Post by King Adam Aberdeen I on Aug 19, 2008 12:02:18 GMT -6
Log Entry: Entered Arts and Entertainment - Pubs at Dockside [Members - 7] 8/14/2008 09:02 PM
Set In Her Way: Hoove clopping over paved stones. Neither an intricate noise to be lost in the din of footfalls under street lanterns nor so common as to be misconstrewed for the common creature, what made the animal distinct was that the on destrier sat the woman in white with the golden hair. Scotland's last of a family of harpers from the Aberdeenshire. Beside her astride his mount? The island's prodigial son and heir to Skye and the Lordship of the Isles since his birth. Together they cut through the crowds, smiling to those that paid heed to them. These times, sweet times, were precious. To breathe in Turas Lan air, to taste it before the call of the King answered might change the texture forever. (d)
Ignia Ferroque: Dismounting the large white stallion, he looks to Bess as she dismounted... "Luv, I fear we may have trouble with the Scot Crown now divided... there is much turmoil between Nor and South..." tying the reins to a post. "Ah wont let the Crown come in our way of our movement... We' ave much headway made... and the winds are in our sails..." Out of the blue... apparently this had bothered him of late...The man in black robes trimmed with gold, his dark hair amuss... looking out to the streets of THEIR city..., then glances to his beloved wife... "If ah must... Ah shall defy all tae keep Skye free... even if..." then he looks down, and scuffs the dirt with his boot... Looking back up he smiles... "Ale for ye lass? 'r whiskey?" :::::
Set In Her Way: "We be beyond the Crown now," The duchess looked over to her husband as two feet came down to cobble stone, " We be beyond all the things tha' the people bicker o'er now n' we must think for ourselves. Things are gaein' tae heat again.." She blew a touch of air through pursed lips as she put her arm into her beloved husband while looking to his eyes, then to the lights, the eyes of Turas Lan, "Ale darlin'....ale. Somethin' sweet still." (d)
Balian Windsor: His fingers closed around hers, that small smile still toying at the corner of his lips vaguely revealing the dimple only on his right cheek beneith the unshaven by a day face. "It was well.. I spent the day with the newest recruits. The weather was fair.. and now I find you..Few things more could keep me warm and young then this." He set a few coins on top the bar just as the wine had arrived and he smiled softly back down at Jelenah. "How was your day today?" [d]
Defective Beauty: With their hands still together, she pulled them around her until they rested at the small of her back and she hugged up to him. "I see.. well thats good... and my day went well. Though it was definately time for a break...." She replied as her released one of her hands to pay for the drinks. That made her own slip inbetween his arm and side, resting there a moment. "But things are much better now I must say...and I imagine in time..even better than now." She added as she lifted up on her tip toes to kiss that dimple before lowering, taking up her glass and sipping the wine. <d
Ignia Ferroque: As the pair stepped upon the walkway, his hand pushing the door open... "Ale tis be then... at least a few tankards... Oh bae de way... Ah enjoyed the ride last eve... been all o'r Turas Lan, but ne'r saw the city like that... twas beautiful... Mae appreciation faer sharing it luv..." then as the pair saddled up to the bar, Adam laid down 10 paper Griffons... roughly about a dollar each... "Drinks on the house... compliments of the Duchess faer being sae beautiful and full o'spirit..." again he teased her, mainly to hide his own frustration at the workings of the Crowns... and their damn religious influences.
Set In Her Way: " Ye are two kind Adam.." she blushed heavily for once of scarlet cheeks in public as her husband praised a beauty that was hard edged and wore the vestige of war in long-ago scars. She put her lips gently to his cheek, resting forehead to the crook of the neck. To hide was to be skilled, to be skilled was the trademark of their regency. Only a few had the inkling of an idea what it was like to sit on their seats, and if they knew the truth? When the old king offered them title they wouldn't have accepted, for now the new King was glad to exalt them, but the country was schismed. Some called Skye her own country of scottt's origin, instead of an island in Scottish rule. (d)
Balian Windsor: He smiled warmly at the kiss against his cheek, his hand rest gently against the small of her back just when they both reached for their drink at the same time. Though it was the door coming open once more that had taken Balian's attention from her if only for a moment. Icy blues set on the Duke and Duchess and once more the veteran Knight would dip his chin in an honored bow. He left the noble couple to their own business until it was those few magical words such as drinks on the house reached his ears. Balian grinned and nodded while the uproar of the drunken at the tables in the back consumed the pubs delicate calm. "Your Grace." He lowered his eyes back to Jelenah. "Mmhmm ..each day new brings us one closer to the day we go home together." [d]
Ignia Ferroque: Nodding to Balian, then bowing deeply to the Lady Jelenah... He turns and leans his arms on the edge of the bar, like he use to in the earlier days... his arm moving only to heft the tankard... with a slight glance to Bess. "Seems faerev'r since we have been like this... no worries tae speak up..." ::::
Set In Her Way: Grufford's great brews would wet the mouth of ever sailor, shop keep, and sweetheart lass on the coin of the Duchy that evening. In the roar of happiness, she alone could see the disconcerting spark in his eye. Tender was the hand on his face. The other took up a tankard as for but a moment the fine cloth seemed to subside to warm homespun clothes, and they laughed at the end of a long day of work, "For'er and a day, but we can take a moment back now and again." (D)
Balian Windsor: The door swept open moments after the noble couple had settled in. Balians eyes once more set to drift to catch a glimpse of the man paces behind the couple adorned in a brown shroud of leathers. The veterans tongue dragged across the front of his pearly whites while his eyes narrowed slightly in warning to the man that found himself a corner table alone. Balian's free hand slid back down to sweep his cape back to reveal the grip of the nameless sword rest against leather clad hips. Though no such exchange escalated just yet he kept a watchful eye to the man [d]
Ignia Ferroque: The man caressed her hand as it touched his cheek... "Aye... and ah think we mae dae more o'it... now we have those whose responsibilty tis tae dae it..." chuckling... "Mabbe ah should make punishment morew stingent tae stoop so many judgements..." taking a hefty gulp... " and ah plan many more times after we git back from Aberdeenshire..." smiling... "We still 'ave much unfinsihed personal stuff tae dae..."
Set In Her Way: "The punishments are stringet beloved, but wo can ye dae," the English tutor's efforts had worked for the shortest of whiles. The brogue as back. Less thick and muddled, but back enough to be her signature. One could not change the markings on a creature's hide thus could not change the hide of the creature making Beathag Aberdeen. Deep she drunk as talk of home came to the fore. "Aye, personal n' we be gaein tae the Aberdeenshire...tae Aberdeen. Home." A place where no one would welcome them that she wished save the ghosts of her mind, where the years had gone by many since last her foot was set there. Home. Turas Lan was home, Skye was home, Adam's arm s were home. The will of a King, the necessity of the ancestors were far greater heralds than her own desire to remain fixed (d)
Balian Windsor: The cool brim of the wine glass brought back to his lips while the taste of the contents rushed back against his pallet. Still one eye kept the man in brown leathers in the far corner whom now set his attention on Balian and his own fabric was lured back to expose his own weapon. Though he could only make out the thick wood of its handle. It was enough to cause a slow easing shift of Balian's weight onto his left leg and his back pressed against the bar to face the man in full. [d]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah's own eyes shifted to the newly entered Duchess and Duke, a nod and smile to them both. Her eyes met Balians as he spoke and she nodded in agreement. "Yes, I cannot wait for that day, seems it cannot get her fast enough." She replied. However, her eyes shifted to where her beloved's had and she glanced back to Balian. She let him have his drink first before asking. "Is... everything alright?" A single blond brow arching as she looked between the two men. She knew Balian pretty well and when he begins to shift about like this, it usually meant trouble. <d
Ignia Ferroque: A deep drink and he slid the tankard to Gruffold, indicating a refill... he looks to Bess... "Ah decided... if'en the King shant try to reunite Scotland... then Skye may dae it for him... either bae words or steel... but it will take drivin' the Ainglish completely from Scotland... and deep past Glasgow... past the Ainglish border..." He hid not his desire... the people of Skye would once again be involved... but he had a plan..."
Set In Her Way: "Tha's a deep plan Adam fer a deep time. I dun think the Bruce will shy away from his task, o' havin' the Lowlands stand as a seperate kingdom fer iffn' tha' were the case we'd be six or seven kingdoms shared with Danes, Thanes, n' Gods know wot else. Och. Perhaps tis a thankful thing tha' neither me father nor step da lived tae see such a time as this, when men through in there lots sae readily with the enemy fer a ha-penny," Another sip more she mimiced the same action, for in Scotland, the Celts were as fishes and liquor was the sea. To Jelenah and Balian she smiled albeit delayed before turning back to the time at hand. "The Clans are shiftin' again..n' somethin's afoot Adam, somethin' is comin'. This time I will fight with m'words n' our reign n' nay m'hands. Things are tae large tae fast...we stand 'pon knife's edge yet again. Now tis known who ye are, wot ye inherit? Dun e'en wish to think who'd rise to challenge tha'.." (D)
Balian Windsor: "Mm." He grinned at the man just as he stood and started back toward the door just as he had come and Balians blues softened before setting back to his love. "Nothing to worry over, just.. setting some boundaries is all." He smiled back down at her and brought his glass up to clank against hers before taking another sip. He caught sight of the light bending before the light of the window, knowing by instinct the mans movement across it causing another side step of the white talon knight. Could he be that much a coward and fool? His brow lift though he would wait and play off the moment as if unsuspecting to see. "..I road to our land just last night.... and it looks as though its nearly finished." [d]
Defective Beauty: The fair haired handmaiden would look once more between the men and picking up on the bit of tension. Tension always made her uncomfortable, she stepped closer to Balian and watched him carefully before lifting her glass and have it met by his own. She too would have more wine and her eyes again shifted to where his had. For Jelenah to be not of the battle type, she could make one hell of a observer. She was always very aware of her surroundings, use to having to look over her shoulder all the time made one paranoid like that at times. She looked back her beloved and smiled however when he spoke of the lands and how the building of their home was coming along. She couldn't wait to see it and begin to have the furnishings transported there. "What of the stable? Have they started it yet?" <d
Ignia Ferroque: "Aye lass, mabbe now, we both shall forge an army from here... our blade is sharp, and skills honed, but naew tis the time for the army tae fend alone... we 'ave many good men... willing tae lead our army where we say... no questions asked... If'en war comes, then Skye will defend her own... and if'en any threatens our lands, or our freedom... then we must dae wot we must..." and still yet another deep drink.
Set In Her Way: "Indeed. Many a good man n' many a skilled fighter we 'ave in tha' we are blessed by far m'sweet...we are...blessed. Gods, Ah pray the King knows wot he is daein or we will be travelin from Skye emore than once on business other than personal. Since soon..we will need speak tae the Lowland Advisor o' the damned King Edward..." Snarl, soft. A ripple on the waves of her calm. To delay the visit of the....noble brigand....by two weeks was not long enough for one who wished diplomacy could be saved for the likes of a Hessian instead of the LowLand Butcher. " But ,we dae what one must. Two weeks is nay long enough." The Lowland Advisor, the scourge, the tyrant in noble visage? No other than the good Duke's very own father, her own distant relation. To know that even a spark of relation by marriage was shared with him made her stomach churn. Adam was his only good work.(d)
Balian Windsor: Hightened senses was something more the two shared, though Balian was numb to paranoia or having mortal emotions of such things as a hostile engagment. On the contrary the fact there was only one man now lurking outside was almost an insult but he wouldnt speak of such things. "Not just yet.. ..Once they finish the house, that will be next on the list im sure. ..It wont take but a week or two I would wager." He winked back at her and brought the wine up for the final swallow before he set it back on the bartop for a refill. His free hand came back down to rest against the small of her back and he leaned down to place a soft kiss against her cheek. [d]
Defective Beauty: She waited for his reply and smiled once she had it. All this talk of their upcoming handfasting, the building of their home and the thoughts of fursnishes being moved in had her giddy almost. Never had Jelenah been this happy and it was almost scarey. She half expected to wake up any minute now, thinking at times this had to be a dream. If it were, she'd never want to wake. She caught the wink and she chuckled a bit before lifting her own glass once more. Once she had placed her own to the bartop again, as she turned to face him she placed a kiss to her cheek. She grinned and asked. "What was that for?" Her hand coming to caress his arm in an affectinate way, her eyes trailed her fingers before lifting to stare into his icy blue hues once more.<d)
Ignia Ferroque: Looking upon Jelenah and Balian, he smiled... then looked to Bess... "seems dat the summer's eves were fairer faer most..." then he kisses her cheek... "Ah think more shall join the ranks of the blissed..." then Bess' words of the Lowland Advisor brought a frown upon his face, the smile fading... "Aye... Ah feel that be something we cannae put asunder..." then he laughs wickedly.... "Won't mae Father bae sae surprised to find his son alive... and ... well now..." he then turns to the bar, drinking a deep swig... and sets the tankard down... the smirk as evil as he had ever smirked... "Fill'em all up Gruffold... spare not..."
Set In Her Way: "Grufford make it a whiskey, tae talk o' the advisor makes one need somethin' sharp." The quiet man nodded as he was apt to do, filling the glasses with nary a second thought. chuckling heartily she couldn' tdeny that there was a certain irony in the fact that his lordship the Advisor was going to be seeing that his son assumed the position he was supposed to be denied, to marry the daughter of the woman who tried so desperately to stop him. "Iffn ye father does nay sink on the way o'er here twill be a pity, alas. Mayhaps a storm will come n' well be sae lucky, but Ah think the gods will wish to play with our sense of irony.." Her eye turned to the perilous stare of Balian, wondering what the White Talon was sizing up beyond the doors. Fortunate they were indeed. "I shall see m'best gowns are laid out tae tell the bastard go to hell.." (D)
Balian Windsor: He smiled lovingly down at her and brought his free hand to lay across hers with a little shake of his head when his eyes settled into hers to study each line and curve of them. "For looking at me the way you do." It was the very reason he fell in love with her. Well the first time he fell in love with her but admittedly it had been a few times over by now that had that spark in Balian's eye. Once more the bend of light against the window frame had his attention snapping back upward. ....A fool... was the first and only thought that pressed his mindset before instinct had him throw his weight ahead of the nobles. A hard breath escaped his lips just as the sound of glass shattering plagued the pub birthing sight of the bolt stroke before it drove into the shoulder of the veteran knight throwing his back into a table. His eyes narrowed once more with a low rumble admitted from his throat. He pushed back to his feet and started that hard run for the window. [d]
Defective Beauty: Softly she would smile as her head canted to one side and his hand covered hers. "I must admit you are quite handsome... making it easy for me to want to look at you the way I do." She knew he meant that she looked at him admiringly and lovingly. Not so much just because he was good looking. --fans self then fans Jelenah-- The blue eyes of sapphire looked over her shoulder however as something caught his attention again. Just as she was about to look back to him, thats when the chaos began. She gasped, hands going to her mouth and chest as she watched Balian be struck with something. Hands lifted her skirts to move towards him but he was already in pursuit of the instigator.<d
Ignia Ferroque: Adam laughed at her words... then the two lovers toasted his Father's demise... drinking heartily, laughing... Adam had seen where Balian watched and thought he saw the same thing... though too late... a turn at broken glass, seeing Balian fall, then pick himself up and run to the window.... by now, the Gold Talons that followed him were not far away... three outside in the shadows and two in the back room, should the Duke require them... and the glass alerted the men who quickly surrounded the tavern...
Set In Her Way: "Tae the end o' the Advisor n' the tamin' o' the English shrews, cheers." They toasted with a smile but soon, all too soon it was changed to a frown as the beverage slipped from her hands. Landing, all it did was slosh over the sides a little. Just as little in portion as Balian's blood had caught on the hem of the pure white gown. Too late to do anything but to show the twisting body pull back in the look of shock. Gold Talons followed in hot pursuit, a signal given that would soon have the Whites at the ready to assist their fellow. Suddenly the tavern was abuzz with conversation, pushing, moving to places away from the scene or towards it. Beathag reached out and pulled Jelenah to her side, if not behind her..to avoid being touched or harmed. "Tis another attempt at assasination surely,... Oh they will nay be overthrow! Are you well Lady Jelenah, Your grace?" Voices aplenty began to coverse as instinctly she pulled Jelenah in. Gods above and below, make them stop. Beathag did not like to be crowded, cornered, or confined (d)
Timeless Trances: ~ Well, if anyone were looking for Grufford after that moment in time, all would be hard pressed not to be as distracted as he presently was. For a group of well-dress women, no doubt of nobility or waiting, would enter with their giggles and confidence. Each dressed to match the other in fine garments of gold and crystal stones, and bearing large baskets filled with bottles upon bottles of wine with complimentary grapes. Yes, since the Rhiannon family of Struan had long since retired from both life and business, such was left to the last remaining of their children. Though it seemed the Isle would be all a stir at the notion of whom it would be. For Ari was the long forgotten daughter, and now Baroness and Landlady of Struan. Yet, she'd hardly had time to make much of an entrance since her return. Mostly due to arriving just in time for the traditional weeklong harvest of her family's vineyard and brewery. Such as the ladies were now promoting to every pub, shop, and vendor they could reach. Now bringing them to Turas Lan, to spread their business and prosperity. Needless to say the charms of all the women seemed to bring high spirits to the flustered Pub Keep, who in turn began to serve each patron a free fill of the complimentary wine. Further assisting the present Baroness in promoting her intoxicating spirits. Both liquid and personal. For that was not all she was promoting. As all spread out to give samples of the fine wine, Aracellis herself whom had been at the center of negotiations and charismatic airs had now moved to post banners around the pub and outside, so as to advertise for the grand Masque she was plotting for her Estate. If only to honor her return to Clan and Country. It wasn't until she'd moved to post one of Chaos growing as her ladies hid within the Pub, with her stuck in a stampede outside. Forced to duck and scramble back for the door before she was knocked over and trampled upon. But for the longest all she could do was stay down and out of the line of fire and hope to get to safety. ~
Balian Windsor: His arms came upward shielding his face a moment before he dove through the remains of the window blowing an erruption of glass into the dockside street. His boots met the cobblestone slinging spur chimes into the night while his long white cape fought to keep up in his wake. Who needs a door anyway. Icy blues pierced the night to catch sight of the assassin on the run. His hand slapped down to his thigh ripping up one of the daggers from its thigh strap in mid stride. His arm drew back over his shoulder while a cringe crossed his face, that steel was hurled ahead to splice through the air in silence only to have the pommel collide with the back of the mans head throwing him face first into the shallows of the drink with a splash. Balian closed the distance after his fall in seconds and just as the assassin scrambled back to his feet the hard shoulder of the knight slammed into his gut to lift him from the very ground only to drive him back into the hard street. He mounted the mans chest and those fists started to fly, over and over again battering the assassins face while the Gold Talons started to arrive. [d]
Defective Beauty: As she took one more step in the direction of Balian, she felt a hand reach out, grip her and pull her to them. Her eyes quickly averted to the person pulling at her and saw it was Bess. Her arms wrapped around her as she looked from Bess to Balian's disappearing frame. She nearly screamed at the sight and sound of him through the window. That man was gonna give her a heart attack! Then she noticed the entry of other ladies just as things begin to get crazy. People began to buzz about her and Bess, making an already stressful situation more so. Jelenah didn't like being fussed over or confined any more than Bess did. It reminded her of being on that overcrowded ship below deck an in the cells. People's voices , sounds and sreams making it more troublesome and scarey.<d
Ignia Ferroque: Adam was handed a sword by one of the Talons from the back room... The Duke stood his ground, Jelenah sheltered between him and Bess... his hand outstretched making sure they were alright... "Aye luv, Ah am alright... Stay behin' mae... " then with the free hand, he took his tankard and drank from the metal can. Setting it down, he points to Bess... "Stay here... if it gets worse, take Jelenah and gae back tae the Castle... I am gonna gae with the Talons... Three shall saty wit ye..."
Set In Her Way: "Adam be careful....aye...dun dae anythin' fool hearty n' dun let Balian dae any wot else either!" She had Jelenah with one arm around her gently bidding the people disperse as she kissed Adam before he left into the night. Be damned! These were the days she longed for the simplicity of the docks under foot, her callused hands, and the ocean rocking her to sleep at night. There was death in paradise, so much chance of death.
Set In Her Way: Hoove clopping over paved stones. Neither an intricate noise to be lost in the din of footfalls under street lanterns nor so common as to be misconstrewed for the common creature, what made the animal distinct was that the on destrier sat the woman in white with the golden hair. Scotland's last of a family of harpers from the Aberdeenshire. Beside her astride his mount? The island's prodigial son and heir to Skye and the Lordship of the Isles since his birth. Together they cut through the crowds, smiling to those that paid heed to them. These times, sweet times, were precious. To breathe in Turas Lan air, to taste it before the call of the King answered might change the texture forever. (d)
Ignia Ferroque: Dismounting the large white stallion, he looks to Bess as she dismounted... "Luv, I fear we may have trouble with the Scot Crown now divided... there is much turmoil between Nor and South..." tying the reins to a post. "Ah wont let the Crown come in our way of our movement... We' ave much headway made... and the winds are in our sails..." Out of the blue... apparently this had bothered him of late...The man in black robes trimmed with gold, his dark hair amuss... looking out to the streets of THEIR city..., then glances to his beloved wife... "If ah must... Ah shall defy all tae keep Skye free... even if..." then he looks down, and scuffs the dirt with his boot... Looking back up he smiles... "Ale for ye lass? 'r whiskey?" :::::
Set In Her Way: "We be beyond the Crown now," The duchess looked over to her husband as two feet came down to cobble stone, " We be beyond all the things tha' the people bicker o'er now n' we must think for ourselves. Things are gaein' tae heat again.." She blew a touch of air through pursed lips as she put her arm into her beloved husband while looking to his eyes, then to the lights, the eyes of Turas Lan, "Ale darlin'....ale. Somethin' sweet still." (d)
Balian Windsor: His fingers closed around hers, that small smile still toying at the corner of his lips vaguely revealing the dimple only on his right cheek beneith the unshaven by a day face. "It was well.. I spent the day with the newest recruits. The weather was fair.. and now I find you..Few things more could keep me warm and young then this." He set a few coins on top the bar just as the wine had arrived and he smiled softly back down at Jelenah. "How was your day today?" [d]
Defective Beauty: With their hands still together, she pulled them around her until they rested at the small of her back and she hugged up to him. "I see.. well thats good... and my day went well. Though it was definately time for a break...." She replied as her released one of her hands to pay for the drinks. That made her own slip inbetween his arm and side, resting there a moment. "But things are much better now I must say...and I imagine in time..even better than now." She added as she lifted up on her tip toes to kiss that dimple before lowering, taking up her glass and sipping the wine. <d
Ignia Ferroque: As the pair stepped upon the walkway, his hand pushing the door open... "Ale tis be then... at least a few tankards... Oh bae de way... Ah enjoyed the ride last eve... been all o'r Turas Lan, but ne'r saw the city like that... twas beautiful... Mae appreciation faer sharing it luv..." then as the pair saddled up to the bar, Adam laid down 10 paper Griffons... roughly about a dollar each... "Drinks on the house... compliments of the Duchess faer being sae beautiful and full o'spirit..." again he teased her, mainly to hide his own frustration at the workings of the Crowns... and their damn religious influences.
Set In Her Way: " Ye are two kind Adam.." she blushed heavily for once of scarlet cheeks in public as her husband praised a beauty that was hard edged and wore the vestige of war in long-ago scars. She put her lips gently to his cheek, resting forehead to the crook of the neck. To hide was to be skilled, to be skilled was the trademark of their regency. Only a few had the inkling of an idea what it was like to sit on their seats, and if they knew the truth? When the old king offered them title they wouldn't have accepted, for now the new King was glad to exalt them, but the country was schismed. Some called Skye her own country of scottt's origin, instead of an island in Scottish rule. (d)
Balian Windsor: He smiled warmly at the kiss against his cheek, his hand rest gently against the small of her back just when they both reached for their drink at the same time. Though it was the door coming open once more that had taken Balian's attention from her if only for a moment. Icy blues set on the Duke and Duchess and once more the veteran Knight would dip his chin in an honored bow. He left the noble couple to their own business until it was those few magical words such as drinks on the house reached his ears. Balian grinned and nodded while the uproar of the drunken at the tables in the back consumed the pubs delicate calm. "Your Grace." He lowered his eyes back to Jelenah. "Mmhmm ..each day new brings us one closer to the day we go home together." [d]
Ignia Ferroque: Nodding to Balian, then bowing deeply to the Lady Jelenah... He turns and leans his arms on the edge of the bar, like he use to in the earlier days... his arm moving only to heft the tankard... with a slight glance to Bess. "Seems faerev'r since we have been like this... no worries tae speak up..." ::::
Set In Her Way: Grufford's great brews would wet the mouth of ever sailor, shop keep, and sweetheart lass on the coin of the Duchy that evening. In the roar of happiness, she alone could see the disconcerting spark in his eye. Tender was the hand on his face. The other took up a tankard as for but a moment the fine cloth seemed to subside to warm homespun clothes, and they laughed at the end of a long day of work, "For'er and a day, but we can take a moment back now and again." (D)
Balian Windsor: The door swept open moments after the noble couple had settled in. Balians eyes once more set to drift to catch a glimpse of the man paces behind the couple adorned in a brown shroud of leathers. The veterans tongue dragged across the front of his pearly whites while his eyes narrowed slightly in warning to the man that found himself a corner table alone. Balian's free hand slid back down to sweep his cape back to reveal the grip of the nameless sword rest against leather clad hips. Though no such exchange escalated just yet he kept a watchful eye to the man [d]
Ignia Ferroque: The man caressed her hand as it touched his cheek... "Aye... and ah think we mae dae more o'it... now we have those whose responsibilty tis tae dae it..." chuckling... "Mabbe ah should make punishment morew stingent tae stoop so many judgements..." taking a hefty gulp... " and ah plan many more times after we git back from Aberdeenshire..." smiling... "We still 'ave much unfinsihed personal stuff tae dae..."
Set In Her Way: "The punishments are stringet beloved, but wo can ye dae," the English tutor's efforts had worked for the shortest of whiles. The brogue as back. Less thick and muddled, but back enough to be her signature. One could not change the markings on a creature's hide thus could not change the hide of the creature making Beathag Aberdeen. Deep she drunk as talk of home came to the fore. "Aye, personal n' we be gaein tae the Aberdeenshire...tae Aberdeen. Home." A place where no one would welcome them that she wished save the ghosts of her mind, where the years had gone by many since last her foot was set there. Home. Turas Lan was home, Skye was home, Adam's arm s were home. The will of a King, the necessity of the ancestors were far greater heralds than her own desire to remain fixed (d)
Balian Windsor: The cool brim of the wine glass brought back to his lips while the taste of the contents rushed back against his pallet. Still one eye kept the man in brown leathers in the far corner whom now set his attention on Balian and his own fabric was lured back to expose his own weapon. Though he could only make out the thick wood of its handle. It was enough to cause a slow easing shift of Balian's weight onto his left leg and his back pressed against the bar to face the man in full. [d]
Defective Beauty: Jelenah's own eyes shifted to the newly entered Duchess and Duke, a nod and smile to them both. Her eyes met Balians as he spoke and she nodded in agreement. "Yes, I cannot wait for that day, seems it cannot get her fast enough." She replied. However, her eyes shifted to where her beloved's had and she glanced back to Balian. She let him have his drink first before asking. "Is... everything alright?" A single blond brow arching as she looked between the two men. She knew Balian pretty well and when he begins to shift about like this, it usually meant trouble. <d
Ignia Ferroque: A deep drink and he slid the tankard to Gruffold, indicating a refill... he looks to Bess... "Ah decided... if'en the King shant try to reunite Scotland... then Skye may dae it for him... either bae words or steel... but it will take drivin' the Ainglish completely from Scotland... and deep past Glasgow... past the Ainglish border..." He hid not his desire... the people of Skye would once again be involved... but he had a plan..."
Set In Her Way: "Tha's a deep plan Adam fer a deep time. I dun think the Bruce will shy away from his task, o' havin' the Lowlands stand as a seperate kingdom fer iffn' tha' were the case we'd be six or seven kingdoms shared with Danes, Thanes, n' Gods know wot else. Och. Perhaps tis a thankful thing tha' neither me father nor step da lived tae see such a time as this, when men through in there lots sae readily with the enemy fer a ha-penny," Another sip more she mimiced the same action, for in Scotland, the Celts were as fishes and liquor was the sea. To Jelenah and Balian she smiled albeit delayed before turning back to the time at hand. "The Clans are shiftin' again..n' somethin's afoot Adam, somethin' is comin'. This time I will fight with m'words n' our reign n' nay m'hands. Things are tae large tae fast...we stand 'pon knife's edge yet again. Now tis known who ye are, wot ye inherit? Dun e'en wish to think who'd rise to challenge tha'.." (D)
Balian Windsor: "Mm." He grinned at the man just as he stood and started back toward the door just as he had come and Balians blues softened before setting back to his love. "Nothing to worry over, just.. setting some boundaries is all." He smiled back down at her and brought his glass up to clank against hers before taking another sip. He caught sight of the light bending before the light of the window, knowing by instinct the mans movement across it causing another side step of the white talon knight. Could he be that much a coward and fool? His brow lift though he would wait and play off the moment as if unsuspecting to see. "..I road to our land just last night.... and it looks as though its nearly finished." [d]
Defective Beauty: The fair haired handmaiden would look once more between the men and picking up on the bit of tension. Tension always made her uncomfortable, she stepped closer to Balian and watched him carefully before lifting her glass and have it met by his own. She too would have more wine and her eyes again shifted to where his had. For Jelenah to be not of the battle type, she could make one hell of a observer. She was always very aware of her surroundings, use to having to look over her shoulder all the time made one paranoid like that at times. She looked back her beloved and smiled however when he spoke of the lands and how the building of their home was coming along. She couldn't wait to see it and begin to have the furnishings transported there. "What of the stable? Have they started it yet?" <d
Ignia Ferroque: "Aye lass, mabbe now, we both shall forge an army from here... our blade is sharp, and skills honed, but naew tis the time for the army tae fend alone... we 'ave many good men... willing tae lead our army where we say... no questions asked... If'en war comes, then Skye will defend her own... and if'en any threatens our lands, or our freedom... then we must dae wot we must..." and still yet another deep drink.
Set In Her Way: "Indeed. Many a good man n' many a skilled fighter we 'ave in tha' we are blessed by far m'sweet...we are...blessed. Gods, Ah pray the King knows wot he is daein or we will be travelin from Skye emore than once on business other than personal. Since soon..we will need speak tae the Lowland Advisor o' the damned King Edward..." Snarl, soft. A ripple on the waves of her calm. To delay the visit of the....noble brigand....by two weeks was not long enough for one who wished diplomacy could be saved for the likes of a Hessian instead of the LowLand Butcher. " But ,we dae what one must. Two weeks is nay long enough." The Lowland Advisor, the scourge, the tyrant in noble visage? No other than the good Duke's very own father, her own distant relation. To know that even a spark of relation by marriage was shared with him made her stomach churn. Adam was his only good work.(d)
Balian Windsor: Hightened senses was something more the two shared, though Balian was numb to paranoia or having mortal emotions of such things as a hostile engagment. On the contrary the fact there was only one man now lurking outside was almost an insult but he wouldnt speak of such things. "Not just yet.. ..Once they finish the house, that will be next on the list im sure. ..It wont take but a week or two I would wager." He winked back at her and brought the wine up for the final swallow before he set it back on the bartop for a refill. His free hand came back down to rest against the small of her back and he leaned down to place a soft kiss against her cheek. [d]
Defective Beauty: She waited for his reply and smiled once she had it. All this talk of their upcoming handfasting, the building of their home and the thoughts of fursnishes being moved in had her giddy almost. Never had Jelenah been this happy and it was almost scarey. She half expected to wake up any minute now, thinking at times this had to be a dream. If it were, she'd never want to wake. She caught the wink and she chuckled a bit before lifting her own glass once more. Once she had placed her own to the bartop again, as she turned to face him she placed a kiss to her cheek. She grinned and asked. "What was that for?" Her hand coming to caress his arm in an affectinate way, her eyes trailed her fingers before lifting to stare into his icy blue hues once more.<d)
Ignia Ferroque: Looking upon Jelenah and Balian, he smiled... then looked to Bess... "seems dat the summer's eves were fairer faer most..." then he kisses her cheek... "Ah think more shall join the ranks of the blissed..." then Bess' words of the Lowland Advisor brought a frown upon his face, the smile fading... "Aye... Ah feel that be something we cannae put asunder..." then he laughs wickedly.... "Won't mae Father bae sae surprised to find his son alive... and ... well now..." he then turns to the bar, drinking a deep swig... and sets the tankard down... the smirk as evil as he had ever smirked... "Fill'em all up Gruffold... spare not..."
Set In Her Way: "Grufford make it a whiskey, tae talk o' the advisor makes one need somethin' sharp." The quiet man nodded as he was apt to do, filling the glasses with nary a second thought. chuckling heartily she couldn' tdeny that there was a certain irony in the fact that his lordship the Advisor was going to be seeing that his son assumed the position he was supposed to be denied, to marry the daughter of the woman who tried so desperately to stop him. "Iffn ye father does nay sink on the way o'er here twill be a pity, alas. Mayhaps a storm will come n' well be sae lucky, but Ah think the gods will wish to play with our sense of irony.." Her eye turned to the perilous stare of Balian, wondering what the White Talon was sizing up beyond the doors. Fortunate they were indeed. "I shall see m'best gowns are laid out tae tell the bastard go to hell.." (D)
Balian Windsor: He smiled lovingly down at her and brought his free hand to lay across hers with a little shake of his head when his eyes settled into hers to study each line and curve of them. "For looking at me the way you do." It was the very reason he fell in love with her. Well the first time he fell in love with her but admittedly it had been a few times over by now that had that spark in Balian's eye. Once more the bend of light against the window frame had his attention snapping back upward. ....A fool... was the first and only thought that pressed his mindset before instinct had him throw his weight ahead of the nobles. A hard breath escaped his lips just as the sound of glass shattering plagued the pub birthing sight of the bolt stroke before it drove into the shoulder of the veteran knight throwing his back into a table. His eyes narrowed once more with a low rumble admitted from his throat. He pushed back to his feet and started that hard run for the window. [d]
Defective Beauty: Softly she would smile as her head canted to one side and his hand covered hers. "I must admit you are quite handsome... making it easy for me to want to look at you the way I do." She knew he meant that she looked at him admiringly and lovingly. Not so much just because he was good looking. --fans self then fans Jelenah-- The blue eyes of sapphire looked over her shoulder however as something caught his attention again. Just as she was about to look back to him, thats when the chaos began. She gasped, hands going to her mouth and chest as she watched Balian be struck with something. Hands lifted her skirts to move towards him but he was already in pursuit of the instigator.<d
Ignia Ferroque: Adam laughed at her words... then the two lovers toasted his Father's demise... drinking heartily, laughing... Adam had seen where Balian watched and thought he saw the same thing... though too late... a turn at broken glass, seeing Balian fall, then pick himself up and run to the window.... by now, the Gold Talons that followed him were not far away... three outside in the shadows and two in the back room, should the Duke require them... and the glass alerted the men who quickly surrounded the tavern...
Set In Her Way: "Tae the end o' the Advisor n' the tamin' o' the English shrews, cheers." They toasted with a smile but soon, all too soon it was changed to a frown as the beverage slipped from her hands. Landing, all it did was slosh over the sides a little. Just as little in portion as Balian's blood had caught on the hem of the pure white gown. Too late to do anything but to show the twisting body pull back in the look of shock. Gold Talons followed in hot pursuit, a signal given that would soon have the Whites at the ready to assist their fellow. Suddenly the tavern was abuzz with conversation, pushing, moving to places away from the scene or towards it. Beathag reached out and pulled Jelenah to her side, if not behind her..to avoid being touched or harmed. "Tis another attempt at assasination surely,... Oh they will nay be overthrow! Are you well Lady Jelenah, Your grace?" Voices aplenty began to coverse as instinctly she pulled Jelenah in. Gods above and below, make them stop. Beathag did not like to be crowded, cornered, or confined (d)
Timeless Trances: ~ Well, if anyone were looking for Grufford after that moment in time, all would be hard pressed not to be as distracted as he presently was. For a group of well-dress women, no doubt of nobility or waiting, would enter with their giggles and confidence. Each dressed to match the other in fine garments of gold and crystal stones, and bearing large baskets filled with bottles upon bottles of wine with complimentary grapes. Yes, since the Rhiannon family of Struan had long since retired from both life and business, such was left to the last remaining of their children. Though it seemed the Isle would be all a stir at the notion of whom it would be. For Ari was the long forgotten daughter, and now Baroness and Landlady of Struan. Yet, she'd hardly had time to make much of an entrance since her return. Mostly due to arriving just in time for the traditional weeklong harvest of her family's vineyard and brewery. Such as the ladies were now promoting to every pub, shop, and vendor they could reach. Now bringing them to Turas Lan, to spread their business and prosperity. Needless to say the charms of all the women seemed to bring high spirits to the flustered Pub Keep, who in turn began to serve each patron a free fill of the complimentary wine. Further assisting the present Baroness in promoting her intoxicating spirits. Both liquid and personal. For that was not all she was promoting. As all spread out to give samples of the fine wine, Aracellis herself whom had been at the center of negotiations and charismatic airs had now moved to post banners around the pub and outside, so as to advertise for the grand Masque she was plotting for her Estate. If only to honor her return to Clan and Country. It wasn't until she'd moved to post one of Chaos growing as her ladies hid within the Pub, with her stuck in a stampede outside. Forced to duck and scramble back for the door before she was knocked over and trampled upon. But for the longest all she could do was stay down and out of the line of fire and hope to get to safety. ~
Balian Windsor: His arms came upward shielding his face a moment before he dove through the remains of the window blowing an erruption of glass into the dockside street. His boots met the cobblestone slinging spur chimes into the night while his long white cape fought to keep up in his wake. Who needs a door anyway. Icy blues pierced the night to catch sight of the assassin on the run. His hand slapped down to his thigh ripping up one of the daggers from its thigh strap in mid stride. His arm drew back over his shoulder while a cringe crossed his face, that steel was hurled ahead to splice through the air in silence only to have the pommel collide with the back of the mans head throwing him face first into the shallows of the drink with a splash. Balian closed the distance after his fall in seconds and just as the assassin scrambled back to his feet the hard shoulder of the knight slammed into his gut to lift him from the very ground only to drive him back into the hard street. He mounted the mans chest and those fists started to fly, over and over again battering the assassins face while the Gold Talons started to arrive. [d]
Defective Beauty: As she took one more step in the direction of Balian, she felt a hand reach out, grip her and pull her to them. Her eyes quickly averted to the person pulling at her and saw it was Bess. Her arms wrapped around her as she looked from Bess to Balian's disappearing frame. She nearly screamed at the sight and sound of him through the window. That man was gonna give her a heart attack! Then she noticed the entry of other ladies just as things begin to get crazy. People began to buzz about her and Bess, making an already stressful situation more so. Jelenah didn't like being fussed over or confined any more than Bess did. It reminded her of being on that overcrowded ship below deck an in the cells. People's voices , sounds and sreams making it more troublesome and scarey.<d
Ignia Ferroque: Adam was handed a sword by one of the Talons from the back room... The Duke stood his ground, Jelenah sheltered between him and Bess... his hand outstretched making sure they were alright... "Aye luv, Ah am alright... Stay behin' mae... " then with the free hand, he took his tankard and drank from the metal can. Setting it down, he points to Bess... "Stay here... if it gets worse, take Jelenah and gae back tae the Castle... I am gonna gae with the Talons... Three shall saty wit ye..."
Set In Her Way: "Adam be careful....aye...dun dae anythin' fool hearty n' dun let Balian dae any wot else either!" She had Jelenah with one arm around her gently bidding the people disperse as she kissed Adam before he left into the night. Be damned! These were the days she longed for the simplicity of the docks under foot, her callused hands, and the ocean rocking her to sleep at night. There was death in paradise, so much chance of death.