Notes:

The usual stuff: The concept and characters of Highlander are the property of Lionsgate Entertainment according to podcasts that I listen to. I am just writing this for enjoyment only and not for any profit. Thanks to my beta reader and co-conspirer – JavaFirst

I am finishing this story and promise this before the end of 2022. The next chapter is nearly done. Getting lost on projects seems to be one of my faults, and I realize that is both unfair and disrespectful to my readers. Thank you for your readership and please follow if you want all the updates.

A Thousand Years

Song by Christina Perri

The day we met, Frozen I held my breath
Right from the start, I knew that I'd found a home for my heart
Beats fast, Colors and promises, How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall
But watching you stand alone?

All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow, One step closer

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Time stands still. Beauty in all she is, I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath, Every hour has come to this, One step closer

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

I'll love you for a thousand more


Club Sanctuary on April 23, 2012

Methos cleared his throat, and Amanda got him a fresh beer. Then he began to tell the rest of the tale he had been spinning all night.

"Rebecca came with the guards to retrieve Lydia from the cell. The immortal woman looked tired but still shoved one of the guards to get out of her way, so she could help wake the sleeping girl." Methos told the group who had gathered to toast Rebecca. They all seemed much more alert and awake after their coffee and snacks.

Duncan spoke up not caring he was interrupting the story, "So Ceirdwyn, where were you, and why didn't you come with Rebecca?"

Methos answered the question before Ceirdwyn had a chance to, "She had otherwise been occupied, trying to save us, and the duke sent her home and posted a guard at her door. Her diversions failed to save anyone and left her in a precarious position." Methos smiled at the warrior woman expecting her to back up his remarks.

"Thank you, Methos, yes. I had done all I could to convince the duke about the error of his ways. He ignored me and just ordered me home and said he would deal with me after his wedding." Ceirdwyn smiled back at the oldest Immortal knowing he was doing all he could to sugarcoat the situation and not make her out as one of the villains.

"But this doesn't exactly align with what you said earlier. Methos, you did promise not to lie!" MacLeod loudly proclaimed,

"Yes Mac, I promised not to lie. That is not what I am doing now. What happened between the Duke and Mistress Ceirdwyn was between them. I wasn't there and only have second-hand information. But what is important is she did promise to help Lydia and do what she could to save the rest of us. She tried her best and failed. That wasn't her fault even if I felt her actions were too little and too late. She wanted to kill him, but the duke made sure she wasn't allowed access to any weapons and brute strength wasn't on her side. MacLeod, you have no idea what living in the Dark Ages in Europe was like for a woman. Especially for unmarried women, or without rank. They were often just someone's property and were treated slightly better than most slaves. Until then Ceirdwyn had been lucky that the powers that be, had looked the other way and allowed her to have her own business. Just like the rest of us, her luck had run out, and we all were facing the same fate."

"But Methos you have been upset with her most of the night, I thought..."Duncan continued to say.

Mac was interrupted by Ceirdwyn this time. "Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod, I thought you were the most chivalrous man in history. I think you just misinterpreted what Methos was saying. At the time there was an ongoing old argument between Methos and I. Do you think that he was casting me to be the villain of this story? Not at all! I just still fantasized Methos was really in love with me." She smiled at the oldest Immortal before continuing with her thoughts. "We were only very old friends, yes, we had been lovers before, on and off for centuries. I knew he had similar relationships with several other Immortals, including Rebecca and Darius." Ceirdwyn added in for shock value, knowing Duncan would probably be the only one that was offended by the declaration. "I was wrong to think our relationship was true love even when I knew he only had ever married mortal women. Yes, he would have an Immortal as a lover occasionally, but never for long. Soon he would get restless and move on to another adventure or pursuit, be that with either books or mortals. "

"Ceirdwyn can you please refrain from continuing to discuss my sex life. I think you have told everyone more than they needed to know. Yes, I have only married mortals. Yes, I have cared deeply for a few other immortals. But because of the game, most long-term relationships with other Immortals tend to be very problematic. MacLeod, I know things between us have gotten rather sticky and challenging at times. That very situation can happen with any other Immortal once you are enmeshed in each other's lives, even if there is absolutely no romance involved." Methos explained to the group.

"Yes, Methos you are correct, please forgive me," Ceirdwyn said looking the old Immortal right into his green eyes and smiling a sexy smirk.

"No worries Ceirdwyn. It has been an emotional evening for us all. We all miss Rebecca or else we would not have gathered tonight to have a toast in her honor. Alexa also died 17 years ago tonight. Sometimes I hate April. It should be a happy time because the world is wakening up from a long winter's sleep. But often I only think of the friends I have lost during this month. Marcus Constantine, Nefertiri, and Tak-Ne, better known among you young immortals as Ramirez all died around the same time of year. Oh, MacLeod you never knew Nefertiri was another old student of mine that you killed?"

"No." MacLeod's cheek and neck flushed with a blush of pink, revealing to all that, the news had come to him as a surprise. But quickly he countered with a defense, "I didn't know much about her except she was thrust into a world she was completely unable to cope with. I tried to teach her about the 20th century but she still operated like she always had and wasn't interested in changing. I'm sorry I didn't know she was another of your students. Did you know she killed Marcus's mortal wife?" Mac explained defending himself.

"Yes MacLeod, I knew. I didn't know what had happened until she was already dead and Marcus, and I got together a few months later. I understand you did what you think was right. I am not here to judge anyone tonight, just tell a story of old friends and lovers from a very long time ago."

"Yes, I know Methos." Ceirdwyn broke in, "What I meant to say was I refused to believe the fact you had told me before that you could never truly be in love with one of us. That you could never make a commitment like marriage to any other Immortal. That it wasn't in your nature to ever do so. I forgot that maybe because I was still young."

"Ceirdwyn, I wouldn't call that young. "Mac complained. "I'm only a little over 4 centuries myself."

"Oh, I disagree." Amanda proclaimed. "I've grown up a lot since I was 700 years old and Ceirdwyn is closer to 2,000."

Methos chimed in to support the ladies, "Oh the Passions of youth MacLeod. Did you know I was over 1000 years old when I joined the horsemen? But then again life way back when, was more difficult than today."

"And life was more difficult even back over 200 years ago. Just living with indoor plumbing, sewers, and electricity makes everyday life so much easier." Amanda rang in support of Methos.

"True," Methos replied turning to her and giving her a quick embrace of support. "One reason I no longer take in any students is today's young Immortals have no idea what it is like to struggle just to survive." Then the old Immortal looked at Richie, "Except for you young Ryan, life never came with any free handout for an orphan living on the streets. But you're the exception to the rule and few new Immortals understand what you do. "Richie fashioned a smirk onto his lips and tipped his head and his beer with appreciation in Methos' direction.

Then Ceirdwyn added another comment, "I grew up a lot because of what happened here. I am sure you had a few indiscretions during your early years yourself Duncan."

Methos gave them all a knowing smile, "We all have Ceirdwyn. I am sorry I took my frustration and anger out on you today. It's just today is…"

Ceirdwyn interrupted the storyteller again. "I know exactly what this date means to you..."

Amanda broke into the conversation interrupting the other woman and redirecting the discussion, "This date means something to all of us. I doubt a week goes by I don't still miss Rebecca. Now everyone please if we are to get out of here before dawn can we have no more interruptions."

Joe smiled and seconded Amanda's statement. "I'm not Immortal and would like to get some sleep soon. Even if I do wake up with a hangover, I want to hear the end of this story."

With everyone agreeing Methos settled back into telling his tale of long ago.

Flashback to 801 the Duke du Cléroy's, castle.

Methos and Rebecca tried to softly awaken the sleeping duchess. Lydia smiled as she opened her eyes thinking that yesterday had just been a dream. But as she started to sit up, she gasped. No, it wasn't a dream and this all was happening. Darius joined then, he had been informed that Lydia was being moved to prepare for the wedding.

"You barbarians get away from the duchess!" Darius yelled at the guards as he approached, "Lydia my dear are you all right?" The priest asked his charge as he ran to be at her side.

"She is well Darius and still untouched. Her maidenhood is intact. I don't want to think what kind of monster you think I still am. Darius, I love her and would never violate her." Methos snapped at the priest.

"I was speaking to the guards, not you Methos. You had already given me your word last night, but untouched isn't the way I would phrase it, my friend. I am sure she spent the night in your strong arms." Darius said as stood close to Lydia examining her.

"Darius, I'm not as fragile as you think I am. You forget you taught me how to think. I can do a lot more than embroidery, recite poetry, sing, and play music. I know how to survive and take care of myself. I do not need a handmaiden to take care of all my daily needs." Lydia said as she got up looking proud and not fragile. All 5' 3" of her stood erect holding her head high.

"My lady I am here to escort you and lady Elizabeth to your chamber to prepare for your wedding," Darius informed them.

"Darius, you cannot yoke Lydia in marriage to that monster!" Methos exclaimed.

"Methos, as I told you when we first met up on this journey, I have no choice. The emperor proclaimed that this union must happen. If he were to get word that I failed at my duty, I and all the other brothers and priest from my Cloister in Paris will lose our heads. I cannot be responsible for the deaths of so many innocent men. I wish I had not taken on this duty, and passed this to another from my order. But I couldn't let a stranger escort, milady Lydia, here. "

"You are a coward, this life of a priest has softened you. I liked you better when you were a warlord! Emrys would have never let this happen." Methos spit back at the priest.

"Dammit, Methos! I'm not the old wise holy one, he died back in 410. Emrys sacrificed his life to save his people because he knew it was the only way my troops would be turned away. I never became him! I just got his Quickening! You know as well as me he – is – long - dead! But his Quickening did change me, in so many ways, more ways than I can count. But understand this, I am not him and never will be!" Darius yelled at Methos. Then the priest sighed and took a deep breath realizing his old friend did not deserve his anger. "Dear old friend, I am sorry, but you always knew I was bringing her here, for this moment. I am sorry Methos, I truly am."

"I am saddened you have sunken so low. Darius, you are not even close to a replacement for Emrys. You're just a perversion of the old wise man. I was wrong to thwart Marcus from taking your quickening. Our former master's Quickening should have been held by one of his own people."

"Do as you want with me after I have completed my tasks, I would be happy to die after this deed is done." The Priest sadly said.

"Ha Ha!" Methos laughed without humor. "But alas I will be dead and the consequences of your actions will be your cross to bear. Putting that in Christian terms, of course. You tell me now you follow this Jew that would be called king. Remember too all our deaths will be on your head, Darius. So, explain to me how they will be able to proclaim you as a man of peace. When you could have prevented this tragedy?"

"Methos, you were always a man with elegant speech and could speak loops around me arguing your point. I have never been a great philosopher or a man of enormous intellect. Like those men who trained you to speak so compellingly. I understand my place in the world and am only a humble servant. I hate what is going to happen, but I will not break my vow, and commit violence. I am sorry Methos, I truly am. It is the price I have to pay for allowing you to murder in my name. I had no right to call upon you knowing full well I was breaking my vow of peace, through your actions when you saved Lydia from those bandits. This is all my fault and every death after the moment you rode up and met me is on my soul and is my fault. I have damned myself through all my current actions, and I am so sorry that by following me here I have damned you too."

"Darius your regret is worthless to me. Let me die but save Lydia, please. Save Rebecca, Ceirdwyn, and Marcus too. They have done nothing but be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I was the one who offended the Duke, I was the one who tried to claim his bride. Be that man of peace and save the rest of us. You're the only one who can do it."

"No Sir Methos he isn't! I can defeat the enemy, I can save you, my love." Lydia cried.

Darius smiled at his charge, "Don't be foolish girl, your only 16 and small in stature. There is no way you can kill the duke, you are a mere maiden, not a knight. I am sorry, but I have no choice. Your right, I will offer to trade my life for Rebecca, Ceirdwyn, and Marcus's lives."

"Do as you must father Darius but trust me Sir Methos I will prevail, believe in me my love, please." Lydia beseeched him.

"I do milady Lydia, I trust you with my heart and know you are braver than any of us here." Methos said as he kissed her one last time before Darius, Rebecca (who the duke knew as lady Elizabeth), and Lydia was taken away."

Through the bars of his cell, Marcus looked over at his old friend. " You honestly believe that wisp of a girl can save us or are you just lying again?"

Methos bowed his head for a moment, then looked up at Marcus, "Yes. I have no other choice but to believe in her. But if this is my time to die, nothing can change that. You too had better pray, that wisp of a girl can transform into a Valkyrie or start preparing yourself to enter whatever realm is beyond this life. Marcus, I realize that is a tall order and probably just an impossible dream. But I had to tell her I still believed in her whether I really could or not. I truly do love her and if I live I will love her for the next thousand years or more. Today Lydia will be my Valkyrie maiden in my heart. I know that is too much to hope for and, in all probability, we are doomed. I am out of options and have no other choice but to believe she can save us."

"Then we will die my friend, we will surely die today," Marcus said as he went to the back of his cell to wait to be dragged out and beheaded.

Club Sanctuary on April 23, 2012

So let me get this straight. Darius, Constantine, and you were expecting to die? You didn't really think there was hope Lydia could save you all?" Joe had listened intently although his brain was a bit in a fog. This was due to being dog-tired because of staying awake all night.

"Yeah Joe that was basically what we all thought. I still had hope, but it wasn't realistic to think that Lydia would be able to save anyone, especially herself." Methos declared.

"But hey you promised us a happy ending, and this is getting to be a real bummer," Richie added.

"Richard my young friend, you were raised on fairy tales, I alas was not. But what Darius, Marcus, and I forgot was, who had gone to be with Lydia?" Methos asked.

Amanda quickly answered, "Rebecca, she was there to help Lydia. Yes, I remember her because I was her student, but all of you knew her as a friend. As the noblest, bravest, most intelligent, and the kindest lady that any of us ever knew."

"Yes, she was all that and more." MacLeod countered, "So, what happened?"

"Well, that's quite a story, so get comfortable, and we can all rediscover just how wonderful and so very human Rebecca was. And how she and Lydia are the real heroes of this story and why we all gathered here tonight to remember Rebecca." The old Immortal continued to talk as the modern world faded away, and they were all once again in the Kingdom of the Franks - The western part of Charlemagne's Carolingian Empire, known as Francia.

End of Chapter