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Post by Lord Iain Robertson on Jul 22, 2010 18:52:44 GMT -6
Iain and Keliana In the dungeons of Dun Darroch, three cells now held those that were charged with treason against the King for the battles in Sleat. Lord Alexander and Iain's wife, Keliana, had let certain information slip to the King that Robertson and MacLeod men, along with some Argyll had ventured south to kill Searc MacGregor for mortal actions against his wife Chloestrain MacGregor.
What the King did not know was that the information was only partially correct, and that the incident was overstated. It was shortly after Searc and Lindal MacGregor left, that Keliana, by unscrupulous means sought entry to the dungeons. There she portrayed the wounded wife, her hsband destined to be beheaded for treason.
After Searc and Lindal had departed, Keliana, convinced that Lady Chloe would try to harm her, and the guards, mesmerized by her charm, now moved Chloe from the more comfortable cell of iron bars to the dark dank cell next to Iain’s. Flipping back the golden hair, she then made her way into the corridor, just as Iain had resettled back onto the straw. With a smile, the guards were convinced to wait outside while she spoke to her husband.
“Iain… Iain, tis I Keliana… Oh my beloved… I am so worried for your health. Are yu well?. The children miss yu so…” With an unseen smirk, she began to speak thru the door, a voice just high enough for all to hear.
“Keliana? What are you doing down here? Be with the children, they need yu more than I. Are they well? For I fear I am doomed… for reasons unknown.” He just settled back upon the straw.
“Oh Iain…” she began to fake a small whimper, her hand wiping back unsewn tears. “Lord Alexander is attempting to secure yer freedom…” she neared the door and put her cheek against it, only to pull away, fearing to mar her makeup. “Yer Father has requested an audience to speak to the King upon yer behalf…but…” then she neared the door. “…but he wants you to disavow the boy Robin as yer rightful heir…”
“What??? Disavow Robin? Never !!” Iain neared the door, only to pound it with his fist… “Go away harlot… seek the bed of my Father as I wonder had yu nay…” he began to pace.
“Iain… yer Father sends me here to beg for yer freedom… Even if we cannot save you from the King’s wrath, we need to secure the lands for our children… think of them…” Kel smirked, pretending to cry. “All he wants is to have yu disavow Robin and yer love of Chloe, proclaim me as yer lawful wife, and manager of all estates… especially should yu be found guilty… Oh my love, I pray yu do this for the children…” Once again she pretended to sob. Oh such an actress! She should have been on stage. “If the King finds you guilty, he can take all lands you own… think of our children…”
“I shall be found innocent regardless… for I have done nothing wrong. I shall nay give up my love for Robin and Chloe… as for yu… and my Father, may yu both burn in hell for your actions… I know in my heart, tis the evil man and his harlot that have brought shame upon the Robertson… as he always has… Be gone from here… torture me no more!!!” then he walked to the rear of the cell.
And oh the actress played her part well, as she covered her mouth sobbing, or at least putting on a show for the guards. “Oh Iain…” as she runs to the corridor door banging upon the wooden door crying for the guards to open. And as they did, she surely put on a show of grief for them… and she exited the dungeons.
Iain continued to curse the bane of womanhood as he mulled his incarceration. He knew Robin would be safe under Searc, for the man had no heirs, and he depended upon Chloestrain, and Robin, to keep the clan together. But what of his other children… he would not abandon them either… and he could not leave them to the evilest man and his harlot… lest they become as he… guilty of being a Robertson.
Mark could hear the conversation between Iain and Keliana… and it irked him… He knew the audacity the wench could muster… and the evil that Alexander was capable of. He felt sorry for his Lord, and knew he should have eliminated the wench years ago. It was amazing how one could get lost in Robertson Hills… Then he relected to Shyvonne… He knew Searc would not allow a Robertson to marry a MacGregor… much less his own sister… Even though Mark was clan, he was a sept of the Robertson… but Searc saw him as a mere stableman, not even a HorseMaster. God he missed Shyvonne… and what of Robin? The poor lad was caught in the middle of Iain and Keliana… and what of Iain’s other children… Alexander II, Duncan II, and Emily…? they were fine children, learned and intelligent… all more like their Father than their Mother… Thank God.
Iain grit his teeth and plopped down upon the straw… his slate grey eyes scanning the stone… for the lack of anything else to keep his mind busy. Low, to the floor, he noticed a space between the stones that had been etched… Had someone his Father had incarcerated attempted to dig their way out…? He leaned down and examined the hole more closely… Light?! There was light in the hole, and he used his fingers to clean it out. Hems of a dress…? He saw a figure moving back and forth…
“Chloe…” he said into the hole… “Chloe? Is that yu?” He stuck a piece of straw thru the hole and began wiggling it… Again speaking into the hole… “Chloe… down here…” he paused… “Oh God, let her see that I am here…” he prayed out loud… Could she hear him? Could she see the wiggling piece of straw? Otherwise, the pair was divided by stone and wood, unable to see, hear, smell, nor touch one another… There he lay upon the floor, arms propping him high enough to see thru the small hole big enough for two fingers, but far too in depth to stick his fingers thru.[/color]
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Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Jul 22, 2010 19:01:39 GMT -6
The Trial of Traitors – The Beginning After the din of a King’s welcome had died down… and the royal family was all settled in… the sun rising above the horizon and shining down upon Dun Darroch, found the King and Queen settling into the chairs at the raised table; with the stewards of the Clans on the left and right, the advocates for the prosecution and defense upon the floor below. Men dressed in gray robes approached the King and Queen… presenting document after document, all handed to the valet before being received by the King. Adam perused each one in excrutiating detail. Then handing each document to Bess. With each comment, the scibe wrote diligently what the King had said.
Next came interviews… men and women were called forth, each giving their version of what had happened and why. Lauds and applauds for the presumed heroes of Sleat were given by MacGregor, Robertson, and MacLeod clan members… though damning evidence was also offered by some MacGregor against the Robertson and MacLeod… and vice versa… but the most damning came from the Lady Keliana representing Lord Alexander…
She produced documents, supposedly original, signed long before her marriage to Iain, that he had been proposing marriage to Lady Chloestrain… and the affair continued long after Iain’s marriage to Keliana… even after she bore him sons… and added upon by witnesses that the love the man bore for his mistress was just cause to invade the MacGregor land to seek revenge upon his lover’s murder. Other witnesses spoke of Lord Iain’s outright cry for revenge… stopping at Dunsgate only to find Lord Searc not there…
Other witnesses spoke of Iain’s sending his servant, Mark Collier, to Sleat… to assist the Lady Chloestrain in meeting her lover… Some witnesses even offered the possibility of the lad Robin, as being Mark’s, and neither Lord Iain’s, nor Lord Searc’s, as proclaimed… And it was Lord Iain that ordered Mark Collier to Sleat… then to the Oisles Academy to hide Master Robin from truth… and after, wooing the Lady Shyvonne into false security of love, convinced her to go aid the Robertson in their quest.
It was up to the royal pair to listen to all sides of the story… then together, they would make a decision as to what is right… and what are falsehoods… then to decree a Kingly judgement upon those charged… For Adam, this was difficult… as he knew Iain as a hothead… wildly in love with Chloestrain… That Lord Alexander was a meddlesome old traditionalist… and, though opinionated, he figured Keliana as a woman scorned.
But he was surprised that Chloestrain would actually don the armour and sword in defense of the MacGregor… so demure… so beautiful… yet the woman had a fighting streak. He smiled as he thought of Bess, his glance averting only for a moment.Iain stood behind the rail… his wrists and ankles shackled like a common prisoner. Beside him was Mark… Their clothes were dirty… and bloodstained from the battles.
Their faces now sporting beards, their heads unkempt hair… all from the days in the dungeon. Many times Iain tried to interrupt the witnesses, by calling them liars… or traitors to the clan… or cesspool scum for taking Alexander’s money to lie and spread falsehood. And even Mark began to cry foul as witnesses began to speak against him. Both only to be quelled by the simple hand of the King. Their plea for mercy duly noted.
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Post by Men of Skye on Jul 22, 2010 19:31:36 GMT -6
Kane and Shyvonne- Revelations Shyvonne: This was absolute torture. Now with pliminary interviews over, the date of the trial had not been set. Why the long wait when everything had been rushed to get interviews in? Every day was like a stab to the heart for the people who cared about those in the dungeons. Searc for some odd reason was watching who visited the dungeons more closely then he had before. Her visit with Robin had been widely frowned upon, but there would be no swaying Shyvonne that she had done the wrong thing. There was never any swaying of Shyvonne to anything. She was headstrong and she knew it as well as she knew it was often viewed for stubbornness. There was work needing to be done to restore the reputation of the Academy, and yet she could not keep her mind focused on it. Often staring into the blank pages of the book she kept notes on about the Academy, quill at the ready and nothing coming to mind even though she knew there were loads she should say. When push came to shove and the frustration was just to much to bare as well as the four walls of the room she shared with her sister, she left Robin in Leigha’s care, grabbed up her cloak and went off the to explore the grounds of Struan. She found herself stopping on a bridge that ran over a brook, her elbows falling to the railing as she stared down into the bubbling and fast current water. There was just so much she was feeling. Frustration that the trial had not come yet, guilt for not being able to do more, loneliness with Mark locked away and her not being able to visit him, an urge to get back to the Academy and more guilt for wanting to be there, instead of here in this situation. There was a wealth of other emotions she felt and yet she couldn't put a name to them for sure that if she did, such a bottle of emotion would make her explode. Surely one could not feel all of this and survive it? Clasping her hands together, her head dipped casting the dark tendrils of hair into her face as she closed her eyes to the scene of cascading water.Kane: Kane had been at Searc's side through all the interviews, and they had discussed at length the box of letters that Kane had in his possession, since Vargus had been killed. The Letters and documents were indeed the secret weapon of the MacGregors, in regards to the trial, and perhaps the only hope that Chloe, Mark, and Iain had of being saved from the gallows. Thus, Searc and Kane had kept it to themselves mostly, save for Shyvonne who had read them on the way. Being a MacGregor in Struan, in a place where MacGregors were on par, with witches, demons , thieves and trash... was not the safest place for those bearing the Name… When Kane had dropped by Shyvonne and Lindall's room to find Shyvonne out and about on her own, he had cursed beneath his breath, and went looking for her. After some time, he spotted her on a stone bridge looking rather pensive. He dismounted his horse and led it to stand close to her, knowing well she heard his approach but standing silently at her side, holding his tongue from the scolding he was about to give her on going out alone, when he saw the look of trouble on her face. He had resigned himself to the fact she was in love with Mark, but that did not change his feelings for her, and to see her upset and troubled, made him flinch slightly somewhere in the vicinity of his heart… yet her words from before, replayed in that same region with resounding clarity... Don't let your house go to waste basically telling him she was out of reach forever and to find another... what a blow... Yet no matter how much he wanted to just ride off and forget her, start anew... or just forget her... he couldn't... not when so much was at stake both for the Clan and Shyvonne… if Mark was found guilty and sentenced to death, Shyvonne would be heartbroken... and she would need someone... even if only in the capacity of a friend. Leaning down with his elbows against the railing of the bridge, he stared out over the creek in her direction... wondering at her thoughts. Shyvonne: Her head lifted somewhat when she heard the horse approach but when no words rang out in her direction when she heard the horse stop and the rider dismount, she knew it was someone she knew. With no argument on the horizon about how she shouldn't be out here alone, her head fell again. She knew it was Kane when he came to stand beside her. He always smelled of dirt... and sandalwood. Growing up with him, he always smelled of exactly those two scents and even if he bathed, that was the odd thing. She waited, quite patiently for him to say something, sure he was going to give her a reaming for going off without a guard especially in a place that hated MacGregor but it didn't come. Her mouth turned upward into a grin for the fraction of a second, to quickly to even tell if it had even been there.
They had come full circle again, as they had always done since they were children. Playing together, fighting and hating each other, to being friends again. It had always been that way with them, never had she suspected his feelings for her. And when she left to start the Academy, it had never occurred to her. Perhaps she was to preoccupied with the Academy... with herself. Yes, she knew she was energetic. She commanded attention, but she never meant it to be that way, not really. Her mouth opened and then closed. She found it hard to talk to him, feeling as if she was leading him on. She loved him, but she was not IN love with him. She loved him, but not the way she loved Mark. So much of her wanted to explain this to him but she felt as if it would be a slap in the face to him. Uncurling her fingers from one another, she clasped the side of the bridge and leaned towards the water, even though she was a fair distance from it, she felt her heart quicken pace. She was terrified of the water, having all most drowned as a child. Leaning up again, she sucked in a breath and shook her head to clear the hair from her face. "Do you think..." she started and stopped leaning down as her elbows fell to the railing again. "Do you think I live in a fairytale world?" She asked of him, finally raising those moss green eyes to him.Kane: He didn't answer for a moment still staring at the water.. then chuckled lightly "I suppose I would have to know the reference in the case that someone has told you... you do live in a fairytale world… to answer that correctly, but yes… I think you live a charmed life, you have had many opportunities not given to most unmarried women, much less one of your noble standing, and importance within a clan. Most in your position would have been married off to gain more power and prestige within the clan by the time they were 14." He still had not looked at her, just clasp his hands before him and looked up to the horizon.. "Your a rare woman Shyvonne, not only in the things you have been given in allowed to do... but in spirit and heart as well... perhaps to much for your own good.. but on the downside, it leads to a real lack in your judgement skills... as you should know better than to be out alone in this town.. it's not safe " he was lecturing her, but the tone in which he did took some of the bite from it… "Much too independent for your own good…" a twitch of his lips "Bless Mark for taking you on, you'll be the death of him if he makes it out of this."Shyvonne: She tightened her grasp on the railing as she rocked back till her arms strained straight as an arrow and then rocked back towards it. When he spoke, her attention turned away from him to the landscape before her. Sighing, she let go of the railing. She had wanted honesty, but honestly, she didn't want to hear that she did indeed live in a fairytale world. "A charmed life…" She hummed in a note like amusement but her face showed nothing of feeling such a thing.
Reaching up, she unclasped the hook of her cloak and threw the material over the railing to flutter in the breeze… the red color of her dress and the paleness of her skin gave her the look of the fairytale princess Snow White especially with the darkness of her hair against the paleness of her skin. She shook her head as tossed in his lecture with his answer. She wouldn't respond to that part not wanting to start a fight she didn't have the strength for. "Searc is watching the dungeons, or who visits them and who... I couldn't stay cooped up in my room anymore." She slapped a hand against the railing and then turned, antsy now, she walked off the bridge and onto the grassy knoll beyond. "I know I have been blessed with much a woman of my status wouldn't normally have. That's not what I meant." Her hand lifted to touch at her forehead before pulling the strands of her hair over one shoulder how she normally liked it. "I don't know what I mean."
She finally offered frustrated because she couldn't quite put to words what she was feeling and ashamed at the emotions she all ready knew. "Searc isn't the first one to do it, but our family seems to have been cursed with such unhappiness, forced marriages. Giving up on one’s own dreams and wishes. Is it wrong of me to want my dreams and wishes to come true? Am I selfish then?" She sighed and flopped down onto the ground pulling her dress back behind her bottom so she wasn't showing him her privates. "Was it so wrong of me to want to believe Searc would allow me to marry for love? To believe for so long as I did, that he would allow me to make the decision myself? I know it’s not going to happen now. Especially to Mark. A Robertson, never." She shook her head and stared down at the grass. "Searc knows I am in love with someone and at first I didn't tell him because I was defiant and now… I am afraid of what he would do to Mark and because I..." She stopped and swallowed. "I feel like a traitor to my family but I am not sorry…" Her head rose to look at him. "So what's the remedy Kane? Should I stop fighting? Should I stop... being me" She shook her head again unsure of how that sounded. "Should I be like Lindall? Obedient to everything. I love Lindall but for so long I thought her weak for being so obedient and now, I envy her for it because I want to fight it, but I want... what I want."Kane: "Next time you need to get out, just ask for an escort and either myself or my men will accompany you ." he listened as she spoke about Searc having the dungeons watched and frowned… "Shy... I know you care for Mark, but now is not the best timing to let Searc know of your feelings for Mark... as you say, it could endanger Mark further." He would not tell her that Searc's plan was to offer up a scapegoat for the satisfaction of the King, to save Chloe, and that either Iain or Mark would be perfectly suitable... of course Searc preferred Iain, as he was a thorn in his side from the beginning... but Mark would also suffice if push come to shove... However, Kane was diligently working to make sure that Mark did not fall into that trap, as much as he envied Mark with Shyvonne's love, he and Mark were sword brothers, sworn friends, and both cared about Shyvonne... if Mark was her heart... Kane had vowed see it not be broken if he could stop it... "As for if you were wrong to believe in those things, perhaps not wrong, but... naive... You see the world differently... thorough your books and art, you see the beauty, and perhaps the magic. Where in reality, there is war, famine, and marriages for power and money, and where women are prized for the fruit of their wombs, not their minds... or hearts... " The way he said it made it clear that he cherished her for more than any child she would ever bear… "Why do you think I've worked so hard all these years, to build up wealth and prestige within the clan... So that I would be a worthy candidate in Searc's eyes for you... because if not... you might be married off to some stranger who would not allow you to have your dreams..." he stopped... his jaw twitching as he blabbered out the truth, after following her to the knoll and settling beside her... "Dammit " he cursed under his breath looking up at wafting clouds in a summer blue sky... "It matters not now... only that we concentrate on Mark and Chloe... getting them out of there... and having them found innocent..." his voice was gruff, he had sworn not to humiliate himself further after her rebuttal, but something in her always made him want to tell her the truth… or maybe he just wanted her to know... that someone... did value her... and her dreams.Shyvonne: "I hate going everywhere with an escort. Sometimes I would just like to be alone. Surely you can understand that." Her face pinched as he rebuffed her excuse with more of a lecture. She made a face again when he said it was naive of her to think that way, for a moment it seemed as if she was going to stick her tongue out at him as she plucked at the grass beneath her upturned legs but then she smiled when he said she saw the world differently and suddenly it did not seem so wrong to see the world that way. Really now that she thought about it, it was a wonder she saw life that way at all considering growing up with Searc. It sounded sweet and endearing coming from his lips but it made her also feel all the more guilty that he cared so greatly for her and she did not for him.
She couldn't help but let out a laugh as he cursed taking a seat beside her. "That's very sweet of you Kane. You are a good man, one any woman would be lucky to have in her life." She stopped plucking at the grass to raise her eyes to him. "And Iain, regardless of if he was coming to Dunsgate to murder all of us or not, the point is he didn't. He stood besides the MacGregor to fight the MacDonald." She stopped, her hand posed to plucking more grass. "Kane, that's it..."She breathed as if surprised she hadn't thought of it before. "I... have to go." she spoke and made to get up then stopped an leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you" She whispered and then jumped up breaking off into a run, she grabbed her cloak from the bridge and took off back towards the castle.Shyvonne and Gaius – Revelations, Part deaux When she came back to the room after having her conversation with Kane, she sat down to her desk again. Lindall was nowhere to be found and for once Shyvonne was glad of it. She loved her sister dearly, but to see her with such heartache, only made Shyvonne feel guilty that she should have happiness and her sister did not, even despite the current circumstances.
For hours she wrote in her ledger even declining to come to dinner with the rest of the family. She wrote even when Lindall went lay down to sleep on one side of their shared bed and Robin was laying in his cot at the foot of their bed. They would have to deal with the candlelight until they fell asleep, Shyvonne was on a mission.
Late into the night she wrote down different facts and discussions with those that had been interviewed and using the page on the right to add in her own notes. She was not so naive that she thought her own argument for the case would win out and the three would be set free but no longer was she going to puddle and see what happened. No longer was she going to just make a plea for their lives nor just state quite obviously an intelligent woman who had convinced Mark to go, rather than him convincing her to give up men to join the fight. She worked hard, late into the night when the candle was nearly spent, before falling asleep.
Thankfully no nightmare followed, just simple dreams of the time she had spent with Mark at the Academy, talking in between classes, playing chess late at night in the Dining Hall, riding their horses around the grounds when the weather was nice and no one was around to disturb them. "My Lady" A voice called pushing through the new dream that had preceded the others.The room was dark except for a few candles nearly spent on the side table beside the bed and one across the room on her vanity. The covers were a mess upon the bed and she lay on her stomach upon the bed, Mark was behind her, his hands caressing at her sides and over the rounded orbs of her behind while his face dipped to kiss at her shoulder and then run down the length of her spine. Her mouth opened in ecstasy to the feeling of his lips against her skin prickling it into goose bumps. The dream shifted to him upon his back, grinning up at her as her fingers caressed down the chiseled features of his chest before dipping low, her hair tickling at his skin as she kissed his exposed chest and then again the dream shifted to her straddling his waist, his hands knotted in her hair, her mouth again open in ecstasy with her head thrown back as her hips heaved forward and backward rocking in rhythm to his thrusts upward into her. "My Lady!" The voice called pushing through her dream again and Shyvonne gasped as she nearly jumped out of the bed awake and then realized someone had put her in her bed where she had fallen asleep at the desk. Leigha was looking down at her with a blush in her cheeks and this made Shyvonne realize she had been moaning, quite pleasurably in her sleep that it had embarrassed her lady-in-waiting.Humming a note of embarrassment herself. She rolled slowly to her side and then pushed to sit up in the bed as her hand rose to shove through the disheveled mess of her hair. "Sorry, Leigha" She hummed sleepily as she blinked her eyes to the light of day spilling into the room. "What is it?" She asked, noting not her maid, but that she had been left in her clothing from the day before. "You have a visitor" Leigha mumbled as she averted her eyes for a moment then turned them back to her Mistress. Day by day she watched her mistress flicker through a chorus of emotions, each one more heartbreaking than the next to witness. There was many things that Leigha wished for her Mistress, unhappiness was not one of them; but Leigha who had been rescued from the desolate fields with no memory of how she had gotten there, nor who her parents were, by the MacGregor, was fiercely loyal to them, and to her mistress; but it worried her, this infatuation that her mistress had with Mark Collier. Leigha had always known her lady to be a sensible woman albeit a special way with looking at the world and teaching the students how to see it through her eyes but she did not question her methods, it was not her job to question her mistress but every day Leigha wrestled if she should go to Searc about this infatuation Shyvonne had with Professor Collier, if only to save her from a mistake having known herself the history between that man and women, although she knew nothing of Chloe and Mark. "A visitor, here?" Shyvonne questioned looking confused and then lifted off the bed to straighten her dress. It would have to do; she didn't want to keep them waiting."I'll let them in...He's outside the door. I thought it best you meet in private my lady" Leigha responded and then moved to the door to let in her ladies visitor.For a moment Shyvonne heart leapt into her throat… Meet someone in private? Had Mark been let out of the dungeons? It was disappointing when her visitor walked through the door her heart still leapt with joy at the sight of Gaius limping in upon his cane. "Gaius!" She exclaimed with a breath that seemed both disappointed and yet surprised and excited all at the same time.The old man chuckled as he limped his way in, his arms opening for the hug that came his way as Shyvonne crossed the floor to him. "Look at you my dear." He exclaimed as he held her close then released her taking a step back to take her in. "You took up all the space in the room when you were born and you still do! Absolutely breathtaking!" He complimented her then followed as she lead him to a seat and he lowered into it with much creaking and popping on his old bodies parts which made him groan out in satisfaction at the relief sitting down gave him. "William sends his best, he is still in the Middle East, with talk of a war brewing he did not want to miss it. He also sends his disappointment at not receiving a letter from you, but given what I have heard on my journey here, I do not blame you."Slowly Shyvonne found her own seat looking surprised when he mentioned William and then guilty for having forgotten to write him; but the guilt did not last long as the pleasure at seeing her old friend and mentor sitting across from her again. "So what brings you here?" She asked and sat back quietly as Leigha brought tea and set it out for them."You mean what brings me home or what brings me here to Struan?" The old man asked with a smile on his lips which in his old age made the lines near the edges of his mouth appear. "Simply put it was time to come home, and here, well after hearing the goings on, I couldn't help but come and be at your side in your time of need. Nasty business really. I doubt Searc wants you here for moral support of the family more then he does to keep an eye on you. There are rumors of a certain school mistress being in love. Fascinating theory, love." The old man grinned again across the way to Shyvonne and took a sip of tea. "I'd ask to hear all about him, but from what I understand Searc is quite displeased with it; even if the rumors are he doesn't know who the man is. Your brother would be displeased if you fell in love with a prince only because he didn't choose the man himself!" Gaius made no attempt to mask his displeasure for Searc, he had even once gone as far as to tell Searc off, but that incident met with his abrupt departure with William across the world to see it and to explore the science of outer worlds. "Let us talk of your school then since we are limited on what we can talk about... come, tell me everything you can about it. Illuminate me as to what my pupil has aspired to in my absence. I taught you to have a mind Shyvonne, to think beyond the black and white of the world. Tell me it hasn't gone to waste!"For hours the two talked about the Academy. About how she found the abandoned castle in a state of ruin and had fixed it up. She talked about the staff and teachers, she talked about the students and she even talked about the destruction and what lay ahead of them now with the reputation of the school on the edge of a blade. She even told him about her kidnapping and rescue and when she spoke about Mark, her face lit up, and she lapsed into an explanation of the man she was in love with and how she had dreamt of him even before he had arrived but the smile quickly faded from her face and there was no explanation needed on why.Well Gaius simply smiled across the table at her, his hands folded over his stomach as he lounged back within the chair watching the animation taking her face about talking about the school. She loved that school, of that it was completely clear; but her face lit up when she spoke about Mark and it was clear to the old man that something was there. He made the connection then and there, a man of science, it was hard to miss. Though when her face fell, he sighed. Shyvonne had always been the center of attention as a child. She commanded attention and often people saw this of her being spoiled but it was so much more then that. Shyvonne was a dreamer and that did not bode well in a world full of realists. It was hard being a man of science where everything had an explanation and yet having the mind and fortitude to see the things that couldn't be explained either. He lived for science, one of his true passions; but in the world of a dark-haired, mossy-eyed child, he had fallen in love much like a father with a daughter, with her wide-eyed explanations of life and the will, never to be swayed, to believing anything other than what she knew to be true. To see her so torn, broke his heart. "Listen to your old mentor a moment will you? Since you were born, you have commanded attention. You set your sights on something and you went for it, damned what everyone else thought. Defiantly you lifted your chin and did as you blessed. As much as this is a blessing it is also a curse. No, don't look at me like that, I am not putting you down, you just listen. Despite all the plans and dreams you set forth, you have guarded your heart like an icy tomb. I believe this to be because you knew your brother would likely marry you off and your dreams washed aside. Or perhaps it is with lack of love around you. Not that I do not think you are without love, but never knowing your father, or remember him, your brother marrying a woman he obviously didn't love and neither she him. Your family has been painfully cursed with misfortunate marriages since before your birth. And now you feel guilty because you have wants, and you go for them while everyone else sacrifices around you their wants and needs for the Clan. Shyvonne, in my opinion, enough family members have sacrificed for the good of the Clan, do they really need yours? I have a theory and it pains me to think of it. That if you give in, sacrifice for the good of your clan, that this light you possess, our little northern star that you are, you will extinguish. It gives me no pleasure because I do not want to see the light leave your face, and I fear you will sacrifice much more then your happiness. And have your dreams of late lead you to believe there is nothing but misfortune with this man?" He finished with a question, posing it lightly for he knew how she felt about what she dreamt about. As a man of science, naturally he would say they were just dreams, but the nature of her dreams coming true were much more than just coincidence. Shyvonne leaned back quite unladylike within her chair and when Gaius took a breath and the look on his face was plan that he had a lecture in mind, her feet curled up behind her within the chair and her hand fell into her open palm with her elbow leaned up on the table as she smiled lazily in the old man’s direction and when he started to seem to put her down, she scrunched up her face. Why did it seem like such saying about her made her bad! When he said not to look like that, she laughed and turned her eyes back to him. The smile slowly slid from her face when he explained about sacrifices and Shyvonne knew why. She knew the way Gaius looked at her mother and the way her mother had looked at Gaius but it was likely Ivella had sacrificed her own happiness to marry Shyvonne father. And then he asked about her dreams an she began to finger the cloth over the table. "No, its nothing like that. We've even shared the same dream once, when I had been kidnapped, and he and Kane were coming. It's...hard to explain. Searc thinks its childish fancy."Gaius sighed and shifted in his chair. "Shyvonne, my child, listen to me. When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every part of your body. No... don't blush. I am telling you some truths. For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away. Doesn't sound very exciting, does it? But it is!" He shifted to sit up. "You think you are cowardly for hiding this love but in fact you are brave. You are daring to believe that there is life beyond what your brother deems is right. You are daring to believe in a different world, outside of your Clan, and there is no shame or disloyalty in it!"Shyvonne face flushed as if Gaius had been inside her dreams only hours before, but her head lifted to look at him as he noticed it. A slow grin spread over her face as she reached across the table to take his hand and squeeze it. Suddenly a thought came to mind and she looked to the desk and then him. "Would you like to meet him?" She asked and grinned.Gaius and Mark – Revelations, Part troix An hour more later, Gaius was limping his way down the hall of the dungeon with the guard leading the way. "Hurry up young man, these old bones of mine cannot take much." Gaius complained, but rather laying it on thick. He had spunk for an old man but his bones did ache him for the long journey to Struan after having first gone to the Academy to find Shyvonne, and then learning she was in Struan.
The door to Mark's cell opened and the guard lead the way in but mostly to put the chair into the cell and then walk out to leave Gaius alone with the prisoner. "Hello my dear boy. You don't mind if I call you boy, at my age, everyone is a boy. Even someone as old as Searc." And the old man grinned creating the lines at the sides of his mouth as he took to the chair and crossed his hands over the top of his cane, leaning his weight into the snarled stick he called a cane. "I came at the bequest of your lady, not to mention, I wanted to see the man for myself that has opened up her heart. No easy feat I can assure you." The large room that use to cater balls and parties, but now quarters a court was upon Mark’s mind. In the earlier days of Dun Darroch, the Hall was filled with laughter, the sweet smell of ladies, and the stench of ale and mead. Now it smelt of lies and falsehoods. And the trek from Hall to cell was getting tiresome. And each time he thought death was preferable to life in the dungeon… Shyvonne would come to see him. And when the door lock unbolted, he thought she was back… and when the guard entered with a chair, and the old man followed the guard in… his heart sank… and he sighed.
He tried to right himself, and to hide the marks caused by the chains, now removed, with his sleeves. “Nay M’Lord…” and he could not help but offer a half-smile. When he heard “your Lady… and opened heart…” he knew immediately it had to be from Shyvonne. “How is M’Lady… if yu see her once more, pass along my sentiments…please M’Lord…”He paused there to glance about the cell at the scratching's upon the wall, some of days and some of notes of which he could not make out, especially with the horrible state his eyes were in. "Forgive me the late introduction but I am Gaius and you are Mark, I know all ready. Nasty situation we find ourselves in meeting. I would explain the nature of my association with your lady but that these walls have ears so let us call her for this moment Guinevere. Which would make you Lancelot would it not?” He listened to the old man prattle… and the words brought a smile to his face. “Aye M’Lord… I would presume I could be Lancelot…”“Fascinating story of those two. Even more fascinating would be that the story seems to fit the two of you. I have to wonder, no let’s say I will put to theory of whether the story of theirs would match your own. You do know the story of Guinevere and Lancelot?"“Aye M’Lord… I know the story… though it has been many years…” and he offered the old man a sort of forced smile.Slowly his hands moved on top of the cane swiveling it back and forth on the floor and he sighed. "There is another reason I wanted to meet you, young man, and not one I would likely confess to your Guinevere. I wanted to know the nature of your feelings for her. I know her position on it but I have known your lady long enough to know, that her heart is well guarded, but seems to have opened to your affections. Love is not an easy science to uncover my dear boy. Many theories on the subject, many opinions.The timeless question, does love truly conquer all? Find a man or woman of science who can answer that truthfully and you have found a genius. I know of your Lord, young man, not personally per say, but I wonder what he thinks of this situation, not this one you're in but the nature of your feelings for Guinevere. We all ready know the nature in which... lets call him Uther, would think of the situation."Mark did not know this man… and the man was asking him to divulge personal feelings. He spoke as if he knew Shyvonne… and still the old man prattled on…. Though Mark did listen.For a moment he paused, and then he continued. An old windbag, that was what he was called, namely by Searc when he had thrown him out of Dunsgate and on his way around the world. Much as it broke his heart to leave Shyvonne in the care of her brother, he felt she had learned all she could from his windbag lectures about the world and she had to then find her own way within it and her own opinions. After a lapse into this thought he continued his wind bagged speech. "I'm going to tell you what I told Guinevere but allow me to elaborate on it a bit seeing as we don't know one another well. You'll, I hope allow me to relate my own theory of love. When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that she is kissing every part of your body. For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away."Mark smiled… “Aye, M’Lady does cause me some temporary madness…” and he glanced at the floor and smiled. “M’Lord… you say you know M’Lady… and if so, you shall understand my words… We, she and I, are connected in inexplicable ways… ways too difficult to quite fathom completely… and this quite exciting…” Mark smiled at the desire to mate comment, though he and Shyvonne had never even tried… but if the dreams were even half way correct, that would be…well, interesting to say the least. “I have had many women… some of class… some not of class… My youth was nay guided nor corrected… and there are some past that would be better left unspoken. But I cannot see the future… all I can attest to is my word as a gentleman and a man.” Mark was usually a quiet person… guarded… ne’r to elaborate about his past… but this old man’s voice seemed to draw the words from Mark…Pushing out of his chair, he limped his way with cane clacking against the floor to move closer to the notes on the wall to see if he could make them out, they having caught his attention most thoroughly once he had spotted him and like curiosity to the preverbal doomed cat, he could not help but want to know what they said. They were to Shyvonne, at least some of them, but he could not make out much in them. Gaius once again let out another sigh as he and slowly he moved back to his seat. Mark’s eyes followed the man as he limped to the wall, leaning down and looking at Mark’s scrolls upon the wall. “Tis thoughts for eternity, should I die upon the axeman’s block.” And he looked down. "I'll tell you this, I loved your Guinevere from the moment she was born, and I love her now, and every minute in between. And what I dream of, is a man who will discover her, and that she will discover a man who will love her, who is worthy of her and has the grace, compassion, and fortitude to walk beside her as she makes her way through this beautiful thing called life. Tell me my boy, What do you plan to say or do to help get you out of this place? An’ what do you seek to do once you get out of here? Assuming as we are, that things will turn out well in the end. Not that I am saying they will not but we are working on a theory of our own, for now we will call it the Lancelot and Guinevere Theory."Mark once again resisted the temptation to speak of his ownself… but the man’s nature just seemed to draw it out. “I nay know M’Lord… In the beginning, I did as my Lord doth commanded… and in my task, I found Shyvonne… and as one who wished to protect what was now part of me… I thought it best to go out and meet danger, before danger sought out the Academy. Only to find out, I am damned if I did, and damned if I did not.” He looks down at his wrists and rubs the ache away, then looked to the old man. “I pray that all ends well for Lancelot and Guinevere.” And offered the old man a smile.
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Post by Lord Iain Robertson on Jul 22, 2010 20:25:17 GMT -6
Iain and Chloe - The Hole When Chloe had been summarily moved to a more secure cell, one that was not of iron bars so that she could see the comings and goings of those around her, she had cursed Keliana, whose voice it was commanding the guards to move her into seclusion. Little did she know it would be a gift... For the first few hours in her new cell, one of stone walls, a window to high to see out of that shed meager light into the damp underground cell... And a wooden door, that muffled all sound and suffocated all breeze... Chloe paced, anger consumed her, as well as a deep since of claustrophobia... She hated the enclosed space. The cloying hot air. The steady drip of water in one corner that reminded her constantly that she was buried beneath tons of stone above her head that made up Dun Darroch. Though it was with some satisfaction that she believed if she had to die, somewhere it should be the place that held all the happiest memories of her life… Her time within Dun Darroch, with Iain, though fleeting was filled with love and passion and from that had been created their son... Robin... The most precious thing in her life… now isolated in the damp dark hellhole she could do little but pace and remember better times.
The next time a guard came with food or water for her, she would request a pen and parchment, there were things she wanted to write to Robin… things he should carry with him always, things her parents had never relayed to her in her younger years that all children should know. Specifically that he was loved… above all others… He was loved.
Iain grit his teeth and plopped down upon the straw… his slate grey eyes scanning the stone… for the lack of anything else to keep his mind busy. Low, to the floor, he noticed a space between the stones that had been etched… Had someone his Father had incarcerated attempted to dig their way out…? He leaned down and examined the hole more closely… Light?! There was light in the hole, and he used his fingers to clean it out. Hems of a dress…? He saw a figure moving back and forth…
“Chloe…” he said into the hole… “Chloe? Is that yu?” He stuck a piece of straw thru the hole and began wiggling it… Again speaking into the hole… “Chloe… down here…” he paused… “Oh God, let her see that I am here…” he prayed out loud… Could she hear him? Could she see the wiggling piece of straw?
Otherwise, the pair was divided by stone and wood, unable to see, hear, smell, nor touch one another… There he lay upon the floor, arms propping him high enough to see thru the small hole big enough for two fingers, but far too in depth to stick his fingers thru. He could see the shadow of a figure walking past… the lightening and darkening as the figured passed between the rays of light and the small hole. The straw was twisted and turned between fingers in an attempt to gain some sort of attention drawn to it. It was sometime late in the afternoon if one were to judge by the shadows cast by the small carved window, when she heard a raspy whispered voice… When the hole darkened and he heard her voice, it was as if the strength of ten men filled his soul. “Chloe… Chloe…it is me, Iain…” his voice resonated into the hole. Following it, she soon found the waggling piece of straw, and knelt down on the floor, to peer through the tiny hole … “Iain?” she whispered back.
“Iain is that you ?” she had to lay flush on the floor to see into the dimness… the walls were almost a foot thick between cells, but when she saw a glimpse of his face she almost wept for joy.
“Yes my love… I am here…”
“Oh dear lord above… it’s you.” pressing her fingers into the crack she pulled and tested the stone, finding a few loose ones, along with cracked mortar, from years of water erosions and scraped them out, forming a larger tunnel between them... enough so that she could shove her hand in almost to the elbow. He could hear her bare fingers tearing away at the stone… and in his renewed strength, he began to prick at the stone… those years of excessve moisture coupled with penetrating heat weakened the stone. Piece by small piece, he was able to tear away an aperature to stick his hand thru. Wiggling her fingers for a simple touch of her beloved… “I cannot believe it’s you…” her voice sounded strained and harsh. His hand disappeared into the wall, close to his wrist…as fingers met in darkness… “I am here my love… even in our darkest hour…” fingers interlaced one another. If they could not embrace, a simple touch would suffice… One would have to understand the love and passion these two have for one another… their love unending even thru time and distance… to understand just how a simple touch could mend a wounded soul. From the sickness that came with not only the mornings, but each time she ate. For two days now, she had been trying to come to grips with not only what was happening to them all, being incarcerated, and probably hanged or worse for treason, but... her untimely, unplanned, unwanted pregnancy… At first she had been wholly shocked by the thought, knowing it could be Carver’s made it unbearable… A child that was a product of rape, and not likely to even be born, if indeed, she were sentenced to hang. But then in the dead of night, she had come to the realization there was a second alternative, just as horrible, it could be Mark’s child... That one time... The moment of weakness for them both, could have resulted in this child... She almost prayed it was Carver’s child, for then she would not have to see the look of betrayal on Iain’s face… From both his lover and his best friend, two people he trusted most in the world. How could she explain? These had been the thoughts that tormented her days and nights, until now. Now, when she at last could see his face and hear his voice… thru even the tiny flaw in the dungeons construction. Other than the parlay table... and the discovery she was not dead... It had been just a little over seven months since they last saw one another… long before Sleat…long before her and Searc’s battle… long before the rumors she had been murdered by Searc in a crime of passion… Their last meeting was at the Christmas celebration last in Turas Lan… Robin was but two then… and they snuck way to find time for themselves. Now, in what seemed their final days, they had been reduced to just touching fingers before judgment. Finally her fingers touched his and she inhaled deeply, even though he rocks scraped and tore at the tender flesh of her wrist as she pressed it through the narrow passage, it could have been a dragon’s mouth full of sharpened teeth and she would have still risked it for one fleeting touch… “Oh how I have longed to see you, touch you, speak with you.” she sighed contentedly as she lay pressed against the wall… withdrawing her fingers so they could speak through the hole in the wall… “Tell me what news have you of things?” He removed his hand from the hole, and his slate grey pupils grew large in the darkness. “Oh my dearest Chloe… I feared yu dead… but when I saw yu in the tent at the parlay, I knew I had been deceived… I brought this all upon myself… for vengeance was in my heart for yer death… now I do not wish to pay the price… unless we can die together… for life is unimportant to me without yu…” “No one has spoken to me… save Keliana… She and Alexander want to disavow Robin, as a Robertson and rightful heir… I fear they are behind the falsehoods. Keliana mentioned the King and Queen is here to judge us…” and he lowered his head. Then he rose to look at her. “I love you… always have…always shall… nay matter what.” Her heart was filled with joy just at the touch, and when he had said no one visited him save Keliana, she frowned. Wondering at that since the Queen had visited with both she and Dublain the day before... Why had she not visited with Iain, worry creased her brow... “The Queen did not interview you?” the tinge of uncertainty could not be hidden from him, as most things between them could not be...
“We have been here over 6 days… and no one except Keliana has even spoken to me…especially the Queen… From what I understand from you is that the King and Queen shall be judging soon… I fear what free reign Alexander has had in that time…”
It was a tangible thing, their connection, their love, and their way with one another that was heartbreakingly honest… Never any punches pulled… their hearts upon their sleeves... For each other... Only. “She came in the afternoon, yesterday… first interviewing me, then Dublain MacDonald… Searc and Shyvonne were there…” She related the full scope of the interview... Glossing over the rape not wanting him to pity her, or think less of her for it… She was not one to dwell on such things, and put it out of her mind... At least until her stomach roiled and the reality of her situation was thrust to the forefront once again. “I begged with her to release you, Mark, and Dublain… that it was my doing, and I alone should stand for it. Right or wrong, and that you all were only standing for me because of Love and Loyalty to do the right thing.” she murmured… pushing her hand back inside the hole... To touch him… She drew strength and resolve from the touch, and for long heartbeats they were ensconced in silence… “Yu did what? Chloe… why? Why would yu take so much upon yu? What were yu thinking silly woman…? It was I who disobeyed the King by riding south… I ignored his decree to halt…” he paused… “Oh Chloestrain… why?” He saw her hand darken the hole…but she would feel no touch… for he did not put his hand in, only his voice would resound in the crevice. “Robin needs yu more than I. At least…” he did not say the part about Robin having Searc as a surrogate father. “What is to become of us ? Of Robin now... If we both…” her voice trailed off not able to bear the rest of her word, and outcome that weighed heavy on both of them… when he spoke of Keliana wanting Robin disavowed earlier… It had been lost in the euphoria of their finding one another in the crevice in the stones… but now the fate of her son was at the forefront of her mind… “Yu should have thought of that before yu declared yer guilt.” Silence was louder than any scream… as it penetrated both their psyche. “I did not know she knew Robin was yours… that puts him at great risk…” Her voice had taken on the pragmatic tone, for she was fiercely loyal to Iain… but where their son was concerned she was a lioness… “How could you have told her…?” there was a slight hint of anger in her query… “I did not tell her!!! Have yu gone mad?” his voice resonated in the hole…but the woman did not hear what he had said…or did not realize his words… and she continued her rant. “As Searc’s heir, Robin is safe, legitimized, and has a future as a clan leader.. If you publicly claim him he will be a bastard... And even if recognized as your first born... He will likely not be given right of progenitor... That is Alexander's right... Your firstborn by Keliana… if somehow you managed to get Robin legitimized… You would displace your other son… What were you thinking Iain ?” she had rolled onto her back staring at the ceiling trying to calm her anger and her fear for her son… “Do yu not think I considered the outcome? I did not TELL her… It must be Alexander’s doings… He must have found out somehow… You KNOW how Father is… he would do anything to prevent me from having Dun Darroch… Keliana is nothing but a pawn for him to maneuver.” The gruffness of his voice displayed his irritation. “And if we go to the gallows... Who would protect him then from your father and Keliana… At least in Sleat, he has family who love him…” she would not go so far as to say Searc loved the boy… but Ivella, Lindall, and Shyvonne did… and Shyvonne had promised to take care of him if the worst happened... Iain peered thru the hole… “My love… if we go to the gallows… we shall be in the everafter together… Hopefully your family shall love him as we do.” He sighs… “I have not been a father to Robin… He does not even know me… hopefully Alexander shall nay speak to anyone of Robin…” he reached his hand thru the hole, up to his shoulder, his hand protrudimng thru to her side… his fingers wiggling. “Chloestrain… May God forgive me… I do love thee so… why doth God keep us apart? Have I been such as to deserve all this? To make thee suffer so? Doth passion so pure… love so strong must endure such? If I must go to the gallows…I do so proudly knowing I love thee…” Then there was a noise of bolts being slid back on their doors.
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Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Jul 22, 2010 20:44:12 GMT -6
The Trial of Traitors - Part 1 After the din of a King’s welcome had died down… and the royal family was all settled in… the sun rising above the horizon and shining down upon Dun Darroch, found the King and Queen settling into the chairs at the raised table; with the stewards of the Clans on the left and right, the advocates for the prosecution and defense upon the floor below. Men dressed in gray robes approached the King and Queen… presenting document after document, all handed to the valet before being received by the King. Adam perused each one in excrutiating detail. Then handing each document to Bess. With each comment, the scibe wrote diligently what the King had said.
Next came interviews… men and women were called forth, each giving their version of what had happened and why. Lauds and applauds for the presumed heroes of Sleat were given by MacGregor, Robertson, and MacLeod clan members… though damning evidence was also offered by some MacGregor against the Robertson and MacLeod… and vice versa… but the most damning came from the Lady Keliana representing Lord Alexander… She produced documents, supposedly original, signed long before her marriage to Iain, that he had been proposing marriage to Lady Chloestrain… and the affair continued long after Iain’s marriage to Keliana… even after she bore him sons… and added upon by witnesses that the love the man bore for his mistress was just cause to invade the MacGregor land to seek revenge upon his lover’s murder. Other witnesses spoke of Lord Iain’s outright cry for revenge… stopping at Dunsgate only to find Lord Searc not there…
Other witnesses spoke of Iain’s sending his servant, Mark Collier, to Sleat… to assist the Lady Chloestrain in meeting her lover… Some witnesses even offered the possibility of the lad Robin, as being Mark’s, and neither Lord Iain’s, nor Lord Searc’s, as proclaimed… And it was Lord Iain that ordered Mark Collier to Sleat… then to the Oisles Academy to hide Master Robin from truth… and after, wooing the Lady Shyvonne into false security of love, convinced her to go aid the Robertson in their quest.
It was up to the royal pair to listen to all sides of the story… then together, they would make a decision as to what is right… and what are falsehoods… then to decree a Kingly judgement upon those charged… For Adam, this was difficult… as he knew Iain as a hothead… wildly in love with Chloestrain… That Lord Alexander was a meddlesome old traditionalist… and, though opinionated, he figured Keliana as a woman scorned. But he was surprised that Chloestrain would actually don the armour and sword in defense of the MacGregor… so demure… so beautiful… yet the woman had a fighting streak. He smiled as he thought of Bess, his glance averting only for a moment.Iain stood behind the rail… his wrists and ankles shackled like a common prisoner. Beside him was Mark… Their clothes were dirty… and bloodstained from the battles. Their faces now sporting beards, their heads unkempt hair… all from the days in the dungeon. Many times Iain tried to interrupt the witnesses, by calling them liars… or traitors to the clan… or cesspool scum for taking Alexander’s money to lie and spread falsehood. And even Mark began to cry foul as witnesses began to speak against him. Both only to be quelled by the simple hand of the King. Their plea for mercy duly noted.
Yet thru hours of disertation,. the defendents were returned to the dungeons.The Trial of Traitors - Part 2 For the fifth day in a row, Adam sat into the chairs at the raised table; his Queen by his side… with the stewards of the Clans on the left and right, the advocates for the prosecution and defense upon the floor below. He looked to the scribe, then to his wife, then the crowd. “This Court now convenes… All the documentation has been reviewed by the Queen and I…”
One barrister for Lord Alexander stood up, and Adam pointed at him directly… “Sit down sir… or join the defendents in the dungeon…” and then he pointed at each barrister. “And m’lords, that go for each one of you…” then he readjusts his posture. Looking at the guard commander… “Bring forth the prisoners… let them stand judgement before the King and Queen…” The portal cot had been carried by four men…men treated no better than indentured servants… slaves… yet Alexander was mobile… even in the illest of health… his brain was sharp as a tack… and in Iain and Chloestrain’s incarceration, the old man connieved and bought what he felt was needed to secure his own interests. Never once did he even consider his absence to enjoy his own fruits of labor. Right there, beside him, at every beck and call was Keliana. And upon this day, the Lord of the Robertson, Alexander, produced documents of witnesses that proclaimed upon the promise of death that they saw and heard Iain give orders to ride to Dunsgate despite the King’s decree to halt. The documents stated that Iain even tore up the King’s decree, spitting upon the pieces on the ground. There in the blonde woman’s hands were documents, supposedly signed by Lord Iain, forged by the best of seal keepers… of Robin’s disavowment as a Robertson… hence keeping Iain’s eldest as clan progenitor. Upon the final day of the trial proceedings, these two documents were submitted to the Royal Scribe as proof of the prosecution barristers. “One moment your Majesty… I have recent developments…” the old man uttered from the cot. And he watched the Scribe look at the documents then, at the gesture of Adam, hand them to the King. The Sergeant-at-arms of the trial bowed at the King’s command… then watched momentarily as the man upon the cot was carried before the royal scribe, then motioned to his men to retrieve the prisoners. The bolt slid back on the heavy wooden door, and with a creak of iron hinges, opened. The two guards pointed to Mark. “Tis time prisoner…” No longer was he referred to as M’Lord… nor by name…nor by title… just as prisoner. He had sat in the cell…alone… with little to eat nor drink. He slowly rose to his feet, the chains at his wrists clanked as metal hit metal. Mark did not hold his head high… nor did he display any emotion nor regret. He just raised his head and twisted his neck to work out the kinks. Stepping out of the cell… he saw the other guards getting each porisoner from his cell; and mark took his place in the lineup. Once again the lovers held hands thru the small portal. But the bolts upon their doors startled them and both withdrew their hands and rose.
Iain stood and looked at the guard opening the door. Iain quickly kicked straw against the hole near the floor. “M’Lord… tis time…” the guard spoke openingthe door widely. The second guard had chains to bind Iain’s hands with… Iain just sighed and held out both hands. Once the shackles were reapplied, the guards stepped aside and allowed Iain to take his place behind Mark. There were no words, just looks that would send silent signals of strength and loyalty to the other. Breathern to end, they assured one another. Then the guard pushed Iain back a bit, saying that spot was reserved for the MacGregor woman… Iain could do nothing but nod. Chloestrain was to be placed between Mark and Iain, with Dubhlain following up behind Iain….with two more guards at the rear behind him.
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Post by Sir Kendrew Campbell on Aug 2, 2010 17:45:59 GMT -6
The Trial of Traitors, Campbell Observations and Actions
The Defamation of Kyleakin Battle, and Other Things Kendrew Campbell It was another day to survey the trial from a seat of prime importance. Another day where him and his wife, the annoited, the chosen were not far from the royal pair to see to their every need. No, it was not their place to do so yet duty bound them with invisible string. In Struan there were feasts despite the seriousness of business. There were tumblers acrobats, and regional fairs as if this were a celebration. In Struan, the Lord Guardian was sick of his fellow nobleman. By day they sat in halls long with stories of valor, stories of tears, evidence for or aginst the chain bound accused. Was it so long ago that he sat beside them - less than, only to be equal to? He remembered Iain Robertson and his man Mark Collier in finer clothes, their laughter, even a shared jest as men under the Griffin when the time came. He remembered Chloestrain as the young, unsure bride of the Chieftain with invigorating spark in her eyes. Stories floated at all hours of the witchery she used to seduce the Robertson away from his home. What witchery did woman need other than features fine enough for a man to love, a soul that he might cleave to? The story was played out in the life of a man who was no more than the one who stood at the right side of a pair who became history. Blessed were they! Proceedings made bile eat at the belly before pushing skyward toward the throat to lace his words in acrimony. No, he could not despairage his king's law. He could not detest his Queen's judgement, for these were sound things. Yet did it not bother them to enact such law upon those chained and bound while their hosts sat only in seriousness so long as trial was conveined? Performances. All performances, and he was sick of it. "I am glad they have nay asked for more than my written testimony o' yet for Kyleakin." he whispered to Liliana as a round of questioning was coming to its end for one member, and moving toward Dublain..- Dublain MacDonaldThe MacGregor's showed him kindness. Once, not so long ago, his body would have been trampled on by their horses, his head hoisted above the gates yet now it was their coin competing with only a few of his own clansmen for the barrister. It was his women that brought forth food, clothes, and attempts at company. Head held high, ever prideful this one. His appearance even clean brought many a gasp to the crowd for his face was ever-scarred by a dead man's villany. To think, perhaps if he had killed Carver sooner, he wouldn't be here. If he had killed Carver before Kyleakin, no MacDonald would have had the gumption to attempt to 'take back' what the King gave in rightful justice. "As it was stated, ye were at the parlay table on the faithful day. Evidence has since come forward to suggest that not only had Carver undone Broadford prior to his arrival, but that men might have been furnished on your part to assist, and Kyleakin was only a reversal when you saw his plan failed..." Papers were held up, moved throughout the room as the barrister searched deep, "The deceased's own handwriting, recognize you this one?" It was thrust up, of course upon the wrong side of his face. "Barrister will..fergive me, but Ah dun see there?" Some in the gallery actually laughed! The barister for the prosecution looked to his table, where his senior fellow sighed in silent agitation. Transistioning the paper to the eye where Dublain could read, the man was shocked evidently, "Tis nay m'hand nor be this m'orders!" He snarled, wanting to lean over. The Barister stepped back, "We've a sample, here, and here, do they match?"Dublain naturally said, "No" whilst other things were held up, "How can you deny this, unless you are blind in both eyes.." The defenseman came next, "This evidence, presented to their majesty's is very condemning, yet would the prisoner please write for us now? " He muttered, "My hands are shackled.." "Do the best that you can man, your life," came the terse command..so ink and paper were given, a sample done. It was held up instead for their majestiesto compare with the assistance of the most steadfast of scribes. (d) Liliana Campbell Trials were less messy than battles, but by no means more innocent. Things stated in here could sicken the stomach or blister the ears just as effectively. Some of the women that had been here during the start had actually asked to be excused. Liliana could understand why. Though by no means considered delicate it still made stomach churn to hear some of what had occurred. It was for this reason that she'd barred Roric, who had been eager to possibly sit in and witness such a thing, from entrance. Well, that and the fact that the boy had ran off to fight with Kendrew at Kyleakin. Liliana had been sick and frightened, and downright furious- she sat civilly next to her husband neither had exactly mended things since before their arrival in Struan. Was it foolish to be angry still? Perhaps. Yet it didn't change the fact that she was indeed. "Aye, that you should be husband. Then again be glad you can be asked for anything." Definitely not any doubt to be left in his mind that she was still angry. Liliana's dark head gave a shake at the tactics of the Barrister. She felt for Dublain to be honest and didn't believe him guilty. (d) Kendrew Campbell: "Indeed." Half admonished, half angered, he said nothing else to his wife but watched the questioning proceed. Frankly, he felt that none of them would be here had not Carver been smarter than all of them. Did he sit from his place in hell laughing as he burned to an eternal cinder for the chaos left in his wake, awaiting anyone to join him? At the same time he wondered if the acrimony between the clans would not have outburst sometime in their lives to the inevitable conclusion for vengence over a loved one's death, or general tiredness of seeing another clan exist. They sat in the realm of an equally powerful family, and two powers together were akin to rams butting heads. Gloved hands folded over the railing, not in his wife's hands. Her forgiveness was to be earned, as was her respect anew. It did not mean he did not understand, yet he was not one to accept the hostility either. Queen Beathag Aberdeen: The Queen looked towards the King with a sense of concern as the papers were brought for them to study, should their be differences? As a writer herself, did they count on her to be able to tell? The scribe whispered that these should be thoroughly studied with the prisoner's sample, and she agreed. Evidence was admissable in open court, yet most of the evidence was presented in a less...outward fashion. When did this incriminating evidence arrive? If so, this would make Kyleakin more than a defense of the King's land and thus something truly pardonable, but a plot of the worst sort. Suddenly, she felt a sense of weight come to Dublain's shoulders merely watching him. "Next time, those against will ask in a solemn fashion tae present such evidence! This is nay a theater, or a marketsquare play! We shan't have these proceedings sullied by games, mark me! The King under good advice n' m'self shall adjourn tae study such evidence, as well as the barristers, at once tae private chambers!" Kendrew Campbell A signal was given, and Kendrew acknowledged it. Extra guard, aye. Untrusting, perhaps too cautious, he found more of the black and gold to stand about the sovereigns, the children, and the court. At this rate, he felt they might coordinate with the MacGregor as well, the MacDonald, and even the Robertsons he grew to detest for who knew what else might come of such tension. As the royals departed, he rose and bowed. The prisoners were led out in the order they appeared, guards for and aft. Chains rattling, the scent of prison dank trailing as they left. Suddenly, suddenly he pondered why he was not called by either. Was the written enough, or had it been sequestered. Would he then speak to the defense barristers, would he dare? Any mention of Kyleakin, of the whole affair soured his wife's disposistion. Yet, she could been no colder toward him. He was not tried for treason, but only a peacekeeper. The advantage, the trust he had worked so hard to ascertain in the world around him meant something...yet not to her. He'd broken her trust by following a code of duty. A man's life was no easy one. "When the barristers are released from their meetin' , Ah will speak with the defense, mayhaps Ah might speak with the MacGregor man as well. Ah trust you have somethin tae attend, m'lady, ah shall leave ye to it." In return, his pain manifested in monotone compliance. He bowed to her, dismissing himself to see to an agenda far easier than repairations with his wife (d) Liliana Campbell Chocolate eyes drew to Bess's commanding presence. She felt for her dear friends. The weight of such matters and these...these fools using the court as if it was a stage. Even seeing the feasts, the games, and more sickened her. Could not they understand the seriousness of this situation? Already it seemed that Dublain was a man condemned. Was there any point to this trial now? Would he be found guilty? Ebon hair was tucked back behind one ear as proceedings were brought to a halt and those within allowed to leave. Liliana knew that the children would need looked in on, little Morgan fed, and then perhaps she'd go visit the prisoners. Sometimes seeing a friendly face helped their dispositions. Yet it was the words of her husband that made head swivel and mouth thin. Hands folded at waist and back straight, Liliana acknowledged what he had to say,"Of course, m'lord. I shall go tend to our children." Dismissed in such a manner, though she could not fault his anger in the face of her own, it still rubbed Liliana the wrong way. Without hesitation, maybe just to bother him a little, she curtsied and then walked off with chin lifted. (d) Queen Beathag AberdeenThe man had presented evidence yet did not use the formality most would have, could it be disqualified? Yet if it was, would that not make them appear as lenient? As the days went by the concern for the axe over teach neck was growing. Iain was heading directly to do what he should not, despite orders. Did helping to defeat the MacDonalds truly exonerate him, and Chloestrain..should she have fled for her life, or was it in donning armor thatshe was at once exaulted and condemned? Was evidence supposed to make trial fair or did it only seem to do what the skilled demanded of it? For a moment her eyes caught the pair, a glimmer of a smile sent them before she joined Adam by taking his arm. Kendrew Campbell Did he appear as the man whom had it figured with the wife he had chosen for himself: Young, intelligent, loyal, and steadfast? The many heirs he possessed, a warm home? Did he appear of all these men to be the one with the life well figured and service well done? Perhaps. Yet it won him a cold bed, disdainful stares ,and division among his sister and mother. His sister would no doubt side with Liliana, yet his mother understood him full well, understanding that no matter how the world changed men must be subject to principles a woman would always rally against. Yet they found harmony some how. His children considered him a hero, his wife considered him the devil. Maybe he should have never come. All men die, all Kyleakin did was elect how some would perish. When the courtroom was empty, he awaited by the door in order to look down. "Next time, young sir, ye should tarry closer among the place of the poor. Yer mother may not have seen you, but I did. You will be under guard during the day now, put tae more suitable action. Surely, the other clan sons are undergoing some sort o' training." Roric sneered, but then thought of his luck changing. Boys his age? "Twill begin on the morrow, let me not catch you there again, or it shall be your rear tanned instead of lessons with the lads." Roric grinned running away to do what children did best, to play. He needed an outlet, no doubt bored to tears. Plenty of children here abouts, and unlike adults..they had less bias. (d)
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Post by Sir Kendrew Campbell on Aug 2, 2010 17:48:08 GMT -6
Part II Liliana Campbell Division amongst loved ones was never enjoyable. Especially for children. It was they who suffered the most. Kylie, Glenna, and Roric did not like to watch their parents fight. Though Liliana and Kendrew were careful to act as normal as possible around them they saw through it. It was one reason why, when the opportunity presented, the children seemed to lately take an opportunity to be off someplace else- a distraction. Though for one as small as Glenna it was more just enjoyment and Dona's doing. Tension with Liliana and Dona was in existence too. Once the children were looked in on, Kylie off in studies with Glenna, she fed Morgan and put him down for a nap before heading off to visit the prisoners. Hours passed, time almost unrecognizable when visiting people locked in cells- where time seemed endless for them, and Liliana offered a reprieve that might save their sanity. She offered fresh foods, clean and mended clothes, and friendly conversation to many as the hours passed. The last being Dublain. A man of interest who she'd held more than one conversation with- poor soul. Even now she sat on a stool outside where he was held, sharing a loaf of bread and some sweets. (d) Kendrew CampbellThe Campbell family joined the ranks of the consumate actors loathed in times of showing that nothing was wrong by pretending all was exceedingly well. At a supper table, or an escorted service for church, they appeared. Beside the royal family, they smiled. Never was Kendrew's arm without Liliana's small hand. Never a cheek without his kiss; wife, mother, sister. In the sea of grand pretenders, oh aye, chilvary and graciousness were the finest of traitsStill, some things were real. While in Struan he was happy to sup with the King, to see the Queen for they were as family to him. He was content to lend his famed sword to the training of the young men who would succeed him. He was never too angry to hold his children, nor look on with pride as they associated themselves with the ancient peerage in due course. He also visited the prisons, yet of late he kept only to the bedsides of McSween men in hopes that his presence would show no sort of bias either way for the imprisoned. Charity was a woman's way, but fact he had while fiction was being presented. Dublain MacDonald "We have let women into his cell m'lady, do you not go in for fear? See here, Master Campbell has a godly yet sensible wife, were that we were all so blessed," a guardsmen said, whilst another said, "Not a steel clad bytch as theMacGregor aye?" Boisterous, the men disappered to other tasks while another guard took their place. Dublain was not in such a poor state thanks to the like of such charity. Were it not for Lindall MacGregor he would have not eaten, nor bathed, dressed, or shaved. Were it not for Liliana, he would not eat again, and soften to the idea of such kind company. He even utlized the cards Lindall gave him to play with the woman, for she could command even a lantern brought them. "Dun listen tae deep," he cautioned, "None speak with genteel ears fer a lady anymore, they say tha' with the laws as they are , why bother. Old man Robertson schools nay his bastards on behavior. One tha' has some sense be down here with me." Not that Dublain was much better today. For the sake of how much 'fair, genteel' company he recieved, he tried to be calm. Yet it was hard. (d) Liliana Campbell "Ah, do not fear I pay them any mind. Do not pay them any either. It is not that I fear you to be in the same cell. Instead I fear our lack of privacy. They put their noses where they do not belong enough as it is." Liliana's head turned in the direction the men had walked off as she gave a sniff. Fools. "Some of them need to be taught manners." Glancing back toward Dublain, she sighed softly,"It seems the world turns upside down lately, no? Perhaps some would call me foolish, sir, but I do not think you guilty of what they are trying to claim." She also could not fault the MacGregor woman for donning armor. The storybehind it all would never be truly revealed without speaking to those involved more privately. That was one woman she was curious enough to visit with too. "Do you want some more bread? I brought you another blanket as well." Chocolate gaze dropped to the cards as one corner of her mouth quirked up,"It is a good thing we do not play for coin. I'd make my husband a beggar." (d) Dublain MacDonald"Good word tae heed, m'lady. The things tha' wouldst be done tae those men were nay Christian women visitin' n' Ah be nay in irons.." They moved his accomadations often. Surrounded by bars, or barred ina room with a single door. Limited light. It was no doubt they were trying to play upon his old hurts to weaken him for questioning, make him 'agreeable'. There was shyte floating about given his hostile tendancies or the 'madness' the lack of sun was bringing on. In a perfectly lucid fashion, he'd explained to his jailers that when a man insults women in such fashions, his men, or his name they were asking for nothing more than what courtesy should pay them. Making light of a woman's defamation or their gallows walk usually would not make him so enraged, yet see how you fair day to day, minute to minute, in hell. "Ye are a kind soul, Lady Campbell, many things 'ave been tryin tae claim..many things Ah'llsay aye tae, but tha'...ne'er. Fookin' bastards will stop at nothin'...pardon m'tongue." How strange. Only five years Kendrew's senior, and Dublain seemed ten years older. He seemed so weathered, so tired, he may have enough knowledge for a man of sixty. In light of her ....horrid card playing he chuckled, "Aye, nuts n' bread is better than coin, he needs his coin tae keep such fairness happy, n' all o' ye housed. The Lady MacGregor, the chieftain's sister, is nay a poor card player." Stacking the cards in his hand up, he studied them. "all was gaein well the barrister tells me, all be well. Tha' meetin be taken quite a bit." In truth, he was scared, yet did not show it. He would have stuck his neck in a noose over the truths, yet on a lie like this he'd rather hang that god awful barrister. The MacDonald 'malady' was not so far off, that rage only translated itself in different ways. Dublain was a good leader, brilliant tactician, and a force of nature (d) Liliana Campbell "There be nothing to pardon. I worked in a tavern once and learned a bit more than that myself. I'm just too polite to say it." Playful banter was always good to have about. Kept things light when the situation was so heavy. She was worried as well on this man's behalf. Many a night had a prayer been sent up that all would go well for him. Liliana couldn't imagine what it was like to be locked up so, treated in such an unkind manner, yet she knew what it was like to be a prisoner. To have your life in anothers hands was unpleasant. "I will have to play cards with her sometime. Though definitely not for coins. Ah, I fold. The nuts are yours this round." Soft laughter flowed from her lips as she placed the cards down, glancing up with a gentle smile,"Aye, mostly the weeones. Keeping them in good clothes seems near impossible." Yet it was his other words that made one slim hand reach out to gently touch his wrist. She gave comfort through touch and with soft-spoken words,"You must have faith, Dublain. We must not let your spirit wane. Those men would take pleasure and we wouldn't want that." (d) Dublain MacDonald "Pleasure be had already, had in our rattlin' chains, and our discomfort. I do not think all of us shall be pardoned, we sit 'ere..and among men a mother sits in a cell. Ah've heard the family seekin the Queen's pardon from her heart e'en as she listens tae our tales. She is a strong, strong Queen. Ye are all strong, women. Ah think ye look upon hope or gloom better than a man. Know ye..Lindall MacGregor yet? Bonnie soul. Dun nay tell her ah told ye," he chortled. Just as he softened for Lindall once or twice something made him rigid again. "She has a child n' her belly from her husband dead, Carver killed him at the parlay table.Whilst ye put her in yer prayers ,prayers tae fer the young Robin, a child misses his mother Ahd imagine, fer the Lord n' lady o' tha' Clan. Pray tae, fer tha' young idiot Iain..n' his fellow Mark Collier. Dun waste tae many on me when others need 'em far more." He took his hand back so he could stand. The guard would let her in if she desired, yet he only needed to move about lest his leg stiffen. Lindall's healer had done wonders too (he'd never mention that aloud yet either) or he wouldn't have a leg. No one could do to much for old or new scars though. He limped today, not concealing it for the first time in a great while. "Pray fer m'nephew Alexander McDonald, and his father Angus, know ye the chieftainship was taken right outtheir hands by our brother hugh, n' his sons? Now they are all dead, n Alexander has done well with his father in Keppoch n' Glencoe, on the mainland, them, and the few tha' have a care fer wot is left on Skye and nay wishin we'd simply fall off intae the sea. Tha' Raasay and Rona would sink." He looked at her, fit to say something again when he noticed even heckling guards giving pause for the emergence of Kendrew. Out of respect, he bowed, as did his fellow man, not far away (d) DreamsOfWriting: Liliana withdrew the hand when he rose to stretch, but her face was solemn now. So many souls that needed a prayer. Could God help them all? Would any of them escape this hell? Even now if some were released they might suffer the effects done them by their surroundings. The cold could do more than make joints stiff. Liliana's heart ached for the child who must cry for his Mother as she sat imprisoned and a child who would never know its Father. A mental note was made to stop by and visit others too now, even those not locked within, for they could use a comforting presence too. "It sounds like these times are far more troubling than I have realized. I will pray for them all, Dublain, as often as I can. Though mine for you will not lessen any by adding them." Was she strong? Liliana thought of the current anger that had Kendrew and her at odds. A soft sigh passed her lips and she motioned a guard to open the gate so she may enter about the same time that the presence of Kendrew's arrival was noted. Standing as well, Liliana's hands folded neatly at her waist and head dipped respectfully as wife to husband. A smile offered though her gaze didn't consider him long, thoughts moving through the depths before they dropped to the floor. (d) Dublain MacDonald & Kendrew Campbell "M'lord Campbell, prefer ye Chieftain or Guardian?" "I have no care right now, Chieftain. Yer preference." He came through the open door of the prison. Would they move him back to a place of privacy where they would be little light, or more light with more embarrasment? One needn't employ torchure devices to make prison functional, that was for certain. A bow of acknowledgement was given to his wife, a smile in return though his gaze settled soon on Dublain. "I've come to tell you, that I will meet with the barristers at first chance, Dublain, to be questioned proper. There must be something tha' can be said or done to turn away this evidence..it must be a lie." The stoicism melted only enough for man to sense, as he canted his head again to the rising man. "Surely, we can get them to ask after Kyleakin again. If they wish to make it seem a planned affair, let them ask the Laird of Moill, your brother and nephew, I will speak for you. Again." "The matter is nay as easy as vindicatin' the McSweens, even if it looks a matter of vengence...they will easily be pardoned for wot become o' broadford, and they already have been pardonedprior this, nay one will charge sick, recoverin men twice. They are lesser, as is e'ery man nay a chieftain, his wife, or his man. .." "Still, Dublain. Hard yet fair judges o'er see you. They aren't blind. If they find Kyleakin... a plot, wot o' yer commanders.." "If by some will o' God tis found tae be sae, as has been done, Ah will take e'ery bit o' wrong upon my head, n' spare them. Tis why ye done see any other MacGregors or Robertsons down 'ere, they were followin orders. Wot ah will hope is e'ery sept tha' went with Carver gets the axe tae..tis all ca nbe hoped for. Wot news, Kendrew, wot news o' how others fair?" He looked at his wife who a moment ago seemed full of words, yet now had nothing to say. Arms went behind his back whilst he pondered how to word what was in his head, "Yer brother n' nephew have gone to the capital and returned, with their own barristers to assist the defense, let us see how the Laird MacGregor recieves it. They say that all is settled in the mainland, and Angus has personally settled all upon Raasay n' Rona, tis peaceful, and right. All of your orders followed." "The ships, tae England, n'men..tae the border in her defense?" "All done. Word says that the Queen's desire to see the parlay finalized means a marriage.." "If Ah live." " Dublain.." he cautioned, "You will, you will." "Dae somewot fer me, m'laird Campbell. We've ne'er struck any accords nay more beyond bonds o' comeraderie, tis a pity tae dae it now, yet tis good. Yer wife may witness, if it is her pleasure?" Kendrew Campbell He really couldn't say if it was, so he merely says, "If the lady sees fit, she is o' a good mind and a keen advisor." Dublain MacDonald"Good. Ah wish tae make it known, in writ fer us tae sign, this agreeance o' friendship twixt ourselves, and witnessed by yer wife, tae be signed by m'nephew n' my brother. Ah wish tae see ye furnished ,by m'command, such as be necessary tha' yer homestead n' business affairs are done suitably as befits yer station. We are keen upon wood, n' shall give his lordship nay less than ten sturdy wagons n' purchase him five sorrels tae pull them, with granted money tae purchase another five as he deems fit. We shall see ye well backed n' times o' need. Ah shall leave ye a MacDonald guard should it please ye, n' would be honored if the ye would offer our youth a place tae be fostered as their times arrive." Kendrew Campbell Kendrew nodded his head, "Aye. That is generous of you, sir, and we would be honored to be so bestowed. You have my friendship, and it will go on, regardlessof outcome, with those whom you leave in your stead." He knew that is where it was going, and would not deny it that. "I will personally see tae the fosterage of yer men, my lady if it pleases her tae agree, is a fine educator. We also have a fine teacher, in our villages. Yet, shall not some o' yer children surely attend the Academy in the South?" Liliana Campbell "Yes, but such education is nay fer all. This seems a fine way tae as well mayhaps lay the grounds fer other ways tae seal agreeance. As ye know Ah've nay sons tae offer ye in marriage, n' tis may prudent tae make such an offer when the MacGregor alliance must come first n' foremost..but among the fostered youth, if ye see such a match might be made, n' given yer ways o' appropriate age and arrangements..ye may each persue it." (d) Liliana Campbell Though silent Liliana's own energy did not allow her to fade into the background. She was not forgotten even as the men discussed matters. These were serious times, one that made the brain think often, which attributed to Liliana's solemnity. Even the presence of her husband wasn't a factor in this moment. "It be my pleasure to bear witness, m'lords. A fine friendship this shall be. As for my skills as an educator I do not proclaim to be as skilled as those at the academy, but I do not lack for intelligence." A slight smile appeared on her lips. Liliana could not fault the man for wishing to see these things made though yearned to give him more hope. Would Kendrew's speaking to the Barrister's be of help? Oh how she prayed so. This was a sad affair all around. (d) Dublain MacDonald "Our sons would benefit from such men as the Campbell men, n' our ladies will become fine women under such tutelage, in return ye may have yer clan's children sae fostered n' educated" Even with the Academy in place, some might still utilize traditional modalities, for it allowed easier access to trade agreements, faithful retainers, marriages, and other services. He would still be glad though, to see a generation of scholarly turned MacDonalds come out of the Academy instead of the lot of his generation. It was amazing what he could manage from prison. "Let it be sae commended. The healer comes, tae tend m'leg, if ye will excuse me both.." Kendrew Campbell"Likewise, m'laird. We will leave you, and pray for your health. Wife?" The door was opened, and he would allow her to exit first, his eye glaring hard to the guard. Do his job, aye, but no more than that and assuredly no less. Some of the guards in the castle were dogs. They should be fortunate that they were not under his present command. (d) Liliana Campbell Loathe to leave Dublain to the mercy of the guards, Liliana motioned to the basket set off in the corner, clean clothes, and blankets,"I hope they serve you well tonight, Dublain. I will try to come by in the morning." It was as they were leaving, after noting the glare Kendrew gave, that Liliana paused as well. Her words were not loudly spoken yet carried weight. Chocolate eyes stared straight ahead, a serene smile was on her lips, as she spoke next to the guard,"You lay one hand on him with intent to harm and I will make you think the Lady MacGregor a saint." Lips widened though eyes didn't soften any as she murmured,"Good day." And moved away to wait for Kendrew to escort her along the corridor with both hands folded neatly again. The picture of an innocent, serene woman- who'd just threatened harm to an armed man without any fear. (d) Kendrew Campbell "Obey her to the extent of the fullest, it will be the same with the other prisoners. Remember, in the absence of our other esteemed officer, the service is my keeping." He snarled, and would happily enact an arrest order on any man that defied the mandates of how prisoners were treated. With what his wife had said, he not only supported it, but had found reason to smile when the doors were sealed. "The Lady Campbell is spirited this day," he offered , "It is a fine and good thing to see. The prisoners are happy you are such an advocate of them no doubt, and we are a blessed household, to have such. I must to the barrister.." he paused , "Would you, wish to attend? Surely their majesties will wish other things to discuss, other people to see than the men in black robes making far too much coin for the suffering below." (d) Liliana Campbell Spirit was something that Liliana had though didn't often display. Never had she been a woman who enjoyed the thought of doing harm to others, but in instances like these could see the necessity. Sometimes people needed defending when they could not do so themselves. Dublain wasn't in any position to make threats in defense of himself nor were the other prisoners. She'd do what she could on their behalf. The first true smile, in sometime, curved her lips as a light blush set in,"Wait until the man realizes I can't even lift a sword. My threat will be useless then. If you would not mind, husband, then I would be glad to accompany you." A slight thaw in the ice that had been directed at him of late. Though it didn't mean anything was fixed, of course, it was a start. (d) Kendrew Campbell"You command enough power, m'lady, to have a host of men swing swords on your behalf. Why, the Order all shades would come hence at your command." Why swing a sword if plenty would do it for you? The thought of her taming them with blade blunt's end, smacking their arses was enough to render him chortling. A bit of sun to crack the ice mold around the heart was never a bad thing. Unsure if she would accept it, he offered his arm only after they had come from below and walked half of the hall way. In his mind that swam of thoughts, one moment such as this might make all the difference. (d) Liliana CampbellEbon hair swayed with shake of head as one corner of mouth lifted,"Ah, I'd be lucky not to tip over just trying to life the thing. I should let those more able do the lifting. Perhaps you, my husband. Would you life a sword on my behalf?" It was more the word left out that made the question more serious than playful. To Liliana it was more: would you still lift a sword on my behalf? A hand was delicately placed on his arm in acceptance and she slid it around to grasp more tightly, looping her arm through his own, and leaned against him. (d) Kendrew Campbell"If a woman may give birth to a child, perhaps she may find the strength for a sword. Aye, I would lift a sword on your behalf, many times over. I see why ancient grudges happen. I would not be too pleased if someone made unseemly remarks of you or the rest of the family. While I am not fool enough to march our men to war, I might be moved to a sword for you, if caught upon the right day." He let a bit of his smile remain as she touched him, as her form came close. He placed a hand atop her own, and so they walked. It was not too long of a way to the hall where all had convened. Thick ,solid oak reduced the passioned tones to fitful mutterings. Coming to the guard there, he informed the young man that both himself and the Lady Campbell wished entry, for it was to speak with the barristers when things were done. "It is a harsh place ,therein," said the guard, "They should be nearly through. Wait but a moment m'lord.." When the guard slipped in, fractions of the voices inside slipped out. It made his eyes widen, the tone utlized. (d) Liliana Campbell "I could see the reason for a woman to lift a sword. In your defense I would find the strength to do so, husband. You and the children's defense would give me enough." Ancient grudges caused many a war. Liliana could understand the reasonings though would never want a war started over her. It was silly and too much blood was lost. Upon reaching the door, she raised a brow at the words and both eyes widen at the sounds that came from the other side as he dissapeared within. "Just what are we disturbing? They sound truly incensed." Liliana wondered the wisdom of stepping into such chaos, but knew that she'd not turn away now. Maybe her presence could be soothing in her as it was in the dungeon. (d) Kendrew Campbell "Aye, could nay tell who was whom was more sae. The Barristers sound as if they rage upon one another, what of their majesties. I hope the meeting be nearly over indeed." The trial produced many an open sore a sensible person would think twice before touching it. Through the crack he saw emphatic hands reaching up to heaven, grabbing pieces of air to tear apart. Another man seemed to grind it up in his hands to dust. As things drew to their conclusion, the guard told them it was alright to enter... Queen Beathag Aberdeen & Barristers "Gentleman, please, remember yourselves before their majesties!" At times, having a Lord Chamberlain was a fantastic thing. His voice could pull order from the invisible domain of God. Adam looked to Beathag, and upon her face was the miracle of serenity as the Chamberlain ordered peace. She arose from her seat to come among the men, "We be done now, sirs. The evidence be admissable, yet must be studied aye? As much as the prosecution needs tae prepare a case sae must the defense have time tae study, prepare, n' counter, n' ye both most call yeselves men o' the law n' behave as such. Tis admissable, yet if next time the formality is slighted e'en in its barest twill be thrown out, on both sides." The defense had to be reminded this, for so close was he to calling forth a name, a fragment of scrape against it as to jeopardize his case..yet to jeopardize the reputation of the other man was surely better still. Both would bow, both would do more to study before meeting with respective men whom purchased them. "Ah, good day, Lord Guardian, Lady Campbell." The men bowed in their presence, before making an exit.. Kendrew Campbell & Barristers "Sir, I need speak with ye, both, when it is allowable. I wish to include spoken testimony, to be questioned.." In assured, yet humble tones he spoke so that he might include his account of matters before the public, and not upon just parchment. He'd thought twice about speaking allowed, seeing as how paper was supposed to suffice. Now? Now it seemed paramount to open his mouth. "I am sure the Chieftain MacGregor will be pleased of it, I must speak with the Chieftain MacDonald of his story once more, and find the Chieftain of MacGregor...when I do, i will summon you sir.." "Nonsense! Biased, biased! I will see to it no more than your paper reaches the stand, in all respect sir..for your friendship would make you so biased. Good day." Both men left, the defenseman apologizing before exiting. Queen Beathag Aberdeen "We shan't be convenin' anymore this day. Tae prepare a proper case surely they'll need tae till taemorrow sae ye will have time..yer majesty." Adam passed them to see what else he could glean from other clansmens, yet not before smiling his hello, and kissing his wife's cheek in fond farewell. (d) Liliana Campbell The man that spoke of bias made Liliana raise a brow. She wanted to slap him. Was he not bias in his own right? Ah, they all preached not to have bias yet none were truly without. Shaking her head, watching both men depart, she smiled toward Bess and Adam,"You two are to be commended to be so serene and calm in the face of chaos." Liliana gave a gentle smile to Adam as he departed as well then turned attention to Bess. "Is there anything I can get for you? You must be exhausted." (d)
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Post by Sir Kendrew Campbell on Aug 2, 2010 19:20:24 GMT -6
Part III Beathag Aberdeen"All the world quakes, Liliana, the moon is near tae fallin down. In truth in all this chaos Ah could favor somethin' mild, perhaps a light ale or somewot, n' a plate o' food sent tae follow his majesty if ye would. Ahdam does nay eat much if he thinks but is famished after. Ah'm sorra ye could nay speak with the barristers right off, tis fer the better. Foul tempered they be, vera foul tempered." She did not need to exhibit such unconditionalrestraint among them, did she? If Trial were brought forward was it not known she'd give as impartial an answer as possible, no matter whom asked her, but would always speak in earnest? It was not easy excersising no public favoritism when it came to pleas. Part of her did wish to acknowledge the pleas of the MacGregor women to set Chloestrain free, yet she could not under principle. Part of her wished to admonish Iain and banish him henceforth from court for some time, yet could not. Nothing was as simple under laws such as this to uphold, for their crowns relied on it. (d) Liliana Campbell Gently a hand reached out to squeeze one of Bess's own,"I will see to it. Though only if you agree to a light meal as well. You could probably use it as well. You two never seem to have a moment of peace lately. I wish I could be of more assistance to those who seem to need it lately." It wasn't any secret that Liliana spent much of her time with the prisoners when not needed by her Queen. Some would probably use that to slight their sovereigns judgment concerning the trial as much as the Campbells being close friends with both. Liliana would like to tell them where to shove their opinions, but that wasn't ladylike. Turning now, giving a gentle smile to Kendrew, shestepped out into the hall to stop a maid and see that what was asked for be done. Though also made note that ale be brought for her husband and tea for herself. Her husband could probably use it too. Once back inside, she closed the door to block out any prying eyes,"All will be set aright in time, Bess." (d) Beathag Aberdeen "Time is nay a thing we have, Liliana, nay at all. Tis a matter o' makin use o' wot time is left..this may have purchased them another day at most." She could not say that judgements were nearly ready to proceed, but they were. This proverbial wrench in the mechanisms of the judicial machine may not seem a blessing, but perhaps they might turn a hill of dung into gold. Silk purse from a sow's ear? She observed Kendrew, ever steadfast, ever more passive in the absence of war than most veteran soldiers could hope to be in a lifetime. "A light repast will dae well, n' ye, Guardian, wot business of yerself in Struan? There is more than the trial to occupy your brain. What of your children, a better topic by far. My son can not seem to cease his ramblings of our son." (d) Kendrew Campbell "Roric is a boy of twelve, nearly thirteen. He is already a seasoned little veteran himself, having snuck off to Kyleakin, he has been well admonished and yet..a father can not hide his pride." Nor would he. The boy's studying had paid off, and he delivered messages, held a banner, and followed commands with precision. "Now he plays at war games, studies with your son, his Highness. It is good to see boys behave as boys, it seems too my daughters have found your own. She is quite popular among the ladies below and just above her age I see. My youngest son, God be praised, cares only for our arms." (d) Liliana Campbell "Another day?" Liliana couldn't hide the way her voice shook, but did not say more. Luckily her fears for Dublain and the others couldn't be focused on long. Kyleakin. If Liliana could go without hearing that name again it'd be too soon. Mouth tightened at the mention especially of Roric having gone off there as well. Yet not a word was spoken on the matter. Whether or not the boy had done well at it, he'd still snuck off too a battle. It was bad enough that Liliana had not wanted Kendrew going and then Roric had gone off too. Moving away to take a seat, not glancing at neither Kendrew nor Bess, she didn't allow her voice to change much. Not that her husband was fooled. "Aye, the children grow by the day. Morgan even seems not intent to stay a little one for long. Kylie and Roric are eager to make their place in the world already. Did I tell you she asked about arranged marriages not long back? Quite the shock for Kendrew and I." Laughter and the appearance of a smile as she looked up again. Such thoughts that were already on the mind of the young. (d) Beathag Aberdeen "Arranged marriage, already from a lass sae young, such yearnin tae be a maiden when she's still but a sprig o' a thing! Such a serious matter," she chuckled at the thought, letting her mind be carried away on notes of youthful induglence. "Davina insists tae behave as quite the 'lady o' merit' as she calls it, yearnin tae please us, the chamberlain, all the ladies o' honor at court. Indeed she is far more comely at tha' age than Ah was. Ah was cohercin Adam tae play dice at tha' age," yet on the subject of arranged marriages she said, "Ye try tae move the age tae sixteen, a fine age m'thinks fer such decisions yet tradition binds kindred sooner. There be some, oddly whom by tha' age, have a kennin' fer wot they will. There has been talk o' allowin' loose ratification o' such things perhaps by 13, with the final approval fer sixteen. See ye the clans, how many arrangement still persist. All I charge is tha' the law be made known, by any tha' are able tae teach. How much of this..how many other such things prevented if the right choices be excersised. Such as said, yet little speak on it." She sighed, the maid returning with all the drinks and food to enjoy. The ale was a calming balm to her own sore wounds ."Ah dun pretend tae know m'daughters mind by the age o' five how'ere, n' wish her a small girl as long as possible. Aodhan's future be enough, fer five years from sixteen is nay sae far off in such a line as ours." (d) DreamsOfWriting: "Them wedding is not something I long to think upon. They grow more and more with each day that passes. How much longer will they hold onto their childhood? I did not get to do so for long and wish for them to cherish every moment." Liliana's childhood was ripped from her at a tender age. She had to grow up fast. There wasn't any gentle way of doing so either. No slow adjusting from child to adult. She was tossed into it. The return of the maid was watched carefully, seeing that she'd brought everything requested, and thanks given before her departure. "I'm not even sure how I feel about arranged marriage. Isn't that what started the tensions between Robertson and MacGregor? I have heard stories about the Lady MacGregor and Lord Robertson around Struan though at times it is hard to tell truth from lie." (d) Beathag Aberdeen"Ah suppose everythin be an arrangement, tis a matter o' wot ye say yes n' nay tae. The problem is nay one said nay, nay one sough the law, or this would 'ave been mended years agae." How comely the lady that did not gossip so openly on matters when the walls were as thin as sheets, so she swore, "Nay one spoke o' force, or loss, nor cohersion or twould be a different matter all taegether. The problem with arrangements is people use the false still tae ratify them, tis wot anges me the most, me thinks. A good match approved with the true parties agreeance is grand, an ill match..well." She lifted her eyes to the left and right of them discretely. No amount of gala displays of fealty could hide the rancor here abouts. That was what came of lies and force. Indeed, others in the court had fallen subject to the same 'force.' "Nay all men n' women will arrange good, true matches based on persons or character fer their children, tis based on money n' station. Ah was fortunate n' m'first husband, and had tha' course nay been happened ah would have still been fortunate in Adam, Ah knew him, loved him long. Nay one is really tha' lucky. Ye can nay negotiate a marriage bed, a marriage yes, nay the consumation nor the love behind it." Kendrew Campbell "Well spoken, Beathag." Food for the belly delayed the horrible ingestion the mind underwent from what it thought, heard, and saw. An empty belly, far more agreeabe, was given agreeable things. "Yet the children are that, children,the time comes far too soon for such, let them play, let them laugh, let them enjoy one another. I have set Roric to take lessons with the joined clan sons. Surely he may make a friend among the Robertsons and the MacGregors, for surely the children need do more than fret. They must. It is sordid business." Part of him, too, wanted to seek clemency for them yet he knew better. Nor would he upset his friend, and offend her in such a manner. "I have not yet seen young Robin in the tilt yard, and what of Iain's boy, his daughter? This is a good deed." Beathag Aberdeen "Ah dae agree, such friends as this would see their futures better set than better anythin' money can provide." Friendships among the next generation like no other, where peace would be had because of love, brotherhood, companionship. Indeed posistion at court might even easier come of years worth of known merit. Did any ever think of this as children played, or did they seem them only as chess pieces to be moved? Did the MacGregor boy not come out much for safety, what of Robertson children, were they protected from the hideous rumors or were they force fed all this hatred? If one thing, all the delights provided the children ample distraction. Better to have her own children at lessons, fairs, and dances than learning these lessons too soon. Aodhan had settled in silence in private chambers but twice before they could not allow the young princehear such atrocity. It didn't matter what his role entailed, she told the Chamberlain and the King, her son would not that talk at all! (d) Liliana Campbell Was this what the children had to look forward to? Arranged marriages that would decide whom they married. Even if laws were enacted, they were consulted, it was an arrangement nonetheless. Marriage done for duty. What of love? For some that could come in time, but for others never at all. It could turn into an ugly, miserable affair even with plans in place. "Something good to come of this would be friendship among the children. Perhaps they will not have to deal with these tensions in future if so." It was much to hope for to be honest. Some semblance of peace in their future. That they'd not have to deal with the fighting and chaos of such matters brought on by dislike between clans or old grudges. A bond forged in childhood could last many years into adulthood if nurtured right. "Has none truly seen MacGregor boy or Robertson children?" Liliana wasn't aware of this and felt for both. Did they hide them? Or was it sorrow and the unknowing nature of their parents futures that brought about their exclusion from the world? (d) Kendrew Campbell "Tis said they only keep to themselves, but perhaps something to call them forth, these games may be hollow to them. Such lessons as I have sent Roric too, perhaps it might even serve me well, if you would arrange it so of themaster of the castle, I would glady provide an arms lesson to the young men." Beathag Aberdeen"An honor indeed twould be fer them, and none would refuse tha', tae make sure they dun Ah shall insist e'ery young man o' proper age shall attend, n' somewot fer the lasses m'thinks as well.A day fer the future, tae instill good friendships between clans. God knows we need more such things, we shall look intae such but now...aye now somewot fer them," she smiled, and heartily. For the first time it stretched clear across all her features, too! "Tha' MacGregor lass, Shyvonne, surely might come forth herself, Liliana, fer some good company, n' Lindall if somethin could be suitably arranged. ah know tis nay a time o' wishin tae lose yerself o'er yer embrodiery, but the Lady Lindall is with child." Indeed, something so they didn't have to listen to that bull named Searc MacGregor bellow out his great commandments all day? Perhaps, too, while she could extend no clemency, the crown could extend a day of mercies. Better food, perhaps even supervised fresh air. Would that not purchase more as well in the name of time? Hmm. (d) Liliana Campbell "Well, there is naught wrong with a day of embroidery. Something relaxing that could bring about conversation perhaps of a more calming nature than all this serious talk. As for the games, I cannot say I fault the children if they are not to their tastes. You would think by all the games and festivities this is all in fun." Liliana was sickened by the manner of which people behaved. Had not she seen a puppet show the other day about Chloestrain and Iain? It'd ended gory and with them burning in hell yet all around had laughed. Sickening behavior to partake in when peoples lives hung in the balance. "For the lasses we could perhaps just give them access to what they wish and a large chamber for several days. Young ladies are wont to gossip and bond, and usually in such free surroundings with food and games they'll forget about bloodlines." Something to bring about a way for the children to bond and forget, and the adults. This needed be done. Especially if judgment was as close at hand as Bess made it seem. (d) Beathag Aberdeen "Mm..ye are right Liliana. Ye are righ. May I charge ye both with these tasks, tae bring about some sense o' normalcy tae this place, tae encouragin the bonds as laid out in our decree? Make it sae, Ahdam shan't object." Beathag couldn't say that with impunity but knew he wouldn't object to seeing their decree strengthened by some bonds, come what may, something other than the legality. Maybe something unforced, pure could come of this. In hear deepest heart all she knew she could give the people below was the advantage of additional hours. A half day would surely become a day and a half with this affair. A day where even they would not sit in judgement, but with their own children! Where she could be a mother instead of the harbringer of fate with so solemn, so unwavering an expression. "Tis m'command, for ye Kendrew, tae partake a day of this castle's lessons with all clan sons in attendance, fer day o' respite from the proceedings." Indeed, she would also see it done that all these 'festival' amusements that day were forbidden. It was sickening to see the fair season proceed all around. "The fair will be moved away from the castle grounds, and untae the next village." It had dampened down at times, yet as judgements proceeded it seemed they were risen again from the dead! Was the Lady of the Castle simply that indignant to it all? She would not ignore it anymore! "Tha' is m'will." Her eyes thanked them for their presence, one hundredfold. (d)
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Post by Sir Kendrew Campbell on Aug 2, 2010 22:29:36 GMT -6
Lindall and Dublain Prior to Trial, A Charity for Appearence..and After.. Lindall MacGregor She had returned true to her word the next afternoon, bringing with her some bread cheese and a couple of apples with a skin of water.. for him to eat.. Also she had sent a healer down, if he would not let her attend his wounds then perhaps a healer would have better luck with the stubborn McDonald.. But today she did not bring only food, but before her arrival the gaurd had installed a small table and two straing backed chairs.. in the cell with him.. Soon enought Dublain would understand the meaning of this, as she settled the food on the table and.. a young page brought in a basin of water, soap and what looked to be a leather strap.. Inside the cell the gaurd stood arms crossed as she laid a clean towell by the basin.. " You need a Shave Mylord.. and a hair cut to be presentable to the King and Queen. " it was a statement of fact.. as she held up a straight razor before the gaurd.. " They wont be letting you have a blade, so I offered to do the honors.. do you trust me ?" it was said almost teasinngly. A McDonald.. submitting to a McGregor with a blade to his throat.. of his own will.. it was unheard of. (d) Dublain MacDonaldHer promise proved not the crust of bread, easily made nor easily broken. It was strange to him still the amount of kindness given a man who was set to swing more than likely. Admittedly, the trial that day had made him look up a the thought he might indeed escape the noose (or the king's prefered method, the axe, both of which were violent ends for a man.) What lay behind the platforms, chains, and the cell? In the midst of considering the outside world Lindall returned to make good on that promise with amazing additions to it. "Wot.." he managed, arching the brow of his blind eye to create a comical appearence of confusion in an eye that knew what was going on only because the other functioned. He limped today, but the wound was clean, bandaged, and sewn. Without Lindall's persistence, he may have had no leg! "Furniture? Tha' be much, ye know they move me twixt light n' dark, tae break me sae they say, subdue m'violent moods..sae Ah'm 'sensible' fer questioinin. ah doubt they'd move the furniture tae." She explained the reason for her visit, to which he simply bawked, " Lindall," the informal slid through his teeth with too much ease. The guard wanted to shake him down for it, but in the presence of a lady didn't dare. "Ye 'ave tae be shytin' me, a shave..n' a cut? Wot are ye now a barber..." Submit to a blade at his throat by a woman MacGregor. Maybe the gallows weren't so terrible after all. He sighed, finding comfort at least in one of the chairs she brought in. "Ye know they wish tae hasten how all is done, dun know if a shave matters much. They say the King grows impatient, n' the Queen wonders wot else might be brought forward.." Little did he know what a barrister, for or against, might do. If anything, the prosecution's upcoming show might give him time. (d) Lindall MacGregor "I"m no barber, but then again.. I see no other offerin" she smiled.. and motioned him to the chair.. " Sit yourself down.. " she had moved one of the chairs to the side of the table.. handing the razor to the guard for the time being.. as she was allowed it only with the gaurds attendance.. once he had settled she poured a bit of water over his head.. " Close your eyes " she murmered as warm water trickled over his hair enoght to dampen it, before the cell was filled with the scent of sandlewood , aslather begin to be scrubbed into his hair and beard... " You should at least look like a cheiftan and not a madman in court tomorrow when you speak" she had watched him today, and his appearance had hindered him greatly.. Chloe Iain and Mark had been cleaned up and groomed well, but Dublain had looked the part of the brigand.. and for some inexplicable reason.. Lindall had thought that unfair.. and set about to make it right.. Slowly her fingers pulled through his long hair until she was sastified it was cleaned.. smiling down at him as finally he relaxed a bit, " Close your eyes again " she spoke soflty.. tiltling his head back.. as again water trickled over his scalp, washing the soap awway... Before much he could protest, a comb was pulled through his dark locks that were streked with silver... and then the steady snip snip snip of scissors as she .. trimmed him up (d) Dublain MacDonald "In prison they hardly offer ye a pot to piss in, m'lady," Course tongue twisted over the words while mouth turned up in..dare one say it, a smile? He could not ponder why Searc allowed his sister such 'direct' show of charity, but would make sure to thank him all the same, "You are not the first visitor Ah've had taeday. Somethin infects ye women, a sickness o' kindness. The Lady Campbell is also most kind." Moving from the opposite chair, he came to where Lindall recommend he be, groaning softly as he extended the throbbing limb out before him. Clean body, clean clothes, clean boots. Aye, a face to match the posistion he held. A chance to match the evidence for to fight all he had was his features now. No swords, no armor. "Between the pair of ye I shall be well clothed, yet it would be a MacGregor close enough to slit my throat." he was still after that, and found himself...comforted? Was he basking in this kindness..allowing the water to wash away the dirt born of his own self admitted sin? How he would need this. for little did he know beyond this room, to the next day, his chances of freedom would highly constrict (d) Lindall MacGregor Soon enough she trimmed his hair into a passable statement of nobility, that was still long enough to pull back into a tail , as he appeared to wear it that way out of habit.. then moved around before him handing the shears to the guard in exchange for the razor.. laying it on the table, she moved before him to come to stand between his legs.. " I shall be gentle.." she winked at him as delicate fingers lathered his beard in the same scented soap.. her index finger, tipping his head back slighlty... leaning foreward, her some six months pregnant belly pressed intimately against his middle.. her skirts swirling about his legs, she smelled of lavender, and honey... herfingertips soft and cool... " Relax.." her voice dropped to a low hum... " I'm not your enemy " (d) Dublain MacGregor His gruff expression melted to that of a sphinx, impenatrable, stoic. Instead of the scowl it became a mystery as to what swirled inside so lofty a head. For a man who was forty and five, he had enough scars across his hide, enough thought, to fill the age of sixty. Often, he felt sixty. Embarrasment forced him to work with no gimp knowing it was forced, determination drove him to live with showing no impairment other than the obvious nothing could fix. It was God's dominion to grant side. He saw fit to to take it away. His wet hair clung against the back of his neck, yet the ones before his eyes were disappearing. He felt the air changed on his face, affected by her presence. Each movement made a slight breeze. By the time he opened his eyes again, she was at his throat with the blade. Proximity made him hold in a gasp. "Nay, ye are not," was all he replied. For once, he didn't look at her in the peripheral, but in the forefront. Down the channel passage of one good eye he saw what the man whom Carver had killed looked down from heaven on. What woman would ever pay him this service without coin or duress? With only charity as her reason, she used the blade to carve the hair from his face. His skin was not so terrible underneath, scar riddled ,yet smooth in many places. "ye think it will be much improved, m'speaking with such a face?" (d) Lindall MacGregor She stilled the blade as he spoke, watching his adams apple lift up and down with his voice and she smiled, it was such a thing of sincerity and truth that it was beautiful, in her own subltle way, she was not the obviouse beauty of those of the court, or the exoctic beauty of the likes of Lady Campbell.. but a more earthly presence as if the whole of Scottlands, earth could be found in the depths of her emerald eyes.. " I think you no longer look like and ogre or a highwayman whom people lay their eyes upon and find guilty upon sight, and with clean clothes you should pass well as a Cheiftan " her hands slid down his cheeks checking for any stubborn whiskers.. smoothing over his jaw and a thumb over his upper lip.. finding she had down a good job, " I think it a fine face.." her voice had dropped once again.. before she turned to rinse the blade and clean it against the towell, then turned with the damp towell to smooth away any remaining lather... " There.." she leaned back a little to survey her work, tilting her head in honest judegment of the service she had done him..then nodded soflty. skirts brushed against his legs, as she backed from him.. taking both her fragrance and her warmth...along with the press of her belly.. then turned offering basin and blade to the guard.. " See I told you he would be of no trouble.. now you may leave us.. I wish a visit.. " she shooed the guard away with the tone of a woman not used to being told no.. then moved back to the table taking her seat... " I do so hope you play cards.. there is no one of any merit to play with here " from a pocket in her skirt she produced a deck bound with a dark blue ribbon, unwound it, and begin to shuffle the deck experctly between her fingers with deft motions... then delt him five face down, and herself the same... holding them up with a cheshire grin.. she looked over the fanned set of cards.. " Draw or stay?" sometimes the woman just barged ahead in life, never bothering to ask.. if where she was headed.. was right (d) Dublain MacDonald His comments were gentler at times than the gruff exterior belied. No, he was not a man who would seduce a woman with a thousand songs nor promise paradise when the world was made of stone or moors, but he could be of a good nature. Like her beauty it was not so obvious. Among the clans that crafted the courtiers were women who held the praise of old bard craft. Others perhaps were blessed with the features of Frenchman or Vikings. Others were vyed for, yet what of a woman six months agone with the childof a deadman, green eyed and plain to many? She was beautiful in goodness, worthy of God's praise far higher than mankinds. As he was lifted to be surveyed he did the same with his one functional eye, noting the dim light did catch a curl in her hair. He was a man, and was not immune to gentle charms. It made him smile, she was comforting. He imagined she must have steadied her man quite a bit. The illusion of saintliness was marred by a country passage of time act, cards. "Aye, I play, nay with women but there comes a first time for all things." She even returned with the cards he'd sent away, "Draw, let us be livin' a wee bit aye?" (d) Lindall MacGregor She delt him two cards to replace the ones he gave over.. then smiled and only offered one up to the middle, replacing it, with a arch of her brows.. " To bad we have nothing to bet with else I might be a woman with a jingle of McDonald coin in my pocket " she teased him tapping her fingers lightly on the table.. her other hand shifting over her belly, as the babe inside turned and resituated itself into a more comforted posistion.. she patted the cruve then rubbed it in an age old expression of maternal love for an unborn.. before peeking over her cards once again at the newly groomed man before her... " I shall bring buttons next time so we have something to bid with " (d) Dublain MacGregor "Oh? Or would it be tha' Ah would hold MacGregor coin tae fill me coffes, leave the cell, buy a fine new ship n' stable." Secretly he lavished the idea and could you blame him? Old rivalry died hard, and between shipping and ships, there would always be business rivalry to satiate what was now illegal blood fueds between men. "We can play fer supper bits, apple slices, bread slices. Surely the bairin needs tae eat. MacGregors look like they eat aplenty if they be men." He teased the looks of his benefactors, spreading out his cards. In truth he relished this, for it was business that kept his brother and nephew from him. It was business of soothing the clan that saw them seldom visit, and never with such humor. He did not have such awaiting him even in his freedom. No woman, no child. No bairin. "Ye women are a comely lot though." From that lot his wife would be chosen, he wagered the youngest matches would have a chance. No woman would really seek to soothe him, unless they were older, or crazed. Lindall was older, Liliana he was convinced in her serenity was crazed (d) Lindall MacGregor Fine then I raise you and apple " she plucked the ruby gem and sat it on the table before him... grinning.. " LIkely you will go hungry,, tis a good thing I'm chairitable enough to feed you no matter you lack of card skill " she fanned her cards as if she held all the aces in her hand... then blushed slighlty as he spoke of the Women McGregor being a comely lot.. " Chloe and Shyvonne are beauties.. as well as Cousin Portia.. though I have no idea where she has dissipeared to .. no one does.. " her brow furrowed a bit.. and then she looked back at him... and waggled her brows... " Well then.. see me or better me " she spoke of the card game but her words could have penetrated his thoughts to provoke them even moreso(d) Dublain MacDonald"Ah see yer apple, n' raise ye three pieces o' this loaf, n' a nut. Now.." He observed her fanning gesture, leaning stoic, as if he held all the answers in his hand. "Yer Shyvonne is a dark haired beauty, yer Chloestrain is nay unlike wot men desire, n' yer Portia..is she nay tha' blonde chyt?" Pardon the expression, darling, but word and Portia's presence really did little for a man. When one did business, word reached round. Portia was a might free with visiting businessmen, "Ah'm sorry, ye kinsmen are my benefactors," and he was their business partner and partial ruination for some unfortunate waiting woman unless he was axed. "Wot hold ye, m'lady, in yer hands." Was he a full house, queen high? He challenged a mind right back as she probed his. (d) Lindall MacGregor Fine then I raise you and apple " she plucked the ruby gem and sat it on the table before him... grinning.. " LIkely you will go hungry,, tis a good thing I'm chairitable enough to feed you no matter you lack of card skill " she fanned her cards as if she held all the aces in her hand... then blushed slighlty as he spoke of the Women McGregor being a comely lot.. " Chloe and Shyvonne are beauties.. as well as Cousin Portia.. though I have no idea where she has dissipeared to .. no one does.. " her brow furrowed a bit.. and then she looked back at him... and waggled her brows... " Well then.. see me or better me " she spoke of the card game but her words could have penetrated his thoughts to provoke them even moreso(d) Dublain MacDonald "Ah see yer apple, n' raise ye three pieces o' this loaf, n' a nut. Now.." He observed her fanning gesture, leaning stoic, as if he held all the answers in his hand. "Yer Shyvonne is a dark haired beauty, yer Chloestrain is nay unlike wot men desire, n' yer Portia..is she nay tha' blonde chyt?" Pardon the expression, darling, but word and Portia's presence really did little for a man. When one did business, word reached round. Portia was a might free with visiting businessmen, "Ah'm sorry, ye kinsmen are my benefactors," and he was their business partner and partial ruination for some unfortunate waiting woman unless he was axed. "Wot hold ye, m'lady, in yer hands." Was he a full house, queen high? He challenged a mind right back as she probed his. (d) Lindall MacGregor "Yes she is a blond chyt... " she laughed and rolled her eyes.. so rumors of Portia's antics had even reached the McDonalds.. " She's a handful.. but a beauty none the less.. though I think sometimes her looks did her a disservice.. in spoiling her to mens wants, " Why would you be sorry ?" her question begged and answer.. as she held the cards to her breast and gave him a suscpectious look.. then lay the cards out.. three tens and two fives.. a full house indeed.. but a lower end pair.. yet she looke looked most pleased with herself.. " That apple does look tasty... as do the bread and nuts " she smirked with good humor.. it was the first time in days she actually enjoyed herself.. and with that thought her lips pulled into a frown.. what a terrible woman was she .. here this man was in a cell perhaps doomed to his last days, and she was enjoying it.. she shuddered and clenched her eyes tightly.. feeling the need to apoligize.. but then opened the sparkleing green hues that were bright with tears of humility and shame and saw that he looked relaxed and calm and perhaps enjoying himself.. lord forgive me.. she begged, upon high.. for she felt as if she was using the man. (d) Dublain MacDonald"A beauty can be spoiled with actions. Dun ye think such things come from within well as without? Such a hope makes a carcus like me e'en redeemable." He awaited her revelation for she acted as a cat with the literal mouse in hand. Ah, a full house, what of him? The same, yet his lowest pair was two numbers higher than her own. Between them, food. A precious commodity. "Handful, tha' is bein kind from stories 'eard, Searc seems tae spend his time tamin' the likes o' his Shyvonne when he should be beaten Portia's arse with a ridin' crop n' sealin her up in a nunnery." He allowed his cards to stay upon the table with hers, to pairs in simliar fashion, one just a little higher than the other. Such was existence yes, she for now was higher than him in freedom. Each of them clan kin, yet outside was she supposed to be subservient? She seemed a bright, sparkly soul. If Searc took no joy in her presence he was a stupid man. Then again, he swore like himself all of the clansmen were prone to an inborn stupidity. "Aye now, wot be this? Fer such a wager dun nay cry n' make a man feel guilty fer havin a higher pair among the lowers as this.." He saw the jest did not work, when in true interest he found himself drawing his chair a little closer, "Lindall, wot is wrong?" (d) Lindall MacGregor "it's not the cards" she waved off his concern feeling all the more guilty for it... then biting her lips softly when he moved closer.. " I found myself enjoying our game.. and I flelt sellfish.. because you are here.. facing charges that could.." her words faltered.. as she looked away, lashes playing over her eyes to keep tears at bay.. " I should be ashamed.. for I ment to offer you comfort, and not take such from you " she confessed, looking down at her hands over her belly... " for a moment I forgot.." it was obvious she was speaking of her husbands death, and her own dire situation.. for a widow at her age, carrying a child, there were little prospects, and even if Searc let her keep her lands, it was likely she would be married off to some man who wanted her only for money and power she would bring to his name.. that of the Chieftans,brother in law.. " Forgive me..?" her hands trembled as she moved to stand.. " You must think me horrid.." (D) Dublain MacDonald He listened to her relay the plight without the same comedic grandeur she delivered his comforts. His brow furrowed as he found for this woman a deep seated anger she dare deprive herself of anything, when she gave so freely. Sighing, he contained the emotion with the long drawn out sound. "Lindall, sit. Stay. Listen." A man's command was law in the old tradition, would it hold with a man in a prison cell? She owed him that much, after making him believe hope could be ascertained in gambling for apples. They were both too old for fairy tales but needed many jokes to get by. There was humor in black things, the disparaging remarks of those who deserved them, and a table with peanuts. "Ye 'ave nothin tae be shamed fer, n' nothin tae make apologies of. Why would ah think ye horrid. O' all yer clansmen, Lindall, ye seem tae me the most in earnest. Ye've nay loves hidin nor things tae amend, ye dae well yer brother in yer faith, charity, n' e'en humor and mind. O' the last tae he seems tae care little of, yet I would pray a man take comfort in them, fer e'en a man like Searc needs tae be comforted. Tis a solemn n' hard thing, such a place." He had one heir, though Dublain didn't know his origin. It could prove faulty, with what whispers moved through the cells. What if the boy were killed, or took ill. What then? As it were he moved through his trusted adult men..where it would have been easier if he wed. A hand in hs hair moved the lot she cut back, "Yer husband died a death he did nay deserve, but heed me when Ah say, n' fergive it..one he was nay as unprepared fer as ye think. The bent was poor n' the dealin cruel..yet all men, we are prepared tae die. We are born tae die , n' if old age claim us we be blessed indeed. He died, knowin yer tenderness, his clans honor behind him, n' a child with his blood. He died..defendin wot he believed in. Nay matter how Carver did him wrong with those things tis nay invain. God help us, with such amends as we make atween our famlilies we shan't have such needless death again, aye? Ah'm sorry it took yer man though." He was firm in his words, direct, yet very kind. "N' yer pleasure? Take it. How many seek o' yer comforts, for ye are less tempered than Shyvonne sae surely ye must be as a lamb among all these damned wolves. Nay talk o' wot ye may be in the wrong, tis folly, n' tis m'order ye shan't talk such folly." Searc did what a man would do, yet all of them..how far did they see beyond their own nose/ He was granted clarity, dublain...for that was all he had time to do, think (d) Lindall MacGregor She stilled when he bade her stay, she was of the old school and a mans word was indeed to be heeded, and obeyed.. but even if it had been negated inside the cell they found themselves within, she would have stilled, but only for the tone in his voice, that of wamth and true sincerity as he spoke of Jonus's last day.. soft tears marred her cheeks now, rolling over the smattering of freckles that dotted the bridge of her nose, and danced like imps when she laughed and smiled... when he spoke of her being less tempered than Shyvonne she couldnt' help but laugh, as it seemed even in the dungeons of Dun Durroch, her temper tantrums were legend.. She smiled some then.. her hands reaching out to catch his and squeeze lighty as he ordered her to take comfort where she could... " I told you she would be and ill match for you.. that mouth of hers can cause mens ears to burst into flame " she loved her sister and it was a good natured jib, but it was true.. Shyvonne was a raging inferno, while Lindal was a steady flame.. " Thank you..." she whispered, as her laughter faded... " It is good to be seen again " her fingers squeezed his once again, befor she moved to withdraw them from his grasp.. as it was most improper and unladylike.. but then so was playing cards and shaving a prisoner in the dungeons.. but it was more than that.. she felt almost as if she were betraying Jonus.. in the sweet touch of hands, and the warmth and comfort, she took from Dublain.. suprisingly enough, the conflict was plain and day on her face.. for him to see. (d) Dublain MacDonald Had no one told her this before or had they only muttered it in passing for all that went on around them. She was still the Chieftain's sister, did he not insitute some mourning in the lands they kept? Did he secure her future? Shaking his head he did smile as he saw her disposistion improve.."Ye are welcome, Lindall, tis a small thing given wot ye've given tae me, yet it is true. Ye are a lamb among wolves, or rabid hounds, which e'er ye prefer." The temper of Shyvonne, the deeds of Chloe in years past, Portia's desire of men, and Searc's bull headed stride in life it seemed Lindall was the most sensible of all of them. Sense is often ignored though, he was guilty of that. Now? He paid careful attention. In the touch of her hand, he squeezed it, forgetting for a moment that she was a widow, and he was a man in a jail cell. Before she could pull away..he caught her hand again. Bowing forward from his chair, he kissed that hand in thanks. He would not make her feel dishonorable. (d) Lindall MacGregor The hand he captured, trembled as his lips pressed against it.. the pulse fluttering in her wrist, as his hand held it , imprisoned, lightly.. and it was not drawn away, a little intake of breath that was not so much gasp as it was..surprise.. not at his actions.. but at the feeling it evoked within her own self.. her cheeks blushed.. pink.. as her eyes lifted from the floor to meet his... " Rabid hounds.. they are definalty rabid hounds " she murmered then begin to laugh softly.. " The lot of them.. " now her smile widened as the blush deepened.. she retook her seat.. her hand still captured in his.. " I want that apple back.." she challenged... withdrawing her hand now to shuffle the cards... and deal again (d) Dublain Macdonald "Rabid hounds n' crazed hens pecking at the cokes in the yard aye. Sae come then, win yer apple." By arm extended, hand grasped he led her back to her seat. Eyes aglow he looked at her for the beauty she'd never see in herself. A man whom knew she was widowed would never do anything unseemly bu the was a man looking at his potential last days, so he enjoyed how the rounded belly came from an obvious figure fashioned in country air. He indulged in imagining the legs under the skirt, as soft as the touch of her hands. From the smile on her face to the glow in her eye, she was more than pretty. "Sae now..shall we begin the game again? We are tae be family, aye. When I come from here.." he tried to be..optimistic, "We shall play fer more than apples, nuts, bread or buttons.." Yet..come the next day, he would not wish to play. The trial would present him in such a way that he felt what small hope he dare have crumble under him. What was it with last minute evidence delaying the judging! Why? As if to paint the party far more guilty, what chance he saw of freedom was sliding away when the barister for the prosecution said he had documents proving that Dublain knew of Broadford's fate in communique with his nephew, and since the plain faultered, the planned invasion of Kyleakin would become a chance to save himself. The documents were such that the King and Queen called a recess to study them, so close to being disavowed of evidence they were...yet the barrister was not so informal as to have it tossed away. Men would meet in chambers ,defense and prosecution. His own family would finally return, wanting to give searc more barristers of their own to help. Yet him? His memory of playing cards with Lindall, another with Liliana..and in the absence...in the gloom, he grew bitter. How a day could change things. It was such even the Lord Guardian was offering his live testimony to turn the tide but could it? What more difference could a day make, but more time to contemplate the moments slipping from you. He felt..a dead man. That night, instead of cards, he shuffled the left over deck idily. He had been given quill and pen...though they mocked him horribly. (d) Lindall MacGregor When their games had been played and the apple at last shared between them it was time for her to go.. grudeginly she did so.. leaving behind the deck of cards, and the ribbon that had wrapped it.. it smelled of her, of lavender and honey... would he tuck it in his shirt for luck, as men did at the tourneys, holding their womens favors close to their heart.. or would it remain with the deck of cards in the cell, for the duration of the trail.. She would sit in the court watching and listening, every word,and it was plain on her face when his eyes would meet hers, that encouging warmth, the steady flame, the soft smile.. she had faith in him, and faith in his innocence.. It was in these times when she made eye contact that her brother shrewd and watching everyone closely would come to discern the fondness between the two.. but it would be later that evening when Searc would broach the subject with Lindall.. inside he fumed at her insolence, how dare she... yet befor the court he seemed complealty in control.. (d) Dublain MacDonaldBefore the court he kept his composure, answering all questions,denying the copies emphatically, yet he saw the faces of the King and Queen unable to distern the truth from the sample he provided to what the prosecution presented. The Queen could not give anymore she would famously tell her closest friends and devoted servants than the advantage of time. She would see to it that the next day court would not convene. Every barrister was to study his evidence that was newly presented, to have a chance for complete cases, full access..in this she hoped, she prayed, there would be something to spare their lives. As it was, what more would they have other than a pity that would make them look weak and their laws children's dreams? Dublain sat at the table Lindall had given, in the chair she'd sat at. Her ribbon bound his hair, for the leather now would bind instructions to his nephew and brother, the true kinsmen who had quelled the last of the disagreeances in the clan. Raasay and Rona were calm now. Would he ever see them again? God Damn it! Where was Searc, the Barrister? Had Kendrew found either as he said he would? The hope Liliana insisted he hold to, the hope Lindall laid was abandoned for a dead man's practicality. With or without him, the agreements must be laid. (d)
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Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Aug 5, 2010 13:54:00 GMT -6
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Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Aug 5, 2010 13:55:25 GMT -6
And some...in the heart.[/size][/url][/center] And some even in the face of death....Standing Trial She had stood oddly silent, composed and almost cold throughout the trial, sitting between Iain and Mark, she gave no evidence of emotion, just stared straight ahead. Only those who knew her well, which included Iain, could see the tiny lines of stress about her eyes, the way her jaw tighten as Barristers lied and told half truths to paint them villains and traitors. How could she be so stalwart… like the King’s walls… He looked at Chloe and smiled… and yet, behind the smile, he yearned to kill all those that spoke against them… and those that silently prayed for their demise. Keliana was there every day… pretending to care, when he knew better. His own father, though he was only a bastard, still his son was heading to the axe and yet he did nothing to aid it. Those two, he yearned to do more than kill them… to condemn them to hell’s fire and damnation. And then there were those that cursed her, and called her names… those he wished they too were condemned to firey depths. But she, this lass beside him… the lass he has loved all his life, may well go to the axe with him.Beneath the table they sat out her hand reached for his, but was stalled by the shackled that bound them each to their seats… She had paled in the dim dungeons, dark circles wreathed her eyes from lack of sleep, the dress that had fit her well, now seemed to hang oddly on her form, was she sick, falling prey to dissolution and despair. Rumors abound over her appearance, the once beautiful lively Lady MacGregor, now a pale reflection of her past glory.
One by one, the barristers gave their learned opinions… Each a nail in a coffin for the quartet that sat accused… Behind, her family sat; Searc, Lindall, Shyvonne, Even Gais and Ivella had made it for the trial. From that quarter, she felt warmth and love, and most of all loyalty, even from Searc. It was an odd thing that, the terms of their life had come to tragedy before they had found some sort of truce. It would never be a love match… But in her actions, he had found honor, and in his forgiveness and willingness to defend her she had found the same in him. It was a mutual respect now… that bloomed between them, that and the sheer clan pride, that while they may war between themselves, no one messed with the MacGregor Clan.The first few days of the trial, he had been vocal, almost to the point of being returned to his cell… but now, he knew it was all in vain. Was this trial just a ruse… a scam put on by the King? Surely not ! He knew Adam would not do this… The King and Queen were here, not on vacation… and still the merriment outside the castle walls… it was as if even his own people waited for his demise. Mark Collier… the man guilty only of association… His only sin was infidelity… and he would look at Iain… then to Chloe… then to the audience, searching out Shyvonne. She… and she alone was the only reason he did not plead guilty… for in his mind, he was guilty… guilty of not doing enough to keep his Lord and Lady safe… nor their son… and his infidelity with his Lord’s love… was enough, to him, to go the axe, or gallows, willingly.To her right from the corner of her eye, she could see Iain’s wife, Keliana, sometimes when his health would allow, his Father, Alexander. Upon his litter, watching with malice as his son’s life hung in the balance, his name sullied for all to hear… and not once did coin flow from Robertson hand in defense of Son or Husband...
They cast looks of shame toward the accused, Keliana and her golden beauty, all elegance and finery, dabbed at tears as fake as her smiles, as she played the humiliated woman, scorned and wronged… It was all Chloe could do not to stand up, and charge her, claw her eyes out, and strangle her until no breath was left in her body, no beat in her heart… Keliana, who had everything... Iain’s wife, mother of his children, even his name, and yet she sat there, day in and day out, never raising and objection as the barristers offered volume after volume of evidence against him… It sickened Chloe, even more that the sickness that plagued her, by morning, each day.Mark would look at the accused… listen to the barrister’s lies… then to the crowd, never looking at the King nor Queen… If he was guilty of anything, besides infidelity, it was the villainous, silent yearnings for the demise of Keliana, Portia, Searc, and Lord Alexander.The guards who watched over them tormented Iain, Mark, and Dublain with harsh blows against hands that could not defend themselves, bound by shackles… and with harsher words. And for Chloe, she was handled roughly, crudely, lascivious murmurs as they pressed against her; grasping a tit, or handful of ass, as she was shoved into her cell... or taken from. One Guard especially seemed fit to stand at her cell door and laugh as she expelled the contents of her stomach, in the mornings… “Knocked up are you?” he goaded her stepping inside… “Perhaps then it won’t matter if I take some pleasure from you…” he laughed and retreated, hearing footsteps coming his way. Enjoying the high and mighty lady cringe on the floor, it was almost as good as getting a piece of her to torment her so... Though from the rumors she was a witch, a sorceress that could steal a man’s soul, he reckoned his soul a bit stronger that Iain Robertson’s. Because, to him she was just another pathetic whore in a cell. Maybe later when all was quiet.The bastards would always put the men in the cells first… and then they would molest Chloe. For if any of the men knew this, then they would resist against that fact… and Iain would vow the guards would surely die. And Chloe would never reveal such atrocities to Iain, nor Mark, nor Dublain.How could his own men do such atrocities? But they were not his men, they were in Lord Alexander’s pockets.Chloe and Iain spent the nights, quietly conversing thought the hole in their cell, each morning shoving back the loose stones to conceal their one little comfort in the world. They spoke of dreams, and what they would do when they left this wretched existence in Dun Darroch’s dungeons; The conversations were full of what if’s and should haves, not to mention the when we get out of here’s… guilt lay heavily upon them both, for actions that had led them to this place, but above it all there was love... The true abiding deep love of soul mates that could never be parted. A love that had bloomed in childhood, and now wintered beneath the stones of Dun Darroch like a rose gone to winter… they prayed it would bloom again and not fall to the axe… withering and dying as one plucked for a lady’s enjoyment.That night in the dungeon… as hands with calloused wrists met in the smallest of portals… Iain vowed to seal up the vile place so that no soul ever spent another hour there. “M’Lady… my truest of loves… I vow to you this eve… shall God and the Royals deem us free… I shall fill and mortar this place, so no human, animal, nor vermin shall inhabit as long as Dun Darroch stands. If justice is to be served upon the land, let it be swift and true… nay lingering upon the toil of one’s mind…”Lindall and Shyvonne had visited her regularly, bringing Robin when they could, and though she loved her son dearly, she wished he did not have to see her confined to a cell so. But these last days were fast and fleeting and she would take whatever measure of love and comfort she could from the little arms, hugs and kisses of her beloved son the reason for everything, her true passion in life. Searc also visited each day, but his visit were more of strategy for court, and updating her on the ways of the land, and how he thought the people to be leaning. Through him, she learned of the puppet shows, the plays and festivities that abounded in Struan, entertainment for the masses that waited impatiently for beheadings and hangings of the infamous 4 below the stones of Dun Darroch.
It enflamed her senses to know that in his own land, Iain was being persecuted by his own people… sickened her that festivities took place in anticipation of their deaths. What kind of people were these.. .? How spineless they were, lacking in courage and loyalty to their Chieftain. What if Robin saw and heard these things, how would her son remember her? Despair had set in… and this night she would only listen to Iain’s words. There would be no games of what if.. and when we leave this place... no plans for a grand future that now she feared would never come… reality had set in... pushing away the last few days of intimacy she and Iain had shared in holding hands and making plans through the narrow tunnel between their cells… leaving behind a sense of doom and dread.
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Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Aug 5, 2010 20:12:47 GMT -6
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Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Aug 6, 2010 1:01:23 GMT -6
choose your path, decide your fate. Meetings and Crossroads
Dublain MacDonald
He moved with no sense of calm, only a primal control that kept him from attacking the throat of the barrister..at least...just now. Released from his captivity of iron bar viewing room he met in an inquisition area for the privacy a wooden door with walls could afford. Why the man had come alone, without Searc, was strange to him. Wasn't it evident how mad Dublain was, how enraged? "N' with the shyte they pulled pullin out papers at the last minute the day afore how could ye nay see this comin, how could ye nay?Now we'll all look like fools n' wots left o' m'name is bein drug through the dirt! Wot dae ye fookin think will happen if the King takes off m'head ye fookin fool! " He slammed his hands on the table, then paced again. "N'm'family now has come, puttin money twoard MacGregor money tae save m'hide n' ye can nay see fookin papers comin? Wot good is a barrister?" (d)
Ralph Sanford
The barrister flustered , looking offended as Dublain ranted like a mad man, pacing the cell like and animal.. " This is just the sort of thing that people don't need to see you, cursing and spitting like a dog gone mad with fever.. sit yourself down.. You think I can see the future.. to know when evidence will be conjured against ye falsly? Then you are daft as well as mad as a hatter. " he grumbled settleing the sheafs of papers on the crude wooden table that was provided and taking his seat, primly.. Ralph Sandford, was a barrister of high regaurd, smart, and wiley but upstanding as far as barristers went, and the money he retained from the McGregors on behalf of the 4, was more than enough to spur him on to doing his job well.. it wasn't his fault the 4 seemed to have the most unlucky streak in all of Scotland.. truly they seemed doom, as most of the public persuation was against them, till the last few days, when out of no where odd occuarances seem to slighlty sway the public opinion slighlty.. this was a good sign and to be used judicially, but it woulnt' work if Dublain kept acting like the animal they accused him of.. and Iain continued to rage like a bull.. " Laird McGregor will be along shortly sit sit " the man waved his hand at Dublain, unimpressed nor deterred by the mans rage.. he flipped through a few pieces of paper and pushed one toward Dublain.. " Look closely, I know you didn't write it... but tell me when you look at it.. what's different from your writing.. what do you see?"(d)
Dublain MacDonald
"Oh fergive me sir, did nay think ye could predict the future sae much as see round the bend o' the obvious." he tossed up his hands, hissed,and then sat himself down again. How was he supposed to behave as a saint? Women were better at offering up tears, Knights at commendable behavior than a forty and five year old war veteran with hurts irratated by his present living situation. Oddly enough...because of Lindall, his situations may even be better than the others. For some reason they shackled him less, left him with free hands, if not free feet. Maybe it was because his pacing amused them. A lion in Alexander's menagerie of souls. "Well ye can add m'nephew n' brothers money n' their barrister tae yer lot...n' between the two o' ye think up some grand fookin thing." Ralph Sanford was not truly what he was angry at, but the tide that turned enough to make him see the end of his life. A dishonored man when he worked so hard to restore the honor their dead brother Hugh had thrown down in to the dirt. Pulling on the inner part of him that berated him for his own conduct, he drew the candle close to the paper, "Ah see, somethin tha' looks like m'writing, but it can nay be because ah ne'er gave such orders, ne'e rplanend such. Ah went tae Cartevalle the Griffin's man, Sanford," his voice rolled in its timbre, but was so soft it almost was sad "Tae peace keep...n' would have done sae if Carver had nay been one step ahead. He's dead, n' still plays with us as puppets. Ah see..somewot tha' does nay look like m'a..or this ink splot here by the I..I dun nay dae tha but..its sae..miniscule." he put the paper down, his eyes aching. (d)
Kane MacGregor
The McGregor Cheiftan had be detained by the younger McGregor, his first cousin Kane, who had been raised like a younger brother. "I've been waiting for a word alone for days Lord McGregor.." Kane was always proper, for there was much distance in age, and in every other way possible save the love of their family in the men, Kane had no use for his Older Cousin and Cheiftan as a man, in fact he was disgusted by his actions, but yet loyal to him as a Clan and Family member in these times.. but today Kane held and ace up his sleeve. " I've been wanting to talk to ye about Shyvonne.. about Marrying her off to the McDonald.. I won't have it " he growled.. menencingly.. just the thought of the old man in yonder cell touching Shy was enough to make his hackled rise and his blood boil. " I have evidence that might save Chloe, the Robertson and Mark.. maybe even the McDonald.. but I will not give it over until.. you swear on your honor you will not Make Shy marry that man " inside his left breast pocket lay the letters he had confiscated from Vargus, some had been mearly jibberish.. even Shy had failed to divine their nature, but Kane had spent endless nights studying the codes and finally broke them, now he had the evidence needed to prove that Iain and the McGregors had been set up, pawns in a duplicitious scheme, from their own vile kin.. and he was using it as leverage
Ralph Sanford
" See we just need something.. to show that is different about your writing, and a theory on who would have been close enough to you to get samples to learn to copy? Would Carver have had acess to your documents? or perhaps had someone in your household who could have secreted them to him?" Ralph was grasping at straws but he had to offer the King and Queen some plausible doubt, where Dublains writing was concerned.. " Now the matter of you intent, when you began your trek south... Give me names of Soilders who were with you.. so I can call them to testify.. on your behalf.. and I'll need names of any and all whom you expounded your charge into Kylekin.. oh and one more thing.. I have heard from two soilders.. that you were Ordered by the Lady McGregor to Kylekin, and she provided you with men..." his point was made.. on this.. all Dublian had to do was point the finger at Chloe... (d)
Dublain Macdonald
"They say Their Majesties 'ave the finest scribes tae study the evidence n' expect it tae cross their hands..Ah'll read it again..fer differences." Even if the damn thing sickened him to no end. Lies, Lies! He was quiet, listening for once as Sandford offered suggestions, demands, things of note. On the mention of the soldiers that were with him he said, "The Lord Guardian, the Chieftain o' the Campbells himself has said he will dae more than let us read his statements he will testfiy, he was in Kyleakin aye.." A powerful witness. He read the through documents showing the smallest differences he could provide, for the court already held the written sample he was forced to give.. "Nay Carver would nay have had access..but Ah can imagine who may 'ave passed him things, or hired him a scrivner.." The name was uttered, a painful realization of how easy loyalty could be swayed with money. "M'family is still vera bitter, some o' them, about wot happened. Twill take more than five years tae heal...Ordered? Ah told the lady Carver would box us in if we did nay gae, he would have had the South blocked. She supplied me with some o' her men only.." He glared a rather un-nerving away at Sandford before going quiet. What was this man getting at. He was supposed to defend all of them, not some of them. Was it a matter of preserving some necks, maybe 2 of four, at least...for his pay, his reputation?
Kendrew Campbell & MacDonald Men
Erstwhile, a man had grown tired of waiting on others. He felt a noose around his own neck go, and it wasn't even his trial. Charged with expedience over sloth, he merely shook his head, waving for a pair of men to join him. "Ah've tae meet with the barrister, n' might as well introduce ye tae the MacGregor himself, m'lords." Alexander and Angus MacDonald, each powerful MacDonald men in their own right had done the impossible: Tamed the splintered factions on Raasay while assuring those in Kepoch and Glencoe there was nothing to worry for. The youngest was Alexander, the mirror image of his father, and perhaps the romance Dublain might have had in his youth. Alexander was a man with a burden on his shoulders: If Dublain died, the MacDonalds of Skye would slide down even further to hell. The letter received naming him Chieftain, and his son Tanist, restoring the succession their brother Hugh had stolen from them shook his soul. He put great faith in this Campbell, in truth the most sane of them he'd ever met. "Thank ye, m'lord, we are in yer debt." The youth spoke then, as they descended to the meeting,"How fares m'uncle, is he well? They say horrible things of how they treat the prisoners. They behave as if Lord Iain Robertson is already dead." At the foot of the stairs Kendrew paused. As was his custom, he exhaled a long sigh sounding as if he made storms on his insides, "Aye, n' twould nay be the verdict from their Majesties tha' did it either. The sooner we leave Struan, the better." (d)
Searc MacGregor
"You wont allow it " his surly and dark voice slid from lips that spoke as if the devil himself, Searc had never been a man to be ordered about, nor trifled with, he was not a coward that only beat upon women, no his hand knew no leinency for anyone, if they crossed him.. He was tall some seven feet of sneiwy lean mass, though weakend by months of recuperation from the 'plauge' he still was a strong man, intimidating man.. quickly his hand lashed out gathering Kane by the throat.. and pressing him harshly against the stones of the corridor.. " You dare tell me what you will allow..? You blackmail me?" he growled.. pinning the younger man in his place
Kane MacGregor
Kane mearly laughed as he was shoved against the rough hewn stone of the castle walls.. " It's in code.. I broke it.. and no one will know what it says, unless I tell you.. show you how to read it.. if you Force Shy to marry that McGregor.. then.. yes... I will burn those letters.. and you can take your chances with the King and Queen.. I wonder how much you wife, and your reputation means to you..?" his dark grey eyes glared into Searc'smenecinly " It seems there are secrets in those letters.. one in particualar about Travill.. " his words lowered to a whisper " Your lover.. " a wicked grin lit his dark face... " I could always make sure that one.. survived the fire to.. become public ?" Kane had never done something so underhanded and immoral before.. everything he had done in his life he had done with the purpose of becoming a man Shyvonne would want.. today his purpose was the same though it had taken a different road (d)
Kendrew Campbell
Every clan had their secrets, something worth elevating or keeping away because of the damage it could do. Every clan had a purpose...what would it be for old and young MacGregor locked in conflict. For the Campbell man, it was to see truth prevail. For the MacDonalds, it was survival for their honor. A heavy hand rap-rap would sound on the door of the interrogation room. How long does it take to summon or had he been left out on purpose? The man seemed honorable enough before their majesties..yet what would time prove? He detested question after question. (d)
Shyvonne MacGregor
Shyvonne had been something of a recluse since her fight with her brother which despite trying to keep her firey temper at her brother at bay, had swept over the castle in heated whispers amongst noble and servant alike that vases had been thrown at the cheiftain by his very own tempered sister and now rumors were abound that she was involved with the masked revolters who were secret in the night and had tied Theodore to the pinwheel, of course it didn't helpshe had been seen only hours before in conversation with him over the actions of his sons with her nephew nor did it help that she would not show herself to agree or deny it. In Shyvonne opinion, it was laughable that they even wanted to know from her own lips if she had done it or not when they were so quick to judge the people she loved in the dungeons below. Neverless Shyvonne walked now with her head held high and for once, her mouth tightly shut with the intentions of visiting her 'betrothed; in the dungeons. Not the idle place to meet a man she didn't want to marry in the first place but she had not wavered in her loyalty to her family. To her, that was the ultimate betrayal she just could not commit no matter how much she raged and yes she knew her temper, that she wouldn't do it. As she reached the corridor leading to the dungeons she stopped hearing first kane and then searc voice and then kane's again. The echo in the hall making it hard to tell what they were saying and when their voices lowered to whispers, impossible to distern. Fingers pressed against the simple green dyed wool of her dress as she pressed back against the wall next to the corridor so she would not be seen and yes, so she could listen.*
Searc MacGregor
Searc paled as Kane revealed what was withing some of the coded messages.. " You wouldn't dare?" did he dare test his younger cousins loyatly " What do you care who Shyvonne marries.. you two bicker like tied wolfhounds.." he shoved Kane loose and took a step back.. " You would risk Chloes life over who I marry Shyvonne too?" his discerning eyes swept over Kane, as if seeing through his soul, Searc was not a man who missed much, but he had paid little attention to Kane all these years.. when perhaps he should of, the boy had grown into a man, a man who now held a trump card.. a shaft of sunlight penetrated the haze in Searcs brain and he chuckled darkly.. " Ye want her for Yourslef?" now he laughed again.. " Ye love her..?" had he not been in possession of the evidence Searc might have punch him in the face for thinking he was worthy of Shyvonne.. " You curr you dare think your good enough to marry her..?" his voice rose loud enough to carry.. " You are nothing.. you live in Dunsgate because of my charity.. Your not worthy to carry her chamberpot.. so you stoop to blackmail.. to get her.. does she even know you care?" his words were mocking.. as he shook his head in disbelife.. " I want those letters boy.. translated, so I can see for myself.. what you hold.. then we shall talk about who gets the fair Shyvonne.." he growled.. " One hour.. in my quarters... God help you if your lying I'll cut your liver out.. and throw it to the dogs.. " he snarled and then proceeded down the steps to the Dungeons where he wa late for a meeting with Kendrew, Dublain and the barrister
Shyvonne MacGregor
Her fingers curled against the wall feeling the scruff stone against her fingertips as she listened to Searc come to realization of exactly why Kane was blackmailing him. One one hand, she could not believe Kane was blackmailing Searc to keep her from marrying Dublain and thereby trying his family loyalty as was very much against his morals. On the other hand she was angry, he came to rescue and now more people would get wind and think her unloyal if Searc agreed she wasn't to marry Dublain. God above but this was a mess! Searc was wrong though, Kane was worthy of a woman far greater then she. He was loyal to the death, despite his attempts now at blackmail and he would go to the ends the earth for the people he loved. If he had to bleed to save them, he would make the cut himself. Her brother was cruel and further away from the hopes she had of him being a good man then he ever had before. For several days, in silence she had contimplated commiting the ultimate disloyalty for the favor of those that wished to see her brother dead. For the first time in her life, Shyvonne wanted her brother dead. This feeling had lingered for days, always growing and dying like an ache of a sore muscle but she couldn't do it, she couldn't be disloyal to her family, as much of a dreamer as she was, this was one dream she could not go for. Straightening from the wall, she brushed a hand against her dress, fixed her hair as it fell in waves around her shoulders and down her back with two long tendrils cascading over her breasts and back peddled a few steps before turning the corner as if she had just arrived though she was no actress and the shock on her face was fake as it could be. "Oh, Kane, what are you doing here?"*
Dublain MacDonald
"M'lords.." the guards did not address the approaching party with less than dignified title, instantly perking the ear of Dublain. What in creation had happened? He chuckled, with thought that the words of the Lady Campbell had carried weight! As the door open the barrister would perhaps be shocked to see he came to his feet, greeted the visitors? "M'lairds n' kindred,Chieftain Campbell" Why, he even bowed despite the fact he felt every muscle in his body constrict at the action. They didn't chain him becauase they wanted to watch him pretend no doubt to move as if he never knew a single scar. Truth be told he had more scars across his hide thananyman gathered, and all should have them service. Save the baby-faced barrister who now piqued his interest for the wrong reasons. He was not entirely sure the man was as 'honest' as his reputation implied...
Kendrew Campbell
"M'Laird, I decided to call upon the meetin' to see if it was going on, givin the barrister sent no summons as he said he would, " He stepped aside, introducing the MacDonald men, Angus and Alexander, father and son ...brother and nephew respectfully. "They will join, giving money to the defense's cause as well as an additional barrister." Wouldn't Searc be thrilled to know his pockets needn't be pillaged so deep, as there were the honorable men of Macdonald to assist the burden such costs could incur? How far the coffer tipped for Sanford's favor? Win or lose he would be paid, a rather sickening twist.
Dublain MacDonald
"We only beh waitin for the Laird MacGregor afore we gae further, sirs." For all the insistance he not behave like an animal, he expected Sandford to rise and bow. The men had to acknowledge one another, would he notacknowledge the men of Macdonald...if anything, the Queen's fabled Guardian himself? (d)
Searc MacGregor
As if saying the Devils name he appeared a shawdow long and lean in the doorway, filling it so much that he had to duck down to enter, " I see I am late.. I apoligize, there was urgent business to attend.. " his words were smooth and tinged with the brouge of the Southern provinces of Sleat.. " Lord Campbell.. Lords McDonald.. " he bowed to all in the room then acknoledged the barrister " Master Sandford.. " he moved to the crude table.. and wavedhis hand indicating seats for each of the Lords, upturned wine cask, as he took his own seat.. " So we have come to this..?" it was rather a statement of Fact.. seeing as how both Dublain, and Lord Campbell had requested the meeting and The Queen had ordered it between him and the McDonald.. so here he was, though inside he still seethed and was anxious to get back to Kane and his evidence..
Ralph Sanford
"Yes yes well.. I have here a list of people I will be calling on Lord Dublain McDonalds defense.. Lord Campbell being the firest and foremost.. and I will be questioning the handwriting samples... and offerning an alternate theory.. as for.. Lady McGregor.. well.. there lies a horse of a different color.. we will need.. character witness's to testify that she was working on behalf of the good of her clan.. and I must say.. given.. the things that are rumored and stated about her by the prosecution.. about her and the Lord Iain Robertson.. well.." he shifted uncofortably, he was blunt and honest , almost rudely so but he wasn't paid to be polite he was paid to defend his clients and they must all know.. it was a hard task.. " Their questionable relations does shed a dark light upon their character, so We need to surplant that with good character witness's for them both.. as for Master Collier.. well.. he was just following orders.. I can see that perhaps he will be judged most leineitnly.. " he shuffled through papers as if he didn't know he had offeneded most in the room " However if we can keep Lord McDonald here on an evenkeel, keep him cleaned up and less.. cranky.. with Lord Campbells testimony he may.. have a good chance at being found innocent" a few marks were made on papers befor he looked up at the assmembled men around him.. waiting for questions.
Searc MacGregor
" I can fill the courtroom with testimony of Chloestrain's character and that she went to defend the people but it falls on deaf ears, I'm not certain that will Save her" Searc really didn't care if Iain lost his head or not, but for the time being Chloe's fate was tied most directly to Iains.. it was ironic that Searc had never actually known.. it was always to be that way.. the two were inexplicably bound, soulmates/(d)
Dublain MacDonald
"Tis a shame her character needs such a testimony, the woman did right by her people n' by her promise.." Dublain grimaced a bit as he rubbed his smooth face in consideration of these things. In truth, he truly thought that Sanford was going for what was easy, what was affordable. The sheer fact of finger-pointing tactics went undiscussed, but in forty-five years he knew when he liked a man and when he did not. As it was Lindall reminded him of the importance of appearing as his station dictated, not as the mad beasts the MacDonald were known to be beyond the battlefield. The family situation of blood madness would not bode well if he lost his temper, though being described as less cranky he wished to leave the barrister down here. See how he fared. "Angus, are there any o' the men tha' will speak for her." Would heaven rain angels in Struan? It was quite the longshot..MacDonalds had a tendency to be mute among the men as much as mad. They were creatures of intensity.
Angus and Alexander MacDonald
"Aye, we may have our men speak, they would have seen who Dublain was given tae lead, n' the matter o' the parlay. They would 'ave also made note tha' she was naught but a lady in her conduct, n' a woman defendin herself beyond the parlay table. Surely this must account fer something Master Sanford." Angus' accent was by no means as tar ridden as Dublain's was, it was elevated Gaelic, the sort you'd wish to hear, expect to hear of a leader. "We may also be witness tae the inner workings against her, we were captives of my nephew in Kyleakin, fer a time." His exposed arm bore the mark of Carver's hospitality. Alexander pondered, "Aye, yes..n' we have another barrister to offer ye Lord MacGregor, we are only sorry we could nay come sooner, the clan had tae be kept taegether, n' money we have as well, sae ye may nay shoulder the expense o' the four alone."
Kendrew Campbell
Kendrew truly wished that he could hold his wife in his arms, discuss the nature of the world. Yet he had not seen her much this day beyond their first meeting, nor his Queen either. Other things moved about, and he wished to investigate them. He put his mind to the matter at hand.."Again, we will all offer witness, m'written work will mean precious little now. I am to tell you their majesties have suspended proceedings for the entire next day and a half so there is time to assemble a case."
Dublain MacDonald
"Tha' is ...generous." He knew all she could give was time, time all sides could use but time all the same. She..for he knew that one mind carressed the other, and Adam's disdain for untruths was meant with a woman's patience to see things unfold, "God save their majesties" (d)
Shyvonne MacGregor
In his guilty expression she all most felt pity for him but what weighed heavily on her mind and fueled her anger won out and her face set tight. "Yes, I heard, not all of it but I heard." She stopped for a second to let it sink in as her hands folded in front of her. For a moment it looked as if Shyvonne had finally learned her place and truly within her mind she was telling herself 'not here, not now, not in the open' but her hands so gracefully folded began to ball together in front of her body. "What do you think you are doing? I told you to leave it alone Kane!" She hissed in as much of a whisper as she could muster with the rise of her temper. "God above I can't believe you would go against your morals and for the life of me, never for me no matter how much you care about..."She stopped and sucked in a breath. "I appreciate it, I do" She huffed trying to control herself. At least there were no vases around to throw. "But did you stop to think that while Searc knows why your doing this, no one else does. This blackens your loyalty secretly while it public displays my disloyalty!" She let her hands relax, enough to grab her dress to swing as she turned abruptly from him and took a few steps before turning back again. It had been days since they had talked, since he had said she was not who he thought she was. Quick as lightening it seemed she was no longer a few feet before him but right in his face and still whispering so no one prowling would hear but it was still heated. "Don't you EVER again question my love for Mark, this is killing me, do you understand that? You of all people, I would think would understand that. Searc blackmailed me by threatening to withdrawal support for Mark's case if I did not comply, so if that makes me different in your eyes, because I would rather comply then see Mark dead, then fine but who I am Kane, is a MacGregor in love with a Robertson but that does not make me disloyal to this family and I will proudly be damned to do the one thing I am able to do, to save his life."*
Kane MacGregor
"Are you on your way down to see Mark then " his answer to her accusations were nil, and his query tinged with a sarcasm that was seldom his voice, he was revolted at his own actions stooping to blackmail but he couldn't see another way of setting things right for Mark and Shyvonne both.. In taking Searcs wrath ,and pressing his agenda on not having Shyvonne Marry the McDonald.. Kane would indeed.. kill two birds with one stone.. the onus of Marks defense and his life in Searc's hands would no longer be held over Shyvonne's head, and Mark's fate would not be tied to her capitulation to marry the McDonald.. secondly.. Shyvonne would be freed of the contract to marry Dublain.not be forced to the lands of Rona and Rassey.. to give up her academy and her children she so loved.. when she had gotton in his face, she found herself abruptly grabbed and pressed against the stones, her back now to it his long muscled body capturing her there, her hands at her sides, wrist held in his own.. " You eogtistical little chyt.. You think I only do this because I want you? because of my feelings for you.. that I move against my friend.. whose last days have truly shown me a side of you I don't love.. Damm what Searc thinks.. if he is busy being pissed with me.. and it saves you from a life of marriage to some old man, who will steal your dreams, you'll lose your academy.. everything you worked for.. and Mark ... Trust me.. Shyvonne.. I'm doing whats best.." his tone softened a bit, even when he wanted to strangle her, she still held sway over him.. she was like a siren.. " No matter Searc's answer I will see the evidence is presented to save them.. but first .. I need to see you will always have your dreams " with that he released her.. stepping back.. and leveling a stone cold grey gaze at her.. " I'm not doing this so I can have you.. I don't want a woman that thinks so little of me " with that he nodded and turned back up the stairs.. to await his meeting with Searc.
Searc MacGregor
Inside the cell Searc listened to what all the others had to say.. " I'm still tracking down some evidence that might help in the case.. I will let you know if it comes to fruition.." his stomach roiled beneath his shirt, turmoil and dread for what the letters would reveal about Travaill.. at the same time hopefull that it somehow cleared Chloe.. his mind was on overload with all the things that swirled inside it.. as most saw Searc as a hateful man one step short of villianry... truth was he was just a complex man, and a man pulled apart by passion and duty.. it was not easy.. to be a man of two worlds, one of truths and one of lies.. (d)
Dublain MacGregor
"Is all tha' can be calmed the time given?" He asked, tentative. If he had heard anything of what Kane and Shyvonne were discussing, he would tell the girl that youth was precious, and it had few saviors. Her passion was precious, but useless if it were killed. He would tell her that a champion did unseemly things for the benefit of her virture, and not his own. The world was not so black and white as it appeared yet to view the men in the cell where he sat some were not as easily stirring the sea with their waves. When they left this room, someone or something would be waiting for each man. Angus was blessed with a large, steady family. The Lord Guardian's love was enviable in how truly peaceful it manifested itself. Searc, for as dense a man as Dublain found him to be, would have kin. Should he die whilst his nephew and brother would recall him, nothing of wife, child, or any such thing but the weight of his deeds would recall his name. He was the third son, the last son, catipulted to the posistion of the first.
Kendrew Campbell
"Aye, tha' is all." Any longer ran the risk of tainted circumstances, new games that neither royal would wish to play. Kendrew included as well, "On behalf of her majesty, she decrees tha' there shall also in this day each clansmen and clan woman shall attend some planned thing to foster bonds. I will be giving lessons to the young men in the courtyard, and the Lady Campbell is seeing to preperations of somethin' for the women. The crude festivities have been banned here." At the very least no more would the puppet shows and parody commence, yet nothing could save Searc if it were on paper.
Angus MacDonald
"We will make note of such, m'son n' I, n' attend on the morrow. Twould be an honor fer our young lads tae be so taught, do ye nay agree, Laird MacGregor?" He tried to reach forth on some tie already without command because most of his brother's life hung in his hands. Falter not now man, he thought. MacGregor looked for want of color for some reason..as did his brother. Did Struan suck the life from a person, turn it inside out? "We can not linger tae much longer. The Chieftain Campbell has leave tae speak in my absence.." Angus offered his hand to Searc, as would his son their after. Both of them were men who each had their own thoughts, own quandries, but they were here. They had not only spoken in their clansmen's interest, but that of his own wife. He slept in their home, still they offered hands.
Kendrew Campbell
"Are ye well, Dublain," Kendrew whispered as the men made their endings. He would stay while they left..
Dublain MacDonald
"Nay, M'takin tae fevers, n' m'sight wanes. Say little of it." So nothing would be said, and it was done between them. If he grew sickly the agreement may be in danger for fear of what would be produced, so he was hell bent on living. That,and he feared secretly of a death in this macabre place. He no longer yearned for the south, the pattern that like Searc shaped his voice, Alexander's, and Angus'. He yeared for Raasay Sound's waves...for Rona's lushgrass. All he wanted was to go home. (d)
Shyvonne MacGregor
She let out a gasp as she was thrust up against the wall, her throat tightening as his grip hardened on her wrists and her eyelids kissing at her cheeks as she closed her eyes in order to compose herself and not scream at him to let her go. Her eyes stayed closed as he seemed to growl harshly into her face, by sound his face moving to her ear until he finally loosened and let go to take a step back. She seemed glued to the wall, for several seconds she did not move, she did not even seem to breath and then her eyes fluttered and a cold harsh stare bore into his face. "I didn't say anything about you doing this to have me Kane." She retorted simply as she took a step away from the wall and let her hands smooth down the front of her dress again. "Do what you feel is best, as I will do what I feel is best and damn what side you do or don't love about me Kane. "Her eyes rose to his again and she swept past him and then stopped to turn a look over her shoulder at him. "Did it ever occur to you, that part of the reason I don't want you to do this, is I don't want you to be something your not regardless of for who's sake it is. You are a good man Kane, do what you feel is right but don't loose who you are. I could not bare that." Lips pressed together and then parted as she sighed. "You are my best friend, I cannot loose you too." Her hand moved to sweep her skirts back, her attention drew away from him and she now moved back the way she came, her intention to meet with Dublain forgotten as she felt the need to lay down or at least go vent in private as the world seemed to unravel even more then before and she was powerless to stop it.*
Searc MacGregor
"Agreed.. there is much to foster good will between McGregors and McDonalds.. for we will soon be kin the Queen decreed the terms of Parlay should stand and our families be united by marriage.." he Shook hands with the elder and youngers hands as they prepared to leave, in all truth Searc was prepared to live by the guidelines of the Parlay, there was enough wealth in Sleat to accommodate both clans, and the business side of him was not so foolish as to not, understand the benefits of the McDonalds considerable ship building prowess, combined with the McGregor Merchants and farmers would secure Sleats place amongst the wealthist of the provinces.. " I will attend as will my son Young Robin " it was one of the few times that Searc would make a public show of Robin as his heir.. outside of Sleat.. now that Chloe's life was undetermined past the next few days, Robin was even more important to secure his place as head of the McGregors.. He watched as the two McDonalds left, and then turned to where Kendrew and Dublain spoke quietly.. " Now shall we discuss the parlay offers.. The Queen did demand this meeting and I have a bit of time ?" he stood hoping that Dublain would put it off.. but with Kendrew in attendance it would be a smart move on Dublains part to secure the talks , befor a witness such as the Lord Gaurdian.. what more could you want in a witness.. save the royals themselves?(d)
Dublain MacDonald
"Aye, let us see tae it thusly. In the event o' the unspeakable comin tae occur, Laird MacGregor, Ah have been told m'brother is prepared tae see tha' one o' his sons adheres tae the contract in m'place. It is bein' seen if Alexander may be released from negotiations o' a contract fer a MacLeod bride sae they he may be available if necessary. As ye've seen he is a well featured lad, strong, smart. He is his father's tanist, his father is Chieftain inm'stead should the loss o' m'head occur. It restores the original line o' succession..all o' wot was agreed upon would still be given ye, m'livin or nay, the ships, n' such. " No , when shown the 'throat', you move for the jugular. The power of MacDonald was that even underground he seemed to be commanding great waves of movement. Why, men were moving of Macdonald name, to the border for the war with the Spanish against the sovereign duchy of England. When it came to his attention, he would see that the Irish leaning family on the shores would know to receive their Scottish cousins. Ships were built, the sun rose and set over this man...this one eyed man with lost fingers and a gimp leg. "Ah've also made contract with the Lord Guardian in m'thanks, fer strong built wood wagons fer his lands, horses for his stables, n' a promise o' some of our young people o'fosterage." Between the Academy and now Drynoch, he stretched quite the hand. He breathed in slowly, released it, and sat up a little straighter.
Kendrew Campbell[b/b]
"The Lady Campbell bore a witness n' it is so agreed. I will witness yer terms and sign any contracts stating such, so should it please you." Bound in ink like binding in blood. Could Searc see the advantage of mutual friendship inno shed blood, would he dare become so close with a MacDonald as that? For you see Kendrew had few biases, and cared only for a man's loyalty to a crown, not his name. It was for this reason he was well liked. His grievances were few. The MacDonald would marry a MacGregor, and stood the chance in the fosterages to gain Campbell relations. Campbells. Every clan was powerful for some reason, yet in this room sat three branches of that power.The MacDonalds once had lordship over this Island, The Campbells were born of the birthplace of Scottish kingdoms, and the MacGregor were mighty, many, and proud. Time to live to your promise..your word,MacGregor. The Queen's Command. The King's Agreeance. (d)
Searc MacGregor
Long arms indeed, if there had been a harsh light it might have revealed the beads of sweat that dotted Searc's forehead beneath his hair, or the nervouse twitch of his eye as Dublain forced him into a proverbial corner.. upstairs Kane awaited with evidence that could save all four.. Serac was inclined to belive Kane for no other reason that , if Kane was not sure.. he would not have made so bold a statement.. Now the prize.. Shyvonne was on the table.. and the wager was high, Chloe's life.. only months ago he would have never even considered Chloe's life worth saving, seen her demise as a release.. from and long and unhappy marriage.. he had his heir.. and needed her no more.. and yet it was odd how things had changed between them.. not as lovers or even husband and wife, but two people who had a profound love of their clan and lands.. committed to both in a way.. few people of these lands could understand. Was Chloe's life worth.. his pride.. this was the though he wrestled with as Dublain spoke of his Nephew being the recipeiant of the Bride Shyvonne should Dublain be exucuted.. for long moments he sat in consideration.. " My son and.. is but five years old.. six in the autum.. I would pledge him in marriage as he is my tanist.. to one of similar age.. As for the lands and the offers of combined business they all stand.. Sanford will draw up the necessary contracts to see it binded so and Lord Campbell may witness if he wishes.. it would be an honor.. " the question of Shyvonne and Kane was yet to be addressed... as Searc raised his eyes to Dublain.. " I could not help but notice at Court, that your eye often found that of my sister.. and she you.. and that you wear her token on your person " (d)
Dublain MacDonald
"We might find him a suitable bride, yet be advised tha' o' the immediate family there be none sae young as yer Robin, n' the waitin' o' years could prove finicky tae our purpose. Ye know the reign is vera adament about all contract o' marriage bein ratified when a member is o' age, lest it becomes void, n' we haven't twelve years m'laird." For as it stood all the women could outlive them, and what if the law were taken to bare and either of them said no? "Sae it means if we seek tae observe our tradition the command must be in the spirit o' the Queen's law, fer the sake o' both o' us, must be someone o' age. E'en if ah live we may marry the younger members yet ye n' ah both know a match made in the main house o' the strongest o' the family will give us peace from the crown." He then was taken almost aback by the mention of Lindall. What did she have to do with it, "M'lairds sister is gracious, pious, n' kind tae m'self as she is with the others.." He would not sully her reputation by saying the wrong thing.."N' tis a purposeful token then, if ye call it sae..m'hair ought nay be in m'face by barrister suggestion."
Kendrew Campbell
Kendrew gave a nod to the suggestion of each man yet made a note to speak on Dublain's, "He is right. Twelve years is a long while, n' with septs such as you both have there is too much time to breed discontent or other ideas. It is not quite twelve years though, sir, it would be eleven..or ten. The marriagable age is sixteen, the age of majority on the island. It is said no one can argue her Majesty below fifteen." Again, still too long a wait. But this talk of the Chieftain's sister. His Liliana had mentioned the other visitor Dublain often received.."Let it also be known that in the interest of the Lord's release, others..have come to seek the same."
Dublain MacDonald
"They wot?" He arched a brow at Kendrew, given leave to be an agent of sorts in the MacDonald absence, for he was of steady judgement and good age.
Kendrew Campbell
"They wish MacDonald marriages and alliances, come now you both. All of the clans here, someone will want for something. Think on it. If nothing is put to paper, then who is to say someone will not ask for your nephew, Dublain, or your sister and brother Searc, and if tradition serves you both would you truly be in a posistion to say no if it were of good benefit? They say that some of the most premier families of the mainland have come, those vying for one of the King's new posistions in the realm....and wish their spot assured with a marriage." (d)
Searc MacGregor
He watched the man across the table with the same eyes that always sized up people and got to the heart of the matter, it was how he held control over so many in his lands, the ease at which he read people.. it was all he could do not to bristle with annoyance at Kendrews statement of others wishing and McDonald Alliance, but it was little shock on Dublains face when Lindall was mentioned that piqued Seracs interest most.. " So you hold no fondness for Lindall then..?" he acted as if it were a passing fancy " I must have mistaken her.. what did you say.. genoriosity, and piousness.. kindness.. to you as something more.." he leaned back in his chair. planting seed was what a farmer did.. being patient enough to watch them grow and bear fruit.. now that was what a Lord of the Land did.. " just as well.. She is in mourning, and with child.. it's not as if there are men vying for her.. I suppose.. in time perhaps.. though she is nay as young as she once was.." he looked thoughtful as he templed his fingers beneath his chin and turned to Kendrew.. " Are their Campbell men willing to make and alliance with McGregors..?" (d)
Dublain MacDonald
The twisted back sliding son of a bytch, thought Dublain, who cleared his throat for all the action to show. That was the only sign, though inwardly he wished to reach across the table to tell the manWhat are you playing at..you large ogre? I'm forty-five and have played the self-same game for years, watched it played..lost and gained of it. You should be greatful anyone wishes a marriage at all, espeically given you rely on the fruit of your enemies loins for heirs! One child in all those years..shameful.. never said allowed for course...only in his head. By God was he excelling at keeping his mouth shut.. And a plague? Poor woman is probably wishingyou'd died, or she'd thrown herself off the castle at Turas Lan. Just lean a little closer you cokey ass hole.." He gave a thoughtful pause only. "It is nay seemly tae express such open thoughts tae a widow, e'en if it had some brain' o' truth. she is in mournin'" The last was flat, a bit flatter than intended. She was in mourning, and he lived a little when she was near. He could recover though, "Age is a sign o' wisdom, n' a sure sign she'd ratify the contract." Did he really think Shyvonne would say yes? He thought the girl would sooner kill him than marry him, he couldn't blame her.Probably wanted to smack her brother daily. God how he'd pay her to see that, but that was a heathen thought. "Which bride are ye offerin' m'lord, yer sister the Lady Shyvonne or the Lady Lindall? O' the second ye'd be assured two things..her acceptance, as she seems quite willin." Obdient, but he wouldn't insult her thus. Probably listening to Searc was like listening to Satan. "N' the child n' her belly would want fer nothin, would be viewed as nay less than a son." She was quite fetching round as she was, he wondered what Jonus must have thought to touch that life-giving round. "O' the first ah worry tha' the lady would nay be sae..acceptin', o' the idea." Dare he thought of divorce? Shyvonne wouldn't dare, would she? No..yes? He wouldn't find her displeasing, no..yes?
Kendrew Campbell
How rich was this. Dublain had takena fondness for something other than wishing to bully the guards (for this was when they chained him, when he beat the tar from them) while Searc was trying to bait him. By God! This was akin to watching boars in the forest....God pray he be better when he sat at such a table. "The Laird MacGregor seems to come to an idea tha' a match made in..friendship. May serve well, yes,m'lord?" an eloquent way of putting his bullchyt while, "I agree Dublain, age is a sound reason for such a thing, and if you are willing to care for the bairin within, it would be quite agreeable would it not? Though surely both of his sisters are jewels among the earth.." though on the last statement, "Another time,m'lord for such talk. Now I only witness your agreement." The man was possessed of two daughters, two sons, and a marriagable sister. Of them all, the last was a smithy. She had hinted the idea of accepting such a thing of a good man to end her lonliness, yet the day Kendrew selected such a match from what sat beside either end of him would be the day his wife disowned him. He might disown himself. Instead he simply sat..listening. (d)
Searc MacGregor
If Searc were a coke he would have crowed....full fruiting his lands overfloweth.. and all because of Lindall.. he would manage to save face, and Chloe.. he would deal with Kane in the aftermath..for the ordeal..perhaps a fitting punishment for Kane was to give him exactly what he wanted Shyvonne.. for Searc knew that Shyvonne loved the Roberston Groomsman.. Mark Collier.. what misery would lie in that for Kane.. beware of what you wish for.. his thoughts returned to Dublain.. " It seems as if you prefer Lindall over Shyvonne.. while I concur.. Lindal is much more peaceable and level headed.. less prone to the dramatics of youth.. and used to the duties of a Lords Wife.. she will serve you well enough I think.. and if what I have witnessed between you then already you have a fondness in common " indeed he had learned from the guards of her daily visits, laughter and game playing between the two of cards and chess.. and the scandle of her cutting his hair and shaving him with her own hands, there was little Searc did not uncover.. " I hear you already know of her talents with a razor " his lips quirked into a smile.. " I shall be honored to call you brother.. and welcome you to my hall often " his hand was extended across the table toward Dublain.. to seal the pact.. (D)
Dublain MacGregor
When was the last time the son of a bytch did anything but negotiate contracts? Did he even hunt for excersise? When was the last battle he fought..did he partake of the last wars before this..Because your wife is the man for you, you lily livered..I bet you've a cunny under that tartan... he thought once again, not quite knowing how..true..that statement'd prove if he uttered it allowed. So it was done. He offered Lindall with ease while not offering the younger, untouched sister who might provide more heirs where the older might only give one, mayhaps two? Security in numbers. Yet he did not refuse. Hand was shaken as he rose, laughing a bit, "She tamed it, ye might say. She has an agreeable nature. We will sup when this is done, in celebration. Ah shall have ye tae Raasay often tae sea the ships.." He could take this man for a brother-in-law for he was not stupid enough not to see the prize. Despite the cool he tried to give off he was quite fond of Lindall. Only hoping she thought the same, in at least he'd have a friend in his later years if she was not. Some part of him worried over the younger sister. What reputation would it be for the elder to go before the younger? He bartered with their lives so uncaring. It was his job to find them sound arrangements, not only of benefit to self but of their station, comfort, and world place. As it was he couldn'teven control the family whore, Portia! He offered a bow..
Kendrew Campbell
"It is so witnessed and so sealed. Their Majesties will be pleased, Her Majesty inparticular." Now he wondered if the likes of Shyvonne would be offered to him, or if his daughters would be asked for. As adherent's of Griffin law they would abstain from such arrangements until the children were at least ten to twelve years of age, or so they would say. Of the older, his sister being the age she was it would be the Lady's choice to honor tradition as she saw fit. A man would have to go through great lengths to impress the Lord who sat in Drynoch, for his service was lengthy and thus far un-ending. Traditional, yes. There were times he saw no merit in the changes of the age, but did helearn to see why? Indeed. God forbid he give either of his daughters away so easily as these men would theirs (d)
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Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Aug 6, 2010 13:54:50 GMT -6
A Royal Moment She detested these proceedings more than the placid tone her face set could ever show to the common observer. To these observers, Beathag was the epitome of the scales of justice. Innocence nor guilt was proven without the correct evidence. All sides could speak to her, gleaning nothing that was wanted, but all that was needed. The practiced poise had finally become natural. What was demanded of a ruler, even more so, what was beaten in to a woman who shared equal footing with a man. She crossed her legs at the ankle, rubbing the back foot against the flat one in a discrete manner to keep the limbs from falling asleep. The itch, the act, also relieved was deeper still, the act habitual. Her skin crawled as the barristers talked, so sure in their cases. Condemned men, and the one woman among them, put lives in their hands, and most importantly, any faith at all in the rationality of Adam and Beathag.Adam sat and shifted, shifted and sat until his arse hurt. His ears torn asunder by the inflection of the barrister’s voices as they presented evidence after evidence for, or against the accused. Sea green eyes would watch each man’s gesture, then move to the accused and watched their reaction. Spending so much time in Parliaments, those of various countries, taught him one thing… what would be called body language in years to come… He could read what a man was really saying, despite the words uttered.In some way, she agreed with Shyvonne. These things were always a farce. Often the guilty were guilty without a barrister required, the innocent were innocent. Here, there was certainly enough to invoke three quarters a complete pardon yet the rest was not as uncomplicated as youth would have it seem. A past that bound all of them so much it inspired a man to seek murder. What he did was of valor, saving the land from raging MacDonald who would have killed them anyhow, but did it erase what he was to do, all the evidence of what was prior? Even without the axe, would that not condemn him to absence of court, months within jail where in all he worked for could be lost? Carnivals cart wheeled in condemning color beyond the windows of the hall. Easily could the wife of Iain stop them, but she didn't. She let them go on, as if celebrating her husband's alleged demise. How easy it would be, how gratifying to grant clemency, to be done with it. Yet how foolish it would be, how denying of all worked for, to do it. One must nuture one's own creation. She had as much a hand in these laws as Adam had. Even when she spent time enough to be years away from the Parliment, her words influenced him, her actions. Now she must represent them… for her sake.If Adam had his way… he would dismiss the court… hang the barristers… free the accused 4… and send old man Robertson and Searc MacGregor to the axe… BUT… though he was King… and could so easily do so… he would remain King no longer. His brother eamonn’s words past echoed in his brain… “Be strong… firm…fair… but BE King…” and Adam could not help but smile.In the Chambers, after the trial was called to recess, she listened to the barristers argue. Back and forth. Forth and back, until her ears were like the ocean rocked with their voices till the body grew sea sick. The Chamberlain, seeing the discomfort of both leiges called for an end to the discussions. What would be gathered, agreed on, or disagreed on, they would have all this day remaining and the next. What was that called? Time. What had she discussed with Kendrew and Liliana but a way to pass it? How would she ensure it?
By joint approval.Adam wanted to laugh a joyous laugh, but he resisted the urge. ‘God bless the Chamberlain… Remind himself to give the man a raise…’ The break was well appreciated… and Lord Chamberlain would see it in his King’s eyes.When all was done in company fair she sought her husband. Instead of in chambers with other men, she found them unexpectedly in the room she went to change her gown to something gentle, something more plain. She walked to him, his Queen, with the gold and diamonds poised in her hair, her arms about him moving to hold him close. "Ahdam..." she whispered, waiting for him to turn...In the private chambers, the first thing he did was to remove his boots… The next was to stand in the window in ponderence… And as she approached, embracing him… her voice causing him to turn to face her. Sea green eyes met hers… “Yes Madam…?” She would see the toil in his face… and understand what he wanted to do, even though he said nothing. She could see the frustration, for though he was getting better, Adam still displayed impatience… “This is so ridiculous… so many lies… I see the faces… Reports and documents can be forged… but faces, whether bearded or shaven, cannot hide… eyes speak volumes.” His hand caresses her face.Under the trappings of a King, there lived a man, who found that under the trappings of a Queen lived a woman. They lived together, their best moments away from the prying eye of the world in a room behind an oak door. Here, no one could make them be what they were not, or force a hand to make a sweeping decision. The only gestures that mattered were the sorts holding any meaning to them. When he turned to face his Queen, the King knew she understood him as a man before all else. His costume was gone, like a spell lifted, in this room. The struggle to endure one more hour in Struan, let alone one more day, at this trial was harder than any knew. Oh, of course they would assume that it was nothing to pick apart a life, to change the future, but it was a hard thing to change the future, ruin a life, for it never to be the same. "Ah want the trials tae be done fer this day, n' the next Ahdam. Let it resume the day after tha'. Ah've ordered the Campbells tae take part in plannin some basic things tha' may join bonds for the children n' the clansfolk, simple things. Tell me ye approve? Ah need ye tae. Nay one could form a case in an hour, nor can we collect ourselves in an hour. The prisoners need more than an hour, n' the children need more than an hour from this shyte," the blunt, terse end came with a sigh, "Faces n' eyes, n' bodies tell ye nay lies Adam. They are already dyin without us decreein' an axe, n' people are frettin fer their death or e'en waitin for them tae die. Ah've ordered the damned festivities from 'ere moved. Her husband sits, his son sits below… ole peacoke Keliana and old man Alexander, n' yet the bytch n' bastard allow such poison tae the next generation, they act as if he's already dead! N' wot ' the Robertson boy, nay child should listen tae such obscenity, n' Ah forbid m'children gae outside if it were tae continue." She had no desire to be the better concealer of expression today. A half smile came on the face of a ghost as she considered for a moment, "A gatherin' o' women, wot will be made o' it Ah wonder. Ye know the vera idea o' killin a mother sickens meh. Ah've been one o' them, Ahdam. Watched a clan die out n' it fight for survival… tae the last. Ah dun wish tae see tha' for the Argyll. Ah'd rather much ponder tha' mystery than this." The expression turned to normal again as she sat in a chair nearby him, kissing his hand.The man who was King, looked at his beautiful wife who was the Queen. They had, in their power, to grant a day’s delay… if not more. Looking at her as she kissed his hand. “Make it sae…” he declared. He now agreed with her. “Yu send the decree to the magistrates… Ah ‘ave somethin’ Ah must dae…” then he leaned down and kissed her cheek… a sign of determination upon his face. He could see her in his peripheral vision, watching in confusion, as he left the robes of King upon the bed and changed into the white shirt and brown riding trousers. “Ah shall return in a while, then we can discuss decisions…” he smiled at her, the familiar parliamentary look upon that face. A Twist in The Dungeons King Adam: The man who was King, looked at his beautiful wife who was the Queen. They had, in their power, to grant a day’s delay… if not more. Looking at her as she kissed his hand. “Make it sae…” he declared. He now agreed with her. “Yu send the decree to the magistrates… Ah ‘ave somethin’ Ah must dae…” then he leaned down and kissed her cheek… a sign of determination upon his face. He could see her in his peripheral vision, watching in confusion, as he left the robes of King upon the bed and changed into the white shirt and brown riding trousers.
“Ah shall return in a while, then we can discuss decisions…” he smiled at her, the familiar parliamentary look upon that face.
Adam left the privacy of the bedchambers… and ordered the guards to remain… for he wanted to make a visit… a visit to those below… for he was one that had refrained from doing so…but curiosity had killed the preverbial cat. As he slipped below, the guards snapped to attention as he entered, but a calloused finger to the lips kept them silenced. Descending the circular stairs, nothing but booted heels tapped against stone. As he descended, the conversations began to echo off the walls, and his keen ears soon were able to decipher the words… As soon as his figure exited the shadows, the expression of surprise flushed over the faces of all those gathered.
Queen Beathag: All of the power in the world to move heaven and earth in Scotland was vested in a simple phrase such as 'Make it So'. Their ascent gave life, their discontent could take it away. Through the veil of power resided two who were still the same people at heart before the mantle ever touched the shoulders, "Aye, Ah shall," she smiled. Relief washed across her face to know that the mind she believed was one in two bodies did not fail this time... "The magistrates shall have it at once..but Ahdam... Ahdam nay more work this day!" A playful childe escaped the lips; as he turned to his plain clothes still making to leave the room, she tilted her head, "Ahdam where be ye gaein, Ahdam..wot dae ye mean ye've more tae dae..wait!" Enthusiasm purchased not always answer from the determined man. The Queen had been slighted. North wind huffed an exhale from her body, leaving the woman to do what else but see to her own change of clothes. Beyond the closed doors, none saw this anymore - olive green kirtle atop a chemise of the Irish style. Split skirt kicked up by the stride of loved leather boots worn until the imprint of her sole matched the ever-print she left on any surface. Stone floor was said to hold her sound an hour after her passing at times. Dun Darroch was graced with the heel-clack as a woman grew tired of waiting, of sitting still.
So much decision yet what of action? For now it was a simple one, reclaim her husband from the King's mantle... "Where has the King gone," she asked the guard, "Quick now, ah want tae find him!" The dungeon was where, said they. "He has nay gone there afore, tae wot purpose?" No answer from the mouth of them would do so before the man could answer she was already gone. Her height gave the advantage of long strides..so it was not long before she went down the twisting stare to the world of dank below Dun Darroch. "Below be the truth o' above," she thought., moving in the shadow of his steps only to come across men who lowered their heads even further when the Golden head appeared behind his esteemed majesty…
"Your Majesties.." Kendrew began the bow, his mouth sealed as the terms just now agreed upon.
"Yer Majesties.." said the accused, still Chieftain, even below. He bowed as one.
King Adam: Adam paused to look at the wife who followed her husband. "Shall we...?" he smirked as they made the landing afoot the stairs. With a flick of the wrist, the guards would open Iain, Chloe, and Mark's cells... and the three remaining members exited, focusing the dim light to current widths of wide pupils. "Kendrew... Dubhlain..."
And as Iain and Mark emerged... they immediately bowed deep to one knee... "Yer Majesties..." Adam shook his head... "Rise..." and his hand simply twisted at the wrist. Chloe was the last to emerge...and as she rubbed her eyes, she too bowed... and Adam repeated his demand.
Above, a rustle of voices now roused the present guards with new ones. And everyone, including the Queen looked a bit confused. "Ah knaew this visit is a bit imprompitu... but necessary..." he smirks... a facial expression not many knew, except the wife.
Queen Beathag: "Sirs, 'ave we interrupted ye at anythin.."
"Nay, yer majesty,we've finalized our business fer the time, yer will holds us stay."
"Indeed.."
It was Adam that seemd to have the intention to say something. It was easy to maneuver for Dublain, for the guards didn't seem to care for chaining him in the presence of his King or the Queen for safety, yet at the same time she pondered his accomadations. Was this not the one rumor put in a cell with many bars, displayed like a menagerie creature, while at times he was thrust in a dark closed room only for the benefit of 'subuding his madness?'
To her, Dublain looked as sick as he tried not to be, yet nothing was said of it so nothings was brought forth of it.
"If you wish, m'lord, I can leave you to your affairs..:" Kendrew offered, given the freshness of the agreement in his mind would be better for paper than later when the terms might to stale for want of other business to attend...as he bowed once more, seeking his leave, Beathag's hand gently bid him stay, and so he would. One more pair of eyes to Adam's ideas were always better than one alone.
King Adam: "As the many days Ah 'ave sat before the accused, and listened to many a evidence from both barristers... Ah 'ave seen much to mae distaste... and wot Ah saw, 'as sickened me... an' wrought at mae soul..." and he smiled... "Ah the King doth have a soul...believe it 'r nay..." Adam stood with his weight evenly adjusted between both feet, his hands behind his back.
The guards that stood behind them, were released and Gold Talons now replaced them. And as Bess looked to him, he winked... then looked to the others… "Ah, as King, have replaced the guards of Dun Darroch with a company of my personal guards... who but arrived last eve... The reason for this action is plain... Ah 'ave seen much skullduggery since mae arrival... and Ah trust nay those who currently command in the Laird's absence..." he looked directly at Iain... and the man bowed and rose.
Glancing to the Guard Commander... "Nay more shall the accused bae in chains... naer in the dungeons... prepare them rooms in the castle... especially the Lady Chloestrain..."
The commander saluted... "Yes yer Majesty, as I am commanded."
Adam looked at each one... then especially at Dubhlain and Chloe... "Fetch the physician and see to them..." and his wrists popped again. "Nay often dae Ah command without due counsel of mae wife and Queen... for we share our rule... but mae stomach cannae take more... of friends sae treated..." he shook his head. "Ah presume nae guilt, nor innocence... only that fair treatment given til a decision is made..."
Adam's inner respect for his friends and the fairness he would expect should he be tried... by his people or an enemy... "Coom... let us ascend... and be gone from this hell-hole..." and he motioned a wave of his hand toward the stairs in an unprecendented manner.
Queen Beathag: The Queen stood with her mouth closed; it wasn't her place to offer up any conjecture or disagreeance for her husband's thought for she didn't know in this particular instance he had any to afford to the state of the prisons. Was this what he thought of them all along?
Being here, smelling the infected stench of human remains, seeing the dirt clinging to skin that was washed only by charity was already enough to make her wretch. Did they know - did any know - that it was hard to make peace with her own imprisonment? Years rolled by, but she still felt the darkness of the mind in a place like this, the one that stole all words, identity, and being.
As Adam spoke she could do nothing but view him with a sense of wonder. To have mercy for their condition was one thing - but to instill them in rooms, to honor their stations still fit to them was another.. "yer majesty," she whispered, reverant and humble. This man, this thinker, this man who defied convention to follow instinct, was her husband. That alone was her ascent.
Dublain could hardly believe what he heard, or even accept its reality. When a man is thrust down to the bowels of hell, heaven's light is what you use to toy with him. He had contracted that in his absence his nephew would marry should he die, and for himself, he contracted a bride of Lindall. He hadn't dared to believe he really might have the chance to make good on that promise. To live with a friend at least in the later years of his life, to… see the sun. He bowed once more, a hand across his heart as the pain of the day tried to make him break again. But it wouldn't, he growled, making himself go rigid as he stood upright. "Thank ye..m'laird, God bless you and the Queen ..thank you.." His eyes were hollow with fever, so much so that he did not turn down Kendrew's help as they ascended the stairs. That was a task even he did not know if he could make one more day.
Beathag waited for them to go ahead of her, a soft smile scene at their demuring. "Ye think a great many things, n' dae a great many things when e'en Ah dun look, hmm" She was guilty of the self-same thing. Fingers threaded through his own as she looked upon the empty cells, "Dae ye believe, Ahdam, the wrong people filled them?"
King Adam: Throughout the city was a change of guard... those whose loyalty had been bought instead of vowed were replaced... those who protested were arrested immediately... those that offered loyalty were commended, yet sent home. And in the street, cheers from Argylls erupted, though they continued to hide their colors in fear. Soon a man, lain upon a cot, would be carried to the hall, requesting a royal audience... the loss of power now leaving a sour taste in his mouth... yet his female cohort was absent.
Adam smiled as his wife interlaced her fingers with him... for now they were the last to leave the hell-hole. A wicked smirk upon his face... "Aye..truly... and we shall see wot the future bringeth..."
And in the far end of the courtyard, in a small secluded area, the axeman, already paid in Silver Gryphons, swung his axe with grace. Ones found guilty of murder for Kyleakin and Broadford would soon meet their maker. Speeches of forgiveness of the condemned echoed but possibly fell on deaf ears. Forty and two had been found guilty... Ten was found innocent. Twenty of the forty and two had been executed... the last decisions to be made were for the infamous 4...
Were they the only ones from Skye to be put to the axe? Guilt or innocence would soon be determined... but the King would not allow people of station to be treated as animals. For days he had witnessed such... and none in power had tried to change it... so much for Clan ownership. Now he took over... and used his ultimate power... yet Eamonn's words echoed in his mind. As the royal pair topped the stairs, he looked at his wife... "God save us..." then a pause and a squeeze of his hand... "Ah doth love thee with all mae heart and soul wife...." As the royal pair topped the stairs, he looked at his wife... "God save us..." then a pause and a squeeze of his hand... "Ah doth love thee with all mae heart and soul wife...."
Opening the door to their chambers, he smiles and allows her to enter first… But to his surprise, he found them not alone but with a guest. The servant girl known only as Qynn o’Waternish. “Good eve lass…” as she dropped to her knees before the King and Queen. Calloused hands gently took her by the arm, guiding her back to her feet. But she remained with her eyes to the floor and head bowed. Adam glances to the guard that accompanied her and Caldean… the he looked to his brother-in-law… then to Bess, as if for her to take the lead of the situation.
Yet again, the royal pair would have to put off personal desire… and Adam sat on the edge of the bed and watched.
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Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Aug 7, 2010 0:38:09 GMT -6
Dublain and Lindall: Light Prisms in Rain Clouds in a world of gray, your presence bends back the clouds to show the light behind... Dublain MacDonald and Kendrew Campbell If Dublain McDonald were a foot close to aetheism while he was in the dungeons, his freedom from them restored a belief that God lived somewhere above his head. With Kendrew's help, he ascended the winding stone stair, a hand on his strained heart but a smile as their never was on his fame. Remarked the Guardian: "The Reign pleases you, my lord?" He grinned at his friend, baring his weight with ease, imagining the unseen one on his shoulders moments lighter. "Aye, Chieftain Campbell, marvelous much. M'forutnes seem tae be turnin' aye, look ye. The Laird Iain in his proper place, think ye..mayhaps..wot he has sought may come him if ye look at it in some way. Ah'm not a man o' much...long n' lengthy thought on philosophy yet..mayhaps it twill work upon the world, correctin long ago hurts." For a man who did not think lengthy thoughts on philosophy that was what the world was trying to do. The true wrong doers were being punished in places they couldn't see, for it was only for God's eyes. The accused were knowing some measure of hope. "Ah've seen the boy Robin pass tae see his kin...tis nay place fer a boy, below. At least he may see his mother..remember her, in her glory." "They are to be your family to, m'friend.." At last they climbed up, toward the sun. Dublain was severely blinded by the unhibited quality of the light. The sun shined still in Struan? He laughed at Dublain's black humor, but understood why it was still there. How could the sun shine on their deeds so black. In passing to the rooms, there were servants come from the courtyard who obviously stood around the silver griffin paid axe-man.."They've find the leaders n' plotters in the case among your clan and others they say. Forty-two heads.." "Forty two less to do harm. Pray God has no need for even one more..." Sometime later the man who's eye was accosted by the light and who's steps patterened in sickness saw not only a healer, but a physician true. He was given a drink immediately to cleanse his insides of infection through his fluids, for it was said to cleanse through sweat and urine, thus he must drink it often. A jug of it was left him. All of his scars were thus looked upon, old flesh cut away, new stiches inlaid..yet he felt as if he looked a man again for not seeing inside himself, for all the healer could do was pack it. They ordered him sleep, and how he slept. Indeed if a visitor came upon him they awaited no less than a half hour for the man to awaken and clothe himself (d) Lindall MacGregorShe had sat in her room for some time after Searc had annouced, commanded her, a marriage.. now so soon after Jonus.. not even 2 months had passed, and yet she still woke each morning expecting to hear his voice, or reach out and find him sleeping beside her.. yet each day reality pressed upon her that her husband was dead, and her child would enter the world fatherless.. Had she stayed in Sleat, there would have been a proper mourning for Jonus.. a years worth of dark clothes, covered mirrors, frequent trips to his graveside to remember a life that had been ended all to soon..for reasons that were not his own, in a fight he should have never been party too. Jonus had been a man of books and numbers, of reason, and deep affection.. It was his love, his tenderness and his endearing ways that she now avoided thought of.. that she had wrapped herself in the needs of others, Her Family to avoid the pain of his death..now she was faced with the thought that perhaps no one understood, how much she had loved her husband, because she had avoided confronting his death.. The tears she cried were in private,her outwardly appearnce that of a rational calm woman who took life in stride. There had not been time to gather a proper mourning wardrobe, so she had made do with the darkest colors already in her closet that summers heat would allow her to wear, and still have a semblance of comfort, for comfort in a time of preganancy was a true blessing. Proprity had been lax due to the circumstances of war, and the trial, but had Searc really though her so immune to her husbands death to offer her in marriage to another so soon.. She was shamed.. and felt as if she were being used and handled illy, espcially When Searc had related that she had not been a first choice but, a second choice, that would serve the purpose well enough.. The though sickened her.. she was a pawn, to save Shyvonne.. for a more providential marriage, perhaps even close ties to the Royals.. To futher insult her Searc had added that should Dubalin fall to the axe, that she would be considered by his nephew.. a man some years her junior.. she was horrified.. and humilated.. Objecting she railed at her older brother, but was met with the facts of the matter, it was by the Queen's hand this was decreed, and She would shame not only herself but the family and Clan, and her Dead Husbands Honor and his death.. for the clan if she refused the offer..That was how Searc Mcgregor had left his sister..alone and feeling as if she were . not the prize mare at the county market, but a flea bitten hag.. that would... do... the job.. For hours she had holed up in her room.., until Shyvonne and Robin had returned, with Rosie and some other children in tow.. it seemed Shyvonne was going to read to them a fantasic tale of some old legend.. it was more than Lindall was able to handle, so she excused herself.. and left the chattering youngsters in serch of a place to be alone.. It was in the halls she heard the gossip, that the Four had been liberated somewhat and installed into rooms in the castle..this she found incredoulus and moved up the stairs into the corridors that held the prisoners, in curiosity.. " Dublain McDonalds Room ?" she asked after one of the guards who pointed her down the hallway to another gaurded room.. For minutes she stood outside as if deciding then lifted a hand to knock upon the door.. "Lord McDonald.. May I come in ?" her voice sounded flat and a bit strained through the wooden door. and the Guard beside it stared straight ahead, she was on the list of approved visitors for this one..(d) Dublain MacGregorLindall would be the first of his visitors after the Royals themselves had come to see that he was well settled. Did he expect a room for a child, perhaps? Imagine his surprise when the four were granted not just meager slits for sleeping..but rooms among the more vacant apartment style quarters. The room he slept in was separate from the room he would take guests in. There was a hearth space, tapestries to abatate the chill for even in summer Scotland could be frozen. It sizzled and crackled, giving life to the space. The guard who was at the door was not the prison at all, nor where they Robertson paid. These were the personal guards of his majesty, the Knights of the Gold Talon! Chloe too, would have these same guards, as the others. The world to Lindall must have been slighted yet sun poured in to this room, as if God had blessed a man left upon display that he might see God's creation instead, viewing a lake from the window, trees. In the corner a writing desk, pen, ink, and his seal. One would think him only visiting were it not that he were imprisoned! "Please m'lady, sit.Excuse his Lairdship he will be ready to receive ye momentarily. He's slept many, many an hour." Servants to attend them? Would then Chloestrain have a lady's maid for herself, proper clothes, so that Robin would not see a horror...but remember his mother well? All of her kindness, all of her desire in them did manifest this perhaps - for all of Searc's enobled deeds, had he gone to see his wife? The maid in the room told the page to assist the lord in his ministrations. No less than a half hour would pass - a half hour where she would study the table with two chairs, the writing desk, the two high backed chairs with a cushion before the fire before the page boy would open the door to reveal the Chieftain MacDonald. What was this? He was clean from head to foot, nails trimmed, no dirt beneath them. His skin held no sweat sheen nor smelled of sickness. No oil soaked his hair, but instead it was lightened to reveal the brown color it had streaked with some portions of gray. Her ribbon adorned his hair still. Her boots to his feet, the pants he wore were the best of what she had brought him, though the shirt the physician ordered burned for he had sweat it through in his sickness. Despite the summer's heat he wore a black died cotton, both were costly things - the die, and the fabric beyond the bog. Gold stichery at it's neck, for he wished to wear the colors of the reign that pulled him from Hell...but the true touch? The Chieftain wore his tartan, his crest. He was accompanied by the gentle click of a wood cane, a sign of acceptance with humility the things that needed to mend. "Ah'm sorra it took sae long, m'lady.." he bowed, a smile for once on his features so genuine it might have made up for all his over zealous attempts at making hard the guards and barristers time. It was not the smile of a boy but it was the smile of a man who found some peace.."Sae Ah see ye've found our..new places n' the world. Please, will ye bring forth a tray o' the fruits, the meat n' bread..tell me when supper is laid out n' bring it hence? Ah wish tae return m'benefactor's favor by a kindness tae a kindness." The maid attempted to poor Lindall a mug of water, but he insisted to do it himself as he came to sit. (d) Lindall MacGregorHer eyes took in the change in his circumstances as she sat with wonder, what on earth... to say she was shocked was..and understatement, were the others so grandly treated, now.. and if so.. did this mean the King and Queen had seen them innocent and now it was a matter of formality to claim them so and return them to their former glories.. she could only hope that Chloe and the others nightmare was truly to be over soon, and things be righted back as they should.. When he entered the surprise on her face etched away the grim lines that had decorated it since Searcs annoucement.. She took in everything about him, a soft smile curving at her lips as she had known from the first timeshe met him a true cheiftan had been supressed beenath the layers of dirt and grim, beneath the painand the stones of DunDorroch.. Before her now lay the truth of Dublain McGregor..for as any of them man or woman there were sides to the truth.. sides when cornered and pushed were more raw and deep.. and when comforted and soothed, more polished and polite.. " I see your new circumstances serve you well.. I am pleased that his Majesty has bestowed such upon you and the others.. it is a testement to his humainity and grace..I will keep him forever in my prayers.. " she prattled on nervously about the Kings Grace, when in truth it was not really on her mind to praise the King, and had She been privy to a moment alone with the King she would have told him he was almost to late in his benevolent behavior.. and that weeks had passed for them in the hellhole,unfairly treated..Luckily she had never been important enough to garner a privy moment with either King nor Queen..and for the sake of the Four.. she would keep her concerns to herself for now. She watched as servants moved about preparing dinner, and attending him.. " It seems you have little use of my visits with meager offerings any longer.." she mused, her hand coming to rest upon her belly.. and when he spoke of returning the favor..of dining together.. she looked at the servants with a look that was transparent enough for him to see.. that she wanted a moment in private with him.. (d) Dublain MacDonald "He is fortunate tae be in the prayers of such a true believer. Dublain passed her the cup of water, taking her hand to assist her in the short journey from standing to sitting. He was a man who read plain looks for the plainess they were meant to have, so in that, "Thank ye all, please, have leave, beyond the door fer a time. Tell me when supper beh n'perhap find fer me the news o' the day, nay much came tae me below." It was a fine job for a spritely boy, so it was given him to attend the news while the maid saw after the particulars of supper, for while a room was prepared where some socialization might occur for the four, Dublain remained a man to his solace. He had not had long to sit to himself in a place where he could feel both heaven and earth, instead of hell looming ever closer. This was the truth - yet so was his temper - one could be balanced by the other. One lingering effect of the jail was a cough that now developed, being chased away by the medicine, enough that he rubbed at his heart to abate the shutter of it. "Now, we've much tae speak on ye n' Ah, ye look as if ye want tae gae first, unless m'time below has ruined m'common sense." (d) Lindall MacGregor She had took his hands for the length of time it took to settled her body into the chair he offered, sitting and standing among the chief things that were now each day incresingly difficult, due to a shift in the center of her gravity, and her rounding belly.. once seated she realeased his hands and smoothed her skirts, his dismissal of servants a welcome respite from the seemingly constand prying of eyes that happened within the castle walls.. " The only thing the Dungeons afforded you was a since of privacy in our visits " she made a joke, poor but and attempt.. as she looked up at him... " I have come to tell you that I accept your offer and welcome you into our Family " her words were the proper ones " I will endevor to be a proper and good wife to you.. I am honored.. by you offer " yet there seemed to be no joy, or even a smattering of true emotion in her voice.. flat, monotone and deliberate as if a child memorizing a verse and repeating it outloud.(d) Dublain MacDonald"Aye, e'en in Raasay Ah'm nay say used to all the people..but twill serve, the lass n' lady are goodly. " He looked at her belly as it held a life he didn't create, yet respected all the same. Such a thing to be remembered in blood,flesh, and bone. All the better of your features born to a child; allthough man's original sin followed him, a baptism would cleanse him. He would be free of the vices, given only the virtues. Jonus McGregor would live on in generations. He did not dare hope for the same feat, yet wondered if he might be allowed to love what child came of Jonus' seed. He looked up to her face to see the humor replaced with a lack of feeling. She was a flat, gracelessplain on which a wagon lumbered with cargo. Proper words, proper thanks, no soul so there was no truth. "M'lady, if ye will excuse meh fer notin, ye sound as glad as Ah did below at the thought o' an axe on my neck," He said so in asense of study. A chieftain appraising the situation while at the same time a man swallowing his own insecurity that she might come to him as others would. Joyless, listless, for who would wish to marry him? "Ye would nay 'ave tae endevor hard Lindall, Christ," he swore in the open the name of the Son in the Father's essence, "Yer nature is goodly n' proper. Ah'm gaein tae assume one o' two things. The Cheiftain appraised ye o' the situation in barterin' terms as if tae sell a barrel o' fish, or the thought o' such a marriage is offensive tae yerself yet ye say aye tae it. In either sense, marryin' me is a repugnent Idea." He gripped the arms of the chair. Did she think him displeased with her? No, he saw only through the recital for he had seen it one hundred times before in sons and daughters bound to do the same act. "Sae tell me,how did the Chieftain tell ye thus o' the agreement?" (d) Lindall MacGregor Her eyes lifted to meet his as he appraised thesituation and her manner..and she blushed scartlett.. the humilation on her face plain, but also a look of shock that he would think she found the idea of marrying him repugnant.. " Serac has told me of hte Queens command , and that Shyvonne was the intended which I knew, and spoke with you on before that I thought her.. ill suited for such a marriage, not only to you, but to anyone her heart did not desirefor she loves another.. " she fidgited under his gaze as his hands gripped the arms of the chair as if he would show his temper.. yet she did not flinch nor look away.. only paused a moment.. " I was not prepared for the news that I was.. a consolation.. to you, for the loss of my sisters hand " the words.. were bitter in her mouth, and she swallowed as if bidding them down.. it was not that she was a egotistical woman, nor such a fool to know that she held no candle to the courtly beauties of the world.. but nowoman wants to be used ..and then told.. she was second best, and it was the best one could hope for in her circumstance..(d) | Dublain MacDonald He crossed his arms, looking on her with the same gaze that no doubt made his word law when no word had to be spoken. There was something wonderous strange in the eye that saw nothing; haze twisted gray-white scar over the brown so that in light the smoke seemed to curl in it, a constant fire. Or was it a brewding set of storm clouds, a fog? Imagery stirred the mind to many pictures in the look of a man so ravaged by the world. Left hand possesed only four fingers, that was the one drumming on the table. He could fill a room without needing the height of his fellow men. Broken bones breaking more being burdened the man to less than what God had given him for height. He may be now perhaps as tall as their majesties, perhaps even shorter. He still had enough height to indicate he was a privy to Norman blood.When she was done he laid it out quite plain for her. "Men negotiate these things n' nay pretty terms tae the female mind," obvious, dubiously so, but at least he was earnest, "Ah'm a man o' the old ways, m'lady, n' tha' will nay be changin' anytime soon. Ah believe in preservin one's self, n' the things tha' one is givin fer they sae under God. Yer brother was given a place, n' tis his job tae uphold it. Ah was given mine, n' a woman hers. In the new reign we may dae much without the aid or presence o' a woman, n' she may dae much fer herself, but there are nay ties stronger than rite. Ah could build him ships n' he could give us recompense, but tha' could end in a day. Rite bond n' blood bond seals far better than sealin' wax on the things first said." He needed to move as he talked so the cane bore his weight as he stood. Still, he looked a force to be trifled with as he used the object of his humility. Had he been so bad, when she saw him all those times, as to need it now? "Yer sister is nay unappealin' tae the eye but ye could instill all the tradition ye desire, a woman who seeks the old tradition runs nay a school. She is o' her own means, whether yer brother would admit it or nay. One look upon me n' her honor, yer clan's honor would mean precious little n' offense tae me yer brother would see a grevious thing. She's a beauty with a sharp mind tha' would waste, n' look ye. Would ah leave her at the Academy thus half the year, leave her tae her peace. Surely ye brother would nay expect me tae live in Sleat fer her benefit, as much as ah may consider the idea, Raasay and Rona are bein' built still tae things o' granduer, ships takeshorter time than churches, a cathedral tae the saints, bridges between land n' sea. She would need tae, as the lady o' the clan, oversee such tha' her businessalready would nay allow..n' would she leave her school thus in the hands o' others, seein it sparsely? Would she consumate anythin with me?" On that he would have laughed until he settled in a stark silence. He was forty-seven years old, with an eye clouded as to almost not be there, missing a finger, part of his height, and was not the most pleasant thing to a girl of what...eighteen, twenty at most? She led a large thing but it was her dream, and she lived in dreams. He did not dream as he was too thankful to be alive with far too much to do. "Ye are o' an age tae understand tradition, ye live by the traditions, n' ye would come forth tae honor the new law with yer ascent. Ye understand the nature o' a wife' splace n' would do the duty well n' beyond. Yer brother also, Lindall, seemed rather n' his baitin' ways tae suggest he had another thing in mind. Tha' is the barterin end o' it, now let us come tae the other. Keep yer ear open. A woman is easy tae listen, slow tae speak, but it does nay mean ye would nay barb me when Ah was done." Now for this he came directly to her, looking down upon her. "Yer brother made it seem in his line o' words tha' we'd developed a ...fondness fer one another, tis yer token Ah wore n' he mistook it fer somethin else surely when Ah said m'hair can nay be unbound, n' his sister was gracious n' pious tae all in her kindndess. Tis nay in m'bein tae defame a widow, n' he should be ashamed o' himself in such a presentation as tae suggest yer repute sae lose tae the man as his brother in law ye did it o' yer own vanity. Ah would ne'er dishonor ye by seekin tae play tae his way, sae tradition is better suited with manners. Aye, ye may think it makes ye look homely, tha' ah settle for the sorrel mare instead o' the carriage horse. Ah admit, n' m'talks Ah said o' yer benefits ye were o' a sound age, good temprament n' understandin, let us nay lie on tha'. But ah won't shame ye or give him cause tae make a deal fer ye hand or this parlay on yer repute, fer enough will be said o' us both, n' though the war will excuse much God is whom we still answer tae. Yer sister would 'ave been a disaster n' ye know it, fer m'...kindness toward her would have made it a horrid match, n' m'expectations we would have argued. he e'en offered his heir in betrothal tae one o' our lasses, yet five years old he be n' would wait eleven years when law says it can nay be a true bethrothal, only a lose agreeance until all be o' age tae ratify. Eleven years is a long time, a long time in which many things can happen sae it needed tae be sealed now" The last, so punctuated as to make the table quake, but he soothed as he sat. What he would say would be to be remembered after all the business of it, "Lindall, yer brother is right, but ah shan't let him play upon m'business o' thought nor ye repute just tae say tha' he may. Ah'm quite fond o' yerself. Ye are a brave, sprite o' a thing fer yer time in this world..n' it would be ye rwisdom tae see past the wall o' an old, cantankerous n..sad man." another step of humility, for her..and her only, "The Lord Guardian witnessed, as a Chieftain himself. E'en before sae good a man as tha', his reason' had tae be colored in th elanguage o' old man makin old deals. Ye brought more tae me than foodstuffs or goods,ye brought me light n' some joy when Ah had it none. A litte hope tae. Until yesterday Lindall Ah was preparin fer death, nay life. M'nephew is younger than me, n' would have given ye a good life in my wake, e'en if he is old enough tae be yer son. Tis nay tae insult ye, but Ah wanted n' still dae, tae tell ye plainly wot ye will receive in me: Ye may mourn yer Jonus...surely ye can nay expect tae consumate a marriage in yer condition, n' after ye are still spared n' healin. Ah will nay have it contracted a time tae consumate it, n'.if ye come tae me at all ah'm a fortunate man. But..look at it thus. May we nay..as friends, give good companionship tae one another?" He took her hand in to his, "Laugh, n' jest. May ye burdens nay be lightened by me, n' mine by yours? Ah would care for your child as my own, yet nay deny him the truth o' his lineage Lindall.Or hers. Ah would nay make tha' child be the burden o' the kin, nay arrangements in infancy, nothin lest the mother think it wise tae make possible prospect. Raasay n' Rona are new..a chance tae begin again, ye could gae home as much as ye please, yer farm would nay fall tae ruin. N'...let me say if Ah may, Ah find ye far more fetchin both outward and in then any o' yer sisters, n' cousins.ye are....all tha' is warm, n'...fine in this world. Yer hair is quite red, like yer brazeness, can nay hide tha' like ye hide the brazen though, ye eyes are green." A hand to her cheek, "yer skin is soft, n' yer heart is the truecrown n' glory. Fergive me the insult tae thy sisters, but they have nay the piety, faithfulness, nor goodness o' ye fer all their deeds. They are as bitter as Ah've been, in earnest.Mournin loss fer years. Nay one does ye justice, lass." (d) Lindall MacGregor As he stood and moved, wieght bearing on the cane he despised so, the unsurper of his youth, her eyes followed him, and then as he began to talk of Shyvonne's beauty her eyes drifted back to her hands upon her belly.. and closed her eyes agaisnt the sting of his words as he seemed intent on lauding her sisters many valued offerings the first her decadent beauty..and her quick mind, then moved onto the terms of the contract and how she was richardered over like some plow nag at acution, her own wifely skills, found useful and suffienent.. with each word he uttered she grew tenser and tighter her hands lifting from her belly to cross over her arms, at her breast, a sign of stubbornness and perhaps a brewing storm, as her jaw tightented she stared at a painting on the wall.. until his hands on the table punctuated his words and made her flinch. and jerk her gaze back to him.. She was not trying to be disrespectful instead she was trying with all her might to hold a tounge that wanted to fly off the handle.. as if he surmised such he warned her to listen and hear him, and that he knew her tounge could be barbed..if she so choose, but he wanted to say his peace.. first.. But it was when he offered her the bareness of his soul, going beyond the contract with Serac, and the business of men, to tell her of what she could expect should she marry him.. that she truly heard his words... and not the ruminations of the past hours that had plauged her with feelings of unease and unworthyness.. slowly emeerald green eyes lifted to find his.. when he took her hand offering friendship and companion ship the familiar flutter of a pulse in her wrist , made way to her belly.. and intake of breath as he contiuned to speak of his accepting her child, and not pressing her for consumation.. and offering her the freedom to travel back home should she wish.. each word seemed to melt the frost that had developed during the first part of his speech.. and when his hand touched her cheek, her breath was taken away with the tenderness of both the act.. and the sentiment that no one compared.. for long moments she concentrated on breathing as it seemed the room had grown close.. perhaps the fire was to high.. her cheeks flamed beneath his touch.. and her hand lifted to capture his.. " You take away my barbs, with your words befor I can issue them.. I would call that cheating " she whispered letting her cheek nuzzle into his hand softly a moment before pulling back to look upon his face, there she found nothing butsincerity.. and a soft smile lifted her lips at the corners.. before a veil of lashes hid her gaze with a flutter.. " Perhaps my brother is not the dunderhead I took him for.." she admited..then stole a look back upward to him.." I apperciate your wanting to protect my reputation as it will cause a great many toungs to wag as it stands when we marry.. so soon.. after .." her words faltered, there was still a raw greif there.. despite the seedling of hope that was sprouting between them.. " It is difficult for one.. such as ourselves to show.. any fondness in these uncertain times when it could be used against either of us to futher an agenda.." she had said when we marry... without thinking... a sign tha she had not resended her consent.. " You are a good man Dublain McDonald.. and anywoman would be proud to call you husband.. but me so than any because I know..you to be honorable and truthful.." she lifted his hand from her cheek and rested it against the swell of her breast where her heart beat erratically.. like a caged bird.. wanting flight.. " Think not... that I do not return the affection.. but be patient.. for my heart is recently bruised and not as strong as it once was.. it could be easily broken" now both hands lifted to frame his face.. thumbs swirling over his cheekbones.. lighlty.. " Never ask again what woman would want you.. I will be that woman..your wife " (d) Dublain MacGregor He paid her the honor of listening the same as she had listened to him when he was done; the fact of the matter of calling how she would seek to claw him was no mystery given the man had admitted to bartering over her as one barters for horses because that is simply how things like that were done, and unapologetic of the fact that was how he was. He was unapologetic about many things yet there seemed a greater reasoning behind the things he did, the source of his thought. Conviction was a hard wrought thing; the price paid for belief had been pieces of his body so in one could render the MacDonalds flesh merchants. While by no means as vivid, did not his brother and nephew wear scars now for the same want to sacrifice for a greater whole? No clan was different in that - but - at the core of the scramble for supremacy there were men who moved for the greater good of a people in men's ways. With hands to build, hands to fight. It'd be had to convince Dublain the MacGregor chieftain fought for anything of late beyond the assured confines of his creature-comforts. Did he see to it his native sons were given unto the King without asking? Did they join the Griffin's Army without question? It was not for him to deduce Searc's mind- no, he didn't concern himself with it now as Lindall revealed herself with all the glory of the traits were truly hers: dignity, graciousness, intelligence of the human condition. "Ah would ne'er hurt ye willingly, n' pray God forgive me if it e'er be unintentional. In the way we live ye will have yer honor ne'er compromised. Patience is nay beyond me, either, Lindall. Ah'd wait..fer ye." He froze, letting his eyes shut at the feeling of a touch that feltas it must what was always discussed in a kind, tender hand. The hand of his wife...it baffled him to no end her admittance to wanting him, yet it would reach a place in his heart where he would never forget the ultimate kindness. "One day, we may have grown a love o' this fondness, but if all m'days ah live in the fondness o' yer eyes..then ah'm a fortunate man. Nay one has e'er sought tae know me, yet it was easy enough. Among m'siblings ah was ne'er the favored either, twas by sheer circumstance n' fate ah'm a chieftain at all, but there are reasons we will ne'er understand. Ah believe. Maybe we needed tae begin again. Ah've let gae, o' wot was home..more than most have, fer seeinthe glory oh a new one. Ah ne'er took a match fer m'self e'en before bein disfigured, fer Ah'd lost one once. Lindall.." He shook his head, unable to cease saying her name. He spread his fingers across the place where her heart beat, "The King's kindness n' mercy is different than 'his judgements, Ah believe he sees us as innocent, yet he can nay allow the world tae see him as less with the evidence before him. Ah have a hope we may be spared, They tell me tis harder fer the others, but m'family shall fight fer them..our..family. ah offer ye this. On m'day beyond this room, should it please ye..we may marry. Ah would nay have them mock ye fer a frivolous thing yet ah would nay allow ye wed away from God's grace, and yer hair would look sae fetchin in the sunlight." Gently, he leaned in..kissing the corner of her mouth before the brow of her head. "Tis fer ye tae consider, nay yer brother. Ah'm sure ye sister would happily witness tha' he'd come tae, Dun are if he does really." He chortled, whispering, "N he is the dunderhead ye paint him fer..understands business like nay man e'er ah met but he's a fool when it comes tae his kin. He knows nay how blessed he really is." (d)
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Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Aug 8, 2010 10:56:03 GMT -6
The Sisters MacGregor & the MacDonald ' I love you so much that I would brave anything for you, yet I wonder in trying to defend you, what know we about ourselves '[/color] Lindall MacGregor Lindall had left when the barrister arrived to speak to Dublain alone..she had not gone back to the room she shared with Shyvonne instead.. leaving the castle proper and heading into the small villiage.. her thoughts her own as she milled through the small shops and market.. now void of reverlers and gross plays of execution it was more calm and peacfull, most of the street vendors having left for the next viliage over. Perusing one of the shops tha sold fabrics and ribbons.. she lost track of time for a while.. thinking over the days events.. and the coming one that would define her life henceforth..her fingers trembled as she plied through lace and ribbons, her thoughts comeing back to the what if's in life... what if , he was found guilty and sentenced to death.. would she be a widow twice over in the space of two months.. that was not a lable which she wanted to wear, nor would she survive it she thought.. it would be too much.. He wished to be married on the day out of doors that the four were promised.. in the small villiage church.. but could she.. should she marry him befor the verdict was read.. ture it would secure her and her childs future.. but.. she cared not.. for she would find a way for her and her child with or without a husband, she knew for all Searcs bluster and ego that he couldn't turn her out.. it just wanst' possible..if anything his pride would forbay it.. and yet when she looked at Dublain earlier she had not the strenght to deny him his wish.. to have awife.. a reason for living, hope for a future.. could she deny him this marriage.. so quickly arranged.. Providence would indeed hand her the answer..as she moved through the shop into a back room.. where a few dresses hung on display of the seamstress's talent..there as if a beacon.. it called to her.. a light ivory dress.. loose and flowing, its candle wicked lace covering the empire waisted bodice.. soft spring greenr ribbons, adorning it with tiny seed pearls..Pulled to it as if by a mystic hand.. she held it aloft.. to her figure testing it's fit.. her mind had been made up (d) Shyvonne MacGregor Shyvonne was mortified when the news spread like wildfire that Searc had secured not her marriage but Lindall's and to Dublain MacDonald. She had even dropped the book she was reading when Leigha had rushed in, not bothering to knock to tell her. If she hadn't of been sitting, there was no question what would of happened. Lucky the servants had taken the vases out of the room after word spread that she was apt to throw them in her tempers. She should of seen it as a God send, Kane didn't need to blackmail Searc anymore but what was going through her mind was, Lindall is getting married. Leigha watched her mistress now nervous as Shyvonne sat like a statue, her hands still posed as if holding the book that lay at her feet, her head lightly cokeed to one side, her eyes staring into oblivion. "Apparently, your brother saw there was a fondness between them." Leigha explained as her mistress just....well sat there. Shyvonne's hands lowered to her skirts and balled into the red material as her cheeks began to temper and flame red with emotion. Leigha mouth opened to tell her mistress to take a breath but Shyvonne hand lifted up and she stood abruptly. How could Searc do this, Lindall was in mourning. She LOVED her husband! She deserved to have time to honor his memory. What the hell was wrong with this Dublain, by God he was a sadist, wanting to marry a woman in mourning and some five months pregnant with another mans child! Oh Searc found a FONDNESS between them. Oh she was going to KILL him! Leigha stood there dumbfonded as Shyvonne swept from the room, her hand holding her skirts back asshe swept down the hall, servants hugging the walls as her angry form passed by uttering 'oh lord' and 'oh no' as she went towards where Dublain had been moved from the dungeons. "Open it!" She hissed at the griffin guards that had replaced the Robertson guards and the man looked at her for a moment before moving to open the door, a woman like this could kill with one look and as he pulled the door open, she swept in not bothering to announce who she was, justanother hot headed MacGregor. "Are you INSANE?!" She hissed at the form of Dublain MacDonald.* Dublain MacDonald Dublain MacDonald by all accounts as every other MacDonald of the Isle before him was possessed of a blood born madness, intimidating warrior's prowess, the ability to build a ship, and a famed temper that alleged to make the North Wind turn Eastward on any given day. What was strange was now the man who had barked his discontent in the courtroom only to struggle at containing himself found a measure of peace beside the window that looked out on the world. Hepondered what things he would do beyond the room while he had made his way through the Bible Lindall had given him. Of all that life could afford a man who thought to gain nothing, he could not help but see the advantages of this trial. Nothing stood between him as Chieftain; by legality, by succession, the son least desired held all. Imagine the like of his serenity distubred by the great Gaelic windstorm that tore from the South up in from Sleat provice. Ever climbing, ever rising, a rather lovely source of hot air - yet hot air all the same. Eyes shut, a soft snarl as the sound disturbed the ever dull ring in his ear as he recovered from the rigors of life below. "N' good day," hebegan, looking up from his bible to see what had torn through his chambers. The chamber maid was aghast at the terrible lack of manners while the page boy simply blinked in surprise. "Wot did ye do sir?" said the boy as Dublain handed him the book of God's word to be placed back in his room. "We shall see, boy, n' ye gae now tis nay fer a lad's ears. Ye tae, Agatha." She was ready to protest; what of his medicine, of a meal, of the priest to give a mass for him in the room. "Agatha, take yer leave. When the priest comes, come back tae tell me." For that would be God's sign of deliverance from the wind bag. "Sae. Gae on?" He tilted his head rather mildly amused. (d) Lindall MacGregor Having realized she had lost track of time she had concluded her business in the villiage and hurried back, she had promised Dublain that she would return for the evening meal, and now it was almost dark.. parcles that were ungainly were clutched tightly to her chest, almost laying on her distended belly as she rushed back into the castle and up the stairs.. toward her room to leave the parcels she had bought, upon entering she found Leigha a nervouse cat pacing back and forth.. " Leigha.. whatever is wrong.. is there word.. did the King offer a judgement,?" her mind flew to the very thing she dreaded so.. and had been worrying over all evening, what else could have Leigha so worked up.. when Leigha revealed to her Shyvonne's reaction and her storming out.. Lindall pressed the parcels into her hands.. and turned.. " See to Robins dinner and bath.. and I will tend to Shyvonne's temper" with that she rushed from the room.. well as much of a rush that a pregnant woman could afford, more like a quick waddle.. lost of grace and all modicum of respect as she entered the wing where the prisoners were housed.. the look on the guards face said it all.. " I take it the Lady Shyvonne is inside?" she asked a little out of breath..taking a moment to.. compose herself.. "yes Milady, and she is none to happy.. Shall I accompany you inside?" he thought well of the Lady Lindall, and felt sorrry for her when he had heard the rumors of her being ordered to marry the prisoner inside for Family gain..he knew the story of her husbands death, and her grieving.. but he considered her a most impressive Lady for taking to task what was necessary for her clan.. He would protect her from that Banshee of a sister of hers.. if need be.. not like the old man could do it.. being sick and all (d) Shyvonne MacGregorMoss green eyes swung to the boy and then the woman before turning about the room. Huh, Mark's room was decidedly smaller but what did you expect when you were given a storage closet to sleep in. Her eyes swung back to Dublain, her eyes staring daggers into him as she leaned against the table, putting it in between them not to protect him from her, but from her going at him. It wasn't until the door closed that that hot tempered mouth of hers opened again. "Are you a sadist or something? How could you do THIS? How could you agree to such a thing with my brother? My sister just lost her husband, a husband I should tell you, she loved. She was ordered to marry him yes but she loved him and she has the right to mourn him. She is embodies everything of loyalty about this family so she would never disagree to this but I've heard about her visiting you. So what do you say to her to make her agree to do this?" She let out a sigh and pressed her palms against the table and shook her head "She is a good and proper woman but she is sensitive and will do things for others above herself, even if it pains her, she'd never show it, she'd rather make other people happy even if it means breaking her heart. Has not my family suffered enough? Hasn't she suffered enough. Jonus was never a solider and he shouldn't of been on that battlefield to begin with. He should be here now to see his child raised not passed off to some other man who is exploiting my sisters condition for his own gain! How could you do this? Why would you do this?!" She threw her hands up in the air, did a 360 turn and then crossed her arms over her chest. "Do you care at all about my sister? Do you care at all that she is in mourning?"* Dublain MacDonald "Tis nay as horrid as was expected, by all accounts Ah thought twould 'ave tae pay fer the room's repairs, fortunately, Agatha sees nay reason tae keep a thing o' heather flowers in the room o' a Laird. The tapestry stayed on the wall..n' ye just moved a table. Ah'd offer ye a seat but ye seem comfortable where ye be." Yet for the sake of conversation he would use his stick, now replaced by a fine thing. Carved, smoothed wood pushed the table she held aside so only air filled the space for the short time until the object bore his weight. "Tis quite a dance, aye, but ye'll exhaust yerself with all tha' jiggin n' spinnin' n' a wot nay. If ye wish a seat may, ye may stand as well, as ye caught me rather unprepared ye did nay receive yer bow either, m'lady. Yer sense o' brain is a wee bit backward." So he bowed, she would not curtsy more than likely. He didn't care. Frankly her heart was in the right place but he found the show something of a great parade a'passing in the village square. Her brother was much the same way, all pomp n' rigor n' idea to bend. Two differences of the same extreme. "Ye lover yesister, n' tha' is nay begrudged. Ye seem a smart lass if nay o'erbarin n' ungodly loud, sae the truth ye will have. Yer brother barters ye all as if ye be mares n' a market, n' if ye would 'ave heard our discourse ye would have done more than spin in a circle yon. Yer sister be all the things ye say, which at once makes her a far better choice o' bride. Let us be plain ye would have had tae leave yer school nay matter wot was contracted fer the simple fact o' wot Rona and Raasay is , buildin. A lady has much tae see tae there, n' ye haven't heart for it. Let's be plain. Ye think Ah'm a sadist, appearance may support tha' tae yer youthful eyes Ah wager." One functional eye, a left hand with four fingers, a leg wounded from battles numbering three, stunted height in part from said injury as one leg was longer than the other it could appear, "N' double yer age, if nay near triple. Ah find tha' yer mind is sharp but tis hidden behind yer screamin n' fits, yer reputation proceeds ye thus, n' we needn't another temper like tha' on Raasay when we be an island n' several septs famous fer a blood born madness. They would have expected an heir from ye, n' the liklinhood o' ye begettin a son or daughter fer the sake o' paper is as likely as angels flyin from a pigs ass. Ye touchin' me with anythin but yer disdain is the reality, n'Ah would nay want yer pity if ye could choke some up either. " Ouch. " Ah barter like a man because ah be a man, n' make nap apologies fer it, but fer all yer love o' yer sister did it e'er cross yer mind she might o' said yes o' her own reasons? She can refute ye know, or did ye ferget tha' afore ye came in tae make me deaf with all yer bellowin'. Ye ask the right questions, lass, but ye dun ask 'em with any mind tae hear any answer other than yer own. Ah dun think she could give ye an answer n' ye'd believe it tae be true because she's sae good she's simple. At least tha's wot ye've led me tae think o' wot ye believe o' her..She's good n' simple n' needs savin..or like yer brother she's a second choice mare. Nay. We'd all dae wot we would fer our families, little one. But yer place is best served shapin a mind while ye fashion yer own with age. Mine is on Raasay, n' er sister is far more good, than any could e'e rhope tae be. She saved a part o' meself if ye'd believe it down there. Aye, Ah have a care for her mournin. Surprised?" He never once yelled, but he did walk about her somewhat, "We have a terms between us on the matter tha be none o' yer affair, but if ye seek tae ask her o' them Ah hope ye really listen. Nay hopin' fer miracles there. Yer sister be beautiful, " Who said that of her, " N' capable, n' her true mind lives in her heart..n' knowin the world. Can nay find tha' in a book." He saw the door opening, to which he said, "Now tha' either be supper, prayer, or both. Ye can stay but if ye dae Ah'll expect ye tae state yerself proper. Won't have ye rilin the good folk just fer yer sake, n' ah dun need tae gae deaf afore my time. Sae." He went to the chambers he slept in to fetch his bible from the sitting room, "Yer pleasure lass. Just dun break anythin while Ah'm gone." (d) Lindall MacGregor "I should be fine " she offered to the guard graciously, a worried frown marring her face. The charecteristic move of pushing back a strand of hair over one ear, offered up evidence to her trepidation of going inside, for she didn'trelish the scene she feared inside.. stepping through the doorway he eyes lit on Shyvonne's lone form, and a brow lifted curiously.. " Where is Lord McDonald?" her tone was cautious as she looked about half expecting to find him upon the floor with a knife in his heart.. after hearing how angry Shyvonne was when she left their rooms.. " Why are you here? and Why are you so angry?" she moved to grasp her sisters arm and pull her toward the door, thinking perhaps she was in time to avoid the conflict all together.. " I should have come to you first and told you, but I needed some time to think.. I'm sorry.. but I thought you would be happy.. you still have hope with Mark.. now that you are not under contract with Dublain any longer.. " her eyes were confused over her sisters irate behavior.. and even moreseo over Dublain's absence from the room (d) Shyvonne MacGregor Her reputation proceeded her? God above! eyelashes kissed at her cheeks as she closed her eyes not looking at him even as she felt him circling around her. A temper like hers on Raasay? Was he comparing her with someone, well bad? She wasn't bad, just protective of her sister, of her family in general. She hated this place, she hated Dunsgate even if she had been born and grown up there. Oisles was hers and she was in her element there. Every day here felt like a noose around her neck and his words didn't help the tightening of the rope around her throat. Her arms uncrossed and her hand lifted, stopping him as he got to what she lead him to believe of Lindall and that she was a second choice mare. "My sister...is not a mare and you will NEVER truly understand or know her like I do." She fell silent to let him continue, he believed her uncapable of hearing an opinion beyond her own but that wasn't true and she stayed silent to listen only growling under her breath when he called her little one. If what he said was true, and she wasn't apt to believe it was or was not without talking to Lindall, that Lindall wanted this just as much as he seemed to but it also seemed to make her into a thing sprung from a book without feeling and he had stung her more then it showed. God she hated this place, people were seeing the wrong side of her. Hot tempered she knew she was but it was not without cause. An people seemed to think she was interested in only what pertained to Shyvonne and that to was not true but with this came the realization that she was in fact the black sheep of the family and not anyone else. It was surprising to hear him say Lindall had saved part of him down there and she knew what down there was and she began to understand in a small fraction the fondness Leigha had said Searc had seen in them though she snorted to even think searc had seen anything but gain in it. As he disappeared and Lindall came through the door rather then dinner, her lips pressed together and she waved a hand to his sleeping chambers when she asked where Lord MacDonald was before she was dragged towards the door. "Happy Linny?" She huffed and shook her head. "Have you lost your senses or have you forgotten who our brother is? He is never going to let me marry Mark." Again her head shook, she didn't want to talk about this. "Linny, you want this?" She asked simply "You want to marry the Lord MacDonald? Tell me truthfully, I will be happy, if this is what you want and not because your ordered to do it."* Dublain MacDonald It would be to his pleased surprise it wasn't supper or prayer, but the source of the conversation herself come to grace the presence of things. Was it a wonder that on his return two sisters discussed the same topic, an answer awaiting? He merely kept quiet, offering a smile to Lindall. The man was capable of smiling? Popular lore painted him a raging beast stared at below like a lion in a menagerie yet for all the barbs he'd thrown no blood was shed in the process. He let the women to their talk, only settling again by the window where he could view the world in the glory God provided. All that was heard was the crick of bone in the ill leg, a groan as he brought it to rest on a stool. If any man knew what it was to be a 'black sheep', well, it was him. At the same time all could change, why not Shyvonne? Why not have the best of herself shown in accordance with the best presentation. Creeping back through the door the poor page boy ducked as if expecting something to hit his head. "Tha's nay necessary. Straight back..greet the lady a proper." He shook as he did it, "M'ladies.." before moving to tell Dublain that supper was ready, "Ye can have it brought hence lad, n' fer three please. Ye can tell the Ladies both tis their pleasure tae stay, they may." "N'ay the barrister though?" For the first time that day he laughed, heartily, "Nay, nay boy, certainly nay the barristers again. Ah can nay stand the lot 'o'em. all tha' talkin', backslidin nay.. nay the barrister. Good memory!" As it was returned to him to arrange for items, he dug into his sporan, took out a coin, and put it in the boys hand."Fer yer wit." "Thank ye sir!" (d) Lindall MacGregor Her back was to the door as her sister voiced her opinion on the fact that Searc would never let her marry Mark.. with a soft hand she reached out to sooth her shoulder then slide down her arm to grasp her hand.. comforting and gentle.. her mouth pulling into a frown.. it was true there was likey no chance of Shyvonne and Mark marrying, but at least with her not marrying Dublain there was still a spark of hope.. When he returned, her eyes lifted to him over her sisters shoulders, and the smile he gave her, illicited one of her own as he moved a bit away to give them a private moment, little did she know he had heard SHy's question and was awaiting the answer as well.. both hands now grasp Shyvonnes and squeezed lighlty " I apperciate that you care and love me enough to beard the lion in his den." her smile now was for her sister.. " I myself would move heaven and earth for your happiness.. you know this.. but you should not think I am incapable of making a decision.. my pregnancy or my grief has not left me daft... " her voice lowered the tinyest of bits.. as if she were sharing a sercret. and she was.. one unvoiced even unto herself outloud.. " I think in every lifetime you find one great love...I found mine in Jonus.. I do not expect another..nor frankly would I want one..my heart could not bear it.. to open wide enough to recive another with as much love as I bare Jonus.." she tilted her head and looked into her sisters eyes willing her to understand.. "There is a common need between Dublain and I.. security and respect.. we each have things to offer one another to enrich our lives..He will protect and love my child as his own..see to it we want for nothing.. and wants nothing more than my companionship. He has pledged to be patient and kind.. and I to be a good wife to him. " her hands lifted soflty to smooth back the dark hair on the brow of her sister... " I need a new beginning... a place where all my memories are not in the stones that surround me.. a place where what I had , and what could have been.. will not haunt me.. and most of all I need someone.. to need me.. in his life.. I need an anchor, before I drift away.. and never come back.. " grief was a terrible thing, it ate at your insides like a cancer, silent and painless at times until it gripped your soul so abruptly and harshly that you found yourself lying on the floor in a pool of tears and sweat.. it was a monster within.. that needed to be healed.. cleansed.. and hopefully one day replaced.. (d) Shyvonne MacGregor She didn't want Lindall to pity her and so the comforting hand at her shoulder was wiggled off and then her hand pulled from her grasp so her arms folded under her breasts. She let out a sigh as Lindall took her hands into her own willing her to listen and truly hear what she had to say. To understand. Why did everything she was incapable of listening or understanding. Her head tilted to the side as her sister smiled at her but she would not, could not return the smile. She listened without commenting, without snorting or growling or even looking at her sister like she was nuts. She did the thing people thought her incapable of doing, she listened. When Lindall released her hands, she folded them again under her breast. "That was a pretty good speech" She mused, her lips curled then fell without reaching a smile. "You know, all you had to say was this was what you wanted to." A slender brow etched upward then fell as she turned her attention to Dublain and the boy as Dublain put the coin in the boys hand before moving back to her sister. "All right then, I am happy for you. "* Dublain MacGregor Agatha returned followed by a few others with trays of food, things for the table, and announcement of "Supper! M'lord will ye be havin guests? That's a fine thing sir, shouldn't be here all by your lonesome forever starin' off in the air all maudlin. Ladies," she curtsied, as one could see the poor boy forget to invite them to dinner. He was tapped after, "Och, ye may stay, yer ladyships..ladies." "Once is enough Ryan, they be sure of who they are now.Run along, help with a tray or some such, don't stand agape. Stop slouching, for heaven sakes ye'll grow a hump boy!" He moved himself over, Dublain did, toward the pair. He pulled two chairs out at the table with a soft shake of his head toward the servants. Ah yes, Dublain was also an unapologetic hermit. Not that the human race was not worthy of his time, for he enjoyed amusement and company as any other man, but he'd rather avoid the barristers, passing eyes who wish to see the eye he was lacking. Quite popular, that feature, as before this Trial he never left the island of Raasay for much. "Somewhere twixt Agatha n' Ryan Ah trust ye both know about dinner." He offered up a hand to Lindall so he might ease the burden of her steps with a hand that was his right, out of custom. He was missing his left index finger, so never much gave that. "Please, ye both." He looked at Shyvonne with a cant of head. What a strange, cantankerous old creature. Yet perhaps admirable at the same time. Not many invited the North Wind for dinner (d) Shyvonne MacGregor She turned as Lindall left her to take Dublain hand and be lowered into her chair. God above, her sister was going to be married a second time while she none. She could only make guesses at what the servants would be saying now, probably that she was the dragon lady which no man would get two steps close to much less marry. Well served her right then didn't it or at least that was probably what everyone would think. She couldn't help her MacGregor pride nor MacGregor temper. She agreed with Lindall, she did need a new place with new beginnings, where stone walls did not echo memories that could never be again. In many ways she could understand her sister for Oisles was the place where she could get away, where the walls echo'ed not of memories but of promises of dreams seen real and brought to prosper. Oisles was her camelot that she dreamed of often stuck here in purgatory that was the Robertson lands. As Dublain looked at her, her head lifted from its cant, that indiginant chin lifting somewhat. The man truly didn't know how lucky he was to be taking for a wife, her sister. Lindall could do no wrong in Shyvonne's eyes and she was everything good about their family. Uncrossing her arms, she crossed the floor soothing a hand down her skirts as she lowered into a chair. It was obvious she was not going to apologize for she didn't think she was wrongbut nor did she believe she was right. She loved Mark and her match with Dublain would of been a bad one, if not for only that fact but that they were two very different people. She was not a self serving person, she did not believe the world revovled around her, she rather preferred it if it didn't but this whole thing made her feel awful. People would feel sorry for Lindall for being a second choice mare while they would also be sorry for her being passed up for her pregnant sister. What rumors would swell about what was wrong with her that she, the more likely choice had not been sealed into the deal? What disloyalty would be said about her especially since whispers all ready ran rapid about her brothers visit to her chambers and the broken vases. For perhaps the first time in her life she felt guilty about being who she was, not a MacGregor but a hot tempered dreamer.* Dublain MacDonald He didn't expect her apology; by the age of forty-seven he knew enough of life that when a person found meaning in their point of view that it wasn't to be sacrificed, only added to. Ommisions were up to individual discretion. The eye he showed Lindall was one of warmth, not appraisal for he knew her to be a gift for any man. He did not fault her sister for loving her so as to blow enough to move the mountain from the stones that moored it, but perhaps it wasso that the mountain was worth climbing to view the world from its vantage point? Harsh, blunt exactness was an uapologetic hallmark of his creed. Despite the nicety his brother and nephew exhibited, to catch them on the right moment was to render the same effect. Once Lindall was comfortable, two hands went to Shyvonne's seat so that he might push it in once she sat. Dublain was not going to apologize either, given he believed he received far less than he expected. "Seems tis a beef shank, a broth n' a gravy, bread, cooked root. Ye may both have first service o' the plates.." Utensils were brought forward for their choice, help offered if it were requested. Some nobles preferred table service, others served themselves. "Wot occupies the world beyond 'ere, wot did ye both dae taeday, Lady Shyvonne?" He was..interested? At this rate he would give people a headache trying to figure him. (d) Shyvonne MacGregor Giaus had a theory he once told her off, fanning the individuality of his pupil, that she was one of a kind with a firey spirit fit to move mountains and set the stones as she saw fit and if her family got ahold of her and beat her into submission of what a woman should be, as what her brother saw, a birthing becon of an heir and nothing more, that she would loose her spark and the world would be a far less beautiful place for the world needed dreamers like her he had said. That conversation was on her mind as she sat and she nearly didn't hear what he was saying about what was to eat. Shyvonne never ate much anyways, this often lead people who didn't know her to believe she was ill or depressed when often she was to busy to sit down to eat a hearty meal, the days of past included. Moss green eyes lifted to survery the food and she hummed a response of no real value as she took a small slive of the beef, a few of the root vegetable and a slive of bread before leaning back in her chair and took the crust from the bread, the softer part rolled into balls between her fingers and placed on the edge of the plate to begin building a pyramid. She had done this since she was little and often when she thought. Kane finding it funny the last time she had done it in his presence remindering her of the childhood habit after having read a book Searc had gotten of Egypt. That slender brow etched upward as he addressed her on what she did today. Yes it was an anomaly to go from that to this. "I um "She started and then stopped as if trying to remember what she had done today but she knew what she had done, it was the same every day but what made her pause was that she had visited Mark this morning, or rather early this morning and her cheeks flamed with the memory of laying with him in that tiny bed, his hands on her naked fleshas he kissed her dizzy. She had just gotten back to the room she shared with Lindall an hour before sunrise but she chose not to include this into the conversation. "I worked on plans for improving and expanding the school grounds and educational standards." She answered rather truthfully while she shrugged. "An then I read my favorite book, again" She had only brought one book with her, silly yes but some part of her expected the King and Queen to realize the accusations against the foursome ridiculious and dismiss them quickly.* Dublain MacDonald "Oh, wot book be tha, iffn ah may ask..would ye mind m'lady, the pitcher? M'arms dae nay enjoy as long o' a reach any longer, Ah wish tae fill cups." He was actually quite fascinated with both her books and the school, given he would be sending some youth for such an education as it afforded, and he read much in his later years. What he did not fancy was seeking help for such a simple task, but if one noticed the scars in his elbow indention were long, jagged, harsh, and no doubt had come close to rendering that arm useless (or detached). "N' wot part o' the south did ye elect fer ye school, nay doubt a place o' great room. Was it built o' yer own plans from stone quarried, or did ye shape it round somewot a castle already there. The southern province is full o' both.." Lindall perhaps would be rather amazed him capable of asking such questions as to show a true interest in what a woman thought or felt. Merely, what a person did or felt was of interet to another. Traditionalism need not make one dense to the world. Part of him wanted to know how Sleat was shaped, how it moved, breathed. It was his lineage they built upon. Part of would always love it, all of him would always know it. (d) Shyvonne MacGregor Setting the fleshy tender piece of her bread that was left not rolled into balls, she let her eyes raise to his then the pitcher he indicated. "Allow me" She offered as she rose from her chair and took the pitcher and filled one cup which she set in front of her sister and then another for him and finally one for herself before the pitcher was set down and she took her seat again. "The Legend of Camelot. It's actually a collection of stories all about what many surmiss is just that, a legend, a story of fantasy but my favorite story in the book is of Lancelot and Guinevere." She paused to take a drink. "But I am also quite fascinated in the concept of the round table and the laws King Arthur laid down. I am perhaps one of few who don't believe its all just fantasy." She began to roll pieces of bread into balls again to add to her growing pyramid. "Actually Oisles, was once Oisles Castle. It's near Armadale. When I was little, we as a family visited the coast and Armadale and I wandered off and happened upon the abandoned castle. I knew then I would turn it into an Academy and so I did but I have plans to improve upon the property and better the Academy so we may receive not only more teachers but more students. I have hopes of one day being one of the leading educational facilities in Skye." She stopped there, her lips pressing into a thin line. The school was always a weakness of hers. Even if she didn't want to talk, ask about the school and she wouldn't be able to stop.* Dublain MacDonald "Sae tha' is how it came tae pass. .the castle was nay much e'en in m'day, whole..but quickly fell away n' was abandoned. We could see it, from Aramadale, Ah recall. Sae ye knew it had purpose, sae somethin from wot was ruin. Tis good eye, n' good head. Dun lose tha', hard tae get back if ye should. Young'll benefit from the place m'thinks. Plenty o' space, n' good air. Good ground tae yield good food. With yer choice n' readin ah'm sure the press' o' the country know great business from yerself," He took a moment to eat his bread, his face pondering a possible smile before he drank of the drink she poured. When she'd done this he was not offended she sought to do it for them, but rather thankful. One less act to be forcibly done of a body that was too stubborn to quit. "Sae dae ye found yer school on Arthurian principle..such councils as the great king 'ad, n' sage wisdom?Ah'm more partial tae theareas concernin' the Merlin, n' Neveah, the Lady o' the Lake, m'self. N' the Sangreal. Breton culture o' Wales hosts a fine collect o' the tales..better than the Ainglish 'ur the Irish. Wot edition prefer ye?" Another cut of beef he injusted heartily. Days above could not yet make up for the days below, for he caught up upon surviving on Lindall and Liliana's contribution of bread, apples, and nuts. "Here.." He passed Lindall a plate of bread so she needn't strain for extra, "Must take great effort, carryin' a bairin. Eat well. There's much stock n' stories like tha', much as their are stories o' the earth aye, Lindall. Stories n' fable o' men..makin nay much o' stone n' things tae grow from it. E'eryone wants somethin'. Pity unlike our King, Arthur was nay much fer sailin." (d) Shyvonne MacGregor "You should see it now. I believe its been made up much grander then even your day would of seen." Here she offered a smile, quite proud of the work that had been done on the crumbling castle. She fingered her cup as she spoke, eyeing instead her bread pyramid rather then him. Not that she could not look him in the eye but she was thinking beyond the words she spoke. Multitalented the woman was. Her eyes rose to his for a moment when he said with her choice of reading would know great business from her. Was that a compliment? She gave an idle shrug of her shoulders and a shake of her head to the question of fonding the school on the principles of the legend. "I try to but I also must admit a firm hand in upholding the rules I've laid down in regards to the reputation of the school but I do try to instill in the students a sense of individuality. They know, the students and the teachers, that they may come to me with any concerns and it will be justly heard and their ideas taken into account. I often engage the students in discussions of which they choose, given my opinion and asking of them their own. The world is such much more different then when I was a child and is still ever changing. I try to instill them to believe the future is theirs regardless of what they are told is right or wrong, that they must make the judgement themselves and do with life the way they see fit and no one else." She hummed in a laugh and cokeed her head just so to the side. "I've actually read them all and cannot say I prefer one above the other." Her hand stilled on her cup when he said they all wanted something. Wasn't that the truth! "My mentor and tutor once told me, that the world would be a much duller and lifeless place without dreamers, yes, we all want something and I think it a crime to not go for what you want." She stopped and sighed leaning back in her chair. "This of course only extends so far. Birth and position sometimes dictates we cannot have what we want." She leaned forward again and began to play with her cup again. "What is it you want Lord MacDonald? an I don't mean in my sister. I mean in life. Let us say the trial is done and over with, that you are a free man. What is it you want of life from there you want Lord MacDonald? an I don't mean in my sister. I mean in life. Let us say the trial is done and over with, that you are a free man. What is it you want of life from there?"* Dublain MacDonald "From the description tha' be heard o' it ah'm sure n' given the state o' the old lady afore ye touched it, tis nay hard tae dae. At least she was made into somethin worth while n''glorious. A firm hand be needed with the child in as much as guidance. 'ave none o' me own children but aplenty ' nephew n' nieces n' the like. A lesson in the history o' things n' the new tradition. Tis a gift given n' ye hold it thus. Such a thing would allow a young lad or lass now as it be the way o' the law tae allow tae have mind ready ttae receive wot we elder 'ave a harder time acceptin' without lettin' gae. Some things take a little surrender n' God has tae humble a soul at times for such." He rubbed at Lindall's back before taking another drink of wine, then pondering Shyvonne's bread pyramid. She thought constantly. This was also not a bad thing. Things move for Dublain on simple tracts before moving toward the great race. "Mm, limited by station would nay expect such such a vigorous n' passionate stance as ye take, though tis...harder, when certain duties n' things be expected o' ye. Aye, indeed." He nodded at the depth in that ideal, "Yet..the same thing ye give untae the young should be yers..Ah'd wager. A matter o' reachin fer it is the thing. Tis hard tae be o' two things." Half of him wondered why a girl so prolific as this had no barrister of her own, no desire to make old contracts, but forge new ones. Somewhere in her was the thing devoted to a name, a way of life, an old beauty that he didn't blame her for. There was no shame in that, either. "Ah'm nay a hard man tae figure, Lady Shyvonne, first twould be tae get the hell from Struan. Ah hate it. Mayhaps twould be different if we were all nay carted 'ere against our want. Oh tis good land 'nough but the folk are jaded n' the more Ah look at barristers her the old man from his pallet throne, ah wish tae lose m'bowels n' add tae theshyte..pardon such a tongue." He chortled at his own vivid description. "Then twould be tae gae home tae Raasay, listen tae the waves, see the grass again n'...listen tae the old stories o' the battles in the sound. Then Ah'd build such a pair o' brigatines as would make her majesty's eyes wish tae sail 'erself again.Tha's wot Ah dae, Lady Shyvonne. Ah build ships. Ah'm an eighth generation ship builder, may be ninth. M'dreams are made o' wood, n' sail cloth, n'form the King's Armada n' the Queen's Trade " (d) Shyvonne MacGregor "It's not so much limited by station as it is a question of loyalty." She shook her head not wanting to go in on it further, every day she struggled with her loyalty to her family. Oh she had things in mind that required a barristerthough she hadn't revealed it to anyone as of yet, not Lindall nor Leigha or even Mark for that matter. It was the one card she had to play and sadly it had nothing to do with the Trial and everything to do with the Academy. She would play that card when the time was right but even then it was a gamble that needed the last minute to see it sucessfully completed. Shyvonne was very intelligent despite her temper but it surprised even her she had kept this particular one a secret with her recent outbursts. She couldn't help but grin at his description of struan and the people, barristers included even as he pardoned her language and she shook her head to show she was not offended though she broke out laughing when he said what his profession was. "Oh we would be a horrible match indeed." She teased pushing her plate away after having only eaten a bite of the beef and half a root vegetable, the bread made into a pyramid would be taken down later and the little balls fed to the birds. She found it funny he built ships when she was so very terrified of water in that she could not swim and had all most drown as a child when she fell in the lake. Looking up at the window, she caught the position of the sun and then sat up abruptly. "Oh, I um, have to go, there is somewhere I need to be." She swept the pyramid into her hand destroying it in one sweep of her hand. "I know my way out, please, the two of you enjoy your evening." She paused, offered a hesitant smile and then swept from the room.*
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Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Aug 9, 2010 0:25:04 GMT -6
Foundling Dreams
'the knowledge of your want is paired against what I should not have. Yet I have it. What is to be done of it? On unsteady things we stand and how I need you to guide me. I should not have you, but I do. Kiss me, so I do not fade'
Dublain Macdonald "Good eve tae ye, Lady Shyvonne.." Two hands on top of the cane allowed him the advantage of rising when the lady left the table, only to sit again in wonderment. For all the woman had eaten, she elected to take the bread ..what was it..tower...item,along. He pondered for a moment, still enjoying his own plate as he looked to the one lady remaining. "Twas more eventful than the entire trial.." he mused with a chuckle, dipping his bread in broth to soak up the flavoring (d) Lindall MacGregor She had been mostly silent throughout dinner while her sister and Dublain conversed, in part because she was allowing Shyvonne to get to know Dublain and vice versa, She adored her little sister compleatly and wanted nothing more than her happiness.. but she wanted her to see Dublain as a good man, a fair and decent man, a man whom she need not worry over her sisters fate. Oddly enough the other part was because she herself was ruminating on the day, his offers to honor her and her child as his own, but most of all the fact that he had told her he found her desirable for a wife.. that he would be patient.. and allow her to grieve. He was a rare man that was for sure.. "She is her own storm that is for sure.. but she means well.. and is guided by her youth, which is not always a steady guide. but her heart is good, her mind bright, she is right, people have not seen her at her best here in Struan.. but then again.. loosing someone you love is harsh.. especially if you have to watch it slowly day by day.."her hand pushed away her plate, the rich food was not settling right upon her belly, and she sipped at her water in hopes it would calm(d) Dublain MacDonald "Nay, it isn't nay. Sae the whispers be true then. Wot Collier rambles when he thinks none 'ere.." Not that it was his affair - God help him, he tried to make it not - but the sounds in hell are amplified by one's own despair as he here's his fellow criminals going mad. Worrying for what they will not see. Praying for one more day, one more hour where vindication might coming. Praying for life - trying to accept death. "Nay, tis nay a thing fer youth tae witness. Yer brother lets her live it down nay, ah wager." A sept house was no bad match, yet the sept of one's rival, let alone the position in the household would never bode well. He saw it through the eyes of old men who believed family sullied in such matches, yet matched the girl's desires with her tenacity. "This time has been easy upon none, God willin', this two shall pass - are ye well Lindal? ye 'ave nay eatin much..can send fer somewot else...dun nay know much about.." He acknowledged the growing belly with a nod of his head "But ye can't live on water alone?" He would put his cane on the other side of the table, leaving his two hands free for other things. What would fill them? "Ye didn't say wot it was ye did taeday." (d) Lindall MacGregor "Really I am fine.. just a queasiness here.. I ate well at lunch.. no need to worry" her hand reached down to caress the growing roundness of her belly.. " Cannot you see that.. with your own eyes... I grow large a missed meal will not hurt my backside I assure you " she gave him a smile to ease his worry... tilting her head toward him in a gesture that told him she appreciated his concern, and erased his need for it all in a little wink of her eye toward him.. " please finish you dinner.. as I know you skipped a many while below" a little lean back in her chair as she shifted, trying to find comfort, finally settling with one hand at the small of her back gently rubbing.. " After I left you, I went walking to the village.. My room was filled with Shyvonne and the children, she was reading too, and her maidservants all trying to keep the children busy and such.. I needed some quiet to think.." she did not elaborate on what she had been pondering... " I founds some things in the market and purchased them.. coming back in time to witness your meeting my sister " she chuckled and sipped another drink of her water.. emerald green hues hidden behind cinnamon colored lashes before raising once more.. to him.. there were questions in their depths.. but also a weariness.. grief and pregnancy made not have made her daft as she had told her sister earlier, but it was taking a toll. (d) Dublain MacDonald"Wot was it like as ye walked outside, seemed a fair enough day. 'ave nay love fer Struan but if God crafts a day we should nay turn it aside. On m'day out the sun..hope it stays. Wot be Struan like tae, havenay paid much attention.." He would live through her for the time being - live in a world held in the round of her eyes, the smoothes parts of her hands. If it were a world as told or seen by that he would live there all of his life content. Dublain resolved to do a great many things in the space of a short time. "Mayhap's one o' the children 'ave an interest in helpin the young Ryan with his letters. He seems a'fascinated enough." He settled back to find himself asking of her what few asked of him, "Wot is on yer thoughts..aside the day n' all.. are ye really alright?" A smile,goodness. It could be mask even as it served a testament of truth. A stance, the ability to walk unhindered, forced strain - this was how he said, I am here...leave me to myself...yet did it not cry for help beyond (d) Lindall MacGregor Had she even noticed the sky, or the shape of the buildings she passed, the people so much was on her mind they seemed trivial, but with his question she blushed, thinking how much she had taken for granted, in being able to walk about freely, as he could not.. to feel the sun upon her face, to taste the wind, smell the ripening wheat in the fields.. " The day was warm but not overly so, and with all the revelry moved to the village over the hills, it was quiet and pleasant, the wind blew gently enough to stir the fields, and the smell of ripening wheat was on it.. The folks I passed seemed glad the festivities were moved on, and a more peaceful attitude was being taken in the town.. I heard church bells tolling evening mass as I came back.. people rushing to get there before the sermons began, I had no time to join them, for I had lost time and worried I would miss sharing your supper as I promised.." she was witnessing the day for him, and gladly so.. for it seemed to please him.. to hear of such.. she hoped his upcoming day out.. would only be the first of a lifetime of days out in the sun and fresh air for him.. for he was not a man meant to be cooped up inside... " I bought a dress and a surprise for you.. I will bring it to breakfast in the morning, as I left it in my room in my hurry to .. try and stop Shyvonne from tearing you apart. " she chuckled softly.. When he asked if she was really alright she smiled again reaching out to grasp his hand lightly.. " I'm pregnant, not disabled.. I come from strong stock.. please do not worry... I saw the midwife just two mornings ago and I'm well " (d) Dublain MacDonald Little things so easily cast aside from the busy mind found residence in a man who watched the way light touched the tree. Strange for him, he thought, for he hadn't noticed how light bent in the day until the prospect of never seeing light again made him realize that God had spared him. Not cursed him, but spared him. Not a zealot on his knees - he was still a man who read the printing press bible Lindall gifted him with, who brought a priest daily to his room. Meager details of a mundane life moved him because it was a good life. "Can hear them from here..the bells. Nay unlike the ones on the village churches on the islands, yet in the larger one..we've had a bell come all the way from France..tae chime. Tis like a smaller cathedral, nay tae fittin tae make it tae grand fer Turas Lan sits just there..but..sea grass, n' the bells. Sounds nice tae me. Ah'm glad the people here are happy..n' Ah'm sorry ye missed mass. Thank ye.." Part of him flummoxed at this gesture, for supper was important yes but to come before the mass, he was astounded. Indeed, he may have even smiled. A laugh, deep and rich. Warm enough to make the tar in his throat honey. "Well Ah didn't need savin, m'room is intact, Agatha survived n' Ryan shouldn't be afraid taemorow..but ye did have chance tae speak fer yerself n' tha' matters most. People may think wot they will o' me, nay different, nay better. Yer far better tae care about." Her hand was graced by a kiss; for a man who had murdered his own nephew with no care, drowning himit was amazing what could be held with no worry in his hands. "Sae long as ye are well. Sturdy stock indeed, if tha' child is like the rest o' ye he'll be the hearty bairin, heartiest in Scotland. The cry will clear his lungs n' make e'eryone clear up tae Edinburgh think tis a battle cry. May compete with yer sister there." Gently he kissed it again before releasing it while his eyes looked upon her belly .Part of him wondered of it, wished to touch it..yet it was not his child nor did he want to hurt her heart (d) Lindall MacGregor " I made you a promise to share your supper, I do not break promises lightly.. I attended Morning Mass, and I will read double the scriptures tonight.." she offered him a smile in soothing away his guilt over her missing church.. when he took her hand and kissed it, again her pulse beat strangely in her wrist and her cheeks blushed like a school girl.. before he made light of Shyvonne's bluster once more. Poor Shyvonne was the butt of his joke but it was said to lift her spirits and make her smile, not to dishonor Shy. She caught the look in his eyes as he moved to release her hand, instead capturing his in hers.. she guided it to her belly.. " the babe kicks and moves about.. see " she pressed the flat of his hand against the rounded mass.. beneath it the baby rolled and turned, quite active.. " Perhaps this is why my food does not settle because it's being knocked around so " she laughed softly, a fine thing to hear.. " I did not know I would enjoy the feeling of a child inside me so... it was long awaited.. and much worth the wait.. " (d) Dublain Macdonald "Yer penance would save the soul o' the island lass," so remarked the Laird Macdonald of her piety. Reverence to God was so much an act that people laid down their bodies on the floor without much care for the hollow nature of their prayers. Not Lindall. No matter how terrible life had been she did not bend to the easy way of faith's abandonment. It was so easy to go lapse than to endure in God's company. Was the way ever smooth? No, not for those in the lord, not at first. The red in her cheeks matched the same shade in her hair. He wondered..if only..but it was not yet so. Fortunate was he to have so kind a friend in his days, a companion. Yet how could a man not find her beautiful? Just as he was going to settle back, she drew his hand forward, down. "Ah.." It wasn't finished. The sheer feeling of a child turning, twisting, writing. We all begin this way...he thought..we all..start, here. "This is somewot indeed,..amazin," His voice softened in reverence, laughing, "Nay wonder ye dun eat. Wild one ye 'ave within, tha's a MacGregor alright..long awaited..sometimes wot ye wait for, is often the best. Like..a ship, wot takes..sae long. Then there it is, as ye dream. Or any such thing." His hands..they trembled! Unable to control it, gently the fingers twitched as he splayed it out over the orb her belly made. (d) Lindall MacGregor She laughed softly as he proclaimed it a McGregor indeed.. " From both sides a McGregor.. Jonus was a 5 cousin.. also a McGregor.. so this little one is bound to be a cutter " she pressed her hand over his fingers, seeing the trembling... " Now it is my turn to ask are you well.. your hands tremble.. and still feel warm, thought the room is cool.?" she leaned forward to press her hands against his cheek to check for fever.. a line pulling at her lips.. in concern.. feeling no true fever.. she brushed back his hair from his forehead and reposition her fingers there for a moment.. " Perhaps we should make a fire.. and I should let you rest... You are still not recovered from your wounds and time below, and I am being selfish in hoarding your company.. " Already she stood.. ready to call the chambermaid and set a fire and ready his bed.. (d) Dublain MacGregor "Then it can't be helped, it shall have a cry enough tae rally n' army n' a cry a spirit enough tae make one smile. Such as ah've seen in ye." Searc, he was convinced, must smile less than Dublain did which was nothing until oddly enough his captivity put him before people he otherwise would have never seen. God had a reason for everything. God had a reason for this - to make his hands tremble before what he could not hold nor fathom, what could not be controlled in man's ability to build from material things. When the talk of fever came he wanted to reply that it wasn't the sort that made him ill. It stole his words, closed up his throat so that he must have looked the part of an ill man. It took him time, time as he closed his eyes to the touch of her face. "No..." he managed, at last, when she walked away.."Please, come back Lindall, Ah'm..fine..tis nothin tae dae with wounds nor sickness.. nay. Nothin at all." He wasn't fond of the absence of function - and yet - he wished it not to end either. Dublain was a man who could bring order from chaos, restore the honor of his lineage, set forth ships of grandeur but for all the world it was so hard on him..not to explore what tha feeling meant. Then again, he wished not to be reminded of a man his nephew had killed, either. (d) Lindall MacGregor She stood.. looking at him like a mother hen.. already having called the maid, she asked her to light a fire..in the sitting room then tuned back to him.. moving to his side.. " Come sit by the fire then.. while the dishes are cleared.. " she offered her hand to him and a little jerk of her head.. " And I will stay a while.. if you tell me what it has to do with?" she had not missed the part where he said " IT" had nothing to do with wounds or sickness... They moved to the sofa before the fire and settled.. her first in her lumbering way.. finally just falling backside first with a thump on the sofa.. plumping pillows until she was settled and one supported her back.. while he too settled in.. they had much to learn of each other.. and she was afraid not enough time to learn it.. so these moments would be cherished and special.. for them both (d) Dublain MacDonald The eyes of her concern were demanding of truth in the same instance. If she commanded Raasay as she did this room, all would be the better for it. He grinned as the maid insisted he be moved to the hearth for the benefit of not chilling his bones. This room was so cold! "Lady be right, Laird MacDonald, this wing is terrible! I'll send for another tapestry for the wall, all that chill on such a poor man.." pat pat, pat pat of the lap before she went to fuss and fidget with Lindall, but found the woman already going on with her affairs, "Just as spry! See, such a sound match. I'll send Ryan fer the tapestry, quick as ye please. N' warm ale..tha'll put ye tae sleep, seems tae." As Agatha slid away he couldn't help but chuckle, "Tis the herb in the ale, but she thinks the physician would nay know better" It was a sound straying of the subject until it couldn't be avoided anymore. How could you tell a life in a matter of days enough to make a lifetime count? "Ah've ne'er touched.. a woman's belly afore. With life in it. Mayhaps m'mother, with a brother or sister but..ah dun remember tha'. Sae nay, nay until now. Um.." He ran a nervous hand through the hair on his head, firelight reflecting many, many grays. He was aged some years ahead of his time, beaten..broken. "N yer touch. Makes me nay know wot tae say, but Ah dun 'ave tae say anythin. In a way, Lindall, ah'm curious tae know wot ye've known, because it was ne'e rknown tae me. It slipped away, through fingers. Only a sight...only, a few touches n' ah was sae young still, perhaps eighteen. She was betrothed tae another but died, in sickness, nay long after the weddin. Sae Ah've ne'er..known, wot ye have." The maid in worry had brought his walking stick to him, so two hands at the top made a place for his chin, "Tis strange in the autumn o' a man's life as he looks long on wot was afore. Sae wide a clan, sae much had n' still dae have.. Yet fer it all we retreat, in ourselves, seems a habit o' McDonald folk, we be a pensive lot fer all our warrin'. N'war we have. They say Ah may recover enough fer tha,yet dun advise it much a'sayin wot more could Ah lose. A pound of flesh, m'stance knocked down. Ah dun think Ah've ever loved much, Lindall. Had a fondness fer it ah but ne'er..loved it. M'nephew has e'en been distant tae me, until now, m'brother a good man but much was their torn when Tiol n' Carver first began with their father Hugh some yeas agae.. Five. Five years..five years tae replace centuries. Hugh was an idiot, a blood mad idiot. Ah've thought, perhaps..all tha' is loved is land by a man at times. He is capable o' more, o'course. I think Ah loved Armadale. But ah've learned tae let gae. Did nay..feel anythin, like I did just now. With ye. N' feel often. Tis a deepin' fondness, but tis nay fer me tae burden ye with." He smiled almost in a sad way, serene in his realization, "Ah'm content tae have a companion aye..a friend, as beautiful as ye. In some ways ye are lettin me be apart o' somethin tha' Ah will ne'er have." A child who wore his features. He never desired one, nor thought long on the subject but...a dead man would always be remembered in a child's eyes. He wasn't dead, but would never expect the same honored courtesy. "Ah'm honored. N' Ah've thought long n' hard..o'er wot is beyond Struan, as yer sister said wot doth ye want..mm. Home. Ah've learned a man may make his home anywhere. e'en in the shadow o 'a king who, with one word..takes all yer life away. But he did me a favor did those who came with meh a favor. N we live in the shadow o' our houses, churches, our ships n' woodwork. Craddled between the Isle n' Scotland. Ye just remind me..tha'..erhaps there still be a little more fer one such as m'self..than just untae m'self. A life, beyond this war. Twas a fool's war." (d) Lindall MacGregor "When your freed.. we will make this home you long for.." she leaned back restful, pulling his hand onto her belly.. " It nay hurts me nor shames me for you to touch , you are to be my husband.. and can take such liberties I think . " her eyes closed softly as he spoke his fingers on her belly covered by her own.. somehow comforted her.. as he spoke of a love lost before it began when he was a boy... " you wish to hear of my marriage.. of Jonus?" she found it odd, but at the same time endearing, as most mean about to take a woman to wife would nay wish to hear of the man before him... pride and jealously were hallmarks of men after all.. the baby moved again little fluttering kicks then settled once more..(d) Dublain MacDonald "Maybe Ah've yearned for it n' ne'er knew it Lindall, tis ne'er been on the forefront o' my mind. Preservin' a home for those tha' have it..more sae. But, ah think it will nay be sae bad." She took his hand to allow it to stay there, and he did not move it away, caressing the space, "ye may tell me, fer wot ye say ye may ask me wot ye please as well." Pride and jealousy. As she'd seen Dublain was not a man of poetry, or romance..yet he was no fool. He was not a scholar, but could create something from nothing. He was not eloquent, and in fact his voice was the region's ancient Sleat, though not even his brother had such a thick accent. (d) Lindall MacGregor " Jonus and I were matched by Searc.. Jonus had meager holdings but talent in the ways of books and figures that Searc needed for the industry that he and Chloe had begun in trade with England and Ireland.." her fingers idly stroked over the back of his hand while she spoke, her vision gazing into the flames seemingly traveling both back in time and space.. " I was raised to see to my duty, I always knew I would marry for the Clan.. and did not hope for more than an existence that was not miserable.. but Jonus was much like me.. and in time.. we came to love one another greatly.. for years we tried to have children and failed.. until now.." her words faltered slighlty.. a little tear running down her cheek before she wiped it away.. " Forgive me.. I cannot control the weeping often times, the Midwife says it is because of the baby.. that I'm emotional.." she had yet to truly let loose and grieve and cry, having pushed it far to the back of her mind and heart.. for those who needed her more.. and in being needed.. she took the time.. away from her grief to let it become not so hurtful and fresh.. perhaps she was only fooling herself for the time it would break through the dam she had built to hold it at bay (d) Set In Her Way [9:34 P.M.]: Years indeed. Lindall could not be too much younger than himself. Well, he was not even sure of her age so it was a prudent question to ask, "Iffn Ah may, when is yer birthday..n' how old be ye?" To see her cry made a part of his heart twist; the tears of a woman in mourning duty bound yet again. For a moment, he wondered if Shyvonne were so wrong to ask him..how could he. Yet what was worse? To mourn, wondering at Searc's charity or to mourn in peace with a new chance before you? Gently he moved his chair beside hers with only the softest scrape against the stone floor. One arm extended to go around her shoulders as the other moved across her thigh, "Be tha' it then? Dun proport tae know one thing about this, but e'en ah know when it is more n' tha. N' tha' is fine." It was fine to cry for what was lost. This was not his child, and he felt a guilt for the life taken that Jonus would not see this child born, but him. It would be Dublain who would love him, and he would try to fill a void left by a missing his damned nephew had taken. Damned indeed. Had any held her, told her to cry? So upstanding, so dutiful the MacGregor - how far did they suppress themselves? In this, he understood them. (d) Lindall MacGregor " My birthday is upcoming the twenty third of this month.. and I will be 31, a bit old for a bride.. and first time mother " she blushed, wiping away the tear.. taking a deep breath.. " But my mother bore Shyvonne when she was in her forties.. so there will be time for more children I think " she faltered in her speech as he moved to her, winding his arms about her.. suddenly the tenderness he showed her .. cracked the fasade of a woman coping well with loss.. now her tears rained down her cheeks unchecked.. as her arms flung round his shoulders her face pressing tightly to him..as sobs overtook her, for long moments.. poor Dublain.. now entangled with a sobbing widow who shook like a willow in a storm.. holding onto him for dear life.. it seemed a lifetime that she sobbed.. until they receeded into little gasp, and then finally hiccups against his shirtfront. what tenderness she had revcived from him was more than she had expected.. so many night she fell asleep hugging herself and wishing for Jonus's arms about her.. for aontoher soul to make her feel as if she wern't alone.. (d) Dublain MacDonald "Twenty-third o' August. Lammastide time, n' harvest. Nay wonder ye are sae much o' the earth. Thirty n' one is nay sae older. Forty n' seven is old tae make a match at last, n' ye are still some sixteen years younger." She was all the better for the age, it wore well on her like the soft down of a spring morning. As the sun brightened so did she through all hours of the day until the moon came, as peaceful as the dawn had been. It was sad to watch her crumble, but he held her against the warm stone of his mountain. Willow in the wind was sheltered by the stone born in Armadale. He breathed, sure and steady, holding her through it all with no words until she was done. Only then he said - "Yer heart, will always be tender tae me, as mine is tae ye, fer some reason or other. Yers has reason tae be tender..n' tis fine. Ye need only be as the Lord wills ye be before me. It hurts, miserably, but it will nay 'urt sae forever. Tis a pitiful thing but it is the best ah can offer, n' this." Opening his hands he rubbed at her shoulders. "We've naught but time, yer thirty n' one, spry tae the summer o' time n' Ah'm far tae cantakerous fer God tae want me anytime soon. Focus nay on wot isn't...or wot was, only what is." He would pat her belly "Now, ye may ask o' me wot ye please.." (d) Lindall MacGergor She sniffled and rubbed at her eyes as he spoke words of comfort, of how the hurt would ease in time.. assurance.. compassions and patience.. those were the hallmarks of Dublain McDonald..when he dealt with her..though not many other had seen this side of him or were likely too it.. Never had any but Jonus seen a side of Lindall that was not confidant, and in charge, set upon a path, and not floundering lost as she was now without him to guide her.. a long deep breath was taken as she composed herself and wiggled free of his embrace, smoothing her hair, embarrased over her breakdown in his presence, and in the fact that once removed from his embrace she felt it's loss keenly.. standing she moved to the fireplace to poke at the logs with and iron impliment.. " I am not usually so prone to tears.. forgive me " she hadn't turned to face him.. yet.. still trying to build back the wall he had so abruptly cracked.. " When Jonus and I married.. it was with the knowledge it was contracted.. and in so..I was told that he might find.. needs I could not provide and I would have to accept that.. in him.. It was perhaps the only thing we fought about in the beginning. because I could not accept that I spoke vows.. and made promises to the Lord, as did he.. and he would break them for.. a tavern wench or courtesan, when he lusted for things that a wife would find.. appalling... I left him once, returned home.. and when he came to fetch me the only way I would return with him was for him to vow over again to God and mean it.. that he would take no other afore me.. that he would fore sake all others.. That was what it took for him to realize that he loved me, and he made up for his transgressions by loving me well and proper after.." her shoulders lifted and her hands made use of the poker once again.. stabbing at the charred log engulfed in flickering flames.. She had never even confessed to her mother this, breach in her marriage, for she knew without Doubt she would be consoled that some things a woman,, a wife had to abide.. and infidelity was often one in arranged marriages.. " Will you believe in your vows when you marry me.. or will they merely be words to repeat ?" (d) Dublain MacDonald Compassion, patience, tenderness. He wished to express himself in more than just these things but the fact he could do these things was more than enough to prove to him he was capable of being anything a fairer sex member might desire. For her, his ears were ever open with no blight to make red the sight of his eyes. She confessed to an age old practice that he had seen as he grew up. For a time his father indulged in keeping a mistress while his mother had been overheard saying that such a man as who descended from the isle's lairdship was so that he could easily keep, if not adore, more than one. He never brought his mistress to his household nor to things where a wife would go, yet the mistress would receive a man in ways a wife was not supposed to. A duality he understood, his brother Hugh also resumed the practice by keeping a mistress yet his choice was dangerous, for she was a woman among the MacKinnon. His marriage would go unconsumated yet he would be expected to become one flesh, one mind with the woman he called his friend. "Ah have not had a mistress in many years, Lindall, n' now ah will have a wife n' would nay bring such a dishonor tae her, nor m'home in the practice. It has nay appeal tae me." You see, sweet friend, lust is reduced when one is picked apart. "Ah wish yer kindness,ne'er yer scorn. Yer only mistress if ye may call it that would be two things. Sea water n' ship wood. They dun talk, n' they dun..fu--...mmmm they hold nay baring." Gruff tongue smoothed as he chortled. Such habits. Ah well. He was not used to so much fair company until this place changed that. She left his arms and they felt empty, solitary. A feeling of no consequence to him until someone was warm in them. safe. "Besides, Lindall, after this," he acknowledged the eye that saw nothing, was scarred so thick it was almost blotted out. "it took me tae many years tae heal. Ah'm forty-seven, tha's the provence o' young o'erlustful idiots. Nay woman wants tae bed a man wot looks like a demon, or sae the last..woman o' such service did tell me, sae tha' ended tha'." Thus nothing was stirred. He had taken a mistress in his earlier years when he sought no marriage for none were arranged of him. He sought to arrange none for himself, prefering sail cloth to tits. Decks to smooth thighs for smooth decks did not bar you, nor hurt you. For all the men that walked a deck you could make no whore of it as you could a woman. "Sae ye've nay worries. ah'm nay young, nay a fool, n' Ah'm content in wot God gives me." (d) Lindall MacGregor She had still not turned toward him as he spoke and when he faltered over his explictive f word she could not help but chuckled, her shoulders rising and falling with the effort not to outright laugh.. what a roller coaster of emotions she was, and yes part of it was the hormones of carrying a child, but the rest was the saddness of grief and the strange yet somehow exciting and possibly wonderful thing that was happening between the occupants of the room, slowly she turned to face him, a soft smile on her lips as he discounted his looks comparing himself to a demon.. three short steps and she was before him.. looking up at him with wide eyes that took in the whole of his face.. such scruintity was surely enough to make him squirm.. her hands lifted, tracing the scar over his eye and downward over his cheek.. her head tilted this way and that as if searching for something.. and then she rocked back on her heels her palm coming to rest upon his chest.. " I see no such demon, nor a man who is not worthy to take his wife to bed.. perhaps the woman you serviced was of bad vision or herself no real lover of men?" her lips twitched in a smile,as it had been reported there were women who loved only another woman living right out in the open freely as lovers.. shocking enough and Lindall prayed she never came upon such for surely she would shame herself in the staring of such and oddity.. " Or perhaps she didn't see you as I do.." she took a soft inhale of breath, " I'm not a woman who is innocent of passion, I was married to a man who was very loving and needful in the bedroom.. I know of men's needs, and the duties of a wife.. and most wives would not tell their husbands so, but they have needs as well.. more gentle sometimes but needs none the less.. I'm a practical woman Dublain.. I don't expect you to love me, in the way of poets,and bards songs..But I believe in the vows between man and wife, as set before us by God.. and I will abide them.. I will honor you, and be a good wife.. in all ways.. as long as you are the same to me.." her fingers splayed across his chest now.. as she looked up at him with eyes that he could drown in, deep as the emerald sea itself, and offering what he daren't have ever dreamed of..(d) Dublain MacDonald "Yer gaein tae kill me woman." He blinked somewhat baffled by the change of mood a woman could manifest in a mere matter of moments; for all the sea's comparisons to women, what made it such a fond mistress was that it was faceless, voiceless, and not as confusing as this. She giveth, she taketh away. She did not seem so elusive you could not touch it with your hands when it was manifsted in flesh right before you. For a moment he moved to touch her hand as it moved over the sensitive scar, as if to cease her from finding anything appealing..yet all it did was follow the path she set. He clenched his eyes shut as if not to see, but to only feel. "Ah will dae ye nae wrong, Lindall." The hand trembled again and he was so taken he felt the ghost of a digit no longer their yearning to twist itself in the red ladder of her hair. "Ah will sae abide, worry nay." It was enough to make the heart clench, enough to make him wince as it proved the simple fact that he lived. Gently, he led her down to sit on his knee. Impertinent, perhaps, but he had to gather his thoughts while wanting to not surrender this. "Yer gaein' tae kill me. Lindall, ah'm a windbag." What a strange thing to say at such a time, yet he captured her hand so it wouldn't busy itself over his skin, or all he'd do was seal his mouth. "but, nay a terrible companion. Yet, let us be plain." So he said before he became miserably blunt. He was..trying. "Ah want tae kiss ye, Lindall. Ah haven't been..e'en, looked at, by a fair creature n ' wot seems a score o' years. N' ye..bein the fancy tae me ye are..are gaein tae kill me with tha' want. Ah'm tryin nay tae..make ye think less o' anythin, ' m'self, nor ye...but..yer hand has a power tae it. Aye?" He kissed it. (d) Lindall MacGregor She settled on his knee, pulled gently into his lap as such..one hand finding his shoulder for blance as the other was lifted to his lips a kiss brushed across it.. "Dublain.. " his name from her lips.. not Lord McDonald or.. or any proper form, but his christian name.. spoken to him in a tone of a lover or wife, " You must cease to think of yourself as something less of a man for the scars you carry, from defending those you love, and your lands.. your King and Queen.. we all carry scars, some just on the outside.." she leaned into him as he spoke of wanting to kiss her.. the hand that was at his shoulder now easing up to brush along his neck .. " I would think a kiss between two people bethrothed an agreeable thing.." her voice had lowered to almost a whisper.." tis not only your wish.." did he feel the thunderous beat of her heart.. see the leaping pulse in hallow of her neck, feel the warmth of her skin as she contemplated being kissed by him.. thoughts tumbled through her brain like falling leaves in autum.. yet.. she headed none of them.. (d) Dublain MacGregor He could bare the weight of her on his knee with no concern for the pain. Searing heart turned to numb, blissful ignorance as he realized the balm in the form of her body would serve, aye, it would serve, "Tis only the truth, Lindall. Nothin' more or less. Ah'm certain they shall have much tae say o' the wife o' ..the..Ship-Devil o' Raasay Sound." he chortled at the name early and often, yet it did prick at some part of his heart. "Because the ships be built sae quick, n' yet there's more tae it than tha'. Ah've many scars, lass, some ye can nay see. Some tha' ye see gae as far as the ones ye can't. But ah've made some peace with tha'. Just know tha' Ah did nay always look like this, n' sae ye see beyond it. Twill serve." A touch of the neck enough to make soft hiss of breathe through his nose, a head upturned. Waves. It was all waves as he found a sea very hard to circumnavigate. She found him in fondness but such affection too soon rendered, too early followed could bring winter to autumn's falling leaves and freeze them, so that he would never again know the beauty, the color, nor their being. He worried that to follow such curiosity of her own or the desire he felt would bring her such self loathing that she would never come to him again. That just because they were betrothed, she was still a widow. "Ah want yer affection because it is the truth o' wot ye wish, n' all ye wish. Nay tha' it is mine. Ah want yer...touch, because it is yer wish, n' nay mine. Ah dun need tae be honored in all but yer bein. N' tha' is m'worry. Should tha' I but..slip, a little. Ah will lose m'friend n' companion..wot may be in time. Tha' she will ne'er seek tae come like this tae me again. But a little again..ye moved from me, embarrassed o' yer tears. Now ye sit with me thus. Ah..dun know which it be. Fergive me.. Yer sae, beautiful, tae me.." She found he moved her hair behind her ears, indulged in the touch of it. The same had caressed gently her shoulders, the side as it turned toward the round of her stomach. "Honorin' ye, means tae honor e'en beyond m'own wants. ah may be a man. Ah could..seek much o' ye if ah chose..but Ah dun wish ye tae loathe me come mornin Lindal..nor..could m'heart take such a thing." He admitted the vulnerability that was not for anyone's ears, yet it lay in her hands now (d) Lindall MacGregor She stilled as his hands roamed down her shoulders, her side and over her belly once more.. settling there.. she understood the vulnerability, for she too shared it.. sometimes she felt as if she would break in half, at the mean mention of Jonus's name.. but when she was with Dubalin she found comfort, an ease, and often laughter despite both their unfortunate circumstance.. Could God be so cruel to take Jonus away, only to put Dublain in her path..and then take him too.. her back stiffened at the thought, and yet her heart conveyed to her that she was meant to be in this place at this time with this man.. Her hand lifted once again to his face and she leaned in to softly press her lips against his...a tender brush of her skin against his, lenitive and exploratory..goose bumps rose on the flesh of her arms, and a little arc of a chill up her spine.. before she drew back.. eyes opening to gaze at him... "See no lightening, or brimstone.. no screaming or tears.. neither of us burst into flames.. I understand you wish not to rush, or push and I appreciate that.. it truly warms my heart.. I have wanted you to kiss me since the day I shaved your face.. have though on it often enough.." now she blushed with the truth of her words.. " I am not the tempered girl my sister is, but I do not claim to hold all my emotions in check at all times.. but I know I would never begrudge you a kiss, nor loath you for such a thing by mornings light.." now she leaned in once again.. stopping just before his lips. hesitantly, wondering if he would turn her away now.. (d) Dublain MacGregor "Ah dun nay wish tae live in the shadow o' a man tha' meant sae much tae ye, Lindall. Yer nay a girl-child,n' ye know wot ye want but..ah can nay help but have a care. Things are fragile, in this world. Hands like mine, n' misplaced words, mar those things." The words he spoke moved at a gentle pace; no quick zeal of thunder to boom baritone harsh the meaning of himself. He could have mumbled them, if any lower they went. The back went rigid, and for a moment he almost thought to put her to the floor, to her feet. Escort her to the door for the sake of not ruining what he already felt was more than he would ever have in this life - a kiss was a dream he did not dare make real save what would seal them unto God on their wedding day. No breath moved through the wide nostrils as in that moment they flared their last. He pulled back only an instant before succumbing to what he had thought of in his waking moments ,but not admitted to. He could feel no shame in it even as he thought there should be same.. His arms held a widow, a baby that he would hold where a dead man held only the cold earth in his bed...yet nothing eclipsed the mind but the first taste of her he had. When she pulled away she spoke of their being solid still, and he laughed in spite of himself, "N ye will care nay wot is said then. M'lips be nay loose n' Ah've none tae tell it tae, but when on m'day beyond this, n' yer arm Ah take..ye will nay rebuke me.." He kissed her hand once more, chortling, "A man should fear an angry MacGregor lass more sae than 'ell. They wear armor n'..throw things n', stare holes n' yer head." He nodded as if considering the gravity of some future offense. At thirty and one, Lindall had far more practice applying the perfect emotion upon men's thoughts than Shyvonne. Yet, to admit to wanting his kiss? He crunched the flesh of the scarred eye as its eyebrow rose to what extremeity it could reach only to be followed by the other one with an eye as wide as a china plate. "ye've wanted tae kiss me since then? Och." There was a bit of the lad inside of the old man yet, as he scratched at the back of his head in a semi-nervous mannerism. Without a word of warning there she was again, and he had a decision to make. Would he for some alleged sake of what was decent turn her away or would he take what was offered, what was wanted, believing as he told others she knew her own mind? Breathing inward, on his exhale she found the back of her head in his hand as his mouth formed along the contours of her own. It was as brushing silk against a surprisingly supple thing, his mouth. Men were not velveteen, but he was not calloused leather, either. Gentle, he let the kiss move beyond tentative as he was not so ginger as to not let the woman who would companion him know what it was he truly thought, or felt. He didn't want more than this, if she could believe that. He could want her, yet never crave more than this. He gently openeh her mouth to take her breath only to replace it with his. And this was what he'd dreamed of. Nothing, more, nothing less. He was pleased to have it granted ,by any means. (d)
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Post by Men of Skye on Aug 9, 2010 15:19:25 GMT -6
I Could Find You Even in the Darkness Days passed, blurs of endless information, accusations, of papers presented on the accused and Shyvonne, as hot tempered as she was, could not open her mouth to disprove them for there was no proof she could offer that all of this was ridiculous. All she could do at this point, until she was allowed to give her own testimony and be questioned in return, was be there for those she loved. Mark had endured the trial… the accusations of character… the filth and unsanitary condtions of the dungeons, and the lack of proper food. Still he would exercise as much as physically possible. He had resorted to eating bugs in the cell. He had eaten worse… for he was a survivalist…and a soldier… or use to. Now he would survive… and if he was to meet the axe, he would do it with pride…When Mark, Chloe, Iain, and Dublain had been brought in and Mark had searched her out, she had been there, sitting in between her mother and sister. She offered him a small smile. She was here, for him. It was hard though, knowing Searc meant to marry her off to a MacDonald. Knowing Searc knew of her feelings for him and yet not knowing the outcome of the trial nor what Searc would do to Mark if he disputed with him. Gods above, everything was a mess. Chloe, pregnant, and possibly heading to the ax with Iain and Mark and again,she was in the same position, she had no cards to play. At least they were no longer in the dungeon.She had not visited him since the incarceration… but he had heard her voice when she visited Chloe… and it was a bolt of energy for him. If he had loved her before… it was stronger now. He could only imagine what she endured if Searc had found out about them. Even during the trial, she would seek him out, just as he sought her out. Even for only a smile… a look into one another’s eyes… God he prayed the best for her…even if it meant going to the axeman.
But God had intervened in the form of a fair and merciful King… God Save the King… and now he was given proper food… allowed at least a bath… and even a bed… and he slept… hard… as if making up for lost time.At least Lindall sympathized with her and yet the two hadn't come up with any ideas of how to get her out of the arranged marriage, though it was in recent events, Shyvonne learned Kane was blackmailing Searc to get her out of the marriage. On one hand, she felt horrible for feeling pride at Kane for coming to her defense and guilt for it seemed she was disloyal to her family no matter how hard she tried not to be.
Even if Lindall knew how she felt about Mark, she still waited until Lindall was asleep along with Robin and Leigha who slept in cots at the foot of the bed before she rose having pretended to be the first one asleep and dressed before heading down to the guarded rooms, blinking into the dim light of the hallway that lead to Mark's room.
The guards were different… no longer the Robertson, but the King’s Gold Talons. And after a bit of pleading her case, the door was opened as quietly as the door would allow and she passed through not even waiting for the door to close behind her before she was crossing the darkness. She was now getting used to the dark mass of him asleep on the bed he was now allowed. Shifting her skirts around, she lowered herself down beside him and then leaned so she was nearly laying over him, her hair creating a dark curtain hiding their faces as her weight leaned upon one arm while the other hand raised and her finger stroked along his nose.
In the darkness she could barely see his face but when he jerked and then scratched at her nose, she had to bite her lip to keep from laughing before she was stroking her finger against his nose again and this time in the dimness she could see the whites of his eyes as his lids shot open in shock. Lowering her hand on the other side of him, she now towered over him a hand on either side of his head. Sleep… deep sleep… a thing that had been partially denied for days… It tickled… it pestered… and he flicked at it… and as it pesterted him once more, he flicked at his nose, his eyes opening to a dark blur close to him… “What the……?”"Hi" She whispered into the darkness. "I'm sorry I woke you but I had to wait until it was safe. I am just so glad you are not in the dungeons any longer."Oh yes… she could wake him anytime… “Hello M’Lady…” he responded in a whisper, looking around in the darkness to see if they were watched. Focusing on her, his hand found her face. No longer the scent of the dungeons, but the hint of orange. “Tis alright M’Lady… Yu have my permission to wake me anytime…” Could she see his smile…? He prayed she did. “I am so glad yu are here… I have truly missed yu…”She felt horrible having not come to see him for days before now, but since Searc announcement that she was to marry and her temper flying at him as well as a few vases, she could not show her face in the dungeons for fear Searc would retaliate at him and not her. And fate was on her side by the King moving all them to rooms. She couldn't take the chance before, not when she loved him so, not when he could go to the axe-man; though she had not lost hope it was a possibility and it was important to know all options and there were so few in this case.
Would he be angry that she had not come? Would he push her away? She was not sure, but in the darkness, she stroked his face, stroked at the stub at his face from days of not being able to shave and nearly grinned again. He looked so much older, such a scandal! Her mind resounded and it was comical for a moment before the hilarity seemed so out of place here. She hoped he knew that she stayed away for a reason but that she would always come sooner or later, that she would always come for him.
In the darkness, her eyes swept over his shadow hidden face wondering what he was thinking. Had she any idea of the guilt he felt, of how he wanted to plead guilty; if not for her, she would have protested very strongly against it. He was a good man and she knew this; she could not love a man that was not good and even if she had never dreamed of him, if she had never seen him coming, she could have loved him on sight. There was something between their souls that could not be broken, not with a thousand swords, and it could not be tracked, not with a thousand bloodhounds.The small room had been a storage area… but he cared not. It was just big enough for a bed and a honeypot. But at least it was not the dungeon. And he could see her features, dimly highlighted from the torches in the hall, through edges around the closed door.When she turned her head just so, the light filtering in from the torches outside under the door, cast his face in a dark glow. Now he looked the unearthly being though she could not account many stories of creatures with stubble on their face, his smile made her grin in return. That he was glad she was here made her heart swell where lately it had felt depleted, drained of its blood with heartache but now it swelled and pounded like never before. He was the only one who ever made her heart beat faster and slower all at the same time. God bless the King for removing him and the others from the dungeons, the storage room was small but it was indeed so much better then the sweltering festering blister that was the room he had been in within the dungeons. "I've missed you too, so much" She hummed in response and grinned as his hand found her face. Slowly her lids fell over her eyes, her cheek turning into the warm palm of his hand. Her face felt soft… and she smelled wonderful… Why did she have to be so close? She hovered over him, and her hair touched his senses. The hand slipped to her neck and he pulled her to him… his lips coveted hers in a kiss. Oh my God… she tasted wonderful… and it excited him. Now her face would be chaffed by the stubble upon his face.As his hand captured the back of her neck, her eyes flew open again but there was no stopping, no pause no resistance as he pulled her down. "Humm" She hummed and moaned in the same note as her lips fell to meet his own. Her fingers curled into the front his shirt as his mouth seemed to devour her own and hers in turn to his. It had seemed to be so long since they had kissed one another and now out of the dungeons, even a storage room turned bedroom was like a room of the king. With privacy, they were in danger of going too far and yet neither stopped.The kiss lingered as he pulled her atop him on the small bed. “Yu need to go… tis dangerous for you…” he whispered in a break from the kiss… only to prevent her from answering by continuing the kiss. His hands seem to explore her body… holding her back… then quickly and hesitantly touching her all over…She wiggled against him, as if going to push up but really she was shifting off her knees so when he pulled her down atop him, she went easily, her body melting against his own. The sweet hardness of him against the supple softness of her flesh seemed to fit together despite hard meeting soft. Despite spending days in the dungeon, his strength did not seem to fail him and yet as tender as he was being, he still held her down with no hope of escape even if he was trying to be the voice of reason only to devour her lips again and prevent a response. "All right, I'll go" She hummed when she found a break in the kiss and she rolled only to have him move with her, his hand at her back pulling her tight against him and she let out a laugh before his lips found hers again. Now they were balancing two bodies on a small bed, her legs wove with his own as her arm snaked against the bed and curved around to wrap around his shoulder to his neck. His hand did exploring against her flesh would find her skirts thrown back in the movement of her body, his hand exploring the naked flesh of her thighs going higher would find, she wore no undergarments. In her haste to get dress, she had thrown off her nightgown but had not bothered to completely dress except throwing on a gown and going. The fingers of her other hand curled around his back, pulling his body tightly to her own as she moaned against the devouring kiss of his lips against his own and her hand left his back to weave into his hair dragging his mouth more harshly against her own if it wasn't all ready humanly possible to get any closer then they were now.“Damn Shy… yu must go…” and he sighed in her ear.Finally his lips broke from hers, his face dipping into her neck and she huffed, gasping and panting as her cheek rested against his own. Her lips swollen and tender from such a long and passionate embracing of mouths and her cheeks red from the scruff of his bread against her soft flesh and even tainted red in enflamed passion. Of course she wanted to make love to him and it had nothing to do with his skills, though they did leave her dizzy, it was because she loved him.He wanted to make love to her right then… Damn be exposure… he loved her didn’t he…? Hell yes !!!! and that would not make the situation any better should she be caught.The hand that had so harshly and passionately gripped his head now lovingly stroked against his hair still panting albeit lightly with the passion he ignited in her. Her eyelids kissed at her cheeks as they closed and she nuzzled the flesh of her cheek against his own. There was less passion in this embrace but still a passion and love. He had no idea how dangerous it was for her to be here even as he had spoken it. He had no idea Searc knew that she was in love with him, nor that Searc wanted to contract her to a MacDonald as the Queen decreed peace.
This thought made her heart squeeze in her chest again as she nuzzled her love in the darkness and her eyes stung with tears that pooled beneath her lids and searched for a way to escape. Letting out a trembling sigh, she hugged closer to him. "I know it's dangerous, I just had to see you." She confirmed as she held tight to him. She did not have to wonder if he felt a change in her, he was connected with her visions, of this she was absolutely certain so how could he be so close to that and not know when her body stiffened and voice was tight with pain.The tear that she shed… and streaked her face, fell unto his lips as she spoke… and the salty taste stained his tongue… and his hand returned to capture her cheek, and as fingers slid under her ear and held th edges of her neck, he pulled her close. “Shed nay a tear for me… for I fear I am a condemned man… guilty for nay but my own sins of the past… sins that I pray shall ne’r touch yer ears…” his breath a bit stale, the warm breath of speech drifting and lingering at the skin that is her ear. “But in my final days upon the Earth, know ye, that, from my heart, that I love thee… and would gladly live, if I had one, a free life with ye…” He remembered Gaius’ speech days previous… and he kissed her chin. Her hand found his at the edge of her neck by her ear as her head leaned against his own and he spoke in a hushed whisper against her ear. He spoke as if he was already condemned and she understood then that he felt guilt, such overwhelming guilt. Her fingers instantly tightened on his trying to instill some confidence, some comfort of the guilt she now felt as acutely as if it were her own. "Don't talk like that, Mark, please" She hummed in a whisper as she held onto him. "I love you, I love you..." She repeated over and over again. "If nothing else gives you comfort, if nothing else, you will believe, if nothing else will give you courage, take courage from that." Her throat tightened with pain and shed tears she did, each one sliding down her cheek to drip upon his skin. “Now go my Guinevere, leave your Lancelot to recompense for the sins he committed…” he paused… and the voice grew harsh, as to frighten her, his hand forcing her away… “GO NOW… live thy life as yu should… See me no more, lest I be a free man… and ready to live life to the fullest… for you should nay give a condemned man what yu covet most… yer chastity and yer heart…”
“Guard… the woman is finished…” he called out as he gently forced her from his bed. His heart now dashed upon the cliffs of love’s precipice. He had done this for her… as much as for himself. If she stayed… he would have made love to her… and chanced at life her ruin with child with no husband… No he would not give her a bastard to revisit the world they now have… The pain he now held in his heart… and soul… for now he had what Iain always had… a love that could not be enjoyed… a love separated by fate… by custom… by angered kindred… No, he would not do this to her… for he would rather go to the axe knowing she still had a life beyond him.She jerked when his voice grew harsh and his hand forced her back. Her hands tightened around him until he practically shoved her off the bed and she stumbled to stay upright as she rolled off the bed. Her head shook from side to side. "You don't mean that." She whispered, her throat so tight her voice could not rise above that. "You're not condemned. Mark..." Her mouth opened and then closed as he called for the guard and the man was instantly there, the door open. "My Lady" The guard hummed reaching for her arm. She brushed off the hand that grabbed at her. "Mark, don't do this, don't give up. I'm not giving up, don't you dare!" She hissed finding somewhat of a voice as her anger rose at him. "Remember what you told me, together we can do anything." She reminded him as the guard took hold of her arm again and began jerking her back towards the door."You're going to make a scene my lady. You want your brother to condemn him for ruining your innocence? Even though I know he didn't, it would be hard to believe otherwise if you bring others with your screaming in the dead of night." The guard resounded reason into her ear as the woman he tried to pull from the room latched onto the doorframe.Shyvonne attention turned briefly to the guard. Damn it, but she hated when other people were right. If she screamed, people would come and with no knickers beneath her dress, it wouldn't be good for her or Mark, yet her hand tightened on the door frame and she shot the guard a look that could kill and he backed off seeing she wasn't going to fight but she wanted a minute.
"Searc has informed me I am to be married..." She bit back at Mark, her heart was in pieces and upon the floor bared at his feet. She had no doubts this was killing him as much as it was killing her. If it were not so painful she would see he was doing this to protect her because of the love he bore her and she him, but in pain, she believed he did this because he had lost hope and though she did not want to add to his guilt nor pain; she wanted to give him this information in the hopes he would fight and she left him with this, the door slamming closed seemed to echo with her leaving.
And as she departed… for hours after, he could not sleep… though he would toss and turn in the cot… angered by what he did… But time conquers all… and sleep invaded the turmoiled mind that was his.Flashes of images… Her... him…Iain… Chloestrain… the ogre, Searc… The sounds of head’s leaving bodies as the axe sought solid wood beneath the neck.
He would toss and turn under the influence of the connection they had… Be it good or bad… twas something that neither could control, even if they could…The King resounded his scepter aginst the table. “In conversation with the Queen… who has made her own inquiries into the matter… certain reparations are in the works for many involved by actions of the past month… and… in MY judgement, the only crimes that have been committed is the southern MacDonald invasion of Sleat. Too many issues are yet unsolved, and shall nay be served by this Court… What was once initiated as a matter of revenge upon a loved one’s death, was reconciled upon learning the loved one was nay dead. And that force was used to thrwart the MacDonald invasion. But in the all evidence as presented… as for the charges, I find thee guilty of treason….” And he tossed upon the bed… as the vision became more vivid…Two men would go free… one to marry a woman with child… the other unknown… and a man and a woman would be led down the long path to the axeman’s stage… And Chloestrain would speak to a crowd of witnesses… to beg for her forgiveness and claim mercy for her yet unborn child… and sought one face in the crowd for special forgiveness…. And a man, now shaven of locks and beard, his back to the axeman whilst he spoke of love unyielding…. Yet the face of the man could not be seen… and the man’s figure blurred as not to realize who it was… His pleas of mercy, allowing him to meet the axeman before she… He would step forward and hand the axeman 30 silver Gryphons to go first…
The man would lay his head upon the wooden block, positioning his neck for the axe… arms stretched out in submission…. Mark woke to the axe severing the man’s head and embedding itself into the wood. A cold sweat had soaked his shirt and the bed… and he had pissed his trousers… Damn the visions… He turned and knelt at the bed… “Oh most powerful and Merciless God, forgive your humble servant… and forgive him of all sins in life… If I am to answer to the King for sins of my life… so be it… But I pray most merciful God, that you forgive this humbled man… Keep Shyvonne in your Hands… and give her a man to love… and that would love her as I do… and I pray that my Laird Iain finds peace… and love that he will lose upon this Earth… Do nay allow these visions to come to pass… But if it Your Will… then I beg gofrgiveness of all the people that hath sinned as I. AMEN.” He rose from his knees and sat upon the bed… He hoped Shyvonne would not have this vision… but they had in recent past shared visions before.In a different part of the Castle, Dun Darroch, a man rousted from deep sleep…. With a vision… a vision of him handing down a sentence and the results of that vision…. But sleep would not allow him to wake… even at the sound of the axeman’s strengthened resolve. He would have one more vision still… One of a Father risen from the grave to laugh at him… “You have nay the will, nor resolve, to follow your heart… only that legally stained mind goes forth… If you stay a current course, I shall be the Victor, even now in Death… for at least I followed what was in MY heart…”
He too woke in a cold sweat… and his royal wife would wake suddenly to find his sea-green eyes wide open… and his brow sweating as if he had the Sweats of England yon… Uttering no words, he quickly rose from the bed… poured a glass of whiskey, drinking it quickly…only to inhale yet a second. And when he looked in the mirror, he saw not himself, but a white haired man of old age, wearing the Crown of the Gaelic Nations…. The glass would shatter the ornate mirror with a crash… Gold Talons guards would enter, swords leveled and spears at the ready…..Where she went after leaving Mark's new chambers was beyond anyone, for the woman slipped into the night as easily and mystically as a storybook Fae who knew how to tease and tantalize mortals only to disappear in the night too soon. The hour was near down when she returned. The land in the distance already being repainted from dark hues of black and blue to bright golden and eye-catching-pinks in the distance. Lindall, Leigha, and Robin still slept, and of this she was thankful, as her eyes were red and swollen from crying that she never liked anyone to see.
Crying was a weakness she felt and not one she wanted others to know about. She was already the dragon lady amongst the staff in Struan, why not the Ice Princess as well. As quickly as she rose to dress, she undressed, and climbed into the bed next to Lindall, who some five months pregnant, did not stir when the bed shifted with Shyvonne weight added to it.
It did not take her long to begin drifting into the darkness of sleep. Over the past couple of days she had dreamed of nothing completely dark. Erotic dreams of Mark caressing her as he had only hours before and of bits and pieces of trial information that had leaked into her subconscious after days spent in the courtroom listening to the Barristers argue and listen to witness testimonies. Had she known what she would see when she drifted away from the last bits of reality, she might have willed herself to stay awake. Shadowed images of Adam finding someone guilty. Of people being set free and others going to the axe.
Though the vision seemed short, it spanned into the late hours of the morning. Lindall had risen and dressed taking Robin to breakfast, while Leigha returned with a tray of food to the room as her mistress did not wake with the brightness of the new day. It was strange for Shyvonne was a creature of the day, up with the dawn and off to working before many in the house had risen; but today she slept and Leigha sat by the window reading her mistress book of Legends of King Arthur waiting for her mistress to rise.
Shyvonne tossed and turned upon the bed, her eyes moving rapidly from left to right in her sleep, sweat collecting on her forehead and pooling at her collarbone as she witnessed the unknown male speaking of love unyielding before paying his way to death before that of Chloe. As the axe came down with a sickening thud sinking past skin and bone, to thud against the wood, she shot up in bed letting out a terrified scream."My Lady!" Leigha gasped dropping the book as she rushed to Shyvonne side. "My lady, what is the matter?" She asked as she wiped the sweat away from Shyvonne forehead. Gasping and panting, she let out a sob and twisted back and forth in the bed casting her gaze about the room, fighting even Leigha as she tried to sooth her, her fingers gripping Leigha clothing so tightly the stitching protested nearly ripping with the assault. "No... no… they can't be found guilt, God please, no." She muttered as if insane."My lady, it was just a dream" Leigha soothed looking petrified at her own mistress terror as she tried to untangle her clothing from Shyvonne gasp and continue to sooth her mistress. "Perhaps I should fetch a healer" Leigha spoke after a moment’s pause and lifted off the bed."No Leigha, no. I'm fine." An Shyvonne forced herself to swallow the bile down that had risen in her throat. "You're right, it was just a dream. Please I'm fine. Leave me....please.."Leigha teetered where she stood, unsure this time about following orders before she finally nodded "Yes My Lady." She resounded with a small curtsy and smoothed her hands down her dress as she moved to the door to leave Shyvonne alone with her thoughts. Mark sprang from the bed to his feet, his eyes looking around to bring himself back to the present. “My God, what have I done?” Moving quickly to the door, he began banging frantically against the wooden frame. “Guard !! Guard !! Please summon Lady Shyvonne. I MUST speak to her… Guard…Please !!” he continued to pound away at the door.The guard from last night had been relieved, and the current sentry arrived confused… “Now, Now sir, please dunnae make a nuisance o’yaerself… 'is Majesty th’ King ‘as granted yaer some countenances, nay abuse them sir…”“But yu do not understand… I MUST speak to the Lady Shyvonne…” Mark seemed desperate.“Ah M’Lord… As soon as Ah can…” the guard responded.And with that Mark sat upon the bed, his face in his hands. His mind not wandering, but focused upon what he was going to say to Shy when, and if, she came at his request. He wanted to apologize for his actions of the past, to let her know he did have the courage… and the will… to live; given one thing… that she loved him… as much as he, her.
"Searc has informed me I am to be married..." Those words echoed in his brain… to the point which gave him a headache. “She cannot marry anyone else… she loves me… and I her. I shant allow her to marry anyone else but me…” his voice murmured low enough for one person to hear. “No… I WILL get out of her a free man… It was NOT me in the dream… I do love Iain, as I would a brother… but I would gladly wish it was my life spared… Shy and I can raise…”And the door opened, the guard stepping in… “Sir, Ah ‘ave sent for the Lady Sh’vonne… if’en she cooms, twill be her choice…” then he closed the door and he looked at the guard who was on duty last night. “Yae thinks M’Lady twill coom…” The off-duty sentry looked at his brethren. “I do not know Sasha… the Lady twas pretty angry…” Adam shook his head at the guards… “Nay… Ah bae fine…j’st a bad dream it was… Mae apologies…” and the guards put away their weapons and looked around one last time… then saluted… “Your Majesty, by yer leave…” and Adam motioned his hand to release them back to their duties.
Adam sat on the bed, one foot under his opposite leg; and he looked at Bess…. “We must end this farce of a trial… Much evidence has been offered in their guilt, baet nay much in the defense…” He shook his head… “Nay feels right tae mae…”
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Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Aug 10, 2010 14:37:15 GMT -6
No matter how the day's troubles at night the moon could promise a softer time. In the mind a place could be created of unshattered splendor; it is a sad fact that even pretty dreams are like glass in that they are so easily made and so easily destroyed. The days in Struan turned out to be far more than the Royal Family had intended to spend. Day after day of ceremonious facade went on in the hall that they took from the Chieftain of Robertson for the bidding of justice. Was it justice? She felt around her the whispers of voices deeming the law unjust or too lenient. Justice was blind and bland. Men colored it. Decisions near to be reaching were changed hour after hour as it seemed that men colored with the axe man's silver. Force the Royal judgment for man's favor for man's unjust reward. What made the trial was not the law upheld or those representing what it meant, it was the ambition behind every pair of eyes. Every day that summer passed in Struan was every day Beathag grew sicker and sicker. She wanted to wipe clean the entire world of this place! It couldn't be done, though. All she could do was sit on the chair self-erected by her own deeds to judge for she was wise enough to do so. At night the mind could be free to roam through a place reinforced by her desire to be alone there, to have nothing that didn't displease. A man's mind was not as strong as a woman's? The first pair of hours they slept in contentment. Beathag whispered to Adam in the last moment's of wakefulness that she could not be without their youngest any longer. "Ah want m'babies," she crooned, curling fingers against the stubble he had yet to have groomed, "Ah need tae see them play, their innocence. Ye need them tae..Murieall, n' Gabriel. Ahlai Edme.." [/color]She whispered lower, " Ye need the feel o' her in yer arms, her peace as much as ye need the laughter the twins give ye. But it is her peace, her sweet peace tha' will save us. Then we will handle wot else need be done, from Stornoway. We must judge n' mend the secrets in our own house as we mend the world."He didn't have to speak to agree. Half of their family was being taken care of in Turas Lan by faithful servants while half of it developed before their eyes with other children. The future of all of Skye, even Scotland, was in the gangly forms of youth developing in to lords and ladies. But in the other three, there was still time. Innocence to touch, to claim, to remember how to of all the lessons life how to unjudge one's self. * The dream world of what the Queen new was shaken as Adam's body trembled under her face, for she slept on him at night more than any pillow. "Ahdam, wot be wrong," her voice increased in alarmed pitch. He was fitful, fretful. The sheen on his body wasn't as much an indicator of his sweats as the wet palm of her hand. His garment too was sodden. "M'love wake up, Ahdam wake up!". Before she could even rock his body hard enough, he shot up like a rocket moving for a glass of spirits from the tray. "Wot is wrong? Wot did ye dream?" He had always dreamed raw, graphic. Images swirled through their lives to make the basis of many thing. Ghosts were vivid, real things to them. Dreams held omens never to be ignored. What did his contain? The silence between them was staggering. The bed clothes were pulled back. Her bare feet touched the floor as she walked over to him, to the mirror before him. She craned her head to make sport with his reflection. It was often a game, a long running one, of who could spook the easiest. Was it her fault he startled so well that the glass slipped? She cried out in alarm, and between these two things the room filled with guards. Adam emphasized his wellness but she, being a wife, sought his well-being's truth. "Fetch a physician, tae look upon his majesty. He woke in a stir n' he is pale.." In the solitude that came after, she put her head against his chest after he resided his own in her hands. "We know enough," she whispered , "We know enough. Let us dae wot be right then, wot we feel is true n' right nay matter wot the thought o' it be. Let us take our children, n' gae Adam..please. Ye grow more wan by the day, yer eyes are like glass with the strain." Her own secrets came not to the fore. The plight of the Argylls she championed so expertly did not come about as all she could feel for was him, "Let us make our judgements n' set magistrate tae see it done n' leave. This place is takin her health, n' our patience N' if ye grow ill twill surely spread untae the children when they worry for ye sae." Was it the old Beathag, the one who's emotions roared as a storm on the sea but were always so clear? As her voice grew in pitch she sighed, lowering the tone as the maid came in to clean up the glass. "We know enough tae dae enough. Ah'm sorry e'er Ah took upon the hospitality o' this damned place. It is my fault?" she looked at him, sighing . "Ah should have came after. Ah should nay have. Yer health is nay worth this Adam."
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Post by Lady Liliana Campbell on Aug 11, 2010 11:43:00 GMT -6
Morning After Lili Visits With Dublain & Queen's Decree
perils and joys of clan life Liliana Campbell: Visits to the dungeons wasn't exactly the most enjoyable for anyone. Whether visiting or stuck within the cells it was an unpleasant experience that left one wishing to never see these walls again. Liliana's heart went out to the prisoners and their families, and each day she came down to help how she could. Sometimes she didn't get to meet with all the prisoners though on this day, after checking in on Dublain- handing over a basket of food and more clean clothes, she made her way along the corridors. Each cell was paused at to deliver a kind word and the same items to them, and it was only at one that she came to a full pause. The Lady MacGregor. There was enough rumor flying around Struan, and Skye, about the woman to make one think they knew all about her. Liliana though was a sensible woman. Though not able to avoid hearing gossip there wasn't any merit given to the words. Most of it was disparaging of Chloestrain in aim to ruin the woman's reputation. She knew what that was like all too well. "Good morn, Lady MacGregor." Oh, it was relatively early yet, not even an hour after sunrise, and Liliana hope she wasn't disturbing the woman. Rest couldn't be easy to get down here. "I'm the Lady Campbell and I've brought you some things." Liliana held up the blankets, basket, and clothing,"If you wish I will have the guards open the gate so I can bring them inside." Chloestrain MacGregor: The sounds of retching could be heard on the other side of the door.. and then quiet.. for a few moments before a voice , soft and weary spoke out.. "Of Course Lady Campbell.. but you must excuse my abode as it is not fit for visitors.. " it was an attempt at humor, and as the oaken cell door was opened, to the stone walled cell.. the darkness would be cut by a sliver of light from a high window, to far up to see from.. that bisected the cell casting it's lone inhabitant in a dusty mote of light..pulling her fingers through her hair, it was fashioned into a loose braid.. a look of pity for the visiting woman.. " I fear I have no seat to offer you " she glanced down at the straw pallet and blankets, the only comfort in the cell , save a bucket that served for excretion, and the bile of morning from her belly.. " But the pallet is free of fleas if you wish to sit.." a delicate hand bruised at the wrists by shackles, offered.. " I apologize for the stench.. the morning buckets have not been taken away" in truth sometimes it was several days before the buckets were emptied, and the mixture of urine and puke was strong in the cell.. Liliana Campbell: If pity was felt for Liliana then it would not compare to that felt for the woman locked in the cell. The smells within did not turn her belly as much as the sight of how clearly the Lady MacGregor was being treated. None of it showed in the depth of chocolate eyes nor upon gentle features for Liliana felt that it would be insulting. Nobody wanted to be pitied. Dublain had told her to offer up prayers for the others and now she understood why. Stepping inside, noting the guard preparing to close the door, she held out a hand to halt him,"Leave it open. You can stand watch if you fear she might try to escape." The young man, one of those from her visit with Dublain, smirked and began to speak,"Afraid of the bit-" He never got to finish that word though as a slim hand the shade of copper cracked against his cheek,"I told you that you may watch. You were not given permission to speak. You will learn some manners or I will teach you some. The Lady MacGregor is to be addressed properly. Now get me a stool, have these buckets emptied, and keep your mouth shut until I tell you otherwise." Usually a gentle soul, Liliana was not one to physically harm another yet in this instance a little slap couldn't hurt. She'd ask forgiveness later. The true feat was that her voice never raised once though was commanding nonetheless. Turning now to face Chloestrain, she placed down the items on the bed,"Oh, look at your wrists. There's a balm in the basket that can help the bruises. Are you ill?" The retching was noticed first and foremost though. "Why are you in this cell and not one with bars?" It seemed cruel. Though prisoners they were still people and being treated worse than rats! The guard meanwhile busied himself removing buckets once bringing a stool, and of his own volition small crate to act as table. Chloestrain MacGregor: Chloe watched the Lady Campbell with a raised brow and a smirk.. it was almost comical the look on the guard's face when it was smacked by the smallish woman.. indeed she wished it was the night guard who tormented her with promises of visits after the night had quieted, and pinches to her breast when he shackled her. After the buckets were emptied and the stool brought for the Lady Campbell, she settled herself upon the straw pallet.. her back against the wall.. "I have often seen you at Court but never made your acquaintance.. Though I met your husband once.. a nice man by my measure... though quiet.." she smiled settling her hands into her lap then raised her eyes to meet those of the Lady Campbell.. " Forgive me for my abruptness.. Lady.. but... what can I do for you.. everyone that visits here has there reasons.. Has the Queen sent you as a ferret.. for information?" she knew well Liliana was the Queens handmaiden and best friend and that Kendrew was the Lord protector.. so it was that she was suspicious and wary of the visit.. " You see I find myself with little time nor inclination to become entertainment or some freak show, and even less for those sent under the guise of kindness to perhaps find a scrap of evidence toward my guilt " Chloe was nothing if not straightforward and blunt these days... despair would do that to even the most gentle of creatures... and Chloe had never been gentled. Liliana Campbell: "Aye, that is my Kendrew. Strong and silent though his mind always seems to be working. I have heard of you as well over the years though never got the chance to meet you either. I wish that I had then instead of now in these circumstances." She noted that the guard did stay close to the door though was careful to make them aware he wasn't eavesdropping. Not that Liliana particularly cared much. Dragging the stool and crate closer now, she rummaged through the basket while listening to Chloestrain. Some would have been offended by such an honest speech. Lips curved wider, admiration gleaming in brown eyes, as she pulled out a little jar of salve. "What if I told you, Lady MacGregor, that I do not believe you guilty? Promise that I'm not attempting to gain information. I come only cause I desire to bring some relief. If you don't believe me that is alright. I won't be upset by it. Instead I would understand your reasoning. If you would not mind though I'd like to put some of this on your wrists? It smells about as lovely as the buckets contents, but it'll help." Kindness was never enough to Liliana's mind. Yet it was all that she had to offer. At times even a little bit of it could brighten someone's day or ease a weary mind. There was warmth in the eyes that were open and honest, and in the gentle smile upon her lips, that met Chloestrain's own gaze. Chloestrain MacGregor: Content with Liliana's answer she held out her wrists like a dutiful child, indeed it was nice to be cared for , even if for a moment, however she had sidestepped the question of her illness.. hiding it beneath her bravado.. " Then I thank you for the comfort and the kindness.. it shows well you are not native to Struan, for I hear the streets are festive with hopes of a hanging or beheading , puppet shows and plays.. such a sad commentary on the people here.. and their regard of their Chieftain.." There was something in the way her tone softened that would lead Liliana to the conclusion that there was a fondness there... " But perhaps we should speak of you and yours.. for surely my story is not one to find comfort in at all.. " change the subject back to the Lady Campbell.. it was the safest way. Liliana Campbell: There were moments throughout her own life that Liliana had wished someone to care for her, even if only for a little bit. Perhaps that was partly why she turned out this way. Kindness to others seemed second nature for in many she saw herself as she once was. Alone, frightened, vulnerable, and in need of just a little nurturing. Carefully one hand began to soothingly rub in the thick gunk that was balm. Its color was near as hideous as its smell, but the effects would be worth it. "If Struan were my native home then I would be full of sorrow to call it so presently. The behavior of its people during such serious and troubling times sickens me." Head shook though the hair didn't move, each ebon strand contained in a restrictive braid, as she moved from one wrist to the other. "Though the Queen is ordering all festivities be moved to the next village. She dislikes the behavior as much as I." Liliana smiled then glanced down to watch her hand work,"My story, the full one, is not comforting either. Parts of it, aye, though not the whole tale. You still never told me about your illness. What causes the vomiting? Perhaps I can get you a herb to soothe your stomach or have a healer come visit." It could be attributed to anything down in this dank hell they called a dungeon. Chloestrain MacGregor: "I assure you Lady Campbell it's nothing to worry about... " a soft pink blush tinged her cheeks, without meaning her hand lay over the flat of her belly... " It will pass, there is no need to trouble anyone over it " she wanted no one to know about the child that grew within her.. it was bad enough that Searc knew.. but she didn't want Iain nor Mark to know.. much less the rest of the world.. " I thank you for the balm, it eases the pain " she withdrew her wrist and pulled back rubbing them herself making sure the balm was within.. " Tell me of your family.. you have children.. I would rather spend my time talking of things to take my mind off this place than , of things that make me most aware of it.. " she smiled softly and settled more into the straw pallet.. moss green hues dulled by to long in this place.. but she was trying one had to give her credit to be congenial and hospitable.. Liliana Campbell: Prying was not a trait that Liliana though to be admirable. Sometimes though it was necessary. In this moment? It was a decision made not to. Anyone as compassionate as Liliana could tell that it was something to worry about and as a woman who'd made that gesture several times with both her children, she understood all too well. Understanding showed in chocolate eyes as they subtly moved from the hand upon Chloe's stomach to meet the woman's eyes. "I will see that tea with an herb is sent down to soothe you." Words were spoken softly, lips barely moving, in consideration of any that might wish to overhear. "Lady MacGregor, I know you may think that there are a few you can trust to be on your side. Please know though that I desire to help in any way I can and I won't speak a word of anything beyond this cell. I desire only to see you as safe and well-kept as possible for the sake of your son. I am a Mother and I would hope that someone would do the same for my own children's sake." Allowing now the change of subject, Liliana gave a nod of dark head in response to being thanked for the balm then moved to pull the crate closer to Chloe's pallet and bring some food out of the basket- mostly nuts and bread. Something small that wouldn't rattle the stomach. "Aye, I have children. Four of them actually. Roric the younger who is 12, Kylie who is 8, Glenna who is 3, and Morgan who is...nearing about two months..." Liliana trailed off in the realization of this. In all the chaos had that much time passed since the precious little boy? Continuing onward, smile widening, she murmured,"They are quite the handful, but make life more wonderful by the second. Roric desires to be a man-of-war,even snuck off to Kyleakin and carried a banner there as squire, in service to Prince Aodhan and Kylie, seems to have the wisdom and compassion of a woman thrice her years, a lady in service to Princess Davina. As for the other two they are too young to have such aspirations, but Glenna is an intelligent child for one only three years of age. Morgan is just yet a babe who refuses to sleep at night. A child of the moon even when I was carrying." Realizing that she'd just yammered on blushed enough for the shade to show in copper-skinned cheeks,"Tell me of your Robin. I hear that he is a darling boy. How does he fair with all that goes on?" Chloestrain MacGregor: Chloe listened as Liliana spoke of her family, a wistful look touching the Lady McGregors face,would that she could have bore Iain's sons, and daughter.. that she had such a family to love and be loved by.. but she had Robin and he was enough, she loved him more than anything in the world. and had sacrificed much to see to it he was placed well. One day he would be a great man, bringing great things to those who he served.. for Chloe had instilled into that it was his Job as a Lord of Sleat, to serve and protect his people.. to make for them a better life.. This was the way the honor she raised her son with.. " Robin is strong, and of good faith.. for one so young he has the ability to compartmentalize things, and only see the good in people.. but his moral compass is strong, he believes in me.. and in justice... I hope that his beliefs serve him well.. if not.. I have made arrangements for my sister in law to raise him..Shyvonne is a good woman who already loves him as her own.." when Liliana had spoken of being able to trust her..Chloe had thought indeed.. that would be a wonderful thing.. a confidant..someone to tell her story too.. but the need for privacy bore out the need to unburden herself.. " I would ask a favor of you Lady Campbell... I would like to see Father Prious.. can you tell him.. I need counsel of the Priest.. in these last days. " it was an often asked request of prisoners who felt the lack of hope, and those who had things to confess.. those who wanted to meet God already have been absolved upon the earth for their sins.. it might lead Liliana to wonder what sort of counsel the Lady McGregor would seek. Liliana Campbell: "That is a good sign in a child young as Robin. Too many small ones see only what the adults do and follow them blindly. Especially now it is clear as day how hatred breeds hatred. I hope to bring some measure of change in that department with the planned day the Queen has decreed. A gathering of all clan members in Struan though separated by boy child, girl child, adult man, and adult woman in hopes that bonds can be forged. Perhaps this way any bias an adult may give by being present can be avoided and our children can make better bonds for the future of Skye." Liliana had great hopes for this day. She wanted to see something good come of it. Hopefully that would be the case. "I don't think I have met your sister though I have heard of her and the school that she runs. That alone makes her a woman I would like to meet." Chloe was a brave woman, at least in Liliana's eyes, for even now while speaking of her own child and arrangements made she did not break down. Liliana wasn't sure that she could be this strong if in that position. Though it was the request of a favor that had a brow lifting, curiousity plain upon her face,"Of course, anything that I can do..." The words trailed off at that request. Did the woman already plan to make peace with the Lord? Liliana didn't wonder about the sins of Chloe. They all had them, no? She couldn't judge when her own were had too. "I will see that Father Prious is sent to visit you, Lady MacGregor, and please do call me Liliana. Perhaps, if things go as we all hope, we can get to know each other better." Realizing that the day grew later, plans were arranged for this day, and remembering her earlier condition she murmured softly,"I should let you rest." Chloestrain MacGregor: "My Robin is a wonder that is for sure,He will be a great man someday." she wanted to add like his father.. Iain.. but to the world he was Searc's child and heir.. and even now she protected that secret from the public.. When Liliana spoke of the day out for everyone, the day of coming together the Queen had decreed, her attention was caught, it was a wonderful idea, hopefully not naive in it's simplicity.. to long had the clans warred against each other, and to what end, only death and hard feelings, it was time to heal the land.. heal its people.. but she worried that healing would also require the letting of blood.. of the four.. to begin.. " Tis a wonderful Idea..I wish it well.. children should be given time to just be children and not the futures of their clan.. yet so much relies on them sometimes we do not give them the time and space to just be children.. nor learn of others before we have laid a mark upon them for sake of a clan name " She stood as Liliana made move to go holding out her hands after wiping them to clean them somewhat on her skirts.. " I appreciate the visit and the favor " ragged nails beneath them dirt.. curled over fingers of the Lady Campbell.. " I'm sure you husband be blessed to have such a fine lady as you for his wife." Chloe had met Kendrew before , briefly and knew him mostly by reputation, but she could see for herself he had made a fine match. Liliana Campbell: "Aye, that he will. Hopefully our children can forge bonds in ways some of us seem unable and cure this land of its current sickness. In these times we work against one another instead of together, and Skye does not prosper from it." Liliana wasn't a woman of politics. She'd never aspired to be in an important position nor would she ever be a Queen as Bess. Yet she had eyes, a working brain, a good head on shoulders, and a kind heart...the combination of which allowed her to sometimes view the world more clearly than others. With Bess and Adam having become King and Queen, having to situate matters, and yet Skye's own people now fought amongst themselves again when they needed to help steady all that threatened to tumble around them. Bloodshed went on in too many places at the moment. "That is what I hope to attain. A chance for them to be children as well as judge others by themselves during this gathering. It is the Queen's idea though. She's wise in many ways." There was love in the voice that spoke of a Queen and not merely that of one in service, but as one would speak of their own family. Bess was family to her. A sister of the heart. Taking Chloe's hands in her own, noting the differences in their condition, Liliana gave a gentle squeeze,"He claims that he is blessed daily, but I suspect it is to stay in my good graces." Playful wink was given though not disparagingly. "Your husband, though I have not met him, is blessed too Lady MacGregor. For you are a brave and strong woman, and a good Mother. I can see that for myself. My prayers are with you and have faith. Let not hope be lost." Hopefully she could transfer some of her own strength to Chloe in this time. Guard observed the exit of Liliana, bowing low in respect, and understood by the steel in brown eyes that if he mistreated the Lady MacGregor again...she'd see him locked in a cell.
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Post by Men of Skye on Aug 29, 2010 16:55:14 GMT -6
Some people of science profess that unwholesome thoughts and beliefs that come from what is call the "wanting mind." In wanting mind, the current state of unhappiness can only be cured if the individual gets what he desires… more money, recognition, fame or power. Often needless suffering is caused, when one aches for something that lies out of our grasp… or cling in vain to something that has already passed… Wanting mind can also keep one tenaciously holding on to something negative… that unwholesome belief about how things ought to be or should have been, or an unwholesome emotion such as anger, sadness or jealousy.
Desire is part of being human. It causes one to strive toward bettering lives and the world, and has led to many of the discoveries and inventions that have provided us with a higher quality of life. But there's a danger in thinking that by ridding oneself of this quality of wanting, one would lose the motivation to better their life. The unhealthy side of the wanting mind is that despite all that we can achieve and possess, we become convinced that we won't be happy or contented unless we acquire even more. This unwholesome belief can lead to competitiveness and feeling resentful toward, or envious of, those who seem to have an easier life.
“Aye lass… soon we shall see our babes…” Adam weakly smiled at his beloved wife. This in itself was part of Adam’s wanting mind… To please and protect his wife was his life’s motivating factor…. And now that expanded four-fold… Not only did he have a robust family nuclea, he had a country to care for…
*
“Belay that command…” he flipped his wrist at the guards… “Ah need nae physician… that bae all…” And the guards bowed… “By yer leave, Yer Majesty…” Adam nodded then looked to Bess… the color slowly returning. He removed the wet nightshirt, his muscles flexing as his arms moved up and down. Adam was no skinny weakling… his slender form filled with unsuspectingly strong muscles.
“Twas baet a dream, lass… just a dream that was vivid…” then he chuckled eerily. “Twas like mae Father coom back to haunt me…”
He walked to the table where he had placed all the documentation and placed his hand in the center, and looked at Bess… “All this bae refuse… paper tae line a honeybucket with… sae much bae chyt… lies tae deceive…” and with one sweep of his hand, he sent the documents sailing across the room, some fluttering, hesitantly, then falling to the floor.
Once more Adam begins to pace, occasionally looking at his beloved wife, friend, and confident. “How can I send them to the axeman… they were defending the realm…” he shakes his head… Once more he paces… and after a moment… he looks at Bess and smirks wickedly. “Naew th’a Ah allowed the charged soom freedom… why cannae Ah release them tae Dun Darroch only… Ah cood leave Griffin guards in charge… restrict them tae the castle only waiting a final decision…” and the smirk grew more wicked. “An’ we could gae tae Lewis-Harris and visit James…” then the wicked smirk morphed into a wicked chuckle. “And we could finish our vacation… who shall deny me, for I am KING…” then he laughed. “Meanwhile, Trades and Caldean can investigate the truth about the Argylls and the Robertson…”To desire was human, no less human that expressions of frustration, fear, or anxiety. How just like a man to cast away the concerns of his wife. Instead of remaining mute, the Queen said, "Belay nothin', fetch the physician at the Queen's command n' a wife's insistance.." as the poor guard was set to take his leave, she imagined he must be very confused. What did one make of equal rule, equal command? In this case he heard the insistance in his lady's voice personified by her annoyance. It was better, in this case, to obey that. "My lord, only for the lady's peace of mind." Would Adam be annoyed by her insistance? Let him be. Fine muscles could be withered by the sweating sickness. His brow marred with lines Time couldn't undo if he died.
"Dreams are vivid when ye be feverish," she muttered. Steel caught light in her eye, sharp as the axe's edge. God have mercy, still a mention of his father to this day, and if she could cut his soul in half she would, "Ah wish he would leave ye be, his presence is always a dark omen." She watched the papers fall to the floor as he swept them around, uncaring of what each had to say. On his assesment she wouldn't fault him, yet was it that simple?Adam was taken back at Bess’ insistence for the physician, and snapped a glance to the guard, with a slight nod, as the man saluted and exited. He placed his hands flat upon the table, supporting his frame and looked at Bess and shook his head… “Gods woman, Ah shant die… Ah bae too stubborn… and Ah see yae ar’ tae…” He seemed to side-glance into space as he pondered the situation. "Ahdam, if tha' is the case than pronounce the judgement on the morrow, n' be damned o' it but dun nay leave them languishin' in this standin example o' hell." So stood the Queen's feelings on Dun Darroch, "While they need their freedoms others need tae be punished truly! Ah'm nay a glutton tae want the greed o' another's pain, but tae be frank Laird Alexander Robertson n' tha' slutton excuse fer a wife o' Laird Iain's should have the hospitality o' their own dungeons. Dun Darroch is sick, sick indeed. But wot e'er live here finish it afore our paces continue. Otherwise it will follow." His smiles were strung in wicked, macabre intentions even if his words didn't manifest them. She wondered if on Lewis-Harris the same could be said of his brother, James, who's relation to the King was no more discussed than the ongoing saga of the weather. It merely was, noticed only if some elected to. On talk of Trades and Caldean investigating what would be left behind, she almost bawked at the suggestion but side. Someone would have to finish it, even if they turned the world on its head in one day.Her words caused him to re-focus on her. Nodding in agreeance with her about Alexander and Keliana… He looked at the mess upon the floor, then he took a second look… Bending over, he took one document and began to peruse it closer. “Sons of a bytch…” he exclaimed… Standing erect… there before him was a document, the King’s Seal upon it…"Only if ye promise tae send fer them immediately when it is done, n' give Trades his leave. he will grow tae detest us, n' cant be blamed at this rate. N' Caldean, ye will tell him he may stand as my honor guard should it please him but he be a prince o' royal blood. N'..as much as he protects me, twill agreive his sister much tae leave him here without her.." She felt he was equally protected by her presence,..“Send nae for the Physician, instead send for your brother and Trades… have them go get our children… I have a legal way to end this…” With one very wicked smirk, the sea-green eyes sparkled in a gleam she had very seldom seen in her husband. Handing the document to his beloved wife and confident… It would be hours that he would have to toil. Perhaps he would even reach the point of believing that she was ignoring the summons from him that the guard had sent but in all honesty she had taken Robin to the next village over where the entertainment had been set up. She didn't agree with throwing a festival while their loved ones were on trial but for Robin's happiness, she would sacrifice, for once, her temper in order to see him happy. When they returned, he was asleep, his legs curled around Shyvonne waist while his arms lazily clung to her shoulders while his face pressed against the flesh of her neck. Leigha was waiting and smiled as the pair arrived taking Robin gently from Shyvonne to lay him down. His face was painted red with golden griffins on either cheek and he clutched a wooden dragon and Knight with sword in his arms as he was laid upon his cot."A guard arrived this morning. Mark Collier wishes to speak with you." Leigha spoke as she righted herself from covering Robin up. "I do not think it a good idea my lady. Your brother would not approve."Shyvonne groaned her thanks as Leigha took Robin weight from her one arm, the other carrying brown paper parcels. She looked so odd, halfway between setting the items down when Leigha said a guard had come to tell her Mark wanted to see her. First he sends her away and now he wanted to see her? She finished setting down the packages, a brooch for her mother, a book on scientific theories for Gaius, some baby clothing for Lindall...the final one was kept within her hands as she shook her head to Leigha objection. "My brother would not approve of many things Leigha and in a time where I don't get much happiness, I delight in doing what would upset him." She retorted as she moved to the door. "Don't wait up.." an out the door she went.
Would Mark delight in the sound of her voice as it rose to pass through even the thickest of doors. "Do you honestly think I come summoned with something to break him out? What do you usually guard, the palace parrot? Let me pass!"
The door swung open and she passed through carrying the medium sized wrapped parcel with her glaring daggers at the guard who's cheeks were aflush with color and he quickly shut her in with Mark thinking if the man guilty, he deserved the woman as a visitor! As the door closed her gaze swung around the storage room fit only for a bed and pot and landed on the only place he would be, the bed. Her lips formed a thin line as her indignant chin poked outward.
"I've brought you something..." She started after the silence filled the room worse than a deafening scream would. She held her hands up and then moved to set the parcel down beside him.
Inside was a oak box with its lid completely removable, on the one side his initials were carved in a beautiful scrolling handwriting, on the other side it was painted with squares and inside the box were pewter pieces of the chess set that made up the box. On top of the box was two more parcels, one rectangle in shape, the other of book size. A set of quill and rust colored ink. The book shaped object was indeed a book. A blank journal with a sword carved into the leather that made up the binding.
After setting the parcel down, she took a step back and folded her arms below her breasts. She was clearly still anger, or upset by what he had said to her the night before. "You summoned me." As if he needed reminding, but she spoke this and then paused to hear what he had to say moss green eyes moving from the floor up to his face.Mark sat in wonder of the dream… and the door unlocking and opening startled him. He stood as Shyvonne entered… And the door quickly closed… and he bowed. As he rose, she moved closer and set down the items she coveted when she entered. Taking the item up, he smiled at her… then he opened it… Taking a look at her, he smiled. “Tis beautiful… I pray I get a chance to use it…” and his eyes glanced to the floor as he set the box upon the bed. Taking up the journal, he flipped thru the blank pages… and looked at her confused. “I am to write?” he forced a smile… “What? memoirs?” then he set it side as well. “I thank you m’Lady…”Her fingers tensed and then relaxed upon her arms, massaging the muscles of their ache at carrying Robin back from the next town over. It served her right for making him walk there that morning without thinking of the consequences of nighttime and the prospects of a five year old getting sleepy. She watched him unwrap the chess set and offered a small smile as her shoulders rose and fell in a shrug. "It made me think of you...and our late nights in the dining hall at the academy..." She paused and allowed her eyes to close a minute taking in the words, if he got to use it. Remembering the nightmare, she shivered and hugged her arms closer to her. It wasn't until the paper ruffled again that her eyes opened and she watched him unwrap the blank book. "It's a journal, you may write your thoughts and feelings, or your memoirs, whatever you prefer." She shifted on the floor, pausing before shrugging again. "I heard rumor of the notes you wrote on the dungeon wall." she smiled again this time locking her gaze to his own. She hadn't been allowed to go to the dungeons again since they had been released so she had no idea what the notes said but Gaius had told her he could surmise most had been for her. It was small things like that, that made her believe stronger then ever that she was not just some passing fling to him, not that she ever believed differently. With a bit of silence, he approached her, his hands taking her arms… “Aye, I summoned yu… if yu wish to put it that way… I had a dream… a bad dream… I fear I am to be found guilty…” and forcing her to sit beside him upon the cot… he began to explain the dream… his vision of a man, presumably him paying the axeman for services rendered… He explained the vagueness of the dream, yet the forcefulness of it… the vividity… But he would not know that she…and Adam would share the same dream…The silence could have been deafening; why had he asked her to come? She figured it had something to do with his dream but the way he was talking, she hugged her hands harder against her forearms, it was like he was truly giving up this time, like he wanted to see her one last time... for what... comfort? Her spine felt as if ice were creeping up and down upon it and she shivered even as he came towards her and took her hands into his own pulling her over to the cot and down upon it, as he explained he had a dream that foresaw his guilt. Little did he know she had seen the dream and she too, did not want to believe the shadowed man was him. She had screamed and cried that morning begging to God that it not be so; how could she comfort him now when her throat stuck so. Silently she let him relate the dream even though with ever word he spoke, it only confirmed she had seen the same thing. Her head dipped, falling away to the side as her hands tightened upon his own. "Oh Mark…" She hummed in a sigh as her head rose again and she turned his attention back to him. "I know of what you speak, I saw it too."“Shyvonne… I have a confession…” and he moved off the bed and knelt before her… his hands taking hers… “I have committed many transgressions… and I have asked God for forgiveness… and now, I ask you for forgiveness… forgiveness of unspeakable transgressions… I beg thee nay ask me what…just trust that I love thee… with all my heart, soul, and being…” he then squeezed her hands… “Marry none but me… ask that a Priest come and marry us now… before my days are numbered…” Those striking blue eyes of his looking deep into hers… “Make an honest man of me… give me something that I desire more than life… you as my wife…”Her mouth opened as she sucked in a breath, her words willing him to stop his confession, dying without leaving her lips as he knelt down in front of her. Moss green eyes met the striking blue ones of his own. She knew his eyes without having to see them all the time, she could find him even in the most crowded or darkest of rooms. He asked of her forgiveness without knowing his transgressions. As of yet, he had made known in her presence and those before her, she could not hold against him for they had been before the two of them had met. Her attention fell away from his, looking at their locked hands, and when his hands squeezed hers, her head rose again. He was asking her to marry him, here... now. Her mouth opened, a perfectly formed O of shock. Slowly her mouth closed and as she wiggled a hand from his grasp and lay it against his cheek. Moss green eyes shifted left to right over his face as if searching for something that he had not said but there was no untruths between them (at least that she knew of). "You don't need my forgiveness Mark for your transgressions you committed before me, we knew each other not then, but if you need to hear me say it, and trust that it is truth, then I forgive you." Her hand stroked at his cheek, her thumb caressing the curve of his jawbone beneath the skin as she smiled. "Yes, I will marry you.." She let out a laugh, a small but bell peeling happy laugh as she leaned forward her lips melting with his own in a kiss of love and promise of her answer.
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Post by Men of Skye on Aug 30, 2010 4:34:53 GMT -6
Leaving Dublain and Lindall alone to finish dinner in privacy, Shyvonne went to her room to pen the letters that had been on her mind all day.
One was to the King though she had no idea why she felt the need to write to him. Perhaps it was the need to be of some use besides being support. Everyone it seemed had cards to play but her. All she had was her honesty and her unyielding assurance in her heart that they were innocent, it was not much but it was all she had.
Once finished, they were handed to Leigha with instructions to deliver them to the receivers only.
They were as follows:
To the King, I wish to begin in offering my most sincerest thanks in delivering the Lord Dublain, the Lady Chloe, the Lord Iain, and Mark Collier into better conditions. If no one has expressed such, I wish to be the first to offer my sincerest thanks for such a kind and gracious act. I am but a simple servant to your Majesties and understand well, even in my young age, that my families holding lay well within your majesties hands and may be taken away at a moments notice. I wish to express not for my family sake but that of my own conscious, my deepest loyalty to your majesties.
I know I have no rights to ask favors of you especially considering the circumstances and already your actions have been kind but I wish to ask to have Mark Collier transferred to a more comfortable room. I humbly beg of it your Majesty, the room in which he is in now is nothing but a storage room, not even big enough for the bed which now occupies it. I know of small spaces having been held captive by my cousin Vargus MacGregor, a matter which has been dealt with. A small space can still feel like a dungeon room even if the smell is considerably less.
I have testified to the Queen and humble request to do so again before the audience of the court, my accounts of the actions of Mark Collier. He was following orders and is of such a noble courage that even if he were to admit he were wrong in his actions, which he may well feel but I do not, that he would of taken action and faced the consequences with the knowledge it may well seal his doom.
I must beg your majesties understanding in that I asked him to join the fight. This in no way makes him a coward but that he struggled with the difficult decision to disobey the orders of his Lady, Chloe, in leaving her son in my care when it was asked him to look after him. I graciously took that responsibility so that he may in turn join the battle which I believe he and the men of Kane MacGregor were sorely needed in order to save lives.
If there is fault, I would ask your Majesty, to see it in me and not in the man now held in a storage room on trial for treason but I also beg of your majesty in understanding while I offer you my strongest loyalty, that I do indeed hold a strong loyalty to my family as well and would defy even the orders of a King, to see their safety secured. I humbly ask your Majesty, would you do the same if you had been in any of our shoes, those accused and those of us, like me, feeling the guilt as deeply as those accused do.
I know the evidence is overwhelming, it is so for even my mind and I cannot fathom the weight upon your shoulders to accuse and try what you perceive as once loyal citizens. It is both a blessing and a curse to take vow of caring and loving the whole body of your nation, seeing to their welfare and happiness above your own, of this I am most graciously aware.
I have no evidence to present to your Majesty otherwise to prove their innocence but knowing within my heart that no actions they took were ever disloyal to your majesties. However, the evidence of a woman's heart cannot be measured and it is not something that can be taken into account and used to aid those I love much as I would hope and pray it would.
I wish your Majesty to know that there is no ill intent behind my words but simply a request from a humble and loyal servant, the fact you have held trial is great testament to the fairness and good heart of you, an attribute I respect mostly highly. May God Bless and Keep You.
I remain, your most humble and loyal servant, Shyvonne MacGregor
Adam received the letter from one of the subjects… reading it, he smiled. Looking to one of the guards… “Summon th’ Lady Shyvonne tae the Court Chambers… Ah shall hear her plea…”
And as he sat upon the dais and nodded, the guard opened the door and allowed her to enter. The King now would hear the words of a woman, apparently in love with one charged with such a grave charge. What could this woman provide that the magistrates and barristers had not provided?
Leigha had looked ghostly white when she had relayed the news that a guard had said the King was summoning her. Shyvonne merely turned in her chair peering at her ladies, made with a soft and understanding smile. Leigha was not used to the court of Kings but the truth was, neither was Shyvonne. She felt her heart stop and then flutter when Leigha had said the King was summoning her. Had this to do with her letter? Turning back to the mirror, she fixed her hair and then lifted off her chair leaving the room in a flutter of swaying blue material.
Her hands were folded dutifully in front of her as she moved down the hall to the court chambers. People were muttering as Shyvonne passed, surprised looks going in her direction as it was clear where she was headed. She paused briefly at the doors as they were pushed open by the guards and then swept inside. The faces that were whispering rumors about her as she passed were shut out as the doors closed behind her. Moss green eyes lifted to find the King on the dais and she moved towards it before dropping into a curtsy.
For a moment she stayed low her heart still fluttering within her chest. This had to be about her letter. Was she going to be tried for treason herself having fully admitted she supported Iain and Chloe in their quest even requesting Mark to leave his post at the Academy to aid them? "Your Majesty" She purred in a majestic and flowing voice as she rose from her curtsy her eyes following the motion of his hand before her body was moving in action to join him.
As the woman curtseyed low, he smiled and motioned to her. “Rise Lady Shyvonne… coom closer…” he motioned his hand toward an area near the dais.
"You summoned me, Your Majesty?" She questioned as her hands fell to folding in front of her again. Searc would be eating nails if he knew she had been summoned by the King by a letter she had written, at this point though she did not care. She knew she had been right to write it and right in what she said, none could change her way of thinking. None could change her views on the four accused or the innocence she knew of them… "How may I assist you, your Majesty?"
Adam would stroke his chin and look upon the woman… the letter in the other hand. “Aye, Ah ‘ave a letter ‘ere from yae… one th’a concerned me… ya wish tae explain it tae mae ‘ow yae knaew th’ accused is innocent… ‘specially since yaer letter says yae ‘ave no further evidence… ‘xcept yaer heart knoweth…” Then he sat back on the dais… “Yae say you are the one that sent Lord Mark to the fight? Why?”
Adam would listen to the woman, his sea-green eyes watching her body language as well as he words. “First… Ah plan on the accused stayin’ where they bae naew… nae need tae change… logistically would be too much to concen with…” he would not tell her what was actually going thru his mind… the restricted release of the accused to the castle alone… or complete amnesty… at this point he still was indecisive…
“Wot truly made yae write this letter to your King…? Was it the heart th’t made yae…?” he then offered her a smile. “Speak freely woman…”
Her lips pressed together as Adam spoke again and her head bowed that her request to see Mark in better conditions would not be granted. She wanted to argue that perhaps Adam should spend a night in a storage closet and see how he felt about the confined and small spaces, but she for once, held her tongue and gave a nod of her head before her eyes lifted to him again as he asked her to speak freely. A small smile curled at her lips and she hummed to keep a full blown laugh back. If he thought she was going to do anything but speak honestly, then he had another thing coming.
"Your Majesty, I speak nothing but my mind." She retorted and then sighed kicking her foot against the floor as she shook her head. "I cannot confess to knowing the true reason that I wrote that letter. Perhaps it was my conscious, perhaps it was my heart or a combination of both. Then there was the need for your Majesty to know, you are a good man, and I understand the weight on your shoulders. I do not run a nation as your Majesty does but an Academy but I still understand the burdens of wanting to see justice and of wanting to please your people and of seeing them happy and content. I know what it is to hear accounts of discontent and mischief and having the accused plead their innocence, I may tend to children and their mischief but it is not so different from your Majesty. I love them, my family, the children that attend the academy, I would gladly lay down my life for them if it was asked of me. To know this whole experience has laid heavily on their hearts, breaks my own. It troubles my heart that evidence has been presented to your Majesty of their wrong doing, I find myself not questioning their actions but why this evidence, if true, was withheld for so long from your Majesty until now."
She paused to not only take a breath but to collect herself again, for several seconds she was silent before continuing admitting to much more then she planned. "It has been said that Mark Collier wooed me to gain my approval of the battle, it is of no secret in my family now that I am indeed in love with Mark Collier, despite our social infraction, but he did not woo me your Majesty, I do love him and it is not out of any wooing for all we did at the Academy was talk of our hopes and dreams and nothing of this war. He did not even know about it until the messenger showed up at the Academy to tell him and Kane what was going on, I made no mention of my dreams to him of it until that occurred." Here she stopped, her hands folded in front of her again as her attention locked onto him alone.
His body language would offer no different version than that of his words and actions. “Lady Shyvonne… yae bare yaer feelings befor’ the Court… an’ this is, as much as admirable as a warrior ‘pon a field of battle. Yae must knaew Ah ‘ave seen all the evidence in as far as that was provided… and sae yae knaew, toward Mark Collier, Ah ‘ave seen nothing prudent to enact the axeman’s service… baet…”
Was he telling her of his own thoughts…? She must know he could not give a private audience and declare the man innocent or guilty… that must be done in court… or was he allowing her some insider information as to the decision he MAY give…? Either way, he would offer her a smile that only the more intimate peerage would ever see form the King… The corners of his mouth quirked upwards as he spoke. “He could be guilty of lesser crimes against the Realm… those decisions shall be enacted later…”
Adam thought Shyvonne a strong woman… one with intelligence and a sturdy will… and her letter and her appearance before him solidified that judgment… All Adam did was stand there and look to her with a wicked smirk. “Soon Ah shall make a decision regarding the accused… hopefully Ah ‘ave evidence that shall exonerate them.”
Adam walked back to the dais and turned… “Good eve M’Lady Shyvonne… Ah pray success in yaer endeavors…”
**
The other letter was to Lord Iain. Again, she did not know why she felt the need to write to the man, she had swung like a pendulum of emotion for some time now, hating him and then pitying him. In some ways, she could even understand what he did. Yes, perhaps that was the reason. Needing him to know how she felt as an individual while still being a MacGregor.
Lord Robertson, I know you must be wondering why the sister of Searc MacGregor would be writing to you. I am humbly asking for a moment of your time. I know what my brother has done, what lead all this to beginning. I am asking you to understand that I do not blame you for it, and humbly admit that at first, I was quite ready and willing to place blame on everyone from you, to Chloe, to Searc for this whole incident. I know about you and Chloe, from that I will say no more least this letter fall into the wrong hands.
With that said though, I wish you to know, that I hold no fault against you for what might of happened had Chloe really been killed. You may not understand and I will admit to sometimes not understanding it myself, that I love my brother. I do not however, condone what he did. I feel he received the exact punishment in which fit the crime although I will admit things have thus far turned out more horribly then I expected them to.
With that said, I know neither of us holds any favors towards the other but I wished to make it known, Mark Collier is one of the most loyal men I have ever known and in a family full of people wishing to stab the other in the back to further themselves, that is saying much. I wish to relay to you, the admiration and love that he displayed to me for your Lordship. You have meant such a great deal to him with your friendship and I know your views of him are the one he coverts above many. You have no idea of the guilt he has since felt at what he believes is having failed utterly and completely in your orders.
However, I do not feel that is so. Chloe asked him to go to the Academy to watch over Robin and I in turn asked him to leave Robin in my care to come to both you and Chloe's aid. I do not profess to know your mind or your heart but ask, if you are angry with him, please do not be. I know how it could seem, but his loyalty has been ever faithful and ever strong to you. In these troubling times, we need those we can count on and I assure you, you may count on him still.
It is my deepest hope despite what my brother may feel or think, that our two families may one day find peace together and have cause to unite in friendship.
May God Bless and Keep You, Shyvonne MacGregor
Iain’s door opened, and the guard handed him a letter… Nodding to the guard, he opened it… Sitting slowly to his chair, he read. Eyebrows quirked at her written words… The various expressions came and went with her words…. What the woman had said made him feel better…but of what use were they when he felt he would die upon the axeman’s scaffold. Still he folded the paper and stuck in in his shirt… the closest he could get it to his heart…
If he could see her, he would offer her his everlasting gratitude for the solice…
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Post by Men of Skye on Aug 30, 2010 4:38:48 GMT -6
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Post by Men of Skye on Aug 30, 2010 4:39:47 GMT -6
The Document The Robertsons control the land way up north because of the failed marriage alliance some years ago, thus making Argyll their Vassals, which would they also explain how the Robertsons got to be so rich over such a shorter period in the last several years. Rich already, imagine the regional influence they command if they suppress the Argylls so much they have Waternish under their thumb, and in broad daylight no less. Been that way for years.Clan ArgyllDominant Traditional Geographic Region: North Skye, WaternishDominant Family: Argyll, with a heavy Robertson presence due to fealty given to the Robertson Family.Cheiftain: Forbes Argyll (NPC), elected from the que of eligible brothers and cousins after the former chieftain's misadventures in alliances (Qynn's uncle) Tanist: Raibert Argyll (NPC) (Qynn's father) Heir: None (To be changed to Qynn Argyll, my plan is to have Raibert ultimately replace Forbes, who will be revealed to have been dead for some years, they were merely forced to keep quiet.) Principle Seat: Argyll Castle, HalistraPrinciple Township: Halistra, EdinbaneAdditional Septs: NoneAlliances: Clan Robertson, unrevived Clan Campbell affiliationEnemies: Alexander Robertson, Clan Argyll holds what is marked as Waternish on the map, Halistra, and the Lochs Lasair and Greshorhish with the coastal lands beside them now in what is for the name of Clan Robertson as noble vassals. It is once said Argyll was elsewhere on the island, coming to Waternish as a reward of service some generations ago, and would have come clear down near to Struan were it not for the misadventures of an alliance with a now gone old Robertson heir and a marriage with the former chieftain's daughter, also vanished. Known as hermits, they also retain acknowledgement for their servitude and diplomacy skills, obviously what is keeping them from being pushed into a loch at present day. Some say it is Forbes that will lead them back to being independent, while others say Raibert is making secretive plans with Clan Robertson for another marriage. No one knows for certain.
With the name Argyll, they are said to claim both a Campbell and McLean relation, both of which hasn't been serving them much good in recent years.
Borders: Beyond the two listed lochs, one would enter Eohmark water.**** Adam had accidently discovered a document, provided to the Barristers that incriminated Lord Alexander… and the document was sealed with the King’s Privy Seal… Yet the King knew he had not seen this document before, nor authorized its production. The document was a deed… the deed to Waternish Peninsula.
This land was prime grazing land for cattle and sheep, and was the backbone of the Argyll community. It was the land promised, by written decree, the Mo’r Triath and King Robert the Bruce, in 1331… Waternish… And, the deed that Adam found was one deeding the land from the Argyll to the Robertson clans, the Argyll vowing to become vassals of the Robertson.
As Adam scrutinized the document, he noticed that a key feature was missing. In all the documents he, or Bess, authorized as King and Queen, and even as Mo’r Triath and Mo’r Okesula, they would sign documents in very small script, and the Seal was always over the signature, except the first two letters. Adam was very meticulous about this, and instructed his beloved wife to do the same… as past Kings had their documents forged by someone using the King’s seal, eventually allowing their kingship to be compromised. So using this tidbit of history, Adam, as Mo’r Triath and King Robert’s Griffin, devised this simple technique to prevent this… Only 4 living people knew this… he, Bess, the King’s Scibe, and the Lord High Chamberlain.
The initial sight of this document caught Adam’s attention… and more meticulous scrutiny found the document forged. And this very document was mistakenly provided by Lady Keliana in a stack of damning documents from witnesses regarding Iain’s departure from Struan in anger over the murder of Chloestrain, and his vows of revenge upon Dunsgate and all its inhabitants…
Adam stood and looked to Bess, who was now reviewing the document that excited Adam so…Lord Alexander Roberton looked around the room… no one, not even servants… and he flipped back his blanket and rolled off the cot. Standing erect, he stretched his back… With an evil smirk, he looked out of his window… and below, he could see the axeman’s platform… the hint of red stain on the wooden post and the basket below. The King now had evidence enough to send the four to the axe… he had made sure of it… This had been years in the making… but Searc MacGregor’s attack upon his wife proved beneficial and speeded up Alexander’s timetable. It ALWAYS pays to have someone paid by clan money in your enemy’s camp.
Alexander also used Travill… in many ways none knew… and the man was worth the money… even though the f*g**t loved Searc… he was still providing Alexander with valuable information.
And there were others... such as Keliana and the barrister, Ralph Sanford...
He walked around the room stretching his legs when he heard someone coming… quickly, he made his way to the cot and covered himself with the blanket. With a knock upon the door, he pretended to feebly announce… “Enter…”
Keliana entered and dropped to her knees… “Yae sent for mae MiLord…”
Alexander looked up at the young woman… “Bytch, yu have complicated my plans… You have been fooking Theodore Robertson… and now its near public knowledge… what came upon yer mind… Was fooking my bastard son nae enough… yu had to spread yer thighs for everyone…” He began to cough at his exertion…
Looking back at her after the coughing fit… “Pack everything… get me my satchel of the deeds… get yer brats… we shall go to my castle hideaway in MacLeod’s Tables until all this blows over… things are getting out of hand with that boy as King… he thinks he is so smart… yet he is nothing like his Father… God rest his soul…”
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Post by Men of Skye on Aug 30, 2010 4:47:54 GMT -6
Things begin to heat up in Struan... Dun Darroch has been the focus of the trial of the Four... and behind the scenes dastardly deeds have been effected... and those boils are coming to a head...
The Silent Revolt began when the royal pair came to Struan...
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Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Sept 12, 2010 11:04:46 GMT -6
Evidence in Eilean Donan Queen Beathag Aberdeen: Eilean Donan was a fine place to hold court - in this season Beathag found herself on an unexpected style of progress that stalled in one juncture only to quick fire spark again. The Loch Castle was a beauty, a symbol of a time that she could recall farther back than five or ten years. Twenty and more rolled away, as she recollected the faces that once called it home, before the world on its axis tilted. She was given a room that would serve as both a chamber of audience as well as a chamber for peace, given the two rooms she was given to live in she shared with her children and staff. Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: He thundered into the courtyard, like some demented black knight, his armor indeed what black, as was the stallion he rode, people in the courtyard crossed themselves for he seemed a death rider, as the stallion pulled to a halt, it's voice ringing out in warning to those around, this was a war horse, no mere riding pony… hooves flashed steel shoed on the cobblestones, prancing sideways in agitation as his rider, threw off a bound and gagged body to the ground, then himself, landed next to the squirming bundle, only to heft it over his shoulders… Those near gawked, murmered, but none move foreward to help or hinder, they gave him a wide berth, as armor clad boots kicked at the door for entrance.. A servant girl answered the commotion, looking up in awe and fear at the sight of the stalwart knight, as he threw the man once more to the ground before him, taking off his helm, the visage of pure anger and rage faced the servants that gathered… "I need audience with the Queen, I am led to believe she is in residence.. " armored shod foot, pressed down harshly on the man’s neck as he tried to squirm out of his bonds, his voice lowered… "Move and I will snap your neck like the coward you are.” Queen Beathag Aberdeen: Just when she'd settled to her solitude for the passage of the time until sunset, a great commotion began to move feet in the hallway. Muffled voics rose up to shocked gasps of awe, the sound of slippered feet, boots, and armor proved to be the things that took her to the door only for one of the White Talons to caution his Queen. White Talon Knight: "Madame, if it please you, remain. Let me look in on the manner;" He was not a man so young as to be mistified at the chance to be by her side, yet awestuck always would any knight by the honor to guard the woman who made his place in the Order of the Talon possible. Once he was assured she'd remain, he left no less than two of the three she' d come with in her wake with additional guards of the castle while he moved with four local men to ascertain the matter at hand. He would report later to the herald Thomas Penchant that what rode in over the bridge toward the castle proper was death itself riding high in the saddle, filled with vengence. People began to gather themselves to comply before he said, "I have authority to grant or deny such with Her Majesty, what cause is this, tha' ye bring to Eilean Donan?" He looked up with lifted head, undetered by the black armor, his white claw tipped feathers vivid in the fading light. "Speak man!" Lord of Eilean Donan, Raibert Argyll: The Lord of Eilean Donan stood upon the wall, nodding, "As the Castle' Laird, I tae demand this, what manner o' thing is this?" Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: The knight looked up with annoyance, a smirk on his face as the Laird ordered him to speak, as if he were a dog of war under his command… "I request the ear of the Queen on business is not of your concern.. I assure you, I come in the name of the MacGregor... with issue most important.." he would not discuss the matter with the man as he had no dog in this race, his words were for the Queen herself, in fact he would have rather spoken directly to the King, but he was no where to be found.. so she would have to do. White Talon Knight: "What is for her majesty's keen ears and her mind is also for those in her service, and what will you tell her about what you have brought with you that you can not tell the castle Lord?" One look from the guard, and one of the men made the others of the courtyard vanish. Like mists, people crept away, far away from the sordid business while inside the Queen had the door opened so that she might advance toward it. None could see her majesty near the main door, hiding in the shadow's of the alcove as she listened while the guard spoke. All could speak with the Queen but it was never without witness, her life was far too precious to spare the formality, and in this time, why would they? Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "We will listen fer a time more, if nay, then I will emerge, n' if he will not speak it..." Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: "Your ears are not the Majesty's. Tell her Kane MacGregor is here, with evidence to put an end to this." the man on the ground before him moaned in denial and the boot crushed down upon his neck all the more… "I shant not leave until I have her audience." he commanded, he was dark as Satan himself, a bear of a man, who voice commanded respect, and fear, he was known as a fierce warrior in his clan, one who never felt qualm at ending a life… the man who piked Vargus MacGregor’s head… he was a wounded beast, at heart… but a loyal Clansman in soul… The sword he carried gleamed in the late afternoon sun, it's rays seeming sucked into the blackness of his armor and his eyes... what demon was this..?? White Talon Knight: "Whatever is under his boot, take it to a holding room, and if you wish to see her Majesty, come down from the horse. We shall see... My Lord Argyll, what is your will?" Lord of Eilean Donan, Raibert Argyll: "Turn the bastard from my gate, yet he may have somewot tae say." Scotland's sons were made bitter by war, enough to make black armor. Raibert had been under the shadow of Struan so long that in his new mantle, aye restored to the succession of himself, he too was bitter. Intelligent acrimony walked down from the wall at the same moment as the man at the door announced the presence of the Queen. In this, and this alone, did Raibert submit to royal authority. Surely Kane knew he was one step away from being dragged off that Flanders mare, he called a war horse. It was hard for them to be peacable, the Argyll. Queen Beathag Aberdeen: The Queen was led out in to the courtyard with a man in front of her, and two flanking. For a long while she merely looked at the one who put such a terror in the servants, saying aloud, "M'men do their biddin as is put tae them and as is custom. This is Eilean Donan, and the Laird Argyll reigns supreme as is custom's restoration. By what custom come ye tae this man's house, bringin’ terror in yer wake after sae much others have seen. If ye would speak tae me, sir, then by my order Ah COMMAND ye tae get yer foot from the man's neck, my guard will take him, hold him as ye talk as ye must have some great revelation." She walked right up to that brewding, hulking, demon of a man in black as she wore her own colors. The white she emitted was as beautiful and terrible as a raging dawn come on the day of battle. "Speak then and bring honor tae yer house, and no shame by offendin your kinsmens keepers as if they were their own." She stood there, waiting. Guards would come to collect his captive, broken prize to hold their before them as he spoke words. She was as tall as a man, had men at eye level, and if he were taller than her six feet she still had the advantage of proxmity which few women could claim. Aye, she even walked behind of him. Arms behind her back, waiting. Waiting with the impatience of a man in the body of a woman. Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: When the guards moved to take the man from beneath his foot he shook his head.. and waved them back. "He has confessions to make to the Queen , keep him here." he had belayed the order of the Queen but there was reason... as she circled him, he fought the need to roll his eyes, women… He had enough of them, and had faced worse than the Queen; he had been foolish enough to love the Lady Shyvonne. When she rounded him back eye to eye, he still had some three or four inches of height on her, and tilted his chin down slighlty to meet her gaze, as he held it for a moment. "I meant no disrespect to his Lordship... only that my accouting is for You and the King… and need not be distorted by mouths of many before reaching you ear." the man the guards had hefted from the ground was bound and gagged and had the evidence of a sever beating upon his face and torn clothing… it would be a man the Queen reconized.. the Barrister Ralph Sandford. "He was taking evidence to Lord Alexander, evidence that will exhonorate those who are on trial and place the rightful villians in the light of justice." Dark eyes landed on the man… rage filled him. "He was always in Alexander’s pocket and has been a party to this scheme to shame and lie to your Majesty, and bring about dissolution to your reign." allright it was a bit thick and leaning heavily toward the fact that Alexander was not only wishing to bring down the MacGregor and his son, Iain, but also make the Royals unstable in their sovereignty. Queen Beathag Aberdeen: She cast a weary eye over toward the covered man as hse spoke, "It is disrespect, but for yer motive Ah'll be excusin it. What evidence there be, there be. Distortion matters little if m'ear be among the listenin. If a man will confess tae crimes under yer foot ye may tell truth wherever truth need be told. Hidin' o' it is wot caused this terror tae begin with." The cloth then torn away to reveal one of the barristers. "Wot matter is this? Speak ye true, this need be as true as north is north.." She was, to say the least, shocked by the matter of presentation. Torture begat torture, torment, torment. When would the cycle end? A hand went to her heart as she considered the feeling he had given, he had given so many! Lord of Eilean Donan, Raibert Argyll: "Hold him, hold him tha' I may look on him!" Raibert's vigor had returned to him when the world was set right again. His gray hair was only made electric by the current of lightning seeming to charge over his very skin. Eyes, sharp, grayer than his head looked long on the Sandford barrister as he tried to draw a connection. So many years, so many of injustice that he had to kneel just so, taking the man's face forceful at the chin. "He...reminds me." he snarled. Lord Dublain MacDonald: "Wot be gaein on outside? Wot is this talk of a MacGregor Knight, n' the Queen.." Dublain had asked a servant for he was in the lower portions, not his room. There ewas talk, talk of Kane MacGregor, as death itself walking, dragging in a man who would be proof to all the wrongs. Was it wrong of him to wish to see? "Fetch m'brother," he commanded, for the MacDonald had finally arrived that noon-tide, possessed with news of their travels through Waternish. For his part, he went out of doors... and the moment his eyes connected with the Ralph Sanford. It was all the guard of Argyll had to do to hold a mountain lion down! Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "Ye will come in… tell me everythin… my Gods!" The man in black had not won her terror, yet it would be… strange, between the evident wrath Kane emitted only to be crushed by Dublain’s. The pain in his voice was eclipsed by the wrath at that man's very memory. That man would have hung him if he could, but aye, he was very intent to hang Chloestrain. Beathag gave a nod, "Have him held, Sir MacGregor, come with me, we are within! " She moved back to the door, swallowing her own fears. It was not the armor, it was man's rage that had assaulted her. Gently as she came, she touched Dublain's arm, "Do nay disrespect this house with violence, Laird MacDonald, instead come. Ye both seem to have... somewot… tae discuss, perhaps even tae compare." Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: The Knight turned to his war horse, the prancing high strung beast that was the size of two normal stallions.. pawwed nervously, barring it's teeth, toward the guards, a fierce beast and no flanders mare at all.. the reigns jingled as he tossed his noble head, a gentle hand depsite the gauntlet ran the length of it's neck soothing the best. "Calm yourself, Misto." into the saddle bag, he withdrew the letters that had been in code and he had decoded and give to the barrister to offer in evidence at the trial, and upon the MacDonald coming to the scene, the packet of letters were held in his hands, his eyes moving to the Older Man who held his rage; not as well as Kane did, yet Kane had let out some on it on the man’s person, as was evident by his wounds. When the Queen ordered him inside, he nodded following her, the clank of his armor, ominous as the guards drug the bound man inside as well. He walked with purpose behind her, such a picture of strength and rage, barely contained… his eyes met that of the Tanist Daughter as she rounded the corner to find the small entrourage on their way to private quarters, the only hint he saw her a brief raise of his dark brow in her direction. Before he passed her, what sort of devil had come to her home? Queen Beathag Aberdeen: The war horse would have to be comfortable with the Argyll handlers, though none wanted to touch the finicky, wicked looking thing. The feelings of man could become the feelings of animals without question. Pagan superstition still held high in the North Country on matters like that. Several servants crossed themselves even as the uttered old prayer in another mother tongue. Kane had his chance to visit vengence in the name of his Kinsmen, but Dublain was monitored as they walked so the Barrister wouldn't die before he had the chance to speak. Qynn settled them all in the receiving room, giving a deep curtsy before lowering her beautiful eyes. Too much terror, too much fear! Lord God, she could take no more. When the door was sealed she sat, waiting, ready to listen. Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: The Queen, Dublain, and the rest of the entrourage took their seats as Kane stood before her… he offered the packet of letters. "You will find them in code, and with each one, a decoded version, you may have your scholars go over it to your content, but I decoded them myself… within you will find correspondence over the span of years, between Alexander, Vargus MacGregor, and Carver McDonald... plotting the deaths of Chloestrain, Searc, Iain, and Portia MacGregor… the plan was simple… and still ongoing. Vargus would goad Carver into attack promising him the return of famly land. Searc, Chloe, and Robin would be casualties of that war, as would Portia; and when all was said and done, Vargus and Keliana Robertson would marry, sealing both Robertson and MacGregor lands and enterprises in the hands of the Roberstons… Portia was a barren wife and of no use to Vargus.. and Keliana had proved more than fruitful. They however did not count on Carver wanting more than his third share, nor the complications of Chloestrain taking up the sword…" he looked over at Dublain... "The letters that were offered that were supposedly of, and from, Dublain MacGregor... were in fact.. letters written by his nephew, Carver; That too is outlined in the plans…" Queen Beathag Aberdeen: The Queen listened in stoic silence as did the rest of the party involved: Dublain sat at her right, the chief Guard to her left. Lord Argyll remained to listen with permission as this was his realm, and the Queen felt it important that he begin to mend the fences between his former servitude and his proper due. Both men were silent, for Argyll's part, he listened to what had kept him the better part of a slave the last handful of years, while Dublain listened to fate being spelled out from the perspective of the living and the dead. If Carver were alive..he would have killed him. Lord Dublain MacDonald: "Sae then the forgeries were him, aye. Studied m'hand just sae, similar tae his father’s. Should've snapped his neck sooner than I drowned him." Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "Lord McDonald, please.." but she concured, sick of violence, at the same time, she wanted no more than to strangle with her own bare hands, the man they held in the corner. Oh, how Sanford shook. Beathag took all the letters, reviewing original and code, "Ye have done a marvelous thing, Kane. My praise. Were tha' it could have been done sae much sooner. I must await the King's arrival but will play prematurely n' sayin tha' this shall be done, by done." Indeed, she walked over from around them, to Ralph Sanford, "Confess. Tae more than wot is written, tae all. Yer life is in my hands. I could have m'sentence o' death carried out this very moment, any o' these men would gladly see tae it ye suffer." Barrister Ralph Sandford: The gag was removed from Sandford’s mouth and he coughed, and shook before her; still bound, his eyes shooting hateful looks at Kane… "I have been under the employ of Alexander Robertson and his daughter-in-law, the Lady Keliana.. for some years... I courriered some of the letters and devised the code for them to use between them… And when a barrister was needed for the Four, he made sure I was hired. I was to see to all their guilt, and if not all, then especially Iain and Chloestrain's.. even if I had to turn the others on them…" he fell to his knees grasping her hem and kissing it. "I was only doing what my Lord ordered… he was most insistent... and my life, and that o’my family, as it does now depended upon this." Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: Kane merely looked on at the worm of a man.. his jaw working furiously… "I would offer my sword if you deem it so Majesty." his voice was tightly controlled , monotone, but he wanted to feel the blade slice throught the cowards neck… Queen Beathag Aberdeen: Beathag pulled her hem out of his poisonous mouth, so hard that it snapped on the air. She walked around him, for a time bidding Kane to remain still. "Ye had the ability tae say no, as it polluted the law! Defiled it! N' wot designs hath your laird tae my reign, Barrister Sanford? Wot did he think tae dae once he combined powers o' MacGregor and Robertson, make war?" Now on this, her voice cracked with rage. Barrister Ralph Sandford: He shivered, not knowing how much to say... he settled on the truth of it, hang Alexander and Kelliana. "They were in alliance with someone else, though I know not who… planning to build a seat of power; they do not support the Griffin, or his lady… and think a more conservative Ruler would be best.. someone of the old ways." he looked up from his kneel to her… “I swear I know not the names of their consul." he crossed himself in hopes God would save him from this wrathful woman and the Devil that had drug him here. Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "Who would dare.." Nothing could save him from her - of all that she was sparing him from now? Nothing, oh nothing, could save him from the hands that grabbed at his color, pulled him to his feet, and crushed him against the wall with such quickness it would steal his breath. Oh what did? Her hand curled to a fist, sandwiching tight into his gut. Few managed to do what Sanford did. Neither the black armor, nor Dublain had did it. But he did. A man who should have upheld her law, a man who was supposed to bring balance and fairness, brought only war, treason, disdain. He would have brought her death, her children, her husband! "My husband came close..tae sufferin..from the likes o' ye… we left..fer tha vera reason!" The guard knew what he looked at, realized that the infamous but awe revering White Hound inside of the Queen had woken up after sleeping all of these years. Some said it only slept with one eye shut, the other always open."Sae help me..sae help me by yer God n' my own.." White Talon Knight: "Your majesty, your majesty hold.." The guard took hold of her arm, gently lowering it..what resistance he met. It would not help Sanford heal, being so tossed like a doll. Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "Get him..out o' my sight. NOW" Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: Kane stood solid and silent as she pummel the man; he deserved it, and if it came from the Queen so be it… he cared not, only that the maximun amount of pain be given to the maggot before he was exucuted… Stoic and hard, he did not so much flinch as she lost control of her emotions, so she knew the feeling of her family in danger too, their lives on the line because of the greed of men, like Alexander, Carver, Vargus, and those who backed them, in trying to bring down the Soverignty… Barrister Ralph Sandford: Sanford, however, begin to sobb begging her for mercy. "Mercy Lady Mercy…" he pleaded as he was drug from the room.. out of their sight.. Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: Kane’s jaw worked with barely controlled rage; beneath his armor, his muscles fairly jumped with the need to expend the excess energy… he was in fight mode… which boded no good at the local tavern. Where was Mark when he needed a punching bag... Mark had always been a good drinking buddy and practice dummy.. but these days.. it was Kane who had been bettered by Mark.. for Shyvonne's heart. Queen Beathag Aberdeen: He was a man scorned; his family in peril and a love that would never be realized as he couldn't change who he was to compete with Mark Collier. He couldn't even change who he was to compete with Searc's mandates and yet tonight, Kane was here, not Searc. Kane had won a great deal of the Queen's respect. Why, even now, she could doubt not his method. In his absence, she began to pace until she sat, fingers flexing. God forbid she see him again anytime soon, good forbid. "I thank you.." she said to the MacGregor, then realized… "These need tae be organized well among my Scholars, if the Lairds have wish tae look at them, they have m'leave to better understand. Ah want nay part of it this night, sae please, take those from m'sight tae." No, her face didn't blush at what had happened, a maiden's shame was a silly thing to wear. Yet she had no pride, either. She was almost, incredulous at what had happened. At what Sanford had invoked at her.. at what...to the depths....he had done. Sir Kane, Knight of the MacGregor: "Your Welcome Your Majesty I trust you will use such as I have provided for Justice for my Family and those accused and innocent, and to bring those who are guilty to the axema." his voice brought shivers to most in the room as he bowed stiffly, awaiting her to dismiss him, another moment of this constrainment would likely do him in… in one way, he felt that he had lifted the axe from his family's head.. vindicated them… and another he felt impotent… his rage undisplayed fully still burned in his belly.
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Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Sept 12, 2010 17:27:20 GMT -6
Alexander’s Hideaway Alexander hated that he coughed more and more as time progressed… and in the event he got excited or upset, the coughing fit drained his energy. And now, to make matters worse, the trip to the MacLeod Tables hideaway was taking its toll; for he had to look at Keliana, her brats, and Theodore Robertson all the way there. That weakling Theodore must be a lion in the bed, but as far as the clan goes, he was impotent… and now he saw Keliana cling to him… as if the bytch loved him. Alexander just grunted and looked away.
Keliana had agreed to go with Alexander, for fear of reprisal… and she knew all Alexander had done. Those two were tied to one another in some form or fashion… each having much damning evidence on the other…. neither regarded as expendable. And this she had asked of Lord Alexander, to have Theodore, and her two sons, accompany them to the hideaway… leaving poor Emily in Dun Darroch. Keliana loved the two sons, fathered by Theodore… but she despised Emily, as she was the by-product of Iain raping her in a drunken rage.
Alexander was rummaging thru the documents Keliana had packed… and in a fit of anger, he began to cough… a pink tinge revealed itself in the white material. Looking at her reaching for him, he pushed her hands away. “Ah bae fine… baet where bae the deeds tae Waternish…?”
Keliana explained that she put ensured all the deeds were in the satchel… “I put that whole stack on the table you mentioned in the satchel M’Lord… the others from the desk were given to Lord Standford as yu requested…”
Alexander cursed. “Did yae check the seals… the ones from King Robert are here… the ones we did with the stolen Mo’r Traith’s seal is nay here… Yae stupid bytch… that can connect us tae Qynn and her family, and Sanford knaews that…”
Keliana crinkled her nose as he called her bad names again… her hand going to Theodore’s arm and shaking her head. “I did as you ask… but I did not check the seals… I cannot do everything M’Lord… but I did go by the Sanford residence but he was not there…”
Alexander cursed again and again… “Stanford bae a weakling… a weak link in th’ chain… though Ah bae sure he shant talk, we cannae take the chance…”
Keliana covered her mouth… “M’Lord…yae would nae…” and she saw the expression uponthe old man’s face and the evil in his eyes. “M’Lord, his family need nae punished for his connection with us…”
Alexander nodded. “With Lord William, Carver, and Vargus dead… Portia missing… and that dubious trio, Iain, Chloe, and Dublain, still alive our plans are unraveling… We are losing our foothold on the Isles and Scotland… Mae benefactors shall be sae very disappointed…” he huffed. “That one bumbling coward Stanford, and th’ deed, could place us at the axeman’s mercy… If the death of one family means anything tae keep Sanford from talking, then sae bae it… without him, the Royals ‘ave nothing…”
Looking at Keliana… “Why could yae ‘ave nay just fooked mae son, an’ bore him male children… Nay, yae gotta bae jealous o’ the MacGregor bytch and fook that mistake of a male...” glancing to Theodore….
Keliana stayed Theo’s retaliation… and pretended to pout… “I loved Iain… but he was crazed with Chloe… I was so distressed…” he patted Theo’s arm… “And Theo was there when I needed support…”
Alexander laughed, and in doing so brought on another coughing fit… After he calmed down, he looked at Keliana… “Yae spread ya legs like all women, tae whomever can further her dowry. Ah bae sure he’s better in bed than he bae in anything else…” Laughing, he then looks at Theodore. “Ah may cough inta fits, boy… baet Ah could gut yae like a fish… so stay yer hand, lest yae prefer tae die… be joyous yae can bae with the slut and gain wot yae can from it…” he offered Theo a bedeviled smirk, causing the man to push back into the carriage seat.
Keliana looks at Theo and her hand grasps his. Looking back to Alexander… “Yaer wish is mae command M’Lord… as long as I, my sons, and Theo are taken care of, I shall continue to do thy bidding.” She knew she was in too deep… her head, as well as his, would be lopped off for what they have done… and she patted Theo’s hand.
Alexander laughed… “A fine bunch Ah bae involved in… shudda just kilt Iain and Qynn, and took back the Clan as Laird.” Wiping his mouth with material, he opens the small case, then sniffs some white powder into his nose and held his head back, closing his eyes. “Ah just hope my benefactors will understand the circumstances… they are embedded like a tick… and seek to dispose the King… one way or another…”
Alexander’s mind disconnected from his mouth… and he began to reflect upon the Argyll rising up in revolt. He just knew Raibert Argyll was behind the revolt. Who else would be stupid enough to start this whilst the King and Queen was visiting? Did the Argyll think the frail realm of the young King could help them? He had them under his thumb for more than two decades. And this King could help them in five years?
With his eyes closed, he just chuckled. Plans were going so well… but who expected the MacGregor bytch to live…much less wield a sword in battle as a commander. He shook his head. “With me in the north and Carver in the south, it was perfect…” he mumbled incoherently.
The Argyll had spent more than two decades under Robertson rule… Murder, torture, subversive actions had been intiated and completed, all against them… And for what…? Alexander Robertson found interests in Waternish… and his owning it would irked the MacLeod… plus it was golden for cattle and sheep raising… Everyone required meat, leather, and wool. And he had the resources to control it… only one thing in his way… His son, Iain, and Siol MacLeod… Without them, suppressing the Argyll was easy.
And now, the rebellion of years past, turned into a silent revolt with drawings to now with an all out invasion of Dun Darroch… The audacity of the Argyll. They did not belong here… they were Scot mainlanders… but if they were to stay, then stay as Robertson vassals. Alexander huffed. The white powder was beginning to take effect. “Fooking Argyll…” he said aloud. “William and Edward were right… I shudda bred them all out… or kill ‘em… They bae rollin' io'r their graves...” The other passengers with him just shook their heads.
Osdale Castle sits upon a knoll, just off the Osdale River, and is situated on sloping terrain with good drainage and sufficiently elevated yet not totally exposed to the elements at the top of higher ground across the river, making it hard to take Osdale by surprise. Forter is also equipped with the best defenses and, when put to the test, fairs extremely well. The Castle has been a stronghold of the Chiefs of Robertson since the Celtic Earls of Atholl. Ancestral alliances between Robertson and MacLeod continued ownership of the fortified castle, though unused by Robertson for more than 50 years.
It was Osdale Castle that Alexander Robertson would escape to after the revolt at Dun Darroch. Under the cover of night, Alexander, Keliana, Theodore and his two sons, along with four loyal servants would venture across macLeod land to Osdale castle.
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Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Sept 12, 2010 17:33:35 GMT -6
The Battle for Dun Darroch No cannon… no army… yet the battle for a small piece of property would mean so much to Skye. The clan wars had lingered long into Celtic history… greed and power fueled by decades of tribal culture.
Whatever their ancient origins, Celtic, Norse or Norman-French, the Scot and Skye clan system was well established. It was a distinct Gaelic tribal culture which, threatened the authority of the any Monarchs.
The clan system is part of a Gaelic tribal culture, completely separated by language, custom and geography. The word "clann" means family or children. The clans have lived off the land, more or less self-sufficiently, with cattle as their main wealth for as many years as any can remember. Stealing cattle was widespread, as were territorial disputes between clans, even to some, their way to survive. The clansmen did not own land, only the chief, sometimes directly from the crown, sometimes from other superior clan chiefs. The most powerful chiefs in some places kept expensive courts and retainers for prestige and had virtual autonomy over matters of law and order within their territory. Not all of a clan chieftain s preoccupations were war-like. An important member of the chief s retinue was the bard, who could both compose an epic poem, perhaps recalling a feat of heroism in battle, and recite lineage, which was part of his role as the recorder of the clan s story. The clan piper was another hereditary post, of whom the MacCrimmons, hereditary pipers to the MacLeods, and as the Aberdeen Harpers to the Lord of the Isles and Scot Kings, were the most famous.
However, with agricultural improvements spreading across the land and with road-building taking place which made communications easier, clans and their chiefs were brought more and more into contact with "modern" ways. Thus, even without the shock of, and sometimes violent reaction to the changes brought about by the new King of the Gaelic Nations, the old clan system was gradually being absorbed into a modern economic society. The power of the Clans, having brought them into conflict with the Crown, were finally broken.
Clan conflict often meant spilt blood… Gaelic blood. And the rise of a single monarch, over all the lands, who sought the nation;s stability, would cause the old clan ways to be swept aside. Cross-clan migration, the Gaelic Industrial Revolution, and the single monarchy, all changed the nature of clans and clan lands. The King and Queen sought ways to lessen the threat to the clans... often reinstituting the Clan Society to promote the history and comradeship of the clan. Though the clans of old have gone forever, the old traditional values of loyalty and companionship still have their place, within a family that now stretches right across the Gaelic World… to the far reaches of the Realm.
The name of Dun Darroch would be long remembered as the downfall of clan rule, rather than the revolt that made the name initially infamous. Here, the lies, subversion, and greed of power-seeking men would culminate in a small revolt of a down-trodden people, whilst the King and Queen of the Gaelic Nations, held trial of those Lairds charged (though falsely accused) as treasonous to the King.
Adam, the King, and men like, Jack Trades, Iain Robertson, the Queen’s brother, Caldean, and one remaining Talon guard would face more than 100 ill-trained, ill-equipped masked men, who were willing to die to make their plight known, until a larger contingent of Griffin soldiers could arrive from Turas Lan.
Those masked men were young men… of clan Argyll, who went against their oppressive Laird… Alexander Robertson, the Father of Lord Iain; …. men that would eventually surrender to the King and his brother-in-law… upon one condition… that, not in a trial of barristers, but in a summary court of those who would witness, confess as to what they had been subjected to over the past few generations… and who it was that subjected their generations to such degradation.
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Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Sept 12, 2010 17:35:36 GMT -6
The Battle for Dun Darroch II ((WE CAN STILL PUT BATTLES SCENES HERE… THIS CAN BE THE PLACE HOLDER FOR THOSE SCENES)))
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Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Sept 12, 2010 17:43:10 GMT -6
The Battle for Dun Darroch III ((WE CAN STILL PUT BATTLES SCENES HERE… THIS CAN BE THE PLACE HOLDER FOR THOSE SCENES)))
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