Chapter 8
The Dance
I
Rhiannon had just finishing lacing up her dress. Much to her amazement, she had managed to get dress in record time considering her mind was still processing everything that had happen today. Immortality. It felt so unreal to her. As Rhiannon walks over to her dresser, she stares into the mirror trying to see if there was a difference from anybody else. But all she sees is the same person she has always been. Her mind drifts to Duncan. Rhiannon wondered if it was fate or destiny that drew them together. Finally deciding it was destiny. Deep inside she knew that Duncan was sent to her to guide her about immortality, to teach and mentor her, but she hoped desperately it was to love her. Rhiannon knew that there was going to be a lot to learn and that she had better learn it quickly, whether she liked or not she was already a player in the game. Immortal or not.
Turning away from the minor Rhiannon goes and lied down across her bed. As she stared up at the ceiling, her mind took another turn. This time it was to Victor. Just the thought of him knowing all this time that she was immortal made her so angry. Not only because of him trying to take her land, but all the other things that he had done to her. The man is truly evil Knowing Victor as well as Rhiannon did, she understood now how everything that he has done to her up to now was all part of his master plan. That his plan started so many years ago to wear her down to nothingness, taking every that she had. Victor isn't going to take my head or land without a fight. Rhiannon knew that Victor was stronger and more cunning than she was. But she had an advantage that he didn't have, she knows what his is and most all of his weaknesses. One thing for sure she was definitely is going to use it. She just had to figure out how and keep her head all at the same time.
Sitting up on the bed Rhiannon looks out the window as her thoughts turned to dying. How is it going to feel to come back to life? The thought of it terrified her. It was hard for her to comprehend just the thought of living forever. Then her thoughts turned again. What will it be like to live forever? Rhiannon was slowly starting to accept the fact that one day she would be immortal. Her whole thought process was beginning changing about life and death. What bothered Rhiannon the most were her beliefs about God and her life itself. Why did God choose her to be immortal? Thinking to herself as she wondered what her purpose was in life. Rhiannon couldn't quite understand what her place in all of this all really meant. There was so much to learn about immortality as well as her self. Rhiannon knew that Duncan would be playing a big part in her life, showing her the path to go, but will she realize it or will her bullheadedness and stubbornness lead her somewhere else. The feeling of being over whelmed came over her. I got to stop this! Going over to the mirror again, she takes one last look. Satisfied that she was still the same on the inside, Rhiannon turned and walked out the door.
Meanwhile Duncan had already changed and was in the living room talking to Ross when Rhiannon rounded the corner of the stairs. He could tell by her foots steps she was feeling a little better. When she walked into the room, Duncan's heart stopped. She looked so beautiful. Breathe taking. She wore a long blue violet dress that fell off her shoulders. The length of the dress was about an inch off the floor. All of her hair was lifted off her neck, with strands of hair in long locks.
Ross was the first one to speak up, "Oh Rhiannon... you look…like an angel."
Duncan was speechless. He just stood there and smiled, as his heart pounded in his chest.
"Thank you." Rhiannon said as she swirled around making the bottom of the dress flow out.
"You're going to knock them off their feet tonight." Ross replied.
The complement made Rhiannon smile. Walking over to where he was sitting, she sat down and took a good look at Ross. She could see that he was healing nicely, although his one eye took one hell of a beating. Taking her finger, she gently pushes the bruise over his eye.
"Does it hurt much?" Rhiannon asked
"Ouch… (pulling his head back) Only when you do that." Ross replied laughing
Rhiannon looked over at Duncan. It was the first time she actually took a good look at him. He looked so handsome. He was dressed in mid 16th century attire. She couldn't help think that must have been the way he looked back then. It certainly fits him.
"My, my, my . . . don't you look good all cleaned up?" Rhiannon giggled as she said it.
"I...that I do." Duncan said in his most Scottish voice.
They made some more small talk. It was going on quarter to eight when Duncan noticed the time.
"It's time to go Rhiannon." Duncan said as everyone rose from their seats.
"You be careful Baby Girl. (grabbing her hands) I'll be there later to watch the match." Ross said as he smiled at her.
"Are you sure…you really need to rest?" Rhiannon said concerned that he was doing too much to soon.
"I have rested enough…besides I want to be there and see you win." Ross proclaimed.
Secretly she was glad he would be there, "Okay, Okay . . . if that is what you want to do. It sounds good to me."
"Try and have a good time . . . ok? " Ross asked
"I will . . . I promised," As she kissed Ross's check.
"Macleod… (shaking his hand) Keep an eye on her okay?" Ross asked. Duncan nodded his head in agreement.
II
There was an eerie silence as they walked to fair both into their own thoughts. Duncan was full of questions about Victor but didn't want to say anything not just yet. Rhiannon on the other hand was thinking about how nice it was not talking about immortality or Victor. She was content just being with him. They didn't need to talk to each other. Sometimes it is better to let the silence speak for its self. As they walked down the path, Rhiannon slipped her hand into Duncan's. She squeezed his hand a little and he did the same, then smiled at her. Rhiannon loved his confidence. She admired the fact that he wasn't embarrassed to show how he feels.
Duncan also felt content at that moment holding her hand, to have her safe for that moment. Duncan knew he was falling in love. Something deep inside told him to stop resisting it and to accept it. Just to love Rhiannon as much as he could for whatever time that they had. Looking down at her, he smiles. Duncan hoped against hope that it would be for a long time. Even though deep in his heart he knew there will be a time he would have to let her go. Let her make her own way in her new found life. At that moment Duncan wanted to let his heart to take over, but he knew that he had to let his head lead. Once Victor was taken care then he could let his heart take over.
Finally Duncan and Rhiannon made their way onto the runway just as the sun was setting behind the fair. There was a wonderful glow coming from within the grounds with all kinds of different colors lighting up the darkness. Everything was lit up from the rides to the tents. People seem happy and enjoying themselves. It felt magical to both of them. Best of all there was no sign of Victor.
As they made their way into the tent, there was some lite rock playing in the back ground. Couples were slow dancing out on the floor. All of them in they're beautiful gowns and suits. They all looked as though they were from a romance novel. Moving through the crowd of people, they made their way to the bar. Ordering some wine, they found a corner booth to sit down. Both of them people watching. Noticing all the people around them was having a good time. Then the music had changed to bluegrass. That is when the people really started filtering onto the dance floor.
"So what's this line dancing?" Duncan said loudly, so he could be heard over the music.
"Do you see those people over there? (pointing to the left side of the room) That is line dancing… Now over here (point to the right) is couple line dancing. That is where you dance together in a circle." Rhiannon shouted as she drew a circle on the table.
Duncan looked out on the floor and smiled. He instantly knew which one he wanted to try.
"Okay I want to try the couple dancing," Duncan said with a huge grin.
"Going for the gusto huh? ... Are you sure?" Rhiannon asked. She was a little shocked that he wanted to start off with that right away.
Duncan reaches over and grabs her hand, "Yes." With that, they headed out to the dance floor.
People were moving all over the dance floor. Men were twirling the girls around or stomping their feet. The ladies were giggling and enjoying themselves. It made Duncan feel at home. It reminded him of the way his people danced so long ago. They stood there for a few minutes watching the steps of the dancers and the movement of their feet. When Duncan had a good idea of how to do it, he smiled at Rhiannon motioning her to come on.
It came very easy for Duncan. The steps were a little different from what he danced in the clan dances of his youth. But it was basically the same. They glided on the dance floor in perfect harmony. Each of them matching the other's steps in perfect harmony. Duncan would twirl Rhiannon around in circles and then bring her close to him. Duncan loved watching her. Rhiannon's eyes danced with every step and movement. Under the lights she did truly look like an angel. Both of them were having a good time. They were laughing at each other and enjoying themselves as well as the music.
The music changed again to a soft slower rhythm. This made Duncan smile. He pulls Rhiannon to him, so close that they could hear each other breath over the music. They began to dance slowly with the beat of the music, holding each other tightly. Rhiannon pulls away a little so that she could see Duncan's face. There was a look on his face that surprised her. There was a look of being in love and happiness. It was a look she has never seen on anyone when they looked at her. At that very moment, she realized she wasn't falling in love, but that she is in love. It wasn't just physical attraction. It was something deeper. The feeling went so deep inside her that Rhiannon felt that it wasn't real. That it was dreaming and she was going to wake up at any moment. But when Duncan touched her, she knew it wasn't. That none of this was a dream. He was there, dancing and laughing with her.
Duncan pulls Rhiannon away from him, and then twirls her back. Rhiannon laughs as she returned back to him. Her eyes dancing as he looked into them. Duncan was enjoying her being with her. Not knowing when or how it happened, but he had fallen in love with Rhiannon. He loved every bit of her from her head to toes. From her infectious laugh, to the way her eyes dance every time she looked at him. She was the sunshine he needed. The newness that Duncan was craving. He twirls her one more time. When Rhiannon came back this time, Duncan placed his arms around her waist. Instinctively she placed her around his neck.
There they danced more slowly, looking into each other eyes. Duncan couldn't take it anymore. He had to do it. Looking into Rhiannon's deep brown eyes, he kisses her. A deep passionate kiss. When the music stopped and went back to something faster, they had stopped dancing all together. Standing there, kissing each other. For the moment, it was just the two of them together in their own little world with no one else in it. Rhiannon pulled away first to see what all the clapping was about. It is then they both realized everyone was applauding them. They started laughing, as they bowed to their audience.
Laughing as they made their way out of the tent out into the cool mountain air. Rhiannon motions to the bench and goes to sit down. Sitting down she tilted her head back letting the air cool off her skin. Duncan stood there watching her in the moonlight. His mind was wandering in so many directions at once. He longed to tell her how he feels however he knew he couldn't. Not until everything is said and done with Victor. He stood there and watched her fan herself with her hand. At that moment he realized, all he really wanted was to be making love to her to show her what real love is like. Rhiannon looks over at Duncan. She could see the distance in his eyes.
"Where are you at Duncan? (snapping her fingers) Are you all right?" Rhiannon asked smiling.
"Yes . . . Just trying to catch my breath." Duncan replied.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Rhiannon inquired.
Duncan looked at her and gave her a smile that warmed her heart, "More than you'll ever know."
Rhiannon looks down at her watch noting the time.
"Well Duncan its nine thirty. I have to go and get ready." Rhiannon sadly said.
Duncan sighed, he didn't want this moment to end. As she stood up, he reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her toward him. Then placing his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him.
"Are you sure this is what you want to do?" Duncan asked.
Rhiannon looked up at him, unsure herself at that moment. Knowing that there wasn't really anyway round it.
"I really don't have a choice Duncan. Damn if I do, damned if I don't." Rhiannon replied.
Duncan understood, knowing that Rhiannon really didn't have a choice. Victor wasn't giving out choices anymore. He was forcing her hand. Duncan hoped that Rhiannon was strong enough physically and mentally to do what she is going to have to do. Once it was said and done, there is no turning back. Looking into her eyes, Duncan could see the confusion in Rhiannon's eyes. Soon it will be all over. Duncan thought to himself.
"All right then lets go." Duncan said as he gave her a wink.
III
As they were making their way to the main arena, there were crowds of people arriving for the bout. They were all talking and carrying on about the round tonight. Rhiannon could hear the whispers about her while they made their way through the crowds. There were many for her but just as many against her. It bothered Rhiannon in a way, all the negativity. Before she drew strength from it using it to her benefit, making her stronger. Now it was bringing her down and messing with her mind. It was making her question herself. It was something Rhiannon wasn't use to. She was always confident in her abilities. But this night was different and she knew it. Then a bizarre thought flashed into Rhiannon mind. Should I win tonight? Wondering if she should lose. Especially now that the money wasn't an issue anymore. Losing the match would force Victor's hand. Knowing in the end it didn't matter, their battle wasn't in the main arena. For it was another arena, she would have to fight him in.
Heading into contestant's tent, Rhiannon notices Doug and nods to him. He nodded back and smiled. Going into her room, she pulls the curtains shut.
"Is that him?" Duncan inquired, sitting down.
Rhiannon shook her head yes and she unzips her garment bag. Taking out her dress for the match, she walks behind the screen to undress. Duncan carefully watches her. He could see her curves of her body through the screen. It made him long for her even more, wanting to taste every part of her. When Rhiannon came out from behind the screen, Duncan's heart stopped for the second time that night. Somehow she was more beautiful than she was a few minutes ago. Rhiannon had let her hair down. It draped across her like a blanket. She was dressed the way the peasants dressed by in his time. Somehow it made her more beautiful. Duncan wasn't sure if it was the simpleness of the dress or not. Rhiannon goes over to garment back, searching aimlessly through it.
"What's wrong?" Duncan asked.
"I can't find my hair band. (pushing the items around in her bag) I can't fight with my hair down . . . it'll get in the way!" Rhiannon answered with desperation in her voice.
Duncan reached up and pulled his hair band out, his hair falling across his shoulders. He gets up and taps Rhiannon's shoulder.
"Here . . . Use this." Duncan said as he moved behind, her gathering all her hair and placing all of it into the band. Duncan stepped back and turns her around and smiled. Its suites her. "Maybe it will give you some luck." Duncan simply said.
Rhiannon picks up a hand mirror and looks into it. She liked the way it looked in her hair. However, what caught her eye was how they looked standing together. She couldn't help but to think how good they looked together. Suddenly there were a lot of voices in the tent. Rhiannon could hear the referee making his rounds. He was telling people when their match is.
Coming to Rhiannon's room he said, "Rhiannon, you and Doug fight first tonight."
"What do you mean? (pulling the curtain open) Victor and Art were to fight first." Rhiannon said, sounding a little upset.
"They decided at the last minute due to the crowds building (sighing) Remember now. They are the main attraction tonight. Sorry Rhiannon." He simply said as he turned around and walking away.
"I can't believe this… (throwing her belonging back into the bag) I was hoping that he would go first, so I would know who I would be fighting once this match was done." Rhiannon said madly. Strike two. Rhiannon thinking to her self.
Duncan could tell that it was more than the order of the match but he wasn't going to push the issue. He could tell it was something that she had to work out for herself.
"You'll do good ether way Rhiannon." Duncan replied sounding confident.
"I better." Rhiannon said still upset.
Duncan didn't know how to respond to that comment. Deciding it was best not to. He could tell she was trying to make up her mind on what her game plan is.
"Well I better get going and get my seat. I wish you the best." Duncan said as he kissed her on the forehead. Rhiannon nodded okay as she smiled at him as she watched him walk out the door.
IV
Duncan had made his way into the main arena. Scanning the crowd searching for Victor, as he made his way to his seat. Not finding him, Duncan figured that he must have been getting ready for his bout also. Going up into the stands, he looks around for Mrs. Taylor and Ross. Spotting them he begins to make is way to them. As he approaches, Duncan could see that Mrs. Taylor was upset. She was waving her arms around at Ross. Ross must have just told her what happened to him. He stood there watching and shaking his head as Mrs. Taylor scolded Ross. Ross just sat there frowning.
"Good evening Mrs. Taylor." Duncan interrupts her, hoping to diffuse the situation. When she turned around, the look on her face made him wish he hadn't just did that.
"Why didn't you tell me what happened this morning with Rhiannon and with Ross?" Mrs. Taylor asked bluntly.
"Rhiannon had asked me not to(taking a deep breath) besides it wasn't my place to say anything. It was up to them." Duncan responded in an even tone.
"Well if someone had told me what happen…she wouldn't be fighting in the round tonight !" Mrs. Taylor said.
"She knew that Mama. That's why she didn't say anything . . . she wanted to wait." Ross said, pleading their case to her.
Mrs. Taylor sat down, shaking her head as she said, "It just wasn't only her decision to make."
"Well…let's just wait and see what happens. Okay?" Duncan said calmly as he placed his hand on hers. He could tell she loved Rhiannon with all her heart, like a true mother would.
As the music introduction started to play, a hush came over the crowd like the last time. The announcer taps on the microphone making sure that it worked. First, the announcer begins to announce Doug. As he made his way into the arena, the crowd gives a round of applause. The announcer raises his hands to hush the crowd. Then he announces Rhiannon. The crowd starts cheering before he can finish what he was saying. It was so loud that it drowned the announcer out.
Rhiannon makes her way out into the ring, tipping her sword to the crowd and bows. Quite the performer. Duncan thought to himself. She walks to the center of the ring and bows to Doug. Then reaches out and shook his hand. The referee gestures for them to go to their corners.
Now Doug was a big man in every sense of the word, standing more than six feet tall and weighing, at least 240lbs. Rhiannon knew she had that to her advantage. Rhiannon stared at him with coldness and determination in her eyes. Doug smiles at her.
"I'm going to put a whipping on you, girl." Doug yelled across the arena.
"Well big guy . . . come and get it," Rhiannon demanded as she motions her hand for him to come on.
The bell rings. Rhiannon goes into a defense stance raising her sword up and out toward him as her other hand out at her side to balance herself. She was waiting for Doug to make the first move. That he did, taking his sword in a swinging motion and steps toward her. Rhiannon steps back and blocks the blade, knocking it out of her space. That is when Doug came straight for her. Right, left, then right again their swords met. She matched each strike with the same strength as he does. Left then Right. Their swords echoed through the arena. Then Doug begins to circle her.
"I see girl…you've been practicing." Doug said.
Rhiannon didn't reply verbally. Swinging around, she brought her sword down across his chest ripping his shirt. The cut didn't bring any blood but enough for him to know she was serious. The crowd gasps.
"Well I guess that was your reply…Huh Rhiannon?" Doug asked. Rhiannon didn't reply, except to nod yes.
Duncan and Ross were both worried. They gave each other looks that told them they were thinking the same thing. They knew Rhiannon was taking to many risks. She was teasing and taunting Doug but neither of them knew why. They watched as Rhiannon would come at Doug with such power and strength, then afterwards she would leave herself open. Suddenly it occurs to Duncan what she was doing. Rhiannon was trying to lose. What the hell is she up to? Duncan wondered.
Rhiannon blocks another blow then brings her sword up, then down and straight across Doug's arm cutting it deeply. This pissed him straight off. Left, right, right then left again as Doug struck her sword with heavy blows. Their swords grinded up against each other. Rhiannon tried to meet every blow, but she was struggling. Each time she met one blow, the next one was harder. Rhiannon knew he could end it right then because she was constantly leaving herself wide open. But Doug didn't and she couldn't understand why he didn't take advantage of it. Doug swung his sword up and around. Bringing her sword up Rhiannon maneuvers her sword so it would block his hit. Both swords hit but she manages to bring Doug's down which causes the tips of their swords to hit the ground. Then Rhiannon comes up with her sword and swipes his left leg, cutting another deep gash.
It was the second time Rhiannon had cut him. That was all Doug could take. He was coming after her. She tried to block his blow but he came back at her so rapidly she wasn't ready for the strike. Doug came down with such force that she became unbalance falling hard on her back knocking all the wind out her. She tried to catch her breath and couldn't. All Rhiannon could manage to do was to bring her sword up in an effort to stop Doug but it wasn't enough. That is about the time she felt the blade against her neck.
This brought everyone to his or her feet. Duncan was watching closely knowing Doug had her. Ross looked back at Duncan not believing what his eyes just witnessed. All Mrs. Taylor could do, is stand there with tears running down her face. As the bell rings, the referee grabs Doug's arm and raises it to the sky. The crowd cheers. Rhiannon was still lying on the ground, not because she couldn't move but wouldn't. She laid there debating with herself if she did the right thing. Doug lowers his hand to help Rhiannon up. He pulls her up and then they both hug each other in mutual respect.
"Congratulations Doug…now go and kick Victor's ass!" Rhiannon whispered as she kissed him on the cheek.
Doug reaches down and grabs Rhiannon's hand and raises it too much to her surprise the crowd cheers. Which flattered her? Next year? She thought to herself, but knowing deep in her heart there wasn't going to be a next year. The crowd started to gather around Doug. Rhiannon backs up and walks away. It was his moment. He earned it.
V
As Rhiannon tried to make her way back to the tent people kept coming up to her to tell her that she had done a good job and wished her luck. In some small way it comforted her. Rhiannon just hoped that she had done the right thing. She was almost to the tent, when she felt a small pain above her eyes. Turning around to see who it was she found Victor. He reaches out and he grabs her elbow. Her heart stops.
"What do you want?" Rhiannon demanded, as she forcefully removed her arm out of his hand.
"You and I have business to take of." Victor replied with a coldness in his voice that it sent a chill down Rhiannon's back.
"Yes we do!" Rhiannon said, glaring at him.
Victor stood there for a moment and looked at Rhiannon. He was a little disappointed in her. He was sure she would go onto the main round. In a small way, he wanted to beat her in front of everyone, just to show her who was better.
"After the match tomorrow . . . (pointing his finger at her) I want you to meet me at my house . . . We have business to take care of." Victor directed her.
"Not a problem Victor (holding her breath, so not to show her fear) I'll be there." Rhiannon replied then turned and walked away, Making sure that she didn't give Victor the satisfaction to say anything more.
Rhiannon now knew where she stood. Victor was coming for her. He knew it and she knew it. There was no other way. He was going to have to take the land from her. That was a given. Even with her loss tonight Victor knew that he was going to have to take what he thought was his. It was going to be the only way he was going to possess what is hers. Victor knew that when he told Rhiannon to meet him tomorrow. Remember Rhiannon you have the upper hand . . . you know what you are. She whispers to herself. She had one full day to get everything in order, to make her peace and possibly say her goodbyes. Something from deep inside Rhiannon told her tomorrow will be the beginning of her immortal life.
Meanwhile, Duncan was watching Rhiannon closely as she made her way back to the tent when Victor stopped her. He stood up in the stands and watched, unable to do anything at that moment to help her. There was no way Duncan could get to her. There were too many people to move through. Duncan could tell whatever Victor was saying wasn't good. They both stood there in a defensive stance, neither taking an eye off the other. What was ever said it didn't sit will with her. Duncan watched closely as Rhiannon turn around and walked away. Victor then looked over in his direction and smile as he tipped his hat.
Victor knew he had Duncan's attention. He could tell by the reaction he gave when he smiled at him. It was one of hatred. Her damn watchdog. Victor mumbled. Victor knew he playing on deadly ground with this one. Just with the simple run in him this morning Victor knew he was treading on thin ice not to mention with Ross this afternoon. Victor had no doubt that Duncan was going to come for his head.
There was else going on besides this immortal and Victor couldn't quite put a finger on it. Something was telling him that Rhiannon had something up her sleeve. Victor knew that she could have taken Doug without a moment thought. But why didn't she? Maybe she has given up. Then dismissing that thought knowing Rhiannon never would. She just wasn't good enough that's all Believing that was it and nothing more. As Victor begins to go back into the crowd, he flashes another evil grin Duncan. Then he blended back into the crowd.
As this was all going on, Mrs. Taylor was tapping on Duncan's shoulder trying to get his attention. It took him a few seconds to realize what she was doing. The entire focus was on Victor as he watched him fade into the crowd.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Taylor." Duncan apologizes with a little embarrassment thrown in.
"Its okay Duncan . . . I was wondering if you could do me a favor?" Mrs. Taylor wondered.
"Sure." Duncan replied.
"Could you please go down and check on Rhiannon? " Mrs. Taylor asked with worry in her voice.
"I was just thinking that myself." Duncan confirmed.
"Good…I just know how she gets…(with a voice of concern)…this has been a massive blow to her pride . . . I would . . . but I don't want her to put up a front for my benefit." Mrs. Taylor said.
"Do you want me to go with you?" Ross asked Duncan
Mrs. Taylor spoke up first, "No Ross . . . you need to go home and rest . . . (beaming with pride) Besides I need your help carrying my trophy." She beamed with pride.
Duncan felt really bad. He had forgot all about her contest, "Well…I take it you won . . . (being playful) as if there was ever a doubt."
"First place!" Mrs. Taylor said boasting. They all laughed.
"Well I just want to know who is going to carry me while I lug this big thing around." Ross said joking.
VI
After saying their good-byes, Duncan made his way to Rhiannon's changing room. He wondered what her plans were. She could have easily won against Doug. He knew this without hesitation. She was too good, too precise and too accurate. Duncan wasn't sure what to make of it. When he enters the tent, Duncan notices how quiet it was. Looking around he could see that there was no one there.
"Rhiannon . . . are you here?" Duncan asked half yelling in the tent.
"Duncan?" Rhiannon asked.
"Yes." Duncan said now standing at her door.
"Come on in." Rhiannon said.
When Duncan opens the curtains, he finds Rhiannon sitting in a chair holding her head in her hands. He stood there for a minute looking at her. Then came in the room the rest of the way. Slowly he walked over to where she was sitting. Duncan could tell that Rhiannon was crying. It must have been a while, for her eyes were stained red. Sitting down next to her, Duncan moves some hair out of her face. There was so much uncertainty in her eyes. He wasn't sure what to say or do.
"Why did you do it Rhiannon?" Duncan wondered.
Rhiannon didn't say anything at first not knowing how to reply, "I didn't want to have to fight him twice. (Duncan shook his head) It's the only way I have a chance . . . (taking a deep breath) . . . I only have one chance at this . . . (tears rolled down her face) to get it right."
Duncan knew couldn't argue with that. They sat there in silence for a few minutes not saying a word. Rhiannon gets up and starts placing all her gear in her bag. There was a look of defeat on her face. Duncan moves over to her placing his hand on hers making her to stop doing what she was doing.
"Rhiannon, You may have lost tonight . . . But you know you did the best thing that you could've done." Duncan said trying to persuade her.
"I know. But it's not just that." Replied Rhiannon.
"What is it then?" Duncan asked.
Rhiannon paused for a minute trying to put it into words how she was feeling, "I realized that tomorrow (choking back the tears) Ill be part of the game. (pulling her hand away from his and begins to pack again) Everything I know, everyone I love . . . will be gone."
Duncan was unsure how to respond. It was all becoming real for her. That she had a right to feel how she does. There wasn't anything he could do to change it and he knew it.
It was breaking Rhiannon's heart. Even though she knew what she had to do, it didn't make it any easier. She had a comfortable life. It took a long time to get where she was. To be confident in herself again and become what she longed to be. She didn't want to be immortal or to be part of the game or its rituals. All she wanted was her life back.
"Damn all this!" Rhiannon screamed as she threw her brush across the room. It caught Duncan by surprise. "Why . . . why do I have to give up my life? I didn't ask to be immortal (yelling at the world) I just want my life back!"
Duncan reached out and grabbed both her arms. Looking deep into her eyes, "No one knows why we are who we are. Whether or not you like it . . . you are going to become an immortal. (placing his hand on her face) You need to find a way to accept this once . . . you do that, you'll be able to go on and live your life."
Rhiannon looked at him angrily, not really wanting to hear that. All she wanted was her life back.
"I can't do this . . . I don't want to spend the rest of my life watching my head!" Rhiannon said as she started to cry.
Duncan puts his arms around her. Letting her cry, he stood there holding her. When she starts to calm down, he gently pulls her away.
"Rhiannon . . . I will be here for you. I'll try and guide you. To show you how to take care of yourself . . . But you have to be willing to learn and listen. (taking a deep breath) You're so lucky . . . Your in control of your own destiny . . . For no immortal I have ever known . . . knew what they were before becoming one." Duncan said trying to reassure her.
Rhiannon knew Duncan was right. It must have been hard for him to wake up knowing he was dead. No one to explain to him what happened to him. He must have been terrified. Rhiannon was so glad that Duncan was there for her. She couldn't image doing this alone.
Looking up at Duncan, "I don't know if I can take his or anyone else's head . . . I don't think I could kill anyone."
Duncan was taking back by what she said. It had been such a way of life for him that it didn't dawn on him that she couldn't do it.
"You have no choice in that Rhiannon. (Being as direct as he could be.) Whether you want to or not . . . If you want to survive that's what you're going to have to do." Duncan firmly said.
Rhiannon didn't say anything else, just placing her head back onto his chest. Pulling away, Rhiannon goes back to packing her things. Nether one of them spoke just letting what was just said, sink in. Duncan knew that she was preparing to die tomorrow, to begin her immortal life. That she was trying to sort out those feelings. Duncan hoped that there would be a way she could keep both lives. Even though knowing that would there was a possibility that Rhiannon would have to walk away from everything and everyone she knows. Duncan needed to find out what she was planning so he could try to help her to settle into immortality the best he could.
"Rhiannon… come over here and sit down." Duncan said as he sat down onto the bench.
Rhiannon zips up her bag and slowly goes over to where he was.
"You are going to have to trust me . . . Completely." Duncan pleaded with all the sincerity he could muster.
"I do . . . why I don't know . . . but I have trusted you from the start." Rhiannon replied.
Duncan could tell by the expression on Rhiannon's face that she did trust him. Pulling Rhiannon down next to him, "First . . . what are you planning?"
"To be honest Duncan I really don't have a plan. I didn't have one when I walked into the ring. (being very candid) I just went on gut instincts." Rhiannon said as honestly as she could.
"Have you decided on how to handle Victor?" Duncan asked.
Rhiannon didn't want to lie to Duncan, but deep inside she knew she had to deal with Victor herself.
"Victor wants me to meet him tomorrow after the matches." Rhiannon responded, trying hard to avoid answering him directly.
"What time is that?" Duncan questioned.
"Not until eight tomorrow night... When the fair ends." Rhiannon simply said.
Duncan thought about what she said, wondering what she was going to do, "Are you going to meet him?"
Rhiannon knew she couldn't evade the question any longer. Play innocent. Thinking to herself.
"I don't know . . . I figure I'm going to have to play it by ear." Rhiannon replied simply.
"So you're going to tell me your going to go in there…with out a plan at all?" Duncan asked very agitated at her.
"To be honest Duncan" Rhiannon started to say.
Duncan Interrupting her,"Yes lets be."
"I was thinking about taking him off guard. He doesn't know that I know…(taking a deep breath) So I can take him . . . he'll be off guard."
"Victor can still sense you Rhiannon . . . Remember, I told you it's just not as strong." Duncan stated factually.
"Yeah I know . . . but he'll be expecting me. So, Victor won't be paying any attention." Rhiannon said smiling as she said it with satisfaction.
It didn't settle right with Duncan. She wants her cake and pie too. If Rhiannon took Victor's head, there will be no one to take the quickening. It would be unused power and knowledge. Victor would have no honor with his death, to Duncan that would be against the rules.
"Rhiannon, you can't do that (shaking his head) there will be no one there to receive his quickening! You're not immortal yet . . . so you can't take his quickening!" Duncan angrily said trying to get her to listen to reason.
Rhiannon didn't say anything. It wasn't a factor in her plan. Staring down at the ground, "Then he has me either way."
Duncan was completely frustrated. How was he going to get her to understand that he would have to be the one to take Victor's head?
"Listen to me Rhiannon, There is really no other way around it . . . (Lifting her head so he could see her face) I have fight him . . . someone has to be there to take his quickening…if not there will be no honor in his death . . . all his power his knowledge will be lost . . . (Looking deep into her eyes) It can't be you . . . you're mortal." Duncan pleaded earnestly with her. He could tell she wasn't accepting anything he was saying.
Rhiannon was livid. She didn't want him to fight her battles. Her battles were her own.
"It is not your fight Duncan . . . Besides so what if he dies with no honor! (Shaking her head.) It is my fight not yours!" Rhiannon replied.
"You're not ready…you are not trained or equipped yet to fight him. It would be like leading a lamb to slaughter if I let you do this!" Duncan said desperately trying to get her to understand.
"I can't let you." Rhiannon answered.
"You must!" Duncan demanded.
Deep inside Rhiannon knew that Duncan was right. She wasn't ready. She couldn't even defend herself this afternoon. How can she expect to defend her life or her immortality? There wasn't enough time to learn everything she had to learn to defend herself against an immortal.
"You have to trust me . . . you have to believe that I could take him." Duncan pleaded with her.
"I…I don't want you to lose your head." Rhiannon said as she placed her hand on his face. Duncan smiled.
Duncan knew Victor would be a challenge. However, he has fought other immortals more evil than him.
"Trust me. I'll be ok." Duncan simply replied.
Rhiannon was still unsure if it was right or not. Silence washed over them again, not knowing what to say to the other. It was getting late. They could hear the roar of the crowds grow louder as they started announcing for the main round.
Wanting just to go home and not to debate this anymore, "Lets go home Duncan . . . (standing up) I don't want to be here when Victor wins . . . I am way too tired to fight tonight."
"Okay . . . I understand." Duncan says as he gets up and takes her bag from her. Holding out his hand, Rhiannon smiles and grabs it. As they leave nether says a word to each other. Both of them thinking that sometimes, some things are better left unsaid.