No Children Needed - 2999 TA

[Calon]

Dol Amroth, Belfalas, Gondor – Year 2999 TA
Ten years ago.
Spring Morning.

----

It was a lovely spring day in Belfalas, and the sunshine and cool breeze that rolled in from the coast beckoned almost every citizen that could spare such time to head outdoors. Surely such a peaceful day could not be missed! And so, young Calon had gone to the outskirts of the city to the forest’s edge, his bow and quiver in tow.

It was the day that Calon had set aside to practice his archery. Even at a mere ten years old he was quite sound in such sport already. Come this fall, though, he wished to out-hunt both his father and his elder brother. And no such thing would take place if he did not devote the spring and summer to such practice. Besides, Remlas had taken off with a group of boys from the city to go swim at the beach. And Calon surely did not wish to go race; nor would the others want him there. He was “too little” to keep up with the elder boys.

While this was not true in the least, it did not bother Calon today. A few of the kids his age might find their way to the forest’s edge, too. It seemed there was never a short supply of playmates there in Dol Amroth. Besides, even if none showed up, practicing archery was something that could keep the avid hunter busy and occupied all day. No children needed.

He grinned boyishly and confidently as he finally came into the sight of the trees. He was well within sight of the city, which seemed to meet the edge of the small wood almost completely; no danger lay in standing here. So, the curly haired young boy reached around to pull an arrow from his quiver. There, on an old oak hung a painted board. A target that had been hung many years ago by some other child from the city that had wished to shoot his own arrows. It was now used by almost every child. Taking careful aim, the child let fly a single arrow, it finding it’s place along the outer two rings of the goal. Calon frowned pointedly.

It was not a bad shot for kids his age. But Calon wanted to be the best. He loved archery so! But that was what he was there for: to practice. He smiled happily. It was only midmorning. He had all day to hit the center. And by the end of the day, surely he will have!

[Princess Miroesa]

Dol Amroth, Belfalas, Gondor – Year 2999 TA
Ten years ago.
Spring Morning.

Oh what a lovely morning it was, thought the young princess as she gazed out of her bedroom’s window. Of course, she would have to be stuck in this palace of Dol Amroth where she kept company to the old man for a week or so that is what her parents had told her. The man needed company and she had the duty to sing and dance for him and keep him entertained. Of course, she didn’t appreciate much; she wanted to play with the kids she had seen in the streets when she was allowed permission to go out with a few guards surrounding her. They always looked so tall and scary; they intimidated the other kids and herself as well.

It sucked; she had to find a way to get rid of them…wait a minute, what was a better way to get rid of them than sneaking out it was? Mischievous green eyes sparkled at the idea as the little princess of height years old made her mind up. Although…she would have to wait for her maids to dress her up if she wanted to do anything for she was still in her night dress.

Ah whatever, who cared? She browsed through one of her drawers and tugged out the first dress that didn’t look too fancy to be worn in public before trying to wear it. The little girl she was didn’t know how to dress herself just yet, for the maids were usually the ones who did the job for her, as well as combing her hair and pulling them up.

Today would be a day where she wouldn’t have to be fancy and where she would be able to play in dirt! That was the princess’ goal of the day. She giggled at the thought and hurried wearing her dress, which wasn’t worn in the right way in the end, the back of the dress was in her front, and other way around. She didn’t know of course but she didn’t bother passing a whole hour trying to figure that out while she could be outside.

Once she was dressed and ready to go to the real world, the princess skipped toward her door, pushing it with all her strength and peeked her head out of the doorway, making sure no one was around. Once she was sure her way was safe, she skipped her way out, without any difficulties, for she wasn’t a tall one and no guards had noticed her and as soon as she was out of the palace, she was rather proud of herself and decided to go skip in the woods; what a better place to go to first? Sure the thieves and throw cutters she heard about were kinda scary but she still was willing to go out there and so, that’s what she did, running to it.

She made her way though the trees and bushes, it was so thrilling! She should do that more often! She continued her little stroll, not knowing at all where she was going, she stopped for a few moments, thinking that she might be really lost and froze at the though. She might get killed! What had gone through her mind to go in a scary place! Sure the sun was there but there were no noise except for the birds and a few other animals she didn’t know about. She shivered of fear for a few seconds and began walking faster, not knowing where she was going until she arrived at the edge, or more like tripped since there was a branch on the ground she didn’t see, thus making her fall on her palms and rip off her knees a little. She whimpered and her eyes watered up a little, not noticing that she had found herself right in front of a kid.

[Calon]

Silence. Concentration. Steadfast eye contact to the target. A tighting of the bowstring as Calon pulled it back. Another check on aim, and…

Fire.

He released the arrow and it flew toward the target once more; though Calon did not seem to watch it this time. It seemed the second he had released the string, something had stirred in the tree line. He gasped, horrified for some moments that a little girl had emerged so close to the final destination of shot. It was not an entirely necessary fear that took hold of the boy; for his aim was well, and the girl small enough to not be in the pathway of the target. Still, he had always been taught to respect the bow and arrow for what it was: a weapon.

Weapons were not to be used carelessly. And never toward a woman. Firing an arrow at a little, helpless child was not quite acceptable. “Get out of the way!” The boy called, once he was certain that his arrow had made contact within the painted rings. “What do you think you’re doing?” He asked incredulously.

Calon was an excitable young boy; and one that had not quite learned to hold his tongue yet. His mother was always reminding him to be more respectful. And someday, it was certain to stick. But now? He was simply a ten-year-old boy.

He grunted unhappily as he let his ocean eyes see where his shot had fallen. It was in just about the same area as the one before. Perhaps an inch or so higher. Not in the center, though. And that was where it needed to be.

He turned his eyes back to the child, then, still awaiting an answer. However, his eyes narrowed in both confusion and shock. There was something off about that one. She looked no more than seven. Where, then, was her keeper? Surely no girl was allowed to run through the woods at such an age alone! And her dress. Calon was not adept in women’s clothing, but it did seem to fall a bit odd on her. Was it too large?

No, the curly-haired boy realized. It was on backwards. The laces were in the front of her body when they should be in back. He dropped his bow to his side and tossed her another question. “Are you alright?” Perhaps she had gotten lost in the woods. There surely must be an explanation for such an appearance.

[Princess Miroesa]

Miroesa blinked as she was now out of the bushes, glad to notice that there was a little boy not so far, great! She would have someone to play with! It made her day, although, the mood quickly changed seeing an arrow flying her way. “Get out of the way!” The boy told her, which she did, by ducking in the nearest bush, which wasn’t really bright because she scratched her hands because of that. “ow…” She whispered.

“What do you think you’re doing?” She stared at the boy for a few moments, before her eyes started watering up. She didn’t know what she was doing! She just came out from the bushes and got attacked by an arrow! How could she react?!

“Wahhhh! I’m, I’m sorry!!!!” She said trying her best not to let tears fall down her cheeks and look tough in front of the young boy. She wanted to play and have fun, not to be yelled at. She would’ve been still in the castle if she wanted such thing to happen.

Once she was sure she was safe from the arrow, she got herself out of the bush and dusted off her dress that she wore backwards. What? She didn’t know how to dress herself, how could she know it was the other way around you had to wear a dress? Being a young princess, maids were doing the job for her to get her ready quick whenever they needed her.

“Are you alright?” She stared at the boy for a few moments and nodded. “Hum, yes…I only scratched my arms a little but it’s fine…” she looked around; it was a nice spot! What kind of games normal kids played at? She didn’t know and she was shy to ask so she decided to go with an other question before asking him that.

“What’s your name?” She asked, changing the subject of their conversation.

[Calon]

Had he sounded that harsh? Calon couldn’t recall his addressing of the disheveled young girl being cruel enough to warrant such tears, but the little blonde immediately erupted into them, smudging the dirt upon her face even more. He instantly felt nervous, then, and he shifted his weight. Girls were far more trouble than boys.

“Aw, come on,” he began trying to comfort the eyes to dry. “I am not mad or anything.” He didn’t make move toward her though. Calon was ten years old, almost a man in his own opinion. And men did not need any women but their mothers at such a ripe young age.

Still, something felt wrong about leaving the child crying like she was. My, but she was a mess! Her dirty face, scraped hands, and backwards dress…it seemed as if she needed any help he could give her. Perhaps she was one of the children that looked older than her mind was. Yes, that had to be it. Slowly, the boy moved forward. It was the chivalrous thing to do. And his father did value such treatment of women. He had told he and Remlas over and over that it was important to treat a lady properly. Though, at ten, most of this wisdom had yet to be truly understood. Still, it was enough for the boy to obey; so with cautious steps, young Calon approached the blonde.

She had assured him she was fine. But how could she be fine? She was utterly lost, and obviously not completely able to fend for herself. He just kept coming back to the dress!

“What’s your name?”

“My name?” He faltered. He had finally reached her, and the way she had jumped up and changed subjects was almost alarming. His assessment of her mental health, in Calon’s mind, was only enforced and solidified. So, he unknowingly spoke a little slower as well.

“My name is Calon, what is your name? Are you lost?” He meant no harm by his way of speaking to her, of course. It was only the right thing to do in a young boy’s mind. The sooner he found out where this girl’s parents were—who if she was a child with a handicap, were indeed looking for her—the better off she would be. How had she gotten to the woods in the first place?

He stopped a few feet away and kept his blue eyes calmly on her. He was a hunter, after all. When he needed to be, Calon was quite subdued. That was, however, not often. This though warranted such care. If she was timid, like a deer, she would dart off into the woods and possibly be gone forever. No. He would use his hunter’s skill to bring her home.


OOC: I, by no means, wish to offend anybody with this post. If it is truly horrific, please let me know and I will change it to be more suitable. I was thinking in terms of a ten-year-old little boy who is quite a ball of excitement. Thanks!

[Princess Miroesa]

“Aw, come on,” Miroesa continued sobbing; he must be mad or something at her! She should’ve stayed in her castle instead of hopping that someone might want to play with her. Who would want to play with someone as wealthy and imposing as her status was? At least, he didn’t seem to recognize her so far so that was good. She only hoped he wasn’t mad at her.

“I am not mad or anything.” His words made the little princess calm down a little. Did that mean that she had hopes to befriend with him? She didn’t mind if he was a boy, she was used being the only girl around, having no one of her gender to play with her, she tagged along with her two other cousins, Boromir and Faramir, which were fun to hang out with and annoy and prank. She whipped a few of her tears away, and stared at him, unsure of what she should do or say to him at the moment. Did he even want her company? If not then she would have to try and find her way back to the castle, or try and find someone else to play with.

“My name?” She nodded with a smile, glad that he seemed to be talkative.

“My name is Calon, what is your name? Are you lost?” She paused, trying to come out with a name; she hadn’t thought about it! Ah! If she said her name she was sure he would find out her real identity. She had to think quick! What name could a little girl have anyways?! She played with her hands, remaining silence as she tried to figure that out.

“I’m Bliddyn! It’s nice to meet you!” The first name that came out of her mind, it didn’t sounded that bad either and if she was convincing enough, she wouldn’t sound too suspicious the moment she had paused trying to think of a name.

She gave the little boy a smile glad that he didn’t reject her just yet. She wanted to play with him, and now that they knew each other’s name, she could try to find out what kind of games normal kids would be playing at!

“Can I play with you?” she then asked him sweetly, playing with a lock of her golden hair. Not to add that she forgot about his last question, if she was lost, she didn’t think it was important for the moment to tell him that.

[Calon]

“I’m Bliddyn! It’s nice to meet you!”

Well, that had surely been a nice turn of emotions. The tears seemed to have instantly dried, and the young girl smiled; Calon was certainly taken aback by such a display and tossed a glance over his shoulder to see if there was anybody else around. There was definitely something wrong with this one.

Was it just the boy’s wild imagination running away with him, or had she not known her name right away? That alone was cause for concern. Perhaps his earlier assessment had not been too terribly off. “Well, Bliddyn, are you lost?” He asked again cautiously. He had never heard the name before, but parents were getting a bit experimental these days.

The pretty little thing ignored him completely though and countered with bright little words that made the boy take a single, small step backward. Play? With a girl? But he was a boy! He didn’t answer right away, but still he did not turn to leave, and the little curly-head was filled with thoughts.

He couldn’t simply leave her here. This Bliddyn seemed unable to fend for herself. If he walked away and she got lost in the forest again, it would be his fault. Still, if the other boys caught him playing and keeping time with a girl he would get teased something awful. Girls were not yet on the mind of the prepubescent boys of Belfalas; the act of aligning yourself with a girl over your friends was almost traitorous!

Chivalry.

That one word jumped right to the forefront of his thoughts, and Calon inwardly sighed. He couldn’t ignore what his father had taught him. It was with this thought in mind that the ocean-eyed Calon made his next statement, “I was actually going to head back to my house for lunch.” He took a breath before continuing; he wanted the little girl to follow. His mother would know what to do with a lost child. He certainly didn’t. Aside from this, it was past noon and the child was rather hungry. And it seemed Bliddyn should be as well, for if a girl could not dress herself properly, then she certainly could not feed herself.

“Are you hungry? If you are you can return with me. We can play after,” he tacked on for good measure. Maybe she was desperate enough for company to follow him back to the town. Or, perhaps she would request he bring her to her own home. Either way, it seemed like a chivalrous move, and one that was also logical.

“Mother has fresh bread. She was baking some this morning when I left.” Calon added. The sparkle in the blonde’s eye seemed to scream she desired to play. Eating was not a good substitute, and as such the curly-haired boy was attempting to make it sound as enticing as possible. There was not a person in Dol Amroth that could resist the pull of freshly prepared bread.

[Princess Miroesa]

“Well, Bliddyn, are you lost?” The little girl blinked as the boy questioned her. Well, maybe she was lost but as long as she was out of this boring castle and could play with other kids of her age instead of entertaining old ones, everything would be fine with her. She had always wished for this to happen, to be able to escape the royal place and find new people to play with, without them knowing that she was royal blood-without anyone to give her a special treatment because she was a princess.

She wanted to be like everyone else, a normal kid. She didn’t want to have a special status where everyone would act differently because of that. Besides, all of the games she was seeing them playing at in the streets seemed to be way funnier than those she learnt at the court. She disliked mainly the one called. “Learning Good Maners.” like her teachers said. It was boring to death! Who on earth would be straight minded enough to play such a game?

She shook her head at the boy’s question, just wanting to play with him-later she could ask him her way back home….later.

“No I’m not.” she mused with an innocent voice tone as a sparkle appeared into her eyes full of hopes that he would agree to join her in any game he knew of. She didn’t care about if he was a boy; he was still a kid and that’s all that mattered for now.

“I was actually going to head back to my house for lunch.” She frowned at his words. Aww, that sucked! Why did she have to bump into someone who wouldn’t have the time to play with her? She didn’t want to be left alone here, in the middle of woods she didn’t know of though.

“Are you hungry? If you are you can return with me. We can play after,”

Oh, it was true that she hadn’t eaten lunch, for she had flee the palace before getting breakfast and now she wouldn’t be able to get lunch, she nodded, accepting the boy’s offer-not to add that he mentioned that they would play later. “Sure!” she said happily.

“Mother has fresh bread. She was baking some this morning when I left.”

“Bread is always good!” she chimed following the boy as he began making his way back home. She was happy to meet normal people for once.

[Calon]

Calon was not sure that he believed the girl about not being lost. For, truly, who could claim such a thing and not know how to dress one's self? Nonetheless, he tried to hide such expressions in his face, for she had yet to agree to join him, and it was necessary that Bliddyn accompany him. His mother, after all, would be able to take care of her better than he could. She was a girl after all. He was only ten; girls were still strange wonders to him. Ones he did not particularly care to understand. Hunting was much better.

“Sure!”

Good! She had agreed to come. Calon nodded. "Yeah, bread is always good." His mother, he was certain, could produce better bread than the bakeries of Dol Amroth. She was quite fine in the kitchen, or at least her little boy thought so. Nonetheless, he slung the bow over his shoulder and readjusted the quiver and began to move off. "Let's go, then." He was unsure what to say after. What did girls talk about? Calon was a boy. No mistaking his heart in such things. He was quite conscientious of his manhood already. His entire family was made up of men---aside from his mother, of course. He knew nothing about what little girls liked to do, or what they liked to talk about.

"So," he stammered. The normally loquacious child was quite silenced by the very unfamiliarity that came with this situation. He hoped none of the boys saw him walking with a girl. That would ruin his chances of ever being able to play with the big kids. And there was nothing in all of Arda that he wanted more. Children were defined by their friends. He could keep up with the best of them; even if they didn't give him the chance.

"Bliddyn, right? Uh...what brings you out to Dol Amroth. I haven't seen you 'round here before."

Yeah, horrible. Still, he was not one to consort with girls. Ever. So, perhaps it wasn't too terrible. Besides, he would be home soon. The forest line was too far from his little stone and wood house. Horrible conversation wouldn't last too long.

[Princess Miroesa]

"Yeah, bread is always good." Little Miroesa’s face lighted up as Calon agreed with her comment; it was so much fun! She got to talk with a boy, one of the kids you would normally play if you weren’t royalty. The little blonde was enjoying her time with him, even if they weren’t playing at any game yet-she hoped he would though. She wanted to find out what kind of games kids of her age would play at normally. She was always curious about things and being with this normal kid got her even more curious now.

"Let's go, then."

The little girl nodded at what he said and she followed him, without really saying anything. She thought it was awkward of a situation, she wasn’t sure about if she should break that silence or just continue to follow him, without talking.

"So," Her head perked up as the boy began talking; she was glad he had broken the sudden silence. Or else, she would’ve done something silly to break it herself. She wasn’t one found of calm and peace; she liked it when there were action and chattering going around-it kept her entertained. Especially in reunions with old people that were royalty. She couldn’t just go and play around with her toys like normal kids; she had to stay with them and see what she would have to do when older. It sucked.

"Bliddyn, right? Uh...what brings you out to Dol Amroth. I haven't seen you 'round here before. " She blinked and paused at his question. Right, she had forgotten she had use an other name…which meant she had to use an excuse of why she was there… “I’m here to visit a friend of the family!” she replied with a smile; which was true after all, that old king was surely a friend of her father. She only hoped he would believe her.

[Calon]

“I’m here to visit a friend of the family!”

“A friend of the family?” Calon repeated, in a tone that was laced with disbelief. “That must be nice,” he added quickly so as to not allow Bliddyn to think he thought her lying. “Where are you staying?” It was a simple question, in truth. However, the young lad did desire to know where Bliddyn would have to be returned to. Certainly she had gotten lost! There was no doubt in Calon’s mind on the matter.

The continued to maneuver their way back toward the city of Dol Amroth, and the young boy was rather pleased with himself. He had taken the mysterious little girl this far! Soon, they would be home, and Calon’s mother would be able to care for her properly.

The small wooden house came into view quickly. Indeed, he did not live that far from the forest edge. It was made of logs, hewn and laid by his own father’s hands for his new bride. The tree trunks were large and strong, the house itself was a bit above the average. And yet, for all of its worth, it was the warmth that was most noticeable.

His mother prided herself on her garden, making the pathway to her door quite colorful and healthy for any and all guests. “We’re here,” he announced, motioning to the door. Before they had even reached it, the smell of fresh bread wafted to their noses. Already Calon’s mouth watered.

“Mother,” he called as he pushed open the door, allowing the little girl entry before his own.

“Calon, you came back earlier than I thought. How did your practice go?” His mother’s bright voice came as she rounded the corner from the living area. She was shocked to see the little girl that was with him, and instantly realized what had brought him back unexpectedly. Was her dress on backward. “You brought back a friend,” she prompted from her son in a rather motherly tone.

“Yes. Mother, meet Bliddyn.” He stressed her name as if to imply that he did not know if it was truly her own or not.

His mother nodded slowly. “Well, Bliddyn. It is well to have you in our house.” She smiled, and extended a hand. “Do come here, dear. We shall fix your dress and then fill your stomach.”


OOC: Sorry for its brevity.