When Devils and Angels Meet......

[kennocharhaine]

Iain: Iain walked along the balcony of the manor... looking out over the courtyard... the servant just handing him a glass of wine...

Kennocha: Below him in the court yard approached a lovely young woman dressed in heavy velvet skirts in various shades of blue with a blue tunic belted at the waist. Around her shoulders she wore a thick cloak, on her small feet she wore a pair of leather boots, and around her ankles and wrists she wore small bracelets with tiny tinkling bells that rang merrily with each step she made.

Iain: The sip of wine took away his vision of the courtyard below... but then he heard something moving below.... setting the glass down... he could help but smile... "Allo... yu there..." then he smiles.

Kennocha: She paused as she heard the voice above her. Big golden brown eyes lifted to meet those of the one on the balcony. Dark hair flowed down her back in soft curls some hung over one shoulder. She gave a warm smile. "Good evening Sir." She said in a slightly husky voice as if someone had damaged her vocals at some point.

Iain: Looking down at the door, where one of his men stood... Yelling down to him... "Jared... show the lass up..." then he took a sip of wine....

Kennocha: She arched a dark brow. She had not been expecting entrance she just wanted to look around the place, she had been unable to sleep and so had gone for a walk and this was where she had found herself. She missed the companionship she had with Alendral but he seemed busy more often than not lately. Despite her surprise she would not turn down companionship and so she would follow the man called Jared into the house until she stood before the man who had invited her in.

Iain: Jared motioned for the girl and opened the door... as she entered hesitantly... Jared just smiled... Taking another glass and the crystal canister, he motioned her to follow him... up the stairs to the balcony... bowing slightly Jared set the glass down... poured the wine... then handed it to the odd girl... "Yu may leave us Jared..." Iain spoke softly... Then he looked at the girl and smiled... "Welcome to my manor... were you lost?" His clothes were plain... probably the relaxed clothing of a noble... his voice was soft and infectious with charm.

Kennocha: She smiled back and took the wine in slender fingers offering him a little bow in greeting. "Thank you. No I am not lost, just not tired and thought I would wander, my steps brought me here, I thought I would check out what I could see from the outside."

Iain: Iain smiled and drank his wine... his eyes peering at her over the rim... Resting the glass at his waist... "Are yu hungry? Tis a good walk from the city walls...?"

Kennocha: She thought on that a moment her head tilting to the side as she studied him trying to decide if she was going to trust him or not. She had trusted him this far. She nodded. "I could use a bite to eat."

Iain: Iain turned and walked to the door... yelling inside to Jared... When the servant arrived... "Jared... a meal for the lass... and be quick about it..." The servant nodded and disappeared... Iain slowly made his way back to the stone rail atop the balcony.

Kennocha: When he returned she was leaning against the railing looking out at the scenery her hands dangling over the edge of the banister her hips pushed back a little as she leaned one foot lifted a bit giving her a cutely lopsided look as she stood there. When he came back she turned those strange gold eyes upon him and smiled deepening the dimples in her cheeks. "I am Kennocha by the way. " One slender hand was offered to him in proper greeting though she did not turn much to accomplish the action just enough of what was needed.

Iain: "Be careful M'Lady... I would hate for you to fall..." then she introduced herself... A sword-yielding calloused hand accepts hers and he bows slightly, kissing the back of the hand... his eyes glancing up to her... "Well met M'Lady..." his warm breath grazing over her skin... then he rises and smiles letting go of her hand…

Kennocha: She turned her back to the railing, leaning against it comfortably and smiled. "Please sir I am no lady. Just a simple Gypsy, calling me by my given name is quite acceptable."

Iain: He chuckled softly... and moved closer to her... "Kennocha... it is then... I am Iain..." he smiled...

Kennocha: She smiled warmly. "A pleasure to meet you Iain. " She watched as he stepped closer to her. Her look did not falter nor did she look uncomfortable. She sipped from her wine then lifted her brows as she looked back inside."This is a nice place. Is it a family home?”

Iain: Iain saddled up next to her as he too leaned against the rail... one sip from his glass, his slate grey eyes never left her... "Thank you... No... I bought this one after I moved from Glasgow back to Struan... I found myself needing to be in Turas Lan more than Struan and bought a home..." Pointing across to the darkening horizon... "My nephew lives over there about 5 kilometers..." then he looked back at Kennocha....

Kennocha: She glanced over in the direction he pointed. "Are you two close?" she asked curiously Turning a bit towards him as she looked not paying attention to their proximity as she let those golden orbs penetrate the darkening sky.

Iain: Iain chuckled... "I thought we were... I vaguely remember him from our youth... but my father favors him..." then he looked into the darkness... it was evident it bothered him... Glancing back to her... "Enough about me... Tell me about yu..."

Kennocha: She arched a slender brow at that and desperately wanted to ask more but it seemed to trouble him and so she took his lead by shrugging her shoulders. "There is not much to tell. I was born and raised a gypsy. When I lost my little band to slavers I wandered on my own till I came here." She did not go into detail. Did not tell him that when she was a small child her father had grown angry with her and had nearly crushed her windpipe completely, it is only by luck and some special magic that she can even speak now the damage had been so severe. But she was certain those were not things he wanted to hear, and like him she had things she was not quite willing to share.

Iain: Iain smiled sensing she too did not wish to speak of things sad... not here and now... "I am so pleased yu came here... you have gave me reason to not lay sleeplessly in a big bed..." Iain loved to be around people... even as a loner... especially a woman...

Kennocha: She chuckled softly and then turned to face him again. "Somehow I don't see you laying alone in your bed... or anywhere else for that matter." She was teasing of course she could tell that the place had only a few servants and himself and no one else.

Iain: Iain laughed... "Well, I do love company..." he emphasized company... "But I am single..." followed by a wink…

Kennocha: She laughed, a warm rich sound, not angelic or tinkling but delightful just the same. "In that case." She grabbed his hand. "Do you have a horse here? It would be faster then walking." Her face was animated as she dragged him away from the balcony and down the stairs towards the front door.

Iain: Iain laughed... "Aye..a horse... a horse... my country for a horse..." and he followed this mysterious girl...

Iain: The pair rode away from the manor, the bells jingling with each jolt of the large grey equine… down to the shores where many people were gathered… dismounting, then extending his arms up to the gypsy, Kennocha… she slid off the large grey right into his arms… he paused for a few seconds as they faced each other under the moonlight… “A copper gryphon for yer thoughts…” he simply stated…

Thru the evening, Iain sans boots, with the lass pulling him into dances time after time… sand kicking up as they twisted and twirled… The dances were not fashioned like those of ballrooms but those of the gypsies… They laughed and teased one another all thru the night… disregarding the formalities of those royals present… Iain focused on the lass who captured his interest…

The crescent moon passed overhead as the festivities waned… and was time to get this lass home… He wanted her in his bed… but for some reason, he did not pursue it… out of character for Iain Robertson…

Iain: “Time to go M’Lady…” he smiled… “yer energy has waned since we first left…” then he smiled and walked to the horse, untying it and leading it to her… Then with a pull and hop, he swung his leg over the grey horse… then leaned forward extending his hand to her… With a tug, he pulled her upon the horse behind him… her small frame and light weight hefted easily… off they rode…

Kennocha: Kennocha rode behind him on the way back to his place. Her small hands resting on his hips as she rode with ease upon the back of his horse. Every step the stallion made a light tinkling was heard from the bells that she always wore. After a bit she relaxed against his back her cheek resting on his shoulder, her frame leaning against his as she began to grow tired. The exertion from their dance and the late hour had sleep calling to her.

Iain: The pace home was slower than the ride to the beach… he could feel her behind him, and when the wind was right, he could smell her sweetness… which he offered a smile in return… Suddenly, he felt her cheek against him… the large grey with the slow lope had rocked her to sleep…

Upon arrival at the manor, Iain nudged the lass… “We are home Kennocha…” then with the swing of a leg, he slid from the large warhorse. Extending his arms upwards, he waited for her to dismount, right into his waiting arms.

[kennocharhaine]

Kennocha: She mumbled softly as he nudged her and she sat up rubbing her eyes and stretching so much she nearly fell off the horse making her chuckle at her own clumsiness. Home. She smiled as he made it sound like it was her home too. He stood there with his arms up ready to catch her and she smiled sliding down into his arms easily. Her slender arms sliding around his neck. and her cheek pressing to his chest with a murmur. " mmm I could sleep right here you know." her voice was soft, husky with sleep but held that note of teasing in it as she tilted her head up to give him an impish dimpled smile.

Iain: Iain smiled... "I do have beds you could sleep in..." Then he swepts her into his arms and turns toward the house...a servant grabs the reins and walks the horse toward the stables... as she is cradled in his arms, his stride makes her bells tinkle softly:::::

Kennocha: She laughed softly and cuddled into him as he lifted her off her feet. " Mmm a nice soft warm bed sounds good about now Iain, thank you. I don't think I could make it back to my vardo tonight." She half mumbled as she nuzzled her head against his chest as he walked.

Iain: Her light weight was fairly easy for the lean muscular man... his long legs taking two steps at a time... A servant descending the stairs was stopped by Iain... "Get the Lady Kennocha a room ready... the one across from mine..." with that the servant turned sharply and scurried back up the stairs...::::

Kennocha: She smiled against his chest and though her eyes were closed whispering softly. " Mmm you surprise me sir. A room across from yours, those rooms are normally saved for the highest of the honored guests. I am but a gypsy and yet you honor me with such rooms."

Iain: "Be quiet... they are reserved for whomever I wish them for... I too must be part gypsy..." he smirks. "I shall explan more over morning tea..." then he arrives at the door of her room... the servant bows as he enters... then exits quickly and waits by the door... Iain walks over to the bed and lays her down... the lass sinks deep into the down mattress:::::

Kennocha: She smiled and flushed a little bit teasing softly. " You don't look like a gypsy." As he settled her into the bed her small hand came up and caressed his cheek lightly. " no you definately don't look like one." She then snuggled into the covers with a soft sigh and a tinkle of bells.

Iain: Iain laughed... "Does one require the appearance of a gypsy to be one?" then he sits upon the bed beside her. "I am a bastard among nobles... the product of a man's pleasure with a village lass... who then turned his back upon the lass... and eventually upon the son..." he looks down at her and smiles... "But I am alive... healthy and well off... and this means much to me..." his hand finds her face, caress it...offering a smile.

Kennocha: She chuckled at the first part of what he said shaking her head. " No I suppose not." But then as she listed to all he had to say she frowned softly even as he smiled. His hand upon her cheek caressing softly had her eyes closing as she nuzzled against his caress. " Still its not fair that he treats you like you don't exist. You are his son no matter who your mother was its not your fault he chose to sleep outside of his marriage bed." She spoke with a deep passion as she said this and then turned her head to kiss the palm of his hand holding it to her cheek as she looked up at him.

Iain: "She was not his wife... and his wife was of wealth... my mother was of the serfs... and died with my birth... Still... bear not on the past... focus upon the present... for that is what I do..." his hand strokes her hair, his slate grey eyes looking her over and over... "If yu desire, I could find some sleep clothes..." then he starts to rise.

Kennocha: She held his hand a little tighter and shook her head. " No these are fine. Please, stay with me till I fall asleep." Suddenly she didn't want to be alone in this big strange house, and he was her only comfort. She turned on her side and cuddled his hand under her cheek and held it there her golden eyes watching him drooping sleepily.

Iain: With a smile, he turned a bit and sat back down at her urgance... then at her request to remain, he smiled... and laid down next to her... his hand caressing her hair and stroking it gently... "Sleep then M'Lady.."

Kennocha: She gave a soft contented sigh and curled her small body against his her head tucked under his chin. The stroking of his fingers through her hair was soothing, and before long she was sleeping soundly.

Iain: He lay there until his own eyes began to bat against sleep... her soft rush of air as she breathed... soon, he was asleep beside her, fully clothed... and he didn't even make the usual suggestive remarks... had this gypsy cast a spell upon him???

Kennocha: No, no spell that she knew of. It was not till the brilliant autumn sunlight lit the room that she woke. She was still snuggled against him the blankets and their clothing separating them. She stirred softly with a little purr as she began to streatch slowly opening her eyes to see him there beside her. She smiled and lifted onto her elbow, her hair cascading against her face and shoulder as she lifted a small hand to brush some hair from his forehead.

Iain: He sleep the best in many years... and he was awake before her... yet he desired more to remain next to her... and only opened his eyes when she touched him.... "G'morn M'Lady..."

Kennocha: She smiled sleepily, her voice sweetly huskier then normal as sleep still claimed her vocals." Good morning m'Lord." She said softly, "Did you sleep well?" Even as she asked this she snuggled agianst his side again her head on his chest listening to the beat of his heart. It was in that instant that she knew that if she werent careful she would fall for him, waking up like this next to him strangely felt so right, it almost scared her.

Iain: "I did... the best I had for many years..." and instead of the usual ravaging the woman in the bed.... he kissed her forehead and rose from the bed. Only a glance over his shoulder as he opened the door... "Emily..." he bellowed out.... and as the servant arrived... "M'Lord?" Iain smiled... "Hot tea... and bread... jam and jerky..." The servant curtsyed and disappeared.... Iain then made his way back to bedside.

Kennocha: She whimpered a little when he rose from the bed dislodging her. Then sat up as he called for the maid. She was raking her fingers through her sleep tangled hair when he sat back on the bed, then curled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them as she studied him with a dimpled smile."I don't think I have slept that well in a long time myself.'She answered. As she sat there her dark hair fell over the side of her face caressing her soft skin giving her an unintentional seductive look. It was like the girl had no idea she was beautiful and desireable.

Iain: Stopping just short of the bed's edge... Iain looked down at her... "I shall speak boldly... for I shall hide nothing from ye..." he smiles... "I have not had such a beautiful woman in my bed, that I did not take for all she had... but tis something respectful that I did not push myself 'pon you... yu are soooo beautiful... and desirable beyond imagination.... Tis not that I do not wantt you... but tis something I feel is worth working for..." he smiles and kneels beside the bed looking at her.

Kennocha: Her eyes opened wide at what he told her a flush coming to her cheeks. "I do not see how you can think I am beautiful...... " She started to say and then the last of his statement was made and he kneeled there beside the bed. She sunk down into the covers again and rolled to her side her small hand moving to stroke his cheek softly. " Thank you. No one has ever wanted to do that, they simply wanted to take what they thought I had to offer.... " She leaned forward then and pressed her lips softly to his in a light tender kiss.

Iain: The relationship that was developing was new to both of them... For once Iain had been truthful and forward to a woman... he could only smile and caress the long dark hair... constantly reassuring her of her beauty and his deire to be different than he usually was.

Kennocha: She rested her head near his, intimately close but not invasive." So tell me why you think you have gypsy blood soaring through those incredibly handsom veins of yours." She asked in a soft tone, her fingers trailing idly up and down his arm as they spoke. She deeply appreciated the truth he had given her, and promised herself she would speak nothing but the truth to him, even if it killed her to do so.

Iain: He chuckled... "I believe it is my divergence from the normal... the unusual look at life, and my carefree belief of what people think about me... I am often alone... but deep down hate being alone..." his slate grey eyes looked at her... and his head nudged hers playfully.

Kennocha: She chuckled softly and nuzzled her head against his with a playful purr, then whispered softly. " you are not alone now." her heart ached for him. She knew what it was like to be alone wheather sitting in your room with yourself and a book or in a crowded room and yet it was like you did not exist. She knew.

Iain: A calloused hand caressed her face,,, and pulled her into a seductive kiss... first slow, light kisses... then as she reacted, he kissed her deeply... Feeling his body become physically excited, he pulled free from the kiss and looked at her... smiled and pulled away from her.... as he stood, she would see why he decidely to move from her.

Kennocha: She whimpered softly when he kissed her, her breathing growing more excited as she kissed him back allowing him to deepen the kiss. Her small hand cupping the side of his face and trailing along it when he pulled back. She did take note of his excitement and it was not like her body had not reacted either, she now ached in places she had never truely ached before. She caught her breath and then slid from the bed and stood as well. She came to him and nuzzled his neck a moment leaning against him, then turned away and went to the balcony. She looked like a tiny sprite all wild and free. As she moved the bells she wore tinkled softly. When she had the doors open she reached her hand out to him wanting him to join her.

Iain: Cool air... fresh autumn kewl air... soon the throes of winter would be upon the land.... Kennocha was a breath if fresh air for him... just as what he needed to make him alive again.... just as the cool air would subside the rushing pangs of passion.... he walked to the balcony and stood next to her... then he cuddled her in his arms.

Kennocha: She snuggled into his arms her own wrapping around his waist her head resting on his chest Letting his warmth keep her warm in the cool breeze. " I could get used to this.' She whispered softly almost to herself as she looked out over the scenery below. She felt safe in his arms, safe here with him, something she rarely had ever felt before. Even as a young child she had known fear at the hands of more then one male. And here was this one, going against his own nature and being gentle and tender, and taking his time. " It is beautiful here, did you pick this place out yourself or did someone choose it for you?"

Iain: Peering over her dark hair out into the darkness, he listened... "And I too..." then his hand caressed silky hair... "Thank you... it is beautiful here... and I chose it myself..." he placed a kiss to her head..

Kennocha: She smiled at the tender action and let her eyes look up at him rather then out at the glorious view. " Your welcome." She answered then asked softly. " Why is it some lucky girl hasent snatched you up." She saw no fault in him, but then she had not seen the way he was with other women just how he was with her. Perhaps if she knew she would know just how different she was to him and be deeply honored by that.

Iain: He laughed, his chest expanding against her... "Yu shall have to find that out yerself..."

Kennocha: She chuckled softly enjoying the sound of his laughter. She tilted her head up one hand reaching up to draw his face towards hers enough so that she could look into his eyes and said with a soft smile. " Well I am glad no one has. Otherwise this moment would be very different."

Iain: Iain just laughed and squeezed her... "Kennocha... this moment is very different... trust me..."

Kennocha: She chuckled softly and rested her head agianst his chest again. There she stood quietly enjoying his embrace and enjoying the rise of the sun. It was the knock on the door that would shatter the peaceful moment as their breakfast would arrive. She almost groaned in protest as the door opened and the little maid set up a tray with their food. When she had left she lifted onto tip toe and kissed the corner of his mouth and asked quietly. " Shall we go eat?" She was reluctant to leave his arms but she was also hungry.

Iain: laughing at her expression, he guided her back inside... and allowed her to sit down and eat... he paced the room and then settled down next to her... and he too began to eat..

[kennocharhaine]

Kennocha: Breakfast had been a wonderful affair, they had sat together eating and chatting and laughing, learning little things about each other. Kennocha told him her favorite color was purple, her nickname was Kennie given to her by a little boy who couldn't pronounce her name. Her best friend was her horse, a black and white gypsy vanner stallion she called Hustler.

Just as they were finishing their breakfast they were interrupted and a missive was given to Iain. He found that he had something he had to take care of leaving Kennocha on her own for the time being. When she said she would go to her Vardo, he begged her to stay there instead for a little while longer. The pleading in his slate-gray eyes tore at her heart and she agreed. She kissed his cheek and asked him to hurry back.

And so it was that just after the noon hour she could be found out in the garden. The atumn sun shining down on her dark brown hair which was pulled back into a braid. She wore her cloak to ward off the chill. She sat on a bench near the fountain peering into the water, humming softly and lost in her own little world.

Iain: Running an estate and being a tanist was not easy… and it tore him from her… But after some persuasion, she agreed to wait until he returned…

The meeting was with Anwen Maubrey… the Maubreys once again attempting to sway the Robertson Clan to their side… and yet again, Iain was able to stall them… He was playing a deadly game… maneuvering the Maubreys to oust Alexander and to assist him in gaining control of the Robertson Clan in totale… But would his maneuvering have to go against the Duke? The Duke had befriended him, even when Caden entered the picture… and Lord Adam continued to befriend both sides of the Clan… This time Iain was able to ward off any decisions one way or the other… and he hurried back to Kennocha…

Arriving back at the manor, Jared told him that the lass was in the garden. His long-legged stride took him quickly around the manor and closer to where she sat… then with a bit of stealth, he snuck up behind her… and with a quick action, he hugged her around the waist and kissed her neck… “Miss me?”

Kennocha: She yelped in surprise when his arms encircled her but when she felt his lips on her soft neck she shivered imperceptively and leaned against him chuckling at his question. She turned her head to look up at him. "Yes I did actually" her voice playfully surprised. She grinned that sweet dimpled grin at him then turned in his arms to face him, her arms slipping around his neck, her fingers fiddling with the back of his hair. " You know you will have to let me go home eventually, if for nothing else then to change my clothes." She looked down at the skirt and tunic she wore, the same ones she had been wearing the night before now wrinkled and slept in. When she looked back up at him her eyes were twinkling with amusement and her nose wrinkled telling him she was teasing.

She sighed softly then and leaned all her weight against him asking softly. " What is this you do to me Iain? I have no wish whatsoever to leave you, even to do something so simple as go back to my Vardo and change. It feels like the distance is too far to be away from you." Her golden brown eyes lifted to find his, as if searching for answers. She was not unhappy with the way he made her feel, quite the opposite, she felt light and free here with him, and she had never felt like that with anyone.


Iain: "Ya know Kennocha… I feel that the gypsy in yu has hexed me…" he smiled… "for I find myself wanting to be with yu more and more…" Her being much shorter than he… his hands go to her waist and he lifts her up upon the bench… and with that he looks up to her…

"I find myself drawn to yu… forsaking my dark habits…" His slate gre eyes scan her head, soaking in beauty and then focusing on her eyes… "usually, by now, yu would have been ravaged in my bed, my stables, and here in this garden…" he looks away… "Not that I do not wish it anyways, but something keeps be at bay…"

Kennocha: She gave a little sound of surprise as he lifted her onto the bench. A sweet smile curving her lips as he spoke. She was surprised when he spoke of dark habits, of ravaging her in different places, she flushed a delightful pink. Her small hand came to cup his face when he looked away and gently turned his head back towards her. When he was looking at her again she studied his face then stroked her fingers through his hair. When she spoke, it was soft, a whisper that only the two of them could hear. "There comes a time in everyone's life when someone special enters it, someone you want to be different with, where you find yourself softening, and growing tender and wanting to protect..... " She paused and let her fingers stroke his face. " Does how you feel right now scare you?" She was curious because it scared the hell out of her, but then she had learned long ago to embrace things like this.

Iain: "Yes, I assume there comes that time to do all those things with someone... and yes, it scares the hell out of me... I fear that I would be seen as weak... or have a falicy, by my enemies..." His embrace now weakened, his hands caressing the material at her legs... his face still remained upward to her...

Kennocha: She smiled softly. " Caring for someone, Loving some one Iain, is not a weakness. It might give your enemies something to hold over your head at some point or another, but only if you let them." Her fingers softly stroked over his chin, sliding against his lips. " Don't let that hold you back from getting what you want, from being happy." She whispered very softly as she dipped her head to kiss him softly.

Iain: He returned the kiss, but restrained from fully enveloping her senses in it... she could feel the tension... but she knew from the kiss that he wanted more... Then with the end, his hand caressed her face, his eyes narrowed a bit... "But that is just what can be used... a weakness, if yu will... to gain from it... I know for I have committed that very circumstance..." then he paused and looked away again, as if some shame ate at him... Then at that he looked back at her....

"What I want is not usually what I need... and what I need is not usually what I want..." he pauses... "Or what I am afraid to admit I want..."

Kennocha: She felt him holding back, and it made her heart pound in her chest. She gave a soft whimper of protest when he pulled back. She nuzzled her face into his hand, kissing his palm softly. She would have protested what he said, pointed out that what she knew of Bess and Adam, Bess made Adam stronger and vice versa. But the shame that was writ on his face tore at her heart and then the last of his words made her belly flop within her and made her want to wrap her arms around him and protect him from the world, protect him from himself. " You can't live your life in fear of the unknown Iain." Her hands rested on his shoulders and she leaned against him, letting him hold her up as she continued. " Are you willing to let fear lead you, and let what is happening between us go unexplored?" She asked this softly bending her head to whisper the last in his ear.

Iain: He laughs… as this was a natural way to hide embarrassment or shame… “I lived my life in fear… or worse… in the shadow of Alexander Robertson…” he leans his forehead to her breasts… “…but still the Lord could have brought me in… but he pushed me away… He accused me of killing my brother Daniel… and hunted me for execution… but now as a grown man, experienced… I have returned… and returned to see him die… Now I find that my nephew Caden is tanist over me… so now the Clan is divided amongst itself…”

Then he tightens his grasp about her as she whispers… And shakes his head slightly at her words… His words are spoken into the folds of her blouse… “I fear for yu… I need to protect yu from myself…”

Kennocha: As she listened and his head rested against her soft breasts, her hands slid into his hair stroking tenderly. One hand sliding through his hair the other stroking his back. She bent her head to kiss the top of his softly as she spoke. "Revenge will eat at you Iain. It will twist you into someone you don't want to be. From what I hear, Alexander deserves to be flogged for mistreating you and not seeing you for who you are. But don't let his poison, ruin you." Her fingers drifted to stroke his face, her heart going out to him.

When he tightened his arms around her she smiled and held him tighter as well her hands cradled his head and gently lifted it so she could look into his eyes, tenderness, and even the ghost of tears for what he had been through swelled in her own golden gaze. She stroked his skin softly. " Why do you have to protect me from yourself Iain. I see before me a Man with an aching heart, A good man fighting to survive the wrongs thrown his way. A man who has perhaps chosen a few wrong paths but deep down has a good heart that rebels against your past actions." She studied his face and then dipped her head to softly kiss his eye lids, the bridge of his nose. " They are past actions Iain, I for one will not hold them against you." She leaned her forehead against his with a soft smile. She watched him as her words sunk in, and she knew in her heart that even if he turned away it would be too late for her. Some where between their first meeting and this very moment, she had lost her heart, though she was not ready to admit that to him, or even herself.

[kennocharhaine]

Iain: She knew how to get to him... he had not spoken any of this to no one... family nor friend... and now he is ushering his life, his fears, to a stranger? or was she? The slate grey eyes wagged back and forth as he looked at her... etching every facet, every blemish, though few, to memory... It was if he was counting hairs upon her head... engraving that to memory too... He could smell her, sweet.... When his head was upon her breast, he could even count the heartbeats... He never even considered this before with any woman... Women had come and went in his life... always sated... never satisfied... always loved... but never in love... he was hexed... regardless...

Kennocha: Her fingers slid through his hair as she watched him She wanted to get lost in him, wanted them to get lost in each other. She had never wanted that before. With him it was like no one else in the world existed. Her fingers traced the corners of his lips and she asked him softly. " Please Iain, don't walk away from this." her eyes were soft and pleading, but at the same time there was understanding, and he would know if he did walk away, she would understand, but would not go away completely either.

Iain: Walk away? He would be completely insane to walk away from this lass... He had walked away from everything before... left it... only to return to find it gone, destroyed, or nullified in his life... No he would not walk away.... and something in her eyes told him that she would not leave... "I shant Kennocha... and I ask you not to walk away either..." his hand finds her face and caresses it... "But know that it shant be easy for us... should we decide to pursue this..."

Kennocha: She smiled softly showing off those adorable dimples. She dipped her head to nuzzle into the hand that caressed her face. " I am not going anywhere. Nothing in life is easy Iain, and this is more then worth the risk." she answered then turned her head to kiss his palm softly. One hand came up to cup the back of his hand as she continued to nuzzle and kiss his hand, hiding the sudden fall of tears. She had been afraid that he would walk away, and now in a rush of emotion, joy that he wasent going to, and fear of the unknown, but so much more as well, made the tears impossible to hold at bay.

Iain: Emotions ran amuck... a knot stuck in his throat, and his chest was tight... The caressing, the kiss and touch to his hand, and her tears, took control of the moment... It was then that he embraced her, his hand at the knape of her neck... he pulled her down to him... and with bated breath, he crushed his mouth upon hers, a strong arm pulled her close to him... and he lifted her from the bench... His torso turned and he sat down, setting her straddled upon his lap, the material of her skirt shuffled with a free hand... the kiss never broken... only enflamed more once he was able to sit and have her truely facing him at his level... Emotions were high... and they needed each other... but did they know that already? What would people say of the Lord and the Gypsy??

Kennocha: She gave a soft little sound of surprise as he kissed her but then her arms went around him and her legs slid around his waist as he lifted her off the bench. Her breath caught in her chest as she kissed him back her soft tongue dancing with his. He set them down on the bench She straddled his lap and she scooted as close to him as possible. She whimpered softly. From what she heard of the Duke and Dutchess. Naught would be said about it. They were made for each other that much was apparent as a fire built between them as they devoured each other in a heated kiss that threatened to set the garden on fire.

Iain: The passion run deep and hard thru him... and she would notice... his arms wrapped around her... and hands caressing her... He was breathing hard by now... oh he wanted her so bad... to feel such love, coupled with passion ravaging one another... both devoured by what love is suppose to be... but what was love? How did it feel? One quick glance, then he began to kiss her ever so passionately again.

Kennocha: She felt him under her and she whimpered again this time in desire. She panted softly when they came up for air. Her eyes searched his, golden pools darkened swirling with passion and want and yes love. Unconciously she rotated her hips against him her body caressing his arousal which just served to arouse her more. A soft cry as he kissed her again and she kissed him back with equal passion.

Iain: Material... that was what kept them from consumating when she moved and captured him in her folders... a muffled sigh against the passionate kiss his hands were soon under the skirt... blindly, frantically attempting to free her and himself... With the bonds of clothes, he cursed against her lips... No words were spoken... only sighs, whimpers, and cursed mixed with heavy breathing and groans.

Kennocha: She giggled softly and reached down to stay his hands. She framed his face then and whispered softly. " Not here Iain. Take me to your room." She couldn't believe she was offering herself to him like this but she wanted nothing more in this very moment then to give herself to him completely.

Iain: Leaning back against the bench... he took a deep breath and nodded... Up til now... he would had taken the female completely, taking her for all he could... then kicking her by the wayside... but not this one... he was fighting the urge... and yet he almost stayed the course of previous engagements... As he allowed her to rise from him, he took yet another deep breath attempting to calm down.... "Let's go..." then he stood...

Kennocha: She slid from his lap in a flutter of skirts When he stood she laced her fingers with his and let him lead the way through the house to his rooms. She smiled as he let her enter first then closed the door behind them. She turned then to face him, bringing his hand to her lips to kiss his knuckles softly.

Iain: They walked as if they had a mission... no detours, no discussions... right to his bedchambers... Then inside, he closed the door... She is a figment of absolute beauty... her nose with a slight upturn... the trim of her eyes... his hands raise and fluff her hair just to feel the texture... and as he leans down to kiss her... a knock on the door occurs... "Iain... Iain... its Erin... I got word of Jonas and Caden..." Iain paused, looked at Kennocha, and glanced back at th door.

[Lord Iain Robertson]

Iain Robertson: Iain listened to Erin discuss the demise of Jonas and the kidnapping of Caden...

Kennocha Rhaine: In his room she paced for the time being. A rustle of her skirts as she waited for him. It did not take her long to find his balcony and she stepped out onto it the late afternoon sun shining down, but not warming the day much more from the light chill that had begun to settle in. She leaned against the balcony and began to sing, a soft little lullaby taught to her by her mother as a babe.

Iain Robertson: "Send five men... look for my nephew... if he is found, kill his captors... bring the boy to me..." he said... Erin simply listened and nodded... "Aye M'Lord..." then Iain looked at Kennocha, then back to Erin.... "Belay that... find them, bring him here.. spare the captors... The Duke will judge..." then he started back to the balcony...

Kennocha Rhaine: She felt him come near, she had heard his words and they made her smile even as she continued to sing. As he came to the balcony, she reached a hand back for him without looking back at him.

Iain Robertson: "Yu have eyes in the back of yer head?" he chuckled and took her hand... only to turn her around and face him... "Yu lass... shall be my undoing..."

Kennocha Rhaine: She smiled as her lullaby faded off into a soft echo before she stepped to him. "MMm no, no eyes in the back of my head, but we are connected in one way or another and so when you are near I can feel you." Strange perhaps but that was part of who she was. Then to the last of his words she smiled. "As long as that is a good thing then I will try harder to make sure that is so." She teased him softly as she stepped closer to him letting her small frame rest lightly against his.

Iain Robertson: "My nephew has been kidnapped... and my cousin Jonas has been shot and killed..." Iain was a bit cold in the explanation... but she would find out soon enough... "we could have been more connected if we had not been interrupted...." he smirks…

Kennocha Rhaine: His words on his nephew and his cousin came to wash over her his tone left her to wonder what he actually felt on that matter and then in the next breath he was teasing her again making her flush. She reached up on tip toes to nibble at his bottom lip whispering softly. "We are alone again are we not?" She asked in a softly seductive husky tone. Never had she wanted to be with someone like she wanted to be with him.

Iain Robertson: Looking at her with a smile, he kissed her nose... "Aye, we are..." then he lifts her off her feet.... cradled in his arms, he turns and walks thru the double doors and enters his bedchambers... setting her down... he winks... then turns to a big box upon a table... opening it, he took out glasses and a bottle of wine... removing the cork, he pours the two glasses 3/4 full... then setting down the bottle, he picks the glasses up and walks to her... With a smile, he hands her a glass... His glass tipped toward her.... "Cheers !!"

Kennocha Rhaine:She laughed as he picked her up and took her inside then opened a bottle of wine and handing her a glass. Her smile reached her eyes making them twinkle with merriment as she clinked her glass with his gently. "Cheers" she said softly before taking a sip of the wine.

Iain Robertson: He downed the whole glass... his eyes never leaving her as he peered over the rim... setting the glass down he moved to her and in behind her, his arms wrapping around her... his hot breath grazing her neck as h leaned forward and kissed her bare shoulder... "Yes... cheers to us..." and he pulled her back against him...

Kennocha Rhaine: She leaned back against him taking another sip from her wine before setting it down beside his now empty glass. She rested her head on his shoulder and turned her head to kiss his chin after he had kissed her shoulder. She snuggled into him. "Aye cheers to us Iain." she turned her head up to look at him then laced her fingers with his moving them to settle on the light curve of her belly. "When I was little, barely 6 years old. My father grew very angry with me, I don't remember why. But he grabbed me by the throat, if it weren’t for my mother hitting him over the head and knocking him out he would have totally crushed my windpipe, and would have killed me." She said very softly, it was the first time she had told anyone that.

Iain Robertson: Her moving his hand, inspired other physical features to move... and as she confessed her youth... he kissed her neck again... "No one shall harm yu again... I swear..." as he squeezed her.

Kennocha Rhaine: She smiled softly at that and then lifted one hand from his and cupped his cheek. She turned her head till she found his lips and kissed him softly, a light brush of her lips against his. "Thank you Iain. You make me feel safe and protected."

Iain Robertson: "Truly, I must confess... yu scare me... Kennocha... All I have learned... all I have done... all I know... tis upside down... inside out, like a shirt discarded... but with yu... it all seems so far away...."

Kennocha Rhaine: That brings a smile to her soft lips and she turns to him curling into his lap and caressing his face. "It is like suddenly when you are near the whole world does not exist around us save for this place and time when we are together." She smiled and looked into his eyes.

Iain Robertson: "Damn yu gypsy... for I am hexed..." and he took a handful of hair... pulled her to him, his mouth crushed upon hers... he began to kiss her fully and passionately... his hands exploring her form.

Kennocha Rhaine: She smiled at his words and then her moan was muffled as he kissed her deeply passionately. She kissed him back deeply pressing her lovely body against his whimpering against his lips as she felt his hands roam her body while one of her own hands sank into his hair holding him to her and her other found the ties that held his shirt closed and slowly began to pluck them free and open so she could touch his skin underneath.

Iain Robertson: He too began to find laces, ties, and threaded string... soon her shoulders were bare, and her bosom exposed... leaning down, he began to kiss bare skin, the fine stubble of unshaved skin pricked at soft untouched skin.... his hand took the hair in its grasp, and pulled, her throat extended and exposed as he began to nibble, kiss, and caress...

Kennocha Rhaine: Her head was drawn back and soft little sounds of pleasure erupted from her soft lips as his mouth and tongue branded her skin with a burning fire that threatened to consume her. She abandoned her task of opening his shirt and instead slid her fingers into his hair holding his head to her loving the feel of his mouth against her skin. "Iain..." She whispered his name softly as pleasure consumed her. Her slender hips began to rock softly against him as need began to race through her small body, a need for something more, what? She knew in the back of her head but had never experienced before.

Iain Robertson: He could feel her rock against him and rub him in ways that drove the passion high... delicate fumbles upon strings were accelerated to pulling against material... slight curses added to the kisses... the nibbles endured loveable bites as his teeth kneaded skin... not to break or bruise but to invigorate and seduce... soon the top was pulled away from her form... and her upper torso was his for the taking and took he did…