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Post by fallingn2ct on Jun 14, 2012 14:27:58 GMT -5
I have missed being here LOL! Going to work hard on some updates
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Jul 28, 2012 14:14:10 GMT -5
The next morning it took Ryan several long moments to come to his senses. His body still ached and he was stiff from laying still for so long but he knew he was lucky to be alive. He had seen the fear and relief in Aislin’s eyes the night before and knew how close to death he had come.
He reached across the cot and frowned when he realized that the healer was no longer laying at his side. He blinked his eyes open and smiled slightly when he saw the young woman bustling around the small space.
Ryan opened his mouth to speak but was stopped by a sudden knock on the door. Aislin frowned and the frown deepened when Emmet rushed into the space. The young man was breathless and Ryan knew that something was wrong.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, king Ryan,” said Emmet. The gypsy had to pause a moment to catch his breath and compose himself before continuing. “There are riders on the road and they are heading this way.”
“How many?” asked Ryan while struggling to sit up. Aislin was immediately at his side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and holding him steady. Ryan hated the weakness in his limbs and was determined to look as strong as possible in front of Emmet.
“Two dozen, maybe more.”
“How far away?”
“Two days ride at most. If they ride all night they’ll be here before sunset tomorrow.”
Ryan swore under his breath and felt Aislin’s arm tighten around him. “Why would they be headed here? No one knows of our location. Not even the villagers know of our location.”
Aislin suddenly stiffened next to Ryan and when he turned he saw the color drain out of the healer’s face. “Keith,” whispered the young woman. “They’re coming for Keith.”
Ryan lifted his head to see Caroline step into the wagon behind Emmet. The dancer was pale and wrung her hands together, it was obvious that she had heard every word. Caroline came to sit at the foot of Ryan’s bed and glanced between her brother and Emmet as they discussed their plans.
“Emmet, give the order to pack up. We need to get moving as soon as possible.”
The gypsy nodded and rushed into the camp. Caroline reached for her brother and gasped when he grasped her wrist in an iron grip. His eyes flashed with anger and the dancer swallowed hard as her brother spoke in a low, dangerous voice.
“You foolish girl. If we’re overtaken by the riders then your lover has doomed us all.”
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Jul 29, 2012 8:47:22 GMT -5
Ryan’s words cut like a knife but Caroline stood her ground. “Why do we have to leave? You said it yourself, not even the villagers know the location of the camp. How are the riders going know we’re here?”
“The moment the riders arrive in the village the villagers are going to send them our way as a distraction. Unless Keith has robbed the king himself, the riders will see an entire band of gypsies as a more valuable prize than a lone highwayman.” Caroline’s stomach flipped and she started to stand but Ryan’s hand tightened almost painfully on her wrist. “Don’t you even think about going to warn him. Help the others get packed, we have to get going as soon as possible.”
Caroline tore herself from his grasp and disappeared into the bustling camp. Ryan shook his head and watched as the gypsies packed up their meager belongings. It looked like they would be able to get moving before sunset which would give them about a day’s head start on the riders. As he watched he noticed the footprints that were being left in the mud. It had rained off and on for the past few days and there was thick mud and deep puddles everywhere they stepped.
Swearing under his breath Ryan shook his head. Even if they managed to get away there was no way to hide their tracks which, in turn, would lead the riders right to their new position. Ryan was contemplating sending the women and children ahead while he and his men stayed behind to fight when he felt Aislin squeeze his shoulder.
Turning, he couldn’t help but smile slightly at the healer. His smile faded when he saw the serious expression on her face. “You want to stay and fight, don’t you?”
“How did you know that?”
Aislin smiled slightly. “I know you, Ryan. You and your men will never survive against the riders.”
Ryan let out a sigh and glanced towards the busy camp. “I know but we don’t have any other choice. There’s no way to cover our tracks. I’d rather stand and fight and give my people a chance to get away.”
“Don’t stay behind. Travel with us. The Gods may smile on us yet, it looks like rain.”
Looking out of the window a frown furrowed his brow. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. “Aislin, I have to. I have to give my people a chance to escape.”
The healer took Ryan’s face in her hands and smiled slightly. “Ryan, you nearly died. I had to fight for days just to keep you alive. I will not allow you to throw your life away for such a helpless cause.”
“I am the king, I have to protect my people.”
“I know but I also know that a king has to be there to lead his people. I know you named me as your successor but I could never rule this tribe without you. I don’t want to rule this tribe without you.” Aislin kissed him very gently and felt one of his hands come up to cover hers. “Please, Ryan, come with us. I know how to slow the riders down if it doesn’t rain but don’t sacrifice yourself. I nearly lost you and if you stay behind to fight I’m going to stay behind too.”
Ryan closed his eyes with a sigh, he knew Aislin was right. He was still very weak and knew that there was no way that he could fight. At the moment he wasn’t sure that he could even stand on his own. He just prayed that his people wouldn’t see him as a coward if he didn’t stay behind to fight.
Opening his eyes he nodded slightly. “Okay, we’ll try and outdistance the riders. Let’s just pray for rain.”
Aislin let out a breath of relief and stood before holding her hand out to Ryan. It was a struggle to get him to his feet and by the time that he found his balance he was lightheaded and sweating. Each step was a challenge but his people didn’t seem to mind that Aislin had to assist him to his own wagon. They were thrilled that their king had been pulled from the jaws of death and showered Aislin with praise.
Ryan sat down on the edge of his bed and attempted to catch his breath, he felt like he had been running for ages not merely walking across camp.
Aislin touched his cheek and met his eyes with a smile. “Finish packing up your belongings but don’t overexert yourself. I have to go help Cara and Abby’s family but I’ll ride with you once the procession starts.”
Ryan nodded and watched as his love slipped into the bustling camp. Even though the gypsies had been settled for a long time, they were still able to pack up and get moving rather quickly. As the sun touched the horizon they bid their former home goodbye.
Aislin was good to her word, she swung up onto Ryan’s horse and he climbed up behind her. Wrapping a steady arm around her waist he led his people into the darkened woods. It was slow going, the mud was drying but there were still patches of thick mud and wide puddles that hindered their progress. Each time they paused they were reminded that the riders were getting closer with each passing second.
Ryan struggled to keep his head clear but he was so exhausted that it was nearly impossible. He tried to help the other gypsies when he could but Aislin forbade it and none of the others seemed to mind. Near dawn he felt his eyelids start to droop and he let his head rest against Aislin’s shoulder as they pressed on. The healer smiled when she felt Ryan relax against her and urged the horse forward as the sun began to peek over the horizon.
When Ryan woke the sun was high in the sky and he was stretched out on a dry patch of grass with Aislin’s cloak balled beneath his head. Blinking he slowly sat up, hating the weakness that still filled his limbs. Glancing around he noted that most of the gypsies were sleeping, they had ridden all night, but he knew this respite wouldn’t last. They had to keep moving.
A hand on his shoulder made him turn and he smiled slightly at Aislin. “How long was I asleep?”
“Hours. I didn’t want to wake you. You’re body is still healing and you needed the rest.”
Ryan nodded and accepted the bit of bread and cheese that she handed him. He picked at the food and eventually gave the rest to Abby who came to sit on his lap. Aislin disappeared to check on something within the caravan and could help but smile when she returned to where Ryan was resting.
The gypsy king was asleep with his back against a tree and Abby had nodded off as well, safe in the circle of his arms. Her chest tightened when she remembered Ryan’s proposal from the other night. They hadn’t said anything to the others about their betrothal, things had been too hectic. The healer prayed that they would make it through this ordeal alive and perhaps someday it would be her child that Ryan held in his arms.
Shaking the thoughts away she scooped Abby up and returned her to her parents. Ryan had already mounted his horse by the time she returned to the front of the procession and he smiled brightly when she swung into the saddle in front of him. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and urged the caravan forward.
Emmet and the others were on high alert but so far the scouts couldn’t see any traces of the riders. As the sun set Ryan made the decision to keep moving. It was likely that the riders had reached the village by now and he wanted to put as much distance between them as possible.
Aislin was sleeping and he took the time to glance around at his people. They looked tired and a bit sad. Though it was unusual, they had seen their last camp as their home and it was difficult to leave that behind even though they knew it was necessary.
Caroline looked miserable and even though Ryan was still angry he could understand her pain. He had been shocked when she had mounted her horse and joined the caravan, he was sure she would have gone to Keith. There was a chance that Keith could be following them but Ryan had so many scouts posted that it would be nearly impossible to follow them without being caught.
A soft sound from Aislin brought his attention to the front and he tightened his arm around her as she began to stir. “What is it love?”
“I wanted to speak with Caroline. Can we pause a moment?”
“Of course.”
Ryan brought the procession to a halt and pressed a kiss to Aislin’s temple before she jumped down. He watched as she mounted Amethyst and dropped back to join Caroline as the gypsies began to move forward once more. Shaking his head Ryan focused on the path in front of them as he led his tribe towards their new home.
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Post by celticbear on Jul 29, 2012 10:45:36 GMT -5
I feel sorry that Ryan and his clan had to leave! I really feel bad that Caroline had to leave Keith behind! But I have a feeling this story will have a happy ending for both couples! Personally I think Keith would make a Fine Gypsy!
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Jul 29, 2012 16:32:48 GMT -5
Ryan was headed for a camp that was nestled in the foothills of the nearby mountains. There was a river that was close to the camp, a well that was cold and deep, farmland that was ideal and the location was easy to protect. His family had settled there many years ago and would have stayed but after the death of his parents Ryan couldn’t bear to remain there. The thought of returning made his stomach ache but he knew his people would be safe. The location was near several villages which would be ideal for raids and there was a large market outside one village where they would be able to trade.
The only obstacle was the steep ridge they would have to climb then ease down in order to make it into the valley between the foothills. The villagers hardly ever tried to scale the ridge but Ryan knew there was a path, you just had to know where to look for it. The obstacle would slow them down and he prayed that the riders had captured Keith and were on their way back instead of pursuing the gypsies.
The caravan paused for a few hours at the base of the ridge and as the sun dawned they began their ascent. Aislin was still riding Amethyst because the path was too tricky to allow her to ride with Ryan. She kept a sharp eye on Ryan as they began to climb. He was getting stronger but she could tell that he was struggling against exhaustion as he led his people towards their new home
About halfway up the ridge Ryan halted the caravan and as he gazed back towards their former camp his worst fears were realized. There, only a few hours away, were the riders. Despite their head start the riders had caught up with them.
Ryan called Emmet and his men together to formulate a plan. Aislin pulled Amethyst along side them and frowned as she listened to the frantic brainstorming secession. Ryan wanted to send everyone ahead while he and his men stood and fought but Ryan was the only one that knew how to get to the new camp. There was a chance that the gypsies could find it without him but it would be slow going and if the warriors fell the tribe would be overtaken.
“Why don’t we block their path?” interjected Aislin and the warriors turned to face her, no one had noticed her presence until then.
“We could start a rockslide,” suggested Emmet. There was a rather narrow passage at the base of the ridge where the path began. If they blocked this passage then the riders wouldn’t be able to follow them. Of course the riders could clear the rocks away and continue their pursuit.
“A rockslide could work but I was thinking of something more dramatic.”
“Dramatic?” asked Ryan.
“Remember that I told you that the villagers called me a witch because of my little parlor tricks?” The warriors nodded. They had seen Aislin mix various minerals together and toss them in the bonfires to make the flames leap or even change colors. “We can block the path with my tricks just on a larger scale.”
“How?” asked Cody wondering if Aislin’s sense had been damaged by the long nights spent watching over Ryan.
“We’ll need a couple barrels of the homemade liquor, I know we can spare it, and I believe I have enough of the minerals to get the job done.”
“But the ground and trees are still wet, how will they burn?”
“The alcohol will burn and the minerals will keep the fire lit. The sun has been out for the past two days, everything should be dry enough to at least smoke and I know there are patches that will burn. They may be persistent but even the guards can’t ride through a fire and the mountain won’t catch so we don’t have to worry about being pursued by our own defense.”
The group exchanged glances then focused on Ryan. He trusted Aislin and knew that the plan would work if she said it would but his people’s lives were at stake. After seeing the determination in the grey eyes he knew what he had to do.
“Okay, let’s go with Aislin’s plan. What do you need us to do?”
A hour later Aislin was putting the finishing touches on her concoction. Two barrels of homemade liquor blocked the path and were surrounded by dozens of small pouches of Aislin’s minerals. She pulled the dagger from her waist and drove it into each barrel, allowing a small trickle of the liquor to escape. After inspecting her work she nodded then turned to meet Ryan and the others. The gypsy king was holding a torch in one hand and the reins of his horse in the other.
“But the ground and trees are still wet, how will they burn?”
“The alcohol will burn and the minerals will keep the fire lit. The sun has been out for the past two days, everything should be dry enough to at least smoke and I know there are patches that will burn. They may be persistent but even the guards can’t ride through a fire and the mountain won’t catch so we don’t have to worry about being pursued by our own defense.”
The group exchanged glances then focused on Ryan. He trusted Aislin and knew that the plan would work if she said it would but his people’s lives were at stake. After seeing the determination in the grey eyes he knew what he had to do.
“Okay, let’s go with Aislin’s plan. What do you need us to do?”
A hour later Aislin was putting the finishing touches on her concoction. Two barrels of homemade liquor blocked the path and were surrounded by dozens of small pouches of Aislin’s minerals. She pulled the dagger from her waist and drove it into each barrel, allowing a small trickle of the liquor to escape. After inspecting her work she nodded then turned to meet Ryan and the others. The gypsy king was holding a torch in one hand and the reins of his horse in the other.
Aislin pulled herself onto Amethyst and took the quiver of arrows and bow from Emmet. She had dipped three arrows in tar and was going to use them to light the fire. The minerals would explode as the fire hit them and she wanted to be as far away as possible.
Ryan had mounted his horse and sent his men ahead as he pulled up beside her. There was so much that he wanted to say to her but he couldn’t find the words. Instead he threaded his fingers through her hair and kissed her deeply. Aislin gave in to the kiss and smiled when they were forced apart for air.
He handed her the torch and gently stroked her cheek. “I love you, Aislin.”
“I love you too, Ryan. Now go on. I’ll catch up, Amethyst knows the way.” Nodding, Ryan turned and headed towards the caravan.
Aislin took a deep breath and led her horse forward until she was about a hundred yards from the blockade. She wedged the torch between two straps of leather on the saddle and praised Amethyst when she didn’t react.
Lighting one of the arrows she calmed herself and took aim. She was exhausted but she took her time and waited until her hands stopped shaking before pulling back on the bow. The arrow flew and hit home but didn’t catch right away. Quickly she loosed another arrow then a third, watching as the flames licked at the bags of minerals.
After watching for a few seconds she knew something was wrong. The flames weren’t strong enough to burn through the material and the liquor was seeping too slowly. Glancing back at the caravan she made a decision.
Carefully she slid out of the saddle and grabbed the torch. She patted Amethyst’s neck gently and the horse seemed to bow her head. “Thank you for your service, girl. May you have a good, long life. Now go.” Swatting the horse on the backside Aislin watched as she headed up the patch.
As quickly as she could Aislin began to descend the path, careful not to trip over the rocks and roots that jutted up at random intervals.
Ryan was heading towards the front of the caravan when a sound made him turn. He saw Amethyst making her way towards them but Aislin was not on her back. His heart began to pound when he saw the healer, torch in hand, heading down the ridge.
He quickly turned his horse around and raced towards her but the path was too difficult for the animal to move quickly. Eventually Ryan gave up and jumped down, rushing towards the young woman.
Even though he was still weak, Ryan practically flew down the steep slope but he was too late. Aislin was already at the base and he was too far away to stop her. “Aislin, don’t!” he called and the healer turned to face him.
She gave him a sad smile before bending down and holding the torch to one of the bags. There was a pause wherein time seemed to stop then a huge explosion ripped through the air as the fire, minerals, and liquor blended together.
Ryan was thrown backwards by the blast and it took him a second to regain his senses. “No…” he whispered when he saw the damage. Aislin’s plan had worked perfectly. Even though the grass and trees were still a bit wet, they either smoldered or burned, fed by the minerals and the liquor. There was no trace of the healer and Ryan started to go towards the fire when a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
“She’s gone,” said Caroline. There were tears in the dancer’s eyes but Ryan ignored her.
“No, she’s still there, I know it.”
Two more sets of hands on his arms, Justin and Ethan’s, held him back and he struggled against their grip.
“She’s still there! I know she’s still there! Aislin! I know you can hear me! Aislin!”
By now the entire caravan had stopped and watched the tragedy unfold. There were many tears shed, the healer had become a good friend to them and to watch their king break down was heart wrenching.
“No…you can’t leave me, Aislin. You can’t…”
Ryan’s struggles eventually slowed as he sank to his knees, sobs wracking his body as the reality of the situation hit him.
“Please, Aislin come back. My love…come back…”
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Post by celticbear on Jul 29, 2012 20:50:35 GMT -5
NO! AISLIN can't be DEAD! I have Hope in my heart that she survived! UPDATE SOON! PLEASE!
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Post by savannahsmiles on Jul 30, 2012 16:52:10 GMT -5
I've really enjoyed your writing of this story!!! I'm freaking out over Aislin, I hope she's going to be okay!! Thanks for sharing your story!!
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Post by laurenne on Jul 31, 2012 16:41:20 GMT -5
Aislin can't be dead. It's impossible, she just can't be.
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Aug 2, 2012 9:20:59 GMT -5
Days melted into weeks and spring slowly submitted to summer. The gypsies had settled into their new home in the valley and seemed to be content with the location. It was easy to defend, ideal for raids, the farmland was rich and there were several vendors in the nearby market that didn’t mind trading with gypsies.
The weather was beautiful but the sun’s rays could not penetrate the dark cloud that hung over the tribe. It had been nearly three months since they lost Aislin at the pass and many of the gypsies were still mourning her. Meara’s eyes didn’t light up the way they used to and she was more reluctant to tell her stories around the fire, opting to stay hidden away in her wagon. Little Abby was heartbroken and had cried for days after the incident and instead of playing with the other children she was often found with Meara learning how to become a leigheasóir.
Ryan was hit the hardest by the loss. He still woke at night drenched in sweat as he recalled Aislin’s final moments. Each day passed in a blur for him. He still fulfilled his duties as king but he was numb to everything around him. Emmet had been named successor and once the title was official Ryan had become reckless. He often went on raids alone and was gone for days, he was more withdrawn from the tribe and even though he tried to keep up appearances it was obvious that he was miserable.
Caroline wasn’t dealing with the new situation very well either. Keith had promised to meet her once the gypsies had settled but after such a long time she had forced herself to accept the fact that he wasn’t coming. She prayed that he hadn’t been captured and didn’t try to think about the many reasons why he hadn’t come to join her. On top of that she was struggling to deal with Aislin’s death and the withdrawal of her brother. She was afraid that his recklessness would get him killed and she would be left all alone in this world.
The sun was just beginning to set one evening when Emmet raced into camp. “King Ryan, there are two riders coming over the ridge.”
Ryan was on his feet in an instant. “Are they the king’s guards?”
“I don’t think so. It seems to be a man and a woman. Perhaps they are just on their way to the village and got lost.”
Ryan glanced around at his people and wrapped a hand around the hilt of his dagger. “Perhaps but let’s not take any chances. Let’s meet them as far away from the camp as possible so they won’t have a chance to find it.”
Emmet nodded and the warriors took off into the approaching darkness. The moon was high when the gypsies stepped out of the woods. The two riders had stopped at the base of the ridge and were dismounting when the gypsies approached.
“What do you want?” asked Ryan.
The man glanced towards his companion then nodded at the gypsies. “I’ve come to return something that was lost.” He pushed back the hood of his cloak and a murmur ran through the group.
“Keith? Caroline exclaimed while slipping through the trees. Ryan wanted to admonish her for following them but he knew his words would fall on deaf ears. The dancer flew into the highwayman’s arms with a cry. “I thought you’d been captured or killed. Why didn’t you meet me?”
Keith silenced her questions with a kiss. “I’m sorry I could not come sooner, I was delayed and the fire cut off my access to the pass.” Still keeping his arms wrapped around Caroline, the blonde met Ryan’s eyes. “Like I said before, I had some goods to return.”
The woman at Keith’s side stepped forward and pushed the hood of her cloak back. Ryan felt his knees go weak as the woman’s identity was revealed.
“Aislin,” he breathed.
Even though it was dark the healer’s familiar features were clearly visible. Her hair was cut much shorter, she was thinner, and he could see the gleam of fresh skin where she had been burned and the wounds were healing. None of that mattered to him, his lost love was standing right in front of him.
He took one step forward, then two before Aislin ran into his arms and nearly knocked him over. Ryan clung to her, fearing that she would dissolve into mist before his eyes. The healer hugged him just as tightly as tears stung her eyes. She never thought she’d be able to hold Ryan again and didn’t want to let him go.
“How?” Ryan asked, his voice thick with emotion. “The explosion, the fire…how did you survive?”
Aislin pulled back slightly and wiped Ryan’s tears away with trembling hands. “I suppose the Gods saw it fit to spare me. The explosion threw me away from the fire but with all of the smoke it must have been impossible for you to see me. I was sure I was dead so imagine my surprise when I woke up in a bed with a doctor sitting at my bedside.”
“How?” Ryan asked once more.
Aislin turned to glance back at her traveling companion. “Keith. He saved my life.”
“Caroline had told me where you were going and I was slowly following you but with the riders and your spies it was impossible to keep up. I managed to catch up when you started to climb the ridge and watched as Aislin set the mountain on fire. The riders all fled saying that a group of crazy gypsies wasn’t worth it and I was trying to find a way around the fire to join Caroline when I saw something move.”
His arm tightened around the dancer as he recalled the incident. “There, in the rubble, was a woman. She was burned and bleeding and I knew she had to be a gypsy. Part of me wanted to leave her there but I knew that she had sacrificed herself to allow her tribe to get away and I couldn’t let someone with that much honor die.”
By now Emmet and the others had joined the group and were listening raptly as Keith told his tale. “I know of a good doctor in a village not far from here who knows how to keep his mouth shut. He’s stitched me up enough times for me to trust him. Imagine his surprise when I showed up on his doorstep with a half-dead gypsy.”
He paused and Aislin picked up the tale. “If Keith would have hesitated I would have died. I was near death with the burns and injuries from the explosion it is a miracle that I didn’t die. The doctor worked night and day but it was over two weeks before I even opened my eyes.”
She reached a hand up to touch her hair which had once reached her waist and now barely brushed her shoulders. “My hair had been burned away and my skin was blistered badly. The doctor did the best that he could but I’ll still have scars…”
Her voice trailed off and she turned her gaze away. Ryan gently grasped her chin and forced her to look at him. “You are beautiful,” he whispered before kissing her softly.
“What do we owe this doctor?” asked Ryan after a long pause. “Friend or not, no man performs such miracles for free.”
Keith grinned and rocked back on his heels. “Do not fret, the king himself paid for this miracle.”
Ryan laughed for the first time in months and squeezed Aislin once more before releasing her and walking towards Keith. Slowly he extended his hand and after a pause the highwayman returned the gesture. “I am forever in your debt. Name your price. Whatever you desire you will have.”
The blonde smiled and pulled Caroline into his arms once more. “I desire only one thing. To marry your sister.” The dancer’s eyes widened at Keith’s words and she turned her gaze to Ryan.
The gypsy king glanced from Keith to Caroline to Aislin and back before nodding slowly. “So be it but under one condition.” Ryan walked to Aislin’s side and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Only if Aislin and I can join you at the alter.”
It was the healer’s turn to gape at him in shock. Ryan turned and took her hands in his own. “My biggest regret in this life was not declaring my love for you where everyone could hear. So I ask you again, in front of my family and my men…will you be my queen?”
The young woman didn’t answer, she simply jumped up and wrapped her arms around him. Ryan laughed and picked her up, spinning her around in a circle until she was laughing as well. After sitting her down he kissed her thoroughly until his men cheered and whistled.
Breaking the kiss he pulled Aislin close and met Keith’s eyes over her head. “Come and join us, tonight there is to be a celebration!”
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A week later the entire gypsy tribe gathered to watch what had to be the most unusual ceremony they had ever seen. Even the elders in the tribe were amazed, and a little shocked, to see a gypsy princess wed a highwayman and a leigheasóir wed a gypsy king. Though it was unusual no one could deny the love that shone in the four sets of eyes.
Keith and Ryan both looked extremely handsome in their best but Aislin and Caroline absolutely shone. Both women wore simple dresses, Caroline’s was purple to show her rank and Aislin’s was crimson which was the typical color associated with healers. Caroline’s hair was twisted into a set of complicated braids woven with flowers and even though Aislin’s hair was too short for braids it was held back with a beautiful wreath of wildflowers.
Meara presided over the ceremony and everyone was thrilled to see the light in her eyes once more. Keith had been a little wary of the ceremony as he was unfamiliar with the gypsies’ customs but Caroline eased him through it and Meara dropped hints time from time. After pledging to each other in front of the Gods the two couples deviated from the usual routine. Gypsies didn’t give each other rings or tokens during their marriage ceremonies but Keith had produced to stunning rings from his saddle bag a few days prior. They were gold Celtic knots with a jewel in the center and the gems sparkled in the sunshine as each man slid the ring onto his bride’s finger.
“Ryan Kelly and Aislin McNeely, Keith Harkin and Caroline Kelly…you have pledged your love and your faith to each other in front of your people and your Gods. You are woven together in life and in death, becoming part of the fabric of this world. May your lives be full of joy, happiness and peace,” said Meara. She watched as the two couples turned towards each other, their faces bright with happiness. “Well what are you waiting for, lads? Kiss yer brides!”
The entire caravan cheered and clapped as the two couples shared their first kisses as husband and wife.
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A year had passed since the double wedding and the gypsies were more than pleased with their situation. Aislin made an excellent queen, always fair and willing to listen but stern when necessary. She kept Ryan in line but could always make him smile in even the most dire of situations.
She continued her role as leigheasóir, working alongside Meara and training Abby who already had an impressive array of skills despite her young age.
Aislin was awakened very early one morning by Keith knocking on the door to their cabin. The gypsies had decided to stay in the valley as long as possible so they had constructed cabins, forming their own village, but keeping their wagons just in case they needed to move on.
She wiped the sleep from her eyes and smiled at the nervous young man. “Is it time?” Keith nodded and she woke Ryan before following Keith into the darkness.
Keith and Caroline’s cabin was halfway between the village and the gypsy camp. Once a week Keith went into town to trade and wanted to be close but Caroline couldn’t bear to be too far away from her family.
Aislin was joined shortly by Meara and shooed the men out of the cabin in order to tend to Caroline. After several hours, which seemed like days to those who were waiting, Ryan and Keith heard the cry of a newborn pierce the air.
Meara stuck her head outside and beamed. “It’s a boy! Come in and meet the newest addition.”
Ryan wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist as he watched Keith hold his son for the first time. “What’s his name?” asked Aislin.
“Brendan John Harkin,” replied Caroline and Ryan felt a lump in his throat. Brendan was for Keith’s grandfather and John for their own father.
He turned and kissed Aislin’s temple before placing a hand on her swollen stomach, smiling when he felt their future child kick.
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A handful of years passed and a change came over the gypsy camp. They had decided to stay in one place, forming their own community, instead of constantly traveling around. They still kept their traditions but the raids were fewer and slowly the villagers were beginning realize that they were not a threat and were starting to accept them.
Ryan smiled at his queen from across the camp and watched as Aislin showed Abby the difference between two herbs. The young girl had a knack at healing and had become Aislin’s apprentice. Meara still assisted them but she was getting on in age and was content to let the younger generation take over.
A sharp peal of laughter caught his attention and he looked up to see three children race through the center of the camp. Caroline and Keith’s son Brendan was being pursued by the twins, John and Madison. Ryan and Aislin had been surprised and delighted when not one but two new lives were brought forth one winter’s night. John David Kelly had dark auburn hair and brilliant blue eyes, he had inherited his father’s sense of adventure and his mother’s patience. Madison Anne Kelly had raven black locks and stormy grey eyes, she was fearless like her mother yet possessed the same calm strength as Ryan. Together they made a formidable team.
The gypsy king watched as John forced Brendan into a corner and when the slightly older boy turned to run he was tackled by Madison. The three went down in a tangle of limbs, laughing and smiling all the while.
Caroline and Keith eventually came to the rescue, the dancer tickling Madison until she screamed while the former highwayman “wrestled” with John so Brendan could get away. Brendan pushed his blonde hair out of his face and laughed at the sight, the light making his blue eyes sparkle.
“Not fair!” squealed Madison between laughs. “Father! Aunt Caroline and Uncle Keith are cheating!”
“Is that so?” asked Aislin while joining the group.
“Yes!” exclaimed John while scrambling to his feet.
“Well, we can’t allow cheaters in this tribe, can we?”
Ryan shook his head and attempted to look stern but the smile pulling at his lips gave him away. “Cheaters will not be tolerated. So as punishment I believe Caroline will owe us a dance and Keith will owe us a story around the fire tonight. How does that sound?”
The three children cheered and ran off to get cleaned up before dinner.
“A dance and a story? Your punishment is harsh, brother,” said Caroline while dusting off her skirts.
Ryan laughed and wrapped an arm around Aislin’s waist as they watched the gypsies ready the camp for the evening meal. Keith pulled Caroline close and pressed a kiss to her temple while the dancer reached out and took Ryan’s hand in hers.
The four stood in silence as darkness slowly spread across the valley. For the first time they finally had been granted what they had all been craving from the start.
Peace.
THE END
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Post by savannahsmiles on Aug 2, 2012 21:56:13 GMT -5
I loved this story!! I'm happy that it had a happy ending and the gypsies finally get to settle in one place at peace!! Great job!!!
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Post by celticbear on Aug 3, 2012 11:41:15 GMT -5
Onyx! I knew Aislin could not be dead! Love how you finished this tale! JOB WELL DONE!
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Post by fallingn2ct on Aug 4, 2012 8:41:21 GMT -5
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!
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