Claymore and Dagger Pt.2

[heartofcourage]

Fiona glanced up at the spy that spoke to her as Sam dealt with prisoners. She followed his gaze towards the pelts that were still mostly wrapped by the paper in her hands. She let out a long sigh, knowing that the threat was very clear. Barbarossa knew that she was a were and her family was probably in danger.

"It isn't me that I'm worried about." Fiona said as she turned to face the fox fully. "But I'm sure that the Lord Protector has already sent his men to protect those that are dear to me. At least, I hope that he has."

 

[KieranSoares]

"They have been looked after for some time," the Fox nodded. "And word will reach their protectors as soon as possible of this threat." He then hesitated for a moment, and quietly offered, "I can dispose of that for you if you prefer, milady."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Not destroy." Fiona said softly as she wrapped the package back up, offering it to the man. "Find someone that can put it to use. A good pelt is something that shouldn't be wasted, even if it was made from a fox."

Fiona watched him as he carefully tucked it away in his satchel, wondering for a moment how long he had been watching her. She was sure that Sam had his own shadow, one that he might have had the fortune to meet, but someone that expertly shrank into the darkness as so not to be seen.

"What is your name?" She asked softly, knowing that he was within his rights to say that she wasn't allowed to know.

 

[KieranSoares]

The Fox knew Fiona had probably figured out he was her sentinel, so he quietly bowed his head and murmured, "Cenedwynr, but most call me Cen." That alone told her he was of some Welsh origin, though he had a decidedly mixed accent of Swedish and Erygonian tribal.

 

[heartofcourage]

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cen. Though I do think that we might not speak often because of your position. Thank you for your service to me.” Fiona said softly as she glanced towards Sam who was making his way back to her. “We foxes have to stick together.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"You need only call for me when you want me," Cen assured, stepping away and disappearing. Sam came to a halt beside Fiona and sighed quietly.

"Sorry, love," he murmured. "Seems we can' 'ave even one bloody day."

 

[heartofcourage]

"It's only a small bump in the road, love." Fiona said as Sam came back to her side, lamenting that they couldn't even have one happy day. "We'll plan extra hard for our wedding. Close the boarders into Inverness if we have to."

She was joking, but she knew Sam would seriously consider it. He wanted to give her the world and she loved him for it. This incident would haunt him for a while if she knew him. He would replay in his head how things could have been better. It was all part of what made him her Samuel.

"You've given me a wonderful day today. That's what I'll choose to remember." Fiona took his face in her hands and leaned in to kiss him, showing him that she really meant what she said.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam sighed softly as she kissed him, and his arms looped about her waist. She could practically feel the battle going on in his head as he forced himself to relax his tense shoulders. He let his head rest on her shoulder for a long moment before taking her arm in his own and walking back to the keep with her.

 

[heartofcourage]

People mostly left the new king and his queen alone. There were a few that came up to them with a few last gifts before night truly fell on Inverness. They would have a table of things to go through in the morning, from well wishers that wanted to bestow on them some kind of trinket. Fiona played the gracious hostess to these people as Sam stood silent in his own way. It was the way their partnership would work. He was working to become better at expressing himself and she was working at becoming better at supporting him.

When they were finally alone in their rooms for the evening, Fiona took a moment to truly appreciate him in his full regalia. "I assumed you would wear your general's uniform. This is a lovely suit that Justin came up with."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I would've, but he convinced me," Sam glanced down at himself for a moment. Finally he removed the simple crown and set it in its box that had been left on his desk. He stared down at it before turning back to Fiona and kissing her for a long moment. "I don' know if I told you enough today. You look absolutely stunning."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona grinned as Sam kissed her deeply and told her that she looked absolutely stunning. "I can only imagine how Justin will make me look for our wedding."

She let Sam look his fill, including her new crown which she was immensely proud of. Then, she moved from him arms and sat down at the small vanity that he had set up in his rooms for her. With his help, the two of them got her crown unpinned and her hair was soon loose around her shoulders. It felt good to be back to normal after such a long day.

"We could slip out and take the drakes on a run." She murmured, glancing up at him with a small smile on her lips.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Not even one day as Queen an' y'want to sneak out and stay up late?" Sam asked as he carefully hung up the rich clothing.

 

[heartofcourage]

"That's why you wanted to mate with me. I keep things interesting." Fiona said with a grin as she soon was out of her gown and into one that was made for riding. "We can go and sleep under our tree. It might be one of the last times we get the chance to do that before winter truly sets in. A couple of warm blankets, something to snack on during the night, and that's really all we need."

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam was just as quickly changing into something more casual, but that in itself was special as he usually wore a working uniform or for special occasion, a dress uniform. Once clad in a dark tunic, trousers, vest, and riding boots with a coat and cloak besides, he turned to kiss Fiona once more. "I'll get the drakes." He left the rest to her before trotting out of their room toward the main doors.

It was Julia, just watching over some of the cleanup before bed, that caught Sam walking out with clear purpose and a cloak and jacket over his shoulder. "Hi, Ma," he muttered as he passed, kissing her cheek.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Sneaking out so soon?" Julia asked with a smile towards her son as he paused to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Have a good time, love. You and Fiona deserve it."

She kissed his cheek before she sent him on his way, the way to the stables lit that night by a bright and silvery moon. The drakes were all in the barn, Roman and Kennah curled around a sleeping Elin. The little drake held one of Sam's old gloves under an arm, absently chewing on the fingers as she slumbered.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam quietly stepped into the barn, pausing a moment as he saw the little family. Kennah lifted her head at the sound of the barn door, yawning wide and regarding him serenely.

By the time Fiona emerged, Roman and Kennah were up and happily waiting in their tack. Elin had been placed in the care of Kesh, who was perhaps the only other drake the mates trusted with their hatchling. She would be able to be on her own come winter, but til then, Kesh would look after her.

Sam was pulling on his gloves and coat, turning at Roman's happy rumble to see Fiona. "Got everythin'?" He asked quietly, his voice low so not to disturb any of the beasts in the barns.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona entered the barn already in her cloak and riding gloves. She carried a satchel of food that Chessie had graciously put together from the leftovers from that afternoon’s feast. She smiled at Roman as he tumbled happily at her, nuzzling against his owner with another rumble of happiness.

“Hello, beastie.” She said softly, patting his maw before she looked over towards Sam. “I have more than enough.”

She glanced into the stall where the drakes had been, smiling as she saw Elin curled up with Kesh. The other drake cracked an eye at them before settling down with the fledgeling.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam took the satchel to secure to Roman's saddle with an extra strap. "Lead the way, then, love," he murmured, kissing Fiona once more before climbing up on Kennah's saddle.

 

[heartofcourage]

“To the cliffs, beastie.” Fiona murmured, letting Roman take his own path on the way to the lone tree high above Inverness.

Her drake ran smoothly, pausing once or twice to see that Kennah was following. She had to chuckle that he had turned into such a mushy monster over Kennah and their little drake.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kennah followed along with her usual grace and calm, passing Roman by whenever he paused a little too long. She was first to reach the cliffs and first to reach the top where she came to a halt by the ancient tree that overlooked the highlands.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona had to laugh at the chuffing sound that Roman let loose as Kennah over took him and scaled the cliff without a care for him. She knew that her drake adored Kennah, perhaps more than Kennah really cared for him. However, they made the perfect team and they were raising a lovely little drake together. Once Roman was settled on the cliff, Fiona handed Sam the blankets she had gathered and once everything was settled, the drakes were sent off to explore.

Fiona sat beside her lover with a smile, kissing his cheek as she wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. It was chilly that evening, a soft breeze rustling the last of the leaves on the tree above them. Winter would soon be there, and with winter would come the snow and ice. It would also mean they were that much closer to their wedding, a day that neither of them really believed would actually happen.

"It's been a while since we've come up here." Fiona commented, leaning against Sam's side as she enjoyed a piece of chicken that Chessie had sent in the pack with them.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Better circumstances this time," Sam murmured with a nod. The last time, Fiona had been worried Sam might throw himself off the cliff, but he'd assured her he was too much a coward to ever do so.

After a long silence, Sam muttered, "... I don' feel any different, a king instead of a prince. Still got th'same problems, same people, same to-do list... Is it any different fer you?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"Nope. I'm still the same wayward kit that stumbled into the position." Fiona commented as Sam asked her whether she felt any differently with her new title. "You'll stress me more, there's no doubt, but I'm ready for that."

She gave him a grin as she teased him, stuffing a piece of scone into his mouth before he could protest or retort. No one else, not even his family, could tease Samuel Ghis the way that Fiona did and get away with it. She felt honored to have that distinction.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam smirked and let her get away with silencing him at least for a few seconds, until he finished chewing and snatched Fiona up into his lap and gave her neck a sharp nip. "Yer lucky I like you," he growled playfully.

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'd hope you like me if you're going to marry me." Fiona murmured as Sam showed her that playful side that she adored. "Besides, I think Suara might throttle you personally if you backed out after she held such a lovely ceremony for us."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close, kissing him as she settled into his lap. She had wanted to kiss him like that all day long, but had held back as she knew that he didn't like public displays. This kiss didn't need to be public. It was just for them.

"Titles don't matter to me, Sam. If this doesn't work out, we'll still have one another and that's what matters." Fiona whispered, letting him know that she would follow and support him no matter what he chose in the future. "You could still be that same stubborn General and I would love you anyway."