Lady Brianna McCallister had become Liard of Clan McCallister shortly after her father, and brother had been killed, protecting their border's from an invading English knight three years ago. She was a petite woman, though small she had a very fine hour glass figure, with raven hair that fell to her hip's while braided, and violet colored eyes.
Most Scot's don’t care much to follow a woman, but Lady Brinna as they called her, was different from most. While she did take great care of the keep she also visited the village helping where she could, she also hunted, and helped to make repairs to their home's along with the men. She was a strong and healthy woman. Her sword arm, and hand to hand still needed some work, but her skill with a bow was equal if not superior to most of the men.
Her father had lost her mother to an invading clan when Brinna was only three, because she didn’t know how to defend herself, and vowed that Brinna would at least have a fighting chance should she ever be taken, and God help any man who dared. Her father had been proud of both his son, and his daughter's skills. He had been a very honorable man before his death, and well respected in the Highland's.
Lady Brinna paced back and forth in front of the hearth in the great hall. A crumpled letter held tightly in her fist. She was dressed in a hunter green gown with silver brocade. Her hair braided in two braids at the side's of her head with a larger braid connecting them down her back. Held in place by two silver band's one at the back of her head where the braids connected, and one at the end, holding it all in place. The only other ornament she wore was the necklace her mother had given her, a simple silver Celtic knot. The chain it hung from also made of silver.
“How dare James do this to me? How am I to choose between two Lairds I've never met,” she said talking to herself. “Why now three years after my father's death, now he dreams I must take a husband.”
“At the end of a fortnight you must have your choice made, or I shall make it for you by either choosing a husband or appointing your cousin control of your father's lands.
"I am sending you my best, and most loyal Lords for you to choose from. They will be arriving shortly after you receive this letter for they left right after I sent out the courier, either will make a suitable husband," King James' missive read.
Brinna didn’t care if they made suitable husband. Her concern was for her people. Would they make suitable Laird for her people, or were they just after more land. Worse how do I explain to my people what King James has ordered. I'd better tell them now before they arrive.
The servants continued to set the high table, and prepare for dinner. Some of the maid's looking in Brinna's direction worriedly. It had been awhile since they had seen her this upset.
All she had told them after reading the missive that the courier had brought was that they were to be expecting the arrival of sevral Lairds, and that they would be arriving shortly. As she went up to bathe, changing from her tunic, and leggings to the dress she now wore.
Turning to one of the serving maids Brinna called her over. “Lana please go and tell Ian that I should like to speak with him, and tell him that it is important.”
Quickly Lana left the hall to search out Ian, Brianna's father's old companion, and her most loyal friend. When he arrived as she had asked. Brianna sat with him in front of the hearth, and showed him James’ letter.
When he was finished reading it he nodded and assured her that he would prepare the villagers, and let the men know. So that these Laird's would have safe passage upon McCallister lands until this was done.
"James gave ye the three years that he has outta respect for your Da Lass. So be grateful ye received at least that much. Else ye would ha been wed sooner."
Brinna watched her friend go, cringing a little inside at his choice of words. She had always known that the men would prefer to follow a man, and now they would have the chance to do so again.
Brianna hoped she would not fail them and, that though she did not wish to wed, she would choose well for her people. If not James would choose for her, and she would rather be wed than to see her people fall under her cousin's rule.
Gazing into the hearth lost in thought Brinna looked up as one of the lads came running in.... Ma Lady... Ma Lady they've arrived....the Laird's have arrived. Brinna smiled. Thinking news did travel fast.
Closing her eye's, and taking a deep breath. Brinna rose to greet her guests as they entered the Great Hall. For until she chose between them that was what they were, guests in her home and keep.
“A Laird's Welcome to you all, you must be tired after your long journeys. Arrangements have been made for your rooms. If you would care to rest, or perhaps bathe after your long journey there is time yet before the evening meal is served," Brianna said courteously to the two men when they'd entered the Great Hall.
Most Scot's don’t care much to follow a woman, but Lady Brinna as they called her, was different from most. While she did take great care of the keep she also visited the village helping where she could, she also hunted, and helped to make repairs to their home's along with the men. She was a strong and healthy woman. Her sword arm, and hand to hand still needed some work, but her skill with a bow was equal if not superior to most of the men.
Her father had lost her mother to an invading clan when Brinna was only three, because she didn’t know how to defend herself, and vowed that Brinna would at least have a fighting chance should she ever be taken, and God help any man who dared. Her father had been proud of both his son, and his daughter's skills. He had been a very honorable man before his death, and well respected in the Highland's.
Lady Brinna paced back and forth in front of the hearth in the great hall. A crumpled letter held tightly in her fist. She was dressed in a hunter green gown with silver brocade. Her hair braided in two braids at the side's of her head with a larger braid connecting them down her back. Held in place by two silver band's one at the back of her head where the braids connected, and one at the end, holding it all in place. The only other ornament she wore was the necklace her mother had given her, a simple silver Celtic knot. The chain it hung from also made of silver.
“How dare James do this to me? How am I to choose between two Lairds I've never met,” she said talking to herself. “Why now three years after my father's death, now he dreams I must take a husband.”
“At the end of a fortnight you must have your choice made, or I shall make it for you by either choosing a husband or appointing your cousin control of your father's lands.
"I am sending you my best, and most loyal Lords for you to choose from. They will be arriving shortly after you receive this letter for they left right after I sent out the courier, either will make a suitable husband," King James' missive read.
Brinna didn’t care if they made suitable husband. Her concern was for her people. Would they make suitable Laird for her people, or were they just after more land. Worse how do I explain to my people what King James has ordered. I'd better tell them now before they arrive.
The servants continued to set the high table, and prepare for dinner. Some of the maid's looking in Brinna's direction worriedly. It had been awhile since they had seen her this upset.
All she had told them after reading the missive that the courier had brought was that they were to be expecting the arrival of sevral Lairds, and that they would be arriving shortly. As she went up to bathe, changing from her tunic, and leggings to the dress she now wore.
Turning to one of the serving maids Brinna called her over. “Lana please go and tell Ian that I should like to speak with him, and tell him that it is important.”
Quickly Lana left the hall to search out Ian, Brianna's father's old companion, and her most loyal friend. When he arrived as she had asked. Brianna sat with him in front of the hearth, and showed him James’ letter.
When he was finished reading it he nodded and assured her that he would prepare the villagers, and let the men know. So that these Laird's would have safe passage upon McCallister lands until this was done.
"James gave ye the three years that he has outta respect for your Da Lass. So be grateful ye received at least that much. Else ye would ha been wed sooner."
Brinna watched her friend go, cringing a little inside at his choice of words. She had always known that the men would prefer to follow a man, and now they would have the chance to do so again.
Brianna hoped she would not fail them and, that though she did not wish to wed, she would choose well for her people. If not James would choose for her, and she would rather be wed than to see her people fall under her cousin's rule.
Gazing into the hearth lost in thought Brinna looked up as one of the lads came running in.... Ma Lady... Ma Lady they've arrived....the Laird's have arrived. Brinna smiled. Thinking news did travel fast.
Closing her eye's, and taking a deep breath. Brinna rose to greet her guests as they entered the Great Hall. For until she chose between them that was what they were, guests in her home and keep.
“A Laird's Welcome to you all, you must be tired after your long journeys. Arrangements have been made for your rooms. If you would care to rest, or perhaps bathe after your long journey there is time yet before the evening meal is served," Brianna said courteously to the two men when they'd entered the Great Hall.
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