Gilwen
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Post by Gilwen on Mar 15, 2009 18:03:59 GMT -5
As the pair left the stable, the stuffy warmth of the stables: made from the many horses and hands throughout the day combined with the sun, vanished. And was replaced with the light warmth of the waning sun. Gilwen sighed pleasantly, and watched as Faeldor swung himself up onto his horse. She moved almost as quickly, though it was quite the task to move as fluidly.
With a little less grace than she would have liked, Gilwen found herself atop her mare, and completely contented. She glanced about the scenery of her beloved White City. It looked lovely, save for the unnatural orange and red light above the Ash Mountains. It caused Gilwen to shudder, despite the warmth. The impending danger always made Gilwen uneasy.
Uneasy was quite possibly an understatement. It absolutely terrified her, and haunted her dreams when she found her nights restless. The soldiers were always dear to her heart, her father was one. It scared her that she would see her father ride off, and never see him return. Or that perhaps one day Gondor would fall, though her mother always bade her to bite her tongue when she thought of this.
They moved forward, the horses seeming to make a lot of din in the stone streets as the people moved about the streets to quietly end their day. Gilwen knew it probably wasn't as loud as it realistically was. Though she smiled at the people as she passed. She looked over to Faeldor and widened her smile. "Thank you so much for inviting me," She said kindly. She was already enjoying herself, and they hadn't even left the walls of Minas Tirith behind yet.
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Faeldor
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Post by Faeldor on Mar 15, 2009 20:46:29 GMT -5
“It is a pleasure to have you with me.” Faeldor simply nodded, breathing in the sun rays, and pulling his horse in front of Gilwen’s, for at times the stone streets were too narrow for both, and he did not wish to obstruct the civilians paths. On the upper levels of the city, Faeldor knew many people, and had a wave and a nod for almost everyone, but as they came lower and lower, through the gates of each level; third, second, and first, he knew few, if any. His countenance had not changed though, for he loved the people of Gondor, whether they knew it or not. He continued to hum to himself as they went.
Thissel attempted to step quickly in excitement, but he would not allow the horse to gallop or even trot through the streets of Minas Tirith. Such was a hazard, for who knew what or who was around the next corner? “There now…” he hummed along to the horse, his hand along the back of her neck. The toned muscles of her flanks almost seemed to shudder with her anticipation, for she wished to gallop along the fields as much as any stabled horse.
Soon enough though, the great north gates were ahead of them, and Faeldor turned to look at Gilwen. They would just make it out before the sun set on them, but that was no trouble to him, and hopefully not to her. She seemed, at least now, to have no fear in being outside the city at night. Either way, there was still safety in the nearness of the gates, and they would not travel far.
A few short words with the gate guards allowed them to open it for the pair, and all of a sudden once they were out and the gate shut behind them, the noise of the city diminished behind the walls. “Now, my Lady,” he started, as he reigned his horse to draw back nearer hers so she might hear him. “I shall let you set the pace. Let us ride for a short while west toward the mountains,” he told her, then let her ahead of him
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Gilwen
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There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
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Post by Gilwen on Mar 17, 2009 9:16:05 GMT -5
Setting the pace? The brunette thought lightly. With a small nudge, and a slight pull on the reins, Lumiel quickly shifted directions as well as picked up the pace to a lively trot. She wasn't ready just yet to go galloping away into the fields. Though, the thought of feeling the wind through her hair and on her face made her wish to do it more. No, she told herself sternly, not when the light does wane. Perhaps another time.
It wasn't hard to handle Lumiel, she was quite an easy-going mare, and obediently followed the directions her rider gave, and this made Gilwen smile faintly, beneath the orange glow of the skies. The servant looked back up at the towering white city, with its large gate that seemed to hold so much protection for the people. It looked slightly alien in the orange light. As if the fires of Mordor were already upon them.
Gilwen quickly pried her eyes away, having given her heart a good start. This was not the time to think of the fall of Minas Tirith. Nor of Mordor. Nor of valiant soldiers riding off to war. This was a night to relax and enjoy the ride. Certainly she would do just this.
No thoughts of work, nor war. Simply freedom, astride a stormy mare.
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Faeldor
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Post by Faeldor on Mar 17, 2009 17:28:14 GMT -5
As they rode, and Faeldor dropped behind, he admired the woman. So had she spoken her love of galloping through the plains, but with the fading light of the sky, and the sun which had now dropped below the mountains, she was careful in her leadings of the horse. Faeldor knew Lumiel, and the horse would wish to gallop once started, but Gilwen did well, for there was danger in galloping an unknown path in dimness. If a horse were to founder outside the city walls at night, there was naught they could do; for they would not be able to lead a lame horse back on their own, nor stay with it, for Faeldor would not let Gilwen alone out this far. No fears though, for she did well in handling Lumiel; or perhaps Lumiel was simply easy on her handler. He had suspicions though, that even from the glint in her eyes when he spoke of the Pelennor, that she had been here many times, and probably alone. Perhaps even at night.
They went on for some minutes, and then perhaps it had been a quarter of an hour since they had left the city. Nearer they had come to the base of the mountain, and the light had all but left them now; for the peaks were high and did well to shadow anything beneath their great loftiness. Faeldor admired the peaks, and there had been times when the man in his younger explorations had even spent days climbing them. Mount Mindolluin's beautiful heights. Lost in his thoughts of earlier days, Faeldor perhaps let another five minutes pass, before he trotted Thissel alongside Gilwen and Lumiel.
"My lady, I should not wish to go much further at nightfall," he spoke to her, surely startling her from her own thoughts, for she looked content. Stars began to glimmer above them, and the oranges had faded to purples, and now the deep blues and blacks of night set in round them, and the first glimmers of stars rose ahead.
He slowed Thissel to a walk. "But let us take in the evening, we need not turn around yet," he said, looking once more up. Mount Mindolluin above, shadowed against the sky; a star blinking into view from the east of it's peak; a bird calling from it's night roost; the breath of the horses slowing as their hooves hit the soft ground in trollops; grasses and crickets. One must love the still quiet sights and sounds of night.
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Gilwen
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Post by Gilwen on Mar 18, 2009 9:40:57 GMT -5
Her thoughts were jarred away by Faeldor as he spoke to her. Surprised, she looked about, as she tugged on the reigns to bring Lumiel to a halt. The young woman hadn't even realized how far they had actually gone. All traces of orange were gone from the sky, and now all that was left to come were the rolling blacks that come with the night. Faeldor passed Gilwen, letting Thissel walk some more.
"But let us take in the evening, we need not turn around yet," She let her brown eyes fly over the landscape of Gondor. She instantly felt a swell of pride. The White City surely was one of the fairest places to live. The lamps from the city spotted it with tiny glows of orange, whilst the fields seem blanketed in the calm, dark cool hand of the night.
She nidged Lumiel a bit to let her walk, bringing her up behind Faeldor and Thissel. It was most definitely a lovely night. She threw her gaze upward, and with a sigh of contentment she stroked Lumiel's neck. There were very few stars out tonight, but it didn't trouble her.
The rarity of seeing them on some nights made those that were seen all the more special. She smiled lightly to herself. What a wonderful way to end the day.
"You did well, today, Lumiel." Gilwen whispered to her mount, full of kindness, and a hint of gratitude. After all, none of this would have been possible without the mare, and Gilwen was always one to recognize credit.
The horse tossed her head happily, and Gilwen returned her gaze to the landscape. I am sure we will be turning back soon, the servant thought almost sadly.
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Faeldor
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Post by Faeldor on Mar 18, 2009 13:40:49 GMT -5
Faeldor watched Gilwen; she seemed so content, and to very much enjoy riding Lumiel. They were a good match; the dark gray mare, and the dark haired lady; and he was glad he had invited her to accompany him. Sometimes it was good to ride alone, but when one had two horses, and especially a horse that needed excessive practice and training, it was good to have a companion. He had taken Lumiel out less as of late, in favor to training with Thissel as often as possible, but when he had a companion they could both enjoy their fresh air.
It was also good for Gilwen to be outside the city walls, and the demanding atmosphere of the palace. There was nothing wrong with spending your life in service to the rulers of Gondor; for they were all honorable men, but even Faeldor himself had the need for peace and quiet at times, and he was not restrained so in voice and spirit in the stables as the palace servants must be. He was often outside in the light of day working in the corrals, and travelling to and from the stables of the lower levels of the city. Gilwen’s work must keep her inside all day; and he could tell by her grace of riding that that had not always been so with her; for she must have had much experience in the past. Probably before she had worked as a palace servant.
Faeldor had no intentions of turning back yet. He was tired from the long day, and at times would return home and sleep this early, but once an idea had set in his mind, he had no meaning of setting it aside. Gilwen was probably tired from her day as well, he realized, but she seemed a lady that would not decline a small adventure before their days end.
At this time along the road, there was a side path that led right to the base of the mountain, which they had approached so closely. It was difficult to find in the night time, but Faeldor knew these areas so near the city very well, and barely needed to see it to know that it was there. He halted Thissel and dismounted from her, for it was usually a safe path, but he wished not to have the horse startle, and would now walk in front of her to make sure there were no new holes or rocks in the way that would make her stumble. “I will watch the path, and you may stay atop Lumiel,” Faeldor told Gilwen, leading the way. He knew that Lumiel would follow gracefully, for he had gone with her here many times.
Where they had come, it seemed almost that Mount Mindolluin had shot right up out of the Pellenor, for right in front of them, the rocky escarpment came right out of the grasses, and the end of the path seemed to vanish right into the mountain wall. Faeldor tilted his head back far to look up, the top of the mountain peak was not visible now past this ridge of cliff. A few more stars shone from the darkness, and there was a glow on the horizon from moonlight, though it had not yet risen high enough to make their vision any easier.
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Gilwen
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Post by Gilwen on Mar 21, 2009 8:21:33 GMT -5
Gilwen was surprised, though pleasantly so, that Faeldor didn't turn the horses around just yet. It was so lovely to be outside of the confined stone corridors of the palace, that Gilwen couldn't help but long to stay out longer. And judging from the moon, it wasn't to terribly late. So she smiled, and silently followed the man as he steered their travel toward what seemed to be a group of brush.
Gilwen furrowed her brow slightly, in the darkness. It seemed that there was no path here at all. Still, Faeldor slid off Thissel and tossed her a few words that assured her that there was a pathway. She nodded, and slowly followed the man. There was indeed a pathway, and one the brunette had never really ventured down.
They emerged, and Gilwen gasped delightedly. It was a beautiful place: Mount Mindolluin seemingly guarding the area, planted eternally in the golden grasses. The stars were flickering into life, the moon was rising. "My lord, this is quite a treasure." Gilwen murmured, as if she were afraid of completely breaking the silence of this beautiful abode.
Lumiel seemed to agree, and walked happily to follow her master. It was clear this mare had travelled this pathway before. Gilwen was surprised, really. She had run about Pelennor Field many nights, as she grew up in Minas Tirith. However, the girl had never found her way out here. Perhaps it was because she would have been on foot, or simply lounging close enough to the walls to sneak back in before her father had noticed her absence. Either way, she had seen it now. And the smile on her face gave away her adoration of the spot.
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Faeldor
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Post by Faeldor on Mar 21, 2009 15:58:02 GMT -5
"That it is a treasure, but we are not to our destination yet," Faeldor said, turning back to Gilwen. "But this is as far as the horses may take us. They will be fine, for some moments alone. Lumiel will not let Thissel into trouble,” he smiled to himself as he scratched the young horse on the shoulder for a moment. She had done well this evening. She had not spooked or startled once.
He lead Thissel near the other horse, and took a lead rope, securing a knot and tying the two horses together. He had no worries of Lumiel wandering astray, but Thissel here... he never knew what this equine might do. Lumiel would keep her in line though. He made sure the knot was secured, and then let go of the horses.
It had been a time since Faeldor had come here and he was anxious to find his old trail, and he peered into the darkness. Well, it was hardly a trail, but a path to follow just along the wall of rock. Though perhaps, he was also wishing to test Gilwen by this. Would she follow him off the beaten trail? Or perhaps she would be too frightened by it and not wish to go further. It was night afterall, and the two barely knew each other. Then again, he was not just any man, but the well trusted stable master of the Steward’s horses in Minas Tirith, and she had come this far with him already.
“Take my hand now, and I will show you the path. There is no danger,” he said gently to the woman, stepping to her side. “It should only take a few minutes to get there, and I promise the treasure at the end is worth far more than that which you see now. The path went just along the rock wall here, and a short ways out of sight, rounded upwards. One could carefully make their way up the slope to a bit of a ledge. He enjoyed to sit upon the place; but what was behind the ledge was even more spectacular. Night was the perfect time to visit, for when the moon came out, Gilwen would have a sight to behold. He held out his hand, hoping she would oblige.
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Gilwen
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Post by Gilwen on Mar 21, 2009 16:45:55 GMT -5
Not our destination? The servant mused. She had to admit, these words peeked her interest. What interested her more was how things progressed. The two mares were tied together, and she was told that they would have to continue on foot. His hand was extended to her, a gentle and kind motion, that any girl would take immediately. She thoughtfully surveyed his eyes, and slowly took his hand and slid out of the saddle.
"I will hold you to your word," She said airily. "That this shall be more of a treasure than what I have already seen." She smiled gracefully. It seemed to her that Faeldor had travelled this way many times before. It was slightly exhilarating---the little bit of excitement that was coming from this.
She hadn't even thought twice about her hands, though now that her hand was in his, she was aware completely of what she had done. Still, she didn't care. It seemed her mind was full of intrigue rather than worry. It was a nice change, she admitted to herself.
"Where exactly are we going?" She asked, looking about the area. She couldn't see a trail. She fully trusted Faeldor, though she had not known him until this morning. His eyes didn't seem to hide anything. If she had a reason to mistrust him, she was certain it would have been visible in his eyes.
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Faeldor
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Post by Faeldor on Mar 22, 2009 10:41:39 GMT -5
Lumiel nuzzled Faeldor’s arm for a moment, and Faeldor scratched the horse behind the ears, then patted her. “We are going right up there.” The main pointed upwards toward the cliff. Though it was difficult to see in the dark, there was an escarpment, perhaps one hundred feet in the air. It was not far; they would even be able to see the horses from where they came out, but first they must go around the edge of rock to find the path that led upwards.
He looked back to Gilwen. “I know this well from my youth, though I have not been here often in the days since I’ve been stable master. It is difficult sometimes to summon enough energy at the end of the day. I’m sure you understand; do tell me if you are too tired to continue. There is no real climb save the last ledge, but there are good footholds, and I should say it is not but a foot taller than myself, so I can easily help you.”
By the time the two made it to the top, the moon should be rising overhead, so even their descent would be more lighted. It also meant that they would reach the top just in time for what he had wanted to show her. At the top of the ridge there was a small passage, which led through an old cavern in the mountain. Coming out on the other side of it was a path that led further up to the top of Mount Mindolluin. They would not take that path now, for it was near a day’s journey to go up and down again. But the cave was to Faeldor’s delight, especially in the evening at this time when the moon rose. He called it Fela Isilme, cave of moonlight, for when the moon rose and was large enough, the light cast through an opening in the rock and shone down to light one of the larger caverns. It was quite beautiful, and something his father had shown him as a boy. Faeldor looked back at the horses for a moment. Thissel had begun to graze among the grasses, and Lumiel was still watching the two humans. Then he began to lead the lady towards the path that followed along the rocky cliff wall.
He would not tell her of the cavern until they had reached the top, for he did not wish to startle her at saying they would enter a cavern at night. He was pleased that she had trusted him though. He did notice the roughness of her hand, but only the warmth of it, and he was glad that she seemed to have forgotten her embarrassment from their earlier parting. Silently he went, as he led her carefully down the path, checking again in front as they went to make sure there was nothing to make Gilwen stumble.
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Gilwen
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Post by Gilwen on Mar 22, 2009 19:13:28 GMT -5
Bewildered brown eyes followed Faeldor's finger to the top of the cliffs, and her lips parted in what was a look of pure astonishment, but it morphed into a lively smile, which seemed to be frozen in place despite the mention of weariness. "I do," She murmured quietly in response with a small nod.
As a maid of the palace, her work began early, much like Faeldor's she was certain, and she worked until the work was finished, which was sometime around sundown. There were days when she would be so exhausted, when they were understaffed or perhaps when there was something of great importance happening in the palace, that she would dread the walk back to her home. On those particular days, it seemed that her thoughts had not the energy to roam either. No, working in the palace was not a restful position. Still, with the wages she earned it offered a somewhat comfortable lifestyle for she and her parents.
She pondered the thought of the height of climbing for a moment before tilting her head a little to the right and saying, "If you assure me that it is worth the climb, and you surely have, I will gladly scale a ledge." Adventure was something that Gilwen adored, though had very little time for as she grew older. She was hardly going to let a ledge stand in her way of seeing something magnificent. And if Faeldor was there to lend a hand if needed, there would be no troubles at all.
It was silent now, and she stepped lightly and carefully after the tall figure before her. He was moving with much more confidence than she, though she was hardly slow with her steps. It was all rather exciting: a mysterious destination, a dark forest, promised treasure at the end of the journey. It reminded Gilwen of the fantastic stories her mother used to tell her as a young girl.
"Gilwen, my dear child!" Her mother's voice used to say with a laugh, and glistening eyes whenever Gilwen had inquired as to the reality of the stroies. "Rest assured that all people hold their own adventures." This had always confused the girl when she was young, but now she understood.
Working in the palace, sometimes making it through the day was an adventure. And this was most certainly a moment from the stories.
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Faeldor
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Post by Faeldor on Mar 22, 2009 21:13:57 GMT -5
The cliff of Mount Mindolluin to the left, and the shadows of trees and brush to the right, Faeldor stepped lightly through even the thickest of brush, and made sure to hold back the branches or brambles that covered the trail in places. It was little used, these days, which was sad, for it was such a beautiful place. Though he was glad to be back at a place that he knew well, he watched his pace so as to not go too fast for Gilwen.
Not long though, and they came out of the trees to a place where the rock path began to ascend up hill. It was not entirely steep, though one must be careful with their steps if they did not know where the footings were. Night was not the safest time to climb up here with someone who had never been, but Faeldor trusted in his own strength and balance and carefully held Gilwen by the hand. He made the way very slowly up, sure that she had taken each step before he took the next.
The lady was a quiet one, he thought to himself. He was used to his sisters, who could rattle on about anything and everything for ages. Well… perhaps he was no different; they were a talkative family. He liked this though, for even though she were quiet, she seemed very open to him; and perhaps he could say more with actions and this place that he had decided to take her, than he could have said with words anyway. She seemed an interesting woman though, and lovely indeed, for even in the dim lighting, her eyes and her smile shown as the stars. Her face was as lovely as her namesake. He was glad to bring her joy.
Not long after they had set off, they were nearly to the top of the incline, and when they approached the ledge of which he had told her. The stone was black in the night. Faeldor let down Gilwen’s hand, and felt along the wall for the grips, and finding them, he pulled himself easily up and looked over the ledge, then dropped down again. “Come, I will help you up ahead of me,” he said, grasping both her hands. “If you do not mind, I will assist you. And there is an old root at the top to pull yourself up with. I will help you with your footing and you will not fall. It’s not difficult.” Then he laughed to himself. “Although, I have never attempted such while wearing a dress. I’m sure you should manage though.”
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Gilwen
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Post by Gilwen on Mar 22, 2009 21:41:04 GMT -5
Faeldor's long legs would undoubtedly have whisked him away from the servant, and she noted gratefully that he kept his strides in check. It didn't seem to take long to reach what seemed to be a rocky path, or at least it is what it seemed to the young woman in the night. Gilwen squinted slightly at it, trying to make it out without the use of any light. It did her no use, and she didn't wish to strain her eyes, so she simply eyed Faeldor's footwork, and silently followed.
Again, it seemed like a short time before they had reached the end. Though, Gilwen couldn't tell if it was the distance that was short, or her excitement that had made it seem so. She supposed it didn't truly matter, for there she stood with Faeldor anyway, at the bottom of what looked like a small cliff in and of itself. It was then that her hand was released, and the young man seemed to survey the terrain to once again make it familiar.
The night sky seemed to blend right in with the blackness. And the blackness of the evening seemed to meld right into the stone that she was supposed to climb. Still, with a little straining, she could see the ample spots for hands and feet to work their way up the side. Both of her hands were scooped up and her attention immediately turned to Faeldor once more.
Brown eyes stared up at Faeldor's friendly face. "I would be honored for your assistance." A small laugh escaped her as he continued. "Ah, so I would presume. And by this, my lord, you have retained dignity!" She joked lightly, taking the time to glance down at her skirts. She was still in her servants garb, and while it was a dress, it was meant to be functional. It did not pass her ankles by much, and as such it was sure to not trip her, if handled correctly.
She flicked her gaze over to the wall once more. "I will apologize in advance for any indecency," She said lightly. "I am not quite certain how my dress will behave." She was somewhat sure that her skirt would not surpass her calfs, however, it was not something a lady of Gondor should simply ignore. She was raised to be conservative, a true lady by her mother's and father's standards. For a quick moment she was thankful it was so dark, for the heat in her cheek surely alerted her of the small flush that had come to them. Indecency was not a conversation subject she found herself on often.
Gilwen released Faeldor's hands and turned to the wall. Using her right foot, she found a foothold. Lifting her skirt carefully, so as not to show to much skin, she shifted her weight to it, her hands quickly finding a support of their own. She glanced back over to Faeldor, as she found her second foothold for her left leg. She was not but seven inches from the ground here, and it seemed the small outcroppings melded into the rest of the blackness. She frowned slightly, though not much. It really wouldn't be that horrible a fall. And Faeldor was right there, if need be.
Blindly, she began to move her hand to find the next rock to which she could grasp.
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Faeldor
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Post by Faeldor on Mar 23, 2009 4:52:45 GMT -5
“At least in one manner I have my dignity,” he laughed. “I’ve never succumbed to my sister’s tersing of wearing a dress; though I should let you know now, before you befriend me too much, that I have at times been brought into having a flowery hat placed upon my head, and have spent many an afternoon sitting on the floor for tea with some fine young women. You see, I have four dear younger sisters. And a rascal brother as well. Do you have any siblings, my Lady Gilwen?” he asked her, letting her go ahead to the wall.
“And for that, I should not be offended,” Faeldor assured the woman. Indeed, it was too dark to make a difference; and Faeldor had enough sisters to know that it did not matter much to him either way. Some were more stringent about their public appearance while others… were not. He thought of his sister Miriel in dismay.
He let Gilwen find her handhold well enough on her own; he was again surprised at her ambition, she so wished to make it to the top with him, that she did not question even scaling a rock face. As she worked her way up, he guided her feet to find the safest foothold, and at a point when she seemed to fash at lack of a hand hold, he placed a hand safely on her back, and the other holding to her side. He would not let the lady hurt herself. “You are doing well,” he praised her, and smiled to himself. She was a mere seven inches off the ground, though one small feat could be a large one in the eyes of another. “Do not worry, if you fall I will act as your cushion, and you should not hit your head, nor even bruise a knee.”
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Gilwen
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Post by Gilwen on Mar 23, 2009 8:16:41 GMT -5
As the young woman pictured Faeldor in the flowery hat, she laughed lightly, but did not do such to come across as rude. "It sounds like you are a fine brother." Gilwen said in response. She paused a moment in silence after the question she was offered. "I fear I have no siblings. I fear it does not sound nearly as much fun as ample tea parties." She offered with a small smile.
She was certain that it was not on purpose that she had no brothers or sisters to play with. Her father and mother loved children dearly. Still, life had gifted her with two parents who cared for her more than anything else. At times when she was growing up, it was lonely. When her mother was far to busy to play or pay her any mind, and her father was off with the other soldiers, she had to find creative ways to keep herself entertained. Though now that she was an adult, it didn't seem so horrible.
As she reached for the next handhold, she felt two hands steady her as she climbed. Thankful for his words of encouragement, Gilwen replied kindly, "I will hold you to it, my Lord Faeldor." Ah! She had found the next handhold. She moved her hand, and then found a place, much more quickly for her other. Using this to steady her, she maneuvered her feet as well, and found herself that much closer to the top.
It wasn't that large of a ledge, and with another climb she could peer over the top. The root was there, just as Faeldor had told her it would be. She reached for it, and wrapped her hands around, and soon found herself sitting atop the ledge, looking over at Faeldor, with a smile of accomplishment. It wasn't often that a servant of Gondor scaled cliffs at night. Or perhaps it wasn't often that anyone would scale cliffs at night.
Either way, Gilwen was pleased that she had made it to the top. She moved away from the edge, to give Faeldor room to climb up himself, and found her way to her feet. As she stood, she looked about curiously. Was this the end of their journey? It didn't seem to be. While the view was surely spectacular in the daytime,the night shielded almost all things from her vision. She turned then, to see what seemed to be a black hole in the side of the mountain. For all her bravery, a cave at night seemed dangerous.
Questionably, she turned to look at Faeldor, and crossed her arms uneasily. She would say nothing to him yet, for he had guided her safe thus far. And furthermore, she wasn't sure if he had any intention of moving into the darkness himself. Still, caves were one thing she had grown to be wary of. In the stories her mother always told, there was a frightful cave, with a great beast of sorts dwelling inside. It was likely that there was no great beast in this one, however, the slight unease that came from it was enough to at least dampen her excitement.
She didn't wish to show it though, Faeldor was so excited about showing her something he obviously cared for very dearly. And how mundane, to be frightened by a cave! She had never actually been in one before, and Gilwen reminded herself that she had no place to judge all caves by stories.
Oh, Gilwen, breathe. You are getting away from yourself again. Faeldor was the one deciding where they went.
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