Chapter 11

The next morning I woke to the sound of Duncan singing or at least a loud humming from down stairs. This put me back in a good mood. I could hear shuffling and the sound of the basket being filled. I wondered if I would really have to leave, last night's stress was nothing but a distant memory, everything seemed normal again.

Rushing down the steps I asked "Why are you in such a good mood?"

He smiled back saying "It's time for our picnic."

"It is, is it?" smiling as I replied.

"Yes, ready?"

"Sure"

As the conversation was coming to an end, I could see that even with his carefree smile and uppity attitude, his shoulders seemed tense, and he was making minimal eye contact. Yes, I would have to tell him I needed to go. He, maybe, realizing that I was not who he thought I was. So, following the production that was already going on, and we headed to the picnic site.

Ginger was lending us a hand with the supplies as we made the long journey to the picnic site. It was a small field surrounded by trees. It was about the size of a football field with tall grass and wildflowers everywhere. Spreading out the blanket, Duncan seemed carefree but his shoulders were still tense. The blanket was soft and fluffy due to the tall grass underneath. Getting comfortable was fairly easy.

As he opened the basket, I could smell fresh biscuits and fried chicken. It seemed odd for breakfast but it was almost eleven by the time we sat down. He started telling me stories about the tribe that lived here years ago. It was interesting to hear about the natives, especially since they helped save my children but it was a sun filled day and it was difficult to stay to stay focus.

After brunch was over I laid down on the blanket basking in the sun. Duncan kept telling jokes and keeping the atmosphere light. I started falling into the sound of his voice letting the time drift away and ignored the signs of his tension. I could feel the sun penetrating my skin warming me clear down to the bone. With my eyes closed I laughed and commented to his stories not really paying attention to the words, just the sound of his voice.
A brief moment of silence came without warning. I started to open my eyes to see what had happened, and then I felt a shadow cross over me. As I opened my eyes I could feel his hand reach under the middle of my back. Our eyes met, my heart pounded, he slowly leaned in and in the most romantic second we kissed. Time stood still. My heart was overflowing, before I knew it my hand ran across the back of his neck.

Without warning my hand twitched. He released the kiss. Our eyes still glued on each other I could not move. With another twitch came a deep inhale. As my lungs filled so did the reality of what I had done. It went too far. Panic spread over my face. I placed my hand square on Duncan's chest to push him away. Not paying attention to the amount of force I used. He soared backwards through the air landing midway in the field.

I was up and running before he touched the ground. By the time he landed I had pounced on Ginger. I rode off with barely a look back. I could hear him holler my name telling me to wait. But I couldn't stop I needed to get out as soon as I could. Ginger and I were at a full run all the way back.

What have I done? I asked myself, this went so wrong how I could have let this happen. If Darius was here he would be very angry with me right now.

I just kept going as fast as Ginger could go. The faster I got out of there the better. Arriving at the cabin, I jumped off Ginger and sent her away. Running into the cabin I went to my room and threw everything in a bag. I headed out of the cabin at full speed as I started running toward the river I could feel his presence again. Thinking he got here much sooner than I expected I glanced back.

It brought me to a halt to see it was not Duncan but Methos. He was standing by an older gentleman with a cane. Methos brought a friend, I was confused. Still looking at him I thought, of course, when it rains it pours. Knowing this was not the time, I turned and continued running. He called my name but I kept going, unwilling to face him after what I had just done.

He called again "Jena stop, Stop Now! Darius wants you with me. You promised Darius."

With that comment I fell to my knees. Darius and chief are the ones that kept me sane through this whole thing. By breaking the promise I made, would dishonor everything Darius had done for me, and that would be unthinkable. I heard Methos approach, his steps were slow steady, which made my pulse race faster and faster but I didn't want him to see me this week. So, I stood to my feet and turned to face him. He had that look on his face of sheer amazement, the look I knew all too well, and the one I had been avoiding for the longest time now.

I broke the stare by saying "You have impeccable timing." in the most obnoxious voice I could muster.

His face turned to a stern glare, and he stated "Blood to blood everything will be known."

Surprised and shocked by his words I stepped back "How do you know?"

"Its time." he demanded not giving me a chance to argue, he pulled out his knife and cut his hand. Now he was holding the blade out facing me. My mouth dropped I was frozen. But I didn't have much of a choice this was bound to happen. I reached out, running my palm across the blade. As he took my hand in his I told him "Don't let go until you know everything, and I am sorry for what you are about to see." And with that it had begun.

I could feel and see everything pass by me, as if it was a motion picture moving at high speed. It became more and more intense. I was no longer able to stand, my knees hit the ground, leaning my head against the side of his leg and just before I fell back. I felt Duncan enter the area.

"No." I whispered.

I laid there looking up only able to see bits and pieces but I saw Methos on one knee leaning over me. As I bellowed out, he arched back then fell forward still holding on and propping himself up with his other hand just above me. Drifting in and out, I don't know how long it lasted. When it was over I could hear Methos gasping for air. Then, I felt his arms pass under me and lift me from the ground. Weak and motionless, I was placed on the couch. I barely made out some things that Methos and Duncan was talking about, but I think Methos thanked Duncan for calling him. Chief was also mentioned. But I would drift off before hearing any more.

It was dusk by the time I awoke. I could see Methos sitting across from me in the chair and Duncan sitting at the end of the couch. I heard the older man coughing at the table just behind me. The coffee table was setup with the ritual Items.

Surprised that the items were out for everyone to see, I sat up quickly. I looked at the table then looked away. I avoided making eye contact with anyone because I feared the look of disappointment. I was confused by the fact everyone was still there. Methos saw everything; he should know that this was private.

The coughing continued in the background, I smelled the cancer that drifted through his lungs.

"Feeling better?" I heard Methos ask in his assertive voice.

"What is going on?" I asked wondering why everyone was present with the items out.

"They would like to know that very thing." he replied.

"But this is between you and me." I insisted.

"Well, you altered the rules a little, so, I did too." he commented quickly.

Realizing that this might save them from getting killed, I didn't push the issue.

I figured that if he wants his friend to know, at least I could help his friend. Rising to my feet I asked "Would anyone like a drink?"

Duncan looked a little puzzled but Darius look more curious. And they both declined. Walking to the kitchen I looked up at the older man.

"Hi, I'm Joe" he said flashing a little smile. I could tell he was on edge and eager to hear about what was going on. He was trying to cover yet another cough.

"Sorry, I believe I am coming down with a cold." Joe stated. I saw the fear in his eyes that gave away his lie.
But I turned my head back to the ground and kept walking. In the kitchen I pulled out two cups and filled them with water. Reaching to the window frame, I discretely pricked my finger on the exposed nail. Then let one drop of blood fall into the second cup, and mixed it. Then, I headed back to the room handing the second glass to Joe. Just as he grabbed the glass, I saw a familiar symbol tattooed on his arm.

Dropping the first cup I shouted "You brought a watcher into my house!" Turning and running for the door I grabbed the handle, and then pain engulfed my hand. Looking down I saw Methos had replaced the wooden door knob with a metal one. Stepping back holding my hand, which was now dripping blood on the floor; I looked up at Methos in an attempt to ask why. Methos and Duncan had both jumped to their feet but did not move from their spot.

Methos showing little empathy stated "I changed the doorknob and added screens to the windows."

"He is a watcher" I yelled again.

"He is my friend," Methos replied

Duncan didn't say a word but walk over and grabbed a cloth from the kitchen and held it to my hand, Whispered "What is going on?"

"Don't worry, I am one of the good guys" Joe insisted. Looking up at him I saw his caring eye, reassuring me he could be trusted.

Duncan escorted me back to me seat, and we all sat down once again. Glancing back to keep an eye on Joe, I could feel my hand once again begin to twitch. Duncan and Methos saw the twitching but said nothing, waiting for me to begin my story.

Taking a deep breath I announced, "I am an immortal mother." feeling the air in the room go still as everyone became silent. I continued "My Story is one unknown and hidden from even other immortals and the rest of the world. My story is one of a long line of mothers. A specific woman is chosen and we live our natural life, having children and starting a family, but at some point in time a devastating event will occur and the overwhelming grief will trigger the crystal inside of her. Each time the chosen mother and triggers the crystal, she slowly gets younger. I was forty five when I lost my family in a car accident. It took about a month until I reached my 20's. Along with decreasing in age I began to have dream of the mothers that came before me and lusted for a child. Most mothers will never know who they are but thanks to Darius I found out before it was too late."

Pausing I looked around to get their reactions. Methos is still emotionless with his eyes fixed on me; Duncan had dropped his head into his hands overwhelmed with emotion.

Then from behind me I hear "You're telling me you can give birth to an immortal?" Joe said with disbelief. "How can you tell you're the one?" He added.

"For a long time I didn't know. It wasn't until I met Darius and connected with him that he was able to tell me. And after he did some research form to book I gave Methos, years ago, that he was able to find the test to ensure I was the one." I replied looking down again.

"What are the signs?" Duncan asked in the most torched voice.

"As you can see I am unable to touch any metal, since I am not to carry a sword; you cannot take my head but you can take my energy, only a mortal can take my head to become immortal themselves; I heal slower then immortals but still faster than a mortal; and when my energy is low I cannot be sensed by other immortals."

"Explain to them what these things are." Methos said pointing to the table and not allowing for silence.

"These are my choices, each year I can choose to take a head with his sword, take the bassinet and have a child, or commit to waiting with the scarf."

"Waiting?" Joe asked.

"If I wait till the end I can grant the last immortal a child." I stated in a factual manner trying not to get emotional.

"And if you take a head?" Duncan asked still not looking at me.

"Then I become one of you."

"Has that ever happened before?" Joe asked curiously.

"Just once." I stated

"Who was it?"

"I can't see her too well, but she would have had knowledge of the crystal since they were linked at one time. She would have tried to protect them."

"Rebecca" Duncan commented.

"You are linked with the crystals?" Joe questioned.

"Yes"

"Then you can find them" he added.

"I have already retrieved them from under the bridge."

"If they can heal, can you?" he said with some excitement.

I glanced back at his now empty glass, "You tell me I put a drop of blood in your glass. You should be feeling the cancer leaving by now."

Methos and Duncan were now at attention looking at Joe.

"Cancer?" Duncan asked demanding answers.

"Well, years in a smoky bar is bound to have some side effects" Joe stated.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Methos said in shock.

"I didn't want you to worry, plus there was so much going on at the time." he insisted

"How do you feel?" I asked interrupting the conversation.

He took a long deep breath; hesitating for a second he said "I feel great! I feel ten years younger." he said standing to his feet.

Looking at me he realized there was more to do and sat back down.

"Well, there is something I have been wondering about, do you know why the quickening stopped?" Joe asked as only a watcher could.

"How long ago did it stop?" I inquired.

"About six months after Darius died." he replied.

Looking up at Methos I said "I'm might have an idea."

"Can you tell us?" He asked

"At certain times of the year I go through strong urges, and after Darius died I found a short cut around them." I explained turning a little red in the face.

"How?"

"Dyeing" I stated.

Turning toward me still looking down Duncan asked "Did Darius ever take your head?"

"Yes, due to the actions of some watchers there was a lot of energy in the air. Darius felt it was important that I was undetected.

"So he took my head on a regular basis."

"Do you have his energy?" Duncan continued.

"Yes. When they took his head the energy was released and I slowly absorbed it" I answered getting frustrated with the delay and question digging up old memories. "Can we just get on with it?" I blurted in desperation.

"Wait how much energy do you have?" Joe asked curiously.

I picked up a softball sized river rock that was sitting on the end table, squeezing it hard I turned it to dust.

"OK, that's not something you see every day." Joe added.

Methos answered me by saying "We just started your story, so, let's finish that first.

So I continued my story every detail, without interruptions. By the end Duncan and Joe had streams of tears running down their face. It seemed that Methos and I were the only ones still holding it together.

"Now?" I asked feeling overwhelmed by the emotions in the room.

"Don't you own Duncan an explanation on how you treated him?" Methos suggested.

I explained that Richey had asked me to help him and I wanted to repay him for his help. Then, I went on to say "You treated me like I was normal, it's been a long time since I felt normal. I knew I could not fall in love so I focused on myself; I used you to feel normal. I didn't consider how it might affect you, and... And...I'm very sorry for how I have mistreated you. I was being selfish. I am truly sorry." I hung my head with shame waiting for a reply.

"It's OK." he said gasping for air, "I'm glad to have helped." continuing trying to force a smile, with his face still wet and red.

"I just like the way you looked at me, without the gaze of sympathy." I added. Then I looked back at Methos.

Methos tossed the gown to me. Looking at the gown I asked "Do I really have to wear this?"

"Yes" he replied

Standing slowly, I crept toward the bathroom but before I could reach it Methos would once again interrupt.

"Are you really going to leave this room without showing any kind of remorse?" he yelled.

"What would you have me do?" I asked in submission.

"Show feeling" he replied still yelling he went on to point out all of the thing I have went through and Asked why I have not shown any remorse or feelings.

"I have had to be strong, for me, how else do you expect me to make it through. If the evil couldn't force me into tears then what can?" I yelled back. "You sent me away and I did the best I could." I continued.

By this time he was standing directly in front of me. Looking down I stood there. Methos took a step toward me; I took a slow step back. He once again stepped forward wrapping his arms around me. I didn't want to break down so I half heartedly tried pushing him away but he held tight. Feeling broken but safe I couldn't hold it back any longer, I buried my head into his chest and begun to cry. The tighter he held me the less control I had over my emotions. At one time, I would peek over his shoulder and look out the window.

In the far distance I saw a flickering torch. I knew Chief was still watching over me. I hope he was proud and that I would see him again.

With my tears, came additional tears from Duncan and Joe. It got to the point they would leave the cabin and go outside to get some air.

After some time had passed, I was able to regain my composure. Duncan and Joe had started a fire, which would give me time to cleanup; I stepped away from Methos and continuing into the bathroom. I was able to take my time getting ready to look fresh and rejuvenated. I put on the gown and pulled up my hair. When I returned to the living room, I saw that Methos had gathered the troop; everyone was back in their original spots, with the addition of chief. Looking at chief, I gave him a smile, and then continued walking. They still looked a bit bewildered but a little better than before. I could tell they noticed the scars on my neck and the one on my arm as I passed by.

Kneeling down by the coffee table, Methos began to announce what the choices were, cutting his hand with his sword and grabbing the handle so that I may hold it if I chose. Then, Methos became silent to wait for my decision.

I reached over and touched the silk on the bassinet stating, "I had not given much thought to having a child early until I was tempted. Then I realized how much I wanted one." Then I reached for the scarf, touching it said "Darius always said I was meant to wait and I have done that for many years." Finally, I grabbed a hold of the sword, standing to my feet I said, "I never realized how lonely I would be and how much I miss having friends or a life of my own. Are you willing to give me your head so that I may become a true immortal?" I asked holding the sword to his neck.

Methos extended his neck to me saying "If that is what you have chosen, I would. Do you want to do this inside or out?"

Duncan and Joe's mouth dropped, Duncan began to say something when Methos stopped him by raising his hand. Chief just sat there without any reaction. I just held the sword high, and began to swing. Methos sat there not even flinching with his eyes closed. Stopping just short of his neck I placed the sword down on the table.

Kneeling back down I picked up the scarf holding it out stating, "I choose to wait."

Methos let out a sy of relief then taking the scarf he questioned, "Is this your final decision?"

"Yes" I replied holding out my arms.

"You have chosen to wait, accepting me as your guardian. Do you vow to follow my guidance, and mine alone?" He questioned.

"Yes" I replied once again, looking away from Duncan and Joe.

He began to wrap my wrist, allowing one foot of room in between my hands he lifted the scarf up from the bottom then down in between and around once more tying it on top while stating, "I bind you to the promise you have made, remaining virtuous until the end, following only my guidance."

As he finished he stood, assisting me to my feet. We slowly walked outside. I didn't look up or back because that part was over and I was now committed to Methos. We walked in silence to the tree stump on the far side of the fire. There I knelt down, assuming the position I said "you may want to strike twice, there is a lot of energy stored." With that he raises his sword and a swift swing, and then it was done.