You Again!?

[Aldamir]

Aldamir had no idea what had been plotted behind his back. Since his first encounter with Laurë, he had not seen the girl again. She must have finally taken care of her things and learned her way around the city or left to her small hometown. Whatever happened, he had stopped thinking of her to focus on his duties.

Of course, Laurë did not leave and his sister Sorsha knew about it since the two girls spent many times together when one was not running errands for her mother and the other working at Arien's shop. They had the same personality and so were getting along very well. She helped the girl get her marks around the town, told her things to know. And she talked of her family, bad-mouthing her oh so perfect and serious brother who couldn't les loose just for one second. At the end, she decided to invite Laurë over for the evening, so she'd share a meal with her family and they'd learn to know her new friend. Her mother of course liked the idea. Even Aldamir, unaware of his this new friend was, didn't mind much.

He was on duty, just like his older brother, hence he could not welcome her into the house. They arrived just in time for diner and he heard his mother ask them to come and welcome their sister's friend. Rabryn arrived first, a charming smile on his face. Any girl of her age and up that was not his sister were potential love affair to him. Aldamir soon joined him into the dining room and froze at the entrance as he got a glimpse of who the 'friend' was. "Please welcome Laurë, did I say it right?" their mother said once the two boys were there.

So her name was Laurë. Aldamir tried to regain some composure for he knew the two girls would just love to see it. He took a deep breath and just nodded to her briefly while his brother sat next to the girl and started to talk to her. He preferred to go by his younger brother's side,, still eying both the women, thinking his sister did it on purpose just because she knew of their little argument last time they met.

[Laurë Eledhwen]

Laurë was a bit eager yet uneasy to be invited by her new best friend to share a meal with them. She had to let Jossian know that she would come back home later and that she would see her friend over the evening. No matter how weird it was for her to have a father like figure, she was pleased that it had to be someone like Keann’s father. It made her wish she had a father like that but she knew it wouldn’t happen for she never had a real family like Sorsha’s.

This was precisely why she was feeling a bit uneasy around her mother, father, and younger brother’s best friend along with the girl herself. They were still all a bunch of nice people. They didn’t make her feel unwelcomed and she even found herself holding long conversations with them as they talked to her about her town or when they questioned her about her hometown. She smiled as her mother introduced her and nodded slightly as she pronounced her name correctly. Of course, no one could get to know the elfin language unless you were interacting with this kind of people and of course, no human could pronounce it quite perfectly but her mother was quite close to it so she let it pass.

“Yes, that is how we pronounce it.” She said softly and politely, she needed to be well mannered to the family that had kindly invited her for a meal. She grinned at her older brother who was quite a charming one, like her other brother’s best friend. However she soon spotted Aldamir, she returned the nod, but nothing more. He didn’t deserve it anyway at least, for now.

She kept the conversation with Sorsha’s older brother, giggled at some point and smiled at him. Of course, it didn’t mean anything to her it was just all for fun and didn’t see anything serious, it was just like with Aldamir’s friend. She smirked at the thought but this time decided to play nice and didn’t give Aldamir that devilish smile of hers.

[Aldamir]

Rabryn seemed happy to have a girl ready to shamelessly flirt with him. He'd probably wouldn't much, for now at least, since his sister would cause quite an uproar if he did. But the conversation was good so for now it would be enough. Their mother placed some of the food in the middle of the table so that everyone could serve themselves. She filled Balder's plate. He could do it himself but everyone knowing the family a little knew he was of fragile stature and that they were all taking very good care of him, maybe spoiling him a little too much doing so.

Aldamir remained silent and did not participated in the conversation like everyone seemed to. It was no longer jsut rabryn and Laurë, Sorsha and their mother had joined too. He turned to his father and they spoke of work a little while the man talked to everyone whenever he had something to add to a conversation.

Aldamir caught his sister's gaze and felt immediately that she invited Laurë on purpose for the lack of good manners he showed the girl. "Aldamir already met Laurë actually, didn't you brother?" she said loud enough for everyone to hear. Aldamir, his fork in hands, stared at his sister for a second or two before answering. "Yes. A thief grabbed her purse and we managed to get him and returned it t her." he explained.

Their mother nodded. "Oh that's a relief. Most of the time, you better forget about ever gettng it back. We never had this much thieves at the marketplace."

"It's because we're placing every shops and kiosks under one banner. If they steal from one, every shop go against them. And they can't sell abck what they stole since they're not registered merchants. We need some time to calm things down then it should be like before." their father explaiend to everyone. Aldamir nodded and returned to eating his food in silence.

[Laurë Eledhwen]

Laurë smiled back to Rabryn but soon enough, the conversation stopped as Sorsha told the others how they actually already met in the market place. She was a bit caught off guard by her friend’s manners, giving the girl a small glance wondering about why she was doing that kind of stuff. She was enjoying herself talking to the rest of the family why did she have to bring Aldamir in the conversation? She continued staring at her friend hoping she would give her an answer but soon enough, the man spoke telling them their story, at least he didn’t speak of her talk back. She smirked remembering of it.

“Since when has it started?” She asked about the thieves, she remembered her uncle having talked about these, but she didn’t know that there had more than usual. Perhaps he didn’t want to scare her on her first day in the town. She knew it had to be the case; dear Jossian was always so carrying for his son she wouldn’t even be surprised if he considered her as his own daughter now. She would have to make sure to thank the man properly for his hospitality she thought.

She blinked once Aldamir returned to his food. Was he always this serious? She couldn’t help but ask. “Is he always so serious?” She asked. Perhaps, she should’ve kept it quiet about this subject but it was just Aldamir, what harms could it cause? `However, she was sort of hoping she didn’t cross boundaries around her family but she still couldn’t help but ask. Maybe they had an explanation and besides, it would be priceless to see Aldamir’s reaction to her question.

[Aldamir]

His father began to explain to Laurë the project the city had to reunite every shops under one banner to help them agaisnt thieves and also to avoid people selling stolen objects freely. It was to help every body, except of course for the scum of the city who was now going after the people more. They were in transition now so of course there were things to fix and all, making criminality higher for a moment. But he promised it would be a lot less dangerous once it would be fully enforced.

Aldamir froze when she asked if he was always so serious. Everyone froze. Sorsha had a grin, liking the somewhat slap in the face it caused him. His mother had a small smile towards Laurë. "Aldamir sometimes takes his job too seriously but it is always for the best of the city. Maybe he should relax a little, I guess."

"He needs to get laid." Rabryn replied. "Rabryn!" their mother exclaimed, unable to believe he said something like this, especially in front of a stranger. Sorsha finally brust out laughing at the situation. Aldamir took deep breaths to avoid telling both his brother and sister to shut up. He gave Laurë a quick glance, wondering why she had to say that in the first place.

[Laurë Eledhwen]

Laurë listened to his father as he explained her the city’s situation. Now that she thought about it everything seemed to be logical; if everything was in the same place, which meant that they would all know about the thieves and they could catch them easily without having any trouble for they were all reunited in one place. “It makes sense” She replied with a nod.

When she asked the infamous question, she noticed how everyone seemed to be awkward. Had she gone wrong with this? She still found Aldamir’s reaction priceless her mother explained her how serious he was when he was working and that he needed to relax a little. His life would surely be boring if he was always like that, even when he wasn’t working.

However, when his brother spoke, she stared at him and let out a small giggle as Sorsha laughed light hearted. It wasn’t something she was expecting to hear, especially in a family meeting but it still was, priceless to see Aldamir’s stuck up face. She placed a hand before her mouth as Aldamir gave her a look, a wide smile was printed onto her lips as she did her best not to laugh at the situation.

[Aldamir]

Aldamir was still trying to regain some composure as he felt he ahd lsot the face in front of his sister's friend. Yes he was serious. He wanted to be a model of discipline and order. People had no idea how hard it could be sometimes. To set the example. His brother may be a guard, but he was playing cards, drinking more than his share and frequenting lots of women. If he served the kingdom, he sure didn't show men what was the right thing to do, how to be a good citizen. His father wasn't as stiff but still set the example. Aldamir was simply trying to do the same, his way.

He knew he could be violent and turbulent this was the reason why he had so much self-control. Because blowing up was not the right thing to do. Laurë had a huge grin, even with her hand on her mouth he could tell. "Oh please mother, our little Aldamir needs to understand that drinking and having fun is not punishable by death." Rabryn replied as he laughed as well.

"We don't all have the same meaning for fun." he replied with a grim face. He didn,t like to eb the laughing matter. He disliked it when they were only in family, he hated it even more now that she was there. He decided to rturn to his palte and try to obliviate everything else.

[Laurë Eledhwen]

Laurë knew one thing for sure; she loved his family, they were all so close even if they were laughing at Aldamir at the moment-not that she cared much anyways. It had been a while since she had had fun like that and there she was having some, with the family of her friend. She would surely love to spend more time with them all. Sorsha’s mother was sweet and her father was like the father figure she imagined families would have. Jossian was like that too, but there was something different between them two. Perhaps it was the fact that he was a guard that made the change between the two men.

Her grin didn’t leave her face as her brother added something else laughing along with Sorsha. She glanced at her friend giving her a large grin. But she had to admit that Rabryn was right, not everything was punishable but only if you knew how to take it with moderation. There were some occasions where you could drink and some where you would rather remain sober. Still, the man over there needed to loosen up or else he would turn out into a grumpy old man.

She turned her head to look back at Aldamir as he spoke. “Well then, what do you do for fun?” She asked him smirking a little, they might not have the same meaning of fun but if his fun was boring, she would surely use that on their next encounter.

[Aldamir]

“I suppose chess, reading books and talking long walks is his definition of fun.” Rabryn replied since Aldamir didn’t seem in anyway inclined to answer Laurë. He glared at his brother, but before he could reply anything to him about his own definition of fun, their mother decided to cut short. “We all have our own ways to amuse ourselves and relax.” she said and so everyone returned to their meals.

Aldamir was glad this little conversation was over. This was turning for the worst, with both his older brother and the girl. “Chess is nice.” Balder said out of the blue after people returned to a silence. Unable to resist, a small smile appeared on his traits as his young brother’s comment. Actually, they all either smiled or chuckled about it. Funny how such an activity was quite normal for a boy like him, an intellectual, when it was a laughing matter in his case.

Not wishing this conversation to return in direction of her son and have him being teased any more, Ciriyon directed the conversation elsewhere. “How do you like our town this far?” she asked Laurë.

[Laurë Eledhwen]

Laurë grinned at Rabryn’s comment but didn’t say anything. Sure she wasn’t what you called an intellectual but she did like to take long walks in the nature and breathe clean air once in a while. Yet, she was still disappointed a bit that he didn’t reply to her, geez, if he really held grudges after her because she thought of him as being ‘too serious’ he would surely be pouting at her for the rest of his life if he was to keep on going these lines.

She didn’t add anything as his mother replied and nodded; it was true, if only anyone knew she was doing archery and hanged out in peaceful places where she could think and relax she was sure to have strange looks in her direction. After all, it wasn’t common for ladies to practice an art that was reserved to males when they were hunting or going to war. She didn’t mind though; she was talented at it and she would certainly keep on doing it, even if it displeased some.

She glanced at Ciriyon as he questioned her about their town, she took the time to swallow her food before answering to the man. “It is surely different from what I have seen so far but I like the variety of the shops. I’m slowly getting used to it and it is a good change...” she said even if at some point, she held grudges against her mother for throwing her in this town.

[Aldamir]

Aldamir was rather glad that someone backed him up, but he was even more relieved when the conversation switched to another topic than his personal life. He knew everyone or so believed he should relax and perhaps they were right. However, they had no idea how he was relaxing and if walking by himself worked, why on earth would he need to go to a brothel, drink and sleep with tons of girls!? He was not like his brother, he was calmer and introvert.

He barely listened as Laurë talked of her experience in the city. He felt though that, to avoid being a rude host, he had to speak at least once to her, and politely. Besides, it would not kill him... as long as she did not decide t reply with another taunt. “I do hope you will not have other days as rough as the one we met.” he finally let out.

Ciriyon took everyone’s plates, in order to bring them to the kitchen and come with the dessert, their father grabbing what remained of the diner. Rabryn stood up as well. “Are you leaving?” their mother said. “Yes. A friend’s been forced to stand watch at one of the most boring spot of the city. I’m gonna keep him company.” he explained as he bid farewell to everyone, especially Laurë, claiming he had a great time with her. Aldamir didn’t really appreciate the comment, mostly because he knew that meant he had pleasure making fun of him but still smiled briefly at his brother, shaking hands as they said goodbye. Ciriyon returned with a pie and cut parts for everyone.

[Laurë Eledhwen]

Laurë glanced at Aldamir as he spoke to her; it surprised her considering he wasn’t being rude or anything. If she wasn’t around his parents and siblings she would’ve commented the fact but since she had to be well mannered towards her host she remained silent about this and nodded at him. “I am more careful.” She simply replied deciding not to go into details; it’s not like they all needed to know her personal life. Other than Sorsha of course but even the girl didn’t know of her deepest secrets.

Just as Ciriyon was gathering the empty dishes that were on the table, Rabryn announced his leave she nodded at him and replied to him telling him that she had also had a great time with him even if it didn’t mean anything to her, he was still of pleasant company. Of course, he wasn’t of her type but she would still consider the man as a good friend, after all, some of his comments did amuse her.

She smiled as their father came back with a pie; her mother used to make some but since a few days she stopped as well as she stopped being happy. She knew that there was more than just the need of money or else, she would’ve agreed on her having a job. She frowned for a few seconds but soon decided to start another conversation not wanting the diner to be awkward at any moment. “Thank you very much for your meal.” that was the least she could say if she was to become talented into dress making she would’ve offered something to her hosts but she was still an apprentice at the moment.

[Aldamir]

Aldamir bet she was more careful. Once you were robbed so easily of all your possessions, you learned to watch out. Maybe now did she understand the advice he gave her, to take a better look at her things. It wasn’t against her that he said that, but if she was not careful, he could not always be there to avoid people stealing from her. Then again, she had the same personality of his sister Sorsha, and the girl never liked him telling her to be more careful. Even if it came from a good intention.

Aldamir took the plates once his mother placed a piece of pie in it and served everyone, his father giving out the forks. Ciriyon smiled brightly at Laurë when she thanked her for the meal. “It’s a pleasure, really.” she replied, still with a smile. At least she was there to smooth things out a little. Aldamir took a bite and let out a surprised sound. “Is it mulberry?” he asked his mother, surprised she found any at the market. “Why yes. I know it’s your favourite. Besides, they demanded a quite reasonable price, unlike what the man asked for his raspberries. Tiny little things spoiling you imagine!” she answered as she sat back at the table and started to eat the dessert like everyone else. “Do you want to play a game after the diner, brother?” Balder asked him, obviously talking of chess. Aldamir nodded and so the young boy quickly finished his dessert to go to the next room and prepare the table. Sorsha finished second and decided to join her young brother, sitting on a couch by the chess table and waiting for everyone else to join to have a chat while the two boys would play.

[Laurë Eledhwen]

Laurë smiled as their mother answered to her thanks. It was the most she could do and she knew that at times, words made a difference. She glanced at Aldamir seeing his facial expression. What was it? She stared at him curiously for a few seconds until they talked about mulberry pies. Ah, it was his favourite flavour; she liked it too and she had to admit that his mother was a good cook for it has been a long time since she had eaten something as good as the food given to her.

She ate the rest of her pie in silence and once she was done she stood up slowly. “It was a good meal, thank you again.” She said with a smile as she gathered her plate and her fork so it would be easier for them when it would be the time to empty the table. She then joined Sorsha and her younger brother and sat next to her friend.

“I will have to return you the favour some day and invite you to my home.” She said half joking while nudging her friend lightly. “You are lucky to have such a family.” She added with a smile while waiting for the others to join them once they finish cleaning.

[Aldamir]

Sorsha turned her head in direction of her friend as she entered the room. She laughed at her comment. “Oh any time. I’m curious to see this cousin of yours. Keann, is it? He seems just as amusing as Aldamir!” Aldamir entered on those words and for a second, pitied the poor cousin being forced to leave with her. He wondered why she was living with a cousin and not her family. Then again, she did mention she came from another, much smaller town. So he assumed she left her hometown to go live in the large city and that her cousin was the only one she knew. Poor cousin.

He sat across his brother and began to play with him a game. “Well, we had a lot of fun having you join us for diner. Hey, Aldamir, wasn’t she of good company?” Sorsha said after Laurë added she was lucky to have them all. “A real delight.” he replied, not really convinced by his word, only saying that so that Sorsha would not make him lose his concentration as he moved his horse.

“Aw, you hear that. It seems my brother has a heart and enjoys people’s company. When it arranges him to say it, at least.” she responded, sticking her tongue out at him before laughing. She returned her attention to her friend. “Don’t mind him really. He’s even worse when he’s playing chess. We’re distracting him!” she told her. Aldamir glanced at his sister, knowing she was doing that on purpose only to tease him. “Following you when you talk is already asking all of my concentration if I must play chess in the same time, I just won’t survive it.” he replied. Sorsha stared at him before laughing even harder and Aldamir had a light smile, glad she got it was just a way to tease her. He returned to the game, taking on of his brother’s pawn.