Chapter 3
Irritations I went to the hill and I got it. I sat on the knoll and I sought it. And if I would get it I would leave it. Since I did not, I took it with me. (A thorn in the foot.) --Scottish Gaelic riddle
History has its own unique way of leaving it's mark upon a land and a civilization. Years come and go, leaving behind the evidence attesting to the centuries of human struggles with the land and with one another. A lengthy heritage etched in the stones. The blood and sweat of those who built, labored, fought, and died in their shadow now memories, at best made legend, but sadly, more often forgotten.
As the car pulled into the gravel drive and proceeded down the hall, she was silent. Quietly, Mara remembered images of similar trips flashing before her eyes as she watched the line of manicured rhododendrons lining the road blur by.
Absently she stared into the distance as the vehicle slowed, coming to a gentle stop before the stone façade that lead to the ornate doors of the estate house. Stoneycroft had been in her family's possession since its construction in 1605. The original house had been small by comparison to its present dimensions. The vast package of prime land had been a gift from King James I, to young Phillip Forsythe, for his actions saving the King's life during an assassination attempt.
Legend had it that Phillip had foreseen the attempt days before the planned date and had alerted the King's guard to the plan. Initially, Phillip had been suspected of being in league with the assassins, but was mysteriously cleared by an unnamed party after the threat was passed. As a reward for his loyalty to the Crown, the young man was elevated to the King's Court and given charge of the security of Stonycroft.
This had been her family's home for generations. Their duty to protect the lands and people who resided on then was never questioned, in fact the Forsythe's embraced it. Even during the times when it weighed heavily or usurped the pursuit of more leisurely activities.
Mara suppressed a sigh, hoping that the case could be quickly solved. The shameless lushness of the forest glens and pastures at mid summer had pulled her thoughts away from her companions, calling her. Tempting her to explore her favorite childhood places. To kick of her shoes and run in the meadow. She could almost feel the cool moss beneath her feet, hear the crystalline patter of the brook water caressing the stones, smell the heather and violets that peppered the open fields.
"Mara, You're home." Will stood outside of the car with his leather gloved hand extended to assist her out of the vehicle. The look in his eyes expressed a range of emotions. Amusement, concern and puzzlement.
She returned to herself with a start. "I'm sorry," I was a million miles away." The slight motion of Will's hand reminded her that she continued to sit in the car. Blushing red, she quickly exited, accepting his assistance. The desire to reconnect with her home would need to wait. Presently, they were overridden by her sense of duty to solve the case before her.
Kate smiled sympathetically. "Understandably. Coming home can have that affect on a person, dear." Gently taking her granddaughter's offered arm, she was carefully led her up the steps to the main hall of the estate.
The brilliant colours of sunlight reflecting through the stained glass windows of the house bathed the interior in an ocean of soothing color. As they walked into the Main Hall, Mara smiled as the pallet of soft lights danced over her skin, caressing her with a dappling warmth as the light refracted of the crystalline chandelier gracing the vaulted ceiling. A gentle breeze blew through the open patio doors, setting the crystal prisms a sway in their setting.
She had always loved this room. This had been the room of the dancing fairies. Make believe creatures of light, that would waltz around the room with her, pulling on pigtails and ribbons and dancing through the lush foliage of the ivy's and ferns that adorned the antique side tables and wall cornices, as the graceful cords of Strauss lilted throughout the room, echoing off of the stone walls and delicate glass windows.
The richly carved balustrade of the marble staircase accented the room as it gently curved up towards the landing of the second floor. Is stood as a breathtaking focal point in its timelessness. The wooden risers, at the edge of each stair, were skillfully formed into trees, detailed with an abundance of lush carved foliage and birds of every species imaginable. The roots of each tree curved around and over each other, gracefully tangling into a solid mooring that locked each marble slab in its place. Each branch of the tree gracefully rose into the sky, interlacing into an intricately woven banister. The artist had captured the spirits of the rocks, trees and small forest creatures, locking them forever within this masterpiece.
"I remember when you were seven and tried to fly off of the staircase." Katie chuckled, running her hand over the cool, carved wood. "You had fashioned your mother's dressing gown around your neck like a cape and somehow climbed up the outside edge."
Mara blushed fiercly at the memory. "Yes, I remember. I had quite the imagination as a child. You see," she explained to Will, who was quietly watching them in bemused confusion. The warmth of her cheeks flared as she tried to explain the actions of her youth. "When I was a child, I thought that the birds carved on the staircase had at one time been alive. That somehow they had become stuck in the trees, and needed to be set free." She frowned. He was unsuccessfully trying to repress his amusement. The smile tugging at the corners of his mouth tattled loudly as she continued, "I wanted them to sore in the sky again..free. Well, I thought perhaps they had just simply forgotten how to fly, so I got it into my little head to teach them."
"So, did they fly?" he asked, yielding rein to his grin. He was enjoying this story immensely.
Mara found herself smiling in return. "Yes, I think for just a second, they did. Well, at lease until I came crashing down to the floor." She laughed. Williams peal of laughter was rich and genuine, without any hint of mocking or teasing insincerity. Perhaps she had been too hard on him back at the airport. Not that he hadn't deserved it. His insistent teasing had set her teeth on edge. But, she had to admit, that he had kept his word on the long trip home. Perhaps it was time to reconsider her opinion of him.
"Very nearly gave me my death of fright." Katie added. "Most children would have learned from that, but not my Mara, no. She was determined that she just needed to climb back up there and give them more practice."
"Practice does make perfect." He pointed out, throwing his support behind Mara.
Yes, she decided, she would try to be more friendly to him. But on her own terms and only if he continued to behave. "Thank you. However, my fractured leg aborted my early career as a flight instructor." Their laughter settled slowly. A reassuring silence lengthened as she reverently caressed the small robin peeking out of his wooden hiding place. Mara felt more relaxed now than she had all day. The painful undercurrents that had always been present when she recalled her childhood memories, less poignant. For the first time in years, she felt at peace. "God, it's good to be home"
"It's good to have you home." Katie reassuringly patted her hand. "You will be staying in your old room, Dear. I suggest that we all take the opportunity to rest a bit, and meet for tea." Always the caretaker, Katie hadn't changed at all. Even as a child she had constantly doted on Mara, giving her the love and attention Lise never would.
Her Grandmother face had taken on a tired edge, giving her a frailness that startled Mara. The trip to the airport had been too long. "Wonderful idea. It was a long drive and you look a bit tired gram. Is there anything you need?" Now it was Mara's turn to return the favor.
"No, Mara, I'll be just fine. It's just the excitement of the day catching up with me." She flashed her a wan smile. "Perhaps I will take just a little rest, Dear."
"Excellent. We'll have the whole evening to catch up." Mara promised, quickly giving Katie a kiss on the cheek.
Accepting Charles' arm, Katie began ascending the stairs. Abruptly she stopped and looked down at her Granddaughter. "Perhaps Will can show you around the house. Help you become reacquainted with everything." She didn't miss the sudden flash of joy on Will's face or the startled widening of Mara's eyes.
The matchmaker was at it again, she thought ruefully. Mara shook her head. "I'm sure he has other more important things to attend to. Besides, I'm quite sure that I can still find my way around and I do need to call in to the Superintendent in Albright." Mara replied quickly, flashing a warning glare to Will. The little imp had looked far too pleased with himself. Now he looked disappointed, like a petulant child denied his favorite toy. She watched as Katie nodded and departed for her room.
"Perhaps I can play tour guide for you after you're settled in." his voice was hopeful. "That will give you time to unpack and me time to finalize this evening's plans.
She glared at him again "No thank you. I remember the place just fine." The harshness of her rebuke startled her. Suddenly she was feeling guilty as a momentary hurt flashed in his eyes. She sighed, regretting uttering the words before they were out, but what was said, was said.
"Can we call a truce?" He asked, his face serious.
"A truce?" she repeated. Mara's mind whirled, trying to think of ways to offer her apology. Perhaps this was her opportunity.
"Yes, you know. A ceasefire? Suspension of hostilities." He guiltily reminded himself of his behavior earlier at Heathrow. "Really, I apologize for teasing you as I did at the airport. I should have come to your rescue and beat the stupid sot within an inch of his life." He extended an elegant hand towards her. "Truce?"
His voice was full of sincerity. Truly she couldn't find it in her heart to stay angry with him. She chuckled lightly. "Alright, a truce." She shook his hand briefly feeling as though she was somehow sealing herself to a future of incessant teasing. . "So, what exactly are these plans."
Will smiled. He found himself under a strange compulsion to divulge the all details. It was something in the tone of her voice, the now tentative trust in her eyes. "Katie was adamant that your return home is an event that needs celebrating. Therefore, she asked me to invite a few close friends over for dinner. You know: Eat, drink and make merry, for tomorrow you'll need to recover." He quipped, slinging his suitcase over his shoulder as he mounted the first step of the staircase.
Her injured arm protested as she lifted her case, the pain causing her to abruptly loose her grip on the handle. It fell to the floor with a clatter. Mara cursed under her breath, as the pain slowly subsided.
"I'll get this." Will picked up the heavy suitcase, concern heavy on his face. "You know, you should really see a professional about that shoulder." He face was deadpan. "I know this physician. Lovely girl. A bit moody at times." He delighted as Mara's eyes widened, then shot daggers at him. "Doubles as an FBI agent on her days off."
"You are incorrigible." She laughed softly as they started up the staircase. He was like having a little brother. One full of mischief and tricks.
He found himself laughing with her, relaxing as they made their way up the staircase. "Absolutely! And all the more fun because of it."
AN: Hi everyone! I want to take a sec to thank everyone who has reviewed thus far. Especially C. Belyea. I swear chicklet you have the soul of a Sidhe. Thanks for helping me refine the idea coming in the next chap. The heavy action explodes in the next chapter of "Guardians."
Irritations I went to the hill and I got it. I sat on the knoll and I sought it. And if I would get it I would leave it. Since I did not, I took it with me. (A thorn in the foot.) --Scottish Gaelic riddle
History has its own unique way of leaving it's mark upon a land and a civilization. Years come and go, leaving behind the evidence attesting to the centuries of human struggles with the land and with one another. A lengthy heritage etched in the stones. The blood and sweat of those who built, labored, fought, and died in their shadow now memories, at best made legend, but sadly, more often forgotten.
As the car pulled into the gravel drive and proceeded down the hall, she was silent. Quietly, Mara remembered images of similar trips flashing before her eyes as she watched the line of manicured rhododendrons lining the road blur by.
Absently she stared into the distance as the vehicle slowed, coming to a gentle stop before the stone façade that lead to the ornate doors of the estate house. Stoneycroft had been in her family's possession since its construction in 1605. The original house had been small by comparison to its present dimensions. The vast package of prime land had been a gift from King James I, to young Phillip Forsythe, for his actions saving the King's life during an assassination attempt.
Legend had it that Phillip had foreseen the attempt days before the planned date and had alerted the King's guard to the plan. Initially, Phillip had been suspected of being in league with the assassins, but was mysteriously cleared by an unnamed party after the threat was passed. As a reward for his loyalty to the Crown, the young man was elevated to the King's Court and given charge of the security of Stonycroft.
This had been her family's home for generations. Their duty to protect the lands and people who resided on then was never questioned, in fact the Forsythe's embraced it. Even during the times when it weighed heavily or usurped the pursuit of more leisurely activities.
Mara suppressed a sigh, hoping that the case could be quickly solved. The shameless lushness of the forest glens and pastures at mid summer had pulled her thoughts away from her companions, calling her. Tempting her to explore her favorite childhood places. To kick of her shoes and run in the meadow. She could almost feel the cool moss beneath her feet, hear the crystalline patter of the brook water caressing the stones, smell the heather and violets that peppered the open fields.
"Mara, You're home." Will stood outside of the car with his leather gloved hand extended to assist her out of the vehicle. The look in his eyes expressed a range of emotions. Amusement, concern and puzzlement.
She returned to herself with a start. "I'm sorry," I was a million miles away." The slight motion of Will's hand reminded her that she continued to sit in the car. Blushing red, she quickly exited, accepting his assistance. The desire to reconnect with her home would need to wait. Presently, they were overridden by her sense of duty to solve the case before her.
Kate smiled sympathetically. "Understandably. Coming home can have that affect on a person, dear." Gently taking her granddaughter's offered arm, she was carefully led her up the steps to the main hall of the estate.
The brilliant colours of sunlight reflecting through the stained glass windows of the house bathed the interior in an ocean of soothing color. As they walked into the Main Hall, Mara smiled as the pallet of soft lights danced over her skin, caressing her with a dappling warmth as the light refracted of the crystalline chandelier gracing the vaulted ceiling. A gentle breeze blew through the open patio doors, setting the crystal prisms a sway in their setting.
She had always loved this room. This had been the room of the dancing fairies. Make believe creatures of light, that would waltz around the room with her, pulling on pigtails and ribbons and dancing through the lush foliage of the ivy's and ferns that adorned the antique side tables and wall cornices, as the graceful cords of Strauss lilted throughout the room, echoing off of the stone walls and delicate glass windows.
The richly carved balustrade of the marble staircase accented the room as it gently curved up towards the landing of the second floor. Is stood as a breathtaking focal point in its timelessness. The wooden risers, at the edge of each stair, were skillfully formed into trees, detailed with an abundance of lush carved foliage and birds of every species imaginable. The roots of each tree curved around and over each other, gracefully tangling into a solid mooring that locked each marble slab in its place. Each branch of the tree gracefully rose into the sky, interlacing into an intricately woven banister. The artist had captured the spirits of the rocks, trees and small forest creatures, locking them forever within this masterpiece.
"I remember when you were seven and tried to fly off of the staircase." Katie chuckled, running her hand over the cool, carved wood. "You had fashioned your mother's dressing gown around your neck like a cape and somehow climbed up the outside edge."
Mara blushed fiercly at the memory. "Yes, I remember. I had quite the imagination as a child. You see," she explained to Will, who was quietly watching them in bemused confusion. The warmth of her cheeks flared as she tried to explain the actions of her youth. "When I was a child, I thought that the birds carved on the staircase had at one time been alive. That somehow they had become stuck in the trees, and needed to be set free." She frowned. He was unsuccessfully trying to repress his amusement. The smile tugging at the corners of his mouth tattled loudly as she continued, "I wanted them to sore in the sky again..free. Well, I thought perhaps they had just simply forgotten how to fly, so I got it into my little head to teach them."
"So, did they fly?" he asked, yielding rein to his grin. He was enjoying this story immensely.
Mara found herself smiling in return. "Yes, I think for just a second, they did. Well, at lease until I came crashing down to the floor." She laughed. Williams peal of laughter was rich and genuine, without any hint of mocking or teasing insincerity. Perhaps she had been too hard on him back at the airport. Not that he hadn't deserved it. His insistent teasing had set her teeth on edge. But, she had to admit, that he had kept his word on the long trip home. Perhaps it was time to reconsider her opinion of him.
"Very nearly gave me my death of fright." Katie added. "Most children would have learned from that, but not my Mara, no. She was determined that she just needed to climb back up there and give them more practice."
"Practice does make perfect." He pointed out, throwing his support behind Mara.
Yes, she decided, she would try to be more friendly to him. But on her own terms and only if he continued to behave. "Thank you. However, my fractured leg aborted my early career as a flight instructor." Their laughter settled slowly. A reassuring silence lengthened as she reverently caressed the small robin peeking out of his wooden hiding place. Mara felt more relaxed now than she had all day. The painful undercurrents that had always been present when she recalled her childhood memories, less poignant. For the first time in years, she felt at peace. "God, it's good to be home"
"It's good to have you home." Katie reassuringly patted her hand. "You will be staying in your old room, Dear. I suggest that we all take the opportunity to rest a bit, and meet for tea." Always the caretaker, Katie hadn't changed at all. Even as a child she had constantly doted on Mara, giving her the love and attention Lise never would.
Her Grandmother face had taken on a tired edge, giving her a frailness that startled Mara. The trip to the airport had been too long. "Wonderful idea. It was a long drive and you look a bit tired gram. Is there anything you need?" Now it was Mara's turn to return the favor.
"No, Mara, I'll be just fine. It's just the excitement of the day catching up with me." She flashed her a wan smile. "Perhaps I will take just a little rest, Dear."
"Excellent. We'll have the whole evening to catch up." Mara promised, quickly giving Katie a kiss on the cheek.
Accepting Charles' arm, Katie began ascending the stairs. Abruptly she stopped and looked down at her Granddaughter. "Perhaps Will can show you around the house. Help you become reacquainted with everything." She didn't miss the sudden flash of joy on Will's face or the startled widening of Mara's eyes.
The matchmaker was at it again, she thought ruefully. Mara shook her head. "I'm sure he has other more important things to attend to. Besides, I'm quite sure that I can still find my way around and I do need to call in to the Superintendent in Albright." Mara replied quickly, flashing a warning glare to Will. The little imp had looked far too pleased with himself. Now he looked disappointed, like a petulant child denied his favorite toy. She watched as Katie nodded and departed for her room.
"Perhaps I can play tour guide for you after you're settled in." his voice was hopeful. "That will give you time to unpack and me time to finalize this evening's plans.
She glared at him again "No thank you. I remember the place just fine." The harshness of her rebuke startled her. Suddenly she was feeling guilty as a momentary hurt flashed in his eyes. She sighed, regretting uttering the words before they were out, but what was said, was said.
"Can we call a truce?" He asked, his face serious.
"A truce?" she repeated. Mara's mind whirled, trying to think of ways to offer her apology. Perhaps this was her opportunity.
"Yes, you know. A ceasefire? Suspension of hostilities." He guiltily reminded himself of his behavior earlier at Heathrow. "Really, I apologize for teasing you as I did at the airport. I should have come to your rescue and beat the stupid sot within an inch of his life." He extended an elegant hand towards her. "Truce?"
His voice was full of sincerity. Truly she couldn't find it in her heart to stay angry with him. She chuckled lightly. "Alright, a truce." She shook his hand briefly feeling as though she was somehow sealing herself to a future of incessant teasing. . "So, what exactly are these plans."
Will smiled. He found himself under a strange compulsion to divulge the all details. It was something in the tone of her voice, the now tentative trust in her eyes. "Katie was adamant that your return home is an event that needs celebrating. Therefore, she asked me to invite a few close friends over for dinner. You know: Eat, drink and make merry, for tomorrow you'll need to recover." He quipped, slinging his suitcase over his shoulder as he mounted the first step of the staircase.
Her injured arm protested as she lifted her case, the pain causing her to abruptly loose her grip on the handle. It fell to the floor with a clatter. Mara cursed under her breath, as the pain slowly subsided.
"I'll get this." Will picked up the heavy suitcase, concern heavy on his face. "You know, you should really see a professional about that shoulder." He face was deadpan. "I know this physician. Lovely girl. A bit moody at times." He delighted as Mara's eyes widened, then shot daggers at him. "Doubles as an FBI agent on her days off."
"You are incorrigible." She laughed softly as they started up the staircase. He was like having a little brother. One full of mischief and tricks.
He found himself laughing with her, relaxing as they made their way up the staircase. "Absolutely! And all the more fun because of it."
AN: Hi everyone! I want to take a sec to thank everyone who has reviewed thus far. Especially C. Belyea. I swear chicklet you have the soul of a Sidhe. Thanks for helping me refine the idea coming in the next chap. The heavy action explodes in the next chapter of "Guardians."