Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Apr 28, 2009 13:47:17 GMT -6
Beathag: The night's thrill didn't subside with the rising of the sun, but increased as morning crept up over the mountains only to burst with no modesty into a brazen glory; the sun's raw power caught the polished stone in the courtyard, setting the symbol affire. In the vaulted halls where the Mo'r Oukselo stood, even the North was catapulted into a wash of fire as light poured in through the glass domes. Today, the honored would awaken to this and go on with new things in their lives, and the exalted, too, would progress. Her steps had carried her outward to the garden, wherein free of the black and gold of yestereve, she was still no less resplendid in olive greens and and gold. Earth suited her, good and whole. Once, no one had seen her much in even a skirt, now? The sound of boot heels under good dresses was common place. A flick of hair was made to join the rest behind a gold and tiger's eye barrete. Work was on her thoughts, necessity, but unlike some who cling to desks her mind worked best while things cycled. That, and from a long ago occurence, there were standing orders that the woman was not allowed to be too long kept at a desk. Beathag behind shut doors, behind walls within walls need not be allowed to flourish. (d)
Aman-un-Din: The value of land in his country was high, for with some measure of land you could live and live well if it was fertile, prosperous land. In a place that was still foreign, in a place that was far from his origins, never did he think to achieve all that he had. In the night of yestereve, Beathag had given him land, land to call his own and do with as he wished. Forced to say yes and grateful beyond words, the thought of what he would do with such a gracious offer never left his mind. Dressed in robes of beige and gold, the decorative abaya striped in those brilliant colours as he moved out into the gardens, the perfect place to think and walk. The limp that he acquired from the assault on Turas Lan was gone now, healed, and the wounds that lingered on his shoulder and torso had the stitchings removed not so long ago and were on the mend for their own. Spring was indeed a glorious season. Raven waves of hair were hidden under the pale kufiyya, crowned with a gold and white agal on top of his head. The traditional dagger was tucked in the sash around his waist under the abaya, but with his arms crossed over his chest, it was temperarily hidden from view. Even his hands disppeared as they slipped under the sleeves, leaving only the markings on his cheeks visible. White boots echoed against the stone as he moved; dark eyes traveled this way and that to survey the gardens, and who better to find than theLady of Nations herself, Beathag. ``Once more, my Lady Bess, I thank you for your spledid and more than generous gift to me. Seems Spring has inspired not only the Earth.`` He said with a side smirk, approaching the tall woman from the side
Beathag: The flowers smelled sweet; heavy, heady honies and light touches of water and wind. The earth was the empty vessel that the Goddess and God filled with wonders; those, to her, were the greatest of all sovereigns. Old pagan principles held like the wonder of a child in emeraldine gaze opening just then. Turning her head, she saw the Lord Advisor approach with a smile on his face. To her, he was no foreigner. His facial markings and the copper-coloring of his skin nor the accent on his tongue differed from thinking of him as any less than native to the region where strange ways were already indiginous. Her full height came as she let her back come up from paying tribute to the Spanish Roses. "Ye are welcome, m'Lord Aman, but twas deserved. M'thinks e'eryone ought have a true place tha' they might call home. If Spring inspires more than earth, wot does it inspire?" Why not begin questions with a lighter one, though she knew an answer his seemed wise beyond comparison. He advised both herself and Adam, more herself in these times when his business was vast so that his sage knowledge my lend influence to her mindset. If anything, Spring at least inspired a woman whom for once didn't limp, nor creak, nor have any visible signs of outward pain. Her face glowed, her eyes were bright, the mind? Ready and sharp (d)
Aman-un-Din: But to many others, he was. Aman-ud-Din made no effort to adapt to the clothing that the European nations wore, he kept to his traditional robes because they were a comfort that he would not give up. Here, the people of Skye and of the Gaelic Nations as a whole did not disciminate against him. Of course, some did, but they were no where in the same number value as other countries he visited. Coming to a stop beside her, dark eyes drifted down to the rose, beautiful in colour and fully bloomed. Desert Rose...it had him wishing for Tahirah for a brief moment. However, before that dismal thought could dampen his mood, Aman-ud-Din pushed it aside and turned his attention back to Beathag. Did he deserve land? What had he done that was worth such an honourable price? Aman-ud-Din did not know, but he would not question it. Instead, he smiled and nodded. ``Spring is the season for rebirth and renewal. Christ himself was born again into the hands of his Father to sit at the Right Seat so one day our soul could be born again to Heaven and worth of He that created us. Spring, my dear Lady Bess, is the coming of all things new, and I see that rebirth in both you and Adam. Both of you have changed, and from the looks of it, for the better. You are happier, smiling more, and after this war, the world seems a brighter place. The Lady of the Gaelic Nations has risen like the firebird to spark a new beginning. That, is what Spring has inspired and revealed.``
Beathag: "The fires o' Beltane will burn now, n' this is the season where the old ones believe the union between the Father n' Mother o' the world create the flowers, the fields, n' the ripeness o' the world tha' makes the new possible. If yer Christ sits on the hand o' his father n' professes himself in this season, o' an eternal glory n' promise, than' tis all the better isn't it?" The tone of her voice, too, had changed. Jovial injection permeated the round- about of the middle-toned alto, for she had a voice deeper than most women, though only in expressing the deeper mysteries of the feminine. Still, with the tenderness it had the alto could easily transistion to other tones. In Gaelic twas said her voice was pure poetry. English did not sound so terrible if one heard no anger in it, and the mirth made it quite impossible to deny how infectious her joy was. Spring brought for the the real Beathag, the one who lived beneath weight, sorry, strength and tribulation. Whom only needed a little coaxing, a little joy of her own. Newly risen bird turned the shade of soft pink on her face, "Then, Aman, will ye help the firebird learn tae fly? There is much tae dae n' this new world, at home n' within the places beyond it. Ah'd like tae know how tae assure our people tha' this newness will nay fade from them. We are so large now." Adam took reigns of a great giant creature and rode it, while his wife had developed a pragmatism to counter the development of his rising confidence. Neither had seemed to have this earlier, demonstrating their growth as people. One couldn't change the scope of the world. But home was the firmament. Turas Lan and Skye the firmament. This must be made resolute. " There must be much doubt, n' Ah can nay blame them if there is." (d)
Eamonn: In his bartione voice was the native accent of his people from the Eastern Sands, the Arabian descent. Even though the common tongue somewhat dilluted that accent, it was still evident and prominent. As it was his duty as an Advisor to lend his thoughts and theologies to the reigning couple, it was his duty as a friend to see to the best interests of Adam and Bess, the two people that gave this 'infidel' a chance to defy that accusation. His gaze drifted to theflowers again for a moment, staring at their rich and vibrant colours. For a moment he was silent, listening simply to his friend as she spoke. ``Both you and Adam have taken up a responsibility, a great one to a great many nations. The doubt you speak of, I think, is the doubt of endurance. How long can Skye's capital hold onto outlying nations? Empires expand, but if they expand too hastily, they collapse from within. That is something you do not want. You must be able to keep and hold what is yours. Unfortunately, that strength does not only stem from the love of people. Beathag...walk with me.`` He said, and unfolding his long arms, one was offered to Bess to take and when she did, he began to follow the path of the gardens. ``Adam is ambitous, his heart is in the right place, but he seeks to do what should be done over the course of time. There is no sense in lingering on such now, for he has that, but now the next challenge is to care for the seeds and garden you have created. It is never easy, from what I have seen and read, to hold distant lands. If Adam wishes to keep and rule what he has now, he must find a way to secure the stability of his outlying nations. But, not without being certain that your captial...this country, is strong. I do not like to point out mistakes, but we must at times to better ourselves and learn. Skye stretched itself dangerously thin, with more than half the military away from the isle, it was prime opportunity to destory the only strength of Skye, the Captial Isle. Skye was fortunate to survive, but I think God kept us alive and prosperous for a reason. To learn and do better. We must, Bess, for no matter what shall come of the world or the other nations you both now reign, Skye will be the capital, the Golden City in which all who seek freedom and librations will come to...and attract the envous who seek to have what they cannot.``
Beathag: The baritone mingled with alto and so their duet was of the governance, of mistakes and accomplishments. Of good hearts and the necessity to strengthen. Of promises, one questioned how to keep them while the other gave caution and true advice. She took his arm without reservation so the infidel and the heathen could walk together through the garden. They were not ones to sit at tables and talk over parchment piles. Action spoke loudly with words. She looked at him, nodding in agreeance, looking forward as her mind began to take root of what he said for question, or for silent thought. If one never knew the woman, they would swear she never listened. She yelled, but never was still. Stubborn refusal was the hallmark of her creed. Strange to think the infamous assesment was put to a woman who was currently so quiet it might shock one who had seen her bellow over rope lines with ships. "This beh true, n' has been my chief thought. In our absence tae uphold a promise e'en across the water, on the mainland..our home could have fallen. It came dangerously close, n' tha' is somethin I wish nay to see again. Good men n' women nearly died of utter exhaustion afore tha'. There are many still comin' by ship now, with the zeal tae serve here, n' native villagers n' citizens of the cities such as stornoway on lewis Isle, but a few miles hence o' here, who have expressed want tae replace the tired n' weary. Ah have heard it said they are vera skilled. Ah'd like tae have these men n' women, tae come, n' show their skills while those such as Eamonn n' Kendrew n' Balian can rest, and their only duty tae look o'er these people n' place their trusted among them, tae help shape them. There is no way to expect men to be made of iron. Outside of these walls, the camps went nearly poor with supplies of all sorts. Tired, from long watches n' succumbed. O'er the long seasons, the reserves were butchered. Hindsight is sickeningly clear, Aman, very clear. Neither the capital nor Skye can succumb. There is a secondary place, on the Isle of Lewis, called Stornoway, with another principle castle, n' such, ready tae serve as an interim site for the government God forbid should the golden city fall. No, we must nay be unawares again." Men such as Eamonn, Balian, and Kendrew or Flynn that remained could look to their ranks for the trusted to aid them in replenishing forces of the local, avid volunteers who had served as perhaps yeoman recruits or under the lord or lady of a particular estate, so that as the forces at home rebuilt themselves, grew better during rest skills could be had. Fortifications in place for command and government. The tired, too, wouldtook or their diligence. Eamonn was infamous for exhausting himself to sickness. Balian, too, took hard hits where Kendrew and Flynn continued to move with haphazard parts. " We should know whom makes a seat for themselves on the islands at our coasts, tae, more firmly. they are the first outer ring sae tha' the enemy may nay come in. " Her mind did work in a triple ring. Turas Lan, then out to he coverage of the main island, then to the ring of those around it. This was their insular barrier and then to the inner circle. "Wot think you we need to be truly prepared, Aman, and to uplift? There is the matter of defense, to which any further suggest ah'll see implimented most readily, n' there is also such matters as our new time..ah have called for education to be made readily available about the island, sae tha' one need nay come just tae Turas Lan. Things such as this, the trades n' education, sae tha' towns n' cities may grow strong, proud?" (d)
Aman-un-Din: Skye had come dangerously close to being torn asunder, and with it, all the dreams and achievements that had been hard to obtain. Had the force been larger that night of the siege on the city, it would have fallen, Aman-ud-Din did not want to think about that, but it was truth. With little forces in the city, it was nearly defenseless. ``A word of caution, here I will give you, Beathag,`` He said, his eyes glancing her way for but a moment. ``Fulfill promises when you have the means and strength to do so. Who can you safeguard if you yourself are stretched and worn so low?`` Food for thought, in other words, and whether or not Bess knew that, he said it regardless. ``Hindsight always is, Bess, but learn from it, it is how we all must act, not to linger in the dismal gloom this war has brought.`` He added, and his other hand patting Bess' arm looped with his. When his hand lowered, his eyes drifted to the sky as he thought. ``There is no clear answer for that, Beathag, I am afraid. But, there are a few things that do need tending to. Our defenses, our military is needed not simply for campaigns, but as a home defense. Chose wisely your reasons for going overseas with any amount of military, make sure that you do not leave the home so bare again. I say start there, the sense of security will work its way back into the cities and people will feel safe and not have that looming threat of another attempted oppression. Education is a good thing to address as well. Plant education facilities carefully, so you do not use all your funds and leave the treasury bare. That would not be a good thing, and unfortunate you need money to build an empire.`` But, Aman-ud-Din smirked. ``I think the people are already proud, and after the lingering reminants of the war are gone, you will see your people strong. They will come to you if they need you, they will look to you if they need it. But remember to be just and not overbearing. Firm but fair. Of course, this you already know. But with the festivities upon us, the people's spirits are lifting, and that...my dear friend, is most important. There is nothing stronger than human faith and will. I once knew a man who traveled miles in the heat and sand with a gaping wound in his side. He made it back to the city and lived. Will and faith that he would survive kept him going.``
Beathag: One ought not extend oneself too far, even at home, for promises required means on which to keep them, of both time of self and substance in funds. Their treasuries were substantial, but it would be a lie to think that two and a half seasons of war didn't make a drain, foreign affairs, supplies, payments and choked trade routes contributed to puttng the city at a standstill for which even the smallest length of time could hurt. Right now was a time of recovery, so the implimenting of the Mor' Triath's taxes would not come to those who were unable. Even among the peerage, those donating both taxes and invididual resource of land, money, and goods needed time to re-establish themselves. She nodded while he rubbed at her arm. There was no way to deny that Beathag had felt a tremendous sense of guilt. Would it have made a difference had she not been fufilling a duty in Edinburgh? Family matters couldn't mix with the person, so that much went unstated. With the King's death and Adam's acquisition of the realm, such duty would not be a matter again. She had quite enough to survey in Turas Lan, on the Isle, that would require a good Highland eye. "Aye, ye are right, aye," she would say, letting a finger brush along her chin. "Reform begins small, n' then grows. Nothin' comes of always rushin, n' it will bloom itself." Small schools, for the children and interested, could be set in a local church or empty home. it could be anywhere, and tradesmen themselves began to form local guilds that would join with the great establishments of the city, so therein the trade would begin. Those could be written of so one knew what one had, and lists made so people might find such places. The written word could be printed, too, as well as hand written. Good! So what was said of local means boaded well with this, for if it hadn't she would have set to amend things expediently. She had found a great many donors for the project of transmitting oral and written history within Skye and Scotland, and as the others began to align themselves small word of them, too, for those languages, and their examples? Garnered from Skye itself. Home was very important. "Ah've great hope n' the system o' mercantile n' such trade. It comes along well, and people are rebuildin' themselves, and with the festitvities more and more come forward each day. Ah look out of the gates n' see them move again. For a long time, nothin' happened. But it is good the past is done..Ah'm glad Ah might give this tae Aodhan fer his birthday." Was that not in a few days time, but three or four infact! The young Prince was to be six, and saying nothing of herself, the Mo'r Ouksela was to be thirty-six. It was her birthday too. "N' the people are good, n' hearty. There shall be fires, n' feasting, n' jousts n' revels because Ah beleive people need tae find good things for a good life. Laughter, smiles. As the defense comes tae security the festivites tae normalcy n' better chances. Some of them be a chance to show skill n' earn merit, jousts, n' there shall be competitions for all sorts in the summer tha' people might take pride in their skills.Wot dae ye think, Aman, tae, about the knittin' taegether of the clans. it seems tae be bodin' well..unusually well, Gods be praised. Have ye idea on how we might include the old traditions n' the new e'en further? Skye is nay different from it's mother mainland in tha' it has many families. Ah'd like to include them in things such as the councils n' encourage them to take the law with pride, because they are the first high people in the local lands tha' hold their homes n' surroundin' villages taegether." (d)
Aman-un-Din: And while Adam might have rushed the decision to expand outward and take over England, there was nothing to be done about it now because it was said and done. Now, they had to hold onto whatever was left and pray that they could keep it. The Aarab nodded beside her, agreeing with her statement of reforming starting off small. That was how it began, small and then extended. So, to hear that from her lips made him smile all the more. At the mention of a happier topic, Aman-ud-Din chuckled. ``That and more, I have no doubt. When is the Little Prince's birthday?`` Aman-ud-Din inquired, arching a brow somewhat. ``Preservation of identity and customs is important. Look at me, I refuse to wear such strange clothes of Europeans.`` He mused before continuing. ``But keep the clans as they are, unite them but let them keep their heritage and their independence. Speaking from a man who was raised in a tribe as well, that self identity is important. But, my dear Beathag, I am afraid I am not much help on how to include old traditions with new, for I do not even know the traditions of the people here.`` Which he didn't Beathag knew more about that than he did. ``But your clans are local enforcement, and principle. Skye is fortunate to have them, to be sure. Make sure the laws appease a good deal of their own thoughts and take, be sure to include their customs in some way, and I think they shall be appeased.``
Beathag: Beathag was glad that Aman-un-Din not only understood the past could not be undone but gave her advice, suggestions, and actions for the current world, if not for the future too. Beathag could not undo the expansion of England or disavow the othernations that followed him so readily. Adam had the ability to leave people spellbound; the effects of the magic lent itself to loyalty and continued efforts, almost back breaking, to uphold what was said. It was important not to burden the local backs without just reward, cause, or without finding their desires in the matter. Change was coming quickly but tradition was important to self identiy as he'd said. "I will encourage them again to make use o' Blue Castle n' have a hand in national decision sae the implimenting of the law has their stamps upon it, sae when they go home it melds in tradition. Ah dae know the traditions of the people here! In fact, Ah could sit anywhere in Scotland n' tell ye how a meetin' gaes among any class on the back of my hand." This pleased her! She did know for she was one! This was a good chance to show that knowledge publiclly by giving the clansmen chance to make audience with her and then on their own, to install them in city councils and encourage them to build up their local ones as it suits the finer aspect of tradition's pleasure. Adam had a good measure of the world from books upward education of a Duke, and this suited him. Her strength was indeed on the fronts of home and the passing of cultures in economics , not utter governance. Each Aberdeen had strengths so it was time to emply them! Adam was a strategic thinker, but Bess' pragmatism could help things grow in an orderly fashion closer to home while he helped with foreign gardens. On to happier subjects, she said, "The Beltane Day, May-Day among Christians. But a few days hence durin' the spring celebrations. We share a day, he and I." She murmured, grinning slightly that she, too, should live to see him be so big! To have lived to see anything, for that matter. "The little Prince grows like a river reed." She captured the griffin and luckenbooth at her neck. Would Adam be about for those days? He still had work to cover in England, and of course she'd celebrate without him, but would miss him a great deal. He and Maahes must work quite well together. Both men came home in occasional exchanges. "Will ye think less of me if Ah tell ye, how utterly terrified Ah've been o' all of this...our holdin' sits like a large creature at the sea...ye can nay hide it nor sink behind mists. N'..with the England, this business. Ah'm afraid o' losin' m'husband. But nay tae steel. In an ocean of ideals n' words. O' him breakin' himself thin. Ah want our home tae be strong sae then these lands may be strong..he can nay dae this all alone, n' he does nay..tae a point. He thinks tae much like a man alone. Ah see it in his eyes. How dae ye hold a poisoned snake in yer hand?" Adam had baskets of them. A wife worried more than of war, but of losing her husband in the reach of his ambitions and ideals. Of children, losing their father. He had spent months abroad before, and while she'd always await his return what if months would become a year? "M' glad ye are m'advisor, Gods know, I will need it more than e'er tae follow m' lord n' husbands will n' give out my own." She was very happy, yet there was a slight tinge of lonliness at times. Of worry. Of her husband's own head and people who'd weasel into it giving him praise or falseness, of breaking him, would be his ultimate ruin. (d)
Aman-un-Din: Adam was a strategic thinker, but even Aman-ud-Din questioned strategies Adam used. Of course, Aman-ud-Din would advise when he was sought and when it was wanted. Otherwise, he would leave the two to rule their lands how they wished. Aman-ud-Din chuckled, Aodhan was growing taller and taller every day, and becoming more and more of the man he was destined to be. But Aman-ud-Din would never think less of a friend because she was human. Dark eyes turned to his friend and he arched that thick brow of his upward. Aman-ud-Din paused in his walking and turned to face Bess now, fully, his arm sliding from hers but not for long. Both, large and long hands took hers and he held them. ``I would never think less of you, Beathag. I understand your concerns, and even felt them at one point in my life. You and Adam now have a large responsibility on your shoulders. It is my personal opinion for what I am about next, but England, will remain England if it so choses. By taken away their king, I fear, that Adam is doing just as England tried to do to not only Skye, but the Isle of Eire and Scotland. I think, and would strongly advise, that to say Adam leave England to England and focus his time and attention on nations that welcome him. You do not hold a poisoned snake unless it is dead. Cast the snake from your hands and from your sight, lest it bite you and poison you as well.`` Aman-ud-Din said, in all seriousness, his accent thick even as his voice lowered so only Beathag could hear him. ``If there is anyone who can clearer reach Adam's mind, it is you, Beathag. See that he does not become the very thing he sought to defeat. He stands upon the edge of a knife, Beathag...and is in danger of falling.``
Beathag: "Can I? I will try, Ah will dae, he's...taken York, the North, Adam...they are on the verge of London. Ah'm despise the man tha' sits on Englands throne because o' wot he does tae people, nay the people themselves dae I disdain. Adam has the same..force, the same...ability tae draw as his father." No one could deny that, they'd be a fool if they did. For the good, Adam could draw the same stamina just as Maubrey could for evil, but both could convince,could persuade, could draw reasons out of thin air and kill old logic to nothing but ghosts. She held Aman-un-Din's hands tightly. Only in this conference would she say how terrified she was, and in his company received a comfort she hadn't these months. Adam held back, but a little now. Before he'd held back now when she told him the line between himself and his father was razor-thin, and no matter to what ends, do their ends hold more justice? "Ah vow to ye Ah will dae everythin n' my power, Aman. Ah dun nay want anyone to pay the price for this. Remember ye the Lady St. Laurence, o' yestereve? She will be a counselor, a secondary head of advice, and beneath ye. Work with her. If anyone might find ambassadors it is the head of an ambassador , a keen advisor, n' between ye two genius minds." If Adam had trusted heads that went where he often went himself, then he would be home more and privy to see his success, learn of faults, and make remedy of them, but as it is one could not reach a man hundreds of miles away with no one as eye nor ear. "A wife's pleadin' will only go sae far." The woman appealed to, to his sense of politic. God knows Beathag had become rather keen. She'd done a lot of thinking. She wanted to do a lot of acting. "Ah want ye tae speak with Claramae n' become familiar with her, n' Sorschal. Their faces are as political enties but their profession beh somethin' entirely different. Sorschal's given Claramae leave tae gae tae England tae keep Adam's head on his shoulders..literally. Ah'd like ye tae help her with a legitamte manifest too." She sat on a bench nearby and sighed. Worried, yet unburdened of these things to another ear did give her some hope. "Sorschal said somewot tae me tha' I think is vera true. Find way to hold firm all this or the ways tha' they must employ will nay be pleasant. The Black Talons are pullin' the remainin' weight of wot we do nay see onto their shoulders, they'll risk their own exposure if stretched to thin." With a legitmate face, their minds in the use of Aman-un-Din would help secure the political firmament for the military men once given leave to hold trainings and make use of their own would hold the defense. Miltiary men had no mind for politics. Politicians should not give the military another war, either. Alendral was doing well to keep the things that were in shadows in shadows, and lost half of his new initiates because of it (d)
Aman-un-Din England had been pushed back from the shores of Skye, and during the state of rebuild, Adam was still about attacking while his capital was rebuilding. It was a dangerous thing to do, but no matter what, Aman-ud-Din knew that England would remain England and would not he held under the knife even by a man who said he wanted 'peace'. His actions were not too far from what Maubrey saught to do. ``Adam has noble intentions, but that is not what this invasion of England presents. With Maubrey's expending of his forces, England I suspect is weak, even before Adam's assault on the country. Now, he might send a different message, one less kind. I know you will do what you can, Beathag, I know that you shall.`` And he did. However, Adam would only listen for so long before he did as he pleased, but hopefully he owuld listen at least to his wife. When Beathag went on, he listened well and remembered the names that she spoke of, placing them in his memory bank for later usage. Beathag sat down, and the lofty Arab say down beside her on the bench, his hands releasing hers. Silently, he wrapped an arm around Beathag's shoulders and pulled her close to him for a comforting embrace, his hand rubbed the side of her arm and shoulder. ``I willgo where you wish me to, Beathag. But, you need someone here, with you, and while Claramae will attempt to keep Adam's mind focused, you are in need of a friend aswell. I will speak to Claramae. But, it is important that Adam treads carefully or he will excite and spark another war. His presence in England is a threat, and with Maahes and an army there..well I fear we will be headed for another war and more pain. Sometimes, a pacifist action is the right course. It does not hurt to attempt it, and in the meantime, Skye and her nations can build. Politics, war, as I have learned, is a game of chess. You cannot always be on offense. It takes a mastery of placement and patience. I might not be the most educated man in the realm of politics, but I can try and pray to God for wisdom and understanding.`` Aman-ud-Din patted her shoulder. ``But right now, Beathag, you have a beautiful little girl and a handsome son to worry about. Let us worry about the political influences of Adam. You have endured much, my friend, now it is time for you to take your own small measure of peace while it is here before you.``
Beathag: "Claramae and Alendral's minds will dae well with you. They can hold up monarchs...as successful as they dismantle others. Their loyalty is absolout once given. I would neither them, nor ye, nor any rue tae regret that." Shenoded as he spoke, and actually leaned into his hug and nodded. One need not respond to his words. Patience - chess - yes, he'd get along with Claramae and Alendral quite well. He advised the master-mind and with their masterminds the two would help him control the others. Claramae would be good reason and defense for Adam in England, and Maahes, too. Alendral would be good to help Aman here at home, for there was no way she would part with Aman by sending him abroad. At the mention of the childen she grinned, "My daughter also grows lke a reed," She was going to be a little girl given not to the extremes of her parent's height, but still a suitable stature a good few inches taller than the common woman. She was a beautiful child, indeed. "Ah ove tae care for them, tha' is m'greatest pride. Playin' horse tae their need tae get round n' fufillin their needs n' whims." Beathag was a good mother among other things. Adam said she was beautiful, and to see it for themselves with a child of their own was just as she should be. Yes, she was a hearth woman at heart. Large families and rooms filled with generations. A spread apart family must indeed be lonely, so one together was a blessing. Aislin's quiet emptiness coupled with her continued questions. Eamonn's stone face but his smile when he was happy. "M'nephew, is speakin again, Caldean tells me. N' Caldean himself has gotten better by the day, sae spring can dae many things. Thank you, Aman." She hugged him tightly. "Thank you." (d)\
Aman-un-Din: The value of land in his country was high, for with some measure of land you could live and live well if it was fertile, prosperous land. In a place that was still foreign, in a place that was far from his origins, never did he think to achieve all that he had. In the night of yestereve, Beathag had given him land, land to call his own and do with as he wished. Forced to say yes and grateful beyond words, the thought of what he would do with such a gracious offer never left his mind. Dressed in robes of beige and gold, the decorative abaya striped in those brilliant colours as he moved out into the gardens, the perfect place to think and walk. The limp that he acquired from the assault on Turas Lan was gone now, healed, and the wounds that lingered on his shoulder and torso had the stitchings removed not so long ago and were on the mend for their own. Spring was indeed a glorious season. Raven waves of hair were hidden under the pale kufiyya, crowned with a gold and white agal on top of his head. The traditional dagger was tucked in the sash around his waist under the abaya, but with his arms crossed over his chest, it was temperarily hidden from view. Even his hands disppeared as they slipped under the sleeves, leaving only the markings on his cheeks visible. White boots echoed against the stone as he moved; dark eyes traveled this way and that to survey the gardens, and who better to find than theLady of Nations herself, Beathag. ``Once more, my Lady Bess, I thank you for your spledid and more than generous gift to me. Seems Spring has inspired not only the Earth.`` He said with a side smirk, approaching the tall woman from the side
Beathag: The flowers smelled sweet; heavy, heady honies and light touches of water and wind. The earth was the empty vessel that the Goddess and God filled with wonders; those, to her, were the greatest of all sovereigns. Old pagan principles held like the wonder of a child in emeraldine gaze opening just then. Turning her head, she saw the Lord Advisor approach with a smile on his face. To her, he was no foreigner. His facial markings and the copper-coloring of his skin nor the accent on his tongue differed from thinking of him as any less than native to the region where strange ways were already indiginous. Her full height came as she let her back come up from paying tribute to the Spanish Roses. "Ye are welcome, m'Lord Aman, but twas deserved. M'thinks e'eryone ought have a true place tha' they might call home. If Spring inspires more than earth, wot does it inspire?" Why not begin questions with a lighter one, though she knew an answer his seemed wise beyond comparison. He advised both herself and Adam, more herself in these times when his business was vast so that his sage knowledge my lend influence to her mindset. If anything, Spring at least inspired a woman whom for once didn't limp, nor creak, nor have any visible signs of outward pain. Her face glowed, her eyes were bright, the mind? Ready and sharp (d)
Aman-un-Din: But to many others, he was. Aman-ud-Din made no effort to adapt to the clothing that the European nations wore, he kept to his traditional robes because they were a comfort that he would not give up. Here, the people of Skye and of the Gaelic Nations as a whole did not disciminate against him. Of course, some did, but they were no where in the same number value as other countries he visited. Coming to a stop beside her, dark eyes drifted down to the rose, beautiful in colour and fully bloomed. Desert Rose...it had him wishing for Tahirah for a brief moment. However, before that dismal thought could dampen his mood, Aman-ud-Din pushed it aside and turned his attention back to Beathag. Did he deserve land? What had he done that was worth such an honourable price? Aman-ud-Din did not know, but he would not question it. Instead, he smiled and nodded. ``Spring is the season for rebirth and renewal. Christ himself was born again into the hands of his Father to sit at the Right Seat so one day our soul could be born again to Heaven and worth of He that created us. Spring, my dear Lady Bess, is the coming of all things new, and I see that rebirth in both you and Adam. Both of you have changed, and from the looks of it, for the better. You are happier, smiling more, and after this war, the world seems a brighter place. The Lady of the Gaelic Nations has risen like the firebird to spark a new beginning. That, is what Spring has inspired and revealed.``
Beathag: "The fires o' Beltane will burn now, n' this is the season where the old ones believe the union between the Father n' Mother o' the world create the flowers, the fields, n' the ripeness o' the world tha' makes the new possible. If yer Christ sits on the hand o' his father n' professes himself in this season, o' an eternal glory n' promise, than' tis all the better isn't it?" The tone of her voice, too, had changed. Jovial injection permeated the round- about of the middle-toned alto, for she had a voice deeper than most women, though only in expressing the deeper mysteries of the feminine. Still, with the tenderness it had the alto could easily transistion to other tones. In Gaelic twas said her voice was pure poetry. English did not sound so terrible if one heard no anger in it, and the mirth made it quite impossible to deny how infectious her joy was. Spring brought for the the real Beathag, the one who lived beneath weight, sorry, strength and tribulation. Whom only needed a little coaxing, a little joy of her own. Newly risen bird turned the shade of soft pink on her face, "Then, Aman, will ye help the firebird learn tae fly? There is much tae dae n' this new world, at home n' within the places beyond it. Ah'd like tae know how tae assure our people tha' this newness will nay fade from them. We are so large now." Adam took reigns of a great giant creature and rode it, while his wife had developed a pragmatism to counter the development of his rising confidence. Neither had seemed to have this earlier, demonstrating their growth as people. One couldn't change the scope of the world. But home was the firmament. Turas Lan and Skye the firmament. This must be made resolute. " There must be much doubt, n' Ah can nay blame them if there is." (d)
Eamonn: In his bartione voice was the native accent of his people from the Eastern Sands, the Arabian descent. Even though the common tongue somewhat dilluted that accent, it was still evident and prominent. As it was his duty as an Advisor to lend his thoughts and theologies to the reigning couple, it was his duty as a friend to see to the best interests of Adam and Bess, the two people that gave this 'infidel' a chance to defy that accusation. His gaze drifted to theflowers again for a moment, staring at their rich and vibrant colours. For a moment he was silent, listening simply to his friend as she spoke. ``Both you and Adam have taken up a responsibility, a great one to a great many nations. The doubt you speak of, I think, is the doubt of endurance. How long can Skye's capital hold onto outlying nations? Empires expand, but if they expand too hastily, they collapse from within. That is something you do not want. You must be able to keep and hold what is yours. Unfortunately, that strength does not only stem from the love of people. Beathag...walk with me.`` He said, and unfolding his long arms, one was offered to Bess to take and when she did, he began to follow the path of the gardens. ``Adam is ambitous, his heart is in the right place, but he seeks to do what should be done over the course of time. There is no sense in lingering on such now, for he has that, but now the next challenge is to care for the seeds and garden you have created. It is never easy, from what I have seen and read, to hold distant lands. If Adam wishes to keep and rule what he has now, he must find a way to secure the stability of his outlying nations. But, not without being certain that your captial...this country, is strong. I do not like to point out mistakes, but we must at times to better ourselves and learn. Skye stretched itself dangerously thin, with more than half the military away from the isle, it was prime opportunity to destory the only strength of Skye, the Captial Isle. Skye was fortunate to survive, but I think God kept us alive and prosperous for a reason. To learn and do better. We must, Bess, for no matter what shall come of the world or the other nations you both now reign, Skye will be the capital, the Golden City in which all who seek freedom and librations will come to...and attract the envous who seek to have what they cannot.``
Beathag: The baritone mingled with alto and so their duet was of the governance, of mistakes and accomplishments. Of good hearts and the necessity to strengthen. Of promises, one questioned how to keep them while the other gave caution and true advice. She took his arm without reservation so the infidel and the heathen could walk together through the garden. They were not ones to sit at tables and talk over parchment piles. Action spoke loudly with words. She looked at him, nodding in agreeance, looking forward as her mind began to take root of what he said for question, or for silent thought. If one never knew the woman, they would swear she never listened. She yelled, but never was still. Stubborn refusal was the hallmark of her creed. Strange to think the infamous assesment was put to a woman who was currently so quiet it might shock one who had seen her bellow over rope lines with ships. "This beh true, n' has been my chief thought. In our absence tae uphold a promise e'en across the water, on the mainland..our home could have fallen. It came dangerously close, n' tha' is somethin I wish nay to see again. Good men n' women nearly died of utter exhaustion afore tha'. There are many still comin' by ship now, with the zeal tae serve here, n' native villagers n' citizens of the cities such as stornoway on lewis Isle, but a few miles hence o' here, who have expressed want tae replace the tired n' weary. Ah have heard it said they are vera skilled. Ah'd like tae have these men n' women, tae come, n' show their skills while those such as Eamonn n' Kendrew n' Balian can rest, and their only duty tae look o'er these people n' place their trusted among them, tae help shape them. There is no way to expect men to be made of iron. Outside of these walls, the camps went nearly poor with supplies of all sorts. Tired, from long watches n' succumbed. O'er the long seasons, the reserves were butchered. Hindsight is sickeningly clear, Aman, very clear. Neither the capital nor Skye can succumb. There is a secondary place, on the Isle of Lewis, called Stornoway, with another principle castle, n' such, ready tae serve as an interim site for the government God forbid should the golden city fall. No, we must nay be unawares again." Men such as Eamonn, Balian, and Kendrew or Flynn that remained could look to their ranks for the trusted to aid them in replenishing forces of the local, avid volunteers who had served as perhaps yeoman recruits or under the lord or lady of a particular estate, so that as the forces at home rebuilt themselves, grew better during rest skills could be had. Fortifications in place for command and government. The tired, too, wouldtook or their diligence. Eamonn was infamous for exhausting himself to sickness. Balian, too, took hard hits where Kendrew and Flynn continued to move with haphazard parts. " We should know whom makes a seat for themselves on the islands at our coasts, tae, more firmly. they are the first outer ring sae tha' the enemy may nay come in. " Her mind did work in a triple ring. Turas Lan, then out to he coverage of the main island, then to the ring of those around it. This was their insular barrier and then to the inner circle. "Wot think you we need to be truly prepared, Aman, and to uplift? There is the matter of defense, to which any further suggest ah'll see implimented most readily, n' there is also such matters as our new time..ah have called for education to be made readily available about the island, sae tha' one need nay come just tae Turas Lan. Things such as this, the trades n' education, sae tha' towns n' cities may grow strong, proud?" (d)
Aman-un-Din: Skye had come dangerously close to being torn asunder, and with it, all the dreams and achievements that had been hard to obtain. Had the force been larger that night of the siege on the city, it would have fallen, Aman-ud-Din did not want to think about that, but it was truth. With little forces in the city, it was nearly defenseless. ``A word of caution, here I will give you, Beathag,`` He said, his eyes glancing her way for but a moment. ``Fulfill promises when you have the means and strength to do so. Who can you safeguard if you yourself are stretched and worn so low?`` Food for thought, in other words, and whether or not Bess knew that, he said it regardless. ``Hindsight always is, Bess, but learn from it, it is how we all must act, not to linger in the dismal gloom this war has brought.`` He added, and his other hand patting Bess' arm looped with his. When his hand lowered, his eyes drifted to the sky as he thought. ``There is no clear answer for that, Beathag, I am afraid. But, there are a few things that do need tending to. Our defenses, our military is needed not simply for campaigns, but as a home defense. Chose wisely your reasons for going overseas with any amount of military, make sure that you do not leave the home so bare again. I say start there, the sense of security will work its way back into the cities and people will feel safe and not have that looming threat of another attempted oppression. Education is a good thing to address as well. Plant education facilities carefully, so you do not use all your funds and leave the treasury bare. That would not be a good thing, and unfortunate you need money to build an empire.`` But, Aman-ud-Din smirked. ``I think the people are already proud, and after the lingering reminants of the war are gone, you will see your people strong. They will come to you if they need you, they will look to you if they need it. But remember to be just and not overbearing. Firm but fair. Of course, this you already know. But with the festivities upon us, the people's spirits are lifting, and that...my dear friend, is most important. There is nothing stronger than human faith and will. I once knew a man who traveled miles in the heat and sand with a gaping wound in his side. He made it back to the city and lived. Will and faith that he would survive kept him going.``
Beathag: One ought not extend oneself too far, even at home, for promises required means on which to keep them, of both time of self and substance in funds. Their treasuries were substantial, but it would be a lie to think that two and a half seasons of war didn't make a drain, foreign affairs, supplies, payments and choked trade routes contributed to puttng the city at a standstill for which even the smallest length of time could hurt. Right now was a time of recovery, so the implimenting of the Mor' Triath's taxes would not come to those who were unable. Even among the peerage, those donating both taxes and invididual resource of land, money, and goods needed time to re-establish themselves. She nodded while he rubbed at her arm. There was no way to deny that Beathag had felt a tremendous sense of guilt. Would it have made a difference had she not been fufilling a duty in Edinburgh? Family matters couldn't mix with the person, so that much went unstated. With the King's death and Adam's acquisition of the realm, such duty would not be a matter again. She had quite enough to survey in Turas Lan, on the Isle, that would require a good Highland eye. "Aye, ye are right, aye," she would say, letting a finger brush along her chin. "Reform begins small, n' then grows. Nothin' comes of always rushin, n' it will bloom itself." Small schools, for the children and interested, could be set in a local church or empty home. it could be anywhere, and tradesmen themselves began to form local guilds that would join with the great establishments of the city, so therein the trade would begin. Those could be written of so one knew what one had, and lists made so people might find such places. The written word could be printed, too, as well as hand written. Good! So what was said of local means boaded well with this, for if it hadn't she would have set to amend things expediently. She had found a great many donors for the project of transmitting oral and written history within Skye and Scotland, and as the others began to align themselves small word of them, too, for those languages, and their examples? Garnered from Skye itself. Home was very important. "Ah've great hope n' the system o' mercantile n' such trade. It comes along well, and people are rebuildin' themselves, and with the festitvities more and more come forward each day. Ah look out of the gates n' see them move again. For a long time, nothin' happened. But it is good the past is done..Ah'm glad Ah might give this tae Aodhan fer his birthday." Was that not in a few days time, but three or four infact! The young Prince was to be six, and saying nothing of herself, the Mo'r Ouksela was to be thirty-six. It was her birthday too. "N' the people are good, n' hearty. There shall be fires, n' feasting, n' jousts n' revels because Ah beleive people need tae find good things for a good life. Laughter, smiles. As the defense comes tae security the festivites tae normalcy n' better chances. Some of them be a chance to show skill n' earn merit, jousts, n' there shall be competitions for all sorts in the summer tha' people might take pride in their skills.Wot dae ye think, Aman, tae, about the knittin' taegether of the clans. it seems tae be bodin' well..unusually well, Gods be praised. Have ye idea on how we might include the old traditions n' the new e'en further? Skye is nay different from it's mother mainland in tha' it has many families. Ah'd like to include them in things such as the councils n' encourage them to take the law with pride, because they are the first high people in the local lands tha' hold their homes n' surroundin' villages taegether." (d)
Aman-un-Din: And while Adam might have rushed the decision to expand outward and take over England, there was nothing to be done about it now because it was said and done. Now, they had to hold onto whatever was left and pray that they could keep it. The Aarab nodded beside her, agreeing with her statement of reforming starting off small. That was how it began, small and then extended. So, to hear that from her lips made him smile all the more. At the mention of a happier topic, Aman-ud-Din chuckled. ``That and more, I have no doubt. When is the Little Prince's birthday?`` Aman-ud-Din inquired, arching a brow somewhat. ``Preservation of identity and customs is important. Look at me, I refuse to wear such strange clothes of Europeans.`` He mused before continuing. ``But keep the clans as they are, unite them but let them keep their heritage and their independence. Speaking from a man who was raised in a tribe as well, that self identity is important. But, my dear Beathag, I am afraid I am not much help on how to include old traditions with new, for I do not even know the traditions of the people here.`` Which he didn't Beathag knew more about that than he did. ``But your clans are local enforcement, and principle. Skye is fortunate to have them, to be sure. Make sure the laws appease a good deal of their own thoughts and take, be sure to include their customs in some way, and I think they shall be appeased.``
Beathag: Beathag was glad that Aman-un-Din not only understood the past could not be undone but gave her advice, suggestions, and actions for the current world, if not for the future too. Beathag could not undo the expansion of England or disavow the othernations that followed him so readily. Adam had the ability to leave people spellbound; the effects of the magic lent itself to loyalty and continued efforts, almost back breaking, to uphold what was said. It was important not to burden the local backs without just reward, cause, or without finding their desires in the matter. Change was coming quickly but tradition was important to self identiy as he'd said. "I will encourage them again to make use o' Blue Castle n' have a hand in national decision sae the implimenting of the law has their stamps upon it, sae when they go home it melds in tradition. Ah dae know the traditions of the people here! In fact, Ah could sit anywhere in Scotland n' tell ye how a meetin' gaes among any class on the back of my hand." This pleased her! She did know for she was one! This was a good chance to show that knowledge publiclly by giving the clansmen chance to make audience with her and then on their own, to install them in city councils and encourage them to build up their local ones as it suits the finer aspect of tradition's pleasure. Adam had a good measure of the world from books upward education of a Duke, and this suited him. Her strength was indeed on the fronts of home and the passing of cultures in economics , not utter governance. Each Aberdeen had strengths so it was time to emply them! Adam was a strategic thinker, but Bess' pragmatism could help things grow in an orderly fashion closer to home while he helped with foreign gardens. On to happier subjects, she said, "The Beltane Day, May-Day among Christians. But a few days hence durin' the spring celebrations. We share a day, he and I." She murmured, grinning slightly that she, too, should live to see him be so big! To have lived to see anything, for that matter. "The little Prince grows like a river reed." She captured the griffin and luckenbooth at her neck. Would Adam be about for those days? He still had work to cover in England, and of course she'd celebrate without him, but would miss him a great deal. He and Maahes must work quite well together. Both men came home in occasional exchanges. "Will ye think less of me if Ah tell ye, how utterly terrified Ah've been o' all of this...our holdin' sits like a large creature at the sea...ye can nay hide it nor sink behind mists. N'..with the England, this business. Ah'm afraid o' losin' m'husband. But nay tae steel. In an ocean of ideals n' words. O' him breakin' himself thin. Ah want our home tae be strong sae then these lands may be strong..he can nay dae this all alone, n' he does nay..tae a point. He thinks tae much like a man alone. Ah see it in his eyes. How dae ye hold a poisoned snake in yer hand?" Adam had baskets of them. A wife worried more than of war, but of losing her husband in the reach of his ambitions and ideals. Of children, losing their father. He had spent months abroad before, and while she'd always await his return what if months would become a year? "M' glad ye are m'advisor, Gods know, I will need it more than e'er tae follow m' lord n' husbands will n' give out my own." She was very happy, yet there was a slight tinge of lonliness at times. Of worry. Of her husband's own head and people who'd weasel into it giving him praise or falseness, of breaking him, would be his ultimate ruin. (d)
Aman-un-Din: Adam was a strategic thinker, but even Aman-ud-Din questioned strategies Adam used. Of course, Aman-ud-Din would advise when he was sought and when it was wanted. Otherwise, he would leave the two to rule their lands how they wished. Aman-ud-Din chuckled, Aodhan was growing taller and taller every day, and becoming more and more of the man he was destined to be. But Aman-ud-Din would never think less of a friend because she was human. Dark eyes turned to his friend and he arched that thick brow of his upward. Aman-ud-Din paused in his walking and turned to face Bess now, fully, his arm sliding from hers but not for long. Both, large and long hands took hers and he held them. ``I would never think less of you, Beathag. I understand your concerns, and even felt them at one point in my life. You and Adam now have a large responsibility on your shoulders. It is my personal opinion for what I am about next, but England, will remain England if it so choses. By taken away their king, I fear, that Adam is doing just as England tried to do to not only Skye, but the Isle of Eire and Scotland. I think, and would strongly advise, that to say Adam leave England to England and focus his time and attention on nations that welcome him. You do not hold a poisoned snake unless it is dead. Cast the snake from your hands and from your sight, lest it bite you and poison you as well.`` Aman-ud-Din said, in all seriousness, his accent thick even as his voice lowered so only Beathag could hear him. ``If there is anyone who can clearer reach Adam's mind, it is you, Beathag. See that he does not become the very thing he sought to defeat. He stands upon the edge of a knife, Beathag...and is in danger of falling.``
Beathag: "Can I? I will try, Ah will dae, he's...taken York, the North, Adam...they are on the verge of London. Ah'm despise the man tha' sits on Englands throne because o' wot he does tae people, nay the people themselves dae I disdain. Adam has the same..force, the same...ability tae draw as his father." No one could deny that, they'd be a fool if they did. For the good, Adam could draw the same stamina just as Maubrey could for evil, but both could convince,could persuade, could draw reasons out of thin air and kill old logic to nothing but ghosts. She held Aman-un-Din's hands tightly. Only in this conference would she say how terrified she was, and in his company received a comfort she hadn't these months. Adam held back, but a little now. Before he'd held back now when she told him the line between himself and his father was razor-thin, and no matter to what ends, do their ends hold more justice? "Ah vow to ye Ah will dae everythin n' my power, Aman. Ah dun nay want anyone to pay the price for this. Remember ye the Lady St. Laurence, o' yestereve? She will be a counselor, a secondary head of advice, and beneath ye. Work with her. If anyone might find ambassadors it is the head of an ambassador , a keen advisor, n' between ye two genius minds." If Adam had trusted heads that went where he often went himself, then he would be home more and privy to see his success, learn of faults, and make remedy of them, but as it is one could not reach a man hundreds of miles away with no one as eye nor ear. "A wife's pleadin' will only go sae far." The woman appealed to, to his sense of politic. God knows Beathag had become rather keen. She'd done a lot of thinking. She wanted to do a lot of acting. "Ah want ye tae speak with Claramae n' become familiar with her, n' Sorschal. Their faces are as political enties but their profession beh somethin' entirely different. Sorschal's given Claramae leave tae gae tae England tae keep Adam's head on his shoulders..literally. Ah'd like ye tae help her with a legitamte manifest too." She sat on a bench nearby and sighed. Worried, yet unburdened of these things to another ear did give her some hope. "Sorschal said somewot tae me tha' I think is vera true. Find way to hold firm all this or the ways tha' they must employ will nay be pleasant. The Black Talons are pullin' the remainin' weight of wot we do nay see onto their shoulders, they'll risk their own exposure if stretched to thin." With a legitmate face, their minds in the use of Aman-un-Din would help secure the political firmament for the military men once given leave to hold trainings and make use of their own would hold the defense. Miltiary men had no mind for politics. Politicians should not give the military another war, either. Alendral was doing well to keep the things that were in shadows in shadows, and lost half of his new initiates because of it (d)
Aman-un-Din England had been pushed back from the shores of Skye, and during the state of rebuild, Adam was still about attacking while his capital was rebuilding. It was a dangerous thing to do, but no matter what, Aman-ud-Din knew that England would remain England and would not he held under the knife even by a man who said he wanted 'peace'. His actions were not too far from what Maubrey saught to do. ``Adam has noble intentions, but that is not what this invasion of England presents. With Maubrey's expending of his forces, England I suspect is weak, even before Adam's assault on the country. Now, he might send a different message, one less kind. I know you will do what you can, Beathag, I know that you shall.`` And he did. However, Adam would only listen for so long before he did as he pleased, but hopefully he owuld listen at least to his wife. When Beathag went on, he listened well and remembered the names that she spoke of, placing them in his memory bank for later usage. Beathag sat down, and the lofty Arab say down beside her on the bench, his hands releasing hers. Silently, he wrapped an arm around Beathag's shoulders and pulled her close to him for a comforting embrace, his hand rubbed the side of her arm and shoulder. ``I willgo where you wish me to, Beathag. But, you need someone here, with you, and while Claramae will attempt to keep Adam's mind focused, you are in need of a friend aswell. I will speak to Claramae. But, it is important that Adam treads carefully or he will excite and spark another war. His presence in England is a threat, and with Maahes and an army there..well I fear we will be headed for another war and more pain. Sometimes, a pacifist action is the right course. It does not hurt to attempt it, and in the meantime, Skye and her nations can build. Politics, war, as I have learned, is a game of chess. You cannot always be on offense. It takes a mastery of placement and patience. I might not be the most educated man in the realm of politics, but I can try and pray to God for wisdom and understanding.`` Aman-ud-Din patted her shoulder. ``But right now, Beathag, you have a beautiful little girl and a handsome son to worry about. Let us worry about the political influences of Adam. You have endured much, my friend, now it is time for you to take your own small measure of peace while it is here before you.``
Beathag: "Claramae and Alendral's minds will dae well with you. They can hold up monarchs...as successful as they dismantle others. Their loyalty is absolout once given. I would neither them, nor ye, nor any rue tae regret that." Shenoded as he spoke, and actually leaned into his hug and nodded. One need not respond to his words. Patience - chess - yes, he'd get along with Claramae and Alendral quite well. He advised the master-mind and with their masterminds the two would help him control the others. Claramae would be good reason and defense for Adam in England, and Maahes, too. Alendral would be good to help Aman here at home, for there was no way she would part with Aman by sending him abroad. At the mention of the childen she grinned, "My daughter also grows lke a reed," She was going to be a little girl given not to the extremes of her parent's height, but still a suitable stature a good few inches taller than the common woman. She was a beautiful child, indeed. "Ah ove tae care for them, tha' is m'greatest pride. Playin' horse tae their need tae get round n' fufillin their needs n' whims." Beathag was a good mother among other things. Adam said she was beautiful, and to see it for themselves with a child of their own was just as she should be. Yes, she was a hearth woman at heart. Large families and rooms filled with generations. A spread apart family must indeed be lonely, so one together was a blessing. Aislin's quiet emptiness coupled with her continued questions. Eamonn's stone face but his smile when he was happy. "M'nephew, is speakin again, Caldean tells me. N' Caldean himself has gotten better by the day, sae spring can dae many things. Thank you, Aman." She hugged him tightly. "Thank you." (d)\
