Bethothed.....

[LittleSprite2]

Logan didnt like being talked to as tho he were a child and was tempted to walk out and not return, he might have done just that accept his clan needed an alliance with the Buchannans or risk a war that there clan could not possably win.

Logans men bristled prepaired to defend there Liard but he put up a hand and stopped them from speaking out or reacting. They awaited his decision. I agree ta yer terms i expected no less considering how we met... I am Liard Logan Sinclair.. I've come on behalf o me clan in hopes o avoidin a war..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew noticed that the man was not happy with what he said, but he knew the man could not do anything about it. His men couldn't do anything about it either. The man finally accepted it and Andrew smiled. "Very good. You and your men have rooms in the guest section of the keep. I hope you understand why you must stay there unless you are doing something with Lillith....during the day light. After sunset you must part ways unless I am with you. Now, you may go get settled in." He turned and went to make sure the feast was getting set up properly.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Agreed.. Logan said still not liking being treated as less than what he was.. May i reminde ye liard... i am Liard o me clan as well as ye are yers.. and i am na a child.. dunna treat me as such..


Lillith as Brinna knew was less than thrilled to have yet another suter arrive for her hand and it had taken some time to convince her to change into a dress and talk her into comming down stairs. Brinna couldnt help but smile and shake her head understanding now fully how her father must have felt when trying to her her wed.

Lillith came down the stairs with Brinna she was dressed in a light lavender gown with silver trim and her long blonde hair was pulled back into a braid she did her best not to look angry but anyone who knew her could tell she wasnt exactly thrilled ether.

Brinna was dressed simmalar save that her dress was the green velvet with silver trim that she favored. Brinna came forward to greet her husbend and liard and then there guest. The only sighn that Lillith might have recognized her suter as the man who had entered her chamber was that she had slowed her pace even more pausing for a moment before joining her mother and father.

The fact that she recognized him went unnoticed as she reacted much the same to all of her suters nehter encouraging them or discuraging them. Inside however she was furious how could her mother and father do this too her how could they wed her to a man who had already shown he was willing to enter there home and take her if they dissaproved.. Apparently her thoughts and feelings on the matter didnt count..

She was already making plans to leave in her mind she would not be wed to someone she didnt love .. she was sorry that it might rune her fathers plans and might cause a war but she wanted to make her own choice and not be forced into it..

Lillith sat with her father and Liard Sinclar.. Logan as he introduced himself and did her best to act as she normally would and only too happy to leave the room when the hour grew late enough that she could escape to her chamber..

Brinna winced watching Lillith leave and seeing Logans frown Liard i beg ye excuse Lillith she has no wish ta wed.. dunna take offence she hopes fer love.. Logan looked at Andrew over Brinnas head and sat up straiter shaking his head.. Tis sorry i am that i could not offer her love at least not yet .. perhaps in the future once weve grown to know eachother, but right now love cannot enter into this and has no place it is a matter for the head not the heart if we wish to avoid more blood shead..

 

[Josu_T]

The man was not happy, but neither was Andrew. He would have treated the younger man better if he had not tried kidnapping his daughter, but that was not the case. Andrew mostly ignored the annoyance and hoped he would not create trouble.

Lillith came for dinner and looked lovely, but her temper did not match. It was obvious that she was not happy with anyone or anything. It was apparent that she had misinterpreted her parents' story. As with Andrew and Brinna, they were not being forced to marry, but to give eachother a chance before parting ways. Andrew was not about to force Lillith to marry the man, but he did want her to give Logan the same chance Brinna had given him, even if it was reluctantly. Andrew let Brinna explain to Logan while he got up and went to make sure the guards were extra alert while Logan and his men were anywhere near their lands.

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Meanwhile...

Andrew and Ian made it into Logan's lands with him without being recognised. Once they reached the first village, the rest of the Bucchannon men returned home while the two young men took another course through the wilderness close to the main village of Logan's clan. Once they got close, they changed to look like peasants of the clan. They bought some things in a nearby village and then had a craftsman make them into some extravegant things. They made their way to the main village dressed as merchants. Ian looked like a local haling andrew who looked like a merchant from another clan. He made sure he appeared wise and knowledgable.

They got into the village and were met by locals. Ian blended in with them and Andrew sold things. Eventually word got out to the keep that they were there with some fine wares to sell. Logan's sister finally sent word for them to come meet her to see if there was anything in their inventory she would like to buy. Andrew also hoped she would have interest in new of the world so he could spend time talking to her and getting to know her while at the same time, impressing her. Being the older brother, he would take the first attempt to have her fall for him while also falling in love with her. If either of those things did not happen, then Ian would put his plan into action.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Logan returned home to his own small keep happy to see his sister once more he greeted her warmly, and entered the hall with her. Ye didna bring back a bride brother? Logan shook his head as he sat down with her to explain.

Nay not yet she is a stubborn lass, and needs a few days ta get used ta the idea i'll go back then and try once more ta win her favor. Dunna worrie i'll not let it come ta war. Mora nodded and had there meal served it wasnt long before tails of a traviling merchent reached her ears and she asked Logan if it were possable for her to see what he might have that they could use..

Logan shook his head and smiled giving her a small purse to go and perchace what she wished for it wasnt often they were able to do so. They were a small clan but if the merchent had seeds for planting, cloth or other items that could be useful to them he knew Mora would spend wisely..

Mora stood 5ft 2inches in hight and weghed around 120 lbs soaking wet, she had long redish blonde hair braided down her back, and sea green eyes, that was a match to her brothers she was dressed in a grey gown with a blue hooded cloak over her sholders the hood was down.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Lillith watched from her window as her bethrothed left taking his men with him returning to his own keep she relaxed at least a little now that he was gone but she also knew he would be back.

He didnt seem a bad guy but nor did she feel he was the right one for her, and altho she loved her parents dearly and had no wish to hurt them she wasnt about to sit here and let them make the decisions for her..

Lillith had prepaired her saddle bags as well as bow, quiver of arrows, short sword, and a pack with various other items she thought she might need such as rope flint, and steel a couple of changes of cloathing ect..

She was dressed in leggings, tunic and leather vest, she also took a pair of sissors and cut her hair to just below the ears. Adding a Cap, and the fact that the tunic she wore was actually her brothers and a one size too large hidding her curves she could easly pass for her brother Andrew or just another boy so long as one wasnt looking too closely.

She also hid a money pouch inside of her vest to keep it hidden and safe should she come across any theives by mistake.

Lillith made sure everyone was asleep and the Keep had settled down for the night before slipping from her chambers. She had spiked the guards ale earler with some herbs from the apothacary but made sure not to give them too much just enough to make them fall asleep at there posts..

Seeing that the herbs worked she easly moved past them making her way out of the keep to the stables where she had hidden everything else earler. She saddled her horse, securing her bedroll and extra blanket and pack behind the saddle and double checking her saddle bags to see that all was still there.. The only item she packed that she didnt really need but wanted to have was the lute she had learned to play.

As she lead her horse out of the stable she took one last wistful look at the keep and prayed her mother and father would understand.. and forgive her one day. Lillith lead her horse quietly out into the night away from the village not mounting up until she was far enough away that she wouldnt be heard.

She put the information her mother and father taught her to good use they would only be able to track her movements to the river but they would not be able to find which direction from there she went in or where she might have exited the river at and continued on.

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew spotted a commotion in the street and knew who it must be coming to see him. He smiled as the girl came into view. She was a pretty girl and seemed fairly intelligent. He could tell by the look on her face that she was coming to see what he had to offer. He cleared the peasants away from his cart and stepped up to the girl. He bowed and then smiled at her. "Hello m'lady. Would ye like te see my wares? I have many things that your clan could use or ye could use personally. Take a look and feel free to ask me anything."

Back at home, Andrew sr. was in bed. He did not know that Lillith was running away and would never expect her to do anything like it. When he woke he went to go speak to her to make sure she knew he was not trying to force her to marry. Yet, she was nowhere to be seen. They waited until noon to see if she was just out for some reason. When she was not back, they entered her room. There they found a number of clues, including her hair that had been cut off. That was a dissapointment. It was apparent that she had run off. Andrew was furious. He sent out a number of men to hunt her down and bring her back.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora looked over the wheres in the cart and was pleased to see that there were indeed a few bolts of cloth, she looked at the silks and satans only for a moment, but passed them by asking how much the brown and blue wool fabric cost thinking that it could be used to make new blankets for the villagers and there clans men, as well as cloaks and clothing for the women and children.

There was to her delight also some packets of seeds that could be planted for crops and some for flowers she passed up the flower seeds and asked after the cost of the vegetables as well hoping she had enough for both the cloth and the seeds.

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew watched as she looked through the cart and at all he had to offer. He noticed her interest in some of the finer fabrics, but focused on the fabrics that were better for blankets than clothing. Then she looked through things like seeds and even though she was interested in some flower seeds, she only asked about the crop seeds. He smiled. She was a good woman, focused more on her clan than herself. That was something they had in common. He would need to get to know her more, but they were off to a good start so far. "If you allow me to meet with you this evening at your keep, I will bring all you've shown interest in and we can talk about prices in a much quieter setting."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Once Lillith was satisfied that her trail would not be picked up she begain making her way north she travled the night and day threw covering her tracks and not darining to stop knowing that once her father and mother discovered what she had done that they would send out men to search for her. She avoided MacKay lands and that of her bethrotheds as well having no wish to be caught and returned home.

By the time she did stop however to give her horse a rest and some water she was tired herself.. however she stopped only long enough to rest before continuing on in search of a place to camp for the night, and hoping she was far enough away and that she had done a good enough job at covering her tracks that her family would not find her.

All anyone remembered seeing on the roads in ether direction was a few boy's on horse back, some pesents traviling to live with some distent relitives, but none remembered seeing Lillith or a lone horseman..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew sr. was unable to think straight. He was so angry with Lillith that if he got her back, she would not be leaving her chambers for a very long time. She didn't understand that he was not trying to force her into anything. She should know that he and her mother of anyone she know what she was going through and would not force her to marry. By the end of the night he had no news of her yet and the men were returning. By that time she would be so far gone that searching would take too long and they would be entering other clan lands.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora bit her bottom lip thinking over his words before awncering. I thank ye fer yer offer, but afore i give ye leave ta enter the keep fer anythin i needs ask the liards permission first. She turned away then and begain heading back twords the keep to speak with her brother a little sad thinking the merchent ment to ask a steeper price for his wares, in which case her brother would send him on his way and they wouldnot purchace anything.

Which was too bad really Mora thought for he wasnt bad looking in the least but it was hard to tell what he truly looked like beneath his beard, but if his long blondie hair and strong sholders were any indacation she would wager he was a handsome devil clean shaven. or maybe he kept the beard to hide a scar.. who knew.. ether way it was something she was sure she would never know for even if she did find him interesting he was a merchent and her brother would never approve.

About and hour later some of Logans men came and helped the merchent gather his things and escorted him to the Keep so that Logan could take a look at the wares his sister mentioned and see if they could come to a reasionable price over them.

........................................................

Lillith travled carfully and as silently as she was able over unfamilar tarrain knowing she was no longer on Buchanan lands and far away from any Kin who might give her aid should she have need of it.

She had heard of a loch not far away called Loch Lomond she decided she would camp for the night where she was with no fire not wanting to attract any undo attention and would travle twords the loch in the morning and decide where to go from there once she reached it.

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew nodded and let her go off to talk to her brother. He continued selling things quite cheap to the people in the village, hoping the word would get back to her about that as well. He spent the next hour with the people on the streets. Ian hung around learning all he could without seeming at all like an outsider.

When the men came he gathered the fabrics that she had asked about and the seeds she had asked about. He also took a roll of the silk fiber she had seemed to like the most as well as a basket full of flower seed packets. He carried them himself with Ian bringing two more rolls of the fine fabrics. He entered the keep and put the nice things aside and showed her brother the things she had requested. While he looked at them, he gathered the nice things and went over to Mora. "Hello again m'lady. I have here some gifts for you. These three rolls of fine fabrics and this basket of flower seeds. I noticed how you liked them, but decided to get things for your people rather than just for yourself. So, I'd love to give you these things as a gift and for being such a good person."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora was suprised and shocked by the Merchents offer, for it was quite unexpected she looked from him to her brother before speaking and said. Thank ye i appreceate the offer but i canna accept so fine a gift.

Logan thought the Merchents actions strange the cloth he had offered as well as the flower seeds were indeed quite valuable to those of his class and were not in his experance givin away freely.. and that this man had done so made him want to keep a closer eye on the man.

It could be he thought that he was taken with his sister she was a fair lass and as he had said a good person but he had no home and no way to protect his sister should he even consider such a match no he was not the man for his sister and he would not allow such.. We will take only what she asked about and no more.. What is yer price..for the cloth and the vegetable seeds?

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew was surprised that she said she could not accept his gift. Then again, it had probably been too soon. Yet, she deserved it. He thought on his feet and smiled at them. Merchants were known for having stories to tell. He decided to tell a story. First he would deal with the business though like they wanted. He cited a fairly cheap price that would barely give him a profit, but it would be a profit and he could prove it if they thought he was still trying to do something to impress Mora. His story should take all doubt away though.

"Let me tell you two a story. You see, back when I was a child, I was but a simple peasant. My father was a farmer and my mother a servant. We came upon hard times under a cruel laird. He cared only for himself. Many of his people starved while he ate feasts with English lords. The English betrayed him and he hid in his keep while English soldiers killed the male villagers and raped the women. I ran away. I got away but was being chased. A merchant was coming along the road and he helped me. He taught me all I know. As a result, I vowed that if I ever came along a laird who treated his people badly, I would charge him a lot or not even sell to him. I also vowed that if I found those who truly cared for their people, I would sell cheap and give gifts. So, I insist that you take these gifts."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Logan gave the merchent a questioning look but nodded to Mora letting her know that it was alright and knowing that the man was not asking what the cloth and seeds were really worth paid him extra for them anyway so that he was more than compensated.

To where do ye travel next merchent? If ye've a long way ta go ye and yer mon there may spend the night here before moving on in the morning your wagon will be safe within the walls o the keep. Logan offered indicating Ian who had stayed in the background watching the goings on quitely keeping to himself.

Logan motioned for some men to help Mora carrie the cloth, and seeds to her solar where she and the other women of the house hold could begin putting the cloth to good use. Her gifts were also taken there so that she could do with them as she would

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew was glad that they accepted his gifts. It seemed his story had worked. He was really getting into the role of the merchant. He took the money from Logan and put it in his sporrin. The man asked Andrew where he was going next and that he could spent the night there. Mora went off with all her things. Andrew looked at the other man. "Actually, m'lord, I was intending to stay in the area for a while. I hope to do some trading and to purchase some things. I also intend to learn a lot about the area and some traditional products made as well as some other things. I will set up a camp outside the village. You will not need to worry about me. I will keep to myself mostly. If it is ok with you, of course."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Logan smiled pleased the Merchent was asking permission to stay on his lands and was capable of looking after himself, but Logan still thought he bared keeping an eye on none the less, these times were dangerous and no one was to be taken lightly.. Aye ye may stay and sell yer wares and stay as long as ye like. What did ye say yer name was ?

Mora set to work devining the bolts of cloth into 3 piles of each color. One for cloaks, one for blankets and one for clothing. The fine fabric she wasnt sure what to do with she thought of making some bedding out of it or perhaps some new curtins but one of the maids talked her into making some gowns for herself. Mora tis no often ye do any thin fer yerself use the material ta make a few dress's fer specal occassions and such.. then whats left ye can make curtins or what have ye out o it.. Mora eventually gave in agreeing to use the finner cloth for some new dress's tho unless she married she doubted she would have much occassion to wear them.. there lives here were fairly simple..

She went to bed late that night and smiled thinking that they were fortunate the murchent had things that they could use aside from all the bobbles and ribbons she was glad he had come to them.. She slept comfortable in her own bed.
................................................

Lillith woke in the night hearing some noise not far off and was glad she had not lit a fire. She was instantly on her feet sword in hand she silently moved into some near by bushes and waited to see if whoever made the noises had discovered her camp or if they would move on. She listened to about 3 voices talking but there speach was thicker than her own and harder to understand. It rememinded her of how her dad sounded when he was angry, before calming down enough to speak so they could understand him.

The voices moved further away and she relaxed a bit but not for long she begain quickly and quietly to pack up camp they might not have found her this time around but it was too close a call.

The 3 men returned to there liard and informed him that they had spotted a boy alone in the woods who from the looks of things was the son of a liard who had left home or possably a theif they wernt sure which.. but it wasnt who they were looking for. There liards son had taken the notion to go out on his own even tho it was against his fathers orders and so they were now combing the area in search of him... one of the men laughed because they had found a lad but not Jamie..

Bring him ta me and we'll see who he is and what his buisness is on our lands.. His men nodded and all 3 turned to go back and get the young lad they had seen while searching out Jamie, but to there suprise when they got there the lad and all his belongings were gone.. and there was barly a trace that he had been there at all.. I would say me minds plain tricks on me save fer that ye all saw the lad too.. hes good but Jamie is better our laird will na like this..

 

[Josu_T]

AAndrew was very glad that Logan was letting him stay as long as he wanted. The time could be put to good use, especially when he left to go try courting Lillith again. The man asked his name and again, Andrew had to think on his feet. "I go by Angus. Don't ask my last name, I don't have one. I renounced it a long time ago. I wanted nothing in common with the bastard that let his people get killed and raped by English dogs. anyway, I think you m'lord. If ye or yer sister need anything, my camp is going to be just outside your village and during the day I'll be in the village." With that he bowed to Logan and turned to leave.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Logan watched the man who called himself Angus leave the keep heading he assumed back to his cart and to make his camp just outside the village. Once he was out of sight Logan sought out his own bed for the evening.

Once there he wondered how he could possably convince the Buchannan lass to wed him.. he had not much to offer save his small clan but she wanted love.. which was something he didnt feel and hadnt for a long time..

..................................

Brinna sat by the fire in the great hall looking into the flames.. appearing to have aged a few years over night as there was more silvery grey strands apparent in her hair now then there had been before, and she looked tired from waiting up hoping to hear some news or to see if she would return on her own, they still had not found Lillith and she almost wished she hadnt taught her daughter how to hide her tracks so well..

She looked up when her husbend joined her and said. We shall have ta send word ta Sinclar and tell him o Lilliths dissapearance.. The boys will recognize our messanger and one o them can intercept him after the news is deliverd ta the liard. I see no other option here save ta apologize and pray he wishes ta avoid war more than he cares fer his pride. He did himself say that he didna love her twas peace that matterd...

Brinna couldnt blame the Liard tho for being angry if she were in his shoes she would be furious but the liard had also proved to have some sence and was trying to avoid war.. perhaps they could offer one of there sons in Lilliths place to wed his sister.. but to do that they would have to call there sons home.. Andrew love... call the lads home.. we may have a simpler way ta end this if one o them has fallen fer the Liards sister then we may still avoid battle.

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew left the keep with Ian and walked off toward the village. They arrived and made sure they had everything. Then they went just outside the village and set up a camp. Once they were out of earshot of the villagers, Ian laughed and commented on the story Andrew made up, claiming he could have easily come up with better. They got everything ready and went to bed.
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Back at home, Andrew sr. entered the hall and joined his wife. She looked very worried. Andrew was less worried. She suggested sending word to her suitor. He shook his head at all she said. "We will not tell him at all. Andrew and Ian are there and they need a chance to be there without Logan watching them. They need to get to know his sister without him interfering. We will let him come back here in a few days. When he arrives, we will tell him she went on an emergency trip north to help with some problems my brother has been having. We will tell him that her brothers are there as well. Also, you need to worry less, love. Your daughter is just like you. She will be fine out there. Eventually she will calm down and come to her senses. Then she will return and we can deal with her then."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Aye love i know yer right.. me mind tells me she'll be fine but as a mother i canna help but hope she finds somone ta look after her afore anythin happins.. She turned then and smiled at her husbend Well wait as ye wish until Sinclair returns but i think he deserves tha truth.. how would ye feel in his place? Brinna was tired and she knew her husbend was too they had both had a long and trying day and the evening had gotten no better. Let us go ta bed and get some sleep we'll see what can be done on the morrow..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew nodded at her and got up. He smiled as he lifted her from her seat and carried her upstairs, ignoring all her protests. Once he got upstairs he laid her down on the bed. He then crawled in next to her and tried to get her mind off their missing daughter. He was sure she would be fine on her own, at least he hoped so. They had taught her well. He held Brinna close and caressed her softly. He didn't want her to be so worried.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Lillith reached Loch Lomond only that morning it rained the night before and she couldnt help but smile at her reflection in the water. She was filthy and defanatly wouldnt be mistatken for a woman now unless she spoke to anyone her voice would be all that gave her away.

So far she had been lucky and had only had the one close call at being found. She let her horse drink and munched on some dry rations she had brought with her the question she had to ask herself now was where did she want to go and what did she want to see, and could she do it with out being caught or killed as a tresspasser or spy..

Inveraray wasnt far to travle from Loch Lomond perhaps a weeks travle at best on horseback, and she could hunt along the way if she ran out of rations.. two weeks more likely for her however as she would have to avoid the main roads to get there, and knowing her father he had already sent word to the negbornin clans to look for her.. word in the highlands spread like wild fire and so she would have to keep moving or join up with someone to keep from being discovered..

Looking like she did now however helped go along ways twords not being found out right away.. she just had to avoid bathing, talking to anyone and stay off the main roads..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew jr. woke in the morning with the scents of Ian's cooking filling the air. He smilde at his brother who handed him a plate of food. They decided what they would do that day. Andrew would continue his charade as a merchant in the village. Ian would learn all he could from the villagers about the clan leaders. They would both try learning when Logan intended to leave. When he left they would have a few days to really try getting to know Mora without her brother interfering. Andrew intended to tell many stories of the world so word of them would get to her and she may want to learn more about the world from him.