The ladies had been riding for approximately twenty minutes when they came upon the familiar grey stone and wood manor. They secured their horses nearby and walked along the cobblestone path toward the front door of the manor. Lady Rhiannon used the large iron ring on the door to knock. Within moments the door opened and Madam Oberon stood before them smiling, wearing a linen gown in the colour of navy. She clapped her hands together, her soft blue eyes twinkled.
"Bonjour, mes amis! Come in sil vous plait." The pleasant woman exclaimed in her cheery sing song voice. "I must admit, I was not sure I would see you again, Mademoiselle Rhiannon." She said facing Rhiannon.
"I regret I was quite overcome the last time we spoke." Lady Rhiannon sighed.
"Je comprends." Madam Oberon said. "Las situation est desagreable. You would say…unpleasant."
"You can say that again, Madame." Lady Meridwyn remarked. "Sums it up nicely, I think. Situation unpleasant." She snorted.
Lady Rhiannon scowled at her friend. Meridwyn changed her expression. Rhiannon cleared her throat as she turned to face Madam Oberon.
"My Lord and I have decided upon a date for our wedding." She announced.
"Indeed? C'est bon!" Madam Oberon exclaimed. "And my dear, when shall you be wed?"
"September twenty sixth." Lady Rhiannon said. "Will that be enough time for you to create my gown?"
"Indeed." Madam Oberon replied. "Unless you specify you want a great deal of detail."
"No. Not too much. I want it simple, yet elegant. Classic, yet very alluring. For, I want to be unforgettable in the eyes of my groom. A vision he shall treasure forever." Rhiannon smiled. She was suddenly filled with excitement about her wedding. And suddenly warm at the very thought of him. How she missed him. And once this potion of Mortianna's started working, she could really show him just how much she missed him when she saw him again. Oh please let it work, she prayed.
"Je suis ravi de vous aider." Madam Oberon spoke in french, momentarily forgetting to check herself.
The ladies regarded her curiously.
"Forgive me, mes chers. I sometimes forget myself. What I said, Mademoiselle Rhiannon, is that – I am delighted to assist you." Madam Oberon smiled.
"I'm so pleased." Rhiannon smiled back. "For, I've already seen your work. It's beautiful."
"Merci, Mademoiselle. Now, mon cher, what did you have in mind?" Madam Oberon asked.
"Well, just what I've told you so far."
"Alas, je le vois dans ma tete." Madam Oberon commented. "Was there a particular fabric you had in mind?"
"No. Not really." Lady Rhiannon said.
"Je recommande mai…what about silk? I have lovely silk from the orient available." Madam Oberon suggested.
"Sounds grand. May I see it?"
"Oui, Mademoiselle. Come right this way." Madam Oberon led them into the room where the bolts of various fabrics and textiles were, along with a few completed gowns hanging along the walls. She took them to an area where an array of silks in various weights, thread counts, and a variety of hues were.
"Oh, they're beautiful!" Rhiannon exclaimed.
"La plus belle soie pour vous." Madam Oberon smiled.
"Pardon, Madam?" Lady Rhiannon asked.
"Oui." Madam Oberon shook her head apologetically. "The finest silk for you, mon cher." Madam Oberon explained in english.
"I never knew white could come in so many hues?" Lady Meridwyn remarked.
"Indeed." Madam Oberon began as she narrowed her blue eyes to study her. "And if it were you I was sewing a gown for, I'd choose one closer to ivory."
"Really?" Lady Meridwyn asked.
"Oui, Mademoiselle. Fonctionne le mieux la couleur de votre peau." Madam Oberon blurted carelessly.
"Pardon, Madame?"
"The colour works best with your skin." Madam Oberon translated.
"That's interesting you mention it, Madam. Lady Meridwyn shall be needing a gown for her wedding as well." Lady Rhiannon pointed out.
"Indeed?" Madam Oberon remarked, smiling as she turned to Meridwyn.
"Oui, Madame." Lady Meridwyn said. "Alas, my betrothed and I have not scheduled a date as yet. But it will be soon."
"I shall be pleased to assist you both!" Madam Oberon smiled. Then she turned around to face Rhiannon.
"Now, Mademoiselle Rhiannon. Let's begin with you. Which of these do you fancy?" She asked as she pointed in the general direction at the myriad silks before her.
"I rather like this one." Lady Rhiannon said. She pointed to a bolt of fine silk that was white in colour, but closer to the colour of candlelight.
"C'est bon! A fine choice." Madam Oberon said. "Are you ready to be measured, Mademoiselle?" She asked.
"Well, I suppose so." Rhiannon said.
"Come." Madam Oberon commanded. She led her to a room next to the one they were in. "Go inside." She directed Rhiannon. "Remove your gown down to your chemise then come back out to see me."
"Must I? Remove my gown?" Rhiannon asked, slightly embarrassed.
"You won't be wearing your wedding gown over another gown, mon cher. You must remove it so I can obtain accurate measurements."
"Oh, yes. Indeed." Lady Rhiannon said. She went inside and closed the door.
Madam Oberon looked to Lady Meridwyn. "Excuse moi un moment. I will summon my daughter to assist me." She walked toward the door that led into the hall.
"Marie! Venir ici!" Madam Oberon called.
Moments later, Madam Oberon was back in the room. She had a measuring tape draped around her neck, and her daughter accompanied her. The girl was approximately fourteen. She was medium height, slender and fine boned like her mother, with curly blond hair, and eyes a soft misty blue. Rhiannon stepped out of the dressing room. Madam Oberon came forward.
"This is my daughter, Marie. She is going to write down the measurements for me as I call them out to her." Madam Oberon explained.
"Oh. Alright." Lady Rhiannon agreed.
"Bonjour." Marie said to the women. "Je suis Marie."
The ladies Rhiannon and Meridwyn nodded their greeting and smiled.
"Now, mon cher. I need to take a series of measurements from you to fit your gown perfectly. Vous comprenez?" Madam Oberon asked.
"Yes, Madam. I understand. Where do we start?" Rhiannon asked.
"Raise your arms above your head." Madam Oberon instructed.
Rhiannon did so and Madam Oberon put the tape measure behind her back and brought it around to cinch it close around the fullest part of Lady Rhiannon's breasts. Just as Lady Rhiannon was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable, Madam Oberon spoke.
"Trente six pouces." Madam Oberon said to Marie.
"Oui, ma mere, je me l'ecrire." Marie said as she wrote it on a tablet with chalk.
Lady Meridwyn looked over at the tablet, curiously. The writing read: 36 pouces. She guessed that pouces translated to inches.
Madam Oberon then took the tape measure and positioned one end at the top of one of Lady Rhiannon's shoulders, and measured the length to her waist.
"Dix-huit ans et demi pouces." Madam Oberon called to Marie.
"Oui." Marie said as she wrote it.
Now the seamstress took the measuring tape and held it around Lady Rhiannon's waist.
"Vingt cinq." Madam Oberon remarked.
Her daughter wrote it down dutifully.
Next, Madam Oberon took the tape measure and wrapped it around Lady Rhiannon's hips.
"Trente six." Madam Oberon said.
"Oui, ma mere." Young Marie said.
"Vous avez un corps fin a travailler avec." Madam Oberon murmured to herself.
"What's that, Madam?" Lady Rhiannon asked.
"Ce n'est rien." Madam Oberon replied modestly. For, in her mind, Lady Rhiannon did not need to know that what Madam Oberon just said was: "You have a fine body to work with."
Then the dressmaker crouched down on one knee and took the long tape measure and held one end on the inside of Lady Rhiannon's thigh.
"What are you doing?" Lady Rhiannon asked looking down at her, rather startled.
"I need to take your inseam measurement, Mademoiselle Rhiannon. This determines the length of the gown itself. It mustn't be too short, and we mustn't have you tripping over your skirts." Madam Oberon explained.
"Oh. Very well. Continue, Madam." Rhiannon agreed.
The seamstress held one end of the tape measure against the top of Rhiannon's inner thigh, then she measured the length to Rhiannon's ankle. She looked to her daughter.
"Vingt sept pouces." Madam Oberon said. "Avez vous tout cela?" She asked her.
"Oui, ma mere." Marie replied.
"Bon." Madam Oberon said. Then she looked to Rhiannon as she stood up. "You may dress in your gown now, mon cher. I have everything I need to begin cutting."
"Yes, Madam." Lady Rhiannon said as she went back into the dressing room.
Madam Oberon turned to her daughter again. She wanted the measurements written down in ink on parchment so she would not lose them.
"Bonne fille, allez-vous ecrire que sur le parchemin pour moi?" She asked her daughter.
"Oui, maman, je vais commencer des maintenant." Marie replied. She took her writing tablet and exited the room to carry out the request.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Excuse moi." Madam Oberon said to Meridwyn as she went to answer the door. Rhiannon came back out of the dressing room just after the seamstress left the room.
"Isn't this exciting, Meridwyn?" She said to her friend.
"Yes." Meridwyn smiled. "Did you know your waist is twenty five inches?"
Rhiannon eyed her curiously. "No, I guess I didn't."
"Wait until you have a baby!" Meridwyn laughed.
Rhiannon began to giggle. It was the first she'd laughed since she remembered. She was glad to laugh. The ladies turned around when they heard footsteps behind them. Madam Oberon was there with the same woman Rhiannon bumped into two days ago in the cathedral foyer. The one who attempted to warn her of the Sheriff. It was Lady Marian.
Lady Meridwyn eyed Lady Marian up and down critically. Once again, she was wearing a most unappealing gown in hues of browns and yellows.
"Decided you needed a new wardrobe?" Meridwyn taunted. "What a relief! At least then it won't be your gowns that shall cause one to have a headache!" She laughed.
"Indeed." Lady Marian said, rolling her eyes.
"Mon dieu." Madam Oberon muttered under her breath.
"What are you doing? Following me?" Lady Rhiannon suggested as she stepped closer, narrowing her eyes curiously. "You said you do not live here. So why are you visiting our local seamstress?" She demanded.
"I used to live here. I'm back to visit because I need to take care of some things. And while I am here, I need a new gown." Lady Marian replied.
"Indeed." Madam Oberon muttered as she looked Lady Marian's gown over. "Telle une vilaine robe!"
"I see." Lady Rhiannon said.
"Listen, I am afraid we started off on the wrong foot. Forgive me. You may not know, my lady, but I was once engaged to Robin of Locksley." She looked over at Meridwyn. "You remember don't you, Lady Meridwyn? For you once courted his brother."
"I beg your pardon?" Lady Meridwyn asked.
"Will. Will Scarlett. You courted him when I was with Robin." Lady Marian explained. Lady Meridwyn's face still registered shock at the news.
"You did not know they were brothers." Lady Marian sighed.
"No, I…" Meridwyn began but her words trailed off.
"Yes, I guess you wouldn't have known. I only found out just after Robin was stabbed." Lady Marian turned to Rhiannon. "By your betrothed, no less." She turned back to Meridwyn. "I was wearing his chain you see. There was a celtic cross medallion upon it. He asked me to give it to his brother. I looked at him strangely. He managed to tell me before he died that before he came that day to rescue me, he'd just learned that Will Scarlett was his brother." Lady Marian said.
"He was Robin's brother?" Meridwyn repeated, incredulous.
"Yes. Anyway…" Lady Marian began as she turned to Rhiannon. "I was angry for a long time about Robin's death. For a long time I couldn't forgive your betrothed. I've heard, however, from several people that he has changed. Well, I just wanted to apologize for my rudeness to you. It was uncalled for." Lady Marian lied.
"Really?" Rhiannon asked, unconvinced.
"Yes. Perhaps some time we could get further acquainted over a cup of tea?" Marian suggested.
"We shall see." Lady Rhiannon replied noncommittally.
Lady Rhiannon turned to Madam Oberon as Lady Marian nodded and went over to examine some of the fine fabrics that Madam Oberon had to offer.
"So, Madam Oberon, is that all that you require?"
"For now, mon cher. Oui. I will begin cutting the silk tonight. I've decided for the skirt I will cut the fabric on the bias. It will drape so much more nicely against your body." She smiled.
"I'll take your word for it." Rhiannon said. "I'm sure it shall be beautiful."
"Votre robe est magnifique, je vous le promets." Madam Oberon reassured her.
Lady Rhiannon raised her eyebrow curiously.
"Forgive me, Mademoiselle. Your gown shall be beautiful, I promise you."
Ladies Rhiannon and Meridwyn smiled.
"I shall send word to you when I need you come for a fitting, Mademoiselle." Madam Oberon said as she pushed a loose silver tendril from her face. "You will come and be fitted, and then you can discuss with me whatever other details you would like to see on the gown."
"That is perfect, Madam Oberon. Thank you." Rhiannon smiled.
As the ladies turned and left, Madam Oberon eyed Rhiannon and thought: Il doit trouver son tres seduisant. If she had said the words aloud and if the ladies had asked her to translate it, they would've heard: He must find her very alluring.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
When the ladies returned to the castle they found three guards posted outside of the main gates.
"How do you do?" Lady Rhiannon said to Luke.
"Very well, my lady." Luke replied. The dark haired guard, and the shorter one who had golden blond hair who were flanked on either side of him looked curiously at Luke, then Lady Rhiannon.
"Nice day for a ride, my lady." Luke commented.
"Indeed, Luke." Lady Rhiannon said. "There's a lady who's visiting in town who may stop by the castle to see me one of these days. Her name is Lady Marian."
"Yes?" Luke asked.
"Rhiannon! What are you doing?" Meridwyn scorned her.
"It's okay, Meridwyn. If she should come looking, I may as well hear what she has to say."
"That little wench has nothing of value to say!" Lady Meridwyn huffed.
Lady Rhiannon ignored her and turned back to face Luke.
"You may show her in through the gates if she asks." Lady Rhiannon directed.
"As you wish, my lady." Luke replied.
The portcullis raised and the ladies urged their horses inside and took them over to the stables.
"My, aren't you getting rather well acquainted with the family?" Drake said to Luke.
Luke glanced over at him but chose not to respond.
"You do seem awfully familiar with the Sheriff and his lady." Adam remarked.
"Well, perhaps that is because I have taken the time to speak with them." Luke said.
"As if the Sheriff cares at all what any of us has to say!" Drake retorted.
"He heard me." Luke replied.
"I still say he's related to him in some way, Drake." Adam said as he looked over at his dark haired friend.
"Well, something sure is funny about it." Drake agreed.
"All you need to do is start by complimenting." Luke hinted.
"What?" Drake asked.
"I started out by complimenting his character. He never forgot it, I suppose." Luke shrugged.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The room was dark. Lady Brigid opened her eyes. She'd slept too long but it really didn't matter. Not now. Her hands were bound behind her. She awoke upon a thin small mattress. That was odd. The last time she awoke she was laying on the cold bare floor.
She stiffened. She heard his footsteps shuffling toward the door. He opened it and slowly entered the room.
"You've awakened, I see." The man said in a sinister cadence.
Lady Brigid said nothing in response.
"It makes no difference to me whether you choose to remain silent, or if you choose to scream." The Fallen Knight said. He inched closer toward her and leaned down to her. He brought her chin up to look at him with his gloved hand.
"You see, my precious, no one will hear you anyway." He whispered.
Lady Brigid spat in his face.
"My, aren't you a feisty one?" The Fallen Knight said. He brought his right hand out then suddenly slapped her across her face.
"You'll live longer if you cooperate." He seethed.
"I'm already dead." Lady Brigid said evenly. "I told you this before."
"Yes. Sure you did, my fine lady." He snarled. "That's a shame you see. Because… the festivities have just begun!" He laughed. He pulled a rag from his pocket and held it to her face. The sickening sweet scent assaulted her nose. Though she tried to fight it, there was blackness within seconds.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Sheriff and Guy were riding along the path, both of their horses flying through the trees. For, they were eager to get to their destination and be done with this. The path was beginning to become more treacherous and demanded a slower pace, so they slowed their horses to a cantor and rode alongside each other.
"How much further, do you think?" Guy asked the Sheriff.
"Probably a day or two. He's holding her in the same cabin he had our ladies in." The Sheriff said. "Luckily, it is not far."
"How do you know that?" Guy asked.
"Mortianna. Who else?" The Sheriff pointed out.
Guy nodded.
"So, what's your plan when we get there?" Guy asked.
"Huh!" The Sheriff snorted. "Well Guy, I expect nothing less than gratuitous violence from you. Just remember this: he is mine for the killing." The Sheriff grinned.
Guy grinned malevolently at the thought of it. He never did dish out what the man deserved for claiming to be so familiar with Lady Meridwyn!
"At least this time I know where to find the leperous knave!" The Sheriff said.
"Indeed." Guy smiled. "We'll have him outnumbered, and taken by surprise."
"Exactly." The Sheriff said. "He will finally be mine."
He was still so angered to learn what the monster had done to Rhiannon, he couldn't quite decide how he was going to kill him. Would he use his bare hands to choke the life right out of him? An arrow? A crossbow? Or would he just plunge his sword all of the way through the bastard before slowly, very slowly…withdrawing it from his pathetic, bleeding, dying body? The Sheriff felt a satisfied smile spread across his face, curling the corners of his moustache up into a grin. Yes. Revenge on this paltry monster was going to be sweet. Almost as satisfying as holding his naked, green eyed lady next to him in his bed.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The following morning Rhiannon was dressed and just splashing some water upon her face when she heard it. The soft bell pealed once again in the den. She quickly dried her face and went over to the bedside table. Her empty vial lay there near to a candlestick. She picked it up and placed it in her gown pocket.
She smoothed her skirts of mint green silk, and went into the den. She opened the heavy oak door and proceeded down the depths into Mortianna's lair.
When she got to the foot of the stairs Mortianna was several feet away. She turned to face her and beckoned for Rhiannon to come closer.
"It is time, my child." Mortianna said as she motioned for Rhiannon to come to the table. "How do you feel?" She asked.
"I don't feel anything different, Madam. Perhaps the potion is too mild." Rhiannon wondered.
"The effects may be cumulative. It is still best to administer it in this manner."
"I think you're being overly cautious. Alas, it is not working." Rhiannon stated.
"My child. I already warned you about this potion. I must not take chances with it." Mortianna reminded her.
Rhiannon sighed. "Well, if there is no other choice…"
"Indeed." Mortianna said. "For, this is the only choice you have. Now, take a seat, my child. I will bring the potion to you." She advised.
"Yes." Rhiannon replied, wondering how she'd be able to obtain an extra sample this time.
Mortianna brought a small bowl and an empty vial to the table, just as she had the day before. Once again, she brought a stir stick with her. She placed the bowl on the table and began to slowly stir the mixture. She picked up the vial and carefully measured a portion from the bowl into the vial. She passed the vial over to Rhiannon.
Lady Rhiannon reached out to take the vial. They were startled when Mortianna's pet crow began to caw wildly in his cage. Rhiannon took the vial. Mortianna turned toward the cacophony.
"Hush, Abel! You'd think I hadn't fed you in weeks!" She shouted.
Rhiannon began to drink the liquid. She swallowed it quickly, finishing it, then began to gag.
"Mortianna." She choked. "Ale!"
"Yes, my child." Mortianna said. She quickly glided toward the end of the room to where the metal pitcher was, her flowing black and silver robes rustled along the stone floor. Rhiannon kept her eyes upon her, waiting for an opportunity to seize an extra helping of the magic potion. She put her right hand in her pocket and grabbed the vial. She unscrewed the cap under the table so that Mortianna would not notice. Just as she was about to bring it out and take from the bowl, Mortianna turned around.
"Forgive me, my child." Mortianna said as she came back toward the table bringing a cup with her. "I should have had this waiting for you."
"Thank you." Rhiannon said as she took the cup and drank the ale.
Mortianna's crow once again began to make a violent raucous in his cage.
"Oh, for the love of Zeus, Abel!" Mortianna cursed at the bird. "Forgive me, my lady. I haven't had a moment to feed my crow this morning. I better do that before he disturbs the entire castle!"
"Indeed, Mortianna." Lady Rhiannon said.
Mortianna turned on her heel and walked over toward the bird cage. Rhiannon glanced over. It was safe. She brought the vial up out of her lap and grabbed the bowl and quickly poured some of the potion into her vial. Then she capped it and placed it back in her gown pocket.
"When shall I begin to notice anything?" Rhiannon called over to Mortianna.
Mortianna put some raw meat in the crow's cage then walked back toward the table where Lady Rhiannon was still seated.
"You may not notice anything, my child. We are trying to erase a memory. And when I succeed, you will never know that you had that memory to begin with, because it shall be gone." Mortianna explained.
"Oh. Yes, indeed." Lady Rhiannon said.
"After a few days, I will ask you if you know what it is you're trying to forget. And I shall keep doing so until I know it has worked." Mortianna said.
"Alright." Lady Rhiannon agreed.
Back upstairs in her quarters, Rhiannon poured the contents from the vial she brought back from Mortianna's apothecary into the Sheriff's flask. Now she had two extra portions. She wondered how she would be able to obtain more of it. Surely there couldn't be convenient distractions every morning?
