New Day - Chapter Nine

  
 
 

"Reasons to Live, Reasons to Die"
- Sir Amlyn
- Druidess Elianor (npc)
- Thosa (npc)
 
***
 
    "You have many reasons to die, Amlyn... can you find any reasons to live?"
    Amlyn said nothing. He was tired of people doing him favors. All he wanted
was to be left alone.
    After several moments of silence, Elianor continued. "You do not wish to
hear anything. And after what you have done for the past month, I had every
intention of having you dragged to the King's Road and thrown at the feet of
the soldiers who seek you."
    When do we leave? He thought to himself.
    "But it came as some surprise to me that your actions may have been
influenced by another."
    "You are as delusional as I am," interupted Amlyn.
    "As you were, perhaps," replied Elianor. "You are well enough to walk a
little distance. Thosa, help him to his feet."
    Thosa approached the knight, but paused when he saw the glare in Amlyn's
expression. Then his frown of concern gave away to a cheeky grin. "Your
countenance bears resemblence to a wounded and angry bear, sir knight.
Know that I will be gentle and respect your station."
    "Enough Thosa. Do as you are instructed."
    Amlyn was reluctantly dragged out of bed and assisted from the druidess'
hut.
    Outside, the air was cool and damp, as the early morning dimness gave
way to a growing aura of light from the sun of a new day. Amlyn was a little
startled to behold such a sight, convinced as he had been that everything
was over. He blinked at looked about at the village square, like a startled
doe. Then his eyes fell upon Elianor, standing a few feet away in front of
him. She gestured to one side with her hand.
    Amlyn followed the offered direction and witnessed his black sword,
embedded point down into the earth. The ruby red eye in it's hilt stared back
at him, mocking and accusing. Pick it up and strike them all down,
whispered hateful words in his mind. As if by some sort of intuition or instinct,
Thosa warily tightened the grip on his arm.
    Then his eyes widened. For the grass and moss that surrounded the
blade was dying. A large grey patch, two feet in diameter, surrounded the
black metal. Leaves curled and shrivelled in a place where everything grew
and flourished. It made no sense to Amlyn, and he looked to Elianor for
some sort of explanation.
    "I was reluctant to inflict such a wound upon the earth and the life that
grows from it, but I was sure it was the only way you would believe me,"
answered Elianor. "I am not yet certain how, but I have been told that
certain substances, used during the forging process and applied to the
weapon, continue to bleed long after the metal has gone cold. Held against
bare skin for a period of time causes one to take on this... poison, without
a better word. It affects the wielder according to the desire of the forger.
No doubt, your mind suffers the whim of another's intent. I don't know if
you will ever recover, or if so how long it will take."
    Stunned, Amlyn fell to his knees. Thosa allowed him to slump, glancing
at Elianor with concern on his young face. She simply shook her
head, and walked past them, back into her hut.
    Amlyn's thoughts tumbled. The strings of a puppet. The pawn of a
chess board. The hand... of god. Nwython... His life was ruined. He had
clung to the stubborn belief that fate dictated his lot. But it was an
illusion. All along he had been manipulated, used, pushed and prodded,
pointed here and there and unleashed on others for the sake of a few.
He remembered his father, moments before throwing himself from the
castle tower in Nethbo, and the 'voices' he had told him of sharing. It
all stunk... of the hand of god.
    Something came across his blurred vision. It was a sealed letter. 
Elianor had re-emerged from her hut and held it in her hand. "I was
told to give this to you at an appropriate time," she said quietly. "It
is from Archdruid Eruic. He wrote this several months ago, for you."
    Amlyn took it with a trembling hand and fell back roughly from his 
knees. Thosa moved away, and with the protection of thick gloves
he removed the sword from the ground, taking it away in the direction
of the village forge. With his single arm, Amlyn fumbled the wax seal
open and began to read hesitantly...
 
    Sir Amlyn,
 
    By now you are wiser to your path in this life. Part of me wishes
this were not so, but it seems we are all destined to lose our innocence
in dealing with the world we live in. Your bloodline is at an end, a line
of great and just men and women, nobility of the order of Kings and 
Queens. In this, you share your fate with us. For our time has also 
come to closure, and the ways of nature will pass away from our
memory for the ways of God. While we mourn that which will pass,
we remember that nothing is permanent. Everything comes to being,
lives for a time, and then returns to the elements from whence they
came. I am sure your thoughts reflect none of this, but I could not
let you pursue your intentions without attempting to remind you
of the true way of life.
 
    We ALL have the capacity to fulfil a greater purpose that we
believe we are capable of. All it requires is a strength of conviction
and a dedication to our calling. Thosa is such a beginning. He is a
seed from the tallest and strongest of oaks. He is destined for
greatness. But with your assistance, he will achieve much more
than anyone could comprehend. He lacks the practical experience
of life that you have earnt: the treachery, the history of hatred, of
misery and suffering, regrets and anger. He is naive to all of this,
and needs the guiding hand of one who knows to help him cope
with such darkness that he shall find. In the world outside the
forest, his only home for so long.
 
    Yet you will most likely be committed to one last course 
of action. And as much as I abhor what you will undertake,
I hope that you ensure it is the ~last~ act of callous 
cruelty you will ever perform. After your affairs have been
concluded, I request that you to honour the gift of life I
returned to you at the battle with Nethbo. Work with Thosa,
teach and nurture him to be wise to the ways of the world
that you are familiar with. Return this favour, and we are
even once again.
 
    May the Goddess smile upon you in your time of need.
 
    Archdruid Eruic
 
    "You should return to bed, sir knight," said Thosa.
"Weakness from such long hunger still afflicts you," he
added with concern.
    Amlyn screwed up the parchment in his hand, and merely
nodded. He did not hear the words, for the desire for 
vengeance burnt away his perception. The next few days
would be very, very important indeed.
********************

"Chance encounters and not just with each other." 

By 

Lady Raelin Morgance 
Lady of Morin 

Sir Aidan Lochlainn 
High Night of Wind 

Sir Padric 
Morgance Man-at-Arms 



************* 

The day was cool.Just enough for a cloak, Raelin thought as she dismounted from her horse in the Market Corral. Padric, her ever present body guard took her horse and teathered it beside his. She pulled her cloak closer and headed with Padric in tow towards the market square. She had a list of things to buy for the small town house where she now lived while awaiting the kings verdict and she knew it was best to get things over with. She stopped at a fruit stall and began to peruse the items before her. 

Aidan was walking down one of the market streets looking around, trying to see if he could find the darker spots of the streets.  He wasn't paying attention to where he was going he was just looking and trying to find where people could attack from.  He knew that he had to prepare for anything after the hunt for the Raven, he knew that things in his life would be spicing up just a bit.  He sighed and turned down another street and just started walking, and thinking. 

Raelin paid for her small purchases and moved on to the next stall. She looked at the curios on the table and shook her head and turned blindlly into the center of the street. 

Aidan was looking further down the street than he should have, and asccidently bumped into someone. "Sorry." he said as he stepped back and looked down. 

Raelin sighed. She looked up and saw the same man who had knocked her over at the Caer. "is it just me or do you have a thing against ladies walking on their own two feet?" The words were out before she could stop them and Padric's groan told her that,, that had not been polite. 

Aidan looked down and smiled offering her his hand. "Not all women just those that I enjoy bumping into." he replied, with a small smile.   "Again I am sorry Lady?" 

She allowed him to help her up and she brushed off her grey dress. "You seem to be saying that a lot." she muttered. "I should have stayed at home today." 

He sighed. "If you had done that then we would not have met again." he replied as he reached down and started to pick up her basket and goods. 

Padric  helped him with a hidden smile. Raelin spotted it though and wanted to kick Padric hard. "And why sir knight would you wish to run into a country lady?" 

Aidan had to bite back a smirk. "Would you rather I flower you or tell you the truth?" he asked, as he stood and handed her back her basket. 

"Truth is always prefereable." Padric moved around to stand behind her and muttered in her ear. "Watch it witchy, you might cast a spell with that temper." She ignored the on going joke. 

Aidan nodded.  "Because you are real compared to the simpering women I get to deal with at times." he replied, as he eyed Padric. 

Padric smirked at the knights words. But Raelin replied. "You hardly know me Sir. So how can you say I am different from those you know." 

"Well milady, most of the women that I deal with tend to get in the way and then simper, and whimper after you bump into them.  You well it is apparent is it not?" 

She gave him a calm look. "The ways of city folk are not something I look too deeply into Sir. I prefere the quiet life. So i have very little idea on how the woman around here act." Padric turned to keep himself from bursting into laughter. 

"Why do I doubt that milady." he replied as he looked over her shoulder at Padric. "Anyway you must be busy and wish to shop, so I will take my leave if that is what you wish." 

She shrugged casually. "It is not the place of a woman to dictate to a man what he should do Sir." 

"Please milady I leave it to your discression.  Besides, you have as much right in my mind as I do so I leave it to you." he replied as he looked around and into the shadows. 

Padric however took the choice from them both. "Sir Knight, if you would be so kind.. could you watch over my lady for a moment. I have spotted someone I need to have a talk to." He moved his hand onto his sword and Raelin paled. "Padric.." She began. "Not now Rae. Stay here." and with that he headed off into the crowd 

Aidan looked at Raelin for a moment and then let his eyes follow Padric. "Does he do this often?" he asked as he moved to stand beside her. 

She nodded. "Yes. Though of Late he has been single minded in the tracking down the assasins." she paused. "But normally he locks me in a room." 

"I doubt that he could accomplish locking you away for long." he said as he walked with her. "And I understand his concern over assasins.  I myself am becoming more wary of things." 


She nodded silently.. She hated being locked up but tolerated it because she was the only heir to her family estate. "it is.. hard times for all." 

"Yet we endure.  I wonder if there were any other reasons for your protectors motivations." he said as they moved down the street. 

"Padric has been serving my family since he could weild a sword. Just as his father and his father before him did. Nothing more the family loyalty. he is like a brother to me." 

Aidan nodded, and hid a smirk. "Ah well then once he returns I shall leave you be if you wish.  Is there anything else that you need to get?" 

She thought about it. "No nothing more today. I can always send a maid to get more if needed." She looked up as Padric came running back. "Sorry about that." he said to the knight. He looked at Rae. "Witchy, we needto get you back to the house. I have to send Tom off with a message." 

Aidan looked from Rae to Padric. "If I may ask what is going on?" he said as they started to walk back to the coral. 

Padric did not look at rae for comfirmation. "We were atttacked on the way here, by soldiers of the One god religion. The Lord Morgance was killed as well as a number of our men. His daughter's safety is paramount for the Morgance guard currently." 

He nodded, and continued to walk with them towards the coral. "Well then I believe we should move quickly." he said as he moved his hand to the hilt of his sword and led them through the crowds. 

Raelin groaned as Padric and her followed. "Great just what she needed MORE protection. "Padric.. I hate when you make things sound worse then they are." 
"WORSE?" the man looked at her. "YOu are the SURVIVING member of the Morgance family. And You say WORSE then they are? Gee Witchy you are nuts!" 

Aidan sighed. "Look hold the fight until you get home." he said as they approached the coral.  His eyes scanned the area around it, the last thing that they needed was to be ambushed.  "Would you like me to accompany you home?" 

"No" said Rae 
"If you would" Said Padric. over riding Raelin with a glare. He went to her horse and led it over. 

Aidan nodded. "Alright well I shall go saddle Night." he said and made his way to the stables quickly.  About 20 minutes later he rode Night back to the market places coral. "Shall we?" 

Raelin was steaming as she sat on her horse and it was obvious that she had been arguing with Padric who seemed implaceable. "Yes" said Padric. 

Aidan nodded. "Alright then perhaps you would be so kind as to lead the way." he said as he and Padric moved side by side with her.  He brought Night next to Raelin's horse.  "What is bothering you?" he asked softly. 

Padric moved a head a little and began to lead. 
Rae looked at him. "Whats bothering me is all this.. protection. I am fine. No one is after me. besides there is better ways to get my lands without killing the heir." 


Aidan sighed. "Yes well it is for you own good.  I am sorry, but as he has said you are the last heir and yes there are easier ways to gain control of your lands, but if one cannot get to attempt those then killing you suffices unless they just want you dead." 

She shrugged. "a lot of people want me dead. You see, I am a witch. Well thats what certain nobles think. My stepmother began the rumour and as you know all witches should be killed." 

Aidan sighed. "I would rather not discuss politics, and as far as I can tell I think you have the wrong letter to start off what people truly think.  Besides you wouldn't be so blatant if you were." 

She shrugged. "That might be true. Besides I have never fallen into what people call normal anyway." 

"Oh and what would people consider you?" he asked even though he had his own thoughts on the matter.  He rode beside her at a walk and enjoyed just being out and about again. 

"crazy" She said. "the crazy daughter of a lord who should have known better then to have his child taught the 'man's studies" 

Aidan looked over at her and laughed. "Perhaps he was crazy as a fox." he replied.  "It is a rough world all should know as much as they can." 

She gave another shrug. "my father was happy with his life. Though i am sure he wished for a son, I lacked nothing from him. He may have been seen as crazy but to me he was a kind man." 

He nodded. "So where are you staying?" he asked as they came to a fork in the rode.  "I assume a country lass like yourself would stay someplace cozy?" 

"We have a small house on the outskirts of the city. " She pointed in the oposite direction of the caer. 

"Ah then we should be approaching it shortly." he said as he saw some houses come into view.  He had hoped for a longer ride why though he was unsure. 

She looked at the small houses. "no unfortunatly. The house is further on. My father liked his privacy." She pointed past the  houses to the moors. Small furls of smoke rose from them. "There.?" 

He nodded. "Well then perhaps we should pick up the pace." he said as he noticed the house.  "Best that we not be ambushed."  Which was something he did not exactly want at this point in time. 

Padric nodded and Raelin sighed and was about to comment when Padric without looking at her said. "Raelin Morgance don't you dare." She glowered at his back and sighed. Padric looked at the Knight. "Picking up the pace will be just fine Sir Knight." 

"Please call me Aidan  SIr knight is not something I am always fond of hearing." he replied and spurred Night into a trot.  He looked around wary, something did not feel right and he wasn't sure what it was, which unsettled him even more. 

Raelin sighed and followed suit as Padric and Aidan picked up the pace. "I think you both are over reacting" she muttered. 

Aidan dismounted Night after they had made it to the house.  He looked around and then offered to aid Raelin down. "Milady." 

She bit back a long suffering sigh and allowed him to help her down. Padric meanwhile smirked and turned and gave a squire an order to find a man called Tom immedately. 

Aidan looked around as he place Raelin on her feet, he turned and noticed someone in the trees and turned Raelin and himself shielding her with his back.  He was struck in the upper shoulder by an arrow that had been laced with something.  He pushed Raelin away from him as he fell to the ground in a loud thud. 

Raelin screamed as Padric spun and shoved her to the ground. Men from the household ran out but the archer was gone. Padric ordered his squire Kit to take Rae inside while he and his men tended to the knight. When they found he was breathing but ailing they carried him into the house and a guest room and sent for a healer. 

Aidan was fading in and out of consciousness, the only complete thought was his asking if the lady of the house was alright.  This thought seemed to cycle whenever he regained consciousnees which he quickly fell out of.  He was freezing, and shaking when the healer arrived. 

"poison." the healer stated calmly. He examined the wound and then set about working on a purge too help clear the Knights body of the Poison. He then poured it down the man's throat. 

Aidan was sound asleep after the concoction was poured down his throat.  He still had a fever but it was slowly going down, though it would be some time until he would be able to get out of bed. 

Padric sent a messanger to the king. It read. 

[Your Majesty, 

It is the house of Morgance's sad duty to inform you that the High Knight of Wind was wounded this day by an arrow meant for the lady of the house, Lady Raelin Morgance, lady of Morin. He was hit by a poisoned Arrow and we have been informed that He will live, though bed rest has been precribed by the healer.  We are sure your majesty understands the reason for your Knights delay in returning to the castle. More news will follow once we ourselves Know more. 

Sir Padric, Morgance man-at-arms] 

It was dispatched to the King that very evening. It was not good news but someone had to bear it to his Majesty.

***********************

"blind date" 

Diora
Brendan

A letter arrived to Brendan, it had been years since he had heard word of
home and this had the seal from home.  "The family requests you come home
for a time.  You needn't worry of your brother for he is away on his
honeymoon, but I have not heard word from you in awhile."  The letter was
simply signed Isa.  There was some truth to the letter but it was one to get
him to come home.

Brendan smiled.  He knew his mother missed him, therefore he kept sending
her letters.  That was the only reason she knew how to find him as he kept
travelling the land.  He hadn't been home in over a year now.  Not because
he hated his brother, far from it, in his own way he loved Hawk. yet it was
hard growing up with the sainted elder brother.  And he finally that to
find his own way in life, he had to move away from the court.  Yet maybe
now it was time for a visit, he longed to see his parents and his sisters.
So the next morning he made ready to leave for the capital.

***

The road towards the stables appeared after two long days in the saddle.
But he
hasn't been that far away, covered in mud nobody had recognised him yet.

His clothes were threadbare and filthy, so he looked more like a commoner

than a knight.

Isa knew he was coming home so she insisted that the servants cater to him
when he arrived.  She knew her son had lived a hard life in the year he was
away.  When Brendan arrived to the stables, the servants asked nothing but

took care of his horse.  "There is a hot bath and a fresh change of clothes.
  Ethan will show you to your rooms, sir." the lead stablehand had said to
him.

Ethan motioned for Brendan to follow him and he led the way to the rooms
that were his for as long as Brendan had known.  On the way there, a

beautiful voice echoed through the hall as it made it's way to the garden.

He stopped to listen, always interrested in women. And soon he saw her,

indeed a beautiful face to match the voice.  Brendan grinned at her.  "Not
bad, my lady."

Diora had been caught and she knew it.  She gave him a sheepish grin.  "Aye,
thank you," She said with her head bowed to hide her blush.

"We can't have that."  He tilted her head up.  "Pretty ladies shouldn't be
shy."

She smiled.  "Tis not that I'm shy, sir, tis that you caught me unaware and
away from my room. I'm supposed to be on bedrest...yet I couldn't manage
those stuffy rooms another day." She said looking at him quietly.

"Tsk!  You should listen to your doctors, a pretty lady like you.  Yet I
think something can be done."  He whispered some words to the servant who
ran off.  "Follow me, lovely lady."  He said.  "You know every time I meet
a goddess like you, they are married, it is not fair."


She smiled again..."Funny thing you should say that for there's a little
secret...I'm not married...any longer..." she said her tone on the last part

a bit sad not forgetting the memory of her late husband, who still tugged at
her heart but something about this moment had her very fae.  She followed
him quietly not knowing what to expect.  She didn't care at the moment for
she really didn't know who kept her company, but he was charming and genteel
and it made her smile.

He led her into one of the smaller private gardens.  At that time the
servant came back loading with blankets and pillows.
"then there is hope for me."  He said charmingly.  "Now lay down here under
this tree and we will make you as comfortable as possible, my lady."

She did as she was told.  "You are too kind, sir.  How shall I ever repay
you in kind?"

"You could always marry me."  He said smiling.  "I am a nice guy."

She laughed not harming him.  "Tis a merry proposition, but I don't even
know you, good sir." she said to him

"I'm Brendan, a knight errant. I don't like court life or kings very much,
so I don't come here very often. " he smiled.  "I do assure you that I have
the money to support you, fair Lady."  He teased.

"That I don't doubt, Brendan." She said with a smile.  "Maybe fate's favor
is shining on me..." she teased back.  "I'm Diora, I'm the king's healer and
though I wished sometimes I wasn't at court so much.  Life would be so much
easier." she sighed slightly.  She loved what she did, but it didn't give
her the freedom she was used too.

"A healer for the king?  then you won't have much to do."  He smirked. "I
can understand you don't like it here much, working for his holiness."

"It's not that bad, he just has me guarded as if he's afraid that I'm going
to get hurt." she said to him with a sheepish grin.  She looked behind his
shoulder and noticed a servant coming towards Brendan.  "Looks like the
calvary has come for you.  I hope we can chat again."  She asked.

"They can wait."  He grinned again.  "Will you dine with me tonight, my
lady? if you do I promise you I will give you tips to keep his holiness of
your back."

"I would be honored that you would ask of such a thing." She said to him.
The world was spinning again.  She had not expected this and even though
Brendan had been kidding about things, he seemed to be serious at this
particular moment.

"So say yes." He said getting to his feet.

"Your grace." The servant said. "Your mother is waiting for you in her
rooms." He bowed to the young man.

"Mothers." He grinned. "I will be there shortly. You my lady stay here! And
give me your anwser."

"Yes, I'll have dinner with you." She said to him as she watched him stand.
She hadn't budged and didn't plan too until she was to prepare for dinner.
She gave him a smile again before he left.  She then wondered just who his
mother was.  She hadn't a clue.

"So I will pick you up later, after I have seen my mother, and changed my
clothes."  He used his most charming smile again.

"I shall be awaiting you here." She said to him again.

****************

"Conversations on Children" 

Queen Arianna 
King Hawk 

Helen 

Morning came and Arianna was up before Hawk. She quietly slipped from his 
arms, covered him and dressed herself. She headed down into the main hall 
looking for Helen and a spot of tea first thing. As she shook the tangles 
out of her hair she wandered around looking at the tapestries and wonderment 
of the place. 

"Good morning, lovy." Helen said brightly. "did you sleep well?" She 
grinned."Or did the little terror keep you awake?" 

"He kept me awake for a time, but I fixed him...and yes I did sleep like an 
angel." she said with a big grin on her face. 

The elder woman smiled back. "I'm glad he's found you, that boy was 
miserable for a long time, we worried about him his mother and I." 

"Time has a way of healing all wounds. It was somehow fate, but I'm grateful 
for what I have been given." She said to Helen. 

"You should be, he's a very good lad. All of them, they are a decent 
family." Helen said with conviction. 

Arianna knew the loyalty that Helen and the household held for the family 
and it was a sight that she had come to expect but not exactly gotten used 
too. "Aye I have been blessed indeed." she said quietly. 
"You will be giving him more children then soon." Helen eyed her 
critically. "It will be good for him, and you are built for it." 

"Not as soon as I'd like, but aye, I hope to give him children." Arianna 
said the woman. She knew she liked her and was very comfortable talking 
with her. 

"Is he giving your trouble over that?" The older woman asked. 

Arianna gave her a sad smile. "Aye he's afraid that he may lose me to 
childbirth, though I have a feeling that's not going to happen. I would 
give him a castle full if he let me. I just don't want to scare him to the 
fact that I'll die. I will in time, but I won't leave him alone that soon." 
"Do you want me to talk to him." Helen said softly. "I know how stubborn 
that boy can be." 

"No, no that won't be necessary, sweet Helen. I believe we are going to be 
just fine. He told me just a couple of days ago to let him know before I 
was with child so it wouldn't be a complete suprise. I know he wants more 
children, he's just scared. We'll be fine and there will be children 
filling these halls again." she said with a chuckle thinking about how quiet 
this castle had become. 

Helen took her in her arms. "He is such a wonderful father and you will be 
a wonderful mother. And I love to have them here again. I'm sorry you 
didn't bring little Rhys." 

"I think, Hawk wanted to get to know me, without having Rhys hanging on my 
leg wanting to play. He wanted all of his own attentions diverted on me and 
not split between himself and his son. I love them both dearly and hope 
that I don't slight one with the other." She said with a giggle. 

Helen smiled indulgently. "Little boys need all the attention themselves." 

"Have you to been gossiping about me?" Hawk came into the room still 
dressed in his nightshirt and yawning. 

Arianna walked over to him and kissed him good morning. "Now would we do 
something like that??" she asked innocently and gave him a smile. 

"Hhmm, yes I think you would." He smiled and then kissed her back. "And I 
wouldn't put it past Helen either." 

Arianna chuckled and smiled at Hawk and then glanced at Helen. "I believe 
we'll finish this conversation later as my lord will probably be ready for 
breakfast." 

"I'm starving." He said. 

She smiled. "Well that settles it then. Let's get you fed." 

"That sounds just like I am a small child." He said. Behind him Helen 
could hardly keep from laughing. 

"Twasn't meant that way." She said kissing him again on the cheek. 

"Besides, your not the only one whose famished." 

"All right then, I am starving." He admitted. 

"On to breakfast." She said laughing. She hooked her arm into his and 
nodded. "After you milord." 

********************

"Bedside Manners"

By

Lady Raelin Morgance
Lady of Morin

Sir Aidan Lochlainn
High Night of Wind

Healer for the house of Morgance

 Aidan layed on the bed he had been placed on, he
groaned as he sat up his back was still very sore,
from the arrow, and the dressing wasn't helping with
the itch.  He sat up slowly and looked around unsure
of where he was.

 Raelin had been sitting on the window seat waiting
for him to wake. When she noticed he was awake she
cleared her throat slightly and turned her head so she
could see him though the afternoon sun would block his
view of her. "You are awake Sir Knight. How do you
feel?"
 Aidan tried to look at her but was blinded by the
light which gave him a headache. "I feeling like I was
stomped by a horse.  How are you?" he asked as he
looked down.

 "I am fine. And you are very lucky. The poison used
is not normally in this part of the country. It comes
from a fish that inhabits the oceans near my home. You
are just lucky our healer is well versed in the
poison."

 He nodded. "Yes well the arrow was meant for you." he
replied and looked around the room.  "How long was I
out?" he asked as he continued to scan the room.

 "Just under a full day.  The king has been notified."
She paused. "Thank you."

 He sighed, and leaned back. "You are welcome though
you need not thank me." he said as his eyes focused
some more.

 She gave another shrug. "Maybe so, but I feel I need
to. If I were you I would not move so much. You are
not use to the poison." She gave a small smirk. "It
was ill chosen for me, for I have been poisoned many
times by the same poison and all it does now is make
me throw up... I seem to have built up an immunity to
it."

 Aidan sighed. "Yes well, you are lucky though I think
the arrow would have done enough damage." he replied
as he wobbled a bit as he tried to make his way over
to her.

 She frowned and stood and said. ""You get back into
bed."

 He sighed. "And if I don't?" he asked as he took
another step towards her.

 "Well you will fall flat on your face." She said.

 He chuckled. "No I think I will try for backwards if
I do.  Besides I will be alright.  How long have you
been here?"

 She gave a small shrug. "not long." she said. "Now
get back to bed"

 He sighed, and moved towards a chair. "No I am tired
of lying around."

 "BED" Rae snapped

 He ignored her.  "Do you wish to oversee my health on
a permanent basis?" he asked eyeing her.  "With that
tone I could see you doing so."

 She glared. "You know you MALES are infuriating"

 He chuckled. "Yes well, I do this just for you." he
retorted, and leaned into the chair. "So how are you
after that attack?"

 "I am fine." She said. "Been shut up in the house all
the time but fine." She continued to glare at him
hoping he would get the hint

 He sighed. "If you continue to glare I will have to
do something drastic." he said and smirked slightly.

 "Will you please follow the healer’s orders and get
back into bed, before he comes in here and yells at
ME?"

 He looked over at her. "You can always blame it on
me." he said as he stood slowly.

 "Do not worry I will." She said

 He smiled. "So how go things with the king?"

 She shrugged. "I do not know. I have not heard
anything."

 "Well I hope that things work out." he said as he
made his way towards her slowly.

 She took a step backwards. "I am sure they will ..."

 He frowned. "Is something wrong?" he asked as he
continued towards her.

 "Um... yes you should be in bed... not walking
around."

 "Ah well, I shall then." he said as he gave her a
quick kiss on the cheek and then moved slowly back
towards the bed.

 She stared at him. "Why did you do that?"

 "No reason." he said as he sat down slowly.

 "Then why do it?"

 "Why not?" he retorted as he lay down.

 "its not proper."

 "Do you always have to be proper?" he asked as he
closed his eyes slowly.

 She nodded. "yes."

 He sighed.  "Why?"

"Because... your reputation and mine are important."
she said as calmly as possible

"And what will become of our reputations now?  I would
like to think that my reputation is intact enough as
it is."

She gave him a puzzled look. "look... it just is
important that is all."

He sighed. "Alright then.  Anything else that we could
talk about?"

She shrugged. "I do no know sir."

"Please my name is Aidan there is no need to be formal
is there?"

She seemed puzzled by that. "You are a guest in this
house... it is proper that you be addressed in the
right way."

"And if I ask other wise?" he asked smirking


"it would not be proper... especially seeing I am not
married, nor chaperoned..." she was trying to keep her
distance from this man who had saved her life


He sighed, and shook his head. "Well why aren't you
married, and if you wish to bring in a chaperone be my
guest, or talk to me as if I am a person."


"I am not married because no one wants a witch for a
wife and as for the chaperone, Padric is busy."


He chuckled. "I don't know if having a witch for a
wife would be bad.  Is there another reason that you
aren't married?"  he said as he rolled on his side to
face her.


She shrugged. "Just never had any suitors."


He smirked. "Do you want a suitor?"


"no not particularly. Why?"


"Was just curious." he replied.  "So what would you
like from life?"


She gave him a curious look. "Never really thought
about it.  Right now I am trying to keep my family
lands in tact."


"Well perhaps I can help if things do not go your
way?" he said softly.


her eyes widened slightly. "Why?" she asked. "would
you. You barely know me sir."


He sighed. "Why did I take an arrow in the back then? 
You are a good person I don't want to see good people
suffer and it seems you would if your lands were taken
from you."


"I... have been thinking of what I could do if it went
that way. I am adept at running a household... I could
always apply for work in a manor. There are things I
can do...."


"Ah well you don't have to if I can help I shall." he
replied as he propped himself up on his arm.


Something in her eyes changed as she watched him.
"Your offer is kind but I can not and will not hold
you to it. If things turn bad, then I will make my own
way in the world Aidan. without help."


He opened his eyes and looked into her eyes.  "If you
are going to be that stubborn so be it, but the offer
stands regardless.  So take it."


She shook her head. "I can't."


"Why because you won't tie me down to someone that I
hardly know?"


"because I am not a charity case and I wont be a
burden to anyone."


His face hardened.  "First you will not be a burden if
you wish if it comes to it I will give you the lands
once you marry and I will leave you be.  Secondly
would you rather keep your families lands or lose them
entirely?"


"You do not understand do you." she said softly. "its
not just the lands its the history. I will not accept
anyone’s offer. Its not just you!"


He frowned. "If that is what you wish, so be it.  Just
remember regardless I will help if I can even if I
receive the lands."


"What makes you think you will receive them?"


"Nothing I was just saying if." he replied.


Her eyes narrowed. "Why don’t I believe you?"


"I do not know." he replied.  "But I have done nothing
so what you believe is what you will


Her eyes did not seem to lessen in intensity. There
was a soft knock on the door and it opened to admit
the healer. Raelin stood and headed for the door.
"I'll leave you for now." she said politely


"Alright good-bye." he said and then looked over at
the healer.


The Healer was all business and set about checking his
wound. "You have been moving about." he accused the
knight.


Aidan sighed. "You would to if you had slept for what
three days?  May I ask how long was she here?"


"lady Rae has been here most of the time... She was
concerned for your health. Said seeing you are such
and important person to the king it was important
enough for her to sit in here." 


He sighed. "Is that what she said?  Besides I am not
that important to the king I am just a knight."


"You are a high knight. That is important."


"I am no more important that Lady Raelin, but if you
all believe I am then so be it."


"I never said you were more important then her Sir
Knight. No one in this house would say that."


"Good, I just hope that she relaxes it is bad enough
being referred to as Sir all the time."


The healer turned to get some herbs expertly hiding
his smile. "The Lady has never relaxed in her life
Sir."


"Perhaps if and when she returns you can slip her
something?  I promise nothing will happen on my
honor."


The healer gave him a strange look. "I could try but I
doubt it would be wise. Sir Padric is awfully
protective of her."


"Please do I will take all of the blame for it.  And I
can understand about protecting her but she is a
spitfire."


The healer nodded. "very well Sir.. but if she tries
to cut off anything important... do not say you were
not warned."


"I think I can handle myself." he retorted with a
grin.  "Then again I doubt she will if it is a
something that works well."


"I was thinking when she comes around." he held up two
small vials. "Sleeping? or just relaxation?"


"Relaxation, If she falls asleep I will watch after
her."


"Very well." the man placed the herbs in the wine
goblet near where Rae had been sitting, and then
refilled the goblet. "There that should do it." eh
then finished checking Aidan over


Aidan smiled. "Thank you I just hope that this works
to relax her though I think all believe she needs it."


The healer nodded and then left. Moments later Raelin
re-entered and sat down with her book


Aidan nodded to her. "So you have been here for a
fairly long while then?"


She shrugged. "We are understaffed here." she said by
way of explanation. She picked up her wine goblet and
took a sip .


Aidan bit back a smile. "Are you going to relax at
all?"


"Relaxation is overrated."


He sighed. "For someone who doesn't I doubt that it
is."


She gave him a puzzled look. "Aren’t you meant to be
resting?"


"I think most would say I am"


She shrugged and finished her wine


He sighed and rolled his shoulders.  "So what do you
have there?"


She held up the book. "My father's favorite book. Its
just a collection of poems my mother wrote."


"Ah it sounds lovely." he replied as he rolled over to
look at her.


She nodded. "yes, It is.."


He smiled. "Why don't you just relax though?"


She shrugged. "Relaxation is as I said overrated." She
glanced back at the writing and noticed that her eyes
were playing up. ~Must be the light..~


He sighed. ~Sometimes it would be nice if she listened
to someone.~ he thought as he closed his eyes. "So how
is the manor?"


"its ok.. in need of a lot of repairs and such
though," she said as the room began to spin. 


"Ah well that can be fixed in time can't it?"


She nodded and rested her head against the cold glass
of the window... "Yes.."


He frowned, and slowly sat up. "Are you ok?"


She shook her head. "I just feel.. dizzy I guess.
Might be the heat,..."


He stood slowly. "Would you like to lay down?"


She looked up at him. "I.. cant"


"And why not?"


"not proper."


He sighed. "Come off of that please." he said as he
walked towards her slowly.


"no.. not proper" she said turning her head back to
the window. ""I.. can't." she wished the room would
stop spinning.


He sat in a chair near her. "Tell me if it was would
you?"


"what do you mean?" she asked her voice soft almost
scared.


"Exactly what I said if it was proper would you lay
down?"


She turned and looked at him. "I.. do not know.."


He nodded slowly. "Well what if I asked you to?"


She looked at him. "Why?"


"Because you need to, aside from anything else."


She shook her head. "I.. am fine.." She paused. "Why
is there two of you?"


He chuckled. "Well good things come in pairs." 


She gave him a puzzled look.."but,.." and then
everything went black.


Aidan frowned, and gently picked her up and carried
her as best he could with his injured shoulder to the
bed and laid her in it.  He then went and brought a
chair over and sat in it.

*********************

"Coming Home" 

Arianna 
Hawk 

Arianna packed the few things they had for their journey home. She made sure the servants had everything they needed and left them to do their work.  She walked over and hugged Helen once more. "Thank you for everything.  These last couple of days have been wonderful." she said smiling. She then turned to Hawk. "I guess we have to head back as we cannot play the world away. 

"I miss my son and my friends." He said holding her close. "And yet I wish we could have spent longer together. Back at court there will be precious little time to be together." He kissed her gently. 

"Aye, but we will make the time." She said returning his kiss. "And we will not work the months away. We'll take breaks for we'll need too." She said knowing how much he lets his work consume him. 

"You will have to do that for me, my love." He said. "You are the one that has to keep me sane. Like my mother has always done for my father and my uncle." 

"Apparently." She said winking at him. "Come we must go...we have a long ride ahead of us." 

"Yes." he sighed. Hawk stuffed presents for his son into his saddle bags. "Let's take it easy on the way back, there is plenty to see." 

Arianna nodded. "Aye, and remember, even after the most hectic of days, I'll be there at the end of them waiting for you." she said trying to get him to smile as she mounted her horse. 

He smiled although it was still a little sad. "Once I get back into things it will be all right. Most of the time I am even beginning to enjoy myself as king. And I would not have thought that possible."  He mounted as well and they rode out of the castle gates. 

She smiled and thought to herself. 'Will wonders never cease.' 

*****************

"A Dinner Conversation" 

Brendan ap Iowerth 
Diora di Annagar 

Brendan came back almost two hours later. He had met with his mother, they had had quite a long talk. Then he took a bath and changed into new clothes his mother had selected for him. then he made his way back to the garden, and smiled when he saw Diora still sitting there. "I was afraid I had been gone too long." He said. "Yet here you are, like an angel." 

She smiled when she saw him return. "I listen as I am bade and besides I was enjoying the afternoon and sunset." 

"An obedient woman, that's a rarity in my family. He now he smiled and sat down next to her. "You want to eat inside, or shall I have to food brought out here?" 

"I would rarely call myself obedient, more like stubborn on my own part." she said smiling. The night chill was starting to settle in and she spoke once more. "We can go inside now." she said reluctantly, but she knew if she stayed out any longer, she would have a chance for the fever to return. 

"Okay." He said simply and picked her up in his strong arms. "We can dine in my rooms. Mum made sure I got big ones, so there's plenty of room." 

She didn't know what to say. He was taken with her and she didn't know how to handle it. She remained herself and allowed him to do so. He didn't even know who she was and he wished to dine with her. She just smiled and let him do..for she had been doing for others for so long. 

He carried her to the lavish rooms and sat her down on the bed. "I have been told that you are not to tire yourself then. "A little later he placed a tray on the bed that went over her legs. "Are you comfortable this way, my lady?" 

Diora was a little unsure sitting in his bed in his rooms. "Aye this is ok, but not what I expected. I do not wish to be babied." She thought about it for a moment and then realized who Brendan was. "You said you went to visit with your mum. She's Isa...isn't she?" She then paled. She had not known 
that the kind gentlemanly knight who has been helping her was also a prince. 

"Yes she is." He said. "She is very nice, so is my father when you get to know him. Don't think that we are all like my brother. I know you have to work for him, but there are normal people in our family." 

"That much I have figured out, but to tell you the truth, I'm uneasy laying in your bed, your mother is the sweetest person I know, but she takes to something she tends to overdo it. I may be weak, but not an invalid. I'd feel more comfortable in a chair, if that's ok with you." She said to him giving him an uneasy smile. "She also probably told you of my predicament as well, then." She said looking at the bed linens again. 

"I see. No, of course not." He took the table away. "I know my mother can be determined, she's the one that runs this family and don't be fooled by her, there is steel beneath the sweetness. she told me you are a widow, your husband died a hero, is that what you mean?" He led her to a small table now. 

She was surprised that Isa didn't mention the children, but then she may have not known. She looked up into his eyes, her blue eyes were clear and inviting. "I do not wish to steer you away, and wish to be honest with you." She reached up and touched his face giving him a smile. "I do not wish to frighten you away for you have been so kind, so warm and so wonderful to me, but I also carry his child." SHe did not know how he would take this as she liked him and most men of stature see widows as herself 
with child tainted. 

He smiled. "She told me, my mother doesn't miss much. Why you think she's hovering over you, silly girl. She also told me what a wonderful man he was, even though he was a friend of my brother. Now, what would you like to eat, my lady?" 

"I feel like such a fool. I cannot pull one over you." She said smiling and blushing once again. "A little bit of everything." She said glancing at the food once again. 

He began to load her plate with little titbits. "I love children." Brennan said. "I have a little nephew Rhys, he's a great little child." 

"Aye and a bright one too. I have met him a time or two." She said to him. 

"You have, yes of course, you work for my brother. Tell me how did you become a healer? And how did he hire you, I didn't think he would ever allow another female healer close to him." 

"I became a healer as a child and was brought here to finish my training.  I started in the Druid Hall here in Abertawe and became head healer. It was the elders that reassigned me to the castle when they were in need. I've been there ever since, somehow I impressed your brother enough that he won't trust anyone else." She said giving him another smile. 

"Poor you." Brendan said. "You need rescuing." 

"Let me guess...you'd be the one rescuing me??" She asked coyly with a broad smile. 

"If you want to, fair Lady." Brendan could not believe himself. He had led a free life lately and loved it. He had no intention of settling down, and especially not at the Court of his brother and yet, and yet he found this woman fascinating. 

His last statement took her aback. She wasn't expecting something that honest from him this soon. She hadn't complete gotten over Gwilym and here was the brother of the king sitting here saying he would be apart of her life, if she wanted to. The room began to spin. Not that she didn't want 
to start over again, she didn't think she was ready, and yet the man in front of her intrigued her. "We shall see how the fates take us." She said finally. 

He nodded. "Is everything all right, my lady. You look a little pale, I did not mean to insult you or anything. "You just bring out something in me I don't understand myself." He admitted. 

"Aye, I'm fine. I just didn't expect all of this so soon. I mean I have been so selfish that I haven't seen anyone else around me and yet you seem to pull me out of that. I don't know what it is, but there is something about you..." She said with her voice dropping off. 

"It's confusing." He admitted. "There is something about you as well, you are very beautiful, you know." at that moment he felt very sorry that he would only be a court for a few days, damn his brother. 

She could see the sadness in his eyes. She smiled. "Than you for the kindness, though I don't feel that way...never have." She knew something but couldn't pinpoint it. 

"Then you never look in a mirror. You are beautiful, not like these court ladies who don't know what real life is like. You are so vibrant." Brendan blushed. 

It was then that she blushed. She didn't know what to say and he had her speechless. 

They ate in silence for a little while after that. "You really are." He then said again not looking at her. 
"Thank you." She said again with a smile. This time she believed him. 

~Where do we go from here~ he thought while he again started to eat in silence. This was not good, he did not want to fall in love, have any more ties to the capital. Yet deep down he feared it was already too late. 

She wondered if she had done something wrong. With the silence, she didn't know how she could handle it. She watched him for a time and then cleared her throat. "If I've done something to offend you please let me know." She said quietly. She wasn't used to the silence. She was attracted by him, 
but she wasn't going to let her feelings get the best of her for now. 

"Oh no." Brendan said. "I don't think you have it in you to do anything wrong." He smiled. "I just thought that I didn't come here prepared to meet someone like you. I...I have never felt this way about a woman before." He blushed again. "I hope that doesn't offend you." 

"Nae it doesn't offend me in the least." She said to him. They had conversed all through dinner and the hour was drawing late. "I must be going before someone comes looking for me. I think the castle would go into an uproar if they found me missing. Not that I'm that important." she said to him. 

"You are wrong, you are very important." He said softly. 

She smiled and curtsied to him quietly. "I hope we can meet again." She said to him still not thinking herself as important as she was. It was the denial of the grief she felt in her that kept her from seeing everything that both her late husband and now the knight in front of her saw. She just couldn't see it. 

"I certainly hope so to."  Brendan said hoping that his brother would stay away for a very long time. 

She smiled and headed back to her own rooms.  As she laid there quietly she kept thinking of the day and how of times, she had met a prince.  She wondered...would things be different if Gwilym were alive?  She didn't know and she missed him so much.  She sighed and rolled to face the wall and dreamt uneasily that night of Gwilym. 

*******************

" New applicants, and their side of the story." 

By 

His Royal Majesty, King Gwalchmai ap Iorwerth 

With the following trouble makers:) 

Baron Harrison Prichard 
Lord of Harrowfield (neighbouring estate to Morin) 
Brother of Lady Aislinn Prichard-Morgance 

Baroness Ashleigh Hopevale-Prichard 
Lady of Harrowfield 
Wife of Lord Harrison 

and 

Lord Kenith Prichard 
Eldest Son and heir to Lord Harrison Prichard 


************* 
The journey had been long and hard. They had set out as soon as they had 
learned of Lord Kendall Morgance had been killed and that his daughter had 
continued to the captial as per her dying fathers wishes. They knew why. 
once she put in her claim... no one would be able to claim the Morgance 
land. And without Raelin in their grasp they would loose the lands they had 
coveted since Lady Aislinn had married Morgance. 

Baron Harrison Prichard, his lady wife Barroness Ashleigh Prichard and their 
eldest Son and heir Kenith Prichard rode into the capital Alban early one 
morning from their manor in the south of the city. They had arrived late 
the night before and knew that Morgance's daughter had probably already seen 
the king, and they wanted to put their words forward. The witch must not be 
allowed to win the lands of her father. 

Kenith had been the one who had suggested getting rid of Kendall Morgance, 
in the hope that Raelin would return to Morin where they could take her and 
her lands safely without the king noticing any commotion. But the litle 
wretch had been one step a head of them and had not come back and without 
her they could not claim the lands and now they needed to plead their case 
to the King. 

Harrison had tried to have her assisnated but that had failed as well.. some 
dumb knight had gotten in the way. 

Now dressed in their best clothes the Prichard's rode into the Caer and 
asked if the king could see them on such short notice. It was a long shot. 
But they had to try to convince him that Raelin was a dangerous person.. one 
who dabbled in majics without thoughts of the consequences and who had 
'murdered' Lady Aislinn Morgance, her stepmother. 

They waited in a small corridor to see if the king would speak to them. 

"I am so sorry." The servant said. "The King has just returned from his 
Honeymoon and he is taking a little time to get back into things. He can 
see you this afternoon however if you don't mind waiting." 

What the servant didn't tell them was that the king would use the time to 
get to know more about them. 

The Lord nodded and the family moved off to wait until the king was able to 
see them. There was no use in demanding the King pay attention.After all it 
was his grace that they depended on for sucess. 
hours later a servant came back. 

"if you will follow me, the King will see you know." He led them to the 
throne room, where Hawk was seated on his throne. this was the room he used 
when he wanted to impress people, and to meet people he did not 
particularly want to see. 

They followed the Servant into the throne room and as the men bowed the lady 
curtseyed. "Your majesty, thank you for taking the time to speak to us." 
Baron Prichard said. 

"my lords, my lady." The King began in his court voice. "What seems to be 
the problem?" 

The Baron stood straight and calmly looked the king in the eye. "Sire it has 
come to my attention that A Lady Raelin Morgance is trying to claim her 
Father's lands. We have come to ask your majesty to consider another 
applicant to the lands. My Sister was married to the Late Lord Kendall 
Morgance. I would like to put my family's name into the race so to speak. 
After all Raelin is only 16, and has never been outside her villiage. Nor is 
she ..." he looked at his wife calmly. "Stable." 

His wife nodded. 

"Sire I know it is not done to speak ill of the dead, but I knew Lord 
Kendall well." The Baron continued. "He kept Lady Raelin inside the house, 
because of her.. criminal attitudes and her instability to handle even the 
most mundane tasks." He paused to draw breath. "Especially after my late 
sister died in mysterious circumstances." Not once did the lord raise his 
voice, sound hysterical or even seem flustered. His tone was calm and polite 
and he spoke about the case as if infront of a judge, for in this case he 
most certainly was. 

"I would like to hear more about her criminal attitudes and her 
instability." The King said his face an impassive mask not giving anything 
away. 

The Baron nodded and his son handed him a scroll. Which the Baron then 
presented to the king. "Sire this is a list of people who will swear that, 
the young woman is unstable. All have been members of her household for 
years, since her mother's death. Each have listed the events which they 
deemed her, unstable. One such person, a Lilly Hadyen, was housekeeper there 
until Raelin in a mad fit, attacked her because her dinner was not prepared 
an hour earlier then needed." Here he paused again."And another, adds the 
claim of witch craft, which many in the villiage fear her for. And as for 
her criminal activities, look no further then her own father's death. 
Soliders of the One god, would never attack a peacefull lord. It was 
obviously her, to be given her father's lands. And we strongly believe that 
my sister death was murder and not suicide." 

Hawk kept his thoughts about the followers of the one God to himself. "I 
will want to speak to those witnesses myself." He said. "And be very 
careful before you call anybody a murderer. I don't take kindly to false 
accusations, you had better have a lot of proof." 

Kenith drew out another scroll. It was the proof they had brought with them. 
Of course the king did not know it was fake. He handed it to the king. 

"the witnesses will be brought here when you wish to speak to them Sire. " 
the baron replied. 

"as soon as possible. I will let you know."  The King said, first he wanted 
to speak to Lady Raelin again and give her a chance to defend herself. 

"You are dismissed."  The King said. 

The family bowed and curtseyed and backed out of his majesty's presence. Once they were out the door and down the hall, they found the best alcove and stoped and discussed the conversation privately. 

*********************

The way the Wind Blows."

By

Lady Raelin Morgance
Lady of Morin

Sir Aidan Lochlainn
High Night of Wind

Healer for the house of Morgance

Lady Marissa Marchand, Lady of Kyle.

Padric, Man at arms of Morgance


 Raelin slept for a long while and when she woke she
found herself in a bed. ~Strange~ she thought ~I do
not recall going to bed.~ She could feel that she was
still dressed and she opened her eyes cautiously.

  Aidan leaned back against the chair he was sitting
in, and was watching her. "Ah so you're awake." he
said with a small smile. "You needed a nap."

  "How? What?" she managed to ask as she sat up. "Why
am I in your bed?"

  "A little help from a new friend, and because I
couldn't exactly let you sleep in a chair now could I.
 And before you ask what I think you will no nothing
happened I sat here the entire time."   he replied
with a small smile.

  She swung her legs off the bed and stood. "I was not
going to ask that. I think i would be able to tell if
you had done something. H-how are you feeling?"

  He smirked. "I am alright I could use a nap in a
bit, but it can wait.  What about you how do you
feel?"

  "I feel fine thank you." she said wishing she had
not slept in his bed with him watching her. She was
about to say something more when there was a knock at
the door. She turned as Padric entered. He took in her
sleep tossaled appearance and the smirking Knight in a
glance but dismissed it. "Lady Raelin? Baron Pritchard
and his family have just arrived in the city."   Rae
went slightly pale.

  Aidan looked from Padric to Lady Raelin.  "What is
going on?" he asked softly noticing her paler than
normal face, as he slowly stood.

  "The Baron is a principal land owner in our
provence." Padric said.
 "He is also the older brother of my father's second
wife." Raelin added as she made her way to the window
seat.
 "He goes to see the king Raelin." Padric said.
 "I understand that Padric..." she looked out the
window.

  Aidan sighed. "So in other words he goes so you lose
your lands." he said as he walked towards the two. "Is
there anything I can do to help you?"

  Raelin did not respond. She stared out the window.
 Padric however wished he could say yes. "Sir Knight,
if the Baron tells the king things that, even though
are not true and if the king believes him, then you
will be best to distance yourself from the Morgance
family. The Baron believes that Raelin killed his
sister, as well as is a witch."

  Aidan sighed. "Ah what about trial by combat?" he
asked as he sat on the bed next to Raelin, and looked
between the two of them.

  "The Baron would never agree to it. Nor would his
son, Lord Kenith. If Raelin had returned to Morin with
her father's body then this would not be even heard
of. They had sent a messanger to her father stressing
that Raelin would never make a match with her
'criminal record' and that marriage to Kenith was the
only way to salvage Morgance family honor. Needless to
say both Lord Kendall and Lady Raelin ignored them. I
fear that had we gone back, they would have forced a
wedding." Padric replied calmly as possible. Rae
suddenly turned.
 "Padric. I want to know what they say to the king.
Find out by any means. If they are plotting my demise,
be it by assasination or by noose I need to know."

  Aidan shook his head.  "I doubt that they would do
that at this point, but they could do something just
as bad.  MArriage to this Kenith would do what to Lady
Raelin?  Also they would not like to dishonor their
late sister, and Aunt." Aidan replied looking over at
Rae.

  Rae turned to face him. "Kenith has already been
married once. She died. He threw her down stairs, the
christmas before his aunt died, in front of his family
and mine. That is what marriage to him would do to
me.. Aislinn is dead. They care nothing for that, only
to get lands."

  "And with the death of lady Rae the lands could be
decreed away by the king.  Though that is only a
thought because I am not sure about the laws as of
yet.  So marriage and an untimely death would be the
most likely course of action." he replied.  He then
turned to Padric.  "I do have an idea though, but I
would need permission to pursue it."

  "Permission from who?" asked Padric wondering what
the knight had planned.

  "That depends, on who is Lady Raelin's guardian." he
replied looking serious.

  Rae and Padric exchanged looks. "That would be
Marissa." Rae said. "My.. well.. adopted Aunt.

  "And where is she?" he asked slowly rising to stand.
"I would like to speak with her today if possible."

  Padric nodded and headed for the door. "Sir... I
warn you, the lady is very old and not in good humor
most of the time."

  "Yes well I would like to speak with her in private
first if I may, and thank you." he said softly as he
stood.

  Padric nodded and lead the way out of the room and
down a hall. He stoped a heavy door and knocked.
 "what is it?" came an irate voice.
 "Lady Marissa? It is Padric, I have someone who wants
to speak to you."
 "Oh very well" came the reply. Raelin was hovering
behind the knight as Padric opened the door.

  Aidan nodded and turned to Padric. "Please take her
out of ear shot." he said as he entered and bowed to
the Lady Marissa. "Milady, if I may speak to you about
something which I think may change things in this
home." he said as he stood up from the bow.

  Lady Marissa watched as the door closed and a
resistant Raelin was led out of sight. She then turned
to the man before her. Her old face watched him
carefully and she pulled her shawl tighter around her.
"Well then young man, What is it? and Who are you?"

  Aidan smiled. "My name is Sir Aidan Lochlainn, and I
am the High knight of Wind, and I would like to speak
with you about Lady Raelin." he said tersely but
curtiously.

  "What about my neice?" Asked the woman. 

  "First may I sit?  And I shall explain it all" he
said as he tried to relax.  It was difficult when he
knew that Lady Raelin would probably kill him after
this, but he wanted to repay her for looking after
him, by looking after her at least this once.

  Marissa nodded and indicated a chair. "please"

  Aidan sat, and clasped his hands together. "Well I
would like to ask for your niece's hand." he said
holding in a smile, and clenching his hands.

  The woman's shock was evident. But she quickly
composed herself. "Really? Why?"

  Aidan had to hide a frown he wasn't exactly ready
for that.  "Well because she is exactly what I want as
a wife, she can stand for herself yet she is caring,
and she has a brain and uses it.  That is aside from
the deep affection that continues to grow for her." 
he didn't add that he thought that doing this would
save her lands, and he felt obligated, but what he had
said was true he knew that much.

  "really." Marissa studied him "And is she aware of
your.. inclination?"

  He smirked. "You do realize she is a steal trap and
any attempt to take her freedom which telling her
would more than likely lead to that or so she might
think.  So no I haven't besides I would rather get
certain things finished before hand."

  "I am not inclined to force my neice, adopted though
she might be into my family and vice versa, into a
relationship that she might find abhorant." Marissa
though considered this knight a very good catch. "But
If thou wishes to woo her, then you have my
permission."

  He smiled. "Thank you milady.  Now do you think that
she has escaped her keeper and is at the door?" he
asked with a small smile.

  There was no sound from the door and Marissa shook
her head. "Padric is firm with her. I think you will
find the doorway and the corridor beyond empty."

  He nodded.  "May I ask anothe possibly more intimate
question then milady?" he asked as he stood and moved
towards the door.

  "Yes?"

  "Why not smile some more milady I think it would
cheer up the rest of the household." he said as he
opened the door. "I am sorry if I have overstepped the
bounds, but I think I should find your niece. Oh would
it be possible for a basket meal to be prepared." he
said as he started to step through the door.

  "Just inform the servants Sir Knight. Good luck I
think you will need it. And when this household is in
mourning, people do not smile."

  "Yes milady, but right now mourning may be the
undoing of this household, at least that is what I
fear." he said and was gone.  Heading back towards his
room he stopped a servant and asked for a basket of
food to be prepared.  He then walked back to his room
quickly, hoping to find Lady Raelin and Sir Padric
there.

  As he approached he heard Raelin's voice and
Padric's lower baratone. "Please Padric."
 "NO."
 "Why not?"
 "Because it is impolite to evesdrop"
 "Says you." she groused.

  Aidan opened the door and chuckled. "Yes well it is
not like she would have heard much.  Though if you
will please accompany Lady Raelin, I would like to
take a tour of the grounds if you would be so kind."
he said with a small smile.

  Rae's eyes narrowed slightly and Padric now had a
fair idea what was going on. "Very well" Raelin said
trying to keep her cool.

  He smiled and moved to take her hand.  "If it is ok
though I would like to stop at the kitchen ." he said
as he started to lead her towards the door.

  Raelin followed silently wondering why she was going
along so bidably with this man.

  Aidan smiled. "So do you feel better?" he asked as
he tried to find the kitchen. "Umm... which way are
the kitchens?" he asked trying to hide the small frown
on his face.

  "Left and then down the stairs." Raelin said. "I am
fine. I feel just fine."

  He sighed and then nodded. "Thank you Stay here for
a moment alright." he said and then took off to the
kitchens, and was back moments later with a basket in
his hand. "Shall we continue?" he aked softly.

  She glanced at what he had in his hand and her eyes
flew to his with suspision in them. "What is going
on?"

  "Just something peaceful, and a tour of the grounds,
if you do not mind." he said softly.  "I mean if you
do not wish to I understand."

  She considered his words. "No its not a problem, I
do not mind." She moved towards the front door. "This
way..."

  He smiled and followed her. "Care to show me your
favorite spot on the lands?" he asked as he moved to
catch up to her.

  "There is not much here, just a few acers but this
way there is a small, pond.."

  He nodded. "Shall we go there?" he asked as softly
as he could, reaching to grab her hand.

  She looked at his hand encloseing hers and gave a
small nod.

  He hid his smile and walked with her.  "So what're
you thinking?" he asked as they exited the front door.

  "I am trying to figure out how not to get killed."
She said softly.

  "Perhaps when things calm down, it will work out,
but for now perhaps laying low will help for now." he
said as he let her lead him towards the pond that she
had spoke of.

  She shrugged. "and if the King believes them, what
good would lying low do? And what will happen to the
people who work on my family's holdings?" She seemed
to be very concerned about this.

  He shook his head slowly. "Will you let me help or
no?" he asked gently.  "I can help you, if you let
me." he squeezed her hand softly, as the pond came
into view.

  "how? I do not think anyone has the power other then
the king to stand up against the Baron,.." 

  Aidan smiled. "I do believe that I can help.  You do
not know exactly who I know, besides I care, about
you.  Just give me a chance to help." he said softly.

  Rae sat down on a stone bench beside the pond. She
bit her lip and considered it. "..Ok.."

  He smiled, and sat the basket down. "Are you hungry
at all?" he asked as he sat infront of her.  "Or would
you rather talk?"

  She shook her head. "I do not eat much, ... talking
is fine."

  He frowned. "Well aside from your fear what are you
thinking?  I mean a lot could happen and I think all
can be saved, but I do need your help to pull all of
this off." he said as he opened the basket and pulled
out some of the food.  "You also need to eat
something."

  "Why do you want to help me? You know nothing about
me. Infact from what Padric and I have told you, you
should be turning your back on me."

  He chuckled. "Perhaps, but you are not like any of
the other women I have to deal with, and it makes you
special.  Besides not many would watch over someone
like you did, and that tells me what you are truly
like." he said softly.

  She gave a small shrug. "I am sure tomorrow you will
be back serving the King, I only did it so you got the
best care possible."

  He smiled. "You still didn't have to, yet you did,
so if you would like I could visit you here when I can
and we could at least exchange letters." he said with
a small smile as he offered her some food. "Please
eat."

  She took the apple he handed her silently. "Exchange
letters.. I am sorry but i forsee great trouble
ahead."

  "As do I, but what harm is there, and if you wish I
think you will be pleased, but that is for you to
decide.  Just let me ask you something when this meal
is over alright." he said as he took his own apple.

  She nodded and bit tentatively into her own apple.

  He smiled and started to eat his own apple. "Please
relax and enjoy today alright."

  She wondered how she could relax with someone trying
to kill her and the Baron in town. It did not bode
well for her at all. But she nodded again.  After a
moment Raelin finished her apple and gazed out over
the pond.

  He sighed and sat next to her. "You know I can carry
some of the burden that you do if you will share it
with me." he said softly as he moved an arm around her
slowly.

  She looked at him, ignoring the arm. "I have already
burdened you so much Sir, that I can not in good
consience let you be burdened with more."

  He sighed. "I am asking you to burden me.  Do you
wonder why I wished to talk to your Aunt?" he asked as
he looked off into the forest.  "And why are you
afraid, is it because it may be something that you
want to here but are afraid of it not being so?"

  "I do not know." she said honestly.

  "Alright well what do you think happened?" he asked
softly.

  "I am not sure. But you came out alive so i guess
you did not make her mad."

  He chuckled. "She is not as bad as you say she is. 
But do you wish to know what we discussed?"

  "Yes I would if you would be so kind."

  He smiled. "Well I asked permission for two things I
guess it depends on you if I get to." he said. "But I
asked permission to court and marry you."

  "you what?" she managed to ask after a moment of
shock

  He sighed, what had he done now. "I asked permission
to court and marry you.  Is there a problem with
that?"

  "I.. you do not know me... why .. how can you even
consider such a thing?"

  "Well lets see, I like you, you are exactly what I
would like in a wife, you care as well as other
reasons." he purposefully left out the part about how
he felt that he was obligated to help her.

  "What other reasons?"

  "If I said looks you would become upset." he said
softly, as he rested his arm on her side.

  "I am definately not a pretty person so I will take
it that you are being sarcastic."

  He sighed. "Why do you say that you are not pretty?"
he asked. softly.

  "Because it is true." She gave a small non commital
shrug.

  "I have to disagree with you on that." he said as he
leaned forward slightly. "May I?"

  "may you what?" she asked puzzled.

  "May I do this." he said as leaned in and kissed her
gently.

  The kiss startled her and she froze in her spot.
When he pulled back she stared at him in shock.

  He frowned as he pulled back. "I am sorry.  I
shouldn't have." he said and moved to stand.

  She eventually found her voice. She looked at the
ground. "I am sorry, it is just I have never been..
kissed before. I meant no offence."

  He frowned. "I am sorry as well, but I couldn't help
myself.  It will not happen again unless you wish it
too." he said in a near whisper.

  She sat there silently considering his words and
soon raised her head. "I.. do not mind it, to be
honest."

  He smiled a small smile. "I thought it was
improper." he said teasingly

  "I may be.. but I did not mind it." she said a blush
stealing into her cheeks.

  He smiled. "Would you like another?" he asked
softly.

  She did not know how to answer that. "maybe" she
hedged.

  His frown slowly disappeared and he leaned forward
again slowly.

  Raelin moved her head towards him slowly as well

  He smiled and gently pressed his lips against hers.

  Raelin pressed her lips against his, mimcing his
movements, though she had no real idea what she was
doing

  He kept the pressure on her lips gentle and slowly
slid his other arm around her and slowly pulled her
towards him.

  She did not balk at his movements but allowed him to
pull her closer.

  He stopped when her legs hit his, and pulled back
slowly smiling slightly. "So what does this mean?"

  "i.. am unsure. Some might say i used the dark arts
on you.." she said softly.

  "And I know that you did not.  So that doesn't
matter, but I would like to do something if you do not
mind."

    "And that is?"

  "If I may pull you up onto my lap." he said softly.
as he ran a hand up her side slowly.

   She thought about it and nodded. "ok"


  He smiled and pulled her up onto his lap slowly. "Is
this ok?"

  She felt a bit strange. "This is not proper is it?"
She asked timidly.

  "Well that depends I guess.  I mean it isn't but in
courting it is." he said as he held her loosely.
"Would you like me to let you go?"

  She gave a shy nod. "please. I... am sorry."

  He hid a frown. "It's alright I am sorry."

  She looked at him. She drew apart from his embrace
and stood. "Sir, why do you want to pursue this path?
I know the lands of Morin are well coveted.."

  He sighed. "I am not doing this to to gain land I am
doing this because I want to.  Why do you question my
motives?" he asked as he looked at her softly.

  "Because I have learned that not all is what it
seems. People are not nice just because they want to
be Sir."

  He sighed. "Some of us are, though there are those
who aren't, and my name is Aidan please." he said as
he moved away from her to give her some space.

  She watched him quietly for a moment. "I am sorry.
Its just with all that has been happening, it is hard
to trust people.."

  "I understand.  I am sorry I shall leave you know if
that is what you wish." he said as he stood.

  "I.. I owe you a lot for saving me the other day.
You put yourself in danger when you should not have...
I am sorry for seeming so.. nasty."

  He shook his head. "You owe me nothing, I did what I
did out of my own heart, and what I feel.  Nothing
more nothing less." 

  "how can you feel that way when you do not know me?"

  "It does not always take long to feel something,
sometimes it happens very quick." he said as he moved
and started to repack the basket.

  "It hurts to feel" she said softly turning away.

  "Yes it can, but if you don't feel then you can't
love, and love is something that is very special." he
said as he started to fold the blanket he had laid
out.

  She looked at him. "You do not understand." She said
softly. "You can't possibly understand"

  "I can't understand what it is to feel pain?  To
lose someone that you care for?  I have lost many a
friend in battles Lady Raelin.  I know what the pain
of loss is like." he said as he put the blanket away.

  "But not the only person who ever cared for you and
protected you no matter what." She said turning away.
"My father risked everything when he sided with me
against his wife."

  He frowned. "Your father loved you very much, and he
did risk much doing that, but you can't dishonor his
memory by not living do you think he would want that?"
he asked picking up the basket.

  "I am doing what he wanted. HE wanted me to come
here instead of going back to make sure he was buried
properly He wanted me married and safe!"

  "But are you living or would you rather be home
burying your father?" he asked as he looked at her
again.

  "I never wanted to leve Morin." She said softly
still not looking at him. "Safe or not. He would still
be alive."

  "But would he have truly been alive?  He wanted you
to get married because he loved you, and he wanted
someone to be there for you when he was gone." he said
, as he started to move away.

  Raelin did not reply straight away. His words hit
her but she could not fully answer him even if she had
been able to. She dropped to her knees and wrapped her
arms around her body as silent tears and sobs racked
her body.

  Aidan looked over his shoulder and dropped the
basket then moved over to her. "Are you ok?" he asked
softly, as he knelt before her.

  She tried to nod and her head shook. She could not
bring herself to answer him.

  He frowned and opened his arms slowly to wrap them
around her. "You aren't alright.  Please talk to me."
he said gently.

  "I.. Can't.. keep going like this..." She managed to
get out between sobs.

  He pulled her against him. "Tell me everything." he
said softly, as he started to rub her back.

  She tried to draw a clear breath but only managed a
ragged one. "My father decided to come to court after
my stepmother committed suicide, he chose the route,
the men, and we set off. He.. never said a word about
her death. He never said a word about my mother's
either. When we were attacked, he died. Told Padric to
make sure we got here. He just left me. After
promising me for years he would not die like my mother
did, he .. left." She felt anger, pain and saddness as
she spoke

  "He isn't really gone, he is still in your heart and
memory, and death is never something that is easy to
talk about.  I think he didn't want to push his grief
to you.  He wants you safe, and the only way he saw it
was getting you married." he said softly, rubbing her
back.,

  "Why? I was safe at Morin.." she managed to ask.

  "But you wouldn't be forever, and he knew that.  He
also wanted you to be happy and have a family." he
said softly.

  "me? A family? no. No one wants me for that."

  "Are you sure about that?" he asked as he rubbed her
back. "Or do you just assume that?"

  "I am 16! No one has ever asked nor even approached
my family. who wants someone well past the age of
marriage?"

  "Well lets see I tried a picnic, and I did speak to
your Aunt, does that give you a clue?" he asked
frowning.

  "But You can't! Your repuation.. you can't!"

  "My reputation will survive, as will I, besides I am
not concerned about it, nearly as much as you are.  I
am more concerned about you and what you think and
feel." 

  She raised a tear stained faceto look at him.
"b-but..." she began to protest

  He gently touched her face. "No buts, just relax,
live and love alright."

  "I.. do not know if I can."

  "You can try though but that is up to you, and your
future."\

  ~What if I do not have a future~ she thought. "What
if he believes them?"

  "You mean the King?" he asked softly.

  She nodded

  "Well I can work things out with him I think, and
you will be with me if you want, that is if you want
me to court you." he said gently.

  She thought about it. "Will you give me time to
think?

  He nodded. "Of course I need to return to the castle
as it is." he said smiling to her.

  "Are you well enough to ride?"

  "I see little choice, in the matter." he replied.

  She tilted her head. "why?"

  "I need to get back, and I do not want to put you in
danger again." he said as he stood.

  "Dont you mean me put you in danger?" she asked

  "I mean put you in danger." he said "I care for you
I do not want you hurt."

  "Ok.." she did not know what else to say to that."

  He nodded. "I will visit and return if you wish and
you can always send me a letter and I will respond ."
he said as he offered her his hand.

  She slowly took his hand. "I understand" she said
softly.

  "I hope you do, I care for you Raelin, and I would
like to go as far as you wish." he said softly as he
pulled her up.

  She looked up at him as she stood. "Thank you"

  He smiled and looked down at her. "You're welcome. 
Shall we go in?" he asked softly.

  Raelin nodded and allowed him to lead her inside

*******************

"the room"

Rowena
Isa
Iorwerth

Rowena was sort of dreading her mother's reaction to the scar if her father's
was anything to go by. She buried her face against her father's neck as they
entered her mother's parlor. She did not relish this at all. 

She heard her parents talk softly for awhile and then she was transferred into
her mother's arms who sat down with her. "Can I have a look, sweetheart?" Isa
asked.

"It is nothing, mama." Rowena said but obediently tipped her head up. The
scar had been well tended and would leave only a faint line once healed. At
the moment, it still held the anger of skin damaged. It was also clear that it
would have taken only a slightly deeper cut to end the young girl's life.

Isa said nothing for several seconds. She realised that she had come close to
losing this daughter, and she had not been safe in the forest after all. "you
must have been so scared, sweetheart." She said holding the little girl
close.

"I had Thosa." Rowena answered. "I miss him." She sighed. Her new protector
was a nice man, but he was not Thosa. 

"what happened to him, honey?" Her mother asked.

"Elianor wouldn't let him come with me. She said he failed if the Raven got 
that close. But, it was my fault." She admitted ruefully. "I wasn't supposed 
to be out that far and I had insisted." 

"Darling, this elianor has a point. If he was supposed to look after you, he
should not have let you go." Her mother chided gently. "Yet if you miss him,
we could always ask if he would like to visit here."

"He is not done with something important." Rowena muttered sadly. "I do miss
him though. I will see him when I go back."

Isa tensed. "you still want to go back?"

"Aye, but not right away. I still have much to learn. I didn't have much
time."
Rowena answered in a matter of fact tone. She did not pick up on her mother's
tone. "Da promised I could train when I was nine. I am nine now." 

"your father should learn to keep his mouth shut." Isa sighed. "yet he did not
say that you could leave home, did he? We agreed to let you go to the forest
because it would be safer. That hasn't proved to be true."

Rowena stared at her and then looked over at her father. "I have to go back."
She stated firmly. "There is too much I cannot learn here." 

"sweetie." He said. "Why not wait a few years. There's a lot for you to
learn here as well. And we worry about you when you are not here, and we miss
you. You belong here with your family."

Rowena looked at him sadly. He could see it in her eyes. If the time came 
and the druids called, she would go. He would have to lock her in to keep her
here. "I miss you too, papa." She said quietly. "I can see well now." She said
to her mother, trying to change the subject.

her parents looked at each other sadly, then her mother pulled herself
together. "that's wonderful, my dear." She smiled. 

iorwerth excused himself, there where things he had to see to.

"Ro, as you are a bigger now, how about we redecorat your room, and you get to
choose." isa said.

Rowena's eyes lit with pleasure. "Really, I can leave the nursery?" She hated
having a nurse.

"yes you can, I think you have proved that you are old enough." And her
mother hoped that she would like her new room so much that she would want to
stay.

Rowena was very excited at this prospect. Maybe they would see she was not 
a baby anymore. "When can we start?" 

"as soon as you want, I have time." it made Isa happy to see her little girl
like this.

"Today?" Rowena begged prettily.

"today will be fine. First you have to think about what you want." Her
mother
said.

Rowena grinned. "Can we go to the market?" She asked. She hadn't seen
the market since the people had taken her away.


her mother hesitated. "Yes, but we will have to take many bodyguards."

"I don't mind. I am getting used to them being about. I have one of my own 
now." Rowena said with a giggle.

"in that case give me half an hour to arrange things and we can go." Isa said
affectionately.

"I will fetch my cloak." She kissed her mother's cheek and then her father's
and scurried from the room.

Her parents laughed, glad to see her so full of life again.  "I will go and
arrange the bodyguards." Iorwerth said.

br>