Pàrras an Reeve

Arriving at the new house, meeting the new staff.

It was the house that took his breath away.  While it wasn’t Tha an Flur Manse, it was just as beautiful to him.  What had started as a two-bedroom farmhouse had been built up, room by room, until it was a beautiful stately stone structure that looked big enough to house several dozen workers. 

He heard a muted “Oh, my” from Heather.  “This is bigger than dad’s house.” 

How will I ever run it?  She almost panicked as she imagined herself trying to tell all those people what to do, then she slowly relaxed as she remembered that Balgair had mentioned that Amelia and Nell would run the house. 

“Something wrong?” Balgair inquired, glancing at her with a raised brow. 

“I forgot that I wasn’t going to have to run this house and that Amelia and Nell would do it.”  She looked up at him, her brows furrowing.  “What am I going to do, Maighstir?” 

Balgair scratched his chin as he gave it some thought.  “You can either stay here and help Amelia and Nell or go into the office and help there.”  He coughed, “I haven’t given it much thought.” Which is stupid, Balgair. You aren’t running a small Saor-shelbh anymore.  You are in charge of the county and this land.   He sighed softly, thinking about putting off the decisions until his two bannaichean arrived.

No, that wouldn’t be fair to them.  They’re going to have to pack up and move everything.  The least I can do is set up how this place runs before they get here. 

He sat at the end of the driveway, deep in thought, not even noticing they had stopped, nor did he hear when Delilah and Heather tried to get his attention.

When the brunette looked at Heather, there was concern on her face.  What’s he doing?  Heather wondered as she sank into their bond.  Oh, he’s just thinking.  “It’s okay. He’s just deep in thought,” she reassured the brunette.  “Let me see if I can rouse him from his thoughts.”  How do I do this without getting in trouble?  Finally, she carefully leaned in and whispered in his ear.  “Maighstir Balgair.”  When that didn’t rouse him, she pouted.  Let’s see if this works.  She leaned into him and playfully nibbled on his earlobe. 

The playful yet sharp bites drew him from his thoughts, and he blinked at Heather.  “That’s not fair, mo tè àlainn.” His stern words were betrayed by the tone of his voice, relaxed and thoughtful.  “I suppose they are waiting, aren’t they?” 

Heather nodded, “Yes, Maighstir, they are.”  A playful smile crossed her lips as she remained pressed against him.  “But would they fault their maighstir if he took his umhail out under the stars?” 

Balgair’s loins tightened as he thought about doing just that.  “You little tease,” he quipped as he held her close.  “As much as I’d like to make your eyes roll back, I want our first time to be in bed, not in a wagon.” 

“As you wish, Maighstir,” Heather smugly replied, blushing as she recalled what had happened earlier. 

He could feel her desire through the bond, which stirred his in return.  For a second, he thought about just taking her there, and only his inner strength kept him from carrying through.  You’re in for it, you little scamp. It was the hardest thing he had ever done, pushing her away long enough to disembark from the landau and help her down.  The smile on her face was the thing of dreams, and her purr of contentment filled the bond as they walked toward the house. 

Before entering the house, Balgair turned to Heather.  “Did Delilah say how many bannaichean the previous Reve had?” 

The Blonde bean-cheangail pursed her lips as she tried to recall everything Delilah said.  “No.” She shook her head.  “I can’t remember.  I’m sorry, Maighstir.”  She gave the impression that she might cry.

“It’s okay, Mo te elainn,” Balgair said, staring at the front door.  “I guess we’ll find out.”  He still couldn’t wrap his mind around how many women were left alone because the reve and five deputies had died.  I need to talk to Ananke and find out how many and what I’m supposed to do with them.  He was soon lost in thought, with Heather wondering how long they had to wait outside.

If we wait too long, they’ll start to worry.  She gave Balgair a few minutes to gather his thoughts before tapping him on the shoulder.

“Hmm?” He came out of the fugue slowly and looked around.  “I was lost in thought again, wasn’t I?”  When Heather nodded, he sighed.  “I’ve got to stop doing that.  People will think I woolgather.” 

Faced with the picture of Balgair shearing sheep, Heather giggled.  “I can’t see you being successful shearing.”  When he cast her a confused glance, she tried to explain.  “Your sword isn’t fit for cutting wool.”

Having never sheared sheep before, the soldier blinked.  “Aren’t shears giant scissors?”  When Heather nodded, Balgair got her pun and laughed.  “You’re right. I don’t think my blade is right for shaving sheep.” 

It was her turn to laugh.  “That would be one ifrinn of a strop.”  She wasn’t surprised when he gathered her in a hug.

“Thank you, mo te elainn.  I needed that,” he whispered, turning back to the door.  “Shall we?”  When Heather nodded, he pushed the door, which opened on well-oiled hinges.

Upon entering the foyer, Balgair found himself face to face with about a dozen people wearing various shades of blue.  There were six women and five men.  The men wore light blue pants and darker blue vests over white shirts.  The women were wearing a mixture of light and dark blue skirts and white or blue blouses.  They almost look like uniforms, Balgair humorously thought.  I approve.  It makes them look like a team, and it’s apparent that they take pride in their clothes.  Each piece of clothing was cleanly pressed, and the shoes were shined and well-maintained. 

Delilah was standing beside a raven-haired woman several years younger than her.  Bright green eyes raised to meet his as Delilah stepped forward.  “Maighstir Balgair, this is Aelwyn, my bond-sister.”  When Balgair acknowledged her, Delilah introduced the rest of the staff. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Balgair stated as he looked around.  “I don’t intend to change a thing unless some of you wish to find other employment.”  The headshakes confirmed that all wanted to stay. 

“In that case,” he grinned, “I’ll talk to all of you in the morning.  It’s been a long day,” he amended. Three days.  “I need some sleep.” 

“Very well, sir.”  The head butler acknowledged.  “At what time do you wish to awaken?” 

“I am not sure,” Balgair admitted.  “Don’t let me sleep any later than three uairean after sunrise.”

“Understood, sir.”  The silver-haired butler replied.  “Breakfast will be ready for you, and the landau will be standing by.”