I'll Make A Knight Out Of You

[Maeve]

Maeve knew full well that Haldir was against this idea. He had warned her, but as the past has shown then he warned her about many a thing. It was why he accompanied her when she ventured far from her home. To protect her....to ensure her safety. And she was exceedingly grateful every time he endangered his own well being for her sake. While Maeve would not describe herself as a stubborn woman, there were moments when she trusted her conscience and judgment above all else. It was for this reason that her people trusted her too. And she was far from willing to disappoint them and be responsible for the disappearance of an entire race. This was one of those moments where she needed to continue to search for help. She was not even entirely sure what she was looking for, but felt that when she found it....she would know.

Her travels brought her to Gwent. She had departed from both Mirshann and Haldir in the wounds and not traveled as a lone nomad, preparing to set up a small table in the market. She removed her long purple robe as the day was pleasant and warm, revealing a long lilac dress with intricate silver work around the neck, sleeves and bottom. Perhaps she did not look like an unwealthy nomad. But she was a traveler all the same. She put down her back filled with various jewelry and ornaments and began to set them on the table one at a time. She recalled in her previous visit here, the royal Princess of Gwent had been so very kind to her, having invited her inside her home and opening up to her about what burdened her heart.

Maeve did indeed hope she had the privilege of seeing her again, but of course knew that with her position, she would be far too busy to see an old friend. So for now, Maeve would set up her little shop and be content in watching and even conversing with various passerbys as it was always fascinating to see the people of this realm. They were drastically different from her own, but only in terms of customs and language. People were all the same...hence, the reason it saddened her immensely that certain races were being hunted and killed.

~ Tag Alistair ~

[Alistair]

Alistair had done as his Princess asked. He had found her in the woods and saved her from Cenred's men; taking her as far as he could to into Gwent. It was the second time he had left her on the outskirts of a kingdom and he liked it just as little as the first. However, after a week he had shown up with the seal she had given him and to his surprise no one questioned it. His first thought was when he moved up the ranks he was making that area harder to get into. If someone wanted her dead they could fake a paper and be INVITED in to kill her!

He had to pass the knight's test and once done he was given the title of Sir Alistair. Now in two worlds he held a respected rank. One he had earned, the title of Rai, with the Druids. One that took sweat and blood to earn; and one of Sir with the Gadje that had taken nothing but a faked paper to make him Sir Alistair of the Black Mountains.

The newer knights had to do patrols though the city. It annoyed the bloody hell out of him to be told what to do and when to do it but he did not plan to do this forever. He could pretend and play for now in order to get what he wanted in the long run.

While on patrol he came upon something surprising. A lone woman setting up a table with good to sell. One that he knew wasn't just a normal long woman. He slowed his steps until they would fall almost silently on the ground and did his best not to make the damned armor clank together. When he was a few inches from her back he spoke in a low rumbled voice so others would not over hear; "Sar'shan, Rai Phei?" He asked in the language of the Druids.

[Maeve]

Maeve had been so distracted deep in her thoughts that she had not even noticed someone approach her from behind. With all the people surrounding her, it was a bit more difficult to pick up specific emotions associated to each. It took more concentration to do this and it was unnecessary at this moment. But when she did hear the voice, she froze. The foreign words spoken in a deep tone, with a detectable accent.....it could be no one else. Maeve had never forgotten him, though she had not see him for quite some time. Immediately upon hearing him, a smile broke out on her lips. She spun around to face him, not immediately noticing his newly attained attire.

It took no genius to know that Alistair was not exactly the hugging type, but regardless, Maeve felt the overwhelming urge to embrace him in the friendliest of greetings. She moved towards him, putting her arms around him in a huge. She tightly closed her eyes, feeling them moisten with a few tears over the consuming joy she felt upon seeing him. Devlesa avilan. Her words were softly spoken, only audible to him as she was still holding him in this locked embrace. Slowly, she pulled back, gently resting her hands on his shoulder, still smiling at his presence. What a wonderful coincidence!

Once this thought had entered her mind, she began to notice his attire. And how dramatically different it was from the last she had seen him in. In fact, it was drastically different from the attire of any druid. It did not diminish her smile though. It only filled her eyes with soft curiosity. So much has changed since our last encounter. It was acknowledgment, but she did not wish to pry into his affairs. She would take whatever information he was willing to offer, for upon their first meeting, it was easy to recognize he was a man of few words. But that was alright. For he was a man of great emotion, as was everyone. And this was something Maeve often used when speaking with him; trying to determine what he felt in the few, yet highly significant, words he spoke.

[Alistair]

"Devlesa araklam tume," He returned her words as she hugged him. Alistair wasn't the type to be very open in his displays of affections, preferring for once to use words rather then hugs. However Maeve was a soft spot for him as she had saved his life and given him months of peace from his tormented dreams. In her realm he had not been able to dream of the mortal one. Deep rest had allowed him to heal from both the torment of the battle and of the visions of death that filled his ever sleeping moment in the months of Uther's war for his ward.

He placed one hand on the back of her head while she hugged him, not quite returning it but not embarrassing her either, when she stepped back his hand remained there. "Arva," He told her when she said much had changed, "It has indeed." Maeve was the stuff of parmicha, yet very real at the same time. He always felt honored that she had trusted him with who she was beyond the image she gave to mortals. "To speak of these things will bring bajo in this place. Pen k'ena kek bajo?" He did not want to risk what he had just built by speaking of it here. He hoped she would understand and agree.

[Maeve]

It felt so wonderful to hear him speak in his native tongue. Though English was the common language between them, it was nice to hear him share his culture with her. Which only raised her curiosity as to why he was dressed as a knight. When he spoke of going somewhere less public she glanced around at their surroundings, before nodding her head in agreement. Of course, she answered, all too eager to agree. It was far better to converse with him in a private location for she his comfort level would raise when so many eyes were not on them. He felt so on edge right now...perhaps a bit more than before. A great deal had changed and Maeve was excited to hear about it for she seemed to feel that it was for the better.

She quickly gathered her belongings, picking up her bag and draping her cloak over one arm. This way, she told him, walking towards the inn that Haldir had been making reservations in. She knew he immensely disliked being out in this settings with so many people around....though he did this for her. Actions that she never took for granted. Entering inside, the tavern in the inn was filled with people. A boisterous crowd....which caused Maeve to be filled with so many different emotions, that it could indeed be draining. Her eyes easily found Haldir standing at the main desk where he was placing a few coins on the table. Instinctively, his eyes met hers.

He did not look happy.

A stern expression filled him and if Maeve thought that Alistair was a bit on edge, Haldir was far worse. She gave him a reassuring smile, moving towards him, gliding through the crowd. He met her half way, his eyes locked on Alistair the entire time. N'uma gorga. Ro quel mellon. She made sure to keep her voice low, so avoid any curious ears that would focus too much attention on them. Haldir remained unconvinced though. Yet he, as always, trusted his queen. Manka lle baer amin, ai yasse Mirshann. He handed her the key to the room before eying the druid. His gaze was on Alistair but his words were meant for Maeve. Mae varna. Giving Alistair one last strong look of disapproval, he left their immediate company, though obviously was not far. Maeve remained smiling before ascending the stairs that would lead them to her room.

Once they arrived, she opened the door for him before entering and then closed it once he was inside. It was a quaint little room, one that she had grown to expect with all her vast travels away from her realm. She looked at Alistair, just observing everything about him, trying to figure out what had changed in him....the cause of all these noticeable differences. I am so happy to see you Phral. A term of affection that was more than accurate under the nature of her relationship with Alistair.

[Alistair]

As he walked past Haldir he gave the made a nod of his head and muttered a soft, "Eilar ei vaeresi," knowing it would both amuse and annoy the man. Amuse him he hoped because it was in his own language and not in the language of the druids, and it was spoken but in jest and in truth. It would also annoy him for it was not a meeting Haldir would approve of if he knew the details of what was going on here. Alistair in followed his friend up to the room where he could speak with her privetly, not caring that others might talk of the sight of a knight and a beautiful woman going up to a hotel room alone.

When he spoke he inclined his head out of respect to the queen, "Mishto hom me dikava tute, Rani Phei. It has been too long." And it was. He had not seen her in months. Even if years had seperated their first and seconds meetings, after spending months by her side while he was injured he felt she was his sister in many ways. It was why he called her Rani Phei. Because she was his sister in his heart and the rest of the logical matters could go to hell. "What brings you here? Still trying to change the world one jewelry sold at a time?" It was a jest between them as well as an honest question. She had so much hope in the world and he had almost lost it all.

[Maeve]

As wonderful as it was to hear Alistair speak in his native tongue....it was all the more wonderful to hear him speak in hers. In her language! It meant far more to her than she could ever use mortal words to describe and only caused the smile on her lips to widen and tears to form in her eyes. Tears of joy over seeing him, alive and safe...not that she had any doubt in his strength. He had clearly done so very well for himself and she could not be more happy for him. Far too long, she said in agreement as she tried to get a handle on her emotions before the tears escaped the duct of her eyes. Upon his jesting remark, a soft, almost melodic laugh escaped her. I can not change the nature of people. But only remind them of the good there is still in this world.

Something that differed between them, but was not enough to cause too much conflict between them. In fact , it was the opposite; it made Maeve feel closer to him, knowing she could be honest with him and he had returned this honesty. She remained smiling, unsure if she would ever be able to stop in his presence for he brought out so much happiness from her heart. I see you have not forgotten the language of my people, she said, feeling the need to vocalize how excited she was upon hearing him speak it. But a lot has altered in our absence from one another. So if you can, please, tell me how you have been faring. How his health has been; how he came to be in a knight's armor. There was a strong genuine curiosity in her voice, and she hoped that what she felt from him, was not betrayed by what the actual truth was.

[Alistair]

No, he had not forgotten the small bit he had learned of her world. It was still hard to explain what it was like there and how everything seemed so different there. Everyone seem to float rather then walk and everything was brighter and cleaner. It was odd to see that world and then this world and wonder how she could bare enter it. Still, she seemed to welcome being here.

Then Maeve got right to the point of them being in the room. He reached his hand up to touch his longer hair and ran his hand though it before giving it an awkward tug. He was still unused to it being long. He had not grew it out in order to hide his face, but that was why he kept it that way. It was also why he had grew a small close bread on his jaw line, to help mask the familer face of the foe and shape the face of the friend to the local nobles. "Many things have changed since I exited your world, Rai Phei; I do not even know were to begin."

"There has been many wars here." He used to explain some things, "She was in trouble, I could not stay from her side." He did not want to give her up a second time, so in order to keep close to her, he had given up his fighting and became a knight who followed orders. He had not been given the order to hunt his own kind but he feared the day it came. "They know me here as a lie; Sir Alistair of the Black Mountains. I am a knight in her army. One day I will be the husband in her bed." Rather then the knight in her bed. He did not shy away from using the reference that he was sleeping with her. He was making a point; that he would not be the servant for long.

[Maeve]

Maeve listened attentively, eager to hear all that he had to say. He was right; so much has changed....both in his physical appearance as well as his emotional state. It caused her heart to ache when he spoke of how many wars there had been. She knew this all too well, even if she was not in the line of battle. She had witnessed more of her kind die, and more of innocent people in the world. It was devastating! She would find herself crying at times, lamenting over the loss of anyone who had to leave this world in the most violent of ways. Why could peace just not come sooner? How could she facilitate it? How could she bring about an era of peace and prosperity, rather than violence and devastation.

But these were not the questions she would ask him. For she knew that he held not the answer. The speak of war faded when he spoke of 'her'. The nameless woman....but Maeve did not need a name to know how much he cared for her. She could feel it; she had felt it when he had been in Mabon for that period of time, and could feel it now. They were genuine and strongly sincere emotions from his heart, and far too strong to ever be trivialized or ignored. Was he dressed as a knight for her? Was she a noblewoman of sorts? Maeve took a few steps towards him, and took his hand in hers, placing her other hand on top so that his was between her two.

What he was posing as may technically be a lie, but Maeve saw no harm in it. For it was ones intentions that determined whether their lie was done for malicious purposes or whether it was done to help another. In this case, it was his fierce loyalty to this woman, and and she admired him for this. You have found your peace in this time of war. his peace, meaning her... the woman he loved. Never let that go. Hold on to that....hold on to her. Even if you must disguise your appearance for the time being. She could feel the unease that his false position gave him, and she wanted to help him in any way that she could, even if it was just offering encouraging words. She was worth it then, and she is worth it now.

Maeve knew that he knew that, but perhaps hearing someone else say it who could feel it just a fraction of it, would help. There is not all darkness in this world and she is proof of that for you. She said these words, knowing that he had felt so hopeless in their previous time together. Maeve's smile brightened as she continued to hold his hand between hers, feeling the excitement over hearing that he found the woman he could feel solace with. I am so happy for you Alistair! It was true that she had known about this woman in their previous encounter, but this time it was different. This time, he was more settled with her....and was already making plans to be her husband one day.

[Alistair]

She was happy for him. Alistair wasn't sure anyone had been happy for him before. He liked to think that Isadora was happy with him, but he'd never done anything to make someone happy for him before. It was an odd feeling of pride and pressure at the same time. "Nais tuke," He thanked her for her words but there was an uncertain tone to his thick voice. He did not doubt her words but he did not know how to accept them either.

"She will rule this land as you do Mabon one day." And he was the orphaned Druid and foe of her greatest ally. He wondered if Maeve would know what he was asking when he started that. He did not not know how to ask what he wanted to know and he refused to try and look a fool. He rather keep his mouth shut and let people assume he was distant or cold; which he was toward strangers; rather then open it and sound like a fool.

[Maeve]

Maeve lowered her head into a deep nod when he thanked her. It was acknowledgment for his gratitude, though unnecessary. She also could sense his reluctance but knew him well enough to know that it was in his nature to not be used to hearing such words. In that time they had gotten to know each other in Mabon, she had learned a great deal about him. He went on to say that she would one day rule this land....and Maeve's eyes slightly widened with surprise upon hearing this revelation. It was the princess of Gwent?! She had gotten to know both individuals seperately, and together. Yet in learning of them together, in each case the other had left the name undisclosed.

But now, she was understanding everything....all the details of each person finally merging together to make utter sense. She is princess Isadora de Caerleon of Gwent, Maeve said, feeling the need to vocally say the words to fully understand the magnitude of this situation. It was not less than wonderful! Her happiness for him, and for the princess, only grew upon hearing this. For Alistair to have found someone who loved him so dearly, and for her to have someone to care for her and love her as he did....it was truly a wonderful thing and Maeve's eyes teared in pure joy for the couple. This tended to be a frequency for an emotional woman such as herself. She is a wonderful woman.

Maeve said smiling, though still trying to fully grasp his words as they filled her with so much surprise. The difficulties you two have faced and will face are certainly not easy, she added as further acknowledgment. But you both have been truly blessed, to find someone who makes the other so happy. And I can not tell you how excited I am for you! She also could not help but wonder what this would mean on a larger scale. Could this somehow help her people? Help save the race of faeries? Maeve knew it was too soon to question such things, and it was not the initial thoughts that had entered her mind. Her primary reaction was how happy she was for him. And now, for the woman who finally had a name.

[Alistair]

If you were the only heir to a kingdom, he was sure most people in that kingdom knew your name; but there was something about the way Maeve had said it, and spoke about her. It made him wonder if she was speaking of her though his words or speaking of her though her eyes. He wasn't sure how or when the girls would have or could have met but he had learned to trust himself when he picked up on details.

"Is she?" He asked her watching her face; not in the way he would a strangers where he looked for any detail and was ready to defend should the detail revel something he needed to stop. In a more clam way. "You know if her then?" Or knew her personally?

[Maeve]

Maeve`s smile remained bright and excited. Oh if only she had known at the time that it had been Alistair whom Isadora spoke of....Maeve would have done more to reassure her that everything would have been okay. Because she would have been saying it with personalized assurance, rather than only knowing the man vicariously through the princess. I do! She answered, before going on to explain the detail of their encounter. In a previous visit to Gwent, I came across the dear princess. She stopped by my stall in the market, and later was so very kind to invite me to her home. Maeve had gifted her with a necklace, hoping the essence of what the stones and symbols in it represented. She even recalled that it had been a druid design, unsure of what it was that had made it feel so right.

Now she knew. She is so very gracious and amiable! She added, enjoying with how much truth and sincerity she could say these words. She will make a wonderful queen, and you will make a wonderful husband for her. Wonderful was truly an understatement, but there were not many words in English she could use to describe how happy she felt for them both. She knew that Alistair was not looking to seek the title 'king', which is why she had referred to him as a 'husband'....because he was more family orientated than motivated by political rank. Amin 'eis ikotane sai cadia. Further expressing her joy by saying in her language, how happy she was.

[Alistair]

The bit a news surprised him. Not that Maeve had high things to say about Isadora but that they had meet before. He knew Maeve spoke highly of everyone unless they were evil and knew as well that Isadora would always be the perfect lady. Something he would never be; Perfect. "I did not know your paths had crosses before."

He would have to talk to his princess and see what she had to say of the meeting. Not because because he had any fears but for them to both know the same person and be on good terms with them had never happened before. "When was this?" He asked, wanting to know more; everything, but just more for now.

[Maeve]

Maeve was not surprised that Isadora had not told him. After all, what was there to tell. She had been but a woman, offering her company and advice to the young princess. As Alistair had not been in close proximity to her at the time, meaning a knight, then there was no way for him to have known. After all, she knew that the two had far more important things to discuss than a merchant at the market. It was about a year ago, she answered, as she gave more information pertaining to a subject he was curious about. She does not know who I am. Both in terms of who she really was; a faery. But also in terms of her close relationship to Alistair.

Maeve could only continue to softly smile at the druid. I knew that she held the love for a man, one that she feared she could not be with at the time. But what I did not realize was that it was you. How could she have? It truly could have been anyone, not just the man that Maeve knew very well. It demonstrates what a small world this can be. But also, how fate can lead you onto the right path; how something is meant to be. Maeve strongly believed in fate, destiny....or as her people called it, Maranwe. It was why she continued to believe that there was a light at the end of this dark persecution against people of magic. That some good surely had to come out of it, rather than just all this dark cruelty that resulted in destruction and loss.

[Alistair]

"She will know who you are after this day, Rai Phei." He swore to her. Maeve was like his sister, and he wanted to make sure that Isadora knew it. That they he had not been just a friendless mindless druid who walked around his whole life and did nothing until he met her. "You do not need to be in this place. I will ask her to invite you and yours into the castle as esteemed guest.'

Could he do that? Make such an offer and use her name as such? He would never do it for anyone else, and felt unsure if he was over stepping something now but to hell if he was. He wanted to see his two favorite people (the only two he really treasured) together as friends. Maeve was a queen, and Isadora was going to be one as well one day. Making him the boy who grew up on dirt floors and not matched well with either. "You belong in her world."

[Maeve]

Maeve looked at him when spoke of how Isadora would know who she was after today. Did he mean in terms of how close they were to each other, or the truth of her race? Either way, it did not mater. Maeve completely trusted Alistair's judgment. She was just so honored that he would make such a great effort... for her. It meant so much to hear him say such things, that she felt tears fill her eyes and a soft, but touched, smile on her lips. She was truly honored; truly touched. And she could not help but allow her emotions to come through, as they always did. Your words fill me with so much honor my dear toror'. More than the English language would permit her to express. But no, please. Do not inconvenience her nor yourself. I am happy here, truly.

She was used to such conditions, and felt no strain because of them. I ask only one thing, she began to say. That I will be able to see the princess Isadora at least once before I depart from here. It is nothing less than an immense privilege to have gotten to know you two separately, and now, I should love to get to know you together. She knew that their relationship was a delicate one, but she wanted to be able to see both of them, and feel the affection they held for one another, not understanding who it was that elicited such feelings from them. It was indeed a wonderful thing and Maeve wished to be a part of their happiness, for it only showed that the world was not filled with darkness, but so much love as well.

[Alistair]

Alistair understood more then she might think that there were somethings that you could not express properly in the words of the Englishmen. Something as simple as their word Wife, did not hold the in dept meaning as the Druid word for such a woman. Another word of sister was too common for such a bond between people; and while the men of his Princess' world gave titles upon birth of Lady and it was considered and honor; in his world you earned the title. It was why he called Maeve Rani Phei. Lady Sister. A title she earned from her work helping people and saving lives and a word that showed the bond he held between them.

In his world, he had earned such a title as well. Rai. It was a respected title but before his name. One that was bestowed not with a coronation but casually; yet felt a million times deeper then any knighting her word put on him for nothing done. "You are not an covariance, Rani Phei. Never say such words to me. You will do more then see her once more. You will dine with us? Stay in rooms we offer?" He knew that Isadora would welcome Maeve. Knew it in his heart. She had seen the scares on his chest and knew that something had saved him. He wanted her to meet that something. That someone.

[Maeve]

Maeve only kept herself smiling, a bright expression on her face. His offer was so hard to refuse. In the culture of her people, it was terribly rude to reject an invitation from someone else. She was not an overly stubborn woman, and she tried to avoid debates as much as she could. Besides, this was not something she felt necessary to argue about. He was inviting her from the kindness of his heart, and she wanted to accept not to reside in more luxurious chambers... but so that she could be close to both Alistair and Isadora and thus, spend more time with them before their paths inevitably separated from one another. If you are certain it will not pose as any trouble for you or Princess Isadora, then I would love to accept your gracious offer.

She felt the excitement build within her! It had been enough of a thrill to be able to see Alistair again, but now knowing she would see both him and the kind princess, and be able to spend far more time with them than she had ever expected... it was a wonderful thing indeed! She would just have to inform Haldir about it, knowing that he would probably not join her in staying in the castle. Gratitude, she said, speaking with as much thankfulness as she could. For you have blessed me with your time, and your kindness. Something she would never take for granted. She knew at last the perfect gift for him, and as soon as she was given the time, would craft it for him. For she knew what he needed right now, without knowing all the specifications of his life in the past several months.

Allowing only but a short silence to pass, her smile remained as she once again took notice of his appearance. Tell me dear Alistair, has it been difficult to adjust to this life? Not the role of Isadora's wife, but more so the role of a knight... for she knew it was something he was unfamiliar with. The druids had their own customs and practices, so Maeve wished to know if he was having trouble in conforming to the expectations and standards of these people. She did not doubt that Isadora was aiding him, but Maeve of course wanted to hear it from his own point of view. Also wanted to see if there was anything she could do to aid him. After all, the princess must find herself busy with all the demands her role placed on her. Perhaps Maeve would find herself here longer than she had initially intended.

[Alistair]

She was always so grateful for any time he spent with her. It was almost unsettling being he knew he wasn't that night to anyone, even to her. He wasn't completely an ass to anyone; like he knew Vaughn tried to be, but he wasn't the life of the party either. "Tell me dear Alistair, has it been difficult to adjust to this life?" There was the real question.

It had been; it still was. He didn't know anything about the small rules that everyone had been raised on and when he made a mistake they blamed how he was from the outer lands and talked about him more while watching him closer. "Arva," and that was an understatement. "Trees do not have so many rules."