Hello Everyone! I know it's has been a while. Sorry about the delay. I hope you enjoy!


Chapter 18

When the snow finally declared defeat and began it's retreat from the city, Morfindir insisted on taking her back to the rocky shoreline. Patches of grass and mud peaked through the shattered piles of icy mush as they travelled across the plane.

Nemir held back a yelp as the horse's hooves skidded in a particularly nasty section of mud. "This is a terrible idea. We should wait for conditions to improve or your horse is going to break a leg and crush me in the process."

Morfinder chuckled, " I have faith in Rocharan, and you should too. Besides, I think it best if we avoid having a repeat of the other day."

"I have the docks," she muttered stubbornly into his back.

"It's still freezing after sundown and I'm sure Mrs. Gollel would notice if you placed a large tub in her kitchen. This is the most sensible option," he lectured.

"There has to been a better way," she sighed, but dropped the subject. She was lucky Mrs. Gollel accepted their explanation for her late night outburst. Nemir didn't escape unscathed, however, as the older woman scolded her for an hour for hiding her sickness from her. Nemir promised to be more careful in the future as well as to replace all the herbs she destroyed.

The wind grew stronger as they approached the shore, gusts sharp from the cold assaulted their hands and faces. Morfindir pulled his cloak closer as he dismounted, "I best get started on that fire, if I don't want to freeze."

"Just remember, this was your idea," said Nemir as she gratefully slid off the horse.

"You're welcome," he yelled, his back turned in his search of driftwood.

Despite her complaining during the trip, she quickly forgot her objections as soon as she entered the sea. The shock of diving into the chilly depths quickly disappeared as her powerful, muscular tail moved through the water. The snow storm had drained color from the sky and water, but Nemir still found beauty above and below the surface. During these joyous times, she often questioned her life outside the waves. Here she was free from the worries of mortal life. The constant need that hounded her was only silent under the waves. It was a tempting, but she would have her entire life to explore the ocean, the rest of Middle Earth wouldn't be accessible forever.

When she reluctantly returned to the shore, she easily spotted a roaring fire. She rushed toward it, a cloak wrapped around her damp body.

"How was your swim?" greeted Morfinder.

"Too short as usual," she said with a grin. "This fire is wonderful. I swear icicles were already forming on my cloak. "

"Hungry?"

"Starved!" she replied, "What would I do without you?"

"Nothing, because you would be fish bait," he chuckled as he tossed her a sack.

Nemir reached in and found a crusty loaf of bread and a chunk of yellow cheese. She tore a chunk from each and hungrily stuffed her mouth. By the time the meal was finished, she was as dry as bone. She reached for her clothing pile and stepped behind a boulder to change. It didn't offer the best cover, so Morfinder turned his back to give her privacy. While Foam Maiden's scoff at the idea of modesty, Nemir still felt her face flush as she dropped the cloak revealing her nude form. She could clearly see the outline of his tall figure through the flames.

The flames cast flickering shadows on his form. Her eyes locked onto his broad shoulders, not an uncommon sight, but she admired the strength they held. Her gaze casually drifted, and her mind wandered as well. What if she called for him to turn around? The thought was quickly pushed away by horror and shame. She would only embarrass them both and he would think she was insane. She hastily grabbed her tunic and held it to her. The memory of the kiss they shared a lifetime ago bloomed in her mind. What… what if he enjoyed the way she looked? Did she want him to adimre her? She shook her head. This was madness. She glanced at him again, still turned nobly away from her. She expected nothing less, but she still felt of small stab of disappointment. Feeling foolish, she quickly dressed and slunk back toward the fire.

"It's safe now," she called.

"You look flushed," he observed as he turned to face her.

"The heat from the fire," she muttered avoiding his gaze. "We bet get back to the city soon. It will be dark in a few hours."

"I never thought you would be in a rush to get back on Rocharan."

"If I could make it back in time on my own, I would consider it," she said pulling up her hood to hide her face. Truth was the horse wasn't the only reason she was dreading the ride back.


The city urgently began the recovery efforts, and within a couple weeks all signs of snow had been removed by sun or shovel. Nemir was relieved that she could travers the city freely once again, and quickly resumed her rounds to the taverns and her weekly appointment with Lady Iawien. She hadn't seen Morfindir since the beach due to recovery efforts. Many Dol Amroth citizens suffered from injuries and property damage during the storm so the Prince ordered the troops to make rounds throughout the city and surrounding areas to search for those in need of help. Nemir was relieved by this separation, because it allowed her to ignore her embarrassment more easily. The thoughts she had at the shore still haunted her. While she was able to suppress them for the moment, she was terrified that they would emerge again in his presence.

As the days past, the skies gradually brightened from the dismal grey of winter to the brighter blue of coming Spring. There was still a chill in the mornings and evenings, but most were leaving their heaviest cloaks at home. Nemir basked in the warm sunshine as she walked toward the manor. The Baroness had a message delivered requesting her presence at meeting later that afternoon. The letter didn't provide any information concerning the topic of the meeting, so Nemir was curious. She decided to wear her blue and grey dress from the Prince's banquet, and a veil of white, gauzy material secured on her head by a copper circlet. It was a popular accessory amongst the ladies of the city and Nemir adopted it to hide her hair during her daylight activities.

She was so preoccupied with her own thoughts as she walked down the elaborately decorated hallway, that she almost missed Lossion sitting on a padded bench outside a carved wooden door. While he was a talented musician, he had made his negative opinion of her obvious. She didn't feel like suffering under his disapproval, and wondered if she could avoid him. Maybe he wouldn't notice her if she walked past quickly. As she pondered this, he turned his head in her direction and she was spotted.

"Morgoth's balls," she cursed to herself. She forced a smile upon her face and approached him. " Master Lossion, how unexpected. What brings you to the manor?" she asked.

"I could ask the same of you," he responded with his usual lack of charm.

She bristled but kept her expression neutral through great effort,. "I have been in Lady Iawien's employ for several weeks now. I have a weekly appointment to perform for her and her guests.

He raised an unimpressed eyebrow and scoffed, "A novelty to entertain her gossipy friends. Nothing more, I'm sure. I'm surprised that she fell for your little fasade."

The smile dropped from her face and she took a challenging step toward him, "What exactly are you accusing me of?"

"I translated the phrase you spoke to me at the Prince's banquet" he explained cooly.

"I don't understand how that's relevant," she crossed her arms and met his eyes.

"It was Telerin. A form of elvish that is relatively unknown beyond scholarly circles. "

She rolled her eyes, "Congratulations, you succeeded in completing a simple translation. A feat that should be simple enough for a bard of your caliber."

"You expect me to believe that a simple peasant, possess such advanced linguistic skills? I'm not a fool Nemir. Most common villagers are fortunate if they can spell their own name. and a literate woman is a rarer find."

"What is your point? Is being educated a crime? Or perhaps it's my gender that really offends you?" she challenged.

"I have my theories. Just know I won't be fooled by you like these others. Stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours." He leaned back against the wall, cleary pleased with himself.

Nemir flustered by the accusation, wanted to escape the whole conversation. "I simply wish to be judged by my skills as a musician. If you excuse me, I am late for a meeting."

She briskly continued her path down the hallway and toward the Lady's sitting room. Her heart was pounding and as soon as she was out of view, she slunk against a wall to gather herself. The confrontation could have been worse. She took a couple of deep breaths and wondered what Morfindier would say about this situation, if she had the courage to tell him about it. She couldn't focus on it now; she had to be presentable for her meeting. The Baroness wouldn't have summoned her here if it wasn't important. She took some calming breaths, smoothed her gown, and ensured that her circlet was straight before knocking on the sturdy oak door.

"You may enter," Lady Iawien's naturally cheerful voice floated through the door. Planting a smile on her face, Nemir entered.

"Nemir!" she greeted with an enusiasic smile. She was seated at a desk scattered with various parchments. "I'm so glad you were able to come at such short notice. Please join me."

"Thank you my Lady," Nemir rose from her curtsy and took seat across from her employer.

"I am too excited for polite conversation, so please forgive my directness. I recently decided to host a Celebration of Spring. It will be a grand but exclusive affair, where only the most influential will be invited."

"I was unaware that the Celebration of Spring was observed in such a way. It was always a modest affair back home," she said.

"Exactly," the Baroness clapped her hands in excitement, "I will be setting a new standard. A new trend. I only have a month to pull everything together, so you understand my haste."

"How may I assist you?"

"I want you to perform of course! How long would you need to create a collection of possible songs?"

Nemir pondered it for a moment, "I think a week would be sufficient. Do you have any specific requests?"

"Perfect," she exclaimed, "I'll have you perform them during the sowing circle and we can finalize the selection then. I'm sure you understand the standards these guests will have, and I want you to surpass them. I trust your judgement."

"I'm honored by your trust my Lady," she said nodding her head.

"Oh before I forget," interjected Iawien, "Do you have a gown in green?"

Nemir thought this was an odd question, but answered anyway, "I'm afraid not my lady."

"Not an issue," she scribbled something down in a small book, "I'll make an appointment at my seamstress. I'll cover the cost of course."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, yes," she waved the bard's objections away," All of the serving staff will have matching garments and I can't have you be the odd one out."

"That is most generous of you," Nemr was taken aback at the offer.

"Not at all. The entire purpose of this party is to flaunt the resources we have at our disposal. Yourself included. I'll send you a message with the date, time, and location of the appointment."

"I am honored that you included me," said Nemir. The Baroness' excitement was contagious and she was eager to begin her song search. "I know you are busy, but might I ask you a question before I take my leave?"

"Of course!"

"On my way to meet you, I encountered an acquaintance of mine, Lossion. He performed with me at the Prince's' banquet. Will he be performing at Spring Celebration as well?"

"Oh that," the Lady sighed, "That is my husband's doing. The bard's father is an acquaintance of his and asked for a meeting. In search of permanent employment no doubt. I will be in need of other musicians for the party, so I will probably give him a position in the name of good relations. But no worries dear, your position is safe here."

"Thank you, my Lady. You are most generous," said Nemir trying to hide her releaf.

"Of course. I know I have a hidden jewel with you Nemir, and I don't plan on losing you easily," the Lady gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm sorry to be rude, but I have a number of meetings today."

"Yes of course," she stood and curtsied, "Thank you again for this opportunity."

She left the Baroness to her plans and papers as she carefully closed the door behind her. Her head was already whirling as she composed a list of songs to consider for the party. She wasn't too distracted, however, to cautiously peak around the corner to see if a snarky bard was still guarding the hallway. She let out a sigh of relief when she spotted an empty bench, and made her escape. She wasn't looking forward to working with Lossion again, but at least the Barones didn't share his sentiments.

The walk home flew by in a blur, so lost was she in thought. She was familiar with a few Spring/Summer related songs, but most were more at home in a tavern than a noble party. A trip to the library would be needed to give her the edge Lady Iawien wanted. As she approached her home, a familiar figure was leaning against her door frame. She froze, heart pounding, and heat rising to her cheeks. She knew she had to face him eventually. She tried to steady herself, she was being ridiculous. Nothing had changed; it was all in her head.

She forced what she hoped was a natural smile and called out, "Morfinder!"

He turned to face her, "Greetings stranger."

"Were the snow patrols a success?" she asked as she walked closer, ensuring to leave a modest space between them.

"We did the best we could, but the worst damage was done during the storm. Most suffered from injury or shortage of the supplies. The elderly suffered the most, not all survived," his eyes cast down and frown formed.

Nemir reached out to comfort him, but stopped herself, "I'm so sorry. I'm sure it would have been worse if you had not been there to help."

"Perhaps," he said. "Do you have any engagements for tonight?"

"Not at the moment. I will probably be here working on a new performance for Baroness Iawien ."

"Would you like to join me for dinner at the Dented Shield? You can tell me about the performance and I can tell you all about my adventures and wonderful acts of heroism," he smiled and made a silly pose.

She fought a chuckle, "Why make your audience wait?"

"I have to be back at the barracks to make my reports very soon, so I thought dinner would be the best option."

"I suppose that makes sense," she said with a shrug.

"See you at sundown?"

She nodded in agreement.

"Great," he gave her another dashing smile and Nemir felt her stomach flip. He waved as he jogged toward the barracks.

She wiped her sweaty hands against her gown, dashed into the safety of the house.


I know this chapter is short. I'm sorry. The next one will be longer I promise. Had to setup some fun stuff 1st. Please review! It always is great to hear from people who enjoy the story.