Disclaimer: I am poor and own nothing. And because I'm poor, this is my only source of entertainment, so please do not sue.
Authors Note: PLEASE READ: I think right now we should all take a moment to send our thoughts and prayers, to whatever deity they may be, to the people in London who were injured or lost loved ones in the attack today, July 7, 2005. They are facing this tragedy bravely and will triumph over it.
Lunawolf – Don't worry, you're not alone. I don't like her much either. I'm slightly confused…are you afraid I'm going to let the guys get hurt or afraid that if you say you're afraid of that, then I definitely will? Anyway, I'm glad you liked the dragon. I enjoyed writing it although it did take more time than I originally thought it would. As always thank you for your review.
TriGemini – Good I'm glad it left you hanging. As is the point of a cliffhanger. I am glad you enjoy my stories and glad you review but do you need to summarize each chapter? If that's how reviewing works for you then feel free to keep doing it, but I find it hard to pick out the points you want me to address when you do so. Thank you again for reviewing.
Tracy137 – That's fine, review any way you like (although it would take longer the other way, you're right there). I knew you'd love the bit with Lucan. I just knew it. Glad you enjoyed the pushing part. I though it'd be a fun addition. And glad you enjoyed the "weak creature" line. I thought it was rather inspired. Draco was the name in that movie, but it's also a derivative of Dragon, from what language though I couldn't tell you. I am glad you enjoyed it all and we can very well write our story about Lance (so long as Tristan gets some love…. I just can't leave that sexy brooding scout out). And I'm sure there is someone out there who could flame it. Look what that one twit was doing with 'My Ana' and anyone who could flame your stories. And I am glad you enjoyed the Wolvie story…sorry that you cried though! (Although I guess since it made me cry, it should make others do so as well.) Hell, as much as I go off at the mouth (and much watch it as well cause my dad's this hypocritical ass when it comes to these things and gives me crap for it) we might as well quit apologizing to one another!
Snape's Opera Rose – Excitement and sugar…a deadly combination. LOL, I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter. The next chapter we'll see some progress with our favorite Scout and a certain Dragon raising Priestess. Thanks as always for reviewing. It made me smile.
Sorceress Misha – Thank you, it seems I'm getting rather good at those. Yeah, poor Merlin in this story. And it's not that I don't like him, because I really really do, but he just seems to be my target for this one. Things will improve for him soon though, but not until after they get even worse. Thanks as always for reviewing.
Kungfuchick – That's okay I understand. I have a bunch of stuff on my story/author alert list and still I get behind, so it's no big really. Don't worry about things with Esmeralda and Lance, they'll work themselves out, same goes for Tris and Mariska. As for Guinevere, all I can say is I don't share your opinion on that. Read on and try not to hate me too much. And thanks for reviewing.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – Wow, my best chapter? That's a lot to live up to. As always thanks for reviewing.
Lilstrummrgrl527 – I don't know why you keep thinking you're wrong. You've been right both times. Don't blame Arthur or Jols. Although they should be used to Lancelot's ways by now, but then, he doesn't usually have the girls sleep over all night usually. And the nickname is fine by me. There's going to be more reason for why Lucan called her that later on in this chapter. Yes Mariska has a daughter. If you look back in chapter 6: picnics, she tells Tristan about her. In case you wanted to re-read that part. Hope you like this chapter as well. Thanks for reviewing.
Sea Cucumber – Well, here's what happens to Guinevere. Hope you still like me at the end of this chapter and I hope it's still one of your favorites. Don't worry, Lucan has a plan and a reason for calling her mother, or rather, him and someone else have a plan for it. Thanks for reviewing.
Cardeia – Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's a dress in a picture on one of the tree-free cards I purchased. It's very pretty although it's white in the picture and a red dragon is sitting behind the woman in it. The aunt I'm based her on is actually my own aunt, and we don't get along at all. So it was nice to take some aggressions out on her through the story. As for the other, I am a Wicca so I tend to incorporate that into everything I write, which is something I've seen other authors do… incorporating parts of themselves into their characters. I'm glad I can give my readers a look into it though and perhaps broaden some horizons a bit. Thanks for reviewing.
ElvenStar5 – I'm glad you enjoyed it and didn't find it over done. As always thank you for your review. And this time I tried not to keep anyone waiting.
Evenstar-mor2004 – It was all Latin actually and from the books The Lost Books of Merlyn and The 21 Lessons of Merlyn A Study in Druid Magic & Lore by Douglas Monroe, as I mentioned in the authors note at the beginning of chapter 10. I'm Wiccan actually so I have a lot of books on these subjects which makes that part of the research rather easy. And yeah, he does a bit, sadly. But I'm sure I can find away to help him around that. As always thank you for reviewing.
Babaksmiles – I'm glad you have so much faith in us. As soon as there is a free moment we will get started on something for you. I'm glad you're enjoying how Guinevere is being handled. And all I can say to the other is stop reading my mind! (or the summary…whichever). I was rather proud of that line and am glad you enjoyed it. It will be a shame not hearing from you for a while. Hopefully you get this chapter before you leave, since this cliffhanger may not be as bad as the other. Have fun on your trip and as always, thanks for the review.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Eleven: Death
The knights all watched in wonder as a great ball of flames flew quickly across the sky. It came to rest before Ganieda in the form of a large red dragon, with glowing yellow eyes. She looked at it in horror before it reared up, coming down to rest on her, burning her into the earth before it turned to leave in the direction it had come. Suddenly it stopped for a moment to sniff at the air, it's eyes settling on Guinevere.
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In the clearing, Mariska's hands had just reached the hilt of Excalibur when Draco settled before her, the two of them locking eyes. "The task is done," his voice boomed.
"How many are dead?" Mariska asked, a dread settling over her heart.
"Two are dead, and your men defeat the intruders," he replied. "I have done all you asked."
"Two?" Arthur asked, his voice filled with fear, stepping forward. "Which two?"
"The two that bore the same blood. One an enemy of you and the other an enemy of Destiny whom I also serve," Draco replied, somewhat annoyed. "I did as asked."
"Aye, you did," Mariska replied, tears threatening her eyes as she bowed her head in thanks. "And we thank you for your help and services and I return you to the earth to sleep," she added softly, although unnecessarily before pulling the blade form the ground, the dragon disappearing in a puff of smoke. Handing Excalibur back to Arthur she threw her arms wide, screaming in frustration, sending the stones hurtling across the clearing, lodging in trees as Arthur mounted his horse and began to race across the land towards the battlefield.
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The trees themselves seemed to bend away from Mariska, giving her wide birth, as she emerged onto the battlefield, her anger raging, as she wondered how she never saw it coming. She should have realized and kept Guinevere from the conflict. While she did not particularly like her young Aunt, she did not wish her death either. But if what the dragon had said were true, then perhaps there was nothing that she could have done. If indeed Guinevere had made an enemy of Destiny, then her cause was lost long before the dragon was raised. Shaking that thought from her mind she continued on. That could not be the case, it just couldn't be.
Stepping into the clearing she found Merlin kneeling on the ground, his daughters head in his lap and a sad look in his eyes as he stroked her hair slowly. The knights and Priestesses were gathered around, as were several Woads. Tristan, Dagonet, Bors, Gawain, Esmeralda and Hayley turned as Mariska approached, anger and grief swimming in her eyes as she moved quickly across the field.
Arthur looked down sadly at Guinevere's burnt motionless body. Fighting back his anger and grief as he watched Merlin hold her. He knew this had been a bad idea.
"Father," Guinevere said weakly, her breathing shallow as Mariska came to stand next to them amongst the group. "Forgive me…"
"Of course child," Merlin said softly, soothing her hair. "You are my daughter and I am never truly that angry with you, same as I was never truly that angry with your sister."
"I should have listened," she choked out, bringing a hand up towards his face. "And I shall tell Angharad that."
"Shh, rest now child," Merlin soothed, watching as she closed her eyes, her head slumping to the side, her breathing just as shallow.
"You knew of this?" Mariska asked lowly, glaring over down at Merlin.
"I had hoped I read it wrong," his voice trailed off as he continued to stroke his daughter's hair, the last of his children lying near death in his arms, same as her elder sister had. "But she angered Destiny. There is naught I could do."
"YOU KNEW OF THIS!" Arthur bellowed, glaring down at the man. "AND YOU SAID NOTHING?"
"Gawain, Galahad carry her to the sick room. Hayley run ahead and prepare the spell," Mariska said slowly.
"Mariska if she's angered destiny," Esmeralda stepped forward.
"I said do it!" Mariska yelled. She's still breathing which means there's time." She turned to Merlin then, glaring down at him, the hatred that had begun to ebb away returning full force to her heart. "You may be content to let your children die but I am not," she growled.
She began to stalk off towards the infirmary, everyone trailing after her. Merlin watched sadly and turned to look towards a nearby tree where Vigdis sat perched with Saoirse. "Best see what is keeping them," he said sadly, walking off to join them, begging the Goddess that Mariska was successful as the two birds flew off in the direction of Avalon.
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The knights were all gathered in the room, concern on most of their faces and a slight hint of worry in Tristan's eyes as Mariska smeared the belladonna onto her exposed skin. "We don't have everything ready yet," Hayley said, mixing the hemlock.
"We do not have the time," Mariska answered, sitting on one of the beds, taking the bowl from her. "Just prepare the frankincense." She laid back on the bed, taking a large drink, much to Hayley's horror, and sending her spirit tumbling back into oblivion.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Mariska hit Elysia with a thud as it were, leaving her mind reeling. She had never seen as many people as she did at this moment and for the briefest instant she thought that perhaps, in her haste, she drank too much of the poison.
"This is what it looks like," Mariska whirled to face the woman speaking. She was young and beautiful with dark black hair and deep green eyes, similar to Mariska's own. Her skin was pale and a few Woad tattoos could be seen on her legs and arms. "When you come seeking someone whose time has come."
"Mother," Mariska breathed, flying into Angharad's arms.
"Hello daughter," the elder woman soothed her daughters hair, hugging her close. "My beautiful girl."
"Father," Mariska pulled back enough to look around. "Where is he?"
"Tending to his granddaughter," Angharad smiled, taking Mariska's cheeks into her hands to get a good look at her. "You are so beautiful. More so than I ever imagined."
"Thank you mamma, but I must find Guinevere and take her back," Mariska said.
"No, child," Angharad's face became very stern. "My baby sister has angered Destiny. She has accepted her fate as must you all."
"But this is my doing," Mariska said, looking at her mother pleadingly. "I should have been able to foresee this. I should have protected her instead of trying a spell that I could not control!"
"Listen to me daughter," she gripped Mariska's face again, harder this time, forcing her to look at her mother. "If the dragon had not killed her one of the Saxon's would have. Father warned her that Destiny had a plan for her and she must heed to it, but she did not. Arthur and her were supposed to be together, and now since Guinevere has forsaken that match, then another has been chosen from him and my sister is now being punished for her actions."
"But," Mariska began only to be cut off by a new voice.
"My sister is right Mariska," she turned to see Guinevere walking towards her, a small red haired girl in her arms. Mariska's heart stopped as they approached. "I accept this."
"Celeste?" Mariska breathed, watching her small daughter grin at her.
"MAMMA!" she leapt from Guinevere's arms and ran into Mariska's, who lifted her up and hugged her close, smelling her daughter's familiar scent of wildflowers, smothering her with kisses and telling her of her love.
"By coming here, you have chanced angering the Fates themselves," Guinevere said as she watched Mariska snuggle her daughter. "As I did."
"She is right daughter, you must be away from this place," Angharad agreed, a sad smile on her face as she watched Mariska with her child. "Before they see you as trying to interfere."
"But I don't understand," Mariska said, resting her cheek against Celeste's and holding the other side of her daughters head with a spare hand, rocking slowly as they held one another. "If I was not meant to help, than why is she still half way between worlds?"
"Because, if you remember, it takes some of us longer to die," a deep gravely voice said from behind her, causing Mariska to pause and Celeste to giggle.
"Daddy's sneaky," the child grinned proudly, reaching out for her grandmother while Mariska turned to look up into Duncan's handsome face as everyone else around them began to fade away, save for Guinevere.
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"She drank too much," Hayley murmured to Esmeralda, between chanting, who just focused her eyes ahead, continuing with the spell.
Arthur stood nearby next to Merlin, looking down at Guinevere's motionless body, while the rest of the knights looked on from the doorway, Lucan clinging to Dagonet's legs. An air of dread settling over them all.
"This is a bloody mess," Bors muttered, rubbing a hand over his face as he turned to Gawain and Galahad. "I need a drink," he added, nodding towards the door before leaning down in front of the young boy. "Come Lucan, let us leave them to their magic."
Lucan looked up at Dagonet who nodded in agreement and wrapped his arms around Bors neck, letting the large knight lift him up and carry him out the door, leaving Dagonet, Tristan and Lancelot to worry over the others.
Once in the hallway Bors looked at the small-frightened boy, much to old for his age. "Tell me boy, did you do as I told ya?" Bors asked, bouncing Lucan slightly, hoping to take his mind off the serious scene inside.
"Aye," Lucan nodded, remembering the fear he saw in Hayley's eyes right before they left the room, worrying him more.
"What are you up to?" Gawain asked him with a sigh as they all stopped a few feet away from the door, waiting.
"Tryin' to get Dag and Hayley together without Jols interruptin'," Bors offered a grin, turning back to the boy. "Came up with a plan didn't we?"
Lucan nodded in agreement, somewhat excited to be the center of attention outside of the two people he now considered to be his parents.
"What did you two come up with?" Galahad asked intrigued, glad for something to take his mind off the days events.
"I am to start calling her mother as I do father and help them to get off their asses," Lucan answered, earning a laugh from the two younger knights. "What's so funny?"
"Bors you best not let Dag here the language you are teaching him," Gawain chuckled, taking Lucan and setting the boy up on his shoulders in pony fashion, bouncing as he began walk down the hall, Galahad and Bors following close behind.
"Agh, I'll just tell the big lug you two did it," Bors stated with a smirk, his heart staying back in the sick room with those inside, same as the hearts of the two men walking before him.
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"Duncan?" Mariska breathed as he ran a large, calloused thumb over her cheek and across her lips.
"Hello beautiful," he almost purred, leaning over and kissing her deeply. "Still missing me I see?" he asked, pulling away and resting his forehead against her own.
"Always," she murmured, closing her eyes, loosing herself in his large muscled arms.
"Always is an awful long time," Duncan stated, smiling down at her. "Longer when you're alone."
"What do you mean?" she asked, a bit bewildered.
"He could take care of you," Duncan said after a moment. "We all think so."
"Who could take care of me? And who is all?" she was thoroughly confused now. She had come to bring her aunt back from the land of the dead and here they all were discussing her relationships. It was all very strange.
"You know who Mariska. And all is your family, and Miranda too. Now hurry, you don't have much time."
"He is right Mariska," Guinevere said stepping forward. "The longer you are here, the angrier Destiny becomes."
"But I don't understand any of this," Mariska pulled back from Duncan and looked startled between the two. "I must take you back."
"I cannot go," Guinevere said sadly, walking over and hugging her niece. "Tell Lancelot and my father that I am sorry. And tell Arthur, that I did love him, despite it all I did. And I see my mistake now, but he must move forward. And tell him that it's not his fault," she hugged her close. "Now go quickly."
"But, why can I not stay here then?" Mariska asked, looking now for her daughter. She had to at least say goodbye, and who was it they were speaking of that could care for her? As soon as she thought that she knew the answer. Why else would Duncan have mentioned Miranda by name. This was all just so confusing.
"It is not your time," Duncan almost growled, becoming frustrated with her, same as he did the last time she came for someone whose time was up, pushing Destiny's buttons again when he had died. "Now go!" His voice left no room for argument, but still she had to try.
"But I wish to stay with you," she said in a small voice, looking up at him with tear filled eyes.
"We will be together again one day," he cupped her cheek. "When your life is done. But now is not that day. Now go," he kissed her deeply and pulled away. "I love you Mariska, and I always will."
"I love you too," she murmured, closing her eyes as he gave her a hard push backwards, sending her spirit tumbling towards her body.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
In the sick room Guinevere took two long drawn out breaths, and a final gasp before her body fell silent, her chest ceasing all movement. Esmeralda and Hayley exchanged a worried look as Hayley reached for the frankincense just as Mariska's body began to convulse violently.
Authors note: To all of those who were helping Guinevere would live, I'm sorry but it just wasn't in the cards I'm afraid. I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and please read and review. (No flames or death threats for killing her off please).