Claymore and Dagger Pt.2

[heartofcourage]

“We can still put things on pause, Love.” Fiona said softly as Sam helped her get the crown pinned into place. “I know you’re worried for your grandfather and the upcoming war.”

He had been concerned that Vincenzo wouldn’t make it to the wedding, but thenold man was still hanging on with Alex’s help. Valentina had to step back from her father’s care as her heart couldn’t take it.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Honestly, Fiona..." Sam sighed, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders. "I'm no' worried about Vincenzo. He knows what 'e wants... An' I've found my peace with 'im. Most of us 'ave. It's Aunt Val I'm worried for. If no' fer Alex takin' over pretty much their whole business an' doling it out t'more healers, an' if no' fer Theo and Viola... Val would've broken a long while ago. I hope she's startin' t'come to terms with it all, but time won't slow down t'make sure. As for th'war... the fight is on th'horizon, yes. But as long as it keeps snowing, Barbarossa can't hope t'survive any further north than Normandy. The Channel winds will freeze 'is men near t'death before they can even set sail, an' tha's without our allies on the shore houndin' 'em. We've got time."

 

[heartofcourage]

“Uka and mormor wouldn’t mind staying longer.” Fiona said with a soft smile, standing to hug Sam tightly. “You’ve made them all feel very welcome here. They told me that you ever supplied an escort when they want to go visit my Ma’s Grave. They’ve taken up that offer nearly every day.”

 

[KieranSoares]

"They'd be welcome t'stay forever if they wanted, but I know they would want t'go back to the Voya." Sam kissed her cheek as she held him, his arms draped about her waist. "An' they're welcome anytime"

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona was quiet for a long moment as Sam simply held her, promising that her grandparents and the rest of her family could stay for as long as they wished. They were just as much his family as her family, a role that he seemed content to have.

"I hope I've made you happy." She said softly as they shared that little moment together. "I've tried my hardest."

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam looked down at Fiona for a moment before answering. "I'm happier than I was, love. An' I have moments when I forget th' things I usually blame myself for. I've still got a long way t'go, though. Standin' here now... I think I'll be okay in the long run."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona gave him a small smile, her cub blue eyes showing him the unconditional love that she had for him. Even when she was so angry at him that she saw red, she still loved her thick headed Samuel.

“Samuel, love of my life, my handsome king, shall we go to dinner? Then retire early and sleep until your mother inevitably wakes us at dawn to start preparing for the wedding.” She said with a grin, nuzzling against him in a way that had become so natural for the both of them.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam closed his eyes as she nuzzled against him, hugging her a little closer. "Let's go," he murmured after a short moment. Offering his arm, they walked into the great hall to see everyone else gathering as well. Every family member that could be there had arrived, and a good number of close friends had been invited in as well. Plenty of people from the tribes were there as well, including Suara as per Sam and Julia's welcome being something of a motherly figure to Sam, Petu and Karn, even Casso who had come from afar. There were a few Fiona had never met but Sam knew well, and of course a good number of the Riders had come in support of Fiona. Khelt Aleister was quietly among the crowd, keeping near his grandson's family for the most part alongside Rissa, and Qira appeared occasionally. It seemed the feast was as much a celebration of Sam and Fiona as it was an excuse for the long branches of the Ghis to see each other all at once. And as honored guests, Fiona's own family had been welcomed into the fold as if they'd always been there. Even shy Yul had perked up finding a fellow lover of carpentry and Erygonian in the gentle Dazu, and Rhett was happily listening to Orla converse with Naiya and Luna. Oleg and Anya had found a comfortable space among Taqu'un and Suara who were close friends themselves, and Juno was the life of a group of younger Ghis, telling an animated story as Volu'un and Erika seemed to have made friends with Durban and Marri. The cubs were chasing around with their new playmates, while Per had found a place with Master Faust's family and Heather.

It was a huge mix of very different people bound by blood, marriage, and loyalty, but it was the sort of family that had very few lasting inner quarrels or grudges. Most were sorted by conversation, or by a sparring match to get the energy out as seemed to be the tradition for the more hot-headed members. Everything was settled over meals or drinks, and it led to a close-knit, unbreakable family that could close ranks in a second to care for its own, and put up a vicious fight as needed. It was the sort of family, Sam thought to himself as he and Fiona looked over them all, that would get them through a war with a massive enemy. And it was the kind of family to have huge celebrations in dark times to keep spirits up for themselves and for their people.

Quite a few looked up as Sam and Fiona entered, and there was cheering and congratulations on all sides for the coming official wedding. While they were already married as far as any of the Ghis were concerned, this second wedding was not just in keeping with tradition it seemed, but also for the sake of a happy reprieve and a reason for the entire territory to celebrate. Sam had already established that he was not a large departure from Brogan's policies and that he was not the black-and-white lawman the people knew him to be, so the people could enjoy the excitement and relief of a good new king and his queen who was quickly gaining a good reputation as well.

Sam smiled lightly to himself at the huge group's enthusiasm, and he stepped forward to the head table with Fiona where they would find their seats by Brogan and Julia.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona felt a lump form in her throat as she viewed the entire great hall. It was decorated in her favorite flowers, cultivated in a hot house by one branch of her husband's cousins. They had been brought in that morning and kept secret from her by Julia as her mother-in-law over saw everything. Sam squeezed her arm, as he looked over the gathering as well, just as proud of what he saw as she was.

The cheer that reached them when they were seen was enough to make Fiona grin. She even saw a small smile on Sam's lips as he saw everything that had been done as well. There was no doubt that tomorrow would be as well planned and sentimental as that evening was.

"Thank you for everything." Fiona whispered as she was sat next to Julia, her mother in law looking serene and calm as Kitty had once upon a time while planning weddings for her own children and relations.

"You have nothing to thank me for, dear. This is my gift to you and Sam. Tomorrow will be even more splendid." Julia promised, patting Fiona's hand. "Your grandmother and grandfather have even played a part in all of this."

 

[KieranSoares]

Brogan, who was standing close by, came up behind Sam as he settled into his chair. Placing his hands on Sam's broad shoulders, Brogan leaned down to mutter something in his ear that made Sam's little smile grow softer. Patting him on the shoulder, Brogan kissed the top of Sam's head as he'd once done when Sam was small, and Brogan kissed Fiona's cheek before taking his own seat on the opposite side of Julia. Rho and Naiya soon joined the table as well. While Rho was still a prince by rights, his place at the table was actually as an adviser. Being well-versed in the social aspect of the monarchy and now in training to become a treasurer for the crown, he was at Sam's side as Sam might've been at his for the military, had their positions not switched.

Everyone soon took their seats as well, and quiet fell over the room looking to the head table. Sam wasn't sure why til Brogan rose once more. Though he was no longer king, it would be a long time before Sam replaced him as patriarch of the Ghis Clan. Brogan could still command the entire family's attention and respect with his presence alone. "Everyone," his voice boomed through the hall, quieting the last whispers and letting the younger members know it was time to listen.

"It's been a hectic few months," Brogan began, earning nods especially from the older members of the family. "New allies, new threats, dragons, an' war 'ave all made this last autumn an' this winter tough on a lot of us mentally, an' physically fer those trainin' t'go t'Normandy. An' as you all know, my health caught up t'me in all th'stress about th'time I discovered my son Rhodan would be better as 'is own man an' not as a future King. So, our Samuel took over, an' in jus' weeks, is completely in control alongside Fiona. An' I couldn't be more grateful." Brogan looked to Sam and Fiona at that, his expression one of pride, a bit of weariness, and deep, solemn gratitude. "While I 'aven' completely stepped down from lookin' after this family an' our people, I've finally 'ad the time t'focus on my own little branch. My children, my wife, my grandchildren, my siblings... I've been able t'get t'know some people I never 'ad th'chance t'talk to, get involved in th'lives of some o' my nieces' and nephews' children more than before, an' a lot more besides."

Taking a deep breath to gather his thoughts, Brogan looked across the room, all eyes on him. "It took a lot t'get here... For me an' Julia, for everyone really. But most of all... for Sam an' Fiona. Jus' a year ago, none of us would've ever thought they'd come this far, an' be the ones t'spearhead a major line of defense in a war over the isles. Last year, I worried my boy would never give himself th'chance t'be loved, tha' he'd work 'imself t'death at Rho's side an' do nothin' else. We worried Fiona would disappear when he pulled away from 'er. We fell in love with 'er in moments, an' we didn' want t'lose 'er. An' now... look at them." He smiled warmly.

"I'm ramblin', I know," Brogan chuckled. "I suppose what I want t'say is... thank you two. You deserve today, an' tomorrow. You deserve th'love you've found. You've chosen t'continue th'royal Ghis line together, an' more importantly, you've chosen t'accept the future o' this kingdom. And in doin' so... you've made an old man happy, able t'be just a husband, father, an' grandfather for th'rest o' his years, without a kingdom on his shoulders. Thank you both." Brogan raised his mug then to them. "To Sam and Fiona."

The entire hall echoed his words, drinks lifted in a toast to their honor. And with a growing smile, Brogan motioned to the side hall where the small troop of servants were waiting. "An' to Chessie, who's made every recipe from 'ere t'Sweden!" Chessie emerged to applause with a dramatic bow and a bright smile as her staff entered with carts and trays heaped with plates, bowls, baskets, and all manner of dishes piled with food. She'd made enough to feed the clan three times over, even recruiting some young Ghis to help bring things out.

Beside Fiona, Sam chuckled softly at it all to himself, seemingly at peace with the hall before him and the night ahead. He shared a glance with Brogan, each smiling lightly with a calm gaze as they simply understood each other.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona calmly sat next to Sam during Brogan’s speech, holding her lover’s hand and giving him the support he needed. She knew sometimes it was hard for him to graciously accept a compliment or have a good time. He surprised her, however, smiling along with all of them as the speech ended and Brogan took his seat as the food was served.

“What did he tell you, Love?” Fiona whispered softly.

 

[KieranSoares]

"It's a secret," Sam murmured, not losing his light smile. "His to tell, not mine."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona gave him a look with a raised eyebrow. “Are you teasing me, Samuel?”

She didn’t get a response as her Uncle Juno raised his glass in a toast, the noise that followed drowning everything out. There was laughter and conversation, other couples reveling in the love that was abundant in the room. Even Leon didn’t glare so hard at Will as he sat next to Lucy in his best uniform. It was a lovely moment, Fiona thought, as she leaned in and kissed Sam’s cheek gently.

“Your smile makes me happy.” Fiona whispered against his ear as the food reached their table and the feast finally began in earnest.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'm findin' it hard not t'smile today," Sam murmured in return, turning his head to steal a proper kiss. While he had no qualms about his family knowing he truly loved her, it was still tough for him to really show it beyond keeping her arm or holding her hand in the open, especially in front of so many people.

Sam's gaze swept over the hall, seeing what his father had looked over for so many years. A huge clan of loving people, each with their own flaws and strengths and each with the means and support to overcome almost anything, personal or beyond. He felt immense pride knowing they had unanimously accepted him as heir to the line of Aodh and Dianh Ghis. And he felt secure despite any outside threat. No one could shake him if the Ghis Clan and Clan Inverness were behind him.

Family members with musical talent brought out instruments as the feast went on. Despite all the noise, it seemed that the grandparents among the group were keeping their littlest grandchildren happy and content, as if even the youngest could feel the positive atmosphere.

Off to one side of the head table, little Brogan was awake and bright at all the sounds and sights around him. Being the first time he was really seeing the family he'd been born into, he was attentive to every new experience. Even still so little, just recently able to sit up on his own, he was watching everything with great interest and for once, didn't seem to mind being in arms other than his parents', guardians', or grandparents'. And now being properly awake to get a good look at his great-grandfather, the little cub seemed to have found a new favorite.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate watched over her cub with the grace of a mother that finally felt secure in her role. Her cub was healthy, starting to thrive. He had his moments of difficulties, but for the most part, he had far many better days than he did the bad. Things might have come about in a different way for her family, but sitting beside Kell, watching as Khelt held the small cub and explained things to him in soft whispers, she couldn't help but smile.

"Maybe we should think about renewing our vows." Kate said softly, looking up at her wolf. "Nothing big like this. Just something small for the both of us, with the baby as our witness."

Kell had been and always would be her rock. Even when she fretted about all of the things happening in their lives, he could bring her back to reality.

 

[KieranSoares]

"That could be arranged," Kell murmured beside her, watching as Qira slipped in to join Rissa. Kell had significantly lightened the Panther's load for the day, hoping he'd enjoy the feast with Rissa with few interruptions. Kell's gaze turned back to Kate, giving her his full attention. "Just us."

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate gave him a soft smile as she reached up and gently touched his cheek, allowing their family to see just how much she loved her wolf. "We'll still have our little family group, but the rest is just for us. And maybe we can finally convince Qira to marry Rissa."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Good luck with that. Qira doesn't put much stock in marriage," Kell chuckled. "He insists mating is far more binding and official. But if Rissa asked him, I doubt he'd say no."

 

[heartofcourage]

"So you've talked with him about it?" Kate asked with a small laugh. "Of course you have. Why should I doubt that you did."

She knew that Kell and Qira had a bond that she would never know. They shared experiences in life that no one else ever had and now they had a mutual love that they were sure to express when Kate and Rissa were present. They had probably talked about all manner of things from the craft of spying to how to best love both women in their lives.

"After I get Brogan to bed this evening, I want you to meet me in your old tower room. I want to relearn how to explore with my husband." Kate whispered against Kell's ear, giving him a small grin as she sought to seduce him for the first time since she had given birth.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kell's ears perked slightly at that as he smiled lightly. "That can be arranged." He stole a kiss then, relaxing and letting it show that he was content for the moment. Even with all the worries on the horizon, he'd done all he could for the moment. They would have to wait for morning while he enjoyed his wife.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate smiled as her husband kissed her gently, her hands raising to cup his cheeks. They were oblivious to he sighs of relief that sounded around them at seeing Kate back to normal. The entire family had been worried for the young queen, but now it seemed that she was back on firm footing.

Next to them, little Brogan watched the festivities from Khelt's arms, his great-grandfather explaining various things to him in a quiet voice. The little prince was content for the moment, sucking on his pacifier and listening to the elder wolf comment on the festivities. He seemed captivated by the musicians in the family, watching them most of all as they played songs that meant the most to Sam and Fiona.

Fiona was finding it hard to keep her eyes off Sam. Her hand was touching him at all moments, gripping his own or simply resting on his leg as the festivities continued around them. She could hardly believe that this was her life. That she was a queen and would soon be a Ghis. While she would keep her own name after their marriage, she would honor Sam in many other ways.

"I have a wedding gift for you. I figured I would save it for this evening after dinner, but you might want it now." Fiona said softly as she kissed Sam's cheek and stood, telling him that she would be back in a moment.

Retreating to their rooms, she picked up the package that she had hidden in her wardrobe a few days earlier. The violin inside of the case had been specially made for Sam by a skilled Erygonian carver. He had etched in designs of the stars and a moon as well as their favorite tree snaking along the neck of the instrument. She knew that he seldom played, but when he did it was beautiful. She only hoped that he wouldn't get angry at her gift as she entered back into the great hall and presented him the case that it rested in. Taking her seat yet again, she glanced over at him and encourage him to open it with a nod.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam raised an eyebrow as Fiona offered him the beautiful dark wooden case, recognizing the carvings on it as Erygonian handiwork. As was the custom of Erygonian artwork, it had a banded and angular style versus the more flowing and curling Lunar style with its occasional sharp points. And as per tradition as well, every piece of art told a story. The case had a great bear at the center, watching over a forest and highlands with a crown etched into one raised paw.

Sam admired the piece for a long moment before flipping open the latch and opening the case. His breath caught at the sight of a gorgeous dark hardanger fiddle, a Scandinavian version of the violin with resonant understrings. When Fiona had gone to commission it, the maker had suggested this version as a tribute to Sam's love of Scandinavia and to the Ghis family's roots there. Though the family was primarily descended from natives of the isles, there was a very important branch of ancient Vikings that had joined in along the way even long before Kayla had gone to Norway.

Gingerly unfastening the leather ties that held the instrument in place, Sam lifted the fiddle from the case in both hands. "Fiona..." He murmured, breathless at the precious gift that took so much work and artistry to make. They were uncommon in their native land, and outright rare in the isles. The fiddle had already been strung for some time to give the strings time to stretch, and Brogan had tuned it for Fiona shortly before dinner.

Sam looked to Fiona, the expression on his face not too dissimilar from hers back when he'd given her the first precious gifts she'd ever received from him. "Love, I..." He was speechless. He knew she would've had to plan a long while in advance for such an item to be ready, and amid all their work and stress.

 

[heartofcourage]

“I know you take your writing seriously and you already have all manner of pen and paper and journal. I just knew that you would never buy something like this for yourself, no matter how well you played.” Fiona said softly as she took her seat again and watched him come to terms with the fact that she had done something like this for him. “This seems so insignificant compared to everything you have given me.”

“Armor. A family. An income. Everything.” Fiona murmured, getting sentimental for a moment as she rested her hand over his own. “You showed me that an abandoned kit with a dubious past deserved to be loved too.”

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam looked down at the instrument again, murmuring, "It's no' jus' this tha' I'm... Speechless for." He struggled to put his thoughts into words for her sake, not wanting this moment to be left to a mutual understanding alone. "It's everythin' it represents. You pay attention t'everythin' about me... You know things about me tha' no one really knows. Even tha' I can play violin... I imagine even most o' my family doesn't know that, outside my parents an' siblings. And it tells a story... Our story. So far a' least." He gingerly placed the instrument back into its case for the moment to turn to Fiona, taking both her hands.

"I don' know what these next months'll bring," Sam told her softly. "An' I don' know why you chose me knowin' what you were gettin' into. But the day we married on th'spot... Tha's one of the best decisions I've ever made. An' tomorrow'll go right along with it." He drew her into his arms, not caring who saw as he kissed her for all he was worth, and drew back slightly just to whisper, "... I'm so glad there's still an 'us,' Fiona..."

 

[heartofcourage]

“It’s my job to know, Sam.” Fiona said softly as Sam bared his soul to her, telling her things that she never imagined that he would share until she was wrapped up in his arms and being kissed passionately.

She chuckled as he said that he was happy they were still together. “You did your level best to drive me away. You’re just lucky my fox is too stubborn to let things go. You’re stuck with me now. Forever if I have anything to say about that.”