Rites of Passage Redux (Armphid & Haremfaery)

[haremfaery]

Aine had hoped that more wine would make her merry, or at least better disposed toward Tiernan. Instead she became more sullen and irritable. She wanted to scream at all the bawdy talk. She was not a prize cow. Unfortunately for Tiernan, Aine spoke tersely when she spoke at all. At least the clans had stopped chanting for them to kiss.

She was relived when the evening drew to an end. She stood shifting from foot to foot as her mother removed the ribbon from their hands. The wine had definitely gone to her head. Her mother smiled warmly at both of them. She put her hand on her husband's arm to draw him inside. The young couple should have a moment alone before they parted.

Tiernan's parents took the hint as well and bid everyone good night.

Aine looked at Tiernan, it was strange to be on the same level and not have to look up at him. She was about to say goodnight when Tiernan stepped close and kissed her. Each kiss she had received from him was different. Were there so many kinds of kisses? Her mind was still processing the kiss when he pinched her bottom. He actually pinched her bottom. He stepped away before she could slap him and left her standing there with her mouth agape before she finally shouted after him, "Tiernan Mac Gowan, you are a pig!"

((Too late to write more just now, I'll write abt Aine the next day later this weekend. And I want her father to talk to Tiernan again.))

 

[Armphid]

The sun has risen high towards noon and the early spring air was growing hot. Tiernan labored in the sun, moving rock and branch up the hill. They'd definitely need to put in a road or some stairs as one of the first tasks. These loads were not too heavy but it was hard work to haul them up the sloping sides to the wide, flat crest.

He was shirtless, his well defined and hard muscled chest gleaming, a thin trail of chest hair on his pectorals and going down the center of his chest, vanishing before it reached his navel. He grunted as he drove a branch into the ground firmly until it held without wavering, then he stepped back to examine his work.

On top of the hill was an outline of three shapes, made of wood with rocks at the corners. He'd taken great time and pains to make sure the lines were straight and the corners true. But this was the shape of the great house he wished to build and the first two outbuildings. "It's a start," he said to no one, a small smile on his lips.

"Ho, the hill! Ho, Tiernan Mac Gowan!" The young nobleman stood up and talked to the edge of the flat, looking down the slope. Below, a way beyond the foot of the hill, rode the king and a few men of his household, his guards. "You don't let grass grow underfoot, that's for certain, lad. Come down, I would have a word with you."

Tiernan hesitated a moment. A group of armed men and he alone...but if he didn't trust his king and his bride's father, then what? "Aye, lord," he called back. He took care making his way down the hill as the men rode closes. At the foot of it he stopped, awaiting them.

King Magnus smiled as he approached and looked up at the tall, wide hill. "I remember when your father chose this land for his own after a raid a few years ago. I thought him mad for wanting this hill over a larger share of cattle. Couldn't grow anything on sides this steep, not much good for grazing...but now I see why." He looked at the sweaty young man and then up at the hill again. "You might want to put in some stairs or a path."

Tiernan smiled ruefully, "I had thought the same thing, lord."

The older warrior grinned. "It seems daunting at first but it's a good feeling to build your own home. The stories I could tell you, son to be...but another time, perhaps. I sought you out to speak of another matter." He paused and took a breath, fixing Tiernan with a level look, "My daughter."

 

[haremfaery]

"I know I spoke to you before. About wanting happiness in marriage for the both of you." Magnus went on. "I saw how you tried at the feast to draw Aine in. I have done you a great disservice, Tiernan. My daughter is has been spoiled and had come to think that the world turned only for her. She thinks if she but make enough of a fuss, she'll get her way. Aine is letting --something get in the way of her happiness. She thinks you do not care for her."

Magnus held up his hand to stop Tiernan from interrupting. "Frankly, I think the two of you are well suited for each other. If--If you can tame her. I think if you wish to win her love, you must win her respect. To win her respect, you must be firm. Do not let the fact that Aine is the daughter of your chieftain intimidate you. Nor let Aine herself intimidate you. She will be leaving my house to live under your roof. be a man and she will be all woman. I am sure of it."

 

[Armphid]

The chief's assurances were well-intentioned to be sure, but Tiernan felt a moment or two of frustration at them. He was telling the younger man to do something he apparently had done little of, be firm with Aine, and that this would somehow make her not hate him? It didn't seem logical to Tiernan. But at the same time, he knew the older man was right as well. He could not, and would not, allow her to have her way all the time.

After several long moments of silence, Tiernan nodded. "I thank you for your counsel, Lord. I will consider the truth of this but let me assure you; I will deal fairly with Aine in our...developing relationship. Fair in giving and caring but fair cuts both ways also. I will not yield to her when I think she is wrong or when it is not her place. I will take your advice and be a man. Time will tell if she responds as you think."

Personally, he thought it would make it more likely that she'd end up knifing him at some point. But nothing was without danger. "I thank you, my lord."

Magnus nodded. "The work is to begin soon?"

"Aye, lord," Tiernan nodded. "Much of the shaping of the beams and the like was begun weeks before, in preparation for the building. But it seemed to me ill-fortuned to start the building itself before our troth was pledged." He gestured. "Men from our house will be coming here in a few more hours and we will start." He paused, "A favor, lord, if you would."

The mighty chieftain quirked a brow, "Speak it, Tiernan."

"I would have this place and the house here be a surprise, if the gods allow it. If Aine asks-"

The older man laughed, "She will not learn of it from me, at the least. Work hard today, lad, and think of what is to come. I must go and see to the preparations for Beltaine then." He remounted his horse, "Until next we meet, Son of Mac Gowan, fare well."

 

[haremfaery]

((Sorry to take so long. RL has been a bitch lately, and I think my muse has gone our drinking with a friend.))


"For what it's worth, I think Aine wants the man she is with to be as strong-willed as she. The lass enjoys a tug o' war. The lads who try and fawn on her, are scoffed at. For all she says she dislikes you, she speaks of you more than any other. She protests too much, I think." Magnus said. He didn't want to leave his almost son-in-law.

It was clear to Magnus that Tiernan cared something for Aine, if only the stubborn girl would see it. This could be a love match as well as a political one.

"Should you need more help, call on me and I will send some of my own men."

((and these two are done for now.))
((I laugh about the knifing because a friend is working on a novel and the bride the male char purchases comes to their marriage bed with a knife, so it's very slap-slap kiss-kiss at the outset.))

---

Aine and her mother were going through trunks and wooden boxes. These were things set aside over the years, many much more recently, to help her set up her house when the time came.

"Tell me what you are lacking and you may take it form my own kitchen." Aine's mother said.

How could things feel so real and so unreal at the same time? Aine wondered. It seemed everything she did now was in preparation for her marriage. She would have sole responsibility for her own household. She had never had doubts before about it, but now that the actuality was here, she was nervous. She was nervous too about her marriage. So many things about her marriage. First and foremost, her wedding night. her first night with Tiernan. She wondered what sort of lover he would be. Which then led to thoughts of Beltane and of being the vessel for the Goddess. The Gods must know she had never fully been with a man. Perhaps their plan was that the vessel of the god impregnate her. It made her head hurt. Who was she to question the gods?

((And I just realized at the betrothal Aine didn't say anything that a visiting clan could hear about her being unhappy in her marriage to set up them trying to kidnap her between Beltane and the wedding. It's too late right now for me to put something in now. I suppose I can have some clansmen stop by for some reason. I'll think about it and post something tomorrow--I hope.))

 

[Armphid]

((I'm sorry for the gap between posts but RL kind of blew up on me for a while. Things should be more stable now.))

Tiernan could see the older man was conflicted about leaving. Part of him wanted solitude to think this over and through. And yet it would be unwise to do anything that might slight this man. Not only was Magnus his king and a mighty warrior, whom he owed respect, he was a friend of Tiernan's father and was trying to be a friend to the young man as well. The advice he gave was well meant and not every father-in-law would do as much.

"Lord Magnus," he said after another beat, "I have helped to put up houses before but never cleared the grounds. It will be some hours before the other men arrive to help me. Perhaps you could show me how best to prepare the ground?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

The bulk of the day had come and gone and now the sun was a red disk sinking slowly in the sky of many colors. Tiernan, Lord Magnus, and men from both of their households, well from the Lord's and Tiernan's father's household, had worked many long hours preparing the ground and laying the steps that would lead to the hilltop. It had been hard work, but good work.

Tiernan strode now through town, having washed and changed clothes after returning home. Though that would not be his home much longer. A few months and he would have a home of his own. And a wife who...did she hate him? Lord Magnus had said that she spoke of him more than any young man, which mean little in Aine's case, but still it was something. The king was also a good judge of men and women; Aine protested too much, he'd said.

A faint frown crossed his handsome face at that thought. How much was too much? Did it really mean anything or was it all just the king wanting it to be that way?

He nodded and even waved to those who hailed him as he passed but he noted that many of them were speaking quickly and quietly when they thought his eye was not on them. Gossiping about him, then. But about what? The handfasting or about the construction? He did want the house to be a surprise. But it would be impossible to keep that he was building one a secret. Even if none of the men spoke, and they would, the supplies and materials his family was procuring would make it obvious.

((I thought maybe he and Aine would run into each other, talk, maybe even argue, and that might be the start of someone overhearing her and thinking about abduction. But it can just be a fun scene with them too.))

 

[haremfaery]

((No problem. RL trumps lit. I did watch a documentary recently called Sex and the Celts. Very interesting. Women had the right to orgasm. By law And could divorce their husband or take a second husband if they weren't satisfied. They could also own property and inherit property. So yeah, marrying the Clan chief's daughter would be a big deal.))

"'Twould be my pleasure." Magnus said. He turned to the men with him. Camran, go and bring more men to help us. Niall, stay and help."

The chieftain dismounted and took off his sword. "Tiernan, I've always found they best way is to..."

((We can leave them to this unless there's more Tiernan wants to say to the king.))

--

Aine was coming out of the Mac Bradaigh's. Her mother had sent her with some food and things they had knit for the new baby that Orla just had. It was a beautiful day and so far she had successfully kept her mind off of her impending marriage, and Beltaine which would be here before she could blink.

She flitted down the few steps smiling and nodding recognition at others that she passed. Then she saw him. And too late because he had already seen her.

Aine nodded at Tiernan then looked down. "Well met, Tiernan. How goes it with you?" She said politely. He was looking rather clean and fresh. She wondered if he had come to meet one of the Mac Aodha girls.

 

[Armphid]

Tiernan didn't answer for a moment or two. He wasn't sure exactly how to handle Aine right now. Their relationship before the handfasting was nonexistent at best, buried hostility at worst. The handfasting itself had been...not bad. And now there were all the things that the king was saying and...gah. It was enough to make a man's head split.

"Well enough, Aine," he said with a deep incline of his head. Not a bow, but a definite acknowledgment of the girl and her station. "The day's labor did more than I thought it would and that is some weight off my mind." The gods knew there were plenty of others. "And what of you?"

His eyes flicked up to the modest home behind her. "The baby is healthy still, I hope?" Even in this season it was not unheard of for infants to sicken and die. True, the clan often did better on that score than some of its neighbors, but it still happened. The king attributed their good fortune to the blessings of the gods; which made times like Beltane all the more important. Beltane...only a few days away. And then he'd be breaking his troth with Aine and lying with the goddess herself.

The young man blinked and shook his head as if to shake the thoughts away. "I will not keep you if you've some task awaiting but if no...then perhaps you might walk with me for a while?"

 

[haremfaery]

"'Tis good then." Aine replied and smiled politely, but it did not reach her eyes. "I am fine, thank you."

"Aye, the babe is strong and hale. A fine boy. Mother had me attend the lying in." No doubt, in order to prepare me for what to expect as the result of marriage. In truth, Aine had been fascinated by the process. In some ways, she was looking forward to having children.With Beltaine coming... The goddess had chosen her to be her vessel--she must be prepared to bear the child of that sacred union.

She nearly spat out, 'No' to Tiernan. She did not wish to walk with him. But he did ask politely. There seemed to be something on his mind.Perhaps he had been looking for her after all and not to tumble one of the Mac Aodha girls.

"You may walk me to my father's house. My business is done here." She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

 

[Armphid]

He was an absolute idiot. Why had he asked her that? He hadn't been thinking on the matter; his mind occupied with his visions of the house, his worries about Beltane, the raiding season to come, his marriage, and in his mental haze, he'd asked her to walk with him. And she'd agreed.

Now what?

"Let us go then." He didn't smile exactly but the corners of his mouth were raised slightly. The tall youth began to walk with long, easy strides at first but then checked himself and shortened his step to match hers.

They walked on in silence for a time. Partly because Tiernan was fully comfortable with silence but also because he had no real idea what to say. Most of the girls he'd gone on walks with had supplied plenty for him to respond to in terms of conversation.

His eyes slid over to Aine. He had a feeling he should try to say something. But what? He didn't know where to even start with her. What did she like? What did she dislike, beyond him? "How, ah, how go your family's preparations for Beltane? I met your father earlier and he had them largely on his mind."

 

[haremfaery]

Aine had to take two steps for every one of Tiernan's. She was about to snap that if he wanted them to walk together then the least he could do was walk more slowly. Or did he want it to look like she was chasing him?

"The twelve woods for the bonfire have been chopped with the druids' blessings. The food stores have been counted and preparations have begun. father sampled the May Mead last night and pronounced it fine enough to serve the gods." She smiled a little.

"Do you remember the bee swarm around the time of Ostara?" ((Late March)) Aine continued. Now that she had begun talking she was afraid if she stopped things would be awkward again. She was glad to have something of some import to say and not just idle prattle.

"Clan O Banain says the bees are theirs and at the clan gathering two years ago it was established that if bees swarm onto another clan's lands, then half of the honey the first season must go to the clan whose lands the bees came from. The clan leader says that land is not ours, but belongs to them, therefore, we do not need to give half the honey because none of it is ours. Father has invited some from Clan O Banain to Beltaine with us. He hopes they can come to some agreement and not have to fight over land that is ours." She paused. "But I am probably speaking of what you already know."

 

[Armphid]

Tiernan nodded attentively as Aine spoke; though he did not reply at first. It was good that the preparations were so well along. That would mean that there would be resources and men available in case something came up at the last minute. And something almost always did, he thought with a rueful twitch to his lips.

"I remember the swarms." It was the last bit of news she had that caused him to speak for the first time since asking her to walk. "I have heard some, but not all of this." He sighed and grimaced. He did not much like Clan O'Banian; to his mind they were disingenuous, rapacious, and sneaky. But he did not want to fight them either. He wouldn't mind it but he knew fighting was expensive, risky, and often a waste on all sides. "It will be good if an agreement can be reached. I hope that...your father's willingness to treat does not encourage them to try and grab more of what is ours."

He trusted the king and knew he was strong but he didn't trust the O'Banians not to mistake wisdom for weakness and get greedy. "Where will they be staying?"

 

[haremfaery]

"Our clan is strong." Aine said making herself stand taller as if to prove it. "Father has invited them to show them our strength. That we have many strong men. I believe he hopes they will see the futility of pursuing their claims."

Tiernan made sense in his comments. She could understand why Magnus had chosen Tiernan to be her husband and lead the clan. He cut to the heart of the matter.

She paused while they walked then spoke again. "I know father is getting old. Some think he is nearing the time to step down as clan leader. That is why our match is so important. Father wants to show them that the next leader is hale and strong." And fine and handsome. If only he actually had any interest in me.

"I do not know how many are expected. Some will be staying with us, others will stay in other clan homes, and the rest," she shrugged. "will camp if need be."

"Father also hopes the high spirits and happiness of Beltaine will make Clan O Banian more inclined to see reason."

They were getting close to the Great House. She was not expected to invite Tiernan in, was she?

 

[Armphid]

The corners of Tiernan's mouth twitched upwards but he didn't quite smile as Aine pulled herself up to her full height. Pride shone through her features and soaked her words as she spoke of the clan's strength. She was a remarkable girl, and one a man could fall for. Now if only she didn't want him left in a field for the crows to find...

She when on then and her words darkened his thoughts and cast a shadow on his heart. The king wanted to show the O Banian's that the next leader was strong and hale. That meant him. He had to be imposing enough to make the O Banians think better of trying to make a move. His shoulders felt heavy suddenly and they stooped a bit, as if a weight had been laid across them.

He grimaced at the thought of them staying in the king's Great House. So near the king at night, and to Aine. He turned his eyes to her as they approached her home and he could think that many of the O Banian men might think to do something foolish so close to a great beauty and the king's only child to boot. "Aine, be careful when the O Banian men are in your house." He shook his head, "I do not trust or like them. As a favor to me, and as a gesture to your future husband, keep your distance as best you can."

((Now that could certainly start a fight. ))

 

[haremfaery]

"Keep my distance?" Aine retorted. "How can I keep my distance? The O'Banion clansmen will be in my father's house. I must help tend to them." She frowned and stopped walking. "Just what are you implying, Tiernan Mac Gowan?" She put her hands on her hips.

"Do you think so little of my sense of duty to my clan? What exactly do you think I would be doing with one from Clan O'Banion?" Her bosom heaved with her breaths as she worked herself up over this.

 

[Armphid]

Most of the time, a person only wished for good things for themselves and others. Sometimes, in an evil mood, someone might wish ill for another but rarely does anyone ever wish ill upon themselves.

Yet as Aine rounded on him with flashing eyes, her hands on her hips, and her cheat heaving (though that part he did find very interesting), Tiernan wished that lightning could strike him out of the blue right there or perhaps a stray arrow find his eye.

"I didn't mention your duty one away or the other," he answered. He should probably just back away or try and mollify her. That, however, was not what he was going to do. "Don't put words in my mouth, girl." Part of his mind was telling him that addressing her that way was not going to help matters and was unwise; however, the rest of him didn't particularly care. He was worried about her safety and she was yelling at him!

"As for what you might do with one of them, I fear not; your troth I trust. It is their actions that concern me!" He passed his hands in front of his chest in a gesture of negation, "Your kisses must be stolen or forced by duty for me, they may not do you the courtesy of allowing refusal."

 

[haremfaery]

Aine was taking a breath to continue her tirade of indignation when Tiernan had the audacity to call her 'girl' as if she were no better than a slave.

Her eyes narrowed and her mouth hung open for some seconds. She balled his fists and was preparing to box his ears, but he continued speaking. What he said sunk in a little. Both parts. Was he making a threat about their wedding night? That he would force her if it came to that? Or did he mean that she was duty bound to force herself to accept him? her brain was spinning on those thoughts when the second part of what he said.

"No lass ever died from a stolen kiss, else we'd all be dead." She smirked.

Aine looked at him and saw the concern in his face. Her eyes widened. "You think one of the O'Banions would do something? Against my will? In my father's own house? They would not dare touch Magnus' daughter. You think them so dishonorable?"[/i]

And well Tiernan should be concerned, Aine thought. What if she found an O'Banion more to her liking? There would be an honor price to pay to Tiernan and his family for going back on the handfasting. The Druids would likely demand many sacrifices and some ritual would have to be performed. But a match with an O'Banion might just be what was needed to make peace. Aine fantasized at meeting an O'Banion who would sweep her off her feet, who would profess undying love, and take her away from this unwanted marriage.

 

[Armphid]

"I'm thinking they might try to steal more than a kiss," he growled at her flippant response. The foolish little...most of the time she was fully aware of her station and value, but now she seemed to think nothing of it!

No. No, that wasn't right. She thought it was a shield. That no one would dare try anything to harm or hinder her because of it. "I think they'd risk a little dishonor if they thought it'd pay out for them," he answered her again. "They're coming into this in a weak spot and they know it; you think your status makes you invincible, Aine, but it makes you more of a target to them."

Tiernan shook his head, "I'll be watching them and your father too, I'm sure, but they're daring folk of sometimes little sense." Even if one of them just fathered a child on Aine, it would be enough to create chaos and a hideous legal tangle about the king's heir and who should have his wealth. "I'd ask you again to be wary of them, but if you'll see no ill in them, but in someone who wants to protect you, then so be it. The burned hand teaches best."

 

[haremfaery]

Aine heard the controlled anger in Tiernan's voice. His possessiveness. Then his voice softened a little and showed more concern for her. Was he truly interested in her personage and not just her station? She would have to think about that. She liked the ways his eyes flashed and his nostril flared. She was seeing a different side of Tiernan.

She put a hand on his arm to calm him. "Mother always said I would not believe fire was hot unless I proved it myself. I think you are overly agitated about this. The O'Banions would not do such a thing. They would break hospitality. But," she gave him a small smile, "If it will ease your mind, I shall be wary of the O'Banions, as I am wary of all young men."

 

[Armphid]

Her touch had shocked the hell out of him but it seemed she was finally listening. Or maybe it was just finally believing him. It wasn't enough to quite calm him down but enough to quiet him and he listened to her.

"As wary as to all young men, you say?" As she was with him as well, handfasting or no. Which, given how little they'd ever spoken, and how those times had turned out before now, would be...perfect. "As you have been with me."

The anger retreated, though it did not fully die, and he laughed and smiled, "Then you shall be as safe as if a hundred swords were around you." He lifted a hand to put over top hers where it rested on her arm, before she could pull it back and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you."

 

[haremfaery]

Aine pulled her hand away and her eyes hardened. She smiled sweetly, but it was clear she didn't mean it. "I have not been _any_ way with you, Tiernan. How could I be when you are always occupied with the other girls of the village?"

As if to prove a point, Roisin nic Doughal and Sinnead nic Flynn walked past and waved to Tiernan casting flirtatious glances.

 

[Armphid]

Tiernan's eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to speak but then the other two girls intruded into the scene, passing by with waves and sultry looks. Any other time he'd have been flattered, and part of him still was, they were pretty girls. But right now he just wanted them to ignore him. He nodded in response to their waves, but no more than that, turning his face back to Aine before the motion was complete. "What have I said now to get these hard eyes looking at me?"

He kept his voice low; he didn't think either of them wanted a scene but his renewed anger rippled through it. "Am I walking with them now? Talking to them now?" He gestured to the retreating figures of the girls, "Always you say, yet who do I speak to now?"

"Or do you speak of my time before our handfasting? Time which is not yours to account for, for one." He snorted, "Even if it was, you wouldn't not speak to me then, or did you forget? You were too high for the likes of me."

 

[haremfaery]

Aine said to Tiernan what women have been saying to men for millennia, "If I have to explain it, you'll never understand."

She glared at him again. "Now. Of course, now you speak to me. When you have no choice." Her nostrils flared as she worked herself into a fury. "'Twas you would not speak to me! Too high! Too high? Who is high enough for the only child of the clan leader? How can I show preference for any of you lads? What if I should come to care for one whom the clan would not accept? You knew our families were speaking of our match for a long time, and still, still! You made no effort. Not to woo me, not even to _bed_ me!"

She paused for breath. "I am not a prize cow, nor a pawn. I am flesh and blood! You would do well to remember it." Her bosom heaved. Her cheeks flushed. her eyes flashed. She turned to go.

 

[Armphid]

Tiernan never so wanted to shake a woman as he did right now. He wasn't quite sure he'd ever been so angry; he was determined to remain cool and controlled at all times. Apparently, "all times" would not include those that involved Aine. But by all the Gods, the way her eyes were flashing and her chest was heaving, he was very aware of both of their flesh.

His hand reached out to take a firm hold of her arm, "You will not speak your piece and leave mine unsaid." He did not squeeze or tighten his grip; he had not wish to harm her. But neither would he let her yell at him and then stalk off like she was a child. "You need not like what I have to say, but by the Gods, you will hear it, Aine."

"I have never though of you as aught but flesh, as a girl, and a woman that I would desire if she did not look at me as though I were the leavings of a cow." His voice was largely controlled but his anger still rippled and rolled through it. "Even a boy knows that there are battles that cannot be won, and so you seemed to be; never did I hear of any attempt at flattery or wooing being met with more than scorn."

"But whether I should have tried to bed you or no, it matters not. For it can't be undone. Blame me, if you wish for my failings, but do not hold against me things which cannot be changed or mended. It is unfair to me and beneath you."

 

[haremfaery]

((Sorry for the delay, RL keeps interrupting me.))

This was more passion than Aine had ever seen from Tiernan. His hand on her was firm, but not hurtful. He was standing so close, he could have kissed her if he wanted. She doubted very much that he wanted to kiss her.

Her breasts still rose and fell. She could not think of a proper retort for him and he made her angrier that he he should have the last word. The last word that was a glancing insult to her.

"You will take your hand from me, Tiernan Mac Gowan. I am not yours yet."

This time she did leave. And in a hurry. For some reason tears burned in her eyes and she did not want Tiernan of all people see her cry. She ran into the great house and to her room. She flung herself on her bed and cried. She was not even sure why she was crying.

((I guess we could FF to the morning of Beltaine, make mention of the O'Banions trickling in for the festivities and such...))