Eiren was her name. This elleth Haldir had brought to Kal's tent to be her personal guard. She was quite tall. Taller than most elleth. Her feathers a bit more masculine but still she was beautiful. Such could be said for all elves. Muta talk of her like she was some kind of goddess with her long flowing black hair and porcelain skin. He wanted to dress her up and try different types of clothing on her. Saying, "You could drape a burlap sack on her and she would make it look beautiful."
Kal just stared at him as he gushed over the elf at the entrance standing guard. He rolled his eyes at her. Muta her brother, He had the body of a warrior but the heart of a dress maker. His penchant for wine and relationships often frowned upon by the elders just made her adore him even more, despite his flaws and all. Now that he was quieting down she turned back to the parchment she was writing on. Drafting the new laws into place so that all the people would understand the law and respect it. She hoped.
The day had been over cast and the winds began to pick up. Storm season had begun. It was during wet times that living in tents became less comfortable. While the tents were water proof they had to be tended more regularly when it was wet. The streets become slippery mud and wooden walk ways would need to be constructed. It was just another issue she would be dealing with over the next few days and while knowing these things her focus was hindered by the words that had been painted on her tents door.
"Gilmeade," she called out but he did not answer. He was probably outside smoking pipes with the old men. She got to her feet and simply walked towards the tents flap to check but was stopped by the tall she elf. "I am only looking for Gilmeade, I was not going to leave." Eiren pulled the flap open and looked out first then stepped aside. Kal just sighed then stepped outside with Eiren watching closely.
There he was across the street pipe in hand and looking guilty. He swallowed hard and knocked his pipe out before wandering across the street. "That is a nasty habit to take up Gilmeade. You are too young to do what old men do."
"Sorry Kal," He shrugged a bit. "What do you need?"
"I need you to go to the palace and give the king a message."
Brand sat with Gimli and Edgar. He looked at the message in his hands and sighed as he heard the clap of thunder and the sound of rain hitting the newly repaired roof. "Kal needs wood for walk ways. Tent town will become a mud bowl." He said lowly. "We have no wood to spare and Galion will not negotiate the cutting down of Greenwood's trees without the King present."
"If we do not help somehow those seeking to get rid of Kal will have more fuel for their fires." Edgar warned.
"What about stone?" Gimli looked between them both. "Erebor has plenty of stone. We have plenty of skilled hands to cut it too. Will Galion loan us the draft horses to bring it down from the mountain?"
Edgar and Brand looked to each other then to Gimli. "I think you may have just fixed our problem. Now I need to convince Kal on it."
Brand and Gimli Stood under the porch of the palace and watched the rain. It was slowing now and they both struck out into it. Keeping dry under elvish cloaks they sloshed through the cobblestone streets of Dale to the gate. The rains were welcomed as far as the fields full of food they were trying to grow. As they made their way along the road to tent town the muddy conditions just got worse.
The tents were all raised above the ground on their own platforms. All nomad tents were constructed like this. Made from light but study planks of desert or plains wood that interlocked. The skill to make such things was very impressive and while this type of shelter would keep you warm and dry with smelly sucking mud outside it made things all the more hard on a people that had already seen their share of hardships.
As they entered the tent they respectfully removed muddy boots and placed them on a cloth that had been lain out for them. Kal rose from her seat and looked to Brand. "We have come up with a solution Kal but it will take a few days to get things going."
Her eyes narrowed a bit and she sat back down. "You see lassy there is no extra wood to be had. What we do have is stone. I can get tall pavers cut quickly. As many as we need. We just need the means to get it here from the mountain." Gimli explained.
"We sent Rumil to Greenwood to see if the elves will loan us as many of their draft horses as they can. We also sent word to Rohan and Lorien because we need as many as we can get. If the elves will help then we can start faster." Brand said softly.
"Alright, It wont be fast but we do have a solution. I can take that to the eldars and hope it satisfies them. Thank you." Kal said a bit solemnly.
Brand whispered to Gimli and the dwarf nodded and smiled. "I need to be getting on all this lassy. I will be seeing myself out." Gimli walked to the door to get his boots on. He eyed Eiren as he did and she rolled her eyes away. He shook his head and stepped out into the rain.
As the flap fell behind Gimli Brand stepped closer to Kal, The tent shook with the wind as it picks up. He stops and looks at the ceiling of as it sways. "You don't have to worry. These tents are made for this. Though staying in them becomes a bit more work." Kal tried to ease it tension over her accommodations.
"Are you sure I can not convince you to come stay with me? I would worry less." Brand said softly but knew what her answer would be.
She looked up to him from over veils. He could see the gentle smile she wore reflected in the shape of her eyes. "I can't Brand especially now, not with current crisis." She went silent and motioned to the chair across from her. "Can I run something by you?"
He nodded and lowered sown into the seat. Kal unrolled a map and he leaned forward to look at it and it was a very familiar map of Dale. "What about this section here. The part closest to the mountain." She was pointing to the section that was still in ruins from from when his grandfather first reclaimed Dale. "the ruins, well the ruins of ruins. What about it?" He looked at her curiously.
"What are your plans for it?"
"I really didn't have any. That section has been in ruins since the dragon lived in Erebor. My grandfather left it as it was as a memorial for those that were lost."
"I understand that sentiment but wouldn't honoring those lost be better served by having life there again?"
"What are you getting at Kal?"
"Let us have it. Let us rebuild that part of Dale and make our homes there. I have been there, Yes it's ruins of ruins but the infrastructure is still there. It needs repairs too but it would be easier than starting from scratch. "
"I don't know Kal. It would be dangerous work clearing the rubble and we do not have the equipment to do it."
"The dwarves do."
"Well yes," Brand began but Kal cut him off excitedly. "Then let's go to Erebor with Gimli and talk to the King Under the Mountain."
"Kal do you realize that he is not the gift giving uncle you seem to think he is. He is gruff and stingy. Honorable but a miser. He had given far more than I will ever be able to repay. My children's children will be still paying for it all."
"Brand, let me do the talking this time. Sometimes a woman's gentle persuasiveness is needed." She looked at him with big pleading eyes. He sighs and exhales a deeply held breath. "Fine but you better know what you are doing."
Selwyn was asleep by the time Moravar and Julian made it to Fulgar's office to settle the deal. He ushered them out and towards the bar. He had come to like the covered girl and wanted her to sleep. Moravar took a seat and a drink was placed in front of him. "It's the dark rum from south Harad." He grumbled and placed a drink down in front of Julian who pushed it aside as he and Maggie counted coins.
Fulgar leaned back and sipped at his glass as Moravar did the same. He usually did not drink strong liquor but tonight it seemed fitting. Patsy hopped up on the stool beside Moravar and looked to Fulgar. "Well where is mine?" He asked looking for a drink.
Fulgar shook his head. "Lad this is a big man's drink."
"I am a big man. I mean adult." Patsy protested.
Fulgar rolled his eyes and grabbed a tankard and filled it with ale and plopped it down in front of Patsy. "Ale will do." He nodded. "Thank you." He took a sip of some of the warmest most foul ale he had ever drank. He curled his lips a little, then looked up to see Fulgar eyeing him severely. "Good stuff." Patsy choked out.
Maggie placed the last stack of coins down and looked back to Fulgar. "We are up close to 50." She said and Julian just grinned.
"Keep your 20%." He tells Julian. "You can keep your 10% tomorrow if you do the same."
Julian nodded. "It's a pleasure doing business with you Fulgar." Now he lifted his glass and saluted Fulgar before downing it in one gulp.
As they were preparing to leave Yana drifts in and waves Julian over. When he stopped before her she ran a finger down his chest and grinned. "Stay with me tonight." She leaned in and whispered and for a moment Julian was tempted. He knew well the pleasures Yana could give. The clearing of Moravar's throat ruined the moment and he slid in between them and hugged Yana. "It is good to see you Yana. Let's catch up tomorrow." She hugged him back and agreed to it. Then he stepped away and looked to Julian. "You have a prior engagement Julian." He said lowly.
Julian sighed deeply. "You heard him. I am afraid this meeting will be pleasure less love. I am sorry." He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. "I will see you tomorrow though." He stepped back and glared at Moravar as he passed him.
Stepping into Fulgar's office he was suddenly reminded of his previous engagement. She was asleep on the couch. Her breathing easy and steady. The veil pulled down over her chin. Her face was beautiful he gently pulled the veil back up and lowered down to gently scoop her into his arms. She stirred a bit but soon settled again with her head laying against his chest.
They walked through the streets towards their inn. Moravar stopped at the livery to check on Undómë, Patsy went with him. Leaving Julian to carry Selwyn to the room. He was let in by the tavern keepers servant. He made it up the steps with ease and stopped outside the room to listen. It was empty but for the scurrying of a mouse.
Once inside he lay her on the bed and went to turn the lantern up. Soon the room was awash in the warm orange light that danced a bit as the flame flickered. "Come on darling we need to get you out of all these silks." He said softly to her and sat her up. She tiredly rubbed at her eyes and yawned. "Julian? Where are we?" He smiled and pulled the veil off her head and face. "We are in our room."
"How did I get here?"
"I carried you."
"Oh, ok." she said and yawned and began to slump a bit.
"No no darling up for a moment." He straightened her up. and began to try and unwrap the silks. She helping him here and there. Soon she was in the slip and that was as far as he would go less Moravar accuse him of impropriety again. He lay her down and began to pull the covers over her. "Thank you." She spoke in a whisper.
Morning came and she awoke The warmth of Julian behind her. Her back to his, she had to admit it was nice to wake up next to someone. She had not seen either of them dancing and Patsy had warned her not to watch. Fulgar kept her busy with games all night and to be honest she didn't know of she wanted to see either of them like that.
She got up and found breakfast for her on the table. Moravar, Julian and Patsy slept hard. She opened the window letting the light and fresh air into the room and she sat at the table to eat. She picked up her book and cotinued to read about Elros and Numenor.
By mid-afternoon they were finally waking up. Moravar sat up slowly the blankets falling away. She looked at him from over her book. "Good Morning er Afternoon it seems." She lowered her book and watched him cup his head in his hands.
"If Fulgar offers you something called rum. Do not take it." He grumbled at her.
"What he means to say is do not take 10 glasses of it no matter how small they are." Julian said without even rolling over. "I told you not to drink that much of it. It's not like wine."
Moravar grumbled and oozed from his bed. She watched him again as she lifted her book. He was rather nice to look at. Lean muscles define his abdomen, he turned as even his back was muscular behind those waves of golden hair. As beautiful as he was his body did show the marks of battle. Scars appeared as darker colored affronts to other wise smooth porcelain flesh.
He had found a shirt and was lifting his arms up to slide it on. There was one rather nasty looking one across his ribs. "How did you get that one?" She suddenly asked and Moravar looked at her as he pulled the shirt on but held it up revealing his ribs. "That is a love tap." He smirked and pulled his shirt down.
"Love tap?" she asked.
"Yes, she was a rather nasty spider. Larger than a horse. I ran into her near mirkwood and she was hungry." He explained.
Julian was sitting up. "That's not true, you got that scar from a wench in Umbar."
Moravar growled. "Shut up Julian."
"Wait you told me you got that scar from fighting three cave troll." Patsy said as he sat up.
Now all four of them were looking at him as he pulled his boots on. "What?"
"Well which story is true?" Selwyn asked.
"All of them." Moravar strode to the door. "I am taking Undómë for a ride."
Selwyn sank down into her chair as he did not give her a straight answer. "Can I go? I am bored and being stuck in here all day with all of you isn't all that appealing. No offence." She said and looked to Julian and Pasty who shrugged and mumbled.
"Get your outfit on and meet me at the stable." He tells her as he is leaving. She bounced up and rushed over to Julian. "Come on and dress me."
Julian watched her from the window. He making sure she made it to the stables before he spun around. "I am going to the tavern." He tells Patsy who mutters and waves him on. He was now reading Selwyn's book and was deeply engrossed.
Julian wandered through the streets. Busy bustling streets with all manner of trade being conducted. Then into the tavern where the boys were cleaning once again and Maggie was tending the bar. "Do you not sleep Maggie?" He asked with a grin. "I do, You just will never know when it happens. It's a big secret." She joked. "You aren't here to see me and you have no business with Fulgar until later, so what is it?"
"You are correct and I am here to see Yana." He smiled as Maggie's eyes widened.
"You will find her out back." Her eyes followed Julian as he left.
He made is way along the path towards the glistening sands of the dance pit. He was surprised to see Yana out beside it this early in the day. There she was, one of the most exquisitely beautiful women he had ever known. She was also one of the kindest and most humble. She spotted him and motioned with her hand to give her a moment.
She was speaking with a man in rather plain dress as he and his assistants measured the pit. Julian caught snippets of the conversation here and there when he bothered to listen in even from a distance. They were making a tent for the pit so that it could be enjoyed year around. It would have sides that could be opened and closed depending on the weather.
Fulgar was a smart man especially if he employed and listened to Yana. Soon she was walking towards him. A smile on her lips. "Are you here to talk about tonight? Because I was thinking we could open with the.." He drew her into his arms and silenced her with a rather long deep kiss.
Then slowly his lips left hers and he grinned at her. "Can we go somewhere a little less out in the open?" He asked to which she nodded and took his hand leading him into the wooden building and her dressing room.
Once inside Julian practically attacked her. His lips crushing hers with his arms wrapped possessively around her curves, pulling her in tight. The more he kissed her the more her body gave in and pressed in closely. He was well aware of the pleasures Yana could give and those thoughts began to fuel the rising heat within him. He pictured the various ways he was about to take her and in his minds eye he spun her around and it was Selwyn he saw.
With a gasp he stepped back and looked at Yana who had now begun to loosen the laces of his leggings. He pushed the image of Selwyn from his mind and pulled Yana back in for another kiss and as his tongue slipped between her soft lips in his mind he was kissing Selwyn. This was beginning to creep him out a bit and he was quickly loosing the mood.
"I need to talk to you about last night." He finally said and pushed her back. Yana did not look too surprised.
"Uh huh I was waiting for it. You know I saw you carrying the girl from Fulgar's office out." She turned and walked over to a table and pulled 2 glasses before her and lifted a decanter. "She was wearing the clothing of a virgin. I however am not so new Julian so what is going on?"
She turned and handed Julian a glass of wine. "It's Dorwinion." She said as he took the glass and sat down. With a sigh he began to speak. "I am not really sure anymore." He began. He had confided in Yana years ago about the woman and her girls. His girls and about the tragedy that befell them. "I found him Yana. I know where he is. The girl is someone he has been seeking. I was going to use her to get close to him."
"You were? What has you changing your mind? This is your chance to get your revenge."
"She is young and innocent, I am taking her into danger. She will not come out unscathed. I am considering abandoning the plan."
Yana leaned back against the table and took a long drink. "So you do have a conscious."
"what's that supposed to mean? You think I am some uncaring cretin?"
She laughed. "Julian, you have done some horrible shit in pursuit of the killer of the human you cared for. You abandoned me. Not once have you ever had a second thought about who you were going to use to get to the next step in your revenge plan. Why is this girl so important to you?"
Julian actually looked hurt by her spot on assessment of him. He went silent and thought about it. "Perhaps it is mela ie' yeste' elea (love at first sight)" He said lowly.
She laughed. "Well woe be to her if you love her. Your love is dangerous Julian. Though I could believe it. You have never given such thought to such things. I am not hurt Julian you and I were over years ago. Just don't come here kissing me like that. For that I am a bit angry."
"Sorry, I had every intention of following through. I just couldn't"
"yeah well, Make it up to me by dancing your ass off. I made more last night than I made in 3 months."
Moravar helped her up onto Undómë's back. He lead the meara out of the stable then gracefully hopped up on his back behind Selwyn. They began to move through the busy streets towards the city gates. "I have never ridden bare back before." Selwyn confessed to him. "Don't worry I wont let you fall." He rolled his hips forward. Pressing in firmly against her. "Scoot up higher near his neck. He knows you are new. Wrap you hands into his mane. He wont mind as long as you do not pull hard."
"How do you tell him which way to go with no bridle?" She asked as they trotted along.
Moravar smiled. "My body signals or I just tell him. Undómë is a meara and while all elves can speak with their mounts meara converse on a much deeper level. Go on try to talk to him."
Selwyn leaned in closer to the meara's ear and said softly. "Hello."
Moravar began to laugh loudly and even Undómë nickered as if laughing. "What's so funny?" Selwyn looked over her shoulder and frowned at Moravar. "I didn't mean like that. Well I might as well be the one to teach you how to be an elf. Speak to him with your mind ai naur."
"What does ai naur mean?"
"Little fire." He said and wrapped an arm around her middle as they passed the gates and he turned off the road and into the fields. "Now go on try. Just think about him and what you want to say."
Selwyn looked to the back of the meara's head and concentrated on it. 'Hello' she thought and then she heard a reply. 'Hello' back in her head. He body jerked against Moravar in surprise and she laughed happily. "I did it he said hello back."
"Very good now lean forward down against his neck." She did so and then suddenly he took off fast across the field. She had never gone so fast on horse back. She closed her eyes at first and tensed up but Moravar was right there. Holding her against him and once she no longer felt afraid she opened her eyes to see the scenery passing by quickly.
She let out a squeal of delight and was breathless as she felt the power of the meara under her. With a racing heart she smiled and pressed harder against Moravar. She never wanted the ride to end. She felt free and wild. Soon she pulled the veil down so she could feel the wind against her face. Her smiled was wide and she rest her chin against the powerful stallions neck. Moravar felt the meara's gait change suddenly and soon he was taking off across the field at break neck speed.
"Undómë, slow down." Moravar said loudly and the horse began to slow and Selwyn was laughing happily. "He listened to me. I said faster and he went faster." She said in an excited voice.
They came to a stop in a shady hill. A few willow trees stood here. From here she could see the glistening water of the river and the barges drifting along it. Moravar slides down and pulls her from the meara's back. "You must not do that Selwyn. You did not tell me what you were going to do and that could have been bad for all of us." He looked down on her as she tucked some of her bright red hair back under the veil that covered her head. "I wont do it again." She said softly. The next thing he knew Undómë nudged with roughly with his head as if he did not approve of him scolding the girl.
"Oy off with you to the field. Go graze." He pushed at the meara's shoulder and he turned to proudly trot off into the field of grass.
He dropped he pack down near the tree and lowered down to sit. Soon she joined him and watched her newest friend begin to graze. "Why did you really want to come with me Selwyn?" The question posed made her turn to look at him as he pulled out small cloth wrapped packages.
"We need to get to know each other if we are going to be friends. I somehow get the idea that will never really happen around Julian. You always seem tense around him like you are waiting for the other shoe to drop."
He smirked at her assessment of their relationship. "Maybe that is because I am. You do not know him like I do."
"I think maybe the person you know isn't there anymore." She said and leaned forward to see what he had brought. "Ohhh lovely I hope there is enough for us both."
He was quiet then and he laid out the fare he had brought for lunch. Some pungent cheese and bread. There were sweet green grapes and some berries too but the star of the meal was the bottle of wine he produced from the bag. "You speak as if you have known him far longer than you have. I have known him for centuries Selwyn. I think your trust is misplaced. Just look at the manner in which you find yourself sitting here with me. If he had not done what he did your grandfather would not be needing the care of Calvin and you would not need to hide your beauty."
She felt her cheeks get a little warm. Of course she was aware of what had happened, wait did he just call her beautiful? She looked at him hard for several long moments. "I know you think I am foolish for agreeing to go along with him. Maybe I am foolish," she sighed, "something inside me is just telling me that it is the right thing to do. It's like I am supposed to be here Moravar. Besides when am I ever going to get a chance like this again? Plus I am learning so much. I am reading better and Julian has started teaching me womanly things that I should know by now, I just never had anyone to show me. He is like having a big sister."
Moravar popped the cork on the bottle of wine right as she likened Julian to a big sister and he tried hard to not laugh but laugh he did. He took a nice long drink of the wine and still found himself giggling. Selwyn's brows had creased deeply and she was scowling. "What is so funny about that? I didn't have anyone Moravar, when my monthlies began I thought I was going to die. It was awful."
Moravar choked back his laughter and he reached out and placed his warm hand on hers. "You misunderstand. I am not laughing about that. I am glad you have someone to teach you those things now however, when it comes to Julian you have to beware of the price you will pay for it."
She liked how his hand felt on hers and the feeling of him being so near. Even the way he smelled was so nice. He pulled his hand away and sat back and she mourned the loss of that touch for a few moments. She absently began to eat and found herself looking to the water.
"I know about the price Moravar." She said softly. "I know the danger I will be in. If you think I am not scared I am." She trailed off for a moment. "Maybe I should be taught about that too. That way if it happens I wouldn't be so hurt and clueless." She looked at Moravar from the sides of her eyes. The sun had begun to shine down on him through the branches of the willow, giving him a sort of gentle glow.
His back stiffened a bit as he thought of how to word this without sounding lewd. "Are you taking about the very good chance someone along the way will try and taken certain liberties with you that you do not consent to?"
She nodded and looked down. "I know this could very well end with me being raped by this Strong-nor person. Wouldn't it be best if I know at least something about it? Maybe it would be best if I weren't a virgin."
Moravar coughed hard to dislodge the bite of cheese he had just swallowed. "Selwyn, you are barking up the wrong tree."
"How so?"
"You really should talk to Julian about this."
"I really do not think Julian could help me out with this. I am simply not his type." She half laughed and looked Moravar in the eye.
'Oh Valar,' he thought and looked her right in the eye. "I can not help you." He finally said.
"why not?" She leaned forward a bit and her hand pressed to his thigh.
She was very tempting if he were honest with himself. He was not lying about her beauty earlier and for the moment he entertained the idea. Not to mention the fact it would get under Julian's skin. He leaned forward as well. His lips moved in very close to hers. He could hear her breathing hitch and hear the hard beating of her heart.
Then very gently his lips pressed against hers. They were soft sweet lips. He found himself desiring to kiss them harder and he did, he arms wrapped around her and he drew her in closer. She stiffened then relaxed against him. His tongue slid between her lips and she accepted it.
Selwyn had never been kissed. Well she had gotten kissed on the cheek by Calvin but this was so different. She had wanted it, she had wanted him to kiss her and she just melted into it until the rest of her began to react in ways she did not understand and she pushed him back.
Her green eyes were wide when he looked into them. Her body trembling against him and he released her from the confines of his embrace. "Now that is how you should be kissed." He said with a grin and sat back. "Should I continue or are you done with your lesson for today?"
She looked off and swallowed hard. "No I think that was good for today." Her voice squeaked a little and she cleared her throat.
When they returned to the inn Julian and Patsy were sewing on something. Julian smiled and held the silk up. "Look darling we have been working on something for you," He frowned a bit as she barely even glanced at it.
"That's great Julian, I am going to the bath come help me in a few minutes." She said and was out the door.
Now both Patsy and Julian glared at Moravar. "What happened today mellon nin?" Julian asked lowly.
"Nothing happened today. We went for a ride and ate on a hill with a nice view." Moravar was straight faced as he spoke leaving Julian and Patsy to stare at him. "Best go help her Julian."
Julian gathered up all the pretty silk he and Patsy had been working on. "Fine I will ask her." He said and left the room.
Selwyn was not forthcoming either and he began to believe he was imagining things.
Hilda stood in the classroom with Harvelle and Ro-laure. They were looking up at the ceiling and so far there were no leaks even with the downpour outside. "Outstanding." Ro-laurie said with a smile. "Now be sure to get the permission of the children's guardians for us to give them all check ups." He reminded her. "I also need to have a look at you and Claressa. We can do that today."
Hilda turned to look at him and sighed. "Alright, I will need to find her. I am not entirely sure where she gets off to half the time." She took a few steps towards the door. "I will meet you in your office." He nods to her and she takes off down the hall at a bit of a quick pace.
Haldir was coming down the hall towards her. A smile curled at the corners of his lips and his arm reached out to hook around her waist. Stopping her and making her laugh softly. "I need to go find Claressa. Ro-laure would like to give us both a check up." He nuzzled his cheek down into the warmth of her shoulder and sighed. "I just saw her standing at the entrance to the garden. She was watching it rain." He shrugged.
Hilda pulled away and smiled. "Tell Ro-laure we will be there in a few minutes." She was around the corner rather quickly leaving Haldir to go deliver the message.
Hilda reached the door but did not see Claressa there. She wandered along the hall but didn't see her and there was nothing down this hall for her to seek to go down it. Hilda made her way back to the door then sighed and made a dash for the cover the awning just across the way offered. "Why would she be out here?" Hilda muttered to herself.
Just as she was about to move deeper towards the gazebo she spots Callon escorting her back. She was wearing his cloak. Hilda waved to them and darted back to the door. Still managing to get quite wet.
"I found her near the gazebo. She was soaking wet." He said as the stepped out of the rain.
"Why would you go out in this without a cloak?" Hilda asked as Claressa pulled the cloak off and handed it back to Callon with a soft "thank You." She looked to Hilda and sighed. "I thought I could make it to the gazebo without getting too wet but I think I underestimated it." She confessed.
"Well lets go get you dry. " She took Claressa's hand then looked to Callon. "You too Callon I know you wont get sick but you're making puddles on the floor."
Callon looked down and gasped. "Oh no Bertha will scold me. Take care Ladies." He was darting off into the garden His cloak on his shoulders.
Harvelle sat looking over her notes as Claressa put on her dry clothes. The exam was rather quick. Harvelle spoke over her shoulder to Claressa. "Claressa will you not tell me when this happened? I am so confused by what I am finding. You are very small for being several months into this."
Claressa looked uncomfortable about the question and said nothing. "Was it more recent than you would like to admit?" Claressa remained silent. Harvelle turned to look at her. She sat with her head down and her hands clasp together. "I wont tell anyone Clar, we do need to know though so we can know when you are due."
Claressa looked up then as if she wanted to speak but her lips quivered and pressed together. "Alright, Clar. You don't have to tell me. I will just keep a very close eye on you. Have you been experiencing morning sickness or as Hilda says anytime sickness?"
Finally she spoke. Her voice small at first." No, I have not been sick at all. In fact I am hungry most of the time."
Harvelle chuckled a softly. "Well that's good. I imagine Hilda wishes she was one of the lucky ones like you."
There was a knock at the door and Harvelle called them in. Ro-laure walked in all smiles for Claressa. "Well how is our young mother today?" He asked Harvelle. Who respond with "She is doing well." Ro-laure dismissed Claressa and she bounced from her seat and left the room. Personally glad it was over for the time being.
She meets Hilda out in the hall. "Well how are things?" She asked Claressa.
"Everything seems to be fine and you?"
"Hopefully in the next few weeks I wont feel like being sick throughout the day." She chuckled.
Ro-laure listened to the human females talking as they walked down the hall and he looked to Harvelle. "Something is amiss."
"Indeed, Look we have been here nearly 3 months. We know Claressa was with child before we got here. Yet she is presenting as if she is newly pregnant. I am afraid there is something wrong with the baby."
Ro-laure was quiet for several long moments. "She was malnourished and living in filth before they were found. We will need to change her diet. I know food is in low supply but she needs vegetables and protein. I will talk to Bertha and send a request to my Lady. This is what we are supposed to be doing Harvelle. You have done well. Now I need to figure out why Hilda is presenting as if she further along."
"It is only a few days Hilda." Haldir said softly his fingers caressing along her small ear. She looked unhappy and her eyes did not meet his. "I know and I don't know why its bothering me so much." She whispered to him.
His other hand pressed to the slight swell of her belly. "Maybe it's because of this wee one here?" She kissed him then. Very softly and smiled as her hand pressed to his. "Perhaps." She said and kissed him again. His hand continued to caress over her belly.
Then he went stiff and lifted his head. His hand pressing more firmly against her. Suddenly his hand encircled her wrist and he was tugging her down the hall. "What is it Haldir?" She said a bit distressed. "Where is Ro-laure?" He asked as they moved down the hall. He pushed the door to the healers office open a bit aggressively and pulled a bewildered looking Hilda inside. Ro-laure looked up from a something he was writing.
"Master healer? The best in all of Lorien? When were you going to figure out there are two?" Haldir finally let go of her wrist and leaned on the desk to eye Ro-laure.
Hilda blinked, "What do you mean there are two? Two what?" she gasped then. "Twins?" She practically shrieked.
Harvelle comes in and watches, Haldir was leaning over the desk and almost in Ro-laure's face. Her master grinned widely and pressed his hands on the desk and pushed himself up. His eyes never leaving Haldir's. "I had my suspicions yesterday Haldir. I even spoke to Harvelle about them. Now if Hilda were of the eldar I would have known much sooner but she isn't. The only reason you can tell is because it's your own fea. I was just sending for a listening device that is in my office back home. It's delicate so I normally do not just take it everywhere. I was going to use it to listen for heart beats. Now it seems I no longer need it."
Hilda started to look a bit green and Haldir finally pulled his anger back in. He reached out to steady her then helped her sit in a chair. Harvelle was by her side quickly. She was lowered down and looking a shocked looking Hilda over. "Two." Hilda said and looked to Harvelle. "Yes love it's two. Congratulations. Twins with elves is very common and no so uncommon with humans. Just think of it as double the love and double the blessings."
Finally it all began to really sink in for Haldir. He stumbled back and used the wall to keep from falling over. Ro-laure laughed and rose from his seat and pulled it around his desk for Haldir to sit in. It was like learning that Hilda was pregnant all over again.