Page 52 of To Wed a Witch
"That's what friends do," Ewan replied, clasping Bhaltair's arm firmly."And ken this: should ye ever have need of MacNeil swords, ye have only to send word."
"The same holds true in reverse," Bhaltair assured him."Whatever ye may need, whatever troubles may come, the Fergusons will stand with ye."
Lileas embraced Sìne warmly, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief."I do hope ye'll consider visiting us for Yuletide.The MacNeil Keep throws quite a celebration, and I'd love to show ye my whiskey making cottage."
"I would love that," Sìne replied sincerely."And thank ye, Lileas.For extending yer friendship to my husband when he felt quite alone."
"Nonsense," Lileas waved off the thanks."Ye would have done the same for us."
As the MacNeil party rode away, Sìne felt a deep contentment settle over her.The crisis was past, the truth was known, and her place in Clan Ferguson was secure beyond any doubt.
That evening, as the clan gathered in the Great Hall for the evening meal, the atmosphere was one of celebration and renewed unity.Stories were told of the previous night's adventures, toasts were raised to their lady's courage, and plans were made for the future.
"I've never been prouder of this clan," Bhaltair announced as the evening wound down."When it mattered most, when our family was threatened, ye all came together.Ye showed what it truly means to be a Ferguson."
The cheer that went up from the assembled folk was deafening, but it was the individual expressions of loyalty and affection that meant the most to Sìne.She was no longer the MacKay Witch or an outsider who had bewitched their laird.She was Lady Ferguson, mistress of the clan and their kin.
Later, in the evening, Sìne found Dugald sitting alone, staring morosely at nothing.
"Dugald?"she said gently."Are ye well?"
The old warrior looked up, his face creased with sadness."Paisley," he replied simply."I had developed feelings for the lass.Even thought about asking for yer permission to court her properly."
Sìne's heart ached for him."I'm so sorry, Dugald.I ken this must be difficult."
"I just cannot believe she was a threat to ye and the bairn all along," he continued, shaking his head."She seemed so honest.So caring."
"People are not always what they seem," Sìne replied, settling beside him on the bench."But that does not mean yer feelings were wrong, or that the woman ye cared for never existed.Perhaps there were parts of Paisley that were real, even if her intent was false."
Dugald was quiet for a long moment."Perhaps," he said finally."It just makes a man question his judgment, ye ken?"
"Ye're not the only one she fooled," Sìne reminded him."She lived in my home for months.I trusted her with my daughter, confided in her, considered her a friend.If yer judgment is flawed, then so is mine, and Bhaltair's, and everyone else's who welcomed her."
"Thank ye, mistress," Dugald replied with a small smile."Ye've a kind way about ye."
As Sìne made her way back to the dais, she reflected on the strange turns her life had taken.Less than a year ago, she had been a lonely healer living on the edge of MacKay lands, viewed with suspicion and fear by those around her.Now she was surrounded by people who loved and valued her, protected by forces she did not fully understand, and blessed with a family that meant more to her than life itself.
The voices in the mist had guided her home, just as they had promised.But more than that, they had given her the strength to fight for that home when it was threatened.As she sat beside Bhaltair and Aidyn, Sìne smiled with contentment realising she was right where she was meant to be.
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