Dance of the Sword

[Honey_B]

A thread for CGRaven and Honey_B.

http://www.high-lights.co.uk/castles/brodie/brodie.jpg

1720: Brodie Castle, near Nairn

Catharine Ceara Brodie, only daughter of the 18th Brodie, strode purposively down the hall of her ancestral home. Flustered. Late as usual, but also disheveled. She looked as if she had just been dragged from the forest. Actually her maid, Moira had just done that.

Cat skidded to a stop as she passed a mirror in the hallway. Her normally pale cheeks were flushed and the effect made her blue eyes glitter. She picked a stray leaf out of the mass of red curls, barely restrained by a kerchief of Brodie red. She finally looked a little like the vital girl of twenty-two that she was. The fresh air had done her good. Her face had lost some of the pallor of mourning, but her eyes still looked haunted.

She didn't have any more time to waste and she continued her mad dash down the corridor. She was already twenty minutes late for her first fencing lesson. Fencing? Her father had insisted on filling her life with such diversions, trying to get her mind off Robert. He wanted nothing more to marry her off again, but he had taken pity on her.

She threw open the doors to the large open chamber where her new instructor waited.

 

[cgraven]

Gill MaNneal

Gill MacNeal was the last of his breeds the galowgloss. Some would say mercenaries others shiftless rogues. Both would be wrong. Yes I took the lard?s coin/ I gave him my sword in service. Is not the craftsman worth his pay? But I also gave him my unquestioning loyalty, even unto death.

But to be fencing master to his daughter? We had been at odds with each other ever sense she passed from being a girl to Lass.

He had said the sword. Not the foil or rapier more suited to her size and build but the sword.

I took a few lazy swings with the ancient claymore my father's father had carried into battle for this house.

Now I carried that blade.

 

[Honey_B]

Cat watched the big man swinging the sword. She tucked herself against the door jam and watched.

Gill MacNeal.

Her father had apparently not seen fit to retain a proper instructor from France. Even so, Cat had to admit there was a certain rough grace to his movements, but she knew that would no doubt disappear when he spoke.

And this man did not tolerate tardiness.

She plucked up her courage and said with the sardonic bite of a noble Scotswoman, "Surely you do not expect a woman to wield such a sword."

Cat stepped fully into the room.

"Perhaps we could begin this farce of a lesson."

Perhaps if she made him angry enough, he would refuse to teach her.

 

[cgraven]

Catharine Ceara Brodie, The "Cat" that terrorized her father's house. We had been great friends until Robert, and the grief that came. I had tried to tell her about life and death from a warrior's point of view. Her reaction was that of a woman. Now I was to teach her the sword. Her father's word my command.

I heard those commanding footfalls approach. She burst into the Arms Room like a spring storm on the mores.

"Surely you do not expect a woman to wield such a sword." ......"Perhaps we could begin this farce of a lesson."

I was holding the Bastard sword that was to be her weapon. Heavy to the eye but light and responsive if used properly. You could wheel it two handed as of old, or with one hand as in the "New French style". I spun with the grace of the dancer. The point just nicking Cat's bodice, the point a breath away from the hollow of her neck and life's pulse.

" I expect nothing from a woman Lass."....."But demand everything from a student."

I watched her eyes. They would tell me her next move almost, as she herself would know it.

There was no room for distraction, grief, in the profession of Arms.

" Now are you ready to begin?"

 

[Honey_B]

Memories...

Cat would never forgive him for changing. Couldn't understand why their friendship had ended even before she had married Robert. The friend of her youth had simply disappeared and in his place...

A cold, unfeeling man, differential and polite, but not inclined towards the closeness that Cat depended on while growing up. She couldn't remember when he had started to change, but she could recall in painful detail, the moment she knew her friend was gone forever - Six months before her marriage to Robert.

Cat couldn't sleep. Donning a shawl over her nightdress, she had began to walk the halls of her home, lost in thought. Nostalgic memories almost brought tears to her eyes as she thought about leaving the place.

A light from the Arms room and the subtle scrape of metal, told Cat that Gill MacNeal was awake and at work. She peeked inside and saw him bent over his sword, his back turned to her.

An impulse, a desperate attempt to recapture the magic of their friendship perhaps, overcame the reticence she had built up when dealing with him. She walked up behind the big man and wrapped her arms around him. The shawl fell to the floor as she pressed her cheek against his, her red curls falling forward around them.

"Oh, master MacNeal. I miss you so very much. Our long talks through the forest. Please..."

The words tumbled out in a rush of tender feeling for the man.

His finger had the power of a vice as he pried her hands away. She remembered the look in his eye when he turned around. So cold and betraying no emotion. She felt alone and desperately vulnerable standing there, shivering in her nightdress.

"I do not know what I did to make you despise me so, but I will not trouble you again with the past."

She had fled back to her room, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Almost a year later, in the same room, MacNeal held a sword to her throat. His eyes bored into Cat's and she did not flinch. She did not want to be near him, with his arrogant hardness. After Robert had died, he had offered words. Words that had been like callused hands running over the raw skin of her emotions.

Cat brushed the tip of the sword away from her throat and held out her hand for the weapon.

"Very well, MacNeal. I will give me your best. Please give me the sword so we may begin."

 

[cgraven]

A fall afternoon

The eyes always told the story before bone and sinew moves. Again he looked into her eyes. They no longer held any warmth him. They were as cold as Bobby was in his grave.

Robert," Bobby" the third member of that group of long a go. Oh we were not equals. I had known that from the start, for I was the liege-man of the house and clan of "Brodie".

AT first Gill had been happy for his "Cat", a nice Lad this Bobby. He had courted Catharine Ceara through that summer into early fall.

Ahy I had always had feelings for the Lass but I was the liege-man she the lady. Content I was in that role expecting nothing more. Then a Kiss so sweet en tender, that promised more.

My heart was light as I wander through the glen that day. The late afternoon sun low in the sky. My destination the cutter's old croft which now held such memories for me. Her sweet voice mingled with Bobby's, the sight of his hand up her skirt, the soft moans and sighs.

Unseen I leave, "Ahy McNeil know your place."

I turn my back on her as the point the weapon dipped lowering to my side. Then with the swiftness of lighting, I spun on her' tossing Catharine Ceara Brodie the weapon, as "en lune de miel" filled my hand.

"Me lady your sword. "

Quick as ever "Cat" caught the sword in mid-air. The first blow already descending at my back. The great Claymore kissed its' younger cousin, pushing it aside. The cry of steel on steel's deadly chimes, fill the room. I am "en guard" poised and waiting her next move.


Per chance another killing blow to the hart.

 

[Honey_B]

She gripped the sword in both hands even as her cheeks began to feel the warmth of embarrassment. He meant to make a fool of her. Her attack had been pure reflex, never having held a sword in her life. Done out of pure anger. And now he expected her to continue. No doubt so he could knock her feet out from under her.

"You sir, are no teacher."

She lowered her sword.

"I know what you want. Another clumsy attack, so that I may be put in my place. I will not give you the satisfaction. Either give me some instruction or I will find something else to do."

 

[cgraven]

Gill

I saw the anger and rage flash in Catharine Ceara face as her cheeks colored to crimson then faded to pink. This err before she could even think to speak.


"You sir, are no teacher." .......... "I know what you want. Another clumsy
Attack, so that I may be put in my place. I will not give you the satisfaction. Either give me some instruction or I will find something else to do."

"Nay Mistress Catharine Ceara"........"You are wrong you have jut had your first lesson".

"As you say you have never held a sword before and yet you attack, out of anger, frustration, rage, hatred, or grief makes no difference for you would now be dead."" If I so had a mind to."

I let my words sink in. Oh yes I had mixed the her formal title with and the old familar ways of our past. In my mind I still could not call her by his name. The bitterness and feeling of betray, then the rebuff when I had reached out to her in sorrow. Yet there still lived in a secret place where she was "Cat" and I was "Gill".

"Shall we start again?"

 

[Honey_B]

"All right. Far enough. What is it that you want me to do?"

Cat smiled. She couldn't help herself. She had said those words countless times during her childhood, and saying them brought all of the warmth that went with the question. The smile brought about a giggle and then an outright laugh.

"You are right. I should not have attacked you. I shall be your eager student."

Her eyes twinkled.

"Well, as eager as I was ever capable of being."

 

[cgraven]

The old familiarity came flooding back. "Cat's" smile the twinkle in her eyes.

I had not seen it there for many a long yesr.

We had been friends. I was a lad of fourteen and she a lass of eight years. The lard wanted me to be her companion as there as no other young ones. It grew from childhood play to something else. Then Robert and the sorrow came. But those eyes and smile belonged to my "Cat".

"Now Mistress Catharine Ceara shall we start our dance?"......"Yes the sword

is like a dance, quick, responsive, and you light on your feet, Catharine

Ceara."..."No waltz mind you, more like a highland reel.".... " I will show you."

So saying my words guided "Cat' into the stance. Then for the grip.

"Nay that is not right. Let me show you."

I stood behind "Cat" my arms around her, my hands over hers as she griped the sword.

 

[Honey_B]

How can he affect me so!

Cat's mind raced for the answer. She was almost quavering inside. She looked down at McNeal's strong arms, he big rough hands over hers. Closing her eyes, she imagined him embracing her, stroking her cheek with those fingers.

Her defense was instinctive. The onslaught against her senses too great. She stiffened.

Opening her eyes and finding her voice, Cat stuttered,

"l-l-like this?"

She readjusted her grip, focusing on the sword. Cat prayed to all that was holy that he would not turn her around. Her big blue eyes had betrayed her on countless occasions. She had no doubt that McNeal would be able to guess at what she was feeling.

 

[cgraven]

"Cat" leaned back against me her breathing quick and deep. Her fragrance over powering. Her essence near, speaking of a longing deep.

Then she stiffens the moment passed.

"l-l-like this?"

Her voice was as old soft an inviting.

Yet the old dance goes on. Robert is gone yet another must take his place. For that is the way of alliances. Bond by blood and marriage with kith n Kin given as symbols.


I dare not look into her eyes for I would be lost. Unspoken love must surfice.

"Now Catharine Ceara that's better"

I lead her through the motions

"En Guard"....."Parry"....."Trust"....."lung"......"repose"

We worked an hour or more. "Cat's skill and grace with the sword ever increasing

"A rest now Mistress Catharine Ceara "

A smile crossed my face as I sat in the old widow box. The distance between us now gone. The fear of the future dark. Who shall the Lard pick next.

"You learn quickly Lass."

 

[Honey_B]

"You learn quickly, lass."

Cat's color was up and her breathing was spirited.

"Why, thank you. You have proven to be a better teacher than I thought."

The lesson over, the subjects to talk about dwindled to the painful past and the uncertain future. The silence yawned into a widening chasm.

"Our lesson is over then, Mister McNeal?"

The words came out awkwardly. Cat handed over her sword.

"I shall look forward to continuing on the morrow."

She turned to go, but stopped at the door and turned.

"That is unless you would like to join me for the mid-day meal."

 

[cgraven]

Their conversation lagged the silence became still and awkward. Things better lift unsaid was all that remained.

"Our lesson is over then, Mister McNeal?"

The words came out awkwardly. Cat handed over her sword.

I only half listen as she rapidly went on. MY mind screamed no mid day meal with the family, a servant no more. I was disparate no to lose her again. This old familiar friendship, or was it truly only friendship I felt for her? No that had all changed that day when she had kissed me on the lips.

I took the sword from her hand, as my gloved hand brushing her gloved hand. I laid it on the worktable. A smile crossed my lips as he said.

"Now Catharine Ceara who said this lesson is over."

"bold you are 'Cat", the student telling the master when the lesson is over."

"And no heavy midday meal for you either."

"If you wish I will share my bread and cheese with you."

"There is beer and cups on the table."

No had I really done it, called her "Cat", and had she heard? Did she hear an old friend's voice, or the love that filled my hart? I looked out the of window, out over the moors and prayed that I would not have to look into those deep blue eyes or I surely would be lost. No longer able to deny my love for her, for my "Cat".

 

[Honey_B]

Cat

It had been a long time since he had called her that. She remembered the last time he had said it…

Gill was regaling her with another blood-drenched story of his ancestors. He always told her stories like that. And Cat loved them. The pride in her nation’s history ran strong in her veins even in those uncertain times. They sat under the spreading arms of an ancient tree, on a bluff overlooking her family’s home.

A picnic, Cat was a little tipsy on elderberry wine, overwhelmed by the especially warm sun, the beauty of life, the freedom of feeling all grown up.

She stopped him mid-story. Her lips were on his. The contact electric, deepening as they fell into each other.

But almost before it had begun, it was over. Gill had pushed her away.

“Cat, no…”

Those two words and he was gone. That night Robert had dinner at the Brodie Castle for the first time.

“A simple meal would be fine… Gill. And then we will begin again. That is, of course, if you have more to teach me this day.”

Cat poured them each a goblet of beer and she settled on the windowseat, hoping he would join her.

 

[cgraven]

"A simple meal would be fine" Gill. And then we will begin again. That is, of course, if you have more to teach me this day.?

"Cat" handed me the goblet of beer and my mind raced back to another simple meal so long a go. The tree reaching for the sky with leafy fingers that could almost touch the sun. The cool shade offered and accepted its' gift to man. "Cat's " hair in wild disarray after a morning of hunting. Her eyes a little glazed from the wine and impish gleam as she drew my face to her and kissed me.

Oh how I'd welcomed that kiss as I returned it in kind As I fell into her my body pressed close to "Cat's", her hands and arms stretched and pined above her head as in the wrestling matches of her tomboy youth, But nay no tomboy now, she was woman grown. Oh Lord in heaven I was lost in those deep blue eyes, lost in love in an instant.

Then I remembered the banquet where I was to be her father?s sword bearer at the betrothal of my "Cat" to Robert and I pushed her away.

As I took the goblet my hand brushed hers. My longing for "Cat" struck like a sword's blow severing all ties of loyalty except one, and that one was my love for "Cat".

She sat in the window seat hers eyes down cast as a shy maiden. I took my place behind her and placed my arms around her Kissing the nape of "Cat's" neck.

"Nay shall I ever push you away again Catharine Ceara for you are my "CAT".

 

[Honey_B]

The way he said the words made Cat look up. Look up into those stormy hazel eyes. A small smile crept onto her lips. It was the smile of a woman who knows she has a man's heart. Prudently she hid it by taking a sip of beer yet her heart sang.

Cat felt a bit like playing with him. He deserved it. Push her away indeed! As if he would ever get the opportunity again. No, this time he would have to come after her. And she didn't plan to make it easy. She almost laughed outright.

"You know, Gill. You are too serious by a good measure. You always have been."

She tried desperately to keep the corners of her mouth from twitching into another smile. She took another bite of cheese, brushed the crumbs from her hand, and stood up.

"Right then. Shall we begin our lesson again?"

 

[cgraven]

"You know, Gill. You are too serious by a good measure. You always have been."

Aye there has just a hint of laughter in “Cat’s” voice. Just barley there, I was almost sure of it.
She lowered her head a wee to quickly, ere not quickly enough for I caught the devilish twitch at the corners of her sweet mouth.

"Right then. Shall we begin our lesson again?".

Gracefully I bounded to my feet. So it is games you want Catharine Ceara. So games it shall be. Nay Lass old Gill has not forgotten those days of running through the glens and how you would make me pay for the pleasure of your company.

I think something a little lighter and faster. I handed “Cat” a rapier.

“En guard” ….. “Are you ready”

I had always been known for his ability with the Highland broad swords but few guessed my mastery of the French style. At first it was parry, guard, and repose as I drew “Cat” in evaluating her skill and reactions. She came at me fast and furious like a tigress, trust, repose, and lunge. Always the attack seldom the defense.

Ah games it shall be Catharine Ceara as I found my first targets. With a flick the wrist the button at her the hollow of her neck was gone, three more in her next attack. The gentle swelling of “Cat’s” breast reviled. Swords locked we stand toe to toe, her eyes shimmer and shine. Quickly I stolid a kiss. We break.

“Catharine Ceara you look flushed and warm.” I teased.

And so it went on button by button till all where gone, and her doublet hug open. First a low slash to open “Cats” petticoats to the thigh. Then one sleeve and then the other, till ”Cat has half naked from my flashing blade.

Again are blade locks for she gives no quarter. Her bosoms heaving her eyes flashing. “Cat’s” a heart beat away now. My arm around her waist I draw my Catharine Ceara to me. Hip to hip and thigh to thigh I hold her.

“It’s no Child’s game I play with you my love for you are woman grown now.”

And with that a passionate kiss I give, “My Catharine Ceara”.

 

[Honey_B]

His kiss was fervent, silencing, intoxicating. It rushed her with a warmth and vibrancy, giving her a feeling she didn't know she had lacked until that very moment. Need slammed her in her stomach with intense force. Her lips parted and she thrilled as she felt his tongue touch hers. A soft caress as his teeth claimed her lower lip. Cat arched her back, bowing her body into him, entwining her arms around his neck. Feeling him. In that moment she gave everything, holding nothing back.

“Mmm...”

She murmured into the confines of their kiss.

Catharine Caera? Where are you, lass?

The loud bellowing voice of Cat's father echoed down the hallway.

"Gill..." she said softly. Cat was so reluctant to move from his embrace, but she looked down at her shredded clothing.

Cat pulled away abruptly.

"He mustn't catch me like this. Please come!"

She seized Gill's hand and pulled him towards the far corner of the room. Kneeling, she ran her fingernails along the base molding. They found the small slot, and a catch released. A panel swung open.

"Through here..."

Cat closed the door softly and leaned against it, breathing hard. She heard her father enter the room, call out to her again. He made a funny sort of snort and then she heard his footsteps exiting the room.

The dimly lit passage ran the length of the room they just vacated and then disappeared into a staircase leading up to second floor. Cat has spent half her youth investigating the secret passageways of the house and she knew them like the back of her hand.

She turned around to find Gill very near. Her breath caught in her throat.

 

[cgraven]

Cat returned my kiss with such a tender and demanding need that men could only dream of. The taste and smell of her, the feel of her body pressed to mine was dream become reality for me. I would never push my Catharine Ceara again, nor nay would any one take her from me as long as I drew breath.

Catharine Caera? Where are you, lass?

The voice of the lard broke the moment . There was a made furry of movement as my Cat searched to open the hidden passage as her father footsteps drew ever nearer.

"Gill..."….. "He mustn't catch me like this. Please come!"

I gathered up the last remains of “Cat’s” garments. As she called "Through here..."

We entered the dimly lit chamber of an old passage forgotten in time. Only the Lard and his family knew their existence and I his sword bearer. “Cat’s” body was pressed against the cold stone wall and mine to hers as I listened at the door. Where could we go? I not to hers or my chambers for surly they would search there. Where then for this passion I had for her could wait no longer. Where then? Aye the old “priest hole in the West Wing. The wing was seldom used and the hiding place secure.

Stealing a quick kiss I took Catharine Caera by her hand and we flew down the winding passes like lovers in flight, aye and that is what we are. Finally we arrived at the old great hall, cautiously we crossed in to the “priest hole" behind the far hearth.

It was my duty to see that it was always ready to receive a special guest whose presence was better unknown to the household. It was a cozy little room with but a single bed which I drew my “Cat” to with me.

 

[Honey_B]

The secluded room was perfect for hiding the love that could be hid no longer. Cat was in Gill's arms in an instant. Not for her the girlish blushes of an innocent. For she was a woman who had lusts of her own. She gave him a seductive smile before she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Deep emotion racked her body and she knew Gill would be able to feel her trembling as she hugged him to her with all of her strength. Desire flared between them. It was impossible to tell how long the kiss lasted, so lost was she in its beauty. The touch of his mouth seemed to penetrate to the very depths of her soul.

She let her fingers trail down his chest as her mouth left his to brush against his neck.

"We are alone and our dance continues," she murmered.

 

[cgraven]

Aye Catharine Ceara seductive smile, stole my breath away, as her arms went around my neck as she drew me into a kiss. A kiss so intents and deep that, nay words could ever describe it. The trembling of our bodies for the need and want each other nearly drives me out of my mind with the desire of her.

"We are alone and our dance continues," she murmered.

Catharine Ceara voice's deep and husky and spurs me on.

“Yes my Love.”

We set upon the bed in that awkward moment before joining two as one. I kneel at “Cat’s” feet on the bed. I hold her dainty ankle in my hand and slip the shoe from her foot. I remove the silken garter, my hands reaching high up on Catharine Ceara’s thigh. I slowly roll it down and off her dainty foot. Aye that other perfect stem receives my attention. I bury my face into “Cat” lap my arms around her waist just to enjoy the fragrance of her.

My hands are upon her shoulders as I tenderly slip the shreaded remains of her shift from her. My eyes beheld the laughing Lass that I first fell in love with and the perfection of her form. My lips find the hallow of “Cat’s” neck for the sheer joy of the taste of her.

“Yes my love I am ready.”

 

[Honey_B]

Cat lifted her chin as she felt Gill's lip on her throat. His lips were warm velvet on her sensitive skin. She closed her eyes and pressed her body into his, feeling her nipples harden as they brushed against the rough fabric of his shirt.

She reached for his it. Tugging at the shirt free of his belt, she convinced him to let her pull it off and it joined her torn garments on the floor. She moved her hands upwards to caress his chest. As her flattened palms moved over his muscled flesh, she became aware of his thudding heart. Cat knew her own raced in time with his. She had never felt so alive and happy.

And all from the sheer joy of their coming together. They were two people, alike in so many ways and so perfectly different in others. She had always known that only Gill could match the fire that lit her soul. Theirs was a fearsome symmetry.

Her fingertips played over the taut, sinewy muscles of his chest then down over his flat stomach.

 

[cgraven]

"Catharine Ceara"

Her touch lights a passion in me that is all consuming and my lips and tongue find the hallow of “Cat's” neck and travel to capture the pearly hardness of her nipple. To tease and delight her.

 

[Honey_B]

"Gill McNeil"

She murmered as wrapped her arms around him, holding his head to her breast. Her red curls fell forward around him as she looked down through half-closed eyes. His mouth taunted the ever-tightening bud. She didn't ever want him to stop.