Transgressions of the Past

There were many things in life he'd accomplished already, achieving goals he had a tendency to set higher than others would, some of these with a lot of luck on his side but most from skill. He learned how to fight since he was old enough to wield a sword and practiced with the best of them to learn, such did take many years and many blows of hard lessons learned. When things went bad in his homeland, he left and used these very skills he'd honed to join up with others that fought for the same cause of righteousness and a code of ethics. His wanderings finally brought him here to these lands and a cause and position to be gain he earned. He was finding that becoming a 'Champion' of this particular Queen of Heathfield would not be any easier a task than the spars getting him into this position. Life would not be dull in his new home and certainly his challenges were not over but only beginning. Still, there were things in his life he had no control over and one of them was the rift between his father and himself. Such did weigh heavily on him at times, times when the things of the past leaked through into the present. Today was such a day as he paced his new chambers now in Heathfield castle itself. A letter in hand from his brother Jerome brought back his past as if it happened yesterday.

They grew up a very happy and tightly knit family, the love of his father and mother well known throughout the lands like some child's fairy tale story of a King and Queen but reality was not as happy ever after and such proved to happen to their family. It was soon after his sixteenth birthday his mother fell ill and departed them for Heaven a few months later. One could never tell Peter any different, that Heaven was where his mother went in death. He had been close to his mother and his family became greatly concerned when he disappeared after the funeral and didn't show back up until a month later. Thinner and with new scars from unknown battles, none could pry from him where he had gone or what he had been doing in that time. That was probably what started the rift between him and his father, Peter was heir to the throne being the first born and as stubborn a man as his own father. It had irked his father that even he could not extract the information on Peter's whereabouts and all well noted the brooding young man which had returned, in his fierceness of battle when he even took to just practice. Whispers amongst the men were giving him titles like Peter the Fierce and Peter the Bull, but none dared to speak such to his face and suffer the consequences. He became fiercely protective of his younger sister Elaina whom resembled their mother so closely it was disarming. She even became scared of her own brother for the fear he seemed to instill in any young lad to be even around her. Too often she had fled to her chambers in tears, a young sensitive girl, when she walked into the courtyard and every young boy fled from her presence. She had thought at first she was so ugly that none could even stand the sight of her. In reality Elaina would grow into a beauty, the blueprint was there in the fine structure of facial bones and the natural grace of limb.

He remembered that day, which occurred two years later, in the verbal battle of heated words with his father later that evening of that faithful night. After James' announcement he was to marry a certain woman, coming as a shock to many, Peter confronted his father on this particular woman in privacy later. Some things said could never be taken back even if the harshness was said in anger. Peter had this sixth sense and tried to tell his father how it would be a mistake to take her for a wife. Hard to explain a gift that warned of impending harm and no facts to support it, he would later deny this natural gift inborn in him. That had been a mistake for his father had been blinded in his own grief and as much as accused Peter of being a liar and only wishing to ruin his own happiness for none could replace his mother. Part of that had been true, none could replace his mother but his warning was much more than that and only caused a confrontation that resulted in his father coming to physical blows and denouncing him as a son and heir. Peter took the blows but would not strike his father back even if it meant him killing him. He did manage to escape that night with his life intact and fled first to that hiding place they could never get the information out of him on. None heard from him after that night and even rumors spread that the father might have killed his son for the voices raised in harshness didn't go unnoticed.

He had earned his own way and nary a time was his true title given until the first matches of the tournament in Heathfield. It had taken such an event for him to actually give that which was his rightfully by birth even if he was unsure the validity of it at this point in time. Still, it was whom he was. The letter was long that Jerome had written and pretty much condensed all that had happened in his exile. It seemed that within two years their father found out that Peter's warning had been accurate and could had saved their father a lot more grief. The marriage had been nullified on the grounds of her infidelity and she exiled from the kingdom which had nearly been torn apart internally for the deeds she had been up to besides her extracurricular activities with known enemies. It had taken these many years to track him down but his brother and sister refused to give it up for they had missed their older brother immensely in spite of the brooding man he had been before he left. James had reinstated his son long ago but had been too stubborn to actively find him himself. He did however, help his other son Jerome in his efforts to find Peter behind the scenes. There was a stubborn embarrassment over the whole situation that kept the aging James outwardly seemingly untouched.

Jerome had ended the letter with a plea he come home giving two very valid reasons. The first being the poor health of their father that was of great concern and the second was that they were holding a ball for Elaina's twenty-fifth birthday and it would be the best present anyone could give her to see her brother again. Elaina had never married even if her suitors were many and this birthday weighed extra hard on her. One thing Peter had learned on his own was that as much as stubbornness could be a great asset especially for one that ruled, it could also be one's greatest downfall if they didn't learn how to get past it when needed. It was time, the right time, to fix the past so that it could be a better future and he getting past his own initial stubbornness to do so. He sought the Queen and was granted pardon for a week's time from his duties to take passage on one of the ships home in time for this ball. Their sect came from the princes of Tyrone and James had formed his own kingdom and sect of O'Neills on a large island granted him. The formable kingdom of Innis Daingneach had been built a half century ago and would be a good two days trip by sea and fair winds, for the large island laid far to the north off the coast of the continent that contained lands such as Rhydin and Heathfield. They had become known for their sea faring ways and warships plus many a great warrior had been honed in their rigid training curriculum. There had been a great weight lifted from Peter's shoulders via this letter from his brother, but still there were the shadows of anticipation in facing his father again. He would wear the Heathfield sword and cape with pride when in attendance even if he was sure he'd be plagued with questions.

The Reunion: His bags were packed and he, ready to go as the hour did approach. All was in order, the Queen had Karl beside her regularly now. That did bring a smile at the thought, he was happy for them both. Karl was his brother and to see him settled and content sat very well with Peter. Either one would give their life for the other or for their Queen. Elaina's present was carefully boxed and tucked under his arm. His bag of clothing and such was swung over his other shoulder. He headed for the docks and was soon boarding Hope, one of Rhett's ships, that would be heading north in trade. Innis Daingneach laid in their path and a stop would be made there. Peter discovered that the route this ship would take would cut out near a day's travel, now it would only be within a day's travel, not two. It would give him an extra day to prepare himself mentally to meet his family and visit some of the places he had missed. Only Jerome knew he was coming and would meet him personally to take him to a cottage where he could stay with none being the wiser. He would not be expected and he would not be recognized by the general public.

The ship took sail that late evening as dusk turned into night. All was quiet once the rigging was set and the sails billowed to catch that undercurrent that would swing them around to take that shortcut he was told about. The waterway was a little more precarious than the other but in fair weather and the skill of the crew they would sail without incident. He found he couldn't sleep, instead, he was leaning against the rail near the bow of the steadfast ship with the night wind in his hair and the sea spray to wash over the deck at his feet as the ship dipped. As the night dragged on he finally made his way down to his cabin to get some sleep. Even if such would be hard, he knew he needed enough to face the near future with a clear head and his wits about him. It was nearing dusk of the next day when the ship made port in Innis Daingneach. A very large port for an island kingdom, but it was the warrior ways of these people that more was put into the port than any other businesses.

Lanterns placed along the docks had their glow of light to dance off the waters below. More colorful were the ones that lined the castle in the distance above, sitting majestically atop that hill. It always had that Fairy tale appeal to it even if the Isle Kingdom was well known for their fleet of ships and the warriors that filled them. It was here the lone figure, waiting near the pier, was picked out by Peter. With the Box tucked under his arm and his bag swung over his shoulder once more, he drew in a deep breath, releasing it as he approached the man saying low. "Visitors welcome?" He barely had time to set the bag and box down for a moment when he was crushed into a hug by Jerome. Jerry wore a cloak to conceal his identity as he spoke but one word in return, low and under his breath. "Peetie". Peter had never really liked that nickname but coming from Jerome he didn't mind at all, giving him a crushing hug back instead. No more words were spoken here.

Jerome had two steeds waiting at the stable nearby, tied up to a post behind the building to ensure their security. Giving one look over Peter he tossed him an extra cloak in case it would be needed. Such was caught and donned before Peter secured all his belongings in place. Then he too was mounted up alongside his brother, that burnt sienna gaze coming to rest on him as he settled in his saddle. He found his brother just sitting back, mounted atop his steed, watching him. So many years had passed but here Peter was again, alive and well before his very eyes. The moment he had wanted and waited for, for so long, now a reality. Peter eyed him in return before a spark of that easy going personality his brother had once known, surfaced with his words. The hint of amusement well entwined in those tones. "Now, don't go getting sentimental on me Jerry. Two grown men, princes, found blubbering like babies in each other's arms would be the rave." Jerry only chuckle with a shake of his head in return with that visual before a nudge of his heels to the side of his stallion had him moving out to show Peter to the cottage.

The cottage was quaint and clean, nestled near the woods about two miles from the commons. Jerry had told those at the castle he would be gone for the night with matters to see to so he could enjoy his time at his sister's birthday ball. Such was not unusual now, for with their father's declining health, Jerry had taken on most of the duties to ease his father's load. Peter and Jerry talked way into the night, he had seen to the place being stocked with food and drink, so they feasted together. The first drink shared in celebration was an aged vintage wine, one they had shared long ago as young men on special occasions. Jerry filled him in on details, now in person, that he had only touched upon in his letter. Peter listened diligently giving a slow nod at times. He soaked in this information like a dried sponge immersed in water.

He sat in a comfortable chair, leaning forward with elbows bracing to his knees, the glass of wine held securely within a hand that hung casually between. Jerry was more the animated one. Peter found this aspect of his brother hadn't changed much in the passing years, if anything it was more honed. Hands were on the go, words flowing like rivers after a rain and even standing, pacing, then seated himself again. Peter's stoic exterior was slowly crumbling away as he watched his brother, that burnt sienna gaze moving as he moved. They had always been close, he came to realized how much that separation had really cost him over the years, but now, that would be amended. He felt this spiral of elation uncoil through his whole being, one could write it off as the effect of the fine wine they were drinking, but Peter knew in his heart it was much more. The two of them finally sought their beds, collapsing in exhaustion and slept well into the late morning hours.

They cooked breakfast together as they picked up the conversation from the night before. Now it was Peter's turn to tell him most of his adventures since that faithful night he fled his home. Jerome's eyes would widen at times as descriptive battles were depicted in all their blood and glory. Peter even showed him some of the scars earned, one of which nearly took his life. He told him of the many lands he had been through, the one he was in now and of the friends he had made along with enemies. Now it was Jerry's turn to be sitting on the edge of his chair, his food untouched as he listened. A decision was made within Peter's mind as he watched his brother, his obvious hunger for adventure, to provide him with some if at all feasible. It was hard parting, so much said, and so much more to talk about but Jerry had to get back and was already late. There was that clasp of arms before Jerry was gone. Peter now elated and with a renewed energy eyed that cloak Jerry had given him, getting an idea.

Reminiscing: He had nearly two days on his hands and he planned to use them well. He was already prepared for the Ball and had gone over the particulars with Jerome for the surprise. That very thought had a grin spreading unlike any seen upon his features in countless years. He couldn't wait to see Elaina again but he would, patience was something he had honed well. The island kingdom always held a breeze even on the hottest of days, it kept such from becoming insufferable. In winter it did make them harsher. It was then he grabbed up that cloak to don and headed out to visit some of the places he knew best. Some from his childhood would be first then those when he had become a young man. For him it was retracing his steps with the elation of a better outcome this time around.

There was one particular cove of one particular lake he had fished as a child. It was here he headed first and spent many an hour that day in reminiscing. He perched on a ledge of stone that had seem so large as a child, now seemed small. He listened to the families along the distant sandy shore that had come down for picnics and swimming. The laughter of their children did reach his ears and it brought back those days of old to real. Burnt sienna gaze in that slow scrutiny over the scene as he wondered if one day he too would have his own family. With knee bent and a forearm rested casually over it, his chin came to rest atop the well defined muscles of his arm. Thoughts of such he was finding more of since his life had taking new turns. His friend now married and seemed content, he wondered if he could find the same. Friends, good friends like family, thoughts of Karl did bring thoughts on another. Head lifted with such and he was soon up, there was one man here besides his family he needed to find. He trusted him with his life and knew he would not give away his presence here.

That is where he would head, but first he was to swing by the battle field where he practiced throughout his growing years. The skills he was taught had him still alive this day. There was a high stone wall that surrounded this practice arena and he was soon walking along as he viewed the young lads below being trained. They were of all ages and trainers for each stage of development. He remembered them well. Most were new but there were a few still there that had trained him. He was lost for that moment, down there with the others training, when the laughter of women's voices drew him fast from his thoughts and had him quickly ducking into one of the enclosed towers. He stood at an angle just off to the side of one of those slits of a window to view through. There was a group of about five women but his focus became trained on the one whom was center attraction of the other four. It was Elaina. His heart raced seeing her again, she looked as lovely as ever and still the socialite. Still, he knew that reserve she held in spite of the light conversations filled with laughter when with others.

He stole those few minutes longer to watch her and what he noted most was that she seemed happy. He had wondered, being she never found a man she wished to call husband and wouldn't settle just to get married. Even if it meant her remaining a Spinster. They were headed his way, so with the last moment stolen he did raise the hood and moved on in a quicken step away from the practice arena. There was a high standing Noble family close to the crown and he was soon mounted on his steed and in a gallop that would take him to the far side of the Island. The Kavanagh Estate spoke of their high standing and wealth but it was the kind of mentality the family possessed that had Lord Richard like a father to him and his son Connor, a brother. Connor was two years shy of Peter's own age and they had all but grown up together. He came to one of the side doors he had often used, knowing it would be opened by one particular guard that was well trusted.

Imagine George's surprise seeing at first a man he didn't recognize immediately waiting at this particular door. It did slowly dawn on him whom stood there and he almost lost his composure before bowing and stepping back to allow the Prince entry. George was one that took pride in not showing any emotion at all. His pleasure at seeing Peter, was there in his eyes and even the smile that broke through that stoic demeanor. "Come in, come in, your highness." Words spoken that did hold that cracking of emotion as he led him to the familiar waiting room where none others of the household dare to go. "I will get Lord Connor." Peter was surprised a moment before brows did draw in a furrow as Lord Richard was not spoken on and usually it was George would see to getting them both or at least saying one was not available. So Peter waited as he slowly paced the floor of that small parlor room.

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