Claymore and Dagger (closed)

[heartofcourage]

"You never have to be that way with me, you know." Fiona said softly, her cheeks heating up with embarrassment as she mentioned that. "I don't mind not having romance. Just quiet moments together and I'll be very content."

 

[KieranSoares]

"We'll see. Migh' be nice t'be a romantic. Ain' tried it yet," Sam drew her closer and kissed her cheek. He didn't show much emotion in public, but he was in a safe place amongst his family.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona smiled softly as Sam leaned in and kissed her cheek. For the briefest of moments, she leaned into that kiss before they both pulled away. She knew that he wasn't keen on showing emotion in public and she agreed. They were best saved for one another behind closed doors.

 

[KieranSoares]

Of course Sam endured relentless teasing while Fiona was welcomed, until Ciaran and Justin turned up and Justin came straight to Fiona. "Hey, I've been looking for you," he said with a handsome smile. "Still looking for a job?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"Perhaps. I help Annie and David tend to their drakes in the mornings. I'll also be leaving on a trip with Invah very soon." Fiona said, determined to be completely honest with Justin.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Well, when you're back, I need a partner. I'm making my mother cut her workload down to part-time so she doesn't work herself to death. I was told by some rangers that you'd be a good choice." That was likely Will's doing, telling his friends about his dearest friend in the world.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I don't know about making uniforms, but I can handle other things. Dresses. Shirts." She said, not wanting to get her hopes up too high. "We can definitely discuss it after I get back from Scandinavia."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It's a deal then. And I'll teach you anything you need to know about the specialized clothing. I need someone to help me keep up with this brute's men," Justin chuckled with a nod to Ciaran.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I will do my hardest to learn." Fiona promised, giving him a smile as she turned to look at Sam and Ciaran.

Both brothers looked incredibly alike, but so different. They had their mother's green eyes and their father's broad built. Sam's hair was darker and he was more broadly built where Ciaran's hair had a red tint and he was more slender like his mother.

 

[KieranSoares]

Despite Ciaran being slimmer, he towered over most of his family. Sam and Durban were at an equal height with him, but Ciaran looked oddly more like the English and Italian sides of their family. Even his accent was more English like his mother, and other than his broad shoulders, he was quite similar to Vincenzo and that was no accident as Ciaran lived quite similarly to the man.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Ciaran? Would you come riding with me too?" Heather asked as her brother took a seat next to her, a kiss to her cheek as was tradition for the two of them. "Papa is going to take me and Dun to the pasture to ride. Sam said he would come and watch."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You'll have to ask Justin, he's the one in the lead today," Ciaran told her with a smile to his love.

"Of course he will," Justin assured her. "That is, if I can come along too."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Of course you can!" Heather said with a grin, her emerald eyes bright as she glowed with happiness. "You should come and ride too."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'm sure my Ma's mare could use a day out," Justin nodded and settled beside Ciaran. At least in the case of spending time together, things always seemed to go so smoothly for the Ghis in Inverness. For Kayla and Ashien it was a little tougher, but there was always absolute certainty that the entire family would come together in the summer.

 

[heartofcourage]

When breakfast was over, the entire Ghis clan made their way to the pasture to watch as Heather made her first attempt at a ride. She was nervous, but Vincenzo was there to patiently help her with what she needed.

Fiona watched with a slight smile, her heart full as the entire family rallied around the little girl who so desperately wanted to be normal.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam brought Kennah out too, joining Heather first when she grew self-conscious. Soon Ciaran and Justin joined in and they all led Heather around and Vincenzo taught Heather and Dun both. Dun would have to adjust to a blind rider, making sure that she didn't lead him into objects and making sure things like branches and taller objects didn't hit her.

 

[heartofcourage]

Heather sat tall in the saddle, much like Ashelin did. Brogan had taught them impeccable form in the saddle from the time that they were very little. Heather had just never been given the chance to ride on her own. Her brothers were giving her a day to remember, though.

 

[KieranSoares]

Vincenzo eventually let go of the lead rope, letting Dun walk and trot around the pasture. Sam was close at hand to make sure nothing went wrong, while Ciaran went to fetch Vincenzo's own horse so they could go out for a proper ride.

 

[heartofcourage]

Heather was beaming as her brothers followed her to make sure that she was alright. Dun was incredibly gentle with her, letting her lead him as long as it wasn't dangerous. She had never had so much freedom before and she was enjoying every single moment.

 

[KieranSoares]

Dun became Heather's eyes as much as she was his guide, dodging things easily and avoiding people in their path. The bunch all went to the tavern to show Heather off to Ria who was one of her most adoring relatives outside the inner circle of their family. Sam rode ahead to tell Ria and when the group arrived, Ria called brightly, "Who is that gorgeous little rider?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"Dun helps me look good." Heather commented with a broad smile as Ria commented on her riding. "And everyone has been helping me too!"

 

[KieranSoares]

"I think Dun deserves a treat for that. And so do all of you." Ria had brought some sugar with her just for the horses, and she sent their riders inside for a little sweet treat and cider.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona let the family have their moment in the tavern, content to sit outside in the sunshine by herself. Roman rumbled after Kennah, the big brute like a soft kitten around the pretty green drake. She smiled as the two of them interacted. It made her incredibly happy.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kennah would play with Roman when no one was around, but in public she was like a soldier on guard, ignoring the golden drake who wanted so badly to impress her. Even so, as he nuzzled under her jaw, she gave him a little rub back before resuming her guard. She was very invested in her role as a General's steed, it seemed.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Bestie, leave her alone." Fiona said with a chuckle, stratching her drake's soft scales as he came to her side. "If you pester too much she might decide you aren't worth her time."