(Arowyn McLaughlin)

Arowyn Smiled at Jamie as he brought her her horse. “Thank you kind sir,” she said to him, her voice soft...playful. When he offered to help her up, she nodded. “Thank you again. That would be most kind.” However when Callum stepped up, his hand going to her waist. Her deep green eyes meeting his. Her voice turned into a breathy whisper. “Thank you, milord,” she said her hands moving to rest atop his, intertwining within his. Her fingers interlocking.

The contact was too quick, but it felt like the longest time in her life. Once she was in settled the saddle. She turned so they neither her or Jaimie could see the color on her cheeks. And soon they were off. Riding upon the plains, her long curling red mane bouncing about her shoulders.

In the distance, standing in the window of the turret over looking the grounds, sad grey eyes never stop looking at the pair as they road away.

(Callum)

"The sheep are looking good this year," Callum said to Arowyn when their horses paused near the grazing grounds.? "And the barley fields are full to bursting.? It would've been a banner year all around if only..." His voice trailed off into silence. He looked long into the distance.? "What am ah to do, Arowyn?" he asked without turning his head, the weight of the world heavy in his voice.? "It's like she's lost all interest in life.... in me... in everything.? She used to have such plans for the place, for the gardens in particular.? Now she will nae even leave her room."

(Jaimie)

Jaimie was troubled as Callum and Arowyn rode off. He trusted his lord as any faithful young Scot would be wont to do. But Lord Callum was a man, and remained a man for all the misfortune that had been thrust upon him.? He glanced instinctively back at the castle tower and saw the lone figure in the window gazing to where Callum and Arowyn had gone, and he could feel the sadness in the way she stood.? He fidgeted awkwardly for a long moment, then made his way quickly back to the castle walls.

The stairs up the tower were long but soon Jaimie stood before the door to where the Lady Kirstene had retreated.? "Mistress Kirstene," he called out after knocking cautiously, "is... Is thare anythin' ye be needing?? Anythin' ah kin dae fur ye?"? He hesitated then added "Laird callum asked me tae check oan ye. He... He wis concerned."? It wasn't strictly true, the boy knew, but he was sure the lord would've asked if he'd have remembered to.

Translations of Jaimie-speak:

"Mistress Kirstene, is... is there anything you be needing?? Anything I can do for you?"

"Lord Callum asked me to check on you. He... he was concerned."