By the Kings Order

[Questor]

The King of Scotland had a big problem. Actually he had two problems. The first was England. The English King had decided that Scotland needed to be invaded, conqured and made a part of England. Now this did not agree with the King of Scotland. But his army was not sufficient enough to repel any army that England was to send against Scotland. His Kingdom was divided. He had the clans of the Lowlands and those of the Highlands. The nobles and clans of the lowlands were mostly farmers and such but got along pretty well with each other. But the Highland Clans were a different story. There were constant clan wars and a general mistrust among the clans. They were fierce fighters and with the constant little wars, were well trained in the art of war. They seldom came when called and then only a couple of the clans perhaps. But they were apart of Scotland and obeyed the laws of Scotland and the King for the most part.


That was his problems and he could only think of one way that might unite the Highlanders and Lowlanders. He decreed that the Lairds, or the sons of the lairds of the Highlands would take a lowlander bride. He hoped that by doing this that the highlanders would wish to defend the clans of their brides and therefore join him when it came time for war. This made much grumbling among the lowlanders who thought the Highlanders were nothing more than savages, barbarians and unsuited to marry their daughters. But the King had made a royal decree and they were obliged to obey.


Now it didn't really set well with the clans of the Highlanders either, but they to obeyed the Kings Decree. So it was that Duncan McCloud of Clan McCloud set forth with four of his clan to go fetch is bride to be. Duncan was not really happy about the matter. His parents had married because they had fallen in love with each other and not because of some arrangement which was quite common. His father had died a couple years earlier from health reasons and left him to be the Laird of the Clan. He didn't want no empty headed, whining and scared of her own shadowed, weakling woman for a wife. The Highlander women were tough, high sprited. Oh there were those that thought noting of themselves of course and were probably empty headed. But he thought he had a better chance of finding one that was to his liking in the Highlander Clans. Duncan was a hansom, tall and strong man. His long light brown hair held the redish tint of his mother's hair. He was clean shaven and stood tall in the saddle. His cousin Angus rode beside him. He was a large man with a mass of red hair and beard. He was not a bad looking man but one could hardly tell with the beard.


So it came to pass that he came down from the Highlands with four of his clan to meet with the father of his bride to be. For the King had chosen families of various clans to be the ones to give up their daughters for the good of Scotland. The King had selected the families that would give up the brides. The soon approached the farmstead of one of the McNally Clan's families, the lowland clan that he was to take a bride from. As they approached Duncan saw the Head of the Family, one Cirus McNally standing before their humble home with his wife and two daughters. He was not looking forward to this. He could picture their return trip. She would be whining and complaining the whole trip. Probably crying and making his life miserable. He wanted someone that would be able to hold her own, not afraid to speak her mind, and if it came to it fight at his side. But the lowlander women didn't seem to have that type temperment.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria stood next to her father. She was very will full and hot headed. She was not like other low landers and hated being looked down upon as such. Her family had bowed to them while she stayed standing straight. Her father looked over at her."You will bow to our highlander breathern you will show respect."He told her.


Alexandria looked at him with sharp eye's. "I will not, they can get off there horse's and show us the same respect that they expect from us other wise. I see no breathen, Just men pretending to be kings or gods. And I bow to no man who does not deserve it or who does not earn it."She said. She bowed mockingly to her father and turned to walk away with a fiery glare at the highlanders."Alexandria, you get back here. You are not dismissed."her father yelled.


She turned with a glare."I am sorry Father was I not clear or did my mocking bow not clear it up for you. Get me for supper or don't I do not wish to share a meal with dogs. If I did I would sit with the grey hounds."She said. Alexandria walked away. She went to feed the horse's. Her black raven hair was set against pale skin her eye's were as blue as the ocean and as cold as ice.She was petite, but was strong she took care of the farm when her father was not able to.


Her mother looked after her daughter. "I am so sorry about her she has a mind of her own and a mouth. she should stop running her mouth. Please come in you can take your horse to the stables."Her mother says humbly.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan had stopped his horse before Cirus and his wife and looked down at them and their daughters. One of them spoke her mind and made him raise a brow. The daughter with the raven black hair had just basicly insulted him and his clan members and had walked off. This made him laugh and smile. He then turned his attention to Cirus and his wife. "I am Duncan McCloud of the Clan Mccloud and I have come to claim me bride that the King has decreed."


He dismounted and gave the reins of his horse to Angus. He looked after the retreating form of the one Daughter. I take it that be the one that tis to be my bride?" he asked Cirus.


Cirus sighed. "Aye that it be. My apology for her words and actions. As you can see she is head strong and defiant."


When his wife invited them in after they stabled their horses, he gave a slight bow to her and took his reigns once more and began to walk his horse towards the barn. It like the house was made of stone with a thashed roof. It was somewhat larger then the house. Angus and the other three followed with their horses. When he reached the Barn he saw his bride to be feeding the horses. "Well now you have a mind of your own do you?" he chuckled and smiled. "I take it you not be liking this decree as much as I. "

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria looked at him as she fed the horses. She said nothing and turned her gaze away. "I knew I was in the barn, but normally the dogs stay outside as not to agitate the horse's or smell up the barn with the wet dog stink. Aye?"She said.


"As for the decree. I do not care for it as you surely do not."Alexandria said and grabbed there horse's reigns. She put them up and put away the saddles. She watered there horse's and fed them as well.


Alexandria glanced at them."you do not belong in the low lands as I do not belong in the Highlands."Alexandria said and went to walk past them. She stopped as they cornered her. her eye's turned cold and dark.Alexandria kept her back straight."what is the meaning of this am I not aloud to pass in my own barn"Alexandria said. she watched them with a dark look. Her sister would of been a better choice she would not fight back. She had no back bone, unlike Alexandria she did.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Angus laughed heartedly as she spoke. "She sounds like a woman of the highlands cousin." The other three agreed with Angus. They blocked her from leaving wanting to get a better look at the woman that was going to be marring their Laird.


"Aye that she does. But a highlander woman even though she speaks her mind, still respects the highlander man." he told Angus. Well he didn't have to worry about a whinning or crying woman on the way back to the highlands, but just the opposite. A sharp tounged woman that spoke her mind. "No I not be liking the decree either. My Mother and Father married out of love and not some arranged marriage for political or other reasons. I was hoping to do the same."


He waved his hand at his men and they parted to let her pass by. "But that is not to be so we must make the best of it. You will pack your things and return with me to the highlands. In two weeks time I well send an escort for your family to the wedding." She might have a mind of her own but would she be able to take on the life of a highlander woman.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria listened to them banter and talk about her."Respect is earned aye?" She asked" Also I have ears I can here you. I had no wish to marry, Love doesn't exist in my book and shouldn't in yours."Alexandria Said coldly she glared at them."If I am riding with you dogs back to the Highlands, best keep up. I do not slow down."She said with a flip of her hair.


Alexandria went out and to her room. She packed up Her trunk and looked at a picture of her sweet heart. He had died a while ago. She threw the picture in her trunk and closed it. She grabbed her cloak and put her hood up. She carries her trunk to the door and glares at the Highlanders."ready when you are? "She says to them her face was dark.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan followed her back to the house. His men undid their bedrolls and laid them out in the barn. It would not be until the marrow that they would be leaving. "She seems in a hurry to get to the highlands." Angus laughed.


"Aye." one of the others said, "Mayhap she tires of this life in the lowlands. What think ye of her. Think she be a good woman for Duncan?"


Angus laughed. "Well she has the temper of a Highlander Woman and a sharp toung. She not be the empty headed and scared of her own shadow type. Mayhap she be a good match for him."


At the house Cirus was waiting. "Mind your manners daughter and be civil. He be your husband soon and you will be his to obey. Best you be learning to nice to him." He then turned to Duncan. "There be the matter of the dowry my lord." he asked Duncan as Alexandria was packing her things.


"It be in the barn with the horses." He told Cirus. "In the morning you will recieve it as we leave." He picked up the small trunk of Alexandria and placed it on his shoulder. "Best you have a proper goodbye with your parents and sister. I will take this to the barn and have it packed up on the pack horse." he gave a slight bow and left the house to head to the barn to sleep with his men. He could not wait to get back to the Highlands. It was his home and way of life. He was greeted by his men with grins and chuckles.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria watched him go.She wasn't stupid. She watched them go with a smirk. She turned to her father.'I am not a dog you or him can command."She snapped. She went to her room and leaned on her wall she crossed her arms and sighed. Her window was open, Alexandria looked at the door and decided then and there. Alexandria climbed out her window and snuck towards the barn. She slipped past the open barn door.she hoped, she wouldn't get caught. Alexandria ran across the grass for the forests a hand grabbed her waist and spun her around.She struggled and let out a scream."Let go of me."She said. One of the Highlanders had caught herm she struggled and tryed to kick free."Get your hands off of me"she said.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

"Ah trying to run away. Now that is not a good lass. Our Laird can't be going home with out his bride to be. Would not be proper and all." the man laughed and dragged her into the barn. "Duncan!" he called out, "Look what I caught trying to run off." Duncan rose to his feet from his bed roll and looked at Alexandria. He raised a brow and shook his head. "You would bring shame on your father and family and clan?" he asked her but not in an angry tone. "Not a good thing to do to family."


He walked over to her and dismissed the man that had caught her. "We have been thrown together and neither has a liking for it. But it is to be whether we like it or not. Who knows what may happen in the near future." He reached up and touched her face and looked in to her eyses. "You think of us as barbaians." he chuckled, "That may be true to those here in the Lowlands. But we are hard working people, but we also like to live life to the fullest. Don't ye want to see for yourself?"


Angus and the others began cooking their meal, being careful to clear an area and put stones around the fire pit. "Aye don't you want to see what the highlands are actually like." Angus laughed as he raised a wine skin to his lips and drank deeply. He wiped his lips with the back of his hand and passed the wine skin to one of the other men.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria struggled and tryed to get away."Let me go you dog."She snapped as he dragged her into the barn.She looked at the men. Her head held high and stubborn. She looked at her husband to be with a glare and struggled in the mans grip. "I would rather be dishonored then forced into something."She said. Alexandria was very hot headed and hated being held against her will.


She watched Duncan walk over dismissing her gaurd. He told her they had to deal and it ticked her off more her exit was blocked. She looked around and sighed."No actually I don't, the woods be better then the Highlands."she said. She was was being impossible as usual. Her eye's were still ice cold she wouldn't thaw a bit.


She sighed looking at them."you are going to burn the barn down animals dont even know how to cook or drink for lord sake."She said. She walked over and fixed the fire pit and worked on starting the fire.She got it going and put the meat over the fire on a stick.She walked over and took the wine skin and downed some of it.She handed it back."there you go. For barbarians your slightly lousy."She said.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan only shook his head as he listened to her. When she berated his men on the cooking fire and then made it to her own standard and go stew going, the men laughed and moved back out of her way. When she took the wine skin and took a drink Angus slapped the ground and laughed. "Damn if she doesn't act like a highlander woman. Cousin I think she has highlander blood in her." Duncan laughed at that. "Your mother will be delighted. How long has she been after you to find a bride?"


Duncan looked over at his cousin. "You know as your laird, I could easily arrange a marriage for you cousin." Duncan smiled.


Angus almost spit out the wine he had just drank from the wine skin. "You wouldn't. Would you?" his eyes were wide and there was genuine fear in them.


"Perhaps I can find you a nice empty headed and whinning woman for you." Duncan grinned. He wouldn't do that to his cousin, but the mear mention of it had him all tied up in knots and afraid. It also shut him up. He turned to Alexandria and smiled.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria listened and shook her head.She was still not happy, even these men seemed to accept her for her ways. She shook her head at the empty headed woman comment.


"Is that how you think of all lowlander woman. That we have dirt where brains should be?"She asked. "You may be right, but as I should not see you as barbarians. You should not see your simple clans man as emptied headed. My sister and mother may not be the best of examples, but they still can do things we Low landers wirk hard, but have a bit of a simpler life then you Highlanders.we don't have feasts for every meal."She said m she finished up the stew."there nice and hot. I am not your maid, so I won't serve your gruel to you. "She said and stepped back. She had thawed slightly. Still no smile on her lips.it was rare whwn you got one of those from her. She walked away from the men and there banter. Which she found rather unappealing. Alexandria sat in the hay and looked out at the night. Her exit still blocked, She hated this. Her horse nudged her.She looks up and smiles Petting the draft horse."Aye Mcduff you are a good boy."She said. She listened to the mens conversion with disgust. It was highly unsavory and not at all her taste. even tge jokes made her roll her eye's. She be leaving this farm when the sun rose, was she ready?I mean they did say she had a fiery tounge like a woman highlander. She still believed her trust and respect was earned.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan watched her get the meal ready and then back up telling the she was not their maid. "Tis not how we look at all lowlander women but what I have seen most women to be." Duncan said. "Most only think of how they look and must have this or that because it adds to their beauty or so they think. Also it is rare to see a one that is not afraid of their own shadow and go screaming down the road. In the highlands where the wolves roam and the bear walk, the women need to have their wits about them and be able to handle a sword and a bow. Aye like you and other lowlander women, the highlander women help with the farming and tending of the herds of cattle, sheep and horses and chores about the farms. Even my mother goes out and helps those that are short handed about the village below the castle, as do I. Even though I be a Laird, I am not afraid to get my hands dirty with planting and harvesting. My people are not there to serve me and make me great, I am there to help them make a better life for themselves.


So it be surprising to find one like you here." he chuckled. "You have the temperment of a highlander woman. That impresses them and they make light of it because they find it hard to believe. As I said before, we work hard and we celebrate life hard. One knows not when their time will come, so we make the most of it while we can." He had moved again closer to her and stroked the horses' head. He lowered his voice some. Angus there be a man that has a fondness for the lasses, but does not wish to marry just yet. He is looking for the right one and he is free to go look and find one he can love and have her love back, and not to seal some bargain or such." he sighed.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria glanced at him as he spoke. She rolled her eye's. "I am actually quite good with a bow and arrow. Even a sword, well one that is well balanced of course. An old friend taught me many things."She glanced him over."Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Aye?"She asked."I may have looks, but I am not some emptied headed flower pot and will not be treated as such. And my soon to be husband does not sleep around of course."Alexandria said. She stood and walked away from him. She went about the barn checking up on the horse's. Anything to get away from the Highlanders. The back of the barn had a chill for the fires warmth did not reach all the way to the back.Alexandria knew this barn backwards and forwards. Alexandria huffed and shivered slightly she could see her breath in the night air. As she checked on the pigs. Ine ran up to her and she pet him."Hello King."She had named him that her sense of humor a bit more then a woman should have."and how is my little pig tonight?"She asked petting itm she shivered, but enjoyed being away from the annoying men.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

As she left with her partying words about him not sleeping around he sighed. Those days were gone as well. His mother had made sure of that when the King made his decree. He was after all getting married and it would not do for him to be having a woman in his bed before the wedding. He watched her as she moved back into the barn where more animals were. He remembered that some one had told him, "Beware what you wish for. You may get it." Well it seemed he may have though he had wished it was under different circumstances. He returned to his men knowing that she had no other way out of the barn without making it noticeable. The food was being dished up and he took his bowl and spoon and began eating, breaking off a piece of bread to eat as well.


Looking back and eating he saw her petting pig and shook his head. "You had best be back at the house and making your farewells to your family. I know they will miss you when you are gone." He called back to her. "Though you need to swear that you won't be trying to run away again. Your father has given his word on this matter as have I. I honor my word, no matter what the consequences may be."

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria looked over at him and walked over she warmed up by the fire."hmm won't promise I won't run off again and saying goodbye is the worst possible named ritual."Alexandria said and smiled. "So yes sure let me go say good bye to my family."Alexandria said.


Alexandria watched him. She wanted to get away and he was offering one last chance for her to run and she would take it. She was already ready to run again, she looked at the door. This time she wouldn't be stupid about running.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan shook his head, "I be making sure you get back to the house and then have your Father make sure you don't leave the house till we leave in the morning." He was not about to have her try to run away again. She had not given him her word which told him right then and there that she would indeed try to run again. He had given his word, that he would obey the decree. He would not shame or make trouble for his clan by disobeying the decree and breaking his world. He was the Laird of his Clan and he was now bound to the marriage. That meant he had to make sure it took place, and even though it seemed she cared not about the shame and the disgrace her running away would cause her family and clan, he was not about to let it happen. "I would not be having your father and mother lose their farm here and be tossed from their clan. Would you have your family suffer greatly, perhaps starve to death?"

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria shook her head."I wouldn't have that."She said. She did hate them and would not shame her family. "You have my word I won't run I don't need an escort. "She said she had placed her hand behind her back and crossed her fingers. Alexandria was going to run the minute she got a chance.Alexandria watched and nods to them.she waved to the man at the door. She wwbt fir ger house and stepped in.Alexandria hugged her sister and held her gently. "You be good for mom and dad aye?"She said and smiled. She walked over to her mother and hugged her."I will miss you." She said"make sure nothing happens to my sister." She said. She finally looked at her father. "Father. "She said. She watched him a cold look.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

"I know ye hate me for agreeing to the Clan's choosing for the King's decree, but I did it so that your mother and sister may have a better life. With the dowry I can buy that land that will give us access to the water we need for the farm. With out it we may not be able to grow enough to eat and sell to continue on." He sighed and turned from the look she gave him. "He does not seem to be a bad sort of a man. He seems well spoken and he is a Laird, a noble. Your life will be elevated and your children will have a much better life then I or many here could ever provide. Hate me if you must but I will not see your mother and sister starve. He turned with tears in his eyes.


Duncan stood at the door of the barn watching her go to the house and stood there eating. He would keep watch for awhile and had a feeling that even with her giving her word she might not keep it. Angus called to him, "Bet you two gold pieces, she runs within the hour."

 

[Dark_Psycho]

(Omg I had a reply and it didn't send wtf give me a few.)


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria looked at him and nods. "Like I said I am not a dog."She said. "Now since, they are not bright and can't do what a normal person can I am off to bed."Alexandria said and went to her room and sighed. Alexandria went to her room to sleep. She layed on her bed and fell asleep staring at the window.


The sun started to rise and warmed her room. Alexandria woke slowly and looked around. The house was silent. She got up slowly and went to the door.Alexandria looked out and then went to fix her hair. She put her warm cloak in and went to her front door. She heard a creak and looked back. Her sister looked at her. Alexandria sighed, and looks at her."I can't marry someone I dont love."She said. Her sister nods."go I understand.I love you Alexandria."She said and hugged her sister.


Alexandria looked around and walked past the barn quickly. Then started running. She had almost made it to the woods.when hands grabbed her and pulled her head back by her hair. "No let go." She said struggling as she was dragged into the barn kicking.Alexandria was actually scared now at what they do to her.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Dark_Psycho]

(Can not post much my birthday and I am working )


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Angus laughed as he began dragging Alexandria back towards the barn. It had been his turn on watch to make sure she didn't run off. "Yell as much as ye like." he told her and struggle if you want. You be going with us this fine morning." Duncan was waiting by the door of the barn, stripped down to his kilt. His muscular body glinted with water as he washed himself. "You owe me two gold coin Cousin." Angus said and let go of her as he brought her to stand before Duncan.


He looked at her hard and long. "So the word of lowlander woman is not worth even the air she breaths." he was not happy. "Highlanders, when they give their word, keep it." he put his shirt on and then his Tartan and last buckled on his sword and dagger. "Ye may have the toung and the hard headedness of a Highlander woman but it seems you lack the courage and other traits as well. Running like a scared rabbit. You probably faint at the sight of blood as well." The others brought the horses out along with her's, saddled and packed up. "But I be stuck with you, for I do keep my word." He then grabbed her by the waist and hoisted her up to the saddle of her horse. which Angus held the reigns. He then picked up a nice size wooden chest and carried it to the house where Cirus was just coming out. He said nothing but placed it on the ground and gave Cirus a slight bow before turning and returning to the horses where he mounted up and turned the horse back the way they had come.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria fought the arms holding her and glares a head of her. When he let her go She glared back at Angus and then turned her glare on Duncan. "No not when she crossed her fingers. Were more cunning and have more brains then the likes of you. the fact that running in a dress and trying to make quick is definitely a challenge."She said


"I am no coward I just don't believe in the kings rule."She snapped.


She moved to get out out of his grip as he placed her on her horse."ahh let go I can get on my own horse."She said. She watched from her horse and then looked away putting her hood up she looked at ger horse. She was angry and hate this. She had gone silent and would stay silent the whole ride. She listened to the men with a dark look on her face. The sun was gone now it was cloudy m she rolled her eye's as they rode along roads and towards the highlands.


Irish Ice Queen

 

[Questor]

Duncan rode ahead of the group. They put Alexandria between him and the other four of them, with two riding slightly to either side of her and back some. "I haven't seen him this angry since that day with Gillian MacCain." Angus said in a low tone to one of the others.


"Aye, that was a black day for the MacCain's. Duncan takes it serious when a person gives them their word." The other man snorted. "Having her fingers crossed behind her back. As if that really means anything. A plaything of children when they know no better. But a full grown woman? Oh this is not good.


"I wonder if the other lairds are having the same problem with those chosen for them or their sons?" Angus asked the other man.


"If they do, there are those that will not be as tollerant as Duncan. Ohhhhhhhh Justin McCann now that one would probably have the heads of the entire family on poles." The man vissible shook as he thought of what he had said.


"Well it would be in his right I guess, as would be what ever Duncan wishes to do.