The next few days continued along in the same fashion. Each morning at the sound of the tiny bells fastened to the wall of the den, Lady Rhiannon saw Mortianna for the daily dose of her potion. She was able to manage obtaining two more extra measures of it on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday morning, however, Mortianna was quite prepared. She had everything, including a cup of ale ready and waiting at the table when she greeted Lady Rhiannon. There were no interruptions and she never left Rhiannon's side. Alas, the opportunity didn't present itself.

Rhiannon was in the private chambers early Sunday morning, preparing to attend mass with Lady Meridwyn. She didn't wish to go, but she remembered what the Sheriff told her the week before about appearances being important, expecially since the Bishop would be marrying them. And so, she decided she would go for the both of them. Mortianna had told her that the Sheriff said he would likely return to Nottingham on Sunday or Monday. Let it be today, she prayed. True, it hadn't even been a week since he left, but he did say that his destination was not very far.

She was dressed and prepared to leave shortly. She went to her trunk to obtain her butter yellow chiffon scarf. She would cover her hair with it before she left. Next she walked to the table below the mirror. The Sheriff's flask was there, beside the decanter of brandy. She picked up the flask, it still had some weight to it. There was still approximately fifteen ounces remaining now, because she'd managed to top it up since Thursday, and because she had declined to partake any more than what Mortianna had been giving her. She felt very oddly on Thursday, and thought it best to refrain for a few days.

But the nightmares returned just last night. The flashes of memory were haunting her once more. So she picked up the flask, poured a generous libation for herself into a goblet and began to drink. She spat. She wondered if she'd ever get used to the taste of it. She picked up the decanter of the Sheriff's brandy, pulled the stopper from it, and drank from it. Finally, she finished the potion in the goblet. She hoped it would work, especially, if the Sheriff should return to her this day.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

The Sheriff and Guy had been making good time with their travels. Though, the journey was rather uncomfortable. Lady Brigid barely spoke for the last three days since they found her. The Sheriff and Guy did not feel so free to converse with each other about the typical things they normally discussed while away together on a mission. They were now about eight hours away from home.

The Sheriff was glad to be returning. He had missed his lady, and he was glad to have closed the chapter on the Fallen Knight. He hoped that when he informed Lady Rhiannon that the man was now dead, perhaps it would bring her some peace in the matter. He wasn't sure what it was going to take for her to be able to move forward. He suddenly remembered the potion of thorn apple seed that Mortianna was preparing just as he was leaving on his journey. Rhiannon had probably already taken it by now. He wondered if it had helped her, but more importantly, he wondered if she had suffered any ill effects. For, Mortianna had told him it would require careful consideration. He hated the idea of his lady requiring to be drugged in order to get through her torment. And with that thought in mind, he was even more eager to return home to her. Without even thinking, he urged his horse along to a faster gallop. He would feel so much better once he saw her. He needed to know that she was okay.

Guy kicked his horse lightly to encourage it to pick up the pace, but it was awkward because Lady Brigid was behind him upon the horse.

"Cousin! Wait." Guy called.

The Sheriff slowed his horse and eased his mare around to face them, irritated to be postponed.

"What is it?" The Sheriff called out, in irritation.

"It's difficult for my horse to keep up." Guy said. He nodded to Lady Brigid behind him. He thought he was being subtle, but Lady Brigid sensed it, notwithstanding.

She attempted to dismount from the horse, but it was awkward.

"What are you doing?" Guy asked turning his head back to her. She stopped.

"I am slowing your journey." She said. It was the first complete sentence they'd heard come from her lips since they went back into the cabin to get her three days prior.

The Sheriff eased his horse in close to them. "We are taking you home, Lady Brigid." The Sheriff said.

"I don't wish to go home!" Brigid said. "And I certainly don't wish to continue on with you two!"

Guy turned around. "You certainly have a strange way of expressing gratitude!"

"Indeed." The Sheriff agreed, rolling his eyes.

"Leave me be!" She cried.

"No. Not until we return you home." The Sheriff said sternly.

"But I told you…"

"You are going home." The Sheriff announced. "There shall be no debate about it. And then, after that, you shall never have to see us again."

Lady Brigid just shook her head and began to sulk. She had no choice.

Following this brief unpleasant interlude, the Sheriff was even more eager to return. He understood the woman was grieving, and was angry at him over Hector's death, but now she was being completely insufferable!

The men urged their horses into a gallop once more, and the journey home continued. The Sheriff and Guy never got the chance to speak with one another again, until Lady Brigid was delivered to her home just outside of the village, to a very emotional and grateful Lady Ostara Brimley. Unlike her daughter, she was filled with gratitude for the safe return of her daughter. In fact, she even invited them inside for some ale and a slice of pie that she had just taken from the oven. The men declined, thanking her anyway, for they were eager to return. After they had returned a still stunned Lady Brigid to her home, they continued along at a slightly faster pace. For the heavy clouds were rolling along, rain would be appearing soon. But, even more important, both were eager to return to their ladies.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Following mass, the ladies Rhiannon and Meridwyn spoke briefly with the Bishop and a few other important figures about town on behalf of their men, and then made their way outside into the courtyard. They could tell that rain would be coming soon, and Meridwyn was needing a breath of fresh air before they returned inside the castle. As they were strolling along, Rhiannon opened conversation.

"How are you feeling today, Meridwyn?"

"Better now that we're outdoors." Meridwyn said. "I do hope the dizziness and nausea disappear soon. Thomas tells me that it won't last."

"That's a relief to know your entire confinement won't be completely miserable." Rhiannon said. "I can't imagine feeling like that every day."

"It will be worth it, eventually." Meridwyn smiled.

"Indeed." Rhiannon said.

They sat a few moments alongside each other on a stone bench, taking in the scenes around them, then Lady Rhiannon changed the topic.

"Do you think our men might return to us this day?" She asked her friend. "It is Sunday."

"It's hard to predict. I'm trying not to think of it too much. That way I won't be disappointed if Guy doesn't return today." Meridwyn said.

"Yes. Perhaps it's too soon to expect them." Rhiannon agreed.

Meridwyn gazed up at the sky at the large grey clouds that covered it. "A storm is coming. It may slow their journey if they are on their way home to us."

"Somehow I doubt that." Rhiannon said. Nothing seemed to stop the Sheriff. She already knew that a little rain didn't faze him. She was certain no weather would. Unless perhaps - he was at sea during a storm. She shuddered. For, suddenly she thought of her brother, Robert's fate. Why was she thinking so much of Robert lately?

"Rhiannon. Are you with me?" Meridwyn asked.

"Excuse me?" Rhiannon said as she looked up at her.

"You seemed far away just now. What were you thinking of?" Meridwyn asked.

"Oh, forgive me. What were you saying?" Rhiannon asked, embarrassed that she wasn't paying attention. She swallowed. Her mouth was growing very dry again. Suddenly she was wishing there was something available to her to drink.

"It doesn't matter." Meridwyn said. "But, what were you thinking of a minute ago? You looked almost…melancholy?"

"Isn't that funny, I don't remember." Rhiannon said. "I presume it mustn't have been too important." She shrugged.

"Indeed." Meridwyn remarked with one eyebrow raised quizzically.

The wind picked up around them, suddenly. Some leaves began to fall toward them as they were positioned near a tree. A couple of large leaves began to swirl near Meridwyn's head.

Suddenly, Rhiannon startled Meridwyn when her eyes widened and she jumped up abruptly from where she was seated. She moved in toward Lady Meridwyn and began to swat at the air near Meridwyn's face. Meridwyn jumped back.

"Rhiannon! What are you doing?" Meridwyn cried.

"Birds!" Rhiannon shrieked. "Why are they so close to us?"

"What?" Meridwyn asked, incredulous.

"Can't you see them? Can't you hear them flapping their wings about your ears?" Rhiannon cried as she continued to wave her arms about.

Meridwyn grabbed both of her hands.

"Rhiannon!" Meridwyn shouted.

"What?" Rhiannon asked. Her pupils were quite large again, Meridwyn observed. What on earth was going on with her?

"My dear, there are no birds. At least not down here!"

"But I saw them." A beat. "Didn't you?" Rhiannon asked, surprised, shaking her head.

"Those were leaves!" Meridwyn exclaimed.

Rhiannon blinked a few times trying to focus. Her vision was slightly blurred again.

"Oh." Rhiannon said.

"Are you alright?" Meridwyn asked.

"Yes. I guess I'm just tired. I never sleep well when George is away." Rhiannon explained.

"One day you'll get used to it." Meridwyn smiled.

"I hope I never grow accustomed to his absence." Rhiannon began. "No matter how many times we shall be apart in the future."

"I'm sure they'll be returning to us in the next day or two." Meridwyn reassured as she patted Rhiannon's hand.

"Yes." Rhiannon smiled back. "Are you feeling well enough to go inside now?" She asked. "For, I feel a little chill and I'm desperate for a drink of water."

"Yes, I suppose so." Meridwyn replied. There was another thing that was odd about Rhiannon. She had seemed to be incredibly thirsty lately. Meridwyn couldn't put her finger on it, but she couldn't deny that her friend was surely behaving very oddly the last few days.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Later in the evening, near dusk, Rhiannon was in the private chamber. The day was drawing to a close. Perhaps Meridwyn was right. Perhaps it was too soon to expect her lover's return.

She could hear the wind picking up, it was bringing a slight chill to the room. She went toward the table that sat below the mirror. Toward the flask of potion. She picked it up and poured a couple of ounces into the goblet and began to drink. This time she chased it down with water. For, she had asked the servants to top up the decanter of brandy in readiness for the Sheriff's arrival, and wanted it to be available to him when he returned.

She sighed. She wondered if her lover had accomplished what he'd set out to do? She hoped he was safe. Everyone kept reassuring her that he and Guy were surely safe. But how could they be certain? Did they think these men were not human? That they were omnipotent? They were made of flesh and blood just like everyone else!

She shook her head. She had to stop this line of thinking. She would go mad if she continued to think like this.

The rain was beginning. Just lightly for the moment. She took another sip from her water goblet for she had finished the potion. Curses! She drank the entire amount from her cup! She looked inside the pitcher. It was empty too! Mindlessly, she walked to the window. She extended her arm out of it and felt the rain beginning to fall. It felt so cool and wet on her skin.

Wet…

Suddenly she had an idea. She picked up the goblet and threw on her black velvet cape. Underneath she was wearing a gauzy, lightweight, white gown. Nobody would notice it under the cape. She decided to take a stroll. She needed water. The air might do her good as well. She put the goblet into the pocket of her hooded cape, and tied the black satin ribbons into a quick and sloppy bow to fasten it about her.

She went through the chamber, out into the den, and opened the door that led out into the hall. She was startled to see Luke there with the same guard whom she spoke with on Wednesday about summoning Mortianna to Lady Meridwyn's chamber, for the batwing tea request.

"Lady Rhiannon." Luke said upon greeting her. "Awfully late for walking about, isn't it?"

"Good evening, Luke." Rhiannon nodded.

Once again, Alfred eyed Luke, then Lady Rhiannon, curious over their familiarity with one another.

"Yes. I need a brief breath of air. I think it may help me to sleep better." She lied.

"I'd keep it brief, my lady." Alfred spoke up. "It's awfully late and rain is coming."

It already came, Rhiannon thought. "Indeed." She said. "I shall not be long. Excuse me." She said as she went on her way.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was beginning to grow dark when the Sheriff and Guy returned to the castle. They returned their horses to the stable master, then parted ways once they went through the main entrance of the castle.

A few moments upon entering the castle, the Sheriff saw the Scribe.

"My Lord." The Scribe said. "You've returned!"

"Yes." The Sheriff said. "I need you to do something for me."

"Yes, my Lord. What is it?" The Scribe asked, eager to please his master.

"Send a message to the Barons, and particularly to the Sheriffs of the two other counties involved in the disappearances of the maidens. Inform them for me that the man responsible is now dead. He was killed on August twenty eighth." The Sheriff announced.

"Yes, my Lord." The Scribe said.

"What happened with the proclamations?" The Sheriff asked.

"I looked them over when the artists summoned me early Tuesday morning. All were identical to the one you approved." The Scribe said. "They were issued to heralds for distribution." He added.

"Good. I trust you paid them for me?"

"Yes, my Lord." The Scribe said.

The Sheriff nodded then continued on his way.

Fifteen minutes later, he was walking along the familiar stone corridor with myriad torches ensconced along the walls, toward his private chambers. It was late. He assumed Lady Rhiannon would be there.

He approached the door and found his usual sentry there along with Luke.

"Good evening, Luke." The Sheriff greeted him. Then he turned to his other guard. "And you…uh…Alan is it? No, wait! Albert!" The Sheriff smiled.

"No, sir, it is Alfred." The guard corrected.

"Right." The Sheriff remarked, absently.

"I trust your journey went well, my Lord?" Luke asked.

"Yes, it was successful." The Sheriff said with his hand now upon the door handle.

"Your lady is not inside the chambers." Alfred pointed out.

"Oh really? But, it is late." The Sheriff remarked, puzzled.

"Indeed, my Lord." Luke chimed in. "When she was on her way out, she told us she needed some air."

"Yes." Alfred added. "She said she thought it would help her sleep better."

The Sheriff shook his head. "But, it is raining?" He said. Though, he had a funny feeling it wouldn't matter to her.

"Indeed, my Lord. She said she would be brief." Luke said.

"And when did my lady take leave?" The Sheriff asked.

"It was just after dusk." Luke replied.

The Sheriff nodded. What he really wanted was a few sips of the tincture of rapture. Something to help him relax. But that would have to wait. He turned back and walked in the same direction from which he came. He knew. He had a strong suspicion of where she might be.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Outside, in the cool, dark mist, the rain was picking up. Rhiannon pulled the hood of her black velvet cape up and placed it over her head. She was walking through the gardens, out beyond the garden wall. She pulled the goblet out of her pocket and held it out. As she was attempting to collect some rain water in her cup, she stuck out her tongue to taste the raindrops. But the rain wasn't falling hard enough, yet.

After she walked for a time, she found a stone bench to sit upon. She looked at her goblet. She now had a little rain water collected within it, maybe half of an ounce. Well, that was better than nothing. She picked up the goblet and quickly downed the meagre amount. This was going to take awhile. She could wait. What else did she have to do? Besides sit by the window in the private chamber, gazing out into the distance, wondering where her lover was at the moment. Measuring the time alone, until he returned to her. For, at the end of the day, that is what she always would do. And then she would worry. And then, she would toss about restlessly, in the large, empty, four poster bed. Clinging to his pillow and burying her face into it, until the last remnants of his scent had completely dissipated from the soft, silky bed linens.

She looked at the goblet. There wasn't enough rain water within it to drink. So she stretched out on her side along the bench and placed her goblet upon the ground within reach of her. It wouldn't take long to fill it…surely?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Guy entered into his private chambers. He found his Lady Meridwyn seated there, reclined against several pillows, still dressed in her soft pink gown, but her eyes were closed. He walked toward her, slowly.

Meridwyn stirred. For, she was aware somewhere in her semiconscious state that there was another presence in the chamber. She opened her eyes just as he stood at the edge of the bed.

"My love!" Meridwyn exclaimed. "Am I dreaming?"

"No, my dear." Guy said as he sat upon the bed beside her and leaned in to kiss her. His kiss was soft and gentle. Afterward he smiled and said: "Did that feel as good as your dreams?"

"No, my love. It was better!" Meridwyn smiled.

"How are you faring, my dearest? I've been worried about you." Guy said.

"Fine, my Lord. Except for being tired a great deal more than usual." Meridwyn said.

"You should rest." Guy said as he removed his gauntlets and his cloak. He placed them upon a chair near to the bed.

"I already did." Meridwyn smirked.

"But, you haven't been well." Guy pointed out.

"It is the mornings where I'm at my worst. This time of day seems to be the one time I feel at my best." Meridwyn winked.

"You're sure?" Guy asked. "But, the child…"

"It will be fine, my love." Meridwyn reassured him. She reached over and touched his smooth cheek. "Oh Guy, I missed you so."

"My lady." Guy whispered as he enveloped her into his arms. He desired her. But her health was more important to him than fulfilling his needs. "Are you sure you are well enough?" He asked her one more time.

She pulled away from his embrace.

"People should be less worried about me, and more concerned over Lady Rhiannon." She hinted.

Guy raised his eyebrow curiously. "Why is that, my love?"

"She has been acting rather oddly." Lady Meridwyn announced.

"How do you mean?" Guy asked.

"I started to notice it three days ago. She told me on Thursday she saw your cousin upon his horse riding toward the castle. She was adamant. It took a lot of convincing on my part to make her believe she was mistaken." Meridwyn said.

"Really? How strange." Guy mused.

"Yes. She did something else rather strange, just today in fact."

"What was that, Meridwyn?"

"Well, we were seated near a tree in the courtyard following mass. Some leaves began to fall from the tree nearby, and she thought they were birds!" Lady Meridwyn exclaimed.

"How very odd." Guy agreed.

"Indeed. She said she hasn't been sleeping well. She is not yet accustomed to being apart from the Sheriff." Meridwyn said.

"Well, hopefully the issue will be resolved now that we're back." Guy began. "For, surely she shall sleep better, now that George has returned to her. Don't worry, my love. I'm sure that's all it is." He reassured.

"Yes." Meridwyn agreed. "Was it a success? Your mission?"

"Yes, my love." Guy said as he smoothed her shiny red curls. "Now come here, my love. I've missed your touch." He held her in his arms as he kicked off his boots, then stretched out upon the bed beside her.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Finally the Sheriff exited the door that led out into the gardens. He walked along the path toward the garden wall where he and Lady Rhiannon first met, expecting to find her there. He didn't see her. He decided to keep going. He walked farther out into the mazes of hedges.

He was walking for an additional ten minutes, it felt like he was wandering in circles. The rain was picking up, but he ignored it. He knew in his gut that his lady was out here somewhere.

Finally, he thought he spotted something. He blinked a few times to adjust his vision in the dark, and the rain that was now pelting upon his face and his eyelashes. Twenty yards ahead there was a figure of a woman laying upon one of the benches up against a tall hedge. There was a shiny object on the ground beside her. He stepped a little closer. It was Lady Rhiannon.

"My lady?" He called to her, curious why she was laying on the bench, oblivious to the rain falling upon her.

Rhiannon began to stir. She thought she'd heard a voice. She opened her eyes, for she closed them briefly. She sat up. She remembered the goblet. She reached down and grabbed it. Good. There was now half a goblet of rain water collected in it. Just as she brought it to her lips, she was irritated by the sudden interruption.

"My lady." The Sheriff said. He was now about ten feet from her.

Who was that? She heard a voice. She looked around. She saw the figure of a man off to the left. She couldn't tell exactly how far away he was, for her vision was slightly blurred again. All she saw was a tall, dark figure. She shuddered. She was reminded of her captor. The one who did something to her. What was it again? She held the edges of her cape close about her and arose from the bench. She began to walk quickly away from him.

What was wrong with her? Did she not recognize his voice? What was that in her hand? The Sheriff shook his head and advanced quickly toward her. Finally, he was right behind her.

"My Lady Rhiannon." The Sheriff said.

Lady Rhiannon turned around. She stood a moment, blinking a few times. The Sheriff was inches away from her, but she still couldn't focus very well.

"George?" She asked. "Is that you?"

The Sheriff smiled. "Can't you tell, my love? I'm standing right in front of you!"

She blinked again. Finally, there was no mistaking it. He was dressed in his black leather coat studded in silver, a heavy black cloak over that. His wavy black hair was glistening in the rain. Finally, she found his eyes.

She inched in closer and threw her arms about his neck and kissed him. "Oh, my love! You've returned to me!" She smiled. "I knew you would! Nobody would believe me, but I knew in my heart you'd be back this day. I could feel it." She said.

The Sheriff eyed her curiously. "Yes, my angel." He said. "Our mission was a success."

"Oh, good!" Rhiannon said. Then she looked down and squinted her eyes. "Forgive me." She said as she slowly looked back up into his eyes. "What was it, again?"

"What?" He asked, puzzled.

"Your mission. I've forgotten." Rhiannon said.

He shook his head. For, she couldn't be serious? "We went to rescue a Nottingham maid who was held captive by the same man who once held you." He reminded her.

"Oh, good! And was it successful?"

The Sheriff narrowed his eyes. "Yes. It was. I just told you, my angel." He replied, stunned by her behaviour.

"Is he dead." She asked nonchalantly.

"Yes." The Sheriff said as he stroked her cheek.

"Good." Rhiannon said.

Just as the Sheriff was leaning in to kiss her again, she surprised him by bringing her right hand up to her, she held a goblet in her hand. She brought the goblet to her lips and began to drink.

"Forgive me." She said after a few sips. "I'm so incredibly thirsty." Then she continued to drink until she drained the entire contents. Then she angrily looked inside of it, and held it upside down attempting to shake loose a few drops upon her tongue.

The Sheriff's left eyebrow shot north as he regarded her curiously. Why was she behaving so oddly?

"Curses!" She suddenly exclaimed. She angrily tossed the goblet to the ground.

"Rhiannon?" The Sheriff began. What on earth was wrong with her?

"I need water. Must have water." Rhiannon said.

That's funny, the Sheriff thought. She's acting like she's drinking mead!

She held out her palms and began to collect some rain water. He was stunned as he stared at her squinting his eyes and shaking his head, for she was not paying attention to him anyway. When she was satisfied with it, she brought her palms up to her lips and began to drink.

"My angel, are you quite yourself?" The Sheriff asked.

"I am so…thirsty. I need water, all of the time. I can't get enough of it!" Rhiannon said.

"Are you unwell?" The Sheriff asked.

"No. No, I'm fine, my Lord." Rhiannon reassured. "Though, I do not know why I'm so thirsty so much of the time?"

"You're certain?" The Sheriff asked, his left eyebrow raised again.

"Yes." Rhiannon smiled. She wondered if he had any idea what that mindless facial expression of his did to her every time he executed it. Suddenly, she felt herself grow warm just looking at him, despite the cool rain and wind.

"Do not worry, my love. All is well." She said.

"Come, my angel. It is raining." The Sheriff commanded.

Rhiannon looked up at him then lowered her eyes. She cast that seductive sideways glance at him that drove him to madness and said: "Just like the first time you kissed me. Touched me. The first night we were together." Rhiannon hinted. "And now it is raining." A beat. "Get it?" She smirked.

He put his arm around her and leaned in and kissed her earlobe. "Oh yes, my angel." The Sheriff whispered. "I get it, indeed." He grinned.

She leaned into him as they walked together toward the castle.

Twenty minutes later, they were in the den. Rhiannon excused herself to the private chamber. She wanted to remove her cape. The Sheriff poured them each a libation of brandy, after he removed his gauntlets, cloak, and his coat.

Rhiannon closed the doors leading into the chamber behind her. There was something she wanted to take care of before he came in. What was it again? She unfastened the black satin ribbon that secured the cape at the top of it, and cast it to a chair. She looked around the room. Curses! Why couldn't she remember what she came here to do?

Suddenly, the doors flew open. She turned around. The Sheriff stood there holding two silver goblets. Rhiannon stood at the foot of the bed in a white, almost diaphanous gown. But the gown was now damp and it clung to her perfectly curved body.

The Sheriff swallowed. He could see her breasts as clearly as if she stood naked before him. Suddenly, she appeared even more alluring to him than if she had been naked. As if she was clothed in a very thin veil of white.

He sighed. He tried to ignore the sensations she was causing within him, but he couldn't deny that the sight of her was making him hard for her. He would have to resist. It was too soon. Why, it was only last week she remembered her attack. He knew she wouldn't be ready for his intimacy, yet. Even though, she was strongly hinting otherwise, just moments ago in the gardens.

The Sheriff walked slowly toward her. "Some brandy, my lady?" The Sheriff offered.

"Yes." Rhiannon swallowed. He came toward her and held out the goblet to her.

She reached out and lightly caressed his fingers before she touched the cool metal of the goblet and took it from his grasp. She brought the goblet to her lips and sipped the soothing brandy. It warmed her and began to relax her. Though, it did nothing to satisfy her insatiable thirst.

She smiled at him. "You must be tired, my love." She said.

"No, my lady." He smiled. "Instead, I'm rather awakened." The Sheriff said. His fixed his hazel eyes upon her.

"I'm so happy you're back." Rhiannon said. "I missed you."

"I know." He said. "I missed you too." The Sheriff was curious about the potion he knew she was taking. Yet he couldn't ask about it. Rhiannon didn't know that he knew.

"Forgive me, my love." Rhiannon began. "The brandy is soothing, but it is doing nothing to satisfy my thirst." She walked toward the table placed below the mirror. The pitcher of water was over there. She sat the goblet down on the table.

The Sheriff eyed her strangely. What was this curious thirst of hers all of a sudden?

Before she picked up the pitcher, she spotted it. The Sheriff's flask! That was what she intended to take care of! He would wonder what it was doing sitting out, and what was in it. For, she had it filled, almost to the top with Mortianna's magic potion. The potion she stole out of her apothecary. She sighed. She couldn't think about that now. She would ponder that later.

She stood there with her back to him, trying to block his view. Her chiffon scarf was lying there, carelessly. She remembered putting it there when she returned from mass. She quickly picked it up and folded it a couple of times then arranged it over the flask. She couldn't do what she wanted with the flask, not yet. For, the Sheriff was only a few feet behind her.

"My lady?" The Sheriff said, puzzled.

She suddenly picked up the pitcher and looked inside. "Curses!" She spat as she held it upside down and shaking it. "Oh, it's gone! I have drank all of it!" She suddenly remembered the reason she went outside with the goblet. Why was she having difficulty recalling the simplest of things? She picked up the goblet of brandy and took a sip. It wasn't good enough. She brought it back to her lips and downed the entire contents.

"Rhiannon?" The Sheriff asked.

"That's better. Marginally." Rhiannon commented.

He slowly walked toward her. She turned around.

"You sure you're quite yourself?" The Sheriff asked again.

"Yes, I'm fine." She smiled. She put the goblet down and beckoned for him to come closer.

The Sheriff moved in, unlacing the strings of his tunic as he did so. He was suddenly warmed.

Rhiannon inched in closer and ran her hands softly over the silky fabric of his tunic, over his strong shoulders, his biceps, and then over his chest. She looked into his eyes and maintained her gaze.

The Sheriff smiled. He could already tell whatever Mortianna had given her was working. For, not only was she touching him, she was looking directly at him with her soft green eyes. And for more than just a second, unlike her actions right before he left on his mission. Was she trying to seduce him?

"My lady." The Sheriff smiled. "Are you certain you want this?" He asked.

"Yes, my love." Rhiannon sighed. She burned her sultry green eyes into his. "Just touch me once, and you'll know it's the truth." She smiled. Then she lowered her eyelids. He began to stir.

He sighed. He hoped she wasn't just toying with him. For, he wanted her. Desperately. Ever since a week ago in fact, but then, it was interrupted by the cursed memory of the Fallen Knight. He put his goblet down beside her scarf that was crumpled up carelessly upon the table. Then he swiftly lifted her into his arms as quick as lightening and carried her to the bed. She laid back upon the soft bed and the silky linens and pillows.

He kicked off his boots and fell upon the bed beside her. "My lady." He growled as he leaned down. He searched her eyes with his a moment.

"I love being your lady." Rhiannon whispered.

Suddenly his mouth landed hard upon hers, hungrily devouring the taste of her. She touched his tongue with hers and returned his passionate, languid kiss, breathlessly.

She lifted his tunic over his head and he began to push her gown upwards as he stroked her smooth skin, starting at her calf and working his way up, slowly, along her velvety soft curves. He thought he would die if he didn't have her.

"I'm on fire for you, my lady." The Sheriff whispered as he slowly and methodically removed her gown from her glorious body. The dim light of the candles nearby bathed her still damp skin in an aura of light. The energy drew him in.

Her skin was receptive to his touch, even before he made contact. For, just the energy of his hands, inches away from her skin, she could feel it. Her body was receptive to it. She realized that all he needed to do was breathe upon her and she was instantly open to him.

"Take me, my love." She whispered. "I've missed you."

She playfully unlaced the strings to his codpiece, casting it aside, then slowly unlaced his breeches. He moaned as she found her way inside and began to touch him. Stroking him softly, then gradually increasing the rhythm and the pressure until he thought he would explode. He reached down, caressing her skin until he found it, right between the top of her inner thighs. She was wet. She was right when she said if he touched her once, he would know.

"Oh, my angel." He breathed into her ear.

"Don't stop." She murmured as she continued to please him with the soft touch of her hands.

He continued to please her as he kissed her and breathed his energy beyond her lips.

Suddenly, she let go of him and gently pushed him off her and unto his back. Then she climbed upon him and straddled him, slowly, very slowly, inching her body down toward him, until they were a perfect fit.

"My lady Rhiannon." The Sheriff smiled as he looked deeply into her eyes. "You surprise me all of the time." He said.

"I told you I missed you." She breathed.

And so, they began to please one another, awakening each other's senses in the forest primeval, inside the glow of the master's private chamber. Their fantasies unfurled as they found new ways to please each other, until their energy was completely spent and they fell into a blissful sleep.