Memories of Home - Chapter 10

Usual stuff - The concept, and characters of Highlander does not belong to me; they're the property of Panzer/Davis. All that mine is my OC Lydia. I am just writing this for enjoyment and not any profit. Rebecca is called (Rivka) in this AU story, and she is older than the watcher chronicles say. My reasoning is simple, the first time the Watcher saw her die was at Mycenae in 1165 BC, murdered by a jealous slave. A special thanks to my friend Wajag for letting me use her ideas of how very old Immortals can manipulate their Quickening's. Also, many thanks to JavaFirst for beta reading and helping me with the edits.

Notes: Uruk or Ur vies with Eridu among modern scholars for being the oldest city in the world. These cities were in lower Mesopotamia whose civilization flourished between 4100 - 1750 BCE. Information about Emrys is from the Novel, Highlander Shadow of Obsession, released May 1998 and from Wiki.

At Home by – Mary Tarver Carroll

You may seek for the end of the rainbow
Over mountains and valleys afar,
You may wend weary miles in your questing
Until evening blossoms a star—
When homeward you turn, disappointed,
Heartsick at the end of your dream—
You see from your small cottage window
A bright, broad ruddy beam
That beckons you in "O come hither,
Too long from the fireside you roam,
The goal of real joy that you seek for
Is found nowhere else but at home!"

Memories of Home - Chapter 10 of Drunken Tales

Methos closed his eyes taking a moment to collect his thoughts. Richie, Amanda and Joe wandered into the Club Sanctuary's kitchen, to find something besides alcohol to drink. The thought of eating some food and caffeine appealed to the tired party goers. They were quickly followed by MacLeod and Ceirdwyn when they smelled a whiff of coffee brewing.

Upon opening his eyes, the oldest Immortal, found, he was sitting alone. The sun was going to rise soon, as he heard an old clock chimed out the hour as four AM. Methos' mouth quirked upward into almost a smile as he noticed the scream of a tea kettle. He waltzed in to see everyone finding mugs, or microwaving pastries. He was almost turning around, ready to go back to his beer when Amanda set a mug of tea next to the master storyteller.

"It's one of the teas I used to have when Rebecca and I visited Darius. Since he is in this story, I thought you would enjoy it." Amanda's lips turned up into a smile.

The Highlander seemed to only hear the words, - "Darius and tea." Suddenly, he was at Amanda's side. Duncan picked up the mug that had just left the old thief's hand's and was fixated on the aroma, "This smells heavenly. Why didn't Darius ever give me this tea instead of that dreaded stuff made out of moldy moss?" Mac inquired, "How in the world did you get this after Darius died?"

Amanda's eyes focused on Duncan, "Liam gave these teas as a housewarming gift when I first moved into the Club Sanctuary. He found them when he and another priest cleaned out Darius's apartment in the back of St. Julian Le Pauvre. Oh, that Moss tea, you are right Duncan it was truly dreadful. I tossed it right after Liam left. I would have saved some for you if I had known you liked it."

"No, I hated it. But this smells delightful. "Why don't you get Methos another mug? I would rather drink this one!" The Highlander declared.

Methos smiled at the scene playing out before him, MacLeod returned the mug to the counter, but he was continuing to sniff the tea as Methos shoved the highlander out of his way. "That's my tea! Mac, get your own." the old Immortal graced Amanda with a large smile and tipped his head to her in thanks.

Amanda couldn't stop laughing. "Sorry I already put the tea away Duncan, but there is plenty of coffee." Then she turned to Methos, "Do you want some honey in your drink?"

"No thanks darling. Sweet stuff is more of a modern invention. Back in the good old days I was just lucky if I had brought some herbs to flavor the not-so-great dirty boiled water. Most of the time back then I usually drank beer because it was generally safer to drink. Thank you for making me a cup of tea. Amanda this smells like ambrosia from the gods." Methos picked up the mug and inhaled the warm liquid as he strolled right back to the comfy sofa and sprawled upon it. Talking to himself, he remarked, "This scent is slightly familiar. This smells like a combination of willows bark, a mishmash of herbs, but," He sniffed the tea again, "Yes there is Cinnamon, mint, and a little citrus in this Tea. I remember drinking this concoction of herbs before. Darius used to fix this same tea for me, when I used to come over and play chess with him. No, it wasn't Darius. It was Emrys who grew the herbs in that garden he always had me plant. The ancient's one's love of tea must have transferred along with the white quickening." For just a moment, Methos was lost in his memories. His thoughts kept drifting back further and further to a happier time when there were no dead friends and no lifetimes of regrets. When he and the world were both much younger. His mind wandered for only a moment, but in that moment, he discovered an old memory.

Once upon a time, many, many, many, years ago, Methos went home…

Before the days of the Four Horseman, Methos remembered traveling to see his old Master, the ancient holy man - Emrys. For many long weeks, he had been riding to the old one's forest home. He always enjoyed the destination much more than the journey because traveling always included danger. He never knew when wandering in an unknown territory,. if the current residents were friendly or wanted to kill him. Worst of all if he died and didn't stay dead, they would worship him or more likely would say he was a daemon.

This particular trip was a bear, much worse than his previous one. It seemed like the bread he brought only lasted a few days and after the first two weeks his jerky was gone. Although he was able to recognize and track the faint whisperings of Emrys' Quickening, just taking care of his daily needs became difficult. Worst of all he was bored of his own company. His horse seemed a better companion than himself. Yes, there had been a few settlements to pass through but being a stranger, most people did not welcome him. After unsuccessfully trying to trade with several villagers, all they would see was his sword and assume he was a raider there to kill them. It was safer to forage and snare small animals, so Methos stayed in the countryside, avoiding others. This journey that had felt like an extremely long endeavor was almost over when he crossed the river, and felt the strong presence of his Master. Looking at the clearing ahead, he saw smoke from a fire. Many years later he would try to estimate what time in history this was, the closest he could determine was sometime between 3,500 and 3,000 BCE.

"I do hope the old man is in a good mood and will not snap my head off for staying away so long." He spoke continuing to discuss the matter with his horse while taking a long look down the trail. Methos gave his horse a little kick to urge the tired animal onward. "If only I had turned around before the old Master had felt my Quickening, I could find a nice place to spend a lifetime or two. But what a fool I am, for he assuredly knows we are close," He grumbled to the horse. In the distance, he saw a someone tending a fire. Knowing the master's home was near, he urged the mare on and galloped in anticipation of the journeys end. Finally, he was close enough to see the figure of a man, who had a long beard, was short, but nimble watching him, as he patted his horse's side and dismounting, led the mare walking the rest of the way. On his hip, he carried a bronze sword with its hilt wrapped in leather resting in a scabbard. It was the most valuable possession he owned except for the gifts he had brought for Emrys. As he was close enough to hear the pop and sizzle of the campfire, a woman appeared out of the old rock and clay home. "Old one you have a new student, and she is a woman!" Maintaining the soft and muted conversation with his horse as surprise entered his voice. Approaching the dwelling, she went back into the house that didn't even have a door just an animal hide hung over the entrance. The world was always changing, but one thing Methos could count on was his Master would always be there waiting for him.

As he approached closer, his ears filled with the sound of singing, no that wasn't a song, his Master was in the middle of one of his Ancient chants. Methos walked up to him and stood silently for a while just listening to the old man's baritone voice. Finally, the older Immortal looked up to greet his student.

"Ah, you came back. It's been a long time since you left me to explore the world." The ancient one paused to collect his thoughts; he was never a man who just spoke off the cuff. Every word from Emrys' mouth usually filled the space between them and always contained some sort of lesson, or in Methos case, it was often more of a reproof.

Methos chose to think that he was no longer still a student of the old Master, but deep inside his heart, he knew he would never be done with Emrys.

"What was it out there in the world of men that caught your attention and caused you to not return home for so long?" The old one paused again making sure Methos knew he was unhappy. When Emrys began seeing a glimpse of remorse in his old students' eyes he asked a question. "Is the sword you carry for me?"

"No Master, I have brought you another that is in my pack along with several gifts." Methos tried to look as apologetic as possible knowing Emrys was annoyed that he had stayed away so long. Then he remembered seeing the woman, trying not to be too brash. He hesitated for only a moment before his voice was filled with questions. "Why do you have a woman? Is she your slave, mistress, wife, or servant, couldn't you find anyone other than a dainty female to keep you company?" His voice being a bit impetuous.

The old man couldn't help but laugh. "Methos you amuse me far too easily; I have missed you. You well know I never possessed any desire for keeping slaves. And I know you remember I maintain to remain celibate since my last dear wife died. Once you achieve, perfection it's just better to keep your memories. Plus, I utilize students who will do my bidding and maintain no need for servants. You do remember all the tasks I had you do when you were my student?"

"Oh, I'll never forget them, Master Emrys." He tried to school his voice to not sound too flippant. Methos remembered building this very house for the ancient one, but instead he tried a different tack, not wanting to annoy his Master any further. "I swear that trip we took over the mountains during that cold winter was unforgettable as we hunted those large animals, as was the garden you had me keep year after year after year." He said laughing, but the temptation was too strong, and then he spoke slowly and distinctly and brought up a subject that he knew might just vex his mentor, "One question Master, why are you training a woman? Most of the fairer sex never survive long as one of us. They can't have children and if you will train her to use a sword, then she will never keep a house or make a man happy." Methos proclaimed as if certainty he saw no need to have an Immortal woman trained especially to use a sword.

Suddenly, she came jumping out of the house, a tall woman with hair so red it looked like a fire that had burnt so hot it was almost orange. Her eyes were as deep blue as the sky on a clear day, she raised a copper sword in her hands while standing at the right side of the Master. Then she looked Methos right in his eyes. "I will have you know I lived over a hundred years before I met the holy man. If you insist that you are going to challenge me for my head, prepared to die."

Methos just stood there laughing. "You've got to be joking, an attractive female might put me under her spell for a moment, but she can't fight me let alone beat me! Woman, do you even have a name?" Methos said in a loud boisterous voice as he pulled his shiny bronze sword out of its scabbard

Emrys murmured what had to be a profanity in a dead language and shot them both a cross look. "Of course, she has a name! Unlike you when we first met, you who didn't remember any real name, only your last used alias."

"Yea, so I had a lapse of memory. It's hard to remember every detail after I was underwater for more years than I could count." His old student replied with a bit of a wisecrack.

His Master shot him another look of displeasure. "Methos meet Rivka of Jerash, my current pupil. Now both of you put your swords away, and we can have some supper. Honestly boy, I thought I taught you better than to look at an Immortals size and judge how strong they were and the level of threat they are to you."

Methos shot a glare at Emrys when he heard the term boy, and realized just how much he had exasperated his old Master.

Emrys tried to smile again, back at his old student's glare and decided it was past time they made peace and stop this dance of barbs, they had been throwing at each other. Then again what has really changed? Wasn't the last time Methos came much the same? His old student was still going through his angry adolescents. Or, maybe he still needed to learn the most important lesson an Immortal must know, that life is about change, and that one must let go of the past.

Methos knew that the ancient one loved him and enjoyed his company, so he schooled his face for a more appropriate expression and softened his look to something a lot less smug.

Once his old Master saw he had gotten his point across Emrys replaced his own expression with a kind look, and asked Methos a question, "What would you tell us of your latest adventures and what have you learned in the world of men?"

Both the younger Immortals quickly withdrew their swords as they both tried not to look ridiculously stupid as they showed off for their teacher.

Emrys spoke trying to not show his current displeasure. "Methos go put your horse up for the night, you do remember where? Or have you been gone too long this time?"

"I remember everything you have taught me Master Emrys." He said ignoring his master's questions, as he looked at the woman his face now full of indifference but the holy one still saw the surprise in his old student's eyes.

"Rivka is the bread ready? I think we will all enjoy the stew I have cooked, go get the bowls so we can eat as he returns. Sadly, I was never able to teach Methos to be a good cook, but he always devours everything I put before him." Emrys said for he was excited to have both his most beloved Immortal students' home.

Rivka turned to her teacher, "How did you know your former student was coming? I was surprised a few days ago when you told me to expect a visitor. Master are you sure we can trust him? He is a little fast with pulling out his blade."

"Rivka, there are many things I know through my Quickening, I actually have known for some time he was on his way. Maybe if you live long enough you will know them too. You must realize Methos doesn't know you." The old man sighed and softly put a hand on her shoulder, "He does not trust easily, and the world of men has not always been kind to him. Now bring some water from the river, so we can brew some tea for after we eat. One thing to remember about Methos is, in time he grows on you." Emrys gave her a pat on her back and a reassuring smile.

Rivka took a deep breath and tried to smile back at the Master, but the teacher knew there were lessons she was not ready to accept. It was a problem he had with all his students at some point, they were never ready to learn all he had to teach them. Others thought he had finished teaching them. Still, others ran off early before they could defend themselves and only one of his students never stopped learning, but now Methos had returned to the master's side less and less over the years. The ancient one wondered what had kept his old student from coming home. Methos' life always seemed to fit into one of two ends of the spectrum usually delightfully engaging or terrifying.

From the river, Rivka watched the newcomer rejoin Emrys, the two men were joking and laughing, and she wondered who was this Methos? Where was he from? Why did Emrys have so much affection for this stranger? She was sure they had known each other for eons. How old was this young-looking Immortal who seemed so full of himself as to try to challenge her for just being a woman?

As she carried the water jar back to the house, her Master spoke up, "Rivka, you should demand an apology from our dinner companion. I taught him better manners than to take his sword out whenever he meets another of our kind." Emrys held his gaze on Methos while he spoke.

Methos felt his master's eyes upon him, and he bent his head down breaking the stare. He took a deep breath before speaking, "Rivka of Jerash, I am sorry I was so rude to you as to say a woman couldn't possibly be one of my master's students. I have come a long way to get here. It was a difficult journey, and I went through many unfriendly territories."

They both heard loud and clear when the old man for the second time tonight growled a profanity in a long dead language. "Methos will you always give excuses rather than do as I asked?"

Methos looked up with his eyes wide but not really surprised his first excuse wasn't what his teacher wanted, "I have been horribly ill-mannered tonight. Rivka, please forgive my offense." Then with a sideways smirk on his face, he sat down and sprawled on the log that was next to the fire.

Emrys took a deep breath. He knew his old student was trying to outfox the teacher. He smiled and said with a firm voice "Tomorrow, Rivka can show you how good she is with her blade. One thing I do demand of you both, and that is to fight with honor and respect for each other. Also try to remember this house is built on holy ground so try hard not to kill each other. Son, will you hand me your new blade? What is it made out of?"

Methos figured that Emrys was still annoyed with him so as quickly as he could he pulled his sword from its scabbard and handed it to his teacher, "It's called bronze, and it is a type of metal from a place called Mesopotamia. This metal is harder and more durable than copper. The copper is mixed with tin at a high heat to make bronze."

I trekked here from a place called Eridu. The locals called Eridu a city, and it was filled with more people than I have ever seen before. Because of the size of a city, it was much easier to blend in and be accepted. This place is where the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers meet. The inhabitants grew enough grain to have a surplus, so the people could do jobs other than just fishing and farming. This society is remarkable and developed a way to write down and preserve someone's words. I learned to be a scribe where I could use this writing to make a wage and live peacefully. They also developed two-wheeled carts to you could use a team of animals to pull it, making the transportation of goods much easier. They are able to produce a large amount of things such as woven cloth, swords, jewelry and other goods made of brass to trade with other places. Also, they made lovely pottery. To make up for a shortage of stones and timber for building the city, they created molds for making bricks out of clay. We could have used those bricks instead of the stone when your house was built. They truly are amazing people. All went well until the mortals found out I was different from them."

"Methos show me what this writing looks like. I have a system of cataloguing herbs, but maybe you have learned a better way. Mortal men are wondrous beings. One never knows what they will create." Emrys marveled. "Tell me son, what happened when they found out you were Immortal?"

Methos shrugged his shoulders, "Same as always, and I knew it was time to go someplace else. After several people in Eridu saw me die and come back to life, the news spread like a fire around the city. So, rather than try to convince them it was an allusion, and I wasn't really dead, I thought it was a good time to come and see you. I am sorry my old friend. I get so caught up in what new things are happening I forget how long it was since I last came home. I always can feel your Quickening around me so feels like you are still next to me. And then I realize that isn't true. I will try to see you face to face more often Master Emrys." Methos vowed not knowing he would never be able to keep this particular promise, for all too soon he would go to Egypt and meet Kronos.

"You can't fight your very nature my son, but when I truly need you to come you always return. Did you run into any other Immortals since there were so many people in this place?"

"Yes, but they did not want my Quickening, so I enjoyed their company and traded stories with them. None of us wanted to be discovered by the mortals knowing the dangers and how many times mortals have tried to kill us."

Rivka helped dish out the stew, and she made sure both men had some beer and bread, the conversation lulled as everyone ate. Methos was very hungry and happy to have his first good meal in some time. One of the things Methos loved most about visiting his old Master was his cooking. Best of all he enjoyed spending time with the only family he could remember.

The evening was full of a lot of questions and answers and gifts like the other sword, assorted knifes, cloth, and pottery. Until the fires burned low and the of three of them said goodnight and went to bed. Methos chose to sleep out near his horse away from Rivka for he still thought it was strange seeing a woman as his master's student.

Rivka was still wide awake and asked her mentor about Methos. "Master Emrys, what do you see in this Immortal that excites you so much? He seems quite full of himself to me. He's certainly not meek or humble."

"Methos has always been very inquisitive with a fire in his belly to learn something new every time he can. At the same time, he continues to wander in the world of men and many of them are afraid of us. Rivka, I doubt that his life as a mortal was very easy. He only claims he remembers broken pieces of it and does not like to speak of it. One thing Methos does have is a spirit of innate curiosity. He was able to survive when many in similar situations didn't. Until I met him life as an Immortal wasn't any better, he was hated and feared for what we are. The first time I found him I had to fish him out of the bottom of a lake. From what I could gather his people left him in the lowlands of a valley knowing in time the water would cover him up. I never found out how long he was there. That was a while ago back when I first was wandering, and discovering the world. My own people were dead, and I hadn't met many other Immortals yet. So, I dried him off and fed him, and he became one of my first Immortal students. The funny thing was he was more curious about how life changed since he had been covered by the water, than angry about what happened to him. He didn't even have a name he could remember, only the latest alias he had used. So, I named him from one of the old tongues and called him Methos which meant one who seeks Mysteries. The name seemed to fit him well enough.

"How old is he Master Emrys? He still looks younger than me or you." Rivka asked the ancient holy man.

"Go to sleep Rivka, you have a heart not unlike my own, and you are someone who will teach my ways long after I am gone."

"Emrys you are the oldest of us all, you will always be here, and I will be at your side. But why can't Methos teach your ways too?"

"Hush girl. Methos doesn't have the same agenda that I do. He is more interested in learning what's new with the world than passing on my teaching."

"Maybe you're right, and maybe you're wrong, but the world hasn't changed that much for me. I could see the disgust in his eyes. Methos must loath women."

Emrys chuckled "That couldn't be further from the truth, I have seen that when a woman catches his eye, there is nothing I can do with him. Deep down inside he is a true romantic. But always remember this particular man would kill a woman just as fast as he would kill anyone who he felt threatened by. My old student is not someone to be deceived. He trusts me, but you will have to earn his loyalty and being that you're a woman, he already feels he's your superior. But remember Methos is a good man, but he rarely trusts strangers, and he is prone to anger much too easily. Oh, the follies of youth. Some ideas you and he share that only in time will tell how you both use your Immortality."

"Maybe he is that way because his people left him to die in the lake?"

"My old student still has many things yet to figure out, but I love his curious ways. He always makes me feel young as he tells me of all the new things he has learned. Tomorrow I will have you spar with him and see how he handles his sword. Now I have said too much already." The holy man bent down and kissed her forehead. "Sleep now my dear Rivka. I hope he stays with us a while, but all too soon he will be off to discover what else is new in the world."

Methos was up with the sun, tending to the horses and going down to the river for a much-deserved bath after he gathered some fresh berries to snack on. Rivka was awakened by the sound of the horses nickering. She got up and started to prepare some porridge. Realizing the water jug was empty, she walked down to the river and felt another Immortal. He was not well mannered like the master, he sang a little shanty as he bathed, knowing that she would hear him and look his way. Needless to say, she quickly discovered, Methos in all his glory washing in the river. For a moment, she looked away, only realizing he knew she was there. Swimming in the river, he waved hi to her as he reached the bank and stepped out of the water wearing nothing but a smile. She just began laughing. The whole situation was preposterous. First this Immortal wanted to fight her, and now he was clearly flirting. "Well, are you going to get dressed or stand here naked all day. Emrys wanted me to spar with you, and I would hate to see you lose anything 'valuable' with a swipe of my blade." She said as she made her way to the riverbank and stopped next to his sword. Reaching out and touching it she smiled with a teasing look.

"Rivka, I think you will be the undoing of me, and our Master will have me spend half the day apologizing to you. Fine, you are the new student of the hour but do try to remember I will always be his favorite one. If instead you want to try my sword take it, but you would be better using the blade I brought for Emrys. It's lighter and a bit shorter, and has a better balance for you or him."

She could see Methos was going to continue to be annoying, so she dipped the jug in the water refilling it. Then instead of taking Methos sword she picked up the other immortal's clothing and ran as fast as she could back to the house spilling most of the water.

Emrys stood near the door watching his two students. "Girl, what do you think you are doing? That is going to keep you on Methos' bad side, stop antagonizing him!"

Rivka just stood there laughing as Methos grabbed his sword and walked up the hill from the river demanding his clothing. She waited there enjoying the show watching every muscle in his lean physique, tight and well-toned. She hadn't enjoyed anything like this for a very, very long time. "Ha I am not antagonizing him he is being a bad sport." She continued to Laugh

The Master's old student looked at Rivka and held his hands out for his clothes as he started shivering feeling the cool wind brush his skin. Seeing he was still full of defiance she waited to detect a change in his attitude. After a short staring contest, they heard Emrys speak yet again in what they both knew was more swearing. She tossed the clothes into his waiting hands. Methos shrugged his shoulders and laughed then shot her a victorious smile before going into the house to dress. They both knew he had won this round.

Emrys just shook his head and saw trouble ahead, these two were enjoying this far too much. "I will not have any peace until one of you will be declared the winner. The problem is both of you enjoy teasing each other like siblings do."

"Oh, I never had a brother or sister, so Master you say this is what that is like?" They heard Methos say from inside the house

Rivka giggled after hearing Methos.

"She is like swatting away a fly who always returns to continue to annoy me." Methos said as he walked out of the house, still tying his belt and sword on.

"I think a brother should be better behaved than you." She replied.

"Master are you sure I just can't take her somewhere in the woods, and see if she will find her way back in a day or two?" Emrys older student asked.

"Methos you're not helping the situation, go tend to your horse and let me speak to Rivka alone." He bowed his head to Emrys and shot her a devilish smile as he walked back to where the horses were.

Standing next to her the old Master touched her shoulder and looked into her eyes, "Rivka he is older than you and has certainly taken more Quickening's than you, why do want to provoke him?"

"Master Emrys this is more fun than I have had in a century." She answered back, "He is wrong. I'm as good as he is, I am his equal."

Emrys just looked at her nodding and rubbing the beard on his chin. "Rivka, I agree, in spirit, and mind you both are very similar, but Methos still is an Immortal who has experience and age on his side. Please take my advice and make friends with him. He makes a better ally than an enemy." Then the older man raised both his hands into the air as if to say he had given up trying to speak to either of them, "But who am I to get in the middle of the fun and games, you both seem to be having. Just please don't push him too far. I was hoping he would stay with us for a while, if Methos gets spooked by anger or annoyed one morning, he will simply disappear to see the next new thing he can find to learn. Now go to the shed and get another jug of beer, so we can drink it with our breakfast."

"I am sure he would first say good-bye to you when he leaves. It's not like he is without any manners at all." Rivka told the Holy Man, as she cheerfully strolled away to the shed to do as the Master said.

Emrys watched her go about her duties and quietly told himself, "You're wrong Rivka, Methos hates to be confronted with a situation he knows he cannot win. But your right he will, tell me that he is leaving again and right now I would rather that he stayed for a while yet.

After they ate while the day was still cool Emrys and Methos took a long walk in the woods to check the animal traps to see if they snared anything for tonight's supper. Rivka stayed to finish several chores the old one had left for her to do. She wanted to try the master's new bronze sword, and began practicing drills with it. She had seen bronze before, but it was difficult for her people to make due to the fact tin was not readily available. Rivka discovered it was heavy but very sharp and well balanced. The bronze knives were also very sharp and easier to use than the copper ones.

Before she knew it the two Immortal men returned. They seemed a strange pair, one man short and the other man tall. Both seemed infused with an air of power, and they both had eyes that seem to look right into her soul. Methos walked slowly towards the younger Immortal and in one hand he held several dead rabbits and his other hand rested on the hilt of his trusted sword.

Before she realized, the two Immortal men stood near her. Her old teacher's arms were dancing in the air as he enthusiastically told some tale of long ago. Rivka heard their laughter quickly after she felt their presence, so, to continue the fun she was having that morning, she got in a fighting stance. Now the red-haired woman was ready to make sure this Methos would see how easily she handled a sword.

"Master Emrys do you mind if I try your new sword out with Methos? You did suggest last night you wanted us to spar today."

"Look Rivka, see the rabbits we have for dinner, and yes, I did say that last night, but we have walked far to get this meat, let us rest a moment and drink some beer to quench our thirst."

Methos handed the rabbits to Emrys and drew his sword, "Now is as good as any time, one never knows when combat will find us. But little Rivka, bronze holds an edge much better than copper, and I would hate to spill blood on your lovely clothes." He smiled as he pulled his sword from its scabbard.

"Children there is no need to try to show off for me, and Methos take it easy on Rivka, she is still only a student."

"What fun would that be?" Methos said with a lopsided smile as he raised his sword and walked to meet Rivka.

Emrys just shook his head. Yes, his students were enjoying this way too much. He then sat by the fire and took one of the new Bronze knives to clean the rabbits for dinner, and tried to ignore his students as they clashed their swords together.

Soon Rivka's arms grew weary as she found the weight of this sword more than she had expected. On the other hand, Methos handled his sword like he was born to hold it, almost weightlessly he turned and attacked with extreme vigor. Before she knew it, he had the advantage, and knocked the new sword right out of her hands. Yes, her Master was right, this Immortal was an exceptional swordsman.

"Don't worry little Rivka, our Master would never forgive me if I took your head. I do have to say you are good with your blade, especially for being a woman."

Emrys looked up and notice the shadows of the morning light lengthening. "If the two of you are finished with this silliness, I would appreciate Methos, you could do some quarter stick drills with Rivka, down by the river. I would prefer some peace and quiet so I could meditate. Run along both of you."

Methos walked up and gave Emrys the smaller sword as Rivka went to get the quarter sticks. Then after taking a drink from the jug of beer, he strolled behind the woman to the practice ground.

"Have you ever taken a student of your own to teach?" She batted her eyes at him.

"Yes, and no." Methos mused.

"Well, what is it either you haven't, or you have?"

"Fine the answer is yes but, in the end, I had to kill him. I don't make a very good mentor; I would rather learn than teach. Plus, most young Immortals are not patient when they feel a strong quickening, they often turn into an headhunter. Rivka, you are very fortunate to have Emrys as your teacher, he is very wise and if you follow his lessons you could live many years and see many amazing things."

"How old are you, Methos? I suspect you have known Master Emrys for a long time."

Methos winced and smiled that crooked smile she was beginning to like, "Sorry Rivka I don't know, far less old than Emrys, but I've known him a long time. I always forget to keep a count of the seasons and have, but a few memories of my life before I took my first head. Now enough talking show me how good you are with your staff."

She twirled her staff, then took a fighting stance and came at him with fire in her eyes. Her attack was quick, and she managed to push him so that he lost his balance and tripped over a root landing in the dirt. Her smile was very wide as she bested him, round two to Rivka.

He stood up and dusted off his clothes, "I realized I might have missed judged you, but I should have known our Master would not have you for his student unless he saw you had great potential. It's now my turn to attack. See if you can knock me back in the dirt this time." Then he came at Rivka very fast and hard. They continued to come at each other until the shadows began to lengthen, and they were too tired to lift their quarter sticks any longer. They just sat down by the river skipping stones and talking.

Emrys smiled. He was happy to see them making peace with each other, and he reached out his Quickening and brushed them both to let them know he was watching. "Are either of you hungry?" He brushed their quickening's with his thoughts. Methos had yet to master his mentor's unusual ways he could manipulate the innate power he held. He was always fascinated at the way the old Immortal used his quickening, and he hoped someday he would be able to do the same.

"Did you feel Emrys call us?" Methos asked.

"I just had a feeling he knew I was here."

"Well, in time you will be able to feel him more and communicate with him. He says he can feel my life-force and know each time I die and revive. He is truly amazing, and I always learn more each time I see him. Let's go back to the house. I think he called us to tell us the meat is cooked and if I know him, he has made some soup too. I forgot he was such a good cook, whenever I come, he always fixes me these wonderful meals. Do you know much about the night's sky? I would be happy to teach you what I know. It's very handy for finding your way in the dark."

"Is that because you want to take me deep into the woods and leave me there? So, if you teach me about the stars, I can find my way home and the Master will not be completely annoyed with you?"

"No, I wouldn't do that Emrys would never forgive me. I guess you're starting to grow on me. Okay, still maybe a bit like a fungus grows."

She reached over and tried to smack him. But Methos caught her hand in midair. He held it in the air for just a moment before she began pulling her hand back to her side freeing it from his grasp.

"Peace Rivka, live, grow stronger, and as Emrys always tells us, fight only if you have no other choice. I do think I am beginning to grow fond of you. But I don't know about this sibling thing, the old man is all the family I have ever known. I am certainly not going to defend your virtue."

"I wouldn't expect you too, I think you're more likely to take it." She smiled at Methos, "And yes Emrys is like a father to me too. I am sure in time we will find some compromise of what we will mean to each other. But right now, I am excited to learn more about the stars and the night sky. Emrys told me the stars have moved and changed since he was young. Does the sky look the same to you that it always has?"

"Good question." He paused still looking over his newly adopted 'sister'. "Tonight, we will all go to the clearing, and will talk about the stars. But now the Master calls us." Methos stood up and put out his hand to Rivka to help her stand up. As soon as she rose, he gave her a wicked grin and raced her back to the house forgetting to bring the quarter sticks. Methos felt he had a friendly rivalry with Rivka and felt completely content for the first time in many years. For now, he knew what it was like to be truly happy and to finally be home.

End Flashback - The Club Sanctuary - April 23, 2012

Amanda reached out and touched Methos on his shoulder, "You still with us old man? Where did you go in that head of yours?"

The oldest Immoral stood up and stretched his lean form as he asked, "Where was I in the story?" He said ignoring the question because he knew no one here tonight could even begin to understand what he was feeling. Here in this room were the closest friends he had left in the world, but none of them had any idea of the life he had lived or who he had lost. He already knew what the life of the last Immortal would be like. Ever since Darius, and Rebecca died he was completely alone with just his memories of the family he once had.

Joe looked over to him, "You all right Methos?"

"Yes, Joe, I'm fine, now someone remind me where I left off?"

Richie piped up, "You and Marcus were in the dungeon and were both said you were going to die in the morning."

"If it wasn't for Lydia we probably would have." Methos then said softly almost in a whisper, "She was a truly amazing woman."

Macleod inquired, "So how did a 16-year-old girl save you all from a dangerous Immortal? Are you sure you haven't made this all up?"

"Sorry Duncan but most of this story really happened," Ceirdwyn gave the highlander a knowing look.

"Well, the ending is the best part of this story…" Methos answered smiling a crooked grin.

End of chapter

Chapter 11 -Almost the End of the Story