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 Aug 18, 2009 9:38:25 GMT -5
“No, I am not listed for duty tonight. Though, if you are understaffed I will gladly assist.” The Stable Master was in high spirits, and laughed slightly. “Understaffed? No, I think tonight it will be rather calm in here. Most of the Calvary will be at the ball as well, and I’ve made sure to assign mostly the younger stablehands for the evening.”
“You are a dedicated man though, to see to the horses even when you are not on shift. And you are attending alone? Whoever shall you dance with?” Faeldor crossed his arms in front of him, perhaps aware that Calon had done the same. Two men in dress clothes, standing in the palace stables could not be seen looking any less handsome or manly.
“You, though, must be waiting.” For a moment, Faeldor’s grin was just as boyish as Calon’s. “Yes, I am. My Lady is just finishing up.” The Stable Master was waiting, and waiting expectantly to see Gilwen. She was sure to look marvelous. Faeldor would surely be worthy of losing his hands tonight.
Faeldor frowned for a moment. “But what are you going to do at the ball alone? This must be your first time,” he thought outloud, bringing the fact that Calon was not escorting someone back to the forefront of the conversation. A man never went without escorting a lady. Perhaps Calon was such a hard worker that he spent all his time in the stables, he had not had time to find someone to take with him. It was likely; he knew the man was here often.
“Perhaps…” Faeldor said thoughtfully, “You would wish to escort my sister. I would not have minded taking her as well as my own Lady, but I am quite certain I would not give her the proper attention, you understand. I suppose, I am not understaffed here, but I would could gladly use the assistance there.” A man only had one pair of dancing feet after all, and Faeldor would not like to leave either his lovely sister or Gilwen unattended in such a place. And Narbeleth was quite easy going, and he thought that she certainly would not mind meeting a new person, especially one of Faeldor’s stablehands. They would have plenty to speak on, for she loved horses.
The Stable Master nodded, as if the decision had already been made and finalized, looking back toward the end of the hall where Gilwen was readying. And Faeldor was doing Calon a favor, to save him from showing up alone. “She is just back in my quarters, helping my Gilwen ready. I’m sure they will both be out in a few minutes.”
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Narbeleth
Man
Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Aug 18, 2009 9:40:08 GMT -5
“Lashings are a common form of punishment. Or, they were at the time.” “Oh, Gilwen, how dreadful that must have been for you…” Narbeleth muttered. “Faeldor will be very upset when he sees that, there is no doubt,” she forewarned the woman. Though Gilwen perhaps already knew that. She had seen her brother’s temper several times now, though not in his full force. “Not at you though,” she added quickly, so that the serving woman would not worry. “But there is no doubt he will say a few choice words about whichever Mistress did that to you.”
It was entirely unfair, Beleth thought, to put such treatment upon people. She had heard of it before, but did not expect that such practice would take place in Denethor’s very palace! Indeed, and Gilwen was yet a child when she started working there; not much older than Marileth herself. Narbeleth mustered over the thoughts for a moment, but then saw Gilwen’s unease at the subject. “Come though, I should not speak of it anymore. Fael will see it when he does, and you will give him his moment. There is nothing you can do now of it; and as you said, the practice of that ended seven years ago there.” Narbeleth lightly touched Gilwen’s shoulder, then moved back over to the cot where her garment lay.
“Look, I have something hidden under here,” Narbeleth said, reaching for the dress, but instead lifting it and pulling out a white, silken undergarment from beneath. “Don’t worry, Faeldor has not seen this part. And I was the one to even order it. He was much too embarrassed to say ‘undergarment’ in front of Lady Arien. It was precious. I whispered it to her, that he might not even have to hear me say it,” the woman giggled, hoping that Gilwen would find amusement in this as well.
“Here…” Beleth handed the undergarment to Gilwen to let her change, while she now went for the dress. And it was such a lovely dress! Faeldor had certainly gone out of his way to make sure that it would be at least one of the loveliest at the ball. Miriel’s would likely rival it, and Rosiel’s dress as well; for those two certainly dressed to impress the others. And the young princess of Belfalas would surely look regal. Oh, but everyone would be stunning tonight. Narbeleth turned the dress to loosen the ties so that it might easily slip over Gilwen’s figure.
“Now are you ready?” the woman asked, beaming as she came over to help Gilwen into the blue raiment.
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Calon
Man
Stablehand
[Mo0:0]
Posts: 145
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Post by Calon on Aug 18, 2009 14:52:52 GMT -5
“Understaffed? No, I think tonight it will be rather calm in here.”
Such a sentence about near brought Calon to frown. It seemed he could not use work as an excuse for escaping the clutches of the velveteen tunic and frilly evening. How terribly disappointing. Though, it did seem that Faeldor had taken notice of his commitment, or at least what he thought was commitment. Truly, Calon was rather loyal to the stables and would well take on any hours that were requested of him. Still, tonight he simply wished to avoid the ball. Indeed, there was not enough testosterone involved. Though, he was rather surprised that Faeldor was going; Faeldor had seemed a true man as well. Indeed, it appeared he had a much softer side than Calon, though such was not uncommon. Many men did. And it was they who could make well with the ladies.
”And you are attending alone? Whoever shall you dance with?”
Hopefully none, Calon thought to himself, though his cheery smile did not falter. It was no surprise that he should not have found someone to take to this dance, though the curly haired man had never sought anybody either. He was far too concerned with his manliness and his male friends to care about having a good time with anyone else. His strive and adoration for such male-oriented activities did seem to turn away the gentle women of the city. “I am attending alone, though I am not terribly concerned with dance partners.” It was bright, as was only custom for the man of Belfalas. It seemed his handsome face was always adorned with some sort of smile.
“Yes, I am. My Lady is just finishing up.”
Ah, Calon could see the glint in his eye. He had hardly known that his master was so boyish when it came to women! Calon could not help but be amused by such a thing. He meant no harm by it, of course. It was simply strange to see the one in charge of the stables smitten by anyone. For all he had known was how calm, collected and rather masculine he had seemed. “Is she? That is quite nice for you, then.” He chimed. Thank the Valar! If she was just finishing up, then they would be on their way soon, and Calon could linger amongst the stables a bit longer unnoticed. Though, women were always quite slow to ready, so it could be hours before she truly emerged and was taken in.
Then, the conversation turned back to the fact that Calon lacked one for the evening. Whatever had brought him to inquire about it? Was it custom in Minas Tirith to seek people’s courtings so insistently? He had heard that Faeldor and his family had been born in Belfalas themselves, and his grey eyes certainly confirmed it. It was possible, though, that the customs of the city had well molded him. Calon, once more, was highly amused. He leaned against the wall nonchalantly, and casually, but soon began to stiffen as the master’s words finished. “I suppose, I am not understaffed here, but I would could gladly use the assistance there.”
Well, blast. There went a night away from the ball. Calon almost frowned. He could not refuse his master, could he? He was, after all, in charge of his hours and pay. But was it worse to take his sister? Indeed, what if she had a foul time with him for his lack of dancing and complained to him on it? Would he then lose his job for his mistreatment of Master Faeldor’s family?
Calon had become fast friends with a few of the men that worked in the stables. He had heard that Faeldor’s sisters were quite fair to the eye, and it was to their pleasure when they came to visit. Though he had recalled that one of them, the loveliest by word of mouth, had a right foul temper and was always griping about something. Was that the sister he was to take? The one that many called “The Witch” for her sinister personality? Still, could he refuse?
His face had stayed bright, of course. “Well, I am glad to offer my assistance as needed, though I am not much of a dancer,” Calon chimed. He had never taken time to learn and perfect his skills. Bow and arrow handling was much more important and useful. Part of him began to panic on the inside. He had just agreed to escort a possible tyrant into the ball. Prayers that his job remained in tact!
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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 Aug 18, 2009 14:53:41 GMT -5
“Oh, Gilwen, how dreadful that must have been for you…”
Gilwen simply nodded grimly and hesitantly. She had never spoken on her experiences at the palace with any, though it seemed Beleth urged her to finally confront them. It had been quite horrendous and ever so painful. Still, she had done well enough not to cry until her mistresses were gone. She turned her mind from everything though and tried to get the image of the bloody cloth that had been used to clean her wounds out of her mind. Narbeleth continued speaking on it, assuring Gilwen that her own thoughts on Faeldor’s anger were quite well placed.
“Look, I have something hidden under here. Don’t worry, Faeldor has not seen this part. And I was the one to even order it. He was much too embarrassed to say ‘undergarment’ in front of Lady Arien. It was precious. I whispered it to her, that he might not even have to hear me say it.”
Immediately all foul feelings escaped her and Gilwen grinned and giggled girlishly, though felt a color come to her cheeks in a sympathy blush for the Stable Master. He did try ever so hard to be manly and in control; speaking to a lady on such things as undergarments were probably things he did not do often. That they should be hers! She smiled to Beleth and replied, “I am sure he shall well appreciate the care you have given him on such things.” She was, though, quite pleased that Faeldor had not seen them, or spoken of them. It would have been slightly out of character for him, and certainly would have made her blush had he done so.
She was handed them to change, and the woman did so without delay, and nodded to Beleth to show that she was ready to adorn the dress. She was ever so excited! Part of her felt a bit selfish that she was so pleased with the dress, for indeed Gilwen was still a woman and delighted in dressing up---however infrequent such occasions were.
Beleth had her covered in no time, and Gilwen felt more relief once more that her scars were well covered. Though, she assumed they were not done yet. Indeed, Beleth had combs and brushes upon the bed as well. She imagined that she planned on doing her hair.
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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 Aug 18, 2009 17:18:22 GMT -5
Faeldor sensed no worry from the man. And he would surely do well with Beleth to escort; for his second sister was vivacious and outgoing. There was not a person who did not adore her, for she was always lively and she loved to make people happy. And, she was lovely of face; all of his sisters were.
If there had been one time; just one; that Calon had done something to make himself seem undependable, Faeldor would not have said a word to him about taking his sister.
He did not even consider the fact that he had not mentioned which of his sisters was attending with him. The men of the stables well knew that Faeldor had a large family, who often visited here. The only two siblings that were old enough to attend though were Miriel, and now Beleth. Miriel was surely attending with Durion; however much he hated the fact. Yes, Calon would be a fine match to take his dear Beleth.
“Well, I am glad to offer my assistance as needed, though I am not much of a dancer.” The comment seemed to amuse Faeldor in some way. He could imagine Narbeleth trying to teach dancing steps to the man out on the floor. “Well my sister is the finest dancer in our household; I’m sure she will be quite excited to lend you her support,” Faeldor chimed back.
The Stable Master was quite pleased. Beleth and Calon were sure to have a good evening, for he was a fair spirited man. And now Faeldor would have his Gilwen all to himself. As much as he loved to be with his sisters, Faeldor missed Gilwen greatly. The only time he had seen her in recent had been her brief visit to him in the stables, and then for a short time in the mornings when he escorted her from the fourth to the seventh tier of the city. Now, a whole evening, he had with her. He almost sighed at the thought, desperate to pull her into his arms, and delighted that an evening of dance meant he could do so as he wished.
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Narbeleth
Man
Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Aug 18, 2009 17:23:34 GMT -5
“I am sure he shall well appreciate the care you have given him on such things.”
The young woman laughed at Gilwen’s comment. “He indeed will appreciate it. You would think that growing up in a household of females would cause him no ill ease over the matter, though it still does. He will not even enter the garden on washing day when all of our lady’s things are hanging to dry. I should not know what he will do when you two—“
Narbeleth cut herself off before Gilwen could do so. Certainly she was talking too much. She always did talk too much and embarrass herself. But surely she was embarrassing Gilwen more!
She helped the servant into her lovely dress. Gracious! She could scarcely even think of her as a servant; she looked as nobility! Beleth laced the dress in the back, taking care to keep the cords smooth and even as she went, and she ended it all with a lovely bow and the clasp. “There, now. You are a true daughter of the Valar. If only we had a mirror for you to see yourself in!” The woman had come around the front to look at Gilwen, and smoothed the dress along her waist and at her shoulders. “Oh, and it does fit you perfectly. Arien’s work is a charm.”
“Now to your hair, and I shall hurry. I wouldn’t wish us to be late.” She pulled Faeldor’s stool from the corner, and ushered Gilwen to sit upon it as she went for her brush. Gilwen’s hair was quite smooth and silky, and she had obviously taken great care with it already today, so it would not take long at all. “Oh, this is to be my first ball as well. It should be lovely; I am so excited for the dancing.”
The young woman did not fash when she said she would be quick; for Narbeleth was well experienced in making lovely hairstyles. Not that she wore them often, for what was the necessity in taking too much time to do ones hair? Simply, it was something she had always done with her sister over the past years. It gave her opportunity to be close to Miriel; for Miriel loved to have her hair brushed and put up, and they talked. Hair dressing was perhaps the only thing that had kept the two sisters so close over the years, for it was part of their daily routine.
Nimble fingers worked quickly, and at last Beleth had finished, and pushed the pretty flower-shaped hair pin in to complete it. “There… Do put your dancing shoes on now,” she smiled, moving to fold Gilwen’s other clothing and place it neatly on the end of the bed to collect later.
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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 Aug 18, 2009 18:01:05 GMT -5
Narbeleth spoke more on Faeldor’s timidness, and at first Gilwen was rather pleased she had learned of such things, though the man would probably not wish her to hear it from his sister. Still, Beleth’s words soon became a bit embarrassing to her as well. ”He will not even enter the garden on washing day when all of our lady’s things are hanging to dry. I should not know what he will do when you two—“ Gilwen gasped blushed wildly once more, even as the last of her dress ties were secured. “Beleth,” she gasped lightly. The color overcame her little face and the woman dropped her eyes to the floor, and wrung her hands before her.
Such talk seemed a bit forward indeed. He would not marry her without her father’s permission; it did seem that it would take quite a long time before any would have to worry how he would treat laundry day in his own home. If they ever had to worry about it. Gilwen’s blush turned to a moroseness, though Beleth dispelled that moments later.
“There, now. You are a true daughter of the Valar. If only we had a mirror for you to see yourself in!”
Her brown eyes raised then, and flashed to Beleth with a smile. “I do wish to know what I look like,” she mused aloud. “It hardly seems fair that you and Faeldor shall see me before I even see myself!” Her voice was light, though soft. Her hands ran down her sides, taking in the feel of the dress upon her. It did feel like it was a nice fit. The perfect length! Which, for her, was hard to come by. She couldn’t help but smile; she only wished she was able to see it upon herself! Even she would look lovely in a dress so divine!
Beleth ushered her into Faeldor’s stool and worked quickly with her hair to pull it up nicely. Then, she ushered her to grab her shoes. Gilwen slid out of hers and into the new ones and smiled. Oh, they were so lovely! She turned to smile at Beleth. “Thank you ever so much!” She exclaimed gleefully.
It was time to make their grand entrance, then. So that Faeldor would not have to wait for them any longer. She took a deep breath, and giggled girlishly. She felt as if she were a princess! How entirely new for the servant.
Beleth exited first, probably wishing to announce that they were finished, and Gilwen stepped softly after. Faeldor stood in conversation with another young man, who seemed to eye them both curiously. He had a friendly face, and it was one that seemed at least somewhat familiar; it seemed that he worked in the palace. But her eyes did not stay on him long, and instead she stood quietly and patiently for the Stable Master to see them. Indeed, it wouldn’t take him long.
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Calon
Man
Stablehand
[Mo0:0]
Posts: 145
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Post by Calon on Aug 18, 2009 18:21:24 GMT -5
Calon smiled as Faeldor explained that his sister was a wonderful dancer. “That is well, then. For I shall need such support.” Though, inwardly he was rather disheartened to hear such a thing. While, he supposed it was a manly thing to say he knew not how to dance well, it did imply that he might have an issue with Faeldor because of it.
What if the sister complained for his lack of coordination? How impossibly dangerous! Still, Calon’s face did not waver or falter. Inside his heart was a bit raised in rate, though he was good at staying calm; for the most part anyway.
What else had he heard of Faeldor’s family? Calon’s mind whirred as he secretly tried to calculate what his next move should be. He did not wish to lose his job for a woman! The twenty year old was working himself into quite a fit.
That was when the door to the chamber opened and out stepped two ladies. One small and petite, the other tall and lithe. The latter was shockingly familiar. Indeed she was not dressed as he had last seen her, for she was not dressed for the day at all, but lavishly for the night ball. However, those laughing grey eyes were certainly familiar, as well as the smile she wore. There was no mistaking Chicken Lady.
She was Faeldor’s sister? He looked to the other one. No, certainly she was not related to the Stable Master. Chicken Lady was to be with him for the evening?! Such strange turn of events! The Valar always did seem to work well. Still…was she the one that was so incredibly hard to please?
She had not seemed like such a chore to deal with. Though, now that he knew her to be Faeldor’s family, he certainly did not disagree with the loveliness observation. She was quite stunning. He kept his mouth closed, though, for at the moment he could find no words. Quite unusual for the man, if he did say so himself. He could still not understand how she could be as horrendous as everyone said. She had seemed to be as bright as the sun the last he saw.
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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 Aug 18, 2009 19:24:24 GMT -5
Faeldor nodded approvingly to Calon. “You will enjoy your time, I am certain. It is better than wandering about the stables on an eve like tonight. You may muck stalls again in the morning, when you are not dressed so fair.” The Stable Master smiled, though he did not wish to be thinking about horses or stalls, or even mucking at the moment. He was certain that the ladies would be finished soon.
And it seemed just as he thought it, the door opened and out came his sister, smiling widely. “Oh my Faeldor, here is your lovely one,” Beleth said, stepping out of the way as Gilwen came out.
Was she ever stunning! Faeldor was quite taken the moment he had seen her. “You are elegant, Starlight,” he said, stepping toward the woman to admire her loveliness. The fabric fell smooth and sublime over her skin, and she was all but glowing. The Stable Master reached for her hand. Faeldor’s let his opposite hand go to the woman’s waist, fingering the fabric lightly for a moment. You are beautiful as is in your serving dress… but this. You are… ravishing.”
The man was muttering low, and he moved closer to brush his lips against her cheek while he whispered in her ear, a small grin upon his face, “I will certainly deserve to lose my hands tonight.” He smoothed the fabric along her hip, and let his palm slowly slide across the woman’s stomach. With no regard for his sister or his stablehand, the Stable Master drew the woman near him and kissed her lovingly, drawing it out for a few long moments. She would likely be embarrassed; but Faeldor would have likely done it in front of a crowd of people if it had not been here. Such were his passions and adorations. Narbeleth and Calon were harmless to create rumors of them.
He eventually recalled that the others were standing there near them, and he looked up, drawing only a small distance away from Gilwen. “I suppose… we should be off…” he started, not sure of what to say. He had just given them both quite a show. They certainly deserved some words now. The man took a deep breath, composing himself. “I have found you an escort for the eve, sister dearest.” He motioned to Calon. Still, he was quite distracted and looking back to Gilwen shortly, not doing a proper job of introducing the two.
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Narbeleth
Man
Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Aug 18, 2009 19:49:12 GMT -5
Narbeleth had led the way out of the ‘changing room’, and stood smiling in the hall as she watched her brother greet Gilwen. Oh, they did make a good match. Gilwen was quite petite, it was true, but she and Faeldor standing together were indeed handsome.
The young woman did not notice the man dressed in the fine blue velveteen tunic yet. She was quite busy watching her brother’s excited reaction to seeing Gilwen. She covered her mouth and laughed lightly when he moved to kiss Gilwen, and felt that she was being quite intrusive of their moment. Beleth was young afterall, and had not been witness to such a show of affection by anyone in her family, save for slight memories of her youth, when her father would come back from long trips to Belfalas. She bit her lip amusedly and diverted her attention.
That was when she saw him; the Hen Herder. She caught his eye, and raised an eyebrow at him, wondering what he was doing here standing in the hallway while her brother was kissing his lover with no regard for either of them. He was a rather handsome man, and was dressed quite nicely, she noticed. He must be attending the ball as well.
“I have found you an escort for the eve, sister dearest,” Faeldor was suddenly speaking to her again, and she turned to look. He had pulled away from Gilwen slightly, but just barely .
“Thank you, Fael, I am certainly appreciative of it,” she smiled sweetly at her brother. How did Faeldor know Hen Herder? And where had he found him? She looked back to Faeldor, but her brother was once again gazing at Gilwen. Thank the Valar he had found someone else to entertain for, for though she adored Gilwen, Narbeleth was not certain she could handle such an evening of being forgotten on the side, which is what surely would have happened. Narbeleth waited no longer for an introduction, for Faeldor seemed quite distracted.
“Well, Hen Herder, we meet again,” Beleth said sweetly, her grey eyes glinting at the man as she stepped toward him. “But I don’t see any loose chickens at the moment. And neither of us are dressed for chicken chasing at any rate. But I am honored to be escorted by a huntsman as fine as yourself.”
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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 Aug 18, 2009 20:03:45 GMT -5
Immediately Faeldor noticed their entrance, and Gilwen’s cheeks seemed to glow with pinkness. It was not from embarrassment, though, but from excitement. It was time for her first attendance to a ball! All others she had watched from the side, between replenishing wine and food. And to make it better! Faeldor was going to be with her for the entire night! And her father would be none the wiser.
He came to her quickly, his grey eyes shining in adoration and surprise. Her hand was swept up, even in front of Beleth and the other gentleman, though what caused her to blush was the way he touched her waist in front of them. “You are beautiful as is in your serving dress… but this. You are… ravishing.” Her heart fluttered, and her cheeks darkened in their color. Such words would have undone any lady, certainly. Gilwen, though, was more timid and shy than most, and as such reacted a bit more noticeably. Indeed, she had to catch her breath, for he leaned in to brush her cheek in a kiss, before muttering words that stilled her altogether. “I will certainly deserve to lose my hands tonight.” She could hear the boyish grin in his inflection, and the woman gasped slightly as she felt his hand prove such words true. Was her Faeldor mad? There were two people standing right there! Oh, her father would have hacked him to bits for such a brazen show of affections. Blessed Eru that he was not there!
But what undid her the most was when his lips caught hers. Immediately her head swirled for her rampant heart and short breath. Her cheeks were hot with embarrassment. Oh, she was quite sure Beleth would be smiling. But the man. Who was he? For a moment, the woman grew faint and had to catch herself by tightly gripping the Stable Master’s arms. He would have certainly felt such a wave of weakness on her part, though she truly had nothing to fear; he would have caught her should she have fallen completely.
It seemed once he had broken away her cheeks blazed all the more, for even Faeldor seemed a bit embarrassed. Or, perhaps Gilwen was reading into what she had desired from him. “I suppose… we should be off…” Yes, it was a fine idea. Especially since Gilwen could use the mask of night to hide her blush. Oh, how much he had shaken her just then! Her hands did begin to tremble as she cast her eyes to the ground. However timid she felt!
She did not even hear of Faeldor’s plan to gift Beleth to another escort. She was far too preoccupied with trying to regain herself. By the Valar, she did not wish to face anyone in such a state! He was gazing at her, though she could hardly bring herself to return such attentions. Was this how it was to be all evening? Her father would have reason to fetch his sword if such things continued! She raised her eyes to his anyway, despite herself. She did love them so. It was clear within them was a mix of adoration, love and longing; though her eyes might have displayed the same.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” She asked ever so softly. “It seems unfair to torture yourself on your birthday.” For indeed the longing in Faeldor’s eyes was most apparent to the little woman, and even if it had not been, his touches had well spoken of it themselves. He did hold to propriety, and would certainly not do anything to dishonor her. Still, there was bound to be wine at the ball. How, then, would he handle this entire situation?
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Calon
Man
Stablehand
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Posts: 145
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Post by Calon on Aug 18, 2009 20:20:19 GMT -5
Calon had been distracted from the beautiful woman by the movement of maroon toward the two women. Faeldor had undoubtedly gone to claim his lady, though the way Calon had imagined him doing so was quite different from how it played out. He had thought, perhaps, that Faeldor might offer a comment to her loveliness and take her hand and be gone, after introducing his sister and himself. Such was a strong claim, and was not overly romantic. Indeed, Faeldor had never seemed the type. Still, he had watched with wide eyes and a raised brow as his Master’s hands did touch the lady in a rather possessive manner, and their lips locked.
The lady did seem a bit nervous over such a display, for she had blushed crimson and downcast her eyes. Calon did not even attempt to hide the look of surprise on his face, though quickly came to his senses as Faeldor turned to him and offered his sister a quick sentence regarding her escort. Indeed, for such a small little lady, she had a large hold on him, and his attentions turned back to Gilwen without another word. And Faeldor had never struck Calon as the type! He was slightly amused by such a thing. Though, even the best of men could fall into a woman’s wiles and charm. At least they seemed well suited for one another.
“Well, Hen Herder, we meet again.”
His ocean eyes darted back to the other remaining female and he offered a rather characteristic smile. “It does appear so, my lady.” He said lightly as she took a step toward him. He did not move though, and instead laughed rather cheerily at her words and thrust himself from the wall to stand slightly. “Well, then. I do believe this meeting shall not be every bit as exciting. You see, Fair Lady of the Hen, I do quite live for my work.” He was examining her once more.
How could this sister be the one that everybody thought was so cruel and griping? Certainly she did not seem that way to him. And he could hardly imagine a lovelier sister for the Stable Master. Calon, even as rugged and manly as he was, did have a few flaws. And one was that sometimes he spoke without thinking. Though, in truth, it made him undeniably male. “You do not seem a witch.” He mused aloud, though quickly realized what he had said and gave her both a subdued look of horror, and shot a wary glance to Faeldor to see if he had heard. He did not wish to be struck this night. Not by his supervisor, leastways.
“I am terribly sorry,” he offered after. “My name is Calon. Though I must say, Hen Herder is quite fine, too.” He offered a boyish grin. In some ways, the curly-haired man was still a boy. He did enjoy a good joke, and a bit of fun. Hen Herder did not seem too terribly manly, but at least the woman had equated it with hunting skills.
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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 Aug 18, 2009 21:06:20 GMT -5
Gilwen barely said anything; though the way she fell against him pleased the man. She did enjoy being kissed, afterall, she had told him so more than once. She seemed to read into his eyes though, and know quite well what he was thinking. Ah, Gilwen knew very well. “It seems unfair to torture yourself on your birthday.”
Faeldor smiled at her comment. “Torture? Well to touch you is barely torture. Do not fret, I can contain myself,” the man laughed slightly to himself, though his hands momentarily drew back around her waist. “It is just… the cloth is so smooth…” he muttered to his lady. “I enjoy the feel of it.” He let his hands fall down again at her waist, and slide across the fabric. He knew the lady enjoyed it, and he would not have done it if she hadn’t.
“It should only be torture if we were to choose to stay back from the ball and go somewhere alone. This silk dress is much too slippery for you to wear if you are alone with me. If we were not careful… well, it could just slide off. And then where would we be? Because I am wearing silk as well. My hands would certainly be gone for good.” Faeldor laughed slightly. The man was truly jesting with her; for if he had contained himself on the mountainside, he could likely contain himself anywhere. Of course he could control himself; when he thought it necessary.
“But… if we are simply dancing in a room full of people, I daresay this cloth would not be as dangerous. That is why we must be off to the ball now,” he said, whisking her hand to his lips, before glancing once more at his sister and Calon. They seemed to be having pleasant conversation; though he had heard none of it, but both were smiling. At that, the Stable Master drew his beauty with him out into the evening.
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Narbeleth
Man
Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Aug 18, 2009 21:18:53 GMT -5
“If you live for your work, then you are in the wrong place, dear,” Beleth corrected the man. “This is a stable; not a hen coop. Though there are a couple of birds standing right over there,” she raised an eyebrow and tilted her head in the direction of Faeldor and Gilwen. “I am certainly glad to have an escort, for I might feel rather ignored with them.”
Then he said something entirely odd. ”You do not seem a witch.” It was obviously a slip of the tongue, for his face was quite shocked as he said it. Narbeleth was slightly amused as she saw him immediately look to Faeldor. “He is otherwise occupied,” she commented. “I do not think you need to worry.” She just stared at Calon for a moment, wondering what her response should be. A witch! How odd indeed!
He offered a quick apology, and then introduced himself. “Calon… it is good to know your name. I should like to have a variety of names to call you by, and Hen Herder would not be appropriate for a ball in the palace,” she agreed. “My name is Beleth. Or… Narbeleth. Most call me Beleth though; but you may call me what you please,” she smiled, then narrowed her eyes slightly at the man. “As long as it is not ‘Witch’. Come now, Cal," She spoke smoothly, eyeing the man to see his reaction for her choice of name for him. "Why did I deserve such a title as 'Witch'?” she questioned in jest; a faux expression of hurt fluttering upon her face, shortly returning to her smile.
Oh what a lovely evening it would be! “And what brings you to know my brother? I suppose he has the right to arrange my escorts for me, though I will admit that I am quite surprised to have one, and I am also surprised to see you again. Pleasantly surprised though, you must know. I was disappointed when I returned home with my hen last time, and did not know the name of the man that secured my Grandfather’s pie for him.” Beleth chattered away, glancing at her brother as he left her without another word.
“Perhaps we should let them have a start ahead of us,” the woman suggested with, motioning to the others. To Beleth, it seemed the best route to follow. Give the others a bit of space, yes.
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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 Aug 18, 2009 21:34:00 GMT -5
She should have kept her pretty mouth closed. Gilwen was growing more aware of this as Faeldor began his answering. For immediately, he felt the need to lay hands on her again. Oh, and she had certainly seen the other man’s face! Faeldor must have trusted the man, though, for indeed he had been the one to kiss her, however bold it seemed. The man’s grin once again crossed his handsome face, and it was clear that her observation was quite accurate, for it had amused him.
“Torture? Well to touch you is barely torture. Do not fret, I can contain myself.”
No, it was not the touching that was torture. For either of them. It was stopping themselves that would become torturous. Gilwen’s cheeks seemed to be permanently painted a rose color as his hands continued to slide over her. She was somewhat pleased that he was such a tall and broad man, for she thought that such a thing could hide what he was doing to her well enough. Or was it her smallness she was suddenly thankful for? It hardly mattered. What did matter was that at least something was keeping her from being completely revealed. Heavens, he was being so bold! Right in the center of the stables!
He began to speak again, and Gilwen’s cheeks certainly flared a greater red than previous. “This silk dress is much too slippery for you to wear if you are alone with me. If we were not careful… well, it could just slide off.” She gasped lightly and gripped his own silken tunic in a way to keep herself upright. He was being so forward! Her brown eyes stared pointedly at his chest, though such seemed to only undo her further for his next comment about his own clothing. Yes, it most certainly was silk. Her fingertips and eyes knew it.
But what set her over the edge was next jest. “My hands would certainly be gone for good.” The thoughts that flashed through Gilwen’s mind were hardly fit for propriety. “Faeldor,” she hissed embarrassedly as her cheeks filled with color once more. “Let us keep your hands where they are tonight.” Gilwen murmured hastily.
He seemed to not wish to torture himself further, either, or at least seemed to desire to keep his strong hands upon his wrists, for he quickly grabbed her own hand and brought it to his lips once more and announced that they should head to the ball to keep from risking anything. Gilwen wholeheartedly agreed and allowed the man to whisk her away, though shot a look back to Beleth. It did feel strange not to be with her; she had not thanked her properly, either. She looked up at Faeldor again though. She wondered, for a moment, how many balls he had been to. Indeed it was her first, and Beleth’s. Had he always come with an escort? For a moment her mind stayed on that. How many other women had entered the ball upon his arm? She knew she had worked them, though she could not rightly recall seeing him with anyone. Or, seeing him period. There were always so many guests!
Silently she decided it didn’t matter. None would have been taken to avoid serious romantic interactions like she had been. And that, it seemed, was all that mattered to the quiet little lady. However horrible it made her blush.
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