Path to Coronation {Open}

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

"We are the past, the present, and the future."

Coronation Eve

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Mo'r Triath Adam Aberdeen

The incident in the hall had frustrated him for days now... No man, nor country's Sovereign, would belittle him... nor put down his land. Skye was a nation all her own now... and The Gaelic Nations was an empire... Had Eamonn been right? Did power corrupt? The corridors were familiar with his bootfalls… those long strides carrying him thru them again and again in preponderance of the situation. Now back in the bedchambers, he saw his wife combing her hair again, as was her ritual before bed... Drawing nigh to her, his hands upon her shoulders, he leaned and kissed her neck. "Ah luv ya lass... wit all mae heart and soul..." Deja'veau... It was an unwritten law for him to greet her in the evening in the same manner. Sometimes, it would lead to frolicking in the bedchambers, other times, simple discussions about the children, or about the land they rule. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he watches her comb her beautiful golden hair. "Yae nae change lass... J'st get more beautiful than th' day Ah met yae... after birthing children tae..." But the look upon his face did not display the usual glow to discuss her appearance, nor the children. She could tell he had been affected by the thought of becoming King.


Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

The Mo'r Ouksela took a lesson from the incident in the audience room; be they well of intention or deceitful in practice, an idea drove people to foolish lengths to drive the point of it. Behind a silent mouth words yearned to be expressed, instead finding purchase in commandments that took her to the site of Jack Trades' construction in the pursuit of stone masons. Let those who think to fathom the labyrinth of Turas Lan seek out the castle once more, only to find they would become a dying secret amidst hundreds within the walls! Her mind eclipsed the thought of corruptive power to the necessity of its full embrace. Those whom did not enjoy familiarity abused the privilege of even mild allowance. Whom else, even known, would abuse the custom to exercise their means? "Always love tae m'husband n' lord. M'king within a day. Always m'king though, nay need a cornoation tae elect tha' right." The education of Aodhan, Davina's calming beauty, Murieall and Gabriel's antics or the passive grace of the young Amy. Other disources were the nature of parliament to the fullness which people did not believe they could fathom, but did. At others, it was merely to be. The comb stilled at the end of the long, waving tendrils of flaxen brilliance."Yer mind troubles you. Tha' silence is nay foreign tae me."

Mo'r Triath Adam Aberdeen

"Aye. m'mind bae troubled... troubled as ne'r a fore... We've coom a laeng way lass from a white hound and a landless knight... seeking shelter faer a lonely child..." he rubs her shoulders as he looks at her in the mirror. "There bae much ado in Europe... Spain and France nay settlin' tae the likes o'us... and the Desert burns wit more'n just sand baked by the sun... and we in th' middle o' it..." Then he sits upon the stool with her, opposite... looking at her face... "There bae trouble brewin' in the clans again tae... Tis it all worth it lass?" he shakes his head... "All Ah wanted was aplace tae make yae feel safe and have a white fence around yer garden..."and he placed his forehead upon the edge of the material on her shoulder.


Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

"Aye. Tha' is all any woman, royal or peasent seeks. Safety fer herself, her children, n' peace fer her beloved. There was a time when I had such a fear, o' this bein' tae much." She looked at their reflections in the mirror. Time passed, but the hand that touched their faces was tender and slight. It only served to brighten the eyes, sharpen the gaze, and accentuate features. What would time do to them now that the weight of a jeweled, golden crown would sit on each head? Servants of Kings now became the monarchs in a world that opened restriction for many to pass through the seive. "When I gave up the sword, n' wondered if I could truly be the woman tha' ye would need in such a place. If there was really a life..here in Scotland anymore. She soaked up sae much of m'blood, yet..if ye were tae have gone tae France, Spain, Germany, Italy..Ah would have left. It came tae me, little more each year n' the more we stand on this land..on our terms, nay our forefathers. Be it our memory's blight or intrigue, we were denied. Ye were denied yer true place, here all along. At best, Ah would have been a kindred in yer court or a servant, if ye did nay love meh as ye dae. But is it worth it? Oft we say..if only we were higher, we might change things. Now we are. N' Ah wonder how the likes of the Lots, of the house of Bruce, had fallen sae far tha' we are within our place n' ye still keep the name of shipbuilders n' harpists. Ye know, lad, Ah would've worn yer Ainglish name..n' with pride. But we wear a good one now, n' dae better than those tha' had it afore us." A hand rested on the back of his neck, before moving up through his hair. That hand spanned the length of his shoulder before mouth kissed the crown of his head. "Ah've seen more Kings n' Queens across Scotland than a little bit, n'yetAh feel as if we can..as if we must dae this. The shores o' Skye n' scotland are a fine fence, n' Edme's white flowers look fine 'cross the garden gate."

Mo'r Triath Adam Aberdeen

He smiled and pulled the hair forward from her shoulder to fall about her face... and he smiled brighter. "Nay more Kings n Queens across Skye 'n Scotland, baet one naew... and the Aberdeen shall reign for a hundred years, or laenger... coom hell or high water lass... Yae and Ah shall do well... and Aodhan after us... 'e shall 'ave the support we nay 'ad..." he kissed her cheek... if'n a name was import'nt, Ah would 'ave baet one, but Ah lived wit many..."[/i] he blinked his eyes and smiled. "AH bae happy wit the one Ah own naew..."[/i] Then he walked to the window of the bedchambers... down below there were signs of the upcoming coronation... coaches and carriages with varied guilds, family names, and country emblems upon the doors... stood in wait, lit up by lanterns... and all around the castle walls were the black and gold flag of the Griffin, now the symbol of Skye and the Gaelic Nations, the flutter in the Scot spring winds. His chest swelled with pride as his mind would see all just as if it were daylight and his eyes saw everything. Then he walked to the other window, and looked down upon Edme's white flowers that had started to bloom... sparkling in the flickering lanterns' wake.... and he smiled. Turning, he looked at his beloved Bess and smiled... [/color]


Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

Beathag smiled as she watched her long, flowing golden pride stream across her face come from her husband's hands. She turned up to look at him after he kissed her cheek, not letting him go far without following to the window. In the outside world, long lines of flowers were being bound up to be hung with the banners of prestige. The golden griffin reached out to touch the edge of a scimitar moon. Amidst the pomp, the circumstance, the scent of the Anstice flower meant that it was now truly spring. Rebirth would come for them in the form of the coronation. Gently, she guided him to her side until they could look upon Edme's bloom together. Within the castle slept a child who favored to every detail the years' gone princess. There was a young man with dark skin, children with fair hair, and others with dark countenance. Her brother and nephew served as silent centurions where Eamonn would always be the one whom spoke the loudest out of them, challenging and loving. Many were friends, many more as close as kin. "Ne'er has a king or queen lived sae blessed as us, tha' we might have the love o' our people not by force or mere dutytae dae sae, but genuine respect n' devotion. Tha' our family formed when none should have, n' we are parents blesse. Our nieces n' nephews grow sae fondly. Our friends flourish. Come wot may, Ahdam, wot Clan, wot..country. This is always forever, and this is wot ye are the King of. Come high summer we might gae tae Edinburgh ye n' aye. Or Iverness. Survey the reach o' the land we walked as servants tha' now falls tae our keeping. Sae blessed are we, good king. "


Mo'r Triath Adam Aberdeen

"Aye lass... Sae blessed are we, good Queen..." then he wrapped his arm about her waist... and they stood in fond memory of years past, and preponderance of years future... together... Then he escorted her to the bed, where they lay, formed plans, and family... and enjoyed the private time together as they always had...

[King Adam Aberdeen I]

The Day of the Coronation

Adam rose from the bed long before the sun rose across the eastern horizon. Butterflies in the stomach would wrestle sleep and win the waking of the king future. Outside the open window, the sound of multiples of flags popping in the breeze would edge him toward his day of crowning. Almost like yet another rebirth, his life now stepping again in a new direction. He looked to the sleeping Bess, and he smiled wondering how she could sleep. Soon he would become King; although reluctantly, and maybe even nationally altruistic.

Not only did was he being reborn, so was his country. Clans composed the largest kinship group in the Gaelic Nations... It is uncertain whether clans existed as extended families or as lineages. The 3 or 4 generations which made up an extended family could usually trace their descent from a common ancestor. Alternating, lineages only used the language of kinship to describe their social connections. The familial bonds of a clan assured members military protection. Land rights were delegated within this hereditary network. Residence in the clan guaranteed a family’s economic security. Any threat to these kinship ties posed a comprehensive threat to one’s well-being.

Often clans fought one another because of the claim of right to be king. But the rise of monarchy in Skye would gradually obscured clans’ identities. The national scope of the king’s rule would replace the familial and local network of the clan. The mutual protection and military activity which have previously bound families together as a clan would now be overseen by the monarch. Adam’s military enterprises as Lord Protector had spanned the territorial outlines of the whole nation. One step closer to the monarchy he had unconsciously trodden.

The formation of the Gaelic Nations had altered the terms of the clan’s self-governance. Kinship centralized duties were formerly carried out by the clan. As a result, the monarch presided in matters of national interest, as well as domestic concerns. A social drama now unfolds, where the King assumes the authority and judicial responsibilities once held by clans; the people from various clans now journey to the King for judicial decisions; those monarchical decisions often overruling clan law.

As the sun broke the horizon, Adam stood in the reflection of the mirror... he wore the black robes of the Griffin, the gold trim edging the entire rim of the material... Hung to the side was the white coronation apparel he would wear this evening... his sea-green eyes veering from the mirror reflection of black, to the hanging clothes of white, his mind varying in different directions; emotions fluttering around like a newly wed lad... Soon he would address the Parliament one last time as Lord Protector, the Griffin of Scotland and all Her lands... He swallowed and exited the bedchambers... thru the corridors, and out to the awaiting carriage.

Later.....

“Tis the object of my acceptance to be King, nay the special welfare of any particular class in our society, but ta the society as a whole; and if’n it uses persuasion or compulsion to unite all citizens... and make them share together the benefits which each individually can confer on the community, so be it... and know now, its purpose in fostering this attitude is not to leave everyone to please himself, but to make each man a link in the unity of the whole.” Adam would stand before Parliament on the morning of his coronation and proclaim his intentions as King. “But we the Gaelic peoples shall no more bow down to an English, French, nor Spanish King... nor any others ‘cept our own... and the Nations shall be ranked amongst the powerhouses of Europe...”

“Now... as I do... Every man must decide whether he will walk the path in the light of benevolence or the darkness of destructive selfishness... This my brothers and sisters is the dilemma all men must walk. And I, as your King, shall do my utmost to foster benevolence for the people of the Gaelic Nations...” Adam knew that when a person gains power over other persons, the political power to force other persons to do their bidding when they do not believe it right to do so. It seemed to him that an inevitable moral weakness develops in the person who exercises that power. Those persons who are corrupted by the process of ruling over their fellow men are not innately evil... They begin as honest men. Their motives for wanting to direct the actions of others may be purely patriotic and altruistic. Indeed, they may wish only "to do good for the people." But, apparently, the only way they can think of to do this "good" is to impose more restrictive laws.

Adam would become King of the Gaelic Nations in the Spring of 1333, the fourth year of the Griffin. It was a position he never wanted, and the reluctant ruler will take some time before he becomes comfortable with his royal duties. Follow now the King's transformation from the brash young man wishing a safehaven for his family to the stately regent of tomorrow. With the Queen by his side, the once-reluctant monarch will find the strength and conviction to pursue his dream of a kingdom ruled by Right, not Might.

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

From the Perspective of a Future Queen, As Her Soul Speaks


I saw him tha' is my husband stand before the Parliment n' tell them what his aims were as the King. Am I, too, obligated tae dae such a thing to explain to them what I will dae as a Queen that sits not upon a throne in silence, but rules equal beside the King? I sit within the Parliment itself, flanked by my guards, my women in arrayed in finery. Eyes turn to the lot of us to measure the King's words against our silent decorum. All things change with the words born of his mouth, and with this day.

Amidst the pagentry I know that war brews. The Isles of Lewis and Harris are rife with strain from the comming of Du Chere, a thing expressed to none but are necessary. To the immediate South , clans gather in an age old rite that will diminsh their number as brother has learned not to cease warring against brother, in any means. Ocean rock with the want for ship's advance; Spain will come forward to bring havoc that England will meet, first, on our behalf. It astounds me that amidst it all I have been the calm one. How have I of all people learned tae look at conflict with such a cold, affluent eye? Maybe it is because I have been the wife who waits for it to end, the warrior who fights, and the shipwoman whom benefits from it that I know all it entails.

While my weapons are now the knowledge n' m'head, the harp in m'hands, and m'ability to write as the Celts held in esteem they are weapons that are by no means dull. I have an ability to quiet the King's parliment with an eye and a harp's touch he says, much as he might with a wave of his hand. The steady timbre of my voice he also claims is better than a necessary grasp o' good English. These are but some of the tools that will fashion a Queen given equal footing with her husband. Many rule in their husband's absence, but not by his side in his presence. I will nay be the first Queen in a history who has led a battle or fought in one, but perhaps the only one who at time still hears the beast of it calling in her ears. I will nay be the only Queen who issues a decree, but perhaps the only of Scotland that has bled so much into the soil it fed the trees. I am as much the salt in the water as the water itself. Adam is the earth in as much as his flesh was poured out on it. We are Skye, we are Scotland, and England, and all else because we have walked upon it with those we might call as brother or sister.

No, I never dreamed such a day was e'er possible, nor sought its conception. My family had long served Kings only to fall from favor, and in my lifetime I have seen no less than four royals pass in and out of Scotland's turmoil. We are the only perhaps who have not been made royal because of royal blood even though our blood proved to be blue, but out of deed and the civil love of our people. Tae this day, I do nay ken why a Parlimentarian would have any love for me. Until recently I have said sae little to the Parliment since the revelation of my voice flaw tha' they at once thought I was only a charleton pretending at any equal say. No. I was only a woman who sought to give her husband respect by my retreat, but I had gone too far.

Countless times had Adam expressed his need of me not only in writ, but in word, and countless times I recanted because of flaw. Yet, it is our flaws that make us stronger. My English will never be perfect because I am not English. I am a Highlander. My brogue will be thick, and even if scars diminish my sound, it will not rob my potency. Men listen to a woman whom has saved their lives not in edict, but with her own two hands.

The colors of his array will for a short while match my own, yet he is best in black and gold. He says that I embody the light in the midst of his own shadows, so why would I not be the light of a nation? I believe many contribute to that light. I have seen many women become postrate to the idol of our causes to go so far as to be the slaves of Kings or at the whim of demons. They have laid, too, on the same fields of battle I have. As the most powerful woman among them it will be my duty to preserve their legacy, so that their sons and daughters know that the light of the house hearth is also the same that lights the nation alongside me.

After the Parliament

Beathag listened to the final words of Adam's words without being in her place among the other parliment members. She was taking the staircase down from that place so she could stand in the small side hall that would reveal her to Adam, and no one else. Emerald eyes shone like lamps in the shadow. She placed one hand along the painted edge of a wall, watching with great pride as he showed his worth to the people that believed in him enough to cast him among the stars. He was able to put himself there, but let his might lean against other hands.

His attention upon the crowd as he made his speech’s final phrases, was then ofted as he saw his beloved wife. He gave her a wink and a smile… his hand going to his stomach… a sure sign of the butterflies… She had always been there… his reason… his motivation… his guide… Maybe surely t’would be better had she been Queen and he, her Lord… Thoughts such as these often fluttered across the vast open area of his mind.

Men came to him, offering hand and fealty… and he lost sight of Beathag… but in his heart, he knew she was there… she was always there… even in her periods of death’s revival years ago….

As the men moved on to more refined discussions of the future once Adam was king, the focus of their discussions slipped away from the crowds… Into the small side hall, he would find his Lady…waiting for his arrival… and he smiled… the sea-green eyes sparkling like diamonds upon a sea. “Tis dun lass… Ah ‘ave managed tae take us further into the quadmire of politics… but one thing was never forgotten…” then he smirked and pulled her to him… the kiss started only as a peck… then one for the lips… and then a full-fledged kiss that would rival the kiss between Paris and Helen of Troy… “Ah luv ya lass… always ‘ave…always will…”

He saw her in the same way he had seen her spectre once; a moment's flicker went solid into an ambient presence, or was it the quality of the light on her hair? It could be the tone of her eyes, bewitching him. She was called Changeling by the old Chamberlain until his lips could form no more tone to do it. Beathag didn't place much stock in fairy stories at her age, but didn't they live one? She smiled enough to look like the product of a man's dream when he realized that the demon was slain and he kept the woman from the tower as his own.

Adam's nervous smile made her lips part in one slightly hidden by the steeple formation the fingers made. Turning it to a grin, she watched with approving expression the fealty shown to his hand. How many times had she kissed that hand, and he hers? The men in the hall did what they had spent countless years doing since their childhoods. Time pulled back, to when Blue Castle was still incomplete and all that lay whole were the gardens. She would run, and he would chase her. They would take their secret games through secret places. To the heights of the MacRauri dream to the pinacle of those that came from Aberdeenshire to take their name - two more links in an ongoing chain. This was why a man's word could not cease the inevitable completion of one chapter so the next could begin. This was why a fight failed and she surrendered to his embrace as if she should have burned steady-sure in his arms years before that point.

In the back of his mind, she already had. Maybe surely t’would be better had she been Queen and he, her Lord…

Queens were constructed of Highland life by the roaring sea, of axe steel, harp string, and memories scattered across the years to be collected. If she had stood on this land before him it would have lacked. If he were here without her over long, it too would have lacked. She didn't rue the side of him that was Aosta, or relentless fog cat-creeping over the River Thames or along the Channel. She could remember things no one knew to this day that she thought were not so bad when England itself was abysmal. As she escaped she pondered standing stones in tribute with no one to worship or the constant heavy secret of the English woods.

At last the final homage was paid before he came in to the same space to share it. "Ye make an eased game o' a quagmire, husband. We've always played games well. Ye owe me a good gae round after m'attempts tae lure ye tae playin' bone dice. Politics tis a fair trade.."

There was little else to say in the next moment because her mouth was too busy molding to his to make words, and the mind was moving with fluid ease through sensation with no text. Three kisses, and by the second she had already ceased to chuckle as the first had made her often do. Troy was the place that held them bound instead of apart, and she was happy to reside near the Agean Sea with the one whom played Paris. Finally, when she could speak again she said, with her head to his, "Always, lad. Always."

On desperate seas long wont to roam,
Thy hyacinth hair, thy classic face,
Thy Naiad airs have brought me home
To the glory that was Greece
And the grandeur that was Rome.

To Helen - Edgar Allen Poe

The memories of old flooded back to a first kiss… the innocence of youth as an Adam Maubrey, grandson of Lord Alan MacRaruri, leaned to the golden haired lass, his tender virgined lips touched those of the Harper’s daughter. In the background, the birds chirped to one another as they found their captivity inside the Castle MacRauri… oh that innocence of many many years ago, long before their current path was even dreamed of. The seagreen eyes of the lad closed, as he mimicked others in the Castle when they kissed. The lass’s lips touched his and a sensation he never felt before flooded his mind and body. He was charmed by goddess and their fate was sealed by the Gods…

Adam opened his eyes, only to see the woman he married, an older version of the golden haired lass of past… He smiled at the thoughts of history. She’d never know the scene, or would she? Aye, they were linked by conduits unklnown… Distance and death could not separate them… Fate for them was sealed long before birth… and even now, in their rebirth as becoming King and Queen, they held childish ways dear…ways only to grow into adult seduction.

His eyes only looked at her in bewonderment… and eventually he smiled. “Our fate is sealed lass… now only the crowning remains.”

A first kiss in innocence was a first kiss that had been shrouded by the shadow-scars of a mind whose only fault was not being able to recount every instance in life unto a certain point of being an adult, but now she was given the feel of him as her reminder. An innocent lad sought to see what it was like, and the young girl of his fancy was emboldened by the idea. They had leaned in, giggling, before the silence took hold for a few instances. Beathag had never known Adam to be bold. There were many things and adventures that she pulled his arm to join, but it was in this that he was a far superior leader. She never would have done such a thing, kissing a lad.

How happy was she that she had. No matter what had come in to their lives it would seem it only brought them one step closer to this kiss, this moment. Charmed by Fate itself, the Aberdeens were laced with the MacRauri for always. She belonged to him, as he did her. Neither of them was owned by this Parliament or even the earth they ruled. It was all a choice. No matter where they would have lived, they would have simply belonged.

She captured his face with her hand, caressing it as she listened to him speak of sealing, "Nay. It was sealed when long ago Ah learned tae love ye, Adam. Tis a crown upon a head tha' long lasted as brand on our soul already, tis only comin' outward for others tae see. Life did not rear ye as constant prince for all the miles ye tred, nor me as a constant princess. Nay. We were ne'er tha' way. Wot matters the most now is tha' it is only one more thing, tha' crown, like all the o'er signs." The Griffin had become the symbol of a Scottish island that became a nation unto itself, but first it was held in the hands of a young boy who had never known a father as he had known one in Adam. It was the thing that became the sign of their little family, a heraldic emblem now known throughout the world. The crown was yet another circle as one had been made over their hands in handfast, slid upon their fingers in rings. One more circle, one more link in the chain.

"We are for'e'er, Adam, tha' is all tha' ye told them. Tha' our bond was writ by Fate much like Lara's was tae Alan's. We are writ deep, and love deep. We love enough tae sit in the place where it begins, and tha' is all tha' matters."

"Ye tell them tha' tha' this is our history, and we lived, sae it all matters."

Adam smiled at her declaration of love, and he pushed his head against her hand when she touched him. “Aye, tis bae our history… but history shall be written about us… Ah pray t’will be good…” he looks away and back to her. “Ah cannae get wot Eamonn said… “Power corrupts… outta mae head…” but the look upon her face cut off the second phrase, and he refrained from quoting it, but simply shrugging instead.

"Eamonn has seen men used like pieces in a game with wars n' such, Ah think it'll always be a concern, a fear, tha' one day he will need gae where he does nay wish tae be or see another gae against their will. The truth is we have much tae uphold n' they dae it… but Ah dun believe ye will be corrupted…" Or had he already been? To Beathag, that answer was no. All of the promise in his charismatic ideas was backed by equal force. The Gaelic Nations was sustained on his ability to keep them safe in as much as their own distinct identity. She craddled the face in her hand, gladly, while capturing his other hand to be held.

Nodding, he listened intently. Adam settled his face in her hands. She was so strong… confident. It was hard to believe she was ever weak… ever saddened… ever scared… and he drew that strength from her, just as he always had.

A lad, approximately 11 or 12, stood by the door… He wasn’t the first to witness them in such intimacy… but it was his first time… and he smiled. Knowing he had a duty, he cleared his throat… “MiLord… MiLady, the Parliament is breaking up now… soon, yae must get ready for the procession…” Adam smiled at Aaron, the new page assigned to him by the Chamberlain.

Young Aaron found his lieges in a tender scene that would, no doubt, influence him for the rest of his life. Their love wasn't relegated to private scenes but in the open for all to witness. Their love was a real, viable entity that allowed them to in turn love their people. "Aye, Aaron, thank ye lad. We shall be along," she told him, the smile she gave him always constant now. "Tell them tae expect us shortly, Ah need tae speak with Our Lord more." It was time. Stolen time, but what they needed nonetheless. "It may nay seems sae Adam, but fright holds me better rigid than any corset. Aislin n' Eamonn once told me tha' things would change n' it was silly tae think Ah could gae around as I dae, among the people. Tha' fear fuels a desire tae ne'er lose tha'. Ah dae nay gae among as many on as many days because seein untae the future of our children n' tae the matters of audience leaves nay woman such as m'self with ample time, n' Ah'm determined tae use our equal rule tae dae right untae all. I e'en feel tha' without feelin the people we may rule the people. Ah wish nay tae be a cold, distant queen sittin' in a castle only."

His attention was stoplen only for a second or two… then he turned his attention back to his beautiful wife… the stalwart mother of his children. “Fright? Yae? I find th’t hard tae see… yer always sae strong… Ah dun wanna become captive in aor own castle… sae despite wha’ the generals advise, we shall always be wit the’ people… Ah say, after the coronation, we dae wot we always planned… tour the country we now own… or at least responsible for in totale… Mabbe ev’n visit other countries and see wot they really ‘ave tae say ‘bout us…” then he timidly smiled, hoping that would at least become a fealty of his to her…

"Aye, fright. A great amount o' it, enough tae make m'dreams rough n' sleep e'en harder though ye dun see it." She could not help but to keep leaning in close to him. The rock of every age to her, the dawn of every day. Evening's close too came from him so without him there would be no center of the universe. It was idolistic to say, but she was heathen. Another thing to worship would make her altar no less full. "Ah dun nay want tae become captive tae..tis m'worst fear, n' always has been since ah began tae settle a'back intae Griffin halls." He spoke of taking a tour, and at this she smiled, excited, "Oh Ahdam, truly?"

And when the lady of his heart and mother of his children leaned in, his arms automatically embraced her. “Aye lass… Ah offer mae truth to yae… we must nae become captives…and we sh’ll break free and see our new lands… this Ah promise yae…” then he kissed her cheek, whispering in her ear. “Besides, who sh’ll deny their King his proclamation?”

"My fears become nay real, nor shall yers. Ye shall be as fine a king as ye are both 'usband n' father. N' best friend, for long 'ave ye been mine." Beathag laughed as the bonds shrung that much farther away from her body. They were unseen, true, but no less real. They were the things that held her captive to the station's expectations instead of her own unique definition. She giggled like a young girl as he whispered into her ear, "Aye, none shall deny the King." Turning her face about, she kissed his mouth, long and warm. Did he sigh, did he groan?

Neither did he sigh, nor groan, but moaned a pleasing overature as the two delved into a kiss… often when they kissed, it was one for the history books. His strong arms enveloping her as he pulled her close.

Meanwhile, oblivious to his arrival again, Young Aaron stood in the doorway… and stood in awe once more. This time, he said nothing, his only action was to smile and close the door. He informed the guard outside not to interrupt the royal pair as they finalized their preparation for the coronation. The next thing he did was to inform the Chamberlain that the couple were finishing their preparation and they would be a bit longer.

Did stress induce sexual tendencies or was it the two lovers meant so much to one another, as to blantantly disregard any and all?? Adam lifted his wife into his arms, their eyes locking onto one another until only a glance for location was offered. Laying her upon the bed, he smiled as his hands began to explore… gowns were shifted, and trousers loosened once again… this time, not to be removed or repositioned, but to allow freedom of one making love to another. The blissful touches, caresses, kisses, and movements of lovemaking dominated their senses as they delved into the moment. As he entered her, he smiled at the facial expression she offered before him.

It was a testament to time that love that was real grew with the people that claimed to know it. His signs of pleasure were evident; his soft moan drew out her own again. A soft sigh turned to be swallowed by his mouth. One for history books. They were history, and every moment, even this would be observed by someone that cared to recall it. Young Aaron was privy to his master's strength and his lady's desires. It had been her fault, kissing him so. But he found no fault in it. They were emblem for what was fortunate in this country - the possibility that you could spend your days with someone who was meant for you instead of someone who was fated purely for social or monetary gain. Someone could cherish who you were, instead of what you were.

The way that Beathag and Adam acted was testament to how they'd always been. It had been a look and a few words that sent them into one another's arms those years ago in Inverness, seeking comforts and tying hearts together that fought the transaction. This was simply natural, laughing as he took her into his arms, sighing as each kiss grew deeper and deeper until the moment the movement of their bodies eclipsed all else.

Love? Just what was love? The pair could answer that, if not in words then actions. To each person, love meant something special, unique to themselves… Any difficult for someone to express contained the usual complexity of emotions that drew one to another, adding to it, the difficulty to define such a small word. But Adam knew three words that never fulfilled the way he felt toward Bess. Regardless of the language he would use, it always fell short of the true meaning. So, to compensate, he would find other ways to demonstrate the word love… Walks in the garden… the apology for long nights in the library or at the desk… a tender touch in public… or the amourous affections he would lavish upon her in private… A course hand with rough fingers, now healing from the lack of manual labor, caressed her face, followed by a whisper… “Cras amet qui nunquam amavit; quique amavit, cras amet…” [May he love tomorrow who has never loved before; And may he who has loved, love tomorrow as well] he would utter the Latin as if it was his native language…

The physical, as well, as the mental, capacity to demonstrate feelings and actions that would define love, set forth a new nation. From the days of Inverness, to the kneeling at the alter of the coronation, the pair had remained unyielding in their vows to one another… and now the yearnings of a safehaven for his beloved fueled a new realm… a simple landless knight would soon wear the crown of a united kingdom. As he lay sated, beside the woman he loved, the knock upon the door reminded them that a future lie ahead… and soon new vows would be spoken… vows to love and care for a united peoples…

Young Aaron stood at the door, his knuckles rapping against the heavy wooden door of their bedchambers… “M’Lord…M’Lady… Ah urge yae tae coom forth and be crowned… all awaits yae presence…” The man who would be King smiled at his wife, his fingers lining the edges of her jaw. “Tis time M’Love… are yae ready?”

"We come anon, young Aaron. Anon." Beathag grinned, turning over as she captured the hands touching her face. The fingers were brought to her lips so she could bestow them more kisses. Beyond the door was a time larger than their marriage, for in a way they would wed themselves, and all of the lineage, to the united people. She was slow to press herself up to her elbows, then use them to get herself to full sitting. Fingers combed through mussed tresses as she smiled down to the man a there side. "Aye, love. Ah be ready fer all tha' awaits us."

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

A piece of time in the day before..

Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

On the eve of the day that would change all things, there was the time in the day before it. A sun hung unwilling to go from the sky over Turas Lan. Carriages pushed through streets crowded with people to deliver all manner of objects to Blue Castle, the Cathedral, or to beautify the streets for the pagentry of a King and Queen. Not from the hallowed halls of Griffin Castle, but a quiet place on the walls did Beathag watch as the garlands of white Anstice flowers joined those of roses, wild bloom, lily, and evergreens. Herald's Row paled in comparison to the coats of arms littering every available crag. These were the standards of the Kings to which now the Aberdeen would join. "Queen." The world was not without its meaning, for it placed her not on one, but many thrones. She fought for Scotland, so ruled it. She warred against England, now ruled it. She believed in all else and for it protected Walesand Ireland, though each would be governed as it saw fit. The nick on her neck delivered by Maubrey's man Gerard agitated on this day. Unlike the other scars, the pale pink line was still fresh enough to cause confusion amidst the other entities. She realized that by the time of the Beltane fires, and by her fortieth birthday...it would be done. Doors were being opened, steps swept. Great lights at all hours of the day kept constant burning vigils. Finally God gave a little and let the sun slip, so that it cast an odd pieced halo around a head in no need of further gold. (d)

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem

It call with the dawn of a new era, lives changing across the lands--this level of security. Maahes and his men were often kept out of the castle, working outside to fall back within the circle that held the nations lead. His faith came in the Order, the select few who worked inwardly quietly under the table of his war room. However, for such an event there was a shift over the soldiers, and a great threat that came with the excitement of others. There was so much more behind that build here as talk of assassination whispered outside the shell of his ear. Though there was no face to such names, he feared it greatly, and once the Beast stepped inside the celebrated castle with the small team flanking his stride. In the honored colors, Maahes kept with the black on black, with the gold griffin there across the chest of his leathers. His hair was held back and the inner workings of tomorrows celebration already started by the careful hands of the women who so carefully looked after him, while his wife was in her madness. It was a tragic tale, what the House of Lion, went through silently, but here would never be the place to let his stress show. From the passing years, though his accent still thick, English was baited perfectly against his lips. "I do not like the way that window can open. Seal it." A high loft for maintenance to thechandelier no doubt. "Post a man there, an alarm if he should fall." It was second nature, this death that came with the threat of that of which he loved, and Maahes loved this family very dearly. (d

Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

The walls of the castle were littered with those whom despite respect for the silence, followed many orders. The Lord General's insistance was echoed in the Guardian's constant care of whom was near the royal court in line with the Order's ticking mechanisms. From Lewis and Harris, the Weaponmaster's whim still moved those in Gold, and so all shades of Griffin moved with one objective: living in a time of flux. In a jest that baffled the men whom followed her Beathag announced she feared not the act of assasination, but only the one who might eventually succeed. Lore told of a family in power that couldn't be killed by means known to any God-fearing individual. What falacy! Aberdeenian hide was thicker than the status quo. One end she would not allow to be shaven was anything in regards to the children, whom had not liven as long nor as hard as Adam or his wife. "The General is within, your grace." "He'll know where tae look Brom, he always does. " A hand reached up so at least she would come down from the walls precarious higher step. Accepting Caldean's hand, she remained then on his arm until any would call for her. "Ah have seen Turas Lan under many lights since Ah was a girl, but ne'er under such as this." (d)

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem

Lore spoke of many things, but it was the banners of those lost reminded him of those that could never be forgotten. His mind went back to those some 5 years past of when a fallen child of the royal family was to break the hearts of thousands, and as the son warmed the stones of the cold floor--Maahes felt her there. No promises were ever broken, and even in his failing marriage it would only be death that would part them. "Tomorrow you wear you dress colors, soldier." He barked at one of the guards posted sill, looking rather ragged in his appearance, and the thought could pull his roots from the soil. "All of you." Lord he hated these things, but over the years had mastered the concept of standing there in silence. Yet..nerves didn't pull the breath from his chest, but a soon-to-be Queen on the stairs. Closing the distance between them, it was symbolic how he climbed the stairs to her having always been the weight of the Isle when she could not walk any more--the devoted carried them the rest of the way. "You are ready for this?" He asked Bess, with a half..strange smile to the rest, nerves shown very clearly. (d

Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

Each member of the court the future Queen knew in a way that rivaled how another in power might have any intimate knowledge of a being. It was enough to suggest that Aodhan had been the man's true son, or that the years had seen them in passionate embrace as much as the Mo'r Triath had with any one of his many favorites. To her it had always been a source of amused ignorance on the part of storytellers: This was the man who promised her safety in Sleat if she but led him there, who held her on learning her world would be devoid of Edme Anstice. She held him entranced with her ability to play a simple instrument, and fathom the mysteries of the universe in a simple, earthy logic.What love she had for him was pure, uncomplicated. He was at once her friend, and one of her many brothers-in-arms, and brothers at heart. "There shan't be a soul without dress colors on the morrow. The Griffin's black n' gold shall be held in loft with the white n' gold of his women," she had for five years lived as the White Lady of the West, and the color remained that of every royal female." The Gryphon of Skye is now tha' of Scotland, England, Wales, n' Ireland. As Adam said we sought tae make a modest home beside the sea n' now our hearth is thrice as large. Ah'm as ready, General, as e'er Ah will be. Ye know m'stepfather once told me tha' he believed Ah'd be Queen, when I found him alive hence in Aberdeen n' Ah told him he was crazed. Ah told Ahdam he was crazed, n' the Bruce, n' e'en the Pope when they fashioned him the M'or Triath but out o' him and I..it is m'self most ready Ah think fer wot was : ne'er meant tae be. Your face reminds me o' his though, willin yet worried. Are ye tryin' tae hard tae keep us alive? Have ease, sweet friend. Ye will be beside me for many more years, e'en though I advance upon yours by many." (d)

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem

He stood at her side then, massive arms coming to fold over his chest like the big brother that always stood watching. "That is easier said, Beathag. You should know this." Somewhere he knew she must, for it never changed be it one of the children's birthdays or a ceremony of crowns--he worried. They had been at peace for too long, that the silence in the front of wars and conflict was eerie, the sounds of ghosts in the darkness could have nothing on the threats to the nation. Thankful to shed her of her current title and back with a name that suited her most. "Forgive me." His deep voice rumbled like distant thunder though quiet enough it held no tone of threat, "I'll rest after you and the Lord wear those crowns.and I am back home in my bed." She would know it the truth. "I've heard many rumors of what is going on around, and listen to the heated conflict spark in the trade routes. These ships coming and going so easily makes me worry." Something no doubt he'd go the Admiral about soon enough, ever since Jack's retirement he had fallen away from the business of the sea, or at least enough that it worried him so. "Not the place now to speak of such things, but I've a simple mind." The dark skinned man spoke quietly, before looking over at his Queen, a name he'd always called her. "I'll be happy when this is over." Truth, as a simple man with a complex disorder for justice could not rival with politics. Power was switching hands beneath their feet in the Underdark, and that hole in the night seemed to be too quiet for far too long. "But this is long overdue." (d

Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

"Tis nay e'eryday a papacy approved Duke becomes a king's heir becomes a king, nor his servitor wife a Queen. Tis nay e'erday tha' will see such good people poised amidst the courts of Europe. Where we gae, we take ye in some ways. Though ye can nay gae with us e'erywhere. Tis nay e'eryday tha' the heir of the King is a black fleshed Highlander with Nubian blood. d Many things are nay o' the ordinary tha' take away your sleep. Fer tha' Ah'm quite near tae sorry. But ye are right. It is long o'erdue." To the man's crossed arms she applied two open palms to touch the expanse of his biceps. Eyes opened wider to coax even a meager expansion of smile from him as well as express their understanding. "There is nothin' tae forgive Maahes. Ye must make of yer resources. Kendrew moves the Order as a whole, n' the Gold heed him well in dimitri's absence as dae the Ebony, n' they all would heed you. The Master is here tae, if ye worry o'er the crevices ye can nay reach. In truth Ah worry fer ye all. The times are nay peaceful despite what is presented now. Merely a great work tae keep the walls iron sae it does nay harm us. The threat lays in Lewis n' Harris, claimin tae separate under a DuChere, Sleat is rife with MacGregors, MacDonalds, Robertsons n' Argylls ready tae defy the Mo'r Triath's rulin n' kill one another.N' on those waters lays a Spain waitin tae dae battle with us, a desert where blood is bein spilled, n' an England tha' fights tae hold the fore. " Hands clasped his arms before one moved against his back. She walked slightly past him as she looked at the other side of the realm, on the cusps of mountains moving out to the sea. "Ah'd be a fool iffn Ah believed in absolute peace right now. Lived tae long n' seen tae much tae know wot a fairytale it really is. Tis a fight, from without and within, this gives us one more steppin stone tae stand on. Many will deal with a King where they wouldn't with a Duke, n' one whom holds many islands in his hands, n' things desired, and is a King. Then Ah know tha' a Queen, on equal footin' with her husband, is a rarity tha' is as coveted as it is admonished. Ah'm attractin a great deal o' attention by merely bein', such as tha' Ahdam does nay know it yet for Ah won't worry him further. Some think tae kill Adam, ye must kill me.

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem

There was a time that even the great mountains could not rival his stature, nor the dead of winter his silence. He listened with the rest of the world shutting away, slowly all the chatter about the room came to a halt. Like the sands on the shore he found himself pulled into her tide, pulled in the wake of her careful steps. In thoughts alone, he knew her to walk softly dancing from one subject to another as any great leader. Perhaps if they could only see this woman he knew, their minds would change. It chilled him, how a single change of view could find the subject upon a greater aspect to the world. No longer the city, but now the rest of the world--open seas, and endless horizons held many new ideas. He came to stand just off her shoulder assuming the stance of a blood trained soldier, "In a perfect world they will come one at a time, but if anything this land is used to finding way through the flaws." He knew they would all come at once, could feel it in his bones like his Queen could feel the rain in tension against the base of her skull. "Clans are no different then Egyptian tribes. We should take them out now. Let them come and try to tear us apart on the inside, this war was not won by clans." Though even he had to admit his best soldiers were those bread from the highlands. "They are weak now, but when strong? Would it not be wise to have the titles removed? It is treason to talk like that." He didn't want to think of a world without Bess, and was thankful he knew his death would come first. He could not watch the White Lady wilt. "Your husband would survive." His mind going back in through to the conversation he and Adam had upon the wall, and the sight of his father's head upon the pike."I fear the man he would become, but he would not die. It is not in him to be so weak." Chills chased his arms, the warmth of a hundred desert suns embedded in that skin; it was rarely cold. "I fear the man I become." Broken english spoken in a quiet tone, as he shook the thoughts from his mind. "What would you have me do? Beyond spies and talons, there must be something more." (d

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Lamont

Rosalind's slow and stately pace was not unknown along the walls, but it had been many years since she took solace here, more a spectre roaming a drafty structure than a noblewoman unwilling to face the monster in her bed. Tonight, she sought peace along the walls, the damp wind off the ocean, not because of any ghost challenging the sanctuary of the Lamont quarters, but because of a run of restlessness. She had come for the Lamonts, and stayed for the children, who wished quite rightly to interact with more their own ages, and Aldric thrived -- terrorizing maids with a wooden sword and dueling with other lads his age while Polly watched the dancers in her mother's lessons with a sort of raptness reserved for statues. Who was she to deny them? She couldn't, when she was having a fine time gossiping with her own peers, and learning the state of the realm in a way she'd missed in the quiet of the chateau. She heard them speaking long before she arrived as a trick of the wind, and after clearing her throat and greeting both with the respect they deserved, sighed a bit. "I hate to contradict the Lord General, but I know these clans. To take out their leaders will not enforce cohesion nor loyalty to the pending Crown. My own people were in such a state after both of my husbands' untimely deaths, it would be a shame to see the isle erupt in such violence and confusion. Is their one of their own worth entering into negotiations with? A suppressed enemy seeks only to overthrow enforced authority; it must be one of their own." *

Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

"Scotland is built on the backs o' its people, n' its clans large n' small are all people. Tae see through them is one thing tae eradicate our strength is another. The entirity of e'ery institution would fall tae shambles if the wrong man were killed fer the wrong reason..." The woman the likes of the General or the Lady Inveryne was privy to was a woman many didn't believe could live after seeing the way she had arrived. Beathag's heart was as bold as any clansmen, as loyal as any of their wives, and as constant as any memory of it through an age. They were families, much like the ones here that entertained Aldric or Polly, that brought Aodhan out to play with all the lads youngor small, that saw Davina sit beside Polly during the lessons that promised to make others great ladies. Each had traceable blood, and while Scotland was the greater of them, the clan was no lesser. She turned to see Rosalind there, "Ye grace the household far tae less, they shall turn tae heathens without yer care. Liliana is agone with child n' Jelenah is gone with her husband. All tha' are left are ye n' m'Heather, and Heather is oft taxed." It was a jest, given the elegance of the court couldn't disguise the fact that it was socially acceptable to be anything but Christian. At least she kept to Christian practices in certain civil things for continuity sake, or the world would be lost. "Worry nay Rosalind, we are nay in the business of removing clan chieftains unless they are treasonists, tae which none practice after seeing wot become of the MacDonalds of Sleat. They are confined tae one town n' have nothin, the chieftain n' his son were both killed n' the clan split between wot lays n' sleat n' the loyalists just there on Raasay Sound, whom enjoy neither the comfort of their whole family nor true acceptance. Still, it is a balance o' the two things. Such conflict is not favorable tae the Crown for it shows disention. How are we tae rule much if we can nay e'en rule a little portion? N' yet there will always be squabble, n' worse would come if they do nay heed the King. The Robertsons will summarily crush the Argylls, the MacGregors will meet a match in the Robertsons, they may succeed but the rest of the MacDonalds pull from their sept houses still loyal. The Northern Ones will gain more sway n' the Southern Ones may dae enough tae make MacGregor worry for future things, yet all o' tha' will matter precious little if England proves nay a hard enough buffer against the Spanish. Threat o' trade losses n' ruin are oft enough tae make most hold their swords. At least for a time. It is a harmony ye come tae live with maahes if ye are Scottish or have been here long enough, as Lady Inveryne has. Negotiations are pointless. Soon enough ye'll see them at the door, as always. Who will stop Spanish ships n' Infidel ships they will ask. So nay, we shall gae about taemorrow intae our own portions o' history, n' face wot is without as within will take upon itself. Even if they disobey..Maahes. They shan't gae very far. Those wot are nay taken tae reprimand will truthfully be dead. We could use less idiots. The ones tha' remain can join the Griffin Army at England or Harris n' out o' yer hair fer a time. Pray tae wot e'er God ye believe in tha' we make miracles. We hold, tha' means all the lands. As it is, from wot we've read, we are fortunate tha' any of our English supporters live at all. Some have nay been sae lucky." (d)

General Maahes Asad Aziem

Always when the Lady Lamont came forth his lips pulled together in a tight seal, falling away from the conversation if only to let it be heard what Rosalind said. So few thought him able to understand the world of politics, and for reasons like this he would never claim to understand. However, her timing was flawless. So much came at him, information bound with what he feared. He was not a complex man, nor did the inner workings of clans strike on any sort of familiarity. However, he did not believe in chance. "Bess, I've never been a negotiator. I see it easy. We go in. Kill them. Hang them by their toes. Cut their tongues out." For sake of his own sanity he was thankful he didn't know their faces. The question of the ships came forward drawing lines between his thoughts before. "We need to turn our eye on the Navy. I dare not call it weak, but is indeed without a Lord Admiral I fear the ships will go wild without the pull of power. It is a deep fear of mine, this sailing, but I worry for it. Can we not pull Jack back? Offer him more money to come from retirement...he would not leave his new family." A deep breath escaped him, and he sat back on the wall fearless of falling. "This is not talk we should be having on the eve of a great day." He took a deep breath and rose amber eyes to Rosalind, the look intense enough to seethe right through her even if he had no quarrel at all with the Lamonts. "It is not wise Bess to have these tribes at all. I have seen it too many times bring war. My country did nothing but fight--still does. It would be best to pull their titles exchange them for politics that work, like in England. They do not war within themselves there."He pressed from the wall crossing his arms once more looking out, "Find souless bastards, and hire them. A little under the table trade. Rosalind knows how to find the perfect man." (d

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Lamont

Rosalind still held reservations around the general, but held healthy respect for him, more than what came from fist to a jaw. When he looked through her, her own gaze could not have been more distanced, the practiced cool eyes of a courtier, with a mind raised on tactical manuals and Greek mathematicians. "I daresay that opinion would be wildly unpopular among the natives," Rosalind said mildly, quirked the corner of her mouth in amusement, and then turned to Bess. "I would like very much to spend more time here. I have spent too long in seclusion, I fear, though business takes me to the Lamonts with fair frequency. There is always some to-do with tolls...." She arched a brow, but it sank almost immediately. "The Scots would never settle for a political identity such as the English, not without some fierce and overwhelming show of force that breaks their spirits entirely, and none have managed such a feat. Even the Romans turned back when confronted with the Picti. Civilize, but never conquer, and even civilization is suspect," Rosalind said with her characteristic dryness, smiling and inclining her head in apology to Bess while attempting to stifle laughter. Though she had just spent four hours debating the fair price of a heifer with Murtagh. *

Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

"No, my friend. Tha' is rule by tyranny, n' we are not tyrants. Ah will be the first to have any part of a devil removed n' quartered, but ah will nay kill the head of the family, for tae dae sae would invite killlin the head of mine," she said to Maahes, though found a bit of whimsy, chortling, " N' Rosalind is right. Quite an unpopular opinion. Let me remind ye tha' King Robert Bruce tried tae sell the Scotts tae the English, n' wot broke out on the mainland made our small skirmishes here look like plays fer the court" The severity of clan wars fueled by wealth, weapons, and time was no laughing matter but the Scotts excelled at gallows humor. It came from centuries of being opressed, so now they made odd emperors. Sighing a little, she thought it best to offer some education on English matters as it pertained to Scotland too. "The King has restructured the titles o' all the nations fer the most part, n' they are tae be filled by loyal countrymen n' those loyal tae the preservation of their new one freedom. Now harken, this means tha' some have lost their title n' e'en if coin is kept the title means e'verythin. Each current Govenor n' their significant is the principle Duke or Duchess o' each nation, with subsequent earls followin in power, vicounts, etc. The majority parliment agrees upon it, as it keeps traditional feifdoms n' larger counties intact n' the more despised families out of the balance o' power, but it does nay come without a price. In England, m'coronation has harkened death for wot I ne'er thought Ah'd say, English loyalists who'd rather see Adam n' myself crowned than Edward III assume his father's place, or his sister Joan, or the return o' Isabella. England is on the edge o' a knife, Maahes. They dae war among themselves. Tis just for longer they warred in Parliment, n' at courts, as English are apt tae dae. But the fear they have o' the Govenor's wrath is lessened by the prospect o' their former Queen marryin' a Spaniard and bringin' in a God blessed king. Ah'll leave the longer particulars out..but some o' the men ye may have left behind or e'en the native born their ye called friend are dead. N' return only so much death can be dolled out. England is in a state o' rebellion, Maahes. Nor will I trouble a lady's ears o'er wot they would dae tae the Govenor if they took hold of her. She has already sent her charges here afore she arrived just this day. They are sae hellbent they would kill the former Prince Edward n' Princess Joan for their refusal tae take royal posistions, let alone Joan refusin tae wed our Scottish opposition, David II. They've already kidnapped once n' subjected the young woman tae unspeakable things. No, m'friends. There is no perfect England much as their is a perfect time. It does all come at once, we only maintain a sense o' dignity because we are resolved nay tae let it here. Once, there was a wise man named Aman-un-Din..who said we must rely on wot was there afore us, and in many ways he is right. As for the Navy...we have an Admiral, in the interim, but the Admiral Baron longs tae return tae captain' our flaship, and even still he is near as old as Jack. Jack Flynn is now the Govenor o' Ireland, n' the man has nay feelin n' an arm because o' wot fell on Raasay Isle, even if he would I wouldn't call him back anymore than I'd make ye steer a boat. People have their places. Should the Navy show me but one, one more man or woman who can think beyond one damn vessel or the vessels they command fer more than a day..Gods be praised General. As it is...some o' the White Fleet will join the Black..as will the Gold tae form the full Armada.Maybe from tha' Ah'll find an admiral. Yet in our place of flaws we still manage tae make things look quite simple dun we,." She smiled in a way that made all the woes of the world seem a bed time story. "M'brother the Marshall detests such talks, n' Ah dun fault him for it. Ah appreciate yer grasp of wot ye know ,Maahes, n' ye want tae understand a great deal more, but the view might well arrest yer heart from beatin." (d)

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem

He was silent for so long listening to her tale as it was--a bedtime story. These were the stories he heard as a child, ones where the only out was a swift force forward. "That day is coming, Lamont." He broke the silence finally joining them again taking to heart everything Bess said. "Your lead in England could not be better. It is not a rebellion I fear, but the open waters. Leave it to the ocean to make a man even as me feel so small. I worry of the Trade Route, they touch down on lands I wish we could cut off. This much I know of that country. Everytime I see one of the trade ships return I worry, and not because my wife sails that water...it is a different world there. One that breed men like me, and cast out men like Aman."He pressed from the wall to shadow in the falling sun if only to feel it's warmth once more. "The English can rise, let them, it is their right to fight back for what was theirs, but for one to come at us? If England wishes to expel us then that is their choice, but if Spain wishes to bring a fight to our shores..they do wrong. Think me funny now, but I speak the truth. We did not invade England for the same reasons my country invades the next. It was not power..we've not captured their people, set fire to what was Holy and Sacred to their people. I can not say the same for any from the sun, or any from this Spain. You say they have their eye on us, then I say it is time...but it is not my place to say. I am your arms, your strength, but my bones tell me many other things." (d

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle

"It is a perspective worth listening to, as I have ... limited experience in battle." Her only experience had been lost before she donned her husband's armor, but she was grateful not to have subsequent experiences, no matter how promising the outcome. She wished to play a greater role, but could very clearly hear Peregrine's voice in her head asking her why, with the sort of look one reserved for small children or very special adults. True, it had its place, as it did now -- Rosalind had her hands full with her clan, children, and husband. She loved them all with distinct passion, but had learned too well how far such passions would take her past the edge of sanity. She preferred the way her life was ruled now, and so merely held her tongue, listening to the troubles in England and nodding occasionally, though she had no great words of wisdom. In Rosalind's rather black and white world, she certainly believed the Griffin army had not taken the example of conquering Greeks. They ought raze the land until there was no cultural memory of what came before, sending those who might rebel into exile, but finding herself in such agreement with Maahes was certainly not worth all the self-doubt that came with it. *


Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

"Aye, n' tha' is the way of thing. Only they are as we were in our lost hour with nay champion. Nay progency of the failed King and Queen tae accept the throne, and enough English tha' will see a Scottsman sit on it. The years have
a way o' doin wot is expected, but it is for sanctity alleged they rebell. England is part of Spain. If Spain sits on an English throne, Spain is far tae close tae here. England reminds me much o' the clans we spoke of now, brother tae brother, ambition tae ambition. Wot makes Adam as beloved as he is is tha' poor men prosper n' good men are nay made tae die. He is not Edward the II nor Maubrey. He is a strange blend of pragmatism, force, and mercy. I sat in utter terror as Ahdam marched on York with ye maahes, not for fear of m'husband, but of his ideals. We are tae far tae turn back now. Tha' place is one of a few things tha' separate us from the weight o' a Spanish Armada. They are studyin our navy, knowin how advanced it is n' with it bein a jewel in our crown they dun come outright but as ye mentioned the absence of a permanent Admiral is a problem." With a kindly eye that sparkled she said to Rosalind "Ah'm glad ye have other perspectives n' nay a war honed one. Ah like ye as ye are, n' would nay wish the weight of a long fight on any woman's shoulders. ." A messenger came to the walls to deliver a hand written message of news, which the Aberdeens were used to getting. "Well, here be two things upon the very subject. The Griffin has forced many rebells down tae the edges o' England out o' the major areas..though the idea o'the Govenor returnin' is nay one tae m'likin which I ought commision ye both tae talk her from..but it'd be like tellin Maahes nay tae post an extra guard, but tis worth a try. Though the second.." she looked at the Lady Inverynewho'd take a personal interest in the movements of the Court Archivist, who was her former student, "It seems the Lady of Letters has taken her devotion n' ability tae the core of the issues. She has left on a ship bound for Spain , tae infiltrate the court from the inside n' stop the Spanish from raisin the Templars there tae esteem lest they betray the few we shelter here of good repute. She's gaein tae try n' criple the political machine..she will be in Spain after she stops in England. She's taken Order guard with her..but still." She shut her eyes softly. "Ah'm sorry, Rosalind. Ah know ye hold a particular fondness for the young lady. Just pray she comes back alive. She will soon be tae far for our influence tae reach. If the Spanish find her for wot she is..they will throw her on the stake." (d)

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Lamont

Rosalind sighed and crossed herself slowly, drawing out the gesture until her hands came to a rest, one atop the other, on the head of her cane. "I have not been there for her as much as I should have since he left." There was no question who the man behind the pronoun was; Rosalind was rarely heated in speech, but there was a certain amount of venom reserved that conveyed quite perfectly of whom she spoke. "I doubt she thought to tell me at all, though to God, I wish she had recalled I was once queen there." Annoyed? Yes. Behind the perfect mask she wore, she suddenly wished to hit something, though little changed in appearance. "No matter the contacts I have gained, my letters will never reach them in time. I do hope her better angels have made the journey with her, she will need their protection." As for the Lady Governor, she knew where she would pass that information along to, if he had not heard already. Though Rosalind and Claramae shared many similarities, and had grown quite close in recent years, she was not close enough to broach the subject quite so openly. She pocketed the information for later, choosing to dwell instead on Janice. Her student had been so promising. Allow love to addle the brains, Rosalind thought with a roll of her eyes heavenward, and one goes gallivanting off to the country least tolerant to her ways, but most connected to Rosalind, who might have at least written a valid recommendation to the court. *

Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

"Tis not tha', Rosalind. I think tis the circumstances tha' have comed with lovin him n' knowin wot she knows..wot he might know n' feel 'obligated' tae tell should he have the chance. Ah dae find tha'those around the Hall are a might tae self sacrificin. Were tha' she had told ye. Ah dun think e'en the Lady Govenor knew, but will certainly find out first hand quite soon tae an equal displeasure. I wish she'd recalled it too. I wish she'd recalled the fact tha' e'en baptized, they will see the Jew in her first if they learn it. But her reasonin' is sadly correct. If the Austrian decides tae open his mouth tae Austria, then tha' could put things awry with Germany n' give opportunity tae Spain. Ah ne'er thought tae say this but though she is by no means the viciousness the hall embodies..she's disturbin in her ability tae calculate things. Tha' mind may save her, if the govenor can nay stop her. Ah well. She did have an open source o' invitation, and invitation to the archives. A trap she may turn. Gods I hope she does. Just as Ah hope, Rosalind, wot e'er clan insanity brew in the south, stay as far from it as ye can. It's beginnin tae rile up the mainland. Ah much like ye better here, indeed." She worried about each member of the court distinctly, because their posistions placed them in precarious ways. "Ah hope it inspires no further turns toward any other rancors, ye 'ave been through enough..n' m'mind does nay wish tae envision Kendrew n' Liliana embroiled in it. Yet again, we make it look downright effortless.Ah should show ye m'cornation dress. Think Ah'm wearn thetreasure across m'breasts, hips n' head " she jested in a low voice, as that was between women only (d)

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem

Maahes was rather quiet as they spoke of Janice, the little thing had always held his best side, "I should have killed that fool." He spoke out of no where, out of turn, and from his silence. Breaking from his thoughts he listened to their talk of England and of Spain and was a bit taken back by Rosalind. "You were once Queen?" A story he had not heard, but knew that now wasn't the time. "You would be wise to pull your husband from that route." Again falling back to the trade, "Claramae no doubt can handle England on her own." He smiled lightly, the one saved only for those of Avarian nature. "I will see to it she will have a ready and waiting troop. Tomorrow, Bess, we celebrate the start of something more, but with this..I'll never rest." He took a deep breath worried already of the troubles at hand, but the thought of Janice out there? Did him in. "My wife would have made a good Admiral." The subject change, came quickly, "but she's no interest now. Even let her trade go..I'll go help where I can." (d

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Lamont

Rosalind glanced at Maahes. She wouldn't have become Queen of Aragon and its associated territories without him, actually, but that was not a story she owed the lord general. She turned back to Bess. "I will write what recommendations I can, and contact those I know upon the Continent to intervene with all due haste. A military action is the last thing we need; though I fear we have found ourselves at odds with the nation, and I would in a heartbeat start a war on her behalf, we will only betray her with action." Rosalind feared Janice was in God's hands now. If they failed to intervene, Janice would be in jeopardy. If they found a way in, they still risked her exposure, and hostile reactions to Skye. It was a poor choice for the Gaelic Nations, even for the protection of one of its own. For similar reason, it had been impossible to extract Rosalind from France. "It would be my pleasure to see the dress," Rosalind said at last, letting her analytical mind spin itself to a slow stop. There were no good choices, only bad and less bad. "Perhaps if you wore a veil, it would be decent," she murmured, half to herself, though she knew there was a snowball's chance in hell Bess would ever consent to such a garment. *

Mo'r Oukselo Beathag Aberdeen

"Tis more than m;own diminished since of modesty would entail, but nay veil. M'hair is tae be left down as has been the custom, and it is the pleasure of the Mo'r Triath tha' m'mother's circlet of diamonds n' pearls be shown in fullsplendor before ah take m'crown. One hopes m'red mantle will distract, let alone the very act o' becomin Queen. Ah well. With dignity Ah shall wear enough stones tae ignite a ransom. Place o' a woman in these things. As fer the Admirality, if anythin, perhaps Jack might find us a succesor. Yer wife has nay escaped my notice, nor has Peregrine, nor Marcos, but it is the extent of a large, full armada..the extent o' findin' subsequent lesser admirals tae maintain the islands..tis a large undertaking n' one tha requires a supreme focus. We shall see wot comes of it. Till then Baron has served us well." As for the other thing, the last that seemed to hold both General and Inveryne inworry.."Wot sheilds her now is her reputation as a linguist, n' their want tae see it. E'en without a husband, she is still accepted, n' m'thinks better off. Ah can nay tell which one drew the other more trouble. Write wot ye can, but have a care of it. She may be drawin more upon her other European ties instead o' ours. At least the girl has the blood o' more countries in her than a basket at market. She lived and was taught among the best. Ah worry fer though..as well as the Order. E'en masterminds are human Maahes. Despite wot some may seek tae keep from me, Ebony Hall will open its mouth for more than Ahdam. Sorschal is gone, St. Laurence can not even come tae semi-retirement, and wot e'er generation includes Janice is their evident successors. Rosalind is where she should be, with her kin. Ah know wot happened tae them those years agae, their faces as much as Ahdam told me. Have those troops doubly ready. At the very least, we can make sure those with St. Laurence do nay die." No matter whom could 'care' for themselves, they were all human.They broke their backs pretending to be otherwise. "N' iffn we are fortunate, de Brabant took enough trained killers tae support her wit. N' she gaes by her married name also, which is a help. Somewhere in tha' they seem tae ferget reference tae any name before, sae they may well be delayed tae think Janice de Brabant is the same Berber translating half Jew long enough fer her tae dae wot she is daein." (d)

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem

"My wife would not take it if you offered, nor do I trust her judgement as of late. So you can take her off that list." He crossed his arms over his chest once more. "The pirate is not dependable, and Marcos..I've not seen in battle. Let us pray to Allah that in this we shall find a good man, but you are right. Baron is a good man, but I fear his years are short." There was much that passed through him, and he took a deep breath. "I have sat this one out for far too long, but I simply can not leave this nation. My children will be left with no one. I need to be kept here as much as I can, but it is to kill me not to go where I speak that language. I know those people. I grow tired of sending off others to fight the war far me, but..I fear for my wife, and will be moving my children soon." His little clan.Things were not well in the Asad household at all. "Ealora seem to hold the same wit to her Janice have. I pray she took with her somebody. She did not go alone...to Spain?" Maahes didn't pretend to understand what went on behind that hall, it was not his place though he worked well along side it. Even now he felt himself going over what they spoke of many times before it sank in, but his faith in Claramae was very steady. (d

Mo'r Oukselo Bethag Aberdeen

"Ye would do well Maahes tae unburden your troubles wot e'er extent ye might choose when the time is right. Please, yer children n' ye may have respite here. Ah know the beauty and sanctity of the Valley is one most miss, but there plenty of children tae distract them, n' they shall always have a place with my own, as would any of the children of my court n' country. If nay perhaps let them find places of their own interest as things be sorted, with The Apollius Family, or with the Campbells of Drynoch as it be Kendrew..or e'en ask Lady Inveryne. Anythin is better than allowin any such sufferin or discord tae come. Children still must keep tae some sort o' routine therein their freedoms wont lead tae trouble." Children who grew saddened, discontent, or bored were potent sources of that type of aggrivation. True, it was in the nature of youth to indugle a bit of courtship with idiocy or wrong doing, but dischord could make it chronic. "Ye have me worried for ye, n' the Lady. Tell me if action is e'er more needed than prayer." Whatever was going on, powerful combinations of ability to flee or weaponry, situations or people.. first with Shaden, now with Ealora. God help that madness not take them all slowly one by one. She'd barely survived bouts of her own, or Adams. "Janice took some of the Order guard with her Ah'm told, she's many things but far from tha 'stupid. It's almost scary how much brain matter she has. Ah'd know idea she could even speak Berber languages until Adam's need of it. Aye me. Her Spanish then should be fantastic. The Order is required tae be multi lingual ah'm told as well but in things such as Spanish, French, Italian, or German..which many speak more than one but she speaks dead languages, sae her oddity may also keep her alive. Ah've found tha's how many o' my ladies endure. They rely upon wot makes us...different, than the continent." In spades. "N as far as the Govenor she is here, as I said, Ah've made her reside within the castle for the time bein sae ye can speak with her when ye please. (d)

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

The Coronation of Adam and Beathag

As observed by the Crown Heralder, Thomas Penchant
(Written by the Creator of Adam Aberdeen)

I, Thomas Penchant, assemble my thoughts and put pen to paper from this, a bird’s eye view, the events which occur upon this historical day. Tis strange that a man from York, a survivor of the very same Duke's raising of my birth city to the ground; the same man, such as I, who chronicled the fall of London and Edward II, now chronicles the future of a new nation.

This servant to a soon-to-be new King, has a unique position, as an English loyalist, seeing events upon a sort of karmic scale, given England’s former stranglehold of Scotland, now the Celts hold all. Be it known, I have found a measure of fortune that would have never been known had Edward lived, and for that I am truly grateful.

O’r the past few years, I have had the privilege to have chronicled the short present day history in regards to Edward's progeny, and am fascinated by the education they now receive, including Edward III's ability to see the good in not being king himself and Joan's destiny being anew, and not as the former destined of not being delivered to the Scottish rebels for forced marriage with the former David the I, amongst other things, most assuredly.

I, Master of the Pen, find myself poised as the Crown Herald of an enemy court, but fate has played another card, as I have struck friendship among them, the first of them being the quiet brother of the Queen, and brother-in-law of the King, Caldean, whom has been positioned now among the Queen's premier honor guard.

Upon my friend, Caldean, and I, we two, a history, one is able to formulate; the enjoyment of a close proximity to His Majesty, as well as a close friendship with the Queen's personal scribe, a Welshman, no less. Yet unfortunately, I am well-known and not popular among my English royal sympathizers and often self-declared rebels. I am often courted to turn tale, change colors, or betray a friendship of the pen. But I would rather cut off my pen hand than betray those whom have befriended me and held me close.

With my new position as a Court Herald, I find myself in the need to study greater quantities of books, being known to the fact that the King, even back to day one, has held libraries, and learning close to his heart, and sent those feelings of higher education out thru Ducal decrees. And thus far, tis most strange that I find myself in a rather humorous relationship, founded on all things literary, with the Lady of Letters and Court Archivist Janice Viscreed. But now, I chronicle the present... the crowning of a new age King and Queen.

Early on Coronation Day, the Ampulla is filled with oil, and laid together with the Spoon on the altar of the Grand Cathedral. The Presiding Coronation Officiates kneel before the alter praying… as they both bless the ampulla and spoon before they are carried to the Pavilion in the Blue Castle in a grand procession of religious artifacts and religious sects. In that procession, each different religion in the Gaelic Nations are represented by people of many cultures and faiths.

Today is a very special event. It is a unique Coronation, one that I have never borne witness to. The Pope himself, with Robert Bruce, deemed fit to pass Scotland into the hands of the Aberdeens. With that came the union of the other nations of Celtic ancestry. We have never had such a Coronation as this in the Gaelic Nations, when twice before such ceremony marked the arrival of a duchy, the coming of a High Lord and Lady over all, and upon the third we shall look at the face of monarchs.

There are 5 swords of state... one for each country in the union of Skye, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and England.

I am standing here in Blue Castle Green, just in front of the Blue Castle of Turas Lan, watching the procession of the Master of the Jewel House, starting his long journey through the streets of Turas Lan, carrying the regalia for today’s Coronation ceremony. The regalia are very precious, of course, which is why they are kept in the Blue Castle. They were made, or collected, by order of Lord Adam for the Coronation and all the other symbols, ancient symbols, of royalty and of religion, which are going to be used in today’s coronation.

The regalia consist of:

The five swords of state, especially made for the five nations of the Celtic Kingdom… four representing the countries and types of Royal Justice, their jewels are in the shapes of the floral symbols of the Gaelic Nations: the rose for England which is the Sword of Spiritual Justice; the thistle for Scotland, which is the Sword of Temporal Justice; and the shamrock for Ireland, the Sword of the Future; the Daffodil for Wales, which is the Sword of Peace; and the Gryphon for Skye which is the Sword of Mercy having a blunt edge, that demonstrates that Royal Justice must always be tempted by Mercy, touched by the Anstice flower to symbolize that Mercy is subject to Grace; and is the and is the only sword actually presented to the Sovereigns during the Coronation; the others are merely borne in front of the Sovereigns.

The Golden Bracelets; the armills or bracelets of gold shall be placed on Adam and Beathag’s wrists by the Bishop Meurig, who shall state, “Receive the bracelets of sincerity and wisdom…for pledges of that bond which unites you with your people”.

The Golden Spurs. The spurs shall be put on the Kings’ boots, by his loyal friend and WeaponMaster, Lord Dmitrii Zurban; but for Queen’s simply taken by the Lady’s mightiest friend and guardian, Lord Kendrew Campbell, who kneels and presents them for her to touch in symbolic acceptance, and then replaced on the altar. This dates back to Richard I, a symbol of chivalry and badge of knighthood for a sovereign both military leader and epitome of honor.

The Crowns. The Crowns of the Gaelic Nations was made in 1333. Made of gold, its design consists of five crosses pattée and five fleurs-de-lis, with two arches on top. Surmounting the arches is a jeweled cross pattée. The Crown includes 555 precious stones of sarius, topaz, smargd, chryolyth, chalcedony, hyacinth, jasper, chrysoprase, beryl, sapphire, amyethyst and sardonyx. It is used through most of the coronation ceremony and is said to be made of the melted gold from King Edward II's and King Robert I’s Crowns. It is noted to have stones forming the Royal Coat of Arms of the Aberdeens.

The Scepters. The Scepters with the Gryphon and are so called because it is surmounted by a Gryphon. The Gryphon was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature and are normally known for guarding treasure and well valued priceless possession. In antiquity it was a symbol of divine power and a guardian of the divine. Two Scepters were made, one larger for the King and a smaller one for the Queen. During the coronation, the monarchs bear the Scepters with the Gryphon in their right hand.

The Orb. The Orb is symbolic of independent sovereignty and the scepter is symbolic of kingly power. The Sovereigns' Orb, a type of globus cruciger, is a hollow golden sphere; There is a band of jewels running along the centre, and a half-band on the top hemisphere. Surmounting the orb is a jeweled Cross representing the Sovereign's role as Defender of All Faiths. For a part of the coronation, it is borne in the Sovereigns' left hand.

Just as the procession is leaving the Blue Castle the guns, the Harbour’s wall guns are now booming, marking the beginning of the day’s great celebrations. And the crowds are standing here, on Blue Castle Hill, watching the possession go by.

It’s just after 10 o’clock and the Arch Duke and Duchess of Eohmark, the future Queen’s siblings, have elected to make the short journey from Griffin Castle, which I can see here in the background, to Blue Castle Hall, where today’s ceremonies will begin. I can see the Grand Cathedral, just over there on the right, it’s a very short journey, but of course, with the coronation of Adam and Beathag, all of Turas Lan is out here; all spectators watching the Arch Duke and Duchess of Eohmark go by. In the second carriage is a small group of courtiers. Along the way, people are leaning out of the windows, thousands of spectators, are cheering them on their way; they are a very popular pair.

The Coronation procession is beginning to wind its way out of Blue Castle Hall, where the Duke and Duchess of Eohmark have received all the regalia which are to be used in the Coronation ceremony today.

The procession has lined up in very strict order of precedence, for its short journey through the streets, from Griffin Castle Hall to Blue Castle Parliament, where the Coronation is to take place. I see, here under the golden royal canopy of state, the Mo’r Triath walking on the right with a large red velvet mantle and a matching cap on his head. The Mo’r Okesula, on his left hand side, is not wearing a cap, but wearing a gold circlet with pearls and diamonds, which was the circlet that belonged to her mother, the Royal Harper, Lady Murieall of Aberdeen, carrying a bouquet of Anstice flowers; She too is wearing her large red velvet mantle, which is carried by the Lady Aislin, Duchess of Eohmark, premier Lady in the land, after Mo’r Okesula Beathag. Behind the Mo’r Triath and beside the Lady Aislin, is Lord Eamonn, the Lord Marshal and Arch Duke of Eohmark, and the Queen’s brother.

Behind the royal pair on either side are Lord Zurban and Lord Kendrew; and between them are the Princes Aodhan and Gabriel, and the Princesses Davina, Murieall, and Amhlai. Aodhan and Gabriel are dressed in Black with Gold trim, and the girls are all dressed in white with gold trim; and directly behind them are the children’s personal attendants.

We see in the middle, the premier peerage of the realm, the Ducal Governors, the Duke of Edinburgh; the Duchess of England, she, dressed in her red robes of office with her golden chain round her neck; the Duke and Duchess of Ireland; the Duke and Duchess of Wales.

And then coming round, members of the clan nobility, all of whom will take their place in today’s Coronation ceremony; and behind them are other nobility of the realm… dukes, duchesses, viscounts, viscountesses, barons and baronesses.

Next are the boys and girls of the Cathedral Choir, who now sing to the crowd a variety of Celtic tunes. Later today, at the Coronation, they shall be singing anthems.

And then in behind of them, various members of the judiciary, heralds, and guards. Save one, so fortunate as I, to observe and lend to pen the events.

Ah yes, lest I forget, bringing up the front of the Coronation procession of course, the clergy, Father Donovan, the Cathedral head and the Archbishop Meurig, who have a very important role to play in the ceremony today, flanked by clergy who carry the symbolic items on the way to their respective places at the Pavilion.

Leading the Coronation procession, I see the King’s herbs woman. This is a very ancient role, and she strews fresh sweet smelling herbs on the coronation route, two breadths of blue cloth, which I can see here, spread from the steps of the throne in Blue Castle Hall to the steps of the Blue Castle entrance.

When Adam and Beathag arrive at Blue Castle, they are taken first to the Great Hall, and stood before the floor’s inlaid compass, I would be wavered, lest I mention it as a symbol that Lord Adam had requested on all prominent features as their local inlays. At the compass, the royal pair can be shown to the four points of north, south, west and east, for their recognition and for their acclamation by the people represented here by the peers of the Celtic realm. They are then taken aside to an area where they can make their private devotions. It is very important to realize that the Coronation is essentially a religious ceremony, steeped in ancient rites, which go back to the Old Testament.

Apparently, Mo’r Triath Adam has been a little bit skeptical about the ceremonies; for he sort of, what many would call a reluctant King; nevertheless, he is going ahead with today’s ceremony. Mo'r Ouksela Beathag has often expressed a fear at the rapid change that led to this day over the years, but has come to be the strength of the two today. She is ready to embrace the full extent in the destiny of the Mo'r Triath's words and the Bruce's inheritance.

And now the pair are being escorted to the Pavilion which I must make note that the Irish architect, Martin LePower, was commissioned to build the grand Pavilion and its ornate alter specifically for the Coronation.

Here, I now see Adam and Beathag, kneeling on the pavilion, at the altar. Behind them is the black and gold canopy of state, which his men are holding up to hide them from the spectators, while this very sacred and intimate part of the ceremony is taking place.

The most important aspect of the Coronation ceremony is the anointing with holy oil, a right, which goes back to the Old Testament. We can see here, Bishop Meurig, has consecrated the holy oil at the altar, and while that has been taking place, the choir has been singing Veni Creator Spiritus, Come Holy Spirit.

Mo’r Triath Adam has now been divested of his velvet mantle, and his shoulders are bare, ready to receive the holy oil.

The Bishop is moving forward now, and he is going to make the sign of the cross with the holy oil on the crown of Adam’s head on his chest and on the palms of each of his hands. The same will take place for Mo’r Okesula Beathag, who is waiting now to be anointed alongside her husband. The Lady has now been divested of her velvet mantle, and her shoulders are bare, down to the tops of her breasts, ready to receive the holy oil. I, the Court Heralder, have the greatest privilege to witness such an event, where many greater persons than I, cannot.

The Mo’r Triath and Mo’r Okesula have agreed to take an oath to uphold the laws of the land and to defend the right to religious faith of all faiths. The King and Queen promise to uphold and maintain the Churches of all faiths in the Gaelic Nations. They are taking this oath here in front of Parliament, which is, in itself, symbolic. Adam and Beathag are placed in such a way, that they can be seen by all the Members of Parliament, who are attending this ceremony.

Adam and Beathag are back upon the center pavilion stage, from which everybody can observe what’s going on. They are kneeling upon places padded with black velvet, lined with gold…

And here we see Bishop Meurig, at the altar; Bishop Meurig is the bishop that was prevailed to crown Adam and Beathag, by authorization of the Pope. Father Donovan, is assisting in the undertaking the ceremony by the Bishop Meurig, who is standing beside him throughout.

Quietly, I now observe the oaths the royal pair shall take. The Bishop standing, facing the crowd, the pair knelt solemnly before him, their backs to the crowd.

Bishop Meurig: To you both, as leaders of the Gaelic Nations, will you, to the utmost of your power, maintain the Laws of the Kingdom?

Will you both, to the utmost of your power, maintain in the Nations, the freedom to religion, established by law?

Will you both maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement, the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in Kingdom, on behalf of the Nations?

Will you both preserve unto Parliament of the Nations, and to the Lords and people there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?

And will you both preserve to protect the Nations, as who have come to be members of your Kingdom, and do unto them all things that uphold freedom of will, sanctity, distinction of selves, and keep absent from your reign, tyranny and oppression?

King and Queen: All this we promise to do.

Then Adam, arising out of his former position, moves to the alter, kneeling before it, the Sword of State being carried before him, and make his solemn Oath in the sight of all the people to observe the premise: laying his right hand upon the Holy Gospel, the great Bible which was before carried in the procession and is now brought from the altar by the Bishop, and tendered to him as he kneels upon the steps, and saying these words:

“The things which I have here promised, I will perform, and keep. So help me God.”

He is then followed by the Queen, arising out of her knelt position, to make the same solemn vow upon the Gospel.

Then Adam shall kiss the Book and sign the Oath, having thus taken his Oath, he would return again and kneel in his former place, and then Beathag shall kiss the Book and sign the Oath, having thus taken her Oath, she would return again and kneel again beside her husband; and the Scrolls of Oath would be delivered to the Lady of Letters and Court Archivist, Lady Janice Viscreed.

It’s very important to note, and I as Herald, make this written, that Adam and Beathag, who was offered the Crown by the Pope himself, and that of King Robert I, King of Scotland, and is the heir-apparent by blood to the Lord of the Isles, Alan and Lara MacRauri, should make this promise to uphold the laws of the land, to defend religious rights, and rule without tyranny, the nations. The oath they are taking shall be administered to all future kings and queens. The Kingdom of Scotland as it presides over the unified Gaelic Nations shall never be a monarchy based solely on the will of one religion over the other, nor tyranny, or despotism.

I, as Heralder, shall make note that while they have a Parliament and grants the right of free speech, representation, and religion, is given it seems that Adam and Beathag exercise such influence that they are not true constitutional monarchs. I also believe the crown is backed by Parliament in the acceptance of this inheritance, and the King allowed for the Parliament to come to decisions without his superior vote, which I do believe he shall have, thus tis very important to note that Adam and Beathag, who have taken this crown with the acceptance of Parliament, devoid of the Mo'r Triath's powerful vote to show their loyalty to the people.

Now, the valet carrying the purple pillow, of which lay two sets of armills, the bracelets of gold. One set is large than the other, one for the King and one for the Queen. These bracelets of gold shall be placed on his wrists by the Bishop Meurig, who now stands before the kneeling Adam and Beathag… shall, “Receive the bracelets of sincerity and wisdom…for pledges of that bond which unites you with your people”. Then he turns to Beathag and as he places the smaller ones on her wrists, repeats the phrase.

Behind that valet, another approaches as the first goes off the stage. Once again on a purple pillow, lay the Golden Spurs. The spurs shall be put on the Kings’ boots, but for Queen’s simply taken by the Lord Chamberlain, who kneels and presents them for her to touch in symbolic acceptance, and then replaced on the altar. This dates back to Richard I, a symbol of chivalry and badge of knighthood for a sovereign both military leader and epitome of honor.

Behind that valet, yet another approaches as the second goes off the stage. Once again on a purple pillow, lay the Scepter with the Gryphon. As instructed Beathag and Adam would join hands, and as a union, they would receive the Scepter together in their free hands by Bishop Meurig, saying, “Receive the Royal Scepter, the ensign of monarchal power and justice …lead your people in the way wherein they should go.”

And now the crown is just about to be placed on Mo’r Triath Adam’s head, it’s just four o’clock, and Adam’s crowning will be closely followed by that of Beathag, who is standing here watching him. I do not know what Beathag’s thoughts are on this great occasion. Apparently she feels a lot of private anguish at her husband’s plight, but no fear in what each embark upon.

The Bishop then took the new Crowns of the Kingdom from the altar, and after he blessed them, he took the largest and placed it upon Adam’s head. After which there were loud shouts of GOD SAVE THE KING, trumpets blared, and the Blue Castle guns were fired. He was then presented with the Holy Bible, received the Bishop’s benediction and blessing, then got up, and turned facing the crowd.

And beside Beathag, you will see the Peers of the Realm, lined up; they are just waiting for the crown to be placed on Beathag’s head today. The Bishop then took the smallest and placed it upon Beathag’s head. After which there were loud shouts of GOD SAVE THE QUEEN, and again, trumpets blared, and the guns fired.

And as soon as that takes place, the Peers who are here representing the people of the Gaelic Nations will loudly proclaim God save the King, God save the Queen, and at that, the pair shall be guided backwards to their thrones. And that will be the conclusion of the actual crowning part of the ceremony.

Adam is now wearing his crown, the Crown of the Gaelic Nations, and holding the scepter and the orb. And Beathag is beside him.

On the right, we see Adam sitting on the throne. That’s the chair of their ancestor, the MacRauri, Lord of the Isles, Alan MacRauri. And embedded in this special throne is the Stone of Scone, the Stone of Destiny. Beathag has had her own throne made from the remnants of the Lady MacRauri's chair, Lara. Within are included pieces of the Royal Harp's duplicate, once held by the peerage in lower Scotland.

After the crowning of Adam and Beathag, comes the Homage of the Peers. They represent the people of the Gaelic Nations, and they have come to give their approval to the new monarchs. First of all, the Spiritual Peers come forward, that is the clergy, and they kiss the monarchs on the left cheek. Then the Temporal Peers come forward, led by the Premier Peer, Arch Duke Eamonn of Eohmark, the King and Queen’s brother and here he is kneeling before Adam. The Temporal Peers kiss the monarch on the left cheek, they touch the crown, and they kneel before them and they take an oath.

(optional) “I, Eamonn, Arch Duke of Eohmark, do become your liege man of life and limb and of earthly worship, and faith and truth I will bear on to you, to live and die against all manner of folks, so help me God”.

And the rest of the selected peers are lining up behind him to pay homage. While this is going on, you will note in the background, the Treasurer to the Royal Household, carrying a large tray full of silver and gold Coronation medals, which he is throwing into the congregation.

This is part of the ancient Coronation ceremony; they are little memorials of the Coronation and they have the names of Adam I and Beathag I, King and Queen, written on one side of them. During the Coronation ceremony, the monarch makes two oblations or offerings to God. The first one is an altar cloth, a cloth of gold or a roll of silk, which is given to the bishop who will place it on the altar for God.

The second oblation is an ingot of gold or gold pieces, which are given to the bishop in that basin, which Bishop Meurig is holding there, and that will then be placed on the altar.

Here I see King Adam I in all his Coronation regalia. He is wearing the crown of the Gaelic Nations, holding the scepter, which is the ancient symbol of kingly power and the orb in his left hand, which is the symbol of independent sovereignty. On the right hand side, that maybe his friend Lord Dmitrii Zurban, who he has created Griffin WeaponsMaster; he is an old friend and a solid warrior of old, and it was his role in the ceremony to retrieve the sword from the altar, where it had been laid for God’s blessing. Beside him, is Queen Beathag I, carrying her regalia. Beside her is Brom, and Caldean.

The Coronation ceremony is over and the whole Coronation procession, in the same order as it arrived, returns through the streets on the blue cloth, from The Cathedral, back into Blue Castle Hall for the Coronation banquet. I see King Adam and Queen Beathag, sitting on the dais at the end of Blue Castle Hall. One of the innovations of this banquet is the massive Gryphon, the Gryphon of State, a gift from the people of Turas Lan to King Adam I, which will be used at all subsequent banquets in future.

Between the first and second courses of the banquet, the Royal Champions ride into the hall. And here they are, Sir Dmitrii Zurban, friend and loyal WeaponMaster of the King, and Sir Kendrew in the middle, for he has been Lady Beathag's champion until retirement, and still stands as one of them with the predominant role to be given to Sir Brom. And the three champions are riding into the Hall dressed in their armor. Sir Kendrew throws down his gauntlet as a challenge, then Sir Dmitrii, then Sir Brom… three times as they progress up the hall towards the royal dais. Each challenges anybody, who denies the title of Adam and Beathag, as rightful King and Queen, of Scotland, Ireland, England, or Wales, to meet them in single combat.

As they near the royal dais, I can see there, the King’s cupbearer, who is standing waiting to offer them a cup. The Royal Champions shall toast the King and Queen, and the King and Queen will in turn toast each one. Then each kneels, their swords drawn and tips down, hands resting upon the hilts, resounding together in God save the King…God save the Queen. Afterwards when they are dismissed, they shall be able to take the goblet with its lid away as part of his fee.

The coronation banquet breaks up at eight o’clock and the King and Queen retire to Griffin Castle. It does seem rather early to retire, but they have had a very long and exhausting day.

However, the rest of Turas Lan gives itself up to celebrating. Turas Laners love to light bonfires and tonight is no exception. There is also the most magnificent firework display. It’s interesting that this firework display is going to be mirrored in various European cities and that’s probably symbolic of the fact that Adam is a great European and the various cities in the Netherlands and in Germany, and his allies on the continent, are equally delighted that Adam has now taken the crown of Scotland, and with it the other Gaelic Nations and that they know that Skye is now firmly on their side in the great powers of the world.

God save the King…God save the Queen !!!

Signed and sealed with the Royal seal of the Heralder,
Thomas Penchant


The Whispers Beneath State:

Sources close to the Royal couple say that this morning there was a certain amount of disturbance just before they left for the Blue Castle. News came that James du’Chere, a member of the French Royal Court, proclaimed the Isle of Lewis-Harris as a separate country under the Gaelic Nations. Moreover, sources close to the couple say that King Adam has an unknown brother laying claims to the Strait of Gibraltar. Those sources say the issues will be dealt with in a swift manner.

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Queen Beathag Aberdeen

: Step by step in solemn elegance carried each member of the procession to face the destiny fashioned in the light of the sun in a late afternoon. Step by step the Aberdeens moved equal, as equals. Her mind was a secret kept for internal measure beneath the unbound length of golden hair that wore the encrusted pearl and diamond circlet of a woman who had died with the knowledge of the land in her heart. Their feet touched the Blue Castle compass rose, symbolic of the rule's extension. All day they had heard the sounds of a populace who's throats must have gone raw, calling out blessings and exaltation for the peerage that made this day one that came to pass. Her private devotions came after, and in that moment..only the God who wore a face a heathen's daughter could understand that in what ever name he saw fit to keep himself, that he keep all within the palm of his hand. From that moment - to this - To the Pavilion where she soon found herself coming to her knees Either she was in the calm of a madness that formed a dynasty, or she accepted her lot with a serenity utterly alien to the woman who once weilded axes instead of words (d)

King Adam Aberdeen

Religion. Its finally cornered him. Though thru a different facet than he ever dreamed of... Closing his eyes while he is annointed, he reflects to his mother's desires and it bring a smile to his face, as none would know but him and God... It was such a long walk... I never realized it was so long... or maybe it was just the procession... or the anticipation, or disinterest in being King... but my country needs me... or we all shall die a slow death... Family, friends, loyal and disloyal subjects... knights, pages, squires... all are watching... These are a few of the multitude of thoughts that have run thru Adam's mind in the past few hours of the preparing and the procession... and now here as he kneels, half naked before the clergy and God... He glances up at the Bishop and Father Donovan...who simply smiles and winks... braving him in such a position... His mind reflects to the nobility, both local, from the Nations... and even a King and Queen in the higher lofts... His stomach lurched into a bunch of butterflies... why now? why him? His seagreen eyes went from piece after piece of regalia... all for him and her... Her!! the sea green eyes move toward Bess, and he twits his head as to look in peripheral vision, to see her... She is beautiful... And then his attention is brought back to the Bishop as he stands before him speaking... Adam is finally attentive....(d)

Queen Beathag Aberdeen

The mantle is pulled from her shoulders, red the color. As it is remitted there is only the bare elegance of exposed shoulders and the glitter within the gems sewn into the white coronation dress. The oil is taken, their : annointing done first of male, then of female. Contemplative silence passes now as it is a time of words..


Archbishop Meurig

To you both, as leaders of the Gaelic Nations, will you, to the utmost of your power, maintain the Laws of the Kingdom?

Will you both, to the utmost of your power, maintain in the Nations, the freedom to religion, established by law?

Will you both maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement, the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in Kingdom, on behalf of the Nations?

Will you both preserve unto Parliament of the Nations, and to the Lords and people there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?

And will you both preserve to protect the Nations, as who have come to be members of your Kingdom, and do unto them all things that uphold freedom of will, sanctity, distinction of selves, and keep absent from your reign, tyranny and oppression?


Lord Weapons Master Dmitrii Zurban

WeaponsMaster... SergeantAtArms... and now friend at a King's coronation... He stands beside his friend whilst he is annointed... but his back is to the participation, and he faces the crowd... he can see the anticipation they all show... Not since he arrived in Skye, has all he had done, lost, and gained, meant so much... he smiles, the neatky trimmed beard crinkling in the usual position... Now they are ready for the vows and he remains near his best friend and liege...(d)

King Adam Aberdeen

They had been annoited, dressed, and moved to the center of the Pavalion... In the reading of the vows, Adam looks at Bess, then back to Bishop Meirig... and as if in synchronized practice... he responds "All this we promise to do." and he looks to Bess and smiles... his seagreen eyes glisten. (d)

Lady Ealora Asad Aziem

Amongst the spectators was the Lady Ealora Asad Aziem, or at least that was her title. Better referred to as the General's wife. Tonight, despite her bouts of insanity, she stood in a gown that ringed silver metal around her neck anddraped in fabric yellow to pale pink and finally pale purple to the bottom. Her head cokeing this way and that as Adam and Bess took their places and the Bishop voice rang out only to have Adam and Bess voice ring out in unison so sure and straight. As the both echoed their promises, Ealora chin tilted upward and the hint, a ghost of a smile touched at the corners of her lips.*

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem

An aggressive dangerous man, the beast among men could not help but stand before them inflated with pride. Polished from head to toe, a normal blood covered General, looked his best--at best he could. Exotic undertones of his desert homelands were alive tonight as a decorated war veteran stood with the captains of his majesty's guard. They were the stretch, the body of the lion to the now Griffin crown, and he wore it with pride. As amber eyes burned over the crowd and finally caught sight of the royals, his eyes swelled up with the overflow of emotions, but he would only ever admit to the dust. It had been a long year, and the beast at his end he could not think of a better way to see this nation through. No doubt the crown would inherit some dangers, but they were ready. His heart beat in his chest like a caged animal, and even the mighty Arab suddenly wished he could stand with his wife. No matter how much of a lost cause they both were. (d

Lady Ana de Cervillion

Though her husband could not attend at her side, the former Queen of Naples stood tall and proud for all her diminutive stature allowed. She was there more or less as a representative of his family. Eyes of gray scanned the faces of the loyal, of the just and found not a one among them that she couldn't recall. It did her heart well to see this coronation, this setting to rights of destiny. Firmly planted seeds would bloom into greatness under the care of these two and no peoples could be more fortunate. Ana felt, proud, to be there in all her newly minted regalia. A run-away princess with a price on her head. *

King Adam Aberdeen

Then arising out of his former position, moves to the alter, kneeling before it, the Sword of State being carried before him, and makes his solemn Oath in the sight of all the people to observe the premise: laying his right hand upon the Holy Gospel, the great Bible which was before carried in the procession and is now brought from the altar by the Bishop, and tendered to him as he kneels upon the steps, and saying these words: "The things which I have here promised, I will perform, and keep. So help me God." Adam is then followed by Bess, arising out of her knelt position, to make the same solemn vow upon the Gospel. Then Adam shall kiss the Book and sign the Oath, having thus taken his Oath, he would return again and kneel in his former place, and then Beathag shall kiss the Book and sign the Oath, having thus taken her Oath, she would return again and kneel again beside her husband; and the Scrolls of Oath would be delivered to the Lady of Letters and Court Archivist, Lady Janice Viscreed.

Kiera Skylin

I watched the ceremony in silence.. thinking back to my homeland my mind wandering briefly.. my attention abruptly cam back to the here and now hearing the voice of one I knew.. this land now had a King and Queen.. and this was surely a good thing. perhaps this would be a good place to settle.. someday.. this could be me.. if my Sister would ever find a proper suitor.. *chuckled * softly to myself.. feelign a bit like a loner all out of place.. but what was to be expected when arriving ina new land where your only friends were the mutionus crew you had hired to get you here.. oh well adventure is what I seek. Adventure is what I will find

Sir Martin Le Power

Tears glistened in the old man's eyes and he glanced at those around him, how far this young couple had come;he reached and held Aurill'as hand, his silent pledge to go back to their land one day, but not until this pair got a good start in their reigns. (d)

Queen Beathag Aberdeen

Forever promise rolled easy from her lips; it was amazing how the mind unified with the racing of the heart for one joint flow that pledged the rest of her waking days and those born of her body to the lands in the sea where the Celts held sway. "The things which I have here promised, I will perform, and keep. Sae help me God." The gospel kissed, an oath signed. All that was ever broken, bloodied, and reconstructed was for this moment of realized destiny, wasn't it?

Archbishop Meurig

(Bishop Meurig) He came from Wales. He was a prince of Welsh blood though God bid him come to a higher office to do work on behalf of the Holiest of Kings. He watched with the others as he adminstered vow that would place his birthland in Scottish hands. Where he should feel strange, given a campaign waged, seven brothers, and one cause of freedom he did not. What he did think was kept to himself. "By God it is ordained, By God it is done. A place ordained for you as leaders of men and women, so let those assembled bare witness." The valet came forward with the purple pillow holding the sets of gold bracelets for each wrist, while other symbols of state but awaited their chance. The scepters, the orbs. ", “Receive the bracelets of sincerity and wisdom…for pledges of that bond which unites you with your people”. Seeing this done, the scepter came forward to be taken into their joined hands. , “Receive the Royal Scepter, the ensign of monarchal power and justice …lead your people in the way wherein they should go.” Four o'clock chimed in the cathedral bell tower, four o'clock would thus be engraved in time as but a moment before the Bishop blessed crowns fashioned out of two: The crown of Robert the Bruce, and that of Edward II of England. He lowered it upon the head of the man all looked upon, of many nations. Now reliant on him come heaven or hell. So then too, did the smaller crown come lowered upon the head of gold as she stood with him, given equal due in ceremony, and equal process.

Duke and Duchess of Wales,Lord Talion and Lady Eirian Apollius

God be praised, hallelujah." She mouthed the words lowered, her head bowed in a moment of solemn prayer before it lifted. With the other members of the peerage she stood upon the Queen's side, a representative of the country that formed her, but that held her not. Talion's hand touched the small of her back, and in turn she touched the shoulders of her children. Silent sentinels, they watched a ceremony that would have been their due in a life either parent lived one hundred years ago.Wales would love them better than it could love any that remained here.

Duke and Duchess of Ireland, Lord Jack Flynn and Lady Maugerite Flynn

A man of the sea once took for himself a cause to liberate his people, and so now governered over them. He felt little now in the arm that shifted out of habit, seeking blood to return to it. What he did feel was a keen sense of irony. Ireland was here to witness a coronation that placed those who weren't Irish upon the throne. Ah well. In a system where greater kings bowed to lesser kings bowed to lesser, it was oddly an Irish thing. Maugerite as the Lady, the Duchess of Ireland, Govenor's wife, stood in splendor befitting the station. Destiny was strange. Hers was not to be a quadroon courtesan, but to be one more emblem of change. Pride beamed on her face as amidst the children's choir she heard the voice of Seanna in haunting refrain.

Yoshi

Having newly arrived in Skye on a merchant ship from his home land, Yoshi was in unfamiliar territory. Hearing of the formal event and moving in amongst the crowds, his formal hakama and kimono crisply pressed with his ceremonial daisho in is obi watched the event with curiosity. A new land with new customs he was fully aware of his environment. His hair pulled up into a formal topknot, drawing attention to his dark eyes. This place was vastly different from Japan. Would he ever fit in? How will he adjust? "Buddha said when one finds himself in a new place, begin at the beginning" he thought to himself. A veteran warrior and samurai of the war between Toyotomi and Tokugawa he was not unfamiliar with the art of the sword. But in a land of peace, how would that be useful. All he could do was watch and learn. The Merchant captain of the ship he sailed on was kind enough to give him a command of the english language on the four month voyage from the orient to this new land. He smiled confidently as fate would deal him what it had in store. (d)

King Adam Aberdeen

His arms were controlled... as the Bishop spoke, Adam listened... And as the Bishop placed the bracelets on Adam's wrists, he did not know what to think.. what to say... The orb, the scepter... all came down to his life for the country and its people... He was determined to not allow power to corrupt him... Eamonn's words echoing in his mind... and he looked at Bess and nodded... then looked to the Bishop and accepted the regalia... It was heavy.... and its responsibity would be even greater weight upon strong shoulders... He stiffened his neck... After which there were loud shouts of GOD SAVE THE KING, trumpets blaring, and the Blue Castle guns were fired. The man wars, the battles... he never once flinched at a cannon roar... but todays bursts made him jump... again a reassuring smile offered to the clergy before him, and his wife beside him... and he let out a sigh... God save the King...God save the Queen... the people were talking about them... He was then presented with the Holy Bible, received the Bishop's benediction and blessing, then got up, and turned facing the crowd. And as soon as that takes place, the Peers who are here representing the people of the Gaelic Nations will loudly proclaim God save the King, God save the Queen, and at that, the pair shall be guided backwards to their thrones. The chair of their ancestor, the MacRauri, Lord of the Isles, Alan MacRauri, embedded in this special throne, is the Stone of Scone, the Stone of Destiny. Beathag has had her own throne made from the remnants of the Lady MacRauri's chair, Lara. Within are included pieces of the Royal Harp's duplicate, once held by the peerage in lower Scotland. Adam is now wearing his crown, the Crown of the Gaelic Nations, and holding the scepter and the orb. And Beathag is beside him. Meanwhile, little memorials of the Coronation with their names, Adam I and Beathag I, King and Queen, written on one side of them. During the Coronation ceremony, Adam made two oblations or offerings to God. The first one is an altar cloth, a cloth of gold or a roll of silk, which is given to the bishop who will place it on the altar for God. The second oblation is an ingot of gold or gold pieces, which will be given to the bishop in the basin, which Bishop Meurig is holding, and that will then be placed on the altar. (d)

Archbishop Meurig "Let it be proclaimed that on this day begins the reign of King Adam I, King of Scotland, England, and by the Grace of God, Lord Protector of Ireland and Wales..and the good Queen Beathag I, God keep you, guide you, and bless your hand as it guides the nation. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

Queen Beathag Aberdeen

One ordained hand lifted to seal the rite as others in company of faith joined in the same. She was seated beside her husband, orb and sceptor in hand. Upon the relinquishing of orb at least, the sceptor was laid upon her lap as some of the peerage sought to pledge their loyalty to the newly crowned. The royal treasuer was throwing the coronation coins with the faces of the couple into the congregation. Solemn oath was mixed with great joy as the bells seemed to offer no want in silence!

Lord Guardian Kendrew Campbell

To see this day was for him to see a parallel to the time he knelt before the mightiest man in Scotland. Robert Bruce had called him knight, and so his journey began on that day that led him to the shores where he took up his place beside them. A guardian, a champion..now these things to a Queen. To the King, he was priveleged to be friend, and a shield. His mouth kissed both hands, first Adam's, and then Beathag's. He clasped hers. "Blessed be your house." (d)

Lady Ealora Asad Aziem

Despite herself being in a dress, her arms clasped behind her back and her feet below the dress eased apart at a military standing of at rest. Her neck cranked back and forth. These were the days that everything was changing. From Duke to King, from Duchess to Queen and still the world seemed to spin in a way that kept everything in balance. There seemed to be an ease through the crowd, a feeling of awe that they should witness this day to tell to their grandchildren in the future of how they witnessed the tide of change rolling into shore. Of how people met their destiny in the rites and promises that would bare the promises more heavily then ever really seen on the face. Celadon eyes fell over the scene before her. That these days should be soon by her seemed an impossibilty. Her eyes found her husbands and she smirked as her chin tipped forward. Oh he looked so handsome, and so uncomfortable. As the crowd began to chant God save the King and God save the queen, she joined in, even adding in xena like yell just for show and winked when one of the guards gave her a short unapproving look.*

Lady Ana de Cervillion

What could one do in this situation but cheer and as heartily as those around her would no doubt do? She applauded in dignified fashion like so many others but inside her spirits rose. She would have to give them her respects and those of her wayward brother's throne. And then those of her uncle, the bastard that he was. Not that she truly wished to add them in on the well wishing, but propriety must be upheld even if both of them would like nothing morethan to see her head on a pike. Such bloody thoughts though shouldn't enter into this beautiful day, so she set them aside with a polite smile and continued to applaud. Soon she would be able to depart and return to her husbands side, but for now she would remain and enjoy at least a better chapter for them. *

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem


He was uncomfortable, very to be in fact, and felt closed in. However, this day was not about selfish needs to be free, but their nation coming together. Here they were free. Ealora looked human for the first time in weeks, and when their eyes met he smiled. While the rest gave their chant Maahes closed his eyes to pray, in a tongue that would no doubt have the poor bishop in fits, but only in Arabic did Allah hear him. Lord General wished this day be blessed. (d


King Adam Aberdeen

The Coronation ceremony is over and the whole procession, in the same order as it arrived, returns through the streets on the blue cloth, from The Pavilion, back into Griffin Castle Hall for the Coronation banquet. Adam and Bess, sitting on the dais at the end of the Great Hall. One of the innovations of this banquet is the massive Gryphon, the Gryphon of State, a gift from the people of Turas Lan to King Adam I, which shall be used at all subsequent banquets in future. As he and his wife, now sit upon the thrones in the Great Hall... which had been moved quickly by almost a hundred workers, moving the thrones from the Pavilion to the Griffin Castle, before the procession returned. And in between the first and second course of the banquet... there came a clatter down the hall... and as all turned to see... there was a knight, all dressed in black and silver, sitting upon a large, jet black Friesian... the hair of the mane and tail, bouncing with each high step... the clatter turns to rhythm as the horse begins to step slow and high... the knight upon the steed sits erect, his lance held vertical, the Griffin black and gold waving at its tip. Everyone is in awe of the man... but beside him are two other knights... one on each side... all dressed in its finest battlegear.... their horses prancing as if made to dance by an inner music... each knight bravely sitting upon their steed... the middle knight has Aberdeen pennent attached, while the third knigth has the MacRauri pennent attached to his lance. hewNow that the attention is fully upon the three knights... they halt in the middle of the great hall... They simultaneously lower their lances in tribute and in one voice... God save the King...God save the Queen... then they raise their lances, and hand them to a squire, who is waiting to retrieve them. Dismounting, all three men take up a position encircling the center before the King and Queen. Dmitrii removes his golves and slams down the gauntlet... Looking around he makes his challenge... "I Dmitrii Zurban, WeaponsMaster and loyal knight of the King and Queen... Who denies the title of Adam and Beathag, as rightful King and Queen, of Scotland, Ireland, England, or Wales? Meet me in single combat now, or forever keept silent, and grant the loyalty to the King and Queen... so help you God. !!!" (d)

Kiera Skylin

I had witnessed something historical this day.. how odd that it take place on the day of Our arrival, perhaps this was indeed a sign. My sapphire eyes wandered over those who stood before the crowds, who obviously hailed them as the royalty they were. this was as it should be.. my own heaart swelled with pride for my homeland. yet I had no desire to go back. perhaps it wouldn't be my lot in this life to serve as Queen My sister seemed to fit the prim and proper staunchy stick in the mud reppore sooo much better than I.. bsides she had to find a husband first.. after all that is the bearing reason for my departure.. I turned a bit. wondering where Yoshi had gotten to.. likely been bustled and moved in the crowd.. for it was not his nature to be a bull.. he would stay where ever he landed and make the best of where he stood.. I liked that about him.. He could roll with the punches.. and I had seen him take a few before defending himself only as necessary He never started a fight.. but he never lost one either.. it was good to have him around and since he had learned english.. He was even pleasant to talk with.. looks back a moment as the chants and cheers of the people of this land broke into my own melee of thought.. I was unfamiliar with this God save the King and Queen but my heart wished them honor and loyalty as good hearted royalty deserved. At the rumbling of my stomach. I did remember something mentioned about a banquet.. I would look forward once more to the Feasts and banquets of Royalty... (d)

Sir Martin and Lady Aurilla le Power

It was even better that the images in his mind, the white and gold hangings framed the royal couple like a moving painting, each detail more vivid in reality. Aurilla beside him, her gold circlet that was her crown, knew exactly how a coronation felt, Her land was small, but some folks felt loyalty to their country, others pledged their work to it but these two, as she herself one time long ago, married the land. Wed to it for life. Martin's wife dabbed at the tears in her eyes, tears of joy, Aurilla always cried at a good wedding. (d)

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle

There were certain luxuries in a title she never used. The Princess of Corsica and Duchess of Auvergne had some luxury of a diplomatic position of the ceremony. Rosalind would not particularly mind being among the great nobility that arrived for the occasion, but for her children, she was glad for her vantage. Aldric stood with Murtagh and Colban among the clansmen, but Polly, adored by most who made her acquaintance, had settled upon the shoulders of one of the Welsh lords, and had his black hair bunched in her hands for stability. The lord, for his part, seemed only mildly annoyed while Rosalind applauded politely, calling out her "Fiats" with the rest of the foreign nobility.She'd never attended a coronation before, Philip's being well past her time in France, but she truly was enjoying herself -- as were Polly and Aldric, it seemed. Colban occasionally leaned down to explain what was happening to Aldric, but once the cheering commenced, no explanations were necessary, and both were shouting and waving their arms wildly. It was quite a sight -- Rosalind moved her kerchief to her mouth to hide her grin. *

Yoshi

Yoshi smiles a confident smile at the event of history in the making. Dropping to one knee in fealty to the leaders of the land he whispered a silent benediction and prayer of fortune to the newly crowned king and queen. Eventually he would start meeting people and interacting with them and with the diverse culture here it may seem a little awkward. Kiera had taught him some things to help him along but there were some that he found all together too informal and wasn't sure if he could accustom himself to them. All Yoshi knew was the way of the sword. Samurai trained for combat. Honor, courage and loyalty was their signature on the world. Sure, they had artistic hobbies; some poetry, some kanji, even woodblock printing or zen archery. But not Yoshi. His hobby was his sword. Duel after duel attested to this. He rested his left hand on the apex where the katana and wakizashi rested in his obi as he knelt, feeling the familiar presence of the steel. He was unsure of wearing his armor or not but it seemed his choice was the correct one. His formal vestments were enough for this occaision. He looked on to their majesties then around the crowd. "I will be fine here" he reassured himself. The coronation was opulent unlike anythign he had ever seen and will probably never see again. The words of loyalty and oath to the people rang in his head much like the oath of loyalty given to a Daimyo upon employ. He will certainly never forget this day as long as he lives.

Queen Beathag Aberdeen

The procession from the place of coronation unto the Banquet hall was a lively collection of beauty mingling with formality. Her place was forever upon Adam's arm, standing beside him, seated beside him. A crown atop her head bore a substantial weight of no less than five pounds, but the weight of the world it symbolized was far more. They all walked atop sweet smelling herb, flower petal. Feet of the peerage too presitgious to be left to touch earth, it seemed as osmehow they'd transcended. How could they keep the lines holding all the Isles as one? Time would tell. Once within the splendid setting, heads would turn to see knights in full array. Their armor gleamed. To the right of Dmitrii in a place of honor rode Kendrew, his vestment that of the Aberdeen. Whispers rose as historians among the people recognized how the colors he wore were symbolic of not only what now reigned, but were married towhat had been. The golden griffin was emboldened in knot pattern with animals that had been attributed to keen peoples: the horse, one upon each side as guarding, swans upon the borders. "Let any who would challenge the right o' King or Queen tae rule the lands of Scotland, England, Ireland, or Wales be known now, or say nothin!" His gauntlet resounded, followed by that of Broms. Her hand fell gentle upon her heart. Whom had commisioned such a standard as this, and what would it's formal heraldy resemble? Like the burgh, Aberdeen was an old name. Now, it was a royal one. "Sae none issue challenge yer duty be relieved of, good champions." For the first time that day..she felt the prick of tears sting at her eye. Unshed they would be for the honor in sharing this day with those she loved, and of wishing those that saw it from above were proud (d)

King Adam Aberdeen

As the knights near the royal dais, the King's cupbearer is standing waiting to offer them a cup. The Royal Champions take their cups and toast the King and Queen, and the King and Queen will in turn toast each one. Then each kneels, their swords drawn and tips down, hands resting upon the hilts, resounding together in "God save the King…God save the Queen." With that they are dismissed, each taking the goblet with its lid away as part of his fee. Adam is awe insprired by this unexpected event. He could not help but watch... Looking to Bess, he chuckles... "We did nay practice this part lass... was this yer idea?" and laughed a bit as he watched the knights disappear into the crowd. Moments later, Dmitrii returns in his dressed leathers, the oil shining off it. He smiles as he approaches the dais... "M'Lord. May I take the time to say, I am deeply honored... and offer any fealty yu ask... my life for you..." and as he looks to Bess... "and yu my Queen..." Adam looks to Dmitrii and leans down... "None neces'ry old friend, just because Ah wear a crown, does nay mean we cannae bae friends... and Ah knaew yae 'ave m'back any day... Now gae, have fun, and bae wit yer beautiful wife..." Then Dmitrii disappears into the crowd to find the beautiful Aegraine. Adam sits back in the throne... once a chair to hear audiences, he now is King of a Nation... but inside, he was still Adam Aberdeen...husband, father, protector.... and he took his wife's hand and gave her a slight squeeze. Standing Adam would motion to the musicians... and soon melodies began aloud... and Adam led his wife to the floor... and as room was made for them, he started to dance... and when they were in full motion, others soon followed... regardless of title, standing, or position. (d)

[bEngineer Captain,]Lady Aegraine Zurbain[/b]

She had attended the ceremony in company of her parents, Martin & Aurilla. She was watching Dmitrii as he addressed his best friends, standing so that he might spot her easier in the throng." I 'm so proud to be able to witness the proceedings this day! (d)

Queen Beathag Aberdeen

"Yer life has lent itself enough tae make this possible, m'friend. Sae ye campaigns with m'husband are tae many tae count n' we have stood, taegether. Nay more will Ah ask o' ye, nor any o' ye." Adam's hand was so easy to take. He led her from her private misery, toward a future of elegance, toward one of royalty realized. "M'King? It stands tae reason a great fact. We've fought fer this all our lives n' knew it not: n' fought for one another. This pleases me..more than anythin'. Tae meet this or any day, with you." They danced in the center of other bodies that came to follow the formation they led, but her eyes from him didn't divert. "Ah remember a little boy who was afraid tae throw bones with me fer fear the Lord would reprimand his sin. Sae he married her instead." One twist about to other members, another lord or lady..before they found one another exactly as they should

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: Adam's hand was so easy to take. He led her from her private misery, toward a future of elegance, toward one of royalty realized. "M'King? It stands tae reason a great fact. We've fought fer this all our lives n' knew it not… n' fought for one another. This pleases me… more than anythin'. Tae meet this, or any, day, with you." They danced in the center of other bodies that came to follow the formation they led, but her eyes from him didn't divert. "Ah remember a little boy who was afraid tae throw bones with me fer fear the Lord would reprimand his sin. Sae he married her instead." One twist about to other members, another lord or lady… before they found one another exactly as they should.

King Adam Aberdeen: "Aye lass, and yer well worth it all... and sae is Skye and all the brethern Celts..." he walks the pattern of the dance only to return to her... "Oh Aye, yae 'member that naew..." he chuckled...

And in the corner of his eye, Aodhan was dressed in his black and Gold, the white scarf tied around his neck... dancing with a girl about his age.... in the chairs to the side were the other children all laughing and clapping to the music... even lil Amy.... and he looked at his Bess... "Ah luv yae lass... wit all mae heart and bein'..."

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "Ah love ye tae ,lad. Mind, body, n' soul." She opened her mouth to smile in a way that eclipsed the acts of the past. No, she smiled before on a great many days.. but those that saw her come to face destiny, to live to tell of it.. To see her son as heir apparent. Oh how he danced with the lass but it fell to fathom that once he saw Seanna Flynn the world merged until it was only her flame crafted head he saw. This escaped not his mother; if ever a marriage were arranged for him, it would be to that girl. Years moved after year agone, and each one put her before him.

Lady Ealora Asad Aziem: Slowly, she followed the procession into the hall, swaying this way and that as she walked, moving along the wall to eye the guards in full armor for the occasion and no doubt the protection of the new King and Queen. It had been a sight to see but not one sure she knew was a 'blessing' persay. King's and Queen's could be crowned any old day but it was a sight nonetheless to see the Duke and Duchess now rulers. As his hand brushed at her hand, her head turned and a smile tugged at her lips. Aren't you afraid I might kill you? It had been so long since they could read each others thoughts through their faces, would he hear this one? The tease within it. Her fingers curled with his as he lead her towards the floor with his request for a dance. "Have I ever refused you?" She purred as her arms wrapped about him upon the floor.

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem: The crowd started to pour out in the streets as the royals now moved into their feast, but Maahes would stay behind to wait for his wife. How long had it been since they last spoke? His fingers brushed hers as he came to stand just behind her shoulder, and a quiet voice escaped him, “Dance with me.”

“I'm not afraid of death.” Words were not needed, ever between them though he didn't know where to start with her. “You refuse many things” but they were not going to fight here, not today. Not while he was in his dress armor. If she refused him, she could have very well put him in chains for he would have been killed just then. “You look…” Broken English beat the back of him, brushing against his lips in quiet words, “Like a woman.” As much of a compliment that could counted for coming from a man who didn't understand the whole concept of flattery. Jean-Claude who helped dress the beast shook his head in the corner. Like a woman, Mon ami?

Yoshi : Yoshi walked among the crowd, greeting here and there, his black and silver kimono symbolic of hte kokoryukai, displaying his pride in his clan. The symbol of the twin black dragons emblazoned on it glinted from the silver thread used to embroider them. Still unsure of himself he sought a familiar face in the crowd. “She must be here somewhere.” He thought to himself.

Lady Governor, Claramae StLaurence: A voice unsuspecting came upon those with the name LePower. She hadn't reason to speak oft in such formal affair, but there were congratulations to be uttered, "Good Sir LePower, your Pavillion shall be now as much of history as a grand cathedral. Hence you to London come to create such things, and you shall have a whole city testament to thy name. Brava."

Sir Martin and Lady Aurilla lePower: “Ah, I was honored to help any way I am yet able, Your Majesty." pride of accomplishment knows no age limit. Martin propped his walking stick and held out an arm to Aurilla. "Shall we?" and the old man and his younger wife joined the dancing, together again after over eight years, on this momentous day.

Lady Governor, Claramae StLaurence: The Govenor of England found a poetic justice in the crowning of Adam's head with remnants of King Edwardy's symbol. He went to dance with his wife, so she did not keep him. No, the Lady Govenor would move herself along in equal combinations mind boggling rigid backed grace and constant predator.

Kiera Skylin: Moving off a bit beyone the crowd I found a quiet place under a tree to simply watch… I hoped Yoshi was enjoying himself… all of this would be new to him as well... she wishes she knew where he had gone... She wasnt accustomed to being alone.

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle: As the evening progressed, Rosalind seemed more conspiratorial than ever, for those unaware of how much behind the throne the Lady Inveryne had already committed herself to making the court run as efficiently as any machine. For this once, the lady did not dance among the peers. Her pattern, unlike the complicated one being carved out upon the floor, was from lady to lady of Bess's court, and one by one, they vanished into alcoves and nooks. They emerged in simple gowns of white, with cords of spun gold around their waists, with pageant masks of silk draped across their eyes, and curving down their cheeks, hair left to flow freely across shoulders and down backs.

Inveryne, senior among them,emerged bearing a very oddly-shaped box, accompanied by twenty of the court's youngest, all clad in gowns of white, with grape leaves of gilt in their hair. The children, giggling and shuffling their feet as their entrance seemed to cause a temporary lull among the dancers, and the musicians fell quite upon the pre-arranged cue, bore the Lady Inveryne forward with her box until they stood in the center of the dance floor. The nobility stepped back, creating a wide box to encompass the pageantry. *

Kiera Skylin: I looked to the lines of people waiting to enter the banquet hall and suddenly I wasnt so hungry.. I picked at a blade of Grass and wondered what in the world I was doing here?

Jonathan and Eryn Verigs: Jonathan Verigs and his wife, Eryn, were dressed as well as a swordmaker could afford. He and she, had waited in the long line to offer fealty to the King.... and she too...

Later, as things began to liven from the cermonious, he would look around, taking his wife's hand and pulled her to the dance floor... Irony... the man who is now King and the sixth degree of separation that would be his wife... the former Anwen Maubrey...

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: Another turn found the Lady in White to meet her fellow women in the same. Dancer's paused, her hand in Adam's the stable thing that gave her leave to meet the Lady Inveryne. "Wot comes hence, Lady Inveryne? Ye shan't stop the dance tae correct the French of the couriters will ye?"

Lady Ealora Asad Aziem: Her lips curled into a grin as they moved across the floor, the top of her head barely reached her chin and yet she didn't need to look at him to hear that answer that didn't move his lips though her head tilted upward when he finally did speak aloud. "Do I?" She questioned with a singular brow rising on one side, she was not picking a fight, merely asking.

When he started to say she looked, that brow went downward into a questioning look and the answer she got only had her face turning to confusion. "I am a woman.." She stated matter of factly and yet let a lopsided grin curve one corner of her mouth as her eyes dropped to his chest. "You look very handsome" She answered in turn after a moments pause. An very uncomfortable. The part unsaid. “Want me to steal you away and undress you?” Teasing again but she was trying to be civil considering what they had ended on and left open since last they saw one another.

Lady Governor, Claramae StLaurence: "Your Grace, lePower. The correct term of address is Your Grace in relation to me. Your Majesty, no my friend. God would not be so humerous nor so cruel as to place anymore than a ducal cap upon this head." God be praised indeed. "You are forgiven m'lord. I am becoming accustomed to more than my lady or Madame myself. Our majesty the King is fond of promotion. You shall see this in London, for you shan't leave it undually rewarded sir, though I must warn you of its present peril."

Sir Martin and Lady Aurilla lePower: ”Ah, I did wish to call you the correct title, Your Grace; tis still a new land and a new language to me. You know, all that about how diffcult tis for an old dog like me to learn new tricks." cringes at his error. (d)

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: On that account! Eyes turned upward into the ramparts, below to the floors. Silent commands issued for her posistion was two fold. To secure England, and to secure the nation's figurehead. Thank God he finaly settled the proper title upon his head. This nation was oddly...droll… in how it abhorred station.

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle: With Rosalind's very subtle clearing of the throat, the children shuffled into proper order, and began to sing. Though the words were in French, the style was in the call-and-response format so very popular among the Highlanders, with the ladies of the court prompting the next verse, and the children sweetly harmonizing the answer. They told the story of the man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard. He sought fruit upon his tree, but found none. How long did he wait? the ladies asked. Three years! The children responded, hands on hips, sounding as put off as any self-respecting vineyard owner should. "Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" they sang. The ladies asked the next question, and the children replied, "If it should bear fruit, well! And if not, then thou shalt cut it down." Rosalind, finally laughing with the other ladies as the children concluded, approached their newly anointed Queen with the box, holding it steady so that Bess could lift its lid. Inside, she would find a far more practically weighted battle axe, and a sapling of a fig tree.

Kiera Skylin: Tossing the grass blade aside... I stood and straightened my dress… “Perhaps now would be a good time to check on my ship and to get back into the robes I found most comfortable...” hoping perhaps Yoshi had the same thought.

Yoshi : Looking amongst the people, there she was, sitting under a tree. He approached her. The only familarity of this place and the one connection to his understanding this land “Are you alright?” he asked her.

Engineer Captain, Lady Aegraine Zurbain: She watched her parents dancing, from the sidelines, there was no hiding the joy she had at seeing the royal couple crowned; as well seeing her parents back together once more.

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "Listen, my lord.." The Queen's hands folded over those of the King. French was a language Beathag began to fathom because of its prominence in the island she called home. A proficient linguist nor profound speaker she was not, but The Inveryne, as she sweetly called her, stood as a link between one end of the tongue or the next. As a Bard, however, music she knew as she knew how to breathe. The Highlands washed across her skin in the voices of the children.

Kiera Skylin: Sees Yoshi approach as I stand. I smiled softly, “Aye, I am fine…” But my eyes told another story. I turned from you, but spoke over my shoulder.. “I think I should go check onthe ship… the Sugar Pearl may be missing her Captain…” smiled softly. “Would you care to walk me back?” she already knew he would and not even because she had asked him to.. but because he felt it was what was right.

Yoshi : “Hai. I will walk you back. You have done much for me and I owe you a debt that I cannot pay.” He started walking with her.

Lord General Maahes Asad Aziem: He lifted her chin, never did he like it when she didn't look him in the eyes. “I want to go home.” That was clear from the moment he woke up this day, from the design of his hair to the pleating of his cape--he was ready hours ago, The home with you there. It was all he had ever wanted, and as he pulled his arms around her he could have been the very tree the children sang of--unmoving, unwilling to let go. He could have broke down and begged her then to return. However, her dragons were deep in her chest, but thankfully he was a brave man. Rumor had it on the Isle he wrestled dragons in his sleep as a child, or so the town told.

Lady Ealora Asad Aziem: What demons or dragons she carried within her was hers to bare, so many times he had been her rock when she had needed to break down but this was not a break down of her heart. This was her mind, something he touched in a way were words didn't even need to be said yet there was that one part that was part of the broken puzzle, not even one she knew how to control yet and so it was shrouded from him, not because she wanted it that way. Her head lifted as his hand pulled her chin up. A small smile began at the side of her mouth and curled the large lips into a wider grin. Her fingers curled into his arms that were like steel around her, unwavering and unyeilding. I'm not cured yet. She warned in silence as her fingers squeezed tenderly at his arms. "Then lets go home" She purred low as she pressed her lips against the curve of his chin whispering the words to the frame of his ear. If he wrestled dragons then he must of been experienced by now, and he would need it with Ealora but despite it all, she loved the man, with the very fibers and breath of her soul.

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: Questions and answers of the women. "Sae beautiful." Somehow, it made the French easier to fathom. Her heart strings were pulled with the effort applied to her harp, and when at last the box had come.

King Adam Aberdeen: Adam let go of Beathag's hand, and found himself a pillar to stand next to... constantly bombarded by well-wishes... and wishes of a fine future... and in his mind, he faltered back to the days of youth, mixed in with the mysteries he and Bess had uncovered thru out the past few years. He knew his Mother, Davina would be proud of him... and his grandfather Alan MacRauri... and he gave a silent thanks to them... and in the very next thought, he cursed his Father... and then thanked him, for making him stronger... and he shook his head and smirked, knowing full well, regardless of what was done to them, Bess and Adam, found one another... despite all... It was Fate ! It was Destiny... and he smiled again looking out over the crowd... "God save Skye..." he whispered.

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: Green eyes turned down to it in question, "Wot more a gift could ye give me, Inveryne?" Long fingers that had known many things opened it: sail cloth, ropes, steel, and harp string. Inside she fond of these things one life bid her give up, hadn't it? Steel had saved her throat when Gerrard sought her head, instead she took his with a sword her brother had fashioned for her hands, which none had ever done. Now she looked upon an object that had been smashed inthe walls of MacRauri Castle, who's shards formed in the luckenbooth she often wore. Now, ghosts were made whole. "I....I.:" She looked up to the company, before down into the box. "Tell me, Inveryne, yer meanin'in this fer all things have them." But this was a welcome spector ' One that she met with watering eyes as she reached into the box to pick up the impliment.

Kiera Skylin: Smiling as we walk… “You do not owe me anything Yoshi... you have been my guardian and watched over me for many months… it is I who owe you.” Pauses a moment in mid stride, looking at him in a way that women tend to do when they are reading things into words spoken… “Yoshi.. I dont want you to stay with me or my ship if you are doing it out of obligation… If you stay, it has to be becasue you WANT to stay.”

Yoshi : “Kiera-sama, I came her in search of new honors. I am here by choice. not obligation.”

Kiera Skylin: Nods softly, fighting back the tears that stung.. “Alright then.... no more talk of debts owed... agreed?”

Yoshi : “Agreed. I must go find fate.” he looked at her as if to as if she would be alright; the mutiny on the ship was probably not over. It left a number of hateful feelings amongst the surviving crew. “I must head back to the banquet.”

Kiera Skylin: Nods… “I am going to dispers the crew.. I no longer need the lot of them and if they felt that way toward me as the Captain.. I certainly dont wish them near me now.. and you will not always be at my side to protect me.”

Yoshi : “That is true, Kiera-sama. Your words are wise.” He smiled to her as he turned to go.

Kiera Skylin: “Enjoy the banquet Yoshi. Sha gin and merit will be there. I know I have their loyalty..”

Yoshi : He nodded to her, his dark eyes appraising her words as he bowed formally. “Arigato gozaimasu, kiera-sama.”

Kiera Skylin: “Arigato gozaimasu Yoshi-san”

Jean-Claude: Walking with cane in hand to the small bit of French song, he would correct a few weak feet that stood to dance, and only brush down a few fly away strands of the highland hair--poor children, doomed from birth. Always in his best, for this occasion he pulled no stops, meaning he used the real pearls on not the silver studs upon his cufflinks. He would even sing along with them, as he made his way to stand close to Rosalind.

Engineer Captain, Lady Aegraine Zurbain: Ae walked with Dmitrii, for she had to hear all about the challenge ceremony and its history. "What if someone had challenged? Or is that more of a ceremony thing?" She listened to his explanation as they walked away from the dance floor.

Lady Governor, Claramae StLaurence: She came to the outskirts of the gift's presentation. As if not to speak, but producing sound, the mouth remained near mum as the words curled in the ear of Jean-Claude d'Aquitaine. "It has been said you seek a certain being from time to time. You needn't seek very hard today."

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle: "That you may have the strength to weild this axe as you have held another before, to cut down what was evil and unfruitful in Scotland's past, may you continue to have the strength to defend us again. To defend is in your nature, Your Majesty, and for this, we re-dedicate ourselves to your service. Hail, our queen, gloria regina!" The children sank first, to one knee, followed like dominoes by the older ladies, Rosalind holding the box aloft over her head, the soft white fabric spilling over her lap and pooling upon the floor. The ladies remained prone before their Queen, but on her blessing, would stand and as one, remove their masks.

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "If e'er Ah'm called tae bring my axe or my sword tae a field in the absence of all else, or before meh a life would better live where mine may be offered....ye will see this again. May my defense o' ye better now come tae strength of mind. But should it' e'er be needed, ah shan't ferget those who gave it tae me. By yer leave, by yer leave." She held it in her hands to find that the ghosts of war didn't cry out in the steel, for this was untained. It was as pure as a virgin offered in good faith. All that ever stained it of yet were the oils of her hand, the tears of her eyes. If ever she did need to pick up this weapon, it would not be with the bitterness that followed her heels, but in the name of all the good she now had to love. "Rise, all o' ye. Rise." She kissed the forehead of each child that would come forward, thanked each Lady. "An axe, Inveryne. Ye suprise me. Ye think Ah'd dae better tae attempt French if Ah speak Gaelic and Norwegian, but an axe?" She laughed. "Ye know me, well"

Jean-Claude: He was a pleasant mannered man, at whom the small wonders of the court had come to rely on, and of his charity it seemed nearly all of Skye looked more and more like a kingdom. However, he knew only he could take credit for so much, but it was the whisper of a voice that could capture it all. She was a silent killer, holding together the golden ladder with a single thread, but he had felt her there long before she had made her way. “Oui, Ma Diamant, a little bird sat on my window and spoke of the good news.” Meaning her return. He smiled, happily turning a look over his shoulder to the Governor. “I was going to come looking.” He whispered before turning to face her, opening his body in their sort of 'hug' not touching of course, but as close as their body language could get--shoulder to shoulder. If you look careful, perhaps there would even be a moment shared of the lady's smile.

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle: "Madame, you have little idea how I warred with myself over the appropriateness of a weapon upon your coronation," Rosalind admitted with a defeated shake of her head, handing the box to a servant, but removing the fig sapling before it was abandoned to the pile of other gifts. "See that you place these both somewhere safe," she told another servant, allowing Bess to temporarily give up her new toy that she might rejoin the dances. "But I thought you would treasure it more than baubles."
She saw Jean-Claude appear from the crowd, standing out a bit as the ladies in white retreated to their rooms to dress once again in their finery. She smiled, and inclined her head in greeting.

Lady Governor, Claramae StLaurence: "If I May, I find the gifting of the axe an appropriate symbolism, and it is true, My Lady Inveryne, her majesty would cherish it far more. It is also said His Majesty furnishes his wife neck quite well." Dry, droll humor greeted Rosalind before the want to smile infected her eyes, but not her mouth. Odd woman. "The small bird spoke well, though small bird is strangely within the background of the festivites. Saw her for one brief instance I did, but she may have her hands quite full assisting the Royal Heralder with the chronicling." If Janice adored anything more than baring witness to history, it was paper.

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "This is a war Ah find most amusin, wouldn't even take intae account ye'd fight it, at all." Her head inclined to the olot of them before she slid away to enjoy a rather non-violent, graceful past time. She was a woman who did things backwards. Her family, the extent of her patience, the breadth of intellect was reflected in the later half of life where the brashness, wit, and blunt gestures were characteristic of the middle. She had known grace in the beginning, but time fashioned a warrior where a woman-bard might have stood. Adam continued to dance with his wife until such a time he took a moment's aside to discuss with men business arising. They exchanged glances but spoke no words. She knew well enough what they would say, whilst seeking things for themselves. Joyous the day was, war still loomed.

Jean-Claude: It was only for a moment did he touch her back, lightly where her spine came to meet her hips, in a friendly gesture of course, but it was to show he wondered of what was beneath. Three years had passed, since he gave her treatment, and still he worried. It seemed traveling for so long always made it worse, and if she were in pain he would not wish to make her wait. “Mon Ange, is up to something, but at least she will not be alone.” Call it fate, or fear, either way Jean still worried after her as if she were that sweet darling little 16 year old he met those some years back. When Rosalind came forward he would offer her a bow of his head, though tall frame not once moving from it's stance. “Dear Lady Inveryne, be very proud of your husband. He did us all right in Paris, sailed through the night with the wind on our backs. A true master of his craft, as you are to yours.” He motioned the dancers leaving, to only return in something of his design or so he hoped. “A wonderful performance.” It was the formalities of the motions, the conversation, and the way they all seemed to act about one another now that he could nearly not stomach. For all the fates in their life, Jean-Claude was thankful for the small family he had. “Where is my darling, Goddaughter?” He had missed her so.

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle: Rosalind went curiously quiet at the mention of Janice, but she would not say anything at this moment. She was rather frightened, in a healthy sort of way, of the pair beside her. Perhaps she would tell her husband, when she happened to see him. It was a fine message to deliver to Peregrine, when she only had rumor of his return, but had yet to witness him crawl through the castle window as he was accustomed. Whatever he was up to, she decided, she did not wish to know. She glanced past Jean-Claude, spotting Colban dancing with a blonde clanswoman. It was promising indeed. Her attention returned to Jean-Claude and she smiled.

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: What lay underneath was a network of fading scars thanks to the brilliance of his hands. What lay atop of the scars was pale peach perfection knowing imperfect bruises from time to time. Beneath the high, lovely collar was a literal indention from an executioner's axe. Now was not the time to discuss the tower green however.

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle: "Your goddaughter.... Where did she go? Ah, Elsabeth has her." She spotted Polly's hair, braided across her head like a coronet, rather than the whole of her daughter, and nodded toward the pair. Polly had some sort of sweet plastered across her face. Rosalind chose to ignore this. "Oh! I thank you, Jean-Claude, we spent many hours practicing. They also doubted my choice in gifts," she offered wryly, but then smiled. "But very much doubted our lady would lack in gifts of the more sparkly variety."

Jean-Claude: Where Rosalind ignored it, Jean-Claude did not, and was thankful he always kept an extra scarf to dab at little spills as this. He chuckled lightly watching how she happily moved about with everyone. “I have faith in this one.” He spoke to Claramae, “Genevieve..Mon dieu, she could find something to stain her dress even in an empty room.” It tickled him at their youth, and enjoyed very much being a staple in the lives of the children. He would never have any of his own. “The dance was lovely, and in my opinion the best gift any could give. Such devotion these ladies have, and someday great leaders of this nation.” By manner of course.

Yoshi : Yoshi made his way back from the ship to the great hall, cautious steps carrying him the way. Adventure started here with a crowd of people. It was a long journey and the night's sleep was fitful but he was surprisingly rested. Biting the blade of chance he approached one of the first people he found. Paying attention to everything at once was a little overwhelming and he almost ran into a small group at the epicenter of everything that was going on. “Forgive me for my clumsiness.”

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "Fergiven. There are many feet n' many forms. Hard tae learn if ye aren't familiar." Soft brogue was a friendly relief if he needed kindness in a shore of unfamiliarity.

Hours agone with crown on head, and still she hadn't changed. The foreigner would find himself helped to the side so he might breathe. "Are ye alright?" She said to Yoshi.

Yoshi : “I am indeed. I should be more careful. Your land is unfamiliar to me.” dark eyes looked to her and with a deep breath he introduced himself. “I am Minamoto Yoshi, former commander of the Toyotomi army of the east.”

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: "Welcome tae Skye, sir. M'name is Beathag, Beathag Aberdeen. Come, the east beh a far sail from 'ere. Yer name recalls Nihon. One o' the women o' m'court comes from tha' far off place as well. "

Yoshi : “Hai, Nihon.” he smiled at the formal use of the name of his country and realizing she was the one crowned just moments previously he dropped to one knee in loyalty. “Forgive me your majesty. I was unaware of who I was addressing!” he lowered his head in respect.

Queen Beathag Aberdeen: The coronation could not change the core of her heart. Her smile was serene, warm as it welcomed those whom were new. An axe might defend a nation but one of is treasures was her own smile "Now ye know, m'lord. Now ye know. Rise...let me introduce ye about."

Yoshi : “Of course.” he rose and straightened his kimono and fixed the diasho at his hip.

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle: "Peregrine reminds me your Genevieve is simply misunderstood," Rosalind compromised, noting how her own daughter had a penchant for trouble, rather than dirt. But she was still not quite at the point of embracing the other child as a member of her family, and let the subject drop like a load of books, summoning Elsabeth closer so that she could hold onto her daughter's hand. Already, Polly seemed anxious to be anywhere else, shifting her weight from foot to foot, though she'd not yet started whining or pulling her mother's hand for attention.

Jean-Claude: “I feel it has been years since last we spoke.” Anyone really, and when he bent to kiss Polly's cheek he would whisper of her presents from Paris. “Oh no, Genevieve, is not misunderstood. She is simply her mother's daughter. Though, she took to the ships, laughed the entire time. It was a delight to watch her sail, but my how we missed you.” The last spoken to Polly as he touched her cheek once more. “It is beautiful the pair of them together. Perhaps I will buy land close to your home, or simply force you back in town. Though I hear your rose garden is delightful.” He had much to do now that he was home, and most of it weaved in and out of the other woman at his side. No doubt it would be another late night by the fire with their wine; cherished moments--it wasn't often Claramae laughed.

Lady Inveryne Rosalind Avalle: "That would be wonderful, if you did," Rosalind said, truly meaning it. "I've worked on those roses, you know. They should be out in full show in another month, but I enjoy the earlier blooms." They were small, fragile, and more delicately colored than the red she preferred, but she had a soft spot in her heart for roses. "My friends, do forgive me, but I should see Polly to bed. Her brother is somewhere abouts, and I do not wish him eating everything in sight, you know that his father will only encourage him." He would, too. How else did Colban grow so large? With a brief curtsey, she excused herself to collect her progeny and take them back to the Lamont suite.

Music was ordered by the King until the last man and woman desired to dance no more. Conversations, bargains, and deals were made, and mead, ale, and whiskey were abundant. Children were snuggled in their beds, dreaming of sugar plums… and the streets buzzed with those refusing to lay down.

The King and Queen had excused themselves for the evening, as the morrow would bring about a new day. The bed soft, a tender kiss and the shuffle of a pillow led to sleep; for once their desire of each other waned this evening… not because marriage but the extremity of the long day… They were tired.

[Men of Skye]

Jonathan and Eryn Verigs: Jonathan Verigs and his wife, Eryn, were dressed as well as a swordmaker could afford. He and she, had waited in the long line to offer fealty to the King.... and she too...

The offering of fealty to the new King, reaffirmed Jonathan’s faith in his and Eryn’s future. No longer could Maubrey harm them. Jonathan and Eryn knelt before the pair upon the royal dais. “My liege, I, Jonathan Verigs, now of Skye, off my wits, my skills, and my life in the defense of the Crown and Skye…” and Eryn spoke identical words of fealty. Then in acceptance of their fealty, King Adam spoke…. “Rise Jonathan and Eryn, serve Skye and live free…live well…” Jonathan and Eryn both rose… “By yer leave my King…” then they backed away, into a new life…

Later, as things began to liven from the ceremonious, he would look around, taking his wife's hand and pulled her to the dance floor... Irony... the man who is now King and the sixth degree of separation that would be his wife... the former Anwen Maubrey...

Jonathan had escorted his wife into the Ball. They were not heralded like many nobles, but they were welcomed by Adam and Bess as if they were. They later found Kaelyn and showed their appreciation for her fine gesture. Now he was dancing on the floor with his wife, amongst the finest of Turas Lan and beyond. As they separated and come back together from the steps of the dance, he would offer her a smile… “Where else could peasants mingle with nobles?” then they separated again… soon to be reunited in the dance.

Everything had happened so quickly once they arrived... they had sworn fealty to the newly crowned King and Queen. Now her handsome husband was pulling her to the dance floor... and she had a moment of panic, did she know how to dance?? Would she make a fool out of herself and him?? And before any more doubts could assault her, they were moving fluently across the floor and she relaxed and followed his lead.

Many still whispered about the woman who was the former Lady Maubrey... right hand of the vile and evil William, father to the new King. She saw the looks and heard them, but in husband’s arms nothing could harm her. Seeing Kaelyn, they went over and thanked her for asking them to come. The blonde woman hugged them both. "Be happy and love with all you have.... but now I must go and make rounds and check on the guards." ever the protector of Skye.

When he spoke of mingling, she tossed back her red head and laughed softly, in his arms as they danced. "Jonathan Verigs, I love you." was all she said.

The dance separated them before he could respond, though those boyish eyes would watch her as she was whisked away by another man, and then another, as she eventually returned to him. “I love yu too…” responded… and as the dance ended, they stood applauding. Meanwhile, Jonathan was oblivious to the whispers and looks of discontent from those in the crowd.

As the crowd soon separated, others reformed for another dance, Jonathan grabbed her hand and headed for the nearest door… Through it into the beautiful gardens that the Queen adored… Jonathan smiled as he saw the lit pathways… He took her hand and as they walked briskly into the gardens…

Down a twisting path, Jonathan then stopped abruptly and spun her back to a trellis upright, only to press upon her body with his, and kiss her quickly… the first leading to another as his arms embraced her form. “Yu havin’ fun?”

Eryn was smiling brightly as they danced... and in one swift motion she was whisked away by a man she did not know, but as it was part of the dance she smiled at him as they turned about the dance floor. Once more she was in the arms of her husband her face glowing with joy and love... as he responded to her words she kissed his cheek. Her own cheeks were pink with happiness and from dancing... she was really quite good, not to mention graceful and light of her feet.

Eryn was trying hard not to hear the whispers or see the looks but she did and it made her uneasy... for truly she did not know why. Then the dance ended and she stood beside Jonathan breathless and laughing softly as they applauded. As another dance was forming he took her hand and led her out a set of doors into a garden. The cooler air felt good on her flushed skin... as they walked hand in hand.

Jonathan suddenly stopped and backed her up to a trellis... pressed his body to hers. She responded by wrapping her arms about his neck and smiled "Aye, my heart, I am having fun... but I can think of something even more fun than dancing." she said with a wicked grin and seductive smile.

It did not take him long to get her meaning... he quickly led them back into the ballroom and made his way over to make their good-bye's to those that needed to be addressed before returning to her side and leading her out the main doors towards home. They wasted no time in shedding their dress clothes... and doing that which husbands and wives do privately.

[Master Claramae St. Laurence]

I would break my body to pieces to call you once by your name.

The Govonor of England was a Governess. Feminine quality was distinguished readily enough by light vocal timbre, woman's shape, and woman's physical expression. Her mind was to some degree androgynous, neither masculine or feminine but a melding of both sexes. She as analytical while able to absorb every detail. She was direct while she was able to see the circular effect of event. God, there was nothing inside of her that did not scream in unholy fits of laughter at her place in Adam's world. She served once again in the place she'd abandoned on the throne absent of the Plantagenets. Her orders came from a Scott. She was born English so this served to a degree of justice while the side of her that was also Celtic understood the rhythm of advancement that the Irish would enjoy. Her Anglo-Irish heritage was as juxtaposed as the King's Anglo-Scotts. Mixed blood was not uncommon nor was it attributed to much. If one was born in that country, they were of that country. So both of them were English, weren't they?

Still, when she'd sleep she would know that she at last served a throne that was not empty because it was filled by those who had limited power as a Duchy but limitless potential as royal entity. Was it not her careful placed advice in the years but one of the factors to lead to this day? "Take England," she told him, "but truly take it. Sit upon the throne so that there is nothing to contest. You validate better as King than as a mere Duke. Consecrated crowns are better than consecrated decrees from dead pen and distant popes." So she watched him be crowned King and the wife she'd known longer become Queen. Her callused hands were smooth with but featured memory recall only scars could devise. Beathag was as beautiful an ode to warrior's violence as she was to the bardic herald given to her family's persuastion. Her features put her on par with those who had come to take the Celtic lands as their own. She was fed a diet of old myth during Christian times and chose myth as her reality. They were an old song in a time that was still too old to house their newness.

By the time she left the festivities she watched the dancers twirl on and on, the wine flow, and the fragrance of the flowers continue to cast a spell to which she was immune.

"If it were in me to tell you that I hold a love for you both, for you all, then I would do so. As it stands the public display is not in my custom. Should I not return, know that I am proud."

God did well on delivering message in the form of rich coronation gifts for the royal family on behalf of not England, but the woman herself. Bolts of silk fetched from far reaches spun by superior hands, jewelry and ornament, and gold. Material object held an illuminated aura like the lights of ever-glow in this time of great joy. She suspected that her light stood the chance to go out again, for this realm often tested the bounds of her mortality over the last handful of years.

How strange her body be broken again across the place where she was born.

I show my love to thee, o leige, in unyielding devotion and perfect service.

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[Lady Liliana Campbell]

Preparations for this evening's coronation ceremony had been in place for quite some time. All of Turas Lan was astir with whispers and speculation, and eagerness, concerning the new Queen and King to be- of what will come. Those close to the Mo'r 'Triath and Mo'r 'Oukselo were looking upon this day with pride. They'd stood by the side of these two people for some time, and none more than they were deserving- nor could better rulers be found.

The Campbell family had come in from Drynoch a couple weeks ago, figuring that traveling sooner would be wiser and especially in Liliana's condition. Also existed the desire of Kendrew to be close to the Healing Hall incase she should deliver sooner than expected. Having a midwife come out could be tricky when one lived so far in the valley.

Now though Liliana struggled- should she go this evening? Looking down, she sighed and shook her head. Some would think it indecent of her to go out publicly while in "delicate condition". Liliana had taken to less outdoor walks the further her pregnancy went, but that was mostly due to the fact that walking could be a strain after some time. Oh, since when had she cared? The Lord and Lady, and her family, were not to be disappointed by such ninny-headed thoughts over her appearance.
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Which was why, later, found Liliana standing dressed in a gown of silk and satin with lace about square neckline. It was a delicate yet sturdy affair of lightly complimenting peach with gold intermixed into it. The design, done by masterful Jean-Claude, allowed for the fabric to flare down from below bosom to feet. It was the best way to show figure without overly showing her pregnant state. Only a necklace and her wedding band was present for jewelry. With her dark hair up in a simple braided bun it left her neck exposed and gave an almost regal bearing to one who was not by any means. Liliana was a simple woman, wife of Kendrew and mother of his children.

Checking each of the children, Liliana followed along after the loveliness of the coronation event of which her eyes teared up and she cheered loudly, before moving to Blue Castle. During the singing, of which she changed into the white gown like the other ladies, Liliana smiled with pride while listening to her children.

Roric spoke in a deep voice, resonating with warmth, while winking at a blushing and giggling young maiden in the crowd- which earned him a stealthy tug of ear from his Mother. Kylie's voice was soft, the gentle tinkle of bells, though clear and lovely- even if she still tried to hide behind the other children from so many eyes upon them. And then- there was Glenna...an energetic, high-pitched voice that was sweetly enchanting even as it practically shouted the words- striving to be heard above all else and standing proudly to be seen.

Liliana wanted to facepalm, but did not have the heart. Afterward, allowing Rosalind to speak on all their behalf, she graced Beathag with a warm smile- her sister even if not by blood- before ushering the children back to get into normal clothing for the festivities that started. It would only be appropriate to let them enjoy some before bedtime called.

Standing in the room, watching couples dance, she clapped along to music and sipped heavily watered red wine. Mocha eyes stayed on sight of friends dancing, or her children- Roric dancing with little Glenna or Kylie with a few of her female friends while she made moon-eyes at Aodhan, and then Roric once again yet with the giggling maiden. Rolling her eyes, she murmured,"Already attracting the ladies. What will I do..."

Lara dressed in a gown of pale blue and silver, and Dona in warm yet earthy tones- the former talking with a gentleman likely about weapons and her smithy business before accepting a dance, and the latter attracting the attention of other matronly women to discuss things of wisdom.

And there was Glenna demanding a dance from her Papa..a sweet sight that brought tears to Liliana's eyes.

[Lady Katerina]

Being the Lairdess of a clan was hard work and doubly so when it was the Clan MacKinnon. Katerina had spent all her time in the last few years asserting herself into the position of power that all could easily come to terms with, as well as undo all that had been done when Patrick ruled here.

She learned quickly with the help of the man who became like a father to her Kendrew Campbell, Liliana his wife, as well as her two guards Corban Campbell and Liam.

A missive had come to her from Kendrew inviting her to the Coronation of the Mo'r Oukselo Beathag and Mo'r Triath Adam the Aberdeen's to their rightful places as soon to be King and Queen.

She was nervous as well as excited as she sent a reply back that she would indeed be there. On the day of the Coronation she had spent many an hour getting ready .. taking time to leave instructions and place Duncan in command as per Corban's suggestion.

The carriage ready... with her now inside they made there way to Turas Lan....she could not wait to see Kendrew and his family who had quickly became her own though she had not seen them in a while.

At the Coronation she listened and watched as the crowning took place and eloquent words spoken, crowns placed on heads... Kat clapped and cheer with all the others that were there.

Dressed in a deep burgundy gown trimmed in black and gold lace... clan MacKinnon tartan fastened about her slim shoulders and held in place with clan badge, hair cascaded down her back in rich mahogany waved and adorned with small jeweled clips pulling it back from her face. She could not be happier or more proud to be here... she watched as people danced and smiled as they passed by her. Kat stood off to the side a bit drinking a glass of wine, Corban and Liam dressed in their finest clothing also wearing MacKinnon colors... it was good to represent the clan and show that they supported the King and Queen.

When the music ended she clapped and laughed as did others then another dance would begin... smiling because she could not contain her joy... she watched but did not join.

Corban stood proudly at Katerina's side even as he looked around for his cousin Kendrew.. Liam was flirting with a maid as usual.. all was at it should be on this day. Happy and Joyous!

[Men of Skye]

James and Rebekka du’Chere arrived in Turas Lan, the day before the Coronation… There they were met by some Lewis-Harris residents who had arrived earlier, and taken to the Blue Castle where all the other dignitaries were quartered. They were in the room that had been reserved for Lord Abrahim MacDonald, now deceased. The evening was spent preparing for the big day upon the morrow.

And so, the big day arrived. History was to be made today, and James and Beka had readied themselves, and their clothes for the evening’s celebrations. They could see, from their castle window, the city streets being prepared for the coronation procession. James smiled and looked at Beka… soon we shall take our place amongst the nobility in the procession… and that in itself made beka giddy with excitement… and in turn, excited James. He turned from the window, listening to her just jabbering about how excited she was, and he saw her half naked… and his excitement lingered on… Sneaking up behind her, he wrapped his arms about her, cupping her bare breasts and nibbling upon the bare skin of her neck. “We have come a long way, my dear… from a simple meeting in the early dawn to Duke and Duchess of Leòdhas agus na Hearadh…” and he pressed his hips to her… It did not take much to ignite the flames of passion with these two… and they began to initiate their quarters with the throes of sex and excitement… and her screams of passion echoed even to the corridors…

Rebbeka did not hold back her reactions; she was so into the moment, each time they were together. There was no world outside of the two of them. She had always been a conservative, quiet little thing, that is, until she met this one particular man. Outside in the hallway, two serving maids walked carrying fresh linens for another guest room and looking to each other the women rolled their eyes to the high heavens. Yes, sound carries.

Later, they would receive their assigned places from the procession marshal, and ignore the looks and stares of the other nobility. James would smile and whispered to her… “We are the newest of the Mo’r Triath’s collection, so do not be hindered by the stares and gawking looks….” …said in French so none might understand.

The new Duchess had selected a bright blue silk brocade gown with a low square neckline, so that her gold and pearl necklace showed gleaming against a background of pale perfect skin. The sleeves were tight to the elbow and belled out into a teardrop shape of cloth hanging half way to the floor. The skirt of this dress was cut on the bias, to drape form fitting but with fullness on toward the hem. Her thick blonde hair was swept up into a braided coronet and covered with a net of fine gold chain; the rest of her hair was down her back, unbraided but tied with bright blue ribbons, every so often. A light fragrance trailed in the air as she walked past, as if one were near apple blossoms. She tried to appear a credit to her man's wealth and position, to be the perfect accessory to his power and position as was proper. And he was so handsome, that too.

The day was long… the procession slow, the events excited Beka, but the ceremony bored James; but it was necessary to provide the right appearances for the new Duke and Duchess o’Leòdhas agus na Hearadh… Her hand upon his arm, they marched amongst Skye’s finest… not far from the soon to be King and Queen…

Now it was time for the fealty to be offered to the new King and Queen… and as James and Beka waited their turn, he would continue to practice his oath. As they stepped to the spot, they knelt before the King and Queen… “My liege… I, James du’Chere, Duke of o’Leòdhas agus na Hearadh, do hereby offer fealty to the King of the Gaelic Nations… to honor, support with men and arms, upon yer beck and call, for the betterment of the Cletic nation.” James and Beka remained, head bowed until the King and Queen accepted the fealty offered. “Ah accept the fealty of o’Leòdhas agus na Hearadh and Lord du’Chere… May th’ Isle’s future bae bright and assist the Gaelic Nations tae new heights…” Then they rose and backed away, at which point they could turn and move aside, allowing the next person to offer his fealty to the King. As James moved away, with Beka upon his arm, he turned slightly, looking back, only to see Adam looking at him, an odd expression upon his face.

Later at the banquet, James and Beka waited in the introduction line… and when it was their turn, they stood erect, stiff-backed, and proud. The heralder spoke loud, thumping his staff upon the floor… “The Lord and Lady du’Chere… Duke and Duchess o’Leòdhas agus na Hearadh…” Then they would proceed down into the Great Hall.

When Lord Zurban offered the challenge as King’s Champion, James oh-so-wanted to say something, but he would not… he would simply smirk at the man who had investigated him before departing Lewis-Harris. James would pat Beka’s hand as the ceremonies continued.

Once the banquet was over, and the King and Queen were making their social rounds of the floor, James and Beka bowed at the same time before the royal pair… And at Adam’s beckoning, they stood. “Congratulations Lord James… Mae sympathy goes out tae Laird Abrahim’s family… ‘e shall bae missed. Ah received yaer scroll taeday… and after the events have settled, Ah would appreciate yaer presence tae discuss Leòdhas agus na Hearadh’s future…”

“Congratulations my Liege… and it would be a grand day to pleasure an audience with my King…” and he bowed. Ever the politician, James would smile at Adam… and the two would see the semblance of the eyes… and James’ would narrow a bit, only to bow quickly. She saw it too; the eyes. They both had eyes shaped the same, both sea green, like little Albert's eyes. She had not doubted what secret thing she'd been told. All this fact did was to assure Rebbeka that whatever James told her was true and her already unshakable trust was even more so.

[King Adam Aberdeen I]

King, Queen, and the Duchess

Adam wheeled his Lady about as they danced into the night… and across the room he saw that mystical masterpiece of intrigue, the Lady Governor of England.

The Queen turned. She danced the dance of custom as was fitting to the affair that sealed a date with destiny. This day, and even this dance, was decided long ago when she was a child who held to the ancient Norman walls to watch the adults make sacrifices youth was too naieve to understand. Adam captured her hand or it might pass the palms would kiss air instead of one another. She danced, becoming part of the history of those who had done so before her. She danced, becoming apart of the history of Scotland in the time it took for her to smile at the dance's conclusion.

At the most appropriate time, he and Bess applauded the musicians and their fellow dancers. Taking his Queen’s hand, he walked across the floor and stopped short from where Claramae stood. With a smile and a slight bow… “G’eve Lady Gov’nor… Ah bae glad yae could make it.” His reference was to the banquet.

She had been in the procession, but conversation had been limited. Now he and Bess could talk to the highly-discussed, accused-consort of the new King. “We…” he looked to Bess and back to Claramae… “…are glad yu could make it M’Lady.”

Her form betrayed an air of impossible perfection; illusion was so that the construction of the silk fabric covering the woman of poise made her appear too precise to have any ability to animate her limbs. On the breath just before it was shattered, she made him hold his breath as the step didn't make it end. Nor one arm, folding just slight outward as hand folded over the other. Pearl and sapphire encrusted hair let nothing go astray. Years would come, the body beneath the gown might have shattered infinite times but he would never be the wiser. He turned his wife around no less five more times in figure decreed exactness before he could give his applause. Five quick sequences that left impression on an ever-open mind.

She, like Adam, came from a unique set of circumstances that set them apart from monarchs on the continent. Her history didn't need to be repeated, but her senses were worth remembering. A flash of the colors reserved for the Irish flag were worn by a woman who was, by what was known, more English than the word. Adam's attention diverted during the applause to regard her. The voice alone was enough to place her as the strange fixture of socio-political life called upon for the subsequent ruin of another. Death was never so elegant nor human nature made as unusual than within the body of Claramae St. Laurence. Beathag bore her no ill will.

Popular rumor could change if another woman crossed the King's path for longer than a five minute interval. Each with a position of power had rumored to love the King for one night or stretches over weeks, some if they were beautiful enough they retained their position for months at a time. Most captivating of the entries was his daliance with the flame headed Aramoire during the time at Aberdeen, some even going so far as to say the new King granted Aramoire as a 'gift' to appease the man's loses after he'd supped at the table. The second was in the woman who lowered her body, canted her head down. In the same light that showcased the pearl and emerald incrusted head, that same light revealed her proximity to Adam.

"Aye, we are glad tae see you, whole n' well yer Grace." She applied the formal title to the education the years of maintaining a court had purchased. Ignorance was gone from Beathag, and jealousy had never long resided. If anything she felt a certain sense of thought towards, what if. Was she the only Queen whose husband took not an official mistress for his pleasure, leaving her to be a sanctified vessel? Once she was near to allowing him to claim Aramoire as one, should he have sought it, in the hopes he might beget on her what he could not fashion in her own body. Life was a blessing of late age for Beathag, and Adam's eyes returned to her. A man's eyes were made for looking - in this, she felt a pity for the Govenor, the Duchess of England - it would be far easier to lay on her back in his bed, than to lay on her back bleeding in the streets to uphold his life's work.

She knew that Adam and Beathag both looked at her with different ends to the same means. Trying to understand the enigma they'd allowed to uphold a part of their 'everlasting' world was akin to fathoming why God rested on the seventh day while working for six, yet if creation as constant he never truly rested. To be paradox incarnate was to thrive on conception being constant misconception, which she prefered. Right down to the blatant attack of character and moral being, the Lady used all to operate various portions of the mechanism called empire. If she lived a long portion of service enough to emass the same hold-fast that she had in the German states independent of her own station, she would be a fortunate woman indeed. As it was, the collection vastly rivaled the record to the point surpassing it with her place in the public eye instead of behind the gilded chairs they sat on. "Thank you, your Majesties. It is an honor to have been called forth into procession for your great rites today. God bless and keep you both."

“Aye, well and whole…” reflecting the sentiments. Nonsense, he would ask her to attend even if she was no a governor. But those words were not voiced, simply remaining in his thoughts. Now he knew rumors were present, and now this would fuel the local gossip… and it seemed that he fed the fire on purpose. Shifting his weight, his arms surrounded the waists of both women… Adam was not only bold on the battlefield, and on the political floors, but in his own confidence as a man. Now if he could translate that confuidence into being a King, Skye would be fine, and he would not worry., but for now, he would settle for this… to have both women in his life in his arms. A smirk crossed his face when he thought of the third… the Courtesan… his personal spy. Now wouldn’t that just fuel the rumor mill. “M’Lady Claramae… did yu fill out yaer dance card yet? Many a gentlemen would love tae dance with yae… In the meantime, Ah ‘ave tae battle the men from my wife… her golden beauty draws men like flies to honey…” he looked at Bess and winked, his hand rubbing her back.

Now what a scene… Queen, King, and Lady Governor… strolling across the floor to a quiet area. Stopping by a corner… Adam whispers... “Claramae, keep me up to date on what’s happening in England… and further south if yu have information.” Adam, ever the politician needed to know as much as possible. Many pokers were in the fire and lest he get burned.

“Thank you for your concern, majesties." He would ask her to attend if she were of different rank but her presence might not mean the same thing. God put everyone in place with a reason that would be shown in whatever time, fashion, and form he saw fit to present. The familiarity within public was met with no lack of glance but no amount of speech. No man or woman was that stupid. No man or woman of merit close to their majesties was lacking in the knowledge that for a mind of man or woman, the one beside Adam was brilliance personified. For the skill of a man or woman, the set beside Adam was excellence. She had come as a nation's 'gift' but remained as the executor of the Lord Aberdeen's will. No Parliment member could out debate her, no problem was without solution, no movement without cause. Her own will was iron clad and her voice was law. Were she not the Governer abroad, she might have been the governess of his thought.

"That is a quite the witty expression, your majesty. As it stands my 'card' as you illustrate is neither full nor empty. I dance as much as is appropriate for the celebration, within the figure sets but abstain from certain formations without the presence of my husband. Those who seek my attention oft seek it for more than politics." The rumors did an injustice to some portions of reputation, what rumor didn't? The saving grace was only so many were bold enough to suggest that she become a mistress while those that didn't knew there was a certain timing between those that sought and what happened next: the status of the name diminished, position was lost, or the person vanished like mist from the world.

"Such an afront. If it be said afore me, or heard by m'ears it won't be tolerated at all," People supposed and wondered, it was in their nature to do. You couldn't stop the wind from blowing but you could prove how firm the roots of the tree were. Claramae, despite whatever oddities crafted her being, was old to Beathag in the number of known years. It was one thing to tarnish the reputation of one who illicited their own fall from the pedastal, but another to try and knock down one whom built the item in the first place. She imagined that Claramae was older in the mind than both her and Adam put together. She was older than a great many others, in fact, and old souls can only stand so much abuse. "Ye are well in yer authority in' place tae call for recompense, n' should. Ah am nay much insulted anymore, which is an odd miracle." The people loved her as if she were the land they moved on even now. Claramae was not expendable, but she was not one they wanted permanent either. When both waists were captured, her expression might have been read as a wife's discomfort, but was in fact a wife's unspoken warning for the other in his company. Our reality is not the world's reality, it said.

Why did she allow him to touch her? It was a question traced back many years. If you touched her beyond blatant civility, you warranted consideration. When a hand was grasped in turn it meant that expression was moved not for your consideration, but in the spirit of conveyance. A need to convey, truly, the rarity in her world of closeness. Elegance was as distinct a chill as low-lying criminality. Neither breed of killer wanted much to do with the other, nor friendships, and alliances, were subject to either permanence or dissolution. Those subject to change were a state of unallowable flux and thus eliminated. The fact that any of them touched her or that the list was so many who moved through some level of her constant being suggested the very reason why she served in such diligence. It also was the reason she stayed at all. "I am too busy and too old to pay attention to village gossip among the alleged aristocracy. I find it is best to allow Time and God to sort them out." As moved by her skilled hand, hallelujah.

She waited until Beathag was taken for an instant with the voice of one of the children who had sung in her honor. One instant revealed to the king a portion of the equation. What did full equality mean in it - furthermore - did he want to know?

"Upon my return we will engage the rebellion in England directly, for that is what it has come to. Of the south, my agents tell me that you will have a merry collection of clansmen to try on varying charges. You are being defied, and to a catastrophic effect if you do not stop it. A war of petty spat-feuds will not be what the people at large desire, and the unity of your people here and across the Isles is key. You may need to call on them."

He could not read through enough to see that England was going to full-scale war instead of the skirmish agenda that was the nature of Sleat. Later ,she would tell him that the Spanish were coming to the 'assistance' of the Royalist, must to the disdain of the loyalist, and his desire with her eye for detail would culminate in the revelation of the warrior's approach that a former island nation preferred of her.

Adam listened intently to Claramae. With a nod of agreement regarding England… “Th’t bae why Ah ‘ave yae as G’vnor, sae Ah dun ‘ave tae worry about such… Ah knaew yae can handle wot cometh… if nae, dun hesitate tae let me know how Ah kin assist. Ah leave Aingland in yer capable hands…” Glancing only to Bess, he looks back at Claramae… “Oh really? Traitors, or just men th’t think they can disregard…?” Then he bagan to inform her of what Lady Keliana and Lord Alexander had informed him of… that Lord Robertson blantantly disobeyed regal orders of non-action to avenge a lover. Again he looked to Bess and quirked an eyebrow.

“M’Queen… dae yae wish a trip tae Struan? Ah need tae remain behind tae handle the Lewis-Harris affair.” he winked and nudged his beautiful wife. Then he looked to Claramae… “At a haste more at yer likin’… return to Aingland… handle affairs there… once things have settled, I expect a replacement suggested. Ah would like yae back at Ebony Hall.”

"A trip tae Struan? M'progresses would begin a little early but the clans 'ave offered hospitality n' promise o' feast in show o' fealty n' congratulations. Ah'll consider it n' let ye soon know..." She showed nothing on her face of wanting to question why on her return the talk of a trip was the topic of discussion. He nudged, winked, being playful of the whole affair. Had he noticed her desire to be out on the island more often? The oceanic gaze of Adam Aberdeen told her that the Maubrey in his mind was at work, meaning that his intelligence was set to unravel plot with plot. This element of his lineage she couldn't dislike. Anyone could admire the brilliance of his educated mind, no matter to what sickening extremes his father had decided to use it. He was not his father, and so the line might be redeemed through him, through his children. "Struan is a good place, n' tis been a long while since Ah've passed Dun Darroch."

Claramae gave a nod of head in acknowledgment of the Queen's words, wondering if her motions would unearth important information or even if it was wise to send her hence away, but she wouldn't dispute the will of the King. Ultimately, the will of one was the will of the other, and their equal rule was necessary to make all function. Even if one ruled separate of the other, it was two ideas in the spirit of the same end to a means. She studied the way that Beathag placed her lips against her husband's cheek before taking the arm of the new Chamberlain, Theodore Sinclair. Lord Sinclair was a man who was born on in Scotland and sent for fosterage in his mother's native Lancaster among the family Rygby. He had proven to be a man of high function, high moral ethic, and most important to the Aberdeens, high humor. Sinclaire even admitted a certain fondness for the Duchess' of England's ability to keep him entrenched in the goings on of both home and abroad with equal fervor. Both were quick, both were spry, and it is said he would have given up his place to her were it not for the fact she was not home to claim it. He hoped that one day she would return to be the Lady to his Lord, so they might have what he called 'a marriage of courtly politics.' on behalf of the nation. "Good day to ye, Lady Duchess." "Good day Lord Chamberlain." The exchange of greeting was cordial, with unspoken promise to speak more later on matters of state.

The attention to the moment returned to Adam, however, as he spoke words that were....liberating. Return to England to solve the problem and return, not for a series of days, nor weeks...but forever. All that needed to be answered before the English matter nearly fell off her tongue. She could have been speechless if she never spoke unless it was prudent anyhow. "The south is a combination of men who disregard you to settle disputes that have at once little and everything to do with you, some of them are no more than ardent clansmen while others would happily poison your supper if it were allowable. Lord Alexander and the Lady Keilana are playing a game of chess in Struan, and have been for years. My sources tell me that the marriage was put upon Keilana as a chance to expand her own position and influence, and the bond that kept it together was Alexander alleging to strike Iain from the succession if he did not comply. There is much to root of… affairs within this war I believe. Land lost, lovers lost. At any rate it shall be quite a bloody mess if it is not soon dealt with. As for… England.." She gave pause to consider the words that would come forth from her mouth. "It will be done. One request I have, and thus one request only: My liege find at his pleasure a way for my husband and mineself to retain our ducal title, in however he sees fit to land us locally. My husband would have little care, yet I feel our ascencion is important to recall. At least too, within the world to which my lord keeps me privy, that will carry an air of authority that will last far longer than any mention of Governor. For of that, I am happy to find you the far better replacement. My place is to be far less obvious than this posistion places me, yet at the same time I shall never be as inconspicious, either. This is all I ask. To remain a duchess within your localities." Would such a request be possible? Or would there be some equal thing of power, where titles were traded as if they were coin? She wondered if her ancestral home would always be a barony within England, or something greater or lesser? "And to take full command of Master Sorchal's place, within the same, given his -- absence." The Ebony Hall was where her motives deemed to operate from, it was where they all belonged, and she wished to run it with full court permission as the Hall knew she did in order of ranking. There was a certain... rightness... experienced in being neither baroness or even countess, yet Duchess. In it too, there was a duty to a lineage that included far too little people that the family would go on in some way.

“Then a trip tae Struan it tis… besides, with what Lady St Laurence says, mabbe tis high time we saw for ourselves…” Adam felt some consternation ofr the information Clarame just imposed upon him. “Lord Chamberlain…” he nodded his head as the man arrived… “Theodore… the Queen and Ah shall bae heading tae Struan in a few days… arrange our travels… and Brom sh’ll head up security…” he patted Bess’ hands hoping to make her smile. “The Queen and Ah shall make a tour of our new lands we are solely responsible for… Be prepared, more to come…” he chuckled.

Looking at Claramae, Adam smiled… “Lady Claramae… Ah leave England tae yaer capable hands… and as title, fear nay, faer a Duchess yae shall stay… and yer husband sh’ll keep title as well…” Had he just promoted her, or promoted the fact of an affair? Hopefully, removing her once English issues are done shall not appear as a demotion… or a promotion to consort… but she was needed closer to the King. “In Master Sorchal’s absence, Ebony Hall is a wasteland… not much produced in both the absences a King seeks to keep filled… Ah expect nothing less than full complement upon yaer return… ” It was his own way to let Claramae know she was vastly needed he at arm’s length… but he could not afford to cut off the hand in England with it being the hotbed she spoke of…

[King Adam Aberdeen I]

“Congratulations my Liege… and it would be a grand day to pleasure an audience with my King…” and he bowed. Ever the politician, James would smile at Adam… and the two would see the semblance of the eyes… and James’ would narrow a bit, only to bow quickly. Rebekka saw it too; the eyes. They both had eyes shaped the same, both sea green, like little Albert's eyes. She had not doubted what secret thing she'd been told. All this fact did was to assure Rebbeka that whatever James told her was true and her already unshakable trust was even more so.

Adam nodded briefly acknowledging the man’s congratulatory remarks…. “Soon M’Lord James… soon. Lady Rebekka…” acknowledging the man’s wife.

Beathag had been present in the mind all day. Her body was not piloted on previous rehearsal but governed by an inexplicable need to cement the entire day's details in her brain. She had told Adam she wanted to be present, and to account for all things as Queen. Today was the first test of that ability, when all the pomp and pagentry in her honor could easily distract from the goal. No, she recounted every sensation, image, sight, smell, or sound. It was the reason why the color of the sky on the day was never to be forgotten... or for that matter... who she met.

There were so many people that she shouldn't have remembered anyone or their corresponding titles. In a sea of prestige, they would only be the names of favor-seekers and those that participated in desire mongering. At the same time, there was the promise of allies among them in times of duress be it in Parliment or on a field of battle. She understood that many things belied as much on image as they did on action. Today, the two melded. She was an image of comportment, beauty, and grace. When she spoke it was with a soft air in her brogue and intelligence. She wanted to please as much as she was pleasing to look at... Yet there were two people that stood out for their place. In a world where actions meant more than class, newly minted nobility from out of the common stock wasn't bothersome. The Duke and Duchess of o’Leòdhas agus na Hearadh did all of the correct things. They should have found common bond trying to construct a new image for an infant world.

"Ahdam," she said to him when the introductions were done with on the second pass, when fealty was sworn and the color of eyes caught her by surprise, "All day the pair from Lewis-Harris 'ave kept m'attention from time to time. All day. Would not Lord Abrahim had told ye long agae his desire in a successor? There just… he disturbs me, Ahdam. His very eyes make flesh crawl. N' his woman, is familiar. Aye, she looks as one whom sold scents within the market a time agae. This could mean… nothin. It could only be a woman's tae much worry..." They moved, the Du-Chere's, with a graceful ambivalence befitting the station - and yet - there was something about each that didn't fit in the story of action rewarded by noble prize. "Lord Abrahim electin' a man nay from the two isles themselves? The parliment with him...please, promise me ye shall look intae it, alieviate m'mind."

During the fealty ceremony, Adam had seen the man’s eyes… a reflection of his Father’s…. and as such had caused him to linger his attention of the man. Now, at the banquet, the man introduced himself… and again the eyes caught Adam;’s attention. And as the man spoke to Claramae, and Bess captured his attention, her husband listened and nodded. His voice soft and low, only for her to hear, his hand covering his mouth so none would read his lips. “Last Abrahim and Ah spoke, tis about the shipbuilding facilities… and he was frustrated at my spearhead requiremements… and stringent work schedules… then no less than week later, Abrahim requested an increase in cargo ships… He had also discussed his son entering the army instead of the business… T’was like something, or someone was influencing his decisions… curious nae…?” Adam saw her concern… “Ah promise lass, Ah’ll ‘ave it looked into…” Then they pretended to smile and act as if nothing happened or the conversation never existed as their hands dropped from their faces.

She was not beside the pair. She was not in front of them either, yet Laurence was never far behind any of those that were either hers to protect or to guide. It would only be after the royal pair had circulated her way she was able to convey to the King, news of the projects that made the world go round. What he didn't realize, however, was that Du'Chere and Laurence had met before. No liege would have gone to the world of the opulent Theater des Mortes for a winter's masquerade, gambling, and dealing in prizes that would some years later change the course of the world.

It was between du'Chere and another Frenchman, the deeds for the Isles. How they had even come to be among the offered prizes was a mystery that was only now being solved by the advent of upper-tier politics. It can only be described as brilliant for Du-Chere to take advantage of Stornoway's booming port business for his merchant opportunities. She would even applaud him in tracking down the viable documents, no doubt planted in the auction by an associate. He would never have gained them however if the Frenchman didn't have a sense of honor among him. She did not cease the documents’ return to the sponsoring auction house as she wished to see to whom would claim it, and the process unfold. Warnings and suspicion on both the part of herself and the King now had risen to monstrous, albeit elegant proportions. Du-Chere was the most decorated snake in Eden.

"Your Graces." In time they all had to speak as their daylight selves. Each of them standing on the same footing as Ducal persons, each with a government in their hands. "Good day to you. I have been told by our Parliment of your election to position on Lewis-Harris and wish you congratulations. It seems to be a fine day for beginning anew." At the time, masks would have concealed their faces, and in the chaos of the final battles leading to the theaters inevitable destruction. Only in the world of day did names have meanings for places of station or importance. Everyone played a strategy in the beautiful Blue Castle, be it advancement or intrigue. It just so happened they all excelled at both.

James bowed deeply as Lady St Laurence approached… “Good eveningyer Grace…” he spoke in French… then switched to English. “My wife, Rebekka…” he introduced her using his hands… hands that displayed no hard work… If he remembered her, his expression did not reflect it at all… but he did, and it seemed that she remembered him… though he wore the mask and the opulent red suit that night long ago… “Oui ma’dam… tis a grand day for anew… T’was a monumentous gesture, despite the frightful loss of Lord Abrahim… he will be truly missed… God rest his soul…” and he made the sign of the holy cross as if he was catholic. “I just pray that I can be half the leader he was…”

Since the days after the event at Theater des Mortes, James and Beka had been on a whirldwind agenda… the enhancement of the facilities at Stornoway, the path for ducalship with Abrahim, and the influence of a peoples upon the Isle and the filtration of monies from the merchants of France to fund his goals. They, were not lacking in funds… but even as they dressed elegantly, it was not to the level of their resources.

Rebbeka with her arm still on Du'Chere's arm gracefully acknowledged the Lady Laurence with a nod of her golden net hairdo and eyes cast suitably down. "Your Grace." The scent of apple blossoms moved with her, a new invention in a time when a floral perfume was yet a rarity. To what credit she had, the woman had not been gambling per se, or bidding for auction at the most secret event, back in that long ago masque she was one of the items bid for and won. After all they all wore masks. It might have not been her in a red gown, merely a figure exactly like hers."I have only heard wonderful things of you and your Governor-ship, Your Grace. Was the ceremony here to day not simply beautiful?” Her voice was quiet and ladylike, to think of her as a shop-girl did not seem to fit with her current look. The little hand resting on James' arm was well manicured and soft as one who had not done a stick of real work, ever.

"The Ceremony was exceptional, Madame. I have never seen a coronation; it shall surely live within our minds for years to come. We shall have to make much of one another by company, so that there may be close ties and friendships within the nations." Quiet voice was met with melodic genteel, neither too high nor too low. In an instant she noted the petal soft hands, the fragrance of flowers. Each was a player upon a stage she often thought. Each was a part being played as they lived. The Duchess of England made suitable conversation and in doing so became the honey to pull the golden net fly forward and out. "My Lord du’Chere perhaps might arrange a time of visitation upon Lewis-Harris, my husband, the Duke, shall enjoy the chance to see all islands within the nations, especially one so very close unto the South. We will make diplomatic ties in the parlimen." She replied to the Lord in no less than text-book brilliance, before repeating in English lest his wife be left from the fray, but certainly not. A woman of elegance was a woman whom fathomed the languages of court, and French was such a language. "Lord Abrahim, may his soul rest in peace, will have his legacy secured in you."

And so it was hard to tell in between them all who played spider and who played fly, each privy to knowledge the other didn't yet have but wanted. So she would seed the growth for a time on Lewis-Harris, for she was the long reaching arm of the King's will, was she not? To return home would mean a rather elegant shadow at long last would cast itself in the wake of the illusionist's absence. She would continue where he left off, and furthermore, deepen the possiblity of end for any who crossed the court.

James nodded in agreement with his wife, and the Duchess… And he did like the fact that all of them had come full circle; both members in the ducalship… both with vastly different agendas. “Aye M’Lady… we…” he looks at Beka and smile… “We would love a visit from such esteem guests…” James smiled again at Claramae… “As long as yer time there is nay strictly business...”

And when the woman spoke of Abrahim, James made the sign of the cross… “God bless the man… and may God grant me the vision for the Isle’s future,and the abilities, he had.” Then he chuckles softly… “I hope and pray that his blessing me with the duties has not actually cursed me instead…” Oh yeah, James was playing this to a hilt. And in the mannerisms and soft voice the Duchess had, that for some reason, he did not trust her… it was that Maubrey sixth sense that sent a tingling sensation into his neck. She… was not who she truly portrayed.

Let the Maubrey senses play the song out for she already knew how to sing the verses while he was just now learning the chorus. This was a Maubrey. The eyes, the mannerisms, the thought. Some things were too deeply engrained to deny, and no matter of French ettiquette could conceal it. This woman so willingly went to his bed? While by face not, by form one could recognize a fine arm piece once up for sale. She was a fool to think him her champion, and he was the brilliant one who mastered the take over. Still, she could pose a problem for one does not make their own way in the world like a fool. James was her folly. "Such must include pleasure, there is much to be made of fine sailing in the isles I have heard, capable of pleasure ships as well as they are trade ones. Ancient castles, good hunting. Such pleases be greatly. We shall make arrangements for it very soon."

Had James or Rebekka given her reason to doubt their actions? Or was it just her nature? Her face, he did not recognize, but the more she spoke, the more familiar he became… and it was not until he saw the eyes that would definitively assure him of who, and how, he knew her. His mind, if possible, would smirk, but his facial features, through years of experience, would display nothing but the man who was new to ducal responsibilities. “Stornoway is producing various ships for the new King everyday M’lady… and we have a program for smaller sailing vessels as well. It reduces our loss from waste…” he offered her a business-like smile.

What a cross? What a falacy of action? Was there blood under his nails, on her hair? If only such evidence were that obvious. "Has there been a funeral of yet for him, if not I should like to see him lie in state, and pay my respects. He was a wonderful parlimentarian."

James was taken a bit by surprise at Lady Clarame’s change in subjects. “Aye, Lord Abrahim was an outstanding parliamentarian… God rest his soul…” again he made the sign of the cross, followed shortly by Beka. “I am sure his family would appreciate such a gesture, M’Lady… but Lord Abrahim has lain in state for more than three days now… his Last Will requested a funeral pyre upon the fourth…” James neither smiled, nor gave any expression at all. The day following the coronation, the man, known as Abrahim MacDonald would be ashes… and any evidence of the dastardly deed that he succumbed to, would be eliminated. The man known as Jan… was burned the day after discovery, and his ashes dumped into the ceptic well. James had taken every step possible to hide the deed’s actions, and eradicate any evidence that could lead it back to him.

Unbeknownst to James, the two men who stood beside Jan on the building the eve of that fateful day, enjoying the voyeurism of the evening, were now in hiding… fearful for their lives, as an investigation was being conducted as to a possible conspiracy against Lord Abrahim… Had James known of them, he would have forgone the coronation to eliminate evidence… But as it were, the investigation, called for by James himself before departure, was considered a ruse… that is until…

One man, found as a stow-away, on one of the ships destined for Denmark, had been arrested. For now, he remained silent on what had occurred.

What happened to the two men that watched James and Rebekka talk to her ex-husband Jan that day on Lewis-Harris???

The second watcher through the window, Louie, fled in a panic, the very night after seeing the man, folks called Jan, walk off into the castle and right into very room where the action had been. From their vantage point, two men watched an animated conversation with Jan and the couple. He saw the lady stand back of her man as if seeking protection. There were words between them and Louie here wished he could read lips. Later he was glad he could not.

It had ended with a handshake between the French court man and Jan, at which both Louie and his friend took flight. His job was a jeopardy, at the least; His neck at risk at most. If the Earl knew him and his buddy used the guests for a little amusement, watching when they could, it would be the dungeon for them both. Rumors, of torture done there, fired his flight and Louis slipped into the night, running away to the port, through the narrow valley between the hills.

Someone was coming! He knew there was nowhere to escape in the narrows, but up either almost straight up rock lined side, so he sped to the far side and dived into a clump of shrubbery to hide him well enough.

A single horseman sped on past, in direction of Stornoway and did not notice Louie there, in the new leafed shrubs. The servant rolled away into the more dense leafy area and it was there he struck something cold and smelling of blood. Something, no someone, as his hands touched the face of a corpse there in the brush. He turned the other direction, oh if he were not already headed to hell in a handbasket, this was the cincher. Another dead body! Louie dare not cry out. Who else was out there? His chest pained him, bad enough that he had to grasp at his castle livery suit jacket. This was pain much worse than when it struck him last month. It was like being stabbed by a spirit! Louie sank to the ground and gasped his last. Now there were three dead men hidden in the roadside shrubbery.

Fate say it all in James du'Chere's behalf... the last witness to the dastardly deed died of a heart attack... right beside the men that attacked the Zurbans.

[King Adam Aberdeen I]

Brothers !

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Adam stood amongst the crowd, his attention now seemed miles away. The day before the coronation, Lord Zurban had brought some information to bear, from the Isle of Lewis-Harris… and also he had informed the new King of his own observations. It was these things that Adam pondered upon… Bess’ request stuck in his mind…. And now, as he looked around the Great Hall, he saw James and Claramae talking…

Adam left Bess in the capable hands of the Lord Chamberlain… and he walked to James… “your Grace… may Ah ‘ave a word…” Adam committed to the situation… What concerns Bess and Dmitrii had brought forth now stayed forefront in his thoughts… and those thoughts is what drove him to speak to James.

James and Beka bowed as the King come to them… With bowed head, James spoke softly… “Aye Yer Majesty…” Both individuals rose as Adam gestured… James looked to Beka… “My dear, see if you can liven the ladies evening a bit…” his way of politiely dismissing his wife.

Adam and James walked into the gardens… Motioning to the Gold Talons, they remained behind as the two men walked down a path. When they were out of earshot, Adam stopped and looked at James… “Ah knaew this nay be the best time, but much abe on mae mind…” he paused… “Ah received the scroll of secession… Is th’t be wot yae truly want…?”

James looked a bit taken back… “yer Majesty… tis nay what I want but my constituents’ desires… they feel with Stornoway a free capital and Leòdhas agus na Hearadh a separate nation, secession from Skye would be best… I offered my sentiments in the forum before my departure…” James lied with a straight face.

Adam crooked his neck and looked at James… the duplicate eyes of sea-green looked at one another. “When all of the nations entered into the Union they essentially formed a binding compact; for that compact to be broken, all nations must agree to its dissolution, not just a handful of them. Preservation of the Union is far more important than the complaints of individual nations; the country would be weaker if it were divided into two.”

“MiLeige… did I not offer fealty to the Nations? My constituents wish secession from Skye… for Leòdhas agus na Hearadh to be separate under the Nations’ compact…” James retorted…

The simple conversation had taken on political overtones, not just a game of minds… Adam continued… “It presents to the whole family of man the question whether a Government can or cannot maintain its territorial integrity against its own domestic foes. It presents the question whether discontented individuals, too few in numbers to control administration, according to organic law, in any case, can always, upon the pretenses made in this case, or on any other pretenses, or arbitrarily without any pretense, break up the Government and thus practically put an end to government upon the earth. Must a government, of necessity, be too strong for the liberties of its own people, or too weak to maintain its own existence?” Adam’s Celtic accent dissipated into the political rhetoric accent he has so often used.

“MiLeige… I spoke against secession… yet yu try to persuade me… persuade my constituents…” James retorted and lied…

Adam grit his teeth. “M’Lord… yu know when a group seeks to secede, it is claiming a right to a particular piece of land, and one must necessarily inquire into why it is entitled to that particular piece of land, as opposed to some other piece of land - or no land at all.” Adam sideglanced at James… “Now, for them to attempt to undermine a government as this, under which we have lived prosperously, in which we have gained our wealth, our standing as a nation, our domestic safety while the elements of peril are around us, with peace and tranquility accompanied with unbounded prosperity and rights unassailed—is the height of madness, folly and wickedness, to which I can nay lend my sanction.” He was aggravated now… and his patience short… shorter, because of the underlying theme… soon to be revealed.

“MiLeige… yu yerself have spoken of Natural Rights… rights that are the cornerstone of a political philosophy of the Gaelic Nations… Then I say that in turn, those are embedded in a greater structure of Natural Law…. Laws that should rest on the insight that we live in a world of more than one; in that, each individual person must, in order to act, choose his own ends, and employ his own means in order to attain them. Possessing no automatic instincts, each man must learn about himself and the world, use his mind to select values, learn about cause and effect, and act purposively to maintain himself and advance his life…. And that is what Lewis-Harris has done.” James smirked…

James’ smirk caused Adam to flush slightly… “You are right M’Lord… completely…”

James once again spoke freely… “MiLeige… is it yer plan to send armed agressors to halt the secession?” he had put Adam on the spot…

“Nay M’Lord… no aggressors are in planning to invade Leòdhas agus na Hearadh… that was never my intent… This possibly was not the best forum to discuss such things…” Adam calmed down…

James smirked… “Then my brother, we have no issues then… for you are not our Father… Lord William would have invade Leòdhas agus na Hearadh without hesitation…”

Adam was caught by surprise at James’ confession.

James nodded… “Aye, I could have publically stated I am your brother… but I felt it better serve us all if I was public with the assumption of Leòdhas agus na Hearadh first, then the secession… rather than our relationship first and both of us being accused of nepotism…” James smirked. “I gave fealty as to Leòdhas agus na Hearadh as a member of the Gaelic Nation… all I ask is that Lewis-Harris be a separate nation…”

Adam nodded… “Yu shall have my answer in a few days… Please return to the festivities…”

Then James bowed… “MiLeige… by yer leave…” turning upon Adam’s nod.

Adam then walked thru the garden… letting his thoughts mill about his brain.

[King Adam Aberdeen I]

The Concerned Queen

The inevitable moment of Adam's absence would not have been a bother were it not for the company he deemed to keep. As soon as he went to discuss with James du’Chere business that would rock the very core of all they held, she went to discuss things with a man whom had investigated first hand. It would be a long while since Dimtri found himself in the soul company of Beathag, but a wife's worries fell in line with her worries simply as a woman. She didn't like the feeling that du’Chere gave her. His eyes made her skin crawl and his mannerisms made her wish to exorcise his presence from the gathering. The fact that he was the Duke of Lewis-Harris made her stomach grow sick. Bile mixed with wine. Worse yet, he had Adam's eyes. He had Maubrey's eyes!!

"Lord Zurban, may Ah take a moment o' yer time please?"

Dmitrii and Aegraine had just finished dancing and were standing to the side sipping upon some wine… He and his beautiful wife bowed deep in the highest respect when Bethag walked to them. “Your Majesty… You are my Queen, your time is my time...” they seemed to repeat at the same time. As Beathag requested Dmitrii’s time, he excused himself from Aegraine and turned to walk with his Queen. “Yes Your Majesty… how may this humble servant be of assistance?” then he saw the odd look upon Bethag’s face.

The reverance they paid reminded her that all of them, no matter how many years known, would now be doing the same. She repaid the respect with acknowledgement. A cant of head signaled to both man and wife that she would always be benevolent in her approach to them. Beathag had nothing but respect for them, alone or as individuals, but it was Dmitrii, she would first need before questioning Aegraine. She would need answers from both, but it was Dmitrii, who stood constant at her husband's side as Brom did for her. If any man was poised to be as diligent in guardianship as Kendrew, and as zealous as Brom, it was Dmitrii, who had known the Aberdeens longer.

Once, she leaned beside a fence when talking with the Russian during a joust some years ago. Then, she was plain clothed, drinking ale, leaving jousting to the business of the men. Now the realm's business was her business. "Tell meh, Dmitrii, everythin' tha' happened on Lewis-Harris, specifically wot ye know o' the ducal pair first. Ah dun like im', n' m'senses do nay oft lie. His eyes, they are m'husband's eyes, n' worse yet they are Maubrey's eyes...Ah can't forget them." Those eyes caused her equal parts pain and pleasure every day she lived; pain when his ideas threatened to become too much, pleasure in how much he loved her. But in the eyes of the du'Chere, she saw nothing but greed, war, and blood lust to avenge what could no longer be. The seperatist agenda of Lewis-Harris should not have been possible, given the isles were in such proximity to Skye they belonged among those for the Aberdeen's direct claim, but what was old is often made new by others. Was it a mistake, to allow them to continue as they always had, or was it only du'Chere that made a false agenda? "Please, if ye've any worries on m'part be done o' them. We rule equal Ahdam n' I, n' Ah shan't be in the background anymore." He kissed Adam's hand - and if it were true - that man was blood relation to a new lineage upon the throne of every Celtic Isle.

Her expression brokered no disagreeance nor could she take it if he did, she was literally worried to the point of being as pale with sickness while her eyes crackled with anger.

Dmitrii walked with his Queen, not behind, nor leading, but at her side as she had requested. His arm extended for her hand to be placed upon. His steel grey eyes would scan the area, pausing at the Queen and then fixating upon du’Chere momentarily, then back to Bess. “Your Majesty, I see yer anxiety… and I have seen du’Chere’s eyes as well…” he paused as he reflected upon them… “… and it was like looking into the King’s many years ago, long before yu entered his life… and again in Maubrey’s… I, in my opinion, are the same… tis a lineage that cannot be denied…” Dmi would speak with the Rus accent, rolling the r’s and switching v’s and w’s… but he spoke good English…

He began to inform her of the attack upon himself and Aegraine on the road… the suspicions and the research they had done. “Tis all seems legal, Your Majesty… except the acquisition of the shipbuilding facility land… but on the surface, even that seems valid…” he shrugged, the neatly trimmed beard crinkling oddly. “But I do not trust him…” he paused… “Ah yes, I did look into the ducalship granted in the Last Will and Testament… It is written in what appears as Lord Abrahim’s own hand… and his seal of course…” Dmi bowed a bit… “My apologies, Your Majesty, for not being adept enough to find fault with the man except suspicion.” He took a peek at the woman who was his queen. “But we cannot start a war upon suspicion… but my blades are yours, should yu decide extremes.” She would understand his meaning. A knight of his King he was, but he loved his Queen no less.

Aegraine watched from a distance as the new crowned Queen Beathag walked and had discussion with Dmi. There was a certain pride in the fact Dmitrii was a long time friend of the royal couple and their champion.

A servant handed her a goblet of light wine to sip while watching the guest mill about the room. In one direction was the new Duke, the duChere man, and the other walked his...Duchess. "That sounds so weird to me." Ae thought as she watched the blonde young woman surrounded by other women, from their gestures, discussing fashion and skirts with trains. "One day I was buying silk thread at her shop and now she attends Skye's coronation ...and has a title. Dora did not tell me she was married, and our Dora knows all the latest gossip, news as she calls it." Ae, ever the surveyor and engineer, surveyed the man named du'Chere and engineered her own thoughts.