Topic: A breath of time's tender spell

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2007-04-17 16:01 EST
The day was bright if slightly cool. Still it was not enough to keep Sylvia and Kieran or their two boys from enjoying the out of doors and the sunshine. Kieran chased after his sons who laughed and squealed in delight from the ?bear? coming for them. Sylvia called out, ?We should return to packing soon. The Lark leaves early tomorrow morning.? But the ruckus was so much from the men, big and small, in her life that they did not hear precisely what she said only that she said something.

Cian went tearing in her direction as fast as his little three year old legs could carry him so he could hide behind her. Aidan was not so lucky, his gait as he ran a strange hopping lope, and he was scooped up into his father?s arms. Kieran proceeded to ?gnaw? at Aidan?s belly causing more peals of laughter and wiggles from the tickling. ?What was that, Via?? Kieran asked with a smile as he placed Aidan on his shoulder like a small sack of potatoes.

?I said,? she continued as she tried to still Cian who thought his mama should get in the game and was now tugging on her breeches, ?Cian, be still a moment. Mama is talking.? To which his reply was to kick at her shins to get her attention. ?Cian!? Sylvia gasped more appalled at his activity than hurt.

Kieran was not so hesitant, he handed Aidan over to Sylvia and took his eldest by the arm conducting him promptly, and silently, to the woods. It ached Sylvia?s heart to see it, but she justified that he had to be instructed on proper behavior. It also helped that she knew Kieran was not going to strike their son. He did not need to, for there was a certain look, the distinct disappointment and displeasure he could communicate without saying a word.

Sylvia and Aidan sat on the ground and played hand games waiting for the other half of their family to return, when Ewan approached, ?Good day, Sylvia.? He looked about the grounds then back to her with question in his eyes.

A tilt of her head towards the woods, and Ewan gave a nod only. ?I see. I just came by to let you know I will be on the Lark in the morning.?

?Are you sure you can leave things as they are??

?Changes will come when they do, and whether I am here or not will not dictate that timing. I will not miss Lord Aidan?s birthday celebration-?

?-It is just going to be family and near friends,? Sylvia interrupted smoothly.

That did not stop him, ?-for anything.? He smiled warmly on Aidan who just beamed back up at the man oblivious of his returning, sniffling brother coming to his mother for comfort.

Cian curled up into Sylvia?s side, laying his head on her swollen belly, ?I can hear him,?

?Him is it?? Ewan grinned and then laughed low and brief when Sylvia sighed at the thought of another boy.

Kieran turned to Ewan, ?Joining us then??

?Aye, I am, my lord.?

?Anyone else we should expect?? Sylvia asked demurely as she caressed her eldest?s curls of brown hair.

?Gaerwyn, his children, my mother, and if Lenika is still in town, probably her if she is willing to come.?

Sylvia looked at Ewan longer with some expectation of more and then said, ?I will be glad to have them all.?

Ewan bowed and turned away to stride toward the front of the grounds. Sylvia and Kieran shared a look, then shook heads in synchronization.

Ewan Corinsson

Date: 2007-04-18 17:23 EST
Ewan sat on the deck, his legs out to either side of Aidan who sat on the deck with him and played with a series of knots in rope he had created. Sylvia sat on a bench nearby and kept an eye on Cian who, with so many close calls in his rush to try and climb everything in sight, had a life line tied around him to keep him from falling overboard. Kieran also kept an eye on his eldest as he tried to explain the workings of a ship; the wind, the sails, the keel - everything was open to Cian?s inquiry.

?I am glad you could take some time away, Ewan,? Sylvia smiled. ?I am sure your mother will be glad to see you. It is a shame Storm could not come as well.? Violet eyes were unwavering upon him.

He shifted slightly, as he had not said one word of Storm coming or not coming, and he knew this tactic of the Baroness well. ?She has much on her schedule.?

?And you do not??

?Your Excellency,? they were on an Yransea ship, and just as Sylvia had changed into gown from breeches, so did propriety return, ?you know full well my obligations in RhyDin. But I also have obligations in my homeland, and they, as ever, take precedence.?

?I do not question your loyalties, Ewan, I was just curious.?

?She is always curious,? Kieran interrupted with a smile. Ewan gave a smile of gratitude to the man, who he honored as his leader and as a brother. But Kieran lifted a hand, ?Oh, do not give me that look, Ewan. I cannot control her curiosity. Distraction does not work on her. I?ve tried every method. If she wants to find out something, then she will, one way or another.?

Sylvia laughed, her hand rested on her belly, ?See there, Ewan, you are already defeated. Just tell me what I wish to know.?

?Give me a direct question, my lady, and I will answer it.? Ewan grinned and caught the bit of rope that was rolling with the pitch of the ocean swells away from the little boy and gave it back to him.

She seemed satisfied for the moment and looked at the ocean, though she asked him, ?I sent word to Stardreamer Manor for Phen to try and find Storm before we left. The message was more cryptic than I like. Could you get nothing more permanent out of her? I hate asking Phen out for a wild game of tag, but it did seem just her situation.?

?I do not like it any more than you, Excellency, but Storm would not give me a definite time to meet her or the child. I can only hope that it does not cause Mistress Ilnaren too much difficulty. I know she has the school and her own children to look after.?

Kieran snatched Cian from rigging and held him, ?Phen will do all she can, that we can trust.?

So they could, and Ewan only hoped Storm would consider what Phen had to say, or rather, advise. He would put it out of his mind for now, to ask about upon his return, and he grinned at Aidan who was trying to tie the rope around the Master of Arm?s wrist.

Kieran Logansson

Date: 2007-04-19 11:01 EST
Sunshine filled the gardens of Seansloe manor. Kieran walked the pebbled walkways to the tables in the center of the garden currently shrouded from his view by tall box junipers. He anticipated finding his wife there helping the house staff prepare for the small party to celebrate Aidan?s second birthday. A tradition his wife and brought with her and one not typically practiced in Palendies. It was a small change and the populace was picking up on it with some enthusiasm adding their own touches to the tradition.

He turned the corner, and indeed found the center garden with its array of flowers and trees, being transformed into an el fresco luncheon area by a troupe of ladies and gentlemen with his wife doing more than her fair share of lifting under the worrying eyes of those around her. ?Yes, yes, that will be just fine. We probably do not need to worry much over fripperies. The children will not notice, and the adults most likely will not care,? he heard her laugh lightly.

As he came up behind her, she turned and kissed him quickly in greeting, ?Is Aidan napping??

?Yes, so he should be in fine spirits when the guests arrive,? he smiled.

?Good, thank you, dearheart.?

?Via, sit down,? he had nearly left it at that, but he knew she would start arguing with him, so he had added, ?with me for a moment, and let?s enjoy some quiet in the sun.?

Now that she could not argue against or resist, and she went to sit with him on a bench, her head upon his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. They sat in contented silence, listening to the wind and the birds, feeling the sun on their heads and shoulders. It was a tender spell of serenity gifted to them by Time, but as all things given by Time, it would not last.

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2007-04-19 23:34 EST
Sylvia sat with Maeve and watched the men and boys play. Lenika was polite, speaking when spoken to, but little more than that. It was only to be expected when she was talked in to attending instead of actually having a desire to attend. Maeve tried to broach the subject with Sylvia, but she lifted a hand to stop, ?No, I will not coddle or force her one way or the other.? Maeve looked a little disappointed that she could not cajole the Baroness into her scheming, but she took up another chicken pasty to eat..

Kieran came to sit by her, his arm going about her shoulders as he watched Ewan and Gaerwyn play a game with Little Gaer, Aidan, and Cian. They were moving about the garden pretending to be ships at sea in battle. Sylvia slid a glance to young Lina who sat quietly at a table, drawing and eating cake. ?May I see your drawing, Lina??

The young girl seemed to pale and blush in alternate states, but she rose with her drawing and bobbed a curtsey while holding out the drawing. The drawing was a wide field edged by a forest. From the forest smoke was rising. ?Lina, tell me of your picture. I love the flowers and the field. Is that fog from the forest? Is it morning??

?Smoke, my lady.? Her fingers twisted in her gown.

?Camp fire?? Kieran provided.

The little girl only shook her head, and at that Sylvia stopped the questions and handed the picture back. ?You draw very well, Lina. Thank you for letting me see.?

Another curtsey, she reclaimed her picture, ?Thank you, my lady.? With lowered eyes and a quick step she was back at the table.

Sylvia looked concernedly to her husband and he shared his sympathy. He, too, had lost his mother young. Perhaps another time, she would encourage Kieran to speak with Lina a little about his own experience. But now, she looked back to the game playing and smiled.

Gaerwyn Caisson

Date: 2007-04-19 23:42 EST
Gaerwyn was not oblivious to this exchange, and sighed. It was a bad day for his daughter. His son though was in high spirits and happy to have playmates. He would need to take special time with Lina when they returned to Aunt Maeve?s home. He could also get Ewan to help him with starting the additional room on the back of the house while he was here. When he asked in a pause of playing Ships at Sea with the boys, though, he was met with refusal.

?I?m sorry, Gaerwyn, but I?ll be taking the path back to Rhydin tonight.?

Everyone seemed to hear that, and Sylvia narrowed eyes, ?Tonight? Is it so urgent that you cannot wait for me tomorrow??

?Tomorrow, mama?? Cian pouted.

Kieran laughed, ?We are going, too, Cian, so you can stop pouting and get back to playing.?

Ewan bowed to Sylvia, ?Very well, tomorrow.?

?Good, then we?ll start on the room today!? Gaerwyn clapped his cousin on the shoulder, then raised his hands. ?All gaming stopped for now, as I?m the admiral and say it is time to return to port for food and drink.?

?Cake!? came the cries of three little boys who scampered to the table and took up their second slices.

Gaerwyn and Ewan sat on the grass and then laid back, arms across their eyes to shield them from the bright sun, and they talked of days from their youth. Days before Gaerwyn had lost a wife. Days before Ewan had heeded a dangerous calling.

Kieran Logansson

Date: 2007-04-20 13:18 EST
Sylvia had gone resting, the boys were also taking naps, so Kieran sat in his study and looked over the reports from various ministers. Seems crops were having a good start, and if things continued as they hoped, it would be a very good season. ?Let?s hope that does not get turned about,? he muttered as he sat back in his chair, legs stretched out before him, and read another report on the impact of increased trade with Rhydin.

The door opened smoothly, and Sylvia stepped inside, looking somewhat pale, but a glint of humor in her violet eyes, ?I knew I would find you here. You promised me, Kieran.?

He sighed, ?You said you were going to nap, and I would say you have not had enough rest. You look pale, dear heart.?

?That does not justify breaking your word,? she pouted and sat in a chair across the desk from him.

They sat in silence for a few breaths, and he nodded, ?You are correct, but if I am to leave with you tomorrow, I should catch up on things here.?

?Of course,? she conceded, ?it was a request made in some sense of joking.? She held her hands up before her, then looked to him, ?It was a nice party, and good to see Ewan?s family. I worry over the children, though.?

?Time is the only thing that will help them, and it will hurt as well, as memories start to fade,? Kieran steepled his fingers, tapping them against his mouth, then dropped his hands to his lap. ?I wonder who will suffer more: Lina for having the memories and knowing most will fade away, or Gaer having few memories at all and them all going away. I can still remember my parents, but my mother is so vague to my sisters, and to Rian barely a memory exists, though she says she remembers softness and warmth. That feeling she associates with mother.?

Kieran had not thought of the loss of his mother for some time. He had even gotten over his fear of traveling by sea many years ago with Sylvia?s help. Now he had children of his own, and he hoped they would not have to go through what he did.

?Come, let us go play a game of cards and see if you can beat me again,? he stood and went about to raise her by her hand from the seat. Her arm about his, they walked the corridors to their family quarters and played cards until the boys woke.