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 21:54:34 GMT -5
“Would you like that, truly?” Narbeleth nodded her head emphatically. He did seem so excited, as soon as she had broached the subject! And she thought his response would have come with a slight bit of concern or objection. But it indeed had not. He only continued to express his amazement at the fact that she had wished to; and how happy he was for it.
Beleth was amused indeed! Oh, how his eyes gleamed when he spoke of his sport. He seemed so fond of having her partake. “And if you enjoy it, well…then I would have to say you are the woman that I shall marry.” The young woman gasped slightly, at such a jest. But was he truly jesting? Or was it indeed a statement of truth that had passed his lips? She could not tell, yet she found herself now longing for such a hunt that would please the man so. “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.”
“There is no manner on this green earth that could keep me from enjoying such an outing, Cal.” Her words were light and airy. She adored how he had called her Nightingale once more. She could not grow tired of such a name; least of all as coming from those cheery lips and bright blue eyes.
And before she had a chance to say any more; he was already planning the outing! To ask Mother and Faeldor; certainly both would have a say! What would Mother say about a lady going on a hunting trip? And Faeldor! He was rather protective. After all, had he not taken Gilwen out alone to the river, and woods, and mountains? And even without her father’s permission he had done so. Would it not mean a great deal to her brother if Calon should ask? She was certain that she could loosen her brother up to the idea before Calon were to ask.
In fact; if she were to be compared still in all ways to her sister Miriel, could she not compare her sister’s choice of companions with her own? Calon was a fine man, compared to Miriel’s Durion. Just thinking his name nearly sickened her. Calon was a gentlemen; she needed only spend this evening with him to know that he was raised well. And he was not only kind and protective, but he was fun. She moved closer to the man as he pointed toward the wood that he wished to show her. How she wished to be near him. She could very well embrace him. Just to look at the light hearted joy in his persona made it an appealing idea. Like fire feeding fire; his blissful energy was laying a tight hold on her.
“It might be hard for you to sit still long enough, but with practice you shall learn if you wish to.” Indeed, such would be the challenge! “I can sit quite still if I need to; though there are always things to look at. How I love the white walls and towers of the City, yet they bore me after a time. The forest is ever full of surprises.” She imagined the creatures that they might encounter; a stag! How majestic it would be, and how bright her huntsman would be to lure such a creature.
“I do not know archery…” Narbeleth said slowly, hoping it would not ruin her chances at going, nor his excitement. “But I would be ever so inclined to just watch you. I have seen my huntsman’s hen herding skills, but yet I have not seen those skills that give him his true title. Boar, bear, and stag!” The young woman barely even considered the fact that Calon would wish to teach her archery; such a thing would take a great deal of time on his own part. His own time, which he could otherwise used for the purposes of hunting.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 10, 2009 6:59:44 GMT -5
“There is no manner on this green earth that could keep me from enjoying such an outing, Cal.”
“Is there not?” He asked cheerily. Then he had found her. And bless, he had not even been looking! “Then I most certainly will find a day to take you.” He looked to her for a moment more before leaning once again against the cool stone. “I am sure you shall need to persuade your mother and brother before I talk to them on such a matter. How long do you think you will need?” Calon grinned boyishly. He was new, certainly, but he had a good face and a good heart. He had no intention of harming young Bel in any way, so he mused hopefully that they would let come with very little hassle. “If they need further persuasion or incentive, do invite Faeldor, too.” Inwardly he hoped it did not come to that; he would enjoy her company more than her brother’s. Mostly for the fact that he was still his own boss, and to keep company with a superior outside of work seemed a bit stifling. Though, perhaps that was unfair; Faeldor seemed quite fine for company.
She moved nearer him and the man smiled to himself. Quite lovely indeed. She looked intently over to the forest, and her grey eyes seemed very interested and happy. She replied to him that she very well could sit still if the need arose, and the man laughed gently. “Well, it will be a pleasure to test you.” He nodded also. “And the wood is indeed full of surprises. Some can be dangerous,” he cautioned. Quickly he added, so as not to dissuade the woman, “Though you shall have no harm come to you if you stay with me.”
“I do not know archery…But I would be ever so inclined to just watch you.”
It was as if Beleth was trying to make sure she was still going to be able to go—and with such fine words. Calon laughed heartily and let his glimmering eye fall on her once again. “Bel, you can watch if you desire. But I shall teach you if you would like that better. Perhaps you shall not be able to take down a deer right away, but with time you might hunt much larger game.” He smiled easily and tilted his head slightly. “I practiced everyday when I was young—there was this old target nailed to a tree by my house. I know my archery; I would be happy to help.”
Though, even if she did nothing but go with him and watch—well, that had been more than any woman had ever done before! His father oft asked his mother to go on the hunts for the sake of the company and camp; she had always refused, and claimed she would much rather let the boys do their own thing. She embraced it well; never once had he heard Calon chastise his father over the matter. In fact, his father had been out with his brother one year for their very anniversary. Calon was quite sure it was made up to his mother tenfold, but she had not uttered a single word of complaint. If Beleth enjoyed to spend such time with him, well! What she thought merely just certainly was not—the woman would be asked if she was taking courters. If not, he would wait. If yes—he would avidly and whole-heartedly seek her hand in marriage.
A huntress in the making, perhaps. A lovely little nightingale for certain, dark hair and fair eyes. A maker of pleasant conversation with ample amounts of energy and grace—it seemed she was quite the perfect woman for him. And Calon had always thought it would be hard to come by a lady of his liking! She was most certainly not dull; and marriage to a dull woman was something Calon greatly feared.
“When we go, I should like to ride. Do you have your own mount, or should I be spending my next few weeks finding one for you?” He smiled. It seemed unlikely she would not have access to a horse; her brother was the stable master after all. Still, Faeldor might not have allowed her one yet. She was rather energetic. The horse probably couldn’t keep up.
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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 10, 2009 20:41:13 GMT -5
“I think we must give Faeldor some time to think about it. He will be apprehensive to let me go; and I would not wish to go against his own will. But at least he does know you already…” The woman contemplated; her face rather whimsical. Narbeleth smiled, “He will watch you closely in the stables now, I hope you know. You must forgive me for that offense. I hope he will not intimidate you. I do not know if taking both he and I on a hunt together is the best idea… he can become… a bit protective when other men are about.” She bit her lip for a moment, then smiled once more. “But I am certain that it should not take an entirely long time to convince him, Cal. I know that you are a good man,” she answered plainly. Indeed, she knew it in her heart!
He was quite serious though! The man was indeed planning on taking her. It had only been a simple question she had asked. A fancy to see what led him to be so impassioned over the sport. But indeed, he wished to teach her as well. “I do not have my own horse; but my brother allows me to ride his on occasion. If I can convince him to let me go with you, he will surely trust me with one of his mounts.”
“You would be really be glad to teach me? Cal, you know I would not wish to intrude on your sport, or reduce your pleasure for it. But I could learn! I will not allow you to teach me the art of hen herding. I could never do such a thing. But of archery, indeed. I do not have a bow, though. Nor have I even once used one.” She paused, then grinned, for a moment pulling her arm out of the tunic sleeve. “But I think that my years of climbing have made my arms quite capable.” She demonstrated by showing the man her well toned bicep, and waited for his approval. “I have never beaten my brother at the arm wrestling, but I do face him with a challenge,” she exclaimed lightly in laughter. “Or at least it takes him more than a few seconds to beat me.”
She raised her eyebrows at the man, “Would you like to try me?” she asked him delightedly. In secret, Narbeleth was finding herself more and more interested in this man’s own strength, and wanted to judge it for herself. He was quite handsome, indeed. And if he had been practicing archery since he was a child, he must be very well toned. She took a breath to restrain herself from blushing at just the thought, but bit her lip amusedly as she returned her arm to the sleeve of the tunic.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 10, 2009 21:44:33 GMT -5
Calon was relieved that Beleth did not wish to bring along her brother; that meant that the woman was not utterly repulsed by the idea of being alone with him, and also that Faeldor would not be there to interrupt any good conversations he and his Nightingale would have working. Surely their conversation border-lined on things that were not appropriate to discuss in front of all people; not that it was wrong.
“But I am certain that it should not take an entirely long time to convince him, Cal. I know that you are a good man.”
He smiled at this and bowed slightly, “Well then, Bel. I am glad that you have reached such a conclusion.” He playfully added, “For if it is what you have seen, your brother should find nothing different—no matter how closely he watches me in the stables.” Though, the thought of him keeping a hawk-like gaze upon him was enough to make him have a shadow of unease in the back of his mind. He would probably get extra duties, too. Well, he would rise to the challenge if it meant Beleth could accompany him.
Really, he had nothing to fear. He was a hard worker and a good man. Faeldor would not be able to find anything to condemn him by—unless he were to look too closely at the man’s demeanor and think him false.
He was happy to know she would have access to a horse; all he would have to worry about would be provisions to go hunting. The knives, the arrows the bows. He assumed the woman did not have one of her own; especially since she had claimed she knew no archery. This thought was solidified as the woman continued to prattle.
“It would be no trouble to teach you.” He said happily. “We can hunt first, if you should like, and then I will let you practice against a target of some sort.” The idea sounded fine to him. The lady would need practice, certainly, but all did at one point.
She did seem to think herself capable of learning, and Calon’s eyebrows rose as she spoke of challenging her brother in a match for strength. This, more than anything else, amused him and made him wonder. “Do you, now? A few seconds?” He had seen Faeldor’s strength in the stables—it was almost a daily thing. “Then you will certainly be able to handle a bow.”
The lady, though, was stripping one of her arms bare to show him her muscles, and Calon was more than slightly impressed. “Would you like to try me?” For a moment the man was stunned, but slowly a boyish and playful grin spread across his handsome face. He reached for his arm and began to roll up his sleeve. “Well, a man cannot forgo a challenge.” His voice was playfully inflected with a deeper and more manly tone and he looked to her in the eye. “I will not take it easy upon you because you are a woman.” He grinned. His own arms were well sculpted for certain, and his muscles were well visible without having to flex or bend. Still, one he had done so, to prop his elbow upon a piece of the stone wall to take on Beleth’s challenge, his true strength was well visible.
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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 10, 2009 22:43:26 GMT -5
“Good, if we are to do it in such a way, then you should not miss your hunting. Then as soon as Faeldor will approve of such, I will attend with you. It is settled,” the woman sighed in content, turning to look out once more at the dim shadow of wood which Calon had pointed. The Firien wood. She had never been to that stretch before, and indeed wondered at it. “Oh, and for our first outing, I shall pack us a picnic. How would you feel for some chicken sandwiches, Cal?” she grinned. “I do believe that they would be fitting for our purposes.”
“I will not take it easy upon you because you are a woman.”
His response had made her laugh so! “You are not expected to go easy on me. But I’ll wager that I can hold you for a second or two as well,” Narbeleth grinned, eyeing Calon’s arm. My, but he was shaped nicely. Fine indeed. She rolled up the sleeve of his tunic which she was adorned in as well and was ready, positioning herself as well upon the wall, and reaching to grasp the man’s hand.
Narbeleth contorted her face to what she thought to be a look of supreme toughness, and then she said in a low voice, “On your word we’ll start, hen-herder.” With her delicate fingers she squeezed Calon’s warm hand lightly in amusement; her eyes losing their brief fierce gaze to once more begin their laughing. Oh, she could hardly believe that she was now upon the beacon tower, in her undergarments, wrestling the man who had been her escort for the ball. What an amused thought! And she could tell nobody of it! But Calon would share her memory, it was certain.
“I hope I shall pass the test,” she commented aside.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 10, 2009 23:11:11 GMT -5
“Yes. Quite settled.” Calon agreed hastily. He had never been so excited for something in his lifetime. He did not know how he would contain himself over such a feeling, though a release came in the form of laugher as Beleth mentioned and proposed chicken sandwiches. “Well, if they are prepared properly and I am not needed to herd them, I would be entirely satisfied with such a meal.” He grinned as she readied herself to begin to match him.
He had done such a stunt before—though never with a woman. He had never thought to. Still, as she wagered that she would be able to hold her own for a moment he replied, “Well, we shall see, won’t we?” His eyes were sparkling playfully and mischievously—as if arm-wrestling was the worst of the rules they had broken that evening. It was not even a crime!
She laced her fingers through his, and immediately he felt a smile spread across his lips. Oh, and the fact Beleth was making was quite amusing, indeed! It was clear that she was mocking the idea of concentration. It was on his mark? Well then.
“All right. I shall give the order to begin,” he said with a small laugh as he felt her fingers tighten against his hand already. He had not begun squeezing her own—his hands were rather rough and strong; and he did not wish to hurt her. “Are you ready?” He asked cheerily.
She certainly was.
“Go!”
There was a brief moment where she had put all weight against him—Calon was surprised by how much force she actually held. But it was not enough to cause him to move. He, though, with a very firm and manly strength had gotten Beleth’s wrist to the stone quite nicely. Still, he slammed her a bit harder than he had intended.
Immediately Calon’s eyes widened and he recoiled his crushing grasp—or what he deemed a crushing one—to cradle her hand for a moment. “Bel! I am terribly sorry,” his blue eyes were all of concern and he looked up to her as if he was a bit wary and ashamed. “I didn’t need to use that much force—are you all right?” Inwardly he scolded himself.
The worst possible thing to do when you met the girl of your dreams was to break her wrist.
"You passed the test though. I have never met a lady with stronger arms." He smiled, though it was not as bright--goodness! How could he have been so careless!?
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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 10, 2009 23:40:02 GMT -5
“Well, we shall see, won’t we?” “Indeed,” she laughed.
Calon gave the go, and Narbeleth held her way with all the force she could muster. She did nothing to move Calon back, even when she leaned into it, yet she did hold her arm steady for just a moment before the man’s strength outdid her own.
Beleth moaned slightly and bit her lip when her wrist came down on the stone. It seemed that almost instantly Calon’s blue eyes turned to those of worry and his grasped turned soft against her. It had not hurt as much as he seemed to think it had. Her wrist was troubled slightly; but such was to be expected. Though, Beleth could hardly think of taking her hand away from such a gentle grasp as he had now.
She brought a smile to her lips. “I am fine. I am glad I passed; that test was much trickier this time than I thought it would be! You would best Fael in an instant,” she said quite impulsively. And indeed Faeldor would not have measured against this young man. Narbeleth marveled at it. She also marveled at how such strong hands could be so enduringly soft.
“I will have to challenge you again in the future, after you have trained me well in archery,” the woman said slowly, looking down at their hands. Her voice was quite weak, yet it was not pain that had left it that way. Self restraint. The young women had to use every restraint within her to keep from bringing her other hand to cover those of her huntsman. Oh, to be held by such gentle hands. What they would feel like about her… If she just were to step forward, she was already so close.
Narbeleth had to intake her breath sharply to push such thoughts from her mind. How very inappropriate! And even alone with him and in her slip. Gracious, she had only learned his name tonight! Oh, but his warm hand… she could not move, nor speak.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 11, 2009 11:03:16 GMT -5
“I am fine. I am glad I passed; that test was much trickier this time than I thought it would be! You would best Fael in an instant.”
Calon couldn’t help but feel horrendous still, though the thought of beating Faeldor seemed to make him smile a bit. He had seen the stable master’s arms and strength displayed daily. Best him in an instant? “In an instant?” He repeated aloud, as if amused, though his hands did not remove themselves from her wrist.
In fact, Beleth spoke again, and the softness of her voice caused Calon a bit of fluster—he had hurt her, he must have for her pretty voice to be so silent now! Gingerly he began to move his fingers over her wrist and hand to massage the pain away he was sure was there. “I really am sorry, Bel.” He muttered again. How terrible it was that he had hurt her!
He looked up at her, blue eyes full of remorse and care. “I promise that when you challenge me next time you will be able to hold me better—and I shall not hurt you.” He decided that the proper thing to do was to change subjects and simply let his hands and fingers bring a soothing touch to her wrist. If her mind and tongue were occupied, surely the pain would be forgotten.
“I will daresay that you will be near unbeatable once you have picked up archery.” He grinned softly. “A force to be reckoned with,” he added. His mind mulled for a moment, searching for something else to speak on. Finally he found it.
“I must ask,” his smile turned boyish in an instant. “Have you ever ridden bareback? I am quite fond of it myself—it is my favorite way to take Talagor out.” She seemed the type that would at least be interested in trying such a thing, if she hadn’t mastered the art already. If she answered in a similar manner, Calon was sure that the rash and perhaps quick feeling that had come over him would stay.
She was exactly what he had been looking for.
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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 12, 2009 17:04:29 GMT -5
”In an instant?” “Well… perhaps it would take some effort on your part, but if you put your might behind it, yes,” she answered gleefully. “Though I am not speaking down on my brother; he can work harder and longer than any I know, and his strength has never failed him.” She smiled adoringly, thinking of Faeldor. She did love her brother dearly.
Oh, my, what blue eyes! The young woman was entirely fixated on those blue pools as he spoke to her, and she indeed missed the first few words of his sentence before she was able to bring her focus back to the words he was speaking of archery once more, and of his sorrow at using such force against her. She shook her head. “No, you will not hurt me…” she muttered, as she deemed that she must be feeling every emotion the opposite of his now. He looked sad, yet Narbeleth felt so warm and encompassed, and his hands were so caring. She took in a breath, hoping to clear her muddled thoughts and act appropriately. “You have kind hands,” was all that she managed to say. Kind hands? What kind of response was that? She almost laughed to herself, well aware of the state of bewilderment her mind had come into.
He continued, it seemed, to distract her perhaps. Horses; indeed she loved to speak of horses, and he spoke of his Talagar once more. “Of course I have ridden bareback,” Narbeleth answered gladly. “Father started us all in such a way, so that we might learn the proper balance and seat before putting us in the saddle. And I still prefer it,” she mused a loud. She recalled the days of riding lessons with her father. Faelon had been quite insistent on all of his children become masters in the equine; and on taking them out with him.
“I feel more secure, sitting so close to the horse. To enjoy the feel of every muscle moving beneath you, and to move with it, as if becoming one body combined…” The young woman seemed to lose herself just in the thought of it, as she looked out over the Pelennor. The gentle hands still easing themselves over her wrist brought her back eventually, and she looked back up at the man before her.
“Last I was out, I pulled Thissel into full gallop, and leaned forward, that my whole body was against her and my face within her mane. Foolish, I know. But oh, the intensity of such a feeling. The thrill is well worth the risk of it. It was reckless, and Faeldor indeed scolded me for my actions when he caught up to us.” She felt of laughter, both at the memory, and at the fact that Calon was still so close to her. Something of it bubbled over within her, and she felt for a moment warm and secure, and quite willing to speak of anything with the man. What would he think of a woman riding bareback in such a way? It was not proper for a Lady of Gondor, indeed no; outside of lessons of balance and posture, it was more appropriate to ride saddled and well upright. But Beleth took such thrill at the freedom of it.
Beleth turned her attention back down to her hand. A strong man, he was, yet so gentle! She could hardly bare it any longer, and if she did not still such pleasant touches, she would indeed step right into the man’s arms. “My wrist is quite fine,” she returned to the subject gently, as she turned the hand he held and grasped his fingers with her own. “I thank you for your concern though, it does feel much better now.” A bright smile came across her face once more as she squeezed the man’s hand with feather soft fingertips, and soothingly brushed her thumb back and forth over Calon’s knuckles, not wishing to be released.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 12, 2009 18:15:51 GMT -5
“You are a woman who scales cliffs, climbs beacon towers with someone you just met formally, and you want to learn to hunt.” Calon recapped with a boyish grin. “I have been waiting for you.” His ocean eyes certainly seemed pleased and content at such a thought. He laughed a bit as her mind went back to the picture Beleth had painted with her words of her last riding experience. “I am sure Faeldor was not amused, though certainly he must understand that a bit of uncertainty and adventure is what one should live for.” He certainly did.
Those moments drove him, and pleased him. He imagined fondly that if he had been the one with the lady—he perhaps would have joined her somehow. Running such risks was something that thrilled the man; his heart beating faster, and the adrenaline! At times he would do things that were quite foolish if thought about it logically. His parents had certainly had plenty of moments where they were shocked at what their youngest had done.
Calon beamed. “You are quite the poet,” he observed. The way she described riding bareback was very lovely indeed. He had to bring himself to speak on it. “But yes. It is entirely thrilling. I should say there is nothing unnatural about it. There is no way to ride; it easier to control your horse when you are so attuned.” He smiled easily, his gentle fingers not stilling their ministrations upon her wrist.
“My wrist is quite fine, I thank you for your concern though, it does feel much better now.”
Calon relaxed; the tension was visibly noticeable as it eased and his smile widened. “I am glad that it feels better,” he murmured softly. He would have released her hand, but for the feel of silken fingertips moving across his knuckles. He had never been aware at how calloused and rough his own were—not that he was troubled by such a fact. Indeed, a man need not have such lovely hands, though it was quite nice to feel such smoothness against his own hands. Beleth did not remove her hand from his, and as such the man did not make a move to let go—a smile did spread across his face, though, as he pondered the thought.
His cheeriness showed upon his face once more, and the bright-eyes young man turned his gaze away from her and over the city once more, though his eye lingered on the darkening wood-line. “I do hope that your brother will allow you to ride with me.” He added brightly. “I am sure that the Firien Wood will be to your liking. Hunting is only one of the many things you can do there.” His grin turned boyish. “There are splendid trees to climb, for instance. And a woman that is such an avid climber will certainly adore such opportunities.” He chuckled slightly and then added, “And one will not have to worry about someone finding one’s dress while high in the treetop—for at most you shall be discovered by a creature of the forest.”
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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 12, 2009 20:22:33 GMT -5
“I have been waiting for you.” The young woman’s heart gripped at such words, and she found herself pleasantly surprised. Was he in approval of everything that she enjoyed doing? He had not brought a scolding word on her for the entire evening, but he only seemed amused by her attitude and actions. He did not even stray on the thought! He enjoyed adventure, and spontaneity. She could not bring herself to respond to such a statement, as much as she wished to have the words to do so.
And then! Even after she had been so bold as to take the man’s hand, he had brightened even more, and he continued to speak of hunting and riding, and hoped that Faeldor would allow her to go. He spoke as if the permission had already been given! His words sounded as if he would take her tomorrow if given the opportunity. She found herself anticipating the next day, when she would happily speak with Faeldor on the matter. “I hope that I should go with you as well,” she answered, gripping at the man’s hand, and looking down for the moment.
When he spoke of the Wood, and turned to look, Narbeleth turned as well, though made no motion to let go of the man. She did not wish to break such a connection for anything. She moved to rest his hand upon the wall as they looked out over the city once more, her own continuing to trace the roughness of it. His hands were calloused and even few scars marked the skin. Much as her brother’s hands were, and Father’s had been as well. They were hands of labor and strength. The wood was just a dark trace from this distance, but she enjoyed the idea of visiting it, and seeing such trees up close.
“I have not climbed trees in some years, but I think I would like that as well. If there is time among our hunting, anyhow. I know that the squirrels shall not tattle on me to my brother, should they see my dress,” she answered lightly, grinning at the thought. Though, she did not think that any
“I sometimes slip outside during the night… when all my family is asleep. And dance in naught but my nightgown in the gardens,” Narbeleth calmly blurted. “I enjoy running… and being in the sunshine; I don’t mind if my skin becomes tanned by it, or if the wind messes my hair. I do not paint, nor sew, nor play an instrument, as much as my mother and grandmother have tried to teach me. And I do not enjoy reading, unless it is late at night and there is nobody else to speak with. My handwriting has not improved since I were perhaps twelve, for I have no interest in such. I talk too much, and if I do not check my temper, I yell. I am impulsive.” The woman had felt her pulse quicken little by little at admitting these things. She searched for more to say, but did little to find it, for she had said quite a lot already. “I do not wish to conform to be like the other women, and enjoy the same things that they do, and I wish that Mother and Faeldor would stop urging me to do so.”
Perhaps she would drive Calon away by saying such things. Perhaps that was her method and point, for she could not bear to see him again if he would after a few meetings become disapproving of her, or attempt to change her. People had habit of doing such things. Of course, Narbeleth had many friends, and none drew away completely; but they did not become close to her. “Do you approve of all those things as well?” she asked, looking back up at him to read his face. The movements of her hand had stilled, yet it still rested softly atop the man’s. She could not remove it. If she did; perhaps it would still her flow of thought, and she would become lost in it. The sooner he understood, the better, it was certain.
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Calon
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Post by Calon on Sept 13, 2009 15:19:51 GMT -5
“Yes, I am sure you would like the trees. All Nightingales enjoy the treetop branches.” Calon observed rather poetically. He grinned handsomely and flashed his eyes over the city once more, listening as lovely Beleth continued on in her speech. He chuckled amusedly at the thought of a squirrel betraying them both to her brother. “Perhaps the squirrel should try, but your brother does not seem fluent in its tongue.”
“I sometimes slip outside during the night… when all my family is asleep. And dance in naught but my nightgown in the gardens.”
“That is not terribly surprising,” Calon answered brightly, flashing a smile once more toward her. “I am sure the moon, stars and flowers enjoy such a show.” He mused fleetingly that he would as well, but quickly changed the subject in his mind to listening to Beleth further.
She was smiling, and speaking so quickly! My, such a woman! Calon merely smiled all the more as she continued to speak, for in his heart he felt a deeper draw to her. Was she ever one of a kind! “Do you approve of all those things as well?”
He chuckled, squeezing her hand warmly before releasing it and turning away from the wall to eye the wooden pyre behind him. “Bel, skin is made to be kissed by the sun.” He grinned boyishly at her and began to climb the wood, his cheery voice replying to her in a light-hearted and gentle fashion. “Books are fine, when one is not out living life themselves. Handwriting is of little consequence to me; written orders are not entirely useful, it is a pleasant conversation that is fulfilling. Tempers are finicky, and many a person has trouble with their own temper. Still, keeping all emotions inside is not healthy. Impulsiveness is adventure.” He sat himself down triumphantly looking down at her. “I would have to say that I very much approve.” He looked beside him at the empty space and then back down to Beleth and extended a hand.
“Does the lady wish to sit upon the throne?” He grinned. Oh, there was nothing that could make him change his mind about her now. She was a woman unlike any other. Whoever would have thought such a woman existed! “I tell you, Bel, that if you were a normal woman I would not have spent such time with you this evening. Routine is mundane. It is variety that is worth living for. You, I must say, are a fine variety.”
Oh, such a fine variety indeed. Narbeleth would be able to keep him amused for a lifetime, certainly. Forward thoughts, perhaps. But young Calon was just as impulsive as the Nightingale.
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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 13, 2009 19:36:16 GMT -5
“Perhaps the squirrel should try, but your brother does not seem fluent in its tongue.” Beleth laughed lightly, “No, he does not speak it. Or at least I have heard. He would never be able to understand such a thing; although, at times I think he sings like a lark,” she took a moment to fearfully search the sky, as if any present birds were spies sent out by her very own family.
Narbeleth watched amusedly as Calon turned and looked up the pyre. Then, without any hesitation he stepped toward it and began to climb as he responded to her kindly. Each word the man spoke brought joy and relief to her heart. And then he gave his final approval. The young woman beamed, though could think of nothing else to say. She had revealed most of her nature to him; and if any of her personality were to ward him away, it would have been those things. Perhaps she needed to do no more warding.
“The very throne of Gondor, it seems. If I were a queen, I would wish such a view from my own throne,” she laughed, moving toward the pyre, and following the route Calon had taken, she scaled the wood quite easily. Not even a snag or a smudge on her white slip, nor dust upon the man’s velveteen tunic which she wore.
”You, I must say, are a fine variety.” He had said such as she climbed, and inwardly she felt warmed and comforted by it. How striking indeed were his thoughts! How they struck her, were another thing. Narbeleth hardly spared a thought to those who judged her in any way. She was far too used to people being either disgruntled or amused by her persona. But Calon seemed to adore every bit of it. She could not help but notice.
At that, Narbeleth could not contain her joy. She she scaled the pyre quite easily and without even a snag or smudge on her white slip. Then she sat down by Calon, grasping the warm hand beside her once more. “I enjoy being with you too, Cal,” she stated simply and softly. The feeling was obviously mutual. She sat so close to the man that she might have leaned against him. Would she have taken another few sips of wine, she likely would have, though the woman still bore a small air of self restraint.
“You amused me well enough when you first went hen herding for me, and I’ll say, it has only gotten far better as the night has progressed.” His hand was so assuring, and so warm against the breeze. Narbeleth mused that she was being rather forward, holding onto his hand so. She barely knew him. Oh, but their hearts were kindred, and he would not mind. She knew very well that his soul was as free as hers was.
How dangerous, she mused inwardly, and smiled. To let fire feed fire in such a way. She could hardly contain herself now. She turned slightly, to look at the man that had brought her up so high, in more than one way. Then she momentarily rid herself of the distance between them as she found herself pressing a warm and affectionate kiss to his cheek.
Then she smiled embarrassedly, though her eyes were bright, turning back to look over the city, the fields, and the mountains. “Next time, Cal, do stop me at two glasses of wine. Brother was right, I think.”
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Calon
Man
Stablehand
[Mo0:0]
Posts: 145
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Post by Calon on Sept 13, 2009 20:07:07 GMT -5
Bel was quite capable of getting upon the pyre by herself. Calon knew this, but still he was immensely pleased when she took his hand to join him. My, her smile did not seem to falter from her pretty face, and her voice was quite light still. Oh, she was having a good time, and such a thing warmed Calon’s own soul.
“Yes, I am sure every queen would desire such a seat for herself. That way she could watch her land nicely, and the land could watch her as well.” Calon offered amusedly, watching carefully as the woman scaled the wooden pile and sat beside him. She was much closer than he would have thought her to be, though he was not displeased by it—rather, the man was intrigued and enthralled by it. Perhaps it was not only he who could feel their likeness. What a splendid idea!
“I enjoy being with you too, Cal.”
It appeared, with those words, that she most certainly did understand. He grinned handsomely once again and looked down at her with sparkling blue eyes. “Do you? I must say, those are some of the best words I have heard all night.” He chuckled pleasantly and squeezed her hand once more, and let his eyes wander away. Yes, the night had only gotten fairer. “I had no intention of even setting foot in that ball,” he admitted offhandedly. “My grandmother did not think it right for me to miss it. However happy I am that I did try to escape it. I surely would not have met you. And quite dull my night would have been, certainly.” He seemed to sigh at the end, the cool air refreshing and awakening him.
A lovely evening it was. The stars were out, and the moon was shining nicely. It was a treasure of an evening, though Calon mused that it was partly due to the fact that the woman of his dreams was sitting beside him. She felt something soft against his cheek and he looked quickly over to the spontaneous Beleth beside him. He was entirely amused by such a sweet and simple kiss. “Next time, Cal, do stop me at two glasses of wine. Brother was right, I think.”
“Was he now? Does three seem to warrant such little impulses? Well I have had four—I certainly should be careful, lest I begin to act so impulsively.” He grinned boyishly and kissed her temple in return. “Well, it does seem a bit late for that, doesn’t it? But it is only fair—you did kiss me first.” He studied her a moment and then slowly took his eyes away. Goodness, this was more than he had done with a woman in his entire lifetime. But with this one passing words and ignoring all else was not at all what he desired to do.
His eye caught a great swarming cloud—a black mass wreathed in flame and lightning that nestled itself over the dark land to the east. Mordor could be seen nicely from the beacon where they sat—part of which must have been on purpose in placing it there. He acknowledged it with a nod of his head, “You can see everything from up here,” his voice did not falter too much in lightness. “Even Mordor’s candle of a flame.” He laughed a bit shortly and looked down at the woman beside him. “I do not understand why Sauron thinks that a little bit of wick and wax should frighten our lot of Gondorians. If kept in check, a candle is not dangerous at all.” He grinned. “Whoever heard of someone afraid of a candle?”
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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 13, 2009 20:53:28 GMT -5
“Four glasses… it is certain that the wind should lend you caution.” Though, the words had barely left her lips when the young man beside her had fallen to the same impulses as her own. He had indeed affirmed the woman any embarrassment she had previously felt. It seemed to trouble him not, and she had been utterly soothed and calmed by his gesture. She had judged the man well.
The both seemed well relaxed for the situation, to be sitting together so on top of the pyre of the Beacon of the city, and overlooking what were leagues and leagues of the finest realm on all the earth. “I am glad,” was as much as the woman said after Calon commented on her having kissed him first. “It was merely the payment that I had not yet given you… for catching my hen. I know it was free chicken catching day, but my own hen was so rowdy and difficult, that I felt I owed you something. Now I can be relieved though.”
Narbeleth sighed, following Calon’s gaze. She smiled at his comment of wick and candle. “Sauron’s flickering is just setting the mood for our lovely evening. The oranges and reds are quite beautiful if you do not think of the evil behind them,” Beleth answered, the colors reflecting against her grey eyes as she looked in the direction of the glow. Her face was still soft; unaffected by the bitter gleam of Mordor. At this, she had given in and moved against the man, yielding herself completely to lean against his side. Where at one point she had been nervous of the man, she now felt completely safe.
“The men of Gondor will snuff such a thing out, should Mordor ever attempt to do more than light their candle,” she said, her voice remaining even. Though the threat of Mordor at times scared her, she knew of the strength of Gondor’s army. She saw daily the Calvary go to the training grounds, and each man had such strength. And even among the citizens of Gondor there were men like Faeldor, and Calon. They held the strength of Gondor as well; should the army ever be called, there would still be those to protect the city. She sighed at the thought of it.
There had been times, in truth, when young Narbeleth had been afraid. Never for Gondor as a whole; but for those who traveled near the shadowed land on horse or foot. Memories of the way her father had died always returned to her. Beleth’s father was far from her mind right now though. Fine was the beauty of Gondor before them; and warm was the firm shoulder at her side. One could fear an orc up close; but how could one fear anything with such a strong man beside them?
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