Methos' Drunken Tales - A Story of Love and Loss
I would like to especially thank my Beta reader/editor - FerretKid. I suggest everyone read her fan-fictions especially her new story (get ready for a shameless plug) How To Win Friends and Influence Immortals at - u/2825702/FerretKid- Special thanks toRJ Bingham who encouraged me to keep writing.
My story was written for enjoyment purposes only. It was not written for profit, and no copyright infringement is intended on the poems or Highlander. Thank you to all who have been reading this story, sorry its been so long between chapters. If you enjoy this story please leave a review! Methos goes looking to find the Duke but instead runs in to Ceirdwyn.
Chapter 4 The Warrior Queen
Friendship After Love
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox
...after Love has led us, till he tires
Of his own throes and torments and desires,
Comes large-eyed friendship: with a restful gaze
He beckons us to follow, and across
Cool, verdant vales we wander free from care
Is it a touch of frost lies in the air?
Why are we haunted with a sense of loss?
We do not wish the pain back, or the heat;
And yet, and yet, these days are incomplete.
Methos always felt his love affairs with other Immortals were more an extension of his friendships with them. Rebecca understood this. Unfortunately, Ceirdwyn did not.
April 23 2012 - Sanctuary
Ceirdwyn broke in on the tale saying, "Methos, let me tell the story now."
"Why? Wasn't I telling it accurately? I remember how it happened!" He grumbled at her.
"Yes, but this where I came in and I know you Methos, so - let's see, how shall I put this delicately? You'll leave out too many details." Ceirdwyn smiled coyly
"I promised to not lie and I haven't, Ceirdwyn, so I don't understand what your problem could possibly be."
"There is no way you can tell the next part of this story without leaving out a lot of the facts. It's like you telling me about Rebecca - you didn't. And you won't tell them about us." Ceirdwyn stepped close, looked deep into his eyes and ran one of her hands through his hair. Playing with it, she twirled several strands around her fingertips. "Everyone knows you'll just lie anyway, so let me tell the story now," Ceirdwyn hesitated a moment before standing on her tiptoes to bring her mouth up to Methos' ear and softly whispered, "please."
"Fine, go ahead! I'll be on the sofa until you need me again." Stepping away from Cierdwyn so quickly she almost fell down, he grabbed a fresh bottle of whiskey and a mug of beer. Grumbling with disapproval, Methos stalked across the room to flop on the leather sofa. The cushions gave a long insolent hiss in protest.
"Just ignore me," the old Immortal informed the group. "Oh Amanda, could you be a dear and bring me a shot glass?"
"Why?" Amanda was glad to see Methos was not falling under Ceirdwyn's spell as Duncan had. The thief found it sweet revenge to see the other woman failing to seduce him just because once they had shared a bed.
"Because I want to do whiskey shots with my beer. Anyone want to play beer pong?" when there was no response, his words turned cold. "Bloody hell Ceirdwyn, why not just read them a romance novel? What you're going to say is the same kind of dribble. Has anyone seen my iPod? I don't want to hear this part anyway."
Amanda pulled Methos' iPod out of his leather coat, handing it to him along with the shot glass. Methos smiled up at her and kissed Amanda on the cheek. Then jamming the ear-buds in, he cranked up the volume, and poured himself a shot of whiskey. With a quick "salute," he downed the shot before returning to his beer and music.
"I think we lost him now," Joe said as they all watched Methos settle in and close his eyes.
"Forget Methos, he's an old stick in the mud anyway. Where did we leave the story?" Ceirdwyn tried to get the group's attention back to her so she could tell her story.
Duncan broke in. "Methos rode off saying he was going to kill the Duke du Cléroy and left poor Lydia crying."
"Darius sounded pretty angry and that doesn't sound like the Darius I knew." Richie chimed in.
"Well Richard, at this time, it had only been about 400 years since Darius had received the white Quickening from the Holy Man at the gates of Lutetia. At that time, Emrys was oldest Immortal alive and he had been one of Methos' chief mentors. I only know this because Marcus had been his student also and told me many stories about the ancient. On my first trip to Rome I briefly met Emrys. He blessed me and told me I should stay on holy ground and become a student of the way of peace."
"Funny, he sounds like the fake Methos I met in '96, he preached to put down our swords and follow after peace," Richie recalled. "He almost got me killed, but he was a good man."
"Richard, it was 62 AD. I had been Immortal a little over a year and thought I was madly in love. All I wanted to do was see the world, experience life, and be Immortal."
"But looking back, do you think this old holy man was wise?" Richie inquired.
"At the time, I thought the years had driven him mad." Ceirdwyn looked at Methos on the leather sofa, lying with his eyes closed, listening to his own mix of rock and roll. "I thought no one could live so long and remember what it was to be human."
"Rebecca disagreed." Amanda knew her teacher had dearly loved the old man.
"You're right. Marcus and Rebecca both admired him greatly. Methos never discussed it with me, but from what I've been told he and Emrys rarely agreed much on anything. It didn't mean Methos wasn't angry when Darius took the ancient one's head, but they had been friends also, so somehow Methos came to accept it."
"Aye, it's very difficult to lose friends to the game, worst yet because two friends fought." Mac's face reflected is inner emotional pain as he contemplated similar events from his own life. The friends he had been forced to kill, like Michael Moore, Brian Cullen, and Ingrid.
"Duncan, it was more than losing one friend to another. Rebecca and Marcus both agreed that in those early years they could still feel the echo of Emrys within Darius still," Ceirdwyn explained.
"What you're saying is that we not only get an Immortal's power with their Quickening, but some of their personality, too?" Richie expressed keen interest. "I remember that seemed to happen when I met Jennifer Hill. I didn't realize it was really her husband Alex's Quickening she was feeling when I thought she was falling in love with me."
"You and I had a similar experiences Rich, but I think the Dark Quickening was much stronger in terms of the other's personalities coming through. My God, I almost killed you!" Macleod said looking at his former student and friend. "After I killed Sean Burns I wanted to die, but Methos told me Sean was inside me too, helping me fight all the evil. If not for that damn fool's interference I don't know what would have happened to me."
"It was the echo of Emrys that caused Methos to get under Darius' skin, Methos found it to be funny, and never told Darius what was going on." Joe scratched his beard while speculating, but it made sense in light of Methos' irritating sense of humor. The Watcher would never forget being on the receiving end of it almost fourteen years ago. That was the day Methos had followed him straight into a trap before admitting he knew it was a set up from the very beginning. Typical Methos, turning the entire incident into a huge joke while saving Amy's life and getting his own revenge. Yep, Joe could see how Methos wouldn't have said a thing to poor Darius.
"I suppose so," Mac shrugged his shoulder. "I knew Darius told me the White Quickening changed him completely. He said before he was a bloodthirsty warlord."
"Are we here to discuss what happens to Immortals after a Quickening or hear a story?"
Amanda scolded the group. "Joe, I know the Watcher in you wants to know about Emrys, but Methos is the only one of us with any right to talk about him and the Watchers lost any right to that knowledge the day Horton kill Darius. If the old guy realizes what we're discussing do you think he'd stick around? Telling a story about the old guy's love life is one thing, but Methos rarely, if ever, talks about Emrys."
Amanda turned to Ceirdwyn, angry with the other woman. "You and I will talk about this later."
Ceirdwyn at least had the sense to look chastised, even if she didn't feel it. Amanda glanced over at Methos as she calmed herself. His iPod was blaring, leaving him oblivious to what had transpired. "Are we finished with this? Can we move on with the story?"
They all nodded, although Joe didn't look particularly happy about it.
Mac understood Amanda's loss of Rebecca, and apparently it was the same for Methos concerning Emrys. An Immortal may have many teachers, but they would have only one master, and before tonight Mac hadn't known who Methos' master was. Now MacLeod realized it was the man who had given Darius the White Quickening.
Amanda read the realization dawning on Duncan as emotions plainly flitted through his eyes. She dipped her fingers lightly in her own glass before flicking the whiskey in his face and laughing.
"Duncan, do you want to hear this or do I need to close the bar down? Don't even think about Darius or Emrys; it's Methos' business, not yours."
"I promise, if you agree to not be angry with Ceirdwyn since I'm the one that brought her here." Duncan gave her his 'lost puppy dog' smile, certain Amanda couldn't remain upset with him.
Amanda smiled at her former lover and brought him a fresh beer. He took the beverage and stood up to give her a kiss on the cheek and a sweet hug, and then promptly spoiled the moment by saying, "I want to hear the story. Besides, if Ceirdwyn is in it, it has to be exciting." Duncan tossed his arm around the Celtic woman, and gave her a deep kiss and a reassuring smile.
Amanda turned away before her smile dropped and a tear slipped down her cheek. The thief caught her emotions and, putting on a false smile, turned back. Checking to make sure no one had seen her indiscretion Amanda offered everyone another beer.
Ceirdwyn smiled nervously at Amanda, but restarted the tale and soon the group was drawn back into story.
805 Aquitania du Francia (Southern France)
The plan was simple. First, the Duke du Cléroy would taste immortality, and then Methos would take his head. Time was short and Darius would be at the Duke's castle in under a week.
Entering the Duke's gates he soon felt a warning Buzz. Keeping his hand on the hilt of his sword while searching for the source of the warning, Methos carefully examined every face in the crowd.
When a beautiful, well-dressed woman stepped into the center of the street and returned his searching look, he released his sword and slid off his horse, a broad grin spreading across his face.
"Ceirdwyn, what are you doing in Aquitania?"
"Wondering why you're in town and what I'm supposed to call you!" Ceirdwyn said as she ran to him, tossed her arms around his neck, gave him a hug him and a peck on the cheek. Methos folded her into his arms and returned her kiss.
"I'm not planning on staying long, so let's just go with Methos; it's always had such a nice ring to it." He let he go and puffed out his chest and struck a pose. "My official name is Methos Le Chevalier De Les Charette C'est Qui Pèsent Sur L'accusé."
"Where did you get that name?" She softly laughed at the over-long, over-styled, old fashioned title.
"It's just a name."
Ceirdwyn began running her hands through his hair and gave him the look that meant she knew he was lying.
"Well, if you're going to give me the look!" Methos laughed as a devilish smile spread across his lips. "I've used it a few times. Maybe the first time was around seven or eight hundred years ago. There were these barbarians that were terrorizing the countryside near Lutetia called 'The Accused.' Emrys sent for me to scare them off. I charged them, killed them, and the name sort of stuck." Methos leaned in and whispered the tale in her ear.
"Well that's quite a story. This Emrys, you just came when he called? That doesn't sound like something you would do. Who was this man to you?
"He is none of your business! It doesn't matter, he is long dead." Methos playfully spanked her.
"I'm sorry, Methos," Ceirdwyn said half-heartedly. So many had loved the ancient man, but she had been unimpressed by his pacifist message. She never understood why Methos was so taken with him, too. Ceirdwyn switched the subject, "I know you didn't come for a social call. What are you doing here?"
"I've come to murder the Duke du Cléroy. Make him Immortal. You know he is going to be one of us?" With the narrowing of his eyes, Methos' mood darkened and Cierdwyn knew he was still formulating a plan.
"That will prove easier said than done since he always has guards around him. Why do you want to make him Immortal before his time?" Ceirdwyn's curiosity was piqued.
Opening his eyes wide and straightening his back as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Methos replied, "So I can take his head, of course!"
"Methos, why don't we forget about the Duke and run away for a few decades?" Ceirdwyn took his hand and laced her fingers with his.
"I think we tried that a few times before and found it only takes five or ten years before we get on each other's nerves. Besides, you know I do better with mortal women." Methos pointed the finger of his free hand at Ceirdwyn before reaching out and playfully tweaking her nose. He kept his most charming face forward, hoping to distract her away from more searching questions.
"True, but that's because you enjoy whining about your lost lovers so much! Sometimes for a hundred years after they die. Honestly, you can take all the fun out of life." Ceirdwyn teased him.
Methos tried to ignore her comment. She had no idea how close to home she had hit. It had been just over a hundred years since his last wife had been murdered. Muffling his emotions he broke free of her grasp, crossed his arms, tilted his head, and changed the direction the conversation was headed. "Ceirdwyn, what is your business in this town?"
"I run the taverns and supply whores for the Duke's men; two services for which I am paid extremely well." Ceirdwyn continued with a curtsy and silly, "M'lord, Methos," trying to break the tension she suddenly felt coming from him.
"So, you can get me in to see the Duke?" Methos fixed his gaze on her. His eyes had a way of melting right into Ceirdwyn's soul and she had a hard time looking away. The gold flecks stood out in his hazel eyes, and she saw a hint of passion burning there.
"Perhaps in the morning, but you have to stay at my house tonight or there will be no introductions. Your horse looks half dead, you look like hell covered in dirt. Have you even eaten lately?" She ran her fingers across his face and down his back.
"I'm fine." Methos waved off her concern. "I'm here to do a job, m'lady Ceirdwyn. If I can make the Duke Immortal then become his teacher, it will be easy to take his head."
"M'lord Methos, you haven't changed one bit," Ceirdwyn laughed teasing him back. "I'll have my grooms to take your horse." She brushed dirt from his tunic and breeches. "You'll need new garments for an audience with the Duke. There's no way you can see him in those rags. Now, explain to me one more time why you need to do this?"
"Alright, perhaps there is a little more I should tell you." Methos sighed while kicking a pebble on the street. "You see, I met this girl..."
"How many times have I heard you say that before?" Ceirdwyn interrupted while rolling her eyes. "Let's see, I've known you almost seven hundred years and I think every time I run in to you, the first thing out of your mouth is, 'I met this girl. Don't you know falling in love with mortal women will get you killed someday?"
Methos didn't respond. For the first time in a century he was feeling the emotions he had buried with his last sweet wife. The older Immortal's lust was burning again and he didn't want to share any further in the face of Cierdwyn's teasing.
Misunderstanding his silence, she believed his affection could be turned away from his new mortal love and back to her once more. Cierdwyn pulled him into her house where a warm fire, food, and bed waited.
They continued in silence while Methos claimed a cushioned chair next to the fireplace and sprawled across it, warming himself and waiting for the servants to bring washing bowls. As soon as the worst of the dirt was off his face and hands, Ceirdwyn commanded for food and wine to be brought.
Methos finally spoke after the servants had stepped away. "How is your old teacher Marcus?"
"He's well enough, I haven't seen him in a few years. Marcus has a home in the Pyrenees Mountains with a Moorish woman. You know, both of you old romantics have the same habit of falling in love with mortals."
The pair drank and ate. Methos hadn't realized how famished he was until he began eating. Methos yawned and thanked his hostess when he was satiated, then Ceirdwyn led him up to her bedchamber, ignoring his protests. She wasn't going to accept no when she could see he was burning with desire.
They had been lovers many times before, and she knew Methos' mood better than he realized. Ceirdwyn clearly saw the pain in his face and wanted to kiss it away. Always honest with Ceirdwyn, Methos would not touch her before explaining how his heart yearned for another. The girl he met on the road with Darius, engaged to the Duke. He was always honest with Ceirdwyn about where they stood.
"Ceirdwyn, I don't think revisiting our former relationship is a good idea."
"What's the matter? You don't find me attractive?"
"My friend, you know that has never been a problem, it's just that..."
"It just that I've been lonely and right now, I want you.
"You know I love you're not a tame, passive woman, but one who knows what she wants! But, Ceirdwyn, this can't be forever. Do you understand that?"
She kissed him hard and nodded, simply wanting Methos now. In the end they were both lost in a night of unbridled lust, Methos, much to his surprise, found himself surrendering to his hunger, finding fire and satisfaction both in Cierdwyn arms.
Of all the Immortals she had met, Cierdwyn knew he would survive and that made Methos a lifeline for her, someone she would know and could be with into the future. Besides, he had been a lover of countless women for eons and knew how just how to set her body burning with passion and then carry her to the point of ecstasy before giving in to his own bliss.
For Methos, there were not many Immortals he trusted enough to take to his bed, and over the past few centuries, that list had shrunk to just a few.
Watching him sleep, Ceirdwyn found herself considering his advice and finding a mortal lover. But how could any man live up to the man she had in her bed right now? She was a warrior and mortal men did not want her. They wanted gentle, submissive girls and she could never be that.
Cierdwyn hoped Lydia and her escort would be delayed and she could keep Methos to herself for a few more nights. Surely that would be all the time she would need to convince him to keep her instead of a virgin bride.
In the morning Ceirdwyn arose early and met with the tailor to prepare better attire for Methos. She took care of her books and met with servants, her working girls, and a few of the other merchants. At last, she had some food prepared and carried it up to share with Methos, who she found still asleep.
From the condition of his horse, Ceirdwyn knew he must have been riding for days without a break, nearly killing the animal in his rush to arrive. From the look of his naked body in the afternoon light, he wasn't fairing much better than the horse, but a few good meals and sleep would take Methos back to full strength quickly.
Last night he had seemed to be strong and vital, but Ceirdwyn knew he was exhausted. Still, he was playful and had put her needs first, but that was the type of lover Methos had always been.
She closed the curtains, removed her clothes, and climbed back in bed with him. His new love had not yet arrived, so why not enjoy the fantasy that he was hers while she could? Ceirdwyn curled up next to his warm body and held him close. Methos moaned as he closed the space between them and wrapped his arms around her thin waist before settling back into his deep sleep.
The day was gone when they finally stirred.
"Ceirdwyn, what are you still doing here? I must have slept the day away." Methos lifted his head to look at his hostess.
"I was up early, conducted my business, and after I finished my work you were still asleep. You looked so good in my bed I had to join you. It's been a long time since I had a lover. Men around here don't want someone like me." Ceirdwyn smiled sadly at him.
Methos pulled Ceirdwyn close, touching her in all the right places. First brushing his lips against her ear then moving down to her neck, he tasted her skin and made her moan. Her mouth found his and her tongue forced it open. From the moment he touched her, she wanted more. A long hungry kiss stirred his passions equally.
How can I make him lose control? Ceirdwyn forced her mind to not give in fully, so she could form a plan.
Methos broke their kiss and brushed a lock of hair out of face. "Ceirdwyn, you have always been an equal to me. What's wrong with being a warrior queen? I would rather have you fighting at my side then most of the men I know."
"Are we doing battle old friend? If you want to practice swords we can do that in the courtyard in the moonlight."
"No, I think here we're doing a different type of battle. One I will always win, because you want what I can give you, so you allow me to have power over you." There was the cocky attitude she knew all too well.
"Well, the day is getting late and you did have other plans, so perhaps this time I shall win and go about my work." Ceirdwyn sat up and began gathering the sheet around herself to stand.
"Is that how we're playing this game? Ceirdwyn don't forget you started this!"
Methos pulled her down, flipped her underneath his body, and she knew her plan worked. For the next few hours he was all hers. Sweaty, barely breathing, and near exhaustion, Ceirdwyn finally cried uncle and told Methos he had won. She called the servants to bring fresh food and clean water so she and her lover could wash and eat.
Playfully washing each other, Ceirdwyn wondered how he could be so good to her when she could still see the pain on his face. Methos was worried about the woman he was in love with, and how he was going to accomplish the task he had given himself.
"Methos, tell me about this girl you met."
"I'm sorry Ceirdwyn, I don't mean to ruin the time we have together."
"You're not, but I can tell you're thinking of her."
He sighed and bit his lip before looking up at her. "Her name is Lydia, and she is in the charge of another old friend. You know Darius?"
"Marcus has spoken of him. He was a warlord who sacked Rome and later killed the holy man who was Marcus' master."
"Darius had a white quickening when he took ancient one's head. He has taken the vows of a priest and is bringing Lydia here to marry the Duke."
"Why this girl, Methos? Can't you find a mortal who is easier to possess? There are so many of them to choose from!"
Methos brushed more hair off her face, tucking a lock behind her ear and looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes. "Lydia was kidnapped on the road and Darius asked me to rescue her. The girl actually spit in the face of her assailants, never shed a tear, and was defiant even when she had no idea Darius and I were coming. She was raised in wealth and privilege, but is educated and generous of spirit. I won't meet another mortal women like her if I live ten more centuries, if ever."
Ceirdwyn knew Methos' eyes were always the key to giving him away. As much as he lied to lead her astray with his talk of new love, she could always see the truth.
"How long has it been this time, Methos? From the way you were making love to me I would gather it's been awhile. You're always about control, but right now your passion runs very hot."
Methos looked embarrassed, "Am I so obvious?"
"No, only because I know you. Methos, you are a sneaking, lying, old bastard and I doubt there is a long list of Immortals who know you as I do." Cierdwyn laughed.
"True." Methos feared he had revealed too much of himself. "You're always right, my Warrior Queen. It's been over a century." Methos looked away and sadness filled his voice, "My last wife died because of my own foolishness and I found it easier to not trust anyone. I stayed alone in my pain, recounting my many regrets."
"Methos, you shouldn't have blamed yourself. Mortals die..."
"I know that better than you, but it didn't stop me, until I saw Lydia! Then the world became a place of sunshine again. I need her, Ceirdwyn, in a way that goes beyond physical desire. I hope you don't think I'm just using you." He gave her one of those half smiles she knew all to well.
"No, it is I using you, Methos. I'm lonely and you have always been an anchor for me. I'm happy to just take your breadcrumbs."
"Ceirdwyn, I care for you." Methos gently took her face and cradled it in his big hands. "I can go without seeing you for over a hundred and twenty years and fall in bed with you like it was yesterday! I would protect your back in any fight and I trust you with my life! Please understand we have forever, you and I. We are survivors. We will be here to see the second millennium, but a mortal like Lydia has only a few years compared to us, so I must share as many of them with her as I can. I would never give you breadcrumbs m'lady, only my full attention. Someday, after Lydia has died, we will have time again, if you are not with a mortal yourself." Methos released her released her face and gathered Ceirdwyn up in his arms, kissing her with all the passion he could muster.
"Thank you, Methos. Are you sure you're not lying to make me feel better? You are such a good liar."
"Bloody hell, woman! Look me in the eyes and tell me what you see? Yes, I'm a liar but I was never very good at lying to you." His eyes melted into dark pools with gold flecks and Ceirdwyn knew he was telling her the truth. "Ceirdwyn, when we talk you finish my sentences, you know how to touch me and open me up when I am a closed box. I would stay with you if I had not met Lydia."
"Methos, you would not have come here if it was not for Lydia." She caressed his cheek. "Now, when do you want to meet the Duke and get your plans moving forward? Time is just wasting away." Ceirdwyn smiled, knowing in her heart that Methos did love her in his own way, and it would never be enough for her. Methos called few other Immortals "dear friend," but Ceirdwyn loved him with her whole body and soul and he would never return her love with equal depth. There in lay the problem.
End chapter 4
(Le Chevalier De Les Charette C'est Qui Pèsent Sur L'accusé -
English translation - the Knight that charges against the accused)
Chapter 5 - Life Can Be A Nightmare
Methos meets the Duke and reunites with Lydia. Then Darius tells her the truth about her new love Methos. Don't worry Methos will be back telling chapter 5 but I hope you enjoyed Ceirdwyn point of view this time. Thank you again for reading this story!
