As the two women rejoin the others, Brianna smiles at Ahuru to let him know things with Cliodhna went well.
Cliodhna strides into the room with a confidence that seems to glow from inside her corpus-- her hands held behind her back again. She looks around the room...seeming to see it with eyes that hadn't opened since before her death. The old Cliodhna is back. She who lead an army...she who stared at the world with eyes hard and purposeful. She who will not accept failure.
Cliodhna turns and walks up to Ahuru, chin held high. "Ahuru...ye did well in sendin' Lady Brianna ta speak with me. She is a prophetess in her own right. Thank ye fer givin' me myself back. I apologize fer draggin' the cohort down. It will not happen again." Cliodhna bows her head to Ahuru,
and when her eyes come back up, Ahuru can see that they are full of respect and admiration for him.
Ahuru puts his arm around Brianna and nods to Cliodhna. "Brianna was the one to send. I do understand your fears Cliodhna. Know that what must be done will be done by all of us. You will not be alone."
Brianna smiles at Ahuru and leans against him. "We are beginning to discover the parts we are to play in this last Act. I have faith that Cliodhna will do as she was destined to."
Cliodhna smiles at Ahuru and Brianna's words-- hoping that Ahuru realizes what miracle Brianna had just wrought in the neighboring room. "I thank ye both. Now if ye will excuse me, I have some things to get done before the attack." Cliodhna bows her head again to the couple-- giving a little smile to Brianna-- turns, and walks towards the group of men looking for Amon or Memnon.
Brianna turns to Ahuru and says quietly, "I was afraid I'd lost her for a few moments at first.. but she understands now. She will do what needs to be done."
Ahuru smiles at Brianna, "The Lady of fate spoke truly, you are and have been my equal for quite some time. I am proud of you, even if I do not say it as much as I should. I do love you Brianna."
Brianna's eyes fill with tears at Ahuru's unexpected words. She stares up at him, speechless as the tears spill down her cheeks, and finally she finds her voice again. "You do not know how long I have waited to hear you say that,"she manages.
"Far too long I believe." He says wiping away one of her tears. "Do not weep, Brianna. Save your tears for another time."
Brianna chuckles, wiping the tears from her eyes. "It is my hope that I shall not need them at another time, love." She entwines her hand with his and smiles up at him. "Are we needed here any further tonight? I would prefer if we could converse in private," she says as another group of Amenti pass them by.
Ahuru looks around, "There is a room off to the side we can speak privately there," he says as he leads Brianna to the room.
+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Cliodhna spots Amon talking to Memnon and smiles. Such strong, powerful men-- she's honored to be assisting Amon at last, never having thought she'd ever be in that position! She walks over to the men and smiles. "How did the recruitin' go, gentlemen?"
Memnon smiles at Cliodhna and nods, "Good I think we have some good warriors here."
"This will be a tough battle but we now have equal numbers I believe. We will stop Osiris and take the fight to Markova." Amon says clenching his fist.
Cliodhna looks surprised. "Equal numbers-- very impressive!" She stands between Amon and Memnon and folds her arms. "An' ye think we'll be all right just havin' our main core escort ye inta the palace then?"
"We should divert the guards using the main body of soldiers, while we sneak Amon in. I think that would be best." Memnon says.
Amon nods in agreement, "Once I am in you should rejoin the main force in helping them. I will take him alone."
Cliodhna raises her eyebrows. "I thought we discussed this. Those of us in the main core will fight in the corridors outside the throneroom to ensure you are not disturbed." Cliodhna says in a quiet voice.
"That's a good idea too, think it could work?" Memnon says looking at Cliodhna.
Amon rubs his chin thinking. "Perhaps.....let us try and hopefully it will."
Cliodhna nods in relief. "Ahuru said we were here ta protect ye, an' that's what I plan on doin'. As for Markova, leave him to me." Cliodhna looks from Amon to Memnon with a look Memnon's never seen before...somewhat cold and emotionless.
Memnon nods looking at her with concern, "Ok ok, you win," he says holding up his hands.
Amon looks at Cliodhna, "You are welcome to him, and when you are done he has a debt to pay...and I will make sure he does."
Cliodhna realizes how severe she must have just looked, and shoots Memnon apologetic-eyes. Then she focuses on Amon. "A debt ta pay, ye say?" Cliodhna asks, feigning ignorance...feeling a creeping-sensation pierce the mental-walls she recently erected. "What debt would that be?"
Amon turns and walks towards the other men geting them in a circle.
Memnon puts his hand on her shoulder, "Hey what was that all about?"
Cliodhna watches Amon for a moment and slowly shakes her head, and then turns her attention to Memnon. As she looks up at him she feels the fluttery-feelings threaten to take her over, but holds them in check. Will she be able to do the same when it really matters? "We have only a short time before the invasion...can we talk in private? I'll explain." Her eyes linger on Memnon for a moment, and then glance up at the door leading out of the basement and back to Memnon.
Memnon nods, "Yeah sure let's go talk in private. You seem on edge, Cliodhna." He says as he follows Cliodhna out of the basement.
+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Ahuru waits until Brianna enters the room and then closes the door. "What did you wish to speak about?"
Brianna leans against the door and arches an eyebrow. "Do I need a reason to wish to be alone with you? We have so little time together just the two of us." Brianna shrugs a shoulder.
"My vision of Amon with a circlet upon his brow.. do you think this will happen tomorrow? Will he take the place of Osiris?" she asks.
Ahuru looks at Brianna and crosses his arms thinking a moment. "I have seen that vision as well. What will happened tomorrow is unknown. The future from this point on is unclear. This point in the prophecies differ so we shall see."
"What happens in the other Prophesy?" Brianna asks curiously. "How do you see both sides?"
"I can see them as two threads both fighting for control," He turns towards the wall. "In his the Guardian dies...both of them."
Brianna's eyes grow wide. "Both of them? What can we do to make sure this does not happen? Is it in our control? Will Amon need help within the throne room?"
Ahuru turns back to Brianna, "I do not know, that is something even I cannot see. I will watch and see."
+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Cliodhna keeps her eyes ahead as she and Memnon walk up the stairs. She speaks a few words to the guards, and they nod and let the two pass. Cliodhna walks through the doorway and looks up. The building seems to have two stories. "To the top," she says quickly, and begins climbing the stairs. Once they've entered the top floor, Cliodhna looks around and discovers that it's one huge open space with tables set up around the perimeter...an abandoned workshop, perhaps? No matter. She gave the guards specific instruction to keep the other Wraiths from the top floor.
Cliodhna walks deeper into the room and then turns to face Memnon. She takes a deep breath. "The prophesies that Ahuru an' the Lady have been foretellin' are about ta start comin' true. I already know my role, an' I'm preparin' fer it, Mem. What I fear ta know is...what will yers be?" Cliodhna looks at Memnon through unreadable eyes.
"I don't know, I'm not Ahuru. I don't know if I believe all this Guardian and Daughter and whatever the hell it is. We make our own fate, Cliodhna. No one controls my destiny." He says taking her shoulders.
Cliodhna feels her resolve about to crumble, and barely holds it together. "So the phrase, 'two will not be returnin' doesn't give ye any fear then?" Cliodhna folds her arms. "Ye don't believe in any o' the prophesies? Ye KNOW the Lady must have a role fer ye ta play-- a role that no one else can do, an' one that if ye don't perform, Her plan will fail? What will ye do when ye're standin' at the threshold lookin' at yer destiny then?"
Memnon shakes his head and points a thumb to his chest, "I'll do what I always do, Cliodhna, do what I have to." He sighs and looks into her eyes.
"Look at you, you're so wound up and afraid of this. I mean we're going to pull through you'll see."
"Wound up...and afraid?" Cliodhna's eyes suddenly burst into life again. "Ye're one ta talk, Mr. No-one-controls-my-destiny! Do ye see fear in my eyes? I've embraced my destiny, willingly! Ye're so cocky that ye're not even worried that one of us might not be makin' it out in one piece!" Cliodhna says, stabbing her finger into Memnon's chest.
"Hey! I know what I can do. I'm just not worried about this, it's all bullshit! They can't control our destinies, we control them! They talk all this nonsense and get you all worked up."
"Ye're damn right they get me all worked up! Because ye know what? If I do me part an' come back ta find ye gone, I will have nothin', Mem! I will have nothin'!" Cliodhna turns and paces away from Memnon and stops, facing away from him. "Ah Gaia, before we met I didn't care about anythin' but fightin' an' leadin' my men...I was in complete control at all times! Now I feel cut ta the quick when I think o' him gettin' hurt, or...or worse..." Cliodhna's fists fall to her sides, clenched so tight that they're white. She falls silent, staring angrily into space.
Memnon walks up behind Cliodhna and wraps his arms around her. He kisses her cheek, "Nothing is going to happen to me, and not a damn thing is going to happen to you because I'll be right there."
Cliodhna places her hands over his and holds them tight. "Ye can't be there fer what I have ta do, ma hanla faol. Markova has the ability ta learn what yer dearest wish is, an' then offer it ta ye in such a way if ye join him...even Lady Brianna came a hair's breadth away from joinin' him! She, with all her incredible faith an' mental discipline!"
Cliodhna turns in Memnon's arms to face him, putting her arms around his waist. Ye are my greatest desire...bein' with ye forever is ma dearest wish. This hardness ye see in my eyes is the armor I've placed around them fer when I speak with my father. If ye were there, he'd see through it in an instant, an' if he tried ta use ye against me...I'd be no good ta the Lady after that point...no good ta anyone." Cliodhna's eyes narrow, "An' I will not allow fer mistakes! I WILL NOT FAIL!!" Cliodhna's shout echoes through the large room as her grip around Memnon's waist tightens.
Memon sighs, "I don't know why you think you're going to be alone. We'll all be there, ma belle chere. I will never ever let anything hurt you, not ever."
Cliodhna exhales and puts her head against Memnon's chest. "An' I will never let anythin' hurt ye, either, love...that I swear ta the gods." Cliodhna rests contently like that for a moment, and then brings her head up. "Mem...I would actually prefer ta confront him alone-- no, no, just listen." she says, putting a finger to Memnon's lips as he opens his mouth to protest. "Ye saw what happened last time-- just when I was gettin' through ta him, Ray started insultin' him. An' I've seen how ye get around him, ma hanla. I don't think he'll hurt me, but the rest o' ye...?" Cliodhna shakes her head. "I don't know where we'll be when my time comes ta argue with him, but I pray all o' ye are far, far away. Do ye understand, Mem?" Cliodhna looks at him intently and waits for his answer.
Memnon takes her by the shoulders, "I know what you are trying to say and...ok. I'll let you talk to him by yourself. But if I see...no no you can talk to him all by yourself." he says dejectedly.
Cliodhna takes his face in her hands. "Ye stubborn, stubborn man!" She smiles and shakes her head, and then lowers her voice. "Ye stubborn...wonderful man," and brings his face down to hers, kissing him deeply.
Memnon wraps his arms around her and crushes her to his chest returning her kiss. He nearly picks her up off the ground. When the kiss is done he smiles at her and takes her by the chin, "You make sure you be careful around him tho'."
Cliodhna smiles at him with eyes brimming full of affection and love, and nods her head. "Of course, lasadh faol, of course. Nothin' will keep me from returnin' safe ta ye." Cliodhna's eyes grow suddenly serious. "Ye make sure ye do the same, aye? When ye discover what the Lady has in store fer ye, remember yer poor Cliodhna waitin' on the sidelines an' don't do anythin' foolish, aye?" She grips his arms tightly in her hands. "Please, Mem. I'm dead-serious. Come back ta me or I'll turn inta a wailin' banshee an' throw myself ta the winds." Memnon can see that Cliodhna's battling against tears behind her eyes.
"I promise, I'll come back to you," Memnon says looking at her with a serious look on his face. "I won't fail you..."
"Ah Mem, ye can never fail me." Cliodhna smiles up at him, stroking his cheek with one finger. "Thank ye-- ye don't know how much I needed ta hear that, in any case." Cliodhna pauses and then continues. "If we should be separated fer any reason, don't forget the dream-link...an' never give up on me, Mem. I'll find ye from across the Labyrinth, if I have ta. I'd walk the very fires o' hell ta be by yer side." Cliodhna's eyes unfocus as she grips Memnon's arms hard and glares at nothing in particular.
"I won't forget. But it won't matter we *will* not get seperated tonight. I'm more worried about protecting you than him," he says crooking a thumb outside the door. "I'll fight by your side no matter what."
Cliodhna feels her knees grow weak at Memnon's words, and she's grateful that she's already clinging to him. "Ah Mem, I love ye so much!" She hugs him tightly to her, and after a moment pulls back and starts walking backwards while holding his hands and pulling him along with her. "I gave the guards specific instructions that we not be disturbed..." she says giving Memnon a mischievous grin and re-moliating herself back to her natural form. "Do ye think we have time before the attack?"
Memnon nods his head as he strides towards her a look of determination in his eyes, "Oh yeah we have time!" he says as he brings her to him.
Cliodhna and Memnon kiss passionately as they loosen their hair from bonds-- Cliodhna continuing to walk the couple back to a table near one of the walls. Once they reach the table, she pushes Memnon down onto his back on the floor beside it. Sitting astride him and shaking her hair out, she can't help but offer a quick prayer to Gaia that this not be their last time.
+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Brianna nods thoughtfully, pondering Ahuru's words. "Do you wish to be alone?" she asks. "You haven't had a moment to yourself since you returned. I'm sorry that I keep monopolizing your time."
"I have had a thousand years by myself, I do not wish you to leave me alone. You comfort me, stay." He says turning to her. "Please."
Brianna moves to Ahuru's side, wrapping her arms around him. "Of course I'll stay," she whispers, hugging him tightly.
Not wishing to bring up more of the troubling prophecies, Brianna stays silent for a few moments before speaking again. "Do you think it's safe to go outside into the city?" she finally asks. "I was wondering...if you could show me where you lived."
"Yes...once we are finished I shall show you my home. It is nearly sunset now soon we will attack. I would be happy to show you." He says.
Brianna smiles. "I would like that very much, thank you."
+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Memnon holds Cliodhna in the crook of his arm looking up at the ceiling and smiles, "What got into you?"
Cliodhna smiles a dreamy smile. "Oh...just someone I haven't been fer about 24 years..." Then she gets up on one elbow and smirks down at Memnon. "I'm assumin' ye meant aside from yerself?" she starts laughing. Then the glint of the setting sun through one of the windows catches her eye and she feels her stomach clench. "Ah Mem, it's nearin' sunset already. We'd best get back downstairs." Cliodhna sits up, crosses her legs, and begins the process of re-braiding her hair.
Memnon sits up and ties his hair back, "Leave out the bun....trust me."
He says, "You're sexy with that long hair of yours," Laughing he slaps her buttock.
Cliodhna laughs and blushes, but starts winding her braid into a bun, anyhow. "Thank ye, ma hanla, but I rather no one else thought o' me that way," she says smiling up at him. When she's done, she stands and puts her trenchcoat back on and takes a deep breath. "Ready?" she asks, holding out her hand.
Memnon flips back his hair and takes her hand, strapping his sword back on. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's get this show on the road..."
Wraith Game 13: "The Gray Between the Light and the Dark"
