Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Aug 25, 2010 0:48:54 GMT -6
Deep Runs Old Wound
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"The streets are alive with the talk n' gossip, m'lady. E'eryone is paying attention now." The head of a covered lady-in-waiting voice an opinion from inside the safety of her hood's shadow, turning her face inward as the heraldbegan to spread the news not only of Skye, but of the realm round. Her madame sighed gently, a coil of gold hair falling out to be played with in the wind. Clouds raced against the rage of the dying sun only to calm under theapproaching moon. Days and nights came, days and nights went. Nothing allowed was said of their tiredness, nor the ache in chests. "It looks peaceful yet is not everywhere, m'lady. Are you certain you should be about?" Beathag favored keeping the odd practice of moving among the people. Blood did not seperate them from the human condition, after all. If Adam were here, would he have done the same. As it was he still remained in Waternish, awaiting her return with the rest of their family in tow. "N' whether they seem me or nay, Heather, the wind will blow n' the news will come." Talk of Spaniards at the city Gate replaced the fear realized when they'd survived a night of Englishseige some four years ago. As england stood its ground, stories of her being gutted were too titlating it seemed not to fill with details. (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
He had ridden hard, his curiousity finally getting the better for him as he entered the Griffin city wishing to uncover more about what had happened in Scotland after he left in 1323 with his original band of one thousand men. His horse he quartered in the stable next to the Inn before getting a bath and a change of clothes before heading to the library where, he assumed, most of the records dealing with the Kingdom would be kept. He was able to take out a number of documents but not before reading some in the library itself, what met his eyes made for grim reading - in fact it looked as if it were the work of an invading force trying to degrade the deeds of the previous ruling party, like a well executed coup and yet....and yet they had raised the Bruce up at the end to be the King Bane knew him to be. Still, it would make interesting reading and he set off down the road once more, soft leather boots walking along the streets before he got to a tavern. Thinking of his thirst and the need for a warm open fire he walked in, only then aware that he was unarmed for a change. Ordering a pint of the local stuff he sat down on a table near the fire and began reading (d)
Earl Faolan O'Cathasaigh
When next the door was opened, there was a light whistling in the air as a door to the Bannockburn opened. How often seen was the Irishman, Faolan O'Conner? There was a smile upon his features, as he made his way in.... How long had it last been since the tumult in England had embroiled caught both Eva and himself in it? From the fires England....and the many a night spent upon the moors of Ireland...at last what had been long talked of -- had become action. At last, at last, he and Eva had been wed. (D)
Lady Lara Campbell
Peace displayed itself through an almost calm night. Even as citizens mingled in the streets to break the quiet. Lara could only recall the events that eventually brought them to Turas Lan. How they sought a way to soothe all the inner aches that went unspoken and unseen by the world around them. Lara Campbell accompanied the Queen back to the city, needing to check on business matters, and was more than pleased to accept a reprieve at the Bannock. "Pay no mind to what might leave their mouths. A little drink and chance to sit will do us all some good." The words were directed at both Heather and Beathag with kind smile as both hands lifted to lower the green hood as they stepped inside familiar walls. (d)
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Aye, but the talk be nay idle, m'lady Lara. Listen. M'ears here men who speak of what they saw in England, I hope some will talk of Eire" Unlike the others her hood remained lifted, for she wished anonimity for a little while longer, a chance to listen without bias in the telling. Once uncloaked, the mantle of hair would be an indicator from a mile away, her stance the companion to who she was. "Listenin to them talk will give better a report than anymessenger can give." She spoke discrete, yet not in total low tones as to reveal herself. Indeed she looked as if she were but another traveler come from afar.
Earl Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
Fires burned and the world raged but it would be a man named O'Connor who smiled. In the wake of his steps moved his new wife, though the humor in this would be she'd been his mistress no less than five years up to the death of theold lord and master. He was a man with hands as heavy as stone to crush flesh with, mouth spewing venom. She was not the first woman in the world to suffer the wrath of a monster, nor would be the last. She was the only though who could claim that Dublin would see brighter days in this, her second match. As it stood ,so would Leinster region for that matter. "Ye smile quite much sir," she reflected allowed, hands behind her back (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
It seemed the tavern was getting busier, and he smiled at that. He liked the company at times, or even just the background noise. It meant others were having fun, which was more than he could say as he poured over the documents. Allthis was new to him, of course he had heard rumours when he had been fighting for numerous European courts, but apparently it had all fallen to Hell in a hand basket shortly after he left - not that he was so egocentric to believe that if he had stayed he would have made much difference. It seemed, for a long time, that the countries in the British Isles had become nothing but playthings for local warlords as they sought to extend their Earldroms and such like. Yes, in some cases, it was easily concievable as to why you'd need to restructure and maybe even do something to protect what was their own but he still couldn't get over the fact that Scotland had changed so much, so much so that they seemed to dominate when they had once only sought to be considered equals to all others. He drank from the pint glass and stared into the fire, watching the flames as tiny embers sprung about like a thousand dancers. (d)
Earl Faolan O'Cathasaigh
Fao could not help but chuckle softly, "Mm. Tis tha' nae an accusation I could be levelin' at ye as well?" This was true. Once the man speaking was Faolan O'Conner -- but now? Before the grace of God above, he was Faolan O'Cathasaigh. There was a grin, as he leaned in. "Why are you hiding your hands?" It was a fair question! He slid his hand in to her Eva's own, squeezing her hand gently. There was a smile. (D)
Rhianna Costache
It would be only but a few minutes before Rhianna would find herself entering the tavern. She had rode with Bane but rather than be his shadow, gave him his time alone so that he could do what was needed without any interuptions or such. She knew she could find him a little later on and knew that one of those places would have to be where drink was served. That narrowed it down a great deal but there were quite a few popular places in the city it seemed. As she entered, the golden light of the lanterns and fire within gave a soft glow to her mocha colored skin and caramel curls. The bells about her ankles always signaled of her coming. The Gypsy woman with sea green eyes would survey the room taking note of many faces while noting none were familiar, at least not right away. Typically, she would be bare foot, but she had learned long ago that within the cities, footwear was best, even if they were only sandals. She wore nothing exstravagant... just your typical work dress with the tattered and freyed hems. An off the shoulder chemise and a brown leather bodice over it. She made moves toward the bar after weaving through the crowd and placed an order for mead. (d)
Mo Ghradh Alba: Information could be sought upon many channels. Yet the easiest was always word of mouth. Even if some facts became twisted as they passed from person-to-person truth could be found within. Lara understood this and nodded in commentto Beathag's words. "Perhaps they will, m'lady." While her companion wished to remain invisible Lara didn't know. The smithy and sister of clan Laird, Kendrew Campbell, rarely garnered attention unless desired. Well-mannered and soft-spoken it was hard for most to believe that she did such noisy, hard work. What did they know? "Would you like me to get us drinks?" (d)
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Aye. An ale for m'self n' what ever Heather would favor." Beathag was anything if not deep voiced, exact, and poignant. Stories placed her as a loquacious, humerous woman who could turn to a maelstrom at a moment's notice. It was to be admired, the sense of inborn calm, otherwise she would have wanted to discuss in depth the alleged folly some thought of their fellows going to England to fight for anything. Once it was quelled those years ago, could not God let it fall of into the sea? Anyone who set foot their was asking for trouble. Why not give it to the Spanish, and why hadn't the King done off with the heirs? Others were sympathetic to the lot, realizing the sins of the father make not the life of the heir left behind. There was even talk of Ireland, of those who could not release themselves from under the influence of the old English King, insistant land was still theirs to keep. "Make it an exceptional strength Lara, n' pray o'er it as you bring it." She could smell the gunpowder as they talked of it being fired. Her worry increased ten fold for those that were in either land..though she was pleased, yet amazed at at the silence of Wales. Ah well, they were a fierce nation indeed with a lethal aim in arrows. As the discussion turned toward more recent events...
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
"N' they say tha' in Struan the trial is nearly done. Think they'll be a beheading?" said a barmaid as one passed Evangeline. She stopped, offering her hands to her husband while whispering, "Scotts are more morose than we be. The way some sound they want tha' beheadin. You know my maid was discussing it with me just this mornin. It seems a Laird in Struan, one Iain, went against the MacGregor for his lover, none other than the chieftain's wife. Well, both ofthem turned tail to stop a Macdonald uprising, where it all was declared illegal in the first place. So its a sorting of matters it seemed. Here it be better to talk about it, say in Struan they had puppet shows burnin' the woman in hell and their own Laird possessed by a harlot, his own wife n' father treat him as already dead. It's a shame." She sighed, passing the man in his reading, paying him a "Good eve sir, n' miss" to the lady of Caramael curls, and one passed on way to the bar. Unknowing that points of news all related to one another sat in the same establishment this very night "Can not say they have all the Irish detail right though." (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
He heard Rhi come in, the familiar chiming of bells on her ankles brought a smile to his face. A much needed smile by all accounts as he read of how his country had torn itself apart and then tried to rebuild itself on an entierly different model, and yet, he couldn't help but overhear whoever had been gossiping just a moment ago. It seemed there was something afoot, something that the Queen hadn't wished to discuss with him when she had come to him at Vercovicium. A man who possessed the central part of the border could secure the northern half of the English Kingdom if he was asked to do so. And yet, there also appeared to be trouble in Scotland with the clans. Everything was turned on it's head. Rather than the stable country she had tried to make it out to be, it seemed that civil war threatened everywhere. He coughed, drained the last of his drink and picked up the glass, taking it to the bar while deep in thought. Is that why she was worried? A potential heir returning from years of European warfare to incite even further rebellion in the middle of her Kingdom thus meaning her forces were isolated in pockets at certain points? He smiled at the thought, it had never occurred to him like that before. He approached Rhi from behind slipping arms around her waist after depositing the glass before kissing her on the cheek "Guess who?" (d)
Earl Faolan O'Connor
Fao canted his head just a touch, quirking about at his beloved. After a quiet moment, he asked, "An' dae ye nae feel some sympathy fer the Laird Ian an' his paramour?" T'was a gentle chide. "....Fer t'was nae tha' long ago, tha' there t'was such gossip an' feelin's bout us..." Well, maybe not quiet as vitriolic. The citizen of Dublin and the Pale had largely reserved that for Paul the First (forever immortalized in song as Paul the Worst). Still, there had been more than enough gossip about Fao and Eva during the last handful of years. There was a quiet shake of his head. "Fer all tha' there tis ta be said fer the Griffin....one would thing tha' tha King an' Queen should be assumin' tha' Phenoix as part o' their heraldry..." After all, how many times had the fires of war and revolution swept through the Celtic nations? And yet each time, the Celtic nations would emerge once more. Speaking of the Irish details? Fao shake his head. "May'aps tis because tha' fact that Ireland's story....tis an Irish one....." And that the country - especially under the Lord-Governor - seemed so isolationist. While Eire had called upon the Griffin for support afore, she had always been quick to supply is own arms and men. Eire was determined to be holding to no one. It was only the kinship between the Lord-Governor and the King and Queen that saw such good relations between the countries. "Least we nae the siege of Dunluce tis ta be lifted. The ships we saw t'was head ta White Rocks an' Portballintrae. With tha' Lord-Governor's war near complete? The renegades cannae call upon tha Pale fer aide." Mainly because all that remained of the Pale? Was Dublin and the area around Lenister....which was currently besieged as well (though, this time, by the Lord-Governor's forces). That brought more serious talk, before Fao sighed. "We cannae tarry 'ere long... we've a ways ta go before reachin' Eliean Donal...." (D)
Rhianna Costache
As she stood at the bar awaiting her drink a familiar voice came to enter her ears hidden by those caramel curls. She spied the artisan and smiled warmly. "Good eve to you miss!" she replied before the drink was placed before her.The man next to her lost his balance and his elbow slipped off the counter and into Rhi. She was bumped aside, and while it was an accident, it did hurt. The man was to drunk to realze it and would of course fail to apologize. Rhi, with her being the way she was, would let it go and just as she was about to take up her drink, felt a pair of arms snake about her waist before the all to familiar voice followed. She grinned and with a shrg of shoulders,
Defective Beauty: playfully replied. "I've no clue Sir, but should you wish my company this night... what would you offer me?" she teased, not yet turning to face the man that had some how managed to cast his own spell on the Gypsy woman. Smiled were
Defective Beauty: Smiles*
Defective Beauty: granted to those that passed by or entered and looked her way, but her attention was quickly returned to the man behind her while those mysterious eyes gave a shy glance about. (d)
Set In Her Way: Evangeline was chastized; she bit into her lip considering the nature of the tale, "I said twas all a shame, Faolan. None other than us would know wot it be like tae be seperated from yer paramour
Set In Her Way: o'er years, waitin for death as a chance. I did say it was all a shame." A little hurt stained the edges of her sigh as she smiled half hearted there after. Not in disagreeance at all with his words, she felt for a moment
Set In Her Way: admonished for taking in deep the news with want to tell it. For once, it was not messages to hang or condemn, not bartering for throats so her own stayed unslit, so Dublin went unraided. Phoenix iconography would do well in the
Set In Her Way: heraldic traiditon of all the lands. Truly, it seemed none could eradicate them from the map. She watched as people took their drinks, cavorted.
Queen Beathag Aberdeen "Fer e'er challenged, f'er threatened. So it comes with houses defyin the norm. It is strange to me, Heather, Lara," She pulled back the hood at long last, too stifled by its heat, too hidden in the dark. As it would seem the crowd was so thick no one tried to pick among the golden heads, or any other head, that didn't concern them. "Five years is young, fer any reign. Yet m'husbands family has here always been. Our pasts, tied, painted in walls and n' tapestry here. He asked me, where was the house I made for ye, Bess, where we were tae grow old? I told him it was lost, like many other things, n' wot came of it was a truth even we didn't know. Let them..say what they will abroador here, yet people of all else deserve peace. " Not all were high named with lofty ideals of what it meant to hold that name. Not all were warriors fighting for a lord's cause. Some had fought. Some had layed down, and rightly so for they were old or young with life to fill between. Just as she was going to settle to for a slight time forget the world before she movedto Griffin Castle for the babes two men came in.
The Soldier and the Messenger
One was a soldier, fresh off a boat from England..the other a messenger whom he supported. The man trembled as if he were going to die; indeed, a part of him died at what he carried in his satchel. "You can't do this to yourself." said the soldier to messenger, but say the messenger , "The news is grave. About the bar, the owners of the establishment were gathered. For his participation in the Clan skirmishes Charlie McSween earned himself a limp that might haunt him all his days, but his daughter Molly couldn't make him sit. He leaned in to the messenger, offering the harrowed man drink. "Wot be grave, boy, wot is it?" Even Molly leaned in as she passed pints...the man put his satchel on the bar. "England..England is free...They've chased the Spaniards out, n' the heirs have left it..they are here now...only pockets of rebels are left.." "How is that bad man, we should have drinks for all! Fye on the Spanish, aye?" But just as that new passed, he bellowed out "STOP! God man..Aye England is free but the cost was heavy....The Duchess, the Lady Govenor was shot. They say the Spanish will sail to Ireland to seek Aid from the English loyal to King in the pale" (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
He grinned as he kissed her on the forehead "Alas, but I am just a poor Captain who has travelled far and wide" though he couldn't help but listen to what was happening around him. The Ireland situation sounded complicated, something that he didn' necessarily wish to get involved in himself given that he had been present when Edward Bruce had been killed leading a doomed charge into the mass of English and their Irish levies. But this news of England caused him to turn round and look at the man who cried out the message....to the Queen! Now here was a turn up for the books, the last time they had met was during a heated exhange at Vercoicium and it certainly opened up new possibilities, and probably shut doors at the same time. Still, ultimatley time would tell. He turned round facing Rhi once more "Would you come sit with me by the fire, lovely one, or are we going to stand at the bar all day?" (d)
Sir Faolan O'Connor
"f**kin' shyte....." Fao breathed. This was not a good thing. Quietly, he sighed and clothed his eyes. To a man such as him? It did nae seem as though Eire would ever enjoy a full and lasting peace. (How many years of his life had the Lord-Governor lost to waging war?) There was a slight pinch to the bridge of his nose. He would turn to the messenger. "Ye say tha' tha Spanish sail ta Eire....Where dae they sail from, man? Dae they sail from England? Or dae they make from Castille?" If in England... It was only across the Irish Sea afore the Spanish could set foot on Erie's sod. Quietly, he would murmur to Eva, "We 'afta make it ta Eliean Donal now.... an' bring word o' this ta Lady Seanna." Poor child. War was not only a game that saw men and boys pulled in to it all, but even children. With the Lady Margurite besieged in Dunluce and the Lord Flynn marching to lift the siege? Young Seanna was leftto shepeard Ireland from its troubles. (D)
Rhianna Costache
The kiss to her forehead had her smirking and the comment that followed had her laughing a little. "Then perhaps you will offer to me something that I can collect at a later time?" she teased. Rhianna was also aware of the subject that surrounded them and of course it would worry her. There was much at stake for so many people. Not just of this land but of others. At the posed question from Bane, she turned and looked to him before smiling softly, the concern in her eyes was quickly hidden by the playful nature upon her lips as another smiled reached those eyes. "No... we can go and sit by the fire. Though, would you have me sit with you or with you?" she teased before lifting her drink to her lips and moving as to follow when he decided to lead the way. However, she was quick to look to Bane's eyes and then follow the line of direction he looked. She wondered who those people were and if they were anyone he knew. She'd not ask, for if they were, then perhaps introductions were to come and if not, then they were not. (d)
The Messenger
The messenger turned to the voice of the Irishmen, lifting up his cup to drink of it deep for liquid courage "From England, they are comin' the long way round, but they are comin' sir. Those ships carryheavy arms, it was metal for metal n' England, the Spanish are keen to make their ships and armies worthy. They carry guns, n' they carry Inquistor's tools." He told of what befell Northern England during the occupation but what could be said to a man that had witnessed it. Beathag gripped the edge of the table, the world milling around her..
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
What was worked for had been done on English soil all for the advantage of aid for the Irish, on a promise between both Govenors to assist the other. A friendship that history never understood only actions could make real. Yet, would it have been for nothing? Faolan spoke to her, but the words were shrouded by the throbbing at her temples. A sudden want to scream, but instead it came in the loss of her breath, of color. "Claramae..he's sayin they shot Claramae?" Oh, what was here? The petite, pale haired woman moved towards the messenger with an almost insistant plea "and what of her Grace, what of her..what of my cousin." She passed Rhianna on heading toward the bar, as she spoke her plea.
The Messanger
"Your cousin..miss? I...I..they say her injuries were grave..and the bells, they tolled. It was not long after the internment of the Arch Bishop of Canterbury.."
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
Beathag sighed softly, pushing herself back from the chair only to rise. It was not hard to miss her then, the corner of her eye saw Bane but had to address the times. Advantage for him, or disadvantage? Time indeed would tell. '"Ye needn't travel tae tell me anythin'who sae ever has somewot tae tell me by Gods tell me now. Let it be heard now n' let me begin to make movement. N' if ye have news for the Lady Seanna, my niece sir." Niece, "Ye will tell me as well, the poor child n' her brother n' sister have been through hell already. She's but a girl." Jack's girl, true, yet but a girl. The daughter of the late Ceanfort, but a girl (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
He grinned at Rhi as he pulled up the chair he had been sitting on previously, a high backed leather chair that was designed for comfort more than anything else. He liked it, it reminded him of the one back in his own quarters in the fort. He pulled her onto his lap, his arms encircling her waist as he nuzzled into her neck for a few seconds feeling the age wash away from him becoming a young man once more, reliving a youth that was otherwise spent in forest after glen after hill in the pursuit of his fathers dream. "Methinks that there is much talk of warfare in Ireland, Rhi, and judging by it Ireland doesn't have enough men to support itself at the moment." He was waiting for it now, he could almost picture the request and he wouldn't be able to turn it down because innocents were going to suffer otherwise. Five thousand men could easily make it to the ports of Stranraer or Manchester in a matter of days, particularly as they were placed in the at the extreme western edge of Northumberland. It'd put his own plans on hold for the moment though, especially with Rhi. He looked at her all of a sudden not wanting to be seperated for fear of losing her (d)
Earl Faolan O'Cathasaigh
And it was then that Fao was caught between to rather sublime states. One that was a sort of awe at being so close to Her Majesty, the Queen....and another that was a divine displeasure at Bane's words. Both played out briefly on his features, before Fao - near visibly - swallowed his anger. At this moment, it was though he and Eva were at their old task. Delivering news and rumor that would decide the fate of Erie itself. Gently, he would squeezeEva's hand... as Fao did something that he had only done (willingly) once before. He knelt before another. But even in that gesture, there was some of Ireland's pride...Ireland's stubbornness...in his gesture. While some might bow their heads before a monarch, Fao did not. After a breath or another, to steady his voice, he said, "I 'ope tha' the news tha' I bring shall be of some joy this day, wit' such dire news comin' from else where. Tha' last acts tha' tha Countess an' m'self performed in Ireland, m'lady, was ta secure aide fer Dunluce. Tha Lady-Governor did agree ta send aide....an' was most kind in sendin' seven 'undred souls to Eire's assistance. As tha' Countess an' I made haste here, we saw 'alf of the Irish fleet headed north. Ta Dunluce. I reckon tha' the other 'alf sailed before. Wit' England's aide an' the Lord-Governor upon tha march, tha siege at Dunluce shall be lifted." There was
confidence in Fao's words. And how could there not be? Some nine thousand Irishman were marching to relieve the siege at Dunluce, along with seven hundred of their English brothers in arms. Would the Griffin lend aide as well? Once bidden to rise, Fao would do so. And turn to meet Bane's gaze. "I dae think, kind sir," how the sarcasm nearly dripped with venom, "Tha' ye will soon find tha' Eire tis more'n ya make of it. Iffen we fail in *yer* estimation as warriors.... then lemme beggin' yer pardon. Fer years 'ave we fought ta be our own country, free o' tha' rule of the English lords who stain tha' countries wit' tha Pale.... sae tae 'ave we sent our brave boys an' men ta tha Griffin's aide. I am proud ta say tha' I 'ave warred upon behalf of both Eire and tha' Griffin. An' what of ye sir? Are ye some military man fer tha' Griffin? If sae, Eire calls fer ye ta repay blood wit' blood. Will ye?" (D)
Rhianna Costache
Evangeline passed by and Rhi couldn't help but frown. She looked worried, sounded concern and it was with no wonder. Obviously someone she and the others knew and cared for was well... possibly gone? She followed the woman until she no longer could. Bane's hands and arms about her waist as they settled in had her snapping back to present. The nuzzling had her smiling if only for a moment. It was something that every woman longed for. To be wanted, neededand cared for. She revealed in the simple gesture in such an innocent way. His voice had her looking to him over her shoulder and she nodded silently in agreement. There was plenty of talk of warefare and a lot of it sounded as if itall centered around Ireland at the moment. Though the look she saw in his eyes had her grow concerned. Just as she was about to ask him what seem to have him so worried, a man came up and well, his words weren't exactly friendly in nature. The Gypsy looked between the pair, but she did not get up from Bane's lap. Not yet, nor would she unless he indicated for her to. Her hand came to rest on his leg (thigh people, mind out of gutters you!) and gently gave a squeeze to show she was there for him. (d)
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
Evangeline stared off to space as if the answers would manifest on the wall behind the Queen; all of the work of years had been for this moment, the first realized when she'd become of use to the Ceannfort's consort. High was the Irish tradition of one king paying fealty to another paying fealty to the highest. In Ireland Jack was little lower than the High King, with the Griffin the one he paid fealty to, thus they all did. Were it not for Faolan she wouldn't have knelt. A graceful woman of Anglo-Irish heritage was graceless under crushing waves of a sickening feeling she'd left her cousin to die. What of her husband, of the others? Then as Faolan began to argue with the other man she pulled on him hard. Irish pride conflicted with a deep subservience. So it was, when for fifteen years you'd been beaten by a husband, only now free of it a year later, in the arms of another who'd never do such. What if she said no, because of his outburst? God, by God, she was sick. "Tis true what he says, Your Majesty..England did send what she could spare to Ireland, every man of the country was hard pressed in the times tha' met them
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Be still." Beathag commanded of Faolan, gentle, yet stern. There was no doubting the weight in her voice, the hand that could turn heavy any moment, "Calls o' blood for blood and flesh for flesh, service for serviceI would answer yet between men o' the Isles I've grown sick o' hearing it as they tear e'en themselves apart. Your news is wot is wanted, and what you've seen. An opinion is an opinion" she looked then at Bane, none knowing of the familiarity they shared for but afew hours of an English day, "All have them, it is action tha' is the measure o' anythin behind words. M'lord," she studied Bane for a moment, "If your time allows it thus, ye will join us on journey back to Eliean Donal? There is much to discuss, and a perhaps a need for a service I remember ye offer, if ye would come before the King n' such discussions?" She then turned her head to the Irish woman who could barely come from the floor. Turning to Rhianna she asked, "Miss, would ye be sae kind as to help me assist the lady from the floor?" She surmized, "If the Duchess is her cousin, than ye must be whom the young Seanna speaks of, The Countess of Leinster. At home ye were known as Dublin's Duchess, no?" Her heart did ache at the thought of the Duke and Duchess dead or ailing, they had offered more than a pound of flesh between them for many years "Captain Oakenshield, The Countess o' Leinster, cousin of England's ducal govenors. They call ye the messangers, ye both?" On this she looked at Faolan for confirmation. Jack had written to her, telling her of a pair he had that seemed to root out all disdain on the island, all plot in number or word moving it, selling it and keeping it all for his favor to root out the l
loyal and disloyal. (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
"Laddie, don't even tell me about owing blood to Ireland. I was there at the Battle of Faughart where my Uncle Edward was killed because the Irish liked having the English in charge, where men who had previously made oaths suddenly decided to betray their new High King and left two thousand Scots to die" Truth be told, he knew that it was his own Uncles folly in attacking a well superior force without waiting for Scottish reinforcements, but it had always been his Uncles way to act in such a manner. It was his Uncle who had, for example, laid down the terms for the Battle of Bannockburn completley against the wishes of Robert Bruce himself. It was true, Robert and Edward had long discussed opening a second front against the English in Ireland, and then hopefully going into Wales in an island hopping campaign, but it was Edward who had consulted the O'Neill faction to which the Bruces were related and had gathered enough support to become High King. He composed himself, feeling the rage subside a little before carrying on through somewhat gritted teeth. "I am a Scottish soldier, sir, not a Griffin soldier. I owe no man in this Kingdom any favours, what I do with my five thousand men is my business." Truth be told he had been willing to fight for Ireland up until that mans outburst. He looked to the Queen and considered what she had proposed, almost picturing the scene. He weighed up the five thousand lives directly under his service, and the lives that were attached to them. Like a ripple in the water it would gather pace. "I will go to your assembly, but that does not mean I will dedicate the lives of my men to your cause." (d)
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna looked and listened. Her eyes and ears were going back and forth as each man shared their thoughts. Gave voice of their concerns and their tempers. She continued to sit in Bane's lap up until she was asked by the woman who while also had a piece to share with them in the matter, requested help to get the other woman up out of the floor. There was a glance cast in Bane's direction from over her shoulder as if not only asking him would he be alright,but that should he need her, she would be there. She looked back to the fair haired woman and nodded. "Of course." she replied and forced a smile, but of course remained as polite and as well mannered as any Gypsy could that wascaught up in the situation she was in. She stepped over to the woman within the floor and after having set aside her drink, offered to her both hands to hoist her up to her feet. (d)
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Tis fine, at least ye will attend, o' course the choice is yours." It would be two fold, one for his purpose, and two he would be before the King again. Her mind fathomed the strangeness of a world stretched where a bastard son of the Bruce sat on Hadrian's wall, and an Anglo-Scott was king. She was his wife, he'd been a landless knight with the Devil for a father. "Thank ye, miss..please, somethin to steady her.." A barmaid curtsied, quick to ask Molly for a suggestion on what to take the woman gone pale.
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh[/b
"I..I thank ye...miss." The news was racing around her head except the one poignant phrase breaking her heart over and over. Oh aye, she should be afraid, and was, for what would come of Dublin, and Leinster besides? Yet kin was first in the hearts line of keeping. She tried to smile to Rhianna, "She's m'aunt's only child.." she told her, before looking to the Queen, recovering herself somehow "I'm married yer majesty..to the Irishmen...he is Faolan O'Cathasaigh madame, m'name is Evangeline O'Cathasaigh, we be o' the O'Cathasaigh sept o' Dublin..madame." She did not want her husband mistaken for lesser than he was...not anymore. She looked at Oakenshield at what he mention, and seemed to nearly faint. God, she couldn't forget that. Paul had been a sick, coniving bastard who no doubt helped to do the wicked deed.
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Aye then, m'apologies m'lady. Captain Oakenshield, the Count o' Leinster as well, Lord Faolan O'Cathasaigh. Ye both seem to have some things to talk about off and on.." Adam would not take the news well, no doubt as pale as the woman's cousin. "Lady Heather, take guard to the castle with ye, arrange what e'er need be arranged for the journey back tae Eliean Donnal. I will start tae return tae night despite whom follows or doesn't in m'steps." She was all purpose now, all purpose. Though for a time the world needed to be quelled...so she walked up the stairs, up to where her private, favorite table always waited. (d)
Earl Faolan O'Connor
There was no surer way to brawl with an Ulsterman, than to imply that they 'liked' living under the English yoke. And it seemed for all the world that Fao was intent on proving that, as he near advance on Oakenshield with grievous intent in his eyes. It was only at Bess' command that stopped him. It was spoken like someone who had never lived under the English lords. Especially one such as Paul the First. Once the Queen had gone, Fao would turn his gaze to Oakenshield again. "Dae nae act sae pious 'bout tha'. What did yer Uncle dae when tha O'Neills made 'im Ard Ri? Still are tales tolds of his black deeds. Fer three years, 'e occupied bein' nae better than tha' English 'e claimed ta war against. As ye said, ye were there. Sae does tha' tae mean ye were takin' food outta tha' starvin' mouths o' yer 'subjects'? An' many an Ulsterman marched off wit' 'im ta tha' battle ye claim. But did nae they warn Edward Bruce tha' tha foe 'e face was tae large? Yer Uncle ignored 'em -- an' met 'is just deserved end." (D)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
"By God, sir!" He roared knocking back his chair with rage. "My Uncle provided your damn miserable country with two great victories against the English and several score smaller ones, and yet you still failed to join. Europe, need I remind you and your other ignorant kin, was in the grip of a famine. We needed those supplies and we got them with Irish help, O'Neill help at that! I do not condone all of my Uncles actions, some of them were damned wrong, but I will not have his name besmirched by the likes of you!" He was one stage off demanding honour satisfied remembering those bloody days in Ireland when even the Scots were getting picked off by their Irish 'allies' for their food. When Scottish cavalry could not ride into battle because people had stolen, killed and eaten the horses. All this in the name of Irish freedom. His hand rested on his rapier and dagger on either side of his body, ready to draw them at a moments notice as the red mist slowly descended. "I say this to you, sirrah, if Ireland fought as well as it talks then we would not be having this discussion now and Ireland would be a free and safe country!" His voice was reaching nothing short of a roar now as he stared at the man. "And now you have the damned temerity to ask me and my men to fight for you again? For what? So we can get blamed for your mistakes once more!?" (d)
Defective Beauty: Rhianna remained at the woman's side until the other was to return with something to drink from what she had gathered. Her attentiion was divided, but the smile from the other woman was noted and returned. She remained at the sideof the pale woman until voices rose and she looked to see Bane jump from his seat. Oh Gods... she looked back to the woman who had near fainted. "Stay put... I will be right back." she said, gesturing with her hands for her to stay seated. She quickly came up to Bane's side and let her hands gently grip one of his arms, tugging lightly to try and calm him. "Bane... please..." she pleaded as she asked the same of the other male but with her eyes alone. "For thesake of those ou both care for... let us not fight?" she asked as she looked between each man and then back to the woman who was still very upset. "Have there not been enough harsh words between men on in these lands over other soil?!" she asked desperately. (d)
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
"Aye....I..wait.." The statement was confused as she looked at quarreling men. One belonged to her,one to Rhianna, one to her under God's sanctity at long last. What if that temper the same she'd met when he was but a brigand, andshe a ransom to be paid those years ago...what if it cast him in the prisons? Her mind worked on those lines because it was not too far from an Irish line of thinking. Despite the fact that her former husband had been as English a tyrant as there ever was, he was no man's fool in commanding respect. The Scotts hardly seemed a people to be trifled with same as the Irish. Joining Rhianna, she made herself stand up. Beside the earth toned beauty would stand the clouds to bar her man's eyes. "She be right, Faolan.Wot e'er has been it does nay change wot is now, unless the same would repeat itself. We were destitute, we were poor, we fought, we were free, we were conquered. Again n' again. Twill never break if we can nay make sure Ireland has her allies. The Govenor considers the King n' Queen his kin. That is somethin..is it not?" She pleaded, "He is a wronged man, ye are a wronged man.." She looked at Oakshield and then to Faolan, "Find some measure o' common things in that, then let it be please, I beg ye. We must like ye said go with the Queen....n' if he comes then ye can nay dae this again. We can let no land fall. Not Ireland..and God forbid we return to a conquered Dublin, with all of Leinster. Paul did enough. Do not make his ghost come here, we will change what he did. We will.." She threaded her shaking fingers through his. Her face calm her body not.
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
Above them..she listened..but said nothing. Her thoughts collecting only to drain through a sieve to the belly of all things. She listened, yet said nothing(d)
Earl Faolan O'Cathasaigh
"Dae nae play this as tha Scots gloriously ridin' ta Ireland's rescue! Tha' whole reason ye came to Eire, was ta fight tha' English on someone else's soil instead o' yer own!" For a time, it seemed as though this were indeed going to be a test of steel. The Irishman's own hand had gone to the hilt of his bastard sword, more than ready to see the debt of honor settled. There was so much that was burning in Fao's throat, that he was set to spit out at Oakenshield. Oh, aye...The most of the horses for the Scot calvary had been butchered for meat by the Irish, but what else were the Irish to do -- when the Scots had already plundered the lands bare afore the Irish had a chance to forage for themselves? Like Oakenshield, Fao himself was a veteran of the Battle of Faughart -- and he had fought as part of the Scot-Irish army. What more Fao had longed to say, was intruppted. By the arrival of Rhianna and Eva...and their appeals for peace. It would, at last, be the touch of his wife's hand that slowly took the edge off of his anger. Fao did what he could, to slowly bring the anger down. When he was at last calm, gently he squeezed Eva's hand and offered a tired smile. But then he meat Oakensheild's gaze. "An' ye ferget yerself. After tha' Edward Bruce met 'is 'end...when the last blood lettin' at Faughart was done... *Ye* were able ta gae back tae Scotland. Leavin' tha Irish - aye, e'en yer Irish troops! - ta face tha' Anglish reprisals. An' e'er since tha' last Scot left the field at Faughart, tha' Irish 'ave warred eternal against the Anglish. An' only nae, an' only sparingly, dae we turn ta our Scottish cousins fer aide." And that, for the night, was all Fao would say on the matter. (D)
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"The streets are alive with the talk n' gossip, m'lady. E'eryone is paying attention now." The head of a covered lady-in-waiting voice an opinion from inside the safety of her hood's shadow, turning her face inward as the heraldbegan to spread the news not only of Skye, but of the realm round. Her madame sighed gently, a coil of gold hair falling out to be played with in the wind. Clouds raced against the rage of the dying sun only to calm under theapproaching moon. Days and nights came, days and nights went. Nothing allowed was said of their tiredness, nor the ache in chests. "It looks peaceful yet is not everywhere, m'lady. Are you certain you should be about?" Beathag favored keeping the odd practice of moving among the people. Blood did not seperate them from the human condition, after all. If Adam were here, would he have done the same. As it was he still remained in Waternish, awaiting her return with the rest of their family in tow. "N' whether they seem me or nay, Heather, the wind will blow n' the news will come." Talk of Spaniards at the city Gate replaced the fear realized when they'd survived a night of Englishseige some four years ago. As england stood its ground, stories of her being gutted were too titlating it seemed not to fill with details. (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
He had ridden hard, his curiousity finally getting the better for him as he entered the Griffin city wishing to uncover more about what had happened in Scotland after he left in 1323 with his original band of one thousand men. His horse he quartered in the stable next to the Inn before getting a bath and a change of clothes before heading to the library where, he assumed, most of the records dealing with the Kingdom would be kept. He was able to take out a number of documents but not before reading some in the library itself, what met his eyes made for grim reading - in fact it looked as if it were the work of an invading force trying to degrade the deeds of the previous ruling party, like a well executed coup and yet....and yet they had raised the Bruce up at the end to be the King Bane knew him to be. Still, it would make interesting reading and he set off down the road once more, soft leather boots walking along the streets before he got to a tavern. Thinking of his thirst and the need for a warm open fire he walked in, only then aware that he was unarmed for a change. Ordering a pint of the local stuff he sat down on a table near the fire and began reading (d)
Earl Faolan O'Cathasaigh
When next the door was opened, there was a light whistling in the air as a door to the Bannockburn opened. How often seen was the Irishman, Faolan O'Conner? There was a smile upon his features, as he made his way in.... How long had it last been since the tumult in England had embroiled caught both Eva and himself in it? From the fires England....and the many a night spent upon the moors of Ireland...at last what had been long talked of -- had become action. At last, at last, he and Eva had been wed. (D)
Lady Lara Campbell
Peace displayed itself through an almost calm night. Even as citizens mingled in the streets to break the quiet. Lara could only recall the events that eventually brought them to Turas Lan. How they sought a way to soothe all the inner aches that went unspoken and unseen by the world around them. Lara Campbell accompanied the Queen back to the city, needing to check on business matters, and was more than pleased to accept a reprieve at the Bannock. "Pay no mind to what might leave their mouths. A little drink and chance to sit will do us all some good." The words were directed at both Heather and Beathag with kind smile as both hands lifted to lower the green hood as they stepped inside familiar walls. (d)
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Aye, but the talk be nay idle, m'lady Lara. Listen. M'ears here men who speak of what they saw in England, I hope some will talk of Eire" Unlike the others her hood remained lifted, for she wished anonimity for a little while longer, a chance to listen without bias in the telling. Once uncloaked, the mantle of hair would be an indicator from a mile away, her stance the companion to who she was. "Listenin to them talk will give better a report than anymessenger can give." She spoke discrete, yet not in total low tones as to reveal herself. Indeed she looked as if she were but another traveler come from afar.
Earl Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
Fires burned and the world raged but it would be a man named O'Connor who smiled. In the wake of his steps moved his new wife, though the humor in this would be she'd been his mistress no less than five years up to the death of theold lord and master. He was a man with hands as heavy as stone to crush flesh with, mouth spewing venom. She was not the first woman in the world to suffer the wrath of a monster, nor would be the last. She was the only though who could claim that Dublin would see brighter days in this, her second match. As it stood ,so would Leinster region for that matter. "Ye smile quite much sir," she reflected allowed, hands behind her back (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
It seemed the tavern was getting busier, and he smiled at that. He liked the company at times, or even just the background noise. It meant others were having fun, which was more than he could say as he poured over the documents. Allthis was new to him, of course he had heard rumours when he had been fighting for numerous European courts, but apparently it had all fallen to Hell in a hand basket shortly after he left - not that he was so egocentric to believe that if he had stayed he would have made much difference. It seemed, for a long time, that the countries in the British Isles had become nothing but playthings for local warlords as they sought to extend their Earldroms and such like. Yes, in some cases, it was easily concievable as to why you'd need to restructure and maybe even do something to protect what was their own but he still couldn't get over the fact that Scotland had changed so much, so much so that they seemed to dominate when they had once only sought to be considered equals to all others. He drank from the pint glass and stared into the fire, watching the flames as tiny embers sprung about like a thousand dancers. (d)
Earl Faolan O'Cathasaigh
Fao could not help but chuckle softly, "Mm. Tis tha' nae an accusation I could be levelin' at ye as well?" This was true. Once the man speaking was Faolan O'Conner -- but now? Before the grace of God above, he was Faolan O'Cathasaigh. There was a grin, as he leaned in. "Why are you hiding your hands?" It was a fair question! He slid his hand in to her Eva's own, squeezing her hand gently. There was a smile. (D)
Rhianna Costache
It would be only but a few minutes before Rhianna would find herself entering the tavern. She had rode with Bane but rather than be his shadow, gave him his time alone so that he could do what was needed without any interuptions or such. She knew she could find him a little later on and knew that one of those places would have to be where drink was served. That narrowed it down a great deal but there were quite a few popular places in the city it seemed. As she entered, the golden light of the lanterns and fire within gave a soft glow to her mocha colored skin and caramel curls. The bells about her ankles always signaled of her coming. The Gypsy woman with sea green eyes would survey the room taking note of many faces while noting none were familiar, at least not right away. Typically, she would be bare foot, but she had learned long ago that within the cities, footwear was best, even if they were only sandals. She wore nothing exstravagant... just your typical work dress with the tattered and freyed hems. An off the shoulder chemise and a brown leather bodice over it. She made moves toward the bar after weaving through the crowd and placed an order for mead. (d)
Mo Ghradh Alba: Information could be sought upon many channels. Yet the easiest was always word of mouth. Even if some facts became twisted as they passed from person-to-person truth could be found within. Lara understood this and nodded in commentto Beathag's words. "Perhaps they will, m'lady." While her companion wished to remain invisible Lara didn't know. The smithy and sister of clan Laird, Kendrew Campbell, rarely garnered attention unless desired. Well-mannered and soft-spoken it was hard for most to believe that she did such noisy, hard work. What did they know? "Would you like me to get us drinks?" (d)
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Aye. An ale for m'self n' what ever Heather would favor." Beathag was anything if not deep voiced, exact, and poignant. Stories placed her as a loquacious, humerous woman who could turn to a maelstrom at a moment's notice. It was to be admired, the sense of inborn calm, otherwise she would have wanted to discuss in depth the alleged folly some thought of their fellows going to England to fight for anything. Once it was quelled those years ago, could not God let it fall of into the sea? Anyone who set foot their was asking for trouble. Why not give it to the Spanish, and why hadn't the King done off with the heirs? Others were sympathetic to the lot, realizing the sins of the father make not the life of the heir left behind. There was even talk of Ireland, of those who could not release themselves from under the influence of the old English King, insistant land was still theirs to keep. "Make it an exceptional strength Lara, n' pray o'er it as you bring it." She could smell the gunpowder as they talked of it being fired. Her worry increased ten fold for those that were in either land..though she was pleased, yet amazed at at the silence of Wales. Ah well, they were a fierce nation indeed with a lethal aim in arrows. As the discussion turned toward more recent events...
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
"N' they say tha' in Struan the trial is nearly done. Think they'll be a beheading?" said a barmaid as one passed Evangeline. She stopped, offering her hands to her husband while whispering, "Scotts are more morose than we be. The way some sound they want tha' beheadin. You know my maid was discussing it with me just this mornin. It seems a Laird in Struan, one Iain, went against the MacGregor for his lover, none other than the chieftain's wife. Well, both ofthem turned tail to stop a Macdonald uprising, where it all was declared illegal in the first place. So its a sorting of matters it seemed. Here it be better to talk about it, say in Struan they had puppet shows burnin' the woman in hell and their own Laird possessed by a harlot, his own wife n' father treat him as already dead. It's a shame." She sighed, passing the man in his reading, paying him a "Good eve sir, n' miss" to the lady of Caramael curls, and one passed on way to the bar. Unknowing that points of news all related to one another sat in the same establishment this very night "Can not say they have all the Irish detail right though." (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
He heard Rhi come in, the familiar chiming of bells on her ankles brought a smile to his face. A much needed smile by all accounts as he read of how his country had torn itself apart and then tried to rebuild itself on an entierly different model, and yet, he couldn't help but overhear whoever had been gossiping just a moment ago. It seemed there was something afoot, something that the Queen hadn't wished to discuss with him when she had come to him at Vercovicium. A man who possessed the central part of the border could secure the northern half of the English Kingdom if he was asked to do so. And yet, there also appeared to be trouble in Scotland with the clans. Everything was turned on it's head. Rather than the stable country she had tried to make it out to be, it seemed that civil war threatened everywhere. He coughed, drained the last of his drink and picked up the glass, taking it to the bar while deep in thought. Is that why she was worried? A potential heir returning from years of European warfare to incite even further rebellion in the middle of her Kingdom thus meaning her forces were isolated in pockets at certain points? He smiled at the thought, it had never occurred to him like that before. He approached Rhi from behind slipping arms around her waist after depositing the glass before kissing her on the cheek "Guess who?" (d)
Earl Faolan O'Connor
Fao canted his head just a touch, quirking about at his beloved. After a quiet moment, he asked, "An' dae ye nae feel some sympathy fer the Laird Ian an' his paramour?" T'was a gentle chide. "....Fer t'was nae tha' long ago, tha' there t'was such gossip an' feelin's bout us..." Well, maybe not quiet as vitriolic. The citizen of Dublin and the Pale had largely reserved that for Paul the First (forever immortalized in song as Paul the Worst). Still, there had been more than enough gossip about Fao and Eva during the last handful of years. There was a quiet shake of his head. "Fer all tha' there tis ta be said fer the Griffin....one would thing tha' tha King an' Queen should be assumin' tha' Phenoix as part o' their heraldry..." After all, how many times had the fires of war and revolution swept through the Celtic nations? And yet each time, the Celtic nations would emerge once more. Speaking of the Irish details? Fao shake his head. "May'aps tis because tha' fact that Ireland's story....tis an Irish one....." And that the country - especially under the Lord-Governor - seemed so isolationist. While Eire had called upon the Griffin for support afore, she had always been quick to supply is own arms and men. Eire was determined to be holding to no one. It was only the kinship between the Lord-Governor and the King and Queen that saw such good relations between the countries. "Least we nae the siege of Dunluce tis ta be lifted. The ships we saw t'was head ta White Rocks an' Portballintrae. With tha' Lord-Governor's war near complete? The renegades cannae call upon tha Pale fer aide." Mainly because all that remained of the Pale? Was Dublin and the area around Lenister....which was currently besieged as well (though, this time, by the Lord-Governor's forces). That brought more serious talk, before Fao sighed. "We cannae tarry 'ere long... we've a ways ta go before reachin' Eliean Donal...." (D)
Rhianna Costache
As she stood at the bar awaiting her drink a familiar voice came to enter her ears hidden by those caramel curls. She spied the artisan and smiled warmly. "Good eve to you miss!" she replied before the drink was placed before her.The man next to her lost his balance and his elbow slipped off the counter and into Rhi. She was bumped aside, and while it was an accident, it did hurt. The man was to drunk to realze it and would of course fail to apologize. Rhi, with her being the way she was, would let it go and just as she was about to take up her drink, felt a pair of arms snake about her waist before the all to familiar voice followed. She grinned and with a shrg of shoulders,
Defective Beauty: playfully replied. "I've no clue Sir, but should you wish my company this night... what would you offer me?" she teased, not yet turning to face the man that had some how managed to cast his own spell on the Gypsy woman. Smiled were
Defective Beauty: Smiles*
Defective Beauty: granted to those that passed by or entered and looked her way, but her attention was quickly returned to the man behind her while those mysterious eyes gave a shy glance about. (d)
Set In Her Way: Evangeline was chastized; she bit into her lip considering the nature of the tale, "I said twas all a shame, Faolan. None other than us would know wot it be like tae be seperated from yer paramour
Set In Her Way: o'er years, waitin for death as a chance. I did say it was all a shame." A little hurt stained the edges of her sigh as she smiled half hearted there after. Not in disagreeance at all with his words, she felt for a moment
Set In Her Way: admonished for taking in deep the news with want to tell it. For once, it was not messages to hang or condemn, not bartering for throats so her own stayed unslit, so Dublin went unraided. Phoenix iconography would do well in the
Set In Her Way: heraldic traiditon of all the lands. Truly, it seemed none could eradicate them from the map. She watched as people took their drinks, cavorted.
Queen Beathag Aberdeen "Fer e'er challenged, f'er threatened. So it comes with houses defyin the norm. It is strange to me, Heather, Lara," She pulled back the hood at long last, too stifled by its heat, too hidden in the dark. As it would seem the crowd was so thick no one tried to pick among the golden heads, or any other head, that didn't concern them. "Five years is young, fer any reign. Yet m'husbands family has here always been. Our pasts, tied, painted in walls and n' tapestry here. He asked me, where was the house I made for ye, Bess, where we were tae grow old? I told him it was lost, like many other things, n' wot came of it was a truth even we didn't know. Let them..say what they will abroador here, yet people of all else deserve peace. " Not all were high named with lofty ideals of what it meant to hold that name. Not all were warriors fighting for a lord's cause. Some had fought. Some had layed down, and rightly so for they were old or young with life to fill between. Just as she was going to settle to for a slight time forget the world before she movedto Griffin Castle for the babes two men came in.
The Soldier and the Messenger
One was a soldier, fresh off a boat from England..the other a messenger whom he supported. The man trembled as if he were going to die; indeed, a part of him died at what he carried in his satchel. "You can't do this to yourself." said the soldier to messenger, but say the messenger , "The news is grave. About the bar, the owners of the establishment were gathered. For his participation in the Clan skirmishes Charlie McSween earned himself a limp that might haunt him all his days, but his daughter Molly couldn't make him sit. He leaned in to the messenger, offering the harrowed man drink. "Wot be grave, boy, wot is it?" Even Molly leaned in as she passed pints...the man put his satchel on the bar. "England..England is free...They've chased the Spaniards out, n' the heirs have left it..they are here now...only pockets of rebels are left.." "How is that bad man, we should have drinks for all! Fye on the Spanish, aye?" But just as that new passed, he bellowed out "STOP! God man..Aye England is free but the cost was heavy....The Duchess, the Lady Govenor was shot. They say the Spanish will sail to Ireland to seek Aid from the English loyal to King in the pale" (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
He grinned as he kissed her on the forehead "Alas, but I am just a poor Captain who has travelled far and wide" though he couldn't help but listen to what was happening around him. The Ireland situation sounded complicated, something that he didn' necessarily wish to get involved in himself given that he had been present when Edward Bruce had been killed leading a doomed charge into the mass of English and their Irish levies. But this news of England caused him to turn round and look at the man who cried out the message....to the Queen! Now here was a turn up for the books, the last time they had met was during a heated exhange at Vercoicium and it certainly opened up new possibilities, and probably shut doors at the same time. Still, ultimatley time would tell. He turned round facing Rhi once more "Would you come sit with me by the fire, lovely one, or are we going to stand at the bar all day?" (d)
Sir Faolan O'Connor
"f**kin' shyte....." Fao breathed. This was not a good thing. Quietly, he sighed and clothed his eyes. To a man such as him? It did nae seem as though Eire would ever enjoy a full and lasting peace. (How many years of his life had the Lord-Governor lost to waging war?) There was a slight pinch to the bridge of his nose. He would turn to the messenger. "Ye say tha' tha Spanish sail ta Eire....Where dae they sail from, man? Dae they sail from England? Or dae they make from Castille?" If in England... It was only across the Irish Sea afore the Spanish could set foot on Erie's sod. Quietly, he would murmur to Eva, "We 'afta make it ta Eliean Donal now.... an' bring word o' this ta Lady Seanna." Poor child. War was not only a game that saw men and boys pulled in to it all, but even children. With the Lady Margurite besieged in Dunluce and the Lord Flynn marching to lift the siege? Young Seanna was leftto shepeard Ireland from its troubles. (D)
Rhianna Costache
The kiss to her forehead had her smirking and the comment that followed had her laughing a little. "Then perhaps you will offer to me something that I can collect at a later time?" she teased. Rhianna was also aware of the subject that surrounded them and of course it would worry her. There was much at stake for so many people. Not just of this land but of others. At the posed question from Bane, she turned and looked to him before smiling softly, the concern in her eyes was quickly hidden by the playful nature upon her lips as another smiled reached those eyes. "No... we can go and sit by the fire. Though, would you have me sit with you or with you?" she teased before lifting her drink to her lips and moving as to follow when he decided to lead the way. However, she was quick to look to Bane's eyes and then follow the line of direction he looked. She wondered who those people were and if they were anyone he knew. She'd not ask, for if they were, then perhaps introductions were to come and if not, then they were not. (d)
The Messenger
The messenger turned to the voice of the Irishmen, lifting up his cup to drink of it deep for liquid courage "From England, they are comin' the long way round, but they are comin' sir. Those ships carryheavy arms, it was metal for metal n' England, the Spanish are keen to make their ships and armies worthy. They carry guns, n' they carry Inquistor's tools." He told of what befell Northern England during the occupation but what could be said to a man that had witnessed it. Beathag gripped the edge of the table, the world milling around her..
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
What was worked for had been done on English soil all for the advantage of aid for the Irish, on a promise between both Govenors to assist the other. A friendship that history never understood only actions could make real. Yet, would it have been for nothing? Faolan spoke to her, but the words were shrouded by the throbbing at her temples. A sudden want to scream, but instead it came in the loss of her breath, of color. "Claramae..he's sayin they shot Claramae?" Oh, what was here? The petite, pale haired woman moved towards the messenger with an almost insistant plea "and what of her Grace, what of her..what of my cousin." She passed Rhianna on heading toward the bar, as she spoke her plea.
The Messanger
"Your cousin..miss? I...I..they say her injuries were grave..and the bells, they tolled. It was not long after the internment of the Arch Bishop of Canterbury.."
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
Beathag sighed softly, pushing herself back from the chair only to rise. It was not hard to miss her then, the corner of her eye saw Bane but had to address the times. Advantage for him, or disadvantage? Time indeed would tell. '"Ye needn't travel tae tell me anythin'who sae ever has somewot tae tell me by Gods tell me now. Let it be heard now n' let me begin to make movement. N' if ye have news for the Lady Seanna, my niece sir." Niece, "Ye will tell me as well, the poor child n' her brother n' sister have been through hell already. She's but a girl." Jack's girl, true, yet but a girl. The daughter of the late Ceanfort, but a girl (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
He grinned at Rhi as he pulled up the chair he had been sitting on previously, a high backed leather chair that was designed for comfort more than anything else. He liked it, it reminded him of the one back in his own quarters in the fort. He pulled her onto his lap, his arms encircling her waist as he nuzzled into her neck for a few seconds feeling the age wash away from him becoming a young man once more, reliving a youth that was otherwise spent in forest after glen after hill in the pursuit of his fathers dream. "Methinks that there is much talk of warfare in Ireland, Rhi, and judging by it Ireland doesn't have enough men to support itself at the moment." He was waiting for it now, he could almost picture the request and he wouldn't be able to turn it down because innocents were going to suffer otherwise. Five thousand men could easily make it to the ports of Stranraer or Manchester in a matter of days, particularly as they were placed in the at the extreme western edge of Northumberland. It'd put his own plans on hold for the moment though, especially with Rhi. He looked at her all of a sudden not wanting to be seperated for fear of losing her (d)
Earl Faolan O'Cathasaigh
And it was then that Fao was caught between to rather sublime states. One that was a sort of awe at being so close to Her Majesty, the Queen....and another that was a divine displeasure at Bane's words. Both played out briefly on his features, before Fao - near visibly - swallowed his anger. At this moment, it was though he and Eva were at their old task. Delivering news and rumor that would decide the fate of Erie itself. Gently, he would squeezeEva's hand... as Fao did something that he had only done (willingly) once before. He knelt before another. But even in that gesture, there was some of Ireland's pride...Ireland's stubbornness...in his gesture. While some might bow their heads before a monarch, Fao did not. After a breath or another, to steady his voice, he said, "I 'ope tha' the news tha' I bring shall be of some joy this day, wit' such dire news comin' from else where. Tha' last acts tha' tha Countess an' m'self performed in Ireland, m'lady, was ta secure aide fer Dunluce. Tha Lady-Governor did agree ta send aide....an' was most kind in sendin' seven 'undred souls to Eire's assistance. As tha' Countess an' I made haste here, we saw 'alf of the Irish fleet headed north. Ta Dunluce. I reckon tha' the other 'alf sailed before. Wit' England's aide an' the Lord-Governor upon tha march, tha siege at Dunluce shall be lifted." There was
confidence in Fao's words. And how could there not be? Some nine thousand Irishman were marching to relieve the siege at Dunluce, along with seven hundred of their English brothers in arms. Would the Griffin lend aide as well? Once bidden to rise, Fao would do so. And turn to meet Bane's gaze. "I dae think, kind sir," how the sarcasm nearly dripped with venom, "Tha' ye will soon find tha' Eire tis more'n ya make of it. Iffen we fail in *yer* estimation as warriors.... then lemme beggin' yer pardon. Fer years 'ave we fought ta be our own country, free o' tha' rule of the English lords who stain tha' countries wit' tha Pale.... sae tae 'ave we sent our brave boys an' men ta tha Griffin's aide. I am proud ta say tha' I 'ave warred upon behalf of both Eire and tha' Griffin. An' what of ye sir? Are ye some military man fer tha' Griffin? If sae, Eire calls fer ye ta repay blood wit' blood. Will ye?" (D)
Rhianna Costache
Evangeline passed by and Rhi couldn't help but frown. She looked worried, sounded concern and it was with no wonder. Obviously someone she and the others knew and cared for was well... possibly gone? She followed the woman until she no longer could. Bane's hands and arms about her waist as they settled in had her snapping back to present. The nuzzling had her smiling if only for a moment. It was something that every woman longed for. To be wanted, neededand cared for. She revealed in the simple gesture in such an innocent way. His voice had her looking to him over her shoulder and she nodded silently in agreement. There was plenty of talk of warefare and a lot of it sounded as if itall centered around Ireland at the moment. Though the look she saw in his eyes had her grow concerned. Just as she was about to ask him what seem to have him so worried, a man came up and well, his words weren't exactly friendly in nature. The Gypsy looked between the pair, but she did not get up from Bane's lap. Not yet, nor would she unless he indicated for her to. Her hand came to rest on his leg (thigh people, mind out of gutters you!) and gently gave a squeeze to show she was there for him. (d)
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
Evangeline stared off to space as if the answers would manifest on the wall behind the Queen; all of the work of years had been for this moment, the first realized when she'd become of use to the Ceannfort's consort. High was the Irish tradition of one king paying fealty to another paying fealty to the highest. In Ireland Jack was little lower than the High King, with the Griffin the one he paid fealty to, thus they all did. Were it not for Faolan she wouldn't have knelt. A graceful woman of Anglo-Irish heritage was graceless under crushing waves of a sickening feeling she'd left her cousin to die. What of her husband, of the others? Then as Faolan began to argue with the other man she pulled on him hard. Irish pride conflicted with a deep subservience. So it was, when for fifteen years you'd been beaten by a husband, only now free of it a year later, in the arms of another who'd never do such. What if she said no, because of his outburst? God, by God, she was sick. "Tis true what he says, Your Majesty..England did send what she could spare to Ireland, every man of the country was hard pressed in the times tha' met them
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Be still." Beathag commanded of Faolan, gentle, yet stern. There was no doubting the weight in her voice, the hand that could turn heavy any moment, "Calls o' blood for blood and flesh for flesh, service for serviceI would answer yet between men o' the Isles I've grown sick o' hearing it as they tear e'en themselves apart. Your news is wot is wanted, and what you've seen. An opinion is an opinion" she looked then at Bane, none knowing of the familiarity they shared for but afew hours of an English day, "All have them, it is action tha' is the measure o' anythin behind words. M'lord," she studied Bane for a moment, "If your time allows it thus, ye will join us on journey back to Eliean Donal? There is much to discuss, and a perhaps a need for a service I remember ye offer, if ye would come before the King n' such discussions?" She then turned her head to the Irish woman who could barely come from the floor. Turning to Rhianna she asked, "Miss, would ye be sae kind as to help me assist the lady from the floor?" She surmized, "If the Duchess is her cousin, than ye must be whom the young Seanna speaks of, The Countess of Leinster. At home ye were known as Dublin's Duchess, no?" Her heart did ache at the thought of the Duke and Duchess dead or ailing, they had offered more than a pound of flesh between them for many years "Captain Oakenshield, The Countess o' Leinster, cousin of England's ducal govenors. They call ye the messangers, ye both?" On this she looked at Faolan for confirmation. Jack had written to her, telling her of a pair he had that seemed to root out all disdain on the island, all plot in number or word moving it, selling it and keeping it all for his favor to root out the l
loyal and disloyal. (d)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
"Laddie, don't even tell me about owing blood to Ireland. I was there at the Battle of Faughart where my Uncle Edward was killed because the Irish liked having the English in charge, where men who had previously made oaths suddenly decided to betray their new High King and left two thousand Scots to die" Truth be told, he knew that it was his own Uncles folly in attacking a well superior force without waiting for Scottish reinforcements, but it had always been his Uncles way to act in such a manner. It was his Uncle who had, for example, laid down the terms for the Battle of Bannockburn completley against the wishes of Robert Bruce himself. It was true, Robert and Edward had long discussed opening a second front against the English in Ireland, and then hopefully going into Wales in an island hopping campaign, but it was Edward who had consulted the O'Neill faction to which the Bruces were related and had gathered enough support to become High King. He composed himself, feeling the rage subside a little before carrying on through somewhat gritted teeth. "I am a Scottish soldier, sir, not a Griffin soldier. I owe no man in this Kingdom any favours, what I do with my five thousand men is my business." Truth be told he had been willing to fight for Ireland up until that mans outburst. He looked to the Queen and considered what she had proposed, almost picturing the scene. He weighed up the five thousand lives directly under his service, and the lives that were attached to them. Like a ripple in the water it would gather pace. "I will go to your assembly, but that does not mean I will dedicate the lives of my men to your cause." (d)
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna looked and listened. Her eyes and ears were going back and forth as each man shared their thoughts. Gave voice of their concerns and their tempers. She continued to sit in Bane's lap up until she was asked by the woman who while also had a piece to share with them in the matter, requested help to get the other woman up out of the floor. There was a glance cast in Bane's direction from over her shoulder as if not only asking him would he be alright,but that should he need her, she would be there. She looked back to the fair haired woman and nodded. "Of course." she replied and forced a smile, but of course remained as polite and as well mannered as any Gypsy could that wascaught up in the situation she was in. She stepped over to the woman within the floor and after having set aside her drink, offered to her both hands to hoist her up to her feet. (d)
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Tis fine, at least ye will attend, o' course the choice is yours." It would be two fold, one for his purpose, and two he would be before the King again. Her mind fathomed the strangeness of a world stretched where a bastard son of the Bruce sat on Hadrian's wall, and an Anglo-Scott was king. She was his wife, he'd been a landless knight with the Devil for a father. "Thank ye, miss..please, somethin to steady her.." A barmaid curtsied, quick to ask Molly for a suggestion on what to take the woman gone pale.
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh[/b
"I..I thank ye...miss." The news was racing around her head except the one poignant phrase breaking her heart over and over. Oh aye, she should be afraid, and was, for what would come of Dublin, and Leinster besides? Yet kin was first in the hearts line of keeping. She tried to smile to Rhianna, "She's m'aunt's only child.." she told her, before looking to the Queen, recovering herself somehow "I'm married yer majesty..to the Irishmen...he is Faolan O'Cathasaigh madame, m'name is Evangeline O'Cathasaigh, we be o' the O'Cathasaigh sept o' Dublin..madame." She did not want her husband mistaken for lesser than he was...not anymore. She looked at Oakenshield at what he mention, and seemed to nearly faint. God, she couldn't forget that. Paul had been a sick, coniving bastard who no doubt helped to do the wicked deed.
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
"Aye then, m'apologies m'lady. Captain Oakenshield, the Count o' Leinster as well, Lord Faolan O'Cathasaigh. Ye both seem to have some things to talk about off and on.." Adam would not take the news well, no doubt as pale as the woman's cousin. "Lady Heather, take guard to the castle with ye, arrange what e'er need be arranged for the journey back tae Eliean Donnal. I will start tae return tae night despite whom follows or doesn't in m'steps." She was all purpose now, all purpose. Though for a time the world needed to be quelled...so she walked up the stairs, up to where her private, favorite table always waited. (d)
Earl Faolan O'Connor
There was no surer way to brawl with an Ulsterman, than to imply that they 'liked' living under the English yoke. And it seemed for all the world that Fao was intent on proving that, as he near advance on Oakenshield with grievous intent in his eyes. It was only at Bess' command that stopped him. It was spoken like someone who had never lived under the English lords. Especially one such as Paul the First. Once the Queen had gone, Fao would turn his gaze to Oakenshield again. "Dae nae act sae pious 'bout tha'. What did yer Uncle dae when tha O'Neills made 'im Ard Ri? Still are tales tolds of his black deeds. Fer three years, 'e occupied bein' nae better than tha' English 'e claimed ta war against. As ye said, ye were there. Sae does tha' tae mean ye were takin' food outta tha' starvin' mouths o' yer 'subjects'? An' many an Ulsterman marched off wit' 'im ta tha' battle ye claim. But did nae they warn Edward Bruce tha' tha foe 'e face was tae large? Yer Uncle ignored 'em -- an' met 'is just deserved end." (D)
Captain Bane Oakenshield
"By God, sir!" He roared knocking back his chair with rage. "My Uncle provided your damn miserable country with two great victories against the English and several score smaller ones, and yet you still failed to join. Europe, need I remind you and your other ignorant kin, was in the grip of a famine. We needed those supplies and we got them with Irish help, O'Neill help at that! I do not condone all of my Uncles actions, some of them were damned wrong, but I will not have his name besmirched by the likes of you!" He was one stage off demanding honour satisfied remembering those bloody days in Ireland when even the Scots were getting picked off by their Irish 'allies' for their food. When Scottish cavalry could not ride into battle because people had stolen, killed and eaten the horses. All this in the name of Irish freedom. His hand rested on his rapier and dagger on either side of his body, ready to draw them at a moments notice as the red mist slowly descended. "I say this to you, sirrah, if Ireland fought as well as it talks then we would not be having this discussion now and Ireland would be a free and safe country!" His voice was reaching nothing short of a roar now as he stared at the man. "And now you have the damned temerity to ask me and my men to fight for you again? For what? So we can get blamed for your mistakes once more!?" (d)
Defective Beauty: Rhianna remained at the woman's side until the other was to return with something to drink from what she had gathered. Her attentiion was divided, but the smile from the other woman was noted and returned. She remained at the sideof the pale woman until voices rose and she looked to see Bane jump from his seat. Oh Gods... she looked back to the woman who had near fainted. "Stay put... I will be right back." she said, gesturing with her hands for her to stay seated. She quickly came up to Bane's side and let her hands gently grip one of his arms, tugging lightly to try and calm him. "Bane... please..." she pleaded as she asked the same of the other male but with her eyes alone. "For thesake of those ou both care for... let us not fight?" she asked as she looked between each man and then back to the woman who was still very upset. "Have there not been enough harsh words between men on in these lands over other soil?!" she asked desperately. (d)
Countess Evangeline O'Cathasaigh
"Aye....I..wait.." The statement was confused as she looked at quarreling men. One belonged to her,one to Rhianna, one to her under God's sanctity at long last. What if that temper the same she'd met when he was but a brigand, andshe a ransom to be paid those years ago...what if it cast him in the prisons? Her mind worked on those lines because it was not too far from an Irish line of thinking. Despite the fact that her former husband had been as English a tyrant as there ever was, he was no man's fool in commanding respect. The Scotts hardly seemed a people to be trifled with same as the Irish. Joining Rhianna, she made herself stand up. Beside the earth toned beauty would stand the clouds to bar her man's eyes. "She be right, Faolan.Wot e'er has been it does nay change wot is now, unless the same would repeat itself. We were destitute, we were poor, we fought, we were free, we were conquered. Again n' again. Twill never break if we can nay make sure Ireland has her allies. The Govenor considers the King n' Queen his kin. That is somethin..is it not?" She pleaded, "He is a wronged man, ye are a wronged man.." She looked at Oakshield and then to Faolan, "Find some measure o' common things in that, then let it be please, I beg ye. We must like ye said go with the Queen....n' if he comes then ye can nay dae this again. We can let no land fall. Not Ireland..and God forbid we return to a conquered Dublin, with all of Leinster. Paul did enough. Do not make his ghost come here, we will change what he did. We will.." She threaded her shaking fingers through his. Her face calm her body not.
Queen Beathag Aberdeen
Above them..she listened..but said nothing. Her thoughts collecting only to drain through a sieve to the belly of all things. She listened, yet said nothing(d)
Earl Faolan O'Cathasaigh
"Dae nae play this as tha Scots gloriously ridin' ta Ireland's rescue! Tha' whole reason ye came to Eire, was ta fight tha' English on someone else's soil instead o' yer own!" For a time, it seemed as though this were indeed going to be a test of steel. The Irishman's own hand had gone to the hilt of his bastard sword, more than ready to see the debt of honor settled. There was so much that was burning in Fao's throat, that he was set to spit out at Oakenshield. Oh, aye...The most of the horses for the Scot calvary had been butchered for meat by the Irish, but what else were the Irish to do -- when the Scots had already plundered the lands bare afore the Irish had a chance to forage for themselves? Like Oakenshield, Fao himself was a veteran of the Battle of Faughart -- and he had fought as part of the Scot-Irish army. What more Fao had longed to say, was intruppted. By the arrival of Rhianna and Eva...and their appeals for peace. It would, at last, be the touch of his wife's hand that slowly took the edge off of his anger. Fao did what he could, to slowly bring the anger down. When he was at last calm, gently he squeezed Eva's hand and offered a tired smile. But then he meat Oakensheild's gaze. "An' ye ferget yerself. After tha' Edward Bruce met 'is 'end...when the last blood lettin' at Faughart was done... *Ye* were able ta gae back tae Scotland. Leavin' tha Irish - aye, e'en yer Irish troops! - ta face tha' Anglish reprisals. An' e'er since tha' last Scot left the field at Faughart, tha' Irish 'ave warred eternal against the Anglish. An' only nae, an' only sparingly, dae we turn ta our Scottish cousins fer aide." And that, for the night, was all Fao would say on the matter. (D)
