Serenity held her breath. She didn't know how they would react. Did she offend or anger them? She had gotten a little heated but who wouldn't in her position? What more could she do to convince them? What if she failed? Even with the help of the Anglo-Saxons she may still fail. And history would be changed… everything would change, her whole world would never exist. Suddenly, everything seemed too much for Serenity. She couldn't, wouldn't contemplate failure. It simply could not happen.

The silence stretched out until she felt she couldn't take it anymore. The stares didn't help. They had neglected to move to a private location for this little teté-a-teté, probably because they didn't trust her and so didn't want her too deep into the settlement. As such, her little speech, in their native tongue, had attracted the attention of the inhabitants… oops. Well, it might work in her favour.

Eventually, the elders stirred and whispered together. Serenity caught the odd word but not enough to know their thoughts. Surprisingly, it was only a short time after that they turned back to her.

"We have agreed that your claims are serious and warrant investigation. Until we can find the truth, you will be put under the care of Aelfwine. You are not a prisoner but you will be restricted. You wished to learn about our people Serenity, this is your chance. Learn well."

"Aelfwine, she is under you care for now but if we see any signs that you are compromised or not performing your duty, we will give her into the care of another. Remember your place son of Oswin. Go."

And with that, the elders left. Feeling a little stunned, Serenity was left surrounded by many curious and apprehensive people. She knew how they felt. And then realisation hit her. She couldn't return to Osgar and Sir Robert. Gasping, she spun around.

"Wait, elders."

But they were already out of sight. She made to go after them but Aelfwine caught her by the elbow. Turning to him, she begged.

"Aelfwine, I cannot stay, I must return to Osgar. He is only a child and now he is alone. Please."

"Will not Lord De Montford care for him?"

"Yes but he has already lost so much. I cannot disappear like this. He sleeps in my room, he will have woken up without me. I have to go to him."

"Serenity, please be patient. If what you have told us is true, you are not safe there anyway. This knave has already attacked you. The elders take this seriously, it will not take long."

"I'm not safe anywhere Aelfwine. He has influence among both sides. If he is determined, he will find me. And the longer you hold me, the harder it will be to enlist the help of Sir Robert. He takes his responsibility for me very seriously. Please."

"You must wait."

Serenity's face fell, but she understood. She could only pray that all went well and that Osgar… and Robert would be safe and strong. And forgiving.

"Come, I will show you where you are to stay. You will be safe in my household. You know my brother Cenric already but there is also my sister, who will be your chaperone, Annis."

"Meaning Unity. What a beautiful name. Each of you siblings have strong names, Aelfwine. The Elf friend, elves only choose the noble and pure to befriend, and Cenric; bold power, he is very confident for one so young and Annis; unity, one who bring people together."

"Perhaps you should be called Annis, for I'm sure you will bring our two peoples together. I hope with all my heart you succeed."

Serenity looked at him and saw the mixture of sadness and hope in his face. Something plagued him. It was not the fighting that caused such a complex reaction.

"…Tell me Aelfwine."

***

He looked to her, surprised by her insight. He desperately needed someone to confide in. Only the elders knew of his pain for they had a hand in inflicting it. Not without regret.

"Serenity should be your name for you are well suited to it. So calm. Perhaps your insight can bring me my own peace. If you will allow me, I would confide in you."

Her small nod of consent encouraged him. Taking a deep breath he continued.

"There is a reason I was willing to listen when we first captured you. In every way, you reminded me of the one who has captured my heart. We cannot be together and most likely never will. Only if we forsake all else in our lives can we be together. But I cannot leave my clan for I am one of the few warriors left and will not leave them to their deaths. And she is trapped within her duty to her family, unable to break out on her own to come to me. Even if she could I fear my clan would not accept us together. She is called... Evelyn."

He waited for her to realise the significance of that name. The pain he suffered from the separation was unceasing, only intensified by the presence of one so like his love and the hope she brought that, one day, maybe he could be with Evelyn. It would be less painful if he accepted they could never be together and think of her as dead just as the elders suggested. But he couldn't. Never would any other but Evelyn rule his heart.

Serenity's words brought him back from his pain and stung as she lay out the truth.

"Evelyn. She is Norman?"

He nodded. Serenity would understand. Not only were he and Evelyn enemies by virtue of birth and the war that had waged most of their lives, but most of the Normans that reside in Britannia are Noble or Gentle bred. Few females of the peasant class had yet to came over to Britain. Thus, her family would be even more adverse and difficult.

"I understand. You suffer not only the pain of separation, but also the pain of knowing there is no hope of being together. She's so close but never obtainable. But there is hope, don't you see. This feud between Norman and Saxon can't last, as long as you both love each other, there is hope you can be together. Find a way! And, if I'm not mistaken, before the Normans arrived, you had some status yourself…?"

Surprised by both her perception and her empathetic manner he stumbled over the question.

"… Aye, how did you know?"

"Well, your status among the elders at such a young age and you mannerisms and speech are polished and formal at times suggesting a noble or genteel upbringing. And, I can just tell."

Aelfwine felt pleased and annoyed at her insight. He had done much to hide the dangerous knowledge of his heritage but being able to confide in someone other than the elders was a relief. Cenic found it harder to leave the past in the past, and Aelfwine often had to bear the burden and danger alone. In some ways he felt freer, he had never wanted his father's title. But the cost, everything he had lost... It was not worth the freedom he found. Perhaps he did not deserve happiness, or Evelyn. His wishes had brought ruin to his family and his people.

"Why do you blame yourself? I see in your eyes, you bare too much, more than you deserve I think."

How did she know his thoughts? She truly was special.

"Don't I deserve my burdens? Perhaps you know better than I, My Lady."

"… I think, Aelfwine, that you are a good and noble man. No matter what is in your past, the man you are now I am proud to know. And I will always be your friend, if you wish. And as your friend I will do all I can to help you bare your burdens or rid yourself of them. Do not be so hard on yourself."

Her smile eased the weight on his shoulders and, as he registered her words, the last of the pain in his heart melted. Serenity. She gave him peace and hope again. He smiled in return and decided to fight. For her, for Evelyn and for peace. They would find a way to co-exist with the Normans as long as he lived. And he would pass this legacy onto his children.

"… Thank you... Here is my home. Cenric, Annis, come welcome our guest."

***

Then followed the longest week Serenity could ever remember. Missing Osgar, her concern over the unknown, Robert and the constant and rather unfriendly messages back and forth combined to leave her as tightly wound as… well a spring. Neither side would trust each other. The unknown had done an excellent job at sowing more distrust and hatred between the two sides than ever there was before. Unfortunately it only made her job harder. The messengers always met in a neutral location, so only the Saxon messenger came to the village and only the Norman messenger went to the castle. As Serenity had predicted, Robert was becoming increasingly intolerant with the Saxons the longer she was held by them. She had written a letter saying she was well and treated properly but still he would not relent. And the Elders were being just as frustrating, not willing to relent on anything.

Both sides wanted proof of good will. The Normans had removed scouting parties from the wild lands so the Saxons could hunt game without fear of battle. The Saxons had returned Norman prisoners, all they had, to the various estates close by. Yet still they refused to trust each other. Perhaps it was not unexpected considering recent history. But then, history was not as clear to her now as it once was.

On her suggestion, the last message was a request to meet where the two messengers exchanged correspondence. It was the only way they would ever begin to trust each other, by looking each other right in the eyes and seeing the truth and sincerity there. She hoped she would be allowed to attend, goodness knows what would happen should they be left alone. At least with a "lady" present, the men should stay civil. Well, one would hope…

***

Robert felt like he was on the rack. What was taking so long? Gone. Just as the messenger had said she was gone. Upon his discovery, his world dropped from beneath him. The ringing in his ears was deafening and he felt hollow. For days, he sent out every man he could spare looking for any sign. He ate little and joined many of the search parties himself. Little Osgar was his only solace. They bonded so quickly in her absence, brought together by their mutual love of her. Love. When had affection turned to love?

No matter. Now, finally, he would see her again. All those blasted messages back and forth had paid off. A meeting and Serenity would be there. About time, he had made more concessions to the ene- Saxons this past week than ever before. But it was worth it. He would do nothing to harm Serenity. He would do anything as long as she was safe… she had to be safe. If anything had happened to her. They would pay. Dearly.

"My Lord. It is time."

Time. Strange. More and more he felt that time was running out. But until what?

***

Word came to Aelfwine not long after they had watched the messenger go to the elders. The meeting had been accepted. With a few conditions of course. Serenity had to present, each side was allowed only five warriors and tree servants. Wise to keep the numbers low. What angered him was that the elders had insisted Serenity be bound from the moment they left the village. She didn't deserve that. She would never run away and having her bound would only enrage the Normans. He had no love of most Normans, few he had met were as honourable as Evelyn and her brother. He hoped Serenity was not erroneous in her faith in De Montford. He could not easily put aside his animosity for De Montford, he had seen the damage wrought by the men under him…

As soon as word about the meeting was announced, the preparations began and they were underway before nons. Despite arguing with the elders, Serenity was bound and surprisingly understanding. They did not have to ride long before the meeting place and the approaching party beyond were visible. As they neared, Aelfwine felt his temper rise as viewed the leader of the men who had killed so many…

***

Robert strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of Serenity. Coming back to the castle after the failed raid to find Serenity missing… he had not slept this week. The messenger his sergeant-at-arms had sent upon discovering her disappearance had only just reached them as they came upon the crest of the castles neighbouring hill. He had returned to a distraught Osgar and the household in uproar. The guards had been knocked out and bound and the path the kidnappers had taken disappeared out the kitchen door and into the garden before it became obscured. They had managed to determine a brief direction before it was lost in the river.

For the first time in days, Robert felt alive and he wanted blood. He did his best to rein in his temper. It stemmed from distress. He had broken his word to protect her. What was worse was that, after her disappearance, he found she meant more to him than he had originally thought. Though he had only know her months, it was as if he had cared for her for years. He wanted to protect and provide from her. Certainly never wanted to be parted from her again.

The two groups grew closer and halted at the designated spot. Dismounting, they all shuffled into some sort of order and Robert caught a glimpse of her. When the crowd settled and he could see her properly, he saw that they had bound her. His temper was already high but seeing this… he was livid. Without thought, he drew his sword and, with singular intent, stalked toward the curr that stood next to her.

***

Aelfwine saw the great and noble Lord draw his sword and felt his heart rise in grim satisfaction. They would meet in battle and settle their feud and their tempers. Bring your worst de Montford. I will reign down the wrath of the Saxons on you.

***

Both swords drawn and raised, ready for the attack, the men closed on one another. Their swords came down in powerful swings, braced for the were clash against enemy sword, but they were thwarted. A third sword appeared from nowhere, intercepting the blades before they could join in duel. The resounding ring of metal on metal brought stillness to all gathered and reigned over the resulting silence. Both men were stunned and looked to the source of the interference.

Serenity, with her hands still bound, held the sword and, with surprising deftness flicked the enemy swords apart with a twist of her wrists. Momentarily, all was still, surprise evident on every face. But again, the two men moved in for attack. Her face set with determination, Serenity pounced. First she tackled Robert, who was the closer, and then Aelfwine, blocking the oncoming blows and flinging their swords from their hands. Both breathing heavily with agitation, the men looked as if they would continue their fight regardless. Serenity felt anger bubble to the fore. She pushed it down, determined to kale them see sense.

"Shame on you both. You came under a flag of truce. Honour it like the men I know you. This behaviour is unworthy of you. You are falling into the will of the conspiritor by continuing this war. This will stop now or I will ensure you both pay for your rash actions. This is a negotiation, not a tourney."

She stood between both sides, her swords’ tip resting on the ground in front of her, immovable, like a warrior Goddess scowling at the offending sides as if she would, at any moment, strike down those foolish enough to disobey.

"Serenity move aside. He took you from my very keep, and is responsible for the deaths of many of my men. He deserves his fate. I will have my justice."

"Aye and you are not blameless. Slaughtered a village babes and all, his people have enslaved every one of us. I, too will have justice."

"Vengeance you mean. You are both consumed by anger and wrath. Robert, I have been treated well and suffer no ill effects. And did they not keep their word to you? Aelfwine, he was not himself at that time, poisoned by this unknown man. He tended the survivors like they were his own men. And he cannot be held accountable for the serf system that King William imposed. He may obey this system but has he not been a good Lord for all his people? You are on the opposing sides of a war and have both done harm to each other but if we are going to make a truce and defeat our common enemy, you must put these grievances in the past. Can you not see that your hates and prejudices only bring harm to yourselves and those around you? Forgiveness is the only course you can take now if you wish to avoid destruction."

The thirst for battle shone from their eyes and it was affecting the others. These men wanted to battle each other and cared for little else now. This was not about Normans and Anglo-Saxons anymore. They had been fighting so long that they didn't know any other way of dealing with each other. Serenity desperately tried to find a way to make them see. In a flash, she had an idea, they were warriors so talk to them as warriors. In a quiet voice she began…

"A great man of war once said, "The greatest victory is the battle not fought." Even he who spent his life in battle understood that there are better ways to resolve conflicts before finally resorting to the sword. You both want what is best for your people and so you have both become strong to protect them. But true strength does not lie in swords and spears, but in the heart. Choose to find another way to resolve this conflict. Use the strength in your hearts and find a way…"

They said nothing, staring at each other, battling themselves and their history. It seemed there was much between these two warriors. Serenity felt that familiar prickle as the hairs on her neck raised. An eerie whisper floated in on the breeze that caressed her cheek. Serenity. She shivered, her eyes fluttering against the strong pull of the whispers. He was here. But she couldn't risk turning her attention from her friends. They had to make this choice themselves or they would fail. And history would never be the same.

Serenity… Both men suddenly shifted, wary. Perhaps they too sensed the enemy close. Perhaps this would be the push they needed to decide.

Serenity come where you belong.

"He’s here. Decide. Now."

Serenity plunged her sword into the ground before her had made quick work of her bonds. Now free, she sprinted to her horse and, mounting despite the hindrance of her skirts, fled the group and rode at a gallop in the direction the unnatural vibe was coming from. Unsure what compelled her, she searched the landscape for their foe, needing to end his madness. She heard the noise of pursuit but ignored it, intent of her mission.

In a dip in the land close to the cover of hedges, she dismounted and found what she had been looking for. Or at least evidence of it. The ground was disturbed where he had lain and the evidence of him lingered, a gash where he had stuck his knife, fabric torn from his mantle. He had been here, watching. Again he alluded them. Frustration and anger at his callus behaviour and disregard of life left her feeling drained and vulnerable. She sank to her knees and covered her face with her hands.

She heard them approach but did not move. She did not want them to know how much this mystery enemy affected her. She felt so exposed whenever he appeared, and after her encounter with him, she felt as if he had somehow changed her, connected them somehow. It felt… invasive. When the footsteps were too close, she stood and faced them. Her frustration and fear made her words harsher than she intended.

"He was here. We have no more time if we are to stop him. What do you choose?"

Robert and Aelfwine exchanged looks and nodded. One of the elders spoke up.

"You are right Milady… We have a truce."

She nodded and continued.

"I would suggest we move to the castle. It's location is already known to all and it is easily defended and the elders are not ready to entrust the location of their settlement yet. At the castle we can control who goes in and out so there is less chance the knave slips in. We allow only the most trusted of your men inside. Fighting men from both sides and some women folk to make the men behave and for the castle to appear normal. And we can act as healers should a battle ensue. Now that we have joined forces, this enemy will be even more desperate. I doubt we will have to wait long for his next move. Let us just hope he has no influence on those close to the King. Then we are all doomed."