A Day of Rest [open]

[Faeldor]

Singing down the street he went, Faelon walked the cobbles of the sixth level, a small girl upon his shoulders, and a boy running ahead of him. Faelon sung to entertain them, making dramatics as he went. He was on his way to the stables, though it was his day off duty, he needed to check upon the horses and the stablelads. He never really had a day off, for the one in charge must always keep watch over his charges. For all to run smoothly, one must give instruction. It was not a difficult task though, and his brother and sister enjoyed seeing the horses. Perhaps he would take them past the young colts of the past spring. They would enjoy seeing them, especially his sister. He began a new song as he walked:

“The lark now leaves his watery nest,
And climbing, shakes his dewy wings;
He takes this window for the east,
And to implore your light, he sings,
Awake, awake, the morn will never rise,
Till she can dress her beauty at your eyes…”


Faeldor reached up and flipped the girl down over his shoulder, now carrying her in both arms to the side. “It won’t be too long and you’ll be too big to ride atop me,” he said. “Perhaps I need to get you your own horse, before you outgrow playing horse with me.” Faeldor laughed, for his sister was bright eyed this morning, giggling at his own comments.

“Fael, finish the song,” she asked quietly, laughing to herself. She enjoyed her brother’s singing, and his attention, for it was not everyday that she had a chance to venture with him outside of their home. And she knew this song well, for Faeldor was often singing her songs; of princes and faeries, and adventures and lovers, and firey dragons breath! And perhaps he spoiled her a bit, for the affection he gave her. He kissed the girls cheek, and continued on, as they approached the stables. His brother had already entered, though he knew the boy would not cause trouble among his brother’s work. Faelon knew better than that.

“The merchant bows unto the seaman's star,
The ploughman from the sun his season takes;
But still the lover wonders what they are,
Who look for day before his mistress wakes…”


As he came to enter, Faeldor finished the end of the song, singing more quietly now, for not to disturb the others who may be at work, and even so not to embarrass himself. He must seem a strange, carrying about a seven-year-old, and singing a courting song to her. He didn’t know much else though, all his songs were learned, and either way, Haliel did not care what he sang, as long as he sang a song to her.

“Awake, awake, break through your veils of lawn,
Then draw your curtains, and begin the dawn.”

-----

_{*poem by Sir William Davenant, 1600s}

[Boromir]

When Boromir woke up that morning, he noticed it was a rather beautiful day. Already the sun was announcing a cloudless, warm weather. This put a smile on his face. After a quick and light breakfast, Boromir decided to go out of the castle. It was too beautiful a day for him to wish to lock himself in a tower and study, or see strategists to think about the orcs and their possible next moves, or even just train. No, the only right thing to do on such day was to wander around town happily. But then again, why not take a stroll out of the city? The Pelennor fields were close and interesting, the best place to clear your mind. And his mind needed to be cleared.

With the attacks of the orcs, Boromir was rarely having free time on his hands. Sure, they were easily drawn out but if people were seeing it that way, Boromir was noticing every time they were killing a hundred, a hundred more were coming back. It was as if Mordor had a never ending supply of orcs. For now, it wasn't too dangerous, there were coming as much as they were killing. But what if one day they'd be outnumbered by orcs? Could the man endure this long enough?

Boromir chased these thoughts away as he walked to the stables. He didn't want to think about it, he didn't feel like worrying himself today. He wanted to enjoy his day free and his walk around the city.

When coming inside the stables, Boromir was obviously not expected to be greeted much. Since his youth, he was around servants and so their bows and such were natural for him. For the same reason, he was not caring much about them, they were coming and going. The only ones he knew the names of were the heads; head cook, the woman in charge of every servant in the castle, the head gardener and, of course, the stablemaster. When he entered he wasn't surprised to see the stable boys take care of the horses as he wasn't surprised to see Faeldor. But he frowned seeing the kids. The boy was looking at the horses, hopefully not bothering the people working.He had a small smile seeing the young girl in the arms of Faeldor. They were a few feet from each other, Boromir close to the box where his horse was. "I suppose they are your siblings." he said to Faeldor. He guessed so for Faeldor never mentioned to him or to anyone a wife and so children of his was a highly unlikely possibility.

[Faeldor]

“Good day, my Lord,” Faeldor responded to Boromir promptly with a nod. It was not uncommon for the stable master to have words with the sons of the Steward, for they were more often in the stables than the Steward himself. “Yes, the youngest of my siblings. Forgive me if they trouble you here, for it is my day off duty and I often let them brush my own horses while I check on the others.”

“Faelon would like to work here when he is older,” he added , nodding toward the boy. Boromir would recognize the name of his brother, for his was the name of his father, who had been stablemaster before Faeldor. At the sound of his name, Faelon turned. He had been standing on his toes in order to see over the manger of a bright young mare. Of course the young boy also recognized the sons of the Steward, and his smile faded to a more serious face, as he walked over to stand next to his brother. When the boy was alongside his elder brother, were perhaps the only times of which he seemed to restrain his impulsive and noisy actions. But his brother was his main source of tutoring and discipline, as their father was not here to do so.

Faeldor stood his sister down on the ground, so that he might stand properly in the presence of the young Captain of Gondor. Haliel clung to her brothers leg though, until Faelon handed her the crutch she used, of which he had been carrying for her. She was quiet, and her eyes were focused on the dirt in respect rather than on Boromir.

The man wondered what the Steward’s son was here in the stables for. Have I missed an order? he wondered to himself, for he did not recall asking the stable hands to have Boromir’s horse readied for this morning. It was not his place to ask though, so he waited for instruction. He did not seem as if he was in a rush at least, so perhaps this was an unplanned visit.

[Boromir]

Boromir nodded back at Faeldor. "As long as they disturb no one in their duties they are no trouble at all." Boromir said, looking at the two young ones. So they were his youngest siblings... Boromir knew Faeldor came from a large family still it was surprising for him to see that huge a gap in ages between them. Perhaps because he had only one brother and he was already adult. He looked once more at the children. They had not said anything yet but he could see the difference of personalities seeing the girl in the arms of her brother and the boy busy looking at some horse.

Boromir looked better at this boy, the one Faeldor named Faelon. He had the same name as their father. This was rather interesting. He noticed of course the change of attitude the boy had when he recognized the son of the steward. Boromir simply smiled at it, not wanting the boy to feel so intimidated by his presence. The boy was still a kid and from such a young child, Boromir was ready to accept a certain lack of manners. They weren't always knowing the proper way to address someone important.

He frowned when he saw the crutch. Poor girl, he thought in himself. Still, to have such caring brothers, she was lucky. Though he wouldn't expect any less from a man like Faeldor. He sure was responsible, it had been a good choice they made naming him stable master after his father retired.

Seeing the kids here made Boromir forget about his stroll in the city. He was now curious about them, especially this young Faelon fellow who wanted to work here later. He approached to them. He lowered his body some to look at the boy in the face. He wanted to take a good look at him. After all, if he was to be like his father and brother, sure this boy would one day become stable master. "So you wish to work here with your brother someday Faelon?" he said, using a soft tone again not to intimidate the boy. He knew his presence alone was causing this effect he didn't want to add more and scare the boy, or the girl for that matter. "How old are you?" he asked, waiting not for Faeldor to answer but for Faelon.

[Faeldor]

The man smiled as Boromir stooped to speak not to him, but to the children. This let the man know that the son of the Steward must not be here on too risky of business. He was surprised, for it was not often that Faeldor saw this man outside of a strict business setting, and he had never seen the Son of Gondor stoop to the level of a child. Then again, as Faeldor saw it, it was children such as these that the Captains and armory of Gondor were here to serve and protect. For if there was not a need to for protection of the citizens, what then would all these men be doing?

Faelon was not a nervous boy, and he was quite proud that the Captain of Gondor would speak to him, of all people! He had never had such an honorable privilege before, and he thought of how his mother and brother would be proud of him as well. He stood up tall. "I am eight years old, and aye, I wish to be a stable hand as soon as I have turned twelve if the Steward should let me work in his stables," Faelon answered.

Faeldor was impressed at the words of his little brother. The boy also had the gift of speech, and once he learned to still his impulsive behavior, as Faeldor had done, he would grown into a fine and respected young man. He also had not realized the sincerity of the young boy's goals. For to tell the Captain of Gondor such plans with great certainty.

"He is learning well the care of equestrians," Faeldor added, looking down at the lad and smiling.

[Boromir]

As the young boy answered to him, standing up tall and proud while doing so, Boromir looked over Faeldor. He could see a certain pride and joy in his eyes for his brother's answer most certainly. And he was smiling as well. Boromir smiled too, looking back at the eight year old. He had to admit in himself, this boy sure was brave. He knew his goal and was ready to fulfill it. Sure he seemed a little ... noisy, but it was always something you learn to contain as you grow old. Boromir himself had caused trouble in his youth or acted like a spoiled child whenever he didn't want to do something. And now he was serious and a warrior fighting off the enemy. Perhaps laying a hand at the stables didn't seem as noble but if there were no stable boys, who would take care of the horses?

Boromir looked over at the eldest one when he spoke about his sibling. Standing up properly, he gazed back at the boy. He was eight, so in only four years he'd be working here. He doubted there'd be any objection about it. They could always use one more pair of hands. And who knows, one of the servants working here might decide to change of job, or retire or might even die only the future could tell. Whether it happens or not, that kid had all the chances to work here, especially considering the family he was from.

Boromir seemed rather amused by the scene and that not in a mean way. It had been so long since he saw any children, the hope of this kingdom so now that he had two in front of his eyes he felt the need to stay around them. Sometimes, you just need to see what you are fighting for. Stopping to look at the boy, he turned his head over the girl. "And you young lady, what is your dream for the future?" he asked, talking to Haliel as if she was a true lady. After all, he was in a rather good mood today.

[Faeldor]

Haliel held tightly to her brother’s tunic in one small hand, afraid to look up at the Captain of Gondor. Her eyes were fixated on the ground, and she did not answer. Faeldor nudged his little sister in the shoulder, and she merely took a step backward, but tripped slightly and clutched his tunic more tightly.

“Come, Haliel, you have been asked a question,” Faeldor said gently, pressing her forward again. He would not let her hide behind him in the presence of Lord Boromir.

“That I should work at the Houses of Healing,” she said quietly after Faeldor had prompted her twice. Her eyes did not raise from the ground. Faeldor placed a hand softly on her shoulder. It made him wonder to think that his littlest sister would have such a desire, for often young children wished to do the same of their parents, and none of their family had ever worked in the Houses. Yet, Haliel had held a difficult childhood, and had been thought not to survive in her early days. She had spent half the first year of her life being looked after in the Houses, and simply knowing such a thing gave her the ambition to wish to be a healer.

He did not know if his sister would ever be able to do such work, though it was certainly best to encourage her. As she grew, her strength did gain, and even now she had more endurance than she had a year ago. Perhaps with motivation she could yet grow into an independent adult.

[Boromir]

Boromir was not used of the little girl's attitude toward him. The servants he lived among knew they were forbidden to speak to them unless they were spoken to. But even if they were usually quiet they weren't looking scared. That made him frowned but he waited patiently. He thought if he was to ask her again she'd simply panic more. Finally he heard her. Sure she didn't speak very loudly but he managed to understand what she had been saying. He looked over at Faeldor. For some reason, Boromir sensed the man was surprised of his sister's decision. It's true Boromir knew more the male members, he had no idea if anyone in his family was working at the Houses.

Boromir managed to avoid looking perplexed about it. He had no idea if she'd have any chance of working there, even just to clean. But who knows. Besides, why would he degrade the girl? She certainly had a lot to go through, that kind of dreams could help her hold on. And so, he wouldn't try under no circumstances to destroy her dream.

He looked at the two kids. The boy seemed rather impressed by him while the girl was still intimidated. He made a smile and stooped to reach her size. He stretched an arm, forcing her face to raise and so make her look at him. "Then I will have to work harder protecting this land so you could become a healer. And perhaps you will save my life at that moment with your art." he said. He had no idea if encouraging her was that good of an idea. Perhaps her family couldn't afford it. Still, compared to her brothers she seemed so fragile. Plus Boromir wanted her to smile to him. Perhaps that would do it.

He heard behind himself a stable boy saying his horse was ready. He barely looked away from Haliel to thank the young fellow.

[Faeldor]

Haliel did not smile, yet did allow herself to look Boromir in the eye when he tilted her head. "I hope that you will never need enter the Houses of Healing for such a terrible reason," Haliel then said, looking at Boromir after he had turned her face upwards. But she thought to herself, that if a day would come when she needed to heal this man, she would do her best.

Faeldor was taken aback by the Lord Boromir at this moment, though he was careful not to show it in his emotions, for to insult a Captain of Gondor was to insult Gondor herself. Boromir was connecting with even the smallest of his civilians, and Faeldor began to feel an even greater honor for the man.

One must feel heavily the true strength of Gondor to know that each small citizen was an important attribute. For one day not long from now, these young ones would be grown into the adult society, and the way they were raised and taught to think as children would lead them in their thoughts as adults.

[Boromir]

Boromir smiled at the little girl for what she said. "One cannot know what the future reserve to him." he said before letting go of her chin. Sure, in himself he hoped not to have to come. Though he did prefer the idea of being sent there then being dead that was for sure. Still, who wouldn't?

Standing tall once again, Boromir stared at Faeldor. "You have two very brave siblings there Faeldor. You taught them well." he said to his stable master. Yes, Boromir knew when Faeldor's father died and so could easily tell the father-like figure of those two were indeed Faeldor himself.

He turned around to get his horse. It was a little nervous, excited at the idea of coming out of the stables. Boromir calmed him, stroking its mane. His attention was now to his horse and not to the kids nor Faeldor anymore. The reason why he came here in the first place was back to his mind.

[Faeldor]

"Thank you, my Lord," Faeldor answered the man when he complimented the children. He could not take all credit for these youths, but he was the one who spent time with them. He and his grandparents were the ones who seemed the most influence on the little beings; especially these two who had been too small to know their father. Faeldor was both father and brother to them, and perhaps when they were older he might be more brother than need be father; but now he was their protector and caretaker.

He watched Boromir turn now back to his horse; the man seemed content. "Good day, my Lord," he said in farewell, as the man was readying himself to be off to wherever he was headed. Faeldor touched the shoulders of each of the children, to urge them on down the stable hall so that they might not disturb the Captain of Gondor during his own rest.

Faelon smiled, proud of his first talk with the future Steward, and Haliel's face was still straight, but would soon turn back to smile as she saw the barn cat and her kittens up ahead. The three made their way; Faeldor carefully checking each stall as he went, and Faelon doing the same, the responsibility of his future position welling up in them. Haliel simply hobbled along, cooing to the kittens of which she wished to play with.