Chapter 16.5

Three weeks after Elias and Isolde were married, Isolde received a letter from her Father.

"My Sweet Girl,
                           I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to write you, please do not be angry. Anne has been feeling out of sorts. She is with child, but it does not look good. I know that you have Oweynn and that you have a husband to look after, not to mention other duties to your farm, but I would greatly appreciate if you could come help me with Anne until her sister, Kate, arrives the following fortnight. Please send word soon as to when you can arrive. Tell Elias hello. Anne sends her love.

                                                                                                                     Your Father"

"ELIAS!!" Isolde turned and ran back into the house. "ELIAS!!!" She screamed.

"What?! What's the matter!?" Elias said as he reached the bottom of the stairs, catching his hysterical wife in his arms. Isolde buried her face into her husband's chest and sobbed. Holding her close, Elias kissed the top of her head and rubbed the tops of her arms until she calmed down enough to tell him what was wrong.

"It's Papa and Anne." Isolde cried. "Anne is with child, but Papa doesn't think... it doesn't look good. He needs me, Elias. They both do."

Elias wiped his wife's nose with a handkerchief and pulled her close to him, sighing. "Then you must go to them, love. Oweynn and I will be here when you return." He pulled Isolde back far enough from him to smile at her and kiss her forehead. Nodding, Isolde took a deep breath to steady herself. It was getting late, a person with common sense would wait until morning to head out, but Isolde wanted to get as far as possible before the following morning.

Donning her winter dress and packing enough food to last her two days incase she has to bunker down somewhere for a day or two, Isolde ran around the house gathering all that she needed to take with her before she headed out. "I promise to send word as SOON as I get to Marta's! And same for Papa's!" Isolde told her husband has she finished packing her sack.

Elias already had Enya saddled and ready for his wife, grabbing her sack from her he tied it down to the Enya's saddle. When he turned back to his wife, she was wringing her hands with worry. Grabbing them and putting them to his lips, he kissed both of her hands, then her lips and pulled close to him. Hugging her tightly.

"Go, say goodnight and good bye to Oweynn. You'll regret it if you don't." Elias told Isolde. Nodding, Isolde turned and ran back into the house and up the stairs to Oweynn's room. He was still awake when she walked in. Hearing the door, Oweynn looked up from playing with his toes and saw his Mother.

"Mama!" Oweynn giggled, reaching up to Isolde.

"My darling, sweet, baby boy!" Isolde crooned. "Mama has to go see Grandfather for awhile, but I will be back soon. I promise. You and Papa will have so much fun." Isolde played with her son's soft brown hair, much like her own. Oweynn grabbed her index and middle finger with his chubby little hand and put them in his mouth. She could feel a new tooth coming in. She'd better let Elias know, though she was sure he probably already knew. He seemed to always know before she did.

Leaning down she kissed Oweynn on top of his head, then on his nose, and his chubby cheeks. "Mama loves you, Oweynn." She said softly to her baby. Turning, she walked out the door, leaving it open just a crack and headed back down the stairs. She could hear Oweynn saying 'Mama' over and over and giggling. It pained her to leave him behind.

 

Elias met her at the bottom of the stairs and pulled her into an embrace, kissing her so passionately that it made her light headed and weak in the knees. Using him to support herself, Isolde leaned into her husband, deepening the kiss. Feeling his need growing thick between his legs, pressing against her. Isolde looked up into her husband's eyes and gasped. He wanted her, she could not only feel it physically, but see it in his eyes. She wanted him, too, but she had to go. If she didn't, if she stayed to make love to her husband and something happened to Anne or her Father, she'd never forgive herself.

"When I get back." Standing on her tip toes, Isolde pressed her lips against her husbands and started out the door, Elias following right behind her. Isolde giggled as Elias grabbed her and lifted her up and onto the horse. Kissing her hand before swatting the horses behind, Enya took off down the lane with Isolde's long hair flying behind her.

Elias headed back inside. He watched her from the window until he couldn't see her anymore then he headed upstairs to get Oweynn. It was going to be a long night and he wouldn't be able to sleep alone in that big bed.
 

Two days after Isolde left, Elias received word that she'd made it safely to her Father's farm.

"My Beloved,
                    I have arrived safely at Papa's farm. It feels great to be home, I can't believe that it still feels that way. Home. Maybe a lot of that has to do with because it hasn't changed since I was a little girl. Aside from that, Papa is not doing so great. He's put himself into his work again, like when Mama died. Anne is in poor health and the Doctor fears that Anne won't be able to carry the baby long enough for it to survive without her. It is disheartening and am glad you talked me out of bringing little Oweynn. Kate shall arrive in three days time. I will await her arrival and for her to settle in and then I shall return home to you, my husband, and our son. I miss you both, so much. My heart aches for you and to be in your arms. I love you both!
                                                                                                             All My Love,
                                                                                                                 Yours - Isolde"
 

Sighing, Elias folded the letter and left it on the table. Hearing Oweynn's cries, Elias got up and walked into the sitting room where Oweynn was playing. He knew he cried for Isolde. He missed her and hardly was away from her for more than day at most. Leaning down, Elias picked up Oweynn and snuggled him close.

"Shh... there, there, my boy. Mama will be back soon." Elias crooned to Oweynn.

Sniffling, Oweynn sat up and wigged his fingers and Elias. Smiling Elias returned the gesture and was rewarded with squeals of giggles from his son.

"Up-up, Papa!" Oweynn clapped his hands.

Knowing that this meant Oweynn was hungry, Elias carried Oweynn into the eating area and put him in his chair he'd made him when he made the bed for he and Isolde, then went into the kitchen to make Oweynn his supper.

The next morning, after he'd finished his chores and Oweynn had his breakfast. Elias took Oweynn to show him the Sheep and the Pigs.

"And how does a sheep go, Oweynn?" Elias asked.

"Baaaaa!!" Oweynn answered his Father, giggling.

 

Laughing with his son, they headed back to the house. He sent word to Marta and Samuel to see if they would like to join he and Oweynn for supper while Isolde was away. The company would do both of them good, but Oweynn needed the familiar faces more.

Elias told Oweynn that Marta and Samuel were coming to eat Supper with them and Oweynn ran to the door yelling 'Mar-Mar.' He sat outside for hours waiting for Marta, Samuel, Molly and John to arrive.

When nightfall arrived, Elias called Oweynn inside. He wasn't sure how come Marta and Samuel didn't come to supper. He hoped that nothing bad happened to them, if they were indeed headed this way.. if they didn't arrive tonight, maybe a trip into town would do Oweynn good and put Elias's qualms at ease.
 

Chapter 15.5

After all the dancing and eating everyone started to disperse. Marta was taking Oweynn back to hers and Samuel's house so that Elias and Isolde could have the night alone. Both Isolde and Elias were not keen on the idea of not having their son with them for the night, but they weren't going to argue with Marta and Samuel. They knew a lost cause when they saw one. Once Marta set her mind to something, there was not talking her out of it.

Isolde snuggled Oweynn, kissing his chubby cheeks and holding him close to her. Elias wrapped his arms around the both of them and the three of them stood there like this for ten minutes before Marta came over to take Oweynn.

"It's getting late. We don't want to be caught in the dark, now do we?" Marta asked.

"No, I suppose not. Or you could just stay with us and leave tomorrow night!" Isolde asked jokingly.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny. It's your wedding night!! Go, be a married couple!" Marta kissed Isolde on both cheeks and hugged Elias. Samuel, holding a sleeping John, smiled at Elias and Isolde. Molly waved from their wagon. Elias and Isolde watched their wagon disappear from sight before turning back to see Henry and Robert off.

"Henry! It's so good to see you!" Isolde exclaimed. Henry pulled Isolde into a hug and kissed the top of her head. Making her giggle.

"I'm taller than you now." Henry smiled down at Isolde.

"Indeed you are." Isolde smiled at her brother in law. Touching Elias's cheek, Isolde smiled at Henry then walked over to her Father to leave Elias and Henry to talk.

"Henry!" Elias smiled at his little brother. Henry grabbed his older brother and hugged him fiercely.
"Oh it's so good to see you!"

"Same to you, big brother!" Henry exclaimed, laughing,

"How have you been?" Elias asked.

"Decent." Henry looked over at Isolde who was busy laughing and discussing something with her Father. Henry leaned in and whispered in Elias's ear. When he stood back to look at his older brother, Elias's face had gone white. Sighing, Elias kicked at the ground, catching Isolde and Robert's attention. Elias smiled and waved at his wife and Father in Law. Isolde bit her bottom lip, but didn't look away. 'She knew him so well,' He thought.

Isolde walked back over to where Elias and Henry stood with Robert along with her. Robert shook Henry's hand and hugged Elias. Smiling at both men, he hugged his daughter one last time promising to send word once he arrived home and to let her know how Anne is doing. Then Robert left. Henry followed soon after with one last look at his brother.

Elias pulled Isolde into his arms pressed his forehead against hers.

"What is it my love that has your so distraught?" Isolde asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Smiling at his wife, he took her hand and led her inside. "I have a surprise for you, my love." Elias looked back and smiled at his wife.

"Oh really?" Isolde answered him, beaming up at Elias. "What is it?" She asked.

"Close your eyes." Elias said quietly. Isolde closed her eyes, still smiling. She heard the sound of her bedroom, their bedroom, door opening. He knees began to shake. She'd only ever been with one man, what if she wasn't good enough? She didn't want to make love to Elias in that room. Filled with memories of Tristan.

Elias grabbed Isolde by the hand and pulled her into their room, shutting the door behind her. She could smell candles burning, and fresh cut wood. Pressing her lips together, Isolde reached to feel for Elias. She hated standing there with her eyes closed. She felt vulnerable.

"Ok, open your eyes." Elias stood off to the side, next to a beautifully carved armoire. Isolde looked around and gasped. Elias had removed her bed that she shared with Tristan and had built an entirely new, beautiful carved bed that she'd only dreamt of having. "I remember once you saying you wanted a bed like this." Elias smiled at her, waiting for her to speak.

"Oh, Elias." Isolde whispered.

Elias walked over to her and pulled her down next to him on the chest that sat at the foot of the bed and pulled her close to him.



"Does it meet your expectations?" Elias asked Isolde.

"Without a doubt!" Isolde stated, leaning against him.

"Isolde.." Elias started.

 

Isolde turned at looked at her husband expectantly. It felt like the first time, or how it should have felt her first time. Her heart was racing as he stared into his eyes.

"If you don't want to do this, we can wait." Elias looked at Isolde, so many emotions flitted across his face and in his eyes.

"Elias.." Isolde started.

"I mean it, I will wait forever for you." Elias stated heatedly.

Isolde smiled at Elias, touching his face gently, staring into his eyes.

"I love you, Elias." Isolde said softly, staring into his eyes then glancing down at his mouth.

Elias closed his eyes and groaned leaning into her. "Say that again." He asked her.

Quietly, almost in a whisper, Isolde slowly said to Elias, "I love you, Elias."

"As I love you, Isolde."

 

Pulling away, Isolde grabbed Elias's hand and led him to their bed.

 

 

"Isolde.." Elias breathed. "Please."

"Yes." Isolde gasped, trying to catch her breath.

Elias pulled away from her embrace, looking down on her, his breathing ragged with need. He needed her. He wanted her. He yearned for her. 

"Yes," Isolde said again, pulling Elias closer to her, bring her mouth to his. "Yes." 

 

He deepened her kiss, pressing his body against hers. He couldn't get close enough to her.
He kissed her beautiful, full lips and defiant little chin. Trailed kisses down her neck and across her collar bone. Her body arched beneath his, moving her hips against his need. He groaned against her throat, felt her breath hitched as he did so.

Gripping his shoulder with one hand and the hair at the nape of his neck with the other, Isolde opened her mouth tracing Elias's bottom lip with her tongue. Elias rewarded Isolde with a moan of pleasure.

"Damn woman! You're making this difficult for me." Elias said exasperated. Isolde half smiled at her husband, raised her eyebrow, she ran he hand down the front of Elias's chest and across his abdomen. Elias, catching her hand, chuckled. "I.. am having a difficult time controlling myself and you're not helping."

"Who asked you to play nicely." Isolde said playfully, wrapping her legs around his waste, she leaned up and bit Elias's bottom lip, tenderly. Wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, back down onto the bed. He kissed her, she opened her mouth to him and his tongue gently caressed hers.
Elias ran his hand up her bare leg and stopped at her hip, Isolde gripped the collar of his shirt and moaned into his mouth. With movement that surprised and excited her, Elias had her dress and his own clothes off before she could blink. Lifting her bottom, so Elias could pull down the covers, Isolde propped herself up on her elbows so she could get a better look at her husband.

"You are a man in full, Elias Bishop." Isolde said, biting her bottom lip. Looking up to meet her husband's eyes, Isolde sat up and kisses Elias's neck, then his collar bone. She kissed the hollow of his throat and his chest. Before she could go any further, Elias grabbed Isolde and kissed her fervently on the lips, pressing his body against hers, as he pushed her back down upon the bed. Grabbing one of her legs and bring it up and over his shoulder, not breaking their kiss, Elias slowly pressed his need into his wife's. Isolde gasped against Elias's mouth as he began moving inside of her. Stretching her. His mouth never leaving hers.

Isolde's nails dug into Elias's back as he began to quicken his pace. Thrusting is need inside of her, kissing her, his tongue pressing into her mouth. Holding her close, he grabbed her other leg, bring it up and over his other shoulder. Both arms behind her back, grabbing onto her shoulders, never breaking their kiss. Elias pulled his need out almost to where he was all the way out of her, then with one powerful thrust, drove his need deep inside her. Isolde cried out his name, urging him not to stop. Arching her back as he moved his hips in a circular motion, grinding their needs together until he brought her to the edge, pulling out almost until she lost him, then driving his need inside of her again. Picking up their rhythm, Isolde moved her hips with Elias's, arching her body, driving his need deeper inside of her. Over and over again until finally screaming out his name, Elias collapsed on top of Isolde, filling her as she melted around him. Both reaching their peak together.

Rolling them over onto their side, but not breaking their connection, Elias brushed Isolde's hair from her face and kissed her swollen lips. He stared at her face. Her cheeks flushed from their love making, eyes closed, lips swollen, breathing shallow. Elias smiled. Being with her was better than he'd ever hoped it would be. Isolde pressed her naked breast against his bare chest and snuggled closer to him. Wrapping his arms around her tiny body, they both drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 14.5

The next morning there was much to do. Marta and Isolde set about scrubbing the entire house, while Samuel and Elias tended to the livestock. Molly arrived with John and was in charge of seeing to him and Oweynn. Robert and Anne were to arrive just before the nuptials.

With both Marta and Isolde working diligently on the house, their chores were done in record time. Before bathing herself, Isolde had one thing she needed to do before wedding Elias. Stealing away while everyone was distracted, Isolde headed down to the family plot to speak to Tristan and her son, Sebastian.

Upon reaching their grave, Isolde stood there staring at the two crosses. She knelt before her ex-husband and son's shared grave, placing her hand on top of the now hardened earth. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. 'I love you both.' Isolde thought to herself. She no longer shed any tears over her loss, but remembered all the good memories she had. A noise behind her stirred her from her reverie. Turning, Isolde caught sight of Molly.

"What is it, Dear?" Isolde asked.

"I cannot find Oweynn." Molly said, tears streaming down her face.

Isolde's heart was racing, but she kept her face calm. She didn't want to frighten Molly. She knew he couldn't have gotten far. She'd only been gone from the house maybe an hour at most. Marta was running towards them as Isolde and Molly made their way back towards the house checking the sheep and pig's pen.

"It's alright!!" Marta exclaimed, out of breath. "Oweynn is with Elias, in the barn." Smiling, Marta pulled Molly into her arms.  Mouthing a 'Thank you' to Isolde, Marta lead Molly back towards the house while Isolde headed to the barn.

She could just make out the faint sounds of Elias's deep voice through the barn door. Cracking open the door just enough to see both her son and Elias and hear what he was saying, but staying out of Oweynn's eyesight so that she not ruin this moment between the two of them.

"Oweynn, Mother and I are going to wed today." Elias spoke to Oweynn in soft tones.

"Mama!" Oweynn clapped his hands.

Laughing Elias pulled Oweynn onto his lap, "Yes, Mama." Kissing the top of Oweynn's head. "I have loved your Mama for a very long time, son. I have waited a long time to call her my wife."

Turning away from the barn, Isolde didn't need to hear any more to know that this was Elias and Oweynn's private conversation that she wasn't meant to hear. Smiling, Isolde headed for the house just as her Father arrived.

"PAPA!" Isolde exclaimed, running into her Father's welcoming embrace. "Oh, Papa! You made it!"

"Of course I did, silly girl." Robert hugged his only child close. "Anne couldn't be here, but she sends her love." Pulling Isolde back so that he could look at his daughter, who's features were identical to his late wife's. Except for her hair, it was dark like his, whereas Alice's hair was blond.

"Is everything alright?" Isolde asked, frowning.

Robert only smiled and kissed Isolde's forehead. "Where's my Grandson?" Robert bellowed.

"He and Elias are talking in the barn." Isolde looked up at her Father, raising her eyebrows which earned her a chuckle from her Robert.

Marta, hearing Robert's arrival, waited at the door to greet him. After, Robert headed down to the Family Plot to show his respects and then went to help Samuel finish any chores that he needed help with. Marta looked around and then back at Isolde.

"Anne couldn't make it and Papa didn't say why." Isolde answered her friends question, not needing to hear it.

"I hope everything is alright." Marta said quietly, looking after Robert with concern etched across her features.

Isolde shrugged. Shaking her head, Isolde turned and headed inside to bath herself and get ready to marry Elias.


It started to rain, the sky darkening with it. A storm was on its way. Marta suggested they postpone the wedding, but neither Isolde nor Elias would hear of it. Robert mentioned that he and Alice were wed on a rainy day, though they were in doors, not outside. Elias and Isolde chose to marry on the Bishop Farm. It was where they met, where their loved ones were buried and where they planned to spend the rest of their lives and raise their family together.

Down by the old pond, Sister Mother read them their wedding vows.

Their nuptials weren't half way over before Marta started to weep and even Robert shed a few tears. He'd always liked Elias. Loved the boy, really. He was perfect for his daughter.

'This is how it was suppose to be from the start.' Robert thought to himself as he wiped a tear from his eye.

He has waited so long for this day to come, though he never wished any one's death. He recalled the day Allan approached him to tell him that Elias had left.

'"Hello Robert," Allan stood in the opened doorway that was Robert's back door. Everyone that was close to Robert and his daughter used their backdoor. Usually just walked right in like they lived there. Robert turned to his good friend and smiled.

"Hello Allan! Good day it is, is it?" Robert bellowed. Upon searching his friends face, he realized that something was amiss. "What is it, Robert?"

"Louise is dead." Allan stated flatly. Walking into Robert's kitchen, Allan sat at the little table for four. "And Mary.. Mary died last night. The baby didn't make it, either." Allan began to sob. It wasn't uncommon for men to show their emotions, but for Allan it was just opposite. Not that Allan was a hard man, he just preferred to take out his transgressions behind his bedroom door. He'd love nothing more than to get piss poor drunk at this point, but he didn't want to dishonor Mary that way. Or his daughter and son. His daughter, Allan sobbed even harder. His little girl that he'd never get to hold.

"Allan.." Robert was aghast. "How?"

"Louise was murdered. With my own knife!" Running his hands through his hair, Allan slammed his fist into Robert's table. "Mary was riding to the market to get Isolde a betrothal gift. We decided we were going to tell Elias and Isolde of their betrothal when you two came over for tonight's supper. She was attacked, thrown from her horse. Robbed." Allan buried his face in his hands.

"They murdered Mary?!" Robert asked. Allan shook his head.

"No, well, not in the sense that they stabbed her or shot her with an arrow, but she was bleeding internally that old quack job for a Doctor said anyways. The fall from the horse caused the injuries and sent her into labor. The baby was too early and could not survive on her own. Mary didn't even live to name her." Allan started crying again.

Robert rose and walked over to the window, looking out at his daughter and Anne playing in the garden. "And what of little Louis?" Robert asked, his throat suddenly dry.

"We believe that Louis took my knife and Elias's bow and sheath and went after the men that did this to his Mother. Elias is beside himself with grief and guilt. He blames himself." Sighing, Allan leaned back in the chair he sat in, rubbing his face with both hands. "Robert.." Robert turned to look at his friend, question in his eyes.

"Robert. Elias is gone. He couldn't handle the grief. He, he might have been able to handle his Mother's death even though they were close. Not Louis's death, though." Allan stated to Robert.

Robert stood there looking at Allan as if he weren't hearing him.

"Elias is gone, Robert. The betrothal is off." Allan said.

"What!" Robert yelled at Allan. "You track that boy down and bring him back right NOW! He has obligations! We had an agreement!"

Just then Isolde and Anne came running in from outside. Isolde looked from Allan to her Father and knew that something horrid had happened. "Mr. Bishop, what's the matter?" Isolde asked Allan.

"Dear one, Louise and Mary were murdered last night. Elias has run away and.." Allan couldn't seem to finish what he was going to say. Alice hadn't looked away from Robert.

"I will go see to Tristan and Henry, if that's alright with you Mr. Bishop and Papa?" Isolde asked.

"Thank you, Dear." Allan said, smiling at Isolde.

"Fine." Robert agreed.

"Anne?" Isolde turned and looked at Anne, inquiring if she were coming to.

"I'll be along, Dear." Anne smiled at Isolde and waited for her to be away from the house before turning to the two men who barely fit in Robert's small kitchen. "You, sit." Anne pointed to Robert who obliged, raising his eyebrows.

"Tristan will be of age soon. He and Isolde can be wed. They're closer in age than Elias and Isolde an though I feel that Elias was better suited for Isolde, Tristan is just as agreeable. Don't you think?" Anne looked at Robert and then to Allan. When neither said anything, but merely looked from each other back to Anne, Anne clapped her hands together and stood up. "It's settled. Tristan and Isolde will be married."'

"And do you, Elias Bishop, take Isolde to be your wedded Wife?" Sister Mother asked Elias, breaking Robert from his memories.

"I do." Elias stated loudly, beaming at Isolde as if she were the sun.

"Isolde, do you take Elias Bishop to be your wedded husband?" asked Sister Mother.

"I do," Isolde said, not breaking eye contact with Elias.

"By the power invested in my, before God and witnesses, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife." Mother Sister stated. "You may now kiss your bride."

Elias smiled at the Sister Mother, he kissed Isolde's delicate hand.

"YOU CALL THAT A KISS!!" Bellowed a familiar voice.

Everyone turned around to see Elias's younger brother, Henry Bishop. Fully dressed in his knightly armor. Henry looked dashing in his armor, all grown up. Carbon copy of Allan, Henry stood tall with black hair and brown eyes. The only one of all the Bishop boys to not have blue eyes like Mary. Smiling, Henry joined the wedding party.

Laughing, Elias turned his attention back to his wife and pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately in front of everyone to see. Cheers erupted from their family and close friends. Neither could be happier!

Chapter 13.5

Months flew by like hours for Isolde and Elias. So soon they were celebrating little Oweynn's first birthday, though it felt like he had just entered their lives the night before. They watched their son learn to walk, say his first words, and eat his first fish. It wasn't that Elias dreaded his son getting older, after all, he'd been awaiting this glorious day patiently. For he and Isolde declared that four months after Oweynn turned a year old, they were to wed. So, though he was excited about marrying the love of his life, he was also sad that his son was now a year old.

Also celebrating a birthday, was Marta and Samuel's son, John. Because he didn't dare leave Isolde while she was with child only to hunt and fish when needed and Isolde being pregnant didn't leave the farm period, they had no clue that Mart had also been expecting! John was born a week before Oweynn. He looked just like Marta, Elias thought, but had Samuel's unruly hair. Molly doted on her baby brother. She even stared to speak again, not often or a lot, but it was a start.

On the eve of Elias and Isolde's wedding, Marta and Samuel joined them for dinner and to stay the night as to help them prepare for their nuptials the following afternoon. Isolde was in the sitting room awaiting their arrival when Elias found them. She was watching Oweynn play when he tripped and fell by the hearth.

"Oh!" Isolde shot up and scooped Oweynn up and into her arms. "It's alright, my love. Where does it hurt?" Searching her son over, Oweynn just smiled up at his Mother. Drool dripped down his chin. Laughing, Isolde wiped her sons chin and snuggled him close. Elias sat down in the rocking chair, watching Isolde interact with their son fondly.



Isolde was still playing with Oweynn when she turned to tell Elias to watch what she'd taught the baby, when she saw that he was fast asleep in the rocking chair. She looked at Elias, giggling, she put her finger to her lips and shushed her son.

"Papa's sleeping." Isolde whispered to Oweynn who squealed and clapped his hands causing Isolde to giggle out loud. Lifting him into her arms, Isolde tossed Oweynn into the air just as their was a knock on the door.

"Elias, my love, Samuel and Marta are here!" Isolde quietly rose her husband to be out of sleep. She set Oweynn on his lap and turned to answer the door. Oweynn stood up and grabbed Elias's ear, causing Elias to bolt upright and Oweynn to have a fit of giggles. Elias smiled, Oweynn's giggle was very contagious. Standing, Oweynn on his shoulders, Elias met Samuel and Marta as they walked through the door. Immediately Oweynn reached for Marta.

"Mar-mar!" Oweynn squealed.

Laughing, Marta grabbed Oweynn and kissed his chubby cheeks. "Hello Oweynn!" Marta crooned.
Samuel laughed and shook Elias's hand as Isolde shut the front door. Isolde headed straight to the kitchen to fetch Oweynn's supper so that he could eat while she finished preparing the adult's supper.
Five seconds later, Isolde emerged from the kitchen, signaling Marta for her to put Oweynn in his chair that Elias made for him.

"Are you hungry, little one?" Isolde asked Oweynn. She was rewarded with squeals of delight from her son as he clapped his hands.

"I would say that was a yes!" Marta laughed.

 Laughing, Isolde headed back over to the stove to check on their meal. Samuel was busy talking to Elias about tomorrow's preparations while Marta bustled about the kitchen looking for something to busy herself with. However, Isolde was very efficient and there was not much left to do. So, Marta took a damp cloth and wiped down the surfaces.

"Samuel, could you come help me, please." Marta called to her husband. "Could you please fetch me some fresh eggs?"

"Of course, Dear." Samuel kissed his wife and turned beckoning for Elias to follow. "I think our womanfolk would like to have some privacy." Samuel said to Elias, laughing. Elias smiled and followed his long time friend outside.

"How are you feeling my dear friend?" Marta asked Isolde. "Are you nervous for tomorrow night?

"What of tomorrow night?" Isolde questioned her friend as she gathered the vegetables to cut for tonight's supper.

"You know." Marta said as if she were trying to hint at some secret. "After you and Elias are wedded."

Gasping, Isolde turned to her best friend. "Marta!" Isolde exclaimed. Shocked at Marta's lack of discretion.

"What!? It's not as if this is your first time. Nor is it Elias's first time." Marta said exasperated. "Do you know how many woman he has bedded?"

"Yes," Isolde answered her friend, turning back to preparing their supper.



"Well?" Marta asked expectantly.

"Marta!" Isolde was becoming exasperated. She told her best friend everything, but for some reason her life with Elias had been untouched so far and she wanted it to remain that way. "It is none of your business."

Sensing her best friends discomfort, Marta dropped integrating Isolde. "Alright, alright. I apologize. I'm just nervous for you is all, Isolde. I've watched the two of you do this dance for years and it's FINALLY happening. It's just making me a nervous wreck!"

Isolde shook her head. Were hers and Elias's feelings for one another- transparent to everyone this entire time!? She hoped not. Biting her lip, Isolde finished chopping the vegetables from her garden. Sighing, Isolde turned to Marta. "I am nervous. My stomach is a flutter! The way he kisses me," Isolde closed her eyes and sighed. Marta giggled. Just then, Elias and Samuel entered the house with the eggs.



Samuel put the eggs in an empty bowl on the counter and turned to Isolde and his wife.

"Anything else, ladies?" he asked, smiling at the both of them.

"No, but thank you Samuel." Isolde answered, smiling at her friends husband. "You and Elias can retire to the sitting room until supper is ready if you'd like." Isolde could feel Elias's eyes on her. It was difficult to concentrate on preparing supper when he was so close and yet so far away.

Elias was staring at Isolde as she moved about the kitchen. He yearned to have her in his arms. To feel her lips on his. "That's alright, Isolde. Samuel and I are fine right here." Elias answered his future wife. Samuel, kissing Mart on the cheek as he walked passed her, sat down at the table across from where Elias stood.

"How is John?" Elias asked Samuel, trying to cut the tension that was building in their little house.

As the men talked about fishing, the boys and hunting, Marta and Isolde finished putting together one of Isolde's favorite meals that she'd learned from Anne when she was still a young girl. It was a simple peasants dish, but Isolde was very fond of it.



"Supper is ready!" Isolde called to everyone.

Marta set about putting plates where everyone sat and pulling the milk off the fire pit and the bread from the bread box in the kitchen. Oweynn played quietly on the floor by the table.
There was no further discussion on private matters that happened behind closed doors. Though she knew Marta would want full details after tomorrow, she knew her friend was done questioning her tonight. After everyone had their fill, Marta and Samuel declared that they were going to clear the table. Isolde and Elias tried to say it wasn't necessary, but they wouldn't hear of it.

"Not on the eve of your wedding!" Marta exclaimed.

"It's enough that you cooked supper, Isolde. The least we could do is clean up." Samuel stated.

Laughing, Isolde stood and gathered Oweynn into her arms. "Oh, my sweet boy." She kissed the top of his head. Elias walked over and held out his arms. Isolde handed Oweynn off to him, without hesitation.

"Come my son, it's time for bed. We have a long day tomorrow." Elias said to his son, who was already falling asleep, his head resting on Elias's chest.

Chapter 12.5

After Oweynn's birth, the good Doctor informed Elias that Isolde had lost a lot of blood.

"She will be weak," the Doctor stated. "She mustn't be on her feet for long periods of time, maybe three minutes at the most. Isolde may hold her infant, but only while laying in bed. Elias, this is very important. If Isolde does not follow these instructions, she will not live to see his child's first birthday." The Doctor gripped Elias's shoulder and then turned to gather his tools and speak to his wife who was to stay with Isolde for the first few weeks.

'Not live to see their son's first birthday?' Elias stood there as the Doctor's words echoed in his thoughts. 'NO!' Cradling Oweynn in his arms, Elias marched into Isolde's bed chamber. The Doctor's wife glanced up from where she stood at Isolde's bedside, leaning over her frail frame as she gently tucked Isolde into bed. Placing her finger to her lips and pointing to Elias to leave the room. Both Elias and Mary slowly made their way out of Isolde's room. After Mary had shut the door she turned to Elias and held her arms out for him to hand over his son to her.

Sensing his discomfort, Mary smiled. "Elias, I only intend to examine the baby and bathe him. I will return him to your arms as soon as I am done."

"I will do it, Mary, thank you. You may tend to Isolde as the Doctor instructed. I will care for our son." Elias said with such authority it made Mary flinch. Feeling ashamed of himself, Elias tried to smile at the woman before him. He knew her intentions were what she said, but there was always something about Mary that struck him as off. He didn't trust her. Or the Doctor.

"As you wish." Was all that she replied as she turned and walked back into Isolde's chamber, before closing the door behind her Mary turned back Elias and informed him that she would be staying longer than the few weeks her husband had said earlier. "Isolde is my dear friend and I'd like to stay until she can walk on her own. If you don't mind." Though Elias knew this wasn't a question, he nodded in response to Mary's statement. Then she closed the door.

Elias looked down and stared at his son who he held tightly in his arms. Turning to the fire pit, Elias grabbed the bucket from the table.. he didn't want to take Oweynn outside in the rain to fetch a pail of water from the pump, but he didn't want to leave him alone in the house with that woman, either. Elias looked at Belle who had been sitting by the front door, and inclined his head signaling her to follow him. He walked into the room that had once been a spare room that Elias had taken the spare bed and put in a cradle that he'd made himself. Laying Oweynn down in the cradle, he turned to Belle and knelt down in front of her.

Holding her head in both of his hands, he stared into the old dog's eyes and very quietly commanded the dog that she were to stay with Oweynn and not let anyone, but himself come near him. He stood and walked to the door, glancing back at his son, the last piece of Tristan he would ever have and to Belle who laid protectively in front of his cradle. Satisfied that Belle would protect Oweynn without hesitation, Elias shut the door to the little room and headed outside to the pump to fetch some water.



After he'd retrieved the water and put it on the fire pit to boil. Elias set about gathering clean cloths to use to clean off Oweynn with. He knew that Isolde had made a blanket for Oweynn and had left it in by the rocking chair, turning he headed into the sitting room to fetch the blanket. Upon returning to the kitchen, Mary was standing in Isolde's chamber door way staring at the now steaming pot of water. Noticing Elias's return, Mary looked Elias straight in the eye.

"I know that you do not trust me," Mary started. "Nor do I blame you. I am a stranger to you, but I am not to Isolde. I was there when she lost her daughter. I was there when she lost child after child. I was there to help her with your brother when he was so drunk he couldn't walk straight!" Pausing to catch her breath, her hand on her stomach, Mary looked as if she were about to cry. "And I have been there through every loss that Isolde had to endure when she birthed and buried five children."

Elias stood there. He knew she was waiting for him to say something, but he didn't know what to say. He didn't know Isolde had lost any children, other than Alice and Sebastian. He understood now the pain he saw in Isolde's eyes. He'd thought it was just having to endure his younger brother's qualms and insecurities. His heart ached to hold Isolde. Elias wished with his entire being that Isolde hadn't had to know the heartache and tragedy of losing a child. Closing his eyes, Elias took a steadying breath.

Without opening them, Elias said to Mary. "I speak on behalf of my future wife and myself as I say to you that we appreciate your help in caring for Isolde, but I do not need you to help me care for my son. Not knowing you has nothing to do with my not trusting you, Mary."

Understanding when she is being dismissed, Mary, pressing her lips together, turned her back on Elias and walked back into Isolde's bed chamber. He'd barely caught a glimpse of the top of her head before Mary, firmly, shut the door behind her. He was sure she would have loved to have slammed the door in his face, but he knew she wouldn't disrespect Isolde that way.

Taking the now boiling water from the fire pit, Elias poured half of that into a basin and then slowly added cool water to it until he was just warm enough that he could bath Oweynn.


Over the course of the following two months, Elias cared for baby Oweynn on his own with no help from Mary or the Doctor. The only time Oweynn was not in his arms was when the Doctor examined him or when he brought Oweynn in to see Isolde, when she was feeling strong enough to sit up, Elias expressed his concerns to Isolde about Mary and her husband. Isolde simply smiled at Elias, and caressed his cheek. Kissing Oweynn's chubby cheeks, hands and feet, Isolde carefully swaddled her son back in his blanket and gingerly handed him over to Elias.

"Dear Elias.. give Mary a chance. I understand your distrust, but know that she means well and in due time she will tell you herself that of which your gut does not understand and therefore distrusts." Isolde said quietly before her eyes closed and drifted off to sleep.

Elias had decided to call a truce with Mary for Isolde. When he made a meal, he'd made enough for Mary to eat as well. Elias even went to the trouble to set a plate for her. They normally ate in silence. Not one of them speaking a word or making eye contact, except the one night Mary finally broke the silence.

"My children are adopted. I am barren and cannot have little ones of my own." Not looking up from her meal, "My children.." Mary tried clearing her throat.

"Mary.." Elias started, uncomfortable with where this was going.

Holding up her hand, Mary straightened herself and continued on, "My husband lays with other woman because I cannot bare the children he so desires. Though my children are not my own, they are my children and I love each and every one the same as if I carried and birthed them myself. I am forbidden to speak of this with anyone, but I feel that if you are to be apart of Isolde's life.. if I am to ever gain your trust then I must earn it." After she finished, she didn't wait for Elias to respond, for which he had been thankful for. Mary stood, cleared both hers and Elias's plates from the table. Washed them and then went back to Isolde's room, closing the door behind her.

After that night, Elias had a new perspective of the woman who was essentially living with them. Though he continued to care for Oweynn himself, he at least trusted her a little more. Enough that he'd leave Oweynn in his cradle while he went outside to tend to the animals, though Belle was always in the room with him.

When Oweynn was four months old, Isolde was able to move about at her own free will. Though Elias still cared for Oweynn majority of the time, Isolde was able to walk about the about the house with him and bathe and feed him as well without needing Elias's or Mary's support. A week after Isolde was moving about, Mary announced that she was leaving and thanked Isolde and Elias for their hospitality and Elias for providing her with meals while she stayed.

Isolde saw Mary off while Elias rocked Oweynn to sleep.

Returning to the sitting room, still in her nightdress, Isolde slowly approached Elias.
Hearing her return, Elias glanced up at Isolde who was staring into the flames of the fire he'd built earlier that morning.

"Elias.." Isolde said quietly, as to not wake Oweynn. She placed her hand on his shoulder, Isolde took a deep breath and looked into the eyes of the man she'd come to adore. "I would like to marry you after Oweynn's first birthday if you will still have me." Closing her eyes for she could not bear to look into Elias's bright blue eyes, for fear he would deny her.

Elias stood, Isolde's hand falling back to her side. Without looking at Isolde, Elias walked out of the room carrying baby Oweynn. Tears started building behind Isolde's closed eyes. She'd never felt this kind of rejection before. Sure, Tristan had rejected her when they lost Alice, but that was nothing compared to how this felt.

Isolde was so sure that Elias was going to walk out of her and Oweynn's life for good to feel. Feeling faint, Isolde reached out for the rocking chair for support, but missed. Just when she felt herself teetering, Elias suddenly was there in front of her pulling her into his strong embrace. Crushing her breast against his chest, burying his face into her hair, Elias breathed in Isolde's scent.

"I have been yours since the first day we met on my parent's farm and I am yours still. Now and for all eternity, Isolde." Elias breathed into her hair causing Isolde to gasp. Abruptly, Elias pulled away from Isolde, not letting go of her hands. "Please, look at me Isolde." Elias begged.

Slowly Isolde opened her eyes to meet Elias's burning gaze.

"Isolde, I have loved you for over half of my life and I plan to love your for the rest. Will you do me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage?" His voice, husky and breathless, stirred something deep inside of Isolde. Awakened the very core of her being.

"Yes." Isolde, she whispered. "Yes, I will marry you, Elias." Elias smiled up at her, causing her heart to stop. Pulling her down next to him, Elias pulled Isolde tight against his body and kissed her in a way she'd never dreamed possible.

Chapter 11.5

She fell back onto her bed, screaming as if something was tearing her into pieces. Cutting her to the bone. Though she knew Elias wouldn't make it back in time, she still hoped she'd been wrong, but she was going to have this baby. And she was going to do it by herself. She needed to prepare, needed to gather tools for his arrival.

Cursing all the while, Isolde pulled herself out of bed, needing to get the boiling water into a bucket and bring it into her chambers to sterilize the tools necessary for after the birth.
She'd barely managed to drag the bucket of hot water back into her room before another searing pain ripped her apart.

She screamed. She screamed for what seemed like hours, but really was only 2 minutes before the pain subsided long enough for her to make it back to her bed.. then another one tore through her, and another.. she felt it then.. the urge. The urge to bring her child into the world.

"I have been waiting for a long time to meet you, sweet little baby." She said out loud, her breathing ragged and heavy.

Isolde began to push.

For what seemed like hours, Isolde laid in the bed she once shared with her deceased husband and pushed until she'd screamed so loud that Belle started barking wildly around the room as if someone in there were hurting her master and she was going to take whomever or whatever it was down!

Isolde's screams came to an abrupt stop. All was still and quiet. Only the sound of the rain hitting the roof and the earth outside was all that could be heard. Then, a faint little cry.. a whimper. Isolde lifted her son up off the mattress and into her arms, holding him close to hear breast to nurse him.

Leaning over, Isolde wrung out the warm cloth and began to clean the blood off her baby's face and body. The house was warm, thanks to Elias for building a fire before he'd left, so the baby's protests were not loud as she moved the cloth over his new, sensitive skin. After she was satisfied that he was clean, she wrapped him in one of Tristan's shirts to keep him warm.  Holding her baby close to her, Isolde breathed in his scent. She started crying. She cried for her husband and her son. For them never knowing this beautiful boy.

She cried for Elias, for she sensed his fears. She knew him so well now. Better than she knew herself. She knew he would be an amazing Father to her son. Isolde knew Elias would make a fantastic husband. She knew that he would be a great lover. And Isolde knew she loved Elias.

Just as thought the words, Elias burst through the door to her chambers and stopped dead in his tracks. Isolde was almost positive it was over the site of all the blood, she held out her hand to him.

"Come Elias.. meet our son. Oweynn." she smiled then, as she looked up from Oweynn to meet Elias's gaze.

"Our son.." Elias repeated unsure if he'd heard the words correctly.

"Yes, my love. Our son. Tristan by all counts is his Father, and he was a good man. One day, you can tell our son all about him, but he is our son. You are his Father." Isolde spoke quietly, urging Elias to come towards her.

"Our son.." this time Elias seemed to acknowledge the present. His eyes brimming with tears, dropped to his knees at Isolde's bedside and laid his head on her lap and wept for what seemed like hours. He sat up and held out his hands, "May I hold my son?"

Isolde beamed up at him with a smile that he'd never seen before. It melted his heart and made him weak in the knees. 'Our son.' he thought to himself. 'Our Son.'

Chapter 10.5

Hearing a noise at the back door, Isolde stood up, righting the chair she'd knocked over with her overgrown belly.

"Oh, Louis!" cried Isolde. She hadn't seen him in what felt like months! She thought maybe something had happened to him and Elias just didn't want to tell her in fear that she would go into shock again. "Here boy!" Isolde reached out, offering her hand to him. Louis slowly, and whining, made his way over to Isolde.

"What's the matter, boy?" Isolde crooned to the old sheep dog.
Bending over to give the dog a good scratch behind the ears, she felt a tear go through her abdomen as if someone had ran their finger from her navel up to under her breasts.

She stood there for a minute holding her breath.. afraid to move. What was this?! She was about to call for Elias, when all of a sudden if felt like someone had stabbed her with a white hot branding poker. Crying out, Isolde clutched at her belly, as searing pain shot through her back all the way around her midsection. With one hand, Isolde reached out to the nearest chair for support. Breathing slowly through the pain, Isolde looked around her house. What she was looking for, she had no idea.
Maybe it wasn't so much as WHAT she was looking for, but WHO she was looking for.

She wanted Elias with her. She needed him with her. 'Elias' Isolde silently cried out for him.
She started to whimper, alerting Louis who had been pacing by her feet. In that second, Isolde felt an intense pressure, she groaned. Warm liquid gushed out from between her legs, throwing her a little off balance and the sudden release of pressure she felt. Gasping, Isolde turned to take a set towards her bedroom when she felt like someone had stabbed her in her belly.

Isolde was sobbing, gasping for breath. She'd collapsed to the floor in the puddle of water that surrounded her. She knew the baby was coming, but it was too early!! Each time she tried to move, wave after wave of excruciating pain shot through her. She'd finally managed to pull herself up off the floor, when she noticed that Louis was gone. She felt it then. That searing hot pain accompanied with a lot of pressure and the urge to push.

She started to scream, just as Elias burst through the doors.

"NO!! ISOLDE!" He ran around the table and put his arms around her, trying to support her weight. "What do I do?!"

"GO FETCH THE DOCTOR!!" Isolde screamed, feeling another gut wrenching stab of pain tear through her entire body. She could hardly breath, she felt faint.. black spots clouded her vision, but she fought it to stay upright. She must NOT black out. Her baby needed her.

"I cannot leave you like this!" shouted Elias, grabbing his cloak and putting it on.

He rushed to her bedroom to grab, what she was assuming was her cloak as well. Elias came running out of her room, and draped Tristan's old cloak around her frail shoulders. She was suddenly enveloped with Tristan's scent... 'No, no, no!' Isolde cried to herself. 'You mustn't cry.. you have got to hold it together!'

"Elias.. I cannot go out in that storm! What if I give birth before we make it to the Doctors?! PLEASE! You MUST go fetch him! PLEASE!" Isolde pleaded with Elias. Seeing that she had won, Isolde took the cloak off and put it around Elias.

"OH!!" Isolde cried. She grabbed Elias's, digging her fingers into his shoulder, clutching her belly. The pains were getting closer together, Isolde knew that meant the baby would be here soon. She knew Elias would not make it back in time with the Doctor. She tried to put on a brave face for Elias, but she was scared. She was going to have this baby alone.

Suddenly Elias kissed Isolde hard on the lips. It was not with passion that he kissed her, nor was it out of love. It was out of need. She could feel it his need. He was afraid. Isolde put her hands on his chest and kissed him back, softly, on his lips and then his neck. Grabbing his hand she kissed his palm and placed it on her tightening belly, feeling another contraction coming.. she bit her tongue to not show the pain she was in. She knew if she did, Elias would never leave her alone.

Once it subsided, she knew she did not have long before another came. She had to act fast.

"Carry me to the bedroom, I will stay there until you get back with Mary and the Doctor." Isolde said just barely above a whisper not trusting her own voice. Lifting Isolde gingerly into his arms, Elias carried her to her chambers.

'Her chambers.' Elias thought. 'How were they suppose to be married and not share a bed?' He chastised himself for thinking suck things at this time. He carefully laid her upon its mattress, covering her with the blankets. Elias looked around the room. He'd been in here numerous times, but never really seeing it until now. It made him think of Tristan, his brother. 'This room,' Elias thought. 'Everything in this room, Tristan touched.' Elias knew he'd never be able to rest in this room and the thought punched him in the gut.

Trying to push his pain aside, Elias bent over Isolde and kissed her again before leaving her, tucked in her bed, to fetch the Doctor and his wife. He left Belle with her, told her to send her to him if anything happened and he would head straight back home. Isolde promised Elias she would. Glancing back her once more, Elias shut her bedroom door, leaving it open just a crack. Isolde listened to Elias's hurried footsteps as he made his way though the dining around and out the front door. She heard him whistle for Horse and Louis, followed seconds later by pounding hooves from Horse as he sped off down the lane headed towards the good Doctor's house.

Isolde finally let out the breath she'd been holding and screamed as if her life depended on it.

Chapter 9.5

Elias and Isolde are concerned with Belle's behavior.. Louis isn't any better off either. More often than not, Belle can be found laying on the grave of Tristen and Bash. And Louis, laying in the wheat fields where Tristen died. Isolde stressed to Elias her concerns about Belle and Louis' grief over Tristen and Sebastian's untimely deaths. Elias tried to reassure her that all the animals would be... fine, including poor Enya.



"They are far more sensitive than we are, Isolde." Elias stated after Isolde, upset with Elias for not showing more concern over the animals. "There is no other way for them to move past this, to mourn or grieve. And with time, Belle and Louis will stop visiting those spots fewer and fewer, but they WILL still visit them. And Enya will stop venturing into the wood where Heart was.." He stopped himself from finishing what he was about to say - 'slaughtered.' Sighing, he walked around the table and gathered Isolde into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.

"Elias..." Isolde started, but her throat was too tight with emotion to finish.

"Shh.. I know, my dear. I know. I will take them with me when I go fishing. Get them off the farm.. would you like that? You could go with us??" Elias pulled his head back far enough so that he could look into her eyes. She smiled and nodded.

"Yes," Isolde said. "Yes, I would like that very much."

Elias smiled at her, which was rare to see, cupping her chin he said to her, "It's settled then. Why don't you pack us a lunch and something to eat for later. We leave at dawn and we will be gone for most of the day." He left Isolde in the kitchen and walked out to the Family Plot where Ole Belle lay.

"I miss them to, ole girl." Elias said, just above a whisper. He knelt down next to Belle and scratched behind her left ear. Belle's tail thumped a few times against the ground, cause dirt to kick up and float about in the wind, licked Elias's hand and then laid her head back down on her front paws.
Elias looked to his brother and nephew's place marker, a wooden cross that he carved himself.

"Brother.." was all he said, then stood and whistled for Belle to follow.

Isolde woke with the feeling that it was much later than she would have liked. Rolling over in bed, she looked out the window to see that it was most definitely past dawn. And it was raining. Knowing how queasy her stomach was in the morning, Isolde slowly sat up in bed and waited a few minutes before attempting to trying to stand.

Who was she kidding. She felt sick all the time, but she didn't c

are. Smiling to herself, feeling her unborn child moving inside her. She rubbed her growing belly. Sighing, Isolde threw the covers off her legs, taking her time to rise out of bed. She learned early on that if she stood too fast with this one, she'd end up retching, even if she didn't eat anything.

She could hear Elias moving about in the kitchen, just outside her bedroom door. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she closed her eyes to familiarize herself with the sounds. Somehow sensing she was awake, or maybe he just knows when she's thinking of him, Elias slowly opened the door to her bedroom.

"Oh!" Elias exclaimed, "Y-you're awake. Um.." Elias looked around nervously, wiping his hands on the cloth that he held. Isolde sat on the edge of the bed, her arms enveloping her round belly, Isolde smiled at Elias. He was nervous. She knew it was because he nightdress was risen above her knees, exposing her bare legs. Isolde admitted to herself, she was finding his uneasiness a little endearing and oddly amusing. Tristan had never been shy around her. Naked or dressed. Even after being married and bedded with her husband for so many years, she still felt exposed whenever she had been naked around him. They never made love with the candles lit. Elias cleared his throat, pulling her out of memories she'd suddenly felt guilty for remembering. Isolde blushed and looked away from Elias.

"Well, breakfast is ready. If you're hungry." Elias said, waiting for her to turn her head so he could see her eyes. When she made no signs of looking at him or standing, Elias turned and all but ran out of her room. Isolde gathered herself before standing and slowly waddled her way to where Elias sat at the table, waiting for her like he always done.

"Did you already go fishing?" Isolde asked as she sat down to eat her porridge.

"It's raining." Elias stated without looking up from his meal.

Isolde frowned, not understanding the cold shoulder he was giving her. Had she done or said something to offend him? Did he mistaken his feelings when he told her he loved her? Did he regret kissing her? Isolde bit her lower lip and looked up at Elias, staring at him threw hair that covered her face.

"Damn emotions!" Isolde suddenly said, slamming her utensils down on the table.

Elias, eyebrows raised and eyes wide, watched Isolde push herself away from the table to stand and storm out of the room. Slamming he bedroom door behind her. He thought he could hear her crying, but he couldn't be for certain. The rain started to come down heavier, muting the quiet sounds of the house around him.

It was some hours later when the rain had finally let up enough for Isolde to don her dress and get some fresh air. Some time in her garden will help sort these feelings and thoughts she was having about Elias. As she watered her garden, she would sneak little peeks over at Elias as he tended to Enya.

 

Trying to work up the courage to go and confront him, she felt the baby kick. She automatically placed her hand where she felt him moving. Suddenly an intense pain shot through her belly, causing her to cry out. Elias, hearing Isolde's cry, dropped what he was doing and ran over to the garden.
When he reached her, Isolde was doubled over holding on to the fencing for support. Her breathing ragged, sweat beaded across her forehead and chin.

"Some..thing is wr..wrong!" Isolde let out a blood curdling scream, snapping Elias out of the panic that had started to set in. He leaped over the fence just in time to catch Isolde as she collapsed in his arms. Not wasting time, Elias hoisted Isolde up into his arms and he carried her towards the house unsure of what he was to do. Does he leave her alone to go get the doctor? Does he put her, while with child, on a horse and take her to him? He didn't think the second choice was best.

He remembered his Mother birthing a child that did not take it's first breath, the doctor telling his Father it was due to her Mother falling off the horse. Desperate times call for desperate measures. He would NOT lose Isolde. Calling for Horse he managed to safely deposit himself and Isolde on Horse's back, holding her close to him, Elias dug his heels into Horse's sides causing him to take off at a dead run.

He reached the Doctor's house in 20 minutes, a lot sooner than he expected. Hollering the moment the house came into sight, the Doctor and his entire family were all standing on their stoop. The Doctor, seeing Elias charging his house thought the worse. That was until he saw that he carried with him, Isolde Bishop. He tended to Isolde in the first few days after her son and Husband's departure. She was in a state of shock that had concerned Elias into seeking his help. He'd given him herbs to put in her tea to help soothe her nerves and give her the gift of sleep she so desperately needed.

The Doctor knew this was not no ordinary house call, 'she's killed herself.' The Doctor thought to himself, looking to his wife, she shook her head and turned to usher the children back into the house.
Elias, barely stopping the horse in time before it, too, was in his house, lowered Isolde into the Doctor's waiting arms. He could tell by the paleness and sheen across her face she was in an intense about of pain, but it wasn't until her body slumped into his that he felt her protruding midsection.

Shocked the Doctor looked to Elias, "She is with child?!" He demanded more than questioned Elias.

"Tristen." Just one word he spoke to the Doctor as he leapt down off Horse, not bothering to tether him to the hitch. Grabbing Isolde up and into his arms from the Doctor, Elias carried her into the Doctor's home.

 

Sitting at home at the table, Isolde felt weak and her body ached. She felt like she'd been cut in half like a log that's being hacked away at for wood to kindle a fire. Sighing to herself as she drank a cup of hot tea, mixed with herbs that the Doctor had given to Elias, she recalled her "visit" with the good Doctor and his wife.

'She heard shouting first, felt a cool cloth touching her face and ...the cloying smell of jasmine thick in the air like the molasses that seeps from the trees near the bend. She tried talking, but someone shushed her. A woman. Slowly opening her eyes, she could barely make out the figure leaning over here. Her eyesight was blurry. Drugged.. fighting sleep she pushed the woman away from her, trying to sit up.

"Ms. Bishop, you really mustn't do that." said the woman who's face started to become clearer.
Gentle hands on her shoulders pushing her back down onto the pillow.

"Please," Isolde started, her voice cracking as she tried to speak. Her tongue felt swollen.

"It's a sedative.. to help with the pain and to stop the delivery." Isolde's eyes flew open, everything was more defined now. As if she was seeing the world for the first time. Looking at the woman next to her, she realized it was Mary, the Doctor's wife. "It's too soon for the baby to come, Ms. Bishop. He hadn't a choice, but to give you the medicine. You were losing too much blood." Mary pleaded with Isolde to understand her husbands decision.

"Mary.. Elias?" Isolde felt the medicine starting to take it's affect on her again.. feeling a slight pinch, Isolde looked down in time to see Mary pulling a syringe from her arm. Elias burst through the doors, looking stricken as he caught sight of the syringe in Mary's hand. His hair disheveled, eyes wide with panic. He all but shoved Mary out of his way to get to her, which was so unlike the cool and collected man he'd always portrayed himself to be.

Needing to touch him, Isolde reached out and place her hand against his face. Caressing his cheek. Placing his hand over hers, he closed his eyes and let out a shaky breath.

"She needs rest." The Doctor started, but Elias cut him off by holding up his hand.

"How do you feel?" Elias asked Isolde while searching her eyes for something she wasn't quiet sure.
She could only nod, sensing what he was really asking her. Elias turned to the Doctor.
"She wants to go home. Please, if you have a wagon, my horse could pull it home with her in it. We will go slow."

"It is getting dark, you know the law! If something were to happen to her.. or you, the sheriff would have me hanged!" outraged the Doctor balled his fists as if he were going to strike at Elias.

Mary spoke then, quiet as before, but with an authority that said she would not take no for an answer, "Elias Bishop. If you move this woman, she will die. Her child, will die. You were brave for bringing her all this way, but even then she could have died. Please, just for tonight. Let my husband and I tend to her. You can come fetch her in the morning or you can stay the night with her. We have plenty of room and food."'

She stood and carried her cup into the kitchen, not having the strength to wash it, she left it where it sat and walked into the living area. She didn't feel like laying down anymore. It's all she's done for four days! She sat in her rocking chair, her arms encircling her belly as if to protect it from some unknown threat. She knew she wasn't suppose to be up and walking around. The Doctor had given her and Elias strict orders that Isolde were to stay in bed for what remained of her pregnancy. "Bed rest" he'd called it.

Taking slow, deep breaths to ease her aching belly, Isolde fell into a deep sleep.

Elias's heart stopped when he walked into Isolde's room and she as not there. Frantic he began searching the house when he happened upon her like this. Eyes closed, leaned back in her rocking chair. Fast asleep. What she dreamed, he did not know, but somewhere in the back of his mind he hoped it was of him. Hearing a slight movement to his left, he looked over to see Belle. Laying by the furniture, watching Isolde as she slept.

Protecting her, as always. This made Elias smile. He walked over and kissed the sleeping Isolde ever so lightly across the lips and turned to Belle saying, "You come and get me if anything happens." Elias stood and looked at Isolde once more before walking back outside to go about his chores. As he headed towards the Sheep's pen, he felt dampness in the air. Promise of more rain.

 

He started scattering hay a bit faster, not wanting to be caught in the downpour. The new baby sheep were awkwardly bawling and stumbling around their pin as their Mother watched them ever so closely. Elias never asked Isolde what happened to the male sheep. He assumed she didn't offer him the information on purpose and could guess why. It had been stolen.. or it had been attacked. Mostly likely by William Hersh.

The townspeople were shocked when they heard about William attacking and killing Tristen and Sebastian. They knew of the deal William and Bash struck over the horses. The townspeople assumed that Bash just wasn't keeping up with William's demands and attacked the boy first, harming him so that he caused him to die a slow and painful death. Whereas with Tristen, they felt that he must have retaliated for what William had done to his son and out of anger. William went to the Bishop Farm looking to either fight or kill Tristen Bishop. It also was no secret that William hated Tristen because he felt that Isolde should have been his.

'As if she were some piece of property,' Elias thought to himself. 'As if she could ever love a schauvenitistic pig like William Hersh.'

He felt the beginning drops, a warning before the downpour, hit his head and he stood up from chucking hay for the Sheep.

"DAMN!" cursed Elias. Making sure to lock the gate to the sheep and pig's pen's, Elias took off across the Farm to make sure the horses stables were stocked for the night and to feed the donkey.
It was really coming down by the time Elias finished mucking the stalls.
He added fresh water to the horses troughs then ran over to the donkey's pen and hurried about chucking hay so that he could get feed the chickens and get inside, out of the rain.

The rain was really coming down, but Elias was sure it wasn't the weather that made his gut churn. He had a feeling something was going to happen. Off in the distance, Elias heard the clap of thunder and the sky lit up as lightening followed closely behind it. Not wanting to leave the donkey out in this weather, Elias ran to the ole barn to grab a harness so that he could lead the donkey into the stables.
Elias looked to the house, he could see Isolde moving about and cursed the air that she wasn't laying down.  

He had thought to move her back to her bed, but thought it was best to let her sleep where she was, now he wished he had. He heard a noise come from the house.. muffled over the pounding of the rain hitting the ground, but it sounded as if it something had been knocked over. Just as this thought passed through his mind, Louis took off across the property towards the house.

Elias stood there a minute considering the possibility that something was amiss, but remembered that Belle was inside with Isolde.. who was rather clumsy since she couldn't see her feet any longer. This made Elias laugh out loud. He bent down and grabbed the pitch fork, not letting go of the donkey's reigns.

 

She was beautiful with child. As all woman are. There's something about a woman carrying an unborn child that has always baffled and awed Elias. It made him love her even more than he already had. He was just afraid that once the child was older and learned of their true Father and how he met his demise, they will, in turn blame Elias for their Brother and Father's death, as Elias does already.

He couldn't tell Isolde how he felt about this. She would try to console him. To convince him it was not his fault. And maybe it wasn't, but this is how he felt. Getting a nudge in his back, he turned to see that the donkey was getting impatient, 'causing Elias to start laughing. 'Demanding animal.' Elias thought to himself as he led the donkey over to the empty stable that once held Heart.