Untitled Tale Part .5

Brienna McKellen rose at the break of day. She watched the sun rise over the heather covered hills as she cared for her family’s scant livestock. Then, she reentered the small cottage, stoked the peat fire and began preparations for breakfast. A small bundle beside the fire began to wiggle. Fiona was awakening. The four year-old looked up into Brienna’s face.1

“Morning Mama,” she yawned, her voice slightly husky.2

“Mornin’ ma dear bairn,” Brienna crooned back. Fiona rose from her cot beside the fire.3

“Will Adam come by with the sheep?” Fiona loved the shepheard for his kindness and strength.4

“I dinna ken, child,” Brienna responded with a twinkle in her eye. The truth was that she did know. She had heard the sheep on the hills as she fed the lone cow. Adam would be coming soon.
~*~/~*~
Elanor awoke and stretched lazily. The morning sun streamed through her window, bathing the room in its warm glow. The fire in the hearth glowed brightly. Cait, Elanor’s maid, had already laid out her plaid for the day. It was Elanor’s best, reserved for celebrations, such as the birth of Elanor’s baby sister, Andreanna. Even at eighteen, Ellie was excited for the games. She was also excited because Ian was coming. A friend of the family, Ellie and Ian had been dear friends for years. In her dreams Ellie still saw herself as married to Ian, even though his love for her was that of a brother for a sister.
Ellie finished dressing and moved toward the gilt mirror so Cait could do her hair. As the young woman’s fingers skillfuly plaited the sabine waves, Ellie studied her own face. She had not received her mothers fair, ethereal beauty, rather, her father’s strength was reflected in Ellie’s high cheekbones and strong chin. The only touches of Gayle in her daughter were the mysterious dark grey eyes fleck with lavendar which were Ellie’s most striking feature.
“Finished, m’lady” Cait’s voice interrupted Elanor’s concentration. Ellie turned to the girl, who was her best friend.
“You are coming with me, are you not Cait?” she asked, fearful her friend would say no. Cait had family in the high land hills surrounding Heatherfield, Elanor’s family’s manor. As often as possible Cait returned to visit her relatives.
“Yes m’lady,” she answered quietly, “My sister said she’d bring the child to see the games.” Elanor smiled excitedly. The pair exited the greystone building onto the lawn, giggling happily.