True Friends are Timeless: (Posted with permission of the player/writer of Connor Kavanaugh) The place seemed quiet as he took a slow circuit of the room. A slight smile rising as it brought back many a memory, some good and some not so good. It was a haven in a sense, where he knew he could always get the help he needed. The door had been discreetly closed and there was a choice of libations setting on a side table. Same assortment he noted as he poured himself a good blended whiskey. He was soon standing in the middle of the room, glass in hand, very much that warrior's stance.

He could hardly believe his ears! Peter! Here! By the Gods it had been an age since they'd last spoken to the "exiled" Prince. He was up from behind his desk with the news (leaving the hated paperwork behind) and rushing out the door and down the corridor to the room his childhood friend waited in. "O'Neill!" He bellowed as he threw that door open.

He smiled broadly then, like old times as another wall crumbled away. The untouched glass of whiskey was quickly set back to the table before he was around to greet his old time friend properly. Clasp of arms came in a tight grip as Connor fell under the scrutiny of that burnt sienna gaze. Stepping back he did a quick look-him-over before his eyes were met again. "You haven't changed much, still the ladies man?" Connor looked healthy and in the prime of his life. He wondered with the on rush of many questions to plagued him now. "Married yet you old scoundrel? And where's your father?" The last had that edge of keenness to his gaze feeling there was something there he might not wish to hear.

A strong grip embraced Peter, squeezing the life right out of him, releasing him with an errant grin. "Always the ladies man, haven't met a wench worthy of sharing my title yet." For now he didn't answer the question of his father but with an arm around Peter's shoulder, led him back to the table. "When did you arrive? Have you seen your family yet?" He knew well the problems that had made Peter feel forced to leave for a time.

There was a dip of his head in a slant sideways as they moved like old times, comrades arm in arm to the whiskey for a drink. His own hand heavy on Connor's opposite shoulder. He had noticed he didn't answer his question on Richard, and there could be only one reason why. "I arrived last night, they don't know I'm here except Jerome. It's to be a surprise for Elaina at her birthday ball." Brow slightly rose as his hand was removed to claim that abandoned glass. "You are going to the ball?" Glass was fingered in his hand, still remaining untouched as he obviously became thoughtful. "Richard, he has passed on?" His own father's health was faltering and Richard was even older than his father.

"Of course I'm going. Elaina's grown into quite the beauty, be plenty of men vying for her hand soon." He came to stand at Peter's side, filling a glass for himself. "Richard has passed on, yes."

A good deep, warm laugh came with the words on Elaina. "I actually got to see her from afar when I visited the sparring arena. She is a beauty putting the fact she is my sister aside. Many the suitor but Jerry tells me she still has never married. Seems the four of us are alike in that way. I have never married either, then also, I was on the battlefields more than not. Many, many battles until I saw red when I closed my eyes at night and knew that killing was no longer something I wished to do unless absolutely necessary. So many lives, gone and usually for reasons of some pompous ass who had his nail broken and decided someone had to be blamed and take retribution." He shook his head before his gaze dropped to the whiskey in his hand. A tightness in his chest over the confirmation of Richard's death, had him taking a deep breath then released. "Your father was a good man, I will miss him very much. I would like to visit his gravesite before I leave back to Heathfield." Burt siennas having lifted with the last of his words to watch Connor again. It was good to be home and to see ones that he really cared about.

He listened to Peter with one brow raised and the occasional nod of his head. Demons to fight, they all had them but he was glad to see the man had come through so many battles relatively unscathed. "I will take you there before you go." The reply was curt but Peter would know it was to keep his grief over the loss of his father beneath the surface. "Tell me about this Heathfield."

He knew as the glass finally stilled in his hands, lifted to a silent toast to Richard. Words right now would not do this man justice but the gesture did. Many a toast he had shared with Richard and Connor. He took the shot down before setting it back aside to the table. "I have been to many lands but Heathfield is one you need to experience first hand. What brought me there was a tournament I heard about and a good friend I made along the way, we decided to enter it. I have lived the life of a warrior, the sword still calls even if I do not wish to be part of slaughters. This I felt could be an answer, for they were going to choose champions for their Queen. A Queen you should see Connor but now you'll have to eat your heart out. Sir Karl won her heart." There was teasing in those last words only because he knew how well Connor appreciated a beautiful woman, married or not. He did give him credit for not going after married ones, but he knew it didn't stop him from looking. Connor was a man who enjoyed the sight of a beautiful woman. "I'm surprised you have not tried courting my sister." Oh, to plague him more in teasing and it was feeling good to do so.

His face became grave during the silent salute to his father. A deep breath and a quick swallow of whiskey as again he nodded while listening to Peter, his grin surfacing again toward the end. "If she weren't your sister, I might consider it." Teasing him right back.

His grin retraced its way as he watched Connor. "I thought you'd come up with a better excuse than that in all these years." And he could tell he had missed him as he did his sister and brother too. His father, he was unsure of still, there was that reopened wound that needed to heal. It would happen or not when he saw him. He was the one he dreaded to see and yet wanted to. "Jerry told me everything that happened after my exit. Without yours and your father's help, I probably would have been dead." His father had been livid that night, enough to kill even his own son in a rage. Peter did realize the rage was not just aimed towards him but had been sitting there still over the death of his mother. Peter would have just been the unsuspecting outlet
for it.

His expression became somber again. "Yes, well, we cared too much about both of you to see things taken too far. Time does heal all wounds eventually, my friend." He had filled his glass again and gave a certain nod to his own words, a hand lifting to rub his jaw.

He listened well and hoped in this case the words would be true. His own glass refilled to about half way. Now thoughtful, he didn't wish to have this reunion dampened by certain things. He lifted his glass to toast his friend. "To true friends that time even cannot touch in the parting where their hearts are always." He did take that shot down and rested that glass for the last time as far drinking was concerned for him. He rarely drank, unlike the binges he and Connor had as young lads running wild.

His glass was raised in response to that toast. "To true friends." Downing most of what was in the glass he smiled, but it was a thoughtful smile. "When do you plan to see your father?"

He thought on that a moment. "He doesn't know either that I am here. I was assured by Jerry in all that happened, he had a change of heart a long time ago where I'm concerned. He even reinstated me as his heir. I'm sure he will not miss Elaina's ball no matter what his condition is. He will see me there as planned. It is to be kept a secret of course." Dip of his head knowing Connor would not tell anyone and would make sure George didn't either, not that George would. "I hope to see him afterwards or the next morning when he is up to it. This has to be." There was a muscle along his jaw to tighten showing his reservations still. He was not convinced yet. "There is something else I wish to mention for you to consider. I will leave two days hence after the ball, back to Heathfield. I did earn Champion and was knighted, so I do have to go back." No matter what transpired between him and his father, he was a man whom kept his word. "I would like you to consider coming back with me. I plan to see if Jerome will too, he needs some adventure and I was told they are to hold another tournament. The experience would be good for him." He wasn't sure if Connor himself would be interested as he was more apt as a lad to run after the ladies than wield his sword, even though he had a lot of skill. Things could have changed, time would tell.

Not a word of Peter's return would pass from his lips. He, too, had been told the King had had a change of heart but even he still had his reservations. The suggestion of a trip to Heathfield was one to consider, though. "A tournament, eh? Not sure if I'm up for that but I wouldn't mind seeing these lands that you've devoted yourself to."

"You and I, could cheer Jerry on." And just that implication said a lot of how they would cheer Jerry on! He did feel Jerry would take up this opportunity. He could tell that itch his brother had, one he had for a long time too.

He chuckled, downing the last of the whiskey in his glass. "Two days after the ball, gives me enough time to set things in order here. Been some time since I did any traveling."

"Yes, I took that into consideration for I know as Duke you would need to make arrangements." It was why he made sure he asked the first chance he got. "I should get back to the cottage, the little one in the glen hardly anyone knows about if you need me. Otherwise, I will see you tomorrow night at the ball and after I speak to my father, we will have more time." And even more being he would be going back with him. "I found it is but a day's trip from here by sea." His voice did crack this time, just enough for Connor to notice. "It was good to see you again my friend."

"It was good to see you, Peter." His smile returned. "We shall spend a fair amount of time together and then there will be nothing to keep us from seeing one another frequently from this day forward."

"I agree and welcome that, you have been missed right up there along with my brother and sister." Which said a lot as he gave him another clasp of arms then saw to seeing himself out, knowing George would keep that hall cleared with him here.

When Peter had departed he poured himself another glass of whiskey and sank into a chair. Glass held high, he spoke aloud to himself. "To friendship... and forgiveness." The last spoken in hopes that Peter and his father would find that forgiveness in one another.

The Ball: It was the first night in years that Peter slept well, well into the morning hours. It surprised him as he finally awoke and laid there staring up at the ceiling of the small cottage. He could not remember when he had slept so late and not recovering from wounds. He would not rush today and for the late hour, he decided to forego taking any excursions down memory lane. Instead, he would take his time getting ready for the ball. He was soon up to start the day with a good hearty brunch, which would be his only meal until the ball. He knew there would be a feast to be had there, befitting a king. Once done he had everything cleaned up before getting the items necessary for his bath to be taken in the pond. Soap that lathered well, a small mirror, change of clothes, clippers and razor were rolled up in a couple of towels. He laid out his clothes he would wear this night on his bed before tucking the rolled up towels under his arm and heading out the back door.

The air still held that sweet scent to it, a fresh scent with the mixture of wild flowers that abounded. It was sunny but hazy, one of those mornings the light sheen of dew still clung to the grass stubbornly. In another hour the sun and heat would melt it away into another hot day. There was a stream that ran along the back of the property that flowed into a descent size pond. It was there Peter headed which had been dubbed Willow's pond. He set his things aside to a large flat rock that jutted out over the water before stripping down and diving in. The water was cool for the shade the trees provided, hanging low at some points, mostly weeping willows and tall oaks. He broke the water's surface with a good clean warrior's cry that seemed to echo this quiet late morning. It felt good. The soap had a spicy scent to it as he lathered up well, then dunked beneath the cool water to wash it clean from his skin. He did the same with his hair and dunked once more. The mirror was propped to the edge of the ledge as he proceeded to trim his beard and shave some of his face to keep it that clean stylized look. Two hours later he was back at the cottage.

Peter was not one overly concerned with his appearance other than he was one that kept clean, but for tonight, it mattered to him to look his best. Sometimes taking that extra care gave one confidence too. He needed all the confidence he could muster so every little bit helped. He would wear the O'Neill kilt and tartan and so the process began of carefully dressing himself. Next came the careful combing of that sun lightened hair to tame it back to the nape of his head and tie it off in a leather strip. There were some colognes on the bureau and so he opened each in turn before choosing one that had a musky spicy scent to it. He splashed it on good, knowing the ride to the castle would take long enough in the heat and having a few layers of clothing on, it would serve him justice. His Sword, the one he was knighted with and held the Heathfield emblem in its hilt, was strapped on next and carefully adjusted to secured it in place. He then fastened the cape of like emblem, gold and purple colors of Heathfield over his shoulder, as it draped mostly over the left leaving his right shoulder mostly cleared. His sword hand. Lastly, that light cloak he had been given was donned over all to keep him disguised.

He did fix himself a good stiff drink of whiskey to imbibe as time ticked off in his waiting. He was to be there a certain time and would not be early nor late for either could blow the surprise in allowing the chance of other variables to happen. All time factors were taken into consideration and it was now time to go. He mounted up and set his stallion to a descent pace which had him within that hour's time around the back of the castle where he was to meet Jerome. He had timed it perfectly, Jerome opening the door as Peter dismounted. Jerome was quick to usher Peter within with a nod to the guard stationed there in passing, so all was well. The guard's hand had come to rest near the hilt of his sword at first and was about to step to block Peter's way. Instead, he remained stationed where he was as they passed. Jerome's excitement was infectious as he slid the royal guard cord of crimson and silver around Peter's neck once inside. It would distinguished him as one of the many guards stationed throughout the castle this night as extras had been employed. Jerry had always liked springing surprises and this was probably the biggest he would ever pull off. One that would go down in their history. He couldn't stay long so with a a quick good squeeze to Peter's shoulder in a gesture of good luck, and like returned by Peter, Jerry hastened back into the ballroom so he would not be missed.

It was then Peter could feel his nerves go on edge, very much like when he was about to plunge into battle. He resorted to what had become habit, taking in those deep breaths to hold a minute then let out slowly. One, two, three taken and released as he did finally relax. He could hear the laughter as many started to gather, conversations drifting as he neared the entrance of that hall. He kept back enough where he would go unnoticed or just passed off as one of the guards, but from where he could watch. The ballroom was a glorious sight bedecked in crimson and silver banners and drapes. Vases of red roses and some white were in multitude on tables set out with finger foods. The marble floor gleamed white with streaks of gray and mauve, the windows all open to let in the cool breeze that the evening was now to offer in respite of the heated day. The orchestra was set up and playing light music in the background as families were announced from the grand hall as they were presented. There was a table of gifts set up and it was gradually mounting with stacked presents, but Peter did notice the basket of flowers with the boxed necklace neatly tucked within just off to the side on a smaller table. He smiled seeing it as it reminded him of Mercedes, the care she took in its presentation which would be unique as there were none others like it. This pleased him.

The ballroom, as large as it was, was beginning to fill up with the grandeur of formal attire donned by all. It was hard to say whom was the most handsome or most beautiful there except beheld by individual eyes. He spotted both Connor and Jerome, the latter seeing to some of the guests as was such duty held to Connor also, being the Duke of the highest standing family besides the O'Neills within this community. Both took on their duties well and with that ease they were born and trained to. Peter once filled that duty also, he knew that beneath their calm exterior what it really felt like. He was actually glad in a sense to be where he was standing right now instead of playing the social etiquette game. The music grew louder at that moment as a hush fell over the crowd and all turned to watch the guest of honor this night, Elaina, enter with her four ladies that seem to be with her always. She looked gorgeous, sister or not, he would admit she was the beauty he remembered. The passing of time had not changed that. He did glance to Connor to see his reaction and almost chuckled as he drew back on their conversation. Her four ladies, of whom names he didn't even know, were very fetching too. He could tell that if they didn't have the funds, Elaina saw to the perfect dress for each on this occasion. Elaina was that type, so very kind at heart and saw to her friends needs without a second thought.

The group soon seated themselves as all that had been invited were accounted for and the grand doors to the ballroom closed by an attendant. First would be the presenting of gifts so that all would be here to see her open them and her reactions. Elaina was a delight to watch open presents, she had that vibrant excitement over each and every one that made the gift giver proud in what had been chosen. Each was the perfect gift and she was given beautiful gifts for many loved Elaina. The gifts were taken away to another room out of the way, after each was opened and doted upon first. Soon there was only that floral basket left there on the table. It didn't seem like much compared to the sizes and elaborate wrappings of the others but its simple beauty was catching. It drew all their attention as the murmur of voices were being passed on whom had brought what looked like a simple, yet elegant, basket of flowers. Peter finally had to muffle a chuckle as he saw Jerome's face when taking up that last gift to present to Elaina. The man's smile was from ear to ear! It had to hurt, for he never saw Jerry grin so wide before. Jerry soon set the gift before his sister as he back into a bow with all the aplomb of courtliness as he spoke. "My dear Elaina, your special gift of the night." He straightened as he now watched his sister. Peter gave Jerry credit, knowing his brother well, he had not glanced to where he stood but forced himself to keep his gaze trained on Elaina only. The man would do well in a tournament.

Elaina was giving Jerry that curious look and one could tell by her expression if she wondered what would jump out at her and scare her half to death. The whispers did mount within the crowd as they even pressed closer to get a better look. With a delicate touch, Elaina did ease out the box held within the flowers. She was a little nervous but she would glance up to smile upon the crowd and what a lovely smile she has. Peter shed the light cloak and now stepped within the room, off to the side wall close to the back, while all attention was totally focused on Elaina and the mystery gift. He stood tall and proud in the colors of purple and gold with the emblem of the golden dragon entwined around the white cross against the backdrop of purple on the cape. It seemed to take forever for Elaina to ease open that velvet box, but she did have the attention of the whole room and would hold that excitement, drawing it out just enough. Within the box she found the intricate necklace made by the Montgomery family and the note written along the inner top over the satin. *To my dearest sister, Elaina. Many years have gone in the passing but never within my heart have you been forgotten. My sincerest wishes for the best birthday ever. Your brother, Peter.* Everyone watched as Elaina read whatever was in that box. Jerome would not give away the fact Peter would be in the room by now as planned. The biggest part of this surprise would not be just the gift she would think was sent by courier but her brother actually here. One still for her to discover.

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