Timeless Mist

by Terisa Wilcox

  "Iain cares for you, Kris. I just don't think he's realized it yet."

  "Whether he does, or doesn't isn't the point. The point is, this is the only logical thing for me to do right now. Later, if something else presents itself, then after a year, we're free to go our own ways. At least I know it won't be forever, right?"

  "I see you have your mind made up."

  "Yes, I do. So please, let's not go too far with this fiasco. Iain's already explained to me that we will have to playact a bit in front of his clan otherwise I still won't be accepted completely. Until I learn the ins and outs of this time, I need to be safe and I like to eat. A roof over my head is quite nice too. It's as simple as that."

  "Iain would never turn you out, Kris."

  "I know that. But my life will be a lot simpler if Iain and I are handfasted. You know that because you're the one who brought it up to him."

  "Aye, I did. But I didn't know my son was going to be such a bonehead about the whole thing either."

  Kris laughed and stood, "don't worry about it. We've decided to be friends. At least I don't have to be tied to someone I hate. No matter what happens, it's for the best right now."

  "If you say so." Sorcha sounded unconvinced, but hugged her and nodded. "Shall we find some proper clothing to clean in? The keep is very well kept and I make sure it stays that way, but it could still do with a more thorough cleaning before the handfasting."

  Kris nodded and they both dug into the chest, deciding that trews would be easier to move in than gowns if they were to get the keep cleaned.

  * * *

  Iain smiled to himself as he strode out of the Greathall and started towards the lists. Now that he had Kristianna's aye, he could turn his mind to more productive matters. Such as training Devyn to be a warrior. Mayhap he would also take a moment to speak with Raibert and inform him of the upcoming events this week.

  He reached the lists but stood back a bit, arms crossed in front of his chest as he surveyed the goings on. Several men were involved in a wrestle a good distance away, while others jousted or practiced their archery skills. Iain was more interested in watching Raibert and Devyn, who were back at their training after the noon meal.

  Devyn had the basic movements down well enough, but he would need to work on his timing and technique a bit more if he ever wanted to best Raibert. Sweat plastered the lad's hair to his head as he worked hard to fend off Raibert's attacks.

  "Care if I ha'e a go at him, lad?" He asked Devyn when they stopped for a moment's respite.

  Devyn looked up, startled.

  "My laird." He said with a small bow in Iain's direction. "'Twould be my pleasure to see ye grind him into the mud as he has done to me all morning." He grinned impishly at Raibert, who threw his head back and laughed.

  "Ahh, laddie, ye ha'e your father's wit I see. Go on wi' ye then. Take your wee, scrawny self off for a bit of a rest. Let the men be about their business."

  Iain laughed along with Raibert when Devyn stuck his tongue out at him. He did not, however, refuse the offer of a rest. Walking to the far wall, he dunked his head in the barrel full of rain water and grabbed a drink from the wineskin hung close by, then sat with his head against the wall.

  "Watch and learn now, lad." Iain said with a grin on his face.

  Sparks flew as the men's swords met in a satisfying clash of steel. The other men stopped what they were doing and formed a circle around them, Devyn now among the crowd. Iain ignored them, concentrating on what his captain did. Lack of concentration in a battle could cost lives.

  Iain and Raibert had trained together as lads. Raibert taunted and laughed as he parried with Iain, but Iain ignored his insults as well. Until the right moment. Their swords came together again in a fiery show. Iain countered Raibert's strokes waiting and watching for that one moment. When it came, he was prepared for it. With a quick attack, he knocked Raibert's sword from his hand, the point of his own blade resting against his captain's heart.

  Raibert laughed, "peace." He held out a hand and Iain helped him to his feet, at the same time he whispered, "congratulate me, I am once again betrothed."

  Raibert put a finger in his ear and wiggled it around a moment. "Tell me I dinnae just hear ye aright." He said finally, his eyes wide.

  Iain laughed at his friend even as he sheathed his sword. He clapped him on the back, "come, let us adjourn to the hall for some ale and I shall tell ye of it."

  Devyn fell into step beside him and Iain slung his arm over the lads shoulder.

  "Ye are welcome to join us, lad."

  "I would rather go join the other lads for a bit, my laird."

  "Of course. Ye may take the rest of the day for yourself."

  "Thank ye, laird."

  "By the way, 'twas a fine showing ye gave this morn. Ye are coming along well in your training. Mayhaps on the morrow I shall take some time to instruct ye for a bit. Would ye like that?"

  A grin split Devyn's face as he nodded.

  "Off wi' ye then. Go enjoy your day for I will nay be so easy on ye as Raibert appears to be."

  "Thank ye laird." Devyn ran off to join the lads in a game of ball as Iain and Raibert continued to the Greathall.

  "Now," Raibert said as soon as they were seated at the table and the maid had left them with a jug of ale, "tell me what in the name of all the blessed saints did ye mean when ye said ye are betrothed again? Too who? And when did this take place?"

  "Slow down, Raibert. I will tell ye the entire tale." He took a deep drink before he proceeded to explain everything to his captain and friend.

  Raibert listened closely then let out a low whistle when Iain reached the end.

  "So, Kristianna and I are now betrothed. I will make the announcement tonight and at the end of the se'nnight, we will ha'e the handfasting ceremony."

  "And the lass is agreeable to this?"

  "Of course she is. I told ye she agreed to it."

  "Well, aye. But I cannae understand a lass saying aye when ye ha'e nay e'en attempted to woo her or court her."

  "Aye," Iain looked at Raibert, took another long drink, but did not look up this time. "I wished to speak wi' ye about that as well."

  "About what? Ye doonae wish me to court the lassie for ye, do ye?" Raibert looked aghast.

  "Nay. Of course I dinnae wish ye to do the like. I just thought ye might ha'e some wooing ideas for me to use. I know this is nay really supposed to be a real marriage, but still, I think the lass deserves a bit of courting just the same. Dinnae ye agree?"

  "She is English, ye know." Raibert sat back in his chair and stared at Iain.

  "I realize that. But that doesnae make her less a woman does it?"

  "Nay. I'm just nay sure how to go about wooing an English lass."

  "How much different could it be than wooing one of our own Scottish lasses? They are all women and 'tis fairly sure I am that they all like pretty much the same types of things when it comes to making them feel as if they are nay despised, mayhaps e'en desired." Iain debated on telling Raibert the entire truth about Kris.

  "Aye, ye ha'e that aright."

  "Ye are ne'er lacking for women. I only wanted some ideas on how I can at least make Kristianna more comfortable wi' the idea of being wed to me."

  "I dinnae think the lass will be much amenable to a quick kiss and a cuddle in a darkened corner, Iain."

  Iain sighed heavily and looked at Raibert, one eyebrow raised.

  Raibert put up a hand. "I know, that 'tis nay what ye ask for. Ye wish to know what comes before that, aye?"

  Iain nodded.

  "Fine, then. Here is what I will do. I will gi'e ye all the things I do to woo a lass into my bed, and ye pick which ye wish to do. Mind ye, howe'er, that nay all the lasses fall willingly into my arms begging to be bedded by my sweet self. Some lasses I must actually work on a goodly bit before that is accomplished. I will tell ye what I use wi' those. That should help ye to make Kristianna feel wanted and desired. Dinnae go too far, I warn ye. Else ye will be p
laying wi' that lasses heart and I dinnae think your màthair, or mine come to think on it, would stand for that. Before ye use any of these things, make ye certain that ye are willing to pay the cost of them. Is that agreed?"

  "Aye."

  "Good. Then I shall tell ye all I know." He glanced around, then looked back at Iain, "we should mayhaps take this conversation elsewhere. I wouldnae wish any of the lasses to hear. Least of all either of our màthairs."

  Iain nodded and stood, agreeing with that wholeheartedly. Iain decided that he would have to tell his friend the entire tale of where Kris really came from, as well as his màthair. He sighed, wondering how Raibert would take it.

  Chapter Twenty

  "What are ye wearing?" Elsbeth asked, her mouth agape.

  "Ye ha'e seen me wear trews before, Elsie." Sorcha interjected.

  "Aye, but nay in years. Why are ye wearing them now?"

  "We ha'e news for ye." Sorcha beamed. "Iain and Kris are to be wed."

  "What?" Elsbeth grabbed Kris hands and squeezed, "when did this come about?"

  "Just today actually. Iain asked and I said yes."

  "Oh, lassie, I am so happy for ye." She hugged Kris tightly.

  "Thank you," Kris smiled and returned the hug, looking over at Sorcha questioningly.

  Sorcha shrugged as if to say she left the decision to tell Elsie the truth of it or not to Kris alone.

  "It's not quite love at first sight, Elsie if that's what you were thinking." Kris said, pulling away. When Elsie just looked at her, she hurried to explain the situation. "So you see," she concluded, "it's not because of love or caring that we're getting married, or handfasted. It's mostly out of necessity."

  "I see."

  "It's not as bad as all that." Kris smiled. "I'm fine with it. Iain and I are friends and I would really like it to stay that way."

  "'Tis none of my concern, lass." Elsie glanced at Sorcha as she hugged Kris again. "That still doesnae explain why ye are both dressed as street urchins."

  Sorcha laughed. "We are going on a cleaning and cooking campaign, Elsie. Would ye care to join us?"

  "And why are we doing such a thing?"

  "For the celebration feast of course. We shall celebrate the handfasting within the se'nnight."

  "Then I might as well join ye, otherwise I ha'e the distinct feeling I might ha'e to hide."

  They all laughed then Elsbeth set about helping Kris and Sorcha plan what needed to be done, in what order it would be done and arguing good-naturedly about what would be served.

  "I have the perfect gown for you, Kristianna." Sorcha snapped her fingers.

  Kris looked up from the list she was writing.

  "I would be honored, lass, if you would consent to wear my wedding gown."

  Kris choked on her coffee. Elsie was quick to jump up and begin to pound her on the back, but Kris waved her away and raised her arms above her head. It might be an old wives tale, but it worked every time.

  "Ye are as bad as this lady here wi' her odd ways." Elsbeth shook her head as Sorcha laughed.

  "As I was saying," Sorcha turned back to Kris, "if you would care too, my wedding gown would fit you quite nicely, I believe."

  "But Sorcha, it's only a handfasting. It's not like a real wedding right? It's only for a year and not meant to last forever. I'm not sure I want to make a big deal out of this and turn it into some kind of fancy production."

  "Pooh." Sorcha made a face at Kris, "whether a handfasting or vows said before a minister, 'tis still a day for you to feel special. And you never know what the future will bring. Besides, it will make a good show for the clan."

  Kris sighed, knowing she was fighting a losing battle. Sorcha was stubborn, almost as stubborn as her son.

  "But I thought a handfasting was no big deal. You just stand up and state your intentions to wed or something like that and poof, it's done."

  Sorcha laughed, "nay lass, not quite that simple. There is a ceremony, and such a practice is taken very seriously in the Highlands. After both you and Iain state your intentions to enter into this union, you clasp hands and a cord of three strands is looped around your wrists then tied in a knot. This handfasting knot is a symbolic representation of oneness between the two of you. In a show of unity, you become bound to each other."

  "Aye, lass," Elsbeth continued, "it is a beautiful thing if done correctly. Near e'er thing about the ceremony is symbolic to some degree. The three cords, for instance, are white, for purity, red for passion and green for friendship and fertility."

  "I never thought it was so elaborate. I always thought you stood before a crowd, stated that you would wed each other and as long as it was done in front of witnesses, it was finished and you were wed or betrothed."

  "Oh, there is much more to it than that. Although that will suffice in a pinch. Following the declarations by you and Iain, then comes the Pinning of the Tartan."

  "What's that? I don't think I've ever heard that term before."

  "Since you are marrying into the clan, it will be done thusly. Any member of Iain's family will present you with the clan tartan. Some clans use a sash or some such; we use a pin, which is fastened with the clan badge. This is pinned to you as acceptance into the groom's clan. I will be doing that."

  "Wow."

  "Aye, wow." Sorcha said, and Elsie laughed.

  Sorcha rose from the table and went to her wardrobe pulling out the most beautiful dress Kris had ever seen. It was deep blue in color and worked with embroidery, pearls and what looked suspiciously like sapphires. Kris gasped and stood up.

  Fingering the soft material of the gown her eyes met Sorcha's, who nodded.

  "You should try it on, lass. Then we will know what needs to be altered. You are a bit shorter than I am."

  Kris snorted, "I'm shorter than just about everyone, Sorcha." She laughed. "I don't think there's anyone here except the children who aren't at least several inches taller than I am."

  "Aye, lass, ye are a tiny thing." Elsbeth chuckled. "Come on wi' ye now, let's get that gown on ye so I can see what must be done to it afore ye wear it for your wedding."

  Kris rolled her eyes, but complied nonetheless. She figured she wouldn't win against both Sorcha and Elsbeth anyway so she might as well go along for the ride.

  As she'd suspected, the gown needed to be hemmed a good four inches as well as be taken in, both in the breast and hip areas. Elsbeth set to work, humming as she quickly marked where and how much the dress would need altering. Finished, she whisked the dress off Kris and set to work, snipping and sewing while Kris put her trews and shirt back on.

  "Okay, now back to our lists." Sorcha sat back down again, Kris joining her.

  * * *

  "She is what?" Raibert choked on his ale.

  "Ye heard me aright. Kristianna is from the future. From the year 2008."

  "Ye must be jesting. 'Tis nay possible." Raibert shook his head.

  "I am quite serious. My màthair confirmed it."

  Raibert quirked a brow, "I'm afraid to ask this, but" he took a deep breath, "how would your màthair know this?"

  "Because she is from a similar time."

  Raibert blew out a breath, shook his head, looked at Iain, and tried to continue to breath normally. It wasn't working.

  "Ye will tell me the entire tale." He finally wheezed.

  Iain nodded and began filling Raibert in on all he had discovered. It took him a good part of the afternoon, but finally, amid a myriad of questions, he got the tale out.

  "'Tis nigh onto unbelievable." Raibert spoke a goodly while after Iain finished. "If anyone else had come to me wi' such a tale, I would ha'e laughed in his face."

  "Aye, I know it. If my màthair had nay confirmed it wi' her own tale, I ne'er would ha'e believed Kristianna." He shook his head, "'tis still hard to grasp it all."

  Raibert nodded. "And ye wish me to tell ye how to woo this lass? Ye must be daft and witless. I wouldnae e'en know where to begin, Iain."

  "I dinnae think the
wooing of a woman would so intimidate ye, Raibert." Iain laughed.

  When Raibert just scowled at him, he continued, "it doesnae matter. Just gi'e me some of your ideas and I will see what will work and what willnae."

  Raibert let out a gusty sigh, but complied.

  When he was finished, Iain had a plan. He thanked Raibert and went in search of his betrothed.

  * * *

  Two and a half hours later, the three women descended to the Greathall and set to work. Gathering the maids and a few of the muscular male servants, they began cleaning. Everything was dusted, swept, and polished. The tapestries were taken down and given a good brushing, even the large hearths were swept out, with fresh logs placed in them afterwards in readiness for a fire. The tables were polished to a high shine, as were the candlesticks.

  The tallow candles were replaced with sweeter smelling ones, which Sorcha informed Kris she'd taught the clan how to make. "I can't stand the smell of those tallow candles. We use them as they are less expensive, but for this upcoming occasion, we will use the nicer ones."

  "I would have to agree with you on that one." Kris grinned, "they certainly do smell a lot better than the other ones."

  "And what ha'e we here?" Iain asked glancing around at all the activity as he came to stand beside Kris.

  "We are cleaning and getting ready for the celebration of course." His màthair smiled at him. "There is enough to do and see to that everyone will be kept quite busy for the next several days."

  "Ah huh." He turned to Kris, putting his hand on her arm, "and how are ye dealing wi' all this might I ask?"

  Kris grinned up at I'm, "I'm having a blast."

  He furrowed a brow at her, not catching her meaning.

  Kris explained, "I'm having a wonderful time. I love getting to know everyone and there's no better way to do it, in my opinion, than when you clean together."

  "Good." He smiled at her then gave his màthair a slight bow, "but if I may, I'd like to steal her away for a wee bit, with your permission of course, màthair."