Post by mairi on Jun 8, 2008 14:17:59 GMT -6
[12:08] CaptainJackFlynn: It could be easily said, that the ancient grove near Dunluce was once again alive with the Tuatha begins. For in the dark visage of one of the Unseelie peered from the wooden grove, studying the great fortress of Dunluce castle from the safety of his fae circle. The Unseelie, none other than the Irish pirate Jack Flynn, slowly stepped deeper into the darkness of the forest as he drew forth his clay pipe. The Irish pirate tapped Dutch pipe weed into his bowl, before beginning to light it. Quietly, he would
[12:09] CaptainJackFlynn: turn toward the forest path. One did wander what Father Declan and Carrick would make of their summons. The time specified was at the witching hour, and the meeting place one of the most ancient and reveared groves -- this grove -- in all of Ulster. (d)
[12:11] Pride of Eireann: Both men knew it had to do with Mairi. The time and place felt like her. Carrick felt most comfortable coming to such a place, and Declan--well, the priest just understood it was her way. Both men approached, each having dark hair of medium length. Carrick, the well-muscled warrior, was armed and prepared. Declan was dressed as his profession befitted,
[12:13] Pride of Eireann: wearing dark color and a cross round his neck--it was, however, a Celtic cross. Carrick held his hand back as he approached the grove, sword at the ready as he thought he was being quiet. He was an acceptable raid leader, though subtlety was not his suit, unlike Mairi. He moved in
[12:14] Pride of Eireann: quietly, willing to let the priest do the talking if this wasn't a trap. Carrick knew this terrain so well he could walk it in his sleep, but Declan had trouble with the unfamiliar footing. "They've finally got her, and they want ransom from St. Patrick," Declan fretted, which was answered by a harsh "shh!" from his younger brother. (d)
[12:19] CaptainJackFlynn: The bowl of the Irishman's pipe would glow in the darkness of the grove, as he saw the forms of Carrick and Declan making their way into the grove. There was a soft smile as he stepped back into the boughs of the trees, merely to watch for a time. The Irishman canted his head to the side quietly, watching Carrick. Rather aggressive for such a gentle summons as this one. Slowly, the Irishman blew out a gentle stream of tobacco smoke. Then he said, softly, "Ya should be at peace, Father Declan. Mairi tis
[12:23] CaptainJackFlynn: safe an' fair from where tha Anglish can be gettin' 'er." Then he slowly allowed his form to materialize out of the shadows. Jack wore dark, earthy colored grab this evening, his face smudged with dirt or soot to hide the pirate brand. It would not do to be caught by the British because of his own features. There was another inhalation from his pipe, a slow exhale of the smoke, "She 'as been granted scour in tha Isle o' Skye by tha Lady Griffin 'erself." There was a soft smile, "Tis only temporary, I
[12:26] CaptainJackFlynn: assure ye. Plans 'ave been drawn up fer an liberation o' Ulster, but each o' ye shall have yer parts ta play." Then he held up his hand, before they could speak. "But tha' tis a talk fer a later time. At present, I dae wish ta address yer fair sister..." This was, of course, a mere familiarity in the Irishman's mind. Had not Mairi already bestowed upon his flesh her Claddagh? "I have called ye here, ta be askin' fer 'er hand." (d)
[13:35] Pride of Eireann: When he realized it was Captain Flynn, Carrick sheathed his sword. Then he looked at the ambiance. "I should've known," he grinned some, then looked to Declan, "it is to do with Mairi..." The men listened patiently enough, Declan with clasped hands. When it was revealed what their countryman wished, Carrick grinned. "If she'll let ye," was his reply. Relaxed, the more physically intimidating of the two brothers leaned back upon a tree and crossed his arms. Declan, the older brother and priest, shook his head. "I would
[13:36] Pride of Eireann: not deny my sister's happiness," he began. Carrick, still grinning, seemed to know what was coming. The priest rushed forward to Jack and spoke in a low tone. "Carrick here might like ye some, but I don't know ye. Hurt Mairi or sell her to the English and I'll damn yer soul to hell seven times after feedin' yer balls to Carrick's dog." It was a real threat; the priest couldn't beat Jack in a fight if that happened, but the same storminess
[13:37] Pride of Eireann: that lived in Mairi's eyes sometimes seemed to threaten the peace here and now. (d)
[13:52] CaptainJackFlynn: There was a quietness to the Irishman as he listened to the priest relay his threat. Then the Irishman quietly sat his clay pipe upon a near-by stone, letting the blow glow in the night. The Irishman made certain that it would not fall, before he eloquently answered the charges and questions of both brothers in the most eloquent of ways. The Irishman began undoing the buttons of his shirt, starting at the hem of it. First, he addressed the priest's concerns. The Irishman presented Father Declan with his
[13:58] CaptainJackFlynn: left profile, lifting up his shirt as he did so. Among the near full body tattoo of Celtic knotwork, would be the crest of the O'Brein and O'Neil clans. The Irishman quietly watched Declan as the priest no doubt followed the full-body knotwork for an instant, before settling on the interlocking animals and creast of the clans. Then the Irishman finsihed unbuttoning his shirt, turning so that he faced both Declan and Carrick head on. Across his chest was a Claddagh design, seeming to have grown and
[14:02] CaptainJackFlynn: emerged from the Irishman's chest. There was another element that would no doubt draw the eyes of the brothers: the Celtic "M" that had picked out with gold inks to allow it stand out. Then the Irishman said, still proudly displaying his tatts, "Ah am tha Consort an' Swornsword o' Mairi ni Tuatha'an, Ceannfort o' Ulster, an' me loytalty ta and love o' 'er has been writ large upon me flesh -- by 'er own hand." (d)
[14:06] Pride of Eireann: Father Declan actually took a step back. His eyes focused on the crests, in particular the O'Brien crest that was his own. His eyes rested at last on that initial, and then he looked to his younger brother for guidance. Carrick simply grinned. "Any man who can tolerate Mairi has me approval enough, an' yer a seafarin' man, we need those." Declan,
[14:11] Pride of Eireann: however, felt a bit threatened. "We'll discuss things, then. Mairi and I have always had an arrangement," he began, backing away more. "I keep Rome out of Ulster, an' she keeps her religion out of mine." There had been more in it, for him. Seanna had been baptized, which many had seen as a victory of Christ in Ulster, but Mairi had allowed it simply out of respect for Sean. The girl would learn the ways of nature and would know Brighid as a mother-figure rather than a saint. Declan pondered for a moment. "If it is true that Admiral O'Neill is dead, then ye have my own blessing, and that of the church. If of course, you can care for her. Mairi isn't exactly....easy to manage sometimes, though I love her dearly." Carrick simply laughed again. Sean had been nearly chased away with a dog. "Well then, Flynn, I'd like to buy ye a drink...Goddess knows
[14:12] Pride of Eireann: ye'll need one. I'd like to hear more of your plans." He seemed to regard his brother's religion with a distant caution, and truthfully felt more comfortable with Jack, who was more like him, and more like Mairi. (d)
[14:26] CaptainJackFlynn: Jack was quiet for a while, before saying, "Sean O'Neil tis well an' truly dead. Mairi 'erself 'as received tha news in tha Caribbean." Quietly, he said, "There t'was a crewman upon tha Bean Sidhe tha' saw Cap'n O'Neil's death.... t'was treachery in tha form o' Cap'n Vicktor. Tha bastard Anglishman shot 'im in tha throat an' 'he fell o'er tha side an' drowned." He was queit for a while, before he said, "Aye, I could be usin' a drink." Then he said, "Tha' plan tis a simple one..." As the group began
[14:27] CaptainJackFlynn: heading off to where ever Carrick had in mind to go drinking, "Per'aps ye 'ave 'eard tha' Duke Aberdeen, tha Lord Griffin, 'as called fer a Celtic renissance 'cross tha lands?" (d)
[14:32] Pride of Eireann: Carrick led them down a faint path that joined up with the main road. They were not far from the very coast road that led west to Dunsevrick. He led them past his scouts, most of whom would remain unseen, though one sprung out from the trees to report. When Carrick indicated that it was permissable to deliver a report in front of Jack, the man said, "there were a group of seven; all men, they're killed," and then he looked to Father Declan, "Ready for yer blessing," he motioned to the left. "If you wouldn't mind waiting...?" Declan nodded to the other men, not wanting to miss any discussions on Ulster's future. He followed the man back into the few trees behind the path, and began to say a blessing for the
[14:34] Pride of Eireann: departed. Carrick, meanwhile, spoke his peace to Jack. "I'm fonder of the old ways, meself. Mairi an' I both are more like Da was. Da never liked Sean an' it's a shame you couldn't have met him. I was never fond of Sean meself, but ye know Mairi, she wants something not a force in the world can stop her." (d)
[14:44] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman was quiet for a long while, before he turned and headed back toward Dunluce. The Irishman figured that Carrick would either follow him, or stay behind. And yes, the Irishman was attempting to ditch Declan. If Carrick was following him, the Irishman said, "I came 'ere wit'out Mairi knaein' what I am about. She does nae know tha I came 'ere." He glanced at Carrick, "I 'ave set fer meself three things ta dae. The first is ta ask fer 'er hand, which I 'ave." He was quiet, before he said, "Dae
[14:50] CaptainJackFlynn: knae what became o' Mairi's clothin' an' posessions?I am lookin' fer tha Tara brooch o' her family." He was queit, before saying, "She said tha' 'er Da an' Sean woulda wanted me ta 'ave it." But that, however, wasn't the Irishman's goal. No doubt Carrick would've realized that the Irishman was heading toward one of the more aged and damaged sections of Dunluce. (d)
[14:54] Pride of Eireann: "Everything she did not take with her to Dunsevrick and beyond with yerself is presumably still in the castle. From what we can tell, the English haven't taken anything of hers beyond the castle." He didn't mind leaving Declan behind, and Jack might get the distinct impression that Carrick was used to ditching his brother. "Declan is kind and fair, despite bein' a priest," Carrick said with a grin, "but his place in a war is to fund it, an' make sure we've the adequate support of his parishoners, an' no interference from Rome." He wanted to make that clear--Declan did have an important use. He shielded Mairi and her agenda from that of everyone else. Carrick began to take more caution as the approached the castle. "Whole thing's occupied, an' it's a bit different here than in Dunsevrick,"
[14:57] Pride of Eireann: he explained. "Ye get too close an' ye get killed." True, though, there was a small section of the castle that was broken slightly apart, but overall the structure was occupied. "I doubt they even know about some of the passages in there, which are walled now. They shoot off in tunnels under the ground," he explained. "I've a map for ye of that back at camp, an' another matter to discuss--the matter of Rathlin Island." He then stood, one leg up on a rock, and looked curiously at Jack. (d)
[15:13] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman looked at Carrick at hearing those who got too near the castle were shot, simply smiled, "Gives us incentive ta keep from bein' seen, aye?" There was a smirk,"Er ye can be stayin' 'ere iffen ye are afraid." Oh, aye, Jack'll fit right in. Then the Irishman crouched down and began making his way closer toward the castle. Closer to the wood line, he'd pause. He crouched down in the woods, studying the lands looking for signs of British presence loittering too near the castle. Then he looked
[15:14] CaptainJackFlynn: back at Carrick and said, quietly, "Tis one o' th athings I wish. Ta be takin' a stone from Dunluce back fer Mairi." Then he began sneaking and stealing his way closer to the castle, keeping his eyes on the British. (d)
[15:18] Pride of Eireann: Carrick saw how his brother-in-law earned his nickname. He was indeed mad. "There's a price on yer head too," Carrick warned. The man seemed determined to do anything for love, and Mairi would never forgive Carrick if he let the pirate get killed. He pointed to the south. "They usually camp there, an' approach from that direction," he offered. Carrick, however, like his sister, was usually the leader, and he was not accustomed to following another person in to a situation he should have been setting up. He stayed low to the ground, displaying his
[15:19] Pride of Eireann: expertise in scouting. Already it was hard to see the man against the landscape, for he always dressed in the colors of the land to avoid being seen. He was, though, large and bulky. "I'm surprised ye two are still alive." It was the truth. He seemed as impulsive as Mairi, if not more. Carrick kept his eyes open for any British folk. "Ye don't mean to go in there to get the brooch?" That would be unwise. As they approached, the place was clearly guarded. Finally Carrick came within earshot of one such guard, who was resting against a large rock, speaking to a woman, though doing nothing
[15:21] Pride of Eireann: improper. "They say she's a ghost, but that's not so. I've seen her in the flesh and lived to tell about it. She's not as big as they say, good with knives though..." the man rolled up a sleeve to show a scar that Mairi had delivered. "Almost gave her what I'm about to give you." The woman backed away, then, finding herself not far from a cliff, and in anger and frustration, Carrick set his jaw firm and reached for his knife. This would not end without blood. (d)
[15:28] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman saw this and paused to hold up his hand to Carrick they weren't here for blood. There was a slow, somewhat evil smile. The Irishman motioned Carrick to stay quiet. Jack hunched down and moved through the darkness as smooth as a fae. For the Englishman, the first sign of trouble would be the blade a this throat. There was just enough pressure to keep the Englishman from crying out, perhaps even a trickle of blood. In a sing-song, almost breathy voice, the Irishman said, "Afore tha stones
[15:34] CaptainJackFlynn: grew as trees dae, before tha death at Galilee, afore yer accursed kin came 'ere,already were there others upon the land." Jack was quiet for a while, before contuing, "Mah people faught tha Firblogs fer this land, an' Danu blessed tha first mortals ta rightly cliamed these lands. We 'ave seen our chosen people abused an' driven from their lands." There was an evil smile upon his lips, "Tae long 'ave we been thought gone from these lands.... but we are 'ere. We o' tha Fae Folks. E'en now tha Unseelie
[15:35] CaptainJackFlynn: army stands ready fer war. Beware! Beware! Tha Unseelie make ready fer war!" (d)
[15:39] Pride of Eireann: The woman under threat seemed scared of them all--most of all Jack, but she stood, transfixed by what he'd done, hand over her chest. It was so, then, all the rumors about Mairi were true, including the one that she had taken a fey lover! She ran off while she could, sure to drink her fill and
[15:44] Pride of Eireann: Carrick simply watched, knife at the ready. He was a killer, but he didn't take an evil pleasure in it. Jack regarded targets just like Mairi did. It was uncanny, he reminded him of his sister so, only the woman would not have spared the sassenach. As he watched the scene unfold, he said "Ye better make sure he doesn't alert anyone." There was a warning glare. Mairi and Carrick had reasons for being the way they were. Carrick sat and waited,
[15:44] Pride of Eireann: listening for the approach of others. (d)
[16:00] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman drew back quietly, still keeping his blade at the Englishman's throat to keep him from crying out, and whispered to Carrick, "Grab a stone, an' we're gone." Once Carrick had darted out to grab a stone and gone back to the woods, the Irishman stepped close once again to the Englishman's back. In that same breathy, sing-song voice, he said, "Rejoice, rejoice... tha' yer life 'as been spared. Let tha' word spread tha' this tis a glorious event -- fer the Unseelie ready fer war, ta reclaim their
[16:03] CaptainJackFlynn: lands. Tha Unseelie make ready fer war!" And with that, the Englishman would find that the dagger was gone from his throat and his life spared. The Irishman had already disappeared into the woods by the time the English turned back around. (d)
[16:10] Pride of Eireann: When the Englishman did turn around, he looked down to see that he had urinated himself. He felt the unpleasant warmth dripping down his legs. -- Meanwhile,
[16:12] Pride of Eireann: burly Carrick had located a stone he could lift, albeit somewhat awkwardly. "The lengths I go to fer that woman..." He reflected on what he had given up for Mairi. A quiet life, with his love Seraphim. A guard's life, and everything he'd ever wanted...and now he was stuck here and felt the dilemma of many Irishmen for centuries to come--he wanted to stay and fight, but after so long, would his heart be better of leaving? For now, there was
[16:13] Pride of Eireann: only one task at hand, and he looked about for Jack to direct him. "These aren't feathers, an' if ye left that man alive, he'll be after ye." (d)
[16:18] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman ducked below a branch as he rejoined Carrick, "Tha' tis the purpose o' it." The Irishman said. He helped Carrick set the stone down onto the earth, studying it. Then he looked up at Carrick, "Tha more tha' tha Anglish fear me, tha less tha' they are likely they be ta fight me." Then he began turning the stone, before he stopped. The Irishman drew back just a touch, before looking to Carrick, "Where didja be findin' this?" Jack reached out quietly, rubbing away the dirt. Engraved in the
[16:20] CaptainJackFlynn: rock was Jack was studying, was a curious thing: the two interlocked coats of arms of the O'Brein and O'Neil clans. (d)
[16:25] Pride of Eireann: "It was just sittin' over there," he nodded his head towards a spot in the ground where the rock had obviously been sitting. "Is somethin' wrong with it....?" He peered around to see the design on the rock. Such a gift, such a recovery--would surely touch Mairi very deeply. "Ye've a luck about ye," Carrick noted. (d)
[12:09] CaptainJackFlynn: turn toward the forest path. One did wander what Father Declan and Carrick would make of their summons. The time specified was at the witching hour, and the meeting place one of the most ancient and reveared groves -- this grove -- in all of Ulster. (d)
[12:11] Pride of Eireann: Both men knew it had to do with Mairi. The time and place felt like her. Carrick felt most comfortable coming to such a place, and Declan--well, the priest just understood it was her way. Both men approached, each having dark hair of medium length. Carrick, the well-muscled warrior, was armed and prepared. Declan was dressed as his profession befitted,
[12:13] Pride of Eireann: wearing dark color and a cross round his neck--it was, however, a Celtic cross. Carrick held his hand back as he approached the grove, sword at the ready as he thought he was being quiet. He was an acceptable raid leader, though subtlety was not his suit, unlike Mairi. He moved in
[12:14] Pride of Eireann: quietly, willing to let the priest do the talking if this wasn't a trap. Carrick knew this terrain so well he could walk it in his sleep, but Declan had trouble with the unfamiliar footing. "They've finally got her, and they want ransom from St. Patrick," Declan fretted, which was answered by a harsh "shh!" from his younger brother. (d)
[12:19] CaptainJackFlynn: The bowl of the Irishman's pipe would glow in the darkness of the grove, as he saw the forms of Carrick and Declan making their way into the grove. There was a soft smile as he stepped back into the boughs of the trees, merely to watch for a time. The Irishman canted his head to the side quietly, watching Carrick. Rather aggressive for such a gentle summons as this one. Slowly, the Irishman blew out a gentle stream of tobacco smoke. Then he said, softly, "Ya should be at peace, Father Declan. Mairi tis
[12:23] CaptainJackFlynn: safe an' fair from where tha Anglish can be gettin' 'er." Then he slowly allowed his form to materialize out of the shadows. Jack wore dark, earthy colored grab this evening, his face smudged with dirt or soot to hide the pirate brand. It would not do to be caught by the British because of his own features. There was another inhalation from his pipe, a slow exhale of the smoke, "She 'as been granted scour in tha Isle o' Skye by tha Lady Griffin 'erself." There was a soft smile, "Tis only temporary, I
[12:26] CaptainJackFlynn: assure ye. Plans 'ave been drawn up fer an liberation o' Ulster, but each o' ye shall have yer parts ta play." Then he held up his hand, before they could speak. "But tha' tis a talk fer a later time. At present, I dae wish ta address yer fair sister..." This was, of course, a mere familiarity in the Irishman's mind. Had not Mairi already bestowed upon his flesh her Claddagh? "I have called ye here, ta be askin' fer 'er hand." (d)
[13:35] Pride of Eireann: When he realized it was Captain Flynn, Carrick sheathed his sword. Then he looked at the ambiance. "I should've known," he grinned some, then looked to Declan, "it is to do with Mairi..." The men listened patiently enough, Declan with clasped hands. When it was revealed what their countryman wished, Carrick grinned. "If she'll let ye," was his reply. Relaxed, the more physically intimidating of the two brothers leaned back upon a tree and crossed his arms. Declan, the older brother and priest, shook his head. "I would
[13:36] Pride of Eireann: not deny my sister's happiness," he began. Carrick, still grinning, seemed to know what was coming. The priest rushed forward to Jack and spoke in a low tone. "Carrick here might like ye some, but I don't know ye. Hurt Mairi or sell her to the English and I'll damn yer soul to hell seven times after feedin' yer balls to Carrick's dog." It was a real threat; the priest couldn't beat Jack in a fight if that happened, but the same storminess
[13:37] Pride of Eireann: that lived in Mairi's eyes sometimes seemed to threaten the peace here and now. (d)
[13:52] CaptainJackFlynn: There was a quietness to the Irishman as he listened to the priest relay his threat. Then the Irishman quietly sat his clay pipe upon a near-by stone, letting the blow glow in the night. The Irishman made certain that it would not fall, before he eloquently answered the charges and questions of both brothers in the most eloquent of ways. The Irishman began undoing the buttons of his shirt, starting at the hem of it. First, he addressed the priest's concerns. The Irishman presented Father Declan with his
[13:58] CaptainJackFlynn: left profile, lifting up his shirt as he did so. Among the near full body tattoo of Celtic knotwork, would be the crest of the O'Brein and O'Neil clans. The Irishman quietly watched Declan as the priest no doubt followed the full-body knotwork for an instant, before settling on the interlocking animals and creast of the clans. Then the Irishman finsihed unbuttoning his shirt, turning so that he faced both Declan and Carrick head on. Across his chest was a Claddagh design, seeming to have grown and
[14:02] CaptainJackFlynn: emerged from the Irishman's chest. There was another element that would no doubt draw the eyes of the brothers: the Celtic "M" that had picked out with gold inks to allow it stand out. Then the Irishman said, still proudly displaying his tatts, "Ah am tha Consort an' Swornsword o' Mairi ni Tuatha'an, Ceannfort o' Ulster, an' me loytalty ta and love o' 'er has been writ large upon me flesh -- by 'er own hand." (d)
[14:06] Pride of Eireann: Father Declan actually took a step back. His eyes focused on the crests, in particular the O'Brien crest that was his own. His eyes rested at last on that initial, and then he looked to his younger brother for guidance. Carrick simply grinned. "Any man who can tolerate Mairi has me approval enough, an' yer a seafarin' man, we need those." Declan,
[14:11] Pride of Eireann: however, felt a bit threatened. "We'll discuss things, then. Mairi and I have always had an arrangement," he began, backing away more. "I keep Rome out of Ulster, an' she keeps her religion out of mine." There had been more in it, for him. Seanna had been baptized, which many had seen as a victory of Christ in Ulster, but Mairi had allowed it simply out of respect for Sean. The girl would learn the ways of nature and would know Brighid as a mother-figure rather than a saint. Declan pondered for a moment. "If it is true that Admiral O'Neill is dead, then ye have my own blessing, and that of the church. If of course, you can care for her. Mairi isn't exactly....easy to manage sometimes, though I love her dearly." Carrick simply laughed again. Sean had been nearly chased away with a dog. "Well then, Flynn, I'd like to buy ye a drink...Goddess knows
[14:12] Pride of Eireann: ye'll need one. I'd like to hear more of your plans." He seemed to regard his brother's religion with a distant caution, and truthfully felt more comfortable with Jack, who was more like him, and more like Mairi. (d)
[14:26] CaptainJackFlynn: Jack was quiet for a while, before saying, "Sean O'Neil tis well an' truly dead. Mairi 'erself 'as received tha news in tha Caribbean." Quietly, he said, "There t'was a crewman upon tha Bean Sidhe tha' saw Cap'n O'Neil's death.... t'was treachery in tha form o' Cap'n Vicktor. Tha bastard Anglishman shot 'im in tha throat an' 'he fell o'er tha side an' drowned." He was queit for a while, before he said, "Aye, I could be usin' a drink." Then he said, "Tha' plan tis a simple one..." As the group began
[14:27] CaptainJackFlynn: heading off to where ever Carrick had in mind to go drinking, "Per'aps ye 'ave 'eard tha' Duke Aberdeen, tha Lord Griffin, 'as called fer a Celtic renissance 'cross tha lands?" (d)
[14:32] Pride of Eireann: Carrick led them down a faint path that joined up with the main road. They were not far from the very coast road that led west to Dunsevrick. He led them past his scouts, most of whom would remain unseen, though one sprung out from the trees to report. When Carrick indicated that it was permissable to deliver a report in front of Jack, the man said, "there were a group of seven; all men, they're killed," and then he looked to Father Declan, "Ready for yer blessing," he motioned to the left. "If you wouldn't mind waiting...?" Declan nodded to the other men, not wanting to miss any discussions on Ulster's future. He followed the man back into the few trees behind the path, and began to say a blessing for the
[14:34] Pride of Eireann: departed. Carrick, meanwhile, spoke his peace to Jack. "I'm fonder of the old ways, meself. Mairi an' I both are more like Da was. Da never liked Sean an' it's a shame you couldn't have met him. I was never fond of Sean meself, but ye know Mairi, she wants something not a force in the world can stop her." (d)
[14:44] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman was quiet for a long while, before he turned and headed back toward Dunluce. The Irishman figured that Carrick would either follow him, or stay behind. And yes, the Irishman was attempting to ditch Declan. If Carrick was following him, the Irishman said, "I came 'ere wit'out Mairi knaein' what I am about. She does nae know tha I came 'ere." He glanced at Carrick, "I 'ave set fer meself three things ta dae. The first is ta ask fer 'er hand, which I 'ave." He was quiet, before he said, "Dae
[14:50] CaptainJackFlynn: knae what became o' Mairi's clothin' an' posessions?I am lookin' fer tha Tara brooch o' her family." He was queit, before saying, "She said tha' 'er Da an' Sean woulda wanted me ta 'ave it." But that, however, wasn't the Irishman's goal. No doubt Carrick would've realized that the Irishman was heading toward one of the more aged and damaged sections of Dunluce. (d)
[14:54] Pride of Eireann: "Everything she did not take with her to Dunsevrick and beyond with yerself is presumably still in the castle. From what we can tell, the English haven't taken anything of hers beyond the castle." He didn't mind leaving Declan behind, and Jack might get the distinct impression that Carrick was used to ditching his brother. "Declan is kind and fair, despite bein' a priest," Carrick said with a grin, "but his place in a war is to fund it, an' make sure we've the adequate support of his parishoners, an' no interference from Rome." He wanted to make that clear--Declan did have an important use. He shielded Mairi and her agenda from that of everyone else. Carrick began to take more caution as the approached the castle. "Whole thing's occupied, an' it's a bit different here than in Dunsevrick,"
[14:57] Pride of Eireann: he explained. "Ye get too close an' ye get killed." True, though, there was a small section of the castle that was broken slightly apart, but overall the structure was occupied. "I doubt they even know about some of the passages in there, which are walled now. They shoot off in tunnels under the ground," he explained. "I've a map for ye of that back at camp, an' another matter to discuss--the matter of Rathlin Island." He then stood, one leg up on a rock, and looked curiously at Jack. (d)
[15:13] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman looked at Carrick at hearing those who got too near the castle were shot, simply smiled, "Gives us incentive ta keep from bein' seen, aye?" There was a smirk,"Er ye can be stayin' 'ere iffen ye are afraid." Oh, aye, Jack'll fit right in. Then the Irishman crouched down and began making his way closer toward the castle. Closer to the wood line, he'd pause. He crouched down in the woods, studying the lands looking for signs of British presence loittering too near the castle. Then he looked
[15:14] CaptainJackFlynn: back at Carrick and said, quietly, "Tis one o' th athings I wish. Ta be takin' a stone from Dunluce back fer Mairi." Then he began sneaking and stealing his way closer to the castle, keeping his eyes on the British. (d)
[15:18] Pride of Eireann: Carrick saw how his brother-in-law earned his nickname. He was indeed mad. "There's a price on yer head too," Carrick warned. The man seemed determined to do anything for love, and Mairi would never forgive Carrick if he let the pirate get killed. He pointed to the south. "They usually camp there, an' approach from that direction," he offered. Carrick, however, like his sister, was usually the leader, and he was not accustomed to following another person in to a situation he should have been setting up. He stayed low to the ground, displaying his
[15:19] Pride of Eireann: expertise in scouting. Already it was hard to see the man against the landscape, for he always dressed in the colors of the land to avoid being seen. He was, though, large and bulky. "I'm surprised ye two are still alive." It was the truth. He seemed as impulsive as Mairi, if not more. Carrick kept his eyes open for any British folk. "Ye don't mean to go in there to get the brooch?" That would be unwise. As they approached, the place was clearly guarded. Finally Carrick came within earshot of one such guard, who was resting against a large rock, speaking to a woman, though doing nothing
[15:21] Pride of Eireann: improper. "They say she's a ghost, but that's not so. I've seen her in the flesh and lived to tell about it. She's not as big as they say, good with knives though..." the man rolled up a sleeve to show a scar that Mairi had delivered. "Almost gave her what I'm about to give you." The woman backed away, then, finding herself not far from a cliff, and in anger and frustration, Carrick set his jaw firm and reached for his knife. This would not end without blood. (d)
[15:28] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman saw this and paused to hold up his hand to Carrick they weren't here for blood. There was a slow, somewhat evil smile. The Irishman motioned Carrick to stay quiet. Jack hunched down and moved through the darkness as smooth as a fae. For the Englishman, the first sign of trouble would be the blade a this throat. There was just enough pressure to keep the Englishman from crying out, perhaps even a trickle of blood. In a sing-song, almost breathy voice, the Irishman said, "Afore tha stones
[15:34] CaptainJackFlynn: grew as trees dae, before tha death at Galilee, afore yer accursed kin came 'ere,already were there others upon the land." Jack was quiet for a while, before contuing, "Mah people faught tha Firblogs fer this land, an' Danu blessed tha first mortals ta rightly cliamed these lands. We 'ave seen our chosen people abused an' driven from their lands." There was an evil smile upon his lips, "Tae long 'ave we been thought gone from these lands.... but we are 'ere. We o' tha Fae Folks. E'en now tha Unseelie
[15:35] CaptainJackFlynn: army stands ready fer war. Beware! Beware! Tha Unseelie make ready fer war!" (d)
[15:39] Pride of Eireann: The woman under threat seemed scared of them all--most of all Jack, but she stood, transfixed by what he'd done, hand over her chest. It was so, then, all the rumors about Mairi were true, including the one that she had taken a fey lover! She ran off while she could, sure to drink her fill and
[15:44] Pride of Eireann: Carrick simply watched, knife at the ready. He was a killer, but he didn't take an evil pleasure in it. Jack regarded targets just like Mairi did. It was uncanny, he reminded him of his sister so, only the woman would not have spared the sassenach. As he watched the scene unfold, he said "Ye better make sure he doesn't alert anyone." There was a warning glare. Mairi and Carrick had reasons for being the way they were. Carrick sat and waited,
[15:44] Pride of Eireann: listening for the approach of others. (d)
[16:00] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman drew back quietly, still keeping his blade at the Englishman's throat to keep him from crying out, and whispered to Carrick, "Grab a stone, an' we're gone." Once Carrick had darted out to grab a stone and gone back to the woods, the Irishman stepped close once again to the Englishman's back. In that same breathy, sing-song voice, he said, "Rejoice, rejoice... tha' yer life 'as been spared. Let tha' word spread tha' this tis a glorious event -- fer the Unseelie ready fer war, ta reclaim their
[16:03] CaptainJackFlynn: lands. Tha Unseelie make ready fer war!" And with that, the Englishman would find that the dagger was gone from his throat and his life spared. The Irishman had already disappeared into the woods by the time the English turned back around. (d)
[16:10] Pride of Eireann: When the Englishman did turn around, he looked down to see that he had urinated himself. He felt the unpleasant warmth dripping down his legs. -- Meanwhile,
[16:12] Pride of Eireann: burly Carrick had located a stone he could lift, albeit somewhat awkwardly. "The lengths I go to fer that woman..." He reflected on what he had given up for Mairi. A quiet life, with his love Seraphim. A guard's life, and everything he'd ever wanted...and now he was stuck here and felt the dilemma of many Irishmen for centuries to come--he wanted to stay and fight, but after so long, would his heart be better of leaving? For now, there was
[16:13] Pride of Eireann: only one task at hand, and he looked about for Jack to direct him. "These aren't feathers, an' if ye left that man alive, he'll be after ye." (d)
[16:18] CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman ducked below a branch as he rejoined Carrick, "Tha' tis the purpose o' it." The Irishman said. He helped Carrick set the stone down onto the earth, studying it. Then he looked up at Carrick, "Tha more tha' tha Anglish fear me, tha less tha' they are likely they be ta fight me." Then he began turning the stone, before he stopped. The Irishman drew back just a touch, before looking to Carrick, "Where didja be findin' this?" Jack reached out quietly, rubbing away the dirt. Engraved in the
[16:20] CaptainJackFlynn: rock was Jack was studying, was a curious thing: the two interlocked coats of arms of the O'Brein and O'Neil clans. (d)
[16:25] Pride of Eireann: "It was just sittin' over there," he nodded his head towards a spot in the ground where the rock had obviously been sitting. "Is somethin' wrong with it....?" He peered around to see the design on the rock. Such a gift, such a recovery--would surely touch Mairi very deeply. "Ye've a luck about ye," Carrick noted. (d)