Celebration on the Sand

[Jiordano Sciarra]

Maahes & Jian
The early evening had come with the swell of the sea, and in this the very spirit of the day. A celebration was to be had, but its reason a secret. However, in invitations sealed with in crimson wax gave way to the true meaning, and the importance of the day. It was an anniversary and in a thousand ways a restart to something that had began upon this shore. Maahes had spent countless hours organizing the event, and with the red banners that lined the entire shore he had pulled all his resources. The gathering on the sand would find tables lined with a feast, while African drums pounded like the waves on the shore. Torches for the night, and never ending rivers of wine would welcome those who came to partake.

With the warriors from distant lands scattered through the crowd it was a gathering like none other, and though Maahes lived for them to be there he was thankful to have the time away from being their constant entertainment. Never had he been so worn with the constant lessons, and new techniques. The months had been fun, but he had quickly learned no matter what nation the men of war there were just as callous as he had once been. Only one had become a friend, and the reason simply because he was one of the few to be able to put the Beast down. "It's good. Put hair on your chest." Maahes said placing one of the goblets in the Chinaman's hand, and though Jian had been learning English he somewhere figured he didn't want to know what Maahes said.

Adelaide
Some parents believed children should be tucked away and forgotten about lest they offend the betters of society. Well, now that Ada was one of the betters of society, she could make the rules, and she was rather fond of her children. She had Raoul resting against her, oblivious to the drum beats, and one could as easily hold onto Genna's hand as hold the wind. Her daughter went flying off into the evening, her wild dark hair flying behind her like a pennant, a banner. She was as much testament to Ada's not-too-distant wild past as the Sage's own lips, which could be accused of many a thing, but never of indiscretion.

Ada followed at a more sedate pace, but even for the strange woman, there was magic in her footsteps, bare across the earth, her dress not one of her husband's make. That was all well and good. She could only play the part for so long before the nymph returned, peeking out from tree branches in the moonlight, swigging wine straight from the skein, and if these were the compromises she had to make, then so be it. "General!" she called, never making excuses for interrupting a very beautiful friendship in the make. Jean-Claude knew Ada loved him; he was the only man she actually apologized to for her horrendous manners.

Beathag
The world had come around to the season warmth again; the sun didn't know when to die and the moon seemed to have no qualms with sharing the twilight time as the days progressed. A world of clouds could give rise to bared shoulders, naked feet, and laughter that seemed to have neither beginning or end. It was all truly, in the eyes of Beathag, relative. She made her way down toward the gathering in the company of close friends who had come to call for a few days due to this festive event. It's reason needed no true announcing. No one denied the want of flowing wine or food, and Beathag never denied a call to the sea.

Her children were free to their own devices being in the eyes of so many. No better guards could be found than those that loved them, anyway, as they intermingled with their favorites. Aodhan was now a young man of thirteen years, and Davina? She had turned eight. The twins were coming close to the age of three in but a month's time, and the last, the youngest of the lot little Amhlai, would be two come the time of summer's end. Eirian's daughter had locked arms with Davina as they looked for more cohorts to enjoy, trading talk of life and the valley as the older women they'd seen do.

"She's vera impressed with the idea o' bein' a lady. Just dae nay tell her ye know tha' she has still been known tae stamp across the feet o' her elder brother in upset." Bess shared with Eirian and any around. Ahmlai still wanted her mother, which suited Bess just as well. She had no other babes after this! The little golden haired child reached out for the mist in the air.

Shaden
When the invitation had come it had brought a smile to the lips of the Courtesan Queen.. like her sister the Pirate Queen it seemed that both the sisters had been .... laying low.. as it were, giving over their old ways to the joys of raising children and building homes... To this end, it was with a flurry of activity that the children were gathered dressed and shepherded into a coach and headed to the gathering of friendly souls on the beach.. Gemma and Jadrien helped with the twin girls , Luna and Leia.. until they were settled with the copper-haired Shaden who held a newborn in her lap.. the twins barely toddeling about crawled and bobbled on a large quilt, while Shaden seemed to enjoy the chaos of the whole endeavor.

Ealora
A party on the beach, it had been a long time, years in fact since any of them had gathered to spend time together, there didn't need to be a reason but for kicks and giggles, Maahes had planned a celebration to be had with banners of crimson and drums that beat hard against the pound of waves that rolled into shore. Ealora dressed in old colors, a crimson dress that had one long draping shoulder and bare arm of the other, a simple snake bracelet to adorn the arm while the dress was left simple except the embroidered golden trim, her hair was pulled back away from her face but let loose down her backside, eyes trimmed in black coal gave her that old Egyptian lore that once upon a time she had lost. She held a goblet of water near one of the tables, listening to conversations run this way and that while people arrived, one eye always cokeed to the children playing in the near distance.

"Issa West Malory Asad Aziem, you touch that row boat, you won't sit down for a week for the bruises on your behind!" She called and then turned her attention away as the nine year sulking slipped away from the item to join the others as Ealora joined the adults stopping first to raise on bare tippy toes(her sandels wouldn't hold out the sand anyway) to kiss Maahes cheek and wink at the Asian gentleman before floating towards Bess and Eirian to offer her hellos, a hand waving Ada and even Shaden over as they arrived.

Maahes
Maahes was tickled by the boy, whose age he had learned probably pegged as one of the youngest here on the beach besides the children. He encouraged the drink, despite the faces of disgust the white haired youth presented, but Jian would continue on afraid of offending the Beast. With a kiss to his cheek he lowered to close the distance between he and his wife, but it was his title that caught his attention. With a motion for the service to attend to the ladies who entered he was almost barreled over by the Fruit's daughter. Straight for the sea hmm? "Rah." Maahes barked and his oldest looked up from where he was playing in the sand, and when he followed to where his father was pointing the boy gave a nod. It would be his duty to watch over the young, and keep them playing in the shallow parts of the water.

This was good. He could relax...but they were so close to the sea. What of the sea monsters? What of the dark waters? Would the shells cut their feet? Suddenly he felt very foolish for throwing the party here, but it pleased Ealora--and he lived to do that. With the feeling of the Shaolin's little hand on his arm he calmed, and Jian separated himself from the party to keep an eye on the children. "Look. You are not round as the moon anymore." Maahes spoke to Ada, who held the newborn to her chest, "Well at least not in belly."

Adelaide
Ada laughed almost boisterously as she spotted Ealora, giving her a big grin in response to the wave. "Genevieve," she said warningly, watching her daughter careen away from Maahes and off toward Rah, growing into girlhood and leaving her chubbier days behind with each passing summer day. It was enough to make Adelaide's heart go still, and she suddenly had much more respect for Jean-Claude, no matter how his threat had grown old over the years. "I think you would like to meet Raoul. Raoul," she continued, dropping her voice as if making formal introductions between friends, "Maahes. And the lovely Ealora." If anyone expected Raoul to take a knee to either, they'd had more to drink than most tonight.

Raoul stared curiously out at the world around him, but smiled brightly when he set his eyes on the General. It was a universal truth, then, that children loved what their parents knew better to fear. Ada just laughed. "Rounder in other areas. I hear no complaints."

Beathag
"Good eve ye all, n' many nay less." Beathag first smiled to Shaden, who seemed to have quite a collection about her - primarily three, the twins and the youngest interested her most for she had not seen the twins, and new the youngest to be in her belly during the Feast of the Peasants in the fall. Mother and child faired well, and so a mother was made of her own flesh and blood joined to the body of another. There was nothing like this gift to bring all right again.

"tis a lovely family ye have Shaden..n' whom is here, Ada..my, my. Ne'er will we need worry o'er the supremacy o' the islands in these waters. There is somewot in them tha' makes ripe the women n' pleases the men." She winked, and so noting the affection now between Ealora and Maahes, my my... What the seasons could indeed change. "Sae now..wot be the reason we celebrate? Nay tha' I care sae long as there be good spirits both in body n' n' me glass. M'eldest drives me tae drink." Aodhan heard that! He looked back with a wry grin before scooping up his twin siblings and shepherding them off to join the group at the shore in the shallows with Rah. Aodhan was a formidable height now! If his Nubian relations were there, more similarities would be easy to see, but they were not frequent to court in the public eye.

Eirian
"You are a lusty spirit still, Bess, thank God." Eirian interjected. By now Luke had found his way to the Asad-Aziem set. Being neighbors with them, he spent half his time it was said in different trees on different properties. Away from court the Apollius pair were a little wild yet no less polite. If anything they were made more sweeter by all the water in the waterfalls! Hope now hugged those she had not seen, and was plotting on how to bring Jadrien and Gemma over to play. Hope was an exceptional plotter. But first? She would make her way over toward Adelaide for a large hug!

Shaden
Shaden lifted from her seat upon the quilt and Hugged Bess quite affectionately, introducing her to the twins, " I have been busy as you can well see... the twins.. Luna and Leia ." she directed her gaze at the toddlers playing for now contently on the quilt, one with golden curls the other with silvery fine silky strands.. indeed, their names were their monikers.. as Leia.. short for Soleia... was the sun, and Luna was the moon.. " And the latest addition to the family Scottland Aramoire Stryker " she held up the dark haired son, the only child of the five to be of her blood.. but they were all of her heart and soul.. Glacial green hues washed over the good nature of her sister and husband with a soft smile.. " It seems the bitterness of winter has long been forgotten in the sweet heat of summer " her brows lifted teasingly at the affections between Maahees and Ealora.

Ealora
"Oh be still with such words Bess, you know my husband looks at me and I balloon with child, or so it is told" Ealora teased with a hum of a laugh and a wink before attention turned to Raoul with introduction, a finger reached out to stroke the babes cherub cheek. "Ada, it seems ages I have seen you" She spoke before leaning in to kiss the woman's cheek. "An kiss the cheek of such a beauty. Those that complain my dear, are jealous" She winked with the jest.

To her sister, she blew a kiss and in response to raised eyebrows, raised her own to the little trio of babies in the group, her look seemed to say 'I told you so' over her sisters constant worry she would never have children of her own, now here was the proof in her arms. With Shaden free of Bess arms, Ealora now gave her sister a hug of her own, her arm slipping low over her sister waist followed by a kiss on the cheek. With Bess's question for the call of celebration, Ealora's attention turned to Maahes. "Good question there Bess, Maahes, care to explain the reason for such a gathering?" Ealora smiled as if she knew, but really, she was clueless as they were.

Maahes
Rumors had been spoken of this child, and Maahes found them all to be true. The boy was so small, but he seemed to have an ageless beauty that came with the rare. None of his children had looked like this despite their obvious heritage, but to already be smiling? He knew he would never see this boy in his barracks, nor would he on the streets so how did he feel of him? Children like this ruled fine homes, and countries. With Genna, they had bonded over candy one afternoon in the streets, but where would he fit in this child's life? "He looks..." Looking between Raoul and Ada he found very little likeness, "Like he needs me to hold him." With that Maahes sat the goblet down, and dusted his hands off, "Its tradition. Like with Holy Water, I bless him." It seems there were so many new children he had yet to see, or slip extra biscuits to beneath the tables.

What of cake? Did he feed them cake? The comment of his eyes making Ealora swell caused the Beast to perk a brow with a question, "This is the first summer you have not been round with my child. Do not make threats you are not willing to keep. We can celebrate that?" Though looking at their many children he could easily slip into the roll again, they were his greatest accomplishments; besting the Chinaman would be his next.

Jian
It was not that he was shy, but when the barrier of not understanding stood between them all it was just easier to stand on the outside. He hated the sea, and loved it all the same; having only ever traveled on it once it had nearly killed them all, but still the enchantment of the unknown was taunting. So, Jian was content watching the children in attire made of a soft blue silk. However, the one with the red hair had caught his attention, and though it was impolite to stare he couldn't help it. He knew the world 'Luna' having been called it himself many times. He was the color of the moon, his skin pale, and hair a silvery white. They were all so beautiful here, but something about the way her hair seemed like fire was just breathtaking.

Adelaide
Ada would not break the spell to Maahes, if it had not already been broken for him before, that it was likely just gas. But she shuffled Raoul off into the large man's arms. It was true -- he'd held Genna the same way when she'd come back to Skye. She grinned. "I have a barnacle attached to my leg." She gave her leg a very playful shake, but Hope stuck on. "I'll have to find someone to ask what to do about barnacles. I've never had any myself, so this is quite embarrassing." She started walking toward Bess after shooting Ealora a wink, dragging Hope along with her toward the one in charge of this barnacle.
"Bess, I seem to have something stuck to my leg. If walking in skirts wasn't difficult enough...." Implying Ada wore pants? Never. She'd go naked before that happened. True enough, though, Hope was stuck for the ride, clamped tightly around Ada's leg, though it was a very amusing sight. Hope was going to rapidly outstrip Ada in height, since there wasn't much to outstrip to begin with. "We could chisel it off," Ada contemplated, looking particularly thoughtful. "Though I don't think barnacles like to be chiseled."

Eirian
Eirian couldn't help but laugh at how her daughter was so skillfully attached to Adelaide. Alas, Hope was no weak limbed child. Eirian smiled most knowingly to her escort, for whom was often on the receiving end of the child's grasp as much as her questions after a long lesson. (Which God bless, were many, often, and seeming unceasing. Many called it a true mind of a wise woman but Eirian prayed that God would teach her daughter the advantage of a moment's pause as much as he blessed her mouth to speak.)

Beathag
The Queen had accepted hug after hug, and in being so free was now able to investigate the new children: A sun, a moon for twins. A Scotland babe, and a French one. My, my, she thought. "Vera lovely each n' all, n' healthy praise the Heavens! I shall like tae get tae know them more n' often." She brushed the cheek of Scottland before Amy sought to mimic the action, but only took the air just above the babe's cheek. "Curious aye? Ye were sae small once, n' still are my smallest at this or any age. This pleases yer mother." She kissed the little girl's cheek and then grinned, "I knew ye'd be blessed, Shaden, just as Ealora said. N' yerself, Ealora. Well. If tha' is sae I shall have tae call up more children fer m' mounted knights, m'archers...m'navy especially. Ye have succeeded three at once sae m'forces will be most full in two seasons!"

She teased before embracing Adelaide at last. "Barnacles?Ah me. Well.. The Lady is quite o' a pliable way..if ye poke it's belly just nigh." An expert finger would prod soft spots on a giggling little girl and so it was released, yet only for a moment. She had much to tell Adelaide before wandering over to Shaden and seeing the small ones, and abducting her children, only to tell Ealora about it (Hope was a busy girl), and then find Jian and tell him all of this in Chinese. As for Bess she was content merely to amble.

"First summer nay round with child, strange reason tae send a sealed letter. I suspect tis because yer wife, general, is yer wife right n' proper. Ye are her husband. She has nay shot ye yet, praise the Gods n' pass the wine? If ye wish I shall m'prayer beads n' book fetch n' The Brother Diarmuid. He be one o' the few Clerics I can stand tae teach me Christianity enough tae appease anyone. Mayhaps many faiths should bless it." She winked before finding her own..barnacle..so to speak. This one being the boy who was Adam's mirror in life. Little Gabriel. "Wot be ye sayin." he asked his mother.

Shaden
Shaden had showed off her little bundle of joy in Scottland as well as Luna and Leia, Marren and Nick's twins, to everyone before settling back on her quilt playing contentedly with the trio of babies.. how was it she was once the bell of the ball, always in the limelight and now was content with diapers and spit up, cute chubby cheeks and raspberry kisses on bare bellies that produced laughs so sweet and innocent she could not help but join in... An eye however was kept on Jadrien and Gemma who played at the waters edge, splashing and laughing, she couldn't help but wish that Nicholas was here to enjoy the celebration as well.. but duty had called... once again.... it was a few moments later as the twins settled down into a late evening nap, and the baby boy in her arms also fell into slumber that her gaze lifted to return the curious gaze of the chinaman... a soft smile was sent his way in greeting...

Ealora
"We're celebrating my NOT being with child?" A slender brow perked upward but she smiled all the same. Maahes knew she left the gift of child bearing up to god, if he willed they had more children, she would not be in complaint over it. Her attention turned towards where the children were playing. Ealora quite agreed with Maahes there, they were their greatest accomplishments, and the best part of her.

Her attention snapped to Bess, with a wide mouth gasp before she started laughing, she couldn't deny her majesties words still, it was quite funny to hear something else say such things about her married laugh. "Shot him dear Bess? Oh no, that is but foreplay" She jested in return. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Anubis be the one who was tagged and the children scattering, his face twisting in early moon light, he was far smaller then most of the children there and he didn't seem to like to be the one chosen to get someone else. "S'cuse me" She hummed and grasping shirts in hand, sprinted to her small son and scooped him up as she joined the hunt, though it could be considered cheating as she helped her youngest chase after the others.

Jiordano
Rich laughter flowed amongst those who celebrated, though what none could say, amongst the sands. The sounds of drums mingled with that created by the ocean, nocturnal animals, and the stirring of nature by an occasional breeze. Here was life being enjoyed to its fullest. Each moment to be later recalled with fondness amongst mingling friends. Jiordano was yet a stranger to most on the shores of Skye, a man come from Tuscany in search of Lady Eirian, and rumors had abounded as he took up residence within the valley, on the property of the lady herself, to aid in the building of a fine school and teach the village children of all things art. Seen constantly in the lady's company there were less than kind whispers that floated about which were far from truth. Lover? Nay, for Eirian was loyal and true. Indeed Jiordano was farthest from lover that one could be and considered the woman only a dear friend, and fellow lover of art!

Firelight danced on brown, almost black, curls to bring out shades of varying brown and blue-green eyes sparkled with the vibrance of life. Of the pure essence of joy it could bring. "Ah, Eirian, this is a wondrous celebrazione...or as you say, celebration!" Part of him longed to play the Lute to accompany the drummers, but he kept himself in check.

Ainsley
Off among a crowd of dancing folk, dancing about the flames of a fire lit on the beach, was a young woman of average height. In simple muslin skirts and peasant blouse, the former a vibrant purple and the latter a soft blue, Ainsley spun about unheeded by the responsibilities of duty. Taking joy in the feel of sand beneath barefeet and being with friends to partake in such carefree activity. Auburn curls, free of braid or any restraint, hung wildly down her back and moved with each step of the dance the little crowd did. If one could truly call it dancing for it was wild and uninhibited, and seemed more the dance of peasants and farmhands outside the city than those done at court.

Maahes
Thankfully Maahes's skin was so dark, and the night had already fallen because a blush filled his cheeks as he had been found out. Easily he let his attention on the son of Aquitaine distract his overly emotional state, and would sway lightly with the small babe in his arms. He wanted to ask Ada of the rumors, and wanted dearly to know the truth. Did this boy have demons blood as they say? He seemed so innocent now, but were they not all at birth? "As you wish, Your Highness." He sent so few things under his seal when it came to personal matters in his life, but he would wager none of them were ignorant.

"Dance Ada. Be wild this night. I have your son. He is safe. Your other. She is safe with my son." Rah was beyond what a boy at his age should be when it came to being a warrior, and it did nothing more than please Maahes. "Get the Queen some wine." He spoke to one of the serfs, and was even nice about it.

Jian
The smile from the woman on her blanket shot a blush to creep over his face, and startled him from his thoughts. He should not have been staring, but the day had been long. Quickly he dipped his head in a bow, with a calm pull coming over his lips that evened out his features, and turned away. The sun was so hot here, and it made the night all the more cold; and he ran his palms over his arms to keep warm. English was coming along easier than he had thought, but what he did pick up was mostly improperly put together. He let his excitement take over, and though he was of a worldly mind--Jian had grown up alone in silence. All of it was a bit overwhelming, but he figured this was why Maahes took him everywhere. However, when familiar faces came into view he smiled; the deep sort that made his chest lighten. "Jior-dan-o! Welcome!"

Welcome..Hello...whatever. The dance was fun to watch, and a great big part of him wanted to know how to do it. "You can dance with me?" Maahes who was listening nearly spit up all of his wine. The beast heard rumors as well, but they were not of Eirian.

Maahes
Lord General didn't really know what to say, but was praying now he had not gotten his drink all over the young one in his arms who at that point distracted him with little whimpers. "Ada. He cries." And that was when all children went back to mother.

Adelaide
She got to swing Hope around into a hug at least once before letting the child go, laughing as the girl went to join Genevieve. They could be thick as thieves sometimes, and that worried Ada, but only a little bit. She heard Raoul give a faint mewling sound, as though he hadn't quite made up his mind whether he wanted to cry or not. Realizing his mother wasn't anywhere near close enough, crying seemed like a better option than not, and Ada swept in at Maahes's first complaint. "Sorry, Maahes," she offered, comforting Raoul with little bounces and murmuring sounds. She hadn't heard the rumors about Raoul, nor had she noticed anything amiss with her son -- he was perfect in every way, quieter than Genna had been, and this was a blessing. Genna had nearly made her not want to have children ever again. The neighbors would have thanked her not to, as well. Raoul quieted after a few moments and then drifted off to sleep, confounding Ada. Not really one to question it at this point, she made her way to Eirian's side.

Beathag
People ran about in great gladness! All of the cheer in the air near broke her face from the constant length of her smile running from one end to the other Ah well! It was a worthwhile endeavor! To be surrounded by so many ladies and unusual gentlemen was a treat she came to expect, when it was deprived her she did grow quite bored. Ah yes, as it was said of the Queen these days she was a woman of great learning. Due to her continued patronage of presses and scholarly pursuits, not only had the number of village schools by law doubled but it was said Parliament had passed a great sum of money soon to be given to every institution of learning public or private. It was said when she made her paces this year she would visit them!

With her collection of Scotts-Gaelic books she had conquered the annals of Roman history with every wish to discuss them with Rosalind, in the french she hoped would pass court muster . If not, at least she knew plenty of other speakers who'd forgive linquisic faux paus! "Shootin' as foreplay eh?" She watched Ealora move away before smiling to the ladies remaining, "tis a quick way tae get the process done, n' thrillin. Gunpowder ne'er fails tae excite a man. If Ahdam left me fer anythin twould be be a cannon. n' gunpowder n' salt peter. Ah me. What is a woman tae dae in such an age but wear herself thin." Poor Eirian blushed as she laughed behind her hand at the euphamism while allowing one of her maids to help with the removal of her shoes for the sake of feeling the earth underfoot.

Eirian
"As I said, lusty as ever. All of you I would assume." And herself! If rumor proved true she was quite fluent in nightly Italian lessons as she was in Avarian, did one speak both at once? Ah to be placed as the mistress of a humble artist when she was the Queen of one fallen land and beloved of another was quite the scandal. To be reprimanded by the church for charges one to this day did not say beyond sancifitied halls had seemingly given fire to the glow of an otherwise untarnished reputation. Even with her divorce of one man and the giving of his seed to another to claim, it seemed that saints were made from Welsh flesh. With Ada come over, the pair would link arms for a time in order to discuss things. She would watch Maahes grow uncomfortable as soon as the babe cried!

"My, my. So quickly defeated by one so small. Such men. Gunpowder and running from babes yet they make them quite constantly. Us poor women indeed." She teased him before paying greeting to Jian in his language. That was another matter. How in creation did a western woman speak such suitable Chinese? Even saints had their mysteries.

Ealora
"If only cryin babes could help us win wars." Ealora chimed as she rejoined the group glowing with a light sheen of sweat of slightly out of breath. She was quiet then as she drank the sum of a cup of water and let her legs wobbled and give way to seating. A plate was filled with this and that to he nibbled upon as she listened in on the conversation with joy. The sound of the sea was by far one of her favorite sounds in the world (her first quite a secret) and the company of good friends, did she miss being upon the waves, lulled aboard a ship by the rock and sway and creak of boards beneath foot? No, the truth was fearful and comforting all in one.

After a few minutes rest, she took plate and cup in hand and moved away from the group again though she enjoyed their company, she wanted to give Jian his break in watching the kids, doing so with a smile and nod her head that he should go enjoy the company for a time while she took seat in sand and set plate to lap picking lightly from it while she watched the kids play in the shallow surf.

Jiordano
"Jian! Benvenuto ...welcome indeed!" Though the artist and musician knew much of English it didn't mean that his accent wasn't heavily influenced by his Tuscan heritage. Even, at times, forgetting that he spoke the word not in proper language to understand. Eirian was one that he sought to teach some of his beautiful language, but their lessons were far from done. Of course, these hours spent walking or in a room painting while trying to teach her fueled many rumors. Others were wont to share more rumors that were indeed...not rumors at all, but truth. Of Jiordano's penchant for the form of man instead of woman, of lovers visited in the valley or Turas Lan, and even other countries.

The man was neither one to confirm or deny these words for it'd only fuel the fire either way. Especially if he confirmed! Some were not accepting, in any way, of such things and most especially the young man feared the church's reaction most. "There are many bambini upon the sands. Will they be attending the valley's school, Eirian?" More young minds to shape and teach in the ways of art, and its influence on life, would be wondrous! Blue-green eyes danced over the form of the general, a man most...beautiful in design! Ah, the Lady Ealora was a lucky woman indeed. They moved easily though to Jian. "Dance? Aye! I shall teach you!" Jiordano looked to Eirian to hopefully translate.

Ainsley
Out of breath, fair cheeks flushed from dancing and the heat of the fire, Ainsley approached those who stood talking. There wasn't any intention to stop dancing, of course. Just the need for a drink to cool herself. "General." Ainsley offered a respectful nod of auburn head, cadet blue eyes taking in the others to accompany them in the nod- that she might know or might not. There were many familiar faces here, but just as many unfamiliar. Yet the celebration itself was pleasant. A rare chance for the young woman. A drink was taken, some kind of juice that tasted..of mixed fruits, and Ainsley downed much of it in one swallow. Feeling particularly energetic and happy..and then fairly flushed from neckline to roots of hair at the sight of Beathag. "Your Majesty, welcome!" Still young and yet getting used to the way of life among those seen only from afar for so many years in childhood.

Maahes
As Jian settled with Jiordano, Maahes could see the way the white haired youth relaxed in the presence of this man, but what Maahes would not realize is that is only because the Italian was one of the closest friends Jian had here. The warrior monk was a rare case in which his training had not prevented him from being so secluded. He was young, far too young to be considered a master yet still her carried the title. The Shaolin had known there was something special about the boy the moment they had found him on their doorstep, and Maahes would have no way of knowing this. He knew him only to be a warrior, and to be that good he had to share the same feelings of war, as he did right? It was not the Arab's fault he was so close minded, but it was how he was raised.
He far too often misstated Jian's youth as ignorance, and perhaps was partly right. Maahes who had watched his wife for a moment, wanted to join her, but he wasn't about to let the inexperienced be pulled into Hell. The Beast quickly took Jian by the arm, and pulled him away from the Italian. His amber eyes searched the crowd until they fell on Ainsley who was his best archer, and the most obedient. "Captain." He barked roughly depositing the white haired youth, whose heart was pounding like a rabbits for fear he had done something wrong, before both his captain and the queen. "This boy wishes to dance. Teach him how?"

Jian
Jian pulled away from Maahes and ran his hand over his biceps to ease out the pain from being jerked so hard, and his silver eyes clouded with anger. It wasn't correct to feel so, and he tried to calm himself. However, he didn't understand, and he was tired of understanding. Why could he not talk to Jiordano? He cast a look over his shoulder desperate to now just go back to his room, but more so wanting to understand. Why couldn't the Italian teach him to dance? He knew the artist wouldn't make a fool of him, but when Maahes's words fell again upon another he turned a horrified face to the captain. Wish. Dance. Was all he needed to put the context of the words together. No no no no! He couldn't dance with a girl.
Not yet! That was why he wanted Jiordano to teach him! He may have been a monk, but he was in fact still a man. Jian was young, and inexperienced from living his entire life on top of a mountain, but he wasn't stupid! "I can't dance with her!" He spoke in Chinese still holding his arm and walking around front of the beast to tip his head back to continue, "It isn't proper. It isn't our way." Maahes looked down at the boy speaking to him in sounds that reminded him of how angry Hope got as a child. "You big ox!"

Maahes
"What is he saying?" Maahes looked up to Eirian, or Hope. Whoever came first.

Beathag
Beathag had settled in to the festivities. A plate of food was being balanced on her hand, a cup of wine in the other, and by God had she plans to dance as if she were half the age she was to show the young women of court what for! Ah let them think themselves the most able, the most graceful, or the most spry. Ambassadors wrote of the Queen as being many things. All agreed she was by far the most energetic woman in her 40th decade of life they had ever met!

Just as she finished her wine and food, just as she got in to the fray a few began to watch as they formed up for the next dance. "What do they say, m'lady?" asked one of the women to which Bess replied, "Child, tha' language belongs tae the Lady Eirian n' the visitors o' the General. ah've only just become good at french, n' Italian is is still fickle, n' m'latin is nay sae good o' yet sae I can nay fathom the Italian as a root. Alas. We shall have tae wait. They will join us anon. The Lady will sort it out. MUSIC!" So it would be drummed on, and she hooked arms to spin round. Erstwhile...

Eirian
Eirian would be forced to surrender Ada's arm with profuse pardons in French only to have to turn her mind toward another language from another continent entirely. This was when it was hard to be of a predisposition for language! When Hope turned curious she turned her daughter right around with Genevieve and told the pair to find the other little girls to make mischief elsewhere than in adult matters. That was the last thing she needed Hope to translate indeed! She looked up between the small white haired man as the Egyptian who perhaps thought he was saving his soul? People were all atwitter at how there was a lesson to be had that the general broke up only to give the white haired man to the Archer. Oh..dear lord.

"Maahes," she dispensed with General, or my lord, or any of that formality just to come down to brass taxes. She listened closely to Jian and then aghast would bid them all pardon before leading the large behemoth of a man off to the side with her. Quite funny really - that tiny pale woman leading that big brown giant anywhere. "Maahes, he says he does not dance right away with women because it is not his way! Do you not remember he lived with nothing but men, and sheltered. Now..you must not drag him about like a cart of goods to market! He must learn in his own time, upon his own way. Jirodano is only to show him to dance...as they do in the ring." She did not yell but did emphasize only it would be what they were seeing. In fact, the poor woman blushed heavily.

Dear God must she really bring this up? Oh..just the thought oh my. Well...she said it ! "It would not be to make him appear in any..way..that..you would think is not...the way of..pairing. Since he has no designs for that on his mind. He is a chaste monk for heaven sakes. You are upsetting him, and angering him, and probably damaging his pride and making him feel as if he can make no choices. I know you meant..well. Probably worried for his reputation as a man..but..it is different where he is from. And Jiordano will not.." oh by heavens. "Seek him out..in any way other than friendship. And you also must not drag their majesties and your Archer captain about as a cart? By heaven, she is a woman in your service and will have it hard enough as it is living as a woman and among men and if you toss her about so it will make her look like less than a captain and more of a..loose woman of no virtue." Homosexuals and now loose women? Help her God. She called out to Jian in Chinese, "He was only trying to help, that was all, he thought it better if the Archery Captain taught you but Jiordano is fine. Go go, go enjoy! Go on!" She smiled at him.

And then she sighed to Maahes with a light smile, "Come now. He is on Skye yes? He must have the same chances we all have, and he does not have the advantage of complete customs yet. Give him time..and enjoy your own night? Worry not over...repute. Otherwise you will make me negotiate peace treaties or something. Now..let Jian be. He is not a child, he is a grown man." No matter what Maahes thought of him. Hope was still trying to spy. She told Genna in French she didn't get it all..but Mama was mad at Maahes for trying to take Jian and Ainsley to the market...and not letting them play.

Ealora
The children had stopped their playing to stop and stare at the adults, Ealora didn't even flinch, she knew her husband had not meant anything ill by what he had done, and she had seen it from the corner of her ear and heard everything even with her distance and the music, perfect hearing this one. "Keep playing," Ealora commented softly and with a look towards the woman, the children faltered for a moment and went about their business. Maahes would be smarting to be so scolded by the lady artisan and so Ealora made no move to join in the fray of it as it was but she did turn to watch, now the side of her vision held on the children rather then the adults. This was one thing Ealora and Maahes did not agree upon and yet he had been fair when it came to Sam and Taylor, least it hurt her, and though it was painfully embarrassing to be scolded so, perhaps now he would learn to open mind, even a little bit.

Jiordano
There was much confusion perhaps for the young Shaolin Monk when he was pulled away and thrust toward the Archer, but for Jiordano he was aware of what lurked beneath the man's words. It would not be the first nor last time such an incident would arise, but it brought anger nonetheless. Blue-green eyes flashed with the emotion while a sardonic grin curved lips,"Am I not an accetabilie dance teacher, General?" There was a bite in the undertones of that question, asked so calm and soft, as Eirian was brought to intercede as Jian became angry. One didn't need to know the language spoken to see that he was upset, indeed, by what had just happened.

Arms folded across chest while he stared at the hulking man. Of course, Jiordano was more a lover than a fighter, but it didn't mean that he'd cower. Hiding as though a babe in a corner was not to his liking. Indeed, he was more likely to stand up even to an adversary as intimidating as Maahes. Not that he was a puny man himself, any could tell that even beneath the more courtly garb worn, yet the General was a beast in comparison. Luckily, Eirian pulled the man off to the side for a good talking to while Jiordano did his best to comfort Jian with a gentle though only friendly touched to the shoulder. Pleased to hear, eventually, a flustered Eirian give permission for him to teach Jian in the end. "Come, we dance?"

Ainsley
Ah, poor Ainsley...confused to say the least. Dragged into the middle of a matter that wasn't to her understanding. The young man, Jian, who'd she had seen at Maahes side many times, was shoved at her with an order to teach him how to dance and then he was yelling at Maahes. It only got more fascinating when suddenly Maahes was pulled off to be chastised by Eirian, who was much smaller in comparison to the General, as though a wee child. "Have I...missed something?" Cadet blue eyes sought out the General's Lady, Ealora, or even the Queen herself. It was an utterly confusing affair for the young Archer Captain. A friendly smile was flashed toward Jian to try to release the tension of what had upset him so, but she stood still for now. Debating whether to re-join those who danced near the fire again or just to wait, and see what the General had put her in the middle of...whether intentional or not.

Maahes
"I am very worried of his reputation, Eirian. You can not blame me. You keep your little artist on a string so close to you, you forget what is said. The church of their God will come here so fast and burn that boy; both of them. Do you think I want that?" Maahes hissed at her, "Then we will have China wanting back their warrior, and how do I tell them he was killed? A war will start!" Somewhere in the midst of their argument, which with Eirian felt like a scolding from his mother, he heard Jiordano's words, and could very well see why Jean-Claude spoke of the Italian the way he did. Arrogant fools, who make good shoes the whole lot of them. How dare he question him that way!

"I don't worry of how acceptable a dance teacher you are. And I don't care that you use big words to mock me. What is acceptable about you boy is that you are nothing but a dance partner. Dancing doesn't make you a man. Nor does painting. You will bring only death and destruction with your desires." Jian who had started to turn down Jiordano, and tried to figure a way to tell him about the fire he felt in his heart. He was unbalanced with the anger, and for a moment let the calm gentle waves try to center him once more. However, when the General broke free from Eirian the only thing Jian could hear was the way his heart went from brash erratic beats to a calm deadly pulse.

The fires around them burned hot, and the argument hotter. Yet, when Maahes's hand contacted with Jiordano, Jian no longer needed to think. All of the world around him stood still while his body moved so fast that the kettle held by a wooden poll hardly had time to hit the embers before the Beast was on the ground. The sparks of the fire met the night in ways of promises that were closer to threats of burning anyone who dare come close, and for the first time since his being here Maahes saw what they said about Jian's silver eyes. They reflected the color of all the elements, but right now burned back at him like portals to hell. The crowd around them had fallen silent, as now they were all witness to their General who had never once been bested--fall.

Jian
"Poison water cloud your mind." Jian spoke in English, and he knew he was right, because Maahes did not move. Jian was hardly over five feet, probably weighed as much as the General's wife, but there he was a victor; though he would never admit it. He was simply a balance keeper, but when he turned to study Jiordano's face that all fell away. He wanted to ask so badly if he was hurt, but couldn't find the right words.

Eirian
"Let the Church say what it will say, God has many representatives between those that claim to know him of many faiths, Maahes. The same that have judged him also judge me and I say fye them all. They have not burned a soul in Scotland since their majesties came to power, and abolished such superstitious nonsense from their mother-realm! And if they came for him, do you not think they should come for the rest of us? Do not be so quick to cast a judgement my lord for according to the Vicars of Rome we are all doomed to Hell. If they came for him you know what I would do? I would happily suffer excommunication for shooting my arrows so far through their hypocritical spines all of the cardinals would complain of war pains when they had never been to war! I would not stand for him to be treated as what we all suffered in Aberdeenshire, or what good men such as you would endure..," Eirian stood quite proud and tall given her short -- stature. It seemed she was as high as the General as she literally called out Gods representation on this earth as all Christians knew it. "I have little love for heretical hypocrites who are saved by the cloth they wear, my lord. You have no need to fear them in this realm. Let us not continue their practices on to others. That in any faith is the true sin, I think."

They had already called her near heretical, and damned, and she'd been cut in to by heretic jesuits. No one knew how deeply damaged her faith through the church at times truly was, and pious as she was to God, if given the chance she would not be beholden to any man of his. She'd die God's first and man's second. But what changed her tone was the flash of the monk. The monk that Maahes thought was weak..the one who seemed..a boy. "Jian..Jian no, please no don't!" She called out to him in mixed English and Chinese, shocked. The man so calm and so often..complimentary to these things..now was a streak of light and he...a david..took down goliath. "Jian...you musn't do this! Jian he could have you arrested. Please I know you are offended.." This was not going well.

Ealora
"Just a misunderstanding" Ealora commented as she left Rah and Adohan watch over the smaller children to join the adults again. "Maahes!" She hissed in surprise at his response to Jiodano. "Apologize...right..,"she wasn't able to finish as Jian defended Jiordano and down went Maahes. Arms folded over her chest as her chin tipped upward, a sure sign Ealora was upset though her face was stone cold serious. In her mind, Maahes had gotten what he deserved and on the other hand, someone hitting her husband made Ealora want to go on the rampage and she was fighting hard not to do just that. Dropping her arms, she moved forward, a hand held out to mean she meant no harm. "Back up now and let him up. This has gotten out of hand for a misunderstanding." Kneeling, her fingers touched at Maahes shoulder. "Are you all right?" She would ask before offering a hand to help him up. "Had I not heard what was said, I would be inclined to arrest you for assault, as it is..." Celadon eyes burned into her husband from switching to Jian. "What you said was wrong, and you need to apologize Maahes, I know you meant to protect him, but it was wrong, their ways are different from ours, you may not agree with the way people live their lives Maahes, but you can't control them. Haven't we fought hard and long to live free and the way we see fit?" She wasn't scolding her husband as Eirian had done, but giving him reason to stop and question his actions.

Jiordano
"Ignorance flows from your tongue! Uomo stolto! Foolish man, that is what you are. I only offer to teach Jian how to danza. As he is an amico just as Eirian is an amica. Yet you would handle him so...so.." Jiordano sought a word in his own anger. The calm was attempted to be kept, but the General's words were infuriating. It had been many years since he'd run into such distaste and in this situation the man did not have any actual proof. Only rumors and suspicions that lingered about Skye, "duramente...rudely. You behave as though a boar! A foolish, ignorant, narrow-minded animal fit for a cage!" Hatred was brought on by the narrowminded ignorance of most. Jiordano had been face-to-face with it many times in his life- even when it came to his own mind, but this was upsetting. He usually was a kind man, not prone to insults or barbs, but his emotions got the best of him. There hadn't been any intention to ruin the reputation of Jian. The Shaolin Monk was one a few friends that the artist had made in this land of wondrous arts and kind hearts, and he cherished that dearly.

There was little time to react before the beast was close enough to strike, fist connecting with face in a manner that made his booted feet stumble backward and a groan escaped his lips. He had not been prepared to be struck, but apparently the General had been offended by his words- indeed. Falling backward onto the sand, vision blurry and lights flashing in his mind as the pain flared from the hit, and he struggled not to pass out from just one blow as though weak. There'd definitely be a mark, even a black eye, left as reminder. The speed with which Jian reacted was staggering even to Jiordano who only briefly made it out through recovering eyes. "Jian, no..." but it was far too late to halt the small monk. He owed an apology, as well...admittedly. "I...I..." Shame laced his words as he hung his head a moment,"I should not have spoken so. It was not the General's fault." Probably the most English he had spoken without any Italian words to break the pattern.

Maahes
Maahes had been drinking, and far too much. He was like a stone mountain that simply would never be moved. He meant well, but often just like he didn't speak a language he couldn't understand. In this Jian knew. This was what the Shaolin had been trying to teach Maahes this entire time. He let his mind go into the fights and sometimes it never came back. What would happen to him if things like this never happened? At first, Maahes wasn't moving, but when his body started to respond again he opened his eyes to his wife, "Arrest me. I am done with this night." He tried to ignore everyone around them who was opening gawking, and when they saw him ease into his wife they started to scatter.

"Forgive me." Maahes put his head in his hand feeling it throb. He would never get used to how fast that boy was--ever.
It was not the pain of the hits that hurt him, but how Jian seemed to know all the right places to render him useless. It was not an attack, but a block. Yet, no one could tell by watching the way the Asian moved. His head was spinning, and just as he sat up he would press back down in the sand again until the world stopped moving. "Let us go home."

Jian
"Ji-or-dano." The warrior monk helped him forward, before looking over at Eirian, and switching to Chinese. "I am sorry. Tell him I feel shame for acting out of turn, but he can't hit him." Meaning the artist, "It is not a fair fight. He is a deadly man, and one hit could have killed him." His chest was heaving with how upset he was, as finally his adrenaline started to wear off, and he looked between them for a moment vowing to himself he was going to go to the highlands for a week, and not come back until his head was clear. The sound of Maahes' voice eased him back in, but with the mention of the one English word he clung to his heart hurt--home. Home was where now? He liked Eirian's valley, and the people here. He was eager to learn, and doubted very much he would ever survive in the mountains again; not after having this freedom.

He wished he understood what the artist was going on about, but when words failed to be heard he could read it in his expression and it broke his heart. "This is like a bad dream," He spoke to Eirian in Chinese turning pleading eyes to her, "Tell him it is not his fault. It is the sun. The poison water. Too much fire next to the ocean. Anything to make them both understand? I do not like knowing there is pain in their chests. Do not let Ji-ordano hurt." Looking back at Maahes while he still supported his friend was hard to do, "Or the General."

[Jiordano Sciarra]

Beathag
By this point the Queen like everyone else had ceased in their dancing to see the altercation of words taking place. When a hand was being raised to the Artisan by the General she was setting herself to command stop. Instead, she went quiet at the amount of speed from the small man of the Chinese mountains! She gawked openly at such a display! "Nay man should e'er move tha' fast. Nay e'en m'rangers move tha' fast," she remarked aloud as she continued over toward the area. Her steps took her near Ealora. She had chosen to let the altercation be solved between those it concerned but perhaps more mediation was required thn she thought. "Mayhap Maahes is right, Ealora. It is all better solved after an eve passes. N' I dun nay think ye need be worried with carryin out yer charge tae arrest anyone.." As she looked around she saw the confused eyes of Jian and the guilty of Jiordano. Even Eirian was busy collecting herself.

Eirian & Hope
By now the elder children were making their way to see what the fuss was about, to see the adults behave in ways they were instructed not too never lost curiosity's appeal. Before Hope could rise to say anything she lifted up her hand to quiet the girl who would have a thousand words for just this moment. Eirian instructed her where to use them. "I want you to go make Master Jian feel better. He is quite sad, and will need a good ear and a kind soul. SInce you are the only other here that speaks his language I expect you to be those things. Understand?"

"Yes Mother." Hope would nod her head and even curtsy, and apologize to Genna but she had to do as her mother said right now. As the little girl went to Jian...she curled a little hand in his and offered up. "Are you alright?" in his mother tongue. Eirian nodded to what Jian had said, and when Maahes stood up she found a gentler tone with him

"Let me start by saying, none of us are perfect and without fault. We all live as we know and...differences even we have to learn them. If I hurt you I am sorry. Now..Jian says..he did not wish to harm you, only to stop you. He felt the fight with Jiordano was unfair because of strength, size and preperation." She looked over to Jiordano and then to Maahes, "And Jiordano is also sorry for losing his temper. Jian also says it is not your fault. He believes it is the drink and the elements causing an imbalance. You see, Jiordano is one of his few friends...and he practices his English with him. For Jiordano..I think Jian is much the same. Even if he has the advantage of English, sometimes as you know..some barriers are easily crossed. Language never seemed to be one with them. If Hope is around and Jian does not know an English word, she translates. Do not take it to heart."

She said softly, "We all should not. Your wife is right. We have all given very much...to live to think as we please. It would be a sad thing if we ourselves took that from each other. If you go home tonight, God keep you. If you stay, I hope you will rest but a little and then..enjoy what you have given us here. It is because of your words we are gathered. Good words I might add. Jian does not like knowing that any of you may be hurting. He feels it very deeply. His heart is more attuned to our sufferings and joys than we think. Again he means no harm, and he apologizes, and he was only afraid for his friend. And I am sorry again..for..not having as much patience in my explanation as I should have."

There now. It was all said. Well said, or so Bess thought. Everyone would no doubt have an opinion. When he son asked what was going on Beathag would tell him that it was a quarrel of difference as he had not so long ago with her and with the brother of his dead sire.

Ealora
"Thank you Master Artisan, it takes a big man to admit wrong, it's easy to let loose on temper and say things, perhaps all of you will keep in mind for next time, that when you speak such words, they stick, you can't ever take them back much as you apologize for them and I pray to God, the day doesn't come, that something like this happens again, or I will arrest you all and see how you like spending a night in MY jail, perhaps then cooler heads will prevail." The threat was very real as she turned eyes on Jiordano then Jian and then back to her husband as she eased him back on the sand when his head went all fuzzy. "It's about time someone else kicked your ass besides me, Bull." The tease was light as she reached behind his neck, fingers feeling then crack crack, pop. Presser points to relieve the tension in his neck and make the dizziness less though the drinking dizziness would be his own to bear.

Taking his arm, she helped him to sit up before her attention turned to Eirian as she translated Jian foreign words. Celadon eyes moved to the man then to her husband. He was no doubt embarrassed to be taken down, not only by a man that was her own in weight, but to be defeated in front of friends, as it looked but explained it was only to protect and stop. She wasn't going to scold him, he had known he had done and said wrong and if he wished to talk about it with her, they would do so in private, away from everyone else. Her voice lowered as attentions turned away from them. "Do you wish to rest a moment and remain or would you prefer to go home. Your choice."

Jiordano
Guilt tore at him for having caused such strife and caused such pain to Jian. Things should not have gone as far as they did. Think before you speak, as they said, and that was something the artist believed in. Yet he'd not followed it. Instead the words to leave his tongue had been insulting and cruel, aimed to tear back at a man who tore at his own pride and raised questions that- sometimes- lingered within his own mind. Jiordano was a man torn between right and wrong, between what he was taught and who he was, which made it difficult to just stand there...

Accepting the aid to his feet, he kept quiet as the women spoke, and he gave an apologetic glance in the direction of where children played. Hopefully this would be an experience they would quickly forget and never again recall. Violence tended to only beget more violence, and Jiordano took this as further proof. One hand reached out to once again touch Jian's shoulder in an effort to calm the upset and hurting man. Though he might not understand him, he spoke still- and not realizing in only Italian,"Siate calmi, Jian." He hated to have caused his friend such unnecessary duress.

Ainsley
Ainsley had not interfered, leaving the other women- including the General's wife- to handle the matter of the argument. The words were easy enough to hear as the men shouted them, but the Captain was torn as to what to do as she didn't understand what went on in the first place. Instead the young woman moved to turn the attention of others back to dancing, drinking, and fun. To bring the children among them to learn dance steps as well.

Maahes
"Let us go home." Maahes spoke easing into his wife. She always knew how to make him feel better with her hands, and often he forgot how good it did feel. Smiling up to her, and then to Eirian he would take a deep breath, "I am sorry as well. I must...the anger. Forgive me." He said it Jian who seemed to be watching still as if he was ready to strike once more should he need to, but when the Chinaman did bow his head Maahes did to.

Jian
The ocean beneath the moon seemed so calm, and even when the waves rolled in they hardly broke the reflective surface; and this would be what kept his attention while the others spoke. He needed that calm, and when the salty sea air pressed against his face he only gripped the wooden staff he held tighter to lean on it. Somewhere he had slipped out of his slippers and his little toes coiled in the earth and all was right again. With the fires still burning under the metal pots he felt all was right, and broke from his trance to bow to Jiordano formally.

With Hope so close he leveled with her to ask, "Tell them that I am tired, that I wish to go home, and thank them for allowing me the company." He took to a knee to be eye level with her, "And tell your mother not to expect me home this night, and to not worry." He could clearly take care of himself.

With that he offered them all a warm smile, and nodded his head to the few who had tended the kettle he had dismounted while offering them their stick back. "Sorry. Sorry." He kept repeating before slipping through the crowd.

[Jiordano Sciarra]

Eirian
"It is all forgiven Maahes and God has set us all right again. And Ealora I understand you must do in the future as you must." Ealora not only had the role as a realm's peacekeeper, but as that of a wife. Eirian took heed of her words that tempers could flare and cause the law to come forward to sort it all out, and Ealora would need do that. And yet, did the pair of them not sit in the prison together when her husband had put them their for doing what was wrong in the need of what was right? While she regretted how she did not take a gentler approach to telling Maahes what needed to be said - she could hardly forget her words. It was her actions, not her words she completely regretted. He underestimated many as he had once been underestimated. Forgot they did not know as he once did not know.

Eirian should have been gentler in what she said but her words she did not regret. Jian was not a child. Ainsley could not be carted about as a bunch of goods to be obedient like a daughter when she was trained to defend the crown. Nor would she regret her words about the clergy even if some would call defamation against God's Holy Church. If they came calling for blood and it would be Jiordano to fill it - or Jian - or any, they could happily arrest her for murder because she would give no quarter to false killers in the name of Christ. No matter what the remedy for such was in the fashion of this day.

She would defend all of them against their discipline. Few knew but many speculated what had happened behind the closed doors of the Cathedral's deepest sanctums in the winter with the artist, and a woman painting, and what they felt was acknowledgement to great for a fairer sex, and other crimes against the word. As the others began to leave she would simply move down the shoreline.

Jiordano
Experiences could shape a person, for better or worse, in ways unforeseen. There had been events that some understood not, nor even knew of, that only bonded Eirian and Jiordano closer. What they had been through had been enough to change them in different ways. Perhaps, months ago, he'd have not even spoken those first words to the General or spoken with such cruelty. The artist didn't honestly know. All that he knew was he had spoken them, been just as hate filled as those who had brought hell to the lives of Eirian and him...and it made him feel disgusted.

Giving a bow to Jian, wishing him a good night- though concerned for his friend, he moved toward the waters. Boots carefully removed as he stood on shores edge then waded into the cold, harsh waters uncaring of the way it soaked his clothes or cold even ruin fabric. Needing the sensation to clear his guilty conscience. "Dio, perdonami...per essere odioso...." (god forgive me...for being hateful...)

There was a sadness that lingered, that even the gentle words of Eirian and Ealora, and Bess, and the apologies could not eliminate. Even as some still celebrated the joy and happiness to be found in life on the beach behind him.

Eirian
With no shoes on her feet, the sea covered them instead. With the lull of the ocean, she found something to dwarf down the roar in her ear. Eirian was much changed and no one would ever know how much. It was said each friend had a piece of her no other could claim save them, and it was no different with the artist who'd left his home for the sheer purpose of keeping her company for learned reasons. She did not mean to listen to him, for his intercessions with God were private. The little one's hearing was only that good given she had lived with no sight at all. "I should think God would forgive you...with all else that he must, I should hardly see why he would carry a grudge." The little pieces of Italian were beginning to pay off. She knew what God and pardon were.

She wore her hair parted down the middle, but a few of the placed braids hid the beginnings of the pink near one of the scalp that fadded to a jagged white. When she thought or when nerves were bothered it was the place she most often rubbed first. Everyone had a reason and in the end everyone had meant well.

Jiordano
"I would believe, in my cuore, that he would not." Jiordano didn't need to speak the word in English even if Eirian didn't understand it for one hand touched his heart as it was spoken. If any were to overhear his conversations with God then why not Eirian? The woman who had shared his company in what was a horrible experience for the both of them. Some part of him wondered if what the General had spoken was true. Did he bring only death and destruction with his desires? Would being seen in his company ruin the reputation of one as innocent as Jian? Bring more harm to one as kind as Eirian?

Ah, it'd been so his whole life. Even young he'd known that he was different and yet...still much shame lingered to keep him from being able to fully accept who he was. His family, in fact, would disown him without a second thought if they were to find out the truth. "I would believe that Dio accepts me. Accepts me for me and would not..." He paused, struggling for the English word a moment,"judge me. That he is not cruel and-and...hateful... in the ways some would say." When he focused, and was not overexcited or too filled with joy, Jiordano could speak English very well. "Do I...bring harm to those around me, Eirian?"

Eirian
Eirian listened to her friend - such pain he must endure. Both of them were different, all of them were different yet could blend in with the world when they chose. What was it to be separated from normalcy and thus alleged to be outside of all of God's grace because of a way that was of man, not him? Was it Adam succumbing to woman, who succumbed to the sperent causing so much pain? The hem of her gown was loosed to flow among the rising tide. She walked over to him. No, he did not need to speak Italian for her to know what his heart wished to say. "No, you do not bring harm. You bring humor, beauty, music and grace in your steps. That is all I have ever found from you. It is what God has given you. All of these things they say are of man are but our way of glorifying our lord in creation. I see you as no different than any other man. I see you as no less of a man. I believe that God is the same."

She nodded. "It does become harder to believe at times, doesn't it? In the infinite mercy of the Father of Christ and that if we accept Christ Jesus, we are welcome in to his house. To see and know so many and so much else they say clouds the one truth. I believe it widens it." She pulled her shawl closer about her uncovered shoulders.

Jiordano
"There are many written words, many different....Gods...to be found, and all have different regole...rules? Some say this is right and this is wrong, and it is hard to know how to view Dio for oneself. Having faith is quite a challenge at times." That Eirian understood was a relief. Many would not be as she. Kindness lurked in the woman's heart that some couldn't even hope to come close to touching. Jiordano released a breath of relief upon hearing that she thought so kindly of him. To hear someone say that he brought good and not bad...was to be cherished. Here in Skye were a kind, welcome people, who enjoyed life as much as he. They fought hard to achieve the freedoms and rights they enjoyed now, not letting oppression or the hardcore views of others beat them down, and...accepted views besides their owns.

Never had he seen a mingling of cultures, peoples, and beliefs as he had since arriving on these shores. Even in all his worldly travels. While there was still hate that existed it was minimal in comparison to the amount of love to be found. In ways, it still awed him, for in other parts of the world he might have already been a man punished for his sinful ways. Yet here, while his secret was yet a secret, some knew and accepted- such as Eirian. "You are a gentile donna, Eirian. I have not met many with a heart and mind as yours."

Eirian
"Thank you, Jiordanno. It means a great deal that you think so. You, too, are a goodly soul." Blue eyes turned toward him. They rivaled it all; horizon line, water, and sky. They seemed to seek the infinite in everyone, and everything. It was hard to remain that way when thew orld continued to press things in to your shoulders. With little care for the rapture or ruin of good fabric she would sit in the sand as the water still moved between her toes. Even in Skye with such openess would come those to force shut those doors.

Sovereignty for all meant some still had powers to deal as they would. She rolled back the cuffs of her gown to look upon her arms...and the now fading marks of winters punishments there. "Do you remember when they made us hold out our hands and wrists..to be whipped with the dry reeds?"

Jiordano
Was it possible to forget? Nights yet passed where the artist woke covered in sweat from nightmares. Created from memories that would always linger in the recesses of mind even years from now. In some ways they might even define him for awhile yet. With ease the jacket was removed as Jiordano lowered onto the sand next to his friend, feet and ankles still occasionally touched by the cool water, as he pulled up the sleeves of his white shirt. Tan flesh next to pale flesh revealed fading marks that matched. "Aye, I recall the sting of them against my flesh. The...pain..." Even now he could hear the sound they made as they sung through the air and made contact with flesh. It sent chills dancing along his spine and fear knotted his stomach.

Ealora
Ealora had seen Maahes and the children home, all seven of them put to bed and her clothes changed before she returned to the beach. The dress was long gone, replaced with a long shirt tucked into a tan pair of leggings and belt even her hair had been pulled back into a ponytail. The Sai's were also present this time though she didn't expect another fight to break out with Maahes in bed but one never knew. "Ah, I see celebrations have died down." She smiled at the pair of them, Eirian and Jiordano. "I hope there are no hard feelings Master Artisan, I spoke not as a wife who's husband was attacked but as Chief Bailiff, charged with keeping the peace, I take my duties seriously, as much I have in my life. None of us are strangers to bad tidings but we are not strangers to peace either and it is something all of us would fight for. I am sure you can understand, this is the reason we fight, even when we shouldn't."

The latter said upon the breath of a long sigh, she wasn't making excuses for Maahes but he was made up of war and fighting, from the very first breath he had taken in this life and surely to his last, it was one of the many things she loved of the man people called the beast. His tender side was so rarely seen by others and one she saw all most every day that it was sometimes hard to see this other side of him poke out its ugly head...not to mention he had been drinking, always a bad sign when things took a turn. "May I?" She asked pointing to the sands next to them.

Eirian
"Yes. I hope you don't think it morbid, Jiordano. I have been beaten across my back during times of war, I have been as you know in the keeping of Jesuits with less than good intentions. I would say the reeds across my hand for this.discipline..this penance we paid...made me prefer the Jesuits, and that says marvelous much." She heard Ealora's coming and turned up to look at her, to listen as she spoke. She nodded in understanding. "I do. You have your duties to carry out as given to you by the crown be it in peace or otherwise, I would expect you to do nothing but honor them. It was not my intention to quarrel with your husband. I needed more patience to explain but, I must apologize. At times I am short of it despite what popular opinions say. Please.." She offered the spot of sand up.

It wasn't her sand to keep. It was that of the King and Queen's, and even by now the Queen had settled with others elsewhere along the shore. "He meant well, Maahes. He always has and will. I do not doubt that." She tucked a strand behind his ear. "Where I can not tell him, Ealora, you as his wife now again can. He must know that to guard a reputation is to also cherish who it belongs to. I know he has called the men because he cherishes their knowledge. He must see Jian as one with it now. Despite what Maahes thinks he is not a child. He is a man, I promise you that. Jiordano is a man, and no matter what others will say of him he will always have my household's protection, my friendship, and the whole valley to call his home..if nothing else on this island. Even his Archer Captain. To be a woman as you know is difficult enough, to be one in the service of the crown with a weapon is doubly as hard. Poor child. Her eyes widened when she was carted about. I imagine she is even here to have escaped that fate. And I still meant what I said, all of it. If a priest came calling against any of this..he would find a deaf ear after it was opened for a moment. And a hard hand if ever lifted against the likes of any of you, God forbid you know the wrath of men of God. That is all I meant to say. That we must not carry on as the false do elsewhere. I do not mean to harm him in saying so, but I feel as Jian did. I can not see any of them harmed. They endure enough." It was not with any sort of malice or sarcasm, merely gentle fact."We have all had this chance for years. The likes of Jian and Jiordano have not..not for long enough the chance to..enjoy. To know peace of choice for self."

Jiordano
"Remembering is both strength and weakness, I think..." Concentrating to speak only English, for the time being, while considering the markings upon each arm. Physical scars and mental could fade, but each left their mark on the soul. Jiordano knew that words, too, stung just as harshly as a reed. As they had done earlier. One hand gently touched her arm to brush fingers over marks that marred lovely skin,"They hadn't the right to mar Dio's canvas nor to presume to know his mind." Lest someone should think to use such a simple touch to fuel gossips Jiordano didn't allow his hand to linger long upon her arm and clasped both hands in his lap. Some nights he'd lay awake remembering what happened, unable to sleep...with the sight of Eirian suffering so in his mind, and curls shook with movement of his head,"Unnecessary cruelty, Eirian. That is what it was...then and tonight. I...responded poorly?..aye, poorly." That was the word.

Hearing the voice of Ealora, the General's Lady and Chief Bailiff, head turned and blue-green eyes locked on her. "No, no...come and sit, please? There isn't any necessità...um, need for apologies, signora." Indeed, the apologies that were necessary had been spoken.

He understood the position that she had been placed in as both wife and bailiff. Never would there be a need for her to apologize. Eirian spoke eloquently though, able to put into words what he could not so well, and he could not agree more. Peace, was not that what they all desired? Peace and the right to be..who they were without the views of others forced upon them in ways deemed cruel.

Jian
The water had pulled him in, and the fear of it left while the shore washed away the sand. Beneath the moon it was easy to forget that this was a strange place as it felt almost like home. There were so many people here, and he was so used to being alone. Even on top of the mountains so few spoke, and what they did they would not to him. No, he was an outsider in their little realm, and one of the few permitted to keep his hair. It was the color of winter's first snow against a sea of black it almost appeared blue, and when all else held calm warm eyes his were the colors of cold ash. Despite their slant his eyes were wide, and very full of life.

When the solitude had been enough, and Jian felt his entire soul calm as the sea he went back to shore. Far enough no one would see him he moved back to gather his tunic and started to squeeze the water from his hair, combing it to his side. He felt his body restless now, but before he went into his routines he felt he owed them as much as he could give. Slowly he made his way up the beach again, stopping only to collect shells that shimmered in the light. Unsure of what he would do with them, but fascinated none the less. Upon the few he smiled, and shyly would motion to the empty seat. Without, Eirian's help he would ask, "Yes sit?"

Ealora
"Maahes must learn this, it is a hard and slow lesson, but do none of us say we are done learning? no, we learn till death and even then, I am sure we learn in whatever afterlife there is." Ealora sighed as a hand came down to the sand as she knelt and then slowly sat a breath behind them. She sighed again only to hum out a laugh. "He was never NOT my husband Eirian, much as I denied him, our faith doesn't allow divorce and so it never was but it's hard to fight what fate weaved together."

Such a poet, Ealora had grown miles. "We all strive for peace, it is the one thing all of us share but the hardest thing to realize is we may have glimpses of it, we may have moments that last months or even years, but we can not have utopia, much as we want to. Fights will come, more wars will come, it is the way of the greedy, but we, can at least put this whole incident behind us..."

She paused and then smiled "And it is unlikely the Bull will pick a fight as such like that again, lest he be kicked upon his backside again." She was teasing, it was as unbelievable to her as it was to others that a little thing like Jian had knocked the Beast down, even WITH drink in him. Speaking of...her attention turned to Jian and she nodded her own consent, sure the others would agree. "Yes, sit."

Eirian
"There is no such thing as complete utopia, we are only blessed with fragments of Eden god allows us to keep to remember that there is a way home." She summarized before looking out over the sea. Good words Ealora spoke, good words. They did not need much to follow them. Though she did chuckle softly, "No, that is so. He will wake in the morning and remember that size is not a determiner of strength. I have told him many times it is common where Jian is from. Men are not very tall. Hope's father was an exception to the rule, and he was also of a varied ancestry that allowed it. Now he will believe." She chortled indeed.

Ah me. She smiled over to Jian who'd returned, and then to Jiordano. She was now fastening the cuffs of the billowing sleeves back against her arm. There was no need to discuss the incident they shared further. It would be like her time among the Jesuits - a private hell relieved in her head. Indeed it was not so violent or so desolate. It was Church penance so that they might continue on, avoid excommunication, and protect the reputes of their families. Still, it came with whipped hands and arms..tears that came out where no other sound could. It came with days of prayer until knees bruised and afterwards heads pressed to stone n further prayer, days of fasting, and further days of whipped hands before it was all "Absolved".

[Jiordano Sciarra]

Jiordano
Ah, they spoke of things that even Jiordano knew nothing of. Even before Eirian had hidden her own arm beneath sleeves Jiordano had begun to do so as well. Memories best lived only between the two of them or when each were alone. Others need not know of what they went through. There'd been much outrage, but in truth- keeping it secret was best for all. Especially for those like Eirian who had family here in Skye. It was the question to accompany Jian's returned that made blue-green eyes swing from contemplation of the water to the man. "Come, come... amico." Jiordano motioned enthusiastically for Jian to sit, to join them, as they sat on the beach talking and contemplating. "We all seek to...learn, aye. Knowledge can bring...wisdom, or power as some would say, no?"

Jiordano sought knowledge, but not for the desire of power. He sought only to learn to become wiser, more intelligent, and then to share that knowledge with others who could benefit. Who wished to learn and spread the information as he did. To pass on to future generations the things learned here and now.

Jian
The fire was warm, and as he still worked his hair into a small braid over his shoulder Jian would narrow his eyes to better study Jiordano's face. Was the eye blackening? A frown pulled Jian's fingers from his hair to gesture to his own face as if to ask how the other man's felt. He would shake his head with concern, but look across the way to the woman. "Good night." Night. Day. Good. Bad. Yes. No. He knew the key elements of the language, and found that there wasn't a better way to learn than to simply be thrust in the midst of it. He had a balm that would help, but that was back in the valley, "Are we to stay here tonight M'lady?" Jian asked then of Eirian in the language they shared.

He then would pass his eyes to Ealora and study her for a moment while shaking free his hair once more. She was beautiful, and in the sort that didn't exist back home. "Your husband makes progress." Came his voice, little yet as warm as the fire. "Good." Perhaps it was the first public take down Maahes had suffered, but it wasn't the first. Did Ealora know her husband snuck out of bed each morning to join the Chinaman for his morning routine. Together they welcomed the sun in a more traditional art than what Maahes was used to.

Ealora
"Aye, we all seek to learn, its why I push my kids so hard in their studies, they will not be so...uneducated as I was" Ealora responded to Jiordano though she kept her fears inside, that Issa was headed for the sea no matter how much she wished he would not. If he went, he would go educated. "Knowledge is both wisdom and power, the choice is left to the educated, to use their education for wisdom, to educate others, as I hear you do Master Artisan; or people can use it in control, in power over others. All life goes that way, there can be no good without evil."

Arms crossed over her knees as she fell silent. As strange as it was, she was thinking of a time when she and Maahes had fallen asleep on this beach together, her naked as a jay bird in early morning light to be happened upon by Kendrew. A smile curled her lips in her silence of the memory and a hand reached up to play with her ear lobe as her attention was drawn to Jian. There was never a time she did not notice her husband in the bed with her, she chose not to question it, she chose to trust him, here was confirmation her trust was not unfounded or broken, not that it ever would be. What they did was still a mystery but there was some comfort that he was with the monk as she had heard it said, was what Jian was.

"What exactly does he make progress on? If I might ask." Hmmm, that brought about the thought that Jean Claude had been absent tonight, and lord knew that man loved a gathering, so did Perry...so where were they? She shook the thought away and settled her attention back on Jian.

Jiordano
There was truth in those words that even Jiordano could not deny. He'd been witness to both the good and evil of the world. Without the latter, and the ugliness that accompanied, some might take for granted the beauty that could be created by the former. That was what he sought to paint, to write, to sing...to display in art any way humanly possible. All did this in some manner or another. Lessons could be learned from the mistakes of others or events that occurred in the world around them. Lips curved warmly, fingers lifting to touch tips lightly against his own eye,"Only a...little pain." For now at least.

It stung and was bruising though would likely be a bit worse tomorrow. In truth, it was only fitting. A reminder of the foolhardy behavior that he'd displayed. "Are you...better?" Jiordano wasn't sure how to convey it, but desired to know if Jian felt better after his brief time alone. If his heart hurt less. In an effort to display this he touched where his own heart was though hoped his friend would understand. "Aye, signora, that is what I do. Teach those willing to learn."

Jian
He was deeply concerned for his artist friend, and knew well enough that tomorrow he would be in much more pain than just a little. Jian studied the Italian for a moment, and thought of his hair as black as a bird, but noticed really it was of the night. It was strange, but beautiful all at the same time to know that four very different people could sit at a circle all at once and talk of nothing. However, in Jiordano's question Jian felt a little insecure, until he looked to Eirian for reassurance. If he got it wrong than she would stop him, but he was also determined. Taking Jiordano's hand he pulled it to place against his own chest and took a deep breath, "No fire." One more almost sigh breath of contentment, "Only calm." Meaning he was much better, and when he released the man's hand he would bow his head to Ealora as she spoke to him.

However, he would need help with her words, and when it came he replied, "General he." Searching he weighed his hands, "He..." Lord how did he say this? "Like ox. He."

No that wasn't right. Jian stood to position himself poised well practiced stance. The Tai Chi was beautiful and graceful when Jian did it, and with every little delicate motion of his hand the world around him seemed to pull in. Yet, when he started to act out Maahes it was comical. He told the story of how now Maahes could at least get the footing right, and they were working on the hands. "It is important for General. He has so much fire. Teaching him of his true self is very bad." To which he meant difficult, and he felt if Maahes didn't change that the stress alone would kill him. "Isis. Now." Jian gave a warm smile and a very firm nod, "She know. She is good."

Eirian
"It will serve them well as they age. Good and evil. They were both created for a reason." She had seen both and been witness to both, strange that her greatest inflictions all came at the hands of God's alleged servants, however. That was for another day, another lesson that she would share with the artist when they pulled out their paper to record the pain in a way that was for posterity's keeping perhaps. One day, when it might be shown. Perhaps it was because God had revealed glory in so much suffering that she had smiled to Jiordano after the room was open, and for an instant they passed one another. She remembered smiling to Jiordano as if in that moment she had transcended every transgression of this so called 'penance' and found the root of God's heart.
It was truly not so bad for there were worse penances paid tied to stakes, in torchbearer chambers or hung, and their penance of prayer, fasting, and whipped hands was no different than what priests and nuns paid to their saints, to heaven.

It was still not of choice. While the allegations of their affair were as loudly rung out as the debate over the woman's hands herself painting glorified images in the cathedral with a man who knowingly did so beside her, if not more so...the private penance was within the perimeters of both canon and the local allowed laws, given that the Christians could deal with their flock but could not prescribe sentences of faith based death. The crown did not burn adulterers, witches, or other heretics. It was said the church would secretly smuggle the "worst" of its flock to the continent for such purposes.

She watched Jian speak to Jiordano and Ealora, allowing him his chance of English before she'd reply to him. This is what afterall she had stood against Maahes for, for his chance to make a choice. She couldn't help but to laugh at his enactment of the large man stumbling through the motions. "Oh, I see now. You are teaching the general the art of Tai Chi. It is no wonder my daugter has been pleading with Isis to review what she has seen and learned." She said softly but agreed it was good remedy for what ailed him. "It is good to practice this true art of fluidity and inner peace. I have always believed it takes one from the outside to see what those who are in the inside may often miss or can not remedy. But by nature you are very wise Jian."

The last she would praise him in Chinese, and then reply that she had not yet decided if she would return to the valley or not. In the cover of night it was not so wise to travel being a woman, but it was not as if she did not have use of a retinue. Crime along the roads was greatly reduced, but she was also not as willing as she once was to forget what had transpired on roads in the night. She was becoming less capable of "forgetting" so her canvas would remember what voice would not speak of. She looked down the shoreline to see at this late hour one of the men of the church come with guards for a later night's walk. When eyes met he would cant his head to her, and she to him.

He passed on her way.and so she said nothing of identifying one of the men who so judged her to penance. They had even examined the marks in her head. They had even told her the Jesuits..wrong as they were ..were perhaps not so misguided and sought to bring her to grace.

Ealora
Her head tilted as she watched Jian display in what seemed like a dance what he meant. The smile that curled her lips was not cruel for no laugh passed her lips but a hum of a laugh when he tried to mimic Maahes. What surprised her, was that Isis was joining in but then again, Isis was interested in everything of life and other people but especially animal life. Lord Issa would disappear to the sea and Isis to the woods. She gave a tug to her ponytail to keep her thoughts from wandering. If this was what made her family happy, then she would support it, as they had supported her though the darkest part of her life.

If this...Tai Chi as Eirian had called it, gave them peace then who was she to judge when she used jogging as a way of keeping herself centered, of keeping herself from the edge of which she had once fallen off. "Good," She finally stated with a nod of her head "I am glad". Her attention turned back to the pull of waves to shore, white capped blackness rolled high to low as the water receeded coming in only to kiss the sand and melt away back into the darkness again. Once more she was pulled into silence by thought but in no way ignoring the trio, just digesting this new information.

Jiordano
Bonds were a mystery that, even if Jiordano had tried, he might never come to understand. Sometimes they took months or years, and other times they came unexpectedly. Appearing out of the blue. In this case there had been two bonds to be cherished, both appearing quickly, for the Master Artisan: Eirian and Jian. Each had their own way of forming, strengthening, and tying one two the other. An unlikely friendship, one that could not be explained for at times one didn't understand the other, had formed between Jian and Jiordano that he cherished as much as that which had been created with Eirian. One of like minds and of two men in a strange land- knowing very few people. He had known some people his whole life and never known bonds so strongly as these two, now.

Jiordano felt a mix of relief and pride when Jian spoke as his friend not only confirmed that all was well in his heart, once again, but he also did so of his own accord. Without relying upon Eirian to translate. It was amazing how quickly hurt could be eased by a brief moment of silence, a gentle word, or the company friends. The display, with accompanying commentary, made Jiordano laugh warmly and eased his mind. "You teach the General well, Jian."

He could not imagine learning such an art though it was fascinating from a scholarly perspective. He was still learning the names of all of the Asad-Aziem brood. There were many names to put to faces, but he'd learn. If he was correct Isis was a daughter, and apparently was skilled in her lessons of Tai Chi. Jiordano fell briefly silent as his gaze followed Eirian's to those who walked by, offering only the briefest nod of head, before glancing off toward the water. "We should..." he sought the word in his mind first then spoke more,"sleep here tonight." By here he meant the city and not the beach. Sand could end up in..unpleasant places.

Jian
"Hope is welcome. I do not think it will be long before the entire valley shall wake for it. They are calling it 'magic dance'." He laughed with his Chinese, and in this his entire face eased with the relaxed nature of their words. However, as soon as someone started to speak English to him he tightened back up with nerves, but even those were easing over time. "General is not the only who need to balance." He spoke Jiordano very quietly still very shocked with the entire outburst of the night. Jiordano he had come to know was a gentle artist, but passionate--he as far as could tell was not a fighter, but tonight he was taking on the king of them all. Though he had lived sheltered on top of misty mountains, Jian had very worldly eyes that connected with the world on a very different level--he knew there was more to the youth than he let on, and knew the same with Eirian.
However, it was when the walking passed did he see something a bit further than she was willing to admit.

Maahes had been wrong to think him a child, and though he wasn't educated in the ways of this country he knew the difference in people. They came in dreams, or meditative state; and told stories of a past he had not known. He could see through their souls and into what government power possessed them, and looking upon the General's wife he saw the ocean--to which he was afraid, and when Jiordano made his suggestion Jian was quick to come crashing down to reality, "Here?" He shook his head, but was far too polite to protest. He was very much afraid of the dark water, and that had been a constant battle with himself since his arrival. Jian looked nervously at the waves, and wondered about the sand.

Eirian
Eirian had risen up from the sand as if pulled on a puppet's string for the priest had not moved on far enough; it seemed he came upon the place where Hope had wondered after her time with Jian was done, as well as a guard and one of her personal ladies. "Jiordano, Ealora, pardon me for a moment. I will not be long." the second was in Chinese, "Jian I will be back. Be comfortable." When she moved it was not without a consequence given one of the other men positioned on the shoreline would follow. Apollo had long ceased to have her move in the solitary of more than one or two men but no less than four or five when within the city or along the road. She did not fault him his complete lack of trust in all things and obliged him

It served to give her comfort as well. When she came upon the priest it seemed words were exchanged. A tight set of pleasantries before she ushered her daughter away from his place before he could move to offer any sort of a blessing. Indeed he changed his hands as if to hold them, as if he had lifted them to only emphasize a point and not have one emphasize the sign of the cross.

"I thank you, father, and good night to you. You have no need worry of my children's religious education. I should think they pray more than most children on the island save those in religious enclaves." Twixt learning to read and write from works of Christianity, morning mass and daily prayer, reading the bible with their father they were well looked after. Ah, the last the priest did say concerned him. It was the only realm where the bible, he said, was so readily available in common languages.

(Let alone at all, given the printing press, to which Eirian said) "We should thus rejoice. It is the work of our King and Queen, who are so joined in power by the Pope's allowance of it, therefore is it not the work of God and saving many souls?" It sounded a touch tart, but he did not seem to tell. He would only nod before bidding her goodnight, and he did say he rather enjoyed the easter processionals within the Valley, and thanked her for keeping so many for the Church. Truthfully? If given a chance, Eirian would sooner see him crippled.

Ealora
"I can gather some of my men and see the three of you back to the Valley if that is your wish," The offer posed to all three of them, her attention turned away from the ocean and for a moment she cought a look of fear on Jian face as he looked at her. The look made her startled so much so, her head jerked back and both brows knotted together in confused. She was about to ask what was wrong when Eirian rose from the sand and moved to where the priest had stooped to Hope.

Shifting to her knees, her hands went behind her back where the Sai's were resting in their holders. She had no qualms on attacking a priest and throwing them in jail if he or his companion made any attempt to harm to either women.

When the priest nodded and went on his way, Ealora released the handles of the Sai's and settled back down upon the sand. "I also have a home in the city not yet sold, you three are welcome to it if you like. It is to small now for a family of ten." She counted Nora and Maggie as part of the family and so it had grown from eight, to ten. God help them indeed if she did have another child!

Jiordano
"Ah, that would be vero...true, my amico." Jiordano was not one for fighting, no, but he had to acknowledge that perhaps he could learn something else from this Tai Chi that Jian practiced. If it could help bring balance to a man like the General then perhaps it could help him through his own crisis of the soul. A slight spark lit in blue-green eyes and a hint of mischief played on curved lips as he spoke again,"Amico teach me...Tai Chi. I teach amico to dance. Agree?" It was a suitable arrangement, or so Jiordano thought, that could benefit the both of them. Jiordano's smile stayed at sighting the Priest's halt near Hope, but there was the slightest pinch to the corners of mouth and darkening to warm eyes.

Though Eirian, and the child, were protected, and it'd be foolish for the Priest to attempt anything in so public an area, he was not too concerned. It didn't mean though that he liked it any. Even from their distance one could tell it was a conversation that held some undertones, some hidden secret in movement or glance to accompany word, and on occasion some of what was said could be caught in the nights silence. Glancing toward Ealora, amused by Jian's reaction, he murmured,"Aye, sleep in Turas Lan. Your proposta...proposal is most kind, signora. If Eirian should agree?"

Jiordano's gaze connected with Eirian's own as she approached. Silently asking if all was well after that...conversation. How long would it take Jiordano to once again be at ease whenever a Priest was spotted in the streets? Especially one of those involved in their...penance. He didn't know, but hoped it would not take too long.

Jian
"Am-i-co." He watched Jiordano's lips move while he spoke to mimic the sounds, and it helped him understand. "To paint? Not dance." He made a face, but it all fell away when he noticed that eyes went to where Eirian had gone. The tension built all around them like stone walls, but Jian kept his calm. There wasn't any real danger yet, but should there be he was ready. It was a strange thing the way this whole concept of God fit into his own. He was not raised to believe in a higher being, but simply a higher purpose. There bible was in ancient ideas and old philosophies, but here...? It was almost barbaric in nature. How was it a God would ever allow someone to burn for simply being as he planned?

His eyes went back to Jiordano questioning him, while reading for any sign of nerves. He didn't want to admit this, but there was a black cloud in his dreams every time on the horizon. It came with ships, many ships; ships that carried men who shared sometimes the same complexion as his Italian friend, but their language was brutal yet fluid. Ealora as well seemed to tense, and this caused him to stand to adjust the drape of the robe over his shoulder. The heavy fabric would fall to the sand, but it better readied him should there be a fight.

Eirian
Eirian smiled a little free with her wanton sense of joy at having picked at a scab in the priest's ego. It was a short battle but one well one considering the duty to King was akin to a duty to Christendom, unless an earthly king was truly that terrible. King Adam was surely not so; no prince in Christendom could claim to be so liberated in his thought as to honor God through an open practice of education and faith. By the time she had made her way back to them the threat of anything had dissipated.

The priest was gone, and Hope was discussing the strange moment of meeting with the lady's maid. It was a little thing to talk with a priest but a large thing to have won that moment against one of the penance givers. She returned in time to hear Ealora's offer and Jiordano's acceptance contingent on her own. "If it should so please you, Jiordano we may. Otherwise I would have taken to my rooms in the city's guild hall, but a little change of pace will do no one any harm I should believe. Thank you Ealora, we accept. All of us." She smiled to Jian with a gentle expression before saying softly "All is well.." but did so in English, instead of Chinese.

Ealora
"Good." Ealora smiled her hands so relaxed on the handles of the Sai's that as they fell away they clicked the latches closed to keep them in place as well as to keep prying thieving hands away, it was quick that she was to grasp and unlatch it but almost like a sensual caress of her thumb to click the latches closed again and bring her arms to their proper place by her side again. "So much better then the sand, I think your friend Jian would agree, he looked quite ghostly at the thought he might have to sleep outside in the dark." Then again he looked quite ghostly looking at me too. She didn't say it, she thought it but then, while the look startled and confused her, it was not like she had not seen it before, especially months ago in madness.

Oh how for a moment she marveled that a look like that would of brought her joy, it was enough to make her shudder, and blame it on the wind if she had been caught shivering so. "It's still well stocked with living space and bed, I intended to sell it fully furnished, even with a small army of my own, I can't say I am not well off" The corners of her mouth curled upward in a grin as she gave a wink to Eirian, she would not expect Jiordano or Jian to know of her past, perhaps in stories but Eirian had briefly lived in the world known as the Pirate Queen, a title she still found amusing but no longer attached to herself. It was a chapter in her life, a chapter that had firmly been closed. "Now, what were we talking about?" Trying to settle tensed nerves, oh but Ealora was a bad conversation starter.

[Jiordano Sciarra]

Jiordano
Chuckling at the face that Jian made to dancing, he murmured,"Paint? Aye, paint! I teach Jian to paint then." There was little that Jiordano wouldn't teach his friend if given the opportunity, honestly. Already they both taught little bits and pieces of their own language, and even English, to each other. Teaching him to paint would be wondrous for he imagined that the monk had many things to put on canvas. Lands that other had not seen or thoughts that lurked within his mind. Anything and everything could be painted! Jiordano had tensed noticeably while Eirian was off talking to the Priest, but it faded with her return and confirmation that there wasn't anything to be concerned over. Turning attention to the house they'd be staying in,"You are most kind...Ealora?"

The use of her name was asked as question, as if to assure that it was alright to address her so, as he rose from the sand to stretch his legs out. "Will you sell the house to one family? Or use it for..." There was a word, an idea, that lingered in Jiordano's mind, but it was not cooperating,"uh...a shelter, perhaps?" Weren't families always in need? Why give a house to one when perhaps it could be used to offer a roof to many in times of need. Just a brief flash of a thought in a brain always thinking.

Jian
"I will be here, three more weeks." And that was all. They would have to return before the winter would move in once again, and the water to their homeland would best them. The thought made his heart ache, but even he knew it would have to happen. Perhaps he would take a few back with him, and he wondered if the artist would like China. He had not been privy to many of the artisans of the land, as his days were spent in the barracks, but what few he had hardly influenced in the softer mediums. Eirian was one of the few he knew to have anything in her halls that resembled of the watercolors of home.

"Three weeks, Am-i-co, Jordon. Ji-or-dano." If it would help, he had picked up the nickname Jin, and was rather fond of it. Jian too would stand, but only to position himself on his knees before Eirian. Like a child kneeling before their mother, but more so a man in prayer. "Tell me why you are fearful of that man, and why Jiordano is as well?" He asked in Chinese that was more a sigh than it was a whisper, but his chest had that little ache again. He wanted to protect them from what his mind's eye would see coming, and knew well enough there was so much more than just their art. "Soon? You will tell me? I do not like not to know what it is you both are fearful of." Perhaps fear was not the right word.

Eirian
Eirian listened further to the world surrounding before she offered, "Your home it seems and its uses. Far better than prior subjects..and that Jian only has three weeks." Eirian let her face tighten enough to form lines across her brow of sorrow. Her smile grew as sad as her face, and the eyes followed suit as she slid her hand in to the keeping of the little Shaolin monk.

"And how terribly he will be missed. More than he knows of yet..I shall have to tell him in Chinese, for it is quicker than muddling through English, though you hardly muddle now Jian. Now come. Let us..head to this place as we all speak. I have children to put to bed even if we may stay up later." The Apollius pair were being gathered up by their keepers, cloaks put in place, and a direction made ready to go with guidance.

She did not go far as Jian knelt before her. It still made her give long pause when people did this. "Sweet friend. Walk with me as we go and I will tell you. I will begin by saying," this was all said in Chinese, which sounded exotic yet quiet poetic as she said it. "It is not fear, it is...I fear, a very strong dislike bordering on a most unChristian hatred. I can not tolerate him near my children. He poisons minds. I could not let him bless my daughter.I would soon her let her drink true poison than ever be given a blessing by that man. He abuses his place."

She squeezed his tiny hand, but he was still larger than her in the least if size was a thing of matter! "Jiordano and I...I fear..are not very fond of him in any sense of the word or others like him." If Jian could not tolerate hurt the story behind it would unsettle him in his skin, so she might..annotate it..if it came to it. The wrists were covered again, but a little bit of the ghosts of scars were on her left hand, still visible, yet to recede. She waited for Ealora to show them to way and grinned to Jiordano as they waited. Her mind she kept calm despite mention of the priest which was admirable all things considered.

Ealora
"Hmm," Ealora hummed as she gave a nod of her head in confirmation it was all right to call her Ealora, she prefered it that way. Her face seemed to brighten with Jiordano suggestion. Letting out a laugh she fell back, setting her elbows to sand. "Master Artisan, I do believe you are a genius" There was no teasing in her voice, just sheer marveling. She was amazed she had not thought of such a thing before, so here was proof that Jiordano was a genius. "I hadn't thought of such a thing before, it is a rather fine idea, with so many families in need..." Of course she would make no money from a sale if she turned it into a shelter, but then again, Ealora was not worried about money.

"I think it a very fine idea, and for your suggestion, I think I will name it the Artisan Shelter," Ealora winked at the man but her mind was working, gears grinding and all. Of course she'd tell Maahes about it and she didn't think he would have a problem with their old Townhouse being made into a shelter when it helped the people of the isle. There was penance Ealora knew she must do to right the wrongs she had done in life, nothing was ever free, to be so blessed with a love that rivaled the most romantic fairy tales, six glorious children, wonderful friends, and still she had met and dealt with darkness, there was always a balance to life, as they had discussed and Ealora still needed to do good in order to pay for her crimes, though she would never be free of them.

Realizing they were ready to go, she lifted from her lean and dusted one elbow and then the other, removing sand from her lean. She knew of scars, she had many, each had their own story, one she prayed her children never learned of, not for embarrassment, but for their own peace of mind. They would make their own way, receive their own scars, though she prayed for little as possible, her scars were hers to bare. Ushering a hand, she signaled to them she was ready to lead the way.

Jiordano
Three weeks? Ah, now this news indeed brought true dimming to the artisan's smile. Even with the marveling of Ealora, and such a kind offer in the naming, he found it hard to muster one as bright as before. Would it only be three then? That did not seem right. Jiordano would indeed be most saddened by the departure of the monk, a dear friend, and how far away he would be. It was a saddening thought.

Realizing that Jian and Eirian were in deep discussion, the chinese that he understood not well at all flowing from their tongues beautifully, he offered an arm to Ealora after she stood. "A signora should not be without an arm to walk upon. Especially one as lovely as yourself, no?" Flash of charm though he meant it only the friendly way, of course. Not only was there the fact that women weren't his...type, but in truth he wouldn't dare make a move on the General's wife if they were!

Being hit once by the man was enough to last a lifetime in the artisan's opinion. "The shelter will be a benedizione for those families. Or as you would say? A blessing. Sometimes it brings me sorrow to see them in the streets of cities." Jiordano had been to other countries, including the one he'd been born in, and seen examples of this. It was pitiful that many, who had the money to, would not even offer a bit of aid or help them to get back on their feet again. Little did Jiordano understand that Jian and Eirian discussed the Priest, or the dislike felt toward the man. Or he might not have been as chatty and pleasant with Ealora at present.

Jian
If nothing could be reminded of his heritage, this one simple task could. He listened with ears that were connected to the blood that pulsed through him, and her words went directly to his heart. With his hands behind his back he did not look forward, but instead let his whole soul guide him. He listened to her as if she were the air in his lungs, and her story was what would keep him alive. In the moonlight the streets seemed enchanted, and the pale glow made it appear as if the ground was covered in snow. It gave the monk a very ethereal appearance as his already pale hair glistened from still being wet. He stopped when they were far enough ahead, but turned very sorrow filled eyes to her, "You have great sadness in you. If the moon could cry it would. You and Jiordano carry a great weight."

When they whispered like this, the Chinese didn't sound as stark in comparison to the way English rolled of their tongues in beautiful sounds, "Forgive my forwardness, but I feel it also. For you. For him." His kind eyes smiled when his lips did not, but even they were careful. "This hatred you feel, it is not enough, but it is there. Maybe in my time here I will not see it leave you...or him." When their friends caught up he kept his hands clasped behind his back while they passed before he continued, "When the time has come, let us talk of this further?" Jian swayed on his feet, and the dizziness washed over him again while he wondered when he would ever get past the illness that first caught him here. "It has been a very busy night."

Eirian
"Saints are as sad for their God as they are happy in the presence of his company, Jian, or so it is said also of poets and painters and any who feel things keenly," it was easy to speak with him in his mother tongue than it was to speak English or Welsh some days, or entertain others with French or Greek. Indee she confessed to him before seeing how Jiordano and Ealora faired "Though my love of one of China's distant emperors has passed and my thanks remains in that he gifted me with my daughter, I never lost love for its people or its langauge, or the way each dialect sounds. You make me happy. It will be sad to lose you, for though I share this language with others..with you it is very easy. There is no fear I will lose my child, or that my past, her past, will come in such a way as to scar her in any way. It was instantly like speaking with an old friend. But it is not three weeks yet, so I will not wish you gone."

She liked how pale he looked for it made her not the only one to be so. So it was the nature of those things most anchoring in your soul that you released it, and if it was God's will, they would return. As time went by and he swayed, she would gently catch him a little, "You push yourself to keep old ways and learn new ways. In the next three weeks you should...be as the river is, Jian. Merely to flow." She rubbd his back. Acknowledging the discussion of the hatred, the sadness...she said, "I will think on it. It has not been shared and I will see if he minds if I share it." Frankly it was her turn to blanch a little..it made all of her Christian inflicted scars ache in profound, painful unison. "It would seem that in the last pair of years, man has sought to reveal to me the will of God when I am already very familiar. My body does not agree with it. During the winter months Jian in the last legs of court..I concealed a great sickness."

Ealora
"Oh!" Ealora was surprised by the offer his arm but she laughed as she took his arm. "Thank you," She hummed in a response. "You must not know my reputation, or really not care about it" She teased. Days of sticking knives in the sides of men were far away from her and she teased with ease about it now. Oh what would some of the men who knew her say, if they saw her now, a wife....a mother.. "I forget how charming men can be as a married woman," not that Maahes could not be charming or gentlemanly but men did not offer charm or a gentlemanly nature, not to the wife of the General for the very reason Jiordano now sported, a black eye (In truth, Maahes jealousy was a turn on).

"I sincerely hope you are right, I feel all most ashamed I did not think on it before. If anything, at least children will like it, I painted scenes on the walls for my children, I could turn one or two of those rooms into a play room, there are so many toys my children don't play with any more that other children could benefit from. And we have more then enough food coming into crop at Red Wall to help stock the shelter. Even if not, its not like I couldn't spare the coin." This was not a dig at how wealthy she was, she'd give it all away if it was needed elsewhere.

She had lived poor once, not that many had known that. Fingers tightened on Jiordano arm as if a silent thank you. "So many just need a hand to get back on their feet, it really is a marvelous idea Jiordano, thank you, really" Catching up with the others, she pointed forward. "The house is just there, see the lion knocker upon the door.." She ushered to the others before shifting to take key from pocket as they neared the two story building.

Jiordano
"Reputation?" Jiordano's blue-green eyes practically glowed at the word. Hearty laughter accompanying the light there,"My reputation started an argument earlier, no? It is not my place to judge another especially one as pregiato...esteemed, as the Chief Bailiff and General's wife." In truth, it didn't matter who she was- rich, poor, position or no position, married or single, Jiordano was not going to judge anyone's reputation. He was just not that sort of fellow. "This sounds...magnifico! Already I can envision it. You paint, Ealora?" Most interesting if so. He was not aware of this little matter and now, if she did, desired to see her work. It was as they approached the others and neared that house that he noted Eirian grasp Jian as the man faltered a bit. Blue-green eyes flashed with concern as he gave an apologetic glance to Ealora to step forward to take the man's other arm gently,"Is all well?" Just incase he should falter again and to relieve Eirian as his protective instinct was still there after the penance.

Jian
"Tell him I am just tired, that I get like this when I'm tired." Jian made excuses, but tonight it would be the truth. The illness that killed half the ship, and the storm nearly did him in. Always when he thought of the sea he felt ill, or when he was up too late he got dizzy. "Please tell him I am fine." He tried to smile to Jiordano, but even that was small due to how heavy his eyes felt. If the situation would call, Jian could stay awake for days, but at midnight he turned into a pumpkin. "I wish to hear about it, but if not than I shall remain your faithful friend." He continued to Eirian, and felt guilty for how it excluded Jiordano and Ealora. The matter would wait until morning, but perhaps he would ask Eirian to take him to see the castle, and they could talk there.

He was tired, and that was painfully clear. In his sleepy mutters however, 'Hope worries still about you.' He fought the tired feeling, "She has not told me this, not in person." It was hard to explain really, and he wondered if they would even believe him. "To bed? Ji-or-dano?"

Eirian
"I will. But for now to bed with you, and let me tell the tale in another language later. Come. No more of my sadness, or his. You must rest. I know that face for I have worn it many years." Once the door was opened and she could properly thank Ealora for it she would say to them both, "He becomes this way when he is tired. There was an illness on his ship when they all came, many months upon the sea will do this as you know. He is still recovering from its effects and our pace he has never come to be used to. If your larders are still stocked, Ealora? I think I will prepare him a tea to rest easier if you do not mind." As Jiordano came to support the other side she listened to the monk before replying in Chinese "She needn't speak it at all." Meaning some things were visible, and those that weren't were to the likes of them visible still.

Ealora
"Good, because I might be using your assistance if your so inclined to helping with an idea you started," Ealora turned a dazzling smile up at him. It was a smile that was not allowed to last. She gave a nod to his question, her shoulders raising and falling in a slow motion. "I did paint yes, I haven't in...many months" It wasn't that Ealora had lost her passion for it, it was just, every time she picked up a brush, she felt a rushing fear, as she did sometimes when she got close to the docks and ships again. The battle came back to her, the crushing fear as her men were blown up before her eyes, the shadow storm as it was rocked with cannonball after cannonball till she sacrificed it to the sea, the fear came and her mind went blank and there was nothing then to paint.

As Jian stumbled and Jiordano excused himself, Ealora nodded and hurried ahead to open the door before she went to meet the trio. "Come, we will get you a comfy bed that, one the likes you've never slept in before hmm." The mother in her kicked in as she settled a hand on his shoulder, finding both his arms tended to. She walked ahead of the, disappearing inside to see a fire lit in the fire pit in the center of the living room and the lanterns in the hall lit so they would not be crashing into things coming into the home she knew as well as she knew Red Wall. The key she left on the stand in the foyer as she ushered them inside and then stood at the door. "Please feel free to anything you need still in the pantry. Eirian dearest, I left the key on the table..." A hand lingered on the door and with a tip of her head in way of a good night, she closed it behind her. She would ride home and to her husbands arms.

Jiordano
That Eirian did not attempt to tell him all was well, when it obviously was not, was well. Jiordano was not a man to be easily fooled. He could tell the differences between being tired and the effects of recovering from illness. To hear of the illness that affected his ship brought a frown, but Jiordano only gave a nod,"Ah, yes, I have seen men suffer its effects..."

Pausing, halting Jian as well with a hand, he murmured,"He should not walk. I will carry. Go prepare the tea." There'd be little time for the man to argue, and fighting was not likely with his condition, as Jiordano easily swept him up in both arms. "To bed with you, amico, for you need rest." Waiting until Ealora had opened the door to let them inside, he'd move toward the stairs and the first available room to place Jian for sleep. And, of course, he'd find one for himself once his friend was suitably comfortable and asleep.