Sleep had not come easily and less easily still after the rituals to appease the Gods. Even in the rising sunlight she shivered, watching men and the fates that stood between them. Eoghain and Cathal both set to their duties, Cearas stood as the vision today. The sight of her was fearful and awe-inspiring; she was more warrior than witch... and even more the brehon that kept them to the laws and the Gods. Kate did not hear the words that were exchanged against the scream of the last sacrifice.

All things that she had heard and witnessed today were terrible... and to see Eoghain and his people hurt this way, to see the great tribe near its knees was more than anyone should bare. When the gods had been appeased and the others slipped away, Kate drew herself back and awaited the druidess.

"Cearas...," came her words, "I know ye have never approved of me being here... think that I distract the warriors and the men from their work with me drink..." The normally strong woman seemed sheepish, stumbling for words that normally poured from her lips. "I... I want ta help the Clan... and I do na mean ta run away this time..." The Brehon looked at her strangely, "Go on."

Kate closed her eyes, "I have nothing here that is mine ta give. The Cean fine was generous with his wealth and his family when he invited me..." The eyes of the woman seemed to drill into her face, rooting the barmaid. "I can think of only one treasure I have that is me own." Her mouth trembled nervously as she continued on, "meself... I must have some honour price... though it is na great as that as others might bring..." The wench turned her eyes to the ground, "I will give myself to a man of the choosing of the elders..."

The Brehon continued to gaze at her, "You understand what you are offering, girl? It is not a contract that can be half done." A stiff nod came as the reply. "And what of your family?"

"They wish me wed. They have wished it fer some time. They will make good ally and are generous people," said the Briugu. Cearas looked at her more carefully, lifting the girls head to view her eyes. "Do you understand the contract you make, Caitlin? Once done, it will stand."

Kate swallowed, "Yes, Cearas. I make only one request fer meself and fer me family's honour." The brow arching indicated for her to continue. "Let it be a marriage of equals... that I may na become second ta any other wife me husband might take. I've na known life under another woman. I could na bare ta stand second in me home or me inn..." It was a selfish request, Kate knew that... but she would not shame her mother... Ruari Niall had been a chief's daughter.