Title:Banshee 5/?
Author:Tapestry
Email:Shaddow_Cat@hotmail.com
Standard Disclaimer Apply
* denotes thought
WAFF vs TAFF 2001
15/5/02
"Woman was created from the ribs of man
Not from his head to top him
Nor from his feet to be walked upon
She was made from his side to be his equal
From beneath his arms to be protected
From very near his heart to be loved."
--Anonymous--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, I'd just like to once again, thank you all those people who reviewed
this fic on FF.net :) It's nice to know someone actually reads the junk I
write. By the way, someone asked who is trying to kill them...
Well, you have to find out later. Hehehe :p On to the story!!
It was the end of the week and all the prepartions for the wedding had
been finished and merely awaited the big day. Serena couldn't believe how
many women had approached her, giving her advice about married life. It
was exasperating. She couldn't believe her clanswomen were expecting her to
live a mellow life after marriage bearing babes. She was a warrior!
Well, a rather pathetic one at the moment as she was hiding from people,
sitting all by her lonesome in breeches on the swing she had sworn to avoid
for the rest of her life. Serena glanced back in the direction of O'Monaghan
Keep. Nobody would expect her to come here. Not even her father...
"There ye are lass." came a deep velvet voice.
How could she not recognize it? That voice had been the source of her
irritation and insanity for the past month. It was the voice of the man she
was to wed come tomorrow morn.
"How did ye find me?" asked Serena looking up at the man whose booted feet
were directly in front of her.
"Rahne said she saw ye leave O'Monaghan Keep, but she dinnae know where
ye were headed. I thought I'd look for ye. Looked all over I did. Then I
thought aboot this place where we came the first time we went riding
together." grinned Darien.
"Papa would never believe I would come here..." murmured Serena softly.
"Och, what's the matter lass?" asked Darien worried, bending down to her
eye level. The imp was unnaturally silent and that worried him. The Serena
O'Monaghan he knew would probably run a sword through his belly if she
could. But this...this silence and somber expression did not fit with the
little imp he had come to know.
"'Tis nothin'" whispered Serena as she wiped a tear from her eye.
"Why would your Da not expect ye t'come t' this swing, lass? And what is
it that makes ye weep so?" whispered Darien softly as he brushed away the
other tear that was rolling down her pale face.
Her eyes were luminous and large with unshed tears. Those eyes that were
usually the colour of a bright summer's day had deepened into a dark
ocean blue on a stormy day. Silver flecks floated around in her eyes. Her
eyes were too large for her face. This jolted a queer emotion in his belly,
causing his heart to do a little somersault. He had the oddest urge to
crush her to him and sooth away her tears.
"'Tis just...'tis me weddin' day on the morrow!" blurted Serena.
Darien's heart clenched. "And this is what upsets ye?"
"Aye...NAE!! Nae!! 'Tis nae t'weddin' that I fear or dread. 'Tis just,-"
stopped Serena as she tried to explain.
"Take a deep breath lass. Just take ye time." soothed Darien as he took
hold of her trembling hand.
Serena offered him a weak smile. This was so embarrassing! She was
supposed to be a warrior! Not one of the weak swooning maids back at the
bloody castle! But here she was, pouring out her apprehensions and fears.
Her hopes and her dreams.... Darien O'Connor effected her in the strangest
ways.
"'Tis just, I miss my mama." whispered Serena. "She died when I was just
10 summers past. Mama died here, falling off her horse when the wind blew
this swing. Startled her horse it did. Mama didnae take her own horse that
day, cause it had a sore foot. The one she took was jumpy. The horse reared
up and she fell. Died instantly. I saw th' whole thing happen." murmured
Serena sadly.
"I wished she could have seen me wed. I wish she could see me, tomorrow!"
cried Serena as she jumped off the swing and threw her arms around Darien's
neck, hugging him tightly as tears began to stream down her face.
Darien stiffened slightly before relaxing. His arms crept round her, one
hand finding it's way to her gold-white hair, stroking the soft wisps that
felt like flaxen and silk. "Serena..."
"I loved my mama, Darien! I loved her so much. She was always so serene.
So beautiful and patient. She never ever scolded me when I came home dirty
and triumphant from mud fights or dirtying a new dress when I presented her
with wild flowers. She only smiled at me with pride and joy. Always!! I
miss her so much...What do I do, Darien??" sobbed Serena.
Darien was at a loss of words as he continued to stroke her hair
soothingly. Finally, he unlocked her slim arms from his neck and brushed
her hair from her face. He pointedly ignored her tiny waist that he could
easily span with his large hands and cupped her tear stained face.
"Now, listen t'me, Serena. Yuir mama wouldnae want ye t'cry so much. I
mean, ye look more like a red-nosed pixie than a warrior maiden." grinned
Darien teasingly.
Serena smiled tremulously.
"Besides, yuir mama's always watchin' ye. She's up there with God and
she'll continue t'watch ye from heaven like a guardian angel. Loved ones
are never gone if ye remember them. I mean, ye'll miss them at times like
this, but they live within yuir heart, lass. Be brave and strong." smiled
Darien as he brushed his thumbs soothingly on her face.
"Ye know, Darien? I never thought ye th'poetic type. Thank ye."
Darien laughed and ruffled her curls as Serena swiped half-heartedly at
his hand.
Sky blue locked with sapphire blue. Serena's eyes once again deepened to
a turbulent ocean blue as Darien's turned midnight.
Serena's breathing sped up as Darien's large hand locked around the nape
of her neck and began tugging her towards him.
Serena could feel the warm air on her lips as they stared deeply into
each other's eyes. She felt as if, she had been placed under an enchantment
that only drew her into the inescapable web that she and Darien O'Connor
seemed to be weaving.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darien sat quietly in the great hall as the other men drank and laughed in
rowdy boisterous voices. Some raising their mugs of ale to him in salute
and some men even shouted out advice. Darien merely took all this in stride
with a mocking grin, raising his mug back at the men.
It was late. He didn't know why he was still sitting here drinking. He
was wedding Serena on the morrow. He glanced at his mug, trying to decipher
what had happened this afternoon. He had kissed Serena. A long and
passionate kiss where she had fled after breaking it.
After dinner, Serena had vanished. Of course, most women were alreading
gone but some still remained. Most were the whores and maids eager for a
bedding. In fact, a whore had even approached him, but left after he had
curtly rebuffed her. If he had still been at O'Connor Castle, he usually
wouldn't have hesitated. It just proved how much the little witchy imp had
him besotted.
A curvy body came to stand in front of him. He glance up and saw Moira.
Her green-blue eyes stared at him, her red hair curling riotously around
her voluptous figure. Her lips, red and dewy were parted slightly.
Her face was the epitome of what a classic beauty should be. Nothing at
all like Serena. His lips turned upwards in a smirk. But Serena was the
one he wanted. Not this one.
"What do ye want, Moira?"
"Ye're gettin' wed tomorrow, Darien. Tonight...'tis yuir last night o'
freedom." purred Moira seductively.
Darien raised a brow. "Yuir point bein'?"
"Serena willnae be able t'satisfy ye. She's more girl than woman. Skinny."
whispered Moira softly.
Darien snorted. "And I suppose ye can? I doubt so, lass. I doona like ye
anymore than I want t'be between yuir legs." he sneered as anger coursed
through him at this "woman's" harsh words. What kind of sister was she
supposed t'be?
Moira glared at him as a red flush stole up from the top of her gown to
the roots of her hair.
"So run along, ye wee lassie. Ye shouldnae stay up after yuir bedtime
goin' around makin' rude comments aboot yuir sister as well as lewd invites
of a tumble in bed to yuir future brother-in-law." mocked Darien in a drawl.
Moira looked ready to explode as she turned her perfect little nose into
the air and flounced away.
Darien merely returned his attention to his mug of ale when a deep chuckle
broke into his thoughts.
"Eamon." acknowledged Darien.
"That was harsh, big brother." laughed Eamon. "Though I would have done
th'same in yuir place. That is no lady, that woman is a bitch."
Darien mused at his brother. "I'm surprised that ye havenae found a warm
willing wench t'bed, little brother."
Eamon's gaze shot to his. There was an unreadable expression in his eyes,
but in a flicker, it was gone leaving Darien to wonder if he had imagined
it or had the emotion been real?
Eamon brushed the question off with a deep chuckle of amusement.
"And I probably willnae find another wench to bed for a long long time."
grinned Eamon as he took a swig from the mug he held in his large hand.
Darien stared at his brother, the odd words not making any sense to
Darien. Shrugging it off, Darien clapped his brother on the shoulder and
sighed.
"'Tis me weddin' day tomorrow, Eamon."
"I know."
"I doona know if I'll be able t'survive this or nae..."
"Ye'll do just fine, Darien. Just fine." grinned Eamon as the two brothers
clinked their mugs and drained them of ale.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serena awoke in her bed early the next morn with a feeling of anxiety and
anticipation. She understood the anxiety but by heaven's hand, she had no
idea where the anticipation was coming from.
She went to the basin placed on the table across her bed and washed. This
was her wedding day. She would leave O'Monaghan Keep today.
Serena stared at the wedding gown made of a deep forest green with gold
thread as lining around the hem and neckline of the gown. It was an elegant
gown that had been prepared for her. It was lovelier than any other gown she
had ever previously owned.
She fingered the soft material and let out a sigh. She couldn't believe
the days had gone so fast. There certainly hadn't been any more attacks on
either Darien or her. But she HAD been avoiding him. The kiss they had
shared at the grove where her mother had died had been too confusing and
too overwhelming for her. She knew she was attracted to the ass of a man.
But it still did not help her fears.
"Oh Mama, what am I t'do?" whispered Serena softly as she stared out into
the foggy dewy morning. "Mama...tell me what t'do."
Darien too awoke early and glared at the bright morning light that was
streaming through the window in his chamber, though it wasn't as bright with
the fog that day. His head throbbed and he squinted through the light. He
had indulged a little too much last night.
*At least I dinnae find a wench in me bed.* he thought relieved. He didn't
know how he would have faced his wedding day or his bride for that matter.
He was infatuated with her.
He touched his chin with his large hand and sighed. He needed a shave. The
stubble on his chin was so rough, it was sure to hurt Serena's face if he
kissed her.
Poking his head out of the room, Darien bellowed for his brother.
Moments later, his brother walked in, sleepy eyed and bare chested. Darien
smirked. He must have given the maids in the castle an eyeful, walking
around unaware like that.
"Alright, wadda ye want?" slurred his brother, crankily.
Darien grinned. "I need ye t'shave me."
An eye popped open. "Now?? Cannae this wait 'till I've had more sleep?"
"It would have been wise, but if ye recall, dear brother. We happen t'be
leavin' right after th' afternoon banquet?" reminded Darien.
"Oh..right." yawned Eamon. "Where's that knife?"
"O' nae ye don't. Ye are nae shavin' me face all sleepy eyed like that! I
doona need ointments and bandages on me face." exclaimed Darien pushing his
brother to the wash basin.
Eamon grinned unrepentently. "Doona want t'scare ye bride eh?" chuckled
Eamon as he splashed water on his face and rubbed.
"What was all th' bellowin' aboot?" came a sleepy voice.
Eamon looked to the door way and found Dougal.
"'Tis nothin'. Our big brother wants me t'shave his blasted face right
now. If'n ye ask me, he looks better with the beard coverin' his
pig-stickin' face." laughed Eamon.
Dougal grinned. "Aye! Mayhap then Mistress O'Monaghan will like ye
better." teased Dougal.
Darien glared at his younger brothers. "Watch yuir tongue brothers."
"By th'way Darien, have ye thought of what t'do with Sabrina? I doubt
Serena would take kindly t'her. Nor would Sabrina take kindly t'her."
commented Eamon as he dried his face.
Darien cursed. He had forgotten about her.
Dougal's eyes widened. "Ye dinnae break off with her, Darien??"
Darien shook his head. "Nae, I forgot. With Da rushin' us here so quickly,
I dinnae get the chance."
Eamon and Dougal sighed. "Ye've got trouble man. Real trouble."
"Shut up."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Up in the dark tower of the chapel, a figure had awoken early and worked
stealthily, silently at the ropes that held the massive iron bell in place,
high above the altar.
The bride and the groom would be standing at the altar beneath it during
the wedding, and this time, they would not be so lucky...
The iron bell had been rigged to fall. The ropes were frayed enough to
snap but strong enough to hold till the ceremony.
A cold smiled curled the lips of the mysterious figure hidden in darkness.
"Ye'll die this time, ye miserable curs." whispered the voice, oozing with
hatred and malice.
"Ye willnae escape this time. This time, ye'll die for sure!"
The figure slipped away into the shadows and out of the chapel. No one
saw the cloaked figure leave as the morning fog blanketed the area with it's
white tendrils leaving dew on the leaves as the sun rose high into the sky.
Teresa hummed happily. She was taking a basket of white flowers to Serena.
It had been a busy morning. The fog hadn't helped but she had found the
grove of white flowers Serena had described. She had to hurry if she was to
help Serena finish her preparations for her wedding. The sun was almost
high in the sky and the white flowers were to be weaved into her hair like
a crown.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she thought what it would be like to be a
beautiful, joyous bride. So immersed in her fantasy, Teresa bumped into a
body.
"Oh! Excuse me!" cried Teresa as she looked up.
Vapid green eyes met hers. It was her older sister, Abigail.
"Abby! Where are ye headed? Are ye nae going t'help Serena with her
preparations?" asked Teresa as she pointed down the hallway to Serena's
chambers.
Abigail blinked uncomprehendingly at her. "I just came from there. Serena
and Moira are havin' a dreadful fight again."
"Oh!" exclaimed Teresa.
"I'll just be goin' now. I dinnae think there's anythin' t'do if Moira is
fightin' with Serena." stated Abigail as she swept away in a rustle of pale
peach skirts.
Teresa stared after her sister. Abigail always had that vapid and
soulless look in her eyes. Like she did not comprehend anything that went
around her.
Abigail had been born too early, a weak babe. Many had believed she would
not survive. Perhaps being born early had affected her mind...
Teresa shivered. It was so unusual and unnerving.
Walking closer to Serena's quarters, Teresa heard shouts.
Moira and Serena were arguing.
"'Tis MY wedding day, and I will nae allow ye to ruin it for me, Moira!
I willnae!" shouted Serena.
"Fine! I dinnae want t'help ye with yuir wedding anyway! Papa made me do
it! I told him I dinnae want anythin' t'do with ye!" screamed Moira as she
came storming out of the chamber.
"I hate your wedding and I've always HATED ye!!" exclaimed Moira as she
marched out, shoving Teresa out of her way.
Teresa clutched at her basket fearfully as she watched her sister storm
off in the direction Abigail had gone.
A few moments later, Teresa peeked in and saw Serena sitting on her bed.
"Ach Dhia...we cannae ever talk without arguing can we, Teresa?" asked
Serena looking up.
"Well, I've nae seen ye and Moira ever talk civilly before if that's what
ye mean." smiled Teresa, closing the chamber doors.
"Aye! Doona let yuir nasty sister, get t'ye. I mean, she's me cousin and
all, but I doona understand her." nodded Rahne in agreement.
"Thank ye."
"Awww, lets just get ye into that gown and prepare for ye weddin', cousin
o'mine." laughed Rahne as she picked up the forest green gown.
"Aye! I have the flowers for ye hair. Yuir maid, Katie said she'll pick
some fresh ones for ye bouquet." smiled Teresa.
"Alright. Let's get it over with." sighed Serena as she picked up the fine
lacy chemise and fingered it.
Turning to her cousin and sister, she asked..."Are ye sure I have t'wear
all these undergarments? Why can't I wear me breeches?"
"SERENA!!"
"Alright, alright." muttered Serena changing out of her undergarments and
slipping the ones on meant for the gown.
Rahne pulled tight at the gown's laces at the back.
"Ow! Dinnae pull so hard, will ye? That hurts!"
"Ye're suppose t'look slim and dainty, Serena! The laces are supposed t'be
tight!" exclaimed Rahne exasperated at her cousin's belly-achin'.
"But I cannae breathe!"
"Oh hush! Doona be a babe. If ye willnae let me tie yuir laces, perhaps
yuir nursemaid, Old Edna will want to." threathened Rahne.
"NAE!!"
"Then be quiet. I canna understand ye, Serena. Ye like t'swordfight,
climb trees and brawl. But ye're afraid o' Old Edna."
"THAT 'old woman' is a battle axe. Nae a nursemaid. She always liked
t'pay such close attention t'me." shuddered Serena.
Teresa giggled behind her hand.
"I KNOW ye're laughin' Teresa." snapped Serena. "Besides, I doona think
O'Connor would want a bride dead from th' lack o' air." sniffed Serena.
"That's really unladylike, cousin."
"But it's TOO tight!!"
"Ye're being a child."
"Hmmph!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When the moment of the wedding finally came, Darien was standing at the
altar, his hands clenched into fists.
He was wearing a matching forest green garb with identical gold lining
and black knee length boots. At the neck, he wore a heavy gold chain that
was inlaid with emeralds.
"If ye keep that black look up, I doubt Mistress O'Monaghan will want
t'marry ye." teased Eamon.
"That's what I fear. That lass has been avoidin' me so much, I wouldnae
put it pass her to sneak out o' O'Monaghan Keep and run off t'God knows
where." snapped Darien.
"Here here." laughed Rory as he clapped Darien on the back.
"Dinnae worry Darien. Serena may be a lot o'things. But she isnae a
coward. Even if she were, she'd still have 'er honour and our clan's pride
t'protect, so...she'll come just t'prove a point and for th' hell of it or
just for the pride she has. Mind ye, she has a lot o' it." grinned Sean.
Darien slanted a glance at her brothers. "We'll see."
Dougal and Brian rolled their eyes.
Then, the great doors to the chapel opened and Serena was there led by her
father. Darien's eyes locked on her. She was wearing a forest green gown,
gold trimmings and linings on the hem, the cuffs, and the neck of the gown.
A white silk shawl was slung on her arms. A gold circlet decorated by dark
green emeralds was on her forehead. She also had white flowers crowning her
head of silver-gold curls as well as in her bouquet.
The arrogant tilt of her chin brought a surge of pride in Darien. He was
wedding this spitfire whose spirit was unbreakable. Her courage and loyalty
to her family was unquestionable. She would be a staunch ally with her
loyalty. It was this thought that brought a smile to his lips, but it was
she herself that made his heart beat a little faster.
Darien held out his hand to Serena. Her blue eyes locked with his own.
What he saw in her eyes almost made him smile. Defiance.
*So, me imp IS still around. I knew she was only hiding.* grinned Darien
to himself as Serena placed her tiny white hand into his.
"This doesnae mean I'm forgivin' ye for th' kiss!" hissed Serena under
her breath.
"I wouldnae dream o' it, my spitfire." grinned Darien unrepentant.
"Hmmph."
Darien had the urge to grin himself silly. The only thing that stopped
him from doing so, was the absence of the priest. Which made him frown.
"Where is the priest?" asked Darien as he refrained from cursing. He, WAS
in a house of God after all.
"We're tryin' t'find him. He probably got drunk somewhere in the Keep,
last night." said Sean.
Serena rolled her eyes. "'Tis nae like ye're in a hurry. Right?" asked
Serena as she looked up at Darien.
Darien was silent still glaring at the empty space behind the altar. Where
the priest was supposed to be.
"Darien?"
Suddenly, there was a faint sound and the a whistling one. When Serena
looked up, she saw the large iron bell of the chapel falling down towards
her. Her mind screamed to move, but her feet wouldn't move.
"SERENA!!" came a shout before she was jerked backwards.
The iron bell hit the stone floor with a loud ringing clang. The guests
attending the wedding clamped their hands over their ears at the loud
ringing of the iron bell.
Serena blinked in incomprehension. Wasn't she supposed to be dead?
A part of her dark forest green skirt was caught underneath the bell.
Serena swallowed. *It's nae me leg. Thank the saints...*
A strong pair of arms cradled her and were running up and down her,
checking for injuries.
Serena snapped out of her stupor and glared at the dark man holding her.
Slapping away his hands, Serena shouted at him.
"What in th' Saint's name are ye doin!?" hissed Serena.
"Dammit, Serena, I'm checkin' ye for injuries!! I pulled ye quite harsly
out o' th' way!" snapped Darien. "Ye could have been crushed!! WE could have
been crushed!"
Serena's eyes turned back to the bell. He was right...they BOTH could have
been crushed by the massive iron bell.
Blinking away tears, Serena tugged at her skirt. *I willnae cry! I'm a
warrior!! I willnae!*
Darien saw the way she shook and the paleness of her skin.
"Serena..." he murmured soothingly.
"God, 'tis stuck! Me skirt...'tis stuck!" choked Serena as tears fell from
her eyes.
Darien's heart squeezed. She could have died...THEY could have died.
"Hush, imp. We're fine. Doona worry aboot yuir skirt. 'Tis alright."
soothed Darien, wrapping strong arms around her.
"Please, Darien...help me." whimpered Serena as she continued tugging on
the skirt.
"'Twill tear."
"Help me!"
With a sigh, Darien took hold of her skirt and gave a mighty yank. The
sound of tearing cloth was the testimony to the ripped skirt.
Serena bit her lip, wiping away her tears.
Strong arms once again enveloped her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I couldnae move. I doona understand." whispered Serena as she stood up.
"'Tis a natural reaction."
"But, ye moved." pointed out Serena frowning.
"But I'm a man." grinned Darien.
"Rogue. We'll put yuir sword where yuir mouth is." snapped Serena angry
at his egotism.
"Darien, this rope was cut and left t' snap. Nae cause o' it's age."
called Dougal holding up the rope.
Serena and Darien turned towards Dougal.
"Aye! Yuir brother is right!" exclaimed Brian examining the rope himself.
Shannon and Genny O'Connor gave a startled gasp. Rahne held a hand to her
breast while Teresa kept looking towards Eamon in fright. Moira and Abigail
sat down on one of the pews looking pale and slightly shaky.
Serena's eyes found Darien's. "Ye doona think..."
"Aye, I do." confirmed Darien grimly. "This was an attempt t'kill us."
"I thought th' bastard whoreson had learnt his lesson. E's damn cowardly
pullin' an act like this. Brave when he knows we cannae touch him." growled
Rory O'Monaghan.
"By th' blessed saints! What happened here??!" asked Father Connor as he
entered the chapel.
"The bell came down!!" piped a young voice before it was hushed by the
mother.
"Should the wedding be postponed?" asked the priest.
"Nae, Father. Marry us now. I have no wish t' stay here a moment longer."
growled Darien.
Serena's head turned to glare at him. "So! You doona want t' stay at
O'Monaghan Keep! Well, I doona want t'go t' Castle O'Connor."
"'Tis for our own good if we go, Serena." whispered Darien.
"What do ye mean?"
"Think aboot it. We'll be able t' know if th' killer is O'Connor or
O'Monaghan." hissed Darien.
"But-"
"I doona want ye t' be here another moment Serena. We're both in danger
here."
"Alright..." murmured Serena.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The pair were married in the O'Monaghan courtyard, with all the guests
watching them.
After the wedding, they adjourned to the Great Hall for lunch while Serena
made her way to her chambers to change into breeches.
"Serena?" came Darien's voice.
"Doona say it. I'm nae sittin' in a carriage all th' way to Castle
O'Connor. I'm ridin'." stated Serena firmly.
Darien chuckled. "I wouldnae think t'stop ye, Serena. "I came to ask ye
what ye wanted t'do with that blasted Irish Wolfhound o' yuirs."
"Sersi??"
"Aye."
"...She cannae ride with yuir sisters?"
"That dog will probably eat me sisters." joked Darien.
"Nae, she willnae."
"Doona worry. I thought aboot it and asked me sisters. They will be
delighted t'have yuir Irish Wolfhound with them. I only feared it would
bite."
"She. And nae, she willnae bite if I tell her so."
"Alright. Come, we have to eat lunch and then leave." said Darien holding
out a hand to her.
Serena looked around at her room. Trying to absorb it into memory.
Warm hands came round her as warm breath tickled her ear.
"Dinnae worry, lass. We'll visit as often as we can." whispered Darien
as he kissed her neck.
"Darien!"
Darien chuckled. "We are married, Serena."
"Whatever." snapped Serena as she rubbed her neck, hard. Trying to make
the tingling sensation at her neck go away.
"Come now."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On their way down, Serena and Darien encountered two figures hugging in
the dark. The pair were locked in a deep embrace as well as a kiss that
made colour rise to Serena's cheeks.
"I doona want ye t' go.." whispered a feminine voice.
"I have to." murmured a male voice in reply.
"I'm goin' t' miss ye." sniffled the woman.
"Aye, so will I, love."
"I love ye." choked the woman.
"I love ye, too."
Serena and Darien stepped closer to the couple.
"Stand and identify yuirself!" exclaimed Darien.
The couple jumped away from each other in shock.
"Darien!"
"Serena!"
Darien and Serena gaped. "'Tis ye two!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To be continued...
Wee!!! I've finished Chapter 5! Is this quick or what??? Usually I take
months to finish because of writer's block. :) Oh well...yes I know. I left
you guys at a cliffhanger. Reviews please! :p
26/5/02
Author:Tapestry
Email:Shaddow_Cat@hotmail.com
Standard Disclaimer Apply
* denotes thought
WAFF vs TAFF 2001
15/5/02
"Woman was created from the ribs of man
Not from his head to top him
Nor from his feet to be walked upon
She was made from his side to be his equal
From beneath his arms to be protected
From very near his heart to be loved."
--Anonymous--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, I'd just like to once again, thank you all those people who reviewed
this fic on FF.net :) It's nice to know someone actually reads the junk I
write. By the way, someone asked who is trying to kill them...
Well, you have to find out later. Hehehe :p On to the story!!
It was the end of the week and all the prepartions for the wedding had
been finished and merely awaited the big day. Serena couldn't believe how
many women had approached her, giving her advice about married life. It
was exasperating. She couldn't believe her clanswomen were expecting her to
live a mellow life after marriage bearing babes. She was a warrior!
Well, a rather pathetic one at the moment as she was hiding from people,
sitting all by her lonesome in breeches on the swing she had sworn to avoid
for the rest of her life. Serena glanced back in the direction of O'Monaghan
Keep. Nobody would expect her to come here. Not even her father...
"There ye are lass." came a deep velvet voice.
How could she not recognize it? That voice had been the source of her
irritation and insanity for the past month. It was the voice of the man she
was to wed come tomorrow morn.
"How did ye find me?" asked Serena looking up at the man whose booted feet
were directly in front of her.
"Rahne said she saw ye leave O'Monaghan Keep, but she dinnae know where
ye were headed. I thought I'd look for ye. Looked all over I did. Then I
thought aboot this place where we came the first time we went riding
together." grinned Darien.
"Papa would never believe I would come here..." murmured Serena softly.
"Och, what's the matter lass?" asked Darien worried, bending down to her
eye level. The imp was unnaturally silent and that worried him. The Serena
O'Monaghan he knew would probably run a sword through his belly if she
could. But this...this silence and somber expression did not fit with the
little imp he had come to know.
"'Tis nothin'" whispered Serena as she wiped a tear from her eye.
"Why would your Da not expect ye t'come t' this swing, lass? And what is
it that makes ye weep so?" whispered Darien softly as he brushed away the
other tear that was rolling down her pale face.
Her eyes were luminous and large with unshed tears. Those eyes that were
usually the colour of a bright summer's day had deepened into a dark
ocean blue on a stormy day. Silver flecks floated around in her eyes. Her
eyes were too large for her face. This jolted a queer emotion in his belly,
causing his heart to do a little somersault. He had the oddest urge to
crush her to him and sooth away her tears.
"'Tis just...'tis me weddin' day on the morrow!" blurted Serena.
Darien's heart clenched. "And this is what upsets ye?"
"Aye...NAE!! Nae!! 'Tis nae t'weddin' that I fear or dread. 'Tis just,-"
stopped Serena as she tried to explain.
"Take a deep breath lass. Just take ye time." soothed Darien as he took
hold of her trembling hand.
Serena offered him a weak smile. This was so embarrassing! She was
supposed to be a warrior! Not one of the weak swooning maids back at the
bloody castle! But here she was, pouring out her apprehensions and fears.
Her hopes and her dreams.... Darien O'Connor effected her in the strangest
ways.
"'Tis just, I miss my mama." whispered Serena. "She died when I was just
10 summers past. Mama died here, falling off her horse when the wind blew
this swing. Startled her horse it did. Mama didnae take her own horse that
day, cause it had a sore foot. The one she took was jumpy. The horse reared
up and she fell. Died instantly. I saw th' whole thing happen." murmured
Serena sadly.
"I wished she could have seen me wed. I wish she could see me, tomorrow!"
cried Serena as she jumped off the swing and threw her arms around Darien's
neck, hugging him tightly as tears began to stream down her face.
Darien stiffened slightly before relaxing. His arms crept round her, one
hand finding it's way to her gold-white hair, stroking the soft wisps that
felt like flaxen and silk. "Serena..."
"I loved my mama, Darien! I loved her so much. She was always so serene.
So beautiful and patient. She never ever scolded me when I came home dirty
and triumphant from mud fights or dirtying a new dress when I presented her
with wild flowers. She only smiled at me with pride and joy. Always!! I
miss her so much...What do I do, Darien??" sobbed Serena.
Darien was at a loss of words as he continued to stroke her hair
soothingly. Finally, he unlocked her slim arms from his neck and brushed
her hair from her face. He pointedly ignored her tiny waist that he could
easily span with his large hands and cupped her tear stained face.
"Now, listen t'me, Serena. Yuir mama wouldnae want ye t'cry so much. I
mean, ye look more like a red-nosed pixie than a warrior maiden." grinned
Darien teasingly.
Serena smiled tremulously.
"Besides, yuir mama's always watchin' ye. She's up there with God and
she'll continue t'watch ye from heaven like a guardian angel. Loved ones
are never gone if ye remember them. I mean, ye'll miss them at times like
this, but they live within yuir heart, lass. Be brave and strong." smiled
Darien as he brushed his thumbs soothingly on her face.
"Ye know, Darien? I never thought ye th'poetic type. Thank ye."
Darien laughed and ruffled her curls as Serena swiped half-heartedly at
his hand.
Sky blue locked with sapphire blue. Serena's eyes once again deepened to
a turbulent ocean blue as Darien's turned midnight.
Serena's breathing sped up as Darien's large hand locked around the nape
of her neck and began tugging her towards him.
Serena could feel the warm air on her lips as they stared deeply into
each other's eyes. She felt as if, she had been placed under an enchantment
that only drew her into the inescapable web that she and Darien O'Connor
seemed to be weaving.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darien sat quietly in the great hall as the other men drank and laughed in
rowdy boisterous voices. Some raising their mugs of ale to him in salute
and some men even shouted out advice. Darien merely took all this in stride
with a mocking grin, raising his mug back at the men.
It was late. He didn't know why he was still sitting here drinking. He
was wedding Serena on the morrow. He glanced at his mug, trying to decipher
what had happened this afternoon. He had kissed Serena. A long and
passionate kiss where she had fled after breaking it.
After dinner, Serena had vanished. Of course, most women were alreading
gone but some still remained. Most were the whores and maids eager for a
bedding. In fact, a whore had even approached him, but left after he had
curtly rebuffed her. If he had still been at O'Connor Castle, he usually
wouldn't have hesitated. It just proved how much the little witchy imp had
him besotted.
A curvy body came to stand in front of him. He glance up and saw Moira.
Her green-blue eyes stared at him, her red hair curling riotously around
her voluptous figure. Her lips, red and dewy were parted slightly.
Her face was the epitome of what a classic beauty should be. Nothing at
all like Serena. His lips turned upwards in a smirk. But Serena was the
one he wanted. Not this one.
"What do ye want, Moira?"
"Ye're gettin' wed tomorrow, Darien. Tonight...'tis yuir last night o'
freedom." purred Moira seductively.
Darien raised a brow. "Yuir point bein'?"
"Serena willnae be able t'satisfy ye. She's more girl than woman. Skinny."
whispered Moira softly.
Darien snorted. "And I suppose ye can? I doubt so, lass. I doona like ye
anymore than I want t'be between yuir legs." he sneered as anger coursed
through him at this "woman's" harsh words. What kind of sister was she
supposed t'be?
Moira glared at him as a red flush stole up from the top of her gown to
the roots of her hair.
"So run along, ye wee lassie. Ye shouldnae stay up after yuir bedtime
goin' around makin' rude comments aboot yuir sister as well as lewd invites
of a tumble in bed to yuir future brother-in-law." mocked Darien in a drawl.
Moira looked ready to explode as she turned her perfect little nose into
the air and flounced away.
Darien merely returned his attention to his mug of ale when a deep chuckle
broke into his thoughts.
"Eamon." acknowledged Darien.
"That was harsh, big brother." laughed Eamon. "Though I would have done
th'same in yuir place. That is no lady, that woman is a bitch."
Darien mused at his brother. "I'm surprised that ye havenae found a warm
willing wench t'bed, little brother."
Eamon's gaze shot to his. There was an unreadable expression in his eyes,
but in a flicker, it was gone leaving Darien to wonder if he had imagined
it or had the emotion been real?
Eamon brushed the question off with a deep chuckle of amusement.
"And I probably willnae find another wench to bed for a long long time."
grinned Eamon as he took a swig from the mug he held in his large hand.
Darien stared at his brother, the odd words not making any sense to
Darien. Shrugging it off, Darien clapped his brother on the shoulder and
sighed.
"'Tis me weddin' day tomorrow, Eamon."
"I know."
"I doona know if I'll be able t'survive this or nae..."
"Ye'll do just fine, Darien. Just fine." grinned Eamon as the two brothers
clinked their mugs and drained them of ale.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serena awoke in her bed early the next morn with a feeling of anxiety and
anticipation. She understood the anxiety but by heaven's hand, she had no
idea where the anticipation was coming from.
She went to the basin placed on the table across her bed and washed. This
was her wedding day. She would leave O'Monaghan Keep today.
Serena stared at the wedding gown made of a deep forest green with gold
thread as lining around the hem and neckline of the gown. It was an elegant
gown that had been prepared for her. It was lovelier than any other gown she
had ever previously owned.
She fingered the soft material and let out a sigh. She couldn't believe
the days had gone so fast. There certainly hadn't been any more attacks on
either Darien or her. But she HAD been avoiding him. The kiss they had
shared at the grove where her mother had died had been too confusing and
too overwhelming for her. She knew she was attracted to the ass of a man.
But it still did not help her fears.
"Oh Mama, what am I t'do?" whispered Serena softly as she stared out into
the foggy dewy morning. "Mama...tell me what t'do."
Darien too awoke early and glared at the bright morning light that was
streaming through the window in his chamber, though it wasn't as bright with
the fog that day. His head throbbed and he squinted through the light. He
had indulged a little too much last night.
*At least I dinnae find a wench in me bed.* he thought relieved. He didn't
know how he would have faced his wedding day or his bride for that matter.
He was infatuated with her.
He touched his chin with his large hand and sighed. He needed a shave. The
stubble on his chin was so rough, it was sure to hurt Serena's face if he
kissed her.
Poking his head out of the room, Darien bellowed for his brother.
Moments later, his brother walked in, sleepy eyed and bare chested. Darien
smirked. He must have given the maids in the castle an eyeful, walking
around unaware like that.
"Alright, wadda ye want?" slurred his brother, crankily.
Darien grinned. "I need ye t'shave me."
An eye popped open. "Now?? Cannae this wait 'till I've had more sleep?"
"It would have been wise, but if ye recall, dear brother. We happen t'be
leavin' right after th' afternoon banquet?" reminded Darien.
"Oh..right." yawned Eamon. "Where's that knife?"
"O' nae ye don't. Ye are nae shavin' me face all sleepy eyed like that! I
doona need ointments and bandages on me face." exclaimed Darien pushing his
brother to the wash basin.
Eamon grinned unrepentently. "Doona want t'scare ye bride eh?" chuckled
Eamon as he splashed water on his face and rubbed.
"What was all th' bellowin' aboot?" came a sleepy voice.
Eamon looked to the door way and found Dougal.
"'Tis nothin'. Our big brother wants me t'shave his blasted face right
now. If'n ye ask me, he looks better with the beard coverin' his
pig-stickin' face." laughed Eamon.
Dougal grinned. "Aye! Mayhap then Mistress O'Monaghan will like ye
better." teased Dougal.
Darien glared at his younger brothers. "Watch yuir tongue brothers."
"By th'way Darien, have ye thought of what t'do with Sabrina? I doubt
Serena would take kindly t'her. Nor would Sabrina take kindly t'her."
commented Eamon as he dried his face.
Darien cursed. He had forgotten about her.
Dougal's eyes widened. "Ye dinnae break off with her, Darien??"
Darien shook his head. "Nae, I forgot. With Da rushin' us here so quickly,
I dinnae get the chance."
Eamon and Dougal sighed. "Ye've got trouble man. Real trouble."
"Shut up."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Up in the dark tower of the chapel, a figure had awoken early and worked
stealthily, silently at the ropes that held the massive iron bell in place,
high above the altar.
The bride and the groom would be standing at the altar beneath it during
the wedding, and this time, they would not be so lucky...
The iron bell had been rigged to fall. The ropes were frayed enough to
snap but strong enough to hold till the ceremony.
A cold smiled curled the lips of the mysterious figure hidden in darkness.
"Ye'll die this time, ye miserable curs." whispered the voice, oozing with
hatred and malice.
"Ye willnae escape this time. This time, ye'll die for sure!"
The figure slipped away into the shadows and out of the chapel. No one
saw the cloaked figure leave as the morning fog blanketed the area with it's
white tendrils leaving dew on the leaves as the sun rose high into the sky.
Teresa hummed happily. She was taking a basket of white flowers to Serena.
It had been a busy morning. The fog hadn't helped but she had found the
grove of white flowers Serena had described. She had to hurry if she was to
help Serena finish her preparations for her wedding. The sun was almost
high in the sky and the white flowers were to be weaved into her hair like
a crown.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she thought what it would be like to be a
beautiful, joyous bride. So immersed in her fantasy, Teresa bumped into a
body.
"Oh! Excuse me!" cried Teresa as she looked up.
Vapid green eyes met hers. It was her older sister, Abigail.
"Abby! Where are ye headed? Are ye nae going t'help Serena with her
preparations?" asked Teresa as she pointed down the hallway to Serena's
chambers.
Abigail blinked uncomprehendingly at her. "I just came from there. Serena
and Moira are havin' a dreadful fight again."
"Oh!" exclaimed Teresa.
"I'll just be goin' now. I dinnae think there's anythin' t'do if Moira is
fightin' with Serena." stated Abigail as she swept away in a rustle of pale
peach skirts.
Teresa stared after her sister. Abigail always had that vapid and
soulless look in her eyes. Like she did not comprehend anything that went
around her.
Abigail had been born too early, a weak babe. Many had believed she would
not survive. Perhaps being born early had affected her mind...
Teresa shivered. It was so unusual and unnerving.
Walking closer to Serena's quarters, Teresa heard shouts.
Moira and Serena were arguing.
"'Tis MY wedding day, and I will nae allow ye to ruin it for me, Moira!
I willnae!" shouted Serena.
"Fine! I dinnae want t'help ye with yuir wedding anyway! Papa made me do
it! I told him I dinnae want anythin' t'do with ye!" screamed Moira as she
came storming out of the chamber.
"I hate your wedding and I've always HATED ye!!" exclaimed Moira as she
marched out, shoving Teresa out of her way.
Teresa clutched at her basket fearfully as she watched her sister storm
off in the direction Abigail had gone.
A few moments later, Teresa peeked in and saw Serena sitting on her bed.
"Ach Dhia...we cannae ever talk without arguing can we, Teresa?" asked
Serena looking up.
"Well, I've nae seen ye and Moira ever talk civilly before if that's what
ye mean." smiled Teresa, closing the chamber doors.
"Aye! Doona let yuir nasty sister, get t'ye. I mean, she's me cousin and
all, but I doona understand her." nodded Rahne in agreement.
"Thank ye."
"Awww, lets just get ye into that gown and prepare for ye weddin', cousin
o'mine." laughed Rahne as she picked up the forest green gown.
"Aye! I have the flowers for ye hair. Yuir maid, Katie said she'll pick
some fresh ones for ye bouquet." smiled Teresa.
"Alright. Let's get it over with." sighed Serena as she picked up the fine
lacy chemise and fingered it.
Turning to her cousin and sister, she asked..."Are ye sure I have t'wear
all these undergarments? Why can't I wear me breeches?"
"SERENA!!"
"Alright, alright." muttered Serena changing out of her undergarments and
slipping the ones on meant for the gown.
Rahne pulled tight at the gown's laces at the back.
"Ow! Dinnae pull so hard, will ye? That hurts!"
"Ye're suppose t'look slim and dainty, Serena! The laces are supposed t'be
tight!" exclaimed Rahne exasperated at her cousin's belly-achin'.
"But I cannae breathe!"
"Oh hush! Doona be a babe. If ye willnae let me tie yuir laces, perhaps
yuir nursemaid, Old Edna will want to." threathened Rahne.
"NAE!!"
"Then be quiet. I canna understand ye, Serena. Ye like t'swordfight,
climb trees and brawl. But ye're afraid o' Old Edna."
"THAT 'old woman' is a battle axe. Nae a nursemaid. She always liked
t'pay such close attention t'me." shuddered Serena.
Teresa giggled behind her hand.
"I KNOW ye're laughin' Teresa." snapped Serena. "Besides, I doona think
O'Connor would want a bride dead from th' lack o' air." sniffed Serena.
"That's really unladylike, cousin."
"But it's TOO tight!!"
"Ye're being a child."
"Hmmph!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When the moment of the wedding finally came, Darien was standing at the
altar, his hands clenched into fists.
He was wearing a matching forest green garb with identical gold lining
and black knee length boots. At the neck, he wore a heavy gold chain that
was inlaid with emeralds.
"If ye keep that black look up, I doubt Mistress O'Monaghan will want
t'marry ye." teased Eamon.
"That's what I fear. That lass has been avoidin' me so much, I wouldnae
put it pass her to sneak out o' O'Monaghan Keep and run off t'God knows
where." snapped Darien.
"Here here." laughed Rory as he clapped Darien on the back.
"Dinnae worry Darien. Serena may be a lot o'things. But she isnae a
coward. Even if she were, she'd still have 'er honour and our clan's pride
t'protect, so...she'll come just t'prove a point and for th' hell of it or
just for the pride she has. Mind ye, she has a lot o' it." grinned Sean.
Darien slanted a glance at her brothers. "We'll see."
Dougal and Brian rolled their eyes.
Then, the great doors to the chapel opened and Serena was there led by her
father. Darien's eyes locked on her. She was wearing a forest green gown,
gold trimmings and linings on the hem, the cuffs, and the neck of the gown.
A white silk shawl was slung on her arms. A gold circlet decorated by dark
green emeralds was on her forehead. She also had white flowers crowning her
head of silver-gold curls as well as in her bouquet.
The arrogant tilt of her chin brought a surge of pride in Darien. He was
wedding this spitfire whose spirit was unbreakable. Her courage and loyalty
to her family was unquestionable. She would be a staunch ally with her
loyalty. It was this thought that brought a smile to his lips, but it was
she herself that made his heart beat a little faster.
Darien held out his hand to Serena. Her blue eyes locked with his own.
What he saw in her eyes almost made him smile. Defiance.
*So, me imp IS still around. I knew she was only hiding.* grinned Darien
to himself as Serena placed her tiny white hand into his.
"This doesnae mean I'm forgivin' ye for th' kiss!" hissed Serena under
her breath.
"I wouldnae dream o' it, my spitfire." grinned Darien unrepentant.
"Hmmph."
Darien had the urge to grin himself silly. The only thing that stopped
him from doing so, was the absence of the priest. Which made him frown.
"Where is the priest?" asked Darien as he refrained from cursing. He, WAS
in a house of God after all.
"We're tryin' t'find him. He probably got drunk somewhere in the Keep,
last night." said Sean.
Serena rolled her eyes. "'Tis nae like ye're in a hurry. Right?" asked
Serena as she looked up at Darien.
Darien was silent still glaring at the empty space behind the altar. Where
the priest was supposed to be.
"Darien?"
Suddenly, there was a faint sound and the a whistling one. When Serena
looked up, she saw the large iron bell of the chapel falling down towards
her. Her mind screamed to move, but her feet wouldn't move.
"SERENA!!" came a shout before she was jerked backwards.
The iron bell hit the stone floor with a loud ringing clang. The guests
attending the wedding clamped their hands over their ears at the loud
ringing of the iron bell.
Serena blinked in incomprehension. Wasn't she supposed to be dead?
A part of her dark forest green skirt was caught underneath the bell.
Serena swallowed. *It's nae me leg. Thank the saints...*
A strong pair of arms cradled her and were running up and down her,
checking for injuries.
Serena snapped out of her stupor and glared at the dark man holding her.
Slapping away his hands, Serena shouted at him.
"What in th' Saint's name are ye doin!?" hissed Serena.
"Dammit, Serena, I'm checkin' ye for injuries!! I pulled ye quite harsly
out o' th' way!" snapped Darien. "Ye could have been crushed!! WE could have
been crushed!"
Serena's eyes turned back to the bell. He was right...they BOTH could have
been crushed by the massive iron bell.
Blinking away tears, Serena tugged at her skirt. *I willnae cry! I'm a
warrior!! I willnae!*
Darien saw the way she shook and the paleness of her skin.
"Serena..." he murmured soothingly.
"God, 'tis stuck! Me skirt...'tis stuck!" choked Serena as tears fell from
her eyes.
Darien's heart squeezed. She could have died...THEY could have died.
"Hush, imp. We're fine. Doona worry aboot yuir skirt. 'Tis alright."
soothed Darien, wrapping strong arms around her.
"Please, Darien...help me." whimpered Serena as she continued tugging on
the skirt.
"'Twill tear."
"Help me!"
With a sigh, Darien took hold of her skirt and gave a mighty yank. The
sound of tearing cloth was the testimony to the ripped skirt.
Serena bit her lip, wiping away her tears.
Strong arms once again enveloped her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I couldnae move. I doona understand." whispered Serena as she stood up.
"'Tis a natural reaction."
"But, ye moved." pointed out Serena frowning.
"But I'm a man." grinned Darien.
"Rogue. We'll put yuir sword where yuir mouth is." snapped Serena angry
at his egotism.
"Darien, this rope was cut and left t' snap. Nae cause o' it's age."
called Dougal holding up the rope.
Serena and Darien turned towards Dougal.
"Aye! Yuir brother is right!" exclaimed Brian examining the rope himself.
Shannon and Genny O'Connor gave a startled gasp. Rahne held a hand to her
breast while Teresa kept looking towards Eamon in fright. Moira and Abigail
sat down on one of the pews looking pale and slightly shaky.
Serena's eyes found Darien's. "Ye doona think..."
"Aye, I do." confirmed Darien grimly. "This was an attempt t'kill us."
"I thought th' bastard whoreson had learnt his lesson. E's damn cowardly
pullin' an act like this. Brave when he knows we cannae touch him." growled
Rory O'Monaghan.
"By th' blessed saints! What happened here??!" asked Father Connor as he
entered the chapel.
"The bell came down!!" piped a young voice before it was hushed by the
mother.
"Should the wedding be postponed?" asked the priest.
"Nae, Father. Marry us now. I have no wish t' stay here a moment longer."
growled Darien.
Serena's head turned to glare at him. "So! You doona want t' stay at
O'Monaghan Keep! Well, I doona want t'go t' Castle O'Connor."
"'Tis for our own good if we go, Serena." whispered Darien.
"What do ye mean?"
"Think aboot it. We'll be able t' know if th' killer is O'Connor or
O'Monaghan." hissed Darien.
"But-"
"I doona want ye t' be here another moment Serena. We're both in danger
here."
"Alright..." murmured Serena.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The pair were married in the O'Monaghan courtyard, with all the guests
watching them.
After the wedding, they adjourned to the Great Hall for lunch while Serena
made her way to her chambers to change into breeches.
"Serena?" came Darien's voice.
"Doona say it. I'm nae sittin' in a carriage all th' way to Castle
O'Connor. I'm ridin'." stated Serena firmly.
Darien chuckled. "I wouldnae think t'stop ye, Serena. "I came to ask ye
what ye wanted t'do with that blasted Irish Wolfhound o' yuirs."
"Sersi??"
"Aye."
"...She cannae ride with yuir sisters?"
"That dog will probably eat me sisters." joked Darien.
"Nae, she willnae."
"Doona worry. I thought aboot it and asked me sisters. They will be
delighted t'have yuir Irish Wolfhound with them. I only feared it would
bite."
"She. And nae, she willnae bite if I tell her so."
"Alright. Come, we have to eat lunch and then leave." said Darien holding
out a hand to her.
Serena looked around at her room. Trying to absorb it into memory.
Warm hands came round her as warm breath tickled her ear.
"Dinnae worry, lass. We'll visit as often as we can." whispered Darien
as he kissed her neck.
"Darien!"
Darien chuckled. "We are married, Serena."
"Whatever." snapped Serena as she rubbed her neck, hard. Trying to make
the tingling sensation at her neck go away.
"Come now."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On their way down, Serena and Darien encountered two figures hugging in
the dark. The pair were locked in a deep embrace as well as a kiss that
made colour rise to Serena's cheeks.
"I doona want ye t' go.." whispered a feminine voice.
"I have to." murmured a male voice in reply.
"I'm goin' t' miss ye." sniffled the woman.
"Aye, so will I, love."
"I love ye." choked the woman.
"I love ye, too."
Serena and Darien stepped closer to the couple.
"Stand and identify yuirself!" exclaimed Darien.
The couple jumped away from each other in shock.
"Darien!"
"Serena!"
Darien and Serena gaped. "'Tis ye two!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To be continued...
Wee!!! I've finished Chapter 5! Is this quick or what??? Usually I take
months to finish because of writer's block. :) Oh well...yes I know. I left
you guys at a cliffhanger. Reviews please! :p
26/5/02