Bethothed.....

[LittleSprite2]

och i thank ye and i need no prize tis prize enough just seein the aprovel and accpetance on yer face.. no many men would ha liked losin ta a woman en over a small matter.. and i thank ye for it... tho truth be told i am surprised i hit between the eyes as rushed as i was i was sure it'd go over.. so i aimed a bit lower then i first intended.. this shot was more luck than skill i think.

Brinna said smiling as she retreived the arrow from the doe's head and cleaned it, slidding it back into her quiver and then going over to the young buck to remove and retreved the other one.. Think ye this will be enough fer one day the deer runnin threw the woods will have alerted and frightened off most other game, we can come out again on the morrow for more, be it hear, fowel or mayhap fish.. she said remembering her mis adventure as a child that had caused her to fall in and nearly drown she shook her head.. Nay no fish i am thinkin i'll leave that ta another i've no much liking fer the water..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew listened as she declined his offer of a prize. He smiled at her compliment that he was not like other men. He did not like being normal. He was a highlander lord. He then heard her explain her second shot and smiled. "Whatever happened, it was still a good shot. ye are skilled. On the morrow we will go out again and see what we can find. I think I shall challenge you again. I will think of the competition and tell ye on the morrow." He grinned and mounted his horse. He waited for Brinna to mount her horse before heading off in the direction they had come from.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna watched as he mounted his horse and smiled shaking her head as she looked around for some branches that would be steardy enough to make a small litter to attactch to her saddle behind her horse.

They could carrie there game back on it rather than sending someone out to fetch it for them, it would also make sure that wolves or other animals in the woods didnt get to it before they got to it..

Seeing some likly branches to use for poles she pulled a small hatchet out of her satule.. She had planned ahead and also had sevral strips of leather to bind the branches together with.. Care ta gi me a hand wi this? We can make a Litter and bring the game back wi us. Twill na take long... once were done afore we head back if ye like we can eat a lunch i had packed fer us as well.... She said smiling at him as she looked up at his mounted form where she stood over looking her saddle at him.

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew watched as Brinna started to make a litter. He looked down at her and smiled. At her request he cut some branches off of a tree from the height of his horse and then leapt down to help her. He lined up the branches and let her tie them together. They were soon done and he smiled at her again. "Alright, lets eat lunch before we return. I'm sure that if ye made it, it will be good. Ye seem to be a very talented girl."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna worked silently along with Andrew making the litter and loading there game onto it and securing it best they could so that it wouldnt fall off once they begain returning to the keep. As he complemented her yet again she smiled and nodded passing him a water skin after having taken a drink herself. Aye well yer no so bad yerself.. she said grinning as she moved back to her saddle bags and brought out a small lunch for the two of them.

As they ate Brinna found herself thinking about this marrage thing... she really was becoming to like Andrew and thought if she did have no choice but to marrie she would rather it be him, or someone like him, but she hadnt quite decided wether or not she should. She knew Andrew wasnt wholy for this marrage ether. She would keep her peace for now until he brought it up like he said he would, and hopefully by then she could have made up her mind ether way...

The trouble was she was begining to lean more twords marrage, but where would they live? Here or in the Highlands? What would he do with these lands and the people when her father passed on and he became Liard?? He seemed a fair man but... how did one decide or ask with out offending the other person.. Highlanders could be a touchy lot when it came to questions about there honor and such..

she should know she herself was a scot by birth, and could have a temper that sent everyone running when roused but... She still didnt know Andrew quite well enough to judge his reaction to her questions about such things..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled at her comment and then thanked her for the lunch. He ate quietly acrossfrom her. He did not think about much at all, he simly ate and looked over at her. She seemed to be in deep thoguht about something and he could not help but wonder what it was. He didn't bother to ask though, thinking it might be impolite. Once they finished eating he helped her pack everything away, then he lifted both of the deer and put them on the litter they had created. He tied the litter to his saddle and then smiled at Brinna. "That was a great lunch. Are we done here now?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna laughed when he asked if they were done there now rather than jumping on his horse as he had earler... He was a fast learner.. Aye were done here... i thank ye fer yer aid. She said and moved to mount her own horse.

Once mounted and they were on the move heading back twords the Keep at a slow pace so as not to lose there game Brinna looked over at Andrew still smiling and said.. I look forward to yer challange on the morrow... Have ye any thought as ta what it might be yet ?

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew mounted his horse as Brinna did. He followed her slowly and every so often check behind him to make sure the game was still secure. He turned when he heard Brinna asking him a question. He grinned at her and made it look as if he was thinking for a moment. "Aye, I've thought of the challenge. I'm not sure I should tell ye though. How much do ye want te know?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna smiled and shook her head no.. as she awncered. Aye well i am curious i'll admit ta that but i ken wait, till the morrow. She said as they rounded a group of trees and came out of the woods onto the path that lead to the river they had crossed in there race and on to the keep.

It wasnt long before Brinna thought of another question to ask.. What is yer Ken and Family like? If ye dont mind me askin...

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew nodded and smiled. They continued riding toward the keep. The crossed the river and Brinna asked him about his family. He smiled again and thought of what he could say. "Well, my father is a strong man. He is also good. He treats our people well. Yet, when he wants something, he gets it. My mother is a very kind woman. I think she changed my father into who he is today. Then there is my twin brother. He is already married. He will take over running my clan after my father passes. Yet, I think I could do as well as him, if not better. Other than those three though, I have a young sister. She is still a wee lass, but a sweet girl."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna enjoyed listining to him speak of his family and said Ye are fortunate and blessed..Yer family should be proud of ye ... i ken yer a good mon.. How old is yer wee sister ? She slowed her horse and moved back behind him to keep an eye on the deer as they crossed the river so that if it came lose and the river tryed to wash away there game she had a chance to try and block it... even if it ment jumping in tho she truly hated water unless twas for drinking or a bath..

She almost asked what had kept him from her brothers side the day of the battle with the english, but bit her tounge many had returned to there own holdings to fight with there clans twas why her brother had come home to fight and likely what had happend with Andrew as well she could not be angry with him for her brothers death.. twould not be fair .. and besides her brother could have fallen in battle with Andrew at his side as easly as he had with out him..

Twas the way of war.. God she missed her brother Andrew reminded her of him a bit there temper ments were much the same, which she supposed was why they had gotten on so well and had become friends.

Luckly they made it across the river well enough and started down the path they had raced down earler to the keep. Once inside the bally walls the servents took over untethering the dear from the make shift litter as well as the horses after they dismounted..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled and watched as she moved behind him. He knew it would be hard for her to hear him so he waited until she was next to him again before replying to her question. "My little sister is only eight years old. She is already learning a lot from my mother. She will steal teh heart of a man some day and make him a good wife. She will make him into a great man like my mother did with my father."

When they arrived back in the keep the servants took care of the deer they had brought back. Andrew jumped off his horse and waited for Brinna to dismount as well. He walked inside with her and gave her a smile. "I think I will go wash up and relax for a while. Maybe later ye could tell me of some of your clan history and legends?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna smiled at his comments as she walked to the keep with him and Laughingly replyed.. Aye that i can do, but i should warn ye no to ask me da fer the only legands ye'll likly hear from him i'll be me poor antics as a wee lass.. Tho i think i know of a legend er two ye might like ta hear tell of..

With that smiling she walked away to leave him to his own devices for she needed to find some clean clothing her self and wash up as well, before telling any tales..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled and nodded to her in agreement that he would not ask her father for stories. He might some day in the future, but at that moment he did not know her quite well enough. He walked to his room and took a quick bath to clean up. He dressed himself in a clean kilt with all the added bits. He left the room and made his way to the main hall to wait for Brinna to join him and tell him some stories of her clan.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna after quickly washing dressed in a blue gown that deepened the violet of her eyes to more of a deep blue or indago color, and decided to leave her hair down to dry after brushing it out, and once more slipped on the necklace her mother had given her.

She tryed to think on what to tell Andrew about there clan's history.. Tho twas no secret her father supported the Bruce at least to those around her brother had as well and she was sure, Andrew was aware of whom they supported from him.

She decended the stairs and saw him there awaiting her he looked even more handsome then he had earler if that was even possable she thought.. Moving forward she said.. Shall we sit near the fire while i relate our history.. it will be some time yet before supper is surved.

Once they were seated comfortably Brinna motioned a servent to bring ale for the both of them and begain relaing there clans hystory..

The Buchanan name has been grounded in the lands surrounding the shores of Loch Lomond since 1225, when a grant by the Earls of Lennox to Sir Absalon of Buchanan, referred to in contemporaneous sources as he was a clergyman.

'Buth chanain' also means 'House of the Canon', the first Bucanans family was dedicated to the service of the ancient Celtic church, the clan can trace its origins back to Anselan O Kyan, son of a King of Ulster who landed in Argyll circa 1016. For his services against the Danes he received the lands of Buchanan, lying to the east of Loch Lomond.

Equally, it has been argued that the benefactor was Gilbert, seneschal to the Earl of Lennox, and that the lands were in Stirlingshire. 1282 was when these lands were confirmed with baronial rights through a charter to Morris of Buchanan, who also held a small island called Clarinch, that subsequently became the clan battle cry.

and ye should know if ye dana already that we do suport the Bruce in his bid fer freedom..


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a2/View_of_loch_lomond.JPG

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew watched the door and saw Brinna entering. She looked quite beautiful. She wore a lovely blue gown and a necklace that she seemed to like wearing. When she got nearer he noticed that the gown really brought out the colour of her eyes. He smiled at her and followed her to the fire. He sat down and made himself comfortable. He sipped his ale as she told him the clan history. It was not quite what he had expected to hear, yet it was very informative. He gave her a smile as she finished.

"Aye, that is very nice, and it is good that ye support the cause. However, I was hopin te hear some stories. I have one that ye might like te hear. As ye know, my clan symbol is a fist holding a dagger down. There is a very good story about that. Ye see, the Mackay clan is an ancient clan. We have lived on the northern coast for a very long time. We are one of the original Celtic clans. Being such, we have had many feuds with other clans about land. In a feud with one of our neighbors our cheif agreed to a competition with the cheif of the other clan. They were to have a boat race around the bay. First to plunge their dagger into the sand would walk for one day and mark their clan's land. The race was even until the turn around. Then the rival cheif pulled ahead. It seemed as if the Mackay clan would lose. Then our cheif placed his dagger in his hand. He took his sword and cut off his hand. He threw that hand to the beach and the dagger plunged into the sand. The Mackay cheif walked the land for an entire day. When that day was over he died from his loss of blood. Yet, the Mackay's had won and earned their land. Do ye not have any stories like that?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna thought a moment or two and rememberd that one of her ancestors had married an english lass who had helped to rescue his kidnapped godson.. Aye one o me ancestors married an English lass.. His god son Ian had been mistaken fer Ramsie Sinclar's younger brother, who had been the true target but the boys looked much alike and were fast friends.. as a prank the boys switched tartens and Ian was taken in Alac's place by mistake clear to england..

The Lass there esacped in the night with the lad ta bring him back ta the Bucanan's before the trator ta the Sinclars could let the english know they had taken the wrong lad... and The Bucanan was so taken with the lass and after hearing that the lass had taken a beating for his god son when the lad tryed to escape on his own he would na allow her ta return ta the english and married her.

Brinna wasnt aware that her father had entered the room until she felt his hand on her sholder and she looked up to see him she smiled and patted his hand, before standing and letting him sit in her place. Aye theres more ta the tale than that lass yer giving the short version.. but i see the meal is about ta be surved.. go an see that all is in ready lass..

Brinna nodded to her father and excused herself to go and do as he asked. Sending a servent over to refill Andrews mug of Ale if he wished it and to bring her father a mug of Ale as well. I'll continue the tale.. The lass before leaving to return the boy and after she had taken the boys beating had over heard that the scot who wanted Alac Sinclar kidnapped was on his way ta the keep... she escaped with the boy that night and waited in the bushes by the road to catch a glimps of the man who would betray his own people...

the mon ner en saw her or the lad as he road by them in the dark... Sinclar, the Matlands who were Ian's Clan and Bucanan's joined forces ta search out the trator each owning a clam ta the trators hide... The Matlands for twas there son who was taken... Ramsie fer his brother who was the real target.... and Bucanan as he was the boys God Father and guardan....they made the lass look at each and ery one o Sinclars men.. the only one she ner saw was Giddion Ramsies captin o the guard fer he had gone ta see a supposid relitive who was ill... Truth was he had learned upon his return that the lass could identify him and he took great pains ta stay out o sight..... in the end hower he was discovered and challanged by Ramsie.. Giddion had wanted both Ramsie and Alac gone so he could take or the clan, but thanks ta the courage o one english lass tho we donna care much fer the english..soon as she became the Bucanan's wife she were no longer english..... it all turned out alright... I'll save the rest o the tail fer a later time....

He said seeing Brinna returning there way most likely to let them know the meal was surved and that they could eat as soon as they gathered at table. His men were taking there places at the table and the servents were just finnishing setting there treys of food down as well and were ready to serve Ale, Meed or good scots wiskey.. ta thos who wished it.

He wanted to ask the lad if he had changed his mind yet and if he would make Brinna his wife... or more importantly if he had changed Brinnas mind and if she would wed him... He had been hiding it well but he was failing in health, and he wanted Brinna wed before something happened to him.. Ahh well he wasnt about to rush ether of them with such news he would hide it as long as he was able. Let Brinna think he was just getting on in years and eger for grandchildren .. which he was but... well.. Maybe he could talk with Brinna later and see if her feelings tword marrage had changed any sence last they had talked... or rather yelled.. He grinned at the memory..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew listened closely to the tale. It was quite interesting. He Was a little dissapointed when Brinna was told to leave by her father, but he listened to the more detailed verstion anyway. Then supper was ready. He got up and followed the older man into the dining hall. He took a seat next to Brinna and asked for whiskey. He smiled at Brinna. "Your father tells a good tale, but I prefer your version of it. Ye are much like your brother, but better in many ways. Your father must be proud of ye."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna smiled pleased by Andrews observations and comments. Aye he is a vara proud mon.. and a find Da as well as Liard... Me brother spoke of ye often.. tis glad i am ye were his friend. I think it near killed da when he died. Tis why i think he pushes me so hard on marrage.

I was wonderin... if mayhaps after the meal we might take a stroll upon the battlements or en in the gardens... unless ye ha other plans.... I ken tamorrow may be yer last day with us and i'd like ta speak with ye more afore it comes..

She said as she picked and chose different foods to place on her trencher to eat, she herself had a goblet of ale while both her father and Andrew drank good scotish wiskey.. Her father always said it was the best thing to warm a man from the inside out aside from a good lass in his bed... Tho she had never seen her father with another woman sence her mother passed.

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew nodded, then she spoke of her brother's death. He had been quite unhappy after hearing of that. He picked upp some food and put it on his plate as she asked about going to walk with her. He smiled at the idea. It sounded nice. He was also starting to like Brinna. If anything, they would at least be friends by the time he left. "That would be nice. You can show me around some more. One thing though, about your brother. I should have been there that day. I was slowed in leaving by my father introducing me to a girl from a neighboring clan. Then after that I did not rush to get by his side. I did not think the English would reach him by then. I thought I had at least another day. I might have been able to change what happened. I know that it is not my fault, but I can only imagine what things would be like if only I had rode harder to get to him."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna paused in lifting her goblet to her lips and carefully set it back down on the table without taking a drink she closed her eyes a moment her mind racing.. she suddenly felt ill and the need for air.. Excuse me.. she said and stood stepping over the bench she exited the hall..

She didnt know where she was going nor did she care but in the end she found herself out on the lists.. pacing.. He had delayed because of a woman the woman she could forgive because it had been ordered by his father.......... but to take his time when messangers had been sent to warn all of the english's comming.... and take his time because the english wernt yet expected for another day..... she had thought he had been kept by something important such as helping to defend his people or or what she didnt know but she hadnt been expecting that...

Seeing one of the practice dummies and needing something to attack to release some of the pent up frustration, anger and greif over the fact that Andrew could have made a differance in that battle...

She picked up a sword one of the pages had failed to put away and begain to practice not caring that she still wore a gown rather than leggings.. Tho she would have to remember to discover whom had left the blade and repremand them for such lacks in behavior...

Even as she riled against why Andrew had not been there she also tryed to argue with herself by saying what she had told herself earler.. Her brother still could have fallen with Andrew there ... but the truth was they wouldnt know ... She stopped striking the poor dummie and yelled up at the sky... DAMN IT !! I WISH YOU WERE HERE ! SO I COULD KICK YER BLODIE ASS !... Ye always knew what ta Say...... What to do..., and now i am so confused.... she said the last in almost a whisper before hearing a sound behind her and spinning sword in hand and raised pointing at whoever was standing there..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew was surprised when Brinna suddenly go up and left. He knew it was because of what he said. He decided to let her go, but would talk to her shortly. He finished eating and told her father why she had left. He had already spoken with the man about it in a letter sent after he found out. He then left to go find Brinna.

He walked outside and saw her attacking a practice dummy with a sword. After a little while she stopped and screamed at the sky. He walked over to her and stopped in his tracks when she whirled around to face him. He smiled calmly at her. "Two reasons you should not even try. One, I'm faster than I look. Second, you know that practice blades are dull. Now, put it down and listen to me. Don't you think I would have liked to be there for him? I should have been there. I felt horrible after I heard of his passing. I was so mad at myself that I didn't leave the keep for days. At one point I even considered taking my own life. Luckily I realised that killing myself would not do any good and it would not fix anything. I know you are angry, but trust me, if I had know the English were moving faster than reported I would have had my horse sprinting to be at his side. Most reports had them two days away with only the most pessimistic predicting one day. I truly am sorry Brinna, and I hope you can forgive me."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna took a deep breath and tryed to calm her self while he spoke, she could hear the truth in his words and knew that he ment what he said, but it was still tempting to try and run him threw anyway even with a dull blade.. but she didnt insted she lowerd the blade.

I hear your words and know ye mean them... tis no an easy thing ta face... i was there... i saw him fall but i couldnt get ta him in time... there were too many between us.. me da nearly skinned me alive right there on the field .... when he found i had joined in the battle against the english, but i couldnt just sit by and hide.. It will na be easy but i'll fergive ye.. I killed the mon who slew me brother.. i kept my sights on the basterd and fought my way ta him.... tis the best i can do and i'll no hold ye at fault for what ye couldnt control...

She looked up at him then blinking back the tears she refused to let fall until she was alone. So much had gone wrong that day.. She couldnt blame him for not expecting the english to come a day ahead.. Along the boarders they were used to such a thing twas a common occurance..

Shall we return then? I'll still be lookin fer yer challange on the morrow... she said trying to establish a semblance of peace between them once more and let him know she would truly forgive him..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew was glad that Brinna decided not to attack him. He would have hated hurting her to defend himself. He listened to her story about that day. It was quite sad. It must have been tough for her to see her brother fall in battle. He looked into her eyes and saw the sadness. He could tell she was trying to hide her tears. She suggested they go inside, he nodded and then started to grin. "Ah yes, the challenge. I hope ye are ready te lose that. I'm not about to be beat by a lass two days in a row."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna gave a small laugh at his comment as they walked back to the keep and responded in kind.. trying to keep up the teasing banter between them and ease the tention even more. Aye well i suppose i could let ye win.... Tho by my figurin ye won the race so were even thus far..