Epilogue

"The laird has fallen!"

A black-haired official tapped on the table, soliciting the attention of the crowd.

"Hark! Hear ye!" His voice battled the room. But it was no match for the sheer rumpus that was taking place.

Holding Ainslee tenderly, Malcolm glanced about. He might have promised Ainslee a tour of the keep, but right then, it was premature.

He was in turmoil. His heart had not yet set still from winning the fight. In the background, the local men were enthusiastically bundling Bruce away.

Milling about, the clan guards. Since the deposition of their leader, they had become increasingly aimless. A couple had joined forces with the crowd, but not all.

An uneasy truce reigned, with confusion from both sides. It was into this fray that the dark-haired official stepped. Malcolm recognized him as being the steward who had shown them in. At the time, he had assumed he was loyal to Bruce, but now he was not so sure.

"Silence!" the man barked, Finally, his words cut through. Now joined by a number of the elders, the crowd quietened, just enough to hear his words.

"The laird has fallen... an" as steward it falls to me, an" the elders, to announce a new leader..."

Malcolm witnessed the panic on the faces of the elders, a straggling group of men with graying beards. Beside him, Ainslee looked up.

The scent of her hair was sweet. Even in the cloying heat of the packed hall, he could smell it. Malcolm closed his arms around her tightly. All his senses were swimming. The heat, the intense noise... And the expectation in the air.

"In the interim, we are..."

The man was cut short.

"Malcolm!" a man in the crowd shouted. James, standing nearby, glanced at him and smiled.

"Malcolm for laird!" another yelled. Soon, the crowd had erupted in a sea of chanting. The steward struggled to keep calm, but was shouted down.

"Malcolm! Malcolm!" came the chanting. James nudged Malcolm, who was slowly looking around.

"Go on," said Ainslee, giving him a nudge. His head clearing, Malcolm pressed towards the crowd.

Now, there was a sea of chanting, men all calling his name.

"Friends... it"s been a long time since I was in the clan last... an", ye must forgive me, but despite what ye may have heard, tis wasnae down to me..."

Malcolm clasped his hands on the sword. He was shaking, his emotion was palpable. As he spoke, the crowd quietened. Finally, there was calm.

Even more humbled, Malcolm felt his emotions build.

"I was taken from ye, by that man," said Malcolm, barely able to keep it together. But he did, and as he spoke, his determination grew stronger. "An" so was my father, the laird..."

A low murmur filled the hall, even the counselors were in disarray. "An" Bruce will be given a chance to answer for this," said Malcolm, quickly. "But in the meantime, I willnae leave ye leaderless..."

A huge cheer went up. Malcolm glanced at the elders. They nodded their accord.

"So then, I am asking, if ye"ll have me, that I become yer laird..."

Tumultuous applause racked the hall, for a few minutes Malcolm could hear nothing but ringing in his ears. Eventually, the chief elder of the clan stepped forward.

"We call on ye, Malcolm, as oor laird," croaked the gray-haired old man. He looked at Malcolm earnestly, then he split into a grin. "An" we have been waiting to ha" ye!"

Huge cheering drowned the man out, as Malcolm gave in to a grin. He couldn"t help it, he was unraveling. A few minutes passed, as the noise finally subsided. Malcolm tapped the table, and continued.

"I am humbled, an" will serve ye all as best as I can...," he stopped, and looked at Ainslee. She had been right by his side all the time. Malcolm"s stomach tightened.

"But there is something more, I cannae rule alone, so I will take a wife from this very clan,"

Massive whooping followed. Malcolm squeezed Ainslee"s hand, and pulled her closer.

"So then, Ainslee, I would like to ask ye, if ye would wed me..."

He looked at her, her brown eyes agape. For a moment, she blinked.

About a million thoughts rushed through Malcolm"s head. He could feel his own pulse hasten.

Total silence.The packed hall became hushed and still. Then, Malcolm remembered something. Feverishly, he hunted through his things, before finding the ring.

Ainslee looked up. Out of his pocket bag he produced it - lifting it high, she showed Ainslee the posy ring. She gasped.

"Mal!"

Sliding the posy ring on, Malcolm took her hand. "Ainslee, lass, I love ye, so, will ye marry me...?"

Ainslee reached forwards, kissing him slowly.

"Malcolm, o" course I will, just dinnae take ten years aboot it this time!"

* * *

"Nae fash lad,I"ll be back in time to wet the bairn"s head!"

James winked, as he grabbed his sailing bag.

It was Malcolm"s wedding day, a few weeks later. A sunless sky greeted them, as Malcolm pressed his face to the wind, and looked outside.

Nerves prickled in his stomach about the upcoming day. It was the culmination of everything he had wished for, but now he felt sadness for the friend who would not be there.

Mounting his horse, James waved jovily at him.

"Tis a shame to miss the wedding, but we have to catch the tide. Nae bother, I"ll be back, wi" all the lads, to hear all about it! he grinned.

Malcolm accompanied him to the front of the Duncan keep.

"I"ll nae forget the help ye gave," he said, sincerely, as his friend mounted. James" horse gave a slight whinny, and flared a little. James waited awhile as he settled down. "Wi" out ye, none o" this would have happened..."

"Wheesht," said James, uncomfortably. "Ye would have done it yerself, eventually!" he winked. "Perchance afore ye turned ninety-nine..."

Malcolm laughed. Then he looked serious. "Ye were the only one there for me...well, apart from one other... who I am due to wed!"

James" face cracked, rippling into a grin. The cold morning light cast him taut and pale, with a good many wrinkles, but it didn"t hide the humor in his face.

"Noo then, back inside, an" wed that lassie!" he said, shooing Malcolm along. "Else she might end up wi" someone else. Good job I"m nae gonnae be here...she might be tempted by" my fair an" beauteous face!"

"Away wi" ye," said Malcolm, laughing. Inside, he was a bag of nerves, but James could still make him crack up. "Off ye go, then, an" hope the tides fare ye well!"

Emotion prickling his stomach, Malcolm watched James ride off, before walking slowly into the keep.

* * *

"She"s coming!"

Ainslee approached the smiddy barn, a shy smile beneath her nose. Stepping forwards, she clutched her heather posy tightly.

It was spring. The thick snow had melted to green vista, and a pleasant air swept the glen. Guests packed into the tiny smiddy, but most did not fit, and stood outside.

For a moment, Ainslee hesitated. Everyone in the clan was there. At least that was how it felt, the great and good, at the front, watching her closely. Hundreds of eyes followed her as she passed along the barn. Overwhelmed, Ainslee looked away. There was only one pair she was interested in, and they twinkled at her from the very end of the smiddy barn.

Malcolm.

Ainslee"s heart rushed. The heat in the barn spread to her cheeks, turning them pink. Pressing her head down, Ainslee tightened the grip on her posy, and pushed on.

Seeing her approach, Malcolm gawped. Head-to-toe in the lightest blue, Ainslee stunned.

The robe ignited her shape, drawing the eye to her delicate waist and rounded bosom. And the gentle shade made her dark color stand out. On seeing Malcolm, Ainslee stopped.

His clan colors brought out the red of his hair, and his bright green eyes sparkled. As he saw her, he turned and smiled, leaving Ainslee unnerved.

A deep thrill went through her. It was unexpected, and gave her a jolt. Blushing, she felt like everyone saw her thoughts.Malcolm gave a wink, which only compounded it. For a moment, she came to a total halt.

A low murmur filled the barn. Waiting at the anvil, her father, in his long blacksmith"s apron; and air of expectation on his face. Then, Marisse nudged her.

"Go on, lass," she whispered, and somehow, Ainslee found her feet.

It was like walking on aspic. Ainslee"s legs felt mushy and weird. All she could think of was each step brought her closer to Malcolm"s side.

By the time she got there, she felt like a hundred years had passed. The heat and warmth got to her, leaving her faint.

"It"s alright lass," Malcolm"s calm voice spoke to her. Opening her eyes, Ainslee saw him right by her side. He was smiling. "It"s braw lass, yer going to be fine..."

A small grin was playing at the side of his mouth, leaving her longing. Ainslee fought with herself not to kiss him, there and then. Instead, she nodded.

"Nae fash," he said, squeezing her hand. The feel of Malcolm"s skin against hers brought her around. Slowly, she came back too, to find the barn and everyone in it staring at her. She blinked hard.

"Ye ready?" Malcolm asked, his merry eyes playing. "Ye can always back oot noo, if ye like..."

It was a joke, but Ainslee elbowed him. A smile spread across Malcolm"s face, and that of Marisse, beside her, but did not go any further than that.

The elders in the front row looked doughty and stern, and as for her father, he was perplexed. Never in his life had so many people been in his bairn, let alone elders and lairds. Many of the counselors were tutting. They had expected the ceremony to take place in the keep, or at very least, in the kirk.

But Malcolm had put his foot down. The smiddy was good enough for the common folk, and more than that, it felt right.

Taking her hand, Malcolm squeezed it lightly. It tingled with his warmth. Dreaming, Ainslee could not wait to be out of there, and alone with Malcolm. But once again, everyone was looking at her. Finally, her father coughed.

"Ainslee?"

Ainslee did not notice. Staring straight ahead, she was married, in his arms, the world softening.

"Ainslee, do ye take Malcolm to be yer wedded husband?"

Ainslee blinked. Somehow, the ceremony had started, and they were together, at the anvil, their hands being joined.

"I...aye, I do," she said, with some trouble. A low laughter started around the barn, but Malcolm just smiled.

"An" I, Malcolm, do take Ainslee, to be my wife," he repeated, slowly. Ainslee felt her heart heat. Everything in the barn was so intense, despite the fervor, she just longed to sink into his arms.

Malcolm"s eyes connected, drawing her in. Gently, he encouraged her on.

"With this ring, I thee wed," he said. Malcolm produced the golden clan ring, its thick black gem shimmering in the light. As he slid it onto Ainslee"s finger, she looked up.

"Mal, yer ring!"

Everyone laughed. Around her, Ainslee glanced uncertainly. She may have been a little dazed, but she had not been prepared for this. The Duncan clan ring - on her finger!

"Yer ring, noo," Malcolm pointed out. Ainslee buzzed with excitement. She just kept looking at it, next to the posy ring; impressive and regal.

"Ye may now drink from the cup," her father smiled, lifting the double handled quaich towards them, with a little look. It was the cup he had tooled.

Ainslee took the newly cast silver cup, and sipped deep. The hot rush of whiskey almost knocked her clean out. For a moment, she wobbled.

"Steady," Malcolm said. His hand came to steady her. Grinning, Ainslee watched as he drank deep from the quaich. Then, he looked at her.

"An" I noo pronounce ye both married!"

Mister McDonald grinned, and loud cheering broke out, even from the dour-eyed elders, at the front of the crowd. Ainslee blinked. She was married!

Malcolm lifted Ainslee high up to his shoulder.

"Mal!" Ainslee gave a little squeal, but Malcolm did not listen, spinning her around wildly, until she gasped.

"Finally," said Malcolm, putting her back down. Ainslee"s head was spinning. The room careered around her, almost crashing. Catching her breath, Ainslee listened.

"An" noo ye may kiss the..."

Malcolm was already kissing her. His scent leaned in, encircling her, before his soft lips dived in. Sinking, she wrapped her arms around him.

"Wheesht!" she murmured, as their kiss drilled down hard. Her heart was pumping. Every emotion raced right through her.

Then, the pipers played a jaunty tune and Malcolm turned to Ainslee.

"Shall we dance?" his eyes suggested playfully, and Ainslee felt something surge. Taking his hand, she led him forwards, in the march out of the smiddy, and back to the keep.

Her heart singing glady, Ainslee wrapped herself into Malcolm, and danced for all she was worth.

* * *

"I thoughtthe bedding-in was meant to be o" us, nae o" half the village!"

Ainslee grumbled, but inside, she was laughing. The wedding party had been long, their dancing and reels lasting into the night.

Slowly, the procession had rounded the hill, from the McDonald barn, up to the ancient realm of the Duncan keep… And with them, the entire village, dancing along.

It was exhausting, but as Ainslee sank into Malcolm"s arms, it was already the best night of her life...And it was not over yet!

Carrying her over the threshold, Malcolm kissed her, tenderly. But as they entered, Ainslee gave a gasp. The entire chamber was bedecked in flowers. Ainslee blinked, as the heady scent of bluebells, daffodils and hyacinth seduced her.

But it was to the bed, in bold mahogany, that her eyes were drawn. Curtains drawn, at the center of the room, its allure was hidden in silks.

The room"s richness dazzled; mahoganies and oaks, with silver and gilt all over. And at its heart, a steaming hot bath, tempting her in.

"Welcome, Mrs. Duncan," laughed Malcolm, throwing her onto the bed. "Get yersel" ready noo!"

Ainslee squealed as she flew through the air. Then, when she landed, she screamed louder.

"Oof!" There was something there! An arm poked out of the bed. In the candlelight it was hard to see for sure. Affrighted, Ainslee leaped in the air.

"Jings! What is it?"

Pulling the covers back, Malcolm laughed. There, asleep in the bed was Ainslee"s father! Ainslee yelped out loud.

"God"s bones...!" she clacked. There he lay, reeking of whiskey, chest bobbing up and down as he snored. Silently, Ainslee cursed.

Prodding him, Malcolm peeled back the sheets, to reveal... a second body!

Both Ainslee and Malcolm stared. A second man, this time an aged clan elder, lay almost wrapped in his arms. Both of them smelt strongly of liquor.

Malcolm shook his head, grinning.

"I thought the bedding-in was meant to be for us, an" nae them!"

He grinned at Ainslee, before starting to wake them. The wedding party had been raucous and long, and as was tradition, several revelers had gone to "bed in" the happy couple.

Somehow, they had fallen asleep before the couple got there, and now they were asleep in their bed!

Malcolm went to rouse them, but Ainslee shook her head. "Ye"ll have to lift him," she said. "Father sleeps like a stone, only mair noisily!"

She was not wrong. Mister McDonald"s mouth fell open, in protracted snoring, as Malcolm lifted him up. Then, groaning, he looked around and blinked.

"Ainslee?" said Mister McDonald, faintly. "Where... where is this?"

Malcolm put him down, swiftly. Ainslee sighed. He was clearly very drunk. Somehow, they got both of them out of the room, before bolting the door very tightly. Then, Malcolm stood with his back to the door and grinned.

"Any mair?"

Ainslee burst out laughing; a thick, guttural laughter that rocked her ribs. Everything was madness. The tension of the day unfurled within her.

Watching her, fascinated, was Malcolm. Coming over, he kissed her on her ear. "Yer beautiful," he said, kissing her hard. Then, he slid down to her neck, kissing the nape.

Slowly, he filled her with kisses, from the tip to the bottom of her throat, whereupon he caressed her shoulders, igniting her senses more.

"More," moaned Ainslee, although in truth, he had only just got started.

"In good time," chided Malcolm, his eyes wide with desire. Ainslee liked the look of him there; wild, alive, and abandoned. His thick shoulders lifted her up, making her scream madly.

Then, when he put her down, he kissed her, gently. In the next moment, he had her in the air again. All Ainslee could feel was her heart pumping. His skin on her skin, tempting her in. Slowly, and intensely, they kissed again, this time panting.

Next, she was on the floor, with him lying just above. Never had anything felt this sensual in her life.

All her senses unraveled. Ainslee just wanted to love and be touched. She stroked the back of his hair, running it through her hands. He smelled divine.

Malcolm swung her around, so she was on top, then brought her back down. Gazing, he looked puzzled, stroking her hair.

"What is it?" she asked, but he didn"t answer.

Within moments, they were kissing, his mouth gliding into hers. She felt him, exploring with his lips, as he kissed her. A warm, blissful feeling worked its way down. Then, he touched her heart. Pressing his head against her chest, he listened, nuzzling under her gown. He caressed her with his lips. The light silk of her dress rippled in the breeze. This was all the excuse that Malcolm needed.

"Get it off," he said, simply, before stripping her of her robe. To begin with he unlaced her slowly, bit by bit revealing the pink flesh within. The back was latticed, with a mesh of laces, which slackened slowly. But then he got stuck. "Och, how do ye do these muckle stupid things?"

Deftly, Ainslee"s fingers got to work, removing them. When she had done, she lay there, naked from the waist up.

"Braw," murmured Malcolm, leaning onto her. He ran his fingers approvingly across her breasts. "Mmm..."

Diving in, he feasted on her titties, a pair of insanely perky twin peaks. Rubbing his lips against her skin, he caressed her, leaving her moaning. Filled completely with joy, Ainslee was thrashing, from side to side. The pleasure was intense, like nothing she had ever known.

As she moaned, Malcolm grinned at her from above. His green eyes twinkled with promise, as slowly, he removed his leine.

Joyously, she explored him, her fingers stroking the richness of his skin. He felt like satin. The fact they were on the floor was forgotten, all she wanted was him.

Malcolm hovered over, kissing her skin. Ainslee lay back, in bliss, staring straight ahead. Slowly, he worked his way down, removing her robes. Coyly, she slipped out, leaving her silken dress on the floor. Erotically, his fingers worked her, teasing her skin.

All the while, Malcolm"s eyes glinted with frisson. His smile teased her slyly. Something was building in that head. Malcolm caressed her with his tongue, lashing up and down on her oval belly button - something that caused him amusement.

Slowly, he traced it with his index finger, making Ainslee scream.

"Too much!" she gasped, unable to take any more. But Malcolm just grinned. He was having fun.

"Nae such thing," he said, tickling her some more. Ainslee moaned, as his hands slid to her thighs, squeezing them tight. She gasped. Inside of her was beginning to heat. Hot, sweet passion built in the very middle of her.

His hands encircled her bosoms, again, this time faster. He was teasing, hard. Even without touching her in the special place, he had ignited a fire. And just looking at him, in rippling bare flesh, was making her want him. He was almost naked, save for a loosened leine and pair of baggy braies, wrapped lightly around his buttocks. They did not leave a lot to the imagination!

Malcolm"s smooth muscles teased her thoroughly, and down below he was quite hard. Curiously, she touched his loins, beneath his braies, but he slapped her hand.

"Nae," he insisted, continuing to work her into a frenzy. "Lie back, an" dream..."

Ainslee did just that, and soon was aching with heat. Inside, she felt a tumultuous pleasure that just had to give.

"Nae stop," she murmured, giving into her passion. Malcolm grinned. He had taken her nearly all the way, she ached for more.

Malcolm pressed his face down tenderly, on her belly, and kissed her hard. She sighed. She could feel herself coming, even though he was yet to touch her down there.

She was on fire, tingling and raw. ...Then just as she had reached her sweet spot; he stopped.

"Whit, what is it?" Ainslee panted. She was all out. Half-naked, save for a loose slip, she was teased to the point of madness.

Leaning down, Malcolm kissed her on the belly. Ainslee shivered.

"Naething," he said, with a smirk. Then he stopped. "I like my maidens clean... to the bath wi" ye!"

Ainslee blinked, uncomprehending. Malcolm laughed, then pointed to the steaming bath before them. Ainslee yelped, but she was already on her feet, Malcolm pressing her quickly towards the bath.

"Malcolm!"

Ainslee protested, but anyway she stripped completely, until soon she was shivering, naked in the moonlight.

"In ye go," murmured Malcolm, but suddenly she yanked him. Pulling his braies down quickly, Ainslee delighed. Her fingers tugged at his tunic, bringing it off.

"Nae until ye do," she smiled.

Teasingly, Malcolm removed his undergarments, and for the first time stood there, naked from head-to-toe. Ainslee"s heart pounded, but before she could push him in, he stopped her.

"Ye first," he said. Slowly, Ainslee lowered herself into the bath. The sweet meadow herbs soothed her, softening her tautened muscles and tired head.

Deliciously she soaked, leaning her head back and moaning. As she did, Malcolm watched. Bringing a linen cloth to her, he washed her, spooling her with herbs.

Ainslee murmured, as his kisses began to shower her, from her neck, to shoulders, to arms, to breast.

"Ainslee, ye strumpet," Malcolm teased, his lips around her nipple. Caressing her softly, he drove Ainslee to the depths of pleasure, simply with his mouth and his hand.

"Yer making me too hot!" he chided.

Aching with sweetness, Ainslee felt herself yield, but Malcolm was still teasing. Round and round he caressed, his thick fingers making short work of her breasts, arms and stomach.

Ainslee moaned, then, she brought her fingers to his newly naked torso. The bath wasn"t big enough for both of them, but she bade him to sit beside her.

Then, she caressed him, her curious fingers exploring the feel of his skin. Catching his eye, she whistled. There, in the half-light, for the first time properly, she could see his bulge.

"Are ye ready?" Malcolm"s eyes pricked her, then he smiled. Ainslee nodded, twisting her hand around his waist. He was solid, and supple, with lithe and pliable skin.

Murmuring, Malcolm kissed her belly button, so low he almost ducked himself. Reaching out of the bath, Ainslee pressed on him, bringing him down to the floor.

She was dripping wet. It was freezing cold, but she did not care. He was warm enough for two, Leaning on top of him, Ainslee kissed him, her tongue teasing him right to his waist. Then, she touched him, feeling his firm manhood with her fingertips.

Inside she was burning, and Malcolm turned to her, smiling. His eyes widened. Ainslee knew what he was asking. With a low nod, he caressed her, pushing her gently. Now she was on the floor, and he was above her. Slowly, he lowered in. At the first push, Ainslee gave a little gasp.

Malcolm watched her. "Ye right?" he asked. She just nodded. She was more than alright.

The short discomfort was mixed with pleasure. Gently, he filled her fully. Every thrust made her blink. Malcolm pressed his hands around the back of Ainslee"s shoulders, nuzzling her neck.

The tenderness was overwhelming, as kissing her, he inched his way in. Ainslee moaned, as she now began to soften. Everything was so sweet.

Malcolm"s eyes flickered with intent. He grew stronger in his ardor. Pushing his way in, he explored her fully, sending Ainslee into thrusts of delight.

The scent of him filled her body, as Ainslee murmured in joy. Malcolm watched her, clearly satisfied. His body was smooth, and tightening, packing a punch inside of her.

Sweating, she felt herself soften. Malcolm stroked her thigh, sending Ainslee into spirals of pleasure. And then, holding her tight, Malcolm stiffened, he gasped, and closed his eyes.

"Malcolm," Ainslee whispered, her body tense with joy. Malcolm thrust hard, sending her into intense raptures. Together, they held on tight.

A deep, sweet vacuum opened. Ainslee moaned, and yielded. Malcolm closed his eyes, and held her tight, as his warmth spilled inside of her. Then, kissing her softly, he took her hand.

Stroking her fingers, he looked at the posy ring. Seeing his eyes, Ainslee slid it off.

"I nae did ask ye where ye found it," she said, looking at Malcolm. "I lost it a while ago..." She was about to put it down, when Malcolm took it.

He smiled at her. "Twas in the smiddy," he said, taking it, and holding it to the candle. "Twas just lying there, unwanted...like me!"

Ainslee nudged him in the ribs, then looked serious. "I only just took it off, to tell the truth," she said, meeting his eyes. "An" the first time I did, I lost it...! A bit like ye!"

Malcolm stroked her hair. Glancing at it again, Ainslee attempted to read the inscription in the middle. But in the shadowy half-light it was to see well. With difficulty, Ainslee screwed up her eyes.

"I cannae read it," she said, disappointed.

"Mon coeur, avez sans départir," said Malcolm, without hesitation. Ainslee looked impressed.

"Ye can read it?" she said, interested. Malcolm smiled faintly.

"Aye, I can read it, I wrote it...," she looked uncertain, Malcolm continued. "Aye, I mean, I actually chose the inscription," he said, placing it back on her finger. "Didnae ye ken? I had it made for ye....?"

Ainslee"s eyes widened. Carefully, she fitted the ring back on, next to the black gem clan ring of their wedding. Surprised, she listened, as Malcolm lay his head on her shoulder.

"An" what does it mean?" she asked, breathlessly. She had wanted to know this since the first day she had owned it, but had felt embarrassed.

Malcolm leaned into her, she could feel his heart beating against her chest.

"Och, It translates as..."

He paused, then smiled wistfully..."It translates as ..I love ye, Ainslee, thank ye for waiting for me...,"

Ainslee hugged him, tears in her eyes.

"An" I love ye too, ye big walloper!"