Aiiane
Josina, dressed in her crimson gown with cloth of gold underskirt and white silk chemise, her dark hair adorned with her mother’s sapphires, her eyes near the same color as the jewels, felt most grown up with the attention she was getting, but she had begun to wish that there was another child near her age with whom she could converse. When Neonea spoke up and brought attention to herself, Josina nearly clapped with joy.
Not being shy as a rule, without thinking to ask permission, Josina quickly went to Neo’s side. "I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, Neonea. I live with my Auntie near Keswick, maybe you can come visit me some day. I’m sure Auntie wouldn’t mind…..nor even Lord Gregarious…he’s rarely home you see…”
Aiiane laid a gentle hand upon Josina’s shoulder, her voice soft, “Josina dear, take a breath please. A blue face will not go well with your gown.” Quieted, but not daunted, Josina smiled up at her aunt, “Yes ma’am.”
As she removed her hand at turned to speak to Hik, she could not help but notice a man doffing his hat and bowing low. Years of working alongside her deceased husband’s serfs had inured Aiiane to noticing most people’s appearance, unless it was of a particularly stylish mode she had not seen before. Un-heedful of the many branches of mistletoe tacked about, Aiiane went to take a step forward to acknowledge the man’s obsequious greeting, when Lady Hik recalled her attention.
Giving him a graceful nod of her head, she retreated to the Lady’s side. “Yes, she was last in Princess Gabrielle’s care, for there was word her father, Serdan, had passed. My niece, Lady Brianna and Josina’s mother, passed some years ago. Just before her untimely demise, Gabby did have speech with me, wishing to discuss the child’s future. Alas, that conversation never took place, but shortly after, some of the Hamilton’s wherever Josina was residing, sent her to me. In actually, she is my great-niece, but as it was most confusing to explain that I was Bri’s aunt, even though much younger and thus merely addressed one another Cousin, I rarely mention that fact. Truly, the familial title is not of such importance as the love family give one another.” Smiling at the two girls in close conversation, “It is good to see her socializing with those of her own station and age. If you and Kel should ever find yourself in our part of Cumberland, I do offer the hospitality of Lord Gregarious' house.” Laughing lightly, "It is as Josina says, his duties are such that he is rarely home and why I act as his chatelaine."
Not being shy as a rule, without thinking to ask permission, Josina quickly went to Neo’s side. "I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, Neonea. I live with my Auntie near Keswick, maybe you can come visit me some day. I’m sure Auntie wouldn’t mind…..nor even Lord Gregarious…he’s rarely home you see…”
Aiiane laid a gentle hand upon Josina’s shoulder, her voice soft, “Josina dear, take a breath please. A blue face will not go well with your gown.” Quieted, but not daunted, Josina smiled up at her aunt, “Yes ma’am.”
As she removed her hand at turned to speak to Hik, she could not help but notice a man doffing his hat and bowing low. Years of working alongside her deceased husband’s serfs had inured Aiiane to noticing most people’s appearance, unless it was of a particularly stylish mode she had not seen before. Un-heedful of the many branches of mistletoe tacked about, Aiiane went to take a step forward to acknowledge the man’s obsequious greeting, when Lady Hik recalled her attention.
Giving him a graceful nod of her head, she retreated to the Lady’s side. “Yes, she was last in Princess Gabrielle’s care, for there was word her father, Serdan, had passed. My niece, Lady Brianna and Josina’s mother, passed some years ago. Just before her untimely demise, Gabby did have speech with me, wishing to discuss the child’s future. Alas, that conversation never took place, but shortly after, some of the Hamilton’s wherever Josina was residing, sent her to me. In actually, she is my great-niece, but as it was most confusing to explain that I was Bri’s aunt, even though much younger and thus merely addressed one another Cousin, I rarely mention that fact. Truly, the familial title is not of such importance as the love family give one another.” Smiling at the two girls in close conversation, “It is good to see her socializing with those of her own station and age. If you and Kel should ever find yourself in our part of Cumberland, I do offer the hospitality of Lord Gregarious' house.” Laughing lightly, "It is as Josina says, his duties are such that he is rarely home and why I act as his chatelaine."
) and we waited for entrance. Donal, wanting to be just like his dad, tried to pound on the door as well, only eliciting a small knock.
This be Neonea Wallace, my cousin! She is Uncle Kel and Aunty Hik's new daughter! They asked her if 
James loved squirrels! A band of squirrels for Uncle Kel's tavern! 
)
Smiling that at last she could do more than sit sedately in the sleigh and watch, Hikenai emerged from the warm covers long enough to place the holly and mistletoe Kelster had found in a bag. The snow was deep in drifts around her feet and she was glad Neo had stayed in the sleigh. She watched as Kelster selected an enormous tree for the castle, and was happy to see Henry rush over to help Kel handle it. The great tree fell quickly, and while sad to see it come down, Hikenai knew it's beauty would soon fill the hall in Wallace castle. 
This was Hikenai's favorite time of the day, when she and Kel would rinse the scent of ale and whisky from their hands, would hurry to the stables where the young boys would have the horses saddled and ready, and they would mount them quickly, sometimes only breaking their clasped hands long enough to get settled in their saddle. Then Hik and Kel would ride back to Wallace Castle, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, but always with one aim in mind.
Then they would file from the church, and down the steps to the gazebo in the church yard, where Kelster would stand waiting for Hikenai to take her place next to him. This was Hikenai's wedding day and she could remember no other day in her life, in which she had felt so beautiful, so loved, and so full of hope for the future. When she and Kel returned to Wallace Castle later that night, it would be as husband and wife!
Seeing one missive having arrived from the south, Hikenai broke open the seal and began to read news of another couple, newly married, enjoying their...............and Hikenai's face fell. She sat blankly for a moment and then picked up Kel's quill and ink pot. There was already clean parchment before her, so Hikenai began, hand writing invitations to close friends and kin. A tear slid down her cheek and splashed on her collar bone, as she whispered a prayer for two she knew would not be in attendance at her wedding, the groom having entered death's corridor, leaving his bride alone and grieving. As Hikenai shook her head at the unfathomable loss, she knew she would not forget this man..............
