RYANNE: I was told to sit, and the General would be with me shortly. I smiled to myself, that would be Dolhanna ,to be in charge of things. I heard footsteps and somebody gasped. Looking up I see her, mo chol ceathrair, mo chara. (My cousin, my friend). Lhanna stood with such a shocked look on her face. I stood and moved toward her on weak legs. I smile as I hear her speak “Ryanne? Is it really you?” As tears threaten to come to my eyes I raise my hand and notice I was shaking. “Yes Lhanna, it’s me!” I move forward not sure what to do. My smile widens as I reach for her hand just to feel her, to make sure this is real not just another dream. I stop myself, unsure, because I was told she had better things to do then spend time with me. But the look on her face I see shock, wonder and questions. I now knew this had been another lie Diarmuid had told me to keep me from my family.”Lhanna?”
LHANNA: “Oh dear Goddess.. What... When?? How??” My eyes fill with tears, I try to swallow the lump that is lodged in my throat; the words will not form. Throwing my arms around her, I began to cry in earnest. Ryanne and I were so close when we were youthlings and then one day she was just gone. Shortly thereafter, my parents were murdered and Harriet took us to my Uncle Mhenance. He moved the royal household to America soon after we arrived and that was well over two centuries ago. I often thought of Ryanne, missing her and hoped I would find her one day. It was as if she disappeared into thin air. Word came to us that her family had died. Ryanne had been given to this horrid male much older than her. Uncle Mhenace thought he had located her, at my request, and that bastard male told his King that Ryanne had died. He told Uncle Mhenance she purposefully walked out into the daylight, taking her own life. That bastard will pay. Finally letting go of her, both of us laughing through our tears, I ask her where in the name of the Goddess had she been?? I told her what was told to Uncle Mhenance. Taking her by the arm I lead her out of the guard house and I decided it would best if we walk back to the Estate so she can fill me in. Just as the Estate comes into view, I am speechless as she finishes telling me all that she has been through. That bastard is lucky he died the way he did. As far as I am concerned, Inert got him and no one needs to know anything different. Stopping at the elaborate outside staircase, Ryanne’s eyes go wide. “You live here??” Smiling and taking her hand, she notices my mated band for the first time. Her eyes look haunted. Reassuring her that Calin is truly a commendable male and I love him like crazy she gives me a small nod. Entering the security vestibule, the outer door locks behind us and the inner door opens with a buzz and we step into the foyer. There are domestics milling about attending their various duties. Looking at how gaunt my cousin looks, “You are just in time Ryanne. It’s almost time for mid meal; we can go to my suite and Aron will fix us up something to eat. AND you can meet Bear and Jewels. Calin is down at the training camp and won’t be back for a few hours yet.” With carefully chosen words, I also let her know it might not be such a bad idea for to feed so she can aid her healing process more. I watch as she looks in awe around the Estate; making our way up the heavily carpeted steps, taking left and right turns through the many hallways, I can’t imagine the hell she has been through. Watching her eyes taking in all of the elaborateness that is the Estate, “Beidh tú i gcónaí a bheith sábháilte agus a chosaint sa col ceathrar teach.” <You will always be safe and protected in this house cousin.> If Mhenance knew what that piece of shit father of hers was about, he never would have allowed a girling to be sold and then to be beaten and abused. Ryanne deserves a truly worthy male. Her mother was cousin to my late Aunt, the Queen. That is NOT how things are done when Baobhan-Sith’s sit on the throne. Stopping in front of the Suite door, I turn to her smiling and will the door open. Stepping into the living room, Jewels and Bear come bounding down the hall. “Welcome to our home Ryanne.”
RYANNE: I was at such a loss for words when Lhanna drew me into a big hug, trying not to gasp as a pain shot through my ribs.. Holding on tight I felt the tears roll down my cheeks. Then she grabs my hand and starts walking. I proceed to tell her what happened the day I left and about Diarmuid and how he had abused and beat me. And how Dooley and Adiel helped me find her get the proper credentials to leave the country.
When we reached the Estate, my mouth dropped open “You live here?”. It was huge. As we walked in she told me I would meet her mate; after assuring me he is a wonderful, knd male, my nerves settled a bit. After what I had been through, I trust very few males.. With a slight pull Lhanna told me I would be safe in the king’s home and would never have to worry about being hurt again. I looked around in wonder at all the beautiful artifacts and artwork. It reminded me of our dream castle when we were younglings.
I was glad they were going to have mid-meal, I was hungry and tired from not sleeping for the past several days. When Lhanna mentioned feeding to help speed up my healing, my heart skipped a beat. Looking at Lhanna I knew she had my best interest at heart. “ I do not know the last time I had feed cousin, I was never allowed to feed I was always given small amounts of blood to get me by. I have not feed on fresh blood in a long time.” We arrived to a door which she willed open and two dogs came at us bouncing around in excitement. Laughing, I reached down and scratched behind the larger one’s ears. “ Lhanna they are beautiful! Your home is something out of a fae tale. Thank you for having me.”
LHANNA: Hearing her explain that the piece of shit she was married to barely offered her nourishment. Again, that bastard is lucky is already dead. I will have to speak to Calin regarding what is going on with that family homestead. I will burn it to the ground myself. Focusing back on Ryanne, I think I will call one of the warriors up for her to feed from. She needs a strong blood to help her heal. “Ryanne?? Will you be comfortable feeding from a male warrior? I want you to have nourishment. If you are not comfortable I will get you a female to feed from her wrist. But you will feed. I would make me feel better to have Doc Niko give you a once over. He is the physician for the royal household and the warriors. I will stay with you if you want.” Watching as she gives Bear some good scratching, “you’ve made a friend for life, Bear will stalk you know for that kind of loving. Yes, the Estate is something to behold. I’m going to have Aron, he is our head domestic, set you up with a room not too far from here. You will be very comfortable and can make any changes you like. You can take your meals in the community dining hall or you are welcomed to dine with Calin and myself. You will spend the day here and rest. Now lets get some food in you.” Going to the phone I dial Aron’s extension and let him know what I need from him and to please come and prepare food. Leaving Ryanne in the living room with the dogs, I go to get the guest room ready until Aron arranges a suitable room close to ours for Ryanne. Once she has eaten and fed, I will get her situated for the day and then I need to go speak with Calin and fill him in.
RYANNE: Looking around Lhanna’s and Calin’s suite I sit with Bear’s head resting on my leg scratching his ears. I listen to Lhanna as she ask me about feeding from one of the warriors. My first reaction was to say no, but I had to stop being scared of trusting people. Looking at her I know she only wants what is best for me and would speed up my healing.She left the room to call to order us some food. My hands were shaking from being so scared. Taking a deep breath when Lhanna came back in the room I answered her questions.“Yes, I will feed from one of the warriors, will you stay please? And yes I will let the Doctor look me over, I know there must be scars from before. I have never asked Adiel if there was.) And Lhanna, I have no clothes with me. I left with what was on my back.I would love to bathe and change out of these. I have money for new ones.”
LHANNA: Letting out a breath that she agreed to feed was a good thing. “Of course I’ll stay with you. I want you to be comfortable and not afraid. No one here will ever hurt you Ryanne, you have to believe me when I tell you that. Calin runs a tight ship here; as his right hand, we have ZERO tolerance for violence from males to females. None here would ever be so disrespectful of a female.” I have to wonder what happened during her CT. “Of course you can shower! I’m so sorry, I should have thought of that first. Follow me hon, you are going to stay here in the suite tonight. I can give you a pair of yoga pants and a tshirt for now. I will have Darcelle, one of the domestics, do a run to The Westchester to get the things you need for now. You can go shopping yourself in a few days as long as you take a warrior with you, or you can simply order the things you want online. Smiling at her, “Come, I’ll take you to your room. It has a private bath and I will leave the clothes for you on the bed. I may not be back yet from talking with Calin and the Uncle Mhenance. Just make yourself at home and I will be back shortly and we can eat together.
Once she is settled, I close the door to her room and lean against it for a moment. Knowing I need to find Calin and have him meet me so I can tell him and Uncle Mhenance about Ryanne. Walking back into the living room I tell Bear and Jewels to look out for Ryanne and head out in search of Calin.
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