The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 106
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
A very pregnant Cinnie walked over to the group, with a little girl of two seasons on her hip. Aiden stood up and taking the young child from her, gave Cinnie his seat.
“I beg your pardon! What are you talking about? I have just come over to welcome Laurel back home,” Cinnie remarked, with an indignant tone.
“We were just recounting the week that Caleb was left to care for all of us, when our mothers were away in Welstone,” Ione explained.
“Oh, I see. My dear Laurel, I must tell you, Caleb was an utter brute that week. We were all just doing what we had been encouraged to do,” Cinnie said grinning at Caleb slyly. “Did you know he used a wretched paddle on us? I do not know what was worse, the paddling, or him telling us quite meanly, that he did not care how much we cried and we all deserved it. Then he threatened if we so much as sneezed funny he would do it again. Of course all of this transpires just as we were having fun,” she said smirking. “I am happy we never saw that horrible paddle again. Whatever became of it?” Cinnie asked curiously.
“I have not seen it since Caleb introduced us all to it. I think it was just misplaced somewhere,” Aiden replied, smiling at the little girl he was holding, who was playing with his hair.
“No, it was put in a safe place, that is all anyone needs to know,” Caleb smirked at everyone.
Laurel at this point was laughing so hard she had tears rolling down her cheeks. Everyone smiled at her reaction in amusement. They all were aware of her very solitary childhood, and enjoyed how she reacted to stories of their own loud, and raucous childhood memories.
“You are the only one Laurel, that Caleb ever felt sorry about giving a spanking to,” Aiden informed her.
“Really and why is that?” Laurel asked, as she tried composing herself once again.
“Because you were quite pitiful dearest. You sobbed your little heart out, and I was not accustomed to that. These beast here, still cried, but were very defiant. Cursing at me, telling me it did not hurt, that they did not care. So I had no issue whatsoever paddling them until they finally shut up. You on the other hand, for all your sass, were completely pathetic. I did not use a paddle on you. In fact, I did not even spank you that hard,” Caleb said smiling at her warmly. “I felt horrible, I was afraid I had broken your heart,” Caleb explained.
“I was sad, but I was not pathetic,” Laurel answered back, smirking at him.
“Oh no, you were quite pathetic love. We all heard you. The sobbing and carrying on. We all felt sorry for you,” Aiden said, disagreeing with her.
“Yes Laurel. I was actually quite surprised by your reaction, seeing as how you were so fresh,” Cahir replied, smiling sardonically at her.
“You see? It is not just my opinion,” Caleb remarked, smiling at her knowingly.
“Oh. Well, I am surprised you all think that. I am just not yet accustomed to how everyone is here,” Laurel answered, with a giggle.
“Yes, my poor sweet girl has grown up thinking we are all barbarians,” Caleb said with a laugh, everyone agreeing with him heartily, and laughing as well.
Laurel smiled as she looked at the little girl Aiden was holding, the child’s pudgy little fingers wrapping around Aiden’s curls. Caleb smiled at Laurel’s enchanted expression, Cinnie also noticed Laurel smiling at her child.
“I do not believe you have met my youngest child Laurel. This is Fallon,” Cinnie said warmly.
Caleb held his arms up and gestured for Aiden to hand the child to him.
Caleb took her in his arms and sat her on his lap. She looked over at Laurel, with large blue eyes, and chubby cheeks, Laurel could not help but reach over and gently touch her dark brown curls.
“Can you say hello to Laurel, Fallon?” Caleb asked her, in a soft voice.
“Hello Fallon. I am so happy to meet you,” Laurel said, as she smiled warmly at the child.
Fallon smiled shyly, and buried her head into Caleb’s chest, then looked again over at Laurel, smiling once more. Caleb kissed the top of the child’s curly head, as she began to suck her thumb. Laurel laughed softly, her eyes filled with emotion as she watched the tender connection that both Caleb and Aiden had with the young child.
“She is just bit shy Laurel, though I am sure it will not take her long to warm up to you,” Cinnie smiled reassuringly.
“Well she is certainly fond of Caleb and Aiden,” Laurel replied touching Fallon’s curls again.
“Yes, we do seem to have a way with woman of all ages,” Aiden said smiling charmingly.
“Fallon adores her Papa, so she took a fondness to Uncle Caleb and Aiden, at an early age,” Cinnie remarked, looking over at Laurel.
“Uncle?” Laurel asked curiously.
“All the little ones call us Uncle. It is easier for them to relate to us, as most of their cousins are their own age or close to it,” Caleb answered Laurel in a quiet voice, as Fallon was falling asleep.
“So Cinnie when is your time? It must be close dear as you look as if you are about to burst. You are not expecting twins again are you?” Ione asked her smiling wryly as everyone looked at her expectantly.
“Oh no not this time. The midwives have assured me it is only one baby. Perhaps another boy, as I am carrying all out front this time. As for my time, I am hoping it will be before the wedding. I so wish to wear a more elegant dress. Laurel is it true the women of Gwenlais actually have their husbands present at the birth of their children?” Cinnie asked her, her eyes smiling at the thought.
“Some of the woman do, it is still a fairly new practice. I always encourage it if I am assisting with a birth,” Laurel answered, smiling back at Caleb holding the sleeping Fallon against his chest.
“How many births have you assisted in?” Cinnie asked, not hiding she was impressed.
“At least six or seven, but I am never alone. The Ollams feel you should not assist completely until you have had a child of your own,” Laurel replied blushing slightly, at the thought, which caused Caleb to smile at her adoringly.
“Well perhaps you can convince my husband how wonderful it would be. I would love for him to be present for the birth of this little one,” Cinnie spoke warmly as she gently rubbed her swollen belly.
“I could try, but I do not believe I have met him as yet,” Laurel answered smiling sympathetically.
“He is standing over there, talking to Aunt Alana and my mother,” Cinnie replied pointing over to the other side of the room.
Laurel looked over to see Queen Alana talking with her lovely sister, who closely resembled her, and a tall and very lanky man who looked to be the same age as Caleb, with a charming smile and beautiful eyes. He was holding a small boy of about three seasons in his arms, who had the same dark curls as Fallon and their mother.
“I do not feel he will need too much convincing my dear Cinnie. Quinlan is a most affectionate father,” Caleb remarked, smiling over at Cinnie’s husband.
“Yes he is. All of my babies adore their Papa. They all rush into his arms at once when he returns from Patrol. He always brings them home some kind of present or treat from his journey,” Cinnie remarked her eyes filling with tears as she looked at her husband from across the room.
All of the cousins smiled at her knowingly, as they were aware Cinnie tended to be emotional when she was expecting.
“I do not mean to sound rude Cinnie, but how many children will this be?” Laurel asked, her with care.
“It will be five! My first babies were twin girls, you met them after the Festival, Heather and Lilly, and they have just turned five seasons yesterday. Then there is my only boy, who Quinlan is holding, he is named Quinn for his father. You have just met Fallon, and very soon you shall meet this little one,” Cinnie smiled, again lovingly touching her belly. “I do hope you and Caleb will not be too long in having children. As bossy and overbearing as Caleb was growing up, I still feel my cousin will make an exceptional father. As well as you dear Aiden. We need to find a lovely girl for you,” Cinnie remarked, smiling coyly at both her cousins.
Aiden and Caleb both grinned at her wryly.
“Thank you my dear. I feel though Laurel and I will simply see what happens without making too many plans,” Caleb answered her.
“Do not trouble yourself too much on my account Cinnie. I am sure the right girl will present herself soon enough,” Aiden answered, giving Laurel a knowing smile, which she returned.
“Well Eavan and I wish to start a family right away. We have waited so long to finally be wed, that it just makes sense to not worry about when to have children. Which reminds me, you have not yet met my betrothed Laurel. I will go and bring her here so you may be introduced. I shall be back in a moment, I saw her just talking with Kerrie,” Cahir stood up to find Eavan.
“The poor things. If Eavan’s mother continues to make excuses to delay the wedding I fear Cahir will become so frustrated he will simply abduct Eavan from her home one day,” Ione said sadly, when Cahir was out of hearing.
“I have no doubt about that. He is growing very impatient with Eavan’s mother. Father has already signed the Marriage Agreement. Cahir is only being patient for Eavan’s sake,” Caleb answered, with a serious tone.
“Cinnie dear, I feel poor little Fallon has fallen completely asleep. We really should find a quiet place for her to finish her nap,” Ione said as she stood up and walking over to Caleb, gently took the sleeping child in her arms.
“Yes, perhaps I shall finish that nap with her, as I am feeling a bit sleepy myself,” Cinnie said tiredly, as Aiden and Rian taking both of her arms helped her out of the chair.
“You are more than welcome to lie down in my room Cinnie,” Laurel offered kindly.
“Oh, thank you dear Laurel. That is most generous of you. You are marrying a very sweet girl Caleb, I hope you appreciate that,” Cinnie remarked giving Laurel a wink, as she started to follow Ione.
“I most certainly do dear,” Caleb answered, then kissed Laurel’s forehead.
“However, Laurel. As much as I appreciate your kind offer, I am no longer able to climb the staircase, without discomfort. Aunt Alana has arranged one of the rooms, off the Hall for such a purpose,” Cinnie explained, smiling warmly.
“Oh, of course. I am still not familiar with all the rooms of the Lodge,” Laurel replied blushing slightly.
“I need to give Laurel a full tour in a few days. I dare say dearest, you will be surprised with how large it is,” Caleb said smiling knowingly.
Cinnie and Ione walked away, as Cahir returned holding the hand of his betrothed, and smiling with pride as he walked with her. Eavan was smiling shyly as they approached. Caleb took Laurel’s hand and stood up to meet the couple as they approached them. Eavan was a lovely young woman, two seasons older than Laurel. Because her mother was from Gwenlais, Eavan did not have the physical features of most of the women of Heathwin, of a tall frame, or vivid blue eyes. She was no taller than Laurel, and had large soft brown eyes, that nearly matched her waist length wavy hair. Caleb leaned down and kissed Eavan on the cheek.
“It is nice to see you again my dear, I am happy you were able to come this evening,” Caleb said to Eavan warmly. “Laurel my love. May I introduce Eavan,” he said, as he moved to the side a bit.
Laurel stepped forward and taking Eavan’s hand smiled brightly at her.
“I am so happy to meet you Eavan. Between Caleb and Cahir talking about you, I feel as if we already know each other,” Laurel commented, in an inviting voice.
“Thank you your Highness, I feel the same way. I am also very happy to meet you,” Eavan replied sweetly.
“Just Laurel, Eavan. There is no need for titles or formalities with friends,” Laurel said smiling warmly, Eavan returned her smile.
“Eavan is an apprentice for the royal florist and flower arrangers. I know I am completely biased, but Eavan is really quite gifted, Laurel. I think you would find her designs very lovely,” Cahir said, smiling proudly at his betrothed.
“Yes, my dear Cahir is indeed biased. My instructors feel my designs are a bit too ostentatious, for their taste,” Eavan replied smiling sadly.
“I would very much like to see your designs Eavan. I have not yet met with the floral designers, and Queen Alana wanted me to pick out the floral arrangements personally. Perhaps you could share some of your ideas with me, this evening,” Laurel suggested enthusiastically.
Before Eavan could answer Ione had walked back, a bright smile on her face.
“Eavan dear, how nice to see you this evening. I have not seen you since the departure dinner. How are you?” Ione asked her warmly giving her a hug.
“Very well, thank you, Ione. It is nice to see you again,” Eavan replied smiling back sweetly.
“I see you have met our dear Laurel. Which is why I came back. My mother wishes to speak with you Laurel, as she did not have an opportunity to visit when you were here last. So can I tear you aware for a bit so you may speak with her?” Ione asked smiling expectantly.
“Would you care to join me Eavan?” Laurel asked warmly.
“I would love to Laurel,” Eavan answered, but looked over smiling shyly at Cahir first, before she walked away.
“Of course mo chroi. Enjoy yourself my dear,” Cahir said, smiling at Eavan warmly.
She smiled back and then joined Laurel, who looked over at Caleb slightly puzzled. They both joined Ione to meet her mother as well as other relatives waiting for her to be reintroduced.
“I think my Princess is already fond of Eavan. I feel they will indeed become friends,” Caleb said to Cahir, as they both watched them interacting together.
“I feel they will as well. I must admit as sassy as your Princess can be, she is still quite delightful,” Cahir replied, smiling wryly at Caleb.
“Oh she is not as bad as all that,” Caleb smiled back at him humorously.
“Really? I heard from my soon to be father-in-law, just how not as bad, she can be. I can tell you my, dear Eavan, would never speak to me that way, especially in front of anyone,” Cahir laughed, hitting Caleb’s arm.
“Well it is not every day that Laurel speaks that way. You have to admit she was provoked,” Caleb said, in her defense.
“Whether that being the case or not, Eavan knows better than to speak with such disrespect. Several months ago in fact, she become very insolent towards me over a very trivial matter, concerning something with her apprenticeship with the royal florists. I think she felt emboldened because she did so in front of her father, I was talking with him in his study,” Cahir began to explain.
“So what did you do? Did you find out why she was angry?” Caleb asked him with a knowing grin.
“That was not really the point now was it? I asked her why she was speaking to me so disrespectfully and rude, she just brazenly told me that if I had paid more attention to what she was saying, I would not have to ask her the reason. That I obviously did not care enough to listen to her properly in the first place. That she might as well have just complained to one of her brothers and she would have gotten the same response. She well knows how irritating I find her brothers. So with that I picked her up, sat back down, and took across my knee. Telling her I would do so again if she cared to use that tone with me once more,” Cahir answered, looking at Caleb curiously.
“What did her father say?” Caleb asked with a smirk.
“Nothing, why would he?” Cahir asked incredulously. “You cannot tell me after your little Princess’ display at the Council Chamber you did not bring her home and give her royal bottom a sound thrashing,” Cahir replied, with a grin.
“As a matter of fact I did not. I teased her that I was going to, but I was more concerned as to why she was upset in the first place. I told her why she should not speak that way again, and she understood, without my having to threaten or punish her. Not to mention I really do not wish my sweet girl to be afraid of me. I frightened her enough when I tried to convince her to run away and marry me, so she would not have to return to Gwenlais. Also when I saw her without an escort in Gwenlais. My temper got the best of me at that time, and I did nearly spank her for not keeping her word to me. I look back now and am happy I did not punish her. The poor thing became sick as it was from seeing the dead Rabkins,” Caleb answered him frankly.
“In all honesty Caleb, your Princess is far too spirited for her own good. I feel you will have to temper that spirit a bit before too long. Also my dear Eavan is not afraid of me, I can assure you of that,” Cahir replied, a bit defensively.
“So sure are you? I can tell you how you will know for certain. She will become upset and cross again, as it is only natural. Call her over to you, and watch how she responds. Watch her eyes as she looks at you. I dare say my friend, you may not like what you see. It may very well break your heart, as I know how much you love her,” Caleb said, with quiet concern.
Cahir looked at him thoughtfully for a moment.
“Fair enough Caleb. I shall do just that. I hope to prove you wrong, no disrespect,” he smiled wryly.
“I hope you do as well, but I doubt it,” Caleb answered, hitting his arm.
Just then Laurel and Eavan walked back over to where Caleb and Cahir were standing, Laurel leading Eavan over by the hand.
“Caleb! Eavan has the most enchanting ideas for the flower arrangements and my bridal bouquet. I must show her my gown. After, may we use your desk, so that Eavan can sketch out her designs?” Laurel asked, giddy with excitement.
“Of course my darling, be my guest,” Caleb answered, laughing at her softly.
“You see? I told you he would not mind,” Laurel said turning to Eavan, who just smiled shyly. “I cannot wait to show your mother. She will be so pleased,” Laurel said once more to Caleb, leading Eavan up the stairs.
They were soon followed by Ione, Kerrie, Imagin, and several other young female cousins, who all smiled at Caleb and Cahir as they excitedly walked past them.
“This is the effect Laurel has on all of them. They all love her, and will do whatever she asks,” Caleb responded to Cahir laughing heartily, at the entourage following Laurel and Eavan.
“You definitely have your hands full, old man. You will never get away with being cross at her. The women of this family will eat you alive,” Cahir said, still laughing hitting Caleb on the back.
