Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Earth - An Unexpected Meeting

Posted by Civilian Ragna Idun McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Earth - An Unexpected Meeting

Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Earth - An Unexpected Meeting
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Seamus ignored the fox, concentrating all his focus on Ragna. He went inside and came out with the pot and set it beside her. He then sponged her off with warm water, cleaned her, dried her, and dressed her. He smiled at her and said “You know… even battered and bruised, ya still make me think of all kinds ’ things I shouldn’t be thinking.” and he winked at her.

Once Seamus was finished, Ragna was exhausted. She felt better but she was still hurting. Sore back, torn abdominals, scraped fingers, battered face, and a new ache she’d not realized - a bruised and swollen ankle where the man had grabbed and dragged her across the ground. Where Aurora was laying across her feet as making it ache. “Down Aurora,” she hissed softly and then moved her leg making everything protest. The small fox hoped down gently and laid down next to the footstool. Ragna rested her head back against his arm and smiled at him, “You know…Husband…even battered and bruised, I still think all kinds of things about you.” She turned serious then though, “Seamus…I don’t know who that man was, but I know he had to be a ‘cousin.’ I need you to call the police. His DNA is on the neck of my dress, they’ll be able to find him. I want him arrested for assault.”

Seamus’s eyes went to fire and his jaw set like a vice, but his voice was calm and reassuring towards Ragna. “Argyle. He is Argyle McKenzie. And he and the rest of his ilk have already called the coppers. They’ll be here today. He is in the hospital… had she not stopped me, he’d be in the ground feeding worms.”

Ragna watched his eyes and face. A matching flame flaring in her own eyes. She supposed Seamus might look dangerous to someone else, but it was extremely comforting to her. Ragna nodded and then quietly leaned against him. She was thinking, finally she lifted her head and looked him in the eye. “You must call them anyway. I have only just regained consciousness, …Seamus, and the report must be made before it appears that we are reacting to their accusations. The Rite of Retribution will be mine, and I will start by having him arrested and convicted for assault. And you, My Love, Marshall of Clan McKenzie, should go talk to the clan, especially the less well off and the exceptionally ‘pretty’ girls specifically. I am certain you will find he has a history of forcing his attentions, and they are too scared to go against him. When I am better I shall go with you. Men det vil ikke lenger være tause ofre for denne mannen. Av Idun vil jeg * ikke * tåle det. (But there will no longer be silent victims of this man. By Idun, I will not tolerate it.)” She was serious, no matter what he and Tara were planning, and she was certain they were planning something, given how far away Tara had led her father and uncle to ‘talk.’ Ragna reached up and touched his cheek and she smiled at him. “He would not be feeding the worms, he’s too rotten even for them. But that’s okay, it just means there is something left for me to toy with. He won’t enjoy it.” She looked around the garden, the previous days events unfolding before her; a shudder went through her and honest fear flashed in her eyes. “How did you know to come back?”

“One, you are in no position to demand retribution. Two, a report was made when the police were contacted. Lady Tara has already given her statement. Three… I heard Angus. And that black basket of wool should be back here today as well. So you just sit. Heal. Whatever you want falls behind whatever Gran and your Da have cooking.”

“Like h#%% I’m not. I’m not talking about running him through on the end of my sword, Seamus McKenzie! I know that. I know I come second. Do you think for one moment that I don’t understand this,” and she waved at herself and around the destroyed garden, “changes everything. And had you not heard Angus, I’d be dead, or worse right now because you didn’t hear me screaming for you, so yes let me just sit here and heal.” Ragna was frustrated and scared, and there was obviously a cultural gap that she and Seamus weren’t going to be able to bridge.

Seamus got hot, but clenched his jaw to keep his voice as steady as he could. “Second?!?! How you ever got that through your skull is beyond me. You think you come second? To anyone?” He stood up and glared down at her. “You are my wife. You come second to no one. And I heard Angus first, you stubborn git! Gods, Ragna McKenzie… he musta clipped you harder than the doctor let on! You’ve done lost that keen intellect I loved so much. Now sit there, don’t move, and try and figure out what those two birds-” and pointed behind him to Tara and Helka, “- are chirping about, will you? I love you. Now be still, dammit.” and he stomped off and into the house.

“I didn’t say I was second to you, Seamus,” but he was already gone and she didn’t have it in her to yell, it hurt to damn much. But mutter and curse under her breath she did. “Right you’re angry so you get to walk away and blow off steam, but I do it and I’m childish and wasting time. I am being still you ruddy over grown pain in my a$$.” There were other things that she was thinking but didn’t say because they were mean and couldn’t be taken back. Like the fact she got it in her head because he said it, that whatever she wanted (like she’d asked for anything as selfish as a want, but she supposed her needs were wants then) came behind, came second to Tara and her Da. Or the fact that this was home and she was afraid she didn’t fit and she didn’t feel safe. That Seamus had left and if he hadn’t left the man wouldn’t have been able to… That wasn’t fair to Seamus though, and she didn’t blame him at all. It did reinforce the feeling she wasn’t safe in her own home though, and Seamus couldn’t stay with her all the time, and as long as it was storm season she couldn’t stay on her own either. That despite her own knowledge, experience, and expertise her migraines made her vulnerable.

(snip)
Oddvar grunted and muttered in Norwegian “Og hun sier gjengjeldelse er arkaisk. (And she says retribution is archaic.)” Cuyler shot him a glance. Not that he didn’t think Tara was being high browed and dismissive, but judgements were for later. Then again that was Oddvar’s job. To play devil’s advocate, to be the militaristic one, the one who saw everything their way. Oddvar wasn’t really like that, but as klanvakt (clan guard) it was his job to be somewhat confrontational. And it was Ragna who got hurt.

Cuyler raised a brow. “For us, by our laws, it is used only in extreme circumstances. It requires the chief to step down and name a successor, immediately from the assembled clan. Or if the chief won’t stand down, a duel. Historically to the death, but things don’t go that far now. But we haven’t had such a rite in a couple if centuries. And here?”
The Edmans

“The same.” Tara replied. “And if we play our hand well… I can guarantee Argyle and his ilk will call for it. Your job, Cuyler Edman… is to make sure that Michael and Revna are here when that happens… with the rest of my clan none the wiser about it.”

Seamus and Lady Tara McKenzie

Cuyler and Oddvar looked at each other and Cuyler looked back at her. “Oh I can do that. But how long can you hold them off. From the station it takes 6 to 7 weeks to reach Earth and I have no idea where in the Delta Revna is right now. And then you better have a really good letter for me to forward to Revna then. She’ll come, she’ll even convince Michael to come, to support Seamus and Ranga, and even you. She won’t do it so you can make Mike Chief when he’s said he doesn’t want it. And only you can convince her that she should do that for you. It’s how she is. You write it, I’ll make sure she gets it, I’ll make sure they are here.” He looked over saw Helka hanging linens and laughed. “Helka!” She looked over and waved a dismissive hand, and after a moment she walked over. “Yes?” Cuyler grinned, “How do you fancy planning a wedding, a BIG wedding. For Revna and Mike?” Helka grinned, “I won’t have to, the whole village is chomping at the bit about it. It’s already planned. When?”
Ragna and Cuyler

Tara reached into her sleeve and pulled out piece of paper and held it out to him. “You just get her and Michael here. I’ll do the rest.” and she looked at Helka. Smiling, she said “Lady Helka. I am honored to welcome you to our lands. Perhaps some cross-clan coordination is in order. I have an idea that may help ease everyone’s minds and spirits…” and she took her by the arm and walked away from the two men. Looking back over her shoulder she said “One month. They have one month from today to be here. Bring them to your village. Not McKenzie lands.” and she lowered her head and began speaking quietly but in earnest to Helka.

Seamus and Lady Tara McKenzie

Cuyler took the letter and slid it into the back pocked of his pants. “We will, but a month, you are expecting a lot.” He watched Helka walk away with Tara and then glanced over to where Ragna was. If it had been Helka who had been so horribly hurt he wouldn’t not be as calm as Seamus and he commended the man, he turned to look at Oddvar and began to laugh. “Really Oddvar?” Oddvar turned to Cuyler, “What? I ain’t dead, yet.” Culyer slapped in on the back, “Let’s go see Ragna.” They left heading back, being sure to give Seamus and Ragna time to finish their own conversation. Helka would skewer them both if they bothered the young couple.

Cuyler watched as Seamus stormed off into the house and sighed. Oddvar looked at him, “Don’t go gettin’ involved. And don’t you go blaming her either. I’m not saying it’s Seamus’ fault but three weeks isn’t long to really know someone. You remember how it was for you and Helka.” Cuyler nodded, the fights had been loud and far ranging. From one end of the village to the other. Cuyler grinned but making up had been so worth the fights. “Aye, but Ragna…” Oddvar stopped and looked at him. “That’s the problem, right there, you are all always going, but it’s Ragna, like there is something wrong with her, rather than trying to understand her. Go call Devlin or whoever else you need to to get this crazy plan of Lady McKenzie’s started, and pray, to ALL the gods Cuyler it doesn’t backfire.”

Oddvar walked over and despite old knees knelt down next to Ragna and took one of her hands looking at the scraped, bruised, and torn fingers. “Fought good and hard didn’t you, girl?” Ragna nodded and they talked very quietly for quite awhile. It was always that way with Uncle Oddvar. He understood her, how she thought and he listened even if she wasn’t being reasonable or making sense. He let her get it all out and he thought over what she said, even if, in the end, he didn’t agree with her. “Uncle Oddvar, I want…” He shushed her, “Nay girl don’t you go asking for what I can’t give you. I’ve never been able to say no to you, but I won’t do that. You’re physically hurt, stuck to where ever you get put for the next few days, you’re scared and won’t tell him, letting your pride or your stubbornness, most likely both keep you silent. Oh you’ve given yourself plenty of seemingly legitimate reasons for your request, but they aren’t, and you know it. You’ve been put in a horrible situation, but you knew what was going on here when you told him to take you home. Just because it is so much worse than what any of you thought, doesn’t mean you get to tuck tail and run.” Ragna’s eyes flashed and fists clinched. Oddvar shook his head, “And that’s what you’re tryin’ to do. But it’s not this clan civil war you’re running from.” He brushed her hair back from her face, kissed her forehead and then went to find Cuyler.

Helka smiled at the woman, “I appreciate the welcome Lady Tara. I would welcome such, and I think it would be a wonderful gift to have such coordination for our Michael and Revna,” at the our she motioned between both of them. “Tell me what you have in mind.”
Ragna and the lot

“No no… we aren’t planning a wedding for them. This will be for Seamus and Ragna. No word of Michael and Revna is to be shared. That is imperative. Do you understand?”

Helka sighed and patted Tara’s arm where their arms were linked and dispensed with the formalities. “Tara, might I suggest from one woman, one mother, to another, a deep breath. No one is misunderstanding your plan here. But you do intend to have Michael take the clan from you, yes? To step into his place. It is quite a gift to give him and Revna. That we can come together in support of two people who are so dear to them? It is a gift, because their life should Michael accept, will not be easy.” She stopped Tara, still linked arms, on purpose and looked at her. “You are not alone, Tara. Here we may simply be allies, but in here,” and she tapped her chest, “You are family.”

“We plan a wedding for Seamus and Ragna. First here, then in your village. I am required to send for all the leading families. Oh… and they will come. They would not miss an opportunity to make a scene at Seamus’ expense right now. And using his wedding to call for Reconciliation? That is far too juicy a spectacle for the jackals to pass. They will show… and so will Clan Edman. And you will bring everyone with you. Everyone. The cousins will call for Reconciliation before the wedding, otherwise our clans will be joined and I could potentially name an Edman. They won’t let that happen. So it is of the utmost importance that your people are here a day early. When they call… then we see what candidates are available. Does this make sense to you, Lady Helka? Because as usual… it falls to the women to guide our men to the right decisions.” and she chuckled.

Seamus and Lady Tara McKenzie

Helka listened, “Ah, and by any chance have you or Seamus run this past Ragna yet? Because I believe you should, and that’s not a suggestion. Ragna is fire. She can be quite the boon to your plan should you choose to actually talk to her rather than order her around, or she can rage out of control and take everything with it. She’s been assaulted, beaten, and threatened in the one place she should have been safe. She will take matters into her own hands if she feels there is no other choice. And quite frankly I’d support her. If a man touched me like your grandson touched her, and I would hunt him like a rabid dog and end him. She needs to know you are going to bring justice to him, that she is a person to you. That this attack is not simply a move in your clan civil war. Ragna is fiercely loyal, and she will give all of that to you simply because you are family, whether she agrees with how you go about it or not, she will support you.” Helka began walking again, “Of course it makes sense, Tara, and yes we shall guide them, but be guided in turn. Now you told Cuyler a month, so that means their wedding would be planned for a month and a day, here. And where exactly? Here, this area is beautiful, or are you thinking super formal in the clan estate?”

Ragna and Helka

Tara turned and looked at Helka and said “Oh, I have no plans to bring Argyle to justice, Helka.” Holding up her hand to pause any righteous protests, she turned and looked at the woman with a fire almost as intense as Ragna’s. “You see… if I do it he won’t suffer nearly long enough. As much as it would be fitting, he is still my son’s eldest son. And at some point that bond could pause my hand, even if just in hesitation. I will not risk my old age and sentimentality giving him even the slightest chance at a reprieve. No… I am leaving that particular punishment up to Michael. And trust me when I say this… when he learns of what transpired here? What happened to his new bride’s sister?” and she shook her head and looked down for a moment before looking up at Helka again. “Michael will accept his birthright. If for no other reason than to bring his own wrath down upon those that brought harm to our family.” Tara paused and considered Helka for a moment before adding “I pray you are never in a position to have to watch one of your grandchildren break and destroy another one. But Argyle made his fate when he raised his hand against Ragna. And Michael will see to it that he is dealt with appropriately… if not biblically.”

Seamus and Tara

“So tell her that. You think that someone with a temper like Ragna’s doesn’t understand the need to allow more objective persons to make those decisions, but she does. But you two need to talk as people. Not high born titles and ranks with sticks up both your rears. She is a very scared young woman, in her husbands home, away from her family. Whether she knows it or not, she needs you to be her family. Not her new chief, not a Lady, not any of that, she needs you to be her other mother. Talk to her, and keep talking, even if her fear and anger have got a hold of her at the moment. It’s a trait of the young. But you keep talking, and she’ll hear you. And you know what, you need to be seen as more than the Lady and the title too, and Ragna, is very good at ignoring titles.” Then Helka hugged the other woman. “I hope too that I never have to see or do such a thing and I wish such a thing had never been laid on you.” Helka looked over at Ragna, “She’s alone, go on, go talk to her. I’ve got linens to finish, and then we’ll plan a wedding.” And she shooed Tara back towards Ragna. And then Helka took herself off to wash the linens.
Ragna, Oddvar, and Helka