Entereth Sascha

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

* For the story of Sascha, refer to the section of the board for play outside of the realms, Thread is called: The Neath Errand*




Eamonn: Leaning back in the chair, booted feet were crossed at the ankle and stretched out before him under the table. There were rare moments when war was about them that Eamonn had time to take for himself and spend it either with family or dining on a hot meal--which was something no soldier would turn away. Rose already had his request for a few good slabs of venison and now he was waiting on his plate. The horse helm sat on the table beside his armoured arm. A gloved hand reached for the mug of ale and lifting it to his lips, the Lord Marshal downed a hearty swallow before setting it back down on the table. Aislin had gone upstairs to change their son not too long ago, leaving him in thecommon room to wait for his meal. The sun faded in and out, ducking behind grey clouds that threatened snowfall in the afternoon. Eamonn wished it wouldn't snow, for that would hinder their marching, for it was already cold. One reason Eamonn hated winter campaigns, reasons that anyone who had been in the military long enough and had experienced a Winter march could vouch for. Sighing a bit, Eamonn reached into the side of his boot to pull out the hidden dagger there and stab it into the table so the blade stood errect

Danae: People ran in the streets. Doing business, doing chores, doing what was needed to thrive. A cold wind blew and to all sides of them were the devices of war. Still, Turas Lan thrived. Still, the people were insistant not to let business cease in the wake of a whim for it to do so. Beathag watched the sun dart behind gray clouds grown fat and heavy. With contents of white ready to be released, she too, felt their plight though nothing would come of it for two months yet. It took more than two hours for her breath to be long-winded, for the body to lean over the tall stick of oak that lent itself to carrying her down for the tip-top heights of the castle to the world below. In the center posistion of Brom and other white talons, one lady in waiting stood with her at the top of the road leading down to the Briar. Out to the sea, one could see the place where the Immram had sank amidst the other berths hostingoceanic business. "How do you walk, so round m'lady, up and down the city!" The maid asked, holding her flat belly as to breathe burned. Beathag took a few steps carefully down the fitted stones of this avenue before saying. "The same way Ah walked n' road over the hills of Scotland, her isles, n' the sea. Ah just do." It was a curious party that opened the Briar Rose door to find seat, sustinance, and rest. A red faced maiden curtsied to Rose, seeking leave for the party to assume a place at a good table, to which it was readily given. "Come, her Grace should..rest.." The girl's exhaustion was strange against Beathag's upright, non heaving demeanor. The burden of the baby was nothing, and to walk among the people and see them live had been liberating (d)

Danae: Lord, last night had proved to be one of the strangest and funniest nights of her life the Greek ranger thought to herself as she made her way down the stairs and into the common room. She was in need of a good drink, food, and the company of someone other than a drunkard friend who made silly passes at her time and again. She had already been about much earlier, but had gone back to check on him now. He seemed to be doing better and was now arousing to feel the regret of his actions the night before. As she reached the bar, she nodded to Rose. "Today's special and some tea maybe." No, no stiff drink for her right now, that was the last thing she wanted to see, smell or taste. As she idly turned in her spot, her blue hues caught sight of a couple familiar faces. That of the Lord Marshal Eamonn and then of his sister, The Duchess to this isle. A nod was granted to them both silently as she waited for her order to be filled. Only then would she take up seat at a nearby tables. -d-

Dora: ::wooden pattens clattered a beat to her footfalls as the older lady clutching a market basket bobbed her head in respect to her betters:: Good morrow; a fine day, is it not?" Sniffs the air for scent of some good affordable drink. Dora shuffled over to a serving area, her cap fluttering with each one she gave a nod of greeting.(d)


Eamonn: Despite the times that had once again took hold of the isle, people went about their businesses..locally that is. Roads from the city were being watched and many were losing profit if they ventured to leave. Some made it through..and others did not. It was hard to tell and Eamonn could only be in so many places at once, and winter slowed the horses and riders...perhaps the only good thing about the season was the fact that men were not so quick to sweat in . their armour. The sound of the door opening had hazel eyes lifting and turning that way, only to set upon his sister, round as the moon now, but still able to walk about, which Eamonn hoped she would not. However, he had little control of that matter and was at least satisfied somewhat to see her not alone. Pregnant or not, he would thrash her hide for walking about unaccompanied in this time. Eamonn nodded to his sister should her gaze pass his way, and with but two fingers he motioned her toward his table to sit and rest. Not long after her came the ranger with a mouth and ego larger than her body. Eamonn pressed his lips together as he watched Danae move to the bar, and jutting his chin, he greeted her as well--for he wasn't as rude as people suspected. However, it was the last girl that stole his attention for the moment, an unfamilar face to him and the Marshal watched her carefully out of habit. Strangers and the unfamilar always bordered on his boundaries of the tolerable and intolerable. Time would tell where this woman would rest. Lifting up the mug again, he took another sip

Beathag: "Good morrow miss. It is a fine day, if not cold! They say it will snow again." The lady's companion responded in kind to Dora with talk of the weather for that was common among passer-by, was it not? She looked upward at that fretted sorely. Surely, the only way to return to the castle would be a sent for carriage, for no woman round should exert herself so but certainly she could not keep up with the robust excersies of the Lady Griffin! Beathag herself gave pause to the lady with basket in hand, "Good morrow. Tell me, how gae things in the market place. Does it bustle or has it thinned some, n' wot prices have ye found?" The left hand was clasped over the walking stick while the right rested at the top. No matter the space or time, it seemed that familiars were a common sight in the local inns. Eamonn's face was recognized, a nod of head given him as she began to follow the finger he lifted to summon her. The maid could have her table, which was nearby, for herself to seek repose at. Danae, the Ranger of Avaria, was a welcomed sight met with a nod of head and smile. All roads led to Turas Lan, and she wondered what allwould find here. The soft click of the stick paired with the stacatto of her hard souled boots with the slight rise at the *heel, lesser, now that she bore child. "Come, tell me as I make way tae m'brother's table. What is your name, good woman?" (d)

Aislin:Kieran was once more content, though he never truly got fussy like other babies did. Pressing the front of his body towards her shoulder, she left him looking over the material of her velvet maroon dress to watch the world as it moved by slowly. One hand rested under his rear, while the other held his back and patted it lightly as she moved down the steps. Long hair was left in two braids behind her head to trail down to the back of her knees while the dresses swayed about her long legs. She had come down to lift ocean eyes just as she saw Dora, the engineer say hello to, everyone perhaps. ``Good day Dora.`` She greeted firmly, though not rough. ``Brom.`` She spoke to the male whonoted the weather as well. Eyes saw that Eamonn was no longer alone, but that Bess had joined him. She looked to Danae and gave a soft nod towards the woman. ``Ranger Danae. Good to see you are here once more.`` And not running around trying to kill wolves. Moving to the table, she waited for Eamonn to push out the chair by his side and took a seat slowly on it, across from Bess. A hand rose up to the back of Kieran's head, cupping it as she shifted him from her shoulder and turned him to press his back against her stomach and sit in her lap. Wide hazel eyes looked over the table with only a inch of vision able to be seen and stared at Bess.

Danae: An acknowledgment from the Lord Marshal wasn't all that rare to her. She knew the man wasn't rude, just blunt and often people mistaken the two for the other. Blue hues drifted to the new entry, Dora whom she had only seen once before sometime back when the Commander was trying to locate to of her men which had lead her to believe they were at the Gilded Lily. The smile and nod from the Duchess did not go missed and she would smile back before eyes drifted toward Aislin who now walked in. At the healers greeting, Danae nodded to her. "Thank you, it is good to see you as well." Had Aislin any idea just what this one had been up to... it was dealing with more things than just wolves. By now, the Greek woman needed to bring a check list with her. Marking off 'Handle crazed wolves', 'Aid in a search', 'Deal with drunk male', 'Become crazy bytch' and lastly 'Prepare for war.' Check, check and double check. Yup, every thing was in order. After her order was filled, Danae took the plate of food and her drink before moving off to a table that was next to that of the others. That way they still had their privacy but should they wish to include her, she culd be from a short distance. -d-

Dora: Tis a nice day for a stroll; me and my friend Clovis took it into our mind to come and have us a drink, while we canl HIm, Clovis is out side waiting; he say he be not dressed for fine company." Widow Lynch fiddled with her draw- string coin purse."I be Dora Lynch, mam. Nice to see you all.."nods again, to those of higher rank than herself. I come to ask, " then she lookes at Danae." Will you sign me on to help this land? I can learn; I swung a mean sythe back in Ulster, I did. (d)

Eamonn: Eyes drifted to the stairs at the sound of someone descending, and upon the sight of his wife returning, Eamonn inwardly smirked even though his stoic expression changed very little. As his wife came closer, Eamonn reached for the chair beside him and pulled it out for her and his son. Once she was seated, eyes glacned to his son as Aislin shifted him so he now faced those at the table, eyes wide and a mirror image as his own. Eamonn reached for Kieran, wanting to hold his son and take the time that he could before he was off again on horse and to war. Pulling the little babe into his lap, Kieran blinked, but smiled a bit as he looked around, as if amazed and in awe at the world around him. His hazel eyes then turned to the helm on the table and the pale horse hair streaming down the side of the table. Little fingers reached out curiously to feel it, and while Sorcha would have tugged at it, Kieran simply ran his little fingers through it. With an arm wrapped around Kieran and the boy balanced against his armour torso, his free hand reached for the mug and he took a drink as eyes turned to his sister. ``Good afternoon, sister.`` He said, and with a foot, he pushed the chair a cross from him and Aislin out for Beathag that way all she had to do was sit. Danae now moved closer to them, seating herself at the table beside theirs while the woman called 'Dora' followed and spoke to the Ranger. Offer services? Eamonn arched a thick brow and glanced toward the woman. Well, at least she was offering to help, that was more than what others offered here in Skye. After taking a drink, the mug was sat back down

Beathag: The stairs creaked under the weight of a woman. Turning her eyes to the sound, it proved to Aislin as she paid greetings to Dora, to Brom, and to all of them. Brom and the men in his company bowed when in the presence of Aislin, Eamonn, and their children "M'Lord, M'Lady. Good day." For his part he grew more vigilent, for more of the family were in the same room. It was not a time to grow lax under the comforts of food, fire, or drink. In fact, he took only a warmed plain cider, steering free from influence that would dull his senses. "Good day, m'family." She greeted them all with a smile that ran from one ear to the next, as fluid, as easy to conjure as a wave across loosely bound hair. His 'offered' chair was taken with gratitude, slow to ease, for the way gravity managed her body but in time it held her well. "N' Lady Ranger, hail! Ah see ye nay enough." Though as things went on the company would cross paths more. Night after night she sat with men and women who reported of the day, the hour, and of their lives. Her palm held a prick from a blood-taken oath, her mind the stories of children. Against her body always were scrolls Kaelyn imparted unto her should ill take her from the world. She sat, with the weight of more things to be burned by than the growing girl-child inside. A woman sought to offer herself unto the cause of the Isle, to which Beathag leaned over and pressed a hand against her arm . "Ah would nay see you, m'lady, swing your scythe unless ye must defend yeself, n' others. What thinks yer househould of such? Surely, ye are tae valuable n' too beloved by them. Still, while not your scythe against the Ainglish, your loyalty n' strong mind, good hands may be needed afore the end. Dora Lynch, it is? Dora Lynch, o' Ulster. Our Engineer hails from there tae, as does our Admiral." A haunted frain came at the name. Ulster. Jack Flynn's eyes hollowed and his voice grew distant as he spoke of ultimately what scarred him for life. She wondered how those that had come had lived on, knowing their land was over-run and those they had allied with could do not for it, notyet. "Give yer devotion, good woman. Nay yer scythe. ah think tae many o' m'subjects have done tha' already. Save yer scythe fer one day it may cut down wheat from a good landagain." (d)

Aislin: Higher rank was not really an issue when it came to being inside the Brair rose. Aislin had known the woman's first name, but not the last. Now she knew. Aislin gave a greetings to Bess, even as she heard Dora speaking to Danae about wanting to help. It was always needed. Danae's reply went on with a nod as she lifted Kieran and gave him to Eamonn so he could hold him for a bit. Aislin waited as Bess spoke to the two women, ocean eyes drifting from the engineer to the ranger and back to Bess. Bess trying to talk the woman into more conventional methods was interesting to see, yet Aislin said nothing. Eyes turned to her husband to offer a soft smile as she reached out to touch his armor covered arm and looked to his face. It was nice to have Eamonn around and while she was getting many things done here in Turas Lan, she knew Eamonn missed Sorcha. Some part of her did as well. Looking back to the woman, she listened once more and reached for Eamonn's drink, what ever it may be to take a sip of it and place it back down.

Danae: As Danae took to settling comfortably within her chair as so to enjoy her meal and drink, her attention was diverted back to the woman Dora. A single brow arched as the woman asked her for permission to join in the war. As if Danae had any real say in the matter. "With all do respect, Dora is it? It is not me you need be asking such from. It is the Duchess and those whom serve directly under her charge. I am a Commander, or rather once was, but given my current circumstances, I am just a ranger here. I have no charge in men except with those that fled Avaria with me." Danae went quiet for a moment as her gaze drifted from the woman then to Bess and back. "What the Duchess says is true... take her advice for I am sure you have more talented skills that could be of use than that of a swinging sythe. Though, should it please you... if I were given charge of such a group... I would accept your offer." She added a moment later. The dark copper skinned woman went to cutting up the meat within her plate before taking a couple hearty bites and then wash it down with some of her drink. "If it's help you want to do.. perhaps speak with others like the Lord General and his wife whom when things are under control again in Red Wall, could use your help." -d-

[d]Dora[/b]: The Engineer? I work for her house, Your Majesty." Dorie went into a deep curtsy, her old knees crackled at the effort. "One day, yer Grace, Almighty willing, I will grow a row in my kitchen garden for your table."(d)

Eamonn: Hazel eyes drifted to Brom and the Lord Marshal nodded to the man, glad to see him watching over his sister. Someone needed to in this time and age and in her present situation. Eamonn rarely smiled, but there were a few people who could provoke such. Having been in many wars throughout his life, Eamonn knew the value of times such as this where he could be with his family. His gaze turned down to his son, who was sitting squarely on his thigh and toying with strands of horse hair. Yes, Eamonn did miss his daughter for she was his first born. But that did not mean he loved his son any less. Eyes danced from Bess, to Danae, and to the eager woman to fight. Eamonn need not say anything for his sister spoke first and Danae second. Yes, they were far better with reaching the female audience than he was. His gaze then shifted to his wife and he stared at her for a moment, noting the smile and trailing down her frame to note the beautiful dress--even if it was simple--she wore. The corners of his lips twitched in a light smirk, before it was gone again. However, a brow did arch when she took his mug and took a sip of the ale he had, finishing it, actually. Eamonn blinked, then lowered his eyes to her stomach for a moment. Pressing his lips togther, Eamonn lifted his eyes and motioned for a tender to refill his mug. ``Whiskey, this time.``

Beathag: "Then she will need you, a great deal, good Lady. Yer Mistress has built us strong n' firm. Ah believe the city n' castle should stand through the end o' the world, fer her great works. One day, Dora, yer row o' food shall be on atable tha' will celibrate the birth o' the little princess. On tha' day? We shall drink a toast. You n' I. Tae make tha' day come quicker, yer skilled hands might aid n' puttin' taegether the fallin in seein' the people near ye lands are made ready. Ye have experience at such. Will ye dae this, Dora Lynch?" The woman was her elder and no matter how advanced the Duchess' own age was, those who were older held a wisdom that couldn't be diminished by anything in the whole of the world. "The scared are many n' the brave dwindle." It was not the swinging of a scythe, but still a might task if she would but take it, seeing to it that villagers near herremained prepared and ready, that her words could tell watchmen what to look for. Pressing her hand aginst her belly, the babe kicked, to which the mother replied, "Aye agree, m'child. Tis time fer a meal. Will ye nay come a little closer than, Danae? Surely a Commander n' hero in her own right needn' t eat alone. N' Dora, do you nay have a companion outside. Tell him his clothes will matter little if he freezes." (d)

Sasha: It was possible to become acclimatized to nearly every change in life. The weather was just such a thing. Perhaps he had spent too long in the warmth of Spain. Perhaps he had grown used to the dry and Mediterranean clime of southern France. Whatever it was, his journey up across England had not been nearly enough time to recall the fact that he was Ruthenian born, and ice should have flowed in his veins. Stamping his feet outside the inn and flexing gloved fingers to invite feeling once again, he offered a slightly sardonic comment to the cold air of Scotland before moving inside the Briar Rose. Taking the recommendations of Turas Lan's fine citizens, his expectations were rather high, and so far, his tour had been of particular interest, carrying him to areas of a city he would have had no particular interest in visiting. Change was good, so it was said. Once inside, he removed his cloak and gloves, trying to shut the door immediately lest the freezing air follow too closely at his heels. He made his way to the bar, and given the time of day, determined an ale would be perfectly satisfactory until dinner. If any met his eye, he would nod politely and offer a small smile. He was new, and as such, a bit wary of the locals. *

Aislin: Aislin did not mind the extra company at the table. It was large enough to hold more people and she was not yet eating as it were. Eyes went to Eamonn as he orderd whiskey, to which she ordered sweet mead, along with a meal of potates and deer if any was avalible. The new male entering the tavenr was looked upon by Aislin and a nod was given in greetings before she saw Bess press a hand to her stomach. ``We be needing to make a moment for ye soon Bess. Onthe morrow, ah will come and check on ye both when ye have time for it.``She waited for Bess' answer before looking to Eamonn. ``When will ye be leaving again? Before ye do, Cormack says he would like ye to see the maps made from a few of the riders. Ah take it he did nay wish to bother ye while ye were relaxing.``

Danae: Danae sat silently now as she continued to eat the meal Rose has prepared. Drink was had occasionally as she allowed her eyes to move about from face to face when each person spoke to another or simply watched for a reponse rather listen for a reply. When Bess asked for her to join them, Danae nodded. "Of course I would like to join you all. I think I sit close enough with just being a table over as so not to crowd you and the others, but if you like, I will move myself and my things with me over to your own table." She replied. Blue hues then moved to the door as another made his entry, head tilted as she took in all the careful details of him. Already sizing him up and waiting to see what sort of man he would project himself as. It wasn't done to be rude, but its how Danae got to know people. Reading their body langauge rather than speaking with them. -d-


Eamonn:: There were plenty of chairs at his table still vacant that no one need sit alone, as long as no trouble was stirred and started, but with a babe in his lap and his wife beside him as well as his sister across from him, he had more patience than if he was alone or on the field of battle. Eyes glanced to Danae before turning back to the tender as the man came over with a filled mug of whiskey and a mead for his wife. He himself had already ordered a plate of venison, though Aislin asked for potatoes, something he did not. Shifting his son to his other leg, his hand reached for the edge of Aislin's seat and without effort or strain, he pulled her chair closer to him just as his eyes spotted the new entry. While the stranger was wary of the locals, Eamonn found himself quite the opposite and wary of newcomers, so, for a while he looked the man up and down, studying his frame and features for a moment before turning back to Bess and Aislin as his wife made mention of checking on Bess' progrss on the morrow. After taking a hearty swallow of whiskey from his mug, Eamonn rested his hand on Aislin's thigh, giving it a light squeeze under the table while his face remained expressionless

Beathag: "Ye shall have wot e'er time ye require, Aislin. The babe could be in nay finer hands than its Aunt's, says I." To be cared for with the same skill that kept life like her brother's from being torn asunder was an honor not to be taken flippant. Besides, no matter how fine a midwife, there would be no greater skill than that of Aislin's,nor it would be said that Adam himself would favor anyone else to see to his daughter. "She already knows the sounds o' voices, Ah think. A bit more keen than Aodhan was. He was a vera settled child, but then again Aodhan does like his sleep." The maid went to collect Beathag's favorite for a meal: a hearty stew of beef, black bread for dipping, and honey cakes to eat there after. Chiming in, the maid offered humerous anecdote. "Our Lady is so hale! Why Lady Rosalind remarks herself so each day, and I promise that she shall always be in the best of hand, m'lord and lady. Though I pray! Tell me how it is she still has such robust energy! Came we down the hill and while others huffed, she merely blew out a good once or twice and was find there after! Truly, it is a marvel, though I do wish you would slow down, your Grace!" If no one found it amusing, Beathag did. Shaking her head from side to side, from the corner of her vision she caught the visage of a new appearance. A man, taking a hard adjustment to the cold. Leery eyes, and others were equal of him for he was a stranger in strange times. Those who managed to come in the city gates or by sea did so on new routes, some claimed. So weaveth the way toward Jerusalem in the trials of those who would be as saints one day. His story, unknown, fascinated her. Nothing was said of yet. No name between them. No salutation. Still, it wouldn't be long before something of interest drew them in similar circles. "Kelly, ye must understand lass, tis in mah family. There was nay an idle woman while pregnant n' Ah've been sae well spoiled n' preened o'er than I wager Ah've an excess o' energy tae enjoy. The last pair o' weeks ye'll have abit less tae dae." she accepted the bowl and plate with relish, followed by a cup of a barley and apple drink there after. "A spry demeanor lends tae spry children. Though m'nephew here! He is such a calm child. By Gods, he is as a bird on a branch he is. Handsome wee bird. Sorcha would be flyin' already." (d)

Sasha: He was a bit taller than the average, a bit more hardened than his years, with an even stride and a certain mellow quality to his presence that only came after years of military training and a second life born in the courts of Europe. He was confident as only a pagan advising the heads of Catholic western Europe could be -- brash was not in his nature, whereas patience was his finest virtue. Though his clothes were well-made, they were not the tailored items of the adviser, but a humble tunic of dark blue belted over dark breeches, and heavy boots lined, as any sane Belorussian would tell you, on the inside with fur. He no longer wore his sword, even ornamentally, and had the natural ability to never put his back to a room. When he received his drink, he acknowledged some of the stares with a less ambiguous smile and an inclination of his head. Though his tenor voice was slightly accented, he spoke English as well, if not better, than most born to the isle. Strangely, those most obviously curious about the philosopher-at-large were seated at the same table. This certainly made his life easier, no? "Good day." Fear of the other was a quite an ordinary sentiment, and Sascha was no stranger to being ... a stranger. In this time of unrest, he erred on the side of caution, though he was entirely sympathetic. "Greetings and salutations." *

Aislin: Aislin's eyes stayed on Bess as she spoke. ``Aye. Ah would nay want the babe in anyone else's care either.`` So many years Bess had waited for this. Aislin would do everything she can for Bess to keep these moments and make more. She waited until Bess was finished speaking to Brom and the main, telling her of the women never being ones to sit about. That was true, there was too much to be done to be a wife and mother that sat in the corner sowing clothing and knitting. Aislin did not know how to do either. The male spoke and Aislin turned to look towards him. ``Good day stranger.`` Before looking back to Bess. She did not mean to be rude or seem so, but she had a question. ``Bess, howye know it be a female? Could be any of two choices at this point. Ah could nay tell the difference between Sorcha and Kieran. In fact, Sorcha was much larger, so ah thought she might be a boy.``

Eamonn: And Eamonn would have to agree with his sister on that: there were no finer hands for healing than that of his wife, the woman who kept him alive and saved his life many times. Attention turned to the loquacious maiden, and for a moment, he arched a brow, but then it settled and he reached for his mug of whiskey. ``Because she rolled down the incline while others huffed.`` Eamonn remarked, his own attempt of dry humour as it was uttered in a flat tone, though the faint curl of a smile on his lips was indication that he was not serious. Eamonn glanced to the stranger and at his greeting, he nodded curtly, before his gaze turned to Bess for a moment. A girl? How did she know that a baby girl rested in her womb and not a male? Was it possible to know? Hell if Eamonn knew until the child came out. His wife semed to have the same question as she voiced it and he glanced over to her. Sorcha was larger? More things he would have never known about, but then again he missed a few months of her pregnancies due to war and her need to sail. Hopefully that was out of her system by now. Gloved hand rubbed her thigh and the top of her knee lightly under the table, unknown to all others save himself and Aislin. It wasn't until his plate of venison came that his hand was moved and now grabbed the dagger sticking out of the table to saw off a large chunk and with the tip of the dagger, push it past lips to devour.

Beathag: "My mother had a good sense fer knowin, held a little trinket o'er her belly in by the way it swung she was able tae say if it was lad or lass. Now it beh Ahadm n' his dreams. Sae strong they be tha' Ah'm apt tae put some purchase in it. Aodhan feels the same, n' hadn't heard his father speak on it fer some months. Mah inclination would be tha' it is sae. Brycean had a son, then a girl. Moyra, the same. Caldean, a son, n' a girl. M'mother, a son, than a girl. Order o' the last is ne'er set but it seems tae gae this way with the first pair. Now Ah've already birthed a son. Somehow m'mind tells me it be a lass. Dun nay care wot it be, truly, but fer the castle tae see another girl-child born in it again, tis quite extraordinary. After Sorcha, another lass. N' another lass in the new family, n' the High Princess, tae. Tis all rather supersticious n' old earth like but tha' is the way Ah was reared sae tis how I believe." She rubbed the belly again and took in a drink from the mug. Now the stranger introduced himself as Danae agreed to take up residence at their table. With plenty enough chairs she wondered, too, if the stranger might place a bid to be himself against the multitudes. "Good day tae ye sir. Will ye tell o' yer travels tae this land? They say tha' tae dae sae is harder n' harder still." It was knowledge none could afford miss, and she wondered, too, if it would reveal part of him "As it is, m'way is far easier, rollin' down hills n' all. Quite delightful, really." Eamonn was possessed of a sense of humor. True, it was not outlandish but it was no less grand in the fact it was revealed. Rolling down a hill. Pssht! Why, six years ago when Aodhan lived nestled inside of her belly she chopped wood and took a carted horse over moors to market! (d)


Sascha: "There is little wrong with superstition. Throw salt over your shoulder if it will make the ground firmer beneath your feet. There is very little to go wrong attributable to positive thinking. I am certain the child will be loved no matter it's gender." Amusement flickered on his face. The lady was so intent in her belief, he had her convinced of the babe's gender, and he had not even the name of the mother. "If you may allow me to be seated. I have been walking about this city the entire day on the advice of the pastry seller, the tinker, and the woman selling love potions at the docks." Something about that didn't sound right, and Sascha gave it a moment's contemplation, eyes temporarily lifting up and to the right as he thought it over, but as it was said, not even God could change the past. "I did not buy the love potions," he clarified. "In fact, in the company I traveled within, I am sure such a thing would have been frowned upon. I arrived with several of the monks from Neath, my lady, who came to confer with His Holiness. It was not an easy crossing, but we arrived in about the same state as we left. Ah, and I ramble again without an introduction. Mea culpa. I am Sascha Misailov." It was a strange way to introduce himself, but he was intent on acting the Roman in Rome. *

Aislin: Strong fingers were felt along her upper thigh, making a calm face look to her husband. Her own hand pressed over his, squeezing it in silent affection. Chills ran up her spine, but she did well to hide it. That dry humor was enough to make Aislin give a soft laugh and pat his hand under the table before she went back to holding it. Eyes turned to Bess as she explained and then to the male as he agreed. ``Aye, nothing be wrong with it. Eamonn, ah am sure be dreaming that ah listen to him a lot. Does nay mean it will be coming true.`` Then again, it was was it not? ``Ye may be seated.`` Aislin was the one to offer more of the seat, already Eamonn had slid her so close to him that her side was pressing against his and her knee pressed to his own as well. Kieran must have saw movement, because his head just dropped so his eyes could see his parent's hands under the table. He stared for a good bit until his mouth parted in that awe look and a slight bit of drool moved out. Pulling his head back up was a small bit of a struggle, but finally he was looking at those at the table or near. Danae, Bess, the new male. Monks? ``My assistant came from what ye may call a monastery.`` Roac had told Aislin a good deal about that. ``Ah be Aislin, court physican and head of the infirmary.``

Danae: Now that Danae was seated with the others, she returned back to enjoying her meal and her drink. The stranger would offer his greeting to those about the table and Danae gave one back to the man in return in the form of a nod. "Good day to you stranger." She said as she went back to eating a few moments later. Occasionally her eyes drifted from one person to the next. Listening to each of them give their say in this or that while Danae tended to keep her thoughts to herself. By now, Danae had nearly finished all that Rose had prepared and leaving only but a few bites in the plate, pushed it aside as she was done. She sat back in her chair, leaning really as she allowed her body a chance to digest her food in a more comfortable position. She listened as the new male shared his story on his traveling her and what he had come across thus far. She grinned abit to herself a time or two and when the man gave his name, only for Aislin to do the same, Danae would follow suit and introduce herself. "Danae Galanos... Commander,Ranger, and Allied friend." -d

Eamonn: Eamonn could not help but glance up to Bess as she gave her reply. Well, he had a girl, and then a boy, but he supposed that because he was but Bess' half blood kin his order of children did not matter or figure into that theory of conception. Women and their ideals of birthing and pregnancy, Eamonn knew little to nothing about it save to catch for he caught both of his two children and would want no one else to after that. However, his eyes did turn to his wife as she made mention of him dreaming that she listen to him. To that, Eamonn gave an eyeroll. But he was silenced for the moment as the delicious vension took up his attention. Three delicious slabs and already half were gone as Eamonn politely wolfed down his food, habit formed by many years in the service of war. But as the man seated himself and gave his name--which was strange to Eamonn but said nothing about it--he paused in his eating, thrusting the dagger into the table again to stand erect while he reached for the mug and downed another gulp of whiskey. ``...And my wife.`` Eamonn added to Aislin's words before continuing. `` I am Eamonn, Lord Marshal of Skye and Eohmark.`` Blunt and to the point as always. ``I pray you and your monks intentions here to these lands are good, or this will be the last time an invitation will be extended to you to sit at this table. Given the timing of your arrival, I am wary of those who come to these lands.`` And with that said, Eamonn finished off the rest of his venison and once the plate was cleaned, the blade was wiped off on the napkin cloth and placed on the table for his wife to use when her food came. Once again, his hand moved to his wife's thigh and her hand there.

Sascha: "A pleasure, Lady Physician. The monastic life is not for everyone, but as a scholar, I cannot but praise the Cistercian models of work and education. They are true innovators, and I have deep respect for those I shared my travels with this past fortnight. The monks themselves tend to stick out. The Cistercians wear white robes." Though he had lived a good deal of his life outside of his native culture, it was difficult to address others by titles and surnames, when it was far more polite in Vilnius to call an acquaintance by his name and otlichna, or patronymic. Lovers and friends called one another by first names and nicknames. It was not familiarity that caused those of western Europe to shorten names, and he had never been particularly formal, save the slight reservation he held in a language that was not entirely his own. "My Lady Galanos, My Lord Marshal, a fortuitous meeting. I merely traveled among the monks. My intentions are somewhat more banal. I had hoped to establish a residence upon Skye and continue my work on a treatise regarding governments and statehood. As for the monks, they are humble men of God, and I do hope their intentions are pure. I would be happy to give you the name of their abbot, should you wish to verify their intentions." Now that he was seated, he took a long drink and relaxed ever so slightly. "These are indeed troubled times, and I commend your vigilance."

Danae: As Danae grew more comfortable by the passing moments, her eyes continuing their gazes to each of those gathered about the table. At Eamonns words, Danae nodded before she spoke. "You're timing is... odd to say the least as there are several things that are currently taking place and well... given the nature of things, its only fair for someof us to be.. cautious." She said as she moved to stand to her feet. "In any case, I'm sure you understand." She let her hand disappear to pull out enough coin for her drink and food, placing it upon the table for Rose in payment of it all. A look to those around her with her pale blue eyes and a nod. "If you will all excuse me, there are a few things I must go and see to. Duties can't be put on hold forever." She said with a grin as she bid them all a farewell and took to exiting the Inn.

Eamonn: Hazel hued orbs turned to the man as he went on about his travels with the monks and his 'intentions'. Eamonn knew nothing of monks or monastery life save for they served God and were deemed of the religious sort. However, Eamonn put little stock or faith in religion. It seemed to mean little save justification for actions and many had done things in the name of God that he was sure were not what God would have wanted or approved of. Eamonn pressed his lips together stiffly for a moment as he regarded Sascha. Though he did not glance to Danae as she spoke, he heard her clearly. His eyes were still watching the man who traveled with monks. Unfortunately Danae had to depart and Eamonn nodded lightly, before lips parted. ``I have seen much done in God's name that I question. Men murdered for sake of belief or wars justified because of it. So, given your timing as the Lady Danae said, I am suspicious. One man came to these Isles for diplomatic reasons..now we war against him and his greed. I hope your treaties regarding government and statehood are in the better interests of the people of Skye and not personal acquisition of land and power.`` Eamonn was not a man of politics, but he did understand matters of war and alternate intentions of leaders

Sascha: Sascha's opinions were far less philosophical and far more Machiavellian than Eamonn's, but their acquaintance was far too young to discuss the taboo topic. His origins in pagan Lithuania had hardly been a nurturing ground for the development of religious ideas. He was, at best, a pagan. At worst, an utter heathen, and yet neither identity tended to keep him awake at night, much to the chagrin of his white-robed friends. Eamonn's suspicion was met with a neutral gaze and a soft smile. "My treatises are in the interest of only myself. Should other, wiser heads take my words as interesting, I should be so lucky. Rent is not cheap, neither is traveling in such tumultuous times and frigid weather. It was easiest to travel with the Cistercians, who have quite a storied past of defying the English Crown in the interest of Welsh autonomy. When they wish to establish a new order, it is due to forging a deeper community spirit and ... oddly, making a profit." He shook his head gently. "It is very strange to me. The Cistercians did not begin opening monasteries in my home country until very recently. The Grand Duke, perhaps more suitably styled 'High King' by western European standards, never committed to Church influence, and was perhaps one of the most interesting and well-qualified diplomats I have ever had the chance to meet. It was following him on such a diplomatic mission to the city of Citeaux, in France, that I made the acquaintance of a Welsh abbot. He had a bit of a quandary in his home abbey, and as I had already intended to arrive in Skye, I delayed for some time in the early winter solving his problems. That is the reason for my delay. But, I have always styled myself a man of action rather than words, despite my rather literary profession. Of my treatises, I happily admit that I maintain neutrality in my arguments, for is not the point of a scholarly text but to leave the door open for others to form an unbiased opinion? I am careful in my topics, of course, but hardly inflammatory."

Aislin: Aislin gave a poliete nod in the depareture of Danae, looking to bess as she began toe at her food. Eamonn's add on had Aislin glance to her husband, but she said nothing, for it was the truth. Religion. Aislin was not much for the topic. Sure she had listened and learned from Aman-ud-Din about christianity, but after hearing more, it was just too confusing for her and more rules that needed to be followed on top of those already given by the Duke and Duchess. Still she listened to Eamonn's explination as to why he was not so sure about things when it came tos trangers and for right reasons. He ate his food, Aislin waited and ate her own more slowly, enjoying the flavors it gave. ``That be a good way to be in many eyes. It means ye will be more sought out when it comes to something in a more neutral based opinion. Ah do nay believe in any Gods, but let men worship what Gods they will and give them comfort where they be needing to seek it. In my field, ah can not afford the time to try and comfort people. They believe praying will do that, so be it.`` As she always said, a God was not going to come down and physically stop someone from stabbing you, nor would they stop a war. To Aislin, they were thoughts to make people believe and not feel so alone in the world. Maybe even an excuse for others.

Eamonn: Treatses? Eamonn arched a brow at the terminology, something he was obviously unfamiliar with and for a reason: Eamonn was not a scholar, philosopher, or a scribe. His business was the miltary and of national defense and security, war. So, when Sascha went on in a more detailed sense, Eamonn simply stared at him, stoically, but silently trying to follow the man. Cistercians? High King? Eamonn blinked once as he regarded the man. He had to be another historian or something of the sort like Aman-ud-Din, speaking of things that Eamonn knew little about. As long as these Cistercians were not invading, Eamonn did not care in the least, and not simply because he did not want to. Eamonn could neither read nor could he write. Eirian once tried to teach him, but war came up too fast and Eamonn had little time to devote. However, his wife was, and she would teach their children what he could not. Indeed, he came from a different place, much different than this man here. His eyes turned to his wife as she spoke, and he watched the side of her face silently. Aislin was not so heartless as her words might have seemed, for she did offer comfort or what she could offer. However, there was a limit. Kieran hiccuped once, and blinked a few times, before wiggling his rear a bit and leaning back more as his eyes started to grow heavy as the babe felt another nap coming on. Smart.

Sascha: "I am much more aligned to your way of thinking, my lady. It does not trouble my sleep to let others believe as they will. That I am personally without such beliefs, much less a desire to form them, perhaps makes me an oddity in the world." He smiled slightly. These topics did not often come up when he arrived in a new place, but he had been asked. He knew what sort of soft nobleman he presented, but he did not much mind these days. His youth had been for charging over-the-top, commanding battles and struggling to retain defenses. He had not been a particularly good student, though he had always been naturally curious. As he was now about the married couple sitting opposite him, who obviously held one another in such deep affections. He had never had a chance to make a life as Eamonn had before him, and he knew there was much to envy in the man. Literacy, after all, was not a test for true intelligence. "He is your son? He is very handsome. Have you more children?" He did not mean to pry, but it was certainly an easier point of conversation than one's religious beliefs.

Aislin: Sleep was never an issue unless Eamonn had been badly wounded, then Aislin would let no other take care of him but herself no matter what the cost. She knew little on the Cistercians, showed how much she paid attention to fields that were not her own. ``That way of thinking, ah would tell ye to keep to yeself though, least ye want to be harrassed by the church and others about the lands. Many are very spirital and while ye may accept them, they may nay accept ye.`` Finishing her meal, she pushed it aside and rubbed her husband's hand gently, jsut for the touch though it was not always needed it was nice. ``Aye. Kieran. We have another, a daughter named Sorcha. What of ye? Ye have children?`` Aislin seemed plain about it all. Not a mother who gossiped about their kids, nor got excited to talk about them.

Eamonn: Functionally illiterate, was the term or phrased best used to describe Eamonn's situation. Despite the disadvantage of such a thing, he managed to work and function just fine without the skill. However, with a changing world, he knew that his children could not. Besides, any good father wanted the best for their children, right? Eamonn did well not to get involved in religious debates, or many debates at all to be frank. Eamonn had little patience and would sooner smack someone rather than bounce words back and forth. Sometimes, talk was cheap. His gaze turned down to his son sitting in his lap still, his rear balanced on his thigh with an arm around him. Eamonn loved his children, it had been a silent dream that had come true thanks to Aislin, and once before he doubted such a thing would fall upon him. Eamonn doubted no more. Aislin answered for him, which did him well as he turned his hand under the table and clasped her hand. While the two of them might not be as public with their affections as other couples, the love was there and what others said about their marriage was ignored. Some found it hard that a woman such as her could want to willingly marry a man such as him. How little they knew. Kieran sighed softly and his eyes closed. His gaze turned back to Sascha, waiting for his response

Sascha: "None of yet. Perhaps one day, if fate allows." God or no god, he was Russian at heart, and it would take far more than a life among foreign cultures to stomp the superstitions out of the man. "I fear I would need to begin leading a far more stable existence than I currently enjoy. I have not had a home in several months, and rarely stay long. But some events serve to remind us of who we are at our foundations, and I am now convinced to put my wanderlusting days behind me. Well. It was a distinct pleasure meeting you both. I hope we have the occasion to meet again." He rose from his seat, bowed to the couple, and after settling up his bill, found his cloak and gloves, and quickly departed.[/font]