Home Over Heart - Part 6

The Other Side of the Mirror

This is just simply for everyone who reads this. I hope you enjoy it, and am endlessly grateful for your readership and your support, special mention to Ryuu Kaze, whether I say it or not.

Thom shrugged the saddle off Gwyn's back. Of all the mounts in Temair, he still chose his old pony. Arawn had offered him anything, anything at all, to pay for "service to the crown". Thom didn't really care about riches. All he wanted was his family to be safe, the damage done to Connemara repaired.

Thom smiled. And another doll for Cordelia. Gwendolen was so raged and dirty that Branwen had almost seized her, but Arawn had given her another. It wasn't made of porcelain or clay, but of silk. Cordelia could play with it without worrying about breaking it. She adored the new doll, and played games between Gwendolen and Bainne, as she called the new one.

Thom heaved the saddle onto a peg protruding from the wall at the end of the stable. He rode enough to be a regular in the stable.

"Hello, Thom."

Thom knew that voice. It was Cytheria, a girl his age in Court. Girls were always there, since Hy-Bressail. Cytheria was a particular hanger-on, even after he had made it clear she was not interested. Thom turned to her, as chivalry demanded, bowed, and touched his hat. "Good day, Lady Cytheria."

Cytheria laughed. She was a beauty, no denying it. Her hair hung long and golden to her slender waist, and vibrant blue eyes were framed by long, exquisite lashes. She could have any boy in Avalon, Thom thought. Why does she have to bother me? He kept his face schooled to blankness. "Oh, Thom," she laughed, "Still so formal? Do you not feel comfortable around me?"

Thought Thom: I never can, I never will, and I never want to.

Said Thom: "I am polite to a lady such as yourself. If you will excuse me, I am wanted."

Before she could reply, he turned and scurried off to the open air theatre where the other actors were lounging. Thom sat and wiped his brow. "That was close!"

Angus, the lead actor, laughed. "Having troubles, Thom?"

A younger actor piped up, "Most men's problems are getting girls to come to them. Thom's are keeping them away!"

This was greeted with roars of laughter. Thom couldn't help but smile himself.

Angus smirked. "Who is it, Thom, that is so fair that Cytheria pales in comparison? An angel? A maid of the sea, come to tempt those who come close? Who?"

Thom smiled wistfully. "Not an angel, no, but with the sight of the same. Not a mermaid, no, but she once swam with them."

"You're talking in riddles. Speak it clearly."

Thom shook his head. "I won't. If any of you think the lady Cytheria any better than one with the sight of an angel, then do so, but I'll differ."

The rest of the troupe laughed and walked away, leaving Thom in the amphitheater.

He walked to a nearby tree- an apple. Thom rested against the silver bark and heard the wind singing among the silver blossoms. He thought of Maeve, could almost feel her leaning against the same tree, her shoulder touching his-

And perhaps Maeve, in her one refuge from the urbanity of St. Johns, did.

*grin* that's the other side. I'm quite enjoying myself. R/r if you want, but it's fun to write this.