*~* "It does not appear to me that my hand is unworthy your acceptance, or
that the establishment I can offer would be any other than highly
desirable. . . and you should take it into farther consideration that in
spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another
offer of marriage may ever be made to you. I must therefore conclude that
you are not serious in your rejection of me. . ."
"I thank you again for the honor you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it." ~ Jane Austin "Pride and Prejudice"
THE FAERIE GOBLET
Chapter 8 ~ "The Question"
"Careful," Alede said as she helped Baird down from the wagon.
"Ya worry about me too much Alede."
"No, I just don't want to undo all my hard work," she teased. Several days had passed since Baird had shouted at Alede for running out into the night. An unspoken truce had formed between them. Alede was still a little uncomfortable with him though. Baird was a good, kindhearted man, but she did not love him. Nor could she ever love him. So she watched him silently for signs of the unwanted affection which Betsy had spoken of. Baird seemed not to notice her scrutiny though and was once again his cheerful self.
So today she'd suggested a picnic on a hill above Bree. Baird needed the fresh air and Alede desperately needed to get out of the village for a while.
Baird's leg was healing well. The bone was nearly knit and Alede was able to remove his splint for a few hours each day. He had to stay off of his leg during that time, but it allowed the limb some air and she had started him on some very gentle flexing motions. The muscle had atrophied rather badly, so it would take quite awhile to rebuild it. In the mean time, Alede knew she must stay until Baird was fully back on his feet. A man as large as he could easily break the bone again if his muscles were not yet ready to support him.
But knowing she needed to stay and wanting to stay were too different things.
I want to go home, she thought as she set out the basket of pheasant, cheese and bread. She missed her father and Rivendell. Mostly she missed the Elves. She missed their unique calmness, their orderly way of thinking, their wisdom, their singing . . .
As Baird settled down on the blanket beside her, Alede decided that she missed the Elves' cleanliness as well. Baird found her habit of bathing daily amusing.
*And I never want to see another outhouse as long as I live!*
"Some bread?" she offered Baird. He took several thick slices from her.
"Ya know 'ow tae cook, Alede, that's for certain, " Baird said. "This pheasant is the finest bird I ever ate."
"Oh . . . well, thank you," Alede said, rather absurdly pleased. That was one thing she didn't miss. The Elves had little use for her cooking and considered their own quite gourmet. But Alede had fairly simple tastes and sometimes felt that a home cooked stew was twice as satisfying as a seven- course meal.
"And this bread . . ." Baird rolled his eyes appreciatively.
Alede laughed. Baird had obviously set out to be amusing today. He was a sweet man, Alede had to give him credit for that.
"Where did ya learn tae cook this way, Alede? From the way ya speak I'd guess ya were an educated lady and 'adna spent much time in the kitchen."
She shrugged. "My mother taught me at first, then I learned a bit of camp cooking when I traveled with several Rangers and the two sons of Elrond occasionally . . ."
"Ah, there ya go again, spinnin' yer tales."
"Tales?" Alede glanced up at him in surprise as she poured out a tankard of ale for him.
"Yer tales about Elrond and them Elves up in Rivendell."
Alede frowned in irritation. They'd had this argument before. Baird firmly believed that Elves were simply a myth.
Not wanting to go over the subject again, Alede handed Baird his tankard and let the subject drop.
Out of the corner of her eye, Alede noticed that Baird seemed pleased.
Probably thinks I'm being 'ladylike', she thought sourly. She'd noticed over her many travels that Men seemed to prefer their women submissive. Something that Alede would never be.
Baird chatted amiably during their lunch. He had not noticed Alede's discomfort and the drive through town had roused his spirits. He was a very gregarious man and Alede had stopped the wagon many times as he waved and talked with the town's people. He was well liked around Bree and not just because of his skill, but because he was truly a kind man.
After Alede finished her lunch, she pulled a cloth bundle from her bag and set it on her lap. She'd purchased the material about three weeks ago. It was a lovely dark green and she'd already finished a bodice from it and was now working on the skirt.
The same day she'd purchased the cloth she'd also acquired a creamy linen blouse with soft ruffles at the throat and sleeves. She thought it would look well with the dark green. But what had prompted her to buy it was the opening for the neck. It was wide enough that she could wear it off her shoulders as Betsy did, if she liked. The style was one she'd never worn before, but Alede was determined to be a bit more daring when she returned to Rivendell.
Midsummer night's eve was only a few months away. Elves all over Middle Earth would be celebrating the ancient rite with singing and dancing.
Not to mention a great deal of love making, Alede thought with some embarrassment. The first midsummer night celebration she'd witnessed in Rivendell had been a bit of an eye opener. She'd been too shy to attend the ritual ever since, instead helping only with the preparations and listening to the singing from her balcony.
But I may at least attend the dances, she thought. Elvin dancing was breathtakingly beautiful but Alede had never joined in. She knew many of the steps from watching though and was determined to try it this year.
Elrohir would willing teach her if she asked, though she could not even hope to have the grace of Elvin women. But if he laughed at her, then she would laugh also.
*I must stop being so serious! And if Elrohir flirts with me, then at least I may enjoy his attentions. And perhaps it is time I cast aside my uptightness as well.*
Alede always joined in the village dances when she was off on her healer's duties. It was not at all uncommon for a small village to honor her with a town celebration after a difficult birthing. In fact Alede had a sneaking suspicion that when Baird returned to the smithy, Bree had a little celebration planned.
So, Alede settled herself more comfortably on the picnic blanket and smoothed the fabric on her lap.
"You'll look right pretty in that," Baird remarked.
Alede smiled up at him. Baird had finished eating and was leaning against a tree watching her.
"Thank you. Is there anything I can get for you before I start?"
"Nay, I'm fine. Ya brought enough food for a king."
Alede shifted awkwardly. Baird was gazing at her in the tender way he'd developed. It was flattering, but it made her very uncomfortable. Most of the time, she deliberately took no notice. Threading her precious bone needle, Alede set to work with her sewing. Baird usually took a nap after lunch and she was certain he would do so today if she just left him alone.
But such was not to be the case. After a long silence, Baird cleared his throat and started to say something. He halted as soon as Alede looked up at him inquiringly. She wrinkled her brow in puzzlement, but went back to her sewing when he said nothing. Baird cleared his throat again.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I uhm. . . I know this is a bit awkward," Baird began uncomfortably, "I suppose I should 'ave waited for a better setting, but . . ."
Alede set down her sewing. She suddenly had a very bad feeling. "Perhaps if it is awkward, then maybe it should not be said." She started to rise and put their things away. But Baird caught her hand.
"Please Alede . . . I got tae say this . . . I . . . I want tae marry ya."
"Oh dear," Alede whispered. Reluctantly she sank to her knees in front of the man. "Baird, I . . ."
"I know, it's a bit sudden. But I'm afraid if I wait, you'll be off before I've had the chance tae ask ya."
"Its not sudden, its . . . " she began, taking his great hands between hers.
*How do I say this without hurting him?* But she knew from her own experience that she could not soften the blow in any way.
"Baird, I'm very flattered . . ."
"Good, I'll do everything I can tae make ya happy, Alede."
"No, wait, you misunderstand . . ."
"No, I do understand. I know you'll want tae keep your independent ways. And I can understand that up to a point. Of course I don't want ya wanderin' the countryside. And associatin' with Rangers is completely out o' the question . . ."
"Baird, listen to me! I cannot marry you." That finally got his attention.
"But . . ."
"Please, just listen," she pleaded. "I am very flattered and I am fully aware of what a kind and generous man you are. But I do not love you. I have great fondness for you, but I don't love you . . ."
"Ya could learn tae love me . . ."
"No, I'm sorry. But I could not. You see . . ." How much should she tell him? "Baird, I am already in love with someone else. He is . . ."
"What's 'is name?" Baird asked beginning to grow angry.
"His name is Legolas and he . . ."
"Mighty queer name."
She sighed in exasperation. "The name means green leaf. It is his locket that I wear and his hair that is in it. I have loved him for fifteen years now and someday I hope to be with him."
"Hope? What kind of a man is 'e that 'e'd make ya wait so long?" Baird asked angrily.
"He's not a man at all, he's an Elf."
"There's no such thing as Elves, Alede. Yer tellin' tales again."
"No, I am not telling tales," Alede said in her turn. "He is Elvish. He's the son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood. . ."
"Oh, now 'e's a prince is 'e?"
Baird obviously didn't believe a word she was saying. Alede rose angrily. "Even if I were not in love with Legolas, I could not marry you. I am 542 years old. I am a wizardess and I am immortal. When my work here in Middle Earth is done, I will pass over the sea to the Undying land, the original home of the Istari."
"Now Alede, I know yer tryin' tae spare my feelings. But there's no cause tae be makin' up such stories. Nobody lives that long. Why ya don't look a day over 22."
Giving up in frustration, Alede packed their lunch things in the wagon. Baird argued with her the entire time and on several occasions she thought of turning him into a toad to prove her point. But she'd left her staff back at his home and she was slowly growing so angry that she didn't trust herself. It took all of her self-control to help him gently into the wagon.
As she picked up the reins and urged the horse and wagon back to Bree, Alede could have sworn she heard a soft chuckle in the trees over her head. But when she looked up, she saw nothing but leaves.
~ ~ ~
A/N: Hmm. . . who do you suppose is up in that tree? ;) I'm not going to be able to post on Monday. So, chapter 9 "Gimli, son of Glóin" will be up on Friday. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews!!!! And a special welcome to all the new readers and to those of you who have e-mailed me. Your comments have been so special! Thank you! ~ Nebride
"I thank you again for the honor you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it." ~ Jane Austin "Pride and Prejudice"
THE FAERIE GOBLET
Chapter 8 ~ "The Question"
"Careful," Alede said as she helped Baird down from the wagon.
"Ya worry about me too much Alede."
"No, I just don't want to undo all my hard work," she teased. Several days had passed since Baird had shouted at Alede for running out into the night. An unspoken truce had formed between them. Alede was still a little uncomfortable with him though. Baird was a good, kindhearted man, but she did not love him. Nor could she ever love him. So she watched him silently for signs of the unwanted affection which Betsy had spoken of. Baird seemed not to notice her scrutiny though and was once again his cheerful self.
So today she'd suggested a picnic on a hill above Bree. Baird needed the fresh air and Alede desperately needed to get out of the village for a while.
Baird's leg was healing well. The bone was nearly knit and Alede was able to remove his splint for a few hours each day. He had to stay off of his leg during that time, but it allowed the limb some air and she had started him on some very gentle flexing motions. The muscle had atrophied rather badly, so it would take quite awhile to rebuild it. In the mean time, Alede knew she must stay until Baird was fully back on his feet. A man as large as he could easily break the bone again if his muscles were not yet ready to support him.
But knowing she needed to stay and wanting to stay were too different things.
I want to go home, she thought as she set out the basket of pheasant, cheese and bread. She missed her father and Rivendell. Mostly she missed the Elves. She missed their unique calmness, their orderly way of thinking, their wisdom, their singing . . .
As Baird settled down on the blanket beside her, Alede decided that she missed the Elves' cleanliness as well. Baird found her habit of bathing daily amusing.
*And I never want to see another outhouse as long as I live!*
"Some bread?" she offered Baird. He took several thick slices from her.
"Ya know 'ow tae cook, Alede, that's for certain, " Baird said. "This pheasant is the finest bird I ever ate."
"Oh . . . well, thank you," Alede said, rather absurdly pleased. That was one thing she didn't miss. The Elves had little use for her cooking and considered their own quite gourmet. But Alede had fairly simple tastes and sometimes felt that a home cooked stew was twice as satisfying as a seven- course meal.
"And this bread . . ." Baird rolled his eyes appreciatively.
Alede laughed. Baird had obviously set out to be amusing today. He was a sweet man, Alede had to give him credit for that.
"Where did ya learn tae cook this way, Alede? From the way ya speak I'd guess ya were an educated lady and 'adna spent much time in the kitchen."
She shrugged. "My mother taught me at first, then I learned a bit of camp cooking when I traveled with several Rangers and the two sons of Elrond occasionally . . ."
"Ah, there ya go again, spinnin' yer tales."
"Tales?" Alede glanced up at him in surprise as she poured out a tankard of ale for him.
"Yer tales about Elrond and them Elves up in Rivendell."
Alede frowned in irritation. They'd had this argument before. Baird firmly believed that Elves were simply a myth.
Not wanting to go over the subject again, Alede handed Baird his tankard and let the subject drop.
Out of the corner of her eye, Alede noticed that Baird seemed pleased.
Probably thinks I'm being 'ladylike', she thought sourly. She'd noticed over her many travels that Men seemed to prefer their women submissive. Something that Alede would never be.
Baird chatted amiably during their lunch. He had not noticed Alede's discomfort and the drive through town had roused his spirits. He was a very gregarious man and Alede had stopped the wagon many times as he waved and talked with the town's people. He was well liked around Bree and not just because of his skill, but because he was truly a kind man.
After Alede finished her lunch, she pulled a cloth bundle from her bag and set it on her lap. She'd purchased the material about three weeks ago. It was a lovely dark green and she'd already finished a bodice from it and was now working on the skirt.
The same day she'd purchased the cloth she'd also acquired a creamy linen blouse with soft ruffles at the throat and sleeves. She thought it would look well with the dark green. But what had prompted her to buy it was the opening for the neck. It was wide enough that she could wear it off her shoulders as Betsy did, if she liked. The style was one she'd never worn before, but Alede was determined to be a bit more daring when she returned to Rivendell.
Midsummer night's eve was only a few months away. Elves all over Middle Earth would be celebrating the ancient rite with singing and dancing.
Not to mention a great deal of love making, Alede thought with some embarrassment. The first midsummer night celebration she'd witnessed in Rivendell had been a bit of an eye opener. She'd been too shy to attend the ritual ever since, instead helping only with the preparations and listening to the singing from her balcony.
But I may at least attend the dances, she thought. Elvin dancing was breathtakingly beautiful but Alede had never joined in. She knew many of the steps from watching though and was determined to try it this year.
Elrohir would willing teach her if she asked, though she could not even hope to have the grace of Elvin women. But if he laughed at her, then she would laugh also.
*I must stop being so serious! And if Elrohir flirts with me, then at least I may enjoy his attentions. And perhaps it is time I cast aside my uptightness as well.*
Alede always joined in the village dances when she was off on her healer's duties. It was not at all uncommon for a small village to honor her with a town celebration after a difficult birthing. In fact Alede had a sneaking suspicion that when Baird returned to the smithy, Bree had a little celebration planned.
So, Alede settled herself more comfortably on the picnic blanket and smoothed the fabric on her lap.
"You'll look right pretty in that," Baird remarked.
Alede smiled up at him. Baird had finished eating and was leaning against a tree watching her.
"Thank you. Is there anything I can get for you before I start?"
"Nay, I'm fine. Ya brought enough food for a king."
Alede shifted awkwardly. Baird was gazing at her in the tender way he'd developed. It was flattering, but it made her very uncomfortable. Most of the time, she deliberately took no notice. Threading her precious bone needle, Alede set to work with her sewing. Baird usually took a nap after lunch and she was certain he would do so today if she just left him alone.
But such was not to be the case. After a long silence, Baird cleared his throat and started to say something. He halted as soon as Alede looked up at him inquiringly. She wrinkled her brow in puzzlement, but went back to her sewing when he said nothing. Baird cleared his throat again.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I uhm. . . I know this is a bit awkward," Baird began uncomfortably, "I suppose I should 'ave waited for a better setting, but . . ."
Alede set down her sewing. She suddenly had a very bad feeling. "Perhaps if it is awkward, then maybe it should not be said." She started to rise and put their things away. But Baird caught her hand.
"Please Alede . . . I got tae say this . . . I . . . I want tae marry ya."
"Oh dear," Alede whispered. Reluctantly she sank to her knees in front of the man. "Baird, I . . ."
"I know, it's a bit sudden. But I'm afraid if I wait, you'll be off before I've had the chance tae ask ya."
"Its not sudden, its . . . " she began, taking his great hands between hers.
*How do I say this without hurting him?* But she knew from her own experience that she could not soften the blow in any way.
"Baird, I'm very flattered . . ."
"Good, I'll do everything I can tae make ya happy, Alede."
"No, wait, you misunderstand . . ."
"No, I do understand. I know you'll want tae keep your independent ways. And I can understand that up to a point. Of course I don't want ya wanderin' the countryside. And associatin' with Rangers is completely out o' the question . . ."
"Baird, listen to me! I cannot marry you." That finally got his attention.
"But . . ."
"Please, just listen," she pleaded. "I am very flattered and I am fully aware of what a kind and generous man you are. But I do not love you. I have great fondness for you, but I don't love you . . ."
"Ya could learn tae love me . . ."
"No, I'm sorry. But I could not. You see . . ." How much should she tell him? "Baird, I am already in love with someone else. He is . . ."
"What's 'is name?" Baird asked beginning to grow angry.
"His name is Legolas and he . . ."
"Mighty queer name."
She sighed in exasperation. "The name means green leaf. It is his locket that I wear and his hair that is in it. I have loved him for fifteen years now and someday I hope to be with him."
"Hope? What kind of a man is 'e that 'e'd make ya wait so long?" Baird asked angrily.
"He's not a man at all, he's an Elf."
"There's no such thing as Elves, Alede. Yer tellin' tales again."
"No, I am not telling tales," Alede said in her turn. "He is Elvish. He's the son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood. . ."
"Oh, now 'e's a prince is 'e?"
Baird obviously didn't believe a word she was saying. Alede rose angrily. "Even if I were not in love with Legolas, I could not marry you. I am 542 years old. I am a wizardess and I am immortal. When my work here in Middle Earth is done, I will pass over the sea to the Undying land, the original home of the Istari."
"Now Alede, I know yer tryin' tae spare my feelings. But there's no cause tae be makin' up such stories. Nobody lives that long. Why ya don't look a day over 22."
Giving up in frustration, Alede packed their lunch things in the wagon. Baird argued with her the entire time and on several occasions she thought of turning him into a toad to prove her point. But she'd left her staff back at his home and she was slowly growing so angry that she didn't trust herself. It took all of her self-control to help him gently into the wagon.
As she picked up the reins and urged the horse and wagon back to Bree, Alede could have sworn she heard a soft chuckle in the trees over her head. But when she looked up, she saw nothing but leaves.
~ ~ ~
A/N: Hmm. . . who do you suppose is up in that tree? ;) I'm not going to be able to post on Monday. So, chapter 9 "Gimli, son of Glóin" will be up on Friday. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews!!!! And a special welcome to all the new readers and to those of you who have e-mailed me. Your comments have been so special! Thank you! ~ Nebride