[Games] 25 years with the MacMhàrtainn's in Edinburgh and Arbuthnott
in reply to a message by Daffodil
I had a lot of fun with this! Thanks!
MacMhàrtainn Family
~ Year 1 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (20 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (17 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (12 yrs)
Blaise and Othelie were recently married in their hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland. Blaise has apprenticed as a tailor, and now has his own shop, making clothes for the nobility and upper-middle class. He has black, curly hair and pale blue eyes, whereas Othelie has dark brown, wavy hair and brown eyes. They were introduced to each other through their parents, and wed soon after.
After the wedding, Othelie received a letter that her cousin had passed away leaving his son orphaned. No one in the family can take in another child right now, so Othelie decided to adopt the boy, even though he’s only 5 years younger than Othelie herself.
Faolán has curly, dark brown hair and dark blue eyes. He’s a keen painter, to Blaise’s delight: at least he’ll be useful with drawing out designs for customers.
~ Year 2 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (21 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (18 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (13 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (nb)
The year after Faolán came into the family, Othelie gave birth to a baby boy! He’s quite dark and already has a head full of black, wavy hair. His eyes are brown, like his mother’s. Othelie and Blaise named him Fearghus.
~ Year 3 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (22 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (19 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (14 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (1)
Soon after Fearghus was born, Othelie became pregnant again. The family was very excited, but unfortunately Othelie miscarried. She was bed-ridden for a few weeks following the loss, and Faolán ended up taking care of Fearghus a lot - he’s become very attached to his young brother.
~ Year 4 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (23 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (20 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (15 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (2)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (nb)
It wasn’t long until Othelie was expecting again. This time, Blaise and Faolán didn’t dare to celebrate until the baby was born … and everyone was shocked that it wasn’t one baby Othelie was expecting, but two! They’re named Seamus and Caoimhe.
~ Year 5 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (24 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (21 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (16 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (3)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (1)
Blaise and Faolán have been very busy in the shop, and Faolán is now an official apprentice. There’s unrest in the country - many are worried that there will be war between Scotland and England. Through his customers, Blaise stays informed on the subject - lairds often come to him for new clothes, and they are more than happy to complain about politics. Everyone is happy the walls of Edinburgh are so high!
Seamus and Caoimhe are happy and healthy. Now when they’re a little older they’ve started growing hair: Seamus has straight, dark brown hair, and brown eyes. Caoimhe’s hair is black and frizzy, and she has pale blue eyes.
~ Year 6 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (25 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (22 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (17 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (4)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (2)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (0)
Othelie is definitely a busy woman, but she thought “If I’m already taking care of three children under five years old, how much of an added burden could two hens be?” - and went out to get two hens. Millie and Trudy were big successes in the household, with Fearghus especially being very excited about the new pets.
~ Year 7 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (26 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (23 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (18 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (5)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (3)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (1)
Tragedy strikes! A group of raiders burgled Blaise’s shop during the night. They stole all the valuables and then set fire to the building. Luckily no one was harmed, and the fire didn’t spread, but the MacMhàrtainn’s main source of income is suddenly gone. Blaise has an uncle with a recently vacant shop, so Blaise and Faolán has set up there, but the location is much worse than the old one, and they could only afford a few pieces of fabric to re-start with. As a result, they’ve lost lots of customers. The semi-luxurious lifestyle the MacMhàrtainn’s had gotten used to is now gone, and Othelie has to budget very carefully from now on - she wanted to get some more chickens and maybe a goat for the garden for Fearghus to play with, but that’s out of the question now.
~ Year 8 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (27 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (24 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (19 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (6)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (4)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (2)
A year after the raid where Blaise lost his shop, a near-miracle happened! Blaise and Faolán were riding back from Perth when they heard someone calling from the woods off the side of the road. They went to investigate and found a young man with a broken leg. At first Blaise was suspicious - this could be a trap! - but Faolán convinced him that they should help the man. Besides, would a dishonourable man wear such fine clothes as this man? The man would only introduce himself as James, but guided them towards his home … and it was the royal castle. The man Blaise and Faolán had saved was King James of Scotland! He had disguised himself as a common man and gone hunting to escape court life for a few hours when he’d lost control of his horse and fallen on his leg. Thanks to Blaise and Faolán he made a full recovery, and to honour the men who saved him, King James appointed Blaise to be Viscount of Arbuthnott.
The family have now moved to Arbuthnott House in Kincardineshire, and Fearghus, Seamus, and Caoimhe will be raised as nobility.
~ Year 9 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (28 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (25 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (20 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (7)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (5)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (3)
Becoming a viscount has proved more challenging than Blaise and Othelie were prepared for - it turned out Clan Arbuthnott was in a long-standing feud with their neighbours, Clan Fraser. Luckily, Blaise, Faolán, and Othelie managed to broker a peace deal between their newly assigned clan and Clan Fraser.
Seamus is adopting very well to noble life, and has become very interested in fencing. Caoimhe is not behaving like a proper lady: she loves pranking people, and in a castle there is ample opportunity for that. Fearghus still prefers playing outside, and takes great care of Millie and Trudy - a habit considered strange for the son of a viscount.
~ Year 10 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (29 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (26 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (21 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (8)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (6)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (4)
A group of travellers passed through the village of Arbuthnott. Othelie and Fearghus bumped into a wise woman belonging to the group, and upon seeing Othelie, the woman started screaming, “The lady is cursed! The lady is cursed!”. Very shaken, Othelie and Fearghus rushed back to the house.
~ Year 11 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (30 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (27 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (22 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (9)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (7)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (5)
Blaise and Othelie celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary, amidst new rumours of war with England. This time, Blaise is not eavesdropping on nobles to receive the latest gossip, now HE has become a noble who might be eavesdropped upon! There is also a risk that Blaise or Faolán (or both) might be called to fight in the war… If not, Othelie has begun to search for an appropriate wife for Faolán. If all goes well, he’ll one day be the next viscount, and then he’ll need heirs.
~ Year 12 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (31 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (28 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (23 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (10)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (8)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (nb)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (6)
Even though Othelie hadn’t told anyone (not even Blaise), she’d been spooked by the traveller woman who called her cursed two years ago. She’d thought maybe a curse could be the reason she’d not conceived a child again after Seamus and Caoimhe. When she noticed she was expecting again, she was exalted! Again, she gave birth to twins - a girl called Hextilda (or Tillie for short) and a boy called Aonghus. Unfortunately, Aonghus seems weak and sickly: especially his legs seem very weak. Othelie can’t help but wonder if this is the result of the curse after all…
~ Year 13 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (32 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (29 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (24 yrs)
-Fiancée: Mhàiri Alice Crawford (19 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (11)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (9)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (1)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (7)
Several members of the village claim to have spotted a ghost near the standing stones near Arbuthnott. They all say the ghost is a man with a strong voice, speaking to them and telling them not to be afraid. He seems very wise, is the main consensus. He also has wild, curly, black hair, and seems to be limping… Othelie hasn’t seen this ghost herself, but she’s seen Aonghus: he has his father’s curly black hair and blue eyes, and although he’s not close to walking yet, his legs seem a lot weaker than his sister’s. Tillie, on the other hand, is very energetic. She’s the spitting image of her mother with dark brown hair and brown eyes.
Othelie and Faolán have also spent a lot of time on finding an appropriate bride for Faolán, and they believe they’ve found the right girl! Mhairi is the nineteen year old second daughter of the chief of Clan Crawford, and has grown up in Ayr. She might not be the best political match, but she’s lovely and Faolán is very fond of her.
~ Year 14 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (33 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (30 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (25 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Mhàiri Alice Crawford (?) (20 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (12)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (10)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (2)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
The wedding preparations were in full swing when Blaise received a letter from the chief of Clan Crawford. It read “Rumours have spread that your son is marrying my sweet daughter Mhàiri. Mhàiri is currently engaged to a laird in Glasgow, and we find it very insulting that you would insinuate otherwise, just to attach yourself to the Crawford name. Please cease immediately or face consequences.” When Blaise tried to find and confront Mhàiri, she was completely gone. Through some more letter exchanges, it turned out that the person Blaise, Othelie, and Faolán THOUGHT were Mhàiri Crawford must have been a fraud - just like the person who claimed to be Mhàiri’s mother and father.
Faolán is very depressed, and Othelie and Blaise feel sheepish.
~ Year 15 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (34 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (31 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (26 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (21 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (nb)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (13)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (11)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (3)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Some 7 months after “Mhàiri” disappeared, a little baby was found on the Arbuthnott House doorstep. There was a letter next to him as well, where Faoláns former fiancee apologised for her lying, claiming she was just trying to improve her station in life. She signed it, “T” but left no information on how to be found.
Faolán also had to explain that perhaps he and T had not waited with sex until marriage … and that there was a chance T had been pregnant when she left. T claims so in her letter. Blaise was skeptical to say the least, but neither Othelie nor Faolán could stand the thought of not taking in the child.
The boy has curly hair like Faolán, but it’s ginger like T’s was. His eyes are dark brown. Faolán calls him Ambrose Clement, and against Blaise’s wishes, he was also given the MacMhàrtainn surname.
~ Year 16 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (35 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (32 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (27 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (22 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (1 yr)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (14 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (12 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (4 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 0 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 0 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 0 yrs)
Fearghus has never really adapted to noble life, or indoors life at all, but as the second son of a viscount, Blaise insists on furthering his education. Fearghus agreed … on the condition that he could get a dog. Of course Seamus and Caoimhe heard this as well, and insisted they get dogs too! So the older children all got a dog each: Snow, a white hunting dog, for Fearghus, and two lapdogs (Willow and Pine) for Seamus and Caoimhe.
~ Year 17 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (36 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (33 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (28 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (23 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (2 yr)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (16 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (13 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (5 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 1 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 1 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 1 yrs)
Everyone in the family adore Willow and Pine, and have enjoyed playing with the puppies. They probably would have loved Snow too, if they ever saw him, but Fearghus takes him out hunting at all hours.
Tillie and Aonghus are growing steadily: Tillie’s favourite pastimes include playing board games. Just like her father and brother Seamus, she’s very bright, and they enjoy playing with her. Aonghus has a pretty severe limp and can’t walk very well, and this year he’s also started having fits of epilepsy. His spirit is great though, and even at his young age, he’s showing great musicality playing the piano.
~ Year 18 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (37 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (34 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (29 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (24 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (3 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (27 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (17 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (14 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (6 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 2 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 2 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 2 yrs)
This year was traumatic for the MacMhàrtainn’s. Aonghus had an epileptic episode while playing close to a flight of stairs. He fell down and knocked his head. For a few days, he didn’t regain consciousness. Then one morning, he opened his eyes and asked for water, as if nothing had happened. While Aonghus doesn’t seem to understand the danger he was in, the rest of the family has been reminded how frail life can be.
Ambrose gathered up the courage and asked Clara Fraser to marry him - he’s had a crush on her for almost ten years (since the first peace talks with Clan Fraser) but then she was betrothed to another man. She was only 17 and her husband was 44 years old. He died after a few years, but by then Faolán was already involved with T. Then it took Faolán lots of time to find the right moment to ask. Clara was overjoyed (she’d had feelings for Faolán for a long time as well), and instead of having a long engagement, they married quickly.
~ Year 18 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (38 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (35 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (30 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (25 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (4 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (28 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (nb)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (18 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (15 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (7 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 3 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 3 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 3 yrs)
Fearghus, Seamus, and Caoimhe are all approaching a marriageable age, and in order to introduce begin introducing them, Blaise and Othelie are throwing a big festival! All the neighbouring clans are invited! Even Fearghus has acquiesced to participate: there will be lots of games, and he’s quite skilled with a a bow and arrow. Seamus is excited to participate in the fencing games, and make a good impression. Caoimhe is probably the most excited: she’s made lots of friends, and is keen to hang out with them an exchange gossip.
It’s also the chance to introduce the new heir - Faolán’s legitimate newborn son, Eachann. He’s the spitting image of his father with curly, brown hair and dark blue eyes. So different from his mother’s long, blonde hair and green eyes!
~ Year 19 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (39 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (36 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (31 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (26 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (5 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (29 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (1)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (19 yrs)
-Fiancée: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (19 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (16 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (8 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 4 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 4 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 4 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 0 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, 0 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 0 yrs)
Faolán has long felt like he’s not cut out for the viscount title - he doesn’t like the responsibility or making all the difficult decisions. He also doesn’t want the legitimacy drama of having two sons with different mothers. With that said, giving up the title still wasn’t an easy decision: being viscount offers security that most people don’t have. But Clara supports him, and Blaise and Othelie will always have his back as well. Faolán has resettled as a painter in the village of Arbuthnott - following the dream he’s had as a child to paint. Ambrose seems to share his interest, and loves to help out in the studio.
In the main MacMhàrtainn household, the biggest news are that Fearghus is engaged. Oighrig is a woman from the village who often goes out hunting for her family, and that’s how she and Fearghus started talking. Fearghus is deeply in love with Oighrig, but his parents are worried that he’s not taking his duties seriously: as next in line for the title, he shouldn’t marry a woman of no standing. Oighrig has managed to win over Tillie and Aonghus though, by bringing them three little kittens: Shrimpy, Pauline, and Thorn.
~ Year 20 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (40 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (37 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (32 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (27 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (6 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (30 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (2)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (20 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 5 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 0 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 0 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 0 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (17 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (9 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, 5 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 5 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 1 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, 1 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 1 yrs)
Fearghus and Oighrig were married this year! The MacMhàrtainn held festivities at the Arbuthnott House with the entire village invited. It was a lovely day at the end of summer. Fearghus and Oighrig decided to expand their family immediately with three little kittens: Joker, Princeling, and Butter.
But later that year, when the first snows were threatening, raiders came to the village. They were just searching for gold, but Fearghus and Seamus went out to fight them together with some other young men from the village. Fearghus was fighting one of the raiders when another one snuck up behind him and struck him. He died instantly.
The entire family is grieving for Fearghus.
~ Year 20 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (41 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (38 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (33 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (28 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (7 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (31 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (3)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (21 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 6 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 1 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 1 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 1 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (18 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Fiancée: Robert Ninian Forsythe (20 yrs)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn (18 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (10 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 6 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 2 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, 2 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 2 yrs)
In Scotland the Jacobites are gaining popularity. In Kincardineshire, the county Blaise is Viscount over, the people are divided: there are both protestants and catholics, both those supporting the exiled court and those who didn’t. Blaise and Othilie have decided to stay out of it as long as they can.
Caoimhe is engaged! Robert Forsythe is of the powerful Falkland Forsyth Clan. He’s ambitious and clever, and Caoimhe is in awe. He’s also one of Seamus’ best friends.
Faolán started receiving letters from a woman claiming to be Ambrose’s mother. He was very excited, and wrote long letters to her, saying he hoped he could see her again and that he’d forgiven her for everything … until the mysterious letter writer turned out to be ignorant about many things Faolán KNEW she should know. It turned out Faolán was tricked again - and the damage was already done when Clara found his letters. Their marriage has grown very cold.
~ Year 21 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (42 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (39 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (34 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (29 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (8 yrs)
-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (32 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (4)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (22 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 7 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 2 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 2 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 2 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (19 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (21 yrs)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn (19 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (11 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 7 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 3 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, 3 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 3 yrs)
Fearghus thought he was dreaming when he opened the front door of his studio and T, Ambrose’s mother, was standing outside. No fake letters, no fake identity - she was as she was: dressed in simple clothing and looking very scared. She explained everything to Fearghus - especially how she was trying to change after having converted to catholicism. Ambrose was over-joyous to be reunited with his mother, and Fearghus couldn’t help but feel the old feelings come back…
This has split the family in two: Faolán wants Teàrlag to be a part of the family, but Othelie and Clara straight out refuse. Blaise doesn’t like the idea of separating Ambrose from his mother, and Seamus agrees. It made for a frosty wedding when Caoimhe and Robert were married (Teàrlag and Ambrose stayed home).
Meanwhile, the Jacobites are gaining popularity again.
~ Year 22 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (43 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (40 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (35 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (30 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (9 yrs)
—D: Agnes Seonaid MacMhàrtainn (nb)
-ex-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (33 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (5)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (23 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 8 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 3 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 3 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 3 yrs)
-Falcon: Prize (f, 0 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (20 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (22 yrs)
—D: Eby Rinalda Forsythe (nb)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn (20 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
-Fiancée: Iona Marion Forsythe (17 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (12 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 8 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 4 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, dec. 4 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 4 yrs)
An eventful year for the MacMhàrtainn’s!
Teàrlag gave birth to a daughter - Agnes. She has ginger hair like her mother and brother, and green eyes. The situation in Faolán’s household is more frosty than ever before. Clara has filed for a divorce. While waiting for documents to be delivered, Clara stayed at a monastery with Eachann, and there Eachann fell in love with religion. He’s a very solemn and serious five year old.
Oighrig got a falcon to improve her hunting.
Caoimhe gave birth to a daughter too, and she and Robert named her Eby. Like her mother, she has black, frizzy hair and brown eyes.
Seamus was engaged to Robert’s sister, Iona. They’re very excited to get married!
Amidst all of this, Blaise was called to a neighbouring village where someone had found a deposit of weapons: guns and explosives. While Blaise was there investigating, a bomb went off and blew out both his eardrums. Blaise is now completely deaf.
~ Year 23 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (dec. 44 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (41 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (36 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (31 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (10 yrs)
—D: Agnes Seonaid MacMhàrtainn (1)
-ex-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (34 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (6)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (24 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 9 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 4 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 4 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 4 yrs)
-Falcon: Prize (f, 1 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (21 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (23 yrs)
—D: Eby Rinalda Forsythe (1)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn (21 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
-Wife: Iona Marion Forsythe (18 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (13 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 9 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 5 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, dec. 4 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 5 yrs)
Robert and Caoimhe threw a big festival in honour of Seamus and Iona’s wedding at the Forsythe Castle, inviting all the MacMhàrtainn’s to the Falklands! They all had a lovely day together. Eby was doted upon as well.
Then there was a massive summer storm: Othelie, Seamus, Iona, Tillie and Aonghus hid in the House cellar, but they couldn’t find Blaise - and calling for him was pointless, as he’s deaf. A branch was broken off a tree and went through the window Blaise was sitting by, killing him instantly. The family is grieving him sorely. In the aftermath, a fight has broken out between Othelie and Seamus: Seamus reckons he’s ready to be Viscount now, whereas Othilie thinks she should rule for a few more life while Seamus can learn from her.
Someone tried to burgle Oighrig’s home, but luckily Fearghus’s old dog Snow was there to protect her. He bit the burglar, and the man was easy to identify the next day when he was limping around town.
Clara and Eachann have permanently left Faolán’s household now, moving back to Fraser territory. Faolán misses his son dearly.
~ Year 24 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (dec. 44 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Dowager Viscountess of Arbuthnott (42 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (37 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (32 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (11 yrs)
—D: Agnes Seonaid MacMhàrtainn (2)
-ex-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (35 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (7)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (25 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 10 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 5 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 5 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 5 yrs)
-Falcon: Prize (f, 2 yrs)
-Sister: Hesther Dorathia Kemp (14 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (22 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (25 yrs)
—D: Eby Rinalda Forsythe (2)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (22 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
-Wife: Iona Marion Forsythe, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (19 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (14 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 9 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 5 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, dec. 4 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 5 yrs)
Oighrig has felt very alone, never really got used to life without Fearghus, and following the burglary last year she’s also been frightened of sleeping alone. Her sister Hesther has now moved in to live with her.
Following Faolán’s ugly break with Clara Fraser, hostilities between Clan Arbuthnott and Clan Fraser have flared up again. After much discussion, Othilie let Seamus take over as Viscount of Arbuthnott, and to everyone’s delight he’s a great diplomat who managed to smooth out the differences between Fraser and Arbuthnott. Scottish unity is needed when there’s once again rumours of war with England.
To celebrate, a big festival was organised. Aonghus played the piano and bagpipe beautifully.
~ Year 25 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (dec. 44 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Dowager Viscountess of Arbuthnott (dec. 43 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (38 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (33 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (12 yrs)
—D: Agnes Seonaid MacMhàrtainn (3)
-ex-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (36 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (8)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (26 yrs)
-Sister: Hesther Dorathia Kemp (15 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 11 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 6 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 6 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 6 yrs)
-Falcon: Prize (f, 3 yrs)
-Falcon: Fierce (m, 0 yrs)
-Falcon: Grace (f, 0 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (23 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (26 yrs)
—D: Eby Rinalda Forsythe (3)
—S: Sebastian Lawrens Forsyth “Bash” (nb)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (23 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
-Wife: Iona Marion Forsythe, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (20 yrs)
—S: Blaise Frederick MacMhàrtainn (nb)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (15 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 10 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 6 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, dec. 4 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 6 yrs)
During a stormy spring evening, Iona went into labour. During the same night, there were raiders in the village, and the entire House was in a frenzy. Luckily, no one was harmed and the raiders were quickly chased away. Iona gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Blaise Frederick, honouring Seamus’ father.
During the raid, Hesther and Tillie were told to hide out in the cellar together. They both thought it would be a big bore, but they found true friends in each other … and even something more. They’ve started a forbidden romance.
A few months later, Caoimhe gave birth to a baby boy too. His name is Sebastian, or Bash for short.
Oighrig is focusing on falconry: she’s bought two more falcons she’s training now.
One day, when Tillie went to wake up her mother, Othilie wouldn’t wake up. She’d passed away peacefully in her sleep - bringing Blaise and Othilie’s story to an end.
MacMhàrtainn Family
~ Year 1 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (20 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (17 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (12 yrs)
Blaise and Othelie were recently married in their hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland. Blaise has apprenticed as a tailor, and now has his own shop, making clothes for the nobility and upper-middle class. He has black, curly hair and pale blue eyes, whereas Othelie has dark brown, wavy hair and brown eyes. They were introduced to each other through their parents, and wed soon after.
After the wedding, Othelie received a letter that her cousin had passed away leaving his son orphaned. No one in the family can take in another child right now, so Othelie decided to adopt the boy, even though he’s only 5 years younger than Othelie herself.
Faolán has curly, dark brown hair and dark blue eyes. He’s a keen painter, to Blaise’s delight: at least he’ll be useful with drawing out designs for customers.
~ Year 2 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (21 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (18 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (13 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (nb)
The year after Faolán came into the family, Othelie gave birth to a baby boy! He’s quite dark and already has a head full of black, wavy hair. His eyes are brown, like his mother’s. Othelie and Blaise named him Fearghus.
~ Year 3 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (22 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (19 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (14 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (1)
Soon after Fearghus was born, Othelie became pregnant again. The family was very excited, but unfortunately Othelie miscarried. She was bed-ridden for a few weeks following the loss, and Faolán ended up taking care of Fearghus a lot - he’s become very attached to his young brother.
~ Year 4 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (23 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (20 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (15 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (2)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (nb)
It wasn’t long until Othelie was expecting again. This time, Blaise and Faolán didn’t dare to celebrate until the baby was born … and everyone was shocked that it wasn’t one baby Othelie was expecting, but two! They’re named Seamus and Caoimhe.
~ Year 5 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (24 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (21 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (16 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (3)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (1)
Blaise and Faolán have been very busy in the shop, and Faolán is now an official apprentice. There’s unrest in the country - many are worried that there will be war between Scotland and England. Through his customers, Blaise stays informed on the subject - lairds often come to him for new clothes, and they are more than happy to complain about politics. Everyone is happy the walls of Edinburgh are so high!
Seamus and Caoimhe are happy and healthy. Now when they’re a little older they’ve started growing hair: Seamus has straight, dark brown hair, and brown eyes. Caoimhe’s hair is black and frizzy, and she has pale blue eyes.
~ Year 6 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (25 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (22 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (17 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (4)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (2)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (0)
Othelie is definitely a busy woman, but she thought “If I’m already taking care of three children under five years old, how much of an added burden could two hens be?” - and went out to get two hens. Millie and Trudy were big successes in the household, with Fearghus especially being very excited about the new pets.
~ Year 7 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn (26 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer (23 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (18 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (5)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (3)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (1)
Tragedy strikes! A group of raiders burgled Blaise’s shop during the night. They stole all the valuables and then set fire to the building. Luckily no one was harmed, and the fire didn’t spread, but the MacMhàrtainn’s main source of income is suddenly gone. Blaise has an uncle with a recently vacant shop, so Blaise and Faolán has set up there, but the location is much worse than the old one, and they could only afford a few pieces of fabric to re-start with. As a result, they’ve lost lots of customers. The semi-luxurious lifestyle the MacMhàrtainn’s had gotten used to is now gone, and Othelie has to budget very carefully from now on - she wanted to get some more chickens and maybe a goat for the garden for Fearghus to play with, but that’s out of the question now.
~ Year 8 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (27 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (24 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (19 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (6)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (4)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (2)
A year after the raid where Blaise lost his shop, a near-miracle happened! Blaise and Faolán were riding back from Perth when they heard someone calling from the woods off the side of the road. They went to investigate and found a young man with a broken leg. At first Blaise was suspicious - this could be a trap! - but Faolán convinced him that they should help the man. Besides, would a dishonourable man wear such fine clothes as this man? The man would only introduce himself as James, but guided them towards his home … and it was the royal castle. The man Blaise and Faolán had saved was King James of Scotland! He had disguised himself as a common man and gone hunting to escape court life for a few hours when he’d lost control of his horse and fallen on his leg. Thanks to Blaise and Faolán he made a full recovery, and to honour the men who saved him, King James appointed Blaise to be Viscount of Arbuthnott.
The family have now moved to Arbuthnott House in Kincardineshire, and Fearghus, Seamus, and Caoimhe will be raised as nobility.
~ Year 9 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (28 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (25 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (20 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (7)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (5)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (3)
Becoming a viscount has proved more challenging than Blaise and Othelie were prepared for - it turned out Clan Arbuthnott was in a long-standing feud with their neighbours, Clan Fraser. Luckily, Blaise, Faolán, and Othelie managed to broker a peace deal between their newly assigned clan and Clan Fraser.
Seamus is adopting very well to noble life, and has become very interested in fencing. Caoimhe is not behaving like a proper lady: she loves pranking people, and in a castle there is ample opportunity for that. Fearghus still prefers playing outside, and takes great care of Millie and Trudy - a habit considered strange for the son of a viscount.
~ Year 10 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (29 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (26 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (21 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (8)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (6)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (4)
A group of travellers passed through the village of Arbuthnott. Othelie and Fearghus bumped into a wise woman belonging to the group, and upon seeing Othelie, the woman started screaming, “The lady is cursed! The lady is cursed!”. Very shaken, Othelie and Fearghus rushed back to the house.
~ Year 11 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (30 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (27 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (22 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (9)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (7)
Hens: Millie and Trudy (5)
Blaise and Othelie celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary, amidst new rumours of war with England. This time, Blaise is not eavesdropping on nobles to receive the latest gossip, now HE has become a noble who might be eavesdropped upon! There is also a risk that Blaise or Faolán (or both) might be called to fight in the war… If not, Othelie has begun to search for an appropriate wife for Faolán. If all goes well, he’ll one day be the next viscount, and then he’ll need heirs.
~ Year 12 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (31 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (28 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (23 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (10)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (8)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (nb)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (6)
Even though Othelie hadn’t told anyone (not even Blaise), she’d been spooked by the traveller woman who called her cursed two years ago. She’d thought maybe a curse could be the reason she’d not conceived a child again after Seamus and Caoimhe. When she noticed she was expecting again, she was exalted! Again, she gave birth to twins - a girl called Hextilda (or Tillie for short) and a boy called Aonghus. Unfortunately, Aonghus seems weak and sickly: especially his legs seem very weak. Othelie can’t help but wonder if this is the result of the curse after all…
~ Year 13 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (32 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (29 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (24 yrs)
-Fiancée: Mhàiri Alice Crawford (19 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (11)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (9)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (1)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (7)
Several members of the village claim to have spotted a ghost near the standing stones near Arbuthnott. They all say the ghost is a man with a strong voice, speaking to them and telling them not to be afraid. He seems very wise, is the main consensus. He also has wild, curly, black hair, and seems to be limping… Othelie hasn’t seen this ghost herself, but she’s seen Aonghus: he has his father’s curly black hair and blue eyes, and although he’s not close to walking yet, his legs seem a lot weaker than his sister’s. Tillie, on the other hand, is very energetic. She’s the spitting image of her mother with dark brown hair and brown eyes.
Othelie and Faolán have also spent a lot of time on finding an appropriate bride for Faolán, and they believe they’ve found the right girl! Mhairi is the nineteen year old second daughter of the chief of Clan Crawford, and has grown up in Ayr. She might not be the best political match, but she’s lovely and Faolán is very fond of her.
~ Year 14 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (33 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (30 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (25 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Mhàiri Alice Crawford (?) (20 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (12)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (10)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (2)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
The wedding preparations were in full swing when Blaise received a letter from the chief of Clan Crawford. It read “Rumours have spread that your son is marrying my sweet daughter Mhàiri. Mhàiri is currently engaged to a laird in Glasgow, and we find it very insulting that you would insinuate otherwise, just to attach yourself to the Crawford name. Please cease immediately or face consequences.” When Blaise tried to find and confront Mhàiri, she was completely gone. Through some more letter exchanges, it turned out that the person Blaise, Othelie, and Faolán THOUGHT were Mhàiri Crawford must have been a fraud - just like the person who claimed to be Mhàiri’s mother and father.
Faolán is very depressed, and Othelie and Blaise feel sheepish.
~ Year 15 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (34 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (31 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (26 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (21 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (nb)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (13)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (11)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (3)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Some 7 months after “Mhàiri” disappeared, a little baby was found on the Arbuthnott House doorstep. There was a letter next to him as well, where Faoláns former fiancee apologised for her lying, claiming she was just trying to improve her station in life. She signed it, “T” but left no information on how to be found.
Faolán also had to explain that perhaps he and T had not waited with sex until marriage … and that there was a chance T had been pregnant when she left. T claims so in her letter. Blaise was skeptical to say the least, but neither Othelie nor Faolán could stand the thought of not taking in the child.
The boy has curly hair like Faolán, but it’s ginger like T’s was. His eyes are dark brown. Faolán calls him Ambrose Clement, and against Blaise’s wishes, he was also given the MacMhàrtainn surname.
~ Year 16 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (35 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (32 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (27 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (22 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (1 yr)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (14 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (12 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (4 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 0 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 0 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 0 yrs)
Fearghus has never really adapted to noble life, or indoors life at all, but as the second son of a viscount, Blaise insists on furthering his education. Fearghus agreed … on the condition that he could get a dog. Of course Seamus and Caoimhe heard this as well, and insisted they get dogs too! So the older children all got a dog each: Snow, a white hunting dog, for Fearghus, and two lapdogs (Willow and Pine) for Seamus and Caoimhe.
~ Year 17 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (36 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (33 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (28 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (23 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (2 yr)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (16 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (13 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (5 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 1 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 1 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 1 yrs)
Everyone in the family adore Willow and Pine, and have enjoyed playing with the puppies. They probably would have loved Snow too, if they ever saw him, but Fearghus takes him out hunting at all hours.
Tillie and Aonghus are growing steadily: Tillie’s favourite pastimes include playing board games. Just like her father and brother Seamus, she’s very bright, and they enjoy playing with her. Aonghus has a pretty severe limp and can’t walk very well, and this year he’s also started having fits of epilepsy. His spirit is great though, and even at his young age, he’s showing great musicality playing the piano.
~ Year 18 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (37 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (34 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (29 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (24 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (3 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (27 yrs)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (17 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (14 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (6 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 2 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 2 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 2 yrs)
This year was traumatic for the MacMhàrtainn’s. Aonghus had an epileptic episode while playing close to a flight of stairs. He fell down and knocked his head. For a few days, he didn’t regain consciousness. Then one morning, he opened his eyes and asked for water, as if nothing had happened. While Aonghus doesn’t seem to understand the danger he was in, the rest of the family has been reminded how frail life can be.
Ambrose gathered up the courage and asked Clara Fraser to marry him - he’s had a crush on her for almost ten years (since the first peace talks with Clan Fraser) but then she was betrothed to another man. She was only 17 and her husband was 44 years old. He died after a few years, but by then Faolán was already involved with T. Then it took Faolán lots of time to find the right moment to ask. Clara was overjoyed (she’d had feelings for Faolán for a long time as well), and instead of having a long engagement, they married quickly.
~ Year 18 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (38 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (35 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (30 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (25 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (4 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (28 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (nb)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (18 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (15 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (7 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 3 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 3 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 3 yrs)
Fearghus, Seamus, and Caoimhe are all approaching a marriageable age, and in order to introduce begin introducing them, Blaise and Othelie are throwing a big festival! All the neighbouring clans are invited! Even Fearghus has acquiesced to participate: there will be lots of games, and he’s quite skilled with a a bow and arrow. Seamus is excited to participate in the fencing games, and make a good impression. Caoimhe is probably the most excited: she’s made lots of friends, and is keen to hang out with them an exchange gossip.
It’s also the chance to introduce the new heir - Faolán’s legitimate newborn son, Eachann. He’s the spitting image of his father with curly, brown hair and dark blue eyes. So different from his mother’s long, blonde hair and green eyes!
~ Year 19 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (39 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (36 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (31 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (26 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (5 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (29 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (1)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (19 yrs)
-Fiancée: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (19 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (16 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (8 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Snow (m, 4 yrs)
Dog: Willow (f, 4 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 4 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 0 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, 0 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 0 yrs)
Faolán has long felt like he’s not cut out for the viscount title - he doesn’t like the responsibility or making all the difficult decisions. He also doesn’t want the legitimacy drama of having two sons with different mothers. With that said, giving up the title still wasn’t an easy decision: being viscount offers security that most people don’t have. But Clara supports him, and Blaise and Othelie will always have his back as well. Faolán has resettled as a painter in the village of Arbuthnott - following the dream he’s had as a child to paint. Ambrose seems to share his interest, and loves to help out in the studio.
In the main MacMhàrtainn household, the biggest news are that Fearghus is engaged. Oighrig is a woman from the village who often goes out hunting for her family, and that’s how she and Fearghus started talking. Fearghus is deeply in love with Oighrig, but his parents are worried that he’s not taking his duties seriously: as next in line for the title, he shouldn’t marry a woman of no standing. Oighrig has managed to win over Tillie and Aonghus though, by bringing them three little kittens: Shrimpy, Pauline, and Thorn.
~ Year 20 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (40 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (37 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (32 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (27 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (6 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (30 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (2)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (20 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 5 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 0 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 0 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 0 yrs)
S & D: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn & Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (17 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (9 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, 5 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 5 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 1 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, 1 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 1 yrs)
Fearghus and Oighrig were married this year! The MacMhàrtainn held festivities at the Arbuthnott House with the entire village invited. It was a lovely day at the end of summer. Fearghus and Oighrig decided to expand their family immediately with three little kittens: Joker, Princeling, and Butter.
But later that year, when the first snows were threatening, raiders came to the village. They were just searching for gold, but Fearghus and Seamus went out to fight them together with some other young men from the village. Fearghus was fighting one of the raiders when another one snuck up behind him and struck him. He died instantly.
The entire family is grieving for Fearghus.
~ Year 20 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (41 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (38 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (33 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: “T” (28 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (7 yr)
-W: Clara Henriette Fraser (31 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (3)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (21 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 6 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 1 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 1 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 1 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (18 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Fiancée: Robert Ninian Forsythe (20 yrs)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn (18 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (10 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 6 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 2 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, 2 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 2 yrs)
In Scotland the Jacobites are gaining popularity. In Kincardineshire, the county Blaise is Viscount over, the people are divided: there are both protestants and catholics, both those supporting the exiled court and those who didn’t. Blaise and Othilie have decided to stay out of it as long as they can.
Caoimhe is engaged! Robert Forsythe is of the powerful Falkland Forsyth Clan. He’s ambitious and clever, and Caoimhe is in awe. He’s also one of Seamus’ best friends.
Faolán started receiving letters from a woman claiming to be Ambrose’s mother. He was very excited, and wrote long letters to her, saying he hoped he could see her again and that he’d forgiven her for everything … until the mysterious letter writer turned out to be ignorant about many things Faolán KNEW she should know. It turned out Faolán was tricked again - and the damage was already done when Clara found his letters. Their marriage has grown very cold.
~ Year 21 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (42 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (39 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (34 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (29 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (8 yrs)
-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (32 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (4)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (22 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 7 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 2 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 2 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 2 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (19 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (21 yrs)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn (19 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (11 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 7 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 3 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, 3 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 3 yrs)
Fearghus thought he was dreaming when he opened the front door of his studio and T, Ambrose’s mother, was standing outside. No fake letters, no fake identity - she was as she was: dressed in simple clothing and looking very scared. She explained everything to Fearghus - especially how she was trying to change after having converted to catholicism. Ambrose was over-joyous to be reunited with his mother, and Fearghus couldn’t help but feel the old feelings come back…
This has split the family in two: Faolán wants Teàrlag to be a part of the family, but Othelie and Clara straight out refuse. Blaise doesn’t like the idea of separating Ambrose from his mother, and Seamus agrees. It made for a frosty wedding when Caoimhe and Robert were married (Teàrlag and Ambrose stayed home).
Meanwhile, the Jacobites are gaining popularity again.
~ Year 22 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (43 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (40 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (35 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (30 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (9 yrs)
—D: Agnes Seonaid MacMhàrtainn (nb)
-ex-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (33 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (5)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (23 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 8 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 3 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 3 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 3 yrs)
-Falcon: Prize (f, 0 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (20 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (22 yrs)
—D: Eby Rinalda Forsythe (nb)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn (20 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
-Fiancée: Iona Marion Forsythe (17 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (12 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 8 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 4 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, dec. 4 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 4 yrs)
An eventful year for the MacMhàrtainn’s!
Teàrlag gave birth to a daughter - Agnes. She has ginger hair like her mother and brother, and green eyes. The situation in Faolán’s household is more frosty than ever before. Clara has filed for a divorce. While waiting for documents to be delivered, Clara stayed at a monastery with Eachann, and there Eachann fell in love with religion. He’s a very solemn and serious five year old.
Oighrig got a falcon to improve her hunting.
Caoimhe gave birth to a daughter too, and she and Robert named her Eby. Like her mother, she has black, frizzy hair and brown eyes.
Seamus was engaged to Robert’s sister, Iona. They’re very excited to get married!
Amidst all of this, Blaise was called to a neighbouring village where someone had found a deposit of weapons: guns and explosives. While Blaise was there investigating, a bomb went off and blew out both his eardrums. Blaise is now completely deaf.
~ Year 23 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (dec. 44 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (41 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (36 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (31 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (10 yrs)
—D: Agnes Seonaid MacMhàrtainn (1)
-ex-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (34 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (6)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (24 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 9 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 4 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 4 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 4 yrs)
-Falcon: Prize (f, 1 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (21 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (23 yrs)
—D: Eby Rinalda Forsythe (1)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn (21 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
-Wife: Iona Marion Forsythe (18 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (13 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 9 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 5 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, dec. 4 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 5 yrs)
Robert and Caoimhe threw a big festival in honour of Seamus and Iona’s wedding at the Forsythe Castle, inviting all the MacMhàrtainn’s to the Falklands! They all had a lovely day together. Eby was doted upon as well.
Then there was a massive summer storm: Othelie, Seamus, Iona, Tillie and Aonghus hid in the House cellar, but they couldn’t find Blaise - and calling for him was pointless, as he’s deaf. A branch was broken off a tree and went through the window Blaise was sitting by, killing him instantly. The family is grieving him sorely. In the aftermath, a fight has broken out between Othelie and Seamus: Seamus reckons he’s ready to be Viscount now, whereas Othilie thinks she should rule for a few more life while Seamus can learn from her.
Someone tried to burgle Oighrig’s home, but luckily Fearghus’s old dog Snow was there to protect her. He bit the burglar, and the man was easy to identify the next day when he was limping around town.
Clara and Eachann have permanently left Faolán’s household now, moving back to Fraser territory. Faolán misses his son dearly.
~ Year 24 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (dec. 44 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Dowager Viscountess of Arbuthnott (42 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (37 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (32 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (11 yrs)
—D: Agnes Seonaid MacMhàrtainn (2)
-ex-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (35 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (7)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (25 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 10 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 5 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 5 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 5 yrs)
-Falcon: Prize (f, 2 yrs)
-Sister: Hesther Dorathia Kemp (14 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (22 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (25 yrs)
—D: Eby Rinalda Forsythe (2)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (22 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
-Wife: Iona Marion Forsythe, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (19 yrs)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (14 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 9 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 5 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, dec. 4 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 5 yrs)
Oighrig has felt very alone, never really got used to life without Fearghus, and following the burglary last year she’s also been frightened of sleeping alone. Her sister Hesther has now moved in to live with her.
Following Faolán’s ugly break with Clara Fraser, hostilities between Clan Arbuthnott and Clan Fraser have flared up again. After much discussion, Othilie let Seamus take over as Viscount of Arbuthnott, and to everyone’s delight he’s a great diplomat who managed to smooth out the differences between Fraser and Arbuthnott. Scottish unity is needed when there’s once again rumours of war with England.
To celebrate, a big festival was organised. Aonghus played the piano and bagpipe beautifully.
~ Year 25 ~
H: Blaise Lancelot MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (dec. 44 yrs)
W: Othelie Caitrina Shearer, Dowager Viscountess of Arbuthnott (dec. 43 yrs)
AdopS: Faolán Bryce MacMhàrtainn (38 yrs)
-ex-Fiancée: Teàrlag Donella Ferry (33 yrs)
—S: Ambrose Clement MacMhàrtainn (12 yrs)
—D: Agnes Seonaid MacMhàrtainn (3)
-ex-Wife: Clara Henriette Fraser (36 yrs)
—S: Eachann Blaise MacMhàrtainn (8)
S: Fearghus Valentine MacMhàrtainn (dec. 20 yrs)
-Wife: Oighrig Nialla Kemp (26 yrs)
-Sister: Hesther Dorathia Kemp (15 yrs)
-Dog: Snow (m, 11 yrs)
-Cat: Joker (m, 6 yrs)
-Cat: Princeling (m, 6 yrs)
-Cat: Butter (f, 6 yrs)
-Falcon: Prize (f, 3 yrs)
-Falcon: Fierce (m, 0 yrs)
-Falcon: Grace (f, 0 yrs)
D: Caoimhe Rose MacMhàrtainn (23 yrs, Seamus’ twin sister)
-Husband: Robert Ninian Forsythe (26 yrs)
—D: Eby Rinalda Forsythe (3)
—S: Sebastian Lawrens Forsyth “Bash” (nb)
S: Seamus MaolDúin MacMhàrtainn, Viscount of Arbuthnott (23 yrs, Caoimhe’s twin brother)
-Wife: Iona Marion Forsythe, Viscountess of Arbuthnott (20 yrs)
—S: Blaise Frederick MacMhàrtainn (nb)
D & S: Hextilda Marsail MacMhàrtainn “Tillie” & Aonghus Gregory MacMhàrtainn (15 yrs)
Hen: Millie (dec. 5 yrs old)
Hen: Trudy (dec. 8 yrs old)
Dog: Willow (f, dec. 6 yrs)
Dog: Pine (m, 10 yrs)
Cat: Shrimpy (f, 6 yrs)
Cat: Pauline (f, dec. 4 yrs)
Cat: Thorn (m, 6 yrs)
During a stormy spring evening, Iona went into labour. During the same night, there were raiders in the village, and the entire House was in a frenzy. Luckily, no one was harmed and the raiders were quickly chased away. Iona gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Blaise Frederick, honouring Seamus’ father.
During the raid, Hesther and Tillie were told to hide out in the cellar together. They both thought it would be a big bore, but they found true friends in each other … and even something more. They’ve started a forbidden romance.
A few months later, Caoimhe gave birth to a baby boy too. His name is Sebastian, or Bash for short.
Oighrig is focusing on falconry: she’s bought two more falcons she’s training now.
One day, when Tillie went to wake up her mother, Othilie wouldn’t wake up. She’d passed away peacefully in her sleep - bringing Blaise and Othilie’s story to an end.