Post by Lord Admiral Jack Flynn on Jun 9, 2008 18:00:42 GMT -6
The Ceannfort had come in late after her time alone on the docks. She'd made sure Seanna was sleeping soundly before she crept into the cabin she shared with Jack. Quietly she slipped out of the red dress and climbed into bed wearing a long leine. Unsure if he was asleep, she lightly draped her arm over him and kissed him on the cheek. She didn't want to wake him, but if she did, there was a bit to discuss.
The Irishman hadn't been in a sound sleep and she would see that he shifted, before propping himself up on his elbow. There was a gentle rub at his eyes before he offered her a, "Ye've been gone more t'an an hour...."
"Aye," she smiled at him, eyes already adjusted to the dark. She placed a hand on his cheek gently. "I saw young Robb--the young man wishes to get fitted for some armor and I offered to cover the cost as he'll be fighting for Ulster, an' volunteered yerself to take him soon...the boy lost his uncle an' he has no da."
This was not a pressing matter, as she was certain Jack would be up to the task. There was something more imperative, so said her tone of voice, but she would let him first wake up before bringing up Collin.
The Irishman rubbed his eyes again, shifting so he was sitting up in bed with his back resting against the bed's headboard, "Armor?" He paused, "Wot tha Devil did I dae tha' made ye suspect tha' I knae about armor?"
There was a cant of his head. Aside from the officer's gorget that he wore on certain occasions, the last time she had seen him in armor was -- never. The only armor Jack or his crew were was composed mainly of quilted or leather armor. The heavier stuff pulled you down into the eternal embrace of Mother Ocean. Although, if the rumors were true, the ocean would do Jack no harm. It was, however, another thing to go tempting fate by wearing metal armor.
"It isn't that I think ye know about it..." Mairi herself generally didn't wear armor at all. In the past, when she had, it had been a gift and made of leather. "It's just something a young man should do with his da, and he's large for his age, I just want ye to go with him an' help...I'm sure there's someone in Turas Lan can fit him proper an' I want him in the best, even if he's still growing to do."
At sixteen, Robb was considered a man, but Mairi saw it clear he still needed some parenting. Being pregnant and occupied with Seanna, such a topic was always on her mind. "I'm just askin' ye to go an' help him, but if ye won't, then I'll go meself." She pouted slightly, mind already bothered by something else.
Jack smiled softly, "I did nae say tha' I wouldn't gae with tha' lad.... just dun expect me ta know more than' tha. I'll be trustin' tha decision o' whoe'er makes tha stuff...." He hesitated, "Maybe should be gettin' meself a beast plate an' another gorget... consderin' what's comin'." Luckily for Jack, his mun does know a fair deal about armor making. There was a frown, as he studied her quietly, "What are ye keepin' from me?"
Her hands fell to his neck as he discussed the new pieces of armor for himself. She held a look of worry in her eyes, because she knew what was coming as well. She had lived with war for most of her life, and the English were not forgiving opponents. Her hand fell to his heart, then, and the image permanently inscribed on the skin above it. "I am not sure if this will upset ye, but I'll tell ye if ye wish. It's a matter of security so it's something ye must know." There was concern in her voice, but Seanna was safe, and Mairi was here safe beside him.
The Irishman frowned softly. What was with troubling his wife? He canted his head. Dog was quiet, at least for now. Seanna was, in fact, asleep. "I think ye should be tellin' me."
"I saw Collin O'Donnel..." she wasn't sure if the name would be familiar to Jack, but if it was, it would be because he had already learned of the false rumor that Sean was not Seanna's father--and Collin was. She had also mentioned that Collin is dead. "They call him some sort of phantom now, an' he attacked me, I think not knowin' it was me, an' of course I can best him an' so I did, with Dog's help. I did not have to fight..." she quelled that worry. The baby was fine. However, Mairi smelled of her herbs and the sea and of something else--the proximity of another man.
Aye, he remembered the name. Brynn had first told Jack, hoping to drive the Ceannfort and her consort apart. All it had earned Bess was a good solid slap from Jack, before he and Mairi had discussed it later. But infidelity was not Jack's worry, for he believed every word Mairi spoke. "... 'e attacked you?" The Irishman's face, understandably, was darkening at the news.
Mairi could watch his face change like a fast moving storm, and knew what was behind the fronts. The Irishman was fully intent on going out and beating the man within an inch of his life, friend of Mairi or no. The second was to begin punishing those crew left standing watch, since they had obviously not done their jobs.
"He would not have had he known it was me... I cannot say he is a friend for true...but he at least would have known better. He knows that I could win in a fight..." she said defensively. "He knew I was with child...he just...knew it about me. Likely because I let Dog do the fightin' ... Dog tore the flesh on his leg an' he wouldn't stay fer me to heal him... the important thing is here..." she tried changing the subject, her hand delicately on Jack's face, "he's forces, Irish forces, an' they need to be on our side. I'll need fer ye to speak with him civilly..." she proposed. Perhaps it would have been best for her to leave this affair for another time. It was one thing to engage in bedroom politics--it was another thing entirely to bring politics into the bedroom.
The Irishman's response was automatic, "The fact tha' 'e attacked any woman, 'specially one tha' was wit' child, dae nae speak ta 'is character." Yet, even her hand upon his face could not soothe way the intent. Jack may well be speaking to the man, but this incident would not go unanswered. "An' 'is forces can be won way from 'im... either wit' true loyalty ta ye er a good bit o' money...." He was, however, watching her face. Then he sighed, "But I shall speak ta 'im." The word 'civilly' was purposely absent. The Irishman's anger had been roused, after all, and Collin was no doubt soon to learn that doing that very bad things happened when you made the Irishman angry.
"Aye, I thank ye for that." She had requested a civil meeting, but expected neither man to be so. She was just fortunate to have escaped Jack's anger over the matter of it being Collin. Collin had wanted her dead once, but perhaps it was his loyalty to Ulster that kept him from killing her. What had stayed him the previous night? Soothingly, she continued to touch his cheek. "But these are matters fer tomorrow, a cara. I didn't mean to upset ye, an' Dog was a faithful protector. I won't send ye in to battle not knowin' what yer up against--or fighting with," she said. She had encouraged Collin to speak with Jack, Carrick, and Declan to coordinate, but she wasn't certain it would come to fruition. The former general (and former Ceannfort, incidentally) rarely used traditional tactics, and that worried her. He was by very definition of the term a loose cannon, and Mairi was determined not to have Jack come to harm for it.
"Yer too smart to be fooled by the politics. That's another reason why it's ye at me side as we take back what belongs to our children." She worded everything so tactfully. Though her anger always got the better of her, Mairi was quite the diplomat when necessary.
Save that Jack had not been angry over Collin's identity. It had been Collin's actions, the attack upon Mairi, that had drew the Irishman's anger out so pure and strong. If the Irishman found out about Collin's past villainy, or his thoughts on wanting Mairi dead, Mairi could be assured that the Irishman wouldn't simply beat the man within an inch of his life -- but that Jack would kill the man proper and for true. This was an attack on his Ceannfort, her honor, and his Consort. And it would not go unanswered.
The Irishman searched her gaze and sighed softly. There was a soft smile, as he let go of his anger (for a time) and set to getting ready for bed. "Ye know tha' ye are tha only one tha' can dae this tae me, aye?" Meaning to calm him so, even after seeing his anger rouse.
"Aye, Seanna an' me both...an' ye are both the same remedy to me," she answered him simply. "If this is all to work...it'll have to be so, else we'll forever be discontent."
She was confident in Jack's abilities to handle himself in a high position in Ulster. Sean, by contrast, had been reluctant to take the positions of Consort and Admiral, whereas Jack had volunteered his loyalty in an uncompromising fashion. She was content with the way things were, though Collin would remain a worry. She watched him carefully for cues that the anger would wrack his sleep and hoped to find none. For some reason, it felt of importance.
Mairi had wished her lover calm, and a calm lover she'd find. At least for the night, the anger was gone. The Irishman began the task of getting back to bed. There was a soft smile to her, once he was in the bed and no longer sitting up. "Ya should be comin' 'ere...." He patted her usual pillow: his chest.
Grinning, she was eager to snuggle up beside him. Mairi rested her head on his chest and wished him "pleasant dreams, anam cara." Though the lemongrass tea had been helping with the sickness caused by the child (she was even able to sleep on the ship now and again), Mairi was still experiencing fatigue. She was fast to fall asleep then, and her mind seemed to wait for him to catch up before it would begin to dream...
The Irishman would stay awake only a few moments more, before slowly letting his eyes close. His ears stayed open, listening to the sounds of the sea, the lap of water against the Mistress' hall. Not too far from their bed, little Seanna slept and dreamed as well. No doubt Queen Maab had given the greatest of her gifts to that wee un. Jack lightly squeeze Mairi's form closer to his own, before he at last drifted off to sleep as well.
The pair quickly fell into the same dream in their sleep state. Some things were slightly different--dressed in plain clothes and unarmed they were. Mairi looked down to find herself excessively pregnant and very hungry. She looked the same weight she was at seven months with Seanna, but somehow she knew the pregnancy was not quite that far along. Startled, Mairi's first instinct was to reach for Jack's hand.
The ache in her back and the hunger in her stomach were very real. So preoccupied was she with this that she failed to notice where they stood--in a lush meadow, leading to a small village that both of them just knew by some additional instinct was friendly. Despite the confusion, Mairi didn't say anything. She searched Jack's eyes for strength.
If ever there was a time when the stories about the Irishman would prove true, it was in this dream. Upon his face, was the natural continuation of the Celtic knot work that she had inscribed upon his flesh. The intricate knots following the contorts and shape of his cheekbones, with his eyes becoming the colors of the sea themselves. And yet, his fae lineage was shown in another way. There was a carved circlet of oak woven with mistletoe resting upon his brow. Quietly, the Irishman reached out to lightly take her hand. There was a gentle, reassuring squeeze given to her hand. Jack quietly reached over, resting his hand upon her very pregnant form.
Then he slowly turned to study their surroundings. Aye, they may have stood within a meadow, but it was the lay of the land that was beyond their meadow that caught Jack's attention. They stood within a cricle of standing stones. That would be when the Irishman's eyes would lightly widen. He squeezed her hand again, and glanced at her -- and then outward. The meadow they stood in was perfectly round, almost circular.
Once Mairi was reassured by Jack, her eyes fell upon his appearance, in particular his eyes. She knew in her heart of hearts that it was still him, still the same person, and she moved close and placed her hand on top of his as she looked down once more at her form. The trek to the nearby town was not far, and though she felt rejuvenated standing here, it would take some time to walk there given her pregnancy.
"I won't be able to walk fast," at last she said. Her words seemed slightly foggy, but they would echo with clarity to Jack, "But I'd like to head fer the village. Me back hurts an' I'd like something to eat." Still not entirely understanding, Mairi patted herself to see if she had any money, only to find she did not. "Ye have any coin?"
The fairy circle did not frighten her--she knew what it was, and had been the subject of various rituals performed within one before. The austere feeling, however, was eclipsed by the fact that she was suddenly so full.
The Irishman had not been anticipating Mairi's move to take his hand and had been rather intent on his suspicions of where they were. The Irishman had cast his gaze skyward for a time, watching the clouds, when Mairi had seized his hand and moved to rest it oh so gently against her full womb. The faint outward press of a tiny, perfect, foot was just beginning to fade when his calloused hand rested softly upon the top of her belly.
Of course, that would be when the *other* babe decide to make itself known. Mairi would feel the second child moving to stretch in her womb, one perfect, tiny leg being extended. This would be what Jack felt for true, this second child's kick. There was a soft smile upon his lips, before he leaned in quietly to place a soft kiss upon her belly. As he shifted into a sitting position, toward Mairi's side, he was quiet for a time.
Simply enjoying this feeling of home. Such a feeling as this home, of this belonging, would not have come fully with setting feet to Mag Mell's lands. Then, quietly, he would meet her eyes, and said softly, "This tis tha land o' the faes.... tis Tir na nOg...."
She wondered, of course, how to get out, but she answered Jack with calm and resolve, both hands on her belly now. Maybe she appeared this way because, in the deepest of Jack's wishes, this was what he wanted her to be, and wanted her to look like. She had a serene understanding, for as far as she could tell (and such perception was true), she looked the same as she always did--just more pregnant, and with the jewelry marking her as Ceannfort. "Why do ye suppose we're here?" she asked him. Finally, the babies within quieted and she placed his arm around her waist, needing some help as she attempted to stand again.
Would she ask on why she appeared this way, so heavy with child? Jack smiled softly as he helped her to her feet, enjoying the closeness she offered. Again, he would marvel at the way she reacted to his closeness. Had Sean ever touched her while she was pregnant? Ever made love to her while she carried Seanna? It was almost as though she thirsted for his touch while she was pregnant. "I dae knae...." He said softly. Then he looked toward the town, "I believe tha' we shall be gaein' inta town...."
"I wonder if this is in the future...why else would I appear this way?" She was obviously rather comfortable with it, casting a suspicious glance toward Jack, wondering how she might be answered as they made their way down the hill. She was content enough that neither of them appeared too differently here and that they felt mostly comfortable.
There would be a soft blush of the Irishman's features, a gentle smile. Then he looked at her quietly, saying, "Ye are this way 'cause tis how I wish ye ta be...." And his blush deepened a shade.
She leaned on him a bit more than once as she moved down the hill; it was impossible for her to see her footing considering her enlarged womb in the way. She found that she enjoyed pregnancy for another reason--there would be strangers here, and she would show up at Jack's side. It was obvious that he was hers, and everyone would know it by mark of the child he had given her. More than once she used a hand to support her back, noting that it felt different than when she had carried Seanna...even the way the weight was distributed within her belly.
She felt a bit lightheaded when they reached the entrance to the village, but she leaned on Jack and persisted. As soon as they entered the village, Mairi felt fully refreshed, though still hungry. "I suppose we are to find lodging here," she said. "I could sing fer a room." Though her voice was more beautiful than that of most mortals, she was not sure that she could compare to fey tones, but she would try. It was a common enough practice, to sing for one's supper. She located an inn--and just as she was about to squint at the sun, it lessened some in brightness, as though she had wished it.
A few folk passing by stared at her, and one woman, though she acted afraid, attempted to touch Mairi's hair. The Ceannfort assumed she might be after some of the gold balls within, until she realized that here no one else was red-haired.
At being reminded of her hunger, Jack would loose his blush. There was a gentle swallow, before he said in a hushed tone, "Remember o' where we are. Be e'er courteous ta those 'round us in all thin's....an' be polite in tha refusal o' food." There was a quiet look about, in that instant hoping that none of passing fae would take issue with what was provided as good advice. "Be rememberin' our tales... ta be eatin' food 'ere tis ta ne'er return ta tha world o' men." There was a sad look, "Tho this be a fae realm, tis nae Mag Mell -- mah mother t'will hold nae sway 'ere."
That the Lady Ciera held any sway at all spoke to the circlet that he wore about him. Although, that did give rise to a good and true question: did he appear this way, because she wished it? Or because this was Tir na nOg, and his fae blood was truly shown for her eyes. The Irishman raised his eye quietly, softly looking at the other fae creatures about them. He remembered the tales of his childhood, rememembered his voyage to Roan Inish. T'was that why some of the fae drifted closer to the pair to offer smile and gentle greetings?
Mairi felt confused. It was as though she was in Ireland, yet not. They smiled at Jack and looked curiously at Mairi's belly. Surely the people must reproduce in some way, she thought, yet none of the other females were pregnant, nor as fair-skinned as she, nor built like her. She moved out of the way of the woman touching her hair, closer to Jack, and felt terribly observed.
"Aye, I'll abide by the rules." She had also heard many stories about mortals being tricked while engaged in combat with fey folk, and was grateful then for her status as a woman too pregnant to fight. She was disappointed about the reminder about food, being so hungry and seeing others walk by with juicy, succulent fruit, but she would abide by the rule. If this had to do with Jack's wants, why then were they here?
"We know who you belong to!" The woman touching her hair grinned a bit, then ran off as though to get someone.
Mairi exchanged a rather confused look with Jack, before offering a reassuring thought, "I belong to none but ye." Frightened, she was afraid the woman might return with Sean, but instead a woman similar in complexion and hair color to Mairi appeared from one of the small structures in the village.
She was soon paired by a man of broad stature, but they did not run, for time passed slowly here and they had a great deal of time to see the visitors. "I think that's me ma an' da, Jack." She was still frightened, not knowing if it was them or simply those that looked like them. She held onto his hand and waited for them to approach.
Her parents? The Irishman turned his eyes to the approaching man and woman, canting his head. Softly, he murmured, "Tis nae Mag Mell..." The Irishman sounded a touch confused. For the Irishman, two things bore that this was Tir na nOg and not Mag Mell. The first was Mairi's hunger, as it was said those that had gone to the Plain of Joy would have no need of food or drink. The second, was the length of the walk from the fae ring to the town. And, most importantly, the Irishman carried no oar with him. Then he quietly looked to her, and softly asked, "Tis this yer daein?" Had she wanted him to meet her parents?
As those that were presumably her parents approached, Mairi looked up at him with a touch of guilt. "I....doubt I have the power to conjure such, Jack. The most I can do is make men see visions when I play me harp...an' that's not a born gift, it's because of a harp that was once in me possession." The harp of the Dagda, to be exact, and he would know it. But the gift had stayed with her, a testament to the fact that she had the Tuathan blood suggested by her name and lineage. Likely it was the combination of them that had caused this.
She assumed, as long as she was safe, Jack would want Mairi to live out all of her own desires, and this was one of them. "Aye, I did wish ye could know 'em, right on the dock after we saw-"
The Irishman finished her sentence mentally. She had wished him to meet her parents, after Mairi and Seanna had seen the Selkie -- his mother, the Lady Ciera-- in Tarus Lan's harbor.
Mairi's mother smiled up at her father. They seemed very much at peace...and her mothers eyes focused on her belly. The woman had tears in her eyes. She seemed preserved as not unkindly old--besides, Mairi was one of her older children so she was not much older than the Ceannfort to begin with. She wore a torc that matched Mairi's, and a look more frightened to her--and also, most notably, an emerald cross.
Mairi's father, however, was a large and broad man. Carrick was made much in the image of him, Jack would note, and it was clear that her father was a man carrying such a bloodline. He was not wearing the same accouterments Jack had been allowed, but he seemed to half-fit in here, whereas his wife did not.
The older woman looked at Mairi now as though her reason for being here was clear. The woman's hands were on Mairi's belly, then her arms wrapped around Mairi's shoulders. The Ceannfort hesitantly returned the embrace as her father reached out to clasp Jack's forearm. Jack would return her Father's handshake firmly, forearm to forearm, as a true warrior greeting another.
It was more than a little strange to Mairi, and she felt the color drain from her face.
"I've missed ye both so," she began...but they did not reply in turn. They hadn't missed her? Or Seanna? Or anyone? "This is Jack Flynn." Both parents stared at him knowingly--as though Mairi didn't understand the fact that they understood this information already, or how.
Once it was released, he spoke gently and softly to Mairi, "They already knae...." He was quiet for a time, "Tha passage of time flows different in tha Land o' tha E'er Young.... In tha space o' minutes 'ere, years 'ave gone past an' continue tae." The Irishman quietly fought down the panic that wanted to raise at saying such a thing out loud. How long would they find to have passed in the mortal realm, when they awoke? Or did time flow different in a dream, so that all would be right when they awoke in their beds?
Mairi worried immediately about that too, especially since she was with child. No wonder the folk were looking at her strangely. In this world, a pregnancy would last a very long time for a mortal. Would it even still hold? Would her babies come out full grown...or too young, considering their father was fey, but the children were conceived in the mortal world. Mairi's mother answered her concerns.
"Yer fine," she rested her hands on Mairi's belly one last time before surveying Jack. The woman had a quiet elegance about her that transcended this time and place. She simply smiled at Mairi after looking at Jack, granting her approval. They did not have to be in Tir na Nog for Mairi to know her mother's looks.
Her father looked to her mother and then spoke to Jack after their greeting had subsided. "There has been talk of ye, sailor. An' prophecies, long before I arrived on these shores. Be good to each other." He then turned to Mairi. "Things ye can't comprehend in yer state, child, I'm talkin' about. I agreed with yer heart an' I thought Sean was the one, but I was wrong, an' now that I am here, I can see that. Ye'll be safe with this one." He had a confidence to him in general, specifically when he said that, as though someone else had personally assured him. He smiled knowingly to Jack--Jack would know. "Guard yer heart--always guard yer heart, Mairi. Yer right in that... but don't keep this man out."
Had Jack or Mairi wanted her parents to say this, or were they saying it on their own? Her father seemed sincere, and wore the look of a chieftain in everything he said and did. He was one of the most fierce and wild looking men to ever fight for freedom, fit and tall even as he was here, in old age, with a beard now to match Carrick's.
Jack offered soft smile at hearing Grainne's words, a gentle squeeze was offered to Mairi's hand to add his own reassurance. However, at Aiden's words, the Irishman canted his head and looked rather puzzled, Before understanding settled in. Then the Irishman and Aiden shared another knowing looked. Ah. While Aiden had hinted at prophecy, the Irishman knew the truth. The personal assurance granted to Aiden and Grainne had been granted by none other than Lady Ciera. There was a smile given. Quietly, he turned his eyes to Mairi, wondering what she thought of Aiden's words.
The Ceannfort was wise in many things, but this she did not understand. There had been talk of Sean, and that clouded her thoughts. She pondered it more, and as she did, she recognized a few other faces in the passing crowds--fallen brothers-at-arms. One such individual even bowed to her, and the fey folk about did not think this at all odd. The next question would hurt Jack, she was sure of it. "Ma, why is Sean not here?"
Aiden stepped in then, holding up a hand to his daughter. "Sean was not the one, Mairi. I am sorry. Ye are in the right now. Be happy for it." That made Mairi angry, and as soon as she felt that flash of ire, passers-by seemed to look at her even more strangely, as though she didn't belong. The baby kicked again, and Jack would not just sense her anger but feel it flowing off of her--from her hand to his.
Was Sean not entitled to the beauty of the other world? Aiden intervened again, after offering a knowing look to Jack. He would leave that bit to Mairi's consort to explain as it was his place. She simply didn't understand--this was not Mag Mell, and that's where Sean was.
First? The Irishman quietly guided Mairi over toward a convenient stack of crates, of the appropriate size, so that she could sit down. She had been standing since they had entered the village and Jack was certain that such an encounter with her parents had distracted her from her back, from her feet. Once the Irishman had gently seated her, he quietly he knelt before her.
She could see that he was struggling with words, before he said, "Tis Tir na nOg tha' we are in, Mairi.... tha Land o' tha Fer E'er Young...." He was quiet again, "Those tha' ye see 'ere, 'bout us, are either sworn ta one o' tha Fae Courts er 'ave fey blood in their veins...." Jack studied her face, to know that she was listening. "Sean tis nae 'ere, he 'ad neither tha fae masters nor tha fae blood. He resides in Mag Mell, tha Joyous Plain, an' tha' is a place ye an' I cannae gae."
Mairi was patient with him, but folk were still staring. As he explained, she did cry, quietly. She was the only one that had shown such emotion here at all--anything aside from happiness or complacency--but for her mother, who had wept upon seeing her. Mairi did not have much such blood in her--it was there, but she was strikingly different here...and strikingly different from everyone else in her normal life. There was no compromise but the man kneeling before her. Mairi touched a hand to his head then cheek, as though pardoning him for the delivery of such news.
"I understand," she said, comprehending the explanation, but then Grainne placed a gentle hand upon Jack's shoulder. Mairi knew why. There was a lot going on in her womb at the moment, and not just from the absence of rest. She needed to feed the life within her.
Grainne spoke to Mairi: "Ye need to go now that yer wish has been seen to, aye? Yer chil...ye'll have trouble if ye don't..." she looked at Mairi's belly, having almost given away a surprise of some sorts.
It felt to Mairi that it was Jack and her parents who were kin now, not her--but at least she was still Ceannfort. Her mother and father both bent to kiss her on the cheek. Grainne kissed Jack's cheek as well. "Take her back up the hill," Aiden directed, "an' let her sleep through the day. It will not be easy for her in her condition."
The Irishman nodded softly, "Aye, I shall." Mairi should not discount the blood she had so readily. She had fae blood in her veins, from both her father. And the lover that know held her hands quietly. Then he quietly stood, helping Mairi to her feet, "Come on, aye?" There was a soft smile, "When we get ta home I shall be fixin' ye yer favorite dish."
There was a soft kiss to her forehead as he helped her up. Once she was upon her feet, once more the Irishman slipped his arm around her waist to hold her close to him. Again, there was that gentle pace to accommodate her full womb. Would she rest her head on his shoulder as they walked? What thoughts went through her mind as she walked with him back to the fae ring? Regarding Jack, Sean, and what she had been told here.
As they began to walk, she looked back at her parents. They seemed pleased that Jack was seeing to Mairi. "I don't understand what they mean that yer the one...yer the one fer what? Will ye be taken from me?" She said worried, turning her face back towards him.
As they left the village, hunger cascaded upon her. The ring seemed so far off and at halfway she had to stop. "I'd sure like a meal of eggs an' milk right now."
Pausing in their walk, she turned back toward the village. The pull was really strong, the urge to eat, but she knew what that would mean. Even if Jack would stay here forever with her, there was work still to be done in Ulster, and Seanna, who needed them.
There was a lot she did not know about the construction of her childhood--why she had been so well-educated, why the harp had found her hands, and why one sibling was a priest of the White Christ and another a priestess of the Old Ways. The way Ulster had come to her was equally vague. It had not been Sean's to give, and yet it had been given to her.
She leaned heavily on Jack when they rested, and despite her worries she enjoyed the moment. As she paused to catch her breath, she placed both of his hands on her belly, so that he would remember how full she was, and she would remember the feeling of his hands placed there. "I love what we've made together, anam cara," she praised him, but the color was gone from her face and she looked weak. Mairi needed to rest, and to eat something soon.
The Irishman promised that she would be told the truth of it, by himself. However, the pale look upon her features and the hunger he knew she must have made it imperative that they return to the mortal realm soon.
Still, the Irishman could not help but smile quietly when she placed his hands on her belly. There was a soft smile, knowing she had placed his hands on her belly for her own knowledge as well. "I tae love wot we 'ave made tagether, anam cara...." There was a gently kiss to her belly, "An' I promise ye tha' I shall make ye this way, in tha future." There was another kiss to her belly, before he stood.
The Irishman helped her up gently, saying, "We cannae loiter 'ere long...." And they would continue on to their fae circle. There was a light squeeze of her hand gently, "Are ye ready ta be goin' back?"
She looked almost weaker by the time they got there, hand on her belly as the mounted the last of the hill. "Aye." She had noted the extreme beauty of the fey women they had seen, but Jack had not looked at a single one of them. He had only kept his attention focused on Mairi. Bye the time she was ready to go, she had embraced him, leaning on him fully to stand.
When Mairi awoke, she felt completely exhausted, as though she had not slept at all. She was staring right up at Jack, still resting on his chest, and she was extremely hungry. The Irishman shifted, reaching up to rub his eyes.
The first thing he said, ".... eggs an' milk...." The dish she had told him in the Land of the Forever Young.
Mairi had thought it a dream. She did look down her belly though, and said quite sincerely, "how did ye know that's what I was wantin'?"
"Ya told me,"Jack said softly.
He pushed himself up gently, quietly looking down upon her. Slowly, the Irishman smiled softly. Ah. She still had the balls in her hair. Had she noticed yet?
When she saw Jack look at her hair, one hand went to it, feeling the gold balls in it, and she sat up, her other hand on her belly. She was still very pale, but improving. "What is the day? Where are we? Where is Seanna?" She began to scramble out of bed to check on her baby.
The Irishman glanced out of the large windows in the aftcabin, noting that there was no light to the sky. Or at least, no light he could see in the east-word facing cabin. Of to the west, there was only the thinnest rays of the sun coming. "I say tha' tis nae later than a few 'ours since ye returned..." Then he softly kisses it, "We are in mah cabin upon the Mistress...."
Then he slid from the bed, and answered her last question --where was Seanna? --- by gently going over to Seanna's crib and lifting the sleeping infant/toddler out. Quietly, he carried Seanna back to Mairi to lay a mother's fears to rest. The Irishman then went off to the galley, to begin preparing eggs for Mairi.
Mairi accepted Seanna into her arms with a look of wonder in her eyes. Jack appeared to accept the normalcy that came after this, but she could hardly believe what had happened. Seanna did not even stir, and Mairi moved back, sitting upon propped pilllows awaiting Jack's return--she had so many questions. That she could see her feet without a belly in the way felt odd.
Ah, but was that not only a matter of a few months? Truthfully, the Irishman was as wonder struck as she. Jack was only a half-blood fae, but it was his first visit to Tir na nOg. There was much wonder in his heart. And no doubt much that he would need to tell Mairi. When he returned, the Irishman carried with him a plate of eggs and a tankard full of milk. Quietly, he asked, "Dae ye want me ta take yer ornaments outta yer 'air?"
"If ye would." She handed Seanna back to him so that the baby could continue to rest. The Irishman gently sat on the edge of the bed while Seanna slept on, although when Seanna got to wroming around the Irishman did get up and put the wee child back into her bed. He leaned down to kiss her forehead softly, before returning to Mairi.
She was most eager towards the food, and grateful that he'd prepared such a large serving, and Mairi began to eat without abandon. Most of the ornaments were braided in, and a few of them were tied. "If ye can't get them all, that's fine. Perhaps I'll but them back in fer when we have our meeting." Her main focus was now on food, but when she finished, she placed the plate and empty tankard aside and remained patient.
The emply plate and tankard were gently taken and sat on a table, ready for the next day. Jack found one of Mairi's jewlery boxes and gently began removing the metallic ornaments from her hair. Softly, he said, "What will ye ask o' me?"
"Ye've given me everything, Jack....what more could I ask? I have just...I have loved before but I've never been this close to someone. I'm not frightened of retaking Dunluce or of the Anglish...but I am frightened of what I'd become without ye... what does it mean that ye'll be the one? Why didn't I understand anything? I am their daughter...or was..."she sounded rather exasperated and confused. She was also very tired, but her color was back.
Jack nodded quietly. For a few quiet moments, the Irishman simply removed the ornaments from her hair. Then he began, softly, "I dae remember when ye shed those seven tears an' gave ta tha sea those seven drops o' blood...." He hesitated, "I thought t'was a dream at tha' time... an' sae like tha ones tha' I had when I was a childe..." He was quiet fora long while, before he gently looked into her eyes, "Save tha' when she came this time, I did nae need 'er comfort.....but, I think now, tha' ye did."
The dreams he had as child had involved his mother coming into his room at night, as he had said on the docks. Then he continued,"She caressed me 'air, an' told me tha ye 'ad cried seven times in tha sea an' bleed just as often...."
"I don't know what to say...I know that a pair can complement one another well as we do, but I didn't mean to....disrupt yer life, or any other plans ye may have had." Jack was already very different than when she had met him. He had gone from being a comrade to being rather protective of her, and that feeling of safety reminded her of previous times.
"I didn't wish fer a man, not fer any man but the husband I'd lost...I know how legends are but I don't understand how it is that I deserve ye," she spoke softly, understanding the magnitude of the situation.
Carefully, Jack said softly, "May'ap ye got the husband ye deserved this eve...." He hesitated, "I dreamed o' ye tha' night, an' felt in me 'eart the hurt of what 'ad become o' Ulster's fate. I saw ye in yer mournin' grab, an' knew tha' ye were nae mournin' fer Sean.... but fer Ulster."
This brought tears to Mairi's eyes. "I think yer the only one who understands that, a cara, yerself an' Seanna. I held her so close that night, I was afraid I'd hurt her...the fact that she was livin' saved me life, fer I wanted to drown in the sea." That was something that strong, brave Mairi had never confessed to anyone before. Regardless of his progress with her hair, she leaned back to him for comfort. "How good ye are to me...what can I do in return fer ye?"
Jack smiled softly, before gently kissing her upon her forehead, "Ye are already daein' it, Mairi." Gently, he said, "Ye are mah Ceannfort... mah consort....allow me ta be servin' ye as ye deserve, an' loving' ye as ye deserve."
Within, her heart was growing and breaking at the same time. How had she chosen the wrong person? It had been rather obvious. She recalled her mother's look.She recalled the wedding day, the state affair, and her love for Sean which simply would not slip entirely away. All of it caused pain, and now Jack was far more than a distraction--he was fully integreated into her life, and it frightened her. She could do nothing but melt into his embrace and recall the feeling of being full with his children and how that had pleased him.
The Irishman hadn't been in a sound sleep and she would see that he shifted, before propping himself up on his elbow. There was a gentle rub at his eyes before he offered her a, "Ye've been gone more t'an an hour...."
"Aye," she smiled at him, eyes already adjusted to the dark. She placed a hand on his cheek gently. "I saw young Robb--the young man wishes to get fitted for some armor and I offered to cover the cost as he'll be fighting for Ulster, an' volunteered yerself to take him soon...the boy lost his uncle an' he has no da."
This was not a pressing matter, as she was certain Jack would be up to the task. There was something more imperative, so said her tone of voice, but she would let him first wake up before bringing up Collin.
The Irishman rubbed his eyes again, shifting so he was sitting up in bed with his back resting against the bed's headboard, "Armor?" He paused, "Wot tha Devil did I dae tha' made ye suspect tha' I knae about armor?"
There was a cant of his head. Aside from the officer's gorget that he wore on certain occasions, the last time she had seen him in armor was -- never. The only armor Jack or his crew were was composed mainly of quilted or leather armor. The heavier stuff pulled you down into the eternal embrace of Mother Ocean. Although, if the rumors were true, the ocean would do Jack no harm. It was, however, another thing to go tempting fate by wearing metal armor.
"It isn't that I think ye know about it..." Mairi herself generally didn't wear armor at all. In the past, when she had, it had been a gift and made of leather. "It's just something a young man should do with his da, and he's large for his age, I just want ye to go with him an' help...I'm sure there's someone in Turas Lan can fit him proper an' I want him in the best, even if he's still growing to do."
At sixteen, Robb was considered a man, but Mairi saw it clear he still needed some parenting. Being pregnant and occupied with Seanna, such a topic was always on her mind. "I'm just askin' ye to go an' help him, but if ye won't, then I'll go meself." She pouted slightly, mind already bothered by something else.
Jack smiled softly, "I did nae say tha' I wouldn't gae with tha' lad.... just dun expect me ta know more than' tha. I'll be trustin' tha decision o' whoe'er makes tha stuff...." He hesitated, "Maybe should be gettin' meself a beast plate an' another gorget... consderin' what's comin'." Luckily for Jack, his mun does know a fair deal about armor making. There was a frown, as he studied her quietly, "What are ye keepin' from me?"
Her hands fell to his neck as he discussed the new pieces of armor for himself. She held a look of worry in her eyes, because she knew what was coming as well. She had lived with war for most of her life, and the English were not forgiving opponents. Her hand fell to his heart, then, and the image permanently inscribed on the skin above it. "I am not sure if this will upset ye, but I'll tell ye if ye wish. It's a matter of security so it's something ye must know." There was concern in her voice, but Seanna was safe, and Mairi was here safe beside him.
The Irishman frowned softly. What was with troubling his wife? He canted his head. Dog was quiet, at least for now. Seanna was, in fact, asleep. "I think ye should be tellin' me."
"I saw Collin O'Donnel..." she wasn't sure if the name would be familiar to Jack, but if it was, it would be because he had already learned of the false rumor that Sean was not Seanna's father--and Collin was. She had also mentioned that Collin is dead. "They call him some sort of phantom now, an' he attacked me, I think not knowin' it was me, an' of course I can best him an' so I did, with Dog's help. I did not have to fight..." she quelled that worry. The baby was fine. However, Mairi smelled of her herbs and the sea and of something else--the proximity of another man.
Aye, he remembered the name. Brynn had first told Jack, hoping to drive the Ceannfort and her consort apart. All it had earned Bess was a good solid slap from Jack, before he and Mairi had discussed it later. But infidelity was not Jack's worry, for he believed every word Mairi spoke. "... 'e attacked you?" The Irishman's face, understandably, was darkening at the news.
Mairi could watch his face change like a fast moving storm, and knew what was behind the fronts. The Irishman was fully intent on going out and beating the man within an inch of his life, friend of Mairi or no. The second was to begin punishing those crew left standing watch, since they had obviously not done their jobs.
"He would not have had he known it was me... I cannot say he is a friend for true...but he at least would have known better. He knows that I could win in a fight..." she said defensively. "He knew I was with child...he just...knew it about me. Likely because I let Dog do the fightin' ... Dog tore the flesh on his leg an' he wouldn't stay fer me to heal him... the important thing is here..." she tried changing the subject, her hand delicately on Jack's face, "he's forces, Irish forces, an' they need to be on our side. I'll need fer ye to speak with him civilly..." she proposed. Perhaps it would have been best for her to leave this affair for another time. It was one thing to engage in bedroom politics--it was another thing entirely to bring politics into the bedroom.
The Irishman's response was automatic, "The fact tha' 'e attacked any woman, 'specially one tha' was wit' child, dae nae speak ta 'is character." Yet, even her hand upon his face could not soothe way the intent. Jack may well be speaking to the man, but this incident would not go unanswered. "An' 'is forces can be won way from 'im... either wit' true loyalty ta ye er a good bit o' money...." He was, however, watching her face. Then he sighed, "But I shall speak ta 'im." The word 'civilly' was purposely absent. The Irishman's anger had been roused, after all, and Collin was no doubt soon to learn that doing that very bad things happened when you made the Irishman angry.
"Aye, I thank ye for that." She had requested a civil meeting, but expected neither man to be so. She was just fortunate to have escaped Jack's anger over the matter of it being Collin. Collin had wanted her dead once, but perhaps it was his loyalty to Ulster that kept him from killing her. What had stayed him the previous night? Soothingly, she continued to touch his cheek. "But these are matters fer tomorrow, a cara. I didn't mean to upset ye, an' Dog was a faithful protector. I won't send ye in to battle not knowin' what yer up against--or fighting with," she said. She had encouraged Collin to speak with Jack, Carrick, and Declan to coordinate, but she wasn't certain it would come to fruition. The former general (and former Ceannfort, incidentally) rarely used traditional tactics, and that worried her. He was by very definition of the term a loose cannon, and Mairi was determined not to have Jack come to harm for it.
"Yer too smart to be fooled by the politics. That's another reason why it's ye at me side as we take back what belongs to our children." She worded everything so tactfully. Though her anger always got the better of her, Mairi was quite the diplomat when necessary.
Save that Jack had not been angry over Collin's identity. It had been Collin's actions, the attack upon Mairi, that had drew the Irishman's anger out so pure and strong. If the Irishman found out about Collin's past villainy, or his thoughts on wanting Mairi dead, Mairi could be assured that the Irishman wouldn't simply beat the man within an inch of his life -- but that Jack would kill the man proper and for true. This was an attack on his Ceannfort, her honor, and his Consort. And it would not go unanswered.
The Irishman searched her gaze and sighed softly. There was a soft smile, as he let go of his anger (for a time) and set to getting ready for bed. "Ye know tha' ye are tha only one tha' can dae this tae me, aye?" Meaning to calm him so, even after seeing his anger rouse.
"Aye, Seanna an' me both...an' ye are both the same remedy to me," she answered him simply. "If this is all to work...it'll have to be so, else we'll forever be discontent."
She was confident in Jack's abilities to handle himself in a high position in Ulster. Sean, by contrast, had been reluctant to take the positions of Consort and Admiral, whereas Jack had volunteered his loyalty in an uncompromising fashion. She was content with the way things were, though Collin would remain a worry. She watched him carefully for cues that the anger would wrack his sleep and hoped to find none. For some reason, it felt of importance.
Mairi had wished her lover calm, and a calm lover she'd find. At least for the night, the anger was gone. The Irishman began the task of getting back to bed. There was a soft smile to her, once he was in the bed and no longer sitting up. "Ya should be comin' 'ere...." He patted her usual pillow: his chest.
Grinning, she was eager to snuggle up beside him. Mairi rested her head on his chest and wished him "pleasant dreams, anam cara." Though the lemongrass tea had been helping with the sickness caused by the child (she was even able to sleep on the ship now and again), Mairi was still experiencing fatigue. She was fast to fall asleep then, and her mind seemed to wait for him to catch up before it would begin to dream...
~*~*~
The Irishman would stay awake only a few moments more, before slowly letting his eyes close. His ears stayed open, listening to the sounds of the sea, the lap of water against the Mistress' hall. Not too far from their bed, little Seanna slept and dreamed as well. No doubt Queen Maab had given the greatest of her gifts to that wee un. Jack lightly squeeze Mairi's form closer to his own, before he at last drifted off to sleep as well.
The pair quickly fell into the same dream in their sleep state. Some things were slightly different--dressed in plain clothes and unarmed they were. Mairi looked down to find herself excessively pregnant and very hungry. She looked the same weight she was at seven months with Seanna, but somehow she knew the pregnancy was not quite that far along. Startled, Mairi's first instinct was to reach for Jack's hand.
The ache in her back and the hunger in her stomach were very real. So preoccupied was she with this that she failed to notice where they stood--in a lush meadow, leading to a small village that both of them just knew by some additional instinct was friendly. Despite the confusion, Mairi didn't say anything. She searched Jack's eyes for strength.
If ever there was a time when the stories about the Irishman would prove true, it was in this dream. Upon his face, was the natural continuation of the Celtic knot work that she had inscribed upon his flesh. The intricate knots following the contorts and shape of his cheekbones, with his eyes becoming the colors of the sea themselves. And yet, his fae lineage was shown in another way. There was a carved circlet of oak woven with mistletoe resting upon his brow. Quietly, the Irishman reached out to lightly take her hand. There was a gentle, reassuring squeeze given to her hand. Jack quietly reached over, resting his hand upon her very pregnant form.
Then he slowly turned to study their surroundings. Aye, they may have stood within a meadow, but it was the lay of the land that was beyond their meadow that caught Jack's attention. They stood within a cricle of standing stones. That would be when the Irishman's eyes would lightly widen. He squeezed her hand again, and glanced at her -- and then outward. The meadow they stood in was perfectly round, almost circular.
Once Mairi was reassured by Jack, her eyes fell upon his appearance, in particular his eyes. She knew in her heart of hearts that it was still him, still the same person, and she moved close and placed her hand on top of his as she looked down once more at her form. The trek to the nearby town was not far, and though she felt rejuvenated standing here, it would take some time to walk there given her pregnancy.
"I won't be able to walk fast," at last she said. Her words seemed slightly foggy, but they would echo with clarity to Jack, "But I'd like to head fer the village. Me back hurts an' I'd like something to eat." Still not entirely understanding, Mairi patted herself to see if she had any money, only to find she did not. "Ye have any coin?"
The fairy circle did not frighten her--she knew what it was, and had been the subject of various rituals performed within one before. The austere feeling, however, was eclipsed by the fact that she was suddenly so full.
The Irishman had not been anticipating Mairi's move to take his hand and had been rather intent on his suspicions of where they were. The Irishman had cast his gaze skyward for a time, watching the clouds, when Mairi had seized his hand and moved to rest it oh so gently against her full womb. The faint outward press of a tiny, perfect, foot was just beginning to fade when his calloused hand rested softly upon the top of her belly.
Of course, that would be when the *other* babe decide to make itself known. Mairi would feel the second child moving to stretch in her womb, one perfect, tiny leg being extended. This would be what Jack felt for true, this second child's kick. There was a soft smile upon his lips, before he leaned in quietly to place a soft kiss upon her belly. As he shifted into a sitting position, toward Mairi's side, he was quiet for a time.
Simply enjoying this feeling of home. Such a feeling as this home, of this belonging, would not have come fully with setting feet to Mag Mell's lands. Then, quietly, he would meet her eyes, and said softly, "This tis tha land o' the faes.... tis Tir na nOg...."
She wondered, of course, how to get out, but she answered Jack with calm and resolve, both hands on her belly now. Maybe she appeared this way because, in the deepest of Jack's wishes, this was what he wanted her to be, and wanted her to look like. She had a serene understanding, for as far as she could tell (and such perception was true), she looked the same as she always did--just more pregnant, and with the jewelry marking her as Ceannfort. "Why do ye suppose we're here?" she asked him. Finally, the babies within quieted and she placed his arm around her waist, needing some help as she attempted to stand again.
Would she ask on why she appeared this way, so heavy with child? Jack smiled softly as he helped her to her feet, enjoying the closeness she offered. Again, he would marvel at the way she reacted to his closeness. Had Sean ever touched her while she was pregnant? Ever made love to her while she carried Seanna? It was almost as though she thirsted for his touch while she was pregnant. "I dae knae...." He said softly. Then he looked toward the town, "I believe tha' we shall be gaein' inta town...."
"I wonder if this is in the future...why else would I appear this way?" She was obviously rather comfortable with it, casting a suspicious glance toward Jack, wondering how she might be answered as they made their way down the hill. She was content enough that neither of them appeared too differently here and that they felt mostly comfortable.
There would be a soft blush of the Irishman's features, a gentle smile. Then he looked at her quietly, saying, "Ye are this way 'cause tis how I wish ye ta be...." And his blush deepened a shade.
She leaned on him a bit more than once as she moved down the hill; it was impossible for her to see her footing considering her enlarged womb in the way. She found that she enjoyed pregnancy for another reason--there would be strangers here, and she would show up at Jack's side. It was obvious that he was hers, and everyone would know it by mark of the child he had given her. More than once she used a hand to support her back, noting that it felt different than when she had carried Seanna...even the way the weight was distributed within her belly.
She felt a bit lightheaded when they reached the entrance to the village, but she leaned on Jack and persisted. As soon as they entered the village, Mairi felt fully refreshed, though still hungry. "I suppose we are to find lodging here," she said. "I could sing fer a room." Though her voice was more beautiful than that of most mortals, she was not sure that she could compare to fey tones, but she would try. It was a common enough practice, to sing for one's supper. She located an inn--and just as she was about to squint at the sun, it lessened some in brightness, as though she had wished it.
A few folk passing by stared at her, and one woman, though she acted afraid, attempted to touch Mairi's hair. The Ceannfort assumed she might be after some of the gold balls within, until she realized that here no one else was red-haired.
At being reminded of her hunger, Jack would loose his blush. There was a gentle swallow, before he said in a hushed tone, "Remember o' where we are. Be e'er courteous ta those 'round us in all thin's....an' be polite in tha refusal o' food." There was a quiet look about, in that instant hoping that none of passing fae would take issue with what was provided as good advice. "Be rememberin' our tales... ta be eatin' food 'ere tis ta ne'er return ta tha world o' men." There was a sad look, "Tho this be a fae realm, tis nae Mag Mell -- mah mother t'will hold nae sway 'ere."
That the Lady Ciera held any sway at all spoke to the circlet that he wore about him. Although, that did give rise to a good and true question: did he appear this way, because she wished it? Or because this was Tir na nOg, and his fae blood was truly shown for her eyes. The Irishman raised his eye quietly, softly looking at the other fae creatures about them. He remembered the tales of his childhood, rememembered his voyage to Roan Inish. T'was that why some of the fae drifted closer to the pair to offer smile and gentle greetings?
Mairi felt confused. It was as though she was in Ireland, yet not. They smiled at Jack and looked curiously at Mairi's belly. Surely the people must reproduce in some way, she thought, yet none of the other females were pregnant, nor as fair-skinned as she, nor built like her. She moved out of the way of the woman touching her hair, closer to Jack, and felt terribly observed.
"Aye, I'll abide by the rules." She had also heard many stories about mortals being tricked while engaged in combat with fey folk, and was grateful then for her status as a woman too pregnant to fight. She was disappointed about the reminder about food, being so hungry and seeing others walk by with juicy, succulent fruit, but she would abide by the rule. If this had to do with Jack's wants, why then were they here?
"We know who you belong to!" The woman touching her hair grinned a bit, then ran off as though to get someone.
Mairi exchanged a rather confused look with Jack, before offering a reassuring thought, "I belong to none but ye." Frightened, she was afraid the woman might return with Sean, but instead a woman similar in complexion and hair color to Mairi appeared from one of the small structures in the village.
She was soon paired by a man of broad stature, but they did not run, for time passed slowly here and they had a great deal of time to see the visitors. "I think that's me ma an' da, Jack." She was still frightened, not knowing if it was them or simply those that looked like them. She held onto his hand and waited for them to approach.
Her parents? The Irishman turned his eyes to the approaching man and woman, canting his head. Softly, he murmured, "Tis nae Mag Mell..." The Irishman sounded a touch confused. For the Irishman, two things bore that this was Tir na nOg and not Mag Mell. The first was Mairi's hunger, as it was said those that had gone to the Plain of Joy would have no need of food or drink. The second, was the length of the walk from the fae ring to the town. And, most importantly, the Irishman carried no oar with him. Then he quietly looked to her, and softly asked, "Tis this yer daein?" Had she wanted him to meet her parents?
As those that were presumably her parents approached, Mairi looked up at him with a touch of guilt. "I....doubt I have the power to conjure such, Jack. The most I can do is make men see visions when I play me harp...an' that's not a born gift, it's because of a harp that was once in me possession." The harp of the Dagda, to be exact, and he would know it. But the gift had stayed with her, a testament to the fact that she had the Tuathan blood suggested by her name and lineage. Likely it was the combination of them that had caused this.
She assumed, as long as she was safe, Jack would want Mairi to live out all of her own desires, and this was one of them. "Aye, I did wish ye could know 'em, right on the dock after we saw-"
The Irishman finished her sentence mentally. She had wished him to meet her parents, after Mairi and Seanna had seen the Selkie -- his mother, the Lady Ciera-- in Tarus Lan's harbor.
Mairi's mother smiled up at her father. They seemed very much at peace...and her mothers eyes focused on her belly. The woman had tears in her eyes. She seemed preserved as not unkindly old--besides, Mairi was one of her older children so she was not much older than the Ceannfort to begin with. She wore a torc that matched Mairi's, and a look more frightened to her--and also, most notably, an emerald cross.
Mairi's father, however, was a large and broad man. Carrick was made much in the image of him, Jack would note, and it was clear that her father was a man carrying such a bloodline. He was not wearing the same accouterments Jack had been allowed, but he seemed to half-fit in here, whereas his wife did not.
The older woman looked at Mairi now as though her reason for being here was clear. The woman's hands were on Mairi's belly, then her arms wrapped around Mairi's shoulders. The Ceannfort hesitantly returned the embrace as her father reached out to clasp Jack's forearm. Jack would return her Father's handshake firmly, forearm to forearm, as a true warrior greeting another.
It was more than a little strange to Mairi, and she felt the color drain from her face.
"I've missed ye both so," she began...but they did not reply in turn. They hadn't missed her? Or Seanna? Or anyone? "This is Jack Flynn." Both parents stared at him knowingly--as though Mairi didn't understand the fact that they understood this information already, or how.
Once it was released, he spoke gently and softly to Mairi, "They already knae...." He was quiet for a time, "Tha passage of time flows different in tha Land o' tha E'er Young.... In tha space o' minutes 'ere, years 'ave gone past an' continue tae." The Irishman quietly fought down the panic that wanted to raise at saying such a thing out loud. How long would they find to have passed in the mortal realm, when they awoke? Or did time flow different in a dream, so that all would be right when they awoke in their beds?
Mairi worried immediately about that too, especially since she was with child. No wonder the folk were looking at her strangely. In this world, a pregnancy would last a very long time for a mortal. Would it even still hold? Would her babies come out full grown...or too young, considering their father was fey, but the children were conceived in the mortal world. Mairi's mother answered her concerns.
"Yer fine," she rested her hands on Mairi's belly one last time before surveying Jack. The woman had a quiet elegance about her that transcended this time and place. She simply smiled at Mairi after looking at Jack, granting her approval. They did not have to be in Tir na Nog for Mairi to know her mother's looks.
Her father looked to her mother and then spoke to Jack after their greeting had subsided. "There has been talk of ye, sailor. An' prophecies, long before I arrived on these shores. Be good to each other." He then turned to Mairi. "Things ye can't comprehend in yer state, child, I'm talkin' about. I agreed with yer heart an' I thought Sean was the one, but I was wrong, an' now that I am here, I can see that. Ye'll be safe with this one." He had a confidence to him in general, specifically when he said that, as though someone else had personally assured him. He smiled knowingly to Jack--Jack would know. "Guard yer heart--always guard yer heart, Mairi. Yer right in that... but don't keep this man out."
Had Jack or Mairi wanted her parents to say this, or were they saying it on their own? Her father seemed sincere, and wore the look of a chieftain in everything he said and did. He was one of the most fierce and wild looking men to ever fight for freedom, fit and tall even as he was here, in old age, with a beard now to match Carrick's.
Jack offered soft smile at hearing Grainne's words, a gentle squeeze was offered to Mairi's hand to add his own reassurance. However, at Aiden's words, the Irishman canted his head and looked rather puzzled, Before understanding settled in. Then the Irishman and Aiden shared another knowing looked. Ah. While Aiden had hinted at prophecy, the Irishman knew the truth. The personal assurance granted to Aiden and Grainne had been granted by none other than Lady Ciera. There was a smile given. Quietly, he turned his eyes to Mairi, wondering what she thought of Aiden's words.
The Ceannfort was wise in many things, but this she did not understand. There had been talk of Sean, and that clouded her thoughts. She pondered it more, and as she did, she recognized a few other faces in the passing crowds--fallen brothers-at-arms. One such individual even bowed to her, and the fey folk about did not think this at all odd. The next question would hurt Jack, she was sure of it. "Ma, why is Sean not here?"
Aiden stepped in then, holding up a hand to his daughter. "Sean was not the one, Mairi. I am sorry. Ye are in the right now. Be happy for it." That made Mairi angry, and as soon as she felt that flash of ire, passers-by seemed to look at her even more strangely, as though she didn't belong. The baby kicked again, and Jack would not just sense her anger but feel it flowing off of her--from her hand to his.
Was Sean not entitled to the beauty of the other world? Aiden intervened again, after offering a knowing look to Jack. He would leave that bit to Mairi's consort to explain as it was his place. She simply didn't understand--this was not Mag Mell, and that's where Sean was.
First? The Irishman quietly guided Mairi over toward a convenient stack of crates, of the appropriate size, so that she could sit down. She had been standing since they had entered the village and Jack was certain that such an encounter with her parents had distracted her from her back, from her feet. Once the Irishman had gently seated her, he quietly he knelt before her.
She could see that he was struggling with words, before he said, "Tis Tir na nOg tha' we are in, Mairi.... tha Land o' tha Fer E'er Young...." He was quiet again, "Those tha' ye see 'ere, 'bout us, are either sworn ta one o' tha Fae Courts er 'ave fey blood in their veins...." Jack studied her face, to know that she was listening. "Sean tis nae 'ere, he 'ad neither tha fae masters nor tha fae blood. He resides in Mag Mell, tha Joyous Plain, an' tha' is a place ye an' I cannae gae."
Mairi was patient with him, but folk were still staring. As he explained, she did cry, quietly. She was the only one that had shown such emotion here at all--anything aside from happiness or complacency--but for her mother, who had wept upon seeing her. Mairi did not have much such blood in her--it was there, but she was strikingly different here...and strikingly different from everyone else in her normal life. There was no compromise but the man kneeling before her. Mairi touched a hand to his head then cheek, as though pardoning him for the delivery of such news.
"I understand," she said, comprehending the explanation, but then Grainne placed a gentle hand upon Jack's shoulder. Mairi knew why. There was a lot going on in her womb at the moment, and not just from the absence of rest. She needed to feed the life within her.
Grainne spoke to Mairi: "Ye need to go now that yer wish has been seen to, aye? Yer chil...ye'll have trouble if ye don't..." she looked at Mairi's belly, having almost given away a surprise of some sorts.
It felt to Mairi that it was Jack and her parents who were kin now, not her--but at least she was still Ceannfort. Her mother and father both bent to kiss her on the cheek. Grainne kissed Jack's cheek as well. "Take her back up the hill," Aiden directed, "an' let her sleep through the day. It will not be easy for her in her condition."
The Irishman nodded softly, "Aye, I shall." Mairi should not discount the blood she had so readily. She had fae blood in her veins, from both her father. And the lover that know held her hands quietly. Then he quietly stood, helping Mairi to her feet, "Come on, aye?" There was a soft smile, "When we get ta home I shall be fixin' ye yer favorite dish."
There was a soft kiss to her forehead as he helped her up. Once she was upon her feet, once more the Irishman slipped his arm around her waist to hold her close to him. Again, there was that gentle pace to accommodate her full womb. Would she rest her head on his shoulder as they walked? What thoughts went through her mind as she walked with him back to the fae ring? Regarding Jack, Sean, and what she had been told here.
As they began to walk, she looked back at her parents. They seemed pleased that Jack was seeing to Mairi. "I don't understand what they mean that yer the one...yer the one fer what? Will ye be taken from me?" She said worried, turning her face back towards him.
As they left the village, hunger cascaded upon her. The ring seemed so far off and at halfway she had to stop. "I'd sure like a meal of eggs an' milk right now."
Pausing in their walk, she turned back toward the village. The pull was really strong, the urge to eat, but she knew what that would mean. Even if Jack would stay here forever with her, there was work still to be done in Ulster, and Seanna, who needed them.
There was a lot she did not know about the construction of her childhood--why she had been so well-educated, why the harp had found her hands, and why one sibling was a priest of the White Christ and another a priestess of the Old Ways. The way Ulster had come to her was equally vague. It had not been Sean's to give, and yet it had been given to her.
She leaned heavily on Jack when they rested, and despite her worries she enjoyed the moment. As she paused to catch her breath, she placed both of his hands on her belly, so that he would remember how full she was, and she would remember the feeling of his hands placed there. "I love what we've made together, anam cara," she praised him, but the color was gone from her face and she looked weak. Mairi needed to rest, and to eat something soon.
The Irishman promised that she would be told the truth of it, by himself. However, the pale look upon her features and the hunger he knew she must have made it imperative that they return to the mortal realm soon.
Still, the Irishman could not help but smile quietly when she placed his hands on her belly. There was a soft smile, knowing she had placed his hands on her belly for her own knowledge as well. "I tae love wot we 'ave made tagether, anam cara...." There was a gently kiss to her belly, "An' I promise ye tha' I shall make ye this way, in tha future." There was another kiss to her belly, before he stood.
The Irishman helped her up gently, saying, "We cannae loiter 'ere long...." And they would continue on to their fae circle. There was a light squeeze of her hand gently, "Are ye ready ta be goin' back?"
She looked almost weaker by the time they got there, hand on her belly as the mounted the last of the hill. "Aye." She had noted the extreme beauty of the fey women they had seen, but Jack had not looked at a single one of them. He had only kept his attention focused on Mairi. Bye the time she was ready to go, she had embraced him, leaning on him fully to stand.
~*~*~
When Mairi awoke, she felt completely exhausted, as though she had not slept at all. She was staring right up at Jack, still resting on his chest, and she was extremely hungry. The Irishman shifted, reaching up to rub his eyes.
The first thing he said, ".... eggs an' milk...." The dish she had told him in the Land of the Forever Young.
Mairi had thought it a dream. She did look down her belly though, and said quite sincerely, "how did ye know that's what I was wantin'?"
"Ya told me,"Jack said softly.
He pushed himself up gently, quietly looking down upon her. Slowly, the Irishman smiled softly. Ah. She still had the balls in her hair. Had she noticed yet?
When she saw Jack look at her hair, one hand went to it, feeling the gold balls in it, and she sat up, her other hand on her belly. She was still very pale, but improving. "What is the day? Where are we? Where is Seanna?" She began to scramble out of bed to check on her baby.
The Irishman glanced out of the large windows in the aftcabin, noting that there was no light to the sky. Or at least, no light he could see in the east-word facing cabin. Of to the west, there was only the thinnest rays of the sun coming. "I say tha' tis nae later than a few 'ours since ye returned..." Then he softly kisses it, "We are in mah cabin upon the Mistress...."
Then he slid from the bed, and answered her last question --where was Seanna? --- by gently going over to Seanna's crib and lifting the sleeping infant/toddler out. Quietly, he carried Seanna back to Mairi to lay a mother's fears to rest. The Irishman then went off to the galley, to begin preparing eggs for Mairi.
Mairi accepted Seanna into her arms with a look of wonder in her eyes. Jack appeared to accept the normalcy that came after this, but she could hardly believe what had happened. Seanna did not even stir, and Mairi moved back, sitting upon propped pilllows awaiting Jack's return--she had so many questions. That she could see her feet without a belly in the way felt odd.
Ah, but was that not only a matter of a few months? Truthfully, the Irishman was as wonder struck as she. Jack was only a half-blood fae, but it was his first visit to Tir na nOg. There was much wonder in his heart. And no doubt much that he would need to tell Mairi. When he returned, the Irishman carried with him a plate of eggs and a tankard full of milk. Quietly, he asked, "Dae ye want me ta take yer ornaments outta yer 'air?"
"If ye would." She handed Seanna back to him so that the baby could continue to rest. The Irishman gently sat on the edge of the bed while Seanna slept on, although when Seanna got to wroming around the Irishman did get up and put the wee child back into her bed. He leaned down to kiss her forehead softly, before returning to Mairi.
She was most eager towards the food, and grateful that he'd prepared such a large serving, and Mairi began to eat without abandon. Most of the ornaments were braided in, and a few of them were tied. "If ye can't get them all, that's fine. Perhaps I'll but them back in fer when we have our meeting." Her main focus was now on food, but when she finished, she placed the plate and empty tankard aside and remained patient.
The emply plate and tankard were gently taken and sat on a table, ready for the next day. Jack found one of Mairi's jewlery boxes and gently began removing the metallic ornaments from her hair. Softly, he said, "What will ye ask o' me?"
"Ye've given me everything, Jack....what more could I ask? I have just...I have loved before but I've never been this close to someone. I'm not frightened of retaking Dunluce or of the Anglish...but I am frightened of what I'd become without ye... what does it mean that ye'll be the one? Why didn't I understand anything? I am their daughter...or was..."she sounded rather exasperated and confused. She was also very tired, but her color was back.
Jack nodded quietly. For a few quiet moments, the Irishman simply removed the ornaments from her hair. Then he began, softly, "I dae remember when ye shed those seven tears an' gave ta tha sea those seven drops o' blood...." He hesitated, "I thought t'was a dream at tha' time... an' sae like tha ones tha' I had when I was a childe..." He was quiet fora long while, before he gently looked into her eyes, "Save tha' when she came this time, I did nae need 'er comfort.....but, I think now, tha' ye did."
The dreams he had as child had involved his mother coming into his room at night, as he had said on the docks. Then he continued,"She caressed me 'air, an' told me tha ye 'ad cried seven times in tha sea an' bleed just as often...."
"I don't know what to say...I know that a pair can complement one another well as we do, but I didn't mean to....disrupt yer life, or any other plans ye may have had." Jack was already very different than when she had met him. He had gone from being a comrade to being rather protective of her, and that feeling of safety reminded her of previous times.
"I didn't wish fer a man, not fer any man but the husband I'd lost...I know how legends are but I don't understand how it is that I deserve ye," she spoke softly, understanding the magnitude of the situation.
Carefully, Jack said softly, "May'ap ye got the husband ye deserved this eve...." He hesitated, "I dreamed o' ye tha' night, an' felt in me 'eart the hurt of what 'ad become o' Ulster's fate. I saw ye in yer mournin' grab, an' knew tha' ye were nae mournin' fer Sean.... but fer Ulster."
This brought tears to Mairi's eyes. "I think yer the only one who understands that, a cara, yerself an' Seanna. I held her so close that night, I was afraid I'd hurt her...the fact that she was livin' saved me life, fer I wanted to drown in the sea." That was something that strong, brave Mairi had never confessed to anyone before. Regardless of his progress with her hair, she leaned back to him for comfort. "How good ye are to me...what can I do in return fer ye?"
Jack smiled softly, before gently kissing her upon her forehead, "Ye are already daein' it, Mairi." Gently, he said, "Ye are mah Ceannfort... mah consort....allow me ta be servin' ye as ye deserve, an' loving' ye as ye deserve."
Within, her heart was growing and breaking at the same time. How had she chosen the wrong person? It had been rather obvious. She recalled her mother's look.She recalled the wedding day, the state affair, and her love for Sean which simply would not slip entirely away. All of it caused pain, and now Jack was far more than a distraction--he was fully integreated into her life, and it frightened her. She could do nothing but melt into his embrace and recall the feeling of being full with his children and how that had pleased him.
