Post by Lady Aislin Creed of Eohmark on Oct 12, 2008 14:00:36 GMT -6
Aislin of Eohmark- Tired was not even the word to describe Aislin and how she felt. Many of the people behind her were like ghost from the battles they had come from. Washing was not easy, so her clothing still had old blood stains upon it that had long ago went from red to brown. Sweat had seeped into her clothing, her hair stuck from under her hat. It was not the kind of tired from not sleeping, but from a heavy heart after so much had happened. Aman and herself had parted ways, leaving her to head towards Briar Rose in order to get food and check to see if Eamonn had gotten Echo from the stables. She had no idea of the on goings here in Skye, and was just coming home to normalcy. Pressing a hand to the door, she moved inside and headed to the bar to ask for a drink of ale. Something to ease her mind. Aislin's mind was always quiet,. so why now did it have so much to think on, so much to worry on. Aislin rarely worried, but reality was slamming it's fist down hard with a vengeance. Little did Aislin know, that Eamonn would soon be coming to the tavern where he had been staying while in Turas Lan and would not be happy. She had plans to head out and see if Echo was still there, saddle her up and head for Eohmark, but not alone. Hopefully some of Balian or Eamonn's calvery would be able to escort her back home. Paying Rose, she picked up the mug and asked to borrow it for a while before moving back out the doors and standing out on the wooden step of the tavern. Lifting the mug, she took a long hearty drink, letting some spill out and over the top of her tunic. She finished the whole mug, before pulling it down to wipe off the liquid from her mouth with the back of her sleeve. It was time to go find someone to take her home.
Eamonn of Eohmark- Everyone had a place and purpose in life, and where that purpose rested, no one else should usurp it. Eamonn had paced the floors every night since his wife left for a land with trouble brewing, though Eamonn would not yet learn of that which had become of his family and friends. His mind went to her...as well as Maubrey. That lying bastard was lurking around too close here in Skye, and Eamonn was not going to let him off so easily. Something about the man made him suspicious of motives, and thus the reason for a constant watch. Eamonn had problems here at home as well as in Eohmark, which he had yet to return to after nearly a week. With Maubrey loose, Eamonn could not trust it. Eamonn couldn't bring his children with him, though he longed to see their faces...the silent little Kieran and his first born Sorcha. Aislin was not the only one tired and with a heavy heart. The clan leaders holding the place of the Duke and Duchess could only do so much with the knowledge that they had, and Maubrey was constantly testing them, probing the weaknesses so to say. Eamonn feared that there would be many deaths by this man's hand smoothed over by talk of peace and prosperity. The whole thing disgusted him. Already he had broken a few things in the room he was staying in as a means to vent anger stemmed by a dangerous concoction of emotions. By the time he reached the stables, Eamonn already had gotten word that those who went to Aberdeen returned. What of Aislin? His sister? They were well, thankfully, and Eamonn inwardly sighed in relief. She was alive and well...but then that relief turned to anger. The Marshal gave stern orders to not let Echo be ridden by ANYONE without his personal authority, and with that, the horseman stormed off to the tavern where he heard his wife returned to. Eamonn didn't have to look far, for there she was, standing on the step with a mug in hand. The horse helm was tucked under his arm, and his hand curled tightly around the end of it. How dare she leave him...she promised. A deep scowl rested on his features as green eyes glared at his wife, his stride only hastening as he approached the porch and his wife. Without a word, a gloved hand grabbed her upper arm, and snatched her up the step and to the door. Shoving open the door, if she did not walk on her own pace and keep up, Eamonn would DRAG her with him. `` Retire your cup. You are finished with it. `` That husky command came out, and said so coldly that some who were near enough to hear it shuddered. Eamonn was tired, having slept little in worry on so many fronts. He had enough of this. Right now, he would deal with Aislin.
Aislin of Eohmark- Ocean eyes glanced about the area, pondering where to head off to first. The problem with Eamonn and his men were that they were always on move. As faith would have it, she did not have to move much at all, for it would be bringing her husband to her. Turning her head to the side, a placid look was given as Eamonn's slightly taller form came forward with his helm tucked under his arm and gloved hands gripping onto it. His wheat colored hair was a mess, but that was always how he looked and she loved it because it was so common. Aislin did not need someone to tell her Eamonn was upset, for his eyes were a deep set of green and that scowl on his face was enough to tell her he was not happy. Somewhere inside her chest, her heart started to pound yet she knew Eamonn would never hurt her. So when his gloved arm reached out and snatched at her slender upper arm to yank her along, Aislin stumbled, shocked slightly though her expression did not show it, before she found her own footing and walked with a quick pace after him. They would come face to face with Rose behind the bar, who looked at them curiously, unsure what was going on at the moment. Eyes drifted from Eamonn to Aislin, having never really seen Eamonn this way with his wife before. Sure, he was this way with others, but him and Aislin always sat calmly in a corner. Aislin placed her mug to the wooden counter and removed her fingers from it as she pulled her hand back down. Eamonn's grip was slightly painful, but she was doing her best to not show it. She wanted to reach for his fingers and uncurl them, but that was a loosing battle. `` Ah have missed something that has happened here? What be wrong Eamonn? `` Her voice was calm where his own was commanding.
Eamonn of Eohmark- Such was a reason he could not be home as often as he liked to be. Constantly scouting. Constantly working. Presently, there was a constant threat that he needed to monitor, and it left his hours in the day long, and his heart kept those night long and seemingly endless and riddled with troubles and worries. By day the mastermind of Maubrey held his attention and concern, and by the evening, his wife's safety and whereabouts plagued him without signs of stopping. Now that she was here and within sight, with hope, he could breath a little easier tonight. Eamonn obviously did not care if Rose questioned the treatment of his wife. He did not strike her, beat her, or curse yet name in a foul way. Right now, his hand gripped her arm tightly, paying no heed if it hurt her or not. A bruise to her arm was a far less punishment and pain than what she had placed him through. Once that cup was set down, tight-lipped, Eamonn pulled her along, ignoring her words as he dragged her to the steps and up them, his hand refusing to release her arm until they were in the room. His bearded jaw had been set stiffly, and nostrils flared red as he took deep breaths, trying very hard to hold back his temper. Poor Rose, he had to constantly pay for things he broke, such as the chair and the basin he broke. Better that than someone's head. Shifting his helm to his hand, he balanced it enough to the point where he could use the same hand to open the door. The handle was gripped and with a forceful push, it opened, this time, not flying backward into the wall. The angry Marshal flung her inside the room, shoving her forward as he released her arm and slammed the door behind him with a lound BANG. Eamonn locked it, and soon after, he whirled around and glared down at her. `` Don't....you...EVER DO this to me AGAIN. EVER. YOU could have gotten KILLED. Damn it, Aislin, you WILL REMAIN in Skye from NOW on. NO MORE sailing. NO MORE LEAVING ME TO WORRY. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! `` He shouted, and so angry--but refusing to physically strike his wife, the horse helm went flying across the room to crash into the wall and hit the floor hard. `` YOU leave me here...FORSAKING YOUR HUSBAND AND CHILDREN. It is NOT your duty or PLACE to dash off at the first sign of trouble. HOW can I keep you safe if you continue to run off?! THIS ENDS NOW. NO MORE. You have HAD your voyages. Do not go where I cannot follow you Aislin...DO NOT! My heart cannot TAKE the agony you put me through! I tell you NOT to go...you do anyway! You DEFY my requests! I FORBID you to sail. Your place is here. With your HUSBAND. With your CHILDREN. The people HERE need you. I NEED YOU. `` Eamonn sneered, glaring at her again with angry eyes, and in their depths, deep pain and sorrow still lingering from the lament of her absence.
Aislin of Eohmark- Aislin did not think her questions would be answered at this point, but she wanted to ask. Was Eamonn angry with her? That was obvious at this point as he did not even wait for the mug to fully touch the bar before he was dragging her away. Men and woman alike were staring at the Lord Marshal and Court physician, unsure what was going on yet no one dared to say anything as they watched him pull her form up the stairs. Aislin kept up as best as she could, only stumbling now and then. Were they not going home? Aislin watched as Eamonn reached fro the door, still refusing to let her go until he pushed it open and quickly flung her inside. Aislin was so tired, that she moved in quickly on her booted feet and stumbled, falling to her knees with her hands to catch herself before she lowered her form so her side was pressed to it now instead of her knees. Arms still held her up as her body was at a 90 degree angle while she listened to the first of her husband's demands. Her hat had flown off, leaving her long chestnut and golden colored hair to tumble down and lay around her. Her head turned, so ocean eyes could look to her husband's angry face. When the helm went across the room, Aislin held up a hand incase it flung back towards her from the wall. The noise made her teeth clench together and her eyes span shut, before she opened them again and stared up at Eamonn, unsure what to say. It was much harder to turn off her emotions now when love was so strong. She wanted to shut him out, only to not let his heated words harm her, but that was selfish and Aislin had never been that way. She tried to shut everything off and not think, not feeling, only listen. It did not work, but a response, was hard to find as well. Forbid? Her place? Aislin's eyes narrowed slightly, but not in a challenging way. They narrowed in disbelief. What would Eamonn do to carry out that forbidding. `` Ah had to help... ah had to go. Ah am sorry that ye were put through things.. ah never forsaked ye. What will ye do with me now then husband? `` Her voice, sounded emotionless, but her face showed the frown and eyes showed the mix between disbelief and confusion. How could he think she had forsaken him? How could he think she did not love him or their children?
Eamonn of Eohmark- The men and women of Skye quickly learned, or were still learning, not to rile the Lord Marshal when he was already cross. Frustrated on nearly all fronts, Eamonn was not the man to be prying or proding. At this point, Eamonn had the strongest urge to stab someone. Fool be those deemed that dared to contest the Lord Marshal in this state of mind. Never before had Eamonn been so angry with his wife...it was a feeling he did not like at all. Aislin was suppose to be there for him, to console him, comfort him, and love him. Constantly he was worried for her safety, just as she feared for his own. But..Aislin was a healer, not a fighter. It was not her place to run off and do battle when there were other men to do such a thing. Eamonn, for the second time, was left home to sit and wonder her well being, her health, when there was nothing he could do to protect his wife, to make sure no harm came to the woman he loved. Already they had been through much, and Eamonn was protective of her. Was this now the past catching up with him? Was he now being taught how she felt when he went off to war? But in that, Eamonn had little choice, for it was his duty and occupation. She knew this. That blank voice and the frown upon her face did not sooth his raging temper. In fact, it only made it worse. He needed emotion, damn it, he was feeling it now! `` NO. You did NOT have to you. THIS was a choice you made! Yourself! Let the SOLDIERS DO BATTLE. You KNEW something was wrong in Aberdeen, but you GO TO DANGER?! Against my wishes! I weathered your trip to the other Isles of Skye so you could expand your knowledge. But this...THIS I cannot. You went into danger...the danger I try SO HARD to keep from you! SORRY will do NOTHING right now! What will I do? I will PERSONALLY take you BACK to Eohmark and you will REMAIN there, save if your dire service is needed. You will NOT leave Eohmark. You WILL NOT leave Heahburg without MY PERMISSION. ``And with that said, he swallowed hard, tears stingy his eyes as his heart ached, twitched terribly with pain as he snatched the leather gloves from his hands and threw them onto the table with a SLAP.
Aislin of Eohmark- Aislin only knew part of what Eamonn thought when he got this angry. She knew what she meant to him, but he knew what he meant to her as well. Aislin went to heal, not fight. Fight had been only a part of what she did and not much. She was one of the best healers and if they had need of her, she should not damn the call of those who were from Skye and those who they cared about. Pushing upwards, she moved her frame to sit on her rump and turn to face him fully as her back propped against the hay filled cot. Did Eamonn forget so quickly, or had Aislin? She did not know, her mind was confused by this and by everything that had happened. Aislin shifted her eyes from him, holding back her own emotion as he went on and spoke, firmly, loudly so she would not mistake how he felt or think it was something she could sway with a kiss or soft words. Aislin could not show emotions right now,. for Eamonn had too many and she had no idea what to say or how to react. Her apology did nothing and inwardly she winced at that, wishing it could have soothed over some of the tension in the room. It was so thick, Aislin felt she would strangle with it. It was when he spoke of keeping her at Eohmark,. that her head snapped around and eyes widened to look at him. `` No, ye can nay keep me there for so long. Ah be needed here, ye said so yerself. `` Carefully, she rose to her feet, making her loose hair sway before she walked towards him, yet she did not reach out to touch him just yet. `` Ye can nay lock me in a prision Eamonn. Ah thought ye wanted a wife, that was free and herself..nay someone that was a slave. `` Hands moved up to try and cup his face as her eyes flickered that emotion behind them while she reached for him. `` Please...ah did nay mean to hurt ye. Be reasonable Eamonn. Ye go off to war without me and that is the same. Ah do nay know if ye will be back or nay. Ye go riding about the lands all day and ah have no way of knowing what be happening to ye. How is this different? Why be ye so angry with me now? Ah thought we had spoken on these things..`` Aislin, was trying to calm the bull inside him and sooth it as she always had. Eamonn would be hard to speak with when he was like this. She knew it well. `` My love...what has happened to make ye so angry? Ah told ye were ah was going. Ah never lied to ye.. ah never betrayed ye. Ah returned home to ye. ``
Eamonn of Eohmark- Eamonn knew of duty, but Aberdeen...that was too far. Let other healers go. Let them do the work. He needed his wife here with him. A great deal of the court had gone to Aberdeen, and coming back the first time, Eamonn heard a glimpse of the behavior of the people there. Eamonn did not want to lose his wife or be unable to protect her. He would have wanted to go had he not had a fear of ships, but his place was here, in Skye. Who would defend the people in the absence of the Duke and Duchess? Who could they trust better than him? Eamonn could not go. Aislin had a choice, and she made it against the insisting of Eamonn. She was not summoned to Aberdeen. They did not make a great call for all healers of Skye to rush and attend to their duty over the seas. Aislin when by her own choice, against his wish, and directly defied him. Eamonn was unmoved by her shock and widened eyes when he told her what would happen. Standing firm by his choice, Eamonn pressed his lips to form a thin line, and lifted his bearded chin. She needed to be in Skye. But within the lands of Skye, she would placed at home and without liberty to travel until she could learn. Eamonn tried to beg her not to sail away from him when he had fallen ill. Begging did nothing. Green eyes, narrowed, watched her stand and walk toward him, and instantly, he stiffened. Prison? Their home was a prison? Thick brows furrowed at such reference...prison and slave. Those words stung an already wounded heart, and when Aislin tried to cup his face, Eamonn jerked away from her. Nostrils flared again as he glared down at her, hands at his side and curled into tight firsts, knuckles white from the pressure as he silently began to vent his anger. `` If THAT is how you would see me, as your warden and our home a prison, so be it. I will NOT be moved by your words and charm, Aislin. NOT this time. You swayed me once to let you go...to sail as you wished. I did. Now, when I ASK you not to go...you do so. Aberdeen did not SEND for Aislin. Aberdeen did not REQUIRE her. Aislin went on her own accord. I go out because I MUST. NO ONE ELSE can fill my place among my men so easily. OTHER healers can go. It does not ALWAYS have to be you. There is no other Lord Marshal of Skye that I can so easily call upon to perform what I do. We spoke before...you have ignored my request BOTH times. No more. Since I cannot reason with you as a lover, I will COMMAND you as the Lord Marshal of Skye AND your husband. I am ANGRY with you because you defy my pleas to stay when I ask. You put yourself needlessly and impulsively in danger...a danger I give my LIFE to see does not fall upon you. LOOK at you. Stains of blood. HOW much of that could be your own?! I could not GET to you Aislin to save you. YOU were across an ocean, VERY different than crossing the lands.`` He said bitterly, but refusing to move from where he stood. No, he would not back down or be moved now. `` The Lord Maubrey is a national THREAT that I must see to. I CANNOT trust him to be alone. He makes false promises of peace and prosperity in uniting England and Skye. His speeches are nothing more than oppressive rule. With HALF the court gone, I must hold here. I MUST defend Skye and hold Maubrey's suspicious methods at bay until Duke and Duchess come back. I needed you, Aislin. Duty did not demand your services. You went by option and CHOICE.``
Aislin of Eohmark- Wide lips parted when Eamonn snatched his head from her hands and jerked it to where she could not grasp it. Eamonn never pulled away from her this way, he always yearned for her touch and leaned into it. Her face, finally started to show the signs of emotion as it began to leak from eyes and lips. Aislin had no idea her words were making things worse, for she was always able to calm him. She paused and pulled her hands down slowly to be at her side again. Eyes lowered from his own and moved along the armor until she noticed his fist clenching tightly at his side. He was so angry, she could feel it every where. That was not how she saw Eamonn...she did not know what his word would mean, save for not being able to come to Turas Lan for some time. Aislin did not believe their home as a prison,. but that was the only term she could say to show him how she may have felt. Everything he spoke was true and Aislin could no deny that, but she could not always be there for Eamonn as he could not always be there for her. She said nothing, but continued to look down as he went on, not wanting to meet his eyes right now as they burned a hole into the top of her head. Seeing no reason to be near him if he would not let her touch him, she turned and walked away from him, giving him her back as she moved towards the cot, still listening to his angered words. `` Many men survived because ah went...`` As if that would make everything ok. Turning around, she sat down slowly on the cot and looked to her clothing. Blood was dried on her, but most was not her own. Eyes shifted back up when he spoke of Lord Maubrey that was telling falsehood. Aislin was here to see him with his speech and she knew he was telling such as well as Eamonn following him about.`` Aye...ah made a choice and went where ye could nay go. Ah went because things do nay hold me back where they do for ye. The water does nay scare me...the boats do nay make me feel helpless. Ah am sorry Eamonn that ye can nay always go where ah can. When do we return to Heahburg?`` Looking away from him once more, she wiped her face clean and stared at the wall to her side, refusing to look at Eamonn right now. There was no point in arguing, for he was hurt and she could see it. What had she done to him? Aislin did not mean to break her word, she simply wanted to help and have control over what happened, even if in part. `` Ye will, is my to do, husband. ``
Eamonn of Eohmark- Long had been his nights in worrying for her across the ocean. While Aislin rose a valid point that her own laments and worrisome nights had mirrored his, but she understood that Eamonn had to go. This was not a mandatory call for Aislin. She took it upon herself to go, even when he wished her not to go. And here he was, alone, without his support and partner to aid him in this turmoil. Perhaps he was being selfish, but slowly he was losing his grip upon Aislin. He gave her great liberty, and now when he asked her to do his will, on a matter that greatly concerned him, she listened not. The water did not give her fear, true enough, while it continued to hold a hard grip upon him. When Aislin turned her back to him, his temper flared all the more. NEVER show your back to a man until the conversation had been completed, or it could be taken as an insult. And now, with his emotions, it was. Offensive in every way, and what was more, Aislin should have known this by now. Many men might have survived, yes, and he could not argue that. However, another healer could have done the same, and Eamonn could have used Aislin. He knew not the ways politics, of speeches, but more importantly, Eamonn did not know all he should do. This was new to him, and Eamonn needed the support of his wife. She was not here...at a time he truly needed her most. Green eyes watched her seat herself upon the bed, and in that moment, his face turned cold. Her fact had pointed out his own weakness, and for reasons he could not explain, it stabbed his heart and pride. Aislin refused to look at him now, and to that, Eamonn said nothing. She consented, Eamonn could only nod, and move over to the vacant chair, too angry and hurt by Aislin at the moment. His words made no difference now, for after she was let to roam again, Eamonn silently wondered if this would repeat itself once more. Lowering himself into a chair, Eamonn stared hard at the fire and away from his wife. `` We make leave to return tomorrow. There you will stay until there is a pressing need for you, or until I give you permission to leave.``
Aislin of Eohmark- Aislin was not a defiant wife in the fact of doing anything to go against her husband. She did not do things she knew was dangerous for the simple rush of it, or because she was told not to. She did things that in her eyes, had to be done. Aislin had thought she was helping when she had gone where her husband could not, as if becoming his eyes ande ars and possibly fist in other lands. How was she to know what would fall shadow over her husband as he moved through the lands of Skye alone? How was Aislin to know, he was so incomplete without her in the same lands? Aislin knew that her husband missed her, as any husband and wife should with each other when they were away. She knew he worried for her and feared her safety, but did she not do much the same when he was moving about with his calvery? Aislin's eyes remained on her dirty clothing, looking to it and staring at each spot and stain that had turned brown after so long so the blood mingled with the patches of dirt. When her eyes rose to see Eamonn sitting his form down into the chair away from her; those green eyes were now looking to the fire and not at her either; she wondered if her look offended him so? He had pulled from her touch, never before had he forsaken her touch when he was angered. The hat was left to the ground, for there was no need to have it upon her head anymore. Slender fingers reached for her boots, letting her eyes lands on busted knuckles, dirt filled nails and stained skin as she shifted her foot and yanked it from the right boot, pulling her wrinkled foot from it after all the sweat had gathered about from her moving constantly. The same was repeated with the left before both small feet were now able to breath. Rising from the bed, she stood up straight as her form would allow and began to reach for her vest, undoing the ties and pulling it apart down the middle so she could shed it from her slender form. Tossing it to the ground by her right side, she reached for her breeches and started to unlace them, pulling it to expose the cod piece which suggested the breeches were made for a male, not a woman. Fingers gripped the waist of it and shoved it down her long, slender legs and made her form bend over as she pulled her tiny ankles from them to leave them upon the vest. Both hands moved to her tunic and pulled it up, exposing her bare body to the air in the room. Bruises laced themselves along her outer thighs from the wagon and being kicked by others. Another could be found upon her left hip from being slammed into a cannon when the ship began to rock too often. Upon her arm, the bruise of her husband's grip was already at work in making it's spot upon that dirty flesh. Two tones darker then her normal color, the dirt was older then a day or two and would take a good scrubbing to get off. Call it a defiant act if one will, but she thought of it as her husband unable to look at the evidence of her fighting, so now, fully nude as only her husband and child had ever seen, she reached for to bundle up the clothing in her arms and moved towards her husband, but they were not set at his feet. No, they were tossed into the open fire before she straightened and watched the flames eat the offensive material before their very eyes. Long chestnut and golden hair barely covered the front of her form, mostly along her back and showing what curves she had left from rearing Eamonn a son. There she remained, exposed as she watched the fire consume every last bit of her male clothing. Like a statue, she stood and never once looked to her husband. Only when the last bit had turned to ash, did she turn her head slightly so ocean eyes could see her husband. Was he pleased at this act? Did he care not? Would he look at her body now that it was nude and exposed to him? Would he turn away in disgust at the markings she had gained for favor now? They once spoke of scars being beautiful, was she still not alluring and beautiful to him? Her face still held the same stoic his could, learning from one of the best it seemed.
Eamonn of Eohmark- There were times that Aislin's wanderings had done and served him well. She had more knowledge than he ever could have, and in that gain, Eamonn would not stiffle her. But this time...Aislin had gone too far. He asked her to stay with him, but she saw only her purpose there and not here...as if her presence there would make a difference. It wouldn't. He needed her here with him, to counter him with the matters of court and things he did not fully comprehend. Aislin knew some measure of social order and the ways of the people. Eamonn had spent more than half his life in war and blood, and to be forced into a more social position to help the clan leaders keep Maubrey's tricks at bay, he was more than out of his element. Without her, he was lost, and needed her in many more ways than one. But she was not here. Hazel eyes remained silent as he watched the flames dance in the hearth, stretching it's fingers and twisting almost erotically. Air only fed the wild movements as the wood clicked softly as more was devoured. Eamonn could hear the rustling of Aislin behind him, no down changing into something more suitable. Eamonn did not want to see the bruises that would cover her frame, or cuts that she had to tend to herself. Another reminder as to why he wished to never see her in battle. It was not until Aislin moved by him, nude and in all her glory, and into the fire the offensive clothes were tossed. Flames quickly engulfed them, and for a moment simply sat there, still in his layers of armour with his hand holding his chin. Flames pulled the fabric in and consumed it, taking greedily the textiles and reducing them to cinder and ash. Eamonn stared long and hard at the fading fabric, glad that it now burned, but it gave his eyes a distraction. His lips were pressed hard into a thin line still, and his eyes were cold, hard, and without emotion upon his stone-like features. It was not until the material was all but gone that he turned hazel eyes finally to his wife, who was still standing beside him, nude. Eamonn did not need to turn his head, for he could see her just fine, and unable to help it, his eyes did roam her body. Bruises. Discoloured flesh. Needless afflictions that could have been avoided had he been there. It was hard not to sneer at the sight of bruises upon her fair flesh, for Aislin did not deserve such marring of the body. Swallowing hard, he quickly turned his eyes away, and glared hard at the fire. Damn Aislin. Had she not left...she would not have needed to suffer such injustice...and what hurt all the more was the fact that he could do nothing to prevent even one bruise on her body..well..save for his grip.
Aislin of Eohmark- What was she trying to gain in this one act? What was she trying to accomplish? Even in the healer's own mind, she did not fully know. Perhaps to gain some favor from her husband. Many would simply turn away and tell Eamonn he was selfish in his need, or that he was not thinking of what happened in other places that could affect Skye as well, and to a part this was true. Eamonn, as sad as it was to believe, could only think to a certain point, before he became lost. Sevenwaters was a small place and Aislin knew that from stories. Men were breed to protect only sevenwaters, no where else, so was it so hard to understand, Eamonn could only protect Skye and his mind could not fully understand the need to protect other places? It was not to say her husband was dumb, simply that his reach, did not extend as others. Should he change this? Aislin believed so, but to a point. Eamonn did what he did well and perhaps those were his best giving. Aislin did know politics better and she understood that everywhere was like a pond. You might throw a stone in one place, but the ripples always stretched out through out the whole thing, even if it became softer, the farther it moved out and away from the area directly affected. How to explain that to Eamonn, was harder. Not now, but in time, she would press this and see where it could lead. Ocean eyes met with still more green colored ones, before she noted him looking over her body and the sneer of disgust coming from his lips. That, was enough for Aislin to understand that love could not overcome anger, nor could lust perhaps. So be it. As soon as his eyes moved away, Aislin turned around and walked away from him with her head slightly down until she reached the bed. There was no need for a bath right now, for she did not want to have to ask for her husband to call on anyone, but he knew she would need new clothing now. Of course, Aislin wanted one, but she also was ready to give up the day and rest if her mind could now allow her. Pulling back the cotton sheets, she climbed into the bed alone and laid her body with care to face her back towards Eamonn and her front to the wall. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply before one tear streamed down and fell into her hair.
Eamonn of Eohmark- Perhaps he was being selfish in his need to keep her close, to protect her for reasons that were more personal than political. He was not a seafaring man, nor did he pretend to be. Eamonn was alienate in letting Aislin sail, for it was not typical for a woman to do such. He was not a man of politics, nor did he care for much socialization in the world. His business was warfare and safeguarding that which he served, and that was all he knew. Let those of foreign lands deal with their own affairs unless there was some need for Skye to become involved. Eamonn was struggling with his own fears, and there was no force on earth that would make him get on another ship again. He had done so once already, but most of his voyage had been under the drugs that his wife had placed him under for pain as well as mental anguish. For so many years of his life, Eamonn had been a soldier. You did what you were told, upheld it, and placed duty before yourself. Aislin had more experience in a world he never knew before. But to see her in bruises was a stab to his own heart. She already turned her back to his once. He needed emotion from her, but she had none, giving into an appeal that she cared not about his words, his anger. This left a bitter taste in his mouth. It wasn't until Aislin finally moved back to the bed that the tall Marshal stood, and without a glance her way, Eamonn stormed over to the door and opened it, slipping out and closing it roughly behind him. She would need clothes, and he would get her something. To the healer's ward he traveled, for they always had spare gowns, even if plain, for those of the wounded. Eamonn even asked for something to sooth bruised flesh. Returning to the tavern and opening the door once more, the silent, stoic warrior closed the door behind him and locked the door. Eamonn tossed the pale linen dress onto the bed at her feet, and the jar of salve was placed on the table to do with what she wanted. On the way, he asked for servants to bring in a tub for her to wash in. `` Servants will be here shortly with water for your bath. I suggest you take one and I brought salve for your bruises.`` Eamonn remarked dryly, before returning to the chair and sitting down. Once he was seated, Eamonn went to the task of removing the bracers from his arms.
Aislin of Eohmark- The foot steps of her tall husband were hard to ignore, more so with the slamming of the door. Even Aislin, who was barely moved by anything, jerked at the sudden rush of it. She did not need to turn to know Eamonn was out of the room, for with him he took the tension that had been building and suffocating them. Using the back of her hand, knuckles moved along her left temple to rid the tears that had come down before she tried to get some rest. Aislin found none. When Eamonn returned, all she felt was the sheets at her ankles, before turning around to look at him with red laced eyes before shifting to look more over her shoulder and see the vile of ointment for her. Witchhazel, she hoped. Shifting to sit up, she moved to the edge of the bed and used the sheet as a wrap for now, since others would be coming to fill the tub. `` Thank ye husband. `` Her voice held the emotions her face was missing. Soft and whispy, which was unlike Aislin, it was hard to even hear her tone at the moment. She waited, leaning over slightly until there was a knock on the door and Aislin left Eamonn to go open it so a few men and woman came to fill her tub with warm water. Aislin looked at none of them and when they were gone, she moved to unwrap the sheet before heading towards the bath water. A cloth was left for her and gripping it in her hand, she lifted one leg to dip it down into the water, hissing at how good and warm it was, before sitting along the rim and adding the other in so she could sink her frame down under it. There was still some small hope that Eamonn would come to her and do as he normally did. It was rare for Eamonn to be in the same room with her and not try to bath her himself. Dipping her head under the water, she scrubbed her face with the cloth and ran her fingers through her hair before pushing back upwards, wiping the running water from her eyes. It hid any new tears that might have came so she could start scrubbing her legs first.
Eamonn of Eohmark- Having released his rage and delivered hopefully an end to his roaming without his permission, Eamonn had little to say. She knew his decision and would not be moved from it. Aislin was going to remain in their house until she could better learn to take his requests into better consideration. Eamonn willed himself not to fall for the charms of his wife, though he was not ignorant to the curves of her body, he beautiful features under dirt and bruising, He still loved her, greatly, and there was nothing in this world that would ever change that. While they both waited for the servants to come with the bath water and iron tub, Eamonn continued to remove pieces of his armour, peeling them off or unbuckling them until there was a knock upon the door. Already his armour was sitting on the floor in a pile as he turned to the door and opened it. Eamonn waited until they left before closing the door and locking it behind them. Aislin turned to the heated water, and as she began to bath, Eamonn finished stripping himself of the last outer armour before he was left in the breeches, boots, and gambeson over a thin undershirt. The quilted material was pulled off, and once that too was placed on the floor, Eamonn pushed his sleeves up to move over to the tub she sat in. Eamonn knelt down beside the tub, and once she handed him the cloth, he dipped it into the water and began to wash her backside, scrubbing to get the dirt from her flesh, but gentle as he could be near bruised and sore spots. With her backside cleaned, Eamonn was slowly starting to calm down, the anger not as hot, but the pain and fears still lingered, and laboured his heart. Over seas where he could not reach her, he might have lost her. His face remained stern as he finished bathing her, before handing the cloth to her once more for her to finish. Rising, Eamonn grabbed the towel that had been left for her, and unfolding it, he waited until she stepped out, a hand to help her even, before the towel was draped over her shoulders and pulled her. Hands relinquished the task of drying her off to Aislin, and without a word, Eamonn turned and headed back to the chair, seating himself, and resting his bearded chin in his hand.
Aislin of Eohmark- The water had long since dried on her face and no droplets were moving down now, which left the slightly puffed up cheeks visible. She wanted to look to Eamonn, but worried that she would sully his anger with tears and that was not Aislin's way. Let him have his anger, let him be mad and furious with her. She deserved it perhaps in more ways then one and if she could hide everything from him to let him have these moments, which were rightfully his, she would. Aislin was a complex person and yet so simple if anyone dared to ask her reasons. She was still a peasant in her mind and with that came the eased thoughts of how to react to things that would not have bothered those of noble blood. A shadow loomed over her suddenly, blocking out the light of the fire and as her head tilted upwards, she saw her husband lower his form down by her side and reach his hand out. Giving the rag to him, she leaned forward to allow him to wash her back as her narrow chin rested along her knees while they were pulled to her chest. Arms wrapped around them to pull them closer and hold herself as her husband carefully and just as tenderly, washed her like he always had. Aislin felt the knot in her throat, as if she would choke if she said nothing, but unable to even let words come out, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the simple act of love that was still there. These were strange times and while no one wanted to believe that love could be shattered, it was a fool to think people would take so much of something before they gave up. Sadly, that lead to unfaithful men and woman since marriage was for a life time. Aislin did not believe Eamonn to be a man who would be found in a whore house for physical love, yet she did not want him to find comfort in someone else. Someone who would obey him and stay anywhere he placed them to not drive him mad. Arms were stretched out for him and her body was done much the same before she moved to stand and with his help, was dried off. It was then that her face looked to his and tears fell, but had he missed it as he moved away? `` Will ye nay bath and let me return the comfort? `` Her voice was still as quiet as before while she held the cloth to her form. `` Will ye be coming to bed with me? ``
Eamonn of Eohmark- Eamonn might have refused her touch, for she had tried to sooth him with it and perhaps even trick his anger to better spare her the lashing that he felt she rightfully deserved, but Eamonn was not so cold to her that he would not do as he always had done: care for her. Even in his anger, he still loved her. Even with his disapproval of what she had done, Eamonn loved Aislin with every fiber in his being. It was why he became so protective of her, so concerned about her well being both physically and emotionally. Eamonn knew that he was a poor support in emotional comfort, though he did try. But he tried to give her what she needed. Eamonn prayed that he did, and that his wife was not unhappy in his company, for now they bore two children together. His heart would be certainly scarred if ever she did find comfort in another man and left him for that who could give her all she needed. Eamonn had moved away from her before her tears caught his sight, and to the chair to watch the flames and once again distract his mind. However, Aislin voice was a swift distraction. Bath? Eamonn was too unbalanced to at this point, and a bath was the farthest thing from his mind. He had barely gotten sleep since she had left, and her previous words and expression still lingered on his mind. `` I have little mind and need for a bath now, Aislin, and my mind will not permit me much sleep this night. Take what rest you can in something softer than ground or wood. You are home in Skye, again. Take the comforts.
Aislin of Eohmark- Aislin had not forgotten the red lines war so easily. She had not forgotten how they cried and clung to each other in the middle of the battle field. She did not forget the hurt in his eyes when his sister lay unmoving in his arms or the way he screamed at any God who would listen as pain racked him. The mind was a terrible thing at times, making people forget the emotion that should be there when another took over fully. Aislin knew Eamonn loved her still from his acts. He did not have to bath her, but he did. Eamonn's words, made her eyes shift to her feet before she rose them on him again as his husky voice repeated those words over and over in her mind. No, she would not let him think she did not love him as well, for what if his mind pondered things her own did. Moving towards him with the cloth still about her body, slender hands pressed to his knees to press her finger tips beyond the material, yet not to hurt. Pulling his knees apart more, she stepped between them and lowered her frame so that her aching knees went to the wood of the floor and her body pressed it's smaller form between his dusty breeches. Damp hair had been twisted behind her back to not get in the way so when her eyes rose to his, the ocean color could not be missed even in the light. They stood out even more with the tears that had irritated. Her upper stomach pressed to his groin as she tucked her body as tightly against his as she could, feeling the cod piece that protected him as he rode, press into her cloth and flesh beyond the material. Hands once more, reached out for his face. `` Ah be sorry Eamonn. Please know, ah love ye. Ah do. Forsake me as long as ye need to, but ah will love ye still when ye are ready for yer wife's comforts. Ah have missed ye, ah can nay help but want ye close. ``
Eamonn of Eohmark- Everyone had a place and purpose in life, and where that purpose rested, no one else should usurp it. Eamonn had paced the floors every night since his wife left for a land with trouble brewing, though Eamonn would not yet learn of that which had become of his family and friends. His mind went to her...as well as Maubrey. That lying bastard was lurking around too close here in Skye, and Eamonn was not going to let him off so easily. Something about the man made him suspicious of motives, and thus the reason for a constant watch. Eamonn had problems here at home as well as in Eohmark, which he had yet to return to after nearly a week. With Maubrey loose, Eamonn could not trust it. Eamonn couldn't bring his children with him, though he longed to see their faces...the silent little Kieran and his first born Sorcha. Aislin was not the only one tired and with a heavy heart. The clan leaders holding the place of the Duke and Duchess could only do so much with the knowledge that they had, and Maubrey was constantly testing them, probing the weaknesses so to say. Eamonn feared that there would be many deaths by this man's hand smoothed over by talk of peace and prosperity. The whole thing disgusted him. Already he had broken a few things in the room he was staying in as a means to vent anger stemmed by a dangerous concoction of emotions. By the time he reached the stables, Eamonn already had gotten word that those who went to Aberdeen returned. What of Aislin? His sister? They were well, thankfully, and Eamonn inwardly sighed in relief. She was alive and well...but then that relief turned to anger. The Marshal gave stern orders to not let Echo be ridden by ANYONE without his personal authority, and with that, the horseman stormed off to the tavern where he heard his wife returned to. Eamonn didn't have to look far, for there she was, standing on the step with a mug in hand. The horse helm was tucked under his arm, and his hand curled tightly around the end of it. How dare she leave him...she promised. A deep scowl rested on his features as green eyes glared at his wife, his stride only hastening as he approached the porch and his wife. Without a word, a gloved hand grabbed her upper arm, and snatched her up the step and to the door. Shoving open the door, if she did not walk on her own pace and keep up, Eamonn would DRAG her with him. `` Retire your cup. You are finished with it. `` That husky command came out, and said so coldly that some who were near enough to hear it shuddered. Eamonn was tired, having slept little in worry on so many fronts. He had enough of this. Right now, he would deal with Aislin.
Aislin of Eohmark- Ocean eyes glanced about the area, pondering where to head off to first. The problem with Eamonn and his men were that they were always on move. As faith would have it, she did not have to move much at all, for it would be bringing her husband to her. Turning her head to the side, a placid look was given as Eamonn's slightly taller form came forward with his helm tucked under his arm and gloved hands gripping onto it. His wheat colored hair was a mess, but that was always how he looked and she loved it because it was so common. Aislin did not need someone to tell her Eamonn was upset, for his eyes were a deep set of green and that scowl on his face was enough to tell her he was not happy. Somewhere inside her chest, her heart started to pound yet she knew Eamonn would never hurt her. So when his gloved arm reached out and snatched at her slender upper arm to yank her along, Aislin stumbled, shocked slightly though her expression did not show it, before she found her own footing and walked with a quick pace after him. They would come face to face with Rose behind the bar, who looked at them curiously, unsure what was going on at the moment. Eyes drifted from Eamonn to Aislin, having never really seen Eamonn this way with his wife before. Sure, he was this way with others, but him and Aislin always sat calmly in a corner. Aislin placed her mug to the wooden counter and removed her fingers from it as she pulled her hand back down. Eamonn's grip was slightly painful, but she was doing her best to not show it. She wanted to reach for his fingers and uncurl them, but that was a loosing battle. `` Ah have missed something that has happened here? What be wrong Eamonn? `` Her voice was calm where his own was commanding.
Eamonn of Eohmark- Such was a reason he could not be home as often as he liked to be. Constantly scouting. Constantly working. Presently, there was a constant threat that he needed to monitor, and it left his hours in the day long, and his heart kept those night long and seemingly endless and riddled with troubles and worries. By day the mastermind of Maubrey held his attention and concern, and by the evening, his wife's safety and whereabouts plagued him without signs of stopping. Now that she was here and within sight, with hope, he could breath a little easier tonight. Eamonn obviously did not care if Rose questioned the treatment of his wife. He did not strike her, beat her, or curse yet name in a foul way. Right now, his hand gripped her arm tightly, paying no heed if it hurt her or not. A bruise to her arm was a far less punishment and pain than what she had placed him through. Once that cup was set down, tight-lipped, Eamonn pulled her along, ignoring her words as he dragged her to the steps and up them, his hand refusing to release her arm until they were in the room. His bearded jaw had been set stiffly, and nostrils flared red as he took deep breaths, trying very hard to hold back his temper. Poor Rose, he had to constantly pay for things he broke, such as the chair and the basin he broke. Better that than someone's head. Shifting his helm to his hand, he balanced it enough to the point where he could use the same hand to open the door. The handle was gripped and with a forceful push, it opened, this time, not flying backward into the wall. The angry Marshal flung her inside the room, shoving her forward as he released her arm and slammed the door behind him with a lound BANG. Eamonn locked it, and soon after, he whirled around and glared down at her. `` Don't....you...EVER DO this to me AGAIN. EVER. YOU could have gotten KILLED. Damn it, Aislin, you WILL REMAIN in Skye from NOW on. NO MORE sailing. NO MORE LEAVING ME TO WORRY. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH! `` He shouted, and so angry--but refusing to physically strike his wife, the horse helm went flying across the room to crash into the wall and hit the floor hard. `` YOU leave me here...FORSAKING YOUR HUSBAND AND CHILDREN. It is NOT your duty or PLACE to dash off at the first sign of trouble. HOW can I keep you safe if you continue to run off?! THIS ENDS NOW. NO MORE. You have HAD your voyages. Do not go where I cannot follow you Aislin...DO NOT! My heart cannot TAKE the agony you put me through! I tell you NOT to go...you do anyway! You DEFY my requests! I FORBID you to sail. Your place is here. With your HUSBAND. With your CHILDREN. The people HERE need you. I NEED YOU. `` Eamonn sneered, glaring at her again with angry eyes, and in their depths, deep pain and sorrow still lingering from the lament of her absence.
Aislin of Eohmark- Aislin did not think her questions would be answered at this point, but she wanted to ask. Was Eamonn angry with her? That was obvious at this point as he did not even wait for the mug to fully touch the bar before he was dragging her away. Men and woman alike were staring at the Lord Marshal and Court physician, unsure what was going on yet no one dared to say anything as they watched him pull her form up the stairs. Aislin kept up as best as she could, only stumbling now and then. Were they not going home? Aislin watched as Eamonn reached fro the door, still refusing to let her go until he pushed it open and quickly flung her inside. Aislin was so tired, that she moved in quickly on her booted feet and stumbled, falling to her knees with her hands to catch herself before she lowered her form so her side was pressed to it now instead of her knees. Arms still held her up as her body was at a 90 degree angle while she listened to the first of her husband's demands. Her hat had flown off, leaving her long chestnut and golden colored hair to tumble down and lay around her. Her head turned, so ocean eyes could look to her husband's angry face. When the helm went across the room, Aislin held up a hand incase it flung back towards her from the wall. The noise made her teeth clench together and her eyes span shut, before she opened them again and stared up at Eamonn, unsure what to say. It was much harder to turn off her emotions now when love was so strong. She wanted to shut him out, only to not let his heated words harm her, but that was selfish and Aislin had never been that way. She tried to shut everything off and not think, not feeling, only listen. It did not work, but a response, was hard to find as well. Forbid? Her place? Aislin's eyes narrowed slightly, but not in a challenging way. They narrowed in disbelief. What would Eamonn do to carry out that forbidding. `` Ah had to help... ah had to go. Ah am sorry that ye were put through things.. ah never forsaked ye. What will ye do with me now then husband? `` Her voice, sounded emotionless, but her face showed the frown and eyes showed the mix between disbelief and confusion. How could he think she had forsaken him? How could he think she did not love him or their children?
Eamonn of Eohmark- The men and women of Skye quickly learned, or were still learning, not to rile the Lord Marshal when he was already cross. Frustrated on nearly all fronts, Eamonn was not the man to be prying or proding. At this point, Eamonn had the strongest urge to stab someone. Fool be those deemed that dared to contest the Lord Marshal in this state of mind. Never before had Eamonn been so angry with his wife...it was a feeling he did not like at all. Aislin was suppose to be there for him, to console him, comfort him, and love him. Constantly he was worried for her safety, just as she feared for his own. But..Aislin was a healer, not a fighter. It was not her place to run off and do battle when there were other men to do such a thing. Eamonn, for the second time, was left home to sit and wonder her well being, her health, when there was nothing he could do to protect his wife, to make sure no harm came to the woman he loved. Already they had been through much, and Eamonn was protective of her. Was this now the past catching up with him? Was he now being taught how she felt when he went off to war? But in that, Eamonn had little choice, for it was his duty and occupation. She knew this. That blank voice and the frown upon her face did not sooth his raging temper. In fact, it only made it worse. He needed emotion, damn it, he was feeling it now! `` NO. You did NOT have to you. THIS was a choice you made! Yourself! Let the SOLDIERS DO BATTLE. You KNEW something was wrong in Aberdeen, but you GO TO DANGER?! Against my wishes! I weathered your trip to the other Isles of Skye so you could expand your knowledge. But this...THIS I cannot. You went into danger...the danger I try SO HARD to keep from you! SORRY will do NOTHING right now! What will I do? I will PERSONALLY take you BACK to Eohmark and you will REMAIN there, save if your dire service is needed. You will NOT leave Eohmark. You WILL NOT leave Heahburg without MY PERMISSION. ``And with that said, he swallowed hard, tears stingy his eyes as his heart ached, twitched terribly with pain as he snatched the leather gloves from his hands and threw them onto the table with a SLAP.
Aislin of Eohmark- Aislin only knew part of what Eamonn thought when he got this angry. She knew what she meant to him, but he knew what he meant to her as well. Aislin went to heal, not fight. Fight had been only a part of what she did and not much. She was one of the best healers and if they had need of her, she should not damn the call of those who were from Skye and those who they cared about. Pushing upwards, she moved her frame to sit on her rump and turn to face him fully as her back propped against the hay filled cot. Did Eamonn forget so quickly, or had Aislin? She did not know, her mind was confused by this and by everything that had happened. Aislin shifted her eyes from him, holding back her own emotion as he went on and spoke, firmly, loudly so she would not mistake how he felt or think it was something she could sway with a kiss or soft words. Aislin could not show emotions right now,. for Eamonn had too many and she had no idea what to say or how to react. Her apology did nothing and inwardly she winced at that, wishing it could have soothed over some of the tension in the room. It was so thick, Aislin felt she would strangle with it. It was when he spoke of keeping her at Eohmark,. that her head snapped around and eyes widened to look at him. `` No, ye can nay keep me there for so long. Ah be needed here, ye said so yerself. `` Carefully, she rose to her feet, making her loose hair sway before she walked towards him, yet she did not reach out to touch him just yet. `` Ye can nay lock me in a prision Eamonn. Ah thought ye wanted a wife, that was free and herself..nay someone that was a slave. `` Hands moved up to try and cup his face as her eyes flickered that emotion behind them while she reached for him. `` Please...ah did nay mean to hurt ye. Be reasonable Eamonn. Ye go off to war without me and that is the same. Ah do nay know if ye will be back or nay. Ye go riding about the lands all day and ah have no way of knowing what be happening to ye. How is this different? Why be ye so angry with me now? Ah thought we had spoken on these things..`` Aislin, was trying to calm the bull inside him and sooth it as she always had. Eamonn would be hard to speak with when he was like this. She knew it well. `` My love...what has happened to make ye so angry? Ah told ye were ah was going. Ah never lied to ye.. ah never betrayed ye. Ah returned home to ye. ``
Eamonn of Eohmark- Eamonn knew of duty, but Aberdeen...that was too far. Let other healers go. Let them do the work. He needed his wife here with him. A great deal of the court had gone to Aberdeen, and coming back the first time, Eamonn heard a glimpse of the behavior of the people there. Eamonn did not want to lose his wife or be unable to protect her. He would have wanted to go had he not had a fear of ships, but his place was here, in Skye. Who would defend the people in the absence of the Duke and Duchess? Who could they trust better than him? Eamonn could not go. Aislin had a choice, and she made it against the insisting of Eamonn. She was not summoned to Aberdeen. They did not make a great call for all healers of Skye to rush and attend to their duty over the seas. Aislin when by her own choice, against his wish, and directly defied him. Eamonn was unmoved by her shock and widened eyes when he told her what would happen. Standing firm by his choice, Eamonn pressed his lips to form a thin line, and lifted his bearded chin. She needed to be in Skye. But within the lands of Skye, she would placed at home and without liberty to travel until she could learn. Eamonn tried to beg her not to sail away from him when he had fallen ill. Begging did nothing. Green eyes, narrowed, watched her stand and walk toward him, and instantly, he stiffened. Prison? Their home was a prison? Thick brows furrowed at such reference...prison and slave. Those words stung an already wounded heart, and when Aislin tried to cup his face, Eamonn jerked away from her. Nostrils flared again as he glared down at her, hands at his side and curled into tight firsts, knuckles white from the pressure as he silently began to vent his anger. `` If THAT is how you would see me, as your warden and our home a prison, so be it. I will NOT be moved by your words and charm, Aislin. NOT this time. You swayed me once to let you go...to sail as you wished. I did. Now, when I ASK you not to go...you do so. Aberdeen did not SEND for Aislin. Aberdeen did not REQUIRE her. Aislin went on her own accord. I go out because I MUST. NO ONE ELSE can fill my place among my men so easily. OTHER healers can go. It does not ALWAYS have to be you. There is no other Lord Marshal of Skye that I can so easily call upon to perform what I do. We spoke before...you have ignored my request BOTH times. No more. Since I cannot reason with you as a lover, I will COMMAND you as the Lord Marshal of Skye AND your husband. I am ANGRY with you because you defy my pleas to stay when I ask. You put yourself needlessly and impulsively in danger...a danger I give my LIFE to see does not fall upon you. LOOK at you. Stains of blood. HOW much of that could be your own?! I could not GET to you Aislin to save you. YOU were across an ocean, VERY different than crossing the lands.`` He said bitterly, but refusing to move from where he stood. No, he would not back down or be moved now. `` The Lord Maubrey is a national THREAT that I must see to. I CANNOT trust him to be alone. He makes false promises of peace and prosperity in uniting England and Skye. His speeches are nothing more than oppressive rule. With HALF the court gone, I must hold here. I MUST defend Skye and hold Maubrey's suspicious methods at bay until Duke and Duchess come back. I needed you, Aislin. Duty did not demand your services. You went by option and CHOICE.``
Aislin of Eohmark- Wide lips parted when Eamonn snatched his head from her hands and jerked it to where she could not grasp it. Eamonn never pulled away from her this way, he always yearned for her touch and leaned into it. Her face, finally started to show the signs of emotion as it began to leak from eyes and lips. Aislin had no idea her words were making things worse, for she was always able to calm him. She paused and pulled her hands down slowly to be at her side again. Eyes lowered from his own and moved along the armor until she noticed his fist clenching tightly at his side. He was so angry, she could feel it every where. That was not how she saw Eamonn...she did not know what his word would mean, save for not being able to come to Turas Lan for some time. Aislin did not believe their home as a prison,. but that was the only term she could say to show him how she may have felt. Everything he spoke was true and Aislin could no deny that, but she could not always be there for Eamonn as he could not always be there for her. She said nothing, but continued to look down as he went on, not wanting to meet his eyes right now as they burned a hole into the top of her head. Seeing no reason to be near him if he would not let her touch him, she turned and walked away from him, giving him her back as she moved towards the cot, still listening to his angered words. `` Many men survived because ah went...`` As if that would make everything ok. Turning around, she sat down slowly on the cot and looked to her clothing. Blood was dried on her, but most was not her own. Eyes shifted back up when he spoke of Lord Maubrey that was telling falsehood. Aislin was here to see him with his speech and she knew he was telling such as well as Eamonn following him about.`` Aye...ah made a choice and went where ye could nay go. Ah went because things do nay hold me back where they do for ye. The water does nay scare me...the boats do nay make me feel helpless. Ah am sorry Eamonn that ye can nay always go where ah can. When do we return to Heahburg?`` Looking away from him once more, she wiped her face clean and stared at the wall to her side, refusing to look at Eamonn right now. There was no point in arguing, for he was hurt and she could see it. What had she done to him? Aislin did not mean to break her word, she simply wanted to help and have control over what happened, even if in part. `` Ye will, is my to do, husband. ``
Eamonn of Eohmark- Long had been his nights in worrying for her across the ocean. While Aislin rose a valid point that her own laments and worrisome nights had mirrored his, but she understood that Eamonn had to go. This was not a mandatory call for Aislin. She took it upon herself to go, even when he wished her not to go. And here he was, alone, without his support and partner to aid him in this turmoil. Perhaps he was being selfish, but slowly he was losing his grip upon Aislin. He gave her great liberty, and now when he asked her to do his will, on a matter that greatly concerned him, she listened not. The water did not give her fear, true enough, while it continued to hold a hard grip upon him. When Aislin turned her back to him, his temper flared all the more. NEVER show your back to a man until the conversation had been completed, or it could be taken as an insult. And now, with his emotions, it was. Offensive in every way, and what was more, Aislin should have known this by now. Many men might have survived, yes, and he could not argue that. However, another healer could have done the same, and Eamonn could have used Aislin. He knew not the ways politics, of speeches, but more importantly, Eamonn did not know all he should do. This was new to him, and Eamonn needed the support of his wife. She was not here...at a time he truly needed her most. Green eyes watched her seat herself upon the bed, and in that moment, his face turned cold. Her fact had pointed out his own weakness, and for reasons he could not explain, it stabbed his heart and pride. Aislin refused to look at him now, and to that, Eamonn said nothing. She consented, Eamonn could only nod, and move over to the vacant chair, too angry and hurt by Aislin at the moment. His words made no difference now, for after she was let to roam again, Eamonn silently wondered if this would repeat itself once more. Lowering himself into a chair, Eamonn stared hard at the fire and away from his wife. `` We make leave to return tomorrow. There you will stay until there is a pressing need for you, or until I give you permission to leave.``
Aislin of Eohmark- Aislin was not a defiant wife in the fact of doing anything to go against her husband. She did not do things she knew was dangerous for the simple rush of it, or because she was told not to. She did things that in her eyes, had to be done. Aislin had thought she was helping when she had gone where her husband could not, as if becoming his eyes ande ars and possibly fist in other lands. How was she to know what would fall shadow over her husband as he moved through the lands of Skye alone? How was Aislin to know, he was so incomplete without her in the same lands? Aislin knew that her husband missed her, as any husband and wife should with each other when they were away. She knew he worried for her and feared her safety, but did she not do much the same when he was moving about with his calvery? Aislin's eyes remained on her dirty clothing, looking to it and staring at each spot and stain that had turned brown after so long so the blood mingled with the patches of dirt. When her eyes rose to see Eamonn sitting his form down into the chair away from her; those green eyes were now looking to the fire and not at her either; she wondered if her look offended him so? He had pulled from her touch, never before had he forsaken her touch when he was angered. The hat was left to the ground, for there was no need to have it upon her head anymore. Slender fingers reached for her boots, letting her eyes lands on busted knuckles, dirt filled nails and stained skin as she shifted her foot and yanked it from the right boot, pulling her wrinkled foot from it after all the sweat had gathered about from her moving constantly. The same was repeated with the left before both small feet were now able to breath. Rising from the bed, she stood up straight as her form would allow and began to reach for her vest, undoing the ties and pulling it apart down the middle so she could shed it from her slender form. Tossing it to the ground by her right side, she reached for her breeches and started to unlace them, pulling it to expose the cod piece which suggested the breeches were made for a male, not a woman. Fingers gripped the waist of it and shoved it down her long, slender legs and made her form bend over as she pulled her tiny ankles from them to leave them upon the vest. Both hands moved to her tunic and pulled it up, exposing her bare body to the air in the room. Bruises laced themselves along her outer thighs from the wagon and being kicked by others. Another could be found upon her left hip from being slammed into a cannon when the ship began to rock too often. Upon her arm, the bruise of her husband's grip was already at work in making it's spot upon that dirty flesh. Two tones darker then her normal color, the dirt was older then a day or two and would take a good scrubbing to get off. Call it a defiant act if one will, but she thought of it as her husband unable to look at the evidence of her fighting, so now, fully nude as only her husband and child had ever seen, she reached for to bundle up the clothing in her arms and moved towards her husband, but they were not set at his feet. No, they were tossed into the open fire before she straightened and watched the flames eat the offensive material before their very eyes. Long chestnut and golden hair barely covered the front of her form, mostly along her back and showing what curves she had left from rearing Eamonn a son. There she remained, exposed as she watched the fire consume every last bit of her male clothing. Like a statue, she stood and never once looked to her husband. Only when the last bit had turned to ash, did she turn her head slightly so ocean eyes could see her husband. Was he pleased at this act? Did he care not? Would he look at her body now that it was nude and exposed to him? Would he turn away in disgust at the markings she had gained for favor now? They once spoke of scars being beautiful, was she still not alluring and beautiful to him? Her face still held the same stoic his could, learning from one of the best it seemed.
Eamonn of Eohmark- There were times that Aislin's wanderings had done and served him well. She had more knowledge than he ever could have, and in that gain, Eamonn would not stiffle her. But this time...Aislin had gone too far. He asked her to stay with him, but she saw only her purpose there and not here...as if her presence there would make a difference. It wouldn't. He needed her here with him, to counter him with the matters of court and things he did not fully comprehend. Aislin knew some measure of social order and the ways of the people. Eamonn had spent more than half his life in war and blood, and to be forced into a more social position to help the clan leaders keep Maubrey's tricks at bay, he was more than out of his element. Without her, he was lost, and needed her in many more ways than one. But she was not here. Hazel eyes remained silent as he watched the flames dance in the hearth, stretching it's fingers and twisting almost erotically. Air only fed the wild movements as the wood clicked softly as more was devoured. Eamonn could hear the rustling of Aislin behind him, no down changing into something more suitable. Eamonn did not want to see the bruises that would cover her frame, or cuts that she had to tend to herself. Another reminder as to why he wished to never see her in battle. It was not until Aislin moved by him, nude and in all her glory, and into the fire the offensive clothes were tossed. Flames quickly engulfed them, and for a moment simply sat there, still in his layers of armour with his hand holding his chin. Flames pulled the fabric in and consumed it, taking greedily the textiles and reducing them to cinder and ash. Eamonn stared long and hard at the fading fabric, glad that it now burned, but it gave his eyes a distraction. His lips were pressed hard into a thin line still, and his eyes were cold, hard, and without emotion upon his stone-like features. It was not until the material was all but gone that he turned hazel eyes finally to his wife, who was still standing beside him, nude. Eamonn did not need to turn his head, for he could see her just fine, and unable to help it, his eyes did roam her body. Bruises. Discoloured flesh. Needless afflictions that could have been avoided had he been there. It was hard not to sneer at the sight of bruises upon her fair flesh, for Aislin did not deserve such marring of the body. Swallowing hard, he quickly turned his eyes away, and glared hard at the fire. Damn Aislin. Had she not left...she would not have needed to suffer such injustice...and what hurt all the more was the fact that he could do nothing to prevent even one bruise on her body..well..save for his grip.
Aislin of Eohmark- What was she trying to gain in this one act? What was she trying to accomplish? Even in the healer's own mind, she did not fully know. Perhaps to gain some favor from her husband. Many would simply turn away and tell Eamonn he was selfish in his need, or that he was not thinking of what happened in other places that could affect Skye as well, and to a part this was true. Eamonn, as sad as it was to believe, could only think to a certain point, before he became lost. Sevenwaters was a small place and Aislin knew that from stories. Men were breed to protect only sevenwaters, no where else, so was it so hard to understand, Eamonn could only protect Skye and his mind could not fully understand the need to protect other places? It was not to say her husband was dumb, simply that his reach, did not extend as others. Should he change this? Aislin believed so, but to a point. Eamonn did what he did well and perhaps those were his best giving. Aislin did know politics better and she understood that everywhere was like a pond. You might throw a stone in one place, but the ripples always stretched out through out the whole thing, even if it became softer, the farther it moved out and away from the area directly affected. How to explain that to Eamonn, was harder. Not now, but in time, she would press this and see where it could lead. Ocean eyes met with still more green colored ones, before she noted him looking over her body and the sneer of disgust coming from his lips. That, was enough for Aislin to understand that love could not overcome anger, nor could lust perhaps. So be it. As soon as his eyes moved away, Aislin turned around and walked away from him with her head slightly down until she reached the bed. There was no need for a bath right now, for she did not want to have to ask for her husband to call on anyone, but he knew she would need new clothing now. Of course, Aislin wanted one, but she also was ready to give up the day and rest if her mind could now allow her. Pulling back the cotton sheets, she climbed into the bed alone and laid her body with care to face her back towards Eamonn and her front to the wall. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply before one tear streamed down and fell into her hair.
Eamonn of Eohmark- Perhaps he was being selfish in his need to keep her close, to protect her for reasons that were more personal than political. He was not a seafaring man, nor did he pretend to be. Eamonn was alienate in letting Aislin sail, for it was not typical for a woman to do such. He was not a man of politics, nor did he care for much socialization in the world. His business was warfare and safeguarding that which he served, and that was all he knew. Let those of foreign lands deal with their own affairs unless there was some need for Skye to become involved. Eamonn was struggling with his own fears, and there was no force on earth that would make him get on another ship again. He had done so once already, but most of his voyage had been under the drugs that his wife had placed him under for pain as well as mental anguish. For so many years of his life, Eamonn had been a soldier. You did what you were told, upheld it, and placed duty before yourself. Aislin had more experience in a world he never knew before. But to see her in bruises was a stab to his own heart. She already turned her back to his once. He needed emotion from her, but she had none, giving into an appeal that she cared not about his words, his anger. This left a bitter taste in his mouth. It wasn't until Aislin finally moved back to the bed that the tall Marshal stood, and without a glance her way, Eamonn stormed over to the door and opened it, slipping out and closing it roughly behind him. She would need clothes, and he would get her something. To the healer's ward he traveled, for they always had spare gowns, even if plain, for those of the wounded. Eamonn even asked for something to sooth bruised flesh. Returning to the tavern and opening the door once more, the silent, stoic warrior closed the door behind him and locked the door. Eamonn tossed the pale linen dress onto the bed at her feet, and the jar of salve was placed on the table to do with what she wanted. On the way, he asked for servants to bring in a tub for her to wash in. `` Servants will be here shortly with water for your bath. I suggest you take one and I brought salve for your bruises.`` Eamonn remarked dryly, before returning to the chair and sitting down. Once he was seated, Eamonn went to the task of removing the bracers from his arms.
Aislin of Eohmark- The foot steps of her tall husband were hard to ignore, more so with the slamming of the door. Even Aislin, who was barely moved by anything, jerked at the sudden rush of it. She did not need to turn to know Eamonn was out of the room, for with him he took the tension that had been building and suffocating them. Using the back of her hand, knuckles moved along her left temple to rid the tears that had come down before she tried to get some rest. Aislin found none. When Eamonn returned, all she felt was the sheets at her ankles, before turning around to look at him with red laced eyes before shifting to look more over her shoulder and see the vile of ointment for her. Witchhazel, she hoped. Shifting to sit up, she moved to the edge of the bed and used the sheet as a wrap for now, since others would be coming to fill the tub. `` Thank ye husband. `` Her voice held the emotions her face was missing. Soft and whispy, which was unlike Aislin, it was hard to even hear her tone at the moment. She waited, leaning over slightly until there was a knock on the door and Aislin left Eamonn to go open it so a few men and woman came to fill her tub with warm water. Aislin looked at none of them and when they were gone, she moved to unwrap the sheet before heading towards the bath water. A cloth was left for her and gripping it in her hand, she lifted one leg to dip it down into the water, hissing at how good and warm it was, before sitting along the rim and adding the other in so she could sink her frame down under it. There was still some small hope that Eamonn would come to her and do as he normally did. It was rare for Eamonn to be in the same room with her and not try to bath her himself. Dipping her head under the water, she scrubbed her face with the cloth and ran her fingers through her hair before pushing back upwards, wiping the running water from her eyes. It hid any new tears that might have came so she could start scrubbing her legs first.
Eamonn of Eohmark- Having released his rage and delivered hopefully an end to his roaming without his permission, Eamonn had little to say. She knew his decision and would not be moved from it. Aislin was going to remain in their house until she could better learn to take his requests into better consideration. Eamonn willed himself not to fall for the charms of his wife, though he was not ignorant to the curves of her body, he beautiful features under dirt and bruising, He still loved her, greatly, and there was nothing in this world that would ever change that. While they both waited for the servants to come with the bath water and iron tub, Eamonn continued to remove pieces of his armour, peeling them off or unbuckling them until there was a knock upon the door. Already his armour was sitting on the floor in a pile as he turned to the door and opened it. Eamonn waited until they left before closing the door and locking it behind them. Aislin turned to the heated water, and as she began to bath, Eamonn finished stripping himself of the last outer armour before he was left in the breeches, boots, and gambeson over a thin undershirt. The quilted material was pulled off, and once that too was placed on the floor, Eamonn pushed his sleeves up to move over to the tub she sat in. Eamonn knelt down beside the tub, and once she handed him the cloth, he dipped it into the water and began to wash her backside, scrubbing to get the dirt from her flesh, but gentle as he could be near bruised and sore spots. With her backside cleaned, Eamonn was slowly starting to calm down, the anger not as hot, but the pain and fears still lingered, and laboured his heart. Over seas where he could not reach her, he might have lost her. His face remained stern as he finished bathing her, before handing the cloth to her once more for her to finish. Rising, Eamonn grabbed the towel that had been left for her, and unfolding it, he waited until she stepped out, a hand to help her even, before the towel was draped over her shoulders and pulled her. Hands relinquished the task of drying her off to Aislin, and without a word, Eamonn turned and headed back to the chair, seating himself, and resting his bearded chin in his hand.
Aislin of Eohmark- The water had long since dried on her face and no droplets were moving down now, which left the slightly puffed up cheeks visible. She wanted to look to Eamonn, but worried that she would sully his anger with tears and that was not Aislin's way. Let him have his anger, let him be mad and furious with her. She deserved it perhaps in more ways then one and if she could hide everything from him to let him have these moments, which were rightfully his, she would. Aislin was a complex person and yet so simple if anyone dared to ask her reasons. She was still a peasant in her mind and with that came the eased thoughts of how to react to things that would not have bothered those of noble blood. A shadow loomed over her suddenly, blocking out the light of the fire and as her head tilted upwards, she saw her husband lower his form down by her side and reach his hand out. Giving the rag to him, she leaned forward to allow him to wash her back as her narrow chin rested along her knees while they were pulled to her chest. Arms wrapped around them to pull them closer and hold herself as her husband carefully and just as tenderly, washed her like he always had. Aislin felt the knot in her throat, as if she would choke if she said nothing, but unable to even let words come out, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the simple act of love that was still there. These were strange times and while no one wanted to believe that love could be shattered, it was a fool to think people would take so much of something before they gave up. Sadly, that lead to unfaithful men and woman since marriage was for a life time. Aislin did not believe Eamonn to be a man who would be found in a whore house for physical love, yet she did not want him to find comfort in someone else. Someone who would obey him and stay anywhere he placed them to not drive him mad. Arms were stretched out for him and her body was done much the same before she moved to stand and with his help, was dried off. It was then that her face looked to his and tears fell, but had he missed it as he moved away? `` Will ye nay bath and let me return the comfort? `` Her voice was still as quiet as before while she held the cloth to her form. `` Will ye be coming to bed with me? ``
Eamonn of Eohmark- Eamonn might have refused her touch, for she had tried to sooth him with it and perhaps even trick his anger to better spare her the lashing that he felt she rightfully deserved, but Eamonn was not so cold to her that he would not do as he always had done: care for her. Even in his anger, he still loved her. Even with his disapproval of what she had done, Eamonn loved Aislin with every fiber in his being. It was why he became so protective of her, so concerned about her well being both physically and emotionally. Eamonn knew that he was a poor support in emotional comfort, though he did try. But he tried to give her what she needed. Eamonn prayed that he did, and that his wife was not unhappy in his company, for now they bore two children together. His heart would be certainly scarred if ever she did find comfort in another man and left him for that who could give her all she needed. Eamonn had moved away from her before her tears caught his sight, and to the chair to watch the flames and once again distract his mind. However, Aislin voice was a swift distraction. Bath? Eamonn was too unbalanced to at this point, and a bath was the farthest thing from his mind. He had barely gotten sleep since she had left, and her previous words and expression still lingered on his mind. `` I have little mind and need for a bath now, Aislin, and my mind will not permit me much sleep this night. Take what rest you can in something softer than ground or wood. You are home in Skye, again. Take the comforts.
Aislin of Eohmark- Aislin had not forgotten the red lines war so easily. She had not forgotten how they cried and clung to each other in the middle of the battle field. She did not forget the hurt in his eyes when his sister lay unmoving in his arms or the way he screamed at any God who would listen as pain racked him. The mind was a terrible thing at times, making people forget the emotion that should be there when another took over fully. Aislin knew Eamonn loved her still from his acts. He did not have to bath her, but he did. Eamonn's words, made her eyes shift to her feet before she rose them on him again as his husky voice repeated those words over and over in her mind. No, she would not let him think she did not love him as well, for what if his mind pondered things her own did. Moving towards him with the cloth still about her body, slender hands pressed to his knees to press her finger tips beyond the material, yet not to hurt. Pulling his knees apart more, she stepped between them and lowered her frame so that her aching knees went to the wood of the floor and her body pressed it's smaller form between his dusty breeches. Damp hair had been twisted behind her back to not get in the way so when her eyes rose to his, the ocean color could not be missed even in the light. They stood out even more with the tears that had irritated. Her upper stomach pressed to his groin as she tucked her body as tightly against his as she could, feeling the cod piece that protected him as he rode, press into her cloth and flesh beyond the material. Hands once more, reached out for his face. `` Ah be sorry Eamonn. Please know, ah love ye. Ah do. Forsake me as long as ye need to, but ah will love ye still when ye are ready for yer wife's comforts. Ah have missed ye, ah can nay help but want ye close. ``
