The Royal Captive; Fire in Fermanagh

Hearing their reasoning to keep weapons at all times made some sense though it made her wonder how many other camps had been made to infiltrate England? She didn't ask, because she thought he might be suspicious thinking she was trying to get information out of the rebels. Besides that, if she were rescued it was best to keep her in the dark about the rebels. She would have questions for Michael, but she suspected he would think twice before answering any of them.

Thinking he was too busy changing himself, she didn't know he got a peek of her. She'd only seen that he was just in his pants and undershirt. As she'd closed her eyes she'd heard Sean moving around. Perhaps there was something he had to do before bed. She shifted slightly as she heard the pads of his feet approach the sack. With a sigh she tried to relax deeper into sleep, until she heard her protecter say his apologies. She didn't pull her wrist away but she looked a little concerned with what he was about to do, then found he was simply taking a precaution by tying him to her. "I understand." she murmured softly as she watched him tie the other end of the rope around his own wrist.

She blinked a few times as she wasn't sure she could sleep now, he was close enough that she could reach out and touch him. Why that excited her she didn't know, yet she was curious to feel his chest. Before she could act out on any of her sinful curiosity he'd laced his fingers with hers, then felt his kiss on her forehead. She looked at him surprised and nearly asked, what was that for...

All she could do though was look at him and sigh softly. "Goodnight..." she repeated nervously then tried again to close her eyes.

---


As how many dreams went, she didn't always realize it wasn't truly happening. Though she dreamt that she was in her brother's throne room kneeling before him. There was a guard on her right and left holding her down. Had she refused to kneel? she didn't remember. How had she gotten here?

"You my own sister, allowed yourself to be seduced by my enemy. Yet because you're my sister, I can't bare to kill you for your disloyalty. Still you must be punished." Her brother sounded both angry and disappointed in her yet she didn't remember any other ways she betrayed him besides thinking perhaps she was better off not to return to him. According to her brother, she was sure that would be disloyalty enough so she didn't question it or respond to his statement.

Then she tensed up as she could think of a punishment she feared the most, and Henry himself was well aware of it. "Solitary will help you atone for your sins. Take her out of my sight, lock her up!"

Before she knew it she'd been dragged away and thrown into a dark room. According to her fear, she would never see the light of day again.

---


She woke up in the darkness of the barn and sighed, using her free hand to rub away a single tear which trickled down the side of her cheek. Without really thinking about it she shifted closer to Sean, and turned to press her back against his chest and pulled his arm to drape over her. She hoped he wouldn't mind... he seemed to like her enough now.

When she woke next, she looked up to see the holes in the roof trickling in light from the morning. She smiled as they looked like stars to her. She peeked over to see if Sean was still asleep, then realizing she moved in her sleep? She didn't remember.
 
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He was glad she understood. He didn't to wrestle with her before bed. If he could, he would rather have had her fall asleep laying on his chest, like she had been when she tackled him. But whatever Michael had planned for her was much more important than some discomfort. It appeared his kiss didn't tempt her to kiss him again, and his heart sank a little. Tomorrow night maybe.

He held her hand as he drifted to sleep, eventually loosening his grip.

---

Sean's dreams didn't vary too greatly. He either dreamed of battles, dames, or victories after battle. Tonight was one of a battle. Sean and his riders were slaughtering them as they rode. Knocking them from their horses, impaling them on pikes. Victorious they rode back to their village.

Usually there's a girl awaiting his return, Phoebe. The girl from his hometown. He have never actually courted her, only going so far as a few kisses before he left to fight in the war. In his dreams however, they were always madly in love. They had a small farm together and he would live worry free.

Tonight was different though. Instead of the Gaelic seamstress welcoming him home it was.. Mary? She took him in his arms and kissed him just the same as Phoebe did in his previous dreams, and it felt just as great.

---

Sean woke up immediately feeling her move. He allowed her to shift so she was against him, not resisting her when she pulled his arm over her. He smiled, and moved his arm to be more comfortable. He had his arm around her belly, holding her close to him. Using his free hand, he moved her hair out of the way so he could nuzzle into her neck. His hand finally rested under her head, fingers in her hair.

The light from the roof didn't bother Sean at all anymore, it happened every night. He fell back asleep before she woke up a second time. If she were awake, she would find him cuddling her quite comfortably. It wasn't long before day light would be shining through the roof.

The sun slowly began to come through the leaky roof. Sean woke up and looked around. She was in his arms, but why? Would she protest it now that it was daylight. Fuck it, what's she gonna do about it? He could still easily overpower her. Besides, anyone else would have raped her. Her sleeping with him did protect her from anybody else.
 
She didn't move at first when she found Sean's arm around her, she was just a little bit perplexed because she'd been facing him when she first fell asleep. She laid their a moment feeling his body pressed against her back. Her face was hotter then ever, and she pinched herself to make sure she was really awake. No, this wasn't a dream, she confirmed.

She knew because she was used to more sleeping space, she moved around a lot during the night. Sheepishly she looked at him as the light trickled in and lit up his face for her to see. How was she going to get out of it? Did she want to get out of it?

Finally she broke the silence,
"Sean? Think maybe you should untie us now? I would be hard for me to get dressed if we're connected like this..." She was now attempting to rotate herself the opposite way out of his arms and facing him again. "In any case... it's first light... we have to get up and talk to Michael no?" she continued, "I'm pretty curious what he has to say. To both of us, As he stated so seriously before he rushed off."

Was Sean himself curious too? She peered at him and held out her wrist for him to untie her. "Perhaps we'll break fast after we find out what Michael wants." So far she'd only learned a few of the men's names in the camp, non of them really spoke to her as they expected they weren't going to have to deal with her. Michael himself put that task on Sean, and though he was reluctant at first, at least he had the compassion not to ignore her. "Then you might tell me more about yourself?"

Once released from the rope, Mary walked over to the trunk and hunted for that simple dress she'd picked out the other day. Apparently to her nicer just meant with colors. However now that there was light in the barn she was more hesitant to change in his presence. She looked at him, "Turn around Sean Kelly." she gave him a teasing smile and waited. When he did so she quickly changed and then slipped on her shoes.
She liked using his full name the most because it was sure to get his attention, if she didn't already have it.

When they both were ready to go, she would let Sean lead her out of the barn to find Michael.
 
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He had never slept so close to someone before. He had been this close with six other rebels before. They were all laying abreast in a wagon, waiting for Michael to finish distracting an English patrol so they could jump out and ambush them. Sean wished he and Mary would lay together for just a moment longer.

She was awake and made it clear to him. "You sure?" He greeted her with a smile when she turned to face him. She was right about having to speak with Michael. He was a patient man, but Sean didn't like to keep him waiting longer than he needed to. He knew Michael had a lot to do, at least that's what he always heard from him. "Why? What do you think he'll say to me?" Many times Sean had been praised for his ferocity and battle prowess. Brave, strong, relentless. Sean didn't wasn't what was relent was, but he didn't ask anyone either. He took it as a compliment in stride. "Why do you think I got this barn? I'm a great soldier." His smiled had faded. Did she think Michael would have anything negative to say about him?

He didn't want to look forward to eating, as he didn't know how long Michael would keep them. It seemed she was making plans for the day as well. She wanted to know more about him. "Why?" What was there to tell her? Her dad had his hanged, his family are starving peasants, and he's killed countless Englishmen. He enjoys doing it as well. Why did she care about a man from Ballinamallard?

He untied her from the rope before he started on freeing himself. He watched her get up to change her dress before standing. He was still watching her when she told him to turn around.
"Oh." He obliged, but wondered why she used his full name so often. After she was done, he turned around and went to get his clothes. He put on the same tunic he wore yesterday, soon placing his mail over it. Rearming himself he put his shoes on, ready to go find Michael. "Come on Mary.." He didn't know her last name. There was only one princess, but he hadn't a clue.

The two entered a tent that was much nicer than the others.
"Good morning, sir." Michael was sitting at a table with maps and scrolls sprawled over it. Around his tent were various oddities from Western Europe. Sean didn't understand it, or even know where most of it came from. He didn't know if his stein came from Prussia or Persia. Michael looked up from what he was doing. "Sleep well?" "Aye sir."

"Have a seat. Sean, get the lass a seat." There was a section of log that had been cut to use as a makeshift seat. He went to the edge of the tent and fetched another for himself. He put it close enough so their legs could touch when they sat. Their hands would be hidden under the table, so they could even hold hands if she desired.

Michael took a deep breath before starting. He looked to Mary first. "So, how's the brute been treating you?" He smiled, trying to be friendly with her. "Has he tried slitting your throat yet? You know he hates the Saxons more than anyone?" Michael looked to Sean for confirmation. "He loves watching them die more than having a stiff drink." He couldn't deny it. "You should be thankful you have this devil watching over you." Michael leaned onto the table. "Any of the other men there- they would have raped you." Michael was wise, and he would make sure you knew just how insightful he was. He was cautious to let Mary know too much. The desires of the men under his command wasn't critical information. Sean had stayed silent the whole time. Once Michael started talking, he liked to continue.

Michael changed his attention to Sean next. "Sean my boy, have you found anything out." Sean smiled and spoke up. "Yes sir! She's the real princess!" He said it with pride, like he were a real sleuth for finding out this information. "I had me doubts, she doesn't eat so fancy. No forks or nothin!" Michael shook his head and sighed. "Good. We have the right lady." He wasn't disappointed in Sean, but he knew the red head's limitations. "Anything else?" Sean thought it over for a moment. "Neigh sir." He didn't want to tell him that she had kissed him the night before, fearing she may be put under someone else's watch.

"Think about it, will you Sean? Can you do that for me?" "Aye sir." Michael knew Sean had learned something else, but was too overwhelmed by it now.

"Before we continue," he turned his attention to Mary again. "Do you have any questions for me young lady?"
 
Patiently she'd listened to Sean ask what she'd thought Michael would have something to say to him,
"Never mind, I suppose we'll see." When he boasted about his very own barn she smiled, "Yes I never doubted you as a soldier, Sean. It's a very nice barn." If he had told her what was on his mind about her thinking Michael would have something negative to say about him, she'd tell him the contrary right away. When asked why she wanted to know more about Sean, she looked at him silently.

"Because you know so much about me?" she gave him a pointed look, "You don't have to tell me what you don't want me to know." she'd sighed and turned away. Was she wrong to feel she could trust him so easily? Time would tell.


---

Mary followed Sean into the tent and gazed at all of Micheal's trinkets. Oh he was a collector of knowledge she could see that. She peeked at the man himself, with a small bit of curiosity. She wanted to know what he knew, and what his plans were for her. However for now she decided to tread carefully. Yet again when she'd encountered him, he spoke to Sean and only him. Why? Possibly because he wouldn't bother unless he needed to?


When directed to sit, she found the one set aside for her. As she took her seat though, she didn't remove her gaze from Michael. She continued to observe him, her expression was serious and thoughtful. When Sean sat beside her, she very slowly took his hand. From the start she was calm and focused only on Michael. She needed to decide what to make of him.

She was slightly irritated that Michael didn't have the decency to introduce himself even now. His questions about how the 'brute' was treating her went unanswered, mostly because there wasn't a lot of space for her to answer.

While he smiled, she tried to decide whether it was reaching his eyes. She didn't get the feeling that his business with her was personal so he must have been a middle man. She blinked as she concluded there was far more to learn about this small band of rebels. Only when he spoke of rape did she avert her eyes. Did he want her to be grateful that he had thought so far ahead to ensure she wasn't taken advantage of? Yes she could admit that she would thank him for that at least.

Yet why bother to go so far, had someone ordered to keep her unharmed and untouched? "Yes I've been treated decently thank you." Was all she had to say to that. He wanted her thanks, so she gave it to him.

His question to Sean made her eyes narrow slightly, she'd been partially right before had she? Michael wanted Sean to learn about who was in his care, and by the reaction confirming that she was the princess wasn't an answer she was looking for. (Well didn't they need to confirm it? or had Michael seen portraits of her?)

Mary tried her best not to peek at Sean when Michael asked if there was anything else to report. She'd told him a lot in fact... but for some reason Sean had nothing to report? She didn't react to this but inside she was curious. Did Sean feel he had something to hide from Michael?


Finally with Michael's attention on Mary again she smiled, "Sir I believe this is my third time encountering you, and you haven't introduced yourself to me once?" she paused, "I do have questions good sir, but first, might I know who I'm speaking to? As we have confirmed, I am indeed The Princess of England, Mary Tudor. Though feel free to call me Mary."

She waited for him to introduce himself, "Good to make your acquaintance, Sir Michael" she continued "As for my questions, might you be so kind to let me know why I've been whisked away by such charming Irishmen? Or if you can't tell me, perhaps you'll let me know what it is you're so curious to find out? I might be able to give you first hand insight."
 
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It made him smile when she recognized his skill as a soldier. Sean didn't think he knew all that much about Mary. He knew her first name, that she had lots of dresses, and she didn't like Krag. There wasn't anything he had to hide from her, he just didn't think she would be interested in it.

---

Sean welcomed her hand and held it like he had before they went to bed. It did make him feel a little awkward, Michael telling her about how many men he killed, while her was holding her hand. Michael was happy for her verify that she had been treated well. He knew Sean wouldn't take advantage of her, but Michael loved hearing he was right. Sean enjoyed hearing it too.

Michael leaned back when she mentioned how he hadn't introduced herself yet. He smiled and waited for her finish. It wouldn't be silence, as Sean would turn to her and whisper. "Tudor.." Saying it to himself as much as he was to her. "Indeed, it appears I haven't. Michael Doherty, of Enniskillen." Looking to Sean, he thought he may have not introduced himself yet. "You've been in the company of Sean Kelly, of Ballinamallard." He returned to Mary, to inform her further. "County Fermanagh if you were wondering." She probably didn't know many counties of Ireland, and it wouldn't harm them if she did ever report it back to her brother.

Sean's cheeks flushed red as she called him charming. He had moved his other hand to cover hers. Michael leaned back again before answering her question.
"Our lord would rather me not tell you why you've been chosen to stay with us. I suggest you make the best of your little stay with us." He was debating what he should tell her and what to withhold. "I can tell you, it's not just for leisure. It's in our eternal goal of a free Ireland. You will give us a certain... leverage in negotiations. Now. Enough of that. How are your relations with your brother?"

Michael stopped and looked to Sean, gauging how clueless he was to the whole thing. Sean was having difficulty remembering what little he knew about Mary. She had been bitten by something on the leg, but Michael didn't need to know that... the mentioning of her brother jogged his memory. "Michael. Her brother will send a counter attack." He smiled, happy to have remembered it but even happier at the thought of killing more English knights.

"Thank you Sean." He moved the parchment around on the table until a map of the area was above everything else. Reaching over for a quill, he questioned Mary further. "Is this true?"
 
The entire time Michael spoke she was searching his eyes, trying to learn him. What sort of man was he? She was sure for now he would be speaking the truth.

From the way Michael introduced Sean to her, he didn't seem to expect that Mary would have been on good terms with Sean by now. Thus she wouldn't give any hints of that being the case. Sean might trust his leader, but she wouldn't be so quick to. Michael likely expected Sean's hatred to be too strong for a friendly relationship to form between them, but Mary was a bonny lass, both inside and out. With time she might even get the other Irishman to like her too. But Michael himself? She guessed he would like you more if you benefit him more.

Still it was nice to learn more about Sean's origins. She would ask Sean more about that later.

Ah... so he is the middle man. She smiled sweetly as Michael spoke, appreciating even the smallest clues. The way Michael said little stay though, made her irritated. He was talking down to her, but still she couldn't do anything about that. She blinked as Michael wanted to know about her brother but before she had a chance to respond Sean went and gave away some information he thought would be helpful. She just stared at Michael blankly as the man responded to this ready to make a plan of action.

When being asked if it were true, Mary sighed. "I told him that my brother would have been expecting me by the evening of yesterday." She shrugged, "Is it true that there will be a counter attack? I don't know for sure. If my brother were to send his best trackers and several soldiers to go along with them, how easily do you think they would find a trail that leads them to your camp?" She gave him an sweet smile, "Sorry, unfortunately I can't confirm or deny that there will be a counter attack."
 
While Mary and Michael were discussing counter attacks and what her brother would do, Sean took the liberty of moving his hand onto her thigh. He was getting bored of the talk of politics, but he was concerned with the possibility of an attack. Not wanting Michael to think he was lying, Sean nodded. "She did."

She didn't know? Then why would she tell him. He was worried now, what did she really know? Visibly concerned he looked to Michael with pleading eyes, begging for his advice. "Should we move?" Michael held up a finger to Sean. "Wait Sean." He wanted to hear Mary finish speaking before he would consider anything Sean told him.

"I see. You can't control what he does.." Michael could see that she was being difficult with him, but maybe Sean could get some information out of her. He would meet again with the two later, hopefully Sean would have more to tell him. Michael stood up in front of the two. "Thank you both for your time. Sean, you'll stay in Mary's company until further notice." Sean stood holding her hand, hiding a smile. He didn't protest it this time though. "Yes sir." Michael saw their hands together and sighed. Were the two getting close? It didn't matter, Sean was serving his purpose and Mary would be in due time... once he found out what Maguire wanted her purpose to be.

Sean led both of them out of the tent, going immediately to Kieran for breakfast. He was walking fast again, but not to be rude. He was hungry and wanted to get there quickly. A stew of the leftover chicken had been simmering overnight. Fetching two wooden bowls, he gave one to Mary while getting his own breakfast.
"Michael he's.." He may have been daft, but Sean could tell something about his leader bothered her. "He's a little too much sometimes." He started slurping his stew from his bowl.

He stood closer to her and spoke softly. He didn't want everyone to know what was going on between them. "Do you want to go to the stream again?"
 
Mary's brows furrowed as Sean touched her thigh, he was getting bolder that was hard not to notice even if she was a little naive. However It didn't help that he was being forward in the presence of Michael, if he was trying to be romantic, It didn't come off that way. She moved his hand away but squeezed it reassuringly. Don't distract me right now...

She kept her face blank, no reaction when Sean asked Michael if they should move their camp. She watched Michael process the information and frowned when he said something about controlling her brother. What sort of power did any of them think she wielded? Henry had a reputation for being stubborn, what did they expect? She nodded to Michael as he seemed ready to dismiss them. Sean would keep her company until further notice? She held back a scoff and forced a smile,"Good meeting you, Sir Michael" She said as Sean stood, she stood with him. Michael clearly saw them hand in hand... So much for making him think that Sean still hated her still.

She let Sean Lead her out, and tried to keep up as best she could. "Good morning, Kieran." she greeted the rebel cook not sure if he would return the greeting, if not she would try again later. She took the wooden bowl handed to her by Sean. She sipped out of the bowl quietly until Sean spoke about Michael. "Not at all, he was the perfect gentleman!" She wasn't going to badmouth their leader in front of the men. She wasn't an idiot.

Hearing Sean ask her if she wanted to go to the stream again looked at him and nodded.
"Alright." She quickly finished her breakfast and let Sean lead her away. When they reached the stream she crossed her arms and looked at the water. "It wasn't that he was just 'much'," She began, "I have more reason not to trust him than you." she shook her head, "That man though, is a businessman and I'm the commodity." Finally she turned to Sean and her expression softened, "You want to do what's best for Ireland?"
 
When she said it was nice to meet him, Michael knew she was lying. He admired her politeness, she was educated and much more intelligent than the man watching over her. Part of him was worried on what effect she would have Sean, not even taking into account how Sean may shift her opinion.

Kieran was a tad friendlier towards her now. "Morning." He was wary of her, but Sean seemed to be fine with her. It made Sean smile. If his riders were in favor of her, it would make his task much easier. He watched her as she ate her stew. She was foreign to him, but she felt familiar and welcoming. When she praised Michael, Kieran chuckled. "He's a bastard." The cook looked up from his work to speak with Mary. He felt he had to justify his outburst to Mary. "Sean'll never say it, because he's too stupid to know any better." He could have gone further and told her that Sean only looks up to Michael because his dad swung from a tree. He chose to bit his tongue, remembering how he once saw Sean beat a man to death for calling his mother a wench.

Even being cautiously insulted by his comrade, Sean grinned. "Ey! Shut yer gob!" he shouted to Kieran. He turned to her. "Don't listen to him, they got him cooped up here, he's losin his mind." Once he finished his breakfast, he left the bowl by the cauldron of stew. Even being eager to get away with her, he slowed his pace this time. When they arrived he couldn't help but smiling. He remembered how close they had been on the banks of the stream. He conveniently forgot when he had pinned her down and threatened her.

"Why?" He asked. "Why me?" He knew why she didn't like Michael, but what made her trust him? She wasn't wrong, Michael was a merchant before the war, and somehow managed to still turn profit while they were in England. He didn't like what she called herself. The commodity. It made her sound like a piece of property-a bushel of turnips or a side of beef. When she was looking at the water, he wanted to move and stand behind her to hug her. She turned too quickly, so he would have to wait.

Did she doubt his devotion to his cause? Or did she question his methods? "Aye. Why do you ask such a thing?" He was visibly confused by her question. He could finally remember what he meant when he told her they would cast pebbles for a thousand years. "Whatever it takes to free Erin's Isle." Being alone with her, it gave him a sense of security. It may be a false one, but it gave him the security to wait and bring his opinions to words. "If it takes throwing pebbles for a thousand years, then we'll do it for a thousand and one!" He was beaming with pride of his country, speaking as if he were standing in front of an army instead of a curious princess. He paused to think of what to say next, trying to emulate speeches Michael had given.

"If it means I'll meet my end before my twenty-fifth summer, then I hope I take a hundred Englishmen with me." He would continue his impromptu speech with a slight note of contempt. It wasn't aimed at her, but her country. "You English monsters shan't think you've won. As long as Ireland has sons to fight, we'll never be defeated." His eyes didn't leave her during his whole speech. The thoughts of her being an enemy were starting to drift back into his mind. He was passionate about his cause, and he didn't know if she would ever understand it. He knew she probably wasn't asking about his devotion, but she wanted to know more about him.
 
Her mood slightly lightened when Kieran was friendlier, when attempting to cover up her dislike for Michael with praise Kieran spoke up. Her eyes shifted to the man with a inquisitive expression. Did that mean he didn't actually fully trust Michael? She didn't respond though. When Sean was called stupid, she didn't agree so much. There was more to it than that. Sean looked up to Michael, wished he could be like that man he saw as a father?

She didn't actually understand what he was asking, Why what? By the point she turned around Sean was closer to her, as if he wanted to provide comfort. She searched his eyes as she needed to make sure he understood what she would have to say.

She didn't answer when he asked why she would question it, she was searching his eyes for the truth. She let him speak the entire time, not like had cut him off and dismissed what he had say. When he finished he smiled, "Aye... if that's what it takes." she nodded patiently.
She sighed as she stepped back from him, "But Sean... I don't want you to die so early in your life! I don't want your people to have to throw pebbles for so many centuries!" She turned her back to him again and sighed.

How could she get through to him? She knelt down and picked up a pebble, and put it in his hand. "Think about that pebble as yourself" she smiled at him patiently, "No, better yet? Imagine someone in your family instead, maybe your brother? That pebble is your innocent brother at home." She waited for him to try and imagine, "Think of that single pebble as a life... it should be precious. I don't want thousands of people to die. Irish or English!"

She stepped closer to him, "Now imagine that pebble as me. It's no different than any other pebble but because that pebble has a name 'Mary Tudor', it holds more value. Now, if your people use that pebble it's possible to save the others. However it entirely depends on how that pebble is thrown, if used in the correct way... with that pebble the castle you want to fall could crumble into pieces." She shook her head and spoke plainly, "Michael... I know he takes orders from someone. You might not be able to tell me who, but whoever that is... that person is going to use me as leverage. If selling me is what it will take to free Erin's Isle before the next century. Then..." she trailed off and shrugged, "There's nothing else for me to do but wait and see." She sighed and shook her head, not sure if that went over his head.
 
He had finished his piece and looked to her waiting for a response. He smiled hearing she agreed to do whatever it takes for a free Ireland. Did she want to see it freed as well? She wanted to see him live past his 20s, but why? She just met him yesterday. She turned away and he thought she was disappointed. "What choice do we have Mary? Just stand by and let them steal our land? Ask them not to starve us? You haven't left in four hundred years."

He was going to continue but she had picked up a pebble and placed it in his hand. He stopped and brought it close to his face to examine it. He didn't know where it was going, but he wouldn't interrupt her any further. She could have picked a nicer pebble. Least she didn't put shite in my hand. When she told him that pebble should represent his brother, he imagined it as his youngest brother, Jack. Still too young to have done harm to anyone. Sean hoped his youngest brother would never have to join the war, but he wouldn't look down on Jack if he came to the same decision to fight the crown.

She called life precious. Precious. He shook his head. If only her father had felt the same., maybe he would still be able to see his own father. Would she think less of him for ending so many lives short? When she told him to imagine the pebble as herself, he glanced down to it. Although being the same stone, it felt more sacred to him now that it represented her. "Maybe we can save others if we use this pebble correctly. But they'll kill us just for having this pebble on our side." He had held the pebble long enough and turned his hand so it fell to the ground. "Besides, you're more than a pebble. You're a mighty trebuchet. They want you to crush the walls." She had much more power in this war than Sean would and he knew it. It mattered not that he could defeat her in combat every time, she was worth more than just a foot soldier.

He felt conflicted. He wanted Ireland free, he had fought for a free Ireland for the past few years. But did he want Mary to sacrifice herself for it? Not at all. He was beginning to grasp the concept she was trying to teach him. At least, he thought he was.
"Aye, he does. He doesn't you to know..." He knew he may get scolded by Michael for telling her, but it wasn't like it would be that hard to figure out if she did return to her palace. "He's Hugh Maguire, Lord of Fermanagh." He looked to her eyes, this time it was he searching to see if she understood him. "Your brother would know more about him. He fought.. we fought in Clontibret. It was a slaughter." He smiled as he relived it in his head. "They ran with their tails between their legs."

He was still processing what she told him. He took both of her hands into his and looked to her. "Did you mean what you said? Each life is precious?"
 
She wasn't telling him to stand by and not defend his home. It didn't matter if she'd just met him, but she was brought into this whether they liked it or not. Sean only had to follow orders and guard her, yet he was able to at least set aside whatever hatred for her and stop seeing her as an evil demoness.

No she didn't bother to pick out a nice pebble, if she'd picked a pretty one he might have missed the point.

She looked up as he seemed to get the concept at least.

"Don't think I don't know that, but like it or not your people decided capturing me was worth the risk. I'm involved now and there's no turning back."

Would she thinks less of him for fighting his war no, but she would be disappointed if he couldn't see the value of human life. Be it his family or his enemies family. The point was she couldn't be selfish anymore. Besides part of her was glad to be kidnapped, she enjoyed Sean's company. Even if their first encounter was unpleasant, she had the ability to change the war and end it for the better.

"You're wrong Sean. I'm a human being, but because my blood is as good as gold... I'm the payment required to get you that Trebuchet."

All her life she wished and hoped she wouldn't be forced into something like how her mother was forced to marry her father. Unfortunately that wouldn't be the case.

Hearing who the leader was she shook her head,

"I didn't expect you would tell me that." She sighed. She thought for a moment, "what ever bargain they make for me, make sure it ends this damned war."

When he took her hands she looked at him,

"I was taught to believe so yes... Before my mother died, she made sure there was someone to teach me so... My governess was like a second mother to me, I doubt I'll ever see her again. Yes Sean, each life is precious... You can't waste it."
 
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Capturing her wasn't Sean's choice, but he chose not to remind her that. He was glad they did, as it meant they could be together. "No turning back.. No one goes back the same." He looked to the horizon, remembering how many young lives joined this war and never returned home. "I hope you have a better fate."

Her words were true, but he didn't want to hear them. He didn't want to sell her for a trebuchet. Not a hundred trebuchets. It was irrational. With a hundred trebuchets they could knock down all the castles in England. The price was still too high. "I know you wouldn't. And you didn't hear it from my lips either."

When she asked him to make sure it ends the war it saddened him. Doesn't she know that this war was much bigger than he was? "Oh Mary, don't you know it's out of my control?" He looked down before meeting her eyes again. "I can only try."

A hint of jealousy came over him. She had someone to teach her. Indeed, back at home his older brother was taking care of his family while Sean was out fighting. He let go of her hands to take him into his arms. It wasn't her fault his father was dead. She had made him ponder concepts that hadn't ever crossed his mind. Each life has value? But English soldiers were nothing but heathens that should be wiped clean. No, she was wrong! She had to be. If she wasn't, then everything Sean had believed would be wrong.

He squeezed her softly in his arms. He sighed before speaking to her. "Each life is precious. I'll remember that when I have an English arrow in my chest." He paused having trouble to continue. "Did they tell you that before or after they sent another Paddy to the gallows?" The men who killed his father weren't precious. Her brother wasn't precious. Nobody opposing him were precious, they all deserved to rot in hell. She had someone to replace her mother, but how many sons had to fill the roles of their fathers? "Someone could teach you. Nobody comes to our rescue, nobody comes to save us. Their sons are told they're the man of the house now.." He was speaking aloud, getting angry over it.

Sean was learning however. He didn't threaten her despite his growing rage. He was cautious not to crush her in his grip, or she would want to leave. Hugging her there by the stream made him feel better about everything, despite wanting to lash out at the world.
 
"I suppose they wouldn't" she sighed as he spoke about no one going back the same, war would always have a way of changing someone to the point they'd never see the world the same. Him wishing she would have a better fate made her smile sadly, "I'll see if I can't make the most of what I have. You don't have to worry about my fate." She looked to the water for a moment, "You just focus on making the most of what you're given, you can always change your fate with a choice."

She frowned as she heard him say she didn't hear who his master was from him, "I didn't hear it at all. I've already forgotten the name."

She was almost offended that he would think she'd implicate him but she let it go. It was better for her to forget what he said on the chance that she was rescued, "If I'm stolen back by my brother you can trust my vow of silence... even if he'd lock me up in a tower and I can't see the light of day again. I promise you that."

Him saying it was out of his hands made her mad,
"I won't accept that, Sean. If I'm giving up my freedom you best fight even harder for your own. I need you to be a leader."

She sighed as he took her in his arms, "Stop talking like that!" she growled, "Look at me!" when he looked at her she frowned at him, "You listen to me. I'm not telling you to forgive the ones that did your people wrong! Just!..." She sighed and buried her face in his chest, "Just do what you can... one day at a time... live and bide your time. Work toward a good future for your family."
 
She told him not to worry, but he couldn't obey. Even if her brother were to come and snatch her away from him, he would still think of her. He thought over what he could even work with. His riders, maybe some assistance from Michael? He didn't believe her, he felt he was doomed to die under an English sky. At least she wouldn't tell Michael he had been spilling the beans to her. He found it a bit excessive. If her brother captured her, Sean would surely be executed.

Something had upset her. Was it the thought of Sean dying in battle? "What the fuck do you think I'm doing! We fight to the death as it is! I already lead my own cavalry. Kevin, Kieran, and Brian." He was a bit offended. Did she think he was incapable? He didn't mean to have an outburst, it was a bad habit that he had shown her yesterday.

She was being aggressive with him too? He liked it. The aggression excited him, pumping him up to fight. He listened to her as she asked, but snapped when she sighed. "What?" Then she.. put her head on his chest? The hell is this about? He moved his hand up her back to the base of her neck. Her advice wasn't helpful. It was how he had been living his life for the past three years. Well, except working towards a future.

He had his hand on the back of her head to run his fingers through her hair when she said it. He stopped his hand and sighed. "Your father guaranteed my family would never have a good future." He ran his fingers through her hair, moving his head to look at the flowing water. He was still angry about everything that had happened to her, but he didn't want to take this anger out on her.

Despite his best efforts, he still sounded resentful. "You want to know more about me? I was twelve." He didn't think he had to explain to her what he meant. "Jack was two. You know he doesn't even remember what his father looks like? He only knows what we've told him about his Da." Still enraged having to relive his hardships he was growing impatient. "Dammit!" Whatever she replied he didn't hear her. He pulled away from her so her head wasn't in his chest. He let go of her only to grab her waist. In one motion he pulled her off the ground and into the air with a grunt. He caught her holding her legs. She was eye level with him now. "I can't fucking hear you," Sean explained as if it made perfect sense that to hear her better, he should hold her up. He stayed silent looking straight into her eyes. One was harboring a single tear in the corner.
 
When he snapped at her she didn't have much chance to retort. All she could have gathered was that up to this point he'd been doing what he thought was best for his countries future! He'd so blinded by hatred that he couldn't even see the potential for a future with peace! Yesterday she was trying to tell him that was possible to recruit English sympathizers to their cause! Yet he seemed to think an English child should inherit their father's sin. She hoped they weren't stealing food from English peasants... Punish her for her family, and fight the English soldiers but hurt the poor English families... Did he really think that was better?

She felt his hand on the back of her head, and her heart dropped as she heard him talk about her father and how it had affected his family.

She hugged onto him as he told her more about his past. When he'd suddenly pushed her away she looked up at him with tears. Though she didn't have time to turn away and wipe them because just as suddenly he lifted her into the air and caught her by her thighs.

Her hands were on his shoulders as she saw his tear.

Trusting him enough not to drop her she moved her hands from his shoulders to cup his face. She kissed his tear, then his cheek and finally his lips. Then she rested her forehead on his.

"I'm sorry... For that loss." if punishing her was what it would take to lighten that hurt then so be it

She paused and shook her head, "I just hope you can see your family again some day, while you're still on this earth with air in your lungs."
Couldn't he see life was so fleeting? It could be so short in the great span of time. Finally she hugged him,

"Our time together is going to be short... Could you promise me that you'll be alright? Could you just promise me that you'll try to use all the resource you might gain if I just surrender to my fate? You know how I feel about anything going to waste!"

If she was going to be sold as she suspected, it was likely that she'd need to be escorted to an exchange point or to the person themselves. From how Michael said Sean was keeping her company for now, she wasn't sure how long she had with this person she'd grown to have some feelings for. She wouldn't outright claim it was love, but she knew what she felt and she'd always heard that it was selfless and you would be willing to do anything to help another person.

"I know you'll do what you can. That's enough." She added finally, she didn't want this conversation to keep going around in circles, "Just do what you can."

She looked into his eyes waiting for him to let her down, "I know we should take the potential for my brother to send men after me seriously. Perhaps the camp should move... Michael would have been wise to listen to your suggestion."

She wasn't sure Michael was as smart as he thought he was.
 
In his rage he wasn't bothered by her tears, nor noticed her hands on his shoulders. If he were calmer he would of loved the feeling. He held her up, his strength unwavering.

Her touch made him tingle. Her soft hands on his face felt wonderful. Not enough to make him smile, but enough for his grimace to fade away. Seeing her move in, he was cautious. What did she plan on doing?

Her kiss did him in. He couldn't stay mad with her. He smiled as she rested her forehead against his. "I want the same." Sean would have been happy for his family to at least see his body and have a proper funeral for him.

His heart pained she mentioned how little time they could spend. But why? He didn't love her, he only met her. He had Pheobe.. ag least he thought he did. Didn't he just tell her they were doing all they could? He would agree so she would stop asking him. "Yes."

Calmer now, he could appreciate what he had done. Her body pressed against his, like when he was on top of her. But she didn't seem to mind. She had no objections.

When she mentioned his suggestion, he was grinning ear to ear. "You think so?" He held her tighter against him. The only time anyone accepted his ideas were if they were in battle. He should put her down soon.. Maybe he could slide her down and let his hand run over her rump? Good way to get yourself shoved into the water.

He moved his hands to her waist and slowly let her down to her feet. When she was there he wasn't done with her. He put his arms around her again, still beaming that she thought he had a good idea. "Where would we go though?"

He couldn't get her kiss out of his head though. Should he kiss her? He couldn't bring himself to do it. Maybe tonight, he told himself.
 
She grinned as he smiled, happy that her kiss managed to bring him back to be calm in the situation with her. When he confirmed he had the same wish for himself, she felt hope that if given the chance he would see his family again. While he didn't say 'I promise' she wouldn't push for it, the agreement of 'yes' was enough.

Now more at ease she hugged wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She nodded in conformation as he asked if she really thought his suggestion was for the best, "Yes."

She let him slowly set her down, when she was on her feet again she looked up at him. Her eyes widened as he put his arms around her again. Something was interesting about this moment, she wasn't asking to feel protected here... was this hug giving him just as much comfort? "I have no idea... I figured either you or Michael would have another spot in mind." then she shrugged, "Michael has a map of the area yes? I would think that he knows some other abandoned settlements that could be useful. Although I suppose if anything tends wouldn't be so bad?"

She wasn't going to be picky about comfort, if she could get them to avoid some needless bloodshed that would be for the best.

"No matter if the men my brother would send could track us down or not, it will be better to be safe then sorry? Don't you agree?" she smiled at him, trying to appeal to his reasonable side. Whether he looked hesitant or not she cupped his face again, "Unfortunately you'll have to give up your lovely barn... but you might enjoy fresh change of scene hm?" She gave him a small smirk, "New sights to see does sound lovely... keep in mind I've been cooped up for most my life so I must say I'll be making the most of it." She stood on her tip toes and kissed him again, this time slightly more than a peck but still quick.

"I think we both agree!" she said as she pulled away, now in a far better mood then she'd been when they arrived to the stream this morning, "Should we go tell Michael?"
 
Feeling her arms looped around his shoulders, she had contained him in a way. His vigor to run off and slaughter had been suppressed. Why bother when he had such a woman in his arms? Her confirmation of his idea only boosted his confidence.

He shook his head. "I don't." She was right. Sean spent most of his time looking at the map to plan raids. He had never looked for uninhabited places. "We usually just ride and report to Michael." He decided not to tell her what they do when someone threatens to report them to the crown. "Any old port in a storm I suppose." He heard the phrase before, but never used it.

When she mentioned her brother sending men to track them, his blissful mood faltered. We'd rip them apart. He moved his arm away from her. "You think they'll get through me? They shan't cut me down!" He smirked and flexed his arm. He was only kidding. Although he was an accomplished warrior he was aware of his mortality. He soon put his arm back, his hand on the small of her back. "Safer for you, definitely." He didn't want to admit to her that he knew he could die, but he wasn't lying. If there were an attack he may not be by her side to protect her.

She held his face again. He loved it but felt he shouldn't ask for it. It was such a personal thing. Not just her soft hands on his skin, but holding his face. A pat on the back could have been from any of his comrades. A handshake was usually someone more sophisticated like Michael. A hug could have been from his mother back home. But cupping his face? No, that was Mary, and her alone. He could only hope it wouldn't turn to a slap if he pushed his luck with her.

"The barn?" Perhaps she was calling it lovely just to be courteous. She spoke of being cooped up most of her life and he had a new feeling of.. responsibility? He felt he should consider what she would like as well. He had always put his family first, and once leaving them he put Ireland first. In practice he put the men under his control first. The explanations for his morals in his simple mind were that they were fighting for Ireland so their interests were Ireland's interests. Now he would be thinking of what would make Mary happy. Until he got angry again. There was never a true promise when he was fuming.

She gave him good reason to keep her happy-she kept kissing him! He could only stammer when she pulled away. "Ye.. yea we do." He planned on waiting until later that night to return her kiss, but was it necessary. She had just given him another..

"Must we right now?" He smiled and looked in her eyes. "I mean we just left, and we just got here." He moved his other hand between her shoulder blades, one still planted on the small of her back. He didn't know if it would be urgent to tell his leader that he insisted they move. What was the rush? "Why not stay a moment?"

He held her body against him as he lowered his head to kiss her. It was noticeably longer than she had kissed him, but for Sean it was still too short. He pulled away only keeping a short distance between their lips in case she decided to stay by the stream.
 
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