It Has Been Too Long

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Beathag: Of all the places she could elect to go, Beathag chose to go North-by-East to the realm of Eohmark. That it was still labeled Trotternish on one of her collected maps made her chortle. She remembered that realm, the people in it, but could see it in no way like she saw it now. The carriage jolted over the last bits of the hard stone to be fixed in Turas Lan before it went out into crisp, oddly dry roads for the time of year. An absence of rain or snow for the last five days gave the sun time to evaporate the wet. If the great wheeled instrument did anything? It was to but rock a bit, sway, with the pace of the horses. Outside they were guided by a laughing boy who was given leave to ride with Brom at the head, enjoying the chance to excersise his newfound skill. His younger siblings, too young to do as him were with their mother under the safety of furs with their feet on warm stones.Laughter inside, laughter outside. The Mo'r Oukselo turned her head to look at the glorious outside; sunlight flitted through naked tree branches. The air beyond her heavy curtain was sweet with freshness. "How close are we, m'boy!" The only other being outside was Davina, whom at five enjoyed sitting up front at times with the carriage driver. (d)

Eamonn: While visitors in the land of Eohmark were few, live in the northern part of the isle continue to florish and thrive. Duties never seemed to cease, but it never seemed too cumbersome for the Lord Marshal. Aside from the treks to the borders in minor scouting missions, Eamonn found purpose in the stables when the winter season enveloped the realm of Skye. Such was where Eamonn found himself today while Aislin remained indoors. Sorcha, who was six now, became herfather's shadow. There was no better bonding time between father and first-born. Kieran, nearing the age of four remained indoors. The bay mare snorted and craned her large head while lips reached out for the bits of grain Sorcha held in cupped hands. Glancing her way, Eamonn paused in the grooming of the horse and approached his daughter. Large hands placed themselves under hers and molded her hands so they remain flat. "Remember to keep your hands flat, Sorcha, lest they be bit." Eamonn said with a light smile on his lips as Sorcha nodded and held her hands flat. She giggled at the feeling of the horse's lips and tongue lapping up the wonderful grains she held. Patting his daughter's shoulder, Eamonn kissed hte crown of her head before straightening and picking up the brush. However, he didn't get far before one of the wall guards came in. His sister was coming? Eamonn arched a brow, a bit surprised. Sorcha grinned; that meant her aunt and possibly cousins coming too! Eamonn nodded to the guard and told him to open the gates. The fur cloak was placed over his shoulders and Sorcha grabbed hers. Even though she was old enough to walk on her own, the girl loved to be in her father's arms and taller than the rest of the world. So, stepping outside, the two waited for the carriage of his sister to arrival in the courtyard of Heahburg

Beathag: "You ride well, my prince! Stay steady. Good, keep a good grip on the reins of yet. Steer her this way, ah. You guide with a hand beyond your ears. Your uncle will be proud." Brom knew that to see the Marshall's nephew on horse back was to see more than the small boy of three, of four he'd once known. Aodhan was already tall for his age, his shoulders broad with the promise of muscle. Long, thick hair was bound up into tiny twists, clapped by gold bits in their centers, before it all was held back in a leather tie. His fair complexion for an ebony child was being surrendered for the sun's signature touch. What remained of his more fair days were the bits of gold in his roots, touches of his mother's face, a Scandavian height, and green eyes that seemed almost impossible to keep. "Ye think so?" the boy said, grinning with white, straight teeth."Mum thinks so." "my prince, in that your mother knows very well." In due time Brom and Aodhan would be the first to arrive, with the carriage pulling up to the rear. His little sister Davina was already a flurry of waves, for she was not far from Sorcha's age! At last, a cousin playfellow! her other sisters were still too young for the adventures she concoted, though Murieall sure did try to follow, with Gabriel in tow! "Hello Uncle Eamonn!, Sorcha!" (d)

Eamonn: When the first of the caravan arrived, Sorcha was all grins at the sight of her cousin upon the back of a horse. Sorcha was already six and had the expertise on a horse that most girls her age did not; then again it was no surprise given who her father was. Very soon, she would have her one horse when she was old enough; her father promised her and Eamonn was a man of his word. Sorcha waved her hand in the air toward her cousin while the other clung to herfather's neck. Eamonn chuckled and a small smile rested on his features. While Eamonn found it hard to smile, there were many exceptions and those that could provoke the corners of his mouth to turn upward. Seeing Aodhan sitting tall on that horse, however, made his smile grow even more. "Hello, Aodhan!" Eamonn replied, lifting a large hand to wave to his nephew. 'Aodhan! You've come to visit! And on a horse! Did you fall?! Is he yours?!' Sorcha asked, clinging to her father as Eamonn took the reins to steady the horse. Eamonn was tall, thanks to the Norse blood running through his veins. Even without the armour on, Eamonn was still broad in shoulder and physically fit. Fingers curled around the reins, holding the horse steady so his nephew could dismount. Sorcha took that time, however, to reach out and pet the horse's face; the girl even kissed its forelock. "Every time I see you, you grow taller. Soon you shall be my height." Eamonn mused before passing the reins to a stable hand. "Keeping yourself out of trouble?" He asked, turning to his nephew while Bess' carriage brought up the rear. Citizens who lived near the summit of Heahburg, not far from the Marshal's home, were already cheering. Those lower and near the gates followed the carriage up the incline, excited that their Lady of the Isle was here..visiting them! Eohmark might not have been as glorious or carved in beautiful stone like Turas Lan, but not all the is gold glittered. Life was simple here, but everyone was happy

Family+ Beathag: "Aye, no trouble. Too busy to do that! I can't wait to tell you everything, Uncle. Dmitri says my swordsmanship is getting very good." Aodhan was born for a few things: anything to do with a horse, a ship, or weapons. He'd collected a wooden sword from his Aunt Jelenah at three, a wooden dirk at two. Now it was not wood that he carried with him, but steel befitting his proper age. He kept both a dirk with him in his boot, and a longer dagger, with short sword at his belt. His first commisioned prince's sword suitable for his height and strength would be an 11th birthday present. "I ride most everywhere! He is mine Sorcha, isn't he great? You will help me name him won't you" He dismounted so he could embrace them both. Turning around, it was Brom whom said "Now that is quite the reception." His smile had nothing on that of Beathag's, whom pulled back the curtain to wave to them! The children were as well! Murieall and Gabrieal being 2, nearly 3 grasped the concept of attention. Murieall had zealous hands while Gabriel's were a little more reserved. Once the carriage had reached the courtyard, the driver came down in order to bring a giggling Davina along with him. A barren woman succeeded in giving Adam four of his own blood children. There were enough heirs to oversee the lands, more than enough to continue their name. A door was opened that saw first happy children clamoring out of it. The twins were striking in their features; varied versions of golden or dirtied blond heads. The talk was that Murieall might become as brunette as her sister Davina, but Gabriele was as fair headed as Eamonn or Beathag. Murieall emerged into the courtyard, already wondering what she could get at. Gabriel waited for his mother's skirt to hold to. Davina? She wandered over to Eamonn, Sorcha, and Aodhan. With bright giggles she offered them her best lady's curtsy before going to hug Eamonn's leg. Such a beauty, this one! All were beautiful, but perhaps the most distinct being she held was the ones she showed to the residents who cheered. They hadn't seen the youngest, little Amhlai! For her greeting, Beathag had only but to smile (d)


Eamonn: Eamonn knew there was great promise in the boy's achievements; Aodhan had great potential. The lofty man of Sevenwaters did not hide the pride he had for his nephew; already he was shaping to be a glorious warrior that would make his mother proud twice fold. "Good lad. I have no doubt you are getting better." Eamonn replied with a soft smile. Once Aodhan dismounted, Eamonn chuckled a bit and wrapped his free arm around his nephew. Sorcha watched the horse be led away and sighed wistfully. 'He is beautiful..Ah want a horse. Da' promised me one once Ah was old enough. You haven't named him yet?!' Sorcha said, wide-eyed; displaying the brilliant eyes of her mother. Wiggling down and from Eamonn's arm, she wrapped her skinny arms around Aodhan; at the age of six, she was but a few inches short than he as both her parents were lofty in height. Patting Aodhan's shoulder, Eamonn glanced to his daughter. "That I did, Sorcha. In the meantime, Heahburg's ponies are most befitting of a young rider." Eamonn answered, before eyes lifted as the carriage finally arrived in the courtyard before his home. Seeing all the children coming from the carriage was a rather comical sight, one that made the typically stoic Eamonn chuckle. Children truly did change your world; Sorcha's birth taught the warrior how to laugh and smile more. Each one of his children and his sister's seemed to have that ability. Davina was so big now...she was a little younger than Sorcha and had been but an infant last he truly saw her. Her curtsy was cute, but when she came over and hugged his leg, another chuckle fell from his lips. Reach down, Eamonn picked her up and gave the side of her head a kiss. "Davina, my how you've grown...all of you." Eamonn remarked. Setting the girl back down, Sorcha hugged her cousins, each and every one of them. Eamonn greeted the twins, but when hazel eyes turned to his sister, they fell to the child in her arms; the youngest. His smile softed and while the children ran about in their chatter and greetings, Eamonn approached his sister. "Bess. It is good to see you. You've come a long way, surely you must be tired." He said, though paused when eyes settled upon the child in her arms. She looked like..Edme. Eamonn blinked a few times; startled

Beathag: "Eamonn, the same is returned. Tis good tae see ye, n' tae be here. Tis been tae long since we've journeyed through this country." Eamonn always came to visit her, but she had only been once or twice to reside here for a time. Their first meeting on this earth had been to soak the ground with blood, it'd been a meeting that nearly broke their hearts in the end. It wasn't death she felt out of Eohmark now, but such robust life! She missed such simplicty yet strove to instill the values of such lives into her children. How fortunate they were to have privelege! How blessed, to have the best of all things! Still, people bled so that they might have it. People died. Even their own uncle wore a multitude of scars for the love of one country. "Tha' can't be Sorcha, wot a beautiful lass! Sae tall, but tha' is the way o' all o' our children, fer none among us are native short." Davina smiled up to her uncle but it was Sorcha whom got all of her real attention! They were talking about aodhan's horse, to which she was very familiar. "No, he says he was savin' the names for you Sorcha, because you can pick them best!" Davina had no heavy temper in her, so gentle by nature that everyone fell in love with her. Murieall was more akin to Sorcha by way of temper, let alone sense of adventure. She went ahead of the older kids as if she knew where she was going! Beathag laughed, finding who else would return but poor Gabriel. Leave him alone with Aodhan, though? Lad could astound you with his mind. As for Ahmlai, amy for short...her little hood was pulled back given the warmth in the day. She reached out at Eamonn, curious. Beathag noticed his expression for it was her own when someone told her whom the baby favored. "Ah know. It's..just beyond any o' us but it is." Edme favored Beathag AND Edme, especially with Edme's platinum blonde hair (d)

Eamonn: Before the founding and reclaiming of Eohmark, the ground had been a bitter battlefield that not only stole the life of one sibling, but both. Eamonn remembered that battle rather well for more reasons than one; that was the nighthe died and came back. It had been a while since Bess had come to Eohmark; it was quite a distance from Turas Lan, and Eamonn did not fault his sister for the distance. "Too long indeed, but with hopes that is changing." He answeredher. Ever scar he bore was a badge of honour; proof that those who wished him death did not succeed for he still lived and breathed. Only his wife found strange beauty in the scars that littered his body. "And still growing. Seems like yestereve she was but a small babe in my hands." Eamonn recalled fondly, staring at his daughter for a moment. He was the first to hold her..Eamonn was the first to hold all of his children and that he was very proud of. But his attention went back to the child Ahmlai; the child who bore a striking resemblence to one that had been unfortunately lost to them. The child reached out for him, and Eamonn blinked. Beyond any of them indeed; Eamonn was still stunned. Her hair was blonde; the same colour atop Sorcha's head. Eamonn's brow twitched and he swallowed, hiding thoughts and past memories behind a stoic mask again. "She...certainly has her mother's hair." Eamonn said, wanting tosay a great deal more but finding the words hard to come by.

Beathag: "Aye...we'll talk more about it in a bit aye? Find some way tae distract them, ye won't hear from them unless ye sae food 'er bedtime." The chance to talk in complete privacy with Eamonn was rare. Each had a duty, each had a family. As time had gone on a relationship with family members was important when for so long each had none. Bryce and Caldean remained behind for that exquisite reason; Beathag lived in the castle as did they, but it was Bryce who told his uncle Caldean that she loved them all in a unique way, and if ever she'd loved any with a fierce rivalry, it was Eamonn. With the two lifted out of the King's way by Sir Lucius Macleod and Sir Kendrew Campbell, life had flourished for them. There might even come a day when they would make such a journey, and make a connection. They were content in their place in the castle's quite places, for Beathag was often there. Still, it was in bright hair, bright eyes, kin and battle lore Eamonn shared a story with Beathag that none could rival. Calden was almost envious; his place in history with his mother's prominence made him often ache where it contained her, and his father, Amhlaidh, for whom little Amy was named. With such mystery, Eamonn and Beathag wrote their own history from scratch. "Outside all the time. Ah remember her, Sorcha, sae tiny now look at her with Davina. I remember the day came tae hold Davina, yer first born niece. Now look at her! E'en the twins are little people now..." Aodhan called to Gabriel, whom at last grew bold to join them."Some days tis just Amy n' I, others Aimlee is kind enough tae letme seek a moment's respite." Beathag was a very hands on mother. Unlike traditional noble women, she fed her own children from her sustinance, suplimenting it only with mare's milk. She'd be damned if they knew another woman's teet! She talked with them, knew of them, played with them, and oversaw as many aspects of their education as she could. With the last child more rest was a fine thing, for it was late in life to be such a breeding mare. Amy was more than likely her last one, so she cherished her. "Your people are happy, ye seem happy! What news is new here?" (d)

Eamonn: Speaking privately with his sister was a rare luxury these days due to duties, family, and the physical distance between them. However, when they did have them, they were hard to forget. But a way to distract the children was not hard to comeby; their attention spans were consumed with each other already. "That should not be terribly hard. Already they find amusement among each other." Eamonn commented. Time had certainly passed among them, and in that course history had been written between them as intricate as woven tapestry. It seemed like yesterday that Sorcha had just been born, and not long after, Davina. "It does not seem like so much time has passed...and yet it has. My youngest, now is past the age of one, and my oldest is now six." And those days he would never forget...ever. "Davina is becoming more like her mother with every passing day. And your twins...already running with energy. Time is fleeting." He remarked plainly. Eamonn tired to be involved in every part of his children's life; like Bess, he was a hands-on parent. When he was home and allowed some time of rest, Eamonn spent it with his children and his beloved wife. Eamonn valued time with his family because at any moment, he could be called away for another war...one that could be his last. Arms crossed over his chest, which pulled the fur cloak about his body more. News? Eamonn arched abrow as he glanced over his shoulder and toward the gathering crowd, those who watched the children of Turas Lan play with those of Eohmark; even some of the villagers children joined in. Eamonn nodded and turned back to Beathag. "It is winter and while snow still blankets the ground, we prepare for the spring. The mares will birth their fouls and crops will need sowing. Such is life in Eohmark." Eamonn replied, but there was a small smile on lips. It was a simple life, but one he enjoyed emmensely. "Come, let us go inside and get you and Ahmlai warm." Eamonn invited. "The children will come inside the Hall when they grow tired of the winter. No harm will come to your children; not in Heahburg." And that was no understatement. Uncrossing his arms, Eamonn led Bess up the stairs and passed the large double doors that were opened for them by the guards outside. The large hearth in the middle of the hall warmed the great house where many feasts took place. "Tonight, we shall celebrate your coming to Eohmark. It is not often the Lady of the Isle and her children come so far north." Already, her presence was causing quite a stir! One of the cooks came out of the kitchen and bowed to the woman, as did many stunned servants who worked about the Hall willingly. "Prepare the Hall; we shall have a feast honouring the presence of the Lady Beathag and her children." Eamonn said, to which the cook smiled brightly and nodded eagerly. It was not uncommon to have feasts in the hall; in fact, it was a regular occurrence here. "Can I get you anything, Bess?" Eamonn inquired even as he led her to a vacant she could stay in

Beathag: "Tha' is a good sort o' life n' one Ah miss at times. Simple, tis good. The children shall have much o' tha' tae see n' feel." Her soul needed to come here to feel the rhythm of the season move slowly, just as the children neededto feel the earth of their people in the hands that would guide. How happy a thing it was, to see the children playing out in the open countryside! This was where they belonged, more than anything! They were swallowed up by the crowds as she was by the large double doors. How inviting the fire, how much this place reminded her of what a home ought to look like from memory. "A feast?Sae long as we dun put ye tae any trouble..Ah'm honored Eamonn, truly. Tisgood tae be 'ere, n' twill be more o' a habit. I've stayed not only landshod for 4years, near but in one place, too." Four precious, beautiful years, but by the fifth year the children were old enough to see their realm. The youngest wouldn't appreciate sea travel yet, nor was she ready to leave. She wanted to be with them when they toured all of the holdings, but time tempered a woman who fathomed things a little different. She had kin, children, a people to over see. She had everything she had bled, and died for, all her life. Her roots were deep. Some said to hurt a part of Skye was to hurt her, even more so than to hurt Scotland. "Just a little warm cider? Not quite in ale mood...taenight." She winked, with promise to outdrink him when the children were in bed. Amy let out a squeak, to which Beathag giggled. She pulled back the warm covers of fur and wool from around her, as she opened her own cloak. "Yes, see yer Uncle n' Aunt's home, Amhlai? There's the great fire there. N' when Ah was small, twas much the same. Large main center..n' a side ways hall or two, but everythin right in the main." Like all the children,Amy was graced with a thick head of hair already, and bright eyes. Green eyes . her resemblance to Edme was so startling some ventured to say the Gods took a hand in fashioning her in honor of the little garden ghost whom watched over the castle, spreading her white flowers across the island. (d)

Eammon: Such was why even though Turas Lan was the capital, neither he or his wife seemed to find a place there. Coming to Eohmark and settling here was the best choice for both of them. They were simple people best happy with a simple life; Eohmark provided just that. Eamonn threw a glance over his shoulder and to his sibling at the mention of not wanting to be trouble. "Of course you're not trouble. Feasts and gatherings are not uncommon in the Hall. All of Heahburg come here to sit, drink, and enjoy good company, especially when the weather is cold." Eamonn remarked flatly. Beathag was not a trouble in the slightest; no doubt many were already preparing dishes to bring in excitement to have the Lady herself joining them. Opening the door for Beathag, he waited for her to step in before waving a passing maiden toward him. "Warm cider for the Lady Beathag." He instructed, and already the woman was off to fetch it. Stepping into the room, Eamonn watched his sister and Amhlai with arms crossed over his chest idly. Hazel eyes stared at the child who looked so much like Edme...it was chilling. Silently, he stood there, observing his sister asshe spoke to her youngest. The maiden came in quickly with the mug of piping hot cider. At first she paused at the doorway and glanced to Eamonn. The Lord Marshal jutted his chin quickly toward Bess, permission for her to give it to his sister. The maiden did not hesitate, and offered Beathag the mug, smiling wide. Of course, after she handed it over, the woman excused herself so she could help the kitchen prepared for the newly announced feast. "Close the door, please." Eamonn asked, and just as the maiden left, the door was closed behind her, giving the siblings privacy once more.

Beathag: "Ye are kind to take us all on such a short notice, but the weather was good n' nay one could stay in the same place anymore. Ah missed it here. Heahburg is close tae m'heart. Ye n' Aislin n' the children are in it, and it is the best part o' wot I remember grownin up, many generations in one place." The castle tried to retain as close as an environment as possible but it was not the same thing. The castle achieved this among its staff, and people, but they were still awe-stricken by the Mo'r Oukselo's presence to get as close as a select few did. When the maid passed her the cider, she canted her head in thanks. If anything, Beathag never ceased to impress when her full smile showed. So often it was now, that the stories of her own hands blood soaked was a whispered rumor. "Mmm, delicious." She murmured. Once the door was closed she found peace in their solitude. Yes, they had many yelling bouts.Many times of shed tears, even as they lay bleeding. Love was a hard thing to express when before it had been so simple as to have just been you. It was hard to understand, but years were kind. "Can nay tell ye how good it was tae see Turas Lan at m'back, with the world open. Guess some things only go to sleep for a time, by way o' desire. " Her voice was perhaps the only scar most apparent these days. It was a touch more husky than it had been, still closedoff from time to time. In winter, a smashed ankle only went numb now. Her hands were softer, but she enjoyed those scars. The hanging scar was underneath her necklaces today. "Davina is more like m'mother, n' Adam's mother than me. She's sae gentle. At tha' age, Ah'm afraid Moyra was gentle n' Ah was knockin our brother Brycean about. But not Davina. Now Murieall..she's goin tae repay me all the times e'er Ah caused woe. Ah know it." She to changed posistioning Amy so she could see the room. "This one..Amhlai is the heart o' us. Dun know how, she just calms the spirit. It just..it was almost frightening her face. But if the Gods send ye such a blessin' ye dun ask why it was sent. I just..prefer nay to ask a great many things." There was no talk of things that had been found anew, no. That was her heartbreak, not his. It was one Adam was putting to rest thank goodness, (d)


Eamonn:: Beathag and her children were family; why would he detest her coming even if the notice was short? Eamonn was happy that she was here with the children at all, knowing the road was a long one and did have its dangers from wildanimals to the roving bands of thieves. Eamonn was glad to see her and the children here in Eohmark just as Sorcha, Kieran, and their youngest would be glad to see family so close again. Another soft smile touched his lips faintlyas Beathag muttered how the cider tasted; it even made the maiden's smile brighten knowing she pleased the Lady of the Isle. People here were simple, and to be graced with the presence of the Lady herself...well it was a real treat. For a time, there was silence as Eamonn found content in simply watching his sibling. However, leave it to Bess to severe the silence; not that it was a bad thing. Eamonn gave a short chuckle. "Aislin says that Sorcha is every bit like me; I see just how right my wife is." Even at the age of six, she was headstrong, blunt, and rather rough at times. Eamonn removed the fur cloak and draped it over the back of the nearest chair before leaning his strong back against the wall. Hazel eyes drifted to a perched Amhlai. "Some things are best left unanswered. There are many things I prefer to leave as they lie. But..eerie as it is...she is a blessing to you and Adam." And she would remain as such; Eamonn knew that for a fact.

Beathag: "How she is. But tha' is a good thing. Yer son is like yer wife." The boy was calm, precise. No doubt he would probably develop the head for spinning questions his mother had! There were certain things that did not need answering, not when life gave them this. "She is as she is, n' tha' is enough fer meh. Ahdam is tranfixed by her. Can nay blame 'im. She could call the world without sayin a word. " She leaned back in the chair while Amhlai was curious of Eamonn. She indeed seemed to 'call' to him in her silence, wanting to be picked up. Little finger reached out, how could he deny that? "We may sojourn 'ere awhile. Make a capital time o' the visit. There's nothin' else more pressin'" Nothing she wanted to talk on nor listen anymore of. Oh, she grew sick on listening to proposal after proposal, not from the locality, but the foreign. No, her children were not for sale. No, she would not arrange them into any royal houses, and for having three daughters? It was becoming quite an ill note for some. Nor would she promise Aodhan to any. She couldn't do that to him, he had enough challenges to surmount with age as it was without needing a lily-fleshed wife who'd pass out that her husband was black. No, let him find such an arrangement on his own. The only lose fraternization of an idea that he could ratify as he aged would be to the likes of his best friend Seanna Flynn, or the likes of Hope Apollius. Even then, she had no desire to steal a chance away from any. "All Aodhan talks about is wantin' tae ride with ye n' see ye. Boy idolizes ye men, n' loves ye all vera much. Tis Adam n' ye he loves best of all. He is quite old now, sae he will be starting tae gae about on his own, with a company. He will be finding his place among the lot. (d)

Eamonn: It was true; Kieran was like Aislin in a great many ways, though as the boy grew older he began to look more and more like him with darker hair. Still, the boy was far less fiery than his sister Sorcha; Aislin was no doubt happy about that. "That he is..." Eamonn replied with a small smile. Little hands reached out for him in that all too familiar motion of wanting to be held. Having three children and with all of them having used it--especially Sorcha--Eamonn knew that gesture well. How could he deny it? The Lord Marshal couldn't. Pushing off against the wall, Eamonn neared his sister and her youngest child. Eyes glanced to his half-sister. "You are welcomed here always, Bess. Stay as long as you would like." And the tall Marshal meant it. Reaching out for Amhlai, Eamonn lifted her up and into his arms, giving Beathag a momentary break from holding the child. By now, Eamonn was rather good at holding children, even more than one at a time. Many times Eamonn had Kieran in one arm and Sorcha in the other while Aislin carried their youngest. Holding her with one, the other hand touched her side as an effort to help balance her. Hazel eyes were captivated by her even while Beathag spoke. "He is past the age when I first found my destiny in the military. By next winter, he will be ready to ride among a company if not sooner. There is much promise in him...I see it. How is it you feel, Bess, should he take leave to join into armed forces?" Eamonn asked, glancing to his sister. Some women did not find favour in their sons embarking in military ambitions knowing the dangers that came with it. How did Bess feel about it? Eamonn could not help but wonder

Beathag: "Than I will. I will stay." She would find peace here. The cider's warmth did wonders with thawing her insides! What a rarity it was to have two free hands. She was intent to enjoy them, so she settled in while Amy worked her magic upon her uncle. At this age she already started to laugh! She gave a little toothless grin to Eamonn as they got to know one another while he spoke of Aodhan's future. "Ah feel if he seeks it, tha' is wot it shall be. He's goin tae be eleven years old, far longer than most mothers keep their sons. He's been trained extensively, n' should he wish tae be knighted he would dae sae the true way, not because his blood happens tae be better than anyone else's. Ah wouldn't allow tha' route fer him anyhow. We've spoken with him about where he may wish tae foster for a time, or what places. I feel tha' I would be proud tae see him gae forward. He has great promise on horse back or on foot, n' he's sail worthy. M'thinks tha' with either ye or Maahes fer any undue amount o' time would be best. It allows him still tae learn the essentials tae manage a nation from stayin near an estate like area." Beathag was not most women. Adulthood in skye was 16, and Aodhan had the advantage of many years worth of formal education, battle training, and governance. There was no better way than to apply all of these in person. "Ah know he wants tae bemounted in the Vanguard one day, sae. Nay time like the present. He has taken much from ye, Maahes, and the others within and without o' Turas Lan. Mmm. he's sae old already. " Would it render her gone if anything befell him? Of course! But she would not shelter him because she could. It was Aodhan's choice, and one she would be honored to see manifest. He knew both of his parents bled rivers of blood for their beliefs. (d)

Eamonn: Hopefully Beathag would find all the peace she so desired. Many times over, she was more than welcomed to stay here as long as she wished. Eohmark was far form Turas Lan, and for that it left them disconnected with the capital city; but that was not necessarily a bad thing. Already, Eamonn was falling into the charms of his youngest niece; he adored her instantly. That little grin of gums birthed a low baritone chuckle. However, the future of his nephew took quite a bit of his attention. Eamonn was but nine years old when he began the grueling training of becoming a man of the calvary and eventually a knight by Sevenwater's standards. Aodhan was old enough in Eamonn's eyes to begin training, but it would behoove the boy to decide what path he desired; footmen did not always make the best horsemen, and horsemen did not always make the best sailors. "At the age of nine, I knew what I wanted. Aodhan should decidesoon. As wonderful as it is to be well viced in all aspects..he will find it hard to be all three at any given time. Though, he still has years before his decision is necessary. You are taking it better than many mothers, Bess." Andhe meant that as a compliment. "Aodhan is always welcomed here, and with the winter season upon us still, it remains prime time to train before Spring melts the snow." There were few wars in the winter; battles during such harsh seasons was detrimental to an army; there was less of a threat durning the cold seasons, in sort, making now ideal time to practice and learn.

Beathag: "Ah think he has a knight's heart m'self. He belongs on a horse. With the training he's taken from Dmitri, n' the likes o' ye he would come around quite well tae embrace what..seems tae truly move him. Told him if he wished the navy he' dneed tae become a cabin boy afore too long, but he is stalled. Tha' is fine. Ah'd ne'er deny him the sea but the danger it presents tae him is great. We can ask him, but Ah'd like tae him tae train here, with ye. It will give him a great amount of focus, as training with Dmitri has. Given his necessity of travel, he may learn things of Maahes which are valuable, but he needs a core thing. Ye saw him on tha' creature. Only boys e'er rode like tha' at ten were you, n' his uncle Brycean." Aodhan's future was of prime interest to her. As a mother, she knew when to let go. "The things he's seen from a ship mark him hard a little, though he won't say it aloud. He tries tae reconcile his early childhood with the darker portions." She then spoke a little more beyond the subject, for it was evident her opinion. He belonged mounted, while benefiting from a diverse military education from all of the men, it was evident to her even if not to him. "I dun blame him fer being sae haunted. He is a bright young man, he is very aware we will say o' the world now from court observation. he will always have tae be twice as better as any other. He told me so himself, nothing we say will remedy tha' either. It's just somethin we can nay relate to." They could love him blindly, but the world wasn't blind. They could encourage him, but he would have to be thrice what they all were. "Five years in. Nothin could be better than this land. Ah've nay love o' the continent. At all. Tis fadin hard." She watched as Amhlaih giggled, it made her sigh with a half smile, "No, Skye will not sell its sons n' daughters on bartered contracts. Ye would nay believe how many of them Ah burn in the hearth without readin, - all of them, really." It was a mark on which none could bend her. No, her children were not dynastic breeders or material possesions. Here, she'd see none of it. "Tis good tae be here. Just..tae breathe. Tae nay be followed about, constantly, and harraged. Tae simply come, n' speakn' be understood. Tae see yer face brings me great peace Eamonn. This land brings me peace.Twas our beginning in a way. Ah remember when ye told me not tae die?"" She nodded, leaning back as if eyes could see it, "It seemed like ah could nay hear ye, but..Ah heard." (d)

Eamonn: Eamonn was raised in a culture that held the horse in high regard. While some preferred the life of a foot soldier, many of Sevenwater's people were horsemen; they were the among the most fiersome riders in the world. Eamonn was proud to think that Aodhan would chose the calvary as his path. But, that was for the boy to make, not his. Of course, Eamonn also had silent wishes to see his son riding beside him as any proud father would. Still, that was a path Kieran had to make and he was still young. Already, Sorcha spoke of being a rider herself; to which the two had quite the argument about. While Eamonn would not see his daughter delicate or a flower, she did not belong in his company on such dangerous rides; Sorcha did not sit too well with that obviously. "I would be honoured to ride alongside my nephew one day, should he chose it...but the path is his. Aodhan already shows much skill upon the back of ahorse.." He mentioned, glancing down to Amhlai and smirking a bit. A finger pressed against her stomach lightly, finding the sound of her giggles like light morning chimes. Eamonn had his personal view of the sea, so he would not be too terribly disappointed should Aodhan chose land over water. "They will not be the last he sees, Bess. If he choses the path of the military...there will be many a dark things he will witness. Those hauntings will stay with him forever, whether he reconciles then or not." Eamonn replied seriously. He had many memories he wished he could forget, but they always seemed to haunt him...when he slept. Eamonn rarely dreamt, and when he did, they were never peaceful. "Then stay here. The simple life away from glamourous walls might do you and your children good. Eohmark might not have glittering walls of marble, but the peopple are honourable. It makes no difference if you are of noble birth or not. I am glad this place bring you peace...I hope it continues to do so." Which he did. Leaning forward, Eamonn kissed Amhlai's brow, the hairs of his beard tickling her foreheard for a moment before he pulled back and handed the little girl back to her mother. "I will find you a crib for Amhlai to sleep in. You should rest while you can...the feasts here in Eohmark are not like those of Turas Lan. When the sun sets...it is only beginning." Eamonn warned with a smirk.

Beathag: "Aye, n' its a fact of life he will come to accept wot e'er path he takes. There is nay sense to sugar it fer him. Ah dun believe in tha'. " He heard the gritty details of what it was to fight for beliefs, of starvation, long campaigns, no personal peace to speak of. He learned slowly what it was like, but he needed to be shown by the true experienced. "Oh, than we'll see whom stays awake the longest. ye are turnin intae an old man now, let's see whom can last till sun up." She teased, taking Ahmlai back into her arms. How happy she was now, "Och, ye got what ye wished fer little mistress? Are ye content-- yes.." She noticed the girl getting sleepy, as for herself. "The night twill be good, but admittedly, Amhlai sleeps on m'chest. There is great peace here. Marble..the castle is Norman stone, marble." she scoffed, chuckling as she stood up, kissing his forehead in the process. "Thank you, Eamonn. " (d

Eamonn: Whatever Aodhan decided he would have a proud mother, father, aunt, and uncle. Aodhan had to make his own choice in destiny, but whatever it would be, the boy would have the support of his family and all of those who loved him dearly. Eamonn arched a brow though at his sister. "An old man I might be turning, but that simply makes you...older." Eamonn replied in jest. He was surprised, however, when Bess took the time to kiss his forehead, an action that mainly his wife gave. It was tender..there were times Eamonn forgot how tender his sister could truly be. A large hand touched her cheek. "You need not thank me, Bess. Rest well..I shall see you and your little one tonight." He replied, and leaning down, he returned the gesture by placing a kiss to the wealth of her golden hair. With that, Eamonn turned and excused himself; closing the door behind him to give Beathag privacy to rest once more