Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 11, 2010 19:35:24 GMT -5
“It will be fine now though, because there is nobody better suited to take me back than my new companion.”
Calon sighed. “I shall certainly take you back with me and keep you far from harm.” Orcs would not deter him; he would bring his bow and quiver, and take her back to Minas Tirith so she could once more be home. Near him, and with her family. Though, in his foul mood, the hunter was not about to admit that Faeldor was one of them at the moment. Instead, all he could think was how he did not deserve her.
“I saw the path from the shore that leads up to your house.”
Calon looked to her with a sideways, though thoughtful glance. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to let you travel down the path tonight.” A smile played at the corner of his lips. “Perhaps we could even take a swim.”
Narbeleth’s fingers worked with his tense muscles, and the young man sighed, releasing some of his tension.
“I’ve missed the smell of… what did that foul Rosiel say…. Horses? You smell like horses, dirt, and long travel. I like that.”
Calon grinned pleasantly for the first time since he had seen Beleth again. “Do you? Well, perhaps I should take long trips more often,” he said suggestively. Like a wave, Calon could feel the poor mood begin to leave him as he neared his home.
“A beard? No. I am certainly not growing one of those.” In fact, he had the right mind to shave as soon as he got home when he was to wash up for dinner, as his mother would certainly make him do as he entered. “I find beards get in the way,” he said humorously.
“Perhaps I shall get rid of it tonight, before we head down to the beach. It has been ages since I have seen the shore, now. Or at least it feels like ages.”
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Narbeleth
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Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
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Post by Narbeleth on Jul 4, 2012 14:38:40 GMT -5
“I shall certainly take you back with me and keep you far from harm.”
A gleam shot through Narbeleth's face, though she said nothing else to the effect of this conversation, not willing Calon to change his mind. She was certain Faeldor would be upset with the knowledge that she would journey beside Calon, alone through the wilds. Though... Faeldor was not her father. And she was eighteen years old. An adult! Narbeleth could come to her own conclusions about who she wished to travel with. Calon was most effectively a better choice as far as safety went than the couple she had traveled with along to Belfalas.
“Do you? Well, perhaps I should take long trips more often.”
The young woman noted the smile begin to return to the man's face. "Yes you should. Though you shouldn't need to travel so often once you have returned me to the city. Then again I have grown rather attached to my Uncle Linnon and his family, as well as the seaside. Perhaps I would wish to travel more often from the White City as well... if only I could find a suitable escort. To keep up with my family, that is," she gleamed.
"Now that you are here I am certain I will find much more pleasure in the woods and cliffs than I did before. The best of both worlds, Mama would say." Oh but would her Mama be ever so pleased! She knew her mother enjoyed the fact that Beleth had spent time with Calon. She had apologized many times in her letters... but... now she could write her mother with the news! Wouldn't she be just tickled! She knew she would not mention such to Faeldor, for she was frustrated with the man sending her so far away from home as well...
"...Or at least it feels like ages.”
"Then we must do our best to get you back to the seaside. Certainly your Mother would understand and not have you sit inside the house after supper," she winked. Beleth's fingers had long since stopped their healing caress upon Calon's shoulders, and only now did she remove them from the man's shirtsleeves. Oh! If only they could skip supper and just stay outside! She would be entirely happy to be the man's solo company. Oh! But his mother must be so thrilled to see him! Compose yourself Beleth, you shan't take the man away from his family so quickly. No, no... she must not rush Calon. He was here to visit his family afterall, was he not? He couldn't have known that she would have been so near? Then again, he must have, for he addressed the letters to the household of her Uncle, and they had lived there as long as Calon's family had.
"Come, come," Beleth finally started walking again, this time taking Calon's hand once more and nearly dragging him along behind her. "Your Mother must be desperate to see you." And the sooner we get through suppertime, the sooner I shall have you back to myself, the young woman thought, grinning back at her huntsman.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Jul 5, 2012 17:17:04 GMT -5
Calon finally smiled as his Nightingale rambled over the idea of traveling. The way she spoke—well, he was certain now more than ever that this was the woman he was to marry. And while Beleth certainly did not know of his intentions, she spoke as if she would not mind much.
His blue eyes shifted to her once again, sparkling like the canopy of stars overhead. “Well, I should think that visiting here more often should be rather nice,” he began absently, as if the thought did not please him as much as it did. “I am certain that anyone in your family’s house simply misses your brightness when you are away, and,” he paused and grinned all the wider. “I am sure my mother will be just as excited. For you see, should you travel here more often, I would certainly devote myself to your escort. A lady, even one as fierce as yourself, should not have to battle a band of orcs on her own.”
He paused, imagining the sense of joy his own mother would receive from knowing he would frequent Belfalas more often. And maybe, more than the man would care to admit, he missed the familiarity of the wood down the road, the game that lurked in its shadows, and the comfort of home. Of course, he would never admit something like that aloud.
"Then we must do our best to get you back to the seaside. Certainly your Mother would understand and not have you sit inside the house after supper."
Beleth winked and Calon laughed. “The sea does have a voice the same as any being,” the huntsman offered happily. “It would be quite a chore to ignore its pestering long after dinner, I am certain. I can hear it, you see.” He paused and pretended to listen, cupping a hand around his ear for a time to make it seem as if he were catching words from the quiet wind.
“‘Calon’, it is saying to me,” he paused again, then lifted his brow as if he were surprised. “I do believe it thinks I have been unfaithful, to move to a city where it cannot reach me. Well, certainly the sea shall forgive me the moment I dive in.” He grinned all the wider, beginning to laugh through his words. “Though, if I smell of such lovely things as travel it very well may desire me to leave!”
Beleth suddenly seemed in a flurry to get to his home, and Calon did not protest when she took him by the hand and began to bolt the rest of the way. Oh, if Faeldor only knew what he had done by sending his sister to Belfalas—he had doomed her to the quite interesting fate of Calon’s private company, and, perhaps what would be more terrifying to the stable master, his solidified ideas of their future.
They had not traveled much further when a rowdy hound bolted from the shadows, barking and wagging its tail. “Ah,” he offered, stooping for a moment to give the dog a firm pet on the head. It happily licked at his hand and seemed to leap from side to side and greet Beleth with its row as well. “Father must be home now.” He stopped and took a long sniff of the air, once more standing and grinning toward Beleth. “And, Nightingale, I can smell mother’s cooking. Can you?”
The dog barked again. “All right, Hudor,” Calon offered to the animal. “We’re coming, we’re coming.” He took Bel’s hand once more, and began to lead the way. “One thing I must say about Minas Tirith is I do right miss a dog.”
They were now before the house, its golden candlelight shining through the windows and onto the grasses beneath the windows. “Here we are,” Calon presented with a playfully royal flourish, motioning with a wide spread of his arm.
He approached the door and swung it open, Hudor running in past his leg to romp into the next room. “Mother,” Calon called. “I’m back.”
“Take off your boots, Calon!” She quipped back, her voice growing ever closer. “Do not track that dirt all through the hou—oh!” She rounded the bend, eyes not on her son at all, but rather the woman he had at his side. “Beleth! I did not expect company,” her eyes shifted curiously to her son who just grinned and kissed her cheek, kicking off his boots and letting them fall carelessly in the doorway.
“Well, Remlas couldn’t make it, so I thought we needed a replacement.” Calon winked to Beleth.
“Are you just going to leave your boots there?” His mother asked, her eyes narrowing slightly toward her youngest.
Calon laughed in response. “Yes—I do believe they will be worn soon enough. Have we come in time for dinner?”
“Yes. Your father is in the dining room. He was very excited to hear you had returned.” Arobes turned back to Beleth and smiled all the wider. “Do not mind my son, dear. He…well, he does like his messes. Always has. Come in, come in!”
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Narbeleth
Man
Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Jul 7, 2012 22:39:39 GMT -5
“And, Nightingale, I can smell mother’s cooking. Can you?”
Narbeleth's heart leapt silently at the improved tune of the man's voice. Nightingale... she thought to herself. She had missed being called such the past weeks that she had been away from her huntsman. It had such a sound to it... well, there was no way for her to express or even think of what it meant to her, to be given such a name by Calon, a man who was himself such a... man. That he would give her a pet name, it was beloved. Her spirits were soaring, and she hummed to Calon as they finished their walk. "I can smell her cooking. I am hungrier than I have been in weeks. And the sea smells fine as well. I should say, the sea invited me into her bosom after my long travel to Belfalas. I was at least as dusty as you are... though... perhaps more recognizable it is true, as Time does not grow such a mask on ladies the same way it does to the masculine," she laughed. Her free hand reached to touch the bristled skin upon Calon's jaw where his beard had grown. Tilting her face upward she pecked a swift kiss upon the same spot. "You cannot hide yourself from me, though. No, my huntsman would have to do something much more drastic to keep his identity secret from me."
"Well, hello there," she exclaimed to the hound that approached the both of them with wagging tail. Her Uncle Linnon had a hound of his own as well, though her family in Minas Tirith did not. A city was no place for a roaming dog to enjoy life. Perhaps a trained guardsdog could be found off and on through the upper tiers, a few strays thrived in the lower tiers, and several hunting dogs lived with those men who took often for the Firien Wood to supply the palace with venison and other meats. But... a dog was not a common sight among the white cobble streets.
"I do believe he would do well to assist you in your hen herding in the White City," Beleth commented aside. "In fact he would likely delight in it. Not to rid your family home of their dog, but perhaps you should think on taking a pup back to the city with you... one well trained would be a benefit for any bird hunter... hen... or wild grouse alike." Calon had not mentioned much of hunting bird (aside the hen hunting) outside the city walls. Perhaps he was only on to big game, but then again, bird hunting was a challenge itself. A smaller target for an arrow to hit in flight. A dog that might go ahead to flush and retrieve though could be of great assistance! "Perhaps I should find a pup to return with," she added. "After all... I would have more time for the training of such a creature, and we have the room in our household of course. You might borrow him on your days off from work for hunting, that is if you take me along with you on the hunts, so as I do not need spend a day parted from my beloved pet."
"It is a fine, roadworn gentleman who has welcomed me to your home for supper tonight. One can hardly blame that he wishes to be rid of his boots so quickly after such a long trip." Beleth chimed happily to Calon's mother. In the same motion she also removed her walking shoes and slid them near to Calons. Perhaps it was custom in their house here to remove shoes. Then again, she neither wanted to wear shoes whether they did or not. It was her custom to be barefooted.
"As he has expressed concern in cleaning himself up a slight before the meal, perhaps I can help you with the preparations?" The young woman offered her assistance, hoping that she would be easily forgiven for her earlier declinations to supper with Remlas. Certainly Arobes would understand her hesitancy once she understood her affections for Calon.
Narbeleth felt the need to explain, "Cal and I know each other quite well from the city, you see... before I ever thought I would be here to visit my family." She almost began with the fact that he worked in the stables with her brother, though at the moment she decided to refrain from mentioning Faeldor while Calon was in earshot. It was certainly a sore spot, and he needed no more sores this day. She quickly turned her thoughts to something else... "He helped me to catch a runaway chicken at the market, and in return he was fed some chicken pie. You must understand, it is extremely difficult to turn a man away once he has been fed such a substantial pie. I know it has been difficult for him these past few months that I have been away from the city, and thus he needed return to his mother's house for the desired nourishment. I did not know our family homes were so near each other!"
There, no need to mention Faeldor, or Remlas. The temperature of Calon's blood must be kept at a tolerable level. Beleth was certain the man had gone for several days on very little sleep, and suspected that once he had been thoroughly rested for a long night, even those subjects would be approachable. Already freed from a suppertime with his brother, who he appeared to resent at the moment, he was acting much fairer.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Jul 8, 2012 19:42:34 GMT -5
“A fine, roadworn gentleman?” Arobes repeated, eyebrows rising and eyes taking quite a gleam as Calon kissed her cheek and flew by her. She did not pay him much attention, though—she stayed intently focused on the young lady in her entry. “Well.”
“As he has expressed concern in cleaning himself up a slight before the meal, perhaps I can help you with the preparations?"
Arobes laughed, the sound like silvery satin, and motioned the young lady further into her home. “Is that where he has gone off to, then? Well—he surely needs to wash. Half-caked in mud, I’d say. Do come in, child.” The woman smiled, wrinkles forming at the corners of her mouth and eyes; she was a woman who wore such an expression often. Just like her sprightly sons. “It is nonsense that you help, of course. Dinner is quite finished, and you are my dear Calon’s guest. Do, come sit at our table—we will wait for Calon.”
She turned, tossing a warm glance over her shoulder as she led Beleth through a well-tended home and toward a brightly lit dining room.
“I do hope you are fond of chicken, dear,” Arobes offered lightly. “I have some potatoes and greens as well.” She paused and motioned the girl forward and into the room, smiling all the greater. “And I do hope you are hungry as well! I was expecting Remlas to bring his hefty appetite, and I do not feel like leftovers tomorrow.”
Inside the room, things were rich in a modest arrangement. The table was large enough, the chairs of a matching wood and expertly crafted. There was a chandelier above the table, glowing with candles—but those riches were all that there were. It was a home finely crafted, kept with lovely things, but it was very clear they were no royals.
A roasted chicken steamed from a white platter, and there was no shortage to the sides Arobes had prepared. It was, likely, a product of having a household of all men that kept her cooking plentiful. She would not know how to cook for dainty ladies if she had desired to.
A man with a thin, angular face sat eyeing the feast. “Arobes,” he called before ever looking up to spy Beleth at her side. “Are we ready to eat, or has Calon got us waiting?” His words were light, blithe and pleasant, even hinted and laced with laughter.
“I’d say we’re waiting,” his wife replied with a sigh. “Istor, do say hello to Beleth—your son has brought her over for supper!”
The man looked up, his eyes the same oceanic blue as both of his sons. “Ah! Beleth! I daresay my wife has carried on about you for a time now. I am glad you could finally join us for dinner. And where, then, has Remlas gotten off to?”
Before Narbeleth could feel uncomfortable by the question, Arobes laughed and flitted forward. “Well, it was Calon that brought her, dear. Not Remlas. Beleth says that they are acquainted from Minas Tirith. Can you imagine?”
“Oh!” It was clear the man was embarrassed by his blunder, though he tried to conceal it behind a comely smile and manly laugh. “How is it that you met, might I ask? Of all the chances! It is a large city.”
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Narbeleth
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Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Jul 9, 2012 13:15:47 GMT -5
“I do hope you are fond of chicken, dear, I have some potatoes and greens as well. And I do hope you are hungry as well! I was expecting Remlas to bring his hefty appetite, and I do not feel like leftovers tomorrow.”
Chicken! How suiting! Narbeleth smiled. "I adore chicken," she stated. Where the young woman had previously felt a bit nervous and shy during the brief times she had met Arobes in the forest gathering, this meeting seemed entirely different. "And my appetite can not quite match a man's I am sure, but it is not far off."
“Ah! Beleth! I daresay my wife has carried on about you for a time now. I am glad you could finally join us for dinner. And where, then, has Remlas gotten off to?”
“Well, it was Calon that brought her, dear. Not Remlas. Beleth says that they are acquainted from Minas Tirith. Can you imagine?”
Carried on about me? Narbeleth thought to herself, with a smirk. Poor Remlas, had he spoken of her often to his mother? She felt sorry to disappoint him... for a moment, but then Istor's question brought back her gleam.
“How is it that you met, might I ask? Of all the chances! It is a large city.”
"Your son is quick on his feet. I should say, one of my hen's was loosed on my market day, and he helped me to capture it. It was an event!" Narbeleth grinned at the thought, her voice almost laughing.
"Then... we parted, and I did not even know his name. Fancy, we met again in the stables a few weeks later. He works with my brother, and we had stopped by briefly before the Midsummer's Eve ball. I came to find that my brother had pawned me off and hired Cal to be my escort. It turned out to be a very nice night indeed though. I do not think either of us minded so much," Beleth nodded in approval, thinking of the climb up the beacon tower at the back of the city. Perhaps she should not mention that detail.
"I... did not know that Calon was planning a visit to Belfalas," she added. "He took me by surprise this afternoon. He did not mention that he was planning a trip in any of his letters," she mused.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Jul 10, 2012 16:20:16 GMT -5
“Hen catching? Well, that is quite a chance meeting,” Arobes clucked rather jovially. “I did raise a gentleman, though.”
Istor laughed. “Oh, and I take it I had no part in that, dear?” Arobes grinned playfully, casting a light in the room that looked very much like Calon’s energetic smirk.
Arobes pointedly ignored him, though clearly in good humor. “Oh, do not worry, dear—we did not know he was coming ourselves until a day or so ago…I daresay he must have sent the letter and left not but a day or so later.” She waved it away with a sweep of her hand. “But, Beleth, you say your brother works in the stables? What does he do?” She asked.
“He runs them, mother,” Calon interjected as he breezed in, looking once more a man of worth and not so heavily traveled. His face was bright and gleaming, clean-shaven and free from the muck and mire of travel. “Master Faeldor is head of the Steward’s stables.”
“Oh,” Arobes offered, and Istor raised an eyebrow. Perhaps for a moment they worried their son was getting into a bit more trouble than normal, but Calon just smiled as always and skirted around the table.
“Now, mother,” Calon offered. “Let us eat! I am quite famished!” He winked to Beleth, pulling out a chair for her to take. “Chicken!? Well, that is my favorite.”
“Well, your brother must certainly be respectable,” Istor offered, bringing a smile once more to his face. “I am sure Calon would hate such responsibility.”
Calon made a face of mock disgust. “All that time in the stables and no time on one?”
“Ah—sad but true, I would presume,” Istor offered. He grinned. “I know my son greatly enjoys his work—when we get any word from him at all he carries on about it.” The man began, by Arobes’ pestering to move toward the table himself. Calon took his seat beside Narbeleth and Arobes began to choose one beside her husband.
“Do you work, Beleth?” Arobes asked, lifting a glorious bowl of salad greens and offering them to the girl if she should like them. “Not that it is anything bad for a woman, but I do enjoy running my house. Some girls, though, need the extra stimulation to keep them busy!” She laughed. “My sister was one of those, I should say.”
Calon laughed. “She does not sleep, I should think—she works as a hound breeder for the very fun of it. Lots of work, no doubt!”
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Narbeleth
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Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Jul 11, 2012 10:31:21 GMT -5
“Oh, do not worry, dear—we did not know he was coming ourselves until a day or so ago…I daresay he must have sent the letter and left not but a day or so later. But, Beleth, you say your brother works in the stables? What does he do?” “He runs them, mother. Master Faeldor is head of the Steward’s stables.”
There is my fine huntsman! Narbeleth's eyes delighted as her young man once more entered the room, and explained.
“Oh.” “Now, mother. Let us eat! I am quite famished! Chicken!? Well, that is my favorite.”
“Well, your brother must certainly be respectable. I am sure Calon would hate such responsibility.”
Narbeleth nodded, as she moved to her place at the table. "My brother is a very respectable man in the community. He has a great responsibility to work for the Steward in his position." Though perhaps he does not have as much respect from me these days, she thought to herself. "But I am sure Calon enjoys to work more closely with the horses. He did tell you of his recent promotion, I hope. No more mucking stalls for my horseman, but instead just caring for the horses. I should say many of them in those stables were selected from the finest breeding stock in all of Gondor."
Narbeleth was perceptive enough to see the uncertain look on the older couple's face when they learned that her brother was Calon's supervisor! Though perhaps Faeldor did not think Calon suited enough for care of his sister... he did think the highest of him when it came to care of horses, it was apparent, or he certainly would not have been promoted to groomsmen.
The chicken dinner began. Arobes had set a fine spread on the table, and as the bowls were passed around and the plates filled, Beleth noticed that Arobes took large helpings for herself as Calon said she would, and filled her plate in the same manner. She was hungry indeed! In fact, she had not been so hungry since she had arrived in Belfalas... Well, perhaps she had been this hungry on the days she spent climbing. But today had simply been a baking day without much strenuous expense. And chicken! She glaced to Calon at her side, her eyes laughing. Not a better meal could have been served!
“Do you work, Beleth? Not that it is anything bad for a woman, but I do enjoy running my house. Some girls, though, need the extra stimulation to keep them busy My sister was one of those, I should say.” “She does not sleep, I should think—she works as a hound breeder for the very fun of it. Lots of work, no doubt!”
"A hound breeder! That sounds like fun," the young woman commented before contining on to answer Arobes' question. "My grandmother has been training me for a few years now in midwifery and healing. Someday I suppose I should take over her position, but I would first like a bit more training under her... for the sake of understand what to do when complications arise. But I do still help much in the home... we have many people in our household, and five of them are younger siblings. Then two older than I, Mama, and then Grandmother and Grandfather. There is lots of cooking and washing to be done." Gilwen now too, she thought to herself, and a baby on the way.
"There has been much more leisure time since arriving here in Belfalas. I suppose it has been a vacation for me. I have spent quite a time roving and rambling in the woods, swimming, fishing, climbing... did you know that the best berries are halfway up the cliffs over the sea? Now, the Valar must have placed them there for those motivated enough to enjoy them. "
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Jul 12, 2012 21:10:07 GMT -5
“The finest in all of Gondor? As is expected, I suppose,” Istor preened in a rather genteel and friendly hum. “The Steward deserves only the best, as do our men of arms.” Arobes nodded vehemently from her chair, and started passing Narbeleth an assortment of dishes, starting with the lovely, steaming chicken and ending with the cooked vegetables and potatoes.
“We have many people in our household, and five of them are younger siblings. Then two older than I, Mama, and then Grandmother and Grandfather. There is lots of cooking and washing to be done.”
“That is quite a family!” Arobes remarked with a flash of a smile. She marked Narbeleth for a moment, and Calon had the sinking suspicion the lady was wondering if Beleth had a desire for such a large family herself. “I should say that perhaps midwifery is a break for you then!”
“That is quite a tough job,” Istor added, clarifying that neither he nor his wife thought the position easy. It most certainly was not! “I would imagine you would have to love it very much to continue your study in it. I dare say I have not met a father who looks forward to a midwife’s visit.”
Arobes grinned. “He was white and sick with both Remlas and Calon—pacing outside the room. I think I heard him cry at least once, as if it were such great pains for him!” She laughed pleasantly, the sound akin to a bubbling spring. “I’d say he rather enjoyed his par—”
“Mother!” Calon shot in, laughing though perhaps with a bit more nervousness than was displayed on his face. “Bel is surely aware of all of that. And she is having a good time—let us not spoil it with talk of work.”
“Did you know that the best berries are halfway up the cliffs over the sea? Now, the Valar must have placed them there for those motivated enough to enjoy them."
Calon was the one who smiled at that. “They are the sweetest—and best after a nice snap of cold, I daresay.” He paused. “I have not been able to taste those in quite some time. Perhaps it we should make a day of it.”
“If you do, don’t tell me about it,” Arobes offered jovially. “Remlas and Calon climbed those cliffs far younger than I would have liked—too small to do it safely, if you ever can do it safely.” She paused thoughtfully and pointed her fork toward her son almost accusingly. “Scared me to death, they did! I don’t think Calon was but eight.”
“Nine, mother,” he answered with a grin. “Remlas and I had to, if you understand, Bel. The other boys did not want to play with us—we were too little for their tastes. So we did something they were not allowed to.”
“You weren’t allowed to either,” Istor added with a chuckle. “But, I suppose I must never have told you. I assumed you’d show no interest. You were always going toward the forest, not the sea.”
“Sons of our house are tricky,” Arobes offered lovingly. “But none better!”
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Narbeleth
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Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Jul 13, 2012 19:18:13 GMT -5
“That is quite a family! I should say that perhaps midwifery is a break for you then!” "You say it truely. It is quite a different form of business than caring for all the little ones in the household. It is a glad thing to be able to assist the families in bringing their babies into the world."
“That is quite a tough job, I would imagine you would have to love it very much to continue your study in it. I dare say I have not met a father who looks forward to a midwife’s visit.”
“He was white and sick with both Remlas and Calon—pacing outside the room. I think I heard him cry at least once, as if it were such great pains for him! I’d say he rather enjoyed his par—”
“Mother! Bel is surely aware of all of that. And she is having a good time—let us not spoil it with talk of work.”
Narbeleth was amused. It seemed Calon's entire family was quick with their words, adding their thoughts and commenting on each other's position. Not much unlike her own family, she deemed. Though cozier.
"Not to worry, Cal. There is not a single thing that would spoil my time at the moment. This chicken is far too tender to envoke bitter feelings. I'm sure your mother will tell me all about your baby days and childhood another time." Narbeleth's grey eyes were most pleased. She surely wouldn't mind spending time with Arobes now that she had been more formally introduced by Calon. She looked from Arobes to Istor, and then back to Calon. No, she would certainly not mind spending time with this family again at all. Though, it may be a bit awkward for awhile to spend time with Remlas. Perhaps
“They are the sweetest—and best after a nice snap of cold, I daresay. I have not been able to taste those in quite some time. Perhaps it we should make a day of it.”
“If you do, don’t tell me about it. Remlas and Calon climbed those cliffs far younger than I would have liked—too small to do it safely, if you ever can do it safely. Scared me to death, they did! I don’t think Calon was but eight.” The family continued on for a time recounting memories of their childhood. Beleth was amused by the entire matter. She had been climbing the cliffs as well, since she was at least six or seven. Faeldor and Miriel were quite a bit older than her, and at that time in their active youths, they quite often left the little sister behind. Or so they though. Young Narbeleth often trailed them on their excursions. It was a lucky thing that she had never gotten lost for she often fell well behind their quicker paces, yet at the same time she would often catch them again at the end of the adventure.
Beleth had always been quite nimble and agile. In truth, she figured that she could likely climb the escarpment much more quickly than Calon. Though, he would be the one to last her as far as endurance went.
"If we make the climb, and Calon does not eat all the berries, I shall bring some back to make a pie for you, in exchange for this nice meal," Beleth agreed. "But I will not tell you from where the berries came. You shall not know how high we climbed to get them."
The young woman turned to smirk at Calon. Of coure she would make a day of it. She had nothing but free days until her return to Minas Tirith. With her five teenaged and adult cousins, as well as herself and her Aunt, the household chores took barely the first hour of the morning, and she knew the others would be certain to allow her the break.
“Sons of our house are tricky,” Arobes offered lovingly. “But none better!”
"I would agree with that," Narbeleth answered quietly, looking straight back to Arobes. Though, not so tricky in her opinion. Calon might well trick a hen, but not this young woman. Why, she had only wished him to be here in Belfalas, and here he was. Perhaps 'surprising' was a word she would have more likely used. "I am just glad I met this one first!"
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Calon
Man
Stablehand
[Mo0:0]
Posts: 145
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Post by Calon on Jul 15, 2012 11:55:07 GMT -5
“I'm sure your mother will tell me all about your baby days and childhood another time."
Calon laughed, though perhaps nervousness was shaded upon its brim. “I do not doubt that you would have no shortage of stories to tell, Mother,” he offered. Arobes grinned and lifted her brows.
“Oh, no, Calon,” she agreed pleasantly, filtering a bit of laughter into her words. “I certainly wouldn’t. And I guarantee at least a few would leave your face red as a berry.”
If we make the climb, and Calon does not eat all the berries, I shall bring some back to make a pie for you, in exchange for this nice meal. But I will not tell you from where the berries came. You shall not know how high we climbed to get them."
Istor grinned. “Then we shall not ask when such berries show up at our house!”
“Perhaps a proper thanks for that kind of gift is to ask if you would join us to eat them,” Arobes chimed. “Maybe the whole of us can go for a picnic somewhere in the woods—I am sure that if you know my son, you know hunting is thick in the men’s veins here.”
“We’ll snag a good hart for supper,” Calon suggested. “Then maybe we can have Bel and her family over for dinner.”
“What a grand idea,” Arobes simpered pleasantly. “Do you think they would at all enjoy that, Beleth? I would hate to make them feel as if they must come, but the more the merrier, as the saying goes.”
"I would agree with that."
Calon could not contain the smile that came to his face, the sudden surge of contentness that filled him. Yes, he told himself. Yes, he had made the proper choice. Narbeleth, daughter of Faelon, was indeed his match—she was a woman who could never bore him, who seemed to appreciate the same things he did. Perhaps he would be telling her his intentions to marry her sooner than he originally thought. Not that there was really any way Calon would take no for an answer; if Beleth had any reservations at all, and after her last comment, he doubted she would, he would merely take every decline as a reason to doggedly pursue her.
Calon had wiped his plate clean, and lowered the napkin to sit beside his plate. “Wonderful as always, mother,” he complimented with a smile.
“A clean plate, as always, Calon,” Arobes laughed. “You must be in a hurry.”
Istor looked to his wife, an easy smile coming to his lips. “Well, clearly our son has plans for the evening.”
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Narbeleth
Man
Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Jul 15, 2012 21:14:06 GMT -5
“Then we shall not ask when such berries show up at our house!”
“Perhaps a proper thanks for that kind of gift is to ask if you would join us to eat them. Maybe the whole of us can go for a picnic somewhere in the woods—I am sure that if you know my son, you know hunting is thick in the men’s veins here.”
“We’ll snag a good hart for supper. Then maybe we can have Bel and her family over for dinner.”
“What a grand idea. Do you think they would at all enjoy that, Beleth? I would hate to make them feel as if they must come, but the more the merrier, as the saying goes.”
The young woman enjoyed her supper as the conversation continued, merrily looking between the father, mother, and son.
"As long as nobody here mentions from where the berries have come to my family, I'm sure they would be happy to attend a picnic. My Uncle Linnon is after all supposed to be looking out for me while I am away from Minas Tirith. He would be happy to get to know your son... sons... again," she simpered, remembering Remlas as well.
While perhaps her female cousins were not fond of hunting, her uncle had been known to do so in his spare time. And her cousins would certainly enjoy the company of Remlas and Calon. Oh, poor dear Remlas, left all alone with that hoard of young women. Narbeleth bit her lip for a moment thinking on the matter. He had been in such fine spirits earlier before Calon had showed up at her family's home, and then once the brother's had reunited there was that feeling of tension. Hopefully it would be well again by the time the picnic came. And hopefully it would not be such an awkward time for her!
It seemed that Istor and Arobes were still finishing up their meals, while Calon had finished wolfing down everything on his plate. Narbeleth looked to her own plate. Fortunately, even as a guest, she had not done the majority of the speaking, and she had nearly finished her food as well. She ate a bit more quickly to catch up, for she was eager as well to spend more time with her huntsman.
“Wonderful as always, mother."
“A clean plate, as always, Calon. You must be in a hurry.”
“Well, clearly our son has plans for the evening.”
Narbeleth looked a slight bit embarrassed for a moment, though stilled herself. Certainly Arobes seemed a calm spirit and would not be frustrated if the two of them departed shortly. Calon had just come home, but she was used to his comings and goings it would seem. He could not be contained indoors for long. Perhaps during his stay, Arobes would be granted with a nice autumn gale that would keep her son indoors with her for a time.
"I think Cal would like to reunite with his sea. It is difficult to return to Belfalas and stop so short of it," she finally said, knowingly. To look at where the sun would set in the west, and upon the cliffs where their adventures awaited. Yes, he had offered her one day on the cliffs, but surely there would be more than one. Just looking at him, she knew that he would have more than one day for her. And more than one evening, more than one sunset!
Her plate was clean as well, and Beleth realized what a great deal she had consumed! She had been hungrier for this meal than for anything in many days! It seemed her vigor had returned. Such a funny thing it was, for all the fun she was having with her family, and yes, even Remlas. Her huntsman being present had lifted a sadness from her that at times she had hardly noticed, though now she thought, how could she not have noticed it! "It was a wonderful meal," the young woman finally added, among her musings. She looked to Calon expectantly.
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Calon
Man
Stablehand
[Mo0:0]
Posts: 145
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Post by Calon on Jul 22, 2012 16:19:53 GMT -5
“Ah, the sea,” Istor hummed in a genial manner, grinning with glinting eyes. “Quite a strange mistress. At times a person can forget her entirely, at times she is stronger than a trap.”
Calon laughed. “I must say I have not once thought of the beaches of Belfalas since my arrival at Minas Tirith,” he offered jovially, tilting his head as if in reflection.
“But my dear, I do believe that is because you do not think of Belfalas at all!” His mother offered. Calon’s mouth dropped open in mock horror, though perhaps more than a shade of it was pleasant truth.
“It is absurd, Mother, that you would think I could so easily forget you,” he simpered pleasantly, crossing around the table to stoop and kiss her cheek. “You are a woman of extraordinary patience—I should know, you dealt with me all these long years.”
“Quite trying twenty four years, if I could agree.” Istor grinned, winking toward Beleth.
This caused the huntsman to pause, looking curiously at his father for a moment. “Father, I am but twenty.”
Istor raised his brow, the motion dramatic and almost laughable. “Is that so? Well then, Arobes—I would say it has felt longer!” Before Calon could comment anything in return, he nodded toward his son and to Beleth and added, “You both have a good time, and do stay safe! Tides are dangerous if you let them be.”
“We will,” Calon called in reply, skirting back around the table and catching Beleth’s wrist. “Come on, then—the night is young.” He only stopped long enough to put on his boots in the entry.
The stars were blinking above them, pleasantly hung in a velveteen sky. It was dark, or it should have been. Still, the moon was bright and pleasant, filling the tired and sleep Belfalas with silvery moonlight. It seemed pure, and cleared the air along with it.
“It will be just what I need,” Calon thought aloud. “The trip indeed was long, and I know my muscles could use such rest as the sea will bring.” He looked sideways to his nightingale, smiling all the more. “Have you a song for travel, my nightingale? It needn’t be long—but perhaps peppy. I could fall asleep as I stand.”
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Narbeleth
Man
Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Aug 8, 2012 12:23:58 GMT -5
“You both have a good time, and do stay safe! Tides are dangerous if you let them be.” “We will." “Come on, then—the night is young.”
"Thank you for the meal and the company," Beleth added, as she stood. Her eyes were dancing. "You have a fine family, Arobes." It was the truth, not a thing that was said had leant Narbeleth in any way to question whether Calon was not from an honorable, well liked family. They were all kind and generous with hospitality. Even Remlas, though he had not dined with them that evening. Then, she allowed Calon to lead her to the door, where she stepped into her shoes as he did his boots.
"I think that is the best meal I've had since coming to Belfalas," Narbeleth murmered to Calon as they left the house. "Do not let my aunt know I spoke those words though," she giggled happily, her eyes dancing as she looked around and her eyes adjusted to the night. She sighed pleasantly.
“Have you a song for travel, my nightingale? It needn’t be long—but perhaps peppy. I could fall asleep as I stand.”
"The Sea will liven you when we reach her. I am certain of it. Yet... as my Calon wishes." Narbeleth was silent for some moments as she thought, and the song came to her, one that she had sung with her family on occasion since her arrival here in Belfalas.
" I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky and all I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sails shaking, And the grey mist in the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the seagulls crying.
Though the sky was full with moonlight, the man and woman were soon beneath the dark trees of the trail. A glimmer ahead showed Narbelth that the trail was indeed short, and the breaking water could be heard louder and louder as they approached. The trail turned to sand and grass, and the trees lessened, as they came out upon the bay. Dune grasses rustled lightly in the breeze and tickled Beleth's ankles, though some steps more and and they stood upon the soft sand that glistened white in the moonlight.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull’s way and the whale's way where the wind’s like a whetted knife
And all I ask is a merry yarn From a laughing fellow rover, and quiet sleep and a sweet dream when ere the long trip’s over."
"I should say," Beleth chimed happily. "The shore does not seem so lonely tonight. The sky has the moon, and I have you, and soon the sea shall have us. Shall we dip?" the young woman asked exhuberantly. She had already slipped off her shoes while she spoke and stood barefoot in the sand. She wiggled her toes, digging them into the cool softness.
Narbeleth winked at Calon and quickly undid her belt, and the ties on the back of the simple, blue dress, sliding it down from her shoulders and letting it fall to a heap with her shoes. Her white linen underdress remained, ruffling in the breezes. She then looked to Calon expectantly. "Run into the waves with me, weary traveler."
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Poem~ *Sea Fever by John Masefield
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Calon
Man
Stablehand
[Mo0:0]
Posts: 145
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Post by Calon on Jan 15, 2013 17:53:57 GMT -5
By the time they had reached the shoreline, Calon had been revived by Narbeleth’s humming energy. The long travel to Belfalas from the White City had been nothing; he would have done anything to see his nightingale. He offered her a sideways glance with his ocean eyes. And to keep her from Remlas. Beleth was spoken for.
The salt air filled his lungs and he smiled. Yes, he would stay with her here for a bit of time, a week or so until he had to go back to the White City. Faeldor had granted him leave, though he half mused it was from his preoccupied worry over Gilwen. Perhaps he did not speak on it, but all of the stable hands knew he was deeply upset, and nowhere near himself. But, when he set off in return, he would be bringing someone back with him.
“Shall we dip?"
Calon grinned, hands eagerly working with his belt the same time as his feet kicked off his boots. “Shall we dip?” He repeated back laughingly, eyes bright. He tossed the boots and belt to the sand beside him and began to rid himself of his tunic and undershirt. “Well, Bel, what else would we do? All else would be a waste!”
Before she had asked him to run into the waves, he was reaching for her hand. “Come on, nightingale! Do try to keep up,” he half jested with a wild grin. He plunged with a wild leap into the water, and the splash of cold shot a tingle through himself. He let out a laugh half mixed with the shout of surprise and stood once more, tossing his hair free from his eyes.
He waited for Beleth to wade in after him, or leap, as he was wont to believe she would do. This young woman was so alike to him, he mused the Valar had crafted her of the same stuff. “You were right,” he grinned, taking a hand to wipe dripping water from his eyes. “I did need to reunite with the sea.”
Maybe he had missed Belfalas a little more than he had realized, and for a moment he felt a bit guilty that the only reason he had come back for a visit at all was to fetch Narbeleth, a young woman who did not know she was his quite yet and one that he had been forbidden to see. Slightly.
He wondered if she had even heard much from her family—much had been going on back in the White City. He did not write of her family’s personal matters much in his own letters, and mostly relayed his comings and goings, errands and the funny stories that he could recount to make her smile. “How many times have you come out here, Bel?” He asked finally. “I could not, you know, have you train in the sea more than I! For surely your strength would increase and perhaps, I would lose my job of chicken herding.” He paused. “Speaking of which, I believe I saw a wild one a few streets back—we should look into it in the daylight hours. It is far too dangerous in the night!”
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