5 comments/ 51196 views/ 60 favorites The Taking of the Moon Maiden By: ChoctawMan The rain beat down on the three females standing by the small grave, one old, one young, and a newborn. "Will you take the wee one back to your fathers?" The old one, Hilda a stout woman with fading brown hair asked the young girl. "Why would I go back? He cast my sister out when she was with child. Father would not listen to her innocence then, and he would not listen to mine now." A rage filled the young girl's small frame. "I will not let him mourn her death. He is no father to deserve such relief. Let him sit in his precious keep, with his precious name. He did not protect Matilda and he would not protect her bairn, Moira. To hell with him!" They turned to leave, "We will find protection with Mother Superior." The young girl, Lady Emmaline looked at Hilda with a steady gaze. "SThe good nun will help, if to only to make amends for her betrayal." The three females left the hill and slipped into obscurity. "We can survive without him." Emmaline had said, and they did. Emmaline had always been an excellent artist and knew many languages so she earned their living by translating transcripts and doing artwork for the local nunnery. Emmaline would go home tired and sore from bent over writing, but it was honest work and because she worked for the nuns, she was protected from any unwanted attentions three females on their own would normally face. Emmaline had brought some transcripts home to work upon after Moira had been put to bed. So engrossed in her work and her thoughts she did not notice the worried expression on Hilda's face. Hilda was wracked with worry, how was Emmaline going to react when she read the letter Hilda grasped in her hand? Hilda turned to the fire and quietly stoked the flames as memories of the past embraced her mind, just as the heat from the flames embraced her skin. ***The Beginning*** Nurse Hilda had first gone to the keep recently widowed. She had been sent for at the birth of the Lairds youngest child Lady Emmaline. The child's mother, Lady Moira had not survived the birth. Laird James had been married before and had two children from that union. Their mother had died from a fever when they were still young and the only mother they had known was the Lady Moira. Now with her passing there were three motherless children to raise. Hilda had been called because she new many of the old ways including Gaelic. It was true that Laird James was more English than Scot, but the Lady Moira had been a true Scots woman and had wanted her children schooled in the traditional ways. There was eight year old Duncan; four year Lady Matilda; and now the newborn babe Lady Emmaline. It had not taken Hilda long to realize that there was something terribly wrong with Duncan. He took great pleasure in hurting his sisters. Hilda spent most her time trying to protect them from his cruelties. She had thought she had been successful until a then eighteen year old Matilda had told Hilda of her secret. Matilda had just turned fifteen when Duncan had started raping her. It had started when Matilda walked in on Duncan forcing their eleven year old sister Emmaline, to let Duncan bath her. When Matilda had confronted Duncan about such vile behavior, he had told Matilda that he had needs that only the beautiful little Emmaline could satisfy. Emmaline was growing into one of the most beautiful maids Matilda had ever seen and even at this tender age Matilda had notice the men around the keep eyeing the young girl. Matilda new her father would either say Matilda was lying, or worse, blame Emmaline for Duncan's depravity. Matilda in her youth and innocence with nowhere to turn had offered herself in Emmaline's place to protect the child. It had worked for a while. Duncan still watched Emmaline with an unholy fever but he would use Matilda's body to quench his thirst. In Matilda's inexperience she had though she had saved Emmaline and had not considered the consequences of her actions to herself. Matilda had went to Hilda because she had found out she was with child. She knew her father would send her away and that would leave Emmaline at the mercy of Duncan. They had to think of a way to protect Emmaline. Together, they had gone to Mother Superior and there on her knees in the dark, filled with horror and self-loathing Matilda had whispered every nightmare she had endured from Duncan. Mother Superior had first not wanted to believe Matilda and assumed that Matilda had made up these atrocities to hide the identity of the child's real father. Mother Superior had taken Matilda to her father Laird James Earl de la Humes to confess she was with child. Just as they had all expected the Laird flew into a rage and banned Matilda from the keep. When Mother Superior had looked to Duncan to see his reaction cold fear had gripped her heart. It was there in eyes as he stared across the room at Emmaline. His lust was so strong he could hardly wait to have Matilda thrown from the keep so he could have Emmaline to himself to slake his sinful needs upon her young body. Mother Superior not being slow to react, quickly explained to Laird James that because Matilda had succumb to the sins of the flesh at such a young age it would be better for Emmaline if she were sent to live in the convent until she reached a marriageable age. Mother Superior would never know if the reason the Laird agreed so quickly was because he believed her, or if because the reaction from Duncan was as revealing to him as it was to everyone else. Duncan had screamed and grabbed Emmaline and threatened to kill her if they took her. She must stay there with him at the keep. The Laird had yelled at Duncan and demanded he behaved himself and had Duncan removed and locked in his room and had sent Emmaline with the Mother Superior that night. Later when Matilda had been expelled from the keep, the Mother Superior had arranged for Matilda to take up residence at a little cottage not far from the nunnery. She had did the child an injustice for not believing her, so now Mother Superior had explained to Hilda that she would spend her lifetime trying to protect these frail girls. That had been six years ago. Little Moira was five and the image of her mother with chestnut hair and hazel eyes. Emmaline was now eighteen and more beautiful than ever. Sometimes Hilda had felt the evil presence of Duncan watching them, waiting for a moment to strike. But, as he had never appeared she hoped it was just an old woman's worry. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 02 "She was a goodly woman and respected by most. She lived alone on the boundary between the McVörss and the Claire's. People would come to her for curing potions and such. Then the fields closest to her cottage began to fallow. The harvest began to shrink. Whispers from both clan of witchcraft started. Both Laird's tried to protect her, but fear does strange things to people. The fire began in the small barn and quickly spread to her cottage. One man tried to save the old woman, another did not. When Laird McVörss and Laird Clair arrived the old woman had barely enough breath left to speak to the two men before she gave up her soul to heavens." 'One of your clansmen did murder me, and one of your clansmen tried to save me. I know not which so I will leave it to the Lord to give the right clan my blessing. 'He will find the Moon Maiden and take her as a harlot, but she will be an innocent. He that takes her maidenhead shall be blessed with peace and happiness for him and his clansman. He that possesses her shall be granted power and great riches to him and his clansman. He that drives his seed into her womb shall be granted from his loins a warrior son, and his clansmen too shall have strong sons and fair daughters. He shall put his mark about her neck, and the moon shall leave its blessings upon her womb. She will be seen when the moon is full; wolves will sing for her; and dance around her feet. All this shall she grant for six generations to the warrior and his clan that possess her.' "Enough! Lomas, you have told this story the last time. All of you get to your mounts before I put my foot in your arse's." His glare was enough to quell them all. Laird Ronen McVörss was not a man to ignore. He stood well above six feet and his frame was pure iron, his hair was dark and his eyes were cruel. His face along with his body had been scared and bore witness to the many battles he had fought and won. He quietly watched as his men scattered to their mounts. He did not grant them a smile or any show of emotion as they scurried to their mounts. "Ronen, do not worry, we are far from the O'Donalds border." Ronen turned in his saddle to look at the man who alone dared to question him. It was Daniel of course. Only Daniel would have the courage to speak so to Ronen. "Daniel we are close enough to the O'Donalds that we need everyman to be alert. Remember the O'Donalds have petitioned the King for marriage to the girl as well. It did not sit well with them that they did not get her hand. They will not go against the King to wed her, but they may use her to get to her younger sister. If they get her younger sister with child faster than I get the Lady Matilda with child, 'de la Humes' may petition the King to change our arrangements. Also do not forget we also ride with Stephen Douglas, and his mother was a Claire?" "Surely you jest, Ronen? No one believes that old story." Daniel would have laughed had not Ronen looked so stern. Everyone knew that Ronen believed the blessing to be nothing but a children's bed time story. "Ronen I have never known you to hold any measure with that old story of the Moon Maiden, why this knew concern?" This side to Ronen worried Daniel and he did not like to be worried. "I may not hold to the story." Ronen replied. "But, it is well known that most of our people along with every Claire is raised to search for this so called 'Moon Maiden.' I do not think it is wise to have our thoughts on anything but retrieving the Lady Matilda. Every hand is needed to see us all to get me my bride and all of us to safer lands." Daniel chose to ignore the sarcastic note in Ronen's voice when mentioning the 'the Moon Maiden,' and instead said "Lomas has told that story since we were but lads and you have never cut him so, perchance he is the one that deserves the explanation and not I." Daniel was right of course, Daniel was always right. Ronen did not believe in the story and thought it nonsense, but Ronen knew the clan loved to hear that old tale. Ronen spurred his horse up besides Lomas and slapped him on the back, "Old man if you keep up those tales, the lads will be so busy looking for wenches they may not see the O'Donald's." Ronen's words were like a soothing balm to the old man, Lomas knew that these words did not come easy to his Laird. "If the lads no be able to tell a bonnie lass from a hairy Scotsman than perhaps they deserve your foot in their arse." It was Stephen Douglas remarks that set the men to laughing relieved to have the tense moment pass. Daniel noted quietly that it was not the first time Stephen's quick wit had drawn such an obvious distinction between himself and the sternness that was Ronen. This was not the only time Daniel had noticed Ronen's clan looking to Stephen Douglas for his easy grace, and Daniel did not like the comparison in so many of Ronen's clans eyes. Stephen with his slim frame, fair hair, and bright blue eyes seemed the direct opposite of Ronens dark brooding looks. Daniel rode silently beside Ronen. He had known Ronen all his life and only lately begun to worry. Ronen was a warrior, and although he was leader enough to want peace for his clan, ruling over peace was not easy for Ronen. Ronen rode on unaware of Daniels furtive glances. Ronen had listened to Daniel and as always Ronen was glad to have followed Daniels advice. When Ronen had become Laird he had sworn to listen to those around him. Ronen would not be the Laird his father was, or his father's, father before him. He wanted his people to be at peace in the knowledge that he would care for them. Ronen was well known for his victories and he knew he could lead men into battle, but he also knew that men did not follow a man for battle alone. They followed a man that could lead them not only in battle but beyond as well. Ronen would not make the mistakes of his line before him. He had enough lands and did not wish to keep his people forever in battle or worried over their Lairds demands. His father had been so filled with hate that he had no love for anyone, not his lands, not his people, not even his own son. Ronen had watched his father cruelly handle his men, giving no quarter for mistakes, and no boon for good deeds. He had watched good men whither and fade. Ronen would not waste his people so. The only problem Ronen seemed to face was instilling his want for peace in his people. Ronen's way was not soft and he did not have the ability to make jokes, but he did want his people to be happy. If only he had the ability to reveal his desires to his clan. Instead they all seemed to fear him and live in constant strain that he would drag them off to battle for little reason. This journey alone been proof of his wish for peace. He and a wedding group were traveling to collect his bride. He had negotiated with the king for marriage to a daughter of one of his neighbors, Laird James Earl de la Humes. The man was one of the Normans the king favored so much. Ronan felt the King would look more favorable upon his clan if he took a Norman as his bride. Unfortunately, he was not the only Scotts Laird with this hope. Laird James Earl de la Humes oldest unmarried daughter Lady Matilda, had been ruined when she was eighteen. She had been found with child and had been sent off to live under the protection of some nuns. That had been six years ago. Ronen felt with her past she should be glad for marriage and be a calm and well-behaved wife. He had heard that she had become a goodly woman and lived a modest life helping the nuns with their lessons. By all concerned he would have been within his right to petition for marriage to the youngest daughter. She had been sent to a convent at a very early age, and her character was above reproach; she would be eighteen and well into a descent marriageable age. Rumor had it that when she left for the convent at the tender age of eleven she was already one of the fairest maids to ever bless a man's eyes. However, the Laird Earl de la Humes had decided to offer important lands for his oldest daughters hand in marriage. Ronen smiled to himself, the old Laird was smart. He had declared that the girl Matilda had to be with child before he would sign papers. The need to get her with child would ensure that someone did not marry the girl for her lands and then lock her up in a tower somewhere. Apparently the old Laird was beginning to feel guilty about his treatment of his oldest daughter and was trying to make peace. Ronen needed these lands to help ensure more peaceful borders, Ronen also needed an heir. This arrangement with the laird for the Lady Matilda was the perfect solution. By taking Lady Matilda he would get the lands he wanted and since Lady Matilda had already proven herself to be a capable breeder, than he should easily get the heir her father wanted and Ronen needed. His frustration laid with his people. Could they not see he did this willingly so they would not have to worry about strife for their future from their neighbors? What man would knowingly take a ruined woman for his wife if not for the future of his people? She had been called whore by many, and still for his people he would wed her. He rode in silence and discontent wondering if he and his people would ever find peace and true happiness. As the day wore on, the men became quiet and tense. Ronen lost in his thoughts did not realize how his demeanor set upon his clan. He quietly mulled the thought that here he was one of the wealthiest lairds, with no pressing wars and still his people seemed unhappy. The pressure was beginning to weigh on him like a strong wind bending a tree. "What about the wind?" Daniel asked. Ronen looked up from his thoughts and realized the day had passed without his notice. He and his group had been riding all day without break. The sun had begun to set and already the moon was looming in the horizon. "We had best make encampment. The wind is getting strong." Ronen covered his mumbling with an explanation as best as he could muster. He rode off quietly by himself to review the perimeter while the men set about making camp. When he came back to camp he settled down on his plaid and noticed that a quiet mood had settled over the camp. Sandie played the pipes quietly and seemed to lull everyone into a light slumber. "Ronen ." It was Grothaus that woke him. Ronen had sent Grothaus and Seamus out to find the cottage where the lass stayed and report her circumstances. "Ronen, I have located the cottage where the women stay. It was just as described. " Ronen was on his feet in an instant. "How many lived there?" Grothaus smiled he knew his answer would please Ronen. "It is still just the girl, her wee one, and the old one." Ronen sighed with great relief. His people had reported that the lass had become very modest and did not entertain men, but with a past that had left her unmarried and with a child, he could not help but wonder if she had moved a man into her cottage. "Have you seen any O'Donald's?" Grothaus answer caused Ronen to tense. "Yes, they are but two days ride away. We must get the girl and get her quickly." Then with a slow knowing smile Seamus added, "it seems you will have little time to woo the lass before you will need to get your seed in her belly." Seamus words drove home to Ronen just what needed to be done. "It looks to be that it is not just going to be your horse that gets rode hard and fast on the way home." Seamus laughed at his own vulgar joke, while Grothaus snarled at him in disgust, "you vulgar bastard." Before a fight broke out with the two Ronen put a halt to the argument. "Stop your bickerin, we must work quick to get this done. Rest for now and in the morning the lass will be mine." Both men grunted their understanding and left Ronen to lie back on his pallet. He would stay up the rest of the night while plotting on how to best get the lass; keep her from the O'Donalds; get them all to safety; while trying to get her with child. Doing this all, using as little force as necessary. Ronen did not like to hurt women and had never raped a woman. He had known of descent men that had raped women in the heat of battle and although he had never participated in such acts, he had understood the anger that had clouded their minds. But he had never understood the raping of one's own wife, even though he had heard of it often enough. A wife had decided to bare her husband from their marriage bed for some reason and the husband had simply forced himself on his wife. Ronen shuddered, deep in his soul he did not want to be one of those men who forced their wives. Hopefully the lass would understand that he must have her with child and quickly. A thought made him smile, at least with her already having lovers he would not have to waste valuable time trying to break in a virgin. He had never had a virgin either. He had always preferred women of experience. His smile faded as he drifted off to sleep, surely marrying a woman who already had a child had some benefits. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 03 "She was a goodly woman and respected by most. She lived alone on the boundary between the McVörss and the Claire's. People would come to her for curing potions and such. Then the fields closest to her cottage began to fallow. The harvest began to shrink. Whispers from both clan of witchcraft started. Both Laird's tried to protect her, but fear does strange things to people. The fire began in the small barn and quickly spread to her cottage. One Laird risked his life to save the old woman, the other did not. When Laird McVörss and Laird Clair arrived the old woman had barely enough breath left to speak to the two men before she gave up her soul to heavens. "'One of your clansmen did murder me, and one of your clansmen tried to save me. I know not which so I will leave it to the Lord to give the right clan my blessing. He will find the Moon Maiden and take her as a harlot, but she will be an innocent. He that takes her maidenhead shall be blessed with peace and happiness for him and his clansman. He that possesses her shall be granted power and great riches to him and his clansman. He that drives his seed into her womb shall be granted from his loins a warrior son, and his clansmen too shall have strong sons and fair daughters. He shall put his mark about her neck, and the moon shall leave its blessings upon her womb. She will be seen when the moon is full; wolves will sing for her; and dance around her feet. All this shall she grant for six generations to the warrior and his clan that possess her.' "Enough! Lomas, you have told this story the last time. All of you get to your mounts before I put my foot in your arse's." His glare was enough to quell them all. Laird Ronen McVörss was not a man to ignore. He stood well above six feet and his frame was pure iron, his hair was dark and his eyes were cruel. His face along with his body had been scared and bore witness to the many battles he had fought and won. He quietly watched as his men scattered to their mounts. He did not grant them a smile or any show of emotion as they scurried to their mounts. "Ronen, do not worry, we are far from the O'Donalds border." Ronen turned in his saddle to look at the man who alone dared to question him. It was Daniel of course. Only Daniel would have the courage to speak so to Ronen. "Daniel we are close enough to the O'Donalds that we need everyman to be alert. Remember the O'Donalds had petitioned the King for marriage to the girl as well. It did not sit well with them that they did not get her hand. They will not go against the King to wed her, but they may use her to get to her younger sister. If they get her younger sister with child faster than I get the Lady Matilda with child, 'de la Humes' may petition the King to change our arrangements. Also do not forget we also ride with Stephen Douglas, and his mother was a Claire?" "Surely you jest, Ronen? No one believes that old story." Daniel would have laughed had not Ronen looked so stern. Everyone knew that Ronen believed the blessing to be nothing but a children's bed time story. "Ronen I have never known you to hold any measure with that old story of the Moon Maiden, why this knew concern?" This side to Ronen worried Daniel and he did not like to be worried. "I may not hold to the story." Ronen replied. "But, it is well known that every Claire is raised to search for this so called 'Moon Maiden.' I do not think it is wise to have our thoughts on anything but retrieving the Lady Matilda. Every hand is needed to see us all to get me my bride and all of us to safer lands." Daniel chose to ignore the sarcastic note in Ronen's voice when mentioning the 'the Moon Maiden,' and instead said "Lomas has told that story since we were but lads and you have never cut him so, perchance he is the one that deserves the explanation and not I." Daniel was right of course, Daniel was always right. Ronen did not believe in the story and thought it nonsense, but Ronen knew the clan loved to hear the old tale. Ronen spurred his horse up besides Lomas and slapped him on the back, "Old man if you keep up those tales, the lads will be so busy looking for wenches they may not see the O'Donald's." Ronen's words were like a soothing balm to the old man, Lomas knew that these words did not come easy to his Laird. "If the lads not be able to tell a bonnie lass from a hairy Scotsman than perhaps they deserve your foot in their arse." It was Stephen Douglas remarks that set the men to laughing relieved to have the tense moment pass. Daniel noted quietly that it was not the first time Stephen's quick wit had drawn such an obvious distinction between himself and the sternness that was Ronen. This was not the only time Daniel had noticed Ronen's clan looking to Stephen Douglas for his easy grace, and Daniel did not like the comparison in so many of Ronen's clans eyes. Stephen with his slim frame, fair hair, and bright blue eyes seemed the direct opposite of Ronens dark looks. Daniel rode silently beside Ronen. He had known Ronen all his life and only lately begun to worry. Ronen was a warrior, and although he was leader enough to want peace for his clan, ruling over peace was not easy for Ronen. Ronen rode on unaware of Daniels furtive glances. Ronen had listened to Daniel and as always Ronen was glad to have followed Daniels advice. When Ronen had become Laird he had sworn to listen to those around him. Ronen would not be the Laird his father was, or his father's, father before him. He wanted his people to be at peace in the knowledge that he would care for them. Ronen was well known for his victories and he knew he could lead men into battle, but he also knew that men did not follow a man for battle alone. They followed a man that could lead them not only in battle but beyond as well. Ronen would not make the mistakes of his line before him. He had enough lands and did not wish to keep his people forever in battle or worried over their Lairds demands. His father had been so filled with hate that he had no love for anyone, not his lands, not his people, not even his own son. He had watched his father cruelly handle his men, giving no quarter for mistakes, and no boon for good deeds. He had watched good men whither and fade. Ronen would not waste his people so. The only problem Ronen seemed to face was instilling his want for peace in his people. His way was not soft and he did not have the ability to make jokes, but he did want his people to be happy. If only he had the ability to reveal his desires to his clan. Instead they all seemed to fear him and live in constant strain that he would drag them off to battle for little reason. Had this journey alone been proof of his wish for peace? He and a wedding group were traveling to collect his bride. He had negotiated with the king for marriage to a daughter of one of his neighbors, Laird James Earl de la Humes. His oldest unmarried daughter Lady Matilda, had been ruined when she was but fifteen. She had been found with child and had been sent off to live under the protection of some nuns. Ronen had heard that she had become a goodly woman and lived a modest life helping the nuns with their lessons. His people had told him that she was pleasant to look upon which helped with his decision. By all concerned he would have been within his right to petition for marriage to the youngest daughter. She had been sent to a convent at a very early age, and her character was above reproach; she would be seventeen and well into a descent marriageable age. Rumor had it that when she left for the convent at the tender age of eleven she was already one of the fairest maids to ever bless a man's eyes. However, the Laird Earl de la Humes had decided to offer important lands for his oldest daughters hand in marriage. Ronen smiled to himself, the old Laird was smart. He had declared that the girl Matilda had to be with child before he would sign papers. The need to get her with child would ensure that someone did not marry the girl for her lands and then lock her up in a tower somewhere. Apparently the old Laird was beginning to feel guilty about his treatment of his oldest daughter and was trying to make peace. Ronen needed these lands to help ensure more peaceful borders, Ronen also needed an heir. This arrangement with the laird for the Lady Matilda was the perfect solution. By taking Lady Matilda he would get the lands he wanted and since Lady Matilda had already proven herself to be a capable breeder, than he should easily get the heir her father wanted and Ronen needed. Could his people not see he did this willingly so they would not have to worry about strife for their future from their neighbors? What man would knowingly make a whore for his wife if not for the future of his people? He rode in silence and discontent wondering if he and his people would ever find peace and true happiness. As the day wore on, the men became quiet and tense. Ronen lost in his thoughts did not realize how his demeanor set upon his clan. He quietly mulled the thought that here he was one of the wealthiest lairds, with no pressing wars and still his people seemed unhappy. The pressure was beginning to weigh on him like a strong wind bending a tree. "What about the wind?" Daniel asked. Ronen looked up from his thoughts and realized the day had passed without his notice. He and his group had been riding all day without break. The sun had begun to set and already the moon was looming in the horizon. "We had best make encampment. The wind is getting strong." Ronen covered his mumbling with an explanation as best as he could muster. He rode off quietly by himself to review the perimeter while the men set about making camp. When he came back to camp he settled down on his plaid and noticed that a quiet mood had settled over the camp. Sandie played the pipes quietly and seemed to lull everyone into a light slumber. "Ronen ." It was Grothaus that woke him. Ronen had sent Grothaus and Seamus out to find the cottage where the lass stayed and report her circumstances. "Ronen, I have located the cottage where the women stay. It was just as described. " Ronen was on his feet in an instant. "How many lived there?" Grothaus smiled he knew his answer would please Ronen. "It is still just the girl, her wee one, and the old one." Ronen sighed with great relief. His people had reported that the lass had become very modest and did not entertain men, but with a past that had left her unmarried and with a child, he could not help but wonder if she had moved a man into her cottage. "Have you seen any O'Donald's?" Grothaus answer caused Ronen to tense. "Yes, they are but two days ride away. We must get the girl and get her quickly." Then with a slow knowing smile Seamus added, "it seems you will have little time to woo the lass before you will need to get your seed in her belly." Seamus words drove home to Ronen just what needed to be done. "It looks to be that it is not just going to be your horse that gets rode hard and fast on the way home." Seamus laughed at his own vulgar joke, while Grothaus snarled at him in disgust, "you vulgar bastard." Before a fight broke out with the two Ronen put a halt to the argument. "Stop your bickerin, we must work quick to get this done. Rest for now and in the morning the lass will be mine." Both men grunted their understanding and left Ronen to lie back on his pallet. He would stay up the rest of the night while plotting on how to best get the lass; keep her from the O'Donalds; get them all to safety; while trying to get her with child. Doing this all, using as little force as necessary. Ronen did not like to hurt women and had never raped a woman. He had known of descent men that had raped women in the heat of battle and although he had never participated in such acts, he had understood the anger that had clouded their minds. But he had never understood the raping of one's own wife, even though he had heard of it often enough. A wife had decided to bare her husband from their marriage bed for some reason and the husband had simply forced himself on his wife. Ronen shuddered, deep in his soul he did want to be one of those men who forced their wives. Hopefully the lass would understand that he must have her with child and quickly. A thought made him smile, at least with her already having lovers he would not have to waste valuable time trying to break in a virgin. He had never had a virgin either. He had always preferred women of experience. His smile faded as he drifted off to sleep, surely marrying a woman who already had a child had some benefits.   With a new relish on what the day held, Ronen sent the women, youngsters, and most of his men to move towards his lands. They would ride until evening and there they would make camp, waiting for Ronen and a few of his guard to return with their new mistress. Ronen rode off with his chosen men riding hard in the saddle to get to the Lady Matilda before the O'Donald's. "I noticed you sent Master Douglass with the women." Ronen smiled, he knew that Daniel would have something to say about that swift maneuver. "Daniel, did you notice that Master Douglas seemed more than appreciative being left with the women? He likes to dally with the ladies more than he likes the saddle." Daniel laughed at Ronen's reply. Ronen was right, but Daniel knew that Ronen just wanted to ride in peace with his own clansmen. "What plan you to do with the woman? Yours will not be a normal marriage and she might not want to be wed to you." Daniels question startled Ronen, his answer showing his surprise. "I will do what is required. I hope that the lass is willing to see reason in the situation." "If the lass does not care about your reasons and refuses you?" Daniel continued question Ronen, as only Daniel could. "It will be easier on her if she adjust to me and my request, but if she doesn't it will be her that is hurt. I will have what I want and right now she is what I want." Daniel wondered if Ronen realized how much Ronen's answer revealed. It was true that Ronen needed the land the girl's father had offered, but Daniel had long sensed that Ronen was tired of battles and wanted to settle down with a woman to warm his hearth and his nights. The two rode on in silence with the rest of the group, years of battle had taught them to ride quietly in order to hear any approaching enemies when on raiding parties. This was indeed a raiding party, they were not raiding for horseflesh or monies; they were raiding for a wife, a wife for The McVörss, one who would become mistress of them all. "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, you won't believe what I just saw?" "Brian! Stop your blasphemen, or it will be the last thing you see before I knock your eyes out." Lomas quick answer would normally have shamed anyone into at least a blush, but not this time. Brian didn't even hesitate before he breathlessly continued. "I just saw an angel, she is at the cottage where we ride." This caught all their attention. Brian had been sent ahead to scout the cottage and make sure the women had not left. Ronen walked up to group, "I need you to report exactly what you saw." The look on Ronen's face quieted the group down while they listened to Brian. "I went to the cottage and waited to report everyone there, just like you said." He looked over to Grothaus who had sent him earlier before he continued. "I saw the wee lass and the old one. It looks like they are packing with haste. I was turning to leave when an angel appeared. She walked out and the wee one ran to her." Brian's eyes got round as saucer when he faced Ronen. Brian had always been a nervous lad around Ronen but the image of the girl drove out anything but wonder. "The McVörss, I think she must be the lass's mother, the one you are coming for." Brian turned to the group of men and said, "she took my breath from my lungs." They all stood for a moment looking at the lad. Brian was normally a level headed young man, but he seemed to under some spell. "If The McVörss is to have Brian's beauty for his wife, we had better quit gabbling like a bunch of women and fetch her before she is taken by the O'Donald's." Brian surprised them all into almost laughing at them when he whipped around at Grothaus remarks. "Oh no, she musn't become theirs. She's ours, I mean The McVörss's." Ronen took pity on the tongue tied youth, "I ken what you mean lad and am proud that ye be so pleased with my lady and your new mistress." Ronen stressed the words 'my lady' and 'your new mistress' to make sure everyone understood that is exactly what she was going to be, his lady, and the clans new mistress. ***She*** "Quiet!" She softly said to Moira. She had heard someone in the thicket when she had went to get Moira. Hilda had heard it too. Their eyes met over the girl, they needed to leave and they needed to leave now. Their respite from her father had came to an end. This morning she had caught Hilda looking as though the world would end. When Emmaline had questioned her, she realized that to an extent their world was ending, or at least changing. "You are stoking dead coals," Emmalines had said, when she realized that Hilda realized had been sitting in front of a dead fire. Hilda's response filled the small cottage with dread. "I have a message from your father." Hilda told Emmaline hating the look of fear that marred the young girls lovely features. "You might as well tell me what it says. We both know you have already read its contents." Emmaline words might have been cold but the encouraging smile she gave was warm enough to help Hilda break the news. "It would seem that your father has decided to make amends of his harsh treatment of Matilda. The lands that were Matilda's mother are to be given to Laird Ronen McVörss, as part of her dowry. He has given the Lady Matilda's hand in marriage to Laird McVörss, and the Laird must get her with child before first spring. Come spring both your father Laird James and brother Duncan will go to the Laird to give him the land grand and verify the pregnancy." Hilda's words hit the room like a rain of stone. Emmaline had been living in fear that her father would find out that Matilda had died and seek his right to claim her daughter Moira. What would happen now? What would her father do at first spring when he discovered that Matilda died, would he take Moira from Emmaline? What would the Laird do? If she told him she was not Matilda, he may turn her over to her father? If she did not then he would expect her to wed him and allow him to get her with child. What would happen when her father discovered her deceit and he may deny her husband lands. Would the Laird McVörss punish Emmaline for deceiving him? There were too many questions, and too little time to find answers. "We must leave, now." Her hands seemed to be useless they had been trying to pack all morning when. She was having trouble doing the simplest of things. She grabbed some bags and was getting food when she heard Hilda yell. Emmaline grabbed Moira and ran out of the cottage. Several large men were bearing down on them, riding even larger horses. They were all wearing kilts with little else except their swords, making it obvious they were a raiding party. Emmaline reacted with the speed of a warrior. "Quick get on." Hilda looked at Emmaline not grasping, "Hilda hurry get on now." Hilda fumbled as she tried to get up in the saddle until Emmaline exasperated, put her hands on Hilda's rump and gave a hard push. Hilda bounced into the saddle and had little time to right herself before Emmaline plopped Moira on the saddle in front of Hilda. Emmaline looked up at the riders; they were closer, too close for anything else but for Emmaline to do what she did next. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 03 She told Hilda, "get to Mother Superior" then slapping the horse's hindquarters she yelled, "ride." The horse started and then bolted, with Hilda and Moira hanging on for dear life. Emmaline spun around and started to run. She ran in the opposite direction of the horse and its two riders. She hoped they would follow her. The men had ridden with Ronen long enough they did not have to be told what was expected. They split riding to retrieve the horse and its two riders, while Ronen went after the girl alone. Ronen's sense of possessiveness seemed to have wrapped itself around his loins. Brian had not exaggerated she was beautiful. She raced ahead of him unaware of the picture she made with her silver hair blowing around her and her skirts billowing in the wind. She turned to look and see how closely she was being chased when the wind caught at her hair and whipped it into her eyes. She could not see for a moment and her foot slipped into a hole, she fell hard and hit a rock on her side. She gasped as pain ripped all around her with every breath she took. She looked up to see the enormous horse and its huge rider looking down at her. Ronen jumped off his horse and knelt down beside her. His hands running across her form checking for any broke bones, he removed her overly large boots that must have added to the girls fall. Emmaline could feel his hands on her, not knowing what he was doing she began to fear he meant to rape her right then. When Ronen moved to check the girls neck Emmaline spat in his face. She was conscience enough to hear him swear before darkness took her. Red rage filled his vision, Ronen reached down, grabbing the tiny girl by the shoulders, but her head just lolled back. She had passed out. He pushed her hair further from her face and was stunned at her beauty. Ronen laid her back on the grass barely breathing. He slowly stood up, stunned for a moment looking at the girl, lying at his feet. She had masses of silvery blond hair that tumbled and curled around her fair face and shoulders. The blouse that the she wore did not hide the full rounded breast; they were small for most but were perfect for her size. Ronen stared down at the small frame for a moment taking in the full shape of her form. The men rode up behind him. They had where leading the horse with its two riders by the reins. They all seemed to quiet as they looked at the girl lying on the grass. "I told you." Brians words were the only one spoken, until the old woman on the back of the horse began to screech. "You've killed her" he tore his eyes from the vision to look over his shoulder at her and his men. "Get away from her you murderer!" Hilda struggled to get off the horse but could not. She had rarely ever ridden and she couldn't seem to get off the horse without either hurting herself or Moira. Ronen looked at the old woman before his eyes settled on the wee one. This was Matilda's child. She looked back at him not frightened at all. Her hazel eyes flashing when she accused, "You hurt my Mama." The girl's words stunned him. He knew the child to be Matilda, but he still had not grasped the fact that the lovely blond passed out at his feet could be anyone's mama. The Lady Matilda did not look to be that old. He had not been told Matilda's age when she got pregnant with the bairn. Good God! He thought she would have had to have been less than thirteen years when she had delivered this bairn. He looked at his men expecting some explanation only to discover their gazes transfixed to the beauty at his feet. "Have you ever?" Brian asked? Several of the men unconsciously rearranged their kilts to adjust themselves. Ronen's eyes narrowed to slits at this action and spun to look back down at the still beauty. Her blouse which had allowed him the pleasure of seeing the shape of her bosom had come apart slightly and the creamy skin of her gentle curves could be seen by all. Her skirts had blown up and were wrapped around her waist. The wool pantalets she wore were snug and showed the curves of her hips and the shapely slimness of her thighs. When checking for broke bones he had removed her too large boots and where the pantalets ended right below her knees, had afforded everyone the beauty of her silky skin, bare from the knee's down. The calves perfectly shaped, curved into the small trim of her ankles. Her feet were delicate and unmarred, fitting a well born lady that had not known physical hardships. She moved and the pain in her side caused her to moan. She bent one leg at the knee gasping for air, while the other leg remained straight and slightly apart from the other. "Looks like she's inviting me in," the crude remark came from Seamus. He laughed and moved to dismount. "Get off your horse and I will kill you. Do not forget she is to by bride and mistress of the clan." All eyes jerked to Ronen. His voice was as cold as the steal of his blade and his eyes were so dark his pupils were hidden. He turned to the girl and in one fluid movement had her in his arms and on his horse. No one said anything as Ronen rode silently with the girl, his words and mood defying them to interrupt his thoughts. Ronen rode toward the cottage. "Wait here" was all he said to the small group when he dismounted with the girl and strode with her inside. Once inside he looked around. He was surprised at how bright it was. Most of the time these little homes tended to be dark, but not this one. Every care had been made to make it bright and cheery. The walls had been painted white; he had never seen a cottage that had been painted on the inside. Close to the floor were tiny hand prints with ages beside them. He found it odd, that the mirrors were too high to use to see ones image. He had never known a female that didn't want to look at themselves, surely one as beautiful as Matilda would spend hours in front of mirrors. He moved towards them when noticed how the sun was reflect from the mirrors into the room. He realized the mirrors were helping to light the cottage. They had been place high on the walls to catch the light and reflect it back into the room. Smart thing to do, he looked down at the girl. A possessive pride thumped in his chest. Not only was the girl beautiful, but she was smart as well. Emmaline had barely been aware of the man that lifted her onto his horse. The pain in her side was so severe it was taking all her strength not to cry. Emmaline felt him pull her with him as he stepped from his horse. Every step he took seemed to jar her more until she cried, "please, no more." Her words tore at Ronen. Ronen laid her on the cot and retrieved a bucket of water and a rag that had been left on the table. Emmaline thick dark lashes fluttered open, showing Ronen their color for the first time. Ronen's heart missed a beat; they were a deep shade of blue with bright flecks of grey. The pain caught her for a second and her eyes widened. The light in the room caught them and for a moment the grey turned to silver. Ronen felt as though he was looking into a star filled night sky. The last thing Emmaline remember was looking up to see the most frightening man she had ever seen, "you won't let Duncan hurt Moira will you?" Ronen assumed the girl child must be Moira and before he could answer, she enraged him with her next words. "You won't let Duncan take us?" Her eyes closed before she could hear Ronen swear that no man under heaven could take her from him. Ronen finished bathing her face and swung her tiny frame up high in his arms. As he walked out of the cottage into the sun, he could hear the other female's voice berating his men. They all turned to him as he mounted his horse and carried the beauty across his lap. "Why did he take her? Why did you let him take her?" When he moved forward to see who was getting the brunt of the older ladies rants it was poor Daniel. Daniels eyes lightened when he saw Ronen. "There she is. Look, he has returned her unharmed." The woman turned her horse towards Ronen and exclaimed, "Here you take Moira." She started to hand the small child to Daniel, confirming Ronens suspicion that Moira was the child's name and continued on about the female on Ronens lap. "Give her to me, I will hold her." Her worry over the girl stretched across her face. Ronen gave a hard stare and looked at the woman and with not a visible emotion. "She is mine." When the old woman gasp, Ronen reinforced his statement except this time he lowered his head and cut his eyes at his men daring anyone of them to argue. "If she be Matilda she is mine. If not, she is still mine." The old woman began to say something but Daniel put his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. "I would not say anything more, until his blood calms." Hilda looked at him in confusion. Daniel clarified his statement low enough that Hilda and few others could hear, but Ronen lost in his thoughts could not. "I have seen him like this in battle; he will not hesitate to kill any of us if we move to take the girl. Leave him be until his reason returns." Daniel moved his horse to a steady pace behind Ronens. The others followed as well, this time they were was headed for the encampment. The young child stared at the men with round hazel eyes. Daniel smiled and winked at her; she smiled and buried herself into Hilda. Daniel noticed how the little the girl did not favor her mother, not just in coloring but in appearance and structure as well. This girl had dimples and was as cute as button, she was not big boned but she certainly wasn't as frail boned as her delicate mother. They had been riding silently for awhile when Ronen's suddenly halted his horse and turned to the old woman. "What is she called?" His sudden question startled Hilda and she did not answer quickly enough for Ronen. "Is she the Lady Matilda, the bairns mother?" Hilda's arms tightened around Moira, never having been comfortable telling lies she gave only a half-truth. "Yes, Moira calls her Mother." It was part true. Emmaline had been the only mother Moira had known. Before Hilda could gain her composure, Ronen asked another question, "what are you called?" "Hilda, I am called Hilda." This question was easy for Hilda and the relief on her face raised the alarms in both Ronen and Daniel. Why was she being so evasive? What was the old woman hiding? "Why, were you running?" Hilda had not expected this question at all. "We were not running. We were just trying to escape the clutches of some bastard sent to force Matilda to wed." Ronens eyebrows raised. His first thought was how unconsciously the old woman had slipped and not used the proper title Lady; the second because he realized that he was the bastard from which Hilda was speaking. He gave a sharp look to his men not to say anything. "Why does your lady fear marriage? I would think a lass that has been ruined such as she, would be grateful that someone would wed her." His words hurt and Hilda tightened her arms protectively around Moira when she answered with a sharp reply. "I noticed you claimed her fast enough. Do you not think there are others who would want her, ruined or not?" She smiled when she saw her words hit their mark, he snarled at her and gripped Emmaline higher in his arms. Hilda jabbed again and retorted, "The Lady Matilda's father has not bothered to find out whether we lived or died for the past six years. Why would she now trust him to find her a descent husband?" Hilda bit her lip and looked away. No truer words had ever been said. After all the Laird James did not even know his oldest daughter had died five years ago. "The first contact we have had from him was the rider he sent this morn with his message of weddings. He has set some stranger upon Milady, to have her to wedded and bedded before this spring. We have been alone along time and do not relish being under the heel of someone that calls a man like Laird Earl de la Humes friend." Hilda's answer angered Ronen. He was no friend to Earl de la Humes, but he did plan to meet his requirements if it meant Ronen was to get another peaceful border for his people. "I am sorry the lass is not happy with her fathers arrangements, but it is not up to her to decide what she can and can not do. She is but a woman and she must have faith that the men in her life will take care of her." Hilda gave a sarcastic laugh when she replied, "look around you fool. She has not been treated well by any man, father or not. The Laird sent her here with no monies, no help, and not even food. She has worked long hours with little sleep to keep hearth and home for the wee bairn. And she has done it without the help of any man." Hilda tossed her head and pulled Moira closer. The men looked at each other uncomfortable with realization what the old woman said was true. A frown marred Ronens head when he asked, "did not the Laird send any help to the lass? How did he expect her to deliver her bairn by herself?" Ronens question alarmed Hilda. Questions like these would lead to answers Emmaline did not wish for anyone to know. "It was not an easy birth; nor easy times. We do not like to speak of any of it." Hilda did not answer Ronen, she looked away. Anymore answers may cause great suffering for her Lady and she would say nothing more to help the huge Scot they called Ronen hurt Emmaline any further. Upon seeing the set of her chin Ronen knew that he would not be able to get any more answers from Hilda until he could question her later. But, no matter what the woman thought, later Ronen would question her and Ronen would get answers. The riders rode towards the camp riding silently as always. Grothaus nearly fell from his saddle when a little voice started singing a song about a spider. He looked at her harshly "Shh! Girl, do you not know how to ride when there are but a few?" The slow sweet smile that spread her cheeks would have been enough to melt the man's heart, but when the dimples appeared, she had him for life. "I have never been allowed to go anywhere but to see Mother Superior." She laughed and clapped her hands. "I am going to have so much fun. We tried to go to a faire once. But when we got there this man tried to hurt Mama." The little girls excited words were stopped by Ronens sudden question. "How did he try to hurt your Mama?" The girl looked nervously between Grothaus and Ronen. Hilda went to interrupt but was stilled by Ronens raised hand. "Let the girl tell me, least you try to tell me more of your lies and half-truths." Hilda blushed deeply; apparently the Laird had known she had not been more than truthful. "Finish girl, tell me of this man. Did he put his hands on your mama?" The girl started to worry her lip, "yes." Instantly everything began to darken and a ringing started in Ronen's ears. His focus narrowed down and he moved his horse towards the girl. "Show me where he put his hands?" He had not snapped at Moira this time, but the anger seeping from him scared her worse than before. "He grabbed her arm here." Her little hand pointed at the top of Ronen's forearm. Realizing he was scaring the girl tried to control his anger and released a long slow sigh. "Continue girl." This had become too much for Moira. Her lip started to quiver and tears began to pool in her lovely hazel eyes. Feeling like a heel not knowing how to handle small children, Ronen was relieved when Grothaus stunned everyone by pulling the girl off her horse and on to his. He settled her in front of him and helped her arrange her skirts. She gave him a winning smile that caused him to pat her head. "Now tell us wee one, what man tried to hurt your Mama? So, we may make sure he does not again." The girl responded better to this line of questioning. "I don't know who the man was. We were walking looking at the faire. Mama bought me some ribbons for my hair and Hilda got a new pair of shoes. This mean man walked up to Mama. He said he would buy her pretty things if she would show him her pretty....," the girl stopped as she struggled with the word. She blushed deeply and reached up to Grothaus who had to bend down so the girl could whisper in his ear. She cupped her small hands around her mouth so only he could hear what she said. Grothaus's face went flame red to hear such a word from such a wee one. His arms went protectively around the girl at the idea of her hearing someone speak so to her mother. He looked at Ronen and mouthed the words "pretty pussy." "What did your mother do?" Ronen issued this question much softer to the tiny lass held on Grothaus's lap. "She dumped a pot of flowers on his head." Ronen and smiled to himself, while others laughed out loud picturing the silvery angel using a flower pot as a weapon. Moira unaware of their thoughts continued. "Then we had to leave because everyone said it was Mama's fault the man was mean. Men were not to blame for their actions with a woman was as bonnie as my Mama. Mama told me it was okay and she fixed me my favorite food for dinner. But, later I heard Mama crying and asking God to keep us safe. We have never got to go to another faire again." The last words were said with such dejection Ronen could not help but say. "I promise you lass, I will take you all to a faire and I will not let anyone hurt you or your mother." "Yeah!" This pleased Moira a lot and she giggled on Grothaus lap twirling her hair around her fingers before she snuggled down on his lap to take her afternoon nap. The small girls trust that he would not let her fall stunned Grothaus. He just held her quietly smiling. He did not realize quite how foolishly he had been smiling until he noticed several of the men kept looking at him. He jerked the smile from his lips and glared at them daring any of them to say anything. Ronen held Matilda closer. Why had she not gone to her father for protection? Surely he would have forgiven her enough not to leave her at the mercy of any man that fancied her? There was much to this story that he did not know. Not yet, but he would learn sooner or later, hopefully sooner. They caught up with the rest of their group as the evening was approaching. Camp had already been made and the fires were being ready for cooking the early evening meal. Ronen looked to Daniel, who knew immediately what Ronen wanted. Daniel dismounted his horse and from Ronens saddle he; grabbed the McVörss plaid. He moved towards one of the outer camp fires and started gathering some soft rushes and laid the plaid over the top of them. Ronen approached with Emmaline and gently laid her on the plaid, unaware of the stares of his people he motioned for Hilda to attend Emmaline. As Hilda approached, Ronen's words halted her in her tracks. "Who is Duncan?" Hilda visibly turned white. Visibly shaken at the question she answered "you will need to ask Matilda." Ronen did not like that answer and grabbed Hilda by the arm, "old woman I ask you again, who is Duncan and what is he to the girl? Is he her husband? Has she secretly wed the father of her bairn is that where she was running, or has she already found another to take his place?" Hilda's eyes began to tear at the thought of Emmaline being trapped in a marriage bond and fairly shouted, "Duncan is most definitely not her lover, and she does not have a husbane, secret or otherwise" Startled by the look of relief on his face, Hilda worried that it may have been better to let the big scot to think Emmaline married. "That is a situation I shall soon remedy." Having gotten the answer that at least the girl had not secretly wed, Ronen stunned Hilda as he continued, "I am the Laird Ronen McVörss. I am the bastard sent here to claim the Lady Matilda as my wife." "That means you are going to be my new da." Ronens eyes snapped to the little girl. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 03 Grothaus had walked the wee one over to the group. Ronen looked her over head to toe, she looked nothing like Matilda. She must look like her father. The image of Matilda lying in passion under a man with flashing dimples and hazel eyes caused Ronen to positively snarl at the girl. A look of fright passed over the girls features and Grothaus clutched the girl closer to him. Ronen felt ashamed to have let his jealous lust have scared the girl. "It would appear so." His words were simple, but the girl seemed to understand their meaning and relaxed. Ronen continued to look at the girl for a moment and then he turned and left them standing on his plaid to attend to Emmaline while he went to make his nightly check of the camps perimeters. "Who is Duncan?" It was Daniels turn to ask the question. He had watched the play of emotions on Ronens face when he had been questioning the old woman. "Someone I am going to kill." Ronen's swift answer left Daniel standing alone staring at Ronens retreating back. Daniel recovered his shock enough to catch up to Ronen and asked for clarification. "You don't know who Duncan is, or what he is to the girl, but you know you are going to kill him." Ronen turned to look at Daniel and any doubt that Ronen was not speaking the truth about killing this mysterious 'Duncan' was put to rest by the pure rage in Ronen's eyes. "She fears that he will take her from me. He will not have her. I will kill him and I will kill him slow." Daniel did not ask for any more explanations from Ronen. He had seen Ronen like this in battle but never elsewhere. He wondered what the Lady Matilda would think about Ronen's claim on her. Daniel also wondered at a man like Laird Earl de la Humes that would cast his daughter out for having such precious child as Moira. He walked off as he mused about the stupidity of a man that had left such an unprotected beauty alone in the world. "Emmaline, wake up." Emmaline heard Hilda's voice softly begging her to wake. "Hilda, where are we? I was dreaming of a man, he said he would protect me and Moira from Duncan." Hilda thought never had she heard such an angelic voice had spoken. "That was no dream. That was our capture, Ronen McVörss." Hilda's answer left Emmaline breathless for a moment. "The same Ronen McVörss sent to wed Matilda? The same one we were running from?" Emmaline could have laughed at Hilda's answer, "Yes the same, the one and only, and we have delivered ourselves very neatly into his hands." "Hilda we will have to think of something and quick. The moment Father finds out about Matilda all hell will be let loose." Emmaline whispered her words over the top of Moiras head. "We need to leave immediately." Emmaline stood up and stepped off the plaid and onto the ground. "My Lady, please stay on his plaid and donna move until Ronen returns, least you cause some poor unsuspecting soul to lose his head to Ronen in a fit of rage." It had been Daniel that noticed the women up and moving. Satisfied they had heeded his request he moved to find Ronen. "Hilda, we must get away and do so quickly. We both know that if Ronen weds me thinking I am Matilda he will be within his rights to turn me over to Father when he discovers I am not Matilda. When Father finds out Matilda is dead he will take Moira. The moment Father and Duncan see us in the spring and realizes my deceit, father will take everything." She looked down at Moira letting Hilda know exactly what she meant by 'everything'. "I do not know Milady. No one will stand against a women's husband. Not even Mother Superior." "You are right, that is why we must escape now, before he weds me. Say you will go along." Emmaline fear of losing Moira was overwhelming her. Hilda trying to calm her advised Emmaline of her thoughts. "Have you not considered getting the Laird to promise not to let your father have access to you and Moira in the spring? I can act as a go between and your father need never see you. He will not know that you are Emmaline and not Matilda." The common sense of Hilda's solution caused Emmaline to blink. It was perfect, why had she not thought of it herself? "No, I was wrong to suggest such a thing, it will not work." Hilda's words broke through Emmaline moment of relief. "Why won't it work? It sounds perfect." Hilda looked at the girl and with mock sarcasm replied. "Because Milady, the moment Laird McVörss discovers you are a maid he will know that you are not the Lady Matilda." Emmaline worried her lip for a moment, before causing Hilda to have a slight heart palpitation with her next words. "That will not matter. Duncan told me many things about what was to be expected of me in the bed chambers. I will simply fake it." Emmaline smiled Hilda as though it would be as easy as slicing butter. "I think it would be much easier to fake having experience, than to fake being an innocent. I only have to pretend one night. After that I will no longer have my maidenhead to hinder me with our plan." Hilda looked at Emmaline as though she had dropped from the sky. "This is not a good plan and I am sorry to have suggested such a thing. Think about what you do, Milady? If you wed this man whether he finds out now or later, he will eventually find out you are not the Lady Matilda, but her sister the Lady Emmaline. When he does, he can do anything he wishes to you. Returning you to your father might be the nicest thing he could do, because no one stop him if he chose to kill you." Hilda's warning would have stayed a weaker soul. But, Emmaline had been managing their small group for six long years. She was not about to lose them without a fight. "Please, Hilda say you will help?" The urgency in Emmalines voice caused Hilda to follow the direction of the young girls gaze. Hilda second; the huge scot was heading towards them from the other side of the camp. "Say you will go along, or all is doomed?" Emmaline tore her eyes from the scot and jerked on Hilda's sleeve. "Yes, I will, but only because what you say is true, and if any man should have you, I would rather it be the scot than Duncan." There Hilda had said it, and she cast her lots in with Emmaline's plan. She hoped they would not later live to regret Emmalines next action. When Ronen had left Emmaline on his plaid earlier he had went to check the perimeters as he did every night. This time was different though, it took twice as long as his mind kept drifting back to the girl he had left behind in the camp, his mind repeating the image of her lying at his feet, again and again. His mind played tricks on him, stirring up fantasies of her alone with him, without his men there. He needed to still himself after the images of her move beneath his hands, using those full lips to beg him for his embraces flowed through his mind. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. What was it about this girl that was driving him mad? He finally checked with the last guard and had been heading back to camp when Daniel had caught up with him. "If Lady Matilda is considered no as comely as the Lady Emmaline, what does the Lady Emmaline look like?" Daniels question slightly angered Ronen. He did not like people comparing the Lady Matilda to this perfect Lady Emmaline and finding his Matilda wanting. "I think rumor has flowered people's minds. I donna think there could be one more fair than my Matilda." Ronens answer signaled a closed subject to Daniel. As Ronen approached he smiled at the little girl gathering rocks oblivious of two older women's interchange. He could not hear what they were saying but could tell they were arguing. Emmaline knew she had to act quick lease she lose her nerves at the sight of him striding towards her, his face fierce and glowering. She jumped up and started to speak, causing the Ronen to stop and almost step back. "I am Matilda Earl de la Humes and if I am to be your wife, you are to promise me that neither I nor my daughter will have to meet with my father this spring when he comes to sign the wedding contracts. If you do not agree, than I will not wed you." Ronens answer sent fear down her spine. "I would have preferred you have come to me of your own will, but it matters no. I will no let you go tearing 'round the countryside until the Claires get you, or someone else. You will be mine, so you might as well knuckle down to me and make it easier on yourself and your bairn." Emmaline spotted Moira and moved towards when Ronen grabbed her arm to detain her. "I will protect what is mine. You will be my wife; your children will be my children." His words were quiet and the seemed burn his possession onto her skin. He stared down at her breast until he saw her nipples hardening under his stare. He moved his gaze to look down her small frame stopping at her hips and then moving slowly back up to leave his gaze caressing her lips. His stance, his words, his looks transmitted his meaning loudly to Emmaline. "I will have you wedded and bedded before the next dawn." He took a moment to let his words seep in before he continued. "Once I bed you, I will no lightly let you go. We Scots keep what is ours." She could not speak; her throat had tightened with fear at his words. She started shaking her head no, only to have Ronen grab her chin and hold her head still. "If you come to me willing I can promise you that you will no be hurt. I am no a gentle lover but I am no a cruel one either. If you fight me I will no promise such a thing." When she did not reply, staring back at him with those radiant eyes, he continued in a softer tone. "Do you understand what I say? Whether you wish it or no, your father has said I may have you. You have been given to me to do with as I please." Still she did nothing but stare. "I am talking about bedding you. We can join in pleasure or pain, the choice is yours." He practically roared at her. Then his eyes narrowed and he let go of her chin to grab her by her waist. His hands completely encircled her small frame as he pulled her towards him. He pressed her tight against him so she could feel his engorged cock pressing hard against her through her skirts making sure she understood his exact intentions. "I mean to bed you as a Scot, we are no known as gentle lovers, but if you donna fight me I will no hurt thee on purpose." His words had lowered into a growling whisper as he continued his eyes turned black as the darkest night. "I understand you. It is you that do not understand me. I wish to never see my father again." She finally broke out of her stupor. "I will not wed you because I will not be anywhere near my father in the spring, or any other time. Unless you promise me that he will not be allowed anywhere near me or Moira this spring, I will never stop trying to run." Her words enraged Ronen. "You will do as your told woman. I will make you mine and when your father comes this spring he will find your body already swollen with my bairn." Emmaline did not answer Ronen, but he could tell by the way her eyes narrowed at him she was still hatching some plan to escape. Ronen bent down and crushed his lips down on hers. For a moment she started to respond. His breath mingling with hers seemed so intimate and his lips covered hers completely. Emmaline froze and tried to still her body from its quickened pulses. Ronen pulled back to look at her. Emmalines words were pushed through tight, scared lips, "I guess you will have to get used to raping your wife." Ronen growled and threw her back onto the plaid. Looking quickly for anyone to help her she realized that Ronen had not been the only one staring at her, another one was quietly watching her and waiting for her to acknowledge his presence. She threw an overly bright smile at the one called Stephen. Sensing her interest Stephen nudged his horse in her direction. "Do I determine that you are in need of a ride?" Emmaline stopped for a moment when a voice crashed around them. "NO! She is mine." Before she could say anything he grabbed her and hauled her across his saddle leaving Stephen gaping at him. She began to struggle when Ronen explained. "You are riding with me. I can lay you on your stomach rump up in the saddle, or ye can sit on you rump. I donna care whether you ride on your belly or your arse. The choice is yours." Emmaline started to curse Ronen about how unseemly of a position he had her in when he interrupted her. "You are my women, it is unseemly you should be riding with another man. We will be meeting up with a priest for the marriage today." His words took the fight out of her. Ronen pulled her up and settled her down in front of him. "Donna ever let another man put his hands on you least I kill you both." Ronens words were spoken softly against her ear, but she could feel the rage in him. She glanced away not knowing what to say. She had never known anyone that had such fierceness. Ronen knew she must come to understand and accept that she was going to be his. The rest of the day the clan traveled until they came to a permanent encampment on the edge of McVörss lands, it was but two days ride from Ronens keep. Emmaline did not know much about clans, but began to think that this might be the quietest group of Scots she had ever seen. They did not seem to have any enjoyment of life to spark them. At the campsite Emmaline was pleasantly surprised to discover that this was a semi permanent camp site. It sat just on the edge of the McVörsss land a days ride from the keep. It allowed travelers to freshen before their arrival at the keep. It had several tents, permanent firepits, and a close stream. Ronen lowered her to the ground. "My men are watching donna try anything or I will have to separate you and your wee one." Emmaline grasped at his meaning; surely he could not be so cruel as to separate a mother and a child? Looking up at him she knew that he would do just that if she tried to leave. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 04 "We are going to be married." Emmaline snapped her head in the direction of her daughters excited voice. "The priest is here and Daddy said I was to come and get you." Rhyle looked at Daniel who stood quietly behind Moira. She knew that Ronen had sent him to make sure she came. Emmaline reached out and took the chattering Moira's hand to let her lead her back to Ronen. Emmaline felt as though the whole world was weighing on her. She looked at Ronen silently begging him not to make her go through with this. Ronen simply smiled at her and took her hand from Moira clasp. Moira gave a gleeful laugh and ran to Grothaus raising her arms for him to pick her up. He smiled down at her and scooped her up, tossing her in the air before settling her down on his hip. The priest began speaking and for the rest of Emmaline life she would not be able to remember what it was that he said. She knew she had been given a cup to drink from and Ronen had drank from the same spot on the cups brim. She remembered them placing a wreath of flowers from Ronens head to hers and then placing it on the bible. At one point everyone had grown quiet staring at her. Her mind was too confused to understand why. She looked to Ronen and only he seemed to understand she was lost. He put his hand on the side of her face and passed his thumb across her lips. "Say yes, sweetling." She blinked at him not quite understanding his meaning. His thumb touching her lips was doing strange things to her insides. "Say yes, my luv." She felt herself whisper yes against his thumb. The priest seemed to be relieved and there was an audible sigh from the group. Ronen slipped a ring on her finger and turned her to face ever one. He raised her hand in the air and everyone cheered. Ronen turned her towards him. He grasped her chin hard like he was afraid she might try and deny him, he planted a kiss hard on her lips. He gathered a robe and wrapped it around her shoulders. He walked from the camp stopping at the banks of a stream. She still had not said anything. He left her standing on the bank of the stream and stripped down naked. He walked in the stream and turned where he could face her. He washed every bit of his body. Her eyes never left him, but still she did not say anything. He walked over and used her hair ribbon to tie her hair on top of her head. He began unlacing her ties on her dress. He caught the dress by its skirt and started to pull it up. "Lift up your arms." She felt herself obey his command as though she had not thoughts of her own. He left her shift on her slim form and walked her into the stream. He rinsed her with water, careful not to startle her. The sun was setting but he could still see her shape perfectly in the water. She rose slowly out of the water, her white shift clinging to her, the pink of her nipples showing through the flimsy material. He could not stop his eyes from traveling to the darkened area between her legs where the shift outlined the junction were her legs met at the heart of her womenhood. She did not flinch from his stare nor did she try and cover herself. She simply stood quietly letting him administer to her. Even in the cold water he could feel himself getting rock hard. The coldness of the water should have had more sway over his cock than she did, but it did not. He could feel his cock harden and thrust forward. She looked down at him and finally spoke, "it will never work." He laughed. He did not know if she meant their marriage, or the fact he was so large compared to how small she was. "I will make it work." His answer applied to either question and he picked her up and led her to the bank. He wrapped her in a robe and walking naked he carried her back to the camp and straight into a tent. "Best you get ready wife." Ronens the words seemed jarring compared to the soft moment they had just shared. She stopped and looked at him for a second. She had to have time to think about what was happening. She slowly moved around the tent giving an imitation of someone interested in their surroundings. There was a pallet of skins in at the side of the room with muslin sheets laid over them. A warm fire was burning and the smoke was rising up and out through a hole at the top of the tent. Emmaline barely registered these things as she tried to calm herself before turning to Ronen. While she had been observing the tent Ronen had been dressing. The futility of it all began to weigh on her. She covered her face with her hands and bowed her head. Ronen stood there. He had watched the play of emotions that had danced across her face at his words. When she turned from him and had covered her face, his want to protect her rose as hard as his shaft. He walked over to her and without touching her spoke his last offer. "I will get you food, ready yourself for me." Ronen left the tent leaving Emmaline with her thoughts. Ronen walked over to where the women were serving dinner, daring by his stride and his glare for anyone to make a remark about what had just transpired. He grabbed some food and some wine from the silent women and headed towards his tent. "I'm coming in, alone." Ronens words caused Emmaline to smile. Did he think she was expecting him to bring guests? "I am ready." Upon hearing her reply Ronen walked in the tent. He had not time to formulate what he was expecting, but he knew he had not expected this. Emmaline fearing that Ronen would know by her nervousness that she was still a virgin she had taken her wet shift off and laid it to the side. She sat in the middle of the furs naked, except the muslin sheeting wrapped around her. Her shoulders were bare and the sheet was open to show an expanse of her leg up to the top of the thigh and the curve of her buttock. She had been afraid that Ronen might want her to remove her clothing in one of the many ways Duncan had told her of in the years he verbally tormented her with 'things for her to learn.' She knew she might be able to lay on her back and fake experience, but there was no way she could easily strip with a man's eyes watching her, especially not a man such as Ronen. "Did you bring us dinner?" She said pointing to the food he had in his hand. She hoped he did not notice how her voice trembled or how her hands shook when she motioned towards the food. "Yes, we should eat first before I fuck you." The bluntness of his words stunned her and his stance frightened her. She looked away because she did not want him to see how unsure she actually was of herself. Ronen saw the girl flinch at his words. He stared at the vision of womanly softness in front of him. It was obvious from her reaction that she was used to flowery words and soft handed lovers. She would have to get used to his ways as he knew of no other way. She needed to be prepared. "Understand I am no like your soft English lovers. When you leave from my bed, you will know what it is like to be rode hard enough you may no sit easy for a week." She did not say anything in response to his words, but bowed her head in her acknowledgment of their meaning and took the wine he offered. They said nothing else for awhile, he eating his bread and drinking wine standing there looking down at her; she sitting at his feet on the skins, eating her bread and drinking her wine. Actually she was drinking a lot of wine for her. She had never been allowed more than one glass in the evening. Duncan believed that it dulled the senses. She knew from watching the women in camp last night and this afternoon during the midday meal that these Scottish women could drink. So when she took another long drink of wine a secret smile slipped across her face, Ronen had no idea that she was getting quite tipsy. Ronen had seen the little smile play across her face, but could not tell its cause. "Enough for now." He reached for what was left of her meal and drink and put them over to the side by the entrance of tent. He took his boots and sporran off and left them by the tent door as well. She had watched him move towards the door. When he had bent over to take his boots off the firelight had played across his skin so she could see the backs of his masculine thighs as they curved into his buttocks. She did not know if it was the wine, or the knowledge that the time had finally come. Released tension flowed through her at the knowledge would not be with Duncan, but this huge Scot that would have her first. The thought of it what was to come was causing the warm pooling between her legs grow. She had always feared this moment before, but now it seemed she couldn't wait to have him on her, in her. Her head was spinning and her breath was ragged. She needed him to come back over to her right then. As if sensing her urgency he turned to her his loins stiffening at the pleasure on her face. He moved to her and stood looked down at her. She slowly reached up and took his kilt in one hand and with her teeth pulled the rest of the kilt off of him and tossed it to the floor. His eyes widened and then narrowed at her actions. She moved forward and curled her fingers around his shaft. Duncan had told her this would be expected of her and she had always cringed at the thought before, but now with Ronen his hard cock right there in front of her, she could think of no other purpose in life for her hands but to explore this magnificent man. A trickle of excitement shuddered through her as his staff swelled in her hands, she wondered at the size of him. Duncan had always made her feel that when the time came it would he who held all the power, but as she looked up at Ronen she realized she had power too. Ronens eyes were half open and his breath was labored, he started to sway when he suddenly grabbed her shoulders to push her back. She would have none of that, she was still in control. Before he realized what she meant to do, she pulled his shaft into her mouth. Her actions rocked him to his core, she heard him make a noise in his throat akin to pain. Her warm moist mouth softly suckling him, pulling gently with her lips and cradling his ballsack in her hands, she was driving him slowly into pleasure induced insanity. His hands locked into her hair, "unless you want to finish this before it is started, you had best halt now." Before she could stop him he had her on her back her spreading her legs; he began to move onto her. The wine she drank earlier helped to make her more pliable and less tense. His mouth moved to her breast, licking them and nibbling at them. His hands were all over her, feeling the smallness of her waist, the gentle flare of her hips, his fingers began kneading the small swollen bud in the heart of femininity. He tried to stroke her gently but his passion was driving him hard. She gasped and he raised to cover her lips with his. He plundered her lips, thrusting his warm tongue into her soft mouth. He began to suck and nibble at her bottom lip causing her to tremble from head to toe. Emmaline body was practically humming from the pure pleasure that Ronen was giving her. Emmaline grabbed at Ronen crushing his lips harder to her. He rumbled his pleasure at the back of his throat as moved back to her breast and began to nip them with his hard teeth. She pressed him harder to her, whimpering with pleasure at the feel of Ronens fingers driving into her flesh at her hips. Why had she been so scared of this, it was wonderful. She never wanted this to stop. Tiny little sighs were escaping her lips and driving Ronen crazy. Her head fell back and her eyes closed as the wine and the moment spun the room around her head. "Open your eyes." He demanded. She tried to open her eyes to look up at him but something wonderful was causing her whole bode to feel languid and she could not open her eyes any more than she could stop the soft moan from her lips. "Open your eyes. Look at me. Look at me. I am the only man in your bed now." She smiled at him and widened her legs. She was so wet and warm for him. Why must he make her wait? "Please," she whispered. Ronen growled at her and moved to take what she offered to him. His mind began to swim in his lust and his pleasure grew so intense he did not even notice the tightness of her sheath. He thrust forward and felt her stiffen to his need. He tried to push forward again and felt her bare his entrance. His desire filled mind did not register what her virginal body was trying to tell him. He pulled hard on her hair, thinking she meant to deny him he growled at her, "now is no the time for you to change your mind and try to deny me what is mine." His words barely penetrated Emmaline sensuous haze as his fingers dug into her shoulders. He ground his lips into sensitive curve of her neck, sucking and raking his teeth against her skin. She knew she was feeling pressure below, but the wine, Ronens lips, and Ronens hands were causing her mind to float in and out of euphoria. Her fragrance whirled around him causing him to lose any of his remaining control. Not knowing what she was doing, when she released Ronens unconstrained passion upon her delicate frame as she rolled her head until her lips were at Ronens ears. "Finish me" she whispered. Her words sighed so softly against his ear was Ronen's undoing. He grabbed her hips and slammed his hard cock deep into her. Ripping through her maidenhead and tearing her inside and out. Pain stripped through her as he pumped and bucked into her, slashing through any resistance as he bucked and strained into her. His mind was lost to anything but the pleasure he found inside her body. Her eyes flew wide with distress and she cried out and tried to get him to stop. Shards of glass seemed to lance through her as he plunged himself as far as her torn opening would allow. He pulled his cock almost completely away from her tender flesh, giving her but a moment of relief only to rock back into her harder, pushing in further with each stroke. The pull and suck of her tight flesh against his cock was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Each thrust stretching and tearing her untried passage throwing her into spasms of pain. She was so tight and exquisite he could not control himself. He was ramming into her with such strength he was moving her body up amongst the skins. He grabbed at her, holding her down to keep her still and hold her to him. His mind so on fire could not registering her struggles as those of pain. Thinking she was trying to reject him because he had not the tenderness of her other lovers, "I told you I was not one of your soft men. When we are done you will know that you have been fucked by a Highlander." He drove into her so hard that she felt her stomach swell forward with each of this thrusts. "Submit to me as your master." Ronen wanted everything. Her body and soul. "Submit damn you." His lust filled mind was so fogged he could not register her innocence as he pump into her harder and faster. Riding her with a timeless rhythm of male domination over his female. Slowly Emmaline could feel the pain starting to subside. Something strange was happening; it was starting to cause her blood to pound in her center. In between shafts of pain she could feel bits of pleasure trying to surface. It started to swirl around her and she could feel herself starting to swell tighter around his shaft. She gasped when she felt his body respond. His cock seemed to expand even more, stretching her quivering inner walls before he rammed hard into her one last time to explode within her. Gone was the tantalizing hint of pleasure; she screamed out in pain falling back into darkness and exhaustion. He threw back his head and roared his pleasure, bruising her tender flesh with his swollen member as hammered into her tight canal squeezing every last drop of his cum deep into her womb. His mind had been so lost in the moment he did not feel the wind blow across him from the tent flap being thrown back. "Stop, Ronen, you're killing her." Daniel jerked Ronen off the girl onto the floor beside the skins. Ronen not yet himself went to grab Daniel and started screaming of Daniels impending death. Ronen turned to Emmaline, to tell her he would be back after he killed Daniel, when the sight in front of him left him motionless allowing Daniel to slip from his grasp. Hilda was trying to calm Emmaline, her sobs were coming in great gasps. Emmaline moved across the pallet trying to cover her nakedness with the skins as though in a pain filled stupor. Hilda pulled a cloth from between Emmaline thighs that was covered in blood. Hilda looked to Daniel and said, "this is too much blood have you a healer in the camp?" Daniel did not answer, but turned and ran from the tent to fetch the healer. Ronen went to Emmaline standing there looking at her slowly registering what had happened. "I am going to be sick Hilda," Emmaline moaned tossing and turning on the pallet. "Who is she?" Ronen put the question to Hilda. "She was a virgin and could no have had a child, so she could no be the Lady Matilda. Tell me now, who is she?" Ronen s eyes had never left Emmaline form. Daniel and the healer entered the tent. Stephen Douglas had entered the tent carrying a bag for the healer. Hilda began sobbing. "She is the Lady Emmaline. Lady Matilda died with birth fever, Emmaline has been raising the wee one." She answered Ronen, but before he could respond she turned to the healer. "She was a maid. I know it is normal to bleed but I fear this is too much blood." Hilda explained quickly to the healer. Not even bothering to clear the room of the men, the healer moved the muslin sheet to examine the tender skin between Emmaline's legs. Dark bruises and bloody bites were appearing all over the girls fair skin. Blood and seaman caked the inside of her thighs. She took the warm rag from Hilda and gently wiped the girl clean. She paused at the crescent moon shaped birth mark low on her abdomen. Her thumb lightly smoothed over the mark as its meaning seemed to elude her for the moment, dancing on the fringes of her consciences' before she pulled the sheet back to cover Emmaline. To Hilda's relief as she told them all that the Emmaline would be fine. The healer, a rough and round woman known to all as Gert, turned to Ronen. He was her laird but she had helped bring him into the world and she did not hesitate to speak her mind. "You should not have mounted your woman so. She be a maid and yet you mounted her like one of your tavern whores. You are the cause of the extra bleeding. She should not be bedded again for several days if you do not wish to cause her more pain." Gerts words washed over Ronen like ice. What had he done, why had Emmaline not let him know she was innocent? Gert looked down at Ronen, "see to yourself, your cock is smeared in the virgin blood of your woman." Ronen looked down at himself and the impact of all that had happened slammed him in the gut. His knees buckled and he found himself on the floor. Ronen had always been the strongest of men but the knowledge of what he had just done to Emmaline left him week with worry for her. The healer was forcing some sleeping potion down Emmaline's throat to help her sleep, while Hilda wailed about how Ronen was the most merciless Laird in Scotland. Having got enough sleeping potion down Emmaline, and not being able to stand Hilda's crying any longer, the healer took Stephen by the arm and together they turned and left tent. Ronen gathered his kilt around himself covering his nakedness, and moved beside Emmaline on the bed. She jumped and started tremble. Ronen put a hand on her arm to steady her and reassure her, he was not going to punish her. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 04 "You think this does no change our bargain? I think we best talk tomorrow. For now you sleep, I will return later to you." He rose from the bed and looked to Daniel to follow him from the tent. Daniel and Ronen stood outside the tent quietly talking while Ronen found a close bucket of water and washed the smeared blood and their juices from himself. Daniel explained that earlier he had found Hilda crying outside the tent, she refused to tell him why until the noises from the tent began to get louder. Daniel smiled at Ronen and said, "You are a very noisy lover my friend." Ronen did not answer so Daniel continued. Daniel explained that it wasn't until they heard Emmaline's cries that Hilda broke down and told Daniel that the woman was not the Lady Matilda, but her sister Lady Emmaline. Before Daniel could figure how to best let Ronen know of the situation the sounds from the tent became loud enough that Daniel had no choice but interrupt Ronens pleasure and see to the maids suffering. Ronen had just started to question Daniel on anything else Hilda had said, when the tent flap blew slightly open and the words in the tent could be heard clearly for a moment. It was Hilda's voice sobbing her apology to Emmaline, "I am sorry, Emmaline. How will we fix this? What will your father do when he discovers our deceit? Will he force you back to Duncan? Maybe it would have been better to have stayed in your father's care?" The two men outside the tent exchanged glances, obviously the two women were hiding more, than Emmaline's innocence. "Hilda, don't ever say that again. Duncan often told me of cruel things he was going to do to me. Things that I could never repeat and Ronen could never imagine." Before Daniel could register Emmaline's words and interpret their meaning, Ronen had marched into the tent, the rage in his eyes the only emotion on his face. The thought that there was a man that had tortured his Emmaline with words of cruel lust was driving nails through his brain. "I will ask you this again, and I expect an answer who is Duncan?" He asked with a raspy voice as he could barely breathe. "You will find out this spring when he comes to take me from you." Emmaline's answer floored Ronen, "no one is taking you from me. Your father is coming to sign the wedding contracts. He is not bringing anyone named Duncan. It would not matter if he did, NO one is taking you from me." "I do not want to speak of it. I just want to be left alone." Emmaline's words were so soft; Ronen had to strain to her whispered plea. "Please everyone just leave me be." Emmaline turned her face away from Ronen and let out a little sob. Ronen walked over to Emmaline and softly pushed her hair from her face. "Rest love, I will protect you from now on." He kissed her cheek and left her to sleep. She yawned and snuggled amongst the skins, letting the healers potion drift her into slumber. Ronen took Hilda by the arm and led her from the tent. "We will talk tomorrow. For now see to the bairn. I will take care of My women tonight." Ronen had raised his hand to silence Hilda when she went to interrupt him. "Go now; do what I say." Hilda turned to find Moira and keep her to rest with Hilda for the night. "You know this changes everything?" Daniel's voiced what Ronen had been thinking. "You married the Lady Emmaline in good faith. Earl de la Humes, can no take her from her. Since the Lady Matilda is dead, the King may even make 'Earl de la Humes' honor his previous bargain and give you the promised lands. As the Lady Emmaline's husband you can grant her wish and keep her father from her person. But no court in the land will deny 'Earl de la Humes' right to the lass Moira." Ronen sighed his frustration at Daniel. "I know what this means. I know what this means to my woman, and I know what it means to our marriage as well." Ronen wished there could be another way, but he could not see one. "If she would but trust me enough to tell me why she does not wish for her or the lass Moira to see her father? She will not even trust me enough to tell me who this Duncan is that her father is bringing that she fears so. If she will not do this, how can I help her?" Daniel watched Ronen turn and walk towards the tent. Daniel wondered if Ronen had noticed how quickly he had accepted that the girl he believed to be the Lady Matilda was not the Lady Matilda at all, but the Lady Emmaline? Daniel watched as the camp members moved quietly preparing for sleep. He half noticed Gert talking to Lomas as he yawned, Daniel needed rest. Worry seemed to rob him of his sleep he thought when she passed in his line of vision towards the unmarried women's tent. He knew her even in the shadow. Worry and thoughts of her had robbed him of his sleep as much as worry over Ronen. Thoughts of his woman, thoughts of Llewath. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 05 Ronens mind was full of Emmaline as he returned to the confines of the tent. She laid there amongst the skins sleeping like a child. She was beautiful. Tomorrow he would tell her of her fate. He knew she would not like it, but it mattered not. He had been raised to take what he wanted, and he wanted Emmaline. It would be better to have her agreement in the matter, but it was not required. Ronen removed his kilt and slid naked beneath the skins unto the fresh muslin sheets. Hilda, or the Healer must have the replaced the blood and semen soaked sheets with clean ones. He stroked her skin, marveling at its smoothness. A slight breeze stirred through the tent traveling across her sensitive skin. Emmaline sighed softly and snuggled up to him in her sleep, resting her head on his chest she threw an arm about his waist, while one smooth leg covered one of his legs and snuggled between his thighs. He felt his staff rise with an aching need as she pressed the full length of her perfectly exquisite body against him. He looked down at her; she was soft and silky; fair and delicate, while he was dark, scarred, and rough. The pure difference in their male and female forms nearly caused Ronen to spurt his pleasure all over his stomach. He growled and covered them to help drive the image from his brain. She stirred and gave what sounded to be a frightened whimper and he could not help but put a protective arm around her, he would make sure that no one hurt his woman. He slowly drifted off into a light slumber, dreaming of moon fairies with silvery blond hair dancing around him. Emmaline woke to camp sounds and Ronen's voice giving instructions to pack camp. Emmaline slowly opened her eyes and was afforded a view of a lovely blue dress laid out with matching shoes and a wool cape died dark blue to match. "You have finally woken. Ronen has refused to move camp until you awoke." Emmaline sat up quickly wincing at the soreness that seemed to engulf her entire body. "Who are you, where is Hilda?" The woman standing in front of Emmaline looked to be youngish not less than seventeen and not more than twenty-two. She was tall, big boned, and though she not be ugly, no one would refer to her as pretty. She looked fierce and Emmaline thought if she had been holding a sword it would have looked right. "I am named Llewath. Ronen has wished for me to care for you. Hilda will not be allowed to be alone with you anymore, as she has no control over you." Emmaline gasped at Llewath words. "Who is Ronen to think he can keep my maid from me? I am getting Hilda right now." Emmaline went to move towards the tent flap, only to have her path blocked by Llewath. "This whole camp has been waiting all morning for you to wake so we can leave. Ronen demanded you get the sleep he felt you needed, but the rest of us will suffer when he drives us hard to make the distance we lost so you could rest. Ronen is my cousin and I will honor his wishes, no matter how foolish. So please for the sake of the us all, get dressed." Llewath's arrogance angered Emmaline, but the truthiness of her words had Emmaline moving towards the clothes. She did not wish for any of Ronens people to suffer because of her, and she could hardly argue with Ronen in public wearing nothing but a sheet. "Where did these come from?" Emmaline asked about the lovely clothes as Llewath helped her into their soft folds. "These are some clothes that my father was having made for me. He thinks if he dresses me up enough he might trick some fool into wedding me. Daniel thought it be the only one available for your status." Emmaline was not sure of what 'status' Llewath referred too, but she could tell by Llewath's sarcastic tone that she did not think overly much Daniel. Emmaline thought this strange as Daniel seemed kind to everyone. It saddened Emmaline that Llewath also did not value herself as Emmaline thought she should. Emmaline instinctively knew that here standing before her was a woman that would be the best of marriage partners and was truly worthy of love. "I believe you are just a little taller than I." Llewath glanced over to the tiny form in front of her. She wanted to laugh and cry all at the same time. Emmaline stood in the middle of the tent wearing Llewath's pretty blue dress. She looked like she had been draped in a bolt of cloth. Material seemed to drape off her, none of it fitted like it should. Llewath realized that even though the dress was obviously too large for the Lady Emmaline, it still looked more lovely on her than it would every look on Llewath. She winced at the thought of anyone comparing the two in the dress, especially Daniel. "You will have to carry the excess for now, later perhaps you can get Sandy's wife to hem it for you." Emmaline started to argue with Llewath, only to be firmly escorted from the tent. Emmaline looked around at the sudden brightness of the day outside the tent. Everyone seemed to truly be just waiting for her to rise. She felt terribly self conscious when Ronen strode towards her. Everyone was watching him as he approached her leading a small grey horse. "Here is your noble steed." Emmaline smiled at Ronens description of the small pony, as a noble steed. Ronen continued, "you will ride beside me." Emmaline glared at his arrogance, but knew better than to argue with him in front of his clan. "We will talk later of Hilda." She angrily whispered at him, only to have him set her anger ablaze when he smiled and answered, "We can talk, but it will no change anything. Hilda is no to be left alone with you until I am sure I have you anchored to me." She gasped at his words. "What do you mean 'anchored to you'?" He smiled "We will talk later. We need to leave for now. We have tarried long enough." A guilty blush stole up Emmalines face when she remembered why everyone had waited to move camp. Everyone in camp had learned of last night's occurrence. Anyone left in the dark had been enlightened this morning when Ronen and Hilda had got into a heated argument over the Lady Emmaline. Actually Hilda had been the one heated upon learning that Ronen did not want Hilda alone with Emmaline until he could get a better hold on Emmaline. Hilda had dissolved into hysterics and started screaming at him and his beastly ways including all that had transpired the night before. Ronen had finally silenced her wailing when he announced to Hilda that Hilda would not be allowed to be alone with the Lady Emmaline and if she did not behave he would remove Moira from her charge. "You mean to keep Milady from me?" Hilda had asked. "I mean to keep her with me," had been Ronen's only attempt of an explanation. "She will hate you." Hilda had told him. "It matters no her feelings as long as I have her." Ronen's answer left Hilda with her mouth hanging open like a fishwife. Emmaline, unaware of the earlier events was unsure of herself under the entense scrutiny of Ronen's clan. Sensing her unease he moved protectivly besides her as they walked over to their mounts. Ronen grasped Emmaline by the waist, his hands encircling her waist. He easily picked her up and plopped her onto the saddle of the little mare. "Ow!" Emmaline practically screeched grabbing the pommel of the saddle to rise her tender flesh up from the saddle. She looked around and everyone had turned to see of her complaint. "What is wrong? What hurts you?" Ronen asked. She looked down at Ronen. She felt a slow red tide swell up from her neck to creep across her face. How could she tell him that he had done exactly what he had told her he would, and ridden her so hard she could not easily sit? Ronens eyes narrowed at her obvious embarrassment over her pain. It took him but a moment to realize what caused her the pain. He looked around at his people and realized they too knew what had caused it as well. His face slid into a hard possessive grin as he snatched her from the saddle. "Perhaps it would be better if you ride with me until your body gets used to riding in the saddle." She wished that he had not made his declaration so loud. She was very aware of the stifled laughs of his clan over the double meaning of his words. Emmaline wanted to argue and yell at him, but at that moment her embarrassment was enough that she just buried her head into his chest, trying to ignore his masculine voice as it vibrated from his chest. Ronen carried her and silent a prideful male laugh rose in him when she turned towards him to hide from her embarrassment. Ronen swung Emmaline with him up into the saddle careful to bunch her skirts under her to cushion some of the hardness of the saddle against her torn and tender skin. Ronen did not want to cause Emmaline unneeded pain. He was not purposefully cruel, though he would have what he wanted, and he wanted Emmaline. He was willing to try and agree to her arrangement before, but not now. He had taken her virginity; she could not be Moira's mother. No man but him had known the molten pleasures that rested between her thighs. Ronen, not aware of the look of peace on his face, looked around at his clansmen. For days they had traveled in stillness, now they had all seemed to come alive. There was laughter, joking, and good humor for everyone. They all seemed to be so warmed by the moment that they did not even seem to mind the weather was getting cooler as the day progressed. The clan traveled a morning's ride away from Ronens keep before making camp. The group would wait out the cold night and make it home before the next mid day meal. The happiness of his people along with the feel of Emmaline in his arms caused Ronen to lean his head back and smile. "Your people are happy to see you smile. Perhaps the Lady Emmaline is a fairy that blesses all." Ronen started at Daniels statement and was suddenly aware of the smile on his lips as wisps of silver curls floated around him and Emmaline. From her perch on Ronens horse Emmaline peered out of from the comfort of his chest and watched the interactions of the group. She caught sight of Llewath riding a lovely white horse. Thoughts played around her head as she watched the furitive glances exchanged between Llewath and Daniel. She smiled at Llewath and motioned her to ride towards her and Ronen. "Ronen, I want to make sure that Llewath is properly thanked for her lending me the dress." Ronen frowned. Surely Emmaline was not implying that he had not properly thanked his own cousin. His brows slanted as he started to remind Emmaline this was not her place, when he noticed Emmaline was not even looking at Llewath. Instead she was watching Daniel, and watching him close, jealously scorched through Ronen's veins. He barely had time from stopping himself from jerking Daniel off his horse before he saw the longing in Daniels eyes as he looked at Llewath. The desire had been brief before Daniel had masked it, but it had been there. Astonishment washed over Ronen. He had never realized the two had feelings for each other. In all these years the thought had not even entered his mind, but yet in a space of a one morning Emmaline had already noticed it and was now attempting to play match maker. "Daniel, do you not think it was nice of Llewath to lend me her dress?" She smiled so sweetly at Daniel that Ronen almost laughed at Daniels glare. "Why no let you use it, Llew has no use for such pretty things." Daniel's remark obviously given to have a rise from Llewath. "Doona call me Llew, my name is Llewath." Instant animosity flared up between them. "Husband, will you take me to check on our daughter?" Emmaline's words jerked Ronens attention to her. Had she just called him husband? Had she just shared her child with him by referring to Moira as our daughter? A heady sense of elation enveloped him. Ronen could deny her nothing; ignoring Llewath and Daniels bickering he swerved his horse and left them together to find Moira in the wagon. "I hope they find their feelings, before they resort to swords." Emmaline's words confirmed Ronen's suspicion of her attempts to play matchmaker. "Be careful wife, Llewath is my cousin and Daniel my trusted Captain." Daniels stern words did not match the laughter in his eyes, and he could not help but smile at Emmaline's response, "the better to get them wed too each other." They were both smiling when they approached the wagon. "There is my Mama and my Daddy." Moira's happiness bubbled out of her and the women walking beside the wagon could not help but smile at the sound of pride in her little voice. "Tell them you are my Daddy." Ronen smiled at the child. "If your mother says so, than I am your Daddy." The word Daddy seemed strange to him. 'Daddy' was not a form of father that was used in his clan. It also bothered him that the girl was looking to him to be her Daddy and protect her, when he knew that he was not her Daddy and could not protect her from having to leave when her Grandfather, her rightful guardian came. "Ronen, Stephen Douglas is gone." Angus broke Ronen out of his thoughts. "What do mean, he is gone?" A twinge of apprehension entered Ronen at Angus's answer. "I mean after we started riding he just left without telling anyone." Angus looked pointedly at Emmaline. "Laird may I and a few of the men have a word with you? We think we may know why Stephen has left, but wish no to discuss it with anyone but you." Ronen understood the need for privacy. He lifted Emmaline and sat her in the wagon besides. "I will be but a moment. Attend to our daughter while I am gone." Something in her heart fluttered when he said our daughter. She nodded yes unable to speak. He welded his horse around and followed Angus off from the rest of the riders. She noticed Leamus and Brian followed; even Daniel quit arguing with Llewath to follow them. She wondered what could be so important as to have the men leave the women, even if but for a moment? "Lomas, thinks he knows why Stephen left." Brian broke the tension, excitement radiating from him. Ronen looked to Lomas to explain. "The Blessing." "The what?" Ronen's answer sounded harsh, but not half as harsh as the look on his face. "Now wait Laird until I explain. I know that ye donna believe in the blessing. But you know the Claire's do and Stephen is a Claire through his mother. I think he has gone to tell the Claires where we are and that you have the Moon Maiden." Lomas spoke quickly trying to speak before his Laird silenced him. "What Moon Maiden? Why would Stephen think we had found the Moon Maiden?" Ronen looked at his men puzzled why they looked back at him with concern. Their suspicions filtered through to him and he responded with anger. "No, there is no reason to think Emmaline is the Moon Maiden." "Beggin yer pardon, but there is every reason." Lomas answered, and this time rushed in to complete his thoughts before his Laird killed him. "Think of what the blessing says?" *He will find the Moon Maiden and take her as a harlot, but she will be an innocent.* "Did you no bed Milady thinking she had been with another man and bore his child unmarried?" Lomas's choice of words caused Ronen's scowl to darken even more. Daniel was really beginning to worry for Lomas's health. Lomas added breathlessly. *He that takes her maidenhead shall be blessed with peace and happiness for him and his clansman.* "You canna deny how much happier everyone has been since you claimed her as yours and made her mistress of our clan?" Lomas hurried on to add, *moon shall leave its blessings upon her womb.* "Gert told me that she saw moon shaped mark on Lady Emmaline's womb and that Stephen saw this mark as well." "Enough! You nor anyone else need to be thinking about my woman's womb. Unless none of you have noticed we have yet to catch a den of wolves following Emmaline around by the light of the moon. Now do your task and doona bother me with anymore of this foolishness." Ronen whirled his horse back in the direction of the travelers. He rode hard and had almost caught up to the wagon were Moira and Emmaline were ridding when Daniel caught up with him. "I agree this seems like foolishness, but if Stephen believes it to be true and can convince the Claires that it is true, than no one but the Great Seer will stop the Claires from coming to claim her." Ronan did not like his words but could not help but agree. "Send Lomas to find him and bring him to me." That was the only acknowledgment that Ronen would give about the blessing. Daniel could tell that Ronen did not wish to discuss the issue anymore and went to calm the nerves of the men. Emmaline watched the interaction of the men in the distance and could tell that Ronen was angry. When he moved towards her she smile at him and raised her arms for him to pick her up. Her actions surprised him. Pleasure at seeing her welcome him into her arms hardened his shaft until he had to lean forward least his predicament be seen by all. "Into my arms you belong, Milady." Ronen scooped her up and placed her in front of him on his horse. "What troubles you?" Emmaline asked quietly. "Nothing, doona worry." It did not look like nothing. Ronen was scowling and his men were slinking around him like dogs trying not to get kicked by their master. They rode the rest of the day with Ronen glaring at his men and them trying to apologize with their eyes. Ronen would not tell Emmaline what was said, but she knew it concerned her by the way he would tighten his hold on her, or ravished her cheeks and neck with possessive kisses every time he caught one of his men looking in their direction. Emmaline was glad when they finally started to make camp. It had started getting cool and she was ready to snuggle down a warm bed and sleep. She smiled at this thought snuggling into Ronens arms. "Ronen, where will you stay me and Moira in the spring when my father comes?" Emmaline's words broke him from his thoughts. His dark look caused Emmaline to hesitantly ask; "Surely you will not turn Moira over to him when he comes in the spring." Ronens whole being changed, "you are no the lass's mother. You have no the right from keeping him from his own Grandchild." Emmaline looked at Ronen, a frown marring her face. "I am her aunt and I have raised her as mine. You do not understand he can not know Matilda is dead. He will take Moira. I tell you now if he takes Moira, I will go with him also." Emmaline's words had not left her mouth before Ronen grabbed her chin and holding her still he growled into her neck just below her ear. "Listen to me Emmaline and listen to me well. You will no leave me. No now, no in the spring. If your father claims Moira you will have to say goodbye to the Lass, because you will no be leaving me." Fear gripped Emmaline, as Ronen's face closed. "No." Emmaline started to pummel Ronens chest, screaming at him to let her down. Ronen moved his horse carrying him and Emmaline away from the group. When they where away from the rest and could not be seen, Ronen lowered Emmaline to the ground and stepped off his horse. He took a deep breath and turned to face his 'wee little fury'. "You lied to me, you are no better than any other man that would bed me for his own pleasures." Her breath came in rasps as she reined her anger on him. "Emmaline, quiet yourself. I am no letting you go. Tell me why you fear your Father so I may figure out how best to help you?" Emmaline looked at him amazed he could make such a statement so calmly, why would she trust him now? "Ronen McVörss, if you think that I would stay with you after this you are sorely mistaken. You misled me into believing you would help me hold Moira from my father." The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 05 Ronen's head whipped down and his face hardened at the sarcastic not Emmaline had used on the word 'misled'. Ronen had been generous to Emmaline to have even considered keeping the lass after discovering she was not his Emmaline's. Most would not have been so kind, and Emmaline had thrown his generosity back in his face, his patience at her refusal to accept him was at an end. "I am no the only liar in this union." Ronen snarled his words. "You led me to believe that you were a woman who had known other lovers. I came to you expecting an experienced whore in my bed." His voice lowered into a pure growl as he continued. "Do you know why wise men doona take maids to bed? Do you?" Emmaline shook her head no. Fear at his next words might be choked her breath. "Because, maids doona know the ways to make sure there is no a bairn. Do you know of any of these ways Emmaline?" Emmaline closed her eyes at Ronen's words. A tremble began in her toes and worked its way up until her whole body was shaking. Ronen grabbed her arms with his big hands and ground his words out so close to Emmaline that his breath stirred the soft ringlets that framed her face. "I have filled your belly with enough of my seed for you to give me ten sons. Can you tell me that you are no now carrying my child?" Emmalines eyes opened up large and frightened. She lost time of how long she held Ronens stare. Emmalines mind tried to grasp the meaning of his words, events swirling in her brain causing her to feel dizzy. Then one thought crashed into her brain. "You louse. You want me to be with child. That is why you are keeping Hilda away from me. You are afraid that she would help me rid my body of any spawn that you would force upon me." Emmaline could see from Ronens face her words were true. How could he? She became hysterical at the thought of being forever chained to Ronen while Moira was left unprotected with Duncan. She lost all control and started screeching at him, taunting him with her words, hoping the images they created hurt him. "I am not carrying your child and I refuse to allow you to put your bastard seed in me." Startled at her vehemence and how her words stung, Ronen loosened his grip on Emmaline. She immediately jerked free and ran several feet from him before turning to him. Emmaline said the first thing that came to her stretching the taut thread that had kept Ronens anger from raging down on her. "You are a liar of the worst kind. I despise you." So succumbed with her own emotions she did not notice the narrowing of Ronens eyes, or how he positioned his body, giving the impression of a stalking lion about to pounce on its prey. "I am not your woman. I will never carry your child. Do you hear me? Never." Ronen snapped. He sprung forward and knocked her to the ground on her stomach. She lunged up to her hands and knees and began to kick as Ronen dropped to his knees behind her. She tried to crawl away, but Ronen was too strong for her. He grabbed her by the ankles and jerking them apart pulled her towards him as he let Emmaline's material ride high on her thighs revealing her shapely legs. Tearing her skirts away from her legs, Ronen moved over her so he could reach could under her chest. He grabbed the material at the front of her dress and ripped it completely from her. Emmaline felt cold air hit her bare breast; she reached to cover her modesty. With one hand grasping at her cloths and the other trying to hold herself up from the ground, it was easy for Ronen to shove her off balance and press her face down in the dirt. Emmalines hair had fallen across her face on one side and was draped on the ground around her. Ronen reached under her and grabbed a handful of hair that pooled on the ground. Pulling it under her frame he twisted it around his hand. He jerked his arm back and grabbed her hips. The pull on Emmaline's hair kept her face down so he could free his movements. His hands reached into the slit of her pantalets and ripped them from her removing the last barrier left between him and her delights. Ronens blood surged at the sight of her smooth bottom and all of the treasures awaiting him between her thighs. He tore at his laces as he came up behind Emmaline. "You will no deny me what is mine. I will put my seed in your womb and you will no stop me." Emmaline gasped at his words and began to struggle harder when he placed the tip of his cock at her already ravaged opening. "I will you strip naked and put my seed deep in your womb every night until I have your belly swollen with my bairn." Ronen moved into her slightly. Using both hands to hold her hips secure, he speared her with his swollen shaft clean up to the hilt. Emmaline cried out, bucking and rearing trying to set herself free. He held her hips tight as he plunged again and again into her already torn opening. Her passage, raw and sensitive began to bleed and juice itself to allow Ronen to slip in her more easily. Each time he almost completely pulled from her, only to thrust himself back into her, his ballsack slapping hard at the raw and tender folds. Anger and frustration at her refusal to accept him made Ronens desire hard and quick. He cried out his pleasure as his he bucked into her one last time with such ramming force he raised her knees off the dirt. Ronen growled, "take it, take all of it." He ground his hips into her, gushing his seed into her womb, emptying himself completely in her. He held tight to him for a moment keeping her locked to him while his cock throbbed with a primitive need to ensure every last drop of his seed pulsed into his woman's womb. Exhausted and spent he untangled himself from her let her hips slip from his grasp. She fell to the ground softly crying. Afraid to anger him and fearing more retribution she curled into a tiny ball. Ronen steadied himself. "Will you no relent from this foolishness? It is a woman's place to trust her man in all things. If you would but talk to me, I may help be able to help you." Emmaline did not move from her position. Ronen grabbed her legs pulling on them as he flipped her over onto her back. Her naked beauty causing the blood to rush back into his shaft, he pulled her up to stand in front of him. He lifted her high above his head and began to suck and bite on her stomach, slowly lowering her as he continued across her breast, her shoulders, her neck, leaving a trail of teeth bites and bright red suckling bruises. "Please, doona fight me anymore; say you will quit this foolishness?" She still did not answer Ronen's question. A wave of primitive possessiveness swept through him. "If you will no say you are mine then I will make sure no man will doubt to whom you belong." A growl rose from his throat as he sunk his teeth into the tender skin of her collar bone. Biting and sucking her skin, nashing, at her until the taste of her blood brought him back to his senses. His hands grabbed her hair and forced her head back to stare into her eyes. His heart broke into a thousand tiny pieces as the quiet tears spilled from her tragic filled starlit eyes. A thin trickle of blood ran from the bite mark at the base of her neck where he had bit harder than he had meant. She stood in front of him, naked, bleeding, and bruised. "Damn it Emmaline. You have made me lose control again." His voice was raspy with sadness. Ronen had fought and struggled to acquire all his wealth. There had been many that tried to stop him or take what he had away from him. Ronen knew what it was like to fight for what was his, and this woman was his. Why did she not see it? "You are mine. I doona wish for you to be unhappy, can you come to want to stay with me?" When she did not respond, he continued. "Until you accept my yoke, get used to accepting me stripping and mounting you nightly." Her eyes widened at his meaning, shocked that Ronen had meant what he had said earlier, Emmaline asked, "You want me to walk around naked?" "No Emmaline. I will allow no other to lay eyes on your lovely form. However, when I come to you I will expect you to be naked and prepared to perform your wifely duties." Emmaline's confusion marred her features as she looked to him for understanding. "What if I wish a nights reprieve?" Ronen's reply drove home the senserity of his words. "Then you shall have it, provided your belly is large enough that no one will doubt I have mastered you." Emmaline bit her lip at the image Ronen painted in her mind. Ronen took Emmaline by the hand over to his horse. He pulled a coat from his bag. The coat was Ronens and it was huge. It was a deep blood red with black fur trim around the sleeves and all around the bottom. He put it on her speaking gently as picked her up and mounted the horse. "The more I can trust you no to fight me, the more freedom you will get. The more you fight me the more you lose. If I have to ensure you doona take flight, I will keep you with child until the second coming. Do you understand me.?" Emmaline looked up at him and nodded yes. Then she looked away from him and would not face him again. At first Ronen tried to get her to talk to him, asking her questions about her childhood in a soft voice, trying to calm her shredded nerves. When she would not answer he finally gave up and they both rode in silence back to camp. Ronen was twisted in knots, confused as why it should matter to warrior such as himself if Emmaline wanted to be with him or not. Ronen wanted her, Ronen had taken her, and Ronen was powerful enough to keep her. Her feelings were of no concern, or at least they shouldn't be. He could not seem to stop wanting her to turn to him. Emmaline rode in silence trying to understand how her life had changed in just three short days. Emmaline knew that a once bound to a man, it was a woman's duty to obey him in all things. She was his chattel to do with as he so chose. But, Emmaline did not wish to be without any voice in her destiny. She could not afford to be powerless. She must protect Moira. They rode towards the camp, arriving just as dusk had settled. When they first appeared there were anxious worry was on most everyone's face. Ronen scowled at his people when their faces broke into smiles and relief at the sight of Emmaline bundled in his coat sitting across his lap. He frowned down at Emmaline as he nudged his horse towards their tent. He lowered her to the ground slowly until her bare toes could touch. He grabbed her chin and pulled it up until her face was turned up towards him. "Doona leave this tent again without my permission. I have put Hilda and Moira in a small tent with guards to protect them from anyone trying to take them, including you." His meaning made clear by the look on his face. "Go prepare yourself for me. I have had enough of begging you. Be ready to accept me when I return." He bent down and kissed her hard and wheeled his horse and around rode off. Lomus and the old healer Gert, exchanged looks. "Did you no see his bite on her neck?" Lomas asked the question of the old healer. "Aye, I saw it." Gert answered. "He has put his mark around her neck. The prophecy is true." Gert lowered her voice, "make sure everyone knows to keep our Lady well guarded. There be others that will wish to take her. Lomus shuddered, "heaven help anyone that tries to take her from him," his gaze never faltered from Ronen's form. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 06 "What do you need? Tell me Emmaline, what do you need?" He rose up and locked her eyes into his. He slowly pulled almost completely out of her beckoning cavern. There he rested his cock, stretching her fragile opening waiting for her signal. She tried to raise up to pull him into her, but he would not let her. "What do you need? Emmaline, tell me what I need to hear? Are you hungry for me? Do you want me to fill your belly with my seed?" Her voice was so soft he had to bend his head to her lips to hear. "I need you Ronen. Please give me what I need?" With a cry of possessiveness he drove himself in to her tight fissure, searing her skin with his every stroke. He began to pump into her as her body began to buck up trying to encase every inch of him. Unaware of anything they became one as their bodies surged and drove at each other. His cock began to engorge itself ready to shoot its essence into her. She felt him expand as her channel began to stretch around him and swell in expectation. His head fell back and his eyes half closed as his body exploded into her. She climaxed at the same time, her hands grabbing a hold of his backside, pulling him further into her womb. Her legs wrapped around him, completely surrounding him in herself. The world exploded around them both in a thousand tiny stars, that showered around them enveloped them both in a warm haze. Lying there listening quietly to each other's breathing; they both fell asleep to the lullaby of evening noises. The next morning they woke in each other's arms. Ronen untangled himself from Emmaline and stood up looking down at her. She was his, she had given herself to him and now he would never be able to let her go. He reached down and pulled her up. He showered tiny kisses all over her face as she stood in front of him. He reached down and wrapped her in his robe. He picked her up and cradling her like she was the most precious thing in the world he carried he back to camp and set her down before the tent. "As soon as you are ready we will leave." He looked so hungrily at her in front of all his people she could not help but blush. She walked into the tent and was pleasantly surprised to see Moira waiting with Llewath. Moira raced to Emmaline. She caught the small girl in her arms, there she cuddled and kissed the girl until the little girls laughs grew so loud that everyone in camp surely must know how happy the two were. For the first time in a long time the entire camp felt at peace. None of them prepared for the men stalking them, waiting patiently to take their 'blessing' from them. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 07 Later that same day after a hard day's ride, they crested the hill Emmaline got her first look at the McVörss's keep. It was not near as beautiful as her father's but it was magnificent in its fierceness. No knight in his right mind would want to try and lay siege to the large hard looking keep. Its back the east side was nestled into a rocky rise that had a stream running parallel and meant all attackers must come from the west and face the sun directly. "It is large." Emmaline turned to Ronan with a soft smile trying to say something nice about his home. "I know it is no pretty. But it will keep you warm from the weather and safe from your enemies." Ronan kissed the top of her head. He knew she had tried to be kind with her remarks, he also knew that like most women she looked at the beauty of most homes, not its abilities to keep its occupants unharmed. "We have company!" with a start everyone turned in the direction of Daniels cry. Over the north rise came riders hard and fast. Obviously with the entention of getting to the wedding party before it made it to the safety of the keep. "It be the Claire's." Angus pointed at the banners with the Claire's colors. "There be Stephen riding with them at the fore." "We have women with us. We need to get to the keep." There was not a warrior there that did not know how hard it was for Ronan to run and not stand and fight. There was not a warrior there that was not impressed with Ronan's worry over his clansman more than his own personal honor. All realized this would not have been the case with the old Laird. Ronan's father would have made them stand a fight no matter how many innocents may be harmed. Much to everyone's surprise shouting alerted the party to riders coming from the north. "How could they have surrounded us with out any of us knowing?" Angus question was thought by most until Daniel noticed something the others had not. "That is no the Claire's banner's but the Laird James Earl de la Humes colors." Not knowing if these men came to take Emmaline or help defend her from the Claires. Ronan did not slow his men in their efforts to seek the safety of the keep. As they drew near the gates opened and the party barely slipped in before the gates closed leaving both approaching clans outside the keep. Ronan passed Emmaline to down to the ground before jumping from his saddle and vaulting up the stairs to the walls of the keep. "Keep her safe or forfeit your life." He yelled over his shoulder to the bemused stable master. "What say you Stephen?" Ronan yelled from the keep walls. "Why have you brought men to bear arms against mine. "We come for the Moon Maiden." Ronan was not surprised to hear the words from Stephen. "You canna have her she is mine." Ronan snarled. "You know I have already claimed her as wife." "You may have claimed her maidenhead but we mean to possess her." Then Stephen brought all his charm to fore. Perhaps he could convince Ronan's people to relinquish her. "Come now, why can't we all share in her good fortune?" Stephen smiled that smile that had worried Daniel so many times before with its ability to woo Ronan's people. "Everyone knows that you have claimed your ladies veil, but there is no reason our clans canna both share in her bounty." Before anyone could interrupt Stephen continued. *He that takes her maidenhead shall be blessed with peace and happiness for him and his clansman.* Stephen quoted part of the blessing and exclaimed. "That privilege be yours. So peace and happiness your clan can have." *He that possesses her shall be granted power and great riches to him and his clansman.* Stephen quoted another line of the Blessing and with a slow lilting smile said. "That part will be me, riches and power will be to my clan." Drawing his arm down a volley of arrows surged from Stephens men and into the keep. "That be but a small taste of what is to come if you doona hand over the girl." Ronan was not known as a great warrior for naught. He would not be goaded into any rash actions. Turning to the Laird James Earl de la Humes and his knights he asked, "what brings you into the battle?" The Laird James Earl de la Humes stunned them all when he yelled back that his men had went to check on the cottage where his daughters were to dwell and had been told they had been taken. One of his spies had said the Claire's and O'Donald's were searching for his daughter. The Laird de la Humes shocked them all when he yelled. "You were the man I chose for my daughter, I meant no other to have her." Ronan sensing his impending victory replied. "The Moon Maiden this idiot is so hot to 'share' with me is no other than your daughter." Only the deaf would have missed the sneer in Ronan's voice when he said 'share', and only the blind would have missed the outrage on the de la Humes face when Ronan's words and Stephen's meaning sunk in. With a roar de la Humes men charged into the Claire's and began the battle. Ronan's men slipped from the gates and attacked killing Stephen and sending the rest of the Claire's retreating. Both victorious clans shouting and raising their swords in victory. Realizing just what James de la Humes early appearance meant to his and Emmaline's tenuous arrangement he quietly instructed Seamus to gather Emmaline, Moira, and Hilda together and put them in his solar. Then he instructed his people to prepare a feast and began his first conversation with his new father. "There that is the story as I know it." Ronan later finished telling Emmalines father the story of the women's existence after leaving James de la Humes residence so many years ago. He told James of Matilda's death in child birth, and how Emmaline had honored Matilda's dying wish. How Emmaline had kept her sister's death a secret and taken Matilda's name to keep that secret and raise the child Moira. "She loves this child and fears losing her as much as she fears the man named Duncan." Ronan had deliberately waited for the shock over the loss of his oldest daughter had set upon the man before bringing up the name Emmaline so feared. "That is the work of her harlot sister." James scowled. "Her sister whored herself and when she was found with child and no honorable man to claim, she tried to absolve her sin by claiming rape by her own brother." His gaze hardened as his eyes met Ronan's. "Matilda convinced her sister that Duncan was to fear and before long the poor lad could not even enter the room that Emmaline did not begin to shake and tremble. She even convinced that old nurse Hilda." James's voice broke as he continued. "I was so upset at Matilda's claim to discredit her brother, I had her cast out. I had heard that she had changed and had taken no lovers since her arrival at the cottage. I would not have made the wedding bargain with you if I did not believe she had become a better woman." James drew a shaky hand down the back of his neck as he continued. "I see now the wench never changed. All the good things said about her were truly about Emmaline. It surprises me not that she is anything but pure. She was never the harlot her sister was." Ronan ever the warrior, sensed his chance to win the girl Moira for Emmaline, and in doing so win Emmaline for himself. "Whether you were told of Matilda's death or no, it was your word that she was to be my wife. I will no recant my marriage to Emmaline and bring shame to you in front of the King, provided that you relinquish guardianship of the girl Moira to me." Ronan realized that James was so befuddled with the shock of learning of Matilda's death that James truly believed that Ronan held all the power. Ronan was never one to miss an opportunity. "The girl would have been mine if I had married Matilda, so she shall be mine now." James readily agreed and Ronan had the contract drawn up and signed by both men before James could change his mind. "Go tell Emmaline what has been done." Ronan quietly explained to Daniel. "Tell her to bring herself and the child down to properly greet her father and the child's grandfather. Tell her if she does not behave I will tear the contract up and hand the child over to James de la Humes." Before Emmaline made it down from her room Ronan approached James. "I would like to meet your son Duncan before Emmaline's arrival to the feast." James yelled at a man to come forward. Ronan knew it was unfair to judge a man on others words, but he had no intention of upsetting Emmaline. He greeted the man called Duncan politely but then stunned both James and Duncan by his words. "I know that you feel you have been unjustly accused, but Emmaline is greatly feared of you. I expect for now you doona attempt to approach her." To soften his words Ronan added. "Perhaps in few months you can return for a better visit." Sensing her presence Ronan turned to find Emmaline coming slowly towards him. Moira was holding her hand and looked to be excited. Emmaline looked like she was ready to cry. Stepping towards her Ronan picked up Moira and took Emmaline by the hand. "Wife greet your father." He turned his voice hard to have no objections from either as he continued. "Your father will become acquainted with his granddaughter tonight, with Hilda and Daniel to keep them company, while we sup alone in our room." Before anyone could remark he passed Moira over to Daniel and led Emmaline up the stairs to his room, leaving James in the banquet hall with Moira. James de la Hume's soon became so enamored with his first grandchild that he did not notice the absence of his son Duncan, and Daniel did not notice it until much later. Duncan having paid coin to a maid had been shown the room next to Ronan's and Emmaline's. There he cracked the adjoining door to peer into Ronan's sleeping chamber. What he witnessed made his blood boil with anger and his cock hard with lust and want. Ronan was sitting on a chair with Emmaline straddling him reverse style. Her back was nestled against his chest, while his cock was wedged deep in her tight little cunt. She turned her head against his chest pressing her hot cheek against his sweaty chest. "You have given me everything in securing Moira's safety." Emmaline whispered. She rocked gently for a moment and leaned back against Ronan. Ronan's cock was lodged so deep in her dainty underbelly that she swelled with each thrust of his hard cock. Ronan's dark hands moved around her soft fare skin. One hand cupped her firm young breast pulling at its pink nipple, while the other hand reached around and pressed against her womb. He groaned as he felt himself move in her tight little cunt. He knew he was too big for her, that he could hurt her, but he could not stop himself. Easing his hand down to her clit be began to stroke her so that her body would better accept him. He moved his other hand from her breast back down to her lower belly. He could not get enough of actually feeling her flat stomach bulge with his cock every time he thrust forward. Emmaline began to ride him hard thrashing her head and arching her cunt into his hand. She started moaning and pulling at her breasts. Ronan feeling her little pussy start to contract around him. He reached to her anal opening thrust two of his fingers inside of her. Emmaline felt the intrusion of his fingers and her whole body began to quiver at the increasing the pressure causing her to scream with pain/pleasure as he exploded into her. His other hand curving possessively around the swell of her belly. He should have been done, it should have been enough but he needed more, he must have more. Ronan picked Emmaline off his cock and stood up with her and on shaky legs he carried her over to the bed. There he tossed her on her back and before she could protest pulled her legs wide and rammed into her tiny body. Holding her knees wide he shafted in and out of her with such force that the bed creaked with his momentum as Emmaline's tender breast bounced. Emmaline groaned as she felt her pussy stretch tight around Ronan's cock. He had spread her legs wide enough that her inner labia stung, her clit was stretched down and tight and Ronan's cock rubbed against it with every stroke. The walls of her cunt where swelling and Ronan's eyes darkened at the sight of her small pink pussy meat drawing down on his cock each time he pulled down, and how it stretched and bunched as he pounded it back in with each returning thrust. For a moment Emmaline was in so much pain she could not stop the tears spilling out of the corner of her eyes. "Shh." Ronan eased his hands off her legs and started rubbing the insides of her legs. "I'm so sorry sweetling. I forgot how small you are." His attention and words began to work increasing wetness allowing the friction of Ronan's pounding to ease her from pain into pleasure. The pleasure began to return and Emmaline found herself rising to meet the Ronan's thrusting cock. Ronan reigned in his lust long enough to bring Emmaline to rapture. Hearing her scream his name he felt his ball draw so tight for instant he felt pain before the wondrous feeling began of his seed rising threw his cock and spewing so hard and deep in Emmaline that Ronan could actually see her tiny womb swell, completely full, unable to take more. Oh God, what a glorious sight! Groaning with pleasure, Ronan knew he should move from Emmaline that his weight must be hurting her, but he found he had not the strength for several moments. Ronan felt the slight shudders still rocking Emmaline's exhausted form. Ronan had worked her hard, Emmaline lay soar but felt gloriously full and complete. 'Click' Ronan stilled his warriors hearing alert. He glanced superstitiously around the room but could see nothing. He looked at the door that led into their dressing room. It was closed. Ronan's eyes narrowed, he had remembered when moving Emmaline to the bed that the door had been opened. Had someone been in the other room spying on them? Ronan made note to himself, later he would make sure to put double guard on his women, Emmaline and Moira. For now though, he would rest and sleep, happily embraced in the smell of their sex and the silken feel of Emmaline's skin. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 08 The next morning Emmaline overslept. She rose slowly, her body gloriously sore from the loving it had received the night before. Dressing and singing to herself she went to join Moira and spend the day getting acquainted with their new home. As she entered the great hall she was not comforted to find Moira sitting on her father's knee. "Hello, sir" James de la Hume looked up to meet his daughters hesitant greeting. Slowly he rose placing Moira on her feet. He had waited a long time for this moment and he did not wish anything to go wrong. "Daughter, Moira has been telling me of how every full moon you and she go pay homage to a star you named Matilda. Do you not think it is time for you to put this to rest?" Emmaline felt her heart squeeze at her father's words. She had not spoken to him since she was a child, and these were not the words her soul had dreamed of hearing. Steeling herself against his anger she spoke softly but with determination. "If you so choose to forget those who loved you, that is your choice." Her voice trembled as she continued. "But, I will not forget her and all she did to ensure mine and Moira's happiness." James' face grew red, but before he could speak Ronen walked into the room. "What is the concern?" Ronen's eyes flashed from Emmaline to James. "I do not think Grandfather wants Mother to go out side at night." Moira's spoke as she ran to Ronen. Her small hand crept up into his large one. "I agree with your Grandfather and would keep you both safe indoors at night." Ronen knew he had just hurt his wife's tender feelings when James' eyes lit with satisfaction, while Emmaline's swung to his with such hurt. He had no idea while Emmaline wished to stroll the grounds at night. "I would prefer to keep you both safe, yet if your Mother chooses to walk at night, I will go with her to assure her safety." Ronen's efforts to sooth Emmaline where not lost on her. She raced to him. Temporarily dropping Moira's hand he grasp Emmaline to him lifting her, until her estatic face was even with his. She rained kisses on his face as she exclaimed. "I knew you would understand." He did not, but he would question her later, later when they were alone. For now he would bask in her happiness. Setting his wife back on her feet he reclaimed his daughter's hand and lifter her up to cradle against his chest for a moment. He gave Moira a gentle squeeze, enjoying the smell of her baby skin before handing her over to Emmaline and leaving them under the protection of several of his men, while he went to speak with Daniel. What Daniel told him left Ronen angered and worried. Duncan had slipped away last night and Daniel had determined from some of the maids that he had bargained his way into the room next to Ronen's and Emmaline. Daniel had not known why, but Ronen rembering the noise the night before had understood all too well. "Make sure extra guards are on Emmaline and Moira." His voice hardened as he gave his next order. "Kill him if you catch him alone anywhere near either." Before Daniel could question Ronen's command, Ronen left to find Emmaline and ascertain her want to wander his lands at night. *********Later in the privacy of Ronen's and Emmaline's room******** "I'll no let you go if you donna tell me why." Ronen did not wish to deny Emmaline anything, but he would not risk her safety. God, did she not realize what she meant to him. She was breaking his heart. She sat there so alone and quiet, silent tears running down her soft cheeks. hurt radiated from her as she sat refusing to explain herself, staring mutely out the window. He crossed the room and crouched down before her until his face was lower than hers. Giving her the feeling of control, he gently took her hands and looked up into her lovely face. "Do you no trust me?" His soft voice and gentle question was her undoing. Sobbing she threw herself in his arms. "Tis all I have left to give to her." Understanding his questioning gaze, Emmaline continued inbetween her ragged gasp's for each breath. "Matilda gave up everything, she protected me when no one else would. She gave up everything for me." She looked into his eyes trying to convey all her sister had done. "Is it not a small thing to once a month go out under the stars with her child, so that she may look down upon us and know that we are safe? That all she gave up was for not?" Had she said anything else Ronen may have been able to refuse her request. But how could he refuse the request for such a small homage to a woman who had given him so much? For Ronen was beginning to realize that is was because of Matilda's great sacrifice that he had Emmaline and Moira, both safe and well. "If you so wish it, you take Moira under the stars. But, understand that you will no go by yourself." Emmaline had only to look at Ronen's set face to understand he meant what he said and would brook no argument. "Tonight when you go out under the full moon, under the stars, I will go with you." Ronen gently held Emmaline in his arms and soothed her, rocking her slowly. Neither of them realizing that later that night gift of the Moon Maiden would come full fold. The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 09 Later that night with Moira in his lap Ronan Sat quietly listening to his people happily singing and enjoying the night. Emmaline had left to go upstairs. Ronen talked in a soft voice with his men not to disturb Moira who was entertaining her self by making shadow puppets. Alternating between playing with her fingers and toes, Ronen caught Moira's foot before it landed back in his lap, crunching his balls, yet again. He absently stroked her feet to keep them still as he talked to his me. Moira laughed and giggles as she talked to herself. Slowly her words began to penetrate through to Ronen. "Mommy said I couldn't go look at the moon this time, my job was to stay with Daddy." She sang these words in her childlike singsong voice. Sweat began to form on Ronen as the meaning of Moira's words became apparent. "Christ" he cried, standing up barely catching Moira before thumping her onto the floor. Balancing her he handed her to on of this clan's women, gathering the men they raced outside the gate. He towards his woman, them towards their lady, each of them fearing the worst. They were not wrong with this fear. Emaline had not made it very far into the clearing before she realize that Duncan had followed her. Coming upon an outcrop she climbed up until she could not reach any higher. She pushed herself up tight against the wall. She felt relief for but a moment before she heard the growling. Turning her head ever so slowly as the clouds moved the moonlight shown down so brightly she could see as clearly as any twilight's ever. She followed the growling when her worst fears were realized and she caught sight of a female wolf was not but a few feet from her. The female wolf was guarding a litter of several pups, this was sooo not Emilines night. Duncan rode hard upon her small outcrop. Sitting astride his horse he still had to look up. "you gave yourself to that Scottish animal." He cried out in rage, in the clear light Emmaline could see spittle catch on his chin as raged against her. He pulled a small bow from his pack and let loose a wildly shot arrow. The Mother wolf snarled and snapped, clearly confused on which of the two Duncan or Emmaline was the greatest danger to her brood. Duncan let loose another arrow, the mother reeled and started growling harder at Duncan. One of the pups trying to get close and see what had his mother so concerned got too close to the edge. The pup started to grasp and try to get purchase as his front legs carried him forward over the cliff. Emmaline dived forward, barely catching the young pup. Gently she pushed the pup over towards his brothers and sisters. The sound of thunder from a distance drew Emmalines attention. Twas the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. Ronen, his men, and to her surprise her Father, all raced toward her. The warm relief she felt was quickly doused like flame under cold water, there was no way Ronen could get to her before Duncan killed her. Duncan smirked at her and slowly took aim to ensure that his arrow was true to his mark, straight into Emmaline's heart. As Duncan steadied his bow, Ronen roared. Before the breath could leave Ronen's chest and the arrow clear the string a grey blur charged from the clearing. Duncan never knew what hit him. A large grey male wolf leaped in the air ripping Duncan from the saddle by his throat. Duncan's lifeless eyes stared up at the moon, by the time Ronen and the men with them. Duncan in all his fury had forgotten one important fact of nature, wolves mate for life. Where the is a female, her mate is close, and no animal protects its mate like a wolf. "The Moon Maiden" one of the men cried and all agreed at the sight of Emmaline standing there with perfect full moon behind her. Her dress in shreds had been torn in several places on her mad dash to safety. On tare had been slashed open across a narrow expanse of smooth skin across her lower stomach revealing her crescent shaped birth mark. It appeared as a living mark, dark red contrasting with the milky paleness of her skin, unmarred except for the mark Ronen had placed on her neck. The young pups rolling and playing around her feet, happily unaware of the tension surrounding them as they howled playfully at each other and Emmaline. "He shall put his mark about her neck'"the moon shall leave its blessings upon her wombWolves with sing and dance around her feet All remember the blessing as some repeated its precious words. "Do not hurt him." Emmaline held out her hand trying to halt the moon. The male wolf still snarled at them. Crouched over the dead body of Duncan clearly confused over which party left was the most danger to his family. Emmaline who was actually standing in the circle of his pups with his mate close by, but who seemed soft and harmless, or the warriors in front of him who looked quiet capable of killing him and his family. Emmaline lowered her body over the side holding on with her fingertips. Ronen road up below her, clasping her waist he lowered her to his lap. Clasping her to him he moved his mount away from the ledge and Duncan's body. Several of his men moved towards Duncan thinking to take his body back to the keep. "Leave it." It was St. James himself. "I had thought him true and good. Had I not seen it with my own eyes I would not have believed his evil. As Emmaline and Ronen rode quietly towards the keep she took his hand and settled it over her lower stomach, "I know it will be a son." His hand easily spreading across her stomach, low on her belly. Her meaning took a moment to take root. When it finally took hold he could not help but sit taller n the saddle, smiling down at his woman he simply said, "let us go to our daughter." With a half smile he continued, "if she is like her mother she will be barking orders preparing for her brothers arrival." Several months later Moira sat on her Grandfather's lap waiting her father to bring her baby brother to them for his first viewing. Her mother had struggled and the old healer had thought to loose Emmaline when Ronen had burst into the birthing chamber. The healer tried to make him leave, husbands were not allowed to be present during birthing, but Ronen had refused to leave. Scooping up Emmaline, Ronen had sat behind her and helped her into a sitting position, "wife, you will birth my son now. He is wanting to come into the world and I am tired of waiting his arrival." Emmaline released her breath and let loose a scream she had held. Within moments the child had slipped into the world. While the household praised the son and thanked God for his arrival, Ronen gave a silent prayer for Emmaline's safety. For to him, without her nothing else mattered. He kissed her brow and whispered, "wife you worried me, this will be our last at this." Emmaline simply smiled. It was the same smile she gave him 3 sons and 2 daughters later.