A Wish Upon A Star

[molly_hunter28]

A Wish Upon A Star ~ closed for fukensploogin and myself

Castle Mcgregor, home to Laird Duncan. A strong and powerful man, lord to the surrounding lands in which she lived. The young girl who from the shadows watched him. Her clothes, always torn and tatered, never more then mere rags, she dared not speak to him. She could only watch from her window, dreaming and wishing on stars that something would change.

Cari Anne Connley watched as her sister, Annabell was made ready to visit the castle. Her hair a beautiful blonde, while Cari knew her to be brown and dirty. Her sister had curves, generous ones that a man would enjoy, while her's made her look unusual. Breasts that seemed too big, a waist too small, and bum, well a bum that was more then enough.

She longed to be her sister, to fill her shoes. To be the one that was seen as beautiful. Having men knock on the door asking for her hand. Cari knew it was next to impossible. She was the child of her mothers first marriage. Being taken for granted was her lot in life. It was best to be forgotten she thought.

She looked out the window and saw a star falling. She made a wish. Awidh that she hoped would change her life forever. A wish that would lead her to Castle Mcgregor and into the Lord Duncan.

 

[fukensploogin]

Laird Connor Duncan: 36 years old, 6'3", 240 lbs, muscular from years patrolling his own lands, various wars and skirmishes throughout the highlands, and his own voracious appetite. He has a mop of unruly curly black hair atop his head, and alert, commanding blue eyes.

Laird Connor Duncan looked out upon the lush green lands that were his domain. A cold wind blew in from the sea, setting his curly black hair to mischief atop his head. He saw the stagecoach coming up the main road to the gates of Castle McGregor. Another girl from the village. Duncan sighed. He was not ready for this game.

His parents had been fools; thinking they could bring that rich French brat to him, that she would make a good wife. She was hardly more than a girl, and her frail frame (while fun to have his way with) could not stand the rigors of childbirth, and she and the babe had passed, leaving him without a wife and without an heir.

To secure this land for his own, and not allow it to be taken by his idiot nephew, he needed a male heir. His time was running out, he knew. Besides, his son should be rooted to this land, as he was.

So now he was surveying the young women that called his land their home. Connor turned to his half-sister, Minerva, who was standing next to him. "Which one is visiting today?" he asked her.

"The girl's name is Anabelle. She's vapid, but you said you wanted to see them all."

"Yes, well, let's go have a look at her. And perhaps a bite to eat for her and her family."

"It's already been prepared, Connor," Minerva said, and they left the tower from which they had been enjoying the view, climbing down the long winding steps and finally coming to the door. Through a few more rooms, and they greeted Anabelle and her escort.

 

[molly_hunter28]

Cari watched as the star she wished upon move further along the sky before falling out of her sight. How she hoped, prayed that it would come true. She wanted nothing more then for that she wished to come true. Perhaps tonight someone would hear her desires and help. More then likely not, Cari was used to disapointment.

"Cari we are heading to the castle now. I expect by the time we return that you have all the mending of your sisters clothes done," her mother said.

She nodded and moved from her place near the window. Taking up her needle she worked her magic upon the clothes. Wondering how a girl could treat them so badly. Cari would love nothing more then one of these glorious dresses to wear. Instead she was stuck in nothing better then a sack. Her parents would say, "you work in the house, no need for nice things". Just once she wanted to know a life without having to cater to her sister.

"Owwww," Cari yelled.

Having pricked her finger, she pulled it to her mouth hoping to ease the bleeding. Cari shook her head when she felt she wasn't alone. She heard something, not sure what, slowly she turned around. A woman, young and beautiful stood before her.

"I am here to grant your wish little one," she softly said.

Unable to form complete sentences yet Cari stood there. Wish, my wish, she thought. The star, she must be talking about the star. Who was she, how did she know what Cari wanted.

"You want what your sister has. Only you do not realize you are beautiful. We need only wash away the dirt and change you out of these rags. I will help you. I am Emma, your fairy godmother."

"Fairy godmother.... did I hit my head? Is this real? " Cari questioned.

"Very real my child. I will help you to become what you dream. Your beauty is there and real its only hidden under the dirt and tatters you wear. We shall fix that with a wave of my wand," she said and began her work.

Emma uttered words, casting spells. Cleaning Cari and enhancing her inner beauty. The girl did not truely know how amazing her looks were. Whipping up a gown fit for the girl now, it was green reflecting the color of her eyes. Emma smiled very proud of the results.

"You know little one that this is not forever. You must find your true love. That is the rule. Whomever will bring to you the greatest happiness. Should you not, you will fade back into the shadows. Your family will see you as you were before. Be careful my child. Your sister will not be happy. You are now a threat to her. Also watch your heart for many will try but only one will hold the key to it," Emma said and was gone.

Within minutes Cari had a carriage brought and was taken to the castle. She did not know if the Laird was the person she was ment to love but it surely was a great start. She sat quietly not believing her joy. Afraid it would leave her Cari was determined.

"May we help you miss," the young man said upon her arrival.

"Yes my family is already here. The Connley's, my sister Annabell is to see the Laird, as am I," Cari added.

"This way," and her took her to the room where her family gathered.

They looked at her, realizing who she was and a few gasps came from her mother and sister. Her step fathers eyes nearly fell from his head. They were all in shock as Lord Duncan entered the room.

 

[fukensploogin]

Two ravishing young women? He had only been told of this Anabelle. There seemed to be a bit of an uncomfortable moment going on, as the parents and one of the girls were all staring (gawking, really) at the other young women. The family righted itself upon seeing him, however, when he spoke.

"Good evening. Connelly, thank you for coming here this evening. Annabelle?" He said, and saw the one standing with the parents brighten up and blush a bit. His eyes fell on the other girl.

"And what is your name?" he asked her, his eyes catching hers, his mind marveling at the amazing emerald green eyes the girl had...

 

[molly_hunter28]

Cari saw the eyes of her family on her. SHe only smiled as the Lord spoke to her. He wanted to know her name. Wanted to hear her speak it. SHe saw that her family looked at her, wanting to hear the name too. It seemed they couldn't believe their eyes. That she, the little dirt and dust covered woman was the beauty before them.

"My name is Cari Anne Connely my lord," she spoke.

Her voice was strong and not fading. Cari knew she dare not shrink back under the watchful glare of her parents. They were still looking at her, wondering what this young one was up too. Annabelle did not look happy. She was near to spitting fire. She had wanted to marry the Laird. Now she truly had competition and her looks were nothing compared to those Cari found herself with.

"I am the daughter Shannon Connely, when she was married to my father Gregory McKinnley. I now live with her and my step father Wilhelm Connely," Cari said, presenting herself to the Lord.

 

[fukensploogin]

"Cari Anne Connely, welcome." His eyes turned back to the family on the other side, and his gaze fell on the girl. He already knew who he was going to pick.

"Annabelle Connely, welcome."

He spoke to everyone now. "Please, follow me. Dinner is almost ready," he said, walking through tall double-doors, spinning and beckoning them to follow. He took a chance to watch the girls move for a moment, and said: "I am quite hungry this night."

They came to a room with a very high ceiling and large table, upon which was already set 4 places. How embarrassing, Laird Duncan quickly realized there were 5 of them for dinner.

Why had he been told there would just be the one girl? Had they been trying to keep this Cari Anne from marrying him? What was wrong with her, he wondered. She was certainly beautiful.

He spun then, at the door, the girls and their parents still in the hall. His gaze pierced Wilhelm. "Wilhelm, the letter I received from you made no mention of Cari Anne." His gaze fell upon the girl, but his face turned soft for a moment before he looked back at Wilhelm, who trembled.

"So, Connely, you shall be the one who doesn't get to sit down with us, as my chef has only prepared a meal for four. Ladies?" He said, gesturing for the women to walk past him into the dining room. Heavy hands fell upon Wilhelm Connely's arms.

"This should teach you to lie to Laird Duncan," one of the Laird's men said, as they dragged the man away.

Duncan closed the door behind him, and his gaze fell upon the women, who were standing near the table.

"Your husband will not be harmed," he assured the mother. He looked back and forth from Cari Ann to Annabelle. He was about to say something, but suddenly a door burst open and a line of waiters came marching out, bearing silver platters of food towards the table.

"Please, sit!" he said.

 

[molly_hunter28]

Cari sat across from her sister. She could see the venom in her face. Every look tossed her way held nothing but hatred. She was now her sister enemy. Cari knew how dirty her sister could be, how she would fight to stay on top. The only way to be free was to find love with the Lord. Yet Cari had no idea how to do that.

She needed to hold his attention. Cari didn't know how to be charming and demure. To be the lady her sister had always been trained to be. So many thoughts ran through her young head. Cari knew she was in deep. With no way to dig herself out now, she had to find a way. Let Laird Duncan see her for who she was and could be.

"Thank you my Lord for allowing me to stay. It was unknown that I would be joining the rest of my family for dinner this evening. Again I am thankful for your kindness."

Cari knew she sounded like a servant. Someone that waited on others their entire life. What could she do, she couldn't be ruthless like her family. IT was not her way. She was loving, caring and so very kind. Cari knew what it took to keep things in order and how they could fall apart. Her sister and mother were oblivious. They were cruel and mean, always wanting better when it could not be.

Staring at her plate she watched as it was filled fill a glorious meal. Smiling as everything was plated for her, she had no idea when to start. Cari waited watching the others. Hoping inside that she didn't falter. She wanted the Lord to enjoy her company.

Glancing over to sneak a peek at him she couldn't believe her eyes. Her was a handsome sight to behold. How she could stare at him all night. Looking away quickly she hung her head. Almost ashamed at the thoughts running through. SHe wanted to run her hands in his hair, feel his hands in hers. Things a young woman should not be thinking. Had she not caught her sister with a stable hand she would have no idea what went on. She was still a virgin, a thought she hoped would please her husband should she ever be lucky to have one.

 

[fukensploogin]

The plates were filled and sat, steaming before them, as wine was poured into gold goblets before them. The Laird Duncan stood then, holding his goblet, and spoke again to the three women at his table. "Thank you, ladies, for having dinner with me this evening. I am quite pleased that you have brought both your daughters tonight, Lady Connely. They are lovely young women." He raised his goblet out to them, and said: "to our good health, and happy futures." He clinked his goblet against each of theirs as they held them up, looking each of them in the eyes as he did. His mind raced. Why had Connely been hiding this startlingly beautiful vixen from him? Did he have a better dowry lined up for her than Duncan had offered? But who? The peasant could not possibly have contact with a richer man than the Laird on whose lands he made his home?

Duncan grabbed the turkey leg off his plate and bit right into the meatiest part. He swallowed, then had a hearty drink of wine, before speaking again.

"So, Mrs. Connely," Duncan said, getting right down to business, "tell me why I should marry your daughter."

 

[fukensploogin]

The plates were filled and sat, steaming before them, as wine was poured into gold goblets before them. The Laird Duncan stood then, holding his goblet, and spoke again to the three women at his table. "Thank you, ladies, for having dinner with me this evening. I am quite pleased that you have brought both your daughters tonight, Lady Connely. They are lovely young women." He raised his goblet out to them, and said: "to our good health, and happy futures." He clinked his goblet against each of theirs as they held them up, looking each of them in the eyes as he did. His mind raced. Why had Connely been hiding this startlingly beautiful vixen from him? Did he have a better dowry lined up for her than Duncan had offered? But who? The peasant could not possibly have contact with a richer man than the Laird on whose lands he made his home?

Duncan grabbed the turkey leg off his plate and bit right into the meatiest part. He swallowed, then had a hearty drink of wine, before speaking again.

"So, Mrs. Connely," Duncan said, getting right down to business, "tell me why I should marry your daughter."


OOC: I'm so sorry I let this one slip away. I wasn't feeling like I could continue to do this role justice, but now I think I got it figured out, if you'd like to continue