Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Earth - I’ll Make ‘Em An Offer They Can’t Refuse

(snip)

“We have begged… pleaded… implored her to help us move the Clan forward! To help us regain some of the McKenzie fortune that she squanders on her own desires and material wants!” More cries against Tara sounded, and the other side began to yell back.

“We have come here today- my siblings, my family, and our loyal McKenzies- to demand that Lady Tara not use the marriage of Seamus to the Viking temptress… the woman who led my dear cousin Argyle into a physical altercation with the Marshall by trying to seduce him in the Marshall’s own home!… to not let Lady Tara use this farce of a wedding as a way to sell the Clan off to the Edmans for her own gain!!!”

Both sides erupted and started screaming at each other. Seamus started yelling and pushing people from both sides back as the lines between the two groups grew ever closer.

Ragna knew it would come to something like that. She didn’t expect them to play that card so soon. As the crowd began to encompass Seamus, Ragna felt two hands, her mother and her sister, on her back, steading her. And then she heard her chieftess’ voice, her oldest sister, Revna’s voice rise above the storm…

Mike took Revna’s hand and held it tight, the hood of his cloak pulled up to cover his face. “Dont let your family tale the bait. Stand down… we got this. Make sure they hold their tongues and blades. This is their trap! Don’t let them walk into it!” He gestured to Cuyler, hoping he could see him, telling him to stay put.

The McKenzies

Revna squeezed his hand, “They won’t. Trust them and trust me. They are angry but they won’t misstep.” Cuyler met Mike’s gaze. They would hold for him. Revna was watching the chaos insue and she met her mother’s gaze across the yard and then Tara’s and nodded once. Revna’s voice rose above the crowd, but blended with the shouts and yelling. “JENTER, EN ADVARSEL! (Maidens, ONE warning!)” And then there was a sudden deafening crash as over a two hundred blades, warriors and maidens, met the metal rimmed edges of shields. As if Thor had just struck the earth with Mjollnir. Then the three women And then there was an erie silence filled with waiting, daring, and loyalty to Tara. The entirety of the Edman clan watching her, waiting for her word.

Edman Clan

As the crowd fell into stunned silence, Tara inclined her head to the Edmans slowly before turning back to Hamish. “I’m sorry, Hamish… what was that? I’m afraid I got distracted. Couldn’t remember if I took the scones out of the oven.” She leaned forward and stage-whispered with her hand to the side of her mouth “Don’t worry… I did!” and she gave him an wholly exaggerated wink before returning to her proper stance. The exchange brought snickers and small laughs from her supporters. “Now… what were we talking about? Ah yes… my incompetence. No really… do continue. I’m most intrigued.” she said with a smile… a smile that was more akin to a she-wolf as they find a lost sheep all alone.

Hamish glared at her and then said “Lady Tara McKenzie! By all rights and honor me and mine demand Reconciliation! It is time for a new Chief!”

Tara’s eyes became emerald flame. “You dare make such a demand? Today? We are supposed to be celebrating a wedding, Hamish McKenzie! You make such a demand before allow-“ “ENOUGH! STOP YOUR BABBLING, OLD WOMAN!” Hamish bellowed. Tara’s mouth opened and then shut, and she looked at himnwith wide eyes. “Reconciliation… the demand has been made.Will you accept and name your successor here and now? Or does this become the end of the Clan? And you know damn well we can do it.” Hamish fixed Tara with a glare that could melt steel. Tara took a step back and her mouth opened and closed in slight shock before she recovered and composed herself.

“Reconciliation… never did I believe you would steep this far down to gain power, you selfish boy.” She looked out across the crowd. For a moment, she said nothing. Finally she looked back at Hamish.

“I will accept on three conditions. First… you remove all your protections from Argyle. He pays for what he did to Ragna.” Argyle sputtered and pushed up to Hamish. “Surely you can’t begin to entertai-“ “What is your second term?” Argyle looked at him wide eyed, but no sound came from his open mouth. “Second is Seamus and his bride get their wedding and are allowed to stay on all the land he currently maibtains.” Hamish grinned and said “And the third?” Tara looked at the crowd and then said “Michael McKenzie is given a stipend for life. I failed him… the clan should not.” and a single tear fell down her face.

Hamish was silent for a long moment before saying “I agree to the first two terms. Argyle will get no more assistance from any of us as of this moment.” Argyle’s eyes went wide and he said “You… you… you can’t do this!” Hamish looked back and said “Remove him.” and soon Argyle was being dragged towards the main gate. “The Marshall and his blonde toy can stay on the land for the next three years. After that, they must pay rent. But the third? Oh no… no no no… that pariah will never receive anything from this clan. Take it or leave it, Tara. Name your successor. And remember… they cannot hold a current clan office and must have a legitimate claim to the seat. No Seamus, in other words.” and he grinned. There were four people who could take the seat. And the other three would simply name Hamish Chief anyway. There was no way he could not become Che-

As Argyle was dragged away Cuyler slipped silently away. Devlin and two others appeared beside him and with two very strong hands, with out a word, he removed the hands escorting Argyle away and the he grabbed Argyle by the back of his neck and squeezed. “Oh no, boy you don’t get away that easy.” He turned to Devlin, “Hold him and keep him quiet.” And then he reappeared with his wife and daughters as if he never left.

“I name Michael Angus McKenzie Chief of Clan McKenzie!” Tara said loudly and defiantly. Hamish looked at her and then shook his head. “You senile old bag… you know the rules!!! The one you name must be here! Now! Now there is only one real option for you so stop wasting time and name-“

“I ACCEPT.” boomed a voice over the crowd. Two figures, one man and one woman, moved through the crowd. As they got near Seamus, the man took off his hood…

Revna moved beside Mike and it was something to see, the way they moved together, no doubt that they owned the path they walked. They ascended the steps, a curtsey, “Lady Tara” and Revna kissed Tara’s cheek. Revna turned standing right beside Mike and turned a knowing a pitying look on the cousins, but they would find no mercy there.

Michael Angus McKenzie stood tall as he walked with his wife up the steps to Tara. “Hey, Gran. Good to see you.” and he kissed her cheek. “I like your hair.” Tara grinned. “Not now, we are quashing an insurrection, dear boy.” “Oh right… sorry.” and he looked at Hamish. “Before I begin…” and he turned to Revna.

“Excuse me my love… could you be a dear and put some very angry and able shieldmaidens right along the front of that line right there?” and he pointed to the divide between McKenzies and whatever the other side was rapidly devolving into.

Lord Michael McKenzie

Revna’s voice rang out above the noise and commotion, “Shield Maidens!” And pouring out of the crowd, shields on arms and weapons drawn but lowered 50 then 100 then more angry and skilled women appeared and they ringed the cousins and loud clap of metal ringed wood sounded and shield upon shield locked into place. “If they try to get past you, show them what Viking Temptresses do to liars and traitors to clan.” There was a yell of approval and then Ragna moved, Helka and Runa with her, Oddvar just behind. Ragna was having another one of those living memories. Faolan standing as Seamus was now, and it was war, but not a civil war she knew that, but she blinked and it was gone. A few more maidens appeared, Kirsten and Ada among them and made a loose circle around Ragna as she returned to Seamus. Seamus was made part of the second wall, not blocking his movement, and Ragna secure inside.

Revna looked at Mike, “I believe that should suffice, My Love, or should I summon more?”
Revna