Mhairi found herself seated on a log near the largest fire, with Alpin beside her and Kenina and Peadar nearby. The warmth was welcome after the chill of the forest, and the flickering firelight created an almost peaceful atmosphere despite the devastation surrounding them.
Children played at the edges of the gathering, their laughter a reminder that life continued even after tragedy. Elders told stories to distract. Young couples huddled close for comfort.
And through it all, Mhairi felt eyes on her. Watching. Assessing.
"They're lookin’ at ye," Kenina murmured beside her.
"I ken."
"They're seein’ their future lady. Whether ye realize it or nae." Kenina's smile was gentle. "Ye've earned their respect today. Both of ye have."
Mhairi wanted to protest that she wasn't their future anything, but the words stuck in her throat. Because the truth was, she'd been thinking about it. About what it would mean to stay there permanently. To build a life in MacDougal lands not as a guest or a refugee, but as something more.
"Mhairi?" Alpin's voice was quiet. "Where did ye go?"
"Just thinkin’." She looked up at him. "About today. About everything."
Before he could respond, an elderly man stood near the fire, the same one who'd thanked her earlier for saving his wife.
"Me lord," he called out, his voice carrying across the square. "Might I have a word?"
Alpin nodded, and the man continued.
"We ken what happened today was nae yer fault. These raiders, this violence, it comes from men who think they can take what they want without consequence." His eyes were fierce despite his age. "But ye came. Ye brought help, brought supplies, broughthope. And yer lady—" he gestured to Mhairi, "—she tended our wounded like they were her own kin."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
"We just wanted ye tae ken," the man finished, "that we stand by ye. Whatever comes next, whatever fight ye're plannin’ against these bastards, MacDougal stands taegether."
Cheers erupted, people raising their cups in solidarity. Mhairi felt tears prick her eyes at the show of loyalty despite their suffering.
Alpin stood, and the crowd quieted immediately.
"Thank ye," he said, his voice carrying authority and warmth. "Yer courage today, yer resilience, that's what makes this clan strong. Nae the size of our army or the height of our walls, but the character of our people."
More cheers. Alpin waited for them to quiet before continuing.
"I want ye tae ken that we will nae rest until the women who were taken are returned. We will nae stop until the men responsible face justice. And we will rebuild what was destroyed, stronger than before."
He paused, and his eyes found Mhairi's.
"But I also want tae address something that's been whispered about since we arrived." His hand extended toward her. "Mhairi, would ye stand with me?"
Her heart hammering, Mhairi rose.
Alpin took her hand, pulling her close enough that they stood side by side facing the gathered villagers.
"I've been asked," Alpin said, "about me intentions toward this woman. About whether she's just a guest under me protection or something more."
The square had gone completely silent. Even the children had stopped playing.
Mhairi's pulse raced. What was he doing?
"The truth is," Alpin continued, his hand tightening on hers, "Mhairi has become far more than a guest tae me. She is essential. Tae me, tae this clan, tae our future."
He turned to face her fully, still holding her hand.
"I ken this isnae how these things are traditionally done. I should ask yer faither's permission, follow proper courtship protocols, wait a respectable amount of time." His voice dropped lower, meant for her alone despite their audience. "But after today, after seeing what can be taken in an instant, I dinnae want to wait anymore."
