Clan McCallister.

[shadowoftheheart]

"Is ... is Brianna well? I ... I think I need to talk to her. I don't ... really have anywhere to go now."

In the dungeons, the guards were just now finding Sir Poole's body. There were no marks on him at all. He had just simply stopped living.

Elaine, blinking back tears even though she knew now somehow that her own father had been trying to kill her, looked at Angus, trying to weigh how, or if, he would be able to help her. She needed to speak to Brianna.

 

[Screech]

Angus sighed. "Aye lass. If'n yer feelin' up ter it, we can go an' find 'er"

Standing up, he handed a thick woolen cloak to Elaine. "'Tis cold out lass. Donne wan' yeh teh cath yeh death"

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Now that Lord Gavin was gone I didn't know what to do, we were in a glade of such beauty but the minute Fearcharia had left it I felt a foreboding come over me. Looking to Megan I could tell that she wasn't to sure as to what to do now either. "Shall we head towards the keep quietly? Maybe we can make it past the soldiers and the fighting going on." I knew I didn't sound to sure of the idea but it would at least give us something to do. I didn't... no I couldn't stand around and wait Lady Brianna needed me, and I refused to give up just yet.

Seeing Megan's eyes go wide as she looks at me only not at me but behind me, turning to see a man walking towards us. It was the man I had seen in the libary with all the dead bodies, the one who could not move anything but his eyes. Backing up until I reach Megan's side I look to her sideways unsure what we should do. But figured two of us had a better chance then just one of us did, if he gave fight.

 

[RoneLith]

Gin awoke a few minutes before the pounding began his acute senses felt the pressence of another being. He was able to look apon his Mistresses sleeping form before she awoke. She was truly at peace lying in her bed her eyes filled with sleep and her mouth silghtly open. She was still naked underneath those covers, he thought back to earlier, she had cared much for him and had forgotten about her nakedness. He wished deep in his heart that he could see her in all her radience with her blessing and not just as an accident.

The pounding door brought him out of his fantasy, it could never happen he was her protector he could not fall in love, not again. He watched his Mistress rise, still not carring about her nakedness when near him, though in truth she might have thought him to be somewhere else, her breasts swayed free and her white skin seemed to glow against the soft light in her room. Her hair was a tangled mess but still held the regal beauty he had come to cherish. Truly this was when she was at her best, she may not look her best but this is where her true self is allowed to shine. The part of her she kept hidden from public view and either she trusted him enough to show that aspect of her being to him or she had just forgotten he was there, he smiled and silently thanked her for the blessing. However, duty called he moved through the rafters and discretely out her window while she was putting on her robe. He left it open just so she would know it was him. Quickly and silently he made his way to the entrance of the keep he must see the truth, had Gavin been cured? He pulled free one of his paralytic stars just to be safe.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan groaned. She had to get to Fearchaira. The Druidess was still poisioned and Megan had to get to her to save her. She looked at the man, and couldn't tell if he were friend of foe. Her only thought was to see what he intended to do.

She moved infront of Beth, her thoughts about Gavin and Beth being together, ate at her stomach, but she now didn't know if it were because Gavin were no longer weak or that Beth seemed now suddenly scared of a fly. She was hoping the fear of men would leave the woman, after she realized that not all men were out to harm or hurt her. Megan thought of only one thing, if this man were a real threat, the Druidess would have dealt with him right away.

Shaking off Beth from her arm, she told her to stand still. Megan squared her shoulders and the man stood there as she approached him. His eyes hit her dagger and she swiftly pulled it and through it into a tree that was off to the side of the group. Her hands now splayed open proving they were no threat.

He lead them to the horses that the two women had cared for. Without words he left the women, whatever purpose he had, he kept to himself. Megan didn't feel all was as it seemed, but for now she needed to get to the keep. Hopefully the Mistress Fearchaira would be able to tell her the cure for her poisioning. "Beth, take the mare." She lead the smaller animal to Beth. Megan knew how serious the wounds on the woman had been, and a fall from the mare would hurt, but one from the war horse could open wounds.

The two women were soon weaving their way to the keep, and trying to make it there in time to save Fearchaira. Once they arrived, they saw Gin heading toward the keep entrance. Megan's eyes landed on the small man, it was about time he came out of hiding, and did his job, she wondered how many lives would have been spared if he had acted quicker. She pushed the war horse through the group and reached Lady Fearchaira's side.

 

[DarkLdyElectra]

Hannah

Name:Hannah
Heritage:Born into Clan McCallister
Occupation:Apprintice Healer
Age:21
Hair:Waist leagth Darkbrown with light blonde highlights
Eyes:Fire green emerald
Height:6'5
Weight:120 pounds

As I am assisting the healer at the healer's hut I hear a maid calling my name So I go running after her asking questions.

As I follow the maid so that i could assess with the damage that had been done to Lady Fearcharia.Worried the whole time that the damage might be to great even for the skills of our healer.

As I and the maid get closer to where the women was I can see her trying to push Lord Gavin and several other people away so that she could check her wounds.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Angus sighed. "Aye lass. If'n yer feelin' up ter it, we can go an' find 'er"

Standing up, he handed a thick woolen cloak to Elaine. "'Tis cold out lass. Donne wan' yeh teh cath yeh death"

Elaine stood up slowly, and wrapped herself in the cloak.

"Thank you sir. What is thy name?"

He had saved her life after all, so she wanted to know who he was.

She felt a little unsteady, and reached out a hand to him.

"Umm... if you could help?"

 

[Screech]

Angus smiled and held Elaine's hand, keeping her steady, as he slowly started to lead her out of the tent. "Me name's Angus McCallister of the clan McCallister. An wha be yers lass?"

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"Lady Elaine Poole. My father is ... was ... the English knight that led the English forces lately besieging McCallister Keep."

She closes her eyes.

"Now, I guess I am just Elaine. No longer a Lady ... and how can I admit the name Poole after the ... shame of what has happened?"

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna had made her way down to her sisters side only to be shoved to the side along with Gavin as Megan made her way thru. She would have said something but changed her mind noticing that Megan was checking her wounds. Looking up she saw the healer's apprentace following close behind she servent she had sent to fetch them, and new that Farcharia was in as good a hands as they had.

Brinna caught sight of Beth in the crowed. Gasping she ran forward. Omg Beth what did i send you back to.. Brinna wanted to throw her arms around her friend but as beat up as she looked new that wasnt a wise idea. Forgive me Beth had i known this would happen... I never would have sent you back. Brinna said wincing a little as she moved the wrong way and pulled on her own wounds.

 

[poohlive]

Gavin didn't get far in the McAllister keep before he was brought down. It took only a few of the guards, to seperate him from the sick lady, and then take her to one of the medicine healers. They held him at sword, demanding answers for his treason, insolance. He did not have time to breathe however, before he wa s brought to the inner depths of the dungeon.

No one knew of him, of what he had become, or what he had tried to do. They simple saw him running up with Brianna's sister, sick and almost dying. Hell, Gavin himself would have assumed the worst.

It didn't matter though. He was down in the depths, staring at a cell as he felt himself locked in place. The leader of the English was only a few cells down, Gavin had seen that. A man as desperate and greedy as Gavin himself used to be.

At least Fearchera would be treated. Gavin would be thankful for that, and Beth was safe. All of the ladies he had sworn to protect would be safe, they could kill him now, and it would not be a wasted death.

He had done what he was supposed to do.

 

[LadyFairy]

After seeing that Beth and Farcharia were taken to their chambers and would be taken care of Brinna made her way back inside the keep. Bring the Englishmen, and Lord Gavin before me i would speak with them, now rather then on the morrow. she said to one of the guards.

Brinna paced infront of the harth in the great hall when the guard ran up to her. My lady .. The english lord is dead. He simply stoped breathin. They are bringing lord Gavin to ye now Liard. Brinna closed her eyes and prayed for patiance, it wasnt enough that the english had attacked them but now with him dead if the english king wished he could use his death to invaid scottland. Would nothing go right.

Opening her eyes she watched as Liard Gavin was brought before her. One of her clans men shoving him down. Enough! Rhannon. Gavin dinna ha ta bring Facharia back.. He could ha left her ta die and he did na. Liard... please stand.. i ask ye only fer truth. She said waiting to see what he would say.

 

[poohlive]

"I asked the same of you, a while ago. It seems that fate keeps switching sides..."

No, that wasn't it, exactly. It wasn't two different sides, but more like two sides of the same coin. Here they were dancing on the edge as the coin flipped end over end, ready to reveal heads or tails. Worlds hanging in the balance.

"I have betrayed you all. I listened to a woman who has words sweeter than the truth, and more venomous besides. I made the wrong decision and now hundreds are dead. I offer no explanation, only that I am no fit leader. I don't think I ever was."

 

[Screech]

Angus led Elaine towards, and into the main keep. Moving slowly, he did his best to keep her stable.

Walking to the main hall, he pounded on the door and waited for an anser

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Not able handle to being held back in her rooms Beth made her slow way into the main hall, and to where she had heard Lady Brianna. Watching the guards bring in a quiet and saddly downtrodden Lord Gavin, Beth felt her heart give a lurch. He had done no wrong, except be caught as we all had in a druidess's spell. That did not give anyone the right to treat Lord Gavin as such he had kept his word. Megan and herself were safe, he had brought Lady Fearcharia back to the keep at the promise of his own life being in exchange.

Shaking her head sadly feeling her anger surge forward, in this past few days she had known fear, shame, anger, saddness. But this new anger was more then she had known in some time and she would not allow this to happen once again. People would hear her and the truth, she would make sure of it, if she could take back her keep and kill a man with her own hands then this she could do for the man who had kept her from harm.

Knowing what to do first, Beth headed for the yards looking for the men who had been taken prisioner with her in Gavin's camp. Spotting the four guards and then Thomas and his brother, all looking rather lost. Stepping up to them Beth explains she is in need of their assistance once more. Seeing the looks upon their faces as several more guards from her keep listen in and step up. All in all by the time Beth was ready she headed back to the main hall to see Angus and the English Lady standing at the door to the room where I knew Lady Brianna and Lord Gavin to be. Heading their way with Thomas and his brother in tow, the other guards standing about the room. This was to be a talk and she knew Lady Brianna would appreciate her forsight to see that none would be disturbed until all was figured out.

"Hello Lady I see you are up and about it is good to know that you are better. As to you Angus greetings, it is good to see you again." Smiling at them both as we all await the opening of the door. I knew I didn't look so good with the bruses still coloring the side of my face. My clothing hadn't been changed and I was in bad need of a bath. But all that could wait, Lord Gavin on the other hand could not.

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna had started to awncer liard Gavin. When she heard the knock at the main entrace to the keep. Nodding to one of her Kin's men he moved to open the door, allowing Angus, the English lass, Beth and sevral others to enter Two of the others with Beth wearing Douglas colors.

Brinna watched as they gathered about in the great hall before turning back to the Liard infront of her. Liard Gavin i gave ye the truth o' the matter from tha beginning, and ye didna wish ta listen. I am willing ta listen to ye now. I am no so quick as others of my kin ta judge ye guilty for something that ye could na control. Again i ask ye ta speak. Brinna said. Watching the others around her and waiting for a reply.

Brinna could feel Gin close buy keeping an eye on what was happening, she wanted to look up and see if she could find him but didnt knowing that if she did that it would give him away. Looking over at Beth Brinna wondered if she had gotten her wounds from returning to her fathers keep or if they had happend on her journy home.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Elaine nodded thanks to Angus, and steadied herself against the wall. She realized something of importance was going on. She would wait until she was recognized by Lady Brianna.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Moving into the room behind the English Lady and Angus, my eyes continue to move to Lady Brianna and Lord Gavin. Motioning to Thomas and his brother to move to either side of the door. As I once again look to M'Lady, I could tell she wasn't happy and she seemed to be in pain but trying to hide it. Which concerned me, but right now I just wanted to be near Gavin at least this way maybe I could have my say in the matter of what happened to him.

Silently I listen to the conversation between Lord Gavin and M'Lady inching my way slowly to Gavin's side. Smiling softly at M'Lady as I do so, hoping she would understand that I was not taking sides but that I mearly wanted to be near Lord Gavin. Wincing slightly with pain as I turn around to look at the men at the door making sure that they understood no one was to come in or disturb this meeting.

I was home again, and I knew my job very well even though I was now a Lady of my own home. I would not leave here, or M'Lady or the position I had come to love until I was sure that all was well. Though I had a sinking feeling that the man I had come to care for greatly would not be following with me. He had a prearranged marriage and that was not something one could get out of no matter how badly they wanted to.

 

[poohlive]

"But I am guilty."

Gavin paused for a moment, to look back at Beth, who stood near him when no one else would. The only ones around him were guards, hands on their swords. Ready and waiting for whatever Gavin might pull from his hat, or possibly from the evil the druidess might do through him.

"Watching my cousin, and his time as Laird, I tried to understant what it was like to be a leader of a people. To control their actions, to decide their fate at the whim of a decision. That is hard for any man, or woman to bear. One of the things I did learn though, was a good leader stands with his actions, whether they be right or wrong. And, more importantly, he accepts the consequences."

Gavin put his arm around Beth. He lowered his head to kiss her cheek, smiling at her. Such soft skin that touched him, sent shivers down his spine.

"I accept my fate, and whatever consequences my actions seem worthy. I make no fault for them, or any excuses. I was wrong."

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna watched as Beth moved to Gavins side and relaxed knowing that if Gavin had been the one who hurt her then she would not stand by his side. She watched as he kissed Beth and thought about Gaivns words.

Ye are correct Gavin ye are guilty, but I donna see that ye deserve ta die for yer actions were not yer own, and as such yer punnishment will be ta help rebuild all that ye and yer kin destroyed. Brinna could see that her kinsmen were confused and didnt understand her decision but would abide by her rule.

Looking at her clansmen she motioned for them to release him. Brinna new she still needed to speak with the english lass, and would speak with her shortly. Once Gavin was released she looked at him and said. I have but one more question fer ye. If yer men are still curesed by the druidess how do we free them?

 

[poohlive]

"We don't."

Gavin said simply. He was looking out the window at the camp still just outside the walls. His men were regrouping. They were strong and resiliant, he had trained them well. And, to top it all off, a strange green glow was coming from them.

"They are men that have long since given themselves up to her whims. They will follow her until she dies. I am certain of that. They no longer have a will of their own. I would have followed them down that long and dark path, but I made a promise... to Beth here, and to Megan to protect them. The druidess could not force me to break that promise, no matter how hard she tried. But my men have made no such loyalties. They are at her mercy."

Gavin looked down at Beth, "I saw something, before the link was broken. Something from the druidess. She is coming, with reinforcements. More men to take down these walls, and destroy your breech. Another man will lead them. Someone like myself, but who wants your death and destruction... and I think Beth too. He wants Beth for himself. I don't know why..."

 

[LadyFairy]

So the only way to free them is ta kill the drudess and tha only one who knows how is my sister who is wounded herself? Brinna said thinking on the problem of his solders.

Then catching the rest of what he said Brinna sat down in the chair near the harth nearly falling. Connor?... No Connor was after Brinna not Beth.

Then it came to her Beth's cousin??? Brinna looked over at Beth, and it dawned on her that her cousin must have been at her familys keep, but how had he been in the position to harm her?

Beth what happend after i sent you to your father for aid? Brinna asked watching as Beth's face palled even more then it already was, and her arms came up protectivly around her. Her hands moving up and down over her arms as tho she were cold a vacent experession in her eyes as tho she were reliving a nightmare.

Brinna stood not caring for her own pain and moved to Beths side carefuly sliding her arms around her and holding her close. Beth its alright .... i know ye donna wish ta speak o this..... but i need ta know..... what did i send ye into?, and can ye' er forgive me? she said gently steping back enough to give Beth room to breath.

Looking over Brinna could see Gavin standing close by she could tell he was as interesed in the awncer as Brinna was, and was waiting to see what Beth would say.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

"No.... He's... I... I killed him, it can't be!" Looking down at my hands I could still see the red stain on my hands. My hands were shaking and I felt myself pale with Gavin's words. "No.. it.. he is dead.." Bowing my head I felt my eyes mist telling myself it would be ok, I had to tell them it was the only way to let them know he was dead. "It was not your fault M'Lady you did not know none of us did.. There is nothing for me to forgive, I know you would not have sent me there if we had known."

Taking a deep calming breath opening and closing my mouth trying to think of where to begin. I wasn't sure how to tell them that I had killed a man with my own hands. And the look on M'Ladies face was almost killing me, she would blame herself how was I to let that happen. "I'm sorry Lady Brianna I failed in bringing help from my father. He was struck down a while back they say, but no one is for sure. My... Rohan is dead I know he is.. I.." Looking at Lady Brianna and then at Lord Gavin pleading with my eyes for understanding. Seeing the concern helped me to continue.

"We rode in and found my cousin in control of the keep, he was more then joyed to see that I had returned only to humiliate me before everyone." Tears silently make their way down my face now as I recall all that had happened. But I still continued to tell the story in a neutral voice holding back my shame. "I was stripped of my clothing, and searched for weapons. Rohan tried to take what he could not take from me so long ago. When I accidently knocked over a candle it caught the straw on fire and he had me whipped. Thomas and his brother helped in my escape but I swore that he would die and the place would burn to the ground before I left. He tortured me because I refused him, I refused to give him something that he wanted so he took me to the yard and paraded me around like a piece of meat for his men to examine. When it came down to it... I was left with a choice he came after me and I killed him." Rubbing my hands again seeing the blood on them still.

"The blood remains it will not come off, I can't seem to wash it away. I can smell him still, feel his hands upon me. I killed a man, my own kin I am so sorry but don't you see I had to? Then Lord Gavin's men took us prisoner and Megan healed me as best she could. He saved me, M'Lady it was his instruction that day I used it.. It saved my life."

Sitting there in the silence of the room, I felt the eyes upon me and I wanted to crawl inside myself. What was to become of me, did they not see I had to? It was my life or his and I had wanted to live. Why wasn't anyone speaking?

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna was nearly in tears when Beth finnishe knowing that indeed it was her fault. She could have sent a messanger, or inquired about her clan long ago. Shhh Beth tis alright ye donna have ta tell any more... Ye did the right thing lass... ye did right... Brinna said gently.

Kneeling down at Beths feet and taking her hands in hers. So that Beth would see Brinna's hands and not the blood she had spilt. Beth listen ta me.... ye did well.. Ye didna fail me... ye brought aid. Yer kin.. yer clan and the others arrived in time. Ye didna fail, and ye did what ye needed ta servive. I am proud of ye..... She said hoping that Beth would hear her and take her words to heart.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Elaine watched in terrified awe. She was beginning to see a pattern of dark magic, and posession. Somehow, no one even remotely connected with Clan McCallister seemed immune.

Her mind reeled, even as she felt dizzyness return to her body. Was this ... druidess responsible for her father's actions? Was there another Force that was attacking the Clan, perhaps allied with the druidess? These questions made Elaine shudder in terror. Nevertheless, she had a Debt to repay Brianna, on behalf of her entire family, however evil her family turned out to be.

With fresh resolve, she shook off her dizziness, and watched the drama continue to be played out between these Scottish folk.