As soon as Gregory mentioned Professor McKnight's reputation, Cara took it as an open invitation, all but babbling about the Professor's contributions in his field. Gordon McKnight had made a life's work of piecing together the pre-christian history and way of life for the Celts, Picts, and even Vikings who had settled and lived around the Highlands centuries ago. She found it all fascinating - even though she herself was Irish, there were enough historical connections between the two islands to make it feel a bit like her own history as well. She was, however, surprised when he mentioned Dal Riata. True, it was part of the history of this area, but it was<em>ancient</em>history. She wasn't completely sure if he was really interested in it, or if she was being teased...<br/><br/>"The kingdom did reach parts of northern Ireland, you know," she answered, lifting an eyebrow. "We're not<em>entirely</em>ignorant back home." She followed it up with a quick wink, in case her jest wasn't clear.  They made their way fairly easily to the drive once Gregory took up the lead, and Cara was thrilled to see there wasn't a truck idling there, waiting for her. Once the trunk was set down she leaned against it, fiddling absent-mindedly with the dark, tarnished rivets running along the leather lid. Despite being so close to the road, they had left behind most of the crowd.  It suddenly seemed very quiet without the buzz and bustle of the dockyard activity all around.<br/><br/>She was certain he'd be able to hear the nervous pounding of her heart in the silence.<br/><br/>"So, Gregory McClellan..." Cara gave him a sidelong glance as she sat back on top of the trunk. "What more does the mild-mannered dockworker know of medieval Scottish overkingdoms?" She narrowed her eyes in suspicion, but couldn't completely mask the smile playing at her lips. "Or is that just a line you Scots use to lure away unsuspecting Irish girls who can't carry their own baggage?"<br/><br/>She wasn't normally so bold, not with a complete stranger, but Cara had noticed Gregory stealing glances at her - every time she stole one of<em>him</em>. In any case, Meredith could show at any moment, and Cara had no clue how far she'd be staying from the port, or even when she'd be heading back into town.<br/>