uni

a visitor comes calling part #10 12/24/06 03:25 Christmas time!!! Never in all of my winters living with the Meadow People, had a celebration of this magnitude taken place nor if the truth be told, had I ever taken part in one. I had thought the winters a cold and desolated time, immersed in studies during the day and hoping for heat during the night. Each day, one yearned for the coming of the spring and the renewal of the meadow. Here?? The Castle fairly bustled with activity! From the turrets on high, to the floors of the keep "Christmas" was everywhere. Sitting next to a roaring fire, its mantle encased in the pine borough branches I had just finished weaving, watching the flames as they danced in the hearth, listening to the crackles and the spitting of the flames, loving the glow of its light as it settled around me. Hearing a noise, I turned, seeing Duncan, his shoulder propped casually against the jam of the door, his arms crossed as he surveys the room. His face awashed in the glow of the light, and for but a moment, I saw something in the shadows of his eyes. Smiling, as he pushed off the door and coming into the room, sitting down, his arms automatically reaching out to place me within the confines of them. His chin resting upon the top of my head as he cradles me close. Nestled so close , I can hear his heart as it beats within his chest and in that moment of complete and utter contentment I knew I could love this man forever. Tears spring to my eyes as I snuggle closer, not wanting him to see . So gentle his large hand as he slipped it under my chin, lifting my head as a single tear slipped down my cheek. "Why the tears wee one? Are yea not happy here?, he asked almost in a whisper. Shaking my head, "Oh Duncan, would that it were, I canna not think of a better place in the whole wide world!" "Then what has you so melancholy on this eve? Tis a time of great joy, me luv, a time when all come together be they serf or Lord , for all is one under their God." Taking a deep breath, as I pushed out of this embrace, standing, wringing my hands in front of me as I started to pace before the fire, "I have made such wonderful friends here, each one unique and all so talented, I feel like a klutz sometimes just being near them. I could sit and listen to them for hours,,, Katy with her wonderful wit in the face of such adversity... Tessa with her charm...Julia, ready with a helping hand and heart... Rue and Silver...their never ending energy to make one laugh even when you are so blue...Subrina... her ability to make one welcome and become part of her clan, when knowing she too has needs that need to be met... My Sweet Kate...who told me of this magical place...of Destiny and Kami...so full of youth and life...Laura Jean and Cindy... so like myself as true romantic hearts always are... Mya...how much fun and adventure she is full of. Laughing now, as I unconsciously rub my bottom, Oh yea Mya, would follow her no matter what the consequences. Of the Lords, who take the time to seek out and be heard.. Ian... his wit and charm, so enjoyable...Mitch...(smiles) his love for the one he calls his...Daniel, how sweet a Lord there never was...The Centurion... his wisdom not matched, his ability to bring about the very best in those that call him friend... Oh yes Duncan, I have much to be thankful for!" "Then what is it that has you in such a state lass?" the concern now in his voice as well as marked across his chiseled features. "YOU!" I shouted then burst into tears, my hands covering my face as I turned to flee the now confining room. Grabbing me by the arm, before I had made it to the door, he stood me before him, his strong hands holding me in place as I tried to wiggle outta his firm grip. "Nay lass, you'll not be leaving this room until you've explained yourself." Twisting violently in his grasp, I only succeeded in making a perfect target for one freed hand and after feeling his had lurking dangerously close to my lil tush, I tried to settle down, only an occasional hiccup catching in my voice. "Duncan, what am I gonna do? I thought I was destined to one but now I find that I am in love with another!" "And this has to do with me , how? he asked with such a perplexed look on his face I almost laughed, almost. "Oh you big Olaf!!! IT IS YOU THAT I AM IN LOVE WITH!" I shouted as I kicked him in the shin, only hurting my foot besides my pride. It took but a moment before I found myself looking at the rushes that lay upon the floor, my skirts and petticoats falling over my back in a swirl of lace as it fell over my face and the first of not too many swats were lay ed down on my wiggling derriere. Gasping, I tired to free myself only to be held in place. So totally shocked I was, I couldn not even utter a word, but softly my tears fell, soaking his leggings as they dropped upon them. Lifting me, he held me out in front of him, my feet dangling off the floor and still he held me there, just starring at my face. I know I had to look quite the sight, my hair in all disarray, my face streaked with tears....and still he held me there... then crushing me against his massive chest, his words came to me like a light in the darkness of the night, "Aye Lass, I too have loved you for such a long enough time, that surely I thought my heart would be breaking with the sight of you with D'Archer. I know not what the future shall bring us, but know this wee one, I shall not be giving you to no other, for upon this most special of nights, you will become mine." As his lips descended and brushed against mine, in that first wonderful, beautiful kiss, so soft, so gentle, so full of promise, so full of the ecstasy to come, I knew not what the future would bring, but I also knew that I had indeed found my destiny.