Thunder and Lightning [Gilwen]

[Gilwen]

Niniel smiled warmly, letting her brown eyes pool with pleasant emotions over her meeting her husband. At the time, of course, she had had no idea as to what their futures would hold, though looking back she could not see how it could have turned out differently. “Yes, we grew up together.” The words were cherished by the little woman. Indeed, she could think of nothing—save for Gilwen’s birth—that had made her so happy. Beregar and Gilwen were everything to her now.

She listened intently for Beleth’s take on safety and nodded. “I am sure that you were not allowed to play on the streets. Certainly never down here,” she trailed off a bit and shifted; once more, she was thinking on the class difference. Was the sixth tier just as dangerous as their third? How sad that was! How few good people there were in the world! Perhaps this was too strict; it was the bad that caused the good to suffer. Her thoughts turned presently to Beleth, Haliel, Meleth and Faeldor—a fine family, from everything she had seen. It was a blessing to know that her daughter had found such a good match for herself. Such people were hard to come by! “It does sound nice to be able to run about without worry. For both you and your mother.” She smiled once more.

She paused a moment and asked quite interested, “What is it like there?” She laughed slightly and clasped her hands together. “I do not mean to be so bothersome. But you see, I have never ventured outside Minas Tirith save for a few times upon the Pelennor.” She imagined that there were many who did not get opportunity to travel. Especially those that could not afford such a holiday; what with children, jobs or simple health issues. “I have heard the sea is a sight to see.”

Beregar had been a bit touched by Haliel’s brightness at how he had treated her, so he let himself stay squatted before her, staring into her bright blue eyes. It was a wonder she was such a lovely and well-behaved thing. Her brother and eldest sister were wayward after all. “You will be the papa, and Anna and I will be the daughters.”

His smile faltered noticeably to Niniel, and probably to Beleth who was perceptive of such things. Aside, she was studying his face. Still, he countered a bit forced, “Then I have two well-mannered and lovely daughters.” Referring to both Anna and Haliel. Still, his thoughts turned quite bitterly to his own daughter. The shame he felt by her! It seemed like yesterday she had been as innocent as this blessed gift before him.

That Faeldor had a nerve to do such vulgar things to his only little girl! His jaw set tightly, though he forced himself to be calm before Haliel. He took a strong hand and mussed her hair and forced a smile. Finally he found words enough. “And what would those two lovely girls like to do, then?”

Niniel looked over to Beregar for a moment before hiding her face from him. Oh, that his temper would stay under control!

[Narbeleth]

“What is it like there?” The young woman contemplated for a moment before answering as she thought. She needed just the right words to describe a place, of which Niniel had never been. She told people often when they asked her of what Belfalas was like, for many of the women she was midwife to had never been there; as Narbeleth often found herself drawn to work toward the lower tiers of the city. When one was in labor with child, it was often a good idea to distract them with talk of pleasant things, and sometimes the labor would last for hours. It was grand that Beleth had a talkative personality.

Narbeleth watched as the man played with the little girl, touched that he was so gentle and kind with her. He seemed nothing like Faeldor had described him. Certainly, her brother had said he was entirely inebriate at the time, and he must not have been himself. From the way Niniel smiled at him, she knew that she was seeing the true Beregar. Though, his face had drawn when little Haliel had made such a statement.

“Then I have two well-mannered and lovely daughters. And what would those two lovely girls like to do, then?”

Haliel was unaware of the way Beregar’s jaw set tight, and his words were strained, though Narbeleth had caught the difference as she watched aside. “We should like to sit upon our Papa’s lap,” Haliel said slyly. She knew very well how to get her own way with those who found her pretty smile and adorable voice charming. She looked up at the man with big blue eyes.

Narbeleth lowered her voice almost to a whisper, looking to Niniel. Her words would be inaudible to her sister, had she even been listening. “She never knew our own Papa. I know she just longs to know what it is like though… to have one.” Her eyes looked in pity on the little girl for a moment, a trace of sadness in them. The bright young woman was barely lost in sadness, and she never let it show when she was; at least not around those who she did not know well. She tightened her fists for a moment, regaining herself, before returning to Niniel’s previous question.

“Belfalas is like freedom to me. There are no confining walls, outside of Dol Amroth. We were from the countryside there, and so are the family we visit.” She slowly regained herself, glad to speak on a light topic as she continued. “The mountains and valleys are majestic, and the sea! Oh, some day you must see it, have you the chance. The waves roll on billows of crystal blue. My favorite is in the evenings, when the sky is golden and the waters become jeweled. Where the cliffs drop off the escarpment it seems like the edge of the world. You can see nothing beyond waters and colors that blend together.”

Beleth felt her heart lightening more, even as she spoke. The tight constriction that had formed in her chest waned. “And the forests there are old; the trees are tall and broad, and the branches so far apart that they shade the floor and keep it open beneath. The grasses grow soft, and it is a wonder to dance in the meadows, and the light cascades down as water in beams.” Her voice had grown rather whimsical as she spoke, in her own dramatic fashion. “As children we could play as we wished, and wander into the woods alone and unharmed. We would not travel farther until we were older, but there was such a freedom to it.

Haliel had been chattering away to Beregar meanwhile. A voice such as hers could lull any strong and upset man that listened to it into a calm demeanor. “…And someday, Anna and I are going to be healers. We will work in the Houses on the sixth tier, and take care of the soldiers. And the sick babies and mamas…” she prattled on. Even as her older siblings did, when the little one started speaking, she could barely stop her tongue from moving, and her words were light. The little doll sat upon her lap and she still cuddled it wholeheartedly.

[Gilwen]

“We should like to sit upon our Papa’s lap.”

That was a strange request. Of all the things Beregar was expecting the little blue-eyed angel to ask for, that was not anywhere upon the list. He was, after all, a large and strange man. Not many little girls would be so comfortable with him upon first meeting, though his unfamiliarity did not seem to phase little Haliel. A part of him was pleased, despite the surprise. “Well, there is room for you both, I am certain.” Beregar said gently, for a moment repositioning himself and looking upon the little girl.

He reached for her, tanned and strong arms taking her and lifting her easily to set her upon his thigh. She was certainly a bit larger than his Gilwen had been at her age, but he did not find the difference foul. It had been some time since he had felt the warmth of a “daughter” in such a way, and his father’s heart missed it.

“She never knew our own Papa. I know she just longs to know what it is like though… to have one.”

Beregar’s keen interest in what was being discussed by his wife had let him hear a few short words of it, and it saddened him immensely. He had heard, by Gilwen, that that man had taken the place of the family’s lost father. He had not truly paid it more thought than simply a sympathy in passing, but now his heart was heavy with the truth and reality of it. Not that he cared for Faeldor, he assured himself quickly. But the family situation had affected this little lovely child as well.

Niniel’s face showed a great sadness and pity as well. It was something that she had always feared for her own family; Beregar had gone to battle many times since their marriage. Gilwen, as she recalled, had been quite strong about it all—though she remembered a few nights hearing the girl cry in her sleep over the very thought of losing him. How painful and horrifying it must be to experience it. She was trying to find the right words to respond with, when Beleth continued answering her question about Belfalas. Oh, it sounded wonderful! It did not take long for the woman to lose her saddened state for that of wonder.

“I would have liked to go see the sea,” she said lightly. “Though I doubt I shall ever find a chance to.” It was an unfortunate observation, though one that did not really bother Niniel too terribly. She had wanted to see Arda, though she had instead a lovely family to keep her hours busy and full, and in truth that was all she really desired. She and her husband would find time, now that he was not working so often, to do some of the smaller things together. If he wised up and quit being stubborn.

Perhaps it was a blessing that he had lost his job when he did. The days were certainly becoming dangerous. She would hate for him to be called to arms. Still, if the need was dire enough, he would be anyway. Nonetheless, it was not likely that they should travel so far—they did not own a horse, and walking would make the trek too long and perilous.

“I do think it sounds quite lovely. I wish I had been able to let Gilwen run more freely.” She added tenderly. “She had a small group of children to play with—the ones that grew up on this tier—but the poor thing was so little. I just…I couldn’t let her do much of anything for fear she would hurt herself.”

“You say you were allowed to play in the forests…are there any dangerous animals in them?” She had heard tales of things such as wolves and the like prowling the depths of the woods. “Forgive me that I am so unaware.” She laughed a bit. “I just have only heard stories.”

“…And someday, Anna and I are going to be healers. We will work in the Houses on the sixth tier, and take care of the soldiers. And the sick babies and mamas…”

“Well those mamas and babies shall never find better healers.” Beregar said with a smile creeping across his face. “Nor shall those soldiers be ever served by such a lovely lady.” He caught sight of Anna again and said quickly, “Pardon me, two lovely ladies. I should think that the sick men and women would be happy to see such smiling faces.”

Sometimes a smiling face could heal more wounds than the medicines. Beregar’s infantry had learned that well enough. He had never been so wounded as to need such critical care, but his little Gilwen and his Niniel—they had helped him heal after every injury.

--

It was supposed to be laundry day. Though, the howling winds and torrential slew of rain was enough for all the women to see that it was not going to happen that day. Still, it was with sluggishness that the women moved to take their afternoon off—many had quite a long walk ahead of them. Gilwen watched from under one of the covered paths as the lightning spidered through the clouds, and listened as the very stones beneath her feet seemed to shake and tremble with the thunder. With a deep breath, the woman set off. A very quickened pace it was indeed! It was almost impossible to see her, the rain was so thick and heavy. But it was not a problem, the roadways were bare and she did not meet anyone who was out and about.

None should have been, it was as if night had fallen upon the city, though it was still early enough. Her pace was quickened, though she still looked as if she had fallen into a tub of water by the time she reached the third tier. Thank the Valar. She thought to herself as she ran toward and grabbed the doorknob, thrusting her way inside.

She was near gasping for breath as she shut the door behind her. “Mama, I am home.” She said lowly, before she turned. She stood stock still, water running off of her in little streams, puddles forming around her shoes. Beleth? Haliel? Whatever were they doing here?

At first she was a bit panicked, and her chest and fists tightened instantly. Had something happened to Faeldor? No, they did not look distraught at all. And her mother’s face was still a bit bright.

“Oh, Gilwen! You’re home early!” Niniel exclaimed jumping from the couch. “Whyever did you walk in that storm?” Her voice was full of motherly concern which Gilwen did not acknowledge. “Your friends are here taking shelter themselves. Beleth and Haliel,” she motioned with a smile, “got caught in the rain earlier.”

Gilwen was still so surprised that they were sitting in her sitting room that she did not speak, and her brown eyes just stared. Her Papa was on the floor with the little one in his lap--oh she had not seen such a smile on him in many weeks! How long had they been there? Whyever were they this far down in the city?

[Narbeleth]

“There are some wild animals that we hope not to see, though they do not come close to the towns and villages. They stay deep in the woods and mountains, and I have never gone so far alone without my father or brother along.” She started to answer, folding her hands in her lap and wringing them slightly at the thought. “Wolves, mostly. Though I think that perhaps some bear live in the mountains. But the wolves sometimes we would hear at night howling in the distance. I have never truly seen one, though I would never wish to do so.” In all truth, it was one of Beleth’s few fears; to encounter a wolf. She had always been entirely afraid of dogs, but wolves were another story. She paused in her discontent at the thought.

Haliel began to nestle within the grown man’s arms, and was just about to answer the man when it seemed that the door flew open in the storm. She was startled momentarily, but when she saw Gilwen enter, she did smile, and Niniel had jumped up from the couch to greet her and explain what the young woman and the girl were doing here.

“Your parents were ever so kind as to let us warm up,” she said cheerily, gracefully rising from the couch as well and walking toward the dripping woman. Narbeleth was not far past the stages of dripping herself, and so she was uninhibited to lightly embrace her. “I was visiting a friend down on the second tier and as soon as we left it seemed that the storm began. I would not have wished to try the walk with Haliel in this weather.” Neither did she wish to carry her growing and slippery sister so far, along with their belongings, nor to have Haliel try to walk through such a thing.

“I do not like thunderstorms,” Haliel added from her seat. “They frighten me.” She nestled more against Beregar, burrowing into both him and the blanket. Though she was ever so delighted to see that Gilwen had come home! She found herself torn between wanting to stay with the man, and go to her friend. After only a moment’s thought on the matter though, she stayed unmoving as she was. Afterall, she was warm within the blanket, and Gilwen did not look very warm standing in the doorway as she was. Aside from that, she was not wearing her brace, nor did she hold her crutch. She was certainly not in the mood to crawl across the floor in front of these new people. And she would have had to leave Anna!

“There is nothing to be scared of while you are indoors,” Beleth said, turning her head to chide her little sister. “The storm won’t come in; less you leave the door open!” She said brightly, looking to Niniel. “And Gilwen has very well shut it.”

“Hali has found her place in your home, it is certain.” The young woman smiled gently, and winked at Gilwen, now stepping back to allow her the room to move. It was so good to see Gilwen now! She had not seen her, in fact, since the very day that Faeldor had stopped by the home for a noon meal with her. She knew that Faeldor had not seen her since that outing as well, though it was not on purpose, and she assumed that Gilwen was well aware of the fact.

[Gilwen]

“They stay deep in the woods and mountains, and I have never gone so far alone without my father or brother along.”

This brought Niniel to smile pleasantly. “Well, you were certainly in fine hands then,” she chirped brightly. The thought eased her heart and seemed to feed her acceptance of her brother. Could he protect his own sister from wolves and bears? Then, her Gilwen was certainly in fine hands.

Of course, she would have spoken further on the matter, but her daughter had arrived home a sopping mess. Such things pulled her attentions elsewhere. Whatever had she been thinking? The weather was horrendous!

The woman was certainly stunned to see Beleth there, though the woman was very quick to jump to her feet and cross to her. She felt her arms encircle her, and Gilwen was in charge of herself just enough to return the embrace. “I would not wish you to walk in this, either.” Gilwen replied quietly, a bit of a motherly tone seeping into her voice. Beleth and Haliel were friends of hers, and perhaps closer to family.

“I do not like thunderstorms, they frighten me.”

Beregar tightened his hold upon the little girl as if to comfort her. This thunderstorm was horrible, undoubtedly the little thing was at least somewhat distressed by it. Beleth seemed to try and comfort the little girl herself, though Beregar flashed his eyes upward.

His own daughter had finally entered the home. A part of him was furious she had attempted to brave the storm, a part relieved she was there. Still, his face stayed rather stoic and unmoving toward her. He could not get past his disappointment.

Gilwen’s eyes flashed in sadness, in part for little Haliel’s declaration of fright; but mostly it was her father’s eyes that unsettled her so. She simply took her eyes away from him and rested them on the little girl. It was wrong to not go to see her and greet her in the way she had greeted Narbeleth. But she was very slow to desire crossing to her, for indeed her Papa was there as well.

“Hali has found her place in your home, it is certain.”
Gilwen forced a small smile as she looked to Beleth. “At least someone can fill it,” she muttered sadly—it was the only thing she had uttered to voice her own sadness and loss over her father, and she was quick to try and recover herself, inwardly scolding herself for speaking so against him. Yes, it was true that he did not seem to look at her like a daughter anymore. At least Haliel was enjoying herself.

She stepped slowly across the room, bending for a moment to brush her lips to the top of Haliel’s pretty hair. “It is good to see you, Haliel.” She said kindly. Her eyes caught sight of the doll that was clutched so eagerly in the girl’s hands. “Oh, Anna!” Gilwen gasped slightly. She had thought the doll had vanished years ago! She smiled girlishly for a moment and then said, “Are you taking care of her?” She asked lightly.

“Gilwen, do go change before you catch cold. I do not want you getting sick.” Niniel mothered from behind. “And then, I am sure you and Narbeleth would like to speak.” She looked cautiously over to Beregar, and it was immediately clear that she was wary of the trouble that could ensue by being so close in proximity.

“Yes, Mama.” Gilwen answered obediently, moving back toward her bedroom door.

“I would offer clothes for you as well, but I am afraid that…we would have nothing that could fit you.” Niniel said sadly to Beleth. “I do hope the blankets are at least keeping the cold away.”

[Narbeleth]

“At least someone can fill it.” Her words certainly reached the young woman’s ears, and Narbeleth’s face almost fell slightly, but she managed to hold her demeanor. How sad that Gilwen should feel so downtrodden in her own father’s presence! Beleth missed her own father, and it hurt her to see that her friend did not have the fine relationship that Beleth and Faelon had held together; then again, Beleth had been much younger at the time.

“Are you taking care of her?”

Haliel smiled, cuddling into Beregar again after Gilwen had kissed her. “Oh yes, Gilwen. I am taking care of her. We are playing; do you wish to play with us?” she asked innocently, not knowing the damage the remark might bestow upon the woman. Her little face was bright though, and her cheeks were beginning to glow pink in the warmth.

Niniel bid Gilwen to go change; and good for it, for the woman seemed to be shivering where she stood. “And then, I am sure you and Narbeleth would like to speak.” Beleth agreed. It would be best if Gilwen were not in the same room as Beregar, and she would be glad to talk with her new friend. They had not taken a true time to get to know one another yet; just time spent with the rest of her family and Faeldor.

“Oh, Hali, you are playing with Beregar right now. Do let me have some time with Gilwen,” Narbeleth cut in quickly. She indeed sensed the tension in the room, and if she had heard correctly from Faeldor, it was worse than it now even seemed. It seemed that Beregar was entirely displeased with his daughter, and Beleth did not wish to make it worse by her and Haliel being here.

“I do hope the blankets are at least keeping the cold away.” Narbeleth smiled, “Oh, I am quite warm and well. I just thank you for letting us come.” There was no disappointment in her voice, which was bright and airy despite the thunder and wind outdoors. She pulled the blanket tightly about her shoulders, and moved to the wooden chair that Haliel had previously been sitting in to wait for Gilwen. Perhaps the woman would invite her back to her room. It didn’t appear that the little house had much more than a sitting room and the bedrooms and kitchen, and privacy would be welcomed.

[Gilwen]

“Oh yes, Gilwen. I am taking care of her. We are playing; do you wish to play with us?”

Gilwen did not know how to respond. Immediately it felt as if her heart tore, though the quiet woman did keep her face well covered in a sufficient smile for the blessed little Haliel. What was she to say? Indeed she could not agree to do so. Even as she stood there, lost in the little girl’s lovely and happy blue eyes, she could feel the cold stare of her father as if it burned her. It was lucky that Beleth chimed in with such a fine statement.

“Another time, Haliel.” Gilwen added in a friendly manner before looking over thankfully to Beleth. Niniel nodded again to motion her off to her room to change, and then sat to pick up her sewing once more.

“Oh, I am quite warm and well. I just thank you for letting us come.” “Oh, Narbeleth, do know you and your family are welcome at any time. We do not have much to offer, but we would be honored to give you a roof in times like these!” Niniel half sang. The point was stressed that her entire family was welcome, and Beregar looked up sharply.

He had felt the little girl burrow against him some more and that had helped still his temper. The second Gilwen had shut the door to change, his mood had righted immensely and he turned his face down to look at the child. Such a way to calm his mood!

It had not taken too long for Gilwen to change. She stood now in a brown frock. It was, in fact, the only day dress the servant owned. Part of her was reluctant to emerge again and perhaps she lingered in her room a moment in contemplation. Haliel had hurt Gilwen more than anything else these past few weeks had. And why? All because she was dear and sweet, and stolen the heart of the one man Gilwen could not seem to salvage. Why did Papa have to be so stubborn?

She loved him. Did he not see that anymore? Or did he simply not care? The thunder rattled outside once more, and the woman opened the door delicately and looked to Narbeleth who was sitting now upon the wooden chair. She had desired to have her, which was well. Her father could not bear to have conversation with her. Though, speaking to her openly about anything would be a hassle in front of her father. Not that her room offered much privacy. Still, it was better than nothing.

She stepped into the doorway and looked right past her father and Haliel as they began to play upon the floor to smile at Beleth. “Beleth, you are welcome to come sit with me here,” she motioned to the bedroom behind her. “If you should like to speak.” Her voice was quiet still, though it was still audible. She hoped it had not sounded too desperate to rid herself of the parents in the room, though Beleth had certainly been eyeing the door with interest herself. Perhaps she decided to get away as well.

[Narbeleth]

“I will let my mother know of your hospitality to us,” Narbeleth grinned in response to Niniel. Indeed, Meleth would be very pleased that her little ones had been cared for in the House of Niniel. Thankfully, Meleth had not known that Beleth was going to leave the house this day for her visit to the second tier, so the woman would not be worrying in her bakery.

It seemed that Gilwen took a long while to change; though the young woman didn’t mind. She simply sat back in the chair, watching Haliel play, and warming with the fire. She was quite content, but finally she looked back to the door as it opened. Narbeleth smiled sweetly. “Of course, Gilwen,” she accepted the invitation, standing up once more.

“If you don’t mind keeping an eye on her…” Beleth said, her eyes flickering to Niniel, and then to Beregar. Surely Beregar did not mind watching Haliel for awhile. He was already playing with her, and she seemed to give him some force of calm.

When she felt secure leaving Haliel, she moved to join Gilwen in her room. It was a petite little thing; much smaller than her own, with a narrow bed and not much else. But it was quite homey. “Gracious, I am a bundle of dripping cloth. Forgive me if I dampen your floor. And now your mother’s blanket is wet too,” she fumbled slightly, sighing as she looked out the little window of Gilwen’s bedroom to the storm. “I do so love the rain though.”

“I can hardly believe you risked yourself though in that!” she exclaimed, though almost at a whisper, looking back to the woman. The lightning seemed to flash at the her words. “You should have stopped at my house,” she grinned. “Would that not have been pleasant, to find that we had warmed in each other’s homes? Likely it would have been just Grandfather and Grandmother home, and Mari. But they would have welcomed you.”

This room was cooler, with no fireplace to keep them warm, and Beleth tucked herself more within the blanket. Her clothes were sticking uncomfortably to her skin, but she made no complaint. There was nothing to do for it now, at any rate. She could not risk Haliel in making their way home through this.

“Or you might have stopped at the Stable. It is always so warm in there. Fael would have been glad to tend to you,” she said knowingly. The whole while, she kept her voice low, knowing well from growing up in a large family that if one wished to have private conversation; they must speak quietly. Then she sighed once more, letting herself down to sit on the floor beneath the window, and draw the blanket over her legs.

“How are you, Gilwen? We promised to get together I know, though I had not thought it should be like this,” she said lightly.

Meanwhile, Haliel had busied herself quite nicely in play with Beregar. They had spoken more on her work with the babies at the Houses of Healing, as well as they had discussed Anna taking dancing lessons, and Haliel was going to be the instructor. It was often the way that little Haliel played, pretending and imagining that she was quite proficient on her feet and with her hands. The little girl just wished to be like the others; but at least in pretend, she could be like them, and her pretending might see her through a few more years of her childhood before she had to face the reality of not walking like the others.

The whole while, Haliel was burrowed against the great man’s chest, though all of a sudden she remembered Niniel. Now, Haliel had quite the lovely mother already, and she had not thought to invite Niniel to play, as she had been talking with Beleth, but now she appeared to be alone. Haliel scooted herself and looked over Beregar’s shoulder. “Would you like to play with us too?” she asked, looking at the woman with bright eyes.

[Gilwen]

Beregar did not have to reply to the request to watch Haliel. The child was certainly safe in his arms, and he was not about to let her work herself into trouble in his own home. Little ones were always safe in the house of Beregar.

Niniel, though, being very loquacious saw need to assure Beleth of the fact they would keep an eye on her. “Of course! Haliel shall be perfectly fine.” She chimed, and it seemed Beleth was pleased, for the young lady stood to join Gilwen in her bedroom, where her daughter shut the door soundlessly. Good, Niniel thought lovingly. Gilwen needs more friends. She was brimming at the very idea! Oh, and Beleth would be as good as Gilwen’s sister someday! She had always wished her little girl to have someone to grow up with.

“Gracious, I am a bundle of dripping cloth. Forgive me if I dampen your floor. And now your mother’s blanket is wet too.”

Gilwen, now tucked inside her little room with Narbeleth turned back to her. “It is not something to worry over. The floor shall be fine.” She smiled slightly. Indeed, once the storm ended, Gilwen was likely going to clean her own home anyway. And it was simply stone.

Beleth, just like her brother, had a way of carrying on. It did not bother Gilwen, though. Instead she enjoyed to listen to the words, though she did smile and watch as the woman settled down under her window. Gilwen herself moved to sit upon the floor with her, her own back against her bed and facing her.

In truth, she had not thought of stopping at Beleth’s home. Perhaps she had wished to lay down for a time. To do such a thing required her own little house.

The next part, though, drew a little blush from Gilwen’s cheek. “Or you might have stopped at the Stable. It is always so warm in there. Fael would have been glad to tend to you.” “Oh…he surely had his hands full with the horses.” Such horrid weather would certainly startle even the calmest of them, she thought. Aside from this, she did not wish her father to learn of it. It was simply safer for her Faeldor’s hands if she had come right home. She had managed well enough.

“How are you, Gilwen? We promised to get together I know, though I had not thought it should be like this.” It was strange to hear Narbeleth speaking so lowly. While Gilwen was hardly having to work to keep her voice down, it did seem sprightly Beleth was having to work to keep it so. It was a loaded question, though one Gilwen simply smiled at.

“I am doing well, Beleth. And you?” She inquired. Part of her was lying, she knew. Though the rest of her was utterly truthful. Her Mama had been nothing but warm and inviting, and Faeldor, even though they had not seen one another, loved and cared for her. She was working, so she had a job and something to do. It was not all bad. Her blessings outweighed those things that set her heart heavy; her Papa, the rumors. It should all work out finely.

--

Niniel had been quite content to listen to the two on the floor. A very motherly sort, there was nothing she had ever enjoyed hearing more than Gilwen as a baby crying. As she grew, it was the sound of her laughter and little feet as she worked her way through their house. The way her husband had cared for and treated their little baby girl, and the way they spoke to one another was enough to warm her heart completely.

Now, as she listened to Haliel, she could not help but feel her heart fill with the same emotions; nor could she stop the memories from playing in her mind of a little brown-haired and brown-eyed child. Oh, and now she was an adult! A bittersweet feeling that was.

“Would you like to play with us too?”

Those bright words had stilled Niniel’s sewing instantly, and the woman looked up. “Me?” She seemed surprised. While perhaps she would have expected it from her own daughter, Haliel was not her own. “What shall I play?”

Beregar squeezed the little girl in his lap and looked up to his wife adoringly for a moment before offering, “I am sure that my daughters,” he motioned to Anna and Haliel with a nod of his head, “could use a Mama.” He dropped his voice a little bit, surely speaking to Niniel alone, “And you are all I could ever ask for.”

Niniel’s little face lit up, and Beregar was inwardly pleased with himself. After a moment, the woman put down her sewing and stood and crossed to them. “I should be honored,” she chimed as she kneeled beside her husband. Though, she was not clear as to whom she was answering.

Beregar could not help but feel he had done something right. All those days his Niniel had ignored him and not listened to his words. Now, though, he knew she understood how much he still loved her. Years had not changed that.

He was not, however, about to change his mind on his daughter’s suitor. If he could even be called such a thing. He still loved Gilwen, too. Though his disappointment seemed to cloud all other shows of affection. Well, one thing at a time.

[Narbeleth]

“Oh…he surely had his hands full with the horses.”

Narbeleth nodded, understanding, “He likely does. It started so quick though, the storm. I’m sure the Calvary returned quickly. They must have been behind Hali and I on our own way up.” If Narbeleth had been trapped in the palace, the stable was certainly where she would have gone though; however it would not have been much a distance from her own home. But the warmth exerted by the horses was quite welcoming.

“I am doing well, Beleth. And you?”

“I am quite fine,” she answered briskly, smiling. “A bit chilled right now. But otherwise well.” The woman drew her knees up close to her body, wrapping her arms about them. Gilwen had surely not been truthful to her; for she had seen Beregar’s coldness to her, and her look of stifled agony. However, she did not confront her on the matter. Best not to dwell on the issue. She changed the subject.

“Oh, Gilwen, Midsummer’s Eve is in just a few days,” she smiled. “I am very excited for the ball. It should be quite spectacular.” Should she really speak on this topic? Beleth chided herself at bringing it up, for she would need to be ever so careful not to slip and reveal the secret that Faeldor held for Gilwen.

“My dress was just finished. Mama took one of her old gowns and fit me with it, and I think it has turned out quite lovely.” Beleth was indeed proud of her mother’s work. Meleth had saved her gowns, in hopes that they would someday come to use. At one time she had been nearly as slender as Narbeleth, and though carrying so many children had only changed her appearance slightly, the dancing gowns that Faelon had bought her years ago no longer fit.

[Gilwen]

Gilwen was pleased to hear dear Beleth was doing well, though it saddened her slightly that the woman was still so chilled. Her eyes flew to the trunk at the foot of her bed for a moment before she stood and went to it. As the young woman listened to Beleth begin to speak, she opened the trunk in search of something.

“I am very excited for the ball. It should be quite spectacular.”

Gilwen looked up for a moment to Beleth and smiled. “Yes, it is quite an affair every year.” She answered in response, dropping her eyes back to the contents of her trunk. The ball. It was an event she had always longed to attend as a little girl. Part of her still did, though she knew better than to ever think she would make it now. Normally, she worked the tables for the evening. Watching the lovely dresses and tunics swirl and twirl about the dance floor in sheer grace and nobility.

This year, though, she was not allowed even that. Her “behavior” had been deemed unfit to be in the presence of the Steward. So, Midsummer’s Day she was going to be quite free from work. That was a blessing.

Gilwen looked down at the things once more. An extra serving uniform there was still in it. Normally, the frock she wore would be folded within as well. But her other dress was drying, so the little thing looked quite empty. Save for a light grey cloak. It was part of Gilwen’s winter wear, though the woman would never admit to such a thing. It was light in fabric—the warmer cloaks had been far too expensive. But it was this she was looking for.

She produced it and shut the lid and moved back to her spot, handing the cloak to Beleth in a rather loving fashion and smiling. “You best not catch cold,” she said; her tone certainly sounded motherly.

“My dress was just finished. Mama took one of her old gowns and fit me with it, and I think it has turned out quite lovely.”

Gilwen smiled all the more. “Oh, I am certain it shall be lovely. Whatever does it look like?” She asked eagerly, her voice excited and interested. She studied Narbeleth a moment, though concluded that any color should look lovely on her. Oh! The House of Faelon was full of such lovely children! Inwardly she wondered if Faeldor was going to be in attendance as well. She was certain he would look handsome in such fine things.

[Narbeleth]

“Oh, but it is a lovely dress!” Beleth agreed, thankfully pulling the cloak over her lap. She watched as Gilwen had closed the lid of her trunk, which now appeared to be empty, and she wondered aside if the thin cloak she had handed her was her only garment of the sort. She did not appear to have another hanging elsewhere, and inwardly Beleth knew that it was.

“It is a dark emerald green. Papa got the dress for Mama when Miriel was just a little one, to match her eyes, he said… perhaps she was only three. And a matching one for the little girl. I do think that each of us have worn the small version as children. Mama did love to put us in it,” Beleth smiled, feeling a bit warmed by the extra fabric now upon her lap. Indeed though, she would certainly mention it to Faeldor that if he were to gleefully be having made a dancing dress for his Starlight, that he might see to the very basic need of a warm cloak. She smiled at the thought, for Faeldor would be glad to know of another way that he might care for his dear Gilwen.

To Gilwen though, it would simply appear that she was smiling at the memory of the little dress, which was also a lovely thought. Mama certainly still had it; for Haliel had been the last to wear it. Little Hali had ruined most of her dresses, but at such a young age she had been too weak to move about much, and thus she would just sit prettily in the laps of those who held her, and it had survived. Meleth was likely now saving it for her grandchildren. She did always treasure Faelon’s thoughtful gifts.

“The neck comes down like this,” she motioned with her finger at her own neckline, then cut lower. “A bit lower than I am used to, but Mama says it will do well for my figure.” Beleth frowned slightly at the thought, for she had never thought much on the matter of her own figure, other than the teasing she had had for it as a teenager. Perhaps now she did not think she had changed any since then, though in truth she had begun to fill out nicely in the manner of the other lovely women of her family. If she thought herself unattractive still, there was certainly no one else who did.

“And the trimming is a pretty silver… a belt at the waist, and the neck, and embroidery along the arm of the sleeves, and up the side. I am very grateful to wear such a lovely garment. Grandmother said she would do up my hair in the manner of the ladies of Dol Amroth.” She smiled pleasantly at the thought.

She prayed that Gilwen would not ask of Faeldor. What should she say, if the lady asked if he were attending as well? She would have to be very careful if the conversation of the ball were to continue, for she could not ruin his surprise for her!

[Gilwen]

Emerald green! Gilwen’s brown eyes danced a bit as she listened. However romantic! To match Miriel’s eyes! The serving woman wondered over it. Indeed, Miriel’s eyes were lovely. The dress could not be anything but. “I do think that each of us have worn the small version as children. Mama did love to put us in it.” That made Gilwen smile all the more. It was ever so sweet; perhaps Gilwen’s girlish demeanor surfaced at such a thing, and a quiet giggle escaped her. Oh, however lovely the dress seemed!

As Beleth continued to speak, Gilwen’s mind worked to try and build the garment in her mind, though she was certain that whatever she had pictured was nowhere near the loveliness that the dress actually was. She also was a slight bit entertained and intrigued by the idea that Beleth had worn the matching garment as a child. How poetic! To grow up and wear the original!

“I am very grateful to wear such a lovely garment. Grandmother said she would do up my hair in the manner of the ladies of Dol Amroth.”

“Oh, you shall look lovely!” Gilwen exclaimed excitedly. She had never been to Dol Amroth. In fact, she knew very few people that had come from outside the city. Perhaps Arien and the house of Faelon were all. Still, it was clear that the women and men born outside the city walls were fairer, if only by their elven blood. She imagined that whatever hair styles had come from such women were lovely as well. Though, Gilwen was sure, nothing could look horrid upon Beleth.

“I shan’t be working that day,” she offered quietly. “Perhaps I shall be able to see you before you go.” The idea thrilled her, truly. Perhaps Beleth would even allow Gilwen to quietly ask her questions over what had transpired, and how it had felt to go to the ball.

Her thoughts had not turned from Beleth, and the idea of Faeldor had not even entered the young woman’s mind. Perhaps her words were many, but the servant was quite taken by excitement. “Do you have an escort?” She had not recalled hearing of a man in Beleth’s personal relations. Still, she was ever so beautiful! Surely someone in the city would be thrilled and desirous to take her.

And for such a laughing woman with a bright spirit to be their company…heavens! The man would be blessed by the Valar for such a thing. A lovely evening would be spent with one who was a pleasure to be with.

Oh, if only she was working that evening! She would be able to see Beleth attend the ball herself, and watch as the woman enjoyed her time. Surley none could have a sour experience at something so lovely and elegant! The Steward did well to make the halls pleasing to all—she had never seen someone leave unhappy in all her years of work.

[Narbeleth]

“Do you have an escort?”

Narbeleth almost froze at the question, though she allowed her gaze to remain soft, and let not the excitement fall from her face. Faeldor would be her escort. And Gilwen’s as well… yet she could not let such a thing be known. She should not even stat that Faeldor would be going.

Certainly, her brother would walk her there, but he would not be her true escort at any rate. His night would be reserved for his Lady. Narbeleth would not take that from Gilwen, nor would she wish to.

“Well, no, but Mama says that there shall be many dancing partners. I should not have trouble finding someone to dance with, I am sure, for I do enjoy the dance.” She had not lied entirely. There. Hopefully Gilwen would forgive her; when she found the truth. Though, she imagined that the young woman would be too pleased with attending the ball to pay mention to the little fib… and she could apologize later. Surely she would understand how Faeldor had wanted such a surprise to be a secret for his beloved!

Narbeleth sighed; surely the three of them would have a splendid evening; and oh, how the blood of her veins ached for the lovely music and movement that would ensue!

She bit her lip for a moment, in pleasant thought; then looked to Gilwen. “Here, come sit near me, Gilwen. We can share this;” she motioned to the garment that was covering her. “It will be warmer for both of us; and we are basically as sisters now anyway.” True, Gilwen and Faeldor were not married; but the way that Fael spoke of her! It was hard to imagine that they would not be someday soon!

The storm raged on outside the window; and Narbeleth sat pleasantly in thought. Gilwen was a quiet little woman, though pleasantly quiet. The silences between them were not awkward or inconsistent; merely, she began to see how her brother could enjoy the company of the lady; for Gilwen’s quiet was quite peaceful and comfortable.

“I think your parents do enjoy my little sister,” she said after a measured time, and quietly; as over the sound of the storm she had heard the little girl laughing from the front room, as well as the muffled voices of both Beregar and Niniel. The lightning came and then the thunder; but soon enough the laughter was heard again, as if to affirm her statement.

[Gilwen]

Gilwen was a bit surprised by the fact Narbeleth has declared that she was not attending with an escort. “Oh, I am certain you shall find someone,” she said quietly, though excitedly. Beleth was, after all, a lovely young lady. And one with a personality that Gilwen was sure would attract the attentions of any and all that had come to the ball this summer.

Suddenly, the idea struck her, and Gilwen’s pretty brown eyes did dance a bit at the thought. “Faeldor does like to dance, perchance he should take you!” There. That did not seem so horrid; it was his birthday, after all. That evening was one that should be spent in the liveliest of manners. And Faeldor…he did love music and dance. And she imagined that he would look quite handsome himself dressed nicely as Beleth was to be. There was not a person in his family that was not beautiful!

“It will be warmer for both of us; and we are basically as sisters now anyway.”

Gilwen blushed at such a comment, though did decide to oblige and moved to sit beneath the window herself, minding her change of clothes against Beleth’s own wet ones, but gladly accepting the extra warmth. She did so love to be around people. And, perhaps Beleth was right: they were nearly sisters.

Aside from that, Gilwen was a bit chilled. Nonetheless, the cloak was not very thick; it was certainly going to be hardly warm at all. But anything, Gilwen thought, was better than none. So, she happily cuddled against the wall and sighed. But her pleasant thoughts and demeanor seemed to flicker a slight with Beleth’s next comment.

“I think your parents do enjoy my little sister.”

“Yes,” she answered carefully, minding her tone. “I am certain they do, but who could not enjoy such a lovely child?” Gilwen’s voice was soft, though, and perhaps it revealed that the woman was not only thinking such things as that. But also, her mind pondered the idea that her father did love children so, and her mother. But it was her father who did not seem to think of her as a daughter as of late.

His heart had been stiff and hard toward her for the past few weeks since the rumors had begun, and he had lost his job. The lady sighed inwardly and looked to Beleth once more. “They always did desire more children,” she said lightly, trying once more to bring her own spirits higher. “They would have been quite fine at it,” she finished, her ramble finally quieting into silence once again, the sound of the raging storm and more voices drifting through the door.

She had not meant to disappoint him so. And in act, she had not. It was by reputation that she had lost his esteem. She smiled a slight, though; Haliel’s cheery voice was making Beregar’s warm in response. As long as she knew he was still himself on some level, Gilwen kept faith that he would once again love her like he had before.