For A Pretty Little Girl [Faeldor]

[Gilwen]

It was a lovely day out; the perfect day for a pretty little girl. Indeed, it seemed as if the Valar themselves had blessed this day. As if such a great sky was a gift for little Haliel herself. Eight years old! Gilwen couldn’t help but adore the child, and she, like all others that were gathered into the garden in the back of Faeldor’s sixth tier home, desired this day to be lovely for her.

Though, the lovely day of weather had not made for a perfect gathering. The day had been a bit rough for Gilwen in general—though she had managed to get through all of it with a smile. She had gone to work, escorted by her Stable Master, and then returned to her own residence to change into something more befitting a party. While that meant her only day dress had to be worn, she assumed it was greater than her serving uniform. Still, as she was about to walk out the door, her mother had stopped her and declared brown would simply not do for a party, and handed her one of her own dresses.

As they had been the same size for some time, Gilwen had changed quickly, the garment a lovely rose. Better than brown, though the dress was slightly older than her own. It made no difference to Gilwen. She had always adored the dress when her mother wore it, and it had pleased her greatly to be allowed to borrow it.

Faeldor had been waiting outside for her, and she had gone to him readily. It had not been stressful until she had arrived at the home. Everyone was there, naturally, for little Haliel. Though a few of the guests she had not prepared herself for. Maeniel, the woman she had met in the stables, had come. Along with Rosiel and her brother, a rather handsome man of the cavalry. Miriel she had been preparing herself for. But this…she had not known what to do. Still, she had smiled timidly in greeting to all of them and had somehow made it to the backyard unscathed.

The young man that had escorted Beleth to the ball had shown himself as well; clearly, Gilwen smiled inwardly, Beleth was growing attached to him. They seemed a fine match, though she was unsure as to how Faeldor was taking it. He did worry too much at times.

This was her first time in the garden in the daytime, and the young woman was quite taken aback by its beauty. The flowers seemed perfectly in bloom, and the color made the scene so cheery, that Gilwen imagined no trouble could befall her here. She glanced sideways up at the tall man at her side and smiled warmly. She was fairly certain Rosiel’s burning eyes were on her, and he was certainly going to be a bit upset over the fact she had shown up at all. Still, the gentle woman tried to make sure he did not see her own unease or distress. That would only make matters worse.

Faeldor seemed to be in easy conversation with Rosiel’s brother, and Gilwen had since fallen silent after the exchange of names. The woman instead watched as the children seemed to rush about the green grasses and laugh merrily. Goodness, their energy was high! The little blonde head of Diore reminded Gilwen that she was to meet another child this day. One she had been assured she would adore. With a quick glance to her stable master, she stepped away from his side to go finally greet the birthday girl.

She approached Haliel with a warm smile and went to embrace her and kiss the top of her head. “Happy birthday, Haliel.” She said quietly, though lovingly. She certainly looked excited! Oh, however happy the child would be upon seeing Faeldor's present for her. Gilwen's heart warmed at the thought. It had been the most precious kitten of the litter, and had been a perfect match for Faeldor's Little Flower.

[Faeldor]

Faeldor could have found himself on no better spirits on such the day of his Little Flower’s birthday. Only increased was his smile as Gilwen stepped out of her small home, clad in the loveliest rose color which he deemed his eyes had ever been allowed to rest upon. He longed to kiss her as she first came down from her doorstep, yet he knew the likely outcome of such an act, and thus restrained himself, and led her quickly from her home, that they might not be spotted together by her father.

Even the tired mood that seemed to encircle his lady did not dampen the man’s spirits, and instead of trying to pursue much conversation with her, he spoke more of the stables and his own day spent with the horses; things which she would enjoy to hear, and then he sang to her. Though the walk from first to sixth tier was long, it seemed to pass in almost an instant to the Stable Master, for now they joined together with the other company, in the gardens behind his home.

The Stable Master was loathe to greet his sister’s friend Rosiel, but he had smiled at her once upon their entrance. He must be civil in front of her brother after all; Almurdir was an acquaintance of his, and a fine member of the Calvary. And he had been surprised to see Mae present! He had not invited her, though after a few words it became apparent that his mother had. The idea did not bother him though, for he did enjoy the woman’s company and he would not let her friendship fall aside if it was still offered.

Gilwen could smile at the man all she wished, yet it was his fingertips, not his eyes, that could sense her discomfort. The gentle hand that stayed lightly at her waist as they stood together among the flowers Whether it was due to the looming presence of Miriel and Rosiel and fear that they would turn this event into what they had the last that Gilwen had attended, or it was perhaps due to the soft presence of Maeniel.

Maeniel, had in fact, been there the day that Haliel was born. It was only to Meleth’s delight that upon hearing of her return to the city that she beckon the young woman to attend the picnic in celebration. After all, she had been close friends with her Faeldor, as well as Miriel. Though now, Miriel did a fine job of ignoring her, and Rosiel was no kinder. The young woman found herself standing off to the side alone.

Diore lit as a little ray of sunlight around the adults, weaving in and out of bodies and legs; and Faelon even had difficulty catching the small child. Her presicion was accurate, and her speed certainly showed her as the child of Rohan that she was. In the years to come, even the city boys would have difficulty in competition of her games.

“Maeniel, do come sit with me over here,” Beleth called from her seat upon the stone bench, of which she had drawn Calon to sit near her as well. Her eyes were friendly, for she would not have a guest at their home feel unwelcome. Narbeleth hardly remembered Maeniel, for she had been just a girl when the woman had visited frequently, though she had never felt a dislike for her.

“Cal, Mae is an old friend, she has just returned to the city,” the young woman introduced the two. “I do believe… if I remember correctly where you live, Mae, that you are only a few houses down from each other.” Beleth had moved herself nearer Calon, pushing him to the edge of the bench as she moved to allow room for Maeniel, though she smiled at him, and let her fingertips over the back of his hand for an instant. “You may join the men if you wish it,” she said larkishly, now pressing her hand upon his. Such a feat was daring with the very eyes of her brother so near! But she was in the mood for tempting Faeldor, should he say anything.

The Stable Master, however, was quite occupied in his conversation, for he and Almurdir shared the same love of horses, and if one thing could make the brother of Rosiel have voice and speak, it was that specific topic.

“I have always enjoyed the breed of Northern Gondor with pleasure,” Almurdir continued where they had left, speaking of his own horse. “One must wonder at the Mearas of Rohan, though if any horse can be attained from a Rohhiric breeder, it is to be much desired for. My own was a filly bred by a stallion of Rohan, and I should say he is three hands taller than any other horse in the stable.” The man was smiling as he went on.

Faeldor was listening with interest, though his hand was still wrapped lightly about Gilwen’s waist as she stood near him. Her simple presence was enough to keep his mood far from any foul thoughts. “Your Searanon is one of the most even tempered horses in the stable, I should say. He makes an easy job for the stablehands, yet there is no doubting his power on the field. I should like to see him in full gallop; it must be a fantastic sight,” the Stable Master answered. He turned slightly for an instant when Gilwen pulled away from him, though the upset that it had given him soon washed away as he saw she was not being drawn from his safe embrace by the lady’s who had been eyeing her with disgust. She was instead, going over to see little Haliel. He smiled upon the two of them for a moment, before turning back to his conversation with Almurdir.

“Happy birthday, Haliel.”

“Thank you, Gilwen!” the little girl exclaimed both politely and excitedly at the same moment. “Look at my new dress, is it not pretty, and Marileth has braided the flowers in my hair to match.” The little held the hem of her dress, which was a beautiful shade of violet, and showed Gilwen the little flowers that were intertwined in one long braid down Haliel’s back. Then she reached out, clasping a handful of the fabric of Gilwen’s own dress.

“And your dress is rosy!” she continued on happily.

“Rosy indeed, though the thorns outweigh the petals,” Rosiel commented from aside to Miriel. Rosiel was in quite the state already that Gilwen had been asked to attend, though she had inwardly known that she would be here. After the ball, it was quite evident that Faeldor had not yet lost his interest in her. “Does it not look as if that dress is twenty years old? It is so worn. I would wager that it belonged to her grandmother before her,” Rosiel continued.

Miriel frowned. “It is definitely a used thing. I am surprised I have not seen her in it before; then again she probably gained it from someone who was about to throw it out.” Though Miriel no longer saw any use in her slander of the poor servant, as she could see quite well that her brother was set on marrying the girl, it helped her own wounded soul to take out her anger on someone else. She continued to frown, pressing her hand over her stomach once more.

“Are you going to be sick?” Rosiel asked, an eyebrow raised as she noticed Miriel’s posture.

“Perhaps,” Miriel muttered, sighing and turning to make her way toward the house. Rosiel made no measure to follow, for she did not wish Miriel to soil her dress, and she would find other entertainment outside, it was certain.

[Gilwen]

It had been a strange invitation, but it was one Calon accepted readily. Of course, if Beleth had desired to spend more time with him, he was hardly going to deny her of it. He had gladly, and with a characteristic smile, agreed to attend. Though, upon picking a gift for the little girl, he had been at a loss. He had only seen Haliel once, amidst a vast many other faces that had been new.

Luckily his grandmother had stepped in to aide him in the manner of children’s things. A nice stuffed bear he had bought. And it was now merely awaiting the little girl’s arms. Girls. He did not entirely understand them. Thank the heavens for his grandmother!

He was sitting nicely on the stone bench of the garden, his Nightingale at his side. The young woman was in as bright a mood as ever, though, and soon it was no longer the two of them, and Calon made introductions with a pretty young woman by the name of Maeniel. “It is nice to meet you,” he chimed brightly, with a nice flash of smile. “I do think that I have seen you about the fourth tier,” he observed in a friendly manner. “I suppose it would do me well to meet the neighbors.” He laughed slightly. Between work, and the friends made there, it had never occurred to Calon to search elsewhere for companionship. Though, Maeniel was also a female; and the only woman he had ever desired the company of was sitting beside him, and gripping at his hand.

“You may join the men if you wish it.”

It was entirely tempting, though the young man decided after a quick glance toward them that it was probably not in his best interest. Faeldor would be stiff enough that Calon had been invited; it did seem best to mind his distance for a time. Aside, the two other gentleman looked to be having a nice conversation. “I think I shall wait,” he exclaimed, smiling over to her. “I have already spent near my entire day with your brother giving me orders. I shall give it a time,” he jested slightly.

He looked back to Maeniel in a friendly fashion and asked, “You have just returned, then? From where have you returned, if it is not too bold?”

--

Though Gilwen loved the creatures dearly, horses were not a subject she could discuss as Almurdir and Faeldor seemed able to. Breeds seemed to meld together, and though she was mindful of temperament, she did not truly mind pedigree or characteristics that were prone to show up in certain horses.

She had not meant to lose interest; it seemed dreadfully rude. But Haliel was a welcome distraction. Indeed, the child seemed just as pleased to see her as she was of being with her; though, the burning eyes of Rosiel and Miriel were boring into her back and gifting the young woman a great sense of unease.

“Look at my new dress, is it not pretty, and Marileth has braided the flowers in my hair to match.”

Gilwen smiled at the child gleefully. Oh, such a dear little thing! Haliel could undoubtedly cheer the mood of any—if Haliel cared to do so. “You certainly look lovely,” she said sweetly. “Befitting for your day.”

Haliel gripped a part of her own dress, and Gilwen looked down at the color herself and laughed, a bit nervously, at Haliel’s observation. She had, of course, heard a piece of Rosiel’s retort on roses, though the rest of her mumblings had drifted away, for Gilwen made move to respond. “Yes, it is quite rosy.” She said slowly. Should she speak of whom it came from? It was indeed her mother’s, and one of Gilwen’s favorites at that. Still, for the child to hear of it, and casually repeat such a thing…it could not be chanced with Miriel and Rosiel present.

Instead, Gilwen tentatively offered something else entirely, “If I look as a rose, and you as a violet…we are both dressed as flowers!” It was, Gilwen knew, Haliel’s favorite thing in all the world. Or, one of them. Perhaps if she got the subject back onto the pretty child, nothing could surface by Gilwen that could lead to a sour evening.

[Faeldor]

“I think I shall wait, I have already spent near my entire day with your brother giving me orders. I shall give it a time.” Narbeleth could not help but be pleased at such words, and she was certain to show it with her own adoring look, and the way she let her hand linger a few moments longer upon Calon’s.

“You have just returned, then? From where have you returned, if it is not too bold?” Maeniel smiled gently, taking a breath and contemplating for a moment what she should say. Calon seemed kind enough as any, and certainly the young sister of Faeldor deserved a man with such a bright smile.

Narbeleth had always been an energetic and cheerful youth, and in fact, the only one of her household that Maeniel had seemed to console at all after the death of Faelon. She recalled the stoic faced little girl who she had found sitting right out here in the garden, hours after the news had arrived and she had already attempted to comfort Faeldor. It had been very late, though she sat with the child and eventually took her into bed when she had fallen asleep against her. Narbeleth did not remember this after all, for she had been exhausted and had lost many memories of the day which was so terrible to the family.

It was difficult to see her now as an adult, though it seemed she had turned out quite amiable. At least moreso than her elder sister. Being away for so many years made it seem as if she were meeting each person all over again, for they had all been children, or on the very edge of adulthood, when now three were grown, and there were so many new young ones.

“I lived for some years in Lossarnach with my relatives,” she answered Calon, her voice mild. “But now I am back in my Father’s home, just a few weeks ago. I did see the two of you last week at the ball, though forgive me Narbeleth for not greeting you; you have grown up quite a space.” Her tone was approving.
------
“That we should both look as flowers!” Haliel exclaimed gleefully, unaware of her dear Gilwen’s nervousness. She was such an excited little girl on her own birthday, for all the attention to be sent her way, and for even her whole family to be here. “Gilwen, we will go find a flower to match your dress, and you should wear it in your hair. And might I put it in? Mari has let me practice on her hair and I am better at it than before. I will not crush the flower.”

She had leaned in to embrace the small woman, her free arm wrapping about Gilwen’s waist, and the top of her dark head coming nearly to her chest. She had always, and would always, adore Gilwen, even when the day came that she surpassed her in height. “We have some roses, but Mama says we must not pick them for the thorns are sharp, and they look much nicer as they are on the bush.” By now Haliel had grasped Gilwen’s hand and was holding it assuredly, having turned in the direction she wished to take her, her other hand grasping her little cane.

Though Faeldor continued his conversation with Almurdir, his eyes followed Gilwen and he watched her with his littlest sister. The both of them had seemed to brighten at the very sight of each other, and it warmed him to know that his little Haliel was well adored. And she was already in such a state of glee for the day; how surprised she would be when he gifted her the small and furry present that Gilwen had helped him to choose. His eyes flashed back to Gilwen adoringly, and he felt his heart lift even more at the sight of her. She was a beauty, it was certain; her bright colored dress and dark hair against the greens and flowery hues of the garden.

He also watched as his sister Miriel went indoors, and Rosiel approached the ladies of violet and rose, though yet he said nothing. Rosiel would not do a thing to harm his Gilwen here in the presence of her own brother, would she not? He glanced to Almurdir, who seemed to take no notice of the difficulty of the situation, still on the topic of horses.

“And what of me?” Rosiel stooped and asked the little one as she approached. “Do you have flowers that should match a dress of red?” It was an innocent question, and Haliel smiled. Rosiel was usually one to ignore her; though she did not mind the extra attention. Though, at the same time, she did not release Gilwen’s hand in favor of the other woman.

“Yes, there are red as well, on the far side near the wall,” Haliel said, without even having to glance about. She knew the garden well, for many hours during the day she would play out here in the sunshine. Rosiel looked smugly down at Gilwen as the little girl led the way.

Faeldor looked back once more, and saw the three as they went, frowning in wonderment at what Rosiel meant to do with them. He wondered where Miriel had gone, though inwardly was glad that she had not cornered his dear Gilwen as well. Though, at nearly the same moment as he had seen Rosiel move, he had taken notice of his other sister Narbeleth sitting upon the bench with Calon. She had indeed become attached to him, and though he had missed the point where she had taken his hand, he rightfully noticed that she did sit very close to Calon. The young woman caught his eye as he looked and smiled happily in his direction, only frustrating him further. Though, she had raised an eyebrow and nodded in the direction that his Starlight and the lady in red had taken, as if to ask if he was going to allow such a thing.

Oh Eru no. Almurdir was speaking still on horse breeds. The man certainly enjoyed his genealogy. Though Faeldor could have kept on such a topic with him for hours, he had become a bit distracted. He waited for the man to finish his thought, then added, “Should we see where our sisters are off to? I should like to bring mine back here for I have a little gift to give her that she will certainly take pleasure in.” Almurdir smiled, “Of course,” he said, and as they began to walk. Almurdir did not know the littlest siblings of Faeldor, for Miriel was the only one who ever took visit to his home, yet he had been glad that his sister had brought him along, it was a pleasure to speak with the Stable Master, and truly a nice break from his own home, which was kept either in quiet solitude between his father and himself, or the fitful rages of his mother and sister. These gardens here were pleasant, and so was the family, it seemed.

He continued on his topic, Faeldor sent a brief glare in Calon’s direction as they passed by the bench. Just in warning, he mused inwardly. He truly did not disapprove of the man, nor had he any reason to; but it was his nature to be protective, and he would not let Calon think otherwise. Narbeleth though only grinned at her brother as she bit her lip amusedly and turned back to speak to the man at her side.

Haliel was in the process of picking a lovely pink flower as Faeldor approached, and he made it just in time to lift his sister up into the air; a fit of giggles ensuing as she dropped her cane, and hold her that she might reach the top of Gilwen’s hair. “What a stunning flower for my lovely maiden,” Faeldor beamed, ignoring Rosiel’s rejected expression as he held his sister steadily in one arm. “My Little Flower, and my Starflower,” he chuckled, as little trembling fingers placed the flower behind Gilwen’s ear, and Faeldor adjusted it that it would stay. Despite Rosiel standing so near, Faeldor had brightened immensely and the anxiety of Gilwen being exposed to the woman had disappeared now that he was within reach of her.

“Fael I must find one for Rosiel as well,” Haliel said, unwilling to let go a promise made, even at the pleasure of being lifted so high in her brother’s arms. She wiggled, and Faeldor placed her lightly down on the ground. “Alright then, little violet,” the brother laughed as he helped her steady before she grasped Rosiel’s hand.

Rosiel, however, did not truly care for the child. She had only carried along for the pleasure of making Gilwen anxious, though now her plan was ruined again; but with her brother standing so nearby she could not show discourtesy to the woman, afterall, so as Haliel pulled her further away, Faeldor pulled Gilwen closer. “We men are getting hungry and would get this celebration started, now that the ladies have properly ornamented hair. But first I should need your help in bringing my sister’s gift out here. I’m sure she would enjoy it sooner rather than later, and the poor thing is likely lonely all cooped up in my room.” He glanced to Almurdir, having ruined some of the surprise for the man, though pleasantly.

“A kitten,” Faeldor whispered. “Indeed,” the other exclaimed. “A fine companion for a little girl, and still useful in catching the mice and rats of the city. I should let you off to fetch it. I suppose she will need some help with that other flower, for there is no child in Arda that my own sister would bend a knee to.”

“She will be glad for the attention,” Faeldor smiled, as Almurdir followed after the little one and his sister, and Faeldor stood for a moment; his eyes were smiling at his Lady, so pleased he was.

[Gilwen]

Calon certainly had not missed sight of the lovely look Beleth had given him upon declaring that for a time he would stay where he was. If he had had any doubts on the matter, they would have been vanquished by such a glance. Still, the young man had held none at all, and it was indeed an uplifting thing to receive. As if Calon ever needed someone to help him raise in spirits!

Maeniel began to speak again, and the young man shifted attentions to listen to the young woman. “Lossarnach. I have heard good things, though I am sad to say I have never gone myself.” Calon did love horseback riding, and it would seem quite the ideal fit to travel the countryside of Arda, hunting to live and adventuring to live further. Sadly, he knew the importance of a job, and had kept himself somewhat stationed. Even if he did go hunting often.

The young woman complimented Beleth and Calon grinned a slight to himself. Yes, Narbeleth was quite the young woman, though he could not imagine her otherwise.

--

Haliel was so excited; it glittered in her lovely blue eyes. It was, perhaps, the only comforting thing to Gilwen at the moment. She could still feel eyes on her, and while she was certain at least one pair looked upon her with the utmost fondness, it did not seem to hide the chill of the glare she was receiving from Rosiel. Haliel bubbled over into a happy request to find a flower for Gilwen’s hair, and the woman smiled. “Of course you can,” she consented to the child being able to put the flower in her hair, as well as the finding of a flower in one simple sentence.

The child then surprised her, and wrapped her little arms about Gilwen’s waist. For a moment the servant was stunned, though did well to wrap her arms about the child as well. Soon, though, she found herself cherishing the small embrace, though wondered at Haliel’s size. It was undoubted that one day the youngest daughter of Faelon would outgrow her as well. A smile danced across Gilwen’s lips for a time, and the little girl finally pulled away to grasp her hand. Goodness, the little thing could prattle on; just like her eldest brother! Gilwen laughed slightly. “Yes, roses look quite fine on a bush,” Gilwen agreed quietly. “We shall find something else.” But it seemed Haliel needed no urging.

She stole a glance to Faeldor, and she indeed saw his grey eyes were upon her. She smiled toward him, and then turned her attentions back to the little girl who was leading her through the gardens. It was certainly looking to be a lovely little event, despite the slight nerves that Gilwen was keeping in the pit of her stomach.

“And what of me?”

Gilwen had not even seen the woman approach, though now Gilwen could not understand why she had not. The dress was lovely, and stood out fine against the greens and other colors of the garden. And Gilwen had been keeping quiet watch on the situation since she had arrived. She looked up to Rosiel surprised. Never once had she seen Rosiel interact with little Haliel, though the child seemed to think nothing of it. Brown eyes just watched as the woman asked for a flower for her own hair. Perhaps she was trying to be civil. Perhaps she had held some great realization that had changed her ways. While in her heart, Gilwen could feel this was false, she still smiled at Rosiel kindly and let Haliel accept and offer a bloom for the other guests’ hair as well. The only look she received in response was smug, though, and Gilwen felt her stomach tighten.

--

A graceful conversation had been flitting between those on the bench. Calon’s spirits were bright indeed, and while Mae seemed reserved and quiet, it was a personal endeavor to draw a smile to her face. He knew not the reason for her distress, though it seemed his knowing blue eyes had caught sight of it the moment she sat down. Beleth was being ever so bright as well, and it was certain that Maeniel had not felt unwelcome.

Still, he felt eyes upon him, and he looked to Beleth’s face. He would not turn rightly to look at Faeldor, though by the very way Beleth erupted into smile he knew it was he who had caught sight of them. His heart was not troubled by it, though, and he finally turned to smile to him happily. All he received in response was a firm look, one of warning the stable hand mused, and nothing more.

Calon’s mood did not falter in the slightest. Instead he turned his attention back to his more immediate company and began to speak again. “It is a lovely day,” he observed almost with a hint of eagerness. His blue eyes danced a bit as he chuckled. “Tonight would make a fine eve for a hunt.” He was not able to go. He was still working the next day. Nonetheless, his mind was rarely on anything else.

Unless it was the pretty lady sitting beside him.

--

Haliel had declared she had found just the right flower for Gilwen’s hair, and the woman couldn’t help but smile. Still, as the young girl turned to fetch it, she sent a wary glance to Rosiel. Indeed, it seemed as if she were a viper; Gilwen was merely waiting for her strike.

Haliel had returned quickly, though, and with the flower in tow. Immediately Gilwen made move to bend down so the little girl could place it behind her ear easily, though soon found she did not need to. Faeldor and Almurdir had approached, and the former had whisked the little girl into his arms and lifted her to the right height.

Gilwen’s lips parted into a smile upon hearing Haliel’s laughter. Such a blessed sound! “What a stunning flower for my lovely maiden.” A light pinkness came to her cheeks, but the woman did not falter too openly. “My Little Flower, and my Starflower.” Haliel had just managed to get the flower behind her ear and within her hair, but Faeldor chuckled and reached to adjust it properly. Gilwen caught her breath; Rosiel’s burning hatred was sure to flare at such a thing. Still, she could think of nothing else but Faeldor. He looked so happy and pleased, and Gilwen was content to be lost within his eyes.

“It is lovely, thank you.” She murmured gently. Whether she was speaking to Haliel or Faeldor was a bit unclear, though the young woman loved and wished to thank them both. Haliel seemed to be pleased with her work, and immediately wished to move to find a flower for Rosiel’s hair, too.

The servant was a bit surprised that Rosiel had accepted the little girl’s hand, though was pleased that the woman was turning her attentions elsewhere; Faeldor had pulled her closer.

She smiled up at Faeldor as he began to speak with her, and her brown doe-like eyes shone with great adoration. “Then, let us make sure the little thing is not lonely.” Oh, she would very much like to hold the kitten again, before it was given away. It was a very precious little thing, and Gilwen was sure it would be well loved and cared for by Haliel.

Almurdir moved off, and Faeldor stood and looked upon her. Gilwen returned the gaze, though, and smiled slightly. “Haliel is in fine spirits.” She observed sweetly.

[Faeldor]

“Haliel is in fine spirits.” Faeldor nodded, “And she has been this entire day. She is a gift to our family. A precious little flower to remind us of our own wealth, and think less on what we have lost.” This would indeed be the only time that Faeldor would mention or reference to his father this day; for certain. Of course the man was on his mind, yet today was a day to celebrate, for his little sister was here and well.

He glanced at the little girl, watching her as she went along happily. Rosiel had since released her hand, but she was inspecting the red flowers near the wall, still looking for the perfect one to gift the woman. “And I do not mean monetary wealth, or possessions. She is the treasure of family and love,” he mused aloud, correcting himself. “And life! Just look at her. The little thing is a testimony, certainly.”

Faeldor squeezed his lady lightly, and he brushed his lips against her dark hair, his attentions turned now to her. “What a blessed man I am, my love.” He could hardly resist Gilwen; as she was so near, and comfortable within his arm. Yes, she was a gift to him as well, and he would never forget such a thing. Her brown eyes were so lovely looking up at him, and her cheeks still tinged a light rose to match the shade of her dress. He had to all but tear himself away to refrain from embracing the lady fully right where they were. “Now let us go and collect the little ball of fur. Hali will be ever more bright than even now,” he announced, stepping back slowly and instead, grasping Gilwen’s hand warmly.

---

“Lossarnach. I have heard good things, though I am sad to say I have never gone myself.”

“Nor have I,” Narbeleth agreed in the same tone.

“It is a fine countryside, I did enjoy my time there. A precious taste of difference from the city.” She continued on for some moments, explaining where she had stayed on her uncle’s farm, and Narbeleth nodded along as she spoke.

Narbeleth took notice of her brother once more as he rescued Gilwen from the glaring eyes of Rosiel, and though she did not pointedly stare at the two of them, she indeed looked fondly upon them as they stood together. Faeldor was smiling so pleasantly, and she was indeed happy for her brother. Never had she seen him in such high spirits on this day. Usually he went on without a word uttered, other than to dear Haliel, who he had always favored. It had to be Gilwen who had made such a difference in him; for no other thing had changed.

She glanced once more as she saw them move toward the stone steps that led into the house, and she saw Maeniel’s eyes follow as well. Beleth had been young, and knew not the extent of the relationship that Faeldor had made with the lady, though it was obvious that the other woman still cared for her brother; in just the way she looked at him. Narbeleth pitied Maeniel for a moment, for she was a kind woman and did not deserve to be ignored in the way that Faeldor had taken to ignoring Rosiel.

Yet, it happened to the best of women, and there was nothing to do for her feelings now. Faeldor was very much in love with Gilwen, and Narbeleth would not change a thing. She smiled as Calon led on to the next subject. It seemed that he could only go for a short length of time without talking of hunting; such was his passion for it!

“It is a lovely day. Tonight would make a fine eve for a hunt.”

“You would hunt still if the earth were at it’s end,” Narbeleth said amusedly, watching the man as he looked up over the clear sky. She knew that he would not go this eve, for she had already inquired of the man’s work schedule, and had been making a short visit with him at the stables each day since the ball they had attended together.

“And if he enjoys the hunt, he would certainly enjoy the vale of Lossarnach. My uncle lives in the country there, and I should say he has brought home some of the largest stag which I could ever imagine,” Maeniel added, seeing Narbeleth’s amusement.

“Now that you have said such, there will be nothing to keep him away from the place,” Beleth smiled, then turned once more to look at the man on her other side. “Cal, shall we explore the fields and forests of Lossarnach one day?” she asked him, condoning the trip, and inviting herself along in the same sentence.

The clicking of Haliel’s cane on the stone walk eventually drew Narbeleth’s attention from the man, and she saw Haliel come toward her; her intentions obvious from her smile and the two flowers in her hand. Beleth restrained herself though, for her little sister’s pleasure and waited for Haliel to tell her of the surprise. “Beleth, this is for you,” she grinned happily, extending a blue flower to her sister, of course to match her dress, and another of blue to Maeniel, shyly, for she did not know the woman. Though, she could not leave her out afterall. “I’m sorry, I have never seen a green flower,” she said, musing that the flower would not match her dress.

“Thank you,” Maeniel said fondly. “It is fine, Haliel, look, it shall match my eyes,” she added, and as the little girl noted that Maeniel as well had eyes of blue as she did, she was glad. She moved nearer, and Maeniel bent that the little girl might reach her hair and help her to place the flower in, as she had done to both Gilwen and Rosiel. When she had finished, she smiled pleasantly, and moved to pick up her cane. “I must find Diore,” she laughed, moving off once more.

“Hali, you did not help me with my flower yet,” Beleth said amusedly, as if she were truly missing out on a great event. The little girl stopped moving, though her mission to find the blonde haired child had already commenced. “He can help you,” she anwered matter of factly, going back down the path from which she had come, passing Almurdir and Rosiel as they made their own way toward the bench.

Narbeleth watched her little sister go, giggling under her breath. “Of course he can,” she glanced aside to Calon, handing him the flower. She might have easily tucked it into her hair by herself, but she was far too glad for the idea of Calon doing it for her. The thought of his hands upon her hair almost stole her breath away. Faeldor and Gilwen had long since gone inside, afterall, and Miriel was not in sight. It would not hurt to allow such a thing.

[Gilwen]

“A precious little flower to remind us of our own wealth, and think less on what we have lost.”

Gilwen looked upon him a moment, though turned to let her eyes fall upon the little girl once more. Haliel was certainly a little treasure; she held a heart so large that she imagined she could love all the world if it was in her right mind to do so. It was a bit of a silence that fell over them, and Gilwen cautiously looked back to Faeldor who was at her side. If she had worried that he had grown saddened by the remembrance, however passive his mention of it was, of his father he did not seem so now. His eyes were full of pleasant things as they looked upon the little girl, and then to the little serving woman.

“What a blessed man I am, my love.”

She smiled up at him. “I, too, am blessed.” She murmured quietly. And she was blessed; for coming to know that little child on the other end of the garden, and for being able to love this man beside her. Also for coming to know the rest of the family who had accepted her with open hearts and minds. It was such a grand thing to be in the garden that late afternoon. She promised herself that she would not forget such things.

“Now let us go and collect the little ball of fur. Hali will be ever more bright than even now.”

“I am certain she will,” Gilwen answered, her own voice taking on its own tone of excitement. She could not wait to see those pretty blue eyes glitter at the gift her elder brother had gotten her. It was a perfect little kitten, too. It adored to just sit in the company of others, and was certain to grow attached to Haliel as much as Haliel was going to grow attached to it.

Faeldor’s hand grasped her own and then they began their trek into the house. Quietly, once they were inside, Gilwen looked up to him. “Fael, perhaps after we fetch the kitten…I should find your mother to help her.” It seemed, at least to little Gilwen, preparing for such a large gathering was probably keeping Meleth in the kitchen for a while. And if Eoric was still in her company, and as young as she had been led to believe, it was probably a fine idea to offer a helping hand. She was an adult, after all, and would not mind setting a good example of herself to Faeldor’s lovely mother.

--

“And if he enjoys the hunt, he would certainly enjoy the vale of Lossarnach.”

“Then, I must say I should greatly enjoy it.” Calon chimed brightly. He imagined the stag he could find, and his eyes danced all the more. Perhaps a longer holiday would need be taken from the stables so he could explore the area and find time for a nice, peaceful hunt. Though, inwardly he doubted if Faeldor would let him the time. He did need the larger stablehands often. The lads were well with most things, but larger bodies completed the work faster.

“Cal, shall we explore the fields and forests of Lossarnach one day?”

This brightened Calon’s face even more. “I would think it is a must, now that I have heard so much about it. Still, I do believe you should see Firien first,” he mused. “You shall need something to compare such large stag to. Baby steps, Bel.” He grinned charmingly.

It was then Haliel had come over. She was all in a rush to give the ladies something, and for a moment, Calon simply watched. That was the birthday girl, he knew it because she was one of the few members of Beleth’s family that he could remember the name for. So, flowers were gifted, and the little girl bolted away, leaving a task for the huntsman to perform.

“He can help you.”

Calon laughed a bit, and took the flower delicately from Beleth’s hand. “Well, I suppose no harm should come by it. I cannot be mastered by a flower, and your brother has gone inside.” He smiled, and then looked on Beleth’s fair face for a long moment. He caught himself, though hid all embarrassment, and finally slid the pretty bloom into her hair. “I am not well with fashions,” he said. “But I would say this looks quite becoming on you.”

[Faeldor]

“If it pleases you, lovely,” Faeldor answered, taking Gilwen through the sitting room to the stairway as they entered the house. “Mother would surely enjoy your company.” It was true that Meleth could probably use the help. She and Tinuves had spent much of the afternoon in the kitchen, and though their cooking was basically finished; they could use a few hands to carry the lovely picnic out to the garden, as well as the small blonde child who accompanied them.

Where he usually ran up the stairs two by two, Faeldor now walked slowly. Gilwen had never been up to the upper floor of his household before; and he mused on the thought for a moment as they made their way to the ledge that looked down over the great sitting room. He made no comment on the matter though; for certainly he would not have her worry on the fact that she would see his own bedroom. Such a thing would be a silly worry, for it would do her no harm.

“Here then, are my quarters. I have only had the small thing here since right before I saw you home from work; let us hope it has not destroyed the room in this time,” he mused lightly. Then he pushed open the door to the room next to Faelon’s which had a large window, and a short balcony overlooking the gardens. He ushered Gilwen inward, and soon spotted the little creature, curled into a tiny ball upon his bed. It had found the one ray of late afternoon sun that was beaming in through the window, and was making good use of it. When the two entered, it lifted it’s tiny head and yawned, tiny teeth poking out beyond a pink tongue; though, it made no move to stand up, but stretched it’s little legs out, in front and behind.

Faeldor grinned, stepping forward and scooping the small creature up in both of his hands. It was quite soft and delicate seeming. Though, no doubt it could hold it’s own within the house of Faelon. He turned back to Gilwen, and lifted the blue eyed thing up for her to see. The kitten licked at Faeldor’s fingers, and he moved it to let the soft fur brush against Gilwen’s cheek. He would never admit to her that when he had brought the little thing home a couple hours previous, that he had sat upon his bed and held it against his own face in the very same way, and it had purred against him for some minutes before he left it there.

Then he moved and pressed the little thing against her chest, for her to hold it where it would feel safe. “She will truly enjoy this, I know. Such a fine choice, my Gilwen.” He crossed his arms in front of him for a moment, beaming as he watched his Lady. Indeed, it seemed she had picked the most affectionate kitten of the litter; with the way it already purred happily against her. She seemed to do so well with any animal placed into her company though, and he thought fondly on the way she had handled Lumiel and Thissel. Yes, perhaps some day he would bring home a little kitten for his lady to care for; but first he would search for her a horse. He smiled at the thought of gifting her something of which he knew that she would truly enjoy.

Faeldor, after some moments, decided to move close to Gilwen; and he did take her into his arms from behind, gently pulling the woman back against his chest. The lady had indeed made his day complete; if not for looking forward to her being here this evening, he was certain he could have placed a smile for Haliel, but perhaps no other. Gilwen was indeed his solace, and he cherished her. What a reminder to enjoy his own life daily!

“Beautiful Starlight,” he muttered to the woman, his favored name for her. His cheek atop her hair, he said no more; for though he knew she enjoyed his voice, words were not necessary.
---

“My sister would only offer me the best,” Beleth smiled, though she was highly pleased by Calon’s compliment. She took a breath and restrained herself from her blush, yet, her eyes were bright as she studied the man. Sitting so near him made it highly difficult for the woman to retain her walls and boundaries, and she had to force her head to turn the opposite direction back to Maeniel, who had been watching her. It had been much easier when Calon had been demonstrating his archery skills, and when they had been alone; for in that way her attention was requited to be upon him; but now she must split it between the others.

“It does look well in your hair,” Maeniel said gently, and feeling as if having come to sit upon the bench with Narbeleth and Calon had been an unnecessary interruption for the two. They were obviously enjoying each other. The lady smiled a bit nervously, but soon enough the three of them were joined by Rosiel and Almurdir.

“I see my sister has found all of us,” Narbeleth said in response to a glance at Rosiel’s flower. “Blessed be the men that she did not bring flowers upon you as well,” she smirked for a second to Almurdir and Calon. Now that the others had joined them Narbeleth could not help but recall her position as a hostess of her household, and she knew she ought to offer Rosiel her seat; though the very idea of letting Rosiel next to her huntsman was unpleasant. While she could never hate a person for simply being ignorant; Rosiel was very close to the dreaded thought of it.

Aside, Calon did not much enjoy her company, if she remembered correctly. However, her instinct gave way, and she finally drew herself to stand, offering her seat so the lady in red. Rosiel gladly took it, offering a faux smile as she did so, and sitting far too close to Calon for Narbeleth’s own comfort. Beleth crossed her arms in front of her though, and stood back, not losing her bright eyed smile, for Rosiel could hardly ruin her afternoon.

Rosiel, it seemed, was musing on the past minutes in a bit of an annoyed state. Though, Almurdir had noticed nothing. Much of his sister’s antics flew beneath his eyes, and in the way he kept to himself, he did not see her spiteful attitude. Maeniel shifted uncomfortably on the bench, though knew that it would look rude if she were to stand up as well. Rosiel was obviously an uncomfortable presence for the lot of them there in the garden.

[Gilwen]

“Mother would surely enjoy your company.”

She had already made up her mind to go, but Gilwen’s plans became solidified by these words. It would be a pleasure to help Meleth, and it would also keep Rosiel at a distance for a time. It had been entirely too close of a call in the gardens not but moments earlier. Thankfully Faeldor had come to her rescue.

She raised her eyes to look at him as they slowly took to the stairs. It wasn’t until she was about halfway ascended that she thought of their destination. Whatever would her father think of this? Or Meleth? She dropped her eyes from his face once more to avoid showing him her nerves on the matter. He would be sure to think she was being irrational. They were just going to fetch a kitten, after all. For Haliel. She smiled a bit at the thought.

“Here then, are my quarters. I have only had the small thing here since right before I saw you home from work; let us hope it has not destroyed the room in this time.”

She smiled slightly as the door swung open, and the little kitten came into view upon the bed. Such a precious little thing she was! It did appear that Gilwen and Faeldor had disrupted a rather lovely nap for it, though. Immediately it had yawned and begun to stretch it’s little legs. It was ever so small!

Faeldor crossed over and with both hands scooped up the little ball of fur and turned back to her, kitten in tow. The pink tongue was coursing over his fingertips, and Gilwen smiled at the thought. She had seen his gentleness before; it was evident every time they were together. But something of seeing him with such a small little creature seemed to draw even more attention to it. He brushed the kitten’s fur against her cheek, and she smiled a bit more. The little thing was so soft! It seemed a wonder that any creature could be so sweet and kind.

Much to her surprise, though, her Horse Master pressed the kitten to her chest, bidding her to take hold of it. Her little hands immediately rose to cradle it, and it seemed almost instantaneous that the little creature began to vibrate with pleasant purrs that brought Gilwen to smile all the more. The kitten was certainly affectionate, and it stretched itself to brush it’s tongue across her chin, and bury itself within her dark hair.

“She will truly enjoy this, I know. Such a fine choice, my Gilwen.”

Gilwen looked up to him with dancing brown eyes and said quietly in response, “I do hope so.” She laughed slightly as the kitten wriggled about and she adjusted her hold to accommodate it. “She is a dear little thing,” she observed quietly. “I cannot wait for Haliel to name her, so that I may know what to call her as well.”

She had not noticed that Faeldor had circled behind her, and she had been quite preoccupied with the little creature in her arms so that as his arm wrapped about her she was startled. It did not last long; she was soon comforted by such a gesture.

“Beautiful Starlight.”

Gilwen smiled softly to herself. He was a gift greater than any other. “Fael,” she replied ever so gently. She was utterly contented in such a situation. Nothing at all could harm them there, safely out of the eyes of others. Still, a thought sprang to her head that ended her comfort. Miriel had come inside before she and Faeldor had; such a compromising way to be caught, in Faeldor’s own bedchamber!

Through her influx of nerves, Gilwen managed to say softly and sweetly, “Haliel shall be waiting for her gift.” She looked down to the kitten cuddling against her shoulder.

--

It seemed horrendous timing that Rosiel and Almurdir showed up alongside the bench. Calon knew Almurdir’s face; it was oft the man was in the stables tending to his own mount for tacking. Still, before today he did not realize of whom he was a brother to. If there was a single person in Minas Tirith that could make the young man anxious, it was Rosiel.

His bright eyes only faltered a slight, and probably only in the perceptions of Beleth. Still, even his own patience was tested as Beleth stood like a good hostess and allowed her seat to Rosiel. And the way she sat so incredibly close! It was almost immediate the man stood himself. “What kind of a gentleman would I be if I allowed a woman to stand where I took seat?” He said, blazing a smile across his face and ushering Beleth to lower herself back upon the bench. He certainly didn’t want to be sitting next to Rosiel! Still, his pleasant façade was quite fine enough to mask other feelings.

“I should think things will be starting soon,” he observed nonchalantly. “Otherwise it will be dark long before we finish eating!” He laughed slightly and crossed his arms in a rather manly manner.

[Faeldor]

“I cannot wait for Haliel to name her, so that I may know what to call her as well.”

“I should be glad to hear it as well. There is never a more creative mind than a little girl; the name will surely be lovely,” he chuckled, watching as the kitten burrowed into Gilwen’s hair. The man did the very same thing with his face. He certainly understood the comfort that the kitten took from his lady.

“Haliel shall be waiting for her gift.” Faeldor smiled. Gilwen was ever as excited to gift the little creature to the darling child. “Yes,” Faeldor agreed, though he tightened his embrace on the woman for the slightest moment before kissing her hair and releasing her. He bent for a moment to look down at the little calico kitten, which was rather content now burrowed against Gilwen, and he touched the tip of its whiskers with his finger. “You will find yourself more spoiled here than you ever would have been growing in the stables, little one,” he chuckled slightly.

The thought of Miriel had not come into his mind; then again, he was in his own home where he took the most console. The young woman, however, had retreated to her bedroom and at the moment way paying no mind to anyone else in the home. She lay curled upon her side on her bed, a bowl on the floor near her in case her nausea were to return. It was indeed the combination of her condition, and her nerves at having so much company over that set her in such a state. She despised Gilwen, she envied Narbeleth for her Calon, and she had no way of forgiving Rosiel, despite the woman’s concern that she had insisted she felt.

“You hold her, and I shall hold you,” the Stable Master instructed happily, wrapping his arm once more about Gilwen’s waist to lead her from the room and toward the stairway to descend. He mused for a moment on how long it had been since he had been allowed to sit and simply be with his lady for a time. Far over a week now, since the night of the ball. He despised the fact that he had not been near to her in so long, other than walking with her through the city. Perhaps, he mused, she would stay a time with him tonight.

---

“What kind of a gentleman would I be if I allowed a woman to stand where I took seat?” Narbeleth laughed slightly at the man’s anxiousness; for Rosiel made her anxious as well. It was evident in Calon’s eyes that he had been quite offset by Rosiel sitting so near him. He offered his seat, but Narbeleth did not take it. “Oh, it is no trouble, Cal. I have been on the bench for quite some time and you know how it is difficult for me to sit still,” she smiled pleasantly; her eyes apologizing on behalf of Rosiel’s presence.

Though, she did not usher her guest to sit once more, for she much preferred Calon to stand by her side than anywhere else.

“I should think things will be starting soon otherwise it will be dark long before we finish eating!”

“Indeed. Mama was just waiting on the bread rolls to be finished, last I heard. They are indeed worth waiting for, but that was some time ago now,” she smiled. She was likely as hungry as the man standing before her, for she had been running about all the day on errands to gather the supplies for tonight’s supper as well. She had expected to help in the kitchen on her return, but her mother had forbidden her to be indoors while Calon was here; and for good reason, for the young woman could not have left him.

“Well if neither of you should take the seat, I certainly will,” Almurdir stated, moving to sit beside his sister. “They had us training on foot today and I am certainly exhausted,” he explained. He sat next to sulking Rosiel, though cast a smile over to Maeniel, who looked nervously back at him. Though, upon seeing that the man was much calmer than his sister, she smiled, and wished that he had sat between the two of them and not on the end where Calon had been.

“I just do not understand, brother,” Rosiel said. Almurdir looked startled that his sister was speaking to him, but looked at her, waiting for her to finish. He hardly ever knew how to handle her problems, and thus, he usually kept his mouth shut to avoid her poisonous thoughts to be cast out on him.

She sat quietly for a moment, then looked at him, her eyes furious as if he should hold the answer. “What is it about that servant girl that he likes? What does she have that I do not?” she asked angrily. Almurdir’s eyes widened, and he would not dare answer. He had only been briefly introduced to Gilwen, though it was quiet easy to see that she was gentle and quiet, which were characteristics that his sister certainly did not hold.

Beleth was a bit astounded that Rosiel would say such a thing in the presence of her brother, and even Maeniel. She had said enough before on her visits and invitations to dinner parties, but still, she just did not let up did she? What did she not have!? If only dear Rosiel had asked Narbeleth that question instead of her brother. A brain? A heart? Beleth did her best to keep a straight, face, and she moved to stand close to Calon, grasping his hand, and entwining her finger’s comfortably in his. The gesture was desired in part, for the simple closeness of it, yet at the same time, in apology for the stupidity that was ensuing a few feet away.

“A soul,” she whispered discreetly, managing to keep a straight face, and hoping that Calon would do the same. As long as she was standing with him, she was still having a pleasant time. Poor Maeniel though; what had Mother thought in inviting her here at the same time as both Gilwen and Rosiel? It was sure to be a sore topic.

Rosiel seemed to storm back into her own thoughts when nobody answered her, and she crossed her arms, looking down. Almurdir shrugged at the others, his eyes widened in whatever state of shock he was in. He looked apologetically at the others. Maeniel bit her lip. Beleth squeezed Calon’s hand, and leaned against him affectionately.

[Gilwen]

“Yes. I am certain it shall be,” Gilwen remarked fondly at the thought of little Haliel naming the little creature. Oh, if Gilwen would ever be able to bring herself to release the thing! She looked entirely content there at Gilwen’s shoulder, but the serving woman knew that she had no means to care for such a creature on her own. Haliel would certainly give the kitten a deserving home.

She felt Faeldor’s arms tighten about her a moment, and for a moment, she thought that the man would try and bid her linger a bit longer. And while Gilwen felt that perhaps it was something she would ultimately desire as well, she did not wish to fuel any foul rumors of her own integrity any on such a fine day. So it was with great relief she heard the word, ”Yes.”. She could have sighed for such ease it gave her.

And the way Faeldor had buried his face within her hair eased her more. Such a closeness she desired to have at that moment; yet it was not the right time for such things. Indeed the dinner should be beginning soon, and Haliel would desire her present the minute she knew of it. And the kitten would be allowed to romp about the yard, and not cooped up in Faeldor’s room, no matter how large a play area it had been to such a small little thing!

“You hold her, and I shall hold you.”

Gilwen smiled a bit at such a statement, though modestly so. She said nothing in response, though allowed Faeldor to scoop an arm about her waist and begin to lead her back out of his room. The kitten’s ears perked and listened, and it’s little head, which had been buried in dark locks, raised to look about. It was clear the little thing was eager and excited; a little tail flicked in interest over the matter. “You shall love her,” she cooed to the little kitten brightly, though softly. “And Haliel shall love you.”

--

“They had us training on foot today and I am certainly exhausted.”

“Yes, I did see that few horses were taken out today.” Calon observed cheerily, now that the empty seat was filled. And it was particularly nice that it was Almurdir. Narbeleth did not deserve to be in Rosiel’s company either. “I admire the foot soldiers,” he continued. “They work quite hard.”

It could have been a conversation that would have lead somewhere, but Rosiel—oh how dreadful a sound was her exclamation!—piped up instead. “What is it about that servant girl that he likes? What does she have that I do not?” Calon knew immediately what it was she spoke of, and his eyes widened. Was she so bold to utter such things here? He looked to Almurdir as well, to see whether or not he would respond to such a thing. He did not, and Calon silently thanked the Valar. He was certainly not amused, and had a right mind to say something in Faeldor’s, or indeed Gilwen’s, defense. He did not know the lady well, but she did not repulse Calon the way Rosiel did. That was all that he would need to say.

“A soul.”

These words brightened his mood immediately, and Calon grinned to himself and squeezed the hand that had slipped into his. “A mind, more like,” he replied back just as discretely. Nonetheless he was thankful that Faeldor and Gilwen had not been there to hear such things. And it seemed like just in time! For they were indeed emerging from the house at that moment.

It took only a moment for Calon to see the kitten Gilwen carried, and he smiled slightly. One of the kittens had gone missing; Calon had thought perhaps it had come to some untimely end by the hooves of the horses, though it appeared it had escaped such a fate for one much greater.

[Faeldor]

Narbeleth knew that Faeldor was used to such statements from others. Though, nobody enjoyed hearing them, especially from Rosiel’s pouting lips. Though such terse rumors had come against the two, Beleth found it rather romantic that it had only brought them closer together. She was glad though, that Faeldor was not present, for it would be sad to let Rosiel ruin the day of their dear Haliel’s birth.

The woman though was a guest, she could very well not say anything to her right now, not in her mother’s home at least. If it had been her own home; well, Rosiel would not have been allowed to stay past the first minute. She managed to lose her smile at Rosiel’s continued whining though, and was glad when Faeldor and Gilwen had returned; for it at least lent to better attention being cast.

Faeldor had told Narbeleth of his plan to gift the little kitten to Haliel; though she had been so busy this afternoon, and in anticipation of Calon’s arrival; that she had not seen it yet. It was precious indeed, a little calico with blue eyes. She glanced at Calon, and it had even brought the handsome man’s face to gleam.

As the Stable Master came back into the gardens, his own eyes were just as pleasantly laid upon Gilwen as Narbeleth’s were upon Calon. He looked to the others for a moment, though he detested the look that Rosiel was giving him. Faeldor could only pull sweet Gilwen nearer his side. He heard the little kitten mew, and looked down at her; relishing the feel of the lady in his arm. “Where has Haliel gone off to, I wonder?” he asked, looking about and not seeing the little girl.

The Stable Master had not even noticed his little sister’s proximity to the other man until he was within an arm’s reach of the others. The gentle smile seemed to vanish from his face as he looked to Calon. For a moment he had forgotten his mission to gift his littlest sister the kitten; and instead his brotherly ferver to protect his family returned. He was holding her hand. Faeldor frowned visibly.

Here it was, Narbeleth knew. She smiled lightly as Faeldor looked at her, though she did not feel ashamed. Whyever would one need be ashamed for simply standing with such a beloved man as her Calon? She made no move to release Calon’s hand, and indeed, she only moved a slight bit nearer him, which seemed to infuriate Faeldor further.

Indeed, the man had no right to speak, for the way that he stood with his Gilwen, albeit was not compromising, but it was certainly moreso than the way Narbeleth stood with Calon.

“Are you going to scold me, brother?” Narbeleth asked larkishly teasing, trying wholeheartedly to return the smile to his face. She certainly did not wish him to be upset, but who was he to try and exert control over her own desires? Did he not see how Calon treated her kindly, and thought her lovely despite her energy and impulsivity? Did he not see that she was not about to let a man such as Calon simply go on with his life without her? Did he not see that she was now an adult?

“I am not going to scold you,” Faeldor answered, though is voice was not as light as Narbeleth’s had been. “I must simply once more warn Calon that he best not even have thought of taking advantage of my sister.” He eyed the distance between the young woman and man disapprovingly.

“It seems that your remind him more often of the fact that he must not think it than he likely even does. I presume that if you make such a statement, than I have all the right to say that you have the same intentions with your lady,” Beleth said quietly, her voice stern. She clamped her mouth shut after making such a brash statement to her brother, though quickly, and for the sake of Gilwen, she looked to the woman and added, “I have never questioned your intentions, Gilwen, do not misunderstand me. Faeldor, though I cannot speak for. You understand, my elder brother is attempting to teach me this very moment that any man who should so much as look at me would wish to find his way beneath my skirt and dishonor me immediately.”

Faeldor moved to cross his arms in front of him, frowning. “You are being incorrigible. Stop this, Narbeleth,” the Stable Master said, using her full name, which he rarely did. He had truly become upset, though he was as calm as he could be in such a situation.

“Do not shout at me, Faeldor. I was speaking with Gilwen,” Narbeleth said, her voice a bit sharp. At least he could have saved his comments until they were not in front of their guests. Maeniel and Almurdir had likely become uncomfortable with the conversation, and Rosiel was surely beaming at the fact that for a moment it had sounded that Narbeleth was in disagreement with her brother.

“I am not shouting,” Faeldor said, calming his voice, though he had indeed raised his voice. Now he lowered it though. He had not meant to raise his voice at his sister; but she should know better than to jest with him on such a matter, should she not? And did he not have a right to protect his sister from the things of the world that she chose not to think of? “I am simply warning the both of you. You have turned into a lovely young woman,” he added.

“Because that is all that a man should think of me, you presume,” the young woman said quietly enough, restraining her voice, though gripping at Calon’s hand for comfort. Faeldor had hurt her, it was certain, for him to think that her judgment was so askew. To think that her own brother would openly say such a thing to her, after all he had gone through with Gilwen. True, he was protective, and she should be glad that he was concerned for her. Yet it hurt her that Faeldor seemed to think that her body was quite the only thing that a man should ever wish to spend time with her for. Her own brother seemed to think very little of her.

Rosiel, of course, watched from afar upon the bench with her brother, and though Almurdir attempted to distract himself by glancing again at Maeniel, it seemed that both the women nearby him were in their own states. Maeniel’s eyes did not leave her lap, and Rosiel’s did not branch from the spiteful look she had upon Gilwen.

[Gilwen]

Gilwen had been elated to walk with Faeldor the way she was. There was a love that she could feel that was undeniable; his arms were so warm and strong. She was pulled ever so close to his side, though she smiled as she felt him pull her closer. The kitten mewed in response as well, and it drew Faeldor’s attentions to inquiring for Haliel’s whereabouts.

Gilwen had noticed immediately the change in his hold as his eyes fell upon Narbeleth and Calon; though where Gilwen found a sweet affection, he seemed to find danger. His gentle smile vanished, and a tenseness overcame him.

Calon had seen Faeldor’s change in mood, though did not release young Beleth’s hand. After all, she was the reason he was here this day; if it were not for her invitation, he would never have come to this house again. And it had been she who took his hand. Though, he would never deny he wished to keep it.

“Are you going to scold me, brother?”
“I am not going to scold you.”

The difference in tones was immediately apparent, and even Calon’s steady smile flickered in strength a moment. His blue eyes passed over Beleth, to Faeldor and then to the little lady that was at the Stable Master’s side, who’s brown eyes seemed to widen with nervousness. Indeed, it looked as if the woman wished to still the man from speaking, though could find no means to.

And it seemed the conversation seemed to spiral downward more. Calon was not about to disrespect Faeldor; though, he was not about to relinquish his Beleth either. “I remember,” he chimed pleasantly. “I shall not dishonor your sister.” Calon’s voice was, perhaps, just as light as Beleth’s, and as the young woman squeezed his hand, he returned such a gesture.

“Faeldor, though I cannot speak for. You understand, my elder brother is attempting to teach me this very moment that any man who should so much as look at me would wish to find his way beneath my skirt and dishonor me immediately.”

Gilwen’s face blanched utterly and she opened her mouth as if to speak, though found no words. She was released, and Faeldor unhappily crossed his arms before him. Was this truth? Could Narbeleth truly not understand Faeldor’s intentions? Was he merely trying to find his way into her own skirt? He certainly had untamed hands at times. Her brown eyes flashed to him, and sheepishly the young servant averted her gaze to the kitten once more, taking a small step away from the man. Oh, it was horrible to hear Faeldor and Beleth talk so stern to each other! And the burning glare of Rosiel was certainly upon her.

Calon saw such a discomfort befall the woman that he almost frowned. This was not the way the dinner was supposed to go. Indeed, two members of the House of Faelon seemed entirely edgy and pulled taut. And now a guest was completely painted rose in the cheeks.

“Because that is all that a man should think of me, you presume.”

“I should say that is not true,” Calon chimed cheerily grinning in such a way as to lighten the mood. “I am a man, you see, and I am quite certain that I can speak for most men when I say that women are to be respected. Your brother need not worry.” Calon added the last part pointedly for Faeldor, though stole a quick glance at the rose-clad woman beside him.

Gilwen’s mind was whirring. Was that all that men wished for? A skirt to work their way in to? It stunned her, and her brown eyes were wide and avoidant. She was shrinking away, or wished to. Rosiel seemed entirely pleased. She could feel it in the gaze she felt upon her. Still, though, her mind was only on Faeldor. What were his intentions? Indeed, she had seen him not but three days ago gawking at the lovely Maeniel in the stable. The way he had looked upon her was in such a way as an untrained eye. Perhaps, Gilwen thought horrified, she was a desperate measure; a last-stitch effort to find a skirt to occupy himself with. The woman’s silence was intense, beyond any she had displayed before. Instead, she let her nervous fingers stroke the little calico in her arms. Was the lovely dinner not to stay lovely?

[Faeldor]

“I am a man, you see, and I am quite certain that I can speak for most men when I say that women are to be respected. Your brother need not worry.”

Narbeleth looked to Calon when he spoke, though did not answer, yet her eyes were quite thankful. She needed to still her tongue, it was certain, before she made a fool of herself and upset her brother further. Though, she had all right to be defensive on Calon’s behalf. He had not done a thing other than bring her gladness. She did not distrust him in the least; and by all means, Faeldor should not need be so worried that the man would do anything dishonorable. Already the two had spent many hours alone together, and there had been no trouble of it. But for him to suggest such a thing while in their own gardens full of people!

Narbeleth frowned. She had indeed been mocking her brother as she spoke to Gilwen, and thus she did not realize that she had offset the other woman so. No true harm had been meant by it, but she had been frustrated, and thus she spoke in such a way to the woman on an issue that Gilwen was already sensitive to. She saw that the woman had become embarrassed, though she was not the master of reading her eyes and emotions as Faeldor had become, and she could not know the extent of it.

“There is Haliel,” Maeniel said softly, though loud enough for the others to hear. She seemed relieved that the little girl had come back to the garden, as if the small body among them would prevent further argument. And indeed, between the elder brother and sister, it would. If they could help it, both Faeldor and Narbeleth would never wish to raise their voices around the young ones. Such simply seemed unnecessary.

Almurdir also looked physically relieved at the sights of the little girl. Rosiel was annoyed, though her sights were still on Gilwen who looked entirely anxious.

Faeldor glanced down to Gilwen; oh how distraught she had become over the conversation. If he simply could have kept his mouth shut about Narbeleth’s choices, this would not have been an issue, and she still would have been comfortable and content at his side. He frowned, not knowing what to do for her; for his ways of comforting her always involved holding her close to him. With the apparent way that she had stepped further from him, he knew he was not about to be allowed that kind of action.

Faeldor struggled with knowing how to respond to her, and so, he turned his eyes on Haliel instead for the moment. Nothing could be resolved with Gilwen in front of these others, for anything he could say would surely embarrass her more. He was not even entirely sure of what had upset her so, for had not his conversation been about Beleth and Calon, and not her? She needed have no worry that he was about to dishonor her, for had he not restrained himself from doing so? His thoughts did flick slowly back to the times he had come close though, and he felt guilty.

Well, Haliel now. The little girl who was approaching them, and looking upon her brother, obviously did not see the kitten that Gilwen held still. At least the kitten was content, Faeldor thought for a moment, eyeing the purring little thing.

“Haliel,” he smiled, breaking the distance between them, and moving to pick her up. The man would hardly confess to the fact that she was growing taller by the year; she was always his little Haliel. Too young to be concerned with the worries of the world, Gondor, the common man or woman. Just a little girl.

“Fael,” she replied happily, her voice light as she drew an arm around his neck to support herself. Faeldor could not help but let his smile return at the sweet child in his arms. Such a blessed little sister! He tried not to dwell on the fact that someday she would grow to be like her older sisters, and inherit the lovely family trait of stubborn impulsiveness as Miriel and Narbeleth, and in fact, himself, had taken on.

“Hali, we have a gift for you,” Faeldor smiled. Her eyes lit up a bit. Though Haliel was not a selfish child, and she had already received such a pretty violet dress for her birthday, the thought that there was another gift for her was quite splendid. “It is something little, and you are old enough now that you can care for it,” he hinted, careful to keep Haliel’s back turned to Gilwen, that she might not yet see the surprise.

“Is it a doll?” Haliel asked excitedly. She had always eyed the glass dolls that stood in the shops, though her mother often told her that those dolls were for older girls who would play carefully. Perhaps now, they thought her old enough to care for one! She smiled.

Faeldor, though, shook his head. “No, little flower. Turn and see, Gilwen is holding her,” he instructed, smiling fully now. Haliel would be so enthralled, and he loved best to please his littlest sister.

The child twisted in her brother’s arms, as Faeldor walked nearer to Gilwen, and her face lit up entirely at the sight of the small and affectionate kitten. She gasped in delight, reaching out to touch the soft fur ever so delicately with her little hand. “Really, Fael? I might keep her?!” she asked excitedly, as if his statement had been only a trick, and he had not meant the dear thing to be a gift to her. “Yes,” the Stable Master answered. “You are still too little for a horse, but I should say that I have seen you with the kittens and I think you are quite responsible enough to look after one,” he smiled. “Gilwen picked her. She is quite the perfect kitty for you.”

Of course, there was not much looking after to do with a cat; other than to see that it ate and had water and a bed. They were quite sufficient creatures; and certainly Meleth and Tinuves would be the ones teaching it to stay down from the tables and counters. Yet, Haliel could do her part.

“I am still too little for a horse,” Beleth muttered quietly to Calon, though her voice had returned to it’s former warmth, and her eyes were once more bright at the sight of her little sister’s joy.

“Now, if you sit down on the ground you might hold her,” Faeldor said, placing his sister lightly back down to her feet and holding her shoulders steady while she moved to sit down. The little girl was far too unstable to hold such a small kitten up while standing, but certainly the kitten would not notice her weaknesses, and adore her all the same.

“Oh thank you, what is her name?” Haliel asked eagerly as she waited for Gilwen to hand her the small thing.

[Gilwen]

Calon could see that Beleth was comforted by his words, and for that Calon felt a bit accomplished. Something within him was appeased nonetheless, and so his gleaming eyes stayed quite steady and calm. Indeed, his brightness seemed to return in full; though Faeldor seemed a bit troubled by his lady’s reaction.

Gilwen had occupied herself well with the calico; keeping her eyes withdrawn and distant. She could feel her beloved’s eyes on her. The stare did not feel as dreadful as Rosiel’s, but it still added a bit of flush to her cheeks. Was he confused by her reaction? Indeed, did he not hear his own sister? And his own words! Did men seek nothing else than skirt to chase?

Luckily the woman was not allowed to stay in her thoughts for long. Little Haliel came forward, and Faeldor immediately stooped to smile and draw the child into his arms. The way his face brightened was enough to draw Gilwen’s eye toward him once more. Oh, he was so wonderful with children. And his littlest sister was a great joy, her precious voice relayed her love and adoration of Faeldor immediately.

“Is it a doll?”

Gilwen let her finger run across the soft fur of the kitten once more, smiling down at it gently and silently saying goodbye to the little bit of warmth it was radiating, as well as the gentle purrs that coursed through its body. Soon the time would come for Haliel to take her and play with her herself.

Two blue, dancing pools of innocent happiness looked over to Gilwen now, and it did not take long for Gilwen to hold the kitten up for Haliel to see clearly, her own face glowing to match the child’s.

“Really, Fael? I might keep her?!”

This caused Gilwen to laugh slightly, and Faeldor was quick to repeat himself, and lowered Haliel to the ground so that she could better hold the small little creature. Immediately arms were extended to take it, and Gilwen conceded gracefully, bending over to hand the mewing kitten down to the sitting child.

“Oh thank you, what is her name?”

Gilwen smiled, and quietly answered, “She does not have one yet.” Her brown eyes were brimming with excitement at the little girl’s reaction. “For she is yours, and you should be the one to name her.”

“I am still too little for a horse.”

Calon almost laughed. Indeed it did seem Faeldor was very protective. Perhaps overly so. “Ah, then when I take you out it shall be quite a bit of an adventure.” He muttered back, gleaming down at her with the utmost of excitement and pleasantness. Indeed, Narbeleth was quite mature, albeit a bit wild. But she was innocent and lovely. He would do nothing to damage her. Faeldor certainly need not worry.

He had not offered much mind to the little girl as she had received her gift, though now that Gilwen was stooping to offer the kitten to her he did draw his eyes back. It was a welcome distraction of the tense situation before.

The kitten seemed well suited for the child, though Calon himself found that after kittenhood had passed, the independent nature of a cat was not desirous. Dogs were much more his style. Still the child seemed contented, so he passed no further judgement on the matter.

Gilwen, once the child had been given the little feline stood and looked down upon her with dancing brown eyes. Oh, Haliel was such a dear. She clasped her hands together before her stomach slowly and raised her gaze to look at Faeldor instinctively. Her smile faltered a bit, though, remembering the previous conversation. She did not pry her eyes away, though. Still, the depths of them were filled with a bit of curiosity over the matter. Finally, in a voice ever so soft, she whispered, "I shall go see to helping your mother. Do excuse me," and with that she gently touched Haliel's hair and began to move off toward the house.