Yule Shopping

[Caden J. Robertson]

Caden stood stock still as he stood in front of the mirror. He eyed himself critically in the reflective glass. His dark hair was ruffled at the top almost spiky because it was too short to comb down. His blue eyes stood out against his dark skin, it was almost a shocking contrast and it drew peoples attention. The scar on his cheek stood out brightly against his skin as well. An ugly reminder of an ugly past.

He pulled on a well made cotton tunic, the material soft against his skin. Slowly he laced up the laces and then pulled on a satin vest. The shirt was a pale grey and the vest was coal black to match his hair. But then on the lapels there was a shock of color, a brilliant red, embroidered celtic design racing along the collar . His cuffs as well bore the red design. He wore a pair of new leather trousers, black as well and a pair of new boots.

He shook his head at the image he made. He was no fine Lord, despite what his cousin called him. He had the station yes but he felt out of place in these clothes, like it was a farse.

He reached for his new cloak, a dark wool lined with fur on the inside. Just as he was fastening it into place there was a knock on the door. "Enter." On that invitation the door swung open and two little bundles of energy barged in Luke leaping up knowing full well that Caden would catch him. He grinned and tickled him laughing as the boy laughed then reached out to ruffle Hope's hair but she ducked before he could with a little giggle.

He handed each their cloaks and hefted Luke onto his shoulders letting the boy pin his hood to his head as he carried him on his shoulders while taking Hopes hand. "Come, Lets go get some shopping done. You each may pick something out for your parents if you havent already." That being said he led them out of the room and through the castle and into the streets headed for the Market.

[Lara Campbell]

"'Tis the holiday season. Och, look 'ow behaved ye children are bein'!" A fair-skinned hand, slim yet not fragile, tousled the dark hair of the nearest child. Roric the Second gave a laugh that made his Aunt's smile widen. The more he grew the less one saw of his Ma in him, but his Da stood out so prominently. How she missed her dear brother especially around this time of the season. Yet having his son and daughter here- ah, it was enough to soothe any grief. Not far away Kylie, at the wise age of nine years, giggled with Glenna, who was only three, while patiently trying to teach her little sister how to braid hair on a doll as 4-month-old Morgan made his presence known with a squealed demand. Prompting his brother Roric, the boy-becoming-a-man of twelve, to pick him up.

All children were precious. Only those with a cruel spirit would ever point out the blood differences in the children. For Roric and Kylie came of Lara's brother's Roric's blood though her brother Kendrew now raised them with his own wife Liliana. Glenna and Morgan had a shade of skin that varied due to Liliana's gypsy heritage, but none would ever question that all the children considered themselves siblings just as the older children considered Kendrew and Liliana both their parents- while never forgetting their true ones.

It was their presence that made it easier for Lara this holiday as she dearly missed her own children and husband. They all sat gathered near the fountain in the center of the market. Even though chilly each of the children were bundled warmly in cloaks, mittens, and even trousers under dress skirts for the girls. "Now ye two be a-watchin' the wee ones. I'm goin' ta pick out some gifts fer you all and your parents. Dona is just over there."

Arm lifted to point where the elderly woman, quite on her years, spryly bartered with a vendor. She had to buy a gift for the woman as well- her own dear Mother. Some days, especially in the depths of winter, she feared that eventually age would catch up. It would be that day that'd find Kendrew and Lara heart sore.

Little did Lara know that Eirian's children, accompanied by a long lost relative, would be making a visit to the markets. The Campbell children were as close to Hope and Luke as to the Asad-Aziem or Aberdeen children. All the families of the valley had made their trip into Turas Lan for the festivities and winter court. Some just to observe the changes to come with the institution while others to be a part of it. Lara was to be a part of it though disliked the thought. She was naught more than a Blacksmith and clan woman, but as sister to the Clan Chieftain Kendrew that meant that she was more- by society's policies anyways.

One hand pushed dark wavy hair off her face as she tied it back with a ribbon, to keep it out of the way, and moved toward a vendor that sold trinkets- jewelry and other such baubles. The clothing worn by Lara was simple, well-worn and serviceable, in colors of tans and blues. It only being the plaid in Campbell colors worn over yet under her brown cloak that showed her lineage.

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

We look at ourselves in a distorted mirror. What we see as imperfections are perfect to others. Wrinkles in our time are smooth as silk. We are and always will be our own worst critic.

Life in the city was different than life in the country for more than the obvious reason in the change of scenery. In the country, people were easier to appease in appearence to the point of almost not caring among the locals. In the country miles were bridged by family, words, and talk of time to barter animals in the auctions, exchange seeds when one owed a favor, a child birth or an old man's death. A different stitch in the hem or merely the shade of horse was enough to indicate fortune. Rituals were not like what they were in the capital. Cloak and coat alone indicated wealth in the court, and under, and over, and all around. Steps were not taken without escorts by those who still kept to the old ways not merely for show but for sense. Some displays more lavish than others, of course, but it was with the winter came a new sort of bloom to Turas Lan: the country courtier returned to the castle proper.

The day had come when Eirian gave in logic and told whimsy it would have to wait awhile. The Artisan's rooms were to be cleaned, closed, and the trunks moved to the apartments in Griffin Castle given them. How many rooms could one place have? Where some together resided in Europe in the great hall under furs, cots, and dogs it privacy seemed an odd invention what with so many doors. Spectacles. "Never one for spectacles," whispered Lisa to Anne with Tabitha concurring. Was this why the 'Ladies Three' as they called themselves, all came to be? It was not that the woman could not have had her selection by now of any other women, but she kept Tabitha who had served her for years, her cousin Anne, and Lisa, who of them was truly of a gentler baring and breeding but was still used to making soap of goose fat while learning to play the lute. "Aye, a spectacle. It will be hard to hide the trunks on march up to the castle gate, but think of how good it will be. if the Lord should away we will all be protected well. Opportunites aplenty," Anne said this having been in the service of a mayor's wife so understood how people sought to rise and Lisa, being of such by birth knew that opportunity was everything. Even the reclusive needed a reason to return. Tabitha who cared for the children and their needs the most couldn't help but agree, "They might be seen, the young ones. More to visit us come spring when we return, more reasons to return if the Lady gains a commission. We must be at our very best, and all of them! The little lady and lord have never looked so fine." Her pride was maternal and Eirian had never told her it was wrong. Ever since she came to the house to do as Anne had done, ever since she held the small Lady Hope in her arms in good times and bad, she felt that with the coming of Luke both of them were in some way hers. It had not been an easy year. The children still had nightmares of a monster kidnapping their parents away in to the hills. Secrets were whispered to Luke in the shadows, and Hope understood images most children never would. Now? Each of them seemed thrilled to wear their new clothes, to use their manners, to show that they were not merely the children of landed country folk, but of aristocracy not to be denied no matter how frightfully plain, modest, and unadorned the Apollius family was. Like their great library of books betrayed them or the better wool in their simple clothes, the house was a grand house. "Now even more so, I think, with the return of Sir Robertson. Lord Robertson, however we may address him." Anne was not so sure it was a good thing. "What if he dampens their prospects? What with all that occurred over the summer, what if he mends and seeks to regain what was lost to recompense for the life he lost? Robertson blood, an Argyll wife now gone.." The other two hissed but she lifted a brow "Deny your thoughts on the matter and admonish me all you please. Lisa? Tell me you have not considered what would come of he took gross misuse of the lady's good grace." Lisa sighed, "No, her charity. It is not called that but that is what it is. If he may draw money I say he should draw it and be done of it..but on the same token he is the lady's cousin. You know better than I what Tabitha says, he guarded her well, better when he was around. The Lord Apollius had little to fear even if he should take to the woods. I think we do him a wrong thinking as we do. Besides if little master and lady find him fitting, who are we to go against their judgement." On this all nodded as if Three Fates to one decision to braid all strings. Apollius eyes and ears were far better than their own, even in the young.

*

Hope was quite fascinated by a man she knew in memory yet not intimately in person. Her curiosity made her go where he went as much as an earnest sense of belief that told her she was loved. Luke, for his part, was never to be left behind on an adventure. Staying in could be dull. The halls hadn't near as many places to go as home when it rained. Not too many ways to look out in the world even with the windows, the boy felt closed in by the squat ceilings instead of the archways.He hated not being able to smell the wet trees in the air. Here, Tabitha only told him to go by the fire before the draft gave him a cold. His lungs were his father's lungs, hearty and prone to conditions that were thicker, wetter, and dense. Luke had never breathed Avarian air, but he was made around it.

With money in their purses and thoughts in the heads, the pair told him often what it was good to buy, or what they would buy once mind was made up. "We should to the paper maker, for a fine new journal for Mama, to write all her stories." or "what is new in the printing houses? Mama so adores to read. So does father." "What about a new quiver, or a good saddle?"

It was Luke who saw at a distance a Campbell. He was good at remembering Island faces. No, his memory may not be as long or as old as Hopes but he still made use of it.

[Caden J. Robertson]

Sir Robertson

Today was to be moving day apparently, the hustle and bustle of the packing and the moving of the trunks went unseen by the foursome as they wandered towards the Markets. They had picked up Tavish on their way out of the gates and into the streets. If Caden had heard the conversation between the three women it would have saddened him to be thought of in such a way, he would never take advantage of his Cousin that way. Had even insisted on paying for all those clothes, an extravagant gift from his Cousin, but she had refused his offer, and if any one knew Eirian well they knew when she set her mind on something it could not be changed.

As it was Caden and the Children were far away from that conversation laughing and playing as they made their way through the Market. The tall dark stranger bending to listen carefully to the suggestions made by the children at his side, guiding them into the little shops and booths. Including the shop to buy writing books and quills and ink wells. He helped Hope pick out a writing book and a quill and ink well for her mother, and then bought a set for himself as well so he could continue writing stories for Hope and Luke. So, with bag in hand filled with their shopping treasures, they stepped out into the crisp air once more. Caden would pause when Luke tugged on his sleeve and pointed to a tiny cart filled with Yule Time treats and snacks. Those pleading eyes were no match for Caden's will power and with a laugh they headed towards the little cart.(d)

Lady Apollius

Would he truely blame them, for thinking it, or being as protective as he was of the Lady who had given so much without want for much in return other than courtesy? The Lady's patience and loyalty had been abused over the years and life in the Valley was not always the dream of the constant fable. Bloodshed, tears, and fire on more than one occasion led people to believe that the beauty of the placed masked a deep curse that no one should settle where God himself yearned to walk alone. Country people were always full of supersticion. Moreso, they were full of doubt. When the sun rose, everyone uttered prayers of thanksgiving while looking over their shoulder to see what else would come. Broken bodies, evil's worse vices visited on the unsuspecting. Somewhere in between Skye, in the beautiful country people deemed them a little lower. Between clans it could be so easy to eradicate the Apollius family if they were not so well loved. But they were far from suspicion and doubt now, and Hope was easy enough to bring in the light. Luke was a willing apostle to the adventure. Even to the point of finding their mother watching as the trunks began to roll upward toward the road that led to the Griffin's Gate.(d)

Sir Robertson

No, he could not blame them. Far too much had happened. He was sure there were even more whispers and rumors flowing around between people, things said far worse then even that conversation could suggest. Had Caden had a little less trust in people so many years ago, perhaps his tale would be far different then it was now. But that was gone and over with. A part of his past, forever remembered, forever scarred.

His past was forgotten for the time being, though, as he handed each child their sticky treats taking their gloves so they wouldn't be ruined and tucking them into the inner pockets of his cloak. He too held a hard candy on a stick the children insisting he get one too and after much persuasion he had bought one for himself as well. It was as they were walking away from the little stand that he would spy his Cousin. He tapped each child on the shoulder and pointed. " There is your Mother. Would you like to go say hello?" (d)

Lady Apollius

"Do you think she'd like a candy?" Luke suggested the purchase with his mouth wrapped over his, hard to understand. Hope's fingers were a sugary delicious mess as she nodded "I think we should, it is good to share Luke, a very mm...sir habit." Lordly seemed rather high for somene his age. Sir was closer to what he wished to become, a knight, as most boys do who have no clue of the reality behind the glory. Eirian crossed her arms in to the heavy sleeves of her gown until they were hidden completely. What would court bring, what was it like to return? (d)

Sir Robertson

He laughed and nodded his dark head in agreement. "Aye i think you are right." He turned back to the little cart and purchased a candy on a stick for Eirian as well and then with Luke and Hope at his side they headed off in her direction. He watched her as they approached, knowing her mind had wandered from the task at hand, but what he was not certain. When they were close enough and Eirian had not noticed them yet he held a finger to the children and quietly "shhh" to them then when they were close enough he bumped his hip against hers almost as if he had stumbled into her but from the playful look on his face, it was obvious it was on purpose. (d)

[Lady Eirian Gwenyth Apollius]

Eirian was oblivious to the rest of the world; encased in a strong wind, it tossed around her own thoughts in front of her eyes. The castle on the hill meant that life wouldn't be the same for a few months. It would be full of all of the pomp and glory of station that was muted in the countryside. Heralds, standards, colors ,and notice were simple enough to realize in the valley but it seemed even in the noble households the hands of the lords would be in the earth beside the retainers and villagers. Here, her hands might be stained with inks again, paints. This would not be so bad. A little fear bristled up the hairs on the back of her neck. As the trunks continued their way twisting up the hillside, her children had other ideas.

The side of the wall became her resting place until a little boy brought the body to leap up, up! "Oh! Oh my goodness! Luke Apollius what is the meaning of that? It is impolite to give a ladies heart such a start, let alone your mother. Hope were you in on such actions?" The two dissolved into a pile of hopeless, sticky giggles. Hands with candy were not stopped from touching for hugs or kisses. Hope offered up a sweet treat as a way to apologize. Eirian couldn't help but to forgive her. All-knowing eyes turned up to look at Caden. She allowed her ebon locks to be jostled, "You, allowing it? I see I can not leave you to your own way either. Such things!" Hope whispered of ideas enough to please a sprite but give a start to the heart of a woman, saying that whatever it was would all be Caden's doing. Was that so? Eirian plucked up her daughter while her son made way over toward Caden raising his arms expectantly. "You are being betrayed, my lord. What brings you out?"

[Caden J. Robertson]

Sir Caden

Caden bent and picked luke up in his arms settling the boy on his shoulders ignoring the sticky fingers. He grinned at his Cousin and held up the packages that he had been hiding under his cloak. " Shopping for the Yule dear Cousin, what else?" He reached over and rustled Hope's hair. "Yer daughter has been a big help in picking out just the right presents." He fell into an easy banter with the children and his Cousin. A smile curving his lips, a lighter air to his presence that had long been missing. Slowly but surely they were helping him heal, helping him make this his home once agian. He glanced up at his cousin with a sparkle in his blue eyes. "I think they even picked out a present for Tavish. Not that he really needs one he is already spoiled enough as it is." He laughed and shook his head. (d)

Lady Eirian

"For the Yule, for what could you go out with to buy that these elves might not sneak hmm? What ideas have you had my sweet?" Hope was jostled in mother's arms, tickled mercilessly until the little girl cried mercy. What as mercy? It was coming to sit down and being held in warm arms. "A present for Tavish? How kind of them. What did they seek to give him?" A fine cut from the butcher? A sense of joy, mirth. A sense of love made the world go round (d)

Sir Caden

He laughed and came and sat next to her letting Luke climb down off his shoulders and settle on his lap. " Aye, Luke got him some from the butcher and Hope got him a fine new collar, One that will make him look very Lordly." He grinned and leaned over and kissed the little girl's cheek then tickled Luke's sides till they were both breathless. Then they settled and his gaze went to the traveling trunks headed for the castle. "Are you ready for the hustle and bustle of the castle Cousin?" he knew he wasent. He wasent much for the finery and the constant movement of the castle but it could not be helped at least for now. (d)

Lady Eirian

"A lordly looking beast, well so long as he is pleased I suppose. He is after all one of the family now, it isnot the first of his sort we have had among those named Apollius!" Hope giggled and began to describe the collar she had made for the tiger from the leather smith who imagined he was getting measurements for a large, large, thick hunting dog. It would be given to silver ornaments as well, and he would have something to give him a Lord's collar. "I am certain Tavish will thank you, Hope, or have an expensive plaything." Eirian leaned over to ruffle the hair of her son in to happy, willing disarray. Everything in regards to them fell easily under her fingertips. Contentment was with them; when the castle was mentioned Hope clammored back up for the chance to see up to the hill, "I am as prepared as ever could be, Caden. It is necessary. It is not terrible and it is necessary." (d)

Sir Caden

Caden nodded and glanced up at Hope. He laughed as he saw her stretch up on her toes to get a good look at the hill then glanced to his Cousin. "Aye it never was too terrible, just ... busy. Less time to hide and read, always at sword play or being ushered about at the call of the maids as they tended to things. " He shuddered for a moment then laughed as Luke nodded his head in emphatic agreement. "Even the Library is subject to interruptions when one is looking for a place to escape." He used to escape often, and could quite mostly be found in a corner of the library his nose in some book be it of history or something fanciful. He still loved his books and actually was looking forward to starting his own collection of them. (d)