Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 7, 2009 18:24:45 GMT -5
Tonight had been a night of many firsts for young Calon. His first Midsummer Eve Ball, his first time having a woman upon his arm, his first time being whisked to the dance floor against his better judgment and now. Now it was his first time stealing away from the music and crowd of the Great Hall. And what was more, Beleth was the one who had suggested it. It was also his first time following a lady in an adventure. Most of the time, they did not have the spirit.
The night air was cool, what with the breeze that seemed to overtake the city. And such a contrast to the stuffy warmth of the Great Hall! Hunting was ever so much better than balls. Too many people in one place was never a good idea. He had already witnessed some of Durion’s treachery, and many a person had offended another by proximity alone. The free night air was liberating, and the young man took a deep breath to enjoy and savor it.
He flashed his blue eyes to the sprightly woman beside him and smiled. “Bel, I do believe you have made my evening. I could never be thankful enough for taking me out of there.” In truth, it wasn’t entirely horrible. Beleth had kept him quite entertained, and for the few moments he had interacted with the others he had been satisfied as well. But such formal settings seemed to smother his free spirit. But Bel had seen it. Or had known the feeling herself. And now, they were out of the stone halls.
His playfulness had only been charged by laughter and bright smiles on account of himself and Beleth, not to mention the few glasses of wine he had partook of. “So now what is it you wish to do?” He asked ever so brightly. “We have had our fill of the ball, surely. Time for an adventure of a different sort,” he hummed aloud, beginning off in a walk toward the other side of the palace. He expected, of course, that Beleth would eagerly follow. They had like minds and hearts—she was as excited for adventure as he. And Calon was not about to disappoint on an account of the sorts. “I have a place in mind that is dangerous, forbidden—or, mostly so—and loads of good fun.” He stopped and turned on his heels to look down at the lovely young lady, and crossed his arms and smiled adventurously. “Does the Lady dare to try?”
He certainly felt like a little boy, and his grin showed it. Despite all of this, though, he knew it would not be ill-received. Beleth had only known him for a short amount of time, but he would be lying to himself if he claimed that they did not act as if they were old friends. Something within him had been drawn to her. He was quite sure she would consent to his bit of mystery, though staid still to listen for a reply. After all, the Beacon Tower was technically off limits. Had Beleth the nerve to break the law? It was a silly law—nothing of any harm could come by them venturing to see the view.
A climb, danger, mystery. My, Calon had quite outdone himself for a first evening with the Lady.
All she had to do was say yes.
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Narbeleth
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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 Sept 7, 2009 20:02:15 GMT -5
Beleth was laughing out loud as they left the warm hall. The air felt cool and crisp on her skin, and she almost shivered at the change! It was not cold by all means, but the feel of the soft silk brushing against her skin was almost overwhelming. She could only stand still for some moments, before she skirted about beyond Calon to look over the courtyard, and then moved back to the young man. She took his arm once more, simply for the fact that his much talked about velveteen tunic was retaining the warmth of the hall in a way that her dress did not. The man approved of their leaving; that was certain. He was bright and laughing as well
“I could see that you were getting rather restive in there. It was only well that we step out early. Aside, I adore dancing, and dressing up, but that was so formal! And the Steward’s watching eyes the whole time… I would rather dance and sing in the gardens, or even out on the Pelennor! Not among all those people. Frilly. You were correct in the beginning. Quite frilly.” She released the man and then moved along by him as he began to walk, adjusting the fabric that blew against her legs.
“Does the Lady dare to try?”
“A forbidden danger? Oh, you do tempt me, Cal,” she humored, knowing very well already that she would go with him. She had known the man just a few hours! Now, to go off into the darkness, with a man she barely knew, after having perhaps a drink too many. Well. Her brother would have told her ‘no’.
“Yes. By all means.” She grinned, thinking that sometimes Faeldor was a bit too protective anyhow. If he could have fun, so could she. Besides, Calon was too much of a laugh to abandon so early into the night! In fact, she wished to spend more time with him, and though he had humored her for some dances, she thought that in leaving the ball they might find something that could excite him more.
“Where are we going?” She followed quickly along after him, almost skipping in her dancing shoes as they went. Wherever it was sounded like fun indeed. If Calon thought it fun, young Narbeleth certainly would as well. It seemed that they had much in common by ways of fun. Most of their comments and actions at the ball seemed to coincide with one another.
She had taken three glasses of wine tonight; mostly for the sake of playing along with the man, though she had enjoyed each of them. He had taken a few more, but seemed quite well still. And though she was being perhaps a bit bolder than usual, she did not notice, for her speech was quite the same, and her dance and steps were still light.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 7, 2009 20:19:57 GMT -5
“And the Steward’s watching eyes the whole time… I would rather dance and sing in the gardens, or even out on the Pelennor! Not among all those people. Frilly. You were correct in the beginning. Quite frilly.”
It was true. For the whole of it the Steward had sat upon his seat and eyed the crowd. Calon was unsure as to what had been going through the man’s mind, though certainly many thoughts had taken him. He had barely spoken to any, including his own sons, and had looked enviously upon every dancing couple. That, Calon finally figured, was understandable. He was rather lonely now; but to not find any joy in such a gathering! How sad to be the host and unable to leave. At least he and Bel had managed to sneak away unscathed. “Yes. Though many a person did enjoy their frills tonight.” Calon couldn’t understand why.
For a while he had enjoyed himself fine. Though it was not the manner of the evening but the company that had made it so. But he smiled down at her once more. “Though now that we have escaped,” quite a laughing tone he used, too. “We are sure to enjoy a frill-less evening.”
Or, at least if she consented to go with him. For a moment it seemed her lovely and ghostly grey eyes thought it over, and Calon’s heart for a moment froze thinking she was going to say no. Much to his enjoyment this was not the case and his beaming smile had given away that he was quite pleased by her offer of trust.
“Where are we going?”
“Bel, you shall have to be patient and see!” He, of course, understood that patience was hard to come by in such instances. Still, it did not stop his gleeful step in whisking her away.
He flicked his eyes over to her for a moment to be sure she was still following well. She had outdone her limit for wine—or the limit imposed by her brother. While she had behaved well and sound all evening, a part of him still wanted to make sure that she was still functioning well. Oh, but her steps looked as if she were dancing! Quite a graceful lady, for certain. He led her around a corner, and continued to walk. It would not take terribly long to reach the beacon tower. “I must ask,” he grinned mischievously, “that you don’t tell Faeldor. I am certain that I could lose my position for this.” His words were chosen to spark more curiosity from her, and the man clamped his tongue for the remainder of the trek.
Shortly they were at the foot of a large stone wall. Though, it was not a wall at all, but the beacon tower. “Here we are, Bel!” He exclaimed. Rounding one of the sides to find the ladder that led up to the top. “I am quite certain the guards are not there on an eve such as this,” he grinned boyishly. He hung from the rungs of the rope ladder boyishly, letting it hold his weight for a while.
“Ladies first,” he said with a courtly bow and sparkling eyes.
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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 Sept 7, 2009 21:17:57 GMT -5
“And the Steward’s watching eyes the whole time… I would rather dance and sing in the gardens, or even out on the Pelennor! Not among all those people. Frilly. You were correct in the beginning. Quite frilly.”
It was true. For the whole of it the Steward had sat upon his seat and eyed the crowd. Calon was unsure as to what had been going through the man’s mind, though certainly many thoughts had taken him. He had barely spoken to any, including his own sons, and had looked enviously upon every dancing couple. That, Calon finally figured, was understandable. He was rather lonely now; but to not find any joy in such a gathering! How sad to be the host and unable to leave. At least he and Bel had managed to sneak away unscathed. “Yes. Though many a person did enjoy their frills tonight.” Calon couldn’t understand why.
For a while he had enjoyed himself fine. Though it was not the manner of the evening but the company that had made it so. But he smiled down at her once more. “Though now that we have escaped,” quite a laughing tone he used, too. “We are sure to enjoy a frill-less evening.”
Or, at least if she consented to go with him. For a moment it seemed her lovely and ghostly grey eyes thought it over, and Calon’s heart for a moment froze thinking she was going to say no. Much to his enjoyment this was not the case and his beaming smile had given away that he was quite pleased by her offer of trust.
“Where are we going?”
“Bel, you shall have to be patient and see!” He, of course, understood that patience was hard to come by in such instances. Still, it did not stop his gleeful step in whisking her away.
He flicked his eyes over to her for a moment to be sure she was still following well. She had outdone her limit for wine—or the limit imposed by her brother. While she had behaved well and sound all evening, a part of him still wanted to make sure that she was still functioning well. Oh, but her steps looked as if she were dancing! Quite a graceful lady, for certain. He led her around a corner, and continued to walk. It would not take terribly long to reach the beacon tower. “I must ask,” he grinned mischievously, “that you don’t tell Faeldor. I am certain that I could lose my position for this.” His words were chosen to spark more curiosity from her, and the man clamped his tongue for the remainder of the trek.
Shortly they were at the foot of a large stone wall. Though, it was not a wall at all, but the beacon tower. “Here we are, Bel!” He exclaimed. Rounding one of the sides to find the ladder that led up to the top. “I am quite certain the guards are not there on an eve such as this,” he grinned boyishly. He hung from the rungs of the rope ladder boyishly, letting it hold his weight for a while.
“Ladies first,” he said with a courtly bow and sparkling eyes. To be patient! It was one thing that Narbeleth had difficulty in. And when she was already quite excited, it was even worse! She followed along after Calon obediently though; no trouble in her step. She even reigned in her talking and laughter for the time being; enjoying the stillness of the street after the loud gaiety of the ball.
And then they stopped, and Beleth looked up. My, but it was a vast height. She grinned, her eyes sparkling at the man. What a pleasant idea for adventure! Was he testing her? Well, if he was, she would have no difficulty meeting the challenge. She had spent her childhood scaling the cliffs of Belfalas by the sea. She likely could have found a way up the wall even without the ladder.
“Ladies first.” He bowed to her. “How charming, you are,” Beleth smiled, reaching for the rope ladder. It was quite rough and sturdy. Calon seemed to have tested it well enough for her approval. The young woman grinned at the challenge of going ahead, yet saw one small difficulty.
The wind was still blowing cool and refreshing, and likewise her lovely dancing dress was wrapping about her legs in a manner that should make climbing difficult. She considered for a moment how she might tuck it up to stop it, but then grinned at Calon, recalling their earlier conversation. “Do you mind?” she asked briefly, though did not specify exactly what she was asking the man, nor did she wait. Instead she reached for the ties at the back of her green gown, loosening them.
Oh, of course the woman was a slight bit embarrassed to be doing such, but she did get a bit of a thrill out of it. It was only moments before her dress hit the ground, and she stepped out of it, gathering it up in her arms. The slip she wore was certainly one made with movement and dancing in mind, for it was shorter and fell just below her knees. The sleeves were just thin straps that left her shoulders bare, and the white silk embraced her form quite nicely. Thankfully it was dim, with only moonlight, and a few lanterns to guide their way, otherwise Beleth would have been quite translucent in a brighter lighting. “I should not mention the beacon tower to Faeldor, if you should not mention that I had more than my limit of wine, and then stood on the street with you like this,” she laughed lightly, shaking her head and bundled up her dress, looking for a dark corner to place it in until her return.
Oh, Faeldor would be so upset at her if she knew. It was no trouble for her though. She was a strong woman and could hold her own, and Calon had given her no reason not to trust him. He was a fine man
Beleth stood in front of the young man, smiling a bit girlishly, but still quite calm and joyful. She looked at him pointedly, then reached to place a soft hand on each of his arms. “Now, Cal. I know you are a man, and wish to send me up ahead of you, that you might play the proper part and catch me if I fall. But…” She raised an eyebrow at him. “You must not look up my skirt.”
With that, she spun around and reached again for the ropes, beginning the ascent.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 7, 2009 21:38:15 GMT -5
Well her face had lit up at the sight of the wall! Confidently and proudly Calon smiled and crossed his arms. “Then it is to your liking?” She did not respond, though, for something seemed to have caught her interest elsewhere. Her skirt she did look to. Calon laughed slightly to himself. Had she taken enough wine as to be entranced by her own fabrics? Perhaps this was too dangerous of an undertaking for someone who had had that much wine and was unaccustomed to it.
“Do you mind?”
Mind what? He looked confused for a moment, and was about to inquire when she began to play with the back of her dress. Calon’s face paled outright, and instantly his blue eyes scanned the area to make sure none others were within sight. Well, he had heard of her clothes-shedding problem. But he had not expected to see it quite yet. Still, he could tell it would be no use to stop her.
Despite the fact he knew he shouldn’t, he did look at her for a moment in her undergarments—quite becoming, truly. Her lithe shape looked stunning, though it was quite short and very sleeveless. He seemed to regain himself well enough and look back to her face as she began to speak. “I should not mention the beacon tower to Faeldor, if you should not mention that I had more than my limit of wine, and then stood on the street with you like this.” By the Valar! If Faeldor knew what happened just now! Calon shoved the thought from his mind. There was far too much blood in that vision. Instead he listened to Beleth’s laughter and began to smile in return.
“Well, Bel, I assure you he shan’t hear about it from me. I rather enjoy life.” She had ventured off to place her dress in a bundle somewhere dark. Probably for the best—a stray dress might attract attention.
He looked away, propriety telling him not to look upon Beleth fully until she was fully clothed again. Yet, she came and touched his arm warmly, and he looked over to her once more. “You must not look up my skirt.” Calon smiled, blue eyes laughing a bit. It seemed that perhaps the wine had affected her more than she believed. “You have my word.” He replied, raising a hand as if in oath. “I shall refrain from looking up your skirt, however much of a man I am.” He laughed through the last part, and his easy spirit released quite a few qualms as she turned to begin to ascend. He waited a bit, and then began to follow.
“I do hope you are steady enough.” Calon chimed. “For while it is manly to follow behind a lady to catch her should she slip—I do not see how it could be done.” His eyes did not look up, though, and stared at the stone wall before him quite intently. He laughed a bit, though quieted himself. He did not wish to draw attention to them climbing the tower. However dreadful that would be! An evening ruined, and a brother informed of everything by guardsmen. Instead, he climbed in quiet. Once they reached the top, though, they could speak again. Voices wouldn’t carry too terribly far once away from the stone wall.
He climbed in and sighed in content. “I must say, Bel. I have never met a woman so eager to scale a ladder.” The thought pleased him greatly. He smiled and turned to look over the city. You could see everything, certainly. The gentle glow of lights from the Great Hall, the stars, the moon, the houses and buildings all the way out to the Pelennor. Breathtaking. Though, as a man, he would never let himself speak on such a thing. “I am impressed by you.” Cal finally said, leaning casually upon the protective wall that kept a person from being too able to tumble to their death on the stone below.
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Narbeleth
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Midwife
Laugh as much as you breath, and love as long as you live.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 143
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Post by Narbeleth on Sept 7, 2009 22:05:53 GMT -5
“Well, Bel, I assure you he shan’t hear about it from me. I rather enjoy life.” Narbeleth grinned slightly. “Indeed, if he found out, your life would be over. And mine might as well be too; he’d surely chain my bed and refuse to ever let me out in the sights of young and rowdy hen-herders again. It would be entirely distressing.”
“I shall refrain from looking up your skirt, however much of a man I am.” “Good,” she smiled brightly. “I knew I could trust you,” she said truthfully. She paid no further heed to the fact that she had revealed herself in her undergarments to her young escort. Perhaps she was far too trusting, but within her she seemed to sense that Calon would do nothing to harm nor compromise her.
The climb was quite simple, once the matter of the dress had been taken care of. Narbeleth had a great amount of strength in her arms. She was not a simple lady that enjoyed to sit inside knitting and sipping on tea; oh no, not this one. She was active, and her strength attested to it.
When they reached the top, Beleth pulled herself over the wall and moved to stand at a place where she might see the view. Her heart was racing at the thought that they had climbed up here. It was quite forbidden, and she had never even thought of doing such. “I did never presume that scaling the walls of the city would be quite as exciting as the cliffs of Belfalas; though I suppose I was quite wrong, Although, the ladder is not so challenging as the cliffs. You never need to search for hand and footholds,” she commented as the man came up over the ledge behind her now. “Of course, there is still the idea of falling, but only someone rather weak or foolish would be able to fall from such a sturdy ladder.”
She moved to stand near him, leaning against the wall in much the same manner that Calon was. He was impressed by her, was he? “Why?” she asked simply, her grey eyes sparkling up at the man as she waited for a response. In truth, she was quite impressed by the man. He was not taken aback by her behaviors, even throughout the whole evening. And once they had left the palace he still wished to have fun with her! She had not scared him away.
Narbeleth leaned over the wall to catch a glimpse of below. “Oh, I should hope that nobody finds my dress down there…” she mused aside, then leaned back, crossing her arms in front of her and rubbing her shoulders slightly. The wind did well to chill a person when they stood on a high tower in such an outfit.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 8, 2009 7:38:12 GMT -5
For the wine she had taken, the woman was well within safe ladder-climbing practices; this also pleased the man. While he did thrive off the unknown, adventure and even a bit of danger, he was quite certain that seeing such a fine lady fall from the ropes as a simple fact of having too much wine would dampen his spirits. “I did never presume that scaling the walls of the city would be quite as exciting as the cliffs of Belfalas; though I suppose I was quite wrong, Although, the ladder is not so challenging as the cliffs. You never need to search for hand and footholds.” Well, her wordy nature had took over immediately upon reaching the top. Calon was pleased—she had surely enjoyed the climb then. “It is true—a ladder does take the fun out of it. Or at least a little, anyway.” Calon nodded enthusiastically. He looked over to her though and asked, curiously. “Are you a woman who scaled cliffs often? Belfalas has some tricky ones,” he offered lightly. Would this woman cease to amaze him this night? It only remained to be seen. Though, the stablehand was certainly growing ever more awe-struck by some of the things this woman did. “My elder brother and I enjoyed scaling them, as well.”
They could likely get along well in all things. Their hearts were indeed the same.
“Why?”
Why was he impressed? Oh, Calon’s eyes glimmered mightily. “Why shouldn’t I be? You are positively everything I never thought a woman was. You are not plain, dull; you do not lock yourself up within the house and do nothing.” He shifted himself once more so that he was facing her, tough still leaning against the wall. “While I understand why many women do such things, and why many men find it fitting, it isn’t to my liking. I would much rather enjoy the company of a woman who will hunt with me, than sit and home and do laundry alone.”
Beleth looked over the side wall and remarked on how she hoped her dress would remain unfound. “As do I. It might spark a bit of suspicion—I doubt many attendants at the ball lose their dresses.” He laughed slightly at the very idea, though noticed that Beleth was crossing her arms. She was cold? Well, of course! Calon realized almost pathetically that she had rid herself of her warmest layer. Her studied her a moment and looked down at his own tunic. He had an undershirt on which would suit him just fine. Well, two could play at this game of clothes-losing.
He undid his belt, and quickly unclasped the blue velvet garment, slipping it off and extending it to her. “It is a bit too windy for someone dressed as you are,” he said brightly. “Just make sure I get it back.” He grinned, picking up his belt and holding it in his hand. It was much less frilly this way, as well. Oh! He was finally rid of the blasted tunic! How delightful!
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Narbeleth
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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 Sept 8, 2009 13:26:15 GMT -5
Calon had seemed entirely impressed at young Narbeleth’s climbing abilities. She had not feared the height. Why would she! It was hardly anything compared to the cliffs that they would climb to see the sun set in the west.
“My brother was not always as protective as he is now, that is certain. He and his friends would do their best to escape his annoying little sisters. Miriel and I only saw his actions as a challenge, and followed him anyway, much to his dismay. Though eventually he enjoyed it, for he always had companions. The last times we have been to Belfalas, Miriel has not been inclined to go. She has become much too… delicate for such a manner of acting. Fael still takes me though,” she smiled. “Perhaps it is why we are so close. Though he is nearly ten years older than I.”
All along Narbeleth’s line of words, she had been looking out over the city. The lights were quite impressive from this view, and she mused that she had wasted much in not venturing up her sooner! Though, she was often more sedate in the city than when she was in the country. Laws, social standing, and the fact that people were always watching and condemning made a great point of keeping her on level ground. Calon had encouraged her quite nicely though. It was as if he had put oil to her flame! She looked back to the man. “And you have an older brother as well? Is he still in Dol Amroth?” she asked, wondering. She studied the man for a moment, wondering at his own age. He couldn’t be much older than herself. His playful nature made him seem quite young, though his appearance was mature. It was difficult to estimate.
“Well, Cal, I am sure that you overestimate my abilities,” the woman said modestly. “I have never been hunting, nor as much touched a bow. And laundry at my home is a full day’s chore. If women did not contend to it, you men would smell like a pig’s sty. Though, I do not enjoy doing it… it is tiresome and dull. I will admit to you now that I take no pleasure in sewing, or weaving, or sitting inside while the sun is shining or the night is clear.” She may as well warn him now. Yet, she was pleased. Narbeleth had many friends, for she was a kind woman, and she cared immensely for all the people in her life. Yet, it was difficult to say if she had close companions outside of her family. She could never truly be herself around the other women, for they did not share the same interests, and men seemed to think her a bit wild. The few that had been drawn to her in most recent years by her lovely face had faded away when they came to know her well. She would not mold to fit their conformity. Even if she had tried, as she had at times, it was impossible. No, this daughter of Faelon had learned to be content with herself.
She watched the man as he undid his belt and began to take his tunic off, and for a moment Narbeleth became slightly wary of him, and felt her heart quicken slightly in a fear. They were very alone up here with no guards about. Was that why he had brought her up here? Her arms dropped and a fist clenched at the fabric of her slip as if to hold it against her. “It is a bit too windy for someone dressed as you are.” He handed the tunic over to her and his voice was bright, and then she realized his reasoning, and felt utterly ridiculous for judging Calon wrongly. He was simply being a gentleman. Beleth exhaled audibly, and took the velveteen garment, gratefully pulling it over her shoulders. “Thank you,” she muttered, at ease once more.
“Dresses are not made for climbing, and slips are not made for standing in the open wind. Women’s garments are entirely useless to me,” she spoke, turning her eyes back to the city, and then oft to the mountains. Her face felt a tinge warm, and she was grateful for the sparse lighting. My, had Calon made her blush! It was not often that anyone could bring warmth to young Narbeleth’s cheeks. She composed herself and looked back at him though, wrapping the fabric tightly around her, and appreciating the warmth he had left in it. “Are you certain though, that you wish to take this home? I suppose your Grandmother should not be happy if you showed up without it, but was it not too frilly for your tastes?” she teased slightly. “I can’t imagine that you would pick this garment yourself. Though, whoever did select the color for you did well. You are right handsome, though you do look more manly without it.” Beleth laughed to herself, though had to turn away once more to hide it from him. Her voice was light though as she moved.
Beleth turned to look upward at the flame that hung high over the large stack of wood, and she began to walk around the tower to see the view from the other side. “Though perhaps someday a dress tunic made of leather should suit you better.” She mused on the fact that even after dancing, she could not stop moving; nor talking, it seemed. Calon had set her ablaze with energy, that was certain. It thrilled her.
As she looked over the edge of the wall once more, she leaned across it, looking down the ledge to the lovely drop below. She lifted her feet off the steady ground as she went; though Narbeleth had no fear. She was a dancer; and inclined to sublime balance. “I had not expected to go rope climbing today, of all things to do after a ball,” she commented, as curls of her hair fell down past her face. “And indeed not with my fine huntsman.” Her voice was quite larkish as she dropped back to her feet. “I suppose you come up here quite often to screen the city for stray chickens, hm?” she asked, walking back toward the man. Her grin was impish.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 8, 2009 17:23:06 GMT -5
“Perhaps it is why we are so close. Though he is nearly ten years older than I.”
This was interesting indeed. Such a gap there was in age! Though, as Calon was already aware by his time spent amongst the stablehands and lads, Faeldor’s family was spread far and wide in their ages. The youngest, so he had been told, was well young enough to be Faeldor’s own daughter. Such an interesting set up of family, in Calon’s humble opinion. Everyone in his own was quite close in age—even his cousins were no more than five years his minor. As he was pondering the thought, the woman inquired as to his own brother.
“Yes, I have one of my own.” Calon said smiling slightly. “Though, he is not nearly as protective as yours. Remlas is two and twenty, two years older than myself. He still resides in Dol Amroth—he mellowed in his age.” He laughed slightly at the very idea. They had been quite a pair as youngsters, though blacksmithing was heavy in labor and took much dedication. Remlas was unable to do the things he had done once, and the brothers had sadly grown a bit distant. It was not often they could hunt together anymore.
“He is helping my father with his smithy—though he has expressed great desire to come aide grandfather. Perhaps you will meet him soon.” His very face lit up at the idea that his brother might soon be in Minas Tirith. Adventures were not the same without him! Though, if he took time off, it would not be nearly enough adventuring for Calon’s own tastes.
“Dresses are not made for climbing, and slips are not made for standing in the open wind. Women’s garments are entirely useless to me.” Was that relief in her eyes? Had he made this lady nervous? Calon raised an eyebrow tentatively at her as she took his tunic and adorned it. “Yes, climbing in a dress does seem dreadful.” He managed to say, still with the light air he had held all evening. Perhaps he would have to be a bit more careful. Oh well, no harm had come by it truly. He was still quite clothed, and now Beleth was more so as well. One should never leave a lady cold. She inquired as to why he would desire his own tunic back and the man laughed heartily. “My grandmother would not be pleased at all. She would very well think that I had done something terrible. She actually made me promise to take better care of it—last time I wore it the clasps were smashed and trodden on by my mount.” He motioned to the new silver ones. “I had to order those at the jeweler for tonight.”
“You are right handsome, though you do look more manly without it.”
Had our dear huntsman been struck speechless? For a moment he simply looked at her, though his eyes still twinkled excitedly and his face did not let loose his smile. “I thank you,” Calon replied evenly. “My grandmother is the one who picked it. Though she was with my mother at home in Belfalas.” The tunic had been with him a while. He fell silent a moment and grinned a bit, “Though she did not have the eye that you did in choosing your own dress. Quite stunning,” the compliment was a bit heavy for such short acquaintance and for what she wore at the moment so he added in jest, “and not velveteen, either. Though, velvet does not look poor on you either.”
“Though perhaps someday a dress tunic made of leather should suit you better.”
Oh, Calon would love such a garment! Manly, and useful it would not be such a hassle to clean and care for—not like velvet. His grandmother always spent extra time with such a fabric. It was a bafflement as to why any would purchase such a thing in the first place! “I would like such a thing in my closet—it would befit me more than silk or velvet.” He laughed a little, crossing his arms in a relaxed fashion. He watched as Beleth continued to move about. It did seem she was unable to keep still! Calon was a bit full of energy himself, though was able to find a single position to hold. It was as if this young woman needed to dance to breathe. He was enjoying the thought certainly; she was very graceful.
“You do not sit still,” he commented kindly with a small laugh. “I do feel as if you are still dancing at the ball,” he tilted his head to the side and observed her movement some more. “Only hardly clad for such an event now.”
“I suppose you come up here quite often to screen the city for stray chickens, hm?”
No, it wasn’t how he had pictured his evening either. “Ladder climbing was not on my agenda for the evening either, though something a bit less exciting was. Hiding away in the stables,” he motioned to the candle-lit building below with a nod of his head. “I was going to simply sit with the horses—fine company, you see. And more rugged—the way I enjoy things.” He grinned. “But this is ever so much more exciting.” He paused and laughed. “As for the chickens? Yes. Oft I am summoned by the Steward himself to hold post here,” he motioned to the very tower, “and keep the birds at bay.”
He looked over the side of the wall once more. “Sometimes it is dreadful hard to spot them. You just need patience and a keen eye.” He grinned boyishly at his own jest and looked to Narbeleth once more.
“Someday, Bel, I should train you in the art of hen-herding. It is the most useful of skills.”
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Narbeleth
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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 Sept 8, 2009 20:57:04 GMT -5
Stunning? She raised an eyebrow at the man. Did he truly think her so? Or was he just jesting. Her own appearance did not rival that of her sister Miriel, and she had always thought herself quite plain. In fact, just a few years prior she had been teased quite rigorously for her scrawniness and lack of figure. She had never minded; or at least outwardly showed that she did, though at the same time she did nothing to warrant attention. And such were her thoughts.
“In speaking of my dress, do you mean this one?” Narbeleth laughed slightly, attempting to calm herself, motioning to the white garment beneath the well wrapped tunic. “Or the one which I left lying on the floor. I really should be more careful with my things; else wise they will turn up trodden on like your own. I do enjoy your tunic. Though it is frilly, it is much more sensible than a dress.”
“When I go riding… I often wear a tunic. And breeches. Or at least I used to. Faeldor says that I should not; that people will get the wrong impression of me, and Miriel got rid of my riding outfit. But a dress is so cumbersome atop a horse! Father always let me wear whatever I wished…” She did not ask Calon’s thoughts on the matter, though secretly hoped that he would give them, and she eyed him, waiting, though soon found herself looking over the edge of the tower once more, leaning on her toes, watching the hall this time. Few had left this early.
“You do not sit still.” Narbelth dropped to her feet. Was he scolding her? He looked cheerful still. “I know,” she answered shortly. “I just… cannot. You do not know how many times I was scolded as a child; but now everyone is used to it, and I do quite fine. Does my moving about bother you?” she smiled, walking toward the man once more. What had gotten into her! She was so drawn to him. When she was near enough to touch him, she stopped, and went back to the wall, pulling herself upon it, and taking a seat on the ledge. She smoothed her slip down once more. “There, I shall sit still for a moment if it will help. Come sit with me, Cal,” she asked happily.
“Someday, Bel, I should train you in the art of hen-herding. It is the most useful of skills.”
“Oh, I would not wish you to teach me such a thing. Then I would never need you, Cal. I would have all the skills necessary to live my life.” Her eyes were bright as she smiled at him. “And I should never be able to perfect my abilities as well as you have at any rate. The way you flipped that basket over the bird… I will never forget it in all my years.” She placed her hands over her heart, as if re-living the experience once more. Then she leaned quite dangerously. “They must be difficult to spot at night though. I suppose it is this time of day that you are off duty.” She eyed the street below as you talked.
“Look, there is my home,” she pointed downward toward the house of her mother. Even from this view, she could see that the lights were aglow inside. “Where is yours, Cal?” she asked brightly.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 8, 2009 21:27:01 GMT -5
“I most certainly meant the one you left lying on the floor. Though, you do well to make an under dress seem in fashion.” Calon grinned. Perhaps the statement was a bit bold, though so had been the countless other things he had said to Beleth that evening. It was all in good fun, certainly. He was not a heathen. “Though I would very well understand why one would not wish to wear one riding.” Sometimes Calon felt breeches and a tunic were too much. If he was hunting alone, or with his brother, it was oft that they would do so without shirts. Though, he was a man, and it was quite within propriety to do so alone.
“Well, your brother is simply trying to look out for you,” Calon said after Beleth mentioned his recent ban on tunics and breeches. “Though I would not mind such a choice in dress for a woman who rides. A tunic is safer upon a horse for certain. There is less fabric to be tangled in; I am surprised your brother would not will your safety.” He smiled easily and looked back to the lovely young lady and added offhandedly, “And it is not as if you would be completely without clothes. A tunic and breeches is far more covering than a dress anyway.” He fleetingly pictured the blithe woman in a jerkin and leggings and smiled slightly. What a sight it must be! She was ever so intriguing. Something within him just could not pass the fact.
She turned back and began to return to him, and that brought his blue eyes to sparkle more. Such lightness, she held! In her every step! “Does my moving about bother you?” He grinned and shook his head. “No, not at all. I rather like it,” he mused aloud. “It’s quite refreshing.” He admitted. It kept his eye busy, certainly. And she looked so graceful and lovely. Any man would be pleased to see her move and dance about as they spoke to her. Or any man of sound mind. Second thoughts, though, passed over his face as she moved to sit upon the wall. She had taken wine, and Calon moved a bit closer to be sure that she would not fall, though she seemed quite contented to simply sit and he began to relax. He grinned extravagantly at the very mention of her needing him.
For some reason the man could not explain it pleased him greatly.
Though, his thoughts flew away as she leaned so far back. It took but seconds for his hands to be firmly upon her two shoulders. It was not a crushing hold, but a firm one that came with years working with horses. His arms would not let the lady fall—no matter how much wine she had taken. “Easy now,” he said gently. She pointed to her own house from where she sat, his hands not leaving her arms; he followed her point and smiled. “A lovely house,” he observed. From here it seemed they had a vast garden.
“Mine?” He pondered the thought as his eyes flashed about. Oh, he needed to get this lady off the edge of the tower. Explaining death to her brother by ways of a third glass of wine—she had been forbidden to take by rule of the house—and by a forbidden excursion to the tower? Not on his list of priorities for the evening. So, He gently guided her away from the edge, lifting her ever so slightly to place her dancing feet upon the ground with an endearing smile. He also wheeled her around, to face over the tower wall and pointed, one hand still upon her shoulder, “There.” It was a little place tucked away on the fourth tier, barely visible for the angle, but it looked well enough, and the lights were still on. “Not nearly as large as your own—though I have heard my family is quite a bit smaller.” He grinned slightly. He did not wish to drop his hand from the lady—but he had to. And so, he slowly recoiled his touch but did not move away in proximity.
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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 Sept 8, 2009 22:40:33 GMT -5
“Easy now.” His hands had reached out to steady her. Beleth had not felt as if she were anywhere near falling, yet he must have sensed that she was in danger. She smiled to herself, and then looked at Calon, still grinning as he complimented her house. “Yes, it is quite lovely. You can even see the garden from here.” She leaned once more, and felt Calon tighten his grip on her, and he lifted her off the wall and back to her feet. Too dangerous for the man? Had she not told him that she had scaled the cliffs in Belfalas?
Either way, Narbeleth hardly minded; for he had shown his care in moving her, and his hands were warm and strong. Even as they stood facing the brink of the wall again, and he was speaking and pointing out his own home, his hand was still on her shoulder. Beleth had to force herself to focus and look to where he was pointing. A quaint little home, if her eyes were seeing the correct one.
“Yes, my family is rather large. There are six of us, and Mother, and my grandparents as well. It is just you then? And your grandparents. I can hardly imagine a family so small. I don’t know what I would do to amuse myself as often if it weren’t for taking care of the little ones. I suppose I’d be out at the stables more… or working.” As she was speaking she felt the man’s warm hand leave her shoulder. She wished he would have kept it there, though he had not moved away and it pleased her immensely.
“I—“ Oh, fluent Beleth was never at a loss for words, yet it seemed right now that Calon had taken them from her. Her heart was in her bright eyes as she looked up at the man; there was no hiding what he would see when he looked at her. The woman’s hand moved to hold onto Calon’s arm, as if she were using him for the balance that she already possessed. “Calm yourself,” she muttered, beneath her breath, though as she said it out loud her hand flew to her mouth and she laughed. She had been so anxious that she had spoken outloud the mere thoughts of her mind. “Oh, you must think that I am quite the foolish one,” she finally attested. She squeezed the man’s arm softly, and then released him, stepping away from his closeness, however comforting it had been to her.
“Cal, do you sing?” she asked the man, knowing full well that he would deem such a thing too frilly to be manly. “I adore music. I think I should like to sing up here, and it would be as if I were doing so for the whole city.” She marveled at the idea, grinning brightly, and now quite back to herself. “Now, my fine huntsman, I will sing for you a hunting song,” she announced, leaning back against the stone wall, her hands pressing against the coolness of the rock.
Singing was truly an expression of herself; her energy flowing in the form of sound, and though she did not sing loud enough for the city to hear, Narbeleth certainly sang loud enough for the huntsman. The song that she had started was quite rhythmic, and even as she felt that she wished to dance.
“Comes the deer to my singing, Comes the deer to my song, Comes the deer to my singing.
Shee, the blackbird, she am I, Bird beloved of the wild deer. Comes the deer to my singing.
From the Mountain Black, From the summit, Down the trail, coming, coming now, Comes the deer to my singing.”
Narbeleth’s feet had stayed quite in their place, though her eyes danced, but soon she could not contain herself. It felt revealing to dance before the man in such a state, though she did not, and instead she approached him once more and took his hand. “Dance with me,” she smiled, pausing her voice for a moment. “We will dance on top of the White City,” she added with excitement, before taking a breath and letting her voice rise up once more, singing faster as they began to move.
“Through the blossoms, Through the flowers, coming, coming now, Comes the deer to my singing.
Through the flower dew-drops, Coming, coming now, Comes the deer to my singing.
Through the pollen, flower pollen, Coming, coming now, Comes the deer to my singing.
Starting with his left fore-foot, Stamping, turns the frightened deer, Comes the deer to my singing.
Quarry mine, blessed am I In the luck of the chase. Comes the deer to my singing.
Comes the deer to my singing, Comes the deer to my song, Comes the deer to my singing.”
Beleth stopped moving as the song ended, but still held onto Calon with one hand, while covering her stomach with the other, and lighting into burst of laughter. She was enjoying herself greatly. She was enjoying her huntsman greatly.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 9, 2009 8:49:58 GMT -5
“Yes, it is just me and my grandparents for now.” Calon nodded. “I am sure Grandfather will not be able to keep his smithy running too much longer, though. So Remlas will come shortly, I am certain.” Oh, it would be nice to see his brother again. It had been some months; and neither of them had written to one another. Calon imagined that they were both too busy for such things.
Calon laughed slightly. “Well, I will say when you don’t have such a large family it is easier to do things that please yourself.” It was quite innocent, truly. Calon was not a selfish man in the least. Still, he did not have any little ones to care for, and in truth he didn’t hold a terribly demanding job. Perhaps he could take a role with a bit more responsibility, but he would not have near the same amount of time for recreation and relaxing. And that was important to the curly-haired man.
She looked down upon her, and as he did so, she caught her eyes. Glimmering like stars, they were; the grey of them was full of warmth and care. She seemed at a loss for words, and for a moment, Calon was as well. It was unusual for the man to have a still tongue, though if anything could have done it, it would have been her. His heart hammered for a moment, though he outwardly seemed very calm. Such a lovely young lady! Inside and out.
She seemed to catch herself, though, and quietly reprimanded herself. This made him smile, for he found something of it cute, if such a word could be used by a man or thought by one. Still, she seemed to feel discomfort by it, and quickly squeezed his arm and said, “Oh, you must think that I am quite the foolish one.” A foolish one? Calon smiled at her, as she moved away—though did admit to himself it was hard to not wish to detain her there. “Foolish? Gracious Eru! I do believe I have only met one utterly foolish female. Mind you, it was tonight—but certainly not you.” There had been a moment when Durion had come to speak with them both, his escort upon his arm. That woman, Calon could not rightly recall her name, she had been quite the fool. And she did not even have to speak oft so he could tell. She pitied Faeldor for a moment; the woman had seemed entirely intent on having him.
“Cal, do you sing?”
Calon did not quite know how to answer. He did sing, though not often at all. Merely camping with his father and brother when he found a chance for all of them to go. Sometimes when he was alone. But in front of others? Never. It was somewhat of a hidden talent for him, for he preferred laughing and jesting to lyric and song. That and it was not quite manly enough for his image. But why? He pondered the thought a moment. Faeldor even sang to himself at the stables. Or was he singing to the horses? Perhaps just anyone that would listen. Other men did too—it made the time go by quicker, he presumed. Still, all he did was retrace his steps through the Firien Wood, find and catch his prize hundreds of times over in his own mind—and he was contented.
He did not need to answer though, for immediately she moved onward. Beleth did seem the type to love music. Heavens, she could barely stop dancing! “Now, my fine huntsman, I will sing for you a hunting song.” Calon smiled outwardly, and crossed his arms leaning himself once more against the stone. Her fine huntsman? Something of the sound pleased him. “By all means,” he smiled. “I should like to hear you.”
And then the lyric came. Calon was actually a bit taken aback by how beautiful her voice truly was. It was not simply nice to listen to. No, she was singing as if it were her life force. And Calon was greatly impressed once again.
The song, though, was perfect. Hunting was his favorite thing, after all. But more than that; the moment was perfect. For the voice that sang was perfect as well, and so was the fair lady singing to him. While such thoughts surprised him, he did not show it. He was entirely lost in her and her song. His smile had even faded, though not for displeasure. He had forgotten to hold on to it. And now, he simply stared.
It did not get to last too long, for Beleth came and swept him up for a dance. Though, it did not truly destroy his awe of her, and seemed to add to it. He did not protest dancing with her, for he knew it pleased her; at that moment, Calon would have done anything for her. It were as if the woman had bound him in a spell—but Bel was not a sorcerer. Bel was just a woman—but the woman Calon knew he could not live without.
And when her song and dance ended, her laughter came. Calon began to laugh with her, for it was so pretty and contagious. “You are a lovely singer,” he commented after some time. It was light, as he had been all evening. Still, he was working to hide the heaviness of his attachment to the woman. Indeed, it was still only their first night of meeting. But it must have been orchestrated by the Valar; nothing had ever affected him so!
“You must know many songs. And for this, I do believe you are a nightingale.” He smiled down at her, though inwardly wondered if calling her such a thing would be taken wrongly. It shouldn’t. “Perhaps that name better suits you than Bel.”
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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 Sept 9, 2009 15:04:43 GMT -5
Calon denied that Narbeleth was foolish; and the thought did make her smile. If he did not think her too foolish, or too wild, or too in motion, what did he think of her! Oh he was a blessing indeed. She should spend the next week thanking Faeldor for his brash decision of handing her off to one of his boys.
“Foolish? Gracious Eru! I do believe I have only met one utterly foolish female. Mind you, it was tonight—but certainly not you.” The words brought Beleth to laugh so! She knew precisely which woman Calon was speaking of, for that Durion and Rosiel had made quite a show of themselves. To think that Durion had dared ask her to dance! He had gotten what he deserved, that was certain; though it was likely that he would despise their family further because of it. Beleth was generally a kind and compassionate woman; but when it came to such blasphemy and vulgarity as it had on Durion’s part, she did not even mind her own impulsive behaviors. Poor Calon though. The brief moments that he had been left alone with Rosiel had probably been wretched. The thought did cause her to grin and laugh some more. “And she is the most foolish that I should hope you ever meet,” she said lightly.
As the woman moved on and began her song, she could hardly think of anything else but the pleased look upon Calon’s face. He did seem to enjoy it; and he willingly danced with her! It had taken the lady some time to convince him to dance that night; though she supposed the fact that there were no eyes watching now did contribute to his eagerness.
Narbeleth felt something catch in her throat. It was the very words she had spoken some weeks prior to Gilwen on an afternoon when she and Faeldor had paid their home a visit. “I would wish for a man to give me such a lovely name someday.” Oh, and hadn’t he! Her cup was overflowing. Were the Valar speaking to her by such an answer to a menial comment she had made? Perhaps it was true.
“As you please,” she answered Calon, her smile beaming. A nightingale. Well, the man should have a multitude of songs as he wished, if he would call her such, and Beleth would sing them for him. “I do know many lyrics,” she admitted; “And perhaps a song or two for any situation.” Oh, she had to look away! She could hardly bare the man’s eyes. He was so pleasant, and it sent young Narbeleth into thoughts of things highly unlikely. She sighed audibly, and then moved once more, singing a verse to another song that had come to mind as she again leaned over the wall. This time it seemed that she was singing to the street, though her voice was still quiet, and it was likely that if someone had been listening below, their ears would have caught a humming but not been able to pick out the tune.
“My sweetheart, come along! Don't you hear the fond song, The sweet notes of the nightingale flow? Don't you hear the fond tale Of the sweet nightingale, As she sings in those valleys below? So be not afraid To walk in the shade, Nor yet in those valleys below.”
“Cal,” she continued fluidly, even as she had finished singing, as if she had been in thought the whole time her lips were turning over music. She turned about, leaning once more against the wall to look back at him. “Will you take me out on a hunt with you? I think that I would very much enjoy it. I do promise I will not try to lure the deer with singing, for the song of the hunt seems that it would be more stealth and secrecy.”
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Calon
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Posts: 145
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Post by Calon on Sept 9, 2009 17:01:59 GMT -5
“And she is the most foolish that I should hope you ever meet.”
Oh, that would make life fair indeed! Calon adored the way the woman was laughing so. Oh, what a bright and smiling young woman! Part of himself felt ridiculous that he was so taken by her—Faeldor’s younger sister. It seemed rather a precarious situation, indeed. Still, she was precisely the company that he would have desired on such a fine evening—and the Valar had led him this far, they would not abandon him now.
“I hope so as well. I do not think my mind could take much more of it. Though, I am pleased to say that I was not in her interests either.” That had fallen on Faeldor. Poor soul! Nonetheless, it made Calon quite bright because he would never again have to deal with such flippant annoyance. And Beleth had handled herself with Durion quite nicely. He was somewhat proud.
The look of pure joy on Beleth’s face was enough for Calon to see his nickname had pleased her. The thought made his own heart smile, and he answered very gentlemanly, “Then I shall call you such a name, for it would please me.” He could not rightly say it aloud in front of others; especially her brother. Nightingale. He wondered at how it fit her. Such a lovely voice she had indeed.
And she immediately broke away again to sing some more! My, how he was entranced by such a thing. He leaned upon the wall, some feet away to just watch as she sang some more, his eyes glittering and dancing all the while. “Will you take me out on a hunt with you? I think that I would very much enjoy it. I do promise I will not try to lure the deer with singing, for the song of the hunt seems that it would be more stealth and secrecy.”
This brought a smile that rivaled the brightness of the stars and moon themselves to Calon’s face. “Would you like that, truly?” Part of him was in awe. “I have never met a woman of the sort before. Even my own mother does not go with my father.” What a lady! “I must say that I would be very happy to take you. And if you enjoy it, well…then I would have to say you are the woman that I shall marry.” He laughed amusedly, and then paused. “A song of stealth and secrecy will not be a problem for you, Nightingale. And there will be plenty of time for singing if you so desire.” He looked out across the Pelennor, eyeing the wood-line of the Firien.
“I venture out often enough. I will need to seek permission from your mother, I would think. Or your brother.” He pointed to the trees in the distance. “I would like to take you there, when you come. There are many stag; all beauties.” He looked back down to her then and grinned challengingly. “It might be hard for you to sit still long enough, but with practice you shall learn if you wish to.”
He pondered the thought a bit and then tilted his head to the side. “Do you know archery?” He inquired lightly. It was, of course, a necessary talent when going hunting. He would have to make a few trips with her if she did not, so that she could learn to hold and use a bow well enough to hunt with him. What a thought! A female companion to a hunting trip. Strange indeed, but something that Calon knew could bring him much pleasure in the long run.
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