(see disclaimer in pt. 1) Once inside they pause in the middle of the room and stand facing each other. "You look a poor sight husband, all bruised and bloodied." Stroking his cheek gently and peering up into his brown eyes, softly, "What am I to do with 'ya?" Without a word he takes her to him and holding her firmly up against his bare chest, kisses her passionately. Slowly they begin to caress each other's body. His hand lingering on her breast, her hand lingering on the small of his back. She reaches for the lacings of his britches, deftly loosening them. He steps out, now naked. He pushes her gown down around her waist, loosening the tie holding it up, letting it fall to the ground at her feet. They kiss again and again, the caresses more urgent, the electricity between them once again as before. Conor breathes heavily and with some difficulty through a battered, swollen nose. His mouth otherwise involved with her mouth. The heat between them could ignite the night. Both of them ready now to accomplish what was interrupted from before. Conor now firm and straining picks Molly up in his arms and lays her upon the bed. He leans over her and whispers softly, "This night is ours." Then gently lowers himself down onto her waiting form. Molly welcomes him to her, a slow smile of satisfaction and triumph spreading across her face. **************************************************** Morning comes streaming into the Sanctuary through air shafts in the cave ceiling. Seemingly magical beams of light sparkle with morning dew and dancing dust particles. Laughing children, always the first of the camp to rise, dodge each other playfully among the shining beams. Anyone witnessing this sight would swear to seeing fairies in flight about them as well. A new day for our wounded heroes and for those that love them. Fergus awakens to a dull, but persistent pain in his temples. He shifts in his bed, forgetting to favor the wounded shoulder. He is rewarded with an even bigger pain from the arm. Grimacing, he sits himself up and realizes he really needs to relieve himself -- all that ale he drank has to go somewhere. Managing to stand, he weaves unsteadily and stumbling into the chamber wall and against his bad shoulder. He lets out a yell, more out of annoyance with himself than from pain. At that moment Mother Ceridwen enters and sees Fergus in difficulties. Unable to support him herself, she calls out the doorway for help. Having stayed nearby during the night, Catlin and Tully hurry into the chamber, "What's wrong Mother?!" asks Cat. Mother gestures to Fergus, "This big man here is stumbling about un-do'in all my healing efforts - come sit him down!" she exclaims agitated. Tully had already moved to get under Fergus's good arm, steadying him. "Good lad, I thank 'ya", then in an aside, "now steer me to me chamber pot!" Perceptively, Cat takes Mother by the arm and leads her outside. **************************************************** This morning also finds our young lovers still abed, the small fire pit against the far wall gone cold. The candles are burned down and dark. The chamber is still and holds safe the secrets of the past night. Conor lies on his stomach with Molly partly upon him, her head and cheek cradled in the hollow of the small of his back. They both wear the contented expression of satisfied lovers. Both breathing deeply, almost in unison, the wonder and magic of the previous night filling their dreams. A small, cool breeze finds it's way into their chamber, passing over their uncovered bodies. Both shiver in their sleep and instinctively seek out the warmth of the other. Never fully awakening, they move to hold each other close, huddling in a warm embrace. Molly, now warmed, sighs contentedly. They sleep on. **************************************************** The mounted Roman expedition of Diana and Longinus with their soldiers and slaves in tow make their way with all due deliberation towards the northern clan hold of Chieftain Morgan. They bring with them, the poor and now rotting body of the emissary, Trellor. Diana, wearied from the many miles of hard riding over rough terrain is in a mean humour. Longinus, with his uncanny perception, takes notice. Bringing his mount closer to hers, "Weary Diana? Where is all that Roman endurance?" spoken with a leer. She turns uncomfortably in her saddle, and snaps back, "I'm not in the mood for your jibes Longinus, better to save your breath!" She notices the time of day and adds, "We should stop soon and set up camp, this land is difficult enough with light to see by." Nodding in agreement, he raises his arm, bringing the party to a halt. "Right here? There's no cover - we're out in the open!" Diana says, looking around them. "But dear one, that would be just what is needed to strengthen our story for Morgan. I'm hoping for an attack on us. A few more bodies alongside Trellor's would make our little fiction more palatable to him. We can spare a few slaves, or men, for that matter." Longinus dismounts and sees the flashing of Diana's eyes before she speaks, "We wouldn't need to BE on this entire ordeal if you hadn't lost control of yourself!!" Longinus reaches up to help her dismount and pulls her unceremoniously from her saddle. She falls against her horse who shies away, leaving her to crumble onto the ground. Bending over her, he grabs her by the hair and hauls her to her feet. She glares back at him, a whimper escaping her. The soldiers are witnessing all this but no one dares to intervene. They may have sworn allegiance to Diana and Rome, but they know where the real power lay. Aware of the soldiers' eyes, she attempts to gather her dignity and brushes some of the road dust from her clothes. "I don't think I'll ever be clean again! Look at all this dirt!" Longinus smiling mischievously, "You've never looked more beautiful my dear.... Later that evening in their tent, Diana is lounging on a couch, and Longinus paces the tent floor impatiently, waiting for the slaves to finish clearing away the remains of dinner before continuing the conversation. Outside their tent, a stealthy figure waits in the shadows, one eye on the roaming guards and one ear on the talk from within the tent. Longinus was speaking annoyed, "If you had been successful with the man yourself I wouldn't have had to intervene. It was plain you were having the wrong effect on him, as usual." Diana sends him a killer look and huffs angrily. He continues, "Your charms failed you, but MY persuasion did not. Now we know that Morgan and King Derek had a long-standing blood feud. Which means, since Derek is dead, Conor now inherits, as he is the last remaining of Derek's blood. So our meeting with Morgan will be twofold. First to seal our alliance with him and his numerous tribe, replenishing our strength against the rebels. And no need to send to Rome for more troops, avoiding their questioning intrusion. Secondly, provoke Morgan into dealing with Conor for us. We will appeal to his sense of honor, they're big on honor on this island. Therefore, we gain strength to finally establish a firm Roman hold here and our annoying young Prince will go away to bother us no longer. We win in both respects." Pleased with himself, he sits down on his couch. Diana, sensing he requires a reply to his oration, "Very good Longy, but what if this Morgan chooses to forgive the blood feud and spare Conor? He may well do, since Conor is so highly thought of. He may not take the risk for one young boy." Longinus, already plotting the details in his mind, "Then, my dear, we will ensure that he does take the risk....." an evil smile spreads across his face. The shadowy figure outside the tent turns carefully to leave. Quietly making his way to the outskirts of the camp and successfully remaining unobserved, he finds his mount hidden safely. Quickly, the rider makes his way back towards the Sanctuary, more than a day and night away. His errand is crucial, his information dire! Conor must be warned! ****************************************************** Gentle readers, so ends The Eternal. The rest of our story will unfold in another manifestation of fanfic as this one is much too long already. Thanks for your patience. Stay tuned.......