Relationships and Responsibilities

"A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does"
― Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives

The girl's name was Cailyn and she had red hair. It seemed that the thing about Potters and red heads still stood. Maybe it only stood for the men?

Heather was torn between strangling her son, and hugging the girl. It was common knowledge that she didn't like being ambushed.

Her siblings must have seen her internal struggle because Luna tugged Cailyn to the kitchen while Draco grabbed her and Hermione sat with Guiomer.

"Are you in shock?" Draco asked her when she dropped her bags to the floor.

Heather shook her head. "I don't know. I mean, I've always wanted grandchildren, and now he finally has a girlfriend!"

"Technically," he cut in. "That's the wrong term. I think 'lover' is more appropriate."

Heather groaned. "Oh, Merlin! I still think of him as twelve! You're enjoying this too much."

Draco nodded sagely. "Yes, very much," he paused, and then peered at her face. "Has it sunk in yet?" When she nodded, he continued, "You ought to prepare yourself, then. He's fairly serious."

That stilled Heather. Draco didn't make exaggerations and he didn't do the dramatic. Out of all of them, Draco was the most practical, least dramatic and blunt, right next to Luna. But Luna had her moments of drama, and Draco had none…so far. That part really surprised Heather since he had been a dramatic arsehole in their younger days. Cue, Buckbeak.

So if he said Guiomer was serious, then it must mean her son was completely and utterly devoted to the girl.

Bugger.

But just to have no misunderstandings, she asked, "Like, a-large-probability-of-marriage serious?"

He patted her hand sympathetically. "There, there."

Heather resisted the urge to bury a knife in him. Condescending bastard. It would have been less annoying if she hadn't found the whole thing a bit funny too.

Hmm, maybe she really was in shock earlier.

"For the moment though," Draco said seriously, catching her attention. "The best thing you can give him is your blessing. It would mean the world to him."

Heather believed him. How Draco must have missed Narcissa, to say that so openly. So, she nodded at him as she used wandless magic to unpack her bags.

"I'll keep that in mind," she assured him.

"Good," he said. "Let's go down, I'm starving."

Heather managed a laugh. It didn't sound forced too, which Draco counted as a victory.

Luncheon would have been awkward if Guiomer wasn't so sincere and Heather was more vindictive. But she was the Girl-Who-Lived and even though she turned as soft as a marshmallow when faced with an ambush, she knew how to deal with surprises.

"How did you two meet?" Heather eventually said. "If I may ask?"

Guiomer rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Mater, you were gone for a while, the entire Winter! And when we sent an inquiry to King Theoden, he told us that you hadn't passed by Edoras."

Hermione interrupted. "We were as worried as anything, feather!"

"I wasn't," Draco cut in. "You were just being yourself, having no regard for the – oomph!" the latter was the sound of Hermione stomping on his foot underneath the table.

"Anyway," Guiomer said loudly, making Heather smile and Cailyn giggle. "I met her when I was depressed and wondering if I'd become an orphan."

Heather hummed, feeling slightly guilty for causing her son pain. Then she felt Luna squeeze her hand and felt better.

"Sorry for the delay," she sighed. "What I did was important, but the delay needn't have happened."

Concern was on all of their faces. Not many managed to delay Heather, after all.

"What happened?" Luna asked.

She twitched. "I'll tell you later. The details are rather boring." Translated, that meant, "Let's talk in the Sanctuary." Then she turned her attention back to Cailyn with a disarming smile. "So, Cailyn. How are you dealing with my son? Other people might find him hard to manage. We are very restless spirits, you know. It's in the blood."

It was pure curiosity. Cailyn relaxed at the friendly expression on her face.

"Well," she started. "I just give him a reason to return."

There was a silence at that, because it was fairly romantic, before Hermione cooed and Luna giggled at Guiomers red face. Draco scowled, "Sappy people!" he muttered. Heather punched him lightly.

"Guiomer," Heather laughed. "I'll borrow her for a moment."

Luncheon was fairly done, and Guiomer dithered while he watched the two most important women of his life walk towards the Dancing Myth. He wouldn't admit it, but he was glad his mother hadn't raised a fuss, despite being ambushed by his lover.

Luna was sewing a new cowl for Heather by the stairs and he asked her, "What do you think, Aunt Eilys?"

Luna looked at him with a smile. "Feather likes her. You did choose well, Guiomer."

He felt himself reddening. "It's too soon to tell that, Aunt Eilys," he spluttered.

She just laughed at him, a knowing look in her eyes.

Cailyn pinched herself several times while she walked with the Lady of Haven. It hurt, so that meant it was real.

Months ago, she wouldn't have thought she would eat luncheon with Lady Gryffon, Lady Enid, Lady Eilys and Lord Hodur, or be the object of Lord Guiomers complete attention. It would have frightened her if it wasn't so exhilarating.

"Haven was Lady Eilys' dream, Cailyn," Lady Gryffon was saying in a soft voice as they walked. "It took all three of us to make it. Most of what I do is to make my siblings' dreams come true." Gryffons eyes, that startling shade of green that she shared with her son, glanced at her. "I would do anything for my family, my dear."

A carefully veiled warning in a statement. Cailyn gulped.

"M-my lady," she stammered. "I would never – "

Lady Gryffon waved a hand. "Please. Cailyn, my son chose you. I don't have any say in his choices. That's his life," she stated bluntly, while Cailyn's mind whirled. "I found him, beaten near death. I gave him my blood and my life. I love him very much." Cailyn's expression must have been something, because Lady Gryffon patted her hand. "The rumors and stories never mentioned that, did it?"

Cailyn felt like she was looking at the world with clearer eyes. "So most of the rumors aren't true?" she asked.

There was mischief in Lady Gryffons green eyes as she laughed wickedly. "Oh, rumors! I love the rumor mill in Haven. Sometimes, when I am very bored, I make some up, just to listen to it mutate. I mention to a Training master that I vomited that morning, and by the end of the week, there's a rumor saying I am pregnant."

Cailyn could very well imagine the mischievous Lady Gryffon doing that just to find some entertainment. Against her will, her lips twitched into a smile. The Lady of Haven was very different from how her people viewed her. They said she was capable, serious and a warrior. They never mentioned that she had life, laughter and the same restless energy that her son had.

If Lord Guiomer had grown up with her, no wonder he loved his mother immensely. It must have been like growing up with a best friend.

When they arrived at the Dancing Nymph, Lady Gryffon seated her while she remained standing to stare at the statue.

"My son seems to love you very much," Lady Gryffon said. "And I will give him my support in this, just like everything he does." Then she directed those eyes back at Cailyn. "Don't worry, Cailyn. I like you very much already."

Cailyn felt her heart seize up. She had moved cautiously during the entire luncheon, praying and hoping that he lovers mother would like her. This was what she wanted, and it made her want to cry in relief, or shout with joy.

"Bu-but," she stammered instead. "I didn't do anything."

Lady Gryffons smile was kind. "Of course, and that it. You are yourself. You don't need anything else." Then her smile fell and her eyes turned back to the statue. "Haven was created to be a safe place. But I can't protect people from all pain. And the one thing that my son is vulnerable to are wounds to the heart. If you can help it, please don't break it."

"Oh, my lady," Cailyn found herself saying. "While I have his heart, he has mine as well. It would not be prudent to do so."

Then she registered what she said and turned red. She groaned when she heard Lady Gryffon laugh. Because that was a confession, if there ever was one.

"That's it with my motherly duties," Lady Gryffon said with a wicked smile. "Now, give me the specifics. When did he move in with you?"

The blush that had been slowly fading returned in full force and Cailyn could only pray that the Lady Gryffon would lose interest.

The repercussions of her excursion with the Dunlendings hit her that night. One of her old nightmares returned, one that involved fire, blood, tears and cages. There were Dark spells and, of course, Bellatrix Lestranges laughter.

Heather woke up, gasping for air and her fist stuffed in her mouth to stifle her scream. It made her grateful that she always slept with silencing spells.

That was an old nightmare, inspired by a real memory of her, hanging in a cage and listening to Hermione being tortured by Bellatrix. It had nearly driven her insane, listening to the sister of her heart screaming in agony and unable to help.

"Feather?" a soft voice asked.

Heather nearly jumped in fright. "Luna?" she queried in surprise. "What are you doing awake?"

"I heard your soul cry for help," she answered, making Heather wince since she had forgotten Luna's gift. Silencing spells didn't do a thing for souls.

"Would you like to tell me about it?" Luna continued. She sat at the edge of Heather's bed and simply looked at her with curious and sympathetic eyes.

"It's the old dream, Luna," she answered, because lying to Luna was a fruitless endeavor. "The bit about the war."

Her silvery eyes gleamed in the darkness. "Does this have anything to do with why you were delayed?"

"Somewhat," Heather said. Her smile was weak and wavering. "It hurt to remember those parts."

Luna engulfed Heather in a hug and she used all of her will not to flinch. "Of course it always hurts, feather. But that's why I'm here. You shouldn't have to hide from me, or from the rest of the others."

It was only because there were silencing spells that Heather allowed herself to cry. It was a release from the backlash of memories and nightmares that she had pushed to the back of her mind the moment the Dunlendings bound her hands. Only her will and the knowledge that what she was doing would change the world made her not hate her captors.

"Would you like a sleeping drought?" Luna asked.

Heather had a moment of shock. "Draco gave them to you?"

Was that a smirk on Luna's face?

"He gave them to me, not to you," she pointed out.

Ah! Hospital supplies. Sneaky friends, really. But doing so would get Luna in Trouble, especially if Draco found out.

"No, thanks. But I appreciate the offer," Heather smiled.

"I'll sing you to sleep then," Luna said and promptly started, her sweet voice rising in a wonderful melody.

Heather didn't have a single nightmare that night.

Heather had been gone for three months, close to four months. Her siblings had been very worried and their revenge, as Heather found with horror, was the sudden increase in paperwork. Also, she was slated to attend the committee meetings for a month and a half.

It was a double security that she wouldn't get into another mess, and that she could approve of half the committee proposals that needed her signature and no one else's.

Heather felt like banging her head on the nearest flat surface. She wanted to protest at the injustice of it but this was her dues being called in and she had to pay everything, including the interest.

On the plus side, she got to know her future daughter-in-law rather well. (Because no matter what Draco muttered about True Love, Guiomer still couldn't take his eyes off her, so there was a rather high percentage of the daughter-in-law part.)

Cailyn was a baker and kept insane hours just to serve her regular customer. Heather marveled at her dedication and appreciated her even more when she still found time for Guiomer, though she did wonder how their relationship would work.

"Oh, stop being so dramatic," Hermione remarked. "At least you know she has good time management skills."

Luna nodded in agreement. "Though," she commented. "Their child will be very well fed."

Mentions of children, grandchildren and intimacy in general were the surefire ways to make Guiomer blush. Heather and Draco kept at it while Hermione and Luna ignored it, taking pity on Guiomer. But if the two of them had mercy on Guiomer, for Cailyn, it was a complete and total grilling.

Hermione seemed to pull out all of her psychology books and Luna removed all filters from her bluntness. Heather admired Cailyn for bearing it without breaking a sweat. She traded bluntness right back and smiled through Hermione's loud psychoanalysis. By the end of the 'Trial Period', as Guiomer started to call it, Cailyn was calling both women, Aunt Eilys and Aunt Enid.

Grumbling, Guiomer handed Draco money, because he had bet against the three women ever becoming friends.

"I don't understand," Guiomer had grumbled. "They were giving Cailyn a hard time for nearly over two months and now they're suddenly friends?"

Draco tossed him an amused look. "Why are you looking at me?" he asked. "I don't look like a woman, do I? Ask your mother, if you want the headache."

Guiomer didn't, but only because his mother was busy, not because he regretted asking his question. Yeah, right.

The rest of them, including the city, slowly got used to the idea of Cailyn, if only because she and Guiomer seemed joined at the hip. Heather wondered if her son was using a time-turner because no matter how busy the both of them got, they still had time for dates. She couldn't find an explanation since she had no relationship experience, whatsoever. Draco, the only one with any inkling of what was going on, simply raised an eyebrow and looked at her funny.

It was during the time of the year, in-between spring and summer that Prince Theodred was ordered by his father to return home. It took Heathers mind off her son's relationship and turned her attention back to Rohan.

"Is everything alright at home?" she asked the prince as she showed up to bid him farewell.

The prince blushed. "Ah, no. my father is being cryptic, since it is a letter, but I don't think it is anything serious. He would have sent me an escort if that was the case."

Heather smiled at him. "I'll take your word for it. Don't forget what we taught you, your highness. And you don't have to worry about your cousins; the city will take care of them."

Prince Theodred gave her a look of deep gratitude. "My lady, I have never felt unsafe, or worried the moment I entered this place. So I will not start worrying about what-if's. I know they'll be fine." He smiled then. "They are, after all, under your protection."

Heather felt like wilting in embarrassment. "Theodred, really! You're making me blush!"

She escorted him to the city gates, with his cousins hanging onto his saddlebags. Heather knew she would see him again, though she prayed that whatever interventions she did would be enough to save his life.

Omake:

A funny moment between a king and a prince

"So," King Theoden said as he watched his son lean back sleepily. His belly was full and sated, body tired from several days of hard riding to return home. "I had a visitor while you were away."

The prince blinked sleepily. "Yes, father?"

"She called herself," he continued blithely. "The Lady of Haven. Her name was Gryffon."

Theodred sat up, sleep gone from him and alertness returning. "Yes, that is the name of the Lady of Haven." He gave his father a look, because he had read the prince's reports concerning the city of Haven.

"You never mentioned in your reports her youth, or her beauty," the king finally pointed out.

He spluttered. "Father, where is this going?"

King Theoden sighed. "Really son? Have you never thought about courting her?"

The prince felt like he was in a surreal dimension. This could not be happening. "Dad!" he finally cried out, standing up and ignoring the servant that dove forward to catch his chair. "That's terrible. She is twice as old as I am and has a son nearly my age. Really!"

The king laughed. "So? It happens all the time! Have you never entertained any admiration for the woman, then?"

He blushed. "Father, it was only when I saw her fight, then I did my best to kill that crush, because the Lady could behead me rather easily."

Theoden chuckled. "So could your mother. It's the warriors we seem to fall for, anyway."

Theodred groaned. "Father, please. Can we change the subject?"

"I can force you to do it, you know," the king pointed out. "Arranged marriages for the good of the kingdom used to happen in your great-grandfather's time."

Prince Theodred wondered if there were enough mountains in Arda to bury him in his embarrassment, or if he could possibly ever look at Lady Gryffon in the eyes ever again.

Sorry for the delay. I'm having a summer job and I am not used to writing and having my train of thought cut off just because the phone rings. (I'm a secretary, sort of)

Question I have not answered: Is Guiomer Immortal? Umm, just because I favorite a lot of angst and tragedy doesn't mean I enjoy writing it, so nope, he's not. Coz, honestly, Cailyn is as mortal as anything.

Soo, possible questions for this chapter.

No, Heather is not a closet pervert. She leaves the teasing of sex to Draco and only teases Guiomer about the other stuff.

The other apprentices? Man, seriously. It's nearly been what, twelve to thirteen years since they apprenticed to the founders. They can't be permanently called apprentices. So I'm setting them up for other stuff. I'll hammer it down in the next chapter.

R&R.

~Hallen