she muffles against his shoulder in a shakey voice.

Corrander studies Alec for a moment, deep in thought. His eyes grow faraway for a moment. "If he could do that...re-unite the Dreaming with Arcadia...perhaps those who died could return to Arcadia, also. But to keep the gates open, the world would have to be a much different place than it is right now. But...this Sarah...perhaps..." Corrander focuses his eyes back on Alec. "Yes, I would like very much to speak with her. I think you may be onto something there, Alec. If she can speak with plants the way you say, it could be a sign...hope..." He props his chin up on one fist with his elbow on his leg.
"So Nettle. Tell me of your friends' quest that kept you in...Balador for so long." he searches to remember the name.

Nettle lifts her head up from Alec's shoulder and raises her eyebrows at Alec before turning back to Corrander.
"Weeeell...jesus, where to begin??" Nettle runs her hand through her hair in a manner identical to Corrander's as her mind races.
"We mages have trees that are sacred to us-- such as the one in this place's Horizon Realm-- and within each tree is a dragon-spirit. Something happened to trap the spirits in a faraway realm, and the trees died out. In order to bring back the trees, we had to find and bring back the dragon-spirits, and also find and bring back more seeds to re-plant the trees. We succeeded in the first part of our quest-- Veil released the dragon-spirits into our Horizon Realm to await the seeds-- oh! Veil is my best friend and Mentor!" Nettle smiles. "She's also going to be Simone's guardian! But anyhow, to find the seeds, we needed to put together an enchanted telescope. We had all the pieces found but one, and that piece was being held by an ancient vampire in Ireland who used to love Veil, but tried to kill her a long time ago. Alec and I decided it would be stupid for us to go with them to confront the vampire...VERY stupid...not to mention there was this girl Cara who joined us who was being hunted by an ancient demon..."

"Wait a moment...what??" Corrander's brow furrows and he sits up straight.

"Some demon named..." Nettle looks around, and then writes the name in a patch of dirt with her finger. "Don't say it." she whispers.

Corrander looks at the name...sits in thought for a moment...and then suddenly his eyes light up and he nods. "Good goddess...my mother helped a creature by that name back when Gwendolyn and I were Wilder! Unless there are more than one..."

Nettle shakes her head, looking fascinated but worried.

"From what I remember, those who destroyed our Freehold in Caernarfon were also enemies of...that demon...and that is how Mother came to fight on his side. She thought him a sad and unstable being, capable of great good, or devistating evil. Tell me he is not at your chantry...please!?"

Nettle sighs. "That's the real reason we went through the Umbra, and from there into Balador. That's the LAST thing I needed to deal with while pregnant! We haven't dared to contact Veil and the others to tell them where we are in case the demon is scanning her thoughts. NO one knows where we've been for the past year, or where we are now. But we really need to return home-- especially to check on Sarah-- so I'm hoping in a few days...a week, maybe...that these Mages will help us attempt us to contact Veil in a completely shielded manner and see if it's OK to come home."

Corrander listens and nods. "A good idea. Would that I could help. I am...intrigued to see your chantry."

Nettle suddenly giggles. "Oh Alec-- our parents don't even know they're grandparents yet! They're all going to kill us!! What will we tell them?? And could you imagine Mom meeting Corrander?? 'Hey mom-- this is Uncle Corrander! He's a Faery, and thousands of years old, and he's your uncle, too!' Either her head would explode, or she'd think it was the best trip she'd ever had...or that I was having, hee-hee-heeeee!"

Corrander grins. "I would like to meet her if she is the descendant of Gwendolyn."
This causes Nettle to break unto fresh gales of laughter, which disturbs Ian's feeding and causes him to give an indignant little wail. Nettle settles Ian back at her breast and tries to stifle her giggles unsuccessfully.

Alec nods, "I think it should be safe. The Guardian can take care of most things, and I would not wish to mess with Sarah if I were that thing, demon nor not eh?" He takes a drag and then looks over at Nettle. "I could try a mind link with Veil...if I had the proper realm she was in..."

Nettle bites her lip-- suddenly sobered. "By now they should have definitely gotten the eye-piece of the telescope, and hopefully the seeds, too...although I couldn't even begin to tell you what realm Atlantis is in!"

Corrander starts rubbing his temples. "By the gods...what are you humans getting into??" he moans.

Nettle leans over and pats Corrander's shoulder. "You don't have to tell me-- I know how you feel!" she grins, and then turns back to Alec. "Since we're not in a rush, let's be really careful, baby. You never know what trying to link with her could do when we don't know where she is! Let's just enjoy today, and then bring it up to Amrys tomorrow? How does that sound?"

Alec shrugs, "Alright love. Sounds like a plan." He takes another drag and stamps it out.
"So Corrander, what have you done with yourself here the last thirty years? You like the sixties eh?"

Corrander grins and gives Alec the once-over. "Looks like YOU did, at least, although I would have to guess you never saw them!" he winks.

Alec nods, "Yeah missed out on that," he says regretfully.

Nettle gives a loud laugh, trying not to disturb Ian too much.

Corrander turns his acid-wit on Nettle next. "And looking at you brings me right back to the 70s, although you would have been too young to remember why you should pay tribute to them."

Nettle sticks out her tongue at Corrander. "Hey-- you didn't have to be there to know why you should pay tribute! The music is recorded for all time! Speaking of that, I wish you could see our music store!" Nettle turns to Alec and shakes her finger at him. "If Jaf took down my ABBA display..." she trails off in warning-tones.

Corrander smiles and looks off dreamily. "ABBA...now there was a group completely inspired by the Fae! Songs like 'Gimmee, Gimmee, Gimmee A Man After Midnight' and 'Voulez-Vous'-- you can't tell me there wasn't a Satyr whispering in their ears!"

Nettle's mouth falls open and her eyes actually get a little teary. "You...liked ABBA??" she asks tentatively with a quivering voice.

"Oh good lord..." Alec says shaking his head.

Corrander nods. "The women had beautiful, powerful voices. I found it interesting that once the disco-era ended, they couldn't exist in the new world of electronic music that the 80s brought...much like the Fae finding it difficult to exist in a modern world that tried to dispell magick and hope..."
Nettle chokes-up with gratitude and love for her uncle, so Corrander turns back to Alec.
"Unfortunately I missed the 60s. I arrived here in your year 1970-- just before the gates to Arcadia re-closed. I am filled with regret that I missed the decade that brought on such love, peace, hope, and a return to earth-worship that it blew open the gates."

"Why me...why must I be tortured with ABBA-fanatics..." Alec moans, head in hands.

Corrander looks at Nettle with confusion, and Nettle rolls her eyes-- bringing Ian up to her shoulder to burp him.
"Don't mind Alec-- he can't have good taste in everything! At least now I have an ally...FiNALLY!" she cheers.

Corrander smiles at Alec. "Don't worry, Alec, I AM a fan of the Beatles, as well!" He gives Alec a toothy-grin.

"At least you have good taste after all," he says looking up.

"Alec-honey? Can I interest you in a baby-trade? I have this sweet little boy, and-- today only-- I'll give him to you for one beautiful little girl..." she grins. She loves trying to come up with new ways to keep these parent-rituals from becoming tedious and repetative.

Alec takes Ian from Nettle and settles him in his carrier and then hands Simone to her. "There you are love. Baby swap," he says. He turns to look at Ian, "Hi there little guy, allo Ian. How's daddy's strong man today eh?"

Ian gives Alec his best 3-month-old smile and coos excitedly, waving his hands and kicking his feet for his daddy.

Nettle grins. "Looks like he's doing gr-- OW! Simone!" Nettle winces as Simone clamps down enthusiastically on the long-awaited-for nipple. She drapes the blanket over her front again, and then wipes tears of pain from her eyes.
"She hates feeding last..." she explains to the men. "She just needs to learn to speak-up quicker!" She peeks down at Simone through the blanket. "Ian's on to your little trick, Simone!"

"Daddy's little princess-- she is alright," Alec says. He looks back down at Ian. "Hey there hey there!" he says tickling Ian. "I have a feeling Ian is going to look just like you Nettle. I mean look at him...fair skin, your hair...I bet he'll be thin as a rail eh?"

Nettle starts out smiling proudly...until Alec gets to the 'thin as a rail'-part! Her mouth falls open indignantly. "Hey now! That's not very flattering, baby! Besides...there's one good part of motherhood...I have boobs! Well...sorta..." she trails off, peeking down at her chest.

Corrander holds his head and sighs exaggeratedly at Nettle exclamation before turning to Alec. "Nettle has my father's physique, but my mother is quite...well...more curvacious..." he glances apologetically at Nettle, who just sniffs and looks away with her nose held up. "So it is possible Ian could have some meat to him..."

"All right, all right-- GODDESS! Next topic!! PLEASE!" Nettle explodes.

Corrander covers his mouth so she won't see him laughing, and pretends to be coughing politely. Alec smiles and tickles Ian's chin again.

Nettle watches him-- not amused-- until he stops, and then she sighs, and the group is quiet for a moment.
"Corrander...can you draw? Or paint?" she suddenly asks.

Corrander looks surprised. "Well...I suppose I can draw...a little...why do you ask?"

"I would love it if you would draw pictures of your family-- so I can see what they look like." Nettle says with hopeful eyes.

Corrander ponders this for a moment. "I...will attempt to draw them. I think it could prove...therapudic. Not only that, but I WOULD love to look on their faces again...I'll start them tomorrow."

Nettle smiles. "Thank you so much, Corrander! You know...when the amulet first showed me all my ancestors from Gwendolyn on, I noticed that all of them have been only-children. Do you think that's coincidence, or for a purpose? I'm an only-child...so was Mom...and Grandma...and her mom-- and on and on-- and there have only been a couple of boys through all that time. What do you make of that?"

Corrander raises his eyebrows. "YOU have twins."

"Yes, but that's just it-- they were both born at the same time. I think initially I was only meant to have Ian, but the Goddess decided to give us Simone, as well-- maybe as a reward for being faithful...maybe to...keep us company once Ian..." Nettle trails-off, and quickly looks down at Simone, pretending to check on her.

"Or perhaps as a sign that this is something special...something different eh?" He says looking back up at them. "Just a little reminder, allo pay attention here."

Nettle looks up gratefully at Alec and nods quickly. "That's a good point, honey. Wow...you've really had some great insights today! What have you been smoking this time, and keep buying it!" she winks.

Corrander nods, too. "You know, I think you are on to something here, Alec. If, truly, all of my sister's progeny have only been able to give birth to a single child, and that child has almost always been female, then what Alec says may be truth! Perhaps whenever a male child was born, it was a time when the prophesy had potential to be fulfilled, but the boy was unable to do it...he failed for whatever reasons. Now that two children have been born-- something not done since my mother had a boy and girl-- it is the time of the most potential the world will ever know for the prophesy to finally reach completion. As Alec said, a flag from the gods to pay special attention."
Corrander stands and walks over to here Ian's laying in his carrier, squats down, and places his hand lightly on Ian's head.
"He will have every advantage the others did not, and I will not let him fail." he vows in a low, powerful voice.

The Mages scattering the meadow constantly peek over at the little family-party going on in the corner, smile, and whisper to one another-- wondering what's being talked about.
The Changelings-- being much more incontrollably curious-- have devised an eavesdropping-cantrip, and have been listening in for quite some time!

Meanwhile in the Cultist Cidric's cottage, Cidric is sitting in lotus-position deep in meditation on the rug in his living room. A slight smile turns up the corners of his mouth, and he sighs in relief. Corrander's resolve is finally unshakeable. He will remain at the boy's side. Many truthes have been guessed at, and they are on the right track at last. When Cidric finally comes out of his trance, he stands and pours himself a shot of Scotch, throwing it back and exhaling. It's the first time he's truly felt at peace in many years. At last the future is starting to stack up more solidly instead of being a hazy, wavering road.

"Thanks love. More brains then brawn at times," he says with a wink. "I'm glad to hear it, Corrander. I'd hate for you to miss the gates opening an all." He looks down at Ian and then over to Simone. "I'm surprised those other Fae that saw us in Salt Lake haven't followed us."

Nettle looks up and nods. "Yeah-- where ARE those guys, anyway?"

Corrander shrugs. "I left them in Salt Lake when I journeyed back to Wales. I tracked the two of you all the way to Salt Lake before your trail disappeared. Luckily I met up with those Commoners, and they told me I should find the Llandona. I imagine they would still be there, seeing as how they have quite a little wait before they'll need to pack their bags for Arcadia." he smiles.

Nettle grins. "Yeah, I heard they were really surprised to see you!"

Corrander smirks. "They were definitely NOT expecting to find Ellowyndriel's SON in the mortal realm! Their reactions were...priceless."

The group laughs and continues talking until Simone is done eating and has been burped, and then it's the adults' turn to have lunch. The afternoon continues on pleasantly, and as the sun begins to dip down in the sky, the coveners start filing out of the meadow and into the village to the secret entrance of the Horizon Realm.
Alec and Nettle return to their cottage to clean and dress the babies up-- as well as themselves-- and Corrander goes to his cottage in the Horizon Realm to do the same thing.
When Nettle and Alec are ready, they lay the twins back in their carriers and tote them over to Amrys' cottage.

"Hello Gideons! Are you ready for the ceremony then?" Amrys smiles as she opens her door.

Nettle nods excitedly. "We're ready!"

Alec smiles, "Ready as ever, Amrys. Is there anything we need to know before we do this? Anything we need to rehearse?"

Amrys thinks, and then shakes her head. "Not really, Alec. But on the way over I'll explain what to expect, aye?"
The little group starts walking slowly down the path. "All right. We will be casting circle-- Nettle says you're familiar with this process, although ours might be slightly different. One the circle is up, we will motion for you and Nettle to come forward with the babies in your arms. The babies will be blessed and annointed, and then we will summon actual elementals. The high priest and I will walk with you to each quarter and greet the elemental there, and you will present your babies to them and ask for their protection. When that is completed, we will return to the alter where the guardians will be named. At this point the entire coven will welcome the children, pledge their dedication and protection to them, and then we will bid the elementals farewell, take down the circle, and celebrate! How does that sound?"

Nettle smiles at Alec, and reaches over to take his hand and squeeze it. "It sounds wonderful, Amrys."

"Alright then, sounds straightforward enough." he says. He looks down at Simone, "Hear that princess? Sounds like a blast eh?" he says smiling at Simone. Simone hears her daddy's voice and looks up curiously and shakes her little fists.

Nettle looks down at laughs. "That's so sweet the relationship you two have, baby!"

Amrys leads them to the cottage closest to the grove, and they file inside. The walls are covered with beautiful tapestries. Amrys walks up to one, raises her hand and concentrates, and it shimmers and disappears, revealing a doorway. There are old cauldrons and tools stacked inside, but enough space to walk into what looks like a closet. Amrys turns and motions them inside, and she steps in and disappears.
Nettle raises her eyebrows at Alec, and then turns and follows the same way Amrys went. She, too, disappears from view, and steps out into a meadow that looks exactly like the meadow back in the mortal realm, except that there is a large, beautiful tree right in the center. It's nighttime here, and the foliage is perfect and green. Coveners are standing around the perimeter of the meadow, talking and laughing, and there's an altar set up before the tree.
Amrys helps steady Nettle as Nettle steps through.
"Wow...it DOES look just like back in the village!" Nettle breathes. Ian makes little cooing-noises, and Nettle smiles down at him. "Hey baby boy! Hey Ian!" she calls.

Alec whistles appreciatively. "Nice...you can't even tell the difference can you?" He says. He smiles at Nettle, "It's even a more subtle difference that you can't quite feel."
He looks at the altar and then down at Simone, "You ready princess?"

Nettle smiles and nods. "I know what you mean. It's a little too perfect. You get the feeling you must be in a different universe-- like in the Horizon Realm back home-- and I think I heard that it's always night here, too."

Amrys smiles. "It is. Well, it sounds like you two are ready, so I'll gather everyone together!"
She walks into the clearing and lifts her arms. "Everyone! We are ready to begin! Please form a circle-- priests and priestesses, stand in your quarters."
She glances around and sees Corrander standing off to the side, surrounded by the Changelings. She smiles and nods, and he bows his head to her.
The high priest walks over to her side, and the Coveners all form a circle that is just about as wide as the clearing. Nettle takes Alec's hand again, and leads him over to stand with the others. Nettle and Alec set the baby-carriers down, and then join hands with the people beside them.
Once the circle of people is complete, Amrys and the high priest face one another, join hands, and then raise their joined hands in the air. Lips moving silently, they concentrate. The rest of the coveners begin murmuring, and suddenly a dome of white light starts shimmering into formation, encompassing the entire meadow.
Nettle concentrates for a moment, and then leans her head close to Alec's.
"They're errecting wards. They've got a spirit-ward and life-ward up so far! Pretty cool!"

"Nice and smooth," he says. "Our chantry should get organized like this. Imagine what we could do..." he muses. He looks about the place and thinks to Nettle, 'This is safe right?'

Nettle smiles and leans over, kissing Alec's cheek. "It's safe, baby, don't worry! That's what the wards are for, right?"

The coveners continue to chant-- having done this so often that they know exactly the order of the wards to put up-- those who have the ability to help, contribute to the magick.
Finally all the wards are up, and Amrys and the high priest lower their arms. Amrys turns to Nettle and Alec, smiling, and motions them to come.
Nettle picks up Ian's baby-carrier and lets out a breath. "Here we go, baby..." she murmurs, and Alec's not quite sure if she means him, or Ian!

"Right love, I'm ready," he says hefting Simone's baby-carrier. "I'll follow you," he says out of the side of his mouth.

Nettle nods to Alec, and then the two cross the meadow and walk up to the alter. Amrys instructs them to place the carriers to the side of the alter-- which they do-- and then she tells them to hold the babies in their arms-- which they also do. She shows them where to stand right in front of the alter, and then raises her arms.
"Friends and family, we are here today to welcome two sweet lives into the world, and to offer them our undying love and protection. Alec and Nettle Gideon, do you-- as their parents-- willingly bring them here to receive these blessings?"

Nettle bows her head. "As their mother, I willingly do." she calls.

Alec follows her lead and bows his head as well. "As their father, I willingly do." He calls after her. He sneaks a peek at Simone and then looks up.

Nettle gets shiney eyes and shifts her eyes over to smile at Alec.

The alter is decorated with daisies and mulberry leaves. Amrys takes a handful of lavender and cedar and sprinkles it over a lighted charcoal in the censor, and then holds up the censor. The sweet smoke rises up into the air, and Amrys passes it around the couple three times before setting it back down. Then the high priest takes up a bowl of seawater, and turns to face Nettle and Ian.
"Dearest Ian...I cleanse you in the name of the God and the Goddess..." he murmurs, dipping his finger in the water and drawing the ancient symbol of the caerns and the four elements on Ian's forehead. Ian blinks his eyes and looks surprised at the chilly water on his forehead, but he doesn't cry.
"Hail and welcome!" the high priest smiles.
"Hail and welcome!" the circle responds.
Then he turns to stand before Alec and Simone.
"Dearest Simone...I cleanse you in the name of the God and the Goddess..." he repeats, and draws the same symbol upon Simone's brow. "Hail and welcome!"
"Hail and welcome!" the circle calls.

Simone looks up at the high priest and kicks her feet and waves her little fists and then puts one of them in her mouth.
Alec chuckles and looks up at the high priest and smiles. 'Ahhh love what do I do now?' he thinks at Nettle.

Nettle laughs back through the mind-link. 'Just stand there-- they're not done yet, baby!' she thinks to him.

The high priest puts the bowl of seawater back on the alter, and Amrys takes up a flask of oil mixed with milkweed and rosemary. She walks over and stands before Nettle and Ian.
"Precious Ian...I consecrate you in the name of the Goddess and the God..." she smiles gently, dips her finger in the oil, and draws a pentacle on Ian's forehead.
Ian tries to look up to see what Amrys is doing, and then blinks again and stretches his arms up when he feels the liquid on his forehead.
"Hail and welcome!" Amrys smiles.
"Hail and welcome!" the coven echoes.
Nettle smiles down at Ian and tickles his chin with her finger. Ian reaches and grabs her finger tightly in his fist, and then does a baby-smile and kicks his legs proudly when he captures the finger. Nettle and Amrys laugh.

Then Amrys walks over to stand before Alec and Simone, and she gives Alec a comforting, encouraging smile.
"Precious Simone...I consecrate you in the name of the Goddess and the God..." she says soothingly, and draws a pentacle on Simone's forehead.
"Hail and welcome!" she smiles.
"Hail and welcome!" the coven calls to Simone.

Simone looks up at Amrys and then back to Alec to make sure he's still there. Alec looks down and touches her and smiles. "It's alright little princess, it's alright," he says in a soothing voice."
Reassured, Simone looks up at Amrys.

Amrys laughs again. "So smart and aware..." she murmurs in admiration, and then returns to the altar and puts the flask back.

The high priest raises his arms and addresses everyone. "Thus cleansed and annointed, we bring the babes before the elementals to receive their protection and blessing."
The high priest takes Nettle's arm in guidance, and Amrys takes Alec's. The small group moves over to the eastern quarter of the circle where a priest stands wearing a yellow robe. He bows his head to Amrys and the high priest, and then to Alec and Nettle. Nettle bows her head back. Then the priest turns to face the east. A large, flat bronze censor sits on the ground, the charcoal glowing. The priest sprinkles more of the baby-blessing incense onto the charcoal and raises his arms.
"I, Bevan, call upon the spirits of Air! Please send one of your elementals to this circle tonight to witness the blessing of these infants, and impart upon them your protection!" he calls, and Nettle can feel her skin prickle as he reaches out with Spirit and Forces. She holds Ian tightly to her, but he's being very good and doesn't fuss at all.
Suddenly the incense-smoke shimmers and begins to swirl and form an undefinable shape. The shape moves away from the censor and holds its form. Nettle's hair blows around her face gently, and she instinctively bows her head to the air elemental.

Alec watches the elemental and bows his head. "Hail element of air," he whispers.

The high priest moves to stand between Alec and Nettle. "Elemental of air, we welcome you to our circle this night and thank you for coming. We present to you these infants and besearch the protection of the beings of air to guard and guide their steps in this life."
The high priest nods to Nettle, and Nettle steps forward. "I, Nettle, present to you my son Ian Aleczander Gideon."
The elemental moves closer, and Nettle can see that it has adopted a more human-form, although it's still only made of swirling smoke. It reaches out its "hand" and rests it just above Ian's forehead-- Ian's wispy blonde hair rufflng in the breeze-- and then it bows to Nettle and pulls its hand back down. Nettle steps back and nods to Alec.
'Just say what I said, baby...' she quickly thinks to him.

"I, Alec, present my daughter Simone Rochelle Gideon." he says and watches as the elemental places it's "hand" on her forehead.

Nettle smiles gratefully and silently as she watches this.
And then Amrys and the high priest guide Alec and Nettle to the southern quarter of the circle where a priest wearing red robes stands. The same ritual-words are repeated. On the ground is a large bronze bowl filled with some kind of flammable liquid. The priest lights it, and calls for an elemental of fire. Within moments the fire flares up, and a being completely composed of flames steps out. It flits from spot to spot-- in front of, behind, to the sides of the brazier, watching the people curiously. After the high priest asks for the elemental's blessing, Nettle steps forward and presents Ian to it-- anxiously wondering what this being will do now. The being leans over Ian and suddenly bows down and barely brushes his little chest with where its lips would be...if it had lips! The movement is so quick that Nettle only feels a flash of heat as it moves in and back. Ian is absolutely stunned by this-- he can't take his eyes off the elemental!
Nettle moves back, bowing her head to the elemental and murmuring her thanks. She glances at Alec with wide eyes.

Alec looks at Nettle and then back to the elemental. He steps forward and presents Simone to it. The elemental bends once more and "kisses" Simone. Alec bows his head and takes a step back. He looks at Nettle and shrugs.
'I wish I had spirit so I at least knew what the elementals were doing...' he thinks at her. "They saying anything that you understand?"

Nettle barely nods her head. 'Yes. The air elemental offered its protection, and blessed the children with strong minds. The fire elemental offered its protection, and blessed the children with strong hearts...although I think it meant strong wills...' Nettle moans in Alec's head.

Amrys and the high priest lead Alec and Nettle over to the western quarter of the circle where a priestess in blue robes stands smiling. A large, bronze bowl filled with water rests on the ground. The priestess squats down before the bowl and begins swirling the water clockwise with her hand. She murmurs the invocation to the water-elementals, and when she takes her hand away, the water continues to swirl. It swirls faster and faster until it starts moving up into the air in a cyclone-shape. Arms and a head form from the body of water.
Amrys beseeches the water-elemental for its blessing and protection, and the elemental beckons Nettle forward. Nettle walks up to the elemental and presents Ian to it. The elemental reaches out its "arms," and moves its "hands" above Ian's body in a flowing-motion from his head to his feet, but not touching him. The motion soothes Ian until his little eyes close. Then the elemental holds its hands above Ian's face, and a tiny drop of water falls on each of his eyelids. This completed, the elemental's arms pull back and re-meld into the body.
Nettle bows her head and steps back beside Alec.
'The elemental blessed Ian with spirit-sight, I think! It's hard to put it into words. Sort of a spiritual awareness of everything around him. Does that make sense?' Nettle thinks quickly to Alec.

'Yeah,' he thinks, stepping up to present Simone to the elemental. The elemental touches her in the same way and Alec bows his head and steps back. Simone laughs at the elemental and then looks up to Alec to see if he's seeing the same thing she is.

Nettle smiles and lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding in. She just needs to calm down! Playing with elementals never phased her before the children were born! Now she's feeling so protective and jittery!
Finally the Gideons are lead over to the northern quarter of the circle where a priestess in green robes stands. She has a huge pot in front of her filled with earth and leaves. She kneels before the pot and digs her fingers into the soil, murmuring and calling to the elementals of earth. Nettle can see the elemental when it comes up from the ground and animates the soil and leaves, but Alec can only see the soil form into a humanoid shape draped with leaves.
Amrys bow her head and asks for its protection and blessing, and Nettle steps forward and introduces Ian to the elemental. The elemental moves very slowly, and Nettle can feel the air grow cooler when the elemental gets close.
The being slowly caresses Ian's little feet and legs, and then hands and arms with its leafy appendages, and Ian makes a giggling-noise that causes everyone within ear-shot to laugh. Ian wiggles his arms and legs, reaches out, and grabs hold of a leaf as the being slowly withdraws. Nettle's mouth falls open-- she's worried he may have offended the being-- but the being reassures Nettle that it is pleased. Ian tries to put the leaf into his mouth, and Nettle quickly pries it from his grip, and the being moves back. Nettle bows her head and steps back beside Alec, exhaling.

Alec steps up and bows his head. The being begins to do the same movements as he did with little Ian. Simone laughs as the leaves tickle her feet and she shakes her arms excitedly. She looks up at the being and then back to Alec.
Alec looks over to Nettle, 'Now what do we do?' he thinks at her.

Nettle grins at him. 'Almost done, honey. Just follow Amrys and the high priest.'

As if on cue, Amrys and the high priest lead Nettle and Alec back to the alter and refresh the incense. Amrys reaches her arms up in a circle-shape and raises her face to the sky. "Great Lady...maiden, mother, crone...we bring before you Ian Aleczander Gideon and Simone Rochelle Gideon, and ask you to be with them always...nurturing and comforting them as they grow!"
Nettle feels the presence of the Goddess so strongly all around her that she lets out a little gasp and raises her face to the sky.
"My Goddess..." she murmurs, "...thank you for my babies..." Tears stream down Nettle's cheeks in gratitude.
The high priest takes his place by Amrys' side and stretches his arms out, face to the sky. "Great Lord...son, consort, and father...we bring before you Ian Aleczander Gideon and Simone Rochelle Gideon, and ask you to be with them always...protecting and teaching them as they grow!"
Nettle is again overwhelmed when the presence of the God radiants strongly everywhere in the circle. She looks down at Ian, and is surprised to fing him looking back up at her with very calm eyes that seem much older than she is. She studies him in wonder-- too stunned to communicate coherently though the mind-link with Alec.

Alec, his head bowed, looks down at Simone and smiles. She keeps looking up past him until her eyes finally moves back to look at Alec. Alec smiles and wriggles his fingers at her and coos at her. 'I'm not going to look up, what's going on...see anything??'

'It's Ian...I think whatever being is...hibernating inside of him is watching me right now...' she almost-whispers through the mind-link. 'Amrys and the high-priest have brought down the energy of the Goddess and God through themselves...' she explains.

Amrys reaches out her hand and places it on Alec's shoulder. Her demeanor is competely changed. She seems to be radiating ageless wisdom and love.
"Alec. As father and guardian of your daughter Simone, who do you name to be her guardian? This must be a woman who will swear to protect and guide your daughter through all the years of her life, and who will care for her-- body, mind, and soul-- in the event something should happen to you and Nettle."

"I choose Veil, of the Verbana," he says. He closes his eyes and smiles and looks down at Simone and takes a peek at Ian. Seeing the strange eyes, he blinks and looks again. 'Who is in there,' he thinks at Nettle.

Nettle shakes her head slightly. 'No idea, baby...no idea...' she thinks back, still unable to take her eyes from Ian's.

Amrys nods her head. "Veil has consented to take this responsibility freely, though she is not here in body. Amrys raises her arms. "Veil of the Verbena is pronounced guardian of Simone! So mote it be!"
"So mote it be!" the coven responds.

Amrys steps back and folds her hands at her waist, smiling.
The high priest stands before Nettle and places his hand on her shoulder. She quickly looks up-- having almost forgotten what was going on!
The high priest smiles at her with warmth that instantly reminds her of her own father-- his demeanor also altered. She feels horrible that her parents are missing all of this!
"Nettle. As mother and guardian of your son Ian, who do you name to be his guardian? This must be a man who will swear to protect and guide your son through all the years of his life, and who will care for him-- body, mind, and soul-- in the event something should happen to you and Alec."

Nettle clears her throat, hoping she gets this title right. "I name Count Corrander Moonstone ap Dougal of the Cantrev Snowdonia." Ian wiggles in her arms, and she holds him up to her shoulder. The high priest turns to where Corrander is standing and beckons him to come.
Corrander paces to where Nettle and the high priest are standing-- hands clasped behind his back-- and he bows his head slightly to the high priest.
"You, Corrander, accept this responsibility of your own free will?" the high priest asks him.

Corrander bows his head again. "I do accept."

"And do you swear to protect and guide Ian through all the years of his life, and promise to care for him-- body, mind, and soul-- in the event that something should happen to Alec and Nettle?"

Again Corrander bows his head. "I do swear and promise, yes."

The high priest addresses the coveners and raises his arms. "Count Corrander Moonstone ap Dougal of the Cantrev Snowdonia is pronounced guardian of Ian! So mote it be!"
"So mote it be!" the coven practically cheers.

Corrander smiles and looks down at Ian, and suddenly Corrander's eyes narrow and he looks surprised. He glances up at Nettle, and Nettle shakes her head at him, looking equally confused. Corrander seems entranced with Ian and looks hard into his eyes, trying to figure out what Fae is looking back at him. He's interrupted when Amrys and the high priest tell them that they can all return to the perimeter of the circle. Distractedly Nettle picks up Ian's baby-carrier and waits for Alec to get Simone's.

Alec picks up Simone's and takes Nettle's hand. Together they walk back to the perimeter of the circle and Alec looks at Nettle a little dazedly.
'I may not have spirit but I felt the power there...I think something happened here that was just a little bit more than just ritual...' he thinks at her.

Nettle nods-- also looking very distracted-- and lays Ian in his carrier at her feet. She waits for Alec to do with same with Simone, and then takes his and Corrander's hands as they link up with the coveners.
'I agree...you know, Corrander said that a Fae can see spirits as simply and naturally as we see one another...maybe all the forces at work here, no pun intended, woke up Ian's Fae-soul for a bit...' She looks down at Ian to see that he's fallen asleep in his carrier. 'Whoever he is, I'm excited to meet him. I hope he'll think we're good parents!' she thinks to Alec.

Amrys, the high priest, and the priests and priestesses at each quarter thank and bid farewell to each of the elementals who came to the circle, and Nettle watches as the spirits depart. When the wards are finally all taken down and the circle declared open, the coveners and Fae all give whoops and cheers, and the musicians run to their instruments and started playing. The mages and Changelings all line up to congratulate Alec, Nettle, and Corrander, and swear their own oaths to protect and aid Ian and Simone in any way they can. Tables of food and drink start being set up in the meadow, and Amrys sprinkles more incense on the censers as she passes them.

Alec smiles, shaking their hands and making chit-chat. Simone begins to cry fussily and Alec lays her carrier down and picks her back up. Simone stops crying and begins to dart her eyes all over the faces of everyone seeming very curious.
"Couldn't see princess? Is that better?" he coos at her. She kicks her legs excitedly at all the attention.

Nettle smiles at Alec and Simone. Ian's sleeping peacefully, but everyone standing in the line wants to see him so she bundles him back into her arms and continues greeting and thanking people as they file past.
Corrander-- who's suddenly feeling very cheerful and charismatic like he hasn't in years-- takes Ian from Nettle so she can relax, and greets the people with a charming smile and gracious words as they come up to pledge their protection to Ian and Simone.

Finally the people taper off and start heading to the tables to get food and drink. Nettle slumps against Alec.
"God, Corrander! Is this what it's like to be nobility in the Fae-world??" she groans.

Corrander laughs. "This? This was nothing! Now imagine the entire cantrev and the neighboring cantrevs coming to swear fealty to you! At least now you see how overrated being a count is. Well...I wouldn't say overrated, come to think of it. It's quite nice, really. Just exhausting, and not all parties and laying about eating grapes the way some Commoners would have you believe!"

"Yeah, it must be murder," Alec says sardonically. "I mean there are worse things you could do." he says rocking Simone in his arms. He turns to look at Nettle. "She's been fussing...she might be hungry, love." He says holding her out to Nettle.

Nettle lets out another melodramatic groan, but takes Simone from Alec. She sniffs, and then makes a face.
"Oh nice trick there, Alec! Can't you smell her? She needs to be changed!" Nettle bends down and picks up the diaper bag, and then regards the two men. "Why don't you bring Ian along, as well...I'm sure he's stinky, too, and Corrander's just not saying anything!" she teases.

Corrander bends his head down and sniffs Ian. "I am sure I don't know what you are talking about, Nettle..." he chokes.

Nettle laughs hard, and then motions for the men to follow her to a corner of the meadow.

Alec takes Simone and follows Nettle, "Almost got away with that didn't we..." he says quietly to Corrander.

Corrander covers his mouth with the back of his hand and leans in to Alec. "I think I can get out of diaper-duty since I'm still technically a guest, but you are the father...sorry, lad." he whispers regretfully to Alec.

"Bugger," he says and then chuckles.

Nettle notices the men whispering and raises her eyebrow, taking Ian from Corrander when they get to a secluded place. She spreads out a little blanket and lays Ian on it, and then kneels in front of him and starts un-snapping his outfit.
"You're right-- you're off diaper-duty tonight, but don't expect THAT to last...guardian!" she smirks up at Corrander.

Corrander winces, and quickly seats himself on the grass a few feet away.

"And you!" Nettle grins at Alec, pulls a diaper out of the bag, and throws it to him. "Get started!"

"Aye...she's a Moonglow...already taking to giving orders..." Corrander mumbles out of the corner of his mouth.

Alec takes the diaper regretfully and begins to change Simone. Simone enjoying the attention kicks her legs uncooperatively and shakes her little hands at her daddy.
"Now now, princess hold still," he says as he takes her soiled diaper off and cleans her up. She laughs as he finishes and puts the clean one on.

Nettle looks over and laughs. "See? Now she's happy! She just needed that nasty thing off!"

They finish changing and cleaning the babies, and then walk over to get some food. The evening passes very relaxingly with good food, drink, and conversation. Once Nettle has fed the babies, she leaves them with the men and goes off to find Amrys. She comes back a little while later with a smile.
"Good news! I just talked to Amrys, and she said that she and some of the priests and priestesses would be happy to help us try to contact Veil tomorrow! Oh Alec-- I've been dying to know how they've been doing!! I pray to the Goddess Veil's all right!!"

"I've been wondering too," he says. "I'm sure she's alright love, we would have heard if anything was wrong eh?" 'At least I hope so,' he thinks to himself.

Nettle nods distractedly, deep in thought.

"So Corrander, how do you travel? I mean it's not like you can take a bus or plane eh?"

Corrander smiles wistfully. "No...I cannot. However, we Fae do have something much better at our disposal! Teleportation! Any place I have been before, or have something tangible from, or can scry to, I can teleport to instantaneously! I believe Nettle showed earlier that mages have a similar ability. Trying to find you two was difficult in that I had never been to this continent before, and the amulet's path could only be followed in the mortal-realm, so I had to pop into the mortal realm, get my bearings and locate the trail, pop back into the Dreaming, and then travel as fast as I could muster before popping into the mortal realm again to make sure I was still on the right track." He shakes his head. "It was tedious."

The three discuss and compare the differences between Mage and Changeling-abilities for some time before being joined by a group of mages bearing alcohol-- including Ashlon and Cidric-- and after that everyone starts loosening up and laughing.
In the next couple of hours, the same festivites as the night before start to take place-- couples and groups forming to go off into the trees, or laying down right where they are in the meadow to make love and caress each other.
Nettle looks at Alec. "You will probably never hear me say this ever again, but...tonight I'd like to just sleep in the cottage with our babies nearby and take it easy. What about you, baby?" she murmurs, running her fingers languidily through Alec's hair and leaning her elbow on his shoulder as she gazes at him with a slightly-drunken smile.

"That's alright love, I was thinking the same thing. Let's go back to our cabin and get some rest. I think we'll have a long day ahead of us eh?" He says putting his arm around her.

Nettle kisses Alec, and then turns to Corrander. "What about you? You going off with that...chick?" she asks distastefully.

Corrander raises his eyebrow at her. "What seems to be the problem, Nettle?" He gives her a crooked smile.

Nettle gives him a look back. "I don't know...I guess I thought...that...you didn't sleep around with...well...I don't know...it just suprised me, is all." she trails off.

"Sleep around with Commoners, you mean?" Corrander raises his arms and looks all around him. "I don't see any other nobles here, aside from yourselves? Do you?"

Nettle rolls her eyes. "I just thought you'd be more choosey."

Corrander crosses his legs and leans forward with a grin, enjoying making Nettle squirm. "You mean like your fellow mages and yourself? I heard from Cabbie and his companions that you slept with every guy you went out with until you men Alec. Frustrated them to no end as they thought you would never settle down!" He turns to Alec. "You, too, mate!" he winks.

Alec smiles broadly and nods. "You got it mate. Nice and smooth."

Nettle's face turns red. "All righty then, I believe it's time to go!" She gets up quickly and hefts the diaper bag over her shoulder. "Sleep with whoever you want, just don't get them pregnant and get yourself stuck here, right?" She raises her eyebrow.

Corrander stands, as well, brushing off his breaches. "Nettle, I have been doing this for longer than Christianity has plagued the earth, and I have not one illegitimate child to show for it. Do not worry about me. Besides, I will probably be retiring early, myself. Have a good evening--" He leans over and hugs Nettle, and then steps over and hugs Alec. He bends down and kisses each of the babies on the forehead. "Sleep well, and I will see you tomorrow."

Alec smiles and gives him the peace frog, "Peace, man."
Nettle hugs Corrander-- a little embarrassed from their bantering-- and wishes him a good evening.

"You asked for that one," Alec says chuckling a little bit.

"I know, I know...I was already feeling like a big hypocrit as it was while I was criticizing him!" she moans.

Alec puts his arm around her and walks with her back to the cabin. "I'm surprised the little ones took that ritual so well eh? Not one cry or scared look."

Nettle nods enthusiastically. "I know!! It was so...magickal! I wish we could tell what babies see and think! I mean, I guess technically we COULD...using telepathy, or something...I just wouldn't feel right invading their minds that way..." She looks down at Ian in his carrier. She's tied a dangling toy around the handle so it swings just barely within reach of him as she carries him. He keeps looking intently at it, trying to grab it as it swings.
Suddenly Nettle stops walking.

"Alec...I just realized what was weird about Ian's eyes back in the ceremony! They were green! Did you notice that?? See?? They're back to blue now!"

"You're right," he says looking down at Ian. He looks back up at Nettle and shakes his head. "This is going to take alot of getting used to," he says. "I wonder what he'll be. I mean what kind of Fae he is..."

"I talked to Corrander about that. He'll be a Sidhe like the family. Corrander explained to me how you can tell in an interesting way. He said that when a Fae is born into a human body, it flavors that body, if you will. The body takes on features similar to the Fae's. Even if Corrander didn't know who's child Ian was, he said he would be able to identify Ian was a Sidhe Changeling in a second. I suppose a Troll's human body would be very tall and muscular...a Pooka's would be very small and animal-like...a Satyr's-- well, you get the idea!"

"Ahh alright then. Well he does have his father's...." Alec says with a smirk.

Nettle gasps and smacks Alec's arm with a laugh. "You can't possibly tell that yet, can you??" She actually blushes!

"So I wonder how whatever is in him managed to get out for a moment. Think that spirits did that? Or did he?" Alec asks.

Nettle shakes her head. "I don't know, baby...maybe...maybe Ian will awaken before puberty, like Sarah did..." Nettle shudders. "I hope not! I want him to stay with us for as long as possible!!"

Alec opens the door to the cottage. "I'm sure he will love," he says holding the door open for her. He closes the door behind her and the two walk upstairs. Alec picks up Simone from her carrier and lays her in her crib.
"There you are..." Alec sits on the bed and lays back. "Ahhh that's better..."

Nettle puts Ian to bed, as well-- unsure how much time will pass before the babies will want to be fed...changed...held. All she knows is SHE wants to be held right now! She sits on the bed and rolls over to lay in Alec's arms without even getting undressed. She starts murmuring to Alec about what an eventful day it's been, and within seconds she's sleeping deeply.

Alec kisses Nettle's forehead and gently gets up. He takes her shoes off and grabs a blanket and lays it over her. He settles down next to her, kisses her one more time, and drifts off to sleep.

The next morning Nettle can barely contain herself, thinking about how they will be attempting the mind-link with Veil soon! The Gideons have breakfast with Amrys in her cottage again, and then they wait until all the Mages who will be helping with the mind-link arrive. Once everyone's there, they return to the Horizon Realm where Corrander is waiting. He takes the twins from Nettle and Alec and moves off to where they won't be in the way.
Amrys carries a chair to the center of the grove near the tree and sets it down. She motions for Nettle to sit, which she does. The rest of the mages involved, including Alec, come over and link hands-- forming a circle around Nettle. Nettle's clutching the Queen of Swords card from her tarot deck in her hands-- clearing and focusing her mind.
Amrys has gathered a mage who is proficient in each sphere to assist them.
"All right, Alec...connect with Nettle, and then extend your link to the rest of us and we will set up the wards directly." Amrys murmurs.

"Alrighty, hold on then," he says fishing out a joint. He lights it, takes a few tokes, and stamps it out. He closes his eyes. The world of purple and mauve-red and orange flash before his eyes as he connects to Nettle.

Nettle gives a little smile with her eyes closed. 'Hey baby...' she thinks to him, trying to keep calm.

Alec then extends the conection slowly between each of the mages. Like blue thread it weaves in and out between them, connecting them.

Nettle can sense the minds of every mage there. She can't believe this is finally happening! She sits patiently as each mage errects their specialty-ward across the link.
When their minds are fully shielded from any unwanted presences, Amrys nods.
"All right, Nettle...go find Veil..." she prompts gently.

Veil and Nettle had established their own special mind-link years before so Veil would be able to look after her student-- keep her from getting into too much trouble-- and so all Nettle had to do was concentrate on re-establishing that link.
Raising the tarot-card-representative of Veil to her forehead, Nettle begins to murmur.
"Veil...Veil, it's Nettle..." Using her knowledge of the relationship between spaces and distances, Nettle stretches her mind across the Atlantic to America, and from there she races across the continent to Salt Lake City and searches all the familiar places for her mentor.
"Veil..." her lips move as her mind reaches.

Nettle feels vibrant blues, purples and sparks of red whorl around her as her mind links with Veil. A transcendental feeling of calmness and purpose suffuse her body as their minds share emotions between themselves.

"Nettle!" Veil purrs, her mind quickening with pleasure at the contact with her former student. "It's about time! I was beginning to worry..how are you? And the babies! You've really been hiding out, even I couldn't track you.."
Nettle can sense the smile behind the words as her mentor speaks.

"VEIL!!!!" Nettle's mind practically screams, and all the mages in the circle around her wince. "Oh Veil you're all right! You're safe!! I've been so scared to try to contact you! Oh I...I...oh oh!!" Nettle stammers as her eyes tear-up, and then tries to get a hold of herself.
"After we parted in the Umbra, Alec and I travelled to Balador. We've been there the whole time! I gave birth there-- oh Veil! The twins are so SO wonderful!! We love them so much! Ian Aleczander and Simone Rochelle! And we made you Simone's guardian! I hope that was OK! I know we only talked about it briefly when I first got pregnant! Anyhow, a couple of days ago Balador dropped us off here in Wales where my family's from! We're staying with a coven, and they're warding this mind-link from any intrusion. Oh Veil!! How is everyone?? What's happened??"
Nettle says all of this so fast that Alec, Amrys, and the mages helping her feel their minds whirling with confusion.

"Much has happened... too much to discuss here," Veil responds. "The trees are planted, and the Guardians now reside near the saplings, protecting them. I am here with Cuinnsear, though I am no longer D'Thraene." Veil pauses, and the whorl of colors increase.

"What of you, and the babies? Are you coming back, or staying in Wales?" Veil asks.

Nettle's about to burst into another barrage of fresh questions, but she doesn't want to tire out everyone involved with the mind-link. "No longer D'Thraene?? Does that mean-- nevermind, I'll ask you back at home..." Nettle says with a hint of worry in her voice. "Oh but I'm so thrilled that you guys found the seeds! I'm looking forward to hearing the whole story! It sounds like it's safe to come home...right?" Nettle asks hopefully. "If it is, we'll come home right away! The mages here are incredible with portals!"

"It's as safe as it ever was.." Veil responds enigmatically. "But I'm not in Salt Lake right now, I'm here with Cuinnsear, in our old grove in Ireland. It's not far, if you'd like to join me... " she sends Nettle a mental picture of where she is in relation to her student, mapping out the fastest way to get there. "He knows you are coming, your porting magicks will work now."

Nettle nods and concentrates on the mental picture Veil sends her, and feels it spreading out to the other mages in the circle around her. "Ooh I would like that, Veil!! Consider that we're on our way, but I need to ask Alec and Corrander just to make sure-- oh! Veil! Corrander will be living with us until Ian's Fae-self awakens! Oh jesus, I haven't even told you about him! He's Gwendolyn's brother-- Gwendolyn is my Fae-ancestor who came here and married a mortal, and that's the line I'm descended from! Oh this will be a long story...let Cuinnsear know there will be a 5th person-- a Fae! Oh Veil! I'm so excited to introduce Corrander and the babies to you and Cuinnsear!!"

Alec who's been listening for a bit smiles and nods, "Count me in Veil. I'm sure I can convince Corrander to come too." he thinks at her.

Nettle nods slightly when she hears this. "Yes-- he hasn't travelled very extensively in the mortal realm...I'm sure he'd love to see Ireland! So would I! Don't worry, he'll come! Besides, he HAS to! He's Ian's guardian!" Nettle grins through the mind-link. "Well, now that we've got that settled, we've got some quick packing-up and saying good-bye to do so we can get ported over as soon as possible! We'll see you very soon, Veil!!" Nettle thinks excitedly, practically bouncing in her chair.

"Certainly," Veil responds. "Cuinnsear and I will be waiting for you."

Nettle smiles and then opens her eyes as her mind-link with Veil shimmers off. The rest of the mages stretch and exhale with relief.
"Thanks, you guys! Thank you so much!" Nettle puts away her card, stands, and hugs everyone with gratitude.

Alec watches Nettle hug everyone while he lights another clove. He walks over towards Corrander. Simone makes a little noise and wriggles her legs. Alec smiles down at her and tickles her chin.

"Well, Nettle, it sounds like you're off, then." Amrys gives a little smile with regret in her eyes.

Nettle nods. "We owe so many people so much for how well everyones' taken care of the four of us...five of us, I should say..." she nods her head towards Corrander. "I want to come back to visit as much as possible...stay connected with this place."

Amrys nods in relief and hugs Nettle. "I'm so glad to hear that. You are all welcome here anytime, Nettle."

Nettle blinks tears back and quickly turns and walks over to Corrander and Alec, composing herself on the way over. Alec smiles at her as she walks towards them.

Corrander has gotten up from the grass and is brushing off the back of his breeches.
"The babies were very well-behaved-- I am impressed! Perhaps it will not be so hard being a guardian..." he smirks.

Nettle raises her eyebrows and grins. "Oh...just you wait..." she warns in a sing-song voice. "So Corrander...it seems everything's safe back home and we're ready to get going. Is that all right with you?"

Corrander face shows surprise, and then relief. "Wonderful! Glad to hear it, Nettle! So we are leaving right away, then?"

Nettle nods. "For Ireland!"

Corrander's brow furrows. "Ireland? Why Ireland?"

"Veil's there! With a dragon! Can you believe it?? Don't worry, you'll be fine! And we're still going to end up in Salt Lake. This is a vacation-kinda-thing!" Nettle bounces excitedly.

Corrander exhales and runs his hand through his hair, trying to absorb everything. "My life just gets more and more exciting by the day, doesn't it!?" he half-says to himself. He looks up. "All right, let's go to Ireland. I have not been there since just before Gwendolyn left. Mother wanted me to travel more..." Corrander breaks off from talking and gets that familiar melancholy set to his eyes again.

Ian squalks and stretches his arms towards Nettle and then waves them. Simone-- not to be outdone-- starts kicking her legs and making her best, loudest call. Nettle starts giggling. She loves her babies! How could anyone stay sad around them?

Alec picks up Simone and zerbers her cheek. "What are you shouting about?" he coos.

Nettle laughs and picks up Ian. "What a good little baby boy!" she murmurs into his hair as she hugs him. Then she settles him in the crook of her arm and picks up his baby-carrier in her free hand. "OK, guys...let's get packed!"

Nettle and Alec return to their cottage and pack all their belongings into the enchanted suitcases that seem to hold more than possible and weigh less than possible. They take a last look-around at the place, and then head over to Amrys' cottage.
Quite an entourage has arrived to see them off-- Mages and Changelings, alike. The Changelings rush up and surround them, calling out to them.
"When will you be back, your highnesses??"
"Can we go, too?"
"You'll let us know before Count Ian opens the gates, won't you?"
"You won't leave us behind, will you?"
"Don't forget to get us when you come back!"
Nettle blinks and tries not to get dizzy. "Look guys, Ian's job is to take you back! Why wouldn't we...he...round you up when the time comes? Just calm down!" Nettle calls out with a long-suffering smile.
"Right, don't worry all. My son will be sure to return here when it's time." Alec says with a smile.

Amrys, Ashlon, and Cidric push their way through the crowd and motion for the Gideons to follow them.
"All right, let us head into the Grove!" Amrys smiles.
Nettle and Alec gratefully follow them with their babies, and soon they find themselves passing through the doorway in the fence of trees and walking into the glade. Corrander is standing there with a bag slung over his shoulder speaking with the Mages who will be creating the portal to the location Veil showed Nettle.
Ashlon hugs Nettle and Alec tightly, then bends down to kiss and murmur blessings to the twins.
"I'm sorry we didn't have more time to get to know one another better, but Amrys says you plan to return from time to time-- I'm so glad to hear that!" Ashlon smiles, wiping her eyes.

"We'll be back, we promise," Alec says.

Cidric shakes their hands.
"I am so grateful to all of you for helping Corrander. I cannot explain, but he is one of a handful of key people who must be there when your son's mission commences. Please...I know it's a big responsibility-- TRUST me-- but keep his spirits up. Keep him determined and motivated to live for the future."

Nettle nods. "Well will. Besides, he promised to stick around, right?" Nettle gives Cidric a smile that communicates how big of a responsibility she knows this is.

"I'll keep his spirits up. Besides, he won't have time for anything else being the guardian of these two." Alec says with a smile.

Cidric cracks a relieved smile. "You're right, brother. Good luck, and we will see you soon."

Nettle hands the unused key to the cottage they stayed in back to Amrys, and she gives her a last quick hug and exchanges words of parting. Nettle waits for Alec, and then they walk up to Corrander and nod to him.

Alec waves at Amrys, "Take care, love, and be safe." he says giving her the peace frog. He turns and follows Nettle.

The mages in charge of creating the portal stand in a circle and concentrate on the location Veil transmitted earlier. Within seconds a large rectangle-- about the size of double-doors-- appears in the center of their circle. The Mages step back and part so the Gideons and Corrander can pass.
Nettle has Ian resting in his baby-sling in front of her. She picks up a nearly-floating suitcase in one hand and Ian's baby-carrier in the other, and looks over at Alec.
"Ready, baby?"

"Ready as I'll ever be, love," he says picking up Simone and hefting his suitcase. "Ladies first, an all that." he says motioning towards the portal.

Nettle nods a tad nervously, and then steps through.

Corrander helps carry some of the baby-supplies.
"Allow me, Alec." he smiles, and steps through the portal.

Alec smiles and nods as Corrander steps through. "My turn I suppose," he says as he steps through.

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