Past Begats Future

[strongjustice]

William arose the next morning, glancing back at the nude female in his bed… he smirked and went to the window. It was the day that he and Anwen would leave for Skye… With a stretch of his nude form, he looked out the window and toward the northwest… toward the land they would soon embark… His thoughts flashed back to the last time he was there…

“M’Lord, the Chamberlain is imprisoned as ordered… none shall enter except yu M’Lord…” the Captain said… William smiled and wiped the blood from the sword… “Gerard… Then all is well it seems… Turas Lan and Skye is ours for the taking…” his hair brown and green eyes, the orbs flashed in contentment. “Alan and the future Lord of the Isles is dead… and his court dismantled… I shall be the reigning Lord and yu, my Captain…” the young ambitious knight said. “M’Lord… don’t yu think we should have executed the Chamberlain as well?” the young Captain asked. The young Lord just laughed… “Now with that man dead, how can I wear the Brooch, and be the Lord of the Isles?”

William stood at the window, his mind snapping back to the present, then drifting off to years past. The messenger handed the young Lord a missive… the ensuing outrage scattered the inhabitants of the castle. William had been ordered back to London immediately by the King of England. His future in Turas Lan and Skye suddenly interrupted by the Crown. Loyal to no one but himself, the young Lord knew the King was his vehicle to his ultimate goal… a crown of his own… and would not disobey his orders.

He was suddenly snapped back to the present by a simple touch on the arm… the sudden flashback gone, he snapped… “WHAT ???!!” not realizing the hand upon him was Anwen’s… Realizing it was now her that touched him, he looked down and apologized, then looked back out the window…

She had been dreaming of the night they had shared wrapped in each others arms. Surrounded by his love, her body ached but it was a pleasant ache... one from hours of loving each other.

Something tickled the back of her mind...and Anwen woke to find she lay alone in the massive bed, as she turned her head she saw him standing at the window looking as if a million miles away. She got up and covered herself with a sill robe and walked over to him.

She reached out and gently laid her hand upon one of his strong arms... without looking he snapped at her and she recoiled her hand as if she had been burnt by his words. Eyes wide she starred at him... William apologized. Though it hurt her deeply when he resumed looking out the window. "I will make ready for our trip." she said with a small nod of her head " By your leave William." Anwen turned and walked over to where the trunks had been left for them to put their belongings in.

William, having turned back to the window, didn’t hear Anwen, his mind elsewhere… “How couldthe King have kept me from my destiny…” he mumbled indelibly… “Yes…Yes…” he answered not realizing what she said.

Had she done something to anger him and not known it? Was it their departure for Skye? She would not speculate and hoped he would confide in her and if not she would understand. So much was riding on this... all of his dreams... his hopes for the future lie in this trip to Scotland.

William huffed and turned wrapping the robe tightly about him, as he would his weapons in his grasp. He saw her sitting upon the floor and slowly walked up behind her… his hand running thru the red hair… “My dear… tis time to prepare to leave… destiny awaits us…”

She sat on the floor with her swords in hand and ran her fingers over the deadly sharp blades... how many had she killed and how many more would die by her hand and these swords? She had lost count a long time ago. She let her mind drift and an image formed there to far to it see clearly. A tall blonde woman sparring with men in a list of sorts... and she was damn good with her weapons. Sword clashed against sword and the next thing she saw was herself and the woman going head to head and toe to toe in a mock battle. Men cheered and shouted and neither gained a edge over the other. Then it was gone... nothing remained but the feeling that she somehow knew the woman and they were close. "Who are you?" she whispered to the image as if it would obey and answer her.

William’s presence would not startle her, as the weapon of his choosing had nerves of steel… he smirks… “Who am I? I am yer betrothed, am I not?” he answered her whisper… he was oblivious to the hurt he caused by the daydream.

She put the swords in one of the trunks and stood looking at him and wrapped her arms around his trim waist. "I will make my usual inspections and rounds with the men and then be back my love." she kissed his cheek and started to step away. His hands over hers held her in place.

A simple tug of the robe string, the garment fell open… “Check them later, Gerard is quite the capable… for now we shall endure each other’s passion til we can no longer walk… for once we get to Skye… we know not what awaits us…” then he backs her up until she falls upon the bed backwards, him standing at the end of the bed smirking wickedly, the evilness in his voice, dropping the robe to the floor.

She looked up at him with sad blue eyes the sting of his early words hidden in the cerulean depths. "Aye, William you are my betrothed, my love, my heart and my soul." she said cupping his handsome face in tiny hands. His beard neatly trimmed soft against her skin "I have all I could ever want in you... love, passion, and one day your name given by a priest." she smiled as he backed her to the bed.

When she fell upon it her own robe opened so that her body was visible to him and a smirk of her own crossed her face as he talked of not being able to walk. "Gerard is more than capable, I thought to give you some time with your thoughts is all, but this is a much better plan..." her voice becoming husky as she watched his robe fall to the floor.

She came up on her knees and crawled to him wrapping her arms lovingly around his firm body. "By the Gods William... you are a sight. Handsome, well built, and all MINE!" she chuckled softly as she kissed his chest and ran her small pink tongue over his flesh. Small hands roamed his body without shame, touching him everywhere... his back, shoulders, to finally take him into her hand and gently stroke… "Your appetite my love is amazing, and I fear I am about starving as well. Come love me... William. I am yours now and always."

If only she knew the truth would she still say those words to him? Would he still want and love her if she remembered? Would he make her his wife before God? The last was something she wanted badly but never had the courage to say so to him... maybe she could show him that to be his wife was important to her for many reasons.

Frustration over Skye and his memories were integrated into the aggressive manner he handled her in the throes of passion, and her assertiveness and aggression in response… the pair once again involved in their own world, forsaking all others around them.

Meanwhile, Gerard double-checked the men as they prepared for the journey to Turas Lan… the armed entourage would be perceived as a diplomatic escort and nothing else… though their orders would be much different… none would act, unless given strict commands by Lord William or Anwen…

The next morning, William once again woke early… after a late evening of exertion… he stood at the window once more… this time interrupted by a knock at the door. It was a royal messenger from the King… “Wait downstairs, I shall have a response by mid morning…” he told the young man… Closing the door, he opened the royal scroll, he read it snarling… “No dammit… this cannot be… Scotland is mine to rule…” he growled softly as he crumpled the scroll throwing it to the corner on the floor. [the scroll in formed him that as of July 1328: Robert the Bruce's four year old son David was married to Joan, the seven year old sister of Edward III of England.]

Making his way to the door, he told the guard to let Captain Gerard know they would be delayed a day more. Added to the instructions was the preparation of the Priest and his Chapel for William and Anwen…

Back to the bed, he popped the nude female on the arse… “Wake up woman… The King’s sister has married the Bruce’s son…” then he mumbled something about manipulating children to wreak from him his destiny… “We have much to do before leaving… I have instructed the Priest be ready to receive us by the noon hour.” He chuckled at the sleepy look she gave him… “Prepare to become Lady Maubrey… I want yu as my wife before we leave for Skye…” He would not let a simple thing as marriage stop his plans for destiny…

Anwen stretched lazily as William woke her... her body ached from a night of passion and love. They had sequestered themselves in their chamber early the evening before leaving others to finish preparing for their trip. "Good Morning to you as well my love." she said softly. Her accent becoming more and more English sounding everyday. When she heard his words of the King's daughter and Bruce's son she bolted upright in the massive bed. "What?? When?? Damn!!" she hissed softly and rubbed her eyes. This could pose a serious problem for them if they dallied to long in their plans and did not take action quickly.

He had not given her any time to think, consider, nor prepare for the simple ceremony planned at the midday hour in the castle chapel. Nor would the people of Glasgow know until it was already done and they were on their way to Turas Lan… “A honeymoon in bonny Scotland luv… now move yer arse…”

She would see his dreams and now hers come true if it meant her life in the doing to make it happen. She blinked at him and starred a bit confused by his sudden change to marry now and not when they returned as planned. "A priest? William... are you sure this is the best time to marry??" she put up one small hand as he began to speak. "I want to marry you and have for a very long time... I will gladly become your wife... in all ways." she gave him a smile that he would know was just for him. No other had she granted it to nor would she... it was one of pure love and respect.

"Noon hour... so little time you have left me to prepare for this... no time to pick my dress or anything." she leapt from the bed, wrapping the sheet about her form she went to the door opened it and spoke quietly to the guard posted there. She closed the door once more and turned to look at her soon to be husband. "I have sent for Gwen to help me get ready." it was an odd thing to she was actually flustered. It was not exactly the way she had thought her wedding day would be... she chuckled she would soon be Lady Maubrey in every way and that is what was important to her.

[strongjustice]

He could only chuckle as the frustration set in… “Yu mustn’t get so flustered my dear…” taking her into his arms… “Yu would appeal to me even if yu were unkempt and in rags…” A little kiss to her nose, he released her… “All shall be just fine… and to Skye the Maubrey’s shall go…” he winked at her as he opened his own closet… just as an army of servants entered….

Anwen smiled as William drew her into his strong arms... and chuckled when he kissed her nose "Perhaps that may be true William but I want to look beautiful for you on our wedding day." she teased and placed a kiss to his bearded cheek. She pulled the robe tighter about her body as the army of people began to swim about them making them ready for the big day.

Moments later, he was seated in a chair and two men were about him grooming his white beard and hair… yet another man was brushing off a blue-black uniform… afterwards, wiping down his ornate sword, which he would wear at his waist. The room was a hustle of people preparing the pair for the impending ceremony.

William loved the pomp and ceremony often afforded royalty, and now he had involved the girl now known as Anwen of Connacht, soon to be Anwen Maubrey, Countess of Aosta, Duchess of Burgundy… the weapon of choice for him and him alone… he smirked at her from under the arm of the man trimming his hair.

Meanwhile, the Castle cathedral was being prepared with ribbons and flowers from the castle gardens… people were guided into the aisles as their Lord and soon Lady were being treated with care in readiness for the ceremony.

Her joy shone in the ocean blue depths of her eyes as she let the women and Gwen fuss over her for the first time. She was not used to all this pomp and circumstance but would endure it like the Lady she was to become. She had dreamed of marrying him one day but for him to have it this soon had her wondering to the possibilities of ulterior motives on his part and then pushed those thoughts back. Gwen shooed William and his men to leave for his rooms to ready in as she gave him a smile along with a glare that said "Do not even think about it."

As William looked to Anwen, he was then ushered into another room… her Lady-in-Waiting, Gwen, admonishing him for wanting to see her wedding dress… William just bowed and exited the room….

Trust was not her strong point and she was doing her best to trust him with her life in many ways as she had never done so with anyone that she could remember. Gwen had taken Anwen to the room where they would get her ready... Anwen was glad of the friend she had made with Gwen who has become her Lady-in-waiting. Gwen had chosen a gown of soft blue to accentuate Anwen's eyes and made her hair look like flowing flames even though it was short. Gwen smiled remembering the day Anwen had sheered her tresses to spite William and when he said he liked it she had kept it short to please him.

Anwen's stomach was twisted in knots as she Gwen skillfully turned her hair in work of art. When she glanced at her reflection in the mirror, she did not recognize her own image starring back at her. Standing she walked to the bed and gently touched the fine silk gown... " Gwen... am I dreaming this... " she grinned. She had shared her hearts desires about William with only Gwen. "Nay... M'Lady 'tis yer weddin' day... and ye look lovely. Lord William will be speechless when he sees ye looking like ye do." Gwen said in a hushed tone meant for Anwen alone.

Once she was ready she smoothed the front of her dress and gave a soft smile to the women "It is time to go." she said as she heard the music begin and nervously went to the door and stopped. "Gwen who is walking down the aisle. Did William tell you?" so busy they ha been that she had not thought to ask before now. "Aye, Lady Anwen he did... Gerard will be walking you down to Lord William. Gerard is pleased as punch to be doing so as well." she gave Anwen a beaming smile, handing her the small bouquet of flowers that had been picked from the garden that morning.

Facing Gwen Anwen took a slow breath and me the woman's cool green eyes "Gwen.. will ye stand at my side... be my maid of honor?" she asked feeling a bit weird about asking only now and not sooner.

"I would be honored M'Lady." Gwen said and gave a bow to the soon to be Lady Maubrey. Gwen went and opened the door to see a well dressed and very handsome Gerard waiting on the other side. "Ready Lady Anwen?"

"Aye. as ready as I will ever be." she said coming to stand in the doorframe Gerard looked at her and inhaled suddenly. "You are a vision M'Lady." he said offering her his arm leading her down the hall to where William would be waiting with the Priest.

Shooed from his own room as his bride to be was ushered to prepare for her wedding day… What would they talk about? What would they do in preparation for such an event…? William was dressed in the usual formal fashion, the blue/black uniform, sword gleaming at his side, the ornate awards from the King upon his breast. His beard was neatly trimmed and his boots spit-polished. Even the King had not seen Lord William in this of best attire and appearance… Gerard escorting the Lord to the Cathedral within the Chateau fortress…

Inside stood a priest in red robes, gold trim upon his cloak… in his hand was a thick Bible… the Priest faced the rear of the Church and scanned over the heads of those gathered. To his right stood Lord William, Gerard, and one other knight Anwen knew not… Sir Cedrick had recently arrived and was William’s Captain in Glasgow… This man had news, but it would wait until the Lord was prepared to receive bad news…

Gerard looked at William and leaned in close… “M’Lord… are ye prepared for this? Is this what ye want?” then he waited for a response, but added at the last moment… “I shall stand by yu always M’Lord… in any decision… til death do us take…” then a gentle hand appeared upon William’s shoulder.

William smiled and nodded, his bass voice but a whisper… “Aye Gerard… tis what I feel tis best for me… and our goal… and now tis best as any… especially since Edward has his daughter married right off to a Scot…” a simple glance to Gerard… “B’sides, she has done me no wrong…” then he glanced away…

Gerard chuckled softly… “Aye ye old goat… and tis a lass who keeps yer fancy… and works it well… I see ye after a long night with her… such as lad ye are… One would think ye love her…”

William looks back at Gerard… “Well, mabbe I do… if’n this be love, for it is foreign to me… so mabbe…” he smirks, glancing to the door, then back to his old friend… “One thing I do know… she makes me feel alive… young… and death be to any that would take it away…” he pauses… “or wish her attention…”

Gerard pats William on the shoulder... "Time to get started... I see Gwen in the corridor." Gerard winks at William as he steps down and moves down the aisle toward the entrance... the final people being seated as he stands at the door... waiting for the bride-to-be...

[strongjustice]

Wedding Vows

Anwen looked at Gerard "You flatter me Sir, however I am not a vision like Gwen is...but all that matters is what William thinks Aye?" [/b]she said softly as they came to the doorway of the chapel. She could see William standing at the other end with the priest and a man she had never seen before.

Anwen was wearing a pale blue gown trimmed in white lace. Her hair was curled and twined with ribbons the same shade and small white flowers. Gwen had even had a maid go and pick flowers from the garden for her to carry as a bouquet. She looked every bit the Lady she about to become... those that knew her could hardly believe their eyes as she and Gerard walked down the hall to the chapel. A vision Gerard had called her, but in truth... all knew she was more and no amount of lace and flowers would take away from that.[/color]

William stood at the alter railing, glancing down at the doorway where Gerard and Anwen now began to long walk to his side. His heart fluttered… Was this love that knocked at his heart? Had he now experienced something that was not fathomed before? Of all the females in his life… to include Davena, his wife from long ago… this one stole his heart… something none of the rest could even come close to accomplishing. Before company and friends, William was about to take a woman as his wife… one young enough to be his daughter… and the female he was to marry was as deadly as any viper or cobra… His ! His to render as he wished !!

Her thoughts were on William and why he had arranged this wedding so suddenly. Though she was happy her dream was coming true she had to wonder at the quickness of it? He said he loved her, and that he wanted to marry her she had just thought it would be after they returned from Skye. Had something happened to make him do so now? And who was that man standing next to him?

She stood in the doorway tall and beautiful... the guests turned to look at her many inhaling sharply at the site of the woman... they knew to be deadly and cold... now looked like an angel sent from heaven to grace them all. The women began to whisper softly "she is beautiful!" the men... "He is a lucky man!"

Her grip tightened on Gerard's arm her heart beat rapidly as her gaze found William for she had never seen him dressed as he was now. Uniform adorned with honors and awards, sword gleaming... the look in his eyes as he spotted her made her knees weak. Was he pleased at how well she 'cleaned up'? Gerard spoke them "M'Lady... shall we continue?" he asked as he looked at her a bit nervous for she seemed frozen in place.

William’s smile lingered as he watched… he saw her freeze… look to Gerard and then continue. She was more beautiful than any past nor present… soon she would carry his name, but what of the future? What would their future be?

His words brought her out of her thoughts as she looked up at him "Aye...Gerard I love him.... more than he will ever know." she said in a hushed tone for the Captain alone to hear as he led her down the aisle. The guests bowed as she passed them Gwen was already waiting for her up by the priest and William. "He loves you as well Anwen… though never tell him I said so." he gave her a smile as he spoke her name. Something he did not do often, but this day it seemed right.

Gerard looked proud to be the one that was giving her hand to William this day. He had come to see Anwen like a younger sister... and she was now to marry his dearest friend and Lord. William came down the two steps to meet them extending his hand outward Gerard placed her hand in his and kissed her cheek softly like a brother would. He then took his place at William's side as they turned to face the Priest. Anwen could not believe that this was really happening... it was almost surreal to her and yet... it was amazing.

Excitement? His heart racing? Why? He had never felt this way before! Even the spectacular wedding he and Davena had was nothing compared to this. Even the birth of his son was not as exhilarating as this. With a smile, his course hand took hers. It was calloused from sword handles but to him it was angel soft. The couple now turned and knelt… the Priest moving forward…

As they knelt before the Priest, Anwen felt a moment of panic... she was about to be married... bound to this man before God and all these people. Her heart screamed yes and yet her mind was not so sure... she listened to her heart. The Priests words were like a bee buzzing in her ear... she tried to focus on them... stealing a glance now and then to William, her heart beating loud as thunder in her ears.

Women didn't have a choice as to who they would marry. Most of the time they didn't even know the man before they were married. William gave no time for a wedding notice to be posted on the door of the church. The notice was put up to ensure that there were no grounds for prohibiting the marriage. The notice stated who was to be married, and if anyone knew any reasons the two could not marry they were to come forward with the reason. If the reason were a valid one the wedding would be prohibited… but none would be provided.

Though this time, the Priest did ask if anyone of the audience knows of any reason the couple should not be married. He also asked this of William and his Bride, so they may confess any reasons for prohibiting their marriage. William simply looked to Anwen and shook his head with a smile…. Looking to the Priest, he softly said “Nothing prohibiting this union.”

Anwen somehow had managed to hear the words the priest spoke at this point and though she was not 100% sure nothing could stand in the way of their union she replied "nay, there is nothing to prohibit this union." She gave William a small smile.

William, as Lord and Master, could stand and stop this… but he did not!! There was no dowry… no land to gain… no political motivation… she had nothing but what he had given her. What was he to gain from this marriage? He was sure many would ask privately… Did he love her?? All answers pointed to yes… but what was love? A four letter word often misconstrued to mean something out of context… but his heart… his emotions… his loins… all wanted her to be part of this magnificent feeling… They had shared a bed… they had shared the excitement of battle… now they were to shared everything as man and wife… Looking to the woman known as Anwen, he smiles and bats his eyes… mouthing… “I love you…” then turned his attention to the priest.

Though she had told him she loved him, did she really know what love was? Was it her stomach fluttered when he looked at her? Was it the way he touched her, or how she felt when they were apart? When they were together the way he held her and spoke to her? Oh Gods she hoped she was making the right choice... for once it was done there was no looking back. She had turned in time to see him mouth the words "I love you" and felt as if her heart would explode with all the emotions she was feeling. She gave him a soft smile and mouthed them back to him.

The Priest then proceeded by saying, "William of Maubrey, wilt though have this woman to thy wedded wife, wilt thy love her, and honor her, keep her and guard her, in health and in sickness, as a husband should a wife, and forsaking all others on account of her, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye shall live?”

William answered with a hearty “I will…”

Then the Priest looked to Anwen and spoke the words…"Anwen of Connacht, wilt though have this man to thy wedded husband, wilt thy love him, and honor him, keep him and guard him, in health and in sickness, as a wife should a husband, and forsaking all others on account of him, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye shall live?”

Suddenly she looked as if she had been struck... she realized she was bringing nothing to this marriage but herself and her skills. She had not even gotten him a ring! Oh how could she have been so careless. William was a man with a title and money, as well as vast lands. She was just a woman skilled with blades and a sharp tongue!

The Priest had asked her a question? What was it ? She starred at him blankly hoping he would repeat it as she had been lost in thought. William was now looking at her as well as was Gerard and Gwen stunned she had remained silent at this point. "I... I am sorry... please repeat what you said." she said softly so only William and the Priest could hear her embarrassment. Her cheeks were pink and she felt guilty for having not heard him.

William could only look at Anwen in her hesitation with a questioned expression. Did she hesitate for the lack of desire to be wed? Was she remembering her past? What caused the hesitation? Only she knew… For him, he would show no expression out of the ordinary… he just wanted for Anwen to answer the question… with a smile on his face.

She did not miss the look in his eyes at her hesitation... she cleared her throat as his words repeated themselves in her mind... "Will you take this man.. forsaking all others... as long as ye shall live." Meeting William's sea-green gaze as she spoke loud enough for all to hear her words "Aye… I will, forever!" Anwen gave William a smile that was warm and filled with love.

Not caring what others thought she reached out and laced her hand with his. Hoping he could feel the love she was sending in that one single tender touch. Her heart was so filled she could barely continue to concentrate on the ceremony. When this was all said and done she would be married to a man old enough to be her father in some people's eyes and yet William was the single greatest joy she had ever known.

Her past no longer mattered for her future was with this man... and that is what mattered right? At least for as long as he would have her, she was his in all ways...body, mind, soul, and sword.

William smiled as she took his hand… the pair still knelt at the railing… then her words… “…Forever…” rang in his head and the smile grew.

The Priest breathed easier, as though he had been holding his breath waiting for the bride’s answer… The Priest then continued the wedding with the saying of vows. Looking to the crowd, he announces that Lord William shall now say his vows, then the Priest looked to William.

William smiled and turned slightly to Anwen, his hand already curled about hers. The Priest began to speak directing the husband to repeat after him… "I, William of Maubrey, take thee Anwen, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward… for better, for worse… for richer, for poorer… in sickness, and in health… till death do us part, if the Holy Church will ordain it: And thereto I plight thee my troth."

William smoothed a thumb over her fingers and had finished speaking his vow's. Her heart felt as if it was going to burst out of her chest. The Priest then looked to her and asked that she repeat after him her vows. Baby blue eyes met sea-green ones as she smiled softly. "I, Anwen of Connacht, take thee William, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward... for better, for worse... for richer, for poorer... in sickness and in health...til death do us part, if the Holy Church will ordain it: And thereto I plight thee my troth." her words were steady and strong and most definitely from her heart as she spoke to him... only him.

It was then that Cedrick gave the rings to the Priest to bless them. The words of religion were spoken and the Priest signed the holy cross over them… and then gave them to Anwen and William. William smiled, and when Anwen held out her left hand, William slipped an ornate wedding band upon her third finger. “I love yu Anwen…”.

Anwen watched the man she did not know step forward and present the rings to the Priest. She fought back tears as the Priest blessed them and then again as William slid an ornate gold band on her finger. She took the one the Priest gave to her and gave it a kiss before slipping it on William's hand. "I love you as well my heart." she said softly.

The Priest then smiled and asked them to bow their heads. “Oh Heavenly Father, these two brave souls have found one another and seek in yer name to be wed. Tis I, a humble servant, that asks you Lord to bless this union… and make it bountiful. In your Blessing Name… Amen…” Then the Priest has them stand and turns them around and introduces the new Lord and Lady of Maubrey, Earl and Baroness of Aosta, Duke and Duchess of Burgundy.

William is nothing but smiles as the crowd cheers for them both. His elbow extended, the newly wed couple moves down the aisle to the door… where the crowd erupts into a throe of cheers.

Delight and love lit her face as they were announced to all the guests... her smile would rival the sun that graced the day. She looped her hand through his elbow he had extended to her as they made their way down the aisle exchanging smiles and accepting the congratulations of those in attendance.

On the steps of the church with the cheers of well-wishers filling the air, William kissed her. She twined her hands around his neck and kissed him back. Pulling away slowly she would whisper in his ear "Are ye happy M'Lord Husband? For I am and never did I think I would be... until you came into my life. I love you William Maubrey." she looked at him and smiled throwing her head back to laugh out loud... something she had only done with him when they were alone and the sound rang out amongst the crowd and they cheered louder.

William took the liberty of kissing his wife... his hands wrapped around her waist... the resounding of cheers echoed in his ears... The crowd now cheered for them instead of fearing his or her wrath... or did they? Looking at his wife, he smiles... "Aye, I am happy... more than anytime in my life... we are good together... and I do love yu Lady Anwen o'Maubrey..."

Gwen and Gerard emerged from the church her hand on his arm, smiling brightly at the couple... soon they might be planning a wedding of their own. For now they would share in the joy of their Lord and Lady. [/font][/color]

[strongjustice]

The stroll from the Cathedral to their living quarters was lined with well-wishers… William enjoyed the enthusiasm that the crowd wrought for them… This joining of two forces would be unbeatable… Then the newlywed couple was met in the hallway by Sir Cedrick…

Cedrick bowed deeply and spoke softly… “M’Lord, M’Lady… I’d like to offer my congratulations… and wish a lifetime of happiness together.” Then he stood erect, reaching into his vest. “But M’Lord, I have news from Skye…” handing the paper to William.

Cedric approached the happy couple and Anwen just smiled, their hands still laced together. "Thank you, Sir" she said as she watched as William read the missive and frowned.

William’s face turned to a frown, and sea-green eyes narrowed and appeared to flash with anger. “How dare that BOY demand my delay… You’d think him king or something…” his words, tone, and the crumpling of the parchment told of his anger… Then the ire subsided and William took a breath… Looking to Anwen, he smiles, then looks to Cedrick… “Fine… delay the trip to Skye for two weeks… but we leave for Glasgow in four days… In the meantime, I have a bride to seduce and ravage…” The humor quickly replacing the anger…

William spoke of delaying their trip yet again, she wraps her arm around his trim waist, resting her head against his strong shoulder. His next words made a faint blush creep to her cheeks "Is that so husband... perhaps it is the bride who shall ravage the groom this day." she winked at him. She knew he had been angry and yet surprised at how quickly it was replaced with a smile.

Cedrick bowed… “By yer leave M’Lord…” then he turns away, a sadistic smirk upon his face… “maybe I’ll go ravage a villager girl…” he mumbled.

Anwen gave him a nod of her head "Just make sure she is willing and of age Sir, for I would hate to have to hunt you down if it were otherwise." she smirked wickedly at him she was not really questioning his integrity and honor but to many times ones to young were taking advantage of... something as the Lady of these lands she would put a stop to.

William looked to Anwen and smirked wickedly… Picking her up into his arms, the gowns edges looped over her arm, he kicked open the door and carried her across the threshold. Inside, he set her down…his sea-green eyes soothing and calm. His patience had won the evening… for he delivered unto her a soft kiss… then the subtle unlacing of the gown… gentle hands, course but light, moved across bare skin. This was an unusual turn of events… as his anger replaced by calm… his forceful ways of ravaging her willing body when he was angry was replaced with the genteel, slow articulation of seduction and lovemaking.

“We shall have to delay Skye m’love… it seems the boy duke…” his words broken by kisses upon soft skin… “has asked us to delay coming to Skye… soooo…” the laces undone, he pushes the gown from her shoulders to her waist… “ we shall spend a week here… and go back to Glasgow for a week…” slow, seductive touches, the twisting and pulling of material again broke his sentence… “meanwhile, yu shall have me alone every waking moment…”

She gasped softly when William lifted her into his arms and carried her as if she weighed nothing. He was extremely strong and well built for a man of his years. She wrapped an arm around his neck and whispered "I love you." she laid her head upon his shoulder smiling brightly.

His soft kisses made her feel as if she were melting, he slowly undid the ties of her gown, "Do not speak of him, this is our time... we can talk of it later… right now, it is just us as it should be M'Lord husband" her eyes darkened with desire ass she began to unbutton his coat and shove it from broad shoulders. Her gown bunched at her waist and she shimmied it lower and stepped from it. Fully naked she walked back into his arms "Every waking moment hmmm?" she looked up into his eyes "William, Glasgow will be wonderful but right now....I want you.... now and always..." the last spoken in a soft husky voice. She took his hand and led him to their massive four postered bed. "Husband... come to your wife and love her..." oh yeah she was sexy as hell right now... the vixen... his minx..... his wife! She held her hand out to him and smiled a slow sensual smile.