Ch 6 - Kells

Aurora woke up and was no longer in the car. Beau and Eryn were in her room and immediately responded to her awakening. As Beau nuzzled against her hand, Aurora would observe that she was in a small but comfortable room. The walls were made of thick stone, and a window looked out over a rolling green meadow, framed behind by a large, rocky range of low mountains, the tops of which were hidden by mist. The roof above her was thatched, it was obvious from inside, and there was a smell of delicious food cooking somewhere inside the house.

Ean moved across the kitchen, bumping against his sister who slapped him in the arm, more out of a lifelong reaction rather than an intended response, “Quit bumpin’ inta’ me ya big knob.”

Ean laughed heartedly and continued with preparing his part of the breakfast. Lexy looked over her shoulder at the closed door to the bedroom they had put Aurora in last night and she spoke, “What da ya think of her Ean?”

Ean turned and looked at Lexy as he scrubbed the egg shells and then looked at the door before turning back to her, “She’s strong, both in spirit and in body… we’ll have to see how she does today before I can really say.”

Lexy raised an eyebrow and began turning the sausages, “Ya’ fancy her.”

Ean turned and looked at her, “Now why do ya’ always got ta go and say that? Any woman we come ‘cross, have ya noticed that? Any time ya’ see a woman you tell me I fancy her!”

Lexy winked and spoke with sass on her words, “An’ have YOU noticed I am always right?”

Ean shook his head and laughed, “It’s no matter, she’s in love with Sionn McGhee.”

Lexy blushed softly and nodded, “Aye, most of us females are… nailin’ that one down, that’s a chore tougher than whipin’ an Elder Druid on Winter Solstice, best to no even try.”

“Whisht Lexy, you have no seen them together, I think it might be different for him this time, I think he definitely fancies the lass beyond just a good shag.”

Lexy turned and looked at the door again and nodded her head, “Lucky girl then aye.”

They continued to work and about ten minutes later the door opened, they both turned and looked at Aurora as she stood in the doorway, still trying to completely get her bearings. Ean moved over to her quickly and touched his fingers over his heart, “Good morn’ lass. You were sound sleepin’ when we arrived last night so we moved you into your room without disturbin’ ya. This is my sister, Leagsaidh MacGregor.”

Lexy moved over to Aurora, wiping her hands dry on a clean towel and extended a hand, “Good morning lass, you can just call me Lexy, that’s what my friends call me.”

She smiled warmly, and there was playful mischief in her eyes. Her hands were rough from work, and her grip was gentle but Aurora could tell if she had squeezed it would have been like grabbing a piece of stone. She was only five feet tall, a drastic contrast to her brother who was easily six foot six or better. They were both dressed in very comfortable looking cotton clothes, loose and synched up at the places a body bends so as to not get snagged in the movement. Lexy could not help but see the curiosity in Aurora’s gaze as she looked around the modest home. She spoke to Aurora and motioned to a seat, “I am no sure of your habits lass, but breakfast is all prepared if you are hungry.”

Ean smiled and went to a seat. Lexy rolled her eyes and spoke to him, “Manners ya donkey!”

Ean looked at her indignantly and she shook her head, pulling a chair out for Aurora to sit in. She motioned to it and then took her own seat across from her. She turned to Beau and Eryn, “Now you two, I was no sure if ya’ prefer hunting and killing your own game or not so I took the liberty of doin’ that for you this mornin’. If in the future you prefer to do’it yourself just let me know.”

Lexy acted as if it was no big deal that the animals could understand her, she almost acted as if she expected them to. She pointed to a small perch near the front door and then to a large stone slab on the floor, “A fresh rabbit for you Eryn, and three for you Beau.”

She turned to Aurora and spoke with a smile, “Mrs. McGhee told me their names, but I can feel the connection between them and you, Spirit Guides form a very strong bond with their charge. These two are particularly fastened to you lass.”

She looked over the table and spoke, “I am not sure how familiar you are with Highland cuisine lass, but we have soft boiled eggs, pork sausages, muffins, strawberry jam, and blood pudding, which is much better than it sounds, trust me. I made some tea, Mrs. McGhee told me you fancy that, and I also have some orange juice or Iron Brew should you wish something more fizzy.”

She smiled and Ean dug in, clearly his appetite was much larger than his patience. Lexy shook her head and rolled her eyes as she reached for some of the food. Aurora would be able to tell she was younger than her, maybe around 20. Though she was fair in skin and thin it was obvious she knew her way with weapons, any slight twitch of movement revealed well defined muscle and precision. Aurora would also feel a warmth coming from them that was far different than the McGhee’s. The McGhee household always felt friendly and inviting, but the hospitality was as if a friend had come to visit and stay. With Ean and Lexy, it felt more like she was staying with family, close family at that. She wasn’t a visitor, it was more like she was home.

Aurora looked at the two standing there, her dark eyes filled with confusion, sorrow and yet a little fear at the unknown. She smiled at Lexi, shaking her hand seeing that she wasn't that much bigger than the small Scotswoman. That had her looking at Ean, really looking at him. Compared to Sionn he was huge. Tall, broad.....just huge. It made her feel very tiny and very feminine. Something she'd never felt before...even with Sionn.

Sitting down at the table, she looked surprised when Lexi spoke to Beau and Eryn and she saw them respond to her. It was clear that they both were instantly comfortable with her and that helped her relax a little. She put two softboiled eggs onto her plate along with a muffin, spreading strawberry jam onto the sliced, fluffy bread. She was quiet as she ate, taking everything in while she did so. Beau was good enough to take his hares outside to eat them while Eryn chortled happily tearing into her fresh meal.

"They both enjoy hunting their own food whenever they get the chance", she said once she finished eating in a quiet voice. She rose from the table, taking her plate and silverware to the sink. Standing there, she looked out the window, seeing the landscape. It was then that she realized something...something that bothered her and confused her. She felt at home here...Beau and Eryn too. She'd felt welcome with the McGhee's.....but as a guest. Here.....here she felt at home. As if she'd come home. She looked at Ean and Lexi over her shoulder, her troubled feelings showing in her expressive eyes. Beau came in, licking his chops and whining at the same time as he sensed her distress. ~Rory...what is it?~

She shook her head at the great wolf, turning back to look out the window. ~Ean...Lexi.....there is more you should know of her bloodline....soon. For now....she is confused...her feelings all jumbled.~ He turned wise, amber eyes to the two sitting at the table. He cocked his head, studying Ean. There was something there....but even the greater spirits weren't letting him see the whole picture just yet. But, he had a feeling that his charge's heart was about to be shattered. And there was nothing he could do to protect her from it. ~She will be needing you in the days to come, Ean MacGregor.~ Turning, the wolf walked back outside....wishing that he could take a chunk out of another Scotsman's bum for what was going to happen. But it had to happen....for Rory....it had to happen.

"Can I go outside? The Earth calls to me", Aurora said quietly, feeling the pull of Mother Earth calling to her child.

Lexy looked at Beau as he spoke to her. Her eyes traced those of the wolf and she nodded in complete understanding. Ean looked, and listened, but there was something seemingly absent from his response, almost as if it was lost on him, or he didn’t quite understand.

As Aurora stood and took her plate to the sink, Lexy looked at Ean and her face showed concern. She could almost feel the woman’s confusion, and she grieved for her. As Aurora spoke and made her request Lexy stood and walked over to her, “Aurora, you are not bound by us, this is no a prison or a place for you to feel you need permissions, in fact…” Lexy reached into her pocket and removed a key attached to a small dream-catcher. She pressed it gently into Aurora’s hand and spoke, “I have never made one of those, I’ve made plenty of wickermen and knots, but no a dream-catcher. I hope I got it right, I looked it up on the internet yesterday and did my best when copying it. I know that your tribes hung those in their tents to ward off the spirits, so think of it as such. That key will open every door on the property, feel free to use it as ya' must, we've no secrets from sisters here.”

She smiled and reached over, hugging Aurora without permission. It would be obvious that this was just who she was, a hugger, a sympathizer. She stepped back and grabbed Aurora’s hand, "Of course you can go outside, you can do as you please, well except during training, then you will need to listen to the knob over there.”

Ean looked up with crumbs on his lips, shaking his head in feigned annoyance and laughing heartedly. Lexy turned back to Aurora with a smile, “Come, I too feel the pull of nature, let us walk together and I can show you about aye?”

She pulled Aurora as much as escorted her out of the house. There was enthusiasm and excitement in her steps. Just as they walked out the door she spoke over her shoulder to Ean, “Take care of the dishes ya Donkey, we’ll be back in an hour.”

She could see the bemused look on Aurora’s face and as the door closed so Ean could no longer hear she spoke, “He’ll see to’it that I am punished during training.”

She winked and then turned to look across the emerald green, boggy meadow. There wasn’t a tree in sight. She spoke softly as she traced the landscape, “Those are the Craig’s, and that, the Devil’s backbone. Eighty degree pitch, anywhere from three hundred and fifty to six hundred meters down on both sides, razor sharp rock, and in some places only a meter wide across the top. You will get to know it well, as your training advances we will be traversing it.”

The property was roughly fifty acres. Just off the side of the house was a large barn structure. Aurora would be able to see that the thatching on the roofs was laid over with bog sod and grew naturally, providing a perfect barrier from the weather, and would never need replacing. Lexy squeezed Aurora’s hand tightly and encouraged her to walk with her. It would be starting to become obvious that she was most likely just as excited to have another female around as she was another Sentinel. They crossed a short distance to a hilltop and down below was a massive lake. At the bottom the shore was pebbles and rock, “That, is Loch Lomond. It is the largest inland stretch of water in Scotland, and as you can see it contains many islands. On that shoreline,” She pointed to a small area where a cottage could be seen, “Is where Robert Roy MacGregor lived many hundreds of years ago. I am no sure if ya’ve heard of him, but if not you will. He was one of the greatest Sentinels to ever walk Scotland, and arguably the best swordsman ever.”

Suddenly there was a screech up above and the sound of wind hissing over feathers, Lexy looked up and ducked just in time to avod the talons that almost took her ear off. As Aurora shot back in alarm Lexy just laughed and shook her head, “Whipsy…,” she turned and looked at Aurora with a smile, “My spirit guide.”

Aurora showed a slight sense of curiosity as her eyes traced the falcons flight and Lexy spoke, “Only female Sentinels have spirit guides, tradition says it is to create a balance in power for female fighters,” she turned and looked at Aurora with a wry smile, “But I think it’s because we’re smarter.” She winked and tapped Aurora gently on the arm as she reached down, grabbed her hand, and started walking again. Lexy never seemed to shut-up, constantly talking about this and that, pointing out features of the landscape, giving short history lessons of this place or that, and barely let Aurora get a word in edge-wise. It was not out of any sort of malice or disrespect, it would be clear that this was just who she was, a joyful, person loving, talkative, mischievous, chatter-box who simply loved the company of others. Finally after an hour however she stopped and looked at Aurora, “I must apologize Aurora, I just realized that you wanted to come out here to recharge and gather yourself and here I have been talkin’ yer ear off. If you want I can leave you for a bit if you want to be alone. Training starts in an hour, at ten… if you need some time I can leave ya.”

Aurora had no choice but to follow Lexy out of the house, casting Ean a look of bewilderment as she did. Beau stayed behind with Ean while Eryn followed at a distance, knowing that Aurora needed this time with another woman who would be her strongest ally and was nothing like Torri.

She listened, shaking her head every so often in amazement at Lexy's energy and love of life. Before she knew it, she was smiling again. But when a falcon swooped down, she jumped back then looked at Lexy with wide, brown eyes. 'Whipsy', she called her. Another spirit guide. When she explained that only the female Sentinels had them she realized that her mother left even more out of what she should've known, which was why she didn't object when Lexy offered to leave her to her time alone to ground herself.

"Thank you, Lexy...for showing me around but I do feel the need for some time alone. I will return at ten....to begin." She smiled at the woman, then stepped forward to give her a small hug in thanks before turning away to walk towards the Loch, the wind blowing her dark hair around her small frame. Once she was alone, she pulled the phone from her pocket and dialed the number Sionn had given her, but was disappointed when all she got was the voicemail. "Sionn...it's Aurora. I am here....with Ean and his sister. It's beautiful here but I miss you horribly. I wish you were here." She hesitated for a second before hanging up, something stopping her from saying 'I love you'. Turning, she sat down on the chilled ground and looked out over the water, wondering how much more she was going to find out that her own mother had neglected to tell her.

Lexy left Aurora, and began walking back to the house. Whipsy landed on her shoulder and nipped playfully at her ear, speaking to her charges mind, ~ She’s strong of spirit, stronger than any I have ever met. I was most curious last night when she arrived, it is rare for one Sentinel to be accompanied by two.”~

Lexy absent mindedly rubbed the back of Whipsy’s neck as she looked towards the barn, speaking back to her falcon’s mind, ~ Aye, one can only be left to wonder what she will accomplish if she reaches her full potential. ~

Whipsy nipped her ear and Lexy yelped in protest, speaking aloud, “OUCH ya bloody wee beast!” Whipsy chortled a laugh and took off as Lexy swatted at her. Whipsy spoke to her mind as she fluttered safely above, ~ Now you are starting to sound like your brother. ~



Lexy laughed and rolled her eyes, running towards the barn and skidding to a halt on the stones in front of the door. She opened the heavy oaken door to find Ean was already inside doing forms. Without looking at her our breaking his concentration he spoke, “You’re late lass.”

Lexy stomped her foot and responded, “I am no! I told you I would be back in an hour! Besides you dumb ox, practice does no start for another fifty minutes!”

Ean spoke again without looking her direction, holding his pose and moving with cat like grace, even for such a large man, “For her… for you practice begins at nine.”

Lexy furrowed her brows, this time there was little play in her face, “Fine ya Oaf, but I’ll be spitting in your porridge next time I make it.”

Ean snorted and responded, “Laps, then grab your blade.”

Lexy’s brows dipped even lower and she huffed as she went back outside and started running around the barn. It was starting to drizzle again and she ran until her hair clung to her face and she was good and warmed up. Coming back inside she removed her shirt which was soaked but had kept her dry. Underneath she was wearing a modestly cut, but skin tight black top. Her athletic physique, earned from a lifetime of training, was still hidden by the colors shadow masking affects, but there was evidence of her bodies strength still showing. She walked over and grabbed her sword, walking over towards Ean who was balanced on one foot, holding his blade over his shoulder in a striking position, watching her. She approached, clearly annoyed and she took a stance. The second she was in place he struck. His blade moved with such speed and precision that it hummed through the air, clashing with the back of her blade as she moved to parry.

She stepped back at the impact, her bare feet digging into the mat and leaving a deep impression in the memory foam beneath. She grit her teeth and pushed back, drawing on her spirit and stepping into him, she had no fear on her face, and her blade struck his, splashing a blue glow that dissipated like liquid hitting rock. His eyes went wide and he smiled, “Good Lexy.”

She reached up and punched him in the chest, “Ya door knob!”

He laughed as he stepped back and spoke, “What are you so ruffled about lass? Just a wee bit of fun!”

She furrowed her brows and spoke, “It’s no right, I am learning to control it, no release it like that!”

He brought up his finger and spoke, “Ahhh, but in testing the boundaries we test the strength.”

He reached up and touched a small spot above his eyebrow where her blade had pressed and left a slight cut, despite his strength and ability to resist her strike. He brought his finger up so she could see, “Once you harness THIS, so that you can call on it at will… you will be unstoppable.”

She crossed her brows again, “I don’t want to be unstoppable, I want to have babies and tend a house.”

He laughed so hard he bent over, grabbing his stomach. She tried to maintain herself but then she too began laughing, both of them doubled over and standing in the middle of the training mat.

Arawela laid in the middle of the large circular room. Deep lines, dark and pulsing etched her face. The eyes from the shadows watched her, not daring to approach after what they had witnessed the previous night. As she laid asleep and shivering on the stone, she clung to a book as if it was a lover. Her breathing was loose and steady, the type of breathing that follows rapid activity when the body finally gives in.

She hadn't moved for over an hour, but it was obvious she was still alive. Finally, the spirit which had confronted her when she first entered the room the night before floated and stopped, looking over her body. Settling lower it brought its face almost in contact with hers. Suddenly her eyes shot open and she hissed, reaching out, seizing the spirit by the throat. The other spirits in the room shrieked and vanished in a haze, the one she grasped both horrified that she was even able to do it, much less the way she looked at it. Her head tilted softly, like a lion might look at a gazelle right before the kill. She smiled sweetly and whispered, "I remember, just hours ago, your mocking laughter, your tone of disdain and disbelief... but now I am the one mocking YOU! The spirit shrieked and she flung it across the room as if it was a material being. Righting itself she stood and began to approach, "You, ALL of you, server ME now! I am she that commands the echoes in the shadows, and you will come to me now!"

Dozens of spirits began to materialize all around her, knelt in reverence to her, showing their submission. She looked them over, and then finally to the one she initially dealt with. The spirit looked on, unsure of its fate and her tone changed, her voice soft, "Come, join your kin."

The spirit bowed its head and joined the ranks. She looked them all over again and spoke, "This is the dawn of a new age, an age of fear, and submission. I knocked down the castle of the McGhee's before I came to this place of knowledge, now imagine what I will be able to do when I leave it! You, you will be my eyes and my ears. You know your Mistress yes?!"

All the spirits in unison responded in a reverent, 'yes' and she smiled, "Then I release you from this room, I release you to the world to send me information. We shall strike only when I say, in the meantime you will gather and inform only. You will be shielded from all eyes, the physical and the spirit, so long as you do not strike at any you will remain hidden from even the most advanced wizards and magic!"

She hissed ancient words and the spirits all faded from view, though they remained, "No go my faithful, find what I seek, and report back when I call."

The spirits scattered obediently, moving outside the walls which they had not left for hundreds of years. She smiled and stroked a fingernail along her own chest, just above her breasts, a smile of deviant satisfaction crossing her face. She picked up the book she had been holding and looked it over reading the title, "Countinuance Poe"

Tara lost track of time sitting there by the Loch. She was trying to get things sorted out in her head when Beau came up beside her and nudged her. ~You are late for your first training session~, he grumbled to her in her head. She jumped up, running towards the barn with Beau beside her and Eryn flying above. Little did she know but Eryn had already been 'chatting' it up with Whipsy and had filled the falcon in on some of Aurora's bloodline. She was paying little attention to where she was running nor how close she was to the barn when she stumbled over a smooth, flat rock about 10 inches long and raised above ground by a mere inch. She fell to her knees, scraping them up on more rocks and tearing the knees in her jeans. She'd forgotten that even though this land was barren of trees, it did have rolling hills, grass and rocks. She got to her feet, Beau waiting patiently, making sure she was okay. She looked down at her torn jeans and saw the blood from scrapes and the bruises already forming on her delicate, golden brown knees. "Well...these are going to hurt in a little bit. Great...just great."

She made it to the barn by twenty after ten and stood in the doorway watching the two practice. When she saw the blue sparks come again from Lexy's sword she gasped. She had no clue as to what that was nor how Lexy had done it. She met Ean's gaze then and saw the look of annoyance on his face that she was late, but instead of looking down or away she raised her chin a notch and stared him down. "My apologies for being late, Ean...I was sitting next to the Loch and lost track of time. It won't happen again", she said in a voice that shook slightly. "What is to be my training? I am better with a bow and knife than I am with a sword." She shifted a little then, the discomfort in her knees starting in as well as her bruised palms, but she stood her ground, intent on showing them that she was made of sterner stuff than she knew Torri thought of her. In fact, sitting at the Loch, she'd thought about whether or not Torri had said anything to Ean about her opinion of her. How she thought Aurora was thoughtless...naive....even stupid.

That was when she heard the 'moo' of a cow and turned to see a fawn colored yearling in a stall about ten yards from her. Her attention instantly turned to him and she moved towards him. Reaching over the stall door she laid a hand on his head, stroking him between the eyes as she focused. "He is not feeling well, Ean." She closed her eyes....concentrating harder. "He is becoming colicky. If we treat him now we could very well stop it before it gets too bad. Do you have any vinegar? If we can get it down him it will begin to release the gas building up in his intestines and stomach."

Ean was always a kind and gentle fellow, especially for a warrior, but one thing he tended to be was stern when it came to training. He was much kinder about it towards Aurora than he was to Lexy however. As Lexy walked up beside him he spoke without turning, "Forms, Cat Strings a Bow and Crane Strikes a Fish."

Lexy exhaled in exasperation and turned, mumbling under her breath, "Horses arse."

Ean turned and spoke, "What was that?"

Lexy turned and smiled sweetly, "I said, 'Go help the lass!'"

He cocked his mouth to the side, knowing that was not at all what she said but remained silent as she slid into a stance and brought her sword around behind her back, both hands comfortable and loose on the grip. She began to turn, spin, flip and lunge. Every step was like a dance move, her body seemed to slide into place instead of move. Ean closed the door and turned to Aurora, "I've got what you need."

He led her to a small room and flipped on the light, inside was every manner of medicinal and necessary equipment for treating cattle, or as they called them, 'Beasties'. He turned to look at her, his face was kind, though she could tell he wanted to get this done so they could get back to training, "There is what you need." He pointed to a spot on the shelf. As she went to work mixing what she needed he stood at the door, leaning against the jam, his tree trunk like arms wrapped one on top of the other across his chest, "What happened to your knees lass?"

It might have caught her off guard, he hadn't looked down at her even once. As she relayed the story he nodded and responded, "We'll have Lexy give them a a wee look when we get back." He smiled, this time his was like the Ean whom she had spent time with at the breakfast table this morning. She wouldn't be sure, but there seemed to be a reason for his seriousness when it came to training, but that facade quickly broke as they left the training area in the barn.

Aurora and Ean returned and Ean watched as she treated the calf. He smiled as she stood and he handed her a towel, "You've got very soft hands," He reached down and lifted her right hand up so he could look at it, nodding his head absent mindedly as he continued, "I've some training clothes for ya, but first we'll..."

"A'hem."

They both turned and Lexy, beads of sweat gathered on her forehead like dew on the morning grass was leaning into the wide open door that led from the training area to the very small stable where the calf was, "Oh, don't let me interrupt you, but I THOUGHT we had a training session ya big lug."

Ean's face went bright red, quite a sight for someone of his size and stature. He then pointed to to Lexy's knees, immediately coming off topic, "Lex, can you take a look at her legs please?"

Lexy saw the tears and blood stains and immediately the sarcasm and playfullness left her face, "Oh lass! What in heavens name did you did ya do to her ya big clumsy dobber!?"

Ean dejected, "I didn'a do nothin! She came back like that!"

She pursed her lips at him and without hesitation she got down and gently pulled the fabric back, speaking to Ean, "I need her training pants please."

Ean nodded and Lexy continued to look, "Well, it looks like ya tripped and scrapped them aye?"

She looked up and Aurora nodded, with a smile Lexy turned as Ean returned, in his hands were a pair of pants exactly like Lexy was wearing, "Now out'wit'cha."

Ean furrowed his brow and she waved him towards the door, "Go on ya big ox, I need her to remove her pants and put on these new ones and she will be allowed the proper modesty, now go."

Again Ean turned red as a beet and exited the room, closing the door behind him. Lexy stood and placed the pants on a small chair beside the stall, "Alright lass, off with 'em."

After Aurora had removed her pants Lexy knelt again, removing a small purple bag from her chest pocket. It was no larger than a ring bag, and when she opened it there was a dim blue glow inside. She gently dipped her finger within and brought it out, a dimly glowing, blue ointment covered the top of her finger and she spread it over the wound. It was the same sensation as when one touches ice to their skin on a hot sunny day. Immediately the pain began to leave and the wound could be seen stitching itself up becoming whole skin again in a matter of seconds. Lexy stood with a smile and reached, grabbing the pants, "Put these on then love, can't have Ean lookin at ya in your knickerbockers now can we."

She patted Aurora on the shoulder in a very sisterly way and waited patiently. As she got the pants in Lexy stepped over and looked, "Well, they are a touch large in the waist, but I can hem them up this evening, come on." She smiled and grabbed Aurora's hand, bringing her into the training area. As they opened the door and walked in, Ean was in the middle, shirt off, moving through forms. He was a chiseled mass of muscle and strength, every bit of him was toned and strong as one would expect a warrior to be. Lexy shook her head and burst out, "Oh GAW'D you great bampot, yer no even subtle about it!"

Ean turned and looked, his face glistening with sweat, "What are ya talking about Lexy?"

"Ya great big knob, you've no worked out without a shirt for ten years and as soon as there's a pretty lass in the house y'er off to'it to show off your form!" She threw a shirt at him, "Put it on!" He was about to protest and Lexy's voice rose, "Put it on!"

Ean shook his head, his mouth twisted into a smile and his cheeks went rose colored, clearly Lexy was right. As Lexy turned to Aurora she rolled her eyes and Ean's voice came from behind her, "I assume that ya got her knees all sorted out then?"

Lexy turned and looked at him, "Oh aye."

Ean smiled and looked at her, "So it's back to training then?"

Lexy gave a sideways glance to Aurora and her words almost fell out of her mouth instead of being spoke, "Aye."

Ean nodded and now it was his face the was full of whimsy and mischief, "Fox In the Brambles."

Lexy's face dropped, mouth open and she went to protest, "EAN! You know I can no do that yet!"

Ean walked over and smiled as he tucked in his shirt, "And what better way to learn it, then to practice it?"

Lexy's face showed her lack of will to argue and she went to the sidewall, picked up her sword in protest more than obedience, and moved to a corner, beginning to run through some movements.

Ean turned to Aurora and smiled, "Well now, as for you Aurora. You said you are better with bow and knife, fine weapons that we will get to later, but now we need to build your strength here," he reached and pressed a gentle hand on her stomach. His touch was soft and loving, "And here," He placed his hand on her bicep and gave a slight squeeze, "And here," he touched a finger above her heart.

"Being a Sentinel is about being completely in your body at all times, you don't have magic to rely on, and though there are defenses against magic that you will come to learn in time, wielding magic can be extremely dangerous for you. Think of it as how electricity moves through metal, the electricity will find the path of least resistance, casting while holding a sword is asking for the magic to arc back on you and strike you instead."

He smiled and escorted her to a rack of weapons, swords, spears, hammers. He again looked at her and then to the wooden swords, picking up one that was just to the left of middle. Aurora would notice that they got bigger as the stacked to the right. He handed it to her and spoke, "A sword is your closest friend. Long ago Sentinels were much more apt to train with spears to keep your enemy at a distance, but now, in modern times, we have changed our tactics. Many still do use spears, and I will get to them eventually too, but first we need to work on your strength and your technique. Now, show me how you would hold a sword if you were facing me in battle."

Aurora took a sloppy stance and held the sword out in front of her like a bat. Not at all surprising given it was new to her. Ean smiled, almost lovingly, and began to move around her, adjusting her arms, her hips, back, legs, even her head, putting her in the right position. He stepped back and spoke with a smile, "There lass, you are balanced, can you feel it?"

She nodded and swallowed hard, his touch on her body was almost electrifying, though he would not have known it by the look on her face. He smiled, "Feel every inch, feel your feet pressing to the ground, enough pressure to keep you steady, but enough kinetically in your legs so you may spring to action aye?"

Aurora finished treating the calf, blushing at Ean's compliment about her soft hands. After Lexy took care of her knees, she mumbled a 'thank you' to her while changing her pants, following her to the training area in the barn. There she stopped dead in her tracks seeing Ean without his shirt on. She absent-mindedly licked her lips staring at him. ~He's gorgeous~, she thought to herself. When Lexy began to scold him and he turned, looking right at her she blushed a deep pink beneath her golden skin and turned away while he donned his shirt.

A few minutes later she was standing awkwardly, holding a wooden training sword. She had a hard time holding still while Ean laid his hands on her, positioning her to the right position and stance. She felt as if small shocks were shooting through her with each touch. A part of her felt guilty for even feeling it as she thought of Sionn and how what she was feeling was a form of betrayal.

Once she was in the proper stance, she realized that it wasn't too far off from standing with a knife.....just that the sword was longer....heavier. "Thank you, Ean...that does feel better. I feel more balanced now. What do I do next?" As she waited for his further instruction, she focused her thoughts on Sionn...trying to ignore Ean standing so close to her. But his size and aura made that difficult to say the least.

By the time Ean got done showing her the basics, her arms felt like lead and she was soaked in sweat, her long hair having come lose of it's thick braid.

It was getting late, Ean could tell that that Aurora was exhausted. He turned to Lexy who was still practicing her forms, "We'll cut out for the day aye."

Lexy looked at him with a sideways glance and threw her sword to the floor, rubbing her soar arms and moving to the side of the barn, grabbing a towel and wiping her face. Ean turned to Aurora and spoke, "We've two showers why no go into my room and..."

Lexy stepped forward and her brow was furrowed. She was clearly angry and she spoke aggressively to Ean, "No!"

She turned to Aurora, her face softened considerably and she spoke with calm and deliberateness in her voice, "Aurora, I mean you no offense, please, you know where my room is, there is a shower and fresh towels, please grab your kit from your room and use my shower. I have lamb, potatoes and fresh veggies for supper cooking in the hearth. If you would excuse us, I would like a word with Ean."

Aurora looked guilty as if she had done something wrong and began to move to the door, Lexy stepped forward and looked right at Aurora, "Aurora, please, lass, understand that what I have to discuss with him has nothing to do with anything you have done." She smiled warmly, "I have no but the highest regard for you, in fact, I have to say I am doubly impressed with what you have done today, you are a natural with a blade, and I would love an opportunity to talk to you later in a friendlier atmosphere."

She smiled and gave Aurora a small, warm hug, but then turned to Ean as she released the hug. He was looking at her like a deer looks into headlights. As Aurora left Lexi walked over to him. The second the door closed she spoke with anger in her voice, "Now you listen to me Ean Alister MacGregor! You stop playing that woman!"

Ean furrowed his brows and responded, "What are you talking about you..."

Lexy stepped forward and shoved her finger right in Ean's face, "NO! You pay attention you big ox! She is in a relationship, and you don't need to be interfering! It is no your place to tug at her heart strings, she is in love with Sionn McGhee! It was OBVIOUS to me when we were out walkin' this morning hearing the way she talked about him, and YOU told me that you thought things were different for him this time! Now you stop meddlin' and leave her be with all your flirting nonsense, beside yer no good at it an' she is better than all these stupid and confusing advances from you!"

Ean inhaled deeply and let his breath out slowly, "I know Lexy, I know you are right... but she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I have never had these kind of feelings..." Lexy stepped forward and her voice became much gentler, "I know brother, I know... but she is no available. She is in love with Sionn, and he in love with her. We all now Sionn's reputation, but you said he was different with her, and I believe you, because I trust you. The McGhee's are our allies, they have always been there when we needed them, and you can no compromise that with a love triangle. I understand you fancy her, and I don't blame you. I can appreciate that she is a beautiful woman, she is, I see that, but she can no be yours Ean, and she deserves better than this. She has enough on her shoulders with all this Druidess business, she doesn't need you clouding her mind. Sionn found her first, and she loves him, that's that."

She reached up and hugged him tightly, "I love you Ean, I do. I want Aurora to stay, I don't want you hurting her and causing her to leave. Let it go, I am sorry, but you need to let it go."

She stepped back and he nodded, "Aye, I will."

She thumped him on the arm and smiled, "She's an amazing woman, just the small time I spent with her I saw it. Be her friend, she is well worth the effort aye?"

He nodded and she smiled, turning and grabbing her towel and wiping her face as she picked her sword back up and placed it on the rack, "I'll go get dinner ready... ya big donkey."

She winked and walked out of the barn, heading to the house. Ean picked up the couple wooden weapons that were on the floor and placed them on the racks. He inhaled deeply and mumbled to himself, "Finally found a woman I can be compatible with, and bloody Sionn McGhee gets to her first."

He picked up his shirt and headed to the house for supper.

Aurora was confused as she left the barn, wanting to stay and eavesdrop but instead she headed to Lexy's room. First she stopped at her room and grabbed her bag then went to Lexy's room and into the bathroom. She was surprised when she stepped into the room. It was beautiful....Celtic symbols painted onto the walls, the sink was a stone she wasn't familiar with but it was beautiful. The faucet looked like brushed nickel. She turned to the bathtub, sighing as she saw the clawed tub. It was heavenly. She started the water, watching the steam rise pulling the vanilla scented bath oil from her bag. It was a small bottle and she used it sparingly. She'd not even used it for Sionn and stopped tilting the bottle thinking of him. She wondered why she was using it now and Ean instantly came into her mind. Sighing again, she decided that she was being foolish and poured some of the oil into the water. She'd never had the chance to use it for Sionn so she wouldn't feel guilty about it now. Besides....it was okay to want to smell nice at times....wasn't it?

While the tub filled, she called Sionn....worry furrowing her brows when he again didn't answer. She knew he was probably busy with what his father needed him and Torri to do but she needed to talk to him. She needed to hear his voice....just to remind herself that he was there. "Sionn...it's me again. I had my first training session today...with a wooden sword. Lexy said I did really well but I'm not so sure. I am sore...at least my arms are", she chuckles.."I miss you. I wish you here. Call me as soon as you get this...okay. I need to hear your voice. I.....I love you." She hung up the phone and undressed, stepping into the vanilla scented water. She soaked for about thirty minutes then washed her hair in lavender scented shampoo and conditioner then washed her body. After she rinsed off, she stepped out, drying off with a fluffy towel then towel drying her waist length dark hair. She dressed, pulling on soft doeskin pants that rode on her hips and a matching vest top with intricate beadwork. There was a dreamcatcher on the back with a wolfhead and eaglehead in the middle. On the front on both sides were small dreamcathers, one each, with a Celtic cross in the middle of each one. It was something her mother had had made years ago, after she'd been born, at her father's request. A joining of both heritages. Next was her soft, doeskin kneehigh moccasins. She brushed out her damp hair, letting it flow naturally down her back before straightening up the bathroom and then heading back to her own room where she put her things away. Once finished, she headed back to the main room of the house. When she didn't see Ean or Lexy, she went outside to look for them, heading to the barn. Beau came loping up to her while Eryn flew overhead. She stroked Beau's head as they walked quietly back to the barn.

Aurora reached the barn and it was empty, save for the solitary calf that was sleeping soundly now thanks to her assistance earlier that day. Just as she was turning to leave her phone buzzed and rang in her pocket. As she looked Sionn's face was on the screen, returning her call. When she answered she could hear the joy in his voice, "Aurora? Love! I am so sorry that I could no be reached, we were at the old property all day trying to recover more of Da's items. It's a right mess down there and the water was freeing cold. Torri and Mum were off doing some work, trying to uncover some of what is going on in. Tell me about your day!"

As Aurora gave him the details of her day, Sionn would give her encouraging words, she could hear his smile on the other end of the line, he was genuinely happy to be talking to her, and was even more interested when she spoke of her training, "It's good that you are a wee bit sore, you are using new muscles and your body will adjust, the first few days of a new training regiment are hard, but you will only get stronger." She could hear a lace of nervousness from him now, "And no that you need it, but your body will tone and tighten as well." She could almost see his pink cheeks as he mentioned her body. "It is so good to talk to you lass, I thought about you all day, so much so that Da' had to snap me out of a trance as we were eating lunch. He keeps teasing me about finally finding a woman that is settlin' me down."

Aurora talked more about the beauty of the property and the amazing training halls, disguised as a barn. Sionn responded with excitement, "Aye, that barn is new, they built it only four years ago. Ean and Lexy lost a brother in battle five years ago, and that made Ean the elder sibling. Their parents built that facility so their children could train on site, in better conditions. There is another sibling, a lass, she is between Ean and Lexy, she is an Arbiter, and a damn good one at that. She does no live on their family property because she trains up north where a school for magic exists. The MacGregors are a good bunch, our families have been close for generations. You are in good hands, but I do miss ya terribly." Suddenly Aurora heard Lexy's voice calling from the house. Sionn could hear it too and he spoke, "It sounds like you are being called to supper aye?"

Aurora confirmed and Sionn spoke, she could hear his smile, "I should probably go and eat as well, Da' is preparing something, Mum and T will no be back for a few days and he is a right mess in the kitchen, I should probably go give him a hand. I love you Aurora, I love you so much it hurts to be away. I wish you were here so I could hold you and smell your hair."



Lexy came to the barn just as Aurora and Sionn were hanging up. She smiled and looked at the phone, seeing his face on the screen just as it was powering itself down. She looked at Aurora and smiled, "Yer a lucky girl having that wolf on your trail lass. He's a right sexy wee bastard aye?" Even Lexy's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke of Sionn, "Every single girl in Scotland has a wounded heart with his being off the market, finally found a woman to snatch up his heart." She smiled warmly and grabbed Aurora's hand, "Come, I've supper all set," She turned to Beau and Erin, "You two, those rocks along the eastern ridge are swarmin' with moles, rabbits and red squirrels and red deer. Please mind the sheep and the beasties though, in fact if you see any wildcats feel free to run them off."

She turned to Aurora again and though it seemed impossible, her smile got even bigger, "Come lass, I'm STARVIN' after what that donkey put us through."

As they entered the house Ean was getting the last couple things on the table. He looked up and smiled at Aurora, flushing slightly as he saw her, unable to not stare at her form fitting clothing, it didn't hurt that he also immediately caught the lavender and vanilla scents that were wafting on the air the door pushed in behind her. He swallowed hard and motioned to the table, "Lex made lamb, roasted 'tauties, and fresh veggies. I also baked a loaf of fresh bread, and there some jam and butter as well." He looked at Lexy and smiled, then walked over to Aurora, he was clearly nervous, "Might I help you with your seat lass?"

He pulled the chair out for Aurora and Lexy, standing behind Aurora shook her head and smiled, "You're a donkey but ya learn quick I'll give ya that."

Ean laughed and took Aurora's hand as he helped her sit. Lexy sat and Ean took his place at the head of the table. As they dug in Lexy reached and untopped a ceramic bottle in the middle of the table. Ean immediately grabbed a glass and handed it to her, and turned to Aurora, "Would you like some mead lass?"

Aurora furrowed her brow in confusion and Ean spoke, "Have you no ever had mead?"

Aurora smiled and shook her head, Lexy spoke up with mischief on her voice, "Oh well then you are in for a treat lass!" She grabbed Aurora's glass and brought it over, pouring three glasses from the ceramic bottle and then recorking it. She handed a glass to Aurora and then to Ean. The aroma was sweet and full, "It's wine lass, made form honey. Our family has been brewing it for hundreds and hundreds of years. The Scots were the first to brew it many thousands of years ago, and it is the first documented alcoholic beverage in human history. There is a lot of mystery to the beverage, and tradition says that a new married couple, after their celebration, would go off on their own after being given several bottles of mead to spend some time alone, and we all know what that time is for aye? Well, wine will take the nerves out of ya, make ya a little less nervous and happy. Hence they would take their "Honey" moon."

She smiled and lifted her glass, "To new friends, to new family, to honey, and the moon. Sláinte!"

They tinked their glasses together and drank, it was a complex beverage, smooth and delicious with a very slight sweetness just on the back side of it and with a touch of heather. It was almost warm going down and Ean looked through the glass, "Perhaps the finest mead we've yet made!" Lexy looked at him sideways and spoke, "Oh yah think? Could it be because YOU made this batch?"

Ean laughed, "OF COURSE!"

Lexy shook her head and spoke, "I'm tellin' Da' when he gets home."

They laughed and Ean turned to look at Aurora, "Da' is the finest mead maker in the land, that's how we make our money as a family, though most would think we are beastie and sheep drivers. We do our share of that for sure, but it's mead that makes us our living. In truth, Da's mead is finer than mine."

"You're only sayin' that cause I threatened to tattle on ya," Lexy spoke just before she pushed a slice of the lamb into her mouth, chewing with a mischievous smile. Ean could not help but laugh and continued with his meal. Lexy turned to Aurora then and spoke, "Lass, so I know we have just been forcing our food on ya, but is there anything in particular that like to eat? I don't mean to just force something that you don't like, we just have been preparing what we have about until we could ask ya... so tell me, is there anything in particular you would enjoy or perhaps even expose us to?"

"Aye! We love good food!"

Lexy laughed at Ean's words, "In short, that's true, our family is big on meals, and mealtimes, especially this Ox over here, I swear he eats for two."

Ean raised his eyebrows and spoke, "Because I am as strong as two."

Lexy huffed and noded, "Aye, I suppose that's probably true. Two bad yer no as smart as two."

Ean threw a chunk of bread at her, which she ducked and came up quickly, "Awww what a waste of good food ya door knob!"

Ean laughed and spoke, "Maybe ya should have caught it in yer gob so we could all be free of your yappin'!"

Lexy leaned forward and spoke, "You'll never be free of my yappin' Ean, so long as you keep gettin' into scraps you'll be hearing me tell you to straighten yourself out and stop being so daft."

He laughed and they both turned to Aurora who was watching them both with a smile. Ean cleared his throat and it was clear that he was suddenly focused on her again. His cheeks were slightly flush, the smell coming form her was almost unbearably delightful, and the little mead he had drank was already making him 'happy'.  spoke, "So, Aurora, tell us more about yourself, do ya have other brothers and sisters? Who is your mother and father?"

Aurora's smile was huge when she saw Sionn's face on the phone.  She was excited to tell him what was going on and happening.  When he told her he loved her she felt her heart skip a beat and told him the same then hung up.  She grinned at Lexy's words, hoping that she was right.  Something Sionn had said to her when she'd offered herself to him had stayed in the back of her mind, bugging her.  Still....she was ecstatic to hear from him and it showed.

She followed Lexy back to the house, her nose twitching at the aromas filtering out.  Her stomach grumbled.  She laughed when she heard a bark from Beau and a happy cry from Eryn up above.  She'd seen the look on the big wolf's face when Lexy had told him and Eryn where there was good hunting and knew that she wouldn't see either of them for a few hours.  She went inside and saw Ean....saw him flush when their eyes met and she too blushed a light pink, looking away as the thought of hearing Sionn's voice and how much she loved him.  But she couldn't deny the attraction she felt for Ean, thinking that it was just an attraction due to him being her trainer.  

She smiled at Lexy and Ean's banter, relishing in the easiness of their play.  It was warm, loving and welcoming.  She delicately put a piece of lamb in her mouth and chewed him, closing her eyes at the tastiness of it when Lexy asked her about what she'd like to eat.  She thought about the venison steaks and sandwiches her mother had taught her to cook.  But before she could say anything Lexy asked her about her family and she grew quiet, thinking about everything her mother had neglected to tell her.  

"I have no siblings, Lexy....and my father died when I was little in a coal mining accident."  She picked at her food now, her face that of sadness.  "Since leaving my mountain home I have found out just how little my mother told me about my heritage....about me."  She looked up at Ean then over at Lexy.  "My father was Henry Jameson. I don't know very much about him, only that he loved my mother more than his own life and he was from Scotland. Momma did tell me that he had druid blood or he was from druids....something like that. Other than that....other than me and my mother...I have always been alone. From people anyway....animals and I have always gotten along." She gave both of them a sad smile, "It's not much....my life has never been interesting." She then took another bite of the lamb. "Lexy...you're cooking is wonderful. As for anything else...I can cook venison...and I love to bake. Maybe sometime I can make the two of you supper....you'll have to take me into the village for some things.....but I would love to cook for both of you some night."

Lexy and Ean listened to her tell her short tale about her life and as she finished Lexy looked at Ean who returned her glance and stood up, walking out of the room. Aurora watched him leave with curiosity on her face and as she looked across at Lexy she was met with a sympathetic gaze and Lexy’s hand extended across the table, coming to rest on top of Aurora’s. She squeezed the top of Aurora’s hand and smiled, but didn’t say anything until Ean returned. He knelt beside Aurora and placed a thick, leather bound book on the table. He opened it and pointed to a picture of a man which was inset to a picture of a mine that looked like it had exploded with incredible force and collapsed. The image was clipped out of a local newspaper and Ean pointed, “Is that him?”

The image looked like a similar image that Aurora had seen as a child and she nodded. Ean looked at Lexy and then to Aurora, “Your father was in fact a Druid, but Henry Jameson was no killed in an accident, he was murdered.”

Lexy spoke up, “It happened when Ean was very young, and before I was born,”

“Aye, but I remember the ruckus it caused. I was too young to know much better, but I do remember Mum and Da’ being very concerned and there was a higher awareness of strangers for a while. Funny thing, he was no killed by any of the factions of the light, it is still held that he was killed by his own, but nobody knows for sure. I wish we could tell you more than that.”

Lexy half smiled, wishing she could add more but had no more information to offer.  She stood and walked over, kneeling beside Aurora and hugged her tightly. It was obvious this news was not sitting well and Lexy could feel it. She buried her face in Aurora’s neck and half sobbed as she spoke, “I’m sorry Aurora, I really am. The last thing I would ever do is upset you.”

She inhaled deeply and continued, “Whipsy told me about your bloodlines after our workout session today, I didn’a know that your father was a Druid. There’s still a lot to piece together, and Mum and Da’ can probably help if we ask them to come over tomorrow, but I will leave that up to you. I know if this was all just dropped on me I would need time to sort it out, but I will call them if you wish.”

She pulled back and her pink, slightly swollen eyes from holding back the tears looked into Aurora’s. She smiled sympathetically and stood, scratching Aurora between the shoulder blades before returning to her seat. Ean took his seat again too and spoke, “We’ll help however you need us to Aurora, you have my word.”

Aurora looked at the picture of her father, wondering what it meant. Why would Ean and Lexy have a photo of him? Then Ean told her and she stilled. Her face, at first, reflected disbelief then shock. She looked back and forth at the two of them, unable to speak. When Lexy hugged her she just sat there...not from being rude but from the shock of finding out that her father was indeed a druid and that he was murdered by his own kin. She barely heard Ean's words after he too sat back down, her hands at first folded in her lap her head down. A tear slid down her golden cheek and dropped onto the rim of her plate, her long hair hiding her face. Finally, she looked up and her dark eyes were filled with a great sorrow that she couldn't contain. But there was also a rage hiding behind that sorrow.

"Excuse me....I'm sorry, but I have to get out of here", she said as she rose so quickly she knocked the chair she'd been sitting in backwards with a 'BANG!'. She ran out of the house neglecting to gather her jacket, her feet carrying her fast and far from the news she'd just been told. Her mother had told her that her father had been of druid blood but now other things were coming back to her. Things that she hadn't thought were important before but they were now. Her mother hiding her after her father had died. Hearing her mother arguing with someone at night....sometimes an orange glow showing from beneath her closed door. There was one time when her mother had made her hide inside one of the oldest trees in their mountain, chanting in her Native tongue for the tree to guard and protect Aurora. She'd hidden there for 3 days and nights, hungry, scared, alone and cold. Not knowing what was going on. Did Arawela know? Was that why she was so intent on destroying her? If she had Druid blood running in her veins...what did that make her? Was she good? Was she truly evil deep down?

Finally, she stopped, not having any idea where she was. She couldn't see the house or barn anymore, but she could hear the sound of the lake. She realized then that she'd run over a few kilometers from Ean and Lexy's home, seeing nothing but hills and green grass around her with the sound of the water from the lake hitting the shores not too far from her. Right there, in the middle of a glenn....she collapsed, sobbing. She didn't know how long she lay there crying but she didn't even notice how chilled it was becoming nor the animals gather around her to offer her comfort. Hares, foxes, even a badger circled around her. A red doe approached her, nuzzling her cheek with her cool, wet nose. But it did no good....Aurora was beyond comfort. She cried.....even screamed a couple of times, yelling at her mother for not telling her. For keeping her in the dark like she did.

It was growing dark and still she laid there, the animals gathered around her trying to keep her chilled body warm while guarding her. She was in shock...her mind and body having had more than it could handle the past few weeks. Soon, she heard Eryn's cries from a distance......Ean's voice hollering for her. But she didn't move. She just didn't have the strength at that moment. She lay there, staring at the grass, hiccupping from the sobs she cried for more than a couple of hours, her voice hoarse from her screams at her mother. The animals didn't move when Beau ran up to her, in fact they closed in tighter around her, causing Beau to growl low in his throat, but the red doe stood her ground at the front of the circle, pawing at the ground at him. She shook her delicate head at him, as if telling him she didn't need the scolding he was more than likely going to give her.

Beau stopped growling, bowing his head to the doe, letting her know that he understood and would not scold the small woman the doe had clearly put under her care. He turned his massive head to see Ean coming and gave a 'woof' as Eryn circled above, showing him where Aurora was, seeing Lexy coming up at a distance with what looked like a makeshift medicinal bag.

Whipsy screeched as she circled high above and came to land beside Erin on an out cropping of rock which overlooked the small glen where Aurora lay on the ground. She rubbed her head against Erin's neck and then pruned her feathers non-chilantly as Erin watched Lexy and Ean approaching. She spoke to Erin's mind as she nipped at her flight feathers and straightened them, ~ "Your charge is brave of spirit, but her heart hurts for the knowledge she did not receive growing up."~ Erin chortled in response and blinked as she looked at Whipsy, then back to Aurora, sobbing into the peat and surrounded by animals. ~" You have done very well with her, guiding her. I do not envy your position, to be given a charge that was given so little to start her on the path places the onus on you to see her walk rightly, I look forward to watching her and seeing her advance in her training. Her first steps will be more difficult than most, but I have expectations of seeing her succeed. "~ Whipsy brushed the top of her beak against Erin's and then launched into the air, circling high above and keeping an eye out across the darkening landscape.


Lexy and Ean came up and the red deer looked square at Lexy who smiled and waved her hand gently before the animals face, the deer moved a leg out in front of her and bowed her head respectfully before stepping aside so Lexy could get to Aurora. Ean made a small step towards Aurora and the deer pawed the ground and looked directly at him, "Lex, could ya..." Lexy looked up at the deer and then over her shoulder to Ean, "I can no account for ya Ean, she is new to this area, she does not know me yet, she only trusts me because I told her Aurora was my friend. Best to no rile her up, just stay back and be patient... I just hope I remember how to do this right, Elizabeth is the one who knows all this healing business..."

She reached into the satchel and removed a small bottle, stopped with a glass cork. She dipped her finger within and touched it to the back of Aurora's neck. She gasped as the magic filled her and rolled onto her back coughing. Lexy reached down and rubbed another strip of the ointment on Aurora's forehead and smiled warmly, "There ya be lass, it's good to have you back."

The animals began to move away now that Aurora was coming to and Ean stepped in, kneeling beside her, "Ya gave us a right shock there lass, Whipsy came and told Lexy that we needed to come quickly." As Aurora looked she would see that he was wearing his leather armor, and his sword was strapped to his side, he had come ready to fight for her should she need it. He smiled and brushed a small lock of hair off her forehead. "Ahem," Ean looked up and Lexy subtly raised her eyebrows. Ean nodded ever so gently and looked back down at Aurora, "Are you strong enough to stand?"

As they helped Aurora to her feet they made their way back to the house, and settled in for the evening.


It had been seven days since the events on the shores of Loch Lomond. Aurora had trained hard and dedicated herself to her studies. She was still five swords away from the end of the rack, but she had advanced three swords from where she had started. Ean would watch her closely, correcting her body position as necessary, and when he could see she was swinging her sword a little too fast he would replace it with the next heavier one in the rack. The very last sword in the rack was metal, and Ian could tell she was determined to get to that one, however he also cautioned her about giving her body the proper recovery time so her muscles could strengthen properly, and to focus on technique and form over which sword she was holding in her hand.

"To'it Lex, over here."

Lexy looked up from her concentration, in the middle of a form, and walked over looking up at him, "Aye my Liege?"

"Cute... position."

She looked at the middle of the mat and then back to him, "Aye?"

He nodded and then turned to Aurora, "There lass, stand across from her on that line."

Aurora had seen Ean and Lexy stand on the sparring mat, but this was the first time he had asked her to do it. Lexy replaced her real sword with a wooden one and then took her place on the line, starring across at Aurora. She smiled, clearly this was friendly, there was no aggression. "To'it!"

Lexy brought up her sword and locked eyes with Aurora, watching her closely, seeing the position of her body, watching for the weak spot to move into, "Go!"

Lexy immediately swung around behind Aurora and in a move like lightening disarmed her and drew her wooden blade gently across her back. Ean spoke, "Watch your opponent at all times, see how she tilts, ever so subtle movements can mean a world lost to death."

He turned to Lexy, "Easier on her lass, it's her first time." Lexy raised an eyebrow, "Were you ever easy on me?" Ean furrowed his brow and spoke, "This is different." Lexy did her best to stifle her smile and responded, "Is it now?"

Ean blushed, and pointed to the lines. Aurora looked across at Lexy, gripping the sword tightly and Lexy whispered, "Not so tight, relax on the blade, allow it's weight to be an extension..."

"WHISHT!"

Lexy glanced sideways at Ean and then back to Aurora, rolling her eyes, "Go!"

Lexy faked an attack and the slipped sideways as Aurora went to block, coming to the side her blade slipped in between Aurora's elbow and wrist, tapping her gently in the ribs beside her heart. Her face went downwards and Lexy walked over, "Don't be discouraged lass." She hugged her friend tightly and whispered in her ear, "I started when I was six, and I didn't win a spar for eleven years." She kissed Aurora on the cheek in a sisterly manner and stepped back, looking at Ean, "Enough Ean, she's only been at this a week."

He looked at his sister and then to Aurora, "You're right, I am sorry Aurora, let's build on your forms and movements more before we try that again."

As the day wound down Lexy walked over to Aurora and smiled, "You are doing very well sister, tomorrow I will take you to the bow range and we can shoot."

Aurora had concentrated on training since the evening she'd learned about her father. She'd barely talked to Sionn....unsure as what to tell him about her father. She opted to tell him what little she knew, hearing him tell her he'd find out what he could. With the training and what he was doing with Torri, their conversations were short at best. She was also becoming more and more aware of Ean with their training....and she felt guilty for it, still telling herself it was only because he was her trainer....he knew how to be a sentinel. Because when she heard Sionn's voice, her heart skipped a beat and she felt the love over the phone.

She was also becoming closer and closer to Lexy. She was like the sister she'd never had and she found herself beginning to laugh more with the Scottish woman. After their sparring match that afternoon...she was a little discouraged but Lexy quickly took care of that with her sharp wit and warm smile. Mentioning spending time at the bow range also lifted her spirits and she smiled. She looked forward to that.

She watched Lexy help Ean, having already told them she needed to call her mother. She didn't see the looks of sympathy from them as she walked out of the barn, standing just outside the large door. She dialed the number on the international cell phone Ean had gotten for her when she'd first mentioned talking to her mother the day after she'd found out about her father.

"Hi Mom.......Yeah, I'm fine......Mom....Mom....MOM!.....I need to ask you about Dad." There was silence for a few minutes then she spoke again. "Why didn't you tell me, Mom?....You know what I'm talking about......Dad and the accident.....and him truly being a druid.....it doesn't matter how I found out, Mom. Only that I did find out.....Why didn't you tell me?"

A little over an hour later she hung up, leaning up against the outside wall of the barn, wiping away tears. She was angry, hurt, and feeling betrayed all at the same time. She turned to see Ean and Lexy come out of the barn, worried looks on both of their faces as they looked at her. "I need a cup of hot tea and a hot bath but before those two things I need to talk to you both."

She headed for the house, entering and sitting down at the kitchen table while Lexy fixed some tea. "Mom and Dad were never supposed to be together apparently. Dad's family forbade it but he didn't listen to them, loving Mom as much as he did. When I was born, they came after him, mom and me. Said I was an abomination for being born of a Sentinel and Druid and there was a contract, so to speak, put out on Dad. When Dad was killed...murdered.....there was a message left for Mom. She was told that I was next...", Aurora could no longer hold back the tears as they silently fell down her cheeks. "They were willing to let Dad have his fun with Mom so long as no children came of the union. Mom ran back to her home in the mountains....hid me the best she could." She took a deep breath. "Apparently some of the druid families wanted me dead while others wanted me for themselves, believing that I would be something stronger than any of them had ever seen. They wanted me to be raised as a druid and not a Sentinel." Aurora rose from the table, walking to the sink to look out the window, wiping the tears from her cheeks before turning to look at both Ean and Lexy. "What am I? What does this make me? Am I playing at being good only to find out later that I am truly evil with druid blood in my veins?" She looked directly at Ean then. "What am I? Who am I? Why won't my mother tell me everything I should know? I can feel that she is still keeping things from me." Again, she took a deep breath, letting it out as she dried her eyes. "Well....what I do know is that I am a Sentinel. I will never be a Druid...I want nothing to do with people who would kill one of their own just because he fell in love. But....what does this mean?" She shook her head as if to clear it. "I know what I am...I am a Sentinel. But who am I? What will I be able to do? How is it that I know certain chants that I've never been taught? Is that my Druid blood? Or is it something else?"

Ean and Lexy stayed silent and allowed Aurora time to process and talk it through. Anytime she looked at Lexy she smiled supportively, and Ean looked as if he wanted to wrap her in his tree trunk arms and hold her, however he refrained knowing that Lexy would tan his hide if he tried. As she finished and turned to them and posing her rhetorical questions Lexy stood form her chair, touched Ean on the arm to slip by him and walked over to Aurora.

She grabbed Aurora’s hands and held them between the two of them, squeezing gently, “You are EXACTLY as you are supposed to be, and no different.”

Aurora looked at her and Lexy smiled warmly, “It is a great wonder, who are we, what are we here for… why are ANY of us here lass? The logic argument of why we as Sentinels, or Arbiters, or Grey, Stormborn, Druids… what have you, are here remains a mystery to all of us, but we are here, and we walk our path. I don’t believe in destiny, I believe in choice, but there is a measure of what is going on in here that can’t be denied,” She touched Aurora gently, right above the heart, “What I saw last week, the way those animals surrounded you and tended you until another whom they could trust arrived says one thing, you are no Druid. There are very few animals that will do the bidding of a Druid, obviously ravens, crows, rats, those that humanity as always seen as carrion or vermin, well there’s deeper roots as to the why of all that. But no red deer or squirrel or hare ever would willfully approach a Druid, and lass, you were COVERED in fur.”

She smiled and reached up, gently wiping a tear off Aurora’s cheek, “We will help you find the answers to your questions, but know that some questions may never be answered,”

“Or should they.”

The three of them turned with a start. A woman was standing near the doorway, looking at the three of them. Aurora would not feel threatened by the intrusion and immediately she would know why.

“LIZZY!”

Lexy jumped up and practically knocked the woman over. She laughed and stroked the back of Lexi’s hair, there there lass, it is grand to see you as well. Ean walked over with a smile and grabbed Lexy by the shoulder, “All right ya great selfish fish, give others a chance,” Lexy stepped back and her face was beaming with happiness. Ean grabbed the young lady and hugged her tightly, “It is good to see you Liz,” The young woman buried her face in Ean’s chest and spoke, “It is good to see you as well.”

She stepped back and looked at Aurora. As she walked towards her Aurora would see her resemblance to Ean and Lexy, “You must be Aurora, I am Elizabeth Anne, Ean and Lexy’s sister.”



She smiled, and though her smile was full of warmth, her eyes were slightly more distant in their gaze. It was not any sort of mistrust, be more of academia and not just seeing Aurora on the surface. She looked her over a moment and then turned to Ean, “I can see why you fancy her, she’s as beautiful as you described.”

Ean immediately went as red as a beet and cleared his throat. Lexy burst out laughing so hard she practically doubled over and Elizabeth gave littler more than a small smile. Turning back to Aurora she spoke, “I am sorry lass, I do not mean to joke at your expense, it’s just… well our brother has a wonderful wee habit of loving lasses form afar.”

Lexy cleared her throat and spoke, “Aye, but what Ean may have neglected to tell you is that our Ms. Aurora here is dating Sionn McGhee.”

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow and turned to look at Aurora, her eyes were suddenly sad, but she covered it quickly, “Is that so…” she let a small smile cross her lips and continued, “Well, I certainly wish you happiness in that.”

She turned to look at Ean who was still trying to return to his normal color, “Brother, would you be so kind as to take my bag to my room?”

Ean moved like a shot, grabbing her bag and retreating to any other part of the house he could that would relieve his embarrassment. Liz watched him leave and the turned to Lexi, “Is there tea on?”

“Of course Liz!”

With excitement Lexy was off fetching Elizabeths tea as she almost glided over to the table and sat down, looking across at Aurora, “I apologize if I startled you, I do no get many opportunities to surprise my older brother and younger sister, I assure you that my intentions were not to frighten or embarrass you.”

She smiled, and it was genuine. She began to remove her snow white gloves and folded them neatly, placing them on the table in front of her. She continued to look across the table and study Aurora. The gaze was not in the least judgmental or assuming, it was purely curiosity. As Lexy returned with the tea Elizabeth smiled and nodded, “Thanks love.”

She took the tea and sipped it, smiling as she swallowed and then turned to Aurora, “So, you are the lass from the Americas who Arawela has been giving the business, we will have to see what we can do to put a stop to that.”

There was a lace of authority in her words, deep and full of purpose. It would be obvious she wasn’t giving lip service. Ean returned and she looked at him with a smile, “It is nice to see your cheeks back to normal brother.”

Lexy's words had the desired effects on Aurora as she relaxed. What Lexy said made sense....the animals that had protected her the week before would not have gone near a druid. But that also brought the memory of Erebus and the butterfly and she wondered if there was more to Erebus then just being a druid. Before she could tell Lexy and Ean about Erebus she heard a voice asking another question to what Lexy had said to her about not finding answers to some of the questions. She did jump though when Lexy screamed the woman's name, smiling at her's and Ean's obvious happiness at seeing this person.

She felt a short burst of jealousy when Ean hugged the woman to him, holding her protectively until the woman introduced herself standing before her. So this was the Elizabeth Lexy had mentioned from time to time. Their sister. Aurora smile at the gentle woman, finding that she liked her instantly the same way she did with Ean and Lexy. She lowered her head though when she made the comment to Ean about what he'd said about her to his sister, turning just as red as Ean did as she shifted from foot to foot. But when Lexy mentioned Sionn she noticed the look of sadness that came and went in Elizabeth's eyes and filed it away to ask her about it later.

She sat down across from Lizzy as she watched her sip her tea, listening to her. "How do we go about stopping her, Elizabeth? She is so strong and I am....well....I know what I am I just don't know exactly what I can do. With me being half Druid..is that going to cause problems or help me? Or do I just not worry about it at all." While Lexy was gathering things for making dinner and Ean was helping her while Elizabeth was quiet, perhaps thinking about what Aurora had asked her, Rory leaned over the table, looking directly at the woman. "Elizabeth....when Lexy mentioned Sionn McGhee I caught a look of sadness in your eyes as you looked at me. Why? What do you know that I don't?", she asked her quietly.

Elizabeth sipped her tea as Aurora asked her question about Arawela and she inhaled deeply as she set the cup down, “Well, that’s where we need to do a bit of thinking. You are right, she is strong, and it’s good that you know that. Knowing your adversary and no underestimating them is the first step to figuring out what needs to be done next. The truth is, I don’t know how we are going to stop her,” She saw Aurora’s face dip slightly and she reached across, touching her on the back of the hand. As Aurora looked up she smiled and spoke, “But we will walk that path together, you will no be alone aye?”

Aurora perked up slightly after that comment and Elizabeth continued, “As for your father being a Druid, well the only disadvantage that will bring is if you allow it to be brought. If you have chosen the path of the light, which Ean tells me you have, then you would be wise to no cast spells, especially when you are holding your weapons or wearing metal of any kind. Many have died trying, and it’s a right horrific death at that. Again, I don’t have an answer for you really, you are the first of the light to have a parent of the dark arts, there have been others for certain with a parent of the neutral factions, but I was no able to find evidence of any kind as your situation. For now let us just resolve to unwrap the mystery together, but again, I will be with you every step of the way.”

She picked up her tea and that was when Aurora hit her with the question about Sionn. The cup never made it to her lips and sadness entered her eyes again. She looked up over the rim of the glass at Aurora and could see the deep sincerity of the question lingering in her eyes. Without breaking eye contact she spoke, “Lexy, love?”

Lexy came from the kitchen, “Aye Lizzy?”

“How long until supper?” She turned and looked at Lexy who turned and looked into the kitchen a moment and then back to her, “30 to 40 minutes, why?”

She looked back at Aurora and responded, “I think I will take Aurora for a wee breath of fresh air.”

Lexy smiled and nodded, “Oh aye, there is time for that, I’d come with ya but…”

Liz turned and looked at her with a soft smile, “Aye, it’s fine lass, and I think I would like to get to know her a wee bit.”

Lexy nodded with a wide, bright smile of her own and nodded, “Aye, good idea!”

Elizabeth pushed a smile to her lips again and turned to Aurora, “Come lass.”

She walked with Aurora to the back door and removed a bright green woolen shawl from a hook and then yelled back to her sister, “Lex, I am letting Aurora borrow your shawl!!”

“OH AYE!”

She shook her head at Lexy’s enthusiasm in even letting someone borrow something and then stepped behind Aurora, draping the heavy wool over her shoulders. She opened the door and followed Aurora out into the cool air of late winter. It was damp, but the rain had stopped and she walked side by side with Aurora a short ways until they were overlooking the loch and the house was several acres away. She stopped and in the pale moonlight she turned to look at Aurora, “For starters, please call me ‘Lizzy’, Elizabeth is far to formal for us aye?”

Aurora gave a small smile and a nod. Elizabeth smiled briefly but the smile faded almost as fast as it had arrived, “What I am about to stay must stay between us, I do no want Ean and Lexy catching ear of it, aye?” Again Aurora nodded, her face showing her curiosity. Elizabeth inhaled deeply again and looked out over the loch, “Many years ago, before I went to apprenticeship, Sionn and his family came to visit. I was just days from 20. He was dashing in his leather coat, I could see the slight bumps where his new hammers were hidden. The lot of them came, Mum and Da’ had invited them for the weekend. I had seen Sionn before of course, but it had been a couple years, the memories of his face were flashing and playing in my mind. When they arrived my breath was caught in my chest, I was immediately swoon with him, he looked so smart in his finery. I was young, full of thoughts and dreams, no that there is anything wrong with that as long as you don’t live with your head in the clouds, but I did. The second night he was here, we went for a walk and ended up on that Ben there, in where the rocks dip down into the grasses. He promised me the world, the stars, the sun and moon. He kissed me, and I gave in to his advances. I was so giddy with love and didn’a sleep that night, the thought of his touch plaguing me with smiles and heart flutters.”

She turned and looked at Aurora, “The next day, he barely said a word to me, I was confused, his words form the night before still echoing in my ears, but his actions ripped at my heart like falcons claws…,” She paused and her eyes welled up slightly, “He has no said three words to me since that Sunday, not that there is lots of opportunity mind you, but none the less, it took a few years to figure out what happened. As the rumors of him spread through the circles, all the lasses learned to avoid him.”

She looked at Aurora and her the sadness in her eyes was fleeting, “Ean and Lexy say he has changed, and I want to believe it, for you I want to believe it. I promise you, you will no trip over me if you two are a couple, and I didn’a tell you all this to dissuade you for if he has truly changed he is a good man… but you asked, and I would no lie to a friend who asks a question of me.”

Aurora listened to Lizzy, her heart breaking for her and what Sionn had done to her, finding herself reaching out and giving her a sisterly hug. "I am sorry that he put you through that, Lizzy and I am grateful for your honesty. I know why you told me what happened and while I am naive to the ways of men and this world outside my mountain I do realize now that all is not always as it seems. I can only hope that Sionn is true to me and that he truly does love me as much as I love him. As much as he tells me that he does."

As if on cue, her cell phone rang and she smiled seeing Sionn's face on the screen. "Excuse me, Lizzy", she said as she turned away from the woman. "Sionn...hi.....I miss you too, so much......Yes, I am doing better since finding out about my father......my training? It's going great! I am only 5 swords away from the real sword.....Someone else is here now......Lizzy, Ean and Lexy's sister." She furrowed her brows at the silence on the other end of the phone. "Sionn? Everything okay?.....Okay.... Yeah, I really like her.....She's going to help me figure out what to do about Arawela.....I know, I'll be careful. But she has to be stopped, Sionn and I am indirectly responsible for starting this....I know...I know...but still." They talked for about another fifteen minutes or so before she heard a voice in the background calling his name. "I love you, Sionn and I can't wait til we can be together again." She smiled at his words of love to her, hanging up the phone and standing there for a few minutes before heading back to the house.

She walked inside to the aroma of lamb stew and took in a deep breath. "It smells wonderful Lexy. I was wondering if I could cook for you tomorrow evening? I would need to go into the village for a few things if that's okay. I thought of fixing American spaghetti with a salad and garlic bread." She smiled at Lizzy and Lexy then turned to Ean, her gaze lingering a little longer before she turned away. Something was bothering her....something about Sionn and something in his voice when they'd talked. But, this time she made the excuse that it was due to what Lizzy had told her and not what she feared.

As Aurora finished up her call Elizabeth walked back over to her. It was obvious she had put enough distance between them to not overhear. She smiled and took Aurora’s hand, “I have been thinking, I told you I don’t want to dissuade you from Sionn, people CAN change. We all make mistakes, and maybe, just maybe, Sionn has realized that his life up to now has been full of some bad decisions and behaviors.”

Suddenly Aurora’s eye brightened a little and she relayed the story to Elizabeth about how she had offered herself to Sionn, and how he had refused to do it, not wanting to walk down that path with her and to be a changed man. Elizabeth smiled warmly, it was the most optimistic smile Aurora had seen from her yet and she nodded with a whisper, “You see there lass, it sounds like he IS trying to change.”

They walked back to the house and the smell was nothing short of divine. As they sat and ate Ean once again broke out the mead and offered some to all, Lexy accepted, as did Aurora, but Elizabeth shook her head, “Thank you, but I will stick with tea.”

“That Mentor of yours softening ya up lass?”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes on him and spoke, “No Ean, but I like to have a clear mind.”

Ean laughed, clearly he had already had a couple glasses and was buzzed, “Oh aye, you wizards and your clear minds… what good does that do when trying to unwind from a long day aye?”

Ean was leaning back in his chair and with a very subtle, barely seen flick of Elizabeth’s finger he tipped back just far enough that the two rear legs snapped under his weight, sending him backwards and crashing to the floor. Lexy spit her wine out she started laughing so hard and Elizabeth non-chalantly brought her tea to her lips, looking over the rim of her glass and winking at Aurora. She set the tea down and looked over the table at Ean, rolling on the floor to get himself off the busted chair, “Looks like ya need to be a little more careful there brother.”

Ean get to his knees and looked at her, “You did it!”

Elizabeth feigned innocence and brought her hand to her chest, “I would never Ean!”

He looked at her suspiciously and cocked his eyebrows, “I know ya did, I can see it in your eyes.”

Elizabeth leaned forward onto her elbow and looked across the table at him as she rested her chin on the palm of her hand and drummed her fingers against her cheek, “Perhaps I am just trying to unwind from a hard day brother.”

Ean started laughing and shook his head as he got to his feet, getting another chair and sitting back at the table.

--

The next morning Elizabeth walked out to see Ean, Aurora and Lexy working up breakfast in the kitchen. Her hair was a complete mess and she yawned as she looked out the window, her face suddenly going pale, “Oh gawd…”

As the family looked up and followed her gaze they saw Sionn, getting out of his car and walking to the house. She turned to look at Ean who shrugged, “I had no idea he was coming.”


Aurora had the same look of shock on her face, Elizabeth went pale and without a word excused herself from the area and back to her room. There was the expected knock on the door and as Ean opened it Sionn smiled, “Lad! What a surprise, it’s good to see you aye!”

Ean embraced Sionn and welcomed him in. Immediately he walked over to Aurora and wrapped his arms around the small of her back, picking her up off the ground and kissing her deeply after bringing her face up level with his. He set her down and rubbed a hand on her face, “It is so good to see you love.”

He turned to Lexy who smiled and whispered, “Good morning Sionn.”

Sionn smiled warmly, “Good morning to you too Lexy, my, what has it been, two years or so?”

She nodded but remained silent. Sionn turned to Ean and thumped him on the chest, “Aye the only one of you I get to see that often is this lug over here aye!”

Ean nodded with a laugh and spoke, “We were just about to sit and eat, would ya like to join us?”

The four of them went to sit and a couple minutes later Elizabeth came out, her hair was loosely pinned up and she was out of her night clothes, clearly her recession to the back of the house was just to get decent rather than make herself look pretty. She stopped and looked at Sionn who looked up at her and smiled, “Lizzy, good morning.”

She leveled a glance at him, her face was plain, no smile or frown, just simple, “Good morning to you as well Sionn McGhee.”

He knew her face, and why she looked at him so. He looked at Aurora and squeezed the back of her hand gently, “Would you all excuse me? If she is willing, I would like to have a word with Elizabeth, alone if that is alright.”

Aurora would see it immediately, he wanted to apologize to her. She had seen that same look on his face when he wanted to be more serious to her. Ean and Lexy had slight looks of confusion on their faces but Ean spoke, “Aye, of course Sionn, if it is alright with Liz.”

Liz inhaled deeply and nodded ever so slightly,  “Aye, that would be fine.”

Sionn gave Aurora’s hand another gentle squeeze and smiled as he stood and opened the door for Elizabeth and followed her out into the morning air. Lexy looked over at Ean and spoke, “I wonder what that’s all about?”

Ean shrugged and stabbed at a sausage, “perhaps he has some news about the Poe’s and needs her academic opinion.”

The both went back to their food and talking, but as Aurora looked out the window she would see Sionn, speaking to Liz, and she was nodding, her eyes showed clear signs of crying, even from this distance. As he talked he reached and spoke more, and she nodded again. It was several minutes but finally she reached over and hugged him, a very plutonic hug, the type shared between friends. As she stepped back she then suddenly looked more serious and pressed her finger into his chest, Sionn nodded and his face reflected the seriousness of her words.

The door opened again and Sionn walked in, he was smiling and Elizabeth came in behind him, her eyes still slightly red from crying. Ean immediately picked up on it and stood, “What is going on?”

Elizabeth stepped forward and spoke, “It’s fine brother, truly. Sionn and I just had something to discuss from long ago.”

Ean looked from her to Sionn and spoke, “Did you mess about with her?”

Sionn immediately went pale and brought his hands up, “Wait Ean, we were both very young and…”

Ean crossed towards him and Sionn’s eyes went wide. Elizabeth, not much taller than Lexy stepped between them and spoke, “Ean, it’s fine, let it go.”

Ean’s face showed his anger and he looked down at Elizabeth, “What happened? When?”

Elizabeth exhaled deeply and spoke, “It was right before I was 20 Ean, but Sionn has apologized and we have agreed to move on,” she looked at Aurora and there was the slightest hint of a smile, “For everyone’s sake we have decided to move on. Healing can’t happen until there is a mutual agreement of forgiveness.”

Ean looked at Sionn and said nothing, but his gaze was nothing short of threatening. He looked back down at Liz and spoke, “I don’t know if I can…”

She looked up at him and spoke, “He didn’a do it to you Ean, it was mutually agreed upon then to do it, and it was mutually agreed upon just now that I would accept his apology for it. As far as I am concerned the matter is dropped, and we can all get along.”

Ean inhaled deeply though his nose, his chest seemed to swell to twice it’s normal, massive size, “Fine,” he looked right at Sionn, “If you are sincere.”

Sionn raised his eyebrows and nodded, “Oh aye Ean, I assure you that I am sincere.”

He looked over at Aurora and spoke, “I regret my past, because I have discovered how I want to spend my future.”

Aurora sat quietly, eating while Sionn and Lizzy spoke outside, still reeling from the deep kiss Sionn had given her when he'd arrived. She knew that Sionn was apologizing to her for his treatment of her in the past and her swelled even more with love for him for him doing so. When they returned smiled lovingly at Sionn until Ean jumped up. She was tense as she watched, ready to leap to Sionn's defense if needed, but Lizzy took care of things and then she was blushing at Sionn's words to her, smiling.

The rest of the day was spent training. She practiced her moves with the wooden sword, sparred with Lexy almost beating her this time but then they headed to the shooting range where the bow targets were. Aurora instantly picked up a Celtic recurve with a quiver of ten arrows. She followed Lexy with Sionn, Ean and Lizzy not far behind, Ean still casting glares at Sionn. Aurora stood at the twenty-five meter mark and notched an arrow. She drew it back and within a split second of pulling the string back she fired, hitting the target dead center. She turned to look at Lexy who was doing the same. After shooting a full quiver of arrows each, Lexy walked away to gather another quiver of arrows for Aurora, handing it to her. "Show us what ya have", she told her with a grin.

Aurora grinned, now in her element with a bow in her hand. She turned to look at Sionn who was smiling at her and she smiled back. Eryn flew up above, crying out encouragement along with Wipsy. Beau stood next to Sionn, watching his charge with pride in his amber eyes. Aurora didn't even take a breath before she was reaching behind her, grabbing an arrow, notching it and firing so quick that her hand reaching for the arrows was a blur. She was even walking back and forth as she fired all ten arrows within seconds, grouping all ten in a tight circle in the middle of the target. She turned to see Lexy looking at her wide eyed and grinned, shrugging her shoulders. "I am more comfortable with the bow then the sword....what can I say." She laughed then as Sionn came up to her, kissing her soundly. "Well done, love....well done."

Later that afternoon, after taking a shower to wash off the sweat and dirt, Aurora met Sionn out by the barn smelling of lavender and vanilla, dressed in a form fitting pair of jeans and soft sweater, wearing her boots. Her long, dark hair was shining from the cleaning, the sides pulled back and clipped with a Native American barrette.

Lexy, Ean, Sionn and Liz were nothing short of excited while watching Aurora fire her bow. Lexy walked up after Sionn gave his kiss and spoke, “Well lass, I think we know who will be replacing me as Bower, that was simply unbelievable! I am even thinking of having you shoot when off ma’ head.”

With a wink she leaned in and kissed Aurora on the cheek. Lizzy approached and with her hand folded neatly within her shawl she beamed, “That was the most amazing display of bowmanship I have ever witnessed Aurora, though you claim your mother withheld much from you, I can see what she did share.” Liz gave a warm smile and turned as Ean approached. His attitude towards Sionn had softened considerably throught he course of the day, they were after all, friends, but he couldn’t help but a feel a knot of jealousy every time he watched Sionn embrace her, or kiss her, or even look at her the way he was. Deep own he knew that he needed to let it go and accept that Sionn was a changed man, that he truly loved Aurora and he should just be grateful that he was friends with her but…., “Ean?”

“Wh.. Huh?” Elizabeth was touching his massive arm and smiling, “I said, didn’t you think Aurora shot brilliantly?”

Ean smiled and looked from Elizabeth to Aurora, “Oh aye, magnificent! Truly you are more than a natural.”

He smiled and in an awkward unsuredness of what to do he fumbled a moment and then stuck his hand out to shake hers. Sionn smiled and slapped Ean on the shoulder. They cut out early, Ean deciding that they had enough practice for one day and at 2:00 they broke. Elizabeth curled up on the comfortable chair in the living room, a wool blanket over her legs and a book in her lap. She sipped tea and relaxed. Lexy had showered and loosely clipped her hair back and Ean had cleaned up as well. When Aurora came out of Lexy’s room, cleaned, dressed and smelling of lavender and vanilla his heart sunk, though he did his best to hide it. He was not very well versed in the ways of women, but he did recognize when a woman was making herself presentable for a man. He turned so she could not see and swallowed hard. From the living room Elizabeth glanced up and her face was empathetic, he forced a sad smile and spoke, “I’m…a…. I’m gonna retrieve more wood for the hearth.”

Aurora enquired to where Sionn was and Lexy gestured with her head towards the barn as she fussed with her hair, “He’s out in the barn love.”

Aurora gave her smile and Lexy smiled in return, watching her as she crossed the drizzly span between the house and the barn. After she was outside she watched her and spoke to Elizabeth without turning around, “She’s amazing… talented and beautiful aye?”

Elizabeth nodded as she sipped her tea, “Aye, and our brother has himself all twisted up about it.”

Lexy turned and looked at her, Elizabeth was sipping her tea and looking at her as she responded sadly, “Aye… he has always been in Sionn’s shadow.”

Elizabeth set her tea down and shrugged softly, “He will find his way, everyone does.”

Lexy walked over and knelt beside the chair, looking up at Elizabeth, “But when? He pines for her, it’s obvious in his gaze.”

Elizabeth reached over and pushed some of the loose hair back behind Lexy’s ear, “I know love, I know. I am sure he is reeling through all the scenarios in his mind… but what Sionn said to me out there this morning, he truly loves the lass. She has him wrapped up tightly, and he is more than smitten. I would have never expected Sionn McGhee to regret a conquest, but he genuinely did.”

Lexy looked up at her, “I still can no believe you did it with Sionn McGhee.”

Elizabeth cocked her cheek at Lexy and looked at her, “Many women have fallen to his charms lass, I was less a conquest and more a target of opportunity.”

Lexy swallowed hard and sighed, “Well… I am disappointed in you.”

Elizabeth couldn’t help but smile, “I am sure you are, but I assure you he broke my heart enough that I have no made the same mistake again.”

Lexy smiled and turned to look out at the barn again, Aurora had disappeared inside.


Sionn was standing in the training area, his eyes turned to Aurora as she walked in, shy, beautiful, not completely sure of herself… he loved her innocence almost as much as her personality and beauty. As he walked up he caught the scent of her vanilla and lavender, his smile widened and she could almost see the hunger in his eyes as he grabbed her and kissed her deeply. After a long press against her he pulled back enough to look in her eyes and whispered, “I love you Aurora, you were absolutely brilliant out there today.”

Aurora was all but glowing at Sionn's kiss and his words, whispering back to him, "I love you too, Sionn....so much." She took his hand and showed him around the barn with the training arena in the center and then introduced him to the calf she'd helped. "Shaggy.....this is Sionn. Sionn...meet Shaggy. He's a very sweet guy and has kept me company in your absence", she said jokingly. The calf nudged her hand as she reached over the stall door, wanting more petting which she gave him readily. Then she took Sionn's hand again and took him around some more.

Once they were done with the barn, she took him outside, walking in the misty air. Her hair was damp from the mist and her sweater was clinging to her body as she laughed at a joke he'd said to her, taking him to the banks of the lake where the ground was soft and green with few rocks unlike further north up the banks of the lake. "It's so beautiful here, Sionn", she said as she hugged his arm to her body. "I have learned so much from Ean and Lexy....even the truth about my father. But most of all, I am learning to be a Sentinel." She turned her dark eyes up to his green ones, "I am so glad you came. I was missing you so badly and when I saw you out the window this morning my heart all but stopped. I thought I was seeing things." She reached up to cup his cheek with her hand, "I love you, Sionn McGhee."