New Day - Chapter Fifteen

  
 
 



"Unexpected Welcome"
 
 Sir Conor O'Fearghail
Lady Bronwen
Captain of the Guards (NPC)

The lands that belonged to Iowerth were well cared for even in his
absence. The road's brush was kept back to prevent brigands easy
prey and the farmlands were well fenced and in good care.  A sign
of a good lord is always evident first in his fences and secondly
in his crofters' homes.  As they grew closer to the keep, now
rising above them on a hill cleared of trees, the crofters' homes
were scattered about.  All of them were in good repair and many had
flowers or fruit trees close by.  

The road up the hill to the keep had even been cobbled somewhat, to
prevent the horses from slipping in increment weather.   The walls
of the keep were free of mosses and other its that would show
neglect. For an absent lord, things were definitely well in hand.  

The men were met by three stablehands that moved swiftly to help
secure the horses and Sir Conor was met by a well dressed
gentleman.  "Good day sir.  If you will state your business, I will
be sure to move swiftly to assist." 

Conor took in the surroundings as they rode up to the Keep. As he
was greeted, his eyes and those of his men noticed the bowman on
the walls and surrounding area. "I come on behalf of the King. Lord
Alterian bade me come here. I have came to escort Lady Bronwen and
her child to the Kings Castle."

"You have his letter of authorization?" The man demanded.  

The Captain leaned down and handed the man a scroll.  It was
unrolled and only after the man had scanned it's contents and seal
did he raise his hand and signal the bowmen to stand down.  "My
apologies, milord, I cannot be to careful these days. If you and
your captain would care to join me inside, I will see to it the
rest of your men are brought food and drink.  I am Ferhale
Flannigan, his Grace's seneschal." 

Conor dismounted and held out his arm in greeting. "I am Sir Conor
O'Fearghail. I trust that there hasnt been any trouble here lately?
The lands look well kept and we didnt have any disturbances on our
journey."

"It has been very quiet." The man clasped Conor's arm warmly in
greeting.  "Her Highness is adamant that the crofters are well
cared for.  But then, so was her mother. We are used to such duty
and attention. As for trouble, we have had none and it is about
time with war and such so recently fought." 

Conor nodded his head. "Even more reason for me to escort Lady
Bronwen and her child to safety of the Kings castle. You must have
heard of the followers of the One God and all the other trouble
stirring."

"Yes, word that their leader has been taken has reached our ears.
Is this true?" said Ferhale.  He led the two men within the keep.
It was clean and as well kept as any other building they had seen.
They were shown into a smaller room, made warm by fires and
tapestries depicting beautiful sunrises over oceans, fields and
mountains.

"Yes, i believe it is. Her followers are still at large however and
can still pose a threat. Which is why I have been sent here with my
contingent of men."

"Ah, well there will be one small problem.  Bronwen is not the type
to easily move when other's push. The princess is, a favorite
of the household and has a sharp wit and eye."  Ferhale warned.
"Her father has not sent her a request to come home and this.." He 
held up the missive from Alterian, "is more of a command." 

"Yes, I have been told that she would be. And I have my orders. I
will do my best to convince her to come back to the Castle if she
refuses the King's summons. If she still refuses, I will remain
here until she leaves for the Castle."

The man smiled. "Ah, I can see why you were chosen to fetch her."
He laughed lightly.  "You had best be prepared for the battle of
you life."  With those cryptic words, he left the two men in the
warm room.  A servant entered with mulled wine and rolls with large
slabs of butter.

The Captain looked at the knight with concern. "How can she
refuse?"

Conor shook his head. "That, i do not know. She must either dislike
the King or have a very stubborn heart when it comes to what she
wants. I fear we shall see soon enough." He said, shortly before
downing half a cup of mulled wine.
 
True to his word, a young woman of maybe 19 summers swept into the 
room. She greeted them both warmly. "Good Day to you sirs, I
understand you have news from Alban. Come.. come sit.  You must
tell me everything. I have heard very little since before my
confinement." The young woman before them had long brown curled
hair, pulled back with a simple ribbon.  Her eyes were like soft
green moss and her complexion was golden.  It was clear she
was not afraid to let the sun shine on her face.  She was
well-formed for one who had recently given birth to a child.  Her
Kirtle was woad with a soft grey underdress.

Sir Conor bowed as best one could in plate-armor, but chose to
remain standing. It was also difficult to sit in such armor. "Good
day to you, milady. I am afraid that i do not know much but a few
rumors, as i had only recently arrived at Alban before being sent
here. However, i do believe that the cult-leader has been
apprehended."

Bronwen clapsed her hands to her lips.  "This is good news." She 
surveyed both men. "I will have you shown to rooms where you can
change into something more appropriate and you may join me for
dinner. My questions and your news can wait until then." Without
approval, she rang for a servant. "Prepare rooms for these men and
baths if they wish them."

Conor had no time to respond to her before she called in the
servant. "Milady, on behalf of the King, Lord Alterian sent me
here.
I am to escort you and your child to the Castle in Alban. The King
is worried after you safety. He fears that the Cultists will make a
move against you - an eye-for-an-eye so to speak - as the King has
their leader." He would have had to say it sooner or  later.

"Yes, yes, I am sure he does. We can discuss this when you are not
so encumbered.  I could not leave now at any rate." She said, 
dismissing any urgency.

Conor cast a glance at the captain. He hadn't thought to bring his
noble clothes with him on such a journey, though he would remember
to in the future. "It is hardly an encumberance. I'm afraid i do
not have any suitable clothes to change into - i did not expect too
long of a delay in the return journey."

"Well, sleeping in that will be difficult do you not think?" She
asked with a gentle smile.  "I am sure that between my father and
my brothers, we can accommodate you adquately.  Surely you
considered, that even were I willing to leave right away, that I
will need time to prepare?"  Brownen's smile warmed her face,
softening the thin lines.

"Milady, I was prepared to spend the night, but i was not prepared
to dine with you." A small smile crossed his face. "And Armor is
more comfortable then you think."

She smiled.  "I am sure. Especially given the fact that you remain
standing when a member of the royal house asked you to sit. That
leaves to assume either you cannot, which I beleive to be the case,
or, you are being impertinent?" She raised an eyebrow.

"I chose not to sit as i had more pressing matters to concern
myself with. And my legs needed to be stretched, having spent the
better part of today and most of the past several days on
horseback." He responded, which was in fact true. He had only
arrived at the Castle the day before, after several days of
wandering. 

"Then all the more reason for you to bathe and change." Bronwen
said imperiously. She turned and swept from the room, leaving
the two men to their own devices.

Conor turned to the Captain. "Well, not what i expected. I guess i
had better go and do as she bids. Go tell the men to make
themselves comfortable and tell them that they'll have plenty of
warning before we return to the castle. Do that and then go make
yourself presentable - you are to come and dine with Lady Bronwen
and myself as she said." Conor shook his head as he turned away,
lost in his thoughts, and turned to follow the servant.



----------------------------------------------------


"A Stranger Dinner"
Sir Conor
Princess Bronwen
 
Sir Conor had bathed in a hot tub of water. He was sure he stank of
horses and the road from the journey to the Keep. He didn't bathe
too long, as he didn't want to keep the Lady waiting. He needed to
play his cards straight so as to convince her to come back to the
Castle. After he had dried off, he fit himself into the clothes
that had been provided for him. They were a little tight around his
shoulders, his build only slightly larger then he who had occupied
them last, but they fit snugly. The Captain was waiting for him
when he left the chambers the servant had shown him. He nodded his
head in greeting and led the way to the dinning hall.

The hall was filled with men and women.  Where they had all came
from was anybody's guess.  The lady sat at the high table along
with the man who had greeted them. Two places to her left remained
open. She smiled in greeting and indicated the seats beside her. 
The hall was noisy but joyous.  The food looked well prepared and
even the rushes upon the floor were freshly cut. 

The hall reminded Sir Conor of the one he had eaten dinner in the
night before, though only a slightly smaller version of it. His
eyes met those of Lady Bronwen's and he led the Captain up to the
table. He bowed in greeting before taking a seat immediately to her
left. "Good evening, Milady."

"Thank you, Sir Conor... Captain." She smiled at them. "Come, sit
and speak with me as to why I am not safe here in my father's
house." As she spoke, a page filled his glass.

Conor hadn't really thought about why it wasn't safe here. "Well, if
the Cultists want to get back at the King, they would target you.
Eye-for-an-eye. And the King would not be as worried about you if
you were at his Castle. Remaining here causes him to worry about
you, and it would relieve some pressure on him if you were to
return to the Castle, as he has other things to worry about too."

"And I am to be concerned about the worries of my brother,
because?" She asked softly as she sipped from her goblet. Since the
death of Seth, the woman had been forced to reflect on life a great
deal and did not like what she saw.

"Because you are his sister. You are more closely related to him
then anyone else. Being a King is no easy task, and the less he has
to worry about the better. Do it for his well being." He responded.
He still hadn't touched his goblet.

Bronwen looked about the hall and sighed. She took a drink from her
goblet. "I have given to the crown.  I do not wish to return to
it's prison.  But I suppose you will stay here until I relent, yes?"
She looked at him with such a direct gaze for a woman that few
could have withstood it.

Conor averted his eyes to his goblet, which he quickly drank from.
"Yes, milady. I will stay here until you relent. It is my duty to
the King."

"I suppose you wish to leave immediately." She said again.  She
pushed her plate away. "By the Gods, I do not wish this. I like it
here."  She had suffered in Alban and all bad memories centered
there. Her capture by Sanglet, her humiliations at his hands and the
death by his hand of her only love. 

Conor nodded his head. "We will leave in the morning so as to give
you time to gather your belongings and make sure the Keep will be
well, looked after in your absence."

"I see."  She said, "then it is best I play tonight for tomorrow I
go back to the dungeons of Alban." She said cryptically. She called
a servant forward and whispered in his ear.  Then returned to her
meal, saying nothing more. A few minutes more, a troupe of
musicians entered and began to play.  The hall became more lively
and drink flowed freely to all 

Conor was puzzled. He had not known the reasons for her coming to
live out here, though the way she spoke of already giving to the
crown and not mentioning a husband suggested to him that there
husband had been killed. But why did she resent to returning to the
castle so much? "If i may ask, milady, as i hope i am not intruding
on your personal life, but why do you resent Alban so much?"

"Nothing good has ever happened to me while I resided there." She
said quietly. "Well, I guess that is not true, but many bad
things.. memories are there.  Many memories that hurt very much."
She said reflectively, taking a sip from her cup.  It was clear
that the lady had no fear of being in her cups.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I did not know." He wished he hadn't
asked.
It was also why he had left his home. "I understand your reasons
for wanting to stay. If you like, I will see if we can get you
accommodations outside of the Castle itself, but within its walls,
so that you wont have to be inside very often."

"It is not the castle, my lord, it is the very city.  I will go, do
not concern yourself. You do your duty and I will not see you
punished for the lack."  She smiled at him.   "Come, you have
hardly touched your meal. You will insult my staff."

No wonder he had been picked for the task of bringing her to Alban.
He knew not of her past, and it was evident that Alban pained her
greatly. He did as she bade, picking at his meal, having lost his
appetite. "Aye, I am sorry to be the one that bade you return to a
place of such pain."

"Do not fret, it is not your fault. I am sure you will be well
rewarded for this task.  Is there any danger to my daughter if we
travel?" She looked at him with concern for the first time. 

Conor shook his head. "We had no trouble coming here, and the
probability of trouble is very low. Only the Kings most trusted me
accompanied me here. All are ready to give their lives to protect
you and your daughter should we fall under attack. Again, that is
not likely."

"My brother would not send an armed contingent unless he was
genuinely concerned. I came here with far less." She said with a
sigh. "I will be ready." She stood.  "Gentlemen, my hall is yours.
Please enjoy the food, wine and company." She had noticed more then
one maid flashing them smiles.  "Good evening." 

"There is always the risk, milady, and he didn't want to take any
chances." He emptied his goblet. "Thank you for your hospitality."

She stood.  "You are most welcome, and actually, it is my father's 
hospitality."  She curtseyed to the two men and left them.

Conor stood and bowed, thanking her again. He waited a few moments
after she left before excusing himself. He headed towards his quarters.



-----------------------------------------------------


"A Father's Intervention"
Lady Morgan Brasar
King Hawk
Princess Rowena
& General Iowerth

Morgan was actually surprised. She had been given a comb to smooth 
herhair and water first to drink and then to wash in. she was also 
given an illfitting but clean gown to wear.  She sat quietly, quite 
pleased with matters when a guard opened the door and beckoned her 
out.   Morgan was perplexed. She had expected solitude for at least 
two or three days. She was chained about the legs and wrists and then 
led to a small garden.

"You are to take air." The guard said and went to stand by the only 
entrance to the walled enclosure.  Morgan could be clearly seen by 
the guard. Morgan was puzzled by this directive but did not gain say 
it for in truth, enclosures terrified her and she found them difficult 
to handle.  She sat, enjoying the sun on her face.

Meanwhile, Hawk had led Rowena to a small door.  Rowena looked up at 
Hawk with confusion.  "How can I see Morgan from here?  We are above 
the ground and nothing but a small balcony is beyond this door?"

"I will lift you up, princess. So you can see it's really her." Her 
brother said. "I don't want you anywhere near her were she can hurt you."

"How am I to give her back her medallion that I took?" Rowena asked 
thoughtfully.  "I could drop it to her?"

"No, then she would see you.  I will see to it that she gets it later."

Rowena had hoped to do it herself. She would just have to sneak down and 
do it later.  She took a deep breath. "Okay, I am ready."

Her brother nodded. "just remember just watching don't do anything to 
draw attention."  Then he led his little sister out. Rowena waited for 
him to lift her up above the stone ballistade   She looked down at the 
woman inthe garden below.   Hawk watched as her eyes grew very large.  
She became tense in his arms.  "It is her." She whispered.

Morgan sat calmly with her eyes closed, enjoying the fresh air. Things 
were in movement, but she would be forced to endure this closure of her 
life from the things of natural.  She sensed her prey. Every sense told 
her that the girl she sought was close by.  Her eyes opened and looked 
around and then her gaze went up.  Her eyes met Rowena's and she smiled 
as if welcoming a long lost love.

Instinctively Hawk pulled his sister back shivering.  Rowena also was 
shivering. "That is her." She whispered, her hands clutching the still 
red scar of her throat.  "She ..She .. " Tears threatened to spill over 
and Rowena no longer felt as brave as she had when she had first stepped
out.

"Let's get you back to your room, sweetheart."  He said picking the trembling 
girl up.

Rowena clung to Hawk as if he were her last chance at survival. She did not 
speak when he took her back to her room. She had buried her face against his 
neck and he could feel her small body trembling.

"Will you be okay or do you want to sleep with Arianna and me tonight?" He 
gently stroked her hair.

"I want papa." She said in a squeaky voice.  All the bravado she had shown 
at wanting to see her attacker had now fled.  In its place was a scared little 
girl.

"I'll get him, Princess."  Hawk said and send a servant to find his father.  
He then tried to comfort his sister again.

"I did not think she would feel me.  I still feel her eyes." Rowena said 
whispering to her brother.

"It's OK sweetheart, she can't come near you."  The king whispered waiting 
for his father.

"You didn't capture her, Hawk. She is here with a purpose." Rowena said suddenly, 
the clarity of what she had seen and what she had been seeing with the medallion 
began to clear.  "However she was brought here, she wanted to come."  She pulled 
her face away and looked at him. "Why would someone want to be caught and imprisoned?"

"She'll die, no question about it."

At that moment Iorwerth stormed in. he immediately gathered his daughter in his 
arms, ignoring his son.  "What's wrong sweetheart?"

"Papa!" She threw her arms around her father and burst into tears. What words she 
managed to utter were incomprehensible because of her sobs.

Her father tried to console her, and then turned to his son for answers. Hawk briefly 
told what had happened.

"You let her go near that woman! have you gone soft in the head, Boy!"

"It was my fault, Papa." She whimpered against his shoulder.  "I wanted to be sure he 
had the right person.  Then .. then she looked at me and..it was like cold hands on my 
heart."

"Your brother should have known better.  We will keep you away from her now, little 
princess."  He cradled her in his strong embrace..

Rowena began to settle in her father's arms.   But it concerned her that her father 
might be angry with Hawk.  "Papa, it was my fault.  I would have went alone and he 
knew it."

Her father knew she was probably right. "And now you are going to promise not to 
something foolish again,are you not?"

"Papa, I don't think I can promise that?  I always seem to do something foolish when 
I think it is very smart." The little girl said with sudden insight.

"Then promise always to discuss things with your mother or me before you do something."

Rowena fell silent. She was not sure this was something she could promise either.  She 
just hugged her father tightly. "I love you." She whispered.

"That is not an answer, young lady."  He said gently.

"It is the best answer that I have, Papa." She said quietly. Though tears still dried 
upon her cheeks, she flashed him her most beguilling smile.

"You will have to do better."  He smiled back.  "And we will help you."

Rowena looked at her father supiciously. "Help me in what manner?" Her father could be 
tricky if she was not careful. She thought perhaps she was like him.

"Help you make right decisions and listen to your parents."  He said with a twinkle 
in his eyes.

Rowena looked with concern from her brother to her father. She did not like the sound of 
this helping.  "In what way, Papa?"

"To teach you what is appropriate behaviour for a young lady your age, so you know when you 
are doing something wrong." Hawk was smiling broadly by now.

"And.. how will you teach me this?" She asked wide-eyed. She was not sure she liked this 
conversation. She tried snuggling up to him, liking it much better when he was comforting her.

"Let me see... how about adult conversations, stricter rules.  It's what you want, isn't it?  
To be treated as an adult."

"Yes..sss.ss" She drew out the word for she could feel that something was amiss and the grin 
on Hawk's face was not helping. "What stricter rules, if I am to be treated more like an adult, 
there should be less of them?" Her problem of Morgan was all but forgotten in light of this new 
development.

"You think adults don't have to follow rules?  Are you mistaken, my child. Children's rules are 
easy compared to those."  She couldn't see from his face if he was joking or not.

"What rules?" She couldn't see how the rules she followed could possibly be worse. Besides, she 
was training to be a druid, so if she was treated as an adult they would have to recognize that 
as well.

"Responsibility, parents take a lot of decisions for their children. If you want to be treated 
like an adult, you have to make adult decisions, like not sneaking away, not throwing temper 
tantrums."

Rowena was not understanding how this was more rules? She wasn't supposed to do those things 
already.  She decided to say nothing and just nestle closer to her father.  He rarely held her 
and it felt safe in his arms. She did not understand what he was trying to say but did not want
to admit this.

"Or would you rather be treated like a child."  Her father said gently. "It's a lot easier."  
He kissed the top of her head.

"I don't see the difference." She said petulantly.  "I am tired, Papa." She shivered against 
him though it was not cold where they stood.

"Do you want to sleep with me tonight?  And we can talk some more about rules in the morning."

Rowena clutched at this rarely offered treat. "Yes papa, I would like that very much.  Hawk won't 
let me now that he sleeps with Arrianna."

Hawk snorted he had just offered her to sleep with him tonight. little liar!~he mouthed between 
their father's back. At that moment they were truly acting like siblings.

Rowena stuck her tongue out at him as her father took her from the room. Then she snuggled against 
his neck, truly acting like the child they all missed for one true moment.



-----------------------------------------


OOC: happens before the post with the bad witch.

"Visiting The Pretty Princess"
Kingdom of Abertawe
by Rowena ui Iorwerth
Ifor ap Culhwch
and Llywen Carrick of Waterford


It had been too long since Llywen had seen Rowena and he had decided that he would go see her if
she would not come see him. He had finished all his chores for the Duke, his reading assignments 
and math problems and went to the garden.

He picked a few of the pretty roses and wrapped them with a nice red piece of cloth and headed 
to the castle. The soldiers in the castle knew the little Baron well and allowed him entry. 
He was soon climbing the steps to the royal  wing and upon arrival knocked on Rowena's door. 
He made a point of not announcing himself.
 
 The maid opened the door and frowned at him. "It isn't proper milord for you to come calling 
without sending word. The princess is not here."
 
 "Sometimes she likes surprises," he replied, completely indignant. "Please tell me where she 
is and I will meet her there," he smiled up at the maid, using his vibrant, gleaming charm and 
eyes that looked like they came from a puppy.
 
"She is in the garden with her new protector." The maid said with a sigh. "You had best watch 
your step or you will find yourself at the end of another blade."
 
"Thank you milady," he smiled again at the maid. Once the door was shut he turned quick and 
headed to the garden. Once there he approached the guard, "Sir, I would like to speak to the 
princess please, may I do so?" Llywen smiled, and did not hide the flowers in his hand as he spoke.
 
The guard pointed out where Rowena was kneeling in the dirt beside a Squared patch of ground.
Beside her was a man of noble bearing and wearing a knighted   crest. "She be with Sir Ifor. 
Best mind your manners, she is his responsibility and he do not look the type to shirk his duty.
 
"Thank you," Llywen replied to the guard. He started for this new man Ifor. Why  was it that 
everyone assumed he was some kind of threat to Rowena? He loved her! Why would he ever hurt her?
 
Ifor was working with the princess, but he also looked around from time to  time. The garden was 
luckily enclosed, making his task a lot easier. If there were no archers on the walls, then he 
shouldn't worry too much. And currently they were in the middle of the garden, which also made his 
task easier.
 
When he looked up again, he spotted a young man, by the way he was dressed  almost certainly a
 noble, talking to the guard at the entrance of the garden.  Ifor, who didn't consider himself 
old, estimated the boy to be of an age  somewhere in between Rowena's and his. "Princess, I think 
we have company," he said to the young lady.
 
Rowena looked up and sighed. "Yes, I expect we have. If you would be so good as to let us speak, 
he is a friend." She said politely.
 
"And who is this friend," Ifor asked, not knowing the young man. He hadn't been very interested 
in all that stuff, but now it looked like he would have to.
 
"He is Llywen, a baron under my brother." She said as if it explained everything. "We are old 
friends. We were taken together when the sect tried to  keep me."
 
"Greetings Sir Knight, I have come to speak with your charge, I would  appreciate an audience?" 
Llywen replied before he even was close enough to hear  them speaking, just about ten yards away.
 
"Hi Rowena," he said with a friendly wave. He held the flowers by his chest so  she could see them 
and looked at the Knight.
 
Ifor stayed close, and he made a mental note to check who this young Baron was,  as well as other
 nobles in the area. They would make good allies or opponents,  and he would have to know about 
them. For now he just waited and listened.
 
"Greetings Llywen, I was not expecting you." Rowena got up and moved to him.  Her kirtle and her 
hands were covered in dirt. "As you can see, I am gardening."
 
Llywen smiled proudly, "I see that, I brought you flowers from the Duke's  garden. I thought you 
could put them in your room. Smell," he held them out to  her. "Can I help you in your gardening?"
 he asked politely. Llywen just wanted  to spend time with her, he didn't care what they did.
 
Rowena looked uncertainly at Sir Ifor. Her druidic protector had rarely been  seen and never spoke 
anything but one word answers to her. This man was  different. She was uncertain of what role he now 
played in her life or whether  or not she had to ask permission. "I.. does the Duke know you are here?"
 
"Yes, he said I could go and enjoy myself, but had to finish chores and my  studies. So, I rushed 
through them and came here to play with you," his eyes  looked on her adoringly. "So, what can I do 
to help you garden?" he held out  the flowers for her to take.
 
Ifor gave a look at the flowers, but he couldn't see anything unusual about  them. Next he scanned 
the rooftops, in case this was a diversion.
 
"Sir Ifor, could I walk with Llywen on the paths. They are well-guarded since  the Queen's attack."
 Rowena indicated the bowmen along the walled garden that  was her only refuge.
 
Llywen turned and looked at the Knight. It was good to be with Rowena again. He  missed her, he hated 
when he had so much to do and could not come and see her.  He remained silent as Rowena spoke.
 
"As you wish," Ifor said, "but do stay in the garden, please."  He would have to learn as much as he 
could about her normal routine, so he   could identify possible trouble spots.
 
Rowena smiled and took the flowers from Llywen. "Come, I have so much to tell  you." She took Llywen's
hand and pulled him down a path.



-------------------------------



"Theft by Design"
Lady Bronwen
Sir Conor O'Fearghail
Captain of the Guards (NPC)
 
 
Bronwen, true to her word, had been ready the next morning.  A
wagon of things that she wished to have sent had already been
prepared but would take a slower path then she and her child.  She
had rigged a way to stap her very young baby to her chest and
bundled it warmly.  She had said not a word to either man when they
had left the keep, for emotions ran to high for words.  
 
It was only when they had been on the road most of the day that she
finally calmed enough to approach Sir Conor.  "Good Sir, what of
the two or three nights we must pass to reach Alban?  I am
concerned that the night air will do my child ill? It is less then
a moon full moon's age and I am concerned?"

Conor had not slept well the night before, his mind a conflict of
emotions. He had ridden in silence, only issuing the basic of
commands to get things moving in the morning. "We have brought
extra blankets and a tent for you and your child, milday. If it is
extrememly cold, we can stop at a wayside-town and book a
room for you at an inn, though we would prefer not to do this. When
we camp, we will also make a fire, for its added warmth, milady."

She nodded.  "You seem troubled.  Please be sure, My Lord, to keep
me informed.  I am not some woe is me maid that I cannot handle 
distressing concerns."

Conor thought for a moment before speaking, his eyes glued to the
road ahead. "Milady, ever since i was young, i have been taught to
be a righteous Knight. To follow a certain Code of Conduct, to
stand by my morals, to be Chivalrous and Loyal no matter what. In
theory, it works, but real life is a different matter. In following
the orders of my King, being loyal and ovediant to him, I am going
against morals which i stand by. Forcing you to return to Alban
goes against what i feel in my heart. Escorting you back to Alban,
on paper, is an easy harmless thing to do. In reality, it is not.
The distress Alban causes you, and the fact that you are returning
against your will, does not feel right to me. But so would
disobeying my King. So i am caught in the middle."

"Do not fear so much.  I do miss my parents and they have not
see their grandchild.  It does distress me to return, for I feel
I have no use there.  At my father's house, I learned to run 
a household and it was so very easy to return to those duties.
I thank you for your concern."  Bronwen's horse suddenly reared
back and an arrow past by where she had sat only seconds earlier
and narrowly missed Sir Conor as well.  Bronwen was hard pressed 
to keep her seat and hold her child.

Conor turned his horse towards her, to between her and the
direction the arrow had orignated from, and grabbed the reins of
her horse to steady it, while drawing his sword with his other
hand. His armor would protect him from most arrows fired at
longrange, unless they were crossbows. "Protect the Lady!" He
yelled to the nearest of the soldiers accompanying them. He
remained where he was, protecting Lady Bronwen, as he barked
orders. "Captain, take some men into those trees and weed out
whoever shot that arrow! Watch out for an ambush! If you lose track
of us, you know where to return." He turned to Lady Bronwen.
"Milady, are you capable of riding hard?"

Bronwen nodded, her face white with fear.  She steadied her horse
as a portion of the men with them turned and headed the way the 
arrow had been fired from.  She kicked her  horse forward and
though it sidestepped a couple of steps, it finally launched itself
forward.  Her child began to whimper against her chest for she was
unable to hold it close whilst riding at such a pace. 

Conor kept pace with her, shielding her from the side, eyes ever
alert. He wasnt sure how many of them there were, or if they would
be pursued. Ordinarily, he would have turned to fight. But his task
was to see that Lady Bronwen and her child returned safely to
Alban, and that was what he was doing. About three-quarters of the
men followed closely behind, the Captain having only taken a few to
pursue their ambusher. After a few minutes of hard riding, sure
that no one was pursuing them, Conor slowed the pace to a trot.
"Are you ok, Milady?"

"Aye, though I had not expected anything so cravenly." She
answered. She looked down at her child and pulled her close as she
tried to comfort her.  "Are we safe," She asked, even though her
horse still moved forward in pace with his.

Using hand signals, he motioned for two of the Soldiers to go scout
ahead, and two to hang back as a rear guard. That way they would
have fair warning of another attack. "Yes, Milday. I do believe we
are safe for now. Though the risk of attack was low, it did happen.
Luckily, no one got hurt. We'll rest for an hour at the next
village and wait for the Captain to return with the men he left
with.

She nodded.  She would need to feed her daughter soon so that
worked to her advantage as well.  "I am sorry. I did not take the
risk serious enough."  

"It is not your fault. A lone man can esily hide amongst trees with
an arrow, no matter what kind of precautions we take. It is
fortuneate that either his nerves got to him, or he was a bad shot,
otherwise things might have turned out differently." He sheathed
his War-Sword back into its scabbard.
 
"Or my horse's senses for it reared before I felt the wind of the 
shot." She patted Exander on the neck.  "He is my favorite."
She smiled up at the knight.  "Thank you, Sir Conor.  I would have
been unsure of what to do.:

She was nervous. What would she do if something happened to her 
baby. It was all she had of her husband.  She pulled the child
closer and shivered slightly.  She was trying not to let it all
effect her, but the longer there was calm, the less calm she felt.

Conor kept an eye on the tree line and other possible hiding spots
in case of another ambush. He wasnt convinced that only a solitary
man with a bow and arrow would make an attempt on her life, as the
chances of success werent that great. There had to be a contigency
plan. It wouldnt be long before they reached the village, and sure
enough, nearly 45 minutes later they reached it. "Stay close to
me." He whispered in her ear, before moving into the nearest Inn,
followed by several of the men, the others waiting outside with the
horses, hands on their scabbards.

She nodded and followed him into the inn.  It seemed a decent
enough place and typical. It was poorly drafted and filled with the
smell
of smoke and stale ale.  She found a place by the fire where she
could nurse without interuption once the knight had eyed the place.
There weren't many people about.   A couple of farmer's in the
corner and the greasy inkeeper.  "I could use a meal and warmed
wine, good man." She said quietly. The man bowed and left uneasily.
Perhaps the sight of so many armed men in his small inn was too
much for him.  The man quickly made sure the lady's request was met
and also made sure that a plate of warm bread and pork was laid out
for the men.  Bronwen  slipped him enough coin to compensate plus
tip him fully. "Make sure that the men outside are fed as well."
She ordered.  She did not touch her food till her babe had finished
nurseing.  

Conor eyed the farmers from where he stood, near enough to Lady
Bronwen to interfere with an attempt on her life, but far away
enough not to intrude on her space. He only ate a few slices of
bread and a piece of sliced pork and let his men eat the rest. He
murmed to them as they ate and when they were finished, they
scattered around the room, some seemingly lounging near the door
and some more took up a table near the farmers, seated so they had
their backs to Lady Bronwen, and talked amongst themselves. It
looked like a casual scene, but Conor had told them to be on their
guard. Their attackers might have originated from this place. He
turned to Lady Bronwen and talked to her in quiet tones. "Milday,
we will rest here for an hour. If the Captain and his men havent
returned by then, we shall move on with out them."

Bronwen finished her food quickly, so that her food might have
time to settle before she was back astride a horse.  She sat
warmed by the fire and felt a strange lassitude steal over her. 
She looked up and saw more then one of the gaurdsman also
nodding off. It was warm in the room, but..  She lost her thought
and worked hard to focus.  Why was she suddenly so tired? 

Conor noticed a few of the men nodding off as a yawn escaped his
mouth. He noticed that Lady Bronwen was also finding it hard to
stay awake. The food...the food! It had been poisoned with a
substance to cause them to fall asleep. "On Your Feet!" He yelled,
fighting back the weariness that was creeping up on him. He hadnt
eaten as much as the others, and was a well muscled man, causing
the poison to take a longer time to effect him. He drew his sword.
"Fight you devils!" He shouted at the farmers and the barkeep as he
stumbled forward. He steadied himself at the bar, and swung his
sword at the Barkeep.

His men managed to find their feet but it was clear that they were
not in top form.  The barkeep backed away from the man with a
sword.
"My lord, I'se done nothing for yyouse to be yelling and swinging
that about." He whined.  

Bronwen tried to focus.  Unlike the men, she had drank a mug of
warmed wine which had been easier to dose. She carefully laid the
baby on a the floor for fear she would drop it.  Poison.. the word
managed to work its way to her. she looked at her trencher and mug
with growing numbed fear. 

"The food you served us has been poisoned to make us fall asleep. I
suggest you bring the culprit forth, or it shall be your head i
serve on a platter to the King!" He roared, leaning on the
table-top. He was struggling, but he wouldnt fall asleep for
several minutes more. He hoped the Captain would arrive soon.

"I swear, I did not know, lord. I swears it.  The new woman in the
kitchen.. I will fetch her." The man had gone pale and hurried out
to find his new cook.  HE came back wringing his hands.  "I.. she
is not there. But.. I found this next to the pot she warmed the
wine." He handed the man a bag of herbs.  

Bronwen had tried to stay awake, but the last words she heard were
the Knight yelling at the innkeep.  She slid to the floor beside
her babe.

Conor blinked his eyes. He had only had a small cup of wine. And
the bread would have helped dissapate its effects. He might not
fall asleep, but what kind of herbs were those? "I suggest, kind
sir, that you find some one who knows a remedy to those herbs. And
fast. The King wont look kindly upon you once he learns that it was
in your inn that his sister was kidnapped." He steaded himself
against the bar again, sword held loosely in one hand. "And that ye
either kill or capture that woman."

The innkeep watched as more then one man stumbled and fell to the
floor. The King's sister? The wench had not said nothin about
involving crown. But she seemed to have done her work well and the
two farmers had already managed to slip away.  He turned back to
look at the night and smiled slowly.  "Or what?" laughing he moved
far around the Knight and went to make sure hte men outside the
door were also falling to the elixer.

"He will burn your establishment to the ground and hang you in the
center of town." Conor blurted out. He spun around to face the
innkeep. Stay awake! He yelled to himself. Its your duty to serve
and protect! Falling asleep will do neither! Your father would
laugh at you if he saw you now! And Master O'Hara, what we he think
of all your training. Clear your head! Concerntrate! Conor cleared
his mind, centering his thought on a void. Combined with the
adrenaline his thoughts were pumping into him, he regained some of
his sentences. He stood, more sturdy on his feet, and gripped his
sword in a strong hand. He took four confident steps towards the
innkeepr. His voice steadied as he spoke. He knew he had to act
quickly, for his strenght wouldnt last. "Turn and face me so that
you can die with what little honor remains in you." It was a
testament to his strong willpower. There was no better time to
prove himself then now, though it was only an innkeeper, but if the
Captain returned and saw the dead man, he would understand what had
happened.

The innkeep turned, surprised to see the man still firmly on his
feet. He paled slightly backing up till a table was behind him.
"You should be asleep." He cursed vividly.  

"You should never underestimate your foe. Especially one who eats
and drinks sparingly in your presence. Send greetings to your
fellow cultists, as you are on your way to Hell to join them." He
lunged forward, faster the one would expect, and sunk his sword
hilt-deep into the mans chest. A good portion of the sword
protruded through the other side of innkeeper. Conor fell to his
knees, leaning on the hilt of his imbedded sword, trying to fight
back the sudden rush of tiredness that flooded over him.

It was but twenty minutes later that the Captain rode in upon the
scene. The men of his command lay about the front of the door. 
Many had been stripped of boots and other implements.  Cursing, he
hurried inside to find the knight lying beside a barkeep, his sword
still within the dead man. He quickly found the princess, checking
her first. She breathed.  He turned and found a pitcher of cold
water.  It had little effect upon the knight. It took a good twenty
minutes before the man was finally brought back from the edge
of blackness.  

Conor started when his senses returned. He saw a man peering over
him and instinctively grabbed the man by the front of his shirt and
made a fist with his other hand, and was about to smash the mans
face in when he recognized it was the Captains. He jumped to his
feet, looking around. "Lady Bronwen and her child!?" He asked
quizziacally of the Captain. 

"Lady Bronwen breathes but sleeps deeply. .I did not check the
child." The Captain returned to the Princess' side.  He moved her
gently.  "I .. where did she have the baby?" He asked in a harsh
whispered tone.  "Tell me her babe is safely kept elsewhere." The
Captain looked at Sir Conor. 

The blood left Conors face, leaving it pale. No! He sunk to his
knees, hands to the side of his head. "No! They took the babe!" He
shook his head in disbelief. It was the baby they had gone after,
not the Kings sister. He stood, color returning to his face, and
unceremonously withdrew his sword, wiping the blade clean on the
innkeepers shirt. He turned to the Captain. "Leave three of your
best men with me. You are to escort the Lady back to Alban. Hang
the Innkeepers body from a tree on the outskirts of town. Do NOT
bury him. Post a message that states the following:
 
To those who harm blood of the crown, this is the fate that awaits
you.
 
Once you have done that, and have returned safely to the castle
with Lady Bronwen, you are to tell the King that i shall not return
until i have recovred the babe. The culprits will have left tracks,
and i shall follow them. Form a stretcher, so that you can carry
Lady Bonwen while she sleeps. She will want to stay when she
realises her baby is gone, but you are to make sure she returns to
the Keep. Bind her up if needs be, but she is not to be harmed.
Tell her i ordered so, for the safety of her and the well being of
her child. Tell her i know her pain and anger of loosing the last
person who she holds closely to her heart. Tell her this for me."
He said, extending his arm. The Captain Solemnly bound and began
barking orders to the men. Conor stepped outside into the sunlight,
mounted his horse and began to search through town for the baby
with the other three men, knowing full well that the culprits would
have left the town. He was just taking precations.


------------------------------------


"Making up is fun to do"
 
by

Lady Raelin Morgance (soon to be Raelin Lochlainin)
and
Sir Aidan Lochlainin High knight of Wind



Aidan sighed as he made his way out of Lord Iorweth's
chamber and started to look for Raelin.  He was rather
annoyed with her and himself over all of this.  He
partly wished that Rae would realize that he didn't
want her to change, and at himself for creating this
whole situation.
 
Raelin had found herself a nice quiet spot in the
formal gardens of the Caer and had sat down behind a
massive oak tree. She leant back against the bark and
closed her eyes. ~Men.~ She thought. ~Why do I bother
with them?~
 
Aidan frowned as he entered the gardens he had looked
around the Castle and then headed outside, he just
hoped he could find her.  When he made his way past an
oak he slowed and looked around and sighed.
 
She heard the sigh. "Go away Aidan." she said not
looking at him or opening her eyes.
 
Aidan stopped and turned to see Raelin. "Why should
I?" he asked as he slowly sat beside her.
 
"Because I am not talking to you at this point in
time."
 
"And why not?  Don't you know how I feel about you?"

"Yes. But I am still mad at you."
 
"I don't doubt that you are, but I am unsure what you
wish me to do.  Rae I don't wish you to change or
anything, I love you the way that you are." he said as
he moved to wrap his arms around her.
 
She held up her hand to stay his movement as she
looked at him finally. "You stood there and discussed
me as if i was an ornament on display." she snapped
 
Aidan frowned. "I made a mistake Raelin, and you let
me continue on with it.  You are no ornament you are
the woman that I wish to marry and are now betrothed
to." he said
 
She stood up. "I don't want to be betrothed to a man
who looses his brain when ever other people are around
and who treats me one way in private and another way
in public Aidan!"
 
Aidan remained on the ground. "I am sorry for one
mistake Raelin, and for that I am sorry.  I never
meant to treat you as such and I am sure that you know
that."
 
Sure the rational part of her did. But the part of
her that hated the fact that she had been treated like
such was in command and she was not about to let the
subject drop. "You say that now but you'll do it
again."
 
Aidan stood slowly and wrapped his arms around her.
"If I ever do that again, you can leave me if you wish
I promise you though that it will not happen."
 
"I will keep that in mind" she retorted standing
stiffly in his arms
 
He slowly rubbed her arms, and leaned down to kiss
her forehead. "I hope you will for I shall treat you
as you wish me to wherever we are."

"I dislike being treated as some thing brought out to
be displayed and then put back when not needed."
 
"You are always needed by me Raelin short of when I
am engaged in a battle.  What are you afraid that I
will do?"
 
She looked at him silently. And then she said. "treat
me the way other lords treat their wives after they
have them in their beds. Badly."
 
Aidan smiled. "If you don't remember I have had you
in my bed Rae, and I will treat you with reverence
there and in our homes, and as an equal always."
 
"Not fully in your bed." she said turning her face as
a blush stole up her cheeks
 
He chuckled.  "We could rectify that if you wish, and
I can promise that it will change nothing." 
 
She shrugged. "You say that now."
 
"I say it now and I will say it after I have you in
my bed.  As my wife you are my equal, and I want it
that way." Aidan said as he kissed her temple.
 
She wondered if it would be that way. She had seen
ladies and lords in her area think nothing would
change.. but they always did. She though did relax
slightly in his arms
 
He continued to rub her arms.  "You know the only
thing that may change anything is when we have a
family." he said softly.
 
"meaning?"
 
"How much sleep will we get?" he said as he looked
down at her.
 
"Ah." 
 
He smirked. "Then again I should be able to help
since we will be in the same room.  Though I leave
that to you."
 
"We shall see." she mummered
 
He sighed. "May I kiss you?" he asked softly.
 
She looked up and nodded
 
He smiled and kissed her gently, leaving it to her to
deepen it.
 
She did not deepen it because they were in a public
place but she did slid her hands up to cup his face
gently
 
He smiled and held the kiss for a bit, and broke away
slowly.  "Shall we go home?"
 
She nodded softly
 
Aidan slowly let go of her and reached for her hand. 
"Are you still mad?"
 
" Not as mad as i was."
 
He smiled. "Would I be allowed to make you happy?" he
teased.
 
"you can try" she said
 
"Oh and who would stop me?"
 
"I never said someone would try to stop you. "
 
"I know, just wondering why you doubt that I could."
he said and walked with her out of the gardens.

Rae did not comment and walked beside him silently
 
Aidan took Rae to his home and  followed her in.
"Here we are."
 
She nodded silently. She looked at him for a moment.
"You still think they are out there don't you"
 
"Yes I do Rae, and I want you safe and not many
people know where I am." he said though he did not add
that Padric's attitude had him wondering and unsure.
 
She studied his face. "What aren't you telling me
Aidan?"
 
"Nothing that I am certain of Rae." he said softly as
he wrapped his arms around her.
 
She leant into his arms and gave a shrug. "ok"
 
He smiled. "Shall we go upstairs Rae?" he asked
softly.
 
"ok" she said still puzzling over his words andnot
really paying attention
 
He smiled and leaned down to kiss her gently. 
 
She kissed him back gently her mind still wondering
what it was he was concerned about
 
Aidan slowly deepened the kiss as he wrapped his arms
around her and slowly rubbed her back.
 
She allowed herself to be pulled closer to him and
slid her arms up around his neck. "hmm" she mumered.
"Aidan. Who do you suspect?"
 
Aidan pulled back. "I suspect no one Rae, just
something felt off."
 
She looked at him. "no, You do suspect someone. Or
you would have told me already."
 
He sighed. "Rae let me ask you something do you think
that Padric has been acting funny as of late?"
 
"he has been a bit surly but why? Surely not him
Aidan."

"I am not sure Rae, it just seems strange is all that
from the time that we met to know for him to act so
differently."
 
"Padric could just be tired of looking out for me you
know."
 
"Yes but when we went to speak to Lord Iorweth he
acted worse than before."
 
She shrugged. Personally she didnot beleieve that
Padric could betray them.
 
"Does that really matter right now though?" he asked
as he rubbed her back again.
 
"no.. I guess not"
 
He smiled and kissed her again, slowly deepening it
as he went.
 
She kissed him back and allowed him to draw her
closer
 
He held her and continued to rub her back as he
deepened the kiss again.  He pulled back a few moments
later. "perhaps we should move to the bedchamber?"
 
She worried her lip with her teeth. "Ok." she said
after a moment. Even though they were betrothed she
was not sure she should be alone like that with him
again.
 
"Is something wrong Rae?" he asked soflty as he led
her to the room.
 
"no" she shook her head. "Things are fine."
 
"You know that nothing will happen that you do not
want to." Aidan said as he stopped and turned to kiss
her again.
 
"i know" she mummered against his lips.
 
He smiled, and rubbed her back some more.  "Would you
like to go in and change?"
 
She nodded.
 
Aidan nodded. "Take your time love." he whispered
against her lips.
 
She smiled softly and then entered the chamber
 
Aidan stood outside and waited for Rae to tell him
that  he would be allowed to enter.

Minuets later the door opened
 
Aidan looked up. "May I come in Rae?" he asked
gently.
 
"yes"
 
Aidan entered slowly and looked around, and smiled
when he saw Rae.
 
She was siting on the window seat in the night robe
he had lent her looking out the window
 
He moved over to her and slowly wrapped his arms
around her. "What're you thinking love?"
 
She leant back against him. "nothing much" she said
softly.
 
He wrapped  his arms around her and held her close to
him as he kissed the back of her neck.  "I wonder if I
should try to make all of your thoughts vanish."
 
She smiled softly. "You could try"
 
He smirked. "Only if you wish me to."
 
She nodded silently
 
He smiled and nipped at the back of her neck gently.
 
She moaned softly. "hmm"

He smirked and repeated his actions, a bit harder.
 
Rae moaned again and shifted slightly in his arms
 
Aidan smirked and slid his hands up her body slowly
as he nipped at her neck a third time. "Something
wrong love?"
 
"hmm no.."
 
"Are you sure?" he asked as he nipped again and slid
a hand inside of the robe.
 
She turned her head and kissed him gently in answer

Aidan kissed her back gently, and slowly started to
remove her robe.
 
Part of Rae told her that this was not a good thing
but another part urged her to explore the feelings he
was creating within her.
 
Aidan slowly deepened the kiss, and continued to slip
the robe off of her, as he let his hands explore her
shoulders.

Rae moaned softly against his lips as his hands moved
across her shoulders. Her own hands moved to rest on
his chest
 
Aidan smiled and held the kiss and let his hands run
down the back of her shoulders.  He slowly broke the
kiss and moved towards her neck and nibbled on it.
 
Rae's head fell back with a soft groan and her hands
moved up to his shoulders
 
Aidan nibbled again, and slowly ran his hands down
the back of her arms slowly.
 
Rae lifted her head. "Aidan.."
 
Aidan pulled back and looked down at her. "Yes Rae?"
 
"maybe... we should stop.. this.."
 
Aidan nodded. "If that is what you wish Rae."

She nodded. "I... think we should wait.. "
 
"If that is what you wish so be it." he said as he
took a step back.
 
She looked down. "And now you hate me right?" she
stood up and walked away from him
 
Aidan sighed and moved towards her wrapping his arms
around her again. "Far from that actually, it's just I
don't want to do something that you will regret."
 
She did not know what to do. 
 
Aidan pulled her up against him. "Rae you don't want
to go any farther and I am not sure I could stop if I
stay that's why I stepped back."
 
"okay." she mummered.
 
He sighed. "I am sorry Rae, just you make my blood
boil."
 
She looked up at him. "Is that a good thing?"
 
He smiled. "Yes and no.  Yes because it makes things
fun, no because well with how things are right now it
is very hard for me to keep from doing somethings."
 
"oh" she said softly.
 
"Why do you ask Rae?" he said as he moved to sit.
 
"just curious"
 
Aidan chuckled, and patted the spot next to him. 
"Does it bother you?"
 
She walked over and sat down. "I dont know. Should
it?"
 
"I am not sure.  I know you want to wait, but it is
hard at times to stop, and I do not want to let you
down."
 
"better for everyone if we wait.."
 
"It may be but sometimes I don't want to at all do
you?" 
 
She shook her head. "No"
 
He smiled at her.  "I know that the lord wishes to
help us plan, but I am not sure what you want to do
about it as well as time wise."
 
She looked at him. "Mourning does not end for another
3 months.."
 
Aidan sighed.  "Do you think that we will be able to
wait that long?"
 
"I dont know."
 
He looked down at her, and leaned down to kiss her.
"We could always set the date but I am not sure what
day you would like."
 
"I dont know either"
 
 
Aidan nodded. "I would say the day after the mourning
is over but perhaps we should wait three months after
that?"
 
"Can you wait that long?"

"I do not know can you?"
 
She bit her lip. "My stepmother once said women were
born to wait"
 
"But can you?"
 
She nodded. "yes. I guess so"
 
"Do you want to?" he asked as he wrapped an arm
around her.
 
She half shook her head half nodded.
 
Aidan sighed. "Is it a yes or no?"
 
"I dunno"
 
He sighed. "Well we could marry secretly, if you want
to."
 
She raised wide eyes to his. "It.. would cause more
scandal.."
 
Aidan smiled.  "We marry in secret now and later we
have a public marriage, we can act as if we are still
courting."
 
"And if I get with child? How would you explain
that?"

"If you get with child we marry sooner than we had
planned is all.  How long would it be until you showed
that you had fallen with child?"
 
"How should I know? I have never been with child
before Aidan"
 
Aidan sighed. "Have you never talked to a woman who
was?"
 
She gave a helpless shrug. "no."
 
He nodded.  "I am not sure what to say Rae it is an
idea is all."
 
She nodded and rested her head on his shoulder
 
He rubbed her side slowly.  "It would solve our
problem for the most part and some would know but it
depends on who you would wish to allow to."  
 
"I dont know"

He kissed her neck gently. "I know we should just
think about it is all."
 
"ok"
 
He smiled, and continued to rub her side.  "Now I
think we may just wish to rest and think it over or we
can continue to talk about it if you wish."
 
"rest is better.."
 
He frowned when she trailed off. "Please continue
Rae.  Rest is better than what?"
 
"Then nothing.. i am just tired Aidan.. tired of
running, looking over my shoulder all the time."
 
He shushed her gently as he rubbed her side. "Then
why don't we stop running."
 
"I don't know.. if my aunt was killed by the same
people who killed my father then..."
 
"Then alone you are in danger, but together I will
protect you."

"How? and why should you?"

"Well if we are married I will sleep in the same room
as you, the same bed, though if we are not I will if
you wish me to, and you are my fiancee and I love you
Rae."
 
She looked at him calmly. "I love you too Aidan.. its
just.. I dont want you to be killed because of me."
 
He smiled.  "I shall not die Rae, and I want a life
with you, or else I would not be here and you know
that Rae.  We are in this together."
 
"but.. but" she began before he cut her off
 
"No buts Rae, I would not propose marriage if I was
not serious about it, and though I would rather be
married now I will wait if that is what you wish.  So
stopping pushing me back when I refuse to budge."
 
She sighed and closed her eyes
 
He wrapped his arms around her.  "I leave that
decision to you Rae, for you are the one who is
supposed to be in mourning.  Though I think you should
stop pushing for we get no where with it."
 
"ok.." she said softly
 
He smiled and kissed her forehead.  "Sleep on it Rae,
I shall sleep at the door."
 
"Why?"
 
"I do not want to confuse you unless of course you
want me to sleep with you?"
 
"id like to be held Aidan."
 
He smiled. "I gladly will but it could cause
scandal."
 
She shrugged. "no more then us treking through the
woods unchaperoned.."
 
"Or our getting married in secret." he said as he
kissed her cheek.
 
"yeah"
 
He smiled and let go of her. "Would you mind if I
changed here or?"
 
"Its ok.. I wont peek"
 
He chuckled. "I wouldn't mind if you did."
 
She blushed and looked away
 
He smirked and started to strip. "Rae you'll have to
get up so I can get under the covers if you remember
how I sleep."
 
She nodded and hopped off the bed and moved over to
face the wall
 
Once he finished stripping he slid under the covers.
"Ok Rae."
 
Rae slid into the bed silently
 
Aidan rolled to face her and reached out to pull her
close to him.
 
She gave a soft smile and allowed him to pull her
close
 
He pulled her against him, and kissed her deeply.
 
The desire he sparked inside of her flared and she
kissed him back
 
He slowly rubbed her back and held the kiss, as his
tongue slowly started to explore her mouth.
 
A small moan was captured by his lips and Rae's hands
slid up into his hair
 
Aidan let his tongue duel with hers as his hands slid
slowly down her back reaching for the hem of her
garments.
 
Rae shifted in his arms, without realising that she
was making it easier for him to lift her shift up.

Aidan slowly pulled the shift up as their tongues
dueled his hands running along her skin as he did so.
 
A soft gasp of desire escaped from Raelin as her
hands slid down to grasp at his shoulders
 
Aidan continued to pull the shift up slowly letting
his hands run up her sides and back as he did so, as
he pulled back and started to nip at her neck.
 
Rae groaned softly and pressed against him, her mind
just a hot haze of desire.
 
Aidan pulled her shift off and pulled her against him
kissing her again before he felt her nude form against
him and pulled back in shock. "Rae." he said softly.
 
Rae's eyes fluttered open. "What?"
 
Aidan looked into her eyes. "We need to stop Rae." he
said horsely.
 
She knew deep down that they shoud but her body felt
as if it were on fire. 
 
He continued to rub her back slowly, and then
realized that he was still tempted and then jumped out
of the bed and stepped back looking at her. "I am
sorry Rae."
 
Her eyes fell on his naked body and she sat up
unashamed and kept looking
 
Aidan looked at her and saw a mix of guilt and want
in her eyes, before he looked down and sighed. "Rae?"
 
"Sorry" she said, the spell broken and she turned
away
 
He chuckled. "I was thinking more of fair is fair."
 
She did not turn back, a blush was creeping up her
cheeks again
 
He sighed relaxing and moved back to the bed and slid
in next to her and wrapped his arms around her.
 
She smiled softly and rested herhead on his shoulder
 
He let his hands rest on her stomach, and slowly
pulled her back against him.  "I could get used to
this."
 
"What? lying in a bed naked?"
 
"No lying with you in a bed naked."
 
She ducked her head and blushed some more
 
He smiled and slid his hands slowly around her
stomach. "I saw how you looked at me there is no
reason to blush now."
 
"I apologise for that" she said softly
 
He frowned. "Why?"
 
"it was not very lady like of me"
 
He kissed the back of her neck. "So?"
 
"So..." she broke off. "nevr mind"
 
"Oh no tell me." he said as he kissed the side of her
neck and then her shoulder.
 
"Hmm no."
 
"Please Rae." he said as he nibbled on her shoulder a
bit.
 
"hmmm Aidan.. its not proper.."
 
He nibbled up to her neck. "What isn't proper?"
 
"My staring, this..."
 
"I have no problem with my fiancee starting at me. 
You were going to see me as that sooner or later, and
why is my kissing you improper?" he asked as he ran
his tongue across her pulse point.
 
She shivered in his arms. "its the fact that if we
are caught like this..."
 
"Who is going to come to my home Rae?" he asked as he
nipped at her pulse point.
 
"you never know.."
 
"True, but I doubt it besides they would not enter
unless I let them in and no one knows that you are
here." he said as he nipped again.
 
"oh? well no one saw me leave the Caer.."
 
"Did anyone see you leave the castle?"
 
"I dont know. Seeing they are the same thing and i
have not left.."
 
He ran his teeth along her neck towards the back of
her neck before he spoke. "Do you really want to worry
about it?"
 
"hmm no not really"

He smiled, and slowly ran his hands up her stomach.,
as he nipped at the back of her neck.  "So is it
improper if no one knows?"
 
"i know."
 
"And because you know it is improper even if you wish
it to happen?"
 
"yes.."
 
He sighed and nipped at her neck again, as his hands
slid farther up her body.  "So when we are married it
will still be improper for you to look at me with that
hunger in your eyes?"
 
"I dont know."
 
"Well I do not think it would be." he said as his
hands rested just below her breasts and he moved
closer to her.
 
She smiled slightly
 
He kissed and nipped at her ear gently as his body
rested against hers, and his hands slid up to cup her
breasts.
 
It felt nice and right being together like this. She
let out a soft moan
 
Aidan sighed and continued to nip her ear as his
thumbs started to rub along her breasts eventually
finding her nipples and rubbing them.
 
Raelin shifted against him with a moan.
 
Aidan groaned as she rubbed against him and continued
to let his thumbs work on Rae, as he whispered into
her ear. "Enjoying?"
 
"hmm yes.."
 
He smiled and nipped down to her neck and pressed
more firmly against her.  "Is this really improper?
 
"yes..."
 
He nipped at her neck again. "Oh really?"
 
"hmmm yes.."
 
He nipped and rubbed his thumbs across he nipples
some more.  "Does it matter?"
 
"Not sure.."
 
He continued to rub and nipped at her shoulder.  "It
sounds like it doesn't."
 
She wriggled again
 
He groaned.  "Am I right Rae?" he asked as he
continued to use his thumbs.
 
"yes.."
 
He smirked, and moved to roll her to face him so he
could kiss her. "So does it?"
 
"it will if people find out.."
 
"No one will Rae." he said as he rolled her to face
him.
 
"How can you be sure?"
 
He smiled.  "Because no one will be looking for me
they think I took you home remember." he said as he
looked into her eyes.
 
"until they find your horse and mine still stabled.."
 
Aidan sighed.  "Don't worry about it Rae." he said as
he kissed her.
 
She kissed him back
 
He slowly deepened the kiss and pulled her against
him, as his hands slowly started to explore her lower
back.
 
Rae moaned against his lips, her hands sliding down
his back
 
His hands rested on her rear as he pulled her against
him continuing to kiss her, slowly moving to nip at
her neck and shoulder.
 
Rae's body moved and pressed against his wantonly

Aidan looked down at Rae.  "Rae we should stop." he
said  though he didn't want to.
 
"hmm yes.."
 
He frowned. "Though I do not wish to."
 
"I know.."
 
He sighed, and slid his hands up her back slowly. 
"What do you want to do Rae?"
 
"I want this.. but know we can not.. "
 
He sighed. "We could get married tomorrow." he said
softly.
 
She nodded. "Sleep on it?"
 
He nodded.  "Sleep like this?"
 
She blushed. "maybe i shoudl dress"
 
"Why Rae?  I like you like this."

"I know.. but temptation.."

"And you won't be tempted with me like this?"
 
"I would but i feel better if i were dressed
 
"It is up to you Rae."
 
She kissed him gently and tried to get up
 
He kissed her back but his arms held her fast. "I'd
rather you not get up Rae."
 
"And how am i to dress?"
 
"You don't have to, unless you truly wish to." he
said rubbing her back.
 
"It is for the best Aidan.."
 
Aidan sighed. "If you wish to Rae." he said letting
her go
 
She quickly slipped from the bed and pulled the shift
back on.
 
Aidan smiled and stared as he saw her form.  "You are
lovely."
 
She turned her head and gave him a shy smile
 
He smiled and eyed her hungrilly.  Come back to bed
love, and I hope you don't get used to sleeping in a
shift."
 
She smiled and returned to the bed
 
Aidan quickly wrapped his arms around her.  "Once we
are married I hope that you won't wear anything to bed
love."
 
"if that is what you wish.."
 
"What about you?"
 
She shrugged. "Don't know"
 
He nodded. "Well if you do not wish to you do not
need to."
 
Rae snuggled down and closed her eyes. "ok"
 
He kissed her, and slowly closed his eyes as he
pulled her against him.
 
Raelin feeling safe slowly drifted off to sleep
 
Aidan slowly drifted with Rae in his arms.



-------------------------------------------------


"Thwarting a Princess"
Princess Bronwen
Captain  Klemen


 
Brownen felt nauseous as if she were upon a boat.  A light swaying back and 
forth was much like a ship.  She opened her eyes, confused for trees were 
above her.  Only then did she realize that she was suspended between two horses.  
She moaned softly for her head hurt as if she had drank to much ale or wine
 
Captain Klemen rode just behind the sled carrying Lady Bronwen. He noticed her 
stirring and spoke calmly. "Lady Bronwen, all is well. Your were forced into a 
drug-induced sleep."
 
"Where is Bronagh? (BRO-na -means sorrow)  She felt about her as she tried to sit.  
The world swam and she lay back down. "Where is my bairn?"

Captain Klemen averted his eyes from her as he responded. "The baby was taken. 
Sir Conor is in pursuit. Don't be alarmed."
 
The Lady managed to sit up.  Her tone dropped to a low deadly edge.  
"Where is my horse?"  She waited for his answer, a strange calm coming over her. 
She whistled and heard Evander's answering call.
 
"Milady, you are still weak. It is not safe for you to ride on a horse by yourself. 
The fate of your baby lays in the hands of those who have her and Sir Conor who is 
pursuing them." The litter had stopped moving and a few of the soldiers, out of her 
view, held padded leather straps that they had purchased in the town after completing 
the grisly task of stringing up the dead innkeeper.
 
"The fate of my baby is also mine to determine. She is mine. She is all that I have left."  
She swung herself out of the litter and onto the back of one of the horses it had been 
suspended between.  "Bring me my horse." She commanded with all the royal bearing she 
could muster even though her head and vision swam.
 
Captain Klemen shook his head. "I am afraid you cannot do that, milady. We are under orders 
to return you to Alban, as the King wishes. You cannot aid in the search of your baby, and 
are more then an hour behind Sir Conor. I am sorry, milady." He kept his eyes averted. The 
men with the padded leather straps were ready to constrain her.
 
"Look at me." She commanded. "I am a member of the royal family. You ANSWER to me, not Sir Conner.  
You WILL bring me my horse." Her anger was rising.
 
 "Milady, with all due respect, there is nothing you can do to help your baby. The King has 
ordered you back to the Castle and that is what you shall do. I am acting under his 
orders - the Kings - and am going to bring you back to the Castle. Like Sir Conor has said, 
with you back, he will have one less thing to worry about." All the time, Captain Klemen had 
his eyes lowered.
 
Bronwen's eyes narrowed.  She reached down casually as if to straighten her skirt and then quickly 
pulled the knife from her boot sheath.  She cut the cords of the litter as she jerked the reins from 
the guard in front of her in one swift movement.  She turned the horse to kick it into a gallop back 
the way they had come.
 
 The Captain responded quickly, pulling his horse up to the one she had captured as the other soldiers
 moved in around her, one on horseback to prevent her from going forward. Klemen grabbed her reigns. 
"Milady, you cannot go! Why endanger your life?" The other soldiers moved to take her off the horse, 
an easy task as she was a slender woman.
 
"That is my child.  The only thing in my life left worth drawing breath for.  If the sect has her, 
they will sacrifice her for Hawk does not dare release the Raven in a ransom." She said, tears filling 
her eyes. "Please?"  
 
 The Captain shook his head. "I am sorry, milady. Sir Conor will return your baby to the Castle once 
he finds her. Letting you fall into the Cultists hands would destroy the King as you are his sister. 
You can only wait for the return of your baby and let those who are capable of finding her do their job 
and return to you what is yours." He hadn't had to deal with something like this. Ever.
 
"MY horse." She demanded. "If you will not let me ride to where she was last seen, then by the gods,
you will get me to Alban and we WILL not stop."  She did not blame the man.  Right now, she blamed her
 brother.
 
The Captain nodded his head. "If you attempt to flee, we will be forced to bind you on the sled." 
He said, motioning for the guards to release her and mount their horses. They then led her horse to her,
 and formed up in a circle around her, so she couldn't break free. "Ready, milady?"
 
She nodded.  When the group kicked their horses forward, she followed suit.  She was not about to go 
into Alban bound hand and foot.  She could not have her baby, then she would take it out on the infamous 
Lady Morgan.



----------------------------------------



“Walking In The Garden”

Kingdom Of Abertawe

Baron Llywen Of Waterford

Princess Rowena

Location: The Castle garden

 

 

Llywen was more than happy to go follow Rowena, he even enjoyed holding her hand. He smiled down at her as they 
walked, “So what is it Rowena? You’re all secretive?” he asked her. He could not hide his curiosity.  

"I need your help." Rowena whispered quietly. "I have to do something and it
will take another for me to accomplish it." 

“Okay,” he replied, and did so without thinking. As he thought more about it he decided to try and get something 
for helping her, “What do I get for helping you? I mean if I get caught the Duke will have my hide tanned I am sure. 
And who knows what the King would do to me?” he wondered. He looked at her pretty, dirty and grimy face, and didn’t 
see the grime, to him she was the perfect angelic soul who could do no wrong.  

"Hmm I will give you a kiss?" She suggested. He seemed to like those?  

“On the lips or the cheek?” he asked, a Cheshire grin upon his face. He would go to the ends of the earth for a kiss 
from her, no matter where she placed it. But, he wasn’t going to tell her that.   

"If you do all that I ask, on the lips." She said with a smile. "In fact, I will give you two. 

One now, and then one when you have done as I bid." She batted her eyelashes as her maid had been doing with the boy 
who brought in the wood.

“Done, anything you ask, it shall be done for such a prize,” the lashes did it, and the promise of two kisses didn’t 
hurt either. He’d have demolished the castle itself block by block for such a prize as she offered. He had dreamed for 
so long of touching those pretty, purse lips. 

Rowena pulled him under the tree where she always played. It's long branches swooped down to the ground and whilst 
the guards could tell by feet and movement that the children were within, you could not really see what they were 
about. She turned to face him and put her lips up for him to kiss.

Llywen was nervous as he saw her pretty lips arched up for him to kiss, he gently put his arms around her, leaned down 
and lovingly pressed his own lips to hers. They were soft and felt good, even though she was young. He held the kiss 
for what seemed like a wondrous eternity. 

Rowena did not quite understand why he liked this so much. It felt all right, but she didn't really think it was 
something she would want to do often. However, it would get her what she wished for and he hadn't even asked what 
that was. She finally pushed him away. "Okay, I want a horse where we met in the market."

“All right Rowena, I can do that. When should it be there? I’ll bring one of my horses. What are we going to do 
with it?” he asked. He was still intensely effected by her kiss, even though he could see that she was not. 
He did not let that sway him. He knew that he would marry her one day, knew it deep down in the depths of his gut. 
He would remember this day always, the first time they kissed for real, right on the lips. 

"One horse. I am going alone." Rowena said firmly.

“No, Rowena. You can’t. It is too dangerous for you alone. I will come with you, I’ll have my sword. You should see 
how good I am getting with it. I can protect you. There is a reason why that knight watches you?” he reminded her. 
“There are people in the kingdom who wish you harm, I should come with you, I insist!” he told her. 

"I am going back to the druids and you can't go." She said with a sigh. "You would just find yourself alone in  the woods."

“No, Rowena!” he protested. “You cannot leave. It is too dangerous for you out there. I will stay with you. I don’t want you
 to go,” the little boy in Llywen could only think of not having his best friend near him. She was both the girl he wanted 
to marry, and his best friend. “Don’t go, what else do you want? I will get it for you, but don’t leave me again,” he replied. 
His eyespleading, he even pulled out the sad, drooping bottom lip.
 
"You promised, Llywen. Are you not a man of your word?" She said, knowing he prided his honor very highly. "You have to 
get me a horse or you will have broken your word and forfeited your other kiss." 

“But Rowena,” he whined, like the little boy he still was. “If you go that will be the last kiss you ever give me. Don’t 
leave me, please?” He begged her. He was truly afraid of never seeing her again if she left. 

"I will be back, silly boy. I will become an advisor and healer to the crown one day." She said with a soft smile. "You 
have to keep your word, Llywen. I already gave my half of a pledge.

“Okay, I will do this, but I will miss you. When you return and become the advisor and healer, you will marry me,” he smiled. 
If she came back naturally they’d marry. 

"IF it is approved by my father and I love you, then yes, that is so." She said quietly. "I need it there tonight, Llywen."

“Silly girl, I already have permission to wed you. Your brother and your father have agreed to it. They simply said it was up
 to you,” he grinned. “There is nothing stopping us but you,” he gave her his own sly, suave, charming smile, letting her
see those crisp, sharp icy blues. 
 
"So then you should not worry, I have to come back?" She offered to sway him. "Come, we cannot stay here long." She put her
little arms around his neck and put her lips to his again. She had to convince him and he really seemed to like that.

“You are a dangerous girl,” he told her with a blushing smile. “You’re going to get us both in trouble, but I will do it.
 But, only because I love you and because you kissed me,” he giggled. “I will get the horse and meet you at the market. 
When should I be there?” 
 
"After the bells in the one god's church ring the final hour." She said. "I will slip out a way that only I know." She said. 
She took his hand and led him out into the garden path again. She did not know where Ifor had gotten to, but she knew she 
could not stay here long without drawing comment.
 
“Okay,” he smiled. “I will be there,” once they were out of the cover of the willow, he leaned over to her and whispered into 
her ear, “did you like kissing?” he blushed at her. 
 
"It is okay." She said. "But I would rather not make a habit of it." She said honestly.
 
“Well you are young, but despite that you have very soft, pretty lips. You will enjoy kissing when you’re older and we’re 
married,” he grinned sheepishly. 
 
"I doubt it." She said quietly. "I have to go in now. I will see you at darkness." She smiled. "Thank you for the flowers." 
Then she turned to dart into the castle.
 
Llywen watched as she ran away, ~she is so cute~ his thoughts ran rampant of thinking about her. ~I can’t wait to see how she 
kisses when she’s older~ he smiled at the thought. But, as he watched her he realized that he was helping her leave. How could 
he help her leave him? What guarantee did he have that she’d be back? That she would not stay where she was going? And what 
if she was hurt in her travels? 
 
He stood there and pondered these things. He knew that he could not let her go, but he did not want to betray her, and he really 
wanted that second kiss very very badly. 
 
And it was then that his training kicked in. He could tell her guard, swear him on a Knight’s oath to secrecy and then tell him 
where she was going. Then he would show up where they were to meet, with the horse and she would never know. It would work 
perfectly. And most important of all he would get to kiss her again. 


-------------------------------------------------------------

"Consequences"
 
 by
 
 Aidan Lochlainin,
 Raelin Morgance Lady of Morin,
 and Sir Padric
 
 
 
 Aidan slowly woke to a body next to him which he had
 his arms wrapped around the woman that was next to
 him.  He smiled when he saw that the woman next to him
 was Raelin.  He slowly tightened his grip and rubbed
 her stomach slowly, as he kissed her neck.  He found
 himself thinking how easy that he would be able to get
 used to this.
 
 
 His touch woke Raelin slowly and she shifted in his
 arms closer to his body
 
 
 He smiled and wrapped his arms around her a bit
 tighter, hoping that she would not wake fully for a
 bit, as he nuzzled against her.
 
 
 "hmm" Rae mummered in her sleep and snuggled down
 
 
 Aidan smiled, and nipped at her neck. "Rae." he
 whispered softly.
 
 
 "hmm?"
 
 
 "Time to get up." he said softly, as he rubbed her
 stomach
 
 
 "Hmm no.."
 
 
 He smiled. "And why not?" he asked as he nipped at her
 neck again.
 
 
 "Comfy here"
 
 
 He chuckled.  "Well unfortunately we need to get up."
 
 
 "Why?"
 
 
 "Well it is morning and I don't think that Padric
 would be happy if I don't bring you home."
 
 
 "Do you care?" she mummered
 
 
 "No but I thought that you might,"
 
 
 "no.."
 
 
 "And why is that?" he asked and kissed the back of her
 neck gently.
 
 
 "Cause just don't" she snuggled down and her eyes
 remained closed
 
 
 He smiled. "And if I wasn't here?"
 
 
 "Still not getting up" she muttered
 
 
 He smirked. "Well if you aren't going to get up
 perhaps that shift can?"
 
 
 "huh?" her sleep adled brain did not register his
 words
 
 
 He smiled and nipped at her neck again.  "Your shift
 care to remove it love?"
 
 
 "hmmph" she groaned and  tried to go back to sleep.
 
 
 He frowned and then kissed her neck again as he rubbed
 her stomach slowly.
 
 
 Rae shifted in his arms and rolled onto her stomach
 
 
 Aidan smiled and kissed the side of her neck before
 closing his eyes.
 
 
 Later on Rae woke up herself more fully to hear a
 knocking on the downstairs door.
 
 
 Aidan was still asleep in his bed having fallen asleep
 againwith Rae in his arms.
 
 
 The knocking continued and Rae winced. She nudged
 Aidan. "Aidan... someone is at the front door.."
 
 
 Aidan slowly came awake and looked at Rae.  "What
 Rae?"
 
 
 "Someone is at the front door." her eyes were wide
 with fear of them being caught like this. "What are we
 going to do?"
 
 
 Aidan came awake fully. "You are going to stay here
 and toss about a bit.  "I am going to get dressed and
 head downstairs." he said as he got out of the bed,
 and moved to dress himself.
 
 
 "Um.. and where did you sleep?" she asked
 
 
 "Outside the door protecting you." he said as he
 pulled his pants on.
 
 
 "Ah right" she muttered as she watched him
 
 
 Once he had finished dressing he looked back at Rae
 and smiled as she oggled him, and then quickly left
 the room and closed the door as guietly as possible. 
 He then headed downstairs and opened the door.
 
 
 There standing at the door looking rather disgruntaled
 was Padric. "About time? What were you doing up
 there?"
 
 
 Aidan sighed. "Checking on Raelin before I came down
 is there a problem with my keeping her safe Padric?"
 
 
 "Depends." The other man replied. "she should have
 been home last night, instead of here. People talk."
 
 
 He sighed.  "And I thought she would be safer here
 considering the business that we had to attend to."
 
 
 "Oh that buisness. Surprised you both arn't married.
 Well I am here to collect her."
 
 
 Aidan sighed, wondering what Rae would say if they
 were.  "We went to speak with her Guardian and that is
 all.  As for collecting her I believe that, that is up
 to her."
 
 
 "Well then where is she?"
 
 
 "She is asleep, and I will not disturb her, nor will
 you."
 
 
 "Well excuse me but i have to. There are things that
 need to be done and she needs to do them."
 
 
 "Padric do not presume to order me in my own home. 
 When she is awake she shall go if she wishes to, that
 remains her decision."
 
 
 "Fine then I will wait at the gate for her. Tell her
 that will you." the man then strode off. Ever since
 his new orders had come through Padric had been in a
 spot of trouble.
 
 
 Aidan sighed and closed the door slowly, before he
 turned and headed back up to his bedroom.
 
 
 Raelin was sitting up in bed with her knees pulled up
 to her chest
 
 
 Aidan frowned when he saw her. "What;s wrong Rae?"
 
 
 "Padric?" she asked
 
 
 "Yes that was Padric he told me to tell you that he
 awaits you at the gates."
 
 
 "oh.." she said softly
 
 
 "Yes, but it is up to you what you do as far as I am
 concerned though he said somethings which I am not
 exactly fond of." he replied as he moved towards her.
 
 
 "like?"
 
 
 "I think he believes that I have deflowered you, and
 he made a comment about being surprised that we are
 not married as of yet."
 
 
 "oh... Just brilliant." Raelin muttered
 
 
 "Well we could get married and prove them wrong Rae."
 he said softly.
 
 
 "And have people say it was a rushed marriage.. due
 to.. deflowerment of the bride which has not
 happened?"
 
 
 Aidan sighed.  "I wish I knew what to say love.  I
 just do not know at this time what to do."
 
 
 "I had better go back with him. See if i can convince
 him otherwise"
 
 
 "That is up to you Rae, just be safe."
 
 
 She gave him a smile. "Always"
 
 
 He smiled, and moved to her and pulled her to him.
 
 
 She hugged him tightly
 
 
 He held her against him and kissed her forehead. 
 "When you return we shall marry Rae."
 
 
 hmm Doug?
 
 
 She nodded
 
 
 Aidan kissed her gently.  "Would you like me to talk
 to Lord Iorwerth about planning it?"
 
 
 She nodded. "Yes please. I'll deal with padric."
 
 
 He smiled down at her.  "Just wish we could make him
 wait longer."
 
 
 "Better not. He gosips worse then a woman."
 
 
 Aidan laughed loudly and then kissed her deeply.
 
 
 Rae kissed him back and then slowly with lots of
 lingering little kisses she broke the kiss.
 
 
 He looked down at her after the kiss ended.  "Get
 dressed and then we shall eat." he said softly.
 
 
 She nodded. "ok.."
 
 
 He smiled. "I shall leave your for now." he said as he
 slowly let go of her.
 
 
 She nodded again. "ok.. I wont be long."
 
 
 He smiled kissed her quickly and then headed
 downstairs towards his small kitchen.
 
 
 Rae dressed and put her hair up as best she could.
 This was going to be a long day.
 
 
 Aidan had some rations out waiting for Rae.  "Sorry
 but I have little real food her."
 
 
 "thats ok." she said as she entered the kitchen. "I
 should not dally long anyway."
 
 
 He frowned. "I do not think that you are dallying here
 with me."
 
 
 "but he will."
 
 
 "Do you plan on telling him about our betrothal?" he
 asked as he bit into his rations.
 
 
 "yes."
 
 
 "I hope that, that will help." he said softly. as he
 finished with his meal and stood slowly.
 
 
 She nodded as she finished her meal. "Will you come by
 this eveing for dinner?"
 
 
 He smiled.  "I will Rae, I am just unsure of what you
 will be doing or if you will want me there in the
 end."
 
 
 "Just be there" she stood and kissed him gently.
 
 
 He kissed her back and smiled. "I will be."
 
 
 She smiled and took up her cloak and headed for the
 door.
 
 
 He stood and followed her out. "Oh no you don't I am
 escorting you to the gates."
 
 
 "Fine" she sighed
 
 
 "What Rae would you rather I not walk you?"
 
 
 "I dont want any fights"
 
 
 "With Padric?" he asked softly.
 
 
 "yes"
 
 
 "What about walking you and then just watching you
 go?"
 
 
 "ok.." she said as they walked towards the stables.
 
 
 He smiled and took her hand, and walked with her. to
 the stables.
 
 
 Raelin ordered her horse saddled and then she waited
 outside with Aidan. The stable boy led her horse out
 and she thanked him
 
 
 Aidan smiled and looked down at Rae.  "Love you Rae."
 he whispered and kissed her gently,
 
 
 "Love you Aidan." and after kissing him back pulled
 away intime to see Padric striding towards them,
 leading his own horse
 
 
 Aidan sighed and leaned back slowly.  "Good journey
 Sir Padric." he said and then turned to leave.
 
 
 "Oh I am sure it will be. Raelin. Lets go. WE are
 late."
 "late for what?" she asked confused,
 " A meeting"
 
 
 Aidan didn't like how Raelin reacted, but didn't want
 to make things worse.  So he moved into the stables to
 check on Night.
 
 
 Raelyn silently allowed Padric to help her mount. But
 she had no idea about any meeting. "Meeting with who?"
 "you will see. Its a surprise."
 
 
 Aidan heard Rae's question, but as he moved in farther
 he missed what Padric said as he noticed Night and
 started to pet him gently.
 
 
 "fine" Rae said and she startled as Padric took her
 lead rope. "Padric I can ride by myself!"
 
 
 Aidan hearing that he moved towards the exit just in
 time to see Rae and Padric exit the gate.
 
 
 Padric ignored Rae's words and led her horse out of
 the gates and onto the road.


----------------------------------------------------------------


"Clearing the Air"
King Hawk
Lord Alterian

 "Can you believe it?" Hawk started, as the knight had now left, he 
could let his anger out. "I thought Arrian and I were friends, and now 
he sends this guy to me to spy on me!"

 Ian had only just reentered the King's presence. "Your Majesty, I 
doubt it is to spy on you. Perhaps your friend feels your loss and 
looks for any presence with in your life. What possible good would it 
do the Kingdom of Dinas Dwr to spy upon Abertawe? They do not border us. 
No, I think it is more that his ambassador is not well picked."

 "I'm getting paranoid."Hawk said. "The way he said it, it just rubbed 
me the wrong way."

 "I thought that this King Arrian was a friend of yours. Why would you 
have reason to fear from him?" Alterian thought this most interesting.

 "I don't, he is..." the king was pacing. "Politics makes me paranoid I 
guess."

 "Well, paranoia leads to poor decisions, so you must root out the cause, 
your highness."

 Ian pointed out quietly. The King was agitated, he had still not put the 
woman who had shot his queen to the block and now he distrusts a friend. 
They were not good signs.

 "I know." Then he smiled "I thought you would be happy, you've said 
I am to naive."

 "There is a difference, in recognizing that you might need to be careful
about what is said in front of an Ambassador and thinking that all is lost." 
Ian pointed out. "You recognize the possibility of danger with this man, that 
is good. But do not let it over influence you either."

 "All those years I needed to learn this I was away. And then again I never 
expected to really become king. There is so much you still have to teach me." 
He said.

 "There should never be a day a man is not learning, your highness." 
Alterian smiled and poured the King a drink. "It is a sad day when a monarch 
or any man thinks he knows all."

 "I never said I know it all. Far from it. Yet normally the heir to the 
throne is trained for this. Every time I do something I see in your eyes 
that you disapprove, that's kind of difficult for me."

 Alterian laughed. "Your uncle used to feel the same way. It is my duty to 
the throne to scrutinize every action. It is my job to catch discrepencies 
that might be missed in the heat of discussion. Do not worry, if it truly 
disapproved, I would tell you."

 "That's a relief." The king said grinning. "Did you really treat uncle the 
same way?"

 "Yes Lad, exactly the same way. If you do not believe me, ask your father. 
I have not changed much since he was your age. I started here about the time 
your father got his first command." Alterian said remembering back and 
wondering if it had really been so long that he had given service to the crown.

 The king smiled. He liked it much better when Ian called him lad like he 
had done all his life. "so there is hope for me after all."

 "There is hope, your majesty." Ian decided to press his advantage. "In 
light of such discussions, there is still the lass who shot the Queen?"

 "The girl. Do you think we can get Morgan to admit she used the child? 
Will it safe her life, or do I have to execute her anyway."

 "Do you really believe that by some magical means that Morgan forced  
that young woman to pull that bowstring?" Ian asked softly. "You know, 
she did this deed. She is aware of what she did, even if she was misguided
 in the doing."

 "Not magical, she worked on the girl's mind twisted it. A 
deprived young person like that, it is probably the first attention 
she ever got. It just doesn't feel right to kill her for it."

 "If it were a young man, would it be different? How many of an 
age and male have fell to your blade in battle?" Ian pressed gently.

 "I guess it would be. My father raised me to regard all women as 
sacred. It goes against everything I believe in to harm a woman, 
even one such as she."

 "Yet your own wife was a knight and fought along side men as an 
equal?" Ian pointed out.

 "And you know how father thought about that." Hawk pulled a face.

 "You, are not .. your father." Ian said very slowly. "Or..he would 
be King and not you."

 "I know, and I am much more accepting than he is. Yet you also know 
that that is not the reason he didn't become king."

 "He did not become King because he recognized in himself, a lacking 
quality. However, both your father and your uncle saw that quality in 
you." Ian said with a gentle smile. "Have faith in the men who raised 
you, for we have faith in them."

 "I have a lot of faith in them, Ian. You know I respect my father. 
The girl will also have a trial. If she is guilty..." he didn't 
finish the sentence.

 It was enough for Alterian. "I will see to setting up both women'strials."

 He touched Hawk's arm, an action few would dare. "It wil be well lad, 
rust your heart, it is often slow to act but rarely wrong."

 "I will need you the coming weeks, Ian. Your strength, your advise 
and our wisdom. I know there will come moments when I will want to do 
something stupid." He smiled slightly.

 "Your Highness, there is another matter." Ian cleared his throat. 
"A more personal matter that I need to discuss with you." Ian looked 
clearly discomforted for the first time that Hawk could remember.

 "What is it?" It made him nervous as well to see Ian this way.

 "All men make mistakes, your majesty and mine has come to haunt me.  
There is a man in court who thinks that he can use this mistake against 
me in the future. I hope by telling you now, that he will not have 
such power." Ian began nervously.

"I think you had better tell me." Hawk said in a calm voice.

 Ian told of his affair with Lady Burke. How the Lady had begged 
him not to sacrifice his position to take her away from the abusive 
Lord Burke. How there had been a child and Ian had turned his back 
for the sake of position and because the lady had already implicated 
another man. How this love of his had died a short time later. Bitter 
with loss and unsure of what to do, he had left his daughter in Lord Burke's 
care, unaware that the man had turned his unsavory attention on the child." 
Ian paused to look at Hawk.

 "That must have been horrible for you, Ian." the King said after 
listening.

"Did you find your daughter?"

 "After Sanglet was finished with her." Ian said quietly. He did not 
look up at the King for he had disgraced his position and he knew it.

 "Where is she now? Do you need help looking after her." Hawk said. 
"You have done so much for a crown, I hope we can help for a change."

 "I found Sir Gwynne attempting to marry her in a state of lessened 
capacity. The child does not even really know who she is at this time, 
even though she if fully grown. I am afraid I interupted his marriage 
to allow her passage to the sanctuary of the church." Ian said softly, 
revealing the anomosity between the two men.

 "So that is the thing between the two of you. I can't blame you." 
The King said. "How is she now, I suppose you do visit her?"

 "They will not let me." Ian said. "I am sorry, your highness,
 a man in my position should have been more circumspect." It was 
unclear whether he was more upset about his dishonorable behaviour 
or the state of his daughter.

 "They will not let you, what nonsense is that!" The King said.

 "I guess once a woman has claimed sanctuary in a enclave of the 
One God, she is safe from all intrusion till she wishes otherwise. 
Except, she does not know me .. and since she was in a poor state 
when I rescued her from Sir Gwynne's clutches, I doubt she is capable 
of such a decision." Ian said quietly.

 "I doubt if they want to defy me if I ask that you see your daughter. 
You two should get to know each other better." Hawk said gently.

 "I had hoped to avoid bringing in the crown. " Ian said with a sigh. 
"I merely told you to rob Sir Gwynne of this threat. He thinks he can 
disgrace me in your eyes. If there must be such disgrace, I prefer I 
do it myself."

 "He threatened to blackmail you?" It was a serious offence in the eyes 
of the King. "He should have known it wouldn't work. I am glad you told
 me, Ian. You deserve to have some family finally."

 "Unfortunately, he has never uttered the words. But, he and I 
understand each other very well and he hates me as much as I 
disregard him. He is ..a man of intellect and as such, valuable to you. 
I could not afford our disagreement to affect matters of crown." Ian did 
not reflect on family.

 "I will not bring the matter up if you don't want me to." The King
promised. "I will make time tomorrow to go with you to the monastery."

"Let him hang himself, your majesty and then speak." Ian suggested. 
"As for the monastery, perhaps that would be a wise idea.  I do have a 
desire to know this child."  Ian admitted.  He bowed low. "If you will 
excuse me, there is the matter of trials that I must attend to." 
Ian withdrew from the room.



-----------------------------------



“The Hardest Thing To Do Is Love”

Kingdom Of Abertawe

Young Baron Llywen Carrick of Waterford

Ifor ap Culhwch- Knight

 

Llywen decided that the best way to speak to the knight called Ifor was to 
send him a note, and have it delivered by a servant so it looked important. 
Everyone thought that delivered missives held great threat and were always 
listened to and adhered. So Llywen sat down at his school desk, took a quill 
in his hand, dipped it in the dark ink and began.

 

“Dear Knight Ifor,

“I write you because grave danger is following your charge. If you wish to 
save her and keep her safe, meet me in the market square at the darkest hour. 
Do not confront anyone, the girl, the Royal Family or you jeopardize Rowena. 
This is only a warning, I wish her no harm, but I believe I know who does. 
Meet me please?” 


 
Llywen signed the letter with an X, to keep his identity secret. This way, 
if he just happened to show up right at the moment he was to meet Rowena with 
a horse, then she’d never expect that he had said a word. All he had to do was 
keep her there, and that would give him enough time to receive the kiss. It was 
all about that kiss, to touch her sweet, soft lips again, no matter how young 
enthused him, and it was all he could dwell on. 

He folded the piece of paper, put a simple wax stamp on it, without his seal, 
and gave it to one of the Duke’s servants.  

Ifor looked at the note, and saw to his surprise that there was no seal on the wax.
 He wanted to ask the servant who had given it, but the man was already gone. 
Shrugging it off, he opened the letter.

"What the...," he started. No signature, as he had expected because there was 
also no seal, and he wasn't long enough here to recognize the handwriting. 
He would certainly keep an eye on Rowena, but he couldn't ignore this. 
On the other hand, he could also not be sure it was no trap, no matter what 
was in the note. He decided he would go, but he would take a couple of guards 
with him. Just a few, but enough to make sure the king heard about it if 
something went wrong. 


-----------------------------------------------


"Baby Hunting"
 Sir Conor O'Fearghail
 Cultist Member (NPC)
 
 
 
 Sir Conor had found no clues inside the town itself, nor on its
 outskirts. However, after several minutes journey down the road
 they had come up from, he found some signs. Namely kicked up grass
 and dirt such as what would remain from several horses passing over
 the spot. He dismounted and bent over the marks to study them
 closely. Judging by the way the tufts of grass had fallen, and the
 slight imprints in the ground, it would be safe to say that the
 riders had left the road here. He had no doubt it was his quarry.
 He mounted his horse again and took off at a gallop, following the
 marks through the field to the edge of a forest. Broken twigs
 signfied that this was where the culprits had entered the forest.
 He drew his sword. "Keep your eyes out. Look at the tops of the
 trees and the bottom. If i was to ambush anyone, this would be
 where i would do it. Stay close to me, i will not wait for
 stragglers."
 
 True to his word, they met resistance within ten mintes of entering
 the forest.   The first warning was the arrow that hit the tree
 beside Conor. The second, was the guard that toppled from his
 horse. 
 
 The one thing Conor didnt like about being a Knight, was that it
 wasnt customary to carry a bow and quiver of arrows. None of the
 guards did either. He did have several throwing knives on his body
 though. He dove from his horse, landed in a roll, and pressed up
 against a tree. The two other guards followed suit. "Crawl on your
 bellies, get within range to strike back." He whispered to them.
 They would be a hard target to hit crawling on the ground combined
 with the underbrush. As fro Conor, it would be almost suicidal to
 crawl on his stomach. Not only was it practically not possible in
 his armor, but he would look like a giant turtle. And move just as
 fast. Instead, he crouched low and darted from tree to tree, eyes
 darting everywhere for the nearest targer. He held his sword in one
 hand, shield still strapped to his back, and a throwing knife in
 the other. 
 
 It took the men almost ten minutes to move forward to where a
 couple of the archers were found in trees. But as soon as they were
 spotted, they seemed to fade back. This method of movement occurred
 for almost an hour.  Every once in a while they would find an
 archer to take down, then the rest would fall back.  Finally, the
 smell of cooking food and the sound of...children could be heard. 
 A firm voice was giving commands and the children slowly fell
 quiet.  By the sounds, there was a goodly number.
 
 Sir Conor motioned for his two men to gather around him. They crept
 forward to the edge of where the sounds were coming from. A camp of
 some sort. Their horses, trained in the ways of war, had remained
 where they had left them. Conor sent one of the men back to the get
 them, which didnt take so long walking as it did crawling. "Mount
 up. When we charge into the camp, kill anyone with a weapon and
 make lots of noise. Make it sound like there are more of us then
 there really are. And keep your eyes out for the babe - you all
 know what it looks like." He whispered, sliding up onto his horse.
 Conor knew it would be hard to take him down, arrows tended to
 bounce of plate-armor, and swords and axes usually had to hit the
 armor on a weak spot to penetrate it. He was still nervous though,
 as their numbers were unsure, but his adrenaline replaced fear with
 excitement. When all was ready, he led the charge into the camp,
 sword slashing and hacking at all who opposed him.
 
 It turned out that the camp was poorly guarded.  It took only ten 
 minutes to send the men with weapons fleeing or to the gates of the
 abyss.  The children were huddled in the middle, many holding
 babies.  There were six women left as well.  There must have been
 over eighty dirty children here?
 
 Conor halted his horse near the abyss, his two men flanking either
 side of him. He stared down into the abyss at all the children and
 those who guarded them. He looked at one of the guards. "Who are
 you to be attacking Kings men and stealing babies?" He shouted.
 
 "We didn't steal them, milord, we just cares for them." One of the 
 woman stepped forward.  "We just cares for them."
 
 Conor looked at the woman. "That doesnt answer the first half of my
 question. Nor does it answer this one - where is Lady Bronwens
 babe?"
 
 "You attacked us, milord!" She pointed out.  "And I don't be knowin
 who this Lady Bronwen is." The one looked up at the knight, there
 seemed to be little fear.
 
 Conor cast a glance around him, knowing full well this could be
 another set up. "You are wrong. I track those who kidnapped a baby
 from under my care after they poisoned our food. Their tracks led
 us to the edge of the forest, at which point we were attacked by
 your people. As we counterattacked, your people fell back here and
 this is where we stand. You better answer truthfully, as i have no
 problem slaying unarmed people like yourself. Just go ask the
 innkeeper if you see him again."
 
 "There be a new baby, but I don't be knowin if it be the one you
 seek. We just trains them like we are told." She insisted
 
 Conor quirked a brow. "Train them? Train them for what?" Once she
 answered his question, he would ask to see the new baby.
 
 "For to spread the words of Donn throughout the land." She said
 as if performing the most sacred of duties.
 
 Conor shook his head. He should kill all of them, he thought, but
 that would be the wrong thing to do. "Show me all the babies." He
 said.
 
 Six babies were brought forward.  One was wrapped in the same
 blankets with the royal seal as Bronwen's but the baby inside was
 very dirty.  Another baby looked more like the child he had seen
 but it was wrapped in dirty blankets.
 
 "Take the babies out of the blankets and wash them. NOW!" He
 commanded, a few of them strikingly resembling Bronwens, especially
 the one in its blanket. He couldnt be sure though.
 
 "That will make them ill. You kill a babe washin it." The woman
 protested. "You will not be hurtin me bairns." 
 
 "Then i'll just have to kill you and wash them myself. Washin the
 baby would only kill it if you dont dry it off and wrap it up in
 warm blankets afterwards. Understood?" He said, growing irratated. 
 
 The woman grumbled but motioned for the children to be washed.  The
 babies all cried but soon were laid out for Sir Conor to inspect.
 Only two were girls.
 
 Conor nodded in satisfaction after the washed babies were laid
 before him. "I think you should let the rest of the children free,
 if you value your life. You are holding them against their will,
 away from their families, and knowing you and your cult,
 brainwashing them to follow you." He shifted in his saddle and
 dismounted, sword still drawn. "What say you?"
 
 The woman nodded.  She knew most of them would not leave. Many
 had been raised for more then a year here.  Many were too young
 to go off on there own.  "Ye heard the lord, if ya wish to goes,
 get gone." The children milled about uncertaintly. 
 
 Conor shook his head. "All of the children will be coming with me.
 Living out here is unfit for them. We will take them back to Alban
 where they can be properly cared for and fed." He moved to where
 the
 babies lay, motioning for her to back off. He looked at each of
 them closely. One of the girls looked more plump then the other,
 and her eyes reminded him of Lady Bronwen's. He pointed to her.
 "And
 that baby i shall care for." He said, wrapping the baby up in the
 cleanest of the blankets and cradling it with one of his arms. He
 turned to the adults. "You can come with us, help take care of the
 other children, until we get to Alban. Then, if you have all been
 good, i will let you free. If i have trouble from you and dont kill
 you outright, you will be imprisoned. You are all to be bound
 together by rope. The children will be able to walk freely. I'll
 leave two mothers unbound to care for the younger ones. Am i
 understood?" He said, motioning for his men to move forward to
 enforece the rules. 
 
 The women nodded.  They moved about gathering what they
 would need for an enforced march to Alban.  By foot, it would
 take a length of time for them to get there so they loaded a mule
 with provisions to feed the children.  The women seemed to be
 taking an inordinate amount of time. 
 
 Conor talked to his man, still holding the baby, as the camp was
 packed up. "Make sure you keep an eye on everyone. One of you will
 ride on horseback at the back of the pack. I will ride in the
 front. The other will tie the rope of prisoners to your horse. Keep
 an eye on all your weapons and search each of them every day. We'll
 post watch at night, and camp away from towns. You full well know
 what happened at the last one. We can last on our own supplies for
 a few days, by which time we should be back. The one of you who
 isnt on horseback will keep an eye on the children and walk off to
 one side. Use deadly force if something happens - they are cultists
 afterall." He turned to see what was taking so long. "OKAY. Thats
 it. Time to move out. Get in line so you can be bound together.
 Lets move." He said, and watched as his orders were carried out.