Kill it…kill it…kill it…

The words haunt my sad steps as the day is retreating to the night. I’ve flitted from shadow to stone from Ciara’s hearth, avoiding man and beast. My steps are erratic and more than once I find myself walking deeper into the wooded wild. I could have been the reason her babe died. Aye, there are many things I could be the reasons for. Death has come by hands and they are forever stained.

I’ve come to a sniffling stop, clutching Toad to my chest as if he fix my little desolate state of mind. What was wrong with me? This isn’t where I wanted to be. I knew where my new little den was. Sean was there. Yes. He could fix this moment. Just let me forget. Forget it all, before I tell him what I’ve offered to do.

Gathering back my bearings I purposely stalk towards the assembly of men. Wiping away the betrayal of my emotions I stow Toad back in his pouch and toss back my hood. This meeting shouldn’t change anything. Those that had promised, I know which ones were truth and which ones to watch, but the wanderer they had…Well, good stories always have an unexpected element in them. Maybe I could be his, after all. This was to be my home with thieves, murderers and marauders. Should he crawl back to hence he came, he would know of me, an icy queen…The Sidhe Queen of Magh Croimor…

I enter the ring of hungry wolves. They part like curious horses, holding their ground, but far enough away to bolt to safety. I know my stance is all but warm and inviting. Sean’s eyes are already upon me. My eyes must be giving away the hurt I am feeling. He holds open the arm opposite the knife he wields at the pretty man.

“Ah! Just in time my love,” Sean coos as I come to embrace open his side. I feel better already with his arm about me. The poor man looks to be bound already and a bit wet as he sits upon the ground. The stench of ale upon him and a bit from coming off Sean’s breath. Drinking now? ugh…ale… It takes the poet a moment or two to realize what stands before him and his eyes go as round as the moon is full. “We caught us a pretty, little song bird!” They caught a bard, this should be…entertaining.

“Will he sing for us,” I ask laying my head upon Sean’s chest. I can feel him puff his chest out and it makes me giggle a bit.

“Of course he sings! Why else would he blood still be in his body,” he replies to me with a wink. He turns with me one way to order someone about getting a fire started and any game that might be fresh caught. I don’t see Aedan, but notice Lasair sitting quite strangely. More hooded and guarded than her usual. He kisses the side my head and says sweet things into my ear. My giggling only brings new stares from the bard they’ve taken captive, which only serves him a warning kick from Sean to look upon me so.

Soon the small party has moved to a better spot for a fire. Men have managed to produce a few aleskins even a bottle of mead or two. Rabbits are spitted along with a haunch of mutton. Someone has taken pity on the poet and given him something to wet his whistle. Bawdy songs and poems have been the sought after medium.

Eventually I see Baine off to the side talking to Lasair, but her body language hasn’t changed from when I spotted her earlier. I’ve been nicely snuggled against Sean as he leans against a log. He declines the offer of aleskins for the most part. He’s tickled, hugged and nuzzled against me through all the verses. I’ve enjoyed and encouraged every touch and feel. Maybe…

The bard has changed his tune as the night grows later. No longer are bawdy, but softer and sadder verses of songs sung with longings and sorrows. Some of the men have offered their verses up. I wonder if the bard is also taking notes, while his life hangs in the balance. Who knew that outlaws have the same heartaches as those that seem more fortunate in life? But weren’t those some of the very same reasons why they were here?

“Outlaws of Magh Croimor,” hollers Sean with no warning. It causes me to jump and he receives a sharp jab in the ribs before getting to his feet. He chuckles while feigning the hurt. “Say we go to see this Princess, eh?” Someone yells something obscene from the shadows of the blaze. “Aye…as if any woman would have you. Now them old cows, maybe! What say you all? Imbolc rites and a bit of winter fun?” A cheer goes up and it’s been decided. I smile to myself, while it’ll be nice to get out for awhile. I haven’t yet had the chance to tell Sean that I would venturing into the veil to get Aedan’s son.

Sean surprises me by offering his hand after he orders someone to tether the bard the somewhere. Those that were gambling say they’ll take real good care of him after they’ve gamed away his goods.

“Where are we going,” I ask. He doesn’t answer me as he leads me away into the dark…