The Darkness Within

Chapter 5

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-M

Chapter 5

October 13th

Caitirina~

 I slowly came awake, referents of my dream from the night before came flowing back…I’ll  protect you. The dark, deep voice had told me. I snuggled into the warmth of my bed. I felt the light of the early morning sun shine upon my face, but I wasn’t prepared to meet it just yet, the smell of peat in the fireplace soothing my soul. I was content as a...cat. 

I stiffened. Sun? I didn’t have any windows in my small bedroom, and sure as hell did have a peat-burning fireplace. The events of the previous day came rolling back. Getting kidnapped, worker...Dinner, how the hell had that happened? Lorcan…Lorcan. That had not been a dream. He really had said those things, as he had tucked me into bed.  The embarrassment of last night also came with the memories, of my nuzzling myself against him, and the warmth. No matter, I would not think about it, I had to keep on my toes around Victor. No distractions. A soft knock sounded at the door. I looked to it. “Yes?” I called out attentively. 

Biddy popped her head in. “Madainn Lass. Glad to see ye up, ready for a bath?” 

“Bath? Umm…yes, thank you.” I replied.   

“Come on boys, bring it in.” Biddy called. Two men came into the room carrying a large wooden tub with them. The men turned to her. It was the Norse god, Richard, as she had found out last night, and Calan. 

“There ye go lass. We’ll see you downstairs to break yer fast.” Richard said. He then turned and left the room, Calan close at his heels. He smiled warmly before leaving. 

“The girls should be up in a moment with water for you. How are ye feeling?” Biddy asked.

“Well, thank you. Why am I being brought a bath? It doesn’t seem right for a “worker” to be brought a bath.” Wasn’t there a bathroom?

“Oh, I just thought it would be nice for ye to bathe in here today, till ye familiarize yourself with everything, I know yer not from here. It would also seem there isn’t the appropriate place for a lass to bathe here, with out the prying eyes of a man.” She explained.

“Oh, thank you.” I replied.

“Nonsense lass, you deserve it, after making that meal last night for all those men, I don’t see how you did it. But no need to worry, Narishka let a few lasses and I come over and help you here. With meals and such.” Just then three girls pushed into the room, all carrying buckets of steaming water. 

“I don’t see why we have to do this, why doesn’t she bathe like the rest of us. And why is she here. Why doesn’t she sleep where we do?” A redhead complained. 

“Because there is no room in our quarters, and she will be working here for the men.” Biddy explained.

“I still think it’s unfair.” She replied.

“Haley, leave it be.” Biddy snapped. “Just pour the water and be gone with ye.” The girls complied, pouring the steamy water into the wooden tub, and left the room quickly. I ached to settle into it. Biddy sprinkled something into the water.