Ghis (closed)

[KieranSoares]

"Kell is keeping your promise. I won't be commanding in the field, only training. In emergency, I may be called upon, but I would offer my arm anyway. And though I appreciate your generosity, I'll be alright. Kell's assured me of a fairly short workday and enough of a wage to be comfortable and save up. I'm happy with the prospect."

 

[heartofcourage]

"And you'll be comfortable here in Edinburgh? You've always enjoyed the wilderness of Inverness." Julia teased him gently as the little cub rested her head on his shoulder and let out a soft sigh. "At least let Brigan and I help you find a good home here."

 

[KieranSoares]

"There's plenty of wilderness on the outskirts, and the sister tribe of the Gol Dun that Kreston came from. I think we'll be just fine."

 

[heartofcourage]

"As long as you both are happy." Julia said as the young cub lifted her head suddenly and looked at Casso, asking him something softly in another language.

 

[KieranSoares]

Casso leaned down to listen before giving a nod to his granddaughter. "If you'll excuse me, sister. I'll be seeing you," he murmured with a smile to Julia, kissing her cheek before stepping away with Dehan.

 

[heartofcourage]

Julia nodded as Casso turned away with the little cub. She smiled after them as Dehan peeked at Julia and gave her a small wave before they were both absorbed by the crowd.

 

[KieranSoares]

By the time everything and everyone settled for the evening meal, the clan had been joined by friends and supporters from near and far. Even King Gallus had arrived a bit late with his family, and unsurprisingly at least to Kell, but a surprise to Kayla and Kate, one more small group arrived. Ulfric Moor was first to step in with Kjotva, their daughter Freya close beside. And with them had come Khelt, speaking quietly to Ulfric. It was no surprise they had a confidence, both being effective and very particular spymasters among other professions.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate smiled at her grandfather in law as he entered the room with Ulfric and the former queen of Sweden. She adored Khelt and he worked just as hard as Kell to make sure that everything was just so when it came to her and her safety. She rose and greeted him when he came to their table, hugging him before she allowed Kell to greet him as well.

 

[KieranSoares]

The old Wolf let out a soft chuckle, a very rare sound from his lips, as Kate hugged him. "Hello, my dear." He greeted Kell with an embrace too as Ulfric came to take Kate's hand and kiss her cheek. While she had never gotten to spend much time with him, he had always adored her spirit, as had Kjotva.

 

[heartofcourage]

"It seems that today is one of surprises." Kate said with a smile towards both men. "And to think...I thought Edinburgh would be boring."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It will be before long," Ulfric chuckled. "Boring or stressful. There is no in-between. But we'll be a letter away should you need us."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I wouldn't bother other heads of state with such trivial things. My wolf is responsible for keeping me entertained." Kate said with a small smile towards Ulfric.

 

[KieranSoares]

Ulfric chuckled to himself at that. "Don't tire him out too much, dear." He went along with his little family. The rest of the Triad would be there in time for the coronation, among other rulers.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate watched over them all from her vantage and felt a mixture of pride and sorrow. She was proud that her family was strong and thriving but she was sad that they would all have to go home when everything was said and done.

A few days later, Kate stood in front of the windows of her private apartments, looking over the streets beyond the castle that were flooded with people. She hadn't had the time to put her personal touches on the space yet, but that would come after the coronation that would happen that day. Her dress was heavy and rich, her mother's own handy work in dark blue and black. Her hair had been pinned back by maids to accommodate the crown which would be placed on her head later that afternoon. She felt like a queen for the first time, but she was also incredibly nervous.

 

[KieranSoares]

Aside from the maids who'd come in, the morning had been oddly quiet, a far cry from the usual rush and excitement of events in Inverness. Everything was in place and everyone knew their roles. As Kate stood gazing out over the city, the quiet click of the door latch sounded behind her. Kell stepped in, wearing matching rich blues and blacks. His normal uniform would be similar colors and functional but decorative bits of leather armor. This ceremonial armor was fitted with light plate, polished and gleaming without a flaw. His black fur, though usually matte, was silky and nearly gleaming. His golden eyes were completely calm as he stepped up behind Kate, laying a hand on her back.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate looked over at her wolf as he pressed a hand against her lower back. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to his cheek, nuzzling against him gently.

"Thank you for this morning." She whispered softly.

He had woken her up before dawn, making love to her to calm her nerves and clear her mind. He always knew when she needed reassurance and love.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Anytime," he murmured, nuzzling back against her and drawing her close as if he could block the stress and nerves a while longer. Whatever nervousness or worry he was feeling, he pushed it all aside to look after her.

 

[heartofcourage]

Kate kissed him then as he held her tightly, all of her love, patience, and passion coming out as she showed him just what he meant to her. Her hands moved to cup his furred cheeks, his fur soft beneath her fingers as he had taken great care with it that morning.

 

[KieranSoares]

Kell's arms easily draped low about her waist, enjoying her kiss for all it was worth for a long moment of quiet passion before drawing back slightly. A look of serenity had settled over him in the past days, if only for her sake. "How are you holding up?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'm very aware of what I am about to do." Kate said softly. "But I am still nervous that I am the right one to do this. Everyone else seems to have faith in me."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Because even under pressure with ruin imminent, you've performed well in the past. And you come from a clan that will stop at nothing to help each other and see to the common good. I can certainly see their confidence." Kell touched her cheek lightly. "And Gale believed in you. That didn't come lightly."

 

[heartofcourage]

"And you believe in me." Kate said softly as he gently touched her cheek. "I think that means more than any riches or jewels."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I believe I'm looking at a queen who will set the bar for Scotland's rulers for generations to come. But most of all, I'm looking at my wife. And that's what matters most to me." With another kiss, he paused just before there was a knock at the door.

"Milady, the great hall is ready. Guests are arriving and your entrance will be in half an hour," an advisor called through. "And milord, the Panther is awaiting your orders."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Does it bother Qira that they call him the panther?" Kate asked as the advisor took his leave. "He deserves respect."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Considering they don't know his name, and they don't just call him a beast, he doesn't mind much. Then again, everyone calls me your Wolf. I don't mind." He gave her a smile. "It's not too different from calling humans men and women. It's a means of description."