The Mists unveiling... (OPEN)

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

From the mist shrouded waters of a darkened sea a large galleon appeared on the coastline of Skye. No distinguishable marking, flags or banners. It may look to any who looked upon it as an ominous sight but trades to Skye had picked up so none would taken careful notice or so all aboard hoped.

There was one more than the others who looked upon the ship that felt a kinship to this land and though the homecoming was not nor would it be announced. Cloaked from head to foot in black she stood at the rail as the ship pulled into the port. Sailors scampered about, dropping anchor and preparing to leave the ship.

She moved almost wraith like as eyes scanned the place she called home, her heart and stomach in knots and prayers spoken silently that none who would recognize her were about at this late hour. It was on purpose that they docked in the dark of night.

She had been gone to long and most her knew her probably thought her to be dead she thought to herself for there was no other reason for her to have been gone so long without a word to those she cared for and loved. She had been sailing her to her homeland when her ship had been set upon and she herself captured. She had been held prisoner, beaten, tortured and forced t endure unspeakable acts of horror.

Yet through it all she never gave the answers that were sought, never told her tormentors what they wanted only fought until she could no longer do so. A chill raced over her skin leaving goose flesh in its wake as she remembered that Saracen prison and what she endured.

Finally the horses were brought off the ship, plank lowered, with a heavy heart she started to walk down the plank onto soil and land that had once been home and now would be again though not in the same way.

Alexandru the Romanian sailor who had rescued her from her captors had lent her the use of his ship and men. She had been more than grateful and had said so... she needed to be away form the docks and into the woods as soon as possible. She spoke quickly to the ships Captain, mounted the large warhorse and slowly made her way through the village as to not draw attention to herself.

The sailors would find a place to rest and restock the provisions before they returned to their homeland. She however would remain in shadows and concealed until she could find a way to let her friends and family know she returned.

Though she would not seek out those she knew right away she would do her duty as a ranger and knight and watch the shores and woods for danger. Kae thought to herself tis good to be home even if no one could know.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

She was in no real hurry for this was her homecoming and as she guided her horse through the all but deserted streets, she took in all her eyes spied. Her heart beat a bit faster within her chest and ached at the same time. For gone to long had she been. Most probably thought her dead and better to keep it that way for now.

The familar sounds of people in tavern ame to her on a gentle breeze... how many times had spent time within the walls drinking and making merry with those within. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her mouth well one at least thanks to those barbarins and their torture... one side had a scar from eye brow to lip corner making her look more ominious, soft shrug of shoulders within her cloak it mattered not.

An image of the last time she had been inside filled her mind twas the night she challenged Mahaas to an arm wrestling match... now one side of her mouth lifted at the fond memory. For who would have thunk that the lion and the wolf could "play" so nicely together.

Then another thought of him lifting her form the cave when she had been injured there long ago. Kae respected that man more than most ever would. He wa her General adn friend. Not many would he banter with as he had her, and she knew she could push his buttons and anger him, it was an odd friendship... but a friendship just the same.

She had pulled back on the riens of her horse and sat listening to the muffled voices, tankards clanging, and soft laughter drifting out to her. Then deciding she would have a drink before going about ehr way... she dismounted leather clad hands tied the reins to a post outside and she stood there a moment as if almost afraid to enter.... none would recognize her for that she was sure. SHe would not remove her cloak but Skye had the finest ale in all the lands and it had been a long, long time since she had any.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Ah the tavern… t’was what the horsemaster required. Lord Zurban was usually an easy person to work for… except in the case of Troika… being a Kievan Rus in Skye was unusual, save for Lady Windsor and Lord Zurban… and Ivan found Lake Manor, the Zurban estates, quite to his liking. But today was different. Troika had a split hoof and he had not cared for Troika like Lord Zurban had desired, and his wrath, albeit verbal, was quite, well, demanding. Now the evening was his own as Lord Zurban was babysitting his favorite steed.

Ivan sat in the corner, nursing his mead, when an odd figure, cloaked and shadowed, entered. But Ivan would recognize that distinctive walk, a stride that could not be duplicated. Silently, he rose and went to the bar, standing next to the hooded figure as she ordered. He did not speak, nor even pay her attention. He simply ordered a refilled tankard, his peripheral vision reassuring that Dame Kaelyn… long thought dead… had returned from the afterlife…

Ivan went to his seat, and over the rim of the tankard, eyed the shadowed figure. Wondering why she kept her return silent, he finished the tankard more hurriedly this time, and thru the kitchen and out the backdoor he stealthfully exited.

Riding the horse harder than he should he rode hard back to lake Manor… and with a short run, he entered the stables… out of breath and excited… he explained the incident that had just occurred.

Dmitrii sat upon the stool stroking the stallion’s flank, then raising the leg to observe the healing process… “Dobro Troika, tybyu horoshii skoko…” [good Troika, you shall be well soon] he spoke to the equine… only to be interrupted by the perking of the horse’s ears alerting him to an approaching figure. Standing and seeing Ivan running toward him, he patted Troika in reassurance…

The excited employee ranted on and on about a ghostly figure in the tavern… and when he finally explained who it was, Dmi quirked his head a bit sideways… “Seriousna? Kaelyn? Stoyn I tavern?” (Seriously… Kaelyn is alive and in the tavern?) Teeth gritted as his stomach flipped… He had a gravesite with an empty grave, only a sword that was stuck in the ground at the top of the site… as her death was not explained, nor proven. He had always kept hope alive… but all reports showed differently. No funeral pyre, as was Arganian tradition… only an empty gravesite, her retrieved sword stuck into the ground. Even her white wolf would lay upon the mound of dirt, only to disappear into the woods for days…

Dmitrii displayed no sense of excitement, as he had many times over the last 18 months, investigating each one of her assumed appearances. But still his stomach flipped and churned… his heart pounding against the walls of his chest. Slowly he entered the house and dressed for a journey, explaining to Aegraine that once more Kaelyn had been seen.

For the last few times, Aegraine had not accompanied Dmi on these quests, as she was not able to ride her horse due to the size and phase of her pregnancy. Kissing her, he smiled… “Once more I pray… but do not get yer hopes up…” he explained to her in his native language.

Then with no further discussion, Dmi returned to the stables, where Ivan had saddled a horse for his Master and a fresh one for himself. And off the two men rode toward the tavern, praying that Kaelyn was there and lingered longer than she planned.[/color]

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

She had entered the tavern, her stride carrying her to the bar where she orfered her drink...her time in the saracen prison, and then in Romania helped make her words indistguishable to the tender. A man came to stand next to her ordered his drink and then returned to his seat.

Drink now in her leather gloved hand she turned slowly to see an empty table in a dark corner so she walked to it and sat. She would not tarry here long, though the sense of peace that had washed over her upon arriving did her well. Sitting but NEVER removing her cloak or hood she sipped slowly.

Silently she said a prayer that she would finish here and once more be on her way. Images of her brother Dmitrii began to fill her mnd pulling one corner of her mouth up. How many times had they sat here and talked? Argued? Hell even almost came to punches?? It mattered not for he was sure to think her dead and after all he and hse had been through perhaps that was best for now.

Long leather clad legs stretched out before her as she looked about at all within. How happy they seemed, and yet she felt like an outsider once more for to much had happned to her to be jyous. but oh how she wished she could see her beloved brother once more.

Slowly she finished her tankard and a bar wench came over and asked if she wanted another... Kae shook her head... " Rum... please" her voice raspy... never has she been more grateful to be different. The girl turned and went to fill the order and Kae began to breathe easier.. though she remained on guard just in case. She was not ready to face those she called family or friends for it meant explaining all she had been through. Gods help her if Dmi or Mahaaes came here and recognized her though they probably would not after all this time. She carried no weapons they would recognize, no clothing that bespoke her identity.

One of the last times she had been here she had Freika with her... a she missed the beast as well, but in time she would show herself for now..she would be a wraith in the woods and near the shores until she was sure she was ready to face everyone.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Legs stretched casually out from her body and crossed at the ankles Kae looked about the tvern form the dark corner table at which she sat.

There was a door to her right that she knew led to a paddock at the back of the tavern... a way to leave should she need it. Having finished her takard the serving wench brought another with more rum and was rewarded with coins.

Cool glacial blue eyes looked at the people within and she wished she could scream that she yet lived! but now was not the time... that would have to wait.

For somewhere in this land was someone who knew why she had been captured and by whom? It had to be for reasons other than just information... or did it??

Sipping her rum.. the amber liquid sent a river of warmth to slip down her throat like the heated touch of a lover and she closed her eyes savoring the feel and taste. Looking relaxed though her instincts were on high alert as always... just n case. Once more she glanced at the door and was grateful she had chosen this seat... for soon she would slip out it and be on her way.

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Life and death, absence and fufilled presence. To look from the outside on what was in was never a way anyone wanted to live! Yet, then again, it depended on what classified as living. Requisite animation to the limbs pushed on by blood purchased by a few breaths of air. It was the basis of movement, but life was so much more. It was in the places one visited, the company one kept, and the memories of each put together. Beathag had no reason to hide. In truth? She felt only in these last few years had she come to life again. What was the time before? Instead of shadow or doubt, instead of question she came forward the answer to unasked questions. "You know the tastes of the Lady have broadened, but a tree does not change the roots that stretch out," one of the guards remarked, given they had leave to speak while their eyes remained fixed on Beathag. Brom replied, by now the contented shadow at the side of his mistress. Kendrew had chosen very well. Indeed, it was on his arm that she was manuevered as he came forward, but not before telling his fellow, "It is because the tree is tall and the roots are deep that we love it so. Come, it has been a long day by the sea. Let us all unravel our minds after so many talks on what comes over it. Let us sit by it, drink at it"

With the season of Lent, court was a little more somber as some sought to show their modesty in the absence of wine, meat, or pleasures. While some still participated in talks, games, or other leisure activities the advantage for the Queen was that there were far less people to entertain in the Winter' fashion. Not even rain could detere many from fighting it for the chance of its ending to see the trees and fields blossom. Her children had their own place in the household now, and little Ahmlai Edme had started to desire more than her mother's presence. It left her to pursue her own, beloved old devices. She answered the salt-air call to do business by the turn of the tide. While the King conducted many advances on behalf of the kingdom, it had always been she that strengthened them. It had been she who found some of their weakness so he could lift up what glowed, like Hercules. But for now she desired no more bartering, papers, ink, talk of tax, or ship mast. She merely wanted the moon to rise beside the sail cloth forest as the sting of liquor slid down her throat. In this way, she let her mind travel where her duty bound body did not go. "Mead, aye Brom?" She smiled to her escort, "A good one aye, somewhere by the window sae I can see the sea without business. Merely for the pleasure. Fear I still be a poor practicioner o' this Lent."
Whispers always were prevalent, much as the heel click of her shoes underneath any gown. The Queen's rising practice of Christian observence and the attendance of her household, children, and guards for Mass led many to believe she had surrendered to worldly reason, or worry for Rome's support for no tradition within all of the progression. Whatever it was held no matter, for now with her drink she communed with Heaven in a far better way by admiring its resources: water, stars.

When ever she came to conduct business by the sea, the presence of bombast was muted. Not only was it safety, lest any man have ideas, but a comfort to know that one could come to an old home without being driven from the door with too many well meaning welcomes. It was merely enough that she was a woman escorted. The instant fame associated with her golden hair identity had diminished somewhat over the years. Be it the fashionable nature of golden hair by coloring, wig making, or the arrival of so many, she fell in with a crowd as much as she may have stood about it. If she were known, by now the world of the island knew enough to let her to her peace. Life had added more lines to the corners of her eyes, indents to the side of mouth. Aged beauty. The beauty of a life well lived.

"Mead. Are you a Scott or a daughter o' Norway?" The Norsemen chuckled, he had no Scotts in him. Still, the older they each got he wondered what side was going to come more to he fore. "Mm..Daughter o' the Highlands, Descended Daughter o' the Dragonship Men. Can one nay be both? Scotland has enjoyed a Norse Queen a time or two by marriage." He took his leave to ask, "Would she enjoy a Norse prince?" To that she chuckled, "Have I nay ye in m'court, is m'brother Eamonn nay enough e'en across the waters, m'nephew, m'son? They have much o' their grandparents in them, m'nephew and m'son." On and on they talked while other members of their party settled at neighboring tables as if to make a dense show of rock made from man skin. One, as was custom, always stood by the table itself. Constantly on duty.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Leather clad hand raised her drink to her lips once more as the door opened to the tavern and a fairly large group entered. There was instant recognition in eyes behind the hood of the fair haired woman... her heart and sword sister Bess. Pain gripped her chest wanting so go to her and yet knowing she could not.

A tall man was at her side Brom.. the name came to her. Kae had met him back when the English attacked. They had stood on the wall shoulder to shoulder... well until she jumped down to rescue a child.

Softly she smiled at the rememberance.... once more glancing to the back door... it was getting a bit crowded in here and she would need to leave soon to make it to the abandoned cliffs where she would make camp before night was fully upon them. She could go check on her men tomorrow for now she knew there would be one. Been to long since she had felt that feeling. To long she had prayed for death with those long days and nights as a prisoner.

A small tremor had her shake within the thick folds of the cloak she wore. The shadows doing what they should and kept her concealed from sight. One day and hopefully soon she could let all know she lived.

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

What kept her hidden? Did she ask herself this? What kept her from claiming her due in a life that she had fought for, bled for? Did she never wonder what became of her lands or the people on them? Beathag didn't know the woman with the hooded head had any of these questions to consider. The glance paid to her was passing; it might have been to the wall behind her, or to even catch the glance of an establishment servant. Through Kaelyn, above her, the green eyes gazed. More intense since the entrance in the fortieth decade. Where some women waned in beauty or strength, hers seemed to be an ever increasing moon. Women here became stronger with age. Was not Kaelyn entitled to be one of them?

While the shadows kept her company, what poor company they were compared to the lively people before her. Brom passed his Queen another mead. Together they toasted to the coming of Spring, and to the end of Lent. To the return of color, joy, and all gaeity.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kae had indeed wondered about her lands and her people... too many times to count and still did. Bess looked radiant and beautiful as always to Kae. She was a symbol of a womans strengths both inside and out.Their laughter and toasts made Kae's heart ache...by the Gods how she wanted to be apart of that. With barely a movement she tied a black cloth about her face to cover the scar that ran its length... taking a deep breath she stood, perhaps she could give a message to her friend and Queen for those she cared about.

Her resolve set she strolled over casually to the group eyeing the big man, gloved hands held in front of her showing she meant no harm to any. Now more than ever grateful that her voice was just different enough that it would be hard to recognize as well as whom she really was.

" Your Highness... I have a message for you," the words spoken in soft tones with a lilt of a Romanian accent directed to Bess though her eyes watched the man at her side. " One that was lost to you... is found, death did not claim her. The daughter of the woods is returned though different than when she last was here. Like a ghost of days long past... once more to rise like a Phoenix from a fire... or a raven that soars in the air. " Bowing gracefully Kae turned to leave via the back door . She prayed that Bess would know of what was spoken .

The message though cryptic was the best she could come up with on the fly... she really wanted to rip off teh amsk and hood and reveal herself but something kept her from doing just that. So instead she watched to see if the words made any sense?? Bess was a smart cookie and perhaps the words not spoken were the most important ones laced with in the spoken. " The woods" those were the clue ones.... if Bess were to understand their meaning it would be a meeting... a private one near the woods of RavensCrest. To bess she would reveal she was home, and what had happened in the long years since she was last seen.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

The short ride to the tavern, hurried by the anticipation of his beloved sister. Still, so many reports that would result in ill-conclusion, Dmi wished for the best but knew this time would be like the others, unfulfilled. Still the short ride seemed to take forever in his mind, despite the swift mount he rode.

Finally at the tavern, Dmitrii and Ivan stepped down from their mounts. Ever dressed in black and silver, there was no mistaking the King’s WeaponMaster, as if the twin swords were part of him… and so many suspected, for only a privileged few, had seen him without. Bootfalls thudded against a wooden porch… the door pushed open to reveal a vitalized world inside, with a mixture of scents, those mostly of sweat, mead, ale, and whiskey. Many of the revelers inside did not even hesitate to see who had entered, but as per her employment, a homely looking lass greeted the men as she was bought to do.

Dmi scanned the dimly lit rooms, and motioned Ivan to walk around to see if he could locate the female in question… but Dmi saw only the Queen, whom he approached, and bowed… “Greetings Yer Majesty…” then he stepped back and without any sign of their beloved friendship, he kept his stature as he was before royalty regardless. “Once more I received word of a sighting of my… sister.” He made the sign of the cross… for Dmitrii, despite his warring ways was a religious man… even moreso now that he would soon be a father.

Surely the Queen would know Kaelyn… and would report such news to him if she was alive and had made known her presence. Surely Kaelyn would not pass up the opportunity to talk to the Queen… and her best of friends… IF she was truly alive.. The thought scurried across his mind, and once more his heart sank to low depths, realizing that the news of her sighting was once more unfounded.

The Queen… who knew him as well as his only sister, would see the despondence in his facial expression. Especially when Ivan shook his head from across the room.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kae had barely mounted her borrowed warhorse when she spotted two riders approaching the tavern... her chest ached when she recognized one..Dmitrii her beloved little brother. The twin swords on his back a trademark. She gripped the reins in gloved hands about to leave when something within her twisted like a knife in flesh... she could not. Once more dismounting the warhorse she entered the tavern as she had left vis the backdoor. keeping to the shadows as the other man seemingly searched the place. Once he passed her she slipped within the tavern unable to stop herself... her eyes instantly fell on her brother and her heart sweled with the love she felt for him.

Bound by blood and love.... she took a tenative step towards him...still concealed within the hood of her cloak as well as a black piece of fabric to hide the hideous scar on her face she cleared her throat softly... tears stinging her eyes. She spoke in a raspy voice " Ingra druisht bayla vo ( Hello my brother)" spoken in her native Arganian tongue. She steeled herself for his reaction to the words and to her appearance once she removed her hood, but she would wait to see if the words registered to him before doing so Her heart was thundering in her chest and her hands felt clammy within her leather gloves. She was nervous.. it had been so long since they had seen each other. ..and not of her choosing for it to be so.

Her eyes watched intently the other man... though she felt like an outsider now amongst these people...she had to know how she would be received.

Would anger be in his grey eyes? Worry?? Disgust at how she now looked?? All of these things swam within her mind and suddenly she felt like turning heel and running but she could not move.

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

Despondent from the once more false rumor of kaelyn’s appearance, he bowed to the Queen… “By yer Leave Yer Majesty…” and upon her consent, he turned to the bar… where Ivan had ordered them both a tankard of honey mead. “I am so tired of this… I pray at least we find a body one day…” he spoke in his native Kievan Rus… “My heart cannot take this punishment…” he continued as he downed half the tankard in one gulp. “Nor can Aegraine, in her condition, feel sorrow for me any longer….” As he swallowed and spoke once more.

By now, Dmi felt it was time to return to his beloved wife with child, for she too would wonder if the sighting was rumor or fact. As he turned from the bar, the dark clothed figure would return, to his rear, and in his mood, he cared not… but the figured continued to approach him, and it was Ivan who paused to watch his Master’s back.

Ivan nudged Dmitrii’s elbow, and with a swiftness of expertise, he spun about and held the sword leveled at the mysterious person. “What do you…” he started to say, only the glimpse of a lone tear falling from a barely visible eye… and the words that were so familiar to him, though the pitch and tone of the voice was odd and so strange, interrupted him… There was only one person, who could, or would speak the language of his true mother… and that was his Sister!! Could it be? He stood there, nerves of steel, words unspoken… he lowered his sword, and with a flip of the wrist, sheathed it ever so expertly. With a cant of his head to see beneath the dark hood, he spoke in his native tongue… “Kaelyn, eta tybya? Seriousna tybya? (Kaelyn, it that you? Truly you?)”

He had wanted confirmation of her death… and with the removal of the hood, he received it… She was ALIVE… and though he displayed no emotion, his chest seemed to thunder from the beat of a loving heart. Slowly, he removed his black gloves, handing them to Ivan. He stepped closer, and bare hands reached for her face, pushing back the material even further… He could sense the anxiety in her… he could smell the sweat of the gloves… Steel grey eyes searched back and forth across her face… stopping to pierce her own… neither moved… neither said anything… for moments were eternalized by this moment.

His thumbs captured her cheeks, while his fingers controlled her neck. Then… with no sign at all, a smile, one so familiar broke his stare… and the steel-grey eyes softened… and he pulled her into a hug. The anxiety of the entire room forced a silence that could not be broken until Lord Zurban either killed the person, or embraced the being. “Eta seriousna tybya… shutchka… (it is really you… bytch)” he held her at arms length, teasing her with the curse word, yet it was his way to get a point across… “You are late for supper… Aegraine shall surely kill us both…”

Bare, genteel hands carefully moved aside the material, despite her hesitation. The material shifted, and with his thumbs, he angled her head upwards to the light. No emotions demonstrated as he saw the scar, hideous as it was to her, it was not the worst he had seen, on man nor woman. Steel-grey eyes looked at her and yet again, the smile returned. “I have missed you so much… Come yer sister-in-law awaits my arse at home… she is due with child any day now…” Enough said… it was time for reunion… to begin anew, despite what had happened.

In the intimate moments of reunion of brother and sister, Ivan had snuck outside and readied their steeds.

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kae watched him as he reached for his sword and leveled it at her.. her hands never moved towards her own at her hip. Once recognition lit his face she nodded" Aye brother tis me.... or rather what is left of me." she gave him a lopsided smile. She watched as he removed his gloves and when he turned to reach for her face she visibly flinched.. and then she met his gaze and willed herself to hold still. Her heart hammered in her chest and it was hard to breathe she stiffened more as he angled her head to see her face better.

His gaze softened more tears fell and for her to do so in public spoke greatly of the emotions she was feeling. " Uisht arouiz orna miet ve ( It is really me... prick)" she gave him a smirk. For they were know to pick on each other as siblings did. Then she smiled as he spoke of his wife with such love in his eyes... she shook her head at him lovingly " Aye best not piss yer wife off to much... she'll beat both are arses." she smiled finally. Then a look came over that was sad but only for a second she reached out and grabbed his arm " If yer wife is due with child perhaps we should wait? I do not think having a sister by marriage return from the dead can be goodin her current condition?" she spoke the question softly. She felt the eyes of those within the tavern upon her and she felt suddenly small. What were they thinking and feeling? Her eyes drifted over to Bess her dearest friend and sister of her heart. On legs that felt made of lead she walked over to her Queen and knelt down on one knee. "Yer Majesty.... it had not been my intent to deceive ye as I did. I was hoping for a bit o' privacy when I had showed myself to you. " Never had she felt as she did now in front of Bess, and prayed the woman would understand her actions. She could feel Dmi there behind her and rose slowly." In time I promise I will tell all of what happened and why I was not here." She felt tired and swayed on unsteady legs. It had only been a short time that she had been well enough to leave Alexandru's Castle and when she had regained enough strength she returned here to Skye.... her home!

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

It was when she finally verified that indeed it was his beloved sister that he took her in his arms and embraced her. And with a slight chuckle, he remained amazed how this woman, slightly taller than he, withstood against life’s turmoil. To be given every life-threatening challenge there was to be offered, and she always pulled through, even despite how difficult it had been. And he wondered how could such a loving and beautiful woman be tainted by those events, and survive… where he knew some men who could not endure such atrocities.

Still, she WAS alive… and safe in his arms. “Left of you?” he placed her at arm’s length. “There is much left… and any man worth his salt would yearn for such a strong woman… Aye, a few scars, but none more than expected…” and he winked at her.

At her l;ast words, he laughed… “Daaaa… she would beat BOTh our arses… that is a definite… especially in his last half quarter…” then he laughed, taking her by the arm… and side-glanced at her… “She was always my steadfastness, when it come to you… she was always a true believer you were alive.” And he nodded, agreeing with himself.

As the brother and sister started to leave, they paused as they approached the Queen and bowed together… “Yer Majesty, I would like to re-introduce my beloved… and prodigal sister, Dame Kaelyn, who hath returned to the fold…” Dmitrii’s beard quirked in that familiar smile, all were accustomed to…

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

When he embraced her she felt both scared and safe, though she was the eldest of the two... it was definitely Dmi who was wiser. As he spoke she felt the hot sting of tears behind her eyes... he never saw her as she saw herself. He always pointed out her worth and rarely her faults.

Then he spoke of his wife and a small chuckle broke from her lips and she nodded her agreement of what Ae would do to them if they did not get their arses moving and get him home. Pregnant women were unpredictable in their moods.Then hearing how Ae always seemed to have his back in all matters she smiled pulling back form him just a bit " She is a good woman Dmi and tis about time ye were happy... and in love." her voice grew soft as she spoke. Her legs wobbled a bit... she was tired...very tired. It had only been three months since she recovered enough and decided to make this journey home. Alexandru had said it was to soon and she should stay in Romania and heal more but Kae had made up her mind... she could finish her healing at home.


As he turned her once more towards Bess and made introductions that were not really needed... she gave a nod and once more bowed in respect to her Queen and friend. Kae would have knelt once more but she was not sure if she would be able to get back up again.. her body was protesting every movement, yet she remained standing by sheer will power alone for her strength wained still, but in time it would come back and then with some help from her friends she would once more become whole... not only of body but heart and mind as well.