The Taking of the Moon Maiden Ch. 08

The next morning Emmaline overslept. She rose slowly, her body gloriously sore from the loving it had received the night before. Dressing and singing to herself she went to join Moira and spend the day getting acquainted with their new home.

As she entered the great hall she was not comforted to find Moira sitting on her father's knee. "Hello, sir"

James de la Hume looked up to meet his daughters hesitant greeting. Slowly he rose placing Moira on her feet. He had waited a long time for this moment and he did not wish anything to go wrong.

"Daughter, Moira has been telling me of how every full moon you and she go pay homage to a star you named Matilda. Do you not think it is time for you to put this to rest?" Emmaline felt her heart squeeze at her father's words. She had not spoken to him since she was a child, and these were not the words her soul had dreamed of hearing.

Steeling herself against his anger she spoke softly but with determination. "If you so choose to forget those who loved you, that is your choice." Her voice trembled as she continued. "But, I will not forget her and all she did to ensure mine and Moira's happiness."

James' face grew red, but before he could speak Ronen walked into the room. "What is the concern?" Ronen's eyes flashed from Emmaline to James.

"I do not think Grandfather wants Mother to go out side at night." Moira's spoke as she ran to Ronen. Her small hand crept up into his large one.

"I agree with your Grandfather and would keep you both safe indoors at night." Ronen knew he had just hurt his wife's tender feelings when James' eyes lit with satisfaction, while Emmaline's swung to his with such hurt. He had no idea while Emmaline wished to stroll the grounds at night.

"I would prefer to keep you both safe, yet if your Mother chooses to walk at night, I will go with her to assure her safety." Ronen's efforts to sooth Emmaline where not lost on her. She raced to him. Temporarily dropping Moira's hand he grasp Emmaline to him lifting her, until her estatic face was even with his.

She rained kisses on his face as she exclaimed. "I knew you would understand." He did not, but he would question her later, later when they were alone. For now he would bask in her happiness.

Setting his wife back on her feet he reclaimed his daughter's hand and lifter her up to cradle against his chest for a moment.

He gave Moira a gentle squeeze, enjoying the smell of her baby skin before handing her over to Emmaline and leaving them under the protection of several of his men, while he went to speak with Daniel. What Daniel told him left Ronen angered and worried.

Duncan had slipped away last night and Daniel had determined from some of the maids that he had bargained his way into the room next to Ronen's and Emmaline. Daniel had not known why, but Ronen rembering the noise the night before had understood all too well.

"Make sure extra guards are on Emmaline and Moira." His voice hardened as he gave his next order. "Kill him if you catch him alone anywhere near either."

Before Daniel could question Ronen's command, Ronen left to find Emmaline and ascertain her want to wander his lands at night.

*********Later in the privacy of Ronen's and Emmaline's room********

"I'll no let you go if you donna tell me why." Ronen did not wish to deny Emmaline anything, but he would not risk her safety.

God, did she not realize what she meant to him. She was breaking his heart. She sat there so alone and quiet, silent tears running down her soft cheeks. hurt radiated from her as she sat refusing to explain herself, staring mutely out the window.

He crossed the room and crouched down before her until his face was lower than hers. Giving her the feeling of control, he gently took her hands and looked up into her lovely face.

"Do you no trust me?" His soft voice and gentle question was her undoing. Sobbing she threw herself in his arms.

"Tis all I have left to give to her." Understanding his questioning gaze, Emmaline continued inbetween her ragged gasp's for each breath.

"Matilda gave up everything, she protected me when no one else would. She gave up everything for me."

She looked into his eyes trying to convey all her sister had done.

"Is it not a small thing to once a month go out under the stars with her child, so that she may look down upon us and know that we are safe? That all she gave up was for not?"

Had she said anything else Ronen may have been able to refuse her request. But how could he refuse the request for such a small homage to a woman who had given him so much?

For Ronen was beginning to realize that is was because of Matilda's great sacrifice that he had Emmaline and Moira, both safe and well.

"If you so wish it, you take Moira under the stars. But, understand that you will no go by yourself." Emmaline had only to look at Ronen's set face to understand he meant what he said and would brook no argument.

"Tonight when you go out under the full moon, under the stars, I will go with you."

Ronen gently held Emmaline in his arms and soothed her, rocking her slowly. Neither of them realizing that later that night gift of the Moon Maiden would come full fold.