Siblings of Empathy- Winter 1332

[Lady Liliana Campbell]

Winter 1332, Dunvegan Castle

"...Nor should I have married Siobhan for I was
no knight with land and title. Such negativity does drive
your mind absolutely crazy...but when you think about
the reasons why you are where you have landed..those
who scorn you don't matter..."

Lucius MacLeod:

What Lucius called home seemed to change within the course of a few years. Having left Rome with his father and made some sort of home in Skye, from there his journey and adventures seemed to take him much farther. For at least two years, now, he called the Castle of MacLeods his home...and what a grand one it was. Lucius was a simply man, and moving into such a large place did not seem to rob him of that simplicity; still, he remained humble. Two years...and he was still cramming knowledge and traditions of the clan he had recently married into. Thank God for his thirst of knowledge! It was that same willingness to learn that perhaps began to soften and win the heart of Siol; the father of his wife and the chieftain of the MacLeod Clan. Hopefully, Lucius' studious learning could sway the man's opinion of good tidings toward the young knight and newest MacLeod. During what time Lucius did have to himself--and not in the company of his fair wife--Lucius indulged in what some might question. The library. So close to such wealth of knowledge...Lucius already nearly read a third of the books it held! On such a beautiful winter day in 1332, despite the cold, Lucius took one of the books from the shelf. His wife was about the castle, perhaps in her room or with maidens...or even her uncle. Seizing a fur-lined cloak to keep him warm, Lucius braved the chilled air and sat in the gardens. The stone bench was less than comfortable, but there was still something soothing about its placement in the snow-covered ground and under the bare tree. Long legs bent at the knee, Lucius curled up with the cloak wrapped tight and the book in his lap. A guilty pleasure...Lucius couldn't seem to quench his need to let eyes roam inked text soaked upon parchment.


Liliana Campbell:

Winter brought with it the fruition of things that came during summer. It was a pleasant time for many in the world, and the Campbell's were no less fortunate. Though for Liliana not all of the time was so. Frustration existed in abundance for the young woman who was usually never without a smile. Though she'd been married to Kendrew since 1328 that did not seem to sway the minds of the women in Clan Campbell. Supporters for the young wife were few and far between. Ever since having met Siobhan at the last gathering of clans, to discuss business and the like, she'd made frequent visits to the MacLeod land. To have a friend who was close in age was something Liliana was not much used to and found pleasurable. On this day though she'd told Dona that the need to escape the nosy biddies, with their "advice" on how to handle the carrying of the second Campbell child, was intense. As if she had not carried Glenna and was a brainless twit! A guard, Lara, and Glenna were her only company as she traveled toward the castle. Glenna- cause the child was yet attached at the hip- and Lara-to watch Glenna- were left to explore the grounds with the guard as Liliana dismounted from horse. Not far enough long for anyone to notice with the thick skirts of her gown and the cloak as covering, she'd left her hair loose- a common occurrence ever since having married- though a hood covered head to keep out the chill. Horse taken, she waited for one of the guards to address her presence. Only due to the fact that Liliana was still trying to get used to legs being back on the ground.


Lucius MacLeod:

While there were many still hesitant in accepting Lucius into the clan--for he was clearly of no Scottish descent--there were many warming up to him and seeing the steps and efforts he made to become them as much as an outsider could. Lucius wore the colours of the clan with pride, as well as the brooch and crest of the MacLeod. Surely, that counted for something; in many ways it did. Not to mention anyone that could manage to catch the eye of the fiery Siobhan was something worth noticing. For two years, though a little less in terms of their public marriage, he learned what he could, not to mention became talk of not only maiden gossip, but some of the aged menfolk. Siobhan had yet to bear a child, and despite the fact that both were still young, it was an acceptable age to bear children as well as marrying. Even Siol himself began to show signs or indication that the lack of grandchildren was...an action of intention. Silently, Lucius was content with not having any offspring just yet...and he had many reasons for it other than the obvious fact they were young. At the age of nineteen, Lucius was not ready to be a father just yet. Liliana couldn't get far, however, without becoming the buzz about the castle...and outside it seemed. One of the maidens--who was no older Siobhan--came to check on his comfortability every hour or so since he had been outside. However, this time when she came, it was the rumour that Liliana Campbell arrived that made brown eyes lift from the pages of the book. It seemed like ages since he last saw Liliana..far too long rather. And what luck, she just arrived! Lucius smiled and closed the book. With Siol attending to business, no doubt, Lucius swung his legs over the side and rose. As son-in-law to the chieftain, it was his responsibility to at least welcome vistors warmly; it became a pleasant responsibility when it was a dear friend who visited. Thanking the maiden, Lucius headed inside and down the various halls before reaching the front doors of the castles. Guards open them and Lucius paused at the summit of the steps. A smile pulled at the corner of his mouth as he stared at Liliana. "My Lady! It is wonderful to see you so well again!" He said. No guard need to announce her, for Lucius was skipping down the stairs quickly with the book tucked under one arm. After bowing at the waist, Lucius offered her his arm to help her up the stairs and inside as any gentleman should. "Have you come to see Siobhan? I'm afraid I do not know where she lurks in this large castle...but I'm sure someone does. You look resplendent, Lady Liliana..have you been well?" Lucius inquired, the smile still large on his lips and bright in his dark eyes.


Liliana Campbell:

It could be imagined that many knew of her impending arrival the moment they crossed into MacLeod territory. Liliana had found that it was much the same in Campbell lands too. Observant eyes watched all and made sure to transfer messages along to warn any that need be. Even in peaceful times one had to keep watch and make sure those they loved were protected. Siobhan and her had had much the same discussion come up in their first encounter, and it was one reason why Liliana respected her. Gloved hands clasped behind her back, Liliana let brown eyes move over the castle. It was a lovely place, and quite large, and she could not imagine residing permanently in it. Though her place was by no means small, a manor in its own right, it wasn't nearly this large. Yet it wasn't the building that made lips curve in a wide smile as the doors opened. Sighting Lucius as the top of the stairs, she moved forward slowly to accept his arm. "Lucius, it is good to see you!" Leave it to Liliana to forgo formality and other manners with her warm words. She had forgot both in the enthusiasm of spotting the young man. Liliana had many reasons to be fond of Lucius MacLeod- the many ways he'd saved her from the brink by protecting Kendrew or seeing him brought home, or merely being a rock for her husband in tough times when she was at her weakest- that made more family than any of the Campbell Clan would understand. They were not privy to half of what he was. Laughing softly, she murmured,"Still you flatter. I look as I do every day, but I thank you. You look fit yourself. Marriage and clan life suits you well? I had come to see Siobhan, aye, but your company would be just as welcome and pleasant." She was glad to see that the love of Siobhan and Lucius had flourished so beautifully. To know that the two had married for love as Kendrew and her had was wondrous.


Lucius MacLeod:

Considering the quaint home he once had with his father attached to the smithy shop, Lucius was overwhelmed and continued to be at the vastness of the castle and the grounds of the MacLeod. However, he hid it well...or as well as he could. It was a lovely place and what made it all the more special were the people that lived within and the abundance of knowledge it housed. Never before had he seen so many books so accessible. It was heaven. Lucius had been to the Campbell manor a handful of times, but it still remained grand in size compared to what Lucius had once lived in. Still, size mattered not to the young knight; the lesson of humility his father taught him as a child was still as evident now as it was back then. Formalities were quickly forgotten, though some were hard habits to break. Even now, he still addressed her formally for once he had been a squire...and squires were to never, ever call a knight or his family by first name only. With her arm tucked against his, Lucius helped her up the stairs and into the castle. "And every day you look splendid; I'm sure Kendrew would be in compliance!" Lucius teased. Kendrew was madly in love with Liliana; there was no denying or hiding it. Kendrew was a smitten with Liliana as Lucius was with Siobhan. "Indeed it is, Liliana. Why there is still a wealth of knowledge I have yet to learn about the clan, I find every bit of it enjoying. Marriage is everything I thought it could be...and more. So much more." Lucius mentioned, smiling a bit wider. Still blissfully in love, there were few wrongs that his wife could do in his eyes; despite her temper flaring, Lucius loved her and had no regrets. None; people did not realize how special and wonderful it was to simply hold the hand of the one you loved in plain sight...Lucius did and cherished the fact that he could hold his wife without fear of others seeing. "I will do my best to entertain you until my wife can be found. I do not pretend to know the secrets that pass between ladies...no doubt best left unanswered." He mused with a grin before pausing. "Would you like something to eat or drink? Your ride must have been long...what can I do to accommodate you? You have but to ask and it is yours!" Lucius would have been a most improper host and a poor friend if he did not take her comfort into consideration!


Liliana Campbell:

Watching the way his face changed as he talked of being married made her smile more. Liliana had not thought love possible for her until Kendrew, and here was Lucius- married to the daughter of Clan Chieftain! It was not an arranged marriage yet flourished well. In truth though, Siol MacLeod could not have made a choice better than Siobhan had. Many times had Liliana laid in her husband's arms listening to him discuss the intelligence and skill of the young squire. "That I am sure my husband would though I fear his opinion biased." Liliana teased in return, taking kindly to it. It was nice to speak with friends who felt comfortable enough to do so! "I am pleased that you find it so, Lucius. Your heart chose well in Siobhan I must say. She is quite a surprising young lady." Grateful to be inside, where the chill was much less, she sighed happily. Liliana was used to cold, but never much enjoyed it. Kendrew was one to keep her close when they were out on chilly days, an arm about waist, much to the consternation of those who did not understand such displays of public affection. "It is not secrets of ladies I came to discuss I fear. In truth I sought escape from the people of my own clan." The words spoken were honest though shame lingered in their depths. "Do not tell Kendrew I ever spoke those words, please?" Liliana had not told her husband yet of the troubles she had and would not allow Dona nor Lara to either. She would not be seen as weak or put more on her husband's plate. Laughing at the questions to her comfort, she held up a hand,"Only tea and perhaps some biscuits to settle my stomach is all."


Lucius MacLeod:

The marriage had not been arranged for he was no lord with title and land. The road to his marriage with Siobhan had been a long one...one filled with tribulations and complications that nearly killed him. Still, they managed to survive and their love was a strong as ever. His love for her did not come from her title, for he knew nothing of it until he formally was introduced and told. From the first moment he saw her, Lucius thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world; that hadn't changed. Love prevailed and he was able to be with the woman he wanted more than life itself; truly, he was smitten and it showed. "Biased, but honest nonetheless." Lucius smirked. A hint of a colour rose in his cheeks as his smile widened and eyes turned to the ground for a moment. Siobhan was a surprising young woman...she was much more than she appeared and Lucius saw every bit of it. "Thank you, Liliana. Surprising indeed." Especially knowing that he was no lord or even a knight yet when they married in secret; she still loved him. Lucius arched a brow at Liliana, but her words were safe with him; more than anyone here, Lucius understood. "I will not breath a word; you have my word." Lucius replied. Glancing around, the young knight waved a passing servant and asked if they could bring a cup of tea and a plate of warm biscuits to the library. "I understand more than others, Liliana. There are so many traditions...actions...and even expectations that I an struggling to understand myself." Lucius replied honestly, walking with her toward the large library room. Once inside, Lucius closed the door behind them and led her to a chair to rest her feet for the moment. Setting the book aside on a table, Lucius removed the cloak to reveal the dark blue gambeson and brown breeches tucked into leather boots. The fire still sparked warmly, and Lucius draped his cloak over the back of a chair. "But...I find my escape in books. Being the son-in-law to a chieftain does not leave me with freedom to go where I wish like you." But still he needed a place to escape from the clan's life and hide from the expectations to retain himself. Fingers brushed over the hard cover idly. There was a knock on the door before it opened and the maiden came in with the tea and plate of hot biscuits. Lucius thanked her warmly and the servant left, closing the door behind her.


Liliana Campbell:

"Thank you, Lucius. You have kept many a confidence that I am grateful for." One hand shifted to pat his hand gently. The man may not have been noble born yet he was more noble than half those who claimed to be such. "I feel wrong to say them yet they drive me near mad most days." The shelter of the library was welcome, for though Liliana had never the opportunity to be around many books in her youth she loved them much. The library here was far larger than the one at the Campbell home though. Sympathy showed on her face as a seat was taken,"They expect much of us as outsiders and I can understand why- yet most of them go too far. I devour every bit of information I learn and go through repetition until I have learned it thoroughly. Though for some it never seems enough. I am not unfamiliar with being judged unfairly, but still do not like it." When the woman arrived to deliver the tray, Liliana fell quiet though murmured a polite thanks on her departure before looking at Lucius again. "I can see why you escape here. It is wondrous. All these books to find solace in. Though, Lucius, if ever you need escape and they are not enough know that our home is always open to you, and your wife. I would not see the pressure become too much. We all need a chance to breathe."


Lucius MacLeod:

Lucius didn't attempt to hide the smile on his face. Everyone needed a trusted friend to keep a secret and put faith in; Liliana and he had more in common in more than simply situation. They were both foreign born and were thrust into a world and life so unfamilar to them. Liliana's statement of near insanity was no understatement. In fact, Lucius found himself chuckling a bit. "It is not wrong to speak honestly; the life of a clan can be daunting to those born beyond it...and trying to catch up what is learned in a lifetime." Lucius was learning in two years what took many a lifetime in course and tradition; he was rushing like a madman to catch up himself! Lucius listened, quietly, as Liliana spoke, though all eyes and silence passed when the servant came in. However, once she departed, Lucius turned his eyes and attention back to Liliana. Her invitation made him smile, touched by the sympathy of her words. "I would like it very much to spend even a day with you and Kendrew in your lovely home. Unfortunately, trying to understand and unravel a history of a clan I have come to learn about only two years prior has kept me...detained." And that was no understatement. Still, Lucius did not mind the work; it was the price that was becoming pleasure for marrying Siobhan. "But...I try not to complain. There was nothing traditional about our union. We were not paired formally...and I was not born of another clan. By rights and respect I should pay homage to a man and clan that welcomed me into their home for we are strangers in a strange land." Blending in was impossible for them and they would always have attention and eyes cast to them. "Those who live and breath by tradition will always think the untraditional is folly and thus we will never be good enough. But..they do not matter." Smiling a bit more, Lucius moved toward Liliana and sat down on the floor in front of her chair; he was still young and limber enough for it! Arms rested on his knees. "Some people say a lot of negative things to those that succeed in ways they are not expected to. I shouldn't have become a squire for I was too old by traditional standards. Nor should I have married Siobhan for I was no knight with land and title. Such negativity does drive your mind absolutely crazy...but when you think about the reasons why you are where you have landed..those who scorn you don't matter." And Lucius recently learned that lesson after his second, and public marriage and induction into the clan. Brown eyes glanced to the ground. Lucius worked hard for what he had now...he had scars under clothing to prove it. Liliana was more than worthy...she loved Kendrew and did not dishonour the clan. But, because she was different, it would be held against her. There was no shame in that.


Liliana Campbell:

"Indeed it can be, Lucius. Especially to a girl born into a simple life. I never saw myself as the wife of a Chieftain and I know that Kendrew never saw himself as one, but here we be." Liliana shook her head at that. She imagined that Lucius had not thought his life would take him where it had. They were both in situations chosen by their own hearts. It was not something they could have helped. Both would do what they must to make their spouse proud of them including see through the toughness of getting a clan to fully accept them. "I was born into a simple existence and then when I came to Skye it seemed that I was not destined for that to remain." Listening to his words soothed away some of the weight upon slender shoulders. Even now as a young man took seat upon the floor she looked into eyes wise beyond their years. "I cannot imagine your position. Do you get on well with Siobhan's Father?" She did not know Siol MacLeod well, but had heard much of the man. Liliana had feared meeting Dona at first until the woman had practically accepted her as a daughter of her own in an instant. Yet Kendrew's Mother was a simple farmer's wife. Siol was much more than that. Sipping her tea, after chewing on a biscuit, she lowered her cup to laugh softly,"Oh, I have much tried to ignore their scorn. Yet they make it a task. You know my disposition is generally sweet, but these women and even some of the men, push me to the brink. I have lost my temper on more than one occasion and I dislike doing so. They get the best of me." Catching his words about his not should having married Siobhan, she fell quiet a moment. Mocha eyes would meet Lucius's own gaze, "Though you were not born with title or land, in my mind, you deserved to marry Siobhan. I have heard of your ability on field, your intelligence, and my husband admires you greatly Lucius. Even now I see you are wise. You earned your title and your right, and you are correct- those who scorn us for being not born to it do not matter. Only those who love us do. It is Kendrew I strive to make proud, to be honest. Though it is hard with women who wish to marry my husband- and see me gone."


Lucius MacLeod:

Since childhood, Lucius always dreamt of being a knight, but with the years that passed between the accepted and typical age and his passage to Skye, Lucius did not have full faith that anyone would accept him. Many knight laughed at him or turned their noses. He was a simple boy with a series of fortunate events; unlike many he could read, write, and was schooled in many languages thanks to his father. Still, he did not think he would be married to the chieftain's daughter! That was an unforeseen stroke of fortune Lucius would never take back. Liliana's experience was not so different than his own; she was not a woman of Skye or a clan. Lucius could not even imagine the difficulties she faced...he only heard a limited few..and witness one. "Here we are with no regrets." Liliana was happy; that was the most important thing. But, like him, she would endure in order to keep what they worked so hard to achieve. Lucius was glad, actually, to have someone able to understand him...and relate. No one would understand like Liliana did. Siol...well wasn't that an interesting topic. "At first...perhaps not. Before our second wedding..Siol found out that Siobhan and I had married without his consent in a very unconventional way. I do not think he was very happy...I think Siobhan swayed him to give me a chance. Hopefully, I am making him proud and proving that I care not only about Siobhan...but the clan they hold so dear." Lucius admitted softly. Had things gone according to plan, Siol might have been warmer to Lucius. Thankfully, the man did not hate him and did not cast a foul eye upon him. Though, who could be so cruel to someone as sweet as Liliana? Lucius frowned a bit at that. Liliana's temper was as placid as his..and he had been pushed to the brink of his temper a time or two as well. "And that you cannot be swayed by their cruelty. You show your strength and steadfast disposition." Lucius replied. Hopefully, all would get better for Liliana..he prayed it would for no woman should be scorned. Liliana spoke again, and Lucius found himself staring; caught in her gaze. Something about her words sent a chill down his spine; they touched him far deeper than he expected. He swallowed hard and pressed his lips together as the placid expression of his father passed over his features...hiding the rising emotions her powerful words evoked. Tearing his dark eyes away, he stared at his hands. A small flush, though, managed to paint his cheeks in a light hue of pink. "It is hard..." And Lucius understood that. There were many who saw him just as unworthy as Liliana to marry someone so high and with no birth rights. "Since I saw her...I too strived to make her look upon me with proud eyes. Even now, there is so much expected of me. It is a hard road indeed." Lucius inhaled deeply and lifted his gaze. "I do not understand how anyone would want to see someone as lovely and kind as you gone. Perhaps it is jealousy..I know something about that...more than I care to." Lucius muttered. "Pray you don't pay for it as I did.." Not that Kendrew would let anything happen to her; but still the jealous schemed and never played a fair game. "You do make Kendrew proud, Liliana. I know you do." It was plain to see; the moment you mentioned her name to the man...Kendrew's face lit up and every ounce of pride and love became apparent and unmistakable.


Liliana Campbell:

Smiling softly, she moved head in a firm nod,"Aye, no regrets. We would be fools to have them, no?" Both of them had married remarkable people and taken great personal risks to find that love. For them there was no other option except to hold onto it with both hands. Liliana had always thought herself a curse. It was something bred into her as a child. Her stepmother had been a bitter and cruel woman, for what kind of person called a child not even five years a whore, and so when the woman had her family killed- Liliana as the only survivor had taken the blame. She'd thought that in Aberdeen Kendrew would be lost to her, but he was not and so her mind changed. "Exactly, I must not let them get to me so. I think that when I do it gives them satisfaction and makes them feel they succeeded in whatever game they play. Yet I suppose if I managed to survive being married to Kendrew when he was off in battle then I can survive this too." Sitting aside the cup, leaning slightly forward to prop elbows on knees and chin on palm, she sighed,"It is hard. I once had a conversation with the Lady Aramoire and she told me that when I fell in love with Kendrew it meant I had to accept him fully as who he was. At the time I was confused yet she was right. We can't pick and choose." Corners of lips lifted a bit more at the sight of the blush, but no comment was made. She had meant every word. Lucius was where he'd been meant to be. Even if his path had started out differently. "Jealousy is not a feeling I like and yet I feel it at times when I see those women trying to get close to my Kendrew I want to slap them." Realizing the words one hand moved to cover her mouth in display of shock and then she laughed,"I do hope so Lucius. You have given me...much comfort. I could not have hoped for better conversation. You know, if I ever I should have had a brother, I should like to imagine he'd be like you."


Lucius MacLeod:

Fools indeed for they had what they wanted...and what they never dreamed they would have. Lucius dreamt of Siobhan, but dreams were such and not all came true, unfortunately. His did, and so did Liliana's. "Great fools." He added with a soft smile of his own, pulling the corners of his mouth upward. Their lives had been anything but perfect; her stepmother was bitter and cold while his mother fled his father, leaving Bolverk to raise a boy alone. Life had been rough and rigid, seemingly pleased with making their lives difficult and cumbersome. Yet against all odds, they managed to surprise and shock a jealous world. Through war they went, and just as Lucius promised Kendrew he would keep him safe, he promised Siobhan he would come back a knight. Lucius was a man of his word and kept his promises. "Sometimes, I think war is less complicated." Lucius mused lightly, but seriously. Brown eyes watched the cup be set aside and her hand cradle her chin. Lady Aramoire was right..falling in love with who they did meant endure and accepting what trials and tribulations it brought. Thankfully, Lucius did not see the twitching corners of her lips...that would have made him blush more and the pink become saturated all the more. The mention of wanting to slap other women had Lucius laughing with her. "Seems you have been in my wife's company many times." Humorous as it was...it was true. Siobhan had no problem smack or letting her thoughts be heard. Not only had he seen her sharp tongue cut, he had been its target a few times. Once again, Liliana's touchings words caused his cheeks to flush again as he smiled and tilted his head down in an attempt to hide it partly. Chuckling, his face lifted as did eyes. "And should I have had a sister, I'd like to think she would be you. Your kind words and comforting company would have certainly been desired." It would have given him a person to turn to when he could not talk to his father about...thinngs. Instead, he had a journal that his wife kept safe..and he still wrote entries in. "And there shall be many more conversations, I hope, Liliana. You are always welcomed here. I am sure Siobhan thinks the same." Lucius mentioned, before reaching for her hand and holding it in his larger one. "I can see why other maidens might be jealous of you, Liliana. You have the patience of a saint...and the beauty of angels, you are what they can never be." Her hand still in his, he gave it a comforting squeeze.


Liliana Campbell:

"As do I. At least, for the most part, in war you know who your enemy is. In this? Some days I do not know if one who speaks to me will turn out to be ally or enemy. Yet that is why I have friends like you and Siobhan, and I have Kendrew. Perhaps I should stop hiding so much of this from my husband. He does worry so and with the child," The slightest brightening of mocha eyes at the words, for not many outside the clan knew just yet and she chose to tell Lucius- and he she trusted would tell Siobhan, "it seems I should. The last time I did not it upset him so." Kendrew had blamed himself much for the tragedy that struck them with their first conception and she would not see her husband do such again. "Oh, I have learned much from your wife. She is honest and this I admire about her! You do not meet many that are straightforward. I prefer it to the niceties and games that others use to interact. They are well and good, but some days I grow tired of it all. Much time would be saved in communication if we just spoke plainly." Ah, her shocking ideas that would make most twitch. Yet she did not overly care. She had many views. Such as her dislike of the idea of arranged marriages. Liliana could never imagine putting her children in that kind of position. "As would have yours, Lucius. Someone to talk to when times were hard, to share secrets with, or just laughs. There shall be many more. You and Siobhan are always welcome as well. Our home is yours, just remember that." Squeezing his hand, she couldn't help that her own copper-skin cheeks flushed red at his words then and laughed softly,"I am not always patient nor a saint yet I do try, and I thank you for noticing it. We are much alike you and I."


Lucius MacLeod:

Lucius could understand her point; it was hard to decipher friend from foe when they were not presently marked. That made war easier to stand than matters in the world, at times. But, Lucius knew who he could go to for help or for consoling. Not only would his wife be there for him, but Kendrew, his father, and Liliana. Knowing that you had someone to turn to was a great weight being lifted, one that anyone could feel. There were things that Lucius kept to himself, however, for reasons akin to Liliana's. In his wife's eyes, he wanted to be strong..to be everything she needed him and more. If she found out all of his worries and fears..or spoke his mind on everything..would she worry, grow sad, or angry? Lucius was young, still, and learning not to hide things of that nature from his wife. Already she warned him not to hide or keep things from her after their marriage night for his still healing wound caused him pain after being strained. Brown eyes lifted to Liliana. "Sometimes...I do not know what to tell my wife and what not to. I do not want to see me in a poor light. I want her to be proud of me, and I want her to see me as her strong and resilient husband..always there for her. Just as you do not wish to tell Kendrew everything..I fear the same with Siobhan." Lucius admitted to her and no one else. A hand lifted and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Speaking of his wife, Liliana did not lie when she mentioned there being few women as straightforward and...honest. Lucius chuckled a bit. "Yes, it was straightforwardness that brought us together...and me a black eye.." He recalled, laughing softly. "But I love her honesty and fiery independence among many other things." Had things gone as 'planned' Siobhan would have been in an arranged marriage to someone twice her age for the good of the clan. It might have been good for the clan, but would Siobhan be as happy as she was now? Probably not. She squeezed his hand and the young knight smiled a bit more. "Nor am I, but with our lovers..we need to be. Indeed...we are alike in many ways. In that, I suppose our dispositions make us siblings of empathy. All the more reason to rely on each other." Chuckling, he released her hand and shifted so his long legs were folded Indian style.


Liliana Campbell:

"We do need to tell them. Some would say that what they do not know can't hurt them. I have come to learn that to be a lie. Keeping secrets of any nature builds walls and causes pain." Ah, Liliana understood that all too well. Back when the tragedy had first struck she'd wondered if she had but told Kendrew right off how she'd felt that morning and went to see Aislin if it'd have changed things. Yet all regrets were in the past and now all Liliana sought was not to make that mistake again. Raising a brow, she murmured,"Let me tell you something from the perspective of a woman, a wife even, concerning that. We do not think any less of you for admitting to your feelings. It is worse to hide them away. All we want is to be able to know that you feel as comfortable to share your fears, your dreams, or more with us like we do with you." Liliana could not imagine the Lady Siobhan having married another. She was yet growing into a woman and an older partner would not likely be as understanding. Lucius, on the other hand, was so. He was a man that anyone should be proud to call family or have one take after- or named after even. That brought the slightest lifting of one side of her mouth. Definitely a conversation to have later with her husband. "A black eye?" Eyes widened and mouth dropped open slightly,"From her? Or one of those guards that follow her?" Watching him get more comfortable, she was pleased. Any that walked in would likely be amused for here sat the son-in-law of the Chieftain on the floor talking to the wife of another Chieftain. In most homes this would cause scandal, but as Liliana knew Kendrew would never think anything ill could happen so did she believe Siobhan was the same. Their love was strong, she could see it in his face, and so then would be their trust- their faith- in each other. "Aye, it will be nice to have someone else to rely on. Both of us need a bit of support in this matter." And so followed more bonding between two souls that felt akin to siblings even if they were not.

fin