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It had taken Gwyn three more days, but finally she had regained enough of her strength to leave her chamber.

During this time, not once had Donnan left her side.

She could not have been more relieved. While she did not ask it, he was there for her.

He had been the only one who was able to bring her out of her wretchedness and provide her with the support she so desperately needed.

Slowly, upon Donnan's arm, she descended the stairway into the gathering hall. Already she felt a sense of calm and one of peace for the strength he could provide.

"Mother!"

When Durell shouted to her and began to run across the gathering hall in her direction, it was if a warm ray of sunshine had suddenly come out after a long and frosty winter storm.

As he grasped her tightly around her waist, she could only reciprocate as she embraced him fiercely.

She realized then she had missed his presence and until this very moment, she had not known how desperately she had done so.

"Would you care to go on a walk with me? It is so pleasant outside and the sun is shining!"

It was Donnan who quickly interjected.

"I think, Durell, your mother needs a bit more time to heal. We must allow her to rest."

When Gwyn saw the disappointed look flash across her son's face, she realized she could not deny him this.

Too long, she had been selfish and too long, she had thought only of herself and succumbed to her grief.

Even though her heartache would not afford her anything but, she almost felt guilty for her neglect.

Even though her parents and her sister were near, he had not been with them long and she was the only mother he had ever known.

"I think, Durell, you may be right. The out of doors might be precisely what I need right now. Please, Donnan, will you help me and walk with us?"

When they began to move across the gathering hall in the direction of the large doors, Gwyn turned briefly as she spoke.

"Please, Enya, will you join us, too?"

*****

Enya and Gwyn sat upon the grass watching as Durell rode his horse before them in the tangled grass.

He was simply elated for Donnan had deemed him ready to graduate from a small pony to a full sized steed.

It was not a massive or spirited beast as what the more seasoned warriors of the MacLaren rode, but that mattered not at all to the young lad.

He was ecstatic knowing what he now possessed was no longer a pony.

It had been nearly three months since Gwyn had emerged from her room after her devastating and dark news.

And it had been a very long and difficult time for her.

While on the outside she looked much as she had when she arrived back to the MacLaren, inside she was still struggling to manage herself through each day.

Even still, she was making strong attempts.

If for no one else then for the nine-year-old boy who rode so happily before her.

There had been not much news from the north although she understood if there were any news it was unlikely they would share it with her. She had the feeling they all thought she was too weak to handle any more devastation. Since they communicated nothing, she could only assume the worst.

It began to anger her. Gwyn wished everyone would stop attempting to shield her and treat her as if she were a young child.

She was not. She was still the same woman inside who had left her home to carry out a rather important duty.

She had braved a new clan and keep and a loveless marriage.

And Gwen had survived. She was a strong woman and knew in her heart she was ready to move on.

Or at least stand up and claim the woman she knew she was to be.

Gwyn suddenly stood, leaving her sister upon the ground to only stare up at her.

"Enya, I must return to the keep for a moment."

Quickly she turned and could hear Enya speak behind her.

"Shall I come with you?"

"No, my dear, you can stay where you are. I will only be a short while."

With determination, Gwyn eventually moved through the upper bailey and to the smithy building that was located near the stables. When she entered and after her words were spoken, she was greeted with a shocked stare.

"Maddock! I am in need of a medium sized blade. Do you have any foraged that would suit me?"

"My lady?"

Gwyn smiled in understanding, knowing he would be somewhat shocked by her request. With all that had recently transpired, he may even have questioned her motives, but she would not back down.

"I have changed much since I was here so long ago, Maddock. For the last several years, I have carried my own blade. I miss it. Please tell me you have one in my size."

Within just minutes of entering the building, Gwyn was exiting once again with a smile upon her face and a filled scabbard at her side.

The fond memories of the hillside back within the Chattan holdings flashed through her mind of the time she had shared with her son.

Too long she had remained idle and it was now her time to regain that sense of being.

More than anything, she now understood that her time of instruction was just as important for her as it had been for Durell.

When she reached the clearing, she moved directly to where the young lad sat stilled upon his horse. She did not look at the shocked face of Enya nor anywhere near Donnan while she strode purposefully towards him.

"Very well done my son! Now off your steed and draw!"

Donnan watched as Enya immediately rose to her feet as a frightened look crossed her features.

He noticed she began to tremble as the clang of converging steel coursed through the air.

When she began to step forward, Donnan moved quickly to her side and captured her gently within his arms. As he drew her in near to his chest and held her firmly within his embrace, slowly he gazed down into her eyes with a smile upon his face.

With delight, he whispered softly into her ear.

"Watch them, Enya. Your sister is quite talented. So is her son as you have seen displayed so many times upon this field. What Durell knows today, much of that was taught to him by the Lady Gwyn."

The gasp of Enya's breath was as obvious as the shock was present upon her face.

Even still, Donnan felt the look of disbelief crossing her features was almost amusing.

It was rather telling the Lady Gwyn had changed much since she left the MacLaren those many years ago.

And she obviously held many secrets of her own.

"And I think this is a very good sign. Ever since she returned to the MacLaren, she has been so distant and very forlorn. This woman right here, she is the one I am used to seeing."

Donnan nearly chuckled aloud at Enya's reaction as he moved his gaze once again to the mother and son upon the field. Together they watched as they each moved their bodies fluidly, blow after blow, both taking their turns in retreat and then on the offense.

To Donnan's delight, Enya stayed within his arms and he found a warmth spread through his body for her nearness.

It was an exceedingly agreeable experience and one he had so longed to feel.

As the rewarding sensations spread through him, he silently thanked the Lady Gwyn for affording him this unexpected, yet exceedingly pleasant opportunity.