Gilwen
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There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
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Post by Gilwen on Nov 9, 2009 13:01:21 GMT -5
“And softer as well… perhaps if you had worn your velveteen you would have required more attention.”
Calon laughed slightly. “Then I should not desire such attention.” He stated adamantly. Any attention that came by means of a girlish tunic was not to be desired. No matter how small the child was that would be giving it. “Though, I suppose you are right. I am not nearly as soft.” And for that, Calon was almost a bit prideful. He was a man; in no way should he be like a kitten.
“Thank you for coming today… Oh, I should hope you do not hold this day against our family, Calon.”
Meleth seemed to look a bit concerned, though Calon’s smile returned in full as he made move to respond. “Your family has been nothing but delightful,” he stated sincerely. Indeed, Rosiel was not a part of their family—it could not be this House’s fault that the dinner went a bit sour. No matter, now that he had calmed himself enough, he would be sure to make Beleth bring her smile back as well. They got their leave to go, and Calon responded with a simple, “I hope your evening is pleasant,” and then he gripped Beleth’s hand and began to lead her toward the gate around the side of the house.
As he reached it, he released her hand to open it for her, and grinned down at her. “I should think a nice walk will do us both well. I was not certain how long I could remain sitting anyway.” He was, after all, a mover. Though, so was she. He thought a moment, trying to decide on a destination. “I do believe,” he began pleasantly. “I have a place for us to go. Come. It is near the tower; though not nearly as much of an adventure, it shall be quite fine for tonight.” And with that he offered the woman his elbow to escort her up through the city toward the precipice of the White City. A grand outcropping on the seventh tier that was, arguably, one of the best views of the land. At times when you stood there it felt as if you were flying, for the wind would howl by your ears, and it seemed you were so very far away from the rest of the people.
It would be a distraction enough, he presumed, to get them out of their little dip in mood.
--
Gilwen watched steadily as the girl continued to stroke her cheek, finally reaching up to lightly touch the corner of her eye. Yes, my eyes. She thought to herself. She wondered over it; never had she thought her own eyes of any consequence. Indeed, all the city seemed to have ones to match. Though they entranced the child fully, as they had her brother. And before that, Faeldor.
Faeldor had moved away. Gilwen chanced a glance to him, though was inwardly eased by such a thing. After all of the talk from the evening, the last thing either of them needed was to be seen in any way as compromised by the rest of his family. They needed to be assured that tonight Faeldor and Gilwen would remain chaste with one another; that Rosiel’s declaration of them bedding one another was false. Perhaps a part of her longed for his closeness, but it was kept at bay by her logic and determination to save her reputation.
“She is very pretty, Faeldor. Is she your wife?”
Gilwen was a bit taken aback by such an observation. Rosiel had just finished calling her vile and uncomely, and this child spoke of her as appealing. And to Faeldor no less! It seemed she still would not be addressed by the little thing. And that was fine by little Gilwen. She understood timidity. The little girl was not used to her quite yet, so she simply smiled at the little thing softly. Wife. No, she was not his wife. Though, in the events of the evening such a title would have eased a bit of the anxieties she felt at certain comments.
“She is the loveliest woman.”
He began to speak in response, and Gilwen immediately felt her heart soften. His poetic language weaved a grand tale of someone of magnificence, and it drew Gilwen’s dark eyes to him. He was speaking of her; though she was filled with awe and love at the way he chose his words. It sounded as if she were other-worldly the way he described her eyes. As if Gilwen was a part of the Valar themselves. Her entire soul seemed to fill with love for that man. He could make her feel like no other, it was certain. He was looking upon her as well. Like an artist in admiration. Or a man in love. Gilwen wished she could have responded to him with anything that showed the same emotion, though the lady’s eyes held all of her words. “No, she is not yet my wife.”
Such a thought seemed almost regrettable. At that moment she desired to be able to call herself wed to him that he may understand fully how much she cared for him. But they were not wed yet; her chastity need be reserved and saved. After such foul rumors, they both needed to hold to such a vow for their own sakes and their family’s.
The child spoke again, and it was the only thing that drew Gilwen’s eyes from Faeldor’s grey ones. He had laughed a slight; such a pleasant sound of spirits mending that Gilwen was eased by it. “Perhaps you should ask her, she can speak as well, beloved. Though she is quiet as Eoric, she is old enough to know her words."
Gilwen smiled at Diore once more, as she seemed to be thoughtful on the matter of addressing her. “You are from Gondor too?” Gilwen’s lips parted in a larger smile, and she answered softly, “Yes, I am from Gondor.” She paused a moment, unsure of whether she should continue, though decided no harm could come by her for speaking to a child. “I have lived here, in this city, all my life.” She finished. She wondered if the child knew the difference between Faeldor and his family and Gilwen herself. Different parts of Gondor harbored different bloodlines. Longer life was gifted to the men with light eyes, and the brown eyes of the city marked those that did not descend from the elves.
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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 Nov 9, 2009 16:08:56 GMT -5
Narbeleth watched Calon closely as he bid her mother farewell. He was careful to assure her that he had enjoyed their family and it certainly lightened Meleth’s spirit a bit, as she smiled back at the charming young man. Narbeleth mused that it had been mostly Rosiel to foul the mood, though she could not help but recall the instance where Faeldor had incriminated him as well. Not to dwell on it though! Faeldor could not despise the man so much as he tried to let on to. After all, had he not been the one to set them together in the first place?
“I should think a nice walk will do us both well. I was not certain how long I could remain sitting anyway.” The woman breathed a sigh of relief as they exited the gardens, and moved between the white wall of her home, and that of the garden. “I have a place for us to go. Come. It is near the tower; though not nearly as much of an adventure, it shall be quite fine for tonight.”
“I did think you would agree,” Narbeleth answered, taking the man’s arm gently and moving alongside him. No, soft he was not. He certainly would not prefer to be called by such a word, at least, the woman mused. Comfortable though, yes. It perhaps meant the same thing; but sounded less kittenish. Reassuring, and protecting. Wherever he was leading them, though it could not be as pleasant as their evening atop the beacon tower, would certainly be fine. The young woman hardly minded, as long as she was with Calon, and away from her gardens, her mood would certainly improve.
However, Rosiel was still on her mind, the nasty woman, and Beleth was highly embarrassed that she had set to tears before her. Her sister’s friend had likely taken much pleasure in it, for it was not often that this daughter of Faelon would cry publically. She glanced to Calon, sorry that she had displayed herself in such a manner before him as well. What, though, was she to do otherwise? She had held no control over the situation. She certainly would have held herself better if not for being entirely stressed at the fact that Calon was being criticized by the woman. Certainly he had held himself, and a foolish woman’s words would not be taken to heart.
Perhaps Narbeleth was thinking too critically on the matter as it was, for she felt her eyes begin to fill with tears once more at just the remembrance of it.
---
Where Narbeleth was oddly still fretting over the previous matter at hand, Faeldor’s temper had cooled almost completely. Gilwen’s smile was blessed and warmed him, and to watch her eyes as he spoke to her had only encouraged him further to keep talking. he watched her with the little children.
Diore knew no difference in bloodline. Though, perhaps she was not one who understood lifespan quite well. Her parents had both died already, and her older brother. And none of them had passed by natural death. It was hardly a thing to give the little child fear, though she had witnessed the slaying of her brother; it did not haunt her. It had come to be a part of her life, and could at any point, she knew, happen to any of the others. Truly, Diore had no fears.
“The city is very big,” was her response. This was the little child’s first time in a city after all, and Minas Tirith was the greatest of cities in Gondor, and even if compared to the smaller cities of Rohan, it was still more magnificent. Perhap, Faeldor thought, it was the greatest city in all of Arda. The strongest walls, and the highest towers.
Diore, however, was small and not easily captivated by the size of the city, nor the history behind it, instead she had wiggled again in Gilwen’s lap, to play a bit with the lady’s dark hair. She ran her finger’s through it, quite sedatedly, and then stared at the woman’s eyes for a time longer. “My Mama had light hair,” she stated, this time speaking directly to Gilwen. “It was long and light, as sunshine, Papa said.” This statement had not been morose, though perhaps the next was. “Nobody in Gondor has light hair. Just Eoric and I.”
Eoric had fallen asleep against the woman now, curling even smaller against her soft dress. His little thumb had found it’s way into his mouth and his other hand still gripped the fabric.
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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 Nov 9, 2009 19:44:20 GMT -5
“Of course I did, Bel.” Calon’s voice actually turned serious for that moment in which he answered. He would probably do well anything she desired of him for his sheer devotion. Instead he looked back to the street. She had fallen into a sullen demeanor again, and he wished to aide her.
“It is going to be quite a view,” he hinted as they climbed. “It is probably one of the freest points in the city. You can stand there…and it is like you are out of the city. For just some moments, you can leave the stone walls behind.” His voice had gotten a bit whimsical, though in a manly way. He adored being free, out amongst the fields and the trees. Hunting was the epitome of all of these things. Perhaps it was why he loved it so.
They continued to climb and he looked at her and said, quite innocently, “My Nightingale should sing. It is when her heart is lightest.” He was not about to sing for her, he was far too concerned with his manly appearance, but he would love to listen to her. Perhaps it was somewhat selfish; he desired her voice to calm him as well. His body was still a bit tense from the happenings of earlier.
They were near the top of the city. Perhaps Beleth had guessed where it was he was taking her. Though, in case he had not, he motioned with his head. “Have you stood upon the edge, Bel? It is like you are flying.” He said lightly.
--
Gilwen had listened to the little girl’s observation of the city, and she smiled down at her gently. “Yes. The city is very large,” she cooed gently. Perhaps to Gilwen it was just so familiar that it hardly seemed so now. Though, there were places within the white stone walls that even she did not understand or know. She lived, now, in such a part.
“Nobody in Gondor has light hair. Just Eoric and I.”
Gilwen’s smile faltered a moment, and she took a hand to brush through the little girl’s hair. “Yes, such hair like yours is rare here.” She paused a moment though, lightly frowning in thought before she smiled and continued, keeping her ministrations up within her locks of gold. “But that makes you a treasure. Your hair is golden, just like the sun,” she drew upon the words Diore had remembered from her father. “And ours,” she flipped some more of her own dark hair over her shoulder for the little girl to continue playing, “is like the earth.” She smiled gently and let her hand rest atop the girl’s head. “Even the smallest amount of sun sheds light and warms the earth.”
It had to be a lonely feeling, though her soft eyes and warm heart did not relay such emotions. The blessed child was ever so tried already! And she was not but five. Gilwen's heart ached. The child was certainly beautiful. For such a difference she should not be ashamed.
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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 Nov 10, 2009 12:31:21 GMT -5
“It is going to be quite a view. It is probably one of the freest points in the city. You can stand there…and it is like you are out of the city. For just some moments, you can leave the stone walls behind.” The words lent the woman to thought, though her mind was a bit weary and she did not know of what Calon was speaking. Anything, though, would seem quite nicer than the city’s stone walls at this moment, she knew. Anything was more fond.
“My Nightingale should sing. It is when her heart is lightest.”
The young woman finally glanced to Calon once again. If he was requesting of her a song, she would gladly offer it. If he was pleased by her voice, then he would willingly have all of it that he so desired. Perhaps, she could not embrace the man as she wished with her arms, yet with her words she might, and in a song, it was quite safe.
Narbeleth took a deep breath. Calon was correct, a song would certainly lighten hearts, and after all, she had earlier wished to sing for the man that she was with. There had been no opportune time before the supper; not among the others, for she was not of mood to sing to all. To Calon though, she could, and she stayed thoughtfully quiet for a few more moments as she determined her lyric. As they came through the tunnel to the seventh tier, the exposed wind pulled at her dress and cooled her skin, and then the words of an old rhyme came to her, and she found her music.
“I saw you toss the kites on high And blow the birds about the sky; And all around I heard you pass, Like ladies' skirts across the grass
Oh wind, a blowing all day long, Oh wind, that sings so loud a song!
I saw the different things you did, But always you yourself you hid. I felt you push, I heard you call, I could not see yourself at all
Oh wind, a blowing all day long! Oh wind, that sings so loud a song!
O you that are so strong and cold, O blower, are you young or old? Are you a beast of field and tree, Or just a stronger child than me?
O wind, a blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song!” *
As the song finished, they were upon the highest tier, and had only to walk now down the battlement to the very edge of the precipice. This was where he was taking her, the young woman was certain, and he motioned toward it as if to confirm her thoughts. She smiled lightly. He would bring her to such a point, would he not? And Narbeleth wondered if the two of them would go from height to height. Perhaps a time would be that they might climb to the peaks of Mindoluin, or the cliffs above the sea, and those thoughts pleased her more than the song she had sung itself. Indeed, they would soon run out of adventurous places to visit in the city. She glanced upward at the Tower of Ecthelion. No, it seemed that the white spike in the evening sky would not allow them to go to such a place. That tower was certainly locked and guarded at all times.
“Have you stood upon the edge, Bel? It is like you are flying.” The woman nodded. “I have been here a few times, though never on my own,” she answered. It was not often that the young midwife had any need to travel to the seventh tier, less she be bringing a message to her mother in the kitchens, and then, the battlement had often eluded her. “What would it be like to fly?” she questioned the man beside her, eager to hear his own imaginations on the topic. He was such a free and wild spirit, that he must have thought on the topic before.
---
“Even the smallest amount of sun sheds light and warms the earth.”
Diore smiled, quite content at the moment. It was simply all she needed to hear. Faeldor was a bit taken by the words that Gilwen had spoken to the little one. It was very much for her at one time; yet, for the comfort of a child it was well needed. Yes, sweet Gilwen was fine indeed with children; and with Diore and Eoric, who were now his siblings. She did cherish his family as much as he did.
“Mama, can we have dessert too?” Faelon asked in a small voice. He had been very quiet through the whole dinner, and for good reason. Pleasant words had not been passed, and he was old enough to know that both his elder brother and sister had been criticized, along with their guests. And mother! Well she had dismissed a guest from their home! She had never done such a thing before; though it was of no matter to Faelon, for he had never liked his sister’s friend Rosiel. But now everybody was angry, and it would not be fair if they should not all have their desserts.
The mother nodded, “Yes, Faelon, a good idea. Marileth, bring the tray of desserts round to those who would have them,” she suggested, pale faced. She was about to return to her seat near Gilwen and Faeldor, but it seemed that the two of them needed some moments, and instead she went to find a place near her two remaining guests, who were in quiet conversation with each other.
Maeniel and Almurdir sat quietly on their end, unsure of how to act after such a storm had just blown over. “I am thankful she left me out of it,” Maeniel whispered to the man beside her. “I will certainly stay out late tonight to avoid hearing the rest of her clatter about the home,” Almurdir added. Maeniel nodded in agreement that it would be a pleasant idea for him to do just that.
When Meleth joined the two, Maeniel did her best to lend a smile to her, for the hostess looked quite upset still. Almurdir paused for a moment, but then spoke, “I am sincerely sorry for my sister’s accusations. She has made a disgrace of us,” he apologized.
“It is not for you to worry about,” Meleth said gently. “Your sister takes responsibility for her own actions, and we would not place the blame on you.” The man nodded, and soon enough, Marileth had come to offer the little cakes to each of them sitting; Almurdir and Maeniel both accepted on, though Meleth passed them up. She did not often enjoy sweets, as she spent so much time baking them daily.
Meanwhile, Miriel had returned to the gathering, and found a place, slowly lowering herself to the ground near Haliel, and offering the little gift she had brought out. Haliel was utterly pleased by it, however small it was, and soon Miriel was affixing the little ribbon around the kitten’s neck, and playing a bit with the little girl, as the kitten batted at a blade of grass she dangled before it. Miriel did not ask what had transpired, though she finally did notice that Rosiel was gone.
Soon, the cakes were offered to each person. Diore had taken one as well, and wiggled about upon Gilwen’s lap as she started to nibble on it. “Come here, beloved,” Faeldor said, taking hold again of the little girl, and pulling her upon his own lap, allowing Gilwen a chance to breathe, and Eoric a chance to rest.
However, rest was not to come, for soon enough, Faelon and Marileth had as well joined Faeldor at his side, and Haliel crawled over as well, much to Miriel’s dismay, for now she sat alone, and did not dare move beside Gilwen, even if she wished to be near the others.
--- *Robert Luis Stevenson
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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 Nov 10, 2009 19:56:51 GMT -5
Calon was overjoyed that the woman began to sing to him. Indeed, such a fine thing it was to hear Beleth’s singing. He mused, for a poetic moment, that the Valar had alike voices to hers. Nonetheless, the thought was promptly dismissed for it had, in part, impeded his manly nature; a nature he quickly tried to regain silently by thinking for a moment on the adventure ahead, and listening to the song lyric as Beleth weaved for him a tale of notes and rhyme.
He grinned down at her when she had finished, his bright eyes finally back to full shimmer and happiness. “That was a fine choice,” he mused aloud, laughing slightly. “I should think that all of Gondor was pleased to hear it.” They had passed many a person who had turned their head to listen to the lovely woman’s song. A few, he thought, pondered the idea of following to hear the whole of it. He was pleased they had not. Indeed, Calon would have been quick to dismiss them with a show of strength or passively aggressive words. Nothing would damper Beleth’s day; not after the dinner.
“I have been here a few times, though never on my own.”
“Well, then I am sorry to say such a trend shall not yet be broken.” He grinned playfully. “Though, It shall be new to come with me,” he trailed off a moment as he looked back to the precipice.
“What would it be like to fly?”
Calon laughed openly on such a question. “Well, I should think that question is best reserved for the birds, or the wind.” Still, though, his mind began to ponder and roam through his thoughts on the matter. “But if I should venture to guess, I would think it would be like the ultimate freedom. The wind would pull, but not take you.” He paused there a moment to grin pleasantly. “The closest we shall come to it is here,” he faltered a moment before adding. “Or perhaps atop a horse. That can be as near to flying as anything I know. And nothing is as exhilarating.”
He turned to look at her, though. “And you, Nightingale? Surely you know what it is to fly.”
--
Gilwen was pleased to see that Diore had responded so well to her comment in response. She had thought she had caught a look of wonder and intrigue from Faeldor, though; she supposed it was unlike herself to use so many words. But a child should never feel as if they are inferior for a simple difference, and Gilwen was not about to let the precious little Diore grow into such a feeling of inadequacy. The words she spoke were well spent.
Little Eoric had fallen into slumber against her, and the woman shifted her hold upon him to better cradle him against her chest. He looked ever so exhausted, and she imagined the little thing had been quite spent with the entire day’s happenings. Still, it was a sweet sight to see, and she felt herself ease watching him be so comfortable.
Marileth soon came about with cakes, and as such Gilwen had her attentions drawn upward to her pretty face. She smiled at her and thanked her, though refused the cake for the way her arms were otherwise occupied. Nonetheless, Diore snatched one eagerly. It was then, perhaps, that Gilwen noticed that Miriel had returned. Part of her was surprised by such a sight, though perhaps more in the fact she had hardly noticed her absence. Indeed, Rosiel had done enough damage to warrant the woman’s presence anyway; still, she seemed to be in a somewhat of a decent demeanor this evening for the way she was playing with Haliel and the kitten.
She did not let her eyes stay on them for long; part of her did not wish to be caught looking upon the both of them so fondly, for it would spark nothing but more troubles betwixt them, and partly for the fact the now wiggling Diore was being taken from her lap.
She looked to Faeldor, and smiled slightly. She had not, of course, minded the presence of the little girl, though did once more enjoy a bit of air to breathe. And he did seem all the more admirable with the little girl with him. Such a grand father he would make! Such a thought, for the third time this evening, brought the woman to tinge a light rose in her cheeks, though her eyes did stay upon him for a moment.
Soon, though, Marileth, Faelon and Haliel had joined them. Quite an energetic group of children they were, though Gilwen felt perfectly comfortable amongst them. She smiled at the fact Faelon had come; though she imagined it was his brother that had drawn him here—aside from Eoric, Faeldor was the only remaining man—she had not had the privilege of interacting much with him. She smiled at them all, and shifted her hold upon the little one in her arms again so that perhaps he would rest a while longer; such little children needed moments of rest. Though, everything seemed to get a bit louder with all the bodies and she imagined that it would not take long before the blue eyes would open once more.
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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 Nov 10, 2009 23:33:17 GMT -5
“And you, Nightingale? Surely you know what it is to fly.”
“Hm…” Narbeleth hummed for a moment, thoughtfully. “Indeed I do know what it is to fly. My voice flies upon the wind when I sing, and my feet upon the air when I dance.” Now, there was nothing to keep her song still, and once more the woman started to hum. She had hardly noticed the passerby glances before. It was too pleasant to simply walk with Calon at her side.
“There is a place I call my own Where I can stand by the sea And look beyond the things I've known And dream that I might be free
Like a bird above the trees Gliding gently on the breeze I wish that all my life I'd be Without a care and flying free
But life is not a distant sky Without a cloud, without rain And I can never hope that I Can travel on without pain
Time goes swiftly on it's way All too soon we've lost today I cannot wait for skies of blue Or dream so long That life is blue
So life's a song that I must sing, a gift of love I must share And when I see the joy it brings, my spirits soar through the air Like that bird up in the sky, life has taught me how to fly For now I know I can be And now my heart is flying free.”
Young Narbeleth broke into peals of laughter as she finished, her chest rising with her breaths, and once more herself. Indeed, the music did something to charm her, and she could not be happier. The song had brought them all the way to the precipice of the battlement, and there they were at the stone bench which overlooked the great gate below, and the Pelennor. The woman sat the desserts which her mother wrapped upon the bench, and continued forward.
Finally, Narbeleth released Calon for some moments as she lingered near the ledge where the wall broke way right at the end. One could simply step over, and flying they would go for sure. Beleth, however, was not afraid of heights, though she stepped back from the ledge before Calon asked it of her. No, there was more fun to be had. Just above waist height were the walls surrounding them, and the young woman eyed them for a moment, before looking back to Calon.
“Shall we find what it is like to stand upon the wind?” she asked, her eyes dancing once more, as her gaze ran from the man’s face back to the white stone wall. As she had done once before upon the beacon tower, Narbeleth moved to pull herself upon the narrow wall, sitting first on the ledge, and looking down below. They were so very high! She almost felt dizzy at the sight of it, though she did stay in her place. It was a thrill! She glanced to Calon once more, and then her heart began to race as she reached for him to steady her.
“The wind and breezes make the birds to fly,” she continued softly. “Yet we are human and can do no such thing. Though, if one could feel what it is to soar, they would know the very feeling that you have placed within my heart, Cal.” Beleth said not a word more, though she smiled at the man for a moment, and then turned her head to look once more over the Pelennor and the landscape.
---
The children began to chatter away; once more glad that the mood surrounding them was light, and Faeldor joined in with them as well. The little ones had formed a bit of a ringlet around their brother, with the kitten in the middle, and for the noise, Eoric was wakened, though he did not fuss. “You deny my mother’s baking?” Faeldor grinned at Gilwen after she had turned down Marileth’s offer. Though he tore a bit of his own cake off and held it out to her. “You should at least try it. Did we not have our first meeting over my mother’s cinnamon rolls? I should think it would bring back fond memories for you,” he teased slightly. Yes, his bright mood had certainly returned in full.
“Shall we have some music tonight, Haliel?” Melanir interrupted suddenly. He had risen and was bending down near Gilwen and his multitude of grandchildren.
The little girl clapped her hands happily. “Yes, yes,” she agreed, smiling. “I should think so,” Faeldor answered happily. It would be well to drown out any further sound of trouble that would make their evening any more of a failure, and let little Haliel to an enjoyable finish to her birthday party.
“Who will go to fetch me my fiddle?” Melanir asked, bright eyed.
Marileth, of course the child of music, volunteered first, standing up, “I will go for it, Grandfather,” she answered, moving toward the house.
“I will go for my harp,” Miriel offered, hoping to be included in the festivities. Faeldor smiled widely at her. Though his sister had seemed somewhat sedate today, it was the first time he had brought Gilwen to their home without the argument or rebuke by her. “Bring my flute, if you would, Gem,” he addressed his sister. The look that passed over Miriel’s face when her brother called her by that name was pure happiness, and for the first time in perhaps a few days, she truly smiled. “Yes, brother,” she answered, on her way to the house.
“Shall we all play then?” Meleth asked, standing as well, and smiling. It had been such a long time since the family had played music all together. “I think that is a fine idea,” Melanir answered. Meleth excused herself to go gather her own viola and her mother’s dulcina. Faeldor nudged his little brother off for his own percussion, and grinned at the mere idea that there would be more musicians than there would be an audience. However, it would be quite lovely, and he would be glad to have his family put on such a display for Haliel, and of course Gilwen. If only Beleth were here with her voice now, it would be perfect. She would certainly be upset to hear that she had missed such a thing.
Beleth crossed his mind for just a moment. She had left awhile ago with Calon. He did his best not to let his smile falter, though, he still had his concerns. Though, Calon had done well to comfort his sister, it seemed, and he could not hold that against him. After that display that Rosiel had put on, she would have left in a fit even if the stable hand had not been there to go with her. He assured himself of that. He was glad, at least, that she would be taken care of, wherever they had gone.
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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 Nov 11, 2009 0:29:12 GMT -5
Calon’s answer seemed to appease Narbeleth’s imagination, though her reply was ever so much better. It brought the man to smile fully, though, for his thoughts immediately turned to the vision of Beleth soaring away in song and dance. What a lovely and lively sight such a thing was within his own mind.
She burst out into another lovely song as they finished their walk across the seventh tier toward the precipice. “Shall we find what it is like to stand upon the wind?” Calon grinned in response. “That is why I brought you here, Bel.” He replied nonchalantly and easily. It was so simple to speak to her. It was as if there was nothing else in the world that was more natural for Calon. This woman, the one that never ceased to surprise and wonder him, was going to be with him forever. If he had to wait forever for her to agree to it, he would. He listened with the utmost of attention to the story told through her lyric, and smiled to himself all the while.
Narbeleth pulled herself up upon the white wall that surrounded the edge, and Calon approached with her, keeping a protective eye upon her. If she suffered the smallest mistake, all would be over for her. Certainly, Calon would not allow such a thing. So, his arms and hands were at the ready just in case the need should arise for him to need use them.
“Though, if one could feel what it is to soar, they would know the very feeling that you have placed within my heart, Cal.”
He seemed to be taken aback by such words. Truly, the man did not expect to hear them, though they delighted him so. There was something about it that reassured the man that Beleth was perfect for him. Nothing—he was sure of it now—nothing, could prevent him from desiring her as his wife. She would be the only woman he could ever imagine in such a role with himself.
“Then together, we are like the birds of the wood,” he replied evenly and calmly, though his eyes were quite bright and smile all the brighter. “For we make each other soar, and accompany each other on many adventures.” And, he thought happily, most birds mated for life. He had found her; he felt entirely lucky. In all of Arda, there was one person for him. And he had found her.
He followed her gaze over the city and Pelennor and after a moment of silence said, “Is it not a fine sight?” He could see the spotting trees of the Firien Wood in the distance and he motioned to them with a nod of his head.
“Someday soon you shall make it there with me. I still owe you a hunting trip,” he grinned playfully. “I must ask if you want another archery lesson before then or not. You, Bel, are a quick learner,” he seemed to ramble seamlessly, though was not concerned by it. Rather, he was at peace. Such freedom overcame him that it was soothing.
If only all of his days could be spent with such a feeling.
--
Eoric stirred awake, though the quiet little thing did not even make a sound to let Gilwen know he had done so. She was attentive, however, and almost immediately seemed to know that he had roused. Instinctively, she looked down at him and smiled softly while the rest of his family seemed to chatter away and make a merry conversation and time with one another.
The only thing that drew her attentions away from the blessed child were her own beloved’s words to her, and she looked up to see his smiling grey eyes and pleasant face. He did deserve such happiness, and it warmed her heart to see him finally alike to himself again.
“You should at least try it. Did we not have our first meeting over my mother’s cinnamon rolls? I should think it would bring back fond memories for you.”
She smiled sweetly at him, and extended a hand to take the bit of his cake he had broken off. She had not, of course, denied the cake to be rude. She simply had very little in the way of appetite after being so tried and taut of nerves, and the little woman had eaten plenty more than she was used to already. Though, through the noise she did address him in return with a soft and gentle tone. “Then I shall try it,” she almost laughed at her own words, for a bit of her heart warmed at the thought of she and Faeldor’s meeting. “In honor of our fond memories.”
She took the piece of cake that had been gifted to her and took a bit; it was certainly every bit as divine as the first thing she had tried from Meleth, and the woman was entirely in awe of the woman’s talent in the kitchen.
It came quickly, though a flurry of questions and answers sparked the movement of many bodies. It seemed that every gathering with this family that Gilwen had witnessed ended with some music; the entire family was ever so gifted. She was certain she would enjoy such things, for indeed her heart could use the gladness and cheer! And she had not missed the smile upon Miriel’s face as she had gone to fetch her own harp and Faeldor’s flute.
Gilwen wondered over it. There were going to be many performers. As it seemed, she, Haliel and the two newest members of the household would be the only ones who were not partaking. A mere four members for an audience. It was for the best that way, Gilwen presumed. She had no musical talent aside from dance, and indeed Eoric seemed as if he would not have let her go for to take up an instrument anyway. She was still not sure what to do with herself, though. A part of her felt completely out of place, though she knew that such a feeling was a bit absurd. So, she tended to little Eoric to make sure he was in a fine way to see the family begin to set up. Certainly his gentle spirit would like the music, too.
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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 Nov 11, 2009 10:54:39 GMT -5
“Then together, we are like the birds of the wood. For we make each other soar, and accompany each other on many adventures.”
Narbeleth could hardly admit aloud how taken she was by the man! His words were indeed poetic. Did he even realize that he had said such a thing? Calon did well to hide his tenderness beneath his strength, though more often now he was exposing it to her. She should never say that to him though. She smiled, her eyes showing as much joy as her heart felt. Indeed, for a moment she felt quite light, and nearly lost her balance, though did well to hide it, and placed her hands upon the wall beside her.
“Is it not a fine sight?”
“It is indeed wonderful. Look how the setting sun does call the shadows down over the wood,” she smiled, slowly regaining her composure and her breath. “The birds will be setting roost shortly, and the night creatures coming out from their holes and dens.” Indeed, the sky was beginning to turn. The soft afternoon blues had gone, and now the oranges were setting in, with pink upon the edge of the horizon. The golden hour, when all things seemed to shine and reflect the lighting.
“I must ask if you want another archery lesson before then or not. You, Bel, are a quick learner.”
“I think it would be best that I endure another lesson before we take our adventure, Cal. If only to assuage my family that you are indeed preparing to take me out to the wood with intent for archery and a hunt, and nothing more unseemly.” “Faeldor certainly became rather worked up earlier. If he cannot trust us in the garden together, with all the family present, I should think he will protest a venture to the forest so soon.”
“Not that I would not desire to go on a hunt with you this very day,” she added. “Look, I can see rightly there on the treeline. No doubt the branches are moving in the wind, and beams of evening light are falling on the mossy floor. Your stag is grazing there in a meadow, his great head antlered, and surrounded by the woody flowers, thinking that there is none to best him in all of Arda.”
“Little does the beast of the forest know, that such a man exists here before me. He is standing at the peak of the greatest city of men, looking down on the wood at this very moment, knowing of the prize that awaits him. May it take one hunt, or ten, the stag will surely meet his match in the tracking, and accuracy of this man’s arrow,” Narbeleth rambled on, telling her story in a sing song voice that suited the drama of the situation, and motioning to the forest with her arm, before turning back to Calon. She reached toward him, letting the soft palm of her hand glide against his cheek for a brief moment, and then moving it to his shoulder. And in that way, she let herself down again from the wall, with one hand on the cold stone, and the other upon the warm man.
---
“Then I shall try it, In honor of our fond memories.”
Faeldor grinned, enjoying the expression upon the little woman’s face as she took the treat from him. Indeed, he knew she had eaten more than her usual and was likely full, but a small taste would hurt her none. Meleth had certainly filled the woman’s plate with more food than Gilwen would have taken alone, he thought. And Gilwen would not waste what was offered to her. He was pleased with his mother’s pressing, for his lady indeed had not nourished herself well enough since her demotion, and it was beginning to show, however lovely he still thought her.
Eventually, the family that had entered streamed out of the household, and Faeldor moved little Diore from his lap with a promise that he would play with her again after a time. Haliel moved to lay on her stomach upon the blankets, the little kitten curling once more in front of her. Once Faeldor was freed from his position, kneeling, he leaned to Gilwen and pressed a soft kiss to her brow, and before she could allow him startle or protest, he stood and went to Miriel, who offered his instrument.
The eldest of his sisters seemed to be glad that she had been of use, and she looked brighter than she had all the day, and Faeldor could not help but embrace her at his gladness for her hospitality toward Gilwen. Of course, she had been rightly ignoring the woman ever since she had returned outdoors, but at least, she had not spoken out against her, nor struck her as she had done before. He presumed that the presence of both Durion and Rosiel had spurred her onward before. Now she was becoming agnostic to the idea, and Faeldor hoped, she would eventually be as warm and inviting to his lady as the rest of his family was to her. Little did he know that it would be a great while before such a thing would happen.
The family did gather to discuss their choice of music, and tune their instruments for a short while, and within that span of time, Diore had finished her cake and snuggled her way back upon Gilwen’s lap, while now it was Eoric’s turn to play with the brown strands of hair that fell over her shoulders. Maeniel and Almurdir, feeling rather alone on their end of the blankets, moved to join the children and the quiet woman, of whom both had shared only a few words with. Mae, of course, had not wished to press her boundaries, and had avoided Faeldor most of the afternoon. If he was courting this woman, as he obviously was, and loved her as he said, then she would not be one to ask anything different of him. In fact, the gentle lady with her affinity for all the children seemed to be perfect for Faeldor. It did draw a sadness to her heart, for she still bore an attachment to the man, though it was one that in the future would be quickly subdued. The brother of Rosiel would see to such a thing, likely to Rosiel’s displeasure as well, but it had certainly already begun as the two sat together upon the blankets.
“We are in for a treat it seems,” Almurdir said gladly to Gilwen. It was a wonder how different a brother and sister could be from each other in their treatment of a person. “You are enjoying that kitten, aren’t you, little one?” the man stated, noticing that Haliel had moved to lie upon her back, and sat the kitten upon her chest, where it walked upon her for a moment, and then curled up once more, rising and falling with the little girl’s breathing. All the events of the day had not only tired the children.
“Yes,” Haliel beamed, and as a punctuation, her voice ended with the beginning of a melody. Tinuves and Meleth, having the larger instruments found themselves sitting together, mother and daughter upon the bench. Melanir had moved upon the ground, to his wife’s feet, and Faeldor had a sister sitting upon both side’s of him. Faelon did not sit to play though, he stood in front of the others, dancing slightly as he found the rhythm of the beat upon his little drum. Not long after the laying began, Miriel’s voice came in soprano, Meleth harmonizing in alto, and the deep voice of Melanir lay beneath the others. Indeed, this seemed to be when the family took most pleasure, for all were bright and energetic.
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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 Nov 11, 2009 21:34:53 GMT -5
Faeldor had ushered Diore from his lap, though even where Gilwen was still fidgeting with little Eoric, she heard him promise to return to her later. That must mean, she realized, that the family was soon to start. As such, she let her eyes rise to see the rest of the family returning with all of the instruments in tow. She was anxious to hear it; indeed, when last she came not near as many people were going to be partaking in the making of such music. Though, this time it seemed that almost all were in spirits to join in on the festivities.
She was surprised a bit by the way Faeldor pressed a kiss to her forehead, though he was turned and gone before she even had reacted. Her cheeks flushed pink, and her mouth dropped open a slight. Still, a small blonde child wriggling her way unto Gilwen’s lap once again, and little fingers tugging on her brown locks of hair distracted her.
Eoric was contented to play with her hair, and Diore seemed contented to simply sit upon Gilwen’s lap. Haliel was lounging close by, and the serving woman offered her a smile. She did not, after all, wish to give the idea that she was playing favorites amongst the children. Haliel was still quite dear to Gilwen’s heart.
“We are in for a treat it seems.”
The words drew Gilwen’s eyes to Almurdir and Maeniel who had just joined from the opposite end of the blankets. She smiled in response in the nicest way possible, and forced herself to respond in speech, “Yes. I am sure they are all quite talented.” She had heard Melanir, and Marileth and Miriel. They were talented. She imagined the rest of the family was as well.
She looked to Maeniel, who seemed still wary of Gilwen’s own presence and tried to offer another smile to her as well. It was bewildering; a man who shared the same blood as Rosiel had offered her words that were not scathing. Gilwen truly did not wish to ruin her own reputation in his eyes, and did not wish to appear rude. And Maeniel! She had never known someone to be so wary of herself. Gilwen was, after all, not in the least intimidating.
It did appear she would not have to worry over the lack conversation she felt she could produce, because it seemed the music began, and the melody would have brought all to silence. Surely she let her tongue fall still as she turned her eyes to the multitude of the players gathered there.
Miriel looked so pleasant.
Gilwen was taken by it, though found herself thinking it was rude of her to be so in awe, and averted her gaze. She let her brown eyes fall on each member in turn, though settled upon the face that was most familiar to her. Faeldor was surely talented. Slowly she found herself smiling, though dropped her eyes and lowered her face to hide such a thing.
She was ever so lucky to have him.
--
Calon grinned at the idea of taking the young woman out again upon the fields for yet another day of lessons concerning archery. He would, he knew, have no trouble finding the time to do such a thing. In fact, it was often he requested days free from work; he very well would have taken the woman out now if the prospect of nightfall had not been too dire. No, he would wait until the sunshine would make it easy to see.
“Faeldor certainly became rather worked up earlier.”
Calon laughed heartily. “Yes. I should think it will be difficult to win his approval. He is quite set against me, is he not?” He knew, perhaps, that it was not that the man hated him as much as he was protective. Still, part of him was rather discouraged by it, while another was enthralled at the idea of such competition.
He would not take such a stand against his interests as final; he would have Beleth. He was in many ways the same as Faeldor himself. A bit of opposition was not going to keep him from his lady.
Beleth spoke again, weaving an intricate tale that spoke of a great stag within the woods, and more so on it’s life being over by his own hand. He smiled, his ego getting a fine stroking. Yes, he was now in fine mood and frame of mind. “That stag shall have some time left, to grow even more and become all the better of a catch.” He mused aloud, as she slid from the wall down next to him. “And then you will be there for our great victory over him.”
“He shall not even know what it is that has smote him. The last thing he shall know is that a fine lady was there to witness it.” He grinned.
“Do you feel free yet, Bel?”
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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 Nov 12, 2009 10:30:42 GMT -5
The family played through, song after song, and eventually Faelon became tired and moved back to the picnic blankets, eyeing Gilwen. He moved to sit near her and the other children. He had held a keen interest in the woman for the past week or so. Perhaps it was in the way he idolized and mimicked his brother to all extent; but she was new. Faeldor enjoyed horses; as did his brother, and Faeldor enjoyed music. Faelon did as well. The man at times practiced his sword, loved to be outdoors, and did not like sitting still. Faelon did all of these things as well. Or, at least he pretended to practice the sword. He was not allowed a true one yet. Faeldor saw after his little siblings; and Faelon did well to look after Haliel, at least. In all ways he wished to be like his older brother, and if Faeldor had a keen interest in this lady Gilwen, he should as well.
“Do you play music too?” he asked her. Perhaps it was one of the first times he had spoken directly to her; though usually Faeldor was with her, and he would not interrupt his brother by all means.
Diore looked up as the little boy came over, and seeing that he had relinquished his drum, she had asked to play with it. Faelon thought for a second, and did not wish to share his instrument with such a little one, who might break it; but even then his thoughts of what Faeldor would have done came through, and he allowed it of her. “Just be sure not to hit it so hard,” he said, seriously. “I do not want the skin to break.”
The little girl agreed, and gladly picked it up, putting the little strap about her, and finally moved from Gilwen, going over the the rest of the musicians, and sitting down cross legged on the ground, facing them. She looked a little sprite, so light haired, and small among the rest of them. Though, Faeldor grinned, and stopped playing for a moment to speak with her.
Faelon looked back to Gilwen. She was not so startling after all. Her face was very kind, and her eyes gentle. He glanced to Eoric curled in her lap. Faeldor had always talked about how pretty she was, and Faelon certainly agreed. He was to the age where girls his own age were definitely still ignored, but adults who would pay attention to him; certainly those ladies were quite pretty. Rosiel was not pretty, for her face was often contorted in grimace, but Gilwen smiled so often, especially around the children. She was kind to children, and that made him quite happy. “Do you like to come over here?” he asked her curiously, “Even when Rosiel is mean to you?” he added. She did seem quite happy. “Brother does not like Rosiel well, you can tell by the way his face looks when she is about. I don’t like her much either. You are very nice, and she is very mean.”
---
“Yes. I should think it will be difficult to win his approval. He is quite set against me, is he not?”
“I do think that he is testing you more than he is set against you. If he was quite set against you as a horrible person, he would have never handed me off to you at that ball. Nor would I have been visiting you daily in the stables, nor would he have under any circumstances allowed me outside of the city to practice archery, or on this walk tonight. I do think he is just a wary elder brother,” she answered slowly. “Perhaps you would be the same way, if you had a sister. Though, perhaps not; you are rather wild yourself.” The woman grinned, watching Calon’s bright eyes for his own expression. How she did adore the man. His spirit was the finest she had known.
“And then you will be there for our great victory over him. He shall not even know what it is that has smote him. The last thing he shall know is that a fine lady was there to witness it.”
“I should be privileged to see my huntsman fulfill such a deed,” Narbeleth hummed, her voice quite light and airy. She strayed near Calon now, letting her hand slip down from his shoulder and rest upon his chest. “And perhaps you are right, it should take the both of us to bring down such a creature. Your tested skills, and my beginner’s luck.”
“Such a beast will be a heavy thing, indeed. Though, I am certain that you will not fash at it. And we will sing together a hunting song as we make our way back to the horses with the catch,” she smiled. Indeed, to ask the man to sing for her, she knew he would not do; but to say that they would sing together, and make it a song of hunting, certainly Calon would agree, for such a thing was rather strong and manly seeming. Narbeleth did wish to hear the man sing; for she loved music as he loved the hunt. She allowed her hand to slide quite nicely over his tunic, and then down until it dropped back to her side.
“Do you feel free yet, Bel?”
“Quite,” she answered happily, moving away from Calon, to walk toward the very tip of the battlement once more, moving again past the bench. “It is so easy to feel free; I think I have been created in such a way; though at times I let myself lose sight of it.” She glanced back to Calon for a moment from where she stood, leaning against the wall. “I am sorry that I did become so upset. I did not mean to cry,” she said, smiling a bit through her embarrassment, and then once more leaning over the edge. Indeed, she did not wish Calon to think her weak for her behavior; but the whole situation had stressed her so!
“Are you still hungry?” she ventured to ask after some moments, glancing down to the wrapped desserts upon the beanch. She herself had lost her appetite, though, perhaps Calon had retained his. He was a man after all.
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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 Nov 12, 2009 19:12:03 GMT -5
It was a lovely string of music that came from the family, and Gilwen was surely enjoying herself well. Eoric and Diore seemed to be doing quite fine as well, and so for some time Gilwen just let herself enjoy the surroundings. Nothing foul was happening, and so her gentle demeanor was allowed room to breathe.
Not everyone had the attention span to handle such lengths of song though, for indeed the youngest son of Meleth seemed to tire of it and left the musicians
“Do you play music too?”
Was the boy addressing her? It took the little woman by surprise. Faelon, as it turned, had never before spoken to Gilwen. Indeed, she knew of him as a member of the woodwork of the household. She had seen him act out only once, with Faeldor’s sword as they were about to head on their day excursion a few weeks prior.
She smiled at him though and replied gently, “Oh, no. I do not know how to.” She was not affluent enough to have received her own instrument, and indeed she wouldn’t have had the time to learn. Most of her time was spent in the palace; she had never learned anything musical in the least.
Diore was quick to inquire about the drum, and Gilwen minded the situation carefully with her peripheral eye. Faelon, though, handled the situation extremely well; she had never thought the boy would allow the child to use his drums. This was, Gilwen could see, a mark of his splendid upbringing. Faeldor must have set a fine example about the house. Though, there was not a single man more generous than he.
A short pause followed, but then little Faelon began to speak to her again. “Do you like to come over here?” She was so surprised that she was addressed again, that she didn’t even have time to answer before the child had continued with his question. “Even when Rosiel is mean to you?” She faltered a bit, though smiled at him warmly. “Yes, I enjoy my time here even then.” Well, perhaps it had been stretched a bit. Though, this family was very welcoming. If Rosiel did not dampen the spirits of those present, she was certain nothing could put her in a foul mood in their presence. All they knew was smiles and laughter!
“Brother does not like Rosiel well, you can tell by the way his face looks when she is about. I don’t like her much either. You are very nice, and she is very mean.”
Gilwen looked at him while he spoke though took a glance to Faeldor as he spoke on his dislike for Rosiel. Heavens, the child could speak just like his older brother! The family was full of talkers, it seemed. Little Eoric would surely be a bit put out by such a thing. Though, Gilwen would never pressure the dear thing into such chatter if he did not wish it. She liked the way he wished to be close. Speech was not needed.
“Thank you,” Gilwen replied gracefully to the little boy. Should she speak against him speaking against another? She did not like Rosiel’s company either, though did not think it right to speak on such topics. Still, Faelon was not hers to mother, though perhaps his age could have warranted such a relation. Instead she smiled at him; the lad didn’t hate her! It was quite uplifting to know such a thing.
What else was there to say? “You are a skilled percussionist.” She observed sweetly.
--
“I do think that he is testing you more than he is set against you.”
Calon laughed. “I do hope so,” he mused aloud. “I should not like to think on what could happen if he decided he would not allow me to see you.” Indeed, he felt as if his world would take quite a beating. Though, he imagined that he would have found ways around such things easily; Beleth was every bit as adventurous as he was. And she seemed just as intent on his company.
“Perhaps you would be the same way, if you had a sister. Though, perhaps not; you are rather wild yourself.”
“Then it is good that I do not have to learn. Though, perhaps then I would be worse than your own. Indeed, I would know the very mindset of a man such as myself. And while I would do you no dishonor,” he made the point very clear by giving her a calm but pointed stare, “I should think that I would be able to see those who had less proper upbringing than myself.” A silent prayer was lifted in thanks to the Gracious Eru for not providing him with a younger sister. His older brother was quite enough.
“Such a beast will be a heavy thing, indeed. Though, I am certain that you will not fash at it. And we will sing together a hunting song as we make our way back to the horses with the catch.”
“Getting the stag home is sometimes the trickiest part,” Calon hummed aloud, quite proud of saying such a thing. His eyes glistened pridefully as he continued. “I have done so many a time, though such things can deter the less enthusiastic hunter. But I should say it has never stopped me. I would think the only thing that I would falter with is what to do with two quarries. One is plenty a handful. I would think to take home two, I would have to relinquish my mount to the prizes. And I would not do that,” he laughed.
“I am sorry that I did become so upset. I did not mean to cry.”
“Beleth,” he said rather seriously. “Do not apologize for such a thing. I should apologize for holding such anger still.” He almost growled at the thought of that dreaded Rosiel. “It is well requited for someone to grow upset over someone like that.”
“Are you still hungry?”
Well, he certainly wasn’t now. He had worked himself up quite a bit, though the kissing winds and gentle presence of a lady calmed was enough to keep him from being too terribly tense. “No, the chicken pie was well enough for me. Though your mother’s baking is probably divine. I do hope she is not insulted that I do not think I can make room for such desserts this evening.” He laughed a bit. “I would have stopped her from wasting it, though I do think she would have near torn my head from my shoulders if I suggested that I did not need it. She was quite intent on giving us those cakes.”
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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 Nov 13, 2009 12:14:35 GMT -5
“You are a skilled percussionist.” Little Faelon beamed widely. “I like to play, and I have been doing it since I was Diore’s age,” the boy answered. He spoke as if he had held many years of experience. “You should ask Faeldor to teach you. He will teach you to play any instrument. I can teach you to play the drum though, if you want to learn that one. You can play the drum and dance at the same time. Or maybe you might play the cymbal, or the tambour, that is just as fine an instrument. I like to dance and play,” he said, growing quite comfortable with the lady. He moved slightly closer to her. Afterall, he was only eight himself, and still did adore affection, almost as much as his sister Haliel.
Meanwhile, Eoric’s playing had turned once more to a nodding head, and the little boy had fallen asleep against Gilwen. The music soothed him well, and he was very content in the arms of the pretty woman, who had eyes so comforting!
Evening was growing dimmer, and it was to be sure that Meleth would need put the children to bed soon. Eoric, at least, seemed ready, though she would allow the other young ones a bit more time. A few more songs, and she finally lay her viola upon the grass and moved from the bench to see to the little ones.
“Well there little, sleepy one, it is time for you to go to bed,” Meleth cooed to the baby. “Give Gilwen a kiss now, sweet child,” the woman instructed, kneeling down on the ground as the boy moved and roused a bit.
Little Eoric smiled, and pursed his lips, kissing Gilwen upon the chin, though he did not seem to realize that he was being taken away from her yet. He still cuddled quite keenly. Meleth though waited a moment for Gilwen to bid the little one good night, then reached for him.
The little boy began to cry once more though, as Meleth took him into her arms. “Well, you are a tired one, aren’t you,” she hummed, cradling the little boy. However, a moment later he cried harder, when Meleth stood, and he wiggled in her arms, reaching his little hand back toward Gilwen. “Ma ma…” he sniffled, his nose beginning to run.
“Well for Eru’s sake,” Meleth smiled slightly, warmed a bit at the thought, though unsure of how to handle such a thing. She rocked the little boy, and he did begin to settle slightly. He had become entirely attached though to Gilwen it seemed. “You will see her again soon, I am sure, dear one. Though little boys so tired as you must go to sleep, the sun is hiding, and the moon will come out soon,” she soothed, patting the boy’s back for a moment until he curled against her, sucking his thumb.
“I hope that they shall come to think of me as their mother,” Melelth said softly, looking down to Gilwen. “Not that they should forget their first, but that they should be comforted to know they have family who loves them.” The woman mused on the fact that her own eyes were steel grey. Lovely her husband had called them, though lovely had different meanings in the eyes of different people.
---
“I have done so many a time, though such things can deter the less enthusiastic hunter. But I should say it has never stopped me. I would think the only thing that I would falter with is what to do with two quarries. One is plenty a handful. I would think to take home two, I would have to relinquish my mount to the prizes. And I would not do that.”
“Well, if we ever should be so lucky as to each bag a prize on one of our hunts, we will have two horses; and my brother’s mounts are quite well trained on riding double,” Narbeleth preened happily, glad to have a solution to their predicament. The idea seemed to bring her great joy.
Though, even after the detailed story that Beleth had proclaimed of their great hunt to come, Calon had still seemed somewhat tense. In fact, he had even used her full name. Well… not her full name, but not the affectionate name he had used for her since the very beginning. “It is well requited for someone to grow upset over someone like that.” She did nod, in agreement, though it was difficult for her to fathom a response. She had already given her response in tears earlier, and there was no need to cry again. Though, she still felt somewhat strained, she had eased considerably.
“She was quite intent on giving us those cakes.” The woman nodded. “Yes, I am glad that you did not refuse, otherwise she would have been quite disappointed. I know that mother was truly distressed today, and when she is distressed, she does attempt to care for people in her favorite way; by feeding them. It is a wonder that we are all so slender, growing up in her household. Though, I suppose the reason is that I am not the only who cannot stand to be still.”
“Mother thinks I am too thin; though I am content. I should never be as Rosiel is,” she said seriously. She never would have never even thought on the fact, though perhaps Rosiel’s words had cut her deeper than she knew. Not a person had teased her over her physical appearance in some years now, though it had been relatively common for her as a youth, and she had become accustomed to it.
Narbeleth looked down for a moment, and smoothed her dress, as if to change the subject back to the desserts, and continued. “Perhaps tomorrow, when you have worked your hunger up again in the stables, I should bring you some of her desserts,” she suggested. “That way, you might still enjoy them when you are famished, and they will taste all the better. But the question now is, what shall we do with these desserts? If I return them to my home, mother will surely notice. Perhaps they are hardly edible anyhow, I may have crumpled them in our walk over,” she mused. Though, her thoughtful expression gave way to a smile.
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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 Nov 13, 2009 14:05:39 GMT -5
Gilwen laughed slightly to herself hearing Faelon’s reply. Oh, he spoke as if it had been ages since he had been the little Diore’s age! Still, from his perspective it probably did seem like it had been. Though, as an adult, Gilwen had better perceptions of time. Nontheless, she said nothing to correct him or dampen his spirits. He seemed proud of the fact he had been playing at such a young age, and Gilwen was certain that such a thing could only lead to his talent being great later in life. “You should ask Faeldor to teach you. He will teach you to play any instrument. I can teach you to play the drum though, if you want to learn that one.” The little boy had wiggled his way closer, though it did not phase Gilwen in the slightest. She was not sure she would be able to learn, not at her age, but smiled at the child anyway.
“If I should ever desire to learn the drums, I shall certainly speak to you for lessons,” she said joyfully. She did like to dance, after all. Such an instrument held the very dancing beat; though, she mused she would rather listen to them than play them. Still, she said nothing against the little boy. He seemed ever so excited. It was a wonder he was, for it had been a long day indeed, and the sun was beginning to sink below the horizon and the sky to paint with the colors of nightfall.
Eoric had certainly fallen right asleep against her again. The dear little thing seemed unable to keep his eyes open, though such stimulation of people and music probably tired the boy out. Gilwen herself would sleep well that evening.
Meleth approached, and it was clear that it was now bedtime for the youngest member of the household. Gilwen smiled at her as she reached to take the child from her, and while perhaps she did not want to relinquish him, she knew he was not hers to care for. “Give Gilwen a kiss now, sweet child.” The smile that spread across Gilwen’s face at the small little kiss was large and bright, and the woman nuzzled her nose against his little one, and gifted him a quick kiss to the forehead. “Goodnight, Eoric.” She cooed happily.
Still, as the child was taken he was quick to cry. He was certainly exhausted, something that Meleth pointed out almost immediately. Gilwen continued to smile at the little boy, though felt her heart wrench at the sound of his tears. She understood he was not necessarily unhappy but tired, but she still wished to help him head to bed and ease his little heart and sleepy eyes. “Ma ma…” Gilwen gasped immediately, thogh her brown eyes could not decide between showing an emotion of happiness, surprise, or anxiety. She did not, after all, wish to overstep her bounds in this household. Still, she adored the little boy thoroughly and did not mind him calling her such a name. It was flattering, and made Gilwen’s heart warm. Meleth was quick to comfort the little thing, speaking on how Gilwen would return to visit him, and Gilwen nodded gently in agreement.
Meleth looked down to her, then. He returning gaze was cautious. Was she upset by the name she had been called by little Eoric? Certainly it must hurt her terribly to hear such a thing. “I hope that they shall come to think of me as their mother.”
“I am certain they will,” Gilwen answered politely and carefully. Meleth was, after all, a wonderful mother. She had lovely children to prove such a thing. It seemed as if that was the role she was born to fill.
--
“Well, if we ever should be so lucky as to each bag a prize on one of our hunts, we will have two horses; and my brother’s mounts are quite well trained on riding double.”
Calon grinned. Was she asking him to ride double with him? Certainly it seemed that she hinted at it not being offensive to her. “Then I am certain taking home two prizes such as that would offer us no problems. Talagor will certainly be able to handle such weight. And if you say that your own mount would be able to handle the both of us, then it should pose no problem. Perhaps merely a slower return.” Half for the extra weight, have because he was certain he would wish to draw such a ride out.
He would have to make it a point to snare two stags on one of their trips to the woods, for indeed, his mind was already entranced by the idea of such a closeness.
“Mother thinks I am too thin; though I am content. I should never be as Rosiel is.”
Calon looked a bit amused by such a thing. “Your mother deems you too thin? Bel, you are quite perfect.” And such a compliment was meant to be taken in more ways than one. He smiled to himself at such a delicate way to drop such a compliment. Still, he moved on quickly to not allow her much time to ponder on it. “Though, I should like to try your mother’s deserts. And seeing you tomorrow would be a nice break from the rest of my day.” He grinned boyishly.
What do with these…
He pondered the thought some moments as his blue eyes flashed about the area in search of a solution. Finally he grinned and looked over the side of the wall and then over to Beleth with a look of such accomplishment, it seemed as if it would be some great discovery he was about to share.
“Do you think the people would be pleased to have such fine treats fall from the heavens to them?” He asked in a revealing way to his idea. Why not toss them over? It would give them both an adventurous release and let them laugh over something to lighten their moods. It was not likely to actually hit anyone anyway; what harm could come by it.
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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 Nov 14, 2009 13:05:14 GMT -5
Meleth nodded, looking at Gilwen for a moment longer as she patted Eoric lightly upon the back and his little head snuggled into her shoulder. Then she nodded. “Indeed. He did not come to be two in a day, nor she five,” she glanced over to Diore, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself with the family. She tilted her head to kiss the little boy, and though she knew intrinsically that Gilwen loved him, and would have put him to bed had she asked, she wished to be the one to do so. Throughout the bustle, business, and noise of the house of Faelon, it was her time to quietly bond with the little one.
Eventually, the woman of the household sighed, and begin to make her way back toward the garden steps, weaving lightly down the garden path and rocking Eoric in her arms to the music as she did so.
Little Faelon watched as his mother walked away with Eoric. At times, he had become quite jealous of the two new children; for due to their presence, there was less attention upon himself, and Haliel the same. Though, inwardly he knew that the others were littler, and Mother had told them that they had suffered the loss of both their parents, and their brother, and had been quite abandoned. It made him sad that the two blonde haired children had seen their family die. And also it made him proud that he might be an older brother to more than just Haliel. Yet, he still felt at times lonesome for the loss of affection.
And now, even Haliel had her kitty! Faelon had wanted a pet, and had not been given one. In part he knew, that his brother told him he must learn to be responsible first; and the other part was that he had also been told that when he was ten, he would be allowed a horse. Yet among all things, he could still not help but feel somewhat jealous. He moved against Gilwen, glad to have her attention now. After a few minutes, he began to speak again.
“Mama told me that when we grow up and get married, that we will move out of her house. And we will have children. She says that she hopes I should have a child just like myself,” he said, sounding very grown up to talk in such a way.
“When you marry brother, will you live here on the sixth tier, or all the way down on the first?” Faelon asked curiously. He would hate for Faeldor to move so far away, for he adored his brother. “Will you have a baby too? Or will you take Eoric?” he wondered, not entirely asking Gilwen to take the little boy, but perhaps wishing that she would. She liked him well enough anyway.
“Miriel is going to have a baby,” he said quietly. “I heard her and Beleth talking, and they yelled at me for eavesdropping, and told me I could not tell Mama or Faeldor, or Grandmother or Grandfather. I wasn’t really trying to listen… but I was just playing in the hall,” he cuddled against Gilwen now, ill at ease that he could not speak about such a thing with his own mother. “I do not want them to be angry. Was Rosiel being true when she said that you and Faeldor would have a baby tonight? I think that would make Mama mad at Faeldor, like she will be mad at Miriel. Don’t make her mad. Does kissing make you have a baby? I saw Miriel kissing Durion. But I saw Faeldor kissing you too,” he said anxiously. “Eoric is enough of a baby for my liking. I don’t think we have room for any more.” ---
“Then I am certain taking home two prizes such as that would offer us no problems. Talagor will certainly be able to handle such weight. And if you say that your own mount would be able to handle the both of us, then it should pose no problem. Perhaps merely a slower return.”
The way that Calon spoke made it seem that indeed, he had just been challenged, and Narbeleth’s heart gave a leap at the very thought. She had never ridden double before with anyone other than her own brother or sisters, and long ago, her father. She wondered if she should take back what she had said, for to ride along with someone was an intimate thing. She felt her heart quicken once more at even the thought of such intimacy with Calon; which she certainly desired, though stalled in obtaining. “Surely my huntsman will have no difficulty in taking two great stags to feed our families,” she answered him smoothly, attempting to keep her feet on solid ground and her voice level with the stonework. “And on that day, I should sing to you all the way back to our great White City.”
“Bel, you are quite perfect.” Oh, however much was it that Calon would not allow the young woman’s heart to settle and calm. His voice certainly attested to the fact that he believed what he was saying, and he implied more than one thing. She was glad to please him, in whatever way he desired, be it in mind or body. If Calon enjoyed to look upon her, no harm would come of it, and she would certainly allow it. Soon enough though, he continued on, as if not to let her dwell upon the fact, which was greatly relieving, for she was not sure what to say. Indeed, Calon was perfect as well. There was not a thing about him that the woman did not adore. “Though, I should like to try your mother’s deserts. And seeing you tomorrow would be a nice break from the rest of my day.”
She nodded quite happily, slowly words coming back to her mouth as she smoothed her dress once more, fumbling for what to do with her hands. It seemed that she had been standing motionless for some moments, which was an eccentricity for young Beleth; who adored movement. “I will be there then, to offer you a break, and nourish you with my mother’s baking,” she grinned. In fact, she would visit him every day at the stables if it gladdened him so. It had been nearly every day over the past week that she had seen him for some moments though, for she had been drawn to him since the very day of the ball.
It seemed for some moments that they were quiet, waiting for offered explanation of what to do with the fine desserts that her mother had placed upon then, but soon enough, Calon gave her a look that she knew could be none other than a mischievous idea, and she listened and laughed as he spoke.
“Do you think the people would be pleased to have such fine treats fall from the heavens to them?”
“They should be quite surprised,” Narbeleth grinned, her eyes dancing. “What a pleasant idea.” Finally she moved from her place, and it seemed that her energy had piled on itself, for she was quick to look over the wall on both sides of the battlement, and then went to the stone bench, sitting down for the briefest moment to unwrap the treats. Indeed, a few crumbs scattered, which would later be taken by the birds.
“If we toss them with the wind they should go quite further,” she grinned, motioning to the east. She picked up a small cake in each hand and then returned to Calon, gladly placing one in his hand, and looking him over for just a moment. Yes, the brightness was returning to his eyes; his soul could not bear to be troubled for long. The thought made her glad and she smiled, and she could not help but sing to him once more, though as her words came, she turned back toward the edge of the precipice, waiting for Calon to join her.
"I HID the love within my heart, And lit the laughter in my eyes, That when we meet he may not know My love that never dies.
But sometimes when he dreams at night Of fragrant forests green and dim, It may be that my love crept out And brought the dream to him.
And sometimes when his heart is sick And suddenly grows well again, It may be that my love was there To free his life of pain."
Songs were glad to tell whim or story, as many that she knew did well, though at times, they told the deepest truth. It simply depended upon the singer, and the hearer.
----
Sara Teasdale
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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 Nov 14, 2009 15:40:55 GMT -5
Meleth moved inside, and Gilwen’s brown eyes followed her for a time as she whisked young Eoric off to sleep, before allowing her to eye once more the light-hearted musicians before her. She was exhausted herself; what with her work for the morning and her lack of sleep the night previous due to the noise of the first tier. To keep herself occupied, for she now had no child to tend to aside from little Faelon, though he was quite capable of handling himself, she let her eyes fall over the guests remaining. Maeniel and Almurdir seemed well accustomed to one another now, and they were seemingly in a nice conversation betwixt themselves. Haliel had herself occupied with the kitten, and was hardly to be bothered by Gilwen.
But Faelon. Well, that one moved in right close to her now. For a moment, Gilwen wondered if the boy had been jealous of Eoric sitting in her lap, though mused perhaps the boy thought himself too old for such things. Nonetheless, he did press close, and after a moment he spoke once more. “Mama told me that when we grow up and get married, that we will move out of her house. And we will have children.” Gilwen looked down to him and smiled softly, cautiously responding, “Yes. Many people do.” Not all, certainly. Though most, perhaps. It was what Gilwen desired, anyway. He seemed so young to speak on such topics as adults think of! Though, inwardly she laughed at the thought of Meleth wishing him a child alike to himself, and wondered if such was said in exasperation or serenity. Still, the lad seemed quite well mannered for one so young, and Gilwen imagined it was the latter.
“When you marry brother, will you live here on the sixth tier, or all the way down on the first?”
Gilwen’s cheeks flushed as the boy mentioned the first tier. He was aware, then, that she had moved to the lowest level of the city. The warmth in her cheeks revealed her slight embarrassment over the matter, though the woman did not know how to respond. “Well…” She certainly did not wish to live amongst the lowest tier, though if that was how she was allowed to wed Faeldor, she could learn to adore that home as much as any other. Nonetheless, she did not have a chance to respond properly, for the boy continued before her thoughts could gather appropriately. “Will you have a baby too? Or will you take Eoric?” Gilwen’s cheeks grew warmer, for to speak of such things seemed a bit unproprietous. Still she laughed a little nervously and said, “My, you have many questions. I will say I cannot take Eoric, for he is not mine to keep.” She paused a moment and took a deep breath before answering the rest. “And if the Valar wills it, I shall have my own to care for.”
“Miriel is going to have a baby.”
The flush in her cheeks instantly quelled, and the woman caught her breath, and she looked down to the boy as he continued speaking and cuddling against her side. Gilwen didn’t know what to do. Certainly such things were not meant for her ears! Her brown eyes looked sad, for she did feel great sorrow for Miriel, if what the boy spoke was truth. She had certainly been ill for some time, Gilwen thought, though ushered her thoughts away from such things. It was not her place to know.
“Was Rosiel being true when she said that you and Faeldor would have a baby tonight? I think that would make Mama mad at Faeldor, like she will be mad at Miriel. Don’t make her mad. Does kissing make you have a baby? I saw Miriel kissing Durion. But I saw Faeldor kissing you too.”
Gilwen’s cheeks returned to a hearty flush, and her heart immediately took off racing. Indeed, the woman was growing quite anxious, though was trying desperately to keep herself under control. “Faeldor and I…no. No, tonight we shall not…” Oh heavens! Her voice was so soft, she was not even sure if Faelon could hear. She looked up fervently to Faeldor, though immediately regretted it as the boy continued. “Kissing!” She exclaimed almost breathlessly, looking down to the boy again. When had he seen Faeldor and she kissing? “Oh, Faelon…kissing does not make one have a child.” Her cheeks felt as if they were on fire, and they certainly held such a vibrant show of colors.
She did not wish to continue on the topic of what did give one a child. Any more questions, and Gilwen was sure to send the boy straight to his brother. Indeed, she felt entirely flustered at the very idea that the little boy thought Faeldor and she were soon to have a baby. All because of Rosiel’s remark! How many others gave credit to the vile words she had spoken! Gilwen’s spirits took a downward tumble within her. She dropped her eyes to her lap as she worked to calm herself. It was within her best interests to stand and excuse herself, though the way Faelon was against her was going to make it impossible to do such a thing, and Faeldor would still wish to see her off. He was otherwise occupied, she imagined. What with the joyous music that was still playing in the background.
--
“Surely my huntsman will have no difficulty in taking two great stags to feed our families.”
Calon laughed light heartedly. “No, I should say it would not take me long. Depending on the time of year, of course. And how much time I spent truly tracking such stags. I would imagine, though, that your family would take more to feed then my own. Unless those still in Belfalas came here for some grand dinner or gathering. Though, I cannot even imagine such a familial event! It has been years, I fear, since my father has spoken to my grandparents face to face. They correspond through letters alone, I do believe.” He looked over the area again, though was inwardly wondering how much of his skill it would take to feed a gathering of both Beleth’s family and his own. Such a feast a thing like that would require!
“I will be there then, to offer you a break, and nourish you with my mother’s baking.”
“And I shall be waiting,” Calon offered in response, looking down to the woman again with a nice and easy smile. His blue eyes lingered on her for a moment, though he slowly looked once more around. He would wait forever if it took her that long.
Such a thought seemed entirely strange to the young man. He never imagined that such a woman existed, though now that she was found he was hardly going to let her go. A hunter always kept his prize. And Narbeleth was a prize above any other.
“What a pleasant idea.”
Calon grinned and moved after the flighty woman as she stepped forward with the cakes and extended one to her. “Do you think the wind shall take them far?” He mused aloud. “The breeze is not that strong today.” Though, perhaps it was strong enough. Such a thing would be worth it. A freeing feeling; that was what they both needed. Anxiety had all but entirely left him. Calon was eager to be at ease once more.
Beleth began to sing again, and the man smiled to himself, and watched. Such a lovely woman she was! He could hardly understand how such a woman could have been so blessed by the Valar. There was not a single person in all of Arda that disagreed more with Rosiel’s assessment of Beleth’s beauty than he. Even the Valar would not interest him so.
“You are surely a songbird.” He said suddenly when she was very well finished. “I do not know another who is so quick to sing.” He smiled at her, and leaned against the wall of the precipice. “Though it is nice to know that one’s heart can be so free.” It was what allured him the most about her, perhaps. Though, was there really one thing he could pick above all others? She was perfection, he was sure of it.
He came to the conclusion that he was being far too poetic for his own liking and righted himself immediately. “Well then, should we count out a nice number before we let the cakes meet the wind?” He threw his sparkling gaze back to the lady as he held up his hand for show.
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