David deftly removed his cloak and wrapped it and his arms around Jade.
"What happened?"
"Kat was... lost, for want of a better word. She needed the guidance that only a wolf can provide."
Marc rested his cheek on the top of Kat's head, pulling her closer towards him.
"I don't understand."
"I am the wolf, I guide the way," Jade misquoted cryptically.
Vivian handed Kat the grail, and she sipped carefully. After a few minutes, the colour slowly returned to her cheeks, and she looked a little less ill.
"Where's Jimmy?"
"He said it was his time to collect something," replied Darryl.
Vivian nodded, then accepted the grail back from Kat.
"If you are strong enough now, we should arise and see to the preparations for the feast of the dead."
Kat nodded, and everyone slowly filed out of the room.

Just outside the temple doors, in the afternoon sunlight, David turned to Jade.
"What does this mean for us?" he asked her, bluntly.
Jade smiled, and reached out and touched his arm.
"The changing... it is a gift from the Goddess. She has gifted me with it, because it was needed for our task to succeed."
"So does this mean I'm going to wake up next to a wolf every now and then?"
"No, love. After the ritual tonight, I won't be able to do it any more."
"How can you know that?" David demanded, looking torn.
"The Goddess told me, a stór."
David looked at Jade's face, carefully.
"That must have been... upsetting?" he ventured, cautiously.
"Yes, upsetting. You cannot imagine the feeling of freedom that comes with being a wolf. But she also told me something else, which makes it ok..."
"Oh? What's that?"
Jade leaned forward, and whispered in his ear, causing David to grin.
"Really?"
"You think the Goddess would lie to me about that?"
"Nay," David denied, still smiling. "I do no'. Didn't I tell you it would all work out?"
"That you did," allowed Jade with a smile.
"Come on, canagán. We need to help with the circle."

***

Towards late afternoon, a trumpet sounded, golden tones echoing over the hills of the blessed isle. Kat stopped what she was doing, and walked calmly down to the barge. The others stopped what they were doing and watched curiously as she stepped on the barge. Marc swore as it moved away from the shore and started after her swiftly, until Vivian placed a hand on his arm.
"She will come to no harm."
All stood and watched as the barge vanished. 10 minutes later, it reappeared, with a great many people aboard. The others watched in silence as the boat docked, and Kat disembarked. Two of the eight men on board swiftly followed her, each turning to assist the two ladies who were aboard, one of whom was pregnant, and the two children. They were swiftly followed by the remaining six men. Two of the men walked forward and bowed to Vivian, then moved to stand beside her.
"Who?" whispered Jade to Kat, who was standing less than a metre away.
"Merlin is the aged one. The other is Kevin, the harper."
Kat's lips barely moved, and only Jade's hearing, having been enhanced by her shifting, could have heard.

Three of the men moved to stand with one of the first two men and the two ladies, whilst the second of the first men moved towards Vivian, and the remaining man also moved towards Vivian. Together, they knelt at her feet. Jade noticed in confusion that the two looked similar, though there were large differences in hair colour.
"Mother," said the blonde giant. "Blessings to you."
"Blessings to you also, Galahad, my son."
"Lancelet, mother."
"Thus I named thee, thus I shalt call thee, my son."
The blonde giant frowned, but bowed his head.
"Thus didst I name my son."
"I have not yet met my grandson," Vivian spoke.
Lancelet gestured towards the pregnant woman, and she stepped forward, followed by the two children.
"Lady," spoke Elaine. "Thus do we uphold our bargain, presenting thee with our first-born daughter, Nimue, to Avalon for training."
"Welcome, Elaine, and Nimue both. And welcome also to the unborn daughter within."
Elaine placed her hand on her swelling stomach in shock.
"And this is my grandson?"
"Galahad, Lady."
"Greetings, Galahad. Be welcome. Raven, will you see to it that the family gets placed together?"
A priestess bowed in acquiescence, then moved to take Elaine's arm. Lancelet bowed to Vivian, and to the other man who had stepped off first, and followed his family as Raven led them towards the temple.

"Mother," spoke the second man at Vivian's feet, his voice raw with pain. "I have slain my brother."
"I know this well, my son, for ever did thy adoptive brother blame me for the passing of fair Priscilla, thy adoptive mother."
"I canst no' live with the pain, Mother."
"Then allow me to take it from thee."
Vivian leaned forward, and gently kissed her son. His expression slowly cleared into an expression less tortured, and he sighed greatly. Vivian gestured to another priestess, who came forward and helped Balan to his feet.
"He is greatly tired. Care for him."
"Yes, my lady."
The priestess gently led Balan towards the temple. Kat smiled. The priestess Vivian had chosen to care for her son had long admired him. The caring she gave him would probably be far more healing than mere bed rest.

Vivian looked towards the remaining five people standing by, and smiled at the lady.
"Gwenhwyfar," said Vivian, quietly. "Be at peace, for you have reached the Blessed Isle."
"The eyes of God are blind here."
"Not so. Merely the presence of the Goddess can be felt more strongly."
Arthur's wife frowned, and Vivian gestured towards a third priestess.
"Take Gwen to the meditation room," Vivian instructed. "She may commune with her God in peace there. Do not worry her; She has a delicate disposition, and is with child. Perhaps this one will come to term."
Gwenhwyfar looked wide-eyed at her husband, who smiled at her and kissed her, before she allowed herself to be led towards the temple.

"Arthur," Vivian greeted him.
"Lady," Arthur replied. "I bring to you the sword Excalibur, who you gifted unto me those years ago."
A priestess stepped forward and accepted the sword, then turned and hurried it back to the temple.
"Welcome to Avalon. Your companions are also welcome."
"My companions, Lady, Uwaine, youngest son of King Uriens of North Wales; Gawaine, son of Lot of Orkney; and Cai, my foster-brother."
"You have chosen well, Arthur of Camelot. Come, refresh yourselves from your journey, and we shall meet anon."
Arthur nodded, and four young priestesses came and each led one of the knights away.

"Right," said Jade after a significant pause. "What was that about?"
"Arthur has arrived with Excalibur. The ritual will go as planned."

***

James returned as the sun was setting, carrying branches from several different trees. He moved up to the circle with Darryl, and carefully planted the branches around the circle. Darryl sliced his palm and placed a blooded hand print on each branch. Kevin the harper sat in the circle, playing a tune whilst Vivian followed Darryl around, whispering to the branches. By the time the sun had completely set, the branches were trees, forming a permanent circle without the stone circle. The priestesses of Avalon had ringed the trees and were chanting, raising energy, and Jade, David, Marc, the conmhaol and wolves, and Lancelet, Unwaine, Gawaine and Cai stood around the outside of the circle, facing outwards, watching for foes. Parts complete, James and Darryl remained in the temple with Gwenhwyfer and Elaine, and Galahad and Nimue. Kevin sat with his back to a tree, playing his harp in time with the chanting.
Arthur stood within, holding Excalibur, Merlin stood holding his Rowan staff, Kat stood holding the grail, and Vivian stood, her feet bare upon the Earth of the Blessed Isle.

Throughout the hours of darkness, the chanting continued. Outside the circle, Jade could hear eerie chanting, raising and falling with the wind, sending shivers up her spine. The others seemed to be similarly affected, looking around, jumping at shadows.
At midnight, the middle of the circle shimmered, extending out towards the ring of stones. Within the circle, Kat shivered as she heard the baying of the hounds, then the thundering of horses. The Wild Hunt roamed tonight.
"EARTH!" cried Vivian aloud, stamping her foot upon the ground. Her rich voice twined around the trees, calling for protection.
"AIR!" cried Merlin, his bard's voice carrying through the veil, sounding strong and clear to those upon Avalon and those within Faery.
The Wild Hunt turned towards the sound.
"FIRE!" called Arthur, in his battle-ground voice. The promise of violence, clashing swords, battle lust surrounded all who heard.
"Water," whispered Kat, the echo whispering over the hundreds surrounding them, washing away fear, passion, and tiredness, leaving only peace and strength.
The Wild Hunt veered away from the wards, heading for other, easier yet more challenging prey this night. Vivian gave a soft sigh of relief as the hounds veered away. Arthur plunged the sword into the earth. Merlin planted his staff in the centre of the circle, and Kat emptied the grail onto it. As the staff sprouted and grew into a magnificent rowan tree, the shimmering extended out, past the trees Jimmy and Darryl had planted that afternoon, extending over the Isle. There was a shaking, and all the priestesses fell to the ground as Avalon slipped into Faery. Jade felt a wrenching within her as the Goddess gently removed the wolf from within her breast, and she cried into the night.

In an instant, Merlin's staff stopped growing, and the shaking ceased. The witching hour had passed. Avalon had passed into Faery. The Goddesses presence warmed all upon the Isle, healing all pain. Within the circle stood a huge rowan tree, with a large gap in the trunk. The wards were lowered, the energy grounded, and the priestesses all arose from the ground. Marc moved to place a supporting arm around Kat, as Darryl, James, Gwenhwyfar, Elaine, Nimue and Galahad emerged from the temple and made their way up the hill.
Gwenhwyfar moved to Arthur and aided him, and Erick offered his arm to Vivian, as Kevin assisted Merlin.
"It is done," said James, in certainty.
"It is."
"Then it is time for us to return."
Vivian nodded, then bowed to James and Darryl.
"We thank you for your assistance. Return with good health. Do you wish to drink from the grail before you leave? It will not grant immortality, but it will grant you good health for the rest of your life, and the choice to die when you wish."
Both nodded, and the grail was filled and they drank. Kat accepted the grail from them, and they entered the circle. James stepped into the gap in the rowan trunk, and a moment later, Darryl followed.
"Do we leave?" Marc murmured to Kat.
"Not yet," she replied. "I'm too tired. But soon."
Marc nodded, and slowly, all present made their way to their beds.

***

Within a month, things were well on their way to settling down. A small cottage was built for Arthur and Gwenhwyfar, and their as-yet-unborn children, and another for Lancelet, Elaine, Galahad and their unborn daughter, who they had decided to name Gwenhwyfar too. There was a training yard being built for the conmhaol and other warriors, to keep their skills in practice, against need, and where Galahad could be trained when the time arose. Nimue was accepted into the sisterhood of Avalon, and Vivian thought she showed great promise. A small village was constructed for the conmhaol and Arthur's companions near to the cottages created for Arthur and Lancelet. Balan and his priestess, a young girl by the name of Niniane, were the first to request permission to wed, but it was expected that the others would not be far behind.

Luka had turned up again 2 and a half weeks after Samhain, proudly displaying five one-month old pups. The Goddess had kept her promise to Jade. With the pack now numbering 10, Erick announced that Merlin and Kevin had agreed to teach him the craft of the bards, and would therefore be leaving the conmhaol. He announced his successor to be Balan, Vivian's son. With 10 wolves, the remaining 4 conmhaol, Jade, David, Balan, Uwaine, Gawaine and Cai once again formed the full pack of conmhaol. Avalon had its full score of protectors.

As Yule approached, Kat and Marc prepared to return home. Jade and David were wed on the first of December, drinking from the grail to ensure long life and good health. The conmhaol also drank from the grail, as did Marc in preparation for his return. The priestesses cultivated fruits and vegetables in small gardens, and regular visits from the faery folk ensured that life was never dull, and studies into magicks improved dramatically.

Yule arrived, and Marc and Kat walked slowly up to the circle. They had said their good-byes, and left the others to the festivities of the season.
Just before they stepped into the tree, Kat felt a tickling in her mind, and smiled. "Farewell, little-sister-mind," she thought gently to Jade. "And speak to Vivian about still possessing this gift," she added with a smile.
"Goodbye..." the thought came back, and Kat and Marc stepped into the tree.
Kat sighed softly as Marc wrapped his arms around her, and said, "Home."

***

The sun streamed through the broken shutters, illuminating the room. The sun reflected off the mirror with tarnished golden writing, shining brightly upon the figures laying upon the carpet, wrapped in a cloak. Kat stirred slightly, and the golden circlet fell from her head, rolling gently over towards the mirror, before falling in its side with a slight clatter. Kat stirred again, and Marc opened his eyes, and looked down at the face he loved so well. Kat opened her eyes, and smiled at him. Both knew they were no longer in Avalon. "Marry me," Marc asked, as he pulled her closer in the afternoon sunlight.
"Yes," she replied softly, leaning against him.
They lay there for some time, before the sound of a chain-saw intruded. Kat stirred again. "Come, we should get up, change, and prepare to go outside. Assess the damage."
"Stop speaking in Gaelic, too," teased Marc, and Kat chuckled.
"Aye, that too."

They showered and changed clothes, then wandered around the house, opening shutters and assessing the damage. Luckily there wasn't all that much damage to the house, and Marc made notes of the damage. As they emerged at the front of the house, they saw the source of the chain-saws, as the last of a huge oak tree was dragged to one side, allowing Jimmy and Darryl's cars through. Kat and Marc stood and watched as Jimmy jumped out and ran up to them.
"You're back," he said, in Gaelic.
"Yes, this morning."
"We expect that having that tree knock down the phone line was the reason you couldn't call out," he warned as Sarah, Darryl, and Melissa approached.
Kat nodded.
"We have bad news," James continued in English. "Jade and David's car was in an accident in the storm last night. They haven't made it."
Kat felt a wave of sadness, although she knew that they were safe upon Avalon, the feeling of loss was no different.
"At least they are together," she said quietly, and Marc slipped his arm around her. "Come inside?" she offered.
James shook his head.
"Mel and I left the girls with Mel's parents, but we have to go and pick them up. We just needed to check that you were ok."
Kat nodded.
"We are fine."
"We can't stay either, Timmy is at the neighbour's house. We just wanted to check on you too," said Darryl.
"Marc and I are fine. Should start the clean up process," Kat said with half a smile, looking around the almost destroyed garden.
The three couples hugged, and Kat and Marc watched as the others returned to their cars.

"I don't understand," said Sarah softly to Darryl as they walked. "You were so close, and yet none of you have cried."
He sighed, softly, and looked at his wife.
"Grief is a very private emotion," he said quietly. "We are all grieving in our own ways. But despite our grief at our physical loss, we still hold them both in our hearts, and can reach them within ourselves whenever we need. Our spirits are joined throughout the bands of time. We will never really be apart."
Sarah looked at her husband in astonishment.
"That was... touching, love."
"Perhaps there is more of the bard in me than we realised," he teased softly as they reached the car.
Sarah and Darryl kissed, then got into their car, and followed Jimmy and Mel away from the house.

Kat and Marc watched until they had left, then moved back inside. Kat picked up her circlet, and looked around.
"Should we move the mirror?" asked Marc, slipping his arms around her.
"Yes," she replied. "Turn one of the rooms into a room with my goblets and the mirror." "Not looking for your grail any more?"
"No. The grail has been found."
He gently kissed her neck.
"It is safe, forever, tarrishagh."
"I know."
Marc let her go, and moved to collect the cloaks from the floor, and Kat looked at the mirror, and smiled at the momentary glimpse of gold flashing in the sunlight. Avalon was waiting. And one day, when their time came, she and Marc would return. But until that day...
Together they carried the mirror to a spare bedroom, and reverently draped it with a sheet. "There she waits, 'til the time is right," Marc said softly.
Kat smiled, and kissed him.
"Come, love, we have much to do."