To My Arms You Have Returned- Homecoming

[Lady Liliana Campbell]

(Took place around April 12th. Posted late cause I'm slow)
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To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal ...
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
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Kendrew: Kendrew could remember things well: what was said in a moment of reckoning, the sound of a laugh, or the color of the sky when the harvest was good. Suffice to say he'd gathered images to him like an entourage follows a person of great fame. In the shadow of his height lingered the smoke rising from Irish shores or what it was like to paint Dunlace stone with the blood of English soliders too young to be called men and too jaded to be called lads. His eyes drank in the site of Skye's shoreline breaking the suffocating mists of a Scottish spring. Instead of sunlight infusing the mists, it was the fire of Turas Lan's seige breaking in lieu of the first light of dawn. That was the day he had come from the lower shores to the South, and since then he had been in the baracks. Men relied on the higher ranking for authority-inspired commands to the simplest of things in the fear that they would vanish. When he could assure the people that he was not going to leave, when the walls raised again could keep out the demons that plagued the heighest place of Gaelic aspiration the Lord Guardian took to the streets of Turas Lan for tokens to bring back to a long-waiting lover; there was a family, too, that consisted of a Mother praying for her only son, a sister longing for brother's voice, and children hoping to peek at the returning brave. What he had not expected were the deeds of Ireland to pepper the avenues in gossip waiting for the sight of the source. He purchased posies and was given a gracious gift of a woman in a wagon and while these things brought joy to his heart, while the sight of his squire and the glimpses of old commerades brought stillness to the worry of survival his own home-coming had not come to pass. "Look, look there!" it was not until the next day, number nearly two weeks since his return that he was able to take the road up, up, and up to the gates of Griffin castle where the rousing rabble cry was met with laugh as his face looked up. "SIR KENDREW!"

Liliana: How many times had Liliana stood, waiting, for her love to return? At one time he was merely a love who courted her and gently held her own heart in his hands. Now though he was her husband, the Uncle of the very children who curled at her side in bed at night, while praying as she did for the return of him. She was strong though for the sake of the children, her mother-in-law, and sister-in-law, and never faltered in keeping a smile upon her lips with hope deep within. It was only at night, after her duties were done, that she let any tears slip free that needed to. Never was it good to bottle emotions inside and allow them to fester. This wisdom had been learned through experience. Instead it was released to allow for her soul to be cleansed some. Today she roamed the halls, aiding in cleaning up where needed, instructing other servants on matters to be handled, for though the chaos was over there was still cleaning up to be done. At her side was the ever present tiny form of Kylie, avidly listening to every word, and Roric was likely off following around one of the soldiers who was willing to give him some instructions on sword fighting and talk of battle. Though Liliana had explicitly told him that such tales were not for boys his age, but for men much older. It was the sound drifting in from windows not covered by curtains, winter's harsh chill replaced by the soothing temperatures of spring's beginning, that brought pause to confident stride. A name, barely heard, had one brow arching. Sound carried in silent days, as today was for none wanted excessive noise after all that had happened, and she moved toward one open window to slip dark head out. Curious indeed.

Kendrew: Would it be the same number of times that Kendrew looked with longing in the direction of the capital where his ever-bride, his ever-love, was? He took solitude from duty only to pray for the family that was left behind, to remember in a passing moment what it was like to feel her breath against his neck; copper colored arms holding him while her voice spoke accolades or admonishment of small things such as how he stood far too long, or slept far too little. To lay awake and see through the parted veil of earth shaded hair the face that bid him do no less than look on her with awe. Once, Lucius had spoken with him on the knights of yore recalled only in the stories of Authrian legend. He was akin to the man who slipped beneath waters to live with the Lady of the Lake, so then, was she the Lady heself? Nimue that reached hands from a glass pool wherein so sickened with love he willingly drowned only to revive, reborn? There were children that occupied his thoughts when he had seen the babes of Ireland or the siblings of varying ages that shimmered Roric or Kylie on their faces. In his travels, why, the guardian saw his brother on a moonlit eve on the cliffs of Ireland before he vanished, leaving a man to consider how poweful unspoken longing was. Beneath his armor, a heart raced in strain against the composure that bid him wait as the gate was opened to allow him in the inner courtyard. A few stones were left to be cleaned. He saw them, tar covered, lonesome masses shaken from on high while the integrity was spared. On a silent tongue were born curses that he was not here! Could he have but done one thing....regret....he shelved this. On no horse did the great lord arrive but the same thing that he had always utilized in preference: two, boot covered feet.

Liliana: Chocolate eyes shimmered with yearning searched the ground as the sound of the gates, still squeaky after the incident, opened to admit a form. One quite familiar, one that felt as though she'd just looked upon it, for in her dreams she did so every time lids closed to find peace. Lips curved in an unrestrained smile that could not be hidden from any who happened to look upon the copper face shoved out the window. Palms gripped the stone to hold herself in place, excitement making knuckles turn white, as she allowed herself to devour every inch of him with her gaze. How long had it been? Too long. At times she'd feared the worst during battles, that her husband would not return to her, that Kylie and Roric would lose their Uncle after just losing their Mother, and that a son and sister would be lost for the Mother and sister who'd become like family of her own. Yet, there he was, walking through the gates, and for a moment she could barely speak. Tears pooled in chocolate eyes, ebon locks surrounding her face, for once free of confining braid, as she finally called out,"KENDREW!" Liliana did not move from the window, instead remained, frozen from the joy rushing through her and love that made heart thud until it felt like it'd burst free from her chest. At her side she heard the gasp of Kylie, the only thing to make her move, and without even hesitating scooped the little girl on one hip to allow the man to look upon both of them. Dark heads together, one face light and the other copper, and wide smiles showing clearly in the light of day.

Kendrew: Hope was a beautiful, stange perception in the human psyche. Easily dismantled but never killed it kept conquering the worst thoughts until someway, somehow it could take shape in a way that would tell a person all along that it had never died. Maybe, hope, like love or faith, only slept when the world had no plac eot keep them. His face was a canvas waiting to be painted with a prevalent emotion to conquer the man he felt, a stark contrast to the beautiful posies of lavendar and mint he could hold in one large hand. Flowers were delicate where he had returned from his venture hard of muscle. Two more steps were taken before he looked up into the castle window and saw them: "Liliana..." He mouthed. Waiting, watching, the image in the window didn't waver as his brother had or the countless months of dreaming for the sunlight to touch her face. An excited child waved feverant hello while she rested her head against the rhythm of a fast-heart. "Liliana! Kylie!" He called up to the window, and not waving back the little girl became indignant with her uncle. "He has no matters today!" She cried, squirming, "I want to go see Uncle!" Children - delightful paradox of truth passing as it sought. "Uncle, uncle!" The little girl expected him to manifest before her right then! Lifting up her skirts, she started to run, under lifted pieces of wood, around servants. "Uncle!" Some watched Kendrew's arrival with great enthusiasm, others began to approach. Beg forgiveness of the Lord later as the Lord Guardian payed them no heed. Tired feet that walked hundreds of miles found strength enough to run inside the doors.

Liliana: Laughter, sweet and gentle, drifted from her lips as that spell was broken by Kylie. Before the child had spoke she'd savored staring at her husband, holding her breath as if a whisper of air would break the moment, and she did not want to lose him again. Liliana was afraid that he was a dream, but he was not. No, he was real and here. Kendrew was home. Kylie's wiggling allowed her freedom, Liliana calling out,"It is manners, Kylie!" Laughing again, biting her lip in silent debate, Liliana watched the way the little girl ran to her Uncle. She wanted to run to Kendrew, throw her arms around him, in front of everyone. Except she had to proper, right? The indecision lasted not even a second though and off her feet flew, following Kylie, chasing after the little girl to find her husband. Dodging servants, ducking out of the way, apologizing as a basket of clothing to be mended was knocked out of hands,"I will mend it later for you!" The apology flew out, not even really heard likely, as she continued toward the doors. Ebony hair flew out behind her as chocolate eyes searched for sight of him and then he was there. Right in front of them, coming inside the doors, and both girls found arms around them. One too short wrapped small arms about one leg while the other threw them around his neck, careful not to squish the child, kisses placed to cheek and lips. No heed given to any who may have watched,"Thank you God..." Words were whispered in fervent thanks for the prayers that had been answered. He'd come back to them.

Kendrew: The man hadn't bid them or anyone a true hello - forgive him Lord, forgive him people that offered well wishes. Beg pardon of the squire, the page, and the maid. Offer lapsed later bow to lord or lady forced to meld with the walls to avoid him as he came in tearing his gaze this way or that. Forgive them one, forgive them all and be damned if they did not! Kylie was an example of why children were prized. Feeling what was felt came without restraint as the little girl came through like a gust of air from nowhere at all. "Uncle, uncle!" He hadn't come many yards beyond the door before she closed the distance for them, leaping into open arms. Posies dropped, the presents he carried collected at his feet in a sweet, forgotten mess as he chose the presence of them over rewarding fidelity. "Kylie! Look at you, girl! Ye got bigger, ye've grown so much bigger since the last time I saw you! Kylie!" She squeeled, kicking her little feet as her uncle spun her around and picked her up high in his arms to be littered with just rewards. From leg to the sky..only to be crushed between Aunt and the man who looked on her as if muses became human. "Liliana..I've missed you.." was all that he said, all that he could say before his mouth fell over her forehead, temple, mouth. Over and over again. "Oh my lady," the storm sighed to a calm as the baritone soothed months of seperation with but a handful of words.

Liliana: Too long apart. Liliana did not know how she'd handled it. If not for the children, would she have managed? Without Kendrew...would she even be here? She doubted it. It was he who gave back everything that she'd thought gone, her love for him and the children, for the family that became hers, it was likely that Liliana would have crumbled after their last ordeal. Thank God above that Kendrew had come home after this. She'd been so very frightened. Many had lost their loved ones in this bloody battle for peace. Yet, hers was right here, lips upon face and her own, and she tasted salt upon her lips as tears slid down her cheeks. "Are you well? You must be tired and hungry! Have you eaten?" Chocolate eyes searched for signs of fatigue, lack of nourishment, and injury upon his form. Finally her gaze returned to his as she whispered,"God, Kendrew, I've missed you so..." They had all missed him. Yet it was another sound, one of a wooden sword clattering to stone flooring, and running feet that had her gaze moving from his. Roric had heard the news. If it was possible for one to fly without wings then that was what the boy did. Liliana barely moved out of the way before he barreled into his Uncle, though not hard enough to knock him over, and wrapped arms about his waist. "Uncle Kendrew!" The boys tone was endearing. He was trying to sound like a man even while emotion choked his words.

Kendrew: Mouth could speak, could kiss, and nose inhale the scent of all of them. The soap used or the chores done just by spices, wind. God was gracious! How he would spend many hours after this giving joyous praise that he could come home. "No...I ate with the men at the barracks..." Not the gracious gluttony of an inn or the hearty fair of a pub, the barracks? It meant that he still ate less only to work more, but he was no worse for the wear. A few new scratches and mending scars were under the army where only the tiredness of months decorated his face with rings. "I am fine.....I promise you, and you....you weren't hurt..." he cupped her face with his hand, drawing her forward as if to read her thoughts by staring at brow, at her figure there after. "You are fine, aye? Are you.....Liliana.." Hermes incarnate! Roric the Younger locked his arms around Kendrew's waist. Kneeling down to peer in the eyes of his brother's heir, the cliffs of Dunlace vanished. Ghosts vanished. Only life remained as he pulled the boy to him. Paternal were the hands that rubbed his back, ran against his head and pressed the hair to it. Then he looked at him as a man who expressed tenderness in silence, letting him know that such things were fine to feel. Tapping the lad's chin, the boy laughed, hugging him hard as he lifted both children into his arms. Satisified in the attention, he looked to the presents at his feet when Kylie picked up the pretty lavendar and mint bundle. On being told it was for her, she lit up in a way that rivaled the sun. "You take this to your grandma and Aunt Laura for me, tell them come out, aye?" He winked, and given this charge she picked up all but one remaining posey and toddled off on quick-paced feet. "GRAAAAANDMAAA!" Roric had a chain put over his neck with an emblem of the Griffin for a proud future knight of the realm. And Liliana, why, a shy man offered her up a batch of lavendar flowers and mint tied in a ribbon as if he were a suitor calling at her door.

Liliana: Heart clenched at the scene that took place between young Roric and Kendrew. It was tender and endearing, a memory never to be forgotten, for Liliana knew that Roric the Older would forever remain in her husband's heart. Did he see him now when he looked into the younger's eyes? Most likely. Tears pooled in her gaze though did not fall as finally laughter came from the boy and she smiled softly. Anything can banish tears though, but nothing as effectively as that of presents. Roric's smile lit up as brightly as Kylie's had, no shame in the boy's showing of reaction, and Liliana loved it. She did not want Roric to be taught that emotion was not to be shown by men, that they were to be hard, and this was a sign that he'd never turn out that way. When brother followed sister, Kylie's shout making Liliana cringed before she laughed quietly, her gaze locked on Kendrew's face as flowers were offered. They were alone, to a degree, and even if not- it was as though only he existed in her world at this very moment. Accepting the flowers, almost reverently, she murmured,"They are beautiful..." So many questions was in her voice. She wished to know how he was feeling, for wounds weren't always physical, and had yearned to hold him during the ordeals he must have witnessed.

Kendrew: "Aye. Hadn't seen you hold flowers since our wedding eve in Aberdenshire." He muttered low as he witnessed the taking of the flowers. She was right with green things in her hand; wholesome, beautiful pieces of earth should always be around her because she reminded him of good land where nothing could blemish it. Roric the Older would have been fond of such a woman. Roric the Younger could find no fault in his aunt Liliana, despite having his father's particular charm for acquiring a multitide of the feminine persuasion as ardent admirers and potential playfellows in his games of rescue. Still, too young for conquests, the only women that held his heart were his aunts, grandmother, and little sister. With no one to take up the space he filled it by pressing her against his chest, leaning down to kiss her forehead again..

Liliana: Ah, their wedding day. That memory came into her mind, but it was the memory of the wedding night the brought a flush to her face. Even with her darker coloring it would be quite visible to his eyes and the way her own gaze heated made it evident where her mind had drifted to. That was another thing much missed. When was the last time they'd done more than lay in bed together? Before the loss of their child if recalled right. After that all they'd done was hold each other, unable to do more, for each had had their private thoughts to handle. Their own grief. Liliana regretted letting that get in the way of taking every second possible with her husband before he went off to fight. No resistance came when he crushed her to his chest and a passing servant was given flowers,"See to putting them in some water please, Rosie? Thank you." The woman gave a nod, a smile, and was off to do as requested. Liliana turned chocolate eyes immediately back to her husband, indulging in the feel of his body against hers, and that he was here again. "Will you be staying long?" There was a note of yearning that could not be hidden. It was possible that he might be needed at the barracks still, but she wanted to keep him here as long as possible.

Kendrew: He remembered the day that she knelt with him before the priest with flowers in her hands, her hair, and a look so spell-binding that he almost forgot to pay attention to what words were being said. Could marriage be conducted on sight alone? A smile was the link of fathomed thought for thought; what was it about the union night that made the time he lay with her sweeter as man and wife than even the first time he had lost himself in her body? There was time that was lost to be made up for. In the loss of the child, there was a fear of coming to close, to lose what had been lost. A husband had fear of hurting his wife. When she asked how long he was to remain she said, "I be home now, m'lady. I will go no where that I can not see your face for several, several, and many more days. No duty will I do thereafter that takes me far out of your sight. Worry nay." Kendrew grinned down at her before looking out of the window over the distance he'd come to cherish this moment.

Liliana: Words did not come. Not a request of his promise nor any others. Instead Liliana found it easy to accept his words. She knew that it was unnecessary to request such from Kendrew for he would always keep his word. One hand lifted to cup his cheek, using pad of thumb to trace gently along the skin of it, as she whispered,"I love you, Kendrew Campbell." Chocolate gaze followed his, looking out upon that view as well, as she stated quietly,"It is Spring." Nothing else needed to be said. They'd spoken of Spring's coming and plans to put into motion. She held those close, they kept her heart warm whenever she felt a single bit of despair, and would never forget. Staring at the landscape, she held her breath a moment before a certain question finally found voice,"Is this...over? Has peace truly been obtained?" Liliana had found it hard to believe fully in. She'd never truly had peace and since coming to Skye knew that the land, its people, had not known it either. Would they all get to experience it now? Bloodshed brought to a halt, swords no longer thrust into the body of enemies or brothers turned into ones, and happiness allowed to blossom. That was what she wanted. She wanted to be with her husband, make a home, and raise a family.

Kendrew: What good were words? There were times that they got in the way. Kendrew for all that he didn't say was not one to forget what had been spoken as a pormise. When the sun warmed his back or the rains fell so the earth could drink it up he remembered the humble wants to stand on land of his own again. "I love you, too," he turned his face to kiss the palm of Liliana's hand. Hazel vestige wore the dirt of hundred mile thoughts, which he parted for her when she spoke. It was Spring - a promise to fufill that was better than the oath's consequence he'd sworn by sword. He fought beside youth but a few years older than Roric the Younger, and killed a man no older than Lucius. "The war is over for us, yes." He spoke to the circumstance of what surrounded them, not what was far away. Foreign soil's liberation was a right thing, a good thing. Foreign soil joined the link of native to make long the ring of the Duke's great realm. "For others, it may go on. But neither for you, nor for me. Or the land around us. It is Spring, and time for other things." To everything there is a purpose under heaven, he'd heard this spoken in a church in Ireland when he was given leave a pair of days to gather men, supplies, and sustain himself for the battle of ahead. To cry. To sing. To plant seeds. To harvest. To war. To make peace. He cleaved to the thought of more brilliant men that this season of war might give way to peace, that fable he hadn't known in two, nearly three years. "Can we to our chambers, wife? I want to take off my armor, I want..to be..with you."

Liliana: Sweet relief flowed through her at those words. Though many spoke of it, it took Kendrew speaking the words to make her truly believe it. Peace was found for them, for Skye, at least. No more would her husband go off to fight and she be left to wonder if he'd return to her arms. Instead they'd fulfill promises of a family, of land, and of a home of their own. That was what Spring had promised and here it was now. Liliana intended to grasp it with both hands and never let go. Yet it was his request that made her chocolate eyes widen slightly and she gave a quick nod. There was not a single need to think upon it. Liliana wanted to be with him as well. Privacy would only be afforded behind that wooden portal that blocked any others from entering without their permission. "Your Mother...and Sister...." Trailing off, she giggled softly, and murmured,"I suppose they will know where and will understand completely. Come, husband, let us get you out of the armor. Perhaps a bath?" Sliding a hand into his, she gripped it firmly and led him toward the stairs with one destination in mind. Spotting the maid of before, she murmured softly,"Rosie, please send up heated water and a tub, and cloths please? Also, ale for my husband and wine for me." When the maid nodded, she continued onward.

Kendrew: How attentive and eager was his wife to gather the things that would bring comfort to him! It never ceased to amaze him how God blessed a lonely man with such a delight so that his later years would make up for what the younger ones lacked. Yes - the war was done for men like Kendrew who had to leave his wife, his squire, and familiarity to adventure to distant shores on behalf of the Griffin's wish. There would never be a part of him that regretted fufilling the desires of the Lord and Lady, now whom he heard wore new names for a new age. Let them worry on how the world would rise to the occasion as his only concern was this: his footsteps had to follow the pattern in the wake of his wife's, one step for every two or three of her own. A slower pace assumed for he was lead to the stairs, up, up to where in apartments that he had not seen in what seemed a year! A home he wanted but for now these would do him well for the things within were his. It'd begun with the table, the chairs, moving onward to a bed for them to lay in and a shelf so that his wife might have some of her own things. "This looks like Heaven." He grinned, aye, a might foolish. Forgive the man - the theme of the day. Mother, sister, forgive the lack of embrace of the fortitude it would take to endure your questions. The ache in his chest was too much to ignore. Already but a foot into the door he let go of her hand only to begin the process of unlatching his breast plate and guards over his legs. The gauntlets he'd surrendered at the barracks for the page to see home. He wanted to feel his hands again, move them without steel or leather atop them.

Liliana: Some would call it the proper behavior of a wife. Liliana did not see it that way. It should not be a duty to see to your husband's well-being. Instead she saw to his needs out of the love that lived within her heart. Once they reached the door of their chamber it was pushed open to allow him entrance. He wasn't even far inside before armor began to be removed and Liliana heard the sound of servants coming. Sturdy men bore a wooden tub while female servants bravely carried buckets of water that was heated. Another followed with cloths for bathing and soaps, and she stepped aside to allow them room to move. "Place it in front of the fire. See that it is lit please." The orders were given, cloths taken to be neatly laid on a stool, and another stool used to set out the soaps with one cloth for washing. Water was poored into the tub, steam coming from it, and the fire lit before each was thanked appropriately then sent out. "Now, husband, we can be alone." The door was closed, sealed from any entering without permission first, and she turned to look at him with love shining in her gaze. "Do you need assistance getting out of those?" Hands were folded in front of her, back leaned against the door, as she smiled at him from where she observed.

Kendrew: A bath? In the camps, one remembers how easily these things are taken for granted during times of being at home so when returning they are savored with the zeal the starved take for food. Comfort was a sort of sustinance; the body needed to feel warm and safe to know that things were well. As he undid the final buckles on his breast plate the sound of the metal releasing from his chest produced a soft sucking of sweat stick. The moisture seemed to bond the metal so that it was peeled off though a chainmail shirt was beneath it. It sounded heavy as he pulled his arms through and then his head..letting the impliment slink to the ground in a pile neatly placed on the side of the room. Servants, too - Griffin Castle still marveled the man! "Ye don't want to pull the metal off a musted old man," he teasted, surrendering the kneel for a place against a chair instead to free himself of the metal against his lower leg. "I've..worn armor..for so long now. Steel, chain. Leathers. What does my skin look like, if not a dragon?"

Liliana: "You are not an old man. At least, your body does not look so." Liliana made the statement honestly, no teasing in her voice, as chocolate gaze moved over him slowly. Moving forward, she dipped her hand into the water in the tub to test the heat, and murmured,"A dragon is a creature of myth much admired, husband. If you resemble one then you must therefore be a figment of my weary imagination?" Now she teased, stepping up in front of him, to hold out her hands in acceptance of any armor he might hand off to be placed in a safe place out of the way. Absently she noted the ale and wine placed upon the table, someone having also brought up some stew from lunch for them. She had not observed which servant did that, but made a note to ask later. Brushing a stray piece of fuzz of the simple earthy gown she wore, she cherished this time.

Kendrew: "Aye, I'm an old man. Long lived for a solider. By forty my hair may go gray, my back hunch. Will you want me so much then?" He countered, grinning wider each moment he looked at her. "Sometimes, men become dragons, or lions, or the things we put on our shields." In his answer was a moment he considered the blankness of his shield. Neither the chieftain's bore, or a sept family marker, or any such thing gave indication of some honor attained. He felt what was not emboldened in paint or accentuated in wear. The only animal he carried or marched beneath was that of the Griffin. Once, not so long ago, there had been another. A great white hound, that he stood in the form beside to this very day. The armor was heavy and dirty, he didn't want to burden her hands with it. Still, he gave her the lighter pieces from his legs to add to the collective. Not only did drink come but stew, and secretly he was thanking heaven for this continued string of fortune. The bathwater couldn't be hotter than armor layers, so he began to peel off the clothing underneath, beginning with the wool tunic.

Liliana: The armor was placed with care with the others, Liliana not tossing it disrespectfully, as she kneeled in front of him. Smiling up at him, she spoke softly,"Kendrew Campbell, it would not matter to me how you looked. I would still love you just as much as I do now. It is the man inside that holds my heart. Your handsome looks are just a bonus." Falling silent as he began to remove the clothing layers underneath, she adjusted to aid in the removal of shirt. Every inch of his upper body that was revealed was ate up by eyes that had missed this sight for far too long. Watching him dress or undress was something to take pleasure in. Though she preferred the latter to the former. Those eyes peeked for any sign of injuries that had been taken during his time away.

Kendrew: "Ah'll hold ye tae tha' when m'hair turns snow white..." The thick, brown hued strands had a few places already peppered. Did an image make his hair gray, did strain, or was it only the passage of time? He was old but not so old as to be lacking motion. Not so old to be unspry. "M'wife is kind. She'll be beautiful forever and I the fortunate one to bask in her glow." He smiled a lad's smile, taking thrill in the fingers over his skin as the tunic came away. Even if it was just to graze his arm, a finger it was all precious. He had grown a bit thinner from the constant barage of battles and the long, long winter. Muscles looked hard, though. His abdominals were chiseled into prominance, his back flexing as he stretched long arms upward to relieve strain and loosen joints. He wasn't without bruises disappearing from travel or even simple motion, a faded hit or glancing blow. Across his chest was a slice gone to scar while on his leg was a cut inside of his thigh.

Liliana: Where tunic was removed to show skin, fingers traveled. Liliana allowed herself to gently touch the scar upon his chest, the bruises upon his upper body, before running one of the fingers across the one on his thigh. Chocolate eyes took note of the weight loss, brows furrowing in displeasure, as she shook her head,"You have not been fed enough. That will be remedied." Liliana intended to see that Kendrew made up for having not been able to eat as well. Not that she was displeased by his finger, no no. He was always wonderful to look upon. Fingers wandered back to the scar on his chest as she kneeled there in front of him, a frown marring her features,"How I wish I could have protected you as you protected me..." Liliana did not like that he'd been injured. Yet, that was done and over with. A shake of her head cleared those thoughts as a smile replaced the frown,"The water will get cold, Kendrew. You should get in soon." Liliana could always dip out some water with the bucket then reheat it over the fire to pour back in, if necessary. Yet she did not say that. Instead encouraging him to get in the tub and relax as he had not been able to do in some time.

Kendrew: He stood bereft of anything but the skin God put on to cover his bones. There were more marks than she'd last seen and how the Lady Campbell looked over him with attentive eye. From his vantage point he seemed a giant peering down on a tiny lass from a lower plane. He closed his eyes, trying to capture every instance she might have ventured to touch him. "No," he uttered with a gentle fiercness, if there was such a thing. "You are to be no where near what I have seen. The Valley of Stars, this seige...so help me..that is enough." He cupped a hand against her face, trailing over it with index finger as he withdrew it. "There is no place for a woman where I have been, nor ought there be one for any man, either." Had it been so bad? At times. It was close - too close - to consider her in any of the hideous images that lurked in the back of his brain. "We do nay eat. We rarely sleep. We move on survival and the small glimmers of home." His voice trailed over the miles he'd just traveled over so he fought to return, abiding by her wishes and stepping into the tub. It was as if he'd never thought back on the battle fields a second ago. The water was a hot, soothing embrace that made his body relax inspite of itself, bringing his head to rest against the end of the tub. She was so beautiful to him. Had her form been made sick by food shortage or grown lesser? Did worry carve an inch into her? "I'm sorry." He murmured, taking her hand and kissing it.

Liliana: Though fierce was his tone, Liliana did not flinch. Nor did she seek to move away. Instead she stared up at him quietly in silent comfort. Offering her strength to help bring him some kind of ease. If she could have taken the memories of everything that had happened, of what he'd seen, she'd have done it gladly. Though she had not done much, she'd seen enough. The valley, the ceilidh, and then the siege. Not once had she stood still during any of those, aiding those who were injured or protecting the children, and yet she'd seen things that had opened her eyes. That would never be forgotten. In truth, Liliana cherished every bit of Kendrew's urge to protect her for not a soul had done that for her since childhood. When he moved to the tub, she edged closer, on her knees beside it, to stroke his cheek gently before he took the hand to place lips upon it. "Do not apologize, my love. You never have to..." Gentle, sweet words as she smiled at him and placed a tender kiss upon his lips. "Is the water still warm enough?" Ah, Liliana probably had lost some weight. Worry and lack of food could do that to a body. Yet, it was not severe enough to be seen through the gown she wore. She'd eaten at times just to keep up her strength, for the sake of the children and those who she swore herself to see protected. Her family, those in the castle, and her friends- both new and old. Hands did not reach for the cloth and soap just yet, figuring to let him savor the sensation as the heat eased the muscles in his body and relieved any soreness.

Kendrew: The ceildh. He neither wanted to forget or remember the ceildh because it was as it was. No man enjoys admitting he was one upped by some other party and tossed to a tent. What would have happened to him of Alendral Sorschal - of all people - hadn't come to cut him loose? The thought of death by idiocy was one that crept anger to his face in the shape of a snarl before it diminished, forming instead to fit his wife's kiss. "The thought of you, your sweet self, near anymore such a thing -- " In that his niece, nephew had too been at the ceildh and this castle twisted his stomach sick with fretting. "Kylie n' Roric 'ave done well, aye? They don't, seem too changed?" He stiched his brow down hard with a weight of wondrering if their innocence remained. "Laura, my mother? Should have made it home sooner!" Fingers came to knot together as he then stuck them in the water, drawing them through his hair. "Still, were it not for you, what would have happened? You are more than a lady-in-waiting, wife. M'family would be scattered. - our family - if you were not the binding thing to hold them together."

Liliana: That urge to ease his pain grew, squeezing her heart, as the agony he felt displayed itself. "Shh...shh...all is well. I am not harmed nor are the children. Your Mother and sister are fit as well. Kylie was frightened as was Roric, but he knows how to ease his sister's mind. He is a brave young lad, Kendrew. He deserves...something...for doing what he did. Keeping the children entertained when fear would have gripped them all. He was the one who kept panic from ensuring." Little Roric was a sweet boy and Liliana loved him dearly. Smiling softly, she reached a hand out to grab one of his, though damp it may be,"I would be scattered without you and without them. They have held me together as much as I them. In this time...if I had not had their presence...I do not know if I would have been able to handle you being gone so...." Shaking her head, voice catching with emotion, she forced herself to continue in a more relaxing tone,"We are all well though. The children excel at learning and I find them opening up more than when they first arrived. Do not worry so, Kendrew, everyone is safe and no more shall we have to deal with this..." Liliana fervently hoped so. She did not want the children to go through anymore loss. For that was what kept them most concerned, as she, was the thought that they'd lose Kendrew. She wanted now just to put their mind at ease and for them to never have to worry about those matters again.
Kendrew: Was it only his agony or the knowing that her own agony remained supressed for the good of the family? As he watched her soothe his fears her own hurt began to color shades of blue across the copper skin. "..Wife.." he whispered, drawing her close to him despite his wet hands. He kissed her, softly, two times. His forehead was the base that he lay her own against. " ...no more.." Two words that could speak a hundred. He was home now, and there were things he would do later on. To speak with the Mo'r Triath on the acquisition of his land, to the Mo'r Oukselo, that she release his wife from her duties for awhile so that she might be taken care of properly. In this, he hoped to bring them to new land as soon as possible and while they both rested from the toils of war he would find the strength to do what he had promised her, what he had pined for himself. A true home.