With spring soon to arrive, it was soon ordained that in all of the realm of Gondor there would be a great ball in celebration of spring's arrival and winter's end. I was quite content to learn that the Prince did in fact keep his appointment and the more time I spent with him, the more it was near impossible to detest him. What frightened me the most was just that. I couldn't bear the thought of giving my heart away to a man let alone the Prince. As innocent, foolish and naïve I was in nature…I was also a great deal coy. There were times when the prince would charm me with poems in exotic tongues and flatter me in countless ways but I would always blush then look away. At that very moment, a shy smile would take form on my face. We were in each other's presence for about three times a week and whenever we were, I was rendered speechless for fear I would utter something silly or rude. I was often referred to as sweet little Vorondomë that spoke her mind and was known for her supreme virtue and truthfulness.
The night before the grand ball soon arrived and as conversation was reduced to silent murmurs, I spoke with my mother. Mother smiled at me as she uttered a comment about Isildur and at that very moment, I desired nothing more than to scream because that was all that seemed to be on everyone's tongue those days. Isildur this and Isildur that…
"Mama." I started, poking at the potatoes on my plate as she stared at me, her big blue almond-shaped eyes framed by delicate eyelashes, "I am not going to the ball." It was said simply and without any emotion. I had been her daughter for many years and she knew my nature better than anyone else. As she was acquainted with my nature, I was well acquainted with her own nature. She reached over the table, smiling reassuringly at me as she placed her hand over my hand. Though she was in her thirties, she still retained a youthful appearance and it seemed almost as if we both were sisters. At least one could glance at us and take a supposition that we were.
"Vorondomë, you have to go. The Prince will be most disconcerted if you refuse to attend. There are many young maidens frolicking around court. Do not think for once that they will not make any attempt at baiting the Prince like a fish." She whispered then withdrew her hand, "Why else do you think the Prince desires you so, my daughter? It is the fact that you do not try and attract him as the other women…noble and common…do. Though you may be the Prince's favorite, do not for once forget to exercise caution. Remember that there are those that would try and remove you. You are not a noble nor are you royalty. That immediately could condemn you in terms of matrimony." I blinked, for the first time having realized what she said. I never once thought of such things nor did I expect them. My mother was once a daughter to a farmer but after she met my father, she elevated her rank in the world to become a merchant's wife. How in the world would a Merchant's daughter become a queen? In no way did I desire to become a queen.
"I am still not going." I declared unrelenting, "The Prince can take favor in another young maiden because I care not to be a Queen. The people of the realm of Gondor would never even for a moment accept me as their queen. I am a merchant's daughter!" My father overheard my remark and fixed me with a pointed glaring stare, his expression speaking for his silence.
Feeling a hint of defiance, I stared directly at him before exclaiming, "You heard me, father. I will not attend tomorrow night's ball. I'd rather you allow me to choose for myself. There are maidens aplenty for the Prince to choose from. He can forget about me." At that very instant, I arose from the table and stormed out of the room, hurrying to the privacy and sanctuary of my room. Nessamelda was perched upon a chair by the fire the moment I entered and arose immediately with an expression of surprise fixed on her heart-shaped face.
"Is anything the matter, my lady?" She demanded in her sweet voice, her head tilted ever so slightly. I closed the door and bolted it before staggering over to the fire and settling into a chair just before it. I sighed, resting the back of my head on the embroidered backing of the chair.
"Oh Nessa, everything is wrong." I frowned staring into her dark eyes then shook my head, "I cannot go to tomorrow's ball. I will not attend tomorrow's ball." As I stated the latter of the two sentences, my voice sounded a great deal firmer. Nessamelda's dark ringlets were bound yet some defiant strands of hair managed to break free and to dangle just in her eyes. She was already garbed in her night shift and appeared a great deal more comfortable I was in my red velvet gown.
"Why are you acting so silly?" She shook her head at me, "The Prince adores you yet you are quick to spurn him. He has spent almost every day with you just this last month. I've seen you day after day arriving at home with roses, bouquets of flowers and elegant little trinkets…yet you complain of him. Are you mad? You are the envy of every unmarried girl in all of Gondor. Did that thought ever cross your mind?" I knew deep down that every word that came out of her mouth was right but I refused to concede to what my parents and family expected of me. The thought of fleeing Osgiliath on my own had crossed my mind several times but I knew that I would fall prey to something horrid. I left Nessamelda in silence as I disrobed and replaced the red velvet gown with a night shift to sleep in. She remained sitting by the fire, staring into it with the red glow illuminating her face as she did so.
"Good night, Nessa." I mumbled, feeling miserable as I lowered my head onto my pillow. She turned her head to look at me, "Good night, my lady. May sweet dreams find you in your slumber." Shortly after her remark, she arose and began snuffing the many candles around the room then retired to her own. I was left in my own room to think over the predicament that I faced. That night I felt myself unable to fall under sleep's spell for my mind wandered and many questions plagued me. What am I to do? Should I run away and flee before my parents force me into a marriage? Where would I do? To the southern lands? To the northern lands? East or west? Is it possible to simply say 'no'? Only one thing mattered, I needed to do something fast before my greatest fear was manifested into reality.