Katlyne, Valeria and I rejoice in each other's company. Questions, news and more questions come tumbling out, one on top of the other.

"Conall has wed? I was there. Are ye headed ta Tara... or do ye bide here? I have news..."

Talking and eating at the same time has never been one of my strong points. I nod, smile and try to listen while savouring the delicious stew. Answering with a full mouth is no mean feat, something others seem to have mastered with ease. I chew, swallow, wash down my meal with the last swig of bilberry wine and burp contentedly.

The room is in focus now and I am no longer dizzy. The stranger seems to have vanished into the woodwork. Has he already left for Tara? No matter. I can catch up to him later.

"I have news that none of the lads know yet... and with it I shall need a plea of assistance from ye, Holly."

I sit up straight and listen closely to the confession that spills in halting whispers from the Red Rose of Munster's cracked lips.

"I'm ta be wed... and I need a way o' tellin me brothers..."

"Woah! Wha...!!?" is all I manage before I can collect my wits. Taking three deep breaths, I start again.

"Who is the lucky man, dear heart?" I say, gently taking her hand in mine. "And why are you so worried about telling your brothers? I'm sure they will be happy to see you wed. You know you can count on me. If there is anything I can do, to be sure..."

I trail off, stopping my flow of babble in mid-sentence to comfort my cousin in silence. I have never seen her so upset, or in such a state. Her usually rosy cheeks are paler than a beansidhe's, her hair is unkemt, and her lips and nails are bitten ragged and raw.

Suddenly it dawns on me that this is not a happy match.

"Who is it you've agreed to wed, Kat?" I ask, not at all sure I am ready to hear who she is hiding from her brothers. "Is it to be a Tailtian binding...or something more permanent?"