Private Tales Suadade

[Keiran MacArthur]

With that question, the somewhat jovial mood of the table shifted. What had happened with the smoke they spotted. Keiran looked down to his near empty plate and sighed. "A noble house had been wiped out... A fire set the estate ablaze but.... It there is talk of dark elves having been involved."

Ella's normally bright face had now darken as she spoke next. "A tragedy indeed... Because of this, we ourselves have increased patrols through out the land... No telling what events transpired to lead to such a thing but we want no part of it."

"What we very well want and what may happen is out of hands..." Eddard ever the voice of reason, was quick to remind.

"Sad but true..." Keiran said in sullen agreement before taking up his mug of ale and raising. "To happier times."

A toast was made to hopefully lead them out of the darken conversation the had wandered into.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

Skuld had sufficiently put her foot into her mouth with that question. Her lips drawn tight as she refrained from any further comment while they all spoke. She raised her glass as they did. "To happier times."

"Did it take you long to bag your game this morning?" Skuld asked quietly, still a bit cautious about speaking again.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

Toast complete, Keiran found himself thankful that Skuld was able to read his cue and move the conversation on. Life there was hard truth be told, and though smiles were worn as a show of strength, the promise of tomorrow was not guaranteed, and in knowing that one absolute truth, hearing of the total destruction of another house was horrifying.

Gulps of ale taken to cement the toast Keiran would wipe at the foam on his upper lip and reply. "Well there's a particular spot I tend to favor that always have easy pickings... So not too hard truth be told."

"Keiran never hunted for sport." Eddard pointed out. He himself was an accomplished hunter, and literally wore that badge of honor in the form of a fine white fox pelt that was worn over his right shoulder.

"Necessity only... Though I like to think.. And point out, I was the better rider." Keiran boasted.

"Yet the lady at the table is the better shot with a bow between the both of you.... Skuld, since the men have turned this into a competition of sorts, what do you excel in besides stealing my brothers gaze." Ella spoke as common as possible as if her words were no big deal. Of course she ended with a devilish grin.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

Skuld had listened with interest as the men began to one up each other. Then the conversation was abruptly halted when Ella explained that she was the better shot than either of them, promptly placing Skuld at the front of the conversation.

Her mouth opened, but she was initially stunned by the other women's comment. She regained herself at the thought of what she excelled in.

"I'm quite handy with a crossbow. Though, I can say that came before my time with the Templars." Skuld replied proudly. She had little else in the world besides her art of war. This fleeting moment of joking and eating as though friends, even with being teased, would be a fond thing to recall.

"I'm sure that isn't enough to outshine either of your abilities though." Skuld offered as she took a sip from her cup, looking at Ella for a moment as she narrowed her eyes. Woman was bent on making her blush it seemed.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

"No need to be modest Skuld, I'm sure you're more skilled then you would like to admit. You are a Templar after all. Oh any interesting st-" Ella was in the middle of saying before Keiran cut in.

"I am sure Skuld is tired from her travels. Perhaps she can regale you with tales of her adventures later on. Besides, doesn't your husband need to be on his way and I believe there are documents you need to go through regarding land disputes?" Keiran looked to Eddard for help.

Eddard nodded in agreement and wiped at his mouth with his hand before standing up. "Your brother speaks the truth... I do need to go and you have papers to look over."

"Fine fine.. But I expect us to continue this at supper." Ella sighed as she raised along with her husband. The pair would depart leaving both Keiran and Skuld alone in the hall.

"Sorry about Ella... She loves to get a rise from those she likes... She's mischievous in that way... Smart though... And tough... Curious like a cat though... She would have poked and prodded for you to tell a story.. And well, I know yours isn't the easiest life and no need for you to recant anything while breaking your fast." Keiran said once he was sure the hall had been clear.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

"I hardly find it fair to compare military training to hunting skill though." Skuld replied as Ella began to ask for interesting stories. She looked to Kieran with thanks as he changed the direction of the conversation. Nodding as Eddard and Ella left the hall.

She waved her hand, dismissing the thoughts. "That is alright. Its not that big of a deal. Though that is a heavy topic for breakfast. Much like my question about the smoke, for that, I apologize."

"So how long will you be here then? I believe Ella said you would be here for two days at most?" Skuld asked quietly.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

"No need to apologize... I find it's important we are reminded of what happened as to not find ourselves taken by surprise. A travesity it was and frightening to think it happened so close." Keiran added a nod to the end of his sentence before he continued. "Aye... I expect I should be heading along my way soon."

He wanted to say more but thought better. He was new to this rol ethat had been thrust upon him and didn't wish to put her in a awkward position as far as relaying information he should keep to himself... Yet he felt compelled to tell her. In the end he chose to offer a rather awkward smile as he had no clue how to fill in the silence.


"A...And you? Have any where in mind you are traveling to?" Keiran finally spoke up after a pause.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

"Ones own mortality is very refreshing to be reminded of." Skuld said off handedly, her eyes a bit distant with a knowing look about her. It seemed the Templars were not the only ones that stared death in the face so readily and knew what consequences could come of it.

"Ah, no where in particular...really. Just follow leads until I meet up with my commander. Hit or miss kind of thing." Skuld laughed. Put so simply, her job was kind of depressing. Months on the road, following the rumors peasants and common folk passed around hoping one turned out to be more than just explaining a bump in the night.

"Didn't want to leave without taking you up on the hospitality. Our range to travel is wide and vast, after all." Skuld chuckled a bit as she tried to fill the silence.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

"Well I must say I am happy my offer did not go unanswered. Feel free to rest as long as you liked, even after I am gone in fact... though... Be warned, Ella will continue to tease you to no end... It's usually a sign she likes you though." Keiran said while taking her empty plate. No finery there, just a simple wooden plate that carried a certain rustic charm.

Gathering the other dishes used, Keiran motioned to Skuld. "Care to walk with me?"

It was such an innocent and simple question but there was a certain wait behind it. He was asking her for her continued company.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

There was a small smile that danced as stated that he was happy she had answered his offer, which quickly turned to a playful grin as he warned her about his sister. Her head tilted in mock thought as she prepared a reply, her eyes falling on him once more as she stood while he collected the dishes.

"I am certain that your sister has taken a keen liking to me already then, less her comment about your gaze was simply a jest at us both." Skuld teased him, though she paid close attention to his answer. "I would be glad to join you." She replied as she stepped with him now, content to walk with him.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

Ah, she brought up his wandering eyes and Keiran couldn't help but crack a smile. "The world is filled with such mystery... Like where my eyes choose to wander...." He said coyly as he looked over his shoulder and back to her. Perhaps the look could have qualified as flirting, but what happened next could not.

Luck would have it that he ended up stumbling over his own foot resulting in the Highlander lunging forward and nearly smashing into the door they approached. Balanced regained, Keiran would offer an embarrassed chuckle and a shake of his head. "Or the mystery of what I just tripped over..."

 

[Skuld Zajac]

She offered him a smile that quickly changed to gaping horror as the man fell forward. Arms stretched out to grab him as he regained himself and she could not for the life of her stifle the chuckle that followed.

"Perhaps I should walk in front of you, once I get acquainted with your home, to save you from further mysteries." She tittered as she stepped in front of him and opened the door. She looked at him with a crooked grin as he passed by her.

"Unless, that would be too distracting?" She would be deceiving herself if she said that Kieran's attention was not pleasing, but teasing him brought about a pleasant feeling that she had not realized she would so thoroughly enjoy.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

Keiran had discovered Skuld had a sense of humor but he was seeing and liking it more by the passing moment. Of course, it took a moment for him to gather what she meant with her last sentence. "Too distracting?"

Keiran would offer a puzzled look, going as far as to cant his head to the side in confusion. And then it clicked. "Oh.. .Oooh." Another nervous chuckle was given and then his gaze shift form one of being utterly lost to accepting her challenge. "Well..." He narrowed his gaze and gaze her a once over. He wasn't shy at all about it either as he stood there, plates in hand. "I think.. I could find myself very distracted...."

He made sure to add a wide smile afterwards.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

Skuld mentally rebuked herself for being so forward with her teasing, and that Kieran turned it back on her made her self directed tirade all the sharper. What had originally been a look of satisfaction quickly changed to one of sudden embarrassment as her gaze tore away from him while he smiled at her.

Face blazing red as she kept her eyes to the floor, not trying to think of how much a fool she likely resembled. Idiot woman, Skuld mentally chastised herself. She nervously chuckled to no one . While the playful teasing had been welcome, the sudden intensity of the attention focused on her had jarred her a bit. The words had flowed and felt right, but her pleasure at the feeling alarmed her. It was new and foreign, and not related to undead and templars. Meaning it was well outside of her area of knowledge and expertise.

"So where are you wanting to walk?" Skuld blurted suddenly, the embarrassment reaching the limit as it made him the victor of their little challenge almost instantly. I am terrible at this, Skuld wailed to herself as she chewed her lip, face still flush as she managed to only glance at his eyes every now and then.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

Her face. Heavens above that face, as red as an apple, was hard to miss. His smile widen and at that point, clumsy Keiran wanted nothing more then to push further... And yet he refrain from such actions. In this small battle of teasing, he had won, but he had no desire to tempt his luck and push her away. It was one thing to tease but another to out right embarrass. He liked her company, he had known that from the moment he met. He meant to continue to have her company and so, he knew there were lines to cross and lines not to.

Of course, there was one particular line he had yet to realize was there. She was a Templar... And as such, could she have relations? The thought had yet to cross his mind but when it did, how would his feelings towards her change... Would they change?

"Oh.. Yes.. Walking.. Around I suppose. It is not every day I have the honor of showing a friend around these parts. Most friends I have I grew up with here... Or are still stationed afar."Keiran said breaking the silence.

With that said, he once more took the lead, stepping past the red faced Skuld and into the kitchen area. The room was busy with the kitchen workers preparing for tonight's dinner under the watchful eye of Rosa. She was the general and this room was her battlefield. Looking to Keiran, she smiled brightly before motioning to a wash bin.

"All was well?" He chirped looking to the too, hoping the breakfast was to their liking.

"As always dear Rosa... I take it dinner will be amazing as well. Need we another turkey?" Keiran asked, ready to help.

"If only you intend on cooking it. Two is more then enough.... We have plenty of pheasants to fill plates as well... You focus on entertaining your guest, Lady Skuld was it? Be sure Keiran acts like a gentleman, else you tell me and I'll be sure to give him a few licks." Rosa said while waving a large wooden spoon at the highlander. Keiran could only laugh at this. It seemed teasing him was a national pass time.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

"A tour would be welcome." Skuld quickly agreed, nodding without needing to since her thoughts were still distracting her a bit. He crossed the threshold into the kitchen, and finally put some space between them. Her heart thumped a bit excitedly in her chest as he went, not entirely sure what she had expected from the man. Well, that was a lie. Her wandering thoughts couldn't be banished so readily, and she did her best not to wonder how his hands might have felt, if they hadn't had been occupied with dishes.

They entered the kitchen, and her eyes widened a bit as she watched the people work. All of them knew what they were doing, and it was spectacular to watch. The woman overseeing the kitchen nodded to the wash bin as she and Keiran spoke of another turkey for supper. The word Lady came up again, and she gave up on trying to dissuade everyone from saying it. Perhaps the word would help remind her of how to conduct herself.

"Yes, Skuld. It seems everyone knows my name." Skuld chuckled, the tone light and amused as she continued. "And I am sure I don't need to worry. He has been nothing but a gentlemen this entire time." Skuld gave him a nervous glance, since they just had the teasing session in the doorway, she wondered if the woman hadn't seen the whole thing.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

Word around Edenham had a tenancy to spread fast. Nay there was not a hand in the estate who did not know of their current visitor. The ladies in the kitchen continued on with their duties, unbothered save for the chuckles they all offered in response to Rosa's quips.

"Well the moment he steps out of line, be sure to tell him. He will never be to old for a good lick'in." Rosa threaten.

"Skuld, so happy to have intruded you to our bravest defender." Keiran teased as he placed the dishes into the wash bin. "Let's go before dear Rosa makes good on her word."

Keiran took a step to head out and paused, looking back to Skuld before offering his arm. It was a gentlemanly thing to do after all. If all he knew what had wandered across his mind. He himself may have joined in turning apple red.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

"I will be sure to let him know should he step out of line, you have my word." Skuld offered the older woman. Keiran seemed relieved that he had dropped off the plates and joked about the Rosa being the bravest defender in the house. Which prompted his hasty exit from the kitchen. After he took a step, he turned and extended his arm to her.

Truly a gentleman, she thought to herself as she wrapped her arm into his.

"Where to next, oh fearless leader?" Skuld asked him, ready to be away from the kitchen.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

"I hadn't thought that far ahead..." Keiran said as he slowly led her way from the kitchen, going as far as to tap a finger against his chin a he racked his mind for a proper answer. "Nothing much here, I fear it's dreadfully boring... Ah... I have an idea..."

That was all her would say on that matter as he lead her back into the main courtyard and towards the main gate. It seems the fearless leader had a destination in mind. With Skuld in tow, he couldn't help but pull her in a little closer and wondered if her face would brighten in color once more. The thought brought a grin to his face.

"It's strange... It's been so long since I've been able to walk like this.. Through this land... but at the same time, it feels as if only a moment has passed." Keiran said as they neared the gate which opened wide enough to accommodate them as they departed the estate.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

"Then a proper adventure it is." Skuld joked as he thought about their destination, his expression of thinking tickling her a bit as he finally thought on a destination. He guided her along before pulling her closer, her expression properly surprised at the sudden closeness they now had. Her lips drew tight and her face flushed only slightly as she stole a glance at him.

The added warmth was nice, and it certainly made it easy to talk as they walked together. Her other hand went up and was placed on his arm as though to steady herself, her gaze straight ahead of them as she smiled to no one.

He thought aloud at his ability to walk through the area so freely, her attention shifting to him as she turned his way enough to watch his features. The words seemed happy and sad in the same moment, making her think of the last time she had casually walked somewhere as well.

"I can't imagine that you have a lot of free time, acting as an agent for someone else. A break from such things is always pleasant with similar company." Skuld gave him a quiet answer, her voice trailing off as she looked around. She had a mix of pleasant and sad memories of Vel Anir, enough so that she had usually kept her thoughts occupied as she travelled through the place.

"My late brother and I used to run around the country side quite a bit in our youth, before we started working as armed escorts. Like you said, it only seems like a moment has passed, but it also seems so far away." Her expression had been soft at the beginning of her words, slowly changing to sadness before she dismissed the talk and looked to him once more.

"You and your sister surely stirred up some sorts of mischief when you were younger, if not still doing so now that I have seen you both. She seems all the ready to challenge the world. I admire that in her." Skuld smirked as she spoke of Ella, quite pleased that there was another such lively woman in the world.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

"I can say that is a very fair description of her. Ella has always spoken her mind much to our fathers horror and now her husband I'd imagine." Keiran laughed. "She.. We.. Take after our mother. She too is a hellion as my father would call us. He was the more reserved one though he did command a presence in his own regard."

As he spoke, the pair would find themselves following the main path up to the estate. Sitting comfortably upon a hill, the land around the estate was groomed, ensuring no one could easily march up with out being spot. The path continued down to the village below, but Keiran would guide them unto a small path that veered off to the side and leveled off. No longer descending downward, they would find themselves walking on even ground. Keiran was sure to casually switch arms so she now walked on his left, a innocent gesture to keep her from harms way. To the right, the path gave way to a dreadful drop and though not an direct sheer drop as it was sloped, the fall would not be gentle. To the left was a comfortable wall of earth, mostly rock, but every so often plants sprung out from small pockets and cracks. They were similar in appearance to dandelions though not all were bright yellow. Somewhere blue and others red.

"Much like the people here, these plants are known to be tough.. They can grow in the oddest locations as well. One wouldn't think this area hospitable, yet here they are... Interesting enough, though they look like flowers, they are herbs... They make a fairly good tea once added with sugar.. Otherwise it tastes a little bitter." Keiran spouted small facts as they continued on but of course he couldn't just leave it at that.. "Also if you are scared of heights, I urge you not to look down."

 

[Skuld Zajac]

She listened to him speak at length about his family, giving the occasional nod at what she had only guessed at. Having little to add to that discussion, she allowed it to fall away as they walked, allowing him to switch sides as she saw the drop off to their right. Her interest in the plants grew at the mention of them being herbs rather than innocuous plants.

"They make a tea? That is unexpected." Skuld replied quietly as she examined a few in passing, reaching out and touching a blue set just within reach. They were not garish, or by any means extraordinarily beautiful, but often subtle plants held surprising uses.

"I will have to pick some to take with me later." Skuld noted as she turned to face their right side at his warning.

"While I am not afraid of heights, I am not particularly fond of them. Heights have a different effect with added weight after all." Skuld joked a little, she had not fallen from great heights in armor, but being knocked off a horse in armor was terrifically uncomfortable in her opinion.

"Seeing as how you are on that side, I will have to make sure you don't fall. Wouldn't want my guide encountering another mystery before we get back to safety." Skuld teased a little as she lightly pulled him toward her. Just enough to make them bump each other as they walked along without completely throwing each other off balance.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

Feisty. He liked that. Unable to hide the smile that formed across his face he turned his gaze upon her for just a moment. "When in your company I should walk against such dangers more often."

Walking along the narrow path, it was clear it followed around the steep hill from front to back. As the beginning of the path began to fade against the curve, it wouldn't take much longer to reach with in eye sight, where the path opened up into a small patch of trees. Thanks to the steep slopes on either side, it would be damn hard, though not impossible for a man to make it up to this secluded little patch.

"In the spring and summer, this little area is filled with wild flowers... but more importantly is a single tree in that little thicket that bares a fruit as red as your cheeks. If we are lucky, we may find one of two that has yet to fall or have been claimed by squirrels." He motioned to the trees as he spoke. Most appeared bare, but thanks to the unusually warm weather, winter had been delayed it seemed and the plants were still hanging on to their foliage, to some effect.

 

[Skuld Zajac]

Her head tilted back a little with her laugh, his comment making her cheeks a little rosy as they walked along. She looked back at the path a moment, then back ahead of them as she wondered about their destination. As if to read her thoughts from her expression, Keiran began to explain about the area before them. He teased her a bit about the color of the fruit, which earned him a light pat on his arm.

"Then I hope our luck prevails. Though, it would not be a wasted trip if we found nothing, given the company." Skuld assured him, as she began looking in what remained of the tree foliage. Most would see the remains of the trees as a sad end to the year, but to Skuld, it was a pleasant sign that the rebirth of the land was on its way. That everything was resting, after providing its beauty and bounty for the year. Although this time of year was hard for the less fortunate, it also gave them time to plan for the next year.

"Besides that, I am sure the next time it blooms I will be about to have a taste of this delicious fruit." Skuld offered as they walked.

 

[Keiran MacArthur]

"You spoil me with such words... Who though the templar in my company would have such a way with words.... You best watch what you say, I might grow to use to your kindness." Keiran replied in way of poking fun at how nice she was, at least to him.

He looked to the path that open up before them and found himself hopeful. Hopeful that there were no fruit in the tree, as that meant she would have to return. It was amazing the effect a chance encounter would have had on him. Perhaps he already made up his mind about her, having heard stories of the female templar back when he was stationed in the garrison. Perhaps the person the person he was coming to know was what caught his attention. Which ever the case, it was clear to him, and seemingly everone else who looked at him, that he was taken in by her.