"Mistress, its time for your bath. Mistress....MISStresss.....MISTRESSSSS!" The thwap of something soft on her face brings her wide awake, sitting straight up, eyes darting around until they land on the giggling maid holding a large pillow. "Racheal, remind me to have you beaten, tarred and feathered for that would you please." "I'll get right on that, Gheal. Have no fear." Laughing more, she helps Muirgheal out of the tangled mess of covers.

"Come on Lady, its time for your bath. You really have got yourself caught up, haven't you." She wrestles with the sheet wrapped tightly around her Mistress's ankles. "You've a guest pining for your attention for 3 hours now." Dodging the pillow thrown at her head, the maid chuckles and thwaps back with her own. The impromptu pillow fight lasts for several minutes, both women laughing hysterically while calling each other names and sending rude comments.

Both jump to their feet, feathers floating all around while trying to hide the evidence behind their backs, when from the doorway they hear Cook's stern voice "Gheal! Racheal! What do ye think ye be doin'? Just look 'ere at the mess ye be creatin'! Saint's preserve us, the trouble ye be gettin' into all the time. Come on now, get a move on. Get 'er into tha' tub an scrubbed bright n shiny now Lass. Theres supper waiting to be ate.' Muttering to herself as she walks out the door, both women start laughing and fall back onto the bed.....

As their laughter fades away, they both sigh and begin cleaning up the mess of a bed, being more friends then Mistress and Maid. When most of the wreckage is cleaned up, they stand looking at the door for a moment.

"Gheal, what would you like to wear tonight? Shall I set out something extra pretty?" Said with a wicked grin.

"Racheal, add cutting that tongue of yours out to the list of punishments your to remind me to have done to you later, would you please? I'll wear the black and purple gown, thank you very much. It is, after all, just Connor dining with us tonight." Rolling her eyes, Muirgheal heads to the tub in the next chamber, missing the grin the maid gives at that fact Gheal will call his Lordship his given name in private but not to his face.

Immersing herself in its deep, lilac scented water, Gheal stays under until she can no longer hold her breath. Just as she raises her head out of the water she hears mentally *Hurry up my lady, supper will be chill by the time you get here.* *Oh shut up! Must you always bother me when I'm doing important things?* *So getting prettied up for me is important to you? How wonderful!* *OOHHHH!! GO AWAY!* She lets loose a loud ARRGG while slapping the water as she hears him laugh *Very well Love, I'll leave you in peace for now*.

Growling she proceeds to scrub slowly, wasting time until the water gets too cold to be in any longer......

As her body shivers with cold, being in a prune state of skin, she begins toweling her hair as dry as she can get, going through the usual 3 towels. Racheal then begins the arduous task of brushing it the rest of the way dry.

"Shall I do a crown braid and leave the rest free Gheal?". The maid holds back a grin when Gheal whips her head around to glare at her. "Bloody hell NO! Braid it complete and then swirl it into a tight bun. I'll not be having that man get any pleasure out of seeing me if I can help it!" Sighing softly, Racheal does as instructed, not understanding why her dear friend refuses to have anything to do with the man that obviously adores her beyond life itself.....

Half an hour later, Gheal strides silently down the steps not realizing that in choosing her most plain gown, she has enhanced her natural beauty tenfold. The floor length skirt of black silk rustles softly. The black bodice (a staple of all her outfits) contrasting sharply with the white silk blouse, the loose arms barely covering her gauntlets. The tight collar shows off a short string of black pearls with a Dragon shaped diamond pendant glittering brightly in the light of the hundreds of candles lighting the castle. The black from a coal stick lines her eyes, making the blueness of them stand strikingly out. Diamond tipped pins set through out her red hair, straining to hold the heavy mass in place.

Heading towards the dining hall, she walks slowly, hoping that she has wasted enough time that her Papa and their guest will have already eaten. Her hopes are soon dashed as Maggie bustled towards her with a triumphant smile on her face. "Ye be just in time, my dear. I was jus' comin' to get ye to tell ye supper is bein' served. Tis all your favorites love. Chicken, Colcanonnon, Stew, Corned Beer, Scones and Soda Bread. I had a feelin' ye would be takin' yer time, bein' so tired from yer trip 'n all, so I started the meal late." Grabbing hold of her Mistresses arm, she starts to lead her to the table.

Connor, who was seated the Papa's left, slowly stood, unable to take his eyes off the women as they enter. Within a few strides, he comes to greet the 2 women. Reaching out to the Cooks hands, he graciously pulls them up to his mouth to kiss the back of each "Cook, I must say if the meal tastes as good as it smells, I shall be so stuffed I will be unable to walk!" Pulling her hands back with a giggly blush like a young girl, she simply smiles at him and then looks at Muirgheal.

Turning towards Gheal, he stares into her eyes so long, she blushes and ducks her head, wishes she had left her hair down so it would fall to curtain her face. Grinning wide, he takes her hands and kisses both. Without warning, he twists her right hand around so the small part of her wrist not covered by the gauntlet, faces up and plants a kiss there as well. His grin deepens as he feels her pulse begin to race beneath his lips.....

Pulling her hands back sharply "Greetings My Lord. Please forgive my lateness. I was rather tired after my journey and had a bit of trouble waking up." *Don't it figure that I couldn't waste enough time to avoid you!* Her head rears back in surprise as he laughs loudly.

Holding his arm out so she has no choice but to take it, he takes over leading her to the table. "It is ok, my lady, I figured you would sleep late and have been enjoying yet another interesting conversation with your father." So only she can hear he adds *As well as wondering just what you would pull to get out of this dinner.* in which he gets a *GGGRRR*.

Papa stands as they near the table and looks disapprovingly at her. "Muirgheal! Why must you insist on wearing that old outfit! Connor is an "Ard Tiarna" (Paramount Lord) and deserves you being in your best gowns! It is enough that he saw you in such a tattered state when you arrived home but this goes too far! I also happen to have noticed you were quite silent in your approach." Without warning he bends down and lifts the hem of her skirt up enough to reveal she is barefoot. His anger is so intense, Gheal's eyes widen and she steps back with tears beginning to well up "But Papa...".....

"Don't you 'But Papa' me, Lass..." "Might I interrupt, Sir?". Sputtering the older man faces the younger, both faces showing anger. Surprised, Papa races to give an apology "My Lord I am..." "STOP!". The older man falls silent.

Connor takes a deep breath to calm his anger at the humiliation being brought on Muirgheal. Smiling a smile that does not reach his eyes, "It is ok Sir. This should not be so formal a meal simply because I happen to hold a higher Title! I think she looks more beautiful then she ever could in even the most extravagant of gowns. As for her being barefoot, I think its is quite refreshing that she has chosen to be comfortable. I myself happen to hate shoes and wish I had her spunk to go without."

As he turns towards her, a tear falls from one of her eyes. Gently reaching out to wipe it away "The only flaw I see in her appearance is her hair is wound so tightly, I fear she may suffer a headache." A twinkle starts to appear in his eyes. Relieved that he is not angered anymore, she gives him a shy smile.

Gesturing with his hand toward her hair "May I be of assistance so you will be more comfortable?" Gheal slowly turns her back to him and he carefully begins pulling pins out and then un-braids her hair. Turning to face the men again after he has run his fingers through to loosen the mass up. "Thank you My Lor..... Connor. That does feel much better." A triumphant gleam enters his eyes.....

As her blue eyes lock onto his green, she begins to get a mischief look on her face. "If I am to be so comfortable, Sir, should you not as well?" At his puzzled look, she grins wider and glances down at his feet. His look follows hers and he chuckles. "If you will both excuse me for a moment, there is something I need to do. I shall return quite quickly."

During his absence, Papa begins to further berate Gheal, tho not as harshly. "What is wrong with you Lass? He treats you with the utmost respect and you so blatantly disrespect him! I'd wanted this first meal upon your arrival with him here to be impressive. Your lucky he is such a fine gentleman." He turns away at movement from the door and simply stares.

Connor walks back in with a loose peasant style shirt of white satin, his tartan kilt and sash the colors of his clan. His feet are bare. Staring befuddled, Papa sits back in his chair. Gheal's head rises from where it had fallen low during the tirade and her face nearly splits from her wide grin.

Mentally she hears *I take it this is much better by the pleased look on your face.* *Aye Connor, it is much better. Please forgive me of my disrespect, I thank you for your kindness in getting Papa to calm down.* *Don't you go getting all formal on me in here love. I shall die of boredom if you go on like that! We may have to say things out loud that are not fit to us, but always be who you are with me here!* She laughs loudly, albeit silently and send him an image of her doing a raspberry face.

During the mental conversation, Conner seats himself and asks if they could begin because he was starving. They begin to feast.....

Throughout the meal, conversation flows through many subjects. Her father looses his tense feel and starts beaming in pride at how well she can hold a conversation of both intelligence and whit. During the pleasant conversation being heard by him, silently there was a battle of whits unlike any her father has ever heard. During a short lull in the conversation, she suddenly bursts out laughing uncontrollably.

"LASS, what has gotten into you? Control yourself before you fall into spasm!" Trying desperately to stop her laughter, she begins once again as she looks at Connor, who has only a simple grin. Wiping at laughter tears and breathing hard "Forgive me Papa, Connor. I just pictured something and just can't help myself." *Will you stop! He's going to get upset if I don't stop laughing so much!* A picture of innocence looks back at her. *Stop what? I didn't do anything.* *Oh your so rotten!* *Thank you. Its my speciality.* *Your not welcome and aye it is at that Sir.* She giggles out loud again and a moment later is finally able to control herself.

A little while later they finish the meal. Sensing her father would like another conversation topic, she decides she needs a break. "Papa, Connor, would you please excuse me? I would like to enjoy a walk in the gardens before I retire for the night." Both men stand as she does and she walks from the room.....

Connor watches her intently as she walks away. He himself is watched intently by her father, an unseen smile crossing his mind. "Do you think we should tell her, Connor? Time runs short. Her 25th Birthday is in a fortnight."

Still staring at the doorway "No, she'll find out soon enough. If we tell her too soon, she will fight it for the rest of her life. No one can survive a battle that long. Not even with her spirit." Turning to face the older man "You have my word on my life's blood, that when the time comes, I will be there to protect her and help her win her battle. I just wish I could fight it for her.".....

Without another word to the other man, Connor gets up and walks out the same door Muirgheal had gone. The old man leans back in his seat with a satisfied grin. His favorite servant immediately walks over to him. "Those two make quite the pair don't they Sean. They think I canna hear their mental chatterings. It wore me out trying not to laugh. Go get my bed ready. I'm tired and with time being so short, I need all the rest I can get." Giving a soft sigh, "If only that young man knew that time is even shorter then he thinks." Slowly he rises from his seat, compliments Maggie on yet another excellent meal and heads towards his bed chambers.

Wandering through the garden, Connor can't find her anywhere. "Where could she have gotten to now?" He ponders. Asking a nearby servant if she has seen Gheal, she points towards the cliff edge on the far side of the gardens. "She said no one is to disturb her tho, Sire." He heads off in the direction pointed out.....

Having wandered over the her favorite thinking spot, Muirgheal closes her eyes and enjoys the air coming off the ocean below. Her hair and gown blowing nearly straight behind her as she spreads her arms, leaning into the wind with eyes closed. Having heard the conversation between the men, she wonders why Connor would let her hear, but say not to tell yet. What are they hiding? What is so important that it means a battle? She tries to clear her mind but the jumbled thoughts won't stop.

Connor walks behind her and wraps an arm around her waist, a bit nervous at how close she is to the edge.

She steps away from him quickly. Turning to face him "Would you mind explaining what's going on now, My Lord."

He gives her a puzzled look. "What do you mean? What happened to calling me Connor all the sudden? Whats wrong?"

"Whats wrong? You open your mind so I might hear your conversation with Father and then play dumb?" Tipping her head quizzically, her eyes go wide as he turns pale.....

"What did you hear Muir?"

"I heard from time runs short from Father until you said wish you could fight for her. Since my 25th year arrives in a fortnight, I know it was me you both had to be talking about." Puzzled even more at his odd expression. "You are the only one I can speak with mind to mind Connor, besides the animals. As a woman of high honor, you know I would not listen in on you. I always speak as soon as I open the connection. So why do you have a look of being kicked by a Horse about you? It is not my fault you opened up and yet kept silent. Which is quite odd of you to say the least. I don't appreciate being ignored as well. I tried several times to get you to tell me what you were talking about, and yet you continued to keep silent!"

He grabs her hand and start walking swiftly towards the Castle. His mind racing to remember who could have been in the dining hall. He could not picture anyone as is the habit of the servants to leave, closing all doors at the last course. This was done so the family could have a small portion of the day together, undisturbed.....

Struggling to keep up with him, Gheal tries to pull back. "Will you stop? Your hurting me. My Lord, stop! Your hurting my arm! Connor? CONNOR!" At her yell he finally slows down and looks at her. "What?" "Your hurting me! Cease dragging me like a lamb to the slaughter. If you wish me to go with you in such a hurry, simply ask. I can keep up you know." "I know my lady, forgive me, I did not mean harm. Please though, we must hurry, come with me."

Picking up her skirts in both hands, she races with him to the castle. Thinking he has gone mad for some reason. "Why will you not answer my questions My Lord? Why are we running like horses in a race?" A faint voice comes to her mind *Hurry Daughter, there is not much time left.* She comes to a complete stand still. Connor stops and turns to find out why she has stopped again. Her wide eyes are filled with fear. She whispers so soft he barely hears her "Papa?" She breaks into a run and flies past him, screaming "Papa" over and over. He follows as she goes straight up to her fathers chambers.....

Papa, having only had a few moments sleep, woke with a gasp and called to his servant. Sean stumbles over to the man from his room, sleep filled eyes darting about. He knows he'd just fallen asleep but feels so weighed down. "What is it Sir. Are you all right?" "Tonight, Its to begin tonight! Quickly! Get the chamber ready." Sean disappears behind a hidden door, no longer sleepy in the least. He goes to several rooms, waking servants. A simple "Its time to start." has each servant scrambling with a speed they are not normally known for. Excitement exudes throughout the upper chambers

Moving spry for his age, Papa rushes to change, locking his chamber door to stall his daughter. *Hurry, Daughter, there is not much time left.* he sends out, knowing his secret is up but will lend wings to her feet. He also sends out *Shylah, Setanta, Dagda, come to the chamber." He goes to the window and waits....

As the huge dragon silently approaches the window the man is at, the man says "Dreugan lugha" (dragon smaller) with a wave of a lite up hand. The dragon shrinks to about the size of a large eagle and enters. The clatter of horse hooves on stone echoes from the direction of the servant stairs.

A moment later he hears his daughter yelling "PAPA!" as she nears his door. Growling at her silent approach, wishing she'd had shoes on so he could tell her position earlier. An ummf sound makes him smile as he realizes she'd not tested the closed door first and ran right into it. She pounds on it "Papa, open up. Papa, what is wrong? Papa???" She goes silent and then a muffled noise. Unable to stall any longer as he hears a louder thud, he sits on the edge of his bed and signals Sean, who had appeared just as she started on the door, to open it. Sean quickly unlocks it, opens it and a large figure stumbles a couple steps before falling.

Rushing into the room, Muirgheal races right over to her father and starts fussing over him. Realizing she's not yet caught on to what he'd done earlier he shows her again *Stop your fussing Lass! Theres work to begin!*

She stares at him dumbfounded.......