Recent Posts

Gosh. This has taken a lot longer than I anticipated, I do apologise.

There were very few things Fin would not do if commanded by Nimueh. It was quite clear to him what she meant when she spoke of testing her abilities, it would not be the first time they were tested on him, and in truth, he didn't mind. Not only did it help Nimueh, but it also helped him. If he could withstand an assault from her, their enemies would hardly prove to be a challenge.

It was good to be speaking of such matters again, like nothing had changed. Even the suggestiveness was back in her voice, which was something Fin had definitely not expected himself to miss, but found himself doing just that. It was strange, he'd never been attached to anyone - except his parents, but even when they had been taken from him he'd just felt anger and the fear of being left on his own. Nimueh's defeat had given him similar feelings, but also ones of loss. That, however, was all in the past, and he was determined to keep it that way. If that meant allowing her to use her magic against him well so be it. He would rather that than end up losing her again.

But that was enough of that sort of thinking. There was no use dwelling on past feelings when he could be matching her smirk. "I am sure you know I am used to pain, mistress, normally at your hand it seems." One way or another, any physical pain he received was her fault. It was either her directly causing it, or through fighting her enemies. Not that he cared, she was right: he was used to pain, it was one of the consequences of being a blood guard.

He nodded at her words, he knew exactly what a "remainder" was, having witnessed it before. Well, luckily for him he had no intention of needing one. His vow had been pledged and sworn in his blood, his life was in her hands. "I know, mistress. I have sworn my loyalty to you, no reminder will be needed."

Fin was more than intimidated by both the man and his horses, he didn't like to be stared at, but he was not going to back down. He had enough pride to stand his ground, especially after the man started laughing at him. Yes, it was his home and it would most likely continue to be so until Uther was brought to justice. He did not choose to be a forest dweller, he did not choose to be alone. He was forced to hide with his brother, and then he was abandoned.

Such an experience tended to make the sufferer uneasy around others, and this man was no exception. But, the advantage of being by himself was that he had learnt you needed to be strong to survive, so no matter what this man did, whether he laughed or not, Fin would stand his ground. "Yes I live here." He replied, his voice a lot more confident than he was expecting. "But not through choice."

Fin kept eye contact with the stranger, anything else would be showing weakness. He may not be the most powerful man in the world, but he certainly had enough pride and was not one to show when he was scared.

He had heard the stories of the northern people. They were supposed to be ruthless and unforgiving men who would kill you as soon as look at you. Those of Albion were often warned of the dangers the lands of the north contained. Yet he remained how he was, stood firmly and looking straight at the stranger. "I was not spying." He said, and then on deciding an explanation was needed if the man was going to believe him, added "I was catching rabbits."

It was probably a stupid feeling, but Fin couldn't help but feel slightly intimidated by the horses standing and staring at him. The man was also staring, but there was good reason to be intimidated by him. Fin, however, stood his ground, fists clenched and trying to appear a lot tougher than he was. He might live a mainly solitary life, living in the woods still with the anger at the loss of his family, but even that would not protect him from the dangers of the world. He had always been a survivor and could tell a dangerous man when he saw one. And yet despite all this he heard himself reply to the man, and rather stubbornly too. "I live here."

The way the man spoke was not familiar to Fin, which just made him even more cautious. He had learnt well enough that strangers were not to be trusted. In a defensive action he crossed his arms against his chest, although resisted the urge to take a step back. "Where are you from then? And why are you here?"

It was stupid of him, but Fin almost felt a tinge of jealousy as she spoke of finding more followers. He had been the only one who had remained loyal to her, who had stayed, hopeful and trusting in her return. And now she was just going to find new people. Besides that, he liked to think that they could easily achieve their goals by themselves, they didn’t anyone else. It was a naive thought, but it was one that he long since held. He was a more than accomplished swordsman, and Nimueh was easily the most powerful sorceress he knew of. No, he was quite adamant that they didn’t need anyone. Of course he would never voice such an opinion, she would only laugh at him, chastise him for being so foolish, and then surround herself with as many followers as possible just to anger him. As with many things, it was better if he kept his feelings to himself. Instead he nodded, and said “You know I will be ready whenever you are, mistress.”

After her next speech he regarded her carefully. It was probably just another trick of hers and nothing good would come of it. She was going to raise his hopes of fulfilling such a wish, only to completely crush such a wish, and probably Fin with it. He had known her too long to know that he should be cautious, she could be using such a suggestion so she could punish him for having ideas and ambitions above his station. He should not have mentioned anything about the crown, or Camelot. He should have never even allowed such thoughts to enter his head. She was his mistress after all, not his ally. He thought about his answer carefully, convinced that it wall some trick of hers, but at the same time hoping that she was being true. After a minute or so he replied, “There is nothing I would wish more than seeing Uther pay for his crimes, and to see you achieve all that you wish. And so I shall be contented with nothing more than being in your service.” He was sure she was going to question this, but at least she could not accuse him of being overzealous with his own goals and desires.

It always made him smile to be called her warrior. The term made him feel appreciated, but then he always did feel appreciated by his mistress. Nimueh commanded great authority, but also great loyalty. He could say with quite some certainty that there was nothing he would not to for her. “And tremble they will, the strongest of men will fall at your feet.” It would be glorious. All the world would see just how powerful she was, just how much she was to be revered. And he would be there, in his rightful place. He was glad to see her death and resurrection and not changed her. Despite her absence and experiences beyond this life she has returned the same woman he had known, still with revenge in her heart and a scheme in her mind.

His bravery in being so outspoken was rewarded as she gave him an appreciated nudge on the arm. She was flirting with him far more openly than she had ever done before. Maybe being away for so long had allowed her to realise how invaluable he was to her and her cause, or maybe her return had given her a greater lust for life and all it had to offer. Either way, Fin was confused, and a little hopeful. It was no secret that he had great admiration for her, and not just because of her prowess as a sorceress. He was quite certain, however, that her flirtation was no more than a game. Still, that did not mean that he could not enjoy it and participate. “As usual I will be ready and willing...whatever you ask of me.”

He suddenly felt very stupid due to her laughter. She had never been forthright with her exact motives for wanting to remove Uther from his power, or what she would do after she had achieved this. Fin had always assumed she would take the throne for herself; after all, she more than deserved it. Clearly he had been misinterpreting everything because when she explained why she would not have the throne it all made perfect sense. He could no longer imagine her ruling over Camelot, it just wasn’t her. Her next words, however, allowed his hopefulness to return, although he tried to hide it. As he had just proved he had been wrong about her motives before and did not wish to show himself as a bigger fool so he tried to keep his reply as vague as possibly. Surely she could not be suggesting what he thought she was. “Such a ruler would certainly be a fine thing and no doubt can only benefit the kingdom.”

Fin listened to her words with a smile. She was right, of course, she always was. Besides, killing people quickly was always so boring and something he only did when there was no time for a little fun first. He was listening to her intently; she had such a way with words, such an inspiring air about her. It was one of the first things that Fin had noticed about her. On their first meeting he had been completely captivated by the woman, drawn in with no hope breaking free. Over the years these feelings had only strengthened and turned a blood oath that had been sworn as an act of revenge had become his sole driving force. He served and protected her with such fervour because he wanted to, he believed in her entirely. To him, she was beyond contestation.

“Of course you are right. But if I may say it would be so much more enjoyable just to torture and kill her. It has been such a long time.” Without Nimueh there had been no enemies, no one that needed to be taught a lesson and he was therefore rather out of practice. Still, lesser beings were challenging his mistress all the time, and while they were hardly great foes they would at least be something, if only a little light amusement.

She was challenging him, it was obvious, what with her sly suggestion and raised eyebrow. She did like to play on his vanity, especially when it came to his prowess as a swordsman. “Perhaps we will find out one day.” He returned. He was more than happy to challenge Morgause, if only just to demonstrate his own talents. With a smirk he added, “Any excuse to impress you.”

If Fin didn’t know better he would suspect a hint of jealousy in Nimueh’s tone when she spoke of Morgause. While both parties were against Uther and would do all in their power to see his downfall, it was clear from the way she spoke of her fellow sorceress that Nimueh would not let that privilege be taken away from her. After all, she had certainly been waiting long enough. Whilst did not know the cause of her hatred towards the king – he knew better than to ask – he did know that she was determined that no one would take that particular pleasure away from her. And if they tried to? Well, there were some things even magic could not protect you from. “She would be wiser to work with you now, but it probably would not be as much fun for you to watch.”

At Nimueh’s instruction he stood up. It felt entirely natural to be taking orders again, almost as if she had never been away. It didn’t matter that he had been alone for so long because now she had returned, and this time he was going to make sure that nothing would take her away. He had already failed as her guard once, it would not happen a second time.

Fin nodded at her suggestion. Of course he had no choice but to agree, but the fact that it was presented as a suggestion rather than a straight command made him respected. It made him feel that he was more than just a servant, but a companion. He was by no means her equal and had far too much of a survival instinct to imply anything of the sort. He could still feel appreciated though.

“I’m afraid not much has changed in your absence. Uther is still poisoning Camelot.” He replied. There was not much to tell her, since she had been killed there were few challengers to the throne. He had heard rumours about the king’s ward, the Lady Morgana, but nothing solid. “No one has been able to take your place.” He added.

As they carried on walking he continued, this time addressing the latter part of her speech. “Indeed I am, mistress. Whoever has brought you back deserves much praise.”

On hearing his name Fin turned around, half expecting himself to be hearing things. But no, he was right. Someone had said his name. She had said his name. She was stood there, looking at him, smiling and saying his name like it was the most normal thing in the world. He stared helplessly up at her, his brain still trying to understand what was happening and how she could be in front of him.

“Nimueh...” He half whispered before remembering himself and scrambled to his feet in order to greet her properly: one knee on the floor, the other leg bent in front, one arm behind his back and head down, looking at the floor. He cleared his throat. “Mistress, you have returned.” He stayed in that position until told otherwise, having learned the hard way what happened when anyone showed Nimueh disrespect.

His mind was racing. How could she be here? She died. Two years ago. He had been alone for two years; his life had near enough been over for two years. He knew better than to say it was impossible, he had witnessed magic himself on many occasions but this really was...impossible. He had waited and waited, not allowing himself to believe that she was really gone, because there must have been something, someone who could bring her back. And now she was stood before him as if she’d only been gone a few moments. She was back. Nimueh was back. His sorceress was back. Still looking at the floor, he smirked. They were back.