Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 Annsachd (MF, First, WL)

   T'was the proper season.  The barley crop had been harvested, the
shearing done.  My man.  Goodness, the sound of that.  Ian asked my father
in the spring, and now that the bans had been observed, we were free to
wed.

   The village was excited.  Everyone thought that Ian and I would be a
good match, ever since I was a child.  The day before the festivities, the
children ran out and picked wildflowers.  The wedding was to be done during
the harvest festival.  My mother took my dress out beyond the village, and
set it across the sweet grass to bleach white in the sun.  We spent most of
our spare time over the summer making the dress and other things I'd need
for my new home.

   Ian had also been busy over the summer.  He built our home near the edge
of the village, where out the window we would be able to see the sheep
grazing in the distance.  The mud on the wattle had dried nicely, and
t'would be a snug home.  He'd built the few pieces of furniture we'd need,
the bed, tied well with rope, and the mattress full of heather.  He
whitewashed the inside, so it seemed bright and airy.

   We'd met with Father, where we learned about our new roles.  He
explained what the Latin said in the service, and how loving each other was
an extension of God's love for us.

   He also explained about Prima Nocte.

   One of the greater lords, an Englishman, had proclaimed that the lords
under him have the right and duty to bed each woman under his rule on the
night of her wedding.  Ian turned green at the notion.  My Ian is a brave
sort, but it was the law, and nothing he could do.  Father looked
understandingly.  A woman should pair with her husband; "Therefore, what
God hath put together, let no man separate." He had no love of the law.

   Of course, what Father didn't share with us then was why our lord felt
so inclined to force such a sinful law upon his good people.

   The eve before the wedding, Father asked me to come to chapel to pray
with him.  When I entered, I saw the midwife speaking with him.  I
attempted to stay in the shadow, as I didn't wish to interrupt a private
matter.

   "Evie, come my child.  Tilda is here for us tonight," he called out when
he heard the door shut behind me.  I slowly made my way up to the altar.

   "Before we start our prayers, my dear, we must purify ourselves.  Drink
this."

   The midwife handed me a cup.  "Drink it all now dear."

   I sputtered on the first sip, "T'is bitter!" Then, seeing the look they
gave me, nodded and did my best to finish the drink.

   We knelt before the altar, praying that I would follow the good and true
path of wife.  We prayed to that men in power would see the sinful nature
of Prima Nocte.  We prayed to God to forgive me and to console my soon to
be husband for the morrow.  "in Deus, Patri et Spiritus Sanctus," the
father intoned, as we all crossed ourselves.  We bowed to the altar and
moved away.

   "Evie," the midwife called to me.

   "Yes, ma'am?"

   "Expect your humours to attend you in two to three days." She looked at
Father.  "The purifying drink will bring them on."

   Certainly, I will go to hell for this!  It is sinful!  I gasped aloud.

   "Yes, dear.  I know.  But desperate times call for desperate measures.
And I tell you in Father's presence, you are still a child of God, and will
not be punished in this life or the next for what you've done this night."
Father nodded, blushing.

   "T'will protect your womb from a seed that does not belong there.  When
your cycle starts, our Lord will know he has not sired off you, as he has
not done off a girl from this village in these past years.  Have you not
heard what they call him in court?"

   "Now, Tilde, we do not need to pass around court gossip.  It has served
us well to remind our Lord that he cannot bend God's will and command.  You
must submit your body; there is nothing we can do about that.  But we have
protected your family."

   "Thank you, Father.  Thank you, Tilde.  I must go and tell Ian.  He
t'will be relieved.  By your leave?" Father nodded, and I hurried out of
the chapel.

   I explained to Ian, who then laughed.  "I always wondered how it was
that there were never any of his seed running about here.  It does take
trouble off my mind.  Not that I don't want you round with our child.  I
look forward to seeing you like that.  Often.  Ours will be a big, happy
family.  You'll see, Annsachd." He whispered this last to me, his mouth
close to my ear.  I turned, so I could feel his lips against my cheek.

   The morning was bright, and I danced about in glee.  "Thank you God, for
such a gift!" My mother smiled at me for speaking such out loud.  I was a
bit sad, no longer would I be in this home, most of my belongings had
already been moved to the new house.  A few linens, a few changes of
clothes, as I would wear my wedding gown to the Lord's keep.

   Mother and my sister helped me put on the dress, tying the laces, and
tucking in bits of rosemary for remembrance and late heather to match the
crown the children had woven for me.  We walked carefully through the dusty
street to the stone chapel.

   Everyone was there, the entire village; my rivals, my friends, my
family. My father walked me to the altar, so he could speak when it was
time to give me away.  My big, bold, brash father, bless his heart had
tears in his eyes.

   I smiled at Ian as we knelt beside each other and received communion
from Father.  We stood up as he declared the benediction.  Ian leaned into
me, his lips soft against mine, while his strong arms gently wrapped around
me.

   I'd never been happier.

   Then we were all outside, enjoying the bright fall sun.  The pits had
been opened so there were roast meats and harvest vegetables and late
fruits, honey cakes and mead.  Ian never left my side, touching me as he
never felt free to do before.  His hand on my waist felt warm and
possessive.  His hand would come up, and stroke my loose flowing hair, as
though he'd never truly felt how soft it could be.

   We ate, we danced, we spoke with friends.  We knew our time was growing
short.  So did the village, and they pretended to not notice when we snuck
off by ourselves.  We knew the punishment if the Lord did not receive a
virgin.  But we touched, and murmured and caressed.  His lips that were
always soft and careful, were now full of passion, heat and desire.  I
wanted nothing more than to melt into him.  To let him take me to our new
home, and make me into a woman, HIS woman.  I murmured against his lips,
that I was his wife, his woman, my heart and soul.  His strong arms crushed
me tighter to him.  My own arms squeezed him as well.  Slowly, we drew
apart, and returned to the festivities, knowing we would be called shortly
anyway.

   We returned, with our arms around each other, both of us just wanting to
get the next twelve hours over with.  We didn't have to wait long before
our Lord rode up on a grey charger.

   "Where is the bride I am to see?" The Lord looked over the gathering. 
You could see he once sat proudly on this steed, but his posture had
started to crumble and sag into his gut.  His wig was beginning to look
weedy, and the white hair only made his face look more sallow.

   I attempted to step forward, but Ian's grip tightened around my waist.

   "Annsachd, please don't make this harder for me.  It is not my choice,
but t'is my duty." I whispered then touched his hand.  He slowly released
me, but followed me closely as I moved toward Lord Farrington.

   "I am here, M'lord."

   Ian took my hand and turned me to him.  His lips fell to mine softly,
whispering softly against my lips, before taking me boldly, his tongue an
invader in my mouth.  Then his kisses became caresses until he moved away.
I didn't want him to, until I heard Lord Farrington clear his throat.  I
blushed mightily, realizing it probably wasn't the first time, and I had
not even noticed.  Ian lifted me by my waist as though I t'were a bundle of
twigs and placed me before Farrington.

   "M'lord, I realize I cannot stop what happens this night.  But harm her,
and even the angels will not protect you.  I give you my oath." Farrington,
whom, I would guess had heard many words such as this on similar wedding
days, simply nodded curtly.

   Lord Farrington's arms were around me as he held the reins, the horse
going at a brisk canter.  It was obvious he wanted to reach the keep before
dark.  My body stayed tense, since there was no way to truly hold onto the
horse the way I was on it, only relying on M'lord's arms to keep me from
toppling into the horse's hooves.

   It was dusk when he pulled to a stop at the gate.  A number of people
were waiting there.  I suddenly felt shy.  I'm just a country girl, not
some high raised child.  He handed me over to a kindly looking maid.

   "Bathe her then bring her to my chamber."

   "A Bath?  M'lord.  T'is not healthy!" I bit my tongue as soon as the
words spilled out, even though everyone knew bathing made you ill.  He
glared down at me.  I blushed in my embarrassment, curtsying, "I'm sorry
m'lord, I've forgotten my place."

   Aline, the maid, who I found was a distant cousin of Tilde, tried her
best to make me feel comfortable.

   "Bathing here isn't the same as it is in the village.  Warm water, in
very warm room, with scents in your bath to make you smell fresh as the
dawn.  I will be with you until he comes to you, so do not be afraid,
Child. It will not be long." And a mutter under her breath as she led me
into the bathing room, "it never is."

   Ignoring that cryptic comment, I started to loosen the ties on my dress.
She helped me to pull it over my head, stopping a moment to look at the
work.  "You and your mother do very fine work.  You should be proud.  It is
a lovely dress."

   I nodded and smiled, but felt odd to be standing in my shift before a
stranger.  My face must have heated up, for she took a sonsy tone, "Don't
worry about it, child.  T'is common, and nothing I have not seen before."

   Slowly, shyly, I pulled my shift over my head then stepped cautiously
into the tub.  The water felt like nothing I'd been in before.  Sweet herbs
and steam teased my nose as I slowly slid into the full tub.  I felt myself
relax in the warmth until I nearly forgot what was about to occur.  It was
much too soon when I stood to be rinsed, and was rubbed dry.

   "Put this on, dear." This was a beautiful night shift of fine linen,
finer in fact than anything I had ever seen.

   "Oh, no, I couldn't!  T'is far too fine for me."

   "Tosh!  Take it Child, it's the only thing of any value you'll take home
from tonight.  As though he could replace what he will be taking, but he
gives one of these to each bride that comes." With a nod and a shrug, I
pulled it over my head.  She pulled the torch of rushes off the wall,
before climbing stairs.

   The room itself was fairly dark.  The logs in the fireplace and the rush
torch were the only light in the room.  A large bed was silhouetted by the
light, making it seem larger and more imposing.  I fell back, and brushed
against Aline.  "T'is only the light that makes it fearful.  Go in, and I
will get you settled."

   I crossed the chilled room, and clambered up into the high bed.  So
soft! I couldn't imagine how many winter fowl had died to make such a
comfortable bed.  The bedclothes were heavy and warm.

   It was then I determined not to be swayed by such richness.  T'would be
easy to do.  This is not here for me, but for M'lord, to whom I'm about to
become a chore.  My Ian loves me, and I would rather be in our little home,
on a heather mattress than here surrounded by all these riches about to be
sacrificed in the name of some Lord.  I'll do my duty, but I don't have to
enjoy it.

   Aline tucked me in, then withdrew with the promise that she would be
back after Lord Farrington left.

   I heard him enter before I saw him, He was without his wig, and I could
see his hair was thin for the firelight reflected off his scalp.  He
shucked of his clothing and moved across the bed.  The bedclothes were
removed from my body, and he pulled up my nightdress.  I felt his
substantial weight over me, and felt him press against me.  I forced myself
to relax, somehow knowing it would be worse if I were tense.  This seems so
wrong!  I wanted to cry out, but knew t'would be no matter.  He pressed
into me, feeling my maidenhead.  I could feel the pressure, the dull ache.
He began to hum and mumble some bawdy tune from court, and I gasped.  He
thrust through it and though I wanted to scream, I would not give him the
pleasure.  He continued to hum, thrusting in and out of my limp body in
rhythm to the song.  Such an odd habit.

   The blood made it easier to endure.  Not that it was really much to
endure; shortly after, he trembled mightily, then fell to the side of me,
removing himself from my body.  A few moments more and he gathered his
clothing and left.

   Praise the Saints!

   It didn't take Aline long to show up.

   "If ever there was a time when I would be grateful for one of those
baths, Mistress Aline, I believe it t'would be now." I murmured.

   "Of course, Child, come with me.  Do you feel you can stand?"

   "I am stronger than I look." Stronger than that man, that much is for
certain.

   We made our way back down the stairs to the bathing room.  The tub was
already filled.

   "You knew?" I was astonished.

   "T'is common to feel the need to rid your body of an unwanted touch.  I
would have been more surprised if you had NOT asked."

   I nodded mutely, anxious to be in the bath.  My body slipped in and I
let the warmth remove the feeling of his clammy skin and foul breath.

   "Mistress Aline, may I ask a bold question?"

   "Of course."

   "Is it always like that?" It couldn't be.  Ian loved me.  But I had to
know if that is what I had to look toward to.

   "Goodness no Child.  The lord has no love of you, nor quite frankly,
love of the deed.  Your true wedding night will be much different, and I
daresay much better."

   I nodded in response, thankful at least that my feelings were right.

   I don't know how long I was in it, but Aline helped me out.  Once again
I dried off, and pulled on the nightshift.  This time she led me to a
different room.

   "You can sleep in peace here, child." The room was small, with a common
bed.  I gained comfort from those things that were known to me.  It took me
very little time to fall asleep surrounded by the scent of heather.

   The next morning, Aline once again helped me to dress.  I hugged her,
appreciating all she had done for me.  One of the lord's men held me gently
in front of them.  He went slowly, and I can only guess he was considering
my comfort.  I whispered a thank you for his kindness.

   The trip seemed shorter this time, perhaps because it was something I
was looking forward to.

   The wedding party was still there, since the first Prima Nocte, the
village would continue the party to keep the groom occupied and in
reasonable cheer.  I rushed down, turning only a moment to thank the lord's
man for his attention.  Then I rushed to my Ian.

   He only looked better to me.  I reached for him, hoping he would not
hold what was done against me.  I looked in his eyes, and saw the relief as
he rushed toward me and swept me up into his arms.

   "Annsachd, I will love you always," he said as his lips, warm and full
met mine.

   The village party quickly began singing, leading us to our new home.  We
would be left there to celebrate our wedding properly.  Gifts of food would
be left at the doorstep for the first few days, a tradition I'm told is
particular to our village.  Ian lifted me up and carried me into our new
home, his strength making me feel delicate.  Then, the door was shut and we
were alone.

   "Did he hurt you?" he whispered.

   "No more than should be expected."

   His voice grew quieter as he sat on the edge of our bed, "Will you miss
him?"

   "Oh, Annsachd!" I kissed him gently as I settled into his lap, "He may
be Lord, and he may have fine things, but he has no fine manners.  And all
I could consider was this, even surrounded by that finery, I would rather
be here, with you, even in our poor home.  He had no love for me, and I'm
not even entirely certain he knew my name." My hands ranged his muscled
shoulders and arms.  "I missed you.  And I did not make love with him.  It
was no different than setting a prize boar on a sow.  He did his rutting
with no spare thought for me, good or ill, and left.  He did what he was
required to do, as did I."

   I pulled away enough to look him in the eye.  "Would you help me forget
that?"

   His lips fell quickly onto my own, his hands tugging at my ties.  My own
hands fell to his clothing, and I could not wait to see what sort of prize
I had won when I married him.

   We were quick and clumsy and we fell into bed beside each other.  Hands
moved over fevered skin, and I felt my own heart race.  I looked into his
face, and his eyes sparkled in the half light.  The look seemed to change
him, and he dawdled.  His fingers drew fanciful designs upon my skin,
causing me to moan in frustration; of what I knew not.

   "Ian, Annsachd, please...."

   He smiled, "Oh, I will please you, I will please you and myself as
well." His tongue flicked over my breasts and I gasped at such a touch. 
His fingers slowly crept toward my center, until they were there, exploring
my tenderness.

   I moved against him, desperate.  My body knew, yet I did not.  His lips
trailed kisses down my stomach and then...

   I went fuzzy.  Hot breath and warm gentleness.  I could feel my innards
curl in waves, like the wind across the fields of barley.  Finally, I could
stand the tension no longer, and I cried out to God.

   Ian quickly came back up to me, kissing my face, my eyes, my nose, my
cheeks before settling back on my mouth.  A different taste was on his
lips, but t'was not foul.  I felt his hardness press me, and almost against
my will, I tensed.  Then I forced myself to relax.  This t'will be
different, Mistress Aline said so.

   A fullness I could not imagine filled my core.  Slowly, so slowly, Ian
pressed into me.  I opened my eyes to see him watching my face closely,
looking for signs of my discomfort.  I smiled warmly at him, at this man I
truly loved, and pressed back into him.  I had been selfish, and wanted
this to be as beautiful for him as for me.

   I raised my hand up and around his neck, pulling him to me.  I sought
purchase to press myself farther against his shaft.  I felt the waves begin
again, and I sighed into the kiss we were sharing.  I felt him shaking, and
thought that it t'was nearly over.

   "Shhh, Annsachd, I want to make this good for you.  Do not rush me or we
will be over before we've begun," he said in a tortured whisper.  And then
I understood the shaking was his lapsing control.  I tried to still my
body, I did.  But he felt so wonderful inside me, his warm skin against
mine, and I could not help myself.  I bucked against him and heard him
moan. Such a sweet sound.  I bucked again, and he growled.  His hands moved
to my hips to still me, but I was in a lust.  I could not be stopped, and
the waves crested.  I screamed this time, my body releasing its tension
wave after wave.

   He looked down in amazement, his own breath coming in gasps.  "You are
beautiful, Annsachd, So beautiful." And then he began to thrust wildly,
pulling my hips against him.  I continued to moan in that half sense caused
by bliss.  My body relaxed, so relaxed.

   Ian, my Annsachd, my beloved, let out a mighty roar, and I could see the
same tension course through his body.  I pulled him down to me, tight
against me.

   It was then I heard it, "Huzzah!  Huzzah!" and music began to play.  I
was certain if I went to the door now, there would be food upon the step,
and the villagers would be celebrating our true union.

   I chose to stay where I was, curled up against Ian and listen to his
heartbeat.  It would not be long before my humours came upon me.  And then
we could start working on our family in earnest.

   Copyright Dryad (gbbjg@yahoo.com) 2003

   Author's Notes: I don't usually do quite this much research for a story,
but I thought I would share what I learned.

   Prima Nocte, First Night, or Droit de Signeur is a right that lords had
where they could sleep with the subject brides on their wedding night. 
Most of my research states that this was not usual, more pockets than a
universally followed right.  It was used more as a literary tool.  It first
appears in the mid eighteenth century.

   Powdered wigs also came into popularity during the mid eighteenth
century.  It made its way north from France, where Louis XIV brought it
into style when he began losing his own hair.  It was common for men to
shave their heads to make the wig easier to wear.  They were out of style
as a fashion statement around the 1820's in Europe.

   Annsachd is Scot's Gaelic for "beloved".

   Even in the eighteenth century, peasant houses were usually mud and
wattle (woven branches).  Wood, especially in the highlands of Scotland,
would be a rare commodity.  Stones were often used, but took much more work
and knowledge so they were usually reserved for community buildings.