Posted June 8, 2021, 3:15 p.m. by Civilian Ragna Idun McKenzie (Future Citizen) (Jennifer Ward)
Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Earth - An Unexpected Meeting
(snip)
Seamus ignored the fox, concentrating all his focus on Ragna. He went inside and came out with the pot and set it beside her. He then sponged her off with warm water, cleaned her, dried her, and dressed her. He smiled at her and said “You know… even battered and bruised, ya still make me think of all kinds ‘ things I shouldn’t be thinking.” and he winked at her.
Once Seamus was finished, Ragna was exhausted. She felt better but she was still hurting. Sore back, torn abdominals, scraped fingers, battered face, and a new ache she’d not realized - a bruised and swollen ankle where the man had grabbed and dragged her across the ground. Where Aurora was laying across her feet as making it ache. “Down Aurora,” she hissed softly and then moved her leg making everything protest. The small fox hoped down gently and laid down next to the footstool. Ragna rested her head back against his arm and smiled at him, “You know…Husband…even battered and bruised, I still think all kinds of things about you.” She turned serious then though, “Seamus…I don’t know who that man was, but I know he had to be a ‘cousin.’ I need you to call the police. His DNA is on the neck of my dress, they’ll be able to find him. I want him arrested for assault.”
Seamus’s eyes went to fire and his jaw set like a vice, but his voice was calm and reassuring towards Ragna. “Argyle. He is Argyle McKenzie. And he and the rest of his ilk have already called the coppers. They’ll be here today. He is in the hospital… had she not stopped me, he’d be in the ground feeding worms.”
Ragna watched his eyes and face. A matching flame flaring in her own eyes. She supposed Seamus might look dangerous to someone else, but it was extremely comforting to her. Ragna nodded and then quietly leaned against him. She was thinking, finally she lifted her head and looked him in the eye. “You must call them anyway. I have only just regained consciousness, …Seamus, and the report must be made before it appears that we are reacting to their accusations. The Rite of Retribution will be mine, and I will start by having him arrested and convicted for assault. And you, My Love, Marshall of Clan McKenzie, should go talk to the clan, especially the less well off and the exceptionally ‘pretty’ girls specifically. I am certain you will find he has a history of forcing his attentions, and they are too scared to go against him. When I am better I shall go with you. Men det vil ikke lenger være tause ofre for denne mannen. Av Idun vil jeg * ikke * tåle det. (But there will no longer be silent victims of this man. By Idun, I will not tolerate it.)” She was serious, no matter what he and Tara were planning, and she was certain they were planning something, given how far away Tara had led her father and uncle to ‘talk.’ Ragna reached up and touched his cheek and she smiled at him. “He would not be feeding the worms, he’s too rotten even for them. But that’s okay, it just means there is something left for me to toy with. He won’t enjoy it.” She looked around the garden, the previous days events unfolding before her; a shudder went through her and honest fear flashed in her eyes. “How did you know to come back?”
(snip)
Oddvar grunted and muttered in Norwegian “Og hun sier gjengjeldelse er arkaisk. (And she says retribution is archaic.)” Cuyler shot him a glance. Not that he didn’t think Tara was being high browed and dismissive, but judgements were for later. Then again that was Oddvar’s job. To play devil’s advocate, to be the militaristic one, the one who saw everything their way. Oddvar wasn’t really like that, but as klanvakt (clan guard) it was his job to be somewhat confrontational. And it was Ragna who got hurt.
Cuyler raised a brow. “For us, by our laws, it is used only in extreme circumstances. It requires the chief to step down and name a successor, immediately from the assembled clan. Or if the chief won’t stand down, a duel. Historically to the death, but things don’t go that far now. But we haven’t had such a rite in a couple if centuries. And here?”
The Edmans“The same.” Tara replied. “And if we play our hand well… I can guarantee Argyle and his ilk will call for it. Your job, Cuyler Edman… is to make sure that Michael and Revna are here when that happens… with the rest of my clan none the wiser about it.”
Seamus and Lady Tara McKenzie
Cuyler and Oddvar looked at each other and Cuyler looked back at her. “Oh I can do that. But how long can you hold them off. From the station it takes 6 to 7 weeks to reach Earth and I have no idea where in the Delta Revna is right now. And then you better have a really good letter for me to forward to Revna then. She’ll come, she’ll even convince Michael to come, to support Seamus and Ranga, and even you. She won’t do it so you can make Mike Chief when he’s said he doesn’t want it. And only you can convince her that she should do that for you. It’s how she is. You write it, I’ll make sure she gets it, I’ll make sure they are here.” He looked over saw Helka hanging linens and laughed. “Helka!” She looked over and waved a dismissive hand, and after a moment she walked over. “Yes?” Cuyler grinned, “How do you fancy planning a wedding, a BIG wedding. For Revna and Mike?” Helka grinned, “I won’t have to, the whole village is chomping at the bit about it. It’s already planned. When?”
Ragna and CuylerTara reached into her sleeve and pulled out piece of paper and held it out to him. “You just get her and Michael here. I’ll do the rest.” and she looked at Helka. Smiling, she said “Lady Helka. I am honored to welcome you to our lands. Perhaps some cross-clan coordination is in order. I have an idea that may help ease everyone’s minds and spirits…” and she took her by the arm and walked away from the two men. Looking back over her shoulder she said “One month. They have one month from today to be here. Bring them to your village. Not McKenzie lands.” and she lowered her head and began speaking quietly but in earnest to Helka.
Seamus and Lady Tara McKenzie
Cuyler took the letter and slid it into the back pocked of his pants. “We will, but a month, you are expecting a lot.” He watched Helka walk away with Tara and then glanced over to where Ragna was. If it had been Helka who had been so horribly hurt he wouldn’t not be as calm as Seamus and he commended the man, he turned to look at Oddvar and began to laugh. “Really Oddvar?” Oddvar turned to Cuyler, “What? I ain’t dead, yet.” Culyer slapped in on the back, “Let’s go see Ragna.” They left heading back, being sure to give Seamus and Ragna time to finish their own conversation. Helka would skewer them both if they bothered the young couple.
Helka smiled at the woman, “I appreciate the welcome Lady Tara. I would welcome such, and I think it would be a wonderful gift to have such coordination for our Michael and Revna,” at the our she motioned between both of them. “Tell me what you have in mind.”
Ragna and the lot
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