by Barbara Bard
Jon looked grim at this news, as did the other people of the small village. Parents began to usher the children away, not wanting their innocent heads to be filled with grim news.
“Some say it is poetic that he lost his boy when he took ye Da,” Jon said.
“Aye, there must be balance in the world. Oh, and this is Rebecca, I rescued her from Lord Flynn. She is under my protection.”
There were understanding nods that met Alastar's words and warm smiles extended to Rebecca. She liked the sound of being under his protection and moved a little closer to him.
“Let's get ye settled then,” Jon said, and welcomed them into the village.
Chapter 23
It was strange for Alastar to be back in this village. The last time he had been here he had witnessed his father die. He tried not to think about that though. His father wouldn't have. He felt weak for letting the past have such an effect on his emotions and wished that he was as hardy as his father had been.
The villagers were all welcoming and took them into the feasting hall, where they met for their meals, sharing the community spirit.
“Dinnae be overwhelmed. They are friendly,” Alastar said to Rebecca, noticing that she had been quiet and reticent ever since they had arrived here. She smiled at him, but didn't say anything, for a crowd of people approached again, this time bringing a vast selection of food. The table before them was quickly filled with all manner of dishes, stews, broth, sweetened meats, vegetables, and plenty of water and ale to be passed around. Alastar was amused when he saw Rebecca's wide-eyed reaction.
“What's the matter lass, hae ye nae seen food before?”
“Never this much, at least, not in front of me. Only Lord Flynn dines on this amount of food,” she said, staring in disbelief. Alastar chortled as he reached out and started serving himself food, eager to slake his thirst and fill his belly on the delicacies of his homeland.
“It is nae only Lords who get tae eat like kings out here,” Alastar said, tucking into a chicken leg. He tore the meat away and closed his eyes in satisfaction. This was what he had truly missed all those years in Lord Flynn's dungeon. “When ye live off the land the land provides its heart and soul.”
Rebecca reached out and began to help herself to food as well, tentatively at first, as though she wasn't sure if she was really allowed.
“I think our way of life will suit ye Rebecca,” Alastar said, “everyone gets a share. We all work hard for what we grow, and we dinnae hae servants waiting on us,” he said.
“It is a shock, but a welcome one,” Rebecca said.
Alastar enjoyed spending time with her like this, when they were out of danger. People came up to him and asked him about his experiences, which he wasn't too eager to share given the nature of them, but he understood their curiosity. He was able to tell them enough without diving into the darkest details.
Kids came up to him too, and they reminded him of Stephen. They all wanted to hear stories about the tales of the Blue Thistle.
“Aye, ye hae heard of the Blue Thistle?” Alastar remarked. The children nodded enthusiastically. A broad grin spread over Alastar's face. Out here the Blue Thistle wasn't synonymous with a coward like in England. Out here, Lord Flynn's propaganda hadn't been allowed to spread. They remembered his father as he was meant to be known, and this warmed Alastar's heart.
The feast was met with good cheer and good company. Alastar and Rebecca enjoyed themselves immensely, and the villagers were glad of outside company. There were even a few children who put on a display of swordsmanship, hoping to impress Alastar. He congratulated them and told them that he would give them a few pointers in the future, after he had visited the McCalls.
There was barely any food left on the table, and Alastar was stuffed. His belly was fuller now than it had been in a long time, and he patted himself with contentment. The plates and bowls were taken away after he and Rebecca had made it clear that they were not interested in any more food. The two of them were conversing with each other when a shadow loomed over their table.
Alastar looked up to see Jon and a few other men standing before them, holding something wrapped in leather. They set it on the table.
“This hae been waiting for ye,” Jon said. “We hoped that one says someone would return and be worthy of this.”
Alastar's curiosity was piqued. After an encouraging nod from Jon he reached over and unfolded the blanket layer by layer. At first, he was puzzled, but as he revealed more of the present, he was amazed and delighted.
“What is it?” Rebecca asked.
“It's my Da's,” Alastar said. He held up the garment and saw his father's clothes and armor. It was tinged with blue dye and had been what his father had worn as the Blue Thistle. Upon seeing it Alastar welled up with emotion and had to blink back tears. “How?” he asked.
Jon smiled with pride. “When we buried your father, we undressed him and thought that this was far tae valuable tae keep. This is a symbol of righteousness and heroism. The Blue Thistle should never be forgotten. We thought it would be what he would hae wanted, tae pass along his legacy tae someone worthy. Never did we think that his own son would return, but this is clearly made for ye. Ye are carved in ye father's imagine. If I dinnae know any better, I would hae said he returned from the dead.”
Alastar lifted up the clothes and looked upon them with awe. His father had been a striking, intimidating man in this clothing, and to know that someone else thought he was worthy filled his heart with pride.
“Ye honor me and my father with this gesture. Ye hae my deepest gratitude,” Alastar said, taking a deep breath. “Can ye show me where ye buried my Da?” he asked, trying not to choke on his breath. Jon nodded somberly and showed them outside. Rebecca stayed close to Alastar.
They walked to the rear of the village where there was an open field. They came to a patch of grass that had a thistle growing out of it.
“We thought it was fitting,” Jon said. Alastar smiled.
“If ye would nae mind, I would like a moment alone,” Alastar said. Jon nodded again, and he moved away with his companions, after telling Alastar and Rebecca where they could stay if they wanted to rest.
Rebecca went to leave as well, but Alastar's hand shot out and clasped hers, keeping her by his side.
“I would like ye tae stay,” he said. He let his grip on her hand linger for a moment, enjoying the way her soft skin felt against his. Alastar then let go, bowing down, placing his hand on the soft grass.
“I am sorry tae have failed ye father, and that it hae taken me a long time tae return here. But I promise ye I will carry on ye work. I shall nae forget what ye hae taught me.” A lump formed in his throat. “I miss ye Da, I wish ye could be here now.”
He bowed his head solemnly and closed his eyes, clamping them shut to try and not weep. His body shuddered, and he felt Rebecca's hand on his shoulder, which reassured him.
“This must be a difficult thing for you to do,” she said.
“Aye. It's strange though, it has nae changed at all.” Alastar rose to his feet and placed his hand on his hips. He pointed to the well. “That's where my Da died. They came storming in. We fought them on the outskirts of the village, trying tae keep them out, but there were sae many of them. They did nae stop until he was dead. I was fighting over there,” he pointed to the opposite side of the village, “when I heard a huge cheer. I turned, and saw my Da laying there, holding his guts. I ran over and in that moment, I lost the fight. I was carried away after having held my Da in my arms.”
He clenched his jaw, but beneath the icy surface tempestuous emotions were roiling and churning. Rebecca reached out to him, squeezing his arm.
“I am grateful of ye presence,” he said. “It makes this easier.”
“I'm glad I can help. I wish I knew the pain you were going through.”
“Ye know more than most. Ye hae seen me every day. Ye hae seen how I hae suffered.”
“Yes, I have, and I wish I would ha
ve done something sooner.”
“Ye cannae blame yerself. I dinnae blame ye.”
“Let us get some rest,” she said, and led him away from the grave.
Chapter 24
Alastar had been through too much sorrow to dwell on the loss of his father, Rebecca thought. She wondered if it had actually been a good idea to return here when there were so many reminders of all the things he had lost. Rebecca was determined to make him think about the future, the future beyond the war. A future with her.
They had only shared one kiss, but to Rebecca that had meant everything. She felt a connection with Alastar that was frightening in its intensity, but one she knew she had to explore. Still timid in these matters, she wasn't sure how to go about it, but with the shadow of war and death hanging over them she wanted to experience life before it was extinguished.
They walked to the small house that had been set aside for them. The Blue Thistle was held in such high esteem that Rebecca wouldn't have been surprised if Alastar had been given any house he wanted. The squat building would suffice for now though, for they were not staying long.
The house actually reminded Rebecca of the house of her youth, small and cozy. She lit the fire as Alastar placed his father's clothes on the table. There was a large fur blanket covering the floor. Rebecca placed herself down, curling her legs underneath her, wanting to sit by the fire to keep herself warm.
Alastar paced back and forth. There was evidently something on his mind.
“Come and sit Alastar. Talk to me. These people evidently hold you and your father in high esteem.”
“Only my father. I hae nae yet done anything tae earn their honor,” he said.
“That will come in time. They are kind people, and you clearly mean a lot to them. I imagine that the Blue Thistle is a source of great comfort to them, since they are isolated out here. They must have been in a lot of danger over the years.”
“Aye, that they were. My father and I could always count on a meal and some water when we came here. But being here, it reminds me of the past. I can only see the mistakes I made. It haunts me, and I cannae dae anything about Lord Flynn from here.”
“He will come, unfortunately,” Rebecca said. “Come and sit down and talk to me. Tell me about the future you see for yourself.”
Alastar reluctantly joined her on the rug, sinking into the soft fur. He was close to Rebecca, and the warmth of the fire was in full flow now. It crackled and glowed orange, making the heat between them even more intense.
“I cannae see past Lord Flynn,” he said.
“There are more things in this life,” Rebecca said. Alastar turned to look at her. She tilted her head downwards and looked up at him, making her eyes as wide as possible. He shifted his body too. The two of them were locked in an instinctive dance. Their bodies were taken by strong impulse to be close to each other, drawn together like two celestial bodies in a cosmic dance.
Rebecca could feel his pain and sadness, but she could also feel his strength too.
“I know that you are not going to give into this misery,” she said. “There's too much life for you yet to live.”
Her breath played along his lips, and the fires of their passion were unlocked again. Alastar looked down and his hand came up to caress her cheek. She parted her lips, too afraid to make the first move, but wanting it all the same. The hesitancy in her heart was borne of her virtue, and she was all too ready to surrender it to this Highlander.
Alastar reached around the back of her head, fingers curling through her hair, pulling her into him. He only used one hand, but that was enough to pull her petite body to him. Their lips met, and this kiss was far firmer than the first one they shared. The fires in her breast were being stoked and she could feel all her reservations slip away as easily as her clothes, as indeed Alastar's hand had risen up to push away her dress from her shoulders, exposing the bare flesh underneath.
Suddenly trembling and nervous, Rebecca pulled away. She searched Alastar's eyes and saw within them an infinity, and a deep desire. She knew then that she was possessed by him. Without saying anything he kissed her again, and his hands became more ardent. They ran down her body, feeling the swell of her breasts and the curves of her hips. Her breath rushed out of her mouth in agonizing moans. Pleasure tingled all over her body and her mind sizzled.
Now she understood why Elayne enjoyed giving herself to such pleasure, although Rebecca imagined that it was only so intense because it was shared with one special man.
The more they kissed, the more the desire rose within her, and the fiercer it became to the point where her eager hands were running all over his broad, powerful body. She unclasped his cloak and watched it fall to the floor, then she ran his hands over his bare chest, feeling the taut muscles. She gazed in wonder at this prime specimen of a man, and her breath was taken away.
“Come here lass,” Alastar said, and pulled her up to sit upon his lap.
Her arms wrapped around his neck and they kissed deeply and longingly. She could feel Alastar giving himself completely to her, and she wanted to do the same for him.
“Are ye sure ye want this?” Alastar asked.
Rebecca nodded vehemently. Her skin was flushed crimson and all thoughts were driven from her head. There was only instinct now.
Alastar's hands ran over her body and deftly undressed her until she was naked, her skin exposed, vulnerable to his gaze. At first, she was self-conscious, for she had never been in this position with any man before, and she so dearly wanted to please him. She let her hand rest against her pale, voluptuous breasts, her fingers circling the hard nipples.
Alastar's gaze roved over her, and a broad smile came upon his face.
“Ye are perfection,” he breathed, and with awe etched upon his face he placed his strong hands over her body and claimed her, rolling her onto her back, kissing her deeply and lovingly. She enjoyed the soft kisses, and the feeling of his hand resting against her stomach. She gasped as it moved up and enveloped her breasts, explored her body in a way that had never been done before. Entirely new sensations flowed through her and each one brought with it a wave of pleasure that threatened to overwhelm her, but somehow, she managed to keep hold of her sanity.
His long fingers drifted down her torso, resting on her stomach, above her burning femininity. She ached for his touch but didn't understand why.
“I need you,” she gasped, her breath tense, her need apparent. The way they were laying, she could feel Alastar's swollen erection resting against her. It felt so big and hard, she was afraid, but her curiosity outweighed her fear. She wanted to explore him as he was exploring her.
Her hands felt so small against his large and powerful body. She ran her fingers along the tight skin of his torso, and through the bed of thick hair. All the while his hands wrapped around her thigh, encompassing them. Every time he squeezed it sent a thrill through her body, and she thought she would burst with delight.
He buried his head into her neck and she could feel the rumbles against her as he grunted with pleasure.
“Ye want me tae show ye how tae become a woman lass?”
Rebecca nodded again and kissed him frantically, pressing her lips firmly against his. She was in such a frenzy now that she didn't know how she was ever going to be able to think clearly again. Then, utter bliss came upon her as Alastar's fingers moved up her inner thigh, closer to the burning, aching part of her. Her inner spirit was unlocked as he touched her most intimate area, and her entire body collapsed as a wave of tension was released.
Cradled in his arms, she let her neck arch back as new sensations washed over her. She felt Alastar curling his fingers inside her, bringing forth all manner of delight. She whimpered and moaned in ecstatic anguish. Her hands clawed at his body, blindly, for she was unable to open her eyes, such was the force of the pleasure.
Her hands made their way across his lower stomach, his biceps, his thighs. Every inch of him was packed with powerful muscle. He was a warri
or in every sense of the word. Every part of him displayed the essence of masculinity.
As her hands roamed about his body, she suddenly felt something thick and throbbing, and she gasped. She managed to get her eyes to flutter open for a brief moment to gaze upon him with awe. He was beautiful. Smooth and long, she was instantly in love with his manhood. Her fingers curled around him as she let her eyes fall shut again, feeling as though she were dreaming.
As his finger stretched and writhed inside her, as his hot breath washed over her tingling neck, her breaths came out in short, sharp bursts. Her fingers tightened, stroking and squeezing him. She ran her thumb over the rippling veins and felt the power and tension within him. All his strength was focused on this glorious piece of himself, and it drew her desire.