The Hopeful And The Hopeless

[Alistair]

The pain was so great that he could only remain conscious for a few seconds. While he was awake the pain was too blinding to think of anything but the pain; and while he was out the dreams came to give him no peace. He was not sure how long he lie there on the ground knowing he was dieing, but eventually and suddenly the dreams stopped and the dead cold of un-conscious took over to give him permanent peace.

Or at least he thought. He blinked his eyes opened and tried to look around but everything was brighter then it had been when he had closed them last. He tried to lift his hand up to shield his eyes but the pain from the movement almost took him out again.

The last he recalled was finding a small encampment of Druids who were trying to get north before the Camelotian knights found them. He had known the Pendragon knights were not far behind him and urged them on. Ever since the young ward of the king's had been kidnapped by the witch the bastard king had stopped at nothing to bring the magical kingdom to it's knees.

He'd stayed behind to draw them off, but they'd advanced faster then he had given them credit for and they'd over taken him. He did not recall the fight but knew that he'd taken an arrow at close range, and thought he recalled his ribs taking a glancing blow of a sword.

How the bloody hell was he alive? His vision clearing up he looked around. Was this heaven? Was there such a place? Had the Princess been right in her believes and if so how did he get here?

[TAG: Maeve]

[Maeve]

Maeve was doing her usual traveling throughout the land, searching for a savior, or saviors, mission. She was without success, yet remained undiscouraged. She was riding through the forest, picking up different senses from different beings. None captured her attention, until she picked up the pain of one particular individual. She recognized it as well and that was what caused so much alarm. Ordinarily, she was concerned enough over the well being of a stranger, which meant she was only even more worried for those she knew, and cared about.

It did not take long to find the source; the pain she felt was overwhelming and once she saw him, she understood why. He lay there, lifeless on the ground with an arrow protruding from his chest and a very deep stab wound. Maeve slid off her horse and quickly rushed to him, gracefully kneeling beside him to get a better look at the severity of his injury. And now, she had to get a better feel of it.

She gently placed the palm of her hand on his forehead, closing her eyes as she entered a deep concentration. He still had life in him, but very little. This wounds were too serious to be healed just by her. She needed to take him to a place where they could be properly tended to: Mabon. This was not something she normally did. There were very few she escorted back to her home land. It was a place that remained hidden and well protected. But this man had saved the life of someone she loved; another faery, a being of her kind. She would forever be indebted to him and for this reason, could not just leave him here to die.

She felt a few tears form in her eyes, only a couple making their way down her cheek. While she was in this trance, she took the opportunity to reassure him that he would be alright. Since he was unconscious he would undoubtedly be dreaming and so, using this close connection she entered his dream state. All she showed him was an image of her, almost floating in the air with a misty background. She spoke in a soft, reassuring tone in this dream of his. Uum n' gorga amin revanthas. Usstan uil plynn dos ulu natha sreen'aur k'lar. She started saying it in her language, and then spoke in one that he would understanding, following the foreign one.

Do not fear my friend. I will take you to a safe place. And with that, broke the arrow and wrapped a piece of cloth around the bleeding wound. She then, with the help of Mirshann, carefully placed Alistair on the horse. She leaned forward into the horse's ears, and in a whisper spoke. Z'har queelas faer amin mellon. With those words, the horse sped into the distance, riding very quickly for it understood the haste in which they were required to travel.

Maeve wasted no time. The journey to Mabon was quick and swift, and in his unconscious state, he would not know how to get there until he was lead out. Once they entered Maeve felt such a wonderful sense of comfort. Of course she could not allow herself to swell in this happiness for too long for a dear friend of theirs was horribly injured and she would not risk a second that could be his last. She was feeling him weaken, feeling his pain, and wanted to bring all his suffering to an end.

A few faeries gathered around her, helping her and the man down. They were not alarmed to see her have brought someone into their world. They trusted her, and knew she would not do anything to further jeopardize their existence. One of them in particular recognized Alistair: the one he had saved. They carried him over to a bed in the Queen's palace. Maeve followed with every step, even seating herself next to him as the highest healer came in to take a look at the victim.

Ro naa harwa sai myar, Sidda. She felt more tears in her eyes as everyone else left the room so that the healer could do is work. She watched him intently, gently taking his hand for further reassurance. You will not die, she whispered in a very sincere voice. It was not denial, for she could tell that the healer was optimistic in his ability to save this man. He put his hand on the druid's forehead, and began to recite a few foreign poetic words. He would be fine; Maeve was certain of this.

She heard him mutter a few words and began to gently stroke his forehead. Na aul adon amin toror. Be in peace my brother. She did not like to see him so restless though she imagined with a gift such as his, most nights would render him so. Yet in her world, in her realm, she wished peace upon everyone, she wished them ease of mind. And she was fully aware that the pain he was experiencing was making him even more restless.

She looked at Haldir with hopeful eyes, sensing his reaction and his comfort with the ways things were going to end. Alistair would most definitely survive. Just as you did not fail us, we will not abandon you dear Alistair. She hoped somewhere, deep in his mind, he could hear her words and seek reassurance in them. She removed her hand so that Haldir could continue his work.

He put the bottle of a healing liquid to his lips and tilted it into his mouth before beginning to speak.

Aa i' luth en' i' faerie phreng fallan ilya i' jivvviim tanya mhaor llie

[/i][/color]

He uttered a few more words before turning to Maeve. He needs time to rest and heal. He informed her, purposely saying it in English so that if any part of Alistair was conscious, he would understand the circumstance.

Diol llie[/i][/color] She thanked, extremely grateful for his aid for in her world, she did not even have to command someone to do something that was right; they knew within themselves what was required. She remained in the room, exchanging a few words with the others, when she heard movement from the bed.

Maeve was so relieved to see him open his eyes, however blurred his vision may be. Or however confused he was. She rushed to his side, kneeling by the bed, smiling at the man who had once saved the very faery who now had saved him. Alistair, she said in a soft voice. Dear Alistair, she said once again. He was coherent enough to have recognized her, even though they had not see one another in many years. He wondered if he still remembered her, as she remembered him. If he did, it would hopefully cause less alarm in him and therefore, be easy to convince him to stay in Mabon until he was fully healthy again.

You are safe here, She assured him, in case he was wary of his location. He was a nomad after all, and therefore could not be used to being forced into a location that he had no knowledge of. How are you feeling? He asked, knowing that he would be alright, but it was a process and not something that would magically disappear in a matter of minutes. They may have magical abilities, but even they had limitations and conditions.[/size][/color][/blockquote]

[Alistair]

What the hell. He knew that face. The woman had just came into his vision was still weak as the whole room and the place seemed un-naturally bright. Thought from his eyes being closed too long or from other reasons he did not know. The woods in which he had been were dark and the air thick with rare breeze. Here it smelled overly clean and fresh. Her face was one that he knew but not knew well. Still he could not forget the face. "Ma--" His thick voice cracked from being too dry.

"Vada," He barley got out using an language that in his fogged mind he forgot she might not know. He knew that he needed some water before he would be able to fully speak well to her. He watched her for a moment trying to clear his mind. Raising the good arm that only hurt like hell when he moved it rather then blinding pain he rested it over his chest and felt the bandage there. "N-----ot dead?" He wasn't sure how to answer her question. He felt on fire and unwell. Tossed about and confused as the devil. "Maeve?"

[Maeve]

When he began to speak...something that she could only assume was his attempt to say her name... she wished to tell him to save his strength. But at the same time, wanted to see if he recalled her. If he knew her. Recognition seemed to flash in his eyes, but one could not be too certain. His voice was hoarse, which only made her swiftly stand up from her knelt position so that she could reach for the cup and pitcher of water on his bed side. A gesture that he was too weak to perform himself. One that she was all too glad to help him with. She poured the liquid and while doing so, attentively listened to the rest of his words. The first was confirmation that he was not dead.... the second was her name.

She knew it was a strange thing to grow excited about; though she could not help but softly smile at him. You are very much alive, she assured him. It may be too much to process right now if she explained where exactly he was, so for the time being reassured him of the life that still filled his body. You should try not to move too much. It will hurt for some time. But will eventually heal. She wanted to stay positive....wanted him to know that he would be fine, eventually. And that it was vital he remain here in this peaceful place to recover. Not in a world filled with violence and threat.

Once she reassured him of these things, she moved the rim of the cup to his lips. An offer that she would assist him in drinking, for he could barley lift his hand. Being closer to him, and communicating with him with a conscious mind... made her all the more aware of the pain he was feeling. She could feel some of it, but only through emotion. It made her wish so desperately that she could lift such a burden from him for she would gladly take it upon herself. But even the magic of faeries held their limitations, and this exchange of pain was not something within her capability. She adjusted the pillow behind his head a bit as she inched the water closer to his lips, so that his head would be in a more upright and comfortable enough position to drink.

[Alistair]

He drank the water in and took gulps too large and ended up couching some when it slid down too hard. The pain from that nearly too him back to the land of the dead for it hurt so badly. It was many minutes before he could breathe properly and try again. Once he managed to get some down he lied back and was forced to take in deep breaths to clam his heart rate. He felt so damn weak. "Kaj?" He asked her, trying to figure out of the details of what was going on.

He did not know how he got here or even where here was. He knew that he knew Maeve. A long time ago he had meet her, and had dreamed of her death. He had saved her life and her body guard had been grateful. He looked around but did not see her sidekick anywhere. She still looked the same way she had when he was ten years younger. It was one reason he had placed her face so easily.

[Maeve]

His one worded question begged for a very detailed answer. Yet, she did not know how to begin. She of course would tell him, as she had brought him to such unfamiliar land. But, it was also difficult. Difficult because she had never revealed such a truth to anyone for many years. She trusted this man though. NOt because she had saved his life and would remind him of the debt he owed, for he owed them nothing. But because he had saved her when he did not have to.... and that meant a great deal to her. That made her want to help him in any way she could, even if it meant alleviating his confusion. Though, would it be too much to take in right now? Oh where was Haldir. He knew what would be best for Alistair, where as Maeve could only guess with logic.

Either way, she had to say something. You are in the Realm of Mabon, she began to explain to him. Words could not describe such a place; ones eyes would do it better justice. My home, she added, wanting him to know that. To remind him that he was safe, for she was here and would not let anything harmful befall him. I know you have many questions. But please, you must ease your mind. For you are still recovering and must not cause yourself further strain. Strain to his body or mind. She picked up a cloth nearby and dipped it into a bowel of water, squeezing out some of the liquid before she knelt once again by his bed side. She then proceeded to dab his forehead with it as she knew this would, or at least should, have a soothing effect. Just relax and take solace in the assurance that you are safe and sound. That he was alive....that he had been found just in time.

[Alistair]

The realm of Mabon. Was that a kingdom he had not heard of? Was that north of south of where he had been? He felt something in the back of his mind; a prickling of something. Something wasn't quite right with everything. He had the feeling she wasn't talking about kingdoms but of other places. His head spun for a moment and he closed his eyes with a deep breath.

He ended up falling asleep almost in the same moment. This sleep was not the complete blackness of before but an almost normal sleep. One with casual dreams rather then his normal vivid nightmares. His gift normally started off with feelings and faces with everything else fogged out. The closer the event or death grew then the clearer the vision became. When the vision was so clear that he could not tell the dream from the reality then he knew it was here. Minutes to an hour or so away. However his dreams now were only of a girl and were not of her death; but of memories. He'd never dreamed liked this before.

When he next awoke he had to almost pull him self from sleep. He never woke slowly, it was always the unsteady jolt of panic. How had he not dreamed of death? Where the bloody hell was here?

[Maeve]

Maeve continued to wipe his forehead and cheek with the dampened cloth. She began to softly hum a song native to her land, with the hopes that it would lull him into a peaceful slumber. Something that she knew he did not obtain often. But here, he would. She would do all within her capability to ensure he had a restful recovery; not having to worry about anything or anyone. Though, something within him seemed to express differently. Now was not the time to question such things. Maeve would never prioritize her own curiosity above ones health. She continued to hum, even singing a few words of the song before he seemed to be in a deep enough sleep. At which point, she put the cloth back in the bowl and raised from her knelt position.

She gently placed her hand on his forehead and leaned down, in a soft whisper speaking to him. Sleep well my friend. And with these words, placed a very soft kiss on his forehead. Not in a romantic sense, but more in a maternal way....for she deeply cared about the man as a sister did for her brother. If she did not, then she would not have brought him here. Nor entrusted him with the grand secret she knew she would have to reveal to him when he was coherent enough to hear it.

Turning to the side, she saw Haldir approach her. Ier lle mesi lye tal' ser ho? Maeve knew that Haldir trusted her completely, but she was also well aware of the fact that this was no small matter. That bringing an outsider to Mabon was something no one has done for many years. Amin ser ho thelia. And that was good enough for Haldir. He gave a short nod to her before she seated herself on a chair and just waited for Alistair to wake up. Haldir remained with her, to ensure that his health was indeed improving and nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. Their conversation consisted of updates from reports of other faeries trapped outside the realm who had just recently found their way home.

As queen, Maeve felt the burden of having lost so many of their kind, and could only pray that the world became less violent, and peace would soon prosper. Their conversation was interupted when Haldir made notice to Alistair's eyes opening. Ro air' shajol de. He was towering over the slowly awakening man, staring down at him, in that serious expression that his face always held. Especially in the presence of a foreigner. Maeve immediately rose from her seat and hurried towards him so that she was standing near Alistair, but not looking down directly at him.

[Alistair]

As Alistair opened his eyes fully there was another families face there. One that did not look so happy to see him. He did not speak the language of this man man's but he had just barely caught the words. He could tell the tones however. He had learned in his travels that you could tell more about what people said by reading the tones and not the words. It was hard to plan to kill someone and sound normal. "Te pabaren mange memelia," He muttered under his breathing, knowing the man would be annoyed with his un-understanding of Alistair's language.

His eyes moved around the room until they found Maeve's and just to annoy (playful and in good nature offf ccoorrssee) Haldir he spoke to her and not to the man closer to him. "Tell your man to finish the job, or back up." He didn't not like Haldir, in fact he respected the man and how he did his job; but Alistair had known from the start that Haldir only liked other people just like him. Not Druids, not mortals, and not nobles.

[Maeve]

In addition to waking up, he was now speaking too. Though they weren't the most charming of words. Maeve stifled a laugh, trying not to smile by his words spoken in his language. She also knew that they were made in 'innocent' humor though Haldir would most certainly see differently. Furthermore, Alistair went on to speak English, speaking to Maeve about Haldir this time for all to understand. It only agitated the faery further. Haldir did not like outsiders to begin with and this certainly was not making him warm up to Alistair. She would also to say something, not wanting to see either man upset. Even if it was in good humor, though the good humor aspect of it was a bit one sided. As Haldir found no amusement in this situation. Ro tael n'uma cas. She assured him in a gentle voice, placing a hand on Haldir's shoulder to calm him.

Haldir looked at Alistair sternly, completely unappreciative of his 'joking' words. Sina air' mani air' raika yassen gwaith a're. Once again, Maeve found herself having to suppress a smile at his words. She wanted no animosity between both men, but also knew that they had no ill will towards each other. It was simple teasing....of sorts. With those words, Haldir decided to make his leave from the presence of the druid. Maeve watched him exit before lowering herself to her knees so that she could speak to Alistair at the same eye level. It sounds like you are doing much better, she said smiling, this time a glimmer of amusement in her eyes and jovial expression.

[Alistair]

He felt like he was dying. If that was better then on fire then yes, he was feeling better. "I can inhale." Which was something he had trouble with earlier. He wanted to sit up but he had the feeling if he tried he's be back out like a light. If he inhaled too deeply he felt the edges of his sight go fuzzy and dark as if he was coming. Had it not been from years of having Vaughn in his life he would not have known that speaking out get the guard away for the moment.

There was something however that he had to know. Something that did not make since and he knew even with out being able to look out a window. It was brighter here. As if nothing blocked the midday sun to cast a shadow anywhere. A white sort of bright that did not quite burn the eyes. The smell lacked any must or moss or anything that hinted of the life he had known. It was as if a permanent breeze keep things clean; yet the air was still. "Is this a star?" The stars being a Druid's way of asking if this was the afterlife. Where family awaited for the others to join them before going on.

[Maeve]

Well that was an excellent start! Even if his recovery began with something such as inhaling, it was a wonderful way to commence his path to recovery. She just continued to smile, unable to conceal her relief. I am just so happy we found you in time. For I dare not think of the alternative. And how afraid she had been that he would die. But it had worked out for the better, so she need not focus on the what if and what could of happened. His next question, she knew, would require an extended response to having given a brief one earlier. You are alive. That seemed to be the most important thing for him to realize right now.

That he was not dead. That he was simply in another realm, rather than the world that followed whatever came after this one. You are in Mabon; the realm of faeries. She knew these words revealed quite a lot. Especially for those who did not believe in their kind....those who did not believe that faeries existed. And with continuing violence against them, such beliefs would be proven true. I brought you here so that you could recover in peace. So that he would not live in threat, and if he so desired it....he could find a home here. But she doubted it. His place was with his people...back home, for she could feel a strong loyalty from him.

[Alistair]

Fairies? She was a fairies and took him to her fairy land. He thought about when he had told Mae that Isadora was a fairy princess. Ironic that now Maeve was telling him she was a fairy queen. She had told him once before but he had sort of assumed she mean something else. Like Druids but some group that said fairy. "Realm?" He repeated the word trying to wrap his mind around it.

He was at war with a kingdom and thought that it was life or death but apparently there was something bigger then kingdoms out there. He tried to move his hand up to his face to rub the headache that was there--but the pain jolted though him and he dropped his hand. His head was spinning and he could not think about her words. Safe here? In a fairy's world. With her body guard. "Your a queen?" Had she not called her self that before?

[Maeve]

Maeve could sense his confusion, but it was not too difficult to detect. Explaining to someone that they were in a realm that previous to this time they did not even know existed, was never an easy task. Granted, it had been an incredibly long time since she had to explain it to someone. It was a big step, and it was worth it if it meant that he lived. When he used the word queen, she smiled softly at the reference. Yes. She was indeed queen of this entire realm but the customs were extremely different. There was not as much separation between ranks over here. Maeve had seen the unfortunate arrogance of people in authority and wondered how they could treat their people so dreadfully. It was why this place would always be her home... her comfort zone... her place of protection.

Apart from the confusion she tried to determine what else he was feeling, but he was at times a very difficult man to feel emotions from. Not that he lacked emotions, for no person did... he just kept them deeper in his heart than most people. I am, she answered in a soft voice. This is a realm separate from the world you are used to. And you will find peace here. There will be no threat upon your life; no danger to run from. I promise you, she said with the utmost sincerity She wanted to offer these words of comfort, so that he knew he would be safe here... unlike the other world, filled with more violence and hostility. But as Mabon was Maeve's home, she knew that Albion was Alistair's. And one could not judge where another person called their home; or at least Maeve could not judge such a thing.

[Alistair]

Well hell. "Kak." He told her, believing her but knowing he could not be here. He knew that he could not move but he also knew that he had to be in his world. He had to get back to it. He was needed! His people were dieing! He'd been here but a short while and he could already tell his gift would not let him see his own realm while here! What if she was in danger? What if too many died?! "I can not stay here!"

She might think he was safe here but he would bet that body guard of her's might not agree. While he was a warrior he knew that there was not one that would look for him. Even if Vaughn decided that he had need of the Druid; he would not know were to look. Alistair needed to to return home. The only reason he did not try was because he knew he would not make it past lifting his head. "I can not see here. I can not stop what I can not see." He told her, hoping she would understand.

[Maeve]

Maeve was not surprised by his objection to staying here. She knew she could not force him, but she also knew that he was not physically well enough to travel. Alistair, she began to say in a soft, calming voice. How can you help others, when you are not well enough to take care of yourself? She was so saddened by seeing him, feeling him, in so much physical pain. He was not well, and he could not go back out into a world so filled with violence and chaos when he was hindered in his ability to protect himself. She could also feel his emotions, knowing that he was losing hope in the world out there. To go back out there now... I do not even want to think of what can happen to you. Even if he proved strong enough, which she still thought unlikely, to stand from this bed and leave Mabon.... what then?

Could he even lift a sword right now? He was so weak, yet his will was strong. It was a contradiction Maeve was familiar with for others have proved to hold the same conflict. Your ability to see is indeed a gift; do not make it a burden. His ability as a seer was something he used to help people; even her, who had been nothing more than a stranger at the time. You need time to heal, to recover. You also need time to be at peace with yourself, with the world. She wished to alter that lack of hope he felt, to something that would make him believe in all the good that was in the world, and not just the darkness he has continuously faced. Take this time to reflect. To ease your troubled mind and heart. She did not want him to feel more stress; he needed to be calm. If you are worried about someone, then I will send my people to watch them. To check on them. To ensure their safety.

They could be elusive enough, and the race of faeries were on fairly good terms with the druids... mostly the elders who knew of their existence. It was why she was able to stay with them from time to time at camp. Of course many were secretive, holding secure and well protected locations... but they were a kind people and Maeve wished to help them in any way she could. She knew Alistair would heal eventually, so if he desired she could send Haldir to keep watch and protect the others while Alistair recovered. As distant as Haldir was with humans, he was less detached towards druids for they were those of magic, and their people also faced massive persecution; their numbers having diminished at morbid rates. Haldir would not be against it, and if Maeve thought he would... then she never would have give such a suggestion to begin with and openly volunteered him.

[Alistair]

He knew that she could not send people to watch over the druids. There were too many, they were too untrusting to allow them close, and with his people being hunted and killed everyday he could let her get involved. But he wanted to let send someone to watch over the princess. His princess. Yet he knew if someone magical showed up at her door, then Isadora would not be pleased. He's only meet her two times, and both times she had been hesitant of magic but had embraced him.

The mental image of Maeve's body guard showing up to walk by her side everywhere was not something he knew she would approve of. "Kak." He told her "Nais Tuke, Rani Maeve. I can not risk you and yours." Not for his people, and for the one he might have taken the risk for; then he knew she would not take the offer. She would back away from it.

[Maeve]

Maeve would obviously not force her help upon him, for it was more something to ease his mind. Her own mind would forever be troubled with the thought of everyone who had to suffer at the hands of intolerance and discrimination. Though they were safe here in Mabon, she understood his distress and reluctance to remain here while there was so much suffering in the outside world. The risk would be well worth it. She did not doubt that. She would not openly volunteered her people if she knew that they would not wish to help those in need. Though it was mostly only her and Haldir who ventured from Mabon, certain others would go if it was necessary. Mostly, those who have lost someone very near and dear to them. Will you please then allow me to help you in what way I can?

Allowing her to tend to him, to help him recover. If she could not offer her assistance to him outside this realm, then at least she would be able to inside Mabon. I can not keep you here against your will. Even if she knew it would be what was best for him physically. But please..." She force her tears back over the thought of him leaving, fearing that the next time they met, it would be in the life after this. Let me help you. Let someone take care of you. For it seemed in his lifestyle, it was mostly the other way around. He was the one protecting others, risking his life as he fought for them and their rights... for the survival of his people. For the security of those he cared about. She only wished to do the same, for him.... for once.

[Alistair]

Let someone take care of him? He's been alone since he was twelve. His father's brother had taken him out of that place but the man had mostly expected Alistair to take care of himself. He spent every single day of his live alone; expect for the few trips with Vaughn and his few days with Isadora. he liked to think they were friends but with Vaughn there wasn't a tight bond there; and with her she'd not had a choice. Even then, he had been the one to care for her or force her to care for herself.

He'd been ill for a while; and she'd taken care of him but for some reason it felt different. Maeve was not asking to care for someone that she'd come to love and she was no in way at fault for the injury so their could not be guilt. Why would she wish to care for someone she knew nothing about? He could only watch her; not replying to anything else she spoke of. Not even sure what would be expected of him in return.

[Maeve]

Maeve tried to sense what he was feeling. As she recognized upon their first meeting, he was a difficult man to read, with deeply rooted emotions that did not surface nor grow apparent on his face. But that was quite alright. For she liked getting to know him rather than just making assumptions about how he felt based on his aura. Does this mean you will stay? She asked, hopeful. She knew that soon enough he would be with a choice on the matter. As soon as he was able to move, perhaps not now but in time, would he simply flee from Mabon?

Or would he take the time to properly heal; to regather all his strength rather than just partially revive it. She hoped it was the latter, but as previously acknowledged, she did not wish to force him to do anything; nor keep him here against his will. Please she added, almost making it sound more like a favor to herself than to him. For what kind of person would she be if she sent him back to such a dangerous world when he was so physically impaired.