The Crossroads of the Water

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Jack: The shape of the galleon slowly resolved itself out of the western horizon, seeming to emerge at full sail straight from the setting sun itself. The winds were favorable for the galleon and every stitch of the canvas sails were straining to contain the eager winds that had urged the galleon on its way from the West Indies back toward Celtic lands. Closer and closer it was carried, until it began to glide ever so peaceably under the watchful parapets and vigilant cannons of the harbor's impressive defenses. And yet, not even the merchant vessels that even now sojourned from Turas Lan's docks could see the galleon's flag. Was the vessel friend? Or was it flow? At long last, the great ship was within visual range of a merchantman. As the galleon sailed past, the merchant captain would see the discoloration in the hull showing where fresh repairs had been made. And then the merchant captain would identify the vessel at last. The wind shifted and showed the ship's true colors. Galleon flew a flag. A flag that bore, as its blazon, an uncrowned harp picked out from the flag's green field with threads of gold. The galleon flew the flag of the vanquished and the downtrodden. The galleon flew the flag of Ulster. At length, the galleon would slide into one of the dock's many berths. Soon, a gangplank had been laid to the docks. There was an Irish brogue ringing out clear, "Master Voss! Ye've command o' tha ship until I return. Tell tha Ceannfort tha' I 'ave gone ashore ta 'ave a look about." There was a crisp, although Dutch-accented, "Aye aye, sir!" The gangplank shook under the tread of the Irishman, as he descend -- for the first time -- to the docks of Turas Lan. The Irishman put his tricorn upon his head, tugging it down lightly as he glanced about. And then he disappeared into the teaming crowd that loitered around the dockside. No doubt, tongues did already wag. (d)

Beathag: Business had taken the Duchess to where the tide turned under the wooden platforms, where the waves lapped up with longing on the stone walls as if the sea were trying to coax the stone to drown, to be embraced by kelp beds. To be an island meant that the sea was life itself: food, occupation, water to be cycled into streams and rivers. Some moved to the rhythm of life in a nonchalant sense, unware of the avant guarde gestures that water could hold. She was a giving element, she was cruel. Faithful and jealous. Vengeful, quixotic source of tales for generations. The sea was the very blood of all things here as she seemed to leap up onto a city that arose from the men the water helped to save. Turas Lan cut an imposing signature into the landscape of the hillside, rising upward in multi-tiered elegance. A hundred glittering lights began to twinkle as sunset harkened the necessity of summoning lamp lighters, torch bearers, to chase away the wickedness seeking shadow to gather in. "Your Grace! Ship's been spotted making port, she's a galleon! War..." White fingers capped over the spyglass before the palm opened, beckoning for the instrument to be delivered, "War n' treasure vessel, Mr. MacTavish. Ah know. Built by the Spanish, wanted tae beh perfected by e'eryone else. Can carry more men, cargo, n' cannons than anythin' else, yet moves slow unless the wind beh with her ...like this one now." She put the long cylinder up to one green eye, shutting the other one to investigate the colors..the galleon flew Irish standards! "This becomes quite a night tae deliver an address upon, Mr. MacTavish....tha' ship...Ireland has nay the likes o' one..but tha' standard..is a standard wot has nay been seen in a few years time. Deliver a retinue tae' tha' ship, make meetin' with the Captain..bring him tae meh." "Yes, yer Grace...but..can ye handle.." "Ah haven't died yet, Mr. MacTavish, n' ye posistion as a harbor master depends upon m'livin...dae as I say." He pushed his hair out of the way, going down the narrow steps of the harbor wall, followed by Beathag as she made way to a particular point to deliver a civic address. Her steps were strong, graceful, albeit accompanied by the staccato rhythm of half-limped, wood braced boot beneath the white dress (d)


Balian: Heavy boot falls brought the six and a half foot man down the plank of the ship. Each drop of his heel gave birth to the melody of spurred heels. A thick white cloak hung from his shoulders and a hood over his brow while icy bluescaught a gleam in the silver of the moon light. His right gloved hand clutched a thick sack carrying whatever life was left for the veteran Knight. How big was the world he wondered? He had sailed a the known world and crossed the far reaches of the ocean and well beyond any map his people knew of and beyond even that. He grinned with the very thought and knew well enough that his friend Tobias owed him a coin purse. Aye it was true Tobias, Balian had not sailed off the edge of the world just yet. Close perhaps but not yet. He started his stride down the dock, giving a slow glance to the galleon taking port to his right while his thoughts continued to roam in his own swallowed silence. Indeed the world was large, large enough for a man like him to disapear into it without a glance back over his shoulder. He had thick shoulders, a strong back and the scars to prove his existence and survival of the worst the fates could throw at him and still he walked down the dock looking for the next adventure, seeking his next quest and hopefully a place to finally call home. He longed for the day to have a son of his own and land to tend to. He dreamed of that very day when he could stand on the highest foothill and throw his fist into the air and claim his piece of the world. But that battle had yet to be won and until that day he would simply smile and soldier on. [d]

Jack: Voss, the Irishman's boatswain, looked rather surprised at seeing Mr. MacTavish and his routine approaching the Cruel Mistress. Even more surprising was the polite manner in which Mr. MacTavish inquired as to where about of the ship's captain. Voss was distrustful at first, but reluctantly scanned the docks. "Aye, that's 'im," Voss said, indicating the Irishman. Then voss raised his voice, "Cap'n! Cap'n Flynn! Men ta see ya!" No doubt Mr. MacTavish and would soon divert toward the Irishman. Voss stood by the railing for a while, before he stage-whispered to a nearby crewman, "Standby, lad. Standby." The Dutchman worked his way over toward the ship's bell, one hand resting on the bell's upright. Wearily, Voss watched these uniformed men. If it looked like Jack to be clapped in irons, the bell would begin pealing -- and the galleon would awaken like a dragon, right in the middle of the harbor. There would, however, be and odd thing. Jack conversed with Mr. MacTavish and then left with the harbor master and his routine. Voss went to inform the Ceannfort of these events. (d)

Beathag: Mr. MacTavish loked over his shoulder to see the man called Voss at the ship's bell. Were they expecting a reason to cause alarm? Nothing was ever dull in Turas Lan, on Skye for that matter, so a few nights of spring balm with ale at the bar shouldn't have softened him to the unexpected. The men on either side of him wore black uniforms with the sigil of a griffin. Armored guards had their steel capped in the gold. Just as the Captain was reluctant to follow the guards, Mr. MacTavish saw the reason why, a 'P' burned into his cheek. A tactic favored by the English, no less. "God preserve meh in workin'fer this duchy.." he prayed under his breath. Not that P, nor the galleon itselfwould turn away the Duchess' interest in the story behind it. She watched the little affair through the lens of the spyglass, and as the men drew closer, she pulled it down with a smile for what knowledge was kept to herself. "Help meh down, Ah'll meet him 'pon the boards.." An arm was offered her to clip down three more steps to make the wood creak under braced foot. "There's tha woman wot wants tae see ye, be sure tae doff ya hat, tis the Duchess o' Skye.. he whispered to Jack before tipping his own as he bowed, "Yer Grace, the Captain o' the ship, as ye requested.." So the Duchess looked down to the Pirate Captain, or was it instead...two friends looking down to one another instead (d)

Balian: His head cant just enough to the right to settle his gaze against the galleon with a curious eye. He had seen his share of pirates and it didn't take a soldiers eye to notice the guards focus set on that ship or the men aboard he licked the front of his pearly whites and paused in his stride while the long cloak fought to settle back at his heels and the sack was slung over his right shoulder with a heap and a hard exhale through his parted lips. It wouldn't take much for the galleon to unleash hell and shred the harbor before it was either taken or sunk which left the Knight shifting his weight onto his left leg with another thought. Surely any fight now wouldn't be his fight but when has that ever stopped him before? He bit the inside of his cheek and figured the lasting silence meant there was no hostility just yet. He put those heels back to work and continued his walk down the dock until he met solid ground and let those icy blues take in the sight of the city before him before he would smile faintly. [d]

Jack: The Irishman glanced toward Mr. MacTavish as the man whispered that advice before him. A Duchess wanted to see him? The Irishman arched a brow to the harbor master, before he turned to continue on toward his meeting with the Duchess. The Irishman had raised a hand to his tricorn, to doff his hat as Mr. MacTavish had instructed, before he caught sight of the Duchess good and proper. The Irishman paused, in midstride, "As the Gods live and breathe...." Then remembering himself, the Irishman finished doffing his hat. There was a smile, "I 'ave nae seen ye since Orkney, Bess..." There was a pause, before he blinked softly. "Er, sorry... Yer Ladyship." Bess Mullins? A Duchess? The Irishman was surprised. And yet, he wasn't. Mairi had, after all, been masquerading as commoner when they'd first met in the town of Dunservrick. (d)

Jelenah: The small woman had been needing to speak with the Duchess about a few important and rather personal things. Guards informed The Lady In Waiting that Her Grace could be found at the docks. Jelenah proceeded to leave the castle , directing her steps towards the docks. A guard followed, just for safty purposes as things in Skye had been rather....eventfull as of late. The small woman would walk along and reach the start of where the docks began. Her bright blue hues seeking and searching for her Grace. Off in the distance, figures could be seen and the little woman hesitated in moving forward just yet. Instead, she would linger in silence and in her current spot. Only when she would see things were alright would she proceed forward. Head lifting slightly, brows arching and eyes peering, she watched. <d

Beathag: Mr. MacTavish looked between the pair. A guard leaned in on his left while cupping up a hand to speak behind, " Star-crossed lot wot comes 'ere." Old wive's tales of supersticion, the gossip monger's tongues were already beginning to wag as the scene unflded on the docks of the capital city. She stepped forward, "Ye may take the more familiar, Jack, though perhaps ye should call meh Lady Bess or ye'll make the eyes o' the guards boggle." Laughter eclipsed the previous tension. New arrivals would hear the latest gossip, see the marked pirate speaking openly with the golden haired Duchess. "Bess is mah affectionate name..Beathag is mah given name. Mullis was somethin' Ah came across. Aberdeen," she pointed to the name beneath the standards on the battlements, "Is the name o' m'kin, n' the name the Duke took when we handfasted. Sae there it is. Now, perhaps soon ye will tell meh a pretty tale o' why an Irishman is sailin' a galleon with an Irish standard wot 'as nay been seen in years! M'thinks it keeps ye..busy?" The 'P'' hadn't been on his cheek when last they met. (d)

Anulia: Curious as a cat it seemed, the savage moved after Jelenah as she saw her heading down the halls. The woman had offered a ear had she not, why would now not be a good time to take it. As it were, she was always a few steps behind. Tahirah had long since fallen into her nap for the day, leaving Anulia to move about without the child and the dogs to move after Jelenah. Skirts swirled about her muscular legs showing the slits at the sides now and then when she moved while the vest like shirt kept her breast and stomach covered yet exposed her arms. Leather clasp covered the scars found on her wrist from the world's eyes. ``Jelenah... were are you off to then? Wait for me..``

Maahes: The sun was setting at their backs across the sky a red wisps of clouds ran together illuminating what was left of the day with vibrant colors and deep shadows. Skin darkened by a lifetime under an unforgiving sun, seemed to bleed into the dawning eve almost as if he truly belonged. His was a tall frame, well over 6 feet and clad heavily by well crafted armor that was almost second skin. Maahes was a brute that no matter where he was stuck out like thorn on the stem of a rose. Rested and well on his way to a full recovery, the Beast of Avaria returned from a day within the ranks of soldiers. Under the sun on a celtic countryside, Maahes stood in as General for the lands of Skye, but could never truly fill the shoes of their fallen leader. Respect was to be gained, and as the men limped and hobbled back to the taverns--respect was earned. "..and that is still with stitches." His raspy voice hissed to the men who questioned him; having not been given enough time to heal, Maahes's wound was still laced like a shoe. Dark amber orbs fell on the small crowd, but instantly the flash of a white cloak caught his attention. Like a wolf on it's preyhis eyes ate everything the man had to offer. Every possible place he could carry a weapon, or signs of a fighting style within his motions were noted. However, it wasn't until he came face to face with this new covered face would Maahes simply stand the ground before the man. Almost daring him to press past him. (d

Balian: That first step onto solid ground would be one he took note to remember, it was a supersticion of his to remember such and make a traddition of it. Not that he would ever admit to such things. He had a new landscape ahead of him and the mission was finding an Inn. It may have seemed like an easy task at first until he felt eyes lock against him and Balians blues lift to settle back on the man his own size on the approach. The sack was tossed to the dirt and his gloved hands came before himself to clasp his fingers together with a soft exhale leaving his pale lips. Truly the man had the look of a soldier which caused for a faint grin behind the shadows of his cloak. His head bowed politely as is the traddition of his people to show common respect to both friend and foe no matter. Then his deep tone would be heard for the first time against the land of Skye. "Greetings Sir." He took that one final step just before Maahes to close that last bit of distance between them without another word spoken just yet. [d]

Jack: At hearing Bess tease her watchman, the Irishman allowed a good-natured smirk to form on his features. There was a shake of his head, "Aye, m'Lady. Tha' tis true. I shall dae as ye wish, seein' as how I dun think tha' Mairi -- " Jack paused, glancing at the guards. He back tracked, just a touch, "I dun think tha' tha Ceannfort would enjoyin' hearin' tha rumors might spread." Aye, it was plain enough to see why. Bess could see faint smudges of woad daubing that had given the Irishman's exposed face and hands faint tattoos of intricate lines and symbols of the Pagan ways. There was no hiding for what ceremony they had been daubed on to his flesh. At the mentioning of his brand, Jack reached with his left hand to rub at his cheek. There was a wary smile, "Earned in tha East Indies. An' tis quiet a story ta be tellin'." (d)

Jelenah: As she stood and watched, she heard her name from behind. Quickly her head and eyes turned in the direction of the calling voice and a finger came to her lips as so to politely quiet the source. When the figure became clearly known, and she saw it was Anulia she gave a brief smile but waved her to come and join her. To come and watch quietly first before approching anyone..not knowing what was taking place. Once Anulia was standing next to her, Jelenah looked forward and spoke. "I am not sure who they are or what business they have here, but I do not wish to cause any disrubtion... could make things...bad." She said before meeting the woman's eyes. "We will wait a moment or two more before joining the Duchess." <d

Beathag: "The Ceannfort, Mari...ye mean.." People waited for answers but Bess didn't surrender them. Her eyes turned up to the standard flying over the gaelleon, "A story indeed, Jack. A story indeed." An Irish woman of power in a Scottish harbor, a branded Irish Captain in her company? "Tell her the Gods still walk 'ere." He was a walking Celtic homage to ancient days, inked and lined. "Tis time fer mah address, Mr. MacTavish? See tae it tha' the Captain is accordeda place beside any court members tha' should arrive, n' tha' his ship remains safe in our harbor." From the corner of her gaze she caught the curious Anulia, the quiet Jelenah. Of Maahes and the man of the white cloak, they were not known, but soon all would be. "This way, Jack." She turned around, the brace on her ankle echoing off the plank, her tartan of yellow and gold catching the wind underneath the long leather bound braid. Golden coronet was worn. Mr. MacTavish led the party to a center stair in the wall, leading her up slowly to the long landing as the trumpeter's blast would call for attention. (d)

Aman-un-din: Only a few months had passed since he had last been upon a ship. Aislin had a desire to travel in hopes of personal gain, and knowing that her husband was particular in who was around her wife when he was absent, Aman-ud-Din offered to accompany her. Now, he was back home, finally, and could take a bit of time to rest and see Tahirah's smiling face once more. The light pack he had assembled was tossed over his shoulder and draped there as the tall Arab stepped down from the ship and onto the docks. Chocolate eyes shifted from side to side as he surveyed the docks for a moment, noticing that it was fast becoming a hot spot these days. He made no move to pull the dark cloth from it's position over the lower portion of his face, leaving only his eyes and thick brows visible. The ends of raven hair peeked out from under the turban upon his head as the soles of booted feet finally struck the woodgrain of the dock. Typically dressed in his black travel clothes, the ends of his long riding tunic--split front and back--swirled around his thighs while long legs carried him away from the floating vessel. It was so good to be home again.

Anulia: Anulia was also a smaller woman compared to the many that lived here, so finding Jelenah before she would vanish within the crowd was dumb luck. Moving to the woman of fair skin's side, she sighed deeply and took a breath as a hand moved to her stomach where it had tighened just a bit from her fast pace and movements around others. `` Oh. You were going to see the Duchess, well good then. Yes yes, we wait`` Chocolate colored eyes moved towards the new comers and others that were gathering about the dock. How could anyone miss Maahes? Surely only a blind man. Her mind wandered and she got distracted for a brief moment as she watched Maahes moving towards a male with cloaks of white. It made the other tall male stick out in the crowd. ``Forgive me`` She said without looking back to her friend. A hand placed itself on Jelenah's side trying to make sure she was in a area he could see. `` General...`` was all that as spoken softly while a soft smile rested on her full lips. Eyes darted around to others, seeing if there was one of those ships she had seen before that he was about to board and that was when she noticed the lofty figure dressed in dark robes that she knew all too well. Was Aman-ud-Din back! A bubble of excitement made her smile grow all the more while she stood near Maahes and the new male. Taking one step back, she had hoped she was in view for Aman, but knew it would be rude to greet another and then leave. She seemed to be all over today!

Maahes: His space was precious as it was his own, so a half step would be taken backward to grant them just a little more distance. Yet this was part of the dance now wasn't it? He would have been within reach of the man's blade, and though the stab wound at his gut was healing, it still slowed the Beast more then he would have liked. "A good evening.." His words were richly accented with the lands of his birth, barbaric and rushed; the words seemed awkward as they fell from his raspy voice. "..could quickly turn." A half shadowed face fell before him, and call him on edge or whatever you will, Maahes was a protective loyal man. "Withdrawal your hood, state your name and business." The Egyptian turned his attention for half a second to Anulia, eyes offering his greeting, and with just her smile he was quickly reminded that this was not a fight, and an impression was to be made. "..please.." He muttered lowly returning his attention back to the man. (d

Balian: Balian should have been used to such caution with his travels, though it was expected he simply nodded just once toward the man before him. "As you wish." His left hand lift up to grip the edge of the hood and draw the fabric back to lay across his shoulders revealing the unshaven cheeks of the nearing thirty year old male. A scar across his right cheek was all the character he would need to define himself as a soldier. His long blond hair carefully tied back behind his head with a white bandana. "My name.. is Balian Windsor, I have been sent by Lady Aislin Creed to this place." His left came to settle back against his side while he offered a polite smile to the lady beside Maahas. "And my business.. .. is the sword if this land required that much of me.. .. ..Now might I have your name Sir?" He was an oak in his way, despite his movement to remove his hood he remained perfectly still. Years in the military broke him into such ways. [d]

Jack: The Irishman offered a bow to Bess, "Aye, milady, I shall." The Irishman was proud to have been the one chosen by Mairi to be lined and inked with woad daubing in the ancient rights. Although the time of Beltaine had since passed, Mairi had none the less chosen Jack as her Consort -- both to cement his position in Clann O'Neill, but also due to matters of the heart. The Irishman was well aware of the responsibilities his Ceannfort had placed upon him. Jack felt some of that responsibility now. The Irishman spoke, choosing his words carefully, "I dae apologize tha' tha Ceannfort tis nae able to attend yer address, milady. She tis restin' up after our journey ta yer shores an' carin' for tha wee Seanna. I dae convey her greetin's ta ye, milady." (D)

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Jelenah: Jelenah continued to let those soft blue hues watch Bess until Anulia spoke and as quickly as she came she began to move off. The Lady In Waiting would glance between Bess and Anulia, trying to decide which she should go to first. Bess she knew could take care of herself... Anulia she was not so sure of...but knowing The Duchess was more than capable, Jelenah moved in behind Anulia. Hands gathered up her skirts and once she reached the woman, she stood behind her. Long blond braid rested over one shoulder and her eyes shifted from the large dark male to the other in his white cloak. Already slight tension was felt and Jelenah's gaze was shifty, moving from one face to the other as she observed. The larger darker male held her attention though and she had seen him only once before, it still did not ease her fear of the large dark male. She contined to keep quiet as she stared, not meaning to be rude but probably seeming as that. Finally she tore her gaze away long enough to look where Anulia glanced, seeing the dark clothes figure set his feet back on Skye. Normally, with all these men around, the small 5 ft 5 woman would have took off in a flash. But she was trying to do better and kept reminding herself that she could not possibly protect herself from each and evey lil thing that poses a threat. Eyes shifted once more, staying on the ones now before her, offering a smile as best as she could given her ways. <d

Beathag: " Tell the Ceannfort on behalf o' the Duchy, welcome tae Skye. There shall beh time fer audience twixt us all later..fer now ye mah take her the news.." Mr. MacTavish assumed a posistion of supervision over the proceedings, ready to point out rabble rousers, disenters. By now, Sir Kendrew had arrived to assume a place to the Duchess' right, his hand gently in the small of her back with utmost discretion. The crowd would not have noticed it, but those nearby would, knowing her served as roots for a tree of unquestionable stature. "People o' Turas Lan, of Skye! Tonight Ah have news o' our Duke's travels, and the result o' them. Heed meh well, for change in these words is close at hand: The words o' our people, freedom from tyranny, wickedness, freedom from opression, from religious jurisdictions, from blood-lineage bonds tae beh in a world where honor, work, in purpose have more sway, where a man or woman, a childmay know purpose n' respite...is a sediment echoed by some, n' nay by others." People began to ripple, turning to one another, whispering, a hand lifted for silence as she spoke on, "Norway, France, The Dutch, Germany, The Grand Duchy o' Lithuania, the Serbian Empire, the Bulgarian Empire, all dae. Your Duke has sought much n' gained much...yet tae gain is tae also see who will nay stand. The Italian n' Papal states, Spain, England....do nay." She breathed in as she also included, "Nor does Scotland, or the Scotland we may remember. Ah have assembled ye hear this night o' our lifeline, the sea, with news tha' has come across tae tell ye tha' Scotland is a fractured country." Gasps, shock, calls for reasons! The small women might be pushed by men advancing forward, while he men watched close for unrest. " Scotland lives more in ye now...than n' any head wot be crowned. The South has gone against herself..a government has been formed at Glasgow under the advisor o' the English King...n' she sides with England." Some would ask, what of the North, what else is there? Silence would need be had before more was said (d)

Aman-un-Din: Quite a gathering of people on the docks indeed it seemed, and no sooner had he stepped off the ship and onto solid ground, that tension could be very much another cloud to hang over the port. It never failed. Indeed, it was hard to miss Maahes and the man in white that he had learned upon the voyage here went by the name of Balian Windsor. Aman-ud-Din could only hope that the two would keep things civil, for Maahes was still healing and there was no need for violence over something so petty as a misunderstanding. Chocolate eyes turned from the two men and then to the shorter figure of Anulia. From behind the veil, he smiled wide, happy to see the daughter of the forest, as he liked to call her. With soft apologies, he made his way through the crowd and wove around standing patrons of the port to get closer and closer to Anulia. When he was close enough, the tall Arab dipped his chin reverently to Anulia first, and then once more to the two men. ``Masaa el kheer to you both esteemed men.`` Then, his eyes settled upon Anulia. ``Masaa el kheer, Daughter of the Forest,`` He greeted, glancing over his shoulder only once towardthe Duchess as addressed her public yet again. Chuckling softly to himself, the bag was removed from his shoulder and placed upon the ground for the moment.

Anulia: Anulia had spoken his title out of respect, not to correct him. She had learned that while others were out, or those that she knew who were noble, it was best to state their title. Anulia had not heard the words before hand, but she did hear Maahes say ' Please' and smiled wider for him for some unknown reason. Chocolate eyes went to the side of his profile before moving to the other male as he introduced himself and then asked what Maahes' name was. Jelenah moving closer had chocolate eyes drifting towards her as a soft smile was rewarded for her friend's brave efforts. Anulia had not forgotten. A hand reached out to touch her own fair one and then moved away after a small squeeze. When that rich voice was heard, laced with accents of lands afar, eyes drifted to Aman-ud-Din and a nod was given. ``It is good to see you home again my dearest friend.`` She had missed him so. A speech would reach her ears and while she listened, she did not truly know everything that this meant. The crowd shifted and suddenly she felt larger frames against her smaller one, pressing her and Jelenah's smaller bodies between Balian and Maahes withAman-ud-Din seemingly taking up another escape. People never said a word. `` Forgive us`` She said as if her and Jelenah were in the way.

Maahes: The leather in his chest plate cried out as his arms curled over his chest, crossing together as his feet squared away with his shoulders. Perhaps one would think Maahes was sizing the man up, testing his grounds, but when the pair would get to know each other more, he would learn this was who Maahes was. "Report to the city, Garrison, and from there we will go." Balian had done everything right, and Maahes marked that to his memory. There was not a fight to remove his hood, nor any show of tension. Quickly he knew this man was of military background, and in need they were of able bodies. With the name the man used as his save, the Beast would know that one had seen him fit. Aislin wasthe heart of many, and her trust wasn't taken lightly. However, there would be one more he would have to go through before he would be placed with Maahes's hands, and that woman spoke out to her people.As his attention returned to the man, he would unfold his arms and replace them at his side. "Come find me." No there was not a name given in return, but the hour grew late and Maahes didn't have the best of manners. With that he would step aside for the man to pass and towards the crowd. Coming up beside Anulia, he would turn his amber colored orbs to Jelenah, a face in the crowd he had not met. (d

Balian: Anulia's foot coming down on his hard plated boot was cause for a quick glance down to the woman before he chuckled softly and bowed his head politely toward her and Jelenah as she excused them. "Think none of it My Lady." Then his icy blues lift back to Maahes with a silent nod. Indeed there was note of his lack of manners but he was coming to the quick conclusion that such was the way of the culture. He was open to such things no matter. He reached back down to lift the sack back from the ground and take that next step forward to venture further into the city. There was time to meet and greet new faces at another hour. After all he had been on a ship longer then a man should and was in dire need of a bath and some fresh attire before he could make any respectable impressions. [d]

Jack: After hearing Bess' instructions, the Irishman nodded quietly. Quietly, he wondered what reaction Mairi would have at hearing that Jack had run into Bess while ashore -- and managing to get press ganged into the audience for an official speech. As a representative of Ulster, no less. The Irishman remained attentive throughout the speech, paying close attention so as to be able to relate this announcement as accurately he could to Mairi once he returned tothe Cruel Mistress. (D

Jelenah: A quick glance made elsehwere as it was becmoing more and more cluttered around her. Her lil body began to tremble slightly, but she hid it well. The dark clothed figure she spotted earlier was now approching and Jelenah's eyes cut toward him, as it neared and the exchange of words and looks were made between it and Anulia, Jelenah came to see it was Aman-ud-Din. Some relief came but not much, even as uneasy as she felt with all these men around her, the smallwoman would work up enough courage to offer him a smile. He moved off then and her attention came back to the others as she and Anulia were being pressed into the other two men known as Balian and Maahes. Anulia would apologise for them both and Jelenah looked at her like she had lost her mind. No words were said but it was clear what she was thinking from the look of the Slavic woman's face. Jelenah was half listening to the speech as her nerves were beginning
to go into overload. Her hands clutched to one of Anulia's arms and pulled herself closer to her. Being near other women helped at times as men were the ones she obviously feared. Especially big dark men! <d

Beathag: "Quiet, let her Grace speak! Silence n' be still!" Mr. MacTavish's voice rose above the polite tone he kept in close range, pulling on his experience from booming commands to dock workers from dawn till dusk to project his voice over the gathered. Mostly men of military means, sailors, dockhands, merchant folk, who would spread the news quickly enough. Heralds stood on the outskirts, some recording, others retaining by memory to announce it in the square. She stepped forward to the edge of the landing with no sign of the wince passing only in the tight lines beside her eyes. "The Northern government is still o' Scotland..n' her seat is in the Highlands, at Aberdeen, n' she is run by Robert the Bruce." The pushing suddenly lessened at slack-jaw shock passed round like a virus. She studied the effect that one name had. The Bannockburn Tavern was named for the battle the very man led to gain independence from the English. "What does the Bruce say of Skye, your Grace?" A clansmen rose up his walking stick, his face pregnant with signs of many memories. "Robert the Bruce gives the island his unbridled loyaltn n' support, n' sees us as a ssovereign entity. Sae by these things, by these words..let it be known tha' things shall be different now. We are loyal first tae ye before any king. As this sea is our life's blood, carryin people n' things near n' far, sae all lands are connected by it. Sae I tell ye this here, as ye will take this news a vera long way, fer ye stand at the heart of the true Celtic awakening." "What of trade with Scotland?" "Twill continue! Only one must excersise caution n' care, yers beh the business o' coin n' riches sae may ye profit well. Please allow the Duchy be servant tae ye n' worry o'er the politics, fer we will not let it stifle you." The words ended and people began to mill, tobustle! Robert the Bruce had returned, the country was undone in two directions. Europe was talking, and suddenly the self-sovereign city was now a sovereign island. "Mr. MacTavish..find those in the crowd who be court..who be friends o' it..tell them we will convene in a true style, about the table, tae drink n' talk as friends." He went to do just that. One final questiono emerged, "M'lady, Ah heard tha' there are those tha' would seek tae make a match within your house..with your daughter as she comes o' age.." She didn't freeze, but one might say her blood ran a little slower..her face paled though none but Kendrew noticed, "Ah'm sure, sir. Given the circumstances tha' is quiteimpossible. Sir Kendrew..get meh down..n' let us find a stiff drink." (d)

Aman-un-Din: Chocolate hued orbs drifted to Jenelah as she approached, another familiar, though vageuly remembered face of a maiden of Skye. The blonde Lady in Waiting did not join the company of the Arab often, which was a result of her apprehension towards men with Eastern origins. Aman-ud-Din did not understand it, but he did not press it. The lofty Arab did not miss the behavior and subtle hints that Jenelah was sending out, and inwardly he sighed. Balian left, and he nodded to the man and reached down to pick up the bag upon the ground and tossed it over his shoulder once again. He needed to be getting back home, the sound of Bess continuing touched his ears, but Aman-ud-Din was dreadfully needing some peace and a chance to rest in the comfort of his own home. Brown eyes turned back to Anulia.``Anulia, I am in much need of returning home, thank you for watching Tahirah for me, my dear friend.`` He commented to her, smiling softly behind the dark cloth. ``Unless you would like to stay here in the good company of these two, perhaps I could collect Tahirah before heading home?`` He asked. If she wanted to stay here, he would let her and simply get her himself, if not, then he would love to spend a bit more time with Anulia, his closest friend.

Anulia: Between such tall men, the women seemed to find some protection from the shifting of the crowds. She could feel Jelenah grabbing a hold of her arm and moving closer, making Anulia raise her other hand and use it to stroke over the top of the woman'a hand to give comfort. There was no need for space between the woman, for they both have lived similar lives, but in reverse. As Maahes moved to her side, Anulia's eyes drifted up and over to him for a moment as Beathag's speech went on and she answered questions. The departure of Balian and the thanks for forgivement were given a smile before eyes shifted to a male who moved through the crowd and saw the bunch standing there. When he called for those within court to follow him, Anulia knew in a sense that Aman-ud-Din and Jelenah were in that. She parted from her friend though Aman-ud-Din;'s words gave pause. ``Do you not need to go as well?`` She had missed : something? `` Jelenah..I will speak with you soon my friend.`` She would call out before looking to Aman-ud-Din. ``I will come with you.`` Maahes was still by her side and her frame blocked the action as her hand reached out to his larger one, wrapping as much as her fingers around that powerful limb so he could feel the warmth of it. A wide smile was offered just for him as she began to move away.`` If your duties do not hold you, met me by the forest ' tonight.`` The farther she got as she moved, the more her hand had let go of his until it slipped away and she went to Aman-ud-Din, taking his arm that was offered.

Maahes: Dark eyes listened to Bess as she spoke, taking in her words by watching her lips as his attention was lost among the rest. He was amazed at her strength, and the conversation from the night before still filled his head. Anulia tookhis hand, and he would not pull way, but fingers did not close the gap. Amber colored orbs touched her skin and met her own gaze; giving a small nod. He would be happy to catch up with her. However as she left, and he was left at Jelenah's side, a deeper even silence fell over him as now he felt awkward. Dark eyes would watch Bess, but ever so often would give a quick glance at the woman at his side. Little would she know he was just as nervous and shy as she, just had a much harder way of showing it. A side glance to her as his arms folded over his chest he'd turn just slightly. "You cold?" His voice was flat and like distant thunder as it rolled from his chest. Bess would call the court, whatever that meant and he would be more then happy to leave them to it. He sure wasn't a politician. (d

Jack: As Mr. MacTavish departed to relay the news, the Irishman stepped forward toward Bess. He offered a bow to her, "Dae fergive me, milady, but I fear I must decline tha invitation o' taking meat an' mead wit' ye. Iffen it please ye, Lady Bess, I shall convey yer greetin's an' this news ta tha Ceannfort." There was a devilish smile, before he very lowly added, so only Bess was likely to hear, "It does pain me sore ta 'afta pass up the chance ta 'ave a rematch wit' ye, milady." The Irishman's smile would let Bess know on what matter the Irishman wished a rematch. He offered one last bow, before departing. Heading back to his quarters aboard the Mistress. (D)

Jelenah: Jelenah could still hear Bess giving her speech, but the lil blond woman would continue holding to Anulia while she gave a gesture of comfort. It helped some, but it would disappear just as quickly as Anulia then made it known shewas leaving. Full lips parted as the lil blond woman wanted to speak words of protest but nothing came. Instead... Jelenah would simply nod and slip back, trying to not be so noticeable. Eyes did glance a time or two at the large man man by her side but if he even seemed like he was going to look to her, her gaze left his. Arms folded over her torso, like wrapping herself up for protection and when the deep thunderous voice came, she sort of flinched. Her eyes looked to him as her head had to tilt back in order to do so. It was like gazing up along a very large tree being she was so small. He must have noticed her trembles as the blond though she had hid them well. As she continued to peer up at him, the picture painted looked as if she were a child being scolded by her guardian or parent. All the lil woman could do was give a slow shake of her head before she finally found her voice. The Slavic accent would giveaway the fact she was not of Scotland decent or Irish even. "No... I am not cold.. just.. habits I suppose." She replied as she looked back to Bess. The call had been made for those of the court to come forth and Jelenah would have to take her leave soon, but for now... it was as if she were frozen in place.<d

Beathag: The comment on matches made within the family had set the inside of a questionable center more off-kilter than it was. The last step was taken with difficulty, but she came down from the landing at last to walk through the crowds, parting it as they went by the people gone back to their activity, for the docks rarely ever were silent until the latest point of nightfall."You're as white as a sheet, your Grace," Kendrew whispered through his teeth, "Are ye alright?" Beathag didn't take long to consider that as she said , "I may vera well ne'er beh, Kendrew." She turned to Jack with a more appealing smile for his under-current antics, leaning forward to say, "Soon, Ah shall take ye n' Mari on a proper city tour..with ye under the pub counter, o'course. Till then, the Castle first, pon the hill. Both o' ye come with mah official invitation." The Lady in white moved from the Irish Captain's presence, the height she stood of some six feet or slightly better considerably taller than all the women of the present crowd. Jelenah cowering in terror near the Avarian General, now also a General of Skye, could hardly go unnoticed if you were one to know what you were looking for. She canted her head to them in good evening, a hand coming quick against her back with utmost discretion, a hand in the small of the back as one step slowed."Tell them Ah'll be with them in a moment, Kendrew, the air I will catch just yon.." In a silent glance she thanked him and turned where the current breeze was strongest so she might take full benefit of the scents form the pomander at her belt: lilac, peppermint, touches of sage. The second small, heart shaped charm held an oil that was tapped on her finger which she applied to the back of her neck and the pressure points under her ear. With those three things...she hoped whatever ailed her would pass. (d)

lan Burning: With every face that swept past them as the court was called, Maahes really on concentrated on one. Yes, Kendrew it was pale, and with a heavy breath he would almost forget about the shaking leaf at his side. Turning to face her he let his arms return to his side, the leather wrist bands causing the weight to harden the well trained muscles of his bare arms. "Everyone gets like that around me. No matter where I go." It was an everyday thing, Maahes had learned to live with. The open stares, men clutching their wives, women holding tightly to their children..trembles. Overtime it grew harder, and harder; However, Maahes never thought that perhaps she had her reasons, and would save that for another night. He would want to check on Bess, but he would let her walk in the company of her court for now. Drinking, talking, and laughing just wasn't his cup nor was he ready to let it be. Someday.. Dark eyes regarded the woman and he'd lower his head just lightly in his farewell. With that he would turn his back to the crowd and make his way up the path towards the city. (d

Jelenah: The small woman would watch as the crowd began to now thin out and people began to return to whatever it was they were doing before hand. Her bright blue eyes spotted Bess as she stepped down and Kendrew aided her with her walk for a brief time. Jelenah took note of the Duchess pale face and immediately she would want to reach out to her. When the male spoke again, she looked to him and replied. "It is not just you that makes me like this..." Her eyes lifted to meet his and it was almost as if they were apologizing for her behavior around him. The Lady In Waiting couldn't help how big dark featured men scared her...the scars on her body would someday tell the tale to those that shewould allow to read one day. For now though... her nightmares and fears were her own, and not even Bess knew how dark and fightening her lil sister's memories were. The man nodded to her and took his leave which then made Jelenahfeel she could breath and move again. To Bess's side she moved as she meet the woman half way. "Bess... are you alright?" She asked in a deeply concerned voice.A hand going to the tall womans back as the other gently took to her forearm.<d

Beathag: " Summon the carriage," she told Jelenah in a tone growing hollow, staggered by the second. "Tell them..tae give..regards tae Mr. MacTavish but..Ah can nay join..him taenight. The pain is tae much. Send fer the carriage.." Her hand had crept up to the back of her neck, nerves misfiring that made portions flare, others numb. If Bess were herself, she would have collected the small woman to her and made the fears of men with dark flesh subside into a childish folly to pass away like the mist in morning heat. Around them, crowds thinned as they collected into taverns, pubs, and aboard the ships that made livlhoods. As she stood there, the world began to pull apart at the seams, colors blending, shifting. In fact, she turned to walk in the direction the carriage would be in, but found her steps were gone by one..two...and on the third, her height began to fold on itself: First the feet..then the knees bending as the torso dropped as a puppet cut off a string. Long enough for the people to not see, in their absence..the extent of limitation was terribly obvious, painfully real (d)