I couldn't help laughing gaily at the stranger who is obviously quite interested in all that can be seen while wearing Rhia's gown. It feels like he's looking over everything from head to toe, comparing me to various other maidens, and finding me at least acceptable. Well, more than acceptable, if I know men. Already, I've been mentally undressed and laying on the ground.

Or, perhaps not. It seems as if everyone in the tavern was challenging him and ending up being drunk under the table. The drinking contest is quiet amusing, even though I know that half the men of the village will be bothering me early tomorrow for hangover cures and half the women of the village will be asking for something to make a hangover worse. Tomorrow, I doubt that anyone can make a challenge, except perhaps my companions and they didn't seem the type for levity.

I swished my hips and walk over to the stranger. Perhaps he would fail the challenge of Aine of the Brigantes, priestess of Brigit.

Macnia, the man was called and he claimed to be a master in the art of loving. What woman wouldn't accept the opportunity to test his claim tonight ? If he didn't live up to his brag, I would have won the challenge. If he told the truth, I was in for a night of love just the way I wanted it, hard and long lasting. I had no problem showing up the next day with grass in my hair, but only if the grass came with a smile. There were times when I acted just like Rhia. Good thing neither of us were Daughters of the Flame.

A few minutes and I got back to business. At least, it should be business, but seemed more like pleasure. Perhaps there was nothing wrong with combining both. I was absolutely wicked, but the good Brigit would probably forgive me. After all, she was also a fertility goddess.

“I do know of a place, actually. The chieftain has given me the hut reserved for distinguished guests. He and his wife have no wish to anger my goddess or her priestesses. Perhaps, you just might get a look at the inside. I'm sure that the chieftain won't mind your staying with me. In fact, something about you makes me know they won't mind one bit.

For now, I must join the party I came with. If I am right, there should be a cozy fire and a good dinner, but give me time to change into my usual clothes first. I came dressed like this in hopes of information and found out nothing. Go to the tavern and wait for me. I should be there soon and in more proper clothing. I think a man like you won't have a problem with what I wear.”

I laughed again as I departed on Dougal's arm. When we arrived at the hut, the soldier on duty challenged us as to our business. When he heard that I was the Lady Aine, the curtain was quickly pulled back and I was in my temporary home.

Going to my chest of clothing, I put on my bright arrow necklace again. It was a part of me whether or not I wanted it. My hands groped until I put my hands on a silk chiton in my usual green. I took the pins and made sure that the neckline was just low enough to show all of the pendant. I had long since considered the necklace protection, ever since I first came to Brigit's Sanctuary.

Once I arrived at the tavern, I saw everyone sitting and eating dinner while engaged in talk. I ordered what they were having and then shook my head. Dinner seemed simple, but tasteful. It had been pure luck that I had been able to scrounge more food from the kitchen.

“I found out nothing on my own when I looked for information about our quest. I talked to the chieftain and his wife. Nothing but an offer to stay in the guest hut. I walked about and listened to conversations. Nothing. I must have paid every bartender in town for information. Nothing. I shed my clothes and put on some other garb. Nothing. I even used magic to scry. Nothing. I am a complete failure. However, whatever quest you choose, even if it is a new one, I shall not leave you until the party breaks up. I shall see you in the morning.”

I started to eat my soup and sighed. A whole day wasted. Still, when there was talk of breaking up the party, I reminded them that there were other towns and that one might hold what we were looking for. That, and the fact that I would not return to the Sanctuary until there was no quest at all.

Mac seemed to want a return to Inver Colpa and I would go with them. If necessary, I would spend Beltaine without this Macnia. There would be other men to keep me busy. Perhaps I'd lie with another Druid, like I had the previous year. I had gotten a beautiful child from it, although I had no idea what the men of the town was like. I'm sure that someone could give me another priceless treasure too beautiful to describe.
More practically, where would I stay while there ? Tavern rooms don't suit me, although it might be possible to have a small hut made before I arrived there. A small hut built for two, although it would only be temporary. I lived in the woods near Kildare in a cottage that was actually a nice size.

As I walked into the guest house with Macnia, I motioned him to wait while I went to the place where paper and pen awaited me. Thank God that important guests were assumed to need to write. I wrote one note to the leader of Inver Colpa asking that they find some men to build a comfortable hut and that I would pay for it with my own money and to offer my skills as a healer.

The second note to Mac and Nevvyn apologised for leaving so quickly and said that I would happily go with them. Any ill tempered behavior was caused by my disappointment in not finding out information. I would be happy to go with them to the lands of the Niafer, given an hour's warning to get my horse and pack. Also, I assumed that Flora would go with us, and I said so.

I gave the notes to the guard outside the door: one to go to the tavern and another to go to Inver Colpa by a fast courier. Hopefully, both would find their way. I did want to travel more and see more places, despite what it may seem. It seemed that I was a wanderer at heart, although it seemed to take a journey to find that out.

Sure that I had done everything, I turned to the man sitting in a chair and whispered,

“Show me your prowess in love. I've been waiting.”