A Highlander's Promise

Suspicions and No Underwear

After the men had left the room they had lingered, trying to figure out what to do next.

MacAlister led them to the dining hall where they sat around a table.

"That girl has taken more damage than just her body, MacAlister," Maon said looking at his laird.

"Aye, she has," he nodded in agreement.

Fionn was still in shock from the hullabaloo that he just witnessed.

He wanted to harbor anger at her for speaking to him so, but he couldn't.

Not when he couldn't imagine what she had gone through.

He regretted his actions of prying into her background, but in truth he was nervous about her.

Something about her seemed off and he could not pinpoint what it was.

She was an innocent lass that probably couldn't hurt a fly.

...Well maybe she could hurt a fly but nothing bigger, he assured himself.

I can't believe I just did that. I'm such an...

They had brought the girl to their castle to make her feel better and safe and he was only making it worst.

"Don't beat yourself up over it," Ian said as he rested one of his hands on his cousin's shoulder. Ian could tell exactly what his cousin was thinking, his expressions spoke louder than words themselves, he couldn't hide anything from anyone.

"It's been a long day and we both need rest as well as she. She's probably more embarrassed than you. I bet morning comes and you two will apologize and all will be well," he continued.

"Really?"

"Aye."

After exchanging reassuring nods, they turned their attention back to their elders.

"As much as we want to help the lass we can't bring her back home to whatever land she is from. I don't think I can afford sending men to escort her to a place I have never heard of," Maon said.

"Agreed," Aodh added, "she seems like a decent enough lass, why we don't let her stay here if that is what she wishes?"

"By all means she is welcome under our roof. I would never feel at peace knowing a lass like she was out to fend for herself while men like MacLachlan are running about," MacAlister said.

"Aye, she'll have a roof over her head, eat decent meals, and she could be introduced to other women from town, maybe she'll even find a place for herself there. I reckon that it's a better option than running through the highlands with no notion of where to go and open to any dangers," Aodh added.

"'Tis the least we could do for her," Ian justified, referring to the past few abusive days the girl had struggled through.

"Then I say 'tis settled! We should introduce her to our to the rest of our clan. We surely would want to make her feel at home, right?" Fionn jumped in.

"Easy lad, give her some time to readjust. Perhaps she might not feel comfortable amongst us and chose to leave. Either way as much as we might want to, we can't just thrust her into our open arms. Let her make the decision to come to us willingly. There is always a place here in our home and people to welcome new friends, in peace that is," MacAlister responded.

Fionn took in what he said and turned to see Ian's expression.

Ian looked back at Fionn.

Then they excused themselves and left their elders to continue whatever discussion while they started towards the stables.