{"id":1065,"date":"2024-08-25T23:31:12","date_gmt":"2024-08-25T23:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1065"},"modified":"2024-08-25T23:35:17","modified_gmt":"2024-08-25T23:35:17","slug":"chapter-08","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1065","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 08"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chapter 08 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The short week that took them to San Franciskus was quite uneventful. They stopped a few times in the villages they passed to visit their subjects, and browse the markets for presents for Aracely\u2019s friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the Royal carriage arrived in Aracely\u2019s village, the town square was filled with her friends and she was the first one out of the carriage to run into the arms of Halling and Vala, much to the despair of the Royal guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt ease…\u201d John muttered as he stood next to the carriage, unsure what to do with himself. \u201cThese people won\u2019t hurt your Queen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He could see how Gabriella nearly tripped in her way over to her people, and shook his head laughing. Once again, he felt a knot in his stomach, probably of regret. Why on Earth did he had to fall in love with someone whose village was so far away?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood to see you again, Sire,\u201d Lorne approached him, holding another man\u2019s hand. \u201cCongratulations on everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks Lorne, congratulations yourself.\u201d John smiled widely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is David, and I can\u2019t thank you enough for letting me stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He grinned. \u201cDon\u2019t thank me, there\u2019s nothing more important than…. oh! I had Ronon clean out your house and your belongings will arrive in a couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh… how embarrassing…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Ronon didn\u2019t mention the odd paraphernalia <\/strong>in your house to anyone,\u201d he replied with a wink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGee, thank you, Sire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely was busy moving from one person to another as they each ooh\u2019d and ahh\u2019d over each other. So much had changed in the short time and she couldn\u2019t be any happier than seeing her friends alive and well as they were. Halling even looked much healthier than she remembered last and from that she could tell that it was simply by eating his meals rather than saving them for his family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A loud squeal from behind the crowd sounded before a mess of raven hair pushed her way through the crowd to get to the center and its attraction. The small and still thin frame of Vala jumped on Aracely and wrapped any part of herself that she could around the woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not leaving again!\u201d Vala sobbed. \u201cI miss having a laugh and a chat oh and gossip with you!\u201d She then took a step away from Aracely and smiled widely. \u201cYou look great! Come, let\u2019s head into the tavern, you must be tired and hungry from your journey.\u201d She put her arms around Aracely and gently pushed her towards the tavern. \u201cWe have so much to catch up with!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have heard! You are expecting a child now!\u201d Aracely remarked as she waved off a set of guards with a glare as she wrapped her arm around her friend\u2019s and followed her into the tavern where Danyel stood shaking his head at the door. \u201cJohn? Are you coming with?\u201d she called out before they disappeared inside the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh I am… we are and I couldn\u2019t be more happier, but I found out I can be, because you\u2019re here!\u201d Vala grinned. \u201cWhat would you like to eat or drink?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust some fruit and water please,\u201d she smiled as she sat down at the girls\u2019 usual table. \u201cWe received the note from one of the soldiers that returned just 10 days ago. I wanted to leave then but John insisted on waiting until we heard more about the status of the Chulakkans before he thought it be safe enough for travel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had not believed he would follow through on his promises, I must admit. It was a big surprise when his men arrived to the village.\u201d Vala replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely nodded. \u201cIt was not yet a full day after the King\u2019s passing that John ordered them to investigate. You would not believe what they learned even if I told you,\u201d she said. \u201cI am still finding it difficult to believe myself!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOhh!\u201d Vala returned with a platter of fruit from the kitchen. \u201cI must say, life has been easier since we became certain of the attacks having seized, everyone is happier, and David has been trying to teach everyone the right way to grow crops now that he doesn\u2019t have to worry about draught and fertilisation of the fields.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled at her friend. \u201cIt is wonderful to hear. Tell me, how has Radell been holding up?\u201d she asked with deep worry. \u201cI heard that they manage to get miss Katie before they could get her into hiding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vala sighed and nodded sadly. \u201cKatie had broken her ankle a few days before that, she was too slow, and that was only why they were able to get her. Oh we\u2019ve searched the woods with the soldiers, Lady Aracely, but we could not find her. Radell pretends he\u2019s doing alright, but he\u2019s even more broken than he already was!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will be sure to visit him today, if not tomorrow at the latest. I already spoke to John and I hope to bring him back to the castle with us. We all know how he hides himself inside that shop of his – I don\u2019t want him to fall deeper into something that no one can do to help bring back,\u201d she frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, please don\u2019t take Radell away from us, we\u2019re taking care of him, making sure he is alright. I know you have always taken good care of him, but please, if you take him away from what he knows and loves, he might become an even bigger recluse than he already is.\u201d Vala begged her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely looked at her and felt torn. She really wanted someone other than Gabriella with her and to travel to visit would only get more difficult as she grew. \u201cWill you be coming to visit at least? As often as you could. I know I have Gabriella there but they have been working to have her take over the duties of the house mother so I rarely see her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course, but our horses are old, you know that. We\u2019ll have to trade with other villages, and to do that, we need food or other tradeable goods.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sat back and grinned brightly. \u201cThere are a number of cows, horses, and a stock of chickens already on their way here. About two suns behind us,\u201d she confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vala nearly lunged herself across the table to hug her friend. \u201cThank you thank you thank you! Of course I will come to visit you, as often as I can, even hopefully before my child is born.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh! Please! Easy now!\u201d Aracely cried out as the suddenness made her stomach uneasy. \u201cThere is something else I should tell you but after the room stops spinning…\u201d she added trying to not appear so pale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you alright? Do you want me to pull your husband inside the tavern?\u201d Vala looked outside the window and chuckled. \u201cHe looks a little uncomfortable…. who\u2019s that woman he\u2019s talking to? His mistress?\u201d She then looked back at Aracely. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have a mistress, does he? I thought he wasn\u2019t like any of the other Royals you\u2019ve told us about in your stories! I\u2019m going to kill him!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVala!\u201d she yelled before her friend could run out the door. \u201cThat is Amelia, one of my maidens,\u201d she said once she got to the window. \u201cHe\u2019s probably just giving her orders on where to go or what to do now that we are here. He has not been with anyone other than myself. While I have my own bedchambers, he said that he wants me to stay with him in his. He really is quite a gentleman and I think he will make a wonderful father, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vala looked at her friend and shook her head. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d she bit her lip. \u201c Johan<\/em> , maybe, but the King?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It was the King that made certain the soldiers were sent to help,” she smiled. “The King that brought me back to you at seeing my loneliness despite the risks…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh dear lord, should you ever get blessed with a child, I fear that child will be spoiled rotten!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I have to admit that I agree with you,” she grinned as she lowered her hand to her belly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vala looked at her in shock. “Nooo! You’re with child too?!” she squealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely nodded happily. “It is rather soon but I truly could not be happier,” she sighed. “John is very much a mother hen when it comes to my comfort now that we know it is certain.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vala pointed in the general direction of her husband Danyel. “He wants me to rest after lunch, after LUNCH I tell you!” She then hugged her friend tightly. “Now you will have to stay here so we can be pregnant together!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We carry their heirs,” she pointed out. “Still the men know not yet of what we will endure in the end.” Aracely frowned into the hug and kept her head bowed when she was let go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I’m already looking forward to the endless massages Danyel has promised me.” Vala grinned as she sat back down. She took a sip of her juice. “Do you enjoy your life at the Castle? Are you happy? I mean, truly happy?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She followed her friend and thought about it carefully. “I would like more familiar company but I think I am. Vala – I cannot stay here for the length of my own pregnancy. There is – a great deal of business that John and I must tend to on our return.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vala shrugged. “You’re staying, whatever it is, you can do your official castle business from here. Please?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Vala – we may have to go to battle with the King of Proculus,” she said seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Ah!” Vala put her hand on Aracely’s mouth. “No castle talk. Now eat your fruit., I’m sure that by now Halling has prepared your room and your king’s room as well.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She narrowed her eyes. “John and I will share a room,” she replied. “Where is he so that I can tell him…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I know you will, but you know Halling, he is… well, he was, just as strict about dealing with nobility and royalty as you were.” Vala shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Bah!” Aracely said as she threw her hands up. She went out to the door and looked up the road for the taller man. Seeing John instead, she went up to him and raised an eyebrow. “Have you seen Halling? I just was informed he is preparing separate rooms for you and I.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Uhm… no? He disappeared around the same time you did… where did you go anyway?” John replied. “I sent Teyla and Amelia to your old house with whatever they needed, maybe he’s there?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Let’s go find him. I was with Vala – I thought you were aware of that,” she sighed as she took his arm and started for her old home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“No, I wasn’t. And as soon as you were gone, the people left the square as well and I didn’t really know what to do… I directed the guards towards the stables of the tavern so they can take care of the horses and find a sleeping spot, although I’m not sure if that’s okay.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I don’t know…” John said slightly uncomfortable. “The only person who spoke to me was Lorne, the rest kept looking at me with a look that was a mixture of me having taken away their favorite toy and was dangling it in front of their faces and of shock and awe…. I just didn’t want to assume that it was okay for the guards to take the barn at the Tavern in case Danyel throws a fit, but they had to go somewhere.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled up at him as she worked her fingers between his. “They will get used to it,” she said. “They will be fine in the stables. He has other concerns from the way Vala spoke. He has been watching over her carefully because of the pregnancy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well that’s because she’s carrying a fragile new life, and life here hasn’t been that easy, I can understand Danyel.” John softly kissed her hand. From his time almost completely alone in the middle of time square, he could see that the villagers had already started to try and rebuild their village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, most of the villagers were old or in ill health, and John was already thinking of sending a few masons, carpenters and one of Carson\u2019s apprentices once they got back to help with the rebuilding of San Franciskus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Come,” Aracely almost sang as she pulled him along through the sun filled street. Eventually they arrived near the highest mark in town where her family home sat overlooking the market and main road. “Halling?!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halling opened the door with a smile. “My queen, my k—“<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John glared at Halling and then rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAracely, John…” Halling tried again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled at her old friend before reaching up to hug him tightly. “Oh I missed you!” she cried and pulled him in tighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I missed you too, Lady Aracely.” Halling smiled. “Welcome in your home.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“How have you and your family been? You have been comfortable here, yes?” she asked as she followed him into the house, pulling John behind her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Of course we have, we still thank you every day for allowing us to live here,” Halling replied. “You look well.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Thank you. And you look so much healthier my friend. Such a change in the colour of your face!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Thanks to you and the King,” he looked at John and then smiled at Aracely, “We lead such a more easy life.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled as she walked into the familiar rooms and hugged Halling’s wife and young son who left the group to themselves as she prepared tea for them. “Vala informed me that you were preparing separate rooms for John and I my friend. That is unnecessary,” she commented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Aren’t you staying?” Halling asked surprised. “Or does Vala’s tavern offer more suitable accommodations than your own home?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We will be staying a few nights yes, but John and I could share a room,” she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As you know, there is no need, there are plenty of rooms in your house. Your bedroom is just as you left it and the guest room is still there.” Halling said confused and then looked at John. “My King, if you wish, we can free up an extra room for your concubine.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John blinked at Halling. “Would you please stop?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely narrowed her eyes. “It is unnecessary and there is no – concubine…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halling looked at the Royal couple in shock. “Is everything alright? Did I do something wrong?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John put his hands on Halling’s shoulders and looked him in the eyes. “I’m John<\/em> , that’s Aracely<\/em> . We sleep together in the same bed, just like you and your wife. There is no other woman. We’re equals, remember?” He then rolled his eyes at Halling. “You’re even worse than she was!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She couldn’t help but to snicker at the expressions on the men’s faces. “We are fine, better than actually. I am happy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, you hear that? She’s happy.” John nodded. “Believe me, I would have known if she wasn’t.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“John, quiet,” Aracely said sharply before looking to Halling. “My friend, we are are also anticipating our first child.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halling first started to laugh at Aracely’s correction of John and then looked at the both of them in shock. “God help us all!” Halling then scratched his head. “Congratulations.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You do not believe that we would make good parents?” she frowned, hugging her small stomach. “I was in shock but each day I grow more excited about the future of this child.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou two are… different<\/em>, it will be interesting to see who the new heir to the throne will grow up to be.” He replied and hugged Aracely. “Of course I am happy for you. Have you come here to give birth?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo. We came to visit once we were sure that the threat of the seasoning was over,\u201d she smiled. \u201cUnfortunately the stay won\u2019t be as long as I would like as there is business that must be tended to as soon as we return,\u201d Aracely continued, glancing at John knowingly. \u201cHalling – I am curious if you had come across anything that may have belonged to my parents since you began to stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looked off as if he tried to think hard. \u201cThere are some trunks that we moved into the safety room that appeared to be from their time. I can retrieve them for you first thing,\u201d he bowed slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled and layed a hand on his arm, shaking her head. \u201cNonsense. They could wait until sometime later before we need to return. First, we must resolve the issue of sleeping arrangements,\u201d she grinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halling nodded with a laugh as he looked over to John. \u201cWould Aracely\u2019s sleeping room be suffice for you?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt will be just fine for him,\u201d she interrupted before winking over at her husband. \u201cGabriella could stay in her old room as well. We would need somewhere for Teyla and Amelia to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy son can sleep in the living room.\u201d Halling replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNonsense, I\u2019m sure that Teyla and Amelia can stay at the tavern.\u201d John responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely nodded in agreement. \u201cI am sure that Vala and Danyel will make sure they are comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It took both John and Aracely hours for Halling to be…. Halling and not in shock and awe. John then realized that he probably shouldn\u2019t have come and excused himself from the residence to go and find Lorne to talk shop. He knew that there were certain things that Ronon hadn\u2019t told him about what had happened in San Franciskus and Lorne would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSire? What are you doing here?\u201d Lorne laughed as he opened the door of his and David\u2019s house. \u201cShouldn\u2019t you be with your wife?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNah, I want to give her some alone time with her friends.\u201d John shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David ambled through the room seemingly oblivious to the King as he tended to his many plants that hung about. \u201cThe village is quite happy to have Aracely back,\u201d he commented, stating the obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know,\u201d John replied. \u201cShe\u2019s been asking for a while now to return, but it wasn\u2019t safe, especially for her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour Highness?\u201d Lorne asked, questioning as the tone that the man used wasn\u2019t as one would think. That it was more than just about the woman being the Queen now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t Ronon tell you that the splinter group of Chulakkans would continue to attack until all women of this village were either theirs or dead? Surely, you must have fought by his side while he was on a warpath with his own people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man heaved a deep breath and nodded. \u201cYes and no sir. He led the group into Chulakka and ordered me to stay in the village to defend against those that made it through his march. After he returned he didn\u2019t say much – if anything – other than needing to get back to you to inform you of the events.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, well, the theory is that the Chulakkans – and our men at the station – were being bribed to deny any help to this village and to find the rightful heir to the throne of Proculus. We still need a little more proof than a dusty old genealogy book that\u2019s being kept by our genealogist, but we suspect they were after Aracely.\u201d John looked up when the herbalist dropped something heavy on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy father… he was an apprentice herbalist for the King back in the day before he lost the ability to use his hands and walk, used to tell me stories about that! I thought they were bed time stories, fairy tales, but…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, according to those stories, when the King of Proculus died, the rightful heir and his wife and child were kidnapped and locked up so that the younger brother could take the throne in his absence, probably because Prince Robert was a gentle soul, and his brother Nicolas was more of a rebel, he also didn\u2019t marry anyone of nobility just to tarnish the bloodline.\u201d David replied and waved his hand. \u201cThe story continues with our own King, after having learned from the coup, went on an illegal and stealthy search to find Robert and his family and freed them from their inprisonment. Robert, fearing for the life of his daughter if he\u2019d confront his brother, was granted permanent residence in our Kingdom, to live freely amongst our people, in the hope that one day, the truth would come out and someone stronger than our King would make sure that everything would turn out alright.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy father knew of Aracely?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes and no, he never asked for the girl\u2019s name for her own safety and protection. He also did not know where they were going to live. I think it was meant to be that you went on a quest to find your one true love instead of listening to the castle\u2019s rules, my King.\u201d David smiled as he gently bowed his head. \u201cI will get us some tea,\u201d he said before walking off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lorne let out the breath he had been unintentionally holding through the story and looked over at the King. \u201cSo it seems you did marry noble blood after all. At least that is one less thing to worry about with the council,\u201d he shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI always said she was from nobility, her father was the Earl of Hoffe. Besides, I have nothing to fear from the council. Anyone who wished to leave because they didn\u2019t agree with my views, were sent into the Kingdom to do some village inventory so we can find out how to help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf your father really had them freed, then it is possible that while he did not know where they were, he knew them well enough. Given them false names to live in anonymity yet with some of the familiarity of their stature?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProbably, I don\u2019t know.\u201d John sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t really remember much of my father from before my mother died, which is when his behaviour changed radically. I haven\u2019t found any kind of journal that he would have kept, I doubt there is one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He smiled at him as David returned with a tray of tea. \u201cHe was always a private man that I recall, but I am confident that all will work itself out in the end. You found your Queen after all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am fortunate I did, she\u2019s amazing.\u201d John smiled widely. \u201cShe\u2019s carrying my child.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David gasped and let the tray filled with tea drop to the floor. \u201cOh, ouch, how terribly clumsy of me, congratulations, your Highness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, congratulations Sire, though I will be more enthused in my well wishes when the child is actually born. It seems that maintaining healthy pregnancies in women from this village is few and far between. I had met with their alchemist and it seems she provides some medicine of sort when she learns of someone expecting to help keep the baby strong. Those that had the misfortune of not having her help lost their child either before it was time or in childbirth,\u201d Lorne frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoes this alchemist have access to food supplies?\u201d John said alarmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSamanthia grows her own. It is not much but it is enough for her. She is not very trusting of the way others grow their crops,\u201d the herbalist explained. \u201cShe would not accept your offer of support if you gave it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI would not offer her anything, but now I\u2019m afraid that if Aracely eats something here that our child will be born dead. Thanks.\u201d He furrowed his brow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBring Aracely to her. She can tell you if the child will be well. Her word has never been wrong that I have learned. And don\u2019t be feared of the food. There has been births despite the mystery. Just those that lived were not quite as strong as others. My mother did not accept her help but I am also not the most healthy in comparison either,\u201d he said patting the King on the arm and moving to clean up the spilt tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the thing, I don\u2019t trust all-knowing people. She must be doing something to the food supply to make people come to her for help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David chuckled. \u201cHow could the woman do something when she never leaves the land her home sits? No, the problem was much worse before she began to live there. That I can assure you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho\u2019s visiting her often?\u201d John wouldn\u2019t let this go. What if the herbalist was wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOhhh,\u201d he sat thinking. \u201cAracely and Halling used to go to her together for medicines for his wife. She was very ill for a long time after she gave birth to Jinto. She is much better now. Walking!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd obviously, Samanthia made an awful lot of money.\u201d John pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, not really. You can ask Aracely. She would offer her gold but she took pence just to be able to purchase more seedlings. No, no. Samanthia is one that respects the land and despises riches. Go to her. See for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if you\u2019ve noticed, David, but Aracely is my wife, she doesn\u2019t have to worry about anything, she can buy whatever she pleases, now tell me, is this alchemist of yours a threat to my wife?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David looked at the King with large eyes. \u201cWhy would you think of such a thing! Aracely would visit her just to be sure she was well, ignoring her request to be left alone! You should know by now that Aracely does what Aracely wishes if it meant it was for good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVala hasn\u2019t been able to bear children for a long time… no something is off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo she hasn\u2019t. But she thought like you as well. Everything that is not easily understood was suspicious. After you took Aracely back to the castle, Danyel and her announced they would go meet with her finally. To see for themselves the trust that Aracely placed in her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to meet this alchemist, right now.\u201d John said and got up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lorne looked out the window at the setting sun. \u201cIt might be best to wait until sunrise. I haven\u2019t met the woman myself but if she is as much of a recluse as people say, she may have set traps around her land to protect herself from unexpected visitors. I know I would after the Chulakkan attacks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow<\/em>, Lorne.\u201d John insisted. \u201cDon\u2019t make me order you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David looked at him and shrugged. \u201cLet me get you some light so that you can see your way,\u201d he said as he left the room to locate the torches he used when he scowers the forests for his plants at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy? I mean, what could one night of not knowing hurt?\u201d Lorne asked as he reluctantly got up. \u201cI trust David, and he trusts the alchemist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d John glared at his friend. \u201cLives could be at stake? This village doesn\u2019t have enough women as it is, the alchemist could be working with someone to poison everyone in this village and then, to make them trust her, offers a cure? I\u2019m sorry, but it just sounds a bit off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut if she wanted the people to die, then why help them to live?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe likes to see the suffering? I don\u2019t know, Lorne.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine. Let\u2019s go. I know how you can get crabby from not knowing things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After David supplied them with torches, he and Evan set out to the alchemist\u2019s home. David hadn\u2019t been kidding when he said that her house was hard to get to; there were tree branches hanging over the path, weeds and crawling plants across the path itself, making it hard to see where to walk, and it was completely dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They managed to get to the door without too many scratches and John knocked on the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was several long moments before the heavy door was slowly opened by a tall, yet very thin woman. She did not appear to be in the best of health herself, worse than some of the people in the village even. \u201cAm I correct to assume that you are the son of King George?\u201d she asked with a tired voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am,\u201d John said, feeling sorry for the woman, she looked as if she was with one foot in the grave already. \u201cAre you responsible for the ill health of this village?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She struggled to pull the door open wider for the men to enter. With a loud sigh, she eventually hobbled her way over to her sitting chair in front of a blazing fireplace. \u201cIn a way, yes. It was the poison from some plants that I grew that caused the illnesses,\u201d she admitted. Reaching for her cup of broth, her hands shook from weakness of her own demise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre my wife and unborn child in any danger if they stay in this village?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour wife? I have not heard news of the Prince marrying,\u201d she replied with a clearly shocked look on her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRecluse, sir,\u201d Lorne reminded him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy father has passed away a couple of months back. Before that, I went on a quest to find my heart instead of doing what my father and the council wished me to do and marry and found her in this village.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samanthia studied the young man carefully. \u201cWho is the Queen now then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAracely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sat back in her chair as she let the information fill her. \u201cAracely. Supposedly of Hoffe. Load of lard if you ask me that situation,\u201d she huffed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMa\u2019am, David told the King about the stories his father had told him about the Proculus Royal family and King George\u2019s involvement.\u201d Lorne replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen you will know they are true. That scoundrel Nicholas was always good for nothing. After that last day that fool stepped foot in this house I refused to leave. I can\u2019t imagine what he has done past what I already know. I knew what he wanted from me but I refused. That fool stole nearly my entire crop to poison the well!\u201d She spat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSurely after all these years, your poison will have lost its potential?\u201d Lorne asked, glaring at John, who was still fuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded. \u201cI believed so as well. I do not know how they managed to keep it strong, but I am sure they found a way. So I did all that I knew to do. I began to work on something to counteract the toxins. It did not work for everyone but it helped the great many that it could. Robert feared that something like that would happen… paranoid old man. I know that many alchemists in this region have suffered the same fate as I. I have no idea how they<\/em> figured out that he was here in the first place. He had me work on something to keep his child strong. To survive if she were to be what he hoped for her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ask again; are my wife and unborn child in danger if they stay in this village?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samanthia looked over at John and smiled. \u201cNo. I gave Robert supplements for her based on the plants I found missing. When she started to come to me for help for her friends, I could see that she surpassed even my own expectations of her survival. Her heart is filled with fire! You will have your hands full with that one yes!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat I do… is the rest of this village still in danger?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI fear so. Even more now that you stopped the seasoning as they called it. Whoever contaminated the well will continue to do so until they are sure they have killed the heir to the Proculus throne.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John took a deep breath, and nearly choked on the taste of the incense burning. \u201cWith all due respect, it looks like you<\/em> could use some medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI could, but I won\u2019t take it. It was my own foolishness that contributed to the village that this is my penance to them,\u201d she waved him off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut who\u2019s going to cure the sick when you\u2019re not around?\u201d Lorne said hesitantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour heart, my dear,\u201d she smiled. \u201cHe has been learning a great deal on his own although he has yet to come see me himself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI doubt he will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She let out a hacking cough and took a sip of her broth. \u201cHe will when he is ready. That I am certain of.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John thought it would be saver for the village and its inhabitants if he would bring them back towards the castle, maybe permanently, or at least until they had this situation under control. He did not want to send another group of soldiers out here to maybe chase ghosts of the past and wait at the well or its beginning to see who was poisoning this village. \u201cThank you, Samanthia,\u201d John finally said. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure Aracely comes to visit you before we leave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, but I can tell you that the people won\u2019t be receptive of what you are considering,\u201d she said knowingly. \u201cThe look on your face tells all. This is their home, through the ups and downs. I am sure you had doubts that Aracely would have accepted your proposal in the beginning, no?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know, and I want to keep these people safe. With a temporary relocation until this matter is resolved, they can get help from the best doctors this country knows.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are still asking them to leave behind what they know. If you wish to save them, then do something about Proculus. They are the root of the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wish it was that easy, I need more proof, I don\u2019t want to make the same mistakes as my father and go to war with a country without being able to back up my suspicions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She pushed herself out of her chair and made her way into a small room in the back of the hut. When she came back, she held two bags. \u201cThis. This is the plant that causes the illness from the water. If you find it, you will know who is the source. It is not common and does not grow wild. And this, it is for you and your Queen,\u201d she smiled as she handed them over. \u201cShe will understand it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lorne snickered, he knew what it was, he had learned some things from David. \u201cI\u2019m sure they will love it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, but please, you deserve to live, cure yourself. It\u2019s not your fault, it all started in Proculus and you\u2019re just a cog in the wheel.\u201d John said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samanthia said nothing but simply bowed her head silently before returning to sit in her chair and work on her broth. It was the end of the conversation and visit for her as she expelled a great deal of energy simply speaking to them. The weight that she held with the knowledge of Aracely\u2019s father was also bearing on her so in sharing it, it too exhausted her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI uh think it\u2019s time to go your Highness,\u201d Lorne said, glancing at the woman. \u201cYou got your answers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hate politics.\u201d John muttered as they exited the woman\u2019s home. \u201cThank you for taking me, Lorne.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo problem,\u201d he shrugged. \u201cNow let\u2019s just get back without killing ourselves in the process.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some reason it took them longer to exit the garden than it had taken them going to the house, and when they were finally through, John said goodnight to Lorne and headed back to Aracely, carrying both bags he had received from Samanthia. He needed sleep, he had been an idiot for doing the things he did after a long trip but he needed to be certain that at least Aracely would be safe during their stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely had sat by the window in the room that overlooked the main road. It was almost reminiscent to the last days before she left with John to go to the castle, to be his wife. While she was sure he went to see to his men, she had anticipated his return long ago, but when he had not shown for supper, her worry grew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She watched the road, like a hawk, waiting for signs of his presence and when the shadow of two men emerged from the forest edge in the distance she frowned. When it later appeared to be John and the herbalist\u2019s partner, she only then let out a sigh of relief as she watched him turn up the road to the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before John could knock on the door, the door flew open, revealing Halling, looking none too pleased. \u201cShe\u2019s in the sitting room, John<\/em>, it would be kind of you to share supper with us tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSorry Halling.\u201d John apologized. \u201cYou know David… he likes to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat he does,\u201d the man chuckled as he closed the door behind John and followed him to the sitting room where John put the bags next to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely stood by the window silent and glaring at her husband. She did not say a word but a look to Halling made her friend quietly say his goodnights and disappear down the steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI eh…. I\u2019m sorry?\u201d John tried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou fear for my safety yet you go off into the woods, at dark?\u201d she asked. \u201cI have been sitting here terrified<\/em> for you. We do not know if there are threats still hiding from your men…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was with Lorne, you know, the soldier I left behind to be with your herbalist? I was safe as a kitten.\u201d John nodded and approached her after covering up his arms from the scratches that Samanthia\u2019s thorns had given him. \u201cI am sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne man! John!\u201d she retorted as she made her way to him and hugged him tightly. Her figured dug into the fabric of his shirt as if he would have disappeared on her. \u201cYou cannot be foolish like that. I lost my parents to the woods. I do not wish to lose you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWill it help if I told you that I have a lot of information to share with you thanks to David and Samanthia?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She pulled back and looked up him. \u201cYou went to the alchemist at night? Are you mad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI feared for your safety!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am safe with you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re not!\u201d John sighed as he sat down in the chair and pointed to the other chair for her to sit as well before he shared the information he had received from David and Samanthia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo someone is after me. We knew that already,\u201d she commented as she did as he asked. \u201cI will not live my life in fear. I don\u2019t want our child to either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you won\u2019t, I\u2019ll make sure of that, but thanks to David, I thought Samanthia was after you, but she wasn\u2019t.\u201d He sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely looked at him blankly. \u201cI could have told you that. In fact, I believe I may have,\u201d she snapped. \u201cSamanthia has done nothing but help the people here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah well, the way David said it, made me fear for you, I\u2019m sorry!\u201d John then pointed at one of the bags. \u201cI\u2019ll have my men search for that plant tomorrow to try to make a stop to this, and when we return, I will try<\/em> to politely ask the Royal family of Proculus to come over for a civilized talk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She got up and picked up the bag, looking at its contents. \u201cThis is not from around here,\u201d she shared before looking at the other bag. At seeing the leaves her face reddened as she quickly lowered it behind her and glanced down the hall and stairs to make sure that no one else was around. \u201cOh my!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd she said that other bag is for us and that you\u2019d understand… what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is entirely inappropriate, that is what it is,\u201d she whispered harshly. \u201cVala would kill to have just a few of these leaves!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had mind altering herbs before, it\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of…\u201d John shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She laughed nearly hysterically as she tried to keep it down. \u201cNothing like this I\u2019m afraid. It\u2019s more than mind altering John. It is supposed to make – experiences – stronger. A lot stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He grinned. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to try that!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had heard rumors of it when I traveled but no one ever actually saw it. I didn\u2019t particular care for the stories but when I was visiting one time, I asked Samanthia about some of the plants she grew and I knew from the description that this was the one I heard about. And you! I thought you were happily satisfied without any – help,\u201d she glared at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am!\u201d he laughed. \u201cBut sometimes, just sometimes, it\u2019s fun<\/em> to enhance your senses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely threw the bag at him but grinned nonetheless. \u201cJust please. Do not go off like that again. You could have waited until morning and not be attacked by the trees and shrubs surrounding her home that you could not see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe had torches,\u201d John nodded smugly as he set the bag down before making his way over to her and kissed her tenderly. \u201cI am sorry, I love you and I will not do it again, however, I promised Samanthia that you\u2019d visit her before we leave and I suggest you do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will,\u201d she smiled up at him. \u201cBut not tonight. Now it is time us to retire for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are your plans for tomorrow?\u201d John asked her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shrugged as she made her way up the steps to the bedroom. \u201cI figured I\u2019d just walk around, like I used to. Spend some time in the market.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He followed her up and sighed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I took you so far away from your friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know you are,\u201d she sighed. \u201cYou need to stop thinking like that. As much as I miss everyone, the path I chose led me to you. I do not regret it and do not ever think that I have second thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know…\u201d he replied and entered her bedroom. It was silly, but they had never slept together in her<\/em> bed before and it felt weird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely took the night robe that Gabriella had left out on the bed for her and started to change, even though John was in the room with her. She had grown accustomed to his seeing her body and there wasn\u2019t anywhere else to change either. Looking back at him as he stood by the closed door still she smiled. \u201cWhat is wrong? You have seen the skin of my body more times than I can count now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing…\u201d John shook his head. \u201cJust some weird thought.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould you like to tell me?\u201d she asked as she picked up his sleeping clothes to hand him. \u201cDo you wish to change or sleep in what you\u2019ve worn all day? Or nothing at all?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John smirked. Sleeping in nothing was weird now that they weren\u2019t at the castle and especially with Aracely\u2019s friends around. \u201cTempting.\u201d he nodded as he placed the clothes back on the bed and started to get out of his clothes before getting into his sleeping attire. \u201cI don\u2019t know… it\u2019s just weird, this is your<\/em> room. It\u2019s the first time that you and I will sleep together in your<\/em> bed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is as much your home now as it is mine,\u201d she commented as she made her way over to him and wrap her arms around his waist. \u201cPut such silly thoughts aside and just be. You are not the King here. Simply John.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know…\u201d he buried his face in the crook of her neck and sighed. \u201cI am, but it\u2019s so tiring that I have to keep repeating myself that I am and even then they don\u2019t stop…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTomorrow you will wear what you wore as Johan. I am sure that there is something around that will fit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He chuckled and nodded. \u201cI think that would make a great difference.\u201d He caressed her hair and softly kissed her neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut first, we shall rest. It has been a long day for both of us,\u201d she smiled. \u201cI have no intention of leaving this bed very early now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou never have to,\u201d he replied as he lifted her in his arms and gently placed her onto the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWill you stay with me in that case?\u201d she asked as she tugged on his shirt for him to come down closer to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going anywhere…\u201d he crawled onto the bed and took her in his arms. After six days of travelling upright, the bed was a relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

A few days had passed and while Aracely enjoyed catching up and spending time with her lifelong friends, she felt the need to go through her parents\u2019 belongings that she still had. She had Halling drag out two large storage chests into the sitting room where she was able to settle on the floor to look through everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking her time, she spent a great deal looking over every paper, each drawing that she came across. She had gotten herself lost in the memories that she didn\u2019t hear or acknowledge anything or anyone around her for a long while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John had watched her for a while and realized that she was emerged into her own little world and wouldn\u2019t come out of it for a while. He had decided to take a walk around the village with Lorne, who kept giving him new bits and pieces on his life in San Franciskus, how he kept butting heads with Halling, and it was hilarious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The village still had a long way to go, but he was certain that one day they\u2019d be alright. Maybe he was going to send some workmen over once they had returned to the castle, to help out this village with rebuilding their homes, defenses and anything else, just to be sure they would be safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know what I don\u2019t get though…\u201d John said slowly. \u201cWhere does your water come from? I know there\u2019s a well or two in the village, but I don\u2019t see any water around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lake about half an hour on horseback away from here, it provides for the water via an underground system. Actually pretty sophisticated for a village like this.\u201d Lorne replied. \u201cThe lake provides for several villages in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs it protected?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSir, it\u2019s a lake.\u201d his friend chuckled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to take a look tomorrow, I believe Samanthia is right about someone poisoning the water, what\u2019s a better place to do it at the start of the supply?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lorne thought about it for a moment and conceded. \u201cPossibly, yes. But wouldn\u2019t that mean that other villages would be affected? Unless of course whoever is doing this knows how to target the specific area that only comes this way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNah, if this water comes from a lake and it supplies other villages, other villages should be affected too, but I think that with the attacks from the Chullakans that San Franciskus was always doomed to be worse off than the other villages, maybe you could check a few of them out before night fall?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe closest village to here is about a half day travel,\u201d he replied. \u201cWe would have to go first thing in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright, then do that.\u201d John nodded. \u201cTake whomever you want… preferably everyone who came with me and Aracely,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t want to appear imposing, Sir.\u201d Lorne chuckled. \u201cBut I share your predicament.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John sighed as they walked back into the village. \u201cWhy do things always need to take time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause that is all that is consistent. And that no one has devised alternative methods of travel that is more reliable than our horses,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith all those mad scientists around? I\u2019m sure that one day there will be, but not in our life time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d Lorne grinned. \u201cNever before have I been more pleased to be stationed here now. I am sure that the council is running circles around you about marrying outside of a royal bloodline. I do not wish to be you – no offense Sire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAracely has always been of nobility, I told you that.\u201d he replied as he looked at his friend. \u201cThere might be actually more to the story but we are still trying to find things out for ourselves, to back up the claims.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSir?\u201d he questioned curiously as they walked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I can\u2019t tell you this Lorne…\u201d John sighed with a hint of regret in his voice. \u201cI wish I could, but I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He nodded understandingly. \u201cYou know I am around and willing to do the research that you are unable to do. All you need to do is ask.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know, and thank you, I will keep that in mind once I\u2019ve made some plans for the thing I can\u2019t talk to you about yet.\u201d He grinned. \u201cWe have to fix this contaminated water supply thing first, and I might ask you to come back with me to the castle for a short while, I\u2019m not taking you away from your David, not after your belongings arrived the other day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Lorne nodded. \u201cJust say the word.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSire!\u201d David Parrish\u2019 voice sounded and soon enough, John saw the man stomping his way towards the pair of them. \u201cI thought something had happened to Evan when I couldn\u2019t find him!\u201d David started to check Lorne over, almost like a mother hen. \u201cWhat happened to telling me where you were going?!\u201d he then looked at John and narrowed his eyes. \u201cYou should have allowed him to tell me where he was going!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDavid!\u201d Lorne warned him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d John laughed and pat Parrish on the back. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, next time I\u2019m taking your Lorne away for a walk to have a more – private – conversation I will certainly let him tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The herbalist frowned and nodded absently. \u201cI have supper prepared Evan. Let us return before it grows cold.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSir, forgive David…\u201d Lorne stammered as David pulled him with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine, Lorne,\u201d He answered with a big smile on his face. \u201cEnjoy your supper.\u201d John then returned to Aracely\u2019s old home, finding her surrounded by the contents of her parents\u2019 belongings, appearing not to have moved at all. He squatted down next to her and caressed her hair. \u201cAracely? You need to take a break at some point.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely sat with a couple small bound books in her lap as she looked up at him. \u201cI found my parents\u2019 journals,\u201d she said softly. \u201cI don\u2019t know if I can read them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen don\u2019t. Come and have a seat my love.\u201d John helped her to her feet. \u201cHave you eaten at all today?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUm…\u201d she murmured, unsure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe has not,\u201d Gabriella said from the doorway. \u201cWe have been unable to pull her away from the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell,\u201d John looked around at the scattered letters, drawings and books. \u201cIf I hadn\u2019t known my parents well either, I would have been stuck to the floor as well if I\u2019d find a treasure box.\u201d He lifted Aracely up in his arms and grinned. \u201cIt helps if you use physical force,\u201d he nodded and carried her to the sitting area. \u201cGabriella, would you be so kind to get her some fruits? And something to drink? I could do it but sometimes Amelia scares me when I enter the kitchen.\u201d John softly put Aracely down in a big comfy chair in front of the fireplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gabriella chuckled. \u201cOf course, John. You do realize that some of your entourage doesn\u2019t like it that you want our friends to treat you like you\u2019re one of them, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m very well aware of that, thank you.\u201d He said tiredly, wondering where Teyla was. \u201cHave you seen Teyla?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, I haven\u2019t, but I\u2019m sure she\u2019s fine. I\u2019ll go fetch Aracely some fruit. Will you be joining Halling and his family for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUhm, no, get me some too then.\u201d John squatted down in front of his Aracely, looking tired and withdrawn. \u201cMy sweet Aracely,\u201d he smiled as he caressed her cheek. \u201cIt\u2019s time for you to pay some attention to the world around you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sat with the continuous pout on her face. \u201cI wish for us all to be past this. Would you look through the books for me?\u201d she asked, looking at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, but I will do that tomorrow when Lorne\u2019s away checking up on the nearest village.\u201d He softly kissed her lips. \u201cTonight, it\u2019s just you and me, and we\u2019re going to relax.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan we go through one of the books tonight? Well you…I promise to rest with you while you look.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He smiled at her. \u201cYou know I can\u2019t deny you anything. After Gabriella brings you something to eat, and you\u2019ve actually eaten, I\u2019ll get one of the books and I\u2019ll have a look at it while you rest comfortably in your bed.\u201d He got up and put some more wood into the fire. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll be with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather stay by the fire for awhile longer. It has grown rather cool over the day,\u201d she smiled softly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, and it doesn\u2019t help much that you didn\u2019t take a break.\u201d Gabriella said annoyed as she put the platter filled with fruit on the table next to Aracely, accompanied by a jug of wine. Amelia was behind her with a plate filled with supper for John. \u201cBut I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll warm up if you had some wine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely frowned. \u201cIf I was hungry, I would have gone to find something to eat. There is no need to scold me,\u201d she replied as she began to slowly eat a piece of melon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you kidding? After you nearly passed out yesterday in the marketplace, I realized that you need to eat more and be glad that I\u2019m scolding you instead of Teyla.\u201d Gabriella shot at her. \u201cYou\u2019re eating for two now, you can\u2019t starve your body as your unborn child needs food too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The woman scowled at her friend. \u201cI am eating. See?\u201d she said, taking an exaggerated bite from another piece of fruit. \u201cI do not know what was wrong yesterday. I just – it only lasted a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John sat down in a chair opposite of Aracely and quietly dug into his food, and realized he was quite hungry after skipping on lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou need to eat more. And something other than fruit!\u201d She put her hands in her sides. \u201cI know you love fruit, but you have to eat some meat and vegetables and even potatoes at some point. I do not wish for Dr. Beckett to scold me or John for not taking care of you upon our return.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEverything else makes me ill. What is the point in eating other things if it would not stay down?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause then at least your body would have had a short time to absorb the necessary nutrients a little.\u201d she huffed. \u201cJohn, say something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know… I\u2019m staying out of this.\u201d He replied and shrugged as he took a sip of the wine, wincing at the bitter taste of it. \u201cIf Aracely wants to eat fruit, she eats fruit, if she wants something else, she\u2019ll have that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely smiled at him and lowered her head. \u201cThank you,\u201d she said \u201cGabriella – I\u2019m just tired and am eating because I have to. Please, just let it rest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll draw you a bath so you can warm up,\u201d Gabriella said as she pulled Amelia with her as she left the sitting area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John smiled at her. \u201cWhat did you find today? Some drawings?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. Looks like ones they had made when I was younger. I don\u2019t know where. I don\u2019t even remember them,\u201d she explained. \u201cThere were some that I could tell was clearly done here, but others I just do not know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He took a bite out of his meat. \u201cJust drawings of you and your parents? Or other people too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere were some people in a couple, but I really did not look at them as much as my parents. If you want to look, you may,\u201d she smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m just curious, that\u2019s all. If what the herbalist told me is true, my father knew your parents. I\u2019m curious in what way, apart from the obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat did he have to say?\u201d she asked as she took his glass of wine instead of pouring her own. \u201cIf your father knew my parents, then why could he not have done something to help them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think he did. According to David he offered his help to your father, but he politely refused, mostly because he was afraid that something would happen to his family. My father then offered refuge in Atlantica and gave your father the fictional title of Earl of Hoffe, maybe the journals can tell us what really happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely looked over at the disarray on the floor. \u201cI hope so. However I do not know if I really wish to know the truth. It\u2019s so confusing,\u201d she sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is…\u201d John took his glass back from her and took another sip of the wine. \u201cBut it may give us some answers, and maybe some advice on how to proceed next… because if we find solid proof that your father was the one supposed to be on the throne, we have a lot of mysteries to unveil and to deal with and hope to avoid a war.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd if he was? What does that mean for us? If would make me the heir and I never wanted it before and to be truthful, I still do not. I just wish to be at your side and nothing more however I am at ease with performing the duties that is expectant of me by the people with reluctance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John shrugged. \u201cWe could always remove the borders and make Atlantica and Proculus one big Kingdom, make it our own, because honestly, I don\u2019t want us to be separated from each other like that.\u201d He then sighed. \u201cI was planning on sending one of my men into Proculus to find out the opinion of the citizens, and check to see how they\u2019re really doing. I haven\u2019t been to Proculus in years and I don\u2019t wish to go there now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. Despite your being wedded and to be a father, I believe Chaya would still find a way to keep you for herself,\u201d she said, making a face at the thought of the woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOr she might slay me on sight,\u201d he pointed out. \u201cSo after we return to the castle, I\u2019ll send out someone into Proculus to assess how well they\u2019re running the kingdom while you and I make sure we have all we need to confront Chaya and her parents about their crime and once my man returns with more information, invite them over for a peaceful talk… hopefully they\u2019ll oblige.\u201d He then sighed. \u201cOh this is going to take such a long time,\u201d he chuckled. \u201cBut it will be worth it, to bring some clarity in your life, and the truth in the lives of the people of Proculus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She smiled as she leaned in to kiss him. \u201cWhatever happens we will be fine. I believe that,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYep, if all fails, we still have each other.\u201d He grinned and kissed her back. \u201cNow eat your fruit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes your Highness,\u201d Aracely sighed as she went back to picking at the assortment on the tray. \u201cDo you wish to begin looking through the journals soon?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI believe Gabriella is drawing you a bath, and I want you to take your time to relax in hot water. After that, I\u2019ll start looking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOr you can come join me in the bath while we relax together? I believe the bath is large enough for the both of us.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure,\u201d he chuckled and finished his plate of food. John then got up and helped Aracely out of her chair before pulling her into a hug, smiling as he looked down on her. \u201cYou are so beautiful,\u201d he said, caressing her hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<hr><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was quite some time later that evening when John brought a few of the journals to their chambers and laid down on his stomach next to Aracely on the bed. \u201cYou know, you are so lucky that your parents, especially your mother, kept a journal and never discarded of them,\u201d he smiled at her as he pointed at the journals. \u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t want to read them yourself? I am feeling as if I\u2019m about to intrude on someone else\u2019s life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am positive. By reading them with me, we both can learn to know my parents together,\u201d she smiled as she pulled a pillow closer to herself for the comfort of something soft to hold. \u201cThese journals may shed some light on the reasons why they were forced to leave their home. You deserve to know those reasons as much as I as you were very nearly forced to wed who may very well be my cousin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John slowly nodded. \u201cWhere do you want me to start? Your mother numbered all of her journals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe beginning is always a good place as any,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first journal he read with Aracely was when her mother was about 15 years of age, explaining that she had seen one of the maids write in a book, and wondered what she had been doing. Eileen thought it was a good idea to collect thoughts and experiences, especially after seeing her grandmother get confused and forgetful at an elderly age. At the end of the journal, she was describing one of the Royal balls and how Robert, the heir to the throne of Proculus, had made a complete fool out of himself in front of her, and how George of Atlantica had been asking her to dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho was George?\u201d Aracely wondered aloud as she laid there listening. She felt something warm inside her at the fondness her mother wrote of the people mentioned, especially that of her father and her amusement of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI suppose it\u2019s my father,\u201d John said surprised. \u201cNot that I am completely surprised, as my father\u2019s father had been King, but that he met your mother and father on this ball… it\u2019s a little surreal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo your father and my father were both vying for the attention of the same woman,\u201d she could not help but grin. \u201cI believe that despite the turmoil, I am very pleased that she did not choose George for you and I might not be here in this moment now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He chuckled. \u201cFrom what my mother told me, it was very hard for my father to find his lifelong companion, there weren\u2019t many girls of nobility around in that time.\u201d He grabbed the second journal and laughed as he opened to the first page. \u201cPrince George and Prince Robert graced me with a visit today, they both arrived at the same time, holding the same sort of floral bouquet. I wonder why the King of Atlantica allows his only son to travel all this way to my father\u2019s house. We had lemonade in the garden, while the maids kept an eye on us. Prince Robert managed to spill his glass all over him. I fear for his competence as a King, but I cannot help but to think that he is a wonderful young man. Mother and Father are pleased that both the Princes have taken a liking to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell – we know that she chooses Robert, unless another man of the same name comes along,\u201d she mused. \u201cAlthough all indications of what we know show that he is the same man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he smiled and continued to read. At the end of this journal, she had decided, even though she was only 16, that she\u2019d marry Robert one day, simply because she didn\u2019t want to leave Proculus and because Robert needed someone to look after him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely watched John as he read. \u201cHow are you feeling about this so far?\u201d she asked quietly, reaching for his hand. By that point they had adjusted in the bed to lay beside one another and her head resting on his shoulder. \u201cDo you know your father any more or less as well?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I always knew my father, I just didn\u2019t know this side of him,\u201d he replied and put the journal away. \u201cHowever, I think that\u2019s enough for tonight, how about we get some sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that,\u201d she smiled as she leaned up to kiss him. \u201cThank you John.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d do anything for you,\u201d he smiled and kissed her back as he caressed her hair. \u201cIf reading these journals with you help you, then I don\u2019t mind doing it, because it\u2019s for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aracely sighed at his touch. \u201cLet us rest. We have a great deal more to do tomorrow, not only with the journals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looked at her. \u201cYou made plans?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo. I thought that maybe you and I can do something together is all,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d John smiled and kissed her again. \u201cSleep well, my love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 08 The short week that took them to San Franciskus was quite uneventful. They stopped a few times in the villages they passed to visit their subjects, and browse the markets for presents for Aracely\u2019s friends. When the Royal carriage arrived in Aracely\u2019s village, the town square was filled…<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1030,"parent":1032,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1065","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nChapter 08 - MeekoBuggy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 08 - MeekoBuggy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chapter 08 The short week that took them to San Franciskus was quite uneventful. They stopped a few times in the villages they passed to visit their subjects, and browse the markets for presents for Aracely\u2019s friends. 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They stopped a few times in the villages they passed to visit their subjects, and browse the markets for presents for Aracely\u2019s friends. When the Royal carriage arrived in Aracely\u2019s village, the town square was filled... 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