Words of an Old Chamberlain (Open for All)

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Maahes: Thunder boomed from outside in, but was only returned with the furious shake of the bars as a man was trapped inside that should never be pinned. "Aarrhhh!" Hr cried as a slam of fists hit hard against the door. The evening had been an event like none other. The General had moved from the comforts of his bedding to be replaced in the cells of the dungeon by an ex-pirate whose soul purpose in life was to break this man from the inside out. Maahes was sick in his mind, and being closed in caused his form to quake with convulsions. He and the Avarian Ranger had fought the nights before, and he punished her to the cells. Guilt pinged at his very existence when he lay resting in his bed, until the still undressed man ventured to make her freedom. Little did he know, her lover, Avarian Ambassador was already attempting a jailbreak. "you..look like a man whose troubles fit the bill of my own." Spoke a man whose teeth had rotted clear out of his mouth. A twisted grin over a feeble face bent down from the next cell over to look over the mentally exhausted General. "..are you crying Lord? Tears will get you no where. Lost like the rain atop a river." Tears of frustration burned from the Egyptian's eye, spilling down flesh that came alive underneath the lantern light. A look of warning threatened the man's life as Maahes turned away from the man hands coming to clasp around the bars to give one more good shake. "a good strong back..I see..you cannot be very old.." Having been dressed for night, the Beast only wore what would be appropriate for the time of year; A pair of sleep pants, cropped at mid-calf, and nothing else. Even the flesh of his feet were bare, and stained with the trip through the mud. This was to be a simple in and out mission, and now his one true fear came back to haunt him like the ghost that haunted the man in the other cell. "..not old enough to remember Murieall..dear sweet hands, that played the harp." And that was enough. Maahes turned like the lion he so favored and pounced across the small space clasping the man's thin neck with a hand that could wrap almost twice. "Silence!!" (d


Anulia: Little did the general know, that another had come to check on him and offer a plate of that fine cooking Anulia had gotten so good at. Only halfway there, she had noted and watched as the General left his quarters before she had time to get anywhere near them and moved out into the night. Thunder flashed over head, making her chocolate hues turn towards the sky as it lit up momentarily before darkness took over. Where was he going at such a hour? The fact that he was partly dressed made no never mind to Anulia as feet became a wide distance between them while she debated on leaving his plate there at his sleeping chamber or following him and trying to catch up. Curiousity had her following some distance behind with the plate still in her hand. The arrival at the dungeons had allowed Anulia to suspect where he was going and who he was going to see, so instead of following him all the way, she stopped as he entered the area and decided to wait outside. Some time had passed and the thunder was not letting up, making her debate once more on leaving and going to the castle, or going inside to see what had become of Maahes. Not wishing to walk alone in the storm, she moved inside. The walls made of pure stone, thicker then any she had seen, the smell of urine and bowel movements from careless criminals and mold assualted her nose making it wrinkle. Fear flashed in her mind making her pause. It was too much like the boat..too much like her own prision in her mind, but she had to face her fears. That lump in her throat felt thick as sandled feet moved to scrap the bottoms against the stone floors. At first, she had been too close to the bars until a dirty hand reached out for her, making her jump back as she got the attention of lonely men. Eyes widened and she stayed in the middle. Some reached out for her, others called comments that she did not understand. Unknowing what it all meant, tears formed in her eyes making them glisten in the light of the torches that were upon the walls. What had these men done to place them here in such a cruel area? She did not understand..having never seen this side of Skye before. The plate became a life line as she clutched it in her grip and before long, too many noises, calls and the sound of thunder beyond the stone got to her. She could venture no more alone. `` MAAHES!! WHERE ARE YOU?!`` the shiver in her voice could not be missed even as the men taunted her and repeated the phrase she had just send to mock her. Bullies.

Beathag The sky was going to be split at the seam with the promise of the torrential rain Maahes had told fell during her absence. To be witness to the event was to be privy to the preperations of the people; bags of sand stockpiled on low lying doorsteps, the sealing of animal, man, woman, and child behind thick doors. It made no sense then for the Lady of the Isles to be afoot on a dire evening but business did not wait for elemental sway to be conducted. No one knew it, but on the marble floors above the thick foundation stones she walked, listened, and saw to it the preperations her husband had laid out were completed without fail. Some of the finest infantry and naval forces were sent out toward Ireland to fufill the agreement with the Ceannfort to aid in the liberation. It looked like the start of battle tonight, it smelled pure before blood could be spilled on distant shores. One needn't go far to know the metallic taste of blood coin's purchased was foaming under tongue, festering in old wounds in the prison cells. They blugeoned with hands reaching out for the supple young flesh to fill with their pleasure, to rape of innoence as others had been. Some were men of enemy powers, others thieves, way-farers, murderers. Traitors of generations left to rot with the stench of excrement. Why would Anulia want to follow anyone in towards the bowels of the civilized world? Then again, what would inspire a titled woman to do the same? Business. One of the guards had come up from below. He had words to pass on, but lingered near the open windows. Storm ridden or no the air waswelcome to lungs that breathed in too much dank rot. He felt Kendrew's hands firm on his shoulder, his face a silent expectation of awaiting purpose. Leaning over, he bowed, whispering it at once to the man's ear who in turn turnedon his heel to fetch the Lady. Pulling her arm from the gathering of leiutenants and elected representatives, the hissed tone caused her at once to make for the dungeons. Below, Maahes' hand gripped the throat of a knowledgeable loon.."Too young, aye, too young to remember. They died but the heir returned....the heir of old MacAurie, beautifubeautiful women....them both. The sweet Davena..she too could play . They shared ownership ye know...she wsa part Highlander. Ah.....Sweet sweet Murieall...her children....beautiful....especially the changeling one." (d)


Maahes: All rhyme and reason left the General and it was clear by the vacant look of impending doom that crossed amber orbs. His eyes expressed an inner turmoil that was of hatred and pure rage. The air was suddenly missing as the bars closed in further, and the man's neck would be released. The noise of the rain caused him to cover his ears with his hands, and his name would break the madness. "no..no..listen to me." The man spoke even though his voice was almost missed from the strain. "Listen..to me child. Hear my story and think not of where you are." Even in the bowels of his cage the man's kindness couldn't be missed, and why would a loon risk his life to save the mind of the General? Long slender fingers of he old man curled around the bar, until knuckles were white as he watched Maahes slide down the length of the wall to hug his knees. "yes..yes son, keep well inside yourself..put up those walls." The Arab peered dark eyes now red and swollen over to the man, and started to question. Perhaps the man knew who he was? What he was doing for this army? Perhaps he knew something they all didn't, a secret that would be reason enough to be locked away. Voices carried down the halls, and the old man's twisted grin only deepened. "see son,..they come for you..talk to me." "They are all Highlanders here fool." His tone barked from a deep place inside his chest. Just like him to piss off the help, right? but he was talking and in turn calming. "Aye, but not as this one,.." Yellow eyes peered from his own cell down the hall. "fate brought them together...but it's I who know the secret boy..does that make me a fool?" Maahes had no answer for the man, as he took a deep breath he tried to listen to the sounds outside. "Is that why you are here? For a secret?" The old man's eyes were yellow in place of white, his back bent from the lifetime of being inside this cell, he should have been gone years ago, but this old fool was hanging on for life. Why? For someone to listen? (d

Anulia: Confusion was what made fear breed deep in the minds of many. It had the power to thrive and twist until the mind was lost deep within madness. Anulia had a stronger mind then that, but as a woman, the sensitivity she felt could not be ignored, for she was not a bitter woman and such was the price when one was a light hearted person. Anulia should have known of these things, she should have shrugged them off due to having experienced them before, but instead it made every muscle inside her small, curved body tense and quiver. There was no answers to her calls for him, the one soul she knew within the prison that held so many others. It was a nightmare, like being pushed back in time and having to face her demons all over again. Anulia was too alert to close her eyes and try to ease her mind, instead pushing forward. Should she not find him, she could always turn around and run back. Sandals scrapped against the stone once more as she moved but the calls of men were drowning them out. In here, the bowels of hell to many, they were not care that her skin was dark. It only mattered that she was female. Eyes darted right to left until she heard a more quiet conversation compared to the yellings of others. Moving closer, she looked to see the male first, his form dirty from head to toe and he looked ill with the yellow touch as her people called it. It was beyond him and to the other side, that she noted Maahes sitting within the cell. ``Maahes? Why are you in the cell?`` The confusion could not be hidden. Anulia would not even try.

Beathag: Your Grace, what would the Duke say iffn we let his wife d.." Beathag did not need to do much to match the eye level of a man who was precisly her height. The guard wasn't aware of that fact until he felt the shadow of the Duchess swallowing his own, "He'd say shut the 'ell up n' let me the hell in, is what he would say! Do nay make me ask a third time or ye will be relieved of ye post! Who's idea was it to let the General down alone! Always, always guard the court e'en if we do not seek it, always!" Kendrew gave the men further instruction. Two came forward to open to undo the mechanims that bolted the door thrice. Soon, the heavy wood and iron pinnings groaned and clashed, leaving the way revealed to a place gone darker each spiraled step down into the bowels of the earth. Torchers were picked up, two by the men, one by Kendrew as he stepped infront of his Lady, his charge. "The pair of you go behindyou will follow me. I want another two men behind you. Your Grace, if you would." Boot heel clicked on stone, armor clattered as they twisted down, down, down. Fresh air was replaced with the stench of alge over moist stone wall. All too soon the voices of the prisoners became clear cries; some cat called. Rest assured, a man with keys might make money by pimping a whore in these cells. Groans of sex in wooden closed rooms was not uncommon ,but those who shared open iron cells were not so lucky. No whore would touch them, so they were left to reach out of the bars. They were not her concern. Unlike Anulia, she had been privy to piles of documention, the proof of old charges. If they were left in these cells it was for a reason that would make even scrap iron stomachs wretch. Turas Lan was not always a place of unparrelled beauty and peace. Her underworld was thick, pregnant with vile life. "Where is the General, where? You are not looking fast enough.....Anulia?!" A twist, a turn, the dark colored woman was not what she expected to see, but like an arrow she pointed the way. "What the hell is going on here...Anulia..get back,get away from there girl! Ye dun know what will reach out! Kendrew echoed Bess' sediments, gently moving the woman away from the bars and saying this was no place for a gentle flower such as her., but she would be privy to the doors being open. Keys were taken out, and when the door to the cell was open two guards went in to restrain the original prisoner as the Duchess herself stepped in, "This is no place for my General. Not at all. Come on, come out o' here.." Two women instead of one? The prisoners began to grow rowdy, and even the old man, docile and kind..flew into his rantings again as he pointed, "That one..that one! Ah yes, remember the story, young one. So listenlisten! The Changeling baby...but not a changeling. Only the daughter of the conquerors and the conquered." She was taken aback as he stared at her. The leeriness in his eyes. But she walked right over to Maahes instead, offering him her hand, "Come on, before the mad make ye mad." (d)

Maahes: Old stiffened bones twisted in odd shapes as the old man stood from his position against the wall. "Do not ask questions, little girl, go fetch help." Yellow eyes narrowed upon the other who entered, was a failing vision once again playing horrid tricks? As he spoke to Anulia eyes would try and find the woman who entered next, and his ramblings would only confirm his illusion. As the old man started to grow mad with a babbling mind, Maahes all too happy took happily* the Duchess's hand, and a massive frame swallowed up the small portion from floor to ceiling. We're all mad here. Swollen eyes moved from the pair to the man, as the names were embedded into his mind. Names of figures he thought he had come across in old scrolls. So many kept to their duties, and the duty alone, but so often Maahes found himself seeking out more then what was expected. Hours were spent concealed by tall stacks of books as he submerged himself in a history that was taught in school to the rest. However, just as today, the educational system was incomplete, and so many holes were left open to question. So he had never found truth in another's words, but went to the source himself. As he had a mind that was educated by faces, features read like words; he had seen the likeness to the tapestries on the walls, and in the face of the Duchess. So somewhere in the vast black hole of a blank mind had attempted to put together a puzzle, that would take seconds to complete had they all the pieces. His legs like the old man shook, but that was not all. The General's entire frame trembled with rush of sudden fear and emotion from being locked up. Like in a fit of rage he went blank, acting on instinct rather then judgement, and like a drug it was hard to come off of. The names would have been repeated if he could speak, he would have questioned the man further, making him repeat what was told. From the clouds his mind came back down rushing as the moans and chants of the other men called out after the pair of ladies, and the heat of his nature returned. A protective stance came between the women and the rest, and he'd turn his head over his shoulder to the guards, "Make them be still or I'll tear every tongue out." One hand rose to Anulia's shoulder ushering her on to the door. "Come back and talk again.."The toothless man grinned in his act, and clung to the bars with a small motion in his head..back and forth..back and forth. He would start a little song, the tune played only in his head, but the words leaving just as they were played, "MacLaurie MacLarie of Bernisdale came nigh, little women of darkest hair set against the blue black sky..." hhmmm hmmmm hmmmm le lo le lo le lo.." " The man started to dance with the bars, using his hands to hold the weight of his body, Maahes was then reminded of an ape once in the streets of the Middle East. Shivers danced his spine as kept a hand on Anulia's shoulder. (d

Anulia: Chocolate eyes moved back and forth from Maahes to the other male sick with illnes before she heard the foot steps of others quickly approaching her. Turning to see the tall highlander, Beathag, she listened as she told her to get back, making sure to not place herself within range of the other hands that reached out. That cloth covered plate was still within her hands and her vice, keeping her steady as Beathag dealt with what had been going on. Anulia knew as much as Beathag did, not sure what to say to the dutchess at this time. Eyes found Kendrew as he spoke of her being a flower and not needed to be here. Who did? Not Maahes, not Beathag and yet here they all were. As Beathag helped Maahes, Anulia looked to them both but more so the general. Why had he been in there? That was yet to be answered and as that look she knew from countless times and history came across his face, she knew now was not the time to ask so many questions. Remaining silent, she felt his larger and rough hand upon her slender shoulder, pressing the heat through the cloth that covered it before he spoke to the guards in a tone and ushered Anulia to move forward. No hesitation could be found in her steps as she set the pace, making sure to take wider steps for the taller people behind her while she lead the way towards clean air, freedom and the sound of thundering.

Beathag: "Your Grace, let me send back for bath water, food, drink, for the party at the castle. The stench here will pollute us all.." Kendrew would be more than happy to follow Maahes' example of taking his charge by the shoulder and leading her out. The purpose was done. General retrieved, guards admonished for the folly of leaving him alone. The old fool looked like a marionette in one of the puppet theaters at the market. Jerking, bobbing, by way of invisible strings to the rhythm of his own lunacy. "Let us go, Lady Beathag.." he said sternly, clasping a firm hand to turn her around.

Madman: "Le lo, le lo. Leee lo lee lo. Hiiiigh atop the mountains, on an island in the sea, they await the return of a lordship, lee dee le dee. They will crown him with golden n' thistle , they will call him mighty one! They say he will glow brighter than the fire in the sun! Ahhh..do come again. I have story and song to share. MacRaurie's daughters numbered 5 you know. Five, five. Davena was the youngest.."

Beathag:Had he come to prison mad or did the four walls, steel, and low celing break him down? Not all of him was crazed, he had glimmers of lucidity, likethe names in his ranting, how else would the Duchess have turned against Kendrew's hand to look at him? (d)

Maahes: There it was, that name. The same name that called Bess's attention captured that of his own. Maahes stilled in his steps, allowing his hand to keep hold on Anulia's should as far as his arm could reach, and when it would drop the eye of a guard was caught. "Stay with her." Returning to the Duchess's side. "He has been speaking of that name..and another." Amber orbs turned from Bess to the old bag of bones. The cries of the other men called out, speaking of words he had only heard once. Words degrading to his kin, and to the women around him. "Bess, please.." He curled his fingers slowly and gently around her elbow. "We have got to leave this place." (d)

Anulia: The rantings of the old man were ignored, for she had no idea what he spoke on and with thoughts of his illness, had figured him to be mad, not wanting to be taken away with it as well. When that large hand held her in a tighter , she paused in her steps, turning around to face him only to find her placed within care of another guard. She said nothing, but watched the two and Maahes trying to ask Bess to come.

Old Chamberlain: " Five little maids all in a row, handmaidens they had too. The daughters of old MacRaurie and his pretty wife. Pretty wife, not of Skye. No no.. le lo." he began to hum again, but quieted, looking up to them as if he were no more than an old friend, " All of them died in the seiges after a time. Warring people, the clans were then. Pssht. By Christ's wounds and my shoe buckle heel, aye. Clamorin' for what was his by birthright. Scotts and old Viking way too. His wife was a Highlander's Viking child. Pretty pretty. Golden haired, darker as time went by. Pretty though. Lara. Lara. But you know the preetiest of that lot was the harper sort. Aberdeen Aberdeen, come be my queen, o Aberdeen." Beathag listened closely to the "rantings" only to find that the old man was a cloistered trove of sense against his undone mind. She shook her head, stepping forward. "He must have been alive way a'back...but..he knows..he is talking of the old Lord of the Isles...his family. Adam's family, n'...pieces of my own.. Old man, old man! " She broke away from them and went to kneel beside him, "Come, old sir, aye, be tellin' me more o' yer story? Such an old story.." She was placating him as she would a child..too close for the likings of the guards. Kendrew looked as if he would kill the old man for even laying a finger..but stood still (d)

Maahes: Kendrw looked? Ha! Maahes was still dressed for bed, naked from the hips up so perhaps but there was no sign of feeling exposed or any less. Dark eyes latched onto the yellow eyes of the other, and would carefully almost BEG the man to make a move. Massive arms crossed over his chest, muscles solid with the tension and ready to strike if needed. " Once it was long ago foretold of a bard's grand harp in hammered gold, once long ago the story foretold of the harp that had traveled the Isles..." The man continued as he parted eyes from Bess to her General, and then returned. He kept the bob of his balding head at a slow rhythm, but when she drew in closer the man's toothless grin only went wider until he looked like a pumpkin carved with a dull blade. "You..YOU have gold hair!" The man went to her level pressing his face between the bars. "Let me out..let me out, give me food..a woman..and I will tell you more. Moooooooore!" The bare flesh of his arms and chest chilled with bumps as the man seemed to send shivers with his voice alone. One arm would uncurl from the hold and go to the small of his back, palm open and Kendrew knew the call; removing a dagger hidden by his own belt he would hand it over to the General. It was a secret understanding between men . Especially when it came to this pair. Slow careful steps then moved both men to stand just on each side of the Duchess, forming a protective barrier on either side of her. When that old man spoke of needing a woman, both of them half dared the old loon to pick that one. "Oooh my little one..my little one of Golden hair...my Fionathaga, that is what they would have called you, that is what some do..white shoulders..white shoulders" The man started to speak out as he slipped away from the bars speaking mostly to himself. (d

Maahes: Hard heels rocked the stone floor, the beast of a Knight made way through the dank dark coridor nearling shadowing the grounds ahead of him with each step. The Pale cloak was left topside leaving the knight a white leather tunic and white trousers. His left gloved hand rest against the grip tightly bound to his left hip. Each new step brought the veteran knight closer to the small gathering at the end of the dungeon. Voices seemed to carry the length of the stone walls. Balian remembered his time in solitude all too well just then. A quick lick to the front of his pearly whites dismissed the thought when he came before the others with a silent bow of his head. Icy blues lowered to the ground a moment before lifting back to spy older man through the bars. His brow lift and his weight had shift. He heard that the General and Duchess were down here from whispers above ground but hardly expected that to be more then a rumor. [d]

Jelenah: The Duchess handmaiden had wanted to speak with Bess about those few things from the night prior, as then both food and rest was need then, keeping matters at bay for the time. Now another attempt would be made in locating the Highlander woman. A guard informed her that last he heard she had been headed toward the Blue Castle dungeons. Hearing that, Jelenah cringed, making a displeased look but nodded and continued on her way. As usual, tiny footsteps carried the lil woman as quickly as possible knowing that in the blink of an eye, the Duchess could vanish from one place and be within another. Reaching the Blue Castle and nearly out of breath, she hesitated in moving to the lower levels, where the dungeon was found. A deep breath taken before down the many stairs she moved, eyes as wide as ever with the growing darkness and then it hit. The damp air, the stinch...all making the blond cease in her advancement down. A hand going to her mouth and nose as the other moved to her stomach. She moved once more, slower this time until she reached the bottom and began to peer hard into the dimly lit area. <d

Beathag: Kendrew turned a side ways glance to Maahes as he armed his vacant hand after passing a dagger to the General. He was ready to clamp down on the old codger's hands with a steel vice if need be. Let him try. Let him try! But what if the permission was granted? She kneeled down beside him while outside the guards looked to Balian that were told to wait by the cell door, informing him that within were the General, Kendrew, and the Duchess in discussion with one of the crazed prisoners, and how close the proximity was. Jelenah was but another woman in a place where men only dreamed of their charms, so she heard the calls even as a guar dcame to escort her futher..heard the leering lewd calls for her body. " How do you know tha' song, old man...how?!" He had withdrawn, but suddenly turned back, curious, quaint really. A glance there, a look there..a hand reaching out that she took as he uttered it over and over again. " I AM Fionathaga....I am Fionathaga.....I do have golden hair. Once the harp was jeweled and crystal and spun glass, the chords were copper, silver, brass. The harper played on the midsummer grass.." "All night and all the day. Ah ha! Ah ha! You..I knew....see, give me food and I wil say it all....." "Tell me all n' I will do better than food, old man..a bed, bath, clothes...your knowledge for the beginnin' o' yer freedom.." Kendrew screwed up his face and looked to Maahes, not liking that one bit, but she captured his hand, " How...do ye know it?" "How do YOU know it? Murieall's daughter, changeling baby aye? All grown up and beautiful..Davena came home not long after her son was still small to stay a season or so..three, six, nine who knows but she stayed..she stayed...and the Aberdeen family came to reside for a time....a time. After the death of the first man Murieal wed..aye..aye...then the second came he lived awhile..gave her dark haired girl and boy but the first two? Oh no..oh no...changeling children. Golden haired. Wheat braids. Like Lara of Aberdeen. Muriel was dark like Davena was dark.. how pretty you were then...how pretty...You were so grand...so grand a child.. the boy was quiet....Davena's boy like a Francsican or Benedictan monk aye....quiet. I was the Chamberlain....then...aye! Like my father had been before..I was...I was..seeee...seeeee" He held up a chain all battered up now, they didn't take it away, holding the sign of his office. "I remember you...read the walls, the painting, the books, the glass....little girl.. you sat on my knee as they painted it and he sat near my heel as Muriel wrote it and Davena talked about the old days of her father's house....I remember you...pretty thing. They killed them all you know." (d)

Balian Windsor: He nodded to the guards explanation. "I see." He glanced back down the coridor hearing the prisoners begin to yell out their comments. His eyes fell on Jelenah before he would smile faintly and turn his attention back toward the prisoner in the cell nearest him, the mans face pressed into the bars to yell back down the hall at the beautiful hand maiden. Balian simply shift his weight and turned to look back at the guards while his left fist blindly rocketed backward to crack the man in the birdge of the nose knocking him back into the rough of his cell unconscious. His blues averted even further to keep from chuckling while the few other cells nearest him fell quiet rather quickly. "Gentlemen." He nodded once more to the guards and took that step to pass between them to make his way toward the Duchess, Maahes and Kendrew. [d]

Jelenah: The guard came forth, escorting her down the walkway that lead to where the others would be found. Along the walk, she drew closer to the guard as those bright blue sparkling hues grew dim as the sights, sounds and smells continued to slowly eat away at her mind. Bold and down right sexist comments were made as the golden blond passed the men. Whistles and body gestures made at her as her eyes moved from one criminal to the next. Just before reaching theothers, she froze. Her feet unable to move as her face blank of all expression as flash backs suddenly took her mind. Masked men on horses, screams, heat from blazing fires that were set to the homes. A man across from her in one of the many cells began to speak to her even as she was in her lost state of mind. "Ello, poppet... pretty lil thing aren't ya....my... what a time Ay could show ye...hm? Show ye what a real man can dae with tha likes o' something like ye." His words would fall on deaf ears as more visions began to flash and fade, having her eyes narrow and piece it together. The guard at her side stilled, his hand at her back as if trying to gently coax her back to the here andnow. <d

The Old Chamberlain and Beathag: " The words are in the walls, little changeling. Tell the quiet boy that too? The words are in the walls! They point where each piece of history should go..mmhm I recall so much...yet so little..oh so much!" He nodded vehemently.Pieces of the puzzle as he suprised Beathag by turning the tables, capturing her cheeks in his hands, stroking as a father would, " They all are gone but ye can tell the Lady? Did Lara go too, too far? I knew...I knew that is why some o' the old clans o' MacKinnon put here me...aye they did..they did....help me. Help me, little changeling. Don't you remember?" The memories now made sense! That was why she saw herself on the walkways, heard her mother's voice! That was why...but not all the answeres were here, no...they lay in this man's mind, in the castle, in Aberdeen, maybe even in England. She gasped at his cold, clammy, sticky hands but found no malice in his touch. Kendrew bristled at once, "I dun care what you know, old man, get your hands off of the Duchess..." He scoffed at them, "Duchess, Duchess," he whispered, " why MacAuri was the son of a king you know..there used to be an Isle King once before only a Lord..but they swore fealty to Scotland yes.. You are the harper's child, the bard's child, the changeling child...where is your friend the quiet boy..where is he now? Did he come back, did he come home? Davena and Muriell were fond of the children playing, do nay let them stray past dark! All of them cousins by a marriage or arrangement you see...family! Davena wanted Muriell to come to England but her husand would not allow it so no no..no no..not if hte Bruce had a thing to say too. no no.." Kendrew saw the look in Beathag's face, that inquiry, that near palor from the strain. "Take him out...bathe him, feed him, clothe him..give him..give him a room in Blue Castle....give him escort in the gardens when none are there..." Kendrew looked to Maahes and Balian, "M'lady I believe ye are done here..come." (d)

Maahes: Was their a guard leading a lady into the dungeons?? Maahes burned his gaze into the man's with disappointment. The smells, and sounds of the cells were beyond anything any should witness. "Windsor, gather every guard and break the hands of any who reach out of their cages!" With that every single man in the halls went still, save for one who apparently was fearless. He would call out to the woman passing, and reached out for Jelenah as she passed. A smirk filled his lips as this was going to be entertaining, but he would cast his eye to Kendrew. "I'll take him." In many ways Maahes would owe this man his life and sanity. He as well needed to dress and get cleaned up. With that, the old man was lifted to his feet, and Maahes extended his arm to steady the old frame. If needed he would carry the man. (d

Balian Windsor: Gathering of guards wouldn't be necessary was the thought that had filled his head. He would gladly deal the damage to himself to these men. "Aye Sir." Though he knew the purpose of Maahes statement and it had proved its weight savefor one. His head snapped back around down the hall toward Jelenah and he started back down that hall toward her knowing something was wrong. That was an expression he had not yet come to know of his betrothed and just when he reached her his hands came to either side of her face, gently running his thumbs down her cheeks and tilting her head back to bring her eyes to his. He exhaled a soft breath and reached down scooping her up into the warmth of his arms to cradle her. "I got you sweet heart." Spoken in a near whisper when he started to carry her back out of the dungeon. [d]

Jelenah: Moisture then began to threaten her eyes, glassy they became but no tears would fall. Her chest stilled, almost as if she held her breath, scared to let air fill the contracted lungs. The guard at her side continued to try and get her attention. "M'Lady... Lady Jelenah...are you alright?" The man could clearly see something was upsetting her. The flaxen haired maiden was then face to face with Balian as he cupped her face and directed her eyes to his. A gasp was made, as if suddenly needing to breathe as his thumbs to her cheeks lured her back to present times. Her brows arched and then furrowed as he scooped her up and began to carry her off. Her arms went around his neck and she hid her face. Trying to avoid anymore sights or smells that were beginning to churn her stoach into an uproar of uneasiness.<d

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Maahes: A new day had started without the aid of the sun, Maahes could see the dawn breaking from behind the dark clouds. Where was he and what happened? As the darkness faded away he suddenly realized that there was not a soft bed beneath nor his pillow to support his frame. In fact he was sleeping over stone, on a cold floor in a castle he had yet to visit. Sitting up a massive hand came to rub away the imprint of stones that crossed his dark flesh. Amber orbs opened again trying to make light of the room, and the night before came back in a rush. He had taken the first watch over the loon's room, and could remember the soldier's plea for the General to take rest. However the young boy suddenly wished that he could take back the cry as Maahes just sat down and fell asleep. The soldier at the door suddenly stiffened at the sounds and sights before him as the Beast rose to his feet. "Morning Sir!" The boy called out and Maahes gave him a look that could kill. "..to early..for sir." He grumbled and moved down the hall like a bear. (d

Emeritus Memoria: Matters came and gone in every village, country, or nations of the world. If the matters were important, however, they received foremost attention. The sun's rays had disappeared behind the dark bellied clouds that threatened rain, though there still had yet to be a drop released to the ground. A messenger had delievered a letter from the Duchess to him while he was at home in Eohmark not only with his family, but his company. Urgent matters to be attended to, as always. So, with a handful of riders as escort, the Lord Marshal was dressed in usual layers of armour, lighter than a footman, but certainly more than rangers. The Cavalry commander made all haste to the Blue Castle, where rumours did take wing of happenings in the dungeons. Eamonn was still not entirely clear on what had happened...something about a crazy fool that would not cease to shut his mouth. But it was seemingly made a huge deal, and Eamonn was about to find out why. Reigning his steed to a swift, sharp stop, Eamonn handed the long spear to the rider beside him and swung a leg over the saddle, booted feet landed with a soft thud and rattle of metal links of chain. The helm upon his head was unbuckled and pulled from his head, revealing tousled golden locks of hair, partly pulled back with a leather cord. Long legs carried him up the steps, two at time, and the doors were opened for him. Hazel eyes passed this way and that as the helm was tucked under his arm and a gloved hand rested upon the grip of his sword idly. As he passed into the Blue castle, the sight of Maahes caught his eye, and Eamonn instantly frowned, lifting his chin up higher. What now roused the angry bear from his cave? Part of him wanted to skin him like a bear should be and hang his head on display in the great hall. Scoffing silently, eyes looked the man from head to toe quickly, before he turned his gaze away and asked a servant for his sister...wherever she might be

Set In Her Way: "Be damned, another day of rain," Kendrew muttered under his breath as the light of dawn was sequestered behind the thick, omnious pretense of black on the horizon. It was by no means a day for the likes of the ladies to be on hoseback if it could be helped, but if it could be helped he'd rather them inside Griffin Castle, but the choice wasn't his to make. At least he was acknowledged when it was suggested the horses be hitched to the carriage instead. Two women with risen hoods entered through the open door. He studied the insignia on the door and gave a huff, mounting his own steed to ride beside it, for his eyes were better used outside than in. By the time they even began to twist and turn the streets to the Blue Castle, many precautions and talk had already surrounded the crazy lunatic brought up from the bowels of the dungeons to be supped, bathed, and restored to the right mind. He wasn't of a fashion to care what mind was sane or no, perhaps this was the one time the clans had a viable reason. Hours had passed, for first the ladies came, then followed by an ordered search of closed rooms in the castle until the room that would have been the Chamberlain's was found and item's produced. The servant before Eamonn held a handful of tunics and hose, all having been beaten of dust, laundered, and deemed suitable enough to give back to the previous owner. " She's just tha' way, Lord Marshall, in tha' Great Eastern Dome." The Great Eastern Dome was in fact a round room on the second floor with a dome built to the pleasure of the architect as a sign of mastering the construct of it. No one knew of the scenes in the glass were biblical or heathen, but the people were bright faced all the same. (d)

Aslan Burning: actually turned and edged the man's quick temper on, as it had become of of his hobbies, but he had no doubt that the siblings needed to speak. Continuing down the hall the bear would make his way out into the open. He would finish his rounds and then return.

Emeritus Memoria: Knowing very little of what happened, saved a lunatic spouting off words and babbles, he wondered why military men were put on notice. Was there something more than was being told to him? News often became scattered like colours in prism, and who better to ask than the Duchess herself, who had been there first hand? Eamonn held back a sneer as the General Maahes passed him by with but a nod in greeting. Eyes narrowed somewhat, watching the man with a keen eye as he left the building and castle doors. Eamonn didn't trust him, simply put. Turning on his heels, Eamonn climbed the steps that led to the Dome chambers, where a servant had informed him that his Lady Sister was within...doing what he did not even have the slightest clue. Fingers uncurled themselves from the grip of his sword and reached for the door, pushing the thick wood forward only so wide as to allow his lofty frame clearance into the room. Once the Marshal stepped inside, the door was shut behind him, and Eamonn cleared his throat, standing at stiff attention as was practiced habitually by any member of the military.

Glorious Myths: Aoife was here and ready for trouble! Oh, fine, maybe not trouble, persay, but it seemed to find her in one form or another. The ship that had made a short stop in Ulster would not let her stay there, thus she was she was off the boat with her sheep and had them locked up in a local yard to chew the cud. Now she was off on her nice thin soled leather ankle boots, the shipped, haha, off to Skye. The first chance she got, laces tied in a neat bow. Her clothing created a sweet bell shape to her, yellow and black striped stockings could be glimpsed as she hopped over a puddle in her way, the underskirts - many of them - were yellows and white Irish linens, though her top skirt was a brilliant blood red of homespun. Her linen shirt was a man cut with blouced sleeves and large collar, flowers sewn expertly into the points of the collar, a blue shawl was wrapped over her shoulders and down ehr front to cross behind her, tucked into the skirt's waist to keep her from the soft day of sprinkles. Wheat snap out of it and give the men a winning smile. "Baill veih Jee hood [Good morning]!" announced her friendly sing songy voice to the guards. -d-

Set In Her Way: The Lady-in-Waiting was busy giving instruction where to lay the precious, precarious objects of time long ago on long wooden tables at the end of the room. Old tunics, hose, shoes, personal effects from the room were poised out awaiting the old man's later examination. On the arrival of the Lord Marshall, she offered a greeting, curtsied low, and ushered the servants out so that they might have privacy to talk on the matters at hand. Beathag's eyes connected with the Slavic woman in gratitude before falling on items at a separate table: Two thick, exceptional old volumes of text her fingers tapped gainst before turning to Eamonn. Canting her head in greeting, formality could afford to be cut out with these two. "The old man was a servant to the old Lord o' the Isles, the last Lord...many years agone. He knows things." She breathed inward as she lifted her head, "He knows the ties they have tae Adam, to m'self, e'en so far as to remember us as small children, crazed as he is, he is nay bein' false. His mind holds the secrets, the answers we need to make sense o' a great many things. As he's been imprisoned fer more than thirty years, one can ne'er trust what his hands will or would nay do if upset. So." That was the most blunt delivery she'd ever given...and she finished it with a touch more personal when she was assured they were alone, " He saw Brycean, too, as a child." (d)

meritus Memoria: Nothing more than a curt nod was passed to the Lady-in-Waiting as she finished her task of placing things about the room for the Duchess. Eamonn stepped aside, away from the door, giving the lady and her servants clear passage to the door and an exit. Once the women were gone, the helm was adjusted somewhat under his arm as he held it, and waited for the heavy door to sound in closing before his gaze turned back to his sister. Quick and to the point, that was how he liked it, and sure enough, that was how Bess delivered it. He had little patience for anything else, and filler words, useless information, was not something a soldier had much use for. Lifting his chin higher, he gazed down to his sister and listened to her as she spoke. If this man knew so much, why was he locked in the dungeons for so long? If the man truly had been there as long as she claimed, whoever sent him down there obviously did not want him dead, or or remembered. ``I see. And where is this man?`` He inquired, stepping closer to his sister. Stoism was a common trait among the family it seemed, and Eamonn had gotten the lion's share of it all, stoic from life and war. At the mention of Brycean, Eamonn frowned, and arched a thick brow. ``And so where is this man, Bess?`` He asked firmly, harsher than meant to. His hand returned to it's perch upon the grip of his sword

Glorious Myths: Friendly voice and a cheshire grin at the boys, feeling out if she could just prance in, since they just smirked back the Manx. Aoife would slink her way into the gates, looking around a mo' before she'd start to wander towards an entry way. Her movements were quiet as she'd smile and nod at anyone who happened by, just looking as if she belonged. Her hands dipping into the red skirt's hidden pockets, wandering along with a smile on her pretty pout.: -d-

Set In Her Way: Blue Castle was something of a Turas Lan landmark, a place where the people could appreciate beauty and be a part of history as it occurred. There should have been a might more enforcement, given what was occuring in certain rooms prestigious halls, but no one could blame the men for enjoying a smile on such a dark day. She would see others pass by, some of importance, others not. In the Dome Room, Eamonn was given his answer in a tone quicker than she intended. He received his share of stoicsm, she had the ability to seal away the smiles if need be. Who could blame either for being guarded. One never knew his brother, the other remembered him. For another man to have seen him alive, to know more than they both did was cause for hairs to stand on end, " In a suite at the end of the hall, he is to be brought in 'ere when he awakens from his rest. Last I heard he was bein' bathed again n' dressed." No news of family seemed to come to them easily, so if the man's tongue was loosened then it would be a blessing. Copper skirts flew as she turned round, bending over as lily-white hands opened the pages of one of the books, the eldest of the two. Words could be forgotten as it was the style of the time to craft fanciful picture. Long, lean figures on pages. She tapped his arm so he would look too, for she didn't dare lift it up as suddenly as her strength would have made her do. Speaking was not their forte, but action seemed to be. She pointed to the end of the page, indeed one of the last pages in the book, where the history of others recorded generations before stopped. A woman with her auburn hair coiled into twin buns at either ear was depicted as looking down on two children with wheat colored hair and green eyes. The small girl could be nothing else but Bess, leaving the taller boy, perhaps nearing ten by then, to be Brycean. It was him she pointed at. It also did not take one of great observation to notice why beathag had stopped cold in Inverness that day on the docks looking at Eamonn, for Brycean shared his same features (d)

Emeritus Memoria: Upon the news of the lunatic's importance, Eamonn wanted to know just where he was, hoping that the man was either still in the dungeons or in a room with security of some measure stationed about. With such information as Bess had professed he had, a man like that was a danger to be anywhere other than the hands of the Duchess and trusted men. Thirty years away...there had to be a reason for it, and Eamonn was guess that it was because of the information he had that one found displeasing and sought to silence. Thirty years later, the man was released by the hand of Bess. Eamonn glanced down to her hand as she tapped his arm between pauldron and vambrace, hitting chainmail layered over more clothing. Eyes shifted to the book, and instantly he stiffened. Lips pressed themselves together tightly as he stared at the page, ignoring the words which made no sense to him, and looking at thepicture. Eamonn could not read, he tried to, at the patient hand of Eirian, but fell out of habit and it was lost to him. Brows furrowed all the more as as he leaned down the book to get a closer look. Brycean...the half-sibling he never knew. Eamonn blinked. It was no wonder that Bess had been shocked to see Eamonn...the two had similar features...both men carrying many traits of their father. ``...What does this mean?`` He asked, standing straighter and looked down at Bess expectantly, and behind the mask of stoism, somewhat uneased by the similar traits he and Brycean had.

Glorious Myths: Aoife of course avoided rooms with men at the doors, or women at the doors, or many people at the doors. She never meant harm, but she wasn't about to get tossed off the island for her wandering spirit. That wide blue gaze was swishing about happily over everything, most likely she'd be hopelessly lost. A soft song, wordless, just a tune was flowing from her lips, all together not a horrible voice. She was indeed bright! So far she had not seen many people dressed as such which was good she was there. Colour was needed. -d-

Set In Her Way: Voices would catch her ear no doubt, the pretty colorful lass of Manx speaking origins. Drab were the robes of the upper-to-do, the rioutous colors instead were saved for the walls! Alas, she could not see Beathag yet in her swirling skirts of beaten copper and amber, with a sheen making them rainbow as oil does in light. "It means tha' there were many things m'mother couldn't tell me afore she died, tha' Adam's mother couldn't tell him. Tha' Father forgot. The old man mentioned....two dark haired ones Murieall had after the first man passed on, then the other came...but the first two wheat haired ones were pretty, prettiest.. He could have seen Father, or at least heard o' him enough to know. Her journal tells meh she was here..we've found tapestries, eamonn, paintin's...with her face, with Adam's mother's face. He was MEANT tae be here...I think he was the son o' the Isle's real heir..his mother..there is sae much we do not understand but we have to, n' if tha' old man can unravel any of it he must." She flipped back, " Look..this is Adam's mother...he told me sae...this is her mother...Lara o' Aberdeen. Thirty years agae someone put tha' man down there to keep him quiet...n' I do nay think when we all came...the rebellion was sheer coincidence or jealousy..someone HAD to know who they were lookin' at...someone old, like th'a man." She shut the book and went over to the window, in another room the man was nearly done dressing, soon to be among them. "There are secrets on this island, n' Scotland, tha' were nearly drowned out. Ye know there was a passage...one where she wrote tha' father told her he would give the King two fine matched pairs when he called her back tae his service.? He would give her patroning lord a mare? " Her palm hit the stone before drawing back up to join the other hand. "Some things she did nay say, others she lied about e'en as they were infront o' m'face." (d)

Emeritus Memoria: Keen ears not stifled by a helm picked up on the faint sound of...someone...singing? Eamonn glanced over his armoured shoulder and toward the door, frowning and arching a brow curiously. Who would be singing around the halls now? Another loon perhaps? Eamonn rolled his eyes as he stared at the closed door, as if he could see through it. Eamonn listened intently to his sister as she explained the purpose of the man and the meanings to be had from the book and information she was telling him. Her story, her history, which inevitable linked him by the chain of their father. However, this was Scotland matters, matters he had only now been thrusted into. In all truth, in aspects to Bess and her siblings, he was the estranged child. Sighing inwardly, he blinked and nodded. So it would seem that Adam and Bess were destined to be together and meant to be here in Skye. Interesting information, indeed. Whoever locked the man away obviously did not want such information getting out, or else it would have cost them rulership. The book was shut and his eyes followed her as she moved to the window. Bess was not the only one clueless or not told things...his father did not tell him that he had another family elsewhere, or his mother did not tell him that Einar was not a native to Sevenwaters. The corner of his lips twitched in silent apprehension as he turned around and moved away from the table. ``Well, Bess, you are more informed than some. Some knowledge is better than none at all.`` He replied gruffly.

Glorious Myths: Aoife wasn't one to interrupt important conversation, but her ears heard people and she'd naturally float that way, though her singing would continue on it's quiet winding about her tongue, a fair brow raising as she peeked about the hallway she was in. Her skirts were swinging about her ankles, her walk like her personality was light, joyful. Something these islands were lacking it seemed, from the talks the sailors were telling her, war war war...nothing new to her, but theirs lasted a week and the raiders were gone again. -d-

Set In Her Way: The island was more joyful than the reigning folk at the moment, but rest assured it wore her colors well. Many banners, clean streets, Turas Lan could make enviable London or Paris in a single glimmer of her highest painted spire. "Aye, perhaps. Were that so I wouldn't need a book to fill in what it seems I ought remember." He was the estranged child, or was he? What more was to be learned As Aoife peeked about the hallway, she'd see an old man dressed up in bright orange hose and a glaring green tunic with stichery far older than she. His hat was cokeed to the side, the feather old, as if he were a relic left over from bygone times. He was flanked at the side and the back of him by armed men as he came down the hall a'singing to himself, brushing off his tunic as he was to meet with the Lord of the Isle he said, or the Lady, or a cat! "Ah the sun, does it not look fine! The sun? Mmm no sun this day but e'en rain smells good to me! Say, one woman was enough, ye needn't bring me another laddies!" He grinned a toothless grin at Aoife, waggling his eyebrows as he doffed his hat to her. At the door outside, Kendrew knocked to alert the siblings within, his voice said, " The old chamberlain is ready to be let in." (d)

VeiledProphecy: Curiousity was what had pulled her away from the safety of the Healer's Hall. During her short time in this new land she had not learned much. Her experiences before some watchful guardian had aided her to the docks of Turas Lan where her life had been saved. She had had many questions answered, but during her recovery time had just been hiding. Short of one encounter with a strange fellow. Last evening one of the healers had told her a bit about Skye that had piqued her interest, and so she'd been told she could learn more here at this castle. Of course, she'd gotten up the nerve to walk to it, wearing a simple blue gown one of the women had lent her, and stopped ten steps from where the guards stood to ponder if she really had the nerve to go inside. (d- lol there..it's a start!)

Emeritus Memoria: At least she could read read books to further her knowledge. Eamonn did not have that luxury or skill. Military men who were bore poor did not have the ability to learn how to read and right. History was oral to the common folk,passed down by voice and telling. ``A book is of no use to me.`` He countered bluntly, stiffly. He was honest, and there was no lie in his words or reply. At the knock on the door, Eamonn turned around quickly on his heels, and shifted the helm under his arm more, gripping it securely. ``Let him in then.`` Eamonn replied, before glancing to Bess over his shoulder once more. ``We shall see just how much was stripped from the books then.`` And moving towards his sibling, he waited for the man to enter. Kendrew opened the door, and showed the man in, who was currently passing a flirtatious grin to the woman in the hall...perhaps the singing one? Eamonn rolled his eyes and took a deep breath, nostrils flaring slightly in annoyance

Glorious Myths: Her fair pretty face transformed with that singing old man, it was beginning to move towards the lonely look. But his sining, she'd happily hum along with him as he approached her with his guard. His hat off, she'd slip her hands from her pockets, lifting the skrt a bit as she performed her bob of a curtsy of welcome to the man. She'd snicker at the waggle of his brows and that lovely voice would break her song, "She dty vea [well met, with pleasure], Sire, good health ta oo [you]." The doors opened and she'd look in, how could she not? The man looked...manish, annoyed it meant for her, and the woman, that dress! Ah, God must of placed his hand on her head to hold her in place, because in a moment, she'd of been running off at the mouth and at the woman to talk about the fabric, the cut, the lady in it. She was horrible! -d-

Set In Her Way: "Now isn't tha' a pretty thing for a man so long below? Ah, m'pretty pet if I were but years younger I'd give ye all m'gold for but a day, an hour!" He sung a ditty with a too-ra-loo-ra-lay in it, the Guards nudging his back afterbowed and took a lecherous look at the young lady's calves and ankles! "Mm..like old stock ye be girl. Have ye seen the changeling baby all a'grown? She's an old stock too...the conqueros and the conquered" He then looked to her face before turning into the room. Opening his arms, he bowed, albeit clumsily this time. He wasn't intoxicated, just akward on small muscles. "Changeling girl! Ah! Ye have returned good as your word though alas no sun we have today..who did ye bring with you....the wheat haired boy?" The Duchess stepped forward as Kendrew came around the man and ready to be a buffer, if necessary. Oh, God must have stilled her mouth but did her eyes see the way the fabric's oil sheen rainbow dived down to the small pieces of true gold filgree in the stiching, or to the diamond broach settled on the bodice? Ah, but she never set out to be a conversation piece when the loon did that well enough. "He has come to observe n' to learn as well, old chamberlain. I found some o' ye old things..just there. Look upon them n' should it suit ye we may come tae business?" (d)

eiledProphecy: A piece of loose thread on the blue gown she wore was toyed with as she stood thinking, but realizing that she was fidgeting she immediately stopped. Liliana had never been much of a coward. She never let fear control her. Yet, it had as of late. Now though she wanted answers and to get them- she had to stop letting it. Sighing softly, hoping not to have much trouble or to cause any, she walked toward the guards with a wide smile. Since healing from her neardeath experience the glow had come back into her copper skin and she looked healthy once again. Though she'd never fully recover. Nodding her head to one, black braid falling to the front with the movement, she murmured politely,"Good day, sirs. I was wondering...well...I was told that I could learn more about Skye within these walls..." And she left it that for now. (d)

Emeritus Memoria: Eamonn arched a brow and stared down at the blonde woman. Manish was a good word to describe him. He did take too kindly to strangers and with good reason. He was always distant and pointly to them, stoic and apathetic. Maybe people avoided him or found distaste in his presence, but when did Eamonn care exactly? Never. His duty was to protect the people and lands of Skye, not to be the most popular man in the country. No smile passed across the serious warrior's face as he glanced between the new company they now kept. Frowning somewhat, he lifted his bearded chin proudly as he studied the man and strange blonde woman in his company. Who was this? Eamonn bit back a certainly harshcomment to make, remembering the words of his wife...words that he found it difficult to accept and adjust to. Hazel eyes snapped to the latest woman to enter, her dark hair complimenting her tanner flesh. ``It depends on what you seek to learn. Firstly, let us learn of YOU and who you are? Strangers in Skye as of late have caused much trouble, and I sincerely hope that you are not of that lot.`` He said stiffly, his other gloved hand still gripping the hilt of his sword idly

Glorious Myths: Beautiful blues would roll at the man's flattery and insinuations. She knew he wasn't all there, you could just tell. But she'd smile sweetly nonetheless. Another glance to the sourpuss and she'd simply smile at the couple of stoic faced persons. She couldn't care either way if she was liked or disliked, but it seemed she was intruding. Another quick curtsy before she'd start to meander away, making note to find the woman and attack her about her clothing. Her humming started again as the man's harsh words at the dark haired lady, who got a smile from her, sounded. She'd stop in her tracks and turn towards the room again, a flash in her eye as she'd coke her head, waiting to hear the Lady's reply. -d-

Set In Her Way: "Oh come now, come now! Don't scoff , snap, n' bother the pretty ladies! That one has nice calves!" He grinned a toothless grin then to the roving one of copper skin, "I've never had a blackamoor before...ah but tha' is not business now is it! No.hmmm..hmm...too-ra..too ra. More story changeling?" He seemed to recognize his old clothes, but it was the old bound book that caught his interest. Kendrew moved to block him but Beathag shook her head as he opened the pages.."Hods bodkin bodies! This is the book, changeling baby of Murieall..this is the book aye. Used to record some things in it m'self when I remembered how to write the letters front to back. Bet ye didn't know the names all in here. The young don't know their history. Mm, the wheat haired boy," He pointed to Eamonn, "Good back he has, he's grown high! Both look like the wheat haired horse man but he vanished ,aye..died or some such thing. Pity ye both did not have him all your lives..alas, alas. Brycean! Boy! Come hence, Did ye pay attention to your letters? This one hear talks about the horseman come from Norway, matched with Murieall. Aye...aye I won't talk of Davena or the Lord of the Isles that's man's business and nay for a woman's ear..but..your mother" He thought Eamonn was Brycean! " Kings thought it good match...to wed high harper!" She glared at the guards. Why had anybeen given access to the room when it was known she was within? But soon she cared little for either woman, though her eyes turned to them...back to the book as he lifted it, unknowing of its age now as if he was gone. He prattled on because he thought that Eamonn was Brycean and he knew who she was.."How long was she the.." "The young asks such questions! All her life...all her life a bard, a high harper from GOOD stock..mmmhmm..went to Norway a time or three afore she wed...came back...went......twas good for King to give her to the Isles aye, she was more than fittin." (d)

VeiledProphecy: Well, that form of address wasn't the most pleasant. Liliana stepped back instinctively, fear flashing briefly in chocolate colored eyes, before she responded in a gentle tone,"I mean no harm and I did not mean to intrude, sir." She wasn't sure what to say beyond that right now. It seemed she had overstepped herself, perhaps. Looking to the other women, flashing both a slight smile, she listened to the babbling compliments of the other man present. He was an interesting fellow to say the least. Silently she wondered if she should have came her after all and realizing she hadn't explained herself, she murmured quickly,"I am a stranger and wished to learn more of this land, that isall." And a respectful nod was given. (d)

Emeritus Memoria: How one could smile so brightly to even a stranger he would never understand that logic. His life had been rough and calloused, without many days of shine or light. Eamonn had few reasons to smile, he lacked the ability to smile so freely. Hazel eyes turned down to the man, and his mention of the ladies was ignored. One too many days in that cell indeed. Eamonn's lip twitched into a half sneer, a look of distaste. Why would he look at anyone's calves but his own wife's? ``I don't look at any lady's calves by my WIFE, sir.`` He corrected pointly, that baritone voice deep with seriousness. Tearing his eyes away from the 'insightful' man, he returned his gaze back to the dark-haired woman.``We KNOW you are a stranger, my lady. Which is why I ask you for identification. Who are you?`` Eamonn inquired, arching a brow before his gaze snapped back to the elder man. He thought that Eamonn was...Brycean? Eamonn blinked, and glanced to Bess. Norway? Was such marriage arranged? Rather confused now with so many unfamiliar names flying about, he cleared his throat. ``Sir, before you...continue this...enlightening conversation, I am not Brycean...he is my half-brother...and just how do you know so much about the family Aberdeen? What is your relation to them?`` He asked, fingers unconsciously gripping the sword hilt tighter while the helm was held in his arm, the pale horse tail crest of Sevenwaters flowing down. The helm and his Armour belonged to his grandfather, true Sevenwaters' attire. The horse...the patron and prime trade of the country far to the northeast

Glorious Myths: A Cheshire grin finding it's way across her lips as her wide eyes narrowed on the man being so rude to the dark Lady. Aoife always had more cheek than she needed, which was more likely to find it's way into the world then not. "Well," her friendly lyrical voice sounded, "for one, I am 'here fer all oor war secretes and the breedin' lines of oor finest ewes." Small, fair hands were placed at her small waist, her head cokeed as she continued to look at the man. Waiting to be kicked out of the castle, most likely, "But I know now, I've not a chance at stealing oor manner books? It seems oo've got none, Y charrey [dear Sir]." Kept place? Anyone? "Dun tell him a ting," thing, those TH's sounded more like tin, "If oo dun want ta. We can find pleasant folk else where, Shuyr [sister]." -d-

Set In Her Way: Kendrew turned his head across his back and rolled his eyes before saying as gentle, yet terse as he could " Good ladies, be still awhile. Ye be in the presence o' the Lord Marshall and her Grace, the Duchess, the Lady o' the Isles...n' this..matter requires your..patience." He didn't expect them to know, no doubt the knowledge would send them in to fits of blushing. Ah well, but that Manx one had some spirit! Were he in a better posistion he'd show them about but as it were he was busy making sure that his Lady's quest for knowledge did not get her in too intimate a proximity with the old man. 30 years in prison, who knew what he was capable of. Business on sheep? Oh he knew : who to direct her too...but for now.." I AM THE CHAMBERLAIN!" He bellowed, seeming irratated, then cowering, shaking before he brushed off his old array. He could change moods in the ghost of an eye, " Chamberlain to his Highness', Lord of the Isles, Prince of the West! Old MacRauri! Tha's the name o' the clan.. and his wife, I serve.. Lara o' Aberdeen. Good woman..no sons though..only daughters. I know all of them! Every history so th'a his lordship makes prudent matches for his kindred. Who doesn't know of the line of the Chieftain's Daughter, The High Harper, The King's Council! Bah n' fye. Not Brycean.." he grinned then, pointing to Bess and the women, "Good humor the changeling lady's brother has, aye? He might dance a jig next but alas tis been two n' score n' cat years since I was able to see the children come from the old country aye..aye..He had his head for humor but was tall, see he makes a fine warrior and no doubt the changeling girl..mm..Beathag..aye..makes a man a good wife and gives many children. Take care of them...." He grew into a voice of foreboding, " They were all picked off you know.....out in the air I went before they pulled me in n' I heard some years ago they were all picked off! Brycean, do you heed me! They picked off yer brother n' sister aye..your mother too! Maybe e'en your father..that could be why he vanished! The MacAurie's died in the seiges," he wailed, " I can say not how but o' the Aberdeens! Picked off! Picked off the descendants of the Harper, of Norway! Pity they sent him away, the good horseman of Norway! Tossed him off to his doom, Killed the girls n' poisoned the mother! " (d)

VeiledProphecy: Oh right! A slight blush appeared in her cheeks as she realized that she had forgotten to introduce herself,"I, sir, am Liliana Marishka." Another respectful nod and then she stepped back to stand by the other woman with the spunk. Apparently she had intruded on something very important and she felt guilty for it. One hand absently begin to fidget with the thread on the slightly too big blue gown as she went quiet. Nothing more was said as shedid not want to take anymore attention from their important matters, which apparently involved the unusual man. (d)

Balian Windsor: His tour had ended for the day patroling the borders of the city and now he made way back through blue castle. Following the guards instructions to find the dome room the Pale cloaked one stormed down the hall. Long locks of wheat tied back with a white bandana. The heavy fabric of the cloak flirting with the floor in his wake. Each new step brought him further into the light giving a glimpse of the small cuts across his face from nearly a week before, though color had returned to his right eye and those icy blues went to drift across the room with a bow of his head. "Greetings." Spoken in that deep tone. [d]

Emeritus Memoria: People often confused rudeness with bluntness, and Eamonn was a blunt man to a fault. He did not waste time with flattery or pretty words, rather he said what he wanted to say so there was no room for question. He wanted to know who was in the presence of the Duchess, doing his job. Too many strangers had come and gone in these lands and made an attempt on the woman's life. He was not rude, simply to the point, though he could be, and that was something the spunky woman was on the road to receiving. Eamonn's eyes hardened as they landed on Aoife, and narrowed a bit. While he had not been talking to her directly, she gave him something about her reasons here. Eamonn had little patience, and he was doing well not to snap back at the woman. Tearing his eyes from her, he turned back to the woman who had introduced herself as Liliana. That was all he asked for, plain and simple. Was that so hard or needed the woman's interjection? Hardly. Eamonn dipped his chin curtly to the woman in silent recognition, before turning his gaze back to the woman of spunk. ``You seem to have a lot to say. Just who are you? Mind your words, for I have a short temper and you will find that I AM someone you are inclined to sepeak of your reasons here in the presence of the Duchess.`` He sneered, and turned back to the Chamberlain. ``Once again, sir, I am not Brycean...my father did not DIE as he was sent across the sea to his doom.....He washed upon the shores of Sevenwaters...Far Northeast of here...`` He replied, though somewhat reluctantly for the topic of his father was still sore and painful to his heart. Balian arrived, and Eamonn was glad of the man's company, perhaps he could stop him from biting the one woman's head off.

Glorious Myths: Gaze flew to Kendrew, both brows lifted, though not a bit of blushing occurred, "The hospitality of the Lord is lacking his stature, good Sir. But my pardons ta the Lady Duchess." The "How do you do" and "Please, we are busy, call again later"s of the world seem not to exist here. Bluntness boarded on rudeness, falling a foot here or a toe there on that line was common and she'd apologize if she felt she was wrong. She was being obviously teasing about the war secrets and the breeding, well, mostly on the breeding. But as the old man started ranting, or it was to her, she'd start to lose that smile, a look on concern on her face for the jishag mooar [grandpa], a hand lifting from her waist to push back a wild curl that had a mind of it's own to fall over her visage. The petite girl's blues hit the man again with her own firm gaze, "Short was passed four feet ago. As fer my reasons, I pass by, jishag mooar spoke to me as I pass and thus, I stopped my walk. Me name's Aoife Kian." Her name was second thought not that it felt important at that point, she would turn on her boot heel and almost knock into the newest arrival. Her hands came up as if he was about to grab her to escort her away, though that smile that was never far from her sweet lips appeared, "Watch oorself fer the big bad wolf lurks." And with that, she'd curtsy and scoot past the man, skirts swinging about the leather cased ankled.: -d-


Set In Her Way: "WHY DO YOU SAY YOU AREN'T HIM!?" He bellowed enough to make every foot still, every blood in any setof veins run cold. "Are you mad, boy, or am I? Are not we all or did I forget...if ye are not him where is he? Why do you wear his face or did the changeling switch you?" He seemed to look about as if he were a caged creature again, nails curled under. Eyes gone feral as the muscles under his sagging yellow skin tensed, a bone seemed to pop as he walked around the gathering. "SHE IS WHO SHE SAYS SHE IS! She has the hands..look ye!" He reached out for an instant and captured Beathag's wrist, only to be pushed back by Kendrew, "See, a bard's hands rough as they may be. Did ye survive it? I tell you the rest of them o' Aiberdeen are on the walls....and in them. Old man of Norway was in battle when they pushed him down tha' cliff to be rid of him. When I got out," He calmed, as if all had never occurred and now he was utterly lucid, speaking of more recent things, "If only for a few days..I heard what had become of Brycean...but he had been marked for he was a boy ye know. It mattered not tha' his father was gone, any child of the harper could be an heir and they wanted none left. Mm..the dark haired ones...Moyra was poisoned n' Caldean..he walks you know..in the walls he is not but he walks..somewhere. Perhaps as a ghost or perhaps in flesh. They hid the Harpers , that one line, because of how revered they were. Sevenwaters, sevenwaters, where is this then? Did the old man of Norway find a way home from there? The second one came down, Amhlaidh.is he in these walls too? Did the first go home and forget tha'' he was given a boon by the Kings. Did he? Oh he was a landed man your father, her father, a landed man. Aberdeen was all but his. Your father was a Lord in his own right! The book has it so, the book. WHAT HAVE THEY DONE! WHAT DID THEY NOT SAY, they locked me away!" He wailed, he gnashed his teeth..


"Eamonnn.." she looked over to her brother, then back to the old man reciting his speech. It was amazing whomever imprisoned him simply didn't slit his throat. They must have found uses for him through the years. She actually, sensibly, backed towards Eamonn, Kendrew towards the side of her. The old man looked a feral old wolf. It was as she stood next to him she saw the sword he always touched. At the top of the grip, under the end, a ring enlaid. She was becoming transfixed, the room beginning to spin...and he began to say, " The Lady liked Heather n' thistle, the Norseman loved the swan. The lady like heather n' thise, the Norseman loved the swan! " He broke out towards the closest of the women, the brown one...and captured the hems of her dress, " Spare me, lady! Spare me!" He held fast then to her legs, her waist. (d)


VeiledProphecy: In all honesty Liliana did not find the man rude, but intimidating. Though with the title the one man, Kendrew, had used to introduce him she now understood why. That she stood in the presence of a Duchess was a shock in itself. Yet the behavior of the strange man even made Liliana, unaware of what even was going on, take a couple steps back in alarm. (d)

Balian Windsor: Balians brow lift when he nearly ran over the small women with entry though he did bow his head politely with a faint smile. "The big bad wolf worries me none miss. None of this eh?" He chuckled softly only to have it fall short when the old man who most obviously had his cheese slide off his cracker dove for one of the ladies. Instincts took over and one hard step was taken toward the man to snatch his arm by the back of the wrist and yank him backward with a twist to his arm. His eyes narrowed down at him, pearly whites bared like a lion snarling at its prey before he shoved him back and pointed his index at him. "Control yourself Sir." The pale cloak snapped back to spurred heels before Balian turned his head once more this time to set his eyes against the Lord Marshal and then the Duchess. "What is this wierdness?" [d]

Emeritus Memoria: Eamonn's eyes narrowed at the woman's words, speaking of his hospitality poor. Eamonn bit back his own urge to snap at the woman, remembering the advice and words of his wife. Blood started to simmer, but Eamonn remained silent, orso he tried to. A frown was set hard on his face as he glared at Aoife. Daft woman who spoke rudeness to him, or about him rather. Sneering in distaste for the woman, hoping that she would leave and rid them all of her company. So it was that Balian would encounter the lady, a man who had much more finess for speaking than Eamonn did, since his inquisitions seemed 'rude' to one in particular. But his attention turned back to the man as he rambled on, andhis behavior was startling, but it made him on high alert. Who knew what he would do, or could do for that matter. As Bess stepped towards him, Eamonn stepped in front of her, using his tall frame as a physical barrier against the man should he lose his mind. ``SIR. CALM down.`` He stated firmly, unaware that the ring his father had passed to him had become the focus of Bess' attention. Thistle and Heather...the words were placed into the back of his mind forthe moment as his attention was on the old man who had gotten intercepted by Balian before he could touch a woman. Eamonn sneered. ``Weirdness indeed. I suppose you could say thirty years of walled darkness in a cell unleashed.

Glorious Myths: God had not blessed her with the ability to read minds, which was good, because she'd come back just because it would displease the Lord. But since she knew none of that, she'd continue down the hall, perhaps the war in Ulster would be more pleasant, stupid sailors and their refusal to stop for her there. She did spare a thought for the old man, stopping as she heard people rushing about. She wouldn't go back, but hope for the old man's sake, they'd at least be humane to him. -d-

Emeritus Memoria: Bring him here.`` He told Balian. ``SIR CHAMBERLAIN. Restrain yourself or force will be applied. All will be revealed in due time.`` Eamonn glanced to Bess quickly, then did a double take. What was she staring at? ``Bess...?`` He asked quizzically.

Set In Her Way: "Heather, thistle, swans. Heather, thistle, swans." He calmed down as he recited his little mantra, soon brushing of his array once more after pulling back from Balian, "I lost m'self..I did. I..am sorry." One could hear how his voice was once deep, melodious. A peak into the past that would last for an instant as he noticed the woman had receeded behind Kendrew and her brother." I am sorry, My Lady Changeling..I did not mean to afright thee. I bounced ye on my knee I would not harm you."

The chance was not taken to find out. She swallowed hard as in her own fear was mixed a pity. If a lost year had done what it did to her, 30 no doubt ruined him. But her eyes were too locked, and when Eamonn asked her name, she looked to the ring in his sword, "How did ye get tha' ring in your sword? I saw it once..I was small." (d)


VeiledProphecy: Watching the way the man went from one state to another so quickly, Liliana watched him closely from beneath her lashes. Unusual fellow. Staying still, a brief look given to the man who the girl with spunk had bumped into earlier, she'd look back at those in the room. It was probably a better idea to leave them be, but curiousity had her standing still. What exactly was the unusual fellow going on about? (d)


Balian Windsor: He nodded once hearing the Lord Marshal and Balian reached back down taking the man by the scruff of his collar and hauling him back to his feet as gently as possible but still there was no mistaking in his demeanor. One twitch in the wrong direction and this ground would be holy with spilt blood. "Come Sir." He heard his apologies though still the veteran Knight didn't trust the man. He was unstable and unpredicatable even if he meant well. He too had his time in a cage but thirty years it was not. "Be easy then.. .. Be easy .. you Scare her Grace..And the big men there.. wont tolerate that long, aye?" He set the man back on his feet before Eamonn but he kept hold of the mans shoulder just in case. [d]

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Emeritus Memoria: Eamonn was glad that Balian still had a hold on the man, just in case another outburst decided to surface, the man would at least be detained and under control of the more than capable knight. But his attention turned to Bess once more as she spoke of the ring he knew belonged to his father and simply that. But, when Bess went on, Eamonn's frowned deepened, and he swallowed hard as she spoke of the origins of the ring. It came from Bess' mother...thistle of Scotland. The only physical thing that he had of his father's, that he now learned of, belonged rightfully to Bess, as she was the child of his father and the other woman. It hurt to think that nothing he had of the man he called father was given to him simply, or that relected Einar and not his past life. Eamonn swallowed the pain and hid it behind a mask of stoism as he listened to his older sibling quietly. The crazed man was escorted out, and out of the corner of his eye he saw the arrival of his very beautiful, and very pregnant wife. Hazel eyes shifted to her as Aislin moved off to the corner and out of the way. Matters did not seem to be private anymore, and though he would not voice it, he needed her presence to be the calm of balled emotions trying to surge forward. ``My wife, come close, you need not stand aside.`` He stated, removing the gloved hand from the hilt of his sword. Eamonn turned back to Bess. ``Then...by right of passage it belongs to you.`` Eamonn said, somewhat bitterly.


Set In Her Way: It was good the old man was taken away because she wasn't sure just how much more she could listen to without lashing out at him. It wasn't his fault. He was only in service, knowing what his posistion had once entailed of him. Weren't they all supposed to be privy to that knowledge? Why now did they learn it in books, tapestries, from the mouth of mad people instead of from their parents and grandparents? It was evident that many things had gone awry inin this family. Einar would never be able to repair what was hurt, nor was it his place to do so. As Aislin entered she was given a nod of head and the edges of a soft smile. "No, Eamonn, tis yours," she said, "He gave it to ye n' he wanted ye to have it. Your country, ye mother, yourself..gave him a life again n' tha' is a good legacy to have, especially knowin' tha' someone did nay wish him to go on. He defied tha' right well, n' now you have a wife n' children o' yer own to show for tha'. I'm just....content...tae know who ye are n' the truth in some things. Tae have wot little memory of him tha' I do and know tha' in two places he was a considered a very good man. I hope to children o' yer own to show for tha'. I'm just....content...tae know who ye are n' the truth in some things. Tae have wot little memory of him tha' I do and know tha' in two places he was a considered a very good man. I hope to know him better in knownin' you. The old man is right. There are no lost children. You are his only survivin' son..what e'er is mine in Aberdeen is also rightfully yours." She went over to the books and tapped them gently, "You are a descendant o' many a strong sort from Norway..I dun remember Father well at all but...I do remember many a Norse kindred. Ye give yourself in service, I owe ye a great many things n' I hope to repay tha' by bein' able to be good sister." She pushed the books aside, she couldn't look at song lines or journals anymore. "M'mothers talent will die with me." Aodhan was by no means a child patient enough for the harp, which was fine. If baring children would fail..the idea that the harp would go quiet seemed a frightening proposistion, it seemed to mean much to many, and draw many together. (d)

VeiledProphecy: Personal history. That was what the man had been speaking and that feeling of intruding increased. Curiousity or not, these people deserved not to have such personal matters witnessed by a stranger to their lands. Noting the arrivalof the new woman, a face that was familiar, she'd give a brief nod as she began to quietly turned to leave. This was not something she should have been hearing. Perhaps today had been a bad time to come. It looked like she was going back to the Healer's Hall, not that she had anywhere else to go, for the evening. (d)


Emeritus Memoria: Eamonn turned his gaze away from his sister as he swallowed another forming lump of emotions he was ill-equipt to deal with reasonably. Eamonn was poorly skilled in dealing with more than one emotion at a time, and it seemed that was the form in which they came. Lifting his head proudly, he stood stiffly beside his sister as she spoke. In truth, Einar gave him not the ring as an heirloom. Rather, he spoke about the ring once before because Eamonn had asked. Thistle, a flower that did not grow here. Then, he did not understand it. In the event of his father's death, it passed to him, the only son present. Had Bess or Brycean even been there, it would have gone to them. Such was the onlyreason he had the ring. Hazel eyes hardened as the film of distance was placed over them to cover emotions he wished not seen here and now...not with so many people present. Nostrils flared as Bess went on, and a sigh fell from his lips. Bess tapped the book, which drew his eyes away from the stone wall ahead, and to her hand and the book. Descendant...of what? Nothing was rightfully his, and that was not what he sought. He did not care about lands, rulings, or whatever came with heirs. He wasn't, not a true one. Eamonn wanted clarity in this muddled mess of things, to find a straight line in this wove web of secrecy. ``He gave me nothing. In the event of his passing, it was given to me for there was no one else TO give it to. Had you or Bycean been present, it would have rightfully gone to you.`` Eamonn shook his head, and turned his gaze away from the book. ``Nothing here belongs to me, Bess. Not a thing. It belongs to you, to your son, and to whatever children you and Adam shall have together. You owe me nothing, Bess. I give my service freely, and you and Adam have done much already for myself and my family. That score has long since been settled.`` He replied, catching a glimpse of the lady leaving, or turning to. Eamonn fell silent once more as his jaw was set in silent agitation not at her or anyone here, rather the situation that he found himself in.


Set In Her Way: "I will ne'er cease to give as freely as you do, Eamonn. Ye are m'brother. I wish I could make more sense, I really do." With the last person away, Kendrew would seal the doors and stand outside of them, leaving the three of them in peace. She drew in her breath and huffed it out of her nose, " Eamonn, there will be nay more children. I know Adam has hopes n' fer a short while I did too but twill nay be. Aodhan will be our only son, your only nephew. Tis naygivin' up so much as acceptin the earnest truth in it. I'm barren. Tis nay fault o' but time n' incident. I just..hmm. I want to come to know ye n' Aislin better, to know any children ye may have. We can't undo the past or change anythin' in it." She looked up at the dome, the dark clouds behind the stained glass. "It should be an honor to know tha' such bards o' the Aberdeen were patroned so well. The Lord of the Isles will have his bard, his harper, if nothin' else. " Her side came to rest on the table before she eased herself on to it. Trying to make sense of this day would take several after it. What else would they learn in time? (d)

Emeritus Memoria: Those that could bring more sense to the situation in which they found themselves were dead and long gone from this world. There was nothing left now by scattered pieces their children were left with trying to piece together. These secrets and mysteries left unanswered to baffle children. Bess could wish to make it all clearer, but the fact still remained that she could not. Eamonn had once again grown to feel the distaste of a man he called father and what happened to him. His memory of past life was lost, but even still Einar failed to mention anything being passed to him. Einar loved Bess and her mother, that much was certain. Another woman...how much of this did his own mother know before she died? Was she as clueless to the past life as he was? More than likely. In his father's life, he was second, and probably would never have been born if Einar could remember his other family. It stung, deeply. More than Bess herself woulf ever understand or feel. Anger started to rise within, boil his blood as his hand gripped his helm tightly. ``You will have more children, Bess. You are not so barren as you say. You will have children, and they will love you.`` If the past bad been undone or changed, Eamonn would not have been born more than likely, or he would hae grown to hate his father as he was now.


Set In Her Way: " Your mouth to the Gods' ears. But it is you I wish to love now, n' do. I.....am sorry for all of this." Einar loved two women in his lifetime, had esteem in two lands, and bore three children as products of those unions. One son was dead, leavin the remaining to surmount heartbreak and the stings of pain to find a way toward one another. Were that he had left them a tome, perhaps then it could be read, and his words .....but it was not to be. No day since that first revelation had been an easy one. Not a single one. What more could she say? She could no more undo her birth than he could his own, but such was the power of their determination. Maybe that was why they lived through the impossible: poisonings, wars, illness. It seemed Einar had an uncanny habit of surviving. On one hand it seemed he had left powerful traces of a love story in two lands, in another he left a trail of confusion. His children loathed being confused. She shut her eyes and for a short time shut in. Did this damn them to always be distant? She hoped not,how she prayed not. "Should there be more children, they will love their uncle n' aunt too. Aodhan does. He loves ye fiercly. He wants tae ride horses just like his Uncle n' ask questions all day n' learn things like his Aunt." Her hand pressed against the stained glass as she lowered her head for a moment. (d)

Emeritus Memoria: Two children by one woman, and another from the second woman. Three in total, but one estranged. Had Einar had any memory, there would never had been him or another family. The fall from the cliff cursed him memory, but the secrets were cursing him, hurting like a kick in the gut. It was a hard, bitter truth to learn that your family was second and only loved because another had been forgotten due to whatever reasons. Einar loved his children, sure enough, but Eamonn saw little of him for he was always off at war for long times until he was nine when his father had been brought back on the wagon flatbed. Now he was thirty nearly and finding out horrible family secrets that not even his mother knew. His heart twisted horribly, and he turned his eyes angrily to the floor. Nostrils flared as he sucked in a breath of air sharply. Bess did not need to be sorry for something out of her control, something that the gods intended to happen. Would such a curse befall him? He hoped not. Eamonn did care about his nephew, the little Aodhan. He loved the lad fiercely, and it showed. ``And should there be more, they will be loved just as well.`` Eamonn would not forget them.


Set In Her Way: " Tis good to know. Ye know...Gods...there needs tae be whisky in here," she said slowly, shaking her head. Einar's children also had the constitution with liquor like fish in the ocean. It took many...many...many...many tankards, pints, bottles, one dared say a barrel and more to knock the Scandavian Celts on their backsides for the count. "This is all too much tae know without drinkin'." She was still sorry for it though because of the pain it caused, it was simply her nature. The woman would move a mountain if she could because it was her nature. She continued going until she all but had her body shut her off, such was her nature. "Do ye want whiskey Eamonn, n' somethin for Aislin as well? " Just the bottle would do, forgo the glass! She didn't drink it much as she was trying to right her body for conception but for heaven sakes, if Adam even heard this he'd be right in the drink as well. Ale wouldn't suffice at all. "N' later..much later...a pipe m'thinks" She also still sat on the parapet and puffed away like the unorthodox woman she was.(d)


Emeritus Memoria: After hearing such news, Eamonn needed a tankard of whiskey and anything else strong in hopes to numb the anger and sadness that was keeping his blood running hot in his veins. Something to dull the pain he felt and chase away the rampant emotions. Eamonn had not even realized had hard he had been gripping the helm in his hand, under the leather glove his knuckles were turning white. Aislin had fallen silent and was listening, no doubt wondering his she couldeven begin to understand the happenings between the family members, both hurt by the truth, though one more than another. At the question of if he wanted to some whiskey, all he could do was nod his head. ``A juice for Aislin...abottle of whiskey for me.`` Eamonn didn't care about a pipe. He did not smoke as his sibling did. Thick brows furrowed as he sneered at the grounds, scolding his father's lacking memory and substitute love for his family. The thought put a bitter taste in his mouth, one he wanted to forget. On the morrow, he would have the ring removed from his sword and return it to the rightful person: Bess. But that would remain unsaid, knowing Bess would disagree. He could send it to her by messenger and avoid any tongue lashing Bess would give him.

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

Set In Her Way: She went to the door, opened it, and curtly said, " A juice n' two bottles o' whiskey please.." It made the scars in her head throb at the memories tearing to be had. Last night she said sh ewanted to have it all restored, but today she wanted to annhilate it all. Kendrew blinked. What had gone on in there? He gave the request over towards the appropriate page as he door shut once more. Was it inheritable? As it was well known by now the holes in Bess' memory were proving vast if she, until now, couldn't remember her time here but an old man who was a loon could. She ultimatly felt responsible as if she should know it all, being the only surviving of the four her mother had she should be the testament for her brothers and sisters, all of them. In the morning if the ring came she would send it right back again and so would begin another twist and turn in the saga of Eamonn and Beathag. Forgetting something she turned to the table, and picking up both of the heavy volumes opened the door once more, "Take these back to the castle, I want to see them no more today. No audiences, nay please fer stupid shyte either. No more." (d)


Beloved Souls: What need was there to say anything at this point? Aislin heard both of them and their talks, what advice could she give? Being a only child, she could not even remotely understand what the two were going through at the moment and it seemed to be a topic best left between the two of them. Hands rubbed her stomach with ease, keeping the babe content in it's warmth though this one did not kick like Sorcha had. It seemed more calm and docile, hopefully taking after Aislin instead of Eamonn. Sorcha was already showing her temper when she did not get her way and while Aislin loved her with all her heart, it was exhausting at times. Seeing that they were not moving any time soon with the talk of drinks, Aislin reached a hand out to brush along Eamonn's gloved one as he held that helmet for dear life and moved to take a seat somewhere very close and rest herself. Easing down with her arms behind her, she sighed as the seat took the brunt of the weight from her and waited for her juice to come.


Emeritus Memoria: Eamonn was just as stubborn as Bess and would never take it back. By right, it was hers, it belonged to her because it held the memory of her mother and their shared father. There was more importance for Bess than there was for the Marshal. As Bess called for bottles of whiskey and juice for his wife, Eamonn let out another angry sigh before glancing to Aislin as her slender hand brused his own. Lips pressed themselves together stiffly as hazel eyes followed her as she moved to a vacant chair. His beautiful wife...and within her womb another child between them to give Sorcha a sibling to love. Eamonn waited for his bottle of whiskey to come, and once the servant did arrive, Eamonn snatched the bottle from him and stormed over to the vacant chair by the fire and lowered his form down into the seat with little grace. The helm was dropped to the ground. Lifting the bottle to his lips, tiers pulled back as teeth siezed the cork that kept the bottle sealed and pulled it out. Pursing his lips, he spat the cork into the hearth, and pulled the rim of the bottle to his lips, downing a heavy, heartly swallow as he glared into the fire angrily


Bbrob3950: :: Babi wrinkled her nose as she walked down the hall way, the guards were still outside that door......Dark blue eyes glanced down at her small feet as Babi continued on her way down the hall nervously, curly black hair bouncing with her stride.::

Set In Her Way: Hell or high water would be necessary to procure the secret to opening the closed door in the room where the stained glass now glittered as the last of the sun came to peep out on the way down into the West. Fractured was the color, fractured the people inside. The Duchess' chair was near a window so that she could watch infinite streaks of nothing parade by her eyes while the first sting of the whiskey went down her throat. Gods, she missed her mother! Kin in the walls, books, pictures. It was all so terribly convaluted and they were supposed to make sense of it? She was supposed to help Adam do the same? A long wooden piece slipped into her mouth as she struck the flint over the stuffed pipeweed. Smoke would curl out of the window so as to offend no noses, but it was enough to employ both vices at once. One leg crossed over the other, tapping in agitation.(d)


Aslan Burning: "We use this to our advantage. You will teach your men to withstand a city in the event of high water." Maahes spoke to one of the commanders of the foot soldiers. They had been busy placing sand bags around areas that needed, and the other man was expressing his fear of the other men falling behind. Filthy dirty as always the day had gone on without any hesitation as now the mud covered General walked away from the day's work. A large hand came to pat the thin shoulders of the other soldier and his smaller frame would jerk forward. "Go have dinner, I'll see you in the morning." Maahes finished as the man gave a quick nod and moved off with the rest. Before he would have his own meal he wanted to check in on the old loon, and the knew found kin. So down the halls he would pass, having barely realized so much time had passed. (d

Bbrob3950: :: Babi gasped lightly as she tripped right as she passed the gaurds to the door. Falling forward and sideways she knocked into one, and though she was very small, around 5'2", causing a loud crash as she smashed into the man and he* fell back into the door. Her beautiful high cheek bones flushed with a pink blush and her dark blue eyes looked up into his eyes, her black ringlets making her gaze seem even more like a frightened deer then it already did. " I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!! I...." Babi trailed off as she attempted to untangle herself from the man who seemed rather annoyed at her clumseyness::

Emeritus Memoria: One bottle of whiskey was not going to be enough to chase away the feeling of hurt and anger for the secrecythat had been hidden to him, accidentally or not. His life had changed, it was not so simple anymore, and Eamonn hated it. The surprise of what he knew was not entirely so. The bottle was gone with but a few gulps as the room was silent, two dealing with new news. His mind had a terribly habit of thinking the worse, taunted by memories of his life before now. It was hard truth and Eamonn was dealing with it in the only way he knew how. Hearing the commotion outside, Eamonn frowned at the thud, and threw the empty bottle into the fire, sending it smashing in the flame. What now? Rising from his chair, one hand rested on the hilt of his sword as neared the door, watching it carefully


Set In Her Way: The whiskey was three quarters of the way gone, the last bit staying in part because mouth was doubly occupied by the pipe in residence. The smoke served to lighten her head, the drink quiet her blood so in the detachment she might find equilibrium. It made no sense to an outsider in the least. By the time the clanging of the door came she turned in a languid fashion with narrowed eyes. Giving a heavy sigh, she stood to await what was to come. Was there no peace at all? The guard helped the woman right herself as he mumbled "Tis fine, tis fine. What be your purpose?" He had been told to keep the door shut, and would catch hell in several directions if it opened without a good reason! "What goes on out there?" The Duchess called, seeking a direct answer instead of the run about, leaving the guard to say ,"An accident, m'lady, tis all." For he didn't know the woman's reason of yet to say more (d)

Bbrob3950: :: Babi blushed even more as the guard fixed her and started to mumble and stutter horribly. "I ...errmm.....Well you see......There was a bump in the floor and........You have a very hard chest.......I ..." She blushed so much thatBabi's young face was now the color of wine. She attempted to tell him that she had been simply passing by, but he words just wouldn't come out!! " I....well....I mean.....If you don't mind....Because you see I'm a really good cocook and...." Where in the WORLD was she goin with this?! Even Babi herself didn't know::

Beloved Souls: Juice was received and Aislin wasted no time in downing it much like her husband was putting away the whiskey at current. Silence was key to many things, but she wondered how this would go as she looked to Eamonn who was cherishing that bottle more then his sword at the moment. Tit for tat she supposed and left him to it. It seemed they would be staying at the castle tonight. The commotion would not make Aislin move to quickly. In fact, the only thing to make her run at this point was a fire. The younger woman got the attention of Aislin for a moment but it turned to her husband once more. A servant was asked for another juice, larger this time and another bottle for the marshal. If it helped him, so be it


Emeritus Memoria: Eamonn did not give a rat's ass about a reason. That door was not supposed to open and they were not to be disturbed at all, yet something managed to happen, and Eamonn was instantly on alert. Habits. He heard the mumblings of the woman, and instantly he sneered. An accident, nothing more. Sighing to himself, his wife asked the servant for another bottle of whiskey as he moved to the chair by the fire once more. Of course, his eyes did not move from the door,even as the servant brought him the second bottle. Once more, the Marshal uncorked it and tossed the cork to burn in the flames. Pressing the rim to his lips, the blonde took another deep swallow of the strong whiskey, hoping that the alcohol would help fade the overwhelming emotions and sooth his nerves. There were times that he wished that he had the patience and steady nerves of his wife, and now was one of them. He wished that he could better handle so many emotions, but he never had to deal with them before, at least not until he came to Scotland a little more than a year ago. Green eyes watched the door carefully, even though his emotions within were eating at him alive, he set it aside to a point to continue to perform his duty...but that temper flaring hotly.


Set In Her Way: Beathag knew that the liklihood of utter quiet was slim to knill in Blue Castle, especially with the clattering of the guards. What could be explained through the door was better done in the flesh so she'd sacrifice her whiskey for the time being, left her pipe on the window sill to attend to matters of the realm behind a mask of stoic grace. The liquid and pipe smoke inside only served to enforce the calm as the door was opened to allow her through, shut but to a crack in her wake. If the girl who mumbled to the guards was but 5'2, she'd find herself dwarfed in figured and shadow by a woman towering over six feet by one additional inch to make the full difference eleven inches twixt the top of Babi's head to the height of the Duchess'. "What is the matter here?" she asked, folding her hands infront of her so they clasped at under her abdomen. Her eyes were the only thing moving from person to person as the sought after answer was needed. (d)

slan Burning: The little commotion seemed to be handled, and what a sight this was going to be. Bess's frame towered over the other, and his tall frame passed them both. Maahes did not have very long, and he needed to speak to Eamonn. "Horseman."He called out as he passed the ladies. "I" He stilled seeing the husband wife team sitting together and his entire train of thought went out the window. All the words he had practiced on the way up the hall were lost. So the thoughts came together and built up like water behind a dam until suddenly that dam broke. "I'd like you to teach me to ride." All came out at once. Maahes had been on a horse before, but never more then a few yards. Sure anyonecould ride over distance, but the terrain of the highlands proved to be a challenge. So much soil over rocky surface made the ride a challenge to one who didn't know what to look for. As the words left his lips he felt as if he had just left the confessional at church. Arms would then cross over his chest as he kept the man's gaze almost daring him to laugh. (d


Bbrob3950: :: Babi's blue eyes flew up to the VERY tall woman and gasped. Words were useless now and the stream of words coming out of her mouth weren't even fully human. "er....I...the floor....." Babi pointed to the slight bump in the stone * and tried to smile though it came off as almost a painful wince then a simle. Babi was very cute to look at, her curly hair framing a sweet face, with dark blue eyes and long lashes, a soft mouth that at the moment was being nibblnibbled on in her nerves. She was thin and small and yet still curvy for her hight. She nervously looked around her as if someone would help her, and continued to blush. She then mumbled something that sounded like "I'm sorry ma'ama'am" but it also could've been " I like ham...." ::


Beloved Souls: Aislin had not sat too close to Eamonn, but close enough that when Maahes moved in, calling out a trade, Aislin's ocean eyes went to the larger male and she gave a soft smile to him. Both hands still rubbed at her expanded belly as she watched the General move towards the Lord Marshal and have a moment where he was lost for words. Aislin's smile went to a more calm look as she watched on, looking back and forth from Bess speaking to the girl who...liked ham? Back to Maahes and Eamonn eyes went as she waited to see Eamonn's reaction. Had Maahes not known how to ride? Aislin could not fault him for she had never been on the back of a horse until Eamonn had washed upon the shores of Inverness. Another juice came and went, making her finally feel eased down enough to relax though she worried on her husband. nothing she could deal with now. Later


Emeritus Memoria: The woman at the door was indeed dwarfed by the people around her, but that did not mean she had less to say. That Norse blood within them was a cause for their height, the tall stature that they had coursing within their veins and genetics. Had he not learned of most interesting news this day, Eamonn might have been more hospitable to Maahes and the new girl that entered the room. He paid her no heed as she spoke on things that he found of little interest. What did he care if she liked ham? He didn't. Green eyes were hard and cold as he looked up to the tall General from where he sat in the chair, and at the question he certainly did not expect, he blinked. To ride? Maahes wanted to ride a horse? Already having a bottle and half of whiskey in his system, and inwardly fighting emotions from showing upon his features, he downed the rest of the bottle of whiskey and sat it aside. Slowly, he rose from the chair, and narrowed his eyes at the dark-skinned General. Stepping closer to the man who had but a couple of inches on him, he lifted his bearded chin proudly, defiantly, and sneered. ``And then what? You threaten me the next day with a fight? I will NOT be used at your disposal, General Maahes.`` He said bitterly, a gloved hand forming a fist at his side. ``I will not be used at your whims, General. You dislike me, an obvious fact you make known on SEVERAL accounts, and now you ask for my help? You have no respect for him, yet require my assistance? Then what? We go back to hating each other? Make up your MIND General, I have LITTLE patience this day.`` He growled out.

Set In Her Way: She had only drunk 3/4 of a bottle, so there was no reason why she should look on a person talking about floors and ham! "Gods o' m'forefathers," being Celt and Scandavian, she had an infinite number to elect from, but all seemed ignore her plight at present. "We won't be amazin' each other with astounin' wit shows now will we m'dear? Let's try this one more time...why are ye here, what is ye purpose...because I walk the floor each day n' dun give a donkey's ass 'bout it or ham." She huffed. No, a good gown did not a refine woman make! The whiskey would make her a tad more...blunt than usual..for she was in no mood to dance about the daises with strangers on a storm ridden night. Sir Kendrew watched with trepidation, his head sliding into his hand as Eamonn and Maahes were soon to go in another infamous row, while he went to collect the Duchess' whiskey and pipe. Maybe he could put it out and away? As he came by again Bess relieved him of the pipe and began to puff on it with the gusto of a sea captain celebrating a good haul of money. She turned on her heel..calling back, "M'dear girl, ye best be able to walk n' talk at the same time or ye petition may be a might stalled tonight. Come come. one foot before the other." Down the hall to wherever, if she wanted to be heard she' dhave to scurry to keep up (d)


VeiledProphecy: Lost! She had managed to get lost when her aim had been to leave. Liliana was unaware for just how long she had wandered before a servant had politely directed her in the right direction. As she approached the area she had previously departed from, realizing where she had gone wrong, she noticed that more people had appeared. Pausing, curious what was going on as she heard the sound of a raised voice, her head would tilt to the side slightly. Apparently their personal matters had escalated. (d)


Aslan Burning: No, there would be no fight tonight. His pride had been hurt, and for a man like Maahes it mattered greatly. The other man's words tore down all the walls he put up, and the readiness to have them mend their ways was replaced with stone. Everything from his body to his heart hardened as he took a single step closer until he could feel the other man's hot breath across his face, and in a dark raspy deep tone he hissed, "I don't have to like ickly ANYONE to ask them for help! It is what separates me from you." His fists balled at his sides but over all he was strangely calm. "Hate is a strong word that even an undereducated fool like myself could understand, and I reserve it for my enemy. YOU, are not my enemy." From the get go this pair had it out, fingers pointed at who was to blame, but would either of them ever come to their senses? "No reason to make up my mind, I've had a hard day as well." and with that Maahes turned for the door. Wouldn't be hard to find someone else, but deep down even though he would NEVER admit it Maahes wanted Eamonn to do it. He like everyone wanted to be liked, and to fit in..but even he had his limits. (d)

Bbrob3950: :: Blushed more but followed the tall woman, her clear blue eyes starting to get a bit teary at her words. Holding back her tears, Babi tried again to simply tell her that she had just been walking by and tripped but once more the words fell out in the wrong order. "I just....I fell....and then the crash...I mean really..." A small tear fell down her face now, Babi feelin very nervous. " I didn't...MEAN to ....ruin your evening.....I...it was the guard...hewas so big...and....." Trailing off again, Babi blushed and looked down at her small feet as they moved quickly to keep up with the tall blonde::

Beloved Souls: Ocean eyes had drifted from the men, only to snap right back to them as Eamonn, did not take the words as one would expect. Listening to her husband, he was partly right, the problem was, they both tried, but it was not as others did and it always seemed to be taken the wrong way. Aislin sighed, ready to say something but Maahes was faster then her with a comment or two that could last or fade away in Eamonn's mind at the moment. Aislin frowned at both as Maahes walked away before looking to Eamonn. Later...och! She knew better then to say something here and now in front of so many people.

Emeritus Memoria: Eamonn was tired of being used by Maahes, intentional or not. Why they could not get along, Eamonn did not fully understand, but with two bottles of whiskey swimming in his veins, Eamonn did not give a horse's ass. He was sick of being led on. Eamonn too, like Maahes, wanted to be accepted for who he was, but people found it hard. They took bluntness was rude, and then condemned forever as a rude man with anger issues. He only had issues when someone angeredhim. Eamonn's eyes narrowed into thin slits as he listened VERY carefully to Maahes' words. ``No, but you DO have to respect me. It takes more than the ability to ASK for help to separate us.`` He hissed back. Then, with a few more words, Maahes left, and Eamonn was slightly glad of it, or else the man would have been hit. Staring tartly at the man as he left for who knew why. Eamonn turned to the servant now and asked for another bottle of whiskey. Now, even more off balance, cold eyes were turned to the sniveling girl. How old was she? Why was she here? ``You tripped, we all trip...you're FINE. You ruined nothing, so stop crying.`` Eamonn said dryly, before heading back to the chair and sitting down once more, this time staring at the flames as he waited for the third bottle to come his way

Set In Her Way: Beathag retained no commentary for matters that were not her affair; at least the General and the Lord Marshall fought on the same side against enemies when it mattered! Blonde locks fell helter-skelter in her face as the girlbegan to snivel "let's move beyond tha'," she said, a touch gentler but no less firm in tone, "Just..tell me what it is ye seek. I am nay unfeelin' but tonight I be short tempered," Fair warning was offered as the two green eyes hers began to glint in the dark. It was no wonder any of them were imposing! She would await for the girl's answer as further down the halls the sounds of some unrest in a room where heard, but as the loon was just that none paid great heed. "Are ye seekin' to make a stay 'pon the island, seekin' work, seekin' respite o' some sort?" Her accent was thickening out of the tempered English to near full Highland flare. The voice's unrest seemed to tremble as her fingertips did. Opening and shutting around the stem of the pipe. (d)

eiledProphecy: It was easy to figure out the first voice that had yelled, but the second was unfamiliar. Shortly afterward a man had passed her on his way out causing a brow to raise as she dodged out of the way. It was natural for Liliana to be uneasy, though she did not cower. Seeing the woman on the floor, and the woman who had been called the Duchess speaking to her, she silently approached. Giving a respectful, yet quick, curtsy in the Duchess's direction she'd thenoffer a kind hand to the woman who had been going on about something a bit ago. (d)

Bbrob3950: :: Blushed and watched at the tall woman spoke to her....She was speaking english but....was she? Babi nodded and understood the word work. "Yes...I do need a place to work but I didn't mean to ask you...I'm sorry...I don't really kknow that all of this would happen...I just....tripped....." Babi blushed more and nervously fussed with her hands::

Beloved Souls: That was enough. Aislin scooted to the edge of the chair and then rocked herself up, holding her large stomach in her hand until she was up on her feet. With a breath, she moved forward and towards Eamonn. Steps were sure as her frown came forward upon her face. Instead of saying a word, she stared up at him, all the seriousness poured from her as she watched him. What was she to say? ``Eamonn...drink, relax. Do nay let things get to ye any more tonight. Drink, sit and watch the fire now. `` Her voice was soft, no firmness or challenging. had she wanted to, she would have taken the bottle, but it seemed he needed that more then anything right now. Looking over her shoulder, she spoke to a servant,. `` Another bottle..`` This time Aislin would met that servant halfway, making sure to slip something else within that bottle to calm Eamonn's high strong spirit just for the night. Not knock him out, but ease him.

Emeritus Memoria: The servant came with the bottle and handed it to Aislin, something that Eamonn sorely needed at this time. The presence of Maahes did not improve his mood or sooth the anger that resided him him already with frustration built from prior knowledge of a rather tension situation. Eamonn sighed as he listened to the words of his wife, and sat in the chair rather ungracefully. Long legs were stretched out before him as he leaned back into the chair, shifting the scabbard to get better comfort as he sat. One hand rested on the arm of the chair and rubbed the side of his face. Eamonn had no idea that Aislin slipped something within the whiskey, he still had no idea about the tonic she had that put him to sleep! When Aislin neared him, Eamonn took the bottle of whiskey, unknowing what she had done to it, and pressed the rim to waiting lips. Make no mistake, this was no habit for Eamonn, but in times like this, that caused him great stress, he found whiskey to be his friend and consolence. It eased him. Taking another deep swig of the amber liquid, he sighed as hazel eyes watched the flames dance in the hearth. Whether from the drug she had slipped in or from his two prior bottles of whiskey, Eamonn felt his head spinning a bit and tension slowly melting away. Anger was starting to subside, and emotions were fading. Another few halfway in the bottle

Set In Her Way: All the wafted in within now was the scent of the pipeweed, the smoke making ambiant halo's of white and gray around her golden head. The state of affairs did not allow yet for the succor of whiskey to fog up her eyes enough for the day to vanish, to make sense in the haze before sleep with the alluring promise that it would work out somehow. No one told her pretty words or offered comfort. She looked to Lily, waiting for the girl to make introduction. A cant of head was what she received for her curtsy, a woe-begone half smile floating past as boot heels clicked on the long stride down the hall where a balcony had her name unseen on the stones where she might stand to watch the thunder rattle the Cullin Mountains. Sir Kendrew would speak to Lily instead, "If ye have petition perhaps you might put it toward me first, m'lady. The family is of nay place to take them just now.." Not for all the world would he have their lot: One father, two mothers, a world of secrets to unravel. The Duke would where the same pained expressions if the elder one told him what he'd told Bess: in history, their lineages were tied through marriage,making them a distant kin by then to one another, distant cousins. Was it better to have your family dead or to find out you had more than bargained for? To broaden a world or shatter the expectations of the old one? Not in the
Set In Her Way: moments preceeding or after did Beathag cross the doorway back into the room of stained glass, but stood smoking her pipe in the winds before the night rain would come (d)
VeiledProphecy: It was hard not feel sorry for the woman, though a Duchess she was indeed just a woman, and after having heard some of the private matter that smile she gave made Liliana feel sympathy for her. Obviously the matters that had been
VeiledProphecy: being discussed had not been solved. Watching her pass, chocolate eyes staying on her thoughtfully until the voice of a man turned her attention away. "Oh, I have no petition..." Liliana paused, wondering if that were true. In all
VeiledProphecy: honesty she did not know. Giving a smile, she'd shrug,"I was just trying to learn more of this land was all and then I got lost. I am unfamiliar with Skye, and Turas Lan, and was told here is where I could learn more." Liliana had
eiledProphecy: had asked the women at the hall many questions, and received answers, but her urge to learn more was hard to sate. She did not want to be unknowing about where she was or her future anymore, though the latter was harder to solve at
VeiledProphecy: this point. She had nothing to her name nor a place to call home. (d)
Set In Her Way: "Ye can learn more here, mam, or any part of Turas Lan. But tis a good place to start. This is the Blue Castle, the rooftops are of blue stone. Much of' the law n' such is decided here now, for no Lord has e'er lived in it.
Set In Her Way: They call her the home of the people instead, and Turas Lan is the heart now of Skye, and Skye's heart" He acknowledged halls where people lurked behind closed doors, "Are the heart o' the territory. The Duchess, The Lord Marshall
Set In Her Way: The Physican, the Duke, n' such folk. Have ye tarried here long?" No harm would befall the Duchess from a pipe and the chance of a little rain, and he knew well enough when to leave her be. He looked down on the new woman, as he
Set In Her Way: indeed could look down on many. "M'name is Sir Kendrew. " (d)


VeiledProphecy: When the man began to speak her smile would widen, lighting up her chocolate eyes. This was information that she had came her seeking. Listening closely to his words, she looked off in the direction the woman who had been called the Duchess had disappeared to and back to home. She recalled the Lord Marshall and the Physician she'd been told about at the hall. Nodding slowly, she'd murmur,"Not quite. Though I did get lost I spent more time seeking a way back than looking around, unfortunately." Liliana had wanted to take time and look, but had feared she might wander into places she was not allowed. "I am Liliana Marishka, or Liliana as many call me." To her the last name did notmatter as it held no meaning. It was one thing she wished her Father had changed when taking her in, but that was another matter. (d)

Set In Her Way: "Most nobles enjoy building infinite structures to be for'er lost in," His Lowland Scotts accent was a lighter lit than the thick Scotts-Gaelic tongue, for the two languages were different if one could believe, hence why moving twixt the North and South in Scotland was akin to day and night, "A pleasure, good lady, a pleasure. Walk with me n' tell me of yourself, what will you do now tha' you are upon the Isle of Wings?" (d)

VeiledProphecy: "I can understand the urge to do so. Sometimes it is nice to lose yourself in the walls around you..." Liliana had done so, but not with a home. Instead she'd lose herself in fields or forests. Anywhere outdoors. There were times when she'd find herself sitting in the middle of a forest, completely lost, but it had never bothered her. She had known someone would find her. Giving a nod at his suggestion, smile still in place,"I would love to, Si Krendrew." As they would begin to walk his question brought pause to her words. That had been the question she'd asked herself every day since coming out of her fever. Realizing that the best answer was an honest one, she'd shrug,"I am not quite sure. I have heard many ideas from those at the Healer's Hall, but a decision is hard to come to. With my limited knowledge of the land and having naught to my name," One could tell by her voice she was not asking for a hand-out,"I have been struggling to find an answer to that very question." (d)

Set In Her Way: Hair coursed down the knight's back in a long line. Bound by white leather, it was indicative of a posistion in an order he did not speak of. Honor hung on his shoulders like the mantle of a king's robes though he was but the sword sworn to give his life for his leige. Tonight he gave of himself to the company of Liliana freely for it relieved him of his own frustrations in dealing with things he couldn't change. Leather covered hands clasped together as the unhindered baritone of his voice lingered in the shadow, "E'eryone has a place n' a purpose in it. I wager ye will find yours soon enough, m'lady. Have ye asked yourself what it is you are best at, for that has nothing much to do of face nor name." (d)

VeiledProphecy: Walking quietly beside the man, admiring the castle, she wondered at the many stories within these walls. Looking back to the man, quietly appraising him, she figured that the man had quite interesting stories of his own. Liliana was one to watch people and listen to them before judging, or had been all her life. Now though, of late, she found it hard to be the same way. Though she was now. His question had winged brows furrowing as she considered it carefully,"I am quite skilled in dancing though...due to personal reasons...I wish not to again. Otherwise I've been told that I have a head for figures and I was once a Companion, as well as Ladysmaid beforehand, to a noblewoman who had me tutored in some skills such as reading, writing, and other basics." Stopping, as there was not much more to say, hands folded at her waist as she moved. (d)

Set In Her Way: "A companion and lady's maid, and with such education such seems a useful vocation for thyself. Now, it is the seting out of such skills to appeal to a lady," He listened, offering then is suggestion as he looked out toward the balcony. The woman had an ease in her conversation, was forward with honest answers, quick. Another such woman in the company of Jelenah might make for a second pair of hands in a larger vocation. The poor handmaiden had having a hard time with other maids of late. The castle seemed to lose a glow when Wilhemia Schlietz returned to her farm. " If ye have no petition, might I suggest then this: Have ye seen, good miss, the Griffin Castle poised up high in hills above the city, the structure what seems to look o'er all else?" (d)

VeiledProphecy: Pondering his words and that question, she tilted her head to the side thoughtfully before recalling the structure he spoke. Nodding, one side of her smile lifting a bit slighter than the other,"Aye, I do remember. I have seen itduring my short walks." It had intrigued her indeed. She wondered what Kendrew was upto. Obviously the man had a suggestion to make and it made her extremely curious, but she did not try to rush him. Instead she remained patient and polite. (d)

Set In Her Way: He watched her think on what he said and found delightful the patience in which she did so. Calm and unobtrusive, if she proved loyal and trusthworthy Lilianna might prove a good edition to the Griffin Court entourage. Tipping his finger toward the distant portions of the hallway, he asked, "Are you of mind to serve once again, the nobility? The caste in this land is nay as...traditional..many of them acquired stature through effort, not birth. It makesthem appreciative of what is around them if nay unorthodox, so they would require quick witted companions. " (d)

VeiledProphecy: "I would not mind serving again. When I did I found pleasure in such. It was work that I did not wish to leave, but circumstances force me to do so." Liliana could appreciate what he said. The woman she had worked for before, even the nobleman who had rescued her during the first near-death experience she'd ever had, had both inherited title by birth. Neither truly appreciated the people nor the land. That these nobles were different pleased her greatly. "I do not know if I would call myself quick witted, but I am loyal and a hard worker. I also am willing to be of help wherever I am needed, and willing to learn what needs to be known if need be." (d)

Set In Her Way: "These are good things to know. Perhaps 'pon daybreak you would consider speaking with the Lady Jelenah, the Duchess' Lady in Waiting. They are in need of a good, loyal, companion. Twould please me well to see them both pleased, and should his Grace the Duke trust you, tis a boon thrice made." He could hear the thunder, lightning. Smell the oncoming rain. Still, his Lady had not returned from her thunder watching vigils nor had the Lord Marshall emerged from the room he had remained in. "I am certain you may prove yourself well...your pardon, m'lady." He bowed, and she would be privy to seeing what it took to be in the Highlander's company: the simplicity of being one's self coupled with understanding the people they served. He strode toward the hall's end, seeming to have walked one hundred miles by the time he knocked on the glass door seperating him from the balcony. The Duke and his wife were subject to changes of mood, to brewding in things to find the meaning in them for the family was heir to a certain bout of depressive humors. She turned her head to look at Kendrew, but did not come in (d)

Tempus Matutinus: To say that the news traveled like a wild fire among the plains was an understatement. Word of a crazed man spouting off events and speeches dating back more than thirty years prior had been the talk of the villages and hopped to the next. Aman-ud-Din tried to filter said rumours, for once the fat was removed, one would find the truth rather lean. As always, the lofty Arab was garbed in the material of his own people: the long black tunic that extended to his knees and split front and back for riding purposes, the cotton pants that were not quiet as chafing as the textile of Scotland, the black sash that held the front of the tunic closed in place of belts, leaving the rest to fall at his side. The heels of grey boots tapped softly against the stone floor, echoing down the hallway as heeft the room, closing the thick door behind him. The black turban was wrapped and rested upon the crown of raven hair, the end pulled over his face and exposing only thick brows and chocolate eyes. The wrap and cloth hid the markings upon his forehead and cheeks, leaving only those imprinted upon the back of his hands exposed to the eye. One of the ladies of the castle had a weakness for frankincense and the beautiful lamps in his small shop. He did not have workers as some men did, so, he delivered things himself, the walk and ride came rather useful. The end of the scabbard housing the long Persian scimitar tapped against the side of his leg as he walked. It was said that the lady Bess was within the castle, somewhere upon the second floor. It had been some time since he last saw his blonde-haired friend, and would make a point to stop and see her before he returned to his home. Climbing the steps and strolling down the hall, brown eyes rested upon Kendrew and a rather familiar woman, the one pulled from the sea. Beneath the dark cloth over his features, he smiled, glad to see her up and walking about. She looked fairer now than she had prior, and for that he was glad. A nod and half bow was given to the two. ``Masaa el kheer! Good evening to both!`` He greeted, the Arab's origins evident in the accent he bore.

VeiledProphecy: "I would indeed be pleased to do so, Sir Kendrew." Actually, Liliana would be more than pleased. The suggestion was a wonderful one. As he excused himself, a nod given from her, she watched the direction he went in and a smile would light her face permanently. She had just been given a purpose, a shred of hope, even if not guaranteed yet it was a start. As she turned about to look at something on one of the walls the presence of another was noticed. Though she did not know a name, having not even been able to describe the man who had saved her to get one, she did recall him now as she looked at him. She owed this man her life. Giving a respectful curtsy easily even in the too-big gownshe'd smile at the man,"A good eve to you as well, sir, and a belated thank you for your aid on the day of my arrival." The way she made it sound was like she'd came in a very fashionable way, but he would know what she meant hopefully. Liliana indeed had color back and was feeling better. (d)

Set In Her Way: Kendrew looked to the Arab and offered a bow for his greeting with a familiar smile on his swarthy features, ripe with tan from the summer's sun. He turned again to tap against the thick bars of glass door to see if the arrival of the Arab would coax his Lady from her vigil with thunderheads. By the grace of his God it was so! A little crack opened wide enough to let the Highlander's large, lithe body through. Her pipe was all but spent, the ashen smoke curling the last of its halo around her head as the unseen air devoured it. "Good eve m'friend," she said in a calm reminescent of the storms eye. She'd traveled down through it to arrive at last at a place of pause, "Tis good to see ye for I do nay see you much. What brings you out tonight?" (d)


Tempus Matutinus: Aman-ud-Din was still working on the very different names here in the Celtic isles of the world, and at the same time he did not doubt that the Celts had problems remembering his name, and it was only his first name! Still, the Arabwas patiently learning, as he hoped that others were. While he could not recall her name so easily, Aman-ud-Din was skilled in remembering a face, and this was one you could not forget. It was not too hard to remember Aman-ud-Din either, for his garb was not like those here and he certainly stood out among a crowd. The woman gave a cursty, and he chuckled softly, huskily. ``Thanks be to God that he placed me in the right place at the right time. And to see you well and not quite so pale, that is another praise worthy to His name.`` He replied, nodding, before glancing to Kendrew as he knocked upon the class door to catch the attention of Bess. Seeing the Duchess appear, Aman-ud-Din bowed respectfully to the woman, one hand resting on the grip of the scimitar hidden under the folds of his dark cloak. ``Masaa el kheer, Duchess Beathag! It is good to see your face again.`` The Arab greeted the Duchess before straightening his form and to full height. ``Business, as it were. One of the ladies here has found an interest in the comfort of frankincense and Eastern lamps. I was merely delivering her purchases for I have no one else to do such for me. But Salah al Din was glad to stretch his legs and feel the wind upon his coat.`` He mused. ``And might I inquire how you fair?``

VeiledProphecy: Liliana was generally good with face and names, but honestly she could not recall if he had introduced himself the night he'd pulled her from the water. After the fever wore she had recalled parts of her rescue, though most of the conversation that had taken place sounded garbled. "I have been taken very well care of by those at the Healer's Hall. It seems someone saw fit to see to allow me to live and in such an interesting place too." Hearing the voice of the Duchess, she'd glance back over her shoulder to offer a smile before looking back in his direction. "Were you the one who leant me the garments I awoke in?" It was an interesting question, but she had wandered and been curious about them as she'd never seen such before. When the Duchess came to their side she'd go quiet, listening to the greetings between the two. (d)


Set In Her Way: She was coming in to herself again and took notice of her surroundings. Kendrew, Aman-un-Din, a woman she had seen only in a passing smile before the hall shadows ate her up, spitting her out on the balcony. It was revealed that Liliana had been rescued. How much had she missed in these weeks of duty and voyage? Earlier, she had no ears to hear such voices. Now? She breathed in slow, even rises of the chest as she answered the Arab's timely question, " Well now, yet weary o' secrets. The Isle is steeped in them but they all have somewhat to say n' reveal. This place is Adam's birthright, a place where m'own lineage walked. It is a place where e'en my father has found mention. It grows worry some n' inquisitive all at once tae learn so many things each day, joyous n' heartsick in the same time too. Tha' is how I am." Standing in the storm air had brightened her eyes to the points of green fallen stars and pinkened her sun-freckled cheeks and shoulders. Kendrew wished her not to linger in the element over-long for he did not know what his master would say of it, for it was no mystery now, whispered at first, but no mystery, that since her health and his attentions restored her, the pair had hopes of children (d)


Tempus Matutinus: It had been some time since he last saw the woman he pulled from the sea...the second one that is. Introductions, if made, had been lost in the frenzy of seeing to the woman's health. She had fever and quite a wound upon her, and it was no surprise to him that she would not remember his name even if he told her. Dark eyes rested upon the brunette once more, and he nodded his head to her inquisition. ``Indeed. You will not find another wearing such garments here. Keep them, I assure you I have more.`` He chuckled. He had other tunics and dishdashas to wear, and to spare one was of no large loss. Besides, he would have wanted someone to do the same for him. At the Duchess' words, his gaze bounced back to her. My, he had missed much! So it was that the land of Skye was rightfully in the hands of Adam, birth as well as popular vote. Wonderful. ``With new knowledge comes new mysteries, if that was the end of riddles, how else would our intelligence increase? You are not alone there, Bess, I assure you. Such is the feeling of many, personal riddles. They are endless.`` Aman-ud-Din replied plainly, hoping to perhaps ease the Duchess' uncertain and conundrum.

Set In Her Way: " Yes. This is a matter of family. Riddles upon riddles upon riddles, answers from the mouth of the old chamberlain, books, and pictures laid in the wall to be hidden until now. Perhaps soon it will be known why they had to be hidden in the first place. Someone ne'er wished the kin of MacRaurie, Adam's family, nor those of Aberdeen to e'er come back. My lady, you will forgive me, I pray. I had no mouth tae speak nor ears to hear much earlier this eve," A Duchess with enough humility to make pardon and apology? Yes, that she was. She would be even more diligent in manners and quicker to be pleasant, to ease the storm of her harshest moods. She would smile, and laugh heartily, and tell Adam the secrets of the old bards and harpers, for she was his wife and harper. She was Skye's harper, Scotland's bard. Why did someone not want that to be so, or Adam to have his lands or his birthright? Why was it taken from him, and the castle seiged? Why was Einar pushed from a cliff into the sea? There were so many questions that would take months to answer it seemed. (d)

Tempus Matutinus: Family matters. They were littered with riddles and unsolved mysteries that left the younger generation to follow into the past of time. They could give headaches and certainly a few heartaches. However, they were never ending issues that begged to be solved. Aman-ud-Din listened to Bess, and nodded a few times. Family histories hidden from the world, even their own children incidentally because of it. Why did someone have to hide the truth? To preserve a life? A reputation? Perhaps secure safety for a nation? ``Perhaps their reason to hide the truth was not from their children, rather the people who meant harm to the family. Those who want power, Bess, will do everything they can tomaintain such. Prescious treasures in lands of Egypt were hidden from the world in underground tombs with their Lords, and with them secrets to preserve a legacy. Perhaps those that were in power in place of Adam's family wished to erase records of right rulers from the world in an effort to preserve their usurped power. Power and greed can do strange things...things that we all do not understand.`` He suggested.

VeiledProphecy: Liliana had thought she would die in those waters. Though she had fought to live she had not believed, deep down, that she would. After what she had been put through she had even considered that it could have been blissful to just allow death to take her, but that would have been cowardice of the worst kind. Now, here she was, alive and well, thanks to the man before her and those in the Healer's Hall all. "I thank you for them. They were most comfortable." Liliana was pleased to be able to keep them as they were one of two garments she had now. Looking at the Duchess as she spoke, Liliana's smile would widen,"I saw nothing this evening that required an apology, Your Grace." She understood that obvious personal matters had been being discussed when she'd intruded. It'd been rude of her. Surprisingly the Duchess had been quite tolerant in her opinion. The form of address was one she'd heard used earlier and prayed it was right, and that she had not just embarassed herself. Listening to the conversation between the two she said nothing as it was not her place to. (d)

et In Her Way: She paused to consider the idea of hoarded power only to shirk it away with a gentle shake of her head, " I can nay o' tha' believe. They left too many signs, too many things o' what they would have said by mouth if they could. My mother points tae home while Adam's points here..there are clues n' signs n' such things as if they made the castle n' walls into a living memory. Her books o' journal n' song..memories. I do nay think they meant tae hoad their power..only did not have chance to pass it , along with history, to their children. Ye are right, though, I do nay understand, how it was preserved n' written yet ne'r spoken of. But to know it will be to know the truth e'en o' the people here." She smiled gently to Lilana, a hand offered her. A rare sign of an accord, a physical gesture of greeting that was not as common as it had been in the lady's old dock days. Now she did not often reach out to touch in such a way when life had been threatened and nearly smote out. "Kind o' heart ye are, good lass. I thank you." (d)

Tempus Matutinus: Aman-ud-Din turned his gaze back to the brunette woman, and dipped his chin to her. They were far more comfortable in his opinion than the itchy material of the Celts, but that was a private opinion that he would not voice, already in disfavour with man for reasons none other than race. ``I am glad that they have served you well.`` He replied with a smile, though it was hidden behind the cloth over his lower face. Turning back to Bess, he smirked, almostknowingly. ``Pardon, I must have explained poorly. Your ancestors hid answers within the castle...so their children and their children's children would not forget. Those than have replaced your family in power did not decipher or understand this...secret that your family has guarded well because it remained within the family and the trusted...hidden meanings.`` Aman-ud-Din tried again to explain what he earlier stated to her. But turning back to Liliana, he cleared his throat. ``Forgive me, where are my manners. I am Aman-ud-Din.``Accepting the hand, the woman's words very kind considering she did not know Liliana anymore than one knew any stranger, she'd smile warmly,"And thank you for being so kind as to not have me carted away earlier. Though, honestly, you would have had every right." It was indeed interesting to hear the words spoken between the two concerning family history. Liliana had always been curious about hers, but had given up hope many years ago. Though it sounded like matters were not going too wonderfully where the Duchess's search was concerned. Liliana silently offered a prayer that things would turn out well in the end. Looking back to the man, she'd smile wide as he gave a name to go with his face,"A pleasure to meet you Aman-ud-Din. I am Liliana Marishka." Though she stumbled just a bit over the name at the start it came out a bit more smoothly at the end. She'd come to get the hang of it in time. (d)

Set In Her Way: "Liliana Marishka. Tha' name sounds like a rung bell, sweet n' long. A name a mother gives a well loved daughter," Liliana could feel the narrowness in artisan hands meant for an instrument, the thick callus scars from old work that mingled with the scent of rose water and oils. The grip was strong, the touch gentle as a mother's or lover's. When she collected her hand back she listened to Aman-un-Din explain anew his meaning. Her head nodded in a new understanding that brought a smile to her face, "Ah, it makes sense to me now. Yes, yes tha' explains marvelous much. I pray the Gods n' m' garden's grove tha' they find an advisor with such wisdom as your own." A friend's advice could be gathered with no title, but her and Adam were at a lack for such a mind just down the hall as it once was. "Perhaps ye will sail with us to Aberdeen, to further your business n' advice the simple pair tha' we are? Soon we shall go, n' the Highland Duchess has been completely rebuilt n' refitted with new steerage, new colors, improvements o' the best ship builders. A true flagship. Will ye come n' marvel a tha' new northern government n' take back a few stories o' Robert the Bruce? " She wanted, too, to ask Aislin and Eamonn to travel, perhaps a ship of their own with fine quarters, though it depended on how far along Aislin was and how much store of herbs she had for her brother's whiskey. Loving the sea and harps were her affair as loving horses and the calvary was his. (d)
"

Tempus Matutinus: There were times that his words were missed and by no fault of anyone, simply miscommunication. Such was the case here. Aman-ud-Din smiled to Liliana. It was a different name...one that sounded like Lily...the flowers that Tahirah enjoyed the appearance of. ``I will remember the name, Liliana.`` He replied to her with a hidden, soft smile. It was always good to see a smile upon Bess' face for too long she had been without one. A smile could mean the world, the only light in a dark place. A the mention of sailing, he smiled a bit, but he could not so easily leave. Tahirah was his reasons for staying rightnow and he could not leave or take her with them. ``As much as I would like to sail with you, I cannot leave Tahirah behind, nor do I think she could travel with me. It is...hard to have a child under your watch and be expected to guide others. I now know a small piece of what you struggle with.`` He replied, before bowing to both woman. ``Speaking of the little girl, I must return to her promptly. I do hope to converse with you all again soon.`` And with that, he turned and headed back down the steps and outside to Salah al Din to return to his small home which doubled as his business.

VeiledProphecy: At his words her smile would widen more and she'd murmur,"And I shall do my best not to forget yours, Aman-ud-Din." Going quiet she listened to the words between him and the Duchess, the child's name he mentioned sounding quite lovely. At his departure she decided it was probably best to take her own. Turning, a warm smile given to the woman,"I should depart as well, Your Grace. I will need rest before I embark on the suggestion given to by Sir Kendrewon the morrow. It was a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace, and I hope you find the answers you are searching for." Liliana would wait to hear the words returned by the woman before taking her own leave, and heading back to the Healer's Hall for rest. (d)

[strongjustice]

William slept peacefully next to Anwen in the Chateau in Aosta… the wind began to blow and rain soon pitterpatted against the window pane. Not long after the mid of night, William would soon twist and turn on the large bed. Dreams would soon enter the scene and his mind would wander to years past. A chain of events, so long ago past, would soon unfold yet again in his mind.

The man was tall, with sea-green eyes… muscles flexed as his hand took hold of the sword hilt. “What do yu mean the English shall never have Skye…?” The fresh beard upon the young face quirked as a snarl covered his expression. “Lord Thomas… yu are the Noble of Eddington… and in favor with the King… Alan is dead… Davena is sole heir… and I plan to wed her. I pray that yu abide by the laws and pass Skye to me…” William spoke to Davena’s step-father. Sir Thomas shook his head… “Never William… Skye belongs to Davena and hers… nay to you…” William gritted his teeth and spouted… “Then Davena shall never have Skye… either the clans or the King of England shall own this crag of a land… I shall take her away from this God forsaken place…” The Chamberlain then stepped forward… “M’Lord, yae cannae take the lass from her own people… she shall bae de Lady o’ de Isles, the heart o'Isles…” William just snarled at the older man, then turned and exited the room, slamming the heavy door as he exited.

Meanwhile, William tossed violently in his sleep at the scene disturbing his mind… William stood before the Chamberlain… “Old man, just because you cover to Lord Thomas does not make yu the decision maker…” The older man looks up to the younger… “Aye Laddie, tis dun make mae decision mak’r boot ah knaew how de lineage is… an wit de Aberdeens in support, Lady Davena ‘n Murielle families shall grow strong in Skye… Yae dun think ye courtin’ Lady Davena will gain yae fav’r… Yae are nay Scot nor Clan… and Ah’ll make sure yae ne’r set foot in the throne seat…” William then grabs the older man by the collar… “And if yu do so, then yu AND Davena shall die…” then William pushes the man against a wall and walks out the door.

As Anwen attempted to wake William, he continued in the fitfull sleep as if his conscious had ceded itself to the unconscious. Davena held her son in her arms as she walked around the Maubrey Castle pining away for her home in Turas Lan… she missed Murielle and the children… she missed the tunes her friend would play upon the fantastic harp… The ship was prepared to sail back to Turas Lan upon high tide… William found her in the halls and saw her crying, yet another argument ensued. “What again yu weep? Do you not smile anymore? I shall see yu in hell before yu live in Skye…” again he went upon a rampage and slapped her hard, nearly knocking Adam from her arms.

William tossed and pushed Anwen away. The young lad tottered around playing with the other golden-haired children as sounds from the immaculate harp filled the Blue Castle, soon waning to and end.… “Play some more Murielle…” the auburn haired woman spoke as she watched her son play. “The children… and I… love it so… I cannot wait to hear Beathag play it one day…” Just as the Chamberlain entered… “Lord William has returned M’Lady…” Just as the woman frowned, the young knight entered, pushing the Chamberlain aside. “I told yu it was time to go woman… why can’t yu listen for once…” The Lady Murielle stood from the harp… “Chamberlain, show Sir William out. He does nae need to bae in the woman’s sanctuary…”

William pulled the covers over his head as he turned away…. [i]“Touch me again old man… and I swear yu shall never see the light of day again…” [/i][/color] War threatened every door… The old ways were changing fast as England once again threatened Scotland… the Clans fought for supremacy and Skye was succumbing to the Clan as well… and the MacRauri’s were losing their high status. Sir William roamed the Castle ordering men and women arrested. “I told yu old man… Skye is mine… and yu shall live out yer days in the dungeon, praying for death to take you…” looking to a soldier… “Take the former Chamberlain away… deep in Blue Castle… no one shall ever need his services again…” William had the older man arrested and imprisoned… keeping him alive only for the reason to extract information from him.

As William watched the cell door slam and lock to the Chamberlain’s new home… But as fate would have it, William Of Maubrey would never sit upon the throne of Skye, but to be the tool of the English King elsewhere. The nude William awoke only to find Anwen sitting beside him in deep concern for his welfare.[/font][/size]

[Queen Beathag Aberdeen]

The memory of her mother's voice began the chain of it all, as she lay in the chair before the great window. In her mind a girl child sat dangling her legs while adults roared on..


"My King, My Leige. Please I beg of ye intercede! Tha' man will leave them tae sicken if he does nay beat them tae death, tae starve or Davena will grow sae heartsick she'll kill 'erself first! Please..."

"To interfere would be tae do with matters her father should have known better n' someone who was guarding the woman in England should've known better than to barter off a lovesick lass. Charm fades. Reality is cruel...There is nothin' to be done. Lady o' Obar Dheathain, I'm sorry.."

"Nay, tis nay good enough! You're goin' to allow the livin' breathin, walkin now Lady o' the Isles and her only son to perish on English soil. I know tha' is what will happen! M'cousin is goin' to die!"

The Harper was called to offer her council, gave it, and was refuted. She told he advisor, his first knight, and now him that Davena should be give quarter in her own country and terms should be set forth with the English court for her return provided the abuses cease and a nonbiased eye could keep watch over her. He was only in Glasgow for but a little and so much had happened. Skye was on her knees swarmed by betrayers, and not even the Lord Chamberlain was left. Little did Murieall know that he was crying for her, for any that could hear him, for death..Murieall had pleaded and done all that she could, but even if the King could sway the court, it wouldn't disolve the marriage, for the Bruce and hardly even this King of England, pious as he was, would go up against the Church..




"Why didn't I see tha' afore!"

Beathag's voice had sunk from the sophisticate, light accent of a few month's of tutored English down to the brash, thick Highland muddle that often got people lost in it. Kendrew could hardly keep up with her as she pushed the tea, the oils away with a vengence. "Have m'horse saddled n' ready by the time I reach the stables," she called back, lifting her skirts so that long legs were unhindered by the attire of her station. On horseback in embroidered cottons and emeralds? Aye, that she was, and full astride the saddle. Why, the guardsmen could hardly throw back the gate without Caldonhan running it down. Horse and rider streaked from the courtyard in a blur. "Keep watch on her, don't lose sight! Where's m'horse...Gaaah..Beathag..devil is in tha' woman.."

The road to Blue Castle twisted, turned, and consisted of going over steps. The horse surmounted all of the challenges with ease as powerful legs propelled them through gravity, up on powerful jumps. "Make way!" She was her own herald today, the servants of the Blue Castle running forward. Was there a meeting to be summoned, something amiss? They barely had time to catch the reigns or help her down before she charged inside. "Take me up to the Chamberlain's room." "M'lady where is you're guard, let me fetch..." "Fetch 'em and do it now damn it!" Up the steps she went, around bends, past puzzled visitors, pages, and clansmen until the hall led the way toward the doubled door, exquisite container for the ailing old man. " He's well m'lady but still..his mind is nay all restored..wait!"

She threw back the doors to find him in better health than last they had spoken. His yellow skin was all but gone now, leaving a half-healthy peach to suggest that with walks in the air, his life was robust again. Food had gained him weight, his eyes were less hollow. But what still remained amiss? He bowed to her at once, "They tell me ye are Lady now," he said, calmly, still at odds with how many years had gone by,"So good day, Lady of the Isles..What can I do for you.."

"Tell me everythin', old man. I want tae know every disagreement ye had with Lord Maubrey.." he began to recoil at that name, but the Duchess caught his arm firm, gentle, but firm, "Ye know it still. N' yer half crazed? I'm half stupid. Sae between the two o' us is a story n' I will have it. I know it was him tha' threw ye in prison. Did other lords keep ye there? I knew there were rulers afore us, short as they were, as nonconsequential.."

"Aye, they kept be below, little changeling.." he drifted, but shook it away. "Tha' sort o' talk isn't for a woman's ears.."

"I was ne'er tha' sort o' woman...ye should know tha'. Talk."

She waited for him to comply.[/color]

[King Adam Aberdeen I]

The old man in clothes of a long ago Court, smiled a dingy smile to the woman who towered over his crooked body… then in his own aged voice…

"Whence the brooch of burning gold,
That clasps the chieftain's mantle fold,
Wrought and chased with rare device,
Studded fair with gems of price;
On the varied tartans beaming.
As, thro' night's pale rainbow gleaming,
Fainter now, now seen afar.
Fitful shines the northern star."

Then he began to eerily laugh… “Aye changling, many have kept me asunder… but none could end my life, nor allow me tae end my own… for I know much of years ago…” pausing, he seemed to look around the room to pull answers from the air… “Sir William… young and brash, in Castle Blue, sought as many do… what I know, and what I hold true…”