A Measuring of Character; Spring 1332

[Lady Liliana Campbell]

Spring 1332

"...We are fierce when it comes to traditions
and anything that could change it even a slight bit,
shakes the whole clan down to the root. Pride is bred
into us as they say..."

Siobhan MacLeod:

Siobhan drummed her finger tips along the wooden table as she waited with any patience she had for the arrival of the alliancing clans. Two years was a long time for a forming alliance, but with so many things going on, it was hard to have one clan come to the others home or vice versa. Having reached her eighteenth birthday, it was more then past time that Siobhan handled her fair share of forming alliances or at least getting to know the chieftain's wives and daughters as equals. Siobhan wanted nothing more then to do what her husband was preparing for, but she was not a male and the MacLeod held to older traditions unlike other clans who were now modernizing themselves. No one respected a female leader, not fully. It made the clan princess torn between wanted to have her chance to rule her people and wanting to keep the traditions as they were. Already, Siobhan's father ;Siol; and her husband ; Lucius; had begun their small travels with Lord Kendrew, which would leave his wife here at the castle to mingle. While there was some respect for Kendrew due to her husband having been his squire, Siobhan was not sure what or who she would be stuck with today. She was willing to give the woman a chance, but Siobhan had her ticks and other things seemed to weigh down on her mind. Finally the servant came in to announce Lady Liliana's arrival to the food hall. Siobhan stood up and moved around the long table to head towards Liliana as the servant spoke her full title. "Lady Liliana. I am glad you could join me for a walk and perhaps a brisk ride today. " Cadet blue eyes trailed over the exotic beauty in front of her. This woman was not born of a clan, it was only by marriage that she was even here. Siobhan knew she was already approaching the manner with a hypocritical eye, for Lucius had not been born into a clan either. "Come, let us make our way. The day grows short quickly during the spring season." The two had been briefly introduced the night before, title and all. Then, Siobhan had Lucius by her side to keep her smiling. Today the slight irritation was present. It did not help that she knew so little of the woman in front of her.


Liliana Campbell:

Going from a simple woman and clansmen wife to well...Chieftain's wife...was quite the change. The intricacies of clan life fascinated Liliana and she sought to learn them. As with any situation where an outsider came in she dealt with opposition. There still, even after her time in Skye, came looks and whispers- but really when wasn't there? Liliana was used to being judged for the copper tone of her skin. It being a fact that her heritage had brought much torment in her childhood. Yet never did she raise her voice or speak an unkind word to those she sought to befriend, and being stubborn helped. Today wasn't as much worry of opposition, but of embarrassment. Nerves made a knot in the pit of her stomach and she worked hard to keep any outward sign of showing. Even though the tiniest bit could be seen in mocha eyes. The children were with Lara and Dona, and having been summoned to the hall so she came. It'd only been a brief affair of introductions last evening and both women had the comfort of husband's present. Now? Well it was just them. Oh Lord please don't let me embarrass Kendrew. Smiling warmly,"As if I could refuse such a pleasant offer, Lady Siobhan. A walk and ride on such a fine day would be much enjoyed."


Siobhan MacLeod:

Siobhan was trying her very best to do as Lucius said and not judge the woman in front of her. Beauty was the vain of most men, Lucius had fallen in love with Siobhan's looks first before he ever knew her. Was Kendrew the same to be driven by his phallus when it came to selecting a wife? Siobhan's eyes once more danced along the woman's petite form before a hand rose to push back her wavey raven locks. Siobhan seemed to clash of the two worlds around them. Her attire was strictly that of clanned colors and patterns while her hair was left loose about her face and dangled down her frame to her mid back with no cord to tie it back. Dark blue boots matched the fine patterns on her dress as she looked away from Liliana and towards the two bulky guards that would be following after them today. Siobhan wanted to tell them there was no need, but she knew it was pointless. A male must be with the women at all times. "Then let us begin. Did you come in a horse or carriage?" If not a horse, Siobhan could provide her with one. Towards the stables they went where Siobhan waited for a stable hand to attach the harness on to her and Liliana's horse (unless the lady wanted to do so herself). With the help of the guards, both ladies were given a step up onto their horses and waited for their guards to saddle up as well. Siobhan settled the skirt of her dress about her legs to hide as much of her leg as possible before the knee high boot took over and covered the rest. "How do you prefer to ride Lady Liliana? Quick paced, slow and lingering?"


Liliana Campbell:

Proper attire was important, or so Dona had told her this morning. The woman had made it clear that wearing colors to let one know what Clan they belonged to was important. She'd allowed Dona to dress her, but had kindly asserted her voice when the woman had tried to talk her into leaving ebony hair hang free. It, as usual, hung in a loose braid down her back where it would not get in the way nor be a hassle. With three children it was just that much easier not to fuss with hair. While they walked toward the stable, Liliana having noted the men following, she perused Siobhan. Much was not known, but she was definitely as lovely as rumored. "Oh, I admit that I couldn't abide a carriage ride here. I convinced Kendrew to allow us to ride. Though I'm not a skilled horsewoman I fear." So, quite simply, slow and lingering would be the way of it. Once seated upon horse back, careful to adjust skirts, Liliana observed the guards as they prepared. A teasing note to her voice,"It seems we shall be accompanied. Kendrew is always insisting I have a guard when I go to market or such."


Siobhan MacLeod:

Cadet blue eyes danced towards Liliana when she confessed she was not the best horsemen. Siobhan was not either, but she did enjoy the ride and that was simply what they were going to do. Compeition was not so fierce when the other woman was admitting to her flaws. It calmed Siobhan's tense approach down a great deal, though she was still in her own way, looking down to the woman even after her father had told her to not do so until she got to know them. "Aye, it is the cursed life of a clanswoman. You are forever going to have some sort of male escort about you now. It gets tiresome." Siobhan found herself admitting even as she glanced behind to give Seamus and Duncus a wide smile. "At least you had the chance to live a life without such. Where are you from Lady Liliana? What brought you to Skye's Isle?" For now, Siobhan started the horses on a slow trot along the dirt path. Grass grew in greens of all shades along the rising and falling hill sides. There were always whispers about the lands. To Siobhan they were simply places she had played in or on as a child.


Liliana Campbell:

"So I have come to realize. Though you'd think I'd be used to it having once been in service to the Duchess as a Lady." Shaking her head, braid swaying with the movement, Liliana realized she'd never be used to it. Stemming from too many years on her own. Though, in hindsight, she had to admit letting others worry over her seemed better for her health. Less incidents with pointy objects that way. Giving a polite smile and nod of head in thanks to the men for escorting them this day, she set the horse along at a gentle pace. "I suppose we'll just have to endure. At least they stay at a distance, no?" Brown eyes took in the scenery as they rode. This was the land that Liliana had come to love and call home. It was the question of her arrival that brought a light of amusement into her eyes as they moved to glance at Siobhan,"Now that, Lady Siobhan, is a long story indeed. The simple story is I was pulled, near dead, from the water by the docks. I like to think it Fate that brought me here." Well, one could say she was honest. There wasn't any need to hide the obvious nature of her arrival. The reasons for it were another matter. "Though I wish I could have grown up here. It is a beautiful land."


Siobhan MacLeod:

The rumors and confirmed information from Lucius had told Siobhan already that Liliana was once in the service of the Duchess as a hand maiden. It was a good duty to have and one Siobhan was sure Beathag did not pass out lightly. Endure? Siobhan found herself scuffing lightly under her own breath. "Until the day we die." She made mention as she turned them on the fork in the road, making them drift to the left. The horses seemed as ease, which added to the warmth of the sun beaming down on them. Flowers were in bloom with the spring upon them, while many animals were scouting for food of some sort in their path, though one look to the riders and they scrambled away. When the story, or very brief story came out, Siobhan turned her head to look over her shoulder at the other woman. It made her narrow chin brush against the material of her dress and her horse went sideways slightly before Siobhan straightened him out again. "I am sorry to hear you had such a tragic second beginning. I have found, that a lot of people have come to Skye for some sort of escape. I'll admit, that bothers me and irritates me to a point. It is one thing if there is no real past to follow you, but it is another if the ghost are chasing you. While most deserve a second chance, no one here needs to have more enemies following after those who do not belong." Siobhan paused and kept looking to Liliana. "So tell me Lady Liliana. Do you have ghost that will bring death to these lands at some point? If so, I hope you have made others aware." Bold to say and ask, but Siobhan grow up in these lands. Having outsiders bring more outsiders could cause Skye to one day be no more.


Liliana Campbell:

Ah, forthright. The woman who rode with her this day was not one to beat around the bush. Liliana admired her for the blunt nature and the obvious protective love of her land. Though it could be clear that her chin lifted a notch while watching Siobhan,"Enemies? We all have them at some point in our life. I have never sought to make an enemy. I seek to make friends and naught more. I cannot help the shade of my skin and my heritage that made a man think me a thief. That made him, and his men, beat me. Or that made him hold me captive until he was finished with me. My enemy, as he was, is now long gone. Likely thinks me dead after he tossed me over the side of his ship." There was a strength in the way she held her head high now,"Let me make it clear that if he should ever return or make trouble I will be the first to shove the blade into his black heart. Those who need be aware are and now you are privilege to details only my husband knows. This land is as much my home as yours, Lady Siobhan, and its people I am just as protective of. I will not see them harmed."


Siobhan MacLeod:

Everyone did have enemies, but only a few made them the wrong way. Being a whore, or tempting a fate one should not would lead down a road of many wrongs and it would get other people killed in the end. Siobhan did not want any of her clansmen getting killed for reasons that were not right. Already they had been in more wars in the past few years then they had ever been in. Peace was a wonderful thing and Siobhan wanted it as long as anyone else did. Her eyes turned back forward to watch where she was taking the horse and make sure he did not step into a hole made from snakes or other mammals. Liliana's blunt truth had Siobhan nearly turning in her saddle to face the other woman. Was there any regret in Siobhan's bold words now? If so the princess was doing well to hide it as she stared at Liliana. She was right, some times men did stupid things simply because they thought they could. The English had nearly put an end to Siobhan's life, had it not been for a unlikely hero. The strength was only the beginning of what Siobhan would see from Liliana. While Siobhan might be snobbish, she knew what terror meant and yet could not come close to what Liliana just said she went through. Siobhan had been properly sheltered all her life and safe from serious harm until two years ago. As Liliana came closer and to her side with her own horse, Siobhan followed her eyes with her own cadet ones. "You are right Lady Liliana. This is now as much of your home as it was mine. It is good that we have the same wants, for both our men put their lives in danger when war strikes. Even if we are not pleased with such thoughts. I hope you understand my inquiry? If you were in my place, what would you do or say?" They were on opposite sides of the spectrum. Siobhan was a born clanswoman and only knew of this life.


Liliana Campbell:

Shame had once upon a time been felt for what had just been revealed. Liliana had blamed herself for what that man had done and thought herself tainted for any other. Only Kendrew had made her see differently. That was why now there wasn't any shame to be seen. Face softening a bit, Liliana sighed and shook her head,"Please do not think I misunderstand your reason for asking, Lady Siobhan. I admire you for being honest. This has been your home since the day you were born and you are protective of it, and those you love. It is just that many seem to think of me as an outsider. That would not have been the first time I have been questioned. It is still clear that even after my years here in Skye many, clan-folk especially, yet see me as an outsider. It's been hard convincing them." Only Dona and Lara knew of her struggles. Kendrew suspected, but she did her best not to put that weight on her husband's shoulders. He dealt with enough. "All I have ever sought is a family and peace."


Siobhan MacLeod:

Siobhan found herself taking a deep breath to let the warm air sink into her lungs and fill them. Lady Liliana made it hard to dislike her. Though Siobhan was not ready to give in rigt away. "I will admit that it is your skin, your youth and beauty that bothers me. Not because I am envious of it, but because it is different from what I have seen. Like others, I wonder how well you will do your new duties and how serious you will take them. That is simply how it is with clans though. We are fierce when it comes to traditions and anything that could change it even a slight bit, shakes the whole clan down to the root. Pride is bred into us as they say. Lucius told me not to judge so harshly because he likes you, but it is my way. I don't want to know any differently, for it has served a great deal to me in doing so with others." Siobhan paused the horse so Liliana was moving by her side and paused too at the edge of the hill. "I do hope you can find that here. Everyone should have it. I don't know how hard it must be for you to learn things you never knew before, but I see it happening in my own husband. Why did you marry?" The age difference was nothing new. Had Siobhan not married Lucius, she would have been given to a male in his late thirties no doubt. Even at the age of sixteen.


Liliana Campbell:

"I have much reason to like Lucius as well. I owe him much. He is a nice young man and if not for him I fear I could have lost my husband long ago." Bringing the horse to move alongside Siobhan's, she relaxed slightly. The nerves were still there though not as strongly. "My being different is something many find cause to think upon. They've always made harsh judgments. I have been labeled a great many things that one should never be. However, I assure you I take my duties most seriously. I want to do my husband and my clan proud. There is much yet I have to learn. I am frightened of bringing embarrassment to them." It did not help that many watched closely for any misstep she might happen to make. Bringing her horse to a pause, looking around at the landscape, she murmured,"I hope the all of us continue to have this peace. I do not look forward to a time where I must watch my husband go off to war again. It is... terrifying." Though the softest of smiles was given to the young lady at that question. "Love. I know most would think it be other reasons like my youth or my beauty, but they do Kendrew an injustice by that. We both love each other wholeheartedly. What of you, Lady Siobhan? Why did you marry?"


Siobhan MacLeod:

As if her eyes were opening more to the lady by her side, Siobhan started to make connections. Lucius had been feeling the same things and even now was trying his best to make sure he was not doing things wrong. Siobhan was enjoying watching his confidence grow when he learned more and more things. "You are not the only one who is feeling it, I assure you." She was unable to help but tease the woman slightly. Liliana's words had Siobhan remembering what it was like to wait and hear from Lucius when they were secretly married. She could not ask about him, or it would have caused brows to rise. Love was a good reason. "Had I not experienced the same thing, I might have laughed at you. I...well to be honest, I married because no one treated me as Lucius does. By all rights, I should have married a male who was seasoned in the clan. Brash love I guess. Love, never the less is my answer as well. That and Lucius lets me get away with anything.." at that, Siobhan laughed. Sad, but true.


Liliana Campbell:

The teasing was taken without offense. Liliana was relieved by it actually. Soft laughter passed her lips as brown eyes cut from the landscape to Siobhan, "At least I am not alone in being nervous. It can be most daunting getting clan-folk to accept you though I admire them for their loyal and protective nature, and even their pride. It is wonderful to be apart of such people." So this woman too had married for love. She'd heard many talk of arranged marriages, but could not imagine being apart of that. "Brash love or not, it is still love. A wonderful thing it is. Many do not find it so I think us fortunate." At the mention of Lucius letting her get away with anything, Liliana couldn't help be amused. "I fear poor Kendrew finds it much the same with me. I am a most stubborn woman. It is what brought about me being with him on the day we married. We have to keep them on their toes though." A playful wink,"Can't let them get to used to having their way."


Siobhan MacLeod:

Had Siobhan married an older man, they would have constantly been scolding her or banishing her to her room. Lucius was only a year older then Siobhan, which meant when she had temper tantrums, he tried to sooth her with kisses, hugs and gentle words instead of shouting in return. If it was one thing Siobhan hated, it was being over powered. Lucius was definitely the calm to her storm. Many do not find that kind of connection and while Lucius and Siobhan were still growing up, they were doing their best to do it together. Siobhan smiled at Liliana as she moved the horse along and Liliana, along with the guards could do the same. "I think there is a limit to our ruling. While I love that Lucius will allow me to get away with things, I don't want him weak without me. I want him strong on his own two feet. I do not understand, the clans where women rule. What do you think?"


Liliana Campbell:

Moving along slowly, keeping pace so as to ride next to Siobhan, she listened. It was clear she was much in love with her husband and one could tell. Liliana found yet another point to admire. "I think so long as one is capable of ruling that whether they be man or woman should not factor into it. Not all men are capable of ruling just cause they are men. We all can make choices of error and have moments of weakness. I could not do it, but if these women can then I admire them for it." Falling quiet a moment, she smiled and then continued,"Look at the Duchess or the Lady Rosalind who I am proud to call friend. They are women of strength and intelligence, and capable, no? I also look upon the Duke and Duchess, both capable of ruling together. Equally. For it's the same in a relationship. We each have our roles."

to be continued...