Better the Devil you know. Set in 1330. (Closed)

[Ursula Darling]

Cast of Characters:

Father Becard-Head of the Church

Lord McCula -Lorna's Father

Lorna McCula - "Ex-Wife" of Lord Donal Marke

Lord Donal Marke- Head of the McCula Clan, Lover of Ursula Darling.

Lady Claire McTavish-Ward of the Church. Her clan, Mctavish, will come under the protection of the man she marries. If the church ever decides marriage is a worthy path for her. The Nunery has not been ruled out just yet.

Zacharias Mathis - Servant of the Church.

[Ursula Darling]

Ursula:Days passed in a dull drum of a victory for Skye in the war only to be offset by the sickness that seemed to sweep across the isle just as it was gaining hope again and Ursula was thrust into the role of patron again with Shaden absence and her sickness. The Lily had been cleaned top to bottom, the linens burned and replaced by new ones. Perhaps God had been merciful as none of the Lily's had gotten sick but the black flag to hung against the frame, as a precaution, it had slowed business but those men who had not contracted the plague had found solice with even the banner flying, a means to escape perhaps. The engagement party had been put off, at least by a few days but with managing the Lily, there was no time to go set up the scene that would be the theme for the party itself and despite Lord McCula urging that he wanted it ready by the day itself, she could not bring herself to go and see his wishes done. She begged it was a precaution for the sickness but his letters continued and finally tossed in the fire without a look at it. The parlor was alive with laughter and music as the girls entertained a group of men while she sat within Shaden's study, blurry eyes stared down to the ledgers which Nate had checked and sent back to her. He knew more then she did about these things and yet she felt a sense of duty in double checking them.

Marke:Each day that had passed while the black pall hung on the doors had kept him away as had her strong letters of urging, but as the sickness seemed to fade from the streets he found himself almost crazed to see her again, it was as she set in the library going over the ledgers that the door would fling open, his voice commanding to know where she was, as Gerda tried to persuade him to leave he would have none of it.. Jayne's hand pointed the way, a little smirk playing over her lips at her help.. for Ursula.. and quick strides brought him to the library door and then thru it as it was flung open and closed in haste and urgency " Ursula.. I was near frantic over you.. no word in two days... I thought perhaps you were sick... " his face seemed to go from pale to a swarthyer shade of normal just at laying eyes on her... " I insist.. you come stay at the estate until all this passes over... Come pack your thing" he was moving toward her his intent clearly to take her home.

Ursula:Her head rose from the ledger, fingers closed the book as she rose from her seat, moving to just the edge of the desk when the door burst open to admit him then slammed closed behind him. For a moment, she looked horrible, not sick but worn and tired before the mask of calm was pulled over her face and all traces of fatigue left her face. "Marke.."She sighed as her fingers drummed on the edge of the desk before moving to smooth down the front of the butterscotch colored gown. "I'm sorry...I have been busy, Shaden is sick..I am in charge and I just...forget.." She hated that look on his face but she wasn't going to admit it. She couldn't, her heart pulling heavily against her breastbone. He was going to hate her when this was all over, as she intended and it hurt her but it didn't show, never would she let it show. "You insist all you like, but I can not leave, Marke, the girls..who else will look after things if I go with you?" She moved from the side of the desk, forcing herself not to shake as she took his arm and lead him to a chair. "Sit...take a breath, Lord if you keel over now, your people will never forgive me."

Marke: "Forgot?" his movement toward her a look on his face as if she had slapped him... " Forgot... I see " his shoulders stiffened and his gaze hardened as he took a long glance at her.. " Perhaps you found someone else to warm you bed and make you forget Me?" his voice dropped dangerously low as his hands grasp the top of a expensive upholstered chair, knuckles turning white with the effort to calm himself. as he jerked his arm from her " I don't' need your coddling woman.. I can see you don't' need mine"

Ursula:"Don't be stupid.."She snapped back before letting out a sigh. "Must I remind you, that YOU walked away from me last time...not me from you. I've had to clean the Lily top to bottom and burn sheets...manage the girls, make sure what lessons they still have, are tended to, books to look after, and that they can entertain the men still brave enough to come here through the plague and you feel slighted because in all this, I forget to write you.." She turned sharply to him as his arm jerked from her grasp as if she had burned him. "What the hell is the matter with you?!" She hissed.

Marke: "You are the matter with me you witch" he growled though she had several points he would not allow himself to admit it to her.. " You put yourself in danger and harms way for others but think nothing of your self of those who..who " he was about to say love you.. but switch the word after stumbling " Care for you one whit!" mossy green eyes rolled heavenward then he stalked back toward the door he had come in the room by " You are perhaps the most irritating creature on gods green earth Ursula... One might believe you are intentionally trying to ... drive me mad.. "

Ursula:"I've been called worse."She bit back with a hard stare as she stalked away from him back to the desk only to turn by its edge, she liked it there see, to look at him as he stumbled over his words. "Those who what Marke?" Her lips curled into a grin, as if she knew that what he said wasn't what he really wanted to say. Fingers pressed against the desk and she leaned over it, watching him stalk, sulk more like it towards the door again. "You know, a famous philosopher, can't remember his name, but he said, to fall in love is to feel true insanity, that none can make this madness more prominent then the one who feels it for another. But if it will make you feel better, then yes I will admit to the fact that I am intentionally driving you insane. Whether it holds truth or not." Was she intentionally trying to irritate him? Honestly she couldn't say but she was no longer tired. Funny.

Marke: "One day Ursula you will succeed in driving me away then you will know ... that madness.. " the door was pulled open as he turned... toward her and leveled a gaze on her that would likely haunt her dreams for nights to come... "When you spurn someone... it's often more tragic for you... because you were the object of their affection, the one thing they held above all others... and the last thing you should ever speak on.. is Love fore your incapable of knowing it.. don't pretend.. with me.. that you are.. I bought you before... I know you... it's not in you ".

Ursula:Again that same feeling washed through her as it had with the chess game with Nathan, when her queen was captured and lay upon its side, swaying from side to side in agony, as if an ill omen. She would never forget it and the feeling renewed itself with his words, an ill omen that hung heavily in the air. The look on her face was not calm, it really could not be described, it was as if she were seeing something that wasn't in the room with them. Chocolate hues finally caught his and fell to the floor. Slowly she rolled to stand behind the desk, downcast eyes catching her journal which sat open to a page in which she had been writing a poem. My lovers eyes are of spring, mossy green, that capture the depths of winter, rolling blankets of white away to a rose frozen in time, now brought forth in bloom of a love never known, but treasured just the same. She didn't seem to be listening to him as her fingers traced the delicate curve of her writing. Finally her head lifted, her gaze capturing his once again. "A Lily held up upon a pedestal is still a Lily, and can never be changed into a rose...Marke.."She stated softly, letting the mask of even her voice slip off to reveal the deep sadness not even Alen had caught on in the last couple of days without Marke's presence. "You are angry because I will not go with you, but I cannot leave these girls unprotected, nor leave my duties behind, I promised Madame Aramoire, she is sick...maybe dying, we have had no word, if you wish to call me selfish by doing so, then so be it, but this is my life Marke...I have a contract and to many have broken theirs to the Madame when she has ever been kind and gracious to us, giving us a place when we had none. I can not do that to her but do not think for one minute it is because someone else touches my bed or me."

Marke: " I am angry because you forgot about me, and you have something akin to grief in your eyes each time you look at me.. and I don't' know .. how to make it fade away... " it was an defeated look upon his face... " Know I will be waiting.. if you should come.." and like that the door opened and closed and he was gone once more.. walking away yes.. alone.. always... nothing had changed..

Ursula: "You shouldn't see me so clearly Marke.." She swallowed a lump within her throat as she forced her eyes away from him, lids slid closed as the door closed leaving her alone once again. Always alone, but she had chosen hadn't she? Her fingers rapped against the desk before she was moving swiftly to the door, jerking it open. "Gerda.."She called, moving into the hall to find the woman popping out from her hiding place, always listening, always protecting, she would of grinned any other time. "I'm going out for the evening, I'll be gone until morning, please..watch over the girls, Sir Nicholas is upstairs should trouble brew but there has never been any, please.." The old woman's mouth opened but Ursula was all ready sweeping down the hall and throwing the front door open as she bounced down the steps. "Marke!" She called after his back as she caught her skirts into the ball off her hand and moved towards him. "Tonight.."she breathed in a whisper. "For now, I can only promise tonight..."

[Ursula Darling]

Ursula: I can only promise tonight...They had needed no words on riding back to his estates. Windows darkened missed the arrival of its master and his...mistress. She was certain Lorna slept in one of the many rooms but did she care? Not at this point. She had promised him tonight, she wouldn't think about his intended in another room.

The door clicked shut as she shuffled within his rooms. She heard the bolt slid into place, locking them inside, locking people out and slowly she turned to face Marke as he moved towards her while shrugging out of his coat. Her mouth opened a fraction of an inch then closed as his arm swept over her waist, pulling her close. For a moment the two danced in place, making a small circle while the fire blazed with the life as their only light. She felt his hand tangle within her hair, knocking the pearl pins loose in order to free her hair from its bindings. The pins themselves thudded dully against the carpet.

For hours into the night, they loved one another, touching and caressing in ways that words could not describe, there were sighs of pleasure, moans of passion and yet no words passed between them as they made love upon the carpet in front of the fire in many ways, in many different positions and somewhere within there, made their way to the bed. Exhausted and sleepy, they laid facing one another, their legs tangled together as Ursula arm was jutted under her pillow, her fingers stroking the curve of his face. She was so tired, after this...she was so tired and slowly her fingers stopped their caress as her lids felt like lead rising and falling slower and slower until finally closing to sleep.

Dawn was not yet present but was making itself known by making the blackness of night turn into a brilliant navy blue. The trees were now prominent against night but the sun itself had not made its presence known as Ursula moaned and rolled over in bed, feeling Marke's arm slid from her hip, she froze, it took a moment to remember the night before and where she was before she relaxed, sighing as a hand rose to tangle through ember curls. Rolling again, she faced the sleeping lord beside her. His breath was even and shallow. He was deep within dreams she was sure, but what was he dreaming? She reached out and stopped, her hand poised over his face then pulled back. Turning to her back, she sighed and wiggled from beneath the covers and went about gathering her clothes that were scattered about the floor. The fire had died within the night and with the door bolted, no one had been able to tend it, unfortunately, that left more then a few of her hairpins hidden upon the carpet, like Cinderella loosing her shoe as she fled the ball they were left behind as she dressed and stuffed what pins she could find within a hidden pocket within her gown. The bolt was quietly pulled back and into the coming dawn, she fled. She had only promised the night.

Lorna: There were many reasons why Lorna McCula was all ready staying with her soon to be husband, the first was to get used to the layout of his home and take over the duties of wife over his household. Secondly, it was to escape the sickness that was slowly eating her mother inside out. Thirdly? She had requested it, for personal reasons and as the contract their parents had drawn up when their kids allowed each party one wish, granted upon asking, Lord Marke could not refuse her. Since finding out the Lady Darling was not a business partner nor friend, but his lover, it was to keep a close eye on him, on her. For a while it seemed as if she was successful in drawing the two apart. She had complained to Daddy, and being the little princess of the family, she had gotten her wish granted, even though Daddy had said it was common for a married man to keep a mistress, Lorna had reminded him that for the McCula Clan to survive with their fortune intact, that her marriage to Donal Marke had to take place and with the way he was coveting his mistress, it looked like Marke would be breaking contract. Lorna was as sweet as cherry pie usually, with one flaw, she saw Marke as hers and Ursula...was trying to steal him, that would not do. Lord McCula, with the threat of a possible break in alliance, had agreed to keep Ursula busy, he commissioned the woman and some Lilies for his daughters engagement party, and in helping to decorate the McCula home for it. That would keep her busy...and it had. At least Lorna was inclined to believe so, finding pleasure in the break of her soon to be husband mind when he had not heard from the harlot in a few days. That pleasure broke as she watched Ursula slip away with the dawn, crawling away like some gutter rat. Lorna slid back upon the wall not to be caught by the tramp as she passed. Her lips pulled back in a tight frown, a snarl as she turned and moved to Marke's room. The door was pushed open to look upon the sleeping form of her betrothed, the room stank of the lover's mating and Lorna heart curled even more with the smell. The door was pulled closed as she moved about the room in search of someone. She found him within the kitchens. "Roman.."She called as she gripped his arm, ignoring the cook's tilted eyebrow as she pulled him from the kitchens. He was a family guard, loyal since before she was even born, she knew she could trust him. "Go to my brothers home, tell Garth to meet me at the church, tell him his sisters ever happiness rests in his hands." Roman's face twisted in confusion. "Please.."She hissed before releasing him. "And Roman.." She called as he moved to do as he was told, he paused to look back at her. "Tell the Lord Marke or my father, nothing of this, it is between the three of us. Yes?" Lids batted in his direction and the mans face twisted again, the devotion on his face then was not family loyalty as he bowed and swept from the house.

The sun had risen, casting a warm glow across the spring gripped lands as Lorna stepped from the carriage, the hood of her cape pulled up high to hide her face. A pale hand emerged to take the hand of a male waiting on the church steps and together they entered the church.

"Father.." Lorna breathed as she pulled the hood away from her head, greeted by the head of the church, she bowed and kissed the ring upon his finger before rising. Together the trio retreated into the offices behind the alter.

Father Becard:"What is it my child, that you called so early?" The priest spoke as he sat behind the desk but not before Lorna took her seat and her companion stood at her side, a hand on her shoulder.

Lorna:"It's my betrothed Father..the devil has a hold of him, in the form of one of his whores. I am afraid for his soul Father, terribly afraid." Lorna spoke as a hanky was produced and dabbed at her eyes.

Father Becard: The priest looked taken aback, the weight of the words having him slump within his chair.

Gareth:"It's true Father, I have meet the devils whore, she seduced me, as I have said in confession before with Father Mulligan." Her companion spoke up.

Father Becard: The priest eyes moved from Lorna to her companion as he spoke then back to Lorna. "What would you have me do child?"

Lorna: Lorna secretly grinned beneath the hanky, pretending to dab at tears once more before her hand lowered to her lap. "Secure our marriage by proxy Father, what God has joined, the devil can not steal...The devil and his whore will be forced to let go and he will not marry while the devil and his whore are on his back and in his bed. Please Father, I love this man, please help me save him..."

[Ursula Darling]

Marke:Pissed... yes he was pissed and acting like a boar, a bull any kind of animal that was beastly and growling, the servants had given him a wide berth, though none knew for sure, they suspected that one or both of the Ladies in the Masters life was the cause of his ill temper.. down the stairs he seemed to crash, behind his office doors slamming the sounds of books falling, or rather thrown across the room, the crash of glass.. one would think it a good thing there was no living creature inside the room save himself that he could release this rage upon... servants lingered in the great hall knowing that if they were not nearby should a call go out for need of something.. that they would suffer his wrath as had the door, books and whatever manner of glass he had shattered in the scant few minutes he had been alone in his office.. suddenly the doors flew open, as he appeared, sweat beading his brow, hair in disarray, curls fighting to obscure his view his voice booming to shake the rafters " LORNA! Get yourself down here NOW !!!"

Lorna: She thought herself very cunning. Even with a marriage by proxy she knew she would not be able to keep the harlot Ursula away. No morals that one about husbands but accusing her of being the devils whore. Oh that was pure poetic justice, even if she did not know or understand the extent of what the accusation would bring. The papers were safely tucked away in a place not Marke or even her father would ever find them. She had been within her rooms when the animalistic rage had surfaced, a few of the servants had come to tell her and still she would not budge from her seat as she worked on an embroidery piece. She wasn't crazy enough to think she could temper his rage, especially if it was at her. The walls seemed to tremble with his voice carrying over the manor and her lady even trembled within the corner. "Ivy, will you kindly let Lord Marke know I am indisposed at the moment."

Ivy:The girl looked at her in horror but Lorna attention which had turned to the girl went back to her needle as she poked it through the fabric. The girl rose from her place and smoothed her skirts. The sight of the Lord all in shambles made the girl shudder even harder. "She...she...is..is...is...indisposed mmmmy Lord, might I...that is.."The girl stammered as she fidgeted her hands into her skirts.

Marke: "Indisposed? " he practically bowled the girl over as he pushed past her taking the stairs three at a time in a wild rush upward to the indisposed Miss who was to be his wife, no knock on her door as it was pushed open with such force it swung off the hinges.. " You dare defy me?" his voice carried downward to the stunned servants... in his left hand a writ of paper was shaken at her as he advanced on her prim and proper seating arrangement.. " Does not marriage require you to OBEY your husband?" there was anger and something akin to insanity in his eyes as he grasp her by the shoulders hauling her from her seat, to shake her like a rag doll.

Lorna:Her head lifted as the door burst open and off its hinges, not even the crash of the large oak door was enough to make her jump as much as his anger. The needle and fabric fell from her hands as she scooted back in her seat as if to escape him. A gasp flew from her lips as he hauled her upward, her fingers balling into her fists as he shook her, fairly shaking the pins from her hair so the golden curls fell around her shoulders. "Marke. you. are. hurting. me!" Each word rattling from her as she pushed against his chest knocking the chair backwards as she escaped his grasp and flew around a table to escape any more shaking. Her brain rattling within her head as her breathing came in ragid breaths. "It does, but I know you would be angry, I did it for us. I love you! She does not and you would not of seen it had I not done this! Please My Lord, you are angry now, but it was the right thing to do. She is the devils whore! She bewitched you, I heard you say it before!"

Marke: The paper was balled into a crumpled mess and thrown at her " LOVE??? LOVE?? you know nothing of it. only your selfish jealousy and your need to be the wife of a rich man... you know nothing of me.. there is no us... " his voice lowered as his eyes raked her like coals in a fire singing her very soul " I was going to marry you anyway... that would have been done before the summer was over.. I though perhaps I might grow fond of you.. but now... I detest you ... the very sight of you... this.. will be annulled and you... will be cast back to your parents without a tuppence to your name..." he sneered.. Marke on a normal day was not a nice man.. today.. having a sly bride trick a vicar into marriage to him, by proxy, Ursula leaving without a word... well today was destined to be one of the worse days of Marke's Life.. and his temperament would surely reflect such.

Lorna: "I do love you! I have always loved you, since we were children, before the writ of our future marriage was ever written..I have never hid my jealousy, you would not give me a chance, not with her around." Fingers gripped the table, it was clear he was not going to advance on her any more and so she went to him. Stupid, perhaps but cornflower blue eyes begged behind golden wheat curls. "Marke, how was I to know that? That you would marry me when the summer was over, you have made every attempt to dislodge yourself from me." Her hands lay against his chest. "I promise to be a good wife to you Marke, a true wife, I do love you, I would bear you many fine sons. What could that whore do for you that I could not? She does not want you, I saw her leave...no backward glance, I was fine in her being here, but she left you Marke, she does not want you, its rumored she loves another, even spoke of marrying him, of them having children.." Of course it wasn't a lie, rumors flew very well around Skye about a great as many things. "She was using you, don't you see that? Of everything she has done to you, you can forgive her but not me? For this? I was trying to save you.."

Marke:The crack of his hand across her cheek was harsh and while open palmed would likely leave a bruise.. " Don't ever speak of her that way again.. you know nothing of her " weather Lorna hit the floor or stumbled back into a window and out it to her death on the ground some stories below.. he did not care one wit.. but her words of Ursula leaving without a backward glance burnt his heart like acid, leaving behind a dank dark hole that was void of anything.. but rage... " Never speak of her again, if you want your tongue" he growled lowly.. " Never... and no.. I will never forgive you... you betrayed me... going to the Priest behind my back you are a manipulative bytch and I want you packed and out of my house before nightfall.. if not I will throw you out myself" he moved to the door jerking it the rest of the way from the hinges and tossing it into the hallway...

Lorna: A sharp cry left her lips as the crack of his hand across her face spun her around and to the floor. Her fingers trembled as she brought them up to her face where the crack stung heavily against her cheek. Cornflower blue eyes sparkled with tears she looked up at him. He was still protecting the whore even with the pain of her leaving shining in his eyes? She saw that much of him. She didn't understand it and suddenly her lie seemed to come alive. Ursula had truly bewitched him, even her own lie seemed to grow into a truth now. She was the Devils Whore if she held Marke so tightly. "You can't...throw me out.."Her voice was shaking as he stormed towards the door. "I am your wife by law of the church. They think Ursula is the Devils Whore and you are bewitched by her. You cannot get an annulment, they will believe she is making you request it. I didn't betray you Marke.."Slowly, she pushed up from the floor to stand, though she wasn't going to move to him again. "I was afraid for your soul...as they are."

Marke: " You should be afraid for you own soul.. what did you tell them.. that leads them to belive such of her.. she is no witch no devils whore... she is just a woman same as you.. although your antics seem more the devils work than hers " he turned looking at her accusingly.. " The church and that Priest will annul this farce and I swear to you Lorna by the time the sun goes down if you are still here I will beat you senseless and toss you out without a shred of clothing.. to cover your shame..." two steps toward her were menacingly cruel.. " And if you have caused them to go after her... I will see you burn in hell.." he sneered then turned... leaving this time down the steps and out into the courtyard where he yelled for a stableman to saddle his stallion.. He would find her.. and make sure she was alright.. god help Lorna if something happened to Ursula.

Lorna: "I...I..I didn't tell them anything, my brother came forward!" So that was not the whole truth but Garth had come forward. "He is a good Christian man, loyal to his wife and he confessed to them that Ursula seduced him, that he even saw her doing witchcraft when she thought him asleep, he says he has seen the devils mark on her." She took a step back and then another as he advanced again on her. She moved behind the table again at the look on his face, the bright red stain of his hand against her white cheek evident enough of his rage. She wouldn't say another word as he left the room, wouldn't even weep when Ivy ran into the room from his departure. Would she be out by this evening? Only time would tell.

Ursula:She had returned to the Lily by daybreak. Gerda had given her the eye but she said nothing as she went upstairs to bath and put on some fresh clothing, as if trying to escape the memories of the night but they were engraved into her memory playing out through a warm bath and finally a seat by the window to read over her mail. She hardly grasped the letters upon the parchments, the roll of memory, of his lips against hers. Sighs and moans of passion and pleasure. It had not been the first time, nowhere near the first time they had made love and a far cry from the lust filled passion of the first time and yet she could not get it out of her head. It wasn't until she reached the last letter did her mind seem to click within the present. From the church, a request that she come to give evidence of her own against charges brought in her name, but there was no mention of the charge. Strange as it was, to laugh at what was perhaps, a dark stain upon the coming days but no believe in God, well, she found it quite humorous the church would ask her to appear and threaten her arrest if she did not.

Marke: Some time later Marke would arrive at the Lily, bursting in without much of a greeting " Gerda.. where is she.. Is she alright ?" he asked and received a quire look and the news she was in her room.. " Ursula.. " he called not in an angry tone but almost frantically as he climbed the stairs , then knocking impatiently at her door.

Ursula:The knock at her door had her head lifting, two of the letters were grasped within her hand as she pulled from her chair only to fling the two letters within the fire, watching the fires lick away the evidence of them before her attention drew to the door. "come in" She called. She knew Marke's voice, it sounded so frantic and the confusion was still on her face when he came in, the church's letter folded within her hands as she turned to meet him.

Marke: " I know I didn't send word and this is..unannounced.. " he closed the door behind him, his eyes searching over her for sign of harm.. and falling completely silent with relief to see that she was.. well... " Lorna... she... went to a priest... she called you a witch.. her brother has testified... I wanted to make sure you were all right.. I'm going to the Church now to clear this mess up but I had to see you first..." he moved toward her arms enveloping her in and embrace that was without passion nor lust but pure tender caring, as his lips pressed against her temples... over and over.. he whispered... " I don't know what I would have done if she brought harm to you... oh my Ursula my darling Ursula"

Ursula: A gentle brow arched upward as she seemed to gasp the words out then stop with a look of relief washing over him. Was he drunk again? Since when did he care if his visits were unannounced or not. Her chin tipped upward at his words, her mouth opened in an o, but not of surprise, as if she was finally able to put the puzzle pieces together. "Ah, so that's what this was about.."the letter was wiggled within her hand before tapping it against her fingers. She was slightly taken back as he enveloped her into his arms. Slowly her arms encased him, lids slid closed as he breathed against her temple. She let out a sigh as she relaxed against him, pulling the comfort from him as if it were a blanket chasing away the chills. "Marke.."She breathed in a whisper as her cheek turned, pressing against his own. Slowly she wiggled from his grasp only to take hold of him as she lead him to a chair to sit before fetching a glass of whiskey from the cart in her room. She never drank from it, but her clients did. The glass was pressed into his hands. She didn't like drinking, had no problems voicing against it, but he seemed as if he needed it. "Drink this.." She commanded gently as she seemed to float down into the chair beside him, her hand lifted to smooth back the unruly mess of his hair. What had he been doing today.

Marke:He took the glass as she commanded sinking into the chair, then pulling his arm about her waist and into his lap, as if to hold her close, against harm.. something in him had taken a turn, it was not possession or passion but something akin to tenderness in the way he held her... beneath his shirt his heart still beat with adrenaline of his fears that she had been taken by the church, or worse.. it was not until he had saw her face.. well and good that he remembered to breath... it seemed no other thing mattered to him but her well being... " What are those ?" his chin nodded toward the parchments... while he downed the contents of the glass in one gulp.

Ursula: She had the good sense to bring the bottle and set it down on the table in front of him. It seemed as if he needed it, not just one drink but perhaps many. His grip was tender, gentle and yet he seemed to shake from something she did not understand. So she had been called a witch. She had been called worse. One confession of Lorna brother wasn't going to condemn her. Her lips fell to brush against his forehead as he held her, lifting only as he tipped the glass back only to inquire of her letters. Nosy much? "Letters Marke, you've gotten them before I am sure.."She teased lightheartedly against his ear. The fabric of her skirts rustled as she shifted in his lap to retrieve the bottle and pour him another drink before setting it down again and settling back against his lap once more. "Some are from clients, one from my mentor and then one from the church." She shifted again to toss the letter from the church with the rest of the pile before again leaning back. "Have you remembered to breath yet?" Her fingers stroked through his hair again as she smiled down at him. "There are always going to be people who want to see my downfall, what are you going to do, beat up everyone? You bride to be is very jealous, I have always known that. This will be nothing new, a trial, but something more to overcome."

Marke: "Ursula that letter from the church what does it say?" he eyed the thing as if it were alive... The Church Married Lorna and I by proxy yesterday eve.. without my consent.. do not take them lightly... " He stood unsettling her then resettling her back in the chair as he grasp the parchment.. " Good God they are bringing charges.. " he paled and looked at her... " You stay here in this room do not leave for anything do you hear me.. until I come back.. I'm going to end this ridiculous mess before they set out on a full blown witch hunt for you... " just the though made him queasy.. and the rage begin to build again.. that stupid girl Lorna .. he would kill her with his bare hands if she was not gone by the time he returned home... " Better yet.. when I get back you will come with me.. no one would dare... arrest you at my estate.."

Ursula:"Nothing that you do not all ready know.."She offered in reply, sighing as she was moved then pulled back as he retrieved it. His face paled as he read one singular line outloud. Her hand moved to pluck the letter from his fingers. "Possible...possible charges..Marke.."She sighed. She had not missed the mention of bim being married by proxy to Lorna. The sneaky little bytch. Ursula was actually, quite impressed. The letter was refolded and tossed on the table. "Marke, if they think I am a witch, do you honestly think they will listen to you?" She pushed against his shoulders to push him back into the chair, pushing the refilled glass into his hands. "Take a drink, take a minute and let your anger boil down, I know that look in your eye to well..." She shifted in his lap to stand, smoothing a hand down her skirts. "They can not arrest me without sufficient evidence anyway's. One man does not settle the charges an none of my clients would come forward for the fear of the positions. Marke, you are blowing this out of proportion, nothing has come of it yet. She had to grin though, at his candor. "You may be a Lord Marke, but the church is above man. I may not believe in God, but I know the laws of the church and no man is above your God." She paced a step then turned to look at him. "What did the letter of proxy say? You said Lorna had the two of you married without your consent. How was she able to do this?"

[Ursula Darling]

In the end, it didn't matter where it started though Marke had stated quite heatedly that it had been Lorna and with the tone of his voice, Ursula could not help but wonder how he had taken it out on the woman. Ursula was not afraid of violence, she had dealt with it most of her life. She could defend herself when the time came but for a woman like Lorna with the rage that she knew could come from Marke? Did Ursula actually feel sorry for the woman, well yes, sorry that she felt so threatened as to involve other people rather then coming to Ursula herself. Sorry that Lorna felt to threatened to do so then create a lie, or what Marke was sure as a lie. So many times he had called her a witch, said she had cast a spell on him, all in good fun, all teasing and now it seemed to be biting him in the behind more then it did Ursula. She was not afraid of the charges, nor was she afraid of what could happen should she be convicted. It was more amusing then anything. To be tied to something she could of easily played a part for on the stage. Especially amusing because she believed in neither heaven nor hell nor the presence of God or the Devil. In the end, all that mattered was that Marke was distressed for her safety against the church. So she had done the only logical thing she could think of in this situation. She went with Marke to his estate where he had assured her, the church would not dare to touch her and yet it seemed that very night, they came knocking only to be dismissed without ever touching more then the doorstep. The only comfort she was left with that night, was the fact that Lorna was gone.

Ursula was no coward but Marke seemed intent on being the one to shun the church away and for a long while, Ursula did not think of anything past that he was very protective of her due to his feelings for her which even Ursula was unsure what that meant. It was passion she was sure but not just sexual. Of one thing Ursula was absolutely certain, though she was by no means a physic, the chess board was set and the pieces were moving. The game was uncertain at this point but the tension was mounting and yet it never seemed to touch the two of them, distracted from riding around the enclosed grounds, picnicking under the mighty oak, or spending time on the couch in front of a roaring fire just talking, sometimes about silly things that made both of them laugh, especially making fun of some of the mundane plays stocked within his massive library.

For once, Ursula seemed herself, no masks. She laughed and smiled, and really meant it. She had never pretended to be more then she was with him, but she had afforded herself perhaps some of the happiest moments she would ever have in her life. Moments she could retreat to when things got dark or cloudy, even unbearable. Even with the church visiting every day, trying to gain access to Ursula, each time dejected by Marke, Ursula could not find it in herself to fear what their persistence meant. For days the chess game seemed staled, the pieces unmoving, the hand waiting for just the right move to set the game aflame again. It did not take long..

The usual knock sounded at the door, only one person ever visit at this time of day. Tucked within the sitting room. Ursula eyes found Marke's as her finger slid into the book poised open on her lap. Shifting on the sofa, he rose, she stayed, that was the agreement as Jacob, his manservant, arrived to bear news they all ready knew. The church official was at the door wishing to speak to Ursula. Marke rose in a fluid motion and Ursula grinned, unnerved as it had become common for them to come, no she grinned at the way he moved, so noble. Jacob slid to the side as Marke passed and turned out of sight. With her finger marking the page, she sat staring at the open door, listening to the mumble of voices in the hallway. She couldn't understand what Marke was saying to the official but no doubt he had become tired of their visits and was giving them a firm talking to. Jacob had not moved, he stood stock still and silent, a hum left his throat before his lips parted to speak.

"Interesting.."

Ursula's thumb moved along the leather binding of the book before her eyes rose at his voice. A delicate brow rose in silent question but he wasn't looking at her, he was looking out the door.

"What's interesting?"

Ursula finally voiced, he was pressing her to ask. She was not a fool and was perhaps walking into a trap but Jacob had ignored her since she had first arrived to stay in the protection of the estate. She was certain she was going to hear something she didn't like, but she was ready for it. Or so she thought. Jacob slowly turned on his heels and finally he regarded Ursula for the first time in weeks.

"It's interesting, that despite the jokes of you being a witch, the charges are filed and he is the first to come to your protection. Willing, it seems, to believe this could never be a quality of yours, never doubting for one second that you're not what their calling you."

He paused, seeming to wait for Ursula to tell him to shut up, or say something. Ursula was not going to walk further into this trap, she had opened the door for whatever he wanted to say, now she was going to endure in silence it seemed. When she didn't reply, he continued, arms folded behind his back as he paced in a small line left to right and back again.

"I know it's no secret that neither of you think this past anything but passion, be it passion of the heart and of the bed. No, nor have either of you tried to break tradition and protocol with the noble to wed. Though lets face it, the staff knows of your views on the duties of a wife, I think you gain respect, even mine, that you see the ways of the world and abide by them, you were born small, as I was born small and do not aspire to be a nobleman's wife. You've pushed him, we have all heard it, to marry in his station. I find it interesting though, that you think nothing of his refusal to do so."

Ursula brow twitched upward and he seemed to smile, relishing in the quizzical look she gave him, but did this stop him, no.

"Madam, you are highly intelligent, I refuse to believe that you think nothing of his protectiveness over you, his obsessive nature to be near you. That you are willing to think this just some passion when he is willing to risk his life for you, indeed even his nobility and his clan, all for you. You have your plays, and the men willing to risk everything and the conclusion of their passion, of all they are willing to risk is based on one thing, love. Marke's only true passion before he met you, was his nobility and position, even if it bored him. Now he would give it all up, for you..at least, that is what I see..but it is interesting, that you do not see so too."

"Stop..."

Ursula voice was low, a hoarse whisper as she jerked on the couch, loosing the position in the book as she lifted off the couch, thrusting the book on the side table as she went.

"Just stop it.."

Her voice rose though her throat seemed to hurt in speaking and she avoided looking at him. She felt shaky and weak, felt the heat from the fireplace even as far away as it was, lapping at the perspiration dotting her forehead. The walls seemed to close in on her, pushing against her chest and for once, in the weeks since arrived to escape the church, she felt fear. This feeling, she knew, she was terrified but of what, she wasn't sure.

"Please...please tell Marke I've gone to my room."

It was all she could croak out as she swept from the room without a backward glance. She had insisted when she came of having her own room though she had stayed in Marke's room since coming anyway's, at least she could retreat to it now. The door seemed heavy but she shoved it closed leaning her weight against it and sliding the lock into place. She still could not breath and tried pulling in heaving gasps to calm the clamping feeling in her chest that radiated shaking throughout her body and sweat on her brow. Now of two things Ursula was absolutely certain, that the pieces on the chess board were moving again and that she was NOT going to let Marke ruin his life for her.

[Ursula Darling]

I'm just tired...

It wasn't really a lie. She was exhausted after escaping to her rooms at the Marke Estate, well she had been when the tension in her body left and even the hot bath after still hadn't settled her completely when she sat by the fire, running her fingers through her hair to dry them when Marke knocked for perhaps the twentieth time upon her door. She couldn't avoid him forever. The door was freed of its lock before she moved to sit by the fire once more as he swept to take a seat behind her and pull her against him. She had tensed and he felt it. It was the same over and over.

I'm just tired..

But she knew it wouldn't work. He read her like a book at times. No matter how hard and expressionless her face became, he always said her eyes gave things away. The sadness was back..he didn't say it but the way he stared at her, she could read him too and turned her face from his to stare at the flames licking against the air. There hadn't been that many words an he had left it at that...or rather just left. Left her to stare at the flames, hardly flinching when the door slammed shut. She had to make this right...or rather undo it. Things had gone further then she had ever dreamed they would have. She never expected him to become attached to her, at least beyond a more then a bedmate. She never expected to become addicted to him like he was her own personal brand of opium. She could see the contours of his face within the flames and winced before bringing her knees up to her chest and curling her face into her hands there.

Was Jacob right? How far would he go? How much would he lose.....for her?

It wasn't his own life he was risking, his own standing. What about Prudence and Patience? Ursula had gotten attached to the twin sisters of her opium. Patience was newly wed to a Lord, strangely one she seemed infatuated with and him with her and Prudence engaged to another, the two seemed to have a good standing but Ursula had yet to see any budding romance between the two and yet Prudence had always been the practical one to her hopeless romantic of a sister. Ursula found that they balanced out each other well, as sometimes happened with twins.

It wasn't just his life he was risking but his sisters...what would it look like, the Lord of his lands to abandon his people for... Her face grimaced under her hands, couldn't even put herself in the category of a whore anymore, having blown off the rest of her clients for just one. Groaning, her fingers slid up her face and over her dark brunette curls, forcing them back to the point it ached as she nearly pulled them out of her head. At least it smoothed the creases of worry from her forehead. Another grunt rolled from her lips as she fell back against the rug, the hardness of the stone floor beneath the rug cooled her through a heavy rug and nightgown.

The thought struck her so suddenly she let out a laugh, her lips pulling up into an aching smile. How far she had come! Give her a year ago and she wouldn't of cared one whit about Donal, Prudence and Patience Marke! This feeling was so new...never felt before in her lifetime and yet she knew them instantly. She cared about them. As much as the thought made her laugh, it also tightened around her heart, pulling the smile from her lips as the ache started in her belly and began to grow into panic. Rolling her hand around her stomach, her body turned as she curled into a fetal position. It took several minutes to turn her panicked gasps into a steady breath, pushing the thought to the deepest part of her mind and yet it still seemed to echo in the space that could not be occupied by anything but questioning what she could do to save them. All of them, from her.

Rolling again, she pushed herself to her feet. She dressed without really seeing, knowing, what she was doing. Nimble and skilled fingers worked with her hair in front of the mirror. Her own face seemed blurred to her. The plan wasn't clear, not yet but it would come, she just had to move...she just had to do something.

Yanking the door open, she seemed to pause, remembering where she was and poked her head quietly out the door. Silence. The house was settling into the early depths of night. There was the occasional rustle of people, the workers doing what they were supposed to and it didn't surprise her to realize she knew Marke's movements to well to know he wasn't among them. Pulling the door shut, she kept as silently as humanly possible down the hall and to the stairs but fear at being caught gripped at her making her fly down the stairs faster then she needed, at least until the voice caught her and she froze at the foot of the stairs.

"Ursula?"

Her name sounded so odd at this moment as a question and she breathed a sigh of relief as the voice sank into her, it was not Marke but Jacob who spoke it. Turning slowly, she eyed him for a moment and the man seemed to be truly disturbed. Had he felt guilty about talking to her like that? She hoped so and instantly her face hardened to smooth stone, unreadable stone.

"Where you going?"

He asked so cautiously, as if she would run at the first sign of a booming voice. It was the truth. If Marke caught her now, all was lost. She wouldn't be able to keep her resolve.

"To the church"

She seemed to hiss in return as she turned away from him to sweep down the front hall to the door only to pause as she yanked it open to glare back at him.

An if you tell him..I'll kill you..

The look on his face was enough to convince Ursula that the look she had given him was enough and the words didn't need to be spoken. He wouldn't stop her...he wouldn't tell on her. Turning away from his frozen expression of fear and confusion, she flew out the door, leaving it open in her wake. The cool night air of Skye seemed to aid her sprint, beckoning her on to an ending even she wasn't sure of.

[Ursula Darling]

It's easy to look back and wonder about the what if's of life...

What if you hadn't had that one more drink....

What if you had taken the left street instead of the right...


Everyone's live are full of what if's...so intertwined with others and yet the smallest measure. Sometimes those intertwined souls would never met, never know how the what if's had turned and twisted that day to bring them closer together. For some unfortunate souls, the twisting wasn't always pleasant and rather then be lucky enough not to notice it, it brought a complete shift of life.

If that particular day hadn't fallen on the anniversary of a loved one's death...

If he had just said something rather then never telling her..

If he hadn't felt he had to right his wrongs through another...

If she had waited just ten more minutes for him to be asleep to leave...

If she had just gone to the church rather then wander the underdark...

If all of these things had gone smoothly, then Ursula would of never left Marke Manor. If even two of them had gone smoothly, if she had waited ten minutes for Marke to fall asleep, she would not of rushed out the door, she would of signaled a carriage to take her to the church rather then running. She would of gotten to the church with no problems. The truth was, it was not Ursula who suffered the worst of the what ifs.

If she had not let her anger get the better of her...

If she had waited just a few more months...

If she had run instead of going home..

Had she waited, had she not let anger get the best of her, none of the other two would be a factor, but her temper, her jealousy had a stronger hold then her resolve to be a good fiancee and a good wife. Instead she sought to attack and irradicate the one obstacle in her way. Lorna McCula jealousy had been her undoing and had signaled all the roads to shift out of her favor. Kicked out of her "new" husbands home, she stupidly went home, seeking Daddy's comfort, to see Daddy set it all right. But Lord McCula had ever tempered his own temper from his daughter, the disgrace she had brought on the family. She had not even set foot in the door for more then ten minutes before she was shoved out, disowned, disinherited. A normal person would of seen the wrong they had done. A sad and twisted mind, would not. She had no where to go, and so had turned to the only place where her dark mind, twisted with jealousy and revenge could go. The underdark.

Here...was where two paths twisted again. If Ursula had only signals an open carriage, if only she had not decided to walk the underdark before backtracking to the church then she would not of 'stolen' the drunkard who was charmed away from a golden haired whore leaning against the wall even though she rejected him with a purr from her lips and a shove of her arms away from her body.

"I don't work here...and you can't afford me.."

The voice was to familiar to the painted golden haired whore who glared at the back of the woman as she passed. Lorna had lost everything because of HER! It was the reason she was on the streets now, accept money for...well what Marke didn't want. Lorna cursed the day Ursula Darling showed up in Skye. Cursed the day Ursula became a money grubbing courtesan, who all thought they were better then the painted whores on the streets. The thought struck Lorna so suddenly that she nearly let out a burst of laughter that she hadn't thought of it before. She would infiltrate the very home Ursula had found comfort in and why not? She wasn't meant for the low parts of the streets. She all ready knew how to be a lady, she could pass for a courtesan, perhaps even charm Ursula's clients away from her, all but Marke but he was all ready an afterthought in the former well to do lady mind. So while Ursula moved on to what some might consider her destiny...Lorna slipped back into the shadows, going backward from the underdark and its shadowed secrets, her destination of course the Gilded Lily, and when the time was right...she would strike. But for now, she had to talk to the Mistress of the Lily, she had to gain access to the courtesan house and become what she had once hated, if only to tip the tides in her favor. So Lorna slid back....while Ursula glided forward.

[Ursula Darling]

Rage had fueled her, even uncertainty in planning had driven her forward and now with her hand upon the door of the church, she could only stand there and

....breath.

Deep and yet shallow breaths. It wasn't fear that stopped her. It was the uncertainty that lay before the road she had paved for herself. The door felt so cool against her palm and yet her palm burned. There was no wonder if she would burst into flames upon crossing the threshold. God was a fairy tale in her eyes and a fairy tale couldn't hurt her. Words struck her, weapons cut deep, but fairytales were in place to make weak and light hearted fools behave. There was still evil in the world though; murderers and rapists. If God existed, how could he let such things exist? Why didn't he strike them down when they acted. So the fact was simple, God didn't exist and if God didn't exist then the Devil didn't exist and so the charges on her, were in this moment, laughable, yet the melody of her laugh didn't rise. Just deep and shallow breaths and her hand upon the door.

It never occurred to her that what she was about to do was for the greater good of someone other then herself. What it meant about her to do such a thing. All that went through her mind was the simple fact that she was standing up for herself, allowing no one else to protect her from some fairytale. With a harsh shove, she pushed the door inward not even pausing a moment as she stepped past the threshold and thrust the hood of her cloak back to allow the chestnut waves of her hair fall loose to her shoulders. The interior foyer of the church was dark, candle yawned in the distance of pews and alter and she blinked to help adjust her eyes from darkened streets to mild light. The church wasn't that different then the ones in England. It was kind of disappointing. This was where men gathered to accuse those of being against God? It was hollow and unearthly chilly to her. Not at all welcoming like they had tried to instill in her at the Orphanage. This was the house in which God was supposed to be all powerfully? All forgiving? She snorted even as she noticed the priest coming towards her. Her head lifted and even with the movement her chin seemed pointed down, staring at him with mild amusement.

"May I help you miss?" The man's voice floated against the stillness of the Church.

"I'm here to see Father Becard." Ursula offered then paused a second before offering. "I believe he has been trying to get in touch with me, If you please tell him Ursula Darling is here to see him, I would appreciate it." Manners yes, it was all part of the act, or was it simply the manners Madame Aramoire had instilled into her?

The priests mouth opened and closed. Without schooling the emotions crossed his face, confusion, recognition, intrigue and fear. Pausing a moment, he turned, stopped again and then waved his hand down the isle. "This way please."

Down the isle he lead her, past empty pews that stood yawning and silent, waiting for the breath of life that would fill it and the hearty voice of the priest who would echo the words of God to faithful hanging on every word. The alter stood looming and Ursula nearly paused to wait and see if an ghost of the holy would emerge to swallow her disbelieving soul up and take it to oblivion. The man turned right and she followed not even pausing to wonder if her doom lay beyond the door he pushed open for her. Surely they would not burn her within the house of God. She mused to herself of the room behind the alter, clothing hung, robes waiting to be thrust upon to be the article in which to dispense Gods word. So this is where they dressed and rehearsed what they were to say when they came to preach upon the people? It was all a show then, that figured. She was lead on to a door in the back of the room and was surprised to see the garden in which the door lead to. Now dark, all flowers were safely curled into their beds. It was not a surprise to see a statue of the Virgin Mary in the garden, Ursula knew her by pictures and statues in the orphanage but pregnancy by well lack of sexual fore play was just one more then to not be believed in. The man stopped and Ursula stopped with him.

"Wait here, please" He spoke as he turned to her, raising a hand to gesture with a single finger before he floated past the statue and into the darkness.

Ursula was not a fan of garden's though she admired those willing enough to tend to them. Lady Aramoire for example, she had a knack for it, then again Lady Aramoire was indeed a lady despite her profession, despite being titled it, she was a true lady and Ursula merely conformed to what life had thrust her into, she would do all it took to survive for though Ursula did not believe in heaven nor hell, she feared death as much as she feared love. She never showed it though, never showed weakness of any kind, if she could help it. Hands clasped at her stomach as she moved between the statue and rows of bushes that in the morning light, would sprout flowers of glorifying color. She had seen a shadow while she waited, dismissing it as a pillar in the moonlight but when the shadow wavered and seemed to want to continue hiding, Ursula took note of it again.

"I know you are there..." Her voice rose in pitch without hint of fear. Why should she fear shadows in the night?

"Lady Darling?" A hushed voice asked from the shadows.

Ursula smiled in mild amusement. The figure was scared. But not of her, at least she didn't think so. Was this unearthly shadow scared of being discovered? Was this an Angel come to punish her for her non belief?

"Come here, I will not talk to shadows, nor reveal my name to such..." Ursula replied after a moments pause of thought.

The shadow wavered again then slowly the cloaked individual arose from the darkness like a mystical creature. Or it seemed so, even the look of the girl as she came into the light had Ursula taking a step back in shock. They were not identical but she saw so much of herself in the girls face and the girls face was marked with the same stock shock as her own as if Ursula was looking into a mirror.

"Lady Darling, I am Claire McTavish. You knew my brother, Ethan McTavish..." The girl spoke as she arose from the darkness.

Ursula sucked in a breath and with it, the shock fell away from her face replaced by the mask she so commonly wore. Stock nothingness. Pressing a hand against the corset against her stomach, her hand smoothed down the material of her dress as she took just a second to collect herself. "Oh yes, I offer you my condolences on his passing." She recognized the name very well for the young man had suffered a very nerves tick, always rambling and yet he had the money to visit the Lily. None of the other girls had wanted anything to do with him but Ursula, she had listened to his rant about angels and demons being inside his head, the demons louder then the angels, always wanting him to do bad things. He would pace for hours within her room when she could not convince him to sit down and play a game with her. Most of the time she sat while he ranted but many times he had calmed and played games with her. Ursula never quite figured out why she was able to stand the ravings or why he seemed calmer in her presence then with the other girls. Perhaps now she knew the answer.

"Miss Darling, I had to see you..." Claire was speaking again as she gestured to stone bench as she drew near it and sat down.

Ursula followed her, mostly because the further the girl got, the quieter she was and the harder it was to hear her. "Why?" Perhaps the question was quiet harsh and straight but she knew she would get riddles from the priest and the girl didn't seem like she was hide anything.


"Because..." Claire started then stopped. "My brother got worse towards the end, the priests knew it and they still wanted to interview them for...well you. They might of taken things he said out of context. When my brother died, I was brought here, to live in the nunnery until I marry...or join the church. When I heard there was an investigation into you and that is why they wanted to speak with my brother, I had to speak on his behalf of what he really meant and of you."

Ursula head did a tick, canting slightly to the side as she eyed the girl. This Claire had spoken on behalf of her? Now this was intriguing. She could of very well sent her brother into his grave so far as the church was concerned, to keep her secret that she was a witch and the devil's whore and yet without knowing a breath of her, Claire had spoken in kind for her? Besides Marke she was perhaps the only one. Unless they went to Shaden and Ursula found it amusing then of the Church summoning Shaden and what the woman would say about Ursula. She neither disliked nor embraced the mistress of the Lily, she was employer and Ursula admired the woman's fire and strength but that didn't fully mean she liked her.

Silence followed and Ursula was sure she was making Claire nervous as the girl wiggled upon the bench. Ursula could not help it, poor lighting, she wanted to see the girls face clearer. They had the same curve of cheek. The same curse of nose and from the darkness of night, Ursula could only speculate but they seemed to have the same color and shape of hair. The only difference Ursula could fathom was the innocence upon the girls face while Ursula knew hers wore absolutely nothing. Ursula was sure in the light of day she could distinguish differences between the two of them and yet the similar look in each of them was undeniably interesting. Claire in the light of day would radiate with the glow of innocence and Godly goodness and Ursula next to her would seem pale and cold with a deadly quality about her. Yes they were two different people but oh the similarities!

A smile jerked against Ursula lips, so faint it could of been missed in the darkness. "So you came to my defense without ever knowing me? How do you know I have not corrupted your brother? Perhaps sent him to an early grave?"

"Of Course" Claire replied then stopped as if she was confused that it was not obvious and then continued. "Oh no Miss darling, you could never of harmed my brother. He was much improved every time he came home from..."Claire stopped and swallowed. Pious girl. "He talked in his sleep, I don't know if you ever..." again she stopped and even in the darkness Ursula could see the girl blushing. "I have never met you before but the things he has said of you, the description he gave me of you, the way he said it was like looking in a mirror and seeing me standing behind him but it was you...but that you knew the darkness inside him. Knew how to keep it calm, keep the voices quiet or at least memorize them. I know it was in no foul way. I know in my heart and in my soul, you cannot be what they accuse you of being... You may not do things the way the Church or anyone else expects or wants you to act, but that is part of the beauty of you Miss Darling. As is everyone else in this world with their qualities."

Pious and intelligent. Was it their similar look that had Ursula taking the girl to heart? Was it that she saw in the girl what she could of had in herself had she never been abandoned by her parents or met Jonathan Fox? Or was it because the girl held her own mind without being swayed by the church? The reasons were so unclear but Ursula found herself smiling at the girl, a genuine pleased smile.

The polite clearing of the throat as the priest who had created her in the church stood with his hands before him, patiently waiting to catch their attention. The smile instantly slid from Ursula face as her head dipped back, her chin thrust outward as she turned her eyes down on him as his mouth opened...

"Father Bicard will see you now..."

[Ursula Darling]

Set in 1330.

Ursula: Claire had given her such a sympatric look as she left the inner courtyard to follow the priest towards the Fathers office. Within Ursula was grinning but outwardly she showed no signs of feeling anything. Her hands were folded in front of her body near the bottom of her stomach. Her hair perfectly placed in an elegant braid behind her hair with a golden net on top. Pearl earrings swung low on her ears as she moved beside the priest to the doorway of Father Bicard office. The priest knocked and then swung the door inward before ushering a hand to her, his eyes never once finding hers since he had first seen her. With a bow of her head she swept across the threshold without a second pause. She would not give them an upper hand in thinking she was scared when she was not, much that she could play like she was. No this was going to be a game of intellect and there was no room for fear. "I do believe you have been trying to get a hold of me.." Her voice purred as she found the Father and dipped down into a regal curtsy.

Father Bicard: Indeed... " his voice was droll as he closed the door behind her with a thud that sounded like the final thwaks of a nail into a coffin.. then moved around her careful not to sully his robes on the disgusting creature of the flesh. "I have to make a report on these doings the church has with you... to see if indeed your hold on Lord Donal Marke has been released.. and that your soul is cleansed of your unholy taint that you may again receive the sacrament and the Churches Blessing.. " in other words.. Have you quit f**king around with Lord Mark and are you ready to play nice for the sake of your life.

Ursula: Raising from her curtsy in a fluid and elegant motion she could nearly have grinned the way he stepped around her the way a cat would step around water. One hand gingerly cupped over the other on the small of her stomach. Her chin lifted at his words and here a small smile pulled the corners of her mouth upward as if she were secretly laughing at him. Her eyes followed to a man in the corner, quill and ledger in hand, no doubt to record their words but there was an air about him Ursula knew. Green eyes rose to meet hers and then fell to the book again with a scowl. Holy my ass, her mind mused at the gentleman before moving to the Father. "Naturally, I didn't think the church would take lightly the charge of witchcraft and pardon my language, the devils whore? I do believe that is what the notice said when I got it. I hardly gave it a glance though. Now his face made sense to her with the name. If she believed in God, she would of been cursing him right about now. A blast from the past stared back at her. Father Bicard, always trying to get her to confess her sins as a child but even then she refused to believe in any entity heavenly or hellish. "I would think it a wonder, that if such charges were indeed truthfully, that upon my entering such a holy sanctuary would of seen me burst into flames." The amusement of such a statement was heavy on her accent as she spoke as if again trying not to laugh.

Father Bicard: "Do not blaspheme my child " he cautioned her as he settled bones creaking into the ornate chair behind his desk.. " The seriousness of these charges could cost you flames licking at your heels on a pyre.. I would take this seriously and to heart" oh yes he remembered the hellion.. even as a child she was reckless , hell bent and prideful.. but now, in her woman's body she was a walking amalgamation of sin and heresy.. " The charges laid against you need be put to rest before you are put to rest..".

Ursula:Shifting her skirts backward, she moved to a chair and slowly lowered herself into it. "Oh but surely you remember my views on things such as heaven and hell. So you can imagine how seriously and to heart I take this matter?" A delicate brow etched upward. The gentleman within the corner laughed and then cleared his throat as he dipped his quill into an inkwell and scribbled on the parchment. "The fact remains though that I am here and I would like this matter attended to in a sufficient manner so that I may return to my..." she paused as that small mischievous smile pulled at her lips again "current lifestyle."

Father Bicard: I remember well " sarcasm and uncompassionate tones from the priest toward the witch... " I have an offer from the Cardinal on your behalf.. it requires some sacrifice.. but then again perhaps your life is worth it... The church has need of someone with your particular skill set.. and ummmm " his gaze lowered to her up thrusting breasts " Talents.. and lack of... well.. morals " he cleared his throat shifting in his seat uncomfortably.. " seeing as how in your own words... your views allow you a different outlook on heaven and hell " he cleared his throat again and tore his eyes away from those magnificent and creamy bosoms.. reciting the lords prayer in his head silently.. lord forgive my temptation " you would not be as likely to be ferreted out... or subject to scrutiny as someone less.. shall we say.. of the flesh ".

Ursula: Crossing one foot behind an ankle under her skirts, she leaned forward within the chair, propping her back up and effectively pushing her breasts forward. Was she trying to seduce the Father to dropping the charges, no of course not but it did give her an advantage. Her head cokeed, ever so slightly to the side at his words. "Requires what sacrifice? Considering I have not said no or yes yet Father." A hand reached up to finger one of the pearls at her ear before falling to her lap again as her head tilted back, jutting out her chin again as her lips pursed tight for a moment showing her frustration and want that this be over before her face went blank again.

Father Bicard:" you must Give up your licentious affair with Lord Marke.. your in danger of causing his family great harm and having him excommunicated from both church and clan..." he spoke in a harsh no nonsense tone.. " there is no leeway on this matter... secondly you will be a agent of the church and work within and without to further it's cause.. for this the Cardinal promises absolution of your many and varied sins.. as well as reinstating you right to the Holy Sacraments..." a fine bead of sweat had decorated his brow and upper lip as she leaned forward the devils own temptation... " you will cease your practicing of any witchcraft.. and cancel any spells you have cast... from hence forth.. abide by the laws of the church..." a tall list of things for her to bend her will to... " the other option is not so glorious.. " he lifted a sheaf of papers all sealed with the Paple Legates crest in shocking scarlet wax. " here before you are volumes of counts of acts... any one that would lead to the gallows.. the pyre or the guillotine.." one after one he lay them before her spread out " Adultery..... Witchcraft... Murder... Thievery.... Blasphemy... Sodomy.... " shall I go on... each paper was detailed and left nothing out.. the church had been watching her for a long time... the recounting of her con with Jonathan to steal Marke's fortune.. Jonathan's murder..clients both married and not from the Lily... and before.. cons she preformed while in the acting troupe.. and a thick sheaf of her seduction of Lord Marke.. ending in his tossing his almost wife Lorna to the streets where humiliated and without family she now served in the same Courtesan House that Ursula had originated.

Ursula: Give up Marke? That was like giving up oxygen but she was more then willing to do it to save him and his family. She had made that resolution in coming here. Somehow she had known that would of be a condition of her release from the charges. Still she kept her face stock and devoid of anything instead watching the Father as she spoke and quite discreetly watching the gentleman behind him scribble without abandon. Sacrament, her face scrunched, she always hated when she received it as a child. It was unlikely she would take it now. Still this was the game wasn't it? To find out what the church was willing to do to release Marke from their hold in essence through her. Little did they know she was also searching into what they knew about her dealings both past and present to add to their investigation. At least they didn't know of her spy work. They would have a problem there. Surprising she watched each leaflet fall without a hint of recognition to where they had come from. Not giving away for one second if it was a shock, untrue or true. She leaned forward to watch each presented in front of her, effectively giving the Father a view down the front of her dress and the valley between her breasts. Sodomy? That one had her face cracking a bit. "Well it looks like you've left nothing behind." Pun intended. "I don't see the need for sacrament when my belief in the church and God are so poorly viewed in my opinions. Has the Cardinal given you leave to negotiate the terms?" Her head lifted from the leaflets to meet the Fathers eye. Oh she was going no further in what she would and would not agree to until she knew what she could in fact negotiate.

Father Bicard:"your life is up for negotiations.. I think that should sway you well enough" he templed his hands beneath his chin sending up another entreaty to God to forgive him when she leaned over once again.. jezebel harlot... devils whore the sweat now darkened his hair at his temples one droplet easing along his swarthy cheek to drip on the purple satin of his robe.. " What more can there be to negotiate.. the Church is being more than... amenable... we could just have you burnt.. in the courtyard... today.. and be done with it " he words spoke volumes of the dark evil in his soul.. indeed he felt the power of the legions of angels when the unholy were sacrificed in the name of the Lord it just gave him tingles...

Ursula: "I've not cared one whit for my survive in many years Father. Surely all that you lay out before me is testiment to that. My dark dealings or what you believe it to." She leaned back, resting her back against the back of the chair. "You could burn me, but what purpose would that serve you? To be rid of a dark taint on the holiness of humanity? Humanity is dark Father and nothing I've witnessed in life has ever proved otherwise." Cupping her hands at her stomach, her head tilted down as she smiled. "The negotiations are simple, what you're offering is amenable and for anyone fearing their soul, there really should be no second thoughts as to be agreeable to them. However, we come again to the fact that I fear no God nor Devil to save or damn my soul. Witchcraft is a ply of the devil is it not? So I find it quite funny the church would believe me capable of such a thing. As for the Lord Marke, can there be any proof that I have him under any power then the wiles of a woman? You speak as if it is so easily remedied my association with him. I do not think it is that simple. What proof would you require that my ties are indeed severed with him? Marriage, that was tried, you can a test to the results of such a ploy" She leaned up to tap the leaflet about his all most marriage to Lorna. "I will neither confirm nor deny any charges you have against me. In fact, I mean to offer compliance, considering the terms are reasonable. So the question remains, how do you purpose I severe my ties with the Lord Donal Marke?"

Father Bicard: For long moments he sat in contemplation.. " You remove yourself from his household and his bed.. his life in general.. so that he can return to the Glory of Gods goodness as he once was " he stood and paced a bit... " he needs to be married to someone pure without taint.. or egress.. into your dark nether world of the flesh " still he paced.. " the alternative should you choose to disagree and not abide by the churches wishes.. are that he and his family will be charged with heresy and witchcraft.. consorting with the devil.. those who don't hang along side of you will have nothing.. lands confiscated titles revoked... not even the decency of being buried on consecrated ground.." he moved over to her standing behind the chair his hands on her shoulders squeezing a bit painfully his nails digging into the soft supple flesh " Of course.. Marke will burn along side of you " he whispered.. then turned to the scribbling man... strike the threat from the record...

Ursula: Removing herself from his house was one thing, removing herself from his bed and his life all together was another thing completely. The thought of Marke returning to the Glory of God though was laughable. Though Marke could never enter her world completely nor do the things she had done, murder for example. He was not exactly Gods good son when she met him. Chocolate eyes rose as he paced, following him left and right as he moved and laid out the whole of it. Agree or watch Marke, Patience and Prudence suffer for her lot in life. Well that was wholly unfair but life had never been fair, especially to her. Feeling her jaw tighten with her frown, she leaned upward from the chair again. So here it was, the church with the upper hand, so they thought and so it seemed to her. She couldn't let the Marke household suffer for her whether the charges were true or not. For a moment the thought of seducing the Father did cross her mind, but then, that would play into their hands that she was indeed the devil's whore and a witch, tempting a man of the cloth into sin. The second thought that crossed her mind was slitting the good Fathers throat. She imagined it as his hands settled on her shoulders and squeezed all most painfully but if he expected her to show pain or defeat he was very wrong on that account though her face did flinch with the mention that Marke would burn with her. For a moment she could see them there on the pyre, him on one side, her on the other. Hands held. Lids slid closed over her eyes as he motioned for the threat to be stricken from the record and she missed the dark look crossing the gentleman's face for a fraction of a second before the words were scribbled out. Her shoulders squared back again and she turned her head just right so that he had a glimpse of the valley between her breasts again, not ignorant of the way such views made the sweat appear on his face. Look but never touch. She was teasing him with the intent to deny. Let him punish himself alone in the darkness of his room in penance for his thoughts that for the moment she was encouraging with that sole purpose. The Father had the upper hand, for the moment. She had no intention of letting him completely win. "Very well, I will relay the conditions to the Lord Marke and to show my good faith, I will allow a member of your church to accompany me to see the deed done. Of course I will allow none other then Lady Claire McTavish. You want my compliance, you will not refuse me this." It wasn't asked, it was demanded.

Father Bicard: The creamy swell of her breast was indeed an enticement beyond the wonders of heaven itself... later that night in his room would find him penitent on his knees before the holy cross.. flagellating his back with a small cat o nine tails.. it's tips knotted and spiked with sharpened metal for the licentious thoughts that raced thru his mind, and quickened the flesh at the junction of his thighs until it pained him .. with a limp.. sweat now dripping freely down his temples.. he withdrew a embroidered cloth that smelled of cloves and anise.. and dappled his swarthy dark face... " The lady Claire will accompany you for the span of one night.. no more no less.. should you not return both.. within these walls by morning.. you will be hunted down.. and she will share your fate.. " it was easier to control the intelligent ones with fear... and as for the Lady Claire.. her untimely death would result in her fortune being confiscated by the church.. the coffers lined in McTavish gold.. a win win for the Kingdom of Heaven should Ursula fail in this task.. he hobbled back to his desk picking up a bible and holding it to his breast like a shield from the hedonistic whore across from him.. how could such a good and loving god have made such a creature to walk the earth and tempt even the most faithful and diligent of the Lords Army..? " One night.. be back by morning Mass. or both Lady Clair and the Family of Marke will bear the brunt of your failure..." with a gesture known universally as a comforting and Holy blessing his hands moved in the age old dance of the trinity.. " Go with God my Child".

Ursula: She would have no knowledge of if it punished himself or not but the thought that he might did indeed make this a most pleasurable meeting and would get her through the night. Not even the Madame Aramoire would fault Ursula for torturing the Father. Not if Shaden saw his mind the way Ursula did. Even if the chess pieces were moving against her, she would see one final moment with the Father Bicard and that night, would go very much in her favor. As he held up the bible like a shield, the barest hint of a smile curved the side of her mouth before falling away, revealing for a split second the darker side of Ursula Darling before she was rising from the chair as if pushed by the air. So elegant and fluent, Madam Aramoire would of been proud of that too. God, if he existed, made creatures like her to tempt and destroy men or didn't he know that. Was she further burned into his memory? First a hellish and prideful child, not a temptation of the flesh. She hoped she was, for what beauty he would find of her in his dreams, she would turn into his nightmares in the end. "If God existed Father, he does not protect the wicked." She paused by the door, eyes lingering on his. "Whatever mission I partake on, know my goal is always reached and it has nothing to do with God." With a sweep back of her skirts revealing the barest hint of a bare ankle she was out the door and the gentleman in the corner was grinning. Her last remark, unwritten.

[Ursula Darling]

Ursula: Ursula swayed as the borrowed carriage from the church turned into the drive that lead up to Marke Manor. Leaning forward, she peered out the window for a second to see what windows were illuminated before she sat back again and pushed her head against the back of the carriage before she turned a smile to her company in the seat across from her. As she winked and smiled the carriage rolled to a stop and she slid forward to be the first one out. As the door opened, a footman's hand raised upward and Ursula took it as she shifted her skirts around and stepped down, stretching her back and letting out a sigh as she felt a moment her resolve slipping. Jacob was all ready appearing at the door with candelabra in hand. She gave him a moments notice before turning to see Claire stepping from the carriage with the help of the footman. "You may see the trunk inside the door, please" Ursula purred before turning to lead Claire up the steps towards Jacob. "I bring a guest Jacob, will you see a room prepared for her.." Her voice didn't betray her inner feelings, they never did at times and she managed a smile as she swept past Jacob and into the foyer.

Marke: Marke had been pacing back and forth before the hearth, for some time, he had sent men out to find her only to have them return without word.. where the devil was she? another snifter of brandy had disappeared, a new one opened.. the empty gathering with the collection of the same.. some three or four bottles in a pile near the hearth.. one might beg the question how much a man could drink and still live, or have a clear thought.. well he did so still breath so the answer of the former was indeed... more than we thought... but to the latter.. that was yet to be seen, for no clear though had pronounced it'self found in his head in hours. He had forbade her to leave the Estate walls..for her own safety and yet.. she went out traipsing about as if the Church of God itself had not proclaimed itself her enemy"stupid girl " he grumbled as he took another swig of brandy, his hand running thru dark locks of curly hair. "She wants to drive me mad I swear it " he cursed then slamming his glass still half filled into the fire, watching the sudden small explosion of liquor and flame . He wuld strangle her with his own hands for the worry she was causing him, his mind ran rampant with both liquor and anxiety over what had happened, his men finding no news at all... but he would kiss her silly after he strangled her.. he thought to himself, the warm sensation of just thinking of her kissing him softening him toward her slightly... she was a witch... the church was right but she was his... or was she?

Ursula: Looping her arm with the reluctant Claire's, she smiled again and gave another wink in reassurance. "He sounds worse then he really is" She purred low as she heard the glass shatter from the hall. "I want you to meet him, then we shall see you settled in your rooms." Lips pressed tight as she inwardly grumbled about his drinking. She never had to see the bottles to know when he had been in his cups. Leading the girl to the one closed door, she secreted her away there as she moved to stand in the threshold of the one open of the double doors. "Drive you mad? Drive you to distraction, yes that's one, drive you to stay on your toes, yes that's another. No, no driving you mad, that is not within my agenda my lord." She purred as she took a step into the room and looked around for the evidence she knew was there. Four...no five bottles. Hmm, he was in a mood and drunk. Not a good combination but she had her secret weapon and the good Lord Marke would never loose face in new company.

Marke: He turned at her voice, the relief on his face so potent it could make her cry, well not her.. a normal woman perhaps.. but not his dark angel... " Where the hell have you been?" his voice boomed, taking away the soft look in his eyes that had lain there for mere moments when he first gazed upon her, now anger and annoyance ruled his face..he took three long strides and was before her, his hands grasping her upper arms harshly as he pulled her to him " You drive me mad whether it is your intent or not" he shook her for effect " Do you not have care for your own safety? or a least care for those who care for you safely I forbade you to leave these walls and you go out.. what.. let me guess shopping ?" his eyes narrowed at her in his question and then before she could answer his lips swept down to claim hers in a soul stirring kiss that plainly revealed his feelings, his passion and his love fore her.. she would be the death of him.

Ursula: Her lips curled at the edges at the tone in his voice but look on his face. Oh it would break the heart of a normal woman, but normal she was not. A Dark Angel? Perhaps that was more appropriate then either of them knew. When he took her arms, she held his elbows and did not pull away as he shook her, instead closing her eyes and waiting for it to be over. When he was done, dark chocolate brown eyes found his green ones again. She waited, perhaps more patiently then she had ever been for the questioning to stop as she was not going to get a word in edge wise. Her mouth opened when he stopped, intent to give him at least some kind of answer before his lips were on hers. For a moment she forgot everything as her body melted against his own and she held at his sides with her hands before everything began to wash over her again and she let her hands raise to his face as she bid his lips to open with the teasing of her own. Her kiss seemed simple and sweet at first, one seeming reserved for man and wife greeting each other after a long day away from each other and then it turned urgent as if she expected the church to appear and rip them away in another second. Did he suspect anything with that kiss? She did not care. As her lips pulled away from his, she sucked in a breath and let her head rest against his chest for the barest of moments before raising. "I was at the church" She replied and her hand rose to press against his lips before he could respond to that. "Just wait, I have someone I would like you to meet and you would hate yourself for giving a bad impression if you respond now." She spoke in a whisper before she untangled herself from him and stepped to the threshold to usher Claire in.

Claire: The poor girl was blushing as she followed Ursula into the room, evidence she had seen such an intimate kiss. How her heart ached for even a small show of the same thing one day for herself and instantly her blush deepened as she mentally chastised herself for having such an impure thought. At the sight of the Lord Marke, she bowed deep into a curtsy "My Lord" She spoke in a meek and mild voice as she rose. There were resemblance between Ursula and herself, even Claire was not stupid enough to miss it. The high forehead, the curved cheekbones though Ursula stood out more. The curve of the nose though Ursula was more pronounced. The same pouting lips and yet again, Ursula were more pronounced. Ursula had a mysterious if not dark and alluring quality to her while Claire had the meek and mild religious look. One light Angel, one Dark. Wasn't how all the stories went.

Ursula: As Claire curtisied Ursula smiled her own secret smile. "Lord Donal Marke, I would like to introduce Lady Claire McTavish." Chocolate hues moved between the girl to Marke.

Marke: "I thought you were an orphan ?" he blurted out as he looked at the girl thru bloodshot and brandied up eyes.. trying to focus perhaps he was drunk after all it was a mini Ursula.. god help them all there were two of them! His bow was slightly off Kilter " Lady McTavish " he nodded as he stood up, his hand slipping about Ursula's waist, both because he wanted her near and she steadied his swimming head... " To what do we owe the honor ?" he looked between the two.. then back to Ursula.. sneaky little bytch, trying to forestall his anger by putting little miss muffet as a buffer.. well.. it would soon be bedtime for the kiddie! " Please.. do make yourself at Home.. I can only assume you will be staying the night since it...it's.. " he pulled out his pocket watch and looked it over ...the numbers swam on the dial before him.. refusing to show themselves and he snapped it closed with effort.. " Late " his brow raised upward to his beloved dark angel.. and he smiled... " You should have let me known.. I could have had cook prepare something.. wonderful... no.. wait.. well... You didn't tell me you were leaving.. so how could you possibly in the name of Hades have told me you were having company.. ?" his droll sarcasm was not lost on either lady as he turned and looked about spying his intent.. another bottle...

Ursula: "I am" She retorted without going into detail as she smiled and nodded her head at Claire to give the girl some encouragement. Being sheltered in a church could not of been easy and with Ursula's meeting with her past, well now she understood the girls blush. Poor thing. She had a thing or two to teach her. Drawn against Marke, she huffed but lay a hand against his back and the other at his stomach to steady him, now was not the best time for long talks of Claire. "The church has leant her to me, to make sure I am a good girl." She retorted with a smile before rolling her eyes at his sarcasm. Jacob appeared at the door and she released Marke to find his bottle as she ushered Claire to Jacob. "If the ladies room is prepared, will you take her up and perhaps have cook bring up something to eat. I shall come see you before I am to bed." She turned from Jacob to Claire and gave the girls cheek a kiss.

Claire: Claire mouth moved open and closed like a fish out of water. The man was insanely drunk and she was frightened as hell even now! "Well I don't wish to inconvenience you.." She stuttered at his sarcasm before turning her eyes at Ursula as she was ushered to the door. "Thank you Lord Marke, for your hospitality." Her mouth opened again as if she wished to say something then closed thinking better of asking Ursula if she would be all right. She had stayed her this long hadn't she? Slowly and with a small pause, she followed Jacob out the door.

Ursula: When she had seen Jacob and Claire out, she shut the door and turned to find where her lover had gone, raising a hand to remove the golden hair net sitting on top of her head. "Well a sloppy introduction is better then none, or even heated one, I can't say I can argue it.." She tossed the hairnet onto a nearby table and leaned against the armrest of the couch just waiting for his anger to erupt.

Marke: " it served it's purpose we are introduced , she is fed and tended, and you got you wish I was.. nice " he grumbled as he flopped down in a chair before the fire his long legs stretched out before him as the bottle was brought up to his lips for another swig... " Go on explain yourself I'm sure you have some reason behind your madness.. though I cannot for the sake of me understand what ?" he was being childish and pouting.. it was almost comical considering the amount of drink he had had .. his hand waving about with the bottle intact, the brandy sloshing back and forth punctuating each word.. " I was worried sick of you, I spent half the dam day in the snow.. and sent men out looking for you.. and you WENT to the CHURCH? why not just tie a rope about your neck and jump from the turrets of the Castles?" he growled and took another deep swig.

Ursula: "Indeed, one wish was fulfilled." A hand rose to ruffle her hair loose from the net it had been confined in. So stock and nice, as if her jaunt to the church was nothing. She eyed him for the corner of her eye as he flopped into the chair and continued his drinking. "Oh, is there reason behind my madness? I hadn't thought there was." Was she intentionally trying to irritate him into a full blown out screaming match? Perhaps. "It's simple really, they wanted to see me and I couldn't really find a reason not to go." As she spoke she shifted against the couch, holding onto the armrest as she lifted first one foot and then the other to remove her shoes. Blasted things though they went well with her choice of dress, they hurt her feet like mad. "I didn't tell you because you forbid me to go and I knew you would try to restrain me. I am sorry you had to spend time in the snow and even waste the man power in a search for me though. I do hope you don't come down with something." Oh her voice could be irritating sometimes, some calm and collected.

Marke: " You couldnt' find a reason.. how about they want you pretty neck strung up in a noose for being the Devils Harlot.. a witch or did that escape your most deluded mind?" he sat up in his chair, yes she had poked the bear in his cave, the bottle smashed into the hearth the explosion sending flames out onto the carpet at his feet, which he didn't even stomp out as he lunged toward her " Do you think this a game.. do YOU Think my love for you is so cheap that your life does not mean the world to me ? " his hands were at her shoulders then slipping up toward her neck encircling it tightly, pulling her from the floor her feet dangling in the air a moment as he chocked her, her beautiful face, blushing crimson with the pressure, " Shall I kill you now before you offer yourself to the pyre for the church.. at Least I will know what has become of you " tears brimmed in his eyes before he thrust her away.. pushing her body toward the couch, both hands going to his head to pull at his hair as he paced madly back and forth.


Ursula: "No not strung up, a pyre maybe.." She flicked a piece of lint off her dress before her eyes rose to meet his. Her lips pressed together in a thin line as she saw the lines of his face defined with his anger. She had struck a cord. Her mouth opened to answer as he lunged at her but she didn't try to move to escape him, instead her chin rose in a challange for him to hurt her. The words escaped her as his hands tightened at her throat and her eyes buldged as her air supply was all but cut off. She kicked once and twice as her hands clasped like iron around his wrists. Black circles danced over her vision marring the look of his face. Suddenly she could breath as he dropped her to the floor and she fell to her knees not troubling herself to keep standing as a hand went to her throat and she coughed once and then twice as she sucked in first one and then another breath and it stung at her air starved throat. "What.."She started and stopped to suck in another breath of fresh air. "What makes you think my life is worth it? That there was not a greater cause then my life in this?" Pushing palms against the floor, she shifted back and forth to raise up onto her feet again. He had said his love for her. She had heard it and it stung at her heart because he was the first person, ever, to love her, for her. "You would kill the person you love?" She questioned as rounded the couch to his pacing form. "You couldn't do it...you could never enter my world Marke and I could never be apart of yours, not more then your whore" Of course she wanted to tell him she loved him, but she knew what that would do, at least to him. She knew him to well. "I didn't go to the church intent on saving my life, however precious you think it is, my life means so little compared to others. You are a good man Marke, your family are good people. I am not. I believe in no heaven or hell that could save or damn my so called soul, but you and your family do, because of that, yes I risk my nothing for all your something."

Marke: " Did I ask you to risk anything for me or mine?" he bellowed as she chastised him for loving her.. for wanting to keep her safe.. " And no I could no more kill you than I could anyone else I love.. and yet you drive me to it.. as if that is what you want... Do you not see ?" he moved back to her falling upon his knees his hands lifting to grasp her hips as he pressed his face against her middle... " You are my life... everything I am... Damn this Clan these things.. money.. whatever " he looked up at her plaintively.. " They mean nothing without you.. " for a long moment he looked up at her, as if waiting for her to agree with him.. when she did not he stood.. " Run away with me.. we shall change our names.. we will be poor but happy.. We can live in a cottage by the sea..I've got some gold.. and things we can sell.. we can be happy Ursula .. just come away with me ?" oh how beautiful he made it seem.. just the two of them no worries.. no responsibilities... but would she come with him?

Ursula: "You didn't have to ask me." She retorted with a lift of her chin. Idle head full of whiskey. Didn't he get what she admitted without actually saying the words. Lips pressed tightly together again as he fell to his knees before her, holding her hips as his face went to her middle. Her fists balled at her sides then relaxed as she caressed her hands through his hair. He was breaking her heart even though it was not showing on her face. As her hands moved through the dark unruly curls, her head turned down to look at him then pushed back up again. She couldn't look at him and risk giving in and telling him she knew exactly what he meant. Her hands fell away from his hair as she turned her head from his gaze as he stood. Gritting her teeth, she had to just breath to keep from giving in. It sounded perfect, but perfect had never been apart of the game of her life. An with money, the church would find them, she couldn't bare the thought of him on fire, it made her shudder as she shook her head . "I don't belong in your world Marke and you could never live in mine..." She then found the courage to turn her eyes to his. "Or did you forget the cottage in the woods? The one you couldn't stand being a pauper in and the one I did murder."

Marke: " You spurn me?" he ask increduoulus as he brandy numbed his brain.. " For what do you spurn me for a life of luxury as a whore?" now his hurt was showing in a spiteful manner... " To proud to be poor and in love..?" he stumbled back and begin to laugh viscously " Or perhaps you don't love me either.. what was I... some game to play until you grow bored.. TELL me Ursula.. are you bored now ?" the pain and humiliation he felt was complete.. " I just offered everything that I have at your feet.. would give up my world for you.. and you don't want it " he laughed, a self deprecating thing.. his shoulders lifting and falling with the force of it.. " Then why come back..?" his voice slurred with drink... " you could have stayed gone.. why come back at all.. no... wait.. let me guess " sarcasm dripping from his lips as his arms opened wide.. with a dramatic flare worthy of the stage... " It's the final act... and you could not go on without seeing it thru... it's where you drive a f**king Sword thru my heart.. and rip it out beating into your cold uncaring hands.. ?" he shook his head at her in amusement.. " Consider it your finest work.. for you have succeeded BRAVO!"

Ursula: "I am saving you.."She retorted yet now she didn't seem so sure of herself. "You would regret your decision in the end. Somewhere in there when you begin to regret it, you would start to hate me for loving me so much to give this all up. And your sisters? Your people? Who would you have them look to. It's so much to give up for just me." She fell silent as he stumbled back and she jerked forward to catch him but he had righted himself and began to laugh. The drink was starting to show through. This was why she hated liquor so much. Why come back? Because he would of continued looking for her. He would of known that was he clear headed. The image of slitting Father Bicard neck was so clear now that she all most lost sight of where she truly was until Marke began his lavish display of the stage. For a moment she grinned, they could of ran away and started an acting troupe, even in such a painful moment as now she saw the makings of a great actor in him and it made her grin. "Yes Marke, this is the final act..." She admitted with some sadness as the smile slid from her lips. "Its not that I am cold nor that I do not care." she knew it was a risky move but she moved to him, raising her hand to touch against his cheek. "This is the final act, because I love you enough to let you go."

Marke: "bullchyt " he slapped her hand away " If you loved me.. it would show.. in your thoughts and actions.. but it does not.." he glared at her.. " I don't want your f**king pity " his shoulder shrugged away from her and he turned.. again looking for yet another bottle... he would drink her gone or kill himself trying.. somewhere at the bottom of one of these bottles was the answer.. or oblivion whichever came first.. he cursed the fact that he had such a strong constitution when it came to the drink... " Go... just go dam you... " he found another bottle and opened it tossing the cork onto the floor near the pile of empties and shattered glass... his back to her.. if god was merciful she would stab him in it.. it would match the wound in his heart and soul.

Ursula: She had expected him to slap her hand away and she didn't resist it. She knew above everything that she was killing his heart as surely as she was murdering her own. Either way, the blood was always on her hands and the truth was, she didn't mind the blood on her hands but the pain she was causing him, the pain she was feeling that wasn't ever allowed to show on her face for fear of weakness made this kill so unworth it but the image of them on a pyre again, another shudder and somehow, it was worth it, even through all the heart ache it was worth it. Though her face was unable to show what she was feeling inside, her cheeks were flushing with the emotion of her heart bleeding out on the inside. As he took up another bottle, Ursula saw the image of him in the morning, found dead from drink and found herself moving across the room to jerk the bottle out of his hand and turn, throwing it as hard as she could till it broke on the opposite wall across the room. "Believe what you will, believe that I am cold and uncaring if you like but I am not going to let you kill yourself with drink." She turned from him to stroll to the fire and take the iron poker to stir the fire from its perch in its holder. Wielding it like a bat, she let the emotions go as she moved to where all the bottles were set up, each turned the right way, label out each perched just so and began to swing the poker smashing into all the bottles. "I can't stop hurting you, don't you get that?! Not for your life which means more to me then my own. "CRASH the iron swung into a crystal holder of whiskey and it shattered the liquid pouring down the counter top. "But can I love you freely of harm, no never!" CRASH another bottle was obliterated under her swing. "My past makes you a liability and would I EVER let someone use you to get to me, NEVER!" CRASH CRASH, bottles broke under each swing and liquid of all that precious alcohol and bits of tiny glass were now pouring over the table. "I'll never let them take you from this world even if it means taking you from me. Even if it means my heart turns to ice without the warmth of you beside me! I love you, enough to let you go, if that makes me a demon of your hell, a viper, a whore, a witch, then so be it but at least I LOVE YOU!" She gave a final swing to smash the final bottle, her chest heaving with the tears that threatened but would not come. "Enough, more then enough, to endure this pain and let you go" The last she spoke in a whisper as she dropped the iron poker on the floor with its own clatter as it bounced and did a summersault before landing still on the carpet now soaked with booze. "Curse the day you ever met me Marke, at least you are safe..." Now it was her turn to throw her back to him as she marched to the doors.

Marke: She had lost her ever loving mind, simply gone off the reservation, there were cuckoo birds in her brain.. he stood stunned for the time being watching her smash away at his solace, his booze.. then her words penetrated the fog and he heard her for the truth in her voice as raw and hurts as his own heart.. as she turned to take her leave of him he grasp her from behind, hauling her against his frame, his lips coming down on her ear.. " Do not walk away from me... I want you to tell me the truth.. tell me you love me " his hands about her waist were like Iron as he commanded her... "Tell me damn it " his voice commanding yet something had changed, it was passion and pain, love and hate mixed together " Now.."[/color]

Ursula: He knew how much she hated booze and try as she might to get rid of his one crutch, he always ordered more. Now she made sure it was gone. At least until he got a new batch and crashing the bottle had released what at first she had sworn she would not show, the breaking of her heart. "You told me to get out, then I am leaving." She bit back thoroughly mad now. She shoved at his sides with her elbows as he held her about the waist, shoving for him to release her as her jaw clenched in sheer rage. "Fine! fine!" She hissed like the viper he always accused her of being. "I love you, this is the last time I shall say it, I love you!"

Marke: He spun her around in his arms roughly, claiming her lips in a kiss that would melt her soul and calm that vicious tongue... tightly he held onto her.. one hand about her waist the other twined in the dark curls holding her just so she couldn't' refuse... when she would begin to respond he would withdraw.. softly " Again Tell me " and wait for her reply and kiss her even deeper and with more passion, each time his words went from command to a whisper.. again " and each time she would find herself swept up in his love for her, her love for him and the dire situation they were in.. was it drink, danger, love, hate.. all combining in an intoxicating moment neither could deny.. he would lift her into his arms.. still his mouth played over hers in torment and delight.. breaths were taken only to command her speak those three words again.. as they made their way up the stairs... " Again "

Ursula: She wiggled against him, shoving her elbows against his sides, against his chest to get him to let her go. When he did, she wasn't prepared to be spun around and ended up clutching to him to keep from falling over as his lips came crashing down upon her own. Where she tried to get away, his hand was in her hair, holding in place and at first she bit at his lips near to drawing blood until the passion of his kiss made her melt into him, her mouth opening to the passion, rage, pain and love in his kiss. Breathless, she gasped as his lips drew away from hers. "I. love you" her breath hitched her throat before his lips were claiming her own again. Her arms wove about his shoulders, fingers thrust into the dark unruly curls of his head as she moaned into the kiss. Each time his lips broke from hers left her sucking in a deep breath having forgotten to breath through her nose, each time she uttered those three little words before his lips were claiming hers again bruising the tender flesh that began to swell against the assault of his lips. Her arms locked about his neck as he swung her into his arms and began to carry her upstairs, every few seconds stopping to ask her to say it again and each time she caved saying it again "I love you" creating such a sweet and painful torture for the both of them until the door of Lord Marke's suites banged closed to secure the night away just once more for the two lovers.

[Ursula Darling]

Marke: The night had grown long, soon there would be the fingertips of God, pulling back the drapery of the sky, stealing away the stars and moon of the night , opening the canvas to the sun lights pale morning glow.. Marke was exhausted.. yet he watched her sleeping.. his head throbbed with the pain of too much drink..too much worry and too little sleep... but his heart pounded with so much love for the woman who lay slumbering beside him in the dimness.. that he could hardly even feel the discomfort of his body over the joy of hearing her finally say she loved him... over and over he had made her repeat it, through the furious passion, and then the tender rest of lovemaking. It was the night he would hold in his heart and memories forever he chuckled to himself at the though.. the rouge, philander... brought to love by the beautiful dark angel beside him... he would have bet heavily against it.. but here it was... and he could no longer hide from the truth of it.. he loved Ursula Darling.. he wanted to marry her be with her for all time.. raise a family... give her everything she had never had... but most of all.. he just wanted to shower her with his love... was that so wrong?

Ursula: Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. Ursula Darling was a model of the phrase because the fact was simple, truthful without the nature of holding lies, her life had never been simple and that was the truth of it. The web built was from the choices she had made in her life and never would she of thought to have the love of anyone, that pure love she always saw from afar. Pure was one thing, perfect was another. Perfect was never for her because no matter how clear the right choice was right in front of her, she would always choose wrong. For how smart she was, the right choice often lead to a perfect outcome she didn't see for herself, could not reach for it and not get burned. She didn't believe in God and could never be as chaste and pure as the nuns but nor did she believe in the devil so she could not be a demon. Ursula was one of those borderline people, never completely good but never completely bad either. Now deep in a slumber brought on by passionate love making, she dreamed of nothing. Not the things he saw for them in his waking hours. Had she been able to read his mind in her sleep, she would of woken in a panic, she could never be a wife and mother. Never could she touch perfect without getting burned. Humming as the morning light rolled over the night, posed on her side, one leg stretched out having kicked the covers off, the other leg was cokeed up, knee curved and her toes pressing against her thigh while her arm was pressed under the pillow of one hand and the other was gently resting against her mouth on top of the pillow. Her hip wiggled as she began to pull into consciousness and she groaned as the sweet sleep that had relaxed her from all that love making made her muscles tingle as they took awoke. "Did you even sleep at all?" She mumbled as she rolled to her back turning her head to look at him, somehow knowing he was awake and looking at her.

Marke:: "No... I spent the night watching you.. and deciding now that you have admitted.. you love me... that I will do whatever it takes to clear your name.. if we have to we will leave this place... forever.. but I will spend every last cent I have to see the Church gives you no more problem.. " he leaned over to drop a kiss on her shoulders.. then up the elegant column of her neck.. " Marry me share my life be my wife Ursula... in doing so... you will no longer be.. a Lily.. or and actress you will be Lady Marke... you will be nobility.. the church would dare not touch you then "

Ursula: "Careful or that mush you are turning into will ruin the bed." She teased with a lazy smile. She had once so loved mornings and now she was dreading it wishing the night before had continued on into forever, if only so the church could not touch him. She still didn't care about herself. She hummed as his lips traveled up her neck until his words sank into her mind. He was asking her to marry him. Laying a hand against his chest, she pushed him up as she sat up scooting back to lean against the headboard bringing the covers with her to wrap around her sides covering herself up. "Marke, you can't mean that!" Panic had filled her eyes it was all most comical with the roughness of sleep tousling chestnut waves all over the place. "What I said last night, my loving you, it doesn't change anything Marke. I don't want you to give up everything for me, I don't want you to spend a cent trying to protect me." Lifting a hand she pushed it through her hair as if seeming to remember it was all willy nilly with sleep. "I'm not...wife material, I like...my life"

Marke: " you like your life?" he looked at her incredulously.. " YOU LIKE YOUR LIFE as it is... being wanted by the church.. being a courtesan... and god knows what else... I'm offering you my life my home my Name... ME!" he growled at her sitting up and looming over her... " Do you not understand I love you woman!" his eyes held disbelief and hurt, he had though this much settled after the I love you's and all the lovemaking.. yet here she was playing at her games again... " What game do you play at this morning.. last night you loved me.. if you love me.. then you would want to be with me " simple enough in his mind.

Ursula:: She let her eyes close as he growled at her, giving him his moment to boom and bark before she was letting her eyelids open again and leaning her head back on the headboard as he loomed over her to see him better. "Yes, I like my life...courtesan...actress and whatever else. I didn't lie last night. I don't belong in your world and you would never fit into my own." As she spoke, she shifted to drop her legs on either side of his thighs the covers pushed off to the side. "I understand you perfectly and I understand what you're offering me. But do you understand what you're offering?" She paused only long enough to push her feet against the bed propelling her upward and against him, knocking him to his ass against the mattress while the covers were now being used to bind his hands behind his back and she sat a head higher then him now within his lap with her hands around him keeping the covers binding his wrists together tightly. She grinned down at him, his dark angel indeed, the look in her eyes was plain as the image of him burning was engrained into her mind. She knew she had to do this. "Do you really want to marry a woman you couldn't trust? Never knowing where I am going or why? Cause there are plenty of things I would never tell you." Leaning her lips down to his own, she brushed them feather soft against his own before moving to his ear. "Could you marry a woman who has drawn blood, taken life and liked it?" She purred in a whisper against his ear before drawing back up to look at him. "You couldn't even kill me last night, oh you wanted to but you're good" She opened her mouth to nip at his chin before smiling. "I'm not and I know it, so what perfect life you see for us, doesn't work. Do you see it now? That perfect world shattering with lies and blood." Slowly her hands relaxed and pulled the sheet unraveling from his wrists to release him. "I cannot marry you. I.....won't"

Marke: He listened to her little diatribe.. squirming under the captivity a bit.. he was not used to being .. the submissive.. he knew she was playing at something but he couldn't capture the why and what of it... leaving him stunned... he knew nothing about the woman he loved did he... and she didn't care for him to know.. didn't plan for him to ever know what the truth of her was...never let him behind the veil of darkness that had marked her .. when she held him in jest for being good, it was as if she slapped him, she had driven him mad, he had wanted to kill her but stopped not because he was good.. but because he loved her.. he still loved her.. and she threw it back in his face.. his pride.. his ego.. his maleness would not abide it.. as she sat back with the smugness of a well fed cat.. he snapped... standing from the bed they had shared so many times.. and jerking on his pants in dangerous silence.. as the button fastened, his angry movements were given away by his body language.The without warning, or even a word he reached out and grasp her roughly by the arms yanking her from the bed like a rag doll before him... " I'm tired of your games..." his voice was low, and furious..barely a whispered growl.. " Last time... Marry me... be my wife ".

Ursula: It was the look on his face that told her she had done it. She had successfully jabbed the dagger into his heart and twisted it. She knew this time he would let her go without a fight and she was counting on it. He didn't understand the reasons why but she did. His life was worth the pain, that would be what she clung to when her heart ached to the point she would think she was dying. He was alive and safe from the church. Once upon a time she had thought about explaining it all to him, letting him know everything and now it had all changed, because of the church. As he jerked himself from the bed, she turned her head and wiped a hand against her mouth, not to remove him, to make sure her resolve had not slipped in her face. As he moved about jerking on his pants, she leaned casually against the headboard watching him. He was angry, good. She was counting on that but she was not expecting to be jerked from the bed, stumbling on the floor. His hands gripping her arms were the only thing keeping her upright the swing of her body casting her hair about her shoulders like a whip to slap against her face. "Oh the big bad man is tired of my games, I'm terrified." She retorted to convincingly even for herself. Her chin dipped up as her head went back to look at him squarely in the eyes in defiance. "No"

Marke: " Fine.. then have it your way" he growled lowly hefting her up by the waist and slinging her naked over his shoulder, it was anger pure and simple at her, her lies her games , her very life.. he was tired of it all... " Your games end here.. everyone around you is hurt or dies, your a dam curse!" he strolled to the door, jerking it open with one hand while the other secured her over his shoulder, against her flailing about.. his anger aiding him in both strength and resolve to toss her out on her ass... Down the hallway he went, angry strides as he " you are misery born and misery bred and you cannot see what lies before you for what lies behind you.." at the end of the hallway he turned taking the steps two at a time.. when she flailed and almost knocked him off balance, a series of sound smacks to her ass, that left his Mark there.. stilled her.. " I swear I'll toss you down them and break your dam neck be still " he glowered and threatened as he descended the stairs.. to the bottom " I'll ask you once again... your choice.. make it " he settled her from his shoulder to the ground before him... his tone and the look he gave her.. daring her to say no again.

Ursula: "Offfpphh!" Her breath fell from her lips as she was hauled over his shoulder. Well this brought back memories! "Now you get it!" She growled flailing like a fish out of water as she hauled her to the door and pulled it open. She could not see it, only hear it but the room was leaving in her wake as he strolled down the hall, angry wide strides that her bouncing against his shoulder and flailing again to get off it. "PUT ME DOWN!" She screamed not caring who came out to see her naked against his shoulder. As she took the steps, she bounced even more his shoulder cutting into her stomach so much she thought she was going to be sick and so she kicked and struggled all the more until he stumbled and her nails dug into his back that she didn't topple from his shoulder and break her neck but it was the slaps to her ass that had her letting out a howl of rage as her nails racked against his back as she let curses fly that would shame a normal person into penance for the rest of their life. Set on her feet again, she rocked and swayed with the blood rushing away from her head rather then to it before. "No, a thousand times no!"

Claire: Claire been up since day break having not slept much herself. Jacob had told her whatever she heard to not come downstairs but the bottles crashing last night had seen her dismissing the warning and creeping to the railing of the stairway in worry over both Lord Marke and Ursula. It was not long after that Marke and Ursula emerged and Claire ran to the shadows only to be thoroughly embarrassed by what she saw as the two pawed and caressed at each other on their way upstairs. She had no idea a body could bend and move like that! Surely a body could not be that limber but the way Ursula body curled around Marke's as he held her against the railing, her naked leg up to thigh wrapped around his waist while the other was kicking them off the railing. Such.....the scene had left her blushing and hiding in the shadows till the door had closed and she had retreated to her own room. She had envied them their kiss, but that! She shuddered, not in horror but amazement. She could never do that! Now a new screaming into the new day brought her to the door in time to see Marke half naked from the waist up carrying Ursula fully naked across his shoulders and down the stairs. Her mouth opened in horror, one hand went to her open mouth as the other went to her stomach as it twisted in terror. Oh God in heaven what was going on!

Marke: His mouth drew into a tight line as he reached behind her... and opened the door " Get out.. " his voice was eerily calm.. but when she just stood there naked and proud refusing.. his anger broke into once again, his hands reaching out to grasp her by the upper arm.. behind him servants were aghast.. mumbling.. at the scene but none stepped forward to stop him... once he had her he shoved her roughly out the door.. not caring if she tripped and fell down the half dozen marble stairs to the pebbled drive... " stay away from me and mine... you set foot on this property again .. I will see you delivered to the church pyre myself... You are a witch.. a stealer of souls.. " and breaker of hearts... " Misery follows you.. I curse the day I ever sat eyes on you... Ursula Darling... for I was never anything more than a game to you... more than a Mark.. to play.... " he stared at her for a long moment.. his eyes condemning her to her life she enjoyed so much, his spirit broken.. his heart.. no longer seemed to beat.. and then he slammed the door.. with a resounding life altering thud... turned the lock.. and then turned to face the servants. "Get out of my dam way " he boomed... " Anyone who lets her in this house will feel the lash ... am I clear... She is persona no gratis here.. ever again " he glowered at them all and started up the stairs.. to see Clair at the head of them.. he neither spoke nor even acknowledged her... just moved past her like a bull in a china shop, toward his room.

Ursula: She looked at him like he was mad but defying to move. He wanted her out of the house, she got that fine, but naked?! When he grabbed her arm, she fought, even giving his face a slap before he was shoving her out the door. She did stumbled and fall, rolling down the steps like a child's ball until she landed on the graveled ground with a hiss. Crawling to her hands and knees, her head rose to glare at him. "Now you get it" She retorted when he was done calling her names and then the door was slamming shut. It was bitterly cold outside and all ready with nothing to protect her from the cold, she was shivering from it. With a hiss she drew up to her feet, her side aching from hitting the step would leave a bruise later in the day and her knee skinned but no worse for wear, except her heart was bleeding inside her chest, it had to be it was aching so badly. Sweeping a dirty hand through her hair, she glowered at the door before starting her trek down the driveway, her chin held high to her nakedness. She would not give in and be ashamed, she would not show anything anymore. The church had taken everything from her, she had let them but he was alive and would remain so. That was all that mattered right?

Claire: Her mouth opened in shock as he opened the door and ordered Ursula out. Naked?! Was the man insane. With a hand still clutching her stomach, she moved down the steps in a hurry ushering murmured apologies as she pushed servants aside to get to the front and see what was going on. No one moved but Claire flinched forward as he tossed Ursula outside and the woman fell tumbling down the steps. Her hand half raised as if attempting to help before falling as the door slammed shut and she shrank back against the servants yet still visible. Her throat clenched with pain at the look on Marke's face, a mixture of misery and anger but she had even seen Ursula face flinch with pain. When Marke looked upon her, tears were all ready striking down her cheeks. Perhaps the tears he would of liked to see on Ursula but she was a copy of the woman, a gentler kind who cried openly and jerked as if struck when he boomed at the servants and they scattered to get out of his way. She was not crying because she was scared nor knew what would happen to her, though the thought was there. She was crying for him...for Ursula...for them. Her head dipped as he swept past like a bull . "About your business, please...do not make this worse. Perhaps we should start breakfast..he will need to eat." Such a gentle voice broke with emotion as she turned to the servants and tried to get them back on pace to give him respect and privacy.

[Ursula Darling]

Claire: She had spent the morning helping the servants prepare breakfast. She made sure that Jacob took a tray up to Marke and then had helped clean up the mess of broken bottle and booze in the sitting room afterwords. By the afternoon the bar had looked as if it had not been touched at all. New crystal bottles had been set out filled with liquor and a few bottles of wine from his cellar. New glasses were also added considering some had not survived the carnage of Ursula wrath. Sitting by the window, she was trying to read but every once in a while she looked out the window with worry etched on her face. Finally her face seemed to fall and the book was slammed closed as the sound of a carriage rolled outside to a stop by the front step. Drawing up from her chair, she smoothed her hands down her skirts, her hands shaking as Jacob came from the parlor to answer the knock at the door.

Mr. Brezbee: The mousy man at the door was finally dressed but the carriage behind him only spoke volumes of why. The church's banners flew from the back while the church's symbol was painted on the door. The very thing to bring Ursula and her back to Marke manner the day before was now here for a different reason. "Good Afternoon Sir, I am Mr. Brezbee. I'm here concerning the Lady Claire McTavish" He wiggled the glasses on his nose while the papers in his hands were shifted to the other hand as he shifted from one foot to the other.

Claire: "Jacob, will you please go tell Lord Marke that Mr. Brezbee is here. I will show him into the sitting room." Claire spoke from behind Jacob as she ushered him from the door and nodded at Mr Brezbee. "This way please" She motioned to lead him to the sitting room, her hands shaking in terror so that she thought she would faint.


Jacob: Jacob gave Clair a heated look, rouse Marke in the Temper he had been in.. why not send him to the gallows.. none the less he went up the stairs, unwilling to not tend to his duties.. The Door was knocked upon lightly "Lord Mark.. A Mr Brezbee.. from the Church to see you.. official business ... Lady Claire is entertaining him in the Parlor " he spoke in even tones that did not hint at how he feared the mans wrath, or how distasteful he found his job at this moment.. the House of Marke had turned into a Looney Bin!

Marke: The door was snatched open, a perfectly dressed Marke appeared, well groomed and shaven.. he hadn't looked this well for weeks... perhaps tossing Ursula out was indeed a good thing, or perhaps ...he was just putting on a brave front for the sake of pride and ego.. inside he was fair broken.. numb and moving in slow motion or so it seemed.. with the news of a church representative in his house he shuddered, and for a moment he though for sure , his throwing Ursula out Naked had come to some bad end.. what if she was dead.. or hurt.. tortured... his heart stopped, sinking into his belly... he felt weak and ill.. but there was nothing for it, but to face the days doing.. "Thank you Jacob " he walked past the man and down the stairs.. aristocratic to the hilt.. in every nuance.. save the darkness in his eyes.. what had he done? Into the Parlor he went.. his hand sliding down the front of his brocade waist coat, his eyes slipped to Lady Clair for a moment and he stopped arrested at the sight of her so much like Ursula, it pained him.. " Lady Clair... Mr... Brezbee " he bowed to both.. then lifted seeing Claire's pale visage he crossed over to her.. she was connected to Ursula.. something must have happened to her.. by the look on the girls face.. inside his soul wept.. a hand slid over her shoulders.. in a comforting gesture, that the Church official might see as possessive.. "Please.. sit.. enjoy the tea... " he motioned for them all to sit.. then remained standing beside the arm of the chair that Clair resided in.. at her offer for tea, he waved her off " I would like to get to Mr. Brezbee's Business"

Claire: Claire's mouth opened and then closed as Marke swept into the parlor. For a moment she caught his eyes and even though his face didn't betray him, his eyes flinched ever so painfully and she turned her head from him knowing well just the look of her pained him. Even she was not blind to the similarities between Ursula and her. Swallowing, she managed a meek smile at Mr. Brezbee and turned her head as Marke's hand clasped against her shoulder. Her hand rose to touch his, a small thank you for the comfort not at all thinking how this would look to the church official. "As I was about to say Mr. Brezbee, I am quite well as you can see. Lord Marke has been most amenable." As Marke gestured for them to sit, she moved to a seat and stopped to lean and pour a cup of tea for Mr. Brezbee and then her eyes went to Marke. Had he eaten the breakfast she had sent up, an odd question but the wonder was still there none the less before she was sweeping the forest green colored skirts of her dress back to take a seat, a small comfort for Marke to be by her side. Did he guess she was scared to death at returning to the church? She was not an idiot. Why else would Mr. Brezbee be here.

Mr. Brezbee: "Ah,Lord Marke, a pleasure to see you." The mousy Mr. Brezbee replied using a single finger to push the glasses back up his nose as they slid. "That is good Lady Claire. Father Bicard offered his sincerest hope that your stay here was pleasant." Ushered to a chair he sat and laid the papers across his lap and holding them there as he leaned forward to collect his tea blinking at the abrupt nature of Lord Marke. "Ah well, the woman Ursula Darling delivered herself to the church this morning" He started and the man blushed giving away the way Ursula had been dressed or rather not dressed when she arrived. "Unfortunately she fainted upon arrival and so we had no inclination of the whereabouts of Lady McTavish. We naturally waited till this afternoon for her to arrive. When she did not they sent me to collect her. I have uh, papers Lord Marke, for you to sign. A statement of facts that the lady in question, Ursula Darling has vacated your premises on a permanent bases. An just a simple statement that says you have been released from uh well her questionable power. This will of course also release her from the charges laid against her." As he spoke he took the papers in hand then seemed confused with one teacup in hand and papers in the other. With a sigh of embarrassment he set the teacup down on the table and shifted through the papers to take out two statements and lay them on the table for Lord Marke. "I also have business with the Lady McTavish when we are done with this Lord Marke. You do not need to fill you have to stay for such. Afterwards the Lady McTavish and I will vacate your premises ourselves." He gave a mousy sort of laugh as if this were funny.

Marke: He listened, to the man.. one signature and she would be released from the charges.. he took up the papers reading through them silently.. then took the pen and scrawled his mark across the bottom.. moving to his desk, and taking out the cylinder of candle wax which was melted then his crested ring pressed into it.. " I want copies delivered to me before nightfall.. with an assurance of her release from the charges, and her safety... " he commanded.. then looked over to Clair who was fair sick with fright.. " Whatever matters you have with Lady McTavish you will discuss in my presence, as she is my guest and therefore under my protection " his tone brooked no disagreement and his gaze fair pinned the man to his seat, daring him to offer any resistance to the situation.

Claire: Claire gasped to hear that Ursula had walked into town the whole way naked but moreso that she had fainted. "Mr. Brezbee is Lady darling all right?" Claire's gray eyes lifted to Marke then moved back to the Church's Official. Her mouth closed and her head dipped, hands pressed into her lap while Marke went to retrieve the papers and offer his signature. When Mr. Brezbee said he had business with her, Claire fairly went transparent with the paleness in her cheeks and she did not laugh with the man but she did offer a small smile of thanks to the Lord Marke for offering to stay before her attention turned back to Mr. Brezbee.

Mr. Brezbee: As Marke took up the papers, he leaned to retrieve his tea taking a sip before he nearly choked with the Lord's words. Stunned, he sat with hand outstretched to take the papers back. "Well naturally I can have copies sent to you but uh well, it is not within my power to offer you knowledge on her whereabouts from here on out Lord Marke. I can assure you now though, the charges are dropped, at least as soon as I deliver your papers to Father Bicard. You have our assurance to she is perfectly safe from here on out unless of course some new charges are filed by some other persons." He let out a yelp of a laugh as if trying to make the situation light when really the Lord Marke made him nervous and even Mr. Brezbee thought for a moment the devils whore was a proper term with Marke as the Dark Master himself! "oh well, you are free to stay naturally!" He squeaked before he drew his attention to Claire if to only get it off the Lord Marke! "I am sure she is perfectly fine My Lady, she is being cared for by the nuns. Don't know what kind of statement she was trying to make coming to the church nude!" The man paled in horror at even speaking it. "Earned herself a fever but she'll be perfectly fine with Gods help. Now uh, to business again" He squeaked as he scooted forward to ruffle the papers scanning the lettering before he spoke. "I have been appointed by Father Bicard my Lady to inform you that you are to at once return to the church and thereafter enter into the service of God." He set the papers down, scooting them across the table towards Claire. "The Father has watched the last couple of months and as no proper and respectable suitor has presented itself. The Father believes it in your best interest you enter the Abby and the service of God. Your lands and money retained by the church and as stated here My Lady, will be your offering to the Church and God. The Father bids me to let you know your lands will be well taken care of by the Church. If you will...just sign here.." He pointed to the end of the paper.

Marke: He listened to Mr Brezbee as he laid out Father Bicard's demands.. and watched Lady Clair's face while it did so... for long moments he was thoughtful as the paper was pushed toward her in expedite haste for her signature... " Please.. Mr Brezbee.. can you allow us a moment of privacy ?" he spoke even as he grasp Clair by the elbow.. effectively lifting her from her seat in the chair.. " Enjoy your tea and biscuits.. " he smirked at the Church Official, he really didn't' like the little piece of scum. Lady Clair.. please.. ?" he indicated the door into the main hall... " We shall return momentarily" he called over his shoulder to the mousy man... into the hall they went and once the door was shut " Talk quickly what have you gotten yourself into.. and do you want to enter the church.. ?"

Claire: A clear frown marred her lips as the official spoke, though the frown was not about Ursula, the woman was strong enough to survive a fever. No it was the church ordering her into the abbey as a nun. She had known it would eventually come but not so soon. no suitor indeed, she was shut into the abbey walls night and day, when was there time for a suitor. As Marke caught her elbow and hauled her up, her mouth opened then closed as she gave an apologetic smile to the official. "Excuse us please" She hummed before being lead suitable match for me, one that could oversee the land and its people and be a good husband to me but that pickings were slim and if he could not find one, he hoped I would enter the abbey to allow the church to oversee the land instead. I do not want to become a nun Sir, no." She was speaking very fast for it asked it off her and because she was nervous in his presence after seeing last night and this morning, she had right to be!

Marke: Father Bicard seeks to take your birthright, most likely he has not even looked for you a suitable match " he scowled down at her naivety... a frown drawing upon his face... " You are a guest in my house if you want my protection you have it." still he knew the church official would not be satisfied with that, and Father Bicard would indeed send for her once more, absconding with her lands and leaving her penniless " Have you no other family?" he questioned her as he paced, looking thoughtful then back at her.. the resemblance to Ursula was striking.. and it made his guts roil... he remembered her words.. that for the church to be truly relived of the impression that he was under her spell he needed to be married.. that was the fallacy that had brought upon the engagement with Lorna.. the money grubbing gold digging bytch that had caused Ursula's damnation to begin with... he turned back to Claire... " Marry Me... I need a wife and you need a husband "

Claire: Silently she folded her hands in front of her and bowed her head though she saw his boots pace as he paced. She wasn't going to speak ill of the church or even Father Bicard though she thought there something evil about the man. She would never dare say something bad about him or the church out loud. He was speaking to himself really as he paced, that was not hard to see but when he questioned her, her head lifted and shook "no my Lord, my parents were only children and they died of plague, my brother was not long after them. I have no one." She answered truthfully before her lips pressed in a thin line of silence as he paced again. Finally when he turned to her, she did not expect the statement to come out of his mouth that did and it registered over every pore on her face. "My Lord?" She questioned as if it he were joking with her. Slowly her head fell again as her cheeks blushed scarlet in color. Her hands unfolded and one lifted to press her fingers against her lower lip, much like Ursula when she was thinking. This would protect her and her lands, that was for sure. Him as husband would do such and though Claire knew very well he might be speaking of grief at Ursula rebuke to his offer now laid at her first. Perhaps she could see them at least at peace in time. She did not expect him to love her, he didn't know her and she did not know him. Oh what if he wanted her to do what he did with Ursula! The thought made her color pale but her cheeks flame red. She would be bound to obey him as husband that was for sure but here he was offering her protecting and her lands with no hint as to asking for so much as anything back. Except a wife. Slowly her hand lowered from her lips to press against her belly as her head rose and she nodded her head. "All right. Yes. I will marry you."

Marke: As he watched the emotions play over her face he almost laughed as her thoughts were transparent.. the blush gave away some of them, the way she took small little glances at him the other " I promise to treat you kindly , you will suffer no want as my wife.. " he did not however promise a marriage of convenience or only on paper.. when she agreed he nodded.. and pulled the crested ring from his pinky finger slipping it over her index finger.. the only one it would not fall from... "It's official then " he winked at her in a roughish manner.. and offered her his arm.. " Shall we inform Mr Brezbee?" now his eyes took on that devil may care oh I'm going to cause trouble and love it... look... Back into the sitting room they advanced him, ushering her back to her seat and he stood behind her.. his hands resting lightly upon her shoulders... " Mr Brezbee you have been misinformed.. to your detriment.. you see Lady Clair is most engaged to a more than suitable Gentleman "

Claire: Claire smiled with a small sigh as he spoke. She knew he was speaking the truth and really there was a great weight off her shoulders with his offer. He was suddenly her knight in shining armor. So there was a gentle side to the Lord Marke. "I will be a good wife, this I promise" She spoke as he took her hand and slipped his pinky ring onto her finger. Such an odd little weight it left there that for a moment she stared at it as if her hand would plunk down to the floor and she would be unable to move. Raising her head she could only nod her agreement to tell Mr. Brezbee and slowly she laced her hand into the crock of his elbow as he lead her back to the room and saw her seated. Now she sat with her head held high and a smile at the mousy Mr. Brezbee.

Mr. Brezbee: Wiping the crumbles from his jacket, he jumped, scooting to the edge of his chair as the two came back in. Though he could of gone and listened, he had not. Leaning forward, he pushed the papers back towards Claire then stopped to sit up and blink as if he had gone deaf and did not hear them. "My Lord Marke? The lady engaged? to to to..."He stopped his stutter and cleared his throat. "To whom might I ask?"

Marke: "Lord Donal Marke... " he grinned a Cheshire cat grin as he watched the money flow out of the mans hands and back toward Lady Claire... " To happen Immediately... I find myself.. liberated of darkness.. and wish the Light that is Lady Claire in my life.. " he posed and leaned down pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.. " And she in her most angelic person has agreed... to be my wife... so you see.. there is no reason.. at all.. for her to leave these walls and return to the Abbey.. in fact.. I request that you send a Nun to chaperone her until we are wed.. and Let Father Bicard know I am willing to pay extra to have the Bans read at Mass tonight... We will be married by the Sabbath of this week... and I would like him to personally oversee the Ceremony as a Courtesy to me " he smiled charmingly although he knew both Bicard and Brezbee were as likely to have an attack of the heart.. when he relayed the news.

Mr. Brezbee:"I see" Stated Mr. Brezbee as his lips pressed into a thin line of displeasure. "My lady this is most irregular. Are you quite sure you want to take this man as husband?" His eyes passed from Marke to Claire even as the man made a show of kissing Claire cheek and even Mr. Brezbee had the inclination he was toying with the church! As Marke said they would be married by Sabbath, the man literally jumped back to the back of the chair in shock. "By the end of the week? Oh my dear Sir, such a thing...you are prepared to make a sizable donation...on behalf of the church to have such a thing pressed so quickly?" The teacup in his hands rattled and he leaned to set it down before realizing he had spilled tea in his jump on his coat and he dabbed it with a napkin. Oh the father would not be pleased but nonetheless, would have to agree or risk people questioning why the Father disagreed to what seemed a very suitable match! "I will indeed relay your wishes to the Father and see a Nun sent to oversee the Lady Claire until the wedding. I would ask though, we put this in writing and your signatures? This would be most aggrieves if this were all a rouse." He eyed them both sternly while using a single finger to push his glasses up his nose again.

Claire: "You have my solemn word Mr. Brezbee as a God fearing woman that this is what I wish. I do wish to take this man as my husband" Claire answered with a new note of confidence within her voice but she blanched as Marke said they would be married by the end of the week. So soon? but then that sounded right. If they wanted to outsmart the church and she quickly recovered and smiled at Mr. Brezbee even as he spilt tea all over himself jumping back in his surprise. Claire even smiled as Marke kissed her cheek and the bloom of rose color was still on her cheeks when he straightened. "If you would relay to the Father as well, how much it would mean to me that he personally oversee the service. I would be most grateful."

Marke: " Indeed Mr Brezbee.. please... draw up your contract there is no ruse here ... I assure you.. Lady Claire will be Lady Marke... by the end of this week... " he chuckled as she blushed at his kiss and recovered well enough to add on to their performance.. perhaps indeed she was Ursula's kin a fine actress for all her innocence.

Mr. Brezbee: "Very well. I will go back to the church with your wishes and have the papers delivered with the Nun by supper time. I do hope though, you will send them back with all haste so that we can quickly see to this marriage the both of you desire." He leaned again to take back the papers of Claire going into the abbey and shuffled them in with the ones Marke had signed and rose. "May I be the first to offer my congratulations to the both of you and a fine wedding." He let out a squeak of a laugh. "I daresay my Lady you've not much time to plan." He offered them both a curt bow. "I shall see myself out. Good Day Lord Marke and I daresay the soon to be Lady Marke."

Marke: He chuckled as he watched the man depart.. moving from behind Claire and too the hearth... " I pray you do not change your mind or find this a match not well made.. I would have you have no regrets.. " his eyes moved over to the liquor and for a moment he thirsted for it..but he deterred himself from it.. as of the moment he had tossed Ursula out he was done with her... changing his life... and the first thing to go was the Liquor.. " Jacob!" his voice raised to a loud boom... and when the manservant would find his way in.. " Store all the Liquor in the Cellar.. I want it no more on display inside the house.. it will only come out for our wedding feast.. " he turned to Claire and offered her a cokeed brow.. " I trust that meets with your approval ?"

Claire: She rose as Mr. Brezbee did laying her hand on Marke's arm as they both turned to see the man departed. When the door closed behind them in the parlor, her hand slowly fell away from his own to press against her stomach at the flutter there. She was getting married! The smile on her lips could shame the red red rose in its beauty for the look on Claire's face even as she watched him go towards the newly replaced liquor cabinet. "I moreso hope my Lord that you will not regret to taking me on as a wife. I shall not regret any decisions I have made thus far, this one most of all. You have my promise on that." Her head turned watching him with hand posed out to the liquor and a slender brow rose upward in silent question even as Jacob was called for. Her mouth opened in an o and then closed. She had seen how heavily he had been drunk last night, it was enough to know it was his addiction or was it Ursula? Just like that with one thing thrown out, he was throwing out another and despite it, she smiled. Perhaps she could at least see peace between Donal and Ursula in the future. He was coming far in a few short hours. "It does my Lord." Sweeping her skirts back, she took a step back towards the door. "I should start the preperations for our wedding now my Lord, there is indeed, little time if you...if we wish it by the end of the week but first I will see cook starts lunch. I suspect you are hungry by now?" She paused with her hand on the door to look back at him with a grin before the handle was turned and the door was pulled open. Yes she was going to try very hard to be a good wife to him. It was only out in the hall she paused, was he so glad to do this because she looked like Ursula? The thought was brushed off with a shake of her head as she headed down the hall towards the kitchen. She was going to be as good a wife as she could be. God willing, she would keep that promise.

[Ursula Darling]

She made the decision to leave him. She made the decision to act like a cold hearted bytch who was playing games so it would only right he had tossed her out the door naked. Truth was, she didn't blame him for it but that did not stop her from walking into town naked. People gawked as she paced and by the time she reached the church her feet were numb with the cold and snow. She had enough strength to pound once against the door before she leaned against it panting with the fever that now raged over her body making her legs shake with weakness. As the door came open, she fell in eyelids fluttering and then closed as she passed out into the priests arms.

Hours later she awoke. The nuns who had been tending her had all but left except for a single figure in the corner leaning back on two legs in the chair, his head on his chest as he snored lightly. Rolling in the bed, she pressed her forehead against the wetness on the pillow where it had soaked up her sweat from the breaking fever. The moon was shining a dull light across the floor and she focused on it as the days events flooded back to her. Wiggling to the edge of the bed, she pulled the blankets with her as she stood careful not to disturb the gentleman in the corner and moved to press against the wall next to the window. The cool feeling of winters night outside seeping through cracks in the frame made her hum in gratitude to flesh still heated with the last of the fever.

"You shouldn't be up" The voice grumbled from the corner and Ursula did not even bother to turn to look to know the gentleman was awake.

"An you shouldn't be in my room." Ursula retorted still posed looking out the window. She could see his reflection in the window. "But then the church all ready knows I am a whore. What are you a preset for doing my part in my release?"

The gentleman laughed as he shifted in the chair to sit up from his lazy lean and stretch to release from sleep. "You made the choice. I would of thought you intelligent enough to find a way out of it if you wanted."

Clutching the blankets tightly around her body, Ursula's eyelids slid closed as she grimanced from a stabbing pain in her abdomen. Damn winter weather. She was getting sick. "You..."She started and stopped to suck in a breath as the sharp pain eased. "You were in the meeting with Father Bicard and you're no holy man." Quite a statement for the moment as she wanted to ignore the other comment. For how intelligent she was, she just couldn't walk the road of wife and so there had been no other way. Plain and simple.

"Indeed." The gentleman spoke from the corner as he hesitated and then rose. "Zacharias Mathis is the name. I've been with the church for a while now, but no holy man. To sinful to ever be forgiven. Please, Ursula...get back into bed. You look unwell" Zach spoke as he laid his hands on her shoulders.

Ursula snorted as she shrugged his assistance off and moved back to the bed on her own accord opening the sheet to move around her front as she put a foot on the bed and then sunk down to sit in the middle. "I thought so" She mused before shaking her hair out of her face. "So what's the verdict?" She asked knowing he would know the question and answer.

Zach waited till she went back to the bed and then moved to his chair. Gripping the back, he scooted it across the floor to her bedside before sitting down again with a sigh. "Lord Donal Marke is to marry the Lady Claire McTavish by the end of the week. The bans have been read during this evenings Mass and Father Bicard himself will be seeing to the ceremony." There he stopped looking for her reaction.

One wave and then another of pain hit her but she was trying hard to keep the pain from reaching her face as she massaged her stomach and tried to focus on what he was saying. Even in pain she laughed and nodded her head. Marke had done exactly as she had wanted him too and to boot he was getting a fine wife. As funny as it was, it was painful, moreso with the growing pain in her stomach and she suddenly felt the need to walk. "I should...get back to the Lily and prepare...for the wedding and reception" She spoke between gasps of pain before doubling over against the bed as she attempted to stand.

"Ursula!" Zach hissed as he knocked the chair over in his haste to stand and catch the woman. "Blood..." He hummed low looking to the end of her nightgown where the white linen stained red with blood and growing. "Lay down now.." He commanded as he helped her back onto the bed before rushing to the door to call for help.

An hour later the nuns were exiting the room carrying with them bloody rags and pausing as Zach marched up from pacing the walk having been thrown out when helped arrived. He had no idea what was wrong but blood without an object to create the wound was never a good sign. Then again the girl could of simply been on the rag, who knew. Still he sent for the nuns and was effectively thrown out so there it was, not a good sign.

"A miscarriage..."One of the nuns spoke then did the sign of the cross on her body. "I'll have the priests pray for her tonight. The girl is all right but she should rest."

Zach nodded as he heaved a sigh. "Thank you sister, I'll look over her tonight. Speak of this to no one?" At the stern look he received he knew no one else would know. Knocking on the door, he poked his head in to see Ursula looking pale as a ghost against the sheets, a hand against her stomach and eyes closed. Closing the door behind him he moved to collect the chair and move it to her side of the bed. For a moment his hand hovered then collected her own into both of his. Her fingers were freezing and he leaned to blow against them between his hands before rubbing them. "Can I get you anything Ursula? He spoke with concern and yes, a bit of pity.

For a while she lay there allowing him to stroke her hand. She had been pregnant? She heard the Nuns murmuring through the pain and yet it had not sunk in. For an hour she felt as if death was coming for her. The pain was so bad she was near praying to the God she didn't believe in just for it to stop for a second. Now her belly ached dully, nothing compared to before and it felt, hollow, it felt odd. She had forgotten to bring Shaden's tonic with her to the Marke estate and so now it made sense, her missed courses, the ache and swell of her breast and how she could smell everything. She had never desired kids, did not like the mewing little things but something made her regret that she had lost Marke's child. Even if she had stayed pregnant, she wouldn't of kept it. Marke would of made a good father but she would not of made a good mother. Pulling her hand from Zach's she slowly rolled to her side facing him wincing as her stomach felt tender and still painful.

"Yes" She finally spoke. "You can get me a carriage..."

[Ursula Darling]

Claire: The day dawned bright and early in the Marke and Mctavish household. The house was buzzing with preparations for the noon ceremony and the evening reception. Claire had gotten up early to be whisked away to the church away from Marke's eyes while the servants were in super mode trying to get the flowers and decorations all set up in time as the kitchens worked hard into getting the food prepared. The church had been prepared the day before, simple and elegant. The noon hour seemed to arrive all to quickly it seemed with the bride hidden away preparing in her white and golden gown to match the grooms attire while witnesses arrived in drooves to take their seats.

"Aunt Muriel": Old Aunt Muriel was among them hobbling her way up the aisle while an attendant came to assist her. "Hands off me lad, I got in heres the same way the way I be going out, without you" Her crackly voice rose as she waved him off behind her black veil for it was widely known the old lady was in mourning some forty years now. What wasn't known was aunt Muriel had passed away that morning. The black gown ruffled as she shrugged the man off and hobbled her way into a seat.

Marke: Marke had left his home and traveled to the Church on time as usual.. the only thing maring his morning was while he was getting dressed,, he came across a small sketch he had done of Ursula while she was sleeping, tucked away in his nightstand drawer.. for long moments he just stared at it.. the memories rushing back.. his index finger traced the line of sleeping beauties jaw.. and for one moment.. he though to himself.. what am I doing... I love Ursula.. why am I marrying Clair... soon enough the moment was over.. as he walked to the fireplace.. and tossed the drawing into the flames... burning her from evidence.. were it so easy to burn her from his memories and heart.. finally all that was left was cinder and ashes.. fitting... as if sealing her away from the days ceremonies.. he turned his back on the hearth.. and walked from the room... resplendent in his wedding attire of ivory and gold.. he looked every bit the Noble Gentry he was.. Now at the end of the isle.. he awaited his bride.. never fidgeting only standing proud and tall.. resolute.. in his decision.

Claire: Finally the doors to the church closed to those who were not invited to intent or who would come late as the organist took her place and the music flowed up and bounced heavenly against the rafters as Claire took her place at the end of the isle, the thin white veil did not hide her smiling face well as she slowly waltz 'd down the isle to meet her future husband. Here and there people gasped and awed at the sight of the lovely bride in the white and golden embroidered gown with her pearl draped neck, ears and headpiece. As she met Marke by Father Bicard, she dipped in front of the priest, bringing the ringed finger to her lips for a kiss and then paused to wait till Marke lifted the veil back before she took his hand and stood in front of the Father to become his wife.

Marke: When the gasp of the congregation were heard he knew she had entered the Sanctuary of the Church.. he turned halfway to look upon the woman, child he was taking as his bride.. how old was she 18 or so.. his lips twitched.. it should have been Ursula.. he frown a moment.. then banished her once again from his thoughts, though he swore he smelled her perfume.. she was a witch.. here even when she was not.. He watched Claire until she arrived at his side, genuflecting to the priest.. and kissing his ring.. something Marke refused to do.. he had no love or respect for the crooked priest.. Then he lifted her veil.. again stunned by how much she resembled Ursula.. he settled it back down over her shoulders and turned forward to face the Priest once more... taking her hand in his... so they were getting married.

"Aunt Muriel": The congregation sat as Father Bicard started the ceremony about the purity of marriage and how it should not be entered into lightly nor meddled with. The church for a moment was interrupted by a short laugh followed by coughing in which Aunt Muriel was made aware by waving a hanky. "Go on with ya Father, don't fret over an old woman!" She crocked and the Father grimaced until grinning to drone on as if preaching to the crowd before the ceremony actually began and Claire and Marke were finally asked for their I do's. Rings exchanged, wine taken from the same cup and then the Father announcing them as Man and wife and that Marke should undoubting kiss his new bride.

Marke: At the attack of coughing he turned looking right at the old woman.. one had to wonder if the one behind the veil of black lace would worry he would see through her disguise.. then as the coughing abated, he took Claire's hand and stroked it reassuringly.. as if to comfort her.. or perhaps a show of tenderness.. and when the vows had been said.. the rings exchanged.. he did indeed kiss his bride.. turning to her he lifted his fingers to her cheeks .. caressing down the fine cheekbones softly.. then tipping up her chin.. slowly he lowered his lips to hers.. a tender, gentle kiss, one that to all intents and purposes for both the congregation and Claire.. was loving... truly loving... it would steal her very breath away.. and when he withdrew from her he would smile at her reaction.. and press his lips against her temple.. " Do not pass out on me.. " he chuckled softly.. his hand slipping down to the small of her back to steady her.

Claire: Claire's eyes fell on the old woman with worry marring her brows until she was brought back to look at the priest but not for long as she held Marke's hands within her own, she was shaking in his grasp but she let out a laugh as she fumbled to get his ring on. "First and Last time I do this hmm" She joked but it died on her lips as his hand rose to her chin and her head tilted back in his embrace. As his lips met hers, she melted against him, still shaking but warm and inviting. "I'll try not to" She whispered in return as she felt his lips against her temple though the guests were beginning to clap for them and her cheeks began to color red with embarrassment. "I'll be fine when we get out of this church and I can sit down. This has all happened so fast." Lips pressed closed as the priest announced happily to welcome the Lord and Lady Marke and the guests began to applaud again as Father Bicard ushered them down the isle. "Perhaps a glass of wine isn't such a bad idea now. I see why people drink"

Marke: He chuckled as they were ushered down the asile.. and halfway down he bent and swept her off her feet into his arms like a child, twirling her about... causing her to laugh... it was after all her wedding day.. and while there was no real love, nor passion.. he could afford the kindness of making it seem perfect to her , to all others it did indeed look as if the groom was enamored of his wife.. as he dropped a kiss on her cheek and carried her from the Church to the awaiting carriage.. with grand romantic style.

Claire: Claire giggled and squealed in delight as he pulled her up into his arms and to the waiting carriage. Guests were happy chiming into the fun as they followed the pair out to carriages that were rounding in to follow the pair back to Marke Manor.

"Aunt Muriel"- Ursula: Aunt Muriel was the last to leave and at the threshold of the door where Father Bicard was seeing people off before his own carriage arrived, she stopped. The veil thrown back, the plaster pulled off making the withered face suddenly turn young and beautiful, Ursula grinned and let out a hum of a chuckle. "Liked that little part about the purity of marriage Father." Father Bicard scowled at her but said nothing. "Oh no need to comment Father. You didn't think I would stay away from this? I sold my soul to see Marke married although I am not so unsure now I did not sell it to the devil." Chocolate eyes moved to the priest before she was sweeping down the steps. "I have to get ready for the ball." As the father's mouth opened to retort she turned to grin at him. "Don't pout father, I just might make your wildest and most sinful fantasies come true tonight. I made a promise and intend to keep it. But I need to see their marriage...consummated to be sure nothing will happen to either of them, you understand." Father Bicard was scowling hard but at his name being called he turned to answer it and when he turned again, Ursula was gone. She would change in the carriage, she had skill of changing in small spaces.

[Ursula Darling]

Claire: Guests would see when they arrived much as they would see any time they visited the Marke Estate. Pristine and clean the outter halls although the banister of the stairs was decorated in ivy and white roses and lilies. The Great Hall had been set up with long tables filled with food and drink with the center table bathed in a canopy of white for the bride and the groom. This room too was bathed in ivy vines and white flowers. Servants were waiting to take jackets and coats while others were all ready mingling through the guests with trays of food and drink not set out on the table while the band had begun to strike a lively melody. Claire had invited some of the courtesans from the Gilded Lily with the knowledge that Ursula would not be among them for some of the single men and the ladies were all ready dazzling the room with their singular and unique glow. Guests were also given masks as they entered. Their choice of course for it was much more fun when you did not know who was behind it and costumed masked patrons danced about the floor laughing while the room buzzed with conversation.

"Madam Loviere": Madame Loviere stood in the corner by the courtesans not dancing or mingling just to the right of a stock looking fellow, the guard that accompanied them. Blonde almost platinum hair shining against her shoulders which were barely covered by the low dipping front of her pale rose gown. The pale rose and black mask on her face dipped down to her nose and close to a beauty mark that rested right above her upper lip to the right winked when she grinned and turned her head to the guard who was dipping to speak with her. Waving her fan as a gentleman approached, she bowed so formally before taking his hand to be lead out to the dance floor. No there was no sign of Ursula here. Claire marveled at it all. Such a whirlwind of events. This morning she was Claire McTavish, now she was Claire Marke. From her place at the high table she watched with a smile at the guests.

Marke: Marke had settled at the high table with his bride, accepting all the congratulations and wishes of good luck and such.. Prudence and Patience mingled with guest, their husbands with them, Marke was glad to see them happily that seemed happy enough.. it was all he could ask for his sisters.. and Now he himself were married.. the though struck him in the gut.. he had swore before God and the Church to be faithful, and loving to the woman that sat beside him... a glance at her and a little smile as he observed her fresh faced enjoyment of the festivities.. she was beautiful and sweet.. well disposition .. everything a wife was supposed to be.. gentle and kind , capable of running a household.. intelligent and a woman of god.. so why was it then.. that he kept smelling Ursula's perfume.. " Excuse me dear.. " he leaned over Claire's cheek as he rose dropping a kiss onto it.. " I shan't be long " he stood and moved toward the Library.. he needed a cigar.

Claire: Claire took a glass of wine from an offered tray and took a drink. She was not a big drinker but unlike Ursula she would not refuse others doing so but even now her nerves were still shaking. A whirlwind day would do that to it. She eyed Marke's sister with a tender shyness. She had met them only a few days ago and they had been kind but she wondered if they did not feel she was holding something over their brothers head. Of course Claire was holding nothing. Donal was the one who became her knight in shining armor and so far they had not been unkind to her. [/color]

"Madam Loviere":As Marke leaned towards her, she leaned towards him, lowering her head with a blush as he kissed her cheek. "All right" She hummed lifting her eyes to follow after him before turning to more people approaching to wish her well.

Marke: He had made his way toward the library, passing by the Platinum wigged woman.. when he stopped.. turning on his heel to look at her oddly... inhaling deeply... his brow quirked... was that Ursula's perfume... he took a step closer watching her as she talked to the men who swarmed about her like bees to honey.. a dark scowl blooming over his face.. without warning his hand struck out like a serpent, grasping her by the upper arm.. beauty mark, pale makeup and wig would not disguise her enough, he had loved her well, worshipped every inch of her.. he knew her by heart.. and soul.. " You damnable Witch.. I warned you " he growled.. uncaring if he made a scene or not.. as he drug her toward the Library shoving her inside.. then slamming the door behind him . The key turned in the lock and he grasp it solidly within his fist " What the hell are you doing here... today of all days ?"

"Madam Loviere": "Excuse me" The thick french accent left her lips as her elbow was grasped and she was drug away from her accompany of gentlemen. A silent grin curled her lips as he hauled her into the library and slammed the door closed. A hand went to her corset under her gown adjusting it as she whirled around and batted her fan against her neck. "I am sorry Monsieur I do no know what you are talking about" Still she used that french accent of hers the shock and confusion evident on her face. Oh she was such a good actress. A slender brow arched above the mask as he locked the door and palmed the key and her lips pursed pushing the beauty mark above her lip to stand out.

Marke: "Don't play games with me.. I would know you in any disguise " he advanced on her wanting to shake her teeth from her head.. wanting to throw her across the desk and bury his body in hers.. what a witch she was, her spell still potent and stirring..something no vows of marriage to Claire could dispel.. " Ursula.. " he spoke her name as one would that of the cursed.. the dammed.. " What do you want of me.. do you seek to torment me so..?" his hands raised as if to wring her neck and then he made a low growl and turned from her stalking toward the door, which he summarily punched,, so hard that his knuckles cracked and broke beneath the onslaught.. good Scottish oak... she was still the same .. always playing games.. the quintessential actress.. you never got to the truth of Ursula..

Ursula: She took a step back and then another as she let out a laugh. Oh even now she was toying with him and couldn't help it. There was something in him, a darkness just below the surface that excited her so and she loved to bring it out of him if to just feel the briefest quiver of want of him between her thighs. "Torment you?" That slender brow rose again as her head cokeed to the side and that grin pushed up on one side of her mouth. "I seem to recall you were the one who tossed me out onto the steps naked. You want to talk about torture...my feet are still frozen." Slapping the fan against her hand, she closed it and clasped her hand hard around the now flat object. "I came to see your marriage" She answered quite surprisingly truthful. "It was part of the bargain" Releasing the fan, she sighed tapping it against her palm and still unflinching as he punched the door. She could hear his knuckles crack and break from where she stood. "Now how do you purpose to please your new wife with one broken hand hmm? Terrible temper yours.." Sliding the fan into the front of her bodice, she slowly worked the sash around her waist off and moved towards him. "give me your hand" she commended and reached out to snatch his wrist before he could pull away from her to wrap it up with the pale pink sash.

Marke: "Stop it " he growled as she wrapped his hand " Do not act as if you care " he pulled away from her shoving her roughly with his good hand.. " As you well know I use more than my hand to please my woman.. I'm sure my wife will be satisfied.. " he scowled at her then made his way over to the whiskey decanter.. he had been almost two weeks now without a drop , but Ursula brought out the need for a drink in him.. " Part of what bargain ?" he turned to her as he lifted the glass to his lips and took a deep swallow, killing the whole thing in one gulp.

Ursula: "Oh suddenly I don't care. How very fortunate you are telling me how I feel now. Thank you, I had thought I still did" She returned his scowl and yanked his wrist back as he fought to pull away from her to finish wrapping it before releasing him just in time to stumble back from his shove. "Oh I well remember your pleases. As much as I like Claire though, she is a virgin. Does it excite you to know you will be the first and likely the last?" She grinned as she turned to watch him move to the liquor with a grin. She was pushing him again and knew it but she was hurting to. It just didn't show in the same way he showed his. "What bargain doesn't matter now, its done" She shook her head to answering further. "Now will you please give me the key so I can get back to your reception as should you, or at least unlock the door."

Marke: " I will not discuss my wife with you.. you shouldn't even be here I want you gone.. or do I have to throw you out again ?" the whiskey bolstered him and he poured another glass.. at this rate Claire wouldn't have to worry , because her husband would be to drunk to perform at all.. " What part of I don't want you anymore don't you understand.. I Married Claire.." now he was trying to hurt her " She is everything you are not.. a perfect Lady Marke.. not a whore and witch like you"

Ursula: "Fine, whatever you wish. We will not discuss Claire. But you were the one who shoved me in here." Plucking the fan from her breasts she gave a flick of her wrist to open it and began to fan herself again. She was feeling her body weakness from illness and...well she wouldn't even think the other creeping over her again. "I'll leave at the end of the party" eyelids slid closed a moment as she felt a stab of pain in her abdomen in time with his stabbing words. "I understand you perfectly" Lids slid open again as chocolate brown eyes turned towards him again. "But throwing me in here and locking the door doesn't make them very truthful, go enjoy your party, your new wife. Forget I am here. Ursula isn't here anyway's. Madame Loviere is." Slowly she moved towards the door and stood beside it. "Now will you please let me out."

Marke: " you will answer my question first.. what bargain and why are you here.. ? your curiosity could have been salved by word of mouth.. why did you come here " the edge had gone to his voice and he sounded weary.. beaten down... " only then will I open that door.. and no you will not remain you will leave.. here this night for good when you pass under that threshold.. I do not want Claire upset by seeing you here.. "

Ursula: "I will not." She shot him a hard glare. "I don't answer to you remember." Again the fan snapped closed as she turned her body to face his. "I said it before, what bargain does not matter. It's done and finished." He was pushing her buttons and he well knew it. Trapping her in the room, she wanted to scratch his eyes out for such hard words that were as true as she made them seem. She wanted out of this room. Clever man knew she wouldn't of stayed otherwise. Lids slid closed again as she pressed a hand against her stomach and inhaled a deep breath. No doubt under all that make up she was as pale as death. Finding a second wind, her head lifted and she fixed a hard stare on him again as the icy words flowed from her lips, arctic and stabbing. "I'm here on business"

Marke: " your business is concluded.. " he glared at her stubbornness.. " if you will not tell me .. then you will leave this house this minute.. I want nothing of you or yours on my property" he advanced on her taking her arm harshly once more, she would wear his fingerprints for days... and jerking her toward the door.. "I'm done with you... I'm not playing your games and neither is Claire.. if you care atall for that girl you will never come here again.. "

Ursula: "So you are my manager now?" She retorted with a smirk and a snort from her nose as she shook her head. As his hand grasped her arm harshly she let out a low growl and tried to jerk it away from his. "Let go of me" She warned low in warning. When he didn't let go, she flicked the fan, this time as her thumb came down on the handle, a small dagger like blade fell from the inside and she wielded it below his neck as she shoved him hard against the door. "I'll leave on my own accord, I'm not going to be thrown out onto the steps like garbage again. I care much more then you think. Don't worry, you won't ever see me again after tonight, I'll promise you that much but if you ever lay a hand on me again, you will. Now open that door and walk away." Slowly she withdrew the blade and pushed it against her corset to click back into hiding.

Marke: "kill me " he murmured.. down to her.. he didn't care.. his life was a shambles.. and he was acting just like she was.. only he was putting on a show for everyone.. even her " Leave.. " he opened the door.. and pointed toward the main entry way.. " And never come back.." his voice had the tones of finality in it.. weather it was the broken part of him speaking.. or the part that hated her.. she would never know..

Ursula: "I don't want to kill you, if I did...you would be dead all ready" Slowly she slid the fan up her sleeve and smoothed her hands down the front of her gown. "Despite everything Marke, I wish you the upmost happiness and I mean that"As she spoke her head tilted upward to look into his face.

Brom: "Lady Loviere" A voice floated up from the ballroom as she left the library and she turned as Zach approached with the worried look on his face.

Ursula:"Ah Monsiour Mathias" That french accent was back as she extended her hand to him and his arm wrapped about her waist as she stumbled, Ursula was near fainting. "Ah see you make me swoon" She purred with a laugh. "I think the revel has been to much. Would you escort me home?" A silent nod was given by Zach and she paused in his leading her away to turn towards Marke. "Congratulations Monsiuer Marke on your wedding, I hope your marriage will be a blessed one."

Marke: He turned from her without a word.. unwrapping the pink sash and tossing it to the floor.. quick strides brought him back to his brides side, and with a soft kiss and murmer he joined her.. he did not smell of cigars but of whiskey.. " I hope I have not kept you to long my dear " he spoke as he took a bite of the wedding cake that had been served.. with his left hand... as his right was currently throbbing as if the devil himself sawed at the bones inside it.

Claire: Claire's nose wrinkled at the smell of not cigars but whiskey on his breath but none the less she smiled and leaned into the kiss before settling back within her chair fidgeting with her slice of wedding cake. "Not to long darling." She murmured with a smile before lowering her voice as she leaned towards him. "Is everything all right?" The pure and innocent look of concern on her face was not marred by suspicion but genuine concern and worry.

Marke: "everything is fine.. " he assured her.. lifting his fork to her lips to press a bite of cake there.. "Sweets for the sweet " he parodied a romantic saying he had heard somewhere with a laugh . Abruptly he stood clinking his glass to draw attention... " Thank you all for celebrating Clair and Mine.. wedding day.. we cannot express how joyful we are.. " he looked down at Clair, and extended his hand helping her to rise... then his gaze turned back to the crowd.. his eyes locking with Ursula's... " As you can see I am the luckiest man alive.. my bride is perhaps the most beautiful girl in the world.. So you will forgive my boar and selfish need.. to hurry along our wedding night .. " he laughed as did most of the crowd.. as he bent to swoop Clair off her feet.. and walk toward the stairs with her... " Continue on your revelry.. drink eat and be merry " he called down to the guest.. as he topped the stairs turning with his lovely burden in his arms.. again his eyes found Ursula.. as if saying.. goodbye... and then he took his wife .. to begin their honeymoon.

Claire: Her head tilted to the side with an odd look though she laughed as her mouth opened to take in the bite of cake and her hand lifted as she chewed and then swallowed. Her cheeks were all ready painted pink with embarrassment but her lips curled into a smile and her eyes sparkled with joy. Curiosity marred her face as she stood and called to attention the guests by clinking his glass. Wiping her mouth before she took his hand, she rose with a weary laugh and a small curtsy to the crowd and blushing in his compliment. "My husband does me to much justice. We are both very lucky" She cut him off for a second before she blanched, wedding night?! She recovered quickly letting out a laugh as he swept her up into his arms. One arm snaked around his waist while the other hid her face in embarrassment so that she did not see Ursula or Madame Loviere as it was even when he was carrying her up the stairs.

Ursula: Ursula chin tilted upward both times his gaze locked with her own and a small smile slid against each side before dropping as Zach still held onto her to keep her from falling. As Marke approached with his new bride in his arms, she stepped back to give him room to the stairs. Her head dipped in a nod as Zach hand tightened on her waist. "Come" He ushered to her ear as Marke disappeared upstairs with his wife. "There is work to be done" Ursula finished for him and managed a smile at him. At least she would see her rage and pain released tonight. At least Donal Marke was safe. At this point that was all she could be thankful for.

Marke: Once inside the bedroom Marke would carry her to the bed and gently toss her down in a playful manner.. " No need to worry.. Claire.. I will not press you... but the day has been long and I was tired.. forgive me for cutting our reception short ?" he gave her and endearing grin.. and then rolled his head back and forth as if releasing tension ,before going to the window and pulling back the drape.. He saw Ursula there.. getting into the carriage... for long moments he just stared until the carriage was out of sight.. engulfed by the night.

Claire: She bounced against the bed with a hum of a laugh before scooting to the edge and smoothing her hands down the end of her gown. "oh" She ushered with a sigh of relief, not that she would of denied him had he wanted to...even the thought made her blush. "oh no no, its perfectly fine" She slid from the bed and reached up to untie her mask and lay it on the stand beside the bed. Turning, she watched him more to the window and slowly approached from the back. Hesitantly her hands rose and fell and rose again only to fall again before she ushered a sigh to calm herself and reach up to rub the back of his neck. "My Lord, if you're...sorry...for marrying me, we have not...we can still annul the marriage" She turned her head to peer over his shoulder out the window to see Madame Loviere getting into carriage. Claire was innocent but not stupid and her hands dropped from his neck to press against her corset at her stomach much like Ursula did as she took a step back and turned. "Oh, so she was here."

Marke: He banged his head against the window as she looked out and saw Ursula leaving.. " Yes I sent her away.. I wanted nothing to do with her.. and did not want your night ruined.. " he turned to her taking her chin in his good hand lifting her face to his.. " I do not regret marrying you... and only offered to not press you because of your.. innocent status.. it is not for lack of finding you desirable.. but for lack of wanting to hurt you.. for I will have to live with you a very long time.. till death do us part.. I can wait until you are ready... if you are worried that I still want her.. and not you.. do not.. you will be the only woman in my bed..

Claire: Her lips pressed tight even as his hand lifted her chin and her eyes rose to meet his. "She would not of ruined my night. I feared mostly her ruining yours." Slowly her hand lifted to touch at his wrist where his hand held her face and she smiled as she pulled her face from his grasp. "Thank you, it all means very much to me." She gave him a gentle smile but she made no move to step away from him. "I was not worried over that...I did wonder because I saw you two, that last night you two spent together" She blushed then, having not really ever thought to tell him that. "Well I saw you going up the stairs. I am worried that I will not be able to please you, I can not compete with how she.." She stopped there and took a step back and turned, a hand came up to pull the pins from her hair and release the tangled brown curls around her shoulders. "You have rescued me from the convent and ensured the survival of my families land. I cannot thank you enough but to be a good wife to you. I know my father loved my mother but even he was not faithful and visited a brothel every now and again. I would not fault you for doing the same if you wished." The blush was evident on her cheeks, darkening with each word she spoke. "But it does lighten my heart to know you will wait till I am ready."

Marke: He listened to her and with every word he felt guilty.. finally she stopped speaking and he moved behind her wrapping his arms about her middle... his mouth at her ear.. " It is I who owe you little one... you are perhaps the most pure and best thing in my life... You are my wife.. there is no competition.. you do not have to be like Ursula to satisfy me.. for you do so in your kind ways and your sweet heart... " he sighed softly pressing a kiss to her cheek then stepped back only enough to allow his fingers to begin working over the tiny buttons that were in a row down her back releasing her gown.. until it puddled on the floor about her ankles.. " Step out " he commanded in a soft hushed tone... his hands pulling the gown away from her feet and tossing it onto a chair.

Claire: Her hands found his at her middle as she let her eyes closed to feel the warm breath of him at her ear and she listened without pulling away. She hummed in a soft moan as he kissed her cheek, still blushing but it had lightened from before. She wasn't going to judge Ursula nor speculate on what happened. The fact remained that he had stood before the church and God that morning and took her, Claire, as his wife. He needed a wife, that had been plain but somewhere in those few days together she had come to form a fondness for the man that was nor her husband. She wanted to be a good wife not because she had to but because she did suspect he needed a little kindness, not that she thought Ursula had been unkind but because she knew without him saying he was wounded and she wanted to help heal that wound as best she could. As he stepped back and began to undo the buttons of her gown, she held her breath as she wiggled her shoulders with pulling the top down away from them. She was wearing a chemise underneath the gown but she had never been this close to naked with a man before and she blushed deeper again as the thicker material fell to pool at her feet. At his command, she stepped outside of the circle of material while pulling her hands behind her back in a meek tender innocence.

Marke: "lovely " he breathed out the word as he looked at her.. " Now go get your nightgown on" his wink was playful.. as he moved to begin taking his clothes off as well.. cumbersome tight formal clothes.. annoyed him.. soon enough he was dressed in his black silk sleeping pants and nothing more.. lounging on the bed.. feet crossed as he awaited her return.. perhaps she had though him unbuttoning her was a prelude.. but it was necessity. how else was she going to reach those buttons.

Claire: She let out a laugh while shaking her head. Lovely? Idiotic more like it. She felt so foolish always blushing. With a grin she disappeared into the adjoining room connected to his. Her old room or the borrowed one. When he didn't want her in his, she would sleep there. With care she removed her jewelry and laid them on the dressing table before she was dressing in her night shift and robe. When she returned just the sight of him bare chested had her blushing again. Slowly she pulled her robe off and laid it across the chest at the end of the bed, like a shy child she swayed by the side of the bed curling a strand of hair around her finger before crawling onto the empty space beside him. She was not so simple and innocent to know that it would seem odd if she slept in the other bedroom on their wedding night. "Tomorrow we should go to Swayfield, my family home. It's partly yours now. Well in dowry its all yours" Her face shown with the mention of her family home. She had been raised there, like generations before her.

Marke: " I do not bite.. " he hesitated for effect " much " he was half sitting half laying upon a stack of pillows.. his back hand held up and over his head to amend the throbbing.. thank god for the dulling effects of the whiskey he had drank while Ursula was here... " I shall be happy to take you home, and meet your family.." he looked over at her... and yawned slightly... watching her eyes roam over his chest.. with curiosity.. " IF you want to touch.. and explore you may... until you say.. you wish me to make love to you I will not.. but I know you must be curious.. of things you do not know ".

Claire: "Oh me thinks your bark is worse then your bite" She teased as she slid onto the bed and leaned back against the pillows pulling her knees to her chest as she went. "Well the people who live around the estate and keep it up for me are the only family I have left. I would of liked you to meet my parents. You might of liked them." Leaning an arm against the stack of pillows, she lay against her side facing him and indeed let her eyes roam over him but when he brought it to attention she blushed turning her face into the pillow. She would of rather him know but not say that he knew! God above how embarrassing! "Yes I am curious but I...don't know what to do.." She spoke muffled against the pillows.


Marke: Whatever you wish " he chucked as she burrowed her head into her pillow.. leaning over he took her hand and brought it upward to his lips kissing the tips softly.. then laid it on his chest.. "See.. you did not burst into flame.. I am but a man.. Claire.. nothing more " his dark head lounged back against the pillows as he released her hand upon his chest.. to wander however it would.. " I am your servant.. Milady.. do with me as you wish ".

Claire: "Yes, your a man with experience" Muffled still by the pillow until she felt him taking her hand and her head turned on the pillow to watch as he kissed her fingertips. Her mouth opened in a perfect little o as she watched him lower her hand to his chest. Her hand quivered against his chest and for several seconds it did not move and she simply stared at it lying there. Her fingers were tingling with the sensation of skin at her finger tips as her eyes registered to her brain that the skin her fingers were touching was the bare skin of her husband. This radiated in her mind as she slid to sit up with her hand still on his chest. Sucking in a breath, it held in her throat as finally her hand moved against his chest, her fingertips slid between his breastbone and down over the roll of his pecs. " What is it like? Making Love?" The stillness finally broken as her eyes rose from his chest to his face.

Marke: He lay still as not to scare her as she explored his flesh.. enjoying the feel of her cool fingers against his flesh.. this was new to him, taking his time, and not taking what he wanted. actually thinking of someone else first.. very very new.. when she posed her question he looked down at her and smiled.. taking the role of mentor and husband.. " Hmmmmm let me think.. it can be very wonderful.. exciting and intimate.. a true sharing of one person to another.. that is true lovemaking.. sex however.. can be both good and bad.. it can elevate or humiliate.. sometimes within the same act.. " he looked down wondering if he was getting to phislopical with her... or perhaps she wanted a more physical play book of how it went..

Claire: Still her fingers explored, getting bolder in not just using the pads of her fingertips but her the long digits of her fingers and her palms. She smiled back when he looked at her but still shyly. His explanation was a good one but of course not the one she was looking for and she blushed when thinking of a way to ask what she really wanted to know. "I mean the feel of it. What does it feel like? Does love making and sex feel different?" Slowly she shifted to sit upon her knees beside him and inhaling a breath, she held it again as she leaned down turning her head as she went, feeling as she would shake so bad she would vibrate herself right off the bed as she lay her cheek against his chest with her hands on either side of his sides as her eyelids slid closed as she brushed her cheek against his chest as her mouth parted to release that pint up breath in a warm wash against his flesh.

Marke: "physically it can feel like sex... but it's an emotional tie between to people that makes it special.. a bond.." his fingers slid into her hair as she eased her head down onto his chest, stroking gently... " When two people make love it means something.. anyone can have sex.. buy it sell it.. trade it.. Making love is the real thing , everything else is just a game " he murmured.. then shivered as her warm breath washed across his flesh.. temptress didn't even know what she was doing.

Claire: That still was not what she wanted to know but it was hard to explain how exactly she wanted to know how it felt like. She wanted to know what the sensations felt like but just couldn't bring herself to say thats what she wanted to know. Instead she sighed as she felt his hand within her hair and just simply laid her hair to his chest and breathed as her fingers caressed at his sides while she listened to the beat of his heart. She would write to Ursula, secretly of course, tomorrow when she had alone time to inquire about how to prepare for something like this. He had said she would wait until she was ready but that could be God knew how long. She didn't know about being ready or what it felt like to be ready for someone to take the remaining innocence of her youth away. Reveling folk below were now getting quite rowdy with the sounds floating upstairs, some of the men having felt it was time to bang on the door and call their congratulations. This scared Claire and she jumped up, her hand brushing down the front of Marke's slacks across his genitals. "oh!" She exclaimed with surprise at the banging and then a bigger "OH!" as she realized where her hand was and she jerked back only to hit the edge of the bed and fall off with a loud moan making the bantering congregation believe their honeymoon was still ongoing and they cheered as they hurried down the hall and back down to the party below to tell others of their victory.

Marke: He laughed softly as the revelers banged on the door, and then even more as she brushed across his coke.. finding it indeed stiff and hard.. then promptly fell off the bed.. on his knees he leaned over the bed and looked down at her with a grin " Are you alright?" he offered his good hand to her to pull her back up..onto the bed.. chuckling at her blush... " if you are so curious perhaps a lesson is in order ?" he was teasing and would be shocked if she agreed.. as he flopped back on his side.. rolling to the nightstand drawer to retrieve something there.. " Remind me in the morning.. " he held up the little sheep's bladder of blood.. " They will expect the sheets hung from the window to be stained.. " he winked " A good sign of a long and lasting marriage ".

Claire: Her hands were over her face as she laughed in embarrassment and there he would find her, laying on the floor laughing even though her butt bone hurt from the fall she was otherwise fine. With a grin up at him, she nodded her head and waved her hand that she was fine before her fingers found his and she was using his assistance to climb back onto the bed. "A...a...a..lesson?" Her eyes went wide like a doe caught in the hunters sight and knowing it. Her eyes rose to the sheep's blood and then she blushed releasing what it was for. She didn't respond for she released her hand was tingling where she had touched him. He had been hard and long and it had been...odd and exciting. Without releasing it, her eyes were straying to his thigh. Finding herself doing it, she fell back against the bed, curling onto her side as she blushed so much she looked as if she had been red her whole life.

Marke: "Don't fret.. or be ashamed.. I'm your husband now.. and your my wife.. these are the things that we are supposed to share.. " the bladder was placed back on the bedside table.. as he rolled to her, placing his arm about her waist "we can start with a lesson on kissing.. if you like".

Claire: "They don't treach you that in Church" She half joked with a laugh as her hand rose to cover her face for a moment before pushing through her hair as his hand covered her waist. "Tomorrow?" She offered with a smile. "I am kind of tired.." She was also very frightened at this point to. He was indeed going to be taking it very slow with this one.

[Ursula Darling]

Ursula:While it might of been a good idea to visit when Claire was there. When Ursula had seen her in the marketplace, she figured now was as good a time as any to visit Marke at his estate. He had ordered her away but when did she ever listen to him? As he never listed to her, well, it was to be expected. With a heavy sigh, she sat with the door to the carriage open for a minute or two before taking the attendants hand to step down. Just one more visit and then perhaps she would finally heed his word and stay away but they had final business to attend to before all was said and done for them. Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest for a moment and her hand strayed to her belly for a moment before falling down to smooth the ruffles of her dress. New and by the looks of it light and airy for traveling. Clutching the papers in her hand, she mounted the steps and rapped lightly on the door before taking a step back to wait for it to be answered. When Jacob appeared and gawked at her as if she were a ghost she merely grinned. "I need to see your Master Jacob, I promise not to keep him long." She stepped around the man and waited in the hall while Jacob with a new grimace on his face for his job went to give Marke the message that Ursula was here to see him.

Marke: It was sometime later that he came casually down the stairs buttoning his shirt sleeves as if he were coming to deal with a wayward servant or some merchant.. the look on his face bored, although he had railed and cursed roundly at Jacob for even allowing her thru the door.. he would not let her see , that her appearance in his foyer .. affected him in the least... once at the bottom of the stairs he looked at her with a boredom, that almost made it to the depths of his eyes, but there was still the small amount of hurt that lingered their that he would never be able to hide.. not even from her " What manner of business could we possibly have left to attend to ?" he questioned her in the foyer like some servant, not even given the courtesy of a private moment.. his tone an manner aloof, and somewhat haughty.. cold.. he was not her Marke any longer it seemed.

Ursula: "You still think I can not hear you cursing upstairs? There was no need to yell at Jacob, I invited myself in around him." Bouncing the papers against her palm, she looked to the sitting room then back at him as if asking a private moment. When he did not move, she sighed, her shoulders sagging a bit. "Must we do this Marke? Be so uncivil and mean to each other? I am of the hope we can part on better terms. I want no ill will between us. Besides, I promise, this is the last you shall see of me quite literally. I have some papers for you and then I am to sail on the evening tide for a year." She held the papers out to him and again smoothed her hands down her front. "They are the closing of our contract. Since I retained your residence for a time, you were, are, seen as my sole patron. These are just detailing that you are released from such standing and the remaining amount of such an agreement will be closed out. There is also an end paragraph and details any gifts I received from you shall still be retained by me and a place for you to sign, or if you prefer, the page behind it, which is just closing of the former paragraph except detailing the gifts I received shall be returned to you, should you wish it and again your signature is needed." Her chin lifted, chocolate eyes raising to his face as she held the papers out to him.

Marke: He arched an brow at her as she chastised him... but said nothing as he took the papers reading them over " This could have been handled by messenger... " he grumbled.. taking a pen from his vest pocket.. he walked to the wall, splaying the papers upon it and signed, he would not hold the gifts he had given her ransom, their time was over.. as was her wish " you saw well to it we cannot be civil, this is your doing, what you wanted.. not I " he turned holding out the papers toward her, a softening at the corner of his eyes for what had been.. a lesser man might have folded at the sight of her, might have begged her back, but pride and prejudice kept him silent, and snatching his hand back as she took the papers as if she were a viper, and he were avoiding being struck by her fangs.. apparently he had learned well at her hand.

Ursula: "I wanted to see to it personally before I sail. I didn't want it said I did not close my position before I left." She spoke as she watched him walk to the wall and hold them up there as he signed them. Her face fell as he scrolled his name upon the line but by the time he turned again her face was impassive. "I only said I could not marry you, it does not mean that I do not love you nor that we cannot be civil to one another. What I did was the best for both of us. Can you not see that now?" She sighed and pressed her lips together stilling herself from starting any fights between them. "One more." From her coat she produced two sheets of paper. "One copy is for you, the first needs your signature. It's just a detailed account of the days we were together, what you paid for and the last article is detailing a visit to the midwife but shows it was paid out of my own account. The second copy is the same but for you, should you need it.." Her face softened some, as his did, catching that look in his eye. A part of her wanted to raise her hand to touch his face but she stopped herself from doing so, instead transferring the papers to the other hand so he did not need to step any closer to her.

Marke: He took the papers with a huff and signed the first and when she said midwife he looked at her uncomprehendingly.. " Midwife ?" confusion played over his visage his gaze dropping to her belly... with curiosity.. " You are pregnant with my child " if she expected him to rail and curse at her she would be taken aback by his reaction.. " Ursula... " he moved toward her in one swift movement dropping to his knee, his hand going to her belly... " Why did you not tell me.. you cannot go... away... not now..." her words of love for him had broken the shell about his heart, and it was a man consumed with love and now the news of impending fatherhood that held her tenderly..

Ursula: Her jaw twitched, whether she wanted to grin or frown it was not sure for besides the twitch, her face did not move. As he advanced on her, she took a step back and then he was kneeling in front of her. Her throat contracted and for once, a tear slid down her cheek and her voice made an odd hitch as if she were holding back from crying. Her hand rose, suspended in air for a moment before touching his head as his hand ran across her stomach. She let out a deep sigh as her fingers ran through his hair as her head turned down to look at him. "Marke, please don't do this.." She pleaded with a softness about her face that none but him had ever seen before, perhaps not even him until now. Who knew that softness would be lost from her face after today. "I didn't know, until I lost it." She confessed as her fingers untangled from his curls as she pulled it away and took a step away from him, leaning to take the copy he had signed before taking another step back. "I went to the midwife to make sure my body had passed it and I was well again. I am, and I am to sail on the evening tide. You are married now, with a wife who will gladly give you the children you both want. I only came to make sure the papers were signed. Now you see why I did not want a messenger to bring them. I do want this to end civil between us Marke. I do...love you, so I can promise with ease, that you will never see me again."

Marke: "lost?" he looked up at her.. the grief on his face unbearable.. " no... no.. why... when ?" he questioned.. " You cannot come here and tell me this and leave... me... " his voice broke as he stood, grasping her lightly by the arms as if she was a china doll.. so afraid he would hurt her, but needing to hold her.... " I love you Ursula... no matter if you carry my child or not.. please..." it was wrenching to watch the man who had only moments before carefully crafted the impervious face to meet her with now buckle and fold beneath the weight of his love for her.

Ursula: "It does not matter. The child was not meant to be." She did not want to burden him with when. She knew very well if she told him when he would feel guilt, feel it was his fault for tossing her into the snow and she did not believe it was his fault. She firmly believed it was not meant to be. As he grasped her, she melted, falling into him with her face pressed against his chest. It was wrong she knew but she so needed to be held by him. Before she knew it, her head lifted and without thinking that now he was a married man, her toes lifted propelling her upward, her lips crashing with his own as her hands tangled in his hair.

Marke: "gods" he breathed into the kiss, he had caught her, his lips finding hers as she offered.. murmuring against her... " I'm so sorry I should have been with you.. why did you not send for me " gentle hands soothed up and down her back, there was no passion nor seduction in his affections just pure love and adoration.. his fingers smoothed back her hair from her face wiping away the tears that spilled from her lovely eyes.. thumbs easing over her cheeks... " I'm sorry.. I should have never let you go.. "

Ursula: "It was unexpected. I didn't even realize until it was to late..." She sighed as she pressed her face against his neck. God he was a drug to her, just once more and she would be set. When he spoke about not having let her go, she tensed within his arms. Oh God what was she doing. Lifting her face, she pressed her hands to his chest, lids sliding closed over her eyes. "Kiss me" She breathed in a soft whisper. Kiss me Goodbye was what she was really thinking. When his lips found hers again, her hands found his face, claiming it between her hands as her lips opened to the assault of his lips and the love he poured into them. It was the gasp behind them that had her pulling away, her hands falling to his chest as she stared wide eyed at Claire.

Claire: Her face was a mixture of surprise and pain as the packages within her hands tumbled to the floor with a dull thud that didn't even register in her brain. The pale gray of her eyes misting in tears as a hand pressed to her belly as Ursula's did when emotion struck her but Claire wore her emotion plainly on her face. "I'm..I'm..sorry" She stuttered as she backed into the wall and then edged around it, making a wide pattern between the two of them to get to the stairs.

Marke: He had kissed her again...his arms wrapping about her slender waist and lifting upward to grasp her in his embrace, so close he was to cradling her into his arms and walking upstairs to show her just how much he loved her, all thoughts of his wife, the innocent Claire, gone from his head replaced by his one true love, the beat of his heart.. his very existence.. " I will make this up to you we can have more children, just say you will stay " he whispered against her lips... begging her into his life once again.. it was the gasp of Claire that Startled Ursula from his arms.. and they both lay condemned in his wife's eyes.. for a moment he thought to stop her.. but didn't speak as she took a wide trek to the stairs... he would tend her later.. now.. he needed to stop Ursula from leaving.

Ursula: Struggling from his grasp, she made a step towards Claire who retreated upstairs her sobbing following Ursula down the stairs and stabbing into her heart as deeply as Marke's cold and aloof behavior. For a moment it didn't register in her head what Marke had said and when it had, she turned a shocked and amazed look in his direction. So he was not so different from her. What had she done? Her hand pressed against her stomach as she stepped down from the stair she had taken to go after Claire. As he advanced on her, she shook her head, backing up towards the door, her hand outstretched to stop him. She had to get out of here. "Stop" she commanded hard when he didn't stop and her fingers spread as if the gesture would stop him in his tracks. "I'm so sorry, I should of sent a messenger. I don't know what I was thinking." Her hand lifted to press into her hair and then fall away. "Marke, I don't want children...I never have, I was glad to loose the child." The thought struck her so suddenly she stumbled back and for a moment was silent wondering if she could do it. Claire face swam in her memory and she knew at once she had to. "I can't lie to you anymore, I am not even sure the child was yours" Gripping the door handle, she yanked the door open, stealing a look at him. "You have a good woman upstairs, don't ruin this Marke. I am leaving on business for Shaden. Please don't come after me. Don't be on the docks when I leave." She didn't have to lie, Claire would of been a proper wife in the end, allowing Marke his mistress, and Ursula would of done it despite the pain in Claire's eyes if Marke held her one more time before she made up her mind to lie to him. Marke was the one good thing about her, it allowed her to see past what she wanted, to give one woman the happy life she couldn't see for herself. Marke would curse her, of that she was completely certain but in the end, he had a good woman, one she just couldn't be.

[Ursula Darling]

Marke:He watched her go, in both shock and irritation, how dare she come here and uproot his life, make him admit his love for her once again, and then walk away... again... he would not follow.. he would not go to the docks and watch her sail away from him, possibly forever.. he was done with her games..he had swore off her like an addiction, and now this was him backsliding.. " It stops here " he chastised himself, had he been inclined to self flagellation he would have gladly flayed the hide from his back if it could erase her from his heart and soul forever, but there was no such self imposed torture that could perform such and exorcism, only time.. and perhaps not even that would truly erase her from his memories. Slamming the door as her carriage pulled away he turned abruptly and looked up the stairs, Claire... damn he sighed darkly running his hands thru his unruly curls. So much good had come into his life when Claire had become his wife, she gave him an ease that he had not known in his adult life, since he had taken over his family fortune when his parents died. Each day with Claire was new, a chance to start again.. and he was finding her refreshing, charming and a good wife.. as well as a good friend. He would always love Ursula, like a drunkard loved his whiskey.. but Claire... he was intent on building a life with.. and now he had lied to her, saying he would never hurt her or treat her cruelly, and with one look from Ursula that had went out the window.. he was weak.. and ass of monumental proportions... and now he must beg her forgiveness and understanding... he didn't turn to take one last look in the direction Ursula had gone, she was his past.. it was over.. with firm resolution he climbed the stairs and knocked at the Door of her room... " Claire... please... may I come in ?"

Claire:Closing the door to her bedroom, she leaned against it, sobbing as a hand gripped at her heart through the gown and corset she wore. She had sworn she wouldn't fault him his mistresses but how could she expect to come home and see him in the arms of Ursula again? Nothing could of prepared her for it even if she had been told beforehand. He had told her he was done with her and now this? Was this way he was caring towards not taking her to bed until she was ready because he was with Ursula on the side? Stalking across the room she fell to her knees by the window seat immediately her hands clasped as her lips uttered in prayer until she heard and felt the vibrations of the door slamming. Unclasping her hands, she pushed against the cushions on the window seat to peek over the rim of the window to watch the carriage rolling away. Was Marke in there? Had she failed to be a good enough wife that he had now run off with Ursula? Lids slid closed over gray storm colored eyes as she lowered onto the floor again and let her head fall into her hand. The tears had stopped but within what second she was not sure. Hearing the knock on the door, she nearly jumped up from the floor as she let out a gasp and a hand flew to her breast. He had not left! Why? It didn't make sense. Pushing against the seat again, she righted herself and smoothed a hand down the front of her dress before quickly wiping at her cheeks to remove the evidence of her tears though her eyes were all ready red from the salt of the tears. "Come in, my lord" She called to the door as she turned her back on the window to face the door.

Marke: He opened the door slowly , waiting for something to come flying his way, then fully opened the door and stepped inside, closing it behind him, the look of guilt and shame on his face was deep and truthful, it ate away at his soul to see the reddened eyes, the sadness there in her face, the hurt and more.. the uncertainty.. he had spoken vows to her and had truly intended to keep them, making a new life with her, and now he had betrayed her, betrayed himself, over that witch Ursula. His hands opened palm up in a manner that beseeched her.. " Claire... I'm sorry... I didn't know she was coming here... she caught me off guard, though that is not an excuse for my weakness.. please... forgive me.. I swear to you it shall never happen again..." there was so much more he wanted to tell her, about the child that Ursula said she lost, inside his heart still broke at the thought it might have been his... should have been his... how easily Ursula could tear him apart with her wicked cruel words... He closed his eyes, and fell to his knees before Claire... " Please Claire...save me " she was his angel, the only one who could keep his soul from the demon darkness that was Ursula... His head bowed in contrition.. before her..

Claire:She wasn't going to throw something at him and for a moment the thought that he expected so seemed humorous and yet she could not bring herself to laugh. Her hands folded in front of her as he ventured to open the door further and step inside before closing it behind him. Her throat tightened as she waited for him to say something and then she saw the shame and guilt on his face. Her hands loosened and fell to her side as he began a slow trek towards her and she felt rooted to the spot as if the floor somehow glued her there. Her head jerked slightly to the side as he spoke, as if someone had threatened to hit her and she was bracing for the blow but really her eyes were open, she did not flinch with the movement, she was listening to him speaking. He was asking for forgiveness and she was staying silent. Would he take it as she was not going to forgive him? No she was giving him time, seeing the pain cross his face especially when there was more he wanted to say and couldn't. When he fell to his knees in front of her, her hands flinched outward as if to catch him until his head bowed and he was begging her to save him. What had been said between them? Ursula and her husband...What had Ursula said that could make him feel as if he had been weak? In truth he had been, if she thought about it, it would seem right but logically it made sense. He loved Ursula, therefor he was bound to be weak. Slowly her hand rose and for a moment stayed posed over his head before lowering to stroke through the curls on the top of his head as she let out a sigh as her other hand joined the first until she was moving to her knees falling in a way that had her skirts puffing around about her like dough suddenly rising in the oven as her hands cupped his face and smoothed some of the strands away from his eyes. He needed a haircut, the thought was funny enough that she smiled despite herself. "Donal, shhh, don't" She soothed as her hands stroked his face. "I forgive you, You love her...I" She paused and pressed her lips together before starting again. "I understand that now. You have no need to be sorry, I am sorry, for whatever she said that has hurt you."

Marke:When she had moved toward him, letting her hands fall into his curls, he pressed his cheek into the satin of her dress at her waist, almost like a child, yes his hurt was obvious, yet he wanted to comfort her as well for the hurt he had caused her, he clung to her, even as she sank down to his level, whispering he was sorry once more, his eyes closing as if a balm, when her cool hands soothed over his brow, ushering away dark unruly curls that were always ever present, and lent to his boyish charms, or so he had been told, but now, in this moment, when gray eyes lifted to meet hers.. he was relived to hear her words of understanding...had she hated him, he would not have been able to breath, she had become his salvation, and the only part of his life worth living... " You are too good to me... I do not deserve you Claire... But I swear I shall make you happy all of our days... I cannot bear the thought of causing one tear to fall, or one smile to fade... tell me what I must do, and I will see it done... " (D)

Claire:She hummed in a small laugh when he said she was to good to him, she was only being who she was. As his face rose to meet her own, she smiled at him, her hand smoothing back across his cheek. "I thought when I heard the door close that you had gone with her. I wouldn't of hated either of you. She loves you too you know. I don't know what was said but don't ever doubt that." Sliding her legs back on the floor she sat making her a head shorter then him now. "I promised to be good to you in my vows Donal, to be a good wife and I will do my best to life up to that promise. I don't expect you to fall in love with me, I....never have. I am not so simple that I didn't know what I was doing when I married you. That is not to say I have not come to care for you Donal. You are a good man and perhaps after everything you have been through, it has been tossed aside and forgotten but you are a good man Donal, so you can smile for me to start, the rest we will play by ear." Her lips turned up into a grin adding to the light and angelic look of her face as she leaned forward, tilting her head as she pressed her lips against his own.

Marke:Had she handed him diamonds and gold it would have been worthless, but her understanding and caring far outweighed such earthly things.. her lips pressing against his was like a cool spring rain, that seemed for the moment to wash his hurts away... his hand lifted to caress her cheek.. " You deserve so much better Claire.. than me... and I will tell you that honestly.. but I will try to make you happy.. " he smiled sadly... " Try to give you a good life...and be a good husband... Ursula is my past and she is gone.. sailing away... perhaps never to return... I need not her love, nor her mine, it is over... all I need now is you... my wife... " his thumbs smoothed over her cheeks softly... " It matters not what hurt she lay on my heart today, for it is dead and gone, and cannot be resurrected... " he was speaking of the child Ursula had miscarried.. had she still carried it... things may be different.. but it seemed God did indeed move in mysterious ways... severing the link that could have bound them for all eternity.. before it had really taken root in life... " You are my life now, my future.."

Claire:Capturing his wrist as he stroked her face, she hummed in another small laugh as her cheek tilted to the touch his palm. "If it weren't for you, I would be sheltered away in the abby by now, or have you forgotten that?" When he smiled, it was sad and she lay her hand against his chest as her head dipped to lean against his own. She wanted to offer him some words of wisdom when he spoke about Ursula being done and over with, she wanted to believe it but something told her it was just not that simple, nor likely. She wanted to say something to confirm it, to make him smile, truly, again but she came up blank. Had she known about the child that Ursula had carried and lost, she would felt differently to, just as understanding no doubt but she would not of accepted any promises of a future with him. Sweet and Innocent, she would of stepped aside and perhaps slid away into the history without so much as a paragraph about her existence but that was not the case. She had him, he was here and promising to be her future. Sliding back, she stood, ushering him to stand with her and then offering a silent hand he stay still. Slowly her arms worked behind her, untying the laces of her gown and pulling them free till the ends fell away unbound by restraint. Lifting her hands, she pushed the edge of the gown down, rolling her shoulders as the material fell and the dress fell to pool around her feet, stepping from the garment, she smiled with that still angelic lighting smile as she moved towards him, her hand weaving into his hair at the back of his head as she pulled his lips to her own again.

Marke: "Claire" his words were both whisper and plea, as she undressed before him, one part of him wanted to bury himself in her and forget Ursula, and her cruel words, the child, and yet another knew Claire deserved more than a coward hiding from his pain , he had been patient and gentle with her for the weeks since they had married, almost to his detriment as many times their nightly "lessons" had left him wanting, and pained, as she drifted off to sleep, but now... today she offered him her body..and he was humbled, his breath knocked from him , as she lifted her lips to kiss him once more in invitation... His own lips fell over hers tenderly.. searchingly... as his arms lifted her, scooping her beneath her knees and behind her back, to his embrace, and carrying her to the bed.. slowly he lowered her... then leaned over her, pressing himself against her, just enough so that his body weight pinned her.. "Claire " he murmured against her neck as he lathed kisses sweet and tender against her skin.. " My sweet beautiful Claire " he captured her face and kissed her once again softly.. before rolling to his back beside her.. " I would be a liar, if I told you that I didn't desire you in the most pressing of ways at this moment... " he took her hand, lifting it and pressing against his obvious need... then turned his head to her gaze... a tender almost loving look in his eyes.. " Why now Claire... tell me why you offer yourself to me now..?"

Claire:She knew well he had been patient with her during their first few weeks of their marriage and she was not so silly that she didn't know she left him wanting and perhaps even hurting a few times when she stopped their lessons citing she was not ready and falling asleep leaving him groaning no doubt in frustration and pain. As she felt his arms sliding over her back and under her knees, her hands captured his face between her hands as her lips pressed more urgently against his own. She felt the cool sensation of her bedspread beneath her and yet it seemed to heat just as quickly beneath her shift to her skin. Her lips pulled into a grin as he murmured her name while pressing kisses against her skin but it confused her when he rolled away from her only to confess his want of her as he pressed his hand against the hardened length of him underneath his clothing. Her heart jumped into her throat at the feel of him. It certainly was not the first time she had touched him but ever time did this to her, every time she felt fear and pulled away, now she did not. "Because my husband, you have offered me your life and promised me I am your future. I am not so scared now, and now I am offering you my future and the only thing that lingers keeping me from truly being your wife." She was nowhere near experienced but going from what she remembered that made him moan, her fingers stroked at the length of him through his clothing before falling away as she shifted to her knees on the bed and slowly worked her shift up and over her head to bare herself nude to him.

Marke:He did indeed groan, both at her actions and at her words... and when she lifted to her knees to bare the rest of herself to him.. he almost growled in frustration... as he reached out to still her hands.. "No... not this evening Claire.. " he pulled her toward him over his chest, so that he could look into her eyes... " Tomorrow night I will take you to dinner, wine and dine my wife, show her off to the town, and treat her as she should be treated.. it will be a day just for you... only you... and when you are old and grey and look back on this day.. the day that your husband and you made love the first time.. there will be no ghost in your memories, you will know it was true and right and you were the only star in my skye... " he kissed her gently then and held her tightly... " I only want you to have happiness Claire... let me make it so for you... a day you will want to remember.. always ?"

Claire:She was to her stomach when his hands stopped her and pulled her down to him. Her face was a mixture of confusion and fear. Had she done something wrong? She couldn't help but laugh when he explained and her cheeks flushed a soft hue of pink as her head lowered to rest her chin against his chest. He truly was a good man, not that this had been a test but any other man would of taken her without a second thought. Only he would want to wine and dine her, make her feel special before doing so. Raising her head, she looked into his eyes, tilting her head as his rose to kiss her and then her head went to his chest again. "All right, how can I refuse such a wonderfully romantic idea? There is nothing I will deny you my husband."