Hikenai
The warmth of the sun, and the freshness of the summer breeze were things Hikenai could not get enough of since the return of the Wallace's from Muncaster Castle. Hikenai had pulled the drapes back from her bedchamber that morning, and had thrown open the shutters to admit the early morning light. Just a simple thing as freedom, the love of family, the ability to move about, and plan one's day with those we love, mean so much, she thought, as she gazed down upon the meadow outside Wallace Castle. She caught sight of Neonea in the field, picking wildflowers, the sunlight reflecting on the childs' golden locks, and Hikenai hurried to dress.
Now, passing through the kitchen entrance of the castle, she made her way through the garden, past the rows of beans and the mounds of the potatoes, catching the scent of the bee balm, rosemary and sage, Hikenai hurried down the path to the meadow behind the stables.
"Neonea! Good morning! You are up bright and early!" By then, Hik had broken into a run, and rushed to join her little daughter, stretching her arms out for a hug as she ran toward the child.
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Wife to Kelster Wallace; Baroness of Hawkshead, Viscountess of Whitehaven; Goodbye my King!
Now, passing through the kitchen entrance of the castle, she made her way through the garden, past the rows of beans and the mounds of the potatoes, catching the scent of the bee balm, rosemary and sage, Hikenai hurried down the path to the meadow behind the stables.
"Neonea! Good morning! You are up bright and early!" By then, Hik had broken into a run, and rushed to join her little daughter, stretching her arms out for a hug as she ran toward the child.
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Wife to Kelster Wallace; Baroness of Hawkshead, Viscountess of Whitehaven; Goodbye my King!
) and we waited for entrance. Donal, wanting to be just like his dad, tried to pound on the door as well, only eliciting a small knock.
This be Neonea Wallace, my cousin! She is Uncle Kel and Aunty Hik's new daughter! They asked her if 
James loved squirrels! A band of squirrels for Uncle Kel's tavern! 
)
Smiling that at last she could do more than sit sedately in the sleigh and watch, Hikenai emerged from the warm covers long enough to place the holly and mistletoe Kelster had found in a bag. The snow was deep in drifts around her feet and she was glad Neo had stayed in the sleigh. She watched as Kelster selected an enormous tree for the castle, and was happy to see Henry rush over to help Kel handle it. The great tree fell quickly, and while sad to see it come down, Hikenai knew it's beauty would soon fill the hall in Wallace castle. 
This was Hikenai's favorite time of the day, when she and Kel would rinse the scent of ale and whisky from their hands, would hurry to the stables where the young boys would have the horses saddled and ready, and they would mount them quickly, sometimes only breaking their clasped hands long enough to get settled in their saddle. Then Hik and Kel would ride back to Wallace Castle, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, but always with one aim in mind.
Then they would file from the church, and down the steps to the gazebo in the church yard, where Kelster would stand waiting for Hikenai to take her place next to him. This was Hikenai's wedding day and she could remember no other day in her life, in which she had felt so beautiful, so loved, and so full of hope for the future. When she and Kel returned to Wallace Castle later that night, it would be as husband and wife!
Seeing one missive having arrived from the south, Hikenai broke open the seal and began to read news of another couple, newly married, enjoying their...............and Hikenai's face fell. She sat blankly for a moment and then picked up Kel's quill and ink pot. There was already clean parchment before her, so Hikenai began, hand writing invitations to close friends and kin. A tear slid down her cheek and splashed on her collar bone, as she whispered a prayer for two she knew would not be in attendance at her wedding, the groom having entered death's corridor, leaving his bride alone and grieving. As Hikenai shook her head at the unfathomable loss, she knew she would not forget this man..............
