Title: "My Child"
Author: Rebecca Bradstreet
Rated: PG
Archive: Sure
Summary: TJ needs to learn things her mentor can't teach her.
Warning: Mention of violence.
Disclaimer/Notes: I don't own Marcus Constantine, Darius, or any other Highlander characters.  They belong to Panzer/Davis.  I do own Theresa Joy "TJ" Grey.  I don't own "The Second Element" it's a Sarah Brightman song that was sent to me by ariestess.  Knowledge from the book Zealot was used in this.  I'm using  // as thoughts.  Being a Lyric Wheel story this is unbeta'd all mistakes are my own.  ;)
 

"My Child"
by Rebecca Bradstreet © 2005

Paris 1192

Marcus Constantine held the limp form bundled in blankets close to him.  He knew Theresa would return to life soon, but for the moment she was completely vulnerable, completely dependant on him.  Constantine wished he could say he didn't know why he'd taken her as a student but he couldn't lie like that.  He knew.  The girl had needed a mentor -- needed desperately for someone to teacher her about the Game; protect her from it until she was capable of protecting herself.  No matter how far gone his days as a general of Rome were, it wasn't in him to leave her to the headhunters.

The bundle stirred, and a soft moan came from it.  Constantine shushed it, giving Theresa a gentle reassuring squeeze, "We're not far from Holy Ground.  Darius will take us in, shelter you until Ceirdwyn can come for you."

There was a short muffled response from the bundle then it stilled.  He carried them across the last of the ground to the church with its high walls, pausing inside the doors to catch his breath.  Constantine new Grayson was out there somewhere in the city, out there with his hatred of Darius and his interest in Theresa's fate, //Trust that if she wishes to see you again she will.  Give her time and no one will be able to stop her.//

The Buzz of another Immortal pulled him from his thoughts forcing him to remember that he'd sought out Holy Ground there was no need to go for his sword.  Constantine looked around, letting out the breath he was holding when he realized Darius had found them, "It's good to see you're still here.  I've a young student here that needs protection from an old student of yours."

Darius moved closer to get a better look at the bundle being spoken of, "That's a student?  And it's attracted the attention of an old student of mine?"

Constantine nodded, "This is Theresa, and she's attracted Grayson's attention."

The monk nodded, "Ah, lets get her to a room where I can have a better look at her."

Darius led the way to a small room with a simple cot in it gesturing for the bundle to be set on it.  As soon as Theresa was set on the bed she fought her way through the blankets to see the men talking about her.  She looked the monk up and down before she asked Constantine, "That's the great general Grayson hates so much?"

Before the Roman could answer Darius spoke for himself, "I didn't always wear these robes you know.  I led an army to the gates of this city."

Theresa looked at him doubtfully, "So what happened?"

The monk smiled and spoke to Constantine, "No lack of curiosity there."

The Roman nodded, "I've done what I can to teach her about the Game, but she needs to learn womanly things I can't teach her.  Ceirdwyn's agreed to see to the rest of her education.  I'd deliver Theresa directly to her, but with Grayson looking for her..."

Darius nodded, "You wish me to keep her here until Ceirdwyn can come for her?  I think I can keep her out of trouble.  What about you?  Does Grayson know she's yours?"

The girl on the bed growled, "Grayson doesn't know a damn thing about Marcus!  I wasn't stupid enough to tell him about my mentor.  I do know he's dangerous."

Constantine and the monk watched her cross her arms over her chest angrily.  The Roman nodded, "But did you realized he was dangerous before someone beat your skull in?"

Theresa sighed, "Thank you for bringing me here, Marcus."

Constantine nodded, sitting down next to her on the cot, "You're welcome Joy."

Darius smiled at the pair of them, "Perhaps I should go and make arrangements for Joy to stay here until Ceirdwyn arrives."

Constantine nodded.  Theresa frowned, but followed his example.  The monk gave them a bow before ducking out of the little room.  Alone again the two sat quietly.  It was only in the quiet that the Roman slowly realized his student was crying -- crying and staring at the door Darius had gone through rather than look at him, "Joy what's wrong?"

"You're going to leave me here!  You're going and leaving me," Theresa whimpered before she tore her eyes from the door, and pressed herself against him.

"Shhs, there are things you need to learn I can't teach you.  I've taught you all I can.  I'm only thinking of your education.  I'll visit you.  Trust me.  After everything we've already been through, you are blood and soul part of me," Constantine told her, putting his arms around her and letting her continue to cry softly against him.

"You promise you'll visit?"  Theresa eventually asked.

"I promise you," the Roman placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Stay her until Ceirdwyn comes, go with her, and learn what she has to teach you.  I promise you something else, Joy.  She won't change what you've already learned from me.  Learn from her, and you'll see that you reflect on me," Constantine smiled.

"I'll stay here.  If she won't change me, I'll stay here," Joy assured him.

Darius returned to the room, "The arrangements are made.  Are you staying Constantine?"

"No, just as time keeps moving so must I.  Theresa has agreed to stay.  It shouldn't be too much work to keep her out of trouble," the Roman told the monk, giving his student a small smile with his last words.

"Very well.  God be with you Marcus Constantine," Darius nodded.

"It might be best if He stays with you," Constantine said as he departed.

"The Second Element"
by Sarah Brightman
The * bracket the lyrics I used in the story.

Eyes were glancing
Hopes set high
But just another day went by
Tears are falling
Like never before
Still she's *staring at the door*
Broken promise
Will you understand
My heart is in your little hand

I hear you call my name

Chorus:
And always you'll be
*Blood and soul part of me*
My second element
I am longing for you
And always *you'll see
That you reflect on me*
My second element
Are you missing me too?

*Time keeps moving*
She's in so deep

And she cries herself to sleep
Angels dancing
In the night
And she cuddles up real tight
Children's laughter
Sunny day
Never more I go away

Just like and endless dream

Chorus Repeat

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