Fables/Fairytales Fan Fiction ❯ Gods Eternal and the Forever Damned ❯ Temptation without Shame ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: is a work of fiction. This is a fictional story. Any resemblance to person(s) living or dead is purely coincidental.

Temptations without Shame

A/n:  Plots within the court as love affairs and secrets that are best kept lie below the surface ready to explode. The Silver Wheel calls off battle for the sake of one but the enemy sees only a chance to plunder. Queen and consort fall as memories of younger days are seen.

Reports were coming in from scouts all over Éireann Leth`Evana of attacks of ekimmu warriors that were slaughtering villages and taking the fae women as slaves. Ailduin was furious but he knew in his heart of hearts that this was. He had been within her mind and it was either her half-brother; Fionn Hammel, he controlled thunder and lightning or Gwydion who was her male identical twin. He controlled ice and snow to such a degree; it could be harnessed as personal weapons of great strength.

Ailduin hated to leave Leth`Evana at such times but he was aching for her. They had said every day and it had been more than two months. He had done what his clan had asked and had said his mind had gone insane from his capture. He felt betrayed and hatred and he had news for the temptress; no one played the leader of Clan Ludok for a fool.

He ordered his warriors to especially be on the lookout for certain warriors and to kill without mercy or care. Ailduin contemplated every moment and finding her and snarling what a lying, conniving whore she was.

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Arianrhod was not doing well at all. Not that anyone could tell. She viciously put down a small rebellion of infants in the north of Gaul and Fionn was gone often. She had a good idea she knew what he was up to and she was going to catch him in the act of breaking his oath to her. Nemain and Macha came forward and bowed low to her and she nodded for her beautiful daughters to rise.

“Mother! You know of us all you can tell us anything.” Macha cried softly.

Macha was one Arawn’s daughters and she was a deadly woman indeed. She was feared and worshiped. She had a few names in the isles and Moragan was her other; Nemain was always Nemain. Arianrhod almost broke down from her sins but she kept tight control.

“There is a fae man; I believe him in danger because I have played with him. Fionn thinks I love this creature but he gives me immense pleasure as I drink deeply.” Arianrhod said as if bored.

Macha knew better but Nemain took her mother’s words at face value. Nemain could always reach her uncle and Macha was just a mighty warrior.

“I will find a back door through the veils further south my great mother. Nemain will keep Fionn busy. She must tell him that Gavin Tremin has made his moves upon her.” Macha said slyly.

Nemain blushed prettily and Arianrhod leaned forward at that bit of news. Gavin was not openly hostile towards his queen but his temperament cooled immediately when she was speaking to Fionn. She could see the look of true adoration on the young ekimmu’s face and he was in love with her half-brother/lead warrior then she had another comeuppance for him; especially if he also had touched Nemain. Gwydion came into the throne room and Macha bowed before the Bratling Prince and Nemain bowed and went to kiss the cheek of the man who had raised her as his child.

“That will be all Macha and please do as you have suggested.” Arianrhod said softly.

Macha nodded and her eyes turned silver. She walked away in a black body hugging dress of shimmering silk that left her back exposed and her tattoos visible.

“Nemain, I want you to explain to me what Macha meant when she said Tremin had made moves upon you.” Her mother spoke quite loudly and in front of Gwydion.

Gwydion’s pale blue eyes widened a little at the mention of the lower House of Tremin but for one of them to think they were worthy to touch one of the House of Hammel was simply ridiculous.

“I find him pleasing to gaze upon Mother and Father! Please! I am a warrior and he is one as well. I am a grown woman and need not account for my lovers must I?” Nemain asked embarrassed.

“When a lover is beneath your station and your rank; I very much have need you to account for them!” Gwydion actually snarled.

“Father you sound like a snob!” His child said in a soft tone of defiance.

Arianrhod smirked to herself and Nemain truly was Fionn’s daughter. She may not have his outright way of showing his fury, but her level of stubbornness matched his. Gwydion was ranting and raving over his beloved child fucking some worthless nobody and Arianrhod stood up.

“Where are you going?” Her twin and consort demanded.

“To deal with this matter in my way.” His wife admitted.

Gwydion barely smiled and Nemain looked horrified. Gwydion stood and restrained his child and Arianrhod phased out to the training grounds of the ekimmu elite warriors. Fionn was there and as normal he had a small enclave of his elite band. She knew without a doubt he had been plundering fae lands. She saw Gavin and her eyes darkened and glowed demonically as she used her element to quickly and without warning lift him and slam him against a wall of the training arena. Bones broke and Fionn whirled around in fury at his sister and the other warriors just fell to their knees as the queen stood there in a green dress that was the color of grass in early spring and wrapped around her and tied at her neck as a halter. She wore a fur of soft white around her shoulders and her silvery white hair flowed down.

“What in the name of Annwyn was that for Piuthar?” Fionn roared.

“Ask Nemain and your boy Gavin. Gwydion will not allow such a taint upon his beloved child. Keep his dick away from her. He would rather it was you anyway.” Arianrhod said in a sarcastic snit.

Fionn was beyond incensed and horrified. He had had no idea that Gavin would have touched his beloved niece. He knew the younger man looked at him in adoration but in anything but some sort of hero worship?

“How dare you Piuthar!” Her brother who controlled Thunder itself roared.

“How dare I? How dare you! You made an oath; a solemn promise and you break it every day.” She said as her blue eyes turned green when she was especially cold.

Fionn roared for the arena to be emptied and his warriors tended Gavin. Arianrhod stared at Fionn and he stared at her. The current of fury and more was building between them. His own elements were near his surface as static and the skies were darkening suddenly.

“I admit; I have been hunting this fae down. His passion for you is unacceptable. I cannot allow it again.” Fionn said bluntly meaning how she had loved Nwyvre.

“You cannot allow it again? Who are you to dictate my heart little brother? You who left me that beautiful night! You who deny what is truth but cannot give me an inch!” She screamed at him.

“I would be like everything else Arianrhod. I choose to serve you out of my love and devotion as your warrior. I show you my love and true devotion by removing enemies in your wake whether you recognize them or not!” He snarled at her.

Her current shoved him against the wall of his training grounds and she was furious. He was furious but two lone bloody tears fell down her face. She should have left but she stormed up to him and ripped his homespun black tunic and bared his sculpted white chest.

“Your mother Halldora asked me to foster you in this court because she knew you preferred your ekimmu side. I love your mother as I love you.” Arianrhod spoke hoarsely.

“Then release me!” Fionn growled.

“No.” She growled back.

Her lips pressed against his and he could not move. Fionn had forgotten what her lips tasted like and she was not stopping the maddening kiss. She was the only person ever who could make him weak. Fionn wanted to slip to the ground and just die in this second. Arianrhod released him and his powerfully built body crushed her as he lifted her and his brain was screaming this was all wrong. She grew angrier and she smacked him. His own growls were terrifying and she phased them. They were near the ocean and Fionn pushed her back and he ripped her green wrap dress from her. She pulled herself up by his ripped tunic and with one hand undid his thick leather belt. Arianrhod fell back on the sand and began tearing at the lacings of his leggings and his thoughts were gone.

“You coward! You my mightiest man! My most powerful warrior and you deny me yourself. Well not this moment Bràthair! You are jealous of Ailduin because he will do what you want. You will do what WE want!” His beloved queen hissed in his face.

Arianrhod was crushed under him and Fionn was not drunk under fae blood; hell, he was not even close to needing blood at this moment but she was right. He was hunting the fae man out of pure green envy. His queen/love held his maleness and she actually used her other hand to help guide him in. Fionn’s arms shook violently as she stared up at his emerald eyes that matched hers for the moment. His eyes were an odd hazel; walnut brown and pewter like grey mixed to produce a haunting effect. Arianrhod loved his beautiful eyes and his perfect white-blonde hair. His mother Halldora had sent him to Arianrhod’s court early as a small child and she would play with his long whitish hair. Her child-self had adored this half- brother for his stoic loyalty but Arianrhod knew deeply he felt and when he would allow himself to feel; it was a momentously exquisite thing.

“Arianrhod, I swore to myself…” Fionn tried to say but it came out a whimper.

“You never swore to me about this! Coward! You coward!” She continued to hurl her insults at him.

Fury hit him and thrust hard inside of her and she came up. His anger and yes, even guilt was eating him alive as he began to harshly pummel her sweet center. Her breathless screams were music to him and the Lord of Thunder was lost in how their own bodies met over and over. Arianrhod ended up clawing his down his pristine back and he cried out in that unusual sound their kind made. Blood oozed from the wounds in his back and his relentless pounding was reaching annihilation. She kissed him and it undid him on every level. He tried to jerk himself from her body but Arianrhod wrapped her legs around him tightly and he was shaking forcefully through his completely rigid body. The sounds of painful pleasure left his throat and he felt her body shaking too. She refused to release him and he stared at her eyes. They were blue again but she sat up and moved his hair. Her fangs sank into his juncture and the crushing lust/love was unreal. Arianrhod drank from him and she fell back. She turned her head to bear her throat and his chest was heaving. He hesitated for several minutes then he sank his own teeth into her soft, silk like throat. He drank and drank until he actually slowly passed out. He was exhausted and she had brought them to a private sanctuary all of her own.

Arianrhod had been pining for Fionn for hundreds of years and she was tired. She was sick and tired of his; I am holier than thou art. She loved him well as she loved Gwydion but if truth was told, she loved Fionn more. She also loved her fae man; Ailduin and she would have him too!
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Macha was all too aware of love and what it could do. Her father loved her mother passionately but what could the keeper of Annwyn do when he loved the Moon goddess? He could leave his domain for short times and be with his love and his children all were free of Annwyn but OF Annwyn. She knew of her distant cousin Efnisien; Chaos personified, but he was very timid when it came to her. Macha had her mother’s silvery-white hair that was streaked with thin strips of black soot. Her eyes would change from a deep brown-red to silver when she was angry or using her elements. Macha was in Wales and she was searching for a way to get into Leth`Evana without being noticed. Such veils were known as hind cracks.

Efnisien watched from afar and his master’s child was epitome of beauty in his mind. He had stayed away from Arianrhod and Gwydion since the night Gwydion had almost drank him dry. Gwydion needed a payback and he had told Arawn. His master had been quite put out and only tolerated the “Golden boy” as he was mockingly called. Efnisien had dark sable brown locks and teal colored eyes that entranced most ekimmu. His heart was already stolen and he stared at the thief.

Macha felt herself being stared at and she had a feeling of who it was. She could feel fae very close by; so she knew she had found a hind crack and she quickly moved away. She walked through what appeared a cloud of black smoke and appeared right next to the ekimmu man leaning against an oak tree. Efnisien startled and Macha full lips widened into a beautiful smile.

“Hello Chaos. Come to play with a little bit of Annwyn?” She asked raising a brow.

“Oh you know how my master is. He prefers I keep an eye over his children topside.” Efnisien shrugged.

“Liar. Papa knows I can melt male parts with my claws alone. So what brings you my extended cousin?” She asked in a sultry tone.

“I always protect Arawn’s interests Lady Macha. You should know that!” He said indignantly.

“Did you know that Bilae Hammel has asked to pay me court? Can you imagine? Bilae?” She said in disgust.

“He is too filthy for such an angel.” Chaos said without thinking.

“We are really not gods Efnisien. The mortals and infants just believe we are. I am not complaining; it is a good system and most times, we do not need to kill to sustain our thirsts.” Macha stated looking him up and down.

“I serve Arawn and through him, I serve you.” He mumbled.

His dark sable hair would look almost black in certain light and his teal colored eyes were entrancing. She pressed him to the tree in the thick forest of the Welsh countryside and stared into eyes like mythical oceans.

“Kiss your master’s daughter. Kiss her and sweeten her lips with your taste.” She commanded in a throaty tone.

Efnisien looked horrified and panicked because; although he was madly in love with Macha, he never had any intentions of acting upon it. It was the great daughter of the Silver Wheel who pulled him down and pressed her lips to his and he moaned in a wounded sound. He opened his lips and Macha attacked as her tongue teased and titillated Chaos. She only kissed him deeply and she nibbled his bottom lip for good measure.

“I sleep at my mother’s castle. You should bring Chaos once in a while.” Macha whispered.

“Lady Macha. I…I am not worthy of you.” He spat out.

“Really? We shall see.” She sauntered off and her long hair waved and came to her bottom.

Efnisien was breathing shallowly and the kiss had burned his brain in ways he could not explain. This female was the only one he wished for and he would die for her. He worshipped her from afar and in his mind; loving her as such was perfect. Chaos noticed his hardened flesh underneath his sturdy linen black tunic and leggings. He always wore black and he sighed as he leaned back against the tree. He would wait before he spoke to Arawn.
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Orders came from Lady Don herself that there was to be another incursion into Briton into the realm of the ekimmu. It was found out that two sons of Don were killed in the last major battle and this was revenge. She had Khatar as her eldest now and he was a beautiful man. Ailduin thought the royal Undine a bit too effeminate but he kept his mind silent as Khatar spoke to the Fionnuisce Undine and the Sáile clans that did not directly belong to his family. The Fionnuisce were led by the family Ludok and their clan master was quite a warrior and had escaped Arianrhod. Don had sent Khatar to find out how.

“My mother demands to know how you escaped that wretched beast that took you in mithril chains.” Prince Khatar demanded.

“She decided that I would fight for my freedom and I won.” Ailduin shrugged.

“She let you fight for your freedom?” The Sáile fae said in disbelief.

“It struck me as odd too but I came to understood she had strange moods and fancies. She expected that she would best me but she keeps her word once given; that much I ascertained. She is however a spoiled, overindulged, wretched bitch! She says our lady Don is her mother but I do not think so.” The Fionnuisce man stated with a raised chin.

“Simyth and Don have a younger sister named Dan. She is the actual mother to the ekimmu people through Taranis. Because their names are so similar; my mother is blamed for creating those monsters!” Khatar spit upon the ground.

“What is it you want from me and my clan your majesty?” Ailduin demanded.

“We want strategic strikes in Briton but we do not want full on engagements. Strike and kill and then disappear. I know it goes against whom we are and our honor as Undine but the ekimmu will pick us off. Mother believes this will be effective. If you can get close to Arianrhod again; sink any sort of blade into her heart.” The prince stated.

Ailduin nodded and he could do what they wanted but kill Arianrhod was not one of them. His anger was supreme but he could not stick a blade into her chest in an attempt to end her life. He intended to do a strike very close to Caer Sidi. He would personally kill many ekimmu warriors and he would make her see him and make her seek him out.
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Arianrhod was in her massive iron bed that she shared with Gwydion most nights and a shared lover. Gwydion was not back yet this night and her stomach was not settled well. She stared at the ceiling of her bedroom and it was painted as if the night sky with all the constellations and a depiction of her in a chariot riding across the sky as the Silver Wheel. Her keen hearing heard shouts far in the distance and it sounded as if metal was hitting metal. She rose and put on a battle stolla and her chest plate. She quickly painted a mask of blue around her eyes and she left the sanctuary of her solace and private chambers. She could see the cliffs around Caer Sidi were filled with both Fionnuisce and Sáile Undine that were striking her warriors. What shocked her was the small band of Welsh Sáile Undine who had brown/black raven hair and the deepest blue eyes. Nwyvre popped into her mind and anguish was eating at her heart.

“What are you doing outside of your veil fae?” The young ekimmuess asked in a haughty manner.

“I go where I like when I like brat. Go back to your mommy’s tit little girl.” The fae youth taunted the young ekimmu woman.

“How dare you! Do you even have any idea who I am you fucking water fae?” Arianrhod snarled at the brat.

“A pretty ekimmu but such a nasty mouth! Here let me show you what to do with such a filthy mouth.” The dark haired fae had said.

He moved with incredible speed and he was in front of her; it startled the almost adult Arianrhod and she had to look up at the lean, muscled form of this creature. He was obviously well built but it was subtle. It was so incredibly subtle as she craned her neck to see into his eyes. When the bastard’s hand cupped the back of her head in a very gentle manner; the fae man held her firmly but gently, and he leaned down and his black hair fell around them as his lips teased hers and she made a surprised noise. The fae made a point of tracing her lips with his tongue and she was gently shaking as her mouth yielded to his questing. The fae placed a thought in her head and it was his name; Nwyvre. This fae man kissed her silly for who knew how long and he gently pulled back. He had a merry look in his eyes as she was stunned at how amazing this creature could kiss.

“See you around Lady Arianrhod.” Nwyvre smirked and he was suddenly gone.

She stood there in complete shock and complete adoration of such a man. She could not believe he had the gumption to do as he had done. Arianrhod was quite suddenly looking forward to catching the strange young fae in the near future.

She cleared her mind of her first meeting with the Welsh Undine and pushed away her pain. Nwyvre Ancalímon had been striking with his hair so black it had a blue sheen and his dark sapphire blue eyes. He had a thin elongated diamond shape between his dark brows that was just a part of him. The cunning fae man would come looking for her to taunt and when the passion had become too great; way beyond his teasing, and she had seen his whole body trembling in absolute want and need. Arianrhod had given herself to him. The act had not hurt but it had in fact been glorious. Nwyvre was also careful not to impregnate her and that made her angry but she understood. Mahtan Ancalímon had killed his own son for loving an ekimmu.

Arianrhod’s mood was dangerous and her warriors looked up at the sky. The winds began to pick up and most ducked under and ran for cover. The Mistress of Air was definitely in a foul mood as winds began to gather around faster. Rain began to pelt the area around her grand castle with many windows. She stalked further away from Caer Sidi and held out her hand as her sword; Starrfhiacail appeared. Her eyes were glowing darker blue and she saw an Undine. She moved forward with incredible speed and struck him in the back so her sword would pierce his heart.

“Filthy fucking fae! How dare you show yourself so near my castle!” She snarled to the dying elf.

“Don’s orders.” The youngish male gasped and his head fell forward.

Arianrhod kicked him in the back with her sandaled foot and she worked her way higher up into the cliffs. There was an isolated spot and she intended to draw a few more fae to her. It took nearly ten minutes of waiting for a fae to show up and it was Ailduin. Arianrhod was shocked and she dropped her sword. Her chest heaved and she stared at his pale blue eyes that reminded her of the pretty little buds called, Forget Me Nots. Ailduin looked angry. He looked betrayed and he also looked very much undecided.

“You start a ridiculous craving in my soul for you and then you abandon me?” He snarled at her.

“No! I did not abandon you. I knew Fionn was acting against his oath he had made to me because he was jealous. Ailduin, I never allow a male that much power over me.” Arianrhod admitted honestly.

The rains kept pouring and the clouds kept swirling. He would have asked her to stop but her little temper tantrum was affording them privacy. The powerfully built Undine fae was in front of her and his sculpted arm reached for her neck with his large but graceful hand. It was a gentle touch and Ailduin pulled her to his body.

“You said you would conceive. You did not did you?” Ailduin asked in a low tone.

“No. I wished I had. I have not been allowing Gwydion his due. He is furious with me right now and I remembered Nwyvre. I only remembered him because of the passion I felt for him. Then I met you on that battle field; unafraid of me or death.” The ekimmu queen admitted.

“You have kept none of your word to me! You kidnap me and lied to me. You have me divorce my wife as you sit upon your throne or lye upon your dais and make commands. I am not your subject bitch! I am a Fionnuisce Undine fae. I have no need to supplicate to an ekimmu whore!” He stated coldly.

“Then let this ekimmu whore out of your arms fae so that she may slay you as she should have done!” She snarled at him.

Arianrhod’s hair was soaked from the downpour and Ailduin’s thick white hair was done in a tight braid. She heard his mind, he wanted privacy. She without thought phased them to her small estate in Wales when she came there for the Welsh to pay homage to her. It was a small keep compared to Caer Sidi but it was warm and dry. Ailduin dragged her inside and Arianrhod could not believe how he was treating her. She kept a small number of servants and pathed to them to keep quiet and they said nothing. Ailduin was dragging a struggling Arianrhod until he found the most posh bed chambers. She could have freed herself but in fact; this fae was no slouch and she realized that without a doubt he was an incredible warrior. Ailduin whirled around and his blue leather tunic was ruined but it was stitched in gold lettering on two strips; one on each side of his chest. It spoke of his rank as a prince to his people and as a general for the Lady Don. He jerked her armor off of her and threw it from them. Her fae warrior was being none too gentle as he ripped her white battle stolla from her and he did not shove her back, but forced her to sit and he deftly undid her sandals.

“What do you want Undine?” Arianrhod hissed at him.

“To get the chill from my body bitch.” Ailduin answered just as nastily.

He soon stripped and she again gulped at seeing his ripped and etched muscles outlined as if a statue. There was no loose muscle anywhere and Arianrhod was very much in a state of near madness by the time he jerked his boots off. Ailduin was fully naked and bore many scars from his time as a warrior and he sat his knee on the bed and pushed her back. For many minutes; he actually only did hold her to gain her body heat.

“Why do you think I have not pursued you?” Arianrhod asked in a shaky voice.

“Because you are ekimmu and it lies when it serves your purpose.” He retorted.

“Ailduin, I refused to lead Fionn straight to you. I realized that he saw our last time together. I did not take your life on the battle field and I sure as hell was not going to cause your death!” She hissed out.

“I would have rather died and felt you than this emptiness that has been making me mad. My clan thinks I had a temporary episode of insanity; I think perhaps I did. I begged my wife to come back to me as your spell had worn off!” Ailduin said with such cold hatred.

Bloody tears pricked her eyes and she could see in his mind that his wife was now pregnant. She was furious and she screamed in hatred and he did not smile but he did not comfort either way.

“There was no spell you insipid elf! I wanted you as you wanted me. I cared more for your wellbeing than you apparently cared for mine. Fae are self-centered, cruel people!” Arianrhod gulped down her tears and said in a scathing tone.

“I had no care? You spout that excrement? Really Arianrhod? Truly?” He demanded haughtily.

“I will spout anything I wish whenever I wish. I am the Silver Wheel…I am Arian…” She began to say.

Ailduin silenced her by smashing his lips to hers and the response was ardent and just as wild as he felt. His left hand brazenly moved up her side and cupped her breast. The heat that his people radiated was making her fevered and he finally let her lips go and he bent his head to latch onto her tit to suckle it.

“Ailduin what do you want from me!” She yelped out.

He was especially wicked with his tongue and teeth as he let her nipple go and his blue eyes met her slowly changing to green.

“I want; no DESERVE, what you promised me. I want some assurance from you that we are each other’s. Not just talk but something to link us.” He said frowning.

“What was it I promised you?” Arianrhod demanded.

“You for starters offered me this body. Second, you said you would give me a child, and third,” Ailduin ground out.

Arianrhod was actually nervous and groaned as his lips found her neck and kissed, sucked hard just the way she needed. She became unable to protest as every small thing was making her insane. Soon the elf had two fingers sheathed within her and carefully he sucked upon her pearl of nerves, Arianrhod’s sweat soaked forehead was beaded with moisture and she shook it side to side.

-Release your ambrosia! - Ailduin thought in her mind.

-Cannot.- Her mind spoke.

He sucked harder and moved faster. Ailduin was still angry for the separation and her insipid relations hunting his people. He could not say he was not mad; in fact he figured he was, but somewhere in a short span of time, he loved this wench. The fae man got his reward as the queen of the ekimmu peoples arched her back painfully as her eruption led to a beautiful culmination in Ailduin’s opinion and he suckled of and drank from her shrouded parts; her trickling honey.

Arianrhod was near weeping and her fae lover lifted his head and stared at her with his petal colored pale blue eyes. Hers had a glow to them to make them appear a darker blue hue and Ailduin moved so that their lips mashed and their tongues tangled. His wounded sound made her tremble badly and she foolishly thought she could be away from him. One powerful hand ran through her hair, he suddenly jerked her head back to expose her throat.

“Such beautiful skin ekimmu. Such a delicious taste I have been given, you swore that I was yours and you were mine.” He said as he wrapped his blunt teeth around her tendon and worked the muscle.

Arianrhod gasped in the incomprehensible pleasure and she was panting to stay above it.

“Take me Ailduin. Take me now. I know I will conceive. We will be tied through our child.” The queen moaned.

“Not good enough.” He roared.

Arianrhod felt her forearm sliced open and he repeated the same to himself. He pressed their arms together and he spoke his elvish tongue. She somehow knew to repeat it and the heat in her limb felt like it was burning. When Ailduin moved his own limb; an Undine elvish symbol was apparent on her left forearm. The same symbol was on his right limb and he stared at her in defiance. She could not feel anger and she pulled him to her again and their lips met urgently. Ailduin was mad but then so was she. Their bodies began the old dance and he needed this creature. He had come to know the woman behind the legend in his captivity and he had come to respect her in his crazed love of her.

Their bodies met over and over as the sweat glistened on the white flesh. Ailduin intended to have what he wanted and he was insane but he wanted a child from her womb. Said child would be as much of his love as his woman. He kept her legs widely open as he pummeled her sweet center. Ailduin was branding Arianrhod Hammel so she would never leave him for so long again. When their culminations washed through them simultaneously; his passion blacked out from the acute love. The Fionnuisce Undine prince undid his white hair and he spooned her form. His hand was pressed to her stomach and his eyes shut. These battles and the war were against her brothers but never her. Arianrhod slowly came to and she felt the hard planes of her Fionnuisce fae and a look of peace passed over her features.

“You made me love you Arianrhod. You made me need you as much as I need the waters and air.” Her lover said into her silvery-white hair.

Bloody tears gleamed in her now green eyes and she shut them.

“Your fearlessness and bravery made me love you. Your grace and honor too Ailduin. I would rather die than see harm come to you.” Arianrhod spoke as she kissed his elegant fingers.

“Never shut me away again woman. I will go mad. I feel my seed has begotten you. You will make certain I see our child born?” Ailduin demanded.

“Why do you ask such dangerous things?” She asked in a tinge of fear.

“Because I am not afraid and you are the ekimmu queen. Get your half twit brother under your control again. Make certain I do not miss the birth of our babe Arianrhod. I am fae and we always witness our children born. Do not take that from me!” He demanded.

“No, I will not take it from you. I will have our babe here. Ailduin, I will get Fionn under control but get Don’s warriors out of my lands!” She demanded.

“I will find a way my love. I swear this to you. I will lie, cheat, or whatever it takes. I must return but I will see you more often.” Her fae love commanded.

“Yes. I swear it. I only stayed away to keep you alive.” She said as the tears managed to slip down her face.

“I was dead. Good eve for now my wife and my love. I will see you soon and earnestly.” He said with such passion.

His kiss made her crazed and his hand held her belly. It was a glaringly obvious Ailduin did not wish to leave nor did Arianrhod want him to. His looks spoke of the forbidden feelings that she knew had been brewing and she scrambled to the edge of the bed.

“Ailduin!” She cried out and her tone caught him in his gut.

The Undine man turned and the usually fierce and deadly ekimmu goddess that was Arianrhod Hammel was now just a woman and she was just calling for her man and it was in need and love. Ailduin knew he could not leave her like this and he gently shut her estate’s door and he moved back to her bed. He had put back on his ruined blue leather, Arianrhod stood naked on her knees at the edge of her bed. He pressed his forehead to hers and his eyes were closed.

“Tha mo ghion ort!” He whispered softly.

“Mae fy nghalon yw eich un chi!” She whispered in her native Welsh.

Auilduin understood the ekimmu tongue and that her heart was his. She of course too knew he had spoken deeply for a fae; to say, I love you for all time. That was tremendous coming from such a creature as he. She pressed his hand to her belly and his possessive growl that he made; it caused her heart to stutter in ways it had not in centuries. Arianrhod kissed him this time and it was with tender, heart wrenching passion. Auilduin had won, he had conquered Arianrhod Hammel and he clasped his fingers in hers over her belly. Their love was forbidden but neither was afraid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~
Macha was on her way to the Welsh castle on the other side of the country. She smiled to herself and Nemain had managed to get Fionn to stop the raids into Leth`Evana. Macha knew what it felt like to love and deeply. The idiot she loved was afraid of her shadow. The ekimmu princess was so much like her beloved mother and men pursued her almost as much as they paid court to the ekimmu queen. Macha had seen the fae man and he had been quite delicious but her mother knew and sensed something more to him. She saw it ridiculous that their species should not mingle considering quite a number of ekimmu made eyes at fae and vice versa. She sighed as she carried a seriously wicked looking sword on her back. The hilt was short and well-worn brass as well as the guard. There was no engraving or scroll work but the blade had a slight curve on one side. It was also beveled for her particular use. She would use her miasma or blood to infuse the blade to cause horrific damage. Her wavy silver hair was stuck to her forehead and temples because of her exercise and she felt his presence again. A smile played upon her lips but she also felt something else. She felt a Sistern but they were mercenaries; while of Annwyn, their loyalty went to the highest bidder. Her father hated them.

“Hello Chaos. I feel Sistern. Do you feel up to a little sport?” She asked in her evocative voice.

Efnisien had a shudder go down his spine but it was of a kind that made one a slave to hormones.

“I always feel up for sport when it comes to those worthless creatures!” Chaos sneered his handsome visage.

The Sistern had a ghastly, death like tone to its skin and had darker grey hair. Their eyes were typically black or white. This particular one was male and bore black eyes. His sinister grin was nauseating. He wore a ragged, thin black long tunic that seemed it could be made of webbing if webbing was black. His bottoms were just as ragged and filthy looking as boots of the costliest leather adorned his feet. That got Macha’s attention fast; this was no ordinary Sistern.

“Lady Macha Hammel! Efnisien as Chaos! What do I owe this pleasure to?” The mean looking ekimmu with haggard dark grey hair that was shaggy.

“Who are you sir to even address the child of your master?” Macha demanded in a snide tone.

“Cenwyn Wynn your majesty.” The creature smirked.

The Wynn name was not unknown to either Macha or Efnisien. She put her blade back in place and Cenwyn bowed low.

“I was actually looking for you my lady when I found out you were topside. Did you know there was Undine near Caer Sidi?” He asked as if he cared.

“Yes, yes and my mother can handle any insipid fae. Now what do you want Sistern?” She said with that nasty edge to her voice.

“My lord Bilae begs you read his letter. That is all.” Cenwyn grinned showing triangular and sharp teeth that were blackened and grey.

Give it to me and go on.” Macha hissed.

Cenwyn reached into a pocket of his filthy leggings and produced a letter with a white wax seal. Macha wanted to roll her eyes but she grabbed it and shooed the Sistern back to Annwyn. Cenwyn smirked and he slipped away; this princess was powerful but he had time.

Efnisien looked disgusted and Macha just deposited the letter into a small bag for such things and she stared at teal seas that were Chaos’s eyes. She always got lost staring at him and she mentally calculated how far her mother’s estate was. Macha grabbed Efnisien and phased them to her rooms in Whitehaven Citadel. Her very distant relation looked shocked and his black wool and linen clothing was both costly and beautiful on him.

“My Lady Macha, I really have situations that must be observed. I do do a function you realize.” He stated pursing his lips.

“You do realize I am one of the older princesses in the kingdom and yet I could have anyone. Bilae wants me; deluded fucking idiot. Your twin has paid homage to me and you? Well you avoid me like the plague!” His mistress said in anger.

“I am a loyal unto death vassal to your father.” Efnisien snapped in return.

“Why did you allow that putrid brat Gwydion to touch you and share you as if you were a meal?” She demanded.

Efnisien cursed her sources at court and he sighed. It suddenly dawned on her and she narrowed her eyes.

“You wanted to stay at court. You wanted rooms in Caer Sidi for a reason! Did my father put you up to it?” The ranting ekimmuess demanded.

“No! Arawn would never allow those of us who serve him faithfully, to prostitute ourselves. Your father is as a father to me in many ways. He finished raising me Lady Macha after my own parents died. I realize it was at first because of my element but he has grown fond of me truly!” He actually admitted.

“Is that why you cannot see yourself touching me? Because my father is Arawn; do you?” Macha demanded as she stood nose to nose to him.

Efnisien could not breathe and he had allowed Gwydion to use him so that Arianrhod would give him rooms in Caer Sidi. He wanted to be near her as often as possible. His love was consuming him but he had promised himself to devote himself fully to his master.

“Please step away my lady.” He gasped out.

Macha took all of him in and he wore a fine spun onyx colored tunic that came mid-thigh and looser leggings in coal black wool. He also wore a coat of heavy wool in the same color as his bottoms. His dark brunette hair was loose and flowed past his shoulders and she knew he wore a thick leather belt around his waist. Efnisien also wore hardened leather boots that cost a fortune; but one could afford such things being the adopted child of the Master of Annwyn. Macha’s body hugging ebony silk dress clung to every curve she had and she was not in her battle mode. She had jewel encrusted slippers made of silk on her feet and she reached up behind her neck and undid the clasp that held her halter style dress in place.
The silk slid down her tattooed body and pooled at her feet. She stepped out of her slippers and she had started a roaring fire in the fire place in her sleeping chambers. Efnisien found he had a cold chill and he gulped.

Macha’s figure was in the shape of an hour glass. She had full breasts that more than filled hands and her waist was tiny. Her hips were wide enough to balance her body to perfection. She had tattoos in Celt, Gaelic, and Welsh all over her back, down her arms, and on her neck. Efnisien too had tattoos but his were not as many and only in Welsh.

“Macha, I beg you. Do not tempt me beyond endure.” He said in a harsh whisper.

“Some days I hate you! I hate the man I know who loves me and I love him! Tell me that is not insanity?” She swore at him.

“I have explained my reasons and they are mine…” Efnisien began but Macha silenced him.

Her mouth was open and Efnisien responded why he did not know. The intense, gut wrenching kiss was getting out of control. Blood spilled from the corner and he was groaning in such a way as to make her lose her mind. Macha guided him to her lavish bed made of iron and laid him back as she climbed onto his waist. She broke the kiss and stared down at him with silver eyes.

“Why would you choose Chaos over Tranquility?” the man under her asked in a stupefied voice.

“Because Chaos has been my life! I am going to lie down next to you. I beg of you to remove your fine things and hold me.” Macha asked in a breathless way.

Efnisien’s dumbed down brain figured he could hold her. That was no issue. She did as she said she would and he stood up. He removed his outer coat, his tunic, belt, boots, and then leggings. Macha held in her gasps as she stared at his perfect body and the symbols inked on his back and upper arms. He moved slowly and he climbed into the iron bed with a soft mattress and he intended to hold her. She rolled to her side to face him and her silver orbs met his darkened teal color.

“Macha. Why can I not love you in my way?” He asked in a wounded tone.

“Efnisien, why can I not love you in MY way?” She turned his question on him.

“Evil temptress. You are evil!” He tried to tease but her lips met his again.

Chaos would not stop her this time and her lips found a spot below his ear that made him moan out of his skull. She shut her eyes as the urge to take him in totally hit her and she reached back to gently and reverently brush his maleness. The intake of air made her tremble and she stared with her silver eyes at his and he looked terrified.

“I need you. I do not just want you Efnisien. This is love for me. I need you.” She bore her heart.

“Gods in heaven Macha.” He whined and he sat up.

He held the back of her neck and the lips met as did their tongues so they could taste. Efnisien was gone in need. Her clawed hands were moving up and down his muscled back and running through his dark hair. The ekimmu of chaos called out in the eagles’ cry as her fangs buried in his shoulder but she sheathed him at the same time. The turbulent shaking that ensued was felt from both male and female ekimmu.

Macha laid him back and slowly ground her pelvis into his and Chaos was in chaos. She was moaning words in their native Welsh and he heard her heart. His mind could not comprehend that such a high born woman was spilling words such as love, need, desire, you are my passion, and you have become my heart. He sat up and rolled them and he slowly pulled back and snapped his hips hard. Macha screamed in blissful agony and Efnisien did it again and again.

“I love you. Efnisien, I love you. Taranis in heaven! Yes! I love you.” She actually wept.

“Macha. Fuck Macha, I cannot stop. Macha release me.” Efnisien panicked.

Macha was too into the precious act and she felt his hot essence as his body shook from a splendid release of joy after her own spasms had triggered his. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing deep and Efnisien was panicked.

“Macha, you did not allow me to pull back.” He said in a shaky voice.

“Why would I want you to?” She asked in a dreamy voice.

“Not worthy of this. Macha, if I get you pregnant…it would be a stain upon your family.” He said in a low voice.

Her eyes flashed demonic red then silver as she stared at him. She was angry too much too fast and she willed a dagger into her hand. She sliced open his chest and he cried out in pain; it was a blade of Annwyn and she sliced her own arm. Macha pressed their wounds together and spoke the ancient words.

“Waed fy ngwaed . Soul at fy enaid. Rhwymwch ni yn awr , ein rhwymo ni i gyd!” Macha snarled out each word.

She spoke it over and over and Efnisien realized a half bind would be no good. He began the chant with her and the searing, burning pain finally stopped. On his chest was a Celtic knot burned into his skin by blood magic. She had the same mark on her right forearm and she stared at him defiantly.

“I only pray to Taranis harder now that I bear you a child!” Macha spat out.

Efnisien was shaking and he stared at his now technically wife. He looked away and blood tears fell down his face.

“Loving me gives you such sorrow?” She asked in terrible hurt.

“Macha no, I have so much in my past. You do not know me like you think.” Efnisien raged suddenly.

“Get out Efnisien. I will not have you shed tears for having made me the happiest woman of all the ekimmu.” She screamed.

He was hurt and he quickly dressed himself and he phased out in a hurry. She lay there and shut her eyes and wept. Why being the daughter of Arawn had to take away happiness; she had no idea but she felt her heart was ripping.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~
Fionn Hammel was shaken up still by what had happened between himself and Arianrhod. Gwydion had sauntered through his training arena and had made snide comments about his person. Thunder incarnate had lost his damn head and had punched the ever loving brat into the next century. It was said that Arianrhod had taken on fae on her own; dead elf bodies outside of Caer Sidi would say that was a likely scenario. He had sent Nemain to find her mother and he was terrified of what had occurred.

“You frown every time you think of the queen.” Gavin commented from behind him.

“She is not THE queen Gavin; she is ALL of our queen. Is it true you have lain with Nemain?” His commander demanded.

“I would never lie to you my prince; she and I had taken out some fae and had partaken of their blood. Her kiss is sin.” His underling blushed.

“You ever so much as look at Nemain in any other manner than as a fellow warrior than you should not worry over much of Gwydion killing you; it will be me! Nemain is off limits!” Fionn said in a deadly cold voice.

“I meant no harm or ill will my prince. My deepest and humblest apologies.” Tremin said bowing.

“You are an excellent warrior Gavin; do not give me any reason to dismiss you.” His lord stated in a stony voice.

“I will not my prince. I adore serving you and I would be aimless without it. Good day.” Gavin said in a soft voice but he was hurt.

Gavin loved Fionn but anyone with any sense would love such a prince. Nemain as well was something amazing but the ruling house kept their own isolated and out of reach. He saw Arianrhod in a shimmering see through dress with wide sleeves and a hood. Her gauzy silk literally shone in the light like many tiny diamonds and she wore flesh colored bindings under her gown. Emblazoned on the whole of the front was a star with the many tiny diamonds. Gavin noticed the queen barefoot and he quickly looked at her eyes that were burning darker blue.

“Have your bones healed Tremin?” Arianrhod’s voice asked.

“I am well your majesty.” He said tightly.

“Do not displease me again.” She commanded and she walked away from him.

Gavin tightened his clawed left hand into a fist and blood dripped in the sand. He hated the woman with a growing passion and if she died; he would celebrate!

“Bràthair we need to talk. Why have you not come to Caer Sidi?” Arianrhod asked from behind him.

“Piuthar, I have nothing to say is all. Why speak and make moronic speech when one has nothing to say?” He asked looking back at her.

She had pulled the hood part of her insanely beautiful ensemble and her hair was still partially under her hood.

“We made love Fionn! We did what we both have wanted!” She actually cried out.

“I am a warrior Piuthar; not some ridiculous courtier who pines away for his liege to give him attention!” Fionn snapped looking at her in the eyes.

Her eyes were a deeper blue. Arianrhod was agitated and one single bloody tear fell from her left eye. She whirled on her heel to leave and he sprung up to stop her. With her next to his body; he had a hard time contemplating anything.

“Why do you cry?” He demanded.

“I love you Bràthair! I love you and you stay angry. I cannot keep doing this to myself. You are jealous and yet, I want there to be an us!” Arianrhod actually began to weep.

Arianrhod never wept except when her emotions were high as when she was newly with child or suffered the loss of one. Fionn cringed and he forced himself to look at her.

“Piuthar are you with child?” He asked suddenly.

Arianrhod did not answer and she was looking out his window of his room in the training grounds where he devised drills and battle plans.

“Arianrhod answer me!” Fionn shook her harshly.

“So what if I am? What does it matter?” She asked dully.

“That fucking fae? He gave you his seed? Is that it?” He raved in a sudden and horrendous jealous snit.

“Tristan Mattocks. You know him correct?” She asked her beloved Fionn.

“Yes, yes of course! He is your personal physician.” Her Bràthair stated waving his hand in the air.

“Fine Fionn. Yes, I am giving Ailduin Ludok a son. There I said it.” She stated and she began to walk out.

“That fucking elf has put his son in your belly and I am supposed to be thrilled Piuthar? Because if you expect it; I am not! If you think I will stop my slaying of his insipid people, think again!” He snarled.

“You gave me your son as well!” She blurted out.

Fionn was stunned silent and he stepped back. First he processed that he had begotten the love of his life and then he had to process that the fae’s brat shared her womb with HIS child.

“Oh Arianrhod only you would be so bold.” Fionn snapped at her.

“I hate you! I hate you Fionn Hammel. I wanted this news to be joyous for us. You kill me. You destroy me unlike so many of my enemies!” She said again weeping and she tried to flee.

What she was saying really took hold in his brain; and he grabbed her. He had to use all of his abilities to stop her from phasing.

“Piuthar stop! Stop now! Tell me truthfully, do you want my son?” He demanded.

“Yes! Yes! A million times yes! I do not even care if Gwydion throws a fit. I want our child. Tell me you will stop the attacks on the Undine.” She clutched at his blood red tunic.

“How are you going to explain the babes Arianrhod?” Fionn asked sighing.

“I do not fucking care. I am mated to Gwydion as he is my consort but I have other spouses and such. Do this for me Fionn because you love me. Love me and our son!” She pleaded.

“Aye. Piuthar. Aye. Do not tell Gwydion that my son is my son. We shall deal with his temper tantrums later. You do not need the stress. Your last pregnancy was a nightmare.” He said haunted.

Arianrhod had been in labor for days and the babe had died in the process. Fionn had never seen his Piuthar so white and devoid of blood. He grabbed her hand and she felt his body shake a little with silent sobs. She knew the news of their own child would affect him deeply.

“You have been a fool all these years to think I loved Gwydion more. He is my twin but my not first in my heart. Ailduin is not even first.” She whispered.

Fionn looked up and met truth in her green eyes. Bloody trails ran down both of their faces for the first time ever and he just pulled her against him and it felt good. It in fact, it felt right. Fionn shut out the nagging worries and focused on what she needed now. He knew she wanted these babes and she wanted the battles with the Undine stopped. She was a warrior and she would always fight. So Fionn had to stop the fighting; as much as it galled him, he wanted his child and the woman he loved more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~   
Gwydion was noticing his wife was being distant and her color was not well. She was sitting on the throne and stared dully out. He narrowed his eyes and he felt Macha enter the throne room. He rolled his eyes at Arawn’s daughter but NOBODY fucked with Arawn; least of all him. His barely older brother was terrifying.

“Gwydion! How are you?” Macha asked in a nauseating voice.

“I am well Macha. Tell your father; my brother that I hope his realm is just as kept.” Gwydion wanted to roll his eyes.

“Oh I shall dear Gwydion. I need speak to my mother please, alone.” The older princess said almost in command.

If the damned brat was not of Arawn; he would flay her alive. Arianrhod was not exactly there mentally and he sighed in anger. He stood and bowed in his silvery-white long sleeved tunic and matching bottoms with a short cape of ermine. His angelic blonde hair in a messy style; barely over his collar as always, Macha watched him leave and she turned to her mother when the brat consort was gone.

“Mother?” She asked softly.

“Yes my beloved child?” Arianrhod murmured.

“When father last came upon you; he said you were not yourself. He has sent me to see what is wrong.” She said sitting on the steps to the throne.

“I bear in my belly an ekimmu and a fae. I wish for both very much but I know how much havoc it will create.” The Silver Wheel spoke honestly with her beloved daughter.

“Father does not wish your unhappiness mother. You have but to ask him anything and he will do it for you! You know this!” Macha said gently.

“Fionn is the sire of my ekimmu babe. I have desired this for so long but Fionn wavers like trees in a storm. Ailduin has begun to terrify me in his intensity.” She admitted.

“When you say intensity; you mean that he loves you so greatly?” Her daughter asked surprised.

“Yes, I am very much intent as he is when I am near him. When I am away from him; I become gripped with reality. Fionn has only stopped the conflict because I carry his son.” She said cupping her chin.

Arianrhod felt black and she wore a gossamer black gown that bore long sleeves, a dropped waist, and hood. Celtic symbols were stitched in silver thread all over the bodice of the beautiful cloth.

With suddenness, the throne room doors were thrown open and a bloodied messenger came forward. He was closest to Macha and his Welsh broken. He spoke for just moments before he died. Macha looked horrified and Arianrhod had not heard the man’s entire plea.

“His village was attacked by Undine riding upon hippocampi! They came from the sea up the River Hafren.” Her older daughter said with rage and spittle on her lips.

“I must make a statement. Come Macha and gather my warriors I trust. We will avenge this poor mortal’s village.” The Silver Wheel spoke in anger that was too quiet.

Macha bowed deeply and Arianrhod sent instructions for the brave mortal to be cremated and his ashes to be interred in a beautiful vessel for the family. She also decided that she would give the family some extra land. While Macha was gathering warriors loyal ONLY to Arianrhod; she painted around her eyes and into her hairline a blue mask. Arianrhod wore a black battle stolla with her chest plate, gauntlets, and shin guards. Her black sandals provided decent protection on her feet and tied all the way up her calves. She looked totally different and she looked colder. There were fifty warriors that would follow any command unto death and The Silver Wheel explained how this group of Undine had come into their lands and had killed their people. Her warriors became incensed and she ordered them to their horses. Macha followed her mother and they mounted their demon horses which were actually longma.

The group started out in a quick walk but soon the group of longma horses was galloping full speed toward the River Hafren and the village of Shephae. It was noticed that a large group of ekimmu were riding the demonic beasts and Fionn had heard the galloping. He looked around for Nemain and she was gone. He saw Gavin and he walked up to him and he was angry.

“Where is my niece?” Fionn demanded.

“The queen called on warriors that only answer to her; Nemain being her daughter decided to go. I heard the longma leave not long ago.” The younger ekimmu admitted.

“Why did you not come and tell me?” He raged.

“I did not wish to displease the queen again or insert myself in family matters my lord. May I go now my lord?” Tremin asked unemotionally.

Fionn waved him on and he was sick to his stomach. Arianrhod was going to fight in her condition!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~   
The fae that had used the River Hafren were Welsh Sáile Undine. Many of these had dark hair and she felt punched. King Ancalímon had been decimated by her because she had been told that he had found out about her and Nwyvre’s love affair. He had cowered in fear as she had suffocated the air right out of him. None of these men were Nwyvre and addressed her followers; she wanted blood for the blood spilled at Shephae. Arianrhod, Macha, and Nemain were all fighting and it was indeed an impressive sight to see the queen and two princesses deliver justice. The Welsh Undine had been arrogant and this had been an unexpected reaction on the ekimmu’s part they thought.

“What does one mortal settlement matter to you ekimmu anyway?” The lead fae spoke in arrogant and in Welsh.

“Those mortals worship me and are my people! How dare you filthy elves kill what is mine!” Arianrhod screamed as she lost her mind.

“Oh poor moon goddess; she loses her worshipers and…” The Undine was saying but his head was suddenly struck off and the Silver Wheel gasped.

“Arawn?” She called her dark mate from Annwyn.

“Yes my lovely goddess?” The keeper of Annwyn grinned.

His hair was inky black on the darkest of nights with no moon; his skin was alabaster and as smooth as any statue. His eyes could be a light brown that would change into a hell fire red in instant when he was angry; which was not as often as ekimmu would think.

“I have felt your ire beloved one. As one of your actually treasured loves; I feel it my duty to see and check upon you.” He said as he elbowed a Welsh Undine and whirled with his serrated blade to cut horribly into the elf’s belly.

Arianrhod ducked a pike and she stabbed a tall Undine through the heart. Blood covered her and she kicked the body of the elf harshly away.

“You feel my predicament?” Arianrhod asked softly.

“Not every elf is terrible; just eighty five percent of them. Fionn? I like him but I cannot stand the constant self-castigation and suffering he puts himself through. I had something sent topside to keep Gwydion’s interest for quite some time darling. Give them their due! You are more powerful than any creature like Halldora; you need many lovers. Now just die you pitiful fool!” Her dark mate actually used his miasma flow to ruin the fae features.

Around Arianrhod and Arawn were seven dead fae and he walked up to her. His kiss was domineering as always. He made her legs quiver like always; he was dangerous, he was powerful, and she loved him mightily. He bit her neck but she felt him release something and she was confused. He let her go and she looked at him in askance.

“Only making you what they truly need. Call upon my warriors my beloved if you need to protect this Ludok fellow. I like his style. Fionn is on his way and he is pissed off. I will clear out the rabble.” Her naughty mate smirked sensually.

Arianrhod was checking the dead bodies for weapons of great power or trinkets and Fionn saw her victorious. She was covered in splattered blood and she looked back at him. Her mask of blue only covered around her eyes and he felt as though he had been gutted.

“Why did you leave me behind? Am I not trustworthy to you?” Fionn spat out in anger.

“In all honesty Bràthair; I was certain you would stop me from fighting because I carry your babe.” She answered bluntly.

“So you left me out because for once I want something so fucking much; I would have begged my Queen Piuthar not to go! I would go against all we are; who you are and who I am because I want the babe in your belly more than I have wanted to live!” Thunder incarnate shouted in semi-rage.

“I knew that Fionn. These Undine are of the exact same clan as Nwyvre’s was. They have not made moves in over five hundred years in this plane. I found it odd and they slaughtered my mortal worshipers!” Arianrhod cried.

“What of the human?” He asked calmer and his arms were crossed across his sculpted chest.

“I ordered him cremated lavishly and given a holy vessel in which to hold his remains. I have also extended his family’s farm so that they will raise in rank in their village.” She spoke with her chin up.

“Quick thinking. We warriors will finish cleaning this up. Please go to Whitich Hold.” He asked his ruler.

“Of course Bràthair.” The Silver Wheel sighed.

Arianrhod stepped back and she saw into his mind the small keep that was all his and she phased there. It was some time and as she stared at the tall grass in the fields. She remembered playing here as a child and her beloved Fionn coming to court only the year before. She was eight and he had been six but Arianrhod was already a queen but she had regents at the time. Gwydion was with her half the time and they tried to keep the twins separated sometimes because they were either best friends or tearing each other up. Arianrhod was the elder born by a full day and she laid the side of her head on the brick window casing. She sat looking and remembering.

“Tag! You are it Fionn Hammel. Come find me!” Her girlish voice sang over the fields.

“You are stupid Arianrhod Hammel!” The little boy with white blonde hair said in Faroese and Gaelic jumbled, staring at her with a nasty look on his cherub face.

She laughed softly and came out covered in mud. She threw a small ball of it with her air and it splattered all over Fionn. He looked up at her with a furious glint in his dark, hazel eyes.

“You may be a queen but I am a prince! Say you are sorry brat!” Little Fionn glared at his older sister.

Her smirk was genuine and he wanted an apology? She told him in his mind to make her give him one. The little Scandinavian half ekimmu ran after her and whaled on her ass but she adored him. They slept in the same bed and he did not understand why he had to be with “her” as he put it.

“The Little Queen always sleeps with a sibling; a sister or brother; strange child.” An elder ekimmu told him.

Arianrhod had on her night clothes and Fionn refused to look at the mean girl. She was playing with his white hair and he began to actually growl.

“What is wrong?” She demanded.

“Sorry my hair is white. I know it should be gold or silver.” He sputtered barely understandable Gaelic, as if in anger.

“Why would you want to look like us when you look like you? Your hair is beautiful bràthair Fionn! You are very beautiful.” The young girl giggled.

“You are stupid and you are supposed to be queen?” He demanded; in his Faroese, not looking at her.

“I am not stupid, stupid!” She growled at him.

Little Fionn had wounded her pride and he rolled over and the sight he saw actually made him feel terrible. His full lips pouted and he was still learning their language. He spoke Faroese and They spoke the languages of Briton. He missed his mother; Halldora Fardahl and she had told him that she was sending him to his sister’s court. He had not understood.

“Þú ert systir mín.”Fionn said blinking his dark hazel eyes at her.

“Yes, I am your Piuthar. Can you say that?” The tiny Silver Wheel asked drying her darker blue eyes.

“Piuthar.” He repeated.

“Mo ghaol ort annsa bràthair. Teas-ghràdhaichte.” The young Arianrhod whispered.

She laid her head down and stared at the scared and frightened child. She began to run her fingers through his white hair and he stared at her at first with coldness that slowly changed over that summer; before Taranis ripped his heir away from a younger sibling.

Arianrhod had to shut out the screams of little Fionn out of her mind as her father had returned and pulled her up on horseback and left with her. She moved between all of his bastard children but all knew she was the queen. She was his voice and his might. Arianrhod was the most beloved of Taranis; even over her quadling trio of brothers.


“Do you remember calling me stupid in that very bed over there?” She asked in a soft tone as she heard Fionn come in.

“I was a small child Piuthar! Do not hold that against me.” Fionn said thinking she was angry.

“You could only speak Faroese then, remember?” She asked not looking at him.

“Yes Piuthar, I remember. I remember how for the first ten years; I moved between my mother’s capital in Danemark and here.” He said standing by stoically.

His long white blonde hair was braided once on each side and pulled back in leather. Arianrhod still wore her battle clothing and she looked back at Fionn with bloody tears falling from her eyes.

“When he came and took me away; you ran after us. You kept screaming Piuthar. I had to let you go every winter and I would scream bràthair and cry myself to sleep.” The Silver Wheel kept remembering and her remembering was bothering Fionn.

“Piuthar, I am not going away anymore. I see my mother every so often but what and who I love is here.” He said unemotionally.

“Can you ever show me your heart Fionn? You showed me when were children. You let me twirl my fingers in your white hair and let me sing to you in Gaelic. You used to openly love me Bràthair and without shame!” She wept at seeing him show nothing.

“What is it I am supposed to show Arianrhod? I devote myself to maintain your army not out of command but out of love and duty to my queen! Am I supposed to be a louse like Gwydion? Must I be an enemy to truly show you my love?” He nearly spat out in anger.

She remembered Arawn’s words and Fionn wanted the babe more than her. Her eyes slowly went to normal and her blue face paint was almost navy colored.

“The bleeding started this past noon. No worries Fionn. I do not want or need sympathy or emotions. You confirmed my already known assumptions.” She said in a dead voice.

“You said nothing before…” He stammered.

“I had just fought a battle. Was I supposed to talk about my mating habits with my people?” Arianrhod asked cocking her head to the side.

Fionn was actually trembling and for a moment deep anguish showed over his face. She rarely saw his feelings and he wanted the child. She walked past him and opened the door.

“Good bye Fionn. I will call on you when I need the warriors.” Her voice was devoid of anything.

Fionn was just stunned and her coldness and everything made sense. He had to splash water on his face to help keep his emotions from breaking loose but he failed. Fionn Hammel fell to his knees and bloody tears fell down his face.
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The recent battles with the fae and within her own house were keeping her in a deep depression. She wondered if it was time to go adventuring on the mainland again and meet some more exotic daemons. She was sitting at a simple vanity that held a highly polished bronze mirror and she checking her image. She had only come back from Beltane and the people had been honored and excited that their goddess was with child and that she had avenged their village. She had bled heavily and Gwydion had been gone often and that suited her fine but she heard her door wide open.

“I am assuming the masses at the Henge were massive?” Gwydion asked in a calm voice.

“It was Beltane. What do you suppose?” His twin tried to smile at him.

He had seen her as they had cut her; she always wore white on feast days and her belly could not be missed. Gwydion was furious and wanted to kill her.

“How long did you think I would not know?” He asked and she felt the chill in the air.

“Know what? Know that I am pregnant? Are you a moronic idiot?” Arianrhod asked him in her anger.

Her angelic consort had his hand around her throat and he was strangling her as fury took him over. She grabbed his arms and she literally blew him away and he slammed into their bedroom wall made of marble.

“Who did you fuck this time Arianrhod? Please tell me you at least killed the bastard or I will.” He hissed as he turned blue in his ultimate fury.

“You are raving mad Gwydion! Remember yourself; you are only on that throne by the grace of ME!” She screamed in rage as her eyes became demonic blue.

“Virtue of my birth order bitch. I am your twin.” He snapped and he stood up and flicked blood off of him.

“Macha has the regency. I am leaving the Isles.” She snapped as she walked around him to her corridor.

“Do not come back with a gaggle of brats Arianrhod or I will kill you. I will kill them and make you watch!” He snarled at her.

“Such love and affection Gwydion. Go to fucking Annwyn. Wait a minute! Arawn said he was expecting you.” She snorted.

Arawn summoning him was not a good thing and Gwydion always worked hard to stay on his brother’s good side.

“What reason would he have of me?” The golden haired man asked nervously.

“Seems he does not like how you slap me around as of late. He could send the Sistern but I am certain you will calm yourself before you get an extended stay.” Arianrhod spoke so smoothly with her threat.

Gwydion said nothing more and she turned on her bare heel and walked away. All of her silver hair was down and she wore a loose fitting halter dress of silk crepe. It left very little to the imagination and hatred mixed with insanity showed in the consort’s face.
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She sent a tear filled note to Ailduin and begged him to forgive her but she had lost her babe in battle with the Welsh Undine. She told him that her ideas had been foolish and she wanted him to stay with his wife and soon to be born child. Arianrhod made sure her salty blood tears smeared the page. She folded the note up and she clasped her hands over it and spoke in an even more archaic form of Gaelic. The note flared up in a silver flame and she sat back. She was in the South of Gaul at the moment and she was enjoying respite from everything. Away from her court; her belly grew heavy with her sons. She wore only a low slung skirt that was long and linen/silk blend in red and her hair covered her breasts. Her pregnant belly was quite evident and she smiled as she saw local tribes of empusae wraiths. They were actually a group of infants she loved to be around. A young chieftain had introduced himself as Ruval de Laurel. He had black hair the color of midnight and eyes that were darker blue more like Halldora’s were. Arianrhod smiled and went by another of her names; Morgause. She had no intentions of being found at the moment and she was happily away from death, court, and overly possessive brother/consort. She was sleepily watching young empusae play and she remembered Fionn was half. She shut her eyes to it all and she dreamed. She allowed herself to dream of days gone by and happier times. Times when Gwydion was her most important love and she had ended a dynasty of the Welsh Undine; and she had lost her innocence. Nwyvre had a secret but she had not figured it out until much later. He had given up his immortality for a chance at rebirth; a chance to be with her again. The pain of his death and the pain of Fionn made her cry silently and cry she did; no one would ever weep for her she was sure. She was a powerful woman and too many males in the world did not like powerful women.

Arianrhod knew for a fact a younger brother resented her deeply. He did not know that she kept him watched eternally. It had been quiet at court from Bilae for more than a century but she knew her younger sibling. Being a minor noble was not his style. She pressed her hands to her belly and felt the kicks of both fae and ekimmu boys.

“This will be my gift to you my sweets. You will never know the trials of my kingdom or the hatred of other races. I will give you up and I will watch from afar.” She said softly.

Her babies kicked and Ruval watched the stranger sitting on granite settee with plenty of pillows and a tent over her. He was certain she was more than she said; but he never pried. He was a leader but he was shy. She was crying blood and he found that odd. He only watched as she cried herself to sleep and he was left to wonder what was tearing her apart.