A Life For A Life (Morgana)

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Time... time here all but meant nothing... just shadows that moved around her, forming silhouettes for a short moment until your mind almost could grasp their form, but then they evaded again, dissolving in the never-ceasing fog. Was she dead? No… she couldn’t be, after all she still had a body, she could feel that, although the more time she spent here – wherever here was – she also felt this consoling presence going… thinner? No that was not the right word… it was like she was slowly dissolving, becoming one with the fog around her…And she shouldn’t be here… that was the only thing she knew and that she must keep on walking, floating or whatever it was, to search for something. But what that certain something was, she had forgotten along the way. She didn’t even know her name anymore… Oblivion… sweet oblivion. But there was this nagging need inside her which kept her going, searching for a purpose in all this nothingness. She couldn’t give up that pupose, even if she had lost anything else.

In the beginning she had tried to remember who she was, had tried to grasp that shimmering thought always dancing just an inch out of her grasp as if to mock her. She had tried to remember what it had been like to be on earth, what she had done, where she had lived, but slowly that ceased to be so important. A part of her was slowly resigning. One moment in time, she would have finally dissolved in whole, then only floating around with the mist and be no more, and then what did it all matter? Why couldn’t she let go? Wasn’t there something else, something better waiting for her at the other end? Why did she want to turn back? She had heard once – though she couldn’t remember when and where – that there were some people who had been called before their time, or unexpectedly, with a fault, and that they were forever trapped in the in-between, until either they let go and resigned or were called back. But who would call her back? Did she really still have some purpose to fulfill or was that just stubborn thinking?

Another shapeless amount of time passed… her body deliquescing more and more… until… the low and scary murmur around her suddenly was pierced by a faint voice. A voice? She had even forgotten such things existed! But she felt drawn to it, and tried to float towards it…the voice grew louder, demanding and it seemed to drag her forward…towards an opening there had not been before. Something was happening, and that alone was a miracle in itself. Nothing really HAPPENED here…
She was far from understanding anything, but it was not understanding that counted now anyway, it was… being. Yes… this was about BEING! More and more shadows around her seemed to swarm towards that opening, but she was not like them. She knew now she was more solid still… and she somehow also knew she would be even more solid once she stepped over that threshold over there. Real… yes, that was it. She would be real!

She took a few hestitant steps forward, reaching the threshold, still surrounded by fog. But the minute she stepped over the threshold, everything came back to her. She knew who she was, she knew why she had been in this in-between land… and she knew that she had been brought back to life by powerful magic.
Nimueh Ó Liathain, High Priestess of the Old Religion, her head held high in an almost regal posture, left the dark oblivion behind and rejoined this world, stating majestically: “I am here. Who has summoned me?”

Tag: Morgana
Timeline: During the Ritual in "The Darkest Hour Part 1"
Note: What if thread: What if Nimueh had come back from the dead in that ritual, taking Morgause's place?

[mpend]

She hadn't been entirely sure what to expect. Morgause had not been so clear on what might emerge from the depths, or whether anything even would. She had said what she had hoped to happen, but not whether they would succeed. As the Pendragon watched her sister's life fade from her, tears came to her eyes, though she attempted to blink them back. Morgause was all she had in this life; without her, what use was there in continuing her course? But no, Morgana had to be strong, for the Priestess had died so that Morgana might finally, finally, be rid of Uther and his son, her brother.

She held Morgause's body to her, shuddering a little when a regal, proud voice spoke, demanding to know their reason for being brought back. Morgana raised shaken eyes to meet those of the woman who had emerged, swallowing uncertainly. "My sister has sacrificed herself so that you might be brought here," she stated unsurely. "I mean to take over Camelot, and to regain my throne. We believed that you would be willing to aid us."

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Nimueh had expected a great variety of things when she realized she had been brought back. In the split second between finding herself again and taking in her imminent surroundings, her never-resting mind had already come up with a fair amount of possible sorcerors or priestesses who could have done this. One of her students perhaps from the old times that managed to survive, hell, she would have even thought it possible to see herself eye in eye with that impossible Merlin again, just so he could try and kill her again, but not… this.In front of her stood none other than Morgana LeFay, or more likely Morgana Pendragon, but only a selected few knew about that fact. She doubted the child even knew it herself… but then she heard her words.

"My sister has sacrificed herself so that you might be brought here," "I mean to take over Camelot, and to regain my throne. We believed that you would be willing to aid us."
That was when Nimueh finally took notice of the other body. A sacrifice… a human sacrifice. The strongest magic there ever was. A life for a life… and suddenly she knew at least the date of this night, even though anything else still didn’t make any sense. It was Samhain. The night were the veil between the living world and the dead was thinnest. Only in this night it really was possible to bring a person back from the dead without just resurrecting the empty shell. But wait… that was just too many information at once!

Morgana held a body close to herself and called it her sister… could that be… yes, it must be her half-sister Morgause, who had been raised under Nimueh’s tutelage on the Isle of the Blessed, together with other priestesses. Of course. Only Morgause would have been smart enough to think up such a plan… but why would she not take it on herself to help Morgana in her very own person? Why give her life instead of helping amongst the living? That was not like the Morgause she remembered.
And anyway… what?! REgaining ‘her’ throne? Had Morgana ever sat on the throne? What in all the Gods name had happened inside this world while she was gone?!

”Hang on a second…” that sounded far less dignified than before, but it was all Nimueh could do to not just stare like an imbecile, totally lost. “Might it be too much to ask how much time has passed since I was… lost? I find everything thoroughly changed. Las time I looked you were still hanging on Uther’s skirts. Did you finally realize what a hypocrite he is?”

[mpend]

The confusion on the other woman's face was not helping Morgana's confidence. Her sister had spoken of the Priestess in such high regard; how could they have made such a mistake? Who was this idiot that had been sent to them? The Witch forced back the words that she wanted to say, holding her dead sister a little closer, wishing beyond wish that they had not gone a head with this plan, that Morgause was still alive. But no - there had to be a reason - any reason why Morgause had said they should ask for this particlar soul to be returned. She would not have given up her life for just any soul, surely? And Nimeuh from all accounts was supposed to be all powerful!

"I do not know when you became lost, so I cannot answer your first question," she spoke a little sharply, but softened her tone as she continued. "However, to answer your other question, yes. Uther is a hypocrite and a liar, and my father above all that. I made my bid for the throne of Camelot some time ago, but Arthur and his lackleys managed to defeat me, and I was forced to retreat to my sister, Morgause." she paused briefly. "I wish to take Camelot again, for Arthur is just like his father, and will never, ever allow magic in that land."

The Witch raised her head, a little dignity shining in her eyes as she steadily looked at the other woman, finding some strength in Nimueh's confusion. "Will you help me?" she asked, proud as her voice did not falter.

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Nimueh couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at Morgana’s snapping, the first sign that the High Priestess got slightly irritated. She wasn’t used to being talked to like that, so disrespectful by any means. But then, the tone aside, Morgana might have a point. When Nimueh had still been wandering the earth, Morgana had been all but innocent, unaware of her powers and her heritage. Clearly, a great amount of time must have passed, the world couldn’t change like that inside a day. It was time to get her act together! Else Morgana might think she could use this tone around Nimueh any time she wanted, and that was a very very false assumption indeeed. ”Then let me speak in terms you understand, Morgana”, she replied, trying to give her voice a calm and yet regal tone. There was no use in chasing off a potential ally. Someone that knew Camelot from inside out, maybe eben better than Nimueh, and someone who had turned from a raw diamond into a sparkling jewel already, but still held much potential to be explored. “How much time has passed since the year Mercia made peace with Camelot, since the year the Questing Beast attacked Arthur Pendragon and nearly killed him?” It was not a pleasant thing to list up all your failures, but these had been remarkable events in time still, something you would remember a year by. Hopefully Morgana would be able to tell her now how much time had passed, as Nimueh itched to know, to finally get a grip of the situation again.

She listened with interest at Morgana’s tale. It sounded like a very good plan, much like her own plans had been once, but sadly it seemed Arthur was still strong enough to go against these wonderful plans, maybe had grown even stronger. That Morgana had even managed to gain the throne of Camelot for only a little while was impressive indeed. How had she managed to make Camelot fall? It must have been powerful sorcery.
”Yes, my child, I WILL help you”, she started to say but then held up her hand, “IF… YOU in return help me. Once upon a time I thought it was my destiny to bring back magic to Camelot, but it seems in my absence fate chose another champion of this goal.You. I will help you underline and force your rightful claim, if I, in return, obtain my rightful claim: To be the High Priestess of Magic, what is now called the ‘Old Religion’.”

[mpend]

The previous ward of Uther Pendragon nearly growled aloud at what she assumed to be a command from the Priestess. What on earth had Morgause been thinking?! This ... woman was not fit to be brought back! To replace Morgause with this lady had been a mistake, one Morgana knew she could never correct. Oh, how foolish she had been! She pushed the thought aside with annoyance, speaking quietly. "It has been three years and five months since then," stated the brunette. "Uther is no longer King, he is dead. Arthur is King, and rules kindly but not in favour of those who practice magic." She paused, unsure how much information to give to this Priestess. Perhaps it was not wise to tell her all at once; to hold back some information for now might give her leway in the future. She paused, recalling the way Nimeuh had asked her about those things. "Was that your doing?" she asked, suddenly. "Did you send the Questing Beast to hunt Arthur?"

Her fingers clenched tightly on Morgause's body as the lady dared called her a child, and she opened her mouth to protest the words, but Nimeuh continued, and Morgana reluctantly listened, slowly beginning to understand that this woman, this priestess, might not be as dumb as she first appeared. "I was told that you were my sister's teacher," Stated the brunette, meeting Nimeuh's eyes. "I was informed that you were powerful, cunning and intelligent. I see some of those traits within you, and I know my sister woudl not have given her life so willingly if she had not believed you would help me," Hesitantly, the would-be-Queen nodded. "I agree with your terms." she stated. "But you must treat me as I deserve to be treated. I am not some child, and I am not the innocent I once was. You must know now that much has changed, things have occured to change the way I see the world, the way I see those that I once cared for. I am a Priestess in my own right, and I demand to be acknowledged as such, even by you. If you can agree to those terms, then I will agree to yours."

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Nimueh sensed Morgana’s growing irritation, but she was not very much fazed by it. The girl needed her, she had brought her back after all, and thus she would have to do something for her help, even if it was nothing but answering questions. No one could expect her to be quite up to date, having just crossed through the veil between life and death! It was not like she could have had an eye on the situation over here after all, like she often had with her scrying font on the Isle of the Blessed.Then again, she really needed to get a grip on herself soon, as she wanted nothing less than appear weak. Clearly, much had changed, but this seemed not the time to discuss it all. Sometimes it was better to wait and see for yourself, instead of showing weakness by asking questions like a child. Bide your time, Nimueh… for you have been granted a great gift: you can finish what you have set out to do.

It was a good thing Nimueh had called herself to reason before Morgana spoke again, for what she heard now was a touchstone of her countenance yet again. It was enough to get used to that she had really spent more than three years between life and death; it was a very rare thing to be called back once you were gone for so long. But even more shocking than that was the other fact that would have sent her wincing had she not regained absolute control over her feelings. Her mask slipped enough to allow a hoarse whisper to break through her lips.
”Uther is dead?!” There it was, the thing she had always wanted to hear, the goal she had strived for all these years, driven by nothing but hate and rage. She would have expected to feel triumphant, relieved in some way, but instead she felt… empty. But just a second later, she took a deep breath and bowed her head towards Morgana, even managing a smile. “Whoever killed him can be assured of my gratitude. He or she rid the world of a treacherous hypocrite and tyrant.” Yes, that was all there was to it.

The question asked next was enough to distract Nimueh of her arch-enemies death, and she nodded. “Yes, it was me. No one ever found out, but it was all part of a greater scheme. The plan would have been succesful, but I was taken off guard by something, and paid for it with my life. So Arthur was saved.”
Morgana surely held herself with some kind of dignity that already bordered on arrogance. Someone less confident in her own abilities than Nimueh might have felt threatened, but the High Priestess only felt almost whimsically amused. Alright, so the child wanted a change of tone. She could give her that, even though Morgana herself would have to prove her worth to Nimueh first, before she would look at her with true respect. Concessions had to be made in every alliance after all.
”Morgause has taught you well”, she mused with a thoughtful nod. “She must have taught you many things of our ways, if you see yourself as a Priestess in this tradition. Very well then. I also believe your sister knew what she was doing, and so I will honor her sacrifice. Let us work together to bring magic back where it belongs: To the forefront of the hearts and minds of the people, and into our hands to wield.”

[mpend]

"Uther was a hypocrite and a traitor to the last," Agreed Morgana. "The world is happily rid of him, though Camelot foolishly grieves the loss." by which she meant Arthur, rather than the country itself. "Sadly I cannot take credit for Uther's downfall, but we should be grateful he is gone nontheless."

"You must have great power to summon such a beast," she complimented, remembering her visions. "The morning Arthur rode out, I had a vision that foretold his fall. He did not die, but he was close to death for a while. You almost succeeded." She swallowed. "The dream terrified me, and it was the beginning of many things."

Morgana nodded at the mention of her sister, still grieving at her sister's loss. "Morgause has taught me many things," she agreed. "She would not have given herself lightly for any such person, so she must have believed that you and I could do greatness together," Morgana paused. "Did you know my sister personally, Nimeuh?"

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So Morgana hadn’t killed Uther. That was interesting. Who would be rhe one to claim this service to mankind? And what had been his cause? There would probably be some magical background involved, though Uther hadn’t had many friends amongst the common people as well. What had happened in these last few years? It felt odd to be missing out on some so important details, and yet that was what she would have to live with. She would try to catch up, no question of that, but it would take some time, and it was always worse being told about something than actually living it. She had been reborn with a new chance to achieve her goal, and now had to find out part of the work had already been done. Now there was only Arthur to get rid of, and she would happily leave this task to Morgana, as she never was one for the dirty work. She had no personal quarrel with this young wannabe king, he was just a nuisance and blind towards his father’s faults. He could have ruled on as far as she cared, unless he continued the ban on magic. Then of course, he had to be got rid of.

”We really should be grateful. Once he was a good man, and a strong ruler, though always handicapped by his temper. But he got blinded by grief and looked for the wrong scapegoat”, Nimueh elaborated, sighing in a little genteel manner. “Personally I think his mind was affected by the loss of Igraine. Only a madman could have done so many gruesome things with a cold heart.”

Nimueh remembered seeing some of these things in her scrying font, and she also remembered how scared Morgana had been for her brother. What mind have changed that relationship, she wondered. They had been really close, and now she acted as if she had never felt anything for him but disdain. Morgause must have been a good teacher indeed. Maybe she had used some kind of magic on the girl as well, to rid her of the burden of family ties altogether.
”Well, I did not exactly summon it… it was already there and I commanded it to attack Arthur’s hunting party, so he would go after it. He’s predictable that way”, she scoffed. “Dominion over magical creatures is a nice side effect of being a High Priestess. And about your dream…” Nimueh sighed and shrugged her shoulders. “It must have been quite a burden to have to deal with this all on your own, and not seeing it as the gift it is. Being a seer must be the most horrible of all natural gifts.”

The conversation then turned to Morgause, and for a moment Nimueh examined the still body of the Priestess that had given her life to bring her back. One half of her face and some parts of her body were oddly scarred and charred, as if she had been the victim of a fire. What might have happened there?
”Yes, indeed, I knew her very well”, she affirmed and cocked her head in rememberance. “She was brought to us as an infant, and she grew up amongst the priestesses, showing a great talent from an early age. But she always had an insubordinate streak, and she was interested in the offensive magic and fighting arts. She coaxed the blood guards to give her fighting lessons, even though that was dearly frowned upon. I knew she was destined for greatness, but she often chose ways that went against our rules… and maybe she paid the price for that now.”

[mpend]

"Morgause told me that you knew him personally," stated the brunette softly. "But she did not elaborate. I would like to hear your story sometime, if you would not mind." she hesitated. "He barely spoke of Igraine, not to me nor to Arthur. In fact it was as though she never existed most times. Though I think Arthur has more of her in him than he does of his father. He must do, for their tempriments are so different."

She turned to Nimeuh, as the woman spoke of being a seer, and her dreams being a burden. "No one has ever fully explained my dreams to me," she admitted. "I would like to know more. I know that I cannot control when they come, for even Gaius' potions when I was Uther's ward did nothing to stop them. But I would like to understand them."

Morgana smiled at the information the Priestess offered up about her sister, for it did not surprise her. "She always had a fighting spirit," she confessed. "And yet sometimes..." she hesitated, feeling as though somehow she were betraying her half sister, yet she was too curious not to continue. "...sometimes it feels as though... I was too much under her command. There were thoughts and deeds that ... I would not have chosen without her guidence."

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Nimueh was by no means sure how much she would ever tell Morgana. Some things just weren’t meant for any other people to hear and to know. The things she would tell would have to be chosen carefully and deliberately, to fuel Morgana’s hatred for her father and brother, if that needed any more fuelling that is. Morgause had done excellent work indeed, and somehow Nimueh wished she could ask her about her methods. Surely Morgause had used subtlety this once, and so Morgana probably felt like she had never felt any different towards her family than she did now. A brainwash was only succesful when it didn’t come in a heap. It was the constant dripping that wore away the stone without destroying it, after all.
”Well, yes, there will be time for stories for sure”, Nimueh agreed. “But for that we both need a little more time and more amiable surroundings. And as different as Arthur might be, and as much he has inherited from Igraine, bless her sweet soul, he surely has his father’s stubbornness. He will not yield.”

So, there she was, Morgana Pendragon. Acting all proud and still no more than a novice. That truly was a trait she must have inherited from Uther, though Nimueh would rather cut out her own tongue than mention such a thing. There was nothing more easily gained than a mortal enemy by a simple misplaced comment. She would know. “No, you indeed cannot control them most of the time, they come unbidden”, Nimueh agreed softly. “But you can learn to welcome them, so the experience won’t be as disturbing. They can be a great help. And the more you study them, the more you can work towards getting visions even in your conscious state. Then you will be even a greater force to be reckoned with.”

Now that was interesting. Nimueh surely would have to dig deeper into that complex relationship the two women had shared. If she wanted to take Morgause’s place and do an even better job, she would have to know what Morgana disliked about Morgause. That would also tell her more about what Morgause had done to achieve the downfall of Camelot. This young girl might not even know it, but she was an invaluable source of information.
”What thoughts and deeds? What did Morgause do, for example? What couldn’t you have agreed with?” she asked with a voice like velvet, showing inobtrusive concern.

[mpend]

Morgana nodded softly. "I agree. This is not the best place for such conversation, and I am sure you would rather... be more certain of yourself in such a conversation." she hoped her words would not insult the Priestess, but she had merely meant the confusion would be somewhat... gone, hopefully. She nodded as the woman spoke of Arthur, agreeing wholly. "Sadly, you are right. It seems he is doomed to repeat his father's mistakes, which is sad. Together, if he had been of the right mind, he and I could have made Camelot undesputable."

Her interest perked when Nimeuh spoke of her visions. "Do you... own such a gift?" she asked softly, though 'own' was not the word for it. However, she could not think of a better one. "I do not think I can ever welcome such gifts," she admitted. "for the dreams I have are always terrifying, and either have cited Arthur's doom or my own. How can one learn to welcome such things?"

She sighed quietly as the Priestess spoke of Morgause, and she shook her head. "If you'll forgive me, I do not think we should speak of such things here," not with her sister still warm in her arms. "If we could... bury my sister, and then leave this place, perhaps after you are more... stable here... we can talk, but after everything, here does not seem the right place for such a conversation."

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Nimueh didn’t like to admit any weakness, especially not before someone younger and less experienced like Morgana was, but now was not the time to be overly self-conscious. Admitting someone’s shortcomings was sometimes a greater strength than trying to overplay them. That was something Uther would never--- would HAVE never understood. Good Goddess, it DID feel peculiar to think of him as a dead man. He had been a part of her life for such a long time, first in love and friendship, then in hate. Her hatred for him and his decisions had kept her going all those years. What would become of that sentiment now? Would she be able to transfer it on Arthur, just like Morgana did? Then again, maybe that wasn’t even so difficult, she just needed to focus on the fact that Arthur Pendragon was the reason for every evil that had befallen Albion.It might not be his direct fault, but his sheer existance mocked everything Nimueh had once stood for.

”I will be back to old heights shortly”, she assured Morgana and herself. “You will not regret having sacrificed her life for mine.”
The conversation then turned to magical gifts, and Nimueh had to admit another shortcoming yet again. No, of course she was not as versed in the gift of a seer, but then, she had her other qualities.
”I am not blessed with the second sight, no”, she admitted, shrugging. “At least not to the extent you have been. Sometimes I get a… hunch, a feeling what might happen, and I can see the future in my scrying font, with the aid of some incantations.” Nimueh tread closer and cocked her head. Suddenly she was back into her old role as a teacher, and she liked this feeling quite a bit. “These visions have been given to you as a warning, Morgana. They might be terrifying, but they are the greatest gift to mankind. As everything we do now can shape the future, knowing what might come of it when you keep on a certain path, might help you to see what you can do to prevent said future.”

Nimueh’s gaze strayed towards Morgause again, and she nodded at Morgana’s hesitant request. “Of course, let’s give your sister back to the Goddess. I fail to remember what her element was, every human being should be given back to the spirit world with the help of their element. We could give her to water, to earth, to fire or to wind. What do you think she would have wanted?” Maybe as Morgana had spoken right of burial, earth had been Morgause’s sign. There was only her body left, but Nimueh still wanted to honor the death of the person that had given her back life. “And then we should take back the Isle of the Blessed in our possession. Let it blossom into the center of magic again it once was. What do you think?”

[mpend]

Morgana nodded as the Priestess attempted to reassure her. "I hope I will not," she stated softly - she would not blind Nimeuh with falsities. If they were to be allies, let them first earn trust through truthfulness. "My sister spoke of you in high regard. I trust she had reasons for doing so, and I can see some of those reasons already. Others might yet become clear to me." She paused to listen to the woman's words of her gift, finding it interesting to learn more of Nimeuh's powers. "I am learning to use these visions to my gain," she stated softly. "For years I had been told to ignore them, and to proceed regardless, but now... now I can embrace them fully. Sometimes though, my ears and eyes still close to the threats, and later I find myself wishing I had heeded them more seriously."

Morgana msiled softly as Nimeuh spoke of Morgause, nodding softly. "Her element was Earth," she spoke softly. "She confided in me once and I have never forgotten it," The Witch shuddered briefly at the idea of burying her sister, and leaving her in the cold ground. "It seems wrong to give her such a small thanks for her sacrifice," she murmured softly. The brunette looked up, nodding in response to Nimeuh's words. "Yes," she agreed softly. "This place has spent too long shrouded in darkness. It is a shadow of its former self, and we should bring it back to its right place; give it reason to be called what it is," she smild softly.

[Deleted]

Well, at least she was honest. Morgana might not be so subordinate as Nimueh usually liked their allies to be, but then she was a woman, and women most of the time had more pride than men. Real pride, not that peculiar thing men called their pride. When it came down to it, men were far easier to break and mould, and thus women were the greater challenge. At the end of the day, Nimueh rather had a women with her own mind as an ally, than a groveling man who ate out of her palm. Men were the better distraction, but women were far more suitable for her plans of domination. Oh yes, Morgana would do very well, she at least would help Nimueh to get back on track faster. Nothing was a better incentive than serious competition.
“I am sure we both will see soon, just how good I’ve become again”, Nimueh remarked nonchalantly, giving her voice the slight undertone of warning. She was no one to be walked all over, and the sooner Morgana realized that, the better.

And she was smart as well. Greatness was not measured in how little faults you made, but how well you could learn from them. This was what Nimueh’s mother, the High Priestess before her, had always said. Morgana surely would learn from her mistakes.
“There’s one warning I did not heed myself, and it brought me were you took me from just now. I know I will not make one mistake again, and that might just decide between victory and failure.”

Earth. After all. Nimueh nodded slowly and recalled the needed ritual in her mind. “Then we will give her a proper burial. Where do you think shall we take her? She was a High Priestess after all, in my place after I… went away. She deserves the highest honors.” Nimueh had never been one to show much commiseration for those who were left behind after someone’s death, but this was different. “Don’t you think that when we succeed in our fight, this will be the best thanks we can give Morgause for her sacrifice? She wanted to see you on the throne of Camelot, so let’s work for that, then we will honor her death.”

Nimueh stepped back, to allow Morgana to take Morgause’s body, if she could carry it. She would only offer her help if asked, such were the rules.

[mpend]

Morgana chuckled softly as Nimeuh remarked on her powers, and shook her head. "I would not belittle your friends, Nimeuh," she warned quietly. "I am no child, and I will not be won by whim or desire."

After Morgause was buried, the Priestess turned to her new friend, taking a slow breath. "I think, my friend, it is time for you to get new clothes, then perhaps you may feel more like your old self," she paused, grasping Nimeuh's shoulder. "I warn you now; if you cross me, or turn against me, you will woe the day I brought you back from death," It might be presumptuous, and even dangerous, to threaten a Priestess; but beter to do it now, whilst Nimeuh was still weak enough to be confused, rather than she was back at full power.

[Deleted]

Interesting. Interesting indeed. So Morgana wanted to play it this way? Confrontation instead of cooperation? Starting a turf war before they had even started to work with each other? Had Nimueh had an any lower self-esteem, she might have felt threatened by Morgana’s recurring toeing the line between strong-willed and insulting, but as she had seen more of that and always had come out the winning party, she only felt whimsically amused. Morgana would not be the first young priestess trying to outdo her mistress, and if Nimueh had her way, she surely would not be the last. Morgause had been the same, she remebered that vividly. It seems these two sisters had more in common than just their hatred for Uther. And Nimueh remembered Morgana to be rebellious even before she had started to turn against Camelot. Dear Goddess, she probably would be quite some handful to deal with. But then, now was not the time nor the place to get into this, there would be time enough once they started to get settled on the Isle. She only had to be careful not to lose too much ground that could not be recovered already, with letting Morgana walk all over her.

”As won’t I, Morgana, as won’t I”, she therefore answered cryptically, and gave Morgana a friendly smile. Getting new clothes sounded like a good idea, she was sure there were still some left in her old quarters in the fortress. No one, not even the lowest creatures would have dared to plunder her things, as they knew she would have followed them with her wrath even from the afterlife. Sometimes it was really fortunate to have a fearsome reputation.
Morgana, however, would not stop, and now her threat was voiced openly, which only made Nimueh smile however. She knew she was still superior to Morgana, or would be once she had resumed her full strength. The girl might think she posed a threat to her, or could step up to her place, but she was wrong there, only she did not know it yet, but she soon would.

”There is no need for hostility, Morgana. No need to work yourself up over something like that.” It might sound at first as if Nimueh wanted to appease Morgana, but that was as far from Nimueh’s mind as it could possibly be. She still thought herself in the superior position, and that was because she didn’t let herself get worked up by Morgana’s words. They were like pricks of a needle to her, annoying but hardly dangerous or causing any damage.
Therefore she continued: “For if I really planned on crossing you or turning against you, you would not have the time anymore to harbor a grudge against me or plan a fearsome revenge. Of that you can be sure.” And with that, she turned away to climb the path that led to the fortress.

[mpend]

The Priestess turned to Nimeuh, her right eyebrow slightly raised. Anyone who had known her well once; Arthur, Uther, perhaps even Guinevère, would have sensed the bubbling anger that was shifting inside of her, at this woman's pompousness, at her utter disrespect for the woman who had brought her back from her grave. "you will do well not to irk me, Nimeuh." Stated the brunette. "You might have once had control and power, but those times have gone. You are not whom you used to be, and I can see that clearer than the stars that shine in the night. I warn you now, not to treat me with indifference. I am no man's mistress, nor no witch's plaything."

Morgana narrowed her eyes as she weatched Nimeuh begin to walk away. This insult could not go unchallanged; for if she did not say something or do something now, then Nimeuh would forever more belive she was in control. Thus, the brunette raised her hand, speaking a soft word of magic, causing fire to leap across the path Nimeuh had been about to travel, cutting across her access. "Do. Not. Underestimate. Me." Stated the brunette calmly, her hand still raised.