I'm back! Sorry, I've been ages updating, but I've had lots of exams. :( But now I've updated and I hope all of the readers are still interested... maybe some cookies will help?:p

Also, thanks for the reviews on my last chapter. They all made me smile so much and I'm very grateful for them all!

. addict. , I've used that little song in this. ;) its really cute, but I've never heard of it before I have to admit. ;) But its in there, just for you!

DISCLAIMER- I DON'T OWN ANYTHING, EXCEPT FOR THE LIL IRISH GAL, EMILY!

Chapter 11

The sudden voice made me scream loudly and spring up from the bed.

There was a person standing in the corner of the room- a woman. She had long white hair and dazzling silver eyes. Her face was pale and beautiful, almost haunting as it seemed to glow. Her wore a light satin dress with long navy velvet robe over the top. She reminded me a little of Galadriel from Lord of the Rings, except maybe a little bit more haunting…

I pulled out my dagger and held it in a threatening way, "Who are you?" I growled.

The lady only smiled, holding one hand up in peace, "There is no need for threat, Emily, I have been watching you since you were but a baby in your mother's arms." I frowned, but did not let go of the weapon.

"What are you?" I whispered, a confused expression on my face.

"I am a Time-Keeper, or a protector and counsellor to those who have changed time. Like you. Merlin told you the wall riddle didn't he?" I nodded slowly, making her chuckle softly, "He always says that- stupid oaf. But I am a Time-Keeper, your counsellor and protector. My name is Rivanon."

"There are other Time- Keeper's then?" I inquired, putting down my dagger, hesitatingly.

Rivanon took a seat by a window and nodded, "Yes, there are some. There are only two in this time. Me and my husband, Helori, he is working with another exile."

"Exile? Is that what we're known as?"

Again she nodded, "Well yes, you were exiled- sent away- from your own time. You'll never return, unless something happens…Aren't you wondering about the other Exile?"

I blinked, "You mean I am not the only person from my time in this time?"

She laughed, "You are very inquisitive aren't you? But yes there is. It is another female, around your age. I do not know her exact name, but she is with the Woads. That is all I know."

"What is her mission?" I asked.

Rivanon merely shrugged, "That is not my business to know- its my husbands. I only have to worry about you."

"Oh."

Rivanon sighed, "Also, with you something unexpected happened- you fell in love." My head snapped up, "With a knight who's fate you must change. He also loves you. I've never seen love this strong before."

"Tristan." I spoke knowingly, "Is this bad?"

The woman looked a little uncomfortable, "Maybe…" I frowned and let her continue, "It could change the other knight's fates for the worse."

Sighing deeply, I ran a hand through my dishevelled hair, "Everything is so complicating, Rivanon." I told her, sitting atop my bed, "Should I let him go?"

She stood and walked over to me, placing a hand upon my shoulder, "Yes, I think that is safer."

"I'm not strong enough for this." I whispered, shakily, willing the tears in my eyes to go away. I blinked and one fell down my cheek, but when I opened them again, Rivanon was gone…

I had not slept well that night- not at all. My thoughts were still with that conversation I had with that Rivanon…was it all a dream? Was it just my imaginative mind going a little over the top? Of course, I knew what had happened last night had actually took place and I just didn't want to realise that my relationship with Tristan was putting my brother's in danger. I had to leave him… I couldn't! I just couldn't!

"But I have too." I told myself aloud, getting up from the warmth of my bed and slipped myself into a comfortable sage green dress and put my hair into a plait going down my back.

It was still rather dark outside as it was so early in the morning, I did not know the exact time. I did not care to know it- I had had enough of time. I hated it.

Walking briskly from my room, I made my way downstairs to the tavern. Of course, it was empty… Wait a minute! Wasn't one of the knights supposed to be sleeping here to protect me? I scoffed- they were so drunk last night, they probably forgotten.

I plonked myself onto a chair and helped myself to a whiskey- it would help me think over things. In truth, I despised the drink, but right now it was heaven to my lips. Soon after I had finished that drink, more followed and within thirty minutes I was tottering round like an idiotic fool singing 'Like A Virgin' By Madonna.

I didn't hear the door opening though as I got up and stood on one of the tables dancing in circles. However in my extreme drunkenness I felt myself falling backwards… squealing a little as I began to fall.

"Oh shit!" I heard, before being caught in someone's strong arms, "Emily!"

Hey, I knew that voice, "Ahh, its Perci!" I cried out with drunken joy and started inspecting his confused face, "You are very pretty. Lemme sing a song for you!

Lavender blue, dilly dilly
Lavender green
When I am King, dilly dilly
You shall be Queen!"

A smile formed upon his young lips, "Thank you, that was lovely and may I say that you are pretty drunk."

I grinned foolishly and slurred, "Just a little. Hey wait a min, I should sing that song to Arthur! Yeah?"

Percival chuckled, "I'm sure he would love it, now lets get you up, twinkle toes."

Percival kindly helped me to stand, "I think it's a little early to being drinking- let alone getting very drunk. Is something the matter, Em?"

"I'm lonely." I muttered, dropping my head onto his shoulder.

"Lonely? I'm here." He comforted, holding his arm around my waist so I would not fall, "C'mon, lets get you to your bed before the other knights or Vanora find you and decide to kill you- or even not let you go on his mission. That wouldn't be very nice then, huh?"

I shook my head quickly, "No! I wanna go!"

He chuckled softly, "I know you do my sweet, just be quiet- its very early and you'll wake up the whole of the fort. We want to keep this quiet."

I put a finger to his mouth making a 'sssshhh' sound. Perci kissed the finger I placed on his lips, before picking me up and carrying me up the stairs to sleep off my drunkenness.

Oh holy crap… My head. It felt so bad… My eyelids were heavy and I felt like throwing up. Ugh, why did I pick up that first drink of whiskey? Stupid, stupid Emily.

"Drink some water, it will help, believe me I've nursed enough hangovers before."

I glanced up quickly and saw Percival standing over with a mug of water in his hand. His light brown hair fell around his kind grey eyes in an uncombed mess. I also noticed he had bags under his usually lively and wakeful eyes.

"Urr, Perc." I murmured, dragging myself up into a sitting position on my bed, "I'm so sorry."

He gave me the water, and only smiled and sat on the end of my bed, "Nah, don't apologise. I was just a little shocked to see my favourite girl dancing around drunk on a table at four in the morning."

My eyes widened, "Oh shit, Perc… four? Why were you in the tavern at four anyways?" I inquired curiously, after sipping the cool water, savouring it as it coolest my burning throat.

"Well, it was Lancelot's turn to stay in the tavern last night, but of course he got a little too drunk and would be of no use if some crazed murdered came in to get you. So I stayed instead." He reported to me.

I smiled, "Aw thanks honey-kins! You do care about me after all!"

He placed a finger on my lips playfully, "Shh, don't tell Tristan though! He'll have my skin!"

I chuckled a little shakily, remembering why I had gotten drunk in the first place. I gulped softly and asked quickly, "What's the time?"

"Rather late, I'm afraid." Percival told me regretfully, "But I told the knights you had a headache and we having more of a lay down to get rid of it."

"What would I do without you, eh?" I questioned, placing my hand upon his shoulder.

Perci thought for a moment, "Urm, die most probably."

I squatted his shoulder with mock anger, "Shut up!"

"Or get exceptionally drunk again and jump off the top of the wall… so yes. You would definitely die." He joked light-heartedly, "So it's a good thing you've got me at your side matey." He gave me a sly wink, only to be swatted hard on the arm again.

Rachel xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx