Elayne closed her eyes and tried to remember, but after a few moments, she shook her head. “Nae, I cannot recall. I remember how beautiful my mother looked and how pretty she styled her hair. Her voice was lovely when she sang me a lullaby before she put me to sleep each night.”
“More will come to ye later. I’m glad ye remember a happy time with yer mother and father.” He offered her fruit and more wine, and she took a few slices of the fruit.
“Should we fish here longer and try our luck, or do ye wish to venture to the other spot?” Cailean asked.
“We can fish here longer if ye like. It is a peaceful spot. It looks like it was waiting here, just for us today.”
“Aye, let’s catch more fish.”
The sun’s reflection sparkled on the river, and they listened to the rushing water as it slipped over the rocks. It was a soothingsound. Soon Elayne became sleepy. She had been early to rise and worked late into the night the past several days.
Cailean took her fishing pole from her and led her to the blanket. “Lie down and rest, Elayne. I ken ye are exhausted. I will watch over ye and keep ye safe.” She lay on the blanket and closed her eyes after smiling at him like an angel. Cailean retrieved another blanket and placed it over her as she slept.
He caught more fish while Elayne slept in the afternoon sun. Filled with a sense of peace, Cailean watched her sleep deeply, gratified that she trusted him and felt safe to sleep in his presence. Elayne slept for more than an hour and awakened feeling refreshed and full of energy again.
“Have I been asleep very long? I’m sorry I fell asleep, but I am fatigued. I awakened well before dawn and I have worked late into the night after dinner many times.”
“Nae need to apologize, lass. I’m happy ye could rest. Ye needed it. Ye didn’t sleep long.”
“Did ye catch more fish?”
“Aye, I caught quite a few more. I think it’s time to move to our next spot.” She helped him dispose of the fish bones and pack up what remained of their lunch. He retrieved the sack of fish from the river. They picked up the blankets, folded them, and Cailean placed their supplies on his horse. He saw Elayne walk into the trees to take care of her personal needs.
As he rode with Elayne snug in his arms and seated between his legs, she said, “Thank ye for the wonderful afternoon and teaching me how to fish and cook our catch. I will always remember this special day with ye.”
They enjoyed riding to the next fishing hole through the forest. Cailean maneuvered his horse to another fast-flowing stream close to the castle. He pointed out landmarks to her so she could locate the spot in the future.
After they dismounted, he dug with his dirk in a couple of spots, finding plump worms to place on their hooks. They flung their lines in the water and within a few minutes, they were rewarded.
“This is so much fun,” Elayne whispered to him. She feared scaring away the fish if she used a louder voice. He grinned at her; she clearly enjoyed fishing with him.
Later, he said, “It is time to head home before it gets dark.” He gathered the second sack of fish and tied it to his horse, then lifted Elayne into the saddle. He leaped into the saddle behind her.
“Would ye like to learn how to hunt with a bow tomorrow? I would like to teach ye to hunt if ye’d like.”
“Aye, I would like to learn. I ken it may take several lessons for me to be successful at shooting anything.”
“It takes time and practice. I’d be happy to teach ye. Ye can smoke the meat so ye never run out of food. Here, I have a surprise as a reward for all yer hard work.” He dug into a sack and pulled out a blueberry tart for Elayne and gave it to her, wrapp-ed in a cloth.
“Ye brought me a sweet treat. Thank ye. But what about ye?”
“I will forgo my tart for sweet kisses from ye.” She turned her head to kiss him, and he smiled at her. She held up the tart for him, and he playfully bit into it. “Ye eat the rest.”
Elayne sighed and moaned over the delicious mouthwatering tart, making Cailean even more aroused than he already was. He shifted in his seat, trying to put more space between them.
Changing the subject to something to distract him, Cailean said, “When ye go into the forest, ye must always be alert. Ye must be wary of getting too close to wild boar, especially if they have piglets. I’ll show ye what to look for when we go hunting. So ye don’t get lost, do ye know how to find yer directions?”
“Aye, I ken how. My father taught me.”
“Ye must keep a close eye on the weather. In the Highlands, storms can come out of nowhere. Do not venture alone if the sky looks like it will rain or snow. It is not worth the risk to ye.”
“Aye, I will remember what ye teach me.” They arrived at the place where they needed to part company so no one would see them together. “After I leave, I want ye to keep one of the fishing poles so ye can fish when I am not with ye.”
“Thank ye, Cailean. I will see ye tomorrow.” Cailean gave her a long and tender kiss before releasing her to walk to the village with the sack of fish. Reluctantly leaving her, he rode back into the keep to the stables. He removed his saddle, fishing gear, leftover lunch, and blanket rolls and carried them inside the castle.
Cailean returned to the courtyard and greeted and talked to people but kept his eyes peeled for Elayne. He hoped he would ferret out where she lived, feeling she wouldn’t want to tell him if he asked. He glimpsed her momentarily, but then she vanished into a crowd of people.
When he returned to the castle, he dropped off his things in his chamber. On his way to the kitchen, he spied the steward and discussed with him the information about the Grant clan. Inthe kitchen, he returned the sack to Bessie. “Thank ye, Bessie. Ye ken how I love tarts. I’m going to perish with not having yer cooking when I travel to other clans after Raulf’s wedding.”
