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Post by Tim on May 13, 2020 11:36:07 GMT -5
Oh yeah, still the Colonies. The American Revolution is still about thirty years away.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 13, 2020 18:10:09 GMT -5
Chapter 13
Kurt was in the music room with Mary, teaching her the guitar. To his delight, Rory had found several guitars, and he was teaching her the basic chords.
"You see Mary, this is an E chord, and this is a G chord", he said, placing her fingers on the appropriate strings.
Mary held the strings and plucked them. The chords rang throughout the room, as she smiled in delight. "Oh, that sounded wonderful, Kurt.That was an E chord?", she asked.
"Yeah, and this is a G chord", he said, playing it on his own guitar. Mary closely watched his fingers, then mimicked his actions. She giggled as she played a G chord.
"You're pretty good. Can you read music or write it?", he asked.
"I can read words, but I want to learn to read music like Margaret and Gregory. It must be wonderful to be play such lovely music", she sighed.
"I know. Once you get the hang of it, it's so much fun, and when you learn to write songs, that's even better", he chuckled.
"What sort of songs do you write, Kurt?", she asksed.
Kurt felt his cheeks turn pink with embarassment. "Uh, I'm not sure if you want to hear about them. They're not exactly proper songs", he mumbled.
"What do you mean? Do you sing about courting?", she asked innocently.
"Not quite. We write about death, sadness, things like that. James isn't exactly the happiest person in the world", he replied dryly.
"What? He needs to find a wife to take care of him", she said solemnly.
"Yeah, but he wants to have fun first. Mary, why are you a ward? What happened to your parents?", he asked suddenly.
"My parents clan, the Drummonds, are allies of Clan Mackenzie. They died when their boat overturned on Loch Ness. Since my nearest family is near Perth, I became a ward of Laird Mackenzie. I have been raised almost as his daughter since I was five years old. For all intents and purposes, I am a Mackenzie", she said, a tear forming in her eyes.
Kurt gave her a hug. "I'm sorry to hear that. So Laird Mackenzie is like your dad? And what about Conor? Is he like your brother?", he asked, trying to keep the jealousy out of his voice.
"Aye, he is like a brother to me. You do not have to be jealous, Kirk. He is bethrothed to the daughter of Laird Sinclair. I do not want him as my husband either", she giggled.
Her expression grew serious. "Kurt,I like you. I am not sure why, but I do. You are so talented and so patient. You did not laugh when I said I wanted to learn guitar, you taught me", she replied.
Kurt was stunned. "Mary, I like you too. But you are a ward of the laird, and I am a retainer. Aren't we going to get in trouble?", he asked.
Mary sighed. "I know. We shall have to discreet. When you hear me sing, meet me in my chamber. Tell no one, there are loose-lipped people about", she said, kissing his cheek.
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Post by Tim on May 14, 2020 11:10:30 GMT -5
Wonder what Mary would think of 21st Century music. It would be like nothing she'd ever heard before.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 14, 2020 17:39:12 GMT -5
Chapter 14
"Ooh Axel, you got a hot date tonight?", teased Kurt.
Axel stood in front of the mirror, making sure his kilt was on straight. "Yeah, unlike you. I'm courting Violet, that's what she calls it", he said, combing his hair.
"So Axel, when are you gonna score?", cracked James.
"Very funny. I don't want to do anything stupid, her dad's gonna turn me into a toad or something", he retorted.
"Dudes, leave the Swedish fucker alone. Find your own chicks", grumbled Cliff, taking a swig of beer.
"Fuck, how can you drink that shit? It tastes like mud", said Kurt, making a face.
"I like it, it tastes better than Budweiser, that's for sure. And it's strong, too. These Scots make good beer", he said, draining his mug.
"I second that. Let's get more beer", said James, as they went downstairs to the kitchen.
Axel took one last look in the mirror and left the room. He walked to the healer's chambers, his heart racing with anticipation.
He found the chambers and knocked on the door. Violet answered the door, her eyes glowing with excitement. "Come in, Axel”, she said, her cheeks pink.
Axel smiled at her, his eyes taking her in. Violet wore a simple pink dress, her hair plaited into two braids, the ends tied with small bells. The color brought out a rosy glow to her skin, making her hair appear even darker and her eyes more purple.
"You look gorgeous, Violet. But then again, you always do", he said, winking at her.
"Master Karlsson , are you courting my daughter?", asked Kilwich.
"Yes sir, I promise I won't hurt her", he said solemnly.
"Ye better not. If ye hurt her, I know ways to make ye suffer, no matter how much you beg, I shall not heal thee", he warned.
His eyes widened, but he refrained from looking scared. "I know, sir. Shall we go now, Violet?", he asked, offering her his arm.
"So what do you want to do?", he asked, leading her out of the castle.
"Let us go to the village. Maybe there shall be some musicians playing", she suggested.
"You mean, like dancing? I'm afraid I don't dance very good", he mumbled, blushing.
"Aye, don't worry, Axel. Just enjoy yourself. I shall teach you", she chuckled.
They walked to the village square, where a group of musicians were gathered. It was a group of young men dressed in rough linen shirts and kilts. The ensemble consisted of two violins, a mandolin and a piper.
One of the violinists picked up his instrument and played a few notes, before playing a lively jig. The crowd started to dance, the happy music filling the air.
Violet grabbed Lars, a gleam in her eyes. "Dance with me, Axel. Just follow my lead", she whispered.
Axel couldn't help his blushing when she put a hand on his waist, as she showed him the proper steps. At first, it was awkward, but he quickly got the hang of it, as he began to lead her in the dance.
Her body was pressed against his, her eyes shining with delight. Here I am, dancing with the most beautiful girl in the world in my arms. Can it get better than this?, he mused.
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Post by Tim on May 14, 2020 23:37:01 GMT -5
Axel, history, remember.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 15, 2020 7:23:19 GMT -5
Chapter 15
Cliff heard the music playing and began to dance about the room. "Dude, your dancing sucks. You look like a dork", said James, rolling his eyes.
"I can't help it, it makes me feel like dancin'", he said, quoting the Leo Sayer song.
"So dance in the village square and have everyone laugh at you", retorted James.
"Okay, you wanna go, Kurt?", he asked.
Kurt looked up from the tablature he was writing. "No thanks, I'm busy", he said, going back to his work.
"Okay, see ya", he said, walking towards the village.
Cliff left the castle, smiling at the cool night air. The sky overhead was a dark bluish-black, the stars shining like as brightly as diamonds. Wow, I never seen stars this bright before, he mused, the sound of the music becoming louder.
The band was in full swing, the people dancing in the village square. He chuckled when he saw Axel and Violet dancing, oblvious to all around them. Looks like he's got himself a girlfriend already, he thought.
Cliff's eyes widened when he saw Morag standing in the crowed. The moonlight cast a glow on her, making her hair appear like molten copper. She wore a light green dress the color of her eyes, her slim feet bare.
"Morag, do you want to dance?", he asked.
Her eyes lit up, her lips turning up in a smile. "Of course, Cliff", she whispered, as he led her by the hand to the village square.
The band had slowed down, playing a ballad that sounded like a waltz. He looked over and saw Axel and Violet kissing, bodies pressed against each other, as though they were one.
Morag smiled up at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Cliff could feel the heat of her body through her dress, as he started to feel aroused. He looked into her green eyes, smiling when he saw the lust reflected in them.
"Ye feel the same way, Cliff", she giggled.
He chuckled, before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. She moaned at the contact, her lips parting under his. Their kiss deepened, tongues dueling in a passionate dance.
Morag broke the kiss, grinning impishly at him. "Let's go someplace where we can be alone", she said, leading him away from the village square.
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Post by Tim on May 15, 2020 11:44:00 GMT -5
Be careful, you two.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 15, 2020 17:16:42 GMT -5
Chapter 16
Kurt lay in bed, straining his ears to hear the signal. He chuckled, looking over at Cliff sleeping peacefully. He'd come back to the castle rather late, his clothes smelling like grass, a shit-eating grin on his face. Looks like he got lucky with Morag. At least he doesn't boast like James, he thought.
Just then, he heard her singing. Kurt quietly got out of bed, not making a sound. He tiptoed down the hall, his heart pounding until he came to the door.
Kurt slowly opened the door, his face lighting up when he saw Mary. "Close the door, Kurt”, she whispered. He nodded and carefully closed the door, as she lit several candles, the shadows dancing on the walls.
Mary looked up, her blue eyes twinkling in the candlelight. She wore a pale pink nightgown, the candlelight illuminating her body underneath the thin fabric.
She came over to him, her long blond hair swaying with every step. Kurt put a hand on her waist, leaning down and kissing her lips.
Mary gasped slightly, his tongue parting her lips. They continued to kiss, her hands tangled in his black curls. "Oooh Kurt", she whimpered, as his lips left hers, traveling down her throat.
"Mary, you taste so sweet", he murmured, against her flesh.
Kurt released her throat, chuckling at the dazed look on her face. "Wait 'til we go further, then your head's gonna spin", he joked.
"Really? What do you mean?", she asked innocently.
"Uh, kissing is great and all, but that's only the first part. You have been kissed before, right?", he asked, puzzled.
Mary blushed, her cheeks pink. "Actually, that was my first kiss. The laird is protective of me, it is not good if I am soiled goods", she replied with a touch of bitterness.
"You mean, he doesn't let anyone near you? Just so you remain a virgin? That's fucked", he muttered.
"Colorful way of describing it, but yes. Kurt, I am a ward, I have no other family. I am but a pawn, the laird can marry me off to seal an alliance. I do not want that, I want to be loved, not a pawn", she said, her blue eyes glowing with anger.
Kurt held her close, his thoughts in turmoil. Damn, I know I should'nt meddle in this, but that sucks. The idea of Mary being married off to some stranger to seal an alliance made him physically ill.
"Mary, I won't let that happen. I'll think of something. I want you", he vowed.
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Post by Tim on May 15, 2020 23:20:04 GMT -5
Try to get her back to the 21st Century. It will be a shock, but she'll adjust.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 16, 2020 7:56:49 GMT -5
Chapter 17
"Morag, did ye and Cliff sleep together last night?", asked Jeanie.
Morag nodded, a flush creeping up her neck. "Aye, we did. It was lovely", she sighed.
Jeanie frowned. "Morag, what if he gets a babe in yer belly? Then what shall ye do? He doesna seem like the marrying type", she admonished.
Her eyes narrowed. "I want another bairn, after what happened with Daisy. I want a bairn of me own, and it shall not die either. I shall see to it", she said, a determined look on her face.
"Morag, I know ye want another child, but this is not the right way to do so. Ye need to get married first, and Cliff is an Outlander, and he isna the marrying type. If we want to marry Cliff, I shall not stand in yer way. But be careful", she warned.
"Jeanie, ye worry too much. If I get a bairn in me belly, it will not die like Daisy", she vowed, walking towards the graveyard.
Morag walked amongst the stones of the village courtyard. It was empty, the skies overhead gray and cloudy. It looks the way I am feeling, she mused, stopping in front of a small grave.
She bent down and carefully arranged the lillies sprouting from its surface. The marker was smaller than the others, the front plain. The marker was simple, with the following inscription:
Daisy McKenna Born and died on February 1, 1741 May ye rest with the angels
Morag let a tear fall down her cheek, as she looked at her daughter's gravestone. Aye, my little one. Ye barely even got a chance to draw breath, when the angels took ye. I hope I can have another bairn soon, I shall not let them die, she vowed, sobbing against the headstone.
Cliff was taking a shortcut through the graveyard. The class had been dismissed early because Alisdair thought it would rain, and he decided to take a shortcut to the castle.
Just then, he heard someone crying. That's weird, I don't see any funeral, he thought, following the direction of the sobs.
Cliff was surprised to see Morag hunched over a grave. Choked sobs came from her throat, her shoulders heaving. He slowly walked towards her, not wanting to startle her.
Morag could feel someone walking towards her. She slowly turned around, surprised to see Cliff.
"Morag, you are all right?", he asked, concerned.
She shook her head, unable to speak. He looked closely at the grave, frowning. "Who's Daisy?", he asked.
"Daisy was my daughter. She died soon after birth. She is with the angels", she whispered.
Cliff held her as she sobbed against his shoulder. Daughter? She had a daughter?, he thought, puzzled.
"I had no husband. We met during Beltane, he said pretty words and lay with me. He ran off, leaving me with a babe in me belly. Daisy lived an hour, she was very weak. She is with the angels", she said, her voice trembling.
"Morag, I don't know what to say. That's terrible. Poor kid", he murmured. Poor Daisy, and poor Morag. Losing your kid is tough, and just after birth too, he thought, embracing her.
She lifted her head, an eerie look in her green eyes. "Cliff, I want ye to give me a bairn. I do not want my child to die. It shall live, I swear. And ye are under no obligation. Many men do not", she said, a hint of bitterness in her voice.
"Morag, don't say that. A man's gotta take responsibility for his kids. That bastard who got you pregnant, he can go fuck himself. I'd never do that. Listen, if you got pregnant, I'll be with you. I don't want my kid hating me when they grew up, thinking their dad abandoned them. James's dad left his family behind, and he hasn't gotten over it. That's why he drinks and chases girls, and writes angry music. Morag, I'll stay by you, no matter what", he vowed.
"Cliff, how beautiful. Ye are a good man. Ye promise, ye will not run off if there is a bairn?", she asked solemnly.'
"I promise", he said, taking off one of his skull rings and putting it on her finger.
"Will ye give me a bairn, Cliff?", she asked.
"Yes", he replied simply, kissing her lips.
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Post by Tim on May 16, 2020 11:52:09 GMT -5
OMG, poor Morag.
Of course, infant death was very common back then.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 17, 2020 8:00:01 GMT -5
Chapter 18
"Mam, are ye all right? You look peaked", asked Jeanie.
Her mother smiled wanly at her, her blue eyes drooping. "Aye Jeanie, I am getting old. I am no spring chicken, ye ken. Dinna worry, it is the hay sickness. I shall be fine in a wee bit. Why not concentrate on yer young man?", she admonished gently.
Jeanie blushed. "James is Liam's teacher, that is all. I mean, he is quite fit, but all the other lasses think so too. Besides, I have things to do, I am busy", she replied.
Her mother frowned. She'd seen how her daughter looked at James. It was clear that she fancied him, that she secretly wanted him. Jeanie, always the responsible, sensible, practical daughter. I want my daughter to find a husband soon. I want someone to take care of her and Liam, she thought.
Just then, Liam and James arrived at the house. "Be quiet, me Mam is not feeling so well", she whispered.
"All right, Jeanie", whispered Liam.
"Sorry about your Mom. I hope she feels better", said James. He looked at Jeanie, noticing the tired look on her face, her shoulders sagging with exhaustion. She and Morag must do all the work around here. I hope her Mom's not really that sick, he thought, frowning.
"Jeanie, sit down. You look like you need a break", he said, pulling out a chair.
She sank gratefully onto the chair, sighing in relief. "Thank ye, James", she said, a small smile on her lips.
James felt his heart skip a beat. She's beautiful when she smiles, he thought. Stop that, Hamilton. Her Mom's sick, and you got a dirty mind, he reminded himself.
They could hear loud coughing coming from the room, and then spitting. Her Mom must be really sick, that sounds like one helluva cold, he thought.
"James, ye are welcome to stay for supper. 'Tis not much, but I dinna have the time to cook a big supper", she said, blushing.
He smiled reassuringly at her. "That's all right, darlin'", he said, blue eyes merry.
Liam raised an eyebrow. Is James sweet on my sister?, he thought. Oddly enough, the idea didn't upset him. In fact, it souded good. He liked James, who didn't treat him like a child, and was quick to praise his skills and correct his faults. He's almost like a father, even though he is not much older than me. I want him to court Jeanie, then he can be my father, he thought.
He got up from his chair and went to his mother's room. "Mam, ye look terrible", he said.
"I know, Liam. I dinna feel good, but it shall pass", she said, as she coughed again.
"Mam, ye need to see the healer. Ye have been sick for over a month", he said, concerned.
"I canna. There is the weaving, and the cooking, and the gardening. I am busy", she whispered.
"Mam, ye need to see the healer", he repeated.
"Maybe, Liam", she mumbled, closing her eyes.
Tomorrow, I shall get the healer, I want Mam to get better, he vowed, a solitary tear falling down his cheek.
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Post by Tim on May 17, 2020 11:53:35 GMT -5
Doesn't sound good for her Mom. People died a lot younger in those days.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 18, 2020 6:01:53 GMT -5
Chapter 19
Liam had trouble concentrating the next day. He was deep in thought, his mind troubled.
"Liam, what is the matter with ye, laddie? Ye keep missin' yer mark", said Alasdair.
"I am sorry, Alasdair. I will try harder", he mumbled, blushing.
James observed the boy, frowning. He's worried about his Mom. she really looked like crap, and she kept coughing. I don't think that's a cold, he mused.
"Liam, come with me. I think we need to talk, if you don't mind, Alasdair", said James.
"No, I dinna mind. Liam, be mindful of what Master Hamilton says, and be a good laddie", said Alasdair sternly.
James and Liam walked away from the group silently. "Liam, is this about your Mom?", he asked gently.
Liam turned to face him, blue eyes shining with tears. "James, me Mam is sick. I dinna ken what is wrong with her, she coughs and coughs. Last night, she spit up blood. Is she going to die?", he asked fearfully.
James felt a chill go down his spine. Damn, that's what happened with Mom. He closed his eyes and remembered how it had been with his mother, when she had cancer. I think is Mom is dying, he thought sadly.
"Liam, my mother was sick for a long time before she died. Because of our religion, she didn't go to doctors, and she died sooner than if she had received treatment. Your Mom has to see a doctor", he said.
"Mam does not want to see the healer. She says she is merely tired, it shall pass. What do I do?", he asked, trying not to cry.
"We gotta talk to this healer guy and see if he can do anything", said James. Yeah right, I doubt he can do anything, he thought, not wanting to scare him.
"I canna believe this, I am blubbering like a bairn, when I should be strong, I am supposed to be a man. I hope nobody saw us", said Liam, his face flushed and tears forming in his eyes.
"Liam, you are not weak for crying. You're still a kid, and your Mom is really sick. And you got two women to take care of. You gotta be strong, but you've got a right to cry. I know, I've been there. Now let's find the healer", said James.
"Now Meg, be still while I apply this ointment. It shall sting a wee bit, then ye'll feel better", said Violet.
The little girl smiled bravely, as Violet applied the ointment to the cut on her arm. She closed her eyes, wincing at the stinging sensation.
Axel observed the scene, a small smile on his lips. She's really good with kids, she'll make a great Mom,, he mused, surprised at the direction of his thoughts.
"Thank you, Miss Violet", said Meg, kissing her cheek.
"Now be careful, Meg", she admonished.
"You handled that really well, Violet. I would've gotten pissed at a kid screaming like that", said Axel, smiling at her.
"You have got to learn patience, Axel. It is not the child's fault. Yelling only makes it worse", she chided.
Just then, the door burst open and James and Liam stepped in. "Me Mam is really sick", said Liam, his eyes red from crying.
"Well, Father is busy right now, but I can take a look", she replied.
"Violet, are you sure? Wht if it's contagious?", asked Axel, concerned.
She raised an eyebrow. "Axel, it is my duty to help anyone in need. I have not gotten sick from a patient, and I doubt I ever will. I may need your help", she said, as they followed James and Liam.
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Post by Tim on May 18, 2020 11:45:31 GMT -5
If only they could take the mom back to the 21st Century. They could probably treat whatever she has.
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