Thanks to the people who reviewed last chapter, and again I beg everyone to please R&R! It helps me know what works and what doesn't, and it keeps the inspiration for this story up so that it's more likely to be completed. That being said here's chapter three and I hope you like it!
Enjoy!
-Periodic
Chapter Three: The Monstrous Nobility
"She took a hike it don't matter if I like it or not
Because she only wants the wrong way
I gave her all that I had to give
But she still wouldn't take it, oh no"
Sublime – "The Wrong Way"
Aurelia watched her reflection soberly while her maid, Lhoseth, arranged her gown and attempted to calm her wild curls. She studied her face, knowing it to be a pretty one: her skin smooth and coloured, accenting the green depths of her eyes; her mouth full and red without the paint that many noblewomen slathered on; her forehead proud and chin stubborn. But in all this Aurelia could see that her features, while striking, were etched from granite. Her eyes were cold, her mouth turned down at the corners, her brow slightly puckered in disfavor, and she sighed inwardly thinking back to an earlier time when she had laughed till the tears ran down her cheeks; when the concept of nobility was thought of in a historical sense, and when she had never heard of Gondor and its troubles.
"Lhoseth, do you think the king will return?" Aurelia spoke calmly as if this was a matter-of-fact question, but her eyes studied her maid's suddenly guarded reflection.
"I wouldn't know my lady; such things are beyond me," Lhoseth replied warily.
"Oh come now, I'm sure you must have heard something. There's been such wild chatter these days, I only wish to hear the truth," Aurelia favoured her maid with a gentle smile, letting her features soften and grow kindly. "I know that I can trust you above all others Lhoseth, you are so dear to me. Like a sister really."
Lhoseth ducked her head humbly, her weary face lined with age softening slightly and blushing. "My lady is too kind." She hesitated for a moment and then lifted her brown eyes to Aurelia's, an eagerness to gossip flickering in her gaze. "I did hear one thing my lady that might interest ye. The man's name is Aragorn and he comes here by ships commandeered from those Corsair rogues and by an army of ghosts no less." Lhoseth spoke in a low whisper, excitement and nerves making her voice quick and breathy while her eyes darted from Aurelia to the door as if she worried one of Denethor's spies might be lingering outside with his ear pressed against the wood.
"Hmm, is that all the news you have?"
"Yes, my lady, that is all."
"It is curious…" Aurelia studied her reflection for a moment longer before turning and taking hold of her maid's bony hands. "Now we must speak of this to no one, agreed? Not a word, not even to your dear husband."
"Oh no, of course not my lady," Lhoseth hurriedly agreed and Aurelia nodded once, dropping her hands.
"Good, now I shall go to dinner and then likely retire for the night." They both knew what that meant.
"My-my lady?" Lhoseth hesitated for a moment, clearly afraid to continue but determined to voice whatever it was that bothered her. "If I may be so bold, I have a request about…about my son, Gemion. Oh my lady, I wouldn't dare ask but I'm desperate, see? And ye did say we were like sisters jus' now. Well, he's sick my lady, my poor boy is sick, and getting sicker yet, but we can't afford any healer, and our last coin goes towards food for the new babe-"
"What is your point Lhoseth?" Aurelia cut across her smoothly, her focus kept on the rings that she slid onto her long fingers.
"Only if there were a way he could be treated my lady, just-just a second of any healer's time would be grand, I'm sure. And we – I – would be ever so grateful." She dropped a deep curtsy, one that was meant for royalty. In her haste to speak her words had grown more common and course.
"What would you have me do?" Aurelia asked quietly, turning to look at her maid. "Sneak him in to see the royal healer? Commission someone to enter the slums? No, no, even you realize that would be too difficult. Is it money you seek? Ah, I see we have come to the true point now. No, Lhoseth, I am sorry but I feel this is a family matter of which I have no business interfering."
"But my lady he's diein'. I can see it now; he's on death's doorstep!"
"That is no concern of mine," Aurelia snapped and Lhoseth took a step back, her head dropping with the rebuke. A heavy silence hung in the air and Aurelia sighed lightly, moving over to place a hand on her maid's shoulder. "I am truly sorry Lhoseth, there is nothing I can do. Go now; be with your family, I do not require your services this evening."
Two red splotches coloured Lhoseth's pale face but she nodded all the same, dipping a quick curtsy and mumbling, "Thank you Lady Aurelia," before hurrying from the room.
Aurelia stood in the silence that was left, breathing hard through her nose. Her green eyes were flinty and her jaw clenched, but all the anger seemed to drain from her suddenly and her shoulders slumped. Aurelia turned pained eyes to the ceiling and moaned lowly, "Oh, Mama if you could see me now."
* * *
Aurelia, among the first nobles to arrive at the great dining hall, took her regular seat far from Denethor's. When she had first become his mistress she had thought that she would immediately be placed at his left or right side for meals, but it seemed that Denethor liked only the company of men during the day and women's at night. At first this had worried her, but she had quickly come to realize it was an advantage for her placement kept him in her eye and her in his. Truly she benefited the most as this meant that she could laugh charmingly, chat gracefully and smile winsomely for him to see, thus keeping him attached while never having to suffer his company.
Aurelia glanced curiously at the two extra seats placed beside her and she looked up in time to see Legolas enter the hall, and beside him a dwarf. She watched the two make their way over and figured at once that they had already been informed of their seating.
She smiled and inclined her head to them both, "Good evening Prince Legolas. I see you bring a friend with you this evening."
"Lady Aurelia," Legolas greeted in turn and then gestured to the dwarf, "May I introduce Gimli son of Glóin."
"A pleasure," Aurelia murmured demurely.
"The pleasure's mine, but if ye'll excuse me I hate to stand on ceremony," Gimli said with a nod of his head before sitting down and taking out his pipe. "Tell me lass, will Denethor behead me if I smoke in his hall?"
Aurelia starred for a moment before laughing aloud. "Oh, you are bold Master Dwarf."
"Thank ye," He said with a twinkle in his eye and merrily begin stuffing his pipe.
"If I might also be bold and ask what brings the two of you to my lord's table this evening?" Aurelia asked. Gimli snorted rudely but it was Legolas who answered while taking his seat.
"Denthor is being diplomatic: Gimli is part of the Dwarven royal line, and my own heritage is royal. Though I suspect Denthor wants to keep us close for a number of reasons."
"I wouldn't doubt it," Aurelia murmured quietly as more nobles began to enter the hall and take their seats, shortly followed by the Steward himself. Aurelia's courtly smile was carefully put into place and the dinner began. Light chatter filled the dining hall, easy subjects like dance and recently read novels were explored in depth. When Gimli or Legolas attempted to bring up the battle of Pelennor Fields, or why Faramir had been sent back to Osgilaith Aurelia would artfully steer the conversation in a different direction, her courtly smile becoming more pronounced.
"At least we stand a chance now," Gimli interjected at one point. "With the beacons lit, Rohan'll be knockin' at these gates in no time."
Aurelia gave a tinkling laugh and brought her napkin to her numb lips. Dear God, if anyone overheard that statement they were as good as dead. Her sharp gaze flickered over the elf and dwarf – well, they would be arrested for sure, and Aurelia's reputation might be questioned, but she would be damned if she would be dragged down with their stupidity.
"Oh what gallant bravado - I haven't encountered such a display in some time. It reminds me of a young suitor who once tried to court me. Poor dear, he had more brawn than brain…and even then he could barely swing a sword." She gave a small titter behind her napkin and the eavesdropping nobles chuckled in response; remembering their youth they began recounting the many frivolities they had partaken in. Under the pretense of gossip, Aurelia leaned towards Legolas and Gimli, murmuring quietly, "such talk suggests you wish for an early death. I cannot save you from these bloodhounds if you cast about so foolishly, nor will I do so if I sense my own demise." She paused to let her words sink in, her playful smile not reaching her grave eyes. "Now I suggest we pretend I've said something terribly witty, laugh, and forget this matter." She held their stares for a moment before smiling widely and giving a pretty laugh, which they joined in with hesitantly.
When the dinner was finished Denethor immediately rose from his seat to leave the hall, a small gaggle of nobles following after him. Aurelia watched them go before turning back to Legolas and Gimli and bowing her head slightly.
"If you will excuse me, I think I too will take my leave. It was lovely to meet you Gimli." Aurelia stood from her seat and Legolas and Gimli stood with her.
"Allow me to walk with you?" Legolas asked, and she arched a brow as he offered his arm like a Gondorian knight would.
"Of course," She said after a moment, and smiling gracefully took his arm.
They moved out of the dining area and down the great halls, making their way to the courtyard and then into the gardens. It seemed Legolas knew this to be a favourite place of hers. They had walked in silence for several minutes and Aurelia was about to ask if something was on his mind when the elf spoke up at last.
"I understand Denethor has taken the news of his son's passing badly."
"Yes, Lord Boromir was my lord's favourite," Aurelia said slowly, waiting to see where this topic of conversation would lead. Several long seconds passed before Legolas thought to continue.
"I traveled with him and others from Rivendell. He was a good man: brave, and proud."
"Yes."
"He spoke of a woman."
Aurelia hesitated. "I am sure the ladies of the court would be excited to hear this, he was a favourite among many of them also."
"You misheard me; I don't mean women, but one individual." Legolas paused and Aurelia looked up to see him watching her.
"She was likely only mentioned in passing," Aurelia murmured.
"On the contrary, he spoke of her day and night. 'A woman like no other,' he said. 'Not fair but dark, with brilliant green eyes that pierced the soul and an uplifting smile. Oh, but the temper this woman possessed, and the passion with which she would throw herself into these fits.'" Legolas chuckled and Aurelia found herself smiling. "'I would never seek to contain such a fiery spirit,' he would say. 'Merely watch this noble, wild creature burn brighter than any I have ever seen, and hope that one day I might be worthy to see her glance my way.'"
Aurelia chuckled gently, giving a soft shake of her head as Legolas continued.
"We would ask him for her name and he would laugh. 'Only a unique name for one as unique as she,' he would say. 'This dark beauty, this green-eyed wildcat: Aurelia.'"
They came to a halt and she brought a hand to her trembling lips.
"Boromir was a dear friend," She said at last, letting her hand fall away as she slowly regained control of her emotions. "Denethor is not the only one who has found his death hard to overcome."
Legolas reached out to comfort her but she jerked away from his touch, afraid that its gentleness would cause the unshed tears to fall. She quickly turned from him, and took a shuddering breath, blinking back the tears. Movement along the garden paths caught her eye and she was immensely glad for the distraction.
"One of Lord Denethor's men approaches," She said. Her relief quickly turned to dread as the reality of her situation reminded her why he would seek her out. "You must leave." She turned back to Legolas quickly, hissing under her breath.
He was taken aback by her abrupt change of demeanor and worriedly drew closer. "Why? What-"
"Go. Go now, I don't want you here."
"Tell me why and I'll-"
"Excuse me Prince Legolas, Lady Aurelia, I do not mean to interrupt." The messenger bowed shortly to them both. "Lady Aurelia, I am sent to inform you that my Lord Denethor has matters which require your presence this night."
Aurelia had grown rigid and icy as the man spoke, inclining her head coolly as he finished.
"Tell my lord I shall see him shortly," She responded and the man bowed quickly again.
"Very good my lady." He hurried off, leaving a tense silence between the two.
Aurelia, having gathered herself together while the messenger retreated, turned to Legolas with her empty courtier's smile but he gripped her arm, a fierce expression on his face.
"Don't go to him." He said lowly, but she shook her head and tried to pull her arm free.
"I must."
"You must do nothing!"
"You're wrong. This is what is required of me; this is what I must do to keep my place."
"Then leave!"
"And go where? To the slums? They'll be the first hit when Sauron's army comes."
"Then you will stay with me until we find better arrangements. Aurelia, do not do this." They stood close, glaring at each other, their breaths coming in short bursts. Aurelia's dark cheeks burned with shame and anger: outraged that she was being judged and furious because she knew he was right. But how dare he treat her so! He didn't know what she was capable of; she could handle this.
Aurelia was suddenly reminded of Boromir and how he used to react to her former suitors, and the thought cooled her short temper. She stilled and laid a hand on Legolas' cheek, her tanned skin made to look darker against his own fair complexion.
"Oh my dear Prince, such human emotions," She murmured softly. "I told you before court is no place for the noble. It turns us into such monsters. Do you think I do not see what I have become? Well, I can accept my fate so long as it is at my own hands. No, listen. I need nothing from you. If I have to do this one act to get what I need then so be it." Her hand moved to gently remove his hand from her arm and this time he let her. "If you so desperately wish to help me then find the household of my maid, Lhoseth, and treat her ill son. Only do not tell them you came from me."
She backed away a few paces and turned to go.
"A woman of passion," Legolas said, his words twisting bitterly, "a laughing, kind, wild, uncontrollable woman of passion. A fiery, noble creature- noble Aurelia! Where is that spirit that Boromir described?"
"That was a different time, a different Aurelia," She said softly and he stiffened.
"It must have been. The Aurelia Boromir described was no noblewoman concerned with titles and land but a poor maiden, probably no more than a seamstress."
The courtier's mask crumbled for a moment as she turned back to him and fear flashed across her face. She thought to fly at him, to yell and tell him to mind his own goddamn business; she'd worked too hard, lost too much to have everything taken away now. But then she took a slow breath and let the empty smile touch her lips again, her green eyes growing cold and hard.
"That is quite a coincidence indeed. Good evening Prince Legolas."She curtsied daintily and left him there, gracefully making her way to her chambers to prepare for her night with the Steward.