Tainted Peace

I closed my eyes and brushed away the tears that where starting to form.

"I is such a curse" I sobbed out, holding aloft the beautiful bridle gown, its shimmering shades of green and gold blinding me. "To love a man whose bride I am not"

I put down the dress and began to sow buttons to the groom's coat, to my Adie's coat.

There came a knock at the archway that stood for a door to my cott, and the fabric draped over the entrance was pushed aside.

The sunlight hurt my eyes; I had forgotten how dark it was inside my dwelling.

"The celebrations go well I take it" I say wrinkling my nose, he smells of ale and wild flowers are adorned in his russet hair.

"No, I tried to forget with the ale but it has no affect upon me, the grief is too near, too real" he speaks slowly, slightly slurred and I know the ale has slowed his mind as well as his speech.

"More of your cousins come down from the dell?" I ask him, holding the jacket against him, he takes it from me, throws it to the floor and cups my smaller hands in his.

"Five, they staying in me cott with me Ma and Da, I told 'em I'd stay with you and yours" he crooned softly, other hand stroking my hair, tucking it behind my ear.

"And they said?" I prod dispirit for something, anything to take the guilt I feel away. If his parents had agreed it was their fault, their fault we where together on the eve of his wedding, there fault that I carry his child within me.

"Ma muttered a bit but Da's fine with it, he has a soft spot for you does me Da"

But still your Da engaged you to a woman you don't love, just for land and cattle, oh love if I was a rich girl he'd let us be but all I can do is sow and that is my penance to make your wedding cloths.

I want to run away with you, we'll go some place people can marry for love and I'll sow and you'll grow crops with your talented fingers and our son or daughter will toddle after you grey eyes, your grey eyes, watching the world around with wonder.

I love your eyes, they way the flicker and spark like fire.

Your eyes always watch me for first when I was just a babe and learning to walk, following you all around to now when we are secretive and our meetings hushed and guilt riddled.

I kiss you softly and hope you will take my silent offer.

Please Adie, run away with me.