Chapter 30

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The morning caught the keep in busy bustle as they all eagerly readied the day for the nights merriment.
Tara and Duncan's Engagement feast.

She woke up that morning feeling the weight of her restless night. None of this was suppose to be happening she frantically went through in her head.

Duncan had already left for the morning. He had gotten up with so much happiness and joy that when he leaned down to kiss her, she had to pretend she was still asleep so he would not see the sadness in her eyes. They simply could not do this.

By the time she had dressed and went below to the great hall, she was taken back by the scene. It was a grand feast they were preparing for and she felt so overwhelmed. She stood from afar and watched Duncan direct where things were going.

On the far side fresh tapers were changed and tables were being moved and realigned. Barrels of Ale were brought in along with wine.

He was organizing everything. Her future. It was too much. She wasn't ready for this. She had a life, a family and a home. In his mind she wasn't going any where.

The final straw was drawn was when Moors appeared before her with a bolt of fabric for her to choose. She was so happy and unaware of the look of pure dread on her face.

She could not make this life altering decision. Not when so much was at stake. The live, their lives depended on Duncan making the right choice and that was to avoid any conflict with Maurdad and marrying his daughter to keep the Waring families at peace.

She looked ardently at the fabric and gently raised her finger to the soft fabric. She felt so overwhelmed and at a loss with what to do. She loved him. But, she could not be with him.
She needed to get back to her time now, whatever it took. If she had to go herself to this Liora the seer she would have to do it quick and fast.
She didn't have much time.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

By the time Moira walked away from her she had blindly found her way out of the keep into the courtyard. Her head, muddled with so much she couldn't breathe. She desperately sought somewhere to run and hide but where?

The inquisitive familiar eyes of Aidan found her looking around, distraught and weary. She looked distant and upset.

"Tara what is wrong?" Aidan asked.

Concern grew in his eyes as he noticed her perplexed look.

She began to fidget and pace.
"You have to help me Aidan. I need you to take me to see Liora Tonight!"

"What you ask is impossible Tara. My brother will be very upset."

"Please you have to, I need to go back to my time and my family. I sat around long enough."

"Do you truly think that is wise Tara? Do you believe she can help you?" He tried to sway her.

"She knew that I was coming, maybe she can tell me how I'm suppose to return," she replied anxiously.

She needed to hang on to that idea. That possibility was all she had at the moment.

He sighed heavily. In a battle of his own to help.
Closing his eyes tightly, he looked at her.
"Ok! I will help you"

"During the festivities we will sneak out when the merriment is in full thrall. You will retire for the privy. I will take you to her and have you back before anyone notices you are gone,"

Nodding and agreeing to the plan, she gave a tearful smile. "It will work I'm sure of it Aidan."

"And if it doesn't Tara? What then? Have you not thought of how my brother will feel about this?" He asked.

"Yes! I have Aidan. I'm suffering with my decision more than you will ever know. Do you think I have asked for any of this?" She shook her head fighting the weight of guilt in her chest.
" Have you not stopped to think how you would feel if you were thrown into my time?" She searched his eyes for a justified answer. Hoping he would understand.

" Wouldn't you fight with every fiber in your body to return here to your family and those you love?" She dashed away a tear.

He searched her gaze sadly realizing the truth. He would most definitely do the same to get back to his loved ones. He lowered his gaze not able to give in to the fact that she is right.
But then with that decision comes his brothers happiness and how he risks loosing her in all of this.

Letting out a sigh he shook his head.

"How will you handle this if you-"

"Return." She answered with a pause.
"A piece of me will be lost Aidan, the thought of having to give him up. I can't. My heart is slowly loosing the will to go on. I--" she lowered her head.

Looking away she dashed away more tears. Not able to speak she just continued to stare out into the distance.

He stood beside her then. Not Looking her way he spoke.

"Its going to be rough for us all Tara." He whispered before turning away.

*~*~*~*~*

Eyes intently watched the board they've been playing on for a while. Chess was a strategic game for anyone. But, not at the moment for Duncan his mind was barely there.

"Don't worry everything will be fine,"
Aidan hid his discomfort with the lie.

What he planned to do was the greatest deceitful thing he could ever do. But yet he was on both side on this. His heart went out for them both.

"You only say it, because it is not you getting married," he made his move.

"No brother I prefer to be unattached for now," Aidan gave a half smile.

"No doubt you do," Duncan chuckled shaking his head.

He sobered down a bit and looked at Duncan while he studied the board.

"I have spoken to her, Duncan. She is very worried about your plan to marry her," somehow he wanted to.convince him to cancel everything so that Tara would not go see Liora. But she would keep trying to leave regardless.

Duncan looked up amused. "She has? I don't see why. She knows that I am determined to see this through she has no need to worry," he hesitantly moved his pawn.

"Yes. But, what of Maularde? Do you not think he will make trouble of this?" Aidan looked up at him.

Duncan did not answer.

"What if she is right Duncan? What if this marriage changes the course of things for the worse?" Aidan spoke quickly.

Duncan looked up at Aidan and met his weary gaze.

Duncan sat back in his chair and narrowed his eyes.
"What is this Aidan? Why the doubt brother? Is there something your not telling me?"

Distressed and on edge he blew out a deep sigh. He needed to hold back the urge to tell him about Taras plan.
"No, tis just that...." He paused. " Understand, Duncan. She is very nervous and worried. She fears this will all bring trouble for us all,"

"We spoke of this Aidan. You said we should marry. I am not marrying Maulardes daughter. Do not bring this on me now," his voice rose.

Silence grew between them for a while.

"She feels the chapel can take her back to her time," Aidan said breaking the silence.

Duncan paused his move.

"What if she finds a way back Duncan? He slouched back in his chair lost in thought. The idea had him thinking as well.

Duncan's eyes flashed furiously and looked at Aidan.

"I will not let that happen," he hissed.

Aidan frowned. "You cannot stop the inevitable Duncan. It is simply not done. It is impossible and out of our hands,"

"Damn it Aidan!, Duncan shot up from his chair furiously circling it. He looked at Aidan.

"Why are you bringing this up?"

"Why are you trying to keep her here, when you know fully well she needs to return to her time," He argued.

"Duncan she is alone here, out of her element and she is deeply afraid. She does not want to loose you," he breathed.

"You don't think I know all of this? That is why I want to marry her. So she can feel safe, so I can watch over her." He yelled.

"Besides why would she tell you these things and not tell me," he thumped his chest.

Aidan stood to face Duncan. With an astonished look on his face.
"She has done nothing but mention it over and over to you brother. But you seem to not be listening. You lack reason as if you refuse to accept it,"

Shaking his head Duncan pointed at Aidan. "No...What I refuse to accept brother is you undermining my decision. I refuse to listen to you. I am marrying Tara that's the end of this discussion," he stormed off.

Aidan sat there for a while. Overwhelmed and tortured with all of this.
A lump grew in his throat. Deeply saddened he sat forward and rested his face in the palm of his hand.

*~*~*~*~*~*

"Oh! Nonsense child, you are a true beauty," Moira sighed happily standing back to admire the gown.

Tara observed her reflection in the mirror. It wasn't long before she left Aidan in the courtyard, that Moira found her and just about dragged her back to her room for the fitting.

The sheer fabric was an elegant cream colored gown edged in gold.

Moira left her to retrieve more threat. She touched the fabric and lost in her tormented thoughts she never heard the door click.

"You look beautiful," she heard Duncan breath.

Her heart slammed in her chest as she saw his reflection in the mirror.
She slowly turned to look at him standing by the door.

Under the heat of his gaze she squirmed. Her heart pummeled in her chest as he came closer.

"Its bad luck to see the bride in her dress before the wedding,"

"Aye, so they say."

He stood before her, and gently tipped her chin up to get a better look at her. As if to try to read her mind, see what was flowing through it.

He wanted to know if there was any doubt any sign of not wanting to go through this wedding.
And there was. Lots of it.
But, she wouldn't let him see. She couldn't.

"Whats wrong?," she smiled. Trying to push away the nervousness from her voice. Strength she prayed for to face this head on. It's not easy telling someone you love you can't marry them. She hoped he couldn't read the pain in her eyes.

He shook his head and smiled back.
"You look absolutely beautiful,"

Her cheeks turned pink and broadened his smile even more.

He would have said more except the gasp and high pitch voice of Moira stopped him and began to shoo him out of the room.

"Ye knows better then to see yer bride before the wedding mlord, tis bad luck," she chastised him.

He chuckled softly and lowered his head in a mock bow.
The twinkle in his eyes were enough to make her breakdown in tears. She had to look away.

She watched him leave and at that moment it hit her. If Liora was indeed able to help her return home, then this would the last time she would ever see him again. She closed her eyes briefly and inhaled the little bit of air her constricted lungs could take. No, she needed courage to do this now and not wait any longer.

She wanted to be back with her family. She wanted to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the large big Apple. She wanted to hear the roar of surround sound of a movie theatre while she ate popcorn and soda. She wanted to hang with Mimi, Carl and Andrew in Time square, she wanted clean clothes, the luxury of a manicure and pedicure, feminine products, shampoo and conditioner.

Her heart tightened in her chest. A small sacrifice of her happiness and her love. A selfless act. But, deep down an emotion of selfish feeling grew within her. She would leave Duncan safely tucked in the past where her selfless act would not besmudge his possible line of genealogy. And she would go on living in her future enjoying all the things she missed without him.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Hello my lovelies
So sorry for having everyone hanging it wasn't my intention as you all know this was one of my first stories written years ago. Let's just say this was written when Brittany Spears hit the scene with the pig tails and school uniform....Yes that's long ago. So I have to tweak and fix a lot of things. But either way her you go. Pleasssseeeeeee!!!! Comment and let me know what you think. Likes are the best.

Again a shout out to all my new followers. Your the best.
Thank you all
XOXOXOX


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