Post by mairi on Jun 29, 2008 12:52:47 GMT -6
[11:37] Pride of Eireann: Mairi could almost taste Ireland, they were so close. There she was on deck again, looking out to sea. She was growing restless. She was painted. She was ready. The Ceannfort turned, back to the railing and hand above her eyes as she searched for her consort. She grinned as she saw him walking towards her, and she approached him and rested her hand on his chest. "Anam cara, I feel the company of our child in me womb...but I miss me Seanna." Her arms wrapped around his waist; her restlessness was so pungent it was almost tangible. (d)
[11:42] JackoftheFaerie: "Ye should've brought 'er with us," he chided gently. There was little doubting that he missed Seanna, but the girl would have served another function as well: keeping her mother out of trouble. Truth be told, Jack fully intended to send for Seanna once the town of Dunluce had been taken. It'd give him a bit of breathing room to fight for the castle. Jack slid his arms around her waist, gently holding her close to him. There was a gentle kiss to her forehead, "How dae ye feel, knowin' tha' all yer
[11:44] JackoftheFaerie: children shall be born in Ireland?" He canted his head quietly, smiling as he watched her. There was a caress of her cheek. While it was affectionate, it also helped correct a slight smear of the paint. (d)
[11:47] Pride of Eireann: "Aye, I like that idea. I'm just like everyone else, missin' me child I suppose. Everyone's given up something to be here an' we are no different. I am lucky to have ye at me side, at least fer now." She enjoyed the embrace and then looked up at Jack. No doubt the others wondered how such a formidable woman could become so gentle and loving in the arms of the admiral, but it was so. "The first thing we do when things are settled is head down to the Golden Harp...no, no, first Dunluce Castle must look like home again--
[11:48] Pride of Eireann: home to all who enter it, be they from near or far. We are nothin' as a people without our hospitality." And their brutality. Even now, Mairi had a sword on her, and her three daggers--one for each stage of womanhood...the maiden, mother, and crone. (d)
[11:57] JackoftheFaerie: Did Mairi know that it would be the aspect of the Mother that she would come to embody through the course of years? Jack laughed softy at what she was saying, before gently shaking his head, "The first thing tha' we must dae is see ta a nursery fer wee Seanna an' tha babe ye carry in ye." Gently, he rested his hand over her full womb. How would each react, to know how full her womb was? That she had conceived not one but children during her first tryst with Jack was remarkable. Gently, Jack said, "Once
[12:00] JackoftheFaerie: tha peace 'as come ta Ulster, ye are Ceannfort aye... tha' Castle shall be yer 'ands.. but ye must rememebr tha' ye are a mother nae only ta Erie. But ta Seanna an' our children as well." (d)
[12:05] Pride of Eireann: She took a step away, a look of anger taking her face. "Have we not had this discussion before, Jack?" She crossed her arms and offered a disapproving look. The woman changed like the weather, it seemed. "I lost Seanna's da, an' ye saw how I was livin' an' hidin' out when we first met. I did all that fer her, an' I shouldn't have kept me own heart from her, or from ye an' me brother, but it was so. I was survivin'. How dare ye think I'd be an incapable mother to our children!" Setting her jaw straight, she looked furious. She wasn't yelling, but it would not take her much to do so. "I do not need yer reminders. Ye are the one who wanted
[12:05] Pride of Eireann: to order a slave girl to look after yer own, not me." (d)
[12:12] JackoftheFaerie: Jack's eyes locked with hers and she would see that familiar glint of steel in them. This man was not Sean. Repeatedly had he fought for her, for her affections, "I would nae feel tha remind ye sae, 'ad ye nae kept yer 'eart from 'er in tha first place.... iffen ye 'ad nae told me sae often tha' ye would endanger Seanna's life ta see Dunluce in tha 'ands yer clann once more. Dae ye remember those talks?" (d)
[12:15] Pride of Eireann: "I remember them well...but ye know how I feel fer me daughter, I would not see her come to harm, despite what Carrick's woman thinks. SHE thinks I am being a bad mother by leavin' her behind an' goin' to war. The woman doesn't understand our ways, or how an Irish woman is to act. I was only tryin' to help her." Mairi was growing more frustrated at this now. She wore a dress, but would be changing soon, once they were about to land. The gold-lined fabric of her dress swirled about her as she approached Jack again, a reprimanding finger to his face--rather close. "Ye know I would kill fer Seanna, so ye best not be steppin' in me way." A threat, and not so veiled. She was already in the moment of battle, ready to fight, and her anger and lust for war just spilled out of her. (d)
[12:22] JackoftheFaerie: Jack studied her for a long while, before dispensing what could be the only true response to such a threat. Jack calmly raised his hand and slapped Mairi across the face for that. Before she could truly react, Jack's hand shot out to catch her hand -- no doubt she had tried to repay him in kind -- before he used that hand to drag her closer to him. "Ye think tha' I feel any different from ye?" He said, studying her. "Ye know tha' love Seanna wit' all me 'eart, wit' all me soul. Ta think anythin' less is a
[12:25] JackoftheFaerie: dishonor ta mae... an' ta this." There was a gentle twist of her wrist, enough to bring discomfort, to show her the Claddagh design he had marked into her flesh. There was some saddness in his voice as he said, "I love ye an' I love Seanna wit' all me body, 'eart, an' soul. An' ye still dae think less o' me from time ta time." (d)
[12:30] Pride of Eireann: She was stunned that he had slapped her. A pouty, furious look hung about her face. She didn't need use of her arms to kick him squarely in the shins, and so she tried for a good kick. "I have made ye Consort an' Admiral an' have loved ye fiercely...I have paved the way fer ye to do greater things than I could ever give, an' ye think I think ye look unfondly on me Seanna? I do ye no dishonor. It is ye who dishonors me, an' ye'd be best not to accuse me of such things when there are others who have sworn not to Mairi, but to the Ceannfort," she raised a brow. "An' I have seen them kill fer sayin' less about me." Turning her head, she looked for O'Leary's ship. One of them seeing this and there would likely be a confrontation. "I love Seanna, an' ye are an arse to question that." (d)
[13:43] JackoftheFaerie: It was shaping up to be a normal, if somewhat subdued, fight for both the Irish. Jack dodged the kick, narrowly. There was still that nice yelp of pain, from where she'd kicked him. He swore at that. Jack rubbed his shin, turning her left hand loose to do so. He glared at her hard, "An' ye are an' arse ta think tha' because I remind ye ta be a good wife an' mother." Jack glared hard at her, before doing the one thing that was sure to have truce between them. He pulled her close again. And gave her a
[13:44] JackoftheFaerie: forceful kiss. The kiss, of course, slowly faded to reveal such things as love to her. And kindness. But it was forceful and strong. (d)
[13:50] Pride of Eireann: She had gotten her kick in, and that was good enough for her. When at last the forceful kiss was complete, she did of course reprimand him anyway. "Ye will not have to be remindin' me again, a chuisle." She added in the term of endearment despite the reprimand, to solidify the truce. It was also true--he was her pulse. He understood and quelled her hot temper as the Mother Goddess could do to the sea. He had quieted her some, as he was good at doing, but he never stifled her power or beauty. She would not look away from him. Could it be that two equals they were, staring each other down, fortunate enough to be in love? she allowed him to still hold her close. "I will take good care of them," she said softly, "ye know I will. I love our children an' I love ye." (d)
[13:54] JackoftheFaerie: Jack offered a soft smile, as he said softly, "I am yer a chuisle as ye are mine... tis me job ta be sayin' such. Ta be naggin' ye." He studied her, "I want ye ta be knowin' tha' iffen I say such things again, I dae sae outta a love fer ye an' our children." He kissed her head quietly. Then he wrapped his arms around her waist. (d)
[13:58] Pride of Eireann: She sighed heavily. "I know, but ye need to have faith in me, else I cannot have faith in ye," she explained patiently. That conversation behind him, she let him hold her close and then nodded softly in understanding. "Me conversation with Seraphim did not go well. Perhaps I am a bad healer, or a bad sister. I hurt her, an' now Carrick will be cross with me." Looking up to Jack, she knew that he would not call her a bad sister or healer, or so she trusted, and that trust was reflected in her eyes. (d)
[14:00] JackoftheFaerie: Jack simply grinned at that, "An' what did ye say ta 'er?" He trusted her to have been typically Mairi. "I wish ta 'ear what was said...." There was a bit of laughter, before he said, "An' wish ta know 'ow long I must be avoidin' 'er. I think tha two o' us meetin' 'er sae soon shall drive 'er away." (d)
[14:04] Pride of Eireann: "I was tryin' to welcome her to the clann, used a low an' gentle voice, an' explained how things work in our culture an' talked a bit about the weddin' night, an' what is expected of an Irish wife." Mairi paused, recalling the conversation. "Seems her family didn't treat her very well, an' she had a hard time understandin' that her skill as a blacksmith gives her status of her own...an' also she does not understand how men think, or ferget to think sometimes." She said all of this rather honestly, not trying to insult Jack. As she spoke, Mairi smoothed out the fabric covering his torso before her hand fell on his chest, tattoo to tattoo. (d)
[14:14] JackoftheFaerie: "I wonder iffen I shall be askin' ye ta tell exactly what tis tha' ye said tae 'er," He said. Then he though quietly, smiling as she caressed his tattoo. The very act made him stand straighter than before. Jack loved when she paid him attention. He canted his head, studying her quietly. "From what Carrick 'as said ta me, 'e thinks tha' she 'as nae 'ad a man afore. May'ap tha coddess shall be comin' ta 'er, durin' Beltaine?" (d)
[14:19] Pride of Eireann: "Aye, I spoke of our four major holidays, includin' Beltane, an' told her I knew she had not bedded a man. I said she was
[14:23] Pride of Eireann: sure to be fine with Carrick, that he would show her what to do an' such an' she seemed so terrified. We discussed religion a bit; I think since she's Jewish she is a bit worried Carrick won't want her or that Ulster won't, either. It can't be easy fer her to feel different, but she won't even talk of wifely duties. I feel like if she thought of me as a sister--we are kin now, almost--she would have spoken true with me, as I offered
[14:25] Pride of Eireann: to her. She was hospitable, offered me water, an' repaired me old sword well...but I think I offended her, an' she hurt me some by not confidin' in me as sisters do. Me an' Brighid live far apart but we tell each other everythin', she's got so many children it's a clann of her own an' she always has something to speak of...but also we are sisters, we still laugh like girls over....some things." She smiled a bit wickedly then. "Needless to say, a cara, she knows I am a lucky woman to have ye. But Seraphim does not see it that way. I believe she thinks I dishonor ye with me braggin' an' that I dishonor ye by comin' to war." (d)
[14:31] JackoftheFaerie: Jack smirked, "Sae ye were typical Mairi, aye?" Jack laughed gently, "She is nae o' Irish thoughts er blood er passions.... Ye need ta be gentle in 'ow ye deal wit it. Ye might a've been tae forward wit' 'er." He grinned. "In time, tho, she shall be more Irish than tha either one o' us." (d)
[14:35] Pride of Eireann: Mairi frowned at that. "I was very tactful, a cara. What will she think when she is thrown into life as we know it with no warnin'? I could have gone on all night tellin' her about how to bed a man, but she'd listen to none of it. She will be too timid an' will not please me brother. What will she do when the Beltaine fires are lit, aye? I know what ye will be doin', loyal Consort of Uladh. Ye will take me by the fire." She kept close to him, and let the wickedness of the thought creep onto her countenance. "I do not know what else I could have told her. She has no ma, an' no older sisters to speak of, an' her aunts say mean things to her. Someone has to teach her." And of course that was Mairi, mother and sister to all. (d)
[14:40] JackoftheFaerie: Jack tssked tssked to her, "Tis said tha' tha Goddess o' tha night does come ta those lasses tha' need it most, an' tha' she imparts 'er knoweldge o' how ta please ta man ta 'em." He canted his head, "I am nae ta be tha first ta be actin' as yer consort in tha Beltaine rites.... 'ae ye nae felt it? Tha' wide knowledge tha' gaes ta each lass?" (d)
[14:44] Pride of Eireann: Mairi looked away from him as she answered the question. "I never needed such luck on Beltaine, Jack." It was not a conceited statement, and she would explain. "I have lain only with a few men, a cara, an' me first Beltaine was with me first Consort. I am not denyin' there is a magic to it, I am only sayin' I've either had no need, or never been truly blessed with it." She was a little ashamed to say that. Obviously she knew what she was doing with a man in private, but for someone like Mairi, Beltaine should be a grand event and festival. She was an example for everyone. "Though next year, in front of everyone I shall choose ye once again as me consort, an' if ye wish, the ritual may begin outside for all of them to see that I have selected ye an' no other." (d)
[14:53] JackoftheFaerie: Jack canted his eyes quietly, frowning softly at that. She had never truly been blessed with the Beltaine rites? Jack kissed her gently, then murmured, "We shall make it sae this Beltaine, ye shall be feelin' tha' Goddess' blessin'." Jack would work to give her that blessing, whatever it took. (d)
[15:00] Pride of Eireann: "Aye. We will be parents again before Beltaine, can ye imagine it's so?" Smiling warmly, she guided his hand to her belly. It was firm, but slightly protruding. "I cannot wait. On Irish soil, all of it." Closing her eyes, she thought of the Beltaine fires, and how enjoyable it would be to celebrate with Jack. (d)
[15:03] JackoftheFaerie: What of children? Did she convince of producing another child with Jack? There was a gentle smile as caressed her cheek. "Aye, all of it. An' children tha' we 'ave again, shall be made in tha' halls of Dunluce in, in tha cove of tha Mermaids.... er by tha Beltaine fires..." He smiled softly. (d)
[15:06] Pride of Eireann: "Good. I'd have it no other way." His place as Consort would be secure for at least many years if he kept giving her children. Their first effort had produced results very quickly, and so far Mairi was doing well. "It is not going to be easy, toward the end of the pregnancy, Jack. I can feel it. A ma just knows these things." She turned her face to kiss his hand. "I don't want ye bein' scared, aye? I'll see yer babe safely into the world." There were no guarantees for that, other than the strong bloodlines of the child's parents. (d)
[15:09] JackoftheFaerie: Jack looked troubled at her words, frowning quietly. Jack gently took her hand quietly, kissing her Claddagh. There was a sigh, "I cannae be promise tha', anam cara. I shall be scared.. fer ye an' the wee un." It would be the bloodlines of children the prayers to Saint Brigidh and Brigidh that would see the child brought safely into the world. (d)
[15:12] Pride of Eireann: "Well, being a good da means ye worry, but we'll be fine." She was trying to convince herself. With Seanna, it had not been an easy birth, but Jack already knew that and so she said no more. "Yer luck is worth more than ye think, a chuisle." The sun, however, was beginning to kiss Mairi's face a bit roughly, reddening it. (d)
[11:42] JackoftheFaerie: "Ye should've brought 'er with us," he chided gently. There was little doubting that he missed Seanna, but the girl would have served another function as well: keeping her mother out of trouble. Truth be told, Jack fully intended to send for Seanna once the town of Dunluce had been taken. It'd give him a bit of breathing room to fight for the castle. Jack slid his arms around her waist, gently holding her close to him. There was a gentle kiss to her forehead, "How dae ye feel, knowin' tha' all yer
[11:44] JackoftheFaerie: children shall be born in Ireland?" He canted his head quietly, smiling as he watched her. There was a caress of her cheek. While it was affectionate, it also helped correct a slight smear of the paint. (d)
[11:47] Pride of Eireann: "Aye, I like that idea. I'm just like everyone else, missin' me child I suppose. Everyone's given up something to be here an' we are no different. I am lucky to have ye at me side, at least fer now." She enjoyed the embrace and then looked up at Jack. No doubt the others wondered how such a formidable woman could become so gentle and loving in the arms of the admiral, but it was so. "The first thing we do when things are settled is head down to the Golden Harp...no, no, first Dunluce Castle must look like home again--
[11:48] Pride of Eireann: home to all who enter it, be they from near or far. We are nothin' as a people without our hospitality." And their brutality. Even now, Mairi had a sword on her, and her three daggers--one for each stage of womanhood...the maiden, mother, and crone. (d)
[11:57] JackoftheFaerie: Did Mairi know that it would be the aspect of the Mother that she would come to embody through the course of years? Jack laughed softy at what she was saying, before gently shaking his head, "The first thing tha' we must dae is see ta a nursery fer wee Seanna an' tha babe ye carry in ye." Gently, he rested his hand over her full womb. How would each react, to know how full her womb was? That she had conceived not one but children during her first tryst with Jack was remarkable. Gently, Jack said, "Once
[12:00] JackoftheFaerie: tha peace 'as come ta Ulster, ye are Ceannfort aye... tha' Castle shall be yer 'ands.. but ye must rememebr tha' ye are a mother nae only ta Erie. But ta Seanna an' our children as well." (d)
[12:05] Pride of Eireann: She took a step away, a look of anger taking her face. "Have we not had this discussion before, Jack?" She crossed her arms and offered a disapproving look. The woman changed like the weather, it seemed. "I lost Seanna's da, an' ye saw how I was livin' an' hidin' out when we first met. I did all that fer her, an' I shouldn't have kept me own heart from her, or from ye an' me brother, but it was so. I was survivin'. How dare ye think I'd be an incapable mother to our children!" Setting her jaw straight, she looked furious. She wasn't yelling, but it would not take her much to do so. "I do not need yer reminders. Ye are the one who wanted
[12:05] Pride of Eireann: to order a slave girl to look after yer own, not me." (d)
[12:12] JackoftheFaerie: Jack's eyes locked with hers and she would see that familiar glint of steel in them. This man was not Sean. Repeatedly had he fought for her, for her affections, "I would nae feel tha remind ye sae, 'ad ye nae kept yer 'eart from 'er in tha first place.... iffen ye 'ad nae told me sae often tha' ye would endanger Seanna's life ta see Dunluce in tha 'ands yer clann once more. Dae ye remember those talks?" (d)
[12:15] Pride of Eireann: "I remember them well...but ye know how I feel fer me daughter, I would not see her come to harm, despite what Carrick's woman thinks. SHE thinks I am being a bad mother by leavin' her behind an' goin' to war. The woman doesn't understand our ways, or how an Irish woman is to act. I was only tryin' to help her." Mairi was growing more frustrated at this now. She wore a dress, but would be changing soon, once they were about to land. The gold-lined fabric of her dress swirled about her as she approached Jack again, a reprimanding finger to his face--rather close. "Ye know I would kill fer Seanna, so ye best not be steppin' in me way." A threat, and not so veiled. She was already in the moment of battle, ready to fight, and her anger and lust for war just spilled out of her. (d)
[12:22] JackoftheFaerie: Jack studied her for a long while, before dispensing what could be the only true response to such a threat. Jack calmly raised his hand and slapped Mairi across the face for that. Before she could truly react, Jack's hand shot out to catch her hand -- no doubt she had tried to repay him in kind -- before he used that hand to drag her closer to him. "Ye think tha' I feel any different from ye?" He said, studying her. "Ye know tha' love Seanna wit' all me 'eart, wit' all me soul. Ta think anythin' less is a
[12:25] JackoftheFaerie: dishonor ta mae... an' ta this." There was a gentle twist of her wrist, enough to bring discomfort, to show her the Claddagh design he had marked into her flesh. There was some saddness in his voice as he said, "I love ye an' I love Seanna wit' all me body, 'eart, an' soul. An' ye still dae think less o' me from time ta time." (d)
[12:30] Pride of Eireann: She was stunned that he had slapped her. A pouty, furious look hung about her face. She didn't need use of her arms to kick him squarely in the shins, and so she tried for a good kick. "I have made ye Consort an' Admiral an' have loved ye fiercely...I have paved the way fer ye to do greater things than I could ever give, an' ye think I think ye look unfondly on me Seanna? I do ye no dishonor. It is ye who dishonors me, an' ye'd be best not to accuse me of such things when there are others who have sworn not to Mairi, but to the Ceannfort," she raised a brow. "An' I have seen them kill fer sayin' less about me." Turning her head, she looked for O'Leary's ship. One of them seeing this and there would likely be a confrontation. "I love Seanna, an' ye are an arse to question that." (d)
[13:43] JackoftheFaerie: It was shaping up to be a normal, if somewhat subdued, fight for both the Irish. Jack dodged the kick, narrowly. There was still that nice yelp of pain, from where she'd kicked him. He swore at that. Jack rubbed his shin, turning her left hand loose to do so. He glared at her hard, "An' ye are an' arse ta think tha' because I remind ye ta be a good wife an' mother." Jack glared hard at her, before doing the one thing that was sure to have truce between them. He pulled her close again. And gave her a
[13:44] JackoftheFaerie: forceful kiss. The kiss, of course, slowly faded to reveal such things as love to her. And kindness. But it was forceful and strong. (d)
[13:50] Pride of Eireann: She had gotten her kick in, and that was good enough for her. When at last the forceful kiss was complete, she did of course reprimand him anyway. "Ye will not have to be remindin' me again, a chuisle." She added in the term of endearment despite the reprimand, to solidify the truce. It was also true--he was her pulse. He understood and quelled her hot temper as the Mother Goddess could do to the sea. He had quieted her some, as he was good at doing, but he never stifled her power or beauty. She would not look away from him. Could it be that two equals they were, staring each other down, fortunate enough to be in love? she allowed him to still hold her close. "I will take good care of them," she said softly, "ye know I will. I love our children an' I love ye." (d)
[13:54] JackoftheFaerie: Jack offered a soft smile, as he said softly, "I am yer a chuisle as ye are mine... tis me job ta be sayin' such. Ta be naggin' ye." He studied her, "I want ye ta be knowin' tha' iffen I say such things again, I dae sae outta a love fer ye an' our children." He kissed her head quietly. Then he wrapped his arms around her waist. (d)
[13:58] Pride of Eireann: She sighed heavily. "I know, but ye need to have faith in me, else I cannot have faith in ye," she explained patiently. That conversation behind him, she let him hold her close and then nodded softly in understanding. "Me conversation with Seraphim did not go well. Perhaps I am a bad healer, or a bad sister. I hurt her, an' now Carrick will be cross with me." Looking up to Jack, she knew that he would not call her a bad sister or healer, or so she trusted, and that trust was reflected in her eyes. (d)
[14:00] JackoftheFaerie: Jack simply grinned at that, "An' what did ye say ta 'er?" He trusted her to have been typically Mairi. "I wish ta 'ear what was said...." There was a bit of laughter, before he said, "An' wish ta know 'ow long I must be avoidin' 'er. I think tha two o' us meetin' 'er sae soon shall drive 'er away." (d)
[14:04] Pride of Eireann: "I was tryin' to welcome her to the clann, used a low an' gentle voice, an' explained how things work in our culture an' talked a bit about the weddin' night, an' what is expected of an Irish wife." Mairi paused, recalling the conversation. "Seems her family didn't treat her very well, an' she had a hard time understandin' that her skill as a blacksmith gives her status of her own...an' also she does not understand how men think, or ferget to think sometimes." She said all of this rather honestly, not trying to insult Jack. As she spoke, Mairi smoothed out the fabric covering his torso before her hand fell on his chest, tattoo to tattoo. (d)
[14:14] JackoftheFaerie: "I wonder iffen I shall be askin' ye ta tell exactly what tis tha' ye said tae 'er," He said. Then he though quietly, smiling as she caressed his tattoo. The very act made him stand straighter than before. Jack loved when she paid him attention. He canted his head, studying her quietly. "From what Carrick 'as said ta me, 'e thinks tha' she 'as nae 'ad a man afore. May'ap tha coddess shall be comin' ta 'er, durin' Beltaine?" (d)
[14:19] Pride of Eireann: "Aye, I spoke of our four major holidays, includin' Beltane, an' told her I knew she had not bedded a man. I said she was
[14:23] Pride of Eireann: sure to be fine with Carrick, that he would show her what to do an' such an' she seemed so terrified. We discussed religion a bit; I think since she's Jewish she is a bit worried Carrick won't want her or that Ulster won't, either. It can't be easy fer her to feel different, but she won't even talk of wifely duties. I feel like if she thought of me as a sister--we are kin now, almost--she would have spoken true with me, as I offered
[14:25] Pride of Eireann: to her. She was hospitable, offered me water, an' repaired me old sword well...but I think I offended her, an' she hurt me some by not confidin' in me as sisters do. Me an' Brighid live far apart but we tell each other everythin', she's got so many children it's a clann of her own an' she always has something to speak of...but also we are sisters, we still laugh like girls over....some things." She smiled a bit wickedly then. "Needless to say, a cara, she knows I am a lucky woman to have ye. But Seraphim does not see it that way. I believe she thinks I dishonor ye with me braggin' an' that I dishonor ye by comin' to war." (d)
[14:31] JackoftheFaerie: Jack smirked, "Sae ye were typical Mairi, aye?" Jack laughed gently, "She is nae o' Irish thoughts er blood er passions.... Ye need ta be gentle in 'ow ye deal wit it. Ye might a've been tae forward wit' 'er." He grinned. "In time, tho, she shall be more Irish than tha either one o' us." (d)
[14:35] Pride of Eireann: Mairi frowned at that. "I was very tactful, a cara. What will she think when she is thrown into life as we know it with no warnin'? I could have gone on all night tellin' her about how to bed a man, but she'd listen to none of it. She will be too timid an' will not please me brother. What will she do when the Beltaine fires are lit, aye? I know what ye will be doin', loyal Consort of Uladh. Ye will take me by the fire." She kept close to him, and let the wickedness of the thought creep onto her countenance. "I do not know what else I could have told her. She has no ma, an' no older sisters to speak of, an' her aunts say mean things to her. Someone has to teach her." And of course that was Mairi, mother and sister to all. (d)
[14:40] JackoftheFaerie: Jack tssked tssked to her, "Tis said tha' tha Goddess o' tha night does come ta those lasses tha' need it most, an' tha' she imparts 'er knoweldge o' how ta please ta man ta 'em." He canted his head, "I am nae ta be tha first ta be actin' as yer consort in tha Beltaine rites.... 'ae ye nae felt it? Tha' wide knowledge tha' gaes ta each lass?" (d)
[14:44] Pride of Eireann: Mairi looked away from him as she answered the question. "I never needed such luck on Beltaine, Jack." It was not a conceited statement, and she would explain. "I have lain only with a few men, a cara, an' me first Beltaine was with me first Consort. I am not denyin' there is a magic to it, I am only sayin' I've either had no need, or never been truly blessed with it." She was a little ashamed to say that. Obviously she knew what she was doing with a man in private, but for someone like Mairi, Beltaine should be a grand event and festival. She was an example for everyone. "Though next year, in front of everyone I shall choose ye once again as me consort, an' if ye wish, the ritual may begin outside for all of them to see that I have selected ye an' no other." (d)
[14:53] JackoftheFaerie: Jack canted his eyes quietly, frowning softly at that. She had never truly been blessed with the Beltaine rites? Jack kissed her gently, then murmured, "We shall make it sae this Beltaine, ye shall be feelin' tha' Goddess' blessin'." Jack would work to give her that blessing, whatever it took. (d)
[15:00] Pride of Eireann: "Aye. We will be parents again before Beltaine, can ye imagine it's so?" Smiling warmly, she guided his hand to her belly. It was firm, but slightly protruding. "I cannot wait. On Irish soil, all of it." Closing her eyes, she thought of the Beltaine fires, and how enjoyable it would be to celebrate with Jack. (d)
[15:03] JackoftheFaerie: What of children? Did she convince of producing another child with Jack? There was a gentle smile as caressed her cheek. "Aye, all of it. An' children tha' we 'ave again, shall be made in tha' halls of Dunluce in, in tha cove of tha Mermaids.... er by tha Beltaine fires..." He smiled softly. (d)
[15:06] Pride of Eireann: "Good. I'd have it no other way." His place as Consort would be secure for at least many years if he kept giving her children. Their first effort had produced results very quickly, and so far Mairi was doing well. "It is not going to be easy, toward the end of the pregnancy, Jack. I can feel it. A ma just knows these things." She turned her face to kiss his hand. "I don't want ye bein' scared, aye? I'll see yer babe safely into the world." There were no guarantees for that, other than the strong bloodlines of the child's parents. (d)
[15:09] JackoftheFaerie: Jack looked troubled at her words, frowning quietly. Jack gently took her hand quietly, kissing her Claddagh. There was a sigh, "I cannae be promise tha', anam cara. I shall be scared.. fer ye an' the wee un." It would be the bloodlines of children the prayers to Saint Brigidh and Brigidh that would see the child brought safely into the world. (d)
[15:12] Pride of Eireann: "Well, being a good da means ye worry, but we'll be fine." She was trying to convince herself. With Seanna, it had not been an easy birth, but Jack already knew that and so she said no more. "Yer luck is worth more than ye think, a chuisle." The sun, however, was beginning to kiss Mairi's face a bit roughly, reddening it. (d)