Celtic Rain (The Battle Raven Series) (32 page)

“Of course.” Lara answered and noticed the frosty edge come back into Bevin’s voice.

Bevin looked her up and down. “Do you have the proper dress to wear?”

“Yes. It is wrinkled and has been in my pack since we left Tralee with all of my other dirty clothes. I’m actually not quite sure what to do with them.”

“No worries there Lara.” Gobnait said as she gave Bevin a sharp look. “I’ve been working on one for you ever since I finished your other clothes. I figured that you would need one for tonight. We will head over so you can see if it fits after we are done here.”

Lara looked at Bevin in the eyes. “Yes. I do have a dress.” She turned to Gobnait. “Is there anything you don’t think of? You are the best! If I have to wear a dress….will you?”

“I will. I don’t mind dressing like a woman every once in a while. Who
is ready for dessert?” Gobnait asked.

Kaylee and Brenna got up to get the dessert. Brenna set a hand on Lara’s shoulder as she started to get out of her chair.

“Do not get up my lady we can handle it.” Kaylee said as she picked up the bag that held the rest of hot chocolate. “I remember how you made the hot chocolate.”

Brenna served each of them a strawberry tart and Kaylee handed out the raspberry hot chocolate.

“Where did you get the strawberries?” Lara asked.

“I have a cousin in Tralee and she had sent a servant with the strawberries today. It was quite good timing.” Fand said.

“Bless your cousin. Where are the healers? I would think there would be many considering.”

“Here of course.” Bevin said gesturing to the women beside her.

Doireann shifted in her seat. “There are only a handful of healers born every few generations. I am one and so is Kaylee and Fand.” “Some of the women from all around the land will be here to help us though. We can’t heal everyone and only lightly use our powers unless the wound is deep. Even then usually the soldier is left with a scar. If we use up to much it could kill us. We don’t just rely on our power. Doireann, Kaylee and I are all also skilled in the art of medicine.” Fand said.

“Brenna is skilled in the art of everything. You truly need to find a man, my dear.” Kaylee teased as she watched Brenna roll her eyes.

After the dessert was gone and all of the goblets empty Gobnait grabbed Lara’s arm. “Ladies I am stealing Lara away from you and take her to finish that dress.”

The women stood as Lara and Gobnait got up and said their goodbyes. Bevin stopped Lara a few feet away from
the
opening
.
“Aodhan and I would like to invite you and Kedryn to sit at our table tonight.”

Lara glanced at Gobnait “What about Christian and Gobnait?”

“Do not worry about me. Christian and I are sitting with Shanna and Carrick.” Gobnait said as she lifted the door flap ignoring the fact that Bevin was still standing by Lara.

“Shanna and Carrick are coming here?”

“Of course. Carrick wouldn’t miss the bonfire. Shanna and Annie are in Tralee he thinks that the Estate would not be safe after tonight.” Gobnait said and started to lead Lara the rest of the way out of the tent.

Lara realized that she got distracted by the news of Shanna and Carrick and turned to Bevin who was about to tap on her shoulder. Lara gave Bevin a look of apology.

“Sorry, of course we will join you. Do you mind if Lawler and Doyle are there also? Kedryn would probably like it if they joined us.”

“You are not a sorry person. Apologies are good enough. They may join us. I will have two extra seats set up. Scanlon and his wife will also be joining us. I will see you at that time.” Bevin said dismissively and she turned to rejoin the
other women.

Lara followed Gobnait the rest of the way out of the tent and let out a breath. “Thanks for that and honestly I never really thought of it that way when I used the word
Sorry
.”

“I just figured it meant something different in your realm.
Apologies
I should have mentioned it when you first said it. No one must have thought much of it. She was just trying to find something to pick at.”

“Seriously, I think I would rather be in the war room or training than gossiping with the girls. I couldn’t even count how many times the subject was switched to avoid cattiness or a fight.” Lara said kicking a couple of rocks as they walked.

“And what was with Bevin? She’s always been snooty but never have I seen her panties in such a bunch!” Gobnait said

“I really think it’s the whole situation with Aodhan and Dillon. With her father being killed and Liam not believing her. It is a lot to take in but it’s nice to have some girl time every once in a while. Catty or not.”

“What can I say? Except Bevin sometimes loves drama.” she gave Lara a mischievous grin.

“What’s the deal with Kaylee and Brenna?” Lara asked.

“They are Bevin’s ladies in waiting. Both of their fathers are Nobles hoping to have their daughters married off to knights. Bevin is their charge until she chooses a suitable knight to marry them off to.”

“Why aren’t they married yet?”

“The one thing I do like about Bevin is that she believes in love. She will not allow just any knight to marry them. She is a romantic and that’s why she threw a fit when she found out her father betrothed her to Aodhan. Speaking of matches have you seen the way Kaylee looks at Lawler? It’s too bad things will have to be put on a standstill until after the battle. Kind of like you and Aodhan.”

“And Brenna?” Lara asked ignoring the fact Gobnait brought up Aodhan.

“Not sure. I have not seen her show anyone favor. She is a logical and bright girl. Speaks her mind and is the best in all of her classes. I am sure she will not just settle for any knight. He has to be intelligent too.”

“Not looking for a dumb brute?” Lara smiled at Gobnait and she laughed.

“Nope. Not a dumb brute. As for Doireann you might as well find a man for her from your realm. I think she’s obsessed. Here we are.” Gobnait led Lara into the forge and as they hurried past Gobnait blew him as kiss. They stepped through the door flap and into the sewing area.

“Let’s take a look at the dress.” Gobnait said as she grabbed a deep maroon colored dress with an intricate design of a black orchid on the front. Long sleeves that flared at the end and a flowing skirt with slits on the side that showed an emerald green underskirt.

“I’ll give you some privacy so you can try it on.” She started to step out and Lara stopped her.

“Wait, I haven’t quite the arms for the laces of the bodice.”

“Right.” Gobnait stepped over to her and said in her most snobbish voice. “Being fashionable is such a pain in the arse.”

Gobnait helped with the laces at the back of Lara’s leather bodice and stepped out. Lara pulled the bodice the rest of the way off, then her shirt and slipped the dress on.

“I’m good.” Lara said and Gobnait stepped back in.

“That was quick.” She looked at Lara confused and saw the leather pants and her boots that showed below the hem of the dress.

“It will go well with the boots. I forgot the others at Shanna’s. These will go well with this dress, right?” Lara said as she showed off her boots.

Gobnait walked over to a chest and pulled out a pair of soft black leather boots and handed them to Lara.

“And the leather pants.” she looked at Lara amused. “Will these fit? Your feet look about my size.”

Lara sat down on the bunk to try the boots on. She unbuckled and unlaced her boots, pulled them off and slipped the others on.

“Just a tad big but they fit well enough. Thank you.” Lara studied the design on the dress. “How did you know about the orchid?”

“Shanna mentioned it. Something about Aodhan, a clearing and an orchid?”

Lara turned bright pink. “There were orchids in a clearing that we stopped to train at. Aodhan put one behind my ear.” She unconsciously put her hand up to the ear where he had put the orchid. “I still have it.”

“Who knew
Lord
Aodhan had a romantic bone in him.” Gobnait said and let out a small laugh. She squatted down and picked up the hem of the dress.

“I have a few last stitches in the hem and you can take the dress. I forgot to give you a couple of sleeping gowns. I can’t imagine you’ve had anything else but your trousers to sleep in. Not to comfortable. I’m sure.”

Lara looked at her new found friend and came to a decision and pulled a delicate silver chain from around her neck.

“I don’t have anything to pay you with for everything that you have done for me. Don’t shake your head.” Lara said as Gobnait tried to wave it off.

“I want you to have this. As a token of our friendship and my appreciation.” Lara took Gobnait’s hand and placed the necklace in it.

Gobnait held up the cross in the light and looked at the delicate silver and gold Celtic cross with a flawless emerald set in the center.

“It is beautiful. I cannot accept this Aodhan took care of everything.” she tried to hand it back and Lara wouldn’t take it.

“You can. You rescued me from become part of the gossip squad and consider it a thanks for being a friend.” Gobnait slipped the chain over her head and hugged her.

“I will treasure it.”

Lara lifted her hand to her mouth and stifled a yawn. “I should get ready myself.”

Gobnait studied her. “Early morning?”

Lara turned pink. “Aodhan woke me.”

She tisked and shook her head with fake irritation. “He has no sense around you. It’s a few hours before the bonfire starts you should get some rest. Is there something that you want to tell me? You look like you need to talk.”

“Hmmm, let’s see. Other than the fact that I’ve completely fallen for Aodhan. The leader of the other army looks just like the man I was in love with. My family and friends think I’m dead. And the fact that I am scared as hell that Kedryn or someone I love and care for might get killed tomorrow. I think I’m good.”

She walked over to Lara and gave her a huge hug. “I know about you and Aodhan I could just tell and as for tomorrow enjoy tonight first. Go get some rest.” Gobnait stepped out and Lara pulled the dress back over her head, put her shirt on and the bodice over it.

“Ready again.” She smiled at Gobnait as she came back in and helped her. “Thank you for everything again. You are right I could use a nap. I’ll see you and Christian tonight.”

Lara stepped out of the sewing room and Gobnait headed over to Christian who was by the forge and waved at her. Lara waved back and headed out to get some much needed rest. When she reached her pavilion Lara headed straight to the fur covered pallet. She sat down on the pallet and lay down falling right to sleep.

As the sun began to set the whole camp was bustling with servants who were busy helping set up everything for the evening festivities. Eion found himself recruited by Lady Orla to hunt down some men to help set up the tables and benches. While Eion and the men were setting up the servants would attend to other things.

He decided to stop by Kedryn’s tent and ask if any of them would help. As he stepped into the sitting area he saw that Lawler and Doyle were in the middle of a card game with Kedryn sitting with his cards down on the table.

“Game over for you?” Eion asked

“I don’t have much of a poker face. What’s up?” Kedryn said as he leaned back in his chair looking at Lawler’s cards.

“I am in need of some help with setting up for the evening meal. Interested?” Eion asked and noticed that Lawler and Doyle were suddenly more interested in the card game than what he was saying.

“Don’t worry guy’s I got it. If we were betting money I’d be broke by now anyway. Let’s go.” Kedryn said as he scooted his chair back and followed Eion out of the tent.

Eion led Kedryn to some carts loaded with tables and benches piled in them. Kedryn glanced around and saw that he wasn’t the only one that Eion had enlisted. Devlyn and Scanlon along with a couple others were standing around.

“I see he got to you too. “ Scanlon said and clapped him on the shoulder.

“The more the merrier right?” Kedryn said as he looked over to Devlyn who walked up to them.

“And the more men the sooner we get done. Let us get this over with.” Devlyn said as he started pulling a bench out of a cart.

Once all of the tables and benches were set up the men watched as the servants lit the large bonfire that roared up into a mass of fire. Kedryn caught the scent of cooking meat and looked over at the fire pits that the soldiers used the night before. Several cooks overlooking the food and to the other side of the bonfire the musicians were setting up chairs. He looked around for his mom and didn’t see her anywhere.

“Where do you think my mom is?” He asked and scanned the area.

“You should go and check on her. Christian told me that Gobnait had suggested that Lara take some rest.”

“I’m going to talk to the musicians first and I’ll meet up with you guys later.” Kedryn said and he said in his best “Arnold” Impersonation. “I’ll be back.” he turned and left and laughed knowing no one but his mom would get that.

Kedryn headed over to a man who was setting up a set of drums. When he finished talking with him and a couple of other musicians he set off to see what his mom was up to. He found her rolled up in furs on her pallet fast asleep.

“Time to get up.” Kedryn said as he reached out and shook her shoulder. Lara jerked up looking around disoriented with some hair stuck to the side of her
face.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.” he said and looked at her amused knowing that if he hadn’t woken her she might have slept right through the ceremonies.

“That’s ok.” she said as she rubbed her face and pushed her hair behind her ear. “You look so grown up.” she smiled at him as she watched as he proudly straightened up with a slight blush on his face.

“Thank you mother.” He said giving her a slight bow.

“Everything is pretty much ready for the bonfire tonight. Probably have at least an hour before we eat. Better get all prettied up. I’m going to head over to my tent and get Lawler and Doyle.” He turned and walked out of her tent so she could wake up and get ready.

Lara watched him leave and groaned as she sat up. Untangling herself from the furs, she grabbed her pack and stood up looking at the wash basin. A servant must have stepped in and dumped out the old water replacing it with new. She pulled out a sponge, body wash, and the rest of the necessities of a woman and started to get cleaned up. When Lara was completely finished she wished she had a full length mirror to see everything put together. The dress, boots, raven jewelry and hair pins. Lara looked down at the embroidered orchid on the bodice.

At the last moment Lara pulled out the hair pins and brushed through her hair deciding to leave it down. Her mother would be proud and could hear her say
Lara, your hair is so pretty. Why do you always wear it up in those things that look like chop sticks?
Her face grew dark and she decided to not let it get to her. She missed her family and friends terribly and had to deal with the fact of where she was and what she was there for.

When she stepped outside of her pavilion the bonfire was hard to miss and walked in its direction to where Eion was standing. “Kedryn’s not here yet?”

“You two
cannot
keep track of each other can you? He could be back at his tent.” Eion said as he glanced Orla’s way.

He was about to introduce them when Lara turned and walked down to where a soldier was who pointed out where Kedryn’s tent was. She pulled the flap back and stepped inside to find Doyle, Lawler and Kedryn sitting at the table playing a game of cards. All three looked up when she walked in.

“Aodhan and Bevin would like for all of you to join them at their table tonight.” Lara said

“Seriously? That truly is an honor. Guess it pays to have friends in high places.” said Lawler as he glanced at Kedryn and drew a card from a stack.

Doyle leaned back in his chair to get a better look at her and glanced at his cards. “You look very nice Lady Raven.” he said and folded. “I’m out. Lawler, you win.”

“Thank you and you can call me Lara. Scanlon, his wife and Devlyn will be sitting with us too.”

“Is that the second dress that you have ever owned?” Kedryn asked as he grinned up at her.

“Third.” she said.

“Right. Susan’s wedding. Doyle is right you look great.”

“Thanks. I am going to see if the wives are here. I would like to meet them before all the fun begins.” Lara said and her head jerked around to the opening of their tent when she heard a loud horn blow.

“Half hour until we eat. Better start getting ready.” Lawler said.

The horn sounding reminded her of church camp when the bell would ring to get things going.

“Good thing you saw that I was awake. See all of you at the bonfire.” Lara said and she stepped out of the tent.

As Lara walked up the hill she spotted a small group of nicely dressed women who she assumed to be the wives. The women were directing the servants that were carrying platters of food, flasks of wine and ale to each table. Walking in their direction she noticed a woman with the same golden brown streaked hair as Aodhan’s. Her hair was pulled up into a tangle of curls that flowed down to her shoulders. She was almost Lara’s height and had every bit of a motherly figure. Orla was not quite plump but also not tall and reed thin as the other woman standing next to her. She had one raised eyebrow as she watched over the servants.

Lady Orla MacCionaoith stopped in the middle of directing one of the servants and watched as a woman with flowing auburn hair and brilliant green eyes slowly walked her way. She didn’t have to be a genius to realize who this woman was.

“I will be back Tara.” Orla said as she grew impatient for Lara to reach her and walked off in her direction. Lara stopped and Orla decided to take the lead.

“I hear you are the woman who cracked the shell around my son’s heart.” Orla said as she shocked Lara by hugging her and kissing both cheeks.

“I would say it was the other way around. You have a wonderful son.” Lara said as a slow blush creep onto her cheeks.

“I heard the same of yours.” Orla turned to the other women who were staring after her. She waved her hand for them to come over and join them. Tara held up her hand with a finger in the air m
otioning to give her a moment.

Orla called up to them. “Tara, Serina come here. I would like you to meet someone.”

Lara watched as one of the women gave a servant instructions as he was walking with a flask in his hands and the two women started walking over. One was very petite with golden chestnut hair that fell in curls past shoulders and since she looked to be much younger, Lara guessed that she must be Serina. She studied the other woman who had straight glossy black hair to her shoulders and was possibly even a couple of inches taller than herself. The one she assumed to be Serina walked up to her and held out her hand and Lara shook it.

“It is a pleasure to finally meet you. If you have not guessed I am Serina. This tall lovely woman next to me is Tara and you have met Orla. You are a beautiful woman Lara. No wonder you have caught Aodhan’s heart. Hopefully
Blaine will see the light before it is too late.” Serina said.

“You talk too much Serina.” Tara said as she shook Lara’s hand.

Lara glanced over as Bevin and the other women walking over.

“It is a pleasure to meet all of you. It looks as if you have taken care of everything already. Since most of the women are here should we go and get the men?” Lara asked and saw Shanna walk up to her.

“Shanna! It’s great to see you. How is Annie?” Lara asked.

“Annie is staying in Tralee tonight. We are staying with Cecil and Emma while this war rages on. I brought along your things just in case the estate was attacked. You did not think I would miss the bonfire did you?” she grinned and gave Lara a hug.

“Have you seen Gobnait?” Shanna asked.

“Not yet. I’m sure she will be here.” Lara said as she looked around.

Men’s voices sounded from behind and Lara turned to see Lord Blaine, Carrick, Aodhan, Eion and Kedryn walked up. Her eyes followed Aodhan as he walked to Bevin. He kissed her hand and led her to a table. Lara took in a slow calming breath. Serina grabbed Lara’s arm and pulled her away from the women and followed after Aodhan and Bevin.

“Let’s go. I am soooo ready to see my husband.”

Lara walked beside her to their table and sat down on a bench next to Kedryn who was already seated with Doyle and Lawler. The three of them were talking excitedly about the party. She looked over her shoulder and saw Scanlon sneak up from behind Serina. He picked her up and twirled her as she squealed happily.

“I love you.” she said as Scanlon set her back down.

He kissed her. “I love you too.”

Lara looked over to see that Gobnait had arrived and that her Christian, Shanna, Carrick and Dillon were seated at a long table with Tara and Ruark. Eion, Devlyn and a couple of others she didn’t know were seated at Blaine and Orla’s table.

All of the other soldiers were seated with their loved ones. The soldiers who didn’t make it to the first come first serve tables were set out around the fire on picnic blankets.

Lara looked over to where the musicians were seated and noticed there was a space big enough for dancing around the fire. When everyone seemed to be settled Blaine stood up and whistled. When he had everyone’s attention he gave an Irish blessing.

“May the one God protect and sorrow neglect. May bad luck fall upon the evil that looks to erase us all. Bless all that you hold dear and love be protected. Bless this food before us and let us enjoy the night ahead of us.”

“Sláinte!” Everyone said and raised their glasses and sat down to pass around platters and eat.

As Blaine sat back down to eat he picked u
p Orla’s hand and kissed the to
of it. He heard a piercing cry and jerked in his seat. Looking around he saw that he must have been the only one that had heard. Orla had felt him jerk
against her and as she looked over seeing him quickly mask the fear in his eyes.

“Are you alright dear?” she asked.

“No.” he said as he looked at her and smiled. “I will explain later when we are alone tonight.”

Orla looked at him concerned but decided to put it to the back of her mind. She had something else she wanted to discuss with him. If his fear had to do with his sickness that was something to save for later and enjoy the moment now.

Across the table from Blaine, Eion was trying to work up the nerve to talk to him about Aodhan. He ate a few bites and took a couple drinks of ale. Once Blaine was settled in he would have a heart to heart with him. Eion took another drink of ale trying to loosen his tongue as Orla’s gave him a knowing look.

“My Lord. There is something we need to discuss.” Eion said.

Blaine set his fork down. “My Lord? Sounds serious my friend. Can it wait until after the festivities?”

“Not if you wish one of your high ranking officers to be one hundred percent tomorrow.” Eion said taking the Dillon approach.

He looked at Eion curiously. “What do you mean?” he picked up his fork and started eating some more.

Eion sighed “Look at them.” He pointed to Aodhan sitting by Bevin and watched as Blaine looked at his son.

“And now look at Dillon. Can’t you see it? If you want him at full one hundred percent something needs to be done.”

Blaine set his fork down and crossed his fingers in front of him. “What needs to be done? I thought he always looked a little serious. Dillon is a brilliant tactician and a mighty help.”

Orla leaned over to Blaine patted his hand. “My dear husband. You sweet ignorant man. Are you blind?” she reached up and tugged his beard.