A Threat No More...~CLOSED~

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kaelyn: ** It was a beautiful day the sun was just beginning to rise and greet the land. Most of the camp still slept or were on patrol as she strolled to where Zhara was tethered to a tree, saddling the white and grey mare cooing softly as she did so. Once done she mounted and nudged the mare into a slow canter giving a nod to Rhys as she passed him " I won't be long." she said with a wave. Clear of the camp and in the open field she gave Zhara her head and let her run the mares gate was smooth and Kae easily adapted to it... the wind whipping her face, her unbound hair billowing out behind her making her look every bit like a Valkyrie sent by Odin to ride the lands. Her smile bright as she and her mare raced without a care and feeling free. Though she had the sensation once more of eyes watching her...and then of being followed by an unknown entity**

Raven: Darius had been on patrol the night before and so he had
not risen with her, had barely even taken note of her leaving their bed. He slept a good two hours more before rising. He felt uneasy, restless when he woke. He looked around taking note that Kae was not there. He dressed in a pair of worn leather breeches and a loose fitted tunic which he did not bother to tuck in. He tossed his sword over his shoulder out of old habit then stepped out of the tent intent on finding his wife. First his feet carried him to the practice grounds. He scanned those practicing, took note of something that needed work but would wait till he had found Kae. Kae was not found though. He sought out Rhys to see if he had seen Kae only to be told she had headed into the woods. He frowned deeply, why this time seemed so wrong as opposed to other times he was not certain but everything in him told him he needed to find Kae and quick. He whistled for Seledorn who trotted up to him with a wave of his regal black head. He stomped the ground impatiently. Darius did not bother with a saddle or bridle simply leapt onto the big stallion's glossy back and headed for the woods.(d)


Kaelyn: **The feelings seemed to intensify as she rode... Kae slowed Zhara and began to look around, Blue eyes scanned the wood line but she saw nothing, heard nothing but the sounds of nature. Her instincts never let her down and she would listen to them now. She turned Zhara to head back when an arrow hissed through the air to land in front of her mounts legs. The mare reared and Kae jerked the reins and cooed " Easy girl... shhhhh." Sitting upright once more she looked to the woods as Zhara began to side step a bit and Kae struggled to keep the mare calm. " I see you still can handle a horse Ranger." came a voice from within the trees. Kae turned Zhara to circle around as she continued to search for whoever it was that was there " Show yourself. " she called calmly as she laid her hand on the hilt of her sword. Branches moved and twigs snapped as someone moved within the trees. A cloak figure emerged from within the tress. Kae dismounted slowly... keeping her horse tightly reined and calm was a bit much if she had to defend herself as well. The cloaked figure raised the bow once more and fired another arrow to land a few feet in front of her feet.**


Raven: Darius guided the big stallion easily, he picked up Zahara's trail and followed, frowning as he noted other prints as well. Cursing softly he slid off the stallion's back he whispered something in arganian to the stallion and he moved off on his own, while Darius moved through the woods on silent feet. His green eyes seemed to glow as he peered through the foliage and made his way closer to where Kae was detained, unaware they had stopped her yet. (d)


Kaelyn ** A hawk screeched as it flew above her in the sky.... the sound so familar... the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Could it be?? Nay it was just a trick of her mind until she saw the bird fly to the cloaked figure and land on his shoulder. She only knew one person who had a hawk... Zeb. " Ah I see you have figured it out A Chroi... we meet again." lowering the hood of the cloak she looked into the face of the man she had once loved and thought to be dead. " Zeb?? " she moved to wards him a small smile on her face until another figure came to stand next to him. Jonathan... her cousin. Raven had been right in his suspicions. " Well well Cousin... you seem surprised. Did you think it was over between us? Foolish bytch! Always surrounded by your Knight's, or in the company of others...I waited and waited and now here you are alone, with no one to help you." he hissed. He smirked proud that his patience had paid off. " This ends now... here... today!" he looked to Zeb " He was the best part of my plan... he got close to you, learned your every move, knew your comings and goings. " he laughed wickedly. " He would do anything to keep his family safe." Zeb looked at Jonathan " You promised to let them go... she is here and alone I kept my end of the deal... keep yours" Zeb said as he watched both Jonathan and Kae. Stunned Kae looked from one to the other, her hand flexed around the hilt of her sword. Could she fight them both?? Zeb was an excellent bowman... if she moved quick enough maybe.**

Raven: Raven heard voices and found a place to settle within earshot. Recognizing Zeb he cursed softly, then even more when he realized the plot that had been set. His heart ached for Kae knowing this would tear at her even after this was over. Silently he moved closer and closer. If either of them harmed a hair on her pretty head they were dead, would most likely be dead anyway. Jonathan was right, this ended here and now, but not the way he thought it would. Anger rose inside him as he fought with himself for control, his possessive protective nature over Kae warring with the need for caution. (d)

Kaelyn: ** Two more men came forward dragging a woman and a girl. They were bound with ropes and the men held daggers to their throats. " I am afraid Zeb that you did not keep your bargain for you did not kill the bytch and now I must do it myself." Jonathan's words came out In eerie hiss. He looked at the two men holding the women that were crying and gave a nod...
the men pulled their blades across the pale throats of the women. Zeb and Kae screamed at the same time " Nay!! Jonathan this did not involve them!" she took several steps forward and drew her sword. " You Bastard!!" Zeb shouted and
ran to the bodies that were discarded to the ground as the two men laughed. Rage boiled up inside of Kae " You want to fight me then draw your sword and fight me!" she hissed though her heart was breaking for Zeb at seeing his mother and sister killed before his eyes. " Such brave words Kaelyn Princess of Argania.... very much like your mother. Brave words spilled from her until I silenced them... but not before I had my way with her as did my father!" he laughed as he watched the pain flash across her face. No longer able to control her rage " You bloody bastard!!! Why??
Was the throne so important to you both... that you would kill innocents for it?!" she shouted pain and anger laced her words.
" You wanted to fight me then fight me!" she said as she held
her sword ready and Jonathan smiled " My pleasure... I shall enjoy watching you die, as I did your mother." he drew his sword and walked into the clearing a bit more. **


Raven: Oh no this would not do. Raven had tried to make it to
the ladies before their throats were slit but could not. He growled with frustration, but justice would be done. As those holding the offending blades melded back into the forest their fate would be met almost the same way. Raven slipped up behind one and slid his razor sharp blade across his throat naught but a gurgle was heard as he fell to the ground, bow and arrows were picked up from the one as he moved off to the other. Soon his blade was pressed to his chest and just as he meant to cry out warning Raven's blade silenced him in a most gruesome manner. He moved off once more searching for any other until he saw a blade lifted against Kae, Jonathon's blade. He felt her pain as if it were his own and his eyes narrowed and he lifted the bow and arrow taking careful Aim. He slipped out of the shadows and into view just as he released the arrow watching with satisfaction as it sunk into Jonathon's shoulder, the one holding his sword.(d)

Kaelyn: ** Kae was ready for the fight then the sound of an arrow hissing through the air shse watched as it landed in Jonathan's shoulder and she smiled... Raven she thought. " It seems dear cousin that I am not alone after all." she glanced down at the sword he dropped as he cried out in pain. Zeb moved away from his family and came to stand as a third member of this circle... " They had done nothing to you... and you killed them." the pain in Zeb's voice tore at her heart and distracted her long enough for Jonathan to get close enough to strike her in the face. The blow caught her off guard and she stumbled back wards dropping her sword. She wiped at her now bloodied
mouth with the back of her hand as she got to her feet. " I am not like my mother or Zeb's family Jonathan it will take more than that to keep me down. Pick up your sword!" she commanded. Zeb came closer to her side " Nay!... stay back I trust ye naught anymore." she drew her dagger with her free hand and held it out to defend against Zeb if needed.**


Raven: Jonathon would not have the chance to pick up his sword and fight her. The strike he gave her was Raven's unleashing. He saw red, literally, and the bow and arrow were dropped and he leapt out of no where knocking the man to the ground. His strong hands slid around Jonathon's neck and he snarled in his face, " Ye will have tae beat me first afore ye ge' th' chance tae reach her" he snarled low and menacing his hands tightening
around the man's throat. If any approached him they would get snapped at, his focus completely on the man that had struck his wife and caused so much pain and suffering over the past several years. " Ye were righ' abou' one thing Jonathon, this ends here and now." He wanted to rip the man's throat out, but perhaps squeezing the life from him would be more satisfying. (d)

Kaelyn: ** Kae's eyes widened as she saw Raven leap on Jonathan... her husband was fierce and protective of her. Zeb looked shocked a s well for Raven seemed to appear from nowhere. He knew the man to be a hell of a fighter...Kae... I ... I
am..." his words trailed off as he saw a man emerge from the
trees and take aim on Kae as she stood and watched Raven and Jonathan. Unsuspecting of the danger to herself as she watched them battle. " It seems my husband will deal with Jonathan." she said softly looking to Zeb. She did not see the archer... the man pulled the bow string and released the arrow and there was no time for Zeb to shout so he reacted and lunged at Kae knocking her to the ground... the arrow struck him in the chest. Not expecting the blow Kae scrambled to her knees and looked
at Zeb lying on his back his hands clutching the arrow in his chest. "ZEB!" Kae cried as she scurried to him. Pulling his head into her lap " Oh Zeb...Why?" she touched his cheek as blood spilled from his mouth. " Kae.... tell.... Raven.... in the end I did the right thing...." he whispered and then the last of his breath left his body. " Zeb...no stay with me." she cried softly. She had loved this man at one time not the way she loved Raven... but love none the less.**


Raven: Raven's hands tightened round that neck as Jonathon
struggled his fists landing against Raven's shoulders but Raven did not feel them his hands spread and cupped either side of Jonathon's head and then suddenly he jerked hard snapping the man's neck. Jonathon went limp under him. It took Raven several moments before he realized the man was dead and he slowly let go his mind clearing taking in several things at once. That Jonathon was dead, that Zeb was dying but how was not certain. The man who had shot the arrow at Kae stood dumbfounded as he realized his Lord was dead, no longer commanded the man turned and ran into the forest disappearing before Raven could gather his wits about him enough to take pursuit. Instead it was his wife's pain that drew him. He moved to her wrapping his arms around her even as she cried over Zeb's lifeless form. (d)

Kaelyn: ** Kae could only stare and Zeb's lifeless body when she Raven wrap her arms around her." He saved my life Darius... gave his for mine in the end... he wanted you to know that." she laid her head against Raven's chest and sobbed it was now over... for all of them and in time all wounds would heal and life could be as it should for Kae and Raven.**


Raven: He held her for a long time allowing her to grieve. His
big hands stroking her golden hair soothingly. It was not until she had fallen asleep against his chest that he finally moved. He lifted her into his arms after gently moving Zeb's head from her lap. He whistled for Seledorn and mounted with Kae in his arms. He guided them back to wards their camp. Once arrived there he spoke to Rhys sending several out to gather the bodies of the dead. Mean while he took Kae to their tent and settled her into their bed. As much as he wanted to lay there with her he could not. Not yet. He paused a moment, resting his hand on the flat of her belly, caressing softly as he leaned forward to kiss her lips. Then he turned and went to gather a few more men. He left Rhys in charge, told him to keep a close eye on Kae after he had returned with the bodies then with one of the Knights driving the cart he lead the way to the Griffin Castle sending word ahead of their approach and a request to see the Duke and Duchess privately upon his arrival. (d)

Bess: Was there re no peace..wait..let us fathom the make of the
word. An invocation of quiet, moderate times unswayed by violent upheavals. Europeans clung hard to the notion of an afterlife because the one on earth was so fraught with
malevolent schemes that the moral were left clinging to the
fact suffering now would mean paradise later. A noble was practiced at the state religion, one would daresay the most need of it. To wear a jewel was to become the most opulent piece in the treasury, thus what had befallen Kaelyn in the glade. With Adam away, she maintained affairs in his stead, and when Raven was requesting an audience with the esteemed pair, she waved away contracts, deeds, and other things, "These can wait, our Court can nay. Send him forward, tell him tha' the Duchess will hear him in his Lord's stead." (d)

Raven: Raven left a guard around the bodies, the innocent
separated from the guilty with Zeb lying between the two. He nodded when he was told he would be meeting with Bess alone because Adam was away. He approached the door and waited
as it was knocked upon and his arrival announced, and then
he was guided within. He bowed to Bess. " Good afternoon M'Lady" He had blood on his hands still from the death of those who ended the lives of the two women, his face smudged with dirt and his hair in an array, having not bothered to clean up afterwords, finding this more pressing. (D)

Bess: The difference in the two was staggering: Beathag wore a
dress the shade of crushed cranberry silks, the chemise underneath a variant of the fabric, lighter, with the sheerest sleeves. Golden hair was braided into several unique sections and twisted at the back of the head to form one circle, held in place by pearl tipped combs. She was every inch the noble,
and he every inch the man from a struggle! "Darius," she started, rising from her chair as the guards began to come closer, unknowing what incident bathed the Lord Knight with bloody hands," Wot the hell happened?!" Uncouth language for a pressing occasion, revealing that not all that glittered shone
blindingly enough to the blessed, abrasive candor underneath it all. "Wot matter is this?" (d)

Raven: As he realized her clean poise he looked down and saw how shabby he looked at the moment. something very unlike him. At her question though he spoke. " Kae's cousin Jonathon found her, and tried to attack her. Zeb.... Zeb had been bait and he was there as well. Held to his oath's to Jonathon by the captivity of his family. " He paused but a moment knowing she would want to ask about kae and so he quickly continued. " Kae is fine save for a bruise on her cheek he was nae able tae touch her. Jonathon, Zeb, Zebs mother and sister, and the two tha' slit their throats are all dead." He stopped then and allowed green eyes to lift to the Lady Dutchess. Perhaps she had reason to punish him for causing their deaths instead of bringing
them to her for Justice... but at the time it was the last thing on his mind. (d)


Bess: The world began to swerve; this was a story with many twists that changed the fork in the road constantly. It was hard to follow just what had occurred, only because there seemed to be so much to absorb. Her brow came down, sealed by the muscle stitching in the expression of disdain. This was not good. Attacks on the court's nobility, personal vengeance or no, meant that too many foreign players were lining up, making her land into a chess board for their filthy little whims. She crossed her arms over her chest, listening to the story as it unfolded. The fact he was covered in blood meant that the situation had only just happened, no more than an hour, two at most. " They tried tae kill her n' Ah see they failed miserably at it, though
innocents Ah take it suffered..." If he expected a wagon of bodies to remain a secret, alas, the observation required in the castle people meant that soon the courtyard was a'buzz about the contents of his cart. "Show them tae me," she instructed, no sense in inquiring about it. "Then order those bodies removed. Some o' the staff will grow tae damn skittish." (d)

Raven: He gave a sharp nod and turned leading the way out to the cart. The leather tarp was pulled back to show the woman and adolescent female with their throats slit. Zeb with an arrow through his heart meant for Kae, Jonathon with bruising around his neck from Raven's own hands, and then snapped ending his life, and the two others one with his throat slit while the other was missing his head completely. He stood back folding his arms
behind him and waited a moment before speaking again. " The Lass and her mother were Zeb's mother and sibling. Zeb died saving Kae, to his credit, I guess, Jonathon and the others died by my own hand." (d)


Bess: The curious maids stepped back to the inside of the castle,
some scampered off to the kitchen to share the latest gossip about what came to the Lady's doorstep now! Weak stomachs churned bile at the sight, but her own belly lurched not. Beathag's lack of sensitivity to violence and gore came
for being the enforcer and the forced. Killing fields were man's inheritance from generations of forefathers. The one with no head would've met the same fate under a sanctioned axe, the slit throats though, she pointed to, "Wot did the lass n' women have anythin' tae dae with this, Raven, n' why were they here? Takin' hostages?" (d)

Raven: "Zebs family was held captive tae control him, tae keep him upon the task given him by Jonathon. His task apparently was tae Kill Kae. He failed in tha' and sae had their throats slit, hence the death of those two men there. " He pointed to the beheaded one and the one with the slit throat. (d)


Bess: "Ah hate politics fer this reason," she muttered in a cold,
crisp manner. Her sympathy wasn't reserved for a man who wanted Kaelyn dead, nor another who could seem to find no means to free himself from the other's control, making innocents pay the price for his folly. "Jonathon's wicked n' Zeb was weak, if he had nay been Ah would nay beh meetin' his family in a cart. He redeemed himself in his sacrifice, fer he would have faced charges
n' scorn had he lived." She would have slit her own throat long before she would have the displeasure of living in that sort of forced captivity,let alone at a family's expense. She breathed in, taking the tarp from his grasp lightly and throwing it back over the bodies as the heat of the day made flies swarm over their nourishment source of expired human flesh. Her tone softened
only with concern for Raven, Kaelyn, and the living. "Only a bruise ye say 'pon Kaelyn's face? N' nay other pon ye lands were harmed, wot of yeself?" How much of the blood belonged to the dead was unknown to her. (d)

Raven: "Physically naught more then a bruise tae her cheek and
lip. Her heart though be hurting, Apparently Jonathon and his father raped her mother afore they killed her. And she was verra up set over Zeb's death. Twas just her and I in th' forest this morn, and I am fine I was nae hurt." He reassured her. " There was another archer the one tha' shot Zeb bu' he was gone by th' time I had my wits abou' me enough tae pursue once Jonathon was dead." (d)

Bess: "Ye have m'leave to bury the Blackmoors or make funerary
pyres for them, let them leave the world more honored than they live do' late, as fer the murderer n' rapist, an unmarked grave n' unhallowed ground, or a pyre with nay one tae mourn him n' nay last rites nor rituals. As fer other justice..Darius," she looked at him with eyes sharp as the tip of a blade glittering in the afternoon sun, "Ye've given our judgment already. Send
the bodies away, n' have servants 'ere draw ye a bath n' find a change o'clothes, Ah wish tae speak with ye further. (d)

Raven: He nodded and waved to his Knights. He instructed them to take The two women and Zeb and prepare them for a proper burial. Zeb could rot for all he cared, but Kae would want him to have a good burial, and the man had saved Kae's life. The others, the ones that rode with Jonathon, would receive the same burial in the same grave. His instructions given and the cart headed off he gave Bess a bow before doing as instructed and sought out a bath and fresh clothes. While he bathed someone brought him some black and gold clothing, symbols of the Griffin Knights. He appreciated the effort and dressed quickly. He combed his fingers through his dark hair
ridding it of tangles before once more seeking out Bess. (d)

Bess: Not one flick of blood, or trace of bile had sullied the
immaculate work of the women who were allowed to dress the Duchess, only a few irreverent pieces of hair that wouldn't bend to the almost ardent whim of the brush were left to frame the side of her left face. In her solitude, that piece bobbed n' swayed its way around winding finger fiddling with it as she thought. They would have to talk about him surveying every man, woman,
and child on his land to make sure no traitors were among them, though treachery on distant shores was as likely a component of this. What irritated her most were the motives for the attack, politically fueled! What was so alluring about a bunch of oddities on a Scottish island? In due time, he represented himself in a more fitting way, the servants called it, prompting Beathag to
grin in spite of herself, "Leave us, Ah need tae speak with him alone. Come Darius, sit with meh 'ere on the balcony. Air from the gardens is good fer the soul." (d)


Raven: He fidgeted with the finer clothes for a moment, they were new and so fit rather stiffly. He moved to sit near her on the balcony studying his big hands that he had scrubbed clean of blood. He wondered if Kae had woken, he did not want to be absent when she did, but she had been emotionally exhausted, and so he doubted she would wake for a long while. His own mind was too rattled from what happened to focus completely on Kae as he usually did. Her life had been threatened and his mind was trying to wrap around that, and the fact that the most dangerous threat to her was over with, gone from their lives. (d)


Bess: The servants had washed, rinsed, scrubbed, and manicured his bloody person into the lord knight proper enough to present to the Duchess, who one day they prayed would demonstrate a delicate constitution in front of violence, worrying that too much of it would fuel an appetite for descrution. There was a belief in the saying, "The impressions of now impact
the soul." She believed a pregnant woman who was strong in the face of adversity would bare strong children, and one who swooned at the sight of blood would nurse a babe who would be influenced by the flow of it, inducing blood lust. All the same, while there was hope for the character of the young, she was
too old now, too set in her ways to pretend that such things were anymore than breathing. "The servants made ye truss up like a stuck holiday boar.." she observed, pouring him a strong brandy from the decanter in the middle of them,so the brew's fire
might latch on to burn the remainder of his misgivings. "Ah hope the formals dun affect ye candor, m'lord. Ye ought look to those on your land immediately, make sure nay treacherous dogs eat scraps from yer table." (d)


Raven: Her words on his attire made him chuckle as he accepted the drink offered. He downed the brew in a swallow then reached to pour another pausing when her words reached him. " I have kept a careful eye on those in our camp from the verra beginning. Bu' I will take another look tae make sure..." He paused and looked out over the balcony and spoke softly. " I saw Zeb for who he was, I saw in my minds eye tha' he would hurt Kae bu' there was naught I could say. I was a love sick puppy... " he paused and chuckled a little. " I still am.... bu' I though' tha' perhaps my jealous possessive nature was what had me thinking bad of th' man, sae I remained quiet." The look on his face was troubled as he admitted this to her. (d)

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Bess: "Aye, look again." she advised him with a click of word to make it an ardent command. A traitor in one house could be a plethora over several. "Nay, ye aren't wrong Darius. Tis more than lovesickness, twas good sense. Nay matter wot his reason may have been, in a split second this..Zeb, may 'ave changed his mind." Her cup was full so that she sipped brandy down from the top before indulging in a hearty swig, "He could've killed her, nay matter wot was there or nay, n' Gods know wot other plans he may 'ave had before he had a changed o' heart n' saved her life." She put her fingetips together as she viewed his troubled face, "Ye can nay change wot was. Ye have her now. Build a home with walls, aye. How comes tha' plan on tha'?" (d)

Kaelyn: ** Kae tossed and turned fitfully images of the scene in the glade repeating over and over. She saw Raven tackle Jonathan... then the two women being killed. The thing that caused her the most distress was seeing Zeb lying on the
ground an arrow protruding from his chest after he knocked her
out of the way. So much happening in a short amount of time as if it all happened in slow motion. She began to cry out in her sleep... Rhys rushed to her side and began to talk softly as he wiped her brow with a cool cloth " Shhh Kem' falla ( my lady) all is alright now you are safe." his voice deep and rich though he spoke in hushed tones to her. Kae still thrashed her head
about deep in slumber " Darius.... Darius...." she cried out over and over. Her arms reaching out as if to take hold of him... to fall limp once more as she slept. **


Bess: They talked about the object of Kaelyn's distress over
brandy served on a trellace, nobly attired for less than noble conversations of intrigues. Had she no control what so ever, the situations at hand would have driven her behind a locked door with every drop of drink the castle could produce to satiate her. For now, the smooth flavor of the brandy's mild sting sparked a wash of calm over the Duchess' challenged nerves. She waited
for Darius to tell her of the progress of putting a proper home of some sort on the land he'd petitioned for, because stone would do better at protection than canvas, tarp, and tent poles. The court would need be pulled together, she thought, for it was time
to discuss how their lives were more than a showpiece for
curious gossip, but to some, a very real threat growing in a power that baffled the Celtic Islands. (d)

Kaelyn: ** Kae's dream turned and it was no longer Zeb she saw lying in her lap but her beloved husband... her soft cries continued and Rhys looked distressed as to how to help his cousin. Raven had explained what had taken place and what
she had seen and learned this day. Image after image assaulted
her mind as she slept... she called for her mother and for Darius neither answered as she traveled through the darkness in search of them. A dark purple mark now could be seen gracing her face. Another across her midsection where Zeb had plowed into her saving her from the arrow. Hours passed with her in this state, then slowly her eyes opened to see Rhys's face above hers..."You
like hell " she said in Arganian to him., when she smiled faintly she winced as it hurt a bit.**

Bess: Alliances could prove fickle, especially if objective
persons from those countries could be murdered in the blink of an eye. Beyond that, the daunting tasks of establishing supremacy with a far reaching hand was laid at the feet of a woman who despite the feel of silks to her skin still insisted on the servicable leather gillie shoes to wear instead of fancy brocade slippers. The lacings of leather criss crossed, snug against her calf, a reminder that she still hadn't forsaken all of herself to propriety's cause. " In a few months time, look at wot has become o' us," she said
softly, looking out over the archways to the places of the garden enjoyed by all, the lawns, fields stretching into the mountainside. Private places, too, where only she and Adam could reach. "In a few months more, twill beh more than Ah dared e'er thought possible...or could e'er want." (d)

Kaelyn: ** Kae sat up slowly rubbing her cheek gently where she had been hit by Jonathan. She looked around and did not see any signs that Raven was or had been here. " Where is Raven? Is he alright?" she asked thinking something may have after she collapsed in his arms in the glade. " Relax cousin he is hale... he went to meet with the Duke and Duchess to let them know what
happened." Rhys spoke softly and calmly still though seeing the mark on her face made him angry. Kae gave a curt nod " I will clean up and change... Rhys take me to him I need to see him." she said in a soft pleading voice so not like her at all. She wanted to see her husband to know for herself he was alright.**

Bess: Indeed, Kaelyn's beloved was well,cleansed of the trials he
encountered, drinking Brandy on a trellace. The best conversations that Beathag found herself in had a traditional source of liquor somewhere. Some cultures served tea, she'd grown up on meads and ales. Brandy was a little refinement on the course palet of her taste, but the smoothness was too
wonderful to pass up. Enveloped in a warm little cloud twixt the drink and sun, her stare became transient in the silence they kept, yet unbroken by another audience seeker. (d)

Kaelyn: ** Rhys reluctantly left the tent knowing it would do no good to argue with her right now. She looked so fragile and small for the first time ever to him, he would do as she asked and deal with Raven later if that is what it came to. Cleaned and in fresh clothing Kae exited the tent to find Rhys with the reins of Zhara in one hand and Baran in the other. He had taken to riding the large black warhorse since Kae now had the white and grey mare.
She had donned a pale blue silk gown with a darker blue overcoat. She smiled at those that had gathered a round her making sure she was alright, they had worried about her and still did with her leaving for the Castle so soon after what happened.
They wasted no time and arrived quickly to the Castle gates,
once inside they walked their mounts to the steps. Rhys came to help Kae dismount. He held his arm out to her and led the way into the Castle. When a servant approached them Rhys spoke" Please let the Duke and Duchess know that Dame Kaelyn is here to see them." his voice firm but not demanding as he spoke. The servan t looked at Kae's face and then away just as quickly and
went to announce them.**

Bess: Quickness, observance, wit. Three things required of any
that served in Griffin Castle. The servant knew by the look on the woman's face, by the purple mark taking over her features, it was in connection with the cart of bodies Sir Darius had ordered to taken away after revealing the contents to the Duchess, "This way please," came the respectful summons, the servant's eyes downcast as was proper. She didn't wish to see anymore!
Bodies and bruises marked ill-omens in this court, a retribution that moved quick and fierce. It meant tempers and ill crossed moods! "Her Grace is just on the trellace beyond the recieving room with Sir Darius, m'lady, m'lord. " A systematic series of
curtsies and mumbling made Beathag free herself from the
little warm wrap of the brandy. Flushed cheeks gave the servant a smile! Oh how the air must be doing her good after all! "Dame Kaelyn is here to see you, and she has brought an attendant with her." (d)

Raven: Raven had pulled himself from his musings finally to answer her questions. " A foundation is being laid, half of it finished and I look tae have more of it done afore the end of the week. " He offered her a bit of a smile, his own brandy sipped at after the first downing in one swallow. He glanced towards the servant as the announcement that his wife was here, and he stood instantly leaving the Dutchess's side and meeting Kae half way. He gave her a low soothing growl as she wrapped her arms around his neck and his own went around her waist to hold her close to him. " Ye should be in bed love." He whispered, only to be answered. " I needed you." He held her tighter, buried his face in her sweet smelling neck and simply held her. For several moments they stood thus forgetting for a moment they were in the presence of the Dutchess, to which Kae flushed and gently extracted herself from her husband so that she could go and greet her friend and sister properly. (d)

Bess: Warrior women were a breed that still could melt into the
arms of a beloved like any member of the fairer sex.The strength in a man's arms was a profound feeling, the beat of his heart, his scent. How he might accept her without hestiation, make her bend until she was as soft as anything poetry ever had writ of courtly love. She forgave a lover's indulgence in a mate. Was not Adam open with his open displays of affection? Beathag craddled
Kaelyn's face in her hand, inspecting the bruise only to feel the animalistic urge to kill ripple through the pulse in her veins. It subsided, for there was no one left to kill....for now. "Ye are fine now," she told her. "Ye husband is fine, n' nay more ill will befall ye taeday. Sir Darius, if your wife has such need of ye, offer her comfort. Ah be nay far should ye wish tae speak. Enjoy the gardens n' the private walks, perhaps tae the lake.." She put a
hand to both of their shoulders, "We shall meet later on." (d)

[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

Kaelyn: Kae gave Bess a small smile trying not to use those facial muscles much for it tended to make her eyes water " Aye, I am Bess and I thank you for the kind offer. I shall like to meet with you later, right now I need to just be with my husband... I know you understand." she placed a small kiss to Bess's cheek and once more wrapped her arms around her husbands waist. " Darius...I am sorry." came her soft whisper of apology. She turned her face as if to hide the mark from him though he knew it was there... only darker now as time had gone by. Rhys waited by the door giving them space but he would act as guard if they chose to walk as the Dutchess had mentioned.**


Raven: He wrapped his arms around her holding her tight against him and nuzzled his face into her soft neck." Nae need tae apologize my love. Twas nae your fault." He whispered. His hands stroked up and down her slender back, caressing her hair soothing her as best he could while his eyes found hers. (d)

Kaelyn: She met his gaze " I should not have gone off by myself... I .... thought it would be safe." tears filled her eyes as it all came back to her once more. Rhys took a protective step towards them wanting to comfort her as well and then back stepped as it was now Ravens' place to do such. " Where are the bodies? Zeb..??" she asked softly.**


Raven: He tightened his arms around her kissing her neck softly. " Ye should have been safe my love." he whispered softly. " Tis nae your fault ye were nae." He saw Rhys step forward and did not blame him for the urge to comfort his cousin. He turned back to her as she asked about the bodies. " Zeb and his mother and sister are being prepared for a proper burial the rest I am sure are now buried in an unmarked unconsecrated single grave. "

Kaelyn: She gave a small nod as he spoke of the burials. " I want to go and pay my last respects to Zeb and his family." she looked away as she spoke. Kae hoped he would understand her need to do so yet willing to accept if he did not. She gave Rhys a quick smile as she looked once more back to Raven. " I can naught explain why I feel as though I need to do so.... just that I do. I cared once for him... he saved my life." she felt so torn right now between the man she had once loved and the man who was now her husband. " May we go for a walk I feel a bit warm and the air might do me good."**

Raven: He understood her need to say good bye. And he felt the war inside her. It concerned him a little, but only a little. As she asked to go for a walk he turned and lead her towards the gardens knowing that Rhys would follow them. His arm was around her waist unwilling to stop touching her at the moment needing to feel her flesh under his touch.

Kaelyn: Kae was grateful when he lead the way to the garden, his touch made her feel stronger and it soothed away the demons of the day. She leaned into his body as they walked " Oh Darius I did not ask are you hurt? " she stopped suddenly and began to look him over searching for any injury or mark. Silently she cursed herself for being so wrapped up in her own feelings that him being injured never crossed her mind until now. Hands moved in frantic motions as she checked him.**


Raven: He chuckled softly and took her hands. " I love your touch baby but I am nae injured. A bruise here and there and that is it. I am fine." He smiled then gently pulled her to him and began to slowly kiss her in a long lingering kiss.


Kaelyn: He captured her hands in his large ones, she looked at him and then smiled realizing she was acting like a worry wart. " I just needed to be sure... if anything happened to you..." her words were cut off by his kiss. She melted into him the feel of his hard muscled body against her was more than enough reassurance that he was hale. Kae wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Rhys chuckled and turned his head giving them some privacy but yet keeping watch over them as well. Now that Jonathan was dead could they all believe the threat to be over?? Rhys prayed to the Gods that the answer was Aye.**

Raven: Raven growled against her softlips and pulled her closer uncaring that any might see them at the moment he needed to be close to her needed to feel her against him He needed to restake his claim on her though he would not do that here, or so he thought at the moment.

Kaelyn: His kiss was one of possession and Kae wanted it no other way right now. The feel of his strength and warmth enveloped her in a cocoon of his love... pure and strong. Her head began to swim and knees grew weaker, she pulled back from the kiss to take gasps of air into lungs that burned for it. " My heart I think I need to sit for a moment... the days events are catching up to me." her voice soft and her lips red and swollen from his kiss. She smiled softly and then blushed remembering Rhys was nearby.**


Raven: Raven also was brought to mind of her condition and he immediately lifted her from her feet and carried her to a bench. He settled her into his lap and simply held her there. " Are ye feeling alright love?"


Kaelyn: Kae looked into his eyes and smiled then winced bringing her hand to the dark bruise on her face " Aye my love I am, just a little light headed is all." she cupped his face and traced his jaw with her thumbs " Nothing that a good night sleep in my husbands arms won't cure."**


Raven: He smiled softly and kissed her lips teasingly for a moment. " Mmm tha' and some food I think would be a good idea as well." he said softly as he reached up to lightly stroke her bruised cheek.

Kaelyn: " If all I have is this mark from this day then I am lucky." she whispered. The thought of food made her stomach turn a bit " I am nay very hungry love.... will ye take me home now." exhaustian finally taking its toll on her. She went to stand up her head swam and her legs unsteady.**


Raven: He growled softly and lifted her catching her before she could fall. He nuzzled her neck softly for a moment to soothe her. " Aye love we can go home. " Then he turned and headed off towards home thinking in the back of his mind that he would have to tell Rhys to keep an eye on their people.


Kaelyn: Strong arms lifted her and held her gently she smiled softly "Darius... I love you. Thank you for rescuing me today." it was not something that needed to be done very often and to know it was him that was there made her heart beat a bit faster. " 'Tis over now Aye??" she asked in Gaelic as she laid her head against his chest. " Home... it has a wonderful sound to it." **

Raven: He kissed her temple softly and whispered. " Aye I certainly hope so sweet heart." he held her a little tighter as they made their way into camp He took her isnide their tent and settled her on their bed before stepping out to speak to Rhys for a moment telling him to make a second sweep of those amongst them to make sure all was well. And then went back to his wife kneeling before her as she sat on their bed.

Kaelyn: Kae sat on their bed and had begun to unlace her dress when Raven returned." Is everything alright?" her words laced thickly with her accent and her speech went intoa mix of English, Arganian , and Gaelic. She watched him carefully as he came to kneel before her, her hand cupped is face" My heart what troubles you?" worry and concern would be heard i her voice. She in the faint light of the fire looked tired and the bruise darker, but all she cared about was the man in front of her. **

Raven: " I could ha' lost ye taeday if he knew how tae kill you." His voice was low and husky with feeling as he wrapped his arms around her waist nuzzling his head into her belly. Aye the mighty wolf could be vulnerable at times too.

Kaelyn: Kae cradled his head to her flat belly " He did not my love and I am here.... always with you." her fingers threaded into the silkiness of his hair as tears filled her eyes. " My heart I am sorry, to have been the cause of worry for you." she bent and kissed his head. She closed her eyes an imagined him laying his head against her swollen belly where their child lie safely within.**

Raven: He heard and felt her tears and lifted his head to kiss her tears away. " Do nae cry my love. Worry comes natural to those who love each other it will happen nae matter wha' sae never apologize sweet heart. " He gently guided her to lay back then crawled into bed along side her holding her close while his hand stroked her hip.

Kaelyn: She reached for his arm and pulled it under her own and nestled it to her chest. " I will try my love." she said as she yawned softly. Sleep called her once more and she wriggled herself in tighter to his body feeling safe wrapped within his embrace. " Darius.... will ye sing tae me?" it was not something she asked often and it helped soothe her when he did. **



~~ END THREAD~~