Sisters in the Garden by the Cathedral(Open)

[aurora]

Well she wasn't in her nice little calm abbey any longer.. Turas Lan was so big, and the Cathedral was well... Intimidating to say the least. Aurora's plan.. To stay where she was told until she got her bearings enough to venture out. However, she didn't see the harm in coming to the Cathedral. At least she was planning on coming here by herself to think over all the new goings on, to try to make sense of it all. But there was a hitch of course.

Katherine her seven year old sister, who was mute from the shock of watching her father and brother's die, not speaking a word since that fateful day...Was missing. And she knew exactly where she had went. If they would have been in Torrin she would have gone to the woods, to her secret place. At the abbey she would go to the gardens. And due to the fact that there were Gardens here in so many directions Aurora could assume she was hiding in one of them.

The first place to look would be...of course the Garden closest to the Cathedral. She didn't know if Katherine would venture to the garden where the priests could find her so she would look to one close but not directly under their nose. A soft sigh came from lips that seemed almost always swollen into a pout due to their fullness, the rose hue and slight moistness from her suckling on her lower lip in nervousness making them look like rose petals that had been kissed by the morning due. Though pale in complexion, she seemed to have been getting slightly more sun lately, and it could be noticed by anyone who knew her.. however no one really did here, but either way the sun seemed to do a little good for that odd coloring. Her bright red flame colored hair, and brilliant blue eyes seemed to stand out too much if she allowed herself to remain the alabaster hue that she had obtained from her mother's side of the family. She looked much like her mother had when she was young, though her father had been a man of some physical prowess himself, and at times she saw a bit of him when her features would harden out of anger or upset. Though, normally she remained soft, gentle, and with such a feminine face she often caught men staring. Yet, Aurora really didn't know how to interact with men. So she didn't do well in flirtations of the feminine nature. Conversations however were another matter.

She thought momentarily to the run in with Alexander O'Connor .. He had been praying and she had a discussion with him on her views of the Church. He hadn't scorned her open opinions that got her quite the tongue lashing in the past. In fact he seemed to enjoy her company. At the moment she knew not of his importance in her life, but she would soon come to know it. For now she walked through the Garden and found her way through the many flowers which were blooming into some of God's most glorious creations. In her soft gown of light pink with a bit of white trim, she seemed as though she were dressed down for her status. She held herself with the posture of a lady, and moved with the grace of one, slightly hinting at the subtle movements of a fighter as well if someone would take note of how overly agile her gait was. She had not always just been someone of religious means. Though young her father treated her like he did his sons and taught her a little too much, in her mother's opinion, on how to brandish a sword.

Her heart was beginning to race under full breasts as that slender frame made its way through the garden. Her voice rang out in a clear and somewhat alarmed manner. Normally Katherine would be somewhere in plain sight. She always meant her sister to find her of course.

" Katherine... Katherine ..Little Sister where are you? "


She called but of course there was no answer. When she arrived at a fountain she would find herself spinning around. Thoughts of Alexander where gone and fear began to set in. What if Katherine had gotten lost? What if Aurora gave the girl too much credit for being able to maneuver her little self around? She really hadn't been worried until now. She thought for sure she would have found her.. Perhaps another Garden?

Then Suddenly she saw the little girl, so slight and small for her age. She had been a rather sickly child and so Aurora was always hoping she would grow out of that. The little girl was pale.. pristine as her sister in feature, her eyes the same shining blue, her hair only slightly less red than her sisters in tint, and holding a bit more gold to those long little locks, that had been brushed smooth until there was no tangle in sight, and they could flow uninterrupted down to her rear. The little blue dress she wore was adorable, and it just suited her very well.. and as she looked to her sister she seemed almost ashamed, but said not a word as those delicate hands found Katherine's shoulders and she knelt to look her in the eyes.

"Katherine! Darling, why would you scare me like that? You should tell me before you go somewhere you know.."

She just hugged her and was fully relieved. Katherine was all she had.. all she lived for now. And she didn't know why but just then she had been so very worried. Normally she would have just kept looking.. But she had been so suddenly gripped with fear... Her stomach was still tight and her heart still threatened to beat out of her chest as she hugged the little girl until she found small arms wrapping around her. Katherine's tiny hands ran over her back, and one when to run though that red hair as if to say she was sorry. Aurora looked to her and allowed her to step back and make the little hand signals in which she used to communicate. She said she was sorry using her hands and used the expression for regret.

"Its alright dear one.. Just next time let us go together hm?"

The small girl would give a nod and hold out her hand to her sister, which was quickly taken after she stood and smoothed out her skirt.

Would you like to play a little before we go?"

Katherine would give an impish grin before nodding. Of course she wanted to play. Little girls always wanted to play right? So Aurora would find herself sitting on the edge of the fountain and pointing out little things they could do... As Katherine would go and pick up flowers and such and bring them to her, making her tell the story of each..She didn't mind explaining it to her...She loved her so .. She would sit here all day if it just made the little girl smile a bit more...

[strongjustice]

Turas Lan had one of the largest gardens… actually it was many large gardens all connected by paths… One of the features that Lady Beathag, the Mo’r Okesula, took pride in and offered sanctions to those who would volunteer to work the gardens and upkeep one of the capital’s greatest features.

In the shadow of a large elm tree, James stood and watched the little girl play in the garden… “Who did this child belong? Why would they not watch over her?” He leaned upon the tree… She was a pretty lil thing in her blue dress and striking hair…

Then in the distance, a call… the lil girl perked her head and appeared as if she did not know whether to run for the one calling, or hide… She stood her ground and waited. Soon a beautiful lass of flaming red hair appeared at the far end of the garden… and moments later, the two… apparently sisters… spoke to one another… too low for him to hear.

For better than an hour, he watched them play… Then, hesitantly, he stepped from the tree to pick one of the flowers.

[aurora]

Aurora wouldn't notice the man, but Katherine had, she had seemingly noted him being there for some time. Aurora just seemed pre-occupied with well.. her little sister, and her many thoughts. Ah so much to do .. and yet playing here in the garden

Katherine would pick a small pink flower and show her sister. It was a pretty thing, and give it to her by crawling up on her lap and putting it in her hair.

"Ah you think it makes me look pretty?"

The little girl would make some sort of motions with her hands which said basically.. "It can't make you look prettier."

"Oh and why not hm?"

Aurora knew what her sister was going to say. She said it with her hands however. “Your perfect.”

“Well I know for a fact your more lovely.”

Katherine would pick a similar little pink flower and trot off suddenly after sliding off of her sister’s lap. She would walk right up to the man who had shown himself a bit and hold out her little hand to him. The small pink flower as delicate as the tiny child who presented it.

Aurora looked to where her sister went and had protested with a ..

“Wait.. you..”

She paused when she saw the man whom must have been there for.. quite some time. Rose hued lips parted in shock and she stood there in the light looking quite like an angel sent there to.. well.. tempt the mortal men.. PERHAPS, or rather some sort of Siren. Katherine looked up to the gentleman and seemed very somber, no expression on her features.. She was just studying him. But she had indeed felt compelled to give him a flower. The child would eventually let the corner of her mouth turn up and it surprised Aurora as she came up behind Katherine and took her by the shoulders, pulling her little body back into her own.

“I’m Sorry.. if we were disturbing you..Sir.. please forgive us.”

She spoke with a grace that matched the way she moved, so agile, so lovely..but the accent couldn’t be picked up. She knew so many languages from her father’s insistence that she sounded more light and learned in her tone, but without any hints to her heritage. Though, her hair and skin was more common amongst the Irish and the Scots, so that narrowed it a little. She studied him a moment, her eyes looked over him just a second .. not enough to be considered staring but at least she had noticed he was.. well like most of the men she had seen.. Attractive, she somehow doubted that anyone was actually unattractive here.. But she couldn’t complain.. She just had to remember to be a lady and not let her eyes linger.

To her utter and true amazement Katherine began to talk with her hands, and it made her giggle, a sprite like sound coming from the elder sister.

“My little sister is reminding me of my manners. I am Aurora, and this is Katherine… Please do not be offended by her not speaking out-loud She hasn't spoken since she was a witness to well.. horrors of the war.. So please don't mind her waving her hands about.. that is how she speaks..“

That got a little look of spite from her little sister. She didn’t want to offend she just.. didn’t want to talk either.. Perhaps she couldn’t.. but Aurora knew better, the girl was just.. still .. very mentally damaged. All she could do was hope she would get out of it. Though she had explained to Katherine that she would have to tell people they met why her hands moved so much.. It was only polite. For whatever reason Katherine seemed highly interested in this man, and stared at him quite a bit with those blue eyes which matched those of her elder sister.. Even at seven one could tell she would grow to be a beauty like Aurora, but surpassing the fire haired beauty with what seemed like such a genteel demeanor would be difficult, if even possible.

[strongjustice]

James watched the pair with interest. As the little girl approached him, he smiled, his face crinkling in all the right places, alleviating all fear, should any be present. Crouching low before the girl, he accepted the pink flower without hesitation, his eyes rising only to see the uncertainty in the sister’s eyes and facial expression. Green eyes diverted back to the little girl. “Why thank you my dear…” accepting the peace offering. “Yu dim the flowers by yer exuberance and vitality… Please accept this token of friendship…” handing her a bright yellow buttercup.

Standing, his callous hand pats the girl upon her head lightly; his attention now drawn to the older sister. “Yu were not disturbing me… I was simply enjoying the serenity of the gardens when I noticed yu two playing… I offer my sincerest apologies if I startled yu…” his French-accent tinted voice and mannerisms softer than his appearance… Dressed as a merchant, his physique would appear to be more of a soldier than a tradesman.

The movements of little hands in his peripheral vision caused him to glance down, ripping his eyes from such a beautiful young woman, then he looked back to the young woman as she spoke. Listening attentively, the simple nod of his head, caused his dark curls to bounce slightly. “Ah yes, the horrors of war does take its toll, not only upon the battlefield… but upon our future…” as he glanced down at the girl and back to Aurora.

“Please forgive my ill-manners Mademoiselle… I am James… James duChere of Burgundy…” he offers her his name of disguise… “I am here in Turas Lan on business…” Since arriving on the Isle of Skye, James had been portraying a merchant from France… In no way could he allow anyone to know he was the son of the infamous Lord William Maubrey, a known wanted criminal of the Gaelic Nations… nor the half-brother of Mo’r Triath Adam Aberdeen…

The tournament of Turas Lan was open to all comers… no participants need be of royalty nor the military to participate… the only requirement was the ability to hold their own during an event. This fact in itself allowed James to participate in the joust; which he won over a knight named Alexander O’Conner… but that fact was with dispute as James almost rode over an unarmed O’Connor after the man was unseated…

“La beauté absolue…” he would mumble with an accompanying smile, one so charming, as to distract… He could not help but notice the slight slant of her eyes, the fullness of her lips, the slight upturn to her nose and the glaring blue eyes… not to mention the material pulled tight against her bosom. No matter how hard he tried to divert his eyes from the young woman, it seemed inevitable for them to return. “Do yu live here… in Turas Lan… I mean…” attempting to address his thoughts elsewhere.

[aurora]

Katherine seemed delighted with him, taking the buttercup and holding it in her hands as she watched the conversation with a little bemused look upon her features that mimicked her sister in so many ways. Aurora however knowing well the French language among others wondered inwardly if perhaps she had not caught something slight and faint which had given her cause to think that perhaps France was not the place this man haled from. Either way she showed no sign as she listened to him in return. He was handsome, but not in the way one would often think a man handsome, harder then that.

However he was far from the man she had met in the Church not too long ago.. Alexander O'Connor.. In her mind she saw a Bear and a Mountain Lion, one heavy handed and broad and one sleek and cunning. What made her think of the two and compare them? Perhaps it was the fact that she was thinking of how their movement matched in a way, something about the way certain men held themselves.. The way a warrior held himself. Katherine was too young to notice when a man was trying to be a gentleman some of his true natures, but Aurora seemed to have more of a keen eye to those sort of things.

"We Come from well.. what was Torrin.. however, due to the war and losses my sister and I were at an abbey until we were called here by the high priest. For what real purpose I am unsure."

Katherine could read lips quite well with her disposition, even if she wasn't death and she bit her lip, instead of giggled. Tugging on her sisters skirt she moved her hands and showed what the man had mumbled. Though one could not hear, she was always watching and could see. Aurora blushed a bit and would allow the corners of her mouth to upturn only a bit into a smile.

"Oui, les fleurs sont belles."

In english it was "yes, the flowers are beautiful" And then she would continue on, having satisfied Katherine whom would have tugged her skirt off if she had not acknowledged such. She knew what he had meant but she would ignore it out of modesty, but Katherine would have had a silent tantrum if she had said nothing. But the little girl did seem slightly disappointed at her sister's lack of flirtatousness.When she spoke french she had almost a perfect accent. She could be a spy if she wished, but it left her having no accent really when she spoke in her English tongue, more of a soft and gentle feminine lull and nothing more.

A slight breeze gave way to her hair blowing only lightly, curling around the nape of her neck, and framing her features. She was indeed different. Not having the light red hair of most but looking like fire.. Her eyes seeming bright and ablaze at times, and gray and calm like the sea at others. A flash of that light, that aqua hue had sparkled in those blues as she had spoken in his "native" tongue. Though nothing else seemed to change about her pleasant disposition. She was used to being surrounded by nuns not complimented by handsome men.. But here she was and he was indeed someone who one should be proud to be complimented by.. And yet..

Her thoughts were interrupted by Katherine once again tugging at her and moving her hands rapidly. She couldn't help but let out an airy and fairy like little laugh.

"She wishes for me to let you know that you picked out the most beautiful of flowers for her."

Her eyes met his and had that twinkle in them again. It was clear she loved the child, but sadness was evident as well.. Katherine wouldn't speak no matter what and she wished only for the little girl to regain herself.. War was a terrible thing.. Fighting was a horrible thing.. and she would never again pick up a sword less it were to protect herself. The soft thought in her mind made that ladylike posture change only a bit, so light on her feet, not resting the balls of them fully, and anyone with any skill would know that it was because of a knee-jerk reaction.. Of being taught to be on your guard at all times just in case. Even if she were having a pleasant conversation with him.. having so many brothers..no mother for so long.. it left its mark but a graceful one which seemed to accent that tall beauty he had met in the garden.


It was odd she didn't ask what business he was on.. she thought it better if she not. He didn't want to tell her she seemed to suspect so she shyed from that topic. Intuitive could have been her middle name in some cases and in others .. well she just would say the wrong thing constantly. This case was not one of those thank heavens.

[Men of Skye]

James would gaze upon the beauty before him, and attraction, should he attempt to hide it, would exude itself despite any endeavor to do so. Still he tried to recall where Torrin was… His callous hand stroked his chin… “Torrin… meaning little hills…” he canted his head and dark curls atop his head shifted. “Na Torrin… tis a small village upon the Strathaird Peninsula… near Loch Slapin, no?” He really did not care where she was from… just the fact that he could keep her from leaving with conversation…

“High Priest? You are with the Church?” he once more canted his head in curiosity… Thoughtfully, he would debate that thought thru his mind, hoping she was not… He was considering thoughts more along the line of… Availability? Did she have a husband? A fiancé? A significant other? She was too beautiful to be single… and the responsibility that was evident standing next to her was not a deterrent…

He was sure any man would love to wed her… Dowry would make no mind to a prospective mate… But leave it to the Church, she would become a bargaining chip… and a very beautiful one at that… bartered off to a man twice, or thrice, her age… and the sister placed into a nunnery… His teeth ground at the thought…

A smile enveloped his facial features at the little girl’s frantic search for her sister’s attention came in the quick, rapid movement of hands and arms. She was quite the “talker” and he could not help but smile at her triumph over a disability… one, either by physical or mental incapacity…

He knelt down once more, his sea-green eyes sparkled… “Vous êtes plus a accueilli mon ami… Je suis content que vous l'avez aimé…” {you are most welcomed my friend… I am glad you liked it…} Standing, his hand ruffled her hair… This time, he had managed to close the gap space between him and the older sister.

“Je sais qu'un Inne que fournit les plus biens repas... Ce serait un privilège pour vous m'accompagner...” The French flowed seductively from his lips… Though by now, she would have seen the truth thru his linguistic skills… {I know an Inne that provides the finest meals... It would be a privilege for you to accompany me...} He took her hand in his and bowed down to kiss it… the mannerism offered more in respect and courtesy than in forwardness.

He would continue speaking in French… “I am sorry if I have offended you, but I think I must break the ice… You are an angel… a vision of the summer sun setting in the west…” his heart slammed hard in his chest and his speech paused as he swallowed… “I came to Turas Lan for business, but yu have swayed my motivations… my time is now yours…” Words he pondered… words he dared not ask… She was beautiful… and her sister a delight… what made him want to spend time, valuable time, time he did not truly have, with her?

Those words came from James Maubrey? Now that he had changed his name to protect his mission… Had this lass, and her lil sister, had that kind of influence? His breathing was heavy and he would wait for her response… He had just met them… and he knew NOTHING of them… Usually he would be more clear-headed and mission oriented. James was usually cold-hearted, ruthless, and devious… Had his step-brother, Adam, also fell under the spell of Skye, the Winged Isle… and gave birth to a new Nation?

Damn this girl…! Damn this island…!

[aurora]

She watched him with a curiosity that seemed light, brightening her features softly. She was calm and quite gentle in her mannerism, despite the fire which hid in those eyes. Katherine seemed taken with him and so Aurora was indulging her, or so she would tell herself as she nodded. Speaking only in French now, which Katherine apparently could understand even at such an age, she replied, her eyes focused and a cool blue hue now on the man whom seemed .. dare she think.. taken with her?

"You are mostly correct.. and yes I am with the Church in a way. I was to take my vows, due to the fact that my family, all but Katherine that is has left this world and gone to the next. Though apparently the Priest has other plans for me. I am to be some sort of Spiritual advisor, and perhaps I will be able to dabble in healing and herbs..."

Katherine made a face, she knew her sister adored the sword, or used to.. and was so beautiful when she practiced.. but she thought it would offend the girl.. Or her dead brothers or father if she where to do anything but heal and help save lives. Her hands fluttered but it seemed Aurora ignored her and just shook her head slightly. Katherine thankfully got distracted by the man who ruffled her hair and stopped trying to persuade her sister and ended up being taken in by his words. The little girl seemed to like him quite a bit, and it impressed Aurora to no ends.

She however was a bit shocked and felt the blush rise from her neck, over her pulse and to her cheeks as she looked to him. He was too close.. much too close for a man to be to her. She couldn't remember any man being this close to her, and taking her hand in such a way while looking at her with THAT kind of gaze. His gaze seemed hungry in a way. In her mind it was dark.. while unthreatening in the traditional sense.. in the ways of virtue he was indeed a threat. Katherine clasped her hands as she watched a few steps away and hoped her sister would accept. She hadn't liked anyone getting close to Aurora but she seemed to be intrigued with this man. Perhaps she was getting out of her little disability a little. For before she was a shell now she was watching like a modern day child glued to some soap opera.

When She would speak her voice was shaken ever so slightly, but it calmed very quickly. Her hand did not jerk from him but allowed that soft and silken hand to be taken, the clean and slightly elongated half moon nails making her long slender fingers seem all the more delicate when in his much larger hand. When he was closer to her he could smell how fresh she smelt.. a mixture of herbs.. flowers.. raspberries.. due to her bath this morning and collection of herbs through the day. Not a scent of someone who tried to be unnaturally beautiful but one who was born with a naturally attractive disposition.

"I am not sure if I can...I have not yet been told of why I am here.. and it would not be proper for me to see you alone... Forgive me but I must decline your invitation. "

Her hand was taken from his slowly, almost reluctantly. She liked the attention in some way.. She wanted it in another. But it was not something she were allowed. For all she knew she would still be made to take her vows.. or to marry someone for that matter. And it would be best.. for her.. for Katherine.. She had no wealth.. she had no where to go, no family to help her. She had only the church and her virtue could not be questioned. If her father had been alive things would be different. She could marry whoever she so wished, with her dowry there would be a line. Though apparently she didn't think her beauty or disposition alone was enough. She couldn't risk that.. Not with Katherine's welfare at stake. She forced a smile to him.. tried to be pleasant... even though she wished she could say yes to him. She wasn't sure why.. but she wanted to meet him again.

"We must go.. we will be late for prayer..."

She would reach for Katherine and take her hand. The little girl seemed saddened and looked to him with large blue eyes. Aurora was turning to walk away when Katherine caught her and made a movement with her hand.. It made Aurora look back over her shoulder.

"It was a pleasure to meet you .. I am sorry.. but if.. if you should wish to see me again.. I am in the chapel in the morning until seven.. and I go to look for herbs in the gardens until noon on bright days.. I.. hope to see you."

She could do nothing more than that for him.. she could make no more a move than that. She was trapped by the church and its wishes. She could not even be herself here.. She doubted he would even speak to her if he knew her .. knew her really. What man was interested in a tom boy who picked flowers and made healing salves.. and could best most on a horse.. and then some even with swords.. Who feared her past, however young she may be, and had demons so dark..? No one could really want her time. It was just her beauty... She told herself gently. Just her body that would be used and cast aside.. Like the nuns had warned... And yet she took the chance to meet with him again.. Soon she hoped... Katherine seemed pleased and waved to him, as Aurora glanced back, wishing he would say he would see her again. "My time is yours" she repeated in her head.. why had that stirred her in the most shameless of ways..? She didn't know who could refuse such a man.. but she had somehow done so.. and yet not fully..

[Men of Skye]

She was to take her vows. Was?? And as yet she had not taken them. A spiritual advisor? For whom? The Priest had other plans for her?! As if it really mattered to the bastard son of Lord William Maubrey ! She was beautiful, there was no doubt… He was sure that many men had desired her. Beautiful… alluring… she was, but to him, at this very moment in time, it was something else…

Smell - Standing close enough to breath in a fresh aroma… to truly smell her… not as a euphemism but fact… See – If he was to gaze at her longer, then one would be accused of staring… Still he would steal sight of her at every opportunity… Touch – Her hand… tender, skin soft; hands of one who did not toil in the physical; Pampered and spoiled? … laid still in his rough and calloused hand… not the hands of a businessman, nor merchant, but those of one experienced with a sword. She had not pulled away, but remained… Hear – Her voice was melodic and pleasing to the ear… Songbirds would have a difficult time competing… not like some women as they spoke, like nails upon a slate… Taste – only upon his wildest dreams… to wish upon the wind as a storm approached.

The sigh left his lips as she declined his offer… he simply nodded… “I completely understand… I did not mean to impose, nor impart crude manners…” he responded, the French accent still a bit harsh, one of experience but not birth. Her hand slipped from his, and in abandonment, his own retreated behind his back, placed one atop the other. And yet another blow... They had to go… or be late for prayer… “I do not wish you to be late…” he chuckles… “Tis no competition with the Lord Almighty…” he laughed.

He stepped away from her a bit and gazed upon her as thoughts resounded inside his brain. Looking to the girl named Katherine, he smiled… his sea-green eyes sparkled. She was a doll… a gem to brightly shine upon the dim world… a world of deceit, lies, and betrayal… In his dark world… in his shadowy past… now upon his days of missions in death and destruction, he smiled to the girl… She expounded a radiance that lit a path never seen before by him… and it scared him…

He knelt down once more looking at her directly… “I am so glad to have met you and your sister… being of two different paths that converged, it has been a sincere pleasure… and even if your sister cannot see me, you may at any time…” he offered her a charming smile finalizing the smoothness of the French accent.

Standing, he watched Aurora and Katherine leave… a void soon closed around him… But with a last glance, Katherine waved, and Aurora offered her whereabouts on a usual basis. From her words, he deduced that she could not, because of her status, make an attempt to see him, but he could make the effort to find her… Now who would stop him from entering a Church… or bar him from the gardens…??

I hope to see you… rang in his ears… Had she really said that or did his imagination wish it so? They were gone, still the scent, sight, and feel remain. He looked at his calloused hands with a smile…

From the garden he strolled slowly. A day of expected solitude and dark reflection turned into a hour, or so, of illumination. He had seen a side of life he had never witnessed. Who was this woman? How could he be enchanted so? Mesmerized even. Beautiful? Yes. Alluring? Yes. But more… was it truly spiritual? Or witchcraft?

He kicked a stone from his path and watched it roll along until it stopped in a pool of water in the road. “Hmmph… odd…” he mumbled. If the situation was whimsical desire, it would have passed as she departed… but she lingered in his thoughts… In the distance, the steeple of the Church could be seen as the bells rang loud out over the city. He was late for a meeting. A meeting with some of the underworlds most unscrupulous people.

[aurora]

She had much on her mind.. much to think about.. Katherine was with another little girl whom had been one of the charges of the Church, playing under the watchful eyes of trusted women. So she had nothing to worry about for now, on that front. But the feelings that James duChere of Burgundy, or so he called himself, had brought to her in the garden the other day where still very vivid in her mind. She really didn't know what to think of the man. She was not used to the gaze he gave her, that look of desire so plain in his eyes. He was dangerous, this she could figure out without even having to be told by someone wiser, a mentor of which she had none at the moment.

She had brushed out her silken red locks of fire red to perfection this morning... bathed in simplistic scents of rose and raspberries.. for whatever reason she liked the mixture..And of course smelled of the gardens... of the healing herbs of the earth. Today she wore a top of white, sleeves forming to her delicate arms, and where shorter than usual. Her skirt was long but slightly hiked as she walked through the same garden that she had seen James in the other day. Her skirt of red matched the little silken ribbon in her hair and at her waste. Though the one in her hair could barely be made out due to the long locks of silken tresses which where naturally upon that lovely head of hers.

The woven basket was wrapped around the crook of her arm as she looked around the garden, the bits of the gardens that where meant for growing herbs seeming to hold a treasure trove for her. Eyes lit up with a glint of happiness as she seemed to find things she needed and pluck them gently with hands so delicate. One would never believe what she learned in her upbringing.. if they where to look at the woman with the fragile frame, something that could seemingly be crushed so easily by someone as powerful as James Burgundy. Though looks could be deceiving.. her eyes showed the fire within her, as bright as her hair. A fire that was strong and un giving.

While young and innocent she held some sort of presence about her.. An agile and precise presence that if shown on a man would have been reason to watch them as a threat. The way she moved and almost glided.. How she could seemingly balance herself all too well.. But she was no man, and traits of a fighter were mistook as ladylike..genteel even. Her posture seemed always perfect, her chin always held at a precise angle that gave her an air of royalty about the slip of a girl. The girl who was promised to the will of the Church and yet could inspire lust, apparently in the most hardened of men.

As she walked through the garden her mind wondered, wondered what it would be like to have her freedom. But freedom while Katherine was so mentally fragile... she could not risk. She was forced to play the part of the damsel. She could easily work as an herbalist or even a healer.. But she could not risk it not working out and Katherine being left to suffer.. Nor could she leave the little wisp of a girl whom she swore she would protect with her life..

So for now all she could do was find solace in the garden.. in making her little remedies and such.. in prayer to a God which scorned her so at times she lashed out with reasoning which the Church would call blasphemy. And in her voice.. She loved to sing.. and while she thought she was alone she would let out a melody so sweet.. a song so gentle.. and appropriate for the garden she thought.. But a love song.. Which later may make her think as to why she would sing such.. but the Lyrics where there in her heart all the same..

"If I could plant a tiny seed of love in the garden of your heart.
Would it grow to be a great big love some day,
or would it die and fade away?
Would you care for it and tend it every day,
till the time when we should part?
If I could plant a tiny seed of love in the garden of your heart."

She began to hum after that..as she would spin and her skirt would swirl around those long shapely legs, her graceful form would dip and she would pick an herb and place it in her basket before moving with an almost dance like grace to the next thing she wished to place in the wicker container. The birds seemed to even stop to listen to her, but she didn't notice.. she just wished to sing.. and for once in her voice the Scottish accent was heard profoundly, but only because it was on purpose.. she knew the lyrics where meant for the accent and apparently could mold her voice to it.. That delicious voice holding the accent so well as she sang so lightly and yet with a beautiful kind of strength to the notes.

[Men of Skye]

Two days had passed and he found himself missing her and Katherine… more than he should be really… Several times the past few days, he had passed the cathedral and stood on the corner and looked toward the walls of the building hoping to catch a glance of her… but fate played no part… His business in Turas Lan would keep him from the gardens…

Business that people would deem dark and deceitful. His Father was sending daily coded missives from Sanctuary… to his son in Turas Lan. It was those tasks in the missives that kept him busy. Members of the Illuminati were coming to Turas Lan and key cities, attempting to reestablish the order in Skye. James hated dealing with those fanatics and he hated being a pawn of his Father. But he had his own plans... and felt it unuseful to anger such a man…

James signed the delivery order and handed it to the vendor… “I shall ensure the crates are delivered as soon as they arrive sir… My ship is due upon the morrow…” the two men shook hands and his attention turned to the resounding of the bells in Turas Lan’s clock tower… Cursing, he had missed her again… Today’s business, both clandestine and open, was concluded and if he hurried, he might be able to catch her in the garden before she retreated to the Church again. Smiling at the man… “By yer leave M’Lord…” he turned and hurried down the street toward the gardens where he last saw Aurora and Katherine a few days ago…

Arriving at the gardens, he paused and took a deep breath before entering the gate… he did not want to appear out of breath and harried… Wiping the sweat from his brow, and correcting his jacket, he walked thru the flowery arch that was the southeast gate to the garden. Then in a sudden though, he remembered a quote from the writings of Juvenal… “Fortune can, for her pleasure, fools advance… And toss them on the wheels of Chance.” The palms of his hands were then wiped upon his trousers.

[Men of Skye]

Days passed and James saw no sign of the fire red-headed young woman. And now the ship awaited his departure… Soon he would be back upon French soil… and on his way to Paris.

How could a man of such scruples as he could fall for such a woman…? Was it her fire red hair? Her enchanting eyes? The shape of her face?

Irregardless, the missive from Sanctuary, had slapped him back to reality. Ordered back to Paris… back to court.