Duncan turned and saw Arabela running up to be met by Alana.  He chuckled at the way the sister looked down at the men undressing.  Alana got her sister turned around and marched her back towards the house.  He then turned his attention back to shedding his clothing and marching into the cold water of the stream.  It was not ice cold like those in the Highland but still it was not like a good hot bath where one could relax and let their sore muscles relax.  Angus and the others were already washing and splashing water at each other.  Duncan took a large bar of soap and began to scrub his entire body.  Even if the water was cold, it felt good to rid himself of the sweat, and dirt that had attached itself to his body.  But because the water was cold their baths were not long.  Enough time to clean themselves good and hurry out to dry off and put on clean clothes.  The warm air helped warm them as they gathered up their things and belted on their weapons.  They quickly took their clothes to the stream and washed them the best they could.  The made their way to the bar and hung the clothes to dry so they could be packed up in the morning when they were dry.  They then headed over to the house and Duncan knocked on the door.<br/><br/>Cirus opened it and let them in.  At a large wood table his wife was placing the food on it.  A hearty stew, with fresh bread and fresh baked pies.  The smell of the food was heavenly and Duncan's stomach growled with anticipation.  He looked over at Angus who he knew could eat for two men looking at the food with greedy eyes.  "Mind ye manners Angus.  This not be the castle and we be guests here."<br/><br/>Angus looked at Duncan a hungry look on his face, but he nodded and took a seat at the table as did Duncan and the others.  When all were seated.  Cirus gave a short prayer of thanks for the food and then his wife began serving up the food and passing it around.  The stew was hot and savory full of meat and vegtables.  The bread seemed to melt in his mouth.  It was a good meal, better then what they had made on their way there.  While they ate, Cirus' wife looked over at Duncan and asked.  "What will me daughter's duties be when ye be married."  Cirus looked over at his wife a stern look on his face.  It was evident he didn't like her asking such questions.<br/><br/>Duncan smiled and nodded his head to her.  "Well once we are wed, she will be the Lady McCloud and take over the duties of me mother.  She will be in charge of the servants, making sure they are doing their work.  She be informing the cooks what to prepare for meals and when we be having guests, making arrangements for their stay and assigning servents to take care of them.  She also will be going with me when I go out through the clan's lands to visit the farmers and people to see if they need anything to make their lives good.  There be plenty of time for her to be riding talking with the people of the town and once a month she be sitting with me as I hear complaints from our people and make judgement.  She will be there to advise me on what she thinks on the matters.  Me father had me mother sitting by his side doing this.  He felt a woman had  insight on things that a man might not and valued here thoughts, as I will."<br/><br/>Alana's mother's eyes widened, "A castle?  Servants?"  Even Arabela's mouth dropped and her eyes went wide. They never had thought about such things or that there would be such things with the arranged marriage.  Cirus to looked stunned.<br/><br/>"I know ye probably think ye will never see your daughter again, but she be free to come visit here anytime she pleases and ye be welcome to visit as well anytime ye wish.  Ye will be part of the McCloud clan.  Any of your clan will be welcome to come and visit and trade as I hope the McClouds will be welcomed here.  If there be trouble with another clan or anyone else, I will send men to help sort things out and fight for ye if need be.  This I think is want the King wants."<br/><br/>When the meal was done and the pies ate, The Highlanders stood and thanked Cirus' wife for such a delicious meal.  "We will turn in for we will be leaving early in the morning to make some distance."  he told Cirus.  "Will ye walk with me back to the Barn?"  he asked Alana.  "Ye can tell me some about ye self."