The Gardens

Ghost stood still, unsure what he was going to do, but determined not to look weak. She felt his hand under her chin as he leaned forward and before she could react he nipped her nose, releasing her to laugh. Ghost stood amazed that he did it, her mouth slightly ajar is shock, lost for words as she watched him laugh.

You bit me! she gasped in her surprise when she could speak again, her hand going to her nose and gently checking he had not broken the skin.

Still snickering, he says Aye? And? Ye said I wouldna, sae I proved I would. Twas merely in play. I weel nae do sae again, wi'out yer let, fer that werre almost an intimate act, an' I hae noo right. But twas funny, an' I could nae resist ye.

Ghost listened to Seamus speak, hiding a smile as he did. So if I let you, you'd bite my nose again? she teased, her smile slipping through. Yes funny will be when I get my own back... Then we'll see who can't resist. Ghost smiled thinking she would be hard pressed to find anything remotely funny to shock Seamus, but she would most assurefly think of a way.

You are a funny man Seamus, she laughed softly.

With a mock growl, Seamus murmurs, Oooo...Tha' should be interesting. I look forwarrd tae seein' wha' ye cook up, then, lass. An I'll nae be answerin' wha' I might bite if ye let me. Yer be a lady, after all. Seamus turns a bit red again, at that last bit of conversation.

Staring at Ghost, at a loss for what he had done to deserve such a spontaneous hug, Seamus acts on a sudden thought, follows her step, and returns the embrace, pulling her in snugly. Whyfor ye huggin me like tha', lass? I dinnae desairrve such affection, though I did enjoy it, tae be honest. He had been surprised by the act, as much as by the words that had preceeded it.

Ghost's cheeks went red as he pulled her in and embraced her. She had hugged him out of sheer devilment and because he had been so kind to her, despite the nip on her nose. Hearing his words Ghost thought a second before answering.

Despite nearly biting my nose of my face, she chuckled. I think because you have shown such kindness, and have made me feel relaxed. I'll also admit I was feeling slightly evil, she shrugged blushing.

Ghost stopped talking to think, knowing her action was not very becoming of her, but not feeling guilty for it. She smiled, yes she had liked it too.

Letting the lady go, young Seamus murmurs Evil, hey? Oh, an' I dinnae either bit yer nose nearly off. I wouldnae bite that hard, e'en if ye begged me. He steps back and sits on his ledge again, shyly, still red faced at his boldness.

As Seamus released her Ghost moved back to lean on the ledge near him, and laughed at his words. I know you wouldn't. I shouldn't have teased, she smiled at him.

Tell me about your home Seamus, in Keswick didn't you say? Ghost asked, her voice low.

A warm laugh escapes him, and he says Ach, lass. Ye can tease me all ye want. I dinnae mind. He takes a long moment to gather his thoughts, he begins to speak again, Keswick. A grand, if quiet, dame she be. Th' folk are warm an' kind. Welcoming, even, when not busy going aboot theirr ain business. A braw, proud people, they arre. Passionate in their beliefs an' opinions. Th' offshoots of the River Derwent, and River Cocker flow through an' near her. On th' east side of town, she sits hard along Cumberland Turnpike. Tis therre, at the meeting o' two of those waters, tha' me hame stands. Tis a fair, fortified manor, i' the norman style. With manor house an' Keep tower connected, a couple small outbuildings, and a stone wall round all, thus makin a small courtyarrd. Stopping for a moment, he pulls a small, silver chased flask from his belt pouch. He pulls the stopper, and takes a long swallow of the whiskey within. Just for the most fleeting of moments, his face shows a great, hot, anger. But only for a second, then his face is warm and friendly once more, as he goes on speaking, When Anto an' his lot took Carlisle, a group of his lackeys went round, sacking an' burrning. They burrned me house, an' Lairrd Gregarious' place as weel. Tis a guid thing cousin Charles hae already passed on, methinks. Th' place was thoroughly wrecked, when I came hame from bein Town Commander in Carlisle. Looking Ghost in the eye, he says with fierce, but quiet, pride, I hae rebuilt her wie me ain hand. She isnae yet finished, for I lack proper furnishings within, but she be sound once muir, an' that be what counts. All in rough cut wood is she, within. Warrm an natural in face an appearance. Again, except fer furniture. I shall carve new things, when I hae time fer it. When Charlie werre still livin, I hear twas a warm golden shade, along the woodwork, but all I can manage is muir of a softer brownish color, though the wood still will glow when polished wie a bit of oil.

Ghost smiled at Seamus as he reassured her. Then when he started to speak of his home Ghost listened with some interest. She had heard tales of how Keswick was like from others, but only the barest minimum. As Seamus spoke Ghost heard the warmth in his voice as he described the town, the people. She watched as he took from his belt pouch, and have a drink, seeing a flash of anger fleetingly on his face, and she looked at him closely, waiting for him to continue. When Seamus began to talk again Ghost heard a name she had heard from many mouths and she frowns. She had never spoken to anyone personally affected by that time, and when she heard that Seamus' house had been burnt along with others Ghost looked down to gather her thoughts, that while she had been sat at home doing nothing so many had lost their lives and homes.

Well walls and roof are a good start, Ghost said looking at Seamus, glancing at his hands and smiling. I am sure that whatever furnishings you carve will be strong and sturdy. Maybe one day I'll visit Keswick, Ghost said quietly.

A small smile, and he says softly, Lass, come you by #10, Cumberland Turnpike, also known now as Rood House. A welcome will wait for you there, if you wish it.

Ghost smiled at him. I'll maybe take you up on that invite Seamus, she nodded. I'm not the most confident of traveller but I am sure the roads will be safe enough for me, oh and my daughter...

You weel do well enow., he murmurs.

Ghost looked at Seamus, a slight frown across her brow. What's on your mind?

A thoughtful look, and he murmurs Eh? Naught of import. Merrely thinking. Wondering when Caiti weel brring th' boys round tae th' house.

She had yet to meet the boys, knowing their names and ages only.

You like children then Seamus? she asked smiling.

Looking up at Ghost, he says Aye. Therre be sommat tha' is fitting about having young ones about. I dinnae know why, but therre is.

Ghost smiled. Yes she liked to be around children, and did enjoy her time with her daughter immensely. So if I came to visit you wouldn't mind me bringing my little one?

Surprise crossing his features, that she would even think on it, Seamus says Weel, of course ye'll brring yer young one, lass. Twould nae be the same, if ye dinnae.

Ghost blushed with embarrassment and relief. She smiled shyly at him. Thankyou Seamus. I haven't ever been seperated from her... She isn't any trouble. You might find her a little quiet, like me in that respect.

Ghost shut up, realising she was rambling.

A great warm chuckle escapes him, and he murmurs Fie! She'll be a-raisin' Cain like any youngling soon enow. An' she'll hae a whole new place tae explore. Worry not. She'll be fine.

Ghost smiled at his chuckle, liking the sound of it, and looks at him smiling warmly.

She's been to few places, she said thoughtful. Yet I want her to come out of her shell more... she's been protected enough by me. Time she saw more of the world than our home.

Ghost shook her head as she thought how her daughter had never played with another child, and the only adults she knew were herself and her maid.

I shall then, Ghost answered smiling warmly at Seamus. Maybe I'll bring my sewing needles and put together some coverings for those chairs you will be making too?