A story by Katt

As the white Tigeress strides swiftly into her new territory, she sniffs the air and listens carefully. A breeze rustles through the trees softly, carrying the sounds of many animals. A squirrel chippers loudly, carefully watching the strange beast below. A skunk scent makes the huge feline grimace and move off in the opposite direction. The sun breaks through the tree limbs, brightening the forest around to a lush green.

Pausing for a moment, the tiger suddenly drops to lay on her paws. She spies a deer feeding on the lush green grass in a small clearing ahead. Inching forward as low to the ground as possible, she watches every minute movement of the deer, looking for signs of being sensed. As the squirrel follows, she growls softly, making the squirrel race back for the safety of the trees.

As the deer turns towards the loud chatter, the tigeress explodes into action. Leaping into a smooth run, her muscles ripple smoothly under her fur. As the deer turns in terror to run, she leaps, swiping a massive paw at the deers hind quarter. Razor sharp claws easily rip through muscle, knocking the deer almost off its hooves. Bleating loudly, the deer rights itself and tries to run again, slowed by the damage done to its back leg.

As she shoots past the deer a couple steps, she turns sharply and leaps again at the terrified deer. Landing halfway on its back, she digs her claws in and attempts to bite through the spine of her prey. The deer tumbles, causing the tiger to roll. With lighting speed, she again turns back and easily leaps to land on the deers back again, this time closer to the neck. Throwing all her weight around, she latches onto the deers throat, clinging with all 4 paws, using her massive weight to hold the deer still.

As the deer breaths its last breath, the tiger holds tight a few more moments and lets go, panting heavily in exertion. A few moments later, she turns and chuffs loudly and waits. She listens intently for the tiny rustle of leaves. As she sees her cub is safe, she begins to feed. A while later, her hunger sedated, she covers the remains of her prey with leaves and plops down beside the cub, nuzzling him gently. Purring, she leads the cub to a den she'd come across earlier and mother and son curl together for a snooze.....

Waking up after the nap, the cub drinks a snack then the starts wrestling with his momma's tail. She sleepily twitches it in amusement. After a short while of playing, she grooms him and decides she needs a drink.

Standing she makes a soft grunt at the cub and he starts following her. Having come across a stream earlier, she works her way slowly there, carefully watching for predators that would attack to kill her cub. Extra jittery from already having lost the female cub to a buffalo attack a few days earlier, she stops to sniff and listen more frequent then normal. Sensing no danger, she steps to the waters edge and drinks deeply. As her head rises to listen, the crystal clear water drips softly off her fur, creating circles the spread out over minnows darting all around.

The cub clambers out from behind a bush when he sees his momma drinking and begins to play with the water. Tapping at the minnows, sending them swiftly in all directions. He leaps as far as he can into the water with a big SPLASH! Turning towards his momma, he dips his head to do what she does after watching for a moment. Grimacing and sputtering as his little nose gets drenched from putting it too deep. Sneezing he harumps and goes back to playing.

In the distance, a steady rhythmic noise begins. It sounds almost like the beating of drums. Tensing, the mother makes a grunt type noise at the cub and he quickly hops out of the water to follow closely at her side as she leads him away.

The pounding noise comes louder, thrumpity thrump, thrumpity thrump. Realizing after a few moments that the noise is following her, the mother gently picks the cub up in her mouth and proceeds to run as swiftly as she can, unknowingly heading straight into a valley that is boxed in on the other side.

As she reaches the cliff wall, she looks around trying to find a way out. Dropping the cub from her mouth, she turns to face that which follows, ready to kill to protect her last cub.....

As the giant cat presses its body back against the wall of the cliff, she spots the source of the pounding noise. She also notices there is a darkening shadow coming from above. Her sharp eyesight distinguishes a galloping horse and rider closing in. Her ears catch the sounds of the horses saddle leather creaking. A soft thwomp thwomp noise from above begins to get louder and louder as it draws nearer. The noise from the beasts overwhelms the feline and she sinks to lay on her paws, snarling and growling fiercely, the nap of her scruff standing straight on end. The cub cowers behind her, trying to make himself as small as possible.

A few dozen yards away, the horse slides to a stop with a soft yell from his rider. The giant black Belgian Stallion rears to full height with a loud whistle as an enormous emerald green Dragon begins to settle down out of the air to its right. As both horse and dragon land their hooves and paws on the ground, it shakes slightly.

All goes silent for a moment, save for heavy breathing from all the animals and a jingling clatter from the gear on the horse.

A cloaked figure slides elegantly off the great stallion and walks slowly towards the tigeress. Soft words are spoken as the Lady uses caution. "Shylah, my dear, have you forgotten your friends in the short time you've been away?". Seeing the massive feline is still tense, the Lady stands still and simple watches her.

A couple moments later, the tigeress leaps at the Lady, letting loose a ferocious roar......

As the feline lands right before the Lady, she stands on her hind legs and places her front paws on the Lady, tumbling her to the ground. She proceeds to nuzzle and lick the Lady's face with the excitement of a kitten. The woman laughs loudly and scratches behind ears and rubs down the feline neck for a few moments.

She then stands and tries to untangle herself from her long cloak. Beneath the cloak, her black leather pants are tucked into riding boots and her purple satin blouse held tight to her chest by black leather bodice. Her thighs each hold a band with a razor sharp dagger. The black wrist/forearm gauntlets shimmer with a silver embellishment. The right gauntlet is decorated by a large black opal. The left, a white opal. Both stones seem to glimmer with some strong unnatural aura. Smoothing back the wisps of red hair that have escaped her butt length braid she turns in a circle trying to get her bearings.

Winding up facing towards the cliff wall, she spots a small white shape. "So thats why you ran away from home! You've had your cub! Oh he is so cute, Shylah. Now I understand why you ran as you did, you were protecting him or her. I thought for a moment that you may not of been you." She laughs softly and walks towards the cub.....

As the cub watches the strange creature interact with his momma, he continues to try and be as small and still as he can against the cliff wall. When the tall creature starts walking towards him, he starts mewing loudly, fear of the unknown giving strength to his little lungs. When she reaches out a hand to let him sniff her scent, he lashes out, drawing blood on the back of her hand with his tiny claws. The Lady slowly backs away a few steps.

His momma quickly bounds to him and comforts him. The creature sits down on the ground and murrmurr's softly without any movement other then to lick the blood from the wound. Gradually the cub begins to relax and is gently nudged by his momma to move towards the creature.

Slowly he steps forward. Fear of the unknown making him tremble. As he gains confidence, he begins to sniff around. The strange, yet soothing sound then changes. He sits and stares quizzically at it, his head tipped slightly to the left. His head tips further as he realizes she is purring just like his momma! Carefully the creature reaches a "paw" forward and holds it in front of him. He raises his tiny paw to tap at the odd paw. He then sniffs the wound he had created and gently licks it clean.

He feels his body being lifted from the ground and goes limp. As his momma hands him to the Lady and he is pulled against her chest. The purring coming from the creature soothes him and he begins to purr back, nuzzling her neck as she nuzzles the top of his head.....

A little while later while the human and felines are bonding, the woman feels a gentle nudge on her back. Twisting her head around, she grins as she looks right into the Dragon's nose. "Don't even think about sneezing Dagda." Giggling, she gives the Dragon a nuzzle and winds up bumping noses with the giant beast when yet another nudge is given.

Turning the other direction with another laugh, she nuzzles the Stallion as well. "Setanta, your jealousy is enough to drive a Lady crazy!" Bonding with all her pets, the woman chatters about everything and nothing, or so it would seem. All the creatures appear to listen, the cub the only one that looks at her puzzled. Until a faint glow rises from the gauntlets she wears and envelops him with the light.

As she continues to chatter, all at once the cub sits up with a shocked look on his face. His whiskers wiggle and his ears twitching.

A twinkle in her eyes, the Lady looks straight into the cub's eyes. "Aye little one, your understanding me. You will learn more as you grow older." She then gently sets the cub on his paws and stands. Bending down to pet the youngsters head a last time "Its a different kind of magic".....

"Its time to come home, Shylah.  Your missed.  Let us help protect your little one.  Sgiathalaich! (ply the wings)."  Carefully watching all around, she stands protectively on the open side of their group, waiting for them to transform.

At her command, the Dragon steps away to spread his wings,  lifting into the air, hovering, watching.  The Horse dips his head, pawing harshly at the ground with grunts as his shoulder muscles begin to ripple and within a few moments, his bat-like wings spread with a shudder.  The Tiger lies down on all paws and roars loudly as her muscles as well begin to ripple.  Her bat like wings appear just behind her shoulders.  Shaking them out, she stands and goes to her cub.  

The cub in the mean time, begins to shake.  He doesn't understand what is happening to him.  He feels as if his shoulders are ripping him apart.  He complains loudly in terror and pain.  But then suddenly the pain stops.  He feels new parts to his body.  What are these mysterious new paws he has?  He has the urge to stretch, so he does.  This causes his new wings to spread out.  Murrfing, he looks back at the left one then to his momma.  She nudges his wing up and down, showing him which muscle are new by movement.

The Woman goes to the horse to take her cloak, bodice and blouse off. Folding them, she tucks them into her saddle bag.  "I shall fly as well Setanta, you take the lead home.  Dagda, take the back.  Be ready to help with the wee one."

The cub watches the woman intently, what is she doing?.....

Stepping a couple feet away from the horse, the Lady takes a deep breath, her shoulder blades begin to bulge and ripple. Yelling out in pain, her entire body shakes. A little while later she falls to her knees, her breath coming in pants as she tries to regain her energy. Her wings stretch out, pale as her creamy skin. Once she fully recovers, she stands tall.

With a few flaps, she lifts easily into the air. The Tiger and Horse join her. The cub mews loudly, running and jumping trying to reach his momma. Flying around in a circle, the animals watch as the woman swoops down and lifts the cub in her arms. Holding him under his wing joints, she grins and tells him to move his muscles that are new. She laughs as he tries to spread his wings and winds up smacking her chin.

"Take your time little one. I'll not let you fall." As the group settles into formation, the Horse in front, Tiger and Woman in middle, Dragon in back. They rise higher faster. The trees soon become as specks, the air chillier.

As they fly, the woman watches in amusement as the cub stares transfixed at the world beneath him. He paws at a bird that flies nearby. Soon he starts watching his momma and the horse with growing interest. His little wings begin to move up and down as he concentrates harder.

Gradually the woman feels his body weight leave her hands and she opens them. The cub flies for a moment but then gets scared and starts to fall. Mewing loudly, he murrfs as he drops onto something solid......

The Dragon quickly swoops beneath the cub when he spots the woman letting go with one hand. She drifts down to pick the cub up again. Over and over he flies a little, only to drop onto the Dragon and gets picked back up. Each time he flies a little further. When the woman feels his little body shaking from tiredness, she speaks to him "Rest Little one. Dagda will carry you the rest of the way."

The cub curls up on the Dragons back, his little wings spread out as he doesn't yet know how to fold them. The Lady drops onto the Dragon's back as well a while later, she herself growing tired. Seeing the cub is shivering in cold, she sits cross legged with the cub in her lap, gently folding his wings so they don't get hurt. Unwrapping her hair from its long braid, she pulls it around to curtain around the cub. Tipping her head, she then brings her wings to cross in front. Enclosed in this tent type way, her breath warms the air. They both fall asleep.....

"Mistress, wake up." A soft yet gruff voice enters the womans dreams. "Mistress, you are home, please wake up." Tipping her head upwards, stretching a kink out of her neck, she looks sleepily at the source of the voice. "Thank you, Gregory. Hand my blouse to me from Setanta's pack please."

The Stable Master quickly retrieves her shirt and turns his back to her. The Dragon raises his wings as a sort of shield as she stands, hiding her from view. The Stable Master cringes as he hears her yelp in pain as her wings recede. When he hears the Dragon's wings move again, he turns towards them to help her off her ride. Properly clothed, she elegantly slides off her ride and turns to pick up the cub.

"Seac sgiathalaich" (fade ply the wings). The 2 felines and horse return to normal.

Another servant races out of the Castle. "There you are Mi'Lady. I was gettin a bit worried 'bout ye. Oh looky 'ere at the lil tike! Ye got yerself a bundle o' joy, so ye has Shylah! Come on now, Mistress, lets get ye in out o' this chill night. No need for ye to catch yer death of coldl!"

Bustling around to each animal, the Cook/Housekeeper sneaks each one a treat before telling the Stable Master to get his butt in gear and settle the poor dears in for the night.....

As the Lady turns towards the Castle, she grins at the Cook. "I could use a cuppa tea, Maggie. How goes things here? Any problems whilst I was away?"

"Nothing out o' the ordinary for the most part Mi'Lady. Tommy is up to 'is usual antics, he is. The poor pups are scared to death o' that wee one." Maggie clucks under her breath, shaking her head in amused frustration. She then gets a concerned look on her face. "Muirgheal, I must warn ye. There be company 'ere that ye will no' be 'appy about." Wringing her hands together, she stops and stares at her Mistress sadly.

Stopping dead in her tracks, Muirgheal stares at Maggie before growling. "How long has he been here?"

"A couple o' days. 'e arrived only a day or so after ye left to find Shylah. 'E's been right polite and friendly wit' e'ryone. Has most o' the staff wrapped around 'is finger 'e does. Yer Pappa has been laughin like no other. I tol' 'im ye was no' gonna be 'appy wit 'is arrival. 'e just laughed n said ye would enjoy the reason for 'is visit."

With a loud sigh, Muirgheal again walks towards the Castle entry, warmly greeting servants that hurry over to welcome her back home......

Heading straight to her fathers study, Muirgheal doesn't bother to knock as she throws the door open. Ignoring the tall figure that rises from the seat beside the slightly older looking gentleman, she goes straight into waiting arms. "Papa! I've missed you! How have you been?"

"Gheal! Welcome home Lass. I take it you have found Shylah since you are here. I hope she is well, the silly beast. Lets have a look at you." He holds her out at arms length and looks her up and down. "Lass, your a wreck! Have you been flying again? Oh well, no matter. Come, we are being rude to our guest. Greet him nicely lass. He's been waiting patiently for your return!"

Turning to face the other man, she dips into a proper curtsy, hesitating to hold her hand out. "My Lord, I hope you are well and all here have been treating you properly." Thinking *You moronic baffoon*......

Taking her hand, he bends over to kiss it, looking deeply into her eyes with amusement. Thinking back *I heard that*, *I know you did, you were meant to. Speak before Papa gets upset*.

Grinning, he holds her hand to his lips a few seconds longer then proper,not allowing her to pull it back. Straightening up he asks "What happened to your hand? You should have that taken care of before it becomes infected."

Raising an eyebrow at him, she jerks her arm harder and he lets go. "It is nothing My Lord. I shall have Racheal take care of it later."

Turning back to her Papa, "If you will please excuse me, I am rather tired after my journey and wish to rest before supper." "But Gheal, we have company. You should stay and help me entertain him!". "I'm quite sure he will not mind me leaving him to your enjoyable company for a few hours longer Papa." Turning towards the younger man "Will you excuse me My Lord?"

Sighing slightly, a disappointed look swiftly fades from his eyes "How many times must I insist you call me Connor, Muirgheal? Come, I shall escort you to your rooms.".....

Bowing quickly to the older man, Connor wraps his arm around the back of her waist and gently pushes so she has no choice but to move. Not wanting to upset her Papa, she doesn't resist. At least until they are in the long hall.

Growling loudly, she quickly steps out of his reach once they are no longer in view of the older man. "Keep your hands off me, you twit. You know I can't stand your touching me!". He laughs and follows her as she turns on heel to walk away. She lithely climbs the steps to the upper chambers. Before she can turn the handle on the door to her room, his voice stops her. "Muirgheal, give me your hand." Not giving her a chance to say no, he grabs it gently, yet firmly so she can't pull away.

He holds it with his left while his right hand gains a glow. With the lightest of touches, he traces the lines the cub left. As his finger passes, the wound disappears off her, reappearing on his. He then cups his right hand over left, bends to the floor and touches it. Scratches scar the wood, flesh healed. As he stands, green eyes lock onto blue.

"Thank you." She whispers softly and turns to her door again. Once again before the handle can be turned she is stopped. Only this time it is by a hand wrapping around her waist, another tangling into her hair, pulling her head back while pinning her to his chest. Right before his lips touch hers, he says "Your welcome my lady." and kisses her with a fierce passion that leaves her weak in the knees.....

When she realizes that somehow her hands have grasped his shoulders, she opens her eyes wide and pulls back, breathless. He gives her one last hard kiss and lets her go with a chuckle before turning to walk away silently. She watches him, blushing as when he reaches the steps, he turns to stare at her. Holding his gaze a moment, she tucks her head and rushes into her rooms.

Standing facing the door with her forehead being cooled by the wood, she hears his voice in her head *When will your heart and mind yield to what your body already knows?* *NEVER!* she replies. *Never is a long time Muirgheal, my lady.* *Leave me be. You give me a headache.* * I could cure that for you quite easily, love.* *I am not your love, quit calling me that! And quit calling me My Lady. The way you say it doesn't apply to my Title! Go away before I have Dagda eat you for a tiny snack.*

His laughter reverberates through the stairwell as she hears him running down the steps. Growling at herself, she stomps over to her bed and strips, leaving her clothes in a pile at the foot of the bed. Climbing under the covers, she soon sleeps fitfully, dreams and memories making her toss and turn.....

"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 Beef, 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.....