After the Fires Burn (IC) Closed

[odusi]

Places: Dalquharran xxxxxxxFaces: Amaryllis, Arlya, Allastar
~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kahlan didn’t need to hold the man any more now that he was shackled by the wrist and by the ankle. She watched the man with care as Amaryllis left him with the man. Only with a shake of her head Kahlan motioned for some of the soldiers to hoist him up. ”Take care to not struggle too much, if you strike any woman here that will be considered an act of war.” Shooting him a glance her eyes narrowed. ”If you haven’t done that already. Sneaking out of the castle to seek a deal of power that you have no hold to toss your people to the wolves. Coward.”

Kahlan motioned for the women to take him to the cages that were used for the hounds that often traveled with them when they would hunt for game. ”Make sure he is locked up tight and that he doesn’t hurt the damned hounds either.” The women bowed before hauling Allastar away.

Walking out of the rain and into Amaryllis’ tent she brushed the very damp hair from her face. ”Secured as commanded. He is in one of the spare hound cages. It will do till the hour is up.” Kahlan looked from Arlya then to Amaryllis. ”Could we use this man as leverage to gain their loyalty. After all he would seek to undermine any power that would threaten him, woman or no. If that isn’t a call for war for either side I do not know what is. I would hate to shed blood over a fool’s task to seek power that isn’t his.” While his intentions were to seek aid from the empire Kahlan despised the man down to his very essence. He sought to throw Rosalind from power to have it his own and damned anyone who got in his way. Treason was treason, and the fact that he snuck into their camp uninvited could be seen as a threat and enough to wage war. Or at least in his mind.

[Diandra Moon]

- - Places: Dun Beag - -- - Faces: Finley- -
Dressed

“Something happens tae me, what happens tae my wife an’ daughter, Finley? Really? I’m b*****d born. I doona have family they can go tae. The parley fails, we go tae war, what then?” Finley didn’t have a wife, or children. He had a sister who seemed to fare just fine without him thanks to her position. One that was tedious at best.

“I’ll rally who I can, but I want ye tae make sure the King understands exactly what is at risk.”

He turned to some of his men, and gave the order to begin to muster before he turned back to the commander. “How many are there, Finley? My men fight, who else is there tae fight? Who have they killed already? If Anna’s devotion tae Medraut doesn’t run so deep as tae not hand the King over, do we have the numbers available tae beat them back? Keep them back? We kill them all, who is tae say that the Empress’ successor woona be comin’ fer blood?”

[Diandra Moon]

- - Places: beach near Castle Balfour - -- - Faces: Anna, Medraut, Skye, others, and Hades- -
Dressed

Anna was standing next to him, her husband at her elbow. He much preferred her where he could keep an eye on her. Especially with who had been spotted on the horizon. “I still don’t---”

“Doona ask questions then,” Anna quickly cut him off. Mouthy thing.

All he wanted to know was how they intended to keep the two Tirian ships from getting closer than she wanted. Balfours and their damned secrets. He hadn’t been permitted to watch what they were doing during the preparations. He had been kept busy with sending out missives, and the like.

The longboat was rowing towards them, a tall, dark figure standing, watching. When the longboat beached, the man jumped down, looking around. “Ye doona look like any Empress tae me,” Anna called, a smirk on her lips.

"No, I am one of her captains. Hades Lannon."

“Lady Anna Balfour. My husband, Medraut Balfour. King Artan Scarglas, an’ Skye Airlie, the King’s advisor.” He watched Anna gesture to the lines of flags. “Ye keep yerself an’ yers between those flags, an’ ye woona be harmed.”

He nodded. "Lady Balfour, come with me." Hades beckoned, his gaze flicking over to Medraut as the man took his wife's arm. "You may bring your husband, if you wish. I understand it's til Death parts you." He smirked.

Artan had expected Medraut to draw steel, but he raised his hand, and lowered it rather quickly. An arrow was loosed, and a patch of sand exploded close enough to make the Empress’ man turn and take cover. “Those are in the water, tae! Ye might want tae keep that in mind. My husband is the one keepin‘ ‘em from knocking holes in yer ship.”

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Tae see what she wants with me so ye can get this business done with an‘ I can get my castle back tae normal with ye out of it!”

He watched Medraut hand Anna into the boat, and he climbed in after her. He also noticed that Hades and his men made sure to keep from the edges of the flags, as far as they could get, as they pushed the boat back out into the water and began towards the ship.

[MockingI3ird]

Amaryllis

Places: Dalquharran
Faces: Kahlan, Arlya, Tirians and Lothians
Dress

Amaryllis rolled a feather between her fingers and her unfocused eyes starred at a spot above the door. Allastar's word's rang in her head your everyday be filled with sorrow the joke was on him. It already was. The sorrow is what made her strong, what drove her forward all these years. A trace of a smile was on her lips when Kahlan came in. Poor man.. Stuck in the hound cage. She smirked at that." I don't know what we'll do with him strategy wise." She muttered running the feather between her lips.

She had promised to teach him a lesson and that she would carry through. ." If the young Regent declines our offer, should we see what his terms are for his answers? Or are we to afraid of a lying rat?" Her eyes went unfocused again, she wasn't asking anyone in specific, just wanted peoples suggestions.

There was a soft grumble in the back ground and she wondered if the storm was coming back around. " If she declines our offer, have them wash him up when we get back. I'll have a word with him." By 'wash up' she meant dump water on him till he was clean. It was time.

The three women headed back to the castle, guards greeted them with even more caution and this time Kahlan didn't kick any to the ground. She took a seat in the same spot she had almost an hour ago, preparing herself for either answer. Her eyes locked with Arlya's briefly, she wondered what her plan was if the young Regent declined and the girl got the message to the king and his forces. There was no point in sending anyone after them.. The paths would surely be heavily guarded with their new visitors.

[Sadronniel]

Rosalind Malcolm
Of Dalquharran Castle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The hour was quickly running out, and Rosalind was growing restless. The elders had been bickering since she had presented them with the choice to surrender or fight. Insults and accusations had started flying in the room, and they seemed no nearer to reaching a decision then they were at the beginning. Rosalind knew that she would have to present Amaryllis with an answer soon.

"Mi'Lords!" She shouted as she stood up. "Mi'Lords!" The room fell silent as all the fussy old men turned towards her, most daring her to give them an order. "Lady Amaryllis awaits our answa. Naw one wants blood shed. We have already lost many in ta war, and do naw wish ta lose more. Surrender will preserve our lives, but I ask ye mi'lords. Can we really bring ourselves ta kneel ta these invadas. My fatha, fought by ta King's side. He gave his life ta protect this kingdom. He died so this kingdom may remain whole. I ask meself, would his sacrifice be in vain if we let this region bend ta another force. Would we now be dishonoring ta memory of my father, an' ta others that died by his side, if we give in. Mi'lords, I will naw order our families ta battle without yur consent, but I do believe with ta full depths o' me being that if we do naw stand here, this day, those honored dead we have lost, would be ashamed o' us all.

It may well be that this invading force will utterly destroy us, but I would rather be destroyed then dishonor my father's memory. My Lords, I ask ye now, will ye stand beside me?" The silence in the room was deafening. Rosalind's heart was pounding so hard, she wondered how the others didn't hear. She tried to stand tall and firm, as she imagined her father would. She could feel her body shaking as she stood before them. She was so nervous, she didn't even notice that Allastar was absent from the meeting.

After what seemed like an eternity, the oldest, and most respected elder in attendance stood up. "Rosalind I must apologize ta ye. I did naw think ye worthy ta take yur fatha's place. I thought yur mind, body, an' spirit too fragile, and faint ta do what was necessary ta protect this land. But what eu said just now proved me wrong. Ye have never seemed more like yur father then ye have at this moment." He turned towards the others. "Lady Malcolm speaks ta truth. If we surrender now, we will be savin' our lives, but we will be damning our souls. I think we should stand against this force." Once again there was silence, but this time it only lasted a few seconds before another elder spoke up. "I agree we should stand against this force." "But we can anw stand against them alone." "I've already sent Edith ta ta king ta ask fur help." Rosalind interject, perhaps a little too excitedly. "An' we still have enough time ta send a few elders ta ta outlying area ta rally others ta our aide. Also we could send messengers ta Lochwood, Blair and Blackraig Castles an' ask fur help from ta other clans. That is after all why ta kingdom exists. So ta clans can act in fellowship with each other."

There was a muttering of agreement, and Rosalind saw many nods in her favor. "It is agreed then." The eldest said. "We will stand against this force while messengers are sent ta gather those on ta outskirts of our realm, and ta our neighboring clans fur assistance. All in favor say aye." A chorus of aye's told Rosalind that she had earned the trust, and support of the elders, for the first time since she had officially become regent. The Lords immediately sent plans into motion. Messengers, and a few of the younger lord escaped through the secret passage. Then the castle was fortified, and they prepared for the battle.

A few minute before the deadline came, Rosalind ordered the cattle gates be open, and Amaryllis and her attending ladies be escorted in without incident. Rosalind commanded that Amaryllis, Kahlan, and Aryla be treated with the upmost respect. Rosalind meet then in the library as she had in their first meeting. In that whole time, no one even noticed that Allastar was gone.
When Lady Amaryllis arrived, Rosalind bowed out of respect. Just because Lady Amaryllis was trying to take their castle by force, didn't mean Rosalind should forget her manners. Rosalind offered the ladies a chance to sit. She insisted on staying standing up to show how confident she was in meeting with them now.

"Lady Amaryllis, thank you for coming to see me. I want to begin by saying I took your offer very seriously, and much thought went into my answer, but my father had raised me to always hold loyalty and honor above all else. I can not in good conscious betray my King. I must deny your offer. I do request that you however reconsider destroying our castle. We have elderly, children, and those who are ill within our walls. Though our walls are thick, we are simple farmers not warriors. We can stay within the walls for weeks if necessary, but we ask that you do not engage us in battle. If it will help, we are prepared to offer you enough food, and resources to supply to your army for several days, and will not stop you from crossing over our lands in exchange for you leaving us in peace."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~The only thing that matters
is protecting my family~

Location: Dalquharran castle
With: Amaryllis, Kahlan, and Aryla
OOC:

[MockingI3ird]

Amaryllis

Places: Dalquharran
Faces: Kahlan, Arlya, Rosalind, Allastar
Dress

Amaryllis stood and smiled with her bow. Hoping it was a good sign. She took her seat again and folded her hands on her lap. She sat silently to listen to the girl's words but her eyes hardened once she declined their offer. She sat silently for a few minutes after she was finished." I see.."

" If we leave you alone, would you agree not to give the King any soldiers? " She pursed her lips, her face had washed out any kindness from before.

" Well I am very sorry to hear that Lady Malcolm. But I am afraid this isn't up to me. I only came for your answer. It will be General Arlya who will be taking over now. You may discuss with her." Amaryllis stood and bowed, her eyes not meeting Arlya's or Kahlan's. She had failed to convince. Amaryllis left Arlya to discuss with the young Regent. She and Kahlan would stay just long enough to see what Arlya's plan was so she could report it back to the Empress.

Back at the camp she ordered people to wash up Allastar and take him out of the cage, put his shackles back on and give him a chair. When she entered the tent she shooed away the guards but let Kahlan stay at the tent's door. She held in a laugh at the rage they had stuffed into his mouth and tied it at the back of his head. It must of been to shut him up and to stop him from biting. She wanted to talk to the man though so she bent over behind him and untied it. She wasn't worried about him smashing her face with the back of his head because the chain that was attached to the shackle around his throat was to tight.

" A biter are you?" She whispered in his ear as she pulled the rage free. She moved back a bit before unlocking the shackle around his throat. He still was chained to the ground by his wrists and ankles. They even had a rope around his waist so he was stuck to the chair. " Better?" She asked softly and sat in a chair across from him. Her eyes study his face for a moment, noting the bruise on his cheek she had given him. With steady hands she pulled down her hood now that she was inside.

" I'd have this-" She gestured to the chains and even slid her eyes over to the hound cage. " All removed but then you'd try to hurt me or run away." She paused briefly. It was a calmer situation now and she was glad for it. " What are your conditions in order to tell us what you came to say? I understand you are angry for this whole mess but everyone has a price. And you do know if you hadn't insulted our women then you wouldn't be here right now." She had no trace of mockery anymore. No longer in her voice or her eyes.

[Sadronniel]

Rosalind Malcolm
Of Dalquharran Castle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Guest starring Allastar Malcolm

Amaryllis did not look as though she was receptive to Rosalind's plea for mercy. Rosalind wasn't surprised, but she was disappointed. " I see. If we leave you alone, would you agree not to give the King any soldiers? " She pursed her lips, her face had washed out any kindness from before. Rosalind could feel the heart of the lady before her turn cold. She took a deep breath, determined to continue to project a strong, and confidant demeanor. "I'm sorry, but I can not promise that. You must understand. If we can not support you because of a feeling of loyalty to our king. how could we deny him aid should he call. It is a matter of honor lady Amaryllis. Honor that must be protected. It is my duty as regent to protect such honor, as it is your duty to serve your empress. I understand that it is not the answer you wish to have, but I still hope that you can understand. "

" Well I am very sorry to hear that Lady Malcolm. But I am afraid this isn't up to me. I only came for your answer. It will be General Arlya who will be taking over now. You may discuss with her." Amaryllis stood and bowed, her eyes not meeting Arlya's or Kahlan's. Rosalind watched in disappointment as lady Amaryllis left, leaving Rosalind to negotiate with the formidable general. Even as Rosalind tried to negotiate peaceful interaction, the castle was preparing for battle.

Allastar had been incensed by the indignity of it all. Chained, gaged, thrown in a substandard cage, that was too small for him. He growled in anger as he threw his body against the bars of the cage. His anger had been boiled, and there was no appeasing him now. He was already inflamed when his cage was approached by his captors, and he was unceremoniously dowsed in several buckets of water.

He was pulled out of the cage, retained, and forced into a chair which he was tied to. He struggled against his bonds, yelling things that could not be heard because of the gag in his mouth. When the lady who had treated him so badly entered, his eyes narrowed, and he started yelling once again. " A biter are you?" She asked as she pulled the gag off his mouth, and unshackled his throat. He gave an indignant huff and glared at her as she sat down across from him. " I'd have this-" She gestured to the chains and even slid her eyes over to the hound cage. " All removed but then you'd try to hurt me or run away." She paused briefly. It was a calmer situation now and she was glad for it. " What are your conditions in order to tell us what you came to say? I understand you are angry for this whole mess but everyone has a price. And you do know if you hadn't insulted our women then you wouldn't be here right now."

He spat on the ground in her direction. "Go ta hell harpie!" He roared. "Ye must be daft ta think I'd help ye after ta way I've been treated. I offered ye a way to bring the occupation of Dalquharran to an end quickly. Save lives on both sides, an you chain me, hit me, and insulted me like a dog. I will naw tell ye a thing. Let ta king come and leave ye and yur forces dead on ta battlefield. I'll kill Rosalind in my own time. I was gonna kill her anyway, I was just gonna give ye the chance ta help each other, but now I want ta see ye burn."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~The only thing that matters
is protecting my family~

Location: Dalquharran castle
With: Amaryllis, Kahlan, and Arlya
OOC:

[MockingI3ird]

Amaryllis

Places: Dalquharran
Faces: Kahlan, Allastar
Dress

Amaryllis didn't flinch at his spit or his words. Just sat silent, staring and waiting for him to finish. " You have been treated accordingly to your words Sir Malcolm. In the Empire we don't take very kindly to men who treat women unfairly. If I hadn't intervened you wouldn't be alive right now. And you most certainly wouldn't be able to carry out your decision to kill the Regent." Amaryllis felt herself getting tired of this day already. Soon enough they'd be heading back to Ravenstone.

Her eyes sifted briefly to the dripping water beside him coming from a whole in the roof. She debated on telling him that he was leaving with them but decided to keep that to herself." Tell me, if women are so foolish and men need to rule everything, than why is the Empire so much stronger? So large? Why have they won so many wars?" She had been able to keep her calm even though he had been yelling. Maybe it was because he was chained and she wasn't.

She didn't wait for his answer before she continued. " Why can I sit before you and be fully in charge? If I'm a foolish, powerless woman?" Her brows raised briefly in question. She looked the large man up and down, fully aware if he wasn't chained and her guard wasn't there that things might be different. Although she had kill many large and skilled men in the past.

Silently she stood and turned to Kahlan. " I believe we are ready to go. Have them send a messenger with Arlya's report. I am tired of waiting." She sighed on the last word and pulled her hood back up. Being careful to tuck her long hair back so it wouldn't get wet.

Outside the tent she ordered people in a hushed tone to have him back in the cage and put on a wagon. She wasn't letting a woman hater go free. She smiled half heartedly at Kahlan, placing an icy hand on her cheek. " We may not have won her agreement but-" her thought got cut short from hearing the angry man inside. Another sigh escaped her as they went looking for the horses.

[Sadronniel]

Angus Malcolm
In Carn Liath
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angus' face brightened as she asked if he'd like to eat outside. He loved being outside. He hated how stuffy it was inside of the castle. You couldn't run, or jump or laugh loudly inside. Outside he could be free. "Oh could we eat outside? That would be brilliant!"

Sahvanna smiled down at the little boy and took his hand. "You probably miss midlander's cooking." She said with a small laugh and lead him out to the square. Middle lands grew not only produce but spices as well. It made everything taste better. At the smell of the deer cooking over the fire her stomach gave a growl and her mouth watered a little. Sam lifted his head and sniffed the air, his stomach mimicked hers.

Angus took her hand, and joyfully ran beside her as they made their way to the courtyard where the others of her clan were waiting. He couldn't help but smile as the delicious smells filled his nose. He took in the wonderful smells of the midland food, he heard familiar song being played by those in the square, and he saw the other children playing. He laughed loudly, and released Sahvanna's hand, running over to the other children to take part in their game while the cooks finished their meal.

Sahvanna watched Angus run off before heading over to the fire. The food was almost ready and she wanted to be first in line.. She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten. Not yesterday.. Nor the day before... Her stomach growled again and she sat beside a very pregnant looking Mia who was watching the fire. Usually Mia was always talking and the bubbly one but she had remained silent since they fled from Lochwood. Some of the ladies were chatting but Sahvanna didn't bother to join in. She didn't feel like lifting her spirits when so many like Sam couldn't. Her eyes constantly flickered over to Angus to make sure he didn't wonder off. She didn't really want to get on that Gregor's bad side.

Mia and Sahvanna turned to watch the boys and Sahvanna smiled as she saw Sam transform. Though he was tiny he seemed more energetic and happily threw the ball back to Angus. He didn't seem to understand the game but played happily anyway. Angus laughed assam threw the ball back to him, and threw the ball again to one of the other children. Twenty minutes later one of the cook called them all to eat. Angus ran over with the other children, holding his bowl up high, he was first in line to receive his share of food. He waited for Sahvanna and sat down beside her eating excitedly, happy to outside in the fresh air.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~I want to show you who I am,
can you help me be a man?
They can't break me,
as long as I know who I am~

Location: Carn Liath, courtyard.
With:Savannah
OOC: [written in collaboration with MockingI3ird /align]

[MockingI3ird]

I keep going to the river to pray 'Cos I need something that can wash out the pain

SAHVANNA
PLACES: Carn Laith
FACES: Mia, Pat, Sam, Angus
ooc:

Sahvanna sat balancing the plate on her lap and smiled when both the boys came to sit with her and Mia. Since they were with her people and not anyone of to big importance she ate with her hands. It wasn't like there were utensils anyways. The potatoes were from last years crop but they had kept well over the winter. The women had made them even better, cooking them in butter and rosemary.

After dinner was over she made the boys wash their hands before going back to play and helped wash dishes. The sun was setting over the castle walls after they finished and dumped the dirty water.

Pat came up from behind her with a flask singing a familiar song. She found herself wondering what hole she had been hiding. " Ye be drinkin this!" She heard her grumble as Pat sat on her other side. The older lady shoved the flask at her and wouldn't take no for an answer. She took a sip and grimaced at the burn and taste. " What the bloody hell is that?" Pat shrugged and took it back, not saying a word.

Her head felt heavy with that one sip and she found herself resting her head on Mia's shoulder. Mia grabbed her hand silently and placed it on her stomach. A small bump hit her hand and Sahvanna found herself recoiling briefly before looking at Mia's face. She was smiling but with small tears in her eyes. No words could be shared in this moment so Sahvanna just set her head back down, watching the children play with the ball.

Once the sun had dipped out of the sky, the stars and moon came out. More people gathered around the fire and Sahvanna got up to check on the boys. It was getting pretty cold now. She waited till she caught Angus' eye before calling them over." When do you need to go to bed Angus?" She asked softly and took Sam's hand.

[Sadronniel]

Angus Malcolm
In Carn Liath
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angus finished his meal and returned to playing with the other children. Running around the courtyard, and proving that he was faster then any of the others. It was the happiest Angus had been since he said goodbye to his sister so many months ago. It was very dark before Angus spoke to the lady again. "When do you need to go to bed Angus?" She asked softly and took Sam's hand.

He didn't even notice it had gotten dark. "I do naw need ta sleep." He said. "I want ta stay up an' play." Even as he tried to convince her he wasn't tired. He yawned and rubbed his eyes. Still he persisted that he wasn't tired. "Lwrd Gregor will naw mind. I have naw seen him in days. Save showin' him ta rabbit just now. He does naw care. I want ta stay up. I want ta play."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~I want to show you who I am,
can you help me be a man?
They can't break me,
as long as I know who I am~

Location: Carn Liath, courtyard.
With:Savannah
OOC: [written in collaboration with MockingI3ird /align]

[MockingI3ird]

I keep going to the river to pray 'Cos I need something that can wash out the pain

SAHVANNA
PLACES: Carn Laith
FACES: Mia, Pat, Sam, Angus
ooc: The skies awake! So I'm awake! So I have to play!

Sahvanna laughed slightly at the small boy. " How about we sit by the fire and listen to stories instead?" With her other hand she snatched Angus' gently. She brought both boys back to the fire. One of her friends had gotten her blankets from a beg and she wrapped them around Angus and Sam. She could see everyone's breaths now.

She sat huddled up, a story about a sea creature caught her attention. It came to a close shortly after and someone began a story about a shape shifter that no one had ever seen before. A different kind of animal with much bigger fangs and soul sucking eyes. She decided that wasn't a good story for the children to hear. She turned to the boys quietly with a smile. " There once was a knight." She began and without touching the earth she used her powers to draw the pictures, the dirt moving with her eyes. After each part of the story was done she'd wave her hand over the art and it would disappear back into earth.

She had forgotten about everyone else's stories, finishing with a happily ever after. She looked up to notice others had moved in closer to listen and suddenly felt self conscious. Another woman started her story, telling it through the fire and Sahvanna sat back to watch. It was a lot better than her's, the coals and flames danced beautifully, a few people would gasp when it burst but it never touched anyone. The woman obviously knew what she was doing.

[Gaius Scipii]

Donnchadh Gregor
Location: Carn Liath
Company: Lena

The past few days had been tough on Donnchadh. Word, and soldiers, had come down Balfour Castle to shore up the Pass Line, which he had been working on since the news of the Tirian invasion had reached his borders. He was doubly glad, when Murtagh a day previous and gave him some much needed news: The Tirians would honor a non-aggression stance with the Gregor Clan. His clan, and those within his holdings (namely the remnant Haigs that were currently being situated safely about, or put to work).

He was a bit bothered that he couldn't take Angus into the War Room, but at ten years old... Donnchadh didn't want to put the burden of knowing what a Clan Leader would have to do at times. Fighting on a battlefield with your soldiers is one thing. Telling them to fight on your behalf and knowing that they may die... Whole new rune game.

"Yer worrit abou' th' lad, aren't ye?" Lena was nearby, dressed in a chain corslet, tartan and heavy leather boots.

"Cannae help it. Scouts saw a large host o' Tirians movin' tae his Sis' lands. An' Allastar is still bein' an arse on her end. I cannae do anythin' about it, because I'll nae risk th' lad's life if I choose tae aid her," Donnchadh replied, his large hands balling into fists as he looked over the maps on the table. Donnchadh heaved a sigh, and looked at Lena.

"It's time fer a lesson though. Get ye out tae find Lady Sahvanna an' th' lad. She can represent her clan fer this."

Lena bowed and left the war room.

[MockingI3ird]

I keep going to the river to pray 'Cos I need something that can wash out the pain

SAHVANNA
PLACES: Carn Laith
FACES: Pat, Angus, Lena, Donn
ooc:

Both boys and Mia were asleep. Sahvanna was just about to take a sig of Pat's odd liquor so she could fall asleep as well when Lena moving towards them caught her attention. Donnchadh wanted them to the war room. She looked down at the boys and untangled sleeping Sam from her and laid him down, tucked the blankets around him tight and softly woke Angus.

Sahvanna waited till they were far enough away from the others to speak. " At this time of night? I wake with the birds ya know. So I sleep when they're sleepin." She rubbed her eyes as they stepped into the lit hallway. It was a lot warmer in here. Lena didn't seem to impressed with her light hearted joke and she understood why. It wasn't every day the Tirian empire came knocking on your door. Still Sahvanna had learned to try to make the best of it.. All these years the Haig's had been starving and poor, it hadn't been her first time misery was sweeping over the land.

She momentarily worried that Donnchadh was angry that Angus wasn't in bed but maybe that wasn't the case. When they entered the war room her eyes went straight to the map. It appeared Lochwood was taken.. She felt slightly saddened and looked back up to meet Donnchadh's eye's. " Good evening." She heard the sleep in her throat and tried to clear it. A flash of this morning run in popped up in her mind and she quickly darted her eyes back to the map. Hopefully her face was already red from the cold.

[Elythaele]

✬ - ✭ - ✮ - ✯ - ✰ - ✱ - ✲ - ✳ - ✴ - ✵ - ⋆

Morgan really wasn’t holding back with the difficult questions. Not that Finley could blame him. It was not just a clan the man had to watch out for, it was his family, his wife and child. In all honesty, Finley couldn’t imagine having so much personal responsibility. The only family he had left was a grown woman, supposedly capable of caring for himself. He was fully aware that he could not even begin to comprehend the weight upon Morgan’s shoulders. Thus he found himself unable to lie to the Chieftain. With so much at risk, he at least deserved the truth and not some sugar-coated false sense of hope.

“I shall be honest with you, I don’t know. Perhaps we shall have enough men to push them back. Perhaps a show of force will be enough to push back the Tirians and keep them from our shores for a time. Perhaps this parley will succeed after all and all will be well.” He doubted it. No invasion force would give up so easily when already blessed with the upperhand. He certainly wouldn’t. Any truce would cost the King, and their kingdom dearly.

“From what we have heard, Ravenstone, Lachlan and Lochwood have already fallen. It doesn’t look like they’re interested in prisoners or hostages. If we don’t at least try to defend our lands then the Tirians will simply step over us to destroy them. Have you ever met any Tirians? Do you honestly think they’ll accept our surrender and let us simply carry on? We only have two choices here, we either die as cowards or fight and hold on to some shred of honour. I understand this is asking a lot of you, Morgan, the King understands that, but what other choice do we have?”

☆═I'm sorry, you're where? Dun Beag
☆═So who's that? Morgan
☆═Uh huh, and you're doing what? Finding an army, bitches!