Faeldor
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Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
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Post by Faeldor on Apr 13, 2009 23:47:19 GMT -5
Haliel sat gladly next to Gilwen as the woman finished her lunch, and eventually Marileth came back into the room as well. It seemed that conversation flitted between the young woman and girls like a hummingbird between sweet flowers, and Faeldor did not speak as he hungrily ate both his breakfast and lunch at the same time.
“I should very much like that, Gilwen,” Beleth answered, in response to Gilwen’s statement. It would be lovely to spend an afternoon with the girl. There was ever so much they had to talk about, and to catch up on. They would, as Beleth saw it anyway, be sisters-in-law some day. And dear Gilwen did need encouragement that she was quite welcome among the household; especially to outweigh the discouragement that Miriel attempted to cause to her. “Do leave the plates, you are our guest here,” she said, seeing Gilwen start to gather the dishes.
Faeldor finished his meal as well, and took a few more grapes from the table, putting an apple in his pocket for later. Then he scooped up Haliel into his arms for a kiss, repeating the same action on Marileth, who beamed back at him. And then on to Belleth, who he also picked up just long enough to spin in a circle with, kissing her upon the cheek, as if to thank her again for her morning prodding and care. He put his sister down, and she playfully pushed him in the chest; then quickly moved to cover her mouth with her hand, remembering the man’s injury. “I’m sorry, Fael…” she muttered. “Quite alright,” the man said, though he winced at it. “Your punches have always been strong enough to hurt, either way, whether I am wounded or not,” teased her.
Then finally, his attentions turned back to the last lady in the room, Gilwen, and he walked to her, his arms circling her from behind. He winked at Beleth, and then once again at the other two sisters, while Gilwen was unable to see his face, and then he leaned down, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck, ever so leisurely, and unembarrassed.
The girls did well to applaud the show with their giggles. “Come, my love, are you ready?” Faeldor asked, looking to Gilwen’s face for her reaction. It was sure to be a bright shade of red.
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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 Apr 14, 2009 8:14:31 GMT -5
She faltered in her gathering of the plates, as Beleth bade her leave them. It seemed Faeldor had finished himself, and stood to begin saying goodbye to the three lovely girls in the room. Gilwen watched with a quiet smile, though the second Beleth moved to playfully hit her brother she gasped slightly.
If it hurt him terribly, he did not show it save for a wince. He did have such a pride in his physical strength; he would never let himself look weak in front of his siblings, she was certain. Her doting instinct once more surfaced, though Gilwen assumed she would wait until they were alone to see if he was truly alright.
That thought vanished as quickly as it had come. He moved around her, now, wrapping her arms about her from behind, which surprised her enough as it was. Still, it only warranted a light pink color on her cheeks. She could see Marileth, Beleth and Haliel looking at her expectantly. Or was it Faeldor they were looking at with sparkling eyes?
She felt him press a kiss to the back of her neck and instantly the color on her cheeks darkened, and her heart raced a bit. In front of his family, no less! The three girls erupted into giggles, which caused the young woman to blush all the more, and her hands to fidget nervously. “Come, my love, are you ready?” Gilwen at first did not reply, and simply stared for a moment, her brown eyes wide.
“Yes,” she finally answered. “I am ready.” She did not dare turn back to face the others, for fear that their smiling faces and glinting eyes would be enough to cause the woman a larger display of nerves. Still, she did not wish to seem rude to Marileth or Haliel, who had sweetly come to speak with her.
She took a deep breath and then looked to them, and smiled. “It was lovely seeing you both again.” It was quiet, her nerves were still a bit taut from Faeldor’s display of affections, though it was accompanied with a smile as well.
With that, she raised her hand to lay upon his own and tilted her head to look back at him. She was ready now, and was simply waiting for his lead. She did not wish him to think the kiss ill-received, though so she smiled up at him as well. No more miscommunications.
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Faeldor
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Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
Posts: 556
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Post by Faeldor on Apr 14, 2009 11:45:50 GMT -5
Faeldor felt Gilwen’s small body tense a bit more than it already had been, and her face turned once more a pretty shade of rose. Her hands seemed to shake for a moment, but it was quickly that she came to, and covered his own hand. He dropped his arms from around the woman, instead now favoring her hand within his, and he was ready to leave. To start their afternoon!
“Oh goodbye!” Haliel said, still laughing at her brother’s display. “Do come again, you have not even seen the gardens yet,” Marileth added. Narbeleth turned to stack the plates together and simply laughed at the two, quite pleased with herself for the works she had done in the morning. And Miriel deemed herself the matchmaker. Well… she could not speak to Miriel on this matter, but she felt that she had all the privileges for bragging that she had encouraged this to happen… perhaps someday. For now she would preen and keep it to herself.
“Goodbye Gilwen, and I will remember what you said. If you ever a day off, come by the house anytime, there is always someone here. I shall tell Grandfather that you were bright eyed and smiling today, and he will be glad,” the woman said, waving slightly. “And Fael, have a lovely time,” she winked at her brother. “Do tell Faelon to come inside and put his shirt to the laundry, I was hoping to start that soon.
Faeldor grinned back at his sister. He would have a lovely time indeed. And he thought on Faelon for a moment, “His shirt is already in the laundry,” he smiled. “He is quite bare outside… again.” The man laughed lightly, and Beleth’s eyes widened and brow raised. The boy was always into some sort of mischief as it was; and he did sneak out often without his clothing. He was rather… free. At least that was what Mother always said about him. Of course, she had once been the same way.
“Oh that boy, and you left him in the front with the horses! Tell him to come inside this instant,” Beleth said, her hands had moved to her hips as she spoke, just ready to scold the little thing for going outside dressed as such. And he was not even in their own gardens, but playing out on the street!
“I will, Beleth. Goodbye, dear sisters,” he gave each of them one last smile, and then set out leisurely through the home to the front, door, pulling it open and stepping back into the bright sunlight, looking to Gilwen and smiling. “I am sorry, lovely, for doing such to you and making a show of it. But they simply must see that I love you. Miriel and Rosiel, and Durion tried to put quite a few ideas in their minds yesterday at supper, and in front of the children as well. Beleth knows better, but I was quite afraid that little Marileth would believe them, as she is old enough to understand such talk now. They must simply know that I love you. And I thought I would put it in a way that they might understand readily.”
The man chuckled to himself, for Gilwen’s face had not yet lost it’s pink tinge, and he descended a step, but then stopped and turned around, closer to eye level with her, though still a bit taller. “Well, I am not sorry for kissing you, though. Just sorry that it was not private.” He gazed at the woman for a moment, standing as she was. Finally, he spoke once more. “Lumiel is waiting,” he said lightly, turning again.
Faelon was by the side of their walk on the street, and had since dropped the leads to both the horses, though Lumiel and Thissel were still standing patiently in the sunlight, waiting for their Master and Mistress to take them out on the grassy plain. As Faeldor stepped with Gilwen along the stone path, his eyes caught a glint of sunlight on metal near Thissel, and he immediately knew what it was. He dropped Gilwen’s hand.
“Faelon!” he said sternly. The boy was close enough that he did not need to shout. Faelon had pulled the sword and sheath down from the horse’s saddle, and had just drawn it out a ways past the hilt, looking at the metal, and the engravings upon it, and touching the smoothness of it with his fingertips. At Faeldor’s words though he startled, and dropped it back into the sheath catching his finger slightly on the blade and wincing, then dropping the sword. He quickly stuck his finger into his mouth, but said nothing, dropping his eyes to the ground. He knew he was in trouble.
“I had told you not to touch my sword, what should you have done?” he asked the boy firmly. Faelon’s voice was small, “I should not have taken it down. I am sorry Faeldor.” The man sighed. The boy was just curious afterall, and had done no harm, except to himself. But he needed to learn to obey.
Faeldor approached the boy, crouching slightly next to him. “Look at me Faelon.” The boy looked up to his brother hesitantly. “When you learn to follow directions; that is when I will let you touch my sword. Now get inside and let Beleth see your finger, and be sure to tell her what you have done, and what I said to you about it... And thank you for seeing to the horses.” He patted the boy upon the head, and Faelon looked at him for a moment. “Yes, Fael,” he said meekly. Then he glanced at Gilwen, and took off running across the cobbles and up the steps to have his sister look at his little nicked finger.
The man looked at Gilwen for a moment. Then bent to pick up the sword from the ground where it had fallen, and then drew it completely out to look down the blade. The silver glinted magnificent in the sunlight. He looked back to Gilwen before speaking, “This was my father’s blade, and his father’s before. My grandfather on Father’s side was one of the Swan Knights of Dol Amroth, and his father was a Captain under the Prince. It served them all well,” he smiled slightly, of the stories his father had told him in those times, then locked the sword back in it’s scabbard, and put it once more onto the saddle, moving to help Gilwen upon her horse.
Just then, Marileth burst out of the house with the satchel of food that Narbeleth had packed for her. “Fael! You almost forgot this. You would have been quite hungry I think,” she laughed.
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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 Apr 14, 2009 13:05:49 GMT -5
“Do come again, you have not even seen the gardens yet.”
Gilwen nodded and her smile widened. “I will surely do so. Perhaps the next time I am here you and Haliel will show them to me.” She imagined the gardens were quite lovely; judging by the flowers that were now tucked in her hair. Gilwen had always wondered what it was like to have a garden. Those on the third tier could rarely afford their upkeep or spare the time to tend to them properly. And Faeldor’s family seemed to be wonderful at absolutely everything they touched or attempted. Yes, the gardens were probably wonderful!
Then, Beleth addressed her once more. ”I shall tell Grandfather that you were bright eyed and smiling today, and he will be glad.” The young woman smiled and nodded. She would certainly stop by on her next day off. She imagined it would be some time before such leisure could be taken---but perhaps if she worked hard enough she could spare the time. Taking on a few extra hours for a two week time span might give her a day that could be spared.
Faeldor and Beleth exchanged words, and Gilwen had to stifle a laugh. Faelon, it seemed, was quite a troublemaker. She shifted her gaze to Faeldor, though and from under her lashes studied him. If Faelon is like him, then he shall certainly turn out just fine. She thought fondly. And with that, she was whisked from the kitchens.
Faeldor stopped them at his doorstep. Well, perhaps simply her. She was still standing on the stone stair, and he was now planted firmly on the ground. And he was still taller than her! He began to speak to her, though for a moment Gilwen was taken aback. Faeldor had called her ‘lovely’, and with such close succession to the mention of that foul man’s name, Gilwen remembered that day in the stables. He had called her exactly that, himself. Still, it sounded much lovelier from Faeldor’s own tongue. Durion was here last night? She thought horrified. Yes, she did recall faintly seeing him in the window---but it had been so dark! Her smile almost faded but Faeldor was quick to make it return.
“Well, I am not sorry for kissing you, though. Just sorry that it was not private.” Her blush increased once more, though she was too taken by his eyes to pry her own away. For a moment it was quiet, but then Faeldor announced that Lumiel was indeed waiting for them, and they started off again.
They seemed to be waiting well enough, though for just a moment the glean of metal in the sun caused Gilwen to squint. For a moment she was confused as to what it was, but the second Faeldor dropped her hand and began to scold the boy she realized what it was. It seemed the Valar were quite intent on causing her heart to ache slightly. Perhaps it was to remind her of how much she cared for him.
Faelon ran off. It seemed the boy had no mind for speaking to Gilwen, for while he always acknowledged her, he had never spoken to her. Perhaps he was shy around women; and she had only visited twice. Maybe someday she would be able to draw a greeting from him at least. She turned back to Faeldor, who had picked the sword from the ground and was looking at it completely unsheathed.
He was a tall, and strong man. To see him with a sword; even looking as gentle as he was, was quite a sight. Fleetingly she wondered how sound he was with it---did the stable master need train like the soldiers? She was about to inquire, though he spoke first. She smiled at him tenderly and was about to speak when Marileth came running out with the food Faeldor had left inside.
It seemed like Beleth had packed quite a hefty meal, for the size of it. She gazed at it curiously but turned back to Faeldor. It seemed like entirely too much food for simply a dinner. She turned to stroke Lumiel’s neck and asked the horse softly, “What does he have planned, hm?” She glanced back to Faeldor and waited for him to finish with his sister, hoping that maybe he would have an explanation for her. She was ever so curious as to what they were going to be doing.
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Faeldor
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Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
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Post by Faeldor on Apr 14, 2009 14:21:26 GMT -5
“Ah!” Faeldor retreated from his steps toward Gilwen and turned to his little sister instead, who had run down the path towards the couple. “I am lucky to have you, or else you are correct, we would have been quite hungry. Though, we still may find some berries to eat this early in the season; but it is just as well that we take our own food and drink,” he smiled, stooping once more to speak to her. It was quite easier than looking down so far at the little girl below him.
“Tomorrow I am off work the entire day. Do… tell Faelon that I might take him to the corral in the afternoon, and he will have his riding lesson. But only if he does behave better for Beleth and Mother today. Tell Beleth that I said he must help her with the washing.” The man spoke, feeling a bit sorry for the way he had sent his brother off. Then again, the boy needed discipline, and he couldn’t as well reward him at the same time as scolding. And perhaps he would behave nicely. “I will, Fael,” Marileth answered.
“And then in the evening, perhaps you and I might play some music together again.” He continued speaking, and as he did so the young girl’s expression changed to that of elation. “Take care to go into my room, and take down both my lute and fiddle. I should like to play on the strings. You might try tuning them, and ask Grandfather for help if you do not remember.” It would be both a privilege, for well behaved Marileth to use her brother’s instruments, and at the same time it were as if he were giving her a music lesson without even being there, for she would have to spend the time to remember and figure out the tuning for each before it was time for them to play together.
Marileth was bubbling over in joy, “Yes, Fael! I will do that.” Faeldor kissed his sister upon the forehead as he stood. “Then so it will be, my little songbird. Farewell!” Marileth beamed at the name her brother used for her. He had given it to her at a young age, and she always felt special when he said it to her. “Goodbye!” she called once more, smiling again at the both of them, but mostly to her dear brother. Then she took off, half skipping, and half running, back toward the house.
Faeldor stood to take the satchel and opened up one of the leather pouches behind the saddle, placing it carefully inside, glancing around to Gilwen, who seemed to be enjoying Lumiel. Ah, what a different sight she was from the morning! Her eyes were now bright, and even her skin seemed to look warmed and softer with the bit of rest and sunlight. And there was more sunlight to come than that! For it seemed like they would have a lovely day ahead of them.
He walked toward her, to help her up on the horse, even though he knew quite well she could easily climb up on her own, “Up you go now,” he muttered softly. “I think that both you and I, and the horses, are ready for a break from the city.”
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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 Apr 14, 2009 14:43:06 GMT -5
Gilwen listened to the words exchanged between Marileth and Faeldor, and she smiled, though did not stray her attentions from the mare before her. Just the sound of Marileth's utter joy at the mention of instruments made Gilwen understand, more than ever, that Faeldor was one to care for others immensely. He seemed to not be content with simply being a brother, or a friend. She stole a glance at his smiling face before looking back to Lumiel. He was everybody's caretaker. She was no exception; though she did wish to perhaps care for him in the way he sought after her.
She would, too; even if it took her quite a while to convince him that it was okay for someone to dote on and coddle him. And with his sense of masculinity, it would surely take a while. He approached her once more, obviously intent on helping her mount Lumiel. There he went again; caring for her needlessly. Perhaps, though, it wasn't needless today. Her ankle was still sore slightly from where Miriel had assailed her; it would be difficult to simply use her own strength today. But that wasn't going to stop her from trying.
“I think that both you and I, and the horses, are ready for a break from the city.” She smiled, as she placed one of her feet in the stirrups and slowly pulled herself up onto the horse. "And it is well earned," she replied softly. It had looked well executed, though Gilwen had truly favored one leg to the other. For a moment, her ankle throbbed, but the pain had subsided and she was seated perfectly fine in the saddle. She was not a helpless woman, that was certain.
As she sat there she tilted her head slightly and looked down at him. "Faeldor, are you going to tell me where we are going?" She finally asked. The mystery seemed to be utterly toying with her. Of all the times for the horse master to not fall into his talkative moods! It seemed Faeldor was ever so good at keeping secrets.
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Faeldor
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Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
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Post by Faeldor on Apr 14, 2009 15:47:53 GMT -5
Faeldor helped the woman upon the horse, though she seemed to wish to pull herself up, and did most of the work despite his efforts. He thought on her injured ankle for a moment; she had not been limping this day, as she had some days ago, but it surely still pained her, and he would remember to ask on it later if it was brought to mind. But not now! He did not wish to speak on that, nor even bring up the topic of his sister Miriel yet again. Now was time for Gilwen to have fun, and enjoy herself.
“We are going riding, Gilwen, I have already told you,” Faeldor smiled, knowing that such was not the answer the woman was looking for in the least. For once he looked up at the woman, who was finally taller than him, though his grin was no different from below than it was from above. He wondered if she would demand to know. His sisters never would have stood for such a
“But if you must know…” he started, as if to give her details. “We will go west when we leave the city.” West was the only obvious direction that the two would have gone anyway, for there was no way in Arda that Faeldor would have ridden east toward Ithilien and Mordor with pretty Gilwen, nor would they have gone south onto the open plains. West was the safest way, and this time he had his sword; he was a fool to go out without it before, even though he did not think there would be danger in that direction.
He touched the woman’s leg lightly for a moment, just above her knee, and gave her a slight squeeze, before grinning to himself again and moving to mount Thissel. Of course, his movement was not so fluid himself now, from the injury he bore on his chest, and his face held obvious strain as he went. Once he was atop the horse, he sighed calmly and took a breath to ease the pain, just sitting still for some moments. “Off we are then,” he smiled at Gilwen, and lightly pressed his heels to the grey mare.
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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 Apr 14, 2009 16:18:20 GMT -5
“We are going riding, Gilwen, I have already told you." Oh, quite evasive. Gilwen shook her head, fighting a smile and laugh. She did greatly wish to know what she was going to be doing for the rest of her afternoon. Still, if the man was going to be that intent on keeping it a surprise, then she would get no further information.
All she got as embellishment was the direction. West. Well, at least that was something. He touched her leg lovingly and squeezed her, and while she did find it comforting and sweet, she did playfully glare at him through her smile. "Well, then. If that is all you shall tell me, I have no choice but to wait and see."
She watched as he went to mount Thissel, and for a moment her smile vanished once more. His face was set sternly enough to show that he was in great pain and uncomfortable. “Off we are then,” Faeldor stated as he finally regained himself and smiled to Gilwen, though the woman felt it was certainly more a smile to calm her and assure her rather than his own happiness. Still, she let him guide Thissel by her and she slowly followed on Lumiel.
As they wound their way down the city tiers, Gilwen became increasingly aware of the people. She began to recognize more faces the closer they got to her home, and for a moment she chewed her lip. Her father and mother both would be in their home; if not at the market or on the street chatting. Surely they would see her, and skipping work with a man, no less!
For a moment she floundered, and Lumiel's ears perked as if sensing her rider's distress. She seemed to hold her breath as they moved through the streets slowly. Citizens of Gondor paid them very little mind, and they eventually were working their way through the main street of the marketplace. She saw them, then. Niniel and her father gathering what looked to be groceries. She gasped lightly and turned her head away, as if to hide. Though, they were so preoccupied they would hardly have even noticed her anyway.
And so they hadn't. Gilwen sighed, letting the increased tension in her neck and shoulders relax. And finally, they left the city gates. Faeldor began to lead them toward the west. He seemed anxious to speed the pace, though keeping a mind on his injury she asked if they could trot rather than race through the field. "It is quite a lovely day, and I wish to be able to experience it longer." She had said.
She was more like Niniel than one would have thought. Though, in the ways she was manipulative it was to protect others and aide them. Surely if she had said, "Now, Faeldor, we are going to take it slow so you will not hurt yourself," his pride would have been beaten. She did not know if he was aware of her intentions behind her simple request, though he did seem to agree to it.
They had been riding for near two hours toward the mountains, and Gilwen was beginning to wonder where exactly he was taking her. Surely it could not be much farther. She did not ask though, for she knew he would not answer. Still, she anxiously awaited the destination. Surely, it would be something she would enjoy.
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Faeldor
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Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
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Post by Faeldor on Apr 14, 2009 22:43:31 GMT -5
They had passed out of Minas Tirith quickly. Faeldor never noticed the ones in the market that had made Gilwen so distraught, nor did he notice that she had become upset, for in the crowd of people he kept his eyes in front of him, and kept tight rein on Thissel.
Faeldor was relieved when Gilwen had wished to ride more slowly. He would not have said a thing, of course, if she had wished to gallop, but the pain in his chest would be near unbearable he thought. It did pain him to ride even at a trot, but after some time the ache became dull and he no longer noticed it. It was worth it though, to bring his sweet Gilwen out here; and to give her a day of rest. Perhaps though, just as much to make up for the past days in which he had made her so distraught. To let her know he loved her.
Now, the hours had passed by, and they had made their way west across the plains. They passed the trail that led to the cavern in the mountain, and Faeldor recognized it, but was certain that Gilwen would not. Pehraps, he thought, he might take a different route to it tonight, so she would not know where they were going until they actually dismounted from their horses, and she realized that they were at the base of it. What a surprise! He smiled to himself.
But here, they were almost there. The river Limnen would soon cross their path, and Faeldor took the front, leading his horse off the beaten path, heading toward a wood. The trees were wide and far enough apart here even for the horses to be allowed through, and for some minutes they walked within, and the sun shone through the lofty canopy in beams on the ground, giving way to ferns and wildflowers. Soon Faeldor heard it… the flowing water of the river ahead.
The river Limnen was a smooth flowing river, calm and steady. The water did not flow slowly, though it was also not too quickly, and it was quite narrow in length and shallow. A lovely place indeed, especially for fishing, if one wished to do such a thing. The bottom was lined with large smooth stones, and in some places small pebbles made ripples within the sand.
“We are here, sweetheart. That is the river Limnen ahead of us,” Faeldor said, smiling. They had barely shared words for the past two hours, and he was glad to speak with her again. He turned quickly to dismount from Thissel as usual. When he landed upon the ground though, he did wince and double over slightly, resting his hands upon the front of his thighs, before he took a deep breath and stood again. Today was exerting him quite a bit. And Gilwen had surely seen that move; it would have been difficult to hide. He took a breath once more, and went to help the woman down from the horse.
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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 Apr 14, 2009 23:11:13 GMT -5
Faeldor was right, and in the daytime she did not recognize the pathway that veered off toward Fela Isilme. The only thing truly vivid in her mind was looking up at the mountain, and ascending the path to the cave. The pathway they had taken to get to the clearing to begin with? It had been lost in the darkness.
They seemed to press on forever more past that, though Gilwen was aware that it had simply been her nerves making the ages drag on forever. And they had been heading the same direction. Faeldor began to lead them into a forest, though the path they took had plenty of room for the horses.
Gilwen took the time to look around. The patches of sunlight bathed various clusters of wildflower, bushes, even shining light onto the trunks of the great trees themselves. And the tops of them were ever so high! She craned her neck to look up into them, but quickly returned her attention to Faeldor, who was leading them somewhere. Another clearing, perhaps? Gilwen thought for a while on it, until the silence of the forest began to change. It sounded like a peaceful babbling. A river? Gilwen wondered excitedly. She had never seen a large body of water before. Her experience with it capped with rain puddles, baths and washing. Perhaps that wasn’t entirely true; from the top of the city one could see the Anduin. But it was so far away it barely looked like anything but glass.
She had always wanted to see such a body of water; though she did feel a slight fear of it, too. Born and raised in the stone city, Gilwen had never learned how to swim. For what use was it to someone who would never find time to venture far enough to find enough water to submerge oneself?
“We are here, sweetheart. That is the river Limnen ahead of us.” Oh, he had brought her to a river! Gilwen for a moment smiled. She did not have to get in the water to enjoy it. The riverbank was bound to be quite a place, too.
Faeldor dismounted, and it seemed he had forgotten about his own bruise, and doubled over in pain. Immediately, Gilwen’s smile vanished and her instinct to coddle and care for him welled up in her heart. Without thinking of waiting for him at all she slid off Lumiel, carefully avoiding her bruised ankle. He had caught his breath and had turned to start toward her by the time she had gotten halfway to him. Her brow was furrowed in concern, and the lady approached him, taking a hand and laying it on his cheek. He was over exerting himself, clearly. She caressed his cheek for a moment, opening her mouth to say something, but then closing it once more. Gilwen did not by any means wish to insult him. Perhaps now that they were at the river, he could spend some time relaxing to give his body a break from the strain. “Mind yourself,” she finally murmured softly. “If it is too much for you, do opt to listen to your body and let it heal.” That was all she would say on the matter. Her mothering was done. Faeldor would not take kindly to it, she was certain. He saw himself as a capable man, that should care and dote on others. Not one to be cared for.
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Faeldor
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Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
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Post by Faeldor on Apr 15, 2009 20:58:59 GMT -5
When the man had looked back to Gilwen, it was quite certain that she had seen his mistake, as she approached him with a concerned look upon her face, very similar to that she had given him in the morning. He was quite well; he just needed to be more careful in his movements, and more careful with his facial expressions. He was not weak.
As much as Faeldor wished to tell the lady that he was fine, and simply riding horseback was not too much for him, the pain in his chest told him that he would be lying to her. That was the last possible thing of which he wished to do. Faeldor was no liar. Instead, he answered, “I will not mind myself, for I am quite able right now. But perhaps there will be a day when I will mind you.” He laughed a bit, though he was not quite sure if Gilwen would find his statement humorous or not.
The man finally reached up to catch the woman’s wrist in his hands, and brought the palm of her hand to his lips as he kissed it lightly. As he lowered her hand, he looked down at it, tracing the lines and creases of it with his fingertips. Faeldor had done well to avoid Gilwen’s hands in the past weeks. Not that he had shied of pressing kisses to them, but he had certainly not looked at them the way he had now. She was embarrassed of them, he knew, and he did not wish to cause her further embarrassment by focusing on them.
Now, her skin seemed rougher than usual, and a bit burned and chapped; certainly from the lye she worked with day in and day out, and as of recently; even late into the night. It seemed that some small cuts and abrasions had appeared, which had not been there before; he was certain. He held that little hand warmly, and pressed another kiss lightly against it, finally looking back to Gilwen’s face, and bringing her hand to rest warmly on his cheek again.
Finally he spoke, “Let me lead the horses to water, and we shall rest awhile by the river.” He hoped that would be enough for her, to say that he would rest. He thought, he would like to lay in the grasses for a time. But first, he would like to wade in the river. The cool water would be soothing, and the sunshine was warm. Gilwen would enjoy it. He wondered even, if she had ever been to a river before. She had not gone far from Minas Tirith, he knew. Perhaps to the Anduin? He knew not, but he would find out shortly, he was sure.
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Gilwen
Man
servant
There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 593
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Post by Gilwen on Apr 15, 2009 21:37:15 GMT -5
As Gilwen gazed up at the man she could see in his eyes that he was hurt, both physically and mentally. She had insulted his strength, after all; even if the woman thought she was in the right to ask. “I will not mind myself, for I am quite able right now. But perhaps there will be a day when I will mind you.” He had laughed slightly, though Gilwen could not see what was so humorous. Clearly he acknowledged he was hurting himself; but in the same breath he claimed he would not take care of himself.
Mind me? All of a sudden Gilwen seemed to realize what that implied, and she blushed once more. Still, why was he so insistent on ignoring his own needs? She shook her head slightly, and went to remove her hand from his cheek. If he did not wish for her concern, she would not express it to him openly. Not anymore at that moment, anyway.
Though, her hand did not get far, and Faeldor grasped her wrist and brought it before him to study it. Immediately, Gilwen’s blush increased as he traced the lines of her palm. What was he doing? She had grown used to his kisses, of holding his hand, of letting them be in sight around him. He had never turned such a gaze to them before.
Had her hands been rough against his cheek? Oh, she never should have touched him that way! She waited anxiously fidgeting, and biting her lip. Faeldor pressed another kiss to it, and then brought it back up to his cheek. She looked a little relieved; to know he had not minded the horrid condition of her palms.
“Let me lead the horses to water, and we shall rest awhile by the river.” She felt a little better, to know he was going to rest. She smiled up at him a bit and then dropped her hand to her side once more. “A rest sounds nice,” she murmured. She was not too terribly tired, not anymore. Not after her nap that morning. Still, she wanted Faeldor to take it easy—if he kept over-pushing his limits he would not heal fast enough. And with his work being so physical to begin with; he needed all the health and wellness he could muster. Though, he seemed completely disinclined to take care of himself, or let someone else care for him either.
So Gilwen would let him tend to the horses. As long as he at least somewhat tended to himself by relaxing with her on the bank.
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Faeldor
Man
Head Stablemaster
Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
Posts: 556
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Post by Faeldor on Apr 15, 2009 22:43:39 GMT -5
Faeldor smiled, glad that Gilwen would not argue about his self care any longer. He had taken care to look after his wound, and to clean it and keep a fresh shirt over it. He was not one to be confined to bed rest for something so small; it could not keep him from his work afterall. Neither could it keep him from traveling out here with her.
He walked the horses through, the rest of the way across the soft ground, until the river came into view, bubbling away in front of them, with soft grasses bedding down even to the edges, and flowing water. The trees on the far side hung their branches overtop, some leaves even dipping in the river, and tiny silver fish flitted through the shadows. The horses walked toward the cool water eagerly.
The man let the horses drink, and as they did so, he sat himself down on the ground and began removing his boots and stockings, and rolled his pant legs up to the knee. “Come love, remove your shoes. The water will feel quite lovely on your skin,” he said to Gilwen, as he stood up slowly and carefully. Faeldor, however, removed much more than his boots. His belt, tunic, and shirt came off in turn, and he placed them upon the rest of the pile; thinking nothing of it. It felt good to remove the fabric from his skin, for it allowed nothing more to rub against the injury and irritate it. And the cool water would feel wonderful.
The man stood for a moment, resting and watching the horses drink, clad in much the same that Beleth had scolded his younger brother for earlier. Quite freeing, it was; it would have been entirely inappropriate to walk about as such if he were in the city, but here he felt that it was quite fine. And Gilwen had already seen and commented multiple times on his injury, so there was no use in hiding it from her anyhow. The woman had been a bit embarrassed to see his shirt removed earlier, but he took it as the fact that they were in his quarters in the stables. Here though, they were alone, and nobody would be about to oversee or misconstrue the situation.
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Gilwen
Man
servant
There are times when silence has the loudest voice.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 593
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Post by Gilwen on Apr 15, 2009 23:18:01 GMT -5
Gilwen followed closely behind Faeldor as he led the horses farther toward the river. It finally came into view, and Gilwen gasped delightedly. It was lovely; the plush green grass grew right up to the bank of the river, and the sunlight shone down on the water in some places in such a way as to reflect beautifully from it's surface. It looked as if in parts the water was made up of small jewels. She caught the movement of a fish in the shadows of the water and smiled all the more. This place was truly beautiful. Natural, and secluded. It was a lovely spot for sure.
While Gilwen was preoccupied with the setting of the lovely river, it seemed Faeldor had begun to rid himself of his clothing, and even beckoned her to remove her shoes. She, though, had not even looked at him for a moment and when she finally turned to answer him he was quite bare. Gilwen gasped and blushed wildly, though did not remove her gaze from him. For a moment she stared, though finally managed to take her eyes away.
“Come love, remove your shoes. The water will feel quite lovely on your skin.”
"Oh, no. I am quite fine here." Gilwen said a little hurriedly, planting herself on the ground firmly and sitting on the plush grass. There was no way she was getting in the river; the woman had no intention of drowning on such a lovely day. If Faeldor wished to go swimming, though, he was more than welcome to.
He was certainly ready to go. His breeches were rolled up, too. He did seem an awful lot like his younger brother still, it seemed. She smiled slightly at the thought, but sighed and turned her gaze back to the river and the sights.
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Faeldor
Man
Head Stablemaster
Do we walk in legends or on the green earth in the daylight?[Mo0:1]
Posts: 556
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Post by Faeldor on Apr 15, 2009 23:37:20 GMT -5
Faeldor finally broke his gaze from the horses and the rippling waters, and turned to look at Gilwen, who had declined removing her shoes, and had sat herself upon the soft grass. She had by now removed her gaze from him, and was looking on the river again, it seemed; quite enjoying the beauty of it.
He grinned, and walked over to her, glad that she seemed to be enjoying herself. He kneeled down before her on the ground, and tried to judge her thoughts. “Lovely, it is quite refreshing. I wish you to wade in with me. I thought that you would like it here.”
He did wonder why the woman would not be coming with him. She had replied to him quickly, as if she had not wanted to. He moved closer, finally stopping when he was right near Gilwen.
The man playfully reached for her shoe as if to take it off himself, and began to fiddle with the laces. “At least step in the very edge. You will like it. Just hold your skirt up and it should not get wet, if that is what you are worrying about. And if you take your shoes off, they will not have to get wet like they will if I carry you in.”
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