"Most of our food is gone." Aoife reminded the Sister. "We've been surviving... barely."
Aoife gave Cobhlaith an odd look before she said "Wouldn't Hell be considered a God-forsaken land? I mean... it is where He puts those who don't follow the rules... or who just have the misfortune of being born in wrong time or in the wrong way..."
Sister Cobhlaith smiled with a wry twist to the corner of her mouth.
Out of the mouths of babes
"Oh, Aoife, you have asked the question that Christians have struggled with since the beginning. How can a loving God consign any of mankind to eternal flames and torture? The Apostle Paul had no concept of any such everlasting torment.
Some great theologians say that God's plan to redeem mankind is so vast that even Satan will eventually be redeemed. Otherwise, might not that plan be deemed a failure?
The Savior cannot be understood as believing or teaching future torments. Hell has been used by over-zealous Christian preachers for centuries to frighten their flocks into obedience. But there is no basis in Scripture for such a belief."
"So... then the ones who are damned to Hell just have to suffer till God gets to them?" Aoife asked. "Or wait... are you saying there is no such thing... as Hell?" She asked though this time much slower, as if the thought had just donned on her.
Sister Cobhlaith sighs.
"You know that when you hear the Gospel being read in church, that the Latin words are translations of the original Hebrew and Aramaic scrolls, right?
Scholars dispute the meaning of some of those words. Those zealous for revenge and punishment of course translate them with the most awful, scary words they can find.
But others see the meaning as more neutral, and less permanent.
Granted that my mentor, Hildegard von Bingen, is the perpetrator of some of those vengeful ideas, I nonetheless find them deviant from Our Savior's core teachings.
Those of us who have been blessed to be scholars often argue these very questions!
How fascinating that we are having the same discussions in this place."
She looks around, remembering the bleak landscapes recently traversed.
"So... no one has a single true idea what happens after we die." Aoife said as she crossed her arms. "And their best idea is to tell people that if you do the wrong thing, or if you're born out of wedlock, or born before Christ, you'll be punished for all eternity in a place of eternal fire?" She asked as she raised an eyebrow.
"Well if I didn't hate the Church before I sure as God do now!" Aoife stated with a slight chuckle. "He must be looking down on us and wondering where He went wrong..." She sighed.
Sister Cobhlaith grins.
"So far, only Our Savior has come back to give us a report. The rest are simply speculating."
She looks around.
"I don't think you need to hate the whole church. But you should examine carefully the statements that you are told are "true", whether from priests or cardinals or the Pope himself.
We humans do our best, but it is never perfect."
"Yeah, I've gotten that lately." Aoife said, her tone carrying a bitter taste. "I'm starting to think people are here or there but large groups... mainly those with power... yeah I'm not likely them."
"So why does one of His most devoted servants have her eyes gouged out when she is in one of her greatest trials?" Thorun suddenly says from the front.
"You should know that answer Thorun." Aoife replied swiftly. "Doesn't matter the world you're in, it all sucks and is terrible. Good people die or are killed because those who are horrible decide they make them look back." She said.
"Thorun, think carefully. Have you ever gone through trials which you later looked back on and rejoiced that you had gained so much even though the learning was painful?
My God does not promise me an easy path to His grace and His heaven. I have so much to learn, so much pride and sloth to overcome and sometimes I find myself doing the easy thing rather than the right thing.
I think all people strive to be the best person they are able, but just as children do not have the knowledge to know why their parents forbid them this thing, or require that thing of them, we cannot always know why God allows us to learn through painful experiences. "
Sister Cobhlaith smiles ruefully.
"For me, I suspect that I ignored the easy way to learn the lessons, and only discovered their merit when the way was tedious or painful.
My anamchara often reminds me that I sometimes act as if God has left me in charge. I suspect my hardest lessons come during those times.
Thanks to your support and care, I made it through the pain and blindness. Perhaps I needed a reminder that I am not invincible, that it is through God's grace that I make my way, not through my own will. "
"There's plenty I regret that only made me a worse person. Seems less like a loving father and more like a cruel drunk."
A woman's merry laughter fills the air. She sounds like spring water on a rocky riverbed, like the wind in blossoming trees. Her timber is warm and sweet, and cannot but bring a smile to even the most hardened heart.
"Humans are always so serious!" she teases, still unseen.
Her laughter is echoed by the gigles of countless fairies – tiny creatures with long ears and colorful gossamer wings – that appear all around from behind trees and patches of tall grass.
Thorun stops and starts walking towards the fairies.
Cobhlaith whips around to find the source of the laughter.
"Oh... incredible... they've been here the whole time haven't they." Aoife said as she looked at the fairies in awe.
At the sound of the woman, a smile like a breaking dawn rises on Daire's face.
A smile creeps across Ruadhan's face at the voice and changes to a state of wonder as the fairies flit around their cover.
The grey sunlight shimmers, and Aine appears at the top of the hill. With her comes the sweet scent of spring flowers and a warm breeze that caresses their skin and seems to wash away their sorrows. Her beauty is awe-inspiring. Her long blond hair shines preternaturally, her large blue eyes seem to see into their souls, and her perfect figure is only barely hidden by a thin, almost translucent dress.
"Welcome to my court," she greets the newcomers with a smile that invites trust. Her voice commands love and respect, and the heroes of Largay are all happily under her spell. "Please sit and rest. You must be weary. You are far, far from home."
She doesn't say a word, and yet the countless fairies of her court do her bidding. They set fresh fruits and vegetables, warm bread, and fine wine and cider, on the ground at their feet. It is a veritable feast that is served on intricately carved, wooden platters.
The fairies giggle and run off as suddenly as they came.
"Eat. Drink. You are safe here. And I am eager to hear your story! We have not seen humans here for many, many years!"
She pays particular attention to Sister Cobhlaith, whose inner-light is unique...
Daire bows deeply before the fairy queen, for that is what she must surely be.
"My lady, I am Daire McKiernan, a bard of some small talent. And it is the greatest of honours to be allowed to sit at your court, to sup of your vittles - and your radiance."
He is utterly sincere sounding in his speech.
Thorun starts digging into the food. He is slightly disappointed at the lack of meat, but makes up for it with spirits and bread. "I ike eese airees." Thorun says through a thick mouthful of food.
A sunny smile spreads across Sister Cobhlaith's face.
"Your Majesty! I am so delighted to meet you!"
She dips her head in a slight reverence to Queen Aine.
"I am Cobhlaith MacMurrough, daughter of Murchad MacMurrough, and niece of Dermot MacMurrough of Leinster. These are my companions, Thorun Madsen, late of my uncle's court; Daire McKiernan, a bard of far greater talent than he admits to; Ruadhán Ó'Brolacháin, now of Largay; and Aoife."
Cobhlaith then holds her hands out in a wide gesture of welcome.
"What a bountiful feast you've spread for us. Thank you. We've not had much for the past few days, but whatever crumbs we have are yours to share. And now look at how you've repaid us."
Aoife joined Thorun, dinning on the meal laid before them. "This is good! Like really good." She said between bites. "Thank you! Very much for this."
When no one spoke up about their story Aoife took it upon herself to fill a bit in. "We've come here seeking something. We have been told from stories past to speak to you Queen Aine." After a breath she added "The sword that The Hag of Beara has."
Ruadhan sits and eats, mostly in silence, as he is almost overwhelmed by the wonder of finding such a place as this in such a dead world as surrounds it. Meanwhile his mind battles with ideas of alternative gods and how that works with the Christian faith and it's belief in one true God and the danger of worshiping idols. He questions himself as he considers the implications of what he now contemplates doing, does using the help of the faye to try and bring his wife back from death and her rightful punishment under Christian law mean that he is crossing a line, is he forsaking something by doing this, is he accepting that other religions may have power and potentially be more helpful than his own. All this batters around in his head, never quite resolving itself one way or another, whilst he pays slight attention to the on going conversation. As Aoife finishes her part with a dramatic flourish, the impact is ruined by Ruadhan blurting out, "And i now seek to find my wife and save her." his face reddens at realising the impropriety of the timing of his comment, but yet that same face shows the stubbornness and surety of his plan.
Sister Cobhlaith looks uncertainly at Aoife.
"Perhaps you could explain to Her Majesty about your earlier adventure, the one that earned you your missing cloak"
Aoife was mid bite when Cobhlaith made her suggestion. So with a nod she finished her bite, took a drink to wash it down, then looked to Queen Aine. "The story she speaks of is... hard for my friends here to believe but I am sure you'll be able to understand." Aoife said.
"Because of a vision my brothers, a good friend, a brother of the faith, and myself came upon a Queen Aoife who had been turned into a Banshee. She begged us to free her, and the only way we could due that was to step into the past to save her. We did. Going back in time itself we save Queen Aoife from her husband who was enchanting her with the help of Ailbe. I denied her that prize, however we still know of the story which means... she got another. But I doubt she will simply let that go, so I seek the sword to protect those I love from her wrath. I will not let those who stand with me suffer! ... not again... not for something they didn't even do..." Aoife said.
"Will you help us?" Aoife asked as she looked up to meet Queen Aine's eyes. "Please..."
"Daire, Thorun, Aoife, Ruadhan, and Aoife," she commits their names to memory with a smile. Her voice is musical, warm and engaging. She watches them eat and hears their story.
"The Hag of Beara has long guarded Claíomh Solais, the Sword of Light... And now you seek the sword to protect yourselves from the wicked Ailbe and to somehow save Ruadhan's wife? These are noble quests that you have undertaken."
Her compliment makes them blush.
"But the Hag of Beara is powerful and will not willingly part with the sword. I cannot imagine how I can be of any assistance to you," she continues. Their hearts sink.
Thorun shrugs with a grunt. He tries to make a semblance of politeness and swallows his food before talking this time. "Honestly, a safe place to rest and food to eat is what we have been in need of. We've been a grumpy bunch, that's for sure. This helps more than you know."
Aoife nodded in agreement with Thorun though she said nothing to him. "Food, safe heaven, and if it isn't too much to ask, maybe directions to where The Hag of Beara is? So that we can go and test our luck."
"I've been wondering," Sister Cobhlaith says.
"According to some stories I've heard, the sword was given to Manannán mac Lir by Lugh himself. How did she end up with it? Would he have given it to her for safekeeping?
"Other stories say An Chailleach Bhéara sits at Kilcatherine watching for Lir's return."
Sister Coblaith looks at Daire for confirmation, then turns again to Queen Aine.
"Can you clarify where she can be found? And have you any ideas of how we might best persuade her to lend us the sword?"
Between mouthfuls of glorious food and drink, Dairehas been busy.
But he pipes up.
"Aye, we have words as well as swords!"
"As my friends have already said thank you for food and safety which has already helped us so much. Perhaps you can give us an idea of her strengths and weaknesses, be they so slight as underestimating people, from there perhaps a plan can be worked out. Perhaps also you could offer some insight into the Morrigan for it is to her I must plea to save my wife, futile though it may be."
The goddess smiles in response to their thanks, and answers their questions directly, "Indeed, Manannán mac Lir left the sword in the stone, but I cannot say why. Did he and his wife have a dispute or did he simply tire of fighting? I cannot say. But you will certainly find her there, atop the hill near the place you call Kilcatherine."
"As for defeating her," she continues, turning to Daire, "you may only do so with the sword itself and she will not willingly allow you to take. You will need to convince her, somehow..."
She thinks upon it and her eyes brighten. "She longs for two things: her youth and her husband. That is how you will win the sword! And I will help you..."
"For a price."
Thorun suddenly stops eating for a moment. Tire of fighting? Is that even an option? He takes another bite and gives her a side eye. "What's your price?"
"Hey youth and her husband huh?" Aoife asked in a low thoughtful tone. No way they could return anything like that to her.
However Aoife stopped thinking on it when the Queen brought up that she could help them... for a price. Then Thorun asked what is was first, and Aoife remained silent, waiting for her answer.
"I would know your price, your Majesty, so that I may tell you whether I have it to hand.", Daire says, beaming.
"We would be delighted to help, Your Majesty."
Sister Cobhlaith looks excited to be able to do something for this wonderful Queen of the Fairies.
"She is so kind! And so helpful!"
"I for one can certainly understand longing for your spouse, and i would part with a lot for the same. As the others say what is the cost?"
"Take me back with you," she states bluntly. "I want to see the sun again. I want to see the green fields of my home once more..."
Her tone speaks of sorrow and longing. Still, she feigns a smile.
"My people cannot cross the portals without the help of mortals," she explains. "In exchange, I will give you two potions that will help you in your quest. The first will return to the hag, her youthful beauty. The second will make the drinker appear as the object of her affection."
"But, wouldn't the drinker have to remain with the hag?" Aoife asked. "If she truly believes that the one who drinks the potion is her lost husband, she wouldn't be willing to let him go."
"Aye." Thorun says to Ruadhan's words. Finally reaching his limit he puts his plate down, taking a long drink. He covers his mouth in the thinnest veneer of politeness as a belch rumbles its way out.
Thorun listens to Aoife's words. Aye, she's got a sharp head on her.
"The illusion is temporary," Aine warns. "Whoever drinks the potion will need to be convincing, to say the least. And a word of warning: everyone will believe the drinker to be the object of their affection."
Aoife nodded for a moment before she turned her head and looked to Daire. "How good are you at lying again?"
"Your majesty, that is a brilliant suggestion!"
Sister Cobhlaith frowns slightly.
"So, the idea is that we give the potion that makes her younger to the Chailleach and then Daire drinks the potion that makes him look like the object of each of our fondest dreams"?
What could possibly go wrong?"
And in exchange for these two potions, we take you back to the mortal realm when we return?"
"That will surprise Amergin!"
"But are each of you sure you can handle the heartbreak?
Thorun, you're going to believe you see my cousin Aoife. Ruadhán will have his beloved Aine.
She looks thoughtfully at Aoife. "I wonder ..."
"and I?"
Sister Cobhlaith briefly contemplates what temptation might appear if her heart is not completely committed to God.
With pride tinged with well-hidden shame, Daire replies:
"As I must, I can deceive like the very greatest tricksters. I can do it - I will do it for your sake and for the story!"
He sounds utterly sincere.
Thorun suddenly goes pale. I would only see her once, and I couldn't stay with her. He remains frozen, staring down at the ground.
Aoife nodded to Daire in thanks before turning her attention to Sister Cobhlaith's question.
"I have no one I love like that." Aoife answered honestly. "There is no heartbreak to be had for me, so I count myself among the lucky ones."
Though Aoife does take notice of Thorun's reaction, she looks like she wants to say something but doesn't.
"Then it is agreed?" Aine asks eagerly. As she speaks, diminutive fairies scurry forth, carrying two small, intricately carved wooden vials. "Which portal did you use to enter our world? That is where I will wait for you until you are ready to return..."
"Which of these will restore her youth? How do we tell them apart?"
Cobhlaith looks carefully at the vials.
"It would be of no use for us to see her as our beloved. And she would laugh at us if she remained an old woman while one of us returned to our childhood."
Looking around at the youthful group, she smiles at the idea of Aoife or herself "regaining their youth".
One of the vials has blossoms and buds on branches while the other has sock and buskin masks on it...
"That seems clear enough now.", Daire says, smiling.
"Your Majesty, your hospitality and aid have been marvelous, and I will remember both always."
He makes no move just yet to tear his eyes away from the fairy monarch.