A/N: Hey everyone! Sorry it took so long to update! Things have been
crazy at school! The bad news is, it's only going to get worse-finals are
coming up. The good news is that I have a break from classes from mid-
December to mid-January, so if I don't get a chance to update often in the
next three weeks, I will have a month where I will be devoted to this
story. I'm still VERY excited about where it's going. Thanks for all of
the reviews!!! I hope you're all still reading. LMR-don't worry about
Summerlee-he hasn't been far from my thoughts since I started writing this,
and I think you'll be happy with the part that he'll play. And now, for
the feature presentation..
The group set out again after breakfast. "How do we even know where we're going?" Finn asked.
"My mother said to walk in the direction of the Inland Sea," Veronica replied.
"Yes, but we passed that yesterday," Finn reminded her.
"I have a feeling that was just to give us a general direction, Finn."
"But Vee, we don't even know what we're looking for. She just told you to pack supplies for three days and three nights."
Marguerite was aware of Veronica's frustration before she even saw it on her face. Ever since Veronica regained her memories of what happened to her parents, Finn had been skeptical of all of it-especially Veronica's mother being in Avalon. Marguerite had to admit, she was a little skeptical at first too. But at least she never let it show to Veronica. She had been supportive of her. Finn had always been very vocal about her suspicions. Marguerite supposed it was Finn's way of voicing concern for Veronica-but she also knew that it wasn't going to seem that way to Veronica. Veronica was clearly hurt and frustrated by the younger woman's doubts. And Marguerite was convinced now more than ever that the doubts were unfounded, and it seemed that the others felt the same way. They all knew too well never to doubt any possibilities on the Plateau.
Marguerite knew she had to do something to keep the peace between the two younger women. "Finn, I think I see some berry bushes in the distance. Let's go pick some to have for lunch later."
Finn was not easily deterred. She honestly believed she had Veronica's best interest in mind, and she didn't want to see Veronica get hurt if everything about Avalon and her mother turned out to be a dream. "Can't you get Roxton to go with you?" she asked.
"As you can see, Roxton is talking to Malone. They still have a lot to catch up on, and it would be quite rude to interrupt them." "Besides," she continued, grabbing Finn's arm in a gentle but firm manner, "you and I haven't had a chance to chat for awhile."
Finn soon found herself being pulled ahead of the group towards the berry bushes. Veronica couldn't help but smile. "So this is what it's like to have an older sister take care of you," she thought to herself. She was grateful to Marguerite yet again. Though, to be fair, she knew she shouldn't be mad at Finn for being skeptical. Veronica remembered a time when she was constantly suspicious - that began to change when she met this group of explorers. They taught her that there were things that she could let herself believe in-and other people in the world that she could count on.
-------
"What was that all about back there?" Finn asked.
"I could ask you the same thing," Marguerite replied. "Are you trying to upset Veronica?"
"No, I'm trying to make her be realistic. Someone has to. All of you seem to be just as caught up in this as she is. But the truth is, we have no idea if we're even going to find her mother, or if her mother really is still alive. If this Avalon place really exists, why haven't any of you found it in the three years that you've been here?"
"I'm surprised at you, Finn. You were raised on this Plateau, just like Veronica. I would think that you of all people would understand that anything is possible here. Not to mention, I thought by now you would have a little more faith in all of us. Think about it, Finn. I know you feel that Veronica is too emotionally involved to be rational, but what about the rest of us? Challenger is a scientist-he doesn't believe in anything he can't explain. Roxton prefers adventures that have tangible rewards-he hates wild goose chases. I'm a self-proclaimed cynic. And I know you haven't known Malone very long, but he's a reporter-he's naturally skeptical of anything. Yet, all of us are willing to accept that things are not always what they seem on this Plateau. After everything that's happened, we truly believe that Avalon exists, and that Veronica is finally going to be reunited with her mother. We wouldn't have agreed to this journey if we didn't think that was a good possibility. We love her too, Finn. We don't want to see her get hurt either."
Finn paused for a moment to let Marguerite's comments sink in. "I guess I wasn't really thinking of it that way," she replied. "It's just that in the aftermath of the storm, I was the one who had to think straight because all of you were so caught up in what had happened, and I felt like it was happening again. It seemed that I was the only one thinking rationally. But I guess I was just the only one who didn't trust Vee. She's really lucky to have all of you."
Marguerite felt that annoying soft spot creep up on her again. "Finn, she's lucky to have you too. It's not that you didn't trust her. You were following your instincts. But it's time you learned something that was very hard for all of us to learn-you need to have a little faith in the rest of us. We all look out for each other. And you know, Veronica's not the only one we care about. We care about you too."
Finn's eyes misted a bit. "Thanks Marguerite! That means a lot to me." Before Marguerite knew what was happening, Finn pulled her into a hug. But the shocked look on the heiress's face soon turned to a soft smile.
"Come on," Marguerite said. "Let's pick some berries."
-------
The rest of the day was fairly uneventful...well, uneventful for the Plateau. The group had to fend off a few raptors, duck away from a triceratops, and outsmart a clan of cannibals. But, they kept walking, and before they knew it, the day was over. As dusk approached, they prepared to make camp for the second night of their journey. After dinner, while the rest of the group prepared for sleep, Malone and Veronica took their positions for night watch.
"Looks like it's going to be another beautiful night," Ned commented.
"Yeah. The stars are beautiful."
They were both silent for a minute-both wondering where to start. Finally, Veronica spoke. "I wanted to thank you for last night, Ned," she said. "I think you know that it's not easy for me to open up to anyone, but it really helped to talk last night."
"I was glad to be able to listen," Ned replied. "I'm just sorry that you got hurt."
Veronica shrugged. "Getting hurt is a part of life. We make mistakes and then we learn from them."
"Yeah. I learned a lot about that while I was away. I came to a lot of realizations about my life..things that I'd done, things I wished I'd done, mistakes that I made."
"Like what?" Veronica asked.
"Well, I'd say the biggest mistake was how I was living my life. It was all wrong, and I never even realized it until my memories of the war resurfaced. Three men died to save me, Veronica. And with the way things were going, their deaths were going to be in vain. First, I was living too cautiously. I wrote about what everyone else was doing, but never took the time to really do anything of significance myself. After I came back from the spirit world, I went to the other extreme. I acted recklessly, in complete disregard for the gift that those men had given to me . my life. I think I finally found my place while I was away. I learned how to be adventurous with my life without being self-destructive. I learned that I'm not a coward after all. Those men knew that-it took my years to figure it out, but they knew it. And I finally realized that I don't have to prove myself to anyone. I have to live my life for me, and find all of the happiness that I can along the way. That's what those men died for. They died to give me that chance, and I'm going to take it."
Ned was so caught up in the moment-the memories of his emotional journey, the power of his words, the intensity in Veronica's eyes as she listened to him. He let go of all of his inhibitions and did what felt right. He pulled Veronica into his arms and kissed her. It was a different kiss from those they had shared before. Veronica noticed it immediately. She had always enjoyed kissing Ned, but there was always a feeling of tentativeness and restraint behind the kisses, even that night in the lake. This was nothing like that. Ned was holding nothing back. He was confident, and as a result, passionate.
Neither wanted the kiss to end, but they both knew there was still more to say. Ned reluctantly pulled away, but didn't put much distance between them. He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "I realized something else on my journey," he whispered. She looked at him in anticipation. "You're the one and only woman in my heart. I know it took far too long to realize that, but I know it now. I was so confused in the past. I came to this Plateau to impress Gladys. I thought she was the woman that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I was wrong. I finally realized that if I had to travel all the way to the Amazon to prove myself to her, then she's not worth it. But, I do owe her a great deal. Because of her obsession with adventurers, I got to come to this Plateau and meet you."
"Are you actually admitting that it isn't so bad to be stuck on this Plateau?" Veronica asked playfully.
Ned smiled. "I guess I am."
"I have a confession to make, too," Veronica answered. "Before Finn and I first got caught in the time warp, we were talking about you. I told her that I would consider going to London with you when you went back home."
"Really?" Ned asked, surprised and excited at the same time.
"Yes," Veronica replied. "Only now, I don't know if I'll have the chance. But, I'm not going to let that ruin my night. A wise old woman recently told me that I should grab onto happiness now, and worry about the future later."
Ned looked over to where Marguerite was peacefully laying in Roxton's arms, and laughed. "You're just lucky that 'wise old woman' is asleep. She'd have your head for that comment."
Veronica laughed as Ned pulled her against him. They both looked up at the sky. "So where does this leave us?" Veronica asked.
"I know where I would like it to leave us. We've danced around the issue for so long, with both of us too scared to take a chance. I want to take that chance. I want to see once and for all if we could be more than friends."
"I'd like that," Veronica answered, as Ned leaned in to kiss her again. As they broke away, Veronica noticed something moving in the sky. "Look," she said. "A shooting star."
"Make a wish," Ned whispered.
"I don't have to," Veronica answered. "Mine just came true." She snuggled closer to him, and he gently planted a kiss on her forehead.
TBC
The group set out again after breakfast. "How do we even know where we're going?" Finn asked.
"My mother said to walk in the direction of the Inland Sea," Veronica replied.
"Yes, but we passed that yesterday," Finn reminded her.
"I have a feeling that was just to give us a general direction, Finn."
"But Vee, we don't even know what we're looking for. She just told you to pack supplies for three days and three nights."
Marguerite was aware of Veronica's frustration before she even saw it on her face. Ever since Veronica regained her memories of what happened to her parents, Finn had been skeptical of all of it-especially Veronica's mother being in Avalon. Marguerite had to admit, she was a little skeptical at first too. But at least she never let it show to Veronica. She had been supportive of her. Finn had always been very vocal about her suspicions. Marguerite supposed it was Finn's way of voicing concern for Veronica-but she also knew that it wasn't going to seem that way to Veronica. Veronica was clearly hurt and frustrated by the younger woman's doubts. And Marguerite was convinced now more than ever that the doubts were unfounded, and it seemed that the others felt the same way. They all knew too well never to doubt any possibilities on the Plateau.
Marguerite knew she had to do something to keep the peace between the two younger women. "Finn, I think I see some berry bushes in the distance. Let's go pick some to have for lunch later."
Finn was not easily deterred. She honestly believed she had Veronica's best interest in mind, and she didn't want to see Veronica get hurt if everything about Avalon and her mother turned out to be a dream. "Can't you get Roxton to go with you?" she asked.
"As you can see, Roxton is talking to Malone. They still have a lot to catch up on, and it would be quite rude to interrupt them." "Besides," she continued, grabbing Finn's arm in a gentle but firm manner, "you and I haven't had a chance to chat for awhile."
Finn soon found herself being pulled ahead of the group towards the berry bushes. Veronica couldn't help but smile. "So this is what it's like to have an older sister take care of you," she thought to herself. She was grateful to Marguerite yet again. Though, to be fair, she knew she shouldn't be mad at Finn for being skeptical. Veronica remembered a time when she was constantly suspicious - that began to change when she met this group of explorers. They taught her that there were things that she could let herself believe in-and other people in the world that she could count on.
-------
"What was that all about back there?" Finn asked.
"I could ask you the same thing," Marguerite replied. "Are you trying to upset Veronica?"
"No, I'm trying to make her be realistic. Someone has to. All of you seem to be just as caught up in this as she is. But the truth is, we have no idea if we're even going to find her mother, or if her mother really is still alive. If this Avalon place really exists, why haven't any of you found it in the three years that you've been here?"
"I'm surprised at you, Finn. You were raised on this Plateau, just like Veronica. I would think that you of all people would understand that anything is possible here. Not to mention, I thought by now you would have a little more faith in all of us. Think about it, Finn. I know you feel that Veronica is too emotionally involved to be rational, but what about the rest of us? Challenger is a scientist-he doesn't believe in anything he can't explain. Roxton prefers adventures that have tangible rewards-he hates wild goose chases. I'm a self-proclaimed cynic. And I know you haven't known Malone very long, but he's a reporter-he's naturally skeptical of anything. Yet, all of us are willing to accept that things are not always what they seem on this Plateau. After everything that's happened, we truly believe that Avalon exists, and that Veronica is finally going to be reunited with her mother. We wouldn't have agreed to this journey if we didn't think that was a good possibility. We love her too, Finn. We don't want to see her get hurt either."
Finn paused for a moment to let Marguerite's comments sink in. "I guess I wasn't really thinking of it that way," she replied. "It's just that in the aftermath of the storm, I was the one who had to think straight because all of you were so caught up in what had happened, and I felt like it was happening again. It seemed that I was the only one thinking rationally. But I guess I was just the only one who didn't trust Vee. She's really lucky to have all of you."
Marguerite felt that annoying soft spot creep up on her again. "Finn, she's lucky to have you too. It's not that you didn't trust her. You were following your instincts. But it's time you learned something that was very hard for all of us to learn-you need to have a little faith in the rest of us. We all look out for each other. And you know, Veronica's not the only one we care about. We care about you too."
Finn's eyes misted a bit. "Thanks Marguerite! That means a lot to me." Before Marguerite knew what was happening, Finn pulled her into a hug. But the shocked look on the heiress's face soon turned to a soft smile.
"Come on," Marguerite said. "Let's pick some berries."
-------
The rest of the day was fairly uneventful...well, uneventful for the Plateau. The group had to fend off a few raptors, duck away from a triceratops, and outsmart a clan of cannibals. But, they kept walking, and before they knew it, the day was over. As dusk approached, they prepared to make camp for the second night of their journey. After dinner, while the rest of the group prepared for sleep, Malone and Veronica took their positions for night watch.
"Looks like it's going to be another beautiful night," Ned commented.
"Yeah. The stars are beautiful."
They were both silent for a minute-both wondering where to start. Finally, Veronica spoke. "I wanted to thank you for last night, Ned," she said. "I think you know that it's not easy for me to open up to anyone, but it really helped to talk last night."
"I was glad to be able to listen," Ned replied. "I'm just sorry that you got hurt."
Veronica shrugged. "Getting hurt is a part of life. We make mistakes and then we learn from them."
"Yeah. I learned a lot about that while I was away. I came to a lot of realizations about my life..things that I'd done, things I wished I'd done, mistakes that I made."
"Like what?" Veronica asked.
"Well, I'd say the biggest mistake was how I was living my life. It was all wrong, and I never even realized it until my memories of the war resurfaced. Three men died to save me, Veronica. And with the way things were going, their deaths were going to be in vain. First, I was living too cautiously. I wrote about what everyone else was doing, but never took the time to really do anything of significance myself. After I came back from the spirit world, I went to the other extreme. I acted recklessly, in complete disregard for the gift that those men had given to me . my life. I think I finally found my place while I was away. I learned how to be adventurous with my life without being self-destructive. I learned that I'm not a coward after all. Those men knew that-it took my years to figure it out, but they knew it. And I finally realized that I don't have to prove myself to anyone. I have to live my life for me, and find all of the happiness that I can along the way. That's what those men died for. They died to give me that chance, and I'm going to take it."
Ned was so caught up in the moment-the memories of his emotional journey, the power of his words, the intensity in Veronica's eyes as she listened to him. He let go of all of his inhibitions and did what felt right. He pulled Veronica into his arms and kissed her. It was a different kiss from those they had shared before. Veronica noticed it immediately. She had always enjoyed kissing Ned, but there was always a feeling of tentativeness and restraint behind the kisses, even that night in the lake. This was nothing like that. Ned was holding nothing back. He was confident, and as a result, passionate.
Neither wanted the kiss to end, but they both knew there was still more to say. Ned reluctantly pulled away, but didn't put much distance between them. He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "I realized something else on my journey," he whispered. She looked at him in anticipation. "You're the one and only woman in my heart. I know it took far too long to realize that, but I know it now. I was so confused in the past. I came to this Plateau to impress Gladys. I thought she was the woman that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I was wrong. I finally realized that if I had to travel all the way to the Amazon to prove myself to her, then she's not worth it. But, I do owe her a great deal. Because of her obsession with adventurers, I got to come to this Plateau and meet you."
"Are you actually admitting that it isn't so bad to be stuck on this Plateau?" Veronica asked playfully.
Ned smiled. "I guess I am."
"I have a confession to make, too," Veronica answered. "Before Finn and I first got caught in the time warp, we were talking about you. I told her that I would consider going to London with you when you went back home."
"Really?" Ned asked, surprised and excited at the same time.
"Yes," Veronica replied. "Only now, I don't know if I'll have the chance. But, I'm not going to let that ruin my night. A wise old woman recently told me that I should grab onto happiness now, and worry about the future later."
Ned looked over to where Marguerite was peacefully laying in Roxton's arms, and laughed. "You're just lucky that 'wise old woman' is asleep. She'd have your head for that comment."
Veronica laughed as Ned pulled her against him. They both looked up at the sky. "So where does this leave us?" Veronica asked.
"I know where I would like it to leave us. We've danced around the issue for so long, with both of us too scared to take a chance. I want to take that chance. I want to see once and for all if we could be more than friends."
"I'd like that," Veronica answered, as Ned leaned in to kiss her again. As they broke away, Veronica noticed something moving in the sky. "Look," she said. "A shooting star."
"Make a wish," Ned whispered.
"I don't have to," Veronica answered. "Mine just came true." She snuggled closer to him, and he gently planted a kiss on her forehead.
TBC