MacLaaran Village

[Damiana]

Working in the garden and preparing it for the winter weather. Burying plants in piles of compost and leaves. Then covering everything in hay before putting a light layer of soil on them. Standing and bending aching back, a groan is heard. UGH... welt that be done...tis time to wash up. I start picking up the tools before heading for the well to pull up water to clean them. Groans again as I set them down to start pulling the rope up on the bucket that was just dropped into the well. Softly humming with a few grunts, as I pull up the bucket heavy with water.

Suddenly I feel a someone pushing me from behind. Being taller then the average person, myne thighs it the edge of the well and I feel myself falling into the well... SCREAMING as I desperately hold onto the rope as I desent into the well. Hanging from the rope and trying to use myne muddy feet on the rope...screaming from the top of myne lungs.

Ayuda! I mean HELP!!!!

[Sir Tristram]

*jok'n a bit with M'guards and the guards the King sent, as we make our way to Edinburgh, keep'n a close eye on the wagon hold'n the gold. 

Tell'n M'men about all the taverns, especially one *G*, and how cute the lil lassies are, and to make sure they tip them well.  turn'n to the guard chuckl'n beside Me...and I nay mean grop'n....*L*  we nay want to upset anyone there, at least until we secure the deed from the King. 

then dropp'n back a lil, as I ride beside the wagon, hold'n some small talk with the guards as we continue on our journey. 




think'n about Castle and the instructions I left for M'guards about keep'n a very close eye on everything in the Castle and the surround'n lands, and pray'n that nothing bad happens while we're away. 

[Serenitee]

Seren had not slept well the last few days, the strange happenings at her cottage having set her on edge. She had woke Prae that evening and told him of what happened.  He tried to calm her down, but she insisted on showing him just what she was talking about. 

Upon returning to her cottage though....and to her profound dismay, everything was normal.  The tea kettle was set back upon the shelf as if it had never been touched.  The cups nestled in the cupboards, the tray in its proper storage place. The note had disappeared...and the most puzzling thing was that her sketches were placed in the basket she had taken to the village on a previous day.

Seren pulled the sketches from the basket and flipped through them.  She gasped in disbelief as they were precisely how she had drawn them. She sighed and looked to Prae, her eyes begging him to believe the story she had told him....though even she was beginning to wonder if she had imagined the whole thing herself.

Prae walked with her back to his cottage...his concern hidden as to not upset her further.

"I'm nay goin' back t'that cottage"......she had firmly stated.  She just couldn't shake chilling feeling that someone had been in her home, touching her belongings. Prae offered his bed while he would sleep on the divan.  This idea set her mind at ease...knowing he wouldn't let anything harm her.

The next morning, feeling brave with the light of day brightly shining through the windows....she left Prae's cottage and walked across to her own.....quickly gathering up several essential items as she planned to stay a while in the guest chambers at the castle if Sir Kyle didn't mind.  At least until she had convinced herself that it was just her imagination that someone or something had been in her cottage.

[Praegorn]

Praegorn halted the horse and took some time to admire the view of the Tay.  Watching the water flow south on it's way past Perth and to North Sea several leagues away, he couldn't help but smile and admitted to himself how much he did miss traveling about a countryside.  Sliding down from the saddle of the horse, he patted it upon it's neck and led it to the river to drink, then turned his attention to the burgh of Perth.  Smoke from morning fires flowed upwards from the chimneys of the many homes that made up the town and gave the air a rather hazy look.  Turning to his horse again, he tugged on the reigns gently and led the horse towards their destination, Perth, and hummed merrily as he thought of what passed and what lay ahead.

Two days past he had left MacLaaran, and the exquisite Serenitee, having spent the previous night looking over the latter after she expressed her discomfort over some of her items that had gone missing and her unease with odd feelings that had her feeling rattled.  Reluctantly he had left her the next morning, assuring her that all would be well and he would be gone for just a few days on a trip of business.  Stopping at the Herald then, he asked Caerell, the pressman, to look after the Lady while he was gone and after receiving a satisfactory grunt from the busy pressman, Praegorn and saddled up Marshmellow, riding her to the next village to the east, where he put her up in a boarding stable while he selected a hardier roan that he would lease for some bit of coin.  Buying just enough road fare as to see him to Perth, he set off quickly at first, then slowed his ride the second day, finding the agreeable Scottish weather to be in good spirits for his trip.

Nodding to a farmer who was returning from Perth, Prae thought of his upcoming business with the merchant bankers and hoped that perhaps he could conclude that business early so that he could take in some of the townlife and perhaps, hear of news from the Continent.  Glancing around once more as he neared the first of the building, he remarked quietly to himself on the obvious signs of wealth, with broad signs displaying the various businesses easily seen as one approached and thought to himself not for the first time, how it was no wonder that the English had occupied the town only 7 years before.

[Sir Kyle]

With Sir Tristram off t' Edinburgh with Our gold and King Robert of Bruce's hearty guards, I assumed that things might quiet down a bit. I was enjoying a tankard o' ale  with Serenite, lava, Aurora, Soul and Lord Trost when Michael MacDouglal burst in wi' Dami.

It seems that Michael heard Dami screaming for help and found Her clinging for dear life in the well near her cottage. He pulled Her out just in time since She was losing Her grip on the rope.

Rita followed Dami up to Her 2nd floor chambers and tended to Her badly scraped and burned hands. Michael stayed and talked with Me, telling Me that an unknown assailant had snuck up behind Her and pushed Dami into the well.

I wonder if that might be the same hooded thief that lava caught in her coffee shoppe and that knocked Serenitee about and stole Her papers. I'll ride o'er wi' Dami in the morning and see if anything was stolen from Her cottage.

What is this thief really after? Is He indeed the one that swiped the MacLaaran history books?

[Sir Tristram]

finally arriv'n in the great city of Edinburgh, I can nay help but chuckle a lil as I notice some of M'men's eyes about to pop out as they look about at all the shoppes and people.  Watch'n the village folks stopp'n along the street as they start to talk and gather among themselves as our parade of guards and wagons continue along toward the castle.

smil'n as two of M'guards ask Me if that be the tavern, as we pass by.  giv'n them both a lil grin, aye, tis the one, and I promise we'll stop in a'for we head home *chuckl'n as they quickly spread the word amongst themselves.

Arriv'n at the Castle gates, as we are ushered through and the King's guards pulll the wagon to a stop.  Quickly dismount'n as I and M'guards move to help unload the wagon.  Wait'n for a moment, then told we may proceed in to meet with King Robert of Bruce.  Walk'n through the Grand Hall as his guards pull open the two very large doors that lead to his throne.  We proceed in, as the King motions for us to come forward. 

We stop a few feet from him and lower the chest, as we all bow to show our respect (and to keep our heads *L*) 

He motions Me forward and rises from his throne to greet.  I trust Your trip was well Sir Tristram?
aye Your Majesty, it was very well indeed.  Then he instructs his guards to open the chest and to count the gold as he watches closely.

After the gold is all accounted for, he instructs his guards to take it away, and sits back upon his throne.  Sir Tristram, I have the deeds properly prepared and will seal them with My Royal stamp, a'for You and Your men head back on the morrow, but first I want You and Your men to stay here this night, enjoy a fine meal as we celebrate this deal Sir Kyle and You arranged.Then he motions for Me to come forward.  I have to wonder what it is I might have done, as I slowly make M'way to his throne.  He then leans down and quietly whispers I will call for You later this eve'n, I have something I wish to propose to You

Then he sits up with a big grin on his face as he speaks again now then, I know You and Your men are of thirst, so please go enjoy Yourselves in our quaint lil village, and I'll have My guards come for You later when we are ready to celebrate. 

*smil'n as I hear his words and notic'n the half hidden grin's on M'men's faces, we all bow once again, and then head out to the village, and for the certain lil tavern I promised we would visit.     

[~lava~]

*standing in the village with a handfull of invitations to post around town. Wondering if throwing a Masquerade Ball is the wisest thing to do, considering all the strange happenings around MacLaaran lately. Sighing, shrugging my shoulders, and deciding tis better to throw a party with friends than to sit around in fear, waiting for what may or may not happen next*

[Sir Tristram]

*leav'n the Castle grounds and head'n for the lil tavern, the words of the King start to echo through M'mind. proposal?, I am wonder'n what he speaks of, then be jolted from M'thoughts as M'men see the tavern in sight and let out a whoop, I just shake M'head and step inside with them. 

adjust'n our eyes from the bright sunshine to the dimly lit tavern, we find two large tables in the far back corner.  watch'n as the cut lil barmaids and lassies start to talk amongst themselves while look'n in our direction, M'eyes spot one who is smil'n and point'n our way to another.  Catch'n her eye for a moment, I give her a lil wink and motion them o'er. 

As the lassies approach, I quickly remind M'men to remember, we are guest of the King, so look'n is good, but be very careful with touch'n. 

The lil lassie stops in front of Me as the others go about and wait on M'Men.  *look'n up at her, see'n the lil gleam in her eyes, I smile and ask her name.  she hesitates a moment then shyly says  my name is Gavina, M'Lord  Gavina?  I like that name lass, nay sure of it's meaning, but tis a pretty name..*giv'n her a sly lil wink* 

she looks down for a moment, the colors of her cheeks seem'n to redden, even in the dim light of the tavern.......the she smiles and ask  and what may i get for the Lord? Nay want'n to make her blush more, I ask her for a large cold ale....aye m'lord, i shall return with it right away...watch'n as she walks away, then feel'n an elbow from one of M'guards sitt'n next to Me.....what??  he just gives Me a know'n grin. 

watch'n as the lass Gavina approaches once more with the tankard of ale in hand, I feel that elbow once more, but just ignore it, and thinks someone is head'n for stable duty when we return home...*L*

Your ale M'Lord, she says, reach'n up and tak'n the ale from her hand, as M'fingers brush hers, she once again drops her head as a blush creeps across her face.  tak'n a long drink of the ale, I sit the tankard down and slide o'er on the bench, motioning for her to sit.  she quickly looks around, then sits down beside Me.  m'lord, i cannot stay long, we are very busy  tis ok lass, I just wanted a moment to enjoy your company....can you tell Me a lil of yourself?    just as she starts to speak, the King's guards enter the tavern and head right for our table...

M'Lord Tristram, the King sent us to bring You and Your men back for the celebration  just shak'n M'head as I look at the guard, mumbl'n something about very bad timing, then I motion to M'men tis time for us to go. 

the lil lass jumps to her feet and starts off, I quickly catch her arm and place a couple of gold coins in her hand.....please see that our bill is settled and place the rest in your pocket lass.  then lean'n in and whisper'n.....I nay know if I'll get back this way soon, but if I don't, I want you to know, you are a very pretty, and I do envy the Lord who catches your eye   *smil'n as I kiss her cheek*....

look'n up and see'n the King's guards seem a lil impatient, I nod to M'men and we head out of the tavern and toward the castle...

[Serenitee]

Seren had always loved the scent of rain.  When she was little, she could sense it as she watched the greyish wall of drizzle approach.  Something about the rain made her feel free and at ease...happier.

Donning a simple, ivory colored chemise then stepping into a burgundy print skirt...pulling the laces tight, leaving her feet bare. Her pillow ruffled curls tumbling over her shoulders. Making her way down from her castle guest chamber, noting the early morning stillness.  Not even a sound from the scullery, which was unusual for Cookie who was less than quiet when going about her daily routine.

Smiling softly to herself as she walks to the balcony and steps outside.  Closing her eyes and inhaling the sweet scent of approaching rain. Stepping to the rail then wrapping her arms about her chest as she watches the storm approach...the wind lifting the loose ties around the neck of her chemise, causing the fabric to slide slightly off one shoulder. Resting her cheek to her bared shoulder as she leans her head back...sighing softly at the first kiss of rain falling upon her closed eyes.  Quaking slightly as the winds blows a bit more strongly, sending her silken locks into a tizzy about her face, soft tendrils pasting to her cheeks. The dampened chill of the air penetrating the thin fabric of her chemise, her skin tingling in reaction causing her back to arch sharply as she takes in a sudden breath at the sensation.

Her mind wandering as she opens her eyes to study the clouds, musing as she finds intricate designs spiraling in and out of existance as the grey poofs are pushed about by the wind. The drizzle became a downpour after a few minutes.  Her chemise and skirt nearly completely soaked...laughing softly as she lifts her arms and twirls about, the weight of the previous week's happenings seeming to disappear, at least for the moment. Her mind going to thoughts of Prae, wondering when to expect his return from Perth...hoping it will be soon.

A much as she didn't want to give up this moment, she knew she had to.  A new day was starting...and with that, a new mindset.  The cottage happenings were surely nothing to be concerned about.  She had had a few days to think of it and had decided that everything had a reasonable explanation...of some sort. Prae had asked Caerell to keep an eye on her while he was gone.  Caerell had done so by making a stop by her shoppe in the village to inquire of her well-being.  Seren assured him that she was doing well and thanked him. She felt bad that she had worried Prae and at that moment decided she had overreacted to everything.

Completely drenched now, having been out in the rain for half an hour at least....laughing to herself as she turns to make her way inside..but not before turning to take on last look at the billowy clouds.  Tilting her head to the side a bit a she gasps slightly, her eyes cast toward the sky...grey swirling circles, twisting one way then the other...the pillowy structures seeming to weave their way into a darkening image...biting her bottom lip as she hugs her arms about her chest...goosebumps forming on her soft skin as she watches the image become more clear.

Closing her eyes tightly...whispering to herself that it's not there.....opening her eyes slowly as the ominous clouds start to disperse.  Heaving a deep sigh as she shakes her head...this time she wasn't going to overreact.  Making her way back into the castle, preparing to return to her cottage at the evening's end...softly humming a soothing melody....though in the recesses of her mind, the image forming in the clouds still lingering...a darkly distorted image of the old woman who had appeared at the castle, and her sinister bird.

[Serenitee]

~moaning softly in her sleep as she turns over, tugging the covers snuggly beneath her chin...the warmth of the sun gently streaming through the window of her bedroom. A slow smile touching her lips as a favorite melody plays in her mind causing her to close her eyes and imagine his arms wrapped warmly about her as they sway in time to the music~

~losing herself further in thought while turning to her back, lifting her arms gracefully as her back arches from the bed....the melody playing in her mind escaping in a soft hum from her lips..her shoulders swaying slowly in time with the rhythm.  A long soft sigh slipping from her lips into the still morning air...touching her tongue to them as she slowly sits up...her upper body lengthening into a catlike stretch...sending one side of her chemise down a shoulder...slightly exposing the soft swells of warm flesh~

~lifting her shoulders upward as she wraps her arms about them...leaning her head back....closing her eyes while tugging her bottom lip between her teeth...letting out  long breath as she slips further into her fantasy.  Turning her cheek to rest on her bared shoulder....lips parted...the tip of her tongue teasing the tiny fleshy bit at the "cupid's bow".   Reaching her hands into the sheet, curling her fingers into the fabric as she drags it up the length of her body...the hem of her chemise riding up mid thigh....sliding one of her feet up the other calf as she stretches her legs~

~softly humming as she sighs and relaxes to the bed......softly chuckling as she catches her breath...having become so lost in the moment of daydreaming....realizing it's time to get up and start the day....having rested very peacefully in her own bed for the first time in days~

Perhaps Prae will return today....~warmly smiling as she sits up, tugging her chemise back up her shoulder then swinging her feet to the floor.....preparing to greet the day with merriment.

[Sir Kyle]

((Sorry I was dragged away by r/t last night, but lava emailed me enough to add this post))

While Davie and I searched the grounds around her cottage, lava and Dami carefully examined Dami's possessions. When they came back out, Dami informed me of an old map of MacLaaran was missing from Her father's old chest. I had to shake my head in dismay, more indications that the culprit is indeed studying MacLaaran's past.

I hope Tristram returns soon with that damn title from King Robert the Bruce.

[Sir Tristram]

follow'n the King's guards out of the tavern and toward the Castle, still shak'n M'head a lil at the timing, then find'n M'thoughts return'n to what the King had said earlier.  proposal? what kind of proposal would he ask of Me?

arriv'n at the Castle and being ushered into the dining hall, where the table was laid out with a spectacular feast, watch'n as the servants rushed around finish'n up all the last minute details.  look'n up quickly as King Robert of Bruce is announced, respectively bow'n as he enters and stands at the head of the table. 

Sir Tristram...*look'n up as I hear M'name called....Your Majesty? please, come and sit he motions to a chair next to his.....hear'n lil remarks from M'men, as I make M'way to join him. 

Wait'n as he motions everyone to sit, then tak'n M'seat next to him......He look's o'er at Me, then with a grin, he hands Me a sachel.  inside are the deeds to MacLaaran and the surround'n lands, he says...I have placed My royal seal upon each, so You may take them back to Sir Kyle and together You can break the seals. aye, Your Majesty, we do thank You again for allow'n us to purchase the Castle and lands  he smiles and then with a wave of his hand, he speaks  now, let's partake of this feast before it grows cold and with that, the food is passed about and I can see that everyone shall get their fill and more. 

As the eve'n unfolds and the food and drink are consumed, the King suddenly turns to Me, and in a voice that could be heard by those close by, he says....Tristram, I suppose You have been wonder'n what it is I wish to speak to You about?  wip'n M'lips with the fine linen table cloth, then speak'n......aye Majesty, I have wondered.....he chuckles for a moment, then his face turns serious as he says...Tristram, I nay expect an answer on this at this moment, but wish for You to give in considerable thought, if Ye would?  swallow'n hard before I say  aye Majesty, I promise I shall

he then starts to speak once more, as all eyes and ears are seeming to follow this conversation......Tristram, I've heard good things about You in MacLaaran then suddenly hop'n he's not heard everything..*L*.....Tristram, I want You to be part of M'royal guards, to go where I go, and to protect not only Me, but My Kingdom as well he clears his throat for a moment, then he speaks once more...now I see that look in Your eyes, nay bother with a comment right now, go home to MacLaaran, and come back in a week and give Me Your answer, is that fair?  *slowly nodd'n M'head, as M'voice seems to have left Me.......good, now let's finish our meal, so You and Your men can be head'n back to MacLaaran on the morrow

as the even'n comes to an end, and all are stuffed so they have trouble mov'n....*L*.... King Robert stands, as everyone else quickly does as well, then he says....thank You all for com'n this night, and please enjoy the rest of Your even'n, tis time I bid You g'night  then he looks o'er at Me and with a nod and heads to his chamber. 

nodd'n to M'men, as we make our way to our chambers and get ready for our journey home on the morrow.
aye, I know Your thoughts, we'll pay our respects to the tavern on the way home... *laff'n as we reach the chambers the King has provided.....ok, now everyone get a good nights sleep *chuckl'n as they give Me the look, then we all head to our chambers for the night......

[Sir Tristram]

wak'n early, and gett'n M'things together, then stepp'n outside M'chamber, look'n up and down the hall, as all seems to be very quiet.  mak'n M'way down the hall, and out to the garden for a lil thought clear'n walk.  tak'n in all the beautiful plants and flowers as I walk, then suddenly hear'n footsteps behind Me.  turn'n quickly to see the King and a couple of his guards. 

well g'morning Majestybow'n as I speak  good moring to You also Tristram, I do hope You rested well?  aye, Majesty, very well indeed thanks...........Majesty, I do want to thank You again for allow'n us the purchase and for putt'n M'self and M'men up for the night.    You be most welcom Tristram, he said, and I look forward to Your return trip in a weeks time  aye Majesty, I shall return, and now if You'll excuse Me, I need to gather M'men and start our trip back to MacLaaran.   he nods in understanding and says please give My best to Sir Kyle   I shall indeed  bow'n once more than mak'n M'way to the stable to make sure our horses are ready, and with a shocked look on M'face as I see M'men are already here and ready to go.   *L*

tuck'n the satchel with the deeds carefully away, then mount'n up and head'n out of the Castle and down the main road.  look'n o'er at the still closed tavern as we ride by, as a smile comes to M'lips.....maybe on the return trip Tristram, I say to M'self....*L*...

after a few hours of the trip, I look o'er to the guard rid'n beside Me and say.....now listen and nay let Your eyes follow to where I'm talk'n about  he nods quickly    I want You to pass this on to the Men, and after I speak, laff as if I just told You a good joke, ok?  he nods again..... in the forest to our left, there are three, maybe four riders that are seem'n to follow our path  he starts to look o'er then I quickly tell him......laff', like that joke was the best You've heard...  just let the men know, and have them ready their swords, just in case  he finishes laff'n, then drops back and talks amongst the others, like he's re-tell'n the joke....hear'n the others start to laff, I keep a sharp eye on those riders....

soon we come o'er a ridge, and there stand'n in all her glory,  the Castle MacLaaran...look'n about once more as the riders seem to have disappeared......think'n to M'self.....strange, I'll have to set up patrols to make sure that the outskirts of Maclaaran remain safe as well.

finally I hear the guard announce our arrival as we cross the drawbridge and make our way into the Castle grounds......

dismount'n and giv'n the stable boy M'reigns...take good care of Rogue lad  then mak'n M'way to the castle to find Kyle with the satchel tight in M'hands.........

[Sir Kyle]

It was late afternoon when seth caught Me, saying the Tris was back. I Headed for the Great Hall to find Tris there with the sealed satchel. We walked back in the council room to open it.

There were the the deeds t' the castle and all the surrounding MacLaaran lands, including separate deeds for the property owned by Will and Dami and a few farmers that had purchased their land years ago, There was even a deed for the MacDougal ranch and farms. All signed and sealed wi' King Robert the Bruce's name and signant ring.

I decided to give the MacDougal deed t' Michael, since He was kind enough t' help Dami in Her time of need. He can take it over t' his brother, Douglas.

I could tell there was something else on Tristram's mind and He said He was doubling the guard since He'd seen four riders traveling along watching His group. I had a feeling He knew more, but He dinnae say anything and I dinnae press Him.

If it's important I'm sure He'll say something.

[Sir Kyle]

October 20, 1320
On Thursday evening I first called Tris back in the council room to discuss his recent return from Edinburgh in detail. We're both concerned about those four mystery riders He saw following Tris and his guards on their way back to MacLaaran. Tris has doubled the guard and sent out patrols around the perimeter.

After calling the rest of the council members back to receive their deeds, we discussed the current situation. I personally think the recent thefts were Our MacDougal neighbors. Although Michael appears to be friendly, I'm not convinced. Could He have actually pushed Dami in the well, gone in her cottage and stolen those old MacLaaran maps, then came out to pull Her out of the well to look like a hero?

Could Michael be courting abby to garner inside information regarding Our plans? Is He working hand in hand with His older brother, Douglas, to try and take over the MacLaaran lands?

Yes, at least We've officially purchased the castle and surrounding lands wi' King Robert the  Bruce;s blessing. But that doesn't mean We can let Our guard down. The MacDougals aren't beyond even killing somebody that gets in their way. History proves that.

I'm waiting for William to return before He and Dami make decisions regarding the purchase of the Iron Lance and just how big a share of MacLaaran they can afford since they also have that huge shipping operation to maintain.

On another note, We're planning to visit SEM this Sunday night. E/everybody is invited to come along. Lady Aurora says She can use some help furnishing the new orphans building there. We can pitch in and help.