A week passed and Geliriel was wondering what Amrod and his brother could be talking about. It sounded important when he left, and he did say that he'd be back as soon as he could. She looked out of the window in the sitting room. She caught herself searching the far land for any sign of Amrod. 'I miss his company, is all,' she chided herself.

It was almost mid-morning and the sun was shining brightly. 'It seems a shame to have to stay inside when it's that beautiful outside,' she thought as she focused on the cloudless blue sky. There was a gentle breeze rolling through the long grass that went as far as she could see. She made up her mind to ask Berior if he'd assist her to walk outside today.

For the last four days, Berior had helped her steady her walking around her rooms and in the halls outside. They didn't go very far before she wanted to go back, tired from the exercise. She was getting better, but still was wobbly at times. Nothing would please her more than to be able to walk on her own. In order to do that, she had to walk as much as possible and as far as possible.

She went to go ring the bell to call him. Oh, how she disliked having to do it. Berior and Glinneth had become her friends. She didn't want to see them as servants, but they were the ones to remind her that they were and that they had no qualms over the matter. They were as happy to be in her service as they were in Lord Amrod's. Still, Geliriel quietly wished otherwise. She had just picked up the bell when a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," she said, wondering who it could be. Berior and Glinneth usually knocked once and came directly in. This visitor did not enter after the knock. The door opened and a tall fellow with dark hair entered. He bowed respectively and took a letter from the bag he carried.

"I've just come from Lord Amras' manor. I am sent with a message from Lord Amrod for you." he bowed once more and handed her the letter.

"Thank you, sir," she said, accepting the letter. Just then, Glinneth entered and Geliriel asked her to take the messenger to the kitchen to refresh himself with food and drink. The maid smiled and curtsied, following the man out of the room and closing the door behind her.

Geliriel sat down by the window and broke the seal to open the letter. She admired the handwriting of Amrod and then proceeded to read.

My Lady Geliriel,

Please accept my humble apologies for not coming home sooner, as I had promised. My brother, Amras, did not tell me that my other brothers were also here. While I'm happy to see them, I wish I were back home, talking with you.

I hope you are faring well. I left word with Berior that, if you should wish to see the gardens while I'm gone, that he may escort you through them. Please know, that I should also like to have the honor of walking with you in the gardens.

I have every intention to return, but I cannot for another 5 days. I will endeavor to be home, and in your pleasant company, by mid-afternoon of the 6th day.

Sincerely,
Amrod

Geliriel neatly folded the letter, got up from her chair, and placed the letter on the table in front of the fireplace. 'Another 5 days,' she thought to herself. She allowed herself to admit that she also wanted to talk to him. He was charming and witty and easy-going. Smiling, she walked slowly back to the bell to call for Berior. Her two friends seemed to always anticipate her. Before she could ring the bell, another knock came at her door, and Berior entered.

"My lady, the weather is warm and fine today, would you like to go for a walk outside?"

"How did you know I wanted to walk outside?" She was astonished that he even knew her intentions.

"It's a lovely day, ma'am. Almost everyone in the manor will take advantage of it at some point. I assumed you'd want to as well. Besides, who would want to haunt the halls of this drafty manor on such a day?" He laughed and offered her his arm.

She gladly went with him, and they walked down the halls at a leisurely pace. She smiled as they exited the manor and went out into the sunshine. For a moment, she stopped, lifting her face and feeling the warmth of the sun. She had seen sunny days before, but from inside her rooms. This was the first day, since her arrival, that she was able to feel the sun on her face.

'He returns in five days,' she thought suddenly. Instantly, she felt ashamed. She retained the smile on her face as she and Berior started walking again, but mentally chided herself again for disrespecting Melannen's memory.

Berior noted the change in his silent companion. She had been so happy being outside, but now she seemed to have withdrawn in to herself. He knew the smile was not the same as before. Something was wrong, but it wasn't his place to ask her about it. A short while later, they rounded a corner of the manor and he caught sight of the western garden. He then remembered Lord Amrod's request before he left.

"Would you like to visit the gardens, ma'am? The west garden isn't far, and there are benches to rest on if you need to." She seemed to notice the garden just as he mentioned it. Berior hoped she would agree. There were plenty of flowers and there was a small pond in the center. 'Maybe it will lift her spirits,' he thought.

"No, Berior, not today. Maybe another day."

"Alright, ma'am. Would you like to continue around the manor?"

"Yes, please. I'm enjoying looking at just the surrounding areas."

"As you wish," he replied and the continued their walk.

Geliriel grew steadier each passing moment, but she did not release his arm. She didn't say as much, but she wasn't yet ready to walk without an anchor. If Berior noticed her steadiness, he didn't say anything to her. She knew she should be more of a conversationalist, but her heart wasn't in it. Her mind was warring over her memories of Melannen and her growing feelings toward Amrod. There had to be something she could do to properly honor Melannen.

A while later, they rounded another corner to the east side of the manor. There was another garden, and it looked somewhat less grand than the one on the western side. It was certainly smaller, and it didn't look like it held more than two benches. There was a gazebo in the center, which the western garden didn't have. 'Watching the sun rise from that garden would be lovely,' she thought. 'Maybe have a breakfast out here during the warmer season.' It was something to think about, and she liked it more as she got a better look at the garden.

They were almost back to their starting point, when she noticed a smaller building not very far away. 'Why didn't I see it before?' she asked herself.

"Berior, who lives in that building there?" she asked and pointed. Looking in that direction, he also saw the building.

"That's the Lord's cottage, ma'am. It's usually only used when one or more of his brothers comes to visit for more than a day."

"Do they come often?"

"They have more this year than any other. I don't know why. Would you like to see it?"

"Not today. I'm beginning to feel a little tired."

"Then let's get you back inside."

They made their way back inside and back into her rooms. Glinneth was waiting, and had brought lunch. Geliriel invited them to eat with her, which is something they hadn't done. Berior excused himself and left, saying he had to take care of a few things. That left Glinneth and Geliriel to the lunch, and Glinneth chattered on about the messenger. Geliriel's spirits were lifted somewhat, and she laughed at Glinneth's unsuccessful attempt to strike up a conversation with the man.

Later in the evening, after sharing dinner with Glinneth and Berior, she got ready for bed. She climbed into the large bed and put the covers over herself. She had brought Amrod's letter with her, and though she was not able to read it again, she placed it under the pillow beside her own. She then turned away from it and settled enough to go to sleep. But her thoughts returned to Melannen, and she silently cried herself to sleep.