By the Kings Order

[Questor]

"If it is your wish to stay, I am not one to deny that. You are free to to what you wish." he smiled. He was hoping she would stay and get to know each other better. He found her to his liking and was enjoying her company. Now he had to put his terms to Duncan McCloud. If he excepted then he would have the agreement written up and everyone would sign and afix their seals to the document. He then went back to his advisors.


Duncan moved them to the bed and he began removin her clothing, as he stood behind her kissing her neck and then shoulders as they became exposed. and then let her dress fall from her to the floor. "Well moderation here and there, but for now we will see." he chuckled and laid her on the bed as he began undressing. He looked down at her smiling.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Sheena nods to him."I do wish this Thank you very much your a wonderful man."She said Sheena smiles and bit her lip. She would rather be here any way. out of her cousins grip and her husband. She also enjoyed talking to them. Sheena followed the Earl and stayed at his side as he did everything that he had to. She looked around the room and sighed. She was definitely glad to be here.


Alexandria kissed him as he moved towards the bed. He undid her dress. She stepped out and closed her eye's as he kissed her exposed neck. She sighed when she layed back on the bed she looked at her husband lovingly. When he was undressed. She pulled him to her and kissed him deeply.


Alexandria sighed and layed next to her husband and sighed. They had spent time making love in the bed. They had done it more then once. She finally had to pull away from him. She was hungry and tired.Alexandria kissed down her husbands arm and sighed. She had her hands on her stomach and sighed. Alexandria went to lay on her back and sighed.She looked at him"I love you baby."


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

Duncan kissed her deeply and then sighed. He could stay there with her for hours more but they had to finish what they had begun. It was time for them to get up and dressed. He got dressed and waited for his lovely wife to finish dressing. As he waited he looked out the window to the city that lay all about the castle. They had no big cities up in the Highlands and the only one he really knew about with Edenburgh where the King ruled from. It was big enough to house his entire clan and then some. York had been the same. So many people in one place that was large but yet small.


When Alexandria was done dressing, he slipped an arm about her waist and sighed. "Now for the boring part." he chuckled. "I know you hate the dealing with the running of things. But once this is done then we can go home and....." he placed a hand on her stomach. "Our wee one can grow and be born where he or she should be." It seemed the others had also decided to come down at the same time. The Lairds joined them and a servant took them all to the great dinning hall where the evening meal was to be served. The Earl and Sheena was there, waiting for them.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria sighed as she kissed her husband back.She looked at him as he got up. She frowned and shook her head. She hated getting out of bed. She slowly got out of bed and got dressed. Her dress was starting to feel tight. She had the servants not tighten the corset as much as normal. Her body had changed and her stomach had filled out a small bit.She sighed and breathed in gently.


Alexandria walked over to her husband and sighed as he slipped his arms around her waist. " great boring meetings always fun. Hmm once this is done I will be glad to go home and just spend time there with my Husband."She said. She laughed at his hand on her stomach. She felt a bit sick as he touched her stomach." Let's get this thing over with I am not sure how long I can sit right now with out getting sick." She said."you will have to tell them why I leave in the middle of the meeting if I start feeling sick. "She said." Also this wee one does not like riding, but being born at home would be nice. "She said. she shook her head smirking and walked down with him. Alexandria sat next to her husband and waved off the wine and food she was still feeling sick.She only had water.


Sheena sat with the Earl and saw Alexandria refuse food and wine.She frowned then shook her head. She waited for all the Laird to sit.


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

The Lairds took their seats and Alexandria and Duncan were lead to the head table. He hoped that Alexndria and Sheena would put aside their differences for now. This was a time of peace and talk that was of great importance. Dante greeted them all and welcomed them a again to his city and castle. Food was brought and as the evening meal progressed, Dante brought up his demand for the deal that was being made. Duncan thought on the idea and it did make sense. Instead of having a conflict of who was in command, it would be known that Dante was the one in command of those being trained and they were to follow his orders. The farmers, villagers and towns people would not have the clansmen there always and the clans that had taken the land would still support them and help them but would also understand that they would fall under Dante's laws.


There was much discussion on the matter by the Lairds. They would of course have ownership of the lands they had taken but under Dante's rule. They would by like the barons, owning the land but ultimately under the King. In this case Dante. Land was something that made a man important and the Lairds liked having the land in England. They would of course have to pay a tax to the Earl which none of them found disagreeable, if it was a fair one. Agreements were made, that each clan would send a number of men to the lands they claimed to help protect and train the people. These would be rotatated every six months so that they could come home to the Highlands. They would bring families down and they would help with tilling, planting, and harvesting.


At the end of the meal it was all agreed and Duncan laughed. "It seems we have a third King. King Dante of Northern England." he grinned. "I think our King would not mind that, and would regconize it as a fact." For indeed with the amount of land sized by the Highlanders, It would make another kingdom. "He looked at Alexandria, what do you think about that?"

 

[Dark_Psycho]

( reply after work)


Death to all betrayers

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria sat at the head of the table and ate little she felt sick. She drank water and listened to the conversation. Sheena watched but said nothing. She listened to Dante. She tried hard to listen, but she couldn't pay attention much. She put her head in her hand and stared watching the proceedings. She kept her hand in her husband's and let him deal with it.


When Duncan asked her opinion. She lifted her head, her eyes were distracted and far off.."hmm? Oh um," she bit her lip. She was on the spot. She had not been paying attention m her mind was else where. She made it look like she was thinking it over. Her brain racked through bits of the conversation she heard. "Oh yeah, that is perfectly fine by me what ever you want my dear. Excuse me."She says. She got up excusing herself. Alexandria walked for there room and opened the window for air. She breathed it in and sighed. It felt nice and feeling sick slightly went away. She hated the feeling of being sick. She layed on the bed and rested her head on the pillow. Alexandria sighed and closed her eye's her Hand on her stomach.


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

The dearl, treaty, or what anyone wanted to call it was all done. The Scribes were putting everything down in writing and making copies of it for everyone to sign. The Lairds ate and drank and looked pleased. Duncan could see that Alexandria had been distracted and had not eaten well. It looked like she was not feeling well again and excused herself. He nodded to Claire to follow her and and she kissed Angus and left. She watched Alexandria form the door and when she laid down, she moved to her sister and pulled a blanket over her. "Now you mustn't over exert your self sister." she said and sat on the bed holding her sister tightly. "Looks like little sister has to play mother to you now." she chuckled and hugged Alexandria.


"Don't you know of any of the herbs and things you have will help with the morning sickness." she asked. She left the bed and went to get Alexandria's bag. "Thank goodness we will be leaving in a few days for home."


Duncan came up to the room having excused himself. "That is right. We will be leaving here in a few days and begin the long journey home." he came and sat on the bed and took one of Alexandria's hands.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria sighed and nods to her sister. "Um morning sickness I haven't delt with that in medicine and marigolds dew will work."She said as her sister got up to her bag. Alexandria was so tired and sick. She closed her eye's and hid into the blanket with a small groan.


Alexandria looked up when her husband walked in saying yes they were going home soon.Alexandria smiles gently and takes her husband's hand. She sighed and closed her eye's.


Claire got her sister what she had asked for and handed her a cup with hot water. Alexandria drank it and sighed her stomach was a bit more settled. She knew if she still felt bad in a couple days she knew she have to sit in the back if the wagon. "Thanks you can go hun. Go be with Angus."She said. Claire nods and thanked her sister.


When her sister was gone Alexandria sat up slowly holding her stomach. She sighed. "Oh man this little one is making me sick and feel weak. It's annoying." She said and smiled. She looked at Duncan. "Everything done so we can home love."She asked.


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

When Claire left Duncan sat there holding Alexandria's hand. The brew that Claire had fixed with his wife's instructions seemed to help some. He knew from seeing other women with it, that it would pass eventually. It did not last the entire time which was a good thing. The return trip to the Highlands was going to be rough for her. It would be best if she rode in one of the wagons where she could be more comfortable. But he was beginning to know his wife's mind. She would want to ride her horse and be with him at the head of the long line of Highlanders returning. Especially when they did reach Scotland proper, and when they entered the Highlands.


Once the meal was over the Lairds retired for the night but sent word back to the clans to prepare for the long march north. There was music, pipes and drums, songs and celebration, once the word was received. The entire camp of the Highlanders was one big celebration. Some of the people from the city being courious about them came to the camp and were invited to join them. Here they found out what the Highlanders were like and how robust they were. It was a time that they would not soon forget, nor enjoy themselves as much as they did that night.


Two days later all was ready for their departure. Duncan and the other Lairds made their farewell to the Earl and rode out of the city. "Are you able to ride, or would you like to ride in one of the wagons?" he asked Alexandria. He noted that Claire rode beside Angus. She was no longer afraid to ride a horse by herself. She looked stronger and more sure of her self after a few weeks with her husband and the highlanders. Duncan had sent word north of what they had accomplished and about the Earl, the treaty between him and the highlanders. He hoped the King would send his own ambasador down to negotiate one with Dante and make a strong alliance. So the long march home begun. Dante and Sheena was there to see them off. Duncan wondered, would Alexandria and Sheena make up and forget about the past or would they continue to hate each other?

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria sighed and and basically slept for the next two d aysm she just would wake up to eat and drink tea. Her hand lay gently on her stomach. She had heard the celebration and smiled. She knew the Highlanders were happy to go home. She however enjoyed her time in bed. For the road back would be long and rough.


On there departure day she had said her farewells to those she needed to including Sheena. She still did not forgive her, but she would not start anything. When they were outside her husband had asked if she wanted to ride or sir in the wagon. She did want to ride, but rather be safe then sorry." The wagon."She said. He helped her up and in and she sat on fur and had fur over her cloak. She layed down in the wagon and got comfortable. It would definitely be a long trip. Alexandria closed her eye's as she felt the wagon move.


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

The first day was not a bad day. It was warm and sunny. Those staying behind and heading to the villages and towns where they would be living for awhile said their good byes and the pipers struck up a lively tune to get all in a good mood for marching. It was a slow march though. Almost twenty thousand men and many more of what was called camp followers, streached out for miles. So it went until they reached the border of Scotland on the second day. Villagers from the surrounding countryside, as well as the farmers lined the road, cheering and greeting them as they marched by. Word had spread of the Highlanders deeds and all of Scotland was a buzz about it. The following days saw the same in every town or village they came by. Not only had they come to aid the King against England, they had showed the English that they could march south and take England if they wanted to.


On the sixth day of marching another large force of horsemen approached from the North. It was the King and his escort. They were close to home now. Another three days and they would be entering the Highlands and home. The King welcomed the Lairds and their clans. as they formed their camp for the night. Duncan made sure that Alexandria and Claire were there for the meeting with the King. He met with Duncan and the Lairds, congradulating them on their victories. "The whole of Scotland is talking about you and your clans. Those clans here on the lowlands that you all have married into are fit to be tied with pride. You have united all of Scotland." he looked at Duncan. Connor laughed loudly as he slapped Duncan on the back hard.


"You see lad, you were the one to lead us, and now all of Scotland is behind ye." he said in a booming voice.


Duncan was a bit embareased about the whole thing. He had just wanted to do his duty and what he thought was right. He looked at Alexandria, and squeezed her hand and smiled.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria had stayed in the wagon most of the journey. She only rode for a bit. When they were three days from the highlands the king and his men met up with them. She watched with a small frown, she stood next to her husband and sighed. She didn't want to stop. She just wanted to go home to her bed and sleep with her husband there beside her.


Alex rolled her eye's at Connor and just listened. She smiled over at her husband and squeezed his hand back. She gave him one of her pattened I love you smile. Alex sighed as night finally came around. She stayed at her husband's side listing to stories. She fell asleep on Duncan's shoulder warm and full. She wasn't feeling sick today. When Alexandria woke it was time to go. She got in the wagon and curled up into her spot. For the next 3 days she spent in the wagon going home.She would only get out when they would stop at nights. When it was time for her sister to go with Angus. Alexandria hugged her"see you soon."She said and kissed her cheek. Claire nods."yes take care of that little one. "She said and went to Angus. Alexandria hugged Angus. "Bye hun see you soon take care of her."She said.She say back in the wagon and waited for them to enter the gates. Once inside she hoped off the wagon. She saw the crowd had gathered. Alexandria looked for Lady Heather and smiles spotting her. She walked over and hugged her. "Were back."She says


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

The King was only there for awhile and then was heading back to his castle. He took his sleeping wife to their tent and laid her on the furs and soon himself. The next three days of travel was a time for the clans to say good bye to each other. As they neared the Highlands the clans began to splinter off to make the journey to their own lands. When it came time for Connor and his clan to depart he went back to the wagon where Alexandria was. "You take care of him, hear." he gave her a big smile, "and the two of you come visiting when you can. Me wife would love to meet you I am sure. She will be hearing tales of ye and all from everyone." Soon it was just the Mcclouds. They marched up into the highlands to their lands. When they reached them, the road was again lined with the cheering and joyful people. Happy that their men were home and proud of what they had done.


Angus and Claire rode off to be with his family and as the clan finally made it to the village, they began pealing off to be with their families. Finally Duncan and Alexandria rode up into the Castle where more of the people had gathered along with the servants. His mother was there and she came forward to hug both Alexandria and Duncan. "Welcome home my dear." Heather hugged and kissed Alexandria on the cheek. "Now what is this I hear about you?" she moved a hand to Alexandria's stomach. Heather had a big smile on her face. One could tell she was extremely happy about everything."Now come inside and take it easy. Your journey home has been a long one and I am sure tiring." she put an arm about Alexandria's shoulders and walked her inside the castle.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria had agreed to Connor and smiles. She would miss him being around even having Angus around. She looked at Duncan and smiles. He was there and alive. Alexandria was glad to be home when Heather hugged both. She smiled and hugged her back.


Alexandria beams and smiles. "I figured you hear about me being with child hard to hide especially with a very loose corset." Alex said as Heather had placed a hand on her stomach. She Laughed and smiles. "Yup little one is in there making mother sick." She said gently. She was glowing." I am fine Heather seriously I am okay."She said gently as his mother lead her inside. She was showing only slightly. " it was tiring, but rhen again I am always tired"she smiles. She walked in and Heather got her in a bath and a dress that fit her with her new size. Alexandria sat and drank tea with his mother. When Duncan came in she looked up and over at him."Just telling your mother of our adventures my love."She was glad to be home. Alexandria stood slowly she sighed and shook her head."thank you so much Heather, but I think I am going to grab some sleep. I feel a bit tired."She said.


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

Home, they were finally home. He shed his armor , took a nice hot bath and dressed in clean clothes and felt much better. His mother had taken charge of Alexandria to make sure she had a bath and clean clothes and something to eat. Now that she knew she was with child, his mother was going to make sure she ate good, slept enough and had plenty to do to keep her busy but yet not wear her out. So Duncan went out into the village to see what had been going on while he had been gone. A few wee ones had been born and increased the numbers of the clan. But other then that not much had changed. The people were glad to have their husbands and sons back, and those that had died in the battle mourned the lost of the loved ones. These he would make sure had what they needed for the winter and make sure they had help in the spring.


Angus and Clarie rode to his family farm where they were greeted by the family. His father had not gone nor his two brothers that were not ready to go fight a war. But their time would come that was for sure. They trained with their father when time allowed. They would be ready when the next fight came. Angus' mother was surprised how Claire looked and how she had taken to the ways of the highlanders. She welcomed her with open arms and huggs. Then his mother took her off to talk to her. To learn everything that she had seen and done and how Angus did.


The king of England was not a happy man. He had a number of people executed for failing to have the information about the Highlanders. He had it all planned, knowing that the King of Scotland could not field a proper army. But with the Highlanders coming to join him, turned everything around and now he had lost an army, equipment, and supplies. To top it off he had lost land as well. York had been captured along with several towns and villages that were vital to the northern barons of England. Those barons had run like scared rabbits, leaving their castles to the victors. Now they were homeless, and landless and were demanding that the King send his Southern Army north to crush the barbarians and so they could get their land back.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria had been laying in bed comfortable. She was relaxing reading when Heather walked in.Alex looked up and smiles as Heather."Hello," she says." Your getting enough food and exercise my dear? How are you feeling?" Heather had asked her."Lady Heather I am fine really thank you so much for everything, but all is okay and little one is fine as well." Alex said and sighed. She sighed and sat up.She swung her feet over.She placed a hand on her stomach gently.


Claire rode with Angus to his farm. She smiled looking at her husband she was beyond glad to be with him.She smiles as he helps take her off her horse. She hugged hia mother. They talked. "Honestly my sister who is now with child kept me with Lady Heather you would have to ask her how he did."She said with a small smile.


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

Duncan went about the village and talked with many of his people before going back up to the castle. He wanted to let his mother have her time with Alexandria and talk about the baby. He was sure his mother was wanting to know how Alexandria was feeling and if she was eating enough now that see was eating for two. He knew his mother and now that she had what she had dreamed of for so long he was not wanting to deny her time with his wife. He only hoped that Alexandria knew that his mother only had her comfort and well being in mind. But he felt that it was time to go rescue his wife from his mother. He almost ran up the stairs in the castle to the second floor and made his way to his and his wife's rooms.


He walked in and saw his wife sitting on the bed and rubbing her stomach. He smiled as he saw his mother being what she was, a mother, not only for him but for Alexandria. It made him smile. She had lost her mother and her father, but had gained another mother. Seeing the two together warmed his heart. Oh when the wee one was born, he was going to be spoiled by his mother. A grand child, the heir to the Mcclouds lands and castle. The continuance of the McCloud line. Yes she would make sure that as he or she grew that the child would not want for anything, especially an education. Duncan would make sure that their child knew how to use the sword, bow, spear and shield. How to think and how to rule. "Well I have come to rescue my wife from you mother." he chuckled. "I will make sure she does not do anything that will be to much for her. Though I think she has the strength to do a lot more then most." he took one of Alexandria's hands and raised it to his lips and kissed it. Heather laughed and nodded. She then got up and made her way to the door. She smiled at Alexndria and Duncan as she left and closed the door.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria and Heather had been talking. She really loved talking to her. Made her think of her own parents and how she missed them. Yes she was stubborn and hated being told what to do and how to live. She however still missed them greatly. She was Thankful for Heather and all she did for her and her sister. Alexandria was sitting back on the head board and was talking and laughing with his mother. She had told her about the journey and everything that had happened. Heather had listened intently and asked questions. Some points she frowned other's she smiled. She kissed Alexandria cheek. She thanked her for saving her son. Alex shrugged. "I do anything for your son/ my husband. I Love him."She says simply.


Just as she was wondering where her husband was Alex looked over hearing the door. She smiled and sighed seeing him. She was definitely in need if a dose if just her husband. She hated being dawned over. She be glad when the child came, everyone would no longer treat her as a porcelain doll. Alex new her child would never want for a single thing. He or she be well cared for and well fed. She hoped it was a son, to give and heir to her husband but she be happy with either. She definitely teach the child her ways as well as her husband's ways.


When he spoke up she smiled and laughed. "Rescue, hmm I need saving?"She asks and raised an eyebrow at him with a soft joking look. She sighed at his next comment and made a face. Alexandria held her husband's hand and looked up at him with bright blue eye's. "I love you."She says gently. She sighed and stood slowly. Alexandria slipped her arms around her husband and layed her head in his chest.


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

The days passed and Duncan made sure Alexndria was able to ride some on her horse. He didn't want her to feel as if she was something that was breakable. He also took her for walks about the village for exercise. Everyone was always excited to see her and to talk to her. She was now apart of the clan and it seemed that no one really noticed that she was not from the highlands. To them, she was one of them. Fall had come and the cool weather. When winter would come, most people would be staying indoors unless they had to feed the live stock or go somewhere. It snowed more in the highlands then down below. But the highlanders were use to it. "Well now." he said as they walked. "It seems that you have become accustomed to the highlands. What do you think of them now?"


Down south the King of England sat with a merrenary General. The man had a large force of men that was made up of Spainairds, Germans, French and English. They had been recently fighting in Germany for the King there to consolidate his claim to the throne. Now that he had it under control, their services were no longer needed and so the General had come to England, after hearing what had happened. He offered his services to the King, but the price was high. But still the King accepted. He had scraped the bottom of the barrel for men to increase his army, but he needed experienced men.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria had grown found of the Highlanders and Highlands she considered it her home. She was very happy to walk and talk to the people n they loved talking to her many complimented her in her pregnancy saying she was glowing and more beautiful then ever. She would blush and thank them Duncan had let her ride up until recently now all she could do was walk well waddle really. Her stomach protruded from her. Dresses had to be made for her as she held Duncan's child. They were walking just outside the castle. Her breath hung in the air and she pulled her cloak tightly around her."I love them they are my home little colder then what I am used to.but then again my home is where ever you and our little one are."She said with a smile.


Alexandrias smile faltered. She put her hand out to hold onto her husband and one hand on her stomach. "Ahh."She says. "Little bugger wants out as much as I want him out."She she grumbled. She stood straight after a bit. This was not a pain she was accustomed to. She made a small face."I think that's enough of a walk for me."She says. She relaxed her grip on her husband.


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

Duncan took her back to the castle where she could rest. She still had some time before the little one would be born, sometime in the spring it was thought. Those that had stayed behind had been replaced and they now returned home. They reported that all was well and that the people of the now annexed lands were well trained and ready to defend themselves or form up into what ever army they could. The Earl had been out and about appointing commanders and getting a structure made for the military. He sent his well wishes for Alexandria and his respects to Duncan. All seemed quite well, but Duncan knew better then to be lulled into thinking the King of England was not up to something. He had sent messengers to the King of Scotland for any news his spies might have sent, but there was nothing but news that he was extremely angry and was constantly with his advisors trying to figure a way to get his land back.


"Well The Earl sends his well wishes to you." he told Alexandria, and so does Sheena. He didn't know how she would react to that but at least her cousin had sent them. "So what have you decided on names for the wee one?" he asked her. He was letting her pick the names. He had heard many people make suggestions and he wondered if she had found any of them desirable or if she had any of her own in mind.

 

[Dark_Psycho]

Alexandria sighed and went inside sitting down. She still had some time, but she felt slight discomfort and sighed. she pressed on the side if her stomach gently to move the child. She sat drinking tea after the doctor had come to see herm she had sent her husband out so she could get checked make sure everything was okay. The doctor had told her she needed to stay sitting or Laying down till she was due. No more rides or walks.She frowned but nodded to him.


When her husband walked back in telling her news from the Earl and Sheena. Alexandria nods."Thats nice of them."She said she was suprised that Sheena said anything about her, but she never show her suprise to even her husband. She looks at him when he asked about there childs name "Well I was thinking for a male Declan and for a female Effie."She said


Death to all betrayers

 

[Dark_Psycho]

@Questor


Death to all betrayers

 

[Questor]

The names were interesting and sounded right. "Then that shall be the names we give." he told her. Claire and Angus would come visiting now and then, and she was beginning to show now as well. They both showed up and came up to the room where Alexandria was. Claire looked radiant being with child, and Angus looked proud as could be. "Well now it looks as if the family name is to be well represented." Duncan said and hugged Claire. Heather appeared as she heard the news and came up to welcome Angus and Claire and give her a big hug. She felt as if both had been her daughters before they were married and now she was acting like a proud mother. Both her girls were with child and she could not wait to hear the wee ones running about the castle.


To the south the winter was a harsh one. The King of England had to make sure his Army was fed and that took much from those that had grown the food and raised livestock. The King also had to import food from abroad and that was not cheap. His anger grew steadily, and it did not help the the northern Barons whose lands had been taken constantly reminded him of the loss.