Ghis (closed)

[KieranSoares]

"They are. Jonathan has been explaining things to them and they understand what their mother has done for the most part. They'll be staying with relatives for a while as planned, while Jonathan sorts things out."

 

[heartofcourage]

“I would like to offer as much protection as he feels they might need. Paid for by the Scottish Crown.” Kate offered, a soft spot developing for those poor children.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I've got that covered," Kell assured her before Henry could speak, earning a curious gaze and then a smile from the king.

"You Scots just love to meddle," he teased.

 

[heartofcourage]

"As you will learn, Henry." Kate commented, giving the English king a small smile. "I have a stubborn streak and no one will tell me what I might and might not be able to do."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Less a streak, more all-encompassing," Henry chuckled. "Anyhow, Rothbury and his family are sorted. All that's left to do is deal with Alba after we've squeezed all the information we can out of him about the Lady Rothbury and any other co-conspirators."

 

[heartofcourage]

"He is your lord and you may do whatever you see fit." Kate said, affirming what she and Kell felt on the matter. "I trust your judgement and know that whatever you decide will be good enough for my lords as well."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You're the one responsible for capturing him, though. And as the one whose holdings and lord were attacked, you have the right to Alba's execution, or Castor's widow," Henry reminded. "Otherwise I will take care of him personally as a proper show that I won't tolerate my lords endangering my relationships with other powers."

 

[heartofcourage]

"We will send a rider to Castor and see just what her wishes are." Kate said, glancing over at Kell. "She had just as much say in this as any of us do."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Until her response, he'll be kept under lock and key," Henry nodded. "So I think it's safe to say all of you Scots can go home when you like, and review border security just in case. I have a few other barons to put down separately from Alba."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I believe we will start the journey home soon. I've been away far too long." Kate admitted to Henry. "And I will make sure that my lords on the border know that they are not to retaliate in any way if they feel the need. I will not be drawn into another war."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'll do the same with mine. I have too much to deal with in Normandy with the French anyway."

The group spent the night in Foulden before the Scots set off north once more. The Invernessians parted from Kate at a crossroads town south of Edinburgh, though Brogan had a tough time leaving his little girl again. The journey home had been a bit slow with a few wagons of wounded men, including Qira who was rarely awake and under constant supervision by a tribal healer who'd volunteered to come with them. He was certain Qira would live and make a full recovery, but Qira was just so exhausted and he'd lost so much blood that Kell insisted on letting him rest the whole way home and then some.

 

[heartofcourage]

The moment that Edinburgh came back into sight, Kate visibly relaxed. Her banners and colors were still flying on the walls surrounding the great city. Nothing had changed in the time that they were gone. It was what she needed to see to assure her that the kingdom was still firmly in her control and no one had tried to usurp her throne while she had been gone.

 

[KieranSoares]

As the parade of returning soldiers came up the south road, people stopped and stared, many cheering Kate for what she'd done to avenge and set Paxton to rights. It had been a winning move on her part, proving she cared about even her lesser Lords and their people.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate was a little uncomfortable with the attention, but she did her part and waved from the back of her horse, giving the people what they wanted. They were in awe of a warrior queen, even more so than what they had been with Marianne. She was very aware of the image that she projected and she kept herself calm and tall in the saddle, leading her men back into the keep. In all honest, she was nervous to hear what Warwick had to report about the goings on of the kingdom.

 

[KieranSoares]

When Kate entered the courtyard and her men split off, stable hands came to take the horses and the main castle doors opened, Warwick calmly awaiting Kate leaning on his cane, backed by servants ready to bring in bags, gear, and cloaks. He directed them forward and when Kate and Kell came to face him, Warwick offered a calm smile. "Well, well. I hear things went rather well, barring some interference," he said that with a glance to Kell. All three watched as burly royal guardsmen helped Qira inside, half-carrying the huge Panther.

"... Perhaps I should call upon Mariko Varno," Warwick suggested, seeing Qira's state.

 

[heartofcourage]

“I would appreciate it.” Kate said as she glanced over at Qira. “Discreetly, of course.”

The less people who knew about Qira being out of commission, the better. In the mean time, she was sure that Kell would be acting as her personal guard along with whatever backup you was on hand.

 

[KieranSoares]

"That certainly goes without saying." Warwick turned, walking into the castle with them. "Thankfully you haven't missed much whole you've been gone. The border conflict had everyone's attention, seeing what you would do. Of course there are always a couple mischief-makers who take advantage of the distraction, but nothing out of the ordinary."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Please tell me who these mischief makers are. I would love to have a long discussion with them." Kate groused as they entered the castle and Warwick gave her a run down of what had happened while she was gone.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I'll deliver the reports later. You two ought to settle back in and relax a while. It's nothing pressing, and Marianne's already dealt with some of them. You'd be surprised what a good scolding from the former queen can do." Warwick chuckled at that, coming to a halt in the center of the main hall. "Go, both of you, and get some rest. In the morning, I have someone for you to meet. A potential lady-in-waiting for you, Kate."

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate rolled her eyes hard at the news that she had ladies in waiting to look over. "Great. Back from one battle and ready for another."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I think you'll like this one," Warwick smiled. "She's nothing like the damsels you'll find in most courts."

"Has anyone done a background check?" Kell questioned, always careful of new people.

"She comes approved by your grandfather. While I don't think he knows very well personally, he seems to think she'll suit Kate well."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I don't have the strength to even think about that right now." Kate muttered as she turned to escape into her apartments to rest and relax. "Perhaps in another hundred years."

 

[KieranSoares]

"You have one day," Warwick teased, but let them go without further bother. Kell ordered that he and Kate be left alone except in emergency, and followed on her heels quietly.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate grinned the moment that she entered the rooms and was immediately greeted by Khan. Her white tiger was there in an instant, purring loudly and rubbing against her legs. She knelt, taking his face in her hands as she nuzzled against him and greeted him in an enthusiastic way.

"Looks like someone is happy to see us home." Kate said, glancing up at Kell as she watched him slowly start to relax.

 

[KieranSoares]

Khan whined quietly, more of a deep growling and purring, and chuffing happily as he tried to get as close to Kate as possible. He was nearly full-grown now, so he could topple her if he wanted. Instead, he flopped against her side, stretching out for her attention. Kell smiled lightly, kneeling to pat the tiger's side. "We'll have to train him properly like Ballas so he can come with us next time."