Post by Lord Admiral Jack Flynn on Jun 29, 2008 13:13:49 GMT -6
Carrick Of Ulster: Carrick hated hiding things from his sister and Ceannfort, but it simply wasn't possible for him to seek Mairi's counsel directly on the issue. And so it was he had sent the famed Mad Jack a request to meet in the pub. Carrick was standing by the doorframe of the place outside, looking out for Jack, and had already purchased a drink for him. The warrior of Ulster was comfortable on his last day of 'vacation' here, and had stolen a brief moment away from Seraphim for this conversation. He looked stoic, and his beard had been recently trimmed, though it would not be long before Carrick Tuatha'an would don the paint of battleand command forces against the English. (d)
Jack of the Faerie: When at last Carrick saw a form begin emerging from the night's darkness, would his breath catch involuntarily? For it was not 'Mad Jack' that stepped out of the night, but a figure that would be sure to strike fear into any good and true Irishman. The figure that stepped out of the darkness was Jack the Half-Blooded. For as Jack Mac Tuatha'an strode near him, the pools of light from the tavern's lanterns would revealed him grabbed and painted for war. From what Carrick no doubt remembered of the Irishman's illuminated body, it looked as though the knot work of green had slowly began to shift and grow until it at last had covered the Irishman's hands, forearm, and face. The color had changed as well, showing that it was the darker and more fearsome color of navy woad. Even the way that the Irishman walked seemed to set him apart from the mortals around him. There was an unnatural grace as he walked, showing his true heritage. Jack nodded to Carrick, flashing a white slash of teeth as his painted face showed a brief smile. Jack canted his head quietly, "Yer message said it was urgent....." There was one other item that Jack the Half-Blooded carreid with him, a messanger bag of his maps. (d)
Carrick: Unlike a few of the nearby locals, Carrick wasn't frightened of Jack's approach--he was impressed. When at last Jack made his approach, Carrick offered his arm for the clasping. "Deartháir [Brother]," he said in simple greeting, "I have for ye a drink within." Carrick held one such drink in his other hand. He was, for the most part, sober, but he did have something on his mind. He gestured to the indoors with his drink. The tavern was relatively empty. "Aye. I'm sure ye've orders fer me, but I have also a personal matter that I cannot speak to Mairi about directly." He looked a bit concerned; it was important to the man and he wasn't altogether sure how to proceed aside from offering Jack the hospitality a brother would expect from a brother. Besides, Carrick new that any man who could deal so smoothly with Mairi must be full of advice on women in general. "Ye look ready for battle. When me mind is unburdened, I will be as well." He had thought to ask Seraphim to paint him, but he was not decided on that yet. It would come with a lengthy explanation of significance for the woman, and he had already worn too much of his heart in the open with her. (d)
Jack: "I am yer Dearthair, Carrick," Jack reminded him gently. There was, of course, a bit of chastement to his voice. As if to say that he was hurt carrick had waited this long to come to him. Jack still clasped Carrick's hand with firmness and strength. Jack smiled at the offering of a drink, as his brother know doubt knew he would. "What dae ye 'ave on yer mind tha' troubles ye sae?" Jack sat with him at a table, glad to have a good whiskey before they went off to war. Jack would savor his whiskey. (d)
Carrick: Carrick let Jack sit first after their greeting was through. It was easy for one of Carrick's blood to see the ancient nature of Jack's soul. He was a good listener. Carrick was younger than Mairi, but was of course the protector in the family until Jack had come along--at least that's how he'd seen it. The warrior met Jack directly in the eye, conveying honesty as the men sat at the table. "I am havin' trouble with a woman. Ye are with Mairi so I can only assume yer used to havin' trouble with a woman yerself," he grinned. A serious talk it was though, as Carrick raised his glass to the Ceannfort and drank his ale. "I need Mairi's help, but it is not something I can ask of her directly." (d)
Jack: Jack canted his head quietly, "An' what kinda troubles might ye be 'avin'?" (d)
Carrick: "I made me intentions...well, more like Mairi made me intentions known to Seraphim, that I intend to make her me wife. I explained to her the duties and importance of the taoiseach's wife; I think it was a bit intimidatin' because she's not Irish an' there's a lot new fer her..." his voice trailed off as he finished his drink. Clearly there was something more specific. "Seraphim...has ne'er performed certain duties of a wife." Carrick's slight side-grin, reminiscent of Mairi's own smile, would certainly ensure that Jack understood his specific meaning. "She was askin' about... how an' I asked her to talk to Aislin er Mairi but she is too shy to be askin.' I don't want her all frightened but...ye know, I have never been wit' a chaste woman before..." he lowered his voice, concern in his eyes. "I was hopin' ye could ask Mairi to speak wit' her...an' alleviate her fears." (d)
Jack: Jack canted his head to the side as he studied Carrick, doing what he could to keep from laughing. Not certain on how broach the subject, Jack at last said, "She is yer sister. Why nae just go ahead an' ask Mairi?" (d)
Carrick: "Ye know how she is, man, she will make a joke of me, an' I am serious. I want Seraphim to be able to go to her, an' I know she's a good healer an' midwife." Carrick looked a mite offended really. "Mairi will laugh; she knows I've been with me own share of barmaids an' such, but I can't expect her to understand how I feel differently about Seraphim." (d)
Jack: Jack hesitated for a few moments, before saying, "Mairi will nae be makin' a joke o' it, Carrick. She 'erself as known love an' shall nae mock ye fer it. Just gae ta 'er an' tell 'er what ya feel." He grinned, "An' iffen she causes ye any mischeif, ye let me know. An' I'll be dealin' wit' her." Mainly by reminding Mairi that she, herself, had found love in an unlikely place. (d)
Carrick: "Ye will not talk to her in me place?" Carrick pled, then waved the tendress over to refill Jack's drink. "It is not an easy thing fer me to be talkin' to me own sister about. It is a small favor I ask of ye. She carries yer child, so ye've no reason to fear talkin' to her about this sort of thing." Carrick didn't know how Mairi was about certain natural acts--that was his sister, and he wouldn't be talking to her about that kind of thing. "Declan would talk to Seraphim, but I don't know where he is, an' he'd press her to take on his own faith." (d)
Jack: That was news to Jack. He canted his head to the side, "Yer Seraphim tis nae a follower o' the White Christ?" Hmm. "Which o' tha ancient gods er goddesses does she be followin'?" It was likely he'd encountered Jews before, however, he didn't know that Seraphim was a Jew. (d)
Carrick: "Seraphim is Jewish." As a Catholic, Carrick knew about Jews from the Bible only--he understood their history, but knew little of their culture. "Me only understanding of it is what I've read in the Bible. I think I may have offended her da by writin' him fer permission to court her. I don't otherwise know much about her village, just that she's some aunts she's not fond of an' she was talked down to some. She's very strong though," he said somewhat defensively, "makes some beautiful weapons, an' she'll stand up fer herself when she has to. She isn't afraid to ask fer somethin' if she needs it. " (d)
Jack: Jack nodded his head, "She tis a good match fer ye, then." There was a nod of his head, "I shall dae ye this boon. An' gae ta Mairi fer ye o'er yer concern...." (d)
Carrick: "Brother, I am in yer debt an' also yer command," he replied, mostly relieved. He knew that Seraphim might be ambushed, but if there were questions, Mairi could field them adequately, as she currently experienced her second pregnancy. Carrick lifted his hand and patted Jack on the shoulder. "By the way, I never got to truly congratulatin' ye on the news. Mairi says that ye are pleased at the news an' I wanted to say I am as well. Ye are good to Seanna an' I respect that." He then leaned in, prepared to receive the battle plans. (d)
Jack: Jack nodded quietly, noticing the shifting of the moment. Knowing that they were ready for talk of war, Jack laid his messanger bag on the table. Amongst the papers, twoard the very bttom of his papers, Carrick would notice a map that was specific to Dunluce or Ulster. It was a larger map of Ireland, and Carrick could see the words 'Hill of Tara' printed on the map. Why did Jack have such a map? (d)
Carrick: "Ye don't intend to go that far...Mairi is Ceannfort, not the Ard Ri." He held a look of semi-blasphemy in his eyes. The warrior was still straight backed, and attentive, ready to follow orders. "It can't be done." (d)
Jack: "On tha," the Irishman said, "We are agreed." Jack's eyes, as green as the sea, rose to lock with Carrick's, "Ye are nae to tell Mairi 'bout this map, ye 'ear?" Jack put the map of Ireland back into his messenger bag. For now, his plans to march on the Hill of Tara -- and the Lia Faill -- would remain out of sight. And out of mind. Although, one would have to admit, that it would an interesting turn of advents if Jack Mac Tuatha'an became the Ard Ri na hEireann by the screeching of the Lia Fail. However, for all of his planning Jack was aware of legends that had long faded from the minds of most men. Those legends, too, would remain within Jack's minds. Turning attention to the reclaiming of Ulster, Jack motioned, "Ye, tha Lady Branningham, an' Collin will be given yer marchin' orders afore we sail. I give ye all three, sae ye may relay me orders wit' tha authortiy o' tha Ceannfort's Consort." (d)
Carrick: Carrick too knew his own place. His glory was always tied to battle, and perhaps to expanding the prospects of his clann by shaping it with a family of his own. He was proud to have selected a strong but different woman. Suspicion hung only momentarily in the warrior's eyes. "Aye, I will not tell her." There was an agreement, and never a question of orders, but it would not be hard to guess that Carrick would fight Jack if he felt the man crossed Mairi--especially after what had happened with Sean. He remembered, however, what his sister had said to him in private, about Jack being 'the one' for some greater purpose--and so he said nothing. So long as Carrick's place with the [original] Oglaigh na hEireann was secure, Carrick would do as necessary and as ordered. He nodded curtly. (d)
Jack: "When tha time comes an' the fleet sails, we shall be makin' landin's along this stretch of shore," He said. As he talked, he moved his finger across a stretch of shoreline that was farthest from the castle of Dunluce. But closest to the town itself, "Tha' tis where we shall be makin' our landin' an' meeting tha Anglish for battle. We shall be makin' our battle, tha aim will be ta swing tha Anglish ta tha left an' forcin' 'em them toward tha cliff." He motioned one of the more prominent cliffs in the area. "As tha Irish-Scottish army forces ferward, ye an' Collin shall be 'ere in tha woodlands...." He motioned toward the woodlands. There was a clear stretch of land between the sea and the woods, the perfect place for the English to deploy to meet the invading armies. "The Irish-Scottish army shall be meetin' the Anglish at the front. Ye an' Collin will be takin' 'em from behind. Tha Lady Branningham's calvary shall be given ta control o' the road. She is ta be seein' tha Anglish shall nae be able ta flee. 'Er fastest horses are ta be reserved fer a different purpose. She is ta be sendin' ta those fastest o' 'er horses after any messengers tha' are bein' sent from tha castle fer reinforcement." (d)
Carrick: Carrick nodded as he studied the map. It was a solid plan, assuming the battle remained in their favor. "Have the necessary preparations been made? Will the Morrigan favor us?" Carrick stayed his Celtic cross necklace as he asked the question. He wore another charm along with it--the image of a snake, eating its own tail. "I have made prayers to Epona to watch over me sister, an' I will ask her to grant Sara's horses greater speed. I have asked the Christ lord fer protection of me own," he stated. "We should wait specifically here an' here," Carrick said, pointing to two locations on the map that would provide cover, "an' provide decoy camps the night before. We are too large in number an' the Anglish prefer to track us." Eyes wandered across the map with a small bit of affection, though the warriors hands were not so tender with the empty glass he now turned in one hand. (d)
Jack: Jack nodded quietly, as he listened to Carrick's proposals. They were sound and even he would know it be that way. Then he nodded, before saying, "Make it sae." He paused, "Ye 'ave been makin' tha proper attacks, aye? Tha garrison tis ta be weakened trackin' ye as well." Jack studied Carrick. "As fer the Morrigan..... we shall make all tha proper offerings ta 'er afore the fleet sails." (d)
Carrick: "Aye," he replied, "I left strict instructions, an' I am eager to get back to the men and see what has been accomplished. Few Irish were left in the town upon our departure. Many had joined up. Ye can smell the fear on the Anglish," he grinned. To the response about the offering, he nodded, considering Jack to be a man respectful of the old ways. "One last thing," he asked, finding the plan generally straightforward," Ye ain't lettin Mairi fight in this thing, are ye?" (D)
Jack: Jack frowned, "'Fraid tha' I am. I 'ave given 'er the command o' tha second wave tha' tis ta be goin' ashore. Ye know yer sister..." He sighed softly, "An' tis her right ta be fightin', as Ceannfort. Seanna tis ta be in fosterage wit' tha Duke an' Duchess durin' tha war." (d)
Carrick: Carrick rubbed his bearded chin in disapproval. "I will let Seraphim decide where she wishes to go. She knows the dangers." He had sent her away--pushed her away--far too many times to do it continually. If he kept doing so, he would lose her in war or estrangement, and he vowed not to let either take her from him. Stoic expression solid, Carrick nodded, before grinning. "Ye have never seen Mairi give a speech before battle. She has earned her nickname," was all he would say. (d)
Jack: Jack grinned, "Sorry ta disappoint ye, Carrick. But I 'ave seen Mairi in battle afore, an' I 'ave 'eard her speeck. Tis 'ow we aquired the Echtra." Jack canted his head, "'Ave I knae told ye tha' story?" (d)
Carrick: Carrick shook his head no and called for another round of drinks. The admiral was spending a decent amount of his last night before battle preparations with Carrick, and this honored him and increased his morale. Jack was a good leader, in Carrick's opinion. "She started when she was very young...at the first battle for the castle back in Bunratty," he smiled. "I was not old enough to use a sword, at least not in battle, but there she was, cheerin' them all on between each wounded delivered to her. Ye two make a fine pair." (d)
Jack: Jack smiled, "Aye, we dae." Jack quietly drank from his cup, smiling quietly as he did so. Aye, if he were to mark to the Lia Fail he would make Mairi his Medbh. For she was already the ruler and motherfigure for Ulster. "Tis nice as ye ta say tha." (d)
Carrick: "It is only the truth of what I see. It is why I am a good warrior. I have a good eye." He pointed to his face. "When I was a younger man, I used it only to choose the best women to bed," he grinned, "but I've no use fer it in that capacity any longer. Now I just know when to pick the right battles, an' have the intuition fer the old ways. I offer ye hospitality always because ye are family...but if it was I didn't know ye, I'd be likely to offer ye the same..." In other words, he had surmised what Jack really was, and not just on rumor. (d)
Jack: Jack smiled and laughed. There was a bit of brotherly banter, of course, "Oh, aye. Imagine tha' ye'd need all tha 'elp ye can be gettin' ta lure a lass ta yer bed... e'en back then." Then he was serious, before nodding quietly. Once more, the Irishman said, "Can ye be keepin' something ta yerself?" (d)
Carrick: Carrick grinned, knowing he was joking. The man had become more reserved over the years, and had recently thought very seriously about his cause and his life. They had that much in common. Both hands around a full glass now, he looked Jack in the eye once more. "Aye." (d)
Jack: Jack hesitated. Jack meet Carrick's eyes, letting Carrick get a good and hard look at his brother. Then he said, very clearly, "Mairi an' I 'ave been ta Tir na nOg...." He kept his eyes on Carrick, "Aye, t'was a dreamin'. Save, tha' when we awoke I knew wha' Mairi wanted ta eat.... an' in 'er hair tha same snood tha' she 'ad wore in tha Land o' the Ever Young." (d)
Carrick: Carrick took each word very seriously. He took the meaning of it all to heart as well. It was magnificent but also scary. He wanted to throw the other man against the wall and explain how he'd never killed a seal, but wouldn't mind starting if Jack was to leave his sister like the last admiral. The anger was temporary, but he kept it in mind. Hand moved from beard to lip as he considered this. "Mairi was not mistreated there?" (d)
Jack: Jack shook his head quietly, "T'was her longin' tha' saw us takin' there... " He took another deep breath, before slowly letting it out. "Adien Mac Tuatha'an seemed ta be apporvin' o' me, as did yer Mother." (d)
Carrick: There was a longing look in his eye at the thought of his parents, or the chance to see them again. "If I didn't think they'd issue the approval, I wouldn't have either." Still, there was a difference. Carrick hadn't known for certain, he was just good at reading people and Jack seemed right for the purpose and the cause and for Mairi. (d)
Jack: What did Carrick make of the man that sat across form him? Ever and eternal Jack would be Jack the Half-Blooded, the man who would be Ard Ri. But he was as normal as another soul. Jack watched Carrick. Was Carricked amazed to see that even though he was of the blood, Jack was still frightened a touch by what he relayed? (d)
Carrick: "Ye swore to her before ye swore to her position," he drank a fair amount out of the glass, "an' ye've done more than any else given yer opportunity have. Ye'll do right by her." Was he talking about Ireland herself, or Mairi? Perhaps it didn't matter. (d)
Jack of the Faerie: When at last Carrick saw a form begin emerging from the night's darkness, would his breath catch involuntarily? For it was not 'Mad Jack' that stepped out of the night, but a figure that would be sure to strike fear into any good and true Irishman. The figure that stepped out of the darkness was Jack the Half-Blooded. For as Jack Mac Tuatha'an strode near him, the pools of light from the tavern's lanterns would revealed him grabbed and painted for war. From what Carrick no doubt remembered of the Irishman's illuminated body, it looked as though the knot work of green had slowly began to shift and grow until it at last had covered the Irishman's hands, forearm, and face. The color had changed as well, showing that it was the darker and more fearsome color of navy woad. Even the way that the Irishman walked seemed to set him apart from the mortals around him. There was an unnatural grace as he walked, showing his true heritage. Jack nodded to Carrick, flashing a white slash of teeth as his painted face showed a brief smile. Jack canted his head quietly, "Yer message said it was urgent....." There was one other item that Jack the Half-Blooded carreid with him, a messanger bag of his maps. (d)
Carrick: Unlike a few of the nearby locals, Carrick wasn't frightened of Jack's approach--he was impressed. When at last Jack made his approach, Carrick offered his arm for the clasping. "Deartháir [Brother]," he said in simple greeting, "I have for ye a drink within." Carrick held one such drink in his other hand. He was, for the most part, sober, but he did have something on his mind. He gestured to the indoors with his drink. The tavern was relatively empty. "Aye. I'm sure ye've orders fer me, but I have also a personal matter that I cannot speak to Mairi about directly." He looked a bit concerned; it was important to the man and he wasn't altogether sure how to proceed aside from offering Jack the hospitality a brother would expect from a brother. Besides, Carrick new that any man who could deal so smoothly with Mairi must be full of advice on women in general. "Ye look ready for battle. When me mind is unburdened, I will be as well." He had thought to ask Seraphim to paint him, but he was not decided on that yet. It would come with a lengthy explanation of significance for the woman, and he had already worn too much of his heart in the open with her. (d)
Jack: "I am yer Dearthair, Carrick," Jack reminded him gently. There was, of course, a bit of chastement to his voice. As if to say that he was hurt carrick had waited this long to come to him. Jack still clasped Carrick's hand with firmness and strength. Jack smiled at the offering of a drink, as his brother know doubt knew he would. "What dae ye 'ave on yer mind tha' troubles ye sae?" Jack sat with him at a table, glad to have a good whiskey before they went off to war. Jack would savor his whiskey. (d)
Carrick: Carrick let Jack sit first after their greeting was through. It was easy for one of Carrick's blood to see the ancient nature of Jack's soul. He was a good listener. Carrick was younger than Mairi, but was of course the protector in the family until Jack had come along--at least that's how he'd seen it. The warrior met Jack directly in the eye, conveying honesty as the men sat at the table. "I am havin' trouble with a woman. Ye are with Mairi so I can only assume yer used to havin' trouble with a woman yerself," he grinned. A serious talk it was though, as Carrick raised his glass to the Ceannfort and drank his ale. "I need Mairi's help, but it is not something I can ask of her directly." (d)
Jack: Jack canted his head quietly, "An' what kinda troubles might ye be 'avin'?" (d)
Carrick: "I made me intentions...well, more like Mairi made me intentions known to Seraphim, that I intend to make her me wife. I explained to her the duties and importance of the taoiseach's wife; I think it was a bit intimidatin' because she's not Irish an' there's a lot new fer her..." his voice trailed off as he finished his drink. Clearly there was something more specific. "Seraphim...has ne'er performed certain duties of a wife." Carrick's slight side-grin, reminiscent of Mairi's own smile, would certainly ensure that Jack understood his specific meaning. "She was askin' about... how an' I asked her to talk to Aislin er Mairi but she is too shy to be askin.' I don't want her all frightened but...ye know, I have never been wit' a chaste woman before..." he lowered his voice, concern in his eyes. "I was hopin' ye could ask Mairi to speak wit' her...an' alleviate her fears." (d)
Jack: Jack canted his head to the side as he studied Carrick, doing what he could to keep from laughing. Not certain on how broach the subject, Jack at last said, "She is yer sister. Why nae just go ahead an' ask Mairi?" (d)
Carrick: "Ye know how she is, man, she will make a joke of me, an' I am serious. I want Seraphim to be able to go to her, an' I know she's a good healer an' midwife." Carrick looked a mite offended really. "Mairi will laugh; she knows I've been with me own share of barmaids an' such, but I can't expect her to understand how I feel differently about Seraphim." (d)
Jack: Jack hesitated for a few moments, before saying, "Mairi will nae be makin' a joke o' it, Carrick. She 'erself as known love an' shall nae mock ye fer it. Just gae ta 'er an' tell 'er what ya feel." He grinned, "An' iffen she causes ye any mischeif, ye let me know. An' I'll be dealin' wit' her." Mainly by reminding Mairi that she, herself, had found love in an unlikely place. (d)
Carrick: "Ye will not talk to her in me place?" Carrick pled, then waved the tendress over to refill Jack's drink. "It is not an easy thing fer me to be talkin' to me own sister about. It is a small favor I ask of ye. She carries yer child, so ye've no reason to fear talkin' to her about this sort of thing." Carrick didn't know how Mairi was about certain natural acts--that was his sister, and he wouldn't be talking to her about that kind of thing. "Declan would talk to Seraphim, but I don't know where he is, an' he'd press her to take on his own faith." (d)
Jack: That was news to Jack. He canted his head to the side, "Yer Seraphim tis nae a follower o' the White Christ?" Hmm. "Which o' tha ancient gods er goddesses does she be followin'?" It was likely he'd encountered Jews before, however, he didn't know that Seraphim was a Jew. (d)
Carrick: "Seraphim is Jewish." As a Catholic, Carrick knew about Jews from the Bible only--he understood their history, but knew little of their culture. "Me only understanding of it is what I've read in the Bible. I think I may have offended her da by writin' him fer permission to court her. I don't otherwise know much about her village, just that she's some aunts she's not fond of an' she was talked down to some. She's very strong though," he said somewhat defensively, "makes some beautiful weapons, an' she'll stand up fer herself when she has to. She isn't afraid to ask fer somethin' if she needs it. " (d)
Jack: Jack nodded his head, "She tis a good match fer ye, then." There was a nod of his head, "I shall dae ye this boon. An' gae ta Mairi fer ye o'er yer concern...." (d)
Carrick: "Brother, I am in yer debt an' also yer command," he replied, mostly relieved. He knew that Seraphim might be ambushed, but if there were questions, Mairi could field them adequately, as she currently experienced her second pregnancy. Carrick lifted his hand and patted Jack on the shoulder. "By the way, I never got to truly congratulatin' ye on the news. Mairi says that ye are pleased at the news an' I wanted to say I am as well. Ye are good to Seanna an' I respect that." He then leaned in, prepared to receive the battle plans. (d)
Jack: Jack nodded quietly, noticing the shifting of the moment. Knowing that they were ready for talk of war, Jack laid his messanger bag on the table. Amongst the papers, twoard the very bttom of his papers, Carrick would notice a map that was specific to Dunluce or Ulster. It was a larger map of Ireland, and Carrick could see the words 'Hill of Tara' printed on the map. Why did Jack have such a map? (d)
Carrick: "Ye don't intend to go that far...Mairi is Ceannfort, not the Ard Ri." He held a look of semi-blasphemy in his eyes. The warrior was still straight backed, and attentive, ready to follow orders. "It can't be done." (d)
Jack: "On tha," the Irishman said, "We are agreed." Jack's eyes, as green as the sea, rose to lock with Carrick's, "Ye are nae to tell Mairi 'bout this map, ye 'ear?" Jack put the map of Ireland back into his messenger bag. For now, his plans to march on the Hill of Tara -- and the Lia Faill -- would remain out of sight. And out of mind. Although, one would have to admit, that it would an interesting turn of advents if Jack Mac Tuatha'an became the Ard Ri na hEireann by the screeching of the Lia Fail. However, for all of his planning Jack was aware of legends that had long faded from the minds of most men. Those legends, too, would remain within Jack's minds. Turning attention to the reclaiming of Ulster, Jack motioned, "Ye, tha Lady Branningham, an' Collin will be given yer marchin' orders afore we sail. I give ye all three, sae ye may relay me orders wit' tha authortiy o' tha Ceannfort's Consort." (d)
Carrick: Carrick too knew his own place. His glory was always tied to battle, and perhaps to expanding the prospects of his clann by shaping it with a family of his own. He was proud to have selected a strong but different woman. Suspicion hung only momentarily in the warrior's eyes. "Aye, I will not tell her." There was an agreement, and never a question of orders, but it would not be hard to guess that Carrick would fight Jack if he felt the man crossed Mairi--especially after what had happened with Sean. He remembered, however, what his sister had said to him in private, about Jack being 'the one' for some greater purpose--and so he said nothing. So long as Carrick's place with the [original] Oglaigh na hEireann was secure, Carrick would do as necessary and as ordered. He nodded curtly. (d)
Jack: "When tha time comes an' the fleet sails, we shall be makin' landin's along this stretch of shore," He said. As he talked, he moved his finger across a stretch of shoreline that was farthest from the castle of Dunluce. But closest to the town itself, "Tha' tis where we shall be makin' our landin' an' meeting tha Anglish for battle. We shall be makin' our battle, tha aim will be ta swing tha Anglish ta tha left an' forcin' 'em them toward tha cliff." He motioned one of the more prominent cliffs in the area. "As tha Irish-Scottish army forces ferward, ye an' Collin shall be 'ere in tha woodlands...." He motioned toward the woodlands. There was a clear stretch of land between the sea and the woods, the perfect place for the English to deploy to meet the invading armies. "The Irish-Scottish army shall be meetin' the Anglish at the front. Ye an' Collin will be takin' 'em from behind. Tha Lady Branningham's calvary shall be given ta control o' the road. She is ta be seein' tha Anglish shall nae be able ta flee. 'Er fastest horses are ta be reserved fer a different purpose. She is ta be sendin' ta those fastest o' 'er horses after any messengers tha' are bein' sent from tha castle fer reinforcement." (d)
Carrick: Carrick nodded as he studied the map. It was a solid plan, assuming the battle remained in their favor. "Have the necessary preparations been made? Will the Morrigan favor us?" Carrick stayed his Celtic cross necklace as he asked the question. He wore another charm along with it--the image of a snake, eating its own tail. "I have made prayers to Epona to watch over me sister, an' I will ask her to grant Sara's horses greater speed. I have asked the Christ lord fer protection of me own," he stated. "We should wait specifically here an' here," Carrick said, pointing to two locations on the map that would provide cover, "an' provide decoy camps the night before. We are too large in number an' the Anglish prefer to track us." Eyes wandered across the map with a small bit of affection, though the warriors hands were not so tender with the empty glass he now turned in one hand. (d)
Jack: Jack nodded quietly, as he listened to Carrick's proposals. They were sound and even he would know it be that way. Then he nodded, before saying, "Make it sae." He paused, "Ye 'ave been makin' tha proper attacks, aye? Tha garrison tis ta be weakened trackin' ye as well." Jack studied Carrick. "As fer the Morrigan..... we shall make all tha proper offerings ta 'er afore the fleet sails." (d)
Carrick: "Aye," he replied, "I left strict instructions, an' I am eager to get back to the men and see what has been accomplished. Few Irish were left in the town upon our departure. Many had joined up. Ye can smell the fear on the Anglish," he grinned. To the response about the offering, he nodded, considering Jack to be a man respectful of the old ways. "One last thing," he asked, finding the plan generally straightforward," Ye ain't lettin Mairi fight in this thing, are ye?" (D)
Jack: Jack frowned, "'Fraid tha' I am. I 'ave given 'er the command o' tha second wave tha' tis ta be goin' ashore. Ye know yer sister..." He sighed softly, "An' tis her right ta be fightin', as Ceannfort. Seanna tis ta be in fosterage wit' tha Duke an' Duchess durin' tha war." (d)
Carrick: Carrick rubbed his bearded chin in disapproval. "I will let Seraphim decide where she wishes to go. She knows the dangers." He had sent her away--pushed her away--far too many times to do it continually. If he kept doing so, he would lose her in war or estrangement, and he vowed not to let either take her from him. Stoic expression solid, Carrick nodded, before grinning. "Ye have never seen Mairi give a speech before battle. She has earned her nickname," was all he would say. (d)
Jack: Jack grinned, "Sorry ta disappoint ye, Carrick. But I 'ave seen Mairi in battle afore, an' I 'ave 'eard her speeck. Tis 'ow we aquired the Echtra." Jack canted his head, "'Ave I knae told ye tha' story?" (d)
Carrick: Carrick shook his head no and called for another round of drinks. The admiral was spending a decent amount of his last night before battle preparations with Carrick, and this honored him and increased his morale. Jack was a good leader, in Carrick's opinion. "She started when she was very young...at the first battle for the castle back in Bunratty," he smiled. "I was not old enough to use a sword, at least not in battle, but there she was, cheerin' them all on between each wounded delivered to her. Ye two make a fine pair." (d)
Jack: Jack smiled, "Aye, we dae." Jack quietly drank from his cup, smiling quietly as he did so. Aye, if he were to mark to the Lia Fail he would make Mairi his Medbh. For she was already the ruler and motherfigure for Ulster. "Tis nice as ye ta say tha." (d)
Carrick: "It is only the truth of what I see. It is why I am a good warrior. I have a good eye." He pointed to his face. "When I was a younger man, I used it only to choose the best women to bed," he grinned, "but I've no use fer it in that capacity any longer. Now I just know when to pick the right battles, an' have the intuition fer the old ways. I offer ye hospitality always because ye are family...but if it was I didn't know ye, I'd be likely to offer ye the same..." In other words, he had surmised what Jack really was, and not just on rumor. (d)
Jack: Jack smiled and laughed. There was a bit of brotherly banter, of course, "Oh, aye. Imagine tha' ye'd need all tha 'elp ye can be gettin' ta lure a lass ta yer bed... e'en back then." Then he was serious, before nodding quietly. Once more, the Irishman said, "Can ye be keepin' something ta yerself?" (d)
Carrick: Carrick grinned, knowing he was joking. The man had become more reserved over the years, and had recently thought very seriously about his cause and his life. They had that much in common. Both hands around a full glass now, he looked Jack in the eye once more. "Aye." (d)
Jack: Jack hesitated. Jack meet Carrick's eyes, letting Carrick get a good and hard look at his brother. Then he said, very clearly, "Mairi an' I 'ave been ta Tir na nOg...." He kept his eyes on Carrick, "Aye, t'was a dreamin'. Save, tha' when we awoke I knew wha' Mairi wanted ta eat.... an' in 'er hair tha same snood tha' she 'ad wore in tha Land o' the Ever Young." (d)
Carrick: Carrick took each word very seriously. He took the meaning of it all to heart as well. It was magnificent but also scary. He wanted to throw the other man against the wall and explain how he'd never killed a seal, but wouldn't mind starting if Jack was to leave his sister like the last admiral. The anger was temporary, but he kept it in mind. Hand moved from beard to lip as he considered this. "Mairi was not mistreated there?" (d)
Jack: Jack shook his head quietly, "T'was her longin' tha' saw us takin' there... " He took another deep breath, before slowly letting it out. "Adien Mac Tuatha'an seemed ta be apporvin' o' me, as did yer Mother." (d)
Carrick: There was a longing look in his eye at the thought of his parents, or the chance to see them again. "If I didn't think they'd issue the approval, I wouldn't have either." Still, there was a difference. Carrick hadn't known for certain, he was just good at reading people and Jack seemed right for the purpose and the cause and for Mairi. (d)
Jack: What did Carrick make of the man that sat across form him? Ever and eternal Jack would be Jack the Half-Blooded, the man who would be Ard Ri. But he was as normal as another soul. Jack watched Carrick. Was Carricked amazed to see that even though he was of the blood, Jack was still frightened a touch by what he relayed? (d)
Carrick: "Ye swore to her before ye swore to her position," he drank a fair amount out of the glass, "an' ye've done more than any else given yer opportunity have. Ye'll do right by her." Was he talking about Ireland herself, or Mairi? Perhaps it didn't matter. (d)
