A/N: The young girl in this story is based on an unnamed character Charlotte Church played in a scene deleted from the film. I know next to nothing about C.C., this simply came to me and seemingly wrote itself. I believe the girl, in my version, has psychic abilities.


~oOo~


Seeking God's council, Nimue walked past the nave of Avalon Abbey and to its sanctuary. She could not sleep for her thoughts; she feared for Merlin's life and the state of those he loved. She feared for the future of England as Queen Mab's constant planning and scheming seemed always a step ahead. Merlin had not visited Avalon for weeks, and she'd heard no word from him. The days were lonely and at times bleak. Now that her father was gone, she realized how completely alone she was in the world. She had no one to turn to aside from God whose grace and love she was eternally thankful.

The Abbey was empty at such a late hour. Dozens of candles burned brightly at an altar, and, in a strange way, the flames shining on the stained glass windows brought Nimue comfort. The Abbey was warm and quiet, scented of beeswax and incense. Nimue came to kneel before the altar, lighting a candle of her own.

A sudden peace came over her as she began to pray. After some time had passed, she heard behind her a beautiful voice begin to sing verse in Latin. Nimue rose, turning toward the sound, and as she did the song abruptly halted. The voice belonged to a young girl standing at the entrance to the Abbey.

"Forgive me if I startled you. I didn't see you there," the girl said. She came forward. She was not embarrassed or ashamed from being overheard, her only concern was Nimue's welfare.

"There's no need to apologize. Your voice is beautiful." Nimue paused, her gaze turned downward in recollection then returned to the young girl. "I've heard it before - the night I came here. I thought then that yours was the voice of an angel, and that in my state I had heard voices from heaven... but now I learn that you are of flesh and blood, like myself. Tell me, how ever did you learn to sing as you do?"

"I have sung like this for as long as I can remember," she said without pride. "The sisters tell me my voice is a gift from God."

"Indeed it is. God has truly blessed you. My goodness. So strong a voice in such a young a girl. He must have quite a future planned for you."

"But God has blessed you as well, my Lady. Not many survive dragon's fire, yet here you stand before me. And though you smile, I can see in your eyes a great sadness where there should only be joy; God's love."

Nimue was uncertain how to feel. She was not aware her state of heart could be so plainly read. She hurriedly made sure her face remained covered by her cowl. Her voice was colder than before. "God is always with me. I know his love. I feel it even now."

"It is the love of another, the Pagan wizard who brought you to these Holy shores. His absence troubles you?"

"Yes..." Nimue replied with some hesitance. "But Merlin does not follow the Old Ways. He wishes to see their end... Too much time has passed since last I heard from him. I have no way of knowing his current state."

The girl stepped forward and took one of Nimue's hands in hers. "But you do. You have your heart. You have God's confidence. You know now that your wizard is alive. Many things take him from you, but he will always return because he loves you."

Nimue smiled, a laugh escaped. Her eyes were beginning to tear. She gripped the girl's hand tightly, feeling as though she had known her much longer than she had. She felt a loving, sisterly connection. Nimue wrapped her arms around the girl, embracing her. "What is your name?" Nimue asked close to her ear, the girl's hair catching on Nimue's cowl.

"Hilaria."

"Well, Hilaria. I am so thankful we have been brought together. It feels so good to have made a friend."

"I am your friend now, Lady Nimue. I always have been, we simply never spoke before. You need never be lonely. Tomorrow we are to harvest Avalon's famed apples, will you join us?"

"I would... But are you sure the others..."

Hilaria searched Nimue's eyes. "The others?"

"That they will not feel the need to comment on my appearance? Laugh at me and point?"

"Lady Nimue, they have no reason to. The sisters and brothers of this island do not judge you for your outwardly appearance. Besides, you hardly give them reason to; your face is always hidden."

Nimue considered Hiliaria's invitation and her reasoning. Her manner was kind, infectious. "Perhaps I will join you, but only for a little while."

"Good. I'm glad. It seems God kept both us from finding sleep tonight so that we might instead find one another."


~oOo~