Faeldor
Man
Head Stablemaster
Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
Posts: 556
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Post by Faeldor on Sept 27, 2009 20:06:18 GMT -5
“This is the saddle,” Faeldor smiled in instruction, as he lifted the heavy leather upon the back of Lumiel. The horse lifted her head, but her body was patient and gentle, waiting in anticipation of a ride. The grey mare sniffed at the little thing standing beneath her in such a gentle way, that anyone who had seen the horse would know she was well accustomed to children. The little blonde head turned upward; looking at Faeldor, but she did not say a word. She was smiling though; she had taken well over the past few days to the man. Of course she was too little to do anything to help the man as he tacked the horse, but she still watched; her brown eyes affixed as Faeldor tightened the straps. “Are you ready, beloved?” Faeldor said, crouching down to the height of the little one. “Aye,” she nodded emphatically. The man smiled, “Alright, up we go,” and as he spoke he scooped the little girl up and placed her on the saddle in one motion. She squealed in delight. “Faeldor, we ride now?” she asked excitedly. “Oh no, little one, we are just practicing to sit upon the horse first,” he gleamed as the little girl wiggled on the saddle. Of course he would not let the little thing ride unattended; she was far too small, but he could see her balance by leading the horse out of the stables, and as soon as they had exited, he would pull himself up behind her. Diore had become immensely fond of Faeldor, and Meleth had urged that he take her out to spend some time with her. “Faeldor?” a light voice questioned over the manger. The young woman standing there had heard Diore saying the name, and followed the little voice to the stall. The Stable Master looked over for a moment, his hand protectively on the leg of the little girl, should she chose to wiggle more; he did not wish her to fall from the horses back. His eyes took a moment to look over the woman. Dark hair, and blue eyes looked back at him. It took him a moment to search his mind for her face. “Maeniel?” he questioned in recognition. It had been some years since he had seen her. “You used to call me Mae…” the woman said shyly. Faeldor smiled. “That I did; hello Mae.” “Your child?” Maeniel asked gently, marveling at the blonde hair of the little girl. She surely did not look at all like Faeldor; though, she thought that he must have a beautiful wife. “Uhm… no.” The Stable Master realized that he’d been staring quite fondly at the woman before him. She was more beautiful than he had remembered! She had been seventeen before, but now she was a woman indeed… He gulped, and then managed a smile. “This is Diore; she is my mothers.” The man seemed to be stumbling over his words indeed, and he quickly moved to recover them. “I mean, my mother has adopted her.” He looked up at the little girl, who was not paying attention to either of them any longer, instead choosing to make a braid of Lumiel’s mane. “Mae! It has been so long! Where have you been?” he asked eagerly. “My sister and I have been living with an aunt in Lossarnach, and we’ve only just returned to the city two weeks ago,” Faeldor nodded, his memory setting in once more. Of course Maeniel had told him where she was going, but it had been years ago! Nearly eight years; gracious the time had gone so fast. Indeed, she had even written to him once or twice, though Faeldor had been so busy that he had never responded to the letters, and a sense of guilt filled him at that fact. “Indeed, you did tell me that,” he said, to let her know that he did remember. The silence at this point was quite long and arduous, and Faeldor looked back to Diore who was singing softly to herself, in a language unfamiliar to most of the Gondorian tongue. He smiled, looking back to Maeniel. “She is of Rohan, if you could not tell from her complexion. She knows the language better than I, and she is only five years old.” Diore looked on at the man and woman for a second longer, quietly, eyeing Maeniel. She was so dark haired, and her eyes were blue. She looked very well like Miriel and Beleth; Diore thought. Maeniel grinned. “Indeed, you have always known well the lore of the Horse Masters,” she agreed. In fact, Faeldor had more than once sung to her songs in the Rohirric language. She paused for a moment longer, thinking back on the memories. “Is that Lumiel?” she asked suddenly, recalling the name finally of the Stable Master’s horse. “Indeed! She was a young one when you last saw her, but she has gentled out quite well,” Faeldor laughed. “As I remember her, you would have never let a child upon her,” Mae recalled. “She did almost throw you once, didn’t she?” Faeldor brought to mind. “Come now, how gentlemanly am I being to leave you out there? Would you like to come in and see her? She is a kitten now...” Faeldor asked brightly, still holding to Diore’s leg. “Yes,” Mae answered, and let herself into the stall, slowly approaching the grey mare, who stuck her nose out toward the young woman in greeting, pressing it into the fine hand that had reached to stroke the velvety hair. Faeldor smiled. There had been a point in time when Mae had been quite afraid of the creatures. Faeldor had certainly stilled that, as she moved close to the horse with no fear. Faeldor felt almost boyish as Maeniel had approached them. Oh, but was she lovely of face! If he was not biased for his own family, he would say she was ever more beautiful than even Miriel and Beleth. Though, he would never say such a thing a loud. Memories of years past flooded the man as she came near to him, and he smelled the fragrance of flowers within her hair. “I… am sorry that I did not return your letters,” he said, still looking at the woman. Maeniel looked up, hurt for a moment. “You did receive them then? You might have… at least given a short reply, to tell me of your health.” Maeniel had tried; oh she had. Faeldor had been quite unreachable in the months following his father’s death. And she had been young; she did not know how to handle such a situation. “I am sorry,” Faeldor repeated, looking up to Diore. “I did not mean to hurt you. And I did miss you.” He paused for a moment, and then chuckled slightly, “Though it feels now as if you had never left.” Mae smiled. Perhaps there were not so many years between them afterall.
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Gilwen
Man
servant
There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 593
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Post by Gilwen on Sept 27, 2009 20:33:14 GMT -5
She took a deep breath. She was standing right outside the Stables—a very familiar spot to Gilwen indeed. But right now, she was dreading the confrontation she was about to have. In truth, it was not a ‘confrontation’, but the serving woman was about to have to break the news to her beloved that her residency had changed.
She would have to try and make it seem like it was not such a foul place to be. That it wasn’t any more dangerous than where she was living. Oh, but how that was a lie. She knew he knew so, too. Already a woman had come to her door to invite her to join her brothel. Her reputation, however untruthful, had preceded her to the new tier; it was not doing her any favors in the eye of her father, either. Last night had been her first night in their new house, and she was certain she looked a wreck. The noise was horrendous, certainly. Fights, screaming, breaking bottles and crashing crates and barrels…it was a wonder Gilwen had gotten any sleep at all. Still, she had had to rouse herself earlier than normal to account for the longer distance to walk.
She had tried to make herself look well and rested for him, though. So that upon first look she was not so unnerving he knew something was wrong without hearing her words. She set her face sternly as she concentrated on bringing herself into the warm and bustling stables, soon after forcing a smile to her face as she looked for him. It was around time for break. Gilwen had had all morning to figure out what she was going to say to him, and still she felt like her words were going to fail her. She glided into the hustle and bustle, tip-toeing to see over and through the crowds.
“Gilwen!” Herion’s voice. Inwardly, Gilwen groaned a bit. She was not in the mood for pleasantries, lest her nerves begin to fail her.
“Herion. Have you seen Fael---The Stable Master?” She asked lightly, though pointedly. The man nodded a bit and turned.
“He was over with his horses last I saw,” Herion looked back to Gilwen and fell silent a moment. “I must be going. We are riding out soon for our afternoon training.”
Gilwen smiled sweetly. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “And train well,” she added as she began to move off at a slightly quickened pace. Before her nerves failed her, and before she changed her mind. He was going to be upset, surely. But if she waited, it would be worse. She needed to find him to speak to him now.
There.
His smiling face was unmistakable. Though for a moment Gilwen would have walked right by him. He was in Lumiel’s stall, though, and so she could not deny that the tall and smiling man was her Faeldor. Her steps slowed to a halt, and she froze, face frowning slightly in confusion at the visiual. That was surely her horse master, and his fine mount. But who was the lovely child upon the saddle? And who was the beautiful woman that was stroking Lumiel’s nose?
Her heart began to fall, and her confidence shattered. The look that she saw in Faeldor’s eyes was unmistakable. He had looked upon her with the same light the night previous. She was sure of it. But he had said he had loved her, had he not? Clearly, he felt something for this new face as well.
She gazed on, ripping her eyes away from the lady and turning them to the little girl. Faeldor, had she not known him better, would have looked to be the girl’s father. His hand was protectively on her leg, and the way he was standing so near also showing a comfort between them. He was so wonderful with children. She had come to speak with him, but now Gilwen felt as if her words and breath had been stolen.
Now was clearly not a good time.
She had never felt so betrayed, in truth. The light in Faeldor’s eyes as he looked upon the dark-haired woman was quite familiar to her. It had to be nothing, she assured herself desperately. He would not lie to her like that, would he? No. She took a step backward, biting her bottom lip. She couldn’t waste time standing here and gawking as she was. She had plenty to be doing in the palace halls. And she could not bring herself to approach him now. Later, she thought to herself, calmly. Not now.
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Faeldor
Man
Head Stablemaster
Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
Posts: 556
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Post by Faeldor on Sept 27, 2009 22:33:50 GMT -5
“Whoa whoa!” the young lad shouted. Bregor was walking backward down the hall without paying much attention, and the young lad had backed right into Gilwen standing in the middle of the aisle. He quickly stilled the horses that they might not trample over the both of them.
“Sorry, Milady! I did not see you,” he apologized briskly, bowing slightly. He was always taught to act respectable in the presence of a woman, and this one was familiar. He had seen her here before on occasion; though, he could not think of where.
At the commotion of the hall, Faeldor broke his trance-like gaze with Maeniel, and looked over the manger, and who should be waiting there, but his beloved Gilwen! His eyes brightened immensely. Maeniel followed his gaze to the young woman standing, and looking quite befuddled, in the middle of the aisle. She was the one he had been with at the ball, she was certain of it by the face and stature. She frowned slightly, though quickly wiped the look off her face.
Bregor, seeing the Stable Master’s attention, nodded to him and continued on with his work, leading the horses to a watering trough out in the sunshine. That was where he remembered her! The lady he had brought in some weeks ago during that storm. He wondered for a moment again about the dress and the undergarments, though blushed at just the thought and quickly hurried away.
“Gilwen! You’ve come to visit me!” Faeldor exclaimed excitedly, moving as if to go to her, but then remembering Diore and staying at the horses side to steady the girl. He stopped and calmed himself for a moment. “Come here, love, I have some ladies for you to meet,” he said rather excitedly.
”Love.” Maeniel did her best to retain a cheery composure, though her heart dropped slightly within her chest. “I’ll watch her,” she told Faeldor softly, and moved to the side of Diore, nodding with her head that he might leave her presence for the moment. Faeldor cast grateful eyes upon the woman, and proceeded to turn.
“I did not expect you today,” Faeldor smiled, breaking free of Diore and leaving the stall to scoop Gilwen around the waist. After his surprised joy though, he noted that her face was not entirely glad. There was a bout of nervousness in it, and she did not look at all well. “What is wrong?” he whispered quietly and close to her, stopping out of earshot of Mae and Diore before re-entering Lumiel’s stall.
He glanced up for a moment to see that Diore was fine, and she indeed was. Maeniel was doting over her, and it caused Faeldor to smile once more. He did nothing to restrain himself from pressing a loving kiss to Gilwen’s forehead, entirely pleased with the moment, though still quite concerned that his lady did not seem so happy.
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Gilwen
Man
servant
There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 593
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Post by Gilwen on Sept 27, 2009 22:54:23 GMT -5
“Sorry, Milady! I did not see you.”
“Oh, I am terribly sorry.” Gilwen murmured in response looking a bit sorrowful she had been in the way. “It was I who was not paying attention.” She stepped aside gracefully to let the boy pass, and the horses. Oh, however foolish she felt for standing in the middle of the stable as she was! Immediately, she turned to leave, though she was stilled by a very loud and joyful exclamation.
“Gilwen! You’ve come to visit me!”
Well, there went a chance for escape. The woman turned and forced a smile to face. He seemed to try to move to her, but remembered the little girl. Instead, he told her to go to them. Cautiously the woman looked at the two ladies of whom he spoke once more. The elder moved to take the child and seemed to motioned Faeldor onward and toward Gilwen. He had bolted to her before she had had time to get herself three steps toward the stall.
Immediately his arms were about about her waist and the woman flushed slightly. “I did not expect you today.” She offered a small smile to him. She had told him not to pick her up today; she did not know how long it would take her to reach the fourth tier from the first in the morning. Gilwen had certainly thought it best that he learned later in the day of her move, as well. He did not need a sour beginning to his day! “Good morning, Faeldor.”
Her small smile seemed not enough to satisfy him, though, and immediately he asked what was wrong. Her brown eyes saddened, she must have looked a sight for such concern by him, though did he not see the way he had looked upon that other lady? Even if he had not, though, it was likely he would have seen something wrong with her appearance. She looked to the two left in the stall and then whispered in response, “Later.” She would explain everything. She would have to eventually. But not now. Not in front of these people she did not know. It was not news their ears needed to hear. She wished that Faeldor didn’t have to hear it either. “I promise.”
He kissed her forehead, and the small bit of comfort did make her ease a bit in the heart, though flushed her cheeks a bit more. She felt as if she could feel eyes on her, though it was understandable. They were likely wondering who she was, as she was of them.
To avoid further questioning by her Horse Master, she moved boldly toward the stable door offering a nervous but friendly smile. She always had trouble with meeting people now. At one time, it had been no problem for the talker she was! But now…beaten to silence by hard work and a mistress, it was hard for her to strike up conversation. Instead, she waited for Faeldor to come make introductions.
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Faeldor
Man
Head Stablemaster
Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
Posts: 556
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Post by Faeldor on Sept 28, 2009 10:18:07 GMT -5
What sad doe eyes! Faeldor frowned visibly as Gilwen promised to tell him later what her cause of malcontent was.
Calm down, sweet one, Faeldor urged inwardly, sensing Gilwen’s distress and nervousness. She had been bold for herself, for stepping toward the stall on her own; though he supposed that the lady and the girl in Lumiel’s stall seemed less threatening than the bustle of the stable aisle.
As soon as they had entered the stall, pressing in with the horse and bodies already present; Faeldor liad a warm hand upon Gilwen’s shoulder, hoping to assure her. He returned his smile in the presence of Maeniel and Diore, though at the moment it was a difficult task.
“Gilwen this is Maeniel daughter of Esgalon.” The man started, looking up toward Maeniel. The dark haired woman had a bit of a pained expression on her face, and though Faeldor was not upset, he understood. Memories of the past meant nothing for the current circumstances, though.
As if to place the small woman between them, Faeldor wrapped his arm about Gilwen from behind, pulling her back against his chest. “Mae is an old friend. I have not seen her in many years,” he explained to Gilwen softly.
Maeniel stepped forward, “It is good to meet you Gilwen,” she said, her voice slightly strained and flat, though her look was not unkind. The way that Faeldor was standing with the young woman made it quite clear that this Gilwen was not simply someone who Faeldor had escorted to the ball. She was still a shy woman though, and struggled with saying much more, and she merely looked at the two.
The woman was hurt, it was entirely evident in her eyes, and Faeldor saw it. For a moment, he wished to go to her and comfort her. He used to do so quite easily, he remembered, just in the way that he was attempting to still Gilwen’s nerves right now. Well… it would be entirely inappropriate at this moment, and to comfort himself, he drew Gilwen nearer. This only hurt Maeniel more, and she bit her lip, and drew her eyes back to Lumiel.
Oh, this only drew Faeldor into more frustration. What was he to do now? To still himself from hurting either lady, it seemed that he would need to leave. But Diore… oh Diore! He looked up and it appeared the little girl had noticed that she was not being watched for these few moments, and she was scooting herself off the horse; only hanging onto Lumiel’s neck now, and about to drop to the ground.
“Diore!” Faeldor jumped for the little girl who was working her way up along the horse’s neck. “Gracious Bema, you are looking after your children,” the man muttered beneath his breath after he had grabbed the little girl and held her in front of him. Only Lumiel would have been gentle enough to not throw the little girl off in a hurry, and she surely would have been hurt.
“That is not how you treat a horse, little one. I cannot take you riding if you will behave in such a way,” he scolded. His breath had quickened, and he calmed himself; in quite a wonder that such a little thing could set his heart to race so!
“But I just wanted to get her the apple,” Diore pouted, and struggled slightly against the man. Her eyes had turned to the satchel that Faeldor had brought, where indeed he had stowed an apple for each of the horses; a treat that he had told Diore she could give to them.
“You must ask first,” Faeldor sighed, holding the little one against his side, but relenting easily and going for the satchel, pulling a delightful red apple out and placing it in the little girl’s hand.
“Gilwen, this is Diore... daughter of Meleth,” he said momentarily, looking back to the two women. The little blonde girl was however disinterested in the two women, and her only thoughts were for the tall man, of whom she had wrapped her arms around, and the grey mare. She laughed as Faeldor tickled her cheek with his beard. Though, at the ring of Meleth's name in her ears, she smiled.“Mother has adopted her, and it seems now that she will be a part of our family,” he made another explanation.
Diore was entirely happy and content; despite the scolding she had received, and the threat of not riding. "I have a Mama now," she gleamed brightly into the Stable Master's ear. "Yes you do," Faeldor answered softly, his heart melting slightly at his joy that the little girl could be so happy in his home. Oh, she did deserve a mother as fine as his own.
Surely, that news would be quite a shock to Gilwen; as Faeldor already had five siblings. But what was seven compared to five? Gilwen knew Meleth well enough to see that the older woman thought it her sublime purpose to raise many children, who were quite perfect in her eyes. “I’m sorry I did not tell you sooner; but… I only just found out yesterday as well,” he smiled slightly. “But I will explain later.” He did not wish to recount the little girl’s past once more in front of her.
The Stable Master’s eyes returned to Maeniel, and he attempted to comfort her with just a look, though that ability had long since left him, and she was avoiding his gaze, instead having moved close to Lumiel, and running her hands along the soft grey mantle.
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Gilwen
Man
servant
There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 593
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Post by Gilwen on Sept 28, 2009 11:05:57 GMT -5
He had visibly frowned; as Gilwen had turned away she had seen it, and another wave of nerves hit her. It felt wrong and rude to leave him so discontented, but to offer him the information here and now would only make matters worse. Faeldor would not be contented then, either.
The stall was certainly full of bodies, and the little woman was not quite sure how to handle such a thing. Lumiel, though, was handling it quite nicely. A horse less nervous than a woman! Gilwen mused over the irony, though merely took a deep breath instead. She felt a hand upon her shoulder, though did not turn to register it. Her eyes were lowered—a common response from a serving woman—though she was far from being blind. The other woman looked hurt as well.
“Gilwen this is Maeniel daughter of Esgalon.”
Gilwen flicked her brown eyes up to her for a moment to force a smile, though she quickly averted her gaze as her heart began to get carried away in a flurry of nerves. Instead she looked at the gentle mare. Oh, if only she could be so calm! Was it right to say that it was a pleasure? Certainly it did not look as if this Maeniel believed so.
An arm wrapped about her, and the little thing was pulled gently back against the Stable Master’s frame, though such a motion was accompanied by a small gasp and a red color to her cheeks. “Mae is an old friend. I have not seen her in many years.” Old friend? Gilwen was no fool. She swallowed roughly as the thought finally surfaced within her. It was as if she had known all along, with the way they had been looking at one another. Courted. They must have courted. She thought to herself. She was certainly lovely, and the woman seemed gentle. In truth, they must have made a fine pair. Perhaps that was what hurt the most.
“It is good to meet you Gilwen.”
Maeniel did not sound thrilled. Her eyes certainly didn’t seem it either. Gilwen swallowed hard once again, taking a short and shaky breath as she answered, “And you, my lady.” It was quite formal, though as a servant it seemed to be the natural set of her mind. The voice was soft, though, and not unfriendly. Still, nerves could be heard within her tone. Faeldor’s grip tightened upon her, though shortly she was released.
“Diore!”
Gilwen startled slightly, though seemed to instinctively know where to draw her eye. The lovely blonde girl had been a bit forgotten in the happenings of the moments before and seemed to have worked her way into a bit of trouble. Gilwen was relieved that such a distraction had been offered; it was not that Maeniel seemed foul or unpleasant, but it was clear the both of them were quite shaken and taut of nerves.
Faeldor muttered something under his breath as he firmly grasped the little child and drew her into his arms. Gilwen looked from him, to the little girl, and then felt herself sigh inwardly. “That is not how you treat a horse, little one. I cannot take you riding if you will behave in such a way.”
Immediately Gilwen’s heart seemed to soften, though a part of her was pained. Little one, she thought fondly, turning her eyes back to Faeldor. Her own father flashed through her mind at that moment, and such a thing saddened her. Beregar had been just as protective of her when she had learned to ride. She probably had not been much larger physically than the little girl here, though perhaps older in age. But sadness was not the only thing in her heart.
Faeldor was so gentle with her, the little Diore, that Gilwen was pleased. He would make a fine father, such things could not have been contested. Even if her own Papa forsook her and left her, Faeldor would never do so to their own children. Gilwen blushed lightly at the thought. It seemed the wrong place for such a thing to pass through her mind, but it was certainly there.
“Gilwen, this is Diore... daughter of Meleth.”
Daughter of Meleth? Gilwen tried not to look confused, though perhaps in the depth of her doe-like eyes it still flared. Faeldor went on to explain, though, that the child had been adopted. Gilwen smiled gently, eyes not leaving the blonde-haired angel. A beautiful child! Meleth had certainly filled her home with beautiful children. Someday, Gilwen would like to do the same.
"I have a Mama now."
That broke Gilwen’s heart a slight, though she did well to keep smiling. She could not imagine what had befallen the child to warrant her need to be taken by a Gondorian family, her lilt was clearly not from around here. The blonde hair and fair complexion also told such a story. Faeldor apologized for not telling her sooner, though that had not bothered the serving woman, nor had it crossed her mind. She was entranced by the little girl. It seemed they both had stories to share later.
“It is wonderful to meet you, Diore.” Gilwen said, smiling in a rather motherly fashion. She dared not approach the child; indeed, it seemed the little girl was latched to Faeldor quite nicely. The thought was endearing, and warming. Someday, perhaps, Gilwen would have a little girl of her own to hold so protectively. She did love children so!
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Faeldor
Man
Head Stablemaster
Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
Posts: 556
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Post by Faeldor on Sept 28, 2009 12:47:21 GMT -5
Gracious Eru… at least the ladies love Lumiel… Faeldor concluded in his thoughts. Mae was still stroking the mare, and before Gilwen’s eyes had turned back to Diore, she had been fixated as well. Now little Diore was reaching for Lumiel’s ear, touching the velvet tip, and not recognizing Gilwen’s greeting, but off in her own world as her head lay contently against the Stable Master’s shoulder.
The horse was enough to keep them somewhat distracted from each other, at least, Faeldor thought.
“Father said that I must invite you over to supper,” Maeniel broke the silence nervously. Her words had been quick. It seemed that now was not the time to linger here in Lumiel’s stall, but she could not return to her home without
“Tell him I would be glad to come. He retired from the Calvary some years ago, and I have not seen him here in these stables since. And I would be glad to hear of your time in Lossarnach.” Faeldor did hope that Gilwen would not be offset by acceptance of the invitation. Faeldor had courted Maeniel; yes. And perhaps it was a serious courtship, that would have led somewhere if not for the events that had occurred within it. But, Maeniel had been a close friend. Faeldor had stilled much of his physical attentions on the lady in the weeks following his father’s death; but Maeniel had tried to comfort him. He could not do her now the injustice of completely ignoring her.
After all, the two of them would not be alone. Maeniel’s father and mother, and if he remembered correctly, sister, would still be quite present.
“He boards his horse on the forth tier now, near our home,” Maeniel answered, referring only to her Father in explanation to his absence from the stables, and not to herself. She was not certain that she could tell Faeldor completely of her time in Lossarnach now. Yet, she still was a bit glad that he had accepted. She had worried and wondered of the man over the past years; and she would like to hear of how his own life had turned.
Maeniel knew that she should extend the invitation to Gilwen as well; it would only be proper to do so in this circumstance, yet, she could not bring herself to do so. She did not look at the woman again, for fear that her eyes would condemn her, despite the fact that she did not deserve it. Afterall, Mae had been gone from the city for nearly eight years. Who would have expected Faeldor to wait for her all that time? He had not even seemed interested at the time when she had left; all he had done was work.
Faeldor nodded, “Send word to me on when to come,” he agreed. Then he paused for some moments. The two women were obviously not going to speak to each other; and Faeldor was not about to force the conversation. Diore was not the attention seeking child that Haliel was, and did not even lighten the mood between them. So, Faeldor finally decided to continue. “I was about to take Diore out for a ride. I made her the promise yesterday. She loves horses.”
The little girls eyes lit up again, hearing the words spoken, and she lifted her head from Faeldor’s shoulder. “We will go outside the city?” she asked excitedly.
“Yes, out to the fields,” he agreed.
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Gilwen
Man
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There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 593
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Post by Gilwen on Sept 28, 2009 13:08:30 GMT -5
Gilwen was a wreck. The stiffness was overbearing, and Gilwen could not seem to find the proper comfort. Indeed, even the blessed little child had not said a thing to her, and while Gilwen could not blame her, it had saddened her. At least the child adored Faeldor.
She studied the ground dutifully now as the silence seemed to pass on and strengthen. She desired to say something to Maeniel—Gilwen dested being seen as rude—but she could find no words. She never had them, it seemed. Frustrated and saddened with herself, Gilwen clenched her hands tightly in front of her.
She needed to find a way to excuse herself. This was not going to aide her in break. She had a long day ahead of her still in the palace. Already it felt her muscles were stiff enough to warrant a full day’s work. But she could barely keep her mind on trying to formulate a sentence to utter.
“Father said that I must invite you over to supper.” “Tell him I would be glad to come.”
Gilwen did not move, and did not falter in her steady and reserved facial expression. She, by no means, would ever speak out against anyone. Still, her heart pounded in her chest and the woman was clearly still averting herself from interaction on either part.
The conversation flitted between them nicely, and all the while Gilwen tried to think of the words to say to let herself return to the palace. “I was about to take Diore out for a ride. I made her the promise yesterday. She loves horses.” That was the window she so desperately needed.
“Then I shall not keep you,” Gilwen took a graceful but timid step backward, her voice strained and quiet. “I must return to work.” She added as a fairer explanation. She took a shaky breath and flashed eyes to Maeniel for a moment before dropping her gaze once more. “It was nice meeting you,” Gilwen murmured before she turned to open the manger door to let herself out. It seemed her little hands couldn’t work fast enough. Her heart was pounding, and the little thing was falling into a dour spirit. How rude she must seem! How much she detested her lack of voice. Though after ten years, it was doubtful she would ever change again. Her eyes burned with her disgust with herself, though she sought to desperately to keep herself under control; Faeldor was, after all, still going to see her clearly as she once more shut the door.
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Faeldor
Man
Head Stablemaster
Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
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Post by Faeldor on Sept 28, 2009 14:18:10 GMT -5
Mae nodded to Gilwen, her eyes flickering up to her face briefly as she addressed her, though her saddened spirit did not allow her further words.
Faeldor stayed put for just a moment, watching as Gilwen left, at a loss at the moment. Only when he realized that she meant to leave whether he said something or not, did he spur himself into action. “Wait, Gilwen,” he said, skirting around the front of Lumiel with the little child still in one arm. She had shut the door, but he made effort to grasp her hand before she pulled it from the wood, and he clasped it in his, still at a loss for what he needed to say.
“You did not tell her about Eoric,” Diore said softly, proving to the Stable Master that she had very well been listening as he spoke, despite not showing it. From where Faeldor held her she was just a slight bit higher than Gilwen and she looked down at her for a moment, then smiled shyly, and burrowed herself back against Faeldor.
“You are right, little one,” Faeldor contested, his words returning to him. “We have both Diore and Eoric now. But he is far too little to come to the stables; so Gilwen will have to come home to meet him sometime,” he spoke to both Diore and Gilwen at this time, then turned back to his lady. “I will walk you home tonight?” he asked, both a question, and a statement at the same time. He would meet her at courtyard stairs no matter the answer she gave.
Usually, Gilwen walked herself home in the evenings, insisting not to bear Faeldor the trouble of being out so late. Though, it hardly would have troubled Faeldor to walk with his lady, he had allowed it presently. Yet there were still times when he would see her home. Tonight would be one night, for they needed to speak.
Faeldor could not bring himself to kiss his lady in front of Maeniel, so instead he pressed her hand warmly, and then let go, instead, cupping her upper arm and pulling her back toward the wooden manger. “Thank you for visiting me,” he said out loud, and then he whispered in her ear the last, “I love you.” His thumb traced over her arm for a moment, before he released her, allowing her leave.
“I… will be going as well. I have some errands to run at the market,” Maeniel interjected before Gilwen had gone, not wishing to upset the little woman by staying longer. It was not her right place, afterall. She had already put Faeldor in enough of a bind, it seemed. Of course she had not heard the whispered words that the Stable Master had left with the woman, though hearing such a thing would have torn her heart. Mae had never been gifted such words by the Stable Master.
She was ready to leave as well; for her nerves were shot. Presently though, she was blocked into the stall by both the Stable Master and his lady who stood in front of the door. “It was good to see you and Lumiel again;" she said to Faeldor, "And to meet you Diore,” she managed a smile.
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Gilwen
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There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
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Post by Gilwen on Sept 28, 2009 17:35:03 GMT -5
Gilwen had heard a call for her to hinder, and she looked upwards just in time to see Faeldor step to the door and grasp her hand. Still, he did not seem to know precisely what to say now that he was with her. It was well, she did not know what to say either. Though, it was rare for him to lose words, and for a moment the serving woman felt a twinge of guilt for having strained him so.
“You did not tell her about Eoric.” The little girl’s voice drew Gilwen’s brown gaze to her once more, and it seemed the little girl was studying her for a moment before she smiled shyly and let herself fall back against Faeldor comfortably. The woman’s lips sent a tender smile in return toward the little thing, though turned back to Faeldor inquisitively.
Who was Eoric?
“We have both Diore and Eoric now. But he is far too little to come to the stables; so Gilwen will have to come home to meet him sometime.”
Another child? There could be no other explanation for one being too small to come to the stables. Two children, it must be, had been adopted by Meleth. It seemed the last part of the sentence was directed to bringing Gilwen to Faeldor’s home at some point. To this, Gilwen showed she understood with a nod of consent. She would be able to find time to do such a thing. Especially if the little boy was as blessed as this child here. She still could find no words, though, for her nerves were not stilled in the least.
“I will walk you home tonight?”
Gilwen could not deny him such a thing now. They both needed to share words, and she certainly couldn’t wait until morning to let him know of her move. “You may,” she said gently. Though she added in a rather motherly fashion, “It shall be a bit late.” She was not staying for as many hours now. Their new home did not require the same payments to be made as the old. Because of this, she could begin to cut back on her hours. Still, it would still be past nightfall when she was granted leave.
He pulled her closer to the manger door, saying quite nicely, “Thank you for visiting me.” Gilwen couldn’t help but think he would not think such things if he knew her reason for coming. Still, she smiled in response. She did not have a chance to say anything in response, though, for his whispered words stilled her. “I love you.” And I love you. She thought, though did not say aloud. Instead she heard Maeniel begin to press her own exit and Gilwen realized quite nervously that Faeldor and she were blocking her path. Her arm was released, and the young woman was about to turn and leave, though looked back to Diore sweetly and said quite softly, “Do enjoy your ride.” It was unclear whom she was speaking to, though Gilwen felt both could use the words. And with that, she turned to head back to the palace.
--
The day passed dreadfully slow. Gilwen’s spirits did not seem to ease or lessen in strain, and for all of her work she was quite diligent and in silent contemplation. Once more, she tried to build up the confidence to broach the subject of her move to her Faeldor.
She was utterly exhausted, and now her looks and mind relayed such facts. Her mind stilled itself when she had about another hour left of chores and duties, and the woman’s mind was blank. Oh, she had quite a long walk home! Tears welled in her eyes out of sheer frustration and anger over the matter. The streets would be busy and loud. There was certain to be many a man drunken on the side of the road. Even when she got back to her new house, there would be nothing that would let her rest. It all seemed so futile! She was desperately trying to help her family rid themselves of the horrible conditions, but it seemed as if she could not do so.
Her time at work had ended, and Gilwen stood tiredly and whisked her way back to the serving quarters to stow her bucket and brush for the next day. Whether she was ready to or not, she was now going to have to face Faeldor and explain precisely what had brought her to the stables that morning.
Soundlessly she moved back through the stone walls, the moon and stars shone in through the windows to light her way, as well as a few burning lanterns upon the walls. It was empty and eerie to be in the palace so late at night. The number of palace hands dwindled to nothing.
She managed to find the energy to open the doors and stepped outside. Faeldor had desired to walk her home. She figured he would be waiting for her upon the steps. With a deep breath, she walked though the doorway.
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Faeldor
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Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
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Post by Faeldor on Sept 28, 2009 19:20:45 GMT -5
Faeldor stood over the manger, watching Gilwen walk away from him, before recalling that Maeniel had requested her leave as well, and he opened the stall door, stepping out with her. “Mae, do not be disheartened,” he told the young woman. “I was glad to see you again today, and I will look forward to my visit in your home. I… should have written to you those years ago.”
Maeniel nodded. “I was glad to find you here,” she said, her eyes now coursing over the man’s face. “I… how long have you been with her?” she asked suddenly, unwilling to retain her curiosity.
“Just over two months,” Faeldor answered slowly. “I am… going to ask her to marry me,” he confessed to the woman. “I do love her.”
Maeniel nodded, understanding, though unhappy at the same time. “I wish I would have stayed in the city,” she said impulsively after a few moments of silence.
“Let us not worry about things that did not happen,” the man said. “I still care for you Mae, and I am thankful for what you did for me.” His grey eyes were compassionate, and he reached for the woman’s hand, pressing it in his.
“I care for you too,” she echoed, though her thoughts had travelled away. Then the woman sighed, “Really, I must be going. Enjoy your ride, Fael.” The Stable Master managed a smile and released the woman, though nothing kept his eyes from watching her as she too retreated. Then, he set off with Diore for their ride.
---
“There is my Starlight,” the man began transcending the steps as soon as he saw Gilwen exit the hall. He met her partway and stopped, standing a step beneath her, yet still taller than the lady. Over the past hours, Faeldor had managed to regain his composure, and he was quite glad to see her once more. Though, she still looked exhausted and worried.
“Did you know that the full moon has passed us by, love? I had not realized until I sat here now, but it was a few days ago. I wish we would have gone again to Fela Isilme,” the Stable Master smiled, and as he spoke, he removed his cloak, whisking it around the lady in front of him and fastening the lace of it at her shoulder. He smoothed the warm fabric down over her sides, and afterwards, he reached up to brush the hair loosened by work back behind Gilwen’s ears.
“Though, tonight is as perfect a night for a walk as ever,” he grinned, grasping the woman’s hand.
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Gilwen
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There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
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Post by Gilwen on Sept 28, 2009 19:52:57 GMT -5
“There is my Starlight.”
It was almost immediate that Gilwen heard him exclaim her pet name. Something of it seemed strange to hear. Perhaps it was because for the entire day he had not used it once. Though it did a bit to comfort her. He was quite bright-eyed, and seemed to have less taut nerves and anxieties. Indeed, the way he prattled on to her seemed to imply he was back to his usual self. Gilwen couln’t quite decide if that was going to make telling him her news easier or not.
She smiled at him, though and halted in her footsteps as he approached her. She wondered for a moment how long he had been waiting for her, and then again how he knew it was she who was walking through the door. The latter could have been easily explained by the fact very few would have left this late in the evening. The first one though remained something of a quiet curiosity.
“Fael,” she greeted wearily, though pleasantly. He began to remove his cloak and to drape it over her own shoulders, all the while speaking on the fact the full moon had passed; at the mention of Fela Isilme, Gilwen smiled a slight. It was an entirely lovely place, and now that he had made mention that they had missed the day of perfect viewing, she was somewhat saddened.
But she would not have been able to steal away from work to go with him. Papa would not have allowed her the time to go so far from the city with him again. Go anywhere with him again. Frustrated eyes closed for a moment while she regained composure, though she had to open them quickly. If she kept them closed much longer, she was certain she would fall asleep.
She felt his hands brush her sides, then play with her hair before she forced herself to pry them open once more. Oh, she did just desire her bed. “Though, tonight is as perfect a night for a walk as ever.” Yes, it was. How had he so much energy? Had he not spent all of it with a little girl, riding? "I hope you have not been waiting for me long."
He took her hand, and Gilwen allowed him that. She was still a bit confused over the matters of the morning, though was not about to speak openly on them. Instead, she began to move off for the walk home, hand still in his. “It is a lovely night,” Gilwen agreed quietly. Her pace was slow; in part it was for her short strides, though it was also influenced by her exhaustion.
She did not wish to speak to Faeldor on it yet. She wouldn’t have to tell him for a few more tiers. And, she did not wish him to sense her unease and inquire to it himself. She looked up at him for a moment, though turned her eyes back to the streets. “How was your ride?” It was gentle and soft, though curious. She did hope that whatever had happened in the stables had not ruined his excursion. Little Diore didn’t deserve that.
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Faeldor
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Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
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Post by Faeldor on Sept 28, 2009 21:02:57 GMT -5
"I hope you have not been waiting for me long."
“I have been waiting for you since you left the stables this very morning,” Faeldor answered with a gentle smile, knowing that it was not the response Gilwen desired to hear, so he continued. “But I have been sitting out here on the steps since before dark. I had thought that you would be done sooner,” he admitted honestly, though he should have known it was not the case. Gilwen often worked late; even later than this sometimes.
“Though it is a clear night, and I have been gifted the presence of the moon and stars, and the city bells chiming. It has not been unpleasant,” he said quickly, before the woman could apologize for making him wait. He was glad when she allowed him her hand, yet at the same time a bit worried. Her voice was far too neutral.
Faeldor knew that the little woman had much more on her mind than she was letting to the forefront right now, and it was like herself to inquire on his own day first, which she did. She wished to hear of the ride he had taken with Diore, and he would surely inform her with no cause of trouble.
“It was fine. As long as an eye is kept on the little one, she has no difficulty, but she knows the moment you look away from her. A good horsewoman she is though; at least when she tries. It is evident that she has ridden before, even at her age. She was not frightened in the least of Lumiel.”
The Stable Master continued his speaking on of the ride, though there was not much else to say other than the fact that little Diore had enjoyed going out to the fields. She had lived the past two years at least, in the wilderness, and it seemed that she missed the outdoors much. Then the Stable Master went on to tell the story of how the children had lived, how their brother and they had been found, and how his mother had come upon the small children and taken them in.
“I had not thought too kindly on Mother’s decision at first,” he admitted, “Though once she handed that little girl to me, I could not tell her to send them off on someone else. And Eoric is just as precious. Mother thinks that Diore is perhaps five, and Eoric is two. They did not even know their own names, love. I gave them those which they have.” As the man continued his stories, they bypassed the stables, and his own home. Some lights were still shining in the front, and in the upper window of his sisters’ bedroom. They passed the gateway to the fifth tier, and all down through it he continued, and onto the forth. “I’ll have you over to meet Eoric soon. You will find him endearing, I know. He is the quietest little child.”
Faeldor wished to walk more slowly, for he did not want to leave Gilwen. He missed her. The hours he had spent some nights previous had made him well aware of the fact that he did not see as much of her as he wished; though, she was tired, and her steps seemed heavy. It was quite necessary to get her to her own home, he know, for her health and rest. He sighed, “Their names are quite fitting though, I should think. I do hope they honor the culture they were born into. Eoric is named for his late brother, and the horselords of his people, and Diore is simply beloved. For she is. She is a precious thing, Gilwen. Did you notice her eyes? They are the same shade as yours, I do love seeing them. And is not her golden hair precious?”
“Though, she does not speak much, and I wonder at it for her age. Most children cannot stop their voices, and if they are not talking, they are yelling or crying. But she is so quiet. You would think that she is not listening either, but then she will come in with some little comment that lets you know she understood the whole conversation. It is such an interesting way, but she is certainly difficult to connect with. It has only been a few days, I know, but I hope she will warm up to us.”
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Gilwen
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There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
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Post by Gilwen on Sept 28, 2009 21:30:02 GMT -5
“But I have been sitting out here on the steps since before dark. I had thought that you would be done sooner.”
Gilwen’s brown eyes certainly widened, and she looked up to him hastily. “Faeldor—“ She had told him that she was going to be late, had she not? Was the man not listening there in the stables? He continued quickly though, assuring her it was of no concern. Still, Gilwen felt heavily guilty. He had wasted much of his time sitting in wait for her.
He had walked along with her, and it seemed almost immediately, he was off on a response to her question. He described a bit Diore and the ride, but his fluid train of thought brought him quickly to the topic of the new children in general. Gilwen was, admittedly, rather surprised when Faeldor had mentioned that he had not been utterly pleased with his mother’s decision right away.
He adored being around children, or so it seemed to her. He certainly had staid close to little Diore this morning. He had a watchful eye, that was certain. His mother, too. Meleth seemed to be able to handle a full household easily. Perhaps it was strange for Gilwen to think of adopting children at her age, though the little woman quickly reminded herself that they were of a different line, and that Meleth had many more years in her life. It seemed only right to fill her time with care and love; and to do something so kind! To open one’s home was not always an easy task. Gilwen’s own parents perhaps would have enjoyed adoption, though they hardly could have afforded it.
“I’ll have you over to meet Eoric soon. You will find him endearing, I know. He is the quietest little child.”
Even though she was tired, Gilwen smiled nicely at such a statement. She did desire to meet the little boy. If he was quiet, they could take solace in each other’s silence. The poor things, to be so far from home! Gilwen’s eyes saddened a bit at this. They had not even known their own names! Such a thought saddened her, though she could not help but think they were blessed to have been named by one such as Faeldor. For not having children of his own, he was quite a fatherly figure already.
“But she is so quiet. You would think that she is not listening either, but then she will come in with some little comment that lets you know she understood the whole conversation. It is such an interesting way, but she is certainly difficult to connect with.”
Gilwen frowned slightly, though it did not show too terribly well against the darkness. He had already said that Diore’s eyes reminded him of her own; perhaps it was this comparison that allowed Gilwen to think on the last bit of his conversation in relation to her as well.
Indeed, she had not made a single sound since he had begun talking to her on such subjects. Did he find her hard to connect with as well? She looked up to him a moment as he finished and then held the silence a bit longer. “Hard to connect with?” She asked quietly.
She did not linger on the words long, though and moved herself to answer the rest of his concerns. “Fael, she is young, and she has already had more loss than I can imagine. To be so far from home, and in a new place? It is frightening.” Her voice perhaps revealed a bit too much sympathy and understanding. She herself had just moved from everything that was familiar to her. It was certainly scary to be somewhere you did not recognize faces or truly the place you were. It didn’t feel like a home. It was a house, nothing more.
Diore, though, she would learn to love it. Faeldor’s family was always brimming with love—it seemed only right it should be shared.
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Faeldor
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Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
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Post by Faeldor on Sept 28, 2009 22:19:47 GMT -5
Faeldor smiled slightly, the fact that his description of Diore had fit Gilwen so well, and she had seemed to notice was quite fine. He was about to interject and let her know that he adored her quiet and gentle demeanor, but she surprised him by continuing. It was not often that Gilwen offered a stream of sentences. Though, his face fell as she did continue, for her voice was heavy, and weary with an added sorrow that he had not earlier noted.
“Fael, she is young, and she has already had more loss than I can imagine. To be so far from home, and in a new place? It is frightening.” The man nodded at her statement, understanding in a way, for he had experienced loss, and he had also left his home in Belfalas to come to Minas Tirith at a young age. Though; Gilwen had not. She had always been content in her little home on the third tier, with just her Mama and Papa to care for her and keep her.
“My lovely one,” the man started, stopping now at the gate between the third and forth tier as usual. “You are weary tonight from your work, I know. But there is something else. What is troubling you so?” he asked, turning the lady to face him as he let his hands upon her shoulders, sliding them down her arms and eventually letting them rest at her waist. He wished to draw her near and against him, though he waited patiently now for her answer.
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