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mareastrorum · 2 years ago

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Since it's Saint Patrick's Day, here's a little bit about what I've been doing in TF&TS regarding the Irish language (Gaeilge).

One of the cultural flavors I wanted to add to the story is the prevalence of multilingualism in Exandria. Actually speaking multiple language doesn't work that great in a stream because it (a) is difficult unless you already speak it, (b) is confusing for anyone else that doesn't understand it, and (c) undermines the speed in which role play can progress because it slows down dialogue unless everyone is fluent. I like how the cast handles it (especially Liam!) by simply indicating that they're speaking in another language and sometimes changing their accent to give that impression. It adds a little interest that way, but it's not that flavorful because of the practical limitations of that medium.

But in a story published online (especially these days), understanding another language isn't so difficult. Addons and mods in browsers let you right click to translate immediately, or readers can copy/paste text into a search engine and easily find a translation. I remember wishing it was that easy back when I was in college, and now it finally is!

So my plan for the story in general is that several Exandrian languages will be replaced by other languages in very specific circumstances: (1) the line is not relevant to the plot, and if there is even a minute chance it might be relevant, the context or character provides an obvious translation before/after; (2) there is a reason for the character to want to speak in a language other than Common; (3) it is a relatively short section, usually only 1-2 sentences max; and (4) 99% of dialogue is still in Common (English).

Why do it? Because: (i) I don't like making up words and adding unique translations at the endnotes because it distracts some readers (like me); (ii) the online vocabularies for several D&D languages are woefully limited, and (iii) multilingual interactions can help show a character's mindset, attitude, and opinions when you begin to notice when they do it and why. Plus it's an excuse to learn the basics of other languages!

Not gonna lie, Gaeilge is hard to learn. It is a complex language, there are three very different dialects, and my ear is not trained to comprehend all the different sounds yet. But I still enjoy researching it every time I find a bit of dialogue where I want to add something in Gaeilge.

So far, the most helpful site I've found is teanglann.ie, an online dictionary that includes 3 different English-Irish dictionaries, a grammar index, and a pronunciation index. Comparing all the different dictionaries helps me figure out if I'm choosing the correct noun/verb for a particular context (and, of course, I do searches to confirm that it makes sense or pops up online). The grammar index is super helpful with conjugations and declensions. The pronunciation index also includes Ulster, Connacht, and Munster speakers for a lot of words, as well as common phrases.

After I've selected the words/phrase, I usually head over to Wiktionary to search the same words for the IPA pronunciation guide so that I can translate the dialects into written word. For example, "mhaith" by itself is pronounced differently compared to "maidin mhaith" (good morning), and those each sound different in each of the dialects, but I know to write good morning as "madjin wah" when a non-fluent character mimics someone with Connacht dialect because I've checked each of them. I always include the correct spelling first in case readers want to search it, but I sometimes include a misspelled repetition so they can understand what it sounds like without needing to do all that work.

Now, there is a characterization reason I'm using Maidin mhaith rather than Dia duit, and it 100% has to do with the character's attitude towards the gods. I know Maidin originally comes from the name of the goddess for the morning, but Dia is more general "god" and Maidin is based on a name of a goddess that doesn't exist in Exandria, and there's no clear equivalent. Thus, since the character would have the option, I think they would opt for Maidin mhaith.

And that is the sort of flavor that can come through with simple translated phrases. Someone who speaks/reads Gaeilge would catch it rather easily, and non-fluent speakers would likely figure that out after a relatively simple search.

That would not come through in English, whether I indicated that it was another Exandrian language or not, because there is no such implication in English. Even for the nonreligious, Dia duit is more common of a greeting than maidin mhaith in Ireland, so the conscious decision to use a less common phrase is a flag of "oh, there's something odd about that." And if anyone digs into it, they get some flavor for the character that otherwise would need to be lampshaded.

There's also the fun of writing multilingual characters who slip into the other language's grammar when they're not speaking that language. As a child, I spoke both Spanish and English fluently, and my grammar was insane to anyone that did not speak both languages. I shifted between them because, in my head, they were different ways of the same thing, and I could mix it up if I want because everyone I want to talk to understands me anyway. Of course, that's too much for a written story where most readers will only read English, so my compromise has been to modify the character's grammar when they speak Common (English) to use Irish grammar and slip in a few words in Gaeilge that can be understood in context. It's only done a few times, but it's great for expressing when a character is excited or flustered, because they're so focused on getting the response out that they shotgun the words without correcting for the audience they're speaking to. It makes perfect sense to them, but not to the other person.

Lastly, there's also code-switching. For anyone who is unfamiliar, code-switching is when you adjust your language, grammar, and manner of speech to match the audience you speak to. Pretty much everyone does it. It's like the Customer Service Voice, or the Talking to My Boss Voice, or the Talking to My Pet Voice, etc.

Code-switching gets way more complex for polyglots that come from disadvantaged backgrounds. I'm very used to my own form of code-switching, so adding that to the story has been great for reflecting on when/how I do it, which in turn helps me figure out when/how the characters would do it. Which audiences do they think they need to be more formal with? Who would they speak Gaeilge to? Who would they be comfortable enough around to use slang? How would they express threats/gratitude/politeness/rudeness around different types of people? And so on, which adds another layer of characterization.

Altogether, that provides a rather condensed tool that allows me to give the reader more insight into that character without needing to add a paragraph of navel gazing in that moment. Some readers also like to search for easter eggs, so they get a little treat.

And that's why I've decided to use Gaeilge quite a lot in my story. I'm using a handful of other languages more sparingly, but Gaeilge is just too challenging and fun to limit it to just greetings and such.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

#TF&TS #gaeilge #writing #fanfiction #Azazel!Lucien

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theunexpectedhappened · 7 years ago

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Chapter 95

First of all thanks for the likes and weblogs of the last chapter. I’m glad you liked it. This is the next chapter.

“morning.” I greeted the next morning in our private room for breakfast. I didn’t get all the fuss, the people waiting at the hotel last night and the airport had been nothing but welcoming and sweet.

I’d managed to convince Liam and Aidan to let me go and greet them at the hotel, I could understand we didn’t want to stay in the airport, that was out the plane and in the cars, but at the hotel I wanted to give the people who waited to see me a hello.

What’s the point in me coming over here and everyone believing I would be ‘the one’ to smoothen down the still creased pleats if I couldn’t be myself, after all that was what Harry had said to do. Be myself and I was being exactly that by greeting the people.

“Morning.” They all sounded in unison. “slept well?” gabby asked, sitting at my right. “yea, didn’t have a snorer next to me for once.” I chuckled, great way to start the day, I had them in laughter already.

“I’ll tell him you said that.” Gabby teased; “he knows that.” I shrugged my shoulders. “You want to meet the crowd again?” gabby asked, she knew me way to well and that’s why we worked to great together, we were a team, not needing words to know what the other would want.

“yea I’d love to do that.” I immediately replied, “I suggest we leave early then. Normally there won’t be people at headway, today’s visit has been kept a secret, but it might have leaked.” She explained, looking around the table.

After breakfast, Lauren helped me get ready in record time and before we knew it we were making our way down to the exit. “10 minutes, not a minute longer.” Gabby warned, wiggling her finger at me. With a smirking and mischievous smile I stepped through the door and greeted the cheering crowd.

“I’m there.” Gabby said, when I looked behind me to make sure she was trailing behind me. “Good Morning, I hope you slept well.” The first women said to me. “Maidin mhaith,” I started by saying good morning

“agus rinne mé . go raibh maith agat” I replied to her, saying I had and thanking her for asking.

“you speak Gaelic very well.” The women complimented; “thanks.” I smiled, before moving down the crowd, shaking hands, accepting small gifts, doing some small talk with everyone. “Liv, it’s time we leave.” Gabby said in a hushed whisper.

“I think Miguel might be right.” Gabby chuckled as I waved to the people as we drove away. “why’s that?” I asked, looking back at her.

“You have them eating out the palm of your hand, you speak their language, not English but their Gaelic. You have this ability to make everyone around you feel comfortable no matter what. “ she commented.

“I’m just me Gabby.” I told her. “I’m doing what I’d do whilst on tour as a guide.” I added, looking at her as the car drove towards my first appointment today.

“aright, let’s get to work.” I chuckled, when I saw the crowds waiting in the street; “what did you say?” I chuckled, turning to her. “I said there was a possibility won’t be people out here.” She held up her hands.

“I’ll carry you briefcase in, you just meet up and don’t go greeting the people, maybe we can do it after we’re done.” Gabby warned me and I knew we didn’t have time to go and greet them.

so when the car stopped in front of the entrance I started chuckling when Glen was stood beside the boss of this centre. Taking a deep breath, I waited for Aidan to open the door.

“thanks.” I whispered, getting out of the car.

“Mr. Duffy, it’s nice to meet you.” I said, extending my hand towards him. “Your Royal Highness, it’s an honour to welcome you here.” He bowed. “The pleasure is all mine.” I smiled. “Mr Power.” I said, amusement evident in my voice as I leaned in to kiss his cheek.

“I thought that wasn’t allowed.” He chuckled when we got inside the building. “when I start you don’t have to worry. I know you it would just be weird to shake your hand.” I explained as we made our way to a meeting room, where the team of Headway in Dublin were lining up to meet me.

“Ma’am, We figured we’d show you around the facility first, before we start the meeting.” Mr Duffy said. “Please call me Liv. I’m sure we’ll working together quite a bit.” I told him.

So for the next to hours they showed me around the facility, talking with some people that had come in, before we moved on to the meeting. “I’d love to be it’s patron.” I started the meeting and I saw the boss of Headway’s shoulders drop a bit. “We’d love to have you.” he replied.

“It’s an honourable cause and I can see what you’re doing here, really makes a difference.” I explained. “What would that mean for us?” he asked. “we’d look at how you want to proceed, of course I’d come and visit once in a while. The people who want to be part are of course very welcome, but if they don’t want to be then that’s not a problem. “ I started explained, looking at every one the table.

“then we’d look at what your expectations are for the organisation, we work from there really, maybe organise a fundraiser or gala. Anything is possible really, as long as you’re comfortable with it.” I told them, I wanted to make sure here as well as at my other organisation that it was their decisions first. I could suggest something, but that was it. if they didn’t want it, it didn’t happen. And I wanted to make that very clear here as well.

“Well we prepared a document with everything you just named, how would you see a fundraiser?” the guy asked. “Well, I noticed the people here make paintings and other object, make an exhibit of that, invite people who have a big influence or name and we start from there, the next event we think bigger and progress from there.” I explained, it seemed that my years as CEO of event planning business and travel organisation had helped me very well for this sort of things?

we finished the meeting and we moved back outside, “is the dinner still on?” I whispered to Glen. “yea, are you coming?” he asked, looking at me, it seemed like it meant the world to them I met their families and so I was all the gladder I could go. “yea, just send me a text with the address, Kenneth and someone of the protection unit here might have to come and check it out, but you know the deal by now.” I chucked. “I’ll let them all know.” He smiled. “but nothing to fancy. It’s just me.” I warned him. “I can’t promise anything.” He held up his hands.

“I mean it, no bowing, calling titles. Just me meeting your families, maybe I should have done that earlier, everyone has already met them, except for me.” I said, looking ahead to the exit door. “I’ll tell them, but can’t promise anything.” He stated.

****

in the afternoon I had met up with the people of Temple street hotel and Festuna lente, that really had been kept a secret and I was happy not to have to disappoint more people, the day had run out and I was expected to be going to the president’s house in less than two hours and we were still making our way back to the hotel.

When I arrived at the hotel I was send straight to the shower, Lauren waiting for me in my room to do my hair the moment I exited. My evening dress laid out on the bed.

“hey love.” I said, my phone on the table in front of me on speaker. “Hey Merida,” I heard him smile. “how is lovely Ireland?” he asked. “not that bad actually. Maybe their keeping the protesters away or not, but I haven’t seen them and everyone I’ve met so far has been very nice and welcoming.” I told him.

“yea, no report of protesters have come through, apparently you’re loved over there, that’s what Miguel said this evening though.” He chuckled. “mmm. Maybe no one knows I’m here.” I joked.

“yea, right. Keep believing that, merida.” He laughed. “I miss you, Merida.” He said, his voice getting softer. “I miss you to love, but I’ll be back before you know it and then we can have a weekend off at Honiley.” I told him. “you’re only coming back Saturday morning.” He whined, making me chuckle.

“You know what they say love, distance makes the heart grow fonder.” I tried to shush him. Maybe I could deal with the going away part better then him. “guess it’s all I have now.” He chuckled.

“so dinner with the president?” he asked. “yea, I’m nervous.” I admitted. “you’ll be fine.” He said. “I have nothing with that.” I told him. “Merida, you were worried when you went to Sweden and how did that turn out?” he asked in a matter of fact.

“I’m friends with all four of them and even with her sister.” I admitted, through my teeth, hating when was using myself against me. “see, I’m not saying you’ll be buddies with them, but you have to get along for tonight and tomorrow.” He told me.

“why did Miguel set me up like this?” I asked, looking at Gabby as well. “who knows what goes on in his head and I don’t want to know either.” He snorted, making fun of this and taking my nerves away or at least a little.

“thanks.” I smiled. “always Merida. Always.” He said in a tone I knew all to well. “I’ll let you get back to work. I love you.” he said. “I love you to hun.” I said, before ending the call.

I was ready to meet the president soon after that, slipping into my green gown for the evening, maybe I should be thankful today that Celtic history had been my favourite and I had quite a bit of jewellery in Celtic knots or symbols, hell even Harry’s name for me came from a Celtic Queen.

“is it to much?” I asked Gabby, looking at myself in the mirror. “No, you look beautiful. Now it’s time to go or we’ll be late.” She ushered me to take my clutch and out the door. “thanks you really have a way to assure me.” I teased as we made our way to the elevator.

“now go and enjoy your night.” She smiled, kissing my cheek, just before I left the hotel. I’d really be going solo this time. I waved at the people still at my hotel and made my way to the Jaguar that was being used to drive me around here in Ireland so far.

***

the drive towards the presidential palace had been short, my hotel being near phoenix park. “thanks.” I whispered when Liam opened my door. The few photographers allowed to take photograph doing so immediately when I set foot out of the car.

“Your Excellency, Ma’am.” I greeted the presidential couple. “Your Royal Highness, we’re glad to welcome you here.” Michael, the president said, shaking my hand. “Is é an pléisiúr go léir mianach” I said with a broad smile, telling them it was all my pleasure to be there.

“Tá mé an-sásta a cuairt a thabhairt do thír álainn arís” I added, motioning my hand around as I said I was glad to visit his beautiful country again.

“bhfuil sé go hálainn , ní féidir cabhrú ach aontú leis sin” he agreed with a broad smile as well, ‘maybe this would turn out to be alright after all.�� I thought to myself as he agreed with my statement of it being a beautiful country.

We headed inside one photographer following us inside as I was shown around the palace. The evening had been a very big success, maybe they just appreciated the fact that the entire evening was spoken in Gaelic and not English. Maybe Miguel had been right in saying I’d be able to change things a bit with Celtic being something very close to my heart and speaking their language.

I didn’t like what had happened in the past between the country and the Royal family, but maybe the time had come to wipe the slate clean and make a new beginning. But if I was the right person to do so, I doubted very much. Shouldn’t it have been the Queen, but then again I was part of her family now, her granddaughter-in-law.

Guess we’d only see in the future what the impact was of my three-day visit here.

***

the next day I visited the national museum of Ireland, and to my great surprise the wife of the president had suggested to join me on my second day here in Dublin, we’d discussed the past and grudges of the past shortly last night and they had agreed that maybe it was time to leave things in the past, maybe by doing something together was the right message and the beginning of that.

they had even added to my day, normally I’d be visiting the National museum of Ireland and Trinity college, wanting to make education an important matter with my name, but they had added the Guinness brewery and the National Archaeology museum of Ireland. How they had managed to add that was beyond me. Normally something like this took at least a weak. My visit had already been unexpected, but for them to add two more visits was actually kind of great.

I’d actually never visited the Guinness storehouse before and it was pretty amazing to go around it and be told of how it was all made. I had actually been to one thing of all my visits and that had been the archaeology museum, but it still amazed me all.

I was even more surprised when Michael joined us for the afternoon activities.

***

“seems like you had a lovely day.” Harry stated when he picked the phone up. “Well, hello to you to.” I replied with a snort as I was making myself ready for dinner with the lads family.

“haha.” He laughed. “what have you been drinking?” I asked in a teasing manner. “definitely not Guinness.” He teased. “what was I supposed to do. And it’s not that bad.” I admitted with a snort.

“no it’s not.” He agreed. “neither was the whiskey.” I added with a laugh. “didn’t know you had the Jamerson Whisky?” he said. “Yea, they provided us with it at the Guinness storehouse and at lunch at trinity.” I explained.

“I see the next headline coming already.” He laughed. “Duchess of Sussex addicted to Irish alcohol.” He laughed, making me laugh as well.

“haha.” I quipped. “I quite enjoyed myself.” I admitted, doing my mascara, everybody of my team had been invited to dinner as well, so they were all getting ready as well. And though Liam, Kenneth and Aidan would be sitting at the table they would still provide security and it’s not like anybody knew where I was going.

“I heard that. I told you, you’d do amazing. Gran even called me.” He admitted with a laugh. “what did she say, did I do something wrong?” I asked. “no of course not, but she didn’t want to bother you, so she called me and we’re having dinner at Windsor Saturday evening so no Honiley.” He pointed out, it seemed this was the month of unexpected plans, a rarity in this family I had come to known.

“she said she couldn’t believe what you were doing there, how well you were striking the pleats down between our family and Ireland.” Harry explained. “I don’t know about that.” I muttered.

“you are, you got the president and his wife to join you on your visits and they even added two more visits to your agenda. There isn’t a bad word being said about what you’re doing there not even about your comment.” He ended in a chuckle.

“My comment?” I asked, like I knew of nothing. “yea, about it being time the past was left where it should be and we should look to the future whilst leaving grievances behind us.” Harry quoted what I had said, to be fair I hadn’t meant to say it, it sort of slipped.

“sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. It just slipped.” I said, hopping I hadn’t screwed up, which I probably had with that statement. “Sure some aren’t happy with what you said, but those are the people still angry with us. but most actually agree, an Irish TV station did a poll if they agreed or not and surprisingly over 70% agreed.” He told me and I heard in his voice that he was proud of me.

“Guess we’ll see. I only said it today. It might backlash still.” I said, not being sure about my statement earlier.

“well. I’m proud of you that should count for something.” He said. “it does love. I don’t want to disappoint you” I admitted. “Merida, you could never disappoint me. I still can’t believe how well you’ve done since our wedding. You could never disappoint me for doing your job and being you.” he told me in a tone I better not argue with.

“I guess so.” I sighed, dropping down on the foot of my bed and he let it go for now, but I knew we’d still have a conversation about it. he hated it when I doubted myself.

“Shouldn’t you get ready for dinner?” he asked. “yea, I’m nearly done.” I told him, getting up again and taking my jeans and blouse from my suitcase. “well I’ll let you get to it then. I love you Merida. More then you’ll ever know” he stated. “I love you to Hun. More than I’ll ever be able to tell you.” I admitted, before we ended the call.

***

we’d finally arrived at the restaurant, a bit to the south of Dublin and not in the city centre. Nobody was here waiting my arrival; I was glad this had been kept a secret. Lauren, Jane, Gabby and Aidan had already left through the back entrance of the hotel, not to create any suspicion. What I did notice riding up to the restaurant was that 3 cars contained people, making sure I would be safe. That way the three guys could relax a little.

Danny, Mark and Glen were the once to great me outside of the restaurant. “power, I bloody well hope you told them what I told you.” I warned, not wanting to have an evening of weirdness cause of who I was.

“I tried.” He said, holding up his hands. “please no.” I noted, leaning my head back a little. “it’s alright, not too bad.” Danny chuckled, giving me a hug. “the four others are already inside.” Mark told me as he led us inside.

“our decoy worked.” I chuckled as I walked through the door, the room immediately falling silent, I so wanted to hit the three of them right now. I hated this, ever since I got married to Harry, this would happen and even before that, but now it was even worse.

Thank god Abby was the saving angel. “Finally, I thought Harry had dragged you through the phone.” She stated. “ha.” I laughed; “he probably would if he could.” I replied laughing, the others around the room soon joining in. thank god this didn’t get more awkward. “thanks.” I whispered when she walked up to me. “always.” She smiled in a manner of knowing each other for years now.

“come on, I’ll introduce you.” the three of them said. “I so want to kill you guys now.” I muttered under my breath, “sorry.” They muttered. “Liv;” Lila ran up to me, so I crouched down. “Look, I have pretty dress on.” She smiled. “I see, you look beautiful.” I smiled, twirling her around.

“I think it’s more beautiful then back in October.” I smiled. “No, that dress was so pretty.” She said, like I had said something horrible. “of course it was pretty dress.” I smiled, getting up again.

“You remember Luke?” glen asked; “Of course.” I chuckled, kissing his cheek. “it’s been too long; you should visit London again.” I told him. “I will.” He smiled. “it’s just I’ve been very busy lately.” He explained. “I know the feeling.” I told him with a chuckle.

I was kind of happy that the first ones to approach me were the ones I already knew, the night had been quite a success and I was glad to finally meet them. I’d heard a lot about them from Mia mainly. And it was glad to finally meet them.

***

“Your Royal Highness were very happy to welcome you again.” Joe Duffy said, extending his hands as I approached him. “I’m glad to visit again” I replied, shaking his hand.

“These are for you.” a little girl said, standing between Glen and Joe. “they are very pretty.” I told her crouching down. “you’re dress is very pretty.” I said, touching her dress. “Thank you. I got it from mommy and daddy just for today.” She smiled proudly, twirling around in her dress.

“It’s very pretty.” I told her. “thank you.” she smiled, before I got up, the flowers in my hand as I kissed Glen’s cheek. “long-time no see.” He chuckled as we started walking inside.

“indeed.” I said, this time there were more people in the facility, some had come over from around the countries headway facilities to meet me and be part of today. I was glad to be shown around the facility and meet the people, see what headway was doing for people with head injuries and trauma’s.

and then it was time to give my first speech, my very first one and not in the name of someone else, like Kate’s speech last week.

“I’m so glad to be saying it’s an honour to be the Patron of such an amazing organisation as this, in the last three days I’ve been invited here twice by the people of this organisation.

Summing up in one word what goes on here is admirable. I admire the people who are fighting daily to overcome the trauma of their brain injury, along with that I admire the people’s motivation in helping those people.

I have faith that Headway is only at the beginning of its capabilities and I hope that as a patron I can see the future growth, giving people more changes at recovery, at rehabilitation and a new start.

Headway is all about giving people second chances, a second chance after a life changing moment. Having talked to both caregivers and the people receiving help I can see why Headway plays such a big part in it.

I can only applaud the people for their dedication in wanting to help these people. I’m very glad I have been invited to see this amazing place, meet amazing people and to be in invited to become it’s patron. “ I finished, stepping down from the small podium and up to the covered plague I’d be unveiling.

***

after I had left Headway I had travelled to go and see the sick kids at Temple street, whilst announcing that this as well would be a one of my Patron organisations. Festuna Lente, wouldn’t become one so far, but I did pay it an official visit, they could certainly do with the attention.

And although the night had run out, but when Gabby informed they’d been able to book an earlier flight I was very happy. Don’t get me wrong I had enjoyed my time in Dublin grately but I had missed Harry as well.

“if this isn’t a coincidence?” I asked, looking at the three lads sitting on the same plane, I knew they would be returning today as well. But it was quite funny to be on the same flight.

“seems like we keep running into each other.” Mark chuckled. “it would seem so.” I chuckled, sitting down in my seats with a content sigh, this was the beginning of a weekend off, hopefully.

“tired?” Gabby asked, the seat diagonally from me, I was sitting between Liam and Aidan on one side of the aisle. The lads on the other side, whilst the rest of my team was sat in front of us. “yea, this hasn’t been the slowest of weeks.” I admitted, leaning my head back.

“You’ve had worse.” She pointed out. “yea, so. My medication still isn’t on point, you know that.” I told her, opening my eyes again. “Have you told Harry you’re coming back early?” Gabby asked. “nope, he’ll see when I get there.” I smirked at her.

“thank god you have the weekend off.” she chuckled. “for now. Who knows where Miguel might send me when I get home.” I smirked, looking at her.

“I’m not going home with you.” she teased. “You have the weekend off.” I shrugged my shoulders, the corners of my lips turning up. “so do you.” she pointed out. “I guess so.” I got more comfortable in my seat.

***

the lights were all off when I walked through my front door, why would Harry have stayed awake as fa as anyone knew I would only be returning tomorrow morning. “thanks guys.” I smiled at Liam and Aidan, who’d helped me carry the luggage inside.

“you need any help?” Aidan asked. “no, go home and relax, you’re having the weekend off as well,” I told them. “enjoy your time off.” I smiled at them, there was no point having them watch us at Windsor. We’d be watched by the guards there.

“thanks liv.” They both whispered as I closed the door behind me. Walking upstairs as quite as I could to surprise Harry.

Opening the door, I noticed him lying stretched out across the bed. Slipping out of my clothes as quite as I could I walked to the bed and pushed the sheets back. He turned his face to my side.

Biting my lip as I saw he was only wearing his boxers. Running my nails from the crook of his neck down his chest around his belly button and to the edge of his boxers.

Em*

“Mmm.” He muttered, his hand moving to catch mine as I started slipping my fingers in his boxers. “Merida?” he asked, his eyes fluttering open. “hm. It’s me.” I smiled, leaning down to leave butterfly kisses from his neck down his stomach, throwing my leg over his legs so I was straddling him.

Now he was fully awake. “I thought you were coming back tomorrow.” He asked, leaning on his elbows, looking down at me. “I managed to get back earlier.” I smirked, nipping my way up his stomach to his lips.

“mm.” he moaned, his hand at the back of my neck, pulling me towards him as our tongues fought for dominance. “merida.” He moaned as he started kissing his way down my neck, but when I pulled back, rubbing my crotch against his, he retaliated by turning us around in a split second.

“don’t be a tease Merida. You started this game before you left. Continued it on the phone. Now it’s my turn to return the favour.” He retorted, my hands being held above my head with his one hand, whilst his other ran down my body.

His fingertips trailing down my body, raising every hair on my body, goose bumps all over my body. “Harry.” I moaned, arching my back as his finger started their torture on me, rubbing my clit.

“You started the teasing game, merida.” He whispered, nipping my neck. “I did, but I stopped.” I tried to get some mercy, my hips moving from side to side as he continued his torture by slipping a finger inside me, his beard rubbing against my neck.

He might have had my hands captured, but I still had my legs. Lifting my leg I managed to get it between our bodies and tease him with my toe. “Merida.” He said, his tone a bit rougher.

“I see where this is going.” He whispered against my lips, before his lips locked with mine. Pushing my groin up to meet his, he groaned out in my throat. “make love to me Hun.” I whispered, rubbing the tip of my nose on his cheek, my hand resting against his cheek.

I didn’t need to ask twice as I felt him push into me, making me throw my head back.

Em*

***

“If gramps sees you driving again, I’m never going to live it down.” Harry laughed as I drove through the gates of Windsor castle. “I think gramps knows by now that I’m the driver in this relationship; “I chuckled, taking his hand in mine and resting it on the arm rest.

“Gramps just loves to tease you about it.3 I pointed out with a snort. “haha.” He quipped, kissing the back of my hand. “hopefully we’re not in for the same surprise as last week.” I pointed out with a chuckle.

“I don’t think so. I think it’s just the four of us.” Harry pointed out. “mm, I’m looking forward to an easy weekend” I admitted, looking back at him as I drove through the archway and the inner courtyard of Windsor castle.

“Your Royal Highnesses.” The butlers of The Queen at Windsor greeted us as we got out of the cars. “We’ll make sure everything is brought to your rooms.” One of them said, this palace I had only visited once and didn’t know it as well. Of course I’d been here as a guide, but only once since I knew Harry.

“shouldn’t we do that ourselves?” I asked Harry, looking back to the car. “Merida.” He said in a chuckling tone. “I know you want to do that yourself, but you need to get used to it that these people are here to do that.” Harry explained, wrapping his arm around my shoulder, pulling me in his body.

“I guess so.” I muttered, looking down at our feet. Our walk was short as we made our way to the drawing room Elizabeth and Philip were occupying. “gran, gramps.” Harry entered the room, me trailing behind him. “Harry, Liv. It’s so nice to see you both again.” Elizabeth said, getting up.

Harry and I both smiled at each other, before smiling at them. “we’re glad to see you as well gran.” Harry said as he kissed her cheek, me doing the same to Phillip, before we switched places.

“come on, we were about to go out for a walk, why don’t you join us?” gran suggested. “sure, why not?” harry and I said. “do you have the dogs with you?” Philip asked. “yea, they’re in the car.” I slowed my saying as I realised I had forgotten about them. “Don’t worry, they’ll have taken them to the place where all the dogs are.” Harry assured me, pecking my lips. “We’re headed that way.” Elizabeth smiled. “why don’t you walk with me Liv.” She suggested as we walked toward the door. I saw harry nod his head at me with a smile.

“sure.” I replied, opening the door, waiting for everyone to get through but harry took over for me and motioned his head for me to continue with his gran. But when I reached her I wanted to apologize first for what I had said in Ireland, I didn’t know if she was angry about it or not, but if I were to apologize before she mentioned it, she might go easy on me.

“I’m sorry about what I said in Ireland about leaving the past behind us.” I told her, looking at her as we walked side by side. “ooh, sweety don’t worry about it. you were absolutely right with that statement and that’s what I tried to tell them during our visit a few years ago.” She smiled, looking up at me.

“yea?” I asked, unsure if she really was happy with it. “Yea, the way you said it, wasn’t in a nasty way, but in a hopeful way in leaving the past behind and living in the future. I think you were the right person to send to Ireland.” She told me.

“You knew I was planning on taking charities there?” I asked, curious to know how she put it that way.

“of course.” She laughed. “I know everything.” She told me with a mischievous smirk, yes, the queen still had that side to her, very few people got to see it though.

“when I heard you were planning to go it was I who suggested you make it longer and meet the president.” She admitted a guilty look in her eyes. “I’m sorry if everything went so fast, but I must congratulate you on it. you did a marvellous job.” She complimented.

“I just did what felt right. It’s my favourite culture, I speak the language, it just felt natural to do the things I did.” I tried to explain that I had been nothing but myself over there. “and the people love you for it.” she pointed out with a beaming smile.

“I guess so.” I muttered, looking at my hands, grasped in front of me. “we all know and you’ll be a big part in how this royal family is changing and will be changed.” She noted.

“I’m not sure about that.” I chuckled, surprised she would even say that. “I know.” She whispered, steadily. “you’re good for Harry, I can see the love you share for each other and how you support one another. It reminds me of how Philip and I were. The four of you remind me of that and it makes me smile to see the love you share between wife’s and husbands and as four almost siblings. I can spend my last years as Queen knowing the future is in very good hands with the four of you.” she told me.

Looking at her, I was sure my chin was still somewhere behind us as my mouth was hanging open, never had she talked to me like that, sure we’d had numerous conversations about a lot of things, one of the perks of being me like Harry put it, by knowing so much stuff.

But never had she openly said that to me and by the look on Harry’s face behind his gran I knew he’d heard it as well and wasn’t expecting it at all either. “and you’re a natural born leader, I’m sure you’ll keep my two grandsons in check when need be. You know a lot of things and I’m sure you’ll know how to do things.” she added, looking at me with a chuckle when she saw my face, I heard Phillip chuckle behind me as well.

“you two are so alike.” He laughed, pointing between Harry and I. “you should see your faces.” He added as explanation. “and Harry you know gran is right. Liv will be the one to keep you and your brother in check when we aren’t here anymore. Admit it.” phillip chuckled, nudging Harry’s arm.

“probably.” He admitted, sheepishly. “she doesn’t take crap and she knows way to much, with that I agree, gran.” He pointed out looking at Elizabeth.

“good you know it. she’s a wise woman.” Phillip smiled at me. “and she’ll bring Kate out of her shell, I’ve already seen her do it.” Elizabeth nodded her head, before she continued to walk, leaving a surprised Harry and me in her wake. Philip was now walking by her side. “Why are you staying their youngsters. I thought we were going for a walk.” Philip laughed as they reached the door by the end of the hallway.

“well that is something different.” Harry laughed softly, taking my hand in his and intertwining our hands. “you think?” I quipped, softly slapping his arm.

“seems like gran understands you.” harry chuckled. “don’t laugh at me.” I chuckled. “I love you.” he whispered, kissing the side of my head. “I love you to.” I smiled, kissing his lips as his head was still turned towards me.

“get a room.” We heard Phillip yelled, making the both of us laugh and Elizabeth scold him. “leave them be, they’re in love.”

We walked up to them with a smile on our face.

***

“they are incredible dogs.” Elizabeth pointed out as clover and spot ran ahead of us between the corgi’s. “they are lively” I chuckled as I saw spot tackle one of the corgi’s. “SPOT.” Harry yelled. “thanks for making me deaf.” I muttered, rubbing my ear, much to the amusement of Elizabeth and Phillip.

“he’s always yelling in my ears.” I told them, like I was complaining about him. “Harry, that’s not nice. You shouldn’t make your wife deaf.” Phillip scolded him with mock, but burst out laughing, failing at it.

“what is it with you and my grandfather siding together against me?” harry asked, looking between me and Phillip. “I found my match.” Phillip chuckled. “and don’t act all innocent.” He said, wiggling his finger at Harry. “Or did you forget I helped you and you’re brother during the prank at Christmas.” He reminded him. “gramps.” Harry whined, like a big secret had been spilled and it sort of had.

During Christmas someone had replaced the oreo’s inside with toothpaste. I didn’t like those cookies, but nearly everyone in the royal family does, they had expected me at first, but then showed pitty and agreed I wouldn’t do that, certainly not during my first Christmas there.

“that was you?” Elizabeth asked, looking between her husband and her grandson. Taking a step back so I was out of the scolding field of range, I placed my hand in front of my mouth, trying to mask the chuckles as she looked between them.

“and Will.” Harry said, trying to save himself. “ooh, I’ll be giving him the same lecture.” She said, dead serious. “don’t laugh you.” Harry chuckled at me. “I’m not.” I managed to say, while keeping serious.

“the three of you are just unbelievable.” She scolded, but I heard the tone of amusement in her voice. I’d known her long enough to recognize them. “ooh come on Love.” Phillip smiled at his wife. “You were laughing that day as well.” He tried to persuade Elizabeth.

“it was pretty funny.” She admitted, the shoulders of both men dropping in relief when she started laughing.

***

to be honest the weekend spent with them had been pretty funny and on Sunday whilst Harry and Phillip had gone to ride with the carriages. Elizabeth had suggested we’d go for a ride ourselves. She’d given me one of the Mounty horses whilst she rode Emma her own horse.

It was a time I’d always cherish, I remember when we’d done the same in Scotland nearly a year ago and I loved and cherished those moments very hard. I guess I should cherish them; I was having a relaxing walk with the world’s most famous women on earth.

But more then not I find myself forgetting that small part when I spend more time with her, sure things were always there to remind me who I was with, but more then not she was just Harry’s gran to me.

Liv’s outfit day one Ireland

Liv’s outfit Day one dinner with president

Liv’s outfit day two

Liv’s outfit at dinner in Ireland

Liv’s outfit day three Ireland

So that’s the chapter I hope you liked It I would love read some of your comments so please let me know what you think, I’d really appreciate it.

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