Eye To Eye

[Gavin Etheridge]

There was something about being King that Gavin had never been particularly fond of. In truth, there were many things that he wasn't nuts about, but one thing he'd honestly detested was the copious amounts of never-ending paperwork that seemed to amass the large oak desk in his office. Really, as much as people tried to take over the world and joked about it, Gavin had concluded they were all mad; running just ne country was exhausting, nevermind all of them. One by one, things were sorted through, the young King bored out of his mind, even though he knew beter than to ignore it and not give it his full attention. Agreements with Creta had been a steady if not risky venture, even though the troubles of the mainland seemed to have settled for the time being. Creta was wanting specialty satellites from Carraig that would be launched from their pad hiding in Xing. It didn't say what they were really for, though from the looks of it they were simply observational tools.... So Dietrich could spy on his neighbours, no doubt. Approving them was an iffy thing, but even though Amestrs' rebuilding was going well, they weren't out of the woods yet and Gavin knew it would be a while before they were stable enough for Carraig to resume importing most of their food from Amestris as they had before. We need Creta, Gavin reminded himself, reading over the request once more very, very carefully.

He would approve its being made and launched, but Gavin would make sure there was a failsafe to block it from looking in on Carraig itself and possibly a remote control for them, just in case. No weapons or anyhting deemed as particularly dangerous, but everyone knew that knowledge was power. And while Carraig didn't have any set allies outright, their unspoken allies were all the tiny island nation had going for them to keep them from falling apart sometimes. Leaning heavily on Creta and Esparia for food imports and increased trade. It wasn't uncommon to know that the country had shifted things slightly, even though the reasons behind it all had seemed vague, Gavin, choosing very carefully what to release as not to cause an alarm that would send their stocks plummeting. But it was all for them, though. Each paper Gavin turned over and chewed on carefully, each choice heavily weighed before anything was signed, all for the good of the almost five million people who looked to Gavin to take care of them.

A soft knock on the office door broke the King's concentration, Gavin looking up as it opened. Katy smiled brightly, carrying a tray in one arm. The teenager stepped in to the office, humming slightly. "Gavin! Mum said you'd been in here working all morning and hadn't called for lunch, so I brought you something." The pen in his hand was laid down, Gavin smiling at the girl who had been living and working in the palace all her life with her family. All his life Katy's grandmother and mother had run the palace's kitchen, and the girl had followed suit, often following the king around more like a younger sibling than an employee. He glanced down at the plot with the sandwich and cookies, then back up to her.

Thank you K-A-T-Y, he signed as he reached for the mug of tea. Lunch. Lunch was an amazing idea, and Gavin felt the need to thank whoever invented it since he forgot about it so often. Gavin had found himself oddly distracted lately, and it was making things more difficult. Normally if he forgot a meal it was because he was in here working, but there had been so much on his mind lately that eating had taken a back seat. So many things and so many people. Noticing the girl hadn't excused herself as Gavin took a sip of the hot tea, he looked up at her, waiting expectantly to hear what was on her mind. That smile. It was mischievous and knowing.... that couldn't be good.

"Sooo... Mum and I were working on this week's menus and we were wondering..." Big blue eyes sparkled. Oh dear Christ, here it came. "Is there a particular day anytime soon that we should know about to make a special lunch?" Katy grinned, even as Gavin feigned ignorance.

"What do you mean?" She leaned in a little closer and giggled. The hell?

"You know... Just in case you were going to invite someone special for dinner. Just wondering if you were, so we could know ahead to cook something nice. You know, to impress and make a night of it!" Gavin sighed. Really. He swallowed down anything from flushing to his cheeks as he denied it, though, giving her that 'big brother says so' look.

"Don't know what you mean. Go do your homework." Gavin gave her a little grin, knowing fully what she'd meant, the girl laughing as she slipped back to the door of his office, teasing that he just needed to let them know. Shaking his head, Gavin let out a little sigh as he took another sip of his tea, glancing at the drawer of his desk. There was an invitation in there, half-written, and not sent yet. It still needed to be dented with braille, but in order to do that he needed to actually decide on what exactly he was inviting her to. Dinner? But they'd become so casual with each other... it felt too pretentious to send a private invitation like that, like it was keeping the line clear about what each of them were. And that... was something Gavin had a hard time keeping in mind. She was his soldier, and her duty was to the people, not to his selfishness. Part of Gavin kept scolding himself relentlessly over his actons toward Ros and how it was distracting him from his work, white the other part of him openly admitted that Gavin was really more inclined to take a ride down to her father's pub and order a round instead.

Papers scattered all over the desk, the tea was getting cold and the sanwich was yet untouched, the young king lost in thought, and secretly (or not so secretly) it wasn't affairs of state weighing on his mind.

[Brendon Etheridge]

Why is it that every time i fix something...yet another new problem raises its ugly face? Tis like a hydra...and every time i lop a head from its shoulders two more grow back from the stump. Whats worse, fire seemed to have no effect, he would sear the stumps with wishful thinking,with the fires of his mind....yet no matter how much he wished it, he couldn't get a single day of peace...No wonder his father had worked him self into an early grave. Ohh that was a sad thought he was on the same track as his dad....Dead long before his time. No, no time to think about that...It was time to deal with that damned hydra.....

He stormed down the hall ways of the royal residence like a black thunder cloud, scattering everyone with his thunder(Read quick and determined pace) and lightning(His glare...it sent shivers down the spines of some he turned it on).

In all honesty he had no idea why he was so upset....It was a minor problem, with a simple solution. But to him someone might as well have pissed in his royal cornflakes, and shat in his royal fucking slippers. "Fucking Hydras...."Ohh great now he was talking to him self!! Well wasn't that all fine and dandy...He was so worked up that he was talking to him self...This....This was not the way one confronted your family, let alone you king. You must learn self control Bren, you must know how to conduct your self. Those words.....Those words had been drilled into him from a young age. Hell for all he knew his father had said the same thing to him when he was born and still covered in blood. Just as his lungs had filled with air and his crying began...Remember son...An Etheridge is ALWAYS in control

An Etheridge is always in control....That had been his fathers motto, and it had become his own. An Etheridge was always on top of any given situation,An Etheridge never gave in or gave up. They stayed the course, they where strong and noble. They where an example for the rest of there nation, for the rest of the world. They where a family of kings and princes who had ruled a nation longer then some had even existed. Ohh yes they where a proud family, and deservedly so.

So he came to Gavin's office, not as his heir, not as his war lord, but as his cousin, as family....And as everyone knew family's had the worst sort of fights. So with out knocking, with out hesitation, and with his face set in stone he strode into his cousins office, with out a knock, with out any sort of humility. "Cousin, we need to talk."

[Gavin Etheridge]

It was funny how different peoples' expectations and realities often were. In fairy stories the royal family always had lavish meals and did nothing all day. Obscene amounts of paperwork and more rules for everything than was necessary aside, few people in the world would guess that this king's favourite sandwich was simply lamb with onion and tomato. It was simple, easy and quick, and since he was young it had been something he loved. Maybe because Axel had loved it, and the young prince often tried to mimic what he'd learn from his guard, especially once the man had started taking Gavin around the countryside to learn in a more hands-on approach.

Thoughts batted back and forth in Gavin's mind as he munched, taking a much-needed break from the work that never seemed to end. A request for this, a push for that, quarterly reports from the governers of each canton and seeing to the specific needs of each county could all wait five minutes while he had something to eat; they were already on paper and not going anywhere. Another bite of sandwich pushed the cares of his desk away like the sea pulling away from the rocks with the tide, leaving the glistening thoughts underneath to poke out in the sun.

Why not? Gavin asked himself thoughtfully. She was a highly-regarded member of the Faolchú, and there were very few Gavin turly regarded as a friend; he had even trusted her enough to let himself be entirely without voice in order to spar and test her skills personally. Gavin looked to the drawer of his desk as though he could see through it; he didn't need to take out the half-done note he'd been writing. He already knew almost every line that was written on it had been scratched out to be replaced and scratched through again. He sighed inwardly. He'd been talking to foreign dignitaries since he was sixteen without falter and had never had trouble sending invitations to functions or having guests come to palace to stay a few weeks before and never have this trouble. The raspberry cookie crunched quietly as Gavin looked away from the drawer.

No, he knew why the written invitation wasn't working. If he wanted to have dinner with Ros, he'd ask her in person, and maybe suggest some place not the palace. He liked pubs as infrequently as he got to enjoy them. Something casual, and easy, since they were friends, right? It would be selfish for me to compromise everything she's worked so hard to achieve. Where do I draw the line? ....Do I even want to? The waves crashed once more, forcing Gavin to look away from the things he couldn't figure out so easily for the moment, needing to return his focus to what he was doing. The pen was picked back up and in his hand, Gavin resuming reading over the next set of papers; the NCA was acting up again and the police to the south had been having a hard time getting them to behave. Loathe as he was to it, Gavin would grand Alastair the weapons upgrades he was asking for in order to combat them better and keep the area safe.

he'd nearly finished reading over the proposal when the door to the office burst open, a rather irate Brendon bursting in. Casually, the papers were laid back down, Gavin's hands folding as he looked up expectantly at his cousin. It was always somewhat amusing to see when Brendon was irritated; he seldom hid it well, and it seemed to make his hair curl more. His expression was stony, but Gavin could tell something was getting Brendon's undies in a twist. "Cousin, we need to talk." An eyebrow raised slightly, Gavin trying not to smirk as he reached for his speech aid and began to type into the pad quickly.

"Feeling social today, are we?" So that came out a little more sarcastically than intended. Not that the mechanical voice from the box really had a function for sarcasm, but Gavin's natural snark made its way in regardless. We need to talk were always dangerous words. Gavin let out a breathy, silent chuckle, typing once more. "What's on your mind? Sorcha didn't turn your phone into atiny robot, did she?" And crazy as it was, that hadn't been the strangest thing Gavin had had to ask in regards to his darling girl.

[Brendon Etheridge]

Bendon was agitated...yes that was the word exactly, he expected to see Gavin hard at work, trying(and failing) to fix this nation. But instead of that...he finds him sitting there calmly as could be...munching what looked like a raspberry cookie. Oddly his temper didn't flair up immediately, he was to focused on the cookie just being sat down on a plate full of crumbs. Wasn't it odd that he would focus on something seemingly so insignificant? It felt that way to him...but he saw something there in that pile of crumbs, in the cookie with its missing sections...but he couldn't put words to it...not yet at least.

"Feeling social today, are we?" IT snapped him back into reality, and his eyes lifted to look at Gavin. He was a determined man, Brendon could see that in every line of the mans face, the posture of his body and the set of his jaw....This...This was not going to be any sort of easy conversation! He knew that to start but...It had to be done...He had to be made to see....And what exactly did he mean feeling social?"Indeed"

"What's on your mind? Sorcha didn't turn your phone into a tiny robot, did she?" That...made him blink. No this visit had nothing to do with Gavin's adopted daughter, though he wish it did. he would have loved explaining how she had inexplicably caused another major explosion that would cost the nation millions of dollars....But no that wasn't the case this time."Sorcha has done no such thing....but id love it if she could" He smiled some then and took the seat across from Gav, he was angry yes...But arguments had in anger never did turn out vary well....Sadly Gav always knew when he was holding back, or angry...A side effect of them growing up together it seems.

Now, to jump in feet first. That was usually the best tactic when it came to these family spats.....And hopefully that would keep the drama to a minimum. Wouldn't it be wonderful if he just agreed to what i had to say? Just this once? For the sake of the family.... He knew it wasn't likely, hell it wasn't even in the realm of possibility. But some times it was nice to dream.....But thats all they where dreams...

So now...To talk about...the love life of a king....Ohh how he wished the hydra hadn't reared its ugly head today..."So Gav....You know what the servant and guards are gossiping about these last few days? " IF he had kept his whoring under the table like every other noble this wouldn't be a huge deal...but no he had to be OBVIOUS about it!! He had to parade the woman around the grounds...."I would honestly be surprised if you HADN'T heard....its literally the talk of the city." Okay that wasn't exactly true...But ten people knowing, was ten people to many, and soon ten would become twenty and twenty forty and so on and so forth. He had to try and nip this in the bud NOW and stop any of these...rummers from reaching the ears of the lady's he SHOULD have been courting...." And considering they concern you well....Youd be a fool to be ignoring them, and your no fool are you cousin mine?"

[Gavin Etheridge]

A faint smile forced its way up to Brendon's fatures as he sat down. Brendon was a good-looking guy and had grown up nicely; Gavin noted somewhere in the side pocket of his mind that his younger cousin should smile more. He certainly ddin't have any reason not to. He worked hard, had earned his rank and position, was highly respected by many, and what's more Brendon had a few more freedoms and liberties with his life than Gavin. Why shouldn't he smile? "Sorcha has done no such thing....but id love it if she could." Gavin tried to not smirk outright. Careful what you wish for... the same part of Gavin that was just musing over his younger cousin's features was now trying to not crack a grin, pushing away the thought to suggest it to his brilliant engineer. IF she hadn't already turned a phone into a tiny robot, just give her time and the idea and she'd get around to it, he was sure.

Gavin finished off the cookie he had been munching, turning the plate around to offer one of the ones remaining to share with Brendon. He gave a quick glance at the proposition he'd been reading over, but just that glance let him know he'd lost his place in the sea of ink and Brendon chatting at him wouldn't be conducive to focusing. Oh well, at least he'd gotten a sandwich in, though at the rate things were going, it'd be a working lunch and a working dinner soon. "So Gav....You know what the servant and guards are gossiping about these last few days?" ....Oh my. Gavin raised his eyebrow. Palace gossip? Gavin was many things to many people and had quite a lot to look after every waking moment of the day. Being on top of gosspi and idle chatter that didn't pertain to the country was seldom one of those things. "I would honestly be surprised if you HADN'T heard....its literally the talk of the city."

Oh, now this was getting entertaining. Palace rumours that were now the talk of all Dublin? Gavin thought a moment before grinning, typing on the aid and really wishing it had a setting for voice tone and inflection. He let out a silent laugh, teasing entirely, but couldn't help the urge to tease a little. "You're having Victoria Beckham's baby. Congratulations, you both have my blessing." As if, but funny thought.

" And considering they concern you well....Youd be a fool to be ignoring them, and your no fool are you cousin mine?" Concerning Gavin himself? Specifically? The King blinked, waiting either for an explanation or for things to add up; the latter happened first. Oh. So it wasn't just Katy and her mother in the kitchen that knew. Then again... Rosaleen had been by a lot lately, especially since she'd been brought into the ranks of the Falochú. But not that, much, right? He'd sparred with her a few times, which was always great, especially since few impressed him as she had. And Rosaleen had had a tour of the palace in its entirety, but she needed to know the layout of the palace and its grounds, especially working under Fiachra and being on the grounds to train as all the elite did. And then she'd come by the other day to visit, just to visit, and the company had been a wonderful change of pace. The way her voice had rilled the sunroom and danced with his violin... Few treasures in life could compare to the beauty that Gavin had felt the day before. But still!

Gavin shifted in his seat just slightly, not uncomfortable, but wondering what about it had Brendon so worked up. "I think you are exaggerating, Brendon," the voice droned in response from the box. "I think I know what you're referring to, but would you care to elaborate?" His words chimed out almost as fast as they were typed, choppy and rough but at least keeping a similar pace of conversation rather than a long pause for him to type before hitting play. "Besides cousin... Nothing happened."

[Brendon Etheridge]

He twitched.....He couldn't help it. HIM PREGNANT? Ohh the incredulity!! One would think that a man of refined up bringing would have better taste then this!! Obviously he was wrong!! When one can't find refinement in a king, where does one look for it?" Ahh now that was a question worth pondering, but not now, not here and deffenitly not in such...He looked at Gavin his eye brow raised...Esteemed company. Though he was sorely tempted to yank on Gavs chain some....It was only fair....with a mental slap he cleared the image from his head. He was here for business!! Focus on business!!

"I think you are exaggerating, Brendon,"

Exaggerating? Not blood likely!! He knew people where talking about his cousins new relationship....How he seemed to have become overly fond of a soldier in his military, and not even one of high rank!! If it had been a general maybe...just maybe it would have been permissible to move about in broad day light....But never...never some one like this! It was just....beneath him!! He could have any woman he wanted...and he seemed to chosen a common soldier...

"I think I know what you're referring to, but would you care to elaborate? Besides cousin... Nothing happened.""

Elaborate? He want him to elaborate? Fine, he could play dumb all he wanted,it mattered little to Brendon. " But sire, if you can say nothing happened what need is there for more explanation? " It was a joking comment...but he didn't laugh..he didn't even grin. His face was back to a mask if neutrality, showing nothing more then a slight interest in the conversation. It had taken him years to master this look, most people just couldn't manage it. Their face would eventually break out into a grin from trying to hard...but that was not how it was done....No the trick of it was actually not caring...

"Now if we have gotten all our joking done id like to move on...to your unbecoming conduct with a...." he pulls a piece of paper from his pocket and gives it a quick once over, refreshing all the details in his mind."Rosaleen Quinn" he looked Gavin straight in the eye, not daring to blink, not daring to back down...This sensitive subject was up in the air now...and there was nothing left to do but march forward....The best defense(At least in this particular situation) Was a strong offense.

"I have come to inform you that your conduct....Is unbecoming as a king, and as the head of our family. In all honesty Maria and i wouldn't care if you kept your little dalliances to closed rooms, dark hallways and other more private areas....Most men of our stature have little flings like this, but it seems you have less common sense then most." Ahh yes that hit hit the problem on the head quit nicely! "I'm sure you can understand that we only have your best interest at heart....and we don't want any sort of blimpish on your reputation.... He smiled a little then and took a cookie from the proffered plate and nibbled on it. "Im sure you can understand our concern, and if you wish you can keep your play thing just try to keep it behind closed doors mmmkay?"

[Gavin Etheridge]

"But sire, if you can say nothing happened what need is there for more explanation?" Snrk. Gavin's shoulders gave a light shake as his body laughed silently, his body a muted image of what the sound would have been as the king mentally put a little white tic on Brendon's half the scoreboard. That was clever. Well played, little cousin. Well played. Brendon's face was the picture of neutrality almost to the point of boredom; only Brendon could maintain that level of sarcasm with the very picture of deadpan apathy. Screw politcs and the military, sometimes Gavin through his cousin needd to just go into comedy. "Now if we have gotten all our joking done id like to move on-" Oh, yes. Right, right, this wasn't a social call. Damn, and here Gavin thought Bren had just come to keep Gavin company for a bit. Gavin brushed away his own mental sarcasm, leaning back into his chair. Knowing Bren, this wasn't going to be quick, so he might as well be comfy for it. He watched with mild interest as Brendon pulled a slip of paper out of his pocket, as though reminding himself why he'd come into the King's office. "-to your unbecoming conduct with a.... Rosaleen Quinn."

...You know, when Brendon got around to having a brood of his own, those poor kids were doomed. So young and Brendon already had speeches about being horribly disappointed worked down to an art. However, given that Bren was his cousin and not a parent or even a brother, this promised to be irritating. Gavin waited, somewhat bracing himself for whatever was coming. He'd hear him out... for now, at least. Gavin watched Brendon quietly, giving him the silent look of "Go on." Bren's face was unreadable, steeling himself for something that was already brewing to something uneasy.

"I have come to inform you that your conduct....Is unbecoming as a king, and as the head of our family. In all honesty Maria and i wouldn't care if you kept your little dalliances to closed rooms, dark hallways and other more private areas....Most men of our stature have little flings like this, but it seems you have less common sense then most." Hokay, stop right there. Gavin's eyebrow arched, hazel eyes sharpening darkly. Now, he'd been criticized a lot over the years, by many people, and for all kinds of things. The expansions to the Faolchú and the creation of Lon Dubh had gotten a fair amount of commentary, but had worked out to the country's advantage and done wonders to boost their exports. But it was always Gavin's personal life getting flak; when he'd adopted Sorcha, that had ben more than a few heated fights, and taking on Artemis as the first female Scaith guard. But when was the last time he'd even taken an interst in anyone personally? And to imply... what he was implying! Dalliances? Little flings? And dark hallways? Really? Gavin frowned slightly, his mirth and teasing souring as he let Brendon go on.

"I'm sure you can understand that we only have your best interest at heart....and we don't want any sort of blemish on your reputation...." Oh, that was a laugh, at least in that Maria of all people didn't want Gavin's reputation stained. Brendon finally smiled a litle, trying to lighten the slew of insults he'd so politely phrased. "Im sure you can understand our concern, and if you wish you can keep your play thing just try to keep it behind closed doors mmmkay?" A deep, calming breath was sucked in slowly. Lunch had been so tranquil. Why was there a reason to bring on unneeded stress and make his stomach knot? It was one thing if Katy thought it was fun to hint and tease, but really... Gavin was quiet for a long moment almost, choosing his words carefully before he began to type.

"I think you must have me confused with someone else, Brendon. Captain Quinn and I are just friends; as I said, nothing happened." It felt so strange to call Rosaleen by her last name and rank when he hadn't done so in months, since shortly after he met her. But right now it seemed best, and would hopefully placate his cousin's vexation; if he could avoid a heated fight with his family, he would. However, some things would not sit well with Gavin as he resumed typing, the machine pausing in small gaps as it managed to just barely keep up with each word. "She is an excellent member of Faolchú, hand-picked by Fiachra. She is also a very dear friend of mine. As such, I would appreciate you not insult her integrity by calling her a "play thing" or insinuate that my actions toward her have been licentious." Yup. Joking mood was gone, the look Gavin giving his cousin cautionary, the young king hoping his cousin might drop it lest he pick a fight from something Gavin had no intention of backing down on.

[Brendon Etheridge]

"I think you must have me confused with someone else, Brendon. Captain Quinn and I are just friends; as I said, nothing happened." Saying that...Seemed to make him uncomfortable. He could read it in his cousins posture....and the careful way he typed his words....But the biggest give away was the breath he had to take. Well it seemed like his cousin had more then a passing interest in this woman. Well...This could be useful information.....Ahh well no matter the out come of these talks hed come away a winner, in all honesty thats all that really mattered....

"She is an excellent member of Faolchú, hand-picked by Fiachra. She is also a very dear friend of mine. As such, I would appreciate you not insult her integrity by calling her a "play thing" or insinuate that my actions toward her have been licentious." Hmm yes he defiantly had more then friendly feelings for this miss Quinn, other wise why be this defensive? He was well aware of her accomplishments....Her record spoke for her self, she was a shining example of a true and dedicated soldier. But thats what she was, not a lady, not a noble, not a high class socialite or any sort of merchant, she was a soldier......She could be his friend, there where no rules against that, hell she could be his lover(As long as they kept it discreet) but nothing more could come of it then that. He was king and his marriage had to secure the throne, and by extension his house more political power. It was a sad reality true, but kind didn't marry for love, they married for money, position and power.

"I meant no offense Sire, but the rummers that seem to be floating around make it sound much more extreme then what you have lead me to believe..." He could believe that part about them just being "Friends" For now at least. He could read his cousins intentions in his face and body posture...The heated way he had come to her defense that...that was what someone did for a person who was or would become more then a friend.

"And as long as she stays a friend, well i dont think you will have anything to worry about, for the most part your...personal life is of little importance as far as who you choose to be friendly with." He would grin a little, letting his eyes soften a touch before going on."All your family cares about is that...Your eventual marriage is with some one befitting your station and position, so im sure you can understand our concern when we heard you had been gallivanting around with some common soldier, im so glad we where mistaken, now if we have cleared up this misunderstanding, why dont you take a break fro this tedious desk work and go for a walk in the garden with me? Theres this charming new breed of rose i just planted....and its just spectacular! " Take this branch cousin...or dont, its your choice on whether or not you want to escalate this right here, right now. All he could do was smile a little more and lean across the table as if to whisper conspiratorially"Just dont tell Maria I've been working in the gardens again, im sure it would cause her little heart to flutter!! Me on my knees, playing in the dirt!" He laughed some then, a rich warm sound."im sure it would cause quite the panic!!"

Ohh that was a happy thought....Maria had a tongue on her and she was defiantly not afraid to use it!!! Ohh the thought of her face getting red with indignation....Wall it was far ti funny to him! "And after the panic im sure we would both have to endure one of her spectacular tongue lashings!" He shuddered in mock horror."And that Gravel is a far far worse then death!"

[Gavin Etheridge]

It was funny, if not irritating, how well family could push one's buttons like nobody else in the world. Theo and his family knew how to poke fun at Gavin growing up and help him learn to laugh at himself. they were still noble, and family, but they were first and foremost the king's mercenaries for generations. Gavin's more immediate family, though, had always had a knack for knowing just how to irk him, and Brendon was at least friendly enough (or smooth enough) to know how to piss him off and then immediately try to smooth ruffled feathers before things got out of hand. But while he'd never been as openly loving and close with Brendon and Maria as Gavin would have liked, even he couldn't argue that his family did have the most sway over a lot of the things in his life, even if they weren't in immediate seats of power. They were family, and that meant more to him than the crown that rule Gavin's decisions.

THey'd had some pretty heated spats before about the choices Gavin made about his personal life and how it would affect his appearance; the fight he'd had years ago about adopting Sorcha lasted the longest, noting that taking in a girl of unknown origins would impair his finding a wife later, and that he was young and still had a lot on his plate without raising a child. But, everyone knew how much that had stopped him, Sorcha now as much a part of Castle Bhaile Átha Cliath as Gavin. He would fight with his famiy on many things, but when it came to his determination, very little stopped him. "I meant no offense Sire, but the rumors that seem to be floating around make it sound much more extreme then what you have led me to believe... And as long as she stays a friend, well I don't think you will have anything to worry about, for the most part your...personal life is of little importance as far as who you choose to be friendly with."

Of little importance until I might do something to embarrass our family, you mean, Gavin mentally corrected, trying to lower his hackles and deter the little knicks from stinging. Last thing Gavin really wanted was to let himself seem outwardly broody from his family getting under his skin. As Gavin's defenses lowered slightly, Brendon's did as well, taking on the issue as out of concern than the initial pissiness he'd barged into the office with. "All your family cares about is that...Your eventual marriage is with some one befitting your station and position, so im sure you can understand our concern when we heard you had been gallivanting around with some common soldier, I'm so glad we where mistaken. Now if we have cleared up this misunderstanding, why dont you take a break fro this tedious desk work and go for a walk in the garden with me? Theres this charming new breed of rose i just planted....and its just spectacular!"

Brendon was trying again to smooth down guard hairs and distract Gavin with something nice; the gardens were always something he'd loved and brought him peace. They were something he'd hoped one day to share with his bride. gavin let out a small sigh, looking away from Brendon for the moment, thinking. Gavin was eldest between them, head of the family, and King. But everything he did was weighed and criticized by himself and those around him. Growing up he'd been able to go to his mother's cousin Aodhan for advice when he didn't consult his personal guard. Status and position meant so much. Even his mother was still a lady from Clan Chulainn, and so the expectations and obligations were something to which she'd been schooled and bred. But... What was so common about Rosaleen? She was smart, strong, talented, beautiful and determined...

Gavin looked away from the paperwork, stacking it neatly to come back to it. A small break wouldn't hurt. He nodded, agreeing that pissing off Maria would be bad, though it could be far too easy. The king stood, typing into his aid. "You're right. A break will help me focus better." He would go with Brendon to see the new roses and maybe clear his mind, or make it up at least. But... Still... Pushing his chair in, Gavin's fingers tapped the buttons. "They are just rumours, but you should know that Rosaleen is far from common. If anything, she is a rare exception."

[Brendon Etheridge]

In an odd way Brendon could see a lot of parallels between his own life and that of the scarred old ash tree he so enjoyed sitting under. Both had weathered hardships in their own way, during their own lives, both had survived fires(Metaphorically and otherwise), both had been battered, threatened(In the trees case that was mostly a matter of the gardeners threatening to cut the thing down.), and both had roots deeply implanted into the soil of this nation. Both drew strength from its ancient soil and its long standing traditions. Both had the fortitude to weather not only the harsh climate but the people that made this mountainous country home but most of all...both would die if removed from the country they so loved. The prince depended on the soil of his nation to sustain him, just as much as that tree did. With out it he wouldn't have purpose or direction, he wouldn't have had a reason to live.

Well, that may not have been entirely true, but in every meaningful way it was. With out his need, his drive to better this nation well...He would never have accomplished any of the things he had in his short life. That was not something Bren like to contemplate. A life of total obscurity, no one knowing who or what he was....That was a fate he would wish on no man...To toil in obscurity....A small shudder went up and down his body....It was a fate worse then death.

HE could see his cousin way the options, but when he looked away sorting his various papers(Bren tried to catch a glimpse but failed to see anything....interesting) and nodded well he knew he had him. Gav had always had a weakness for family, in fact Bren had used that particular chink in his cousins armor on more then one occasion. Oddly he found the quality rather endearing and actually felt what might have been remorse on those occasions that it had been necessary to take advantage of his dear cousin.

"You're right. A break will help me focus better." Ohh i know im right cousin...And soon...soon you'll see im right about a whole host of things...Bren knew things would be coming to a head soon, he had a feeling deep deep in his bones....But tell then he would enjoy this rare time together with the man he had grown up with. The least he could do was build some pleasant memory's of their time together...He stood as his king stood and moved swiftly for the door and held it open so his cousin might pass through. "Of course im right Gav!! I wasn't made Lord of War for nothing!" He smiled and laughed some at his rather...Lame attempt at humor. "I don't think its just you who needs to take a break...If that last joke was anything to go by im well on my way of working my self into an early grave"

"They are just rumours, but you should know that Rosaleen is far from common. If anything, she is a rare exception." A rare and beautiful weed...was still a weed. Bren was wise enough to keep that last tid bit of information to him self though." Exceptions...are rare indeed cousin, and if she is such a remarkable person well...I honestly cant wait to meet this friend of yours. Someone who's caught the attention of a king....She must be a fairly talented individual" He walked out of Gavin's office then, walking in step with the older man as they made there slow meandering wat to the gardens."How exactly did you meet her? If you dont mind me asking."

[Gavin Etheridge]

The door was held open as Gavin passed through, the king signing a polite Thank you to his cousin as he headed down the hall toward the garden. It had been a busy spring, and with the tragedies in his mother's family recently Gavin had been a bit too busy to stop and smell the roses quite literally. There always seemed to be too much on Gavin's plate anymore, and he was beginning to worry that he'd miss out on something important, or someone. Loss always hit in the ways people never expected it to, and while Gavin knew his mother was still mourning the loss of her kin, Gavin was as well. He'd spent so much time with them and was closer to them and friendlier with them than he was Brendon and Maria over the years that Aodhan had coached the prince on fighting and tactics. Having he and Caohime die so suddenly had stung hard, especially with Theo far away somewhere, too. It stung, but reminded the young king that he did need to try and spend more time with the living family he had before they all had distanced entirely and left him as alone as the king's position said he must be.

Gavin gave a faint smirk to Brendon as they walked. "I don't think its just you who needs to take a break...If that last joke was anything to go by im well on my way of working my self into an early grave" Oh yes. He nodded, the rather flat joke funnier for its lack of really being funny than anything else.

"We are long overdue a vacation," the aid replied as the two made their way down the hall. A vacation sounded amazing. Somewhere with warm weather and white sand, crystal blue water and where they could all be without people making much fuss about it. They could all go, some nice island resport somewhere. But until then, a thought came to mind, and chimed out steadily as Gavin typed. "Summertime is nearing. It's been a while since you'be joined me to go hunting or riding, Bread." Half observation, half invitation. But maybe it would help to start bandaging the rift Gavin felt was forming between he and some of his family members.

The hall turned again, their gait slow and easy, not really in a hurry to show off the flowers so much as Gavin taking a moment to enjoy the company, even if he onl got along with him half the time. " Exceptions...are rare indeed cousin, and if she is such a remarkable person well...I honestly cant wait to meet this friend of yours. Someone who's caught the attention of a king....She must be a fairly talented individual. How exactly did you meet her? If you dont mind me asking." Gavin looked to Brendon, somewhat surprised; considering how pissed he was just a few minutes ago when he came into the office, it was almost funny to hear him showing that kind of interest. Then again, when was the last time Gavin had taken an interest in a woman? He knew his mother was getting antsy about waiting for Gavin to start his own brood.

But he smiled as they entered the gardens, frehs air and sunshine on the king's face. It was an easy smile, one born of relaxation and love, putting aside all ranks and names to simply be for now. The smell was pure tranquility, and the scent of flowers mixed with herbs would always have an instantly calming effect on Gavin. "Based on her service records I sought her and asked her to work on special assignments for me. But after she came back we became friends." Gavin couldn't help but lean in closer to a bush of the wall-climbing freesia, their scent almost intoxicating. There were living flowers and trees all around, dotted with occasional statues, fountains and benches in the massive garden. It also contained the occasional steel or brass rose that Gavin himself had made at the forge to relieve stress. Finally he turned back to his cousin and resumed typing, fully relaxed and much more pleasant to talk to than he had been before. "Recently Fia invited her to join the Faolchú and return to active duty, and she'd done remarkably. You should watch her fight sometime." Because sparring with her was something that Gavin had enjoyed immenselyand after that little psarring match and jaunt to her tavern was when she'd started coming by the palace more often and not just the Faolchú training grounds. And every day that that was the occasion was a day that made the king a little happier.

[Brendon Etheridge]

People where so predictable, you walk into a room raging, snapping, and spiting and you get the same reaction every time, you veil threats and they return that hostility. People for what ever reason never expect a sudden turn around, it catches them off guard, and they cant help but sit there stunned for a second or two. It was the same for Gavin he saw, he could see the confusion(if only slight traces of it) in his cousins face. He had to give him some respect for that, in most people his sudden change of attitude would have drawn something more then a faint twitch. Ahh well it was all part of the fun, this teasing and plotting back and forth. It made their lives interesting at least. There wasn't much else to say about it. He smiled some, and put a point on his side of the bracket... he was dead even with his cousin, if only in his own mind.

"Summertime is nearing. It's been a while since you'be joined me to go hunting or riding, Bread." IT had been forever and a day since the last time he had spent an entire day to himself let alone a week. Maybe...Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to take a few days to himself...To recharge his batteries as it where.Would Maria go for it? More then likely not. If he wasn't advancing his own goals(And my extension her own) he was getting bitched at, why wasn't he doing this, why did't he go to that party like she asked(Told)? It was at times like living with a rather irritable lioness who just wouldn't settle down and have kids....So she was more then a little annoying."You know...I think i may set up a little get away sometime in the near future, go down to that little cabin we have stashed away in the woods...." It wasn't a bad idea all things told, just swinging....Ahh well he could just tell her what was a perfect time to get in close with Gav...She would jump at the chance.

Ahh the gardens...His one home away from home. Even now he found the time to spend an hour a day in this wonderful place, and as much as people begged him to stop he just couldn't couldn't. The feel of dirt between his fingers(And some times his toes...)exhilarated him like battle, had never done. It was the peace of it he thought, the silence of working the garden, the feeling of getting something worth while and lasting done. Just by entering this retreat of his brought a smile and a slight bounce to his step, he just couldn't stop it.

"Based on her service records I sought her and asked her to work on special assignments for me. But after she came back we became friends." Ohh yes he knew all about her extensive record, served with honors, preformed above and beyond the call of duty, and most of all she was loyal. That last part was the most important for any companion of a king....It was also the most annoying.

"Recently Fia invited her to join the Faolchú and return to active duty, and she'd done remarkably. You should watch her fight sometime." He had heard that Gav had done more then watch her fight, in fact he had lost to her in a fight...Had to submit to her or risk some sort of bodily harm, he knew that the woman wouldn't have no any significant physical damage, but Gavin was king, he should have won that particular bout!! If only Gav had payed more attention to their fencing master....But the man was never one for violence...and truth be told nether was he...But he could see its uses.

"You know what we haven't done in god knows how long Gravel?" He stopped for a second and let a glimmer of amusement enter his eyes as he looked a Gavin then the foliage around them."We haven't tested our selves aginst one another...in what seems like years!! We no longer play any games, we don't hunt, and we no longer spare....Its a shame really we no longer do anything together." The smile he gave him now was nothing but friendly, but the intentions where anything but that....It was time to beat some sense into his cousin one way or another."Hell you could even come down here with me, we could both work at cleaning up some of these flower beds." He hoped the man never took him up on that offer...He enjoyed his alone time toiling in the soil he had come to love.

[Gavin Etheridge]

There was a certain peace that only places like the gardens could bring, similar to the eeling Gavin got when he lost himself at his cello or violin, or at his forge; a feeling that let him leave his work and crown on the desk. He looked to some of the crawling trellis flowers, wondering if next time they all felt civil toward each other maybe he'd bring out either of his instruments to play here in the garden some evening. Or even without them and just enjoy it on his own. A starry night, the gardens and violin music... Gavin couldn't help a tiny thought that crept its way forward and hummed in a side pocket of his mind about doing just that, but certainly not alone. He put it away as quickly as it came, not letting it linger and blossom and distract him in front of Brendon, especially since he finally seemed to have calmed down from his little hissy fit.

"You know...I think i may set up a little get away sometime in the near future, go down to that little cabin we have stashed away in the woods...." A week out in the woods with his family... Gavin smiled softly, even though the thought certainly brought mixed feelings. As it was he made sure to have dinner with them often enough since they were family, but those often felt so forced and that if they were less civilized that they might attack each other under the table with their forks. But maybe... the distance was what was causing the tensions? Maybe spending some time alone together away from work would be good for all of them, especially Maria. God that woman needed a vacation.

Gavin nodded gently in agreement, his fingers reaching up to delicately touch the petals of a purple flower growing there. It seemed strange, but wonderful; the hope of reconnecting with his family that he should have been showing more love to, and the elctric feelings that liked to flop about inside of him that told the young king that there was more to his feelings for the blind guard than the deepest respect they both knew he held. Brendon had been so miffed about what he'd heard on rumours; surely all of Dublin didn't really know. But there had been a decent crowd at her father's pub when they'd gone after that sparring match, and the conversation had been so easy. And since then each time she'd come to the palace they had become easier still. Given how peeved Brendon had been about it, Gavin couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he'd actually were to take Ros on a proper date.

All hell would break loose, I'd never hear the end of it, and I might not survive the night, Gavin thought, shaking his head inwardly. It was selfish, and it was improper, but he wanted it. When was the last time he'd let himself feel so drawn to a woman? While Gavin knew his choices had to be for the good of his family and his country before anything else, he also knew he didn't always need their expressed consent to some things, so maybe.. he would ask. "You know what we haven't done in god knows how long Gravel?" There was a list. "We haven't tested our selves aginst one another...in what seems like years!! We no longer play any games, we don't hunt, and we no longer spare....Its a shame really we no longer do anything together."

Where he'd only been casually glancing over at Brendon over his shoulder a moment ago, Gavin found himself fully turning to face his cousin, surprised and rather pleased by that suggestion. Brendon's warm smile was something Gavin rarely got to see and was a treat, and being asked to spar with him the way they used to just seemed like something he'd have sworn Gavin would never have heard again. "Hell you could even come down here with me, we could both work at cleaning up some of these flower beds." ......Aliens. Dear Lord, Brendon had been taken over by one of the Pod People! Being fairly civil with him, wanting to spend time together, suggesting a retreat as a family AND sparring... and now inviting him to join Brendon in the gardens?! Aliens. Demonic possession. Weird dream and Gavin had fallen asleep on his desk. Those options made more sense.

Gavin gave Brendon an almost funny look, not quite sure if this was some sort of childish prank or not, but smiled faintly as his hands lifted the aid to type. Brenon seemed...oddly sincere. So, how often did these things come up? Could he really afford to pass them up? "I would like that, Brendon. It has been too long since we have gone anywhere as a family." A week in the woods might be great; surely something could be set up. Keys clicked softly, the voice speaing the words mechanically almost as fast as they were completed. "And I think a good sparring match would be good for us both. You and I have both trained extensively, so it would be a good test of skill... And I was thinking I might get your insight to something personal since another perspective wouldn't hurt." Perhaps now that the aggression had died down and they were talking so easily... Perhaps now they could discuss thoughts on Gavin actively trying to start dating again withouth getting his head chewed off for it.

[Brendon Etheridge]

Ahh yes it seemed to work...His olive branch had pulled his cousin right where he had wanted him...The poor man, all he wanted was a big happy family, when would he learn that just wasn't in the stars? He knew this, his sister knew this, but for what ever reason Gav just didn't understand....Couldn't grasp it, or just plain wouldn't except it. You poor romantic fool.... In some ways Brendon was jealous of his cousins ignorance, what he would give to be able to see and believe in people the same way his cousin did....Sadly every family had to have a realist, and that duty fell heavily onto his own shoulders. At least he managed to avoid his sisters fate....How she managed to put up with their mothers constant nagging was beyond him, but the women in his family had always been rather resilient and bull headed....So that might have had something to do with it.

He let the beauty that surrounded him sweep him away for a few blissful moments as he remembered the few days he let him self take a break when he was younger...Running and playing in the gardens, swimming in the clear blue ponds and rivers that dotted the landscape around his ancestral home....Places like this always brought out those pleasant memory's back....But close on their heels where those things he had tried his hardest forget. Quickly he shut his mind to those thoughts and as he gazed back over the grounds his smile returned to the same stoic look he wore on a daily basis.

"I would like that, Brendon. It has been too long since we have gone anywhere as a family." how long had it been? Close to ten years, maybe even more. Ten years since the last time they spent any sort of significant time alone together, that...was almost sad."Ten years Gravel, ten years since we spent any sort of time together with out the whole court watching our every move." He let his face relax as he walked forward to stand next to his cousin."Realizing that makes me wonder what it would be like if we where a normal family, getting together on Sundays to share our weeks over a good meal and actually enjoying each other company." He let out a sigh and clapped his cousin in the sholder."It's nearly enough to make one want to give up all we have" He laughed then and pulled Gav towards the sparring field in the center of the gardens." But i dont think i could wish our fate on any of our citizens, im not that cruel."

When the reached the field he walked to the weapons rack and picked up a practice blade for himself and glanced at his cousin."Steal or wood Gravel?" There was a challenge in his his stare as he looked him in the eye. How dare he make him feel this way....He didn't need to be reminded of all he had missed out on....But speaking to Gavin had just brought it to the for front of his mind. IT was.... uncomfortable....

[Maria Etheridge]

There was definitely one thing that the main seat of Creig royalty had that the rolling Shannon Manor did not. A beautiful library. It was rows and rows of extensive volumes on every subject in the world. Comparatively speaking, Shannon Manor had a very tiny study, primarily full of history and political books that belonged to her father and her brother. And that was definitely off limits to the sweet, little princess. And with Fiona asking some less than savory maids to make sure that the books in Maria's room was limited... well, she had to be terribly careful. She had one or two slim volumes of Shakespeare hidden away in a secret place that she would pull out when she was sure Fiona wasn't around. So the majority of her reading came from her visits to the royal library. The stores were so extensive that it wasn't noticed when she took a book. And besides, she was the princess of Carraig. As a member of the royal family, she did have a right to read the books. SO THERE.

She had journeyed from Shannon Manor, a good hour's drive from the castle, just in search of a new book. Well, in fact, the journey had taken more than an hour, as she had not driven. In fact, it had taken her far longer than that. She had decided to further irritate her mother by RIDING A HORSE all the way to Castle Bhaile Átha Cliath. Fiona had been displeased a bit, but Maria just sweetly used the excuse that she needed to practice her sidesaddle anyway. Which was most seemly of a princess when her husband wished to go hunting; she had to be able to ride alongside him! That had placated Fiona somewhat and so Maria had left the day before with her most trusted maid and one groomsmen in tow. They had taken the fifty-some miles at a quick pace and as soon as Shannon Manor was out of sight, Maria had switched to riding astride. HAH. They arrived at the castle that night and Maria immeadiately stole away to the chambers designated for when she visited. They were on the opposite side of the castle from her brother's visting chambers and very far from Gavin's. They were in fact just down the hall from the library, which she quite enjoyed.

She had spent the night sleeping off the ride and the next morning she had spent in her chambers embroidering and generally enjoying not being around her mother. The afternoon drew closer as she finally disappeared into the place she had been dying to go in since the last time she had visited. The library amused her until the mid-afternoon, until she felt the urge to go into the garden. She grabbed a tome of Romeo and Juliet and tucked it into a over-the-shoulder bag. Her skirt was knee-length today, and she wore little silver flats to match the silver stripes in her forest green and silver striped shirt. Her hair was braided and hanging down her back and she had her cloak tossed around her shoulders. She intended to use it as a comforting pad for the sturdy bench she usually found in the gardens. As she entered the gardens she heard two male voices drifting up towards her from the center. One was quite electronic and the other very familiar. Her mood instantly dropped. Damn. Those boys were in the gardens. She couldn't read there now! She wouldn't risk them tattling to Fiona. She curled her lip slightly. At the very least, it was about time for her to make her presence known. She was pretty sure Gavin had no idea she was even here. Brendon either. Typical.

She emerged into the edge of the sparring ground as Brendon gestured from Gavin to pick a weapon. “Hello brother, cousin.” She glanced at Gavin, signing smoothly. Having a good time, are we? “I've come to stay a few days at the castle. I long for some quiet. I hope you don't mind.” She tried to keep her tone as polite as possible and even sweet. She could do it, of course. She had practiced it enough. But it was always hard. Brendon had not told her he was coming here... had not invited her to join him. She was always left out; she quickly shook off the feeling of another crack in her heart.

[Gavin Etheridge]

Ten years was more than a small eternity and far too long to spent in close contact with your family and yet never make time to see them. Gavin made time for Sorcha every day; he saw her periodically through the day around her lessons and his appointments, and always made a point to have dinner with her and see her off to bed. It had been their ritual since she first came to stay at the palace with him and hadn't changed in nearly the amount of time Gavin had stopping making a conscious effort to see his cousins. They'd never been exceptionally close, Gavin knew, and Gavin had always held a preference to spend time with the cousins of his mother. had he really been so busy since after he'd been crowned that he couldn't or wouldn't make time? Brendon was right, it was unfortunate, especially since they could have all been benfitting from each other and supporting each other to make their family and country stronger for it.

It really was almost enough to mull over thoughts of what it would be like to give it all up to enjoy something more free and normal; as it was those were moments Gavin had to sneak off and steal to savour. Gavin's aid rose up, fingers tapping the keys smoothly, resolve setting in the king's mind. It had been too long since they spent time together and were now a family of strangers, but perhaps it wasn't too late to come back and get to know each other again. "We can't give up our family and station, but we can spend more time together as a family and make time to put work aside." Recent losses still weighed heavily on Gavin's mind and heart, reminding him quietly that this was a chance to change what he had been neglecting.

Gavin walked with Brendon through the garden toward the sparring grounds and looked at the weapons rack. Now wasn't the time to let himself be distracted by other, more exciting recent events on this field, but the little thought did remind him it was soemthing to repeat again soon. "Steel or wood, Gravel?" There was a light in Brendon's eyes, silently challenging his cousin to choose. It was a look he daren't back down from, either, Gavin's hand instinctively moving to steel. Any weapon was a strong weapon in skilled hands, they both knew, but there was a certain electricity that came with the urge tor spar and truly test skills that commanded one's blood and called for more.

"Hello brother, cousin. I've come to stay a few days at the castle. I long for some quiet. I hope you don't mind.” Gavin blinked, turning around to see Maria approaching and signing to him. Maria was always the most distant from him, Gavin hardly having agreeable chats with her since childhood and a cool disdain that carried into adulthood. But given her mother, Gavin rationalized that he'd be pissy, too. Fingers left the hilt of the sword to grasp his aid again, typing amidst his surprise. When did she get here? Nobody had told him.

"What an unexpected surprise to see you, Maria. I would have come to welcome you but nobody told me you had arrived or were coming." He smiled warmly, putting aside his shock, noting he'd have to ask and see why nobody had told him. Surely if she'd come with her mother he'd have heard it for miles. But where were her escorts to tell him? He sighed inwardly. The day just got longer and stranger as it went on. Nonetheless, he'd welcome her to stay and take the opportunity presented to make up or lost time. "Of course, you are welcome to stay. Bread and I were just discussing how we should spend more time together as a family. Would you both care to join me for dinner tonight?" The automated voice chimeed off in its drone staccato, the words popping out emotionlessly as Gavin typed them. Surely Maria suddenly joining them was a sign that this was something needing doing, and Gavin wasn't usually one to ignore suggestions from authorities higher than himself.

[Brendon Etheridge]

He saw the challenge flair up in his cousins eyes and smiled. He had him just where he wanted him and gavin had no idea, no idea at all that as of right now all he wanted to do was humiliate him....In friendly competition. Ohh no he thought this was a simple sparing match for old times sake, to rekindle the fires of brotherhood, to bring them closer then they had been since their childhood. But he was wrong, this match was about something far greater and more powerful then blood, this was about pride,this was about power. The resurgence of old feelings had sent Brendon threw a loop and he had barley been able to control them, or him self when that had happened. It wasn't like the man, but all of that flew out the window as Gav reached for the steel blade. Suddenly all his senses seemed to sharpen, he could hear the faint buzzing of bees, smell the scent of the freshly cut grass, and was almost dazzled by the riot of prismatic color that played of the blades of their respective weapons. It was the feeling one felt as they walked into battle...The sudden surge of adrenaline that made the world both more beautiful and more terrifying at the same time, he felt it then right as they where about to clash...He could hear his blood pumping threw out his body, the easy rhythmic beats keeping time to his shallow breaths.

"Hello brother, cousin. I've come to stay a few days at the castle. I long for some quiet. I hope you don't mind.” The prince heard the voice and for a second it didn't register, he was focused on the fight that was about to take place, every muscle in his body read and waiting to spring...And then it sunk it...Maria was there. When...How? Their mother hardly every let the woman away from the family estates, though Maria being as resourceful if not more then then him self usually found a way or three around those restrictions. So with a deep breath he had to force him self to calm down. It took a few moments but soon his racing heart was back under control and he regarded his sister with a warm if slightly strained smile, his eyes as always showing nothing more then joy at his sisters sudden appearance, though he would admit to him self that the bitch had the WORST timing."Well im glad you managed to sneak away from our dear old mother hen Maria dear....And i have to say you have the best timing, you just saved our dear old cousin from a bruised ego"

He honestly didn't know how she put up with the woman, a day in his mothers company was enough to send Bren running for the hills. But not Maria ohh no, she spent a weeks at a time with their mother...In all honesty Brendon was surprised that they had managed not to murder each other. Fiona was as over bearing as any mother could be, and a control freak like none other, at least where her daughter was concerned. "Of course, you are welcome to stay. Bread and I were just discussing how we should spend more time together as a family. Would you both care to join me for dinner tonight?" Ahh yes a family dinner....Minus the usual gaggle of officials and minor nobles that usually kept them in check....He could sense a fight brewing even now, but that was a worry for another hour."With out mother here i think we could get away with some rather... Unladylike behavior as well" He grinned and set his blade back on the rack, a small twinkle in his eye as he just managed to suppress the aggression that had nearly consumed him a moment before."And i promise i wont tell mother if you dont~"

((Sorry for the short post, mah brain is slightly frazzled~~))

[Maria Etheridge]

"What an unexpected surprise to see you, Maria. I would have come to welcome you but nobody told me you had arrived or were coming."

Maria held back the retort that she hadn't told anyone that she was coming because she didn't want anyone to know. Instead she just smiled a little. “It was somewhat of a last minute decision. I do hope you don't mind.”

"Well I'm glad you managed to sneak away from our dear, old, mother hen, Maria dear... And I have to say you have the best timing. You just saved our dear, old, cousin from a bruised ego."

Maria managed to hold back a biting laugh, making it come out as a chuckle instead. So they had been ready to have a mock battle. She knew her brother was good and very determined, but she wasn't stupid. Gavin was very good too; she made a point of knowing such things. It was very likely her brother would've ended up with the bruised ego, along with other bruises besides.

"Of course, you are welcome to stay. Bread and I were just discussing how we should spend more time together as a family. Would you both care to join me for dinner tonight?"

"Without mother here, I think we could get away with some rather... unladylike behavior as well. And I promise I won't tell mother if you don't~"

Maria rolled her eyes at Brendon. “Unladylike behavior can just as easily occur with mother around. It's just a matter of choosing one's battles.” She turned to Gavin. “Dinner does sound lovely, but that's not until later. I've clearly interrupted something. Don't stop your fighting on my account. I can see you gentlemen at dinner.” She waved her fingers in farewell, before exiting the courtyard. As soon as she was out of sight, she let the smile drop from her face. GREAT. Now she wasn't able to read in the garden AND she had to have dinner with her cousin and brother tonight. It was going to be terrible. She had gotten better about hiding her animosity towards Gavin and Brendon, but sometimes she couldn't help it. And Brendon had gotten so much worse with challenging Gavin. It was so irritating. Didn't he know how to act, for goodness sake? She could offer to teach him lessons, but that would mean revealing her secret. And like hell she would do that.

Instead Maria went back inside to her bedchamber. She dragged a chair to the window, opening them so the fresh air would waft across her. Settling into the overgrown chair, her legs tucked underneath her, she cracked open the book. A contented smile drifted across her lips as she began to read.

Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.



[[If you two still want to have the fight, then that's cool, or we can skip to dinner in this thread or another. Up to you!!]]

[Csilla Angelis]

{BUMP}

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