Page 9

It was sometime very late in the night when the tears had dried and her pain turned to a hollowness residing within her breast. It was then, when a certain resolve was born. Gwyn became determined to let go of the pity and only think of the duty to her own clan.

"Nothing else will matter."

Where she resided and how she accomplished the means to her end was immaterial.

She could not allow anyone to get in her way or alter her path for her clansmen were depending upon her.

And she must learn to control her emotions.

Above all else, she understood this to be imperative if she were to survive these profound obligations.

Gwyn looked around at the chamber that was hers and conceded she was in a large home. Although from what she had seen thus far, most rooms were rather bare and lacked warm adornments. On the other hand, it appeared she would want for very little.

"It could have been much worse."

As she looked up towards the window of her chamber, Gwyn could see the gentle pink of the sky as the sun neared the horizon.

Slowly, she sat up and drew in a deep breath of the cool air around her.

It was a new day and she would make the most of it.

Of this, she was certain and completely resolved for deep down, she was a MacLaren and one who was determined.

Once she had straightened the covers upon her bed, Gwyn strode to the side table where she washed the sleep and the telling signs of sadness from her face.

The bowl filled with water had been refreshing and it invigorated her immensely.

Quickly, she replaced her gown with one that was a bit more serviceable understanding the tasks she had in mind.

After she ran her fingers through her hair and tied it securely at the base of her neck, she deemed herself ready for the first full day of her new life.

Her plan was simple. She would immerse herself in the workings of the keep, as any wife to the laird would be expected to do.

By the vows she had taken on that previous eve, this was now who she was and it was deemed to be her duty.

She would not be swayed from the responsibilities of her new life, regardless of the constant obstacles she knew were to be found within her path.

She would meet this new life head on, and be willing to embrace it.

*****

When Gwyn entered the kitchens, she was met with startled stares. If times had been different, she would almost have enjoyed their reactions because it was obvious her presence was unexpected.

"My lady. What ye be doing in 'ere? Can I get ye something to break your fast?"

It was an elderly servant who had spoken and was obviously the one in charge. The rest of those who graced the room were younger in age and stood shockingly still.

"No, please, do go on about your duties. I am here to observe and help out wherever I can. I simply would like to understand my new home."

"My lady? You need't be worrying yourself over us, we can manage."

"I do not wish to interfere, but I do long to find my way around and seek out some sort of occupation.

I do not appreciate sitting anywhere idly.

As my own father had always said, it does neither the body nor the mind any good to waste away without a worthy commission.

Please, do tell me, what are you called? "

As the elderly woman stared at her with a discerning eye, she spoke most candidly.

"Cumina is my name. And that be Wenna, Gilda and Gretel over there."

Gwyn inclined her head slowly as she absently moved about to escape their stares and stay out of their way.

"Please do go about your business."

It was a short while later and only after she had experienced nothing but cool stares and an awkwardness followed her everywhere, when she heard the announcement the laird of the keep had come into the hall to break his fast. She deemed this to be her chance.

Gwyn was determined to deliver her laird's fare regardless of what she already knew since this was her duty. She would do everything in her power to appease his mind at her presence.

Gwyn's hands trembled noticeably as she walked down the darkened hallway and towards the gathering hall with a tray in her hands.

As she breached the arched entryway, she noticed immediately Errol of the Chattan stood alone and next to the large hearth.

As Gwyn took a deep breath to control her heavy heart, she immediately rushed forward with her offering.

"My laird, I have brought some food for you. Please, where would you care to sit and find it most comfortable?"

The Laird Chattan furrowed his brown and looked at her sternly before he turned abruptly and wordlessly towards what Gwyn assumed to be his rightful place at the head table.

When he sat down, she quickly placed the tray before him.

As he lowered his heavy body to the wooden chair, Gwyn moved back a pace and nodded her head.

"It appears to be a lovely morn, does it not?"

When he only grunted in response, Gwyn went on.

"I do so hope you can afford me a slight bit of your time to show me around your home. I would desire nothing more than being introduced to your clansmen and it would be an honor to be done so by you."

Gwyn watched as the laird of the Chattan stopped his eating immediately as he glared up at her with a heavily furrowed brow.

"Stay out of my way. I have no use for you and my time is much too valuable to waste it on you and your desires ."

Gwyn watched as he stood, leaving most of the food upon the tray untouched. Without a look back or another word, he strode from the gathering hall slamming the heavy door in his wake.

A weight descended upon her heart and tears threatened.

Slowly, Gwyn retreated from the chamber and walked down the expanse of a hallway that separated the gathering hall from the kitchens.

Before entering, she stopped to lean against the wall.

She drew in her breath and grasped her hands before her to quell the shaking.

With a different eye, Gwyn looked around in every corner of the keep.

She was devastated for she saw nothing beyond the harshness of those residing within it and dirt upon everything.

A heavy layer appeared to grace every surface, including the floor.

Resolutely, Gwyn decided she would have none of it and would take it upon herself to make their home more presentable.

"Everyone enjoys an orderly home, do they not? Could this be the catalyst that softens my laird's feelings towards me?"

It was in that moment of realization her ideas for a first real undertaking was born. Gwyn would attempt to make this large and cold keep, a home. Her home, and one to which she and her new laird, could be proud.