MacLaaran Village

[Sir Kyle]

I'll be anxiously awaiting Praegorn's return, hoping He'll be bringing guid news. I had given him a letter signed off by the MacLaaran Council t' take wi' Him on that trip.

[Praegorn]

~arriving at his destination several horse changes and hours later and earlier this day, Prae wearily slipped off his horse and followed a servant who had seen him coming from a distance away.  He had been expected and with little ado, was ushered into the house where the owner awaited him.  With an exchange of greetings, and nary a chance to rest from his trip, Prae stood as the man sat and immediately unleashed a barrage of questions about his venture.  His goal remaining strong in his mind, Prae withstood each and everyone and replied as well as he could and finally was bidden to sit, where he was sagged to a divan.  With an audible sigh, he sat for only a moment before taking even more questions, then was finally given refreshment before the other man went over the particular details of the deal.  Prae nodded, passing over the coins and the letter and then after a review of each, the deal was at an end~

After he was shown a room to rest in and he laid upon the bed, he mumbled to himself as he was falling asleep about "at least Kyle makes out of this in the end, with a carriage order...."

[Praegorn]

(from yester-day)
~Praegorn awoke with a start and sat up, clearing the cobwebs from his head as he stretched, and then made for the front door, where yet another horse was packed and ready for his return trip to MacLaaran.  With only a servant to see him off, he could nae help but look back and saw the same stern gaze of the man watching from the window.  Nodding to the lord, he turned his horse North and let the steed have it's heels, figuring to make as much ground as he could in the afternoon before night time would impair his way and he'd have to slow for safety's sake.  Hopefully...a ride through the night and the few hours sleep he had gotten would be enough to see him the whole way....~

[Praegorn]

(today)  ~Praegorn arrived a-horseback in the village as the sun was still but a while from turning in for the night.  Sliding off the saddle and passing the reins to a village stable lad and giving the young man a fair coin to see to his sweat soaked steed, Prae turned about and looked for a moment to get his bearings, then brushed down his long riding cloak.  It had been a tough ride, even with the coolness of the night, and he was nearly exhausted as his steed, but his schedule would not allow him rest for quite a while yet.  Even by taking care of a side mission with a stop at a small town to the south and visiting with a jouelman, there seemed to still be nae enough time for everything. 

First thing's first though Prae thought, walking to lava's shoppe where he took his leisure and had a soothing tea, then bought a small box, tucking that into the folds of his cloak as he made his way out of the shop.  Next he visited with Caitlin and discussed the talk about the Herald's new edition and smiled, as at least that much was working out.   Prae next visited his cottage and seeing that everything was still in order, offered himself a look to his neighbor to the North and found himself staring for a while, hoping he'd see her.  A wide smile barely held on his lips kept up Praegorn's flagging energy as he finished the remainder of his errands and then strolled to the castle, thinking to have a visit to the Baths before the Thursday night's gathering...~

[Praegorn]

Getting up in the morning still clad, albeit it barely, in his towel, he moved slowly from beneath the throw blanket Serenitee had laid upon them the night before and adjusting the towel, he padded softly up the stairs to his chambers and quickly changed for the day's work ahead.   Walking back down into the hall, he looked upon the still sleeping Serenitee and leaned in to kiss her cheek, then brushed a lock of hair from over her eyes and shushed her when she began to wake, telling her to go back to sleep as he was just going to work.

[Praegorn]

Prae awoke and with a bit of startlement, realized he was nae laying in his cottage bed, nor his bed in MacLaaran Castle proper.  Squeezing a yawn out as sat up slowly, he realized with a start that his surroundings had a definite feminine touch and the scent of sweet flowers floated in the air.  Rubbing his bleary eyes, he glimpsed a view out of the window and realized that he was looking across a road at his own cottage, which meant that.....

Gasping loudly, his face flushed, turned and looked quickly and saw that she was nae there, though he remembered now he had spent his night here, her fingertips tracing light circles on his bared chest, the last sensation he had felt before falling asleep.  Smiling, at the memory, but his day still very much before him, he gathered his clothing up quickly and dressed, then slipped from the cottage where she was nowhere to be seen, and walked quickly to his own cottage to begin his day.

[Praegorn]

~sitting upon his cottage porch, his brow beaded with sweat, Praegorn tried to relax and be patient, but found it was hard to do.  Usually he was busy enough that he would visit MacLaaran's Sunday nights when it was already in full swing.  But today he had been idle and of course that had him thinking, ever a danger to him as Serenitee loved to remind him.   The thought of her suddenly made him look over and sure enough..there she was, coming out of her cottage and waving at him.  Waving back and offering her a smile, he went to go talk with her as she motioned him, all the while feeling that he was perhaps a bit too oddly jittery for an early night...~

[Praegorn]

Prae gazed dreamily from his desk at the Herald.  His eyes looked over the office area but saw none the work before him.  Instead, his mind remained engrossed over his good fortune of the night before.  His ears still hearing Lord Kyle's the heart wrenching story of Prae & Seren, before Prae had taken over and, to the surprise of at least Serenitee, he taken a knee before her and asked her to marry him.  Sighing as the scene played in his mind, Prae remembered how time seemed to stand still while he awaited her reply, and how his courage began to falter, as a shadow of doubt creeped over him then.  His throat became alarmingly dry and his tongue seemed to swell in his mouth as he waited, looking at her with hope, though dread touched him and sent shivers down his spine.  The thought of her perhaps nae granting his fondest wish creeped into his mind.

An eternity seemed to pass before she spoke, and though she spoke the words he had dreamed of for weeks as he planned, he remained dazed and could only utter a thank you before Tristram saved the moment and reminded him to kiss her.  Prae now closed his eyes as he remembered the kiss, his hand upon hers, brushing the token he had placed upon her finger.  Her lips so soft, her body trembling against his own, the touch of their lips tender as though he were kissing her again for the very first time.  Congratulations poured in from the attendees and then Prae sank heavily into a chair, the weariness of emotion taking a heavy toll upon him.   Soon, Serenitee joined him sitting down once more and they laced their fingers together and smiled warmly at each other while listening to the others begin their usual merry ways of speaking.  Glancing at Serenitee from time to time, he could not help but admire the soft rosy blush upon her cheeks, nor her interrupted breaths of air when her eyes turned to his.   

They whispered quietly together between moments and stayed until most left.  Wearily, Prae asked that they be on their way he wished to spend some quiet moments with his betrothed.  But when Serenitee turned and looked to go the way they always went, to the village below, Prae captured her hand and smiled, motioning with his eyes upwards and he asked quietly if she could stay with him in the castle chambers for the night.  Leading her up the stairs to the 2nd floor and to his chamber therein, he secured the room door
behind them and then took her to bed, and they lay there, resting in each other's arms as sleep claimed them both.

Morning found Prae awake and touching Seren's cheek softly, his eyes glistening in quiet pride as he looked at her, and smiled as he saw the ring that marked her as his intended.  Leaning in to kiss her lips very gently so she'd wouldn't wake, he took a last look at her and froze the picture in his mind, hoping to hold it there to carry him through the day until he would see her next. Closing the door quietly behind him, he left the Castle and walked to the village, his feet walking as though on air, his mind off in the clouds. 

Strolling through the village, he happily greeted each face he saw, familiar and those that weren't, before arriving at the Herald.  There on the steps a few village children lingered and chattered amongst themselves before scattering as they saw Prae drawing near.  This morning though Prae said not a thing to chase them away, their loitering around his shop before school not even a concern this time.  Lowering himself down upon his heels before one little lass still picking up her books, he smiled and exclaimed loudly, "Serenitee said yes, isn't that wonderful!?!" which startled the little one, making Prae chuckle.  Digging into his pocket, he produced a groat coin and flipped it into her direction before he stood and walked inside the Herald where Caitlin clapped him on the back in congratulations and then they began the business of working on the next edition of the Herald.

[Serenitee]

The day started off slowly.  Seren rolled over, tugging the covers around as she let her hand roam over the empty place next to her.  A soft pout moved across her lips at being alone.  The past week had found her feeling ill so she had thought it better to sleep in her own bed at the cottage as to not pass along her sickness. Today, thankfully, she was feeling much better.

Turning back over then sitting up and swinging her feet to the floor, raising her arms and arching her back in a much needed stretch, yawning softly, a little squeal escaping her lips at the pinnacle of the movement causing a satisfied grin to cross her lips. Dropping her arms to her sides then boosting herself from the bed.  Reaching down to grasp the long hem of the frumpy nightshift, wiggling her hips as she lifted and pulled the cumbersome garment off and tossed it aside.  The cool morning air kissing her skin with delightful shivers. 

Quickly stepping across to the wash stand, dipping the cloth and humming softly as she sponged the night's slumber away.  Dressing in a soft, cream colored chemise and her favorite deep green skirt then tugging just the sides and top of her curly locks back, securing them with a thin ribbon, thin tendrils refusing to be contained still framing her face. Patting the loose curls into some kind of submission as she pauses, catching the reflection of her left hand in the mirror...as soft smile lighting her face as she pressed the ring to her lips...it had been three weeks today since that wonderful, enchanted evening.


Three weeks?....~she exclaimed out loud into the quiet still air of her cottage, realizing that in her dreamy state, she had not even spoke with Prae about details~



She quickly gathered her thoughts and a few things she needed to take with her into the village.  Talking to herself as she walked along the path, thinking it certain that anyone passing her would think her daft in speaking so openly with herself.  Quickly making her way to the abbey hoping to catch up with Prae there. Her mind giddy as it seemed like an eternity that she had not seen him.

[Praegorn]

Turning restlessly this night, Prae finally jumped to his feet from bed and fetched himself a glass of water from a pitcher, then walked to the window to look out into the night and to the darkened cottage beyond.  The distance seemed nearly impossible to him and yet he knew it had to be.  Grumbling, he set his water aside and sighed, knowing Serenitee would need her sleep for the day ahead and yet he ached to have her in his arms once more. so that his fingers could roam through her flowing curled hair, and his eyes could devour the fullness of her lips long before his lips sought to cover hers.

He grabbed the glass and finished his water and turned it over upon his window sill, then leaned heavily on the counter, his palms pressed flat as he supported his body in his efforts to lean foward, hoping beyond hope to catch a glimpse of her through the window.

"Patience!" he chided himself and remembered again that it was their mutual agreement that she spend the night in her own cottage. "Or else neither of would get any sleep, instead of just me!", he chuckled and thought warmly of the way she felt when she was with him, her body curled against his, her hands upon his chest as they cuddled, her warm breath tickling his skin.  "Enough, Prae!", he cautioned himself and with a resigned look, turned and headed back to bed.  Setting back down upon the bed with a mumble of how empty it seemed without her, he laid back and stared at the ceiling late into the night.  His mind filled with thoughts of a future day.  One where they would become one, with she as his wife, and he her husband and an early morning's waking for work never coming between them again....

[Serenitee]

~growling and bustling around the shoppe, her fingertips quickly, absentmindedly smoothing over new bolts of fabric that had just been delivered.  A shiver moving unexpectedly through her body as she gasps lightly, closes her eyes and becomes lost in the thought of his fingers gently brushing against her bared skin. Her fingers grasping the fabric to ease tension.  How was she ever going to get any work done if she couldn't get these thoughts from her mind~

~sighing and shaking her head, she put the bolts away and turned her attention to the dress form in the window.  Unlacing the skirt then tugging it off the mannequin.  Examining the long chemise underneath to make sure it's fit to put back in stock then pulling the lacing at the neckline free....gasping once again....her fingers clutching the fabric of the chemise as another stream of warm thoughts cloud her mind...the gentle swaying of the swing....the kiss of cool water to bared skin as Prae's fingertips drizzled a palmful over her sunkissed skin on a recent adventure...or perhaps it was in a dream....their moments together were starting to be difficult to decipher as wonderfully real or perfectly played out in wondrous dreams~

~chuckling and shaking her head again....throwing her arms up in the air...murmuring to herself~....I give up!  I'll never get anything done this way....~tugging her bottom lip between her teeth as she hugs her arms about her warmly..imagining Prae's chest pressed against her back as he wraps his arms about her waist from behind.  Growling softly, wickedly smiling as she decides it's useless.  Tidying up around the shoppe quickly then leaving early for the day...locking up as she goes then hurriedly making her way back to her cottage~

~grinning to herself as she takes note of Prae not being home yet.  Wickedly laughing as she starts throwing off her clothing...leaving her clad only in her mid-thigh length chemise.   Remembering that once upon a time, she had caught a glimpse of Prae peeking while she frolicked in the pond...she stepped outside and started to the pond's edge...wading in about knee deep...knowing that at any moment Prae would be arriving home....softly chuckling to herself.  If he was going to entice her mind and body even when not in her presence, seducing and warming her very being even while apart, then he would certainly have to endure of bit of torture as well~

~looking about to make sure no strangers are about, she bends over slowly...the hem of her chemise riding up to gently curve under the soft roundness of her bottom.  Scooping up a handfull of water then smoothing it up over her legs....rising up as she does.  Looking back over her shoulder at a sound...her cheeks suddenly burning, a warmth spreading throughout her limbs as she catches a glimpse of Prae.  Blinking as she starts to turn around but loses her balance and slips into the water completely.  Gasping and sputtering as she tries to get up....ending up stuck on her knees.  The thin fabric of the chemise adhering to her wet body like a second skin. Her shoulders bared as the soaked chemise stretches and slides downward.  The top curves of her breasts revealed while other areas strain against the wet fabric.  Lifting her arms above her head, her hands gathering her dripping locks as she wiggles a bit trying to get up...the hem of her chemise riding up her thighs.  Grumbling softly as she realizes what a sight she must be......stopping her grumbling for a moment....a very wicked grin sliding across her lips as she rethinks her predicament....then boldly stays as she is.....waiting for Prae to arrive~

[Praegorn]

~walking along, just as innocent as can be... (okay, okay..minding his own business....).........(OKAY,OKAY!!!...looking about for a bit of mischief to make a story of for the Herald!!) Prae strolled about the village for a while and seeing nothing out of the ordinary, let out a sigh as he felt he'd have to actually do some honest research for a story for once.  Stopping in for a moment at the Herald, he checked with Caitlin (at least that's how he remembered his name) and discussed the nature of actually having a reliable business.  One in which there was actual production in the form of stories, cipherings....the stuff that actually made up the business of a newspaper.   

Chuckling, his cheeks flushed in modest embarrassment, Prae clapped Caitlin (hmm..I've really got to research and find out what I called him at first) on the back and with a nod, promised he'd do something about that soon.  With a turn on his heel, he left quickly then, letting Caitlin's surly "yeah, of course ye will, and I've got an appointment with a princess!" comment go in one ear and out the other, he left and headed for his cottage in the eastern part of the village, thinking to have a brief nap before he got about the business of writing one of those news stories or event enhancements, as he referred to the mundane news that needed detail padding to make it more interesting to the readers.

As he walked along the road and approached the cottage, his gaze turned to the left and he looked over, as he so often did, to Serenitee's cottage and the pond before it and allowed himself a broad smile, as thoughts of his lady love filtered through his head.  How often he thought, had he peeked from his cottage or even closer as she stole out of her cottage to have an early morning swim or a late evening refreshing.  Perhaps he should have felt guilty about that but he knew deep inside that lust was only a small part of it; that this lady had long held his heart, though he had seemingly failed for quite a while to make that known to her.  But that was now in the past and a bright future lay before them, he thought......blinking his eyes.

Hmmm.....he blinked again and looked and his eyes lighted up anew, as he saw a very familiar form barely hiding behind the small reeds that lined part of the pond.  Or perhaps.....his breath halting as he gazed on, then turned to walk the short distance over, the form was not hiding at all!  Chuckling, he saw the sweet lady turn his way but before he could flush in embarrassment for having been caught peeking, she stumbled and plunged into the water!  Picking up his pace as his eyes strove to see if she was in need of aid, he heard himself gasp loudly as she appeared to sit up in the water, her apparel clinging tightly to her soaked form, her hair now dishevelled and dripping, her body then wiggling all too invitingly, or so it seemed as he felt himself licking lips in appreciation.

His heart beating faster as neared her, he saw her grin at him in a manner he knew from the times she'd stop by to tease him at work or even more when she whispered things to him in the later evenings in the Great Hall of MacLaraan, words that told him she had more than just soft talk in privacy upon her mind.   Resting a knee to the ground, he held his hand out to her to assist her in gaining her feet, his eyes unashamedly roving over her sodden form.  The heavings of her chest & the lovely jiggling pushed delicious ideas into his mind even as the sight of her bared thighs peeked out from beneath her chemise and just above the water's edge, which inflamed his body with aching that only Serenitee could relieve from him.  As he tried commanding his hanging tongue to form words, his hand caught at hers.  "Perhaps you are in need of some assistance m'love?", he inquired, feeling the pleasant tingling in his hand from whenever his fingers carressed hers....

((many pardons, most beloved and endearing sweetheart of mine , but ye have simply impassioned me in so many other places and ways that I have not been able to properly respond here sooner.  Lame but true...ye deserve my best efforts.  I love ye always and wouldst love to have us say I do....soon....or whenever ye might be ready...))

[zandra]

*crouches down amongst the shadows, just outside the McLaaran stables… waiting for just the right moment of the Guard shift change to sneak in… the horses become restless, and she uses the few extra moments she has to climb the ladder to the wee loft and crouch down in a corner… convinced that she will not be found at least for the night, she unpacks a blanket to lay upon… curling up and pondering what she will do next*

*and she had missed E/everyone so, having been gone in the big city for so long… W/who will she pounce on first? The thought of ceanna’s face… *grinning* hopefully, Praegorn will not give her location up, or perhaps a trick is in the making… the Good Lord knows she has played enough on the Castle Guards and Nobles of the Village already.*

*peeks over the edge of the loft, smiling at the handsome stable lad who has fallen asleep near the door at the entrance. he has grown even more handsome than she remembered… sweet memories fill her head as she drifts off to sleep… knowing she will have more time to plot her trickery of the Guards in the morning, after most of them are gone for the day… hoping she’s still got it, so she may find a way into the Castle to speak with Sir Kyle*

((of course Praegorn could escort me in, but that’s not my nature to go about it the easy way *S* and trickery of the Guards is my specialty, and may make an interesting story for the Herald))

[Praegorn]

((~is still trying to get over that zandra's seemingly wanting to pounce on ceanna's face?~   Goodness....talk about many a lord would be happy to see as far as how the positioning would go......~idly whistling and returning this to the normal storied confines~)) *chuckling*

[Serenitee]

~nervously pacing back and forth across the shoppe floor, near the front door, Seren stopped, closed her eyes and sighed. She had sent the missive over a week ago but had yet to receive a response. The letter had been written and rewritten more than once. She found herself using speech patterns from her childhood in times of joy while penning the letter, wanting to share her happiness~

~the door of the shoppe creaked open, Seren looked to the young man entering with a letter and small box in his hand. She smiled warmly to the messenger, padded his palm with a few coins from her pocket then accepted the missive.  They exchanged courtesies then he was off on his way again.  She stood there for a moment, letter and box in hand....staring at the handwriting recognizing it as Maddie's~

~Seren walked back to the counter and sat down behind it, opening the letter~

My Dearest Little Seren

I am so very happy for you.  Praegorn seems to be a wonderful man.  I'm sure you will both be very happy.  Have you picked out your dress yet?  I know you mentioned a tentative date in your missive, but do you know for sure now?   Is it going to be a big wedding?  Oh my dear girl, I'm just so excited for you yet sad a wee bit knowing that you truly are grown up and now there will be someone else maintaining a large residence in your heart.

Seren, I must tell you though, your father is away on business in Italy.  Sweets, I'm very sorry to have to tell you that he won't be able to be there.  I've sent a messenger to try and reach him, but you know how slow that can be.  I know you and your father have not gotten along the best over the last couple of years, but I know he will be happy for you.  Upon his return, we shall arrange a lovely reception here in Colchester if you and Praegorn would like. 

I know I'm not your mother Seren, but I love you as I would have loved my own child. I know Anna would be beaming at this moment and I'm proud and honored to be able to be part of your life.  I am so happy for you and want to do anything I can to help.  I'll make a few arrangements here, gather a few necessities then hire a carriage and be on my way to MacLaaran.

The box with this letter Seren, is something your mother had me put aside when you were just a little girl.  I do not know what it is, she made me promise to never look inside nor tell anyone about it, not even your father...until this special occasion came along.  I know it's something very special.

I'll sign off on this now Seren and get it off to the messenger and I'll see you soon my dearest daughter of heart. 

I love you very much,
Maddie

~her fingers slowly folding the missive closed, grazing her bottom lip with her teeth as she barely holds back the tears threatening to spill over....not sadness by any means...she knew her father had been planning his trip to Italy for while and truly understood him not being able to attend. Maddie's words touched her heart though.  She was like a mother to her and having her there meant so much~

~turning her attention to the small, softly covered box. Her eyes misty a she carefully unwrapped it.  Her breath caught in her throat as she tried to swallow...her emotions welling up as she gently lifted an intricately carved cameo from the box.  It was pale pink in color, the ivory smoothly cut and polished.  A tear slipped down her cheek as she turned the treasure over in her fingertips...finding the cameo to be a locket.  Sliding a fingernail along the seam, the locket popping open to expose two blank sides~

~looking into the box again to find a thin, blue velvet ribbon to wear the cameo upon and a note. Laying the ribbon along with the cameo to the counter top, taking the letter out and reading, a soft sob breaking from her lips as she recognizes her mother's handwriting~

Serenitee, my precious little girl.  How beautiful you must be.  I love you very much my daughter and I wish I were there with at this wonderful time. There are so many things I wanted to be able to teach you but alas, there were other plans laid for you and I.  This locket was my mother's and her mother's before her.  I'm sure it goes back even farther than that, but I wanted you to have something very special my lovely girl.  It's empty for a reason.  Fill it with love Seren and wear it always to remind you of that love. I can't be with you on your special day, but know I am with you in your heart forever...and you will always be my little girl.  I know you are a grown woman now, but someday you will understand.  Be happy Serenitee, you have a wonderful future ahead of you.

My love always and forever my dearest daughter

~a muffled cry escaping her lips as she threads the ribbon through the cameo...tears freely falling down the curves of her cheeks...her heart feeling as if it's breaking as well as bursting with joy all at the same time. Lifting the end of the ribbon around to fasten at the back of her neck, her fingertips adjusting the cool jewelry piece touching the hollow of her throat.  Her tears seeming to be endless as she walks across the shoppe to a mirror on the wall, looking at her reflection...the smooth ribbon laying against her soft skin snuggly, the cameo nestled against her neck~

~blinking and gasping, not at her own reflection, but the image that appears momentarily at her side...blinking again, a fresh round of tears spilling over her cheeks as the image disappears, the soft voice of her mother touching her ears  "I love you"....for a moment she had her mother back again....though she knew her eyes must have been deceiving her.  Lifting her fingertips to the mirror's surface....a soft smile breaking the wave of tears....a peace settling on her heart~

~sniffling, her breath catching every few seconds...something that seemed to happen after she had bout of crying, turning from the mirror then looking around the shoppe....deciding that she has too many things to do to be dawdling around there. Quickly gathering a few items and securing the shoppe....stepping out into the chilled air as she makes her way around the village......a refreshed mind seeming to put a bit more spring into her step~