What is the Purpose? What is the purpose ~ Part 2
By Noelerin

He bowed. "I'm flattered that you remember me."

"Who could forget our only meeting?" Bryn said, edging away from the door and over to the window. "What was it you called us then? A bunch of mangy kids?"

"I can see that your memory has suffered no permanent damage." He acknowledged, watching her movements through narrow eyes. Something was nagging him, something in the air that he felt he should remember, but what?

She inclined her head towards him. "Nor has yours. What are you doing here?"

Never one to hide behind humility, he answered her, with a cold, tight smile. "I've come to rectify a mistake I made before."

"What do you mean?" Bryn's mind was furiously calculating her chances of escape, while listening to him.

"As you said, my memory survived the flame. I left you for last." Her eyes met his, the silence stretched between them as he let that information sink in. "I don't plan to let you go this time." He pounced on her, latching onto her arm and wrenching the wounds open.

She let out a shriek of pure agony, fainting in his arms as the pain trailed fire up her arms.

"Well, it has been quite a while since I was able to inspire any lady with that reaction." He smirked, then gasped in shock when a heavy body knocked him into the wall. Moving slowly, he turned to face the newcomer.

Doubar stood in front of Bryn's fallen body, glaring at the intruder. "Get out before you learn my true strength." He hissed, the harsh sound surprised Sinbad and Peri who'd just arrived.

Peri moved swiftly to Bryn's side, kneeling down and feeling for her pulse. Choking on a gasp, she watched as a pool of blood formed on the floor. The captain moved towards Donestk, but Peri turned him aside. "Sinbad, come here." She pleaded and took his left hand and placed it in Bryn's, the bracelets' glowed lightly. Her hands covered both as she channeled strength into her friend.

There was a harsh laugh as he stood up and faced them. "Do you honestly think that you can stop me?" The wizard raised a hand, sending a bolt of lightening towards the group. Before it hit them, he began to shake as the power within him rose up and started to choke him. He fell to knees but managed to disappear before Doubar reached him.

Doubar knelt by them and placed a hand on top of theirs, adding his strength. "Will she be okay?" He asked when Peri made a move to let go.

"I'm not sure." Peri sighed, allowing Sinbad to move Bryn to the bed. "It's beneath her skin, this connection, the bond that she has with Maeve and Rumina is killing her."

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Doubar muttered, ignoring the Maeve reference for the moment. "That slut would stoop to harming her sister." A blast of wind knocked him to his knees, his eyes widened when he saw Bryn looking at him, fury in her eyes.

"Don't you ever insult my sister!" Her voice was harsh in the still room, then her eyes rolled back and she lost consciousness once more.

The first mate rose slowly, brushing himself off. "Would someone mind telling me what is going on? And why is Bryn willing to defend that...I mean, her sister?" Doubar corrected himself, keeping a wary eye on Bryn.

Peri nodded and quickly told them their story. They only interrupted her once. "Rumina was good? What happened?"

"Bryn died." She said simply. "The heart is more than an intuitive power, at least in Bryn's hands it was. And there is the bond that existed between the three of them."

"The bond?" Doubar asked, his eyes filled with worry. This was the second time she had mentioned it, and both in connection with Bryn's frail condition.

"Maeve, Rumina, and Bryn worked very closely. This was unusual, not that Maeve and Bryn worked as they did. Maeve was our leader, Bryn was like her counselor. A shadow in Maeve's light, balancing her out. What Rumina brought to the dynamic, I'm not sure but it was strong." She then finished her tale, relieved when Coral walked in. "Thank Allah you're here!"

"What happened in here?" Firouz asked, following Coral who had stopped suddenly.

Her nose twitched as a faint smell filled her senses, her eyes widened. "Donestk?" She whimpered, pale with fright. She moved quickly to Peri's side. "What was he doing here?"

"Rectifying a mistake." The miko on the bed mumbled, forcing her eyes to open. She blinked a few times, then saw the bruise on Doubar's check-a bruise she had put there herself. "Oh, Doubar. I'm so sorry."

"It's nothing." He shrugged off her apology, feeling edgy. "I shouldn't have said what I did."

"Still, I should never have tossed you like that." She raised her hand and it trembled in the air.

He covered her hand with his own, squeezing it gently and joked. "Forget it. You only did what I would have done if someone insulted Sinbad."

"Would someone kindly tell me what is going on?" Firouz snapped, not liking the feeling of being left out. The tension in the room eased as they laughed at this unexpected display of feistiness from the normally quiet doctor. Taking turns, they told Firouz what had happened while he'd been in town helping Rongar to settle down.

Rumina:

She was awake when her father appeared. A welcome smile formed, stopping suddenly as she recognized the huddled figure writhing in pain. Her head shook violently as her mind screamed at her to run. Rumina was on her feet and running towards the door in moments, his hand shot up and caught her arm in a painful grasp. "What's happening to me?"

He pulled her down to where he was and shook her, listening to the sound of her teeth rattling. "What?!?" He yelled, enraged when she remained silent.

"I don't know." Rumina kicked him as hard as she could and rolled away.

"How could you not?" He shrieked, knocking a chair at her. She jumped to the side, moving away from the door. A hand emerged from the wall, grabbing onto her hair and holding on. "Is it not your power which flows in me now? You have to know!"

The witch gasped at his announcement. Her mind flying in several directions at once. Rumina knew one thing for sure, she couldn't let him know the truth. "I tell you, I don't know!" She was desperately trying to pull away from the ever tightening grasp, trying to escape from him.

"Of course you don't." His voice was now silky as he approached her, now in control of himself. His hands closed around her neck, squeezing ever so lightly. "But I think you know how to find out, don't you?"

A piercing shriek filled the air at that moment as something rushed in. It raked long, sharp talons across his face. He jerked away from Rumina, who shoved him away and ran away from the claws striking the hands in the wall. She sped down the mountain, tumbling headfirst down the side of the cliff as she went. The water rushed up to meet her, enclosing her in its icy embrace.

Maeve:

The redhead yawned and tried to stretch but found herself unable to move. Her eyes snapped open and looked around, she was tense until she saw Eyolf sleeping beside her. Memory rushed in and she groaned, wondering if he thought she was a slut for her shameless behavior the other night. Somehow, she couldn't bring herself to care. For the first time since she'd been forcibly ejected from the Nomad to find Dim-Dim on her own, she felt safe.

She jerked in pain, her arm felt like it was on fire. Eyolf woke and loosened his grip around her. "What is it?" He asked, then stopped to see the fresh blood clinging to her robe. "I'll get Mag."

"No, don't do that." She said, focusing on closing the wounds. Her face twisted in a grimace of pain before relaxing into a pleased smile. "What happened?"

"You don't remember?" He settled back down when it became apparent that she would be fine.

Her brow wrinkled in thought, she spoke slowly as a faint memory formed. "I remember a snowstorm and pain, then warmth and you were there."

Eyolf nodded. "There was a terrible snowstorm last night, you were caught in it. Mag cleaned and dressed your wounds, sometime this morning they started to heal and she went up to bed, thinking that you would be all right." He made his last words sound like a question.

"I am." Maeve answered. "I hate to ask this and sound ungrateful, but do you have anything I can change into?"

"Of course. My mother was about your height." He stood up, stopping when she grabbed his arm. "What is it?"

"You will come back, won't you?" Her eyes met his in the bright room.

There was a fear in her voice that startled him. Fear and Maeve had never really been hand in hand in his mind. He bent down and picked her up. "Come along. I think you'd rather get dressed in privacy anyway." He explained when he saw her surprised look.

"I would, actually." The sorceress smiled, allowing herself to enjoy someone else's strength while she pondered what she'd felt during the night. She knew exactly when it was that she'd begun to heal, it was when she'd felt a gentle touch on her soul. But only one person was capable of that. Unfortunately she had been dead for many years. Wasn't she?

No one else would have bothered with her pain. And she knew from looking at her wounds, that they weren't as bad as they should've been. So, was she alive?

"Here we are." Eyolf's chest rumbled under her ear and she looked into the room he stopped at. It was a large study filled with scrolls and boxes. He gently placed her down on the chair by the roaring fire.

She looked at him curiously, gesturing towards the fire. "Did you know we would be coming here later?"

"No. The fire helps preserve the books and helps heat the upper floor." He answered, lighting a lantern.

"Firouz would love this room." She remarked, watching him move some of the boxes. He found the chest he was looking for and carried over to her, opening it. Her breath left her in a gasp of delight. There, lying in neat piles, were clothes of various colors and richness. "They're beautiful!" She fell to her knees and began to go through them.

Eyolf watched her for a moment, smiling. "Take whatever you need. I'll go find us something to eat before it gets any later." He dusted off his hands and stood, surprised when she rose with him. "Is something wrong?"

She shook her head, her eyes were shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Eyolf, for being you."

"I'd say you're welcome, but that might sound arrogant." His hand brushed her check, moving a strand of loose hair behind her ear. They stared at each other in friendly silence before he cleared his throat nervously. "I'll go see about that meal now."

She watched him disappear around the corner and sighed, feeling disappointed that he didn't kiss her. "What's with all this lovey-doveiness? Snap out of it, Maeve, my girl. He knows you've been ill, why do you want to rush this?" She scolded and took herself firmly in hand. Choosing a light blue, loose robe and a pair of dark pants, she dressed and went down the hall, following the smell of good food.

Mag was sitting at the table and looked up when she entered the room and, studying her critically. Her heart was beating happily, before her stood a woman who was good enough for her brother. In fact, she thought sourly, she might be too good. "You look better, though half-starved. I hope you aren't one of those gals who goes into self starvation. Eyolf here was telling me that he was going into town after we eat. Why don't you join him? Some fresh air will do you good." She ignored the ferocious glare Eyolf sent her and shamelessly continued her matchmaking. "Unless, of course, you're husband would object?"

"I'm not married, nor do I have any takers." Maeve laughed, this little woman had a way about her that made it hard to be angry by her words. "And I love food." She added, sitting down and grabbed a thick slice of bread, covering it with jam.

"Then the men outside our lands are fools." Mag said, bluntly. She then turned the conversation onto more conventional lines.

Later, as Maeve and Eyolf moved through the marketplace, she watched him move through the crowds. The children loved him and men eagerly sought his counsel, why then, was he still unattached? Of course, she didn't understand the way the women here thought. But, thinking back on something he'd said earlier, she got the feeling they liked their men rough and heavy handed.

"What's the matter? Is that piece of silk evil?" Eyolf's teasing voice broke into her thoughts.

"Huh? Oh, no." She shook her head at the dealer and moved off with Eyolf to a quieter spot. "I was just thinking."

He let her go in front of him and chose their place to rest. "About what?"

"Why aren't you married?" Her face flushed instantly, her hands covered her mouth. "I'm sorry." She stammered, stopping when he laughed and took one of her hands in his.

"Maeve, I don't mind. My sister always asks me that." He paused, then continued. "Don't take this the wrong way but...I met this girl, I think her name was Maeve. She made me feel like it was okay to be gentle and kind. Unlike the women who live here, she saw some value in it. Anyway, we parted because our lives ran on different paths. But ever since I met her, I've been looking for a woman who sees value in what I am."

"Oh." She was silent, studying him. Her heart beat faster as she recognized the power a woman had over a man ran down her spine. It was her, or rather, her influence on him. Her voice was slightly breathless as she spoke. "But you didn't pressure me or take advantage last night."

"No, I didn't. That wouldn't have been fair to either of us. You were in no condition to say yes or no." His brown eyes were steady as they bored into hers. "I would have lost your respect. More importantly, I would have lost my own."

She appreciated his directness with her, it was something she was unused to. Her hand squeezed the one still holding hers, then the world exploded in a wave of pain. "BRYN!" She cried as she fell over. Eyolf pulled her limp body into his arms, worried.

One of his crew members walked over at that moment, looking concerned. He'd been watching the pair covertly from the moment they showed up, knowing that the rest of Eyolf's friends were as worried about their captain because of this unknown redhead. After all, she could be death in disguise.

Eyolf forestalled his questions by asking him to prep the Rhiannon. "We'll be going south to find Sinbad. Ask Mag to prepare supplies for a long voyage." He finished.

"When would you like to leave, sir?" Rolf asked, sending a worried look to the girl in his Captain's arms. He was a young man and had joined the crew after the "Maeve" incident. His reddish blonde hair shone like bronze in the afternoon light as he chewed his mustache thoughtfully, his dark eyes searching the crowds for other crew members.

He found a strong, steady pulse and breathed a sigh of relief. "Tomorrow, if it can be arranged. No later than the end of the week."

"Sir!" He gave a sharp salute and followed after Ulric.

"Peppy lad, isn't he?" Maeve commented, smiling weakly up at the worried face.

"He's new. So, who's Bryn?" He asked.

"An old friend." She suddenly laughed out loud, remembering what she had seen. "And I should've known that she would cheat death! That little smart aleck."

"What do you mean?" Eyolf asked, watching her glowing face. He had never seen her like this, knowing that he could easily get used to it.

Maeve sat up, running a hand through her hair. "Long story short. Once upon a time there were five girls born with a special mission to save the world. We did but lost Bryn to death. But we were wrong, she eluded death. I don't know how she did it, but she did." She said quickly as if trying to avoid the harsh pain, but she was wrong.

"There's something else, isn't there?" His eyes narrowed and studied her intently.

The sorceress was silent for so long, Eyolf was afraid she wouldn't answer him. Finally, she spoke, pain laced her every word. He flinched at the sound, though he didn't let her see it. "I was leading us in the attack and Bryn jumped into the flames when it seemed that Donestk would escape. She died. It was my fault. I, as the leader, should've made that sacrifice."

Eyolf studied the ground, wondering what he could say to relieve the guilt.

"What? No grand speech to make about how it wasn't my fault? That these things happen to everyone and I should just get over it?" She mocked, feeling exposed and uncomfortable.

"No." He said simply, meeting her gaze. "Those are words that will not mean anything to you coming from me. You need to hear them from Bryn." Then he moved and pulled her up with him. "I will tell that sometimes a leader must stand back and learn to accept their limits. We all have them, that's why we work in teams."

A soft rose colored blush lit her face. "Bryn would like you." She leaned into his warmth and raised her face to his, waiting to see what he would do. She studied his eyes, not surprised to read his uncertainty in them. Shaking her head slightly in amusement, she took the initiative and pulled his face towards hers and kissed him. It was kind of awkward and clumsy, but she put all of her feelings into it.

His mind reeled as he felt her confusion, fear, and awakened passion through that kiss. He instinctively pulled her closer to him, offering her the fear he felt and also his warmth. Then he gentled their kiss, urging her to take her time in this their first kiss.

The Rhiannon floated out of the harbor two days later, catching hold of a strong southern breeze. Maeve stood by Eyolf's side, her borrowed fur coat pulled tight around her to fight against the chill evening air. The sleek vessel moved through the rough waters with graceful ease that the Nomad would envy. The redhead sighed with pleasure, conscious of a feeling of rightness. It felt good, genuinely good to be on the sea once more. Guess there is more sailor's blood inside than I had thought, she mused, allowing herself a small grin.

Her face fell as she caught wary glances from the men on the ship, directed her way. There was also, she thought ruefully, distrust and fear in those gazes. "Don't think about it, Maeve." Eyolf murmured in her ear, a shiver ran down her spine at the husky sound. "As soon as they see that you mean me no harm, they'll ease up."

She shot him a doubting look, then her look turned mischievous. "And are you so sure I don't mean you harm?" Maeve was shocked by her behavior, but she couldn't seem to help herself.

"I don't think I'd mind that kind of harm." He drawled , a lilt in his voice before becoming serious, turning her so that he could meet her eyes. "If things become uncomfortable for you, I want you to handle it yourself."

"Wouldn't that undermine your authority?" She asked, though she was happy to comply with this request.

He shook his head. "You might think so. But these men are Vikings, used to women standing up for themselves. In fact, my sister divorced her husband because he was an abusive, controlling man. Their negative behavior towards you would only increase if I stood between you and them."

"I see. How can your society do this?" She asked, further explaining at his look of incomprehension. "Have men and women be equals. Doesn't it upset the male superiority?"

"No. The men are sailors or explorers, we are rarely home. It is the women who own the land, businesses, have the responsibility to protect the home. As far as I know, there has never been a problem. But then again," He paused for a moment to shout out an order, then turned back to her. "Our society has lived like this for hundreds of years. We've never really known anything else."

She brushed a loose strand of hair out of her eyes, thinking about his words. "My village used to be that way. But I remember it used to cause a great deal of strife when new people moved in. The adjustment was hard on them, most left or gained high positions and changed things." Her voice trailed off, she hadn't thought of her old home in years. "I wonder if things got better after Donestk's armies left the place."

Eyolf touched her shoulder, brushing a lock of her hair, as he passed her. "I'm sure things have. After all, this is the village that produced you."

She stood at the prow for a long time, thinking about how things were moving so quickly now. It meant something was going to happen, would she be able to meet it after what had happened to her in the past? Twirling a piece of hair around her finger, something Bryn said came into her mind.

"It doesn't matter if we win or lose. What matters is that we make the effort.
Success isn't measured by winning, it is measured in trying even when
we fall short of our own expectations. No one is judging our efforts but us.
And by that standard, we will never measure up."

For a pain in the butt, Bryn was hardly ever wrong. At least, she giggled on matters concerning their battles. She knew that she would need all the confidence her friend used to give her in the coming days. After all, she couldn't afford to alienate the crew but she couldn't allow them to kick her around. Her head rested on her hand, watching the sea flow under her as she contemplated her problem. It was a quiet voyage, except for a few tussles between her and the crew that were quickly resolved when she proved more than a match for them.

Halfway there, they met up with the Nomad. Maeve and Eyolf boarded the other ship, greeting Sinbad and his crew. Her eyes scanned the ship, looking for something. A confirmation that what she had felt in Utgard was true and not some delirious dream. With a stomach full of knots, Maeve walked down the steps that Peri and Coral had just abandoned. Soft, faltering footsteps led her to a cabin that used to be hers, she took a deep breath and tried to swallow as she opened the door.

A soft snore reached her ears and a smile reluctantly formed on her face. The redhead entered the room and studied the figure on the bunk. Her hair was darker than she remembered and she appeared to be much smaller, thinner, than she should be. But it was undoubtedly Bryn.

"Didn't anyone ever tell you that it is rude to stare?" An amused voice asked, the long lashes lifted to reveal a pair of laughing hazel eyes. "My, oh, my. If it isn't our illustrious, if prodigal, leader Maeve. What brings you to visit this lowly servant with such a look on your face?"

"You...you...you're really here. I didn't kill you." Maeve stared at her, trembling.

"Maeve." Bryn pushed herself up, holding out her arms and beckoning to her. "Let it go. Your guilt is killing me."

Maeve fell down on the ground, tears running down her face. "I can't. I know I should, but I just can't."

Bryn joined her, slowly because her body was still unhealed. She stroked her friend's hair and rocked her gently, her words in reply were slow in coming. "Let the security blanket of your guilt go. I know it has been a faithful friend to you but it has also been your grave. Let it go."

Maeve's only response was more gut wrenching cries. Peri and Coral walked in and saw them, they moved back out. "Will she be okay?"

"I don't know." Peri said, squeezing her hand. "Let's go make sure they have privacy."

Hours later, Maeve stumbled out of the room. Sinbad was standing there and caught her. "Hey." He said, her bleary eyes met his. They were different than he remembered them being, more open and less guarded. "Eyolf's on his ship. Do you need any help?"

"No." She smiled, trembling with weariness. "Bryn...she forgave me. How could she forgive me?" Her eyes begged for an answer she could accept.

"Because she's Bryn." His answer was simple and yet, eloquent. "I hate to ask this but...do you know where Rumina is?"

"Rumina, of course. We must find her, she needs us." Maeve murmured as she walked away. "I'll send Dermott after her." Her voice ended on a question.

"I haven't seen him in a while. Since before all this happened, I think." Sinbad tensed, knowing how close they were.

"Oh. Well, he knows his business and is a big boy." She quietly responded, chuckling at his shocked expression. "Gee, one would think that you are disappointed to find that I have grown up."

"I didn't mean that." He objected, feeling uncertain with this new Maeve.

She held up a hand, hiding a smile. "I know, Sinbad, I am different. But then, so are you. Go to Bryn. She's going to need the power of the bracelet to help her through the night."

"Right." He watched her move up the stairs. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

"Good night, Sinbad." Her voice floated down to him, she smiled widely at Eyolf. "Hey." She drawled, accepting his hand as she climbed on board.

His face was serious, even if he did smile at her. "My crew found something we think you should see." She followed him, stopping suddenly when she saw the drenched figure and the hawk by her side. There was a smile in his voice. "Of course you know Dermott. But who is she?"

"Rumina." Her voice was flat, she was struggling with the bile rising in her throat. She may understand Rumina's behavior from a distance but that didn't help when she was staring right at her.

Dermott chirped and she turned towards him, listening as Dermott told her what had happened.

She turned to Eyolf, mastering her feelings. "I think you should ask Firouz to come here and take care of her."

Eyolf had been watching her struggle, nodded at one of the crew members who disappeared. "How are you doing?"

"I've been better. Seeing Bryn, talking to her...I feel free. Now that Rumina is here, I think we can face whatever is stalking us." She said, moving into his arms. There was a familiarity in their embraces, a comfort that spoke of deep affection. "The only problem with this picture is, I can't rest my head on your chest."

"Do you want to?" He asked. "I'm sure we could find a way."

She smiled alluringly. "Nah, I like being able to rest my head on your shoulder. It's easier to distract you from there."

"You distract me by being here." He said, kissing the top of her head. "Hello, Firouz."

"I wasn't sure if I should come when I heard who my patient would be." He placed his bag down, gesturing for Coral to help him.

Eyolf was confused but Maeve explained before he could say anything. "It's all right, Firouz. Rumina is the final link in the chain. Take care of her as you would me or Bryn. Eyolf, I'll explain everything later, okay?"

He shrugged, then took her hand. "We'll be in the galley if you need us."

Rumina shot straight up, panting. Her eyes flew around the room, searching for something. They met Maeve's in the dimly lit cabin. "Donestk..."

"Yes, we know. He's back among the living." Soothed Coral, trying to force her to lie down.

"No, you don't. That's not it." She shook her head furiously, frustrated with her inability to talk clearly. "You don't know, the powers he's using now...those powers were once mine. The goose egg, when it was used…to defeat me and Scratch, sent them…my powers…into him-Donestk." Her words were forced past a sea salted throat, they were rushed.

"I was afraid that's what happened." Bryn's voice carried into the room. Sinbad was holding her up, an angry look on his face. Rumina looked straight at her, eyes wide. Bryn's exasperated voice stopped any words she may have said. "Don't you start. You're not responsible, neither is Maeve. I knew something was off about him. Sinbad, let go."

"If I do, you'll fall down." His worry for her made his words sharper than he had intended.

"He's got a point." Peri said, entering the room. "But, Sinbad, Bryn needs to be here. Rumina's problem is something only we can fix."

"You'll kill her!" He objected, aghast at her words.

"No." Coral responded firmly, taking Bryn from him and moving her to her sister's side. "We will save her."

Eyolf moved to Sinbad's side, taking a strong hold on his arm. "Come. Let us leave them to their work. We must do ours and keep them safe. This room must be kept off limits to all."

He followed the Viking out of the room reluctantly, knowing that they were right. "I'm coming." It was a long night as they waited outside, feeling forces gathering in the air around them.

Inside the room, the girls gathered in a circle. They were surrounded by lighted candles, basking in the glow of the lights and a sense of renewed friendship. Dermott was in connection with them all but circling the sky above the ship, keeping an eye out for any incursions that might occur.

Maeve looked each girl in the eye, assessing them all. She calmly reminded them of the danger that might be awaiting them on this journey. "The astral plain is a new place for most of us, save Bryn who visits due to her place of authority. If any of us gets lost, there is no way to return. We are invaders but we need to be there, for this is the only place we can go to reclaim that which was stolen from Rumina. Everybody understand?"

"One thing." Bryn cautioned, squeezing Maeve and Rumina's hands. "If you feel anything negative towards yourself or anyone you're with, it will be amplified several hundred times. It will hit me like a ton of bricks, crushing my soul. And this time, I will not survive."

A taunt silence stretched between them, before each woman nodded her understanding. Maeve took a deep breath and looked straight at Rumina. "Why?"

"Dermott?" She finished. "My father was getting stranger by the day, evil seemed to invade his every waking and sleeping moment. Now, I know why. Donestk was slowly taking control of him. He-Donestk-planned to use Dermott to work his revenge by taking control of his body. The only way for your brother to be safe was for me to change him. I was also not thinking very clearly, I blamed you for what happened to Bryn. It was wrong of me."

"Not your fault alone. I let myself become a target." Maeve quickly said, feeling her way through the deep shock that filled her at the thought of Donestk being so close to them. "I can't believe that the swine has existed in our world that long without our knowledge! Why didn't he die?"

"We didn't finish the job." Peri calmly explained. "When we thought Bryn was dead, we let a part of him escape. Over the years, the bond between us all snapped and allowed him to pull more strength into him. He fed on our feelings of hate and insecurity, our sense of deep loss and failure to protect one of our own."

Coral snorted in disgust. "Are we idiotic or what? We handed him the very victory we physically robbed him of. He may not have received the world but we left it unprotected."

"Enough of this!" Maeve scolded, her brow wrinkled up. "The past is done and can't be undone. The future is at stake, so let's do it!"

Bryn dropped their hands and slowly moved into the circle they now formed. Maeve and Rumina linked hands, completing the circle again. Swaying lightly in time to an eternal beat, her hands flowed up and out, encompassing all of those in the room. Her hands rose and a gentle wind swirled about the room, moving faster with every sway of her body. The candles blew out blanketing them in darkness, then five lit up forming the symbol of the pentagram. A deep trance descended on the women as they felt themselves lift up and leave their bodies behind.

They struggled against the sensation, fear in their hearts until a voice counseled. "Peace. All is well." They dropped their guard, trusting in their friend, and entered a place of perfect white-except for one corner. They saw Bryn moving towards this place. Fear gripped them again but they pressed forward, Maeve reached out a hand and held Rumina's, gesturing that they should form a chain.

She caught Bryn's hand as they caught up with her. The miko didn't even pause, it was like she didn't even realize they were with her. She gestured and the darkness parted. She moved and pulled them in with her, pausing on the top of a precipice to allow them the chance to look around. A gasp of wonder escaped the four newcomers as the pure vista greeted their eyes. The land was green with a light blue sky, surrounded by a mist of stars. The sense of peace was so prevalent that they felt they could reach out and touch it. They moved down a nearly hidden path towards a circle of stones.

"Not all things shrouded in darkness are evil." An aged voice filled their minds but they realized with a sense of shock that it wasn't Bryn's voice.

"Hello, I am Aliki." A woman of Oriental descent stood smiling before them, watching them knowingly. She wasn't as old as her voice made her sound and was tall for a woman of her race. Her black hair was bound up around her head in a crown of braids, occasionally the light would hit it and show off blue highlights. Her eyes were dark brown, but were gentle and wise. "The Gate Keeper of the Vale of Avalon. What is it that you desire?"

Bryn looked at Maeve, who stepped forward. She curtsied before speaking. "We seek the retrieval of Rumina's guardianship, my lady."

The dark hair fell to the side as she looked at her curiously. "For what purpose? To be misused again."

"No. Never again." Rumina stated, moving out of the line and standing in front of Aliki. Maeve moved to interrupt, but stopped, realizing that this was Rumina's battle. "I lost to much." She ended sadly, glancing at her friends behind her.

"Then why?" Her ancient eyes focused on the woman shriven of her birthright.

"To stop Donestk and restore the balance-even if it means to lose my life." She said. "To pass the power on to someone who deserves it and will protect it."

A heart beat of silence past, then two more, before it seemed as though they must stand there forever awaiting her judgment. Her head nodded, the eyes filled with pleasure. "Then you have learned wisdom."

The five elementals sagged with relief. "How do we do this?" Maeve asked, taking control once more.

"Hold out your hands." She commanded, her voice soft with authority.

As the redhead did what she was told to, a heavy weight landed on her palms. She looked down at them and saw a sword, burning with a light all of its own. Shifting it so that she held it by the hilt, she felt power run up her arm, filling her with a purging and purifying flame. "What is it?" Her voice was filled with awe, as she felt a sheath form on her back using strands of her hair, flesh, and bits of her magic.

"The Sword of the Spirit, to be used only as a last resort. The power it contains destroys worlds. The sheath will shroud it from the darkness in times of rest and renew it in times of action. Don't let them be separated." Aliki cautioned, turning towards Peri. "Come forward, Child of the Earth."

Peri glided forward, kneeling before her. "I have had my eye on you for a long time. You were blessed with a practical nature and an honest heart." She paused, placing her hand on the young woman's head. "The gift I give you will need those gifts more than any other. I believe you can handle it. This is the seers stone, the future and the past are yours to see. To watch and guard, to preserve and protect."

"I will not abuse this gift." She promised as the knowledge exploded into her mind while her hands cradled the dark blue stone. The images flowed in an eternal round, Peri winced in pain but accepted it as a part of the gift.

Bryn pulled it away before it could harm her, placing it inside a locket and putting that on a chain. "Not all at once, my friend. You must slowly adapt to it."

"The battle, I saw it." Her words were spoken so quietly, Bryn had to strain to hear her. "I know the outcome."

The other girl nodded. "Then you must also have the strength to allow it to happen."

"But it…" Peri subsided at Bryn's look.

"Shhh…it is time for Coral's present." She soothed, stroking her friend's hair. Peri sighed and turned to watch the physician move and kneel before her.

Aliki stared thoughtfully down at Coral's bent head, she tipped her face up. "My precious child, how lost you have been these last few years. Yet you somehow managed to find your way to your higher calling. Healing is one of the greatest gifts bestowed upon you, but it takes a physical toll on you doesn't it?"

"Yes." The physician agreed. "It is almost like their pain becomes my own."

"That's because it does. From this time forth, your gift is freedom from that pain. The healing stream flows inside you will renew itself whenever it is used." She paused, waiting for the delight to fade away before she cautioned. "This is a mixed blessing, little one. You will want to heal everyone but sometimes people cannot be saved. The pain in your soul will hurt more than the physical does."

"I understand." Coral said, rising slowly.

Aliki's hands rested on her shoulders, studying her and smiled. "I'm sure you do. Peri has a need of your care." She watched her join her friends, a sad light in her eyes. Her attention shifted to the last two women in the group, truly these were all unique women. They were chosen and tried in the very fires of Hell, never again would the world see their kind.

Bryn moved to stand by Rumina. The gate keeper beckoned to the wind guardian. "Go on." Her half sister pushed her gently forward.

Rumina moved, kneeling before her. "I have two gifts for you. One, I'm sure you'll recognize immediately." There was a laugh in her voice as she produced the Goose Egg. "I'm sure you'll know what to do with that."

"If I don't, I'm sure I have some help in learning." She agreed, with a lively grin. "But what do I need with any other? This path is no longer mine to tread worthily."

"Oh, but it is. You have been allowed to falter in order to lead others to the light." Aliki produced a large book that had no obvious end. "This is the book of wisdom, not to be confused with knowledge. It is a treasure of immense value to the world and you are to protect it for you have lived it."

"I don't know what to say." Rumina was stunned and accepted the book with trepidation.

"It, like the other gifts, has a downside. You will never be truly free of it, the book is a part of you life. And always will be from this day forth." Aliki met Bryn's eyes, calling her forth. "You've had quite a life, my little bard."

Bryn laughed gaily, dropping to her knee. "I know I did. I lived it. Bard?" There was a note of uncertainty in her voice as she repeated the word the Keeper had used. A thrill of awe filled her, this was more than she thought to attain.

(If you will allow me a moment of self insertion, I'll explain. And if this is to annoying, let me know. A bard in the traditional sense (at least of early Britain) was more than just a singer/storyteller. It was someone who had the power to sing things into being. They weren't really fighters, so much as someone who would uphold fighters in battle. An advisor to kings, a record keeper, a prophet, and a seeker and teacher of knowledge. The bard was a spiritual leader and had the power to awaken the dead. Merlin was such a bard. Thank you.)

Aliki nodded with solemn regality, moving her hand into the mist that had suddenly formed behind her. "Yes, bard. It is time to accept your staff and your place." An ancient oaken staff moved from behind her and towards Bryn, resting upon her uncertain hands, which curled around the wood. "This is the Rod of Truth. You are the only one who may use this, it will break if anyone else tries. Do not lose it for it is your connection to your higher place."

"Of course." She whispered, awed and adjusted to the feel of the wood in her hands. The power resting inside transferred itself to her, healing all of her wounds. Her sword belt fell away, the leather burned away and the sword's blade rusted completely never to be used seriously again. This is not to say that she would never wield a sword again, just that it would never be her main weapon again.

"He has entered. You must go and meet him." Her hand closed the veil of darkness, her voice suddenly called out to them. "One thing more. His life blood must not be shed here. Beware, there is a twin." She was cut off when the darkness finished closing.

Maeve sheathed the sword. "What did she mean about his life blood, Bryn? He is dead."

"No." Bryn objected, transferring the six foot staff to her left hand. "Rumina's powers and Scratch's interference gave him life. If we were to kill him here, it would bring condemnation upon this land."

Rumina tapped a finger against her cheek, thinking. "And the twin he mentioned?"

"Ah, now there, I can't help you." Bryn shrugged, not to concerned. "I don't know what that would refer to."

"Where is he?" Peri asked.

"In the game room." The bard moved forward, extending the staff in front of her to show the way. The staff formed a bar for the women to hold onto as they moved through the bright light. It was in one of the far corners of the realm where the light was the brightest.

"I was beginning to think you'd never show up." His silky voice greeted them from the center of the room. It took them a moment to adjust to the dim green light. Donestk rose from the chair he'd been resting on, a glass of cognac in his hand which he tipped in their direction. "Cheers."

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