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It was not often that Maeve was without the company of Haldir. As a warrior and healer, he was the one who usually accompanied her on her ventures away from Mabon. But today, was an exception. So many of their kind had been attacked and he was need back in Mabon to provide them aid. Maeve was worried.... worried for her people who were slowly diminishing in numbers. She feared the worst.... yet knew that dwelling in this uncertain future would not help the present nor change the past. She sympathized for those who allowed their bitterness to cloud their better judgment, and consume themselves with thoughts of rage. For she truly believed that if everyone came together....that peace could prosper. That they could find that middle ground between those of magic and those without.

But until then, she was forced to search for help. Any help that she could get! While she did not yet know what it was, she firmly believed that she would recognize it when it came to her. All she could do was travel the land, this time only with the companionship of her loyal friend, Mirshann. A horse from the realm of Mabon, and one of a magnificent white color and accelerated speed and swiftness. She was clad in her purple cloak as it was later afternoon and a small chill in the air. She would have to make camp soon, but wanted to travel for as far as she could. Besides, there could be a small village nearby that could provide better shelter than a cave. Though so far, nothing came in sight. The Forest of Balor was notorious for the creatures and crooks that dwelt within it, but once again, Maeve remained optimistic, focusing on the positive outcomes rather than consuming herself with fear from the worst.

Among the stillness of the air and vacancy of the woods thus far, Maeve could feel something near her presence. Something in the air that was leading her to believe that there was someone else around. And she knew that Mirshann felt it too. He began to take reluctant steps before taking a few steps backwards even. Mae tar tia mellon. She spoke in a soft whisper, placing her hand on the neck of her horse, but he refused to move forward. Not wanting to force it to be in an undesirable situation, Maeve effortlessly dismounted from the horse and moved forward, gently placing her hand on its snout. Shar raika? She asked, questioning what had gotten her friend so afraid.

She noticed that Mirshann's eyes were not set on her and she half turned to follow his gaze. What Maeve saw forced a small gasp out of her as she reflexively jumped back a little, now standing next to Mirshann rather than in front of him. Her eyes widened in fear for she saw two red eyes, staring at her. It was with height, a beast perhaps! As it revealed itself from the concealment of the trees, she got a better looked at it. An animal.... but unlike one she had ever seen. She froze in fear, wondering if speaking to it would make it seem less frightening. Maeve knew it was so very wrong of her to judge a person or creature solely by its appearance. But there was something about her that set an inevitable fear in her. Something she could feel from it. Something that made it unpredictable and worry for her own safety as well as Mirshann's.

Her terror however only grew when she saw a hound appear from no where as well. She took a few smaller steps back, standing more on Mirshann's side. She wanted to mount him and ride off, but feared for what the hound or even the horse may do to him whilst trying to escape. It was a risk to take, and not one she was prepared to make if it cost her the life of her beloved Mirshann. So all she could do was is stand next to her horse, gently placing her hand on its side; trying to console Mirshann, just as much as she was trying to comfort herself. And reassure herself that everything would be alright. She knew that there was someone else lurking about; she could feel their presence. What she could not determine was if they meant her harm or not. Maeve did not like to use the abilities granted to her unless it was absolutely imperative....and she truly hoped it was not.

~ Tag Gael ~

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.

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

To say that Maeve was not having a good day would be an understatement. She was in the middle of the woods, it was getting dark, and she was separated from her two companions: Haldir and Mirshann. She worried for them and as he safety was her primary concern, it was not her only one. She had been waiting in the forest for them, seeking shelter and concealment in the woods. Unfortunately, a small group of bandits did the same and upon seeing her, and finding her valuables, the jewelry she made and sell to continue her charade as a merchant, they assumed she was more wealthy than she actually was. Well...in this world anyway. They had been traveling for over a day now and decided to rest for a bit in the Forest of Balor.

Not only were they taking her hostage, but they had taken notice of her pointed ears so were now torn between two options: holding her for ransom, assuming she was nobility. Or taking her to Camelot where they believed they would be offered a hefty price for presenting a less than human being. Their decision was something they spent countless hours arguing about, and Maeve was growing more and more wary of it. She sat on the side, leaning against a tree, the hood of her cape lifted thus concealing her ears, and her hands bound. She was weaponless, even though she really did not know how to use a weapon. The four men were not far, conversing amongst themselves. She did not like the emotions she was sensing from them for they were hostile and filled with cruelty. Maeve was not crying, yet. She was planning to escape and now that it was getting dark, knew she would have a better chance of using the shadow to her advantage.

She closed her eyes and began to concentrate. Her energy level was weak from the endless traveling they did today, so it was all or nothing. She would have to wait until at least tomorrow to give this another attempt. She focused, and began whispering words of enchantment under hear breath. Faer i' luth en' i' folbol amin tanya naa n' eller Whispering these words over and over, the intensity grew though the volume of her words stayed the same so that they would draw no notice from the men. Normally, this could be with more ease but with her current state of weakness, it was taking longer than it normally did. The power of illusion was not one easily used, and while she had mastered this ability, it still had its limitations.

What is she saying? She's using magic! Making a spell!

Maeve's eyes abruptly opened when one of the bandits stood right in front of her. That had been another risk in using the plan, being caught. She knew then, that her fate would be sealed. That she would be sentenced to death. She also knew that the bandits would not advertise this fact, as they were selfish and would want whatever prize was offered for this to themselves. The greed of some never ceased to amaze her. It made her sad for them, sad that they would exchange the life of someone all for a few coins. Of course, this possibility of death did not fully discourage her for she would try again at some point. She had to. But this did not mean she was not afraid. She was terrified. With her death could come the extinction of her people. That was what frightened her the most.

Don't let her out of your sight!

She remained there, leaning against a tree, her hands still bound while one of the men proceeded to tie a cloth over her mouth. As if that would stop her from making any more enchantments for long. Of course, it would hinder it though for she had to say the words aloud in order for them to be effective. Her plan was foiled, but she could not lose hope. Somewhere in their journey, there had to be someone that was willing to help her. Little did she know, that that someone would appear tonight.

His words held a strange comfort to Maeve. It gave her more hope, that there were people who still had faith in her kind, that was still willing to offer something. It was not money she sought out though. It is not money that we value, She said with a soft smile. It was a huge revelation on her part, to quickly admit to someone that she was a faery for it was generally not the first piece of information she disclosed to a stranger. But something inside her told her she could trust him. Sensing the emotions surrounding him, she felt that he did not do as some sort of ploy or evil plan to lure her out. There was a sincerity about him and that was what else intrigued her about him. I have not heard those words spoken, or such an act of respect done, in many years.

As she moved closer, she began to get a closer look at the young man. He was young, well built, and had a certain aura around him, something that told her he was a traveler. She gave a gentle smile at him. I am Maeve, She formally introduced and with this introduction, she lowered herself in a graceful curtsy, looking at the ground while doing so. She remained in this position for a few moments before regaining her posture and standing straight once again. She did not care if he was royalty, nobility, citizen, or even peasant...she could not properly introduce herself without showing the appropriate gesture of respect. After all, all people deserved respect no matter what their status or class.

( No problem Aatos! I'm glad you were able to get your muse back ! )

Maeve gave another small curtsy out of gratitude as she was pleased and grateful that she managed to convince Aaron Williams. Thank you My Lord. Please inform Neav as you call him, that I will be here at first light tomorrow. She gave a polite smile, and turned to leave. She was rather excited about being able to introduce him to her realm, and her people, and tell him of his past and great future. Oh how she was looking forward to tomorrow so much!

~ The Next Day ~

It was very early in the morning as the sun was just rising. She wanted to spend as much time with Neav as she could though and so the early she met him, the more time she could talk to him for. She had spent the night in a small inn, and informed Haldir of the boy, who he was related to, and the fact that he would be accompanying them to Mabon. Haldir was a bit more hesitant than the queen but still, he accepted on the basis that the boy had magic in him. That seemed innocent enough in his mind. Maeve did not even have to consider it. She had already met him, and even after having one conversation with him, knew that she could not pass up this opportunity.

The sun was just rising and she put on her cape, lifting up her hood, and exited the inn. Haldir and Mirshann would wait for her just outside the city's gates while she escorted Neav from the stables while they awaited the boy's arrival. She went to the stables and stood there patiently, hoping Aaron Williams had given Neav the proper message. She did not get a chance to inform Neav that the plan had changed, not wanting Aaron to suspect that she had been encouraging Neav to sneak out, for that would only get the poor child into trouble. She had a feeling that he told the stable boy though. After all, though he had accepted it, he did not seem all too happy about it.

Maeve once again, understood the man's inquisition. Of course, she had to wonder about his motives...whether it was because he truly cared about Neav or if it was because he did not want to lose a stable boy who was exceptional in performing the tasks assigned to him. Either way, she was in a way grateful to the man for providing Neav with a home, even if she was still trying to determine his attitude towards the poor child. The way Neav spoke about Aaron led her to believe that he was not the most compassionate man. She continued to give a polite smile, ensuring that her answers to his questions would flow. If he did not believe her, she would have to find another way...even if it was years from now. She still had to take a chance in this moment.

I understand your skepticism, She began with this so that she could grant him the ability to ask whatever he pleased, and that she would willingly answer. I wish I could tell you what happened to his parents. I do not know myself. Had I known he was abandoned in the forest to fend for himself, I would have immediately taken him to my home, to care for him. I call him Colla, that is my name for him. A name I give him and say with great affection. She paused for a moment, feeling horribly guilty that the descendant of someone as grand as Anhora was left in the woods, alone. I can not claim him as my own. We may be related but for his life thus far, I have done nothing to show it. She said this with a tone of subtle guilt, and regret.

Now that I see he has a home here, I do not wish to tear him away from it. He seems so happy and content, and I would never want to deprive him of everything he has gained. I do wish to visit him however, at least on a bit of a frequent basis. But I do assure you, nothing is more important than his safety and happiness. He seems to have attained that here and I will not rid him of it. She was still unaware of the details of just how abusive Aaron was. Perhaps she would have phrased things differently had she known the truth. Right now, she was just trying to gain permission to take him for a day, and then after that, to be able to visit him to see if he was alright.

Sensing her emotions and picking up on her body language led Maeve to believe that she was hesitate in revealing something. One of the questions she had asked? A topic she raised? Maeve was about to apologize for possibly prying too far when Isadora spoke, explaining in one statement how she had met Alistair. This, was something that Maeve had not expected to hear. He kidnapped her? Why? Well, perhaps the why was more simple if she were to make conclusions about human behavior. Ransom. Revenge for something. Hopefully not perverted pleasure. She was a Princess after all, and could be a target, a victim of greed and ruthlessness, two qualities that only darkened this world.

Maeve also knew that she could not judge the situation. She did not know the man, or his motives. What if they were more honorable? Maeve was unsure for Isadora spoke about it with great reluctance...was there justification for his actions? At the same time, he had endangered a woman's life. Maeve decided not to leap to any conclusions until she knew more. Making accusations and snap judgments about people was not part of her nature for she felt that everyone deserved the benefit of the doubt. Still. Her eyes were filled with curiosity with an underlying, subtle worry to them... hoping that the kind Princess had not been too traumatized by the experience. After all, there could have been more involved for kidnapping royalty was no easy task. Maeve could not condone such behavior, but if this was a man that she loved, that had redeeming qualities, then surely there must be a reason.

Maeve wanted to help alleviate some of that hesitation that Isadora felt, if only to raise her comfort level. That must have been terribly frightful for you, she said sympathetically. You describe him as a man you think highly of. He must have done something to redeem this act of abducting you. She purposely did not ask a specific question. It kept the subject open, allowing Isadora to explain what she wanted without any sort of added pressure to answering her questions.