Kiera
Kiera slept like a baby and she actually woke up before Celebrimbor knocked on the door. Still a little sleepy, she lay in bed and waited for him to bring the hot water. It wasn't long before he knocked and she called him in.
Surprisingly, Celebrimbor closed the door behind him and came in without the hot water.
"I need to speak with you," he said. "I think it is best to talk now while everyone is downstairs." He stepped over to her bed and took a seat next to her. Celebrimbor stared furiously at her neck and Kiera knew what he saw.
"I see he left some marks on you. Did you enjoy yourself with my cousin?"
Kiera sat up in bed and scowled, "I didn't spend the night with Maeglin."
Celebrimbor rolled his eyes and said, "I know you are lying. I saw you enter the private party with him. I was in a booth across the dance floor. Most people don't notice but I watch the room occasionally while I am with a woman. I left you with Rog and you still ended up with my cousin. There were plenty of suitable men for you, you didn't have to stoop so low and pick him."
Her jaw dropped as she screeched, "there is nothing wrong with Maeglin. He hasn't treated me poorly and I forgave him for his harsh words in the beginning.
Rog wanted a woman to fall into his bed at the first words that tumbled out of his mouth. At least Maeglin talked to me and he didn't expect me to do anything with him."
He stares at her now in disbelief, "I find that hard to believe. My cousin is not known for being generous in bed. I can't imagine you actually enjoying your night with him. You should be with a man who will pleasure you multiple times until you are satisfied."
Pissed and irritated, she yelled, "he did. Many times last night. I enjoyed my time with him and it was fun. He wasn't expecting me to do anything in return and I liked that he was upfront and honest about everything. You can't say anything or tell anyone. This has to be a tight-lipped secret. People can't know I was with him last night."
"Why?" Celebrimbor looked at her curiously.
"I can't explain and I need you to promise me you will not say anything. I need you to cover for me and say I was with someone else. I was hoping not many people saw us but I know people saw us leave for the back rooms."
He raised his eyebrows at her, "I am not sure how many saw. The whole room saw you dancing together and he brought you back to the private party, but that happens all the time. I'm not sure if anyone noticed you in the booths besides me or if you left for the private rooms. I can help you think of someone else but you can't lie and say that you didn't spend the night with someone. Your neck is littered with love bites and you will just have to hide out for a few days or wear a scarf."
She flopped back onto the bed in defeat and sighed. So much for being discreet but she was hoping only Celebrimbor saw her. He was very protective of her, which she appreciated. Yet, it was in his nature to be nosy.
Celebrimbor coughed awkwardly, "so how was it?"
Kiera looked up at him and grinned. "Great. He knows what he is doing and it has been too long. You're not getting details but he surpassed my expectations. I honestly didn't even think about him being an elf but I guess I can say I have been with an elf now."
Saying that out loud caused her to chuckle and he joined her as well. Then he shrugged and said, "well as long as you are happy with it, I won't speak about it. We should make a fake name for the man you spent the night with. I had a friend in Valinor that stayed behind but you could use his name. His name was Tamion." He wiggled his eyebrows at her and said, "you can say you don't know much about him as you didn't speak much."
She nodded in agreement and then asked, "I don't need details but did everyone else enjoy their night this time?"
He grinned smugly at her, "oh yes. Harmon was the first to leave the party and brought back his elleth early. I found a charming elleth and we entered the private party. Rhuidhen and Echadron spent the evening chatting two friends and they all left together at the end of the night."
That made Kiera smile as she was happy her friends got to enjoy the evening. Seeing as she already came clean about last night, Kiera said, "I might as well tell you now, but I need to move into Tuor's household. Maeglin gave me some advice and told me he has been heading off some of the women of the court's plans. I want to stay here but I need to worry about my safety and Tuor has the backing of the king. I want you to know that I appreciate everything you have done for me and I will still come by and do the laundry and visit everyone."
Celebrimbor sighed as his face fell into sadness. "I know. I spoke to Maeglin last week. I was planning on having this conversation with you once the house was done. Lord Egalmoth does not want you included in his household due to his daughter's wishes."
He paused and grimaced, "I have no lordship and I can only offer you protection at the threat of my family. I have heard some of the rumors and have headed off plans as well. I want you to be safe in the city but without Egalmoth's blessing, you are on your own. Tuor can offer you that protection and the court would not dare upset a new lord and one who has the favor of the king. Ecthelion and Glorfindel have both offered their houses as well but I think you will be happy with Tuor and Voronwë."
His words made her tear up and she quickly leaned over and hugged him tightly. Kiera sniffed into his shoulder and said, "thank you for looking out for me. I will stop this afternoon to see when the house will be done and to tell Tuor my decision. It should be any day now, but I will need some help to move all of my things again."
Celebrimbor patted her softly on the back and gave her one last hug. He told her he would help her move and then left to get her some hot water. When he came back, he dumped the water as she stretched. Once he left the room, she slipped into the tub and relaxed in the steaming water. It felt heavenly on her sore muscles and soaked as long as she could.
When she stepped out of the tub, she caught her reflection in the mirror and was shocked. Her neck was littered with hickeys and when she looked down, she spotted more near her breasts. She groaned but moved into her room to get dressed for the day. Seeing as it was the middle of winter and freezing in the city, she dressed in a thick pair of her old leggings and a sweater from home. Thankfully, the wool sweater covered most of her neck and after she dried her hair, it covered the rest nicely.
Once downstairs, she slipped into the dining room where the rest of her housemates were already seated and eating breakfast. There was a woman seated next to Harmon, but Kiera just took her usual seat and began to load her plate.
When she finally looked up, her jaw dropped in surprise. It was Cadweth.
Kiera spluttered, "good morning."
Cadweth smiled warmly at her as Harmon looked just as surprised as she. "Do you know each other?" He asked.
Her teacher laughed playfully at him, "I told you I am a scholar. Kiera is my student." Cadweth turned to her and said, "I hope you do not mind if your morning lesson is canceled today. I am a bit tired and I need to return home and check on my younger sister. It was her first time at Lord Rog's party and I feel a bit bad I left her early."
All she could do was stare as she felt like she was in the twilight zone. Kiera knew her teacher was young, but she had wrongly assumed that Cadweth was a stern older woman who wouldn't be interested in that sort of thing.
Cadweth must have seen her face as she mocked, "don't look so surprised. I enjoy the parties and I go every month. It is a way for me to let loose and enjoy myself. My younger sister expressed an interest in going and I could introduce the two of you. She is probably more around your age and she needs some new friends who are not so prude."
"Sure," Kiera coughed. "I could use a female friend. I wouldn't mind meeting her and I think it could be fun. I miss my best friends from home. The boys are great but they just don't understand." Turning to Celebrimbor, she winked at him and he scoffed playfully at her.
The entire table laughed and it eased the awkwardness. Cadweth nodded at her, "I will plan an afternoon for you to meet. I am technically part of the house of the king now as I am a scholar, but my family is part of the house of the pillar. My father was actually going to give you a tour of the city and explain how they built it before the king intervened. There are not many young women in his house and my sister is often lonely. You will come to find out that people tend to stay within their houses. Rog's parties are great as people get to mingle more freely."
And the sex but Kiera kept that bit to herself. The table resumed eating until
Echadron asked her, "so Kiera, did you enjoy your evening? I didn't see you around the dance floor and I was there most of the night."
She blushed in spite of herself and the entire table turned to her. She cleared her throat and replied, "I had a wonderful night. I met a man early and left to see the private party."
Harmon asked, "do we know this ellon? What's his name and what house is he a part of?"
Kiera shrugged and replied "no. His name is Tamion. We didn't talk much so I don't know what house he is a part of."
Echadron chuckled, "are you going to see him again?"
"No."
Satisfied with her answers, the interrogation ends. Nosy fuckers, she thought. She never asked them who they brought him. Yet, she knew it came from a good place. When she met Cadweth's eye, the look her teacher sent her, made her blush. It was a mixture of confusion and intrigue. Kiera didn't know what that was about, so she said nothing. They ate the rest of their meal in silence and then they all left to get ready for the day.
Leaving the house, Kiera walked across the road to see if Voronwë wanted to walk to Tuor's house with her. As she walked, she threw her cloak over her shoulders and fastened it around her neck. By the time she was done, she was at his front door and knocked.
Less than a minute later, Voronwë answered, smiling happily as he saw her.
"Hello, I was wondering if you were busy this morning? My lesson got canceled and I need to speak with Tuor."
His eyes shined with relief and he yelled back into his house something in elvish. He quickly grabbed a cloak that was hanging from the key holder she made them and closed the door. It warmed her heart to know that his uncle appreciated her gift as she spotted numerous keys hanging as well.
Voronwë stepped out into the cold with her and said, "thank you for coming by. My uncle's guest is still here and I was planning on leaving shortly to escape. Tuor should be at the house so we can head that way."
They started walking down the road quickly as it was freezing. It wasn't long before Voronwë glanced down at her and asked hesitantly, "did you have a good time last night?"
Kiera glanced up to meet his eyes and she noticed he looked tense. "Yes," she replied cautiously. "But I don't want to hurt your feelings."
Instead of sadness she expected, Voronwë's face broke out into a wide grin of sheer happiness. He laughed his tinkling laugh and explained, "I do not want you to miss out because of me. I would much rather you enjoy yourself and meet new people. I want us to be friends and friends tell each other the truth. There may come a time when I join those parties and I would want you to be happy for me as well. My wish for us both is to find people who make us happy. I understand that we are not meant for each other and don't want you to hold back things to spare my feelings."
That made her smile largely with happiness. Overcome by feeling and glad that their friendship survived, Kiera moved closer and hugged him. "Oh Voronwë," she cried. "That means a lot to me. I want that for both of us. I had a good time last night but I am more of a private person anyway so I never share details. It was fun and it reminds me a little of the bars and clubs from my home."
His eyes lit up, "I never stayed long, but it is nice that there is something here that is similar to your world. My uncle seems to always enjoy his time at the parties and perhaps I will in the future. I am not in any rush though."
Voronwë smiled warmly at her as they pulled apart and started walking again. Once they did, he admitted, "it will be nice to have a room away from my uncle. The walls are thick but elvish ears are very good. I used to leave sometimes in the night to get away from the sounds. I will enjoy my quiet room at Tuor's house."
Kiera choked on laughter, which caused Voronwë to burst out laughing. Then they were both giggling like children and she was glad to have him as a friend. She hoped that he would find someone in the future that he could share that with, but if he wanted to spend a night together, she wouldn't be opposed. They were friends and she cared for him deeply. Kiera knew that Voronwë wanted his first time to be with someone he trusted and she could be that person for him. Only time would tell.
As they walked, they spoke of lighter topics until they reached Tuor's courtyard.
Voronwë pushed open the gate and she saw a few people walking around from house to house. They approached the main house and she prayed Idril was not here today.
Neither one of them bothered to knock and instead, just walked in. The house was warm and toasty, so they took off their cloaks by the door. Voronwë led them to the dining room where Tuor was eating by himself.
When Tuor looked up and saw them, his eyes widened with bliss. "What a pleasant surprise. I was not expecting you today but I am glad you are here. The house should be done in two days, but I have mostly moved in already. The remaining staff is still moving in."
Kiera and Voronwë took seats on either side of him at the table. Voronwë loaded a plate with food, while she poured herself some tea. After a moment, she cleared her throat. "I came to tell you I am planning on moving in. I should warn you though, that the women of the court are making plans and spreading rumors. Celebrimbor thinks once I enter your household they will cease. They do not want to upset a new lord and one who has favor with the king. Egalmoth does not want to include me in his household per his daughter's request. I would still like to live here though as I will be with friends. I am going to miss the craftsmen, but I should be there a few times a week to do the laundry."
His eyes beamed with joy, "excellent. I was hoping you would join us. I have missed your company. Thank you for letting me know about the women of the court. I will do my job as your head of house to protect you. I am sorry about Egalmoth but perhaps he has enough to worry about now. Did you two hear the news this morning? Idril came by earlier to tell me and to inform me that she will be gone for the rest of the day."
She and Voronwë shook their heads no, but Kiera had a pretty good idea.
Tuor bowed his head low and told them, "Lord Glordil has ended his courtship with Lady Tithessel. Idril had no idea why and she was on her way to find Tithessel. Both of the houses are meeting today with the king to find out what happened. Idril told me horrible rumors are going around and that all the lords will be present for the meeting in the afternoon, myself included. I am unfamiliar with elvish courting rituals but does this usually happen?"
They both turned to look at Voronwë who was stunned by the news. "What do you mean?" He asked unsure. "I have not heard any rumors. While Tithessel is not the nicest elleth she still is kind and caring to the people in her father's house. I have no idea why Glordil would end the courtship. Typically, any elf has the right to, until the wedding ceremony. It has been known to happen, but I thought those two were in love."
She shrugged, "maybe one of them just didn't love the other the same. What are people saying around the city."
Tuor coughed, "well there are a few. People say they saw her at Rog's party last night while others claim that she was home. Some say they saw her leaving the house of the tree early this morning while another claim she was never there. It is a bit of a mess, but you went to Rog's party. Did you see her?"
A jolt of panic went through her body, but she calmed herself and pretended to think. She shook her head no and said, "I found a man early on and he took me to the private room in the back. I didn't pay attention after and we didn't talk much."
Kiera didn't like lying to her friends, but she knew Maeglin was right. This was not something she wanted to be involved in and it was best for her to stay far away from the drama. Based on Maeglin's anger and what she knew about elvish customs, cheating was a heinous crime. She wondered vaguely if this sort of thing happened often in the city, but she assumed it must not. Either way, her idea that elves were peaceful and perfect was slowly getting shattered. Maybe in the third age, they might be. Right now though, this city was suffocating.
Tuor winked at her. "At least you had a good time. What are the parties like? Idril has never gone and Voronwë doesn't know much. I hear it is more provocative than the other parties. I asked Rog for an invitation and he is considering it. Could you tell me more?"
They both looked at her expectantly, so she sighed. "I was expecting a worse party but it is fine. I understand that most elves are modest. The parties are for finding a person to spend the night with. The main dance floor is large and there are tables all around. The only difference is the couples dance a little closer and touch each other more. The private party room is for the lords and ladies of the court. Or people whom Rog gives special permission to."
She paused and noticed that they were eagerly waiting for her to continue. "The private party has a smaller dance floor and private booths lining the walls. Couples kiss openly on the dance floor and in the booths. There are also private rooms in the back that just have a bed."
Tuor broke out in loud laughter, "I was expecting something more. That hardly seems like much. The elves of Mithrim would often hold parties in the woods. A nice night of drinking and dancing. Perhaps these elves here in the city are a bit more modest."
They both looked at Voronwë who just shrugged. "Probably. I did not know some of Fingolin's elves continued the traditions of Valinor in Mithrim. I wish to hear more."
Tuor chuckled happily and began telling stories of his youth and some of the parties he attended. They still were tame compared to what she was used to, but Tuor is a wonderful storyteller. They spent the rest of the day meeting all the staff around the house and just talking with one another, and sharing stories.
—
The next few weeks were a bit of a blur. The boys helped her move into Tuor's house and they carried all of her things in two trips. It was bittersweet as she loved living with them, but her safety came first. They came up with a good schedule where she would come by on Monday and Friday to do the laundry. On Wednesday, she would help them in the shop.
That gave her free afternoons on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sunday afternoons she would spend with Ecthelion. It kept her busy and gave her enough days for herself, but she knew that when spring came, training would keep her even busier.
One cold afternoon, Kiera finally got to meet Cadweth's sister. Her teacher stopped by the house, with a smaller elleth following her. With only a few words to them both, Cadweth left them standing together in the entrance hall.
The girl was a bit nervous as she glanced around the house. Kiera felt the same and she took a deep breath and said pleasantly, "I'm Kiera, it is nice to meet you."
Kiera finally got a good look at her when she turned her face to look at her. The elf was very pretty but looked young. Her hair was long, straight, and light brown. Her hair color was similar to her eyes and Kiera thought they were very beautiful. A warm, rich, brown.
They stared at one another and it became awkward fast.
She coughed, "It is nice to meet you. I am Hanniel. I apologize in advance if my common is not correct. My sister taught me but I hardly speak it. She told me you are still learning Elvish, but you are not close enough to start speaking full sentences yet. I think you are very pretty and I hope we can be friends."
"Me too," Kiera sighed with relief. "Would you like to sit down? I think you are very beautiful and don't worry about speaking common. I am sure I butcher Elvish words daily."
Hanniel laughed as she followed her into the living room. They sat down opposite each other on the couches and the awkwardness creeped in again. Kiera was eager to make more friends so she spoke first. "So Cadweth told me your first party was last month? How was it?"
Tentatively Hanniel replied, "it was fantastic. I am not sure if you would like to hear it, but I would very much like to talk about it with someone. I didn't want to speak to my sister about it and the few friends I have are not interested in the parties."
She chuckled, "I would love to hear it. The party was a bit tame compared to what I am used to so you won't shock me. How old are you anyway? Cadweth never said."
"I am 58 years old," Hanniel replied with a grin. "My sister told me we are around the same age as elves reach maturity at 50."
Her jaw dropped and she gaped at her. Hanniel laughed at her face as she added, "I am very young for my kind. I have just become an adult and would now like to explore other areas of life. I have been begging my sister to allow me to Rog's parties and it took a few years before I was granted an invitation. I had a private meeting with Lord Rog who questioned me about different topics. I passed and my sister took me last month."
Hanniel clapped her hands excitedly as her eyes shone with excitement. "It was so much fun. I got to dance with many ellons in the city and from different houses. I felt very beautiful and confident in my dress. Many asked me to dance and it felt nice to be wanted."
Her face turned blissful as she must have been reliving the night in her mind. Kiera knew the feeling as she remembered her prom night and homecoming night when she was in school. They were certainly nights to remember and she looked back on them now with fondness.
Hanniel sighed dreamily at her as she asked, "and you?"
She smiled. "It was fun, but I only danced with Maeglin. He showed me the private party room and then left me, but I found a nice man and we spent the rest of the evening together. Did you find someone or did you get invited to the back?"
"Oh yes," Hanniel replied wistfully. "I found a nice guard from the house of the golden flower. He was very kind and attentive to my needs. We didn't go to the back party room as he is not a man of the court. I have had sex before, but there was something so exciting and thrilling about that night."
They were in agreement there. Perhaps the nature of the parties added to the thrill of it, but maybe not. Either way, she said, "I agree and it was exciting. Are you planning to go this month? Tuor and Voronwë are planning to go with me this time, but you could join us if you want."
She frowned, "I wish to but my sister is taking me again. She feels horrible that she left me so early the last time and wants to spend the night with me. I told her I would be fine but she won't budge." She sighed but then smirked mischievously. "She is planning on going with Harmon. It seems they kept in touch after their last encounter. Could you tell me more about him? I wish to know if he is good enough for my sister."
"Harmon is wonderful," she replied passionately. "He is an excellent cook, a little shy, and likes to read. He tends to be more on the quiet side with his brother being the more outgoing one. However, he has quick wit and sharp tongue."
That made Hanniel roll her eyes, "perfect for my sister. Boring, just like her. Well, that is a relief to hear. I've never left the city and when the three arrived from Nargothrond, it was a bit of a shock. Especially Celebrimbor. He's easy on the eyes if you know what I mean."
"Gorgeous you mean?" She mused.
Hanniel nodded as she blushed. "He's a Feanorian though so I've heard all the rumors. You and him have never…."
"No," she blushed.
"Really," she asked surprised. "What about Harmon or his brother?"
"No."
Hanniel snorted, "you lived with three gorgeous elves and you never did anything with them? You are not living up to the rumors of mortal women." Hanniel said the last bit in a teasing tone which made Kiera laugh. She was funny and they would get along great.
"Sorry to disappoint," she replied with a chuckle. "Is that what they say?"
"Hmm," Hanniel murmured. "Yes, that all mortal women have looser morals than elves. That they all desire to bed an elf and the same could be said for mortal men. So far, you and Tuor are not living up to the city's expectations."
Kiera rolled her eyes which made Hanniel giggle. "Well," she drawled. "I can say I have been with an elf now and there isn't much difference except for the point of your ears."
"Fair enough," Hanniel replied. "It's just silly gossip in the city anyway. I only listen to pass the time, but Cadweth told me about you since you arrived. My sister wanted you to get settled first before she introduced us. I've always wanted to meet a mortal, but now, I would like to be your friend."
That made her smile as she missed having female friends. "Me too," she replied easily. "Living with men can get tiring after a while. However, they gossip just as badly as women. What about you though? I hardly know anything."
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about themselves. They actually had quite a bit in common as Hanniel had an interest in building due to her father. Although she was born in the city, Cadweth made sure she was educated and knowledgeable about the outside world. She was a bit more down to heart than Kiera first imagined and seemed to take things in stride.
Kiera shared stories of her home, her family, and her passions. They both were happy to have a party buddy for the future and she was looking forward to it. Hanniel was also well-informed about the happenings around the city and the gossip. Kiera didn't care much for it, as she didn't know the people and she had had her fill of it. It was interesting to hear the differences in what elves talked about versus humans.
Mostly, the happenings of the lords and ladies of the court and speculation on the future. It was odd to hear that Glorfindel's escapades were talked about often, and it seemed like a rite of passage for young elves in the city.
Kiera smirked at Hanniel after she told her that. "I could introduce you to him if you are interested?"
Hanniel's face scrunched up in disgust. "No thank you."
That sent her into a giggling fit that only ended when Tuor came home and found them together in the living room. Kiera had such a good afternoon that she told Hanniel to stay for dinner so she could meet the rest of her friends.