Clan McCallister.

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine Poole

The morning mists were chilly. She pulled the ermine collar of her cloak up, to seal in more of her body-heat.
The moorland was desolate. How could anyone live here? She already missed the green pastures, the golden waving fields, of fair England.

Lady Elaine had been sent here on a vital mission. Her father's father, Sir George Poole, had been killed on this very moorland, with many fine knights.
A glorious battle for both sides, with many dead! She smirked at the foolishness of it all. The Pooles and their allies had many acres of fine land in England. Forest, river, orchard, field, pasture. They had horses and sheep aplenty, and wanted for nothing. Why they would attack this place, which to her eye held nothing ... She would never understand.

Three years had not healed the wounds, she knew. The McCallisters had lost more than their share of men, including the Laird. Sir Edward Poole, her father, had decided that enough time had passed, that ill will should be put aside, and a small measure of peace be drawn between English and Scotch. The Pooles were alone in this determination. She hoped that the young laird, a Lady Brianna, would be as inclined to accepting her missive of peace.

There. Rising, desolate as the landscape, was the keep. Their small mission had doubtless already been seen. They were likely appraised of its approach well before now, as the knights that rode with her had seen many men on the fringes of their trail, watching them and judging their intentions.

Her bodyguard was small, purposefully so. Three knights, fully equipped, and their squires. Enough to dissuade attack by bandits, but little enough that the Scotch would not fear invasion.

Taking a deep breath, she nodded to her entourage.

"Well, forward then. And mind, we are here on a mission of peace, and reconciliation. No blows, save your life depend upon it."

 

[Mistress Silver]

As I seal the small pot of lavender oil my lips are forced into a decent smile. All of my herbs have been seen to and ointments, oils, perfumes, and all are the result. Plants, a hidden power as mighty as the most battle scared knight and just as deadly if used with that intent.

Now for my morning walk, I open a small wardrobe and retrieve a thick cloak of heavy black satin. The garment is quickly worn and I lift the hood over my head to cover my facial features. For an odd reason, I seem to inspire most fear when I hide my eyes with a hood.

Today there is a tempered briskness to my movements and it makes me appear as if I'm on a dark mission of chaos or some such bull that the towns people concoct. What they think is not on my list or priorities and it will stay that way for all of eternity.

As I leave the safe walls of the keep my eyes discover a small group of people coming towards me. Curious I alter my walk to intercept their movement. Upon nearing them I discover that they are English and for a brief moment my edginess is forgotten as a flash of amusement.

"What business 'ave ye 'ere?" I ask the woman in the center. "I am Fearcharia, sister to Brianna of the keep you see before you."

The knights that surround her seem to draw closer to her as if to assure themselves that such a tiny woman, such as I, could not hurt them. No doubt it is that strict air of controlled power about me. I almost laugh, not many people dare to brave the uneasy feeling that a druidess's presence often invokes from their instincts.

On the whole of the matter, everyone has a right to fear a druidess. We are powerful women and are aided by an even greater power then tempered steel.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine shifts in her saddle, suddenly uncomfortable, uncertain of the wisdom of her mission.

She lowers the hood of her cloak, allowing her shoulder-length red hair to flow free. Piercing green eyes look into the eyes of the woman ... and Lady Elaine flinches.

"I ... am on a mission from my father, Sir Edward Poole. My ... business is with Laird Brianna McCallister. I bring a missive of peace and goodwill."

She glances back to her knights, as if to reassure herself of her safety. It is this barren-ness, she tells herself. It is a world far beyond her own, and she is uneasy in so strange a place.

 

[Mistress Silver]

Slowly, and with a grace not granted to a woman other than of those with the blood of the druids flowing in their veins, I raise both of my hands and lower the hood of my cloak. My bright violet eyes flash a warning to the knights, but they are easily ignored.

"Na Laird Brianna, Lady Brianna, lass." Apparently, I am the only one to note the irony of the situation at hand. A group of fair sized people are cowering before a single woman, a tiny one at that. Though thin and almost fragile in appearance, my body is blessed with all the right curves and firm features.

"So, ye bring peace for us all?" With a simple though a wash of power passes through the woman on the horse. I've never been subject to another druidess's power, but all people, even my sister, jumps when she feels the rush of power pass through her body. The small bit of magic fades, but leaves me with the knowledge that the woman has spoken the truth. "Ye speak tha truth as known ta ye'r self. Tha knights I do na trust. Remove ye'r weapons an' I will guide ye safely into tha keep."

 

[poohlive]

It had taken Gavin several hours to find out the lay of the keep. He kept running into dead ends and broken alleys that circled around each other. When he finally thought he figured one thing out, three more came to bar his way.

It was hours later, when he found himself horribly lost and outside the keep. He knew the road would be somewhere east, hoping against hope to bar certain trees out of his way. Blasted vision of endurance, he had no feel for it at all. A man was meant to fight not ask for directions.

He came to a sight of most curiousity. The sister of the keep, a woman of small virtue but powerful eyes, looking over at a group of what seemed to be englishman... and an englishwoman. She had beauty all her own, but not those daunting powerful eyes.

Bodyguards, he knew them, although he did not know why the sister would meet them alone on the road, unaided. Perhaps those eyes were more powerful than he thought.

Gavin moved around Fearcharia his hand on the hilt of his sword, eyeing the situation. He was wary, but still curious.

"Is all well, miladies?"

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan worked all morning cutting the pieces for Lady Brianna's wedding chemise. The old seamstress Alma had only woke up once the whole time, and then after eating her morning tea and biscuit she had promptly falling asleep again. Megan was grateful for the slip of paper she had given her before she dozed. The paper had contained the measurements for the entire keep, from the smallest mite to the largest man. She knew that she would not be required to sew for everyone, many of the servant's wives or sisters would do such things, but having everyone's sizes was reassuring to Megan that clothing was an important thing to the McCallister clan and making a good impression was something Megan strived for.

She had cut the cloth for the chemise and had pictured the design in her mind. The chemise would be made of the white cotton muslin that she had found in the wardrobe and it would not have the usual long sleeves that most chemise had. Since this piece was worn under the wedding gown and removed prior to the wedding night, when Lady Brianna would wear her sleeping attire, a simple style was all that was required. Megan enjoyed sewing, but the boring stuff she loved to get out of the way first. The pattern pieces laid out on the bed, waiting to be stitched together.

Megan's body was slowly becoming warm and the soft gentle breeze that invaded the room from the window beckoned her. She gathered up her materials, needles, and threads, then left the old woman to sleep away her afternoon. Megan hoped that if she were lucky to live to be the age of Alma, she would be able to do more then sleep. She headed down the steep narrow stairs of the castle and through the great hall. Nodding to the servants as she passed them.

The little man that lived in the rafter's was not there, Megan's senses not finding him above her, she smiled and walked with ease through the keep and out to the courtyard. She noticed the smithy working on something and though he looked up briefly while she walked by, Megan didn't believe he saw her wave and smile. She sighed and headed out through the portcullis. Seeing the small group of new arrivals and the Lord Gavin and Lady Ferchenua, she only paused long enough to note the woman and her armed escorts.

Thinking that they were only here as potential guests for her Ladyships wedding or perhaps needing a place to stay the night, Megan continued on to the gardens. Upon arriving she laid her materials down on the grass and slipped off her shoes. She slowly bent down and sat with her feet tucked under her. Picking up the two large pieces of the cotton muslin, Megan slowly began to work the tiny stitches that would connect one side of the chemise together. The sounds of nature surrounded her, and the soft breeze tickled at her hair, a quiet hum, slowly began to purr out from her as she quietly worked on the first of many pieces for her Ladyships trousseau.

 

[LadyFairy]

Brianna was still in the library with her intended thinking it ironic that her intended finally decided to speak with her and it turned out to be a yelling match. When the summons came, announcing that they had English upon McCallister soil. Excuse me one moment. Brianna said stopping there argument once again. Unlocking the door and calling for Ian.

Ian arrived as quickly as possible, and listened to her instructions. Take some men... Don’t attack them, and don’t let yourselves be seen until ye reach the keep... I am curious as ta why so few English dare come ta our home... I will deal with them when I’ve done here. She said as she watched him move off to gather some men.

Turning she went back into the library once again locking the door. Most of their argument, and shouts nothing but mumbled words thru the door. We are no a wed yet... Laird Duncan and I am still Laird of this Keep. I’ll no change who... I am ta suite ye... Not even after we are wed. Would the gods I new what James was thinking ta send ye ta me. Brianna yelled meeting him head on word for word.

I'll No ha my wife training out upon the fields, nor dieing fighting in battle... He shouted... Nay ye would rather her be naught but the means ta an end... and mayhap if she moved ye enough ye would be get a child, and ha her die cowering in a corner should an attack occur. She shot back...

Glaring at him over one of the desk's in the library she said. I am no a coward Laird Duncan and I’ll no pretend ta be what I am not...Take me as I am or not... I will fight my cousin myself if need's be, and I’ll no die cowering in a corner.

 

[RoneLith]

Gin had finally heard enough, in his mind a woman can rise up to a strength equal to men and this one had. She was strong and powerful but had earned respect through love and compassion unlike his former master through brute strength. His former masters anger finally reached a boiling point when he rasied his hand to her, it was at this very moment and without thinking that Gin dropped down from his hidding place among the shelves and landed next to Brianna. The hand stopped in an instant and the Lord was shocked to find Gin standing next to her.

"Gin," he said backing down perhaps calming alittle. "What is this?"

"I told you," Gin said, his voice held an ethereal quality to it almost as if he was projecting his thoughts and not speaking aloud. "When I joined on with you I said I would follow you until my death or I found someone more worthy of my skills. Brianna has won the love and respect of her people by giving them love and respect as well her people will follow her to the gates of hell and tear them down if she asked. You have always led with just your fists and never with your heart. True you are the strongest warrior I have known in my travles but you are no leader."

Brianna finally saw the man standing beside her, he was not very tall only a little over five and a half feet. His clothing was also very strange he looked to have been wrapped in various strips of cloth most black but some with dark blue and dark purple, a royal color that seemed on him perfect as if none of the royals in her country had been able to get the color right. Even standing next to her he faded into shadows and she had to blink her eyes more than once to continue to focus on the stranger. His face was masked with the same clothing in fact his whole body was covered from head to toe only his hands had tight gloves matching the color scheme. Still this was not his most shocking feature, strange weapons addorned his body. A straight sword was strapped to his back the shape was unlike any she had seen before, the handle was pointing down and she wondered how with no strap could the sword stay in its sheath. Various small metal objects were strapped to his waist some with four points others with six they could only be described as stars. She could quickly count five on each side of his waist yet suspected that he had more else wear. Still strange weapons and clothing were hardly what shocked her the most, his eyes were the only part of his body not covered by cloth. They were sharp and intense focusing on everything and nothing always scanning the room they were never focused on one thing for too long, however if she would have known Gin longer than just the few seconds after he appeared she would have known that this time his eyes were not just searching out of rutine but there was a purpose and it was about to show itself.

It was fast the attack had come too quickly and the knife thrown at Brianna had accidently been blocked by the head of his now dead former master. Quickly Gin pushed Brianna back and stood in front of her she did not even see when he grabbed his stars and threw one out into the shadow she heared a scream and then something hitting the ground. Five men ran out of the shadows with swords drawn comming at Brianna, four more of the stars flew from his hands each one landing in their eyes, she could see now a green tint to the edges of the stars, obviously a poision of some sort. The man in front of her drew his sword and seemingly ran through the final assassin, he fell instantly his head rolling along the ground and his sword cut in half. He shook the blood from his sword and returned it to its sheath, then quickly gathered up his stars and wiped them clean of blood. Finally he walked to the Lord's lifeless body, "Rest in peace great warrior, you died as noble a death as you could have wished for, protecting a great leader."

She had seen death before but never had she seen so much in so little time it had taken all but a few seconds to kill all six and he had made it seem so effortless. He turned his eyes to her and kneeled. "I have served many a false leader searching for a true leader of people, people that love and respect them. I had at last found one that I was searching. My skills and my undying protection are yours for my life. I shall never stop protecting you or those you love from the shadows, you need not have any fear from anyone that would cause you harm in and out of your home."

 

[LadyFairy]

Brianna had stood amazed by the stranger standing next to her, he was withdrawing his services. He had simply appeared from what seemed to be no where, his voice holding her in thrall. While he spoke Brianna remembered glimpsing him from time to time since Duncan’s arrival.

Shaking herself from her thoughts and the effects of the stranger’s voice she watched as Duncan began to reply, and stopped as he fell forward landing on the desk between them with a dagger in his head.

The stranger hadn’t given her much of a chance to do anything as he pushed her behind him, save for draw her dagger, and take up a defensive stance. Then it was over, the stranger kneeling at her feet, and pledging him self to her. Looking around the room, and then back down to him. Brianna was glad he had been there, and held out her hand to help him up.

Ye have no a need ta kneel ta me. I accept ye’r pledge, and ye are welcome here. Brianna said still somewhat stunned from the attack, and how quickly it had ended, but quickly recovering her senses I'll have someone remove the body’s and have Beth set the maids to putting the library ta rights. I would like ta know more of the ones who attacked us. Would ye join me later once I’ve seen ta the English who should be arriving shortly? She asked.

Wating for his reply she looked over at Duncan she new that she would need to send a massive to King James and inform him of Laird Duncan’s death. Which would also result in ether another suter or Connor’s arrival. Unless she could convince James to allow her to choose one of her own.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan heard shouts and yelling coming from the keep, quickly gathering up her belongings she pressed her needles and threads into the small basket and folded up the chemise that was now sewn up on one side. She hurried towards the keep, as sounds of shouting grew louder.

She saw soldiers wearing the McNeil colors and Lord Gavin hurrying towards the courtyard. She lifted her skirts from her ankles and ran after him. The shouts only grew louder, bouncing off the castle walls. Her eyes took in all the drawn blades and her heart stood still in her throat as accusations circled around the room and talk of war and treason filled the keep.

Standing to one side of the room, she peaked through the mass of bodies. Barely could she make out her ladyship, her skin somewhat pale and shaken, she heard murmurs of talk that a man had killed the Lady Brianna's intended. Megan gasped at the knowledge and her mind searched to who the culprit would be.

The men began to clear and a path opened as two of Lady's Brianna's men moved the dead Lord's body. Her eyes grew huge and her skin paled while Megan watched the dead man being hauled away. She wasn't sure what had happened. But she knew she wished to wait and return when all had settled. Quietly moving back to her room she placed her material down.

Megan's thoughts ran ramport, as she began to finish up her sewing, though the Lord was dead, eventually the lass would marry... this just gave her more time. She wondered what had driven someone to take the Lord's life. She had not seen who it was, but someone had said the name "Gin," Megan could not recall anyone that she had met with that name, but she had not yet met everyone.

 

[RoneLith]

"My Mistress Brianna," he said returning to his kneeling position. "I kneel out of love and respect for you and I take my place behind you. You are the leader and I am your protector, you shall never see me unless needed or if you call on me." He placed a small flute, only about two inches long, in her hand. "Should you need of me this whistle will produce sound that only animals can here, I too have trained myself to hear this sound. One quick tone for an assingment and one long tone if you are in danger." His sharp ears picked up the noise of others comming to help their Lady. Quickly he jumped to the shadows dissapearing once more. "The first star had a paralytic poision on it, the man that killed Duncan should still be alive and my guess is the men were sent by your cousin. I shall be watching." His voice cut out and there was nothing left of his pressence in the room besides a small flute in her hand.

Before anyone entered he spoke one final time, "Only the one that I have pledged my life to eternally may know my true name, Kutsomigin Mirou. To all others I am simply Gin." You don't know if he is still in the room or not but somehow you can tell that he is still watching you and will always be there should the need arise.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

"M'Lady Please I Beg Of You Open The Door.. Lady Brianna....Tell Me That You Are OK!" Yelling to M'Lady as my small hands beat upon the wooden door. Gasping in surprise when M'Lady finally opens the door. All the blood, all the bodies amoung them her new Laird to be. My eyes flew to M'Ladies with a question in them but she looked so upset and shocked that I would never chance it. Taking M'Ladies hand I usher others into the room speaking quietly to them. Sending some to retrieve the new Laird's men at arms. So that they might be informed as to the situation.

Holding M'Lady within my arms hiding her from most views as we watch several of our clan carry the dead men from the room. Six of them in totally I thought to myself. "No wait" Only five noticing that one man was still breathing, but seemed unable to move any but his eyes.

Moving forward to touch his neck finding his pulse strong and still full of life. Turning to give orders to the men to make sure this one was watched carefully, I was sure Lord Gavin and Ian would want to talk with him since he did not belong with any of the clans. Slipping back to M'Lady holding her close as I begin to scoot her from the room, giving a stern look about the room and to those whom still were within it. All knowing that if they gabbed or gossiped then it would be their heads. I would make sure of it, tho I knew they would talk some this would give them the warning and all knew I would find a way to carry it out if need be.

"Come M'Lady tis time to get you cleaned up, perhaps a bath and clean garments." Looking to the youngest of the maids, seeing her give me a nod, I knew someday that one would take my place. Smiling as I see her quickly run off to prepare the items I would need.

Then looking to one of the guards I asked that the Lord Gavin be notified of the situation and that M'Lady would be able to talk to him in a short bit. All thought of the English and their entrance into our lands forgotten. I was mainly concerned about keeping things quiet for M'Lady and seeing to her. As for the ex new Laird, well he wasn't to be a good Laird anyway.

Upon entering M'Ladies chambers, I notice that the little maid had indeed been quick about her purpose. The tub had been brought to the room and as I watched several of the servants came in to pour steaming water within it. Effectively filling it to the rim for our Lady. I notice M'Ladies eyes keep straying to the ceiling, as my eyes follow I could swear that there were eyes looking back at her. But when next I look they had gone, thinking it must have been my imagination I shake my head. Somethings were better left unquestioned, and at this time it was truly my belief that this was best as it were.

Looking to the little maid once again saying, "find Mistress Fearcharia, I fear that we may need her soon. Tell her what is happening here and that her sister is in need of caring to. Something to sooth nerves perhaps, and that I have asked for her. She will know what is needed and will come to add our Lady better then what I can." I wondered if the men at arms had located Lord Gavin yet, and worried that this would indeed cause a great problem unless the one captive could be convinced to talk.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine

She felt the Power course thru her body, an experience she had never felt, and never had any reason to believe she would feel. She gasped, flinching in the saddle.

"Tis the truth, and if we are received in peace, we have no need of arms."

She nods to the knights, who gumble quietly, but obediently discard their arms.

Elaine herself reaches under her cloak, pulling out a small but sharp dagger, and drops it to the pile of weapons.

"I will trust, that they will be watched for. Well, then lead on."

 

[Mistress Silver]

"Is all well, miladies?" Gavin? Where had he come from? I don't get caught unawares, I'm a druidess, but he surprised me. Annoyed with the cursed man, the only one to ever surprise me, I turn my eyes upon him and my back to the group of armed knights. My eyes are frosty and guarded, but curious.

"Ye are Gavin?" I ask softly, my voice cold enough to frost the air with my breath and send chills of cold down any listener's spine. "We 'ave na met. I am Fearcharia, Brianna's sister, and her druidess when needed." Wow, the man is tall and handsome too. Saying all I was going to on the matter I return my eyes upon the woman and her escort.

"I will trust, that they will be watched for. Well, then lead on." The woman tells me. Granted, she doesn't know much, but she will quickly learn that no body, not even the king, issues commands to a druid or druidess.

I stare into her eyes, my body standing in a relaxed elegance, as a silence falls around us. The birds and insects cease the chorus of song as they too feel the icy weight of my gaze.

"Ye listen carefully to this warning: 'tis a bad omen ta command a druidess, lass." My voice is heavy with scorn and even Gavin shifts uncomfortably.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Elaine shifts uncomfortably. She is not familiar with such a commanding presence. The old priest in his chapel, now he did good works, tried to do what was Written, but he had no real force of will. This woman made Elaine feel small, powerless. She dropped her gaze, a flush of colour rising in her cheeks.

"I ... apologize. I ... mean no disrespect. Thy ways, are unknown to me."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan, rose up from her bed, hoping that the hall had settled down some, she hated conflict, all she wanted was piece. She left her room, and moved back through the keep, Beth was pulling Lady Brianna to her chambers to wash and wipe away the pools of blood.

She watched the bodies being carried away. Megan was by far just as curious as everyone else, she had thought she had seen her ladyships betrothed cousin come in, but her mind had tried to take in so much that it was obvious she was mistaken.

Megan went back outside and walked around the keep. She felt the breeze on her face, and finally just took a moment to enjoy the air, she needed something to do, something to wile away the hours, instead of constantly sewing, perhaps she could learn a trade.. she would talk to Beth, after things had settled down, she didn't want to pick up a sword, but she was terribly bored.

 

[Mistress Silver]

"I ... apologize. I ... mean no disrespect. Thy ways are unknown to me."

Feeling as if she's understood the warning I say lightly, " 'Tis why I warn ye and na curse ye and ye'r clan." I look over my shoulder to Gavin and nod toward the weapons. He moves forward and collects the tempered steel cautiously. His cautious demeanor brings a softly smile to my lips, but I quickly mask my features.

"I will also inform ye tha ye 're now surrounded by me sister's men. Tha hidden men are afraid of me as most of tha keep is. Follow me, I'll take ye ta greet me sister." I flick my eyes to Gavin and say, "Gavin, ye will follow me. I wish ta introduce you ta some 'o tha women in tha keep. A strapping lad such as ye'r self shall na run without a proper lass at ye'r side."

The melancholic mood once again claims me and I know, all too well, its origin. A problem that herbs will not cure.

 

[poohlive]

"Aye, aye, good women," Gavin gave a grunt at this, but his ears seemed a little pinker than they were before. As he passed the young englishwoman on the horse, he gave her a knowing wink. Taking the dagger from her, he spoke softly, "They seem to have no problem orders others though."

He nodded to her ladyship, the rest of the weapons in hand. He fell in line behind the sister, and moved cautiously back towards the keep. A wonder in and of itself, he had yet to reveal the reason for being out here... that he had simply been horribly lost and could not find his way back.

It was good to know someone knew where they were going.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine notices Gavin for the first time, the sinister energy of the druidess has dissipated, and she is no longer enthralled by her power.

"Greetings," she says in reply to his wink.

 

[Mistress Silver]

The friendly exchange is not lost on my watchful eyes and my left eyebrow raises fractionally in response. His blush was unique, I would have thought that he wasn't the bashful sort when around women or other men for that matter.

Without a word I head off toward the keep, not caring if the strangers follow or not. I take my time and the walk moves painfully slow, stopping every here and there to gather an herb that may be of some use to a girl such as myself.

My step falters ever so slightly at that realization. As a druidess I feel as if I've lived for many years and gained more knowledge than can ever be used in a single life time, however, the truth is that I'm still a girl, not exactly a woman, but a girl. I refuse to dive deeply into the subject as it is easily arguable, but all the same.

Gavin surprises me by snorting, annoyed that I must take so much time to complete such a short walk. I feel my jaw clench tightly and I slowly turn to him.

"May I be 'o any 'elp?" I ask tightly. Odd, out of them all I had expected Elaine to be the first to snap, but not Gavin. "Would ye all like me ta stop so that ye may all indulge in ye'r fits 'o impatience?" I ask the entire group of people condescendingly. My eyes drill into theirs and I get my point across with a sharp pang of insecurity.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Elaine fidgets nervously on her saddle (in fact she is feeling discomfort from riding side saddle, which she does not do when on her own lands) and doesn't answer the angry question ... which is clearly not one to be answered.

She glances back at the knights, to be sure none of them are giving any indication of impatience.

 

[poohlive]

Ooc: lol, I don't think he would mind all that much, anything's better than being lost


Gavin made a faint smile, "You take your time," He said, bowing, "I see no need to rush you. Please, go at the pace you feel we should go."

He decided to move away from the crazy woman with powerful eyes. She had a way about her that frightened even him, and he was sure would frighten any man, even on the battlefield. Oh, if she could only wield a sword...

"My name is Lord Gavin McNeil, milady, of the high east plains here. My cousin is a laird that wishes to wed the lady of the house. We are here on a mission of peace and understand, like yourselves. I have only spent a few days here myself, and am very much an outsider."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"Well met, Lord Gavin. Ye say that your Laird is wooing the Lady Brianna? Well, but my father has sent me as emissary to the Lady. Your Laird, is I fear a man not known to me, nor to my father."

She glances at her knights who have been riding closer to her, as though to isolate her from this local. But, their mission was to protect her, keep her from harm, and unarmed, there was little else they could do but to get between an attack and her person.

 

[poohlive]

"We are not from this keep, I am afraid, or this clan. Our clan is elsewhere. It is an equiavelent to what you would call another country. We make our clans very tight, form them like families here. Each clan is its own state."

Gavin felt much happier with this woman, talking with her kindly and answering her questions... at least those he felt safe with asking. He told her a little bit about the land, culture, how to properly meet nad greet people, what she would expect.

"... and during dinner she tells some amazing stories. I am sure you will hear them sometime."

 

[Mistress Silver]

By his words I figure that I've some how misunderstood the man. Maybe he was just clearing his throat? Oh! I hate men! I love them! No, I'm certain I hate them! I think!

"Cernunnos, may ye ride forth in tha hunt an' take all tha lads to the otherworld!" I snap as I watch Gavin retreat from me. On a wave of bitterness I snap at him, "An' ye call ye'r self a warrior?"

I regret saying, but I will not take it back. I'm a druidess at the age of eighteen! It is difficult for me as usually a druidess or druid is trained for twenty or so years before having the honor of calling themselves a "druid" or "druidess". Nobody has taught me anything about something! I've taught myself all I know and that is a lot, but not as much as a "trained" druid. Though I believe my knowledge to be stronger and with more power because of the hard work and dedication I spend to study all things.

I glance challengingly at everyone, daring them to call my mood. My body suddenly stiffens to the point that I cannot move a single finger or even blink. A few images quickly flash through my mind and leave almost instantly, my body relaxes as if nothing happened.

"They'll kill 'em! The fools!" I protest as soon as I am able to speak. "Gavin!" I snap sharply. "Shut ye'r mouth an' follow me now! Ye'r cousin is dead."

I run toward the keep, leaving the group behind to follow my flight.