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It was frightening to be in the presence of one so powerful and imposing as Nimueh, a woman of legend. Her Uncle had spoken of the woman often, mainly to warn Catalina of the woman’s treachery and deceit. She was not one to be trusted, that was what Aldriv often said, a sort of acidic tone to his voice when he spoke of the beautiful woman. Catalina had reason to believe that there was such animosity when he spoke of the High Priestess but he never went into his past nor did he bother to explain just how he knew that Nimueh was a treacherous snake. Even still, Catalina had to admit that Nimueh had been nothing if not polite and kind to the druidess. Naïve and innocent, Catalina liked to believe that there was good in everyone. It was a childish point of view to hold, especially in a world like this but it was just who Catalina was. She couldn’t change just because it might be foolish or dangerous to be as she was. She didn’t trust Nimueh but she would not seek to insult the woman either, not out of fear but out of a mixture of respect and curiosity.

Her uncle would not be pleased if he knew that Catalina was speaking with the High Priestess. Looking back towards the encampment, she wondered if perhaps she should rouse her Uncle or remain where she was. She could use magic to do so but Nimueh would surely know and possibly take offense. She hadn’t done anything threatening to Catalina after all. There was no need to behave rudely. She complimented Catalina on her intelligence though she did so as an adult would to a young child. Cat was no child! Well, compared to Nimueh she probably was since the legend of Nimueh went back years and years ago and yet she looked no older than Catalina did herself. Magic. What power one had to have to remain youthful for so long, not that Catalina knew just how old Nimueh was but she’d have to be older than she appeared if she and her Uncle had known one another as they did. “You are too kind.”

It was nice to have some company at least and it was someone that knew magic as well so that was a weight off her mind. She didn’t have to hide who she was. Every so often Cat would look over her shoulder, expecting her Uncle to walk over disapprovingly and send her off to bed like the child he seemed to believe she was. Would he be angry with her? She was suddenly feeling quite guilty sitting there speaking with someone that she had been warned about since she was a young child.

Nimueh seemed to laugh at the girl’s fears, trying to make herself seem less frightening then Cat had been led to believe. Was it true? Catalina smiled softly, a bit unsure on what to believe now. Perhaps that was all it had been, bedtime stories to frighten her and Samara. But if that was the case then why didn’t those stories stop once they reached adulthood? “Yes, very real and not all that frightening at all.” She would go along with it since logic dictated that ‘if’ Nimueh was as dangerous as her Uncle had warned then it would be best to remain on her good side. “Still, is it true that you are a High Priestess of the Old Religion or was that too simply a fable?”

Protection? She was not stupid, she knew very well what she meant by protection. The Great Purge had destroyed so many lives and continued even still, Catalina could be killed if she was found using magic in Camelot and other Kingdoms that banned magic simply to gain an ally from the powerful King of Camelot. It wasn’t fair of course but life was far from fair anymore. “Why?” She asked curiously. “Why would you wish to protect me?” She tried not to sound suspicious but the thought of what she would want in return came to mind. Very few wished to give without expecting something in return first and Catalina didn’t think to count Nimueh in those few, not yet anyway. “My Uncle Aldriv says that those with powerful magic often misuse it.”

The Isle of the Blessed. “Of course I have.” There was a certain amount of awe in her voice when she answered. As much as her Uncle had spoken ill of Nimueh, he had told her of the beautiful and magical Isle of the Blessed. Cat figured he had been there before though he says he hadn’t. “Do you live there? The Isle I mean.”

Nimueh’s ploy to make herself look almost pitiful worked and Catalina actually felt bad for her. So Cat had been right after all, Aldriv knew so much about Nimueh because he had actually known her. Cat wondered just how ‘close’ the two had been but that was a personal question that she had no right to ask. Incompatible? “Just how incompatible?” Surely druids and those of the old religion could not be that different, though druids practised the ways of peace, perhaps that was what she meant. “I see..” She wanted to know more, to ask more but she didn’t wish to push.

“Yes, I know how it all started, but I have to make sure first you really want to know the reason. The true reason.”

“What would you know of truth Nimueh?” A voice rang out from behind Nim and Cat, a familiar voice to the both of them though Nimueh handn’t heard his voice in ages. He was not happy to see Nimueh there, chatting up his niece so sweetly. Catalina was an innocent, pure and sweet and he didn’t wish to have Nimueh corrupt her. A white staff was clutched in his hand as he walked over, unafraid to face such a powerful woman as Nimueh. There was a flicker in his dark eyes, old emotions that he pushed to the back of his mind for the time being. She looked as beautiful as she did the day she had met her but she was not the same. Time and tragedy had changed Nimueh, The Great Purge playing a very big part in that change.

Catalina stood up rather quickly, eyes wide as though she had been caught doing something she knew was wrong and in a way she had. She had been right, he was not happy with her though most of the anger in his gaze seemed to be directed at Nimueh rather than Cat. “You seek to poison my niece’s mind with your bitterness and hatred and I will not stand for it hag.” It was hard seeing her after all this time but he would not let her know how it affected him. This wasn’t about them, it was about him protecting Catalina from her.

Why was it that whenever Catalina was off by herself she often came across other people rather than just the gentle animals of the forest? There were days when she saw no one for miles but that was normally when she was with the other druids or with her Uncle at least where there was some form of protection. Not that she was defenceless of course but still, one of these days she would pay for just wandering around. She just had to hope it wasn’t today. So far the handsome stranger seemed friendly enough, though he could definitely tell that she was unsure of his presence and thus seemed to make sure that Catalina didn’t believe that he was dangerous. That did help of course and after a few moments she began to relax. She was the sort that enjoyed the company of another anyway, it was just that men made her a bit wary because other than Arthur and perhaps Lorcan, she had met men that wished her harm. That wasn’t to say that now all men wished to harm her but still, there was always a chance.

This man didn’t look like any bandit she had ever seen nor did he seem like a magic-catcher. She explained what she was doing, seeing no reason why she’d have to hide it. She didn’t bother to mention the druids because she didn’t wish to tell him that she was a druid or that there were other druids nearby. She had no idea how he viewed magic and thus had to tread carefully. This was a rather awkward meeting and it was mostly Cat’s fault given how she had reacted upon meeting him. It couldn’t be helped, the paranoia.

Especially after the chance of Arthur going back on his word and telling his father about the druid encampment. Catalina didn’t think he would since he seemed sincere in his promise and he seemed like the sort that would keep his word but she didn’t really know him all that well. Celyn went on to explain what he was doing, just walking about just as she had been. Not like she had much to say about who walked through these woods, they weren’t her forests.

It was sweet that he had stopped to see if she was alright. She hadn’t realized that she had looked all that upset but apparently she had. “You are very kind to show concern for a stranger.” Others would have just ignored her completely and continued on. He seemed to be a gentleman. He introduced himself as Celyn and offered his hand to shake before realizing the futility of the gesture and letting it fall back to his side. She never saw the reason for shaking another person’s hand, it was a greeting as well as a show of respect in some cultures.

Still, at least he was trying to ease the awkwardness Catalina had caused. Smiling warmly now that she was a bit more relaxed and less upset then she had been before, Cat felt she should return the favour. “My name is Catalina. It is nice to meet you Celyn.” Hmm… What now? Being that she didn’t really go around other people, she wasn’t the best with trying to maintain a conversation. “Seeing as how we were both simply walking about, we could continue walking together perhaps, if you want.” As restless as she was, she wanted to keep moving, especially if Samara was going to come looking for her or worse, her Uncle Aldriv. He was a very protective man after all. “So are you from Camelot?” She asked.

While Catalina had been fearful that someone was following her, she was hoping that she had gotten far enough away that using magic wouldn’t endanger her. It was strange having to be afraid to use her magic when all her life she had been taught to harness her magic and learn how to use it. Cat wished she had known a time when magic had been welcome all over the place, Camelot included. It had to be a wonderful time when sorcerers and druids were able to live without the fear of being thrown in prison or burned for what they were. Huddling close to the fire that she had made, the druidess pulled back her hood and relaxed a little. Of course she was still alert to any noises that may indicate someone was close by but what would she do then? She could hardly run in her condition and what if she ran from a bandit into the arms of a Camelot soldier? What then? It was a lose lose situation all around. She had magic of course but she was a defensive spell-caster, she didn’t like using any spells that could harm others, even to save her own life. She was not violent.

Unlike the heavy footfalls she heard earlier that had made her run, Caitrin’s footsteps were soft and thus hard to hear until the girl was right there and speaking to Catalina. The druidess jumped slightly when she heard Caitrin’s voice and turned quickly to see who was talking to her. She didn’t recognize the girl who didn’t seem all that much older than Cat. Know what she was doing? “Yes I believe I do. I am warming myself by the fire.” She hadn’t come to realize that Caitrin had seen her use magic or she would have realized what Cait had meant by her seemingly odd question.

Catalina wasn’t the only one who had gotten lost and caught in the rain it seemed which meant Catalina would have some company unless Cait decided to leave. Brushing a damp strand of hair away from her face, Cat tried to figure out why there seemed to be concern in her voice. Cait didn’t seem to be a threat to Catalina but there was no telling, threats came in all forms after all. Studying her somewhat carefully, Catalina offered a warm smile and gestured to the fire. “Please, have a seat and warm yourself up. The rain won’t pass for a while now.”

Biting her lip to keep from yelping in pain, Catalina moved her injured foot so that she could get more comfortable on the ground in front of the fire. Stupid clumsiness! Had she been alone she would have allowed herself to pout but she chose instead to try and engage her current companion in conversation which was easier said than done considering she didn’t know anything about the red-haired girl. “I’m sorry the fire isn’t bigger, I couldn’t find many dry kindling considering the weather.”

The sound of the rain seemed to get louder as it got heavier but the canopy of leaves above them seemed to hold nicely, little drops falling every so often of course but it was better than being outside where she would undoubtedly get sick. “I’m Catalina. You are?” Introductions would be good, she would have done it sooner but she had been busy tending her wounded ankle. Was she a peasant from Camelot or someone higher up? She wore nicer clothing which seemed to deduce higher status. One never knew, could be a princess for all Catalina knew since there had been a time when she had met a Princess in these woods though the roles had been reversed if she remembered correctly.

Shivering, Cat pulled her cloak around her closer. Stupid weather, why did it have to be so terrible? She wanted to be with her family rather than out here as it got darker. She didn’t like to think of being out at night on her own. It just didn’t sit well with her. Still, at least she wasn’t completely alone, that was a relief.

Had the footsteps she had heard earlier been this girl? It was possible of course but not probable. She hadn’t heard Caitrin until she had spoken which meant she didn’t have heavy footsteps and plus that had been in the other direction. A part of her hoped that it had been Cait so that she didn’t have to worry so much. “So are you lost as well?”

How was it that Catalina could have spent so much time in the forests outside of Camelot and yet still find herself lost? She was a druidess, one with nature and was used to being outside so it was extra embarrassing when she found herself separated from her camp where her Uncle and sister were. She wasn’t afraid, not yet anyway, there was no given reason to be afraid just yet but that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be. Catalina wasn’t the sort to be paranoid but given how much trouble she had come across in the short amount of time she had been near Camelot, it was to be expected. She had come across bandits and slavers within a few weeks of one another and she had to wonder what else lay in wait for the young druidess. There was always a danger being in these woods anyway simply because of how close they were to the great city of Camelot where King Uther Pendragon continued his war on magic and those that used it. So between bandits, slavers, and Camelot patrol, Catalina had a fair share of things to be afraid of.

Brushing a strand of gold hair behind her ear, Catalina drew in a deep breath and look around, trying to get her bearings. Cat had been feelings restless all day, since the moment she had woken up. She had been having the dream again and she couldn’t bring herself to speak to her Uncle Aldriv about it. He would listen of course and try to sooth her fears but she knew what it did to him when she spoke of fearing her death by burning. It reminded her Uncle of his sister and her husband’s deaths during the Great Purge. Cat’s mother and father had been burned because of their magic and it was because of Aldriv that Samara and Catalina did not share similar fates at such a young age. Would there ever be a day when magic was not hated and feared? Where the druids could live in peace? Catalina hoped and prayed for such a day to come but as the years passed, her hope was starting to wane.

Things didn’t help all that much when the skies turned grey and rain began to fall. Just her luck. Pulling the hood of her red cloak up over her head, Cat looked around for some shelter. The rain wasn’t falling too hard just yet but who knew if a storm was coming their way. She really didn’t want to be out in the open for that and she had no idea which way to go in order to find the druid encampment. Why hadn’t she been paying attention to where she was going? She had a nasty habit of doing that. Losing herself in thought and not paying attention to where she was going. Might explain why she seemed to attract trouble as she did. If she was less reckless than maybe she wouldn’t get into as much trouble as she did.

Oh great, now her inner voice was starting to sound a lot like her Uncle Aldriv.

The snap of a twig off in the distance caught Catalina’s attention, causing her to jump slightly. There was a chance that it could be nothing more than an animal and yet Catalina was convinced it wasn’t that. Heavy footsteps tromping through the now muddy forest alluded to something else which meant Catalina really didn’t want to be there by herself. It could simply be a traveller but Cat didn’t wish to take a chance. Moving quickly, Cat began to run in the opposite direction. She could of course be overreacting but considering her luck, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Given the muddy ground and the fact that Catalina believed she was running from a potential threat, whether it be a bandit or a soldier from Camelot, it was no surprise when she caught her foot on something and went down hard, twisting her foot as she did. Gods it hurt so much and what was worse was how silly she felt as she landed. It wasn’t broken, she knew that much but it was sprained and was already beginning to turn purple. Now she was all wet, lost, and injured not to mention muddy as well from falling.

It took her some time before she was able to limp over to a large tree that provided some shelter from the rain. The rain had picked up since then and Catalina figured she would have to wait it out before she could travel more. Thankfully she had some healing poultices with her that would hopefully help her injured ankle. Small branches and twigs were gathered from around her before she sat on the ground in front of the little wood pile. “æled.” Her eyes flashed gold and a fire sparked amongst the wood.

Never been so many and we've never been so alone

Apologizing was never an easy thing to do but given that Catalina had been rude, it was only right on her part. She wasn’t the sort of person who wasn’t one to admit her mistakes, she knew she was only human and no amount of magic would change that from being true. Still, even though she felt apologetic for the disrespectful way she had spoken to the Prince, she couldn’t help but still find the color of his hair amusing. She avoided her eyes to keep from giggling considering that probably wouldn’t help solidify her apology and make it seem sincere. He let her apologize though and didn’t offer up any derogatory remarks or anything like that so perhaps that was the end of that little fight right there. Of course the fact that he was the son of a magic-hating tyrant and she was a user of magic, there was still a very good chance that this could all go horribly wrong for her and her people. He could easily go back home and tell his father where they were and while the druids moved quickly when in danger, there was a chance that it wouldn’t be enough and they would be wiped out all because of one mistake on Catalina’s part. It was terrifying to think of really.

Given that this hadn’t happened to Catalina, there was no telling really how she would have reacted had she been in his place and he in hers. Perhaps she would have been angry as well though she was fairly certain she would have accepted the fact that it had been an accident from the beginning unlike what he had done. With the apology out of the way, she then chose to thank him for his part in her rescue since there was a good chance that she would have been sitting in a cage right now if it hadn’t been for Arthur. Cat was really grateful; it was just the pink hair that had made her seem ungrateful… He told her that she didn’t have to thank him for his action as only a noble man could do and she simply nodded in response, choosing to let that subject go. It was sad that she had sought to aid him and had misfired her spell. She hadn’t meant to do it but it also showed her that she had a lot to learn still with her magic.

Her spells hadn’t failed! Ok…so one had but the other had been exactly what she wanted. It wasn’t her fault that in the midst of their fighting that he had chosen to get in the way of her spell intended for another. Not that she’d say that since she didn’t want to make him mad again. That was the last thing on her mind and not just because she didn’t like people being mad at her but also because the amount of danger an angry prince could mean for her people. He was the future King of Camelot and was capable of, if he chose to do so, lifting the ban on magic. She couldn’t further his thoughts that magic was evil or dangerous by proving him right. Also she knew that time was not on her side, him missing could prove to be dangerous for the druids. Cat could see the look of worry on Arthur’s face when she mentioned doing another spell, understandable but hardly flattering. He accepted her apology but was he doing that because he actually meant it or because he was afraid of her? Not that it mattered of course. All that mattered was this got resolved. The quicker the better. “I’m glad.” Was her response since she didn’t really want to say nothing at all, she didn’t want to be rude.

Her surprise at his promise of not turning in the encampment of druids was also quite understandable. Cat did what she could to keep her jaw from dropping cause that would be ever ruder but still, she couldn’t hide her shock. She had assumed that he would do so out of duty alone, the fact that she had accidentally messed with his hair wouldn’t help either. This was yet another reminder that it was best not to judge people so quickly as they could surprise you, just as Arthur had. "I see no reason to report this camp." Was his excuse and while Catalina didn’t see using magic as a means for punishment, she couldn’t help but feel the urge to argue that point which would be incredibly foolish, even for her. Biting her lip, she simply nodded as she looked down at the ground. “You have our thanks.” It was true; she echoed her Uncle’s gratitude for the promise of silence.

His hesitation at her casting yet another spell was expected but ignored as well. Concentrating hard this time, she did her magic right and his hair was starting to fade back to his golden color. Cat smiled as the Prince rushed over to the river to look at his reflection in the surface. It was still amusing but she didn’t dare laugh again considering how angry that had made him before. Instead she just smiled as she moved to grab a basket from the campfire. With this taken care of, hopefully Arthur would return to the City and no guards would come searching for him. There was still a great deal of uncertainty for Catalina. How did she know she could trust him? He was the son of Uther after all. What if guards came while they slept.. What if…

Her worries were interrupted by Arthur’s voice, apparently he knew she had concerns in regards to whether he would keep his word or not and felt it necessary to state it yet again. There was something about the way he said it that made her believe it. Instead of dwelling on that current topic of conversation, Catalina chose to veer from that and gestured to the woods. “I do not know how familiar you are with these woods. I have some errands that I must tend to and if you wish, I can show you the way back.” It probably seemed redundant, her going back out on her own after the catastrophe that had happened last time but she was confident that her Uncle had taken care of that particular threat for the time being and so the woods would be safe for the time being…hopefully. “I promise I won’t bite. Aside from messing up every so often with my magic, I’m actually quite good company if I do say so myself…which I do.” She smiled brightly and waited to see what he would say. If he wished to head back on his own she would understand considering how all the day had gone. “I promise, no more magic.”

He smiles politely back at you, you stare politely right on through

It was true, Catalina knew next to nothing about the young man she had come across other than he was a skilled fighter that had been wounded terribly and seemed to have a bleak outlook on life. Life often had it’s dark moments and it seemed that Lancelot was going through one of them but dark moments or not, how could he wish for his life to end? It didn’t make sense to her but that went along with the fact that she didn’t know him or his circumstances. Not that it would have made much of a difference to her if she had known either. Catalina would still have chosen to do what she did; it was just how she was really. A soft touch, a gentle soul, a hippe magician. He could fight it all he liked but at least he’d be alive to fight it. If that made sense…

While Catalina was convinced that a person decided their own path in life, she also believed that fate played a hand in many things. It surely was fate that Catalina had come across Lancelot when she had because if she had not, he surely would have bled to death and gotten his wish for death’s cold embrace. She had been guided to him, she didn’t know why and she didn’t bother to question it either. She went with the flow and did what she felt was right despite his arguing. She wasn’t scared of him in the least, she had her magic to protect her to a certain extent and also he was far too weak to really do much of anything aside for ask her to let him be and ask questions that she didn’t particularly care to answer when she was trying to concentrate on saving his life. "I have no worries, milady. Whether my life is taken or not is not up to me, but is reserved in the decisions of higher powers. I understand, though, that you are doing as much as is in your power to help me, and I appreciate it, even if I have my doubts as to whether you should waste your time over me."[/] Catalina simply nodded as he spoke, more intent on her task than his words for the time being.

“Hmmmm ..... you think that it is up to me whether I recover?” For someone who was as injured as he was, he really did talk a lot didn’t he? It was exasperating to say the least but she was patient and so she didn’t snap at him as her sister might have. Her sister had such a short temper with others, especially when they argued with her. Cat’s Uncle often told Catalina that she had her mother’s gentle temperament. It was a compliment if ever there was one. Cat wasn’t sure how to respond to his last comment so instead she said nothing, simply sighing in relief when he finally agreed to be silent. Finally…

Her analogy wasn’t taken well; she could see that by the look on his face and the gruff timbre to his voice as well. How frustrating though he did have a point. She didn’t know about his situation but as far as she was concerned, she didn’t need to know about it to do what she was doing. There was some question as to whether he would undue all her hard work later on after they parted ways, he certainly seemed like the sort that would do something foolish in his anguish though perhaps she was reading him wrong. She hoped so because she was using a lot of her energy in helping to heal him and it would be very disappointing if she was wasting her effort on a hopeless case. “There is no need to snap at me.” She said softly, not showing any sign that she was offended or even affected by his gruff tone and his lack of interest in living. “You’re right, everything has it’s time and I firmly believe that if you were meant to pass on then I would have never been meant to find you as you were.”

He was getting tired. Oh thank the Great Mother. He still fought it, fought her with words but he was fading fast and not in the bad way either. He needed his rest and maybe after some sleep he would be less cranky. She didn’t need his thanks, that wasn’t why she had done all this but a little kindness would be nice. “Why are you so determined that my life not end here. What gives you the right to intervene .....,"A fair question of course but it was one she didn’t have to answer for after the words were spoken he drifted off into much needed sleep. Still, she pondered the answer she would given when he awoke. What did give her the right to intervene in what may very well have been nature’s course? She didn’t know really. The feeling that his life was not meant to end there maybe. She wasn’t gifted with the power of a seer so she didn’t know what his destiny was but she was pretty sure it didn’t end in this forest.

Time had passed since Lancelot had first been injured, he had been asleep for a while and she had remained not too far from him, resigned to watch over her unwilling charge until she was sure he was strong enough to ride without falling off his horse. She took notice of him when he awoke and asked him how he was feeling. His answer was not a surprise really nor was the tone, still cranky. “I’m relieved to hear that.” Where did she go from here now? She hated awkward silences after all. “I understand if you do not wish to answer this but I wish to ask, why do you have so little regard for your own life?” It was a fair enough question considering how much he had fought her verbally earlier.

He smiles politely back at you, you stare politely right on through

Given the dire sense of his injury, it was surely not much of a surprise that Catalina chose to not pay his questions any mind. He sounded so weak and he needed to rest so that he would heal. She could only do so much, the rest was up to him in terms of resting but he was young and healthy looking so he should mend rather quickly. It was true that Catalina had never dealt with such a bad wound as this but she was confidant in her skills as her Uncle was a brilliant teacher. She had skill coupled with magic and determination to get her through this and when it all came down to it, she was not doing this for any sense of glory or to receive something in return. She was doing it because it was what was right. She believed that and if something were to happen to her, she would hope that others would have that same frame of mind. She was very focused on her work, so focused that she barely heard him speak again. She offered him a smile. “I understand your worry must be great given the circumstances but I am doing what I can.” That didn’t answer his many questions because it wasn’t necessary and her energy was best served in another way. The fact that he didn’t necessarily want her help was irrelevant at this point.

Hearing Lancelot speak was rather depressing. Something traumatic must have happened to him for him to feel so down and wish not to continue. Why else would one wish to expire? She couldn’t understand it but Catalina didn’t really know Lancelot either so there was a good chance that he had good reasons to feel the way he did. Even still, she wouldn’t allow him to die when she could help him. He didn’t argue with her nor did he make her task that much harder, so she was thankful for that but there was just such a heaviness about him. It saddened her. His response was somewhat abrupt and unexpected and she found herself blinking in surprise. What was she to say to that? “My uncle believes there is good in everyone, no one is beyond hope of being changed but I do not expect everyone to adopt such a mindset.” Truly was it worth it to save the body when the mind and spirit weren’t willing? Wouldn’t it be a waste? No, it was never a waste to save someone’s life. “It will not be your last service unless you make it so.” Perhaps it was best to be silent and continue her work but she couldn’t help but pipe up. “I would know enough about it to know that death is a waste of a good soul and while you do not wish to go on, sometimes that isn’t your choice to make.” Catalina believed in the Great Mother and believed that she had a purpose; the old religion was still alive. “Now please be silent, I wish to concentrate.” She wasn’t one for telling others what to do but he was distracting her with his comments.

Not once did the thought of doing anything other than healing the poor man cross the druidess’ mind. She was an innocent, a sweetheart who wished only to help others with her skills and her magic. While she was a woman who did in fact notice how attractive Lancelot was, Cat was focused on the task at hand and wouldn’t allow herself to be distracted in such a way. As for having something to hide. Didn’t they all? She didn’t wish to openly mention that she was using magic in order to help him because she didn’t wish to worry him. One never knew how another would react to the forbidden craft and he was in enough stress as it was, she didn’t wish to add more to it.

Goddess give her strength, why was he questioning her so much? She could tell that he was in pain and he was most likely scared but why berate her for doing the right thing? How was she to deal with him? Biting her lip, she looked down at him and sighed. “You speak of knightly acts. If a maiden were walking towards a cliff, wishing to throw herself off of it, would you not seek to stop her? To save her life regardless of whether she wished you to or not? Could you let another die if it was in your power to stop it?” There was no irritation in her voice, no judgment, Cat’s voice remained soft and gentle the whole time. “I fear no words that I give will put your mind at ease, why do you fight me so?” Not that he really could fight her at this point. His wound had been healed to a certain extent and the salve would hopefully do the rest. Thankfully he was tired and he would fall asleep and stop his worrying. Whether his worries and troubles would follow him into his dreams, she could not tell and that was not something she could change nor could she change his wish to live. That was something only he could work on. “Because I am good at what I do, that’s why. You will not die here, not by the wound you received. I can guarantee you that. And I mean you no harm as well.”

Gathering firewood while the man lay there, she gave his horse water and comforted the worried horse and made sure he was taken care of. When Lancelot did wake up and he would, he would wake to a night sky and a roaring fire. He would still be feeling weak but his pain would have lessened as the healing poultice had done it’s work. When Catalina noticed that Lancelot had awoken, she would turn to him with a smile. “How are you feeling?”