BeforeSeventeen

Before 17

Music : Echoes In The Mist

Bow always seemed to be a restless person. Even from his earliest years, he had to be ' doing '

It wasnae as it seemed to some.
Bow remember the strong but loving voice of his father.
' Donnae just sit Lad. Ye have much ta give ta the world.
A rest is well now and then, some dreamin, but ye must sharpen yer gifts, for they are only lent ta ya. '

And then would whisper his mothair from out of the mist in his head.
How she must've feared, worried. He was her only bairn,
Still he could hear her calmness
'Aye, climb MeLove, climb high. Ye cannae reach the stars if ye donnae climb '

And climb he would, laughing, near fearless.
There was much love in Bow's home, even after the Da went ta prepare their place in Tir 'N Og.
There were kisses and embraces and nae a touch of embarassment.
It was natural for them, and Bow niver grew out of it.
Niver.

He shook his head to clear it, and laughed his own true laugh ...
'Aye Da, I'm goin, I'm goin. I have me dream '
After a brief pause,
'Ye'd love her so Mothair, and she, you '

One other thing in Bow's ambitious plans, as if he didnae have enough ...
He was takin lessons fer ridin the horses smooth.
He could ride, but niver havin need for a horse, as the cost was dear, he was nae an expert.

One day, though she didnae know, He saw Maire on bonny's back.
It was a natural fit.
Even a dunce could see so.
He watched in admiration. Right then he vowed
She would have her horse.
He'd learn ta ride passable, so he'd niver feel shame ta have him ride at her side.

For now, he would concentrate on Carter and the wagon. It must be the best, a place of fond memories for Maire, and yes, for himself.
And he knew himself well enough. Once they had their wedding trip, he wouldnae be able ta bear giving it up.

He filled his pouch with some extra coins, two gold, 5 silver. He would make the deposit now for the purchase.
He'd need see ta the bedding, the sittin ta eat space. He needed to be sure the wagon had a pleasant scent. Hecould tie bundles of heather and hyacinths, leave them about some days before they'd be off.

He wasnae sure if he spoke aloud, nor did he care. ' Ye'll have the best Maire, the best I can give ta ya. Ye've earned it Darlin. And Fionna too, she asks for nothing but yer happiness. I'll see her own happiness is lasting. ''

Again he heard his parents' voices. "ye must sharpen yer gifts theyre only lent ta ye '
'Climb MeLove, climb high, Ye cannae reach the stars if ye donnae climb'

Soft came the voice of Bow
' Aye mothair, and the climb is easier when one of loveclimbs with ye,'
And ye Da, I have me gift, as ye had yers, I'll do all ta make meself worthy of her '

He hastened his pace, he needed ta see the Carter and ta the dinner fer the guests and... oh there was much ta do.
And he must be sure it met with Maire's wants. His rougish laugh boomed out. 'Aye Mothair is right the weddin will be 3 days gone and I'll be thinkin about her head shawl '

The day was chosen. It would allow Maire and Fionna time to have their new clothing made and fitted properly.
It gave Bow time to arrange for the grand meal to ceilbrate.
His invitation went out to one and all.
The common was available for the special occasion. Bow had done much for the hamlet and asked nothing in return.
The envious young women and some nae so young, focused on Maire. The young, and nae so young men focused on Maire for a different reason. All of them envied Bow for discovering and winning this treasure.
As for Maire and Bow, their eyes saw only each other.

The days moved agonizingly slow, yet in other ways passed like a star shooting o'er the night sky.
Bow had arranged for a coach to fetch Maire and Fionna on the happy day. He had taken a set of rooms at the hamlet inn. He made arrangements for Fionna to have use of the rooms for as long as she wished, whilst he and Maire set off to start on their new life.
'Have I thought of it all. Da ?' he repeated over and over to himself.

Continued

Ta Home

As to the wagon, he was all together nae pleased. T'was garish to his eye and he wanted better for HisOwn. It would haveta do, for there was nae time ta repaint it.