Bethothed.....

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled as she seemed to like her room. He felt a glimmer of hope as she seemed to recognise some of the things in there. He handed the babies back to her and she got them settled. She asked about meals and he smiled again. "Meals for the four of us will be served in my cabin. I have a table and the cook will be preparing some nice scottish meals for us." He had some of her favorite dishes being prepared for her.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brigid wasnt sure she was supposed to eat with him and the childern but wouldnt argue the point and simply agreed to join him and the children. Once he had left she made sue the children were changed and fed.. there was a small toy chest with there toys in it so Brigid allowed them out of the cradles to play for a bit, but only after making sure her cabin doors were locked not wanting the little ones to wander out in the hall or on deck..

Once they had played for awhile and started getting cranky she layed made sure they were changed again and layed them down for a short nap before it was time for lunch.. she picked up there toys and put them away..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled and went off to talk to the captain. He looked at the charts and discussed the trip home. He looked at the plan and smiled. It looked like it would not take too long to get back. It would just be a couple months. When he finished he left the room and went on deck for a while for some fresh air. He then returned at lunch time to tell Brinna that when the babies woke, she should bring them into his room to feel them and the two of them could eat in his cabin.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Briggid did as instructed tho she had to admit even if only to herself that she was glad to be eating with Andrew and the children rather than by herself, meal times gave her something to look foreward to and someone to talk with.

She knocked on Andrews door rather than just opening it and waited on him to tell them to enter.... when she heard him say that they could enter threw the door she brought the children with her and set them in the high chairs provided for them and put there bibs on.... The food had not yet arrived and so she remaind standing..

Looking out his window the sweying and nosies the ship made gave her only a little appetite she was feeling better than she had been and thought that as long as they didnt get into too bad a storm she would be alright.. at least she hadnt gotten sea sick like she feared..

Brigid remined quite however trying to think of something to say, feeling a bit out of place.. Have i thinked you yet for letting me eat with you and the children... its good to have someone to talke to so as not to be left alone with ones own thoughts even if only for a little while....

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled when he heard Brinna at the door. He would have to remind himself to call her Bigid though. He sighed. He wished the Rosses had attempted to go to the nearest port to drop Brinna off when they found her, rather than take her all the way across the Atlantic.

When she entered she got the babies set and Andrew moved over to them and kissed them both softly. He wanted to kiss Brinna as well, but forced himself to go and sit. She stayed standing for some reason. "Please, sit. You are not like a servant to me. You are looking after my children, not cleaning my home. Even with them I don't make them stand all the time. Just be yourself around me, please. Do whatever feels natural to you, and I do mean anything that feels natural."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brigid blushed at his invatation but moved to the table to sit, she could almost feel the double meaning in his words but decided not to examine it too closely he was searching for his wife and even if she suspected that she might be that woman she wouldnt do anything until she was sure.. but ohhh how she did wonder what it would be like to be kissed and held by this man. He must love his wife very much to go to such lenghts to find her she thought.. Thank you i will remember your words.. tho at times it may be hard to break the habbits i learned working for the Ross's..

There meal arrived shortly and she cut up the food very finnly for the twins they had a few teeth now but not many, she had enjoyed watching them walking or rather waddling across the floor of her cabin earler in there play, they seemed very bright and intellegent children.. She fed little Lillith while Liard Buchanan fed little Andrew..

Once the twins were finnished eating and had been changed and burped.. Brigid looked at the Liard and asked.. If its alright with you... i'd like to lock the door to the hall and let the children down to burn off some of there energy.. while we finnish eating. I dont want them to accidently escape up on deck..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew watched as Brinna sat across from him. She said she would try to remember to do as he asked and do what feels natural. He knew that if she did, more of herold self would come out and she might start getting her memories back, or at least make it easier for him to remind her.

When the food came they fed the babies first. They were able to eat some solids by now. Most of it they still had to make very easy for them to eat though. Andrew fed baby Andrew while Brinna fed Lillith. When they finished with the kids she changed and burped them. She then suggested letting them down and locking the door. He nodded and let her do that. He then started eating his own meal.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brigid sood and locked the door before letting the little ones down to play. She smiled laughing softly at there antics as they played together carefully manovering her way around them as she rejoined Andrew at the table, he had already begun eating his food and so Brigid did the same..

When they were both finnished she asked.. What is your keep and the people like there ?

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled at her as she sat and ate with him. When they finished she asked about the keep and the people there. He smiled. He decided to take that opportunity to tell her every little detail that might spark a memory.

He started by describing the keep. He explained about every room and the battlements and what it was like being outside at night, how beautiful it was. He then started explaining about the people that were there currently. He talked about Brinna's maids in particular. He then talked about the people who used to live there. In particular, her brother and the former laird, her father. After that he spoke of the village, the people there, and finally all the Bucannon land.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brigid could almost see everything he was discribing as tho she had been there and already knew of the things he was saying but just then one of the twins fell and landed on the other one both beginning to cry.. Brigid excused herself to tend to the children.. and took them back to her room the hour was growing late and it was time to change them and ready them for bed.

Brigid slept that night and dreamed of all that Andrew had spoken of and some things he hadnt such as a battle that she seemed to be a part of she was figthign along side other men and trying to reach the side of a dark haired man with violet eyes matching her own... but couldnt reach in time to save..... She woke sweatting calling out a name.. IAN!

Brigid slowly looked around the room remembering where she was.. an over whelming sence of greif welling up in her chest tho she didnt understand why... she remembered only bits and peaces.. she saw a light come on in the liards cabin and she knew he must have heard her cry out.. luckly however the babies slept still peacful in there beds..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew was surprised when one of the babies fell over and landed on top of the other. They both cried. Brinna moved even faster than a nanny would, she moved like their mother, which she was. She took them to her room and tended to them. She put them to bed. Andrew smiled and cleaned everything up. He hoped he was making progress with her. He didn't know how much longer he could last near her without being able to hold her and kiss her.

Andrew went to bed a little later. He slept nicely and dreamt of living with Brinna as a family. They had not really had much time together as lovers, let alone husband and wife. They had only had one night together as a married couple. His dreams gave him the chance to be with her as they should have been.

He woke suddenly when Brinna yelled out her brother's name. He got up and lit a lamp. He then went to her room. He opened the door slowly. Luckily the babies were still asleep. He moved to sit next to her. "Are you ok? You yelled out your brother's name."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brigid pulled the sheet up to cover her body as her door opend and Andrew walked in to aske her if she were alright and looked at him a little confused..wispering so as not to wake the babies she said.. My Brother??...... I am sorry.. i had a bad dream, about a battle.. she looked down for a moment a look of concentration on her features as she tryed to remember.. but the dream was already faiding into the background.. I am afriaid i dont remebmer much else..... did you say Ian was my brothers name?

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled as she covered herself quickly. It was only a small smile. It was apparent that she did not have her memories back. She looked as if she was trying to remember though. She had dreamt of the battle. She asked if he was saying Ian was her brother's name. He nodded.

He started explaining her dream. "Ian was your older brother. He was one of my best friends. We met when we were young, actually when you and your brother pulled me our of the river and saved my life. Anyway, your brother died in a battle against the English. You were in that battle as well. You tried to help him, but could not. I was unfortunately not there. I had thought I had more time to get there. Anyway, that was what your dream was. You were dreaming of the day your brother died."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brigid frowned wishing she could remember, but nothing was forth comming.. she looked at Andrew and spoke quietly, but seariously.. So you didnt want me along just for the children then.... you truly think i am your wife... She pulled her robe from the end of the bed and slipped it on covering herself before removing the sheet and getting out of the bed..

She walked into Andrews room where there was more light wanting to see his features more clearly and not wake the children with there talk.. When he entered the room behind her she looked at him wanting very badly to beleve him.. Remembering the man's eyes in the dream so much like her own... and the twins eyes that matched hers as well.... she knew he was telling the truth.... I beleve you... i just wish i could remember... perhaps sence i seem to be dreaming of the past... by the time we return to your holdings, i will remember..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled at her as she realised his true intention for bringing her along. She pulled on a robe and got up. She left the room and went to his. Andrew checked on the babies before following her. When she told him she believed him he smiled more. She wished she could remember and he was certain she would eventually.

He moved close to her and smiled. "I am sure you will remember. I am certain you are Brinna, my wife. So are the Rosses. That is why they sent you with me. I don't have a doubt in my mind. Your eyes, your voice, everything about you tells me that you are the one I love. I hope you won't mind if I try something to help you remember." He moved closer, going in to kiss her if she let him. It was something he'd longed to do for so long.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brigid waited to see what he would do, he moved close to her and slowly took her into his arms and kissed her.. She didnt react at first a bit surprised but then she relaxed and let it happen.. the world seemed to spin as her hands slid up his arms of there own violation instinctivly knowing that this was where she belonged..

As the room spun with there kiss she remembered vegly immages of a wedding and could see them both sitting there happy.. When the kiss ended she stood there a bit dazed looking up at him.. I am sorry.. i should be getting back to sleep... morning will come soon and we both need our rest..

She stepped back and turned back to her own cabin but paused in the door way, and looked back at Andrew.. he looked sad and she could understand why. She couldnt leave him like that.. she walked back to him and lightly touched his arm to get his attention..with out saying a word she kissed him again before slipping away back to her own bed..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew was very happy as she didn't stop him from kissing her. His lips met hers and he wrapped his arms around her. It felt so right. It had been way too long between kisses. He didn't think he could be happier at that moment. Her hands moved along his arms.

When the kiss ended, she looked up at him and he smiled down at her. She said she needed to go get more rest and he nodded. He was a little sad though that it had not worked to restore her memories. She stopped in the doorway and he wondered what she was doing.

He watched as she walked back to him. Her hand touched his arm. He turned to fully face her. He was a little surprised as she kissed him. She then moved back and left to her room. He smiled and closed his door. He then climbed into bed and fell asleep without crying for the first time in a long time.

 

[LittleSprite2]

The next month went by and Brigid was now beginning to think of herself as Brinna her memorys slowly returing with things that Andrew spoke of while they ate and spent time with the children.. her dreams bringing back even more..

She would wake in the night like she had that first night but had mannaged to keep from crying out and waking Andrew or the children. She was slowly reliving her life in her dreams and remembering..

She dreamed of the day she had followed Ian and Andrew when they had gone out hunting with out them knowing she was there and had gotten turned around, slipping and falling into the river.. one of there fathers huntsmen had seen her and jumped in after her bringing her home..

She dreamed of learning how to use a bow of her brother and fathers arguments and agreements on the subject.. She Dreamed of finding Andrew in the river when she and her brother had gone there and of saving his life..

Each week brought back a bit more to her.. and durning the day she continued to take care of the childern growing to love them more and more each day she spent with them.. She was also falling in love with Andrew all over again.. just for his patience with her, and his obvious love for his children.. She was slowly starting to remember him as well..

Another month was all that was left of there voyage...

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew had a hard time during the first half of their voyage. Brinna was slowly getting her memories back, but she was still not back to normal. She seemed to enjoy time with him, but he longed to spend hours holding her and kissing her. He also wished he could be with her at night. In stead she slept in her room and woke on many nights.

It was definitely not easy, but he was glad they only had a month left. He hoped that all her memories would return once they got back to where she had grown up. He took every chance possible to kiss her without her feeling too awkward about it. Those kisses were what kept him going. If he didn't have those, he didn't think he'd be able to survive the journey. They also helped him be able to go to bed without crying himself to sleep.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna did enjoy the time spent with Andrew and looked forward to there kiss's when they came, she wanted to do so much more than that but didnt dare..

Over the next few nights she dreamed of Andrew when he came to the keep because of there betrothal arranged by her father and his parents, she dreamed of taking him hunting threw the woods and of the deer they had shot down.....She watched him ride away in the dream to return to his family..

The next night she dreamed of Cragin and his first attack upon her in the woods and of the battle that followed later in which her father lost his life.... and woke with tears upon her face.. before going back to sleep...

She was distant for a few days after that she wanted to talk to Andrew about it but knew there was so much more yet.. she still didnt know when they had married or when she had had the children or even how she had ended up at sea to begin with...

where had the scar on her arm come from... so many questions still... she didnt want to be angry or upset with Andrew for things that may not have been his fault nor did she wish to blame anything on him..

If her dreams were accurate then none of what had happend was his fault for he was not there when it did happen..

Brinna slept again this time she dreamed of Andrews rescue and of how she had gotten the scar on her arm avenging her fathers death.. and then went on to dream of herself and Andrew in eachothers arms and there decision to marrie...

She also dreamed of his going away to retreive his things and of what had happened and of searching for him...

Brinna didnt know it but she was sleep walking and had wondered into Andrews cabin.. calling his name..softly..sadly... Andrew... where are ye? ..... how can i find ye... .... i have so much ta share with ye... yer going ta be a father..ohhh how .. i wish ye were here... tis afraid o doin this on me own i am... i need yer strenght...

Her tone turned from sad to scolding for a moment as her temper flaired a bit... Damn ye andrew do ye ken how frustrating this is with out ye.. fer the first time in me life i donna ken where ta look or what ta do... an yell no be here ta see yer barrens born... I'll no give up on ye tho... one day ye'll see yer babes... I'll find ye or yell come home but i'll no give up.. Never...

Once Andrew was close enough to see her fetures it would be obvious that she was not awake and that she was dreaming of the past and saying things she had said in privet ether on her walks up on the battlements or to herself in her chambers... as she watched and waited hoping for his return..

 

[Josu_T]

Over the next couple of days Andrew noticed more changes in Brinna. She was more and more like her old self, but not quite the way he remembered her. A figured she was remembering more and more, probably through her dreams.

One night he woke when he heard the door to his room opened. He looked at the figure and noticed it was Brinna. He got out of bed slowly as she started talking. She was asking where he was. It was strange. It sounded as if it was something she might have said while he wa\s missing.

It made sense as he got near her and noticed she was still asleep. He smiled and was about to try and wake her when she changed her tone. She seemed angry with him. This must have been later on when he was missing. He started to cry. He knew she would have been like this, but seeing it was even harder. He would have been home sooner if it was possible. He wished he'd never even left. He went and sat on his bed and could not do anything other than sit and listen to what she had been like when he'd been gone. He cursed himself and cried.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna woke in the morning in her own bed and moved slipped on a robe to go and check on the babies making sure they were changed and ready for breakfast when it was time before going and dressing herself...

She didnt remember being in Andrews room in her dream she had been walking along the battlements looking for him. She wanted to talk to him and let him know she remembered everything accept when he had returned home and how she had ended up out at sea..

She looked around the room and saw nothing but dress's the same ones she had worn for the last month and shook her head.. she remembered now what it was like to where breaches and if she could find a pair that would fit..

no such luck was to be found in the chests in her room and she wasnt sure yet if she should ask Andrew.. So she dressed once more in her grey gown rather than the black or brown, and carried the babies intot the other room.

She could tell Andrew looked tired and seemed quiet this morning... Is something wrong? she asked making sure the door to the hall was locked before setting the babies on the floor to play until there food arrived..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew did not get much sleep that night. It was too hard seeing what he had put Brinna through by dissapearing. He would give anything to turn back time and never leave her side. He eventually got to sleep, but woke early the next morning.

A while later Brinna came into his room with the babies. He didn't say much at all. He stayed fairly quiet. He felt quite bad. It also brought back the bad feeling that he had not seen the bith of his children. She asked what was wrong and locked the door. She put teh babies down and he looked at her sadly.

"Last night you were sleep walking. You came into my room and started saying things that you would have said while I was missing. I am so sorry for putting you through that. I should have been there for you, for the clan, for the babies. I am sorry."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Brinna crossed the room in a few quick strides and put her hands on ether side of his face as she knelt infront of him making sure he was looking at her a worried expression on his face.. She hadnt reolized that she had come here and had said those things to him... seeing the sadness in his features that reflected what she had felt last night while dreaming... I am sorry to i didnt reolize.....

Everything changed in that moment Brigid was gone and Brinna was once more herself... Now ye listen ta me...Andrew MacKay Buchanan none of what happen was yer falt.. do ye ken???

True enough ye should na have gone alone into that battle and dont think fer an instant i'll let ye go any place with out at least two others fer now on...

but what happend while ye were gone could na ha been helped, ye didna ken i was with child when ye were taken, nor did I until later.. True enough i missed ye sworely and en cursed ye a few times for a fool... but I ner stopped lovin ye......I donna remember when ye returned or how i came ta be one a ship fer the americas but i ner gave up on ye... I love ye...

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew looked up at her as she walked over to him. He felt her hands on his face, but was looking into her eyes. She started by appoligising to him. Something changed in her and she was speaking like normal again. She adressed him with his full name. She said that none of it was his fault. That wasn't the truth in his opinion, but he continued listening to her.

She told him he should not have gone into battle alone. He had not been alone though, but he definitely didn't have enough men with him. She told him that what happened while he was gone could not have been helped. She apparently still didn't remember how she had got onto the ship or how he had got home. He decided to let her remember that on her own.

In the mean time he smiled at her. He looekd deep into her beautiful eyes. She had helped him feel better and he really loved her. His arms moved around her and he pulled her in close. His lips met hers and he kissed her passionately.