Ok guys, here's chaper 3... hope you like it.
Chapter 3
The world spun about as she twisted and turned, eyes ever on the sky. Perhaps today another fairy would come to her. Everyone thought she was crazy, and who could blame them. Her clothes were wild, muddy and dirty; her hair was matted and had not been washed in weeks. The fact that she rambled like a madwoman didn't help the village's opinion of her. Dizzy Teagan fell sprawled on her back, her golden hair fanned out about her. She laughed as she remembered the fairies and their funny dress and wonderful powers. How she wished that she could see them again. Hearing horses on the road, she sat up. She knew the cart and horses that now stood in the middle of the road and the girl who stood with them. They had once been friends. They had once shared stories of visits from the Fair Folk together. Knowing that she would not be welcome, Teagan made her way back towards the cliffs and the crashing sea.
Standing in the middle of the road, attempting to coax the two large draft horses to continue on their way along the road past the stone circle, Roisin ("ro + sheen") was extremely frustrated. She had left the farm fifteen minuets late, needing a quick and easy way to get to town. The fastest way was though the countryside. Unfortunately, the only road that didn't pass by the coast did pass dangerously close to the Dromberg Stone Circle. Those who lived in the small village of Rosscarberry and the farms surrounding it, they knew that a fairy hill rest beneath those old and mossing stones. Deciding to give the frightened horses a break, Roisin sat on the side of the road, inspecting her reflection in a small puddle. She was not an ugly girl; her fire red hair was long and hung down to her waist. Her blue eyes were light, the color of ripe blueberries, one of the only traits she had inherited from her Anglo-Saxon father. Her face was slightly angled, her cheekbones prominent, and her skin weathered and tan from working outside on the farm. She wasn't a beauty; none of the young men in the town had taken much notice of her.
Hiding behind a quite large bolder, Qulin watched the fire haired maiden below as she coaxed the horses past the fairy hill. Though their eyes were white with fear, they listened to her soft voice as she reassured them that no fairy would harm them. Quilan laughed at her comments, for she could not promise such a thing. He watched as she headed off to the side of the road, inspecting her reflection in one of the many puddles that covered the road. Knowing that the king, Feidhelm was watching him, Quilan rose from his hiding spot and walked down the road toward the girl and her horses. Past experiences told him that the horses would give him away, so Quilan cloaked his identity, assuming the appearance of a common man on his way to town.
"Good morning."
Startled, Roisin stood quickly. She hadn't heard the man approach. His clothes, once brightly colored, were covered with the dust and dirt of travel. He carried a small satchel, in which she assumed held more clothing, and his boots were well worn. Quickly she answered his greeting.
"Good morning to you as well."
"Having a bit of trouble?"
"Just a bit, these blockheads won't go any farther. If I don't hurry them along I'll be late to the market. Then my father will have my hide."
Stepping back to look at the situation, Quilan walked up to the horses and whispered in both their ears. "There, now have a go."
Unsure if she should trust this man, she slowly returned to the horses' heads. Standing between them, she began to walk, asking them to follow; surprisingly they did. There was something about him that Roisin couldn't quite place. Looking back, she signaled the man that he was welcome to join her on her trip to the town.
"Thank you very much for your help. I feared that I would have to turn around and go the long way."
"Why did you choose this path, if I may ask? Not many travel down this road, especially with a loaded wagon."
"This is the quickest way to the town. You see, I was running late. I thought I could save some time by taking this shortcut. Only thing is, the horses don't like to pass the old stone circle."
"Have you any idea why? I mean, it's just a circle after all, left by some ancient druids, I assume."
"You're not from around here, are you?"
"No, I… I am traveling to Rathbarry castle. I have business with the Lord there."
As they neared the town, Roisin turned to the young man.
"You have yet to tell me your name, sir," she said it quietly for it was rather forward of her.
"I am terribly sorry, my good lady," he said bowing in his seat. "My name is .Qu…Feidhelm. My name is Feidhelm." That was close. He almost slipped there. Quilan smiled down at her for he was a good foot taller than she. "Now if I may be so bold as to ask you name, fair lady?"
Roisin blushed a pretty shade of pink, looking down at her rough hands. "Roisin."
"Little Rose? A very fitting name if I may say so." Quilan smiled at her shyness. He doubted that anyone had given her so much attention at once for she stayed quiet, holding her tongue. "I'm sorry. That was forward of me." Again they rode in silence, nether speaking.
"So…"
"I…"
Both stopped, looking at each other.
"Please go ahead," Quilan said. He watched her as she fiddled with the reins again.
"No, please, you first." They were quickly reaching the town, and Roisin knew how some tongues would wag if they were seen together.
"I was going to ask you if you had other family, besides your father that is." He watched her reaction to her question, enjoying the way the sunlight reflected off her fiery red hair.
Roisin hesitated, not knowing how much she should tell this stranger. "Well… I've two younger brothers and three younger sisters." Her face lit up as she described her younger siblings. Her family was her life. Though her father may be stern at times, she still loved him dearly.
please R&R!
