By the Kings Order

[Questor]

Connor grinned more when Alexandria made her comments. Duncan did not resist the help of his men helping him up on to his horse. He was not about to complain. He would be riding home as a Highlander Clansman as he should be. He looked at Alexandria and smiled. She had indeed taken charge of his men and they were obeying. Then he looked over at Angus and Claire and raised a brow. He saw how Angus was looking at her and chuckled. When Duncan was up in the saddle of his horse, Connor moved up beside him. He laughed heartly and said. "I like her. Damn if you didn't get the better deal. She'll be keeping you on your toes, that is for sure." he slapped Duncan on the back.


Everyone else mounted up and Angus leaned down and grabed Clair by the arm and hoisted her up behind him. "You hang on good and tight." he grinned and wrapped her arms around him and patted her hands. "Fear not about how your sister acts. We are use to women with minds of their own in the Highlands. It makes life interesting. Once we get home, if you like I'll teach you how to ride like a highlander."


Again they were moving but this time back to the highlands. Two days it took them to make it and as they did they met up with others coming back from the lowlands with the brides to be. Duncan was getting stronger as his blood was being replinished. Alexandira's medical skills had kept any infection from setting in and thus preventing a fever and making him to sick to ride. News of the English attack spread throughout the other clans, causing great anger against them. It seemed that other raiding parties had attacked other southern villages and farms, killing and destroying.


Duncan having read some of the reports knew that the attacks were just a prelude to a possible full invasion of Scotland. But that was not on his mind as they rode further into the highlands. All about them were the brides to be and the grooms as well. Talk went around about when the weddings would take place and invites of various lairds were made to come to them. "Why not have them all in one place and at the same time," Duncan asked, as the lairds all road together. "Would make it easier on us all, not having to travel from one to the other and the like."


"Where would you suggest we hold such a thing. Look at how man we are here already, who could hold all of us and those that would come." Connor asked.


"Castle McCloud is large and has rooms that have not been used in years. The town can take in others that would come and house them for the celebration. " Duncan offered.


Connor laughed loudly and nodded and the others did as well. "Well then Duncan McCloud, it seems you will have many guests and soon." After that the date was set and everyone began riding off in differant directions to their on lands. Soon enough they came in sight of Castle McCloud, sitting high on a hill with the town below. With in a couple hours they were entering the town and the people were coming out to greet their Laird and his bride to be. Flowers from the Highlands were given to Alexandria and of course there were a number of remarks made of her beauty and the way she rode and other things. All were complements and many were surprised at how she looked like a highlander and not one form the lowlands. Duncan's mother was there to greet them in the courtyard of the castle. She was a not a real tall woman but stood about 5 foot six inches tall. Her hair was red and worn long and in a long braid. She was a beautiful woman and age had done little to erase it. She wore a simple long Green dress with a silver belt about her middle. When he dismounted, she hugged him and kissed his cheek. When he gritted his teeth in some pain she noticed the dried blood on his shirt and her eyes went wide and fear filled them.


"Tis alright mother. A fight with the English on our return home. It is nothing. Alexandria here took care of the wound. I will be fine."


His mother looked at Alexandria and then went and embrased her and kissed her cheek. "Come let us get inside. I am sure you are famished and you can tell me all that has happened."

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Claire nodded and clung to him as they left."Thank you Angus. Your a very kind man."She said and looked over to her sister. She had kept her hood up and head held high. Claire shook her head.She rested into Angus's back and sighed closing her eye's.


Alexandria rode with them for two days. She was getting tired and hoped the castle was in sight soon she listened to the mean talk and looked over as her sister Clung to Angus. She smirked and shook her head. She heard them talk of all the weddings together. She definitely was not pleased to hear this. When the others rode off. Alexandria kicked her horse to Duncan's side. Alexandria said nothing, but almost let out a sigh at the sight of the castle. Alexandria saw the people whispering about her. She listened some were about her beauty, others were about how she sat on a horse, abd others were just compliments. Alexandria held the flowers and nods to them.Alexandria slipped off her horse finally and sighed. She looked at a woman shorter then her and bows her head to her.Alexandria gets a suprise when the woman embraced her and kissed her cheek. Alexandria nods."of course. "She said"but first I must change the dressing on your sons wound. I do not wish for infection to set in. Last time is was changed was last night."Alexandria said.


Claire watched from behind Angus and watched her sister. She was so well posed.Angus had slipped from the horse. She almost fell off herself when he had helped her down.Alexandria looked back at her sister and shook her head. She almost laughed, but held her tongue. Alexandria was lead inside she quickly but thoroughly took care of Duncan's wound in the fire light. "There all good. Looks like you are healing very nicely."Alexandria said. She washed her hands in the bowl and looked at her husband to be.She sighed and stopped him a minute. "And what do ye think of me now?"She asks."I can shoot and handle blood.I handled a two day ride.but you still have said nothing but a thank you to me."Alexandria said. Alexandria was not one to stay silent or be blown off.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan let Alexandria change and clean his wound and watched his mother hover about like a protective hen. "It is really alright Mother." he told her. When done he sat there and sipped some wine. Then she spoke her mind and he smiled. "Well now, I did not wish to interfer with your command of Angus and my men. You were doing quite well. You have a mind of your own and when the time is needed you take command. That I like very much. Again you have shown you will fit in with the Highlands and its people. You are not weak, or squimish and you can handle yourself in a fight."


His mother stopped pacing and looked a bit wide eyed at Alexandria and Duncan laughed. "Aye mother, She shot and killed two Englishmen. Me thinks she is as good as you with a bow." His mother smiled warmly at Alexandria.


Then she looked harder at her and rubbed her chin. "You look familiar my dear. I know not where I have seen you but not in the lowlands but here in the highlands." she walked around Alexandria shaking her head trying to remember. "Ah no matter for now. She took Alexandria by the arm and said. "You have been on the road for some time and I think you deserve a nice hot bath and have your hair washed. We can also talk some and get to know each other. After all you are going to be my daughter and I would love the hear what you have to say and tell me."

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria looked suprised at his compliment. She bids to him. Her eye's went soft looking at him. She had oddly become fond of her husband to be. His mother was a different story she was nice.very over bearing and Alexandria was nit for an over bearing personality.


Alexandria stiffened at her comments. She had been to the Highlands before. Her family had been invited. She was caught behind the barn kissing the man she had loved. He was now dead fron the war. She let herself relax as his mother moved on.Alexandria nods to her. "A bath be wonderful we have been on the road a while.Thank you very much."Alexandria said. She had to make herself become soft around this woman. It took her forever with Duncan for her ice to melt. But this woman was being nice she would try her best.Alexandria nods."of course we must talk. She looked back at Duncan with a small smile as she was lead to a warm bath. She stripped of her travelling clothes and sunk into the warm water she let out a breath and went under and came back up. She sighed. "This feels wonderful thank you. "Alexandria said to his mother


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Heather watched as Alexandria stripped and got into the bath. It was basicly just a half of a large barrel that had been transformed into the bath. Servants heated water in kettles and brought them to the tub and poured more in when the water cooled and drained the cooler water out from a pitcock in the side. "I see my son is impressed with you." she chuckled. "I have long tried to get him to get intrested in someone. None seemed to be what he wanted. But by the way he looks at you, I think he has found what he was looking for. Now tell me about yourself, and your family." she said to Alexandria. "You will have to excuse me if I seem a bit overbearing. When it comes to my son, I only want him to be happy and I do worry much about him. He is young and a Laird. A lot of responsibility for one his age. I have tried to councel him the best I can, but that will fall to you now. Together you will rule the McCloud Clan."


Angus brought Clair into the castle and showed her around. Servents came and gathered Alexandria's belongins and put them into a room and showed her to that room. Seeing she had nothing of hers with her, they went and fetched a number or dresses, sleepware, shoes and boots that would fit her. The servants found out what had happened to her parents and her and a number of the women came to sit with her and talk to her, trying to comfort her. Angus was pushed out of the room and the door shut to him. He sighed and went down to talk with his cousin.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria sighed as she cleaned herself off and her hair. It was nice to wash away the dirt. "The fact he is impressed with me is no mighty feet for me just intrigues me."Alexandria said. "I understand"she said as his mother explained her actions. She sighed. "Well I am not one to stay silent I speak my mind and let you know how I feel. If I am silent you definitely know something is wrong. I know how to drink shoot a bow and arrow and even stitch up some one. I have been experimenting with herbs and figuring them out. I did something right for once in cleaning his wound. I definitely feel like I can't do this. It's not who I am. My family well when my mother and father were alive. They were poor but happy and they wanted for nothing, but a good marriage for there daughter's. We had a farm and house and now its all gobe. In a puff of smoke, the men actually brought my sister herem"she said and stopped cleaning. "Angus is being a dear and taking good care of her."Alexandria said and shook off her sad feeling."not much I can do about the past."She said and went back to cleaning.


Claire gad thanked angus. She didn't wabt him to go. The woman if the castle comforted her. Claire cryed and said she wanted her sister. She hid into these woman. But her sisters touch made her feel safe and comforted.Alexandria loved her sister and do anything for her.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Heather had not been told of what had happened to Alexandria's parents. She knew they had been alive when the decree had been made and the women chosen. "Dead. When? How?" she wanted to know. She then put what her son had said about fighting Englishmen and what Alexandria had just said. "Oh Dear. Oh you poor child. I am so sorry for your loss." she placed a hand on Alexandria's shoulder. "Rest assured that your sister will be well taken care of here. Once you have finished I will have the ladies here fetch her so she to can enjoy a hot bath.


Down in the main room where Duncan sat with Angus, the chest containing the dowry was brought it and sat on the table. It had been recovered from the English campsite. He saw how Angus paced and looked up the stairs towards the second floor, and he laughed. "Well now. Me thinks you have been smitten with the young lass cousin. All this talk about me getting married and all and now it seems you have an itching to court someone."


Angus looked at his cousin and shook his head. "I don't know what to make of it Duncan. When I laid eyes upon her in that English Camp.....my heart raced and I was willing to put my life on the line for her." he paced some more. "I've talked to many a women, you know that, and been with many as well. But with her I am not sure what to say, my toung can not form the proper words."


Duncan laughed again, "Aye you indeed have been smitten. Just be yourself and remember she is not her sister. A courtship would be good. Take it easy and see what the girl has to say."

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria nods."thank you."she said.Alexandria sighed."I will be okay I am just glad my sister is safe."Alexandria said.She stood slowly once she was clean and maids put a robe around her once she was dry. She had flawless skin. She looked around and sighed. Alexandria looked at Heather. "Thank you for your kindness. It is a rare gift to have in this day and age.do you really think your son is impressed with me?"Alexandria asked. She actually become fond of him.Definitely was growing on her. Alexandria didn't become fond of people ever. It was rare when she did. Even Angus had made a place in her heart.


Claire was brought in m when she saw her sister. She ran hugging Alexandria. She sobbed. Alexandria sighed. "Come me dear sister let's get you cleaned up." She got her sister into the tub and gently washed her as she sang a lowlanders lullabie. Something her mother taught her and sang to her. She had quited her sister and cleaned her. Once her sister was in a robe Alexandria looked at Heather. With a thank you nod. She whispered in Claire's ear. Claire nods and bows to Heather. "Thank you Madame."She said


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Heather smiled warmly at Claire. "Your are quite welcome my dear. You will be staying here with your sister at the castle." she chuckled. "Seems I will have two daughters now." she hugged Claire and kissed her forehead. "Well now we are going to have a time keeping the young men away from you." she told Claire. "I have a feeling we will be having a number of them come courting. These ladies will help you with new clothing and will have your other clothes washed and dried. Time for me to talk to my son and see what he has planned. As for him being impressed with you, I am sure of it. I could see it in his eyes as he looked at you." she paused a moment and then asked. "Now what was this about you taking charge of his men?" she raised a brow.


Duncan and Angus drank some and Angus then stood up and squared his shoulders, ran his fingers through his hair and then made his way to the stairs. He was going to ask her out for a walk through the town and perhaps beyond. He was a bit nervous, something he had never been with other women and he worried he might not say the right thing.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria smirked. "I told you I do not stay silent when something is there and to be said. I will say it and I would rather not been choked while I cleaned your sons wound."Alexandria said. She sighed and nods to Heather. Her sister is lead to be dressed. Alexandria went to her trunk and a maid helped her dress in a corset. She felt it tighten around her and she gasped. She put her black dress in the one she loved the most. It set nicely against her skin. She put on her cloak and went to brush her hair out.She sighed staring into the mirror her blue eye's shown as she finished brushing out her raven colored hair. Alexandria went to sit by the fire as she drank some wine.she stared into the fire, with a far off look. She was tired, and yet not.She hadn't eaten in a few days. She was starting to get hungry.


Claire dressed and waited by ger sister. She said nothing, but sat at her sister's feet and leaned into her legs. She clung to her side. She was very fragile. When Alexandria heard a knock she didn't move. A maid opened the door and nods to Angus. "Mistress Claire Angus wishes to see you."Alexandria nods to her sister.Alexandria stood. "Ahh Master Angus. Please watch her on this walk if not and she comes back injured I will not be happy. "Alexandria said and gave him a warning look then a small smile crept in her face.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Angus had entered the room and stumbled a bit over the words to ask Claire out for a walk. He saw Alexandria's look and her smile and he gave her a slight bow and then walked beside Claire as they made their way through the castle and then out into the town. He pointed out places in the town, where to by the best meat and fruits and such, and up on a low hill where the church and a monestary sat. He bought her an apple and some cakes that were sweet and delicious. Their walk left the town and out into a field. He pointed out a ways and told her that his family's farm lay just over the next hill. "I hope ye don't mind me taking you out for a walk away from your sister."


Duncan also left the main hall and made his way up the steps slowly. He was taking it easy and not wanting to open up the stiches. He knocked on the door to Alexandria's room and one of the female servants now assigned to her opened the door and let him in. His jaw dropped some as he saw her in her black dress. But then he recovered and smiled and gave Alexandria a slight bow. "I hope my mother didn't bother you with all her questions and the like." he moved in to the room to stand before her. He reached a hand up to caress the side of her face. "What you have done for me, you have my deepest respect. I know we have but a short time to get to know each other and there is nothing like the present. Perhaps a ride about what the McClouds claim as theirs and for you to see the people and get to know them as well."

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Claire blushed and walked with him.She enjoyed his company. "Our if all the people I know here you are the least I mind walking with you are very kind.I am glad for your kindness. I must apologize on my sisters behalf. She really should watch her tounge as my mother said." Claire stopped. "I am sorry that was to forward for me."She said and fell silent again. She blushed and looked down.She was definitely nit her sister.


Alexandria had let her sister go and sat back at the fire. She stared into it and sighed. When Duncan came in, her eyes slowly moved to him.She stood and nods to him as he bowed to her.Alexandria watched suprised his Jaw had dropped and it made her smile gently. "My Laird Duncan."She said. She nods to him and leaned her cheek into his hand."I would do tge same for any man in need. But especially for you. I am sorry about earlier. "Alexandria said."yes it tis a short time, but I feel these last two days I have gotten to know you better."Alexandria said. She held her hands and sighed.She stepped closer to him."I do not wish to complicate your life. But a ride sounds nice though I do worry about you riding and your wound I don't want you in pain."Alexandria said to him. She watched him her ocean blue eye's no longer seemed cold when looking at him.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan chuckled at her comment about him riding. "I will make sure not to go any faster then the horse can walk. He had changed clothing before coming to her room so he no long wore the blood stained ones. He held up his arm for her to place her hand on it as was the proper way to escort a lady about. Fresh horses were readied for them when he told the stable hands they would go for a ride. He had not informed his mother of the wedding plans but he figured she would not mind. She enjoyed having gatherings, if not some of the lairds then some of the towns people. It helped liven up a dreary castle. Once the horse were ready, Duncan mounted up slowly and sat in the saddle.


Angus smiled at Clair, lifting her chin up so she could see him, "Do not be afraid to speak your mind. Here you can without worry." he grinned. "We expected it. How else can we men know what you are thinking and wanting or if we have done something wrong." He continued their walk and then started back towards the castle. There were those that knew Angus and they all stared at him walking with Claire. They were use to the hard drinking and fun loving man. He looked so calm and relaxed that it made them look twice at him. He saw their looks and just smiled. He felt quite different with Claire and was enjoying being with her.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria watched him and nods. Alexandria looked him over."you do look a bit better, not as pale."Alexandria said.She kissed his cheek and took his arm gently. He walked with her to the stables. Her eye's looked over him gently.Alexandria went to the fresh horse and tightened her saddle, before she got on.She hoisted herself up and put her hood up. She had waved off help. She had not needed it, nore would she need it unless she was ever with child.Alexandria grabbed her reigns and moved her horse next to Duncan's. "Shall we?"She asks him. Alexandria gave him a playfull smile.


Claire looked at Angus and smiled. She blushed. "Thank you. You are a dear."She said. "I am definitely not so out spoken as my sister. I was taught not to be I will try harder my lord."She said. She walked with him, her eyes were softer than his sister's. She saw two horses and saw Alexandria. Claire bew that smile. Her sister had bit had that look in ages. "My sister wasn't always so tough and cold. she had more of a heart once. Just the war took away her first Love it was about 3 years ago. Tis why she says she doesn't believe in it.I see that Duncan brings that side out in her as you bring out my boldness. You are very wonderful and have been this whole trip."She said and turned to him."I do not wish to go back to the castle yet I like to spend time with thee. Well more time if you so wish."She said and bows her head to him.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan turned his horse and road out of the castle and down the serpentine road that lead up to it. Once in the town again the people greeted Duncan and Alexandria. They now knew her name. It seemed that Duncan knew them all by name. Like Angus had, he bought some apples and sweet cakes and gave some to Alexandria. It would help keep them from starving before they retunned to what he expected to be a large meal and with several of the important people of the town attending. As they slowly road through the town a little girl no more then six years old climbed up a fence that Alexandria would pass close by and handed her a handful of fresh flowers. The little girl was smiling broadly and happily.


Angus stumbled over the right wording but thanked her for her kind words. "I am not use to this." he admitted. "I am known about for my wild life. But with you I don't feel like being that way." He saw Duncan and Alexandria riding down to the town and grinned. Things about the castle were sure to be changing now. He took Claire to the Inn where they served food and drink and ordered them some food. For two days they had hardly ate, trying to make the best time they could.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria ate the Apple but refused the sweet cakes. She really wasn't that hungry. The apple would tide her over. She nids to the people that greeted her.She looked at Duncan and smiled gently. Alexandria smiles at the girl and handed her a cake."thank you. "She said and winked at the girl.Alexandria put the flowers in her hair.She had braided it enough for flowers to be held in her hair. It made a flower crown or half crown for her braids went from just above her ear and settled in her hair tied gently. The rest of her raven hair hung loose.She smiles as the past the girl of six years old.Alexandria looked over at Duncan with a smile. She laughed gently and went back to looking around. Alexandria was actually enjoying herself.


Claire smiles as he stumbled over his words. She put her hands in his."does not matter who you were. It matters of who you are and how you act now. We must not let our past rule us, but learn from it and move forward. Aye?"She asked as he walked with her to the inn. She sat next to him and smiles. She wasn't as smart or strong as her sister. She did have a little insight.that she could now share with a kind clans man .


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Out from the town he took her. Here and there were farmsteads and various crops. People were working in the fields, clearing weeds and watering the plants. It would be harvest time soon and then the waggons would roll down to the Lowlands where they would be sold, as well as in the town and a couple other villages on McCloud land. They went by forests of pine and here and there of oak, and elm trees. With in one could see an abundent amount of wild game, especially dear and the like. "It is a rich land here and I make sure the people have what they need to make the best of it. They in turn supply me with a bit of their crops, enough for those at the castle and a fair tax on things as well. I am not like some that would tax my people to death. I am not greedy. I receive what I need to keep a decent fighting force and the up keep of the castle and maybe a bit more for trade and the like. The happier my people are, the happier I am."


Angus and Claire ate a decent meal at the Inn and the Innkeeper's wife came over to greet Claire. "Well now I have not seen Angus so calm and settled. You must have a magical personality to quell the wild man in him." she smiled and slapped Angus on the back, "You be good to her and keep a civil toung, or you be answering to me." Angus looked at her and nodded, a grin on his face.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria listened to him and nods. "People seem happy closer to the upplands. Why can you not take care of of the lowerlands as nicely do you not care for my people as you do your own?"She asked. She wasn't mad just curious.As Alexandria spoke her horse started to spook and threw her from it.Alexandria rolled from her horse and stopped a feet away. She coughed and caught her breath.She pulled herself to her knees coughing. "This is why I trust my horse. He would never throw me at a small noise. "Alexandria said. Her horse had run off. Other then a few scrapes and bruises she was fine.Alexandria stood slowly and sighed she wiped her hands. She sat on a rock and started to laugh. She knew he thibk she was having a fit. She had made it all the way to the castle un scathed, but she gets here and thrown from a horse. Alexandria thought it was Ironic and very funny. She was trying to catch her breath. Her hair was only slightly disheveled. She still had flawless skin accepted for her hands and arms.


Claire listened and laughed as sge watched Angus. "You must have a reputation. "She said. She kissed his cheek."do not worry rumors are something I never believe. Even when it comes to my sister though most of them may be true." Claire said. She gently wiped away some food."shall we head back. My Laird. I forgot my cloak and seems to be getting a bit chilly."Claire says.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

"I am not their Laird. Those in the Lowlands have their own Clan Lairds and they make the laws that govern them. Oh I wish I could but the people would have to see me as their Laird. I can only talk to the Laird of your clan and offer him suggestions and advice. I know nothing of your clan Laird. Is he fair or is he one that thinks the people are there to serve him and make them rich." Something then spooked her horse and threw her. He was immediately off his horse forgetting about his wound and ran to her. But she was already on her feet sitting on a rock and started to laugh. He drew her from the rock and into his arms. "Are you alright?" he asked her with concern in his voice.


Angus took Claire back to the castle and to her and her sister's room. There he had her sit by the fire while he put more wood on it and stoked it so it was nice and warm. Downstairs tables were being prepared for the nights dinner. Heather had sent messengers out to the various elders and important people of the town to come for dinner. Some were already arriving and others were on the way. "By the look of it from coming in, I would say that Duncan's mother has ordered a feast, for tonight." he told Claire. It was only mid afternoon, they had arrived early that morning and the time had passed by quickly. In a few hours dinner would be served and there would be music and dancing and much merriment. Angus was going to make sure that he sat by Claire for the evening.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria laughed and leaned into him."perfectly okay just a few scrapes and bruises, nothing I haven't dealt with before. I just think it funny I rolled down a hill and we fought the English I come un harmed. I get to the castle and go for a ride and my horse spooks and I get bruised and scratch. It is seriously is Ironic."Alexandria said."I am sorry you must think I am having a fit, but if you think about it. It is quite funny."Alexandria said.Alexandria looked up at him. The worry on his face made her relax into him. She wrapped her arms around him." I promise I am okay I say you have much worse then me."She says and looked deep into his eye's. "I don't..."She stopped she was at a loss for words."you are distracting me."She says. She moved so she was standing up straight in his arms her lips moved closer to his as she spoke. "I think I come to actually care for you my Laird and I do not wish to move from your side."She said. She watched him with bright blue eye's.


Claire smiles at him."thank you again. Still saving me when I least expect I need it."Claire said. She went to the window to look out. She smiled. "Tonight shall be fun."She said. She stopped smiling as a horse ran up to the gates. She frowned. "Angus something be wrong that was the horse my sister ride on. I know it. Something has happened."She said. "It's late they should be back now. Shouldn't they?"She asked worried and looked at him.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan brought her even closer to him and then claimed her lips for their first kiss. He kissed her deeply, slipping his toung past her lips to duel with hers. He held her tightly and prolonged the kiss as long as he could. Breaking the kiss he looked down into her blue eyes. Yes he had found the woman he had been searching for. She was intelligent, spoke her mind, she had courage and would fight at his side if needed. She could take command as well and was not afraid to do so. That was something the wife of a Laird had to be well prepared to do at times. "I know I have with you." he whispered.


Angus looked at the returning horse. He frowned and then raised Claires hand to his lips and kissed it. "I will go and find out what has happened." He turned and ran out of the room and down to the stables. He was up in the saddle of the horse that Alexandria had been riding and spuring it back out the gate and through the town in the direction he had seen Duncan and Alexandria riding. It was not to long after that he spotted them standing in a pasture, in each others arms. He reigned in the horse and chuckled. He was not about to disturb them so he turned about and headed back to the castle. He would let Duncan ride back with seated on his lap. It seemed that the two were getting along quite well now. He returned to the castle and went to tell Claire that all was alright and that the two of them would be returning in a bit.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria had breathed as he kissed her. Her eye's closed and she locked her lips with his.She let his tounge pass her lips. He was warm and there to protect her. When he pulled away she opened her eye's and looked at him. Her breath had left her.She had found a man she could love, fight for and die for. She was not afraid to love him anymore or be with him.Alexandria smiles at his comment and sighed "I am glad my Laird."She said as he held her and she didn't dare move, not yet. She moved and pressed her lips against his again. She pulled him close to her. This is what she wanted who she wanted to be with. There personality matched perfectly it was like a puzzle piece that fit nicely together.


Claire saw him leave and then return just as quick. She turned and met him at the door.when he told her that her sister would be okay. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him close. "Oh thank god."She said. She couldn't loose her sister in the same week as her parents. She relaxed into Angus's hug and sighed. She hadn't let him go. When she finally did she blushed. "I. .I am so sorry."She said her eyes met his gently.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

He returned her kiss and held her as the sun sank a little more in the west. He didn't want to let her go. It felt so right to have her in his arms. Only a couple days or so had passed since he had arrived at her farm to claim her. It seemed alot had happened in those few days. But they could not stay there forever, even if they wanted to. He had not seen Angus but knew the horse would return to the stable and it would cause a panic and have everyone worried. "I guess we should be getting back. They will probably be worried when they see your horse return with out you or me. He moved to his horse with her and mounted up and reached down to pull her up before him. This would be one ride he would enjoy more then any other.


Angus was surprised by her fling her arms about him and hugging him. His arms automatitly went about her and he held her in his arms. He didn't let her go and she kept her arms about his neck and was pressed against him. When she looked up blushing and said she was sorry, he smiled and said. "Don't be." His heart was racing and he felt so alive with her in his arms. More so then any women he had ever held.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria sighed as he pulled away from herm she would have a life time with him.so she hoped.Alexandria sighed he was right, but she did not wish to leave yet.She let him mount his horse and pull her up. Alexandria relaxed into Duncan as they rode for the castle. She breathed in her breath was warm against the cool air. She had fallen in love with a man she had hated days ago.Alexandria now found her self embracing this man and leaning into him as they ride for his home. Now her home, the sun had set which meant the festivities would begin shortly. Alexandria sighed as the horse stopped. She let him help her down. Alexandria looked diwb at him her eye's locked on his. when her feet touched the ground she looks up at him."I probably should go change and fix my hair. I shall meet with you soon my Laird. "She said and gently bowed to him.Alexandria went to leave before she did she turned and placed a gentle kiss on his lips."All my love is yours"she said pulling away and heading inside. Her heart was beating fast. She really had fallen for him. A new terror filled her old one.She feared loosing him, Alexandria made her way to her and her sister's room.


Claire stayed in his arms. He was a burly man. But was sweet and caring. She kissed his cheek and smiled." Your heart it pounds. Yet you are not scared I hope."Claire said. She jumped as she heard the door and looked over to her sister. Alexandria stopped. "I leave but not an hour and my sister is already in the arms of my husband to be's cousins arms.Now why am I not suprised. Out the lot of you I must change and all are being called to the feast any way."Alexandria said. Her sister nods and takes Angus out.She smirked. "And there you have it ladies and gentlemen. A woman who can turn on you in seconds. Just depending on how you push her."Claire said


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

As she left to get changed, Duncan went to seek out his mother. He had to let her know of what had been planned for the wedding and the wedding of several of the Lairds, or their sons. He found her talking to some of the elders of the clan and she rose to greet him with a hug and a kiss on the ckeek. They had heard something about the english attacking and wanted the full story. So he stood there and related what had happened. About finding the dead kings messenger and then the attack of the English soldiers there and how Alexandria's uncle had caught up to them and informed them that the English had attacked and killed her parents and had taken her sister. The he told them of how they had met up with Connor and his son and men and how they joined him to go after the English. He finished with the attack on the English camp and Claire's rescue. His mother was horrified at what she heard, and it worried the elders. The English were getting more and more bold.


As the elders sat there talking he took his mother aside. "There is something else you should know." he smiled. "On the way home we also met up with a number of the other Lairds returning with their brides to be or their sons. We fell into discussing the dates we had planned for the ceremonies and who was being invited and the like. I suggested that we have them all here at Castle McClouod."


Her eyes went wide and then a smile touched her lips. "How many?" she asked.


"Twenty at least." he told her.


"Oh my." she said and gave him another kiss on the cheek. "There is much to do and prepare for then." she laughed. "I hope they are bringing more food and wine with them." A servent came in and said the meal was ready to be served. and Heather lead the elders and Duncan to the main hall where the feat was being brought out and the guests were being seated.


Angus took Claire down to the Main Hall and took his place to the right of where Duncan would sit, leaving the chair next to Duncan empty for Alexandria. Claire he sat on his right side.