Come Out To Play Nimueh

[cat]

Mordred raced through the forests jumping over roots dodging arrows that bolted past his head. He was small but quick. His breath heavy with exhaustion, he was sweaty and his face was bloody from all the tree branches smacking him. He was scared and his heart was racing he thought it would explode out of his chest. "Get that druid! Don't let him escape!" a man yelled, he was close and every time he took a step the earth trembled beneath Mordred's body. With his hair plastered to his face he did not look back but instead he ran as fast and as far as his feet could carry him, those men closing in on his trail. Not thinking Mordred tipped over a thick root and plummeted to the earth covering him in mud. The men were right there surrounding him when he looked up and at that moment his heart sank to his stomach. The little boy looked up with fear in his icy blue eyes, his chest rising and falling a mile a minute. What was he to do. Scooting away as they closed in on him. Mordred's feet digging into the wet Earth trying to find grip to push him faster. Sadly it was no use they had trapped him.

Shaking his head he closed his eyes and with all his might he yelled with both his mind and his voice sending a wave of force that made the men around him fly backwards in mid air. The force was so strong that it had killed many of them and others seriously injured. His eyes flew open and he began to turn and run. Mordred only got so far until something large and hard hit him over the head. His eye site went blurry and he felt as if he went deaf. Soon everything went black, Mordred was knocked unconscious. The men picked him up and tossed him in shackles and chains loading him into the back of the wagon that was surrounded by bars. Mordred was in a cage. The men laughed and cheered and drank their night away in merriment that they caught the druid boy. Surly someone would pay good money for him.

Waking with a bloody welt on his head he looked around at the men who were passed out or still drinking themselves into a coma. With the fire bright and warm Mordred sat in the dark too far to feel the warmth it shed. Wrapping himself up in his green cloak he sat in the corner trying to think of a way to escape. He was powerful but too young to know just what he could do. Mordred needed help an ally he could rely on. The boy was scared and alone he had no idea what they were going to do with him. The worst he suspected was death because he was of magic origin and that was forbidden. With a small sigh he gently leaned his head against the cage in deep thought, there was something he could do all he had to do was think of it before it was too late. If only his master was still alive he would know what to do. Shaking that painful thought away now was no time to sulk not when his own life was at stake and too give up easily would be like spitting on his masters grave. Mordred would get out of this sticky situation. Things always worked to his benefit one way or another.

[Deleted]

It had started out as a perfectly normal day – as normal as any day under Uther’s reign could be that was – for Nimueh, the High Priestess of what was now called the Old Religion. She had spent it with plotting a way to bring down Uther and Camelot, which was a perfectly usual thing to do for her. She needed to think of new ways, as several seemingly watertight plans had failed already, and she slowly came to the conclusion that she needed allies. She might be a powerful force of her own, but one powerful force didn’t seem enough to bring down the other force that had nested in Camelot like a very annoying cuckoo, magic right under Uther’s nose: Merlin. That boy was too bloomingly stubborn to side with her, and to counter his powers, she needed reinforcement of her own. But where to find this reinforcement? Uther had been thorough with the Purge, he had wiped out not only present forces, but future ones also, drowning children along with their parents. And the druids, the stupid, stubborn druids, were too peaceful to use violence. Peaceful, ha! As if that would safe them from the fire should Uther ever lay hands on their oh-so-peaceful skin!

And then she had heard it, or rather: felt it. The scream that was more force than actual acoustical sign. It had been so powerful it had reached Nimueh from very far, a cry of anger and a cry for help. A powerful demand, a demand she could not deny herself from. Whether she wanted or not, she had to find out its source, if only to see whoever on earth could summon such a power to his or her will. So she had set out on a quest, not knowing what would await her, only knowing that if she could help it might benefit her very much. Her scrying font had refused to show her anything useful, only a vague hint to the area where this forceful cry had erupted, and when she thought she had found the place, it had already been deserted – of course. But Nimueh refused to give up. That was simply not in her nature. Following the trail, the essence the person in need had left, Nimueh followed what looked like wheel tracks deeper into the woods.

Night was already falling in, when she came to a clearing in the woods and found her worst fears come alive. Her stomach tightened painfully as she recognized the iron cage wagon, and saw a huddled, small figure inside. These must be witch hunters, mercenaries paid to root out druid camps and get good money for those they captured. And they already must be confident of their victory, Nimueh thought while crinkling her nose in disgust. Drunk men were the worst category of men. Oh well, it would make this rescue all the easier. Should she add a little drama? Nimueh wouldn’t be Nimueh if she didn’t like her grand entrance. They would not be very appreciative of her little scheme as they were too drunk to even realize, but then… it would maybe also not miss the mark with the person she wanted to rescue. Sneaking closer, her eyes widened in shock as she realized the reason for the person’s small size: it was nothing but a child! Ire began to simmer inside Nimueh, but she knew she could not act impulsively now.

Taking a deep breath, Nimueh raised her arms towards the sky and awoke the force of the High Priestess that was slumbering within her, summoning the power of the elements. “Eorthe, lyft, fyr, waeter, hiersumie me”, she whispered and felt the surge of power washing through her, gentle like a spring rain and yet mighty like a flood. It rose and rose, until it needed an outlet, and she gave it this special outlet by raising her voice from the silence, enhancing it with magic so that it seemed to come from everywhere at once and echoed through the clearing. The very air seemed to sizzle with her might, as she spoke:
“Woe betide you all! How dare you raise your hand against this innocent child?! You have meddled with forces far greater than you!” Stepping forward into the light of the fire, Nimueh lowered her hood from her head to reveal her face. “I am Nimueh Ó Liatháin, High Priestess of what you call the Old Religion, and I have come to put an end to your greedy striving!”

[cat]

Sitting there huddled in the corner of his cage waiting for his doom to come. Mighty but week. So much power rolling through the veins of a child. One could mistake him for an easy target but he never went down without a fight. But now he was stuck in a cage cold and alone. He was scared, there was so much a child could do by himself. Sitting he silently watched the men get drunk falling over themselves he shook his head and sighed a little. As he sat there he felt a presence a strong one getting closer. Gripping his cloak he turned his head in the direction of the creature nearing the camp. Seeing a figure merge from the darkened forest. He couldn't tell who or what it was but it was tall and slender. Of course everything was tall according to him. His deep icy blue eyes watched the figure carefully. The magic strong within her, Mordred could feel it like he felt his own magic.

Than he heard the words she spoke in such a soft whisper and he smirked slightly though he was still afraid because he was not sure if it was here to help him or just take out the entire camp all together. She removed her hood and saw the face of a beautiful woman, someone strong and graceful. He was not sure what to think anymore. She raised her hands and spoke loudly as the Earth trembled Mordred grew with curiosity, if he were to die he would want it to be at the hands of a magic wielder rather than a hateful king. She spoke her name and Mordred spoke it back to her but only mouthing the name for he chose not to speak directly. Instead he sat there in silence as he watched her strike the men down, cursing them for what they have done. With a silent breath of relief he now thought she was on his side because he was not touched by her magic unlike the poor souls of the hunters who took full impact.

Standing his cloak still surrounding his thing body his face covered by his hood. Standing in the corner of the cage away from everyone not taking his eyes off of her. Waiting to see what she did next. Without a word he just watched in anticipation. If she were to open the cage he could easily defend himself but stuck in such a small iron cage he was helpless. His breathing was quiet just like all of his movements as he stepped back a little more trying hard to get his distance. He was afraid but not of her. Mordred was a child and there was so little he could do he had no family left and he had no way of reaching Morgana the only friend he truly had. A bond created on first sight. Mordred could only hope that this Nimueh was here to help. If so she would have a very powerful force by her side as long as she proved worthy to him.

[Deleted]

What pitiful creatures men could be! All humans in general sometimes, but particularly men! They had the biggest gob imaginable, bragging about dangers they could face, but as soon as some real danger came around, the roaring tigers turned to squealing mice. Had there beeen any woman’s skirt to hide behind in this clearing, Nimueh was sure these men she had overheard congratulating themselves for their bravery would have taken the chance to vanish behind it. Too bad for them that she was the only female around, and that her skirt was not made to hide cowardly men. On the contrary. She was here to teach them a lesson!
With an arrogant smirk, she watched as those who were still sober enough to do so struggled to get to their feet and drew their swords. Pathetic! Swords against the High Priestess?! That’ll be the day!

”You’re not gonna get him, you crazy witch!” one of them, probably the bravest, slurred out and took a stumbling step forward. Nimueh didn’t even grace that ridiculous protest with more of her breath than a snort needed. Almost lazily, she held out her hand and flicked it forward, and the bold man was lifted off his feet, flying backwards with a shocked screech. With a sickening sound, his back and head hit a tree and he slumbed down like a lifeless puppet. Maybe he was dead. Nimueh didn’t care, she only knew that he was out of the picture for now and that was enough. The remaining men seemed entirely sobered up by this spectacular sight, but that still didn’t work well for their courage. With eyes wide open they stared at her, unable to move a single muscle. They probably were afraid she would hunt them down should they try to run. Well, it was their decision, really. Nimueh didn’t care if they lived or died. If she killed them there would be a few less witch hunters roaming the five kingdoms, but then… did she want to come across so bloodthirsty?

The thought of the little boy in that cage brought another idea to her mind. He had been suffering from their hands, not her. So it should be his decision what happened to them. That would make her appear just, and he would probably feel valued, not just treated like a mere, incapable child.
Not letting the remaining men out of her sight, she asked over her shoulder:
”What shall I do to them? I’m leaving their fate to you. Decide quickly: Do they deserve to live or shall I kill them in your name?”
Now that she thought about it, this was a truly brilliant idea indeed! Not only would that bring her even more into the boy’s good graces, no she would also have the perfect opportunity to estimate him. Depending on how he chose, she would know what to make of him. If he chose their death, she would know she was dealing with someone truly exceptional, and that she would have to be careful. It was all in his hands now… and all Nimueh could do was wait.

[cat]

He watched as she spoke to them and to himself. She was very powerful he would give her that but he could not place the motives of her. Why was she here? Why would she risk herself to save a young boy whom she doesn't know of. He knew of her though. At least he has herd of her through the talk of the Druids when he was still with them. She worked for Uther back in the day when magic was still welcome in Camelot. But now because of him they were feared and hated. The mere thought of that made his blood boil, why should he be treated any different than a normal boy. Just because he was special did not mean he needed to be punished for it. It was not fair... Than again life was never fair he may have only been 10 but he knew a lot about life itself, mostly because he has had amazing guides to help him but now he was alone and he would have to figure things out on his own. Unless he made an allience than he would not have to be alone. He had Morgana but she was hard to find these days. Mordred had been in search for her when he was caught and because of these bad luck it lead Nimueh straight to him. Maybe it was good fortune after all. Smirking a little his face still covered by his hood he walked a little closer to the woman standing before him. He did not go far for he was still trapped but she was not.

She had asked him what to do. To spare them or to kill them. He took a moment to really think about it. Should the boy be cruel and ruthless such as the King would if the tables were turned or would he show mercy and let them live as the Druids would. Choices like these were difficult. Sure he was raised by the Druids but was peace really needed. Why should he have to show peace when others would not. The thought taunted him really and he looked at Nimueh with deep blue eyes that were filled with hate yet kindness at the same time. His very soul being torn in two seperate ways. Shaking his head he made up his mind. "Kill them... Kill them all. Why should I show mercy when they will not. They hate and fear magic all because of a cruel hearted King. Well we will give them a reason to fear us. Nimueh please do not take pity on these humans for if the tables were turned they would do no such thing for us." Mordred did not speak out loud. That was one thing he did not care to do, why let others know of his plans when he could let them have it by a somewhat surprise.

Mordred stepped back once more, trying to conceal himself in the dark but the campfire was still too bright to fully emerge in the shadows. He was not hiding for he did not fear this woman he was just standing back so she could unleash the true power of the old religion. She was a High Priestess after all. Watching her, waiting for her to strike them down as he had asked her. There was no guilt on his conscience. Mordred tried peace but in the end it got his father killed, his master killed and many of those he knew and loved. Peace was no longer an option if there was any hope of being a little safe it was to fight back and really give the people something to fear. Show them the meaning of pain and slaughter them like they did his kind before him. Mordred would need help though and hopefully this woman before him was a right step in the direction he wanted.

So many evil thoughts filled his mind but he couldn't help but really feel as if he was not evil, maybe there was more to what he was feeling than. Would violence be an answer. He was still a child with a somewhat kind heart and this fight within himself clouded his judgement a little. He could not tell if he was doing the right thing, he wanted revenge, he wanted them to suffer like he has... But was it right, would using magic to hurt others just prove to be a wrong move on his part. With a sigh he slightly slumped against the corner bars and watched to see what she would do.

[Deleted]

There were not many things on this earth that could truly and thoroughly unsettle Nimueh, but when she looked at the little boy, pondering her question in earnest, she could add another thing to the comparably short list. His eyes.
Never before had Nimueh seen such unsettling eyes. They reminded her a little of her own, piercing and blue, and recognizing what she saw in them made a cold shower run down her spine. These eyes didn’t belong to a boy. Outwardly, he might look like a typical ten year old child, but his eyes rose him far beyond that. They showed how much he had seen and how much he had already understood in this world. It was an ancient soul living in the body of a child. Mesmerized by this gaze, Nimueh suddenly felt the breeze of foreboding like a faint tingling on her skin which only added to the shower she had felt before. Deep from the mists of her mind the rememberance of an old prophecy started to resurface. She would need time to follow this hunch, time she didn’t have now, but one thing was as clear as the brightest day: She had stumbled upon a true force to be reckoned with. A raw diamond that with the right polishing could become the brightest jewel there ever was! And she had been the lucky one to see it first!

The answer he gave was not so surprising following the conclusion she had just reached. Such an amount of cruelty might be shocking coming from a child, but this young boy had just shown to be so much more than that. Only with his gaze, but for Nimueh it was enough. She would follow his instructions, she would do for him what he could not do yet. And he would be grateful for it, he would be deeply in her debt. That was a good base for a long lasting and fruitful alliance, at least from her point of view. That he was in the cage now and needed her help, showed that he didn’t know yet about his full potential. She could teach him so much! But first things first.
Just in time she returned her attention to the four remaining men who slowly began to understand what was awaiting them. They had heard their verdict coming from a small boy’s mouth, and they were just about to process its meaning – and wouldn’t want to stick around of course!

With an outcry of sheer terror, one of them whirled around and tried to run, foolish as he was. Did he think that would save him? “Eaorthe, hine understapple!¹“ Nimueh called out imperatively, flicking her right hand towards the running man, while her left hand formed into a claw. “wyrtruman, hie ásælaþ!²“ she called out in the same breath. The effect was immediate. With another outcry, the fleeing man was tripped up by the earth itself that rose under his feet, while around the ankles of all four suddenly roots began to rise out of the ground, shackling them to the spot they were standing or lying on.
Then Nimueh raised both her hands at once and coldly glared at the terror-stricken men before her. “I have lost all pity I may have had long ago, child!” she explained and then took a deep breath, making a circular movement with both her outstretched palms that started to glitter first and then let burning balls of fire appear inside them.

”Say goodbye to this world, you wretched cowards!” she hissed, and then eliminated them two by two, throwing the balls at them. It was over very quickly. Perhaps too quickly for this boy’s liking, but usually Nimueh didn’t like letting her victims suffer for long. They were nuisances and unworthy of living, but she took no pleasure in their prolonged pain.
With an unreadable expression, Nimueh then turned towards the cage and raised her hand again. “Tospringe!³” With a screech and a little puff of smoke, the metal lock burst open.

---

¹: "Earth, trip him!"
²: "Roots, shackle them!"
³: "Burst open!"

[cat]

He watched as she struck out against the men. Hate was in the air and it felt nice. To watch them die let Mordred relax a little, no he didn't care for them because it was either kill or be killed and well Mordred was not ready to die yet, to many things to do and to learn he just couldn't. Standing back in his corner he watched, his blue eyes piercing through the darkness of his hood. Mordred stood there watched as she brought the Earth a live and destroyed the weak men. Ironic really they were just having a good time showing off their skills because they had caught a Druid boy, they were so proud though he couldn't understand why. Mordred was just a child they were grown men there was not fight between them if Mordred did not use magic he would not be alive. Plus Mordred did not know a lot of what he was capable of so that put a rather large dent in things for him and his survival.

It did not take long for her to exterminate these men. She than turned to him and he watched her, what would she do next. Than with one little word she busted the lock open and the door swung open. He was grateful for this. Leaving his corner he walked to the door way, looking at Nimueh than down to the ground he hopped out of the cage landing in dirt on his feet. Letting his cloak fall free around him he turned to Nimueh and this time with his words he spoke to her "Thank you Nimueh. Might I ask why you came here? You seem to live far away, am I wrong?" It was a simple question and he hoped it would not offend her, he was thankful for her rescue but he wasn't sure why she did it? He was just a boy and she was a high priestess of the old religion, what really made her come all this way to save him, not that she was risking anything really but still he couldn't help but wonder.

He walked up to her, looking up at her own piercing blue eyes he removed his hood and let his full face come into view. "My name is Mordred." He spoke his name through his mind to her as if his name was a secret though it really was not. Mordred just preferred to talk through his mind when he could it kept things secret and it kept them personal, plus it was a lot easier than having to actually talk. Standing before her he waited for her to speak, once again ready for anything though he was not sure she was here to kill him seeing as she had just saved him. But many would not stop to save a Druid boy, in most eyes they were worthless. Someone to fear even though they were more peaceful than one would know. Somethings just never made sense to him and his mind always took him in circles. He knew a lot of things for being just a child though one may not know just how experienced he was when it came to things he needed to know. His magic on the other hand needed a little more help.

[Deleted]

When the task was done and the men breathed their last shocked gasps, Nimueh felt the usual calm settle upon her, the calm after the storm. Another battle was won, not that this one had been any challenge at all, but judging how her greater schemes worked nowadays, she had to be thankful for every small victory that brought her a step further on the long and arduous road at which end lay Uther’s downfall and the restoration of magic. This little boy already seemed like a worthy pick-up along the way, so now she had to make sure the gratitude he undoubtedly felt towards her didn’t go unused.
He was swift to climb out of his chair – who wouldn’t really,these things just had a nasty air around them – but he didn’t seem inclined to make a run for it into freedom, he rather stayed around, which was not so much a surprise any longer, but it still amazed her. What little boy would be comfortable with five corpses about? A powerful little boy…
Just when his voice rang out clear this time, Nimueh remembered he had spoken to her mind earlier, when he had asked her to not spare the men, to show no mercy. His ‘real’ voice somehow made him appear more the little boy he looked as, though she know she should not let herself be fooled by it. A mere child who had the power to reach the mind of a High Priestess was by no means to be underestimated!

His question once again showed a consideration far beyond his age, and made Nimueh wonder what these eyes had already seen and judged. A normal boy probably would have believed in the happy course of circumstance, but not this one. He was smart… and the tiniest bit wary. And as a rare occurance in her new life, Nimueh decided to go with nothing but the truth for the time being.
”I heard your call, my child”, she explained, a soft tone in her voice. “You have great power at your command when you want it. That cry you sent out, this sheer force of energy, reached me though I was indeed far away. And I could not resist it. My task might have been forgotten in the mist of time, but as High Priestess I am still the guardian of my people, those with magic.”

With a little smile, Nimueh noticed that the boy already seemed to have a knack of dramatic effects, what with the hood finally uncovering his face. Just like she would have acted. Could it be, they were a chip off the same block?
And then came the name, spoken again only in her head, and it maybe was that fact, that sent a few settling down at their rightful place, the puzzle began to become more organized. Mordred… There WAS a prophecy connected to this name, a prophecy of the highest order of secrecy. Only a selected few were allowed to know it… and the answer she needed was on the Isle of the Blessed! But now she knew he was even more powerful than she had already guessed, he was one of the wheels of fate that turned and turned and shaped the world.
”Merry meet, Mordred”, she said and bowed her head, a clear reverance and more that she was usually ready to give to any person. When it was heartfelt anyway, and this time it was.
”I am glad I could save you in time. What happened to you?”

[cat]

Mordred stood there and stared at her, his deep blue eyes digging deep for secrets. Opening closed wounds was something he was good at just by a glance. Mordred was a very unusual child and if people did not like him they feared him. He was quiet... Too quiet, 'odd' in the other kids terms no one wanted to play with him though he did not mind seeing as he was too busy working on his magic trying to learn everything he could. Mordred was the type of child who wouldn't stop at what he should know for his age he needed to know everything and anything. If he couldn't figure it out he would go to the ends of the Earths to find the answer at almost any cost. He was like a walking book sucking in new information daily. Though his blue eyes chilled people to the bone they were always wide open and searching. One could tell he was looking for answers. Though they never knew the question or if there ever was one. He looked around making sure everything was clear and he began to walk looking at the dead soulless bodies. They were the Earths now and let their souls nourish them.

She spoke to him telling her story on how she came to be at this place just at the right time and it had made sense for the most part. He didn't yet understand just how powerful he truly was but he would soon figure it out. She spoke of being a guardian and he sort of glared "Are there more? More Guardians?" He was not sure how to act with this knowledge if there were so called Guardians than where were they? "If there are Guardians than why are they not protecting the others? Why just me? Why not when my village got raided by Arthur and his minions, or when Uther killed my family, my master... Everyone I knew!?!" There was pure hate behind his words as well as sadness. He may have known a lot and was a powerful sorcerer but he was still a child and he was alone. Mordred had no one to help him, to care for him and it was all because of the Pendragon family which is why he does not believe the rumors that have been spreading across the forest of Arthur accepting anything about his kind. To him he was just another Pendragon seeking to slaughter the rest of the magical bloodlines for good.

Looking away from her he stared down at the dead body of the hunter leader. Just like the rest of them... He shook his head when Nimueh asked what happened to him. Looking up at her he began to speak with his voice again "I lost everything to the Pendragon family. I have been on the run can't ever stay in one place too long it is not safe. No where is safe any more. Greedy money seekers and magic haters are everywhere because of Uther we are people to be afraid of. I wander the forest alone searching for knowledge and answers and on my way to a place out of the cold I was trapped brought here and now you are here." There was not much to explain really, all Mordred did was wonder the wilds staying alive growing stronger and always on the run for his life. He was never safe. Sure he was saved many times before but that was all luck one day his luck will fail him and that will be the end. Mordred knew the cold truth no one had to tell him how harsh this world was for he already knew through experience and he was only ten years old. What more could a child go through and still be so strong. All Mordred really wanted was to have someone there for him but he would not admit it he was stronger than that and in his mind needing someone always ended in their death. The only person he ever really trusted was Morgana but he could not find her she was no longer welcome in the castle so Mordred was rather lost in simple terms.

[Deleted]

It was an odd feeling to be questioned like that, and certainly if it came from a child! Nimueh couldn’t say she liked it much, having to justify her actions. She could not be everywhere at once after all, and this little brat should be thankful she had come at all! It was not her fault almost everyone else in the small magical comminity rather kept their heads down insteas of fighting! A mighty alliance by those left over would be Uther’s undoing in the blink of an eye. That was what Nimueh was working on ever since her own attempts had failed. She would have long since reached her goal, had there not been Merlin. For him she needed a higher caliber of plans and allies. What she probably needed to break up was that damned alliance between Merlin and Arthur, as she had succeeded in ‘occupying’ Merlin before, but then Arthur had stepped in to save his life. It had been all so patheric to watch…But then… Mordred had his reasons for acting like he did, and he was by no means ‘only’ a child. Nimueh felt more inclined to allow him things she would not allow others. Like questioning her and her methods. But she also would teach him when he went too far.

”No, there are not many more than me, and I can’t be everywhere at once”, she stated, trying to keep the irritation out of her voice. “Before the Purge, many more priestesses and druids were there to look after their people, but I guess a crisis brings out the true nature of all. And shows cowardice beneath fake bravery!” For a moment Nimueh had to compose herself, as a wave of bitterness threatened to sweep her away. She had seen the true face of so many in those first few weeks and months, and it had made her hard and unforgiving, to see their betrayal. She had long since learned that you could not trust anyone to stand by you when you needed him. So even if she sought out allies now, she never trusted them. What sort of ally would Mordred make? He had awe-inspiring, yet undetected potential slumbering inside him, but that could make him as dangerous as useful.
”I am truly sorry you had to go through so much, at such a young age, Mordred”, she said, though feeling sorry for others had long sinced ceased to be a common feeling for her. “You were born with an amazing gift, but in this world it is worth nothing but your death. That is why those who are left have to fight for a better world. The old world.”

Nimueh listened with interest as Mordred told his tale. Not because she felt deeply sorry for him, but because she searched for a starting point, somewhere she could chime in and make him… hers. And as she heard him talk, there was something underneath it all that reminded the High Priestess of his tender age yet again. Beside all his potential and strength this boy was still a child,a child who could not survive on his own.
He needed shelter. And she could give him that.
”I know a place where it is safe”, she said, casually at first, as if she was just informing him, not wanting to lure him there at all. But someone as lost as him would probably not need much persuasion to go anywhere he could sleep without being afraid and breathe without fearing for the next intake of breath.
”It is a place where magic still rules, as no one can enter it without being wanted there. It is where I and those few who still are with me have found shelter. Have you ever heard of the Isle of the Blessed, Mordred?”
In former times, this question would have been ridiculous. Everyone had known once about the magic island where the High Priestess lived with her other Priestesses, and where the grand rituals were hold that kept the world in balance. But nowaday it was nearly lost in the minds of people, but sometimes that was good. It was a safe hideout, maybe not comfortable as it was now mostly ruins, but Nimueh was not exactly hiding in a filthy cave.

[cat]

He listened to her as she spoke about the purge, he had heard about it once before, it was the time when Uther went and killed those with magic and just about everyone connected to it, anyone who housed sorcerers or related to them. Even those who talked to him it was a mass genocide really and those who escaped went into hiding. It was a sad a cruel time and it didn't stop Uther was cruel and would kill anyone who showed sorcery in Camelot. Luckily Mordred was not around than he thought now was bad he might not have survived in fact he was barely making it now there was so much danger and with his magic not at it's full potential it made things a little difficult, though he managed somehow. Mordred looked up at her when she said he was born with a gift and he could almost saw other wise, almost. Mordred could not complain too much because it has saved his life plenty of times, though if he didn't have magic than he wouldn't be in constant danger so it was a gift and a curse, all he had to do was get the hang of it.

He sighed a little as he looked up at Nimueh than back down at the ground as she explained that there was a place he could stay that was safe. He looked at her with a curious eye, there were many places one could stay that would be safe for a while so he was rather curious to what she had in mind and before he could ask where she spoke to him. The Isle of the Blessed a place that was once the home of many Priestesses of the Old Religion. Upon hearing this Mordred perked up a little it was a safe heaven for those with magic, a place most people did not dare go to because of all the 'rumors' that have been spread some people saw it has a dangerous place but Mordred saw it as an opportunity. Nodding a little to himself he looked at her, his big icy blue eyes stared at her deeply "Will you take me to the Isle of the Blessed?" He heard about it but never thought of traveling to it, he wasn't even sure where it was.

Night had taken over making the forest a dark place that was not safe to travel. Looking around the men who captured him had to have had horses, cause someone had to pull the giant cage Mordred was trapped in though in Nimueh's terror he was not sure the horses stuck around, Mordred was not wanting to travel on foot to a far away place that was for sure, the boy was tired and his feet were hurting and walking just did not sound very good to him at that moment "Hopefully the horses have not gone far." He was looking around, taking a few steps away from the cage. Mordred was listening carefully for noises that sounded like a horse, at night the forest was rather quiet so it was easier to pick up familiar sounds.

Note: Wow sorry this post sucked haha I am rather stressed and having a hard time focusing, I will do better next time.

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This was a rather unexpected outcome of things indeed, Nimueh had to admit. When she had heard that inward call, she had not in any way expected what might come out of it. She had found Mordred and that alone was an unexpected and overwhelming fact. This could change everything! And she was not in the least prepared! But then, sometimes fate helped you along, and all you could do was simply accept it and make the best of it. Mordred was like a gift from the Goddess herself, and Nimueh was very well willing to value that gift to her best ability. She could not show these kinds of thoughts openly of course, she had long since learned to appear master of the situation at any time, even though that might sometimes not be the case. For all Mordred knew she was very well prepared for his presence on The Isle of the Blessed, if that was were he desired to go. And that seemed to be so.

“If that is your wish, Mordred, then yes I will take you there. No one will pursue you there, and you can learn to master your gift”, she promised him with a hopefully benignant smile. She was not very versed in dealing with children, even though there had been many children learning to become priestesses or druids on the Isle in former times. Living almost all on her own for more than twenty years had certainly left a mark, and Nimueh had never thought about bearing a child once for herself. The High Priestess only bore the life of her successor, and of course it would always have to be a girl. Even the act of procreation was strictly regulated to a ceremony and a specific date: the Beltaine night, where the Goddess came to roam the earth.

Bringing him on the Isle however brought the problem of transportation up again. Mordred had smartly recognized that already and was now looking for horses. Riding usually wasn’t Nimueh’s preferred means of travel, as she could use her powers to travel faster than any horse. She could fly with the wind, hide with the mist and the shadows, and thus was wonderfully free.
“I could call them if you wish”, Nimueh suggested, already opening her mind towards the animals. Domestic animals, subdued to another human’s will, were not as ready to answer her calls, as she was first and foremost the master of magical creatures, but for those hacks her powers would suffice. “Usually I don’t travel on horseback, and faster, but I sadly could not take you with me then. Unless…” another idea had just occurred to her, but it held a certain risk. “Would you trust me in a matter of transformation? Turning us both into something that could ease our travel?”

[cat]

She spoke up to him telling him she would of course bring him to the Isle of the Blessed and he couldn't help but let a small smile climb upon his lips for the thought of being safe sounded too good to be true and if there was such a place he wanted to be there. Perhaps a place that was safe would allow him to take up more practice with his magic, something he has not been doing too much with seeing as he was always on the run or sleeping to keep up strength. Mordred barely had time for anything now a days, he was alone in the world and the hunters thought of him as easy prey despite the fact that he had magic it was only because he was a child and a small one at that. He knew better though he was strong willed and very smart he may not have known a lot about his magic because all of his masters had died before he was taught everything but he knew some and every little bit helped him in his journeys.

Nimueh had spoken up again, this time she was telling him another means of travel that would be faster. He looked up at her as she asked him if he had trusted her and he did to a point, seeing as he knew nothing of her but she saved his life and there for owed her so he knew where this was going and agreed to do anything that she wished, though he was slightly curious about this idea she was having "Yes of course Nimueh, though I do wish to hear more about this idea you have of transportation." It was simple really. Mordred did not hesitate and he would do as he was told because that was the kind of child he was, it was how he was raised but he did want to know more, the boy could not go without knowing more. It was like the knowledge fueled him made him continue going. The boy needed to know things it was his right as a child to learn things. It would only better him as a man.

Note: none

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So far everything was going smoothly, Nimueh had to admit as she watched Mordred’s silent reaction to the fact she was going to bring him on the Isle of the Blessed, to safety. Concerning the circumstances, he was reacting rather composed and well, which further convinced her that she was dealing with a special child indeed. It would be very interesting to have him around, that was for sure! How long he would stay was entirely his to decide of course, but Nimueh thought she would have her ways of binding his loyalty soon enough. He would not even feel pressured most likely, if she played her cards right, but she had knowledge he wanted and a safe place to stay – what more could a child like him desire? It was the perfect opportunity that she had found him while still so young. He would be pliable, more than he probably knew himself.

But what did dreaming of the future help now? It was never good to have too many far-off goals, as they were harder to achieve. Nimueh decided to take it step by step, and the first step would be actually getting Mordred where he desired to be. Alright, the horses. Nimueh closed her eyes and opened her mind even wider, reaching out for the mounts and found them easily enough. They were occupied with nothing but following their own trail towards the next lush grasshalm and could be easily swayed to steer their steps back towards the clearing where she and Mordred were. They would probably arrive any minute, and this gave Nimueh a little time to elaborate the things she had had in mind. Inquisitiveness was the first step to any magical adept, and so far Mordred already showed promise on that department, too.

”I was speaking of turning us both into birds”, she explained, showing him what she hoped was a gentle smile. She had spent years without any tender feelings or opinions towards anyone, and so these skills might be a little rusty. “It is High Magic and not without risk to practice human transfiguration, not many sorcerers can do it succesfully. It takes time and dedication, but in our current situation it would give us the chance of travelling the air-line distance, which is much faster, believe me.”
Would he accept? That simple fact might once again tell her more about him that he would consciously realize. Was he a risk taker? Was he willing to put trust into someone? Either way would be interesting and insightful.

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Sorry for taking so long with this!!