Nimue patted Layla one last time as the dragon waddled into the cave which was lit by tapers inserted into holders in the wall. A fountain of spring water kept the behemoth's thirst quenched and offerings of small goats from the herd were laid at her feet daily. In the far corner was a nest lined with velvet and a young girl plucked a harp to keep the atmosphere genial.<br/><br/>"He was wonderful, wasn't he? "Nimue whispered to the dragon. "He was tall and broad but he was oh so gentle with me. When he covered my hand with his he could have been handling that sacred messenger, a butterfly. His horse is lovely. I bet you would enjoy keeping company with an animal so big and brave, very much like you."<br/><br/>"Nimue!" a voice called out sharply, "The Lady wishes your attendance."<br/><br/>"I have to go," she explained to the dragon. " I will come back soon. Rest yourself."<br/><br/>Once inside, Nimue noticed the murmuring of voices stopped as she passed through each area until the entire temple was reeking with silence. She entered the Lady's quarters and knelt on a cushion with her head bowed as she had been taught.<br/><br/>"You were told to take the dragon in the first place," came Vivianne's voice from somewhere behind her. "There is a reason the guardian would tell you these things. She watches in the reflecting pool and is often forewarned of danger. This she had done and she admonished you to take precaution. A threat is afoot in Avalon and we must all be vigilant. There are all too few who hold the old gods sacred. We can not afford for one of our own to be killed senselessly. In the future, we might be called on to lay down our lives but it will be with knowledge of making a  sacrifice for the greater good, not because we were hapless fools who did not take heed to warnings."<br/><br/>A gentle hand caressed her head and Nimue saw the feet of the Lady as she glided past her.<br/><br/>"Child, it is difficult to become an acolyte at your advanced age. Are you certain this is your path?" Vivianne asked, not unkindly.<br/><br/>Nimue nodded and asked,<br/>"Lady, might I tell you of my day?"<br/><br/>"Yes, please do." came the reply.<br/><br/>"I was picking apples and a knight who is on a quest was at the Twin Springs, He and his magnificent black stallion both drank and felt the magic immediately although they did not know what caused their good health. Before you ask, no, I did not enlighten him either. But we did talk, he is on a quest, but he did not say what. He asked for a place to lodge and I did but take him to the monks as we are women who do not lodge men under our roof. Oh, Lady, He was tall and broad but he was oh so gentle with me. When he covered my hand with his he could have been handling that sacred messenger, a butterfly. His horse is lovely. and I think I'm in love!" Nimue gushed, clasping her hands to her chest.<br/><br/>"Tell me you did not lay down with him." Vivianne said in despair, clapping a hand to her forehead.<br/><br/>"Nay, I did not. He is a follower of the Man/God who frowns on such dalliances, but Lady, I would have worshiped the Mother in the field with him given half a chance."<br/><br/>Vivianne couldn't suppress the chuckle or the groan at Nimue's impulsive remark.<br/><br/>"Oh, Nimue, whatever am I to do with you?"