Speaking of Marriage

[mairi]

[10:21] Pride of Eireann: Mairi had four swords now, but each of them meant a great deal to her. The most ancient of them all had been left for repair before war with Seraphim, who had been granted use of a smithy on Skye. Mairi would trust no one else to work on it, and had been saving it for the woman her brother had called
[10:23] Pride of Eireann: the master blacksmith. When she arrived, Mairi was not painted or in vicious attire as she would soon be for battle...she was dressed in a plain and simple green dress, which was a bit smug around the middle. Her pregnancy was not obvious, but it was slightly noticeable now. Ducking into the smithy, she knocked on the door frame. "Seraphim?" Her voice was breathy and gentle. (d)

[10:39] shameoflife: Phim was banging away on a shield, mending a crack in it as quickly as she could. She was in her menswear, worn brown leather pants that were little tight around a woman's slim curves. A men's bouse was mostly hidden under a thick leather apron, the sleeves rolled up as she was tinking away at that sheld against a small anvil, by the forge. Her dark hair was twisted tightly back in a headscarf, she was sweating, but it was hot/hard work.[d]

The Ceannfort rested her hip against the door frame and crossed her arms, admiring the efforts of the smith. She was a hard worker and would make such a valuable contribution to Dunluce town and her clann in particular. "Seraphim, if ye've a moment, I'd like to talk to ye." She tried looking friendly--Jack had warned Mairi that she often came across as severely intimidating, especially to other women, but she wanted to come to think of this woman as a sister. (d)

[10:51] shameoflife: Phim had heard her this time, blinking a moment as she brushed her forearm against her brow, most of the sweat would be caught by the white scarf, but there were always those drops. She'd turn and jump a little, hazel hues more brown today went a little wide. She'd bob her head a moment as she set down the hammer and the shield against the little anvil, the wiping her hands off on the leather apron, she'd nod again, glancing about, she'd make a few quicker then her normal paced steps, around the heap of fixed items, to a window, pushing it open more since it was very hot inside the smithy, then pulling out a stool from under a table, also laden with little blades and smaller items for repair, though the other other pile looked much brighter, the items fixed and cleaned. She pushed aside some things. Wordsmith she was not, still haven't spoken a word. [d]

[10:53] Pride of Eireann: "I won't need long with ye," Mairi tried a friendly grin, "I just wanted to see if ye were through with me sword, an' to see if there was anything ye needed to ask me about." Walking into the hot place, Mairi canted her head sideways. In a short time, the hotness of the place made her wavy red hair curl even more. she looked t he very vision of Irish battle, even without proper dress or paint. She observed the fixed items, nodding in approval. (d)

[11:08] shameoflife: "Ah, yes, my Lady." She sounded a bit breathy and couldn't imagine what questions she might have..but she'd turn about. The smithy was not her own, the set up was not her ideal so she seemed to be lost a moment before nodding to herself and walking over to a cloth covered corner. These were for the swords of the upper tier. Repaired, sharpened, and cleaned within an inch of themselves, she'd lift the cloth peering over them before plucking Mairi's sword from the few. She'd carry it delicatly back over to Carrick's sister and lead, she supposed her lead at the moment too. Holding it out to her hilt first, the point in the crook of her arm. She was fair with swords, in sparing, her work was seamless, but she was modest and never boasted. [d]

[11:12] Pride of Eireann: Mairi nodded and took the handle of the sword, noting the perfect presentation. "Flawless," she commented, ignoring the heat as she observed the weapon. "Ye can't even tell where it was damaged. This one was me mother's sword an' it means a great deal to me that it's been set right." The Ceannfort took the weapon gently, held it carefully in both hands, held it up straight, nodded and then sheathed it. "Thank ye. I will offer ye anything ye need in compensation...an' please, I am just Mairi, 'tis bad enough when me own anam cara must also call me Lady or Ceannfort in public...ye are as a sister to me." Standing there, sword sheathed, Mairi didn't leave. She simply pushed her hair back, tolerating the heat, and looked to Seraphim expectantly. (d)

[11:16] shameoflife: Her cheeks were pink under the freckles, but that could be because of the heat. She'd smile a tad at her words. But she was not sure why she was hanging about the hot smithy. "Is there more you need repaired? Would you like some water? We can speak outside.." It was the most she'd ever spoken to her, most likely it was a fluke. [d]

[11:19] Pride of Eireann: "Please." Mairi nodded and headed outdoors. She was much less tolerable to the heat. Mairi had ridden a horse here, which was tied up out front--a plan looking mare born and bred in Skye. "This is beautiful country, but it isn't home," Mairi commented once Seraphim rejoined her. "What is yer home like?" At least the woman had similar rules of hospitality as the Irish. Mairi had not been here long and had already been offered drink in the middle of the blacksmith's workday. (d)

[11:28] shameoflife: Phim would follow, her hands moving behind her to untie the apron, loosening it a bit so she could dry out the shirt under, but did not take the leather off in public. There was a bench infront of the smithy, another anvil that was not hers, and a bucket with fresh water and a ladel. Phim would enjoy the cool air a moment before considering the question, her soft reply would shortly come. "My village is on the edge of the desert and sea, not so green or cool as here though. Nor as wet." Another tiny smile peeked past her stoic guard. [d]

[11:32] Pride of Eireann: "I have seen such a land only once; a place Jack took me. Don't ye miss yer home?" Mairi helped herself to some of the water from the ladle. She sat somewhat mannishly, decent but with her legs somewhat apart, elbows on the knees as Carrick sometimes did. It felt stable. Her delicate features almost seemed contrary to her posture. "What is it like in yer village? How's it different? I mean to make ye feel at home once we get settled in back at Dunluce. Dunluce isn't me native land; Carrick an' I are from Bunratty in the south, 'tis why we sound a bit different from some of the others." In truth, they sounded a bit less like the people of Skye than their Ulster native counterparts. (d)

[11:36] shameoflife: "Ah..most here are much warmer..My village is small, family and their families." She only missed the weather sometimes and her Father, the rest could be left alone for all she cared, but this was never mentioned. Her covered head nodded a little, the pink that was fading returned in a fair blush at her words of home. Her arms crossed before her, hands loosly holding her elbows as she stood, just a habbit.[d]

[11:40] Pride of Eireann: "Well I wanted to let ye know that me brother can be an arse sometimes an' if he happens to be one to ye, ye let me know an' I'll set him straight." Mairi pounded a fist into her hand. It had been a long time since she had fought Carrick, and it was never done in earnest, but she would stand by her words. "I'm also a healer, so if it is ye aren't sure of certain things..." she didn't want to force the issue, but the woman needed to know she had nothing to be afraid of! (d)

[11:43] shameoflife: It slowly dawned on her as she was watching the woman pound her fist before her..her cheeks flared red and she looked heavenward, for support or to be struck down, no one would ever know. She'd grip her elbows, looking as if she might have an ill fit for a moment before she'd narrow her eyes and look hard at the ground below. Summoning demons to smite Carrick, maybe? She couldn't speak, for if she did, it might just be a squeak. [d]

[11:48] Pride of Eireann: Mairi studied the other woman, somewhat amused. She tried to hide her smile. Well, there was a cultural difference she'd found. And she said so. "Most Irish women, even the most devout Catholic ones..." she rolled her eyes at that "tend to joke a bit about life in the bedroom, aye? There is no insult intended, a cara." She had a soft tone. (d)

[11:52] shameoflife: Carrick was one to perhaps worry about his sister's wrath, though he'd never seen Phim's, he might the next time they met. Could she run and hide? Would that be too ...anyway. She'd glance at Mairi a moment before looking to her feet once more, trying to remember to breathe. When was the last time he saw his sister? Her brain was working furiously...he was in Ulster, he had not left her side the night they were in Skye, or not for long..did he..or did he send a message? Or..how many people knew what she spoke of to him? She was going to be sick. [d]

[11:56] Pride of Eireann: Only Jack and Mairi knew, but there was no way for Phim to know that. The Ceannfort placed a hand on Seraphim's shoulder, and did her best to look disarming. "I have offended ye, an' I am sorry." Mairi would not want to displease her brother. "There's no need to be anxious. We can talk of somethin' else, else go fer a walk..." she suggested, concern in her eyes. (d)

[12:00] shameoflife: "Ah, if you wish it.." Her voice a little softer than normal, but still as clear. She was waiting for the world to swallow her whole. Her shoulder was stiff under the woman's hand, nothing against her, it was just how...well, Phim was, "You have not offended, I ..am just.." Her hands let go of her elbows to wave them about a bit, at a loss for words. [d]

[12:04] Pride of Eireann: "Ye are in some ways an old soul, like me...an' in other ways young. There is nothin' wrong with that...though ye should know that Carrick is hardly a chaste man. He loves ye very deeply, though, an' only wants ye to understand things, aye?" She looked at Seraphim's eyes for understanding, hand moved to her own lap from that tense shoulder. "We Irish are good with words, but we speak with what we do as well, in our actions...an' I promise ye, me brother would die a thousand times to ensure yer safety." (d)

[12:07] shameoflife: Hardly a chaste man, that just answered another question for her, well, she was sure men enjoyed it, but that was beside the point. Nerves. Not that she would untill...but she'd nod a bit, her gaze being caught by Mairi's as she nodded. "I ..am not in doubt of his intentions.." [d]

[12:11] Pride of Eireann: Mairi folded her hands in her lap and looked to them, adjusting the sheathed weapon so that she could sit comfortably. "Me brother's been mistreated by women in the past...I am glad ye are suitable. I hope ye forgive him those faults." Looking to Seraphim, Mairi realized she might not understand other significances. "To those of us who follow the old ways, as Carrick does, in part...there are three phases of a woman...the maiden, the mother, an' the crone. Each is important to society, ye see, none is worth more or less than the other, ye understand?" (d)

[12:13] shameoflife: Phim was looking at her as if she was lost a moment, not sure where this was going...she understood aging just fine. She understood general roles women played, though the two of them standing there would have a lot more on their plates then most women of the day ever would. Her hands would fold before her again, standing stock still as the Lady spoke to her. [d]

[12:17] Pride of Eireann: "There is nothin' to be afraid of. Goin' into the mother phase an' becomin' a woman on yer wedding night is a fine way...I was not wed to me Sean when first I took him to bed, though in the old way it is weddin' enough. Carrick is also a man of the Catholic faith, so I am sure he wants a proper ceremony. If there is anything I can do... send fer yer family...I would be happy to have Jack send a ship after the invasion is complete." She was trying to be understanding, and looking for the same in return. "He will lead ye; as a man leads in battle. Though it is not to say that after a woman learns, she is not capable of leadin' the man," she grinned a bit. She and Jack often struggeled with that, but it made things fun. (d)

[12:21] shameoflife: Her wide mouth pressed into a thin line a moment before answering him, "I am a Jew..I ..do not practice so much any more, there has been no time or any others for there to be reason..ah..as far as wedding..nights..erm.." She just stopped, not that she knew where to go with all of this. Carrick would get his ass beat, for sure. [d]

[13:30] Pride of Eireann: "Ye may practice as ye wish in Ulster," Mairi assured her, then offered an encouraging look. "If ye've any questions...I've had a little success with it..." She patted her belly and grinned, trying to be lighthearted. Of course for Mairi, pregnancy was the proof of the fertility of her self and her land, and of Jack's ability to make her with child. (d)

[mairi]

[13:56] shameoflife: Hushed words were being uttered quickly, Yiddish flying about as she pressed her hands to her face then her forehead as she looked about again, this may of been the second time in her life she had been so animated infront of someone other than her Father. She was blushign crimson and looking heavenward again. [d]

[13:59] Pride of Eireann: Mairi stood and backed away a bit, offering Seraphim space. "I am so sorry...I did not mean to offend ye...I am sorry," she held up an apologetic hand. "I mean ye no harm..." She had no idea what had produced that kind of reaction, but guilt was worn on the Ceannfort's face. She was to be kin with this woman, and it hurt her that she could not understand what happened. (d)

[14:03] shameoflife: Her long fingered hands pressed to her lips as she looked at Mairi, the blush still there on her face. She'd lift her hands a bit to speak, "No fault of yours. Your ...dear...brother may be bruised soon though.." She once again turned beet red at the admission. [d]

[14:05] Pride of Eireann: Mairi also put her hand to her lips and replied. "I did not mean to bring trouble to ye both. He wished to ask me to speak to ye, an' did not feel comfortable doin' so himself, an' he asked me Consort to speak to me on the matter. I am very sorry if I spoke out of turn." Mairi was very diplomatic--when she wanted to be. She took clann politics more seriously than those with other nations, and this woman was as good as her sister by marriage already, the way Carrick spoke of his intentions. (d)

[14:08] shameoflife: "Your Consort?!" She began pacing before she stopped, her hands against her cheeks again, trying to cool the burn of embarrassment. At this point, she sat abruptly on the bench, hiding her face behind her hands, murmuring about Carrick's soon to be demise into her palms. [d]

[14:14] Pride of Eireann: "Aye, it is only meself and Jack that have heard a word of it, see? Carrick is not one to speak ill or well of a woman's reputation in public." Distraught herself, Mairi wasn't sure of what to do. "I am so terribly sorry--please, tis not a terrible thing for an Irishman to speak on--I am sure he was hoping to help ye." (D)

[14:18] shameoflife: "Does your...your husband speak of such things with others? ..My aunts may of spoken to my cousins, but they'd never speak of it to me..unworthy, not needed..." Her speech was a little fast, the last bit about her aunt's thoughs on her trailed off as she brought her hands off her face to her knees to look at Mairi, to see if it was an aweful trick or would these people really be so...open about such matters. She knew were babies came from, she knew about ...the act married people, or unmarried did..but, well..She could melt through the grass and return to the earth, she could. [d]

[14:21] Pride of Eireann: "Aye, he is me Consort, it is his duty to me, to make me with child. This is a very old custom, which must be honored, an' Jack is most fit to honor it," she explained simply. "He is honorable and does well in battle, an' he is keen of mind like yer Carrick. It only makes sense to select such a mate," she explained as if it was that simple, as if love was that much less complicated. "There's no reason to be distraught over it, a cara." It was rumored that Mairi often came into pubs if Jack was there, and would publicly declare that she was taking him away so that she could have him. To her it was a considerably Irish behavior, and one that spoke of Jack doing his duty well. (d)

[14:23] shameoflife: "No..no, I know that is a wife's duty..but you surely do not discus it publicly?" Her eyes were wide, she could not believe that, it would be so terrible! Then again, Phim was a private person by nature. [d]

[14:27] Pride of Eireann: She laughed. "It is not a wife's duty so much as it is a husband's, especially in our clann. We follow old rites. It is the woman who is to say if she be pleased or not in such a way." She considered the question,then sat down again, but gave the woman distance. "It is a matter of preference. Ye would not say such to a priest. In me own case it is very public; I represent Eire, an' it's important for the people to know that Eire is healthy an' fertile an' loved. Ye are different; ye will be the wife of a taoiseach...yer duty is to support Carrick an' uphold his interests an yer own within the clann," she explained. "Ye are not obligated to speak of yer life alone with him in public, though it makes a man feel good when a woman brags on about him," she grinned. She couldn't avoid rumors about her brother, nor could she avoid spreading the truth about Jack, who was always up to the task. (d)

[14:31] shameoflife: Shaking her head, as if to clear it of all the weirdness. She couldn't understand some of the words she said, like tow-i-seech? Whatever that was, she was sure she didn't want one of those, it sounded painful. "All of this is fine if you are...married...But I am not, I am not ..suppose to be..with..ah.." [d]

[14:36] Pride of Eireann: "Surely Carrick intends to marry ye before ye are with child. Ye may be considered a pagan like the rest of us by terms of the White Christ, but no doubt ye've marriage customs, aye? Carrick means to honor ye, but isn't sure how," she revealed. Were Seraphim Irish, Carrick would likely have bedded her long ago. "Sometimes in Ulster it is the custom for a man to steal a bride in the night...but that man must live with the fact that the woman will run his household--and his reputation. Has Carrick failed to describe to ye our customs, an' his position in our Clann?" She was now growing angry at her brother. How was this woman expected to conform to customs if no one told her about them? (d)

[14:44] shameoflife: "My..my Father just said, "If you have such strong feelings for my daughter, why do you not take her, then?" This was in a letter..of course..But he is of the old way too, he..well, his people took our village and that is how he picked my Mother. Though, my Mother's people...we do not pick our husbands. But I am undesireable in my village." A firm nod, she was quiet, her features a bit softer when she spoke of her parents, or parent as she did not know her mother much at all, but her features returned to their pleasant blank about her village. "As far as your customs..he said I must speak in..front of many. But..he knows that is hard and said we may find a way around it. He does not ...will not..ah..Have to marry me if I am unsutable...I've no claim on him if he wishes it.." She wanted to cry now, her gaze on her hands, on the shiny white scar on her hand, on the ripe bracelet he had given her. His sister was their ruler, she did not want to cause problems for him. [d]

[14:51] Pride of Eireann: She eyed the bracelet--fondly--after listening to what Seraphim said. "Ye do not need to marry to have worth in Free Ulster," Mairi explained. "Ye are the best blacksmith we have; that gives ye status of yer own...do ye not realize

[14:52] Pride of Eireann: that yer own skill raises Carrick's status? Ye have worth with us, worth of yer own, an' ye don't need to be birthin' babies er anything else to prove it." Mairi tapped her sword. "It's in yer craft. If ye do not want to marry Carrick, then do not marry him, but I only bring all of this up because he wants to marry ye." (d)

[14:54] shameoflife: "I want to marry him." She made it sound like that was plain as day, all she did was ask him if...well, it hurt. And now suddenly the world was telling her..things..She felt very confused. [d]

[15:02] Pride of Eireann: "I don't see any complication there," Mairi said softly, with a breathy bard's voice. "Carrick is a man," she stated plainly, "and oft times it seems they don't know how to proceed. He doesn't want to harm ye nor violate yer family's traditions, but I think he is embarrassed to ask about them." (d)

[15:07] shameoflife: "Oh..I am part Jew. That is passed through the mother. Children we may," or may not, "have will be Jewish as well..The men are in charge, mostly, and I am, in my villiage, out of my place. I do not know what else he may need to know..." She'd glance at Mairi, prefering her to be plain, like she was, than to be hinting, like before. Although, either way, she was horribly embaressed about the "relations" areas. [d]

[15:12] Pride of Eireann: "I will do me best to see that me brother Declan will marry ye in the Catholic faith without makin' ye swear to take his oaths. I for one have avoided takin' them, but I know Carrick prefers to be wed as a Catholic an' pagan both. To marry in the old way, it's a handfastin' an' a marriage bed, it is very simple an' a lot of celebratin' " she explained. "An; a marriage in the Catholic faith is a lot of talkin' about duties, but as I understand it, most of the duties are the same in yer faith as well," she said, hoping ot ease the woman's mind.
[15:12] Pride of Eireann: (d)

[15:17] shameoflife: "Mhm.." She'd finally lean back against the Smithy's wall, her hands folded in her lap still as she looked skyward again, but calmer this time, "I do not wish to speak of marriage too much, with so much war..." She'd stop there. She'd spit at the curse she almost brought on them, but she didn't. Seraphim will most likely still smack Carrick for all the worry. [d]

[15:23] Pride of Eireann: Mairi wished she could understand Seraphim's point of view, but she could not. Whenever she went to war, she found herself wanting to get with child--from both blood lust, and the need for preservation. No doubt Carrick had been feeling much of the same, especially with battle in Avalendor, and this woman at his side. "I understand. It is not something I'd suggest until at least the castle is secure anyway, so ye could have a proper ceremony." (d)

[15:28] shameoflife: Seraphim would nod a bit, this was a draining day. She wished she could see Carrick, kick him, and then move on. But it seemed she would be working like she did during Avalendor's war, day and night until she was giggling with exhaustion. "Will you still go to battle with ...your..condition?" Had it been mentioned Seraphim was not a wordsmith, but a blacksmith? [d]

[15:31] Pride of Eireann: Mairi did not mind this straightforward question. "Aye. I will be leadin' the second wave, come in from the sea. We'll appear as fey to the the Anglish, an' we'll frighten them all off. Those that stand, we kill. Once we get to Ulster, we'll find ye an assistant." She nodded with approval. (d)

[15:33] shameoflife: "Is that safe?" She looked at the woman with a raised brow, not that she was naysaying her, but her mother did not last and there was no war at that time. "Can you not send someone in for you?" [d]

[15:36] Pride of Eireann: The Ceannfort looked at the blacksmith as though she was crazy. "Of course not. I'll not neglect me duties. Normally I'd be among the first in, but I've agreed to hold back due to me condition--only at Jack's request." She was fearless and bold--ruthless, too. Hadn't Carrick warned her? (d)

[15:38] shameoflife: No, no direct warning from Carrick that she can remember. But she looked puzzled, "But you are with child, you have a child, yes? How can you risk yourself and them.." She bit her pink bottom lip a moment before she shifted, squaring her shoulders.[d]

[15:41] Pride of Eireann: It was Mairi's turn to get upset. "I risk everything I have for Ulster. Ye think I'm wrong in that?" There was more than challenge in her eyes--how many times had she had this conversation before? Besides, in her eyes, she knew more about womanhood than Seraphim, who was of course not yet truly a woman! (d)

[15:45] shameoflife: "No, risking yourself is not wrong. Risking your life, to take it from your children...well, I do not think it is good, but I suppose I understand why you do it. Although, my people are in constant exodus.." Seraphim could meet her gaze on this, she looked serene in her thoughts. By now, the white shirt had mostly dried, the leather apron was lifted over her head to fold in her lap. "Perhaps have your man stay so one of you is sure to survive." Always the prudent planner. [d]

[15:49] Pride of Eireann: "That will not be so. The Admiral leads the ships in, an' it so happens that me consort is also the admiral....an' Carrick always ambushes. It is our planned course of action. I inspire men, an' I am to kill the leader of the enemies. He will be brought to me bound, an' I will slay his throat. That is my purpose. I will look fertile; I will deliver a speech, an' I will represent the land we've retaken. That is what it means to be Ceannfort." Why, the Irish were a rather bloodthirsty people, weren't they? The barbarism could be seen in the wildness of Mairi's hair, or the roughness of the fabric of her dress. "Do not worry. After war there will be quiet. Songs, people reunitin' ... ye will not have to truly worry again until next Beltaine comes..." she could not resist saying that without a very wide grin. (d)

[mairi]

[15:53] shameoflife: She looked unphased by the barbarism, after all, she'd met her Father's people. It all seemed like a big to do..Someone was always coming in to take or be taken, it was never ending circle. Much like the snake charm she gave Carrick. Her head would coke to the side as she continued to watch Mairi. "What is a Bel-tan?" [d]

[15:57] Pride of Eireann: "Our spring ritual. It is a time to make fertile the fields. We light fires fer the occasion, an each person selects another to bed if they're of age. Men bed their wives an' so on, though some people unwed... just pair up. Ye do other things too, there is a feast, an' ye walk about an' shake the seed-bearin' straw goddess to fertilize the field fer a good crop. Then ye drink quite a bit an' bed who ye wish; usually it is the woman who chooses truth be told." She said all this in the friendliest of tones. "It is a beautiful sight,
[15:57] Pride of Eireann: ye see fires all o'er the land." As Mairi recalled, Carrick was one among most to disappear each Beltaine night. He would no doubt be looking forward to those rites, but she did not wish to frighten the woman. (d)

[16:18] shameoflife: Frighten? Too late! It sounded awefully primative..they had their own things but did not envolve those activites, save the feasts..which came after long fasts. They had occianal weddings and births were they were to celebrate, she'd stay back, the dancing was left to the girls to be looked at for marriage. She'd just nod and let her face take that peaceful blank look it was so use to. At least she missed Beltaine this year, thank God for small things. "I am sure it is." [d]

[16:22] Pride of Eireann: "It is great fun. We've other festivals, there are many feasts come winter time when they celebrate the Christ birth an' Michelmas...it is me own tradition to hold open forum an' there are feasts there also; we have market days so ye can sell yer wares...an Hallowe'en of course, in the fall." Yes, there would be much to learn. This culture was a strange one indeed. They painted themselves for war and the men wore skirts! (D)

[16:24] shameoflife: Her village had many fests too, but it did not sound as interesting as theirs. She'd nod in agreement on how much there would be to learn. It was indeed a different world. "Why will you dress as shideem for your attack?"

[16:28] Pride of Eireann: "A sh.. oh, as a fey...well the Anglish an' their allies are scared of the fey folk. We intend to scare 'em off, an' to intimidate 'em in battle. Some of us also feel empowered to don the paint...me brother an' me...an' Jack also, we are descended of the fey. It is good luck fer any children ye have, fer they watch over the wee ones on Irish soil." Mairi explained patiently, then grinned. "We will be mighty." (d)