Bethothed.....

Brinna smiled at her husbends observations of there newest addtion, and held her arms out to accept him back when Ian started to cry wanting fed.. She set up in the bed and opened her gown letting the material fall back to reveal one breast as she held there son to it feeding him as she had the twins..

She looked up at Andrew seeing the wonder and amazement in his eyes.. I hope ye dunna mind lonan these ta yer son for a wee while.. she stated teasing him a bit... Brinna mannaged to stay awake long enough to finnishe feeding and burping little Ian before falling asleep.. One of the women had already perpaired the cradle for the little one and some clothing that Brinna had made for the baby to sleep in.

She took Ian and layed him in it and set the crib at the end of the bed so that the Liard and Brinna could hear him if he fussed, and then shooed the other women out closing the door behind her leaving Andrew and Brinna in privet with there newest born..

Andrew was right when he said Ian looked like Brinna because he did.. the twins had gotten there fathers Blonde hair and Brinna's violet eyes but Ian had gotten Both Brinnas Black hair and violet eyes, but his fathers facal features..

As the children grew they each had there own personalitys but were also very protective of each other.. All of the children were taught how to lead the clan not just little Andrew for one never knew what turns life would make and Ian could like his father marrie into a clan and become a Liard or not... or should something happen to Andrew then it would fall to Ian to lead..
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Lillith was much like her mother in that she had been taught how to defend herself and could weald a bow and arrow as well as many of the men.. and loved going to the archery range or hunting with her mother and father for the two of them were rarely seperated.. She also like her mother did not wish to marrie.. but not for the same reasions.

Ohh shure some of her suters wanted her for her she had no doubt, but they could speak nothing to her of love only of how beautiful she was and the connections she could bring them by joining with them.. which she refused.. she wanted what her mother and father had... true love between them and acceptance of each other...

She did love both of her brothers and always felt she was in away stuck between them for she always seemd to be defending Ians actions to Andrew.. they both wished they could see him more often and that he would stay for longer periods at a time but Lillith did understand and wish that she could travel with him.

that however would have not only Andrew but there father and mother as well as Ian she was sure mad at her if she dared.. but if one more suter spoke of her beauty and her connections she just might scream and follow Ian and pray he didnt notice her until it was too late to turn back..
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Ian tho a couple of years behind Andrew and Lillith was much like his uncle, and father, a brave soul who often wondered far from home making a name for himself on his own merret and learning about the clans around them as well as the ones in the Highlands. Often acting as a sort of emmesarry carring one message or another for there father or Uncle Asher and helping to disolve disputes... Andrew filling in when he was persuing his own interests

He even at times travled over sea's to test his skills against other men from different lands.. Who found him as exotic and strange as he did them.. learning from them if he found there methods agreeable to him... and making a few friends as well as enemys along the way.. Returning home when ever able to visit his mother and father and older brother and sister..
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younger Andrew took the leadership of the clan, seriously and learned everything he could.. enjoying visits from Ian and there cousin uncle Asher's son when he came to visit.. he wished he could join Ian in an Adventure or two but he had his own share of battles when he joined his Uncle Asher in a call to arms over another clans repeted attempts to try and take back some land that they say belonged to them....

it was the same clan there father had gone up against when he had first been Bethrothed to there mother... His sister was dear to him and he would do all he could to protect her and see her happy.. he understood her wanting to wed for love, he in away hoped for the same but knew that was not the way the world worked at times..

Hell they were considering making an Alliance with this clan in the highlands that kept pleuging the MacKays, and the only way to do that was threw marrage.. but nether side was willing to give.... nether wishing to join there clans to the other.. from the time they had been able to pick up swords they had all 3 begun training how to fight and protect there clan and family... and to put that above all else first...

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Andrew smilde and handed the little boy back to his mother so he could be fed. He kissed Brinna softly and laughed at her comment about her breasts being loaned to Ian for a while. He held her close as she dealt with the hungry baby. After Ian was done, he was put in the crib. Brinna then fell asleep. Andrew lay next to her and fell asleep with her in his arms.

As the years went by, The children all grew up in their own way. They were all different, but still similar. Andrew was proud of all of them. He taught them all everything he had learned in life. They also learned about the story of their parents. They knew that love was possible and that if they hold onto it, good things can happen. If Andrew had given up, Ian would never have been born and their lives would have been very different.
 
Lillith made her way from her chambers down to the great hall she was dressed in a dark blue velvet gown with silver embrordery. Ian was comming home from one of his trips and everyone had gathered for a banquet to welcome him home.

Andrew and Father were discussing how to help Liard MacKay.. or Uncle Asher with the enemy clan.. Lillith was supposed to go and visit with her Aunt MacKay her Da's younger sister in a day or two and was glad that both of her brothers would be able to travel with her as escort. When it was time..
 
Andrew Sr. and Jr. were deep in conversation about ideas of how to make an alliance with the troubling clan that seemed the be creating problems. They knew there were a son and daughter there. Eventually they came to the conclusion that although outright asking them about a marriage, if they could send the children undercover to get to know them, bonds could form between them. If Andrew or Ian could fall in love with the daughter of the clan leader, and have her fall in love with them, that would be good. Or, if Lillith could do the same, but with the clan's son, that would also work. They both looked up as Lillith joined them. Once Ian got there, they would discuss the plan with everyone in the family. He was scheduled to arrive in an hour. Andrew senior held out his arms for his daughter to come give him a hug and sit in his lap. "Come, daughter, sit with your father."
 
Lillith smiled as her father called her over and she joined him happly giving him a hug and Kissing her twin on the cheek before sitting in her fathe's lap. and what are the two o ye wispern about ta have ye look so searious afor i joined ye...? she asked having noticed the two of them talking as she came down the stairs..

Brinna came out from the kitchens then having made sure that all was prepaired for Ians arrivle and would be surved as soon as he was with in sight of the keep.. Lillith saw her and moved from her fathers lap to let Brinna move forward to kiss her husbend.. Dinner will be served as soon as Ian is with in sight o the keep. Twill be good ta have him home.. Brinna said sitting on her husbends lap.. her arms encircling his neck..

Lillith sat next to Andrew and poked him in the ribs smiling as he tryed not to jump but she knew he was as ticklish as she was.. So tell me, or are ye gonna make me wait until Ian arrives.. she asked trying to weedle the information out of Andrew altho she knew he wouldnt tell her but it was fun to tickle him and try..
 
Andrew senior smiled at his daughter as she moved close to him and gave him a hug. She kissed her brother's cheek and then sat in her father's lap. The older man held her close and was happy to have such a lovely young daughter who would make a good young man a great bride some day.

Lillith asked what they had been talking about and they were saved by Brinna arriving. Andrew Sr. looked at the beautiful woman and kissed her when she got close enough. time may have passed, but it was treating her well. She was as lovely as ever. He enjoyed having her sit in his lap with her arms around his neck. She spoke of Ian's arrival soon and he nodded. "Aye, t'will be nice to have our family together once more."

Andrew Jr. looked over at his sister as she poked at him, trying to get information from him. He grinned at her and shook his head. "Ye will find out when da tells ye." She was trying to tickle him, so he took the offensive and got up. He turned to face her and used both hands to get past her guard and start tickling her so she couldn't get him.

Ian was riding home as quickly as he could. He enjoyed his adventures, but he also liked to be home with his family. This time he had done something quite exciting. He had gone on a journey South into England and dressed as an Englishman. He had even been able to fix his accent to sound like theirs. He had the ability to act very well and appear to be different from who he truly was. He had searched hard for any info about attacks planned on their lands. Fortunately he had heard nothing and had good news to report. It seemed the English had stopped planning any attacks on Scotland for a while. However, this probably meant that the next attacks would be even bigger and more fierce than usual. They did not need to worry for a while though. He neared home and blew his horn. He knew that mother would be getting the feast served the moment they knew he was near. He felt lucky to have such a great family.
 
Lillith laughed allowed and jumped up from her chair to face Andrew as he moved forward to tickle her in return.. Careful brother.. i may be in a gown but i can still throw ye or me sholder.. she said only half serious about flipping him over.

Sometimes she was able to mannage it and sometimes she wasnt it depended on the situation this time however she knew she wouldnt be able to because she was laughing to much as she moved to place her chair between them...

Brinna laughed shaking her head as she watched her twins teasing eachother as tho they were still children.. The servents begain brinning in platters of food and serving them Brinnas smile widened even more as she watched Ian enter and quietly move up behind Lillith with out her notice, to aid Andrew..

Brinna turned to her husbend who she still found as attractive as they day they had met and loved with all of he heart.. and kissed him before rising up off of his lap to sit at his side at the head of the table. Laughing with him as Lillith gave a scream of surprised shock spinning to face who ever had come up behind her only to find Ian standing there..

Ian ! that isna fair.. Lillith said grinning as she threw her arms around him in welcome.. Tis good ta have ye home..
 
Andrew jr. grinned as he got ready to tickle his sister. She moved her chair so it was in the way of him. He looked up when some servants brought in food. He then saw Ian but held a straight face. He noticed his brother coming up to help him with their sister.

Andrew sr. looked at Ian and then to his wife. She kissed him and he returned it. He then let her move to her seat. He watched his younger son sneak up behind his sister. He would have to be careful, it could be dangerous depending on what Lillith did.

Ian crept up slowly and quietly, glad that no one warned Lillith. When he got near her he smiled and reached out. He tickled her bringing forth a surprised scream and laughter from everyone else. As his sister turned around he smiled at her and held out his arms. She threw her arms around him and he wrapped his around her. Andrew jr. moved close and patted Ian's back. Ian was happy to be home. "Aye, tis nice ta see ye too Lillith. Good ta be home."
 
come sit and tell us o yer travles.. Lillith said stepping back from Ians embrace, as Andrew jr patted his back in welcome. She always enjoyed listining to his tales of far off places she hated hearing about some of his near misses, for she worried about him while he was away, but was also proud of his skills and the ones he had required.

There were times when she wished she were a lad so that she could travel with him, but as that was not the case she contented herself with his tales..but then there was trouble enough here at home between the english attacking or the Dines and Vikings, or even there own negbors...

Lillith like Brinna often thought that if all the clans could stop squabbling amongst themselves and join together that they would be a force to be reconed with but knew that was a day she would not see in her life time..

She walked back to the table between her two brothers still smiling happy to have Ian home and everyone together..
 
Ian looked around at his family and smiled, sitting at the table. He smiled at them all and took a drink of ale. He then started talking. "Well, I went down into England and passed myself off as a local in London. It was tough, but I learned a lot. A few times I was almost caught by people who got suspicious. Luckily, no one caught me. I learned of the English plans for Scotland. It seems that no real attacks are planned. We should not have any trouble with being attacked by them. There may be small raids, but we will not face any armies of English."
 
Brinna was glad that her son was brave enough to face such dangers but she didnt like having him so far from her in england or across the sea, if something should happen to him how would they know that he needed them or give him aid.

She didnt like it and had voiced her opinions about it loud and clear when his adventuring begain and frowned even now worried over the danger he had placed himself in as any mother would for any of her children.. but she also knew that he was a grown man and old enough to make his own decisions and choices..

While Ian told his tale she took her husbends hand in hers and squeesed it lightly, looking over into his eyes for a moment before turning her attention back to Ian's tale.. Its good ta know well no have any more troble than ushual for a wee while from the english.. and glad i am that yer home safe and sound once more..

Brinna said giving Ian a small smile determened not to aruge with him again over something she could not change she knew he understood that as a mother it was hard to watch him go and her job to worrie..

Lillith spoke up then both to change the subject and to try and tese Andrew a bit more but what she didnt know was that the subject she was changing the topic too would not be one she or ether of her brothers would like... Well now that ye are here Ian, perhaps ye can help me get Ian and Da ta tell us what they've been so secretive about of late?
 
Ian looked at his mother with a smile. He knew she was worried about him. They had talked many times about the danger he put himself in. He also made sure he was as safe as possible for her. He wanted to be able to return home to see her, his father, and his siblings again.

At Lillith's comment about getting the information she wanted, Andrew sr. grinned. "Ok Lillith, relax for a minute. We will tell you now. Just be patient. Now, we were discussing how to help my brother deal with the rival clan that we have had trouble with. What we came up with is trying to marry in. All three of you children will go there and try your best to blend in as either locals or people from allied clans of theres. You will do your best to meet and get to know the two children of their lord. There is a son and daughter. If you fall in love with one and they fall in love with you, then you can marry and create peace with their clan. Do you think you could do that?"
 
Lilliths smile and happy expression quickly changed to a serious frown as she listened to her father speak and wished with all her heart she had kept silent and not said a word.. You canna be serious.. she said uanware that she had stood until after she had spoken.

She slowly sat back down looking from one of her brothers to the next and then back to there parents.. Her mother had looked over at her father but kept silent meaning she had known about this before hand and not said anything to warn Lillith ahead of time..

are there no other options ?

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Even as this conversation was taking place a simmalar one had been held at the other clan's holdings weeks before. Brother i wish ye would na go, there must be another choice ye dunna have ta take the lass.. canna a peacful arrangement be made. Must ye force her and yerself ta wed... ye donna even know what she looks like she could be ugly.. Mora asked her brother Logan..

There is no other way its ether marrage or war.. we lost the last battle and this is the only way with out lossing more o our people.. and I'll no make ye wed unless ye chose too..

so I go with some men ta capture her and bring her here... and hopefully by the time the MacKays, and Buchannanas figure out who has taken her and where.... the deed will be done and we'll be wedded..


Logan said to his sister giving her a hug before heading out with a small group of men.. they had taken a tarten from another enemy clan to leave behind so that it would buy him more time to convince his future bride of the wisdome in there joining.. he just praid she was half way decent looking.

He and his men had watched the Buchannans for a few weeks now not wanting to take the wrong woman... and Logan was plesently surprised when he discovered exactly what Lillith Buchannon did look like, but he also discovered her twin, and knew he would be a man to recon with he had heard of the other brother but not yet seen him...

Liard Andrew MacKay Buchannan and his wife would also be dangerous to cross he had seen both of them training in the fields....and admired there skill.. He did wish they hadnt taught Lillith how to fight however as she would he knew from watching her not come easly or quietly if allowed the chance..

They were expecting the younger son home this night and perhaps with everyone tired from the festivitys and welcoming Ian home it would be there chance to sneek in mixing in among the servents and younger knights.. to bed down in the hall..

From there once all were asleep it would not be hard to slip up the stairs and locate which room was Lillith's, but they would have to be cautious..
 
Andrew looked at his daughter's reaction to what he said. She was very surprised by it and did not like it. He could understand why. It was a little dangerous. However, he saw no other options open to them and they needed peace with that clan. He was afraid of what they might do to try and get the upper hand on them. The fact that clans had tried kidnappings and attacks on them before was the reason he had high security for his family. He would not let someone get to them like that night Brinna's father had died.

He looked to his daughter. "I'm sorry my love, but it is the only way. Why don't you sleep on it tonight. In the morning we can discuss it more." For the rest of the night they spoke with Ian about some of the funny things that the English had done and about the horrible alcohol they had there. When the feast was over they went to bed. Andrew and Brinna's chambers were the first door at the top of the stairs because Andrew felt that rather than be as far back as possible for saftey, he should be able to get to battle quicker and have the kids farther back for safety. they were the future of the clan. If he died, then the future took over. If they died, then there was no future, at least not for his line.

OOC: I decided that having Lillith be captured would really suck for Andrew and he has already had a hard enough life. I think he deserves to live out his days without having to worry about whether his only daughter is safe or not. So, I was thinking that they try to take her, but Andrew stops them on the way out. When he realises who it is, he laughs, tells the man that if he wanted to court his daughter, all he had to do was ask. Tells him to go home, then return a while later to try again. He sends him home with a few of him men to make sure he does not try just turning around to try snatching Lillith again, two of those men are Ian and Andrew jr. in disguise and that is how they get into the other clan's lands where they blend in with the locals to get close to the daughter of the other clan. Then we need to come up with a way to find a bride for the other son that does not get matched with that clan's daughter.
 
ooc : Yea we have put Brinna and Andrew Sr. threw the ringer a time or two.. and i agree with your plan *smiles*

Lillith hadnt really said anything more knowing that it wouldnt do her any good to argue, and once the featst was over and it was time for everyone to retire Lillith made her way up to her bedroom.. Her's and Ians were at the end of the hall.. First was her parents, then Andrew's, and then Ian's hers was across the hall from his...

Unable to sleep just yet Lillith moved to her window to look out at the night, she was glad Ian was home but was worried about her fathers plan.. it was dangerous especally if none of them fell in love and were caught then one or all of them could be killed as spies..

Lillith heard a noise in the hall that drew her attention, it was soft and barly heard.. she almost dismissed it as a servent in the hall but remembered the hour and knew that unless one of her brothers was having an affair with one of the maids which nether of them would do .. none of the servents would be in this wing without being summoned..

She turned twords her door just as it begain to open...
 
Andrew and Brinna stayed up a little longer than the others that night, in their room together. They did what any couple in love would do, especially when celebrating the safe return of their child. A while later they were holding eachother close in bed falling asleep. That was when Andrew Sr. heard something in the hall. The guard would have been a lot louder if they were trying to get their attention, or a lot quieter if just changing positions.

Andrew looked to Brinna and kissed her softly, slipping out of bed and saying that he was going to check it out. He grabbed a dagger for safety and moved quickly and quietly to the door. He opened it slightly and peeked outside. The hallway toward the children's rooms was clear, but Lillith's door looked as if it was open, at least a little. He looked the other way. What he saw made him swear under his breath. There were two guards laying on the floor either dead or unconscious. He listened carefully. there was something happpening in Lillith's room.

Andrew quickly re-entered his room and quickly wrapped his kilt around his waist. He then grabbed his sword and pulled it from it's sheath. He looked to Brinna in the bed. He decided to explain what he had seen and heard. "The guards are dead or unconscious and there is something going on in Lillith's room. Her door was open and I heard something going on in there. I think someone might be trying to take her." He then ran to the door and threw it open. He stepped out into the hallway and moved toward Lillith's room, not sure what he was about to face.
 
Lillth didnt recognize or know who the man was entering her chamber nor did she care as far as she was concerned he was where he didnt belong.. she didnt waist time on words quickly slipping the dagger at her waist from its sheath at her hip..

She thought to call the guards but if he were here in her room then he had already gotten past them and she had no way of knowing how many men were with him in the keep or if they were already threatining the rest of the family or not.. Lilliths scream might distract her brother's or father in a battle and she didnt want to do that..

It was clear from the mans expression as he stopped short and looked around the room that he had expected her to be in bed asleep.. He spotted her she took up a defensive stance and waited as he advanced.., She shure as hell wasnt going to make this easy on him.. Stop right where ye are.... who are ye ? fer id like ta know the name o the man daft enough ta enter this keep and try ta take what dosna belong ta him...

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At her husbends words Brinna got up from the bed and dressed along side him in leggings and shirt grabbing her own sword as she moved.. following her husbend down the hall she quietly opened Andrews door.. and moved on knowing that all it would take to wake ether boy was a sound not expected.. and the sound of there doors opening in the middle of the night would be enough..

Brinna moved up behind her husbend to do the same with Ians door and to make sure her husbend had enough room to manover in the hall with out worrie of where she was positioned. All this done with out a sound save for the opening of there son's doors..
 
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The two younger men woke hearing their doors open. They both got up and quickly wrapped kilts around their waists, pinning them, and grabbing their swords. They joined their parents in the hall. Both looked around, wondering what was going on until they saw Lillith's door open down the hall a short way. They figured something was going on in there.

Andrew senior moved fast the last little distance. He turned in the doorway and saw a man moving toward Lillith who was still fully dressed and holding a dagger. Andrew looked carefully at the man and his tartan. He saw another piece of tartan hanging from his kilt as well. It was a scrap. He thought hard and then recognised the pattern. He stood up and laughed. "Hey! Boy! Turn around! If ye wanted ta court my daughter, all ye had ta do was ask. Ye din'nae have ta try ta kidnap her. Come with me, we will talk."
 
Lillith looked from the man infront of her to her father tworn between laughter at the mans surpise at hearing her fathers voice and being discovered or shock and anger over her fathers words.. Ohhh its that how it works then da... a mon sneeks in here ta kidnap me and yer just goin ta hand me or ta his keeping? she said anger getting the better of her for the moment..

She didnt sheath her blade just yet unsure what the man would do, it was always possable he might not beleve her fathers words and decide to try and use her as a hostage and take her anyway.

She watched the man think the situation over and as there was no way to actually get past all of them even if he could get ahold of her and leave alive. With out saying a word nodded to the Buchannan..
 
Andrew did not pay much attention to his daughter. She had obviously heard him wrong. He'd said court, not marry. He had no intention of her leaving his holdings now. When the other man nodded to him he nodded back. He waved off the other family members back to bed and led the man downstairs. When they got down there, they had a long conversation about their tribes. In the end, Andrew convinced the young man to return to his clan and stay there for a few weeks, then return. By then, hopefully Lillith would not recognise him. The man could return and try courting Lillith properly. The only condition was that he would be escorted by some of Andrew's men on the way back. He knew that was how Ian and Andrew jr. would get in to the other clan's lands. He gave the man a room on the lower floor as far from his family as he could, with guards outside it. He also strengthened the guard by his family's rooms and outside every possible entrance to the keep before returning to bed and Brinna.
 
Brinna was still awake pacing her chamber waiting for her husbend to return to her she was both angry at the mans intrustion into there home and yet glad Lillith might have a man brave enough and bold enough to win her..

Brinna rand a hand threw her hair as she paced Lillith she knew was fruious tho she had calmed some when she explained that her father was just trying to get the man out of the room with out blood shead.. Brinna knew different but Lillith wasnt happy.. and after the man had entered there home Lillith would not give in easly if she recognized him on his return.

For that reasion she would have to talk to Andrew about keeping Lillith in the dark about the plan until it was in motion and they already had there sons in place.. they could one of them win over the woman from the other clan .

Ohhh what a tangled web we weve she thought and smiled knowning that she might not be married herself had her father not taken matters into his own hands..and she loved Andrew with all her heart Lillith would be fine and her brothers would be near if she needed them.

Lillith and her future husbend if all worked out would just have to figure things out for themselves.. Brinna winced and prayed Lillith wouldnt recognize the lad when he returned to them because if she did as her temper could be alot like Brinnas then all hell would break lose.

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Lillith on the other hand unable to wait a muinet more to find out what was going on opened her bedroom door wide and was just comming down the stairs as her father started up them.. she paused and waited for him her arms crossing over her chest as he reached her..
 
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Andrew got part way up the stairs to see his daughter there. He smiled at her even though she did not seem happy with him. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. "Now now, my daughter. This is time to sleep. Don't you worry about that man. He made a mistake and now he is going home. Do you really think I would let a man like that just take my beloved daughter away from me? No, any man who marries you must properly court you and win your heart. He did not do that so I am sending him away now. So please, return to bed lovely one, and rest your weary head."
 
Lillith looked up at her father the way he was speaking making her think he was up to something but not knowing what it was, and glad that he wasnt going to simply hand her over to any man was a releif.. but she still wondered at his words was the man going home to stay or was he comming back to court her she wasnt sure but for now she decided to let it go and do as he said it was late and they did need some sleep.

Alright da i'll go ta bed but dunna think i dunna ken yer up ta somethin... she kissed his cheek and made her way back to her room and to her bed.. wondering what her brothers thoughts on all that had happened tonight were..and suprised that nether of them had had any questions or gone with father to escort the intruder from there home..
 
Andrew nodded and smiled at the young woman. He watched to make sure she went back to her room. He then went into his room. He smiled as he saw Brinna there. He walked over to her and hugged her, kissing her softly and then bringing her to the bed. They sat on the bed and he told her what the new plan was. Both younger men had seen who it was but had not recognised the tartan. They simply went to bed and decided their father would explain it to them in the morning.
 
Brinna wasnt sure the plan was a safe one but it was an alternative to war if it could be pulled off, and she trusted her husbed enough to follow his lead. The lad would be sent home to return in a few days.

ye'll have ta speak with the lads on the morrow, i'll take Lillith hunting ta keep her from or hearing yer plans... i dunna think Lillith should know her brothers are along ether what er problems she and her future bethrothed have they should work out... i only want them ta enter fear should there be life threatining danger to eather o them.. knowing Lillith she could cause as much damage as he could.. Brinna said thinking out loud both worrie and pride in her voice as she spoke of her daughter..

The hour was growing late tho as she curled up next to her husbend hoping there would be no more interuptions in the night...
 
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