Bethothed.....

[Josu_T]

Adrew was a little surprised when Mora stood and slapped him across the face. He showed no emotion about it. She had every right to do that to him. She explained it and then asked why he was there. She also asked why he was telling her. She looked flustered. He took a breath and released it slowly. "You have every right to slap me. I did lie to you, and for that I am sorry but it was nessecary. I already told you that we came to get to know you. As for why I'm telling you, that is not so simple. You see, I have gotten to know you over the past couple of days. You are beautiful, intelligent, kind, and many other great things. I have feelings for you that I feel could develop, but not unless you know who I really am." He left it at that and waited for her reaction.

-------------------------------------------------------------

He saw the reaction to her entering the hall. He did not like it. He did not see how she took it, but once they reached the table, he stayed standing and adressed everyone there. "Excuse me everyone. I've seen the looks on your faces. I am announcing now that she is here as my guest. She is off limits for any of you unless it is truly an innocent converation. If any of you so much as look at her inappropriately, you will answer to me. I hope for your sakes that I am understood. Thank you, now return to eating." He turned away from them and sat. He gave a small smile to her and waited for food to be brought to them.

 

[LittleSprite2]

For a moment Mora felt much like there sister Lillith had she felt angry and hurt that she would be used just to end this war, but then she thought of her people and she also thought that Angus... no Andrew she must start to think of him as who he truly was .. was trying to tell her he might love her and heven help her she felt the same it was just that she didnt really know him.. not really... but that didnt matter.. if they were going to marrie if that was his wish.

they needed to do it before her brother returned or he would not allow it nor would the people who were conspiring against her brother for they wanted war not peace.. I dunna really know who ye are.... yer no the man i've come ta know but i am willin ta learn who ye truly are... i wish we had more time but we donna me brother will return soon..
-------------------------------------------------------------

Lillith was surprised by Roberts announcment most men wouldnot have bothered with such trusting that his clansmen would know better, but she was glad he had noticed there reaction to her and had taken steps to assure her safety. There were only a few who looked as tho they might go against his wishes but not openly soon they turned to there meals as well...The meal they ate was delishous and she enjoyed the entertainments that followed.

It wasnt long before she found her own chambers but was still unable to sleep, seeing that her saddle bags and belongings had been brought to her room she searched for and found her flute.. she slowly and carefully made her way to a quiet spot out of the way on the battlements and begain to play a soft lovely but sad and haunting tune...

 

[Josu_T]

Robert sat and watched the other men until they were all doing as he had told them. They knew better than to go against what he said. He was a good man and kind to his people, but he could also be tough when needed. He started eating and made sure Lillith had a good time and a good meal. He wanted her stay to be as comfortable as possible while she went through the tough time of dealing with her father.

After dinner Lillith went off to her room. Robert went and met with his father. they went outside to talk privately about many things, including Lillith. Suddenly they heard a flute being played. They moved quietly so they could see who it was. When they saw Lillith they both just smiled and moved away again to their quiet spot. They continued talking and Robert's father saw the beginning of something in his son. When they went to bed, what he'd seen in his son, that was starting to develop, had a smile the older man's face.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Andrew looked on as Mora thought for a minute. He was nervous. He started thinking and doubting his timing telling her. Then she responded and he smiled at her. She said she didn't know him, but he'd prove that the only thing different between Angus and Andrew was a name, profession, and some stories. He was glad she was willing to give him a chance though.

She was also worried about her brother returning. He smiled more at that. "Since I let my parents know there is a chance I may fall for you, they are going to keep your brother at our home for as long as possible. The thing is that my sister won't be back for a while. We don't know where she is. Ian left to try finding her. She ran away because she thinks our father is trying to force her to marry your brother. Please do not tell your brother that. It would ruin things for everyone, including him and yourself."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora's eyes flashed dangerously as she spoke.. So the offer to court your sister was a lie then a stall tactic.....but one she didnt know of and to make matters worse she ran away... to what end.. what differance is there in what you offer in ending this situation and what my brother tryed accept that you got to know me a bit first.... I would run as your sister has if i could.. but i cannot abandon my people..

Mora was frustrated this whole situation was a mess she didnt know wether to laugh or cry.. altho she knew she couldnt have married Angus she had indeed started falling for him... and now she could marrie not angus but Andrew, she didnt know him .... she would wed this man if he asked for her people and hope to get to know the real him and come to love him as who he really was.. if it were possable..

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

Lillith played two more mellodys before the night air grew chilli enough to invade her thoughts and mind shivering a bit she made her way back inside. She made it to her bedchamber with little trouble getting turned around only once in the dark winding halls before arriving safely.

She added another log to the fireplace in her harth sitting infront of it for a bit to warm herself thinking that she would find her bed when she wasnt so cold she accidently fell asleep in the chair near the harth.

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew frowned and shook his head as she spoke. She did not understand what he was saying. "No, Mora, listen. The courting offer was no lie, not a trick. It was for real, but we would not let him marry her without love. She misunderstood as you do now. She thought we were forcing a marriage, but we were not. My father would never do that. You know his story already. Anyway, my sister made a mistake when she ran away. As for what I'm doing, I am not trying to force you to marry me. You have no reason to run. I just want to get to know you and see if there is a chance. If we do not fall in love, I will leave. I only did what I did because I knew your brother and possibly some of your people would not approve. You know that as well as I do. I had to do what I did for there to be any chance, and I feel that there truly is one. Please, do not be angry with me."

------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert woke in the morning and went to the dining hall. He listened to reports about things. This was the only time he could do his suties since he was pretending not to be the laird's son while Lillith was around. It was helping him get to know her better and get closer to her. If she knew who he really was, she might treat him differently and their friendship might not develop as well. He liked her and wanted to get to know what she was like around people who are not nobility. Even as he worked, he found himself wishing she was awake already.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora sighed knowing that he was right and that her anger would not help ether of them it was something she would have to work past so that they could move forward, not only for her peoples sakes but for both his and hers if what they were beginning to feel for one another had a chance.

Alright i agree to give this a chance and to come to know you for who you really are tho we have not but a few days before my brother will return in which to do so. For now i would go to bed and rest, i will have a chamber prepaired for you so that you may rest with in these walls as you should.

She offered both hoping he would accept as it would bring them closer and make it easer to spend time with one another and not wanting him too for his closeness also made her feel a bit shy now that she knew who he was..

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

Lillith woke the next morning, found her extra set of leggings and tunic that had been packed in her things and dressed in them. Her shortsword and Bow had not yet been returned to her and so they were not at her side.

Her hair she left in a simple braid but then upon reflection decided a gown would be best these people were not accustomed to seeing a woman in leggings as were her own and from the looks sent her way at the table last eve she dared not tempt fate.. and so tradded her leggings and tunic for a gown of light lavender that matched her eyes.. her long blonde hair still in its single braid she made her way down to break her fast.

Seeing Robert at the high board dealing with the people she wondered who he was if not the liards son to take on such tasks for the Liard of the clan. If the Liard had no sons then perhaps Robert was the Liards choice for when he passed for the Liard altho alive and in decent health was not a young man by any means..

Not wishing to enter fear she quietly slipped from the hall and wondered around the grounds. It was a beutiful morning and quiet one that would be good for hunting.. She made her way over to the training grounds and watched the men train admiring there skills and even seeing a few things that they did differently from her own that she wouldnt mind learning herself..

One man moved away from a tree where he had been watching the training and her sence she had arrived there.. Lillith watched him approch something about him altho he hadnt spoken or tryed to harm her warned her to be careful. Well well come to watch us train Lady? I can teach you a thing or two.. He said a mocking smile and tone to his voice that indicated it was not sword play he had in mind. My Name is Conner..

His eyes looked her over from head to toe apreceating the view. She knew he would not do anything out here in the open with so many around, but she didnt want to give him any cause to seek her out later ether if she could help it. Ye look lovely in a gown lass.. i wouldna mind seen more o ye..

Lillith didnt show him any fear but she had to be careful not to be too bold lest he try to prove himself by force. Aye well i thank ye fer yer offer but i think not..You are too bold and had i my sword i would teach ye some caution.. Conner moved closer to her but did not touch her. Perhaps another time then..for i would look forward ta taken ye down and puttin ye in yer place.. a woman belongs in a mons bed, and at home.. not in battle.. he said and moved away seeing Robert making his way twords them out of the cornner of his eye.

As Conner moved away Lillith wished she had ignored him rather than tryed to take care of the situation herself, but this was a problem she had never faced at home for the men there were used to such sights from her mother and her and so were not bothered by it.

Where as these men felt threatened and the need to prove themselves better, for once she was out of her depth but she felt she could take care of herself she always had to a point.. maybe if she gave her word to Robert that she would not leave he would consider at least letting her have her shortsword or dagger back..

Seeing Robert herself she moved to meet him.. Greetings Robert.. tis a fine mornning aye?

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew's smile returned to his face as she spoke. Each word was better than the last. As she finished he nodded. "Yes, that would be very nice. I will go and gather my things and bring them back here. Also, everything else I have left among my things I was selling as a merchant, is a gift for you and your clan. I also want to return the money that people spent on my wares. I will go house to house and ask what they bought from me and then pay them back for it. I can do that tomorrow."

With that he bowed to her and took his leave. He went to his camp and paked it all up. He had purposely not given her a chance to deny his gift and that he would pay back her people what they had paid for his things. He pulled his cart up to the keep and left it outside with the guards. They would know where to put it. He then went back inside and waited for someone to show him his room.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert was just finishing his duties when he got a report that Lillith was awake. He got up and went to go find her. A minute later he got a report that she was outside. The person who told him seemed worried that Conner was bothering her. He got outside and saw which Conner it was. He knew that man and knew he was up to no good. He told the guard to remove him from the keep and the training area and not let him back until Lillith was gone. He had a family in the village. He would stay there. He knew what was being said and he had warned them all. He would not go back on his word. That man would not be allowed to train or do anything in the keep until Robert returned that privledge to him. He would do the same to any man caught doing what Conner was surely doing.

He approached them and, as expected, Conner snuck off. He was picked up by the guards once away from Lillith. They covered his mouth to prevent noise and dragged him away from the keep. Once there they would explain to him that he was not allowed back. Robert smiled at Lillith. "Yes, it is a very nice morning. However, I would like it if you did not go anywhere without a guard with you. I would prefer it if you only went outside with me. If you do go out on your own, for I can't stop you, I want you to tell me of anyone that acts inappropriately toward you. I know that Conner surely did. That is why he has been thrown out. He will not bother you anywhere near here again. Now, what do you feel like doing this morning?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora set about directing the servents to prepair a chamber as Andrew walked away, she also gave instructions as to the wagon and the items inside most of which would go to the widow who cared for the children and other familys in need.

She waited in the hall for Andrews return showing him the way to his chamber herself.. Here we are m'lord.. if this chamber is not to your liking or if there is anything else you need, i am down the hall to the right you have only to ask myself or the servents. she said quietly so as not to wake those who were already asleep above stairs.

She moved further into the chamber to allow him entry and give him a chance to look around.. As he studied the chamber she once again thought how handsome he was and looking as she was she wondered how she could ever have mistaken him for a merchent..

his broad sholders and strong arms alone showed him to be a warrior.. what would it be like to be held and kissed by him....not wanting to be caught staring, or for him to guess her thoughts she cleared her throat and said.. well good night then.. and begain moving twords the door..

 

[Josu_T]

When Andrew got back to the keep he was led to a room by Mora. She started calling him lord and other such things. He looked around the room, but anything was better than camping outside. He smiled. He noticed her looking at him, but did not say anything. If they did fall for eachother, they would have plenty of time to be close and do other such things. She said goodnight and moved toward the door. He moved over to her and stopped her. He held her arms and looked at her. "I just want to make sure you know that I'm sorry. I really am sorry for lying. Also, you don't need to call me lord, call me Andrew. Finally, thank you for the room. It is great and I don't think there is anything else I need. Good night."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora's breath caught in her throat as Andrew stopped her and she wondered if he would kiss her, she released her breath and wondered why she felt a bit disapointed that he had not kissed her, she knew she should be glad he had not and was confused by her own feelings, and hoped her confusion didnt show....

I understand my L... i mean Andrew, and i accpet your apologies, i shall see you in the moring. Mora said softly in responce and let her hands slide slowly from his as she left the room. Entering her own room she readied herself for bed and tossed and turned her thoughts on the man in the room down the hall from her own..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew let Mora go and part of him regretted it. He wanted to stay by her side. She walked out the door and then it closed. He sighed and moved to his bed. He climbed in and under the blankets. As he drifted off to sleep he thought of Mora and of his family. He hoped his family was doing well, wherever each of them was at that time. He also thought that Mora would make a great addition to his family. He fell asleep and dreamed of starting a family of his own with Mora.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Robert was just finishing his duties when he got a report that Lillith was awake. He got up and went to go find her. A minute later he got a report that she was outside. The person who told him seemed worried that Conner was bothering her. He got outside and saw which Conner it was. He knew that man and knew he was up to no good. He told the guard to remove him from the keep and the training area and not let him back until Lillith was gone. He had a family in the village. He would stay there. He knew what was being said and he had warned them all. He would not go back on his word. That man would not be allowed to train or do anything in the keep until Robert returned that privledge to him. He would do the same to any man caught doing what Conner was surely doing.

He approached them and, as expected, Conner snuck off. He was picked up by the guards once away from Lillith. They covered his mouth to prevent noise and dragged him away from the keep. Once there they would explain to him that he was not allowed back. Robert smiled at Lillith. "Yes, it is a very nice morning. However, I would like it if you did not go anywhere without a guard with you. I would prefer it if you only went outside with me. If you do go out on your own, for I can't stop you, I want you to tell me of anyone that acts inappropriately toward you. I know that Conner surely did. That is why he has been thrown out. He will not bother you anywhere near here again. Now, what do you feel like doing this morning?"

While i do thank you for your aid , if you throw every man out when he has done no harm save speaking to me you will make enemeys of your own people or soon have none left. He but sought to bring me down a peg or two i think he feels as most men do that a womans place is in the home not hunting or on a battle field.. but i do hear your words and understand your cautions i will be more careful..... perhaps in the event something dose happen you might consider allowing me to have at least my dirk back?

She said half teasig and half serious because she knew it was truly no laughing matter but nor did she want to make enemys of his people. She hoped to come to know them better.. He then asked her what she felt like doing this morning and she smiled. Well.. i wouldnt mind a rematch at the archery range.. she said.

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

Mora woke the next morning and dressed her hair pulled back into a braid she told the servents to let Andrew sleep as long as he wished and went down to over see the preperations for breakfast, and other tasks that needed to be completed, it wasnt until she finnaly had a chance to sit down that morning that she wondered what her brothers reaction would be upon returning home to find Andrew there... he would already be angry from having Lillith flee and his plans there in shreads... she bit her bottom lip for a moment as she thought these things over and yet she would not refuse Andrew for to do so would put there people at even more risk.. fate was sometimes crule but at least it was kind in that she senced Andrew might care for her as she did him..

 

[Josu_T]

He listened to her as she spoke. She tried to downplay how bad Conner had been. He knew better than that. Then she suggested she get her knife back. She finally suggested a rematch of archery. He smiled at her. "Well, about your dirk, I can give it back to you only if you give me your word that you won't use it to escape and won't use it on anyone unless it is absolutely needed. If you can, try not to kill anyone. As for a rematch, if you're ready to lose again, I'm sure another match can be arranged.

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

Andrew woke the next morning and got out of bed slowly. He dressed and went to stand by the window for a little while. He looked out at the view and relaxed. When he smelled dinner cooking he finally left the room and went down the hall toward the dining room. He entered and saw Mora. He smiled and walked over to her. He sat across the table from her and soon had a drink. "Good morning Mora. I hope you had a ncie sleep, I had a good rest. Thankyou for everything."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora blushed and nodded your welcome, here break yer fast. there were platters of food and a bowl of fruit for them to share after they had eaten she looked over at him wondering what to say now or do. You said the tail you told of your family was true? will you tell me more of them? She asked curious.

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

Lillith smiled she knew she hadnt fooled him in the least Aye i agree ta yer terms, besides i already gave me word that i wouldna leave just yet.. and as fer the match ye best be prepaird ta lose i am ready this time.. She said teasing him. As they walked twords the range and prepaired for the next round in there contest..

From the woods Conner watched the pair enter another round of archery both evenly matched as far as anyone could tell and altho he hated to admit it the woman did have some skill.. but she had also been the cause of his bannishment.. he should have kept a better guard on his temper and toung but had not.. this was not the end however he would find away to put her in her place yet... for now he would bide his time..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew ate and enjoyed both the meal and the company. After he finished eating, Mora asked him about the story he'd told and whether he'd tell her more. He smiled at her. "I will tell you more stories a little later. Tonight by the fire in a better setting for stories. Until then, what is planned for us to do today?" He finished his drink and put the cup down, waiting to hear what they would be doing.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert led her to the archery range where she was given her own bow and arrows. They would take them back afterward and store them properly with the other things. He got the targets set up much farther than they would normally be set up right away since they knew the regular distances would be too easy. Then the competition started. They were evenly matched until the end. Then he decided on an interesting challenge. He whispered something to one of the other men and sent him running to do what he'd been told. Then he turned to Lillith. "Ok, the challenge is this. We shoot our arrows over the keep. The one who can get their arrows the closest to the wall on the other side wins. We will take the average distance of all five arrows show by both of us and the best average wins. If you don't make it over, you shoot the arrow again. Do we have a deal for the final challenge?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora wondered indeed what they could do today. The other garments were nearly finnished but not ready yet to be distributed, she did however need to go into the village to look over see the planting for there crops in her brothers absence tho he would arrive on the morrow and look them over again twas something she would not avoid. Would ye care ta join me in o'er seein ta the plantin.. ? she asked thinking that they could share in eachothers company for the ride and as the day progressed.

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

Lilliths eyes sparkled with both humor and delight as she accepted his challange.. The familar feel and weight of her own bow comforting and giving conficance tho this new test of there skills could be dangerous because they could not see the otherside.. she worried for any servents who might wonder by or children who may run threw playing and not know what was happining.

Aye i accept altho i think ye should warn everyone ta stay back i'd not like ta hit a servent or child due to our contest.. she said.. her genuine concern for his peoples well bing evident as she awaited his responce.

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew sat and waited until she answered. She could have suggested anything at all and he would have agreed. He just wanted to spend time with her, no matter what they were doing. The moment she asked, he nodded and agreed with her. "Yes, that sounds fine to me." He slowly got up from his seat and moved around to hers and pulled her chair out for her. He smiled at her. "Lead the way. I have learned much about this place, but it is your village and your people, so you can take the lead."

------------------------------------------------------------

She showed her concern about hitting people and he smiled and nodded. "Of course. I already sent someone to clear the area along the entire building and other side. Though if we are as skilled as it seems, we should not hit them. Anyway, as soon as we hear the signal whistle that the area is clear, feel free to take the first shot." He smiled at her and backed off, letting her figure out where to set up and how to stand. He watched her, wondering where he should stand and what stance he should use.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora was both surprised and pleased that he allowed her to take the lead such did not often happen for ushually twas the man who took the lead but then she remembered the storie he had told of his mother and knew that he understood that women could use there brains and do things as well if allowed to do so.

She had thought her brother was one of very few men who understood such a thing it thrilled her to no end that there were more men out there who thought the same and that she had found one..

She smiled and took the lead walking not infront of him but rather beside him so they could talk as they went to the stables and gathered there mounts heading out to the feilds.

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

Mora's brother however was growing more impacent and knew he couldnt wait for a reluctent girl to arrive and had a feeling that even where she to show at that moment no wedding between them would be forth comming, and so he was waisting time..

time that could be better spent fortifying his holdings and preparing his people.. he would have to send his sister away to some relitives in another clan for safty for he would not allow her to die for his foolish ness in hoping to end this peacfully in a marrage..

he should have taken the lass when he had had the chance.. now his people would feel all the more insulted and he would not be able to hold them back from making war for if he did he would appear weak and be but the first to fall..

Not wishing to be detained or held captive Mora's brother left a massave for Andrew and Brinna to receive in the morning and mounted his horse that evening after everyone had gone to bed and headed back twords his own holdings......The Massave read.... Liard Buchanan... Lady Buchanan.. I wish to apologize but i must return to my holdings.. you may tell your daughter when she arrives she need not fear any futher advances from me. concerning marrage, altho i should have liked to end this between us all peacfully.. I must now take my leave so that i can send my sister to safety and prepair my people...

He road into the bally of his keep just moments after Mora and Andrew road out to inspect the feilds and supervise ther planting.. He was tired and dirty from his long ride home threw the night and looked forward to a hot bath and good food.. so it was a surprise when he entered the hall and his sister was no where in sight...

Asking after her a servent told him she had gone to inspect the fields in his absence for which he nodded his head in acceptance starting to relax until he heard the servent also explain that she was accompined by Lord Andrew Buchanan..... His temper exploded for a moment as he Shouted WHAT!!! and then seeing the servent frightened he tryed to calme himself enoung to get infromation from her... When did he arrive?? How long has he been here??

I.. I donna know .. ... no no long...the Lady Mora asked us ta prepair a chamber last eve.. Deciding his bath could wait he turned on his heel and walking out noticed the peddlers cart, and frowned not seeing Anugs anywhere about .. his suspissions rose and he decided it was time for awncers.. Calling for a fresh horse he mounted up and road out to the fields in search of his sister and Andrew Buchanan.

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

Lillith relaxed glad that there would be no chance for his people to be injured she awaited the signal and when it was given she took up her stance carefully notched the arrow and took aim pulling back the string she held it for a few moments before releasing it..

She watched it sail over the wall to land somewhere on the otherside.. Yer turn .. she said grinning as she now watched him take up his own stance and prepair to fire.

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

It had taken Ian longer then he would like to admit to find his sisters trail but after a full day and night of searching he finnally picked up where she had left the river and begain follwing her tracks.. made even harder to follow by the prints of his fathers men when they had come in this direction in search of Lillith.. As he continued on he found the place where Lillith had camped for the night and stopped there himself reading the signs .. she had been good at covering up the fact that she had been there and infact had it not been for the fact that she had come close to being captured by another clan and he noted signs of there presance he might not have found her camp.. well twas his turn to stop and rest now..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew smiled as he walked along side Mora. Soon they made it to the stables and hopped up on thier horses. They talked the entire way to the fields. She was a smart girl and very pretty. He also felt his connection with her grow. He had a good feeling that she could be the one for him. He hoped that he still had more time before her brother returned. He also hoped she felt the same way about him as he did about her. They got to the fields and he let her do what she wanted and lead how she wanted.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert watched Lillith take her first shot. Then he found his prefered spot, put an arrow on the string, focused, pulled back, and fired. His arrow flew through the air and landed on the other side. He stepped back and let Lillith take her shot. The contest went back and forth for each of their five shots, neither knowing how well they did. When the last shot was over the wall, Robert handed his bow to someone so they could hold onto it. He then led Lillith around to the other side of the keep to see how they had done.

----------------------------------------------

When Andrew sr. got the message from their guest saying he was leaving, he cursed. Yet, he also had to laugh. The man seemed set on war between them unless he married Lillith. There was no need to fight though. He really just hoped the boys had enough time to get to know Mora and whether they cared for her or not. He hoped to hear soon about that.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora was enjoying the time spent with Andrew she asked his opinon here and there but he left much of it up to her to decide which helped her to relax more and more, until she hear the fast comming hoof beats of a horse and rider she turned in her saddle to see who approched them and paled seeing her brother...

ohh lord she thought what now... as her brother grew closer she could see that he was angry..she paled a bit, but not one to cower she faced him waiting for him to reach them.. she chanced a glance over at Andrew wondering what he was thinking when her brother reached them..

What goes here Buchanan??? I demand some awncers.. the truth now if you please... What means This??? he asked indicating Mora and All that had passed the last few days..

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

Lillith sholedered her own bow as was habbit and gave her hand to Andrew as they walked around to see who had won, and had to laugh.. they had tied in this match.. each of there arrows made a zig zag pattern getting closer and closer to the wall until there last arrows which were stuck side by side in the branch of a small tree growing up next to the wall itself. well it appears we both win .. had we wagered i would have asked ye ta let me keep more than just my dagger.. what of ye what would ye have asked fer as yer prize??

she looked up at him as the words left her mouth and the way he was looking at her seemed to hold her in place and she was again reminded of how handsome he was, was he married she wondered did he have any children? What would he reply should she ask..but mostly was he going to kiss her or ... she shook her self free from her thoughts blushed a bit and moved to retreive there arrows..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew was glad to be there with Mora. She seemed to be doing a good job of making decisions. Then he heard someone approaching fast on horseback. He turned to look and had a hand near his sword to be safe. He noticed who it was and did not panic. The man seemed very angry and demanded to know what he was doing. Andrew looked at him for a moment before explaining. "I'm doing the kind of thing that you should have done. I'm getting to know your sister to see if there may be a connection between us. What I'm not trying to do is force her to do anything or kidnap her like you tried doing with my sister. You are lucky my father didn't just kill you that night when we caught you. Now calm down, I am not doing anything wrong."

----------------------------------

Robert was surprised to see that they were tied. He laughed and then looked at Lillith. Her question caught him off guard a little. He had not thought about that. She had a strange look on her face as well. He wondered what she was thinking, but didn't have a great idea. She then went to get her arrows. He joined her. He had no idea what he would have asked for if they had wagered. He decided not to think about it.

 

[LittleSprite2]

As Mora's brother thought over Andrews words he hoped that they could come to terms and peace between the clans... Aye ye did.. ye could ha come and talked with me rather than sneekin in here.. but i supose i could expect no less fer i did sneek in ta yer keep first.. Mora ta the keep.. Buchanan if yer of a mind i'd like ye ta join us as well so we can discuss this furhter.. Once i've bathed and had a chance ta eat.

Mora didnt argue altho she looked as tho she might like to she wasnt sure if her brother wanted to run Andrew threw, hold him prisoner or if he was hoping to make an arrangement threw her and Andrew as he had hoped for between himself and Lillith which from the looks of her brother did not go well..

Mora entered the keep ahead of her brother and Andrew sending servents to prepair a bath as well as hot meal for her brother.

Andrew was asked to wait in the dinning hall while Mora's brother pulled her to the side where Andrew could not hear and asked her what she thought of him and if she would be happy with the Buchanan should he make an offer for her.. Mora blushed but was honest with him and said that she liked him alot and she thought that she could indeed come to love him.

Her brother nodded and continued up the stairs to his chamber bathing quickly and donning some clean clothing before comming once more back down the stairs to speak with Andrew Buchanan..

Mora while waiting for her brothers return stayed in the dinning hall with Andrew but was silent her life from here on out would be decided by these two men, she was all at once hopefull, worried and afraid.. but when she looked up seeing Andrews features she also felt the beginings of love... did he feel it also?? Where had the morning gone??

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

After gathering the arrows Lillith thanked him for the contest and handed over her bow and arrows altho she wished she hadnt needed to, and left him to go about his deuties for she was sure he had better things to do besides following her about and simply explored the keep. None of the men bothered her but they did note where she went and so forth making sure to report to Robert..

She felt restless almost caged.. before she could come and go as she pleased and was safe here altho they ment well and were intent on keeping her safe she couldnt also help but feel like a prisoner and trapped..

She made her way to her room and found her flute she made her way to the gardens with in the keeps walls and settled on a bench to play for she knew nothing really of being a Lady, sewing and painting were not really her thing but she could play and sing altho she doubted that would contribute much. Her other skills lay in her archery and sword another set of skills she could not really put to good use at the moment..

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew said nothing and simply followed back to the keep. He sat where he was told to wait and just relaxed. He thought hard about his feelings for Mora so he would know what to say when the question was asked. He knew it would be eventually. Mora was pulled aside for a moment with her brother and then sat near him. She was silent. He didn't know what had been said. He hoped it was good.

When her brother returned, he got up and waited for the man to lead him somewhere that they could talk. He had to be careful what he said though. He did not want to anger the man and give him a reason to attack him or even just send him away before he was sure about his feelings for Mora. He was fairly sure, but he needed another day or two to definitely know.

----------------------------------------------------

Robert was a little surprised and a little dissapointed that Lillith just went off on her own. He let her go though and went to do other work. He got men every so often telling him where she was. He also sent men to keep an eye on certain trouble making men in the village, ones that Robert expected might try something with Lillith. When he heard that Lillith was going to the gardens though, he felt a little uneasy about what might happen there. He decided to go make sure she stayed safe. He entered the garden and looked for Lillith. Luckily he was able to follow the sounds of her playing. Once he located her he walked down the path toward her and smiled.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Mora's brother walked over to where Andrew and his sister sat awaiting him and nodded to one of his men in a silent signal go guard the doors for two reasions.. one to keep there discussion from being interupted and two if things didnt go as he hoped then Andrew would be the first caputred in this battle.

Sitting now with the two of them he sent his sister a look which she knew ment for her to stay quite and let them talk before he looked back at Andrew and said.. I've spoken with me sister and know how she feels fer ye... now i would know how tis ye feel and what ye intend.... he appeared relaxed as he sat in his chair his arms resting on the table but in truth could easly reach his sword if it became needed but hoped he would not.

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

Lillith hadnt heard Robert on the path as she played until she looked up and saw him there smiling as he came twords her, she stoped playing and put the flute away a bit embarassed at having been caught playing.. the flute now rested comfortably on her lap Welcome ... will ye join me? she asked moving over on the bench so he had room to sit with her if he liked.

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

After having rested awhile Ian remounted and moved on they had lost enough time in comming after Lillith and if he were to catch her up he would needs keep moving. After traviling some more and following the still faint signs of his sisters passing he came across the area where she had stopped to give aid to an injured person... he could tell by the tracks that there had been a raid on another clan and that who ever his sister had found had been left for dead... he could also see where the clan had returned for there dead and when Lilliths horses tracks did not lead away from the area he figured she must have gone with them..... and begain following that trail.

 

[Josu_T]

Andrew watched Mora's brother enter the room and sit. He noticed the signal and the guard move. He listened to what he said and then paused for a moment before giving his answer. He was a little surprised that he asked him this in front of Mora. However, she had every right to know and to hear it directly from him. "I'll tell you how I feel. I care about Mora. I feel very strongly. I don't know how love feels, but if it is not what I have now, I think it will come soon. My intention is to stay near her to find out exactly how I feel." He looked at the man and then at Mora and waited for someone to say something.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Robert smiled at her and sat next to her. He was a little dissapointed that she had stopped playing. He looked into her eyes for a moment and then to the flute. He gestured toward it. "Why did you stop playing? Keep going. It sounded very nice. Play me a nice song. I'd love to hear it." He smiled at her and hoped she would play. She was talented.