A/N: This chapter took me forever to write, it kept going in weird directions so I kept redoing it. I've finally come up with something I'm satisfied with. I hope you enjoy it. Sorry for the long wait.
Mab turned to the left, examining her appearance in the mirror. She frowned at her reflection, she'd always thought that Morgan La Fey's illusory beauty had been overly showy and garish, but then again this wasn't about her. This was about Frik and getting him to go back to Tintagel castle where he would meet an old friend. Still frowning, she readjusted the flashy roman styled dress on her shoulders. She wasn't completely comfortable tricking Frik like this but it was necessary. She slipped her feet into the delicate sandals she had conjured and squared her shoulders, stealing herself to enter the realm of man after so long.
After a moment in wonderful dark silence, she flickered in behind a humble stone hut near a bustling market street. She carefully watched the crowd, hidden behind the wall, watching for one particular individual. There he was! She waited until he turned in her direction before stepping out and waving at him before hiding again. She watched as his face became confused and he made his way through the throng of people toward her hiding place. She poked her head out, so he would see her, and smiled sweetly at him. His eyes widened and he ran towards her. She turned and began to lead him away from the hustle and bustle of the town and toward the road to Tintagel. She was careful to never let him get too long of a glimpse of her, weaving through buildings and people.
It was more difficult once they reached the open road. She sprinted from tree to tree, occasionally pausing to let Frik catch up, he was getting on in years after all. She didn't intend to lead him all the way though, soon Tintagel would come into sight. Once the old Castle loomed in the distance she stopped and turned to watch Frik hurrying towards her. She smiled again, beckoning him forward. She gestured towards the castle behind her as he drew closer.
"Go home, my love." She called to him in Morgan's voice, feeling thoroughly disgusted with herself. Then, just as he reached her she sprinted off again, quickly leaving him behind and as soon as she was sure she was out of sight she flashed back home.
She collapsed onto her throne, having reverted to her usually self, exhausted by all that running and magic use. She closed her eyes and leaned back into the wood's embrace. She was indulging in a moment of pure self-loathing. Honestly, hadn't she done more than enough to Frik? Granted the annoying little git could never leave well enough alone, but he really didn't deserve everything she had put him through. When this was finished, she would have to remember to apologize even if such a gesture would be far too little much too late.
She sighed and opened her eyes. She didn't have the time to let herself stew in it. She now had to go deal with Sir Rupert and as much as she loved that horse (having created him as well) she was not looking forward to the discussion they would inevitably end up having. She knew everything he would have to say to her and his stating all of it would change nothing so there was really no point for him to say anything, but he'd still say it all the same. He enjoyed playing the wise advisor and passing judgment on others' actions. Plus he was a cynic and what cynic would ever pass up the opportunity of having a go at the mess she had made of her life. She sighed again, before getting back up. Best get it done with. Besides she needed this done before Frik managed to get there and Rupert could be terribly long-winded.
She flickered into a large pasture enclosed by a crude log fence and felt her feet squish into the ground. Looking down in trepidation she found that she was indeed standing in a small pile of horse dung. What a fantastic way to start off this visit. She quickly stepped out of it and cleaned off her shoes, before taking a proper look round. She couldn't see Rupert, but she knew this was where he was being kept, caught by some human who had no idea what he was or what to do with him. She gave a shrill whistle, the sound echoing oddly from her lips. There was a pounding of hooves to her right and turning she saw the beautiful grey trotting towards her.
"My lady," he bent his front legs as he came to stand before her in an equine version of a bow. "This is a pleasant surprise."
"Unfortunately Rupert I don't have time to exchange pleasantries with you or reminisce. Frik is heading this way and I need him to find you once he arrives." Mab hissed quickly, stepping forward and reaching up to gently pet his neck.
"That odd fellow? And what would you have me do once I've managed to get his attention?" Rupert turned his head to look at her, eyes half lidded from her ministrations.
"I've let Nimue out… she's gone to Ambrosia's old hut. I want you to make sure Frik finds her so he will then set out to find Merlin to tell him of it."
"You always did have to have such complicated plans." Rupert chuckled. "Why not merely go to Merlin yourself?" Mab sighed and rolled her eyes at this.
"You know perfectly well how he would react to that. No, best if I approach him only after he's been reunited with his lady love." Rubert looked thoughtful at this.
"Yes, you do have a point. Merlin always did act with his heart rather than his head." Rupert smiled fondly, no doubt remembering some of those times.
"You miss him." It was a statement not a question. Mab had hoped the two would bond when she paired them together, but she now felt guilty about that decision.
"Yes I do. He wasn't the most intelligent lad, but he was a good sort."
"It must have been hard for you… to choose between us. I'm sorry you I placed you in that position." And she was, because she knew how it must have hurt him to see them both suffering at the hands of the other and be torn between his loyalties to them both.
"You couldn't have for seen how events would play out. I tried to dissuade Merlin a number of times, but part of him always thought of me as just a horse and he tended not to take my advice. I hope all that is over now though, and this new plan you obviously have will be different."
"Yes, well, I should have at least realized what my sister was up to. I hope it's all over too." She paused, looking at him with a curious expression on her face. "You know, this is not how I had anticipated this conversation going." Rupert looked amused at this.
"Worried I was going to give you a right proper dressing down on all your past sins?" He asked shrewdly.
"Yes, something like that." Mab admitted, smiling slightly at his obvious amusement.
"I doubt that that would have been anything other than a waste of our time. What's done is done, and you have a plan for the future. I see little need for a lecture."
"Oh I have missed you Rupert." Mab spoke sincerely, she had missed him.
"Likewise, my queen. Perhaps when this business is done we might catch up on old times together."
"I'd like that." She smiled again, Rupert always could lighten her mood. When he wasn't lecturing her like a naughty three-old, that is. "I must be going now… things to do. Keep an eye out for Frik."
"I will do as my lady bids me." And they parted with a congenial nod, Mab to her subterranean castle and Rubert to the other side of the pasture to better watch for Frik.