In His Element

Draven sent a note by carrier to the Thistle for Claire. A young lad had a surrey ready as he entered the tavern. The request left with Alex that there was a ride waiting for her if she could make it, otherwise Alex would let the young man know to return. Draven took over a job one of his foremen would normally take care of, sending him off to see to another so the jobs get done twice as fast. The sooner all fields were plough and seeded, the sooner the crops would grow to be harvested in August and September. Some sooner and replanted for a second harvest. This was a new field to be plough as they were expanding. Gerrard was going to take over this section and Draven would help make it ready. His son might be along if he finished up with the help he was also doing with his cousins, Leo and Gaidan. The plough had been set up and the harness of thick lead leather straps attached to the workhorse were holstered over Draven's broad, shirtless, shoulders. The piece of equipment was made of metal looking much like a huge sickle, five teeth that would pierce the ground to turn over the soil while being pulled through. He was showing a new hand how it was done.

Early this morning, Claire had help in bringing an easel and canvas to the Thistle, just in case Draven had a moment to spare. The arrival of the surrey brought a full fledged grin to bloom. Easel and canvas were being tucked away into the surrey and Claire was busy organizing the paints in their case. When all was done, Claire climbed aboard and so began the trip to Draven's fields. Excitement seeped from every pore. A white peasant skirt floated about her legs, a hunter green blouse off one shoulder, a bronze belt circled her waist and long gold earrings hung glittered at her ears. A thick piece of matching blue fabric held the dark curls somewhat at bay. Truth be told, Claire looked a little like a gypsy this fair afternoon. Whereas many women would wear hats to protect their ivory complexions, Claire was basking the warmth, skin already sunkissed to a dust gold.

She and Jasper were taking an extra long walk this morning, the potter letting the husky lead the way to where he wanted to go, Devon just happy to be out in the sun. She was dressed simply, a poet shirt and deep blue skirt, her red curls swept up on top of her head, a few shorter ones framing her face. Jasper was running ahead of her, nipping at some bug or another on their way. She was familiar
with this path although it had been a long while since she had traveled it.

Jesse Jackson was nineteen, one of many youths learning the trade of hard physical work. Muscles were already developing and scruff along his jaw was left for the pride such finally showed. Tuff of curling chestnut hair, blue eyes and damnable (to him) freckles sprinkled over his cheeks caused by the sun. He too sported the light golden tan as a by-product of the fruits of his labor. Today he was being given time off to take care of this matter. Draven had chosen him for his helpfulness and courtesy he possessed more than others. The surrey arrived to a field next to the one being plough. Here he stopped to get out then help her out. He would also assist her in setting up her equipment. At first he had grumbled about being set to this task, under his breath of course, before seeing the pretty lady and then it was a great distraction.

Claire was breathless with the sight before her. She had always been more of a country girl. Curls were set to a dance by the breeze, skirts rustling as she was helped down. "Thank you." She tossed the young man a grateful smile and then tilted her head to the sun, breathing deeply. After a moment, she began to issue mild orders as to how to handle the equipment being carried and such. "What is your name?" Polite inquiry as she hefted her valise of paints. This she would carry on her own. Hazel eyes were dashing to the fields, seeking out Draven.

Jasper went racing up to the fields but knew not to go beyond the fence and bother the workers. He raced up and down along it, then back to her, then repeated the whole process. Devon just chuckled as she continued on her walk, enjoying the feel of the grass on feet.

It was a sunny day with a light breeze, the temperature was in the mid seventies and promised to reach the eighties by the afternoon. Luckily they would be long stopped before that time. Thomas Durken, another one of the hired men noticed Devon with her dog and the way she was moving figured out her .. challenge. He was over to politely introduce himself and explain how the field was being worked she was heading for and could be dangerous with the upturned earth and rocks. He escorted her to where he noticed Jesse and the other woman. Here he would leave her, returning then to join the other men out with Draven. Jesse giving the woman his name when asked and almost shy about it. Draven tapped the reins against the workhorse's flanks as he started forward, digging in the heels of his boots in at times as clumps rolled up and over to the side. He would halt the steed as a large rock was turned up that would have to be removed. The sweat was already beading against bronze skin as his forehead was swiped with the back of a hand, even with the band tied around to help keep the sweat from his eyes. Five men were gathering up the rocks of a certain size and larger and soon had a wagon over as the small boulder was heaved up and put to its back and taken away. Draven spoke to the ones learning before shielding his eyes seeing the surrey finally there the short distance to the next field. One of grass and meadow flowers already blooming. He gave off a wave before it was time for him to adjust the wide holstering straps and get the horse moving forward again.

Claire watched the men return to their positions, a wave sent off to Draven. When she spotted Devon, Claire couldn't contain delighted laughter and it spilled forth in a melodious string. "Devon! A lovely day is it not? Jasper." Claire set down the valise to open her arms to the husky. She'd set up the easel and canvas and start painting in a few moments. The weather was glorious, the company even better, and this was definitely a wonderful start to a new day. "How are you, Dev? Glad to see you here."

Devon smiled to Thomas, thanking him for the information and his guidance, calling over to make sure Jasper was not in their way either. "Afternoon Claire," she said back with a smile as Thomas led her over. "Tis a beautiful day." She chuckled at hearing the shortened version of her name, something her brothers had only done. "We're doin' fine. hope we aren't disturbin' ye too much. Jasper wanted a long walk I guess."

One row was completed as the men followed behind with the wagon to toss oversized rocks into the back of it. Every so often they would stop and wait for the wagon to be emptied. Canteens would come out and some water to quench the dry throats. Most had their shirt off or at least open. of the six only two left them on but they were so light of skin they would burn badly. They would only take them off for short periods of time. Eventually Draven stopped the workhorse to call David Doleson over and started showing him the procedure up close and literally the leather leads in how they were used and worn, hooking into the harness worn by the man driving horse and plough.

"You never disturb me, Devon." Claire hugged Jasper, rubbed his head for a brief moment before she was turning and unfurling the folded easel. The canvas was set on it and the valise was opened halfway to shade the paints from the sun but enough to be available. "I am going to paint Draven this day as it has been planned." The smile was in her voice.

Jasper stayed for the attention, and then once she was done, ran off to weave among the men, but knowing not to get underfoot. He just wanted to watch, chasing after any loose stones that they might drop while carrying the larger ones to the wagon, and nipping at their shirt tails blowing in the wind. Playful husky didn't know better. She turned to Claire, and chuckled hearing the smile in her voice at that. "Ye have chosen a good day, and a good subject so I've heard."

Usually, Claire began with paints right away. But this time, the charcoal crayon was gripped gently. One hand rested against her brow occasionally. Eyes were focused on Draven, a soft smile curving her mouth. Light strokes of the crayon were dashing across canvas, outlining his figure. The background would come in last. "Draven is a very good subject." Laugh there.

She sat down, running her hand over the grass, and enjoying the smell of the flowers, the sun on her face, although her nose would be turning a little red as fair as her skin was. By mid summer though she would be fine, it was just at the beginning of spring and summer that she burned slightly. She didn't mind in the least though.

The men didn't mind the husky at all. They were use to dogs for the farm had a few. Ones were used in herding the milk cows in. There was a smaller dairy supplying milk for many in the community. Chickens providing eggs and those hired to take care of each area. Draven was easing out of the leather harness to then help get it on David, each step was explained and soon he was stepping back to watch David give it a try. Another swipe from the back of his hand against his forehead before they were resting on his hips. Feet a span apart that was natural for a warrior's stance, more than a farmer.

"That's perfect!" That one stance. It was burned in her mind, accompanied by a little gasp. Draven was indeed a very fine subject. Claire's hand struggled to keep up with the colors and figures blending in her head. The crayon was moving across rapidly, free hand also working along side. The pad of her index finger was rubbing in the charcoal on certain places while the other hand was flying across. Gaze was traveling back and forth, each time, more detail absorbed, more appreciation glimmering. Shirt sleeves were rolled up yet despite this, Claire didn't even realize that she was hot, her mind focused on one thing: capture Draven. Tiny beads of sweat were forming on her brow, a rosy flush staining her cheeks. She heard Devon chuckle and she erupted into a fit of laughter. "Have you ever gone swimming, Devon?"

Devon called Jasper over for a moment to take off his harness so he didn't get it caught on anything, placing it on the ground beside her as he took off again. She chuckled at hearing Claire getting excited, glad the woman was enjoying herself. She sat, listening to the men work, and Claire's drawing, her hand running over the grass. "Aye, when I was a little girl. Me brothers and me used ta go all the time. Haven't been since I became blind though." There was the whole thing of vertigo.

A breath was expelled. "We should at least wade when I finish painting, Draven. How does that sound to you?" Claire would love to go. Although she didn't have swimming clothes, she did have a chemise on underneath the skirt and blouse. Draven was quite a distance away therefore Claire was taking what she saw and blowing it up. Her mind was conjuring the fine details of Draven such as the vibrance of his eyes, the angle of his jaw, the play of muscles on his torso.

Jesse was getting anxious just standing around and with the ladies all situated he made his way over to the field to help out. Maybe he just wanted to show off as his shirt was being drawn from a well muscular torso and tossed with he others in a heap alongside the area. Grassy section at the edge. He was right over to start gathering the rocks and tossing them into the wagon. He would be back to help the lady once needed again, until then he would make use of his time. Draven noticed, something he admired in the lad as a passing glance was given over him as he joined the others. David was new and as it would be the plough and horse slipped from his lead. He ended up on his arse and was starting to be dragged but Draven was quick to the rescue to grab up the reins and halt the workhorse.

She chuckled. "Aye we could do that." She stuck her feet in on several occasions, just didn't swim. Vertigo had a way of being very scary when in water and not knowing which way was up to the surface to air. Not a good thing. She was determined to try and get over it this summer though, she just wasn't sure how she was going to do that just yet.

Needing sunshine to take away the blahs of a silently angry and sleepless night, and being told that Miss Devon had gone to join Claire and Draven, she followed the directions to where she was told they could be found. The large, floppy brimmed hat plunked on her head, tied with a crimson ribbon might announce her presence before the rest of her did, however.

Claire caught the bright crimson and eyes focused on the approaching figure. After a bit of struggle, she waved, recognizing. "Afternoon, Meleri!" The sketch included the figure of Draven as a well as the fields and the quick out line of the additional farmers on either side. Brush was grabbed up and dipped into the paints. It was time to begin the actual thing. This was the difficult part as colors had to blend smartly and depict what was being seen. The brush swept across, outlining, filling, shading. Draven's form was in the center, large and braced, the contours of his body shown with the lines of the charcoal pencil, slightly seen through the light coat of paint.

"Good afternoon, Claire!" Determined to be as bright and sunny as the day, she waved, then called, "Devon, you should have woken me up!"

She chuckled at hearing Meleri's voice. "Afternoon Meleri. I thought it best ta let ye get some sleep. we're always up early so we didn't want ta disturb ye."

"I don't mind rising early." She spread the blanket she brought next to Devon and promptly dropped onto it, small basket in her lap with book and a large linen napkin concealing something, tied in a knot.

Jasper came over at seeing Meleri, sniffed Claire's paints once and backed away at the scent, then went back to chasing the men, since Claire was absorbed in her work. Devon just smiled. "Then next time ye get ta walk Jasper before dawn!" She was teasing, not minding being up early.

"If you like." She grinned. "I was tempted to use your kitchen, but I never disturb a cook at their work."

"Oh goodness.. ye can use anythin' ye like"

"You don't mind? I thought as a means of thanking you for letting me stay, I'd help around the house... and I can cook. It's one of my only feminine accomplishments, actually."

"Tis no need ta thank me, but ye are welcome ta use whatever ye like." She didn't mind at all.

"I promise not to poison any of you." Solemn was her face, but the voice was full of humor.

"Tis not a thought that would cross me mind." She laughed, knowing the state of her own cooking.

"You're a trusting soul, Devon." Pulling her book out, she planted it in her lap and opened it, using the masculine hat to shade the pages.

She reached over to pat the woman's arm lightly. "Not so much trustin' as bein' able ta hear a good soul when tis around."

"Thank you. That means a lot coming from you." She gave Devon's hand a squeeze, then smiled to see Jasper.

They got David situated again as the other men ribbed him good nature. They too had ended up down on the ground and dragged one time or another. It was one of the reasons there were a few men in the fields when ploughing. Once they were back to ploughing and hauling the rocks way, Draven headed for the field where Claire and Devon would be found. He noticed Meleri now with them as he plucked up his shirt on the way and was drawing it over the slick bronzed shoulders and chest while he approached. He left it open and already there were areas soaking up the perspiration. "Morning ladies." Smile tipped cordially.

Looking up, the brim of the hat - far too large for her face - promptly slapped her in the face. Reaching up with a chuckle, she eyed him. "Hello, sir." Unable to resist that tease. There were no peanuts here.

She chuckled at hearing the men rib the one, used to hearing it often with her brother Quinn and his men. "Mornin' love," she said with a smile his direction, wondering if Claire would want him to move or not, but she was completely lost in her work it seemed. "How are thin's goin' out there this mornin'?"

Sir again. Looking very much like his men. It brought a chuckle and a retort. "Missy." So now they would be even. "It is good to see you out, Devon sweetheart. Jasper certainly knows where to bring you." No peanuts, that was true but there was plenty of rocks! Luckily he would not throw rocks at her. "Working hard, the fields are getting done. The women will be by tomorrow once this field is cleared completely, soil turned, rocks taken out, to plant the seeds. Wheat will be sowed here."

She chuckled at the retort between them both. "He sure does... brings me ta the best sights around it seems." Sights to others anyway. "Glad ta hear tis goin' well." The Winters farm was just as busy so she understood.

No peanuts was precisely what she was counting on as a cheeky little smile turned up to him, minus the hat.

Claire had indeed become lost in her work but the results were promising. As Draven approached, Claire eyed him and then the painting. Perfect! She still had much more to do but it was getting along just fine. "Draven." A hand dug its way through thick brown locks. For those who missed Claire's appearance, she resembled a gypsy of sorts with earrings of gold (circular with triangles dangling off), a blue headband holding her curls away from her face, and a peasant skirt with an off the shoulder blouse. She took in a deep breath and lifted hazels to him, a winning smile turning up the corners of her mouth.

Hair was a bit damp where it had soaked up the sweat and plastered in dark curls along the corded muscles of his neck. Some around the hair line as he came close enough to see what she had done so far. "Yes?" Wondering if the use of his name was in question.

"My way of greeting." She motioned to the painting with a sweep of her hand. "I've yet to paint the fields or your men but, you are nearly completed." As said before, Draven was positioned, large and in warrior's stance. His men were dots behind him in a breathtaking sight of vast fields. She looked up, close enough that he could see the gold specks in her eyes, smile still lingering. "I hope you approve.."

Devon was dressed as simple as her soul was, a white poet shirt and deep blue skirt, her red curls tied up on her head though the shorter ones framing her face and blowing into her eyes every so often in the light breeze. She smiled listening to them talk, the men work, and the sounds of nature around them.

Reading with that ridiculous hat on, tied with bright crimson, Meleri wanted to wear something cheerful, putting on the one sprigged dress she owned of cream and red, the heavy black locks clubbed back into a thick braid tied with more crimson.

Draven was all sweaty and dirty in the buckskin pants of dark brown, mid calf boots and the shirt an off white that hung from broad shoulders. The wind teased the tails cooling him off in the process too. Vivid blue eyes locked with gold fleck ones and she could tell he was starting to smile just in the way the laugh lines creased more. Still the contact was brief for switching to the painting that was mostly him thus far. "Very good, shows I'm the Boss with the way I'm standing and the other trying out the plough. I will be curious now to see it completed." He studied it a bit longer before stepping away." I should get back to the ranch to wash up. Perhaps I will see you ladies later at the Thistle." His manor home was a distance from this field and he'd ride back on the wagon. "Jesse will see you back in the surrey when you are ready." Which included all of them as they would all fit.

Claire laughed up at him. "Thank you. I will let you know when it is finished. Thank you for giving me this opportunity." One hand rested on his forearm for a brief moment in a gesture of thanks. Claire was still of a mind to go swimming, though. "Who is up for a swim?" Brows waggled mischievously, gaze seeking out the two before returning to Draven. "Have yourself a good day, Draven. I look forward to seeing you again." Dipping her head, Claire sank down next to Meleri, gently prying away the book. "Swimming?"

Jasper nipped at his shirt tails a bit. She smiled at him as she heard him leave. "Be good brother mine!" she called out as he walked away. She chuckled at Claire. "Aye, I'm up fer stickin' me feet in." she wouldn't go swimming, but would at least let the water cool her feet.

Grey-green eyes blinked at her, seeing the book taken away and almost whimpering. "What?"

"Swimming. Are you up for it?" Claire yawned but then recovered. "If not, I'm going to take a nap before I cook dinner." She sank back fully, sprawled on the ground, arms spread out, eyes peering at the sky.

She blinked again, recovering her book. "I don't have anything to swim in."

Jasper had heard the word swimming and was already bounding around them growling softly at them. "Well, I think Jasper and I will continue ta take our walk in that direction. He's eager ta chase some ducks." She stood up. "Ye don't have ta... I'm only goin' ta stick me feet in." She smiled at her, grabbing the harness that was still on the ground.

"Thank you, I'm going to hang it over the mantel in my living room." He would pay her for it too, or in kind give her a gift. Maybe that piglet! "Being good is no fun but seems I spend most of my days as such." Chuckle laced the Scottish/Irish brogue with that hint in baritone. "Maybe I'll stop by the lake later first in case you're all still there." With that he was heading back down to catch up with the other men, Jesse heading up to the surrey to wait on the ladies, he would bring them to their next destination. Would see to them until not needed then return to Ravanna.

"I would go in my chemise." Blink. "Scandalous, I know." Claire sat up and was overcome immediately by wave of dizziness. Happens when one rises too fast. She blinked to clear her head and then grinned at Draven's last words. If he was not immune to females, he may want to wait until they were dry and clothed at the Thistle. Claire was going to dive in, fully clothed, half-clothed, or naked. Didn't matter to her though she preferred at least the chemise. But if he didn't want to be good, the lake was the place to be! Claire stood and grabbed Meleri's hand. "C'mon. I know Jasper can't wait!"

"Oh, all right." If Claire was going to be adventurous, Meleri would be too. Maybe the tale would horrify Ethan enough into declaring her a lost cause. Getting to her feet, she picked up basket, book and blanket. "Need a hand, Devon?"

Draven was not immune to women and his track record would prove it, he just came off as immune for it was better that way. Live and learn and even how he use to flirt was curtailed. Good reasons all. The men would all be out of the field. One now ready to play come the morning or if the ladies had the time, this evening as there should be some showers overnight. He was also very particular and guarded his heart well but he was out and meeting ones so it was a step.

Main