Aine of Diarmada

Chapter 5

I stuck this up 👆👆 because in this chapter Aine and Eoin ............. For the first time!!!! Read to find out 😜 happy reading 💚🍀

A while after I had heard the news I was outside saying goodbye to father who was tense while barking out orders to the men that we're going to accompany him.
"Father who do you think took her?" I asked, stroking his horse fondly.
"I don't know, I just don't know. The question is why," he replied, taking my hands in his. Chulann strode to father's side, "everything's ready my Lord."
"Very well," father sighed, hugging me before he mounted his horse. I pulled up the hood of my cloak trying to get rid of the thoughts that had ambushed my mind, thoughts about where Roise could be or what she was being forced to do. I was distracted as Chulann stepped towards me. "We'll be back soon Aine, with Roise. We'll find her." He then took my face in his hands as he kissed me passionately. Confused, I found myself not stopping him but not giving in either. I stood there, motionless but feeling everything. He parted himself away and kissed me lightly on the forehead before mounting on to his horse. I cautiously brushed my lips with my fingers as I noticed Eoin out of the corner of my eye. He gave me a small smile before he looked away. Obviously uncomfortable, as was I. The people of the clan waved as Chulann, Eoin, father and his men rode away into the night. Into the darkness.

* * * * *

Two weeks later the sound of horses hooves stampeding the ground quickly drew me out of my chambers. They were back! My eyes scanned across the men but didn't see what they wanted. No black dress, no fair hair, no Roise. I ran out to father as he dismounted. He looked exhausted with big bags under his eyes. It was like he had aged ten years.
"Father!"
"Aine my dear! How have you been?"
"You didn't find her? Where's Roise?" my voice was rising uncontrollably.
"Aine we will, I'm just as worried as you are. We came back to gather more supply's and to get Eoin treated, then we'll be on our way again," he said dismantling the bags from his saddle.
"What happened to Eoin?" I asked.
"See for yourself," father said before pecking me on the cheek lightly and walking away. Eoin came towards me with a cloth wrapped tightly across his shoulder and his chest.
"Eoin!" I exclaimed running towards him.
"Nice to see you too Lady Aine," he said.
"What happened?" I asked, gesturing to his shoulder.
"Oh no, it's nothing. Horse got a bit spooked when there was some thunder and jumped up."
"And falling off gave you that injury?"
"Well not exactly," he grinned, "I landed on a rock and got a small gash."
Eileen came over to join us,"Eoin I was instructed to treat your wound," she told him giving him a friendly smile.
"I'll help him," I offered. Eileen raised her eyebrows at me,"well alright, you know where I keep the things," she said, walking off.
"Come along then," I said to Eoin, turning towards my chambers. He followed without protest, smiling to himself. His smile was infectious.

Eoin sat on the bed of my chambers. He had taken off his shirt which had caused me to look down momentarily when his bare, muscly chest had been revealed. I now sat beside him washing his deep cut with a wet rag. I then took out a bottle and put a small amount of the dark liquid on to his wound to prevent it from getting infected. I watched Eoin grit his teeth as the liquid burned and melted into his flesh.
"You're supposed to be brave," I smirked, looking away from his face and back to his shoulder.
"Not as brave as your remember?" He said, looking down at me. My eyes met his as we both leaned forward. Our lips suddenly filled the gap that there was between us. For a moment I didn't think about Roise or Chulann or father, I just thought about Eoin. His lips slowly parted from mine as our eyes opened. He was just about to say something before Eileen burst in. We both tried to scoot away from each other un-noticeably.
"Feeling better Eoin?" Eileen asked, once again raising her eyebrows. Eoin cleared his throat,"much better Eileen, thank you. You made Aine a great nurse," he smiled.
"Yes," she said looking at me,"I suppose I have."