Here's a little story that would give Nathan great pleasure. Lucy saves Shane's bacon after he killed the Mountain King's gatekeeper and best friend, Tah-Nah-Weh. Shane was pissed.

Shane, Lucy and Elizabeth arrive at the gateway to the Mountain King's court, the shallow windcave in the cliff. As they approach the gate, a man emerges from the stone to one side of the cave. He, too, is made of stone, flaky shale matching the cliff.

"Halt," his grating voice cries. "I recognize you who approach the gate. Do you seek audience with the Mountain King?"

Elizabeth responds with her resonant tones, "I sent word ahead that we were coming, we seek audience with the Mountain King."

Elizabeth will wait patiently.

Lucy says nothing. She stands a little behind Elizabeth, and unconsciously stands protectively near Shane. She is watching everything carefully, trying to absorb as much of the situation as possible in order to think well on her feet.

The man turns, nodding, and opens the gate. The way is clear for them to proceed to the door and into the hall.

Elizabeth will lead the way in through the gate and into the open courtyard and columns of the Kings' court. Elizabeth watches around her, but walks forward purposefully.

Lucy falls back and lets Shane walk ahead of her, taking up the rear position. She will look around, thinking and gathering information about the surroundings. Once inside, she will stand close behind Shane, but with a clear view of the King, so that he may see her.

Approaching toward the throne, but stopping before getting close to it Elizabeth bows. "Your majesty, may the Lady's blessings be upon you. I have returned with the god who is known here as Shane, the hunter and slayer of Tah-Nah-Weh, as well as one dear to me, Lucy.

"I ask that you consider the matter of negotiation carefully your majesty, in light of information I would address the issue of culpability.

Your majesty knew that Tah-Nah-Weh would die as gatekeeper." She pauses for effect, "Tah-Nah-Weh chose this roll regardless in full knowledge, even being told the description of Shane. He walked and embraced this very death, it was not unlooked for, it was expected.

"I ask you does one who chooses his own death necessitate weregild? Shane's presence appears to be incidental to the gatekeeper's destiny. Please, carefully your majesty."

Elizabeth stands rather imperiously looking at the Mountain King with hard eyes.

ELIZABETH/LUCY: [*Why didn't you tell me about this?! That changes everything!* Lucy is thinking very hard and waiting on the Mountain King's answer. She comes to stand next to Elizabeth. You know I won't get to do this much. I'm rather hoping for an apology from the King for what he has put me through, and an apology to Shane. Would this have gone this far if I had had my powers? I don't think so. I have been rather taken advantage of. I understand the politics of testing the waters, still... we'll see how the King responds.]

Shane stands in trueform, the hulking black mass of a warrior that he is, looking straight ahead at the king. His dark face is immobile as he stands with a prideful posture. Without moving a muscle it is clear that he is simply awaiting the king's offer. His arms sit crrossed against his chest and his feet are spread wide apart for a good balance.

The King's still angry eyes take in Shane. The crowd's gaze is hostile, and they now stand all around.

"That a crime is destined does not excuse it. The law is clear. This one, Shane, attacked and slew my gatekeeper at my very doorstep, ignoring the rules of challenge and combat. Tah-Nah-Weh was unarmed, and Shane's challenge was not delivered to me, the gatekeeper's master. He is guilty of murder, therefore."

"Your Majesty, may I be allowed to address the court?" asks Lucy, bowing low. There is a low buzz among the spectators. "Speak," says the King imperiously.

ELIZABETH/LUCY: [*I do not want to usurp your authority, Elizabeth. I have a plan. May I?"

If the gatekeeper was acting out his weird then there is no question of vengeance, shouldn't we let the king answer first?

*But I am affraid that the warriors rattling their sabres may sway him too far afield. I'll wait if you want me to. I want this to look like I'm acting under your permission, and that this was your idea, but I'm forcing the issue by being impertinent.*

I would kinda appreciate the chance to redeem myself and dig myself out of the situation before calling in the cavalry. As you wish.]

Elizabeth stands waiting to hear information on Tah-Nah-Weh. If he was acting out his weird then there is no issue of vengeance. She does not say anything at Lucy's actions. She just stands and watches the King's eyes.

"Let me first express sorrow at the loss of your gatekeeper and friend. I am without the ability to understand such loss, having lived only a very short life.

Elizabeth and I were discussing this situation not long ago. We spoke of many things. Neither of us denies your right to claim vengeance against Tah-Nah-Weh's murderer. Nor do we believe that anyone else can answer for his crime. He alone must do that. But Elizabeth's thought on the matter was that you might be swayed if you, and your warriors could feel some kinship toward the criminal. She did not want to bring the matter up with you, but I am more impulsive, and less inclined to diplomacy."

Lucy looks to Elizabeth, "Now that the matter is in the open, may I continue?" When Elizabeth nods assent, Lucy continues.

Elizabeth smiles a little at Lucy's impatience, she nodds slightly. She gives assent.

"I would like to make a wager with you, Your Majesty, and your warriors. I will wager that I can make an argument that will sway your emotion, and extend a kind of kinship, if distant, with Tah-Nah-Weh's murderer. If I win, my boon will be that this matter is considered settled, and that we honor your lost friend as he should be, with song and dance, and no spillage of blood. If I loose, choose your boon from me, and know that you still have recorse to seek the vengeance you do now."

ELIZABETH/LUCY: [hold on to your hat, and don't act surprised at anything I say.]

Shane stands awaiting comment from the king himself, all this chatter seems useless. To Lucy's wager Shane grabs her shoulder and slides her back. "She speaks without thought. This action is mine to deal with and no harm will come to either of these ladies here.

Lucy: in low tone - trust me, I know what I'm doing. Elizabeth stands still gives one glance up at Shane and remains quiet.

The king, speaking imperiously to Shane, "My quarrel is not with them."

Shane goes back to awaiting comment from the king

The King continues, "You must give me something equal in value to what you destroyed."

Elizabeth glances at the warriors then back at the King

Shane replies, "Then dispense with the courtly pleasantries and state what you deem appropriate."

Elizabeth notes available cover

"You robbed me of a gatekeeper, so you must take his place," replies the Mountain King.

Elizabeth judges distance to cover

Shane smiles, then begins to chuckle, it slowly grows to a roaring laugh. Lucy puts her hand on Shane's arm. The King sits silently as Shane laughs.

The Mountain King's warriors are growing angrier

"I will not be your servant," He says. Elizabeth tenses and watches the warriors carefully.

"Then you should not have murdered my servant."

Shane looks at Liz and Lucy then pulls both of them behind him, opening a path to the king, "State another price, for that one will not be paid." "Not the King," Elizabeth whispers. "Please?" To the court, Elizabeth remains silent.

The king continues, "I have stated my price. If it does not suit you, you must offer *me* somthing of equal value." To this, Shane smiles evilly, "If you are looking for the man who contracted your gatekeepers death, you will not get that."

"You are rsponsible for your own crimes. Do not attempt to blame another."

"If you are demanding my servitude, knowing you will not get it, then you must only be seeking the spilling of blood."

Elizabeth looks at Lucy and offers silent prayer to the Lady

Lucy can contain herself no longer, "You majesty, my offer of the wager still stands."

"No it doesn't," says Shane, stepping in.

"You would take his place?" the king asks of Lucy.

Shane growls and Elizabeth offers silent prayer to him.

"No," says Lucy, "I am making my own wager with you."

Shane is inflamed by the discussion, "Take her and I swear your court will fall," he growls.

"How will that pay for Shane's crime?" asks the King.

Shane: I killed your pet, I will offer my services for your loss Brennan: Lucy: If I win, we consider the matter closed.

Shane spins his head to Lucy,

King to Shane - What services?

Elizabeth: She does have right to petition Shane if the King allows it. E. says quietly

Shane: no, this is not your matter I allowed you to come as council to Liz, not me

Lucy: I'm acting as my own council.

King: to lucy - and if you lose?

Shane: quietly, if you want to see a bloodbath continue then, I will not allow your wager

Lucy: What is your price?

Elizabeth thinks of looking for coyote and asking for something to smoke

Lucy ignores Shane.

King: You must stand for your wager. I still need a gatekeeper.

Lucy looks at Elizabeth

Shane: I will offer one thing of atonement, I am an assassin, what service do you require of one?

The King stands, enraged.

Elizabeth: I will support you carita

King: One service? You value yourself too highly, killer.

Shane slides to a defensive posture, but doesnt pull his weapons yet

King: If you wish to offer this, you must be prepared to kill for me whenever I ask. Tah-Nah-Weh was my gatekeeper for 1000 years. You will be my killer for 1000 more.

Shane: Shane begins to step toward the king, only a few and he obviously is not attacking him

The King sits agian, calming.

Shane: You are not entitled to that demand

Lucy: I will accept your wager!

King: You do not tell me what I am entitled to.

King: to lucy - Approach the throne.

Shane is becoming angry, "Lucy stand your ground."

Lucy: Sorry, Shane, this is the only way out of this that can satisfy everyone

Lucy steps toward the king

Shane: do not make this mistake Lucy

Lucy: She addresses the king and his warriors

Lucy: What is the most wonderful, and simultaneously, the most terrible, of all the Lady's gifts?

The court is silent, while Lucy waits for an answer

--> Elizabeth do you see where I am going with this, Self?

*Elizabeth* what are you up to?

The king seems to be considering it, and the court is discussing the answer among themselves

*Elizabeth* a clue dear, anything?

--> Elizabeth distracting them, making them forget about their anger, changing the subject

*Elizabeth* I didn't hear what you offered to the King

Shane relaxes as the room thinks upon the question

King: Duty

The court murmurs agreement

*Elizabeth* love?

--> Elizabeth yeah, we work it from the king's angle, though

Lucy: And, Your Majesty, from what source does duty spring?

Lucy: The most faithful, noble kind of duty?

Shane watches Lucy's interaction with the king carefully

Elizabeth starts to smile

Shane still stands defensively however

The King considers

Elizabeth starts to think of her connection with the Lady, to open herself up again to tap the lines of power

The king seems to be enjoying himself now

Elizabeth's smile grows larger

King: the heart

Elizabeth relaxes and she imagines a time gone by. The rest of the court is beginning to enjoy this immensely

Lucy: Yes, your majesty. The heart.

Elizabeth walks out and steps closer to the throne and waits respectfully.

Lucy: Does not the heart sway the mind? Does it not if fool the intellect into rash action?

King: It does. he smiles

Elizabeth thinks of the meadow incident and considers Lucy's actions in a rather amusing light.

Lucy: Have you a wife, your Majesty?

King: I do not. The question seems to irritate him. A shocked murmur rolls through the crowd.

Lucy: Ah, well, can you think of a time when your heart led you to do something foolish?

Lucy: The King nods

Lucy approaches the warriors

Lucy: And you? she asks them. What about all of you? In what ways have the whims of your heart led you astray?

Shane is obviously discontented with her speech to the crowd

Elizabeth: (Shane is obviously discontented, he doesn't speak this language.:-)

Elizabeth watches Lucy and the King and Shane in succession

The warriors discuss this among themselves, recalling various incidents, some of them beginning to laugh. Some of them look sad.

Lucy: "Now," says Lucy, "keep those thoughts close at hand. And consider the accused."

Elizabeth goes up to Shane and whispers, "In the meadow Shane? Lucy 's eyes are sparkling. Her face is flushed, and she is obviously in her element. Shane watches the warriors around him, keeping a wary eye on each and trying to sense their intentions. Elizabeth says, "Speaking of hearts that sway one's mind to act irrationally, let us see what she has."

Lucy: What is your assessment of him? He is a hunter, a killer. What sort of existence do you think he leads? Lucy waits for an answer from the warriors and the King as Shane stares through dark angry eyes at Lucy.

Elizabeth whispers under her breath, careful Lucy, do not hurt one to help another

The King: His life is empty. He has no lord.

Shane: I am my lord, he breaks his silence

Lucy: The King's eyes grow cold, looking at Shane again

Lucy holds up her hands, "Allow me to finish my argument, please." She moves on, "Yes, he follows no council but his own."

The King: and a poor council it is.

Lucy: Do you think he trusts, your Majesty?

Elizabeth: oh dear

The King: trusts whom?

Lucy: I am asking you, says Lucy

Shane changes his stance to a more readied posture

The King looks at Shane for a long moment, "One who is the enemy of all, fears all."

--> Lucy to Elizabeth "and now, the coups de gras....

Lucy: I would agree, your Majesty.

Elizabeth holds her breath

Lucy: "Now, what if I were to tell you a story,"

Shane shifts his gaze to the king and takes one stride forward, but watches Lucy, still not attacking. Lucy steps between the King and Shane. Lucy: "that this one," she points to Shane, "having seen my death at the hands of a vampire,"

Elizabeth still holding breath but joining Lucy

Lucy: "knowing I could be under the sway of my new master, that he, not three days after I had risen from the dead,"

Shane: under his breath, "watch your words little one and speak not for me" Lucy: "took me into his home, and into his bed,"

Elizabeth blushes slightly

Lucy: against his better judgement." Lucy waits for a response

King: what does this prove beyond his foolishness?

Lucy approaches the throne, and says in a soft tone that is still audible to the entire hall...

Shane gazes up at the king, his eyes beginning to swirl of green flame

Elizabeth could be a pearl diver for her breath control

Lucy: It proves that his mind is swayed by his heart. Like yours, like those of your warriors. Like mine.

Lucy: And so, in some corner, your heart, and the hearts of your warriors, and the heart of the accused, are the same.

The King nods, smiling

Shane fixes his gaze on the king, noting the way he sits, the proximity of his guards, and what possible weapons he has

King: Very well. You win your wager. We shall consider the matter closed.

Lucy is grinning from ear to ear.

Shane glares at Lucy

King: Shane, you are not welcome here. If you should return, it shall be for a challenge.

Elizabeth lets out breath slowly, "We are done here Shane."

King: Lucy and Elizabeth, you are still friends of this court. I would counsel you to choose *your* friends more carefully. I will not accept such a wager a second time.

Shane stands, still facing the king

Lucy thanks the King for the opportunity.

Elizabeth: Will you join the Wild Hunt if it comes this way?

Brennan: That is the Dark Lady's province.

Elizabeth bows her head

Brennan: The King nods at her.

Elizabeth: Thank you your majesty.

Lucy bows very deeply.

Elizabeth motions Lucy and Shane to leave with her. Shane still glares at the king and Lucy. Elizabeth still thinks about smoking something from Coyote. Lucy follows her and Elizabeth turns to leave.

Shane: after the two have began to the exit, Shane slowly turns his back to the king with and walks after the others. Shane casts glances at the warriors, no friendship is apparent in his eyes. The warriors return the favor as he stalks out.