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Post by anjelrocker on Apr 2, 2012 18:37:35 GMT -5
Her sister was not as ugly as she thought she was... sure, she was a little plain but she was still Tara's older sister who protected her from her wild ways and for that. She was thankful and yet, she disliked how judgemental Toni was about herself as she sat down beside her glancing at the quiet mother of their sister in law. She supposed that they were now family, and her brother had not told them to not talk to Alice's mother. "Good Evening, Lady Jane. We haven't been properly introduced, I am Tomas and Tavis' sister Tara and this is Toni." She said to the older sad looking woman with a smile trying to be pleasant enough.
Glancing over to where her sister in laws were talking to Lady Jane, she remembered her mother for a moment as it made her a little upset since Lady Jane had been good friends with her own mother before she wed Sir Richard, who was seated beside her brother in law who almost looked like he was about to beat the man to a bloody pulp.
Joanna glanced at her husband who was seated beside his Grandmother. Watching Tavis talking to his daughter as Ainsley said in a gentle voice, "But, I want to... if that is alright, my lord?" She asked hoping that she would not get into trouble for called her father, 'Da.' Since she had not been allowed to call the other man father or dad either.
As for Tomas, he looked over to his 'guest' and said. "I ken what ye did and if ye think of touching her again... I'll kill ye and didnae think that the lad is yers either. He is my son, ye ken?" He said in a low voice as he had a menacing look in his good eyes as everyone was in the great hall and he stood up. "Welcome, guests and friends... I want to announce that my wife is with child..." He smiled knowing that the crown would clap at the excellent news before he went on to give a few announcements before a toast to the King who was there in spirit as well as thanking his Grandmother for the feast before he sat waiting for his brother to say his peace.
---
"It is..." She said with a smile as she was glad for the help in the meal as they were all enjoying the food together as if they were a family for a few moments. After dinner, the children were allowed to return outside to play as she collected the dishes to clean up. "I don't need any help. Helping with the meal was more than enough..." She said with a smile as she glanced out the window seeing the children were busy playing and she did something that she had not done in a long time as she kissed him. It was impulsive and yet, she had been lonely for a number of years... he was kind and a good father and she was a fool as she moved away.
"Oh god... I am so sorry, I don't know what came over me..." Cora said looking horrified with herself.
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Post by Raynesleigh on Apr 2, 2012 21:16:15 GMT -5
Alice smiled at him and felt Richard glaring at them. She took a deep breath and watched Richard clench his fist. Aislinn, aware of the tension, cleared her throat. "Tavis a few words," she instructed patting his hand with her frail one.
Tavis nodded, first looking at Ainsley. "If ye want lass. Because I am yer da," he told her with a smile before standing. He quickly gave his own announcements about taxes being due and other nonsense, also blessing the king, giving a quick prayer and then giving a shout for everyone to eat and enjoy themselves.
He sat again then fixed himself a bit of food and cut off meat for Ethan and Ainsley, passing it to Joanne to give it to the wee ones.
Lady Jane looked at the girl beside her. "A pleasure of course," she said then looked away as Richard squeezed her hand. In all honesty, she was disgusted with her husband but she had been forced to watch the bastard rape her daughter. She had done everything, even sending her to court to escape Richard but it had done no good. She had given up. Thankfully her daughter had not. She looked happy. And Jane could only be grateful.
Richard was angry. As a wife, she had to obey him but she did not like it and loathed him. He was. Monster hidden behind a calm facade and she often thought him a bit mad.
Tori cleared her throat, eating quietly. It was obvious the woman did not want to talk.
-----
Alexander was shocked at her boldness but said nothing.when she pulled away, he smiled. "Dinnae apologize. Yer kisses are sweet ones," he winked then stroked her cheek, kissing her gently before withdrawing just as the children entered for food.
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Post by anjelrocker on Apr 3, 2012 18:20:58 GMT -5
The feast had gone without too much of a hitch as he was helping his wife up the stairs after having a wee too many ciders. There had been dancing and his wife looked as if she had fun. "See and I dinnae ever try to kill the bastard." He said to her with a grin as he scooped her up into his arms giving her affection away from the eyes of others. He was glad that she was with child and by the next day, he would be meeting her son and he would claim the boy to be his own. Kissing Alice, he had an odd feeling about her. He didnae suppose that it was... Nay, it couldnae be but he did know that he wanted to protect the lass. His wife. "Did ye have fun, wife?" He asked twirling her once as he put her onto her feet and moved so that he could kiss her again.
"Because, I have te say that it looked like ye were having fun... my sisters teaching you how to dance like those of the highlands." He grinned knowing that she did terrible but she had given an honest effort and to him... it had been amusing to see. "Didnae fret... Toni is one of the best and Tara is pretty good as well. Although, it is seen as savage in the courts... even the Scottish one... suppose that is why Lady Joanne didnae even try." He did know that his sister in law had been busy dancing with little Ainsley and Ethan, his older brother's bastard children that she had seemed to taken charge of as her own. He was doing the same with his wife's son but hers had not been of pleasure nor choice. And he believed her because the bastard gave him a terrible feeling.
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"I told you a story last night..." Joanne said as she smiled to both Ainsley and Ethan as she sat down and said. "Oh, alright... but only because you munchkins are adorable." She said with a laugh as she weaved a tale with her mind about a beautiful maiden and how she had been taken by a dragon but it was because the dragon was lonely and wanted a friend. The truth was that the dragon was a man who had been turned into a dragon by a witch. Soon, the maiden and dragon became friends and fell in love. However, another knight heard of the captured maiden and went to save her and kill the dragon. There was a terrible battle and the knight was trying to kill the dragon but the maiden ran between them and was pierced by the blade of the knight.
As the maiden lay dying, she looked up into the dragon's eyes and whispered that she loved him and with that. He turned back into a handsome prince but, the maiden was dying and so, he begged to be given one wish and that was to let his love live and he would give him life. And so, the witch came and grant the prince's wish but because he had learnt to love... he was given his life to live with the maiden happily.
Once she was done the story, she noticed that Ainsley and Ethan were asleep as she stood up and went to the door and took a double step back as she saw her husband.
---
Cora blushed as she watched Alexander for a moment and said. "Well, atleast they are sweet." She said before looking to the children and smiling as the meal was served and the five of them enjoy the dinner.
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Post by Raynesleigh on Apr 3, 2012 19:51:14 GMT -5
Alice laughed softly. "Methinks husband, you are to deep in your cups," she laughed and then kissed him slowly and then helped him to bed. She took off his boots, loosening his doublet. "And no, you did not kill him. But I think the cider you drank was a means to get her in a finer spirit," she teased him then took off his shirt so he could sleep more comfortably. Knowing he would probably not leave the bed, she took off her sleeves, her over dress and then her petticoats, laying beside him in the candlelight. She sighed and looked at him.
"I did enjoy the dancing," she admitted. "Except when I got lightheaded. To much spinning and twirling but much more fun than a gavotte or carole," she grinned then kissed him again, stroking his hair with her fingers, enjoying the silken texture. Slowly, her finger traced down to the scar at his blind eye. "Eat some bread then go to sleep.otherwise you will have a headache and a rather nasty one and I am not going to take you to my so when you are hung over," she teased then laid beside him completely, her head laying on his shoulders as she drug the blankets over them.
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Smiling, Tavis looked at the sleeping children and then led her out of the room. "I didnae mean to startle ye. I was just caught up in that voice o' yers. Ye've a knack for storytelling. I was also letting ye ken I was going to the barracks to sleep, bidding ye goodnight and all. " he cleared his throat. "And everything is in order for us to go out tomorrow. Horses, picnic food, and no servants. Alice and the girls agreed to look after the wee ones so twill be just ye and me..." he smirked.
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Post by anjelrocker on Apr 3, 2012 21:11:25 GMT -5
He had had a hangover before but he did know that he disliked them and so he reached over to take some bread that he kept on the side table for such an event as he liked when she was touching his scars despite him not being able to see it. She was the first woman who had not cowarded in fear at his disfigurement. "Aye, perhaps... but, twas a fun night." He whispered moving to kiss her cheek as he ate some of the bread to settle his stomach before offering her some as well. "Ye ken why I chose ye lass? Ye didnae look scared on the day of our wedding." He said softly. "Ye werenae afraid of this." He tapped on his scarred side of his face. "And ye touch it without disgust." He then chuckled knowing that he had had a woman or two that touched his lower regions with disgust as well.
As the blankets were pulled over them, he pulled her into his arms and in his intoxicated tiredness, he said. "Alice, I never told a woman this before but... I ken that I love ye lass." He yawned as he cuddled her to him before swiftly falling asleep.
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"You know that you do not have to sleep in the barracks tonight, husband." She said to him as she smiled before glancing to the two sleeping forms. "They are good kids... it is a pity that their real mother is... well, I am glad that they are with us now." She said seriously thinking of the two children before her mind went to their romantic horse ride with a picnic as she could not help but grin. "I do not suppose you go on many picnics, do you?"
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Post by Raynesleigh on Apr 3, 2012 22:49:54 GMT -5
Alice looked at him and smiled. "I love you too," she whispered but he was already asleep.
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"Better that I sleep in the barracks to keep from touching you..." he sighed. Knowing he probably had not earned her trust enough to resume bedding down with her. "As for the picnics...when I was a lad, I went often with my brother and we took the girls often enough..." he smiled. "Get some rest love..." he said then kissed her before walking to the door, leaving her to sleep alone.
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Alice was dressed simply and walking with her husband to her cousin Cora's home. She was nervous. Henry had never lived with her. He knew he would one day and he was still young. She had sacrificed witnessing her son's first walk,hearing his first words, if only to adhere to his safety.
She glanced at Tomas and then bit her bottom lip, knocking on the door. After a moment, the door opened and she saw Henry. He grinned and lifted his arms. "Momma!" he exclaimed and Alice lifted him up and hugged her, kissing his cheeks.
"Hello my precious boy," she said holding him close and walking in, looking at Tomas before smiling. "Henry...I want you to meet someone..." she said then saw Matthew and Cora.
Henry looked at Tomas, curling into her. "Who?"
"Sweetheart...this...this is momma's husband. This is your daddy. Or your da...he is going to let me take you home. You get to live with momma now...and Auntie Cora and Matthew...they get to go to live with me and your da too. In a nice big house with a little cousin named Ethan and another cousin named Ainsley to play with," she soothed.
Looking at her, Henry was nervous as she sat him down, stroking his hair in a soothing manner. Henry looked at him. "Are you the one that hurt momma?" he asked frowning. Alice looked t Cora, giving a reassuring lance before looking at Tomas.
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The spot was perfect. Tori and Tara were entertaining the young ones, leaving Tavis to court his wife true and proper. He ad laid the blanket down and put a woven basket on the blanket. He looked at her dress."Is that the plainest kirtle ye had?" he teased, knowing his wife was a courtly sort. It was amusing seeing her in a dress she considered day worthy.
he took off his doublet then walked over to her and kissed her before drawing back. "Not so good for rolling in the grass with all those layers," he teased her.
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Post by anjelrocker on Apr 4, 2012 9:21:45 GMT -5
Matthew looked up at his own mother for a moment not understanding why his best friend was going to go and live with his really Momma. Of course, he knew the scary man who was there beside her. He was the Laird of this place which they had just moved to. He looked to Henry who was looking up at his new father before the question was asked and the Laird shook his head. "No, I have not hurt yer Momma." He said simply as he went down to eye level with the boy who he considered his own son now. "And, I didnae plan on doing so since it looks like I will have to go through ye first, lad." He said in a serious voice, not talking down to the boy but as if they were on equal levels. "Now, I am going to claim ye as my son... I suppose that you ken what that means, aye?" He asked the blond haired boy as he looked up to his wife's cousin and said. "Ye are welcome to live there as well; I will see that ye and yer son are taken care of."
Apart of Cora was tempted for the life of luxury as she watched her cousin with her son and it made her so happy and yet, she was a little sad since she had helped in the raising of the boy. Shaking her head, Cora looked to Alice. "I thank you for your kind offer... however; I am content to stay in Tulloch as one of your servants. Unless, you wish to offer me a position as a housekeeper to your keep, my lord?" She said to him with a smile since she thought it something that she could do. Cora was never one who wanted charity for her misfortunes.
Tomas took a moment to think over the idea since they did not have a housekeeper at the moment. "I didnae suppose the will be a problem... what say you, Alice?" He asked his wife as he looked to the other boy who looked to be about Henry's age. He supposed that he was his wife's cousin's son.
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It was actually her plainest gown that she had as she tilted her head at her husband. "Well, you did request that I wear my plainest gown and I did... do you not like it?" She asked not really knowing that he had expected to be rolling around in the grass at the past time during their picnic. "What on earth are you planning to do, toss me into a mud pit?" Joanne said with a frown creasing her brow as she sighed and kissed him back.
It was rather lovely out here and she would see how it would be considered romantic, to her... it was as a lovely afternoon with her husband and nothing to worry about as he was trying to woo her. Something that she found amusing, not because she thought it would fail but because he was doing all of that that she had seen before. It made her wonder if he had done the same for other ladies that he had wooed in the past.
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Post by Raynesleigh on Apr 6, 2012 19:53:04 GMT -5
Alice looked at her cousin. "Cora...you have been looking after Henry since he was six months old. You had your son and still you took mine and cared for him. It's not charity for you to stay with us...but...if you are more comfortable...I think a housekeeper's position would suit you nicely. You don't have to take it...Cora...only if you want..." She kissed her brow then looked at Henry who was gazing at Tomas a little strangely.
"I...I get it," Henry said after a moment then looked at Alice. "I get to go home now?" he asked. She smiled and nodded.
"Yes lovey," she promised then leaned down an kissed his forehead, stroking his cheeks. "You are my son and now you are Tomas' son. And you will be safe from the bad man. I promise..." she said then kissed his cheek again. He smiled and lifted his arms up to her and she took him in them then looked at Cora. "Thank you Cora...I am so grateful to you.... she murmured then moved to stand by her husband. Awaiting Cora's response.
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"I think, you should talk to a seamstress," he teased her. "And aye. I was considering it. Ye are such a hothead a dip in some cold mud might calm that ailment," he grinned then stroked his cheek. He walked over to her slowly and then ripped open her dress so she was in her blouse and skirt. He took off the fancy overdress and then tossed it aside and did the same with the overskirt, making her dressed in nothing but her stays, blouse, and skirt. "Much better." he grinned then lifted a finger up.
"Now...knowing the type of woman you are...I decided a peaceful afternoon and picnic would hardly be worth time, without adding in a game of cards. With the option to bet dares. I supposed it an interesting way to spend the afternoon. The dare can be anything. And if the dare is not attempted, then they will be a coward and I know my dear wife, that you are not cowardly. so how about a bit of wine, some food and then, a game hmm?" he said, a mischievous glint to his eyes.
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Post by anjelrocker on Apr 6, 2012 20:47:53 GMT -5
Cora looked to Alice and then to Henry as she did not know what to do, she had been caring for the young boy for most of his life and she loved him but she knew that he had to be with his mother. "I don't know, Alice... I really don't know..." She said honestly as another thought came to mind and that was the widower blacksmith with his daughter Coleen. She had kissed him the night before, which had been too bold on her part as she looked to Matthew who was watching his mother before saying. "Mama, why does Henry have to go live away from us?" He said watching his closest friend as his Cora had tears in her eyes.
"Because, Auntie Alice is his mother... and she is able to care for him like I cared for you and him since you were babes." Cora said as she hugged Matthew and said to Alice. "You know I could not simply live at the keep without being of help to you..." She said as she looked to Alice's husband who said. "You are welcome to come to the keep and perhaps stay an evening to make your decision?" He suggested as he put an arm around Alice who was holding onto her son.
Matthew looked excited by this idea as he looked up at his mother. "Please, Mama?" Cora had to think of it for a moment before nodding. "Will you come in so I can pack for Henry as well as some things for myself and Mattie?" She said welcoming them into her cozy little hut.
However, this was very hard for her despite it being something she knew could have happened one day... but it seems so soon to her.
---
Shock and fury washed over her since this was one of her gowns as she stared at her husband and she was only in her blouse, underskirt and stays. Oh, she felt as thought she was almost in the nude. "Tavis! What on hell is wrong with you?" She asked him with her hands on her hips as she heard the rest and thought of the idea of dares with a frown on her face as she said. "A game... well, seems that I am going to need some wine while dealing with you." No, Tavis could not be romantic if he tried it seemed that there was always be a hidden plan as she took the wine from him with a haughty look as she drank it.
She was annoyed with this fact. "Now, what sort of dares are we to bet, husband?" She said as she finished off the first cup of wine.
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Post by Raynesleigh on Apr 15, 2012 21:19:59 GMT -5
Alice smiled and gave a nod then walked with her to the back room to help her pack. Looking at the place where she had managed to keep her cousin housed, she sighed and then looked at her once the door is shut. Slowly, she gave Cora a great hug, closing her eyes. "I promise Cora...I'll make it up to you for all you have done. I love you and I am forever grateful," she whispered then drew away. "I would grant you any favor you asked of me for what you have done for me," she whispered then sighed and ran her fingers through her hair and then started to help her pack her things, as well as those of the boys.
It was painful for her as it was for Cora. She knew that Henry would need some adjusting and she hoped that he adjusted well, but she knew he wouldn't be doing much of that without Cora and Matthew around. So she might end up giving in and letting her become a housekeeper to the keep but it would not be happily done. For Cora, the woman deserved saintlyhood.
Looking at the boy's clothes, she felt a pang of saddness hit her but she tucked it away. "I should hope you will enjoy yourself tonight Cora. Even if Richard is there...he won't do much. I think he is afraid of my husband. And well he should be. I think if not for my being with child, he might of already killed him. Queen Elizabeth would kill him and then I would be widowed and alone. I like to think I don't need a man for protection...but...I do...and he is rather warm and nice to be laying to at night," she said with a soft laugh then sighed. "Thank you Cora...so much...."
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He grinned. "I can take ye to a seamstress or tailor to get a better dress than that one and even a few dresses to have some fun in. Ye are to hoighty toighty," he teased her and then grinned. "Anything you want...tis a simple game," he grinned and then sat down on the blanket. "Do have a sit my love...drink...and we will eat and then...play the game where all can be dared, and ye cannot walk away without doing it," he grinned, giving her a wink. "Do lighten yer load lass. Tis only a dress."
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