Heart of Lothian

[a_libertine]

Gavin nodded, "Percy will ride out with you to ensure the Aneglishman behaves himself."

He took the treaty, and shaking his head at the verbiage of it, signed it nonetheless. "Well, this should gives about five years of peace. Maybe a little more."

Gavin gave his bride a delicate kiss, cupping her face with hand, "Hurry back woman." he whispered.

Turning he began discussing deployment of men, and the need to rebuild the town oven, bridge, and other necessary jobs. Gavin glanced as Rozenn and Percy headed out giving her a wane smile.

 

[Mignonette]

Rozenn took the treaty and left with the promise to return as quickly as possible. On one hand she didnt think an escort necessary as she was just going to see her cousin, but on the other hand she was still glad that Percy had gone with her for protection.

Steven was eagerly packing his things, ready to leave with or without the treaty as it seemed. When he saw his cousin with the scroll in her hand his face seemed to light up instantly.

"Finally! I thought that brute would never sign it!", he exclaimed happily.
"He is no brute, Steven. He is my husband.", Rozenn reminded him, making her cousin raise an eyebrow.
"And since when do you stand on the side of those barbarians?"
"Since I married one and since they treated me with kindness."
Steven made a noise of disgust as he looked Rozenn up and down.
"Pft, soon you will be like one of them, carrying a little barbaric bastard in your belly."
Rozenn was hurt by those words. Didnt he realize how much he was attacking her with what he said?
"They will not be bastards. Unlike many of your children.", she suddenly said, instantly covering her mouth. This was highly inappropriate. It was true that Steven had gotten several women with child outside of marriage and thus had a few bastard children running around, but it wasnt Rozenn's place to point it out.
"Just give me the damn treaty, woman. You are becoming as bad as those Scots.", Steven just said, tearing the scroll out of her hands and putting it into his bag.
"Farewell, cousin. May we not see each other again.", he spoke and then swung himself onto his saddle and rushed off, leaving Rozenn angry and hurt.

She didnt linger there much longer, but quickly returned to the castle as she had promised. Even though she tried to put on a smile, her agitation was visible.
"He is gone.", was all she said when she took her place next to Gavin once more. "But at least the treaty will reach the King soon."
She placed her hand on his arm, just to feel his strength, as it reassured and calmed her.

 

[a_libertine]

Gavin was finishing his business with the elders of Linton as Rozenn was returning, her eyes were red as if she had been crying, or trying not to. Her hand was warm and heavy as she laid it on him, whispering "He's gone."

Nodding Gavin laid his hand on hers, staying silent a moment. Thoughts of Stephen, his general disposition led Gavin to believe that the parting of cousins was far less cordial than one would normally expect from family.

Looking at his wife, Gavin whispered, "Buidhe-ros, you will learn what family is." Standing gingerly, he walked up with her to the top of the tower, Stephen's lone form still visible in the distance as he road away.

"Here, Buidhe-ros, family is more important that title, or land. Or at least for most of us that are of the old blood. Watch him, bid him and the Aneglish ways farewell, for life is better here."

 

[Mignonette]

Rozenn followed Gavin to the top of the tower, watching Stephen's figure disappear into the next forest. This was the last she had seen of her old family, she was sure.

She nodded at his words, staring into the distance for some time. Suddenly however she spun around, burrying her face in his chest and just let out the tears she had been fighting during her conversation with Stephen.
She cried over the family she had lost. It was as if her entire past was erased in one swipe.
After a few minutes she calmed down and brushed her tears away with the back of her hand.
"I wont cry about them anymore. I promise.", she sobbed. "From now on I belong here. Only to you. We will build our own little family."

And she swore to herself that she would shower her children with so much attention and love that they would almost drown in it.

"Hold me...please.", she asked of him and when he wrapped her arms around her she hugged him back. For a while they simply stood there together until Rozenn whispered: "Let's go inside. It looks like rain and the wind is getting stronger."

 

[a_libertine]

They headed down the stairs to the main floor of their tower home, now not quite, but close to empty. Percy, Robert, and a handful of others still were about. Gavin knew that they would likely leave in the morning, though Robert was only going one town over.

Rozenn went off in the direction of the women, and with in seconds, Mary and Rozenn were tittering like school girls.

"So, Gavin, you managed to complete the task?" Percy jibed.

Gavin snorted then said, "I hope she learned much in the Aneglish court while she was there."

His cousin and friend both looked at him questioningly. "I am a warrior, I fight, kill and move on. I don't know how to rule a territory, someone else always took care of it while I spilled Aneglish blood."

Percy smiled and said, "If not, I am sure you can import someone to help ya out. Maybe a Frenchman."

Gavin smiled ruefully, "You mean her cousin Stephen?"

The three men laughed as the first crack of lightning rolled across the sky. Glancing toward the door, Gavin muttered, "I guess the Kennedy will be staying with us another night."

 

[Mignonette]

Rozenn was glad that Mary was such a warmhearted person. Only after a few minutes of chatting with her she was already feeling calm and happy once more.
"So, what is married life like?", Mary asked with a smile on her face that brought a blush to Rozenn's face and she even looked down for a moment.
Her shy demeanor made Mary laugh. "You dont need to answer. It is quite plain that it becomes you well. Your cheeks are rosy and you arent the shy pale ghost you were when you first arrived here. Its a good change."

Happily Rozenn reached for her friend's hand and squeezed it. "Thank you, Lady Mary. I am indeed feeling much more alive ever since I came here. And Lord Fenton...I mean, Gavin....is the best husband I could have asked for."
And she meant every word. He was providing her with the love, strength and protection she had seeked all her life.

Mary squeezed her hand in return and nodded. "I wish you two all the luck in the world and many many sons."
"And daughters. I want little girls to spoil as well.", Rozenn added and both women laughed.

When the thunder roared outside, Rozenn moved to the window to check if her cousin was coming back, but Stephen wasnt. He was rather facing the force of the elements than remaining on Scottish soil for too long. Rozenn just hoped that nothing would happen to him. Her family would be devastated if he died and with his death, the treaty would never reach the King's hands.

 

[a_libertine]

The afternoon passed as the men and women occupied themselves in various ways, the storm raging all along. Thunder roared in response to the many flashes of lightning, rattling the door of the tower, drowning out the conversation on occasion.

Dinner was far less formal than the previous nights, the three men and two women huddled around the fire pit. Gavin's eyes drooped the toll of the injury and the day becoming more evident as time wore on.

Rozenn touched his shoulder, getting Gavin's attention a concerned look in her eyes. She didn't have to say anything, nodding, Gavin rose and headed for the stairs. It was slow and painful but he finally got to the level of their rooms and headed into his room, through hers.

Plopping onto the bed, he moaned, "Good night wife, sorry."

 

[Mignonette]

Throught the day Rozenn kept hoping that Steven would retun to the castle, but he never did. By evening, the new lady of Lothian had already given up and focused once more on what was happening around her. She saw her husband looking tired and so she gently suggested he went to bed, glad that he headed her words.

She followed him upstairs and changed his bandages before he dropped into bed.
"Dont apologize. You are tired.", she told him gently and kissed his cheek affectionally. "You need your rest to heal faster."
For a while she sat by his bedside, waiting for him to fall asleep. Only once she was sure that he wouldnt wake did she move back to her own room, preparing for the night herself, though she didnt go to sleep. She moved to sit by the window, looking outside. Whenever the lightning flashed through the sky outside she could see the vague outlines of the hills and the valleys. Added to the storm a waterfall of rain had started to come down from the sky. Anyone still outside had to be pitied.

Long into the night Rozenn finally started to get tired and laid down in her own bed, but it suddenly felt cold and lonely without Gavin by her side. So in the end she went back into the Master bedroom and cuddled up to her husband, careful not to wake him. Feeling his body heat against her form gave her the warmth and protection that she needed to peacefuly fall asleep.

 

[a_libertine]

Gavin woke early the next morning, his body sore, his side aching. Dressing and heading down stairs, Gavin was met by Robert and Percy, who was getting ready to leave.

"Thought you would sneak out?" Gavin asked.

"Perhaps, if I were lucky, but alas," Percy jibed back.

Gavin grinned, saying, "Said like a man who had been with another's wife."

Percy's exaggerated shock shown on his face as he bellowed, "Me?!?! Say never!"

Gavin smiled, clapping his friend on his back, "God speed, Percy, and give your mother a kiss."

Percy smiled, "Of course, when father is not looking."

Gavin watched a while, Percy's form getting smaller and smaller then turned to the tower. Breakfast laid out, Gavin sat and began eating

 

[Mignonette]

Rozenn was so deeply asleep that she didnt even notice her husband leaving. Catching up with the hours of rest that she had missed during the night, she even overslept breakfast and stayed in bed until afternoon started setting in.

"What have you done to poor Rozenn, Gavin?", Mary eventually asked him. "Did you wear the lass out so much that she cannot walk this morning?", she continued teasing.

Just then Rozenn rushed down the stairs, wearing a simple green gown and her hair in a messy braid adorned with a golden circlet.
"I humbly apologize. I have barely slept last night because of the thunderstorm and didnt wake in time this morning.", she excused herself, but those present around them shared amused looks, suspecting a very different reason as to why their Lady couldnt sleep.

Rozenn however was so embarrassed that she didnt even see them, but kept her eyes on the ground. She would have to be more careful in the future. Had that happened during her time as a lady in waiting she would have lost her position, now she could lose much more. Gavin's affection and the respect of his people, both things that she held dear.

Mary smiled warmly at her however.
"It has been raining since last night, there wasnt much that could be done, so you could as well spend the rest of the day in bed as well."
"And produce a good strong heir for the land", came a mutter from somewhere, though it was hard to tell which of the servans had voiced what many others were thinking. Rozenn's first duty was to bear a son and although everyone present knew that it took time, they were actually longing to have a little Lord run around the castle. Especially since Gavin's first son hadnt lived more than a few hours.

 

[a_libertine]

Gavin spent the morning finalizing plans for the village oven, and had correspondence drafted to purchase enough brick to be delivered to construct the oven.

Not for the first time he toyed with the idea of walling the village. Now that there was peace it seemed both the time to actually begin that project, and unnecessary. Turning his eyes South he tried to imagine what Edward's next action would be, and as importantly, when.

Gavin knew that Edward wouldn't be able to sleep with the Scots as freemen. It left a border open, one that he couldn't control fully. All had seen the ruthlessness he had squashed the Welsh rebellion, and Gavin figured that Edward would be back.

Time was flying by, slowed only by the ache of his wound. Part of him worried about Rozenn, if she was feeling okay.

At long last she came down the stairs, slightly after the mid day meal. She was dressed in green, her hair up, looking all the world embarrassed. He stood and walked over to her, placing his hand on her hip gently. "Good morning, woman, are you okay?" He asked, voice soft.

Before she could respond his hands went to her hair and undid the braid, allowing her hair to cascade across her shoulders, molten gold highlighted by the emerald dress. "I prefer your hair down, Buidhe-ros."

 

[Mignonette]

"I am fine mylord, although I dont understand why you didnt wake me this morning...", she replied, watching his hand move to her hair even as she spoke. She didnt protest as he undid her braid, her hair instantly falling free.
"If it pleases you open then I shall wear it like that. I just thought it was proper for a married woman to wear her hair up."
At least it was considered proper back in England. Scotland apparently gave her a lot more freedoms.

"Mylord....I mean Gavin...", she started, still unused to calling him by his name. "With your permission I'd like to visit the village today."
She wanted to see the lands and the people that belonged to the castle she would soon call home.
"It would be nice to look around a bit...despite the rain."

 

[a_libertine]

Gavin pursed his lips considering her request a moment, then nodded.

"Yes," he said softly, "The people will want to see their new lady, and you should see what price our town paid."

Gavin turned and issued the orders to have the wagon hitched with a couple of horses on the other side of the bridge.

After a few minutes, Gavin collected Rozenn, and began walking down toward the bridge. "Now I warn you, this is not London. We are a rural town, and have little in way of wealth."

 

[Mignonette]

Rozenn went to fetch her cloak to keep her warm and shelter her from the rain before she joined Gavin once more to visit the village with him.
She knew it wouldnt be London, but she didnt know what to expect. All her life she had lived sheltered and in luxury, even if she had been an outcast in that world. The sufferings and burdens of living in a village constantly menaced or even destroyed by war were unknown to her. But she soon received her first glimpse as Gavin showed her around.

Rozenn covered her mouth as she saw the dirty streets, the rundown village houses and the lack of food on the market. Now she wasnt surprised that Gavin had so easily accepted the peace treaty. Peace was desperately needed here to return things into order.
"Gavin...the king has given me a dowry as well as gold for my own expenses...I want you to take it. Use it for the village. I wont have much need for it myself, while these people do.", she asked of him. In her new home she wouldnt have to buy or make new dresses every month to present them to everyone. Therefore the gold could be spent on something more sensible. And nothing seemed better than helping those people out who needed it badly.

 

[a_libertine]

The ride in the wagon was an absolute torture. Never before had Gavin ridden to the village. He wasn't sure that he would have been able to walk the kilometer or so. It turned out that the ride might have been as bad or worse. Each jolt flared like the sun, burning his side, sending jolts of unadulterated pain through out his body.

As they arrived in town they walked around, hand in hand, taking everything in. Gavin greeted each of the people by name, introducing them to the new Lady Fenton.

He showed her where the old oven had been, which had stood for nearly 100 years, prior to the English soldiers tearing it asunder. It was there at the oven which was no more, that Rozenn made her offer to use the dowry to help rebuild, restock Linton.

Gavin considered it a moment, then shook his head no. "It would be better to allow them to do that, if you want to help, bake bread." The look on Rozenn's face told the story for her.

Smiling he whispered, "Don't worry, Mary can teach you."

 

[Mignonette]

"I will try my best to learn fast. As Lady Fenton their wellbeeing is my duty too.", she said, looking around, her heart aching for those people.
Suddenly something pulling on her skirts got her attention and she looked down to find a group of small children behind her. All were dirty, in ragged clothes and looking rather thin.

"Are you a Princess?", the smallest girl asked and her childish way of speaking and thinking warmed Rozenn's heart.

"No, Im not.", she said with a smile to the girl.

"But you look like one!", a boy objected, making her laugh.

"I feel flattered by your gracious words, mylord.", she told him, making the boy boast with pride at the title.

"So you really arent a Princess?", the smallest girl asked again. Rozenn leaned down to her and brushed her brown hair.
"No, Im really not."

"This is the wife of Lord Fenton. My ma said so.", the tallest boy shared his knowledge proudly. "You are the Lord, arent you?", he asked Gavin boldly. The children were acting on their curiosity, forgetting manners and etiquette. Not that Rozenn cared. She found it rather adorable.

 

[a_libertine]

Gavin looked down at the children as they talked to Rozenn, trying to determine if she was a princess or not in amusement. "You are the Lord, aren't you?" the child asked.

"Aye, I am," Gavin replied ruffling the boys hair. "Now run along and work at becoming a large strong Scotsman, the future is yours to grab."

Gavin turned and started walking back toward the wagon. The last damned thing he wanted to do was ride in the damn wagon again, so each and every opportunity that presented itself for him to stop and talk he took. Conversations of the crops they would be able to plant (the usual stuff), whether he thought the Aneglish would come back (Yes, eventually), whether or not he would be raising taxes (maybe), and so on.

They finally reached the wagon, and Gavin helped Rozenn up into the seat, his side flaring in pain as she stepped into the wagon. The driver turned the wagon then headed toward the bridge, Gavin walking along side.

"It was a good visit. We'll be spending more time in town as we rebuild the oven, first then houses, and so on."

 

[Mignonette]

Rozenn bid the children goodbye and followed Gavin back to the wagon.
"It sounds lovely. I would be happy to spend more time with the children. They are very adorable. And perhaps the women of the village could teach me a few things I could need as the lady of the castle.", Rozenn said with a smile. She didnt mind to mingle with the common people. Noble ladies usually shouldnt be forced to leave the luxuries of their life, but as Rozenn had already proven, she wasnt like most others.

"Gavin, you look in pain. Perhaps we should return for today and have you rest. We should take things slowly lest the wound becomes worse.", she voiced her worry as she watched him, reading the discomfort in his face. "Please.", she added gently at the end. "I am sure the people will understand that you cannot work alongside them in your current condition. The more you rest now, the faster you will be strong enough to return to your tasks."
The last thing she wanted was for him to collapse and for the wound to tear open again. She reached her hand out for him to hold it. It was just a small gesture of intimacy and affection, but the people around them who saw it, all smiled. Their new lady might be an Englishwoman, but she had a kind heart and they would happily embrace her.
"Let us go home, love."
She was also still drenched from the rain, which had stopped shortly after their arrival in the village. Rozenn hadnt minded, but now she was starting to get cold.

 

[a_libertine]

Gavin nodded. "We are, you take the wagon and go ahead to the bridge, wait for me there."

He gave Rozenn's hand a gentle squeeze before letting got, allowing his side to dictate his speed. He'd die and head to hell feet first before he allowed his people see him ride a wagon due to injury.

A man's pride was second only to his reputation, Gavin knew. He had plenty of both to spare he knew, but the point was that he wasn't about to show physical weakness. A reputation build up with nearly a decade of killing had forged his name in East Lothian and lands beyond.

He was known in equal measure for his brain and brawn alike. None feared his brain, and those that feared his brawn could not be allowed to see his weakened state.

Not so soon after the peace treaty had been signed.

A peace treaty not worth the excrement with which it had been signed.

Arriving at the bridge he saw Rozenn sitting in the wagon on the far side of the bridge which was worrisome. That meant he was walking very slowly if they had the time to unhitch the horses, get them across and then push the wagon across.

 

[Mignonette]

Rozenn didnt understand why Gavin put himself through so much pain and discomfort for his honor, but at the same time she admired it. It meant that he was ready to risk a lot for what he valued and loved.

She arrived at the bridge and eventually got off the wagon, allowing the men to take care of everything while she waited for Gavin. When she felt new raindrops falling from the sky, she looked up for a moment before pulling her hood over her golden hair.

She moved to lean over the bridge to watch the water below, but one of the men called her back.
"I wouldnae do that, Lady Fenton. The bridge is a wee unstable and we wouldnae want you to fall into the water."
Rozenn thanked them and took a few steps backwards. She was already wet and shivering enough, hoping she wouldnt catch a cold. When she turned around she saw Gavin arriving.

"I am cold, Gavin. How long will it take to reach the castle?", she asked, walking a few steps towards him to link her hand with his. She didnt ask about his wound, guessing that this was probably something he tried not to talk or think about.

 

[a_libertine]

Rozenn's hand was cold in his, the rain seeping the warmth from her. Her dress clung damply to her body, accentuating the curves of her litheness. Gavin nodded at her and said, "GO on, I shall be along shortly."

Gavin saw the look in her eyes, and continued, "The wagon hurt more the first time than walking does. Now shoo, hurry along and get warm, that way you can be my blanket when I return."

Gavin watched, resting, as Rozenn got in the wagon and they began trundling their way toward the tower home. Glancing, scowling, at the skies which had renewed their downpour in earnest, Gavin began walking along the path to the tower.

The rain pelted his head and shoulders, soaking him through as the mud clung to each foot step, nature doing its very best to slow his already snail like pace. What normally took 15 minutes to walk, took more than an hour.

At long last he opened the door to his home, wet, cold, generally looking much worse for wear. Rozenn met him at the door, concern lining her face deeply. "Shh, woman, shhh. Berate me after you get me to the fire and under a blanket."

 

[Mignonette]

Rozenn didnt like the idea of leaving him behind at all, but she had sworn obedience to him and so she just gave him a light kiss on the cheek before returning to the wagon.

Upon her arrival she didnt even bother to change first, but went about ordering the servants to light the fire in the Master Bedroom and bring extra furrs to the bed for extra warmth. Then she went down to the kitchen, making sure that some warm beer and a decent meal were ready for Gavin's arrival.

Only once the preparations were on their way did she return to her chamber and changed into a dry red gown, drying her hair as much as possible with a sheet. Although Mary kept telling her to sit down by the fire, Rozenn kept walking up and down in front of the huge gate, waiting for Gavin's return. By the time he arrived she was almost sick with worry and it showed in her eyes.

"Shh, woman, shhh. Berate me after you get me to the fire and under a blanket.", he said before she could even start telling him how worried she was.

"Some dry clothes have been laid out for you in the bedroom and the fire is already warming the chamber. I also ordered extra blankets to be brought.", she said as she followed him upstairs.
"Do you want me to assist you or should I leave?", she asked when they reached his bedroom. He looked so weary and tired that Rozenn didnt want to leave him, but she also didnt want to intrude on his privacy.
"Once you have changed clothes I will order for the food and warm beer to be brought up. Im sure that will warm you up further."
She knew that she was fussing over him, but it was because she loved him and wanted him to be healthy and well.

 

[a_libertine]

Gavin laughed weakly at the mother hen that was his wife. "Perhaps letting me get a word in, now and then," he said with a wane smile.

He began to strip off the wet clothes and said, "You might get me new bandages too, I am not sure if it is water or blood soaked, but wet it is."

He finally pulled his sodden tunic off, dropping it on the floor with a wet plop. The kilt was far easier to remove and he left it to pool at his feet as well. Water began collecting on the stone floor as he eased into his chair by the fire place. It really was stupid he thought to have a fire burning this time of year, but he was indeed chilled through and through.

"Come here Buidhe-ros, sit with me, at my feet while I warm." Gavin said weakly.

 

[Mignonette]

Rozenn followed his orders and returned with fresh bandages. When she entered the room she found him sitting by the fire and for a moment she stopped by the door. God, he looked hot with the fire casting shadows over his warrior features. When he called to her however she woke from her daze and walked over to him, kneeling on the ground next to his chair.

She checked his wound, pleased to see that it hadnt opened. Still she moved to change his bandages before she just sat down, leaning her head against his thigh as she watched the flames.
"Would you mind if I got a book to read?", she asked. People had always said that it was a pleasure to listen to her while she read out loud and perhaps this was a nice way to pass the time while they warmed up. And also, Gavin looked tired and Rozenn guessed that he simply wanted to rest.

 

[a_libertine]

Gavin shook his head, and muttered, "Go ahead." He helped her to her feet and watched as she sauntered out of the room. He took the time she was gone to lay a fur out with a pillow on top for her to sit on. He then wrapped a large blanket around his body and sat back in the chair.

A minute or so later, Buidhe-ros came back in and sat on the pillow, a somewhat pleased smile on her face. As she settled in, Gavin leaned his head back with his eyes closed and then wrapped his legs around her waist locking his ankles over each other. He ran a hand through her hair, feeling its softness between his fingers.

He didn't know if she was reading or not, didn't care. It had been a long time since he felt such peace, if ever he had before. The years with Lilias had been fraught with war and his absence more often than not. Winter's were never really a peaceful time when at war. The entire season occupied with planning for war and crops, logistics and conscription.

He didn't know how long he had slept but he felt Buidhe-ros gently shaking his leg, causing his eyes to open.