Child of the Kindred, page 23
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
Owain smiled down at her, then kissed her lips once again.
“Ta ghra agam ort mo Tulla milis. I love you very much, and I shall for the rest of my life. I am most thankful to be here with you, at this moment,” Owain answered, his voice filled with tender compassion.
“I love you too my dear Owain. Thank you so much, for taking away my pain. I just wish…I just wish I did not feel so…inept. I do not know what to do,” Tulla replied, in a shy and embarrassed tone.
“Neither do I. We shall discover the wonders of love together, my darling,” Owain whispered back laughing lightly, which caused Tulla to smile back at him, her eyes filled with affection.
Owain took her into his arms again, resuming his ardent attentions, smiling at Tulla for giggling intermittently. Soon, however, they became lost in the joyous tumult of the emotions they were both feeling for the first time. Swept away by their rising passions that seemed to consume them, joyful tears of ecstasy, softly flowing down Tulla’s cheek, as their love peaked at the same moment.
“Oh, my beloved, it was so beautiful,” Tulla whispered as she lay trembling in Owain’s arms.
“Yes, mo ghra, it was indeed. We have discovered what love truly feels like,” Owain whispered back, as he tenderly kissed her lips.
He smiled, hearing her soft sigh as they both drifted off to sleep, content and safe in each other’s arms.
The next morning, after breakfast and with seeing her grandmother’s joyous reaction to the news of their choice to marry sooner, rather than later, this made both Owain and Tulla feel even happier about their decision. Owain also felt more confident in relating the news to all of his family. After entering the castle and asking Milo where King Fergus and his cousins were, he walked into the study to find them, as well as Phineas and Deaglan, discussing the orders of the day.
“We did not expect to see you so soon Owain. How is Tulla faring?” Caleb asked with a surprised smile, upon seeing Owain enter the study.
All eyes turned to him, and Owain suddenly felt very self-conscious.
“She is doing much better, I am most happy to say,” he replied, pausing thoughtfully for a moment. “Would it be alright if I spoke with you Uncle Fergus, with Caleb, Aiden and Cahir privately for a moment?” Owain asked in a solemn tone, causing all present to look at each other.
Phineas smiled at Owain, giving him a friendly pat on the back as he walked past him.
“Good to see you again Owain,” Deaglan said warmly, as he placed his hand on Owain’s shoulder, while Owain nodded and returned his smile.
“So, my boy, what can we do you for you this morning?” King Fergus asked from his seat at the desk, grinning broadly at Owain.
“Well…I am really not sure where to begin. Um…I wish Uncle Fergus, if when we return to Heathwin, you would be so kind to have a Marriage Agreement written up for Tulla and me. I feel under the recent circumstances, that marrying sooner than we had originally planned will be for the best. We will also be bringing her grandmother with us, as she has family in Kilkenny,” Owain announced a bit nervously, but no less determined.
They all looked over at him with surprised smiles, Caleb laughing lightly as he glanced over at his father.
“This is certainly a surprise. I was not expecting you to be requesting this, first thing in the morning,” King Fergus replied with an amused expression, his eyes warm but still watching Owain intently.
“Really Father, you are surprised? I expected him to mention this any day now,” Caleb responded, laughing again.
“He has not left the girl’s side since we retook Gwenlais, so I am not surprised either,” Cahir mentioned, as he grinned over at Owain and then King Fergus.
“I figured the pathetic sop would be announcing something before we headed back home,” Aiden chimed in, hitting Owain on the arm as Owain grinned back sheepishly at everyone.
“Congratulations Owain, I am very happy for you and Tulla,” Caleb said with a caring smile, knowing this was not easy for him to bring up to everyone.
“How soon would you wish your nuptials to take place Owain?” King Fergus asked in a warm but serious tone.
“As soon as it can be done, Uncle Fergus. I think within a week would be best,” Owain answered, as they all looked at him once more in amused surprise.
“Well, you certainly are not wasting any time,” Aiden replied with a light laugh.
“Now my boy I must ask you, I know how much you care for the dear girl and please understand, you have my blessing with this, but do you not feel that perhaps you rushing things a bit? You will need to make your mother aware of things, while poor Tulla will have little time to become accustomed to the changes in Heathwin, or for that matter, life in general. She will need to help her grandmother with the move as well,” King Fergus mentioned, trying to ascertain why Owain felt the need to hurry with marrying, shortly after returning to Heathwin.
“I have no doubt, Father, Owain has already considered all these things before coming to speak to us about it,” Caleb spoke up, just as Owain was getting ready to reply.
“I just wish to make sure the boy knows that there is no need to rush the wedding. Tulla returning with him is a certainty, without the need to push ahead into marriage so quickly,” King Fergus remarked, his voice slightly impatient.
“Owain is hardly a boy, Father, he is the same age as Laurel. He has been taking care of his mother, sister, aunt and the boys, for over two seasons now. Caring for Tulla will be no harder,” Caleb spoke up again before Owain could speak.
Aiden smiled at Owain each time he tried to answer for himself.
“I understand what Father is trying to say Caleb. Really now, what is the hurry when Tulla will be coming back and will be nearby?” Cahir interjected, with Owain rolling his eyes and sighing, again not being allowed to answer himself.
Aiden laughed quietly at Owain’s growing frustration, as the King and his two sons continued to argue Owain’s case.
“I made love to her,” Owain spoke up abruptly, causing all talking to cease, as they all turned to looked at him in complete astonishment.
“What was that Owain?” King Fergus asked with raised eyebrows.
“Tulla. I made love to her last night. So again, I wish to request for you to sign the Marriage Agreement when we return to Heathwin, Uncle Fergus. I feel it is the best choice for us, as I said, under the circumstances,” Owain answered in a very determined voice.
Caleb, Aiden and Cahir smiled at each other then at their cousin, as Aiden walked up to him, hitting him roughly on the arm again.
“Dog,” Aiden said, with a broad grin, Owain smiling back at him.
“Oh, yes, well I see. That does change the scope of things a bit, does it not? I have no doubt it must have been quite difficult for you to know what your dear Tulla suffered through. I dare say, it was hard enough just on us,” King Fergus replied, his eyes now empathetic and discerning.
“Yes, it truly was. Tulla was also most ashamed and filled with dread, with the thought that perhaps she would be…well, compromised. I assured her it would not change my love for her, in any way. Now, if that is the case after last night, as far as we are both concerned, the child will be mine and no one will think or say differently,” Owain answered with such conviction and maturity, it left them all impressed.
“Well said old man, well said. I am proud of you, and your father would be as well,” Caleb said, grasping Owain by his shoulders.
“He certainly would be, as am I. Very well Owain, you have my blessing. I will sign the Agreement as soon as it can be done. Then we will inform Marcus to meet at the Lodge so you and your dear Tulla can be wed,” King Fergus smiled at him assuredly.
“Thank you, Uncle Fergus. Thank you, everyone. I told Tulla you would all be supportive. Again, I know my mother will be surprised, but she will also be happy for me. Not to mention the fact, she will be ecstatic I will not be transferring to Gwenlais for garrison duty. Tulla really wished to move to Heathwin,” Owain said laughing now, in relief that all were in agreement with his decision.
“For that reason alone, Owain, your mother will be singing Tulla’s praises all over Heathwin,” Caleb laughed once again, as the others all agreed.
Caleb made his way to the lobby to find Laurel waiting in the seating area speaking to Phineas. Caleb smiled lovingly at her, seeing she had chosen to wear one of her mother’s dresses. It was the same soft pale blue dress Laurel had worn the day of her mother’s viewing service, the one Queen Milna would wear to all social functions and engagements.
“Are you sure mo stor, you wish to accompany us? Everyone would understand if you chose to stay here,” Caleb asked with concern, placing his hand on the small of her back.
“I mentioned the exact thing to Her Highness, but as expected, she still insisted on joining us,” Phineas replied while smiling knowingly at Laurel.
“I appreciate your concerns very much, but I feel it would be unacceptable for me, to not show the Guards, or the families of those who perished, that I did not also mourn their loss,” Laurel answered with a sad smile.
“Of course, darling, I understand. I am only concerned that you may become ill once again, as you did this morning. Before we leave, please sit here and relax for a moment, and I will have someone bring you some tea and a few biscuits,” Caleb said as he directed Laurel over to the couch and having her sit down.
Laurel looked up, then smiled and closed her eyes for a moment, as Caleb leant down and kissed her forehead. Smiling back, he turned and made his way into the kitchen, as King Fergus, Aiden, Cahir and Owain walked towards them from the study. Laurel was surprised and pleased to see Owain, so she stood up to embrace him, and to enquire of Tulla’s well-being.
“She is doing much better I am happy to say. She wished for me to ask about you as well, and to send her love and thanks for the generous gifts you gave to her and her grandmother. I also wish to tell you, my dear Laurel, that Tulla will be returning with us to Heathwin, and we are to be married within a week of our returning,” Owain stated with his charming smile, his eyes dancing, at Laurel’s surprised and elated expression.
“Oh, Owain! I am so happy for you both, this is wonderful! I cannot wait to see what Mother will do for your wedding,” Laurel exclaimed happily, as she stepped back from hugging Owain.
“Ah, yes, well thank you Laurel, but we were not actually thinking of having a traditional wedding. Just the Scribe Marcus and a few family members that will be all,” Owain mentioned with a sheepish grin.
“Oh, well I see. I was just hoping we would be able to do something special for your wedding,” Laurel explained in a disappointed tone, as all the others glanced at each other, grinning wryly.
“Who’s wedding?” Caleb asked, bringing back Laurel a cup of tea, and a small plate of spiced biscuits.
“Owain and Tulla’s wedding. Laurel is most disappointed that Owain does not feel the need to have one,” Aiden answered, cuffing Owain roughly on the arm.
“I do not feel you are going to have a choice in the matter old man,” Caleb replied with a broad grin, handing Laurel her tea and biscuits as she sat back down.
“Why would that be? I mean really, after everything that has happened, I do not see why anyone would want to plan for a wedding. I will explain all of this to my mother, she will understand,” Owain stated, trying his best to sound confident.
“Well, perhaps your mother will, but I dare you to look my mother in the eye, and tell her you do not feel the need for a wedding,” Aiden remarked with a wicked grin, as everyone chuckled knowingly.
“Trust me Owain and listen to everyone. Mother told me in no uncertain terms, her huge disappointment in Evan and I not having an “actual wedding,” as she put it. She grumbled about it, right up until Caleb and Laurel’s wedding,” Cahir remarked laughing lightly.
“Who is having a wedding? What have I missed? I heard all the excited talking from the sitting room,” Queen Alana asked, suddenly walking into the lobby and looking very curious.
“Owain came into the study this morning, to announce he and Tulla’s plan to marry shortly after we return to Heathwin,” King Fergus replied with a broad smile, looking at Owain becoming more flustered.
“Owain darling, that is wonderful!” Queen Alana gushed, as she walked over and embraced Owain warmly. “Where is the dear girl, surely she has not returned this quickly?” Alana asked with concern, stepping back to look at Owain.
“No…no, she is still recovering at her grandmother’s cottage. I simply came here to announce our plans to marry as soon as we returned to Heathwin,” Owain said with slight trepidation before he fully explained.
“That is wonderful news dear. I am leaving for Heathwin in the morning, so I will start making all the arrangements,” Queen Alana mentioned with growing enthusiasm, as her husband laughed lightly at her.
“Do not worry for that Mother, Owain does not feel he and Tulla need a wedding. Just vows in front of the Scribe with a few family members, you know, like Cahir and Evan,” Aiden remarked, smiling devilishly.
Owain looked back from Aiden then over to Queen Alana, who now had a very affronted expression on her lovely face.
“Oh really? Is that so?” Queen Alana asked, incredulously.
“Well…I just thought...” Owain trailed off, as Queen Alana interrupted him.
“I feel dear you were not thinking at all. After all the tragic events goings on that everyone has had to suffer with, especially your beloved Tulla. Surely you must realise, something as important and life-changing as marriage, needs to be celebrated?” Queen Alana asked him with an impatient commanding voice.
“Well yes, Aunt Alana, that was actually my thinking. After all that has gone on, I just felt a wedding would be too much to plan and deal with,” Owain tried to reason, already knowing he was not convincing her.
“For you, it would be dear, that is why I will be handling the details. When I arrive home, I will work all this out with your mother. It is bad enough Ione, and Rian, as well as Cahir and Evan, did not have actual weddings, which they should have had, at least for the families’ sakes,” Queen Alana replied, giving Cahir a sideways glance, as he looked back at her, pretending insult.
“My mother is completely unaware that Tulla and her grandmother will be returning with me at this time,” Owain argued feebly.
“Do not be concerned with that dear, I will tell her everything, and then we shall just plan from there,” Queen Alana countered back, with a wave of her hand.
“I feel, mo ghra, that Owain is just concerned it might be a bit overwhelming for Tulla,” King Fergus spoke up, smiling warmly at her, well knowing her passionate and enthusiastic nature could get the better of his beloved.
“Do not worry about that Fergus, it will be not much grander than Caleb and Laurel’s event when they announced their betrothal. Only family will be there Owain. I will have a lovely room arranged for you and dear Tulla in the far east wing, so you will be completely to yourselves. Then the next day, by all means, take Tulla to the family home in Ardara. Which reminds me, I will have to send word to Killian and Sorcha to be ready for you. I will have Gavin do this for me. Do not be concerned, my dear Owain, I will be able to arrange a lovely wedding for you, within a week. Do you not remember Cinnie and Quinlan’s wedding? It was rather hurried as well, yet they still had a most lovely day. I shall do the same for you and Tulla. Now, I will need to have Kerrie and Eavan start taking notes for me, I really have so much to think about. I shall see you all at dinner,” Queen Alana announced, as she turned to walk back into the sitting room.
“What just happened?” Owain asked, with a confused and disconcerted expression, causing everyone to laugh.
Phineas walked over to him, patting him on the back and smiling sympathetically.
“It looks like you are going to have a wedding my young friend,” Phineas said in a kind voice, as everyone continued to laugh in amusement.
5: JOYOUS NEWS
The group soon split up and departed, Owain returning to be with Tulla. The rest made their way to the Guards’ funeral service as well as the service held for the citizens who perished during the siege. Laurel and Caleb first stopped at the House of Healing, to enquire of the Ollams about the injured Guards, Sentinels and citizens. Mistress Gavenia was very pleased to see Laurel, and uncharacteristically emotional, the stress and tension of the past few days evident in her bearing.
“I am so sorry that Blathnaid and I, were unable to attend the meal after the funeral. I am afraid we have been most busy with all that has occurred. The House has never been so busy or filled with injured and wounded. We have had to expand the use of other rooms, like open rooms otherwise used for lessons and training of apprentices and doe meds,” Mistress Gavenia expressed, releasing Laurel from her embrace and placing her hand on the side of Laurel’s face.
The other Ollams and doe meds, Blathnaid included, came forward to embrace and welcome her.
“I completely understand Mistress Gavenia. Prince Caleb and I, are here to show our support and appreciation for all of you. I wished to go and visit those who are recovering at the House at this time,” Laurel replied with a trembling smile, her eyes filled with concern and empathy.
“Laurel wished to show the people her concern for their suffering,” Caleb added, smiling down at Laurel.
“It will be most welcomed, dear Laurel. I shall escort you both to the patient rooms myself,” Blathnaid replied with a warm smile, taking Laurel’s hand.
Each time Laurel and Caleb would enter rooms where the patients were being cared for, a brief hush would fall over the room. Soon, however, the conversations would start again, as Laurel walked up and greeted each and every patient. She took the time to sit with them, hold their hand, and ask concerning their injury or condition. Not all were injured, many suffered from the illness that is brought on by shock or trauma. Several times, she would embrace patients, who had become overwhelmed with emotion as they described what they and loved ones had seen and experienced. Many onlookers, including Caleb himself, were moved by Laurel’s genuine empathy, as she would also cry with those she was listening to. Mistress Gavenia rested her hand on Caleb’s arm and leant in to speak to him privately.
