~Marcus with the group in the Great Hall ~<br/><br/>His toast completed, Marcus had watched and listened as some of the others spoke while the rest just raised their glasses.  It was Bo’s words that made the greatest impact on his heart, causing it to stutter briefly before continuing.  Thanks to those that brought them together would have been enough for Marcus, especially since no one knew his involvement in that, but the words that followed said even more.  A brotherhood…….it was a simple word yet resonating with such power, such conviction, that it grabbed at Marcus hard and wouldn’t let go.  An only child, he had never experienced a brotherhood among siblings but he got to feel its power in college when he played football.  That feeling had been lost once he’d entered the business world and he had no idea how much he’d truly missed it until those words were uttered.<br/><br/>He raised his glass in salute to the wisdom of his newfound friend, his eyes seeking out the women and nodding to each in turn, his way of acknowledging how much each meant to him in such a short time.  Tool’s words added to the resounding message of what might be, spoken in his special Irish brogue and spirit that Marcus had grown to appreciate already.  Their toasts done, the six enjoyed a quiet moment of respite, simply luxuriating in the company of each other.  The magic was soon broken though as Angus stepped forward and made himself known.<br/><br/>After mentioning that dinner was ready, the man next gave clear and concise instructions about what would occur, and what was expected of them, in the next two days.  Marcus listened attentively because he knew nothing about this; he’d specifically told Angus to set the first few days up however he saw fit and not to tell him.  That way, he’d be just as surprised as everyone else in the beginning.  When Angus finally left, Marcus watched everyone for a moment and then spoke.  “Well, I don’t know about everyone else but I’m pretty famished.”  Turning to Bo and Tool, he smiled.  “Guys, since this is our first night together, what do you say we make this a little special by seating the ladies like proper gentlemen?”  Seeing that his idea was well received, Marcus turned and led the way into the dining room, hopes for a bright future high on his mind.<br/>