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loftl · 5 years

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9 DEC 2014 - Chapter 6

It has been two days since the death of her Husband and their son, Tristan and Sebastian. Isolde felt like she should not be able to still make tears, but she did and she shed them often. Every thing reminded her of them. Needing to do something with herself, Isolde slowly got out of he bed and walked outside. It was crisp, the promise of rain on the horizon, but for now the skies remained a clear blue. Like Tristan's eyes. The thought of never being able to look into his eyes was enough to cause her undoing. Recalling that retched day that the creature took Tristan and Bash from her, Isolde cried even harder.

'When she'd started at the wheat field, shovel in hand, she had every intention to kill whatever had followed her husband and son home from the woods. Stopping dead in her tracks, Isolde dropped the shovel she was carrying. Elias slowly emerged from the wheat covered in blood. It seemed that Isolde suddenly forgot how to move her feet. She stood as if she were a statue, staring at Tristan's brother and she just knew. Isolde could see it in Elias's eyes. She knew her husband was dead.

Elias nodded his head once, silently answering her unspoken question. Isolde, no longer able to feel her body, clutched at her chest. The ground suddenly rushed up on her and the last thing she remembered was feeling Elias's strong arms around her as he caught her before her head hit the ground. Cradling Isolde in his arms, Elias carried her into the house.’

When she had awoken, it was night.. Elias sat next to her bed... her bed. Tears welling in her eyes as she ran her hand across the empty space that was once where her husband had slept. Where she had made passionate love to her husband, minutes before he left to go hunting. She rolled over, holding his pillow to her face and breathing in his scent. Isolde wept until she fainted from exhaustion.

When she woke again, a few hours later. Elias still sat in the same chair as if he hadn't moved. Upon closer inspection, she saw that his hands and boots were filthy. She looked up and met his eyes with her own. The same pain that filled his, mirrored her own. He'd lost just as much as she had that day.

"It's done." Just two words, spoken very quietly. He rose, walked out of the room and out the front door. Isolde threw back the bedding and raced out of the room and out of the house to the family plot. There, in the back where the used to be empty space, were two new crosses.

"WHY!!!" She screamed! "GIVE THEM BACK TO ME!"

"No, no, no, no, no." Isolde stood in the Family Plot weeping into her hands. It was eerily a warm night, but Isolde felt a coldness that went straight to her bones.

She dropped to her knees and put her hands on the disturbed earth and sobbed words of apologies to her husband for her harsh words she'd last spoke to him. After gathering herself, she started humming Sebastian's lullaby that always calmed him whenever he was scared and helped him fall asleep.

She'd been outside for hours. Her body now numb to the cold. Feeling stiff, Isolde stood and blew a kiss to her husband and her son. Then she headed back to the house.

Once inside, Isolde looked around her home that she once shared with her little family. A home that once was full of life and love, now overwhelmed sorrow. Wandering into the sitting room, Belle lay fast asleep on by the hearth. Elias was no where in sight. Isolde sighed as she looked out the window from where she stood. Seeing daylight start to break through over the mountains, Isolde went into her chambers to change. Marta and Samuel were to be calling.. or was that yesterday? She could no longer remember.

After dressing, Isolde went outside to start her chores. when she ran into Elias.

"Isolde.." Elias began..clearing his throat before speaking again.

"Elias," Isolde said in a monotone, waiting for what he has been wanting to say to her for days now.

"I made promises to Tristen that day in the fields.. promises that I know I must keep." He said without looking at her. "I just wanted you to know that." He turned to walk away from her, but she grabbed his hand and pulled him back.

"Elias.. I would like to know what my husband asked you to do. What he said." Isolde said with an urgency that stated her need to hear her husbands last words.

"Isolde, you have to understand.. Tristan and Bash, they loved you more than anything. And I love you. You made my brother the happiest that he's ever been, even before we lost Louis." Elias stated before sighing and continuing with his speech, "Tristan asked me to look after you. To keep you safe. He.. he told me, made me promise, to marry you."

"WHAT!! Do you honestly think that I would MARRY YOU?! My husband and son have not been in the ground but three days and already you think you can lay claim to me, Elias Bishop?!" Isolde was pissed, but mostly hurt.

She knew his words were true. Not just because Elias would never lie to her, but because this is exactly what her husband would ask of his most beloved brother. Because her husband knew, deep down, there was something between Elias and Isolde. Though she had never told her husband of the kiss, or about her short embrace. He knew. The thought made her feel disgusting inside.

If Isolde were completely honest with herself, she has been waiting to see how long it would take Dear Elias to come forth and tell her exactly this. She assumed that he would have liked to have given her more time. More time to mourn for her loss and more time for her to become accustomed to Elias's presence on the farm. Could being married to Elias be so horrid? Tristan drunkenly admitted to Isolde after Alice had died that she was meant to be his brother's wife and not his after getting back from seeing Henry. His husband also admitted to bedding another woman on his travels as well, but Isolde never spoke of the things her husband admitted to while intoxicated. She knew he only said these things because he was in pain. A pain she felt responsible for since it had been on her watch that their daughter had passed.

Sighing, Isolde lightly touched Elias's arm. "I'm sorry, Elias. That was harsh. I.." Not able to finish her words, Isolde grew quiet.

"Oh Isolde.." Elias grasped her by her arms firmly, but still soft somehow.

Isolde, I would never ask you to do something you did not want to do. If you need time, then I will give you that.. but I will honor my Brother's wishes, Isolde. I promised to protect you for the rest of my life and I intend to do just that." Elias said with such authority and assurance that Isolde was mesmerized. She had no idea the fervor Elias could muster.

Something stirred inside Isolde. It was the same feeling she always had whenever she was around Elias. She ached for his arms. The feel of them around her. Isolde stood there, feeling the strength and warmth that Elias emanated. She stared into his eyes for such a long time that it felt like she could see into his very soul.

"Yes." Isolde said very quietly, almost in a whisper. "I will marry you, Elias.."

Before she could finish he suddenly pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. She couldn't explain the rush of emotion she was feeling for this man. This man who's arms felt like Tristan's. Wrapped around her, making her feel safe. Making her feel at home. She began to weep.

"Shh. Shh.." Elias crooned to her. "We have time, Isolde. We can wait for as long as you want. Get to know each other.... Get used to each other.. it does not have to be right away."

Isolde suddenly felt so sure of her future with this man holding her, she tightened her embrace.

"Time.. there is plenty of it, we just do not know when our time is at an end." Isolde sniffled. "No, we have plenty of time to get to know one another after we are married."

Elias sighed and when he spoke his voice was deep and thick with emotion, "Isolde.. I promise to protect and honor you for the rest of my life." Taking a deep breath, Elias pulled away from Isolde and lifted her chin so that he could look into her eyes.

He'd seen her face so many times. He's hugged her many times over the years he's known her, but she was his brother's wife.. that's what he'd always told himself. Pushed away the feelings he had for Isolde, because she was his brother's wife. Right now.. as he looked down on her tear stained face, she was the most beautiful, courageous, maddening woman that he'd always known. And he loved her. He knew that.. he has always loved her, he just never realized the depth of that love until this very moment. Maybe that's why he'd put so much distance between he and his brother.

"Isolde.." Elias said thickly..

"Please.. please Elias.." Isolde started to pull away from him.

"Uuh..." Elias cleared his throat and started to back away.

"No.. no, it's.." Isolde sighed reaching out to him.

"I just need time.. before.. You know.. I'm confused. I loved Tristan, love.. Tristan.." Pausing only to catch her breath. "How I'm feeling right now is confusing."

She tried to laugh, but it pained her. To her very core. Elias could see the turmoil in her eyes and it pained him that he was the cause of this.

"I'm very sorry.. I will tend to the horses and the rest of the livestock.. give you some space." He hesitated a moment and then he kissed her hand and left her to silence and her thoughts. Watching Elias walk away from her pained her greatly. Turning, Isolde headed inside. Belle at her heels. Once inside, Isolde changed back into her nightdress. She moved around her room silently cursing it's sudden vastness and cursing the too silent house. Exhausted, Isolde laid on her bed, hugging Tristan's pillow to her breast. She cried. She cried until she drifted off into a deep sleep and dreampt of her babies. Together, holding hands while running through a field of beautifully colored wild flowers. While Tristan watched them, laughing and clapping his hands. Finally at peace. Happy.

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loftl · 5 years

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9 DEC 2014 - Chapter 5

Isolde was still uneasy about the men leaving, but at least she had ole Belle with her to keep her company. Upon thinking of her beloved dog, she heard her whine. Isolde looked up to see Belle staring at her intently through the fencing.

"What is it, ole girl? You miss Louis, aye?" Isolde giggled.

Louis was a sheep dog, like Belle, and he belonged to Elias. She recalled the first time Elias had come home after years of no word.

'"What was that?" Isolde asked her husband. They had been laying in bed after another failed attempt at love making. This was becoming a rather unwelcome occurrence. Sitting up in bed, pulling the blanket to her chest, Isolde turned to look out the window. She thought she saw something moving outside their house by the lane, but it was gone almost as soon as she saw it. "Go to bed, wife." Tristan said, his back to Isolde. He was angry. Isolde felt it radiate off of him like heat from the fire. It made her cringe. It'd been only a month since she'd lost the baby. The Doctor tried telling Tristan that he needed to give it time. To let Isolde heal before attempting to have another child, but Tristan wouldn't hear of it. Isolde felt that he was trying to replace the void in their lives that's hung over them since they lost Alice. Getting up, Isolde grabbed her nightdress off the cold wood floor, and pulled it over her heard. Glancing back at her husband, who's snores were more apparent giving signal that he'd already fallen asleep, she reached over and took his hunting knife that he kept by their bed. Isolde tiptoed out of their chambers, closing the door only just, then headed upstairs to check on her son. At the top of the stairs, Isolde pressed her hand to her now flat belly. Choking back tears as she remembered that not too long ago she could feel her baby move inside of her. Pushing open Bash's door, Isolde poked her head in to see her son resting peacefully, the moonlight casting enough of it's beam for her to make out her son's small features. As she closed the door, she thought she heard footsteps outside. Carefully making her way down the stairs and to the front door, Isolde placed her ear against the cold wood and tried to quiet her heart who's beating suddenly was so loud she were afraid it would give her away. Not hearing anything, Isolde slowing opened to the door and stepped outside, closing it behind her. The night air cut through her nightdress, chilling her to the bone. Shivering, Isolde held her husband's hunting knife close to her breast. Looking out to the lane, Isolde saw nothing but blackness. As she turned towards the Old barn that rested next to their silo, she heard Belle growl. 'Good girl.' Isolde thought to herself, she slowly made her way around the house to come up from the other side. Just as she was about to head around the silo a figure appeared out of no where, knocking her unbalanced. She felt herself falling backwards, dropping the knife as she closed her eyes preparing herself for the impact when she felt his arms around her. His hot breath on her neck. His arms were strong and held her weight as if she were nothing but a mere feather. "Isolde?" His voice familiar, caused her heart to skip a beat. Her breathing became erratic as she stayed motionless, unsure of herself. 'It couldn't be him!' Isolde she thought.. a single tear escaped as she slowly raised her head to look into the eyes of a man that she'd not seen since he was a boy. "Isolde!" he quietly exclaimed. He looked at the house and back at the woman he cradled against his chest. It was freezing out and she was wearing practically nothing. "E-Elias?" She stuttered, shivering. Isolde clutched his shirt and pulled herself closer to him, feeling his warmth. Elias took her into his arms and held her close, picking her up he turned and carried her in the house. Setting her down in the rocking chair, Elias turned and started to add wood to the hearth. The flames licked at the new piece of kindling, becoming brighter with each passing second. Once the fire was roaring, Elias turned to Isolde. He stood before her, illuminated by firelight from the hearth behind him. He looked her over, she was different. Her body was more rounded, from child baring. Her breasts, larger.. more fuller. Her hair was longer, but she wore it differently than she had when he last saw her. She was also very pale. Sweat beaded her brow. He went to the well and retrieved a buck of water, bringing it inside, he hung it in the fireplace to boil. He quietly went about the kitchen and grabbed a cloth and some mead. Once the water was hot enough, Elias took it from the it's spoke, and submerged the cloth into the water. Wringing it out, he turned back to Isolde and became wiping her face and her neck. He lingered at her chest, he could see her breathing was uneven. He looked up and saw Isolde was looking at him. Her eyes wide as silent tears flowed freely down her face. "Elias." Isolde said, her voice filled with a pain that he cut through to his heart. She was in his arms then. Her face buried in his neck as she started to cry. "Oh, Elias!" Her hand was in his hair, gripping a handful. Her other hand, clutching his shirt. She clung to him as if he were nothing but a dream that would disappear as soon as she opened her eyes. It'd been a long time since anyone had touched him. Sure, he'd taken woman in his bed. Burying his sorrow into them, but he wasn't a pig. There had been very few. He wasn't his Father. And his heart.. belonged to another. He pulled Isolde away from him, his hands on her fragile shoulders. He wiped the tears away from her face and she smiled at him. That had never changed, her smile. Her smile and her eyes. Those were constant. Before he could stop himself, he pulled Isolde towards him, and he kissed her. He kissed her with a passion and love that he held only for her for the last nine years. And she returned his kiss, her hands on his neck, pressing her body to his. Suddenly, she pushed him away gasping. Isolde got up and ran into her chambers, shutting the door firmly behind her. Minutes later, Tristan came out of their room. Naked as the day he was born, and drunk. "ELIAS!" Tristan exclaimed, giving his older brother a welcome embrace! "Look at you! Ahh, welcome home, big brother!!" Smacking Elias on the back, Tristan called over his shoulder for Isolde. Who had let Louis in. He'd been scratching and whining at the back door. "That's Louis." Elias had stated, mostly to Isolde. Wanting, needing her to look at him. "Louis.." she said as she smiled at his dog. Isolde giggled as Louis, in answer to hearing her say his name, licked her face. "Louis?" Tristan asked, seemingly much more sobered. Tristan glanced at his brother and then smiled. "Well.. the second room upstairs is yours as long as you'd like it to be. My wife and I have something to discuss in private." Elias, without looking at his brother or Isolde, turned and headed up stairs. Louis following his master not needing to be beckoned.'

Isolde smiled to herself. Tristan was not happy about his brother having a dog, 'another mouth to feed,' he'd complained to Isolde a few days after Elias had been staying with them. Isolde loved it, though. She loved animals. Especially sheep dogs. She'd had one when she was younger, but it was bitten by a wolf and had gone mad. Her Father had to put him down. She noticed how close Belle and Louis were getting and it worried her how Belle would react when Elias went home and Louis with him. She sighed and went back to her gardening.. she was almost done planting this years plants when she heard the call.

Isolde stood up, making herself dizzy.

"My goodness," she laughed. "I must have gotten to much sun, Belle.. I am but faint." Looking up at the sun she knew that it was not yet supper time.

"The men are back early. We best get Supper on then, right?" Isolde walked out of the garden and stopped dead in her tracks. A coldness that she has never felt before washed over her. She couldn't move. Couldn't speak. She hardly felt like she could breath. Ole Belle's barking was what brought her 'round. Isolde tore off as fast as her legs could carry her to where her Tristan and Elias were racing down the way with Bash draped over her Husbands horse.

"QUICKLY!" shouted Elias.

Tristan slowly lowered Bash into his brother's arms and jumped down off his horse. Grabbing his son's legs, Elias supporting Bash's weight by gripping under his arms. Tristan and Elias raced Bash into the old barn. After laying him in the bed and covering him up, Isolde came rushing in with a bucket of water and a clean cloth. Elias grabbing the bucket from her as Isolde shoved past Tristan, dropping to her knees at her son's bedside. Elias placed the bucket next to her and had just wrung out the cloth when Isolde held her hand out to him, not looking away from Bash's face.

"WHAT HAPPENED!?" she demanded between sobs. "My beautiful... boy, Mother's here, Bash.. Mama's here," she crooned softly to her son as she wiped the blood from his face and neck.

"Isolde.." her husband said to her calmly.

"NO! NO!" Isolde screamed shaking her head.

"Brother, take your wife outside." Elias said quietly to Tristan.

"My love, you must come with me," Tristan stated softly to his wife, but when she would budge he looked to his brother who nodded and Tristan picked up his wife, throwing her over his shoulder and taking her out of the room. Isolde was screaming at her husband. Words he'd never in all the years he's known her, has he ever heard her use before.

"I TOLD YOU! I TOLD YOU, YOU BASTARD!" She started.

Elias was beside himself with grief. He sat by his nephew, holding his hand, knowing that he was going to die. He was enraged for not listening to Bash's worries more intently earlier. If he'd taken him more seriously, he could have prevented this. It was like losing Louis all over again. And Isolde...

'Isolde will never forgive me for letting you die!' Elias chastised himself. Bash started making choking sounds and his grip on Elias's hand got harder. Elias looked up and met Bash's gaze.

"Tell them I love them." Bash's words strained as he started spitting up blood. "Tell them it is not their fault.. tell Ma..ma.."

Elias was crying now, "Bash.. shh.. don't speak, shh.." He tried to get up to go fetch Tristan and Isolde, but Bash pulled him back down to him. He could feel his nephew getting weaker as he knelt down by the bed, closer this time as Bash was having a harder time breathing.

"The.. cre..shurr.." Bash's breathing was becoming ragged as he tried to speak to his Uncle. "hiit..wursh.. HERSH!" screaming the last word, his last, as if he knew he didn't he wouldn't be able to get it out. Bash's whole body went still.. and his breathing stopped altogether. That's when Elias lost it, holding his nephew screaming at the top of his lungs.

"BASH!! NO, BASH!! TRISTAN!!!!" Sobbing into his nephew's hair, kissing his head. "NO! NO, NO, NOOOO!!”

Hearing Elias's screams, Tristan and Isolde looked at one another. Both knowing that their son was dead. Both knowing it was Tristan's fault for not heading Isolde's words.

"Isolde.." Tristan started, his voice thick with unshed tears. 'So, this is what this feels like,' Tristan thought as he looked at Isolde and saw the hatred and unsaid accusations in her eyes. 'This is what it feels like to be responsible for the death of your own child. Oh, Isolde.. I am so sorry. My love. Come back to me.'

Isolde stood up and slapped him, as hard as she could, across the face and took off running. Tristan stood and marched out into the field of Wheat. As soon as he was in a good ways, Tristan dropped to his knees, covered his face and cried like he was a child. A child who watched his Mother in front of his very eyes. A child who watched his Father, carrying his baby brother down the lane, dead in his arms. A child, who lost his older brother.

Elias ran into the house looking for his brother and Isolde. Though if he was being honest with himself, he was really only looking for Isolde. He searched the entire house, but no one was here. He was about to run back outside when his chest tightened as if someone had punched him. His breathing became erratic and shallow. His vision was going black. It happened in a matter of seconds. Elias dropped, his knees connecting hard with the floor. 'Mama had these,' Elias recalled. What had the Doctor called them? An attack of some sort, brought on by too much stress. Gripping the door frame, Elias pulled himself to a standing position, while clutching at his chest trying to catch his breath. He stumbled out of the house and headed towards the old barn. He needed to be with his nephew.

Upon entering the old barn, Elias looked over at Bash. He laid on the bed, soaked in his own blood. 'Just like Louis!' That's when Elias started to scream again. Turning away, Elias saw Isolde running and went after her.

He could hear Elias screams, fainter now, but still just as sharp. Like a knife cutting into his heart. Wiping his nose on his sleeve, Tristan tried steadying his breathing before standing. He needed to say goodbye to his son. Standing, Tristan turned to head back the way he'd came when he heard it. It was faint at first, but he knew he wasn't alone in the wheat field.

Tristan looked around trying to not make any sudden movements to give away his position. He sensed a threat.. the same feeling he had just before the creature leaped out and took down his son's horse. He knew it had followed them home. Taking out his knife, he crouched, ready to fight if that's what it came down to. Then he heard Isolde's cries coming from not too far away.

Tristan's heart sank into his stomach when he heard the creature change it's course and head straight for his wife.

Isolde ran from Tristan, not stopping until she got to the old well in the Garden. Her son.. her beautiful baby. She cried so hard she couldn't breath and her whole body shook. Elias, tried to comfort her, but she slapped him, too. They should have listened to her!

"Not my boy!" She cried, beating her small fists against Elias's chest.

Elias tried to hold her, but she wouldn't hear of it. Turning away, her words hitting him harder then her fists could ever do, Elias grabbed his bow and arrow off the ground and headed back to where his nephews body resided. Isolde's screams of agony followed after him. He shut the door, dropped his weapons on the ground and walked over to his nephews body. Elias, slowly knelt beside the bed and continued what Isolde started earlier. He proceeded to clean his nephew's body to prepare him to be put into the earth.

Isolde's screams quieted. Sobbing, she leaned against the well for support. "Not my son, my Bash," she dropped to the ground wrapping her arms around her legs and burying her face. How is she still crying? How is she still breathing and her son is not!? Suddenly, a sound cut through the silence and the cries of hers and Elias's. She heard a battle cry that made her heart stop. She leaped onto her feet ran after Elias.

"ELIAS!!! QUICK!" she screamed at him, as she entered the old barn. "TRISTAN NEEDS YOU! HE'S IN THE CORN FIELD AND SOMETHING IS ATTACKING HIM!"

Elias jumped up and was out the door with his bow and arrow before she could finish. Pushing past her, Elias took off towards the wheat field. You could see the tops of the wheat thrashing about where Tristan was.. fighting something that was 100 times bigger than he was.

"GET INSIDE AND LOCK THE DOOR! BARRICADE IT WITH WHATEVER YOU CAN FIND! DO NOT OPEN IT UNTIL I COME FOR YOU!" Elias screamed over his shoulder.

Isolde, not wasting any time, threw the door shut and locked it. Then she dragged the bed, with her son on it, and pushed it up against the door. Isolde stood there in the quiet of the barn, the smell of blood filling the air. She turned away and lost whatever food she managed to eat that day, and then she fainted.

Elias was fast, the fastest out of all his brothers. Quick on his toes and even quicker at analyzing a situation. When Elias ran into the Wheat what met him there was not what he expected. A few feet in he tripped over something soft but firm, he rolled over and was on his feet in seconds with his arrow drawn and pointed at what had tripped him.

It was Tristan..

"No.." Elias barely breathed the word before Tristan screamed and pointed behind him.

Elias reacted without thinking. Raising his bow he turned on his knee, letting his arrow without needing to see his target. There he was.. William Hersh. Elias was immediately enraged.

"YOU!!! YOU KILLED MY NEPHEW! YOU ATTACKED MY BROTHER!!!" He screamed at William.

Elias jumped to his feet, picked up his brothers knife and charged at the wounded William Hersh. The creature that attacked his nephew's horse and killed him. The creature that stalked his brother's home. Elias raced, seeing nothing but red, he plunged his brother's knife in the heart William's heart. Elias did this a few more times, staring into Hersh's face as he did.

"TELL ME!" Elias began. "TELL YOU BASTARD! DID YOU MURDERED MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHER?!" William started coughing up thick, red blood. "TELL ME!" Elias demanded.

"Ye..yes." Was all William could say, clutching at Elias.

Elias, taking his brother's knife in his firm grip, grabbed William by the hair. He turned him around and kicked out his knees so that he was kneeling in front of him. Pulling back his head so that he could look into his face one last time, Elias slashed William's throat. Holding him in this position until there was no life left in William's eyes. He let the man and the knife drop to the ground and slowly turned back to his brother.

"Tristan," Elias whispered as he looked over his brother's torn and bloody body.

"Brother... I don't.. have much time left." Tristan's words were pained and Elias could see it in his eyes that he was dying.

"No, I cannot lose you, too. You have to hold on. You have to live. Live Brother.. live for me. Live for Isolde!" Elias whispered to his brother urgently knowing it was a lost cause.

"ISOLDE!" Elias yelled as loudly as he could, "ISOLDE, I NEED YOU! NOW!"

Tristan grabbed Elias's shirt and pulled him down close to his face.. their noses almost touching.

"You will NOT let my wife see me like this, do you understand?" Tristan said raggedly.

Elias could only nod, not trusting his own voice. He needed to be strong for Tristan.

"Promise me, brother.." Tristan started coughing bright, hot, red blood.

"Anything, anything at all." Elias choked out.

"Promise.. to take care of Isolde. Marry her." Tristan pleaded with his brother.

"I cannot," Elias hung his head starting to cry.

"Yes, you must. She is delicate.. she will.. learn.. to.. love.. you.. promise.. m-me." Tristan's words were quieting. Elias looked his brother in the eyes for the last time, and vowed to protect his brother's wife and love her like his own for the rest of his life.. then as if he just drifted off to sleep, Tristan closed his eyes and sighed. "Tel..l.. Is..ole.. I..luuher." Tristan breathed before going limp in his brother's arms.

Elias did not know how long he sat there holding his brother, crying, rocking him back and forth.. silence and the smell of hot blood filling the air around them. Lost in his memories of he and Tristan as small boys, playing in these very fields, were interrupted when he heard Isolde's the faint footsteps coming towards the wheat field. Elias knew he must keep his promise to his Tristan and stop her before she happened across his body. Not even Elias wanted Isolde's last memory to be of his brother, a mangled and bloody corpse. Closing Tristan's eyes with his fingers, he gently laid his brother on the earth and stood. He was going to stop Isolde from entering this field. Even if that meant he had to carry her back to the house and lock her in her room.

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loftl · 5 years

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8 DEC 2014 - Chapter 4

It was just past dawn when Tristan emerged from the house, fully dressed with a smirk on his face. Satisfied with himself, Tristan headed to the stables to get Enya ready for today's hunting trip with Elias and Sebastian. His brother, already there, was feeding Horse what looked to be celery. Tristan contemplated approaching his brother, apologizing about what happened in the kitchen, but decided against that. Whistling as he unlatched Enya's stall.

"I'm all set, Papa." Bash said as Tristan neared where his son stood just inside Heart's stall.

"Then go dress and we can be on our way." Tristan said laughing at his son's eagerness. Watched Bash take off towards the house not stopping once as he ran past the startled chickens.

Turning towards his brother, he saw that Elias, too, watched Bash run towards the house. A smile across Elias's face. It was rare to see his brother smile. Bash made him smile. Isolde made him smile.. though he never pointed that out to his brother, for he sure that Elias wasn't aware he'd been caught smiling at her. He was sure that Isolde was unaware of his smiles. Scratching his chin, prickly from facial hair, Tristan frowned.

He found out about his older brother's betrothal to his wife many years ago. Just after Alice died. Henry had told him and he confirmed Henry's word when he spoke to Anne about it months later. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. Though it did not matter seeing as Isolde was his wife and mother to his child, but he had a feeling that Elias knew of this arranged marriage. That perhaps, Elias, too, loved Isolde as he did. Maybe even more. He hated to admit it, but he knew that Elias would never have abandoned Isolde in their time of need. He would have stayed and held her as she cried and grieved with her. He suddenly slammed down his saddle, causing Enya to buck and whinny. Tristan grabbed her reigns and started soothing noises at her before she kicked stables apart.

"What's it to you, little brother?" Elias asked Tristan quietly.

"Spider." Tristan lied. 'Why are you lying?' he pondered and he rubbed the horses neck.

Sebastian walked into the house and saw his Mother in the kitchen preparing his satchel. He smiled, knowing she did not see him come through the door. Bash, still a child in his own right, rushed his mother. He grabbed her around the waste, picking her up and spun her around in a circle laughing at his Isolde who'd let out a scream that could have woke the neighbors down yonder.

"Sebastian Bishop!" Isolde scolded her son. Playfully slapping his arm. "Go get dressed. I've laid out new clothes for you." Bash surprised her then by suddenly hugging her. She held him close and closed her eyes. "13." She said sighing and kisses him on the top of his head.

Bash smiled at her and took off up the stairs.

Marta and Samuel, who had been passing by just before dark asked if they could stay the night since it was too dark to finish their ride home, had left after eating some warm bread and milk for breakfast. Isolde set about cleaning their room, removing the bedding and adding it to the wash she was to do later in the day. The hunting trip would take the men three days time. In that time, Isolde would be by herself on the farm, except for ole Belle. Doing the wash would take up an entire days light, so she just had to worry about the next couple of days to get through. Maybe she'd go stay with Marta on one of those days, or both. She heard Sebastian stomp his way down the stairs and out the front door. Isolde put the bedding down on the bed and walked to window. Looking out, she just could make our her son's silhouette as he made his way towards his Elias. Shaking her head, she turned on her heel and went to find Tristan. There was something off. She could feel it in her bones.

Sebastian, dressed in his new clothes that his Mama had sewn for him, was out the door headed towards where his Uncle Elias stood with Horse when he heard the strange howling. A howling unlike that they have ever heard before. They have heard it, of course, but its pained... its closer. A howl that you cannot separate as animal or man. He knows he heard it before... in his nightmares. The one's Mama sang away into the night. He shudders and the hair on the back of his neck stands up. He has a bad feeling about this hunt.

Every part of him wanted to turn and back to the house and lock all the doors. He overheard his Mother telling his Father about how she thought this hunting trip was a bad idea. And Bash knew that when his Mother had a bad feeling, generally.. something bad always happened. She had good feelings, too. Those, like the bad ones, always ended up being true as well. So why wouldn't Tristan listen to Isolde now? Bash's stomach was rolling by the time he made to where his Uncle stood

"Uncle.. where's Papa?" asked Bash.

Elias turned from Horse to look at his nephew with concern.. he could tell there was something wrong because Bash's voice was shaky.

"He's talking to your Mama. What's the matter?" Elias asked, his arms folded across his chest.

Bash looked torn between wanting to say something and keeping his mouth shut, but whatever inner turmoil he had he decided to speak his mind.

"The howling.. I've heard it before." Bash said, barely above a whisper, but Elias heard him all the same.

Sighing Elias looked around for his brother, stopping what he was doing, he walked over to his nephew. Elias put his hands on Bash's shoulders and looked him in the eye.

"Sebastian, if you have any qualms about tonight's hunt, then speak to your Father. Traditions are not set in stone." He ruffled his nephews hair and turned back to Horse. "We can put off your hunting trip until after the full moon has passed."

The more Bash thought about it the more silly he felt. He was a man now.. he couldn't be scared at every shadow that skittered across the ground in front of him. Nor could he jump at every noise, big or small. So, he did what he saw Papa do in stressful situations.. he straightened up, put his shoulders back and marched over to Heart to get him ready for tonight's hunting trip. Cleaning Heart's hooves and brushing him down calmed Bash immensely. He'd completely forgotten his feelings of unease he had before and was looking forward to his first Hunt with Papa and Uncle.

Isolde was following after Tristan, still dressed in her night dress, down towards the stables. And boy did she looked upset.

"Tristan Bishop, I am telling you. Tonight is not a good night for hunting. I have a bad feeling in my gut. You all must stay home." Isolde pleaded with her husband, almost demanded.

Tristan laughed at his beautiful, yet worrisome wife, and walked over to her pulling her into a hug.

"Dear Wife, have I told you how beautiful you look when you're pissed off?" Tristan rubbed his nose against hers making her giggle, then she playfully slapped him.

"I'm serious. Husband.. the howling. We've heard it before, at the last full moon. You know what it is! Look at Marta and Samuel.. they lost poor Elizabeth after they heard the howlin," Isolde paused and looked at her husband's brother who was talking to her only child.

"Please.. I cannot bare to think of losing you and Bash. I cannot.." her voice catching in her throat, "I will not survive without you." Wiping away the tear that slid down his wife's cheek, Tristan sighed.

Sensing his wife's distress, Tristan pulled her into a tight embrace and kissing her with a passion that made the stars look dim.

"I love you," Tristan said after Isolde caught her breath.

"I love you, too," Isolde said while looking into her husband clear, blue eyes.

"We will be back by supper." Tristan kissed his wife's forehead, then her nose, and then on her beautiful mouth and turned toward his son and his brother.

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loftl · 5 years

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8 DEC 2014 - Chapter 3

The years flown by as if they were nothing but a sweet, summer breeze. Sebastian was turning thirteen years old in the morning and Isolde was losing it big time. She'd tried biting her tongue, going about her daily chores. She even scrubbed the wood floors. Isolde had finished washing up for supper when Elias arrived.

"Isolde." Elias said with a nod in her direction. "Where's that nephew of mine?"

Isolde smiled at her husbands older brother. Elias was a quiet man, much different from her husband who has always been rather boisterous. Most would look at Elias and see a man who they couldn't read. Isolde looked at Elias and saw the world upon his shoulders. She didn't know why, but even as a child, Isolde had always felt familiar to Elias. She could anticipate his moves, his thoughts. She understood his silence. She looked at him now as he hung his bow and sheath and could feel that he was nervous, as he always was when Isolde was near him. Even as children, he'd been that way. Isolde never questioned it, she'd learned with Elias that less was more. For reasons she could not explain, Isolde rushed over to Elias and hugged him. Wrapping her arms around his waist, pinning his arms at his sides, Isolde hugged him as tightly as she could. Elias stood there, not moving. She wasn't even sure if he was breathing. She felt his body relax and she slowly peeled herself away from him.

Steadying herself, she turned away as to not look at him. Unsure of where these emotions came from and feeling queasy, she cleared her throat and went back to scrubbing the kitchen. Knowing he was watching intently, Isolde acted as if her rash behavior had never happened. Every part of her that touched him seemed to burn. Burn with this feverish need to have him in her arms again.

'What is wrong with you, Isolde Bishop!' She thought to herself.

Without looking at Elias, Isolde quietly told him that Bash and Tristan were bringing hay into the stables for the horses. She said this so quietly in fact that she wasn't sure Elias had heard her at all. She turned around just in time to see him close the door behind him as he walked out of the house, leaving her to stand there in her own silence. Feeling faint, Isolde left the cloth on the table and went to sit in the Rocking Chair in the next room.

"What is wrong with me!" Isolde chastised herself. Belle, who'd been laying by the hearth, barked in response to her master's questions. Isolde patted her knee and the dog trotted over to her, laying her head on her lap. Isolde lightly petted the top of Belle's head and sighed. "Do you know what's wrong with me, ole girl? HM?" She asked her dog. "No? Neither do I."

It was late by the time the men had arrived back at the house. Isolde already had their meals on the table, still steaming hot from just being plated. Tristan walked over to his wife and pulled her into his arms, dipping her backwards in their tiny kitchen and kissed her roughly on the lips. Letting her know that he had plans for her tonight that made her melt with anticipation. Their son broke their little rendezvous by laughing at whatever his Uncle had said to him. Straightening herself, she pushed her husband away and smiled at him, caressing his cheek. Grabbing her hand and holding it there he smiled back and kissed her, softer this time, on the lips.

"Eat your supper, Husband. You'll need fully belly's and lots of sleep tonight if you're to wake before dawn." Isolde said to her husband, directing the last part at all three men. Men, she sighed inwardly. My baby boy is a man now. The thought saddened her deeply. For years, she and Tristan had tried to have another baby, but luck was not on their side. Somewhere along the way, their love making had turned into something altogether. Isolde often thought about the nights she shared with her husband in their bed. She knew he loved her, needed her. It frightened her when she realized she may never bare anymore of his children. When she spoke of her fears to her husband, he stopped her by kissing her passionately on this lips. Making love to her to quiet her qualms. It was the first time in many years that Isolde felt like she had in those first few months after they had wed. After Alice's death, Tristan had gone distant with her. Leaving her to grieve for their daughter on her own. It was later that her Father had traveled to check on her after hearing about little Alice. When he saw the state his only daughter was in, he slapped Tristan across the face and demanded he get off his ass and fetch the Doctor. Never having seen her Father like this, Tristan took off in a dead run out of the house and showed up a few hours later with the Doctor. Tristan's left eye already bruised from where her Father had hit him.

'The Doctor asked Tristan to carry Isolde into their chamber so that he could examine her in private, his wife, Mary, was with him and walked into her room without needing to be told. Tristan stepped towards Isolde, who'd been sitting in her Rocker, but her Father stepped in his way. Robert stood there and glared at Tristan until finally, her husband fully understanding what Robert was telling him, marched outside and shut the door. Robert turned to his daughter, his face going soft.

"Oh my dear sweet Lass," Robert spoke as he bent over Isolde, lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bed. Laying her down gently as if she were so delicate he was afraid she would break, he looked at Mary and spoke very quietly to the Doctor's wife, but firmly so that she could not dismiss his words than nothing more than a warning. "You will not allow Tristan to enter this room. If he tries... you holler for me. I will be outside.. saying goodbye to my Grand-Daughter."

"Yes, of course." Mary spoke fast, but her words were stressed with fear. Everyone who know Robert, knew you did not want to upset him. He had quiet a temper, but only when agitated.

Robert walked out of the room then, turning only to take one last glance at his daughter, then he headed to the Bishop Family plot to mourn his Grand-Daughter's death. Anne was with child, but she was having a hard time of it. She was bleeding a lot these days, not a good sign. According her Anne, anyways. Robert had thought long and hard about having more children. He wanted Anne to be happy, but he'd suffered enough loss in this lifetime to last him until he was dead and put in the earth. He promised Anne they would try, though. Robert decided, without Anne, that if she lost this baby, no more. He couldn't take any more death. Cursing out loud, Robert stomped his way to the back of the property, praying to God that his daughter would not be another one he would have to bury.

The Doctor had been in their chamber with Isolde for hours. It was becoming dusk out and Tristan started to worry. He knew he'd been harsh towards his wife. Blaming her for their daughter's death, even though he knew it wasn't her fault. It could have happened no matter who had her. He knew that. He rode into the market and stopped to speak to Mother Superior about his thoughts. He couldn't talk to Isolde.. there was too much hatred inside him for that. He let his wife bury their daughter. He even left her at the farm and stayed away for a fortnight. When he returned home, he'd discovered that Henry had left. There was a note saying that he could no longer live where there was such much death where there used to be nothing but love. He didn't say where he was headed, but Tristan knew. Henry had been talking about joining the King's Army since he was a small boy.

Tristan cursed himself for what he'd done to Isolde. If he lost her, it would be his own doing. If he lost her, he knew it was God punishing him for deserting her. He started kicking at the barn when the front door opened. He turned and all but ran back to the house.

"How is she?! Is she alright? Can I please see her!" Tristan begged Mary, pleaded with her, but she wouldn't budge. She was a tiny woman, he could easily move her.. but there was something quiet fierce about the way she looked at him. Just then he heard Robert's booming voice coming from behind him.

"You will do no such thing. I heard what you done to my Isolde and if she dies, I will kill you myself." Robert pushed past Tristan and waited for Mary, still glaring at him, move aside so that he could get passed. After Robert was in the house, Mary slammed the door in Tristan's face.

Robert waited to be invited into Isolde's chamber's, he paced outside her room until the Doctor finally opened the door beckoning for Robert come in.

"Your daughter will be fine." The Doctor spoke in hushed tones as to not wake his daughter, who Robert could see was finally resting. Underneath her eyes blackened from crying and serious lack of sleep. He'd seen it in his wife's face when she was sick. It was because of that, Robert was sick with worry, hearing the Doctor say she would be fine gave him much needed relief. Such much so in fact that he hugged the Doctor tightly and quiet suddenly that it caused Mary to giggle out loud. Covering her mouth, Mary turned away from Robert and her husband and tended to Isolde.

Mary's quiet voice disrupted Robert's rejoicing. "Robert.”

Robert turned and looked at her with a huge grin across his face. Mary held a cloth in her hand that she'd been using to wipe Isolde's face with, and was standing much closer to Robert than he had anticipated. Take a step back, he cleared his throat and sobered himself. He knew that he had not heard everything.

"Robert, Isolde is fine. My Husband is going to give some herbs to Tristan who is to serve it to her in her tea." holding up her hand before Robert could interrupt, she continued, "Tristan is her husband, Robert. I understand your actions, but he has to right this situation. Everyone deals with loss in their own way, but Tristan is her husband and.. he is the Father of her children."

She looked at Robert then as if waiting for what she has said to register, but Robert just stood there. Staring at Mary as if she were speaking gibberish. The Doctor gathered his tools and walked over to his wife, cupping her elbow. "Your daughter is with child. Her emotions are heightened due to her being pregnant so her feeling of loss is a great deeper than your husband could have anticipated. She will be find. I am going to speak to Mr. Bishop now and tell him the good news." With that, the Doctor lead his wife out of his daughter and son-in-law's house leaving Robert and Isolde alone.'

That night, Tristan made love to Isolde like it was their first time. He was soft, tender. He moved slowly, feeling every inch of her as he moved inside her, relishing the feel of her around him. He deepened his kiss as pushed deeper inside of her, pushing Isolde to the edge of release. She rewarded him only minutes later melting all around him while calling out his name over and over again. Causing him to lose himself inside her. They lay there for hours, moving nothing but their mouths as they kissed each other. Tristan rolled them over so that Isolde straddled him. All the while, their bodies still connected together.

Their mouths still pressed against each other's. Feeling her husband's excitement, Isolde begin to move her body atop Tristan's. She started slowly until she felt herself let go, but she didn't stop. She moved faster, pushing herself until she almost lost him. Grabbing onto her husband's shoulders for support, she drove his excitement into hers causing Tristan to shout her name. Gasping with pleasure, Isolde did this over and over until Tristan met her movements with his own.

Knowing what she wanted. Knowing what he needed.

Moving together as one until both spent, met their release, clinging to one another.

"I love you." Tristan spoke, his voice deep and husky form their love making. Leaning forward he started kissing his wife's body, holding her close to his body. Isolde sat on top of him. His sex still inside of her. She lifted her head off his shoulder and kissed her husbands lips softly.

"As I love you." Isolde said, barely above a whisper.

Gripping her hips, Tristan suddenly was on top of Isolde. He looked down at his beautiful wife and smiled. Isolde's eyes grew larger, feeling her husband's excitement thickening inside her. Her breathing became erratic, she knew her husband was not finished. She closed her eyes as Tristan began to move inside of her, over and over he thrusted his sex into her. Meeting his movements with her own, causing Tristan to fasten his pace.

A loud crash reverberated throughout the house, causing Isolde to scream. Tristan covered her mouth and then held a finger to his lips. They bath sat there, trying to steady their breath when they heard the front door open and shut. Looking each other in the eyes, Isolde nodded slowly. Tristan lifted his wife, slowly as to not hurt her, off of his lap and placed her gently onto the bed. Throwing his undergarments on, he cracked the door. Louis was sitting at the front door, as if waiting for Elias to walk into the room at any given moment. Sighing, Tristan turned to his wife who had quietly threw on her own undergarments and was standing almost directly behind him.

"It was Elias." Tristan said, his voice strained. Isolde looked at the ground at the mention of his name. Memory of her sudden urge to need to hold him coming back to her. Biting her lip, she pushed aside her husband and walked out into the kitchen. Tristan leaned against the door frame watching Isolde, curiously.

"I don't think you should go." Isolde said, not very quietly either. "I have a bad feeling about this hunting trip, Tristan. Bash is just a boy."

"It's tradition, Isolde. When a Bishop son turns 13, he is take his first solo hunting trip. I have listened to your irrational qualms, dear wife. I have agreed to take our son, and my brother, on his first hunting trip as a man." Tristan walked up to his wife, resting his hands on her delicate frame, he slowly turned Isolde around to face him. Holding her face in between his hands he kissed her.

Grabbing her nightdress, he hiked it up to waist, pushing his knee in between his wife's legs to separate them. Cupping her sex he began to move his fingers, Isolde gasped pressing her hands against her husbands chest. 'She's telling me no?' Tristan asked himself. He always liked a challenge.

Suddenly, grabbing her buttocks, he lifted Isolde pressing her against the door to the second bedroom where Mart and Samuel slept. Isolde's eyes widened and opened her mouth to say something her husband, but he shut her up by pushing his tongue inside her mouth. Hearing her groan, he pushed his fingers inside her, massaging her sex until he felt her tighten and melt around her as she gasped out his name.

He'd pushed down his undergarments and was about to take his wife right then and there when he heard his brother clear his throat from behind them. Turning his head just enough to be able to see his brother, Tristan simply raised his eyebrows as if to say, "Sod off!" Elias, keeping eye contact with Tristan, walked into the kitchen and set about continuing whatever it was that he'd been doing that interrupted their lovemaking the first time. Turning his attention back to his wife, 'be damned with your brother if you think you will stop me from taking my wife in my house' Tristan said to himself. He started stroking Isolde more roughly when she tried to wiggly herself free. Tristan could see she was embarrassed by Elias being in the room, but for some reason he didn't care. He suddenly wanted to take his wife in front of his brother as if to claim her. To say, 'She is mine!' Thrusting himself inside her, Isolde cried out, then slapped Tristan across the face. Staggering backwards and almost falling because his legs were bound by his undergarments, Isolde straightened herself and pulled down her night dress. She marched out of the room, slamming their bedroom door behind her.

Tristan stood there, his undergarments still at his ankles, when his son bounded down the stairs and into the kitchen. Elias blocking Tristan from his son's view, allowed Tristan a moment to gather himself. Clearing his throat as if to single his brother that he was covered, Elias just turned back to the counter not even looking at his brother.

"Bash, you're up early." Tristan looked outside and it wasn't quiet yet dawn, but close.

"Papa, Uncle Elias!" Bash was beaming with excitement. "Today I am a man! Where's Mama?"

Sebastian reached for the door to his parents chambers when Elias stopped him, "Bash, why don't you let your Ma sleep for a spell. She'll wake with the dawn and help see us off. You can go get Heart ready for your hunting trip." Not waiting for further instructions, Bash darted from the house towards the stables.

Tristan and Elias stared at each other for what seemed like 15 minutes but really was only 30 seconds. So much was said in that small frame of time between the two brothers. Tristan pushed past Elias and walked into his chambers, where Isolde waited for him. Elias did not know. What he did know was that Tristan, though a great man, was a lot like their Father. Who used sex as punishment and reward against their Mother. It seemed that Tristan picked that up as well. It wasn't long before the hushed tones from the bedroom turned into moans and cries of pleasure. He couldn't take it anymore. Elias grabbed what food he'd been preparing, shoved it into the satchel, and walked out of the house not bothering to close the door behind him.

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loftl · 5 years

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8 DEC 2014 - Chapter 2

In the months that followed Bash kept his word. Every morning at dawn he would rise without complaint. He'd dress, eat his bread, then head out with his Father to do his chores. Because Bash was still a child, he wasn't allowed to do much. He mostly watched Tristan go about doing his chores. Trying to learn in anticipation for the day that he became a man and would have to help his Father out around the Farm.

Bash was allowed to collect the egg's for his Mother, and he did so with pride. Egg's were very easy to break and if he didn't break or drop any of them, his Mother would reward him with a piece of 'marchpane'! It was his favorite! Once Bash had been allowed to milk the cow, but that didn't end so well. The cow had been spooked, a rattler had made it's way onto the farm and had been by where Bash and the cow were.

Once it started hissing and let off his warning rattle, the cow lost it. She kicked Bash over backwards off his stool and with him went the bucket full of that days' Milk. He hadn't gotten in trouble, but he felt horrible. How was he ever going to be considered a man if he couldn't even milk the cow? Isolde hadn't let Bash out of her sight that day. He knew it was because his Mother worried about everything. He remembered asking Tristan about it when his Mother was out of earshot.

"Papa.. how come Mama's always worryin'?" Bash asked, keeping his voice low in case his Mother came over to check on him again for the hundredth time.

"Ahh..." Tristan locked the gate to the Sheep's pen, turning towards the barn he carried one of it's lamb's over to be branded with the Bishop's mark. "I suppose it's time you knew about your sister, Alice."

"What?!" Bash gasped. He had a sister?! Where did they keep her? He's been all over their farm and never saw a sister! "I have a sister? Where is she?"

Tristan pointed at the Lamb for Bash to help, grabbing her hooves with one hand Tristan stuck the branding iron in the fire pit. Bash came around and grabbed a hold of her head, so she wouldn't hurt herself once his Father pressed the branding iron against her tender flesh. Once the Lamb had been branded, Tristan carried her back to her Mother and put the latch through the gate. Turning he put his arm around Bash's shoulders and looked towards the house.

"Alice was just barely a year old when she and your Mama left to go do that washing at the River. In fact, you were with in a way.. we just didn't know about you until much later." Tristan spoke to his son quietly. Bash looked around as his Father started telling his sister's story. All the animals, including the ducks and chickens had gone quiet. As if they, too, were listening about Alice.

"It was summer time, but cooler than usual. Your Mama had to go into the river to fetch some wash that had been blown into it and drifted down stream a ways. In that time your sister had done some exploring away from the spot that they had been sitting. By the time your Mama got back with the wash and had everything loaded... Alice.." Tristan paused to clear his throat. Bash had only seen his Father cry one time. It was when he had been really sick with Fever. It scared him to see his Father cry then.. as it did now, seeing a tear escape his Father's eye.

Tristan slowed their pace as they neared the Family Plot. Bash was not allowed to play over here, Mama said. Mama called it 'disrespectful.' When Bash had asked Isolde what that word meant, she said he would know what it meant in due time, but not before then. It made Bash very nervous to be this close to the Family Plot. He turned to look over his shoulder, towards the house. He could see Mama outside, feeding the chickens. That was his job! He sent his Father a panicked look.

They stopped just outside the entrance. His Father dropped down on his knees and looked Bash in the eyes.

"On their way home, your Mama could hear Alice breathing funny. She'd stopped the cart to check on her and had seen that she looked wild and feverish. Her eyes were almost black, the doctor called it 'dilation.' She was shaking everywhere and couldn't lift her head or her arms. Isolde.. was calm. Assessing her all over for a wound. When she couldn't find one, she panicked. Left the wash on the lane and wrapping your sister in her arms, she ran all the way back our farm."

Taking Bash's hand, he pulled Bash along behind him as he entered, for the second time in his life, the Family Plot. They walked to the back, careful of the 'markers' as Tristan called them.

"They mark the spot where our loved ones, after they have passed over, place where we've laid them to rest." He'd patiently explained.. unknowingly answering his son's unspoken questions. His Father often did that, answering Bash's questions he thought in his head. Bash thought maybe Tristan could hear this thoughts.. and he tried really hard to not think so loudly, but it didn't seem to matter.

They stopped at a tiny marker. On it was inscribed one word, Alice.

Bash started crying.

"By the time your Mama made it home, Alice was having what the Doc' called 'seizures' or 'spasms'. Her jaw was locked and they had a hard time getting it open, trying to not hurt her. In Alice's hand, your Grandfather Robert found what looked like a wild carrot, but when we looked more closely, we saw it was 'lady's lace'." Tristan had grown very still, speaking in hushed tons. As if he were speaking to a baby. Bash's sobs had quieted down, though he still shook all over from cryin' so hard. Tristan kneeled down and became to clear out the weeds surround Alice's little marker. Bash kneeled down, too, but kept his hands on his legs.

He wasn't sure if he was allowed to ask questions. So, he was thankful when he Father answered the one he was dyin' to ask.

"Lady's lace is what you may know as being called 'hemlock'. Your Mama, still holding your sister, had smelled her lips and was certain that she had eaten it. You see, Sebastian. Hemlock smells like Parsnips. Your sister loved parsnips. She couldn't have known that was that, but by the smell of it.. it was something that was delicious to her. After all, Alice was just a baby." Tristan and Sebastian sat next to each other, looking at his sister's marker. She'd only been a baby? Bash didn't know babies could die. Wiping his nose on his sleeve, Bash looked up at his Father with new eyes. His Father was stronger than he ever thought.

Clearing his throat, Tristan looked at his son. "It's why your Mama doesn't grow Parsnips in her garden. And why she worries so much. She wasn't always like this. She laughed more then. Played more. After Alice died... something in your Mama died with your sister."

"Well.. can't we just dig it out?" Bash had asked. He wanted his Mother to laugh more. He definitely wanted her to play more. Tristan smiled at his son and ruffled his hair.

"I'm afraid, boy, that it doesn't work that way." Tristan said, with a sigh his Father stood, plucked a flow that was growing by the fencing and placed it by Alice's marker. Bash followed his Father's example and not wanting to be disrespectful, Bash said to Alice's marker, "It was nice meeting you sister, Alice. I'm your brother, Sebastian. You can call me Bash, though. Everyone does."

Tristan pulled his son into his arms and hugged him so tightly Bash was afraid that his Father might break his bones. Tristan held Bash for what seemed like a very long time, but Bash didn't protest. Seeing his Father like this confused and frightened him. Tristan was always smiling and laughing. His bright blue eyes always sparkled. Eventually, the day grew cooler. Darker. Both hearing Isolde calling them for supper, made them turn their heads simultaneously towards the house.

"We best wash up." Tristan said, his voice lighter than before.

"Yes, Papa." Bash replied quietly, looking back at his sister's marker. 'I'll come visit you tomorrow, Alice." he thought to himself.

Once they were washed and at the table, Isolde set about serving Tristan and Bash before setting down with her own meal. It was definitely a treat! Mama had made roasted duck and boiled potatoes for supper. It was Bash's favorite!

"Eat your supper, Bash, before it gets cold." Isolde chided her son.

"YES MAMA!" Bash exclaimed rather loudly. Excited about tonight's meal. He dug in. Dinner's conversation was quiet tonight. He felt the atmosphere change.. it felt a lot like it did when he'd been out with his Father visiting Alice. Bash looked at his parents through his eyelashes. Mama always said it was not polite to stare at people. Mama looked different some how. Maybe knowing that she was missing pieces made her look different, Bash couldn't tell. Suddenly, Bash stood and ran over to his Mother. He threw his arms around her neck and started crying.

"I'm so sorry, Mama!" Bash blubbered, gasping for breath in between sobs. "I'm so sorry about Alice. And your piece that died!"

Isolde rocked her son, shushing him while she ran her fingers in his hair. Kissing his forehead, she started humming the lullaby she always sang whenever he had bad dreams. Slowly Bash drifted into a dreamless sleep, as he always did when Isolde sang to him. Tristan rose, walked over to where his wife and son sat together, took Bash into his arms and carrying him up the stairs, Isolde and Tristan took their son to his room and tucked him in for the night.

Belle, their sheep dog, got quiet a supper tonight. You could tell she was excited! Isolde knelt by their family pet and scratched behind her ears as Belle chowed down on roasted duck and potatoes. She knew that her husband had took their son to Alice's grave. She watched them from the window in the sitting room. She watched them walk from the Sheep's pen, to the entrance of the cemetery. Stopping long enough for Tristan to gather his bearings. She watched her son cry over his sister that he never got to meet. For the first time in nine years, Isolde felt the pang of loss she suffered from her daughter's death. She cried every year on this day, but that feeling had been gone for so long.. she knew it was seeing her son's grief that brought back this pain. Isolde stood, hugging herself and wept. Remembering her daughter's clear blue eyes that held such a likeness to Tristan's, her silky blond hair. Isolde smiled through her tears as she recalled the softness of Alice's skin. Her chubby hands as they clutched her finger, and the feeling of her arms around her neck. Squeezing as tightly as she could, hugging Isolde to her as if she were afraid she would disappear.

Isolde's reverie was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Wiping her face with her apron, Isolde went to see who it was that came a calling. It was Marta and Molly. Marta, needing no explanation, pulled Isolde into a fierce hug. Molly curtsied and handed her two bottles of milk. Isolde smiled at Marta and Samuels' daughter. She looked a lot like Elizabeth, or she supposed Lizzie had looked a lot like Molly.

"How are you, Molly?" Isolde asked the little girl, smiling down on her. Molly never responded, she hadn't spoken a word since Lizzie's death.

Elizabeth was Marta and Samuel's youngest daughter. Three years old, she and Molly had been out in the yard playing when a large animal had come across the young girls. Molly took off screaming towards the house, but Lizzie hadn't followed her sister. The monster attacked Lizzie, killing her almost instantly before Samuel could get a shot off at it. Leaving pour little Lizzie to tend to it's wounds, it tore off back into the wood. Later that week, Tristan and Isolde had come over to pay their respects and help them finish their fencing around the property. That was the first night that Molly was stricken with fever.

Marta and Molly entered the Bishop's home. Isolde thanked Marta for the milk, explaining that she would give her some Barley in return. Marta asked her questions about how Sebastian did after the cow had knocked him over. Isolde laughed and explained what had happened and how Bash was so excited after watching Tristan kill the Rattler snake that he went about the farm pretending to slay a fleet of them. The ladies had a quiet brunch together, eating cheese and some ham. Then Marta and Molly left with promises of bringing marchpane 'round for Bash's birthday.

That year, Bash turned 10 years old.

Uncle Elias brought him a handmade bow and sheath that he were to use to practice for when he turned 13 years old, but with strict instructions that he were to never enter the wood and he were never to kill with them. These were strictly for practicing. Elias and Tristan had set up a target for him off yonder on the property where it was safe for Bash to go shoot.

Isolde had made her son a new blanket and new clothes and Tristan gave his son a new hunting knife. Marta, Samuel and Molly were true to their word, bringing Bash some of his favorite marchpane! As well as a loaf of bread made form the Barley that Isolde had given her in exchange for the milk. Because it was late, Marta and Samuel were to sleep in the room downstairs off the kitchen, and Molly took the second bedroom upstairs by Bash's room. Marta and Samuel pleaded with Elias to take the room in the house where it was warm. Elias dismissed their concerns with a wave of his hand saying he would gladly sleep in the barn. His dog could keep him warm. He bent down to scratch the belly of his favorite dog, Louis. As he stood, Marta hugged Elias and Samuel shook his hand. Elias shrugged at his brother and shook his head when no one was looking, causing Tristan to laugh out loud.

Later that night, when everyone were in their respected chambers. Isolde and Tristan lay in bed with one another holding each other. Whether it had just been awkward timing.. or maybe God thought it was a way to honor both children, Bash had been born on Alice's birthday. She would have been twelve years old. Tristan suddenly kissed his wife with such force that it took Isolde a few minutes to catch her breath. He touched her everywhere, like he had never touched her before. Caressing her in her most intimate place, Isolde moaned against her husband's mouth. She felt her husbands need deep in her belly and responded with as much fevered. Tristan was rough with her that night, but she didn't care. Screaming out his name over and over, begging him to love her harder. Faster. Their lovemaking was not out of love tonight, but out of the desperate need for one another. Spent and naked, neither having the energy to dress in their nightgowns. They feel asleep clinging to one another, not even bothering to cover themselves with a blanket.

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loftl · 5 years

Text

7 DEC 2014 - Chapter 1.2

She'd already turned away and was getting ready to run inside and lock the doors, when she glanced back over her shoulder in time to see a small figure emerge between two large creatures. She heard Bash's call once more, alerting her to his presence. Connecting the small figure to her son's call, Isolde started laughing at herself. Then she realized that the two beasts behind her son were but two full grown horses... he was leading them!! She felt very silly for how she reacted and a little light headed.

"BASH!! Wh... how!? Boy, you best tell me where these horses came from before your Father is to return!" Isolde demanded to her son.

"Mama, I've been workin' hard for these here horses!" Her son started. "I made a deal with William Hersh!"

Isolde stopped herself from racing out to her son and pulling him into her arms at the mention of William's name. She couldn't believe that he, of all people, would even give her son the time of day. He was after all a Bishop. Everyone knew the Hersh's did not like the Bishop's. Though if Isolde were being totally honest with herself, she knew it wasn't just the fact that her son was a Bishop that surprised her of her son and William's deal, but that he was also HER son.

William hated Isolde for marrying Tristan Bishop. Hated her because he wanted her and she knew it, but still chose to marry Tristan. Not only choosing his sworn enemy as her husband, but wounding his ego in the process of dismissing his marriage proposal. Isolde knew it wasn't his feelings that drove him to propose to her. The Hersh family were all about appearance and money. Isolde was a beauty and would have been considered a true prize by many men. It also helped that her Father owned his own Mill. Isolde wasn't about that though and had made it very clear that she wasn't looking for money or good looks in a husband. She wanted her marriage to be about love. The kind of love her Father had for her Mother.

Isolde looked at her son for what felt like to Sebastian, hours. Finally when she spoke to him, her voice was grave. "You made what kind of deal with William Hersh?" Isolde demanded, squinting her eyes at her son.

"He said I could have 'em, but I have to promise to come work his land twice a fortnight, until he dies Mama!" exclaimed Bash. Excited that he made a deal. Showing that he could be responsible. Or at least trying anyways.

Overcome with joy that her son was alive and unharmed, Isolde could hardly discipline her only child. Though she should, not coming straight home and making a deal with William Hersh of all people. She knows his intentions were good and she could tell by looking into her son's eyes that he was very proud of himself. Sighing, Isolde walked out and hugged her son tightly.

"You're going to make a fine man when you grow up, me dear sweet boy." She grabbed the reigns of the male horse and started checking him over.

"Horses take a lot of caring for, Sebastian. You have to keep their coats brushed and hooves clean. You must feed them and fill their trough every day." Isolde started cleaning the male horses hooves.

"They must be ridden often.. to keep them in shape. Because you made this deal, this is going to be your responsibility, Sebastian Bishop. Also, you will tell your Father of your deal with Mr. Hersh. Understood?"

"Yes, Mama. I will, Mama!! That one there, his name is Heart. And this female, she's Enya! Papa is going ..," Bash paused, anxiety riddled his voice.

"Mama, will Papa be mad at me for not telling him?"

Isolde hid her face so that her son could not see her smile. It's true, Tristan is a kindhearted man who hardly ever raises his voice, let alone his hand in anger. She knew her husband would just be thankful that their son were home and safe. Bash is a good boy and never has done anything like this before, but Isolde felt that he needed to understand that what he did was very dangerous. That what he did could have had serious consequences.

"Who's to say, dear boy." Isolde spoke in soft tones, loud enough for Bash to hear her, but quiet enough as to not spook Heart. "He is.. often unpredictable. I know that he and your Uncle were very worried and upset when you did not show when you were suppose to."

"Uncle is here?!" Sebastian asked excitedly. Bash loved his Uncle Elias. He was his favorite Uncle. Well, he'd have to admit that he didn't really know his Uncle Henry. Just that he fought for the King's Army. Uncle Elias was a God to Bash. His hero, besides his Father.

"Mm.." answered Isolde. Quietly working over Heart.

Bash took his Mother's silence as his queue. He should get Enya worked over and in the stables that his Papa and Uncle Elias had built before they were to return.

Bash smiled as he turned his full attention to Enya. She was a true beauty. He'd never seen horses like these before. He will have to have Papa help him brand them with their mark, and he will have to pay to register them. He knows Papa will be upset, but he won't be mad. He is goin' take real good care of these horses. He knew she should have told Papa of his plans, but he knew that he wouldn't let me go through with it. They so desperately needed the horses and Sebastian wanted to help out his Ma and Pa in the worst way. Bash stood beside Enya, brushing her coat, thinking of how he was going to explain to Papa what he'd done.

Isolde's voice jostled Sebastian out of his thoughts.

"Now don't forget to clean her hooves, Bash. Like I showed you with ole Heart here." Isolde called to her son.

"Alright boy.. Steady now," Isolde said in a soothing voice. "Let's try this here saddle on you, Ole boy."

Suddenly, Heart reared up almost knocking Isolde over. Barely containing a scream, Isolde bit her tongue. Tasting blood in her mouth, she spat it out on the ground causing Heart to buck. Isolde held as still as she could as to not frighten the horse more by any sudden movements. He was still jumpy and whinnying when she slowly turned, walked over to the fencing that surrounded the garden and plucked a carrot.

"It's alright boy." Isolde crooned to Heart. She held out her hand, palm facing up, fingers straight and flat so that the horse did not bite them.

The carrots seemed to calm him.. nudging her pocket for more, Isolde held out another carrot for this massive and powerful animal..

'So strange,' Isolde thought.

"Bash.. did William ever ride these horses?" Isolde called to her son who was taking Enya to the barn.

"I never asked him, Mama. Does it matter?" Bash asked when he walked back over to his Mother.

There was a bit of a wild glimmer to Heart's eyes.. one that said this horse would take some taming to before he could be ridden.. Enya at least looked to be more gentle. Bash would have to ride her... Tristan will have to tame this one..

"Bash.. you stay away from Heart until your Papa can get a good feel for him at tomorrow's light. You understand me? You are not to ride this horse.." Isolde said sternly.

"Yes Mama..." Sebastian agreed right away. "But Mama.. is he mad?"

"What? No, no I don't think so, son. I think Heart here is wild, but not mad. He doesn't have any signs... it's just a feelin is all." Isolde said calmly as she fed Heart more carrots.

Tristan and Elias returned home a few hours after Sebastian and Isolde put the horses in their stables for the night. Sebastian declared he was not going to sleep until his Father were to return so that he could speak to him "man to man." Knowing he must be famished, Isolde set about the kitchen putting together a helping of bred and cheese. The milk was cold now, but it could be warmed by the fire. When she called to Bash to let him know his meal was ready, Isolde got silence in return. In fact, she no longer heard the chair rocking back and forth against the wood flooring, only the crickets serenading the moon.

Peeking her head into the sitting room, Isolde smiled and leaned against the door frame. There in her rocking chair, Bash was fast asleep. So much for staying up for his "man to man" talk with his Father. She was still leaning on the door frame when Tristan and Elias walked into the house. Holding her finger to her lips she pointed. Tristan followed where her finger pointed and saw his son, sleeping peacefully in the rocking chair. Smiling at his wife, he walked into the room. Picking up his son, Tristan carried Sebastian to his room and placed him carefully on his bed, covering him up with his blanket that Isolde had stitched for him.

When Tristan returned, there was another plate of bread and cheese on the table across from where Elias sat eating his share. Isolde was at the fireplace warming milk to go along with their late supper. He'd overheard the tail end of his brother and wife's conversation, enough so to be able to piece together the rest of the story without having to hear anyone go into detail. As honorable and noble his son's intentions were, he would have to return the horses to Hersh. He wanted nothing from that man.

"You will do no such thing." Isolde stood, hands on her hips, staring at her husband looking somewhat cross. As if reading where his thoughts were headed.

"Isolde, he killed my Mother, my sister and my little brother. I want nothing from that man and I want my son to have nothing to do with him, but to rid of him once and for all." stopping only to shove a piece of cheese in his mouth and take a drink of warm milk, Tristan looked to his brother as if to say, 'back me up here.'

Sensing her husbands discomfort about the entirety of the situation, Isolde walked around the table, sitting on her husbands lap, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

"I think, Brother, you just lost." Elias said laughing with his mouth full of bread.

"Hmm, I don't know just yet." Grabbing his wife at the waist, Tristan stood and threw her over his shoulder warding him with a squeal of delight from his wife. "I think we will continue this discussion in the bedroom, Mrs. Bishop." Winking at his brother, Tristan turned on his heel, smacked his wife's behind earning him another squeal, pushed open the door this their chambers and kicked it shut with his heel. Leaving Elias alone to his thoughts and the crackling of the fire. One minute later, the silence was shattered with Tristan and his wife's lovemaking.

Suddenly, losing his appetite, Elias rose and at a hastily walked out of the house only to be greeted by the morning dew as it stuck to his face and clothes. Still able to hear Isolde moaning in pleasure, Elias took off at a dead run towards the Family Plot. It'd been awhile since he said 'Hello' to his Mother and told Louis of his travels. He knew his little brother would get a kick out of Elias naming his dog after him. 'Speaking of the devil and he shall appear.' Elias thought as his dog, Louis, hearing his master's running pace, came darting out of the barn and was right on his heels. Elias smiled.

"Come on ole dog, I'll race ya." and with that Elias picked up speed. Maybe a run would be better.

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