The Infamous Meeting

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

“Morning already?” he inquired as Julian woke him far too early after a hangover… “Aye MiLord… yae ‘ave a guest this morn… ‘n the waitin’ room…” Julian replied. Dmitrii rubbed his eyes and stood, slipping on a shirt and trousers. “Julian, who is important enough to wake me so early?” He spoke softly, then took a peek in Aegraine’s room to find her fast sleep.

Julian did not answer, nor say Who was there… he could be evil like that sometimes. Turning to the servant, “Announce that I am coming… just let me wash my face…” Julian just smirked and waited outside… moments later, Dmitrii would exit his room.

Trodding down the hallway, his hand went to his curly-haired head. “You are evil Julian, yu know that?” Julian smirked and patted his Lord’s back ever so casual. “Keeps yae on yaer toes MiLord…” then both men laughed as they entered the waiting room.

There before him, looking out the window was his sister… dressed in her usual dark attire, definitively highlighted by the bright colors of the waiting room. “Kaelyn, my dearest sister… what brings yu here so early…?” His eyes widening in joyous occasion of her visit… his arms outstretched toward her. “It is so grand to see you… How have yu been?” As they neared, she could smell burnt wood from the fires of last eve, and the distinct odor of alcohol.

Kaelyn turned around slowly as she heard the door open and a slow smile curved her rose colored lips as she looked at her brother. He looked disheveled and not fully awake and for that she would apologize. "Early?? I guess it is but the sun has more than broke the horizon you slugabed." she said teasing softly as she walked to him with her arms extended for a hug. She looked at him with sad and haunted eyes but they had long since lost their sparkle. "Partying the night away Dmi??" once more she teased, though when he looked into her eyes he would see a maelstrom of emotions. So turbulent were they it was taking every bit of her inner strength to keep them controlled.

Though Dmitrii’s sleep had been interrupted by his sister’s arrival; before going downstairs, he did check to see if Ae was still asleep…. Fortunately for her, at that time, she was. Julian had teased Dmitrii… and soon Marie would also tease Lady Aegraine… as she affectionately referred her.

The rousing of Dmitrii, and Julian teasing one another, alerted Marie, that maybe she should wake Lady Aegraine and let her know M’Lord was awake… but at Julian’s behest, Marie did not say why MiLord went downstairs. The two servants just giggled as they remained upstairs.

In the morning, Aegraine awoke to the sounds of songbirds out of the window and a too bright sunbeam glowing from the slit between the draperies. "How strange. I cannot roll over onto my back." She remained face to the window and the bright light hurt her eyes. With one hand she felt and there behind her was a rolled up blanket, so she stayed in one place. After such a drinking spree, it prevented her choking if she had anything left in her stomach after that episode in the stables. She was washed clean and her hair braided. Sometime during the night Marie had been here to assist?

Dmi had seen her at her worst. If there was one person Ae wanted to appear in the best light to it was Dmitrii. From the first time she saw him smile, back when they met out in the snow covered fields, she just knew she liked him from the first. How much she was in love had come slowly, creeping up on her until it seemed as if it always been so.

In the old days, Aegraine could not imagine anyone would take a second glance at her as an attractive young woman. She thought herself as just another worker in the family business. Two years in Ulster did not alter that self image. Now, before she awoke fully and stood to greet the Great Hangover, Aegraine finally admitted, she did not understand why, but she felt beautiful. It was the weirdest thing. And the most wonderful.

She got out of her bed and swayed, leaning back onto the piles of comforts and pillows. "Oh Lord! My head! I am never going to drink like that again! Ever!"

And so it was, the Great Hangover had greeted Dmitrii and Aegraine with the thunderous pounding of their hearts inside their heads. By fate or fortune, today would be the day that Dmitrii would tell his sister of his love and betrothment; a day when Kaelyn would meet Aegraine… Unbeknownst to her, she would be meeting her betrothed’s sister and remaining relative…

Now imagine such a sight... the Ranger Elite's brother, reeking of alcohol and burnt wood... and a female, yes, even his betrothed, in HIS home, also smelling of alcohol and burnt wood.. both suffering from the Great Hangover !! What could the neighbor's think? Who would dare to assume???

"Where are my shoes? Back in Turas Lan, I think." Ae slowly came to realize she was at Lake Manor and began to puzzle out how she had got here. When she rested, leaning back onto the cushions, Aegraine felt the room spinning like she was on a wheel. It was with extreme effort she slid off the bed and once standing, called out to Marie. "Where is my hairbrush?"

Julian saw that Marie was going back to Aegraine’s room, and before she could call out, he wrapped an arm around her, the hand to her mouth… “Sssh… let ‘er gae…”

As Lady Aegraine called out, Marie started to go back into her Lady’s room, but a hand was put upon her mouth and restrained her. A snap of her head, a hand pulling his away, doe eyes glared at Julian. “MiLady shall ‘ave mae ‘ead man… Are yae crazy?” she whispered so only he would hear.

Julian smirked and shook his head. “Ah’ll pr’tect ya lass… just gae wit this… t’will bae comical and we’ll bae laughing bae nightfall…”

“If’en we nay bae swingin’ from the nearest tree mabbe…” Marie retorted.

Lady lePower took out the braid from her hair. She stood and wrapped a shawl over her shoulders, still wearing her nightgown looking about for a dress or even the trousers and jacket she'd worn the previous day, but there was neither to be found. Perhaps Marie was still out in the hall? "Marie? Where will I find a gown for today?" She poked her head out into the hallway and no one was in sight.

Marie blushed a bit at Aegraine’s inquiries and slunk back into the hallway shadows with Julian… “MiLady will kill mae f’sure…” Julian just shook his head and smirked.

However, the tones of Dmitrii talking to someone downstairs drifted to her. "Perhaps Marie is down with Dmi and the others?" Aegraine slid her bare feet along the corridor, one hand to the wall for balance and went on down the stairway, in spite of an almost blinding headache. Her right hand held the railing and the other kept the shawl over one shoulder as she walked downstairs.

Julian and Marie watched from the shadows as Aegraine walked from her room. Marie just had to nudge Julian in the ribs… hard.

"Dmi? Have you seen Marie? I was ..." Then she stood stock still. There was someone come to visit and here was Aegraine, a sight, like something the cat dragged home. Her hair hung billowing, long and curly, uncombed about a pale face, squinting her eyes to block out as much sun as she could. Bare feet showed from under her white nightgown which fell off one shoulder; the other covered with that gray shawl. She required support of a rail or wall to steady her, for the room seemed to spin a little, even now.

Dmitrii and Kae turned to look at Aegraine… There she was, the thunderous hangover unsteadying her, no time, nor effort afford her appearance. Dmitrii only offered up that familiar, wickedly-charming smirk. As Aegraine approached, she too, would reek of alcohol.

"Pardon my attire," Ae really had no other costume choices this morning, " but I had a rather rough night last night." It was then she recognized Kae, the woman who came with bow and fire arrows to help with the defense of Turas Lan at the gates.

Dmitrii just looked at Kae and blushed a bit, simply shrugging his shoulders. “We were celebrating while her Father and brother were here…” then he gave her a smile, the beard crinkling in the most familiar way.

With a look of cool surprise she looked from Ae back to her brother... she was as stoic and serious as ever and probably more so right now. As Ae spoke she gave a graceful nod of her head, "Lady Aegraine....Good morning, and it is I who should apologize for coming so early as Dmitrii has been so inclined to remind me,"

The girl looked to have one hell of a hangover... and that was something Kae was used to and had seen many times. She herself suffered after a night of merry making in her day... now, she was all business and duty bound. No time did she allow for fun these days... for she had nothing to be joyous or happy about. Absently she toyed with her wedding ring.

Dmitrii and Kaelyn were now speaking of their cousin Eryn, her predicament, and their visit to the Mo’r Traith, both taking time to recognize an event in Dmitrii’s life, his betrothal !!

She recognized the woman as well from that day at the Castle walls, her men had told her how brave she had been, and how in control of things til it ended. Her brows drew together as she took in Ae's look and then once more looked to Dmitrii and as if hit in the gut she shook her head. "My apologies to you both... Dmitrii when you have time we can talk... I am sorry for the intrusion." Damn her own stupidity for not thinking he may have a guest... why would he not he was young, handsome, and single !

Aegraine had entered the room and stood silently by her betrothed’s side until he moved to the hearth. Seeing her remaining faithfully by his side in times of trouble, he returned to her. His arm wrapped around her waist.

Both of them looked at one another then back to Kaelyn. “No apologies necessary my sister. And tis no intrusion… yu are welcomed here regardless the reason… but…” he paused, glanced to Ae, smiled, and looked to his sister. “But I should introduce you to yer future sister by marriage.” Then he remained quiet watching for a reaction.

"I have looked forward to our meeting, although I have seen you before. On the night when our city were attacked. Going out the gates to get that little girl back into safety before they closed the gates. I never got to tell you how much you and your crew's burning arrows helped, to get a good sight on the trebuchet. We were ready when dawn broke that day because of that opportunity to see where the machine was set up." Aegraine stepped forward to hug Kaelyn, "I have always wished I had a sister. I hope we will become good friends."

Meeting Dmi's sister distracted Aegraine from the aftermath of her family's rounds of toasts and her manner was like normal, in spite of the way she dressed. Oh the maid Marie was going to have to come up with a good explanation for letting Ae oversleep, not leaving her traveling garb where it was. Then they would both laugh.

Her attention once more going to Ae... she offered a smile that she hoped would be taken as friendly... though not many would use the word to describe... the Ranger Elite and Knight.

"Dmitrii you know I love you..." she had walked over as she spoke and ruffled his curly hair and gave him a smile as he told her that he and Aegraine were betrothed. She swallowed hard. "I am happy for you both and congratulations... if I can do anything let me know?"

"Dmi as soon as you are ready I would like to see Bess and Adam…" yep she was using their given names for they had said long ago there was no need to be formal amongst friends and kin of the heart and Bess was like a sister to Kae.

"I would like to give you a wedding gift after this is done if you both will allow it?" she said turning to walk back to the window.

Dmitrii stood next to Aegraine, his arm wrapped around her waist. He stood shorter than Kaelyn, but almost a half foot taller than Aegraine. Even as haggard as the pair looked, they were a grand match… one that never could have been made by prearrangement. “Thank you Kaelyn…” he said with a smile then a glance to Ae… he always called his sister by her full given name. “I know Ae and I will be very happy together…” followed by a tightening of the arm around the waist.

At her words of gifts, he just shook his head. “The only gift necessary is yer Blessings on the union… and befriending Ae if yu deem it cordial…” What better event could happen was Ae and Kaelyn be close friends… that thought did cross his mind,…several times… even before he asked her hand in marriage.

Aegraine waited to hear what Kaelyn replied, looking up to the taller young woman with respect for her, for the bravery and quick action she's observed from Dmitrii's sister, back at the time Turas Lan gates were being attacked. Her courage to hold together and keep going after such personal loss as Kaelyn had, impressed Aegraine in manner that only her facial expression could convey how much Ae was in awe of her sister-to-be.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Kae was tall by the standards of the women here... the only one about her height was Bess… must be the Norse in their blood. Though Dmi and Ae looked like opposites it was obvious they were in love... she smirked. Would he ever call her by anything but her given name as most did?? She would speak to him about it later, family should never be so formal right?

Kaelyn stood silently as she listened to her brother and watched the way he wrapped his arm possessively around her... declaring his love without words to all. A slow smile curved her mouth and gave them a regal and graceful nod of her head. "Beloved brother of mine I could not deny you the blessing you ask so... Aye... you both have my blessing though it is not needed here... I am honored that you did ask." she meant all she said. IF they had been in Argania... then indeed her blessing would be needed as the Queen... but here in Scotland she was nothing more than a Knight and Ranger Elite. Blue eyes watched them both. "May you both live long, love unconditionally... most of all be happy. And I do intend on giving you that gift... and hopefully soon for it is long over due." her voice had softened a bit and her odd accent became thicker as she fought off fatigue and emotions... she was not the cold-hearted bytch that most thought her to be... well except on the battle field.

As Kaelyn gave her consent for their marriage, Dmitrii smiled brightly. “My dearest sister… Your blessing is a big matter to me… whether here or in Argania.” Looking to Aegraine at her blessing to them, he smiled, his arm tightening about her in a hug of sorts. Then back to Kaelyn… “No need for a gift… yer presence at the wedding would be gift enough…”

What she saw in Aegraine's facial expression made her cringe a bit inwardly... there was no need for it. Yes Kae could almost read her thoughts she had after all made a living by reading signs that spoke louder than words at times. She had done only what had needed to be done... nothing more nothing less... but it was nice to see she had meant it in a good way. "Lady ... all I ask is that you make him happy... and from what I can see now that is not going to be an issue. Welcome to the family... I hope we can get to know each other better." there she was making an honest effort once more to let people close to her and get to know her.

"I hope so, too; I already feel like calling you Sister, even though it is too soon." There was something about Kaelyn's tall confident stance that reminded of Ae of the type woman her Mother had been.

Kaelyn had been born to a royal house but had chosen to make her way in life as a Ranger and Warrior... more often than not she scared people away with her distant behavior but she had learned long ago not to trust and not to do so easily if one did. All in all she is kind and loves with her whole being. For family and close friends she would lay down her life without question... without thought... and without regrets!!

Then she did what neither would have expected... she dropped to one knee and reached for her dagger as she knelt before them, she dragged the dagger across the palm of her left hand... the line quickly bled... and she looked up at them. "By my blood and this blade if ever you have need of me just ask." she said her head lowered as she extended the blade not to Dmitrii but to his betrothed... it was the first time she had ever made such a pledge in an official way as was the custom in her country... and to make such a decree to anyone was a great honor... Dmi more than Ae would know this about his sister.

"I am honored and please forgive me that I do not know the proper way to reply." Aegraine reached for the little dagger she always kept at her waist but had forgotten she was now wearing her nightgown. Her hand hit empty air and billowing fabric. "These times are peaceful now, but I am so unsure what will come next, for I've always lived while a conflict was going on, until recently. If I have need, I will think of you first, Kaelyn." She called the noble woman by her first name, so naturally, that even Ae was surprised the words came out of her mouth. LePower stood there beside Dmi, proud that she was going to be part of this family.

Dmitrii could do nothing but stand by his sister and his beloved in awe. He had made a right choice in choosing Aegraine as his mate… though love seemed unstoppable between them, marriage was only correct.

Slowly she rose squaring her shoulders... rising to her full height... she smiled and closed her fist as not to bleed on his floors. "I have to leave.... there are some things I need to see to before heading back to Turas Lan later this eve." she said. Looking at Dmi… "I do not know how Eryn will be when we return just know she is not as you remember." she said in his native Rus language. Kae hugged him and then Ae and turned to leave… "Be happy brother you deserve it more than any.” Then left them to their day and once more set off about her duties.

“I understand my sister… Ride safe and be well…” with a slight glance toward Ae and back to Kae… “We shall see yu in the City tomorrow evening…”

The pair escorted Kaelyn to the door, and watched her until she rode out of sight… then with nothing but a gesture, he guided Aegraine back up the stairs to her room. Stopping at the door, he turned her around, his hands clasping her face on both sides, tilting her lips up to him. With a wink, he placed his lips upon hers, and began to kiss her lightly… then as blood coursed his veins he began to kiss her more passionately, as he took her into his arms.

“Now we have my sister’s blessing… and your Father’s… all we need to do is set a date…” he whispered into her ear as he held her tight. His heart was pounding in his chest and his breathing became erratic. He had become aroused and his thin trousers stressed hard against her. Pushing her back away from him with a smirk… “I must let you become proper for the meal…” It was his way of allowing her time to get appropriately cleaned up and dressed… but most of all, it would subdue his excitement and prevent embarrassment.

“I shall get cleaned up myself, and wait for you in the cozy dining room.” His fingers were reluctant to release hers… What he wanted to do was to go inside, close the door and let nature take its course. But he respected her wayyy more than that. A sigh and a turn, he moved to his room.

"I will not be long, I will get Marie to arrange my hair." Aegraine glanced back at Dmitrii as she entered her room, thinking about what date would be suitable. Not years in the future; not too rushed. They would have to talk this over, certainly. The maid Marie had a change of clothing ready for Ae, a day dress of amber linen with a gold link embroidered pattern on the cuff an neckline. Her hangover began to fade but the memory of meeting Dmi's sister for the first time would always be linked with that self image. "She saw me like that and did not let the surface influence her!"