Post by Lady Rosalind Avalle on Apr 8, 2009 23:18:48 GMT -6
Peregrine: It had been raining most of the day, and being trapped inside a castle could have been the same as being trapped within a tomb. The cold stone still soaked by the blood of their enemy seemed more and more it's name as each day passed. He had taken pity on the child who sat within his Nanny's embrace watching the rain fall. The woman had been reluctant at first, but always did deep oceanic eyes get him just as he pleased, and it would not be long before the boy was released. Upon his hip, the child would be placed and the pirate found pride in that moment that rumors would be started..Blonde hair..blue eyes..how long had this pirate been seeing their Lady? Where were they going? Outside! "In the wain?" "In the rain, nothing but water boy. Are you afraid?" His eyes gleamed with mischief that perhaps only a child could see. The rain was cold, no doubt already the nurses were cringing thinking of how sick might be!! But that was a chance with the odds of the squealing laughter spilling out down the streets as they ran to the pub. Once the door was pressed open many of the patrons were a bit taken back with what they saw, but as much a whore they knew this man to be why were they not surprised. The tender would be quick to place out his drink, and eyes fell upon the boy. "Do you drink, Aldric?" The Captain would tease, and have the tender make him the same drink. However, the contents would be milk in place of whiskey. "Does Rosalind know you have her son?" Peregrine would shake his head and grin, "Nope he fell from the window, gonna make him a Lost Boy. He needs no mother! Now pass me the dice and let me get him started on learning the ropes."
Rosalind: The day Rosalind had just concluded had not predisposed her to kindness when she discovered Aldric missing. Yet Rosalind still shied from violence like a frightened mare, reeling back when she felt her fingers flex, though she would have loved dearly to wrap them around the nanny's throat. Her instructions were to let none take Aldric without Rosalind's written consent. She was well aware that while she struggled with her own demons, her son was simply "out." "Out with whom?" she inquired with enough ice in her voice to make one think Skye had suffered the indignity of a false spring. Glaciers moved slowly through her tone; blizzards had nothing on the cool rage in her eyes.
"W-w-w-with Master Peregrine, m-m-milidy. Malady. Madame." Rosalind grabbed her cloak and rallied the men of Lamont as an escort.
"Blond. Yea high. Bit of a crook," one of the men barked to the merchants they passed, holding his hand up to about chest height. They pointed the imposing party down to the docks. From there, it was not difficult to find the pub he was in. One of the Lamont men even flung open the door for their lady, who entered in a gust of sea-scented wind.
"Ah, good day, Peregrine," she greeted, voice as sweet as honey, light as a spring breeze, while her expression was all carved marble. She even wrapped her arms under her breasts and tapped her foot impatiently. She knew, of course, Aldric was safe with Perry. She was irrational with fear and anger, and it dawned on her as she stood there how ridiculous her charge across Turas Lan had been. And she was now cold. And wet.
Peregrine: The two of them sat at the bar, the toddler upon the keep holding the dice in his little hands placing his bet. "Rosalind, quick he's about to take me for all I owe, ready to pay off my debt?" He had not once turned, his back to the door showing just how cokey he could be. A world of enemies and it mattered very little if he knew who passed with the wind. Aldric would grin at his mom clearly too young to truly understand the game, but it sure was fun throwing the dice. Though with any child he would reach to his mom clearly his attention turning. "Hot momma!" The boy cried out and the pub would break out into their laughter. Every greasy, dirty haired scum bag would nod, "Aye.." Peregrine's eyes would widen and he would turn upon the stool very quickly, "No no no boy, you don't say that to your own momma!" He grinned, "You save that for the honeys." Wide eyed wonder only there within a child's eyes would whine with his nod.
Rosalind: Mon Dieu. She would bash a chair over his head and stab him with the pieces. One of the Lamonts saw the homicidal gleam in their lady's eyes and rested a large hand on her shoulder. "Breathe, madame," he said. "I do not wish to breathe. I wish to murder the man who is teaching my son such foul, disgusting habits and words! Unhand me!" She wasn't really being restrained, and when she shook the hand free, it did nothing to mollify her rage when the Lamont men laughed. It was an unfortunate coincidence that at that precise moment, Aldric's shout of "Hot momma!" rang out. It was, admittedly, one of the funniest things she'd heard in a long time, and instead of following through on the very clear vision she had of pummeling Perry with a chair leg, she merely put her palm to her forehead and groaned softly. At least Perry had the lad drinking milk. It didn't look to be a chaser to the whisky, either. "For heaven's sake, Peregrine. I was in the castle all day. You could not send a message?" she asked as she shed her cloak and draped it over a chair, and then settled in beside the two boys. Yes, boys. Perry wasn't off the hook for this, but it at least looked as if she'd stopped breathing smoke. "One of those for me," she added to the bartender, gesturing to the adult version Perry was drinking.
Peregrine: "You were so busy doing grown up things.." Call him a boy all you want, but his hand would still reach out to help her into her chair like any gentleman should. "Besides, it's guys day out, we save time for the girls at night to warm our beds, right?" Asked then of Aldric who knew very little of what that meant but agreed anyway. There was a moment then that passed over the wit of his eyes, of a familiar moment of a past life--perhaps. "If you want to hang with pirates, whose ship is going through renovations." He would be quick to add as already the boy had wanted to see it. "You have to drink like us..and why is that?" An open palm would gesture for the son to finish, "Puts hair on my chest.." Aldric looked to the pirate whose shirt was wasn't laced, "I didn't drink enough as a child." The toddler was poised and happy upon the bar, but would be quick to show his mom the contents inside his hand, "Won dat" The doubloon was a sight for any to see, and the very last of it's kind..for a while at least. "Robbed me blind..fair though, must be more like his father after all."
Rosalind: "The next time you have a guys' day out, send me a note." It wasn't a request. She settled into her seat, and thankfully, the bartender was quick with shooting that tumbler of whisky to her. She caught it and took a stiff drink. Though she usually drank wine, her eyes did not water at the much stiffer beverage, which she set down with a light thunk on the table. Aldric was content not to lean in for a mommy-kiss, nor did he seem to want his hair ruffled, and Rosalind could respect the young man who was out with his best friend the pirate. She inspected the doubloon with appropriate awe and amazement. "We will save it and you can spend it on something special at the market, how does that sound?" Aldric knew at this point in his life not to argue with his mother when she took on such a tone and nodded happily. "If I see hair on my three year old son's chest, Perry, I will hurt you." She grinned quickly though, her usual wry sense of humor winning over temporary fury. "What did Colban steal from you, ah? Never mind, I do not wish to know. There is not enough whisky in this bar. What else have you taught my son today?"
Adam: Adam walked to the door of the Pub and peered inside. Today, he wore the casual brown jerkin and brown trousers tucked into the thigh-high black boots. His right arm was in a sling wrapped around his neck. In the sling as a dagger, as well as a short sword at his waist. This had been the first time since the battle for the city that he had been out. His wound keeping him down for a few days. Now he was determined to survey the damages done. The thud of his boots resounded heavy as he pushed the door open and entered.
Peregrine: "He's been through so much, Rosalind." The tone in his voice shifted from playful flirt to overseeing wiseman? Ha! "This entire Isle is too stuck upon the matters at hand to remember.." His voice stilled with heavy boots upon the floorboards, as quick as the salty sea air stilled so did his heart. Yet always the venomous snake would curl back his lips into that grin. With an ace up his sleeve, he worried very little of the law, but this joker's gambit seemed very pleased with the turn of fates. Kicking his boots back he lifted them the chair upon his side, and let his head fall back to rest upon Rosalind's shoulder. Oceanic hues would fall away behind his lids as they closed, and with hands folding over his torso he would nod in the direction of the Duke. "Seems you've got your work cut out for you Duke." A sly remark from the rising enemy..but no body knew that yet did they?
Rosalind: "I know he has. And he deserves a day of fun. But I would rather not have a heart attack when he goes missing." She gently wrapped an arm around his shoulders and gave his arm a squeeze. But just then, the door opened, and in walked the Duke. Rosalind was still a woman in mourning, despite the tumbler of whisky before her and the pirate leaning against her, and she abruptly cleared her throat, shifted the stool an inch away from Perry, and straightened her posture. Wimple, though wet, was still right in its place. She rose from her stool and gave the High Lord a curtsy worthy of his station. "Your Grace." She wished nudging Perry to do the same would have any measurable effect, but it would not, so she let him lounge indolently while Aldric squinted at his doubloon in the candlelight. Rosalind should win an award.
Adam: The dark hair upon his head was amuss, with no concerns of its unkempt appearance. His frow should signs of touble or disappointment. The lass tending the pub curtsied low in his presence and inquired to his drink, as he sat at the table. "Aye lass... a whiskey... in a tankard if'n yae please..." Scooting the chair to the table, he pushed back onto two legs and looked around.
Adam laughs and speaks aloud.. "Aye Peregrine... Ah dae... baet mostly tis over... Mae Father is a wanted man... an outlaw as yaer self..." he looks to Ros, then back to Pere.. "An' Ah see yae 'r up tae nae goot... as usual... "r yae still raiding the English 'n Avaria coasts?" Taking the tankard the lass brought with one hand setting it down... he thanks her... slipping his hand inside the sling, he scratches his arm and shifts the unseen dagger, then his hand moves to the handle of the tankard, taking a heavy drink of the whiskey.
Peregrine: "Mmmm," His eyes would close until she pulled away half listening to the words shifting around him, but when Rosalind would move away he nearly tumbled back. Outlaw? Ha! Not here yet..he had done nothing thus far other then stirring to life the underground, and breathed life into those who walked the thin red line. "It would be hard to raid anything when your ship joined that graveyard of yours, but I've been shopping around." He teased, straightening himself brushing a hand through the mop of curls atop his head. Was he worried? Nah, just couldn't help but look like the pimp he was, hot women in mourning galore! "How about yourself? Are you done toying with the English?" Digging for information?? Never. Wasn't this just small talk for men of wars? How many heads did they lop off? Ugh, hang big stick on wall, many scalps ugh ugh..Though he would never openly admit it, he admired greatly this man's father as he certainly was a master of his trade..no matter how ruthless, but any Jack-of-a-trades could admire a man who could take one task and make it his own.
Rosalind: Rosalind sat down again once the Duke did. She had not had much cause to converse with the man over the months since her arrival, which made her considerably more nervous in his presence than she ever was in Bess's. Still, it barely showed on a placid face surrounded by the dark material of her wimple. Aldric picked up his cup and took several large gulps of milk, emerging with the lower portion of his face covered in liquid. She laughed and mopped him up, but did not contribute to the interesting exchange between the two men. No, it was more pleasant to listen, and to place which events went where in the timeline. As she listened, she touched the large cross hanging from the delicate chain draped from her neck, a habit she did not often indulge, but often committed when deep in thought.
Beathag: Upstairs of the Pubs and to the left of the bar, a woman lay in a bed and considered everything that happened. She considered everything that didn't so that no conclusion was really reached other than what had been discussed with the other voice in her head. Little motion had been done by she: Guards had come to sit outside the door and by now it was known the Duchess had not returned to Griffin Castle. Speculation was many. Truth was another thing entirely - speculation stated that she remained by the sea on a ship, that she was on a ship again and sailing in mourning, or perhaps in rage even decimated a ship! There were some things even the sea couldn't fix. Still, the sound of the waves by this building was soothing. Supper, though? Necessary. Putting Davina in her arms, Aodhan would run before her down the steps to see what could be found!
Adam: Adam laughs a bit... "Aye, an' Ah would appreciate it if'n yae dun become a problem tae mae and Skye... AH truly duz 'ave enuff... Ah bae sure tae keep a lookout faer any that fly tha' outlawed flag o' de Ainglish... They bae free game yae knaew..." Then he set the chair on all fours... the serious look upon his face as he narrows those sea-green eyes... "Mae advise is tae stay outta Gaelic Nation waters if'n seek a quick shilling, m'friend... right naew twould bae nae the time tae start havoc... or'n be accused o'it... One might just bae considered as a Maubrey supporter..." then he smirked and pushed back the chair, taking yet another drink. "Take it as advice... 'r a warning." Separations between Bess and Adam had occurred a lot in the past year... but this one would be a bit different... Between Adam's stay in the Infirmary after the battle, being pestered constantly by healers and such... and his busy days that ran into nights surveying his beloved city. This separation and her stay at the Pub at Dockside was a mite bit different to say the least.
Peregrine: A chuckle rose out of the man who stood up then, closing the distance between he and the Duke, and with all the swagger a bloodthirsty pirate had he was trying hard to keep his temper. "There won't be any flags flying, Duke..Lord..General, whatever they call you. At least none at the sea." Never the tallest of men Peregrine wouldn't have much on the man...well ok no he had nothing on the man, but he wasn't one to openly fight..A lover as always. "Funny the 'thanks' you give, or is it amusing to know I killed just as many English as any other fool on this Isle--would be hard to accuse me of anything." His mind had been upon stirring the fire, and with his back upon the Duke he would grin. "Though I don't blame you, hard to tell who was who out there..all of you so pale, brown hair..what a shame." Returning then, the pirate dusted off his hands, and smiled politely to the ascending Duchess..Her castle his own?
Rosalind: Rosalind merely sighed. "Well, come here, then," she said, and Aldric left his empty cup of milk on the bar and crawled into her lap. He was getting too big for this, but now that the pirate wasn't paying attention to him, Rosalind was once again interesting enough to keep his attention. He was also worn out from the adventure, though his large, deep blue eyes darted between Perry and the Duke as if there were some sort of duel happening. Not far off from the truth, really. "Peregrine suffered a tragic loss of his ship in my honor, Your Grace. My ... late husband set torches to it." She would never explain why nor intercede on Perry's behalf, as he was more than capable of talking for himself, but she was capable, once in a while, of kindness. She saw Bess descend the stairs and smiled. "My lady." She, like most in the castle, had been too busy to note the separation, and it did not strike her strange at all for Bess to be in the Pubs. This did not say much for how Rosalind had changed since her arrival several months ago.
Beathag: Creaking of the stairs signfied the soaked up salt wood was just too much to take without expanding. Under the weight of any it groaned, but with Aodhan's bounding it took a brutal assault crying out the whole of the way to nearly mask any shift from her steps. She passed a mug once holding water to the maid, coin, but no words to say thank you. Only a nod that as Rosalind addressed her quarreled for silence or sound. The separation was indeed strange, for though returning at different times Beathag had not found her husband was in the infirmary until far later, nor had shared bed with him. Kissing in public and holding one another were signs of a disregard for old standard, so after a war why would sh enot be in his arms? "L.ady Rosalin.de." She canted her head, speaking in a stiched up squeeze of brogue. It was thick, yes, but never so gritted that the usual tone was sinking under a sorry excuse for it. The lady had scars within her throat, from poison, that were only noticeable if her voice perhaps stalled. Very few had heard it when it was vanishing, even less when she had no voice at all.
Adam: As Pere closed the gap between them, instinct had Adam's hand slip to the short sword at his hip and the hand inside the sling held the dagger inside even though it pained him. Now, pain would be no factor. "Aye mabbe sae... baet Ah bae lettin' yae knaew... best nae bae stirrin trouble in the Nations..." he would show this man no respect, as the man showed him none... Then he looked to Rosalind and canted his head trying to remember her. Lamont? He remembered reading something about them in reports, but he said nothing, shifting his eyes back to Pere. As the man walked back, he released his grip on the dagger and worked his fingers. Damn that pain. The other had soon slipped away from his waist. "Lord Lamont? Naew why would 'e dae such a thing...?" then he gave a smirk. Just how much was she rolled into this Pirate? Still, Pere was who he was, no doubt about it... Before he could start the next sentence, he saw their attention shift.. and so did his... "Mae son..." and as Aodhan jumped into his lap, he grimaced at the wounded arm as it was jostled by the boy. Sea-green eyes shifted to his wife... for once neither seemed too intimate in this period of time. But the knuckles displayed grabbing the mug did catch his attention... "Say love, wot 'appened?"
Peregrine: Figures..the one noble thing he does and always the fingers to point in opposite direction. He slipped back into his chair, but felt that very rise of demons inside his chest. No respect would ever be needed, he was nothing special, nor did he ever plan to be. For all the selfish acts, he really was a selfless man who frankly..didn't care. Oh, how the blue in his eyes darkened with the thoughts of ripping off that smirk from the Duke, as eyes could be so judgmental. Apollo would kill him no doubt, for messing up the only, God damned peace I got Peregrine. and there was something in his older brother that rattled even this fool. Always with the dark of hearts should the light tread softly, as while swimming in deep waters always a bigger fish. However, there it was, this man's weakness. The child would bound down the steps and into his father's arms, and in that moment an image was captured. Dark haired, dark skinned little boy, the shadow compared to the light within the arms of Rosalind. His eyes slid to Aldric and his lips curled watching his eyes grow tired. So innocent, how could he even know of the war going on within the heart of 'that favorite uncle' who slipped you chocolate cakes before bed to make you happy..and whiskey to make you sleep.
Rosalind: She saw the smirk and her shoulders fell inward slightly. She felt her face burn with shame, though her complexion remained as pale as ever. She took a sip of her whisky and set the tumbler down, then with her free hand, smoothed his sweet-smelling hair. Calamus and meadowsweet and the freshness of rain. She placed a kiss to the crown of his head, then glanced back up at the Duke. "My husband had two faces, my lord, though I do not wish to speak ill of the departed. He fought in Skye's honor, and gave his life to the protection of her finest citizens. But he and my friend Peregrine had a quarrel, one he thought best resolved by burning the pirate's ship, and stealing my son from me." It was difficult to discern lie from truth when they were blended together, one and the same. She was practiced, but she was also genuine, and if her hurt was real, so much the better that it was assumed at his passing. He was not a man worthy of wearing black for, but she did. She crossed herself, and though a sudden, almost unstoppable instinct wished she would depart, she stayed. Peregrine was here. Bess was here. Terror was found in many places, but not while they were present.
Beathag: The story of Fearghus Lamont was one that in retrospect Beathag would have wanted to hear. Men often roved with two faces: One of honor, one behind closed doors. The noble mingled with the monstrous until one wasn't able to be told from the other. Adam was home from his missions of war and politics. Word could be sanctified, things proven true. If only she had the voice to ask it! "Ahdam." Sh went to him and gently hugged him where Aodhan was boisterous, waving to the young Aldric and the pirate across the way. Children had not the same discrimination in personality as adults. His question was one that inspired a natural stillness...and even if she was going to conjure up the words, it was evident that she needed cider first to warm the muscles and open up the blasted voice box. Even then, did she want to tell that story? The knuckles had been bandaged on each hand with small strips of muslin, and the palms were raw.
Adam: Reaching around the lad, Adam drank another from the tankard and looked to Rosalind... "We shall speak nae more o' it then... unless yae need tae..." giving his full attention to Aodhan as he ruffled the boy's dark curly hair and inquiring about his time here at dockside. Ah, finally some affection from her... it wasn't the usual, but it would suffice... but still no answer to his question. Shifting, he urged Aodhan to sit in the other chair or go upstairs to play... with such questions unanswered, he knew it would best have the boy elsewhere...
Rosalind: Rosalind nodded. "Thank you, Your Grace." She averted her attention from the Lord and Lady, turning away to give them privacy if they wished. Rosalind knew nothing of Bess's injuries, nor of Adam's. News had not yet reached her of either, but she did lead a rather secluded life, even on the best of days. She joggled Aldric on her leg, which made him giggle, and picked up the dice where Perry had left them. Her luck was notoriously horrible, so if they gambled now for that doubloon, it was almost assured Aldric would keep it. Sure enough, the first roll went to him, and she laughingly pinched his cheek. Which, of course, all children enjoy....
Beathag: Was he well? Did he have a need? She reached out for him with two hands to rub along his forearms, one of the sleeves on her garment loose and shifting upward.
Adam: Her wounds could only come from a fight... but who would Bess fight but him... His mind roamed endlessly in avenues of how and why... until he just looked at her... those sea-greens seemed to ask yet again his questions...Seeing the bruises on her wrists, he pulled the sleeves back down... "Ah bae home... seems we need tae talk... coom when yae can..." then Adam stands up, takes a last look at Pere and smirks, he nods his head in respect to Lady Lamont... Finally kissing Bess on the cheek and walks out...
Beathag: I can't tell ye..I can't tell ye... The eyes seemed to say as he looked at her injuries a head shook as if to suggest the topic should be best left alone. Raw hand brushed his face before he would take his leave, and his lips were captured. For no matter how much one suffered one never forgets love. "Go-od night." When he left, she nodded to Rosalind, collected Aodhan, and slowly made her way back up the stairs.
Peregrine: "Wash that smirk off his face." Ahhh a weakness! His voice was a hiss leaving his lips, but a whisper none the less.
Rosalind: "Would it have killed you to call him 'Your Grace,' Perry?" she whispered, in a tone that suggested she knew it probably would. She held his hand under the edge of the counter. He truly was selfless, but he cared. She believed he did, anyway. Slightly rolling her eyes at the exchange with the Duke, on his and her behalf, she took another sip of her whisky, only to find as she set the tumbler down that Adam and Bess had both left.
Peregrine: "You think that would fix things?" He laughed lightly, "Rosalind this entire Isle knows what I've done to bring it down, when are you going to see that?" He asked standing from his stool clearly done, "Better get your boy home, and back into his tomb. The hour grows late, and it's a full moon tonight. Where are your henchmen?" Eying the room he would easily spot the Lamont men, as always he waited for them to spring upon him.
Rosalind: He should stop doing things to make them want to spring upon him. Rosalind grabbed his hand, stopping him from leaving for just a moment. "I am not the entire Isle." She was not naive. She knew many had cause to doubt him, even hate him. But he had done nothing of the sort to her. She was not going to insist on that fact anymore, since he seemed immune to hearing it. Maybe this was something he needed to do on his own. Maybe he didn't wish redemption, and that too she accepted. And why she let go of his hand. "Enjoy your moon, my friend. I will be watching it too." Aldric reached out for Perry, mimicking his mother, but Rosalind merely grasped his hand in her own and gave it little shake, which he didn't appreciate. Three years old, and he hated being patronized.
Peregrine: He would grin down to Aldric flashing the boy his pearly whites, behind his lips a secret. "It is the Waking Moon, Rosie. The trees will be dressed, the dances in circles..A sight you should see. Hell this entire Isle needs to see the color return. It is a time of peace now, bond with him, with your friends. You've got a court to win now don't you? A clan to lead?" Placing his hands upon his knees he bent to become eye level with the boy, "What are you going buy with your coin?" "Honeys." Chuckling then the pirate shook his head, "No no M'boy, we don't pay for honey around here, but we'll work on that." A ruffle to the child's hair, it pained him to feel an attachment growing...but the last time that happened..turned up to be a black knight who killed thousands. Oops.
Rosalind: "Hmph," was her only response to Aldric's early penchant for whoring. "Not for a while yet, my dear. Not for a long time, hopefully." She smiled. Peregrine had a way of saying farewells that sounded like goodbyes to her ears, but she was glad to hear that at least he was saying he would work on Aldric with his 'honeys.' "I wish to see it all, of course. And the court and I are rather reconciled. They are quick to forget how much more they preferred my husband." She didn't dare smile at that joke, but she did rise from her seat, lift Aldric and plant him on her hip, both arms wrapped around him. The Lamont men rose, too, one of whom picked up her now dried cloak and tucking it around Rosalind's shoulders when she turned her back to him. "I am very busy during the day. I prefer it this way." She leaned over Aldric and gave Perry a chaste kiss on the cheek. And then she left.
Rosalind: The day Rosalind had just concluded had not predisposed her to kindness when she discovered Aldric missing. Yet Rosalind still shied from violence like a frightened mare, reeling back when she felt her fingers flex, though she would have loved dearly to wrap them around the nanny's throat. Her instructions were to let none take Aldric without Rosalind's written consent. She was well aware that while she struggled with her own demons, her son was simply "out." "Out with whom?" she inquired with enough ice in her voice to make one think Skye had suffered the indignity of a false spring. Glaciers moved slowly through her tone; blizzards had nothing on the cool rage in her eyes.
"W-w-w-with Master Peregrine, m-m-milidy. Malady. Madame." Rosalind grabbed her cloak and rallied the men of Lamont as an escort.
"Blond. Yea high. Bit of a crook," one of the men barked to the merchants they passed, holding his hand up to about chest height. They pointed the imposing party down to the docks. From there, it was not difficult to find the pub he was in. One of the Lamont men even flung open the door for their lady, who entered in a gust of sea-scented wind.
"Ah, good day, Peregrine," she greeted, voice as sweet as honey, light as a spring breeze, while her expression was all carved marble. She even wrapped her arms under her breasts and tapped her foot impatiently. She knew, of course, Aldric was safe with Perry. She was irrational with fear and anger, and it dawned on her as she stood there how ridiculous her charge across Turas Lan had been. And she was now cold. And wet.
Peregrine: The two of them sat at the bar, the toddler upon the keep holding the dice in his little hands placing his bet. "Rosalind, quick he's about to take me for all I owe, ready to pay off my debt?" He had not once turned, his back to the door showing just how cokey he could be. A world of enemies and it mattered very little if he knew who passed with the wind. Aldric would grin at his mom clearly too young to truly understand the game, but it sure was fun throwing the dice. Though with any child he would reach to his mom clearly his attention turning. "Hot momma!" The boy cried out and the pub would break out into their laughter. Every greasy, dirty haired scum bag would nod, "Aye.." Peregrine's eyes would widen and he would turn upon the stool very quickly, "No no no boy, you don't say that to your own momma!" He grinned, "You save that for the honeys." Wide eyed wonder only there within a child's eyes would whine with his nod.
Rosalind: Mon Dieu. She would bash a chair over his head and stab him with the pieces. One of the Lamonts saw the homicidal gleam in their lady's eyes and rested a large hand on her shoulder. "Breathe, madame," he said. "I do not wish to breathe. I wish to murder the man who is teaching my son such foul, disgusting habits and words! Unhand me!" She wasn't really being restrained, and when she shook the hand free, it did nothing to mollify her rage when the Lamont men laughed. It was an unfortunate coincidence that at that precise moment, Aldric's shout of "Hot momma!" rang out. It was, admittedly, one of the funniest things she'd heard in a long time, and instead of following through on the very clear vision she had of pummeling Perry with a chair leg, she merely put her palm to her forehead and groaned softly. At least Perry had the lad drinking milk. It didn't look to be a chaser to the whisky, either. "For heaven's sake, Peregrine. I was in the castle all day. You could not send a message?" she asked as she shed her cloak and draped it over a chair, and then settled in beside the two boys. Yes, boys. Perry wasn't off the hook for this, but it at least looked as if she'd stopped breathing smoke. "One of those for me," she added to the bartender, gesturing to the adult version Perry was drinking.
Peregrine: "You were so busy doing grown up things.." Call him a boy all you want, but his hand would still reach out to help her into her chair like any gentleman should. "Besides, it's guys day out, we save time for the girls at night to warm our beds, right?" Asked then of Aldric who knew very little of what that meant but agreed anyway. There was a moment then that passed over the wit of his eyes, of a familiar moment of a past life--perhaps. "If you want to hang with pirates, whose ship is going through renovations." He would be quick to add as already the boy had wanted to see it. "You have to drink like us..and why is that?" An open palm would gesture for the son to finish, "Puts hair on my chest.." Aldric looked to the pirate whose shirt was wasn't laced, "I didn't drink enough as a child." The toddler was poised and happy upon the bar, but would be quick to show his mom the contents inside his hand, "Won dat" The doubloon was a sight for any to see, and the very last of it's kind..for a while at least. "Robbed me blind..fair though, must be more like his father after all."
Rosalind: "The next time you have a guys' day out, send me a note." It wasn't a request. She settled into her seat, and thankfully, the bartender was quick with shooting that tumbler of whisky to her. She caught it and took a stiff drink. Though she usually drank wine, her eyes did not water at the much stiffer beverage, which she set down with a light thunk on the table. Aldric was content not to lean in for a mommy-kiss, nor did he seem to want his hair ruffled, and Rosalind could respect the young man who was out with his best friend the pirate. She inspected the doubloon with appropriate awe and amazement. "We will save it and you can spend it on something special at the market, how does that sound?" Aldric knew at this point in his life not to argue with his mother when she took on such a tone and nodded happily. "If I see hair on my three year old son's chest, Perry, I will hurt you." She grinned quickly though, her usual wry sense of humor winning over temporary fury. "What did Colban steal from you, ah? Never mind, I do not wish to know. There is not enough whisky in this bar. What else have you taught my son today?"
Adam: Adam walked to the door of the Pub and peered inside. Today, he wore the casual brown jerkin and brown trousers tucked into the thigh-high black boots. His right arm was in a sling wrapped around his neck. In the sling as a dagger, as well as a short sword at his waist. This had been the first time since the battle for the city that he had been out. His wound keeping him down for a few days. Now he was determined to survey the damages done. The thud of his boots resounded heavy as he pushed the door open and entered.
Peregrine: "He's been through so much, Rosalind." The tone in his voice shifted from playful flirt to overseeing wiseman? Ha! "This entire Isle is too stuck upon the matters at hand to remember.." His voice stilled with heavy boots upon the floorboards, as quick as the salty sea air stilled so did his heart. Yet always the venomous snake would curl back his lips into that grin. With an ace up his sleeve, he worried very little of the law, but this joker's gambit seemed very pleased with the turn of fates. Kicking his boots back he lifted them the chair upon his side, and let his head fall back to rest upon Rosalind's shoulder. Oceanic hues would fall away behind his lids as they closed, and with hands folding over his torso he would nod in the direction of the Duke. "Seems you've got your work cut out for you Duke." A sly remark from the rising enemy..but no body knew that yet did they?
Rosalind: "I know he has. And he deserves a day of fun. But I would rather not have a heart attack when he goes missing." She gently wrapped an arm around his shoulders and gave his arm a squeeze. But just then, the door opened, and in walked the Duke. Rosalind was still a woman in mourning, despite the tumbler of whisky before her and the pirate leaning against her, and she abruptly cleared her throat, shifted the stool an inch away from Perry, and straightened her posture. Wimple, though wet, was still right in its place. She rose from her stool and gave the High Lord a curtsy worthy of his station. "Your Grace." She wished nudging Perry to do the same would have any measurable effect, but it would not, so she let him lounge indolently while Aldric squinted at his doubloon in the candlelight. Rosalind should win an award.
Adam: The dark hair upon his head was amuss, with no concerns of its unkempt appearance. His frow should signs of touble or disappointment. The lass tending the pub curtsied low in his presence and inquired to his drink, as he sat at the table. "Aye lass... a whiskey... in a tankard if'n yae please..." Scooting the chair to the table, he pushed back onto two legs and looked around.
Adam laughs and speaks aloud.. "Aye Peregrine... Ah dae... baet mostly tis over... Mae Father is a wanted man... an outlaw as yaer self..." he looks to Ros, then back to Pere.. "An' Ah see yae 'r up tae nae goot... as usual... "r yae still raiding the English 'n Avaria coasts?" Taking the tankard the lass brought with one hand setting it down... he thanks her... slipping his hand inside the sling, he scratches his arm and shifts the unseen dagger, then his hand moves to the handle of the tankard, taking a heavy drink of the whiskey.
Peregrine: "Mmmm," His eyes would close until she pulled away half listening to the words shifting around him, but when Rosalind would move away he nearly tumbled back. Outlaw? Ha! Not here yet..he had done nothing thus far other then stirring to life the underground, and breathed life into those who walked the thin red line. "It would be hard to raid anything when your ship joined that graveyard of yours, but I've been shopping around." He teased, straightening himself brushing a hand through the mop of curls atop his head. Was he worried? Nah, just couldn't help but look like the pimp he was, hot women in mourning galore! "How about yourself? Are you done toying with the English?" Digging for information?? Never. Wasn't this just small talk for men of wars? How many heads did they lop off? Ugh, hang big stick on wall, many scalps ugh ugh..Though he would never openly admit it, he admired greatly this man's father as he certainly was a master of his trade..no matter how ruthless, but any Jack-of-a-trades could admire a man who could take one task and make it his own.
Rosalind: Rosalind sat down again once the Duke did. She had not had much cause to converse with the man over the months since her arrival, which made her considerably more nervous in his presence than she ever was in Bess's. Still, it barely showed on a placid face surrounded by the dark material of her wimple. Aldric picked up his cup and took several large gulps of milk, emerging with the lower portion of his face covered in liquid. She laughed and mopped him up, but did not contribute to the interesting exchange between the two men. No, it was more pleasant to listen, and to place which events went where in the timeline. As she listened, she touched the large cross hanging from the delicate chain draped from her neck, a habit she did not often indulge, but often committed when deep in thought.
Beathag: Upstairs of the Pubs and to the left of the bar, a woman lay in a bed and considered everything that happened. She considered everything that didn't so that no conclusion was really reached other than what had been discussed with the other voice in her head. Little motion had been done by she: Guards had come to sit outside the door and by now it was known the Duchess had not returned to Griffin Castle. Speculation was many. Truth was another thing entirely - speculation stated that she remained by the sea on a ship, that she was on a ship again and sailing in mourning, or perhaps in rage even decimated a ship! There were some things even the sea couldn't fix. Still, the sound of the waves by this building was soothing. Supper, though? Necessary. Putting Davina in her arms, Aodhan would run before her down the steps to see what could be found!
Adam: Adam laughs a bit... "Aye, an' Ah would appreciate it if'n yae dun become a problem tae mae and Skye... AH truly duz 'ave enuff... Ah bae sure tae keep a lookout faer any that fly tha' outlawed flag o' de Ainglish... They bae free game yae knaew..." Then he set the chair on all fours... the serious look upon his face as he narrows those sea-green eyes... "Mae advise is tae stay outta Gaelic Nation waters if'n seek a quick shilling, m'friend... right naew twould bae nae the time tae start havoc... or'n be accused o'it... One might just bae considered as a Maubrey supporter..." then he smirked and pushed back the chair, taking yet another drink. "Take it as advice... 'r a warning." Separations between Bess and Adam had occurred a lot in the past year... but this one would be a bit different... Between Adam's stay in the Infirmary after the battle, being pestered constantly by healers and such... and his busy days that ran into nights surveying his beloved city. This separation and her stay at the Pub at Dockside was a mite bit different to say the least.
Peregrine: A chuckle rose out of the man who stood up then, closing the distance between he and the Duke, and with all the swagger a bloodthirsty pirate had he was trying hard to keep his temper. "There won't be any flags flying, Duke..Lord..General, whatever they call you. At least none at the sea." Never the tallest of men Peregrine wouldn't have much on the man...well ok no he had nothing on the man, but he wasn't one to openly fight..A lover as always. "Funny the 'thanks' you give, or is it amusing to know I killed just as many English as any other fool on this Isle--would be hard to accuse me of anything." His mind had been upon stirring the fire, and with his back upon the Duke he would grin. "Though I don't blame you, hard to tell who was who out there..all of you so pale, brown hair..what a shame." Returning then, the pirate dusted off his hands, and smiled politely to the ascending Duchess..Her castle his own?
Rosalind: Rosalind merely sighed. "Well, come here, then," she said, and Aldric left his empty cup of milk on the bar and crawled into her lap. He was getting too big for this, but now that the pirate wasn't paying attention to him, Rosalind was once again interesting enough to keep his attention. He was also worn out from the adventure, though his large, deep blue eyes darted between Perry and the Duke as if there were some sort of duel happening. Not far off from the truth, really. "Peregrine suffered a tragic loss of his ship in my honor, Your Grace. My ... late husband set torches to it." She would never explain why nor intercede on Perry's behalf, as he was more than capable of talking for himself, but she was capable, once in a while, of kindness. She saw Bess descend the stairs and smiled. "My lady." She, like most in the castle, had been too busy to note the separation, and it did not strike her strange at all for Bess to be in the Pubs. This did not say much for how Rosalind had changed since her arrival several months ago.
Beathag: Creaking of the stairs signfied the soaked up salt wood was just too much to take without expanding. Under the weight of any it groaned, but with Aodhan's bounding it took a brutal assault crying out the whole of the way to nearly mask any shift from her steps. She passed a mug once holding water to the maid, coin, but no words to say thank you. Only a nod that as Rosalind addressed her quarreled for silence or sound. The separation was indeed strange, for though returning at different times Beathag had not found her husband was in the infirmary until far later, nor had shared bed with him. Kissing in public and holding one another were signs of a disregard for old standard, so after a war why would sh enot be in his arms? "L.ady Rosalin.de." She canted her head, speaking in a stiched up squeeze of brogue. It was thick, yes, but never so gritted that the usual tone was sinking under a sorry excuse for it. The lady had scars within her throat, from poison, that were only noticeable if her voice perhaps stalled. Very few had heard it when it was vanishing, even less when she had no voice at all.
Adam: As Pere closed the gap between them, instinct had Adam's hand slip to the short sword at his hip and the hand inside the sling held the dagger inside even though it pained him. Now, pain would be no factor. "Aye mabbe sae... baet Ah bae lettin' yae knaew... best nae bae stirrin trouble in the Nations..." he would show this man no respect, as the man showed him none... Then he looked to Rosalind and canted his head trying to remember her. Lamont? He remembered reading something about them in reports, but he said nothing, shifting his eyes back to Pere. As the man walked back, he released his grip on the dagger and worked his fingers. Damn that pain. The other had soon slipped away from his waist. "Lord Lamont? Naew why would 'e dae such a thing...?" then he gave a smirk. Just how much was she rolled into this Pirate? Still, Pere was who he was, no doubt about it... Before he could start the next sentence, he saw their attention shift.. and so did his... "Mae son..." and as Aodhan jumped into his lap, he grimaced at the wounded arm as it was jostled by the boy. Sea-green eyes shifted to his wife... for once neither seemed too intimate in this period of time. But the knuckles displayed grabbing the mug did catch his attention... "Say love, wot 'appened?"
Peregrine: Figures..the one noble thing he does and always the fingers to point in opposite direction. He slipped back into his chair, but felt that very rise of demons inside his chest. No respect would ever be needed, he was nothing special, nor did he ever plan to be. For all the selfish acts, he really was a selfless man who frankly..didn't care. Oh, how the blue in his eyes darkened with the thoughts of ripping off that smirk from the Duke, as eyes could be so judgmental. Apollo would kill him no doubt, for messing up the only, God damned peace I got Peregrine. and there was something in his older brother that rattled even this fool. Always with the dark of hearts should the light tread softly, as while swimming in deep waters always a bigger fish. However, there it was, this man's weakness. The child would bound down the steps and into his father's arms, and in that moment an image was captured. Dark haired, dark skinned little boy, the shadow compared to the light within the arms of Rosalind. His eyes slid to Aldric and his lips curled watching his eyes grow tired. So innocent, how could he even know of the war going on within the heart of 'that favorite uncle' who slipped you chocolate cakes before bed to make you happy..and whiskey to make you sleep.
Rosalind: She saw the smirk and her shoulders fell inward slightly. She felt her face burn with shame, though her complexion remained as pale as ever. She took a sip of her whisky and set the tumbler down, then with her free hand, smoothed his sweet-smelling hair. Calamus and meadowsweet and the freshness of rain. She placed a kiss to the crown of his head, then glanced back up at the Duke. "My husband had two faces, my lord, though I do not wish to speak ill of the departed. He fought in Skye's honor, and gave his life to the protection of her finest citizens. But he and my friend Peregrine had a quarrel, one he thought best resolved by burning the pirate's ship, and stealing my son from me." It was difficult to discern lie from truth when they were blended together, one and the same. She was practiced, but she was also genuine, and if her hurt was real, so much the better that it was assumed at his passing. He was not a man worthy of wearing black for, but she did. She crossed herself, and though a sudden, almost unstoppable instinct wished she would depart, she stayed. Peregrine was here. Bess was here. Terror was found in many places, but not while they were present.
Beathag: The story of Fearghus Lamont was one that in retrospect Beathag would have wanted to hear. Men often roved with two faces: One of honor, one behind closed doors. The noble mingled with the monstrous until one wasn't able to be told from the other. Adam was home from his missions of war and politics. Word could be sanctified, things proven true. If only she had the voice to ask it! "Ahdam." Sh went to him and gently hugged him where Aodhan was boisterous, waving to the young Aldric and the pirate across the way. Children had not the same discrimination in personality as adults. His question was one that inspired a natural stillness...and even if she was going to conjure up the words, it was evident that she needed cider first to warm the muscles and open up the blasted voice box. Even then, did she want to tell that story? The knuckles had been bandaged on each hand with small strips of muslin, and the palms were raw.
Adam: Reaching around the lad, Adam drank another from the tankard and looked to Rosalind... "We shall speak nae more o' it then... unless yae need tae..." giving his full attention to Aodhan as he ruffled the boy's dark curly hair and inquiring about his time here at dockside. Ah, finally some affection from her... it wasn't the usual, but it would suffice... but still no answer to his question. Shifting, he urged Aodhan to sit in the other chair or go upstairs to play... with such questions unanswered, he knew it would best have the boy elsewhere...
Rosalind: Rosalind nodded. "Thank you, Your Grace." She averted her attention from the Lord and Lady, turning away to give them privacy if they wished. Rosalind knew nothing of Bess's injuries, nor of Adam's. News had not yet reached her of either, but she did lead a rather secluded life, even on the best of days. She joggled Aldric on her leg, which made him giggle, and picked up the dice where Perry had left them. Her luck was notoriously horrible, so if they gambled now for that doubloon, it was almost assured Aldric would keep it. Sure enough, the first roll went to him, and she laughingly pinched his cheek. Which, of course, all children enjoy....
Beathag: Was he well? Did he have a need? She reached out for him with two hands to rub along his forearms, one of the sleeves on her garment loose and shifting upward.
Adam: Her wounds could only come from a fight... but who would Bess fight but him... His mind roamed endlessly in avenues of how and why... until he just looked at her... those sea-greens seemed to ask yet again his questions...Seeing the bruises on her wrists, he pulled the sleeves back down... "Ah bae home... seems we need tae talk... coom when yae can..." then Adam stands up, takes a last look at Pere and smirks, he nods his head in respect to Lady Lamont... Finally kissing Bess on the cheek and walks out...
Beathag: I can't tell ye..I can't tell ye... The eyes seemed to say as he looked at her injuries a head shook as if to suggest the topic should be best left alone. Raw hand brushed his face before he would take his leave, and his lips were captured. For no matter how much one suffered one never forgets love. "Go-od night." When he left, she nodded to Rosalind, collected Aodhan, and slowly made her way back up the stairs.
Peregrine: "Wash that smirk off his face." Ahhh a weakness! His voice was a hiss leaving his lips, but a whisper none the less.
Rosalind: "Would it have killed you to call him 'Your Grace,' Perry?" she whispered, in a tone that suggested she knew it probably would. She held his hand under the edge of the counter. He truly was selfless, but he cared. She believed he did, anyway. Slightly rolling her eyes at the exchange with the Duke, on his and her behalf, she took another sip of her whisky, only to find as she set the tumbler down that Adam and Bess had both left.
Peregrine: "You think that would fix things?" He laughed lightly, "Rosalind this entire Isle knows what I've done to bring it down, when are you going to see that?" He asked standing from his stool clearly done, "Better get your boy home, and back into his tomb. The hour grows late, and it's a full moon tonight. Where are your henchmen?" Eying the room he would easily spot the Lamont men, as always he waited for them to spring upon him.
Rosalind: He should stop doing things to make them want to spring upon him. Rosalind grabbed his hand, stopping him from leaving for just a moment. "I am not the entire Isle." She was not naive. She knew many had cause to doubt him, even hate him. But he had done nothing of the sort to her. She was not going to insist on that fact anymore, since he seemed immune to hearing it. Maybe this was something he needed to do on his own. Maybe he didn't wish redemption, and that too she accepted. And why she let go of his hand. "Enjoy your moon, my friend. I will be watching it too." Aldric reached out for Perry, mimicking his mother, but Rosalind merely grasped his hand in her own and gave it little shake, which he didn't appreciate. Three years old, and he hated being patronized.
Peregrine: He would grin down to Aldric flashing the boy his pearly whites, behind his lips a secret. "It is the Waking Moon, Rosie. The trees will be dressed, the dances in circles..A sight you should see. Hell this entire Isle needs to see the color return. It is a time of peace now, bond with him, with your friends. You've got a court to win now don't you? A clan to lead?" Placing his hands upon his knees he bent to become eye level with the boy, "What are you going buy with your coin?" "Honeys." Chuckling then the pirate shook his head, "No no M'boy, we don't pay for honey around here, but we'll work on that." A ruffle to the child's hair, it pained him to feel an attachment growing...but the last time that happened..turned up to be a black knight who killed thousands. Oops.
Rosalind: "Hmph," was her only response to Aldric's early penchant for whoring. "Not for a while yet, my dear. Not for a long time, hopefully." She smiled. Peregrine had a way of saying farewells that sounded like goodbyes to her ears, but she was glad to hear that at least he was saying he would work on Aldric with his 'honeys.' "I wish to see it all, of course. And the court and I are rather reconciled. They are quick to forget how much more they preferred my husband." She didn't dare smile at that joke, but she did rise from her seat, lift Aldric and plant him on her hip, both arms wrapped around him. The Lamont men rose, too, one of whom picked up her now dried cloak and tucking it around Rosalind's shoulders when she turned her back to him. "I am very busy during the day. I prefer it this way." She leaned over Aldric and gave Perry a chaste kiss on the cheek. And then she left.