Gilwen
Man
servant
There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 593
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Post by Gilwen on Mar 24, 2009 19:34:04 GMT -5
Gilwen whole heartedly agreed that she would need rest for the upcoming morn. It would promise to be busy: what with the cleaning left to do, and the serving of the royal meals, among many other tasks. Tomorrow was also laundry day, and in the afternoon she would be whisked away to do that.
“And tomorrow I think I should like to see you again, if only for a short time.” Her hands were released, and the girl smiled happily. "I would like that very much," She replied equally as soft spoken. Faeldor had moved away, and she wasn't sure that he had even heard, what with his brazen leaping from the cliff.
She had no mind to do that, but she laughed heartily at his childish display. She moved to the drop herself, and looked smiled down at him. "Well, I shall take a bit longer than that," She said pointedly, crossing her arms with a grin. She held it a moment and then moved to begin her own descent. She was, after all, exhausted by now, and it would be in her best interest to get home and lay her head on her pillow.
She moved carefully, but didn't have to much to worry about. The light was brighter, and she found her footing easily. When she was about three feet from the ground, she propelled herself from the wall and dropped the rest of the way, turning herself back to Faeldor.
She smiled warmly. "Then we should not keep her waiting."
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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 Mar 24, 2009 19:53:19 GMT -5
The man had certainly heard her response, and was glad, contemplating already when he might see her the next day; and surely they would not have time for such an outing again, for she would be tired by the evening after this day. He thought though, on the other places he might show her. She seemed to enjoy outside the walls of the city immensely, and the horses as well.
Faeldor grinned at the woman as she crossed her arms at him from above. He was impressed how she climbed down so easily though; he needed not even help her, though he was careful to stay near. Indeed she showed strength. “Never fear, I shall have you leaping from cliffs in no time. I think we will start smaller than this though, for you are a bit shorter than I. And perhaps it should be in the daylight as well. And with a level landing ground.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder for a moment after she had jumped the final length and turned to him. “And with pillows beneath to cushion your fall. Perhaps if we would have done that tonight, you would have simply been tempted to drop to them and fall asleep. What a lovely place to sleep though,” he slid his hand down her arm to grasp her own hand again, and begin their descent. “I suppose you have never camped before? It is a rather unladylike thing to do; but then again, you have easily scaled rock walls in a dress, so I have no idea of the things you might accomplish. I am excited to learn of them.” He laughed, guiding Gilwen around a large boulder.
They made their way down the steep path. “Careful now, the gravel is rather loose and slippery.” Faeldor was certain the woman did not need guidance of such with the dim light now making the path visible to them this time, but he took it his duty, and he led her carefully and slowly. He himself was tired, and though his joyous countenance might mask such the appearance, at this time he could have never kept his usual pace. He was glad to return to his own bed shortly.
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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 Mar 24, 2009 20:36:43 GMT -5
Gilwen laughed lightly as he listened to him continue on. "I am afraid I have never been camping," She mused aloud. "My mother would never have left home long enough to come with us, and my father was always busy with the other soldiers." She tilted her head slightly, looking up at Faeldor as they moved down the path. "Have you? Gone camping, that is." It seemed like it would be quite an experience. Sleeping in the tall grasses, under the large expanse of the stars.
It seemed like the perfect mix of relaxation and nature. It seemed like a lovely thing to do. Though, now that she was an adult, with a profession that couldn't be ignored, it was most likely a passing dream that she would never see in fruition. It was alright, sneaking out in Pelennor Fields and lounging for a day would be an acceptable trade.
There were many things Gilwen knew she would never be able to do. Not with supporting her family, or herself. The day she had begun working, she knew that her life would be gifted over. But such was fate of all women, was it not? After a certain age, it seemed women lost ownership of themselves. Perhaps it was children in general. Adulthood took so much away.
It was the rite of things. A proper passage of time. And as she stepped lightly across the gravel, her hand firmly in Faeldor's, Gilwen acknowledged that she was going to have to take time to do what she could. And it seemed she would have a companion to do this.
"Then I shall be careful." She humored.
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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 Mar 24, 2009 21:16:48 GMT -5
“I have camped, many times,” Faeldor answered. “Even here before. My father would bring us out… my sisters love it as well, or at least that was when Miriel was younger. I doubt she would find it as amusing now. Heavens, a proper lady sleep on the ground where the horses trod!” He laughed at the thought, and wished that both of the elder sisters would come still.
“We have family in Belafalas, you see. It takes some days to travel even by horse, so we have spent much time outdoors. And Father was a horseman… he was often out here.”
“I suppose, if I were to take my sisters and brother once more in the summer, perhaps you would be able to attend with us? Your duties hold you at the palace, I do suppose…” he said. Gilwen was a servant, and that meant that she probably had only one, if not fewer days of freedom each week. Faeldor’s family, well, they were rather well off. Faeldor working as the Stable Master could easily support the lot of them, including all the children and his grandparents, but his mother and sister both worked in the kitchens as well, and his mother as the Head Baker. They had a fair sum of income, though they were not frivolous with it. They did live among the sixth level of the city among the other uppers and even the chief councilors of the city. But they were a humble family.
“Your father was a soldier? Is he still, or has he retired?” he asked her, his laughter fading. That was a difficult job, and Faeldor placed it above the honor of his own. His own father had not been a soldier, but he had worked among them, and he had died a soldiers death while transporting horses to a more dangerous post. It troubled him though it had been years, but he would not mention such in Gilwen’s presence, for she certainly had fears for her own father.
At this, they were nearing the bottom of the path, and he had only to lead her down the last portion of trees, before they were near the horses again. Lumiel and Thissel both looked to them, deep beautiful eyes fixed on their master and mistress.
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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 Mar 24, 2009 21:33:41 GMT -5
"I would love to join, if time permits." Gilwen replied appreciatively. She doubted she could find the time to take off the days. Perhaps if she worked two weeks straight through, and saved her days? Ah, well. She would have until the summer for such planning. Something else had caught her ear instead. The name. Miriel? Gilwen repeated silently. It seemed the name was familiar, though she could not place it with a face at this moment. Her mind was weary, and Faeldor's voice drew her away from those thoughts and to new ones.
My father? "He has retired, as well as he can. He still helps the young men train, for our family is indeed in need of the income." Gilwen's family was not well off by any means, but contented in what they had. She owned no nice things, or anything other young women would be envious of, and she and her family lived amongst the lower tiers of the city. Still, their family was a proud one, constantly working hard to make ends meet, and to make sure that they all lived healthily and as happily as was possible. "If the need arises for war, however, my father is bound to take up his sword and ride with the others." And he would do so honorably, with a sense of purpose.
Still, it scared Gilwen that one day the need would arise. And if he never returned, she would be left to care for her mother alone. A servant's salary was not enough to make sure her she and her mother both stayed healthy and happy, even when combined with her mother's salary as a caretaker. Especially now, when her mother was not being called upon quite as often. It seemed to already be that her family was supported by her and her father's pay alone.
More than that, she would miss his smiling face, and warm voice. Cursed be the thing that takes him from me. Gilwen thought to herself, looking up to see the horses in the grassy field. As if seeing them reminded her once more of her many blessings she smiled gracefully. No need to dampen spirits now.
"It seems they have behaved well," Gilwen offered, a very melodious lilt inching its way into her words.
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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 Mar 24, 2009 22:00:03 GMT -5
Faeldor nodded, hearing the slight worry in Gilwen’s voice. It was requited though, though for the threat of war in Gondor was always imminent, with the black cloud looming over Mordor at all times. Well requited. If war happened upon them, Faeldor might even be sent out, though he would be of the last they sent; for they would still need a capable person in charge of the rider’s mounts.
If there was war, it would affect everybody, no matter their rank in the city. The Valar did nothing out of coincidence though, and it was not without reason that he had bumped into the lady in the palace halls. Lovely thing, she was. Faeldor had always been taught to live simply, and to care deeply for people; and he knew that with Gilwen he would have no trouble caring deeply. Perhaps he could even find a way to help her family, for he would hate to think that her father approaching on elderly would injure himself because of work. And even sweet Gilwen should not over work herself in the palace, for it was such a demanding place of a young lady. He knew that she was a hard worker, for he could feel it on her hands, which already seemed to be rough with an age greater than her five and twenty years. Faeldor pressed gently her hands to comfort her while in his thoughts. Gondorians were a proud people though, and unlikely to accept such help unless it was entirely necessary. Faeldor had not spent much time among the lower classes, in his time working with the palace, but it was a welcome change, if there were people as gentle and humble as Gilwen. Each deserved the same as the next, whether rich or poor. They were all citizens of Gondor.
Her voice though regained a bit of joy at the sight of the horses, Faeldor thought. It must be the horses. “They hardly look like they’ve missed us, I suppose. They would be glad to graze on the plains for the night,” Faeldor smiled. He took Gilwen aside Lumiel, and before releasing her to climb to the saddle, held her hands gently and pressed a kiss to her forehead. She was well deserving of such a gesture.
Then he went to the lead rope, and began to untie the horses. They were glad to be free to trot along the plains again.
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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 Mar 25, 2009 6:37:19 GMT -5
“They hardly look like they’ve missed us, I suppose. They would be glad to graze on the plains for the night." Gilwen studied them for a moment and then mused aloud, "Who could blame them for wanting to graze in the open for a night? Such a change of routine would be thrilling to any." After one got caught up in, and grew accustomed to a certain order to the way their day should flow, small deviations from the mundane routine seemed all the more enticing. At least that was what Gilwen assumed, and felt.
She was standing next to Lumiel now, who had gentle eyes that seemed to follow her master as they approached. Horses really were lovely creatures. Man was blessed to have such a companion at their side. Her thoughts were interrupted once more---in proper timing, for surely Gilwen would have found herself thinking of dark things, which she longed to release for the night. However, this time it was not by words.
Once more the servant girl found herself taken aback by a simple action on the stable master's part. A bristled kiss to the forehead marked her release to climb the saddle. This time, it seemed she had not the courtesy to blush. Perhaps she had outdone herself earlier in the evening, or perhaps it was simply her tiredness that kept the pink color from coming to her cheeks.
Either way, as Faeldor moved away, she stood frozen in place, curiously watching him as he moved to untie the lead rope. For a few moments she simply stared, something that was highly unladylike to do. Once she regained her composure, though, she turned to the mare to hide a small smile. Was it wrong for one to find such actions endearing?
She stroked the stormy mare's neck, and found her way into the saddle. She moved much more graceful this time, or so she seemed to think. Still, it had been quite a long night, and her mind was weary. She presumed it was with the same amount of grace that she found her seat when they had set off, she was simply to tired to register anything below average here.
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Faeldor
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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 Mar 25, 2009 11:01:45 GMT -5
Faeldor finished untying the knot, and then placed the rope in his saddle bag, He felt Gilwen’s eyes on him, though did her the honor of not turning to catch her gaze. Instead he began to hum once more. The sound did not carry as much as it had in the caves, and it mingled with the grasses and warm wind.
“Away now, away,” Faeldor told Thissel softly, as he climbed atop the young mare, and gently pressed his heel to her side. “Back to Minas Tirith we go.” The moonlight was enough now that he need not walk the path in front, for he could see well and knew that there was nothing hindering their way.
One glance back at Gilwen, and he set the horses off into a quick paced trot. The ride back would be shorter, but seem longer, he was sure. She looked so tired now, but peaceful, and he hoped she would be well atop the horse and keep her balance. “Not long now, not long,” he smiled to Thissel, urging her more quickly. The horse did it’s first misbehavior of the eve, and jumped skittishly, but soon was back on track. Lumiel would ride smooth and gentle with Gilwen; he need not worry.
They rode across the plains for a time, the White City ever growing larger before them. Faeldor was glad to feel the wind on his face, and though he was tired he could have ridden longer, for he loved the night freedom. Soon though, it was time to slow the horses as they approached the gate of the lower level, and the guard came out to take the ever changing password. “Do let me take you right to your home. I will put the horses up myself this night.” He said this as the gate opened, and so that she might have extra rest, for it would not do to have her tired and clumsy at work the next day; that could surely get her in trouble. Secondly, he wished to know where she lived, so he might call on her. He assumed it was somewhere among the lower levels. That did not trouble him though, for he did not wish to be identified by class; and he would not judge based on class.
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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 Mar 25, 2009 11:35:24 GMT -5
The quick paced trot was, most certainly, the only thing keeping Gilwen alert enough to be in the saddle. While she would have protested returning home if given the option, the young woman was indeed in dire need of rest. She didn't quite have the brain power to speak and focus on riding at the moment, so the ride back stretched on in pure silence, though it was highly exhilirating to bring the horses to a slow at the very end of the ride, the point where Gilwen always realized how quickly the creatures moved.
“Do let me take you right to your home. I will put the horses up myself this night.” She opened her mouth to protest, but no words were spoken. She didn't wish him to work alone in taking of the tack of the horses, it would mean longer until he was in home resting. He had just the same amount of work as she for the following day.
Still, the exhaustion she felt would deem her of no use in returning tack to its proper place, and the walk home would be excruciating. So she finally said, "If that would please you, you may." She offered a small smile, and then fell silent once more. She was not one who lived among the first tier, but in the third, right as you left the second tier behind. She didn't feel like describing it to him, for the details were so familiar to her, that she could hardly offer visible differences between her house and the others around it. She would simply halt him when he needed to be stopped. "I would hate to have you working alone," She murmured softly. Even if there were stable hands for the evening, it seemed selfish to enjoy the ride without the work.
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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 Mar 25, 2009 14:15:52 GMT -5
“It would please me,” Faeldor answered. “I will be in the company of the horses. Not as fine as your lovely company I assure you, but it will suit me.” Either way, it would take Faeldor less time to put up the two horses on his own than it would to walk Gilwen all the way down through the city again. She seemed to have the look on her face that his little sisters held, right before they fell asleep by the fireplace, and he carried them off to bed. She certainly wouldn’t make it so far. What energy she had shown earlier seemed utterly spent.
Faeldor wondered if his family had gone to rest; surely the young ones. He had a feeling that his mother would still be up, for she was always restless to sleep when her children were not tucked into their beds, even her grown ones. He did not worry though, for the baker did not need be at work as early as the others. Perhaps Miriel stayed awake as well; he knew she would surely question as to his whereabouts. She must surely know Gilwen, he thought. Though who could know if she would approve. Miriel’s criteria was slightly… well, he would say biased. But to or against what? He did not even know that. Either way, his sister was not his keeper. She would do as she wished, and he would do as he wished.
The horses hooves left a soft trollop on the stone roads that encircled the city, and there were few people out, only late stragglers coming into the city such as themselves. The taverns were loud, but the rest was quiet, and he hoped that they were not disturbing any families from their sleeping. They would fall off again shortly though. Through the first and second tier, and up onto the third level they walked slowly.
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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 Mar 25, 2009 17:31:10 GMT -5
The entire city, save for the taverns and pubs, was sleeping. A soft, and gentle side to the stone city was presented after nightfall. To much of the work that these people partook of required the sun, and it was sure to be bustling upon the sunrise. Still, the muted sounds of laughter, voices, and clanking of glass seemed to echo through the streets. Having grown up near the bustling taverns herself, it didn't bother her. At times it lulled her to sleep. She was certain very few of the upper level Gondorians felt the same.
As they approached the third tier of the city, Gilwen became more attentive. How embarrassing it would have been to miss her own house! She saw the familiar door to her family's home, and said quietly to Faeldor, "This is where my time with you ends this evening."
There was a small light flickering on the inside, probably filling the small fireplace with dancing flames. Her mother often kept late nights, reading, or simply relaxing. Undoubtedly she was still awake this evening. Gilwen would have a quite a tale to tell her once she was inside.
She dismounted, and gave Lumiel a soothing pat with a small smile at the mare. She turned to Faeldor, then and murmured softly, "I enjoyed myself this evening---thank you." It was all the words she could find, and Gilwen knew that they barely addressed what she felt then. It had been purely magical, though the servant wasn't sure that was the correct word either.
Fatigue took even the wittiest of people and made them mute, Gilwen was sure to be no exception.
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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 Mar 25, 2009 17:59:45 GMT -5
Gilwen’s voice was so quiet against the horses hooves that he barely heard it, but Lumiel halted, and so did Thissel, and Faeldor dismounted as well to bid the lady goodnight. “It gave me joy to have you, and a pity it must end now.” He said this in all honesty. If once a journey began, it must end. Though he would be glad to have many more with Gilwen. He glanced at her little home, and saw a candle burning through the window. He was glad that someone was awake to greet her.
“Do remember that I wish to see you soon... If I do not find you in the palace, do not hesitate to find me in the stables. And also, if ever you are there when I am not, you are free to Lumiel’s stall. She would love your attention and company. Now sleep well, and quickly,” he smiled, taking her left hand and bringing it to his lips once more.
Then Faeldor bowed to the servant, and smiled, and taking one stride was back at Thissel’s side, and then in the saddle. Lumiel would follow well, he need not rope them together. “Goodnight, fair Gilwen, Lady of Starlight and Moonlight,” he called softly as he began back to the sixth tier, then he once again began to sing out loud as he rode, the song that he had sung earlier;
"Sound, sweet song, from some far land, Sighing softly close at hand,
Now of joy, and now of woe!
Stars are wont to glimmer so…”
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