Midnight Vigil

Fiona stood in the corner, hidden by shadows, watching him sleep. He wasn’t exactly her favorite charge, but since she only had him and one other left, and he caused the most trouble, she spent a lot of time watching over him.

She hated his arrogance. He actually thought what he could do was a skill, a talent! He was oblivious to the fact that he could hold an audience of thousands in the palm of his hand because it was a power he’d been given because of right of birth, by the Maker. He had that power over mere mortals; if used against the Betrayer and his minions it would have an entirely different effect, their qualities that had made them evil worked against them. If used against The Fey, it would have no effect at all. That’s why she was immune to his charms.

Well, she wasn’t entirely immune to his charms. Even Fiona could admit he was a nice looking specimen. His high cheekbones, strong stubborn jaw, and piercing blue eyes were very nice indeed. However, she’d liked his hair better when it had been blonde. She liked the way the stage lights had made it shine like a halo around his head. It made her think of Home, even though she’d never been there. But, she could admit, too, that the darker brown suited him somehow, and looked quite charming when he first woke up in the morning and it was sticking up in all directions.

Sometimes, she longed to break the truth to him, just to see his face. His disappointment to find out that he didn’t actually do anything but open his mouth, would probably make up for all the shit she’d put up with out of him all these years. Because, even though he and his friend wrote the words they sang, it was how they sang them that caused women to want to throw their underwear on the stage, and caused some men to stand and stare in wonder.

Over two hundred years ago, she’d been given a list of five family lines that she was to watch over until the chosen ones from each line could be born. Her job had been to ensure the birth of said chosen ones. At the time, she hadn’t known that she would be charged with babysitting those chosen ones as well.

She’d been doing a terrific job. She’d managed to see all five chosen ones born, then been assigned to their protection, which involved keeping them hidden from her older brother, the Betrayer. But, then she’d lost Jimi and Elvis to their own self destructive tendencies, and John to a gunman’s bullet. She’d been horrified to learn that the gunman in question had been controlled by her brother. That’s when she’d hatched the plan.

The plan that if the Elders ever learned about would surely get her powers stripped and her essence ‘recycled’. But, she’d been unwilling to lose even one more charge. So, she’d used a little magic, and put the two of them in the same little bar so that they could meet, become friends and in effect make her job easier. If they were always together, she could watch them both at the same time. Right? Brilliant!

At least as long as the Elders didn’t find out about it.

Because, not only had she made it easier for her to keep an eye on them, but by putting them together, she’d made it easier for her brother to attack them. And, he would if given the proper incentive.

That’s why she was ever vigilant. Especially now, since this one couldn’t seem to quit calling attention to himself. He did way too many good acts! He couldn’t continue to do these good deeds, tipping the scales in the Good’s favor, not if he expected to escape her brother’s notice. Talk about proper incentive for her brother. He couldn’t be a selfish person, no. His friend wasn’t much better, but at least he didn’t call so much attention to himself.

He stirred slightly in his sleep, and she tensed. Fiona waved a hand down the length of her body making herself appear transparent and took a step farther back into the shadow of the tall highboy dresser she was standing beside. She stood tensed for flight, just in case he came fully awake. After several long seconds, when he didn't stir any more, she finally relaxed.

She shouldn’t have to put up with his shit! She was a princess for crying out loud. Her own mother was one of the chosen four Guardians at Avalon. She watched over Arthur himself while he slept, awaiting England’s need of him.

Fiona knew that she needed help. She could sense the growing evil around this man. Her brother, the Betrayer, was coming for him. She could feel it. She had yet to feel the warning tingle in her veins as if even her blood was electric that would tell her that her brother or one of his minions was near one of her charges, but that only meant her brother was still planning his move.

That’s why she was calling in a favor. Morganna owed her, damn it. And it was time to pay up.