Scene --: A MacLeod Wedding
A DAY OF TRUTH AND REJOICE
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD
SIR LUCIUS
[/color] Oh dear. Lips pressed together for a moment and dark eyes lingered on Siobhan.
"Can I not wear breeches underneath it?" He asked, praying silently that he could wear something more...binding under something as flowing as a...kilt.[/ul]
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD[/color] She could not help but giggle softly at Lucius and how it seemed so foreign to him.[/ul]
SIRSEAMUS MACLEOD[/color] Seamus turned his eyes towards Lucius and narrowed them, though he was only playing.
"Lucius, you call me a woman!"[/ul]
BOLVERK THE SMITH[/color] Lucius had as well once upon a time, but may have been too young to remember.
"Lucius also wore something similar when he was a wee lad as you say."[/ul]
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD[/color] She wanted to snuggle him and smooch him with how bubbly her playful manner rose so quickly, but instead she tapped her foot as she resisted. Rising from her chair, she moved towards Lucius to give him her hand.
"I must leave you now and finish with the preparing. Due to the wedding being three days away, I won't be able to visit you anymore. Another tradition. I look forward to our wedding day Sir Lucius." Siobhan watched him closely, hoping she could tell him that she loved him with her eyes alone.
"Good day Sir Bolverk." She greeted when her hand left Lucius. Turning on her heels, she moved out of the guest room and headed down the hall of the castle to enter the sewing room and have her gown finished. Almost three days without her daily visits to Lucius was going to make her restless, but soon they would see each other every night and every morning. No longer would he have to sneak in and out of her room with the rising and falling of the sun like some creature of the night. They could lay in bed together longer and leave the room holding hands, or kiss in public, or even hold hands in public! When she wanted affection, she could take it from Lucius without worry on what others would think or say. If she was pregnant, it would be expected and cherished by anyone she ran into. It was enough to make Siobhan sigh and smile as she lay her head to sleep those few final nights.[/ul]
SIR LUCIUS[/color] But Seamus piped up and had his eyes darting toward the man. Had Lucius never met Seamus before, he would have thought the man was seriously offended. However, with time, Lucius learned to understand a bit of Seamus' humour. A woman?! Lucius blinked again, before his gaze shifted to his father. Similar attire?! When!? His eyes widened a bit when Bolverk said he had worn one when he was a young boy! A large hand went to his face and Lucius inwardly groaned. Rubbing his face, Lucius lowered his hand and placed it in his lap again.
"So long ago that I don't remember it...though that hardly matters now..." No excuses...of course.
"Right...no excuses.." Lucius mumbled to himself. Turning his gaze to Siobhan, Lucius took her hand in his and gave it an affectionate, hidden squeeze. Three days without seeing her?! Well...he had gone without seeing her beautiful face for months on end...he could handle three days...or at least tolerate three, very long days.
"Three days already seems short in the sense of preparing...but I pray they do come quickly. I look forward to it as well, Lady Siobhan.." She didn't have to say it; he knew. He loved her with all his heart in return, and meeting her gaze, Lucius could not help but smile wide. Unfortunately, he had to release her hand. Even as she left, his eyes were glued to her form as she left. Three days...three very long days without seeing her. But soon, he would be able to hold her, kiss her, and love her without fear of someone seeing them. The thought alone made him smile more, though he tried to hide it in the presence of his father and compose himself...somewhat. In the three days, Lucius learned all sorts of customs, garments, and what was to be expected of him as a man entering the life of a clan. The day before their wedding, Lucius was hit with a surprise 'stag' party; Lucius would never forget that day. The night was filled with drinking, lots of drinking, and pranks that every Scotsman seemed to find great amusement in on the unsuspecting knight. Lucius chugging mead and whiskey proved to be a fine means of entertainment. His wrapped, but mending, injury kept him from some of the more...outlandish pranks that could have been pulled. During one of the drinking games, Lucius almost coughed up whiskey. The men even took it upon themselves to get him fitted for his kilt; another source of amusement. Thank God Lucius was too drunk to recall all of that night. When the day of the wedding came, Lucius had a massive headache, but thanks to old Scottish remedies, it began to lessen and he could at least think with a straight head.[/ul]
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD[/color] Siobhan teased. Her own bed-night was filled with chatter from her mother and other women who wanted to stress points of the wedding night. Siobhan might have been embarrassed had she not already experienced it on her own, but she knew what was to be expected. In fact, she was going to jump Lucius the moment that priest left the damn room! Her mother and the maidens who were married went into painful detail about a male's phallus, positions that would better please Lucius, what would happen when he finished, to try and get him to finish within her as much as possible, how Siobhan would bled and feel some pain then feel pleasure, how it was ok if she became extremely moistened at the thought of it days later and what to look for afterward to see if she was with child. Siobhan hated playing dumb to it all. She wanted to scream out 'I KNOW!!' many, many times. It nearly drove her insane, but thanks to the sneaking of the ale from other servants, she was able to resist grabbing her hair and yanking. It was only when her mother began to get off topic and start on her wedding night that Siobhan screamed for her to stop with a nervous laugh. She did not wish to hear that, or she would not want to lay with her husband tomorrow! When the morning of the wedding came, Siobhan was nervous all over again. Her hair had been left down and in soft spirals while decorated with flowers to match her dress. A silver metal crown was placed upon the top of her head, while her dress was a brilliant coloring of plaited blues and silvers. The tartan was secured across her breast along with two pins. One would be presented to her husband while the other was her own to keep the tartan on.[/ul]
BOLVERK THE SMITH[/color] Whatever emotion Bolverk held with that, seemed to be hidden.
"Instead, you can give it to Siol. As a gift for his acceptance on this marriage. The other one, I made for you to give to your bride to be. I thought, it would be nice to have a sword to your first son, be made from his grandfather's hands alone." Bolverk stood and waited for Lucius to look over them both. Bolverk did not skip out on the sword to a possible grandson. He made it sturdy and light weighted because Lucius and Siobhan were more slender in build. He assumed his grandson might be as well, though there was a chance he could bulk up like either his grandparents. When the guards came to gather them, Bolverk reached out to grasp his son's shoulder and used the other arm to reach out, waiting for Lucius to take it. Fingers wrapped about the wrist in roman tradition before he used the hand on the shoulder to pull his son towards him and hug him. Despite it all, he was proud of Lucius and the man he was becoming. He had been for some time. He finally released his son and gathered the swords up to recover them.
"I will carry them and present them to you when you need them."[/ul]
SIR LUCIUS[/color] Lucius didn't know what else to say. Due to stitching having been removed days ago, Lucius took care as he leaned forward and reached for the belt. Slipping it around his waist and fastening the elaborate buckle, Lucius reached for the sporran as his father placed what he brought with him on the bed. Even as he put the sporran on, his eyes watched the unveiling of the swords his father brought with him. Lucius paused, and turned his gaze to his father. He watched his father's face intently, looking for a hint of what he might be feeling inside. Unfortunately, as expected of his father, he showed none of it. Reaching for the sword he first made, Lucius pulled it out of the sheath, examined it, and smiled softly at the memory.
"I remember this...it was the first sword I ever made...I was so proud of this..Acidus, I called it.." Lucius placed the sword back into the leather sheath and glanced to the sword Bolverk made. To give to his wife...and hopefully his son if they had one. Every sword Bolverk made, Lucius was in awe of. His father was the best, and he was proud to be his son. Picking it up as well, Lucius marveled at the craftsmanship.
"I would have it no other way, father.." And Lucius meant that, not simply because Bolverk made excellent weapons, but because it came from him. Setting it down, Lucius made sure he was dressed with every bit of Scottish attire and turned to Bolverk, but there was a knock at the door. Damn. Glancing over his shoulder, Lucius nodded to the guards and turned back to his father. Clasping the man's shoulder with a hand, the other gripped his forearm firmly. In true Roman fashion that salute turned into a heart-felt hug one Lucius accepted and gave willingly. When Bolverk released him and picked up the swords, Lucius paused him with a hand to his shoulder.
"Father...thank you. For everything. I am glad you are here, today..it makes me feel less alone knowing that you are here. I'm proud to be your son..I know I never say that enough...but I am." And, like his father, Luciud tried to hide the emotions welling up inside. He couldn't tear up now...his father would think him silly. Clearing his throat, Lucius picked up the sword that he made years ago, his gift to Siol.
"I'll go find Siol so I can give this to him...I hope he approves." He whispered, and once his father was ready, Lucius left with the guards and went about the castle to find Siol. When he found the man, Lucius did his best to bow as low as his injured side would allow him.
"My Lord...I have a gift for you, hoping that it pleases you." Lifting the sword, Lucius held it with both hands in presentation to Siol.
"Acidus...this was the first sword I ever made, among the best under the teachings of my father. It is strong and sharp, as is its name in Latin." Inside, he was shaking; praying that Siol would approve...Lucius was desperate for the man's favour after all that happened.[/ul]
BOLVERK THE SMITH[/color] They parted ways shortly after.[/ul]
LORD SIOL MACLEOD[/color] Hands moved out to take the sword from the man and carefully held it. He tested it by getting some room and swinging it about. There was some skill left in the older male yet!
"Acidus you said? It is a fine sword and a fine gift for my acceptance. Thank you Sir Lucius. Despite our previous talks, I am hoping to see great things from you." He answered honestly before he handed the sword towards Rufus for safe keeping.
"Come now lad, it is time to make you a MacLeod." He grasped Lucius shoulder and gave it a pat as the men around them gave a cheer to making Lucius a member of the clan. Siol only walked him halfway, and then left him to see his daughter. Rufus would take Lucius the rest of the way.[/ul]
BOLVERK THE SMITH LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD LORD SIOL MACLEOD[/color] Siol handed the tartan to a very eager Siobhan.[/ul]
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD BOLVERK THE SMITHSIR LUCIUS[/color] Time to make him a MacLeod...time to marry Siobhan! Lucius forced himself not to smile wide as Siol patted his shoulder. Instead, he gave a curt, proud nod; it was respectable as opposed to beaming like a fool in love. Lucius walked with the men, feeling odd and uncomfortable walking with nothing but the kilt covering his lower half. However, he hid it well as he followed the path and stood beside his father. He needed Bolverk there...for the same reason they asked the man to stand beside his son. His nerves were aflutter; he could feel the knotting in his stomach already twisting and turning. The crowd became a great means to gauge what was happening next; when they cheered again and clapped, he knew Siobhan was coming. His heart skipped a beat. Brown eyes watched anxiously as he waited for Siobhan to appear. When she did, his eyes widened and her smile put one on his face instantly. In all her Scottish glory, Siobhan looked like an angel. She still had the dress that they were first married in, but seeing her in her pride...it made her all the more beautiful. Lucius waited for Siobhan to kiss her mother goodbye, and held out his hand. At first, he was unsure, but quickly understood and held Siobhan's hand as Siol demonstrated. Brown eyes danced from her face to the beautiful artifacts she now held in her hands. Their rings. They were huge...but beautiful! On the top of the gold pieces were the emblems of the clan...the seal. His heart was skipping all over the place when the priest began the ceremony, and despite the fact that he was trying hard to focus on the man's words, all he could think about was how beautiful Siobhan looked and how he wanted to kiss her senselessly. The first was performed in the original dialect of the Scots, a proud and noble history in the language they understood best. And then, it was performed again in Latin; that was a language that Bolverk and Lucius could better comprehend. Dark eyes turned to Siol; in his hands was the clan tartan in the form of a sash. He was going to be a MacLeod. Realization slapped him hard in the face. Having no last name or clan, it was he, not Siobhan, entering a clan; that only rang in the favour of the MacLeods...and Siobhan. Lucius smiled.
"I would be proud to become a MacLeod by more than marriage, but name as well." Lucius replied, before his attention shifted to Siobhan as she held the tartan. His eyes never left her face as he watched her place the tartan over his shoulder and around him to fasten it against his side with the brooch. He was now a MacLeod. The priest went on, and when it came time to present her with the gift, Lucius looked over his shoulder and to his father. Turning to the man, he took the sheathed sword and presented it to Siobhan.
"I give to you the sword, crafted with care by the hands of my father, to protect you and our family henceforth...to be passed down to a hopeful grandson that he may defend his family, his country, and his clan."[/ul]
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD[/color] the last part was whispered, almost with a sigh though her smile never once faltered. She did touch the handle to show she accepted, before the priest said the sword could be given back to Bolverk to hold for the time being. Siobhan's eyes lingered on it as it switched hands, wishing she could hold it. One their wedding night, she was going to swing it around in the privacy of their room! When Lucius faced back to her, the priest moved to the presentation of the rings. Siobhan waited for Lucius to take hers into his hand and place it gently on her finger. The weight settled and she stared at it for a short period of time to admire it. Her clan's crest stared back at her. Lucius fingers distracted her when he rubbed the tips over her knuckles. Lucius ring was a big more heavy then her own and when Siobhan went to place it on, she accidentally almost placed it the wrong way, but turned it around and slid it down his finger. She returned the gesture and rubbed his knuckles back. Every organ seemed alive inside of her as she knew it was coming to an end. The priest told them to kiss and seal their bond, to which a bit over eager Siobhan nearly jumped into Lucius' arms and grabbed his face to pull him to her hard for a kiss that she could not get for nearly a month and a half! Little did she know that her father's face was a slight shock at her behavior, her mother was crying tears of joy, her uncle was laughing so hard he nearly fell out of his chair and even a stoic Bolverk had his brow rose high while he smiled at his new daughter in law. Siobhan could have eaten Lucius up right there! It took the priest three clearing of the throats and a hand on their shoulders to snap Siobhan out of it. She was panting hard when she pulled back and her face was completely flushed.[/ul]
LORD RUFUS MACLEOD[/color] Rufus spat out in his fit of laughter. The crowd was in a roar of cheers, so few heard him. That did not stop Siobhan's mother from smacking his arm.[/ul]
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEODSIR LUCIUS MACLEODLADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD[/color] Siobhan teased as she pulled his hand up and kissed his knuckles gently. It was a very affectionate thing to do and either Siobhan was completely taken in by the joy of the day, or Lucius truly did leave her exposed to become softer somehow. Unknowingly, her father's eyes watched the two and was looking for more proof. Proof he was getting as Siobhan and Lucius showed their love.
"How is your side feeling? Would you like to leave for a moment to have a healer look at it?"[/ul]
SIR LUCIUS MACLEOD[/color] Lucius replied, grinning as she kissed his knuckles. Leaning in, Lucius pulled her hand to his chest, brushing her knuckles were the pendant hid under his tunic.
"I love you, Siobhan...and now I don't have to hide it.." He whispered to her, before pressing pursed lips to hers sweetly. Lucius had no idea that they were being watched, but then again he didn't care. Siobhan had his attention tonight and he didn't have to hide it. Pulling back, the tip of his nose brushed against her cheek before he leaned back in the wooden chair.
"I am feeling fine right now. Not even my side can pull me away from you..not today. We've waited too long for this." And that had been longer than a month's time they waited to show their love without worry of others.[/ul]
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD[/color] she reinforced him and made a fist with her other hand playfully. Lucius knew well enough about her little temper. She kissed his cheek when it was close enough and watched him lean back into the chair.
"That it has husband. Now eat up and get your strength. Tonight is our wedding night." Though how well they could make love would depend on how Lucius felt by the end of the night. With his still healing wound, she did not want to push him too hard. Not yet. The food finally filled their plates and they announcement to eat was well under way. Siobhan went right for her potatoes first and with each fork full of potatoes, she had a meat on there as well. She liked to eat them both at once to taste all the spices and juices rolling about. Ale was passed out to all as a drink, including Siobhan. Time escaped them as they ate their food. The bagpipes never seemed to stop, but eased down with a joyful tune as everyone ate. It was blissful to have that background music there and look to everyone's face to see how much of a good time they were having. When the food was cleared away, deserts were brought out for the next round of feasting. Once they were done, Siol stood up and made an announcement of keeping the traditions going. The first dance, was for the new bride and groom. The reel. Siobhan near hopped up from her seat, took Lucius hand and pulled him to the floor in the middle of the tables. Other rose and tables were shifted and pushed back to give much more space in the middle of the hall, though plenty was given already. The bagpipes paused as Siobhan and Lucius took their positions. Siobhan grabbed up her skirts with one hand and held them up to let her black boots give their glance to the world. She waited for the bagpipes to begin in a long note, before the drums were added in and people began to clap to make another beat. The bagpipers played an upbeat tune, which had Siobhan and Lucius moving in their circle. Siobhan twirled and made her skirts flare out before she grabbed Lucius arm and spun about then released it to dance upon her toes. It was a repeated process, one that had Siobhan laughing loudly and turning red with excitement as she watched her husband put on the steps this time in front of the crowd. She knew this dance like the back of her hand, but would make light if Lucius faultered a time or two. She would be there to help him out. They had five rounds with just the two of them, before Siol and her mother stepped in, then Rufus, then Bolverk and two single ladies to take up dancing with both men as their partners. Four more rounds were for the parents and uncle, before more joined in making the circle bigger, and bigger. Siobhan felt herself growing parched, but she would keep up for a time until Lucius showed signs of slowing.[/ul]
SIR LUCIUS MACLEOD[/color] He teased, placing his other hand over her first and lowering it. Siobhan certainly did not have to tell him twice to eat up! With his plate literally loaded, Lucius acquired a hearty appetite thanks to his times away at war. While Siobhan liked to combine her foods, Lucius had a method and started with the vegetables and worked his way to the meats. Ale and mead was passed around. Alcohol...it was his bane! Even as he ate, Lucius never was without touching Siobhan in some manner, be it his leg against hers under the table or his hand holding hers. Even in play, Lucius offered her a forkful of his desert, not afraid to treat her like the princess she was to him. After the feast, it came time for the dancing. Oh no. Lucius was left without a choice; Siobhan seized his hand and was pulling him to the dance floor. Lucius chuckled and straightened a bit. Taking their positions, the bagpipes let out a longwinded note, followed by the pounding of drums and timed clapping. Lucius moved in a circle, remember the steps that he watched his father and even tried himself a few times. Lucius twirled fluidly, or as fluidly as his side would allow him. The bottom of the kilt flared a bit, but not so much as to reveal his assets. Looping his arm with Siobhan, they spun in a circle before tipping out to dance solo. Once again, they came back together to spin again, followed by five more rounds before others started to join in. Lucius reeled with Siobhan's mother while Siol spun with Siobhan. Throughout it all, Lucius was smiling and even laughing. Soon, more and more joined in to the point of making a large circle. With hands on shoulders, they all danced around, and even though his side started to ache, Lucius kept going until there were so many people dancing; he could duck out without being noticed. If Siobhan wanted to continue dancing, Lucius was not about to stop her. Chest heaving, Lucius headed for the table and lowered himself into the chair slowly for a break. Without hesitation, he reached for the ale and downed what was left in his goblet.[/ul]
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD[/color] She slurred to her uncle.[/ul]
LORD RUFUS MACLEOD[/color][/ul]
LADY SIOBHAN MACLEOD[/color][/ul]
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