MacLaaran Village

[WilliamTaillur]

Having returned to Edinburgh and hearing many rumors, William returns the Mandrake Rogue ship to Captain MacPhereson, apologizing for Mine late return and the ship with repairs that still need completed. Captain, said William,  Yer crew must be honored a night on the town. They defended the ship honorably and We didst gain rewards beyond expectation from it.
William then filled Captain MacPhereson on the details of the encounter with the English ship and gaining His help in secretly hiding the most valueable portions of the bounty. 
Once secure, word wast heard that Tristham had been recently seen in Edinburgh.  Curiousity followed from there.  One of the bar lass's mentioned Tristham had headed back toward MacLaaran.
The next morning, William headed back toward MacLaaran with two trusted seamen for aditional protection. As I approached Castle MacLaaran, William had a sense of being watched from more than one source.  Cautiously, William alerted the others with Him and rode business like toward the castle draw.  Hailing and greeting more guards than expected.... even before seeing seth... William entered the castle and directed His men to get some rest with one eye open, just in case.
William then dared to venture out to His cottage only to find it vacant and a few things disturbed.  Now worrying about Dami, Will made haste back to the castle and alerted the men from their rest.  Each man was instructed to stay close as William darted up the stairs to His castle Chambers... there each man was instructed to be on each side of the door.. speaking very quietly to them. 
William then very slowly and quietly pushed open the door to His Chambers and quietly stepped inside leaving the door ajar just in case.  Silent steps taken to the inner door to the bed chambers and seeing The lovely Lady Damiana..... the treasure of Mine heart.... sleeping on the bed... and bruises seen upon Her face and one bandaged hand resting atop the covers as if to hug them to her.
Slipping out to let Damiana rest, William alerted the seamen of concerns and to be VERY watchful and wary of E/everyone they meet.  Both seamen joined William back down in the main hall where they waited and chatted with seth and a few guards as to the happenings.

[WilliamTaillur]

After an hour of chat with the Guards and seth, questions arrised about the strangers outside the castle. Could the MacDougals be involved with all this mystery?  Didst Mine eyes catch a glimps of a MacDougal kilt pattern instead of fall colors behind bushes?
William then asked seth to notify Sir Kyle of His return and had business to discuss with Kyle. Part was concerning the rumored purchase o the MacLaaran lands, of which conflicting information had been heard floating around Edinburgh. Another part wast to be a special carriage shoppe request, and a final part to discuss assisting with castle expenses thanks to an English flag bearing ship. _{....chuckling at the thought o an English ship helping out a Scottish castle...}
Noting the doubled guard and alert seamen, William then headed cautiously back up to His Chambers and quietly slipped in and beside the bed, wherein Dami still lay asleep.  William then quietly caressed Dami's cheek with the back of His hand.. and leaned in to give Her cheek a soft kiss...... then settling back into a soft chair near the bed... didst fall asleep from the long day's ordeals.

[WilliamTaillur]

In the early morning, Will didst wake to the sound o birds and the early morning dawn light.  Dami wast still sleeping well.  Will slipped quietly down to the main hall and spoke with seth.  Will wast determined to set out inspite o the warnings from seth and a couple of guards.  The two seamen had retired late the eve before and were still sleeping.  Will didst ask seth to advise Dami of His intent... and by golly ... advised seth to stop swooning oer Rita.

In Williams wanderings, He ended up near a neighboring castle and chose to visit for a bit.  Time didst seem to fly and Will wast supprised to see Dami entering the castle ... obviously a little upset that Will had nay woken Her or left Her a note as to His intents.  Dang... Seth must have found a way to get Rita alone... and missed Dami leaving the castle.  Damiana knew somehow that William wast somewhere near.

Captain MacPhereson wandered oer to a window in time to see the Lady Damiana depart MacLaaran in search o William.  The Captain then confired with the guards and found Seth and Rita in a closet.. very embarrassed.  The guards spoke with the Captain and wast determined that the Captain had to escourt Lady Damiana.. and Lord William .. back to MacLaaran for their safety.

Wast easy to follow the carriage tracks and find Lady Damiana .. and supprisingly... William as well ... at the neighboring castle.  The Captain then mandated Will and Dami return to MacLaaran under the safety o His escourt.  Will and Dami submitted to the request and returned.

Upon arriving to MacLaaran, William again reminded seth to advise Kyle and Tris of His return to MacLaarn and His desire to meet wtih each o Them on business matters.

Twas getting late again, so Will and Dami sought the safety o Their castle chambers.  The morrow wouldst be another busy day.

[Sir Kyle]

October 22, 1320
I received word from seth that William has finally returned. I left word for William that I was leaving for a while, but would return tonight to meet with William and Dami.

I saddled up Blade and rode over to the MacDougal ranch, accompanied by four of Tristram's best guards. Douglas MacDougal was sitting out on the ranch house porch with a sour look on His face. Michael walked out of the house as I dismounted.

I greeted Michael with a smile, then approached Douglas with the deed in hand. I handed it over, saying it was time to end the constant feud over property lines. I informed him that King Robert the Bruce had accepted Our offers to finally purchase all the MacLaaran lands, including the castle and the village.

He bitterly said this wasn't over, saying that the only living relative of  Laird Andrew MacLaaran might still have come from that bastard child born from Sara MacDougal's womb.

I said that My research indicates that the last of that chain was the twins, Heather and Breanna. Mark MacDougla killed Heather and Breanna disappeared from sight. Since I've made sure the taxes have been paid for the last 12 years, King Robert considered the original deeds void and signed over the titles to My group.

He snarled at me, but I stood My ground and advised Him to cease and desist any future efforts to attack MacLaaran's people or Our lands or face serious repercussions. He spit on the ground, saying they would do as they always had done, no matter what King Robert said and stormed inside the ranch house.

We rode back toward the castle, disappointed in Douglas reaction, knowing I'd tried My best to defuse the recent problems.

[Serenitee]

~the evening at MacLaaran Castle had been brief.  There had still been no signs of Praegorn's return so her mood had turned and she had taken ill...causing her to decide against traveling to SEM~

~she gathered her cloak said her g'nights to those there in a round about about way then started home. Sighing softly to herself as she walked briskly, her stomach turning slightly.....touching her tongue to her lips and closing her eyes as she paused for a moment for a breath...then continued~

~finally reaching the cottage, the fairly short walk seeming like miles...stepping inside the cottage, securely bolting the door, tossing off her cloak then stripping the other garments from her warm skin.  Padding into the bedroom to the wash basin, soaking a cloth in cool water. Running the cloth over every part of her bared flesh...feeling the goosebumps rise as the air hits her damp skin~

~laying the cloth on the side of the basin then grabbing the sheet from her bed and wrapping around her snuggly before falling into her bed and tugging the coverlette up about her chin...moaning softly before closing her eyes...feeling as if she could sleep for days~

[Serenitee]

~Dahlia had been banging on Seren's cottage door for what seemed like forever...Seren pulled her pillow over her head, hoping to drown out the pounding on her door which was making her head throb more than it already did.  Grumbling as she gathers the sheet about her and sits up...calling out~

"Go...away!!"

~then collapsing back on the bed...only to hear the rustling of the doorknob on her front door....her brows furrowing as she growls...hearing Dahlia's persistent voice telling her to open the door.

"Dahlia....pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease just go take care of the shoppe!"

~her voice pleading, not wanting to worry Dahlia, but needing time to herself right now. Crawling back up into her bed, pulling the comforter up to her chin...waiting...listening...sighing softly as she hears Dahlia mumbling~

"Stubborn, spoiled child!  I'll be back at the end of the day mi'lady and if ye do nay open the door at that time, I'll be calling in reinforcements!"

~Seren rolled her eyes at Dahlia's threat, though knew she meant it. Burrowing back into her pillows and comforter, pulling the heavy cover up over head to shut all the light...as she hears Dahlia's irritated voice fade~

[Sir Tristram]

spend'n a short time in the stables, instruct'n the lad to see that M'horse Rogue gets groomed and fed well, before we leave for Edinburgh again on the morrow. 

then slipp'n up to M'chambers, gather'n a few articles of cloth'n and any supplies I might need. as I ready for the tomorrow's trip. 

wonder'n what the reaction will be when I give M'answer to the King, but then M'thought is interrupted as I try to decide if I should take a couple of guards with Me, or just go it alone.  remember'n the riders I had seen, follow'n along with us on our way back home

then shrugg'n and laff'n a lil as I think to M'self  Your a big boy Tris, You've got a very fast steed, and an able sword, nay think I need to be watched o'er *chuckl'n again*

then finish'n up and head'n down to the Great Hall, to make sure the hearth is filled with wood, for tonight is going to be a chilly one........

[Serenitee]

The end of the day came but Dahlia did not return.  Seren guessed she had angered her dear friend. Rolling to her side in her bed, curling her frame warmly into the covers while tucking her hands beneath her cheek...her eyes blankly staring into the darkening recesses of her bedroom.  She should really get up and at least have some tea....she just didn't feel like it. 

Sighing softly as she makes herself sit up, undoing and re-wrapping the sheet about her, standing up too quickly making her feel a bit dizzy....her hands reaching out for the dresser to steady herself.  Frowning as she fumbles around in the shadowy room....finally making her way out and into the livingroom.  The soft glow of flames causing dancing shadows on the darkened walls.

Tilting her head a bit, trying to remember starting the fire, but unable to clearly think.  Shaking her head as she walks into the scullery.  She hadn't eaten even the smallest morsel in the last two days and wasn't relishing the idea now.  She knew she should at least drink something though.

Intending on making a bit of tea in the scullery, she stops near the small table where she takes her meals....placed neatly there....a tray with a bowl of soup, a sizeable chunk of bread and a cup of tea. Blinking as she looks about the room more closely....slowly walking over to the front door...expecting to see it unbolted...but in fact, the door is as securely locked as it was when she went to sleep.

A pained look crossing her features as she sits down to the table and leans her elbows there, lightly resting her face to her palms, a soft sob escaping her lips. This ailment bothering was unlike any she had experienced before.  She didn't feel ill persay...just disattached from everything, on the edge of weeping at any given moment....and food, the very thought of eating left her feeling uninterested. Sleep....that's all she wanted to do.

Looking back to the bowl of soup, deciding that no matter the state of the bolted door, Dahlia must have left the tray.  Her mind was too clouded to bother thinking about the mystery...she just didn't care.  Taking up the spoon by the bowl, idly stirring the soup, contemplating taking a nibble....then deciding against it....letting the spoon clank to the side of the bowl then pushing herself up from the chair to make her way back to the bedroom.

Running her fingers through her roughly tussled locks, lightly dragging her fingertips across her cheek, then lips...following a path down and under her chin...across the edge of the wrapped sheet.....grasping a handful to keep the linen secured as she curls back into the comfort of her bed and closes her eyes once again...hoping for peaceful sleep.

[Sir Tristram]

wak'n up early and gather'n M'things, then mak'n M'way down to the stables.  Find'n Rogue ready to go, I thank the stable lad and lead Rogue out.  chuckl'n as I see the stable lad's face then toss'n him a couple of coins.  thank ye lad

see'n the sun peek'n o'er the hills as I mount Rogue ((and don't even go there, you know what I mean *L*)
then slowly head'n out, pass'n through the gates and nodd'n to the guards as I go by.

think'n it's going to be a beautiful day as the sun continues to climb into the sky, then pull'n M'sword about as I reach the road that travels through the forest, keep'n a very watchful eye for any sign of movement.

lean' o'er and talk'n to Rogue now boy, if I give you the sign, I want you to run like you're life depends on it, and trust Me, it could very well be so for the both of us  *chuckl'n as his head nods like he really understood.

after what seemed to be forever, the Castle and village of Edinburgh finally comes into view, look'n around behind Me once more, as I've seen no signs of anyone, Rogue and I ride into the village

nodd'n to the those that greet Me as we ride along, then see'n that lil tavern once again, as I make plans for a visit later this eve'n.   

stopp'n and dismount'n as the guards of the Castle come forward to meet Me.. then hand'n off the reigns as I say  King Robert is expect'n Me this day, M'name is Sir Tristram  the guards nod and usher Me into the Castle's Hall, where I'm told to have a seat, and the King will send for Me shortly. 

look'n all about the Great Hall, admir'n the craftsmanship and portraits that hang upon the walls, think'n I hope I've made the right decision, as M'mind drifts back to MacLaaran and all the fine people that reside there, know'n I'd miss each and everyone of them.

then suddenly I hear King call out....Sir Tristram, I'm glad You've arrived safely, come, let's walk in the gardens as we discuss what choice You have made  I quickly get to M'feet and bow to his Majesty, aye Majesty, the trip was good, and it's always a pleasure to be in Your company

then tak'n a deep breath as M'thoughts once again turn to MacLaaran, then we head out to the gardens
talk'n as we go. 

[Sir Tristram]

walk'n through the garden with the King, as I listen to him tell Me about his favorite flowers and plants, thoughtfully explain' the different varieties and species as I nod in understand'n and take in this vast garden.

then after we walk a little more, the conversation turns to the Castle and village of Edinburgh, as the King starts to tell Me about how the Castle is fortified and how his guards play a very importand role in keep'n the peace and most of all, what is required of them to become one of his personal guards.  I look around as he speaks of the latter and spot a few of his guards follow'n along behind us, just out of hearing range. 

listen'n very intently as he speaks and politely smil'n as he looks o'er at Me as he explains in detail about his personal guards, He pauses for a moment and ask.. any questions Tristram?  I look at him and say  nay yet Majesty, You are explain' in excellent detail, know'n it nay hurts to kiss up a lil....*L*

then he stops and looks o'er at Me and ask, well Sir Tristram, what are You're thoughts about becom'n one of My guards?  watch'n as a couple bright colored butterflies stop on a bush were we stand, then think'n about the lovely lass lava and her butterfly outfit she wears, hold'n back M'grin, for fear the King will take offense.  then choos'n M'words carefully as I start to speak  aye Majesty I have given this a great deal of thought o'er the last week, and especially while You have graciously explained all the details to Me, for which I am very grateful then stand'n tall as I look at him, Majesty, it is a very generous offer, one that I think most men would beg for the chance to take, but I'm afraid I can nay accept at this time hop'n that last part will allow his offer to stand for a time perhaps in the future....tis not that I think MacLaaran needs Me, but tis where My heart lies, I hope You can understand?

he grows silent for a few moments, while I watch the butterflies once again, and hop'n I have nay offended him, then he speaks  I feared as much, I knew it would be a long shot to draw You to My Kingdom, but I well understand Tristram he smiles and slaps Me heartily on the back as he once again speaks I want You to know this offer shall stand as long as I am King, if anytime in the future You decide You would like to join us here, please nay be afraid to come speak to Me  I smile as I hear his words and nod in agreement  thank You Majesty, I am most grateful, and shall keep that in mind

He laff's a lil, then says  good Tristram, now let's head back to the Castle, so You can be on Your way home, or as he gives Me a lil wink..perhaps a stop at our tavern on the way out  *laff'n as I hear his words, aye Majesty, perhaps  listen' to him talk, as we head back. 

[Serenitee]

A day or two, perhaps three had passed.  Seren had slowly stopped counting the hours so had only a vague idea of what day it was. Sitting, curled up in a blanket on the divan...one arm resting along the edge of the window ledge, her hand turned palm up to act as a resting place for her chin.  Sighing softly as she stares into the night toward Prae's cottage, Dahlia's words echoing in her mind.

"Promise me ye'll take a bit t'eat an' at least open ye door an' breath in a bit'o fresh air mi'lady"

Dahlia had held to her word and came back to try and pry Seren from her cottage. Seren was tired and wishing only to be left alone so promised Dahlia that she would at least eat a little something and perhaps go sit on the porch for a bit.  This had appeased Dahlia and after scolding Seren and going on about how pale she looked, Dahlia, gratefully took her leave.

She turned more comfortably on the divan, stretching......her toes peeking first from beneath the edge of the blanket...followed by an expanse of bare calf...her fair skin warmly shone by the flames cozy glow. Lifting her arms above her head as she leans back, folding her hands behind her head for a pillow as she relaxes completely...softly humming.

They would be gathering at the castle this eve. She should go, she thought to herself....should...but couldn't seem to make herself move from the divan.  A few moments, she convinced herself, just a few more moments...then she'd get up.

She listened to the wind whistle through the trees outside the cottage.  Sitting up suddenly, grasping the blanket about her as she moves to her knees on the divan, leaning to the window ledge. She thought she had heard the galloping of horses hooves outside....tugging her bottom lip between her teeth as she strains her eyes to see into the night.....hoping.....watching......but seeing nothing.

Sighing heavily, blinking back the flood threatening to spill down her cheeks as she stands up, not caring that the blanket has fallen in a puddle around her feet.....gasping softly as the first kiss of cold hits her skin.  Bending down to quickly retrieve the blanket and wrap it about her before making her way into the bedroom.

Lighting a candle on her dressing table then sitting down there, taking up her hairbrush...slowly and with care, working her unruly tresses into soft, smooth waves. Staring at herself in the mirror for a moment...the candle's flickering casting an orangey glow over her otherwise pale complexion.  Sighing as she sets the hairbrush aside...gently running her index fingers along the purplish shadows beneath her eyes then pressing her palms to her cheeks

Patting her cheeks a bit to try and force some color back into them then taking a wide, soft blue ribbon from her drawer...reaching around with her hands to tug her locks to one side, securing them with the satin length...the silken mass resting over her shoulder, nearly to her waist.

Letting the blanket fall once again, shivering as trails of goosebumps cover her flesh from tip to toe...biting her bottom lip as she searches the wardrobe for a chemise and skirt....finally finding just the simplest of apparel....adjusting the strings and ties then slipping her feet into well worn shoes.

Taking a final look at herself, shrugging as she closes her eyes for a moment....pursing her lips together and blowing out softly...as if trying to expel this gloomy disposition she had been in for a week's time.  Opening her eyes, blowing out the candle then going back into the livingroom to find her cloak.

Unbolting and slowly opening the cottage door...stepping out quickly and closing it behind her...as if to get it done before she changed her mind. Looking up to see the moon's light...peering through the fleeting clouds....gasping to catch her breath as a breeze whips around her....strangely....making her feel more at ease.  A soft smile tugging the corners of her lips as a flash of a childhood memory invades her mind, words she had heard spoken....somehow assuring her that all will be fine.

"Love is a choice you make from moment to moment"

[Sir Tristram]

after return' to the Castle, King Robert bids Me farewell and reminds Me that the offer still stands, if and when I would like to accept.  I thank him and then head out to where Rogue awaits Me.

quickly mount'n, I nod to the guards and slowly head down street through the middle of the village.  then spott'n that lil tavern, I think to M'self sure You do Tris, there's always time for at least one ale, so I stop and dismount, walk'n inside.

giv'n M'eyes a moment to adjust to the dim light, I take a seat and look about, finally see'n that lil lass  gavina, as she turns and spots Me as well.  watch'n as a lil smile comes to her face, and she walks o'er to where I sit. M'Lord, might I get anything for you, she ask? aye lass, a nice cold ale, and your company for a bit  her blush is evident, even in this dim light, as she turns and heads o'er to the bar.  then she returns with a tankard of ale, and sits it down in front of me, as she stands a'for Me.  please lass, sit for a moment she shyly looks about then takes a seat, as her eyes meet mine. 

tak'n a drink of the cold ale as I smile and look at her. ye know gavina, the King has offered Me a chance to become one of his personal guards see'n her smile grow bigger, I grin and continue.  I did give it a lot of thought, but MacLaaran is M'home, I cannot leave her just now see'n that bright smile leave her pretty face, I reach o'er and take her hand in Mine.  but I know the road to Edinburgh very well now, and ye just never can tell when I might return notic'n a slight hint of a smile come to her lips as I continue maybe some day you can visit MacLaaran, eh? see'n that lil blush creep across her face once again, then I lean across the table and place a kiss upon her cheek, while I press a gold in the palm of her hand.  I must be off now gavina, take good care of yourself, until we meet again feel'n her hand grip Mine as I give her a wink and head out.

patt'n Rogue on the neck, as I mount up, and start down the street, look'n back for a moment I see gavina stand'n on the street watch'n us go, smil'n and wav'n to her, as I say to Rogue come on boy, take M'home a'for we both change our minds

[Sir Tristram]

rid'n along as M'mind slips back to Edinburgh, and what might have been, then snaps back out of it, as Rogue rears up, as something startled him....

then chuckl'n as I see two deer dart into the forest.  now don't do that boy, ya scared Me...*laff'n*
watching the edge of the forest closely, as I recall those riders from the last trip. 

finally after what seemed forever, I see MacLaaran in the distance, smiling as I edge Rogue into a gallop, we finally arrive home once again.....

heading to the stables, and handing the reigns to the stable lad, telling him to feed, water and brush Rogue as I head for the Castle....

finding no one about, I head to M'chambers for a good nights rest.....

[Ragnar-One-Eye-Warrior]

For the Lady Dami:Great Ragnar Do Come.............SOON!

[Damiana]

YA!!!!!!!!!!! *gets all purty for myne best friend*