Post by mairi on Jun 8, 2008 14:11:36 GMT -6
CaptainJackFlynn [8:28 P.M.]: There was little doubting that the notorious Irish rouge Jack Flynn was going to be in deep trouble when the Lagan returned to the harbor of Tarus Lan. Even now, the Irishman was standing on the docks amid the crew of the Lagan. Jack was braced against one of the dock supports, with a good hempen rope wrapped about his left for arm, guided around his waist, and held in his right hand. Around him stood more members of the Lagan, each having a secure line in a manner similar to Jack. They were unloading
CaptainJackFlynn [8:31 P.M.]: the heaviest bit of Jack's blunder, but it was still below decks and slowly being hefted skyward by two sailors manning a capstan. They were just beginning to crank it skyward, when Mairi arrived. (d)
Pride of Eireann [8:35 P.M.]: Mairi paid no attention to the spoils of Jack's travels. She was without Seanna, which would certainly make it worse for him. Clad in her plain green homespun, she walked toward him and stopped, putting her hands on her fists for some time. "Jack Flynn," she called him out in front of his crew, a voice firm and commanding as befitted the Ceannfort of Ulster, "Where the fek do ye think ye were goin' fer so long without sayin' a word?" She held a letter in her hand, which was addressed to Jack, but she wasn't
Pride of Eireann [8:36 P.M.]: about to hand it over yet. Her heart thumped at the sight of him. She'd thought him gone for good, a fierce repetition of her life with Sean--here and gone from one moment to the next. She would not tolerate it again. "If yer gone, yer gone," she said coldy, "ye understand the meanin'?" She was furious, and prepared to turn her back towards him and leave. A drink would be more appropriate company for her now.
CaptainJackFlynn [9:00 P.M.]: For Jack, there really wasn't a good answer to where he'd gone. With a soft, under his breath, "Oh fer the love o' gods..." There were two ways to answer it: the one that put Ulster first, or the one that put her first. Either one was to make it a bit easier on him. But not by much. Jack hesitated, before he said, "I went ta Ulster. Ta be gettin' tha lay o' the land, fer when we be invadin'." He hesitated, seeing the later she had. Then he went ahead and went for the second reason as well. "An' it did
CaptainJackFlynn [9:02 P.M.]: nae feel right ta be askin' yer brothers fer yer 'and in a note, sae I went ta be askin' 'em meself." He turned back to make sure the crew was still working to bring up the stone. It could easily out of the sky and knock a whole in the bottom of the boat. Still the load was being cranked skyward. From the Lagan came the sound of, "Make ready ta swing 'er over!" (d)
Pride of Eireann [9:06 P.M.]: "What did ye bring back then, all of Ulster?" She stepped forward, chin high, and slapped him flat across the cheek. "Ye scare me like that again ye've no reason to ask for a thing. Ye can't go off and not tell me, else I'll lose ye, too, an' I've already lost enough," she scolded, "An' in an official capacity, yer me sworn sword. Imagine what could have become of me if the young Emerald Paladin hadn't been here to assist me." Who was she fooling? It was well known that Mairi could defend herself, but
Pride of Eireann [9:08 P.M.]: she fully intended to rub it in. "An' Seanna's been askin' fer ye. A tooth's comin' in an' she took a step an' ye missed it," she said coldly. Mairi was fortunate enough not to miss it herself--she had been preparing to step out for a walk so as not to worry and panic in front of the baby when Seanna, overcome with her own worry after asking for her da, called out "Ma ma ma ma ma" and actually walked to catch her. There was no asking what the brothers had said, though she feared they had denied him. Little
Pride of Eireann [9:08 P.M.]: to be said for it now that she'd slapped him so openly in front of his crew. (D)
CaptainJackFlynn [9:13 P.M.]: The Irishman had the natural father's reaction at hearing he'd missed his daughter's first step: heartbreak. "Aye?" Oh eloquently that carried his heartbreak. There was a sad smile, "Ya think I could get her ta show me her choppers when I get home?" He asked. They were at a stalemate, it seemed. She wanted to rub in the hurt, he wasn't quiet sure how to say it. Eventually, the Irishman said softly, "Carrick 'eartily approved o' tha idea, sae long as I put up wit' ya. Tha good Fat'er said 'e'd damn me ta
CaptainJackFlynn [9:15 P.M.]: 'Ell iffen I broke yer 'eart er mistreated ya." An amusing idea, since the Irishman didn't believe in the Christian faith. God, after all, hadn't made Andrew Flynn stop beating his wife and child. There was a careful glance, as if too see that bit of news had stayed her fury. As for whether or not he'd brought back all of Ulster? That was answered when the stone was at last heaved-hoed into the sky. She could tell from it's size that it was a small boulder used to the building of a castle. As they swung
CaptainJackFlynn [9:17 P.M.]: the stone toward a waiting heavy-duty wagon, Mairi could tell that it was good sized boulder, cut to fit into a castle. It may not have been one of the huge stones, but it was of a good size. Then the rope slowly straightened out, and she'd see it. The crest of the O'Briens and the O'Neils. Showing where he'd gotten the stone. (d)
Pride of Eireann [9:20 P.M.]: It had hurt Mairi when Seanna had walked and he wasn't there. It hurt because it drudged up a hundred firsts she'd seen without Sean by her side when he was out at sea, and Jack wasn't supposed to be like that--he had promised her, and she still felt let down. Containing her fury, her jaw was set tight, giving the impression that the Ceannfort was akin to a dam ready to break. "That sounds like Declan an' Carrick. Were their clothes well-mended? Did Carrick seem sad of heart...?" She was a sister, and also
Pride of Eireann [9:22 P.M.]: a mother, so it was natural for her to worry. She folded her arms defensively before herself, not wanting to stand too close to Jack at this point--she'd likely hit him with a hard fist. She didn't want to look at him either--she'd likely forgive him all his faults as wives were inclined to do for husbands. Turning her gaze instead towards the rock, she noted the crests and pretended to be unimpressed that this man would move large pieces of earth for her happiness. One word, though, in Irish, displayed
Pride of Eireann [9:22 P.M.]: her gratitude as she uncrossed her arms, staring at the rock:
Pride of Eireann [9:23 P.M.]: "Baile." (d) ((That means 'home'))
CaptainJackFlynn [9:26 P.M.]: There was a nod of his head, "Aye, their close seemed ta be well mended. Think tha' Declan 'ad found a nice lady in 'is parish doin' his mendin' fer 'im. Carrick's clothin' 'ad tha touch o' a man daein' it himself. An' Carrick daes seemed ta still 'old a woman close ta 'im, an' 'e's sore o' heart." Jack was quiet for a long before he said softly, "Aye, baile." He looked at her quietly, "I dun think ye wanna be stayin' at tha Griffin Castle an' we need a place o' our own.... sae....." He off handedly
CaptainJackFlynn [9:28 P.M.]: motioned toward the rock. Jack knew he was in the dog house, and it hurt to know. Also that she was purposely trying to make it worse. The Irishman looked away, frowning quietly. Then he boarded, not carrying if she followed him or not, and went into his cabin with another crewman. How long would her anger hold, when she saw what other treasures he produced? The two men came out of the cabin, carrying a spool of eight yards of tartan cloth in the provincial colors of Ulster. They carried out and laid
CaptainJackFlynn [9:30 P.M.]: it in the wagon, nudged up against the Dunluce stone. Once more, the two men went aboard ship and carried out another spool. This one of Clan O'Brien tartan. Then Jack loitered near it and did something they'd both avoided. He raised his eyes to her's. And held the gaze. Quietly, he reached into a pocket and extracted the last of his prizes. Had she drifted close enough to see what it was? It was shiny, almost circular. Made of gold. Jack quietly moved a bit of the O'Brien fabric so that it covered
CaptainJackFlynn [9:31 P.M.]: the Dunluce stone like an offering table, and laid his last offering on it. The Tara brooch worn by her father and Sean O'Neil. Then he quietly looked at her. "I am sorry tha I did nae tell ye where I was goin'." (d)
Pride of Eireann [9:33 P.M.]: "Carrick should go back to his woman when this war's over..." she mused, then let a curious, disapproving gaze follow him as he went in and the other items came out. She still held her chin high in the air--for someone who disapproved so much of royal titles, she certainly acted as though she was born to one at times. When Mairi was injured, even in pride, it was as though that same injury applied to her homeland, both in her mind and in the perception of many of the folk of Ulster, and so it would not do
Pride of Eireann [9:36 P.M.]: for her to remain in such a state. Casually she looked at the fabric, impressed but not letting on such, and when at last the Tara brooch was produced, she reached out for it, half in disbelief, touching it to see that it was real. Sean had worn the brooch on their last formal night, just days before he left to face the English during his last stand. She at last held the brooch in her own hand before
Pride of Eireann [9:38 P.M.]: handing it back to him, to conclude the peace offering. Her disappointment could still not be shielded, because he had worried her so. "Yer lucky yer so kind to me, anam cara." After handing over the brooch, she folded her arms. "Ye intend to wear these colors? They'd suit ye in a tourney, an' I'd make a favour with the colors."(D)
CaptainJackFlynn [9:49 P.M.]: Jack was still hurt and she was disappointed. There was a soft sigh, wondering how long this could go on. Then he said, "Aye, ah dae. Ah was thinkin' tha I could be askin' ye fer a belted plaid er a kilt.... tha Ulster's tartan ta be worn upon foreign shores, an' tha O'Brien ta be wearin' at home." Then the Irishman cursed this quietly. He did something that he should've done in the first place: he walked to her and through his arms around her. Jack drew his lady love close her and burying his
CaptainJackFlynn [9:51 P.M.]: face in her shoulder and hair. Slowly, he pulled back to look at her quietly. Then he kissed her, as a lover ought. When the kiss was broken, reluctantly, he said softly, "Ye 'ave knae idea 'ow much I missed ye......" Then he hugged her close again. Would she react all? Resist? Or would she return his embrace? Jack at last pulled back once again, quietly saying, "Lets gae home, aye?" (d)
Pride of Eireann [9:56 P.M.]: She was stiff at his embrace, resisting slightly at first. She would not refuse the kissing, but didn't actively encourage it, either. "Aye, I'll sew this fer ye. We can go home." She took another look at the stone before turning away. Where was home? At the castle? On the ship? Home was Ulster, and she wasn't going there now. It made her heart heavy. "Seanna can show ye her teeth an' her walkin," Mairi conceded, feeling guilty over how harsh she'd been. He'd deserved it though, in her eyes, having known
Pride of Eireann [9:58 P.M.]: what she'd been through in the past. She made the comparisons to Sean silently, and to her credit, voiced them only in disappointed glances. "In me own experience the truest of love isn't always the happiest." She wasn't sorry for slapping him; she had done what she needed to make amends as far as she was willing to make them. She hoped for the feeling of his hand on her waist--that reassuring feeling, the one that would still be there even when her womb swelled with child...his comforting gestures would
Pride of Eireann [10:00 P.M.]: still make her feel like the most elite of all women. "Did ye spy any more of those Emerald Paladin swords while ye were there? It would be good, for the people to see, to have them back again. They were fearless. As Admiral, ye would of course be inducted into their ranks." She was still hurting, the fear of being left still aching, and present again. (d)
((continued...)
CaptainJackFlynn [10:20 P.M.]: Jack smiled as the pair of them quietly made their way through the halls of Griffin caste, glad to have been home after spending a week in Ulster. Jack's arm was, as ever, around Mairi's waist as they walked. He held her closer to him. Some of their hurt, their anger had faded on the wagon was home. Before they reached their chambers, Jack paused. Then he said, hesitatingly, "Can ye be gaein' to Seanna, an' tellin' 'er tha' ye 'ave a surprise fer 'er?" There was a hesitating smile, "I was thinkin' tha'
CaptainJackFlynn [10:21 P.M.]: t'would get 'er ta walk ta me when I come in, aye?" He still could not believe that he had missed Seanna's first steps. Some part of his life would never forgive himself for it. Although he had been their for her first words, which had been amusing when she'd said 'Da da da da da da'. (d)
Pride of Eireann [10:28 P.M.]: She appreciated that a great deal of their walk was in the quiet of the evening. She had just left Seanna due to word of the Lagan's return, but Mairi was eager to spend more time with her daughter again. It was, perhaps, in part of her disappointment with Jack, and her temporary fear that the only thing Seanna really had to hold on to was her mother. "I miss me parents," she said solemnly, "Me ma...she was such a Christian woman, but da would have adored ye." She opened the door and snuck in, and Laura's
Pride of Eireann [10:30 P.M.]: voice could be heard from within. "Da? Da?" Seanna asked, beginning with small sentences now, "Da ship?" Inside, Mairi nodded to her daughter and spoke to Laura. "I'll bring her to yer quarters, an' I'll feed her first," she said. Grateful for the unexpected time to herself, Laura exited, hand to her throat as she was startled by Jack. "Aye, Seanna," Mairi said from within, "Yer da was on the sea, but now he is home because he couldn't bear to be away from ye, he loves ye so..." Seanna giggled, and Mairi
Pride of Eireann [10:31 P.M.]: placed her on the floor as she changed into her emerald robe, a watchful eye always upon her. "How would ye like it if yer da brought ye a gift, Seanna? A present! What could it be... a new sweater fer ye? A rattle, or a sweet? What do ye think?" She said these things that illicited an excited reaction from the girl. Mairi was more a mother now, most importantly, than she ever had been, and Seanna was glowing with the attention, but confused. Mairi changed and sat on the bed. When Seanna started to crawl
Pride of Eireann [10:32 P.M.]: toward her, Mairi helped her to her feet, and with one hand, pointed towards the door. (D)
CaptainJackFlynn [10:36 P.M.]: The Irishman had loitered outside, simply smiling when he saw Laura. There was, of course, a quiet, "Sorry fer tha'." At having startled Laura. When Mairi pointed toward the door, the Irishman walked in and said quietly, "Sae there's me fae princess..." There was some distance between Seanna and Jack, but it was not as great as it could've been. He crouched down to Seanna's level, "Dae ye be wantin' ta give yer Da' a hug?" The Irishman smiled softly, and opened his arms wide. Oh, but for the smiles of
CaptainJackFlynn [10:39 P.M.]: the wee ones at all! It seemed enough to make even the most hurt of emotions disappear in such a smile. Jack scooted just a touch closer, to make it easier on Seanna, when his daughter started walking. The Irishman's heart felt fit to burst from the prie and happiness of being with his daughter again, as he wrapped his arms around her and slowly gained his feet. "Yer Da's home, Seanna, an' 'e is gonna be fer sometime." That was directed not only at Seanna, but at Mairi as well. The Irishman's eyes had
CaptainJackFlynn [10:40 P.M.]: gone to her as he said that. Then he looked back to Seanna. "Shall we gae gaein' an' seein' iffen we can be gettin' a hug an' kiss each from yer Ma?" (d)
Pride of Eireann [10:43 P.M.]: Mairi watched with pride as Seanna took a few steps towards Jack. Seanna's grip was very strong now, ensuring she would not fall. When father and daughter were reunited, Mairi turned and started to prepare the bed. She was still feeling the rocking sensation of the sea, even on land, but it was wearing off. "She had trouble sleepin' last night." Mairi knew why. Seanna was like Jack and Sean, meant to be on the sea. Seanna replied to Jack by batting at his nose and saying "Ma ma ma ma kiss." ... with such a
Pride of Eireann [10:46 P.M.]: bright tone, as though she was singing. Unlike Mairi, Seanna had a very high voice, even at this age. She was fearless when it came to some things, like the sea, and that frightened Mairi. In the face of Jack, however, she was indeed such a princess. Nearing a year in age, Seanna's hair darkened just a bit, nearing the shade of Mairi's. Her eyes were steadfast grey, though. Mairi sat on the bed and patted the spot next to her. "We can arrange for that." (D)
CaptainJackFlynn [10:59 P.M.]: At hearing that Seanna was having trouble, Jack looked at her with a frown, "Tis tha' true?" There was a soft smile, "Than we shall be askin' tha' Good Queen Maab ta be brinin' ye good dreams." Then he sat quietly beside Mairi, with his daugther in lap. Then he smiled as Seanna reached for her mother, ready for her kiss. There was a soft bit of laugther from his daughter, thrilled no doubt to have her parents home once again. Jack smiled, thrilled to have his wife and daughter home with him again.
CaptainJackFlynn [11:00 P.M.]: Once Mairi had bestowed her hugs and kisses on Seanna, Jack leaned in to reclaim his hug and kiss from Mairi. They were a family together again. (d)
Pride of Eireann [11:06 P.M.]: Mairi's kiss to Seanna was gentle, upon the cheek. "She just missed her da. Now he's back, she can sleep." Seanna seemed to clap when Jack leaned to kiss Mairi. "Don't mention who ye went to see," she warned to Jack, "She misses them too." Mairi stifled a yawn then, thinking it time for bed. "Will ye take her back to Laura then, while I prepare the room?" She offered a wicked grin, then. Comfortable, in these stone walls and in this robe, Mairi looked soft, relaxed, and rested now that Jack was
Pride of Eireann [11:08 P.M.]: home. Furthermore, the Ceannfort looked very healthy, though not yet plump. "I've gained some weight," she said self-consciously. That was true, though she had gained it in the right places, having slightly more of an hourglass figure than she had a week ago. Just five pounds she'd gained, but it made a difference, and she was no longer permitted to run about and fight as she was accustomed to doing. (d)
CaptainJackFlynn [8:31 P.M.]: the heaviest bit of Jack's blunder, but it was still below decks and slowly being hefted skyward by two sailors manning a capstan. They were just beginning to crank it skyward, when Mairi arrived. (d)
Pride of Eireann [8:35 P.M.]: Mairi paid no attention to the spoils of Jack's travels. She was without Seanna, which would certainly make it worse for him. Clad in her plain green homespun, she walked toward him and stopped, putting her hands on her fists for some time. "Jack Flynn," she called him out in front of his crew, a voice firm and commanding as befitted the Ceannfort of Ulster, "Where the fek do ye think ye were goin' fer so long without sayin' a word?" She held a letter in her hand, which was addressed to Jack, but she wasn't
Pride of Eireann [8:36 P.M.]: about to hand it over yet. Her heart thumped at the sight of him. She'd thought him gone for good, a fierce repetition of her life with Sean--here and gone from one moment to the next. She would not tolerate it again. "If yer gone, yer gone," she said coldy, "ye understand the meanin'?" She was furious, and prepared to turn her back towards him and leave. A drink would be more appropriate company for her now.
CaptainJackFlynn [9:00 P.M.]: For Jack, there really wasn't a good answer to where he'd gone. With a soft, under his breath, "Oh fer the love o' gods..." There were two ways to answer it: the one that put Ulster first, or the one that put her first. Either one was to make it a bit easier on him. But not by much. Jack hesitated, before he said, "I went ta Ulster. Ta be gettin' tha lay o' the land, fer when we be invadin'." He hesitated, seeing the later she had. Then he went ahead and went for the second reason as well. "An' it did
CaptainJackFlynn [9:02 P.M.]: nae feel right ta be askin' yer brothers fer yer 'and in a note, sae I went ta be askin' 'em meself." He turned back to make sure the crew was still working to bring up the stone. It could easily out of the sky and knock a whole in the bottom of the boat. Still the load was being cranked skyward. From the Lagan came the sound of, "Make ready ta swing 'er over!" (d)
Pride of Eireann [9:06 P.M.]: "What did ye bring back then, all of Ulster?" She stepped forward, chin high, and slapped him flat across the cheek. "Ye scare me like that again ye've no reason to ask for a thing. Ye can't go off and not tell me, else I'll lose ye, too, an' I've already lost enough," she scolded, "An' in an official capacity, yer me sworn sword. Imagine what could have become of me if the young Emerald Paladin hadn't been here to assist me." Who was she fooling? It was well known that Mairi could defend herself, but
Pride of Eireann [9:08 P.M.]: she fully intended to rub it in. "An' Seanna's been askin' fer ye. A tooth's comin' in an' she took a step an' ye missed it," she said coldly. Mairi was fortunate enough not to miss it herself--she had been preparing to step out for a walk so as not to worry and panic in front of the baby when Seanna, overcome with her own worry after asking for her da, called out "Ma ma ma ma ma" and actually walked to catch her. There was no asking what the brothers had said, though she feared they had denied him. Little
Pride of Eireann [9:08 P.M.]: to be said for it now that she'd slapped him so openly in front of his crew. (D)
CaptainJackFlynn [9:13 P.M.]: The Irishman had the natural father's reaction at hearing he'd missed his daughter's first step: heartbreak. "Aye?" Oh eloquently that carried his heartbreak. There was a sad smile, "Ya think I could get her ta show me her choppers when I get home?" He asked. They were at a stalemate, it seemed. She wanted to rub in the hurt, he wasn't quiet sure how to say it. Eventually, the Irishman said softly, "Carrick 'eartily approved o' tha idea, sae long as I put up wit' ya. Tha good Fat'er said 'e'd damn me ta
CaptainJackFlynn [9:15 P.M.]: 'Ell iffen I broke yer 'eart er mistreated ya." An amusing idea, since the Irishman didn't believe in the Christian faith. God, after all, hadn't made Andrew Flynn stop beating his wife and child. There was a careful glance, as if too see that bit of news had stayed her fury. As for whether or not he'd brought back all of Ulster? That was answered when the stone was at last heaved-hoed into the sky. She could tell from it's size that it was a small boulder used to the building of a castle. As they swung
CaptainJackFlynn [9:17 P.M.]: the stone toward a waiting heavy-duty wagon, Mairi could tell that it was good sized boulder, cut to fit into a castle. It may not have been one of the huge stones, but it was of a good size. Then the rope slowly straightened out, and she'd see it. The crest of the O'Briens and the O'Neils. Showing where he'd gotten the stone. (d)
Pride of Eireann [9:20 P.M.]: It had hurt Mairi when Seanna had walked and he wasn't there. It hurt because it drudged up a hundred firsts she'd seen without Sean by her side when he was out at sea, and Jack wasn't supposed to be like that--he had promised her, and she still felt let down. Containing her fury, her jaw was set tight, giving the impression that the Ceannfort was akin to a dam ready to break. "That sounds like Declan an' Carrick. Were their clothes well-mended? Did Carrick seem sad of heart...?" She was a sister, and also
Pride of Eireann [9:22 P.M.]: a mother, so it was natural for her to worry. She folded her arms defensively before herself, not wanting to stand too close to Jack at this point--she'd likely hit him with a hard fist. She didn't want to look at him either--she'd likely forgive him all his faults as wives were inclined to do for husbands. Turning her gaze instead towards the rock, she noted the crests and pretended to be unimpressed that this man would move large pieces of earth for her happiness. One word, though, in Irish, displayed
Pride of Eireann [9:22 P.M.]: her gratitude as she uncrossed her arms, staring at the rock:
Pride of Eireann [9:23 P.M.]: "Baile." (d) ((That means 'home'))
CaptainJackFlynn [9:26 P.M.]: There was a nod of his head, "Aye, their close seemed ta be well mended. Think tha' Declan 'ad found a nice lady in 'is parish doin' his mendin' fer 'im. Carrick's clothin' 'ad tha touch o' a man daein' it himself. An' Carrick daes seemed ta still 'old a woman close ta 'im, an' 'e's sore o' heart." Jack was quiet for a long before he said softly, "Aye, baile." He looked at her quietly, "I dun think ye wanna be stayin' at tha Griffin Castle an' we need a place o' our own.... sae....." He off handedly
CaptainJackFlynn [9:28 P.M.]: motioned toward the rock. Jack knew he was in the dog house, and it hurt to know. Also that she was purposely trying to make it worse. The Irishman looked away, frowning quietly. Then he boarded, not carrying if she followed him or not, and went into his cabin with another crewman. How long would her anger hold, when she saw what other treasures he produced? The two men came out of the cabin, carrying a spool of eight yards of tartan cloth in the provincial colors of Ulster. They carried out and laid
CaptainJackFlynn [9:30 P.M.]: it in the wagon, nudged up against the Dunluce stone. Once more, the two men went aboard ship and carried out another spool. This one of Clan O'Brien tartan. Then Jack loitered near it and did something they'd both avoided. He raised his eyes to her's. And held the gaze. Quietly, he reached into a pocket and extracted the last of his prizes. Had she drifted close enough to see what it was? It was shiny, almost circular. Made of gold. Jack quietly moved a bit of the O'Brien fabric so that it covered
CaptainJackFlynn [9:31 P.M.]: the Dunluce stone like an offering table, and laid his last offering on it. The Tara brooch worn by her father and Sean O'Neil. Then he quietly looked at her. "I am sorry tha I did nae tell ye where I was goin'." (d)
Pride of Eireann [9:33 P.M.]: "Carrick should go back to his woman when this war's over..." she mused, then let a curious, disapproving gaze follow him as he went in and the other items came out. She still held her chin high in the air--for someone who disapproved so much of royal titles, she certainly acted as though she was born to one at times. When Mairi was injured, even in pride, it was as though that same injury applied to her homeland, both in her mind and in the perception of many of the folk of Ulster, and so it would not do
Pride of Eireann [9:36 P.M.]: for her to remain in such a state. Casually she looked at the fabric, impressed but not letting on such, and when at last the Tara brooch was produced, she reached out for it, half in disbelief, touching it to see that it was real. Sean had worn the brooch on their last formal night, just days before he left to face the English during his last stand. She at last held the brooch in her own hand before
Pride of Eireann [9:38 P.M.]: handing it back to him, to conclude the peace offering. Her disappointment could still not be shielded, because he had worried her so. "Yer lucky yer so kind to me, anam cara." After handing over the brooch, she folded her arms. "Ye intend to wear these colors? They'd suit ye in a tourney, an' I'd make a favour with the colors."(D)
CaptainJackFlynn [9:49 P.M.]: Jack was still hurt and she was disappointed. There was a soft sigh, wondering how long this could go on. Then he said, "Aye, ah dae. Ah was thinkin' tha I could be askin' ye fer a belted plaid er a kilt.... tha Ulster's tartan ta be worn upon foreign shores, an' tha O'Brien ta be wearin' at home." Then the Irishman cursed this quietly. He did something that he should've done in the first place: he walked to her and through his arms around her. Jack drew his lady love close her and burying his
CaptainJackFlynn [9:51 P.M.]: face in her shoulder and hair. Slowly, he pulled back to look at her quietly. Then he kissed her, as a lover ought. When the kiss was broken, reluctantly, he said softly, "Ye 'ave knae idea 'ow much I missed ye......" Then he hugged her close again. Would she react all? Resist? Or would she return his embrace? Jack at last pulled back once again, quietly saying, "Lets gae home, aye?" (d)
Pride of Eireann [9:56 P.M.]: She was stiff at his embrace, resisting slightly at first. She would not refuse the kissing, but didn't actively encourage it, either. "Aye, I'll sew this fer ye. We can go home." She took another look at the stone before turning away. Where was home? At the castle? On the ship? Home was Ulster, and she wasn't going there now. It made her heart heavy. "Seanna can show ye her teeth an' her walkin," Mairi conceded, feeling guilty over how harsh she'd been. He'd deserved it though, in her eyes, having known
Pride of Eireann [9:58 P.M.]: what she'd been through in the past. She made the comparisons to Sean silently, and to her credit, voiced them only in disappointed glances. "In me own experience the truest of love isn't always the happiest." She wasn't sorry for slapping him; she had done what she needed to make amends as far as she was willing to make them. She hoped for the feeling of his hand on her waist--that reassuring feeling, the one that would still be there even when her womb swelled with child...his comforting gestures would
Pride of Eireann [10:00 P.M.]: still make her feel like the most elite of all women. "Did ye spy any more of those Emerald Paladin swords while ye were there? It would be good, for the people to see, to have them back again. They were fearless. As Admiral, ye would of course be inducted into their ranks." She was still hurting, the fear of being left still aching, and present again. (d)
((continued...)
CaptainJackFlynn [10:20 P.M.]: Jack smiled as the pair of them quietly made their way through the halls of Griffin caste, glad to have been home after spending a week in Ulster. Jack's arm was, as ever, around Mairi's waist as they walked. He held her closer to him. Some of their hurt, their anger had faded on the wagon was home. Before they reached their chambers, Jack paused. Then he said, hesitatingly, "Can ye be gaein' to Seanna, an' tellin' 'er tha' ye 'ave a surprise fer 'er?" There was a hesitating smile, "I was thinkin' tha'
CaptainJackFlynn [10:21 P.M.]: t'would get 'er ta walk ta me when I come in, aye?" He still could not believe that he had missed Seanna's first steps. Some part of his life would never forgive himself for it. Although he had been their for her first words, which had been amusing when she'd said 'Da da da da da da'. (d)
Pride of Eireann [10:28 P.M.]: She appreciated that a great deal of their walk was in the quiet of the evening. She had just left Seanna due to word of the Lagan's return, but Mairi was eager to spend more time with her daughter again. It was, perhaps, in part of her disappointment with Jack, and her temporary fear that the only thing Seanna really had to hold on to was her mother. "I miss me parents," she said solemnly, "Me ma...she was such a Christian woman, but da would have adored ye." She opened the door and snuck in, and Laura's
Pride of Eireann [10:30 P.M.]: voice could be heard from within. "Da? Da?" Seanna asked, beginning with small sentences now, "Da ship?" Inside, Mairi nodded to her daughter and spoke to Laura. "I'll bring her to yer quarters, an' I'll feed her first," she said. Grateful for the unexpected time to herself, Laura exited, hand to her throat as she was startled by Jack. "Aye, Seanna," Mairi said from within, "Yer da was on the sea, but now he is home because he couldn't bear to be away from ye, he loves ye so..." Seanna giggled, and Mairi
Pride of Eireann [10:31 P.M.]: placed her on the floor as she changed into her emerald robe, a watchful eye always upon her. "How would ye like it if yer da brought ye a gift, Seanna? A present! What could it be... a new sweater fer ye? A rattle, or a sweet? What do ye think?" She said these things that illicited an excited reaction from the girl. Mairi was more a mother now, most importantly, than she ever had been, and Seanna was glowing with the attention, but confused. Mairi changed and sat on the bed. When Seanna started to crawl
Pride of Eireann [10:32 P.M.]: toward her, Mairi helped her to her feet, and with one hand, pointed towards the door. (D)
CaptainJackFlynn [10:36 P.M.]: The Irishman had loitered outside, simply smiling when he saw Laura. There was, of course, a quiet, "Sorry fer tha'." At having startled Laura. When Mairi pointed toward the door, the Irishman walked in and said quietly, "Sae there's me fae princess..." There was some distance between Seanna and Jack, but it was not as great as it could've been. He crouched down to Seanna's level, "Dae ye be wantin' ta give yer Da' a hug?" The Irishman smiled softly, and opened his arms wide. Oh, but for the smiles of
CaptainJackFlynn [10:39 P.M.]: the wee ones at all! It seemed enough to make even the most hurt of emotions disappear in such a smile. Jack scooted just a touch closer, to make it easier on Seanna, when his daughter started walking. The Irishman's heart felt fit to burst from the prie and happiness of being with his daughter again, as he wrapped his arms around her and slowly gained his feet. "Yer Da's home, Seanna, an' 'e is gonna be fer sometime." That was directed not only at Seanna, but at Mairi as well. The Irishman's eyes had
CaptainJackFlynn [10:40 P.M.]: gone to her as he said that. Then he looked back to Seanna. "Shall we gae gaein' an' seein' iffen we can be gettin' a hug an' kiss each from yer Ma?" (d)
Pride of Eireann [10:43 P.M.]: Mairi watched with pride as Seanna took a few steps towards Jack. Seanna's grip was very strong now, ensuring she would not fall. When father and daughter were reunited, Mairi turned and started to prepare the bed. She was still feeling the rocking sensation of the sea, even on land, but it was wearing off. "She had trouble sleepin' last night." Mairi knew why. Seanna was like Jack and Sean, meant to be on the sea. Seanna replied to Jack by batting at his nose and saying "Ma ma ma ma kiss." ... with such a
Pride of Eireann [10:46 P.M.]: bright tone, as though she was singing. Unlike Mairi, Seanna had a very high voice, even at this age. She was fearless when it came to some things, like the sea, and that frightened Mairi. In the face of Jack, however, she was indeed such a princess. Nearing a year in age, Seanna's hair darkened just a bit, nearing the shade of Mairi's. Her eyes were steadfast grey, though. Mairi sat on the bed and patted the spot next to her. "We can arrange for that." (D)
CaptainJackFlynn [10:59 P.M.]: At hearing that Seanna was having trouble, Jack looked at her with a frown, "Tis tha' true?" There was a soft smile, "Than we shall be askin' tha' Good Queen Maab ta be brinin' ye good dreams." Then he sat quietly beside Mairi, with his daugther in lap. Then he smiled as Seanna reached for her mother, ready for her kiss. There was a soft bit of laugther from his daughter, thrilled no doubt to have her parents home once again. Jack smiled, thrilled to have his wife and daughter home with him again.
CaptainJackFlynn [11:00 P.M.]: Once Mairi had bestowed her hugs and kisses on Seanna, Jack leaned in to reclaim his hug and kiss from Mairi. They were a family together again. (d)
Pride of Eireann [11:06 P.M.]: Mairi's kiss to Seanna was gentle, upon the cheek. "She just missed her da. Now he's back, she can sleep." Seanna seemed to clap when Jack leaned to kiss Mairi. "Don't mention who ye went to see," she warned to Jack, "She misses them too." Mairi stifled a yawn then, thinking it time for bed. "Will ye take her back to Laura then, while I prepare the room?" She offered a wicked grin, then. Comfortable, in these stone walls and in this robe, Mairi looked soft, relaxed, and rested now that Jack was
Pride of Eireann [11:08 P.M.]: home. Furthermore, the Ceannfort looked very healthy, though not yet plump. "I've gained some weight," she said self-consciously. That was true, though she had gained it in the right places, having slightly more of an hourglass figure than she had a week ago. Just five pounds she'd gained, but it made a difference, and she was no longer permitted to run about and fight as she was accustomed to doing. (d)