Epilogue

After kissing, they continued to travel together. The world had never been as beautiful as it was now. They both slowed their pace whenever they came upon a place of interest. They speculated about the meaning of every cloud, and observed the various types of birds they saw soaring overhead. It was as though everything was on a platter for their senses to feast upon, and they were eager to drink it all in. Speaking of drinking, they stopped in a small inn after traveling for the rest of the day. Ian knew the owner, and was happy to introduce Lucy as his companion. A weight had been lifted off their shoulders since they were no longer under threat of being discovered. They joked and laughed, but underneath it all was an undercurrent of tension and anticipation. They planned to continue traveling to Giant's Hook as Ian had originally planned, but tonight they would rest.

"Ye know, we dinnae need tae stop at Giant's Hook," Lucy said when they were in their room together. "I hae always wanted tae see the world."

"Seeing it all is a big ask, although after all ye hae been through I would nae put it past ye. Is there anywhere in particular ye would like tae see?"

Lucy thought a moment, clasping her hands against her chest. "Oh, I dinnae know. I suppose I want tae see all kinds of different things. I want tae sail on ships intae the deepest parts of the oceans, and ride horses intae the wild woods. I want tae rush along rivers and gallop through the valleys. I want tae see England and Ireland and even Norway. I want tae swim in lochs and hear my screams echo through the glens." The words rushed from her mouth. She paused to catch her breath, turning to Ian, realizing that these were all her dreams.

"That could take a lifetime tae see," Ian said, sucking in his breath.

Lucy smiled sheepishly at him. "Perhaps it is a wee bit ambitious."

"I dinnae say there was anything wrong with it," he cooed, taking her hands in his and looking at her earnestly.

"But there has tae be enough for both of us. What dae ye want tae dae, Ian?"

"I am nae sure. I rarely dreamed of anything other than that forge. I suppose that I will be happy wherever ye are. As long as I get tae see yer face and hold yer hand, as long as I get tae be with ye, then it dinnae matter where in the world we are," his voice fell to a whisper as he reached up to stroke her cheek.

A smile played upon Lucy's face. She rolled her lower lip beneath her teeth. Seized by a wicked confidence, she leaned towards him and whispered. "Perhaps we could mark each location… by being trapped in the bedroom. It might be fun tae express ourselves out in the world, with the wind at our backs," she looked around nervously, almost scaring herself by the radical thoughts, yet something about Ian brought out this side of her.

"Well, there is naething stopping us anymore," Ian said, and whisked her into his arms. She giggled as he lifted her into the air, but the laughter soon faded, suffocated by endless kisses. The freedom they felt was intoxicating. Making love with Ian had always been intense, but this time it was wilder and freer, as though their souls had been unshackled.

They fell upon the bed. His weight pressed down on her, his lips ravishing her, his hands clawing at her clothes. She did the same, and they flung their garments on the floor around them, casting them into an unknown void. Her flesh screamed to be free, and her body arched as he drenched her with kisses. Strong hands ran over every inch of her body, making her gasp and tremble with anticipation. He was kissing her neck and his hands ran over her breasts, cupping them in one strong grip, before his right hand slid down. He grazed her thigh, his fingers stretching out, eliciting a shrill gasp and an aching spasm that came from deep within her. The bed creaked as they rolled together. His fingers slipped inside her, and she lost herself to her passion, becoming dazed and delirious at the sensations that crashed through her body. She clung to him, running her hands all along his back, feeling every sinew stretch taut. His breath washed over her, creating a wave of flames that seeped into her flesh. Lucy radiated desire.

Then, Ian suddenly turned her around so that she rolled on top of him. His fingers were still inside her, playing and toying and tormenting her. Her mind was sizzling. Her body was dazzling. Breath rushed through her as she felt his heartbeat thumping against her. She kissed him hard as pleasure rippled through her, coming out in hot, liquid bursts. He lifted his hands and placed them around her waist, pulling her over him fully. She straddled him, his wide body underneath her, every ounce of his masculinity on display for her.

She placed her arms on his chest as she shifted her position, taking him inside her, becoming one with him. She arched her neck back as she felt the sweet sensations of him spreading through her, ascending like an angel. She bristled and shuddered, her skin flushed with arousal. He traced his hands all over her curves, groping her breasts, running along her waist, through her hair. Every part of her was alive with this intense, glorious feeling. She moaned as she caught his hand and brought it to her mouth, sucking on his fingers as she rocked back and forth, rolling her hips, their bodies locked together.

The room was filled with deep grunts and squealing moans. She leaned back fully, loving the sight on his face as he enjoyed the flaunting, shapely body, before he grimaced with tension, and everything about him became harder. He grabbed the back of her head and pulled her down, kissing her hard. She draped herself over him, melting across his broad chest, all the while he took control, thrusting powerfully as the bed creaked. The tremors of impact were shot through her mind, lancing like lightning through her body. With every thrust, a moan was pushed out of her throat and a dazed look came into her eyes. His strong arms wrapped around her, and she rode him to heaven. The horizon opened to her, and she lost herself completely and utterly, laid against him as heat radiated through her. She became a creature of love and lust and temptation, of all the sweetest and most beautiful things in the world. This time, when she looked into his eyes, she knew that it would never come to an end.

He must have felt the same too, because he brushed sweat-drenched hair from her face and smiled. "Lucy, will ye be my wife?" he asked. She smiled and nodded, sealing the promise with a kiss.

* * *

They rode awaythe following morning with bright smiles on their faces. They reached the village in the afternoon. It was a small fishing village, filled with industrious people. The population wasn't big, so people remembered Ian's mother when he mentioned her name.

"Elspeth's lad?" they would say, and then give Ian a look as though they had known him his entire life. "I remember her. A sad day it was when she left, but lasses always leave tae follow their hearts. Ye can never keep them at home," a wise old man said. Lucy and Ian glanced at each other, knowing how true this was.

"Nae, ye cannae," Ian replied.

"Is Elspeth with ye now?" the old man asked. Ian pursed his lips.

"I'm afraid nae. Disease got her some years ago," he bowed his head. The old man nodded softly and put his hand out towards Ian's shoulder.

"I am sorry tae hear that, lad. I'm sure she would be proud of ye, though. Ye look a strong lad, and ye hae certainly been blessed," he glanced towards Lucy, smiled, and chuckled to himself. "I will drink tae Elspeth taenight," he muttered to himself as he walked off.

This conversation was mirrored by everyone else he met. They all expressed sadness at hearing of Elspeth's death. Ian had always hated to relive it, but somehow seeing people mourn for her and remember her softened the pain. He and Lucy were both welcomed like long-lost members of a family they hadn't been aware of, and he realized that he had been mistaken for thinking that he had been alone all this time. He wasn't the only one to remember Elspeth, and he did not need to be alone in his grief. He was here now and they all wished to know what had become of Elspeth after she had left. Ian had always focused on what he had lost, but these people were amazed at all that Elspeth had accomplished. It helped Ian to see his mother in a new light.

They were shown to a humble home that was empty, and told they could make of it whatever they wanted. When the people of the village learned that Ian was a blacksmith, he was inundated with requests for help. He left the equipment for the distillery in his cart for now, believing that all he needed was his hammer and Lucy.

They were simple folk, with simple buildings, but to Lucy it seemed like the perfect place in which to begin a new life.

And they were not going to waste any time. They found the local priest and asked him to perform a hand-fastening ceremony. The sun and the sky witnessed their vows. Lucy and Ian spoke from the heart, and their gazes never wavered from each other.

"My father paraded sae many men before me, naming their virtures taewards me because I was blind tae them. I dinnae need anyone tae tell me what yer virtues are, Ian. They hae revealed themselves the more I hae gotten tae know ye, and I'm quite certain there are some that are yet tae be discovered. I ran away from home, and it led me tae ye. My husband was sae close tae me all this time, and I dinnae need my father's or anyone else's approval," she smiled widely as she spoke.

Ian cleared his throat. "I hae shared more emotion with ye than I hae with anyone else. I could gae on all day about how ye hae changed me. I was lost for a long time, and ye found me again. I dinnae realize how bad it hae gotten until ye came intae my life. Ye hae shown me that there can always be room for change, and room for hope. It's incredible tae think what the future holds for us both."

They were lost to each other, their souls now bound beyond the laws of men. They were inextricably linked, and not even the gods would have been able to part them. Lucy had brought the jewelry that Ian had left. Inside was a ring. She used this to signify her devotion to him. Then, to make their celebration with the village, they paid for everyone to drink well that night, endearing them to the local population. After this, they spent the night making love again before sitting outside together, nestled in each other's arms, watching the sea lap against the shore. It was the most peaceful Lucy had ever felt, and she would take this over living in the keep any time.

The following morning, Lucy set about writing a letter to Rory, telling him that they were settled into a new place.

Dearest Rory,

I hope this letter finds you—and Ginger—well. Ian has insisted that I ask you about the forge first, so I feel as though I ought to get that out of the way, although I am sure that it is prospering in your capable hands. I want you to know that Ian and I are very happy here. The people are kind and humble, eager to share everything they have. In return, we have shared all we have as well. Ian has found himself in great demand to forge tools and other items. He seems to have rediscovered his roots. We married shortly after we arrived. I am sorry that we did not invite you, but as you can imagine, we wanted to make haste with the ceremony. Perhaps you have some idea of what I mean, if you have been dancing again, and I do hope you have Rory, because being in love is simply the most wonderful thing in the world.

When I ran away from home I did not intend to fling myself into the arms of a man. I believed I would remain alone for the foreseeable future, but I am glad this was not the case. Being with Ian has opened my eyes to the world and to myself. I hope you will forgive me for being sentimental, for my heart is still swimming with the elation of being able to declare that Ian is my husband, mine for all eternity, our hearts linked as one. I want you to remember one thing, Rory; that there is a life outside the forge. You are a kind boy, no, a kind man, and when you give your heart to someone she is going to be the most fortunate girl. And please give your heart to someone, because you, of all people, deserve love. And, if you have any doubt whether a girl is worthy of you, just watch how Ginger reacts to her.

I hope to see you soon, but please know that whatever happens, we are happy here.

With love, your friend,

Lucy MacKendrick

As she did so, she reflected on how far she had come and smiled. In the village, Lucy did not have much cause to write letters, so this was the first time she had written her new name. No longer was she a Glennrock, she was a MacKendrick, and it filled her heart with pride. She had been a noble woman, a thief, an intruder and many other things. Now, she was a wife, and she had a feeling that it wouldn't be too long before she was a mother.

* * *