| Before ...Page three |
| Music : Dawning Of The Day |
| It was a strange fear that overwhelmed him. He had had formidible foes before. Many a boar had rushed at him, Many a stag had looked him and his mortality,in the eye. He never succombed to fear before. Yet this ... This was different. Twas a fear beyond his control. |
| It was the custom, in that time, in that place When a man, old or young Could find the mate of his choice, if he had a suitable dowery to offer for her. |
| Bowman knew this. Was well versed in the customs and he gave it fleeting thought. He had the ability to make a pleasing offering, and a pledge of more to come if need be. |
| It was only a fleeting thought. Much as he wanted her, much as he loved her ... yes loved her, He would not put her into a life with himself if it was nae her wish. He loved her enough to hear her say ' no', if that was her wish. |
| Of course he had no way of knowing she was pining away for him. He was self assured, but he wasnae vain. |
| He plucked up his courage one late morn. He had taken extra care with his bathing. He put on his finest clothing. He went first to the meadow, where the berries were in bloom, lush, sweet tasting. She wasnae there and his heart dropped for a brief moment. Had another stolen her heart by his tarrying ? Had the Fae played such a monstrous trick on him ? Did they lead him to her, only to snatch her away ? |
| He couldnae believe that, he wouldnae ! His fevered brain then turned to the orchard. She would be there... she must be there. |
| With pounding heart that surely all could hear, he strode the paces from the meadow to the orchard. She stood there, near motionless, neath a pear tree The morning sun made an aura around her. |
| Tho his approach was near silent, She sensed his presence. She whirled about and when she saw him, tears came to her eyes and her hands flew to her mouth as she began to sob.. |
| With a calmness he hadnae felt in days, he stretched out his hand to her. Her natural grace overcame her near stumble to reach him. Permission or no, He folded her into his arms and rocked her in his embrace, his lips softly brushing her temple. She held on tightly, Whispering over and over ... 'Where have you been Bowman, where have you been ? ' |
| In a voice soft, yet strong he told her, I've been working on your new home ... If ye'll have me Maire ' |
| She held on tightly, sobbing, shaking to her inner core. 'Aye Bowman, aye, I'll have none other ' They wept and laughed together and couldnae let go. Finally he stepped back some, spread his cloak on the grass... and pulled her down to him. |
| He reached for her own cloak and covered her as they lay there together in the sun. ' |