Clan McCallister.

[RoneLith]

Failed, he had hoped the King would have listened to him and would have had Gavin locked up but Gin had known better. He had beaten Gavin to the castle and made his way inside to see the King. He had explained the trap that had been set for getting Brianna to sign the fake missive of peace. The King had listened he would give him the credit, although he had no reason too trust Gin. This is how he decided it, it would be to each his own. He had respect for the King's answer and in his heart knew that this would be the out come, he could not prevent a war he had just wanted to keep it between the two families. He had explained the whole event in exact detail every last word of truth had been spilled to the King, and who better to do so than a man that lived in shadow and spied on everything and everyone. It was after that point that Gavin had arrived, quickly he bowed his respect to the king and dissappeared into the shadows to hear the judgement.

-----

After being accused of trying to asassinate Gavin, Gin wished he would have. Gavin should know full good and well that every time Gin had been sent to asassinate someone he was succesful. He never missed a target he had merely wanted to incompacitate him so that truth and the answers he so fervently saught could be his. However, like all men blinded to the truth by a woman, he denied the answers as she twisted his faith in Gin. Death probably would have been the best course for Gavin and spared him the torment of fighting with himself. Gin had taken his leave after the King's decree of non involvement and had spent the night resting in a pine tree. It was time to begin the second part of his plan and in the morning he would begin another long run.

 

[poohlive]

Good, Megan would be a good ally. He was glad to have her in the ranks. A half days travel, and they had met up with a large camp in the midsts of a meadow. A hundred or so ready and reared soldiers, all wearing McNeil colors were there, battle ready. They hailed and cheered as Gavin entered the camp, with his group. The men soon settled in with their peers, and Gavin held onto Megan by his side. There was a large tent in the middle, where men were already waiting.

Inside, the druidess was waiting. She spoke to Gavin at once, ushering him inside.

"I do not trust that woman," She hissed, in his ear. Gavin at once felt scared and afraid. His mind reached out for the grove, hoping it would protect him. While the idea gave him hope of safety and reassurance, the thought did not. He remained helpless, the talisman fiery hot on his breast.

"She is a good woman, with many skills. She is the best we have to a healer, and we will need her. Unless, you want to use your skills..."

He did not think it wise to tempt her in this area. She has her strength and then some, and could kill him in an instant, but his own decisions being questions did not more to him either. As a general of this army, he was steadfast in certain things. Even a druidess did not stir his ways in that.

Still, it showed as wilffire flared within her eyes. However she brushed it off, and in a moment was her old self. Calm, cool and seductive. Everything a man wanted in a woman. Or, to put it in better terms; everything a man thought he wanted in a woman.

"You are the leader, this is your army. We shall see where it goes."

Gavin nodded, as he stood upon his army.

Things were in motion.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan watched as the Druidess leaned over and whispered in Lord Gavins ear. Megan had tried to leave his side when they entered the woman's tent, but for some reason Gavin kept her held against him.

She quirked her brow as she heard the whisper of the witch, she had no reason for the Druidess not to trust her, she wasn't here for the McAllisters or the Driudess, she was here for the McNeils and no one else. She needed to stay with Gavin, but she didn't need held next to him tightly.

Megan shifted next to him as he spoke to the woman, before them. She wondered why this person had such a pull on Lord Gavin, why would he have to explain her presence. Did the Druidess control him, did she have some hold on him that made him feel like he had to explain why he did something.

He pulled her back outside with him as he looked over his soldiers. She had no clue as to why the two sides were suddenly at war, she was only trying to find her place before she revealed herself to them, but now she couldn't she didn't want another war on her hands. She looked up at Gavin, he had finally loosened his hold on her and she moved away.

“Lord, please refrain from handling me in that manner again. I seek to join your clan not your bed, don't hold me to you as if we can not stand to be parted.“ Megan crossed her arms and stared up at him, ”I'll heal your injured, cook and sew for you, but don't think I'll warm your bed. Now please explain to me why we are now at war with the McAllister's and why that Druidess has such control over your actions.“

 

[poohlive]

"No one control's my actions," Gavin said this with anger in his voice, but he also felt himself use a hushed tones. His eyes darted back to the small tent, hoping she had not heard. It was the truth though, he was doing this of his own free will. The druidess had merely helped him, shown him the truth, the...

grove

Gavin let go of her, "I'm sorry. I just... A lot has been going on the past few days. I didn't mean to imply that you were to share anything with me. You will be an honor to have among my people, no one will touch you without your permission."

Gavin sent word across the army, news of what had happened, their new mission. The king had gave none of them allies, so this was between McNeil and McAllister, pure and simple.

If the English arrived, then all hell would break loose. Anarchy written up within the walls. The talisman gave a delightful shiver at that thought, as Gavin showed Megan to her new quarters. A small tent with tools of both medicine, cookware, and sewing things. Everything she would need.

"The McAllister's killed my cousin. Lady Brianna used an assasin, Gin, to kill him. She then had her sister, Fearchera...

the grove, please come to the grove

"Fearchera hide everything up so I wouldn't see the truth. However, the druidess, her sister, uncovered the conspiracy to me. I have asked for the heads of the assasins, by fashions of scottish law, but Lady Brianna refused, shielding them both. The only other alternative is war. They will not go unpunished for treason and murder. I will see to that myself."

 

[Mistress Silver]

"Curse ye!" I snap at Gavin's resistance. "Why do ye listen ta tha snake an' na me?!" I ignore the questioning glance from the warrior and continue to rant at the man that refuses to be saved.

Angrily, I pace the grove thinking. Something wasn't sitting right. The air was thick with tension and I hate it. "Rain, ye will come ta me!" I snap at the sky. I settle slightly as the clouds over head darken to shadow the land and start to pour water from their depths.

The air is slowly cleansed by the precipitation and I return to the oak tree to pray some more. I refuse to give up. I will save him. Period!

 

[LadyFairy]

Once a search of the keep and grounds had been completed one of Brinnas Clan's Men was brought forward. My Lady she was seen leaving the keep with two men wearing McNeil plads... Brinna paced infront of him trying to decide what to do, Why would Gavin take her seemstress? It didnt make much sense. Why was i no informed o this sooner, and Why did no one stop them from leaving?? Brinna asked looking down at her Clan's Men as she waited for an awncer.

Her Clan's Men looked up a sheepish expression on his face. I am sorra my lady We sent men on horse back ta follow them, but they have no returned. Brinna nodded motioning for him to go. Ian have a watch set i wish to be informed if any of the men who were sent after them return.. Have the patrols along the boarder been doubled?

After speaking with Ian awhile longer Brinna watched him go as well, and wondered what she was going to do now.. not only did she have Beth, but her seemstress as well now to worrie over.

Brinna felt responsable for her having been taken, with everything that had been going on she hadnt had the chance to speak with the lass, and ask for her help until it was to late.

 

[RoneLith]

Just before Sunrise Gin awoke from his perch in the pine tree. The night was still straining against the sun trying to put it down but time keeps on spinning and the sun was going to rise no matter how hard the night tried to stop it. Still night was apon them, this was his time, the few hours just before sunrise meant everyone was either asleep, passed out or up to no good. He however had plenty of good to do, good for himself and his Mistress.

He stood up on the branch and stretched the stiffness of sleep from his muscles then when he was ready, leaped down from the tree and began another long run. He flew over the country side his clothing easily blending with the cold dark of night. His timming should place him at his destination just after sunrise. He knew his Mistress would be quite upset with him if she knew where he was going but it was nessacary. The only one with the power do help them, he just needed a little control and he would be as harmless as a kitten to his Mistress.

OOC:This is fun!

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

“Hello my dear, it is good that you have come back to us. Though I do believe that you need a bath and proper clothing for a woman of your stature.” My cousin’s eyes burning holes through the garments that I am wearing, and I knew he was speaking of them as if they were trash. But I did not care, “what have you done Rohan where is father?” Searching the crowd about us, coming back to rest on the man who had been a nightmare made real all my life. This man was the reason I had left my home, hoping to never return.

Turning my eyes back to him as I hear him say, “she is not dressed appropriately take her away and bring her back dressed as a Lady should be dressed. Until then show her men the kindness of our dungeons, I do not wish to deal with out of control guards. Do not fight my men my dear for they will not handle that as kindly and I would fear for your virtue if I thought you had any left.” His sneering voice just angering me more, I just wanted to hit him with my dagger, just once I thought would be all I needed.

Looking to the men who had come with me seeing the anger upon their faces as they are led away, I knew they feared for me, but I knew what it was that my cousin wished from me. The price was high but in the options that were left to me I had no choice in the matter. Silently cursing him, as I hear his laughter follow me out of the main hall to be taken to the bathhouse.

My escort consisted of four armed guards, who promptly stripped the offending garments from my body. Leaving me standing before them, their eyes raking slowly up and down taking in my lush curves, the firmness of my creamy breasts. The way my waist taper to give a slow slope to my womanly hips, down further to the private blossom hidden beneath the tight blonde curls.

Brushing away their hands, I step down into the depths of the pool refusing to look at any of them as I wash my body clean. Raising my chin in defiance each time they call to me, teasing me with their words of what they wish they could do or what they were going to do. Dipping under the water soaking my long white blonde hair, lathering it good before dunking and repeating, making sure to have it thoroughly cleaned. Before stepping out and being subjected to the search of my womanly parts, as one man shoves a hand between my legs. Breathing heavily into my face, smiling to show his discolored teeth saying, “we have to make sure you are not hiding anything, wouldn’t want you hurting anyone with something dangerous.“

Grasping his wrist with my hand, I give him a cool look saying in return. “Touch me again and I shall see your head swinging from the outside gates as a warning to all those who would be stupid as you to try that with me. Hand me a sword and I swear by my life I shall take yours before you take anything from me.” Smiling at him with a coolness that I was sure would show him I meant what I said and was sure that I could do exactly what I had proclaimed. After that they held their distance from me only touching me to take my arm, as they escort me naked out into the court yard. Laughing in glee as several others throw degrading comments my direction, serving to only anger me more. I would see this place burned to the ground as I left, my cousins body along with the rest laying amongst the flames.

Following along behind the lead guard to a room with no light but that of a lone candle flickering on a small table. I could see a cot and upon it a dress of my own laid out for me, one I had not seen in several summers. Hearing the door close behind me and a key being turned in the lock effectively shutting me away from the rest of the world. I listened to the men outside of my prison as they spoke quietly, giving orders to watch and wait that my cousin would call for me when he was ready.

Knowing they were there I refused to make a sound, going to the bed to pick up my dress carefully slipping into the garment of old. It still fit and had been one of my favorites when I was but a small girl, tighter in the breast area causing them to be thrust forward temptingly giving a view of the creamy valley there. The length I found still flowed to the floor, and though it was a bit tighter upon my hips the dress just enhanced the form of my body. Showing the firmness of woman more then a child now, the silky green fabric felt good against my skin hugging and caressing softly, I knew from the past that it matched my eyes perfectly.

Laying my head upon the pillow closing my eyes, thinking about what was to come, worried about my father and wondering if the war had come to the McCallisters. Letting the silent tears fall as I slip off into a disturbed sleep. Dreams of my past flitting through taking me back to a point in time that I didn’t care to remember.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was my father’s only child, effectively making me the heir to all his holdings, making me a very good prize to be had. Including to my third cousin, a mean and ugly man one that had previously been married but his wife had died to unknown reasons. It was said that she was beaten beyond recognition, her body broken left in her wedding bed. Though I knew that I couldn’t always believe things I had heard this I could, as I watched my cousin day in and day out. Beating anyone who would make a suitor for me, running everyone away from me. Until that day, the day that made me run, I had been in the stables petting my little mare that my father had given me for my birthday. When I heard a sound behind me, turning to see who had come up on me thinking it was the stable boy coming to tend to the animals. Seeing my cousin leaning against the opening to my mares stall, a smirk upon his face as his eyes slowly traveled down my body.

I moved to place the mare between us, hiding away from him as best as I could, only making him grin more with satisfaction. “Well.. Well what have we here.. Such a pretty filly waiting to be mounted I see.” Though his hand patted the mares rump I knew he was talking about me, as he moved further into the stall coming closer to me. When I tried to move across the stall from him his hand shot out grabbing me and pulling me into him. Pressing himself into me as his hands ran over my body, lifting my skirts, to feel my privates. When I had cried out for help he had struck me knocking me to the straw and falling upon me his noxious breath in my face. Harshly whispering to me, “I shall have you by default dearest one, and then I will show you how to be the proper Lady to me.”

I struggled hitting him in the face and along his body, to no avail until he sat up to remove the strings holding his breechcloth in place. Knowing I had to do something, I had lifted my knee knocking the breath from him in pain. Taking the split second I had to scoot out from under him up to my feet running from the stall and stables screaming at the top of my lungs. What was to follow tore my heart out, for with my torn dress and his word that he had taken me for himself, my father had no recourse but to betroth me to the man. Though I protested to my father crying that it had not happened, I was caught and there was no way out. That night I had packed what I could and took my mare and leaving without looking back.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan heard Gavin, and she vowed to get to the bottom of this, she could not reveal herself until she knew who was doing what. One thing she was sure of the man Gin was not a bad sort, he was odd, to say the least, but not evil. She was curious as to why Lady Brianna had welcomed the English, but she also did not understand all the trappings of politics, she was not geared to know the ins and outs of that part of a castle.

She sighed and thought to herself, if she were to tell him, who she was and why she was here, would it help? No, not yet, he had enough to worry about, he did not need this one more thing on his shoulders.

“Lord Gavin, please,” she placed her hand on his arm to gain his attention, then removed it, as soon as he nodded for her to continue, “I am not sure I understand. You say the Druidess showed you the conspiracy? Sir, I know not what type of relationship you have with the woman, but she has great knowledge in the arts of darkness, and how to blend herbs to make people see what is not truly there, are you sure you are not being blindly led?“

Megan waited for the axe to fall, as she bit her tongue. “I'm sorry my Lord, I have overstepped my place, I only ask for your forgiveness.“

”Damn it,“ Megan she scoffed at herself. ”Master Kepp always said you had a big mouth.“ She waited for the Gavin's reprimand, for doubting the Druidess and her sincerity. Megan knew that the man Gin was innocent, she just didn't sense the evil from him, the Druidess, however something seemed odd. She just didn't know what to believe yet. She hoped to learn more soon, so she could reveal herself to Gavin.

 

[poohlive]

Gavin grabbed her arm again, yanking it hard. Even though they had the tent to themselves, he still spoke in hushed tones.

"She has many ears, seamstress. I would be careful if I were you."

After a moment of hard stare, he released her, looking back at the odd items inside the hut. He sighed for a moment, hearing the truth in her own words. It was a truth he didn't accept though, one he couldn't accept. At the time he was too angry to think about it, and now, more level headed, his mind was a fog of both sisters pulling him in opposite directions. Already he felt so tired, stretched thin from their pulling. The talisman would flash bright hot as thoughts of the grove entered his mind, and then grow cold at stone when it left.

He wavered, falling to his knees as weakness hit him.

"I..." He tried to speak, his lips chapped tongue dry as cotton, "I... "

trust her

The thought echoed from the talisman getting lourder and louder, engulfing his whole mind. He could feel blood pumping from his heart, thudding against his ears.

"... trust her."

It left him, and he felt better. Happiness permeated through his body, as if he had woken up from a long sleep.

His voice quavered as the druidess left him, reserved to pulling from Fearchera's constant thoughts. It tied him so.

"I need some water, if you would."

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Lady Elaine awakens.

Her eyes flicked open. Uncertain where she was, she tried to sit up, but collapsed with a cry of pain. Her side was burning, and she felt weak. She had no idea whatsoever where she was.

She felt warm, and safe for the moment. She would find out soon, she imagined, where she was and what had happened. Everything since leaving McCallister Keep was a blur, at best.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan looked around for something that contained water. Her eyes ran across the room quickly and she spotted the jug. Pouring the clear liquid into the cup, she sipped it first, “Yes, it is water,” she trusted no one.

Handing it to Gavin, she bent down to him. His fingers shook while he drank the liquid and slowly regained his footing. Megan eyed the medallion on his chest. She had not noticed it before, but now it seemed to stand out starkly. She could not tell if he was trying to keep it hidden or not. It seemed to be both hidden under his shirt as well as hanging free for him to touch and be reassured it was still a part of him.

She curled her fists into her side, she trembled with rage, someone had a hold of him, someone was doing something she just didn't know who. Megan knew she hadn't spent enough time at the keep, now she wished she had. If she could find the little man Gin then perhaps, she could find out the secrets that he knew concerning all the people involved.

Sighing she touched the medallion, “Who gave this to you?” she asked, she needed to fit the pieces together, before time ran out. “Lord Gavin, I am just a simple seamstress, but something just does not feel right, please sit down, tell me what troubles you, and how did you get this thing,“ her hand released the offending jewel.

 

[poohlive]

Gavin took it, snatching at it like a desperate man would a shiny coin. He didn't know that he hissed until the sound came from his mouth. Back on his heels, threatening more than just pulling at her arm this time, if she ever touched it again.

Slowly, he rose to his feet. Placing it carefully back against his chest, where it turned hot and then cold once more. The cycle of the sisters, it was as good a name as any other.

"The druidess did. She said it was a protection against anything trying to get inside here," He said as he touched his forehead, "Without it, I would have surely died as my cousin."

It is keeping things out, yes, but what is it keeping in? Come to the grove and find out... please...

The talisman grew hot, burning at his skin, and then cooled, soothing the wound.

"I would have been lost without all her help. She has shown me so much, opened my eyes to all that has happened. I do not know much of politics..."

Why was he speaking so much to a simple seamstress? Aye, she was nothing more, it was easy to trust a lowly girl like that with secrets, but still, his mind wavered.

Or, at least, the part connected to the talisman did.

"And the druidess has helped me understand. I have a lot to thank her for, including this talisman."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan's eyes grew wide. She shook her head in disbelief. How badly she wanted to shake him and make him listen, but she couldn't. All she could do was try to reason with him. She didn't know how much more she could push him, how much further she would be allowed to question him, but she had to try, she had to get the vile creation away from him.

“Your a brave man Gavin, you don't need a woman protecting you. This thing on your neck, does nothing unless you believe it does.“ She looked at him, hoping he would see what she was saying, “Don't you know, that it only works if you believe it will work.“

Megan had known of many things, she had been taught by the best scholars and she knew the supposed magic that was usually worked by the so-called witches and the followers of the dark arts.

“Lord Gavin, I wish you would listen, I know I'm nothing to you, but this... something is not right... “

She moved away from him and crossed her arms, “She's nothing, but a woman just like I am. She plays with your mind, and that is all she does, she only holds power over you if you chose to allow her to.“

Turning back she looked him square in the eye, “Did you ever need her before? When you fought the great Lord Maliki did you need her then?“ Megan faced him, as she moved closer once more touching the medallion, “this is just some expensive bauble that clouds your judgement and hinders your thoughts. Rid yourself of it and be the man you were before.“

 

[poohlive]

"You speak of things you do not understand," He said lightly, throwing her words away. He would rather not talk about it, something was plaguin at this stomach at the moment, as if there were ears in the room. He had always trusted his own camp, hiw own men. This time, someting felt different, traitorous. Someone within his ranks was not who they pretended to be.

God, he wished that thought would go away. Enough else has happened that now he needs to question his own people. Please not that.

"Lord Maliki was a war with swords. This is a war with magic, and I have no defense, this is the only thing keeping me sane. She said it would, the druidess is trying to protect me. I trust her, yes, but she does not speak for me. She does not lead this army. She is helping, just as you are, nothing more. I take her word no more than I take your own."

But, Gavin did feel it now, the ears. It was the talisman. The talisman had started to listen to the conversation, as if it were too intent about what happened.

"Lord Maliki? What would a seamstress know of my exploits in battle?"

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna moved up the stairs to check on the english lass. Moving into the room she sat next to the bed and watched her open her eyes and try to sit up. Easy Lass yer back in the McCallister Keep.. Yer safe. She said watching the Lady lay back down she waited knowing that she would have just as manny questions as Brinnia herself did.

 

[shadowoftheheart]

"How ... Saw ... Father's banners. Scotch troops ... attacked."

She felt the room spin.

"Why did you ... sign the treaty? If ... going to attack?"

Her eyelids fell closed, and she saw Brianna and a hoarde of Scottish soldiers standing, gloating over her.

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna heard her words and watched her fall back to sleep. She hadnt orderd anyone to attack, and didnt know how to awncer her questions save for to tell her the truth, and so far the truth was digging her in deeper.

Shaking her head Brinna moved to the door and asked a servent to bring some broth for the lass should she awaken again knowing that she would need her strenght, and a tray of food for herself as well for she wasnt leaving until they were able to talk and things were worked out. One desaster at a time she thought...

 

[shadowoftheheart]

Lord Poole and an English Army

Unaware of the manner in which his plans had both succeeded and failed, Elaine's father had raised an army amongst his allies, and with the sanction of the English throne, rode forward to beseige McCallister Keep and demand safe return of his daughter.
The force, small but made of vetran knights, brave men all, crossed the border into Scotland apparently undetected, and began the long journey to McCallister Keep.

He felt eyes on him though. Shfting continually in his saddle, looking about him on all sides. His scouts reported no visible enemies for miles. Visible. The Scotch were experts at this kind of warfare. Ambush. He remembered the tales of the survivors from their last expedition, three years prior. The McCallisters and their allies had continually cut at them, killing two, three, knights at a time til the battle saw an already hurt English army facing twice its number in fresh Scotsmen.

Still, in his warped brain he hoped that the Scots were now planning moves against one another, and that they would be unprepared for an English army arriving. In his contempt for the Scots, he never considered that his plans might not have come about as he desired. No, he saw only a victory against Clan McCallister, the dead body of his daughter, poisoned by the low Scottish men who could not stand to release her (he would have her poisoned to fulfill this image) and most importantly he saw power, wealth, which even if gained at the expense of his own flesh and blood, was a prize worth taking.

He smirked. It was going to be a good day, ineed.

 

[LadyChance]

Beth

Awakening to the sound of the key being turned in the lock, I sit up and move from the cot. Not wanting to be in a position that could be dangerous, and laying down upon a cot was not the best place to be.

“Your Lady, Lord Rohan requests your presence now.” The guards must have been changed sometime during my nap. This one was young and not one I knew, he had pleasant eyes, showing his disapproval of the situation. I felt a spark of hope shift through me. Here was my salvation, if I could just convince him to help me escape, I could go back to the McCallisters to tell Lady Brianna of my failure to get help from my father.

Following the young guard, I keep my eyes drawn away from his, answering quietly to his probing questions as to why I am treated as such. I knew by the time we had reached the great hall he was going to be my one chance to leave here. And for that, and what he would do for me I would leave him alive.

Standing before the high table glaring before my cousin, he was as ugly as I remembered him. Filthy in his appearance, pockmarked, with strangling brown unkept hair. Though he was only ten years my elder he looked to be fifty years or so older then I. He was dressed in a fine outfit of silk, covering him head to foot in an outlandish color of an off brown. That seemed to pale him in comparison to what I had remembered him to be. His eyes though held the same look about them, pinched and cruel.

“Well cousin you do clean up nicely, and now you look the part of how M’Lady should look. Come and take your place by my side, we had several past events that need to be.. spoken about between you and I.” His mouth turned into a cruel looking leer, and I knew that he did not truly want to speak to me about anything, but taunt me more.

“I would rather eat with the dogs then I would you cousin, where is my father.. what have you done to him that you sit in his place at his table?” Seeing his eyes narrow I knew I had hit on a nerve within him. There was no way that he could convince me to sit with him I was speaking the truth about eating with the dogs. They would be much better company, with better manners and would look a lot more to my liking.

“Your father is dead, stricken by a fever not more then six months ago, and since by right of default I am the heir to his holdings. The way I see it your place is here by my side, and this is my place. Come to me cousin, we have some unfinished business.” Seeing him stand to come and take my arm in a tight grip propelling me towards the high table. Basically throwing me down into the waiting seat much to my chagrined to hear the laughter from those about the room.

Dinner went quickly, between feeling like I was going to vomit in my cousin face, and fending off his hands from my body. I did not eat much nor speak a lot, holding onto the little self respect that I still had. Refusing to look at anyone incase it be someone I had known from before. The news of my father had rocked me, but now that he was gone there was nothing left here for me to ever return to. And I refused to shed a tear whilst those about would see it.

Sometime before the end of dinner I heard my cousin speak to a serving wench about his bed would be to full to have her in it. But that she could return the following evening as his eyes once again rake across me, rising the bile further in my stomach. Leaning towards him once the wench snickers and leaves, whispering to him softly. “Your bed will be very cold if you think you will have me in it this night cousin. For I would rather be dead then to have your hands upon me. In the past, now or ever I shall not be with you, you disgust me. Place me back in the little room, I shall be more then happy to stay there cold and a lone.”

His hand struck like lightning knocking me from the chair, my face and cheek where he hit me on fire. I could tell by the feel of my face I would be swollen and brused for a long time to come. Feeling my blood grow cold with the look in his eyes, I knew in that moment I would have to kill my cousin or be killed, the look on his face told me I was going to die by his hand this night.

“Take this bitch to her room, I have tired of her company.” The anger upon his face plain to all those about the room. As two guards come forward to help me stand, gripping my arms tightly in a hold to guarantee that I could not get away. Forcing me to move in the direction of the small room I had been held in earlier.

Once outside of the room their hands become gentler, looking up to see what is happening I see the face of the younger guard. Genuine concern creasing his young face, “this is my brother Lady and we are going to help you escape. We must not talk now but later, one of us will come to you, no matter what we say you must... I beg of thee you must follow along. For your life and the lives of your guards will depend on our success this night.”

Nodding my head, as I feel the tears begin to slip down cheeks unchecked. I was going to live, someone with honor had found me. I was going to go home, home to Lady Brianna and the only place I could think of wanting to be right now.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

But, Gavin did feel it now, the ears. It was the talisman. The talisman had started to listen to the conversation, as if it were too intent about what happened.

"Lord Maliki? What would a seamstress know of my exploits in battle?"

Megan heard his question, but feigned that she did not, thus giving herself just a few more seconds to answer when he asked it again.

"Lord Gavin, we have heard of your families exploits. The McNeil name was spread all over once it was known that your cousin would be marrying the Lady McAllister." she easily sidestepped the question. She had know on the dealings of Lord Maliki, because she had been kept informed all her life.

She watched him, stroke the gaudy piece of gold that hung on his neck. Megan had run out of words to convince him that her magic was nothing but words and ranting from a child. "This woman, I have met her, she is nothing to fear, she holds no power. She speaks of herbs. Give me a teacher and I'll mix herbs also. All one must to is be taught. But you Lord Gavin, you are mistaken."

Megan looked at him, "I'm not asking you to trust me, for I am nothing to you, just a seamstress." She closed her eyes, biting the truth and swallowing it deep, "I only ask you to trust yourself, if you think wearing that faux talisman is protecting you then perhaps a knife or blade from a seamstress would not penetrate your skin." Megan quickly pulled her small dagger from her sleeve and flipped it at Gavin. It hit its mark with the accuracy of a trained warrior.

His eyes burned at her, as he gripped his arm. "It is a minor wound you'll be fine." He was stunned beyond words, "your witch doesn't protect you, only you do."

 

[poohlive]

Gavin yanked the knife from him, looking at her with a mixture of frustration and anger. He was beginning to hear a voice from within himself, one that didn't feel the need to explain his actions from some lowly seamstress. That voice rose each time he touched the talisman, each time it left its silky sweet taint on his finger tips.

"It is not a shield to protect me from all weapons, lady. I do not know its intricacies. It is a ward, one for my head. It's job is to keep people from getting inside. A druid can control any man if she gets in there, make him do what he does not, make him feel what he should not. If I did not have this, Fearchera would make me walk right into her open arms, with a knife in each, asking me to be her friend."

Gavin shuttered at the thought of someone, or something being inside his head. Especially since he could already feel it, feel the pull that they had, going back and forth, demanding he do this and that. He would play none of their games if he could help it. He was on his own, the battlefield was his own.

"You do not know of such magics as a druidess. They are not all herbs and healers, some do powerful magic, claimed from the levy's they worship and the stones they dance around."

Gavin plunged the knife deep into one of her tables, looking at her with ferocious eyes.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Megan had had enough, she took her knife and placed it back in its sheath attached to her arm. She eyed the man, allowing them to take their feel of him. Megan knew all she needed to know now, it was pointless to stay any longer.

"Your a fool Gavin, and I'll not stay in a fools company. You make a war that is not one that is for you, it is based on the trickery of the English, yet you refuse to see it."

She moved past him, and stormed from the tent. "I don't have time for this," she muttered as she looked through the crowd of soldiers. Hearing the opening of the tent behind her, she turned towards the path to the city. Megan had been told who to contact if and when she needed help. She was ready to leave.

"The promise can rot in hell for all I care," she muttered to herself as she worked her way through the horses and the men. "Damn man," Megan cursed, if she had been able to speak with someone Gin or Lady Brianna or even the English lass herself, she knew she could clear this up, but no one from the keep had bothered to find her. Now, all she could do was wash her hands from the mess and return home.

 

[LadyFairy]

Brinna was still watching over the english lass when Ian rushed into the room stating that an army of English were at the gate's. Their leader demanding the body of his dead daughter.

Brinna sat their a moment frozen trying to think thru the pounding in her head. Rubbing her temples she said. How did they know of her attack? All of the English with her died as well as our own men.. It makes no sence unless the peace treaty was a farce, but then why send his daughter to her death??

Looking down at the English woman in the bed Brinna new that their was much that they needed to talk about and soon, but until she awoke she couldnt do anything, and she would be damed before she allowed them into her keep, before knowing the truth of this matter.

Brinna left orders with one of the maids to care for the english lass and to inform her as soon as the lady awoke. Leaving the room with Ian she made her way down the stairs thru the great hall and out side up to the battlements over the entrance to the keep to speak with this English Lord who dared come here now...

 

[poohlive]

Gavin grabbed her arm, hard, pulling her back to him. A stream of his men opened up, clearing to give them room.

"You are in my charge, lady. I will not let you go so easily," It wasn't that, he could already feel tendrils of thoughts inside him. The druidess is cautious of her, but does not want her to leave. Better to keep your friends close, and enemies closer. That thought echoed off the talisman until Gavin didn't know if it were his own or someone else's.

"You will stay, and do your job. That is your part. I don't care if you agree with my actions or not. They are not for a seamstress to question. Now you can get back to your tent, or I will have you hog tied and follow behind us in battle. I promised to protect you, and I mean to do it, whether you like it or not."