Child of the Kindred, page 37
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Well, shall we sign them documents now? I do not know about the rest of you, but I be ready for the nice hearty breakfast, that Alana was promising we would be having,” Gavin spoke up with a broad grin.
Everyone was in agreement, and Marcus then brought out the document listing the children’s names, and showing that Caleb would henceforth, be their legal and lawful guardian. It also formally requested the King, being named as Chieftain of Clann Seigine, recognise the children as members of the Clann. All that would be needed to put this in place were the signatures of Caleb, King Fergus, and Gavin, who was also the Elder of Ardara, the home village of Clann Seigine. Once the necessary signatures were written, Markus then signed his own name indicating it was witnessed by a Scribe then sealed by the King.
“Well my boy, it is done. Quite the task you have decided to undertake,” King Fergus remarked with a smile of warmth and respect.
“Certainly no more than you have done yourself, concerning your brothers’ children, Cahir, Owain and Imagin,” Caleb replied, leaning back into his chair.
“True, but I was also a father for a time before I became guardian to the other children. Your child will not be born for a half season yet,” King Fergus said with a chuckle.
“I think you will need a bit of fatherly advice Sire, if I may?” Marcus asked with a broad grin.
“By all means, I will take as much advice as you are willing to give,” Caleb answered with a light laugh.
“As I am the father of a lovely daughter, so I shall give you advice from that perspective. Girls are the most complex, delightful, and confusing creatures you will ever encounter. They can raise your spirits with a smile, and break your heart with a word. They will adore you like no other, but the Maker help you if you should make them cross,” Marcus said with a smile and twinkle in his eye.
“That, I have begun to discover already with my Bride,” Caleb replied with a laugh.
“I have a bit of advice for you as well, my lad. The young wards you have just made your family, will look to you for comfort and support. They will no doubt, do whatever you ask of them, with little trouble or argument, at this time. I feel, though, that will change when they become more accustomed to their new home. They will most likely challenge you at some point, testing the waters, as it were. My own children have all done this from time to time, and you and your brother did the same to your father. These young ones here will be no different. The lass Marina will likely do the same thing, though in her own way, maybe not so outward as the younger ones, but she will challenge you as well. She has had no one but her mother to tell her what to do, and from what I was told by Fergus, the children were allowed to do as they pleased. I think you may be in for quite a task, my lad,” Gavin said with a knowing smile, but his tone serious.
“I must agree with Gavin. The three of them are all very different in personality and temperament so they will express their grief and frustration, in different ways.
I feel Oriel will be the most outward and vocal, as she is very bold and the most outspoken of the three. She is also the most sensitive, and the first to become upset over something. Jamison is very intelligent, but I can see him still doing what he thinks is best, not necessarily what he is told. He also enjoys, as any younger sibling does, irritating his domineering older sibling. Now Marina is a very different, and most complicated story altogether. How old is she now?” King Fergus enquired.
“She has just entered her eighteenth season, shortly after Laurel and I were married,” Caleb replied, taking another drink of tea.
“Just barely crossing the threshold into adulthood. She has cared for her younger siblings, their whole lives. Marina’s mother treated her more as a companion than a child. I have seen how she interacts with the children, but also how she is with you and Aiden. She most obviously respects you, but she is not quite sure how to respond when you have said things to the children, concerning eating, bedtime, or when they would tease each other. She is very emotional around Aiden, seeming to need reassurance from him often. I feel she is going to be a unique challenge as well. You will need Aiden to be very understanding of this, and I do intend to talk with him myself. You will certainly need his backing for you, as the figure of authority. You, of course, will have the support and help of the entire family with the children. This is going to be a very long winter for you, my boy. Your Princess will undoubtedly give you her full support, but in turn she will need yours. This will be an exciting and heartbreaking time for her, as one day she will fully accept that her child will never meet her own parents. You have my admiration Caleb, and I will be here for whatever I can advise you with, or even just a sympathetic ear,” King Fergus said with a genuine, warm voice.
“Thank you, Father. That means more to me than you know,” Caleb replied, smiling back in appreciation.
“Well. I say we go and see what kind of breakfast they be serving down in the Hall. I can smell the rashers from here, and my mouth is watering. Congratulations, lad! Today you became a father to two very determined youngsters, and a lovely young woman, who seems a bit out of sorts. `Tis going to be one of the hardest things you have ever done. For `tis a certainty, they will not be following your word, like the Sentinels you command,” Gavin remarked, patting Caleb on the back and laughing.
“Yes, well it is good that I do not expect them to. I have no misconceptions of how things will be. I have no doubt I will become frustrated and irritated at times. I do, however, feel I made the right decision in bringing them back with us and adopting them. They will have stability and protection here, and most importantly they will feel loved. We will take each day as it comes. We all witnessed tremendous tragedy and grief, in Gwenlais. I am grateful I have the ones I love and hold most dear here with me, and that they are all safe,” Caleb said in a quiet, low voice.
“Yes, as we all are, son. So, let us go and enjoy the breakfast your mother planned, shall we?” King Fergus asked with enthusiasm, as they all stood to make their way to the Hall.
The rest of the day proceeded at a relaxed pace. Laurel came downstairs to visit with everyone for a time, then returned back to her room. Eavan, Cinnie, Ione, Kerrie, as well as Tulla and Marina, joined her. Caleb went up to his room to retrieve an old map he had discovered in the library at the castle in Gwenlais. Entering the room, he smiled at seeing everyone sitting on the bed laughing in amusement at something they had been discussing. They all turned to look at him, then began smiling and giggling in a secretive way. Caleb just looked at them in wry amusement as he walked over to the wardrobe, opening it to get the map he had placed on the top shelf. As he turned around, he then found them all looking at him intently, returning their gazes with a self-conscious expression. The ladies all began to laugh at the same time, with Caleb shaking his head and giving Laurel a mocking grin.
“I am not going to ask what you were talking about; I do not want to know,” Caleb stated in a sardonic tone, that matched his smile.
“No, you do not,” Ione retorted back, causing the laughter to start again.
Caleb only shook his head, laughing lightly and left the room.
Dinner was a casual but loud and happy event. The family was enjoying, once again, being all together. Gavin’s booming laughs, often being heard over all of the conversation. Marcus had returned to the Lodge with Tess and Clare, Wendell being overjoyed with seeing her again. They sat in a quiet corner, talking and stealing kisses on occasion, as they shared a plate of food together. Queen Alana requested the dinner be served very informally, allowing everyone to sit where they pleased. The Queen also had sashes of the Clann colours made and presented to all three of the children, the entire family applauding and welcoming them to the household. The upcoming wedding of Owain and Tulla soon took centre stage in the conversations. The young couple were congratulated by all, as they sat together holding hands and beaming with happiness. Marvina walked over and kissed them both, then sat down and held Tulla’s hand for a moment.
“I am sorry my dears, we will not be able to remain for your wedding, but we will be making you a wonderful dinner at the family home. Maimeo and Daideo cannot wait to meet you, dear Tulla. When Gavin sent word to have us come and join him here in Heathwin, he also let us all know of your happy news. You will enjoy Welstone, Tulla, the shops are quite lovely and unusual. I try to go there myself at least three times in a season,” Marvina gushed, taking Tulla’s hand again.
“She does at that. When she and my girls show up, the merchants all have a celebration,” Gavin remarked laughing again, as everyone laughed, Marvina giving him a sly grin.
The merriment continued through the evening, with Laurel and Caleb being the first to say goodnight. As they made their way upstairs, they were met by Orla and Imagin.
“Oriel and Jamison have told all the children how you read to them at night, and now they are all insisting you read the bedtime story, Caleb,” Imagin explained with a smug smile, causing Laurel and Orla to laugh.
“Very well. Get them all settled and I shall be there in a few moments,” Caleb said with a light laugh, as he and Laurel walked to their room.
“I shall be back in a moment dearest. Just get comfortable,” Caleb directed in a soft deep voice, as he held Laurel in his arms for a moment.
“Do you wish for me to join you, Sire?” Laurel asked, smiling up at him sweetly.
“No, that is fine, I will not be that long. I would much rather come back and find you all warm and relaxed in bed,” Caleb replied as he kissed her forehead.
“Then that is exactly how I shall be, my Prince,” Laurel answered, kissing him warmly before he smiled and left the room.
Laurel changed into a comfortable nightgown and climbed into bed with a book of poetry. After a few moments had gone by, she found herself unable to concentrate, her mind kept going back to what Caleb had said to her that morning. She lay back against the pillows for a few moments more, then got out of bed and quietly walked across the corridor to her former room. The door was not closed completely, so she walked in slowly and quietly, not wanting to interrupt, hearing Caleb’s rich voice soothingly reading the story to the children. Laurel noiselessly crept in standing by the door, smiling adoringly at the sight in front of her. Even though sleeping mats had been brought in, everyone was on the bed with Caleb, he being in the middle, his long legs stretched out with his feet crossed at his ankles. Jamison and Oriel were sitting on either side of him, Jamison laying against him in the crook of his arm, as Beacam and Ardal sat next to Jamison, leaning against each other. Oriel sat on the other side of Caleb, turning the pages of the book for him. Cinnie and Quinlan’s twins, Heather and Lilly leant against Oriel, drowsily listening to the story. While Imagin and Orla lounged at the foot of the bed. Laurel stood silently, a trembling smile on her lips, as she continued to watch them all from the door. She found herself becoming overwhelmed by the love she felt for Caleb, as he turned and glanced down at Jamison, who placed his small arm across Caleb’s waist. Caleb drew him in closer, the little boy falling asleep against him while Caleb read the last page of the story.
Laurel’s mind went for a moment back to the terrifying last few moments before Aiden and Caleb rescued her and ended Warrick’s life. She remembered the ferociousness, in which Caleb leapt up to finish Warrick off. Now seeing the stark contrast in how he was with the children, reading to them and giving Oriel and Jamison a feeling of peace and security, left her moved and slightly amused. Caleb looked up at her with a relaxed grin, causing the older girls to sit up and turn around.
“I see Laurel has come in to tell me it is time to say goodnight. So, let us all relax now,” Caleb said, as he carefully moved off the bed, carrying Jamison’s sleeping form and placing him down on the sleeping mat.
He walked back over to the bed, Heather and Lilly giggled and crawled over to Caleb as he smiled, leaning down on the bed with his arms. Wrapping their arms around his neck and laughing shrilly, as he picked them up together in a hug.
“You have gotten them all silly again Caleb, now Imagin and I have to settle them down once more,” Orla chided him with a laugh.
He placed them back down on the bed, moving the blankets while they continued to giggle happily as they lay on either side of Oriel, who was now laughing in amusement at the little girls’ antics. Caleb covered them up, tugging on Oriel’s hair playfully for a moment, then stood up and walked over to join Laurel, both saying goodnight as they left the room.
“So my darling, I have not read to you for quite some time. Would you like to continue where we left off?” Caleb asked in a warm, loving voice holding up the book he had taken from the bedside table.
“Are you not tired?” Laurel posed in a soft, drowsy voice, snuggling into Caleb’s side.
“Perhaps a bit, but certainly awake enough, to read a poem or two,” Caleb responded with a smile, leaning over and kissing Laurel on her temple.
“I did not have a chance to ask you. How did everything go with signing the documents for guardianship?” Laurel enquired, looking up blinking sleepily.
“It was all completed very quickly. Now typically, custom would dictate a much more elaborate event taking place at the Council Chamber. All the family would attend, and the five Chieftains would also be present. However, under the circumstances, Father felt a more casual and relaxed setting was in order. Mother still wished to have the sashes presented to them, and I believe they enjoyed that moment,” Caleb explained with a smile, opening the book.
“I feel they did as well,” Laurel replied with a sigh, “I am so very glad to be home, yet it still does not feel…real as yet. Does that make sense?” Laurel asked in a soft, sad voice, placing her head and hand on Caleb’s chest.
“Yes, it does. Your heart and mind have suffered a horrible trauma mo stor. It will take some time to feel settled once more. The children will undoubtedly have some difficulties along the way,” Caleb remarked, placing the book down and taking Laurel into his arms, kissing her face softly. “Give yourself time, my sweet girl. It will happen soon enough. We will help each other to feel we are home,” Caleb said with a soft deep voice, then leant in and kissed her softly.
“Are you still troubled my Prince?” Laurel asked in a whisper, as Caleb continued his tender affections.
“Yes, mo stor, I am. I still cannot bear the thought of you being imprisoned in that dark and filthy room. I cannot yet stop seeing you, bound and frightened, being forced to stand upon the wall like some ill-gotten trophy,” Caleb whispered back,
looking into her eyes, with a sad intenseness.
Laurel smiled, her eyes filled with unfallen tears as she reached over and placed her hand on the side of Caleb’s face.
“I felt you when I looked out over the wall; I knew you were there. I was no longer afraid after that. Logan was right. He told me when we returned to the tower, that we would be home the next night. I do hope they are enjoying their new home,” Laurel said, with a soft quivering voice.
Caleb smiled at her becoming emotional, at mentioning the gift she had bestowed upon Logan and Sara.
“I have no doubt they are very happy with the house, dearest. It was my understanding, Logan had arranged for Sara’s parents to move in with them, as their house too, was heavily damaged. So, we will all start new chapters in our lives. I know it will not be easy, but knowing we will be together, I look forward to where it will take us,” Caleb said lovingly, as he kissed Laurel once again.
“I do as well, my Prince. You do not have to read tonight, just hold me. I have truly missed lying together in our room,” Laurel replied, trying to stifle a yawn.
“I have as well my sweet girl,” Caleb said, as they both glanced over at the window, hearing the thunder rumbling in the distance.
Caleb then arranged the pillows behind him, having his head elevated more than usual. Taking Laurel into his embrace, pulling her on top of him and wrapping his arms around her. Laurel smiled as she placed her head on Caleb’s shoulder and closed her eyes. Caleb looked over and saw the lighting flicker through the drapes, watching the candle burn out, the room softly growing darker. He felt and heard Laurel’s breathing becoming easier as she fell asleep and he sighed deeply.
He stroked her hair with one hand, his other arm still holding her tightly in his embrace, he smiled at knowing she did not fully realise how much her presence gave him comfort.
The days passed quickly until the day before Owain and Tulla’s wedding had arrived. Tulla and all the female members of the family were happily enjoying a light supper that the Queen arranged. Eavan surprised Tulla with a lovely bouquet of dried roses and fragrant herbs, tied together with a pale blue ribbon to match her gown. Tulla became overwhelmed with emotion, as the others looked on smiling at her, while Laurel and Marina hugged her. The young women then presented her with a lovely nightgown made of blue silk and matching lace to wear on her honeymoon. As Tulla placed it up in front of her, they all laughed at her shy giggle, at seeing how it hung sensuously low in the front.
“Thank you all so much. I am deliriously happy. This has truly been the happiest week of my life,” Tulla gushed, once again wiping away joyful tears.
“You shall have a lovely time on your honeymoon, Tulla. Welstone is beautiful. The family home is just so warm and inviting, and you will love Maimeo and Daideo,” Laurel said with a beaming smile.
