This is a working title so it may change: Lost But Not Forgotten by : Maria Disclaimer: I'm not sure how these things go, but the characters of Conor, Tully, Fergus, and Caitlin belong to Universal. The character Aedan belongs to me. Setup: This should take place soon after the last ep we saw of Roar. The father's been killed and Conor had to decide whether or not to marry Molly. He made a decision and now he has to live with it..... The father is dead. Conor granted him his final wish -- he married Molly. Once married, Fergus, Tully, Caitlin, Conor and his new bride returned to the Sanctuary. Conor hadn't spoken to Caitlin since the wedding ceremony -- not more than a word or two regarding exactly when they would return to the Sanctuary. Most of his time had been spent with either Fergus or Molly. He needed to talk to her. He needed to explain to her that this was a symbolic marriage. Needed? Why? Nothing was ever spoken between them, but for some inexplicable reason, he felt he'd betrayed Caitlin. He didn't know if it was just his imagination, but he could've sworn Caitlin was avoiding him. Every time he came near her and tried to start a conversation with her -- something besides the daily routine of the Sanctuary -- she conveniently had something to do or somewhere else to be. Did she feel betrayed? He married her.... this was all that had been running through Caitlin's mind since it had happened. What exactly did symbolic mean? They did, after all, sleep in the same tent. What went on when they retired to "their" tent. That thought made Caitlin shake; she could feel her blood racing through her veins and felt heat in her face and a sudden urge to throw something. But why? Conor had never expressed anything more than friendship towards her, but then when they'd been in Diana's dungeon together, he'd been so tender with her. Could it have been pity? She was, after all, blind at the time. Could it be maybe she was just sensing from him what her heart desired? Suddenly the image of Conor and Molly sprang into her mind. Did he hold her with such tenderness? NO! She had to stop thinking of this or she'd drive herself crazy. Her best bet would be to stay away from him as much as possible, but how long could she really keep it up without raising Conor's suspicions? She was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she did not hear Conor walk up behind her. Conor: Cat? Caitlin: [visibly surprised] Conor! You startled me.... Conor: What are you doing? Caitlin: I was just thinking Conor: About what? Caitlin: About you... and Molly [she tried to stop those words, but her mouth was faster than her mind] - I mean, about how wonderful it is that you granted the Father his final wish.... I--- should really be getting back. I promised Tully we'd sit and talk. I've been so busy since we returned that I haven't really had time to talk to him. I miss that.... Conor: Do you miss our talks? Caitlin: I really shouldn't keep Tully waiting... [turns to leave] Conor grabs Caitlin by the arm. He's not going to let her get away, not after he finally managed to get her alone for a few minutes. Conor: You and I need to talk. Caitlin: Let go! Conor: Not until we talk! Caitlin: Tully's waiting for me... Conor: Really? Tully went hunting with Fergus this morning and hasn't returned yet. Caitlin: [looking away from his eyes] I didn't know that.... Conor: Cat. Don't lie to me. Now tell me why you've been avoiding me ever since we returned and don't think I haven't noticed. I have. Caitlin: Fine, you have me now. What do you NEED to talk to me about with such urgency? Conor: It's about my........ marriage This was just what she had feared. He'd sensed her discomfort with his marriage. How was she going to get out of this? She couldn't very well tell him that while she loved Molly, she wanted to scratch her eyes out when she thought about how she got to share a tent -- a bed -- a life with Conor while she could only stand by and be a silent witness. She felt as if she couldn't breathe. They were outdoors, but yet she didn't seem to have enough air. To that avail, she backed away from Conor hoping this would help her deal better with this, but Conor just inched forward as she inched backward. Caitlin: [summoning all her strength] I don't think I'm the right person to discuss your marriage with, Conor. Maybe Fergus would be better. [she couldn't believe her voice actually came out] Conor: I don't want to talk to Fergus about it. This isn't about Molly. It's about me.... and you. Caitlin: [backing up even more, but then she suddenly realized she'd backed into a tree -- she had nowhere else to go] What do I have to do with your marriage? Conor: [did she really not understand? maybe he'd imagined it all. no, he knew there was something there so he pursued] I think you know, Cat.... Caitlin: [she wouldn't admit it. she couldn't!] I don't understand, Conor. Conor: [he may as well just come out and ask] What do you think of it? Caitlin: I think the Father would be happy. It was his final wish Conor: I didn't ask you about the Father. I asked you how YOU feel about it. Caitlin: I feel the same way. It's good for the cause to have the people see a strong connection between the confederation and the Druids. It should aid you in convincing other tribes to join our fight. Conor: [becoming increasingly frustrated] Yes, but what do YOU, Caitlin, think? How do YOU feel? Caitlin: Why is this so important to you? Conor: Cat! Stop answering my question with other questions! Caitlin: Fine, how do I feel? I'm happy for you. The strain of being a leader can sometimes be too much to bear so I'm happy that Molly is there to make it more bearable. You need someone to stand beside you -- someone who can be there for you when the battles are over -- someone who will love you -- someone who........ you can love........ [she swallowed hard. sweet Jesus she wished this would be over soon] Conor: Love? Cat, this is a symbolic marriage. Caitlin: I know, but don't you think you could grow to love Molly? She's so beautiful........ Conor: [ he wanted to touch her so badly, he couldn't stop his hand when it moved to stroke her hair] Cat, you're beautiful...... Caitlin: Molly is your wife. I'm sure if you gave her the chance, you could fall in love again -- maybe not like Claire, but it could be enough....... to make you happy. With that, she moved away from Conor and turned so as not to face him When would this be over? No torture had she been subjected to was worse than this. Why didn't he just go away? Conor came up behind Cat and couldn't stop himself from just embracing her. She seemed to melt into his arms. Little did he know she was on the verge of breaking into tears and telling him exactly wwhat he wanted to hear -- that she hated his marriage to Molly -- that she wished she could be in her place, in his bed, in his life -- that the thought of them together made her want to scream from agony. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled her sweet scent. No woman smelled like her. She smelled of woman, raw. She smelled of warrior. It was a heady combination. He was so lost, he did not hear her sigh, but she realized what she'd done and immediately pulled away. She turned to face him. Caitlin: It's getting dark. We should be getting back. Molly's probably worried about you as it is. Conor: Why would she be? Caitlin: She's your wife, Conor? Conor: It's a symbolic marriage, Cat! Caitlin: I know that! and I suppose you symbolize with her every night when you two retire to YOUR tent. Conor, you may not be in love with her yet, but she is your woman and you owe her some consideration. She shouldn't worry needlessly about you. Conor: You're right. I shouldn't cause her unnecessary worry, but answer me this first, why are you so convinced that I will eventually love her? Caitlin: She's exactly what you need, Conor. Conor: You keep saying that, but what do you mean? Caitlin: [exasperated] Conor, at this rate, we'll never make it home and Molly will be worried sick. Conor: Cat.... Suddenly they heard a noise. It sounded like a horse and then suddenly into the clearing appeared a man on a horse. He appeared to be injured. He was practically falling off his horse. Conor and Caitlin ran to his aid. They lowered him from his horse and it was as if this was what this stranger had been waiting for because as soon as they had him on the ground, he fell into unconsciousness. He'd been shot with an arrow. It had gone through his left shoulder. It looked infected. They needed to get him back to the Sanctuary and have the healer see him. They put him back atop his horse except now, Caitlin rode with him. In a short time they reached the Sanctuary and left this stranger in Caitlin's tent with Caitlin and the healer. The healer washed the stranger's wound as well as his face and upon doing so Caitlin realized this was the most handsome man she'd ever seen. He was simply beautiful. She felt herself involuntarily blush at the mere sight of him. The healer had removed the arrow, applied some ointment to it and left him to rest. Caitlin had agreed to keep watch over him tonight. No sacrifice at all considering it was virtually impossible for her to keep her eyes off him. There was something oddly familiar about this man, as if she'd seen him somewhere before. Could she have seen him when she was a slave? Could he be a roman? She prayed he wasn't for she hadn't been sure if he was entirely unconscious on the ride to the sanctuary. Suddenly he moaned and tried to move. She held him down and told him to keep still. His eyes fought to open and when they finally did, he saw Caitlin looking down at him -- worry very apparent in her eyes. Could it be? No, it was impossible! She disappeared when he was still a child, but the resemblance. Could it be? He had to know. Stranger: Caitlin? Caitlin: [visibly surprised] You -- you know me? Stranger: I - I wasn't sure, but yes, your parents died when you were very little and you were taken in by a man who sold you to the romans as a slave. Am I right so far? [Caitlin nodded and so he continued] We searched for you when we learned of this, but there was no sign of you anywhere. [he tried to get up to touch her, but he was still very weak and he fainted from the effort] Caitlin: [walking out of her tent to get the healer, runs into Tully] Tully, do we know anything about this man we found? Tully: We looked through his belongings, but we didn't find anything that helps us. Cat, why do you look so worried? Caitlin: He - He called me by my name. He knows who I am..... Tully: Have you told Conor? Caitlin: No, and I don't want you to either. I want to find out who this man is first. Then we'll talk to Conor. Agreed? Tully: Fine, but I don't like it. Caitlin came back with the healer. She had some choice words for him about trying to move. She then went on and on about men behaving like children when they were ailing. Caitlin couldn't help but smile. As soon as the healer had left, the stranger was again trying to get up. Caitlin quickly moved to his side.... Caitlin: Don't. You heard the healer. You're too weak. Stranger: I'm sorry if I scared you with what I said. You don't remember me, do you? Caitlin: You didn't scare me. Remember? Did we know each other? Stranger: Yes, but we were both children. You are a bit younger than me which would explain why you don't remember us knowing each other -- or the arrangement. Caitlin: Arrangement? I don't understand. Stranger: Caitlin, do you remember your village? from when you were a child? Caitlin: Barely, I was very young when it all happened..... Stranger: Do you remember the neighboring village? Caitlin: No, it's all so long ago. Stranger: Try, it's very important. [he sees Cat's face change as she does remember] Caitlin: Yes--- my village fought with it over--- water? Stranger: Yes, that's it! I am from that village. Your father was the village leader for your village as was mine for our village. It was decided that in order to settle this dispute, their children would be joined -- a union of both villages, to settle all disputes once and for all.... He hasn't noticed it but during this conversation, he's taken a hold of Caitlin's arm. Even though he is hurt, his excitement has given him enough strength to manage a noticeable [to Caitlin] grip on her arm. Caitlin: If that's true, then that means...... [she pulls her arm from his grip, gets up and turns away from him] Stranger: No, Cat, please... I won't hold you to anything! I thought you were dead. We all did. So the promise was forgotten. Those that survived from both our villages finally realized that in order to survive with all these Romans around, they had to work together. So your our fathers' dream came true - even without a marriage between their children. By now Caitlin had come back to the side of the bed. She couldn't even look at him. What he'd told her, she needed time to assimilate. If everything this man said was true, if the Romans hadn't taken her, she'd be this man's wife. She blushed lightly at how that didn't seem like such a preposterous thought. Being this man's wife wouldn't be such a chore.... She looked down and realized that unconsciously, she was holding this man's hand. Stranger: What are you thinking about? Caitlin: I was thinking about what it would have been like if the Romans hadn't happened. Stranger: We'd be married...... Caitlin: Yes, I guess we would. There was a moment of silence. Only the crackle of the fire could be heard. Someone had to say something. This silence was almost deafening. Stranger: You were beautiful as a child. It pleases me to see your beauty hasn't diminished.... Caitlin: You - you think I'm beautiful? Stranger: Yes, you are beautiful Cat..... may I call you Cat? She was taken aback. In the past few hours, this was the second man who'd said that to her. Conor had told her she was beautiful, but yet the way this man said it made her blush to the roots of her hair. He recognized her confusion at this compliment. If she'd been a slave, it was quite unlikely that anyone would have told her she was beautiful, except for moments of some roman's drunken lust.... the thought made him sick. She was so beautiful -- and alive! Caitlin: Yes... Stranger: Yes? Caitlin: Yes, you may call me Cat. [smiling] Good God, she was even more beautiful smiling. Stranger: Thank you, Cat... Caitlin: You should get some rest. I'll sleep here [pointing to some skins she'd arranged into a bed on the other side of the tent, close to the fire]... try to sleep. Stranger: You're right... Cat.... thank you She was alive. This is all that kept ringing in his head. All that time, he'd searched out of a sense of duty to his father; he'd searched for his promised bride. When he had finally convinced himself she was dead -- gone to him forever, here she was. At first, he thought he'd marry this 'Caitlin' woman because it was what his father had wanted before his death. Now she stood before him and that reason was gone. She was beautiful -- she looked like a warrior, but yet, here in her tent, by the firelight, she looked like a defenseless little girl -- so fragile. He wanted to have his strength to comfort her. She looked as if something pained her - but not physical pain. She didn't strike him as a weak woman. No, it was something deeper. She'd been a slave. What had they done to her? Caitlin: Um, you can call me Cat, but what do I call you? Stranger: You can call me Aedan. In the days that followed, Aedan slowly regained his strength. The color returned to his face and Caitlin didn't think it was possible for him to look more handsome, but with each day that passed, he grew more and more handsome. He'd been moved to a different tent, but this didn't stop her from spending several hours of the day with him. Not only did this give her an opportunity to avoid finishing that conversation with Conor, but spending time with Aedan was something she really liked. They spoke of her village. He was a few years older than her so he had more recollection of what her village was like. He told her of her father. He even told her a little about herself - how she'd been quite the mischievous little girl. She laughed. She didn't think she could laugh so hard. When he'd tell her of some of the stories he'd heard of the troubles Caitlin got into as a little girl, she'd blush, but burst out laughing. This man made her feel more human and she had to admit, more woman. After a couple of days, he'd regained enough strength to go out about the Sanctuary. As usual, Caitlin accompanied him. She showed him the practice field. He saw her bow and arrows and asked her if she was any good. Caitlin, being quite proud of her abilities with a bow, said she was. He then admitted, he was quite good as well. She couldn't believe how much in tune she was with him. She found herself more and more looking forward to the time she spent with him. ** Conor stood by the stream. Fergus and Tully were trying to see who's fishing strategy caught the most fish. He laughed. Those two could never stop arguing. Normally Caitlin would be here too -- egging them on, but tonight like most nights now -- she was with HIM. Every time he went to look for her, she was with HIM. She laughed with HIM. He'd never seen her laugh so heartily. When she was with HIM, she practically glowed -- she looked so breathtakingly beautiful. He swallowed hard as he pictured her radiant smile. Then suddenly there it was! Her laughter. She was near. Surely she was with him. He knew he had no right to be jealous. He was, after all, married, but he couldn't help it. He couldn't stand to see this man with Caitlin -- to see him move the hair away from her face when they laughed -- to see him help her mount her horse -- to see him help her dismount her horse. More than once, he'd seen them linger at that moment when she'd reach the ground. He called her 'Cat'. When he heard that the first time, he wanted to throttle the man, but how could he? with what reason? He couldn't believe he was doing this, but he hid behind a tree to watch them as they walked through the forest to a clearing by the river... Aedan: Cat, has anyone told you you look beautiful when you laugh? Caitlin: No Aedan: I find that hard to believe. After all, there are men around here and they're not blind. Caitlin: Mostly everyone here is concerned with the cause and I'm just another warrior. Aedan: You're not just another anything, Cat and I can't believe that no man here has taken notice of your beauty. Caitlin: [blushing] You seem to be the only one who thinks that way. Aedan: Well, then they're all fools. POOR BLIND FOOLS! I think maybe I'll enlighten them.... Caitlin: What do you mean? Aedan: Well, I'm just going to march right on over to the center of the Sanctuary and tell everyone that you're the most beautiful woman these eyes have ever seen! Aedan turns in the direction of the camp and proceeds to walk towards the tents. Caitlin can't believe what he is about to do. Caitlin: Aedan, don't! You can't! She starts to go after him. He runs, they laugh as she wrestles him to the ground. Aedan: I give! Now I know why no man dares to tell you how beautiful you are. You'd near kill them trying to stop them! They laugh some more. Caitlin's grabs her stomach as it aches from the laughter. He gets up and offers his hand to help her up. She takes it, but he pulls her up rather quickly and gathers her in his arms. He holds her close. She can feel his breath on her cheek as he brings his face to touch hers -- a gentle caress. Never has she been this close to a man and not been repulsed. In the past it had been some drunken roman soldier, and then there was Conor that time in Diana's dungeon, but those were special circumstances. This, no this was different. Conor wanted to scream -- to do something. It couldn't happen, but he stood there, paralyzed, speechless. He watched Caitlin soften in this man's embrace - saw her eyes close and he could've sworn he heard a sigh. He felt a knot in his stomach because he knew what would come next. He saw him bring his face around to meet hers -- saw their eyes meet -- then saw him inch forward, saw Cat inch her face back, but then stop herself and move forward. He saw her eyes close.... when his lips touched hers, Conor felt as if a dagger had pierced his heart. He wanted to let out a wail, but nothing, not a sound escaped him. As he saw her tentatively put her arms around his neck, he came to a realization that he didn't think he'd be able to ever accept. Caitlin, whom, at that instant realized he'd considered HIS Caitlin, was no longer his.... He just stood there, unable to move, unable to make a sound as he watched Caitlin open herself up to a man's touch for the first time without fear. It was in that moment that he experienced for the first time the desire to be in someone else's skin. At that moment, he would have given anything to be Aedan -- to be holding Caitlin, to feel her lips..... the pain washed through him and he could feel himself shudder against it. He didn't notice Molly walking up behind him. Molly: Conor? Where have you been? I was worried about you and so I came to look for you. [he doesn't even seem to notice she's there] Conor.... are you hearing me? What are you looking at? Molly looks in the direction that Conor is staring at and her heart sinks. He's mesmerized and obviously deeply pained by the sight of Caitlin and Aedan kissing. Her suspicions were proven true. Conor felt something for Caitlin...... but then why did he marry her? Molly: Conor, don't you think you should give them some privacy? Conor: [startled] Molly! uh - what are you doing here? Molly: I came to see what was keeping you out here and now I see, but I really think you should let them be alone [tugging on his tunic] -- alone, Conor. Conor: I don't like it.... Molly: You don't have to. Caitlin does. Conor, I know that you feel a certain responsibility towards her, but there are some decisions she has to make on her own -- and who she chooses to spend time with is one of them. Now, let's go..... Conor: but she hardly knows him..... we haven't been able to learn anything about him..... Molly: Conor! You're not her da. Let it be... She knew deep in her heart that Conor's concern had nothing to do with protectiveness and all to do with the fear of losing her -- and jealousy. She saw it in his eyes. The spark of jealousy was there, the same spark she'd seen in Caitlin's eyes since they'd returned to the Sanctuary. As they made their way back, they noticed that Caitlin and Aedan were also making their way back to camp, but they'd used a different path. Conor couldn't help but follow the couple with his eyes. Aedan walked Caitlin to her tent and followed her in. Molly looked up at Conor to see his reaction and saw him clench his jaw, close his eyes, and swallow hard -- trying to hide his true feelings from her. At that moment, Tully and Fergus walked up to them. Tully: [looking over in the direction of Caitlin's tent] I don't like it.... Fergus: Aw, come on lad. She's entitled.... [winking at Tully] Tully: I don't argue that, but I still don't like it. Conor sees the concern in Tully's face and hears it in his voice, so he ventures the question Conor: What is it you don't like? Fergus: Ignore him, lad, he's just jealous! Conor: What is it, Tully? Tully: He's got her at a disadvantage.... Conor: Explain yourself.... Tully: He knows her.... he knew her before she became a slave... Molly: Are you sure? Tully: Yes, she asked me not to say anything to you Conor.... Conor: It's all right Tully. What else has she told you? Tully: I don't want to betray her trust.... Fergus: Out with it, lad! Molly: Calm down da. Tully, if he represents danger for Caitlin, then we need to know so that we may help her. She's obviously taken with him so she can't see things clearly. Tully: Well of course she's taken with him. She was supposed to be his wife, after all. Fergus: Wife?! You better have an explanation for that one, lad. Tully: I'll explain. From what Cat's told me, her father was the leader of her village and Aedan's father was the leader of a neighboring village. These two villages fought over water.... ** [back in Caitlin's tent] Aedan: Are they still out there? Caitlin: Yes, they're gathered by the fire. Caitlin moves away from the entrance to her tent. She can't believe they're still out there. She feels she has to explain their actions to Aedan. Caitlin: [blushing] They're not used to this. I'm not used to this. Aedan: Not used to what? To seeing you with a man? Have they really never seen this? Caitlin: I---- I've never let any man get near me since I was freed. They know that, so they're a little protective. Aedan: I'd say a little over protective. Caitlin: They mean well. Aedan: What about Conor? Caitlin: Conor -- he freed me. So he feels he has a responsibility to protect me from everything -- and everyone. Aedan: That's not exactly what I meant. I thought you two were.... The look in his eyes gives away what he's thinking and Caitlin sees and reacts immediately... Caitlin: No, never. He's married -- to Molly. You remember her? You met her. She's Fergus's daughter. Aedan: Yes, I met her, but from my understanding, they were only recently married -- and it's a symbolic marriage at that. Caitlin: Symbolic or not, he's married now. Aedan: and before? Caitlin: Before? Aedan: Before he married Molly -- symbolic or not -- were you and he? [lovers! he stops himself before saying the word] Caitlin: No! Like I told you before, I haven't let any man get close to me since I was freed. Aedan: I thought that with Conor things were different. Caitlin: Different? In what way? Aedan: Cat, you know what I'm asking. I'm not blind. I see the way he looks at you and I see the way you look at him. Was there or is there anything between you two? Caitlin: There is nothing between us! He's married! Aedan: What about BEFORE? Caitlin: Why is this so important to you? Aedan walks up to Caitlin and takes her into his arms forcefully. She tries to get him to let her go, but he won't, Aedan: Can't you see? I need to know. Cat, in the time I've been here, you've entered my heart. [this was going to be awkward, but he needed to say it] I don't know what's going on with me, but I can't stop thinking about you. When I wake up in the morning, I can't wait to see you. When I go to sleep, I dream of YOU, Cat. When I see the way Conor looks at you, I want to throttle him because I don't want another man to look at you that way. Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you? Caitlin turned away from him. She didn't know what to say. No man had ever said such things to her. Yes it was awkward and half angry, but she saw in his eyes that this was the absolute truth. Caitlin: Yes, I think I do. She knew only too well what that felt like. It was the way she felt about the way Molly looked at Conor. Aedan: Then Cat, please answer my question. Caitlin: No Aedan: Cat, please! Caitlin: I'm not finished. No, not now, not before, never. Aedan closed his eyes. He could not believe the relief he felt at this admission or rather at this non-admission. He knew a big part of Caitlin's heart belonged to Conor, but if nothing had ever been said between them, he still had a chance to win her heart. Aedan: Do you love him? That question came out of nowhere. She was not prepared for it. Caitlin: I just told you -- never. Aedan: Nothing has ever been said between you two, but I'm asking YOU, Cat, do you love him? [he sees Caitlin hesitate] Don't be afraid you'll hurt me with your answer. Just answer me. Caitlin: Yes He stood there not saying a word for what seemed like an eternity. She wished to God Aedan would just say something, anything. This silence was almost deafening. She knew he was hurting. She had little experience with men, but his face betrayed him. On it, she could see pain. Caitlin: I'm sorry.... Aedan: You have nothing to be sorry for, Cat. I asked you to be honest with me and you were. Can I ask you something else? Caitlin: Anything Aedan: You told me you hadn't let any man touch you since you were freed, right? [Caitlin nodded] You love Conor, but even he hasn't touched you, right? [she nodded again] Then what happened back there? Caitlin: I don't know. I can't explain it. No man has ever been with me the way you are. No man has ever said to me the things you do. No man has ever been gentle with me. [her voice went down to a whisper, but even still he could hear her voice cracking] He went up to her and held her in his arms. He could feel her trembling. He knew Caitlin was a strong woman. There was no questioning that, but there were moments when the memories of her time as a slave were stronger than her. This was one of those moments. Caitlin sobbed in his arms. He doubted she ever let anyone see her like this. She didn't understand what it was about this man that let her be so open with him. With everyone else, she guarded her emotions like a fortress, but with Aedan, she let him see what was in her heart -- all of it. Not even with Conor was she so open. She tried to pull herself away, to regain composure, but when she looked up, she saw tears streaming down his cheeks. Now it was she who took his face in her hands and slowly brought her lips to his. As their lips touched, she tasted his tears on her lips as he did hers. He couldn't believe she was kissing him. In this moment of pain -- pain for his beloved Caitlin -- when he should be comforting her, she was instead kissing away his tears. He held her closer to him as they kissed. She was opening herself to him. He could feel her overcoming her fear, her embarassment. When she pulled him even closer still, he felt his heart leap in his chest. How could such a sad and painful moment turn so joyous for him in a heartbeat? It was Caitlin, strictly Caitlin. When they finally separated, she looked up at him. She looked into his eyes and didn't see lust or twisted desire. She saw warmth. She hugged him yet again and buried her face under his chin. He in turn kissed her hair. Aedan: I should go now, Cat. That is, before your friends come in and drag me out. [with that he smiled] Caitlin: [smiling] They won't -- or they'll have me to deal with! Aedan: Are you saying you want me to stay? Caitlin: [realizing what would come with him 'staying'] I'm not sure if I'm ready to.... Aedan: Nothing has to happen, Cat. Please don't worry about that. With that, Caitlin took his hand and led him to her bed. Aedan sat down and she bent down to remove his boots. Aedan, immediately picked her up. Aedan: No, Cat. You don't have to do that. Caitlin looked down at the ground dejected. He hadn't realized that he's said that rather emphatically. Caitlin didn't know what to make of it. Aedan: You're not a slave anymore Cat. With that, he sat her on the bed and proceeded to remove her boots and to loosen her hair and brush it. A tear rolled down her cheek. She never imagined any man could be so gentle and good to her. After this, Caitlin got up and proceeded to change into her sleeping clothes. Aedan removed his tunic and loosened his pants a bit and slipped into the bed and under the skins. Caitlin wore a small tunic. The way she walked towards the bed showed him instantly that he had no idea just how beautiful she looked with her hair loosened and clad in only a tunic. He moved over to the other side to give her room. She put out her lantern and coyly, got into bed and under the skins. He put his arms around her and before she knew it, she was asleep. ** Outside the tent, Conor, Fergus and Tully were becoming impatient wondering just how long Aedan would remain in Caitlin's tent. Conor finally had had enough and was just about to make his way to Caitlin's tent when they saw the light go out in her tent. He froze. Fergus and Tully exchanged glances and immediately looked at Conor. Tully: I think we should all go to bed. Don't you agree Fergus? Fergus: Aye, [to Conor] come on, lad. It's late and this old man needs rest. Molly's waiting for you. Conor: What if he's doing something to her? Fergus: Go to bed, Conor. Conor: [starting to walk towards Cailtin's tent] I'm not going before I make sure he hasn't done anything to her. Fergus: [grabbing Conor by the arm] Don't dare, lad. Conor: Fergus, don't you see? He could be doing something to her! Fergus realized somebody had to say it so it may as well be him. He started to say something, but Tully cut in. Tully: and maybe they don't want to be interrupted, Conor! [looking at Fergus] You've got a wife in your tent waiting for you. Leave Caitlin alone! Conor: What is that supposed to mean? Tully: You can't have both Conor! You married Molly. Let Caitlin find her own life! Conor runs towards Tully as if to punch him, but Fergus stops him. He knows Tully wouldn't fight back, but the look in Conor's eyes made Fergus fear for what he'd do to Tully. Ah, Tully, he'd dared to tell Conor what he, himself, hadn't had the nerve to do. Fergus: Tully go! Tully: See if you can't talk some sense into him. Conor: Let me go! Fergus: [letting Conor go] Tully's right. You need to let her be. Conor: I can't. Fergus: [swinging Conor around to face him. He could see the torment on the lad's face. He felt for him, but he knew he had to be firm.] You can't or you won't? Conor: I won't? Explain yourself, Fergus. Fergus: Don't answer my question with another question, lad. You know perfectly well, what I'm saying, but if you need it said straight out -- I think you don't WANT to leave Caitlin be because of the way you feel about her. Conor: Cat's a great warrior, but she knows little of the world -- of men, except what she knew as a slave. It'd be very easy for a man to enchant her with soft words.... Fergus: Lad, come on! This is me you're talking to, Conor. You don't want Aedan near Caitlin because you want Caitlin for yourself! Conor: That's not true! Fergus: Do ya think that because I'm Molly's father I'm blind to the way you look at Caitlin? I see it, lad! Conor: You're mad old man. You're seeing things. Fergus: Don't lie to me Conor. Admit it, if not to me, then to yourself. You want Caitlin! Conor: No! [he became silent suddenly. Fergus could see the young man debating whether or not to continue] Fergus: Come on, finish it. What are you going to say? [still Conor remains silent and it suddenly dawned on Fergus that Conor's feelings went beyond simple desire or attraction] Conor: I-- Fergus: You -- love her. Don't you? Conor had not wanted to get into this conversation -- least of all with his wife's father, but Fergus was the closest thing he had to a da and he really needed to talk to someone or he was sure he'd go mad. He knew that his silence was acceptance of what Fergus had just said and he knew that this had to hurt Fergus. He was, after all, Molly's father. Conor: Yes Fergus, put one hand on Conor's shoulder, gave him a gentle shake and made his way towards his tent, leaving the young prince standing alone by the fire outside Caitlin's tent. ** Molly couldn't sleep. She'd gotten used to Conor being next to her and now he wasn't. What made matters worse was that she knew where Conor was. He was standing outside Caitlin's tent, wondering and agonizing over what was occuring inside. They'd been married a little over two months and in that time, yes, he'd made her his woman, but she knew, deep inside herself, that this man was not hers. It hurt her to see him looking at Caitlin from afar. It hurt her to see the gazes they sent each other's way. She could see pain in their eyes -- unspoken pain. As far as she knew, nothing was ever said between Conor and Caitlin. Their pain came from what might have been but never was -- never was because of her. Did Conor resent her for it? She didn't know. It was this that tormented her -- especially tonight. He'd been good at hiding his feelings for Caitlin from her, but tonight they were written all over his face. She doubted even he realized how obvious they were tonight. Conor very quietly entered the tent. Molly pretended to be asleep. She knew he didn't want to talk, nor did she want to start a conversation that would yield revelations she wasn't ready to deal with. Conor removed his tunic and his pants and climbed into bed. He tried to sleep, but he couldn't. His mind was in Caitlin's tent. 'What are they doing?' was all that would ring in his head. He tried closing his eyes, but when he did, he could picture them. He saw Aedan kissing Caitlin, touching her everywhere. He saw her not resist, saw her give herself willingly to him, saw her eyes glaze over with passion -- her eyes, those beautiful eyes he loved to gaze into -- were lit with passion for Aedan, for Aedan!!!! He'd never felt such rage. He felt himself tremble with it. Everything in him wanted to run into Caitlin's tent and beat that man to a bloody pulp. He wanted to take Caitlin into his arms and tell her he wouldn't allow any man to touch her because she belonged to him, but she didn't. He wanted to scream. He felt Molly shift next to him and lay her arm against his stomach. Molly.... he felt pangs of guilt instantly. It washed over him slowly but surely. Tully was right. He'd married Molly. He needed to leave Caitlin to find her life. Conor: [in a whisper] Caitlin, why didn't I...? Molly shifted again and he snapped back to reality for a second, but as soon as he'd assured himself that she was still asleep, he re-immersed himself in his thoughts, in his torment. It was a little after sunrise. Conor was up. He put on his blue tunic and headed towards the river. When he got to the river, he expected to find Caitlin. They were usually the first two up, but today, Caitlin wasn't there. Instead, he saw Aedan heading towards the river a few paces ahead of him. Aedan, sensed the young prince behind him and turned. Aedan: Conor Conor: Aedan Aedan: [he saw all the questions in the younger man's face; he knew he couldn't answer all, but he figured he'd answer the most urgent] I mean her no harm. Conor: [he felt like a child. was he really that obvious?] Caitlin's a grown woman. She can make her own choices. Aedan: I'm glad you understand that. There was an uncomfortable silence between them. Aedan could only imagine what Conor was going through. He couldn't imagine, now, thinking of Caitlin with another man. It would drive him mad. He saw the look in Conor's eyes, even though the young man was trying his hardest to appear normal. He needed to say something to him, but wasn't sure what to say. Aedan: I think I understand how you feel. [he tried to stop those words. he knew it was the wrong thing to say, but they just came flying out] Conor looked at him with a look that was a combination of rage and disgust. 'How dare he?' thought Conor. He couldn't possibly understand what was going on inside him. Conor: You can't. Aedan: [the look Conor had just given him piqued his temper despite his efforts to contain himself] You had your chance. Now you're married. Leave her alone. Conor: Or what? [all he needed was an excuse to throttle the man] With this, Aedan moved to stand directly in front of Conor. They were both about the same height, but Aedan was of a tougher build. A fight between these two would have been a sight to see. Their eyes locked onto each other, jaws clenched. Seconds passed in what seemed to be an eternity when suddenly the silence was broken by Tully who'd been witness to this encounter and thought now was the appropriate time to intervene. Tully: Conor! Conor: [turning to find Tully] What is it? Tully: We're waiting for you. Conor: Waiting? Tully: To go out hunting. Come on! Conor didn't want Tully apprised of what had just happened here. Little did he know Tully had witnessed the whole confrontation. Conor: [turning to face Aedan, locking eyes with him again] This isn't over. He left Aedan standing by the river. This had not gone as he had planned. Aedan had hoped the prince would not be confrontational, but he understood the young man. If he were in Conor's position, he'd have killed any man who dared to steal his beloved's heart. ** Caitlin awoke. She instinctively reached over for Aedan, but felt nothing. She raised her head. He was gone. Had she dreamt the whole thing? She sat up in the bed, looked around. She saw the light coming into her tent and realized it was much later than sunrise. Where was Aedan? She got up and then saw them -- the beautiful flowers Aedan had left for her on the small table in her tent. She picked them up and brought them to her face to inhale their sweet scent. They were like the ones Conor had given her once -- Conor.... why did he always have to enter her thoughts? After dressing, she ventured out of her tent. She hesitated for a minute. She could hear the Sanctuary in full activity outside her tent. She wondered what would be said. It was certain that Aedan sleeping in her tent had not gone unnoticed. She took a deep breath and stepped out. The day was a beautiful one. It was late, but still not the time she usually went to practice. So she went to the river. As she got to the river, she saw Aedan there. A sudden wave of embarassment washed over her. She wanted to turn around and leave, but he turned just in time to see her. Aedan: Cat! Caitlin: [coming up to stand next to him, but not looking directly at him] When I woke this morning, you weren't there. Why? Aedan: I didn't want to make you uncomfortable. I -- I wasn't sure if you wouldn't regret your decision in the light of day..... Have you? Caitlin: [blushing lightly. she was doing a lot of this lately and she couldn't understand what it was about Aedan that made her do so] No, I haven't. Aedan: [turning to face her] I'm glad With that, he took her face into his hands and gently kissed her lips. She quickly pulled away and looked around. Aedan: What's wrong? Caitlin: Someone could see us Aedan: There's nobody here. [he knew who 'someone' was and as hard as he tried to stop his mouth, his emotions were faster] Conor left with Tully and Fergus this morning, if that's who you're worried about. Caitlin looked at the ground. He'd seen right through her. She could see the pain mixed with anger in his eyes. Caitlin: [trying to move past this] Did they say when they'd be back? Aedan: [he couldn't believe how jealous he felt which would probably explain why his emotions seemed to be ruling what he said] Why? So you can wait here for Conor when he returns and give him a proper explanation? assure him nothing happened between us last night in your tent? Caitlin turned to leave. Aedan grabbed her by the arm and swung her around to face him. When he saw Caitlin's face, he realized he'd grabbed her rather forcefully because right now she looked furious. Caitlin: What's wrong with you? What's gotten into you? Aedan released Caitlin and turned away from her. He had to get a hold on his emotions -- on his jealousy if he hoped to win her over. He turned again towards her. Aedan: I'm sorry. It's just that knowing you love Conor... Caitlin: [cutting in] You asked me to be honest with you and I was Aedan: I know, but then this morning I see him and he looks fit to kill me and here you are asking about him, where he is and when he'll be back and I--- Caitlin put her finger to his lips and brought her lips to his for a tender kiss. It was meant to be tender, but Aedan turned it into a passionate kiss, pulling her tight against his body, caressing her back, prying her mouth open gently. When this happened, he felt Caitlin stiffen. She was afraid so he let her go. Aedan: I -- I didn't mean to frighten you. I'm sorry. Caitlin said nothing. She didn't know what to say. She wasn't sure what had just happened. Aedan's kiss had frightened her, but at the same time, she felt a strange sensation. She wasn't sure, but in a way, she'd liked it. She was too confused and he was standing right there in front of her. This didn't make things easier. She turned and walked away. She'd walked a few paces when she turned to Aedan Caitlin: You didn't -- frighten me. With that, she turned and continued to walk back to the camp. It was just past sunset. Night was just beginning to set in when Tully, Fergus, and Conor returned from their impromptu hunting expedition. They'd had no luck at hunting so they'd tried fishing. Conor laughed as Fergus and Tully argued as to who had caught more fish. As they walked towards the center of the camp, he tried to find Caitlin, but he didn't see her. Where was she? He parted company with Tully and Fergus and made his way to the river again. He knew Caitlin and this was one of her favourite spots. He had ccome to think of this as 'their' place for it had been here that they'd most of their best talks -- she'd told him of her past; he'd told her of his family, even of Claire. As he neared it, sure enough, there she was staring out at the water. Sweet Brigit, could anything be more beautiful? He reached out and touched her hair. Caitlin felt the hand on her hair, but mistakenly thought it was Aedan. Smiling she turned to face him. Caitlin: [visibly surprised] Conor! You're back. Conor: You were expecting someone else? Caitlin: No, I just thought --- Conor: You thought I was HIM? He'd been able to block these thoughts all day, but with Caitlin right here in front of him, looking so beautiful, the anger, jealousy all resurfaced and with a vengeance. He could feel his face become hot and was grateful for the cover of night to hide this fact. Conor: Answer me, Cat. Did you think I was Aedan? Were you waiting for him HERE? Caitlin: No I just came here to think for a while. Conor: Think about what: what happened in your tent last night? Is that what you were thinking about? [he was near yelling; he clenched his hands into fists at his sides; he could feel himself tremble from the anger; he tried to stop his words, his anger, but he couldn't stop himself] Caitlin turned away from him. She could see the rage in his face and was frightened by it. She'd seen this look a few times and it was usually in the heat of battle, but there was no battle here -- at least not with the romans. Conor: [grabbing Caitlin's arm and swinging her around to face him] Answer me! Caitlin had had enough. Who did these men think they were? What gave them the right to grab her and shake her at their will? She wasn't a slave anymore. She didn't have to tolerate this. Caitlin: Let go! Conor: No! Caitlin: Let go! I'm warning you, Conor! Conor pulled her tight against him. She felt his breath, hot on her face. She could feel his heart pounding fiercely in his chest probably as fiercely as hers was pounding at that very moment. His breathing was choppy and she thought she felt him shaking. Conor: Warning me? If I don't let go, what will you do? [he hissed these words at her -- never had he felt so out-of-control] Suddenly, with all the rage that was inside her, she threw all her weight into Conor and threw him to the ground. Conor was just as angry and turned her over onto her back and pinned her down. They wrestled. Caitlin struggled futilely. Conor was stronger than her and enraged, she thought he'd probably be stronger than Fergus. She quit her struggle. Tears of frustration began to well up in Caitlin's eyes. Tears of anger, and pain. Conor saw these and softened his grip on her arms, but still kept her pinned to the ground. She saw her tears mirrored in his own eyes; saw her pain staring right back at her - only it was coming from those beautiful brown eyes, which right now looked about as tortured as her heart felt. She wanted nothing more than to tell Conor to never let her go, but she knew this could not be. Caitlin: Let go, Conor. [she said that in almost a whisper] Tears of frustration, anger, pain, agony had welled up in Conor's eyes as well. It had taken him so long to realize what he felt for her and now he held her in his arms right now, felt her trembling beneath him, but there was nothing he could do about it. He was married and to make matters worse, here was Aedan and she was not indifferent to him and HE wasn't married. Conor: I can't, Cat. I --- Caitlin: [knowing what he was about to say, afraid that if he said it, she'd never be able to let him go] Conor, don't... Conor closed his eyes and rested his forehead on Caitlin's forehead and let out a sigh. It was a sigh of torment. Here he held her so close and yet she was out of his reach. She put her hands around his face and put his head against her chest. She couldn't bear to look into his eyes any longer. They reflected her own pain. They stayed that way, holding each other for a while -- until Caitlin had assured herself Conor was asleep. Caitlin: [whispering into his ear] Nothing happened. With that, Caitlin lightly brushed her lips against his, being careful not to wake him, picked herself up and made her way back to camp. Caitlin made her way back to her tent. She hadn't seen Aedan, and she rreall didn't want to right now. She didn't think she could even look him in the eye after what had just happened with Conor, but why? He knew how she felt. Why did she feel so guilty? Whatever the reason, she did and it weighed on her mind so much that when she first entered her tent, she didn't notice Aedan sitting at her small table. When she finally realized, she almost jumped out of her skin. Caitlin: Aedan! You startled me. Why were you sitting here in the dark? Aedan: I was waiting for you. I wanted to talk to you. Caitlin: [lighting a fire] Is something wrong? Aedan: [he couldn't stand it anymore, so he just said it] I saw you. Caitlin: Saw me? Aedan: I saw you -- and Conor -- by the river.... I was going there to see if maybe I could find you... and that's when I saw you two. Caitlin suddenly went silent and looked away. He could see the anxiety in her face. She didn't want to hurt him. That was obvious just by looking at her. Caitlin: What did you see? Aedan: Everything Caitlin: Then you saw that nothing happened. Aedan: I disagree, Cat. Something very significant happened. Conor told you he loves you. Caitlin: [defensively] He said no such thing. Aedan: Cat, I couldn't help but hear. He may not have said 'I love you' in so many words, but he didn't have to. He loves you Cat. You can't tell me you don't see that. Caitlin was completely confused at this point. Here was Aedan, who , had admitted he cared for her, telling her that Conor loved her; Conor - his rival.... She didn't understand it at all. Caitlin: I don't know what I see, Aedan. I also don't understand you. I -- I -- I thought you.... well, I thought you .... Why would you be telling me Conor loves me when he hasn't done it himself? especially knowing how I feel? Aedan: I do, Cat. I care more than you can imagine.... I -- [taking a deep breath] I love you, Cat. Caitlin: Now I'm completely confused.... Aedan: I know. I love you [it was such a relief to finally have said it] and because I do, I want your happiness. Conor loves you and you told me you love him.... Caitlin: He's married. Aedan: Symbolic marriage, Cat. Caitlin: He's taken her, Aedan. [she closed her eyes when she said that and Aedan could see that this hurt her] Aedan: Yes, but he doesn't love her. Caitlin: That makes no difference, Aedan. I couldn't do that to Molly. Aedan: Then what are you going to do? Are you resolved to giving up Conor? Caitlin: How can I give up something that was never mine? Aedan: Are you resolved? [this was his chance and he had to take it] Caitlin: [looking at him, quite confused] Yes [she said almost in a whisper, this hurt her so much] Aedan: Then let's leave, Cat. You and me, we'll leave. Conor will think we've left 'together' and he'll understand that you and he are an impossibility. [he almost held his breath after he said it; he had to remind himself mentally to breathe while he awaited her answer] Caitlin: Leave? She had never thought of leaving. The Sanctuary was all she knew. Her whole life was here. Her friends were here. She'd come to think of the inhabitants of the Sanctuary as her family. Conor was here. Even though she knew he was out of her reach, she could at least see him.... Aedan: You don't have to answer now, Cat. Think about it. If you are resolved to living without Conor, then say yes, but please think it through. She saw that this hurt him. She could see the pain in his eyes. She smiled at him, despite her pain. Never had she seen or felt love this pure, this unselfish. Caitlin: When you say that Conor will think we left together, are you saying we won't? Aedan: [taking her hands into his] Nothing would make me happier than for you to leave 'with' me to go somewhere to start a life together, but that is something you must decide for yourself, because you want to -- not just because it'd be a way to keep Conor away. As far as Conor is concerned, if you decide to leave, you will have left 'with' me, but as soon as we reach my village, you are free to go wherever you please -- or stay. Caitlin hugged him tightly to her. She didn't think she could possibly be more confused, but yet she was. She didn't know what was going on inside her. She 'loved' Conor. She was sure of that, but yet, she felt something for Aedan. She'd let him touch her -- something she hadn't let anyone do and when he did, it was like her stomach was filled with butterflies and she could honestly remember trembling. Aedan: Cat? Caitlin: I'm sorry. It's late... Aedan: Yes, I should let you rest.... Think about what I've said. With that, he gave her a small embrace. She walked him outside. He turned to leave and she held his arm. He turned around to face her. She gazed up into his eyes and he thought he knew what she wanted, so he lowered his face ever so slowly to hers and when she didn't back away or turn away, he gently brushed his lips against hers. She lingered on his lips. She liked the way they felt against hers. It was as if her mind was in a haze. She couldn't understand why she was doing this.When she felt him start to pull away, she moved forward to silently tell him she didn't want this kiss to be so brief. He was confused and wary. He didn't want to ruin this wonderful moment. Cautiously, he put his arm on her waist. When she didn't pull back, he wrapped his arm fully around her waist to bring her closer to him. His heart nearly leapt out of his chest when he felt Caitlin bring her arms up to embrace him and run her fingers through his hair. He wanted to gently pry her mouth open, but remembered her hesitation the last time he tried, but this time she was different, so he dared. With his thumb on her chin, he gently nudged her chin downward and to his amazement, she didn't resist. Good God, she was sweet! When their tongues touched, he heard a wimper, felt her stiffen, but then in a heartbeat, felt her soften in his arms and when she let out a sigh, he thought his heart would come right out of his chest. She couldn't understand what was happening, but she liked it. Aedan was so different. She could feel his passion. That she could sense from the increasing warmth of his body and from his kisses, but yet he was controlled -- so unlike Conor and he was gentle with her. Everything was about HER -- again, so unlike Conor. She felt his body getting increasingly warm and his kisses becoming frantic and she realized the same thing was happening to her. This had to stop, but she couldn't bring herself to pull away. Tully came out from the other side of her tent. Tully, being Tully, was already speaking before realizing that Caitlin was 'busy'. Tully: Caitlin, Are you.... oh Aedan and Caitlin jumped and she was grateful that something had stopped them. She worried about what might've happened. Caitlin: Tully! Tully: Oh, I'm sorry. I -- I didn't know... [he was visibly embarassed] Caitlin: It's all right, Tully.... don't worry. Did you want to talk to me about something? Tully: It's not really important. I can come back tomorrow. Aedan: [He could see that what had just happened had rattled Caitlin and he didn't want to frighten her] No, don't worry, Tully. It's late and I should be going to bed so I'll leave Cat with you. Good night, Cat. [before turning to leave, he gave Caitlin one last peck on the lips and then turned and left] Tully: [grinning broadly] I really didn't mean to interrupt... Caitlin: Don't worry, really. Now come in. Tully: Caitlin, can I ask you something? Caitlin: Of course. Tully: What's going on between you and Aedan? Caitlin: [taking a deep breath and letting it out] I don't know, Tully. I don't know. Tully: You don't know? or You don't want to tell me? Caitlin: [sighing] No, Tully, I really don't know. Tully: Come on, Caitlin. This is me you're talking to. Caitlin: [smiling at him; she really couldn't keep anything from him. he was her confidante] All right, I -- I like him. Tully: [arching his eyebrows in feigned surprise, but with a wicked grin] Like? What I just saw looked like a lot more than like... Caitlin blushed at that remark. It just dawned on her what it must've looked like to Tully. He must've been genuinely surprised -- shocked even. No one had ever seen Caitlin 'with' a man and then to see her -- the way he'd seen her, must be very intriguing. Caitlin: [looking down at her feet; she was so embarassed she couldn't even look at him] Yeah, I guess I REALLY like him.... She brought her eyes up to his and couldn't stop herself from bursting into laughter. Tully laughed as well. He was amazed. Caitlin giggled -- he'd never heard her giggle -- never thought her capable of it. She seemed to tortured to actually be able to experience the pure carefree joy necessary to giggle, but here she was giggling. Tully: Cat, has anyone ever told you you look beautiful when you laugh? Caitlin: [wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes] As a matter of fact, Tully, yes - today in fact... Tully: Aedan? Caitlin: How did you ever guess? Tully: I'm a man of magic, or did you forget? Caitlin: [putting her hand on her young friend's cheek] No, you have the magic that makes me forget everything and be happy. Tully: I think Aedan seems to have that magic too. Caitlin: [silent for a few seconds] Yes, I think you're right. He's very special... Tully: [he knew what he was about to ask would wipe that smile off her face, but he had to do it] Cat, what about Conor? As expected, Caitlin's smile disappeared and a look of concern took over her face. She turned away from Tully. She didn't want him to see the confusion and anxiety in her face, but he came around to stand in front of her. Tully: Cat? Caitlin: I heard you. Tully: Well? Caitlin: What about Conor? Tully: Cat, don't answer my question with my own question. Caitlin: [she could hear the slight frustration in his voice, but it was mostly concern she heard in it] I'm sorry.... Conor.... he -- he -- Aedan thinks he loves me. Tully: Aedan thinks who loves you? Him or Conor? Caitlin: Conor Tully: And he told you this? Caitlin: Yeah, that's one of the wonderful things about him. He wants my happiness above all. Tully: [hesitantly] Then -- then he knows how you feel about Conor? Caitlin: Yes Tully hadn't really known what to make of Aedan, but he had to admit to himself that Caitlin's admission had left him with quite a good impression of Aedan. He was unselfish. He was being completely honest with Caitlin and wanted her happiness above all. Tully: [back to the more pressing issue] Why does he think Conor loves you? Caitlin: He saw us... by the river. Conor and I were arguing -- then we started fighting [she saw the immediate flash of concern in Tully's eyes] -- nothing serious, but he threw me to the ground and .... he wanted to tell me .... how he felt -- but I didn't let him. Tully: Why? Caitlin: What good would it do, Tully? He's married and he's going to remain that way for at least a year -- and then what if Molly is with child by the time the year is over? Should he leave her alone to raise a child because he wants to follow some fool- hearted passion? No, Tully! Tully: But what if he does indeed love you? Should he remain bonded to a woman he doesn't love? Caitlin: I - I don't know, Tully. I don't know anything anymore. Tully: Does this confusion have anything to do with Aedan? Caitlin: It has EVERYTHING to do with Aedan! <> TO BE CON'T