Say Yes [Narbeleth]

[Calon]

“It was merely the payment that I had not yet given you… for catching my hen.”

“I would like to say, before you think I accept this type of payment often, that I do not normally do so.” He smiled a bit mischievously, though, and looked back at her. “Though, I must say that I am more than willing to accept such a payment from you.” His words were a bit brash, perhaps. Though there was nothing about this evening that was proprietous; Beleth was in her undergarments, he had already kissed her cheek and was holding her hand, they had climbed the tower of the beacon without permission or cause, save for a bit of danger. Still, it was a night completely to his liking.

“The men of Gondor will snuff such a thing out, should Mordor ever attempt to do more than light their candle.”

Setting the mood? Well, Calon’s heart seemed to jump at such a thought. “Well, they are doing quite a fine job—the mood here is quite nice.” She had burrowed herself against him and the man smiled to himself. Her head rested nicely against his shoulder, and if he wasn’t trying to hold back a bit on his impulsive behavior, he would have worked his arm around her as well. As it were, though, he was quite contented where they were and did nothing but shift his hold on her soft hands. “And when the candle is snuffed out, I am sure we shall find another to keep our mood so properly set.” He smiled. Perhaps instead of giving our soldiers swords and shields we should give them candle snuffers—it might be more efficient.” He mused lightly.

Still he knew in his heart that the people of Gondor were well prepared to defend their homes. There were very few men in the city who did no wield a weapon of some sort; should such an attack come, the enemy would have plenty of foes to get through before Gondor was taken. And such strength could not be overcome. Calon would, undoubtedly, take up his own bow to protect his family if the case arose.

He looked down at Beleth beside him and almost sighed along with her. He would fight to protect her, if need be. This was the spirit of Gondor at its finest; Beleth held such a beautiful light within her! Protect the lovely lady, save Gondor. Well, she would never have to fear harm while with him. He was a man; strong and loyal. In a heartbeat he fend her from anyone. And proudly do so.

She did seem to like his shows of strength. He smiled to himself at the thought and then looked back out over the lands. “Mordor shall meet its match. This is the White City; we shall not break.”

He paused a moment and listened to the night air. It was entirely quiet, other than the few louder noises that reached them way up where they were. He laughed slightly and asked, “You know, I wonder where the guards are? If a need should arise for this beacon to be lit, they would need to be on post.” He looked over the wood. “I do wonder if it shall ever be used? Though, I do not blame the men for not desiring to stay here. They are not in your fine company, after all, and would be quite lonely.”

[Narbeleth]

“Though, I must say that I am more than willing to accept such a payment from you.” Beleth smiled to herself. She would pay him again in the same way if he enjoyed it so. And she was ever so pleased to hear that the man did not take such gestures from anyone. She would not have asked, of course, but since he had offered the information quite freely, its seemed that Calon had wished her to know. Had she been not so comfortable sitting as she was, Beleth was quite certain she could have kissed the man again. She told herself though, that she would do such before the evening was over.

Beleth laughed aloud at the idea of the grand soldiers of Gondor carrying little candle snuffers. “It would be more efficient indeed,” she agreed. “Though I think we would put some of the blacksmiths such as your grandfather out of business. Perhaps it is well to have them carry armor, swords, and shields. Though it is slightly insensible if all they need are candle snuffers.”

“Though…” she continued, squeezing the man’s hand. “I cannot imagine you without your bow… and only a little snuffer in hand. You may as well go to war in your velveteen tunic at that. Our army would not look very intimidating.”

Calon’s thoughts seemed to mirror her own. “Mordor shall meet its match. This is the White City; we shall not break.” Narbeleth wholeheartedly agreed. “Not with men such as you keeping guard,” she agreed pleasantly, sighing, and now allowing herself to lean more heavily against the man. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the feeling it gave her. Then, she opened them once more, her eyes grazing over the stone walls and white towers before them. Gondor was fine. Gondor was strong. There was no denying what would be of their beloved White City. It’s grandeur would always shine.

“I should not find it so horrible for the men here; for they can stand and watch over the city on any fine day, and return to their homes at the end of their shift.” She glanced up at Calon for a moment before continuing, and casting her gaze out over the mountains. “It is those out there,” she raised her arm to point towards the distant peak of Amon Din. “The men that must ward from their cabins in the mountains, and spend their lives wiping snow and ice off of piles of wood. They must be lonely. And bored.”

That was indeed how Narbeleth would feel, had she been placed in such a situation. To continually strain ones eyes looking across to the distant city for a glimmer of orange fire. “I wonder though, where are our wardens here?” She glanced at Calon, as if he knew. He must know, if he had decided it was appropriate to bring her here. “Did the Steward invite them to the ball perhaps? Without thought of leaving one on duty?”

[Calon]

“Though I think we would put some of the blacksmiths such as your grandfather out of business.

Calon laughed nicely at this and nodded. “So you are right, Bel.” He grinned over to her. “For the sake of the smithies, the army should bear arms.” Still, he amused himself for a long while picturing the members of the cavalry carrying naught but a single small object. He was quite certain that every single one of them would have been shocked or embarrassed to be seen in such a way; all so strong and well-trained with no way of showing their fierceness. Nonetheless, Calon was very well pleased with the image.

“You may as well go to war in your velveteen tunic at that. Our army would not look very intimidating.”

Calon faltered a moment before replying quickly, “No. Our army should be heavy laden with arms and armor. Let them look as fierce as they are.” Truly, there were no men in the city stronger than they. And he wished none of them the shame of wearing velvet to a battle. “Aside, I do believe velvet is entirely hard to clean—so unless our army was not allowed to get dirty, it would be highly impractical.” He grinned at himself for such a statement. Oh, velvet was a foul cloth for men, indeed.

“The men that must ward from their cabins in the mountains, and spend their lives wiping snow and ice off of piles of wood. They must be lonely. And bored.”

“Yes, I would think so.” Calon agreed shifting his eyes to the mountain peak in the distance. “I also doubt many women would be willing to follow them all that far to live in such a way. And that high on the mountain there is no game to even look for,” now he was quite certain that he would never take such a position. No hunting! Only wood to keep you company. That was not manliness. That was torture.

Beleth soon interrupted his thoughts with a fine question indeed. Where were the wardens now? They certainly had been invited to the ball—whether that was where they were or not, Calon did not know. But he would love to ponder if for a time. “Perhaps they went to the ball. Or,” he smiled playfully. “Perhaps they got bored, and the candlelight of Mordor bade them go seek out their wives.” Oh, now it had started. His prattling tongue and eccentric imaginings were being repeated one by one. “Or perhaps there was a scuffle somewhere in the city that they decided they must attend to. But they could just as well be looking for something to do up here—after a full night of watching the city, one might wish for a book. But, since there is no light—and lighting a fire here could bring out disastrous consequences,” he grinned here wider than before, “they have retired to the inside of the tower for a nice read.”

After a moment of chuckling to himself he admitted, “I do not know where the men are. But I shall say I am glad they are not here for an evening. We are enjoying ourselves quite fine, and if the beacons need to be lit, we will be just as able to do it as any other. See, we might be breaking the rules being up here—but we are merely protecting Gondor and making sure our city sleeps safely!”

[Narbeleth]

Narbeleth giggled as Calon began his slew of explanations. Each was better than the one before it, and as he continued, her laughter was mirth and music in itself. She felt her stomach quake with it, and her whole body caught up in her joy. She gripped the man’s hand pleasantly as he went on and on. Of course he had an explanation for everything! Calon was so engaging.

“Indeed, we are the protectors of the city now,” she said gladly. “The Steward will find his people in no better hands than ours alone as we sit up here. We not only will keep an eye on the candlelight of Mordor, and the stray and wild hens, but we will enjoy ourselves while doing so.” Her eyes were utterly brimming in her amusement and happiness. How could this night have been any more amiable? She tilted her head back, still laughing slightly, and looked up at the stars. And those were lovely as well! Nothing could go wrong, it was certain.

It was quite relaxing, Beleth thought, to simply sit and enjoy a person. And to do something a bit dangerous and out of line. There was no rushing about in a hurry to accomplish her tasks; no seeing to the children, or even seeing to Miriel or Faeldor, no crying babies, no meals to cook, and no laundry to scrub. Her mind briefly flashed once more to her brother, and how unhappy he would be if he knew where she was right now. Mother and Grandmother would not be amused; though she thought that perhaps Grandfather would encourage such behavior. That thought made her laugh lightly as well.

“I think… that I should take more time to sit like this. To be quite still, and enjoy myself in it. I usually run myself until I am so tired that I crash.” She thought for a moment of her responsibilities. Beleth was quite the busy woman; and cared for her household as if it was her very own. She enjoyed being busy, yes, but this was so pleasant. She burrowed more against the man’s side, enjoying herself entirely, and sighed, closing her eyes. She mused, that if she must sit still for long periods of time, that she could do quite fine if only she could sit so close and comfortable with this man. “I hope there should be more nights when the wardens might be so occupied, and we can guard the city for them. I think it makes me feel rather important… or perhaps it is just the fact that I am sitting on a throne.”

“Though…” she opened her eyes once more. “I do long that we were somewhere outside the city walls. I miss it so, Cal! When I was a child we were always in the forest and field. How I wish to be in the woods; with the wind blowing through the trees and the insects humming, and cricket frogs chirping.” She was quiet for a moment, listening to the stillness of the tower in which they perched. No sounds of the sort were here. “I sleep better out beneath the trees than I do in my own bed here,” she said, her voice lilting slightly.

[Calon]

“I should think that the Steward would be proud to know that his citizens were so willing to rise to the occasion and demand of duty!” Calon added effortlessly, smiling all the more. “This city would be a dreadful place if the hens were allowed to run about on their own unchecked. It is our duty as the people of Gondor to take care of our land!” He laughed pleasantly, seemingly inspired by Beleth’s own lovely laughter.

“I think… that I should take more time to sit like this. To be quite still, and enjoy myself in it. I usually run myself until I am so tired that I crash.”

“You most certainly should slow down—you only live but once. It is best to enjoy it with everything you are.” Calon’s words were light, but explicitly profound. However, if the man realized this it was unclear, for his face and tone did not indicate that he thought himself wise. “It is unhealthy for someone to ‘crash’. If I must, I shall have you sit here every night. I shall sit with you to make sure you adhere.” He smiled pleasantly. The statement was light enough, but in fact the man was trying to test young Narbeleth. If she desired to simply sit with him once more, he was doing well. Taking her hunting was altogether a different story; perhaps it was not his company she desired, but the activity. If she opted to join him, or allow him to join her—well, then he had fared well in her graces. Though, by the way she had pressed herself against him, and the softness of her hand in his, he was quite sure he would come across no trouble.

She expressed a lament for missing the outside of the city—the great and lovely plains of the Pelennor were ever so freeing. One did begin to feel trapped when cooped up within the walls. However protective they were. “I sleep better out beneath the trees than I do in my own bed here.” “It would do you no harm to venture out every once in a while.” He added nicely. “If it is the darkening of the days you are wary of—I will be happy to join you. And once you learn archery, you will have very little to fear indeed.” He looked down to her once more, and continued.

“I sleep better beneath the trees myself—I have my bed right beside my window, so that I may see the night sky when I go to sleep. It is something about feeling so free and at peace that entices me, I do believe.” He pondered it for a moment and then looked back over the city. “And I am not one to need lavish comforts,” he added as an afterthought, commenting once more on his own manly pride.

“When was the last time you slept out of doors, Nightingale?” He asked, then. She had clearly gone camping, though with the way Faeldor seemed to shelter his family, he doubted it had been recent they had ventured out. He would not wish to risk his family. Calon, to a point, understood and respected this. But life was meant to be lived, and not wasted by fear and hesitation. “Am I right to assume you have gone with your family?”

[Narbeleth]

He had agreed that the woman should slow down. In some ways Narbeleth thought it a just statement; though at times it was quite enjoyable to move about in such a quick fashion, and accomplish her daily tasks while caring for her family, oh, this was pleasant. Her thoughts were cut off by him speaking again.

“I shall sit with you to make sure you adhere.” The young woman smiled. And I shall adhere to you. She thought to herself, fondly. Calon was more enjoyable than any man she had known; that was certain. Though, Narbeleth had not known many men. In fact, she had not truly even been allowed to speak to men for many years. Only since she had turned eighteen the previous autumn, had Faeldor allowed such a thing. Perhaps it was to her own protection though, for though her brother had never brought the subject up to her, she knew that men had gone to him to inquire of her. Narbeleth was a well raised girl, and from a fine family. Of course, men would have already asked Faeldor for her hand. Not that they had come to know her well, and not that they were even given the chance to do so. Faeldor had been quite selective in appropriate companions for both Miriel and Narbeleth. And by selective, she meant that not even one had been given the chance to ask her brother more than one time. Nobody was to his standards, when it came to his sisters.

Such was the fate of an older brother though, she thought, who was forced to raise and care for his younger sisters. He needed to be protective. It was bound within him to take his Father’s stead and do so. And Faeldor had. He had done well. Of course, he was overly protective, yet at the same time he had allowed for some freedom. If Narbeleth would truly inquired to it, she was certain Faeldor would have given her some leeway in forming decisions of her own future. She had never asked for it though. She had never been interested.

“Every night!” the lady exclaimed amusedly, drawn from thought on his statements. “Would you really do such?” she asked. “I would sit with you each night. Though I would say at times it is likely we would need find another place to sit. The guards must be here on some nights. Do not say it though, Cal, if you do not mean it, for I would adore to be with you each night. You are an enjoyable man, and you do make me feel quite pleasant… and warm.” She laughed. “And not simply because I am wearing your tunic.” She mulled on the fact for a moment; how she was enjoying sitting next to the man as she was. And he allowed it as well; and not in an unpleasant way. She made a point of bringing her other hand over and placing it upon his arm.

“When was the last time you slept out of doors, Nightingale?” How pleasantly he said her name. Beleth mused that she could get used to such words quite easily. While she did not dislike her true name, which fit her well, it was even more pleasing to be given a name by another.

“I have gone camping with my family many times,” Narbeleth started, thinking back on when she had last stayed out of the city at night time. “When we would go to Belfalas each summer we would stay out for days in a row, travelling of course, but as well as while we were in the country. We would even stay out on the cliffs; my brother and sister, and I. And when we were young, Father would take us to the forests near the city here, and to Mount Mindoluin. There is a marvelous cave on the mountainside. It is beautiful at night. Have you seen it?” she asked aside, before continuing. “But now… I should say three years ago was the last; and it was for the mere purpose of traveling from Dol Amroth. We have not truly gone out to simply sleep beneath the stars and enjoy the forest since Father’s accident. Though Faeldor goes as he pleases, he will not take his sisters for fear that we will be harmed.”

“And I know that it would do me no harm to venture out, though it would do my brother harm to hear of it. I wandered out of the city on my own one day, two years ago perhaps, and Faeldor heard of it, that was certain. He banned me from even going further down than the fifth tier for quite some time after that. Mind you, I only went onto the edge of the Fields, but he was so unhappy that I had gone alone. I have done well to obey him since then though. I do not like to see him become so restless over the matter. I am not insensible though. I would not do something to get hurt. He just does not understand at times. I think it is perhaps because he is always out and about, working with the horses and riding. But he does not understand how tedious it is to run a household day after day. Cleaning, and cooking, and doing all the things that women do. Not that I do not wish to be responsible and do those things; for they of course need to be done. Yet, given the chance, I should go anywhere else than in these city walls.”

“Though… sometimes I have slept out in the garden at night. It is not the same though. And Mother does not approve of that at any rate. Any man could just walk behind our home to the gardens.” The woman frowned slightly, shivering in the breeze. She returned though, once more to thoughts on what Calon had told her. Then she smiled, “My bed is also beneath the window.”

It seemed that though the woman’s feet had stopped dancing, she could hardly stop talking. Well, she had warned the man of her own habit of it. Though, he enjoyed to speak as well, she knew. And he had asked her a question afterall. She smiled brightly, feeling both warm and calm.

[Calon]

“Yes, I would think that at least on some of the nights the guards would hold their position here.” He grinned and chuckled lightly at the thought. “Otherwise, they would not still have their jobs, I am sure. Idling as a guard is probably the worst offense you can think of.” He mused on that for a moment before continuing with the same lightness.

“Of course I mean it.” Calon’s words were the frankest and most sincere that he had held all evening. “After a long day working, I go sit and relax for a time by myself. It would be much more exciting if you were to be there as well.” As much as he wished to expound upon this, his Nightingale took off once more, and her tongue seemed ceaseless in her prattles. But he was far from upset over it. His eyes were very light, and lovely as he listened to her weave her thoughts into being. “If you adore my company, I find it safe to mention I am fond of yours as well.”

And once more, she was off. He listened as she explained her camping experiences, but his face slowly began to falter as she guided him through those tales. “Your brother does as he pleases?” For a moment the man looked utterly confused for the contradiction he saw within these actions. “It is no safer going alone than it is to bring a lady.” This struck him as very odd indeed, and it stunned him into silence. Fleetingly he wondered if that Gilwen had ever gone camping with him. He would bring his own lady—not nearly as hardy as his sister—to camp with him and still forbid Beleth to venture past the fifth tier? “Well, he should not have to worry for you. I can well take care of you for when we go.” And all at once, he was back into his bright and cheery mood.

“Yes, cleaning and cooking and tending to a house is more work than we do at the stables.” Calon observed rather casually. He got a very boyish and mischievous grin and looked to her once, “My grandmother made it a point for me to learn by taking one of my days off to spend cleaning and doing her chores. Perhaps you should do the same to your brother.” The thought of such brought the man to smile grandly. “My mother once told me that having two boys is like taking the load of two jobs.” He paused a moment and looked to Beleth once more.

“Though… sometimes I have slept out in the garden at night. It is not the same though.”

No, it would not be the same. But a nice substitute if that was all that was available. He listened as she finished her story and fell to silence, and the man laughed as he began to answer. “I do not think you should fear sleeping in your own gardens. Indeed, from what I have heard of your brother—a man would be a fool to try and see you in that way. Aside, not many men go prowling through gardens.” He certainly would never dream of entering one except on request. Flowers were all well and good, but not something a man should be concerned with.

“Your bed is under the window as well? It is freeing…as long as the window is open. I must say when it rains is my least favorite time to sleep. While the sound is soothing and can lull, having to shut my window is torturous.” He looked back over the city again.

He turned, quite suddenly back to the beginning of their exchange here and asked eagerly, “So where do you suppose we should go to relax? I am afraid that I cannot quite take you out of the city—not without your brother’s permission. Though, if I could, I would suggest the Pelennor. It is always utterly calm upon those fields.”

[Narbeleth]

“If you adore my company, I find it safe to mention I am fond of yours as well.”

“Quite safe,” Narbeleth smiled consciously and replied quietly, her voice larkish and sweet. Oh did she find that a pleasing compliment! Young Beleth was moment by moment more stricken with this man. Her heart pulsed steadily and her body was well aware of the steadiness at her side, and the rough fingers holding her own. His light eyes seemed always bright.

“Well, he should not have to worry for you. I can well take care of you for when we go.” “I should not think he would have to,” Narbeleth elevated her head for a few moments, raising an eyebrow, and the man. “Aye, you look strong enough to care for me, and keep me out of harm’s way. But are you vigorous enough to keep me from my own impulsive and careless actions?” The young woman laughed, and then huddled once more at the man’s side, evading the chill wind. Though Gondor was a heated realm in the daytime, at night the White City held nothing but stone walls that did poorly at keeping the warmth of the sunshine within them. “That is what my brother would ask you anyhow. Though, I think first you must let me warm him to the idea, and you must think about practicing your answers, for I simply know that the classification of ‘careless’ would mean different things to both you and Faeldor.”

“I think he finds it safer to take Gilwen outside the city than I, for he does not fear that she will do something impulsive and risky. She is quite a calm woman, you see, and would listen keenly to Faeldor should he ever tell her to behave in a certain way.” She smiled mischeviously. “Not that I would obstain from listening to my brother… I just tend to do the things that he forgets to mention. Afterall it would take hours for him to sit and explain one thing after the other that I should not do. It is just easier that I remain safe within these White Walls, where someone might always be watching me. As you are now.” She was beaming.

“So where do you suppose we should go to relax?” She was glad for such a question, for it was again affirming that the man wished to be with her. How odd she felt at it; for it seemed that Calon was the type of man to wish for more… masculine… companionship. For someone to go to the tavern with, or a fellow hunter. Then again, she had just expressed her desire to do those very things with him. So perhaps she was not out of his range.

“Anywhere that you deem peaceful enough for us to wind down. Although I think you put more energy into me than you take out. Though, I did expend some tonight I suppose. Now I am feeling quite relaxed...Whether in the city, or on the plains though, I do not mind. Perhaps we should climb the city walls next; or go on the rooftops,” she grinned.

She paused for a moment. “There is always the tower of Ecthelion, If you are feeling truly dangerous and precarious; though I doubt the guards there can be so idle as our beloved beacon wardens here.” What a glory that would be! Though, such the tower was scaled by the Steward himself; perhaps the Captains had permission to enter, though what was kept in such a place was unknown by any citizen.

“Perhaps that location is too perilous though. I, for one, would not like to be taken into confinement and questioned before the Steward. Nor would I like to see you there either. Lord Denethor would surely forgive me; as I could easily play the role of childlike dove. Yet you, Cal… they would be wary of you, it is clear.” I have heard that the Steward is a fine judge of character, though I do not think he would lend such a tough person as yourself an easy reprimand. He would without a doubt see the facetious look in your eye, but I doubt he would be amused.” She gave the man’s upper arm a squeeze. “He would see the strength right here and put you on line for hauling bricks to repair the lower walls. Notwithstanding, it would smell better than shoveling horse manure, but you would lose the companionship of those elegant creatures.”

[Calon]

“I am most certainly strong enough,” Calon chimed happily, offering a brief moment where he raised his chin and set his jaw straight, as if in show of his manliness. “As for protecting you from your own impulses? Let is suffice to say I would not allow you to do anything I would not do, either.” He grinned boyishly for a moment. “I do believe that gives you ample freedom.”

He was rather impulsive himself. Well, if they climbed a tree and she missed her footing, he could certainly keep her from hurting herself terribly. Beasts were of no issue—not with his skill in bow and arrow. Indeed, if she began to get too flighty, he was fairly certain that he could keep her in place with his own strength.

“Though, I suppose your brother would not be pleased with that answer. Perhaps I should say something more along the lines of, ‘Your sister is in safe hands. I shall not let her to harm’. That does sound more convincing.” He looked to her once more as she huddled into his warmth and smiled, adding easily, “And as long as he is convinced, I should come to no harm.”

He listened amusedly to Beleth’s assessment of other prospective places to begin their daily task of relaxing, and the man nodded. “I should like to see the Tower of Ecthelion. I do agree that my muscles would worry the guards,” he grinned boyishly and proudly. “Though, perhaps if we catch them at the right time we could come to no trouble.” He pondered the thought a moment. “Relaxing upon a rooftop seems nice,” he observed frankly. “It would be like sleeping under the stars upon the earth.” He pondered it a moment more and flicked his dancing blue eyes to the roof of his own home.

“I do believe we could get atop mine easy enough. If it would please you, Bel, you shall have a roof to lay upon.”

“He would see the strength right here and put you on line for hauling bricks to repair the lower walls. Notwithstanding, it would smell better than shoveling horse manure, but you would lose the companionship of those elegant creatures.”

“If I had wished to work as a stone layer, I should have sought it to begin with. While, I am sure my muscles would be well toned and strong after that! But I would like to enjoy my line of work.” He paused as if to think it over before he smiled playfully. “I do believe I shall leave you to the tower alone, then. Perhaps your womanly wiles could convince the guards to let me pass.”

[Narbeleth]

“As for protecting you from your own impulses? Let is suffice to say I would not allow you to do anything I would not do, either.” The woman could not contain a musical laugh. “Well that could be anything then, my dear Calon.” She pondered for a moment on the things that the man had mentioned he had done. “From hunting, to riding, to… speaking with Nazgul. Just do not let my brother know that your impulses are just as far from ‘appropriate’ as mine are. It would be lent the safest I think to just tell him that I should not be harmed,” she agreed, nodding slightly

“Oh, blessed, for I do not think we could get atop my roof without being noticed and snitched on. There are too many little eyes always watching. And Faeldor of course. Although he thinks he does not miss a thing in our home; but I assure you that he does. Will your grandparents not mind us atop the roof though?” The woman laughed slightly, trying to imagine her own grandparent’s reaction to such a stunt. Grandmother would certainly be abashed at it, though Grandfather would likely chuckle at the fact. She looked out over the city; trying to spot Calon’s rooftop again, though she had lost track of where he had pointed it out among the cluster of white stone homes on the fourth tier.

“We could sleep on the rooftops. What a lovely thought,” the woman agreed. She imagined climbing upon the roof with a blanket or two, and simply staring up at the sky for hours until falling asleep. What a way to spend an evening; indeed. It would be almost like camping… not quite. But closer than anything else in the city. And with Calon nonetheless. If she might find a way to leave her home for the night and do such a thing, would that ever be wonderful! She suspected that if she wished, she could sit and talk to this man for hours on end, until sleep finally took her. He was of such a likened heart!

“I do believe I shall leave you to the tower alone, then. Perhaps your womanly wiles could convince the guards to let me pass.” Narbeleth frowned at this statement for the moment. “No, I don’t think so…” She bit her lip, humoring the man with a voice that was not quite stern, but as much as well as she could play the part. “You are the one that has convinced me of my need to climb things; towers, trees, roofs… I think that I shall not be doing any climbing unless you are with me… and keeping me out of harm’s way.”

[Calon]

“Then he shall not learn of my conversations with Nazgul, or my love of climbing things.” The man said flatly. It would be easy enough to not mention the Nazgul; it was not a piece that could casually arise in a conversation. Aside from that, the man had no intention of allowing Beleth the same privilege as he had.

Calon laughed a moment. “I guess I have never had to worry about little eyes. And my own older brother does precisely what he wishes and allows me the same freedom. Though, I do suppose this is at least in part due to my inherent maleness.” He laughed slightly. “You must never get any privacy.” He mused shortly. Though, this lady was quite free spirited. Privacy was probably not something she desired often.

The fair woman remarked on sleeping atop the roofs. Calon grinned grandly at the idea. “That would be a nice way to pass the time. Would you be allowed to spend a night on a precarious ledge with me?” He asked interestedly. “Taking a few blankets up would be nice.” He mused a bit more and thought of food and drink, though Calon was in no way a preparer of meals. He kept his mouth shut, therefore, and then turned back to look over the city. “It would be about as close as we could get to camping on the real Field—until I am allowed to take you that far, that is.” Once they had done that? Calon would only settle for rooftops when she wished it. Or perhaps when his day had been particularly tiring and a long ride was not desirable.

“I think that I shall not be doing any climbing unless you are with me… and keeping me out of harm’s way.”

Calon chuckled and squeezed her hand slightly in amusement. “Well, then I do hope we spend enough time together. I would not want your impulses to bottle up on you, after all. That would be most unhealthy for one like you. Who knows what could happen! One day you could simply climb your own rooftop. Or worse! Barge upon the working guards here at this very tower and startle them well enough that they light the beacon!” He pointed with his other hand to the hanging lamp of oil and flame and then once more returned it to his side. “I would think that would be most unfortunate. It would take us many days to get all the wood replaced in all the tower points.”

[Narbeleth]

“You must never get any privacy.” The young woman shook her head. “No, I do not. Only, perhaps, at this time of day when the little ones are not underfoot. And even then I share a room with my older sister. But I do not mind at all. There are few times when I wish for solitude. I do not like to be alone.”

She bit her lip though, and laughed lightly. “Being among many siblings can be tiresome, and at times I feel like a mother to the younger ones. Since I was a child, I have always looked after the physical need of the little ones. And the emotional need of Miriel and Faeldor. I do not mind it though. I think it is my purpose to look after people. Though it is pleasant to be in the company of one other, rather than the multitudes. It nice to just be with another adult, and to take a break from the bustle of it all."

Calon continued on to speak of sleeping on rooftops. It was a grand idea indeed, and another opportunity to spend time with just him. How she was savoring such attention! “Would you be allowed to spend a night on a precarious ledge with me?” Thinking for a moment, she answered, “Likely I would not be allowed it if I should ask. You are a man after all, and though Brother takes Gilwen out overnight, I am certain he would find the same idea unsuitable for me, even if we did not leave the city…"

“I suppose, if he should outright come to ask me,” here she deepened her voice to mock her brother, ”…’Are you sleeping upon the rooftops of the city with my Stablehand?’ I should be well inclined to answer in honestly. But if I do simply come out and do it without asking him, he will just think I have just been called out as a midwife overnight. It happens quite frequently, actually.” She smirked at her aptitude for planning. Faeldor never wished to hear the events that unfolded during the labor process which Narbeleth was accustomed to seeing, and if he even asked of her night, it was simply to ask if it all ‘ended well.’

“Not to say that Faeldor will never approve. He eventually will come around to you, after much critiquing and hawking, I am certain."

A pressing, yet warm thought and feeling though, was within Narbeleth's mind as she continued. She had not considered it before; but in fact it seemed as if it had been written there, and though she had not given Calon much chance to answer, she continued.

"But I simply cannot wait so long. The Valar would not have sent me such the blessing of a dedicated and adventurous man right now if they wished me to wait on my long winded brother for approval. We already have Their approval. It seems that Manwë wishes us mirthful companionship. Varda will be pleased that we look on her stars together, and Yavanna glad that we take pleasure in her sun and moon. Oromë and Nessa’s blessing we have on the treasure of their forests, and Ulmo’s waters.” She hugged the man’s arm tenderly while she spoke.

“But I think Faeldor should come to realize that I am an adult after all is said. It is such a tedious process; trying to convince your family to understand that you are quite capable of making your own decisions and judgments. Especially after you have been making those very decisions already for years, yet letting them believe they were doing so for you, simply because you were not old enough. The Valar realize before any else.” The bright young woman sighed. Despite the seed of despair that was within her for Faeldor’s certain reaction to her new friend, she was taking far more pleasure in the moment than anything else.

“And you are correct. I would be tedious as well to stack so much wood in all the tower points. And the Rohirrim should not be well favored to turn back around should they be summoned unwittingly. But after all of that wood hauling and stacking, I doubt that any would be able to beat me in an arm wrestling match, save perhaps you, who would be my cohort in the stacking of it all... though... it is quite the temptation to be so strong. Have you a flint upon you, perchance?" she asked mischievously.

[Calon]

Calon smiled to himself as Beleth explained how she cared for her own family, and if it was at all more possible he felt a stronger attachment to her. How amazing she was! “I am sure your siblings appreciate your care. They are lucky to have you.” She certainly had a devoted heart. “And if it is your purpose, then you are well attuned to it.” He added as an afterthought. And well at it. She certainly had done everything she could to care for him that evening as well. While, perhaps, it had not been in a mothering or sisterly way, she had certainly made sure he enjoyed his evening and even forced him to the dance floor a couple of times before they were both equally bored with the formality.

“You are a man after all, and though Brother takes Gilwen out overnight, I am certain he would find the same idea unsuitable for me, even if we did not leave the city…"

Calon raised his eyebrows. “He shall take that small woman from the walls overnight, but would not trust you to do the same?” For a moment he paused his thoughts. His tone was not condescending, he in no way thought Faeldor a foul man. It could possibly be the simple fact that Gilwen was so much smaller and more timid than the lovely woman beside him. It would certainly be easier to keep that one under control. Well, Faeldor could take the woman out all he desired. An easy companion was not to Calon’s liking. “I shall be certain to gain his permission, then. Even if I must work hard to prove myself worthy.” He grinned playfully and turned back to the city.

Then, she prattled on in a lovely way about how they were already approved by the Valar. My, did such a thing bring his already jubilant eyes to sparkle brighter. “Then, Bel, I shall be sure not to disappoint the Valar. I should never wish for such an insult upon them as letting you get away.” Yes. He was going to marry her. If it took him twenty years to win over her brother and Narbeleth herself. This night had been perfect—and he was certain they could only become grander.

His words were a bit possessive, and he was sure that she would be able to see such things. Still, they were truthful in their frankness. He hoped she did not protest the words. While his manly pride would not allow him to show that he took offence to her opposition, he most certainly would be. And saddened! To think that a lady this wonderful could turn him away. Still, if a problem was to come of it, he doubted it would be tonight. She was entirely too comfortable and close

“A flint upon me?” He laughed. “I do believe I left it in my other dress tunic.” Calon said, acting as if he were searching for it and disappointed. Still, his facial expression soon returned to a smile. “No, I do have one somewhere I am certain, but I am afraid that dress tunics do not have pockets enough for me to have carried it. What do you need it for?” He asked curiously.

[Narbeleth]

“Then, Bel, I shall be sure not to disappoint the Valar. I should never wish for such an insult upon them as letting you get away.”

“Letting me get away…” she repeated quietly. “Whyever would I wish to get away?” she asked with a lilt in her voice. Her eyes held a flame as looked to the man and pressed closer. She released his hand and placed her own fingertips beneath Calon’s jaw. “I do not plan on disappointing the Valar either,” she commented intrepidly. She traced a finger beneath his chin before withdrawing her hand and pressing it back into his. She sighed, and relaxed once more, a satisfied smirk upon her lips.

“What do you need it for?” She gleamed at the question. What did she need a flint for? Well was it not obvious?

“My legs are catching a chill in the wind, and I thought perhaps that we might light a fire,” she giggled playfully. “Oh, but have you not ever thought of doing such a horrendous thing? If you had let me take just one more glass of the wine, I am certain I would not have been able to contain myself up here. It is far too temptuous…”

“As well as it is; it is clear that this dress tunic is quite useless to you for most things,” she remarked. Her eyes were laughing. “No flint! It is too soft for such a man, and quite the hassle with always needing new clasps that cannot seem to withstand horse’s hooves. And too much effort to clean. Though, I hardly know what I would do, should it not be keeping me as warm as it is now. I would have certainly either not ventured to climb up this high; or else I might have found a way to light this beacon. Then, our evening should have had an unfortunate ending and—“

As the young woman spoke her voice was light and sprightly, yet she stopped herself midsentence as she looked out over the city. “Is that not my very brother?” she seemed quite excited, as she noticed the gardens behind her home. “Behind my home,” she specified, nodding toward it. He was in the back; she saw the way he walked by the dim light of the moon, and though they were too far away to make out faces, it was certain that the small figure beside him was Gilwen.

“What an enchanting view. But I wonder if he should be upset that I am not home before him. Do you think he has noticed?” her eyes questioned as well as her lips. It would certainly not be the way to start off an allowable friendship with this man, if Faeldor should not trust him from the very beginning.

[Calon]

“If my grandmother would not wonder for it, I should let you keep it,” Calon grinned playfully as Beleth spoke once more on his tunic. “Though, I am certain your family would be bothered by it as well. For their dear Bel to come home clad in another man’s tunic would not be a smart way to start any of this off.” Though, the thought amused him greatly. She did wear his clothes well.

He was about to bring himself to respond to Beleth’s ramble about lighting the beacon, and how disastrous that would have been, when it seemed she interrupted herself with a thought that was much more pressing.

“Is that not my very brother?”

“It does appear to be.” Calon replied casually as he peered after her. Well, from here he could at least see the figure of a man—and a woman?—and because it was behind her own home, and the figure was still clad in reds he did draw the same conclusion. But his mind clicked to another topic shortly as he let his eyes scope the streets. Indeed, many a lavishly clad man and woman were walking down the streets.

“Bel, I do believe the ball has finished,” he observed cheerily. Though, it saddened him that she expressed a desire to leave, though he understood her intentions.

“I do suppose I should return you to your home. I do have work early in the morning, and I am sure your family will be much more soothed knowing you have made it home safely.” He smiled. “We should probably fetch your dress.” With that he let himself leap lightly from the beacon wood that had composed his seat for the past minutes and extended two hands to the lady to aide her as well.

“I should not wished to be denied time with you in the future simply because I did not get you home in a timely fashion,” he laughed lightly. “Though, perhaps they will see that I can be trusted.”

After Beleth was firmly on the ground, he turned and made way back to the ladder, to begin their descent. “You best hurry redressing. I do not know how many should walk about the palace now that the event has finished.” His blue eyes were sparkling with amusement—even getting the young woman home was proving to be quite the adventure.