Child of the Kindred, page 64
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Beacam, you can put Edin down my boy. He is more than capable of walking back on his own,” Caleb directed with a laugh, as the boy placed him down with a sigh of relief, free from his heavy burden.
When reaching the Grand Hall, all of the children ran to Queen Alana to thank her for the gifts and treats, all talking at once; it was a scene of happy chaos.
“Thank you so much Maimeo for my new dress,” Oriel gushed. “May I please go and put it on?” she asked with a sweet smile.
“Of course my darling. I would love to see you in your new dress,” Queen Alana replied happily, giving Oriel a warm hug.
“I shall be right back,” Oriel said joyfully, running over to Laurel quickly and hugging her for her new doll, bringing that as well with her upstairs.
By the time Oriel had changed, she could see that everyone was getting seated for the evening meal. Imagin met her halfway up the stairs, smiling and taking her hand leading her downstairs, complimenting her on her new dress.
“Thank you, Imagin. Marina and Maimeo, had it made for me,” Oriel spoke, in a happy, giddy voice.
“Well, you shall be sitting next to both of your grandparents this evening. I am sure they will be most glad to see you in your dress,” Imagin informed her as she brought Oriel to her place at one of the large long tables.
“Oh, look at you, my dear Orrie! How lovely you are. Is she not lovely, Daideo?” Queen Alana asked, smiling adoringly at the little girl.
“She most certainly is. Turn around my darling so I may see the dress Maimeo has been so excited about,” King Fergus encouraged her.
Oriel, of course, was happy to comply, as she twirled around the dress swirling around her. The King and Queen smiling at her warmly.
“Look at Oriel showing off her dress,” Caleb said smiling, as everyone at the table with him looked up and smiled at the little girl.
“I am so happy she likes it. The seamstress did an incredible job as it looks almost identical to the one she left behind,” Marina replied smiling, her eyes glistening with happy tears.
Aiden looked at her and smiled adoringly at her. He reached over, taking her hand and bringing it up to his lips, kissed it tenderly. Marina looked over at him and returned his loving smile. King Fergus then announced the meal would begin after he led the family in a prayer of thanks. When the prayer was over, the meal was started and lively conversations once again ensued.
With dinner over, the tables were cleared and pushed away, and the minstrels and jugglers once again began to entertain all present. Queen Alana then had servers bring in trays of tiny cakes, puddings and other rich confections. The final spectacle was an enormous cake in the shape of a beautiful golden horse, rearing up on its hind legs, with a flowing mane and tail. The Master Baker and his assistant, brought it in himself, amid much applause. They both bowed graciously and then began to serve it. All the children running up to receive the first pieces. After everyone had been served, the sweets were left on the tables along with pots of hot tea, sweet punch, mulled wine, and cider. The children began to play with either their toys or some games that the Queen had brought out for them. As the evening wore on, some of the younger children began to become sleepy. Soon cots and sleeping mats, along with blankets and pillows were brought to one side of the Hall. Cinnie and Quinlan could be seen laying down Fallon and Quinn onto a sleeping mat. Cinnie then sat down in a comfortable plush chair brought over for her next to her sleeping children and began to nurse her infant daughter Tegan. Quinlan sat next to her smiling affectionately at them, as he reached over and caressed the baby’s soft head.
“Do they not look lovely, Cahir?” Eavan asked softly, as she looked over at Cinnie and Quinlan, leaning her head against Cahir’s shoulder.
“They do indeed, mo stor. I look forward to having the same happy smiling faces they have,” Cahir answered her, leaning down and kissing her temple.
“Did you enjoy your time playing Search and Find?” Eavan asked, an amused smile on her lips.
“I have to admit, I actually did. It was quite amusing watching the children hunt for clues and opening their gifts. I began to picture our children running and playing in the Lodge, looking for treats and presents,” Cahir smiled at her charmingly, watching her eyes light up as he spoke.
“I look forward to it as well mo chroi,” Eavan said, as she lovingly touched the side of his face.
“Well, let us go home soon. Then perhaps we can work on our shared wish together,” Cahir said enticingly, as he kissed her lips softly.
“Owain. Are you ready?” Aiden asked him with a knowing grin.
“Yes, we will join you in just a moment,” Owain replied with a broad smile, as Tulla smiled at him adoringly, giggling at his demeanour.
Owain looked at her returning her loving expression.
“So my darling? Ready to wreak a bit of havoc outside, and harass the night sentries?’’ Owain asked her smiling charmingly.
“Yes, I suppose I am. I find your family most amusing, my love,” Tulla answered with a light laugh, as Owain took her hand and led her over to the others.
As the older children began to group together, getting ready to leave for their own festivities, Aiden looked over to find Imagin. He saw her standing with Laurel. Imagin was holding Jamison’s hand, as he leant heavily against her, looking sleepy. Aiden smiled and walked over to her.
“Well, the time has finally arrived my dear Imagin. You are now fifteen seasons, officially of age to come and join our little group. Are you ready to leave?” Aiden asked her happily.
Caleb noticed their conversation and walked over to them, as Laurel smiled warmly at Imagin.
“I know you will probably think I am silly, especially after all the fuss I would make before. I just feel that now I am old enough, well I can join the group anytime. I think that Jamison and Orrie really need me to be with them this time. It is, after all, their first Family Gathering. Orrie is running herself quite ragged, as you can see. I fear she will be beside herself soon,” Imagin said looking over at the little girl playing and running very frantically with the other children, her face flushed and exhausted looking.
Aiden smiled at her warmly and kissed her forehead.
“I shall see you later, love, when we once again raid Caleb’s room,” Aiden said grinning wryly.
Caleb smirked at him disapprovingly.
“Remind the little ruffians with you, that if anyone brings a snowball into the room this season, I will beat them senseless. Remember, I know where the paddle is,” he said in a threatening tone, as Laurel laughed out loud at his remark.
“I will remind them but I make no promises,” Aiden said, smiling charmingly as he left to join the group.
Caleb leant over and gave Imagin a kiss on the cheek.
“I am very proud of you, my dear. That was very unselfish of you,” Caleb said, smiling at her warmly.
Imagin glanced down, blushing lightly at Aiden and Caleb’s praise of her.
“You are quite right I am afraid, concerning Oriel. I was about to go over to tell her it was time for bed. I have this feeling she is going to be very argumentative,” Caleb said dryly, looking over at Oriel still playing loudly and roughly with the others.
“Perhaps I should go over to her,” Imagin said, looking concerned.
“No, I think you should help Jamison, Imagin. The poor thing is falling asleep standing up. Why do you not take him over to say goodnight to Maimeo and Daideo? How does that sound, Jamison?” Laurel asked the little boy, as she gently stroked his hair.
“Alright, I will,” was all he could reply, with half-closed lids.
They all smiled at him sympathetically, as Imagin lead him over to the King and Queen who were seated, talking happily to other family members, all enjoying glasses of mulled wine. They were delighted as Imagin walked over with the little boy, Queen Alana, hugging him close and gently kissed his face several times. King Fergus took Jamison onto his lap, holding him for a few moments, kissing the top of his curly head. Suddenly they turned in the direction of Oriel’s voice, protesting loudly to Caleb about not wanting to go to bed yet. Caleb was talking to her quietly, as his voice could not be heard. Oriel, though, continued to argue with him, quite boisterously about how unfair he was.
“It is not fair Caleb! Everyone else is still up and about!” she yelled, her face becoming even more flushed.
“Yes, and everyone else will pass out where they stand. You are not going to do that. You have had plenty of fun, far too many sweets and have been awake since dawn. You did not take a nap as I requested, so it is time to call it an evening. Now calm down. Go over and say goodnight to Maimeo and Daideo, or I will take you upstairs myself, and you do not want me to do that,” Caleb said, his voice still low and even, but showing his growing impatience.
“No! I am not ready! I have not finished playing Blind Chase yet. You cannot make me!” Oriel folded her arms and stomped her foot in protest.
Caleb placed his hands on his hips and looked at her sternly.
“Oriel, yes, I most certainly can make you; so I am going to ask you only once more. Are you going to come with me to say goodnight, or are you going to continue to argue with me?” he asked, watching her pouting expression.
“I see that you are not arguing about going to bed,” King Fergus mentioned to Jamison.
“No. I do not want to argue. Caleb spanks hard,” Jamison replied sleepily.
His comment elicited much laughter and sympathetic smiles from the adults.
“Yes, you are quite the smart boy,” King Fergus said still laughing, giving him one more kiss on his head.
“Oh dear. I am afraid our Orrie is in trouble,” Queen Alana said sadly.
Imagin and the other adults turned to look, as Caleb picked Oriel up and put her over his shoulder as he carried her up the main staircase, with her still protesting quite loudly. Laurel came walking over to them smirking.
“Perhaps you should wait just a bit Imagin, before bringing Jamison upstairs,” Laurel said, smiling drolly and shaking her head.
When Caleb reached the top of the stairs, he placed Oriel on her feet and taking her by the hand, led her to her room.
“Caleb! I did not get the chance to say goodnight to Maimeo and Daideo,” Oriel continued to protest, this time crying and whining pathetically.
“I gave you several chances to say goodnight. You wasted them, by yelling and sassing me in front of everyone. Now you are just going to bed, but not before I give you a good spanking, for your rudeness,” Caleb said in a scolding manner, but not raising his voice.
“What?” Oriel asked in a surprised voice, looking up at him.
“You heard me. Did you really think you were going to get away with this? I have been very patient with you and your little outbursts since you have been with us. I did not punish you for adventuring off into the forest, or for being rude and fresh more times than I can recall. This time, you have gone too far. You will not yell or sass back at me in front of other people, especially as many people as there are downstairs. I have told you several times, that I was not going to put up with your disrespectful behaviour much longer. So you have had ample warning. If you ever do this again, you will be treated the same way, then maybe you will remember who you are talking to,” Caleb said sternly, as he opened the door.
He spanked her only a few sharp swats, as he had done with Jamison, but she was still crying quite pitifully. Caleb then stood her on her feet and held her by her arms carefully.
“Now, I want you to change for bed, and I will be back in to check on you in a short while. Is there anything that you want or need before I come back?” Caleb asked her in a calm voice.
“I... I, want Imagin to come to my room,” she said through her tears.
“I am sure she is on her way as we speak. Your brother will be here with you at any time now. Get your nightgown on, and I want you to get into bed as soon as you have changed,” Caleb said, as he wiped the tears from her face. “I will be back in a few moments,” he spoke in the same calm voice.
He stood up and left the room, allowing her time to compose herself. As Caleb made his way down the corridor, he smiled as he saw Imagin struggling to hold Jamison in her arms. He walked up to her quickly.
“Here, let me take him. Did you carry him all the way up the stairs?” Caleb asked in an amused tone, taking the sleeping child from her.
“No, we walked up together, but as soon as we reached the top of the stairs, he just collapsed from exhaustion,” Imagin giggled as she rubbed her arms.
“The little hooligans were up shortly after dawn overly excited about this evening. I know that was Orrie’s problem. That, and she is just a sassy little thing. She reminds me of someone,” Caleb said, smirking at her.
Imagin only smirked back and rolled her eyes at him in reply.
“How is Orrie?” she asked with a sad smile.
“She is an utter ruin. She will be fine, though, after she finally falls asleep. And yes, I dealt with her accordingly. I was not going to let her get away with that ridiculous little display downstairs,” Caleb said in response to Imagin expression, about to ask him another question.
“I will go see to her then,” Imagin said as she went towards Oriel’s room.
They both began to walk down the corridor.
“Imagin, I do not want you to stay all night with the children. You have been more than helpful in taking care of them. You deserve to enjoy the Family Gathering as well. When Ione or Aiden come looking for you, go with them,” Caleb said, smiling at her warmly.
“I will Caleb. I am feeling a bit restless,” Imagin giggled her reply.
When they reached the bedroom, Imagin opened the door and walked in quietly. Oriel was in bed, holding her new doll, her eyes half closed. Caleb laid Jamison down in his bed, removed his shoes and covering him up he found Edin waiting sleepily for the children, curled up next to Jamison’s pillow. He then walked over to Oriel’s bed, reaching over he gently stroked Oriel’s hair and kissed her forehead.
“Goodnight my little Orrie. Get some sleep dearest,” Caleb said, in a low, soft voice.
“I will. I am sorry I yelled at you downstairs,” Oriel replied sleepily, still sniffing from earlier.
“I know you are. Do not worry about it anymore tonight, just close your eyes and rest now,’’ Caleb said, as he pulled the covers up to her chin.
Imagin smiled and climbed into bed with the little girl, reaching over and holding Oriel’s outstretched hand.
“Remember what I said Imagin,” Caleb whispered, as he playfully tugged at her hair.
“I will,” Imagin whispered back.
Caleb walked over to the fireplace and added more wood to the fire. Satisfied with its size, he quietly left the room.
He made his way downstairs, and Cahir walked over to him, smiling broadly, hitting him on the back.
“Getting plenty of practice before your little one arrives I see,” Cahir said, laughing good-naturedly.
“Yes, it would seem that way. She can be quite the handful. I knew I would end up carrying her upstairs before the night was over,” Caleb said, sighing and looking tired.
“Well, you have my utmost respect and sympathy, my friend. You have taken on a considerable responsibility,” Cahir said with a more serious tone.
Caleb smiled at him and then looked over at Laurel, who was talking animatedly with family members.
“I fully admit, it has been a far more challenging and exhausting task, then I first thought it would be. But, the children are Laurel’s family, and I have grown quite fond of them. Without us, they have no one. I could not abandon them any more than I could abandon her,” Caleb said, as he smiled warmly at Laurel, who felt his gaze and looked over at him smiling back lovingly.
“I suppose that really is the best way to look at it,” Cahir said grinning. “I wanted to wish you a goodnight. I need to bring my beloved Eavan home. She is not feeling well this evening. I know it is a short walk through the side corridor to go back, but I do not wish for her to be home alone. She has not felt well for most of the week,” Cahir said with some concern.
“In what way? Is she easily fatigued and certain smells make her feel ill?” Caleb asked with a broad grin, hitting his arm.
“Yes, that is exactly how it has been. What are you getting at old man?” Cahir asked him suspiciously.
“That is how it was for Laurel in her early months. You may want to have a midwife visit your dear Eavan soon,” Caleb grinned at him broadly. “Or perhaps have her speak with Laurel if they have not yet talked about it,” Caleb said, amused by Cahir’s surprised expression.
“I will talk with her tonight before we go to bed, to see if it is something she already suspects,” Cahir said, looking over at Eavan and Laurel, and smiling warmly. “I am happy your Bride is so fond of her. It meant the world to her when Laurel insisted Eavan design the floral arrangements for your wedding. She still talks about it. Laurel has been so good for her. She has helped Eavan become more confident in her gifts and talents,” Cahir smiled happily, as he looked over and saw Laurel embracing Eavan, who was now apparently saying goodnight.
“Well, I see Eavan is saying her goodbyes, we should make our way over there,” Caleb replied.
They walked over to where Laurel and Eavan stood. Caleb leant over and gave Eavan a light kiss on the cheek. After saying goodnight one last time, the couple left the Hall, and Caleb and Laurel walked over to sit with the King and Queen. Queen Alana gave Caleb a sad expression, as he looked over and smirked at her sardonically.
“Do not look at me that way Mother,” Caleb said to her, slightly irritated.
“Really Caleb, did you have to pick Orrie up and carry her like a sack of grain, up the stairs?” Queen Alana asked him with the same expression.
“I cannot believe you are asking me that. Did she seem calm and reasonable to you? Once upstairs, the little urchin had the nerve to complain I did not give her a chance to say goodnight,” Caleb said, completely annoyed at this point, as Laurel began laughing at his expression.
