Chapter Sixteen #4
Laird MacPherson proudly declared Cailean the champion to the roar and acclaim of the crowd, and Elayne couldna contain her elation and jubilation at her husband’s victory.
Cailean joined the lairds that afternoon for more business discussions.
Elayne and Mrs. Logan joined Lady MacPherson, Cailean’s sisters, wives of his brothers, and other ladies, and had tea and desserts over sewing, embroidery, and gossip.
Before the feasting started, Elayne’s father and Mrs. Logan announced quietly to Elayne, Cailean, and Thomas that they were to be married in a small ceremony in the next couple of days, before Cailean’s and Elayne’s departure.
Elayne and Cailean congratulated them enthusiastically.
Elayne felt elated. Now, she could leave her family knowing they wouldna be alone but together.
She was overjoyed that the woman who had cared for her as her mother would be joined in love with her father.
Her mother deserved the love she showered on others.
Elayne noted how her father’s eyes sparkled with love for her mother.
Her mother was young and Elayne hoped one day they would have children of their own.
The fair ended with the dancing after the final feast that evening. Other clan members departed the MacPherson clan in the early morning and throughout the day, so merchants continued to sell food and wares until they left.
Elayne and Cailean attended the wedding of her father and Mrs. Logan, who she was now please to call her mother, in the kirk and had a wedding breakfast afterward at a friend’s house.
Decorated tables stood under immense trees behind their house.
Elayne had helped decorate the tables and her mother’s bedroom in the village, where her mother and father would honeymoon and live.
Her mother was a beautiful blushing bride. Her mother’s and father’s happiness sparkled in their eyes as they gazed at each other.
Elayne worked in the forge with Thomas while her father spent the first few days of his marriage in their new home together. Cailean and Elayne worked as a team with the help of others to pack their wagons with supplies.
Cailean’s family held a special dinner for Elayne and their son on the eve of their departure.
With trunks of clothes and supplies packed in the wagons, all was in readiness, except mayhap their hearts.
The laird had gifted them with coins for their wedding and sent with them bows and arrows needed for their defense, with several warhorses.
A portion of the laird’s warriors would accompany them, help Cailean train additional warriors in the Grant clan, and would serve as extra protection on their journey.
Her parents had gifted them with swords, tools, pillows, and linens her mother had embroidered for them.
Bessie packed enough food, ale, and wine the first days of the journey.
She tucked into Elayne’s trunks of clothes and linens her own surprise gifts with a letter for the couple.
Thomas crafted horseshoes, short and long nails, and dirks for them.
Cailean had assisted Elayne dig up baskets and crates of healing herbs, vegetables, and heather to take with them to their new home. She took her leather apron, gloves, and hammer with her as well, with a barrel of iron to craft horseshoes and other needed items.
Cailean and Elayne broke their fast with their family in the early morning hours, the warriors on their journey joining them in a hearty and filling meal.
Elayne hugged and kissed their family and said their farewells.
She felt like her heart was breaking, like she was leaving a part of her heart behind.
Unshed tears glistened in her eyes as she waved farewell.
Cailean murmured words of love, encouragement, and support, which helped her immensely, and they bid their families farewell.
“Time to go, lass,” he whispered to Elayne.
“Ye will see them again soon. Ye ken they will visit after we’re settled.
We must make haste on our journey. I am with ye.
” Cailean motioned for the warriors to head out.
The warriors surrounded them, And more wagons and warriors followed.
Scouts ensured the way ahead was safe for travel.
They could reach Ballindalloch Castle in a few days.
Cailean and Elayne did not know what awaited them but had hope for the future.
“Laird Grant, our clan is waiting for ye,” Cailean said close to Elayne’s ear.
“Long ago, we forged the flame of our love as we nestled by the loch. Let us raise yer clan from the ashes of long ago. We can put to work our visions on how to improve our clan. I love ye with all my heart and am exceedingly proud of ye, my laird. I swear my fealty and vow my love. I pledge my heart and sword for ye and our clan from this day, and forever more.”
Their love was brighter than the flames from the forge and stronger than the steel of his sword!