The Fire and the Flame

[Aedon]

The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting soft shadows around the small room. Aedon sat in the chair, quietly sipping his tea while reading the same passage of a book over and over. It was a heady blend. Much like the one that Sage often included in packages to him.

From time to time, he glanced over the top of the book he held and watched as she slept soundly upon the bed. From deep beneath him, he could feel the rumble of the great balefire. It's presence radiated throughout the building, concentrating its will within the small room.

Through half closed eyes, he could see the gently waves of flame that seemed to dance across her. Warm hands reaching for her, encompassing her in a gently caress, as if to try to soothe away the worry of the past days. He was mesmerized by the display of affection before him. The balefire and the firebrand, one in the same, each sharing the life which burst forth from the main building of the Freehold of Roses.

His thought's drifted back a couple of days to the note sent by the Duchess. It asked if he knew that Sage had gone missing. It was clear to Aedon that there was a genuine concern as to the fate of the leader of the Rose. Promising to try to get in touch with Sage, he assured Selora he would let her know what news he could find.

He was certain she was still within the Freehold. Sage would never leave the balefire unattended. And so, he waited a couple of days, hoping to hear word from his friend. When none came, he sat out in the wee hours of the morn to find out, if he could, what had become of Sage.

The Freehold was quiet when he arrived. Only the occasional stirring from the gypsy camp nearby broke the stillness. It was clear to Aedon though that something was not quite right. There was a thrumming that reached deep inside of him. It shook his soul and lent a sense of urgency to his steps.

Moving quickly to the main building, he went up to the stairs and reached to rap on the door. To his surprise, the door swung open, and he felt himself being pushed inside, the door shutting fast behind him. He walked over to the entrance of Sage's office and tapped lightly. This door too slid rapidly opened, and before he could greet her properly, Sage grabbed his arm, and pulled him inside, closing and latching the door as quick as it slid shut.

He looked to her and smiled a bit saying he was worried and had come to check on her. She took him by the arm again, and pulled him into another room.

“This room is secure, no one can hear what is said.”

He noticed something about Sage he was not used to. She was frightened, ill at ease. She told him of a visitor that had come to the Freehold some days hence. She had seen him from the window, moving slowly through the snow. He appearance was that of a human, but she believed him to be sidhe. He came to the door and knocked, and she answered asking how she might help him.

This was normal for Sage. Always offering assistance to those who passed through. He spoke of looking for a way down out of the mountain pass, but Sage noted that he had just come into the area.

She noticed something about the man. A hollow despair, and a deep discomfort stared to build around her. Then, from deep within the cavern below, the balefire cried out in pain. Dread and fear rushed through each corner of the freehold, and clenched the young woman's heart. She quickly told the stranger that the way he came in was the only way out of the valley, and closed the door, locking it tight.

The next day, he returned to the door and knocked. Sage could see him through a window. The sight of him brought her no ease. Taking herself into the caverns beneath the freehold, she huddled close to the balefire, hiding lest the stranger return.

It was clear to Aedon that Sage's fear was real. The threat she felt form this man genuine. And several days without quiet slumber had left her shaking. Looking to her Aedon asked;

“Would you like me to stay the night, stand guard while you rest?”

Sage nodded, and led him to another room further down in the building. A fireplace burned warmly in the hearth and a pot of tea hung lazily over keeping the brew within at just the right temperature. Hugging him tightly, she thanked him for being there, and then laid herself, gracefully, upon the bed. The room around him calmed as the fire beneath him cooed to Sage, lulling her to sleep.

Looking back to his book, Aedon chuckled softly as he noticed he was no further on in his reading then he had been three hours before. Pouring another cup of tea he sat back, and gazed into the fire. For the time, the building, the fire, the keeper was at rest. In the morning, he would take the description of the man Sage had seen to Vlad. Perhaps they could find this man, and discover what it was about him that had moved a firebrand to cower in a cavern, as her balefire shivered in pain, and called out across the miles for someone to come to their aid.

[Aedon]

I have ridden the freehold of Roses for the past couple of days, hoping to catch some sight of the man that had visited Sage, and laid such fear upon her heart. I cannot help but fear for the well being of my dear friend. I do not doubt what she said transpired. There was no deception in her eyes as she spoke to me that night.

The Buildings in the freehold are close set, leaving many dark corners in which to hide and lie in wait. For now, I think it best that Sage remain within the walls of the main building until this man is caught, or the feeling of dread hanging over this area subsides.

I do not know who to go to these days for help in such matter. All around me seem more concerned with their own agendas, and give little thought to one lost fae. Only Selora has spoken any concern. But I am sure this is more concern for the fate of the balefire Sage tends, then the the lady herself. For now, to assure Sage's safety, I will keep what I know quiet. Word has way of getting around when too many ears have gained access, and this could either drive the man deeper into hiding, or worse yet, push him to an act of desperation.

I wish Eli were here, or I knew how to get in touch with those fae still loyal to the Rose. Perhaps James will know who I can speak with. I will seek him out later. But for now, I will continue my ride.

[Deleted]

Out of the burning sands and into the freezing snow; these Fae like extremes. I felt the balefire draw me north when I exited the moongate in Luna, at that distance it was just an inkling, an itch pointing me in the right direction, but I found it and her. As I climbed the mountain each step I felt the strength of the fire grow, it had attuned itself to the mountain, and in its pulse echoed a spirit of nature unlike any fire I've extinguished before.

I asked at the Gypsy camp for the mistress of this freehold, and was directed to the manor next door, my knock was greeted by the grace of a woman strong in spirit but sensitive in nature. This woman could take a mans breath away. There is no hiding from my kin, I saw immediately in her eyes the painful sting of my presence; the woman's rushed words and lack of hospitality were all too familiar. However, upon seeing her I knew my target was found at last.

This woman needed release, she needed to go home back to the ancient forests of the dreaming, her fire bound her to slavery in this unworthy realm. As I made my way down the mountain my zeal to release her from bondage burned in my chest. The Fae she protects will conform or perish, nothing will stop me from my resolve.

[Aedon]

Tonight's ride through the freehold gave me no more answers then before. The man that Sage described seems to have either given up on whatever his plans may be, or he is shrewd, and watches from the shadows for his chance to....

What is it he wants to do?

Why has he come to this freehold so far removed from the bustle of any city. He could not have been lost in the pass, he came in through the only way in or out. I can only conclude that for some reason, he is seeking someone who lives within this Freehold, and his return to Grey Manor the next day suggests it is Sage.

I had a chance to speak to Elisa. James told me that she would be one I should talk to regarding the condition I found Sage in the other day. I have thought of speaking to Fiona, she a dreamer for Sage. but, what exactly would I tell her? That something has this wise, Ghille Dhu frightened to the point that she has shut herself deep in the caverns, holding herself close to her balefire? No, for now it is best to try to ascertain the intentions of this strange man, and to make safe the Freehold. This was my promise, my vow to Elisandra, and I will always honor it.

For now though, those of the Freehold are made aware of the intruder, and I am sure greater watches will be held. In time, this man will be found.

The fire is calm tonight. The steady hum of it is like a lullaby. The warmth of it surrounds me as I ride the circuit through the snow covered area. I am sure a coat could not keep me any warmer. There is a peace here in the wee hours that not even the task at hand can shake from my soul. It is clear to me, the balefire knows we stand watch. It senses our labors on behalf of Sage and the Life force of the freehold.

I cannot, I will not allow man nor beast to disrupt the flow of this land. If I must return here each evening for the rest of my life, so be it.

For me, for all time, it is worth it.

[Angelique]

Hunger forced me out of the cavern, I summoned the glamour needed to open a portal out of the balefire chamber and seal it again behind me, returning would deplete my reserve for a day or so. I reached out with my senses feeling every corner of the freehold searching for this man, this hollow stranger. Sensing nothing I ventured forth creeping up vacant tunnels to the surface.

Once in the manor proper I scavenge the common room and kitchen for something to eat only to find it barren, no one lived here really now, Thyme hadn't been by and the larder was bare. I pulled a cloak around me and made my way to the gypsy camp, they would have a pot on the fire, and drink to share.

Snow drifted lightly down from the predawn sky as I arrived in the camp, indeed there was stew on the fire as always for any who find themselves hungry in the freehold. I took a metal bowl and helped myself; but as I ate hurriedly I became aware of something missing. We were still at a low enough elevation that animals were often found in the freehold and yet there were none. No sounds but the fire before me and a creek of the barren trees in the gentle wind.

Caution caused me to take what I had and return to the manor; caution came too late.

"You, finally venture outside? I knew if I waited long enough... high enough on the cliffs someone would come out." came a deep voice from behind me.

I spun around to see him knowing now that he was close, who it was. I could feel the despair cascade off him like sheets of water. I came face to face with him his empty eyes riveting me in place. He took the bowl from me and ate from it as she stared down at me. I felt lost, trapped and alone; unable to take my eyes off him, or move. The balefire cried out from below willing me to move but I couldn't I was frozen in his gaze.

"Not bad," he said as he laid down the bowl and spoon on the bench beside me.

"You I can feel are very much tied to this place, if I am going to make you understand what needs to be done, we must leave." he added not taking his eyes off mine.

I felt my head nod, agreeing with him; then I felt his hand slip behind my neck as he picked me up off the bench beside the fire. My cloak fell to the ground as he took me into his arms and told me my feet would get cold without boots on. He carried me to the passage down the mountain where he had a charger waiting to carry us away. In my mind I wanted to cry out but my voice was silent, I just stared into his eyes as he rode out of the mountains, down into Luna and into the moongate. Once on the other side in a chasm of rock he spoke quickly in a language I didn't understand and darkness overcame me; as I fell into unconsciousness my thoughts were of the balefire and nothing left behind but a cloak and a half eaten bowl of stew to announce I was gone.

[Aedon]

Riding up the pass into the small clearing which housed the Freehold of Roses, Aedon took stock of what he had learned so far.

Sage had seemed to vanish from sight with no word to any, no trace was found of her by those who had visited. Then the word came to Aedon from Selora. A note of concern for the missing firebrand. He had come to the one place he had always been able to find her. And though much seemed amiss, or odd on his visit, he was able to speak with Sage.

His concern for her well being was more then tripled when she mentioned the dark stranger who had approached her home two times in as many days. The feeling of dread and fear laid on her heart by this person who reeked of despair and hopelessness.

She had looked worn, and haggard. And though Aedon knew the Ghille Dhu to be in the autumn of her years, he had never seen her look as withered as she appeared to him. After calming her, he had stayed the night, standing guard to allow his dear friend to get some rest.

Since that day, he had rode many nights in the Freehold. A silent patrol always seeking any sign of the one that had struck Sage so cold, and left her huddling close to the balefire for warmth and protection. Tonight, he would stop in and see if she needed him to bring her anything to eat or drink. Alice had made a fresh soup, and rolls, and he thought a bit of nourishment might help to ease her night.

As he entered the grounds of the freehold he doubled over in pain on his horse. Fear gripped him, as he felt hands unseen grasping for his arm. Pulling, urging him towards the building which stood above the balefire.

He slid out of the saddle, and stumbled towards the door, his heart beat quickened, pain and longing filled his soul. He found the door unlocked, this was not right, Sage had been keeping the doors bolted tight.

Making his way inside, he steadied himself, as he called her name loudly. The building seemed to echo back his call, but the only answer was a deep groaning, or howling that seemed to permeate the floorboards, resounding steadily from every corner. He felt panic, desperation, his stomach lurched as he turned, and followed what appeared to be a whiff of smoke out the door, and over towards the gypsy camp.

The area was free of folks, but on the fire, a cauldron boiled away, the nights repast kept hot for those who would soon return hungry form their toils. Looking around, Aedon spotted a cloak crumbled upon the ground near the fire pit. Next to it, on a bench, sat a half eaten bowl of stew. He stood for a moment staring at the items, a dizziness shook his body as he realized what he did not wish to acknowledge.

What the grounds around him cried out, the house moaned and the balefire wailed in dismay and fear. Sage, firebrand of the Freehold of Roses, keeper of the flame, was gone. He cursed himself for not being there when she needed him. And feared deeply for the life of his friend.

Taking the Bowl and Cloak, Aedon walked back towards the building. He closed the door tightly, knowing that for now, that was all he could do. Then mounting his horse, rode swiftly out of the mountains and back towards the gate, and Aegis, Sage's cloak clasped tightly in hand.

He would dispatch some guards to the door of the Freehold, and contact those he could of the Fae of the mountains to help keep safe the balefire, and search for the lady of the flame.

[Deleted]

Seraph of Heaven! too gentle to be human,
Veiling beneath that radiant form of Woman
All that is insupportable in thee
Of light, and love, and immortality!
Sweet Benediction in the eternal Curse!
Veiled Glory of this lampless Universe!
Thou Moon beyond the clouds! Thou living Form
Among the Dead! Thou Star above the Storm!
Thou Wonder, and thou Beauty, and thou Terror!
Thou Harmony of Nature's art! Thou Mirror
In whom, as in the splendour of the Sun,
All shapes look glorious which thou gazest on!
Ay, even the dim words which obscure thee now
Flash, lightning-like, with unaccustomed glow;
I pray thee that thou blot from this sad song
All of its much mortality and wrong,
With those clear drops, which start like sacred dew
From the twin lights thy sweet soul darkens through,
Weeping, till sorrow becomes ecstasy:
Then smile on it, so that it may not die.

How you do stir thoughts in me, it is I who bring you here to convince you to abandon this place, and those who dwell here. Yet in everything I say to you, you stand against me-- You speak of duty but duty is for mortals not dreams, you speak of kinship but those you call friend bring on winter with their cold disdain, you will be abandoned as all dreams are.

Can't you see reason? Are you blind to how any mortal realm can only fail you? I stand here and watch you sleep, listening, anticipating the gentle trill that comes as you breathe and I am inspired, and yet you live alone. Obligation, duty-- just softer words for slavery.

You will see the truth I speak and I will set you free!

=====

Poem excerpt:
Epipsychidion is a love lyric of 604 lines, written for Emilia Viviani, whom Percy Bysshe Shelley met while she was “imprisoned” by her family in a convent near Pisa, Italy, in 1820. The title is Greek for “concerning a little soul.”

[Aedon]

More then a week has passed now since Sage disappeared from the Freehold of Roses. Our clues thus far are few and far between. We have her cloak, which I found on the ground in the gypsy camp, and one set of footprints, heavy laden heading towards Luna. They were tracked, but ended at the moongate. There are so many paths which may have been taken from there, and I fear our time may be running out.

I fear for the life and safety of my dear friend, and the welfare for those who dwell within the freehold. What will become of them all if we are not able to find Sage, or if when found, she no longer walks this world, but dwells forever on another plain?

I have more questions then answers these days.

The Duchess has spoken to Ian, and he offered what he readily knew about Sage's disappearance. It would seem that those she led were as unaware of the Ghille Dhu's woes then the rest of us. Sage has always been a private person. If anything was shared at all it was in her times huddled close to the balefire, or whispered to trees during quiet walks in the woods.

I have though about speaking to one other who may be able to assist us in some way. The freehold has long lived within the shadow of his lands, and I have many times believed that the peace and protection they have enjoyed may partly be due to the nearness of Istas to the Freehold.

I know all too well the displeasure that would greet my consorting with Lord Azreal on this matter. But as the days drag on, with no word, no sign of her. I am far more concerned with the life of my dear friend, then of any future bruising my image may endure.

[Angelique]

Wiping tears from her eyes Sage huddled in the corner of her room a rough wool blanket pulled tight around her. The Ghille Dhu hadn't left this room in a week, and as each day passed she got colder and colder till she could see her breath as a white mist in the air of a room she knew was not so cold. This man tormented her with a plant sitting on the other side of the bars, its leafy greeness an ache to look upon from her cell.

The floor, walls and ceiling were metal, even if her feet were not bound she couldn't set root through the metal. The plant didn't wilt in the cold that burned into Sage, this cold was not natural. Sage tried to fight back, but her attempts failed against this man, she summoned her glamour and poured it into the compass winds only to watch as the the cantrip fell as ash upon his shoulders and at his feet. The glamour dying as it struck him rendering it useless.

His presence was a sickness, though he spoke like a poet, his words compellingly sweet and feeling full of truth the longer Sage listened. The past two days however were marked with moments of lost time, where she seemed to awaken from a dream but was standing in debate still with him; bits of memory lost without reason. Her stomach in knots she could barely sip her tea and hadn't eaten more than a bite or two at a time.

Desperate for the comfort of her balefire Sage tried summoning a wisp to light the room, hoping for the small swirl of green and silver light she was left with a hand of ashen glamour for her trouble. For the first time Sage felt she'd never see the outside of these walls... if her own glamour died here, how could anyone find her?

_____________________

[Aedon]

Aedon sat up in his bed, shaking violently. His hands grasps the covers of his bed and pulled them tightly around him. His heart pounded violently in his chest. His breath came in short pants, which seemed to hang in the air before him as a frosty vapor.

He was cold; Colder then he could recall being at in time in his life. It was not a normal chill that gripped him, but a gnawing, bone chilling felling which no amount of covers seemed to ease.

Standing, he wrapped the blankets around him, and made his way to the chair before the fireplace. He eased his aching form onto the seat, and pulled the covers up to his neck, as he scooted the chair even closer to the hearth.

His body continued to shake, his teeth chattering in spite of the nearness of the source of heat. Hands shaking, he reached for the kettle hanging above the heat and poured himself a cup of hot tea. Then, settling back, he cupped the drink in his hands, and allowed the steam to float up in front of his eyes.

Staring through the vapor, and into the fire, his eyes caught sight of a form moving with slow deliberate steps across the logs. His ears twitched and he thought he could hear a voice, or was it more a moan? Low and pathetic it came to him. Like a wolf crying out a song of loneliness on a cold winter's night.
Sadness swept over him, and a sense of longing, desperation, and confusion.

All these feelings surrounded him like smoke. And as he watched he fire, the flame rose brighter and hotter. Reaching out into the quiet darkness of his room. And then the feeling he had felt before. That same anger which rushed through the ground, and coursed through him the day he had ridden to the Freehold of Roses, and found Sage's cloak.

Exhaling slowly, he said softly,

“Sage, where are you?”

He had barely uttered those words when the fire from the hearth burst forth, engulfing him. His flesh was on fire, his hair was ablaze. And yet no pain did he feel. Staring through the flames, he could see the woods stretched out before him, and past that the road, and the moongate. And on beyond seemingly to the very ends of the world. And there, at the edge of all things, standing near a pond, he saw the Ghille Dhu. He reached out to her, called her name. But his voice could not be heard above the roar of the fire which engulfed him. He shouted louder, made whatever sounds he could make which might draw her attention. And then slowly, she turned towards him, her hands reaching out to the warmth.

And then, she was gone.

Sitting up in his bed, Aedon pulled his blankets tighter around him. The chill of the night winds gathered close against his skin, and a feeling crept across him that he could not fight back. He had tarried too long already. Waited for another plan to present itself to him. He knew well there were others working hard to find Sage, but he must now do a wee bit more.

Walking to his desk, he took out a paper and quill and peened a note. Then going to the window, he called to his hawk. Placing the note in the tube attached to the bird's leg, he leaned over and whispered to her.

"You know where to take this old friend, now fly. "

As Persea climbed high into the cloudless sky, Aedon turned back into his room. The fire burned low in the hearth, and e did not feel he would be able to rest any more. Sitting in the chair, before the hearth, Aedon poured himself a cup f tea and settled back to wait out the night.

[Deleted]

I don't know what happened, she stood before me fiercely defiant, shouting that she's rather die than extinguish her fire-- for hours her trill voice yelled unstoppable like she'd snapped; then it happened.

She crumbled to the floor her shining bronze hair dulling to auburn, her autumn mossy skin to pale flesh. In a panic I ran to her cell and lifted her in my arms, killing her would not serve my purpose, there would be another to claim her fire.

Her lithe body felt weightless as I lifted her, I laid her on a couch in the next room and quickly brought water to try to revive her. Her heart still beat, though slowly in her chest, and I could feel her breath on my cheek.

I moistened a bandage and washed her brow, deep inside I felt my goals falling to dust as she lay unconscious before me. I attempted to use what arts I have to heal her but there was no glamour to work with.

I paced the floor as she lay unmoving, my mind racing, pulling loose ends together to achieve what I started out to do. Only when all the balefires of Sosaria are out will the fae return home, this realm is unworthy of our presence.

===

I don't remember falling asleep, I awoke to her gentle touch to my forehead, and a soft smile of a woman who's eyes were filled with concern.

"Are you ok," she asked her voice velvety soft.

I stared at her till she asked again, then stuttered that I was fine-- and asked the same of her. She looked puzzled and said she was well enough, then asked who she'd been summoned to heal.

"Sage, you aren't here to heal anyone," I told her.

The woman blinked and tilted her head, she looked at me puzzled then after a brief moment she stated frankly her name was not Sage, that those who got to know her called her Tath, and her name was Tatharwen. She was a wandering healer and asked again who she'd been summoned to tend to.

Then it donned on me, there was no glamour to heal her-- arts had no effect! Sage in her absence from her balefire and in my presence-- I'd lost her to the mists.

My mind racing I wove a story together, I explained that it was not anyone needing aid for her being with me, but that she'd suffered an injury in the forest, that I found her unconscious and brought her here to recover. I was relieved when she claimed she felt worn out, that she had awoken with a headache.

I took her hands and shivered at their cool touch, leading her back to the couch I told her she needed rest, and that I'd bring her something to eat after a while-- she trusted me. Tatharwen curled up and pulled a blanket I offered up over her knees, she rested her head on the arm of the couch and without hesitation drifted back to sleep.

I knew it could happen, did happen, but to see it right before my eyes-- I felt sick and empty for a moment thinking about the silence as she slept, that this woman made no trill as she breathed; my mind turned quickly back to my task at hand, and what to do with Tatharwen now she was here.

[Aedon]

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Aedon looked slowly around the room. The night was quiet, there was no reason he should have been roused from his sleep. And yet, it was this lack of sound, this void that seemed to encompass the world which called to him, and stirred him from his dreams.

Standing slowly, he made his way downstairs to the main room of Connemara. The tea pot still hung above the fire, and Aedon poured himself a cup of the strong brew. Sitting on the sofa before the hearth, he held the cup in both hands, and breathed in deeply the aroma of the fae tea.

He loved this drink. It was part of the package of flavored teas he received as a gift from Sage. Each bag had a flavor and scent all its own. But all, when brewed and sipped in the quiet hours brought forth visions of happy times spent in the Freehold. Within the heart of that land, held safe in the dreams of mortals, and the mirth of pooka, Aedon had always found solace. When at times he felt alone, he would enjoy a lightly scented jasmine tea and dream of autumn woods laced with pebble strewn paths where the Ghille Dhu would often walk.

He held the cup tightly, and strained to see the Winters Rose. He longed to find something hidden within the steam. But only the cold, stark visions of the world of mortal men lay before him. And he could not help but shudder as thoughts and possibilities flooded his mind.

[Angelique]

The man Arawn had been true to his word, he'd brought tea and soda bread with apple butter and a citrus preserve, the small meal set out on a tray by the hearth when Tatharwen awoke. When her caretaker returned they spoke at length about her life as a healer and where she'd traveled. Arawn offered his insight on the happenings of the world and spoke at length of the underworld, he'd spent much time there of late. As Tath ate and talked she got drowsy again and her headache returned. Arawn insisted she remain until she was well, brought her warm water to wash with and excused himself politely to let her rest again.

As she lay down to sleep Tatharwen thought to herself that she liked the man, but there was something he wasn't telling her; this Sage... perhaps it was just a mistake in names but who was this woman to him?

From the darkness of sleep the young elf healer's senses erupted with the scent of green, moss and fern, the decay of fallen trees and the growth of new ones in their wake. Hints of forest flowers were carried on the breeze. Tath heard the trill of a song bird and look up into the tree canopy to find it, the dappled sunlight breaking through making the forest around her sparkle. The trill moved off to her left and Tatharwen moved to follow approaching a bubbling brook cutting its way through the forest.

The wandering healer walked along the path between the trees, listening to the sound of the water, keenly listening for the trill of the bird that seemed to beckon her to follow. A soft giggling reached her ears from an invisible source near the water drawing her closer. As Tatharwen lay out on a rock by the edge of the brook, she crept forward peering over the edge into the water. Tath blinked and jolted upwards at the sight; looking back up from the surface was not her own reflection. Looking back the image in the water was of an elven female just barely a woman for looking so young. Her skin however was pale and very softly toned the green of new leaves, her hair blonde as the bright spring sunlight, her eyes shone brightly of mossy green and sliver.

The woman in the water pointed up at Tath and trilled, her bright smile bursting forth in gleeful laughter as she dashed away down the brook. Tatharwen sat staring after her, touching her own face and pulling at the length of her own hair. The healer felt saddened, a deep desire to chase after the forest elf filled her heart, but in the back of her mind she knew she'd never catch her; so she sat and watched her go.

Night fell over the forest and Tatharwen curled up on her rock by the brook and stared up into the night sky. It was cut into pieces by the tree canopy like a jigsaw puzzle. As the stars appeared they formed groupings unlike any she'd ever seen before and she focused on one that looked to her to be a magus watching over the stars as they twinkled brightly. The young woman fell into deep sleep not remembering her dreams when she awoke...

___________

[Deleted]

"I am going mad--"

Arawn said to himself as he stood before the mirror, he blinked again to make sure he was seeing right, a moment ago what he saw in the mirror terrified him.

"That woman-- she's a demon!"

He spat the words out clinging to the wash basin, his mind recoiling from the events of the past few hours. Arawn had drugged Tatharwen's tea to buy himself time to figure out what his next move would be. The healer was limp in unconsciousness when he laid her on the couch but as soon as he left the room-- he heard voices, he turned and looked back into the room and saw nothing; the faint crackle of the hearth and a heavy silence were all that occupied the room.

The Dauntain backed out of the room closing the door and as soon as he heard it click a crash came from the other side of the door. Arawn swung it open and again nothing. He moved back into the room sitting down in the chair he'd occupied in conversation that afternoon, staring at the woman on the couch lost in sleep. Arawn stared at her for what seemed hours waiting for any sound to occur; he snapped to attention hearing a knock at the door. Swinging his head towards the woman and back to the door Arawn stood cautiously knowing no one else should be in the building--

The Dauntain opened the door slowly and peered down the hall, out of the corner of his eye he saw a shadow of what looked like a man turn the corner. Anger began to replace caution and uncertainty as he moved into the hall to follow whomever was playing games. Arawn rounded the corner holding fire in the palm of his hand to throw at whomever had entered his sanctuary, only to find the hall empty and the door at the end of the hall forming a dead end shut tight and still locked. Letting the fire dissipate the twisted grump Sidhe stopped short hearing what sounded like a cat fight coming from the room he just left.

Arawn shook his head and doubled back to check the room again, opening the door a rush of air passed by his head and something dragged sharp claws across his cheek, the shadow of a cat disappeared this time running up the stairs in the other direction from the door. Arawn looked back into the room to see Tatharwen now laying on her stomach, her shirt shredded and the markings of cat scratches across her back bleeding; though the woman remained laying on the couch remained unconscious.

Arawn bolted out the door and up the stairs after the cat but found nothing. He searched the house, every shadow every cupboard but there was nothing anywhere. The Dauntain returned to Tatharwen and cleaned her back, replacing her shirt, then sought rest himself.

Standing now in front of the mirror of his bath chamber, the once clean scratches on his face began to bleed again freely, he grabbed at towels to stem the flow only to find nothing collected on them. His eyes saw his cheek bleeding but there was no blood on his face. Arawn splashed water on his face shaking his head and his image in the mirror returned to normal--

"Sleep, sleep is what I need."

Arawn uttered his voice sharking, marked with more than a little fear. The Dauntain made his way to his room and bundled into his blanket not stopping to undress. Uncomfortable laying on the wrong side, his cheek still stinging from the scratches, Arawn drifted off into a listless sleep, brief moments of unconsciousness were broken by disjointed sounds and the feeling of being watched, he would not dream this night.

[Deleted]

Arawn hovered on the edge of dreaming for hours, his mind unconscious but never truly asleep. It has been like this for days, rest never being achieved by the Dauntain, as the spectre sent to haunt the Ghille Dhu found its only target in her kidnapper, and kept him from getting any rest at all. As his room lightened Arawn groaned and rolled over to hide his face from the sun only to start the day fresh with the horrors that had befallen his sanctuary. Arawn's hand slid over a moist spot on his pillow lifting his head he saw two eyesballs looking at him their soft sage green unmistakable as Sage Aurora's the Firebrand laying asleep in his drawing room.

Arawn screamed and bolted from his bed, fumbling at the door when he heard her voice. "Sir-- are you alright sir?" Sage called from the hall. A moment longer and his trembling hand turned the key and opened his door, as he heard her again. "Was there a storm? There is no lamp or candle to be found--" Sage queried. There was a knock and the sound of her groping along the wall in the hallway; Arawn stepped out and screamed again seeing the Ghille Dhu making her way to his room by touch her hands extended to hold each wall, Sage tilted her face to look up at him but where her eyes should have been were empty blackened sockets and trails of blood down her cheeks. Sage's eyes-- were on his pillow.

Sage asked in a soft voice, "Do you have a torch or candle sir-- I can't seem to find my way in the dark." His hand shaking he lifted and pointed at the Firebrand choking the words out, "You-- get out of my house. You can't stay here demon!" Turning Arawn bolted for the stairs to the attic and bared the door with a spinning wheel. Arawn slid down the wall to the floor shaking, hoping what ever plagued him would leave with the Ghille Dhu; when he heard her groping along the walls up the stairs to the attic. She tripped twice falling down a few steps-- then as she reached the door he hears her crying. Sage whispered in a stuttered voice through her tears, "I am sorry sir-- I don't mean to be a burden-- but I can't find my way in the dark--"

There was silence for a long moment, Arawn hesitated and it crossed his mind briefly that perhaps Sage was also being haunted. He raised his hand to slide the spinning wheel from blocking the door when another voice came from the stairs the sound of splintering glass, "Don't bother-- now she's awake I will keep her." Standing quickly Arawn kicked the spinning wheel out of the way; Sage cried out from the hall and Arawn could heard a heavy weight slam against the door then fall down the stairs. The Dauntain pulled the door open and raced to the heap of wool skirts at the bottom of the stairs. Lifting Sage up and turning her to face him she cowered staring up at him her eyes returned to normal. Arawn stared horrified at the Fae who now had claw scratched into her forehead was the word MINE; as she whispered, "please don't hurt me--"