An Offering of Peace

[strongjustice]

A man, with a graying beard and receding hairline, sitting in his chair behind the large oak desk in his safely guarded chateau, began reading the reports of actions to the north and top the west. A frown accompanied the reading and he huffed and sat back in his chair. He sat pondering, whilst his hand rubbed the chin portion of his beard.

With a deep breath, leaning forward in the chair, he took the quill into his sturdy hand. Upon the paper he began writing.

To Duke Aberdeen, Lord of the Isles,
Tis my greatest pleasure that I send best regards of your new position. I see from the reports that peace will finally come from that area. I, as Lord Advisor to the King of England, and Lord Marshal of the Scot Lowlands, pray that God grant you and your people serenity. Tis in the best interest of the King, and all of England and Scotland, that we ensure peace and prosperity comes to all concerned. I have advised the King on matters of the west, and I would like propose a settlement of all hostilities under the proprieties of peace, as we may somehow negotiate a peace between our two countries. Maybe the day shall come to pass that one day soon, I could visit your land, or maybe you could be persuaded to visit Glasgow.

Sincerely,
Lord William J. Maubrey
Lord Advisor
King’s Marshall of the Scot Lowlands

William sat back and snarled as he beset his ring into the hot wax. “Lord of the Isles is he? Lord in my dungeon he will be if I have my way…” He looks to Anwen sitting in a comfortable chair in the library, who now was able to move around. “Yet another thorn in the my backside, and a rock on my road to my own kingdom.”

Grumbling as he lays the letter down and moves to where Anwen sat. “The King once again denied my request to move to the north and west. Now the Isles have a so-called Lord, established by the Queen of Scotland. I tell you my dear, it would be better if the King would had allowed me to reinforce the army of the north, and then allow me to move west. I could have cut that Scot army in thirds… and kept this mangy Scot off the throne in Turas Lan. Now the Clans are being banded together.” spoken as he paced.

Grumbling as he sat in the chair. “I have not heard from my contacts in Turas Lan in more than 2 weeks.” Pausing only to take a mug of wine from the tray the servant girl brought; waiting til she closed the door… “I will be ever so glad my luv, when yu are able to rejoin the forces… I could use yu in seeking out what is happening in that duchy… I need my eyes and ears there, and yu are the only one I trust…” Thumbing back over his shoulder… “We shall see what response I get from that conniving Scot Duke…” he emphasized Duke… “…to see if he wishes to play the game of chess with me…” he provides her a wicked grin.

Looking at Anwen, he leans forward his hand upon her knee… “My dear… with Glasgow and Turas Lan in our control… we could own the southern half of Scotland… then we could convince the King to allow us to move on Inverness again, it is still but a shell… once we have Scotland under control… it would be a matter of months before Wales and Ireland would fall to our forces. When that is achieved, we could muster enough of an army to move south. That frailty of a King would bend to us in a heartbeat, as we would have control of the army and navy.” He smiles and winks. “That is my dream Anwen… to be King of all the Isles, not just England.”

Calling for a messenger, he sits back and smiles happy with himself as he orders the letter to the Lord of the Isles be delivered.

[Anwen of Connacht]

It had taken a while for her to get over the effects of having been poisoned, she had been able to get up and move about the Chateau and then only with either Gerard or Jonathon to keep an eye on her when William was not there to do so himself.

Anwen now sat with him in the library, two guards were just outside the door not that any would make it past the gates... but one could never be to safe as they had found out back at the Maubrey Castle. The look upon his face told her all to well he was not happy at the events now taking place. She raised her head from the maps she had been studying to look at him to see him begin to pace as he spoke.

"William... my love. If ye need me to go then I will go to Turas Lan." she did not use his title when they were alone " I am honored ye trust me as ye do. Say the word and I will make ready to do your biding... my love... M'Lord." her words held strength to them that had been missing while she recovered... it was a good sign indeed. She smiled at him brightly... it was something she did not do if others were around
it was for him and him alone. Oh everyone had an idea that there might be feelings between the two but none would dare speak of such either out loud or in private. She was known by all as Anwen Maubrey of Connacht... he had given her his name though they were not married. She had a powerful name to back her as well as all the powers that name granted to his Personal Guard.

"What do we know of this... this Lord and Duke of the Isles? As to 'playing' chess with you my heart he had best come prepared to meet the Master of the Game." she grinned wickedly back at him.

Though she loved him she had also sworn to serve him as well " If I can help you shall have your dream William... for you are not called the Bull for nothing." she chuckled wickedly.


She cared for no one but him... for one with no past can be dark and deadly ... and she was both. Kill or be killed and feel no remorse that is what she reminded herself of and after all .... she did have a score to settle with a dark haired woman named Kira, and she will pay dearly and painfully for all she had done to Anwen. A slow wicked smile curved rose hued lips... as her eyes turned an icy blue shade.

For anyone to see her now it would stop them in their tracks... she closed her eyes and focused on that anger it is what drove her to heal and regain lost strength.

" William if ye bid it so... I will obey and leave as soon as I can arrange it." she opened her eyes and locked her icy gaze to his sea-green one and waited for his answer.

[strongjustice]

From the map to Anwen, the sea green eyes varied… followed by a smile that be construed as wicked, or even a hint of evil. “We know nothing of this Duke… he came from thin air it seems…” A hand now laid upon hers. “Anwen, my dear… I know you shall be beside me when we sit upon the throne of the new land… but for now… we shall deal with this boy in Skye…”

Time, and closeness had warmed a steel heart, but the man was conniving and mean… ruthless and merciless when it came to others except the red-headed lass. His eyes looked upon her as he took her in his arms… “Anwen… you shall assume a title and a dress appropriately… You shall be Lady Anwen of Connacht, Advisor to the King of England, and Ambassador of Peace to France.” He smiles, then continues… “Yer assignment, as the King’s Advisor, is a peace-seeking mission to Skye… you are commanded by the King to form the foundation of an English-Franco-Scot truce and increase trade and exchanges between the countries.” He smirks… “That is the cover story, embellish it as much as you please…” Rubbing her back, a free hand pushes the short red hair from her ear. “In truth, you are to go to Skye, find out as much about this Lord of the Isles as you can… find out his plans… the weaknesses in the castle… yu know what to do…”

Arm in arm, these two planned and schemed what would pave the way for the acquisition of Skye, Scotland, and England into an allied nation under one rule… that of the Bull of Aosta. “Kill him not, for that would only rally those against us… do nothing that would cause discord toward us and our plans… resist the urge of the in-bred assassin yu are my love…” providing her an evil grin. “leave in two days and do not leave earlier…” yet another evil grin.

[Anwen of Connacht]

Anwen saw that wicked grin on William's face and knew he was planning something... she smiled at him. " Aye, I will sit by your side William... as for this boy who appears from nowhere...:: she shrugged:: We shall deal with him as well."

As he takes her in his arms she goes willingly.... laying her head against his strong shoulder. She could not be happier than she was right now. When he mentions her assuming a title she pulled back to regard him with cool blue eyes " I will what??" she asked trying not to raise her voice knowing she would do exactly as he said. " A title... dress appropriately?? What is wrong with how I dress?" she asked waving her hands over the two piece black and red leather outfit she wore.

She did not wait for him to answer as she continued [b]" Pray tell where am I two hide my twins blades if you will have me go there as a Lady under the King's crown?"[/b][/i]she canted her head and grinned telling him that she was teasing him.


She knew her duties and of what she could and could not do.... but this was the first time he had said for her not to kill anyone and that was a shock in itself. She gave him a nod " As you wish M'Lord William..." her arm twined with his she leaned forward and kissed his full sensual lips.

" I will kill no one unless I have to..." she winked at him this time pertinent wench that she was. Full of confidence and strength once more... something he never failed to see in her " Together we are a powerful entity... and once you have all you want no one will be able to stop you.... or us." in her words rang her conviction of her belief in him. Though she may be young she was wise and more able to carry out this mission than any other in his house.

" I will do as you have said and nothing more until you say otherwise...two days it is my heart... and nay I will not think of leaving before then." she nestled herself back within his embrace.

Two days... was all she had to be near him... and she would use those two days wisely. " Maybe later we can ride out to the lake.... and have lunch? It is a beautiful day ... what say you love?" she closed her eyes leaning into his strong body waiting for his answer.

Yes... she does the name Maubrey proud indeed... for there were few that would challenge her out of his Knight's and all were loyal to both Lady Anwen and Lord Maubrey.[/color]

[strongjustice]

Laughing, William winks at her. “Yes, a dress and a title… yu may wish to get use to it. For once we have what we desire, yu may have to wear them more.” A smirk provided… “Yu will have a trunk to keep the blades in… I do nay expect yu to use them… and there is nothing wrong with the way yu dress… besides yu look wonderful in a dress…”

The pair, though evil as they were, remained in each other’s arms, one in love with the other. Dreams of the future mixing and mingling with the violence each is capable of. “Yes, the two of us are unstoppable… nothing finer would be us romping about the King’s bed as our own.” His hand rubbing her lower back… “Yu seem a bit friskier this morning my dear…”

Two days before she was to leave was his command… a command he regretted giving, for once again he would be without her. “A ride to the lake may be just what we need. The weather is getting warmer and a ride in the fresh air will do yu good.” He paused at her statement… “Lunch? Fantastic! Have the servants prepare for us, something interesting…”

The closing of her eyes and the lean into him was more than his vibrant imagination would allow. Excitement coursed thru his veins at the thought of her, and power fueled the excitement. The gray beard rubbed her skin as he kissed her with a passionate kiss, his hands exploring her form. Was she too weak to….?

[Anwen of Connacht]

She smiled at him when he had said yes to a ride and lunch by the lake. She stood slowly and went to the door and asked the guard to have Gwen and cook ready a lunch for them as well as have someone saddle her horse Azryk. Once that was done she went back to where they had been sitting, " Frisky?? M'Lord me?? Never! If I were it would only be for you!" she teased him and then winked. Her smile bright that is would rival the sun's brightness and warmth. This was a side that only he would see...the others saw her as his Protector... a killer. The only others who saw this more tender human side were Gwen and Gerard.

This man was all she had ever dreamed of... handsome, strong, gentle and loving... yet there was part of him that scared her as well. For his anger... knew no limits when he released it... thankfully she had never been on the receiving end of it, but had seen those who had.

His hands explored her body with gentleness and it made her shiver... she loved him and he her...but she was to leave soon... and she wanted to spend every minute of her time with him before doing so.

Leaning into his strong body more... taking comfort in the feel of his strength and heat... enjoying the feelings he produced within her as well. Was he as affected by their feelings as she was?? Would he love her as a man loved a woman?? Maybe they would find out at the lake... away from prying eyes.....

[strongjustice]

Standing by the door of the chateau, the servants brought a basket filled with ale, blackbread, and honey… as dessert, was some strawberries with sugar. The horses were saddled and waiting outside. His broadsword, and her blades hung from the saddle. Though it would be a pleasure trip, they would take no precautions. To the side waited 5 mounted guards – their escort. Now all he needed was for Anwen to descend the stairs.

Talking to Gerard, he stood just as tall, and just as solid as the knight… “Make sure the grounds are secure… then leave us… I do not wish our afternoon to be spoiled by a flock of guards… nor the invasion by intruders…” The knight had his orders… stern and direct… as he always was… "Aye M'Lord... Your will shall be done..." Gerard said in response.

William wanted to make this break from the toils of work pleasurable for Anwen… for she was scheduled to depart in two days time… for a period he was unsure of. Oh he would miss her so...

Meanwhile, word from the west, news of Skye, had made its way to his desk, but he refused to read the scrolls until he and Anwen returned from their picnic.

[Anwen of Connacht]

Anwen came down the stairs and smiled at both William and Gereard... she was excited about being out of the Chateaux and going for a ride.

They arrived at the perfect spot and the guards that had been with them left to take up positions around the perimeter allowing them privacy as well.

"'Tis beautiful here M'Lord William." she said as she gazed about at all the lushness the glade offered. The beauty of which she could never remember seeing before except the gardens back at Castle Maubrey.

She tried to keep the thought that she would be leaving in a few days out of her mind for she wanted nothing to interfere with the little bit of time they would share in those remaining days.

She loved him with all her heart and that scared her a bit as she had never thought it would be for her.... until him.

She had heard the servants whisper many times about their age difference he was in his fifties and she just two and twenty, but love knew know bounds.

The peacefulness of this place washed over her in soothing waves and she could not contain the joy it gave her to be able to share it with him. Her smile was as bright as the sun in the sky... she turned her face heavenward and let the warmth of the rays kiss her skin.

He had taken the packs from his horse and hearing him approach brought her back from her thoughts. She spread out the blanket and settled the basket next to her as she started to unpack the food that the cook had prepared for them to eat.

" Hungry... William?" she asked his name sweet upon her lips. R's rolled seductively and drawn out for impactalmost like a purr.

[Anwen of Connacht]

After they had ate the lunch that the cook had prepared for them, Anwen began to pack up the remainders to have later if they chose.

She looked over at William to notice he seemed a bit distracted.. he had talked with Gerald earlier that morning but had not mentioned what the conversation was about. Which was not like him... she canted her head to study him before she spoke " William is something wrong?" in the brightness of the sun her eyes were a sheer grey-blue... and her smile was as bright as the sun.

She reached over and gently laid her hand upon his own that rested on his well muscled leg. Her touch was light, but when she held her twin swords death came from those small hands.

His sea- green eyes sparkled in the sunlight and the grey of his bread and hair shone almost silver. Her heart delighted as her eyes drank in the sight of his handsome features... her love for him grew each day. Her life has been a whirlwind since she awoke within his Castle walls nearly a year ago now.

"I have seen that look in your eyes so do not try to hide from me what it is... I would like to help if I can before I am to leave for Skye, to meet this Duke and his Court." her voice though soft contained a tone of sadness at having to leave once more, but she would do as he asked without question or reservation.

She hated leaving him though Gerard would guard him as he did before her... it was her duty to do so now and one she had yet to fail in. She had more than proved herself to his knight's as many have said so to her. Especially after she had returned from 'taking' care of Patrick the Red in Scotland, though she herself had sustained injuries that would have killed her if not for Gerard finding her when he did.

While she waited for him to answer she watched a hawk in the sky circling the lake and then swoop to snatch a fish from the waters and fly off with its prize.

[strongjustice]

He snapped from his train of thought… Smiling… “Aye… a bit… t’was the reports on Skye… seems they had a civil war b’tween the clans and the Aberdeen’s… and his boy Duke now has a hold on all of Skye…” He returns her bit of sadness with his own… “I fear we may be too late to support the clans… even the troops I sent turned back… that Duke is a sly fox… having involved the King.” he looks to her…

“Still we can salvage much if you go to Turas Lan as an emissary… The boy has invited those who show an interest to ally with them…” his eyes narrow as he looks away at the hawk. “Like that hawk there… we can circle our prey, then swoop down when the time is right…”

“I do not wish you to go… but I need someone I trust, who does not look threatening…” his hand finds her cheek. “Yu my dearest Anwen, are my most lethal tool in my arsenal… but I will find it hard to be without you…”

She was now scheduled to depart at dawn of the morrow… this would be their last day together for a while… a length undetermined… His eyes melted before her… scooting nearer to her, he took her in his arms. “You shall be careful, do not give away yer true identity… know that I care for you so much…” his calloused hand caressed her face… his bearded face neared her… his lips capturing hers…

The kiss… one so passionate…intimate… and not even the least bit innocent. His heart would race… pounding soundly in his chest… the more she responded, the more active he became…

She turned and met his gaze as he spoke. She quickly masked how she was feeling from him… she knew she was leaving at day break for Turas Lan. "Come with me William. This Duke does not know you? We could do this together?" the words were out faster than she could take them back. How foolish she was to think he would... the words of a foolish woman in love? Perhaps, but they were there now hanging between them.

Anwen wished that hawk would swoop down an carry her off just as it had its dinner. Of all the days to have his mind tangled in politics... she wished she could just go and kill the Duke... she would be able to return quicker to William.

Her expression softened as he scooted closer to her when he talked of her identity she chuckled "What identity is that William that I am of the house of Maubrey or the one that is lost to me forever as I cannot even remember anything before waking in your Castle?" her words were clipped and her tone curt. She was angry not at him but at having to once more leave him.

The last time resulted in her near death at the hands of his enemy and then his whore... who by the way has yet to pay for her stupidity and fool heartedness. Something flashed in her eyes as she watched him gauging his reaction, and then it was gone those thought would be left unsaid. He took her in his arms and she melted her resolve weakened... careful? cared for her? not exactly words of love but they were as close as she was going to get she thought. His lips claimed hers the most passionate kiss she would ever know she wrapped her arms around his neck... as if he would vanish any second as she returned his kiss just as heatedly. Her body melted into his she could feel his heart beat quicken as did her own "I love you William. More than my own life for if needed I would have it be forfeit for yours." she thought to herself and then banished all thoughts except for him... and what was happening here and now between them.

[strongjustice]

They had confessed what each other felt… these two could not remember or did not know true love… What William had planned for this girl had changed… How could a man as he make such a fatal mistake as falling in love… especially with one he had staged to be a tool of death. No words, just green eyes scanning her face… trying to see what was in store for them in a future… His plan had not changed - to rule the Islands of Ireland, Skye, and the English mainland; but the plan for this girl may have changed. He had not planned on love.

Finally, she had an idea of where things with them were and where she might be able to fit into his life… she had spent many a night lying in her room dreaming of a future with him… of being his wife….. the Lady Maubrey. It made her smile as she chided herself for being foolish to think he would ever marry her. Oh he had said it at one point but was he serious or just saying what her heart wanted to hear? She knew her place as his ‘weapon’… his to command at his whim. Yet she did so willingly for it gave her a reason to be close to him… near him… that was what she really wanted… him and only him. Be damned her past, she wanted a future with William to love him and be loved in return, that was her heart’s desire.

If she had been any other female, he would have taken her here in the field… maybe even before… their last year together had been adventurous… she was a cold-blooded killer, and did so at his command. She had been instrumental in many subversive actions at his bidding. Many feared the assassin in black and red, the one with the oddest blades in the known world. Now he was in love with his design.

Her prowess in battle with her twin blades of death struck fear into many and that was exactly as it was supposed to be… she trained daily and harder than any of his men just to be so. Gerard had said many times that if she were a man the effect would be less for one expected a man to be battle ready… but a woman... was to be tending the home and raising children not wielding blades and being as cold as she could be at times.

Propping upon an elbow, he looks to her. “Anwen, my dearest, you shall soon leave for Skye… but you shall nay be alone…” with the grey beard moving, he smiled… “For I shall go with you… nothing better than you and I having a vacation…” he winks at her. His arm and chest muscles flexing and taunting as he pushed her red hair from her eyes, his own sea-green eyes searching hers… “Unless you wish to go with just the escorts…”

He began to speak of her leaving and she felt her heart slow in its beating as her chest tightened… then he spoke of coming with her and it once more picked up its cadence. "William you would come with me?? I have no wish for an escort other than you... Aye, a vacation my heart... is just what we need. I look forward to this adventure you set before us." she winked at him as her mind reeled. Not only had they just spent a wonderful day wrapped in each others arms but now he would go with her to Skye. It was perfect. The Duke of Skye was in for a surprise when they unleashed HIS plan to rule over Scotland and England and if she were lucky she would be at his side.

Smirking, his sea-green eyes still upon her ... “Aye, we have set out upon an adventure…and a new course on life…”

"A new course in life... most definitely... my love." her voice soft at knowing in the morning they were to leave for Skye. Whatever was to be faced and done at least they would do it together.

Sitting beside her, his hand began to trace her cheek and pushed the fire red hair behind her ear. His green eyes looked down at her and he smiled as she wearily opened her eyes. “Time to go my dear… we have much to do tonight before we depart on the morrow…”