Bethothed.....

[Josu_T]

Ian travelled the next day. He packed his horse with many things and then started the journey into England. He took a winding route so no one knew where he was going. As he neared the first English town he changed clothing and practiced his accent. When he entered he was Ian Smith once more. Returning from his perilous trip north. He entered the twon and found his old friend. He got back all he had left behind and all the money he had left behind. He could not use coins from back home. That would give him away in an instant.

He was now completely in character. He even made offensive remarks about the Scots. He spent a day with his friend before continuing off toward London. The trip was long and hard. Yet every day he found it easier to remain in character. By the time he reached London he was fully English all day long, every day.

He entered London and got settled in a small home that he had purchased last time he was there. It was just as he had left it. It was small, but cosy. Just right for him. He retrieved his hidden stash of money from beneath the floor. It was all there. Enough to last him for quite a while, no matter what he needed to do. It had taken a lot of work to get all of this saved up. Including some theft from wealthy Englishmen. They deserved it though.

The next thing he did was go to a contact he had with the English army. He spent a day with him telling him of his trip into enemy territory. He fed him a lot of false information about the state of Scotland. He told him that at the moment there were very few feuds between clans. There was a high chance that if they attacked any time soon, all of the Scots would join forces to defend their homeland. So any planned actions should wait for at least a few months.

Ian spent a week just getting setlled again when he got the message from his contact that he was to go speak with some officers in the main court. He was nervous, but was assured that it was to pass on all the information about the Scots. He hid a weapon beneath his clothes and prepared himself. It was dangerous, but he might also be able to get some more contacts and find out more about their plans. It was vital. If they were planning an attack or war on Scotland, he would have to send a warning back home. He left his house and walked to the court for his meeting.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Adewen was releved when they finnaly reached the end of there journy and she was helped by her brother to dismount. He left her in there fathers care and went to find the captin of the guards to inform him of his arrivle and join his ranks..

As it was the captin of the guard Richard was walking from the guard house to the keep along with sevral others affording her brother the chance to speak with him quickly and go on his way..

Adewen looked around the court yard while she streatched her swore legs after the long ride and watched the people going inside.. most wernt paying much attention to anything around them accept where they were going and in a hurry to do so... but one man seemed to be watching everything around him.. she couldnt see him very well from the distance and people between them but he had been tall and had dark hair..

Come my dear its time to go inside.. the king will summon us when he is ready from what the yong guard just told me he is having a meeting and so it may be tomorrow or the day after before he gets round to us..

Adewen nodded to her father and followed him inside.. her father would sleep in the hall with some of the other retainers and guardsmen but arrangements had been made for her that she might join some of the other women and sleep comfortably with them rather than in the hall.. she bid her father good evening and would see him at the supper meal.

 

[Josu_T]

Ian arrived and looked aroud the court. He waited to be summoned to talk to the officers. It was very obvious that something was going on. It didn't look good for him or for Scotland. He would really need to convince them. He took mental notes about everything he saw. He would send a report back as soon as possible.

He entered the hall as he was summoned. What he saw surprised him. He was in front of the king. That was not good. He became very nervous and had to spend a minute calming himself. He approached and started. He told him the false story of his trip into Scotland. He told him of all he had seen. He made sure to emphasize all the dangers that Scotland posed if England were to attack. How they would unite to defend. How they would might be able to fend off their force. A few months later would be better once they started to fight among themselves again.

By the time he was done he had a feeling that the king might actually believe him. He left hoping that the plans would stop for a while. Ian now hoped he could spend his time learning as much about their tactics as possible.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Time for the supper meal now Adewen dressed and came down stairs to greet her father she along with, her father and sevral others sat at the lower tables, while the knights and Nobles and there familys sat at the high borad with the king.

From her vantage point there was not much she could see, and so she concentrated on her plate, and visiting with her father until the meal ended and the entertainments and dancing begain. She laughed and joined in a circle dance happly.. tho truthfully she sat out for most of the dances and simply watched carefully studying the dance steps to the ones she did not yet know..

Her brother one of the knights in the hall was gave warning to one of his friends.. Here now you'd best mind your manners with my sister. She's not to be toyed with.. the othe soldjer who had been watching the dancers said and whos going to stop us you?? the brother advanced and the joking stopped. If i have too.. we may not be from a noble family, but nether are we slaves and i'll not have her treeted as a camp follower ether.. the other solder held up his hands for peace.. I ment no harm just teasing.. she is a lovely thing tho..

Her brother nodded satified with the apologie for the time being and looked back twords the dancers smiling over his sisters enjoyment of the music if notheing else.. no harm in there joking with him so long as that was all it ws, and so missed the look the soldjer he had been arguing with sent his way..

 

[Josu_T]

Ian left the hall and was ready to go home when he was invited to stay for the meal. He saw no way he could refuse without causing suspicion. He went to the dining hall and took a seat at a table with a few other people. When he talked with them about why they were their, their thoughts confirmed his ideas that the English had been planning to go to war. He just hoped he had been convincing enough, at least to delay them for a while. If he could just learn some of their tactics, he felt he could send a good enough report back home to really help in defence preparation.

Hewatched as people danced. It was an interesting things to be present for. The English had some very different customs. He had learned a lot during the last time he was there, but was even now learning more about them. They were very strange to him, but he knew the importance of getting to learn everything about them. It would help his people survive. After a while he got up, stretched, and started wandering around the castle a little.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Adewen returned to her chamber for the evening and settled in she had enjoyed her first day at the court the dancing the food had been wonderful. They were memories that would stay with her for some time to come after she and her father returned home.

The next morning Adewen went insearch of her father only to discover he had been invited to join the king in a meeting and would present her to the king at a later date.. she was also informed that there stay would be extended for a few more days.

She thought this a little odd but shook it off as the king had many things going and the reasion for the delay was that it would take him awhile to get around to them.

Adewen was dressed in a light green gown.. her long brown hair was braided down her back and she wore a white vale over top with a gold circlet to hold it in place..

Her Brother came into the hall with the other knights to break there fast before starting the day.. He broke off long enough to speak with her. Telling her it wasnt wise for her to go about unescorted.. she looked up at him smiled and promised to find a maid or someone to go about with her.. satisfied he had her promise her brother rejoined the men and Adewen left the hall.

There were sevral ladys and there companions she probably could have joined but the sly looks they sent her way and the comments made behind there fans was not something Adewen wished to endure threw out the whole day unless it was necessary..To them she was of little status and importance and would only be tollorated in there presance so long as her father had the kings favor.. no more no less.....

she quietly wondered about looking for the guardens but ended up getting turned around and lost as she went up and down the halls.. stopping when she heard angry voices raised and chanced to over hear a conversation she knew she shouldnt have...

when the voices grew louder she knew they were walking her way.. she ducked behind a tapistry that hid a small alcove with a bench ment to hide lovers..

The Men who were arguing stopped just outside the tapistry and she could hear them clearly but not see who they were...Her green eyes widened with shock and suprise as she sat on the bench and made her self as small as possable and stayed quiet hardly daring to breath for fear they would discover her there..

 

[Josu_T]

Ian was able to eventually find a hiding spot for himself. He was in a wing of the castle where the soldiers seemed to be staying, and more willing to discuss their plans. He hid behind a tapestry on a small bench. He knew why it was there, but luckily was not in use at the moment. He sat there and waited for another group of officers to arrive and give him a little more info about the plans and whether or not they were being delayed.

He heard some approaching. They sounded like they were arguing. He listened carefully as someone pulled back the tapestry. A girl entered and sat on the bench. He looekd at her. She didn't seem to notice him either. She was probably too afraid to even pay attention to what was around her. He just let her sit there as he listened to the conversation.

He smiled. It was an argument between two officers about the kings decision to delay the attack on Scotland. One of them thought that it was a good idea after hearing what Ian had said. The other thought that they were ready and should attack now. They were having a heated argument.

One of them bumped the tapestry, causing dust to float around. It caused Ian to sneeze. They soldiers heard it and yelled. He knew he had only a moment. He looekd at the girl. An idea struck him. He reached out and grabbed the girl. He pulled her in close and kissed her deeply and passionately, as if they were lovers. When the soldiers pulled back the tapestry they saw what appeared to be a couple. They appoligised and left. Ian let the girl go and got up, stepping out from behind the tapestry.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Adewen heard someone sneeze when one of the men arguing bumped into the tapistery and turned with suprise to see she wasnt the only one in the dark hidden. Before she could blink or even think of a responce she was suddenly in his arms and being kissed soundly.

Adewens world spun and she was hardly aware of the men pulling back the curtin and then moving on giving there apologies for the interuption. She watched in stunned silence for a moment or two letting the men who had been arguing have time to be well on there way, before she followed the strange man who had kissed her from the hidden alcove.

He appeared both pleased and distracted and as tho he had already forgotten she was even there.. She on the other hand at least wanted to know the name of the man who had kissed her.. even if it had she reolized been only to escape them both being discovered where they should not have been..

She knew she had ended up there because she had gotten lost... but why had he been there??? waiting for his real lover to appear perhaps ?? she wondered or a spy...?? she shook her head over that thought altho she couldnt immagine a more handsome one..

He was tall and broad of sholder and looked extreamly capable of taking on anyone who crossed him. He had long dark hair but she did not yet know what his features looked like or his eyes because he wasnt facing her..

Perhaps she should just slip off down the hall in the other direction and pretend she had never met him.. She must have made some noise or movement that drew his attention because it was then she found herself looking into the most startling Violet colored, and extreamly intelllegent eyes she had ever seen..

He made her feel as tho with one look he could see all the way to her soul and judge her worthy or unworthy.. ... A foolish thought she knew.. who are you? she asked suprised she mannaged to have enough coherant thought to actually speak.. This man she thought would never lack for female company..

 

[Josu_T]

Ian made sure that no one else was coming down the hallway. It had been a close call. If the girl hadn't been there he would have been in trouble. She had effectively saved his life. He was lookign away from her at the moment, but he knew she was still there. He would have heard her leaving. When he was sure that there was no one else around he turned to look at the girl. He smiled at her softly.

He looked into her eyes. Something there struck him deep inside. She was a pretty girl, but she was also English. She seemed nervous and unsure of what to do. He was about to thank her when she asked who he was. He introduced himself with a bit of a bow. "I am Ian Smith, at your service. Now may I ask what a beautiful young woman like you is doing in this part of the castle? Don't tell me I just kissed the wife, fiancee, or sister of an officer. If I have damaged your honour I am sorry."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Adewen blushed a little embarassed that she would have to admit to being lost, but hastened to reasure him.. No no i am no ones wife, or fiancee... my brother is a simple knight.. and i ... she looked away from him for a moment before continuing.. I got lost... this is the first time i've been to court.. My name is Adewen.. Adewen Ross. she said and looked back at him.

She waited for a few moments wondering if she should ask him to escort her back to the hall so she could return to her chamber and change for the noon meal or ask him to show her how to get to the guardens..

Her brother would have a fit when he heard about these events, and her father would be angry because she had been compromised. With any luck the men who had seen them will not have seen exactly who she was.. and they need not say anything..

Please.. Will you show me back to the hall? , and can we not mention this to anyone.. i'd rather not upset my family if it can be avoided... those men might not have seen who i am exactly and hopefully wont recognize me later.. i am of no accout anyway and probably wont be noticed over much..

She was worried about how her family would react and didnt want to place ehter of them in the position of having to explain how they had ended up in the little hidden alcove or why.. her reasion was simple but his she suspected not so easy.

if ether had to expalin she had a feeling he would continue to pretend they were lovers to hide his real reasions for being there.. and sooo not the way she wanted to find a husbend at all... Trapping a man into marrage even on accident was no way to begin.. tho she had heard of sevral women doing just such a thing she was not the type to do so.

 

[Josu_T]

Ian waited as the girl seemed to debate what to say to him. She confirmed that she was not a wife or fiancee, but simply the sister of a knight. Then she said she got lost. That would explain the panic of seeing soldiers and hiding. He smiled at her. She introduced herself and he nodded. She seemed to be debating internally again so he waited to see what she would say, if anything.

She asked him to lead her back to the main hall. Then asked him not to mention it to anyone. She ended by claiming to not be of any account or noticable. He just looked at her for a moment before saying anything. "I will take you back. I will also not say anything to anyone, for I have no reason to. As for your view of yourself, you really must change that. I am sure that you are an important person. Everyone has an importance. Anyway, let's get you back to the hall." He smiled and started to lead her back to where she could find her father or brother.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Adewen wasnt sure what to say in responce to his statement and so simply nodded and followed him back to the main hall. Once there she again thanked him and went on her way to change for the noon meal.

Altho she knew she wasnt all that important she was glad of his encourage ment and opinion, not many thought in such tearms.. and for some reasion it pleased her.

She was dressed in a dark blue velvet gown with gold trim. Her hair was still braided down her back covered with a white vale and held in place with a gold circlet. She joined her father at table..

The King would be holding court after the meal and many there would be in attencance.. Her father said he might get the chance to introduce her then.. depending on how the kings decision was taken and how long the arguements and debates would go on after words..

Adewen wondered what the kings decision was and how her father, a merchent ship master knew about it but didnt ask thinking silence was the better part of valor at the moment..

 

[Josu_T]

Ian smiled and said a quick farewell to Adewen as she went off to do whatever she needed to do. He turned and started toward the door. He was almost out when someone stopped him. He felt nervous but kept a straight face. The man was a servant who had been sent to find him. Ian was to stay for the meal and then attend an announcement made by the king afterwards. Ian felt he had no choice. He went in to the dining hall and found a seat.

He waited until the meal began. There was some entertainment, which was enjoyable to watch. The food was also very good. It was not what he was used to having at home, but he had tasted most of it before on his previous trip. He liked it, while still prefering the cooking in scotland. He was busy comparing the food when his eyes caught sight of someone sitting farther down his table. It was Adewen. He didn't say anything or make any motions toward her. He didn't want to draw attention to himself or have people asking how they knew eachother.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Adewen had been enjoying the entertainment along with her father and had raised her hand to catch a servent who was comming around with more wine's attention so that she could have him refill her fathers cup.. and caught sight of Ian, farther up the table from them.

She pretended that nothing was amiss and as tho they had never met and thanked the servent after asking him to refill her fathers cup.. the entertainment over the king stood and left the hall now others could leave as well and join him in the meeting hall, while the servents cleared the dinning tables.

She rose with her father and let him lead her into the room where sevral other Lords, and there ladys awaited to hear the kings decision about scottland, and wether or not they would wait to attack..

 

[Josu_T]

Ian finished his meal and made small talk with a man next to him. He really didn't want to seem like a loner. What he really wanted to do was just get home and away from this place. it was too dangerous. Yet he was stuck. There was nothing he could do. So he simply followed the crowd in to listen to the king's announcement.

He didn't have to wait too long. The king stood and quieted everyone down. He then stated simply that the war into Scotland would wait. He said that he had recieved information from a few sources that it would not be wise to attack at the moment. Therefore they would wait until the clans were once again fighting among themselves. Once that happened they would be able to conquer all of the rebellious clans. They would be no match for the might of the English army. Ian had to smile. He stayed where he was, wondering what sort of debates might occur between soldiers and officers.

 

[LittleSprite2]

The King held off the Debates however and decided before they begain to have the new arrivles at court introduced, There were sevral Lords and Ladys presented along with there Sons or daughters who had come to court for the first time.. long before it became her fathers turn to present Adewen.

My Lords and Ladys.. your Highness.. Sir.. Richard Ross, and His Daughter Miss Adewena Ross.. Adewena moved forward on her fathers arm and curtised to the king as her father bowed staying where she was for a moment until the king nodded at them and waved them away.

Her father escorted her from the hall and told her not to get into any trouble before leaving her in the care of a maid survent and returning to the hall for the debat..

Adewen was curious however and so told the maid servent she was going to lay down for awhile and wouldnt be needed. The maid servent left and as the other women wives and daugthers left the hall she ducked back un noticed.. and blushed hearing some of the comments about herself.

Did you see that Merchents Daughter.. such a palin thing i still dont know why the King would invite such as her to court, but then her father dose bring such fine spices, and silks dose he not.. One woman sneard and laughed not seeing Adewen at all.. the other she was with Laughed and replyed.. and her clothing .. you'd think with all the cloth he gets and what the king pays she would be dressed better... such a plain thing.., and her name.. Adewan adewhats it .. such an odd thing..

a third adewen didnt know pipped in and she was greatful for her defence.. I dont know i thought she was pretty.. the other two looked at her and stuck there noses in the air.. Shows what you know come along well show you who its best to be friends with and who is not..

Adewen tryed not to let them bother her and was glad they had over looked her she had no desire or need to be accepted by ones such as they.. but still it stung a bit.. she knew she wasnt decked out with jewels or embrorered silks and satians but.. she wasnt plain ether..

Squairing her sholders now that they had all gone she quietly slipped back inside the room where the debates were being held and the king was listining to those around him argue.. but from what Adewen could see it didnt look like he would be swayed from his chosen corse of action..

Which to her way of thinking was good.. Devils or not she didnt want war any more than the next person did. Why did anyone have to die or be killed why couldnt there be peace between them... What was so bad about the scots anyway she wondered.. and wernt some of them relations to the king in some way or form hadnt his sister married the scottish king for reasions of peace?? it was very complicated to her mind..

 

[Josu_T]

Ian watched as the girl he had met earlier was introduced to the court. What he heard was a number of positive comments about her. However he felt she would only end up listening to the negatives she heard. He barely knew her and could already tell she had low self esteem. Once the presentation of people to the court was done he listened as the debates began. He made sure not to be seen so he would not be pulled into it, but he wanted to hear it.

He wa surprised when , out of the corner of his eye, he saw Adewen return to the room. He looked over at her. She seemed to be listening like he was. Yet she seemed to not quite understand what all the arguing was about. He went over to her, smiling, to let her know he was not going to make her go away. "Hey, I see you are interested in their debates. If you want, I can explain all you need to know about the situation between us and the Scots."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Adewen noticed Ian comming twords her but didnt say anything not wanting to draw too much attention she had been afraid he would tell her this was no place for her to be and that she did not belong.. but he suprised her insted allowing her to stay and asking her if he would like her to explain..

Smiling at him she said.. Yes please... as the debates continued she listened as he translated for a while before wispering so that no one else could hear but Ian.. Are the scots as terrable as all that?? i mean they are people too arnt they, isnt there any way we could just live peacefully..? she knew if anyone else had heard her she would have been condemed in there eyes as a fool and nieve.. and most would be right but then all most english beleived whole heartedly that the scots were infact the mosters they were made out to be when the opposite was true..

Seeing the startled look her comment had created on Ians face she said.. My apologies i have been raised to beleave that all scots are monsters but.. they have brains as well as brawn why cant they be reasioned with ??.. they cant all be bad if the Kings sister is married to the scottish king.. and we've attacked them as much as they have us.. the boarders are especally bad.. or so my father says..

Reolizing she was rambling as well as speaking her thoughts allowed and those best kept to ones self if one wanted to keep it on there sholders she stopped talking and prayed he hadnt taken any offence at her words... surly he would not tell anyone what she had said....

she tryed to pay attention to the debates when her father noticed her.. and with out a word moved to them nodded to Ian.. and taking her arm escorted her out... he took her to her chamber scolding her the whole way and then left her there as tho she were a naugty child caught where she should not have been..

she joined her father and brother at the supper table both hoping she would see Ian and hoping she wouldnt .. what had he thought of what she had said.. too late now she thought..

 

[Josu_T]

Ian spent time explaining things to Adewen. He told her all he knew while telling it from what he felt as a good enough English perspective. Then she asked a question that caught him off guard. He wasn't sure how to respond. He was stunned to think that the English thought such things. Her continued comment only added to that feeling he tried hard to think of a response.

Before he could say anything her father had arrived. He seemed very unhappy. Not with him, but with her. He did nothing to stop the man from dealing with his daughter. However he kenw that his parents would not stop Lillith from learning. He simply continued listening to the arguments. He learned a lot that he would send home in his first report that night.

At dinner he spotted Adewen again. He decided she needed a response to her question. He needed to clear some things up. He shifted over until he was close enough that they could talk. He smiled at her and waited for her to shift a little away from her father. He didn't want him hearing what he had to say because he did not want to start an argument with the man.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Adewen had noted Ian move closer as the dinner came to an end and the entertainments as well as dancing begain.. She said nothing however waiting simply until her father was engaged in conversation else where and got up to join another group of men.. leaving her to her own devices.. with the command to behave herself.

She stood then and joined Ian who was not far.. My i join you ? she asked..un aware that across the room some of her brothers friends were pointing out to him that she and the mysterious Lord Ian Smith seemed to be becoming aquainted..

Some speculated on wether he was becoming too familiar with the scots or not.. some aruged in his favor stating that he was a friend and had helped them on numorous occasions and his word was not to be doubted.

Simply it depended on ones point of vew.. many blamed Ian's report for the reasoin they did not attack calling him scots lover and other such things behind his back.. but such things were expected when he was one of the few medeatiors between the scots and english.. tollorated more simply for being english rather than scots..

Many of the sottish ambassadors who came to england from scottland openly.. also gave Ian information.. and helped him keep his cover.. it also made it easer for Ian to give them the information and have them take it back with them to scottland.

Adewens brother was not yet sure wether or not he wanted his sister assoceating with Ian, but he saw no harm in her talking to him so long as she kept with in the hall and with in his sight so he could keep her safe..

I wish to apologize for my fathers rudeness earler but he was upset with me.. and to thank you for explaining things to me. Adewen said as she waited for Ian to speak..

 

[Josu_T]

Ian waited until Adewen was free to talk to him. When she made her way to him he smiled at her. She asked to join him and he nodded. He led her over to a table and sat. He had a fair bit to teach her and felt it would be more comfortable to be seated. When they were settled he smiled once more at her. "Thank you for coming back to speak with me more. It has been my pleasure to teach you about things that most people here have wrong."

He thought back to what she had said before. When he had it in his mind he nodded. "The scots are not the monsters that you have been told about. They are people just like we are. However, they are stubborn. They do not like what the king does in their territories. Sometimes the people put in charge of forts and law abuse their power. As for the battles, the Scottish have not really attacked as much as people here are told. The king and the soldiers are afraid. They are afraid of the Scots actually attacking. So they attack before that can happen. Now, the reason they need not be afraid is that the Scots are always busy fighting eachother. Because of this they would never be strong enough to make any serious attack into England. However, at the moment the reason we are not attacking is because the clans are not fighting eachother at the moment. While they are not working together, if attacked they may be able to put aside their differences and assist eachother. If they are already at war with eachother that will not happen. So, do you understand better now?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

Adewen listend while he explained and thought she understood what he was saying.. and thought it a shame that the scots and english had to fight at all, and that there would be no peace as long as each side remained fearful of attack from the other.. there would be no end until one or the other ruled over all and even then she doubted it would ever truly be settled.

Yes i think i understand.. it is sad isnt it.. that any peace between scottland and england will only ever be temporary..because nether really understands the other which only creates more fear... and anger. In away i am glad i am a simple merchents daughter.... she smiled sadly at him for a moment before excusing herself to join some of the women in dancing to one of the few songs she knew..

Soon she knew her father would seek a husbend for her and she would be wed, she dared not even hope for someone like Ian Smith he was too far above her station and out of reach, but she was glad to at least be able to count him a friend.. if nothing else and she was glad he had taken the time to speak with her.

In two days her father and she would return to the coast.. she prayed who ever her father found to marrie her would have at least some of Ian's patance and understanding.. but Ian was one of very frew english men who even thought a woman had a brain let alone allowed them to have any say.

Adewen's brother Richard the second found Ian not long after his sister had departed he had not been close enough to hear there conversation and so was only seeking to assure himself she would be safe with Ian.. He kept his voice low so as not to make a spectacal of himself or embarass his sister.

Sir Ian... i would speak with you.. conserining my sister.. and would know your attentions twords her.. I would not have you or anyone else giving her false hope....

for you are well above our own station, and I will protect her, our father will make arrangements for her when it is time to do so..

If it is mearly friendship you seek i have no objection, but i ask you not to take matters farther between you.. as she will be the only one hurt by it Robert watched Ian closely as he waited to hear the mans responce..

 

[Josu_T]

Ian smiled and nodded as Adewen excused herself. At least she understood, mostly. He watched her go and then relaxed in his seat. He would leave soon and return to his little home. It would probably be the last he would see of the girl, but at least he had been able to teach her something. It was probably for the best anyway, he had no real use for her. More friends meant more people he had to make excuses to when he left to return to Scotland again and possibly never return.

When a man approached he knew it was a soldier. He had a guess as to who it was, but could not be positive. He had to chuckle as the man adressed him. Sir Ian. He found that funny. Sir was the title for a knight. Was that really what some around her thought he was? If so, it might work in is favor. He would have to find out, but in time. At the moment he had questions to answer.

He listened to the man and what his worries and problems were. When he finished Ian smiled at him. "First, I am no knight. You may simply call me Ian. Before I discuss my intentions, I have things I need to help you understand. The first of these is my own position. I don't know what people think of me here, but I am no lord or knight or wealthy man. I am just a man who went and studied the Scots for a long time and returned to give my advise and opinion to a friend. That friend happened to tell the king and that is why I am here. The second is your own position. You undervalue yourself. You have a merchant father, usually highly respected and fairly wealthy people, and you yourself are a soldier. You may not think you are high in society, but compared to most you are. Anyway, I have no intentions toward your sister. So there is nothing for you to worry about. If anything, it would be friendship, but I do not think I will ever see her again. I do not intend to spend a lot of time here, and do not know where I would see her again."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Richard stood and nodded to Ian.. even so...So long as we understand each other.. i am sure you understand aside from my father she is the only family i have.. good eve.. and with that Richard left Ian where he was and rejoined his compangions in arms..

Adewen had waited in the hall for ether her brother or father to escort her back to her chambers but her father had been called away to join a meeting and her brother had already been lead away by his friends.. Nether did she see Ian anywhere ether..

Deciding to find her own way back to her chambers she left the hall.. and once more got turned around and lost... but laughed as she mannaged to find her way to the guardens she had been looking for the other day..

She had been about to turn back and re trace her steps when she heard voices raised in anger.. but the accent was strange to her.. and she could bairly make out the words.. she moved closer silent.. It wasnt until she accidently stepped on a fallen branch and it broke causing whoever was on the other side to stop aruging.

She turned and ran but didnt get far before she was caught.. she held her breath and waited to be turned around to face whoever held her.

 

[Josu_T]

After Adewen's brother left Ian stayed where he was for a while. Then one of the Scottish ambasadors grabbed him byt the shirt and dragged him out into the gardens. Ian recognised him as one of the men from a clan that his family was fairly friendly with. He wasn't happy though. It was apparent that he had been spying as well and had found out about what was going on. He would not have been allowed in normally if they were discussing war, but he had snuck in late once most of the soldiers were busy with eachother, drunk, or busy with women. He found out from a few servants exactly what had happened.

He argued with Ian about how if the clans really were at peace currently why not let the English attack and have the clans join together to defeat them. He was pissed and yelling with a thick accent. Ian argued back and ended up reverting to his accent. They had a heated debate, Ian trying to convince the other man that the clans would not join. There were some at peace, but others that were still in conflict with one another. However, with the news of their impending attack, they could convince them all to put asside their differences and defend Scotland. Then Ian could feed the English false info about Scotland being nearly at civil war with themselves and the English would attack and be defeated.

As they argued they heard what sounded like a stick breaking. They became silent immediately. Ian drew a dagger and went to see who it was. He turned a corner and saw Adewen. He frowned and went up to her, turning her around. He regained his English accent. "What are you doing out here so late? Your father and brother will be pissed, especially if they see you here with me after what I just discussed with your brother. Now get going. You get lost too much. Ask a servant where to go if you don't know." He wasn't happy with the girl. He just hoped she didn't realise he had been speaking with a Scottish accent and came to the conclusion that he was Scottish. That would not be good.