Back to the Highlands, part II

Dawn. The sun slowly rose up in the horizon. The ship was out in the middle of the sea, the crew on it was most likely sleeping, those who were not were either on their posts or playing with the dices. It was peaceful, no storm for days which was even better. Maybe they could make it to land earlier than expected. Julean were sleeping heavy, her son with her in a soft bed. Anabel were watching them quietly from the chair, her feet on the table and a smile on her lips. Such a peaceful night.

Julean could hear the water. She wasn't on the ship any more. No, she was in a great castle. Where she was she didn't know but one thing was for sure. She was at peace here. Looking over her shoulder she could see a big door, it didn't look like it was supposed to be opened so instead of looking at it she turned her view forward again. There was torches everywhere, long carpets and great animal pelts hanging down from the pillars. On the walls she could see paintings hanging, some were paintings of the old Stromgarde, before it's fall. Other were on persons or some landscapes. She was amazed of how beautiful things were back then. Slowly she was moving without even knowing it herself, she didn't think of it at all. This castle, it was so big, was there even a end to it? She could hear sounds all around her, waves that hit the mountain where the castle stood on. Birds singing tunes in their own way and then there was music! Where did it came from? Julean looked around anxious to find out where the music came from. Was it near her perhaps? It must be, it became all clearer as she walked down the hall.

She came to an end of the hall, standing in front of another big door. This one had some old carvings on it. Behind that door was there loud music, people talking and was there singing too? Somewhat she felt that she was at home there. She put her hands on the big door, trying to move it. It didn't move at all, at least not in that way.
“By the ancestors, 'ow am I supposed te move this?” Like the door had heard her it rumbled before moving an inch. Julean blinked her eyes, stepping back as she looks at the door. The door didn't move again and she then decided to try open it again. This time it was surprisingly easy to open the door. She was blended by light coming through and heard cheerful shouting and laughter.
“Ye got tha' blasted door open, lass? Welcome te our feast, Julean Milner!” A booming voice greeted her. Julean stopped, looking over a long table that's filled with people, both food and beverage. Her eyes searched to the one that had that voice and it fell on a tall figure. She couldn't believe it! A man, taller than any man she has seen before. This man, this Vrykul, it was Suxen! She hold her hand over her mouth and was quick to kneel before him. She had never imagined in her whole life to actually see Suxen! There was no sound except the echo of the booming voice, it never seemed to end. The hall that never seemed to end were decorated with more paintings, the hall itself lighted up by torches on the side. She felt a bit embarrassed as everyone, or so she thought, were looking at her. They soon returned to what they now did before she came in and she slowly stood up on her feet again.

How many were they? She could see the table stretch as far as her eye could see, did it never end? There was only a few people she actually recognized and they were seated quite near her too. There was the man with broad shoulders, silver grey hair. She knew him. And it almost hurt her for seeing him again, in this very hall. “Ye left us te early, Arador.” She mumbled, Arador only flashing a smile to her and nodded to her. “ 'S good te see ye are doin' well, Jules.” The music continued playing, whoever played it were talented, no doubt. And there was the singing in all the talking and laughter.
“ She has ye looks, Tempest. Strong willed lass, she 's. I wonder if she has yer temper as well.” Someone near Julean said. She looked around, not really familiar with the voice but clearly felt something about it. Her eyes fell on a big man. He was tall, almost tall as Vasgar. Broad shoulders, strong voice and dark brown hair. “Shut tha' mouth o' yers, father! Or I will 'ave ye chokin' on ye own paw!” Katharine snapped at her father before turning to look at her daughter. Julean herself could barely believe of what she heard. It was her grandfather? Aengus only chuckled and raised a flagon in the air for his daughter. Katharine then turned to Julean with a warm smile.
“Welcome, my dear. I see it in ye tha' ye brought a young life into the world.” Julean blinked and then smiled, nodding slowly. It seemed she didn't have to tell her mother about Connor.

“Aye, mother. He's a lil' pirate, tha' boy. I am sure tha' ye woul' 'ave liked him.” Katharine let out a soft laughter. She probably would have. Julean wanted to wish to stay here but that would be unwise and she didn't belong in those halls yet.
“ 'S good te 'ear tha, dear. But ye 'ave a long journey a 'ead o' ye. Now ye must go, a storm 's comin'.” As if she wasn't allowed to talk her eyes felt all more heavy and she could hear her mother again. “We shall watch over ye an' ye the lil' one.” She wanted to scream right now. She didn't want to leave her ancestors just yet and before she knew it, was it all gone. She opened her eyes and heard the thunder in the sky and Connor were still sleeping. Julean watched her son and held him tight.
“By the ancestors, ye were rite mother. A storm really 's comin'.”