292 Going back in time

Opening a portal to a time when the castle will be empty Morrigan sends Moll and Maureen back. Astila showed them on the computer which balcony he saw Aisling. When the portal open they are just outside of the castle walls. There is a farmer's cottage not far from the castle. Heading towards the castle they look around for any signs of a fallen one. Not having any reactions from the gems they wear they continue on. Except for a few groundskeepers no one is there. Reaching  out her hand to open the door Maureen is stopped by a voice behind them

"Are you the new chamber maids. The master is due back and the castle is in need of cleaning?" The man walking up the hill asks.Taking the chance to get inside without problem , Maureen turns and smiles.

"Yes we are do you need to see our references?" Maureen asks.

"No need for that, our master is a strange one not many would dare to enter unless they were sent." He tells them as he opens the door for them to enter. Following the man inside they can feel that he has placed a protection spell. Only those invited inside may enter. Since the groundskeeper let them in they won't be affected.

"Where may we find the cleaning supplies?" Moll asks the man before he leaves.

"Just go trough that hall and all you need is there. Make sure that the kitchen and dinning area is done first then the room above floor. The master doesn't entertain much do no need to rush the receiving rooms. There is food and water in the kitchen you may dine at your leisure. When the master returns he will tell you when to have meals prepared. " the man turns to leave then stops."The master is a very cold and hard man but he expects perfection in following orders. Only do as you are told and you will be fine." Leaving the women to get started the groundskeeper goes about his work.

Moll and Maureen head to the kitchen to get started . Since the spells will take some time they might as well play the part.

"so are we going to really clean this place?" Maureen asks Moll. Moll chuckles.

"Since the master is away let's do it the easy way." Moll begins to move her hand and chanting. In a matter of minutes the kitchen is spotless with an Irish stew cooking on the fire. Moving to the dinning hall Maureen does the same. While moving through the rooms they place a few simple spells that will leave items that will appear only when Aisling is here. When they meet up in Lucian's room the protection spell is stronger. Their magic isn't working in this room. So they manually clean it. Looking out the window they see the small balcony that Astila saw Aisling. It is the room next door. The room has an adjoining door with this one so they try to go in . It is locked so they must go through the hall entrance. Hearing a noise coming from the courtyard they look outside. There is a commotion the real chamber maids have arrived. Moll and Maureen hurry into the room to place the dream catcher and place the spell. Looking around the room they can see that it is specifically adored for a woman. Placing the spell they hide the dream catcher in the built in cabinet. Opening a portal inside the cabinet Moll and Maureen walk through leaving behind a very confused groundskeeper. When they are back in their time Morrigan is waiting for them.

"Is it done? Was there any problems?" Morrigan asks .

"No not really any problems . We had to leave sooner than we wanted the real chamber maids showed up. Everything is in place only when Aisling is in the castle will the hidden objects appear and only for her. We hid the dream catcher in the wardrobe cabinet so that it can be used as a portal . That way she can get out without anyone knowing." Moll tells Morrigan as they get changed back.

"Good then hopefully we will have her back soon. Even if she comes back now that Lucian has his sights set on her he isn't going to give up. He will keep coming for her. We will need to think of a way to get her away from him permanently." Morrigan tells the ladies they are just happy that they may now have a way to get her back.

Lucian is in his room when he feels a presence in the castle. He walks through but cannot find the source of it. When he walks into the kitchen he has a strange craving for Irish stew. Bellowing at the cook 

"Make some Irish stew and soda bread. " turning he walks up the hall towards Aisling's room. 

"We are having Irish stew and soda bread for dinner. I hope you will come down to the dinning hall to eat. There are clothes in the wardrobe and all that you need in the wash room. " not giving Aisling a chance to give him an answer he walks out. 

Aisling sighs and goes to the wardrobe. If she is going to be here she might as well find out all she can about him. When she opens the door of the wardrobe there hanging on the door is a dream catcher. Lovingly touching the star in the center she thinks of Astila. She hears a slight ring and there in front of her is Astila in their room . Reaching out for him she can feel his hand taking hers. Astila pulls her through the portal and into his arms. Capturing her mouth with his. When he finally lets her mouth go to breathe. 

"How is this possible? He has a spell on the house." Aisling asks breathlessly. 

"Moll and Maureen with the help Morrigan went back in time and placed a few helpful things around the castle. I saw where he was keeping you when I dreamed walked. I wasn't able to get inside but I was able to see you." Astila holds her even tighter. 

"You were the man walking on the road? " Aisling asks. Astila nods and he kisses her again. 

"I can't stay I have to return. I have to make sure he will not come back to harm anyone. At least now I have a way to come back and forth. This way we can be together when possible. I will think of a way maybe when everyone is asleep I can comeback. " Aisling kisses Astila one last time and goes back through the portal. Quickly she bathed and changes her clothes . Just as she hears a knock on the door. The maid has arrived to take her down to dinner. 

Aisling looks around as she goes to the dinning hall. Looking for clues of what they could have left her. Lucian is already waiting for her when she enters. 

"Come sit ,this stew is the best I have ever had. A strange chamber maid left the recipe a few centuries ago. She and another came and did a wonderful job of preparing the house for my arrival but the moment the job was done they left only leaving a pot of stew and soda bread. The recipe was on the kitchen table . I have had every cook since learn to make it exactly as she did. " Lucian tells Aisling as he takes a bite of the stew. Aisling bows her head and says a quiet prayer of thanks. An action not lost on Lucian. 

"So you are a servant of the father. I won't stop you from praying but it is not something you need to do anymore. I can give you anything you need." Lucian angrily slams down his spoon. Aisling keeps her head bowed and stays silent. 

"Eat your food and talk to me I won't be angry anymore." Lucian coaxes Aisling. 

Aisling takes a bite of food and savors the taste of home. Even if she had not found the dream catcher she would have known they had been here. 

"I know that I cannot leave the house but can I explore the house? Maybe help out with the cooking and cleaning. I do not like to be idle ." Aisling asks. 

"If you like, I have a barrier around the property no one can enter without being invited. I have a special on that will not let you step off from the property. You may go anywhere within its boundaries. " Lucian tells Aisling with pride thinking she is just a mortal. 

"Thank you I will keep that in mind. May I ask why me. I am not some young girl I am married and have children that are nearly grown. So why someone like me." Aisling asks Lucian. 

"I told you that my heart flipped when I saw you. You remind me of someone I once knew and loved dearly. It's not an easy task for someone like me to fall in love. I am not even sure that what I feel is love. What I know is that I want you near." Lucian tells her and motions for her to eat.