An apple is sliced by agile hands, the sickle-steel knife highly engraved, glinting off the light of your own soul, which is the sun of your kingdom. Unspotted, as it is, by the loss of your virginity, your dual husbandship and the massive empire of clouds hanging overhead. See, none of those things matter in terms of purity of light. A good being is a good being...
     It is guided easily in the hands of your competent general as he sits upon a grassy patch on the side of the cliff overlooking your ocean and the bronze, coral, turquoise waters, even pinkish they turn -- a reflection cast off the pendant, perhaps. In a poetic world.
     His eyes look to you, changeable as yours really, but now a peaceful tiger's eye color, amber and cinnamon interswirled. "You have a lot of borders," he begins. "But you are going to benefit by having two... very close allies," an allusion to your husbands. Both of them. "The sea," he gestures to it with an apple slice, "... is your other greatest ally. In truth it only leaves one border open or exposed. I have assembled all of the others of my race that I could find... into your service. I have scouts out there," he points toward a far horizon. "Just looking around for now, keeping guard over the border. And with the other hunters that fought Chaos with me. I am gathering a force. It will take time, but I feel that we have time. Your allies ... your kings..." he smiles as he hands you a slice of the apple, "... will prevent any ...enemy? of yours from doing something wretchedly foolish..."
     He slices a wedge of apple for himself, eating as easily as anything else, never seeming to have the... issue that your husbands do. But then, he's never had his head between your thighs to be troubled or encouraged by the ...similarities?
     "What I have most concerned myself with has been the creation of a Queen's Retinue, a personal guard. I saw your hesitation ..." an eyebrow is raised and his smile twists, "... at the ... quality or shall I amend to say... the sort of guard I had assembled. But I wish to assure you, despite the legends of centaurs, and there are many, they are valiant, honorable creatures. And once pledged, would not dain themselves to attempt to seduce you."

     The sunset is observed with a certain interest, settled comfortably with her skirts held to, hands placed in her lap with decorum. Her knees are drawn slightly up, the flowing lines of her gown pressed close against her body as she watches light reflect off the rippling waters.
     Her senses continue to expand, flowing over the land, into the land, energy emanating from her in gradual waves to seep into the kingdom, a multitude of processes operating on an unconscious, subconscious level. It is part of making herself at home...
     "Who is just to the other side of that border, or does it change?" Fiona makes the inquiry seriously, though without fear or worry. If it is a fixed border as with Avalon and the Holly wood," for now, her immersion is complete enough for there to be no mental puns drawn and quoted, "perhaps diplomacy should be negotiated. Something for Hwyll, I imagine."
     A hand comes up, running through crystal-laden braids and she gives her head a little shake. She watches you eat the apple with a brief covert interest and caution, then relaxes again. "I was surprised by the retinue," Fiona admits, "but I assumed that if you had drawn them together, that they could be trusted. Your people and theirs have both had a difficult time of it in the past few centuries, haven't you - with the changes here and there. I understand what it is to be handicapped by a world-perception of what a people should be. It seems to me that your choices were chosen in a way that would minimize any negative impact upon my reputation - and which may, we may hope, favourably alter things for them and here in the future. And besides," one corner of her mouth tugs up, "Hwyll has already assured me that Aurelius is above temptation."

     There is a chuckle around the bite of an apple. "Yes," he mutters as he chews. Manners! Who has time for them. "He is beyond reproach and beyond temptation. He has dedicated himself to a life of purity. It happened during the Purging. When many of his race, and most of mine, were purged out of our place in the world and nearly out of myth altogether, in the name of Purity, he was still very young and had not known the pleasures of the flesh. He decided at that moment that Purity is what should be maintained by him for his people, to purge whatever sin or crime against the gods they committed. Likely due to their own ... well... their appetites are well known."
     You know the stories of centaurs, always stealing women, a certain amount of rape, et cetera, et cetera...
     "I think you will find him a trustworthy Champion, and perhaps even a confidante should you need one. You should not rely on merely one or two officials," Huw smiles. "Aurelius was...is... a prince... he understands the hazards of the job. He has brought with him what remains of his own retinue, centaurs upon whom he places very rigorous standards. They are called The Incorruptibles." He laughs again. "Not that there haven't been attempts...many attempts to persuade, encourage and otherwise seduce them. They are also called the Eunuch Army, for it is said they must be gelded to be so pure. It is not true, of course...not that I recommend looking. It's rude."
     He cuts another apple slice for you. "Ah, yes...the boundary... it is an open plain, part of it is neutral... but you are very close to the kingdom of the Oak Queen, there to the west. Her kingdom links to Ireland, even as Davydd's links to Wales. And now more of Britain. London. Avalon belongs to England... there are many links to it if one knows the ways. Or can find them. Of course they are so shrouded in myth, magic and legend most don't bother looking these days. So... yes...the border I'm most concerned with is that western edge there," a nod in that direction. "She may decide to encroach upon the neutral sliver, as of yet unclaimed and unformed and abut your own kingdom. I am hoping you will be able to beat her to it. But it is not time yet. You should not expend your energy there and leave the rest of your kingdom vulnerable. But, I will keep my eyes on it. If I see she is moving in that direction, I will alert you."

     "We all react in our youth to what we see, and to what we experience." Fiona nods; this is hardly unfamiliar ground to her. "He has his own road to walk. While he is on mine, I will respect his choices and attempt to be a worthy mistress. Though I still do want to know what ... tales of my valor you've told him, if only so I can answer any questions he might have of me!" Valor. You get a sliding glance, filled with amusement, and she then looks back over the water. "And I wasn't planning on looking to see if they were gelded. Two men are enough."
     Fiona accepts the apple slice you offer her, touching the peel with the edge of her fingernail. "There will, I think, be trouble with the Oak Queen. I have told Hwyll this already, what I now tell you - there is to be a coronation at the full moon. The Holly King has made his son, Rhodri ap Davydd, his crown prince and heir - Rhodri will become, in short, the Oak King."
     There's more to it than that, but one piece of information at a time. She bites the apple slice in half, chewing, and it isn't polite to speak with one's mouth full. Once she's swallowed, she continues. "I believe that we should take that neutral slice when we can - but you're right, now is not the time, and I think she will hold off for the moment. Once the news breaks, she may hold off longer, but I cannot guarantee that. There are some very permanent and abiding links being formed between my kingdom and those of Avalon and the Holly King's."
     Fiona is silent, glancing from the ocean to you again, her eyes reflecting those mingling waters. When she speaks again, her voice is level, even, without fear or concern. "Following the coronation, though this is not known to the public, there will be an announcement of my betrothal to Rhodri. Considering the role in which he is being crowned, it seems to me that the Oak Queen will take it amiss."

     "Yes, I believe she shall. Take it. Amiss." Such a euphemistic turn of phrase. Take it amiss. "I expect her to be even more spurned than she has been. You should add the loss of Hwyll to that list. What you've been able to do in a short span of time is ... more worthy of a high queen than a queen of only one kingdom. Some will say it is luck. I believe it is more than that..."
     He is not surprised by the news you give. He takes it in as he takes in the next apple wedge. "Rhodri was born to be the heir of Avalon. It will be interesting to see what the Man of the Highway makes of that apple-blossomed crown. But if it's anything like what I am beginning to sense from you..." Huw smirks, "... I will have to ...as they say...hold onto my hat. The Oak King," he points out, "... is not automatically paired with the Oak Queen. She ... more or less took on that name when the Oak King was made and put upon the living earth. That's the rumor anyway. So I would ...respect her enmity and her power, but I would not as of yet worry about it. We will arm as any kingdom should, and prepare as any kingdom should."

     Eyebrows raise, and Fiona nods as she takes your words into consideration. She is slower to speak than she used to be - perhaps it's the gravity of the situation, or its unfamiliarity. Or perhaps it's that this time, she is thinking about what she says, what she does before she reacts to it - she is no longer, at least not right now, free to act under her own advisement. There is a kingdom to be considered.
     "I do include Hwyll in her losses, though it is ironic that of the losses, that is the only one which was deliberate on my part, and even then I did not know that Hwyll was in her service until after I made my offer," Fiona remarks. She has given over looking at the water for now, choosing instead to watch you, see how you react, watch what you say and how you say it. "I do not intend to ... make public statement about the events that have occurred. To those whom I trust - you, Hwyll, and on your advisement, Aurelius - I will tell what I think of the matter and the events that have unfolded, perhaps. But I will not seek to antagonize her further. Then again, I do not think that I will need to. It has gone in threes."
     Davydd, Rhodri, Hwyll...
     "I do not intend to take the title of Oak Queen to match Rhodri's title, nor of Holly Queen to match Davydd's. And - as you must know, I have not given either of them up. And it is interesting, what you say about what I have achieved, though really, I feel I haven't achieved enough." Fiona lifts a hand to touch the pink diamonds around her throat, to indicate the emerald and ruby upon her hands. The choices were not accidental. "This is not for others to know. We have, however, discussed... agreed. They are mine. I am theirs. Our three kingdoms will be inextricably linked. And that does bring us rather neatly to the matter of the visions, if you wish - or should I conserve those for Hwyll?"
     A vision is only a vision, without temptation by demon or god, after all. Though it could be said that she has been tempted by both...
     Fiona presses a fingertip to her lower lip, looking thoughtful. "For now, we will concentrate on building, in any event. After dinner, I will do some work in that line. Once the port has been constructed and the city begun, at least, our position will be already the stronger. Trade can then begin. With trade will come other things. I am in a slight hurry, as I wish to impress Davydd and Rhodri both when I turn up at the coronation. I intend to surprise them." She smiles. "What is it that you sense from me, Huw?"

     "I will let you share your visions with your Viceroy," Huw smiles as his gaze turns toward the sea. "I am content to defend, to lead, to help you secure that which you have worked hard to build. I'm no... interior decorator," he teases, "...or an exterior decorator."
     He turns his gaze from the sunset to you again, his smile on a smooth cheeked face, his hair wrapped in bronze and copper and leather, his curls oiled. Probably by very dainty hands. He has not taken Aurelius' vow afterall. "I think she will want to ... attack you in rumor, attack you in verbal terms, spread word that you cannot be trusted. I do not think she will attempt a more physical attack simply because you have two kings. Kings... my dear... are nothing to sneeze at. And you have two -- two, when there are so very few. So... we will let Hwyll wage the war of intrigue. I will make sure your borders are secure and we will keep her off-balance, I hope. I'm sure Hwyll will have more advice on how to ... kill her with kindness and things of that nature. Your ignorance may be a saving grace..."
     Looking back to the sea, he grins broadly. "I see a woman who is fearless even though she is afraid. I see a woman, not a girl, who beat the Satyr King at his own game. Who was, yes, valorous... courageous when much was given to her that she did not understand. Who, despite her incessant questions," a wink as he glances to you, "... managed to learn without having to be taught. Who was strong and is strong, and who was kind and is kind. I sense from you a great goodness, a great capacity to be generous, you have learned to open your heart, and your heart is a beautiful kingdom, my Queen. Look at it," he gestures to the landscape around you. "It is a reflection of yourself. Hardy, beautiful, wild, gentle. I sense that you will be a great and generous queen, that you will draw those to you who need generosity as you once did. And that you will inspire those who did not think they could love or be loved to love... and be loved. You managed to convince Davydd ap Owain, didn't you...?"

     "Tell me what you need of me, to make your job easier," Fiona remarks, her attention going again to the sun settling itself upon and slowly under the water. "As for rumors," she shrugs. It is not the first time she has had to face public opinion. It will not be the last. "She is undoubtedly hurting, though she has only herself to blame. But she will blame me instead, I'm sure. I will ... be my Self, and I will see what Hwyll says."
     Having as ally one who was last well in the Oak Queen's confidence may prove useful in this, to be sure...
     "I've never yet sneezed at either of them," Fiona comments thoughtfully. "I wonder how they'd react. Probably ask if I were coming down with something." She knows what you mean, but the image amuses her. If only she could sneeze on command!
     One hand curls under her chin, and she leans forward a little bit. "What's your game, then, that I beat you at it? No, don't tell me; it isn't important. But thank you for your kind words. You and Hwyll have been steadfast friends and allies from the beginning, even if I ... failed to recognize you for what you were, and are, at the time." She was much more afraid then than she is now...
     "I'm not sure that I convinced Davydd, really. All I did was tell him the truth." Now a wave of colour rises into her face, blushing pinkness as she shakes her head. "But I will do my best for this land, and for those who come to it. What else, ultimately, can I do? It is mine to look after. I will do my best."

     "Then that is all I need from you to make my job easier," Huw says, and he reaches for your hand. "You are my Queen, you always will be. First you were my friend. Almost you were my lover. And I could have loved you had I ... seen far enough, realized that eventually you would be here. But I was never patient, and Satyrs are...well... we're known for our revelry but rarely for our constancy. I am happy to be a general for your kingdom and to be your friend. I am satisfied, Fiona."
     He grins and leans in a bit, "If I may still call you that. Or should I call you Your Worshipfulness. Your Most Radiant Majesty? Do you have any preferences?"
     He peers at you a moment. "You don't remember our hunt? Hmm? When you beat me? At my own game? When you had me in your bed and beat me at my other game?" Huw laughs, delighted. "Oh, it was funny after a while. I did laugh. A little slip of a girl beat me, the Satyr King. And yet... here you are... a Queen. I did not know that then of you. I know my better now."
     He gives you the last sliver of apple. "But don't feel badly for me that you spurned me," Huw whispers conspiratorially. "I have recently... taken a...well... I guess you'd have to call her my wife. She is bearing my child. It is the same as marriage..."

     "I didn't win," Fiona says stubbornly, though she allows you to take her hand. "I just didn't lose. There's a difference, Huw." She smiles, shaking her head slightly. "Save the titles for in public when there's someone to impress. Here, all you'll do is embarrass me and make you want to hit you."
     She shakes her head again, with a lingering sigh for what-might-have-beens, taking the slice of apple and popping it into her mouth. "I've always held out for the whole package," Fiona murmurs. "Only problem is, in holding out, I end up with more than I know what to do with." Two husbands. A kingdom. What's next?
     She turns to you, then, smiling genuinely, warmly. "Congratulations. Will the child need," her lips twitch, "a fairy godmother? If so, I suppose I could volunteer myself in the role. Seeing as, had you been just a little bit more foresightful, it would have been my child. Instead, I'll be having redheaded babies eventually."

     "Yes," he rolls out, "...so you shall be..." eyes widen at the notion. "And it will not be long now, and thank you. I should be honored," he bows his head, "...if the Queen were to pay special favor to my faun." Faun indeed. "My ... wife.... is an orchid nymph. Very difficult to say no to, you should take pleasure in that. I know I do." Huw grins. "And yes... had I been a bit more foresightful and not as lustful... things might have gone differently. But I believe they have gone as they were meant to go. Besides. I don't think your parents would understand you having a cloven-hoofed toddler." He laughs warmly at that, a rich laugh that is both musical and for a moment ram-like.
     "And I am glad you held out. A queen deserves a king. A great queen," he notes, "... appears to need two. How ...ever... are you managing that, if I may ask..."

     Fiona's smile is immediate and reminiscent at the question, gaze going off into the distance. "A better question might be ... how am I going to get through the next couple of weeks, with neither of them here and me not telling them where I am. I've been getting used to them spoiling me thoroughly rotten, you know."
     It isn't a direct answer, but it's the answer she gives; at least at first. "I love them. They love me enough to have decided not to fight over me. We are three, not two and two. I - here." Fiona reaches up, unclasping the necklace and then sliding off the emerald ring. "Look at these. You'll find the answer in them."
     She settles back, watching you with that same smile. "You are my General as well as my friend. I would be more than happy to show honour to you and to your family - it's been a long time since you've had a family, isn't it? Let it be symbolic of a new beginning for this kingdom and for your people."

     He holds the two magical jeweled creatures in his hand. There is artistry ... almost unimaginable in quality and in clarity. "You are very loved," he remarks. "But I didn't need to see these to know that. You are loved. Sometimes for reasons beyond reckoning," a slight tease. "But there is no doubt, you inspire it..."
     He hands the jewels back, gently for your tender safekeeping. "I will introduce you to her sometime when you have time. She spends much of her time in Hwyll's citadel of clouds, getting pampered," a roll of his eyes. "Which is good for her, and really good for me. She is having those days and nights when she loves me then can't stand me. And she's fickle anyway," he smirks. "I'm happy to have employment, to be honest. Keeps me occupied and her happy."
     Huw rises after another moment, looking from the sea to you once more. "It is nearly time for your dinner festival. I am sure that Hwyll has prepared a feast of feasts for you. Perhaps enough mulberry wine and the ...sharpness of your parting from your two loves will be at least a little dulled. Should you like an audience with your Captain of the Guard now, or after dinner?"

     She tends to the fastening of her jewels - the chain around her throat, the ring back upon her finger, smile glimmering upon her lips in contentment. "I am," Fiona agrees, "and I have no idea why, or what they see in me. Something that no doubt the Oak Queen is equally mystified by, but I am happy. It is strange, being happy, but something I would not mind getting used to."
     "Your wife should be pampered," Fiona retorts easily. "I remember what you were like; if you are half so provoking around her, she deserves all the pampering she can get. But let me know when the child is born. I will be happy to give my blessings. And you know you have steady employment now..."
     Very steady, from the look of things...
     She rises to her feet, adjusting the slide of her necklace. "All I know of what Hwyll has prepared is that there will be a great many pillows. But that is Hwyll. There are always a great many pillows. At least at this occasion he is unlikely to turn himself into the pillow on which I sit." Fiona smoothes back her hair, glancing out over the water again. "After dinner I will have audience with my Captain. He may attend me when I return to this point, to begin my work, and we can speak then. On my first night in my kingdom, I should not keep the banquet held up."

     Huw lifts his brows and extends an arm to you -- yes to attend you there himself. "I would not count on that. For your safety tonight, I shall be the one to open ...doors for you..."
     Throughout all the Time you may exist here or elsewhere it is not likely that you shall live long enough to see the story of The Knob's First Twist laid to final rest.

Posted by rowan at December 31, 2004 06:33 PM