Kiera
When she woke the next morning, she felt surprisingly at ease and refreshed. Narriel knocked on her door and brought her some new clothes for her period days. The days had been slipping by, but she knew it was bound to start soon. After her morning bath, Narriel informed her, "the others are waiting for you at the table. Your morning lesson has been canceled as they wish to speak with you this morning."
She frowned at her words but walked towards the table nonetheless. When she got there, all of them were waiting for her. Tuor gave her an enormous smile while Voronwë and Idril looked at her with hesitation. Without a word, she took her normal place and began to eat.
To her surprise, Tuor spoke first, "we would like to spend the morning together. We all realized yesterday that we were poor friends to you. Idril has offered her garden so that we may speak privately. Eat, though, and then we can talk."
Kiera arched her brow at him and kept eating. She noticed that Idril and Voronwë were squirming in their seats, but she thought they deserved to be uncomfortable for a little while. Once she was finished, Idril led them across the palace to her private garden. A small table had been set up near the fountain, along with some glasses and a pitcher of water.
As soon as they sat, Idril burst out in tears, "forgive me. I cannot take the guilt any longer. I was a terrible friend to you and treated you poorly after hearing the rumors. I understand if you do not wish to be my friend any longer, but I hope you can forgive me. I am very sorry for my words and actions yesterday."
The princess looked dreadful as she sobbed into her hands. After a while, Idril reached for a handkerchief to dry her eyes. Before Kiera could reply, Voronwë jumped in first.
"I, too, have been an awful friend. I let my feelings and emotions impede our friendship. I left you at the dinner, and you had to deal with Maeglin. I am so sorry for that and for not being there for you yesterday. I arrived back in the city and heard all the rumors. I am sorry to say that I believed them. It was only when Celebrimbor told me some of what happened did I realize what a lousy friend I was. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I understand if you do not."
He wiped his tears and sniffed, but he refused to look at her as he hung his head down in shame. Kiera turned to Tuor and arched a brow at him, waiting.
Unsurprisingly, Tuor just shrugged, "I was not the best friend either. While I did not believe the rumors yesterday, I did bother to find you. I believed that you wouldn't care what was being said, and I escorted you to your room after the dance. I assumed that the rumors would blow over with time, and I was preoccupied with exploring the city. When I found Idril upset, I learned all that took place. I looked for you, but I was told that Celebrimbor had found you. I am sorry I wasn't there when you needed a friend. I am truly grateful that you and Celebrimbor have developed a friendship, as he seems like a wonderful person, and I would like to get to know him better."
Tuor wasn't crying, but he did have a small frown on his face. The other two could not meet her eyes as they sniffed and cried in shame. Kiera didn't know how to start, so she said, "I think I should probably just tell you all that happened."
So she did. Kiera spoke about everything that happened and how she was feeling. From being abandoned at the dance by Voronwë all the way to last night's talk with Ecthelion and Glorfindel. It felt good to get it all out again, but she wanted her friends to understand what she had gone through and how she felt at the moment. In the end, she was crying a little as she finished with the truth.
"I miss my family, my friends, my life, and I miss the future I had. I'm all alone here, and while I made some good friends so far, yesterday was difficult. Everyone I ever loved is gone, and I am trying to keep moving forward, but days like yesterday were just too much. I needed a friend."
Voronwë handed her a clean handkerchief. She dabbed her eyes as she continued, "I am glad that Celebrimbor came, and I hope we become good friends. He helped me a lot, and he was there when I needed a friend."
"I accept both of your apologies." Kiera looked at Idril first and said, "I want us to keep getting to know one another and grow our friendship. I only ask that if you hear something, you ask me first. If I do anything or say anything that makes you upset, I want you to tell me. Friends tell each other when they are in the wrong and support them when they need it."
Idril nodded eagerly, "I will, I promise. I will be more open and honest in the future, and I hope you will be as well."
She nodded and then looked to Tuor. "I know you thought little of the rumors, but you will be a lord now. You will need to speak up and defend the people in your house. You will have to be willing to listen to all sides of the story and squash rumors and lies as they come. People should be able to come to you for their concerns without fear of you dismissing them."
He nodded solemnly, "thank you. I needed to hear that, and I will learn to be a good lord to my house and a better friend."
It was silent for a while, and then she looked over at Voronwë. "I think you and I need to speak privately. May we keep using your garden, or would you like us to leave?"
Idril shook her head, "please stay. Tuor and I can walk around the palace and meet you in the king's courtyard later. I was hoping we could explore the markets today and the rest of the city if you are willing."
Kiera smiled at her, "I promised Celebrimbor I would explore the gardens of the folkwell with him this evening. I'm sure he wouldn't mind the extra company."
They both got up to leave, and Idril surprised her with a small hug. It was just the two of them as they both stared, waiting for the other to speak. Kiera took a deep breath and started, "during my conversation with Celebrimbor, he told me more about elven relationships. He described it as a flame that could go one of three ways. The first is that it would be all passion and desire between the two, like a large roaring flame. The second is that it would be a smaller flame that could continue to grow, or it could get extinguished. The third would be no flame, and all the emotions and attraction before would be instantly dropped. I want to tell you now that I don't feel that flame. I might not be an elf, but in my heart, I know."
She reached for his hands and took them in hers. He was crying heavily as he looked at her with sadness. Kiera choked up as she said, "you are a wonderful friend to me, and I am so grateful to have you in my life. Our bond is strong as we have been through so much together, even though our time has been short. I want more than anything in this world to find someone to love and who loves me in return. I don't want you to give up that deeper love just to be with me. I want the same for you, and I want you to find someone that makes you feel the same. I couldn't live with myself if I continued this relationship, knowing that we don't have that connection."
"You mean so much to me, and I know this is your first time experiencing emotions and feelings. I want to give you the space if you need it or the opportunity to tell me how you feel. The only thing I ask is that you be honest with me and don't push me away."
Voronwë's shoulders shook from his cries, and Kiera pulled him forward to give him a warm hug. He accepted it greedily and pulled her in closer. They hugged for a while until they were both sobbing, and their cries mixed together. It almost felt like a goodbye hug and a way of letting go.
She rubbed warm circles across his back as they held onto each other tightly. Eventually, the crying subsided, and she whispered, "please tell me what you are feeling. I have to know."
He sighed softly and then pulled away from her. He took her hands in his and looked at her. His eyes were extremely puffy from crying, but she was sure hers were not any better.
"I love you," he admitted. "I love the way you make me feel. I love your spirit and enthusiasm. I love your kindness and your gentle heart. I love your determination and your desire to do better each day. I love everything about you, but I am not in love with you."
He looked at her sadly. "I feel a love for you, but not the right kind of love. I love you as a friend, even though I wish for something more. As I was getting to know you, every day was exciting. I longed to be near you and touch you. I couldn't get enough, and I thought once we had kissed, it would have gotten stronger."
"It didn't," he said quietly. "In an instant, everything I felt for you was gone. I still felt the love and the connection, but it seemed duller, almost. I was so confused, and I am sorry I treated you that way. I have experienced nothing like this, and it was all new to me. I was hoping I could figure out my feelings within a few days, and we could keep moving forward."
"When I saw you before dinner, I knew then that there was no future together. I was so mad at myself as I wanted it to be you so badly. I felt terrible when I saw Maeglin had escorted you to the dance, as I knew I had been a horrible friend. I left you to deal with him while I dealt with my emotions. My uncle thought it would be good to get out of the city for a day and see Elemmakil. They sat me down and gave me a similar speech to the one Celebrimbor gave you. I argued with them that I might not really know and that maybe I should keep trying with you. They told me it would only end in pain for us both and that it was selfish for me to continue with you. What if you find that person here in the city, and being with me prevents it? I didn't want to hold you back for my own selfish reasons. I felt better after, but I knew I still needed to apologize and speak with you."
"We heard the rumors as we came back to the city, and I was angry. I was so angry at you for doing that to hurt me, so I rushed to the palace to confront you. I didn't find you, but I found Idril and Tuor. They told me what they knew, and I was so ashamed that I believed the lies as well. I was a terrible friend to you, and you truly didn't deserve it. The three of us planned for this morning, hoping you would forgive us. I hope you can forgive me for all that I have done."
"I do forgive you," she replied softly. "Please know that this hurts me just as deeply. I wish we could be together. I don't want you to be with me and miss out on that love and connection."
"Thank you," he smiled at her. "I want us to keep being friends and to be able to support one another. I am glad Celebrimbor helped you when I could not. There is also something I wish to ask you, but I am a little hesitant."
Kiera smiled warmly at him and said, "ask, and I will answer. Please don't be afraid to ask me anything."
Voronwë's face flushed with a very pink tinge. He looked sheepishly at her, "when I arrived back at my uncle's house, Celebrimbor was waiting for me. We spoke late into the evening, and he helped fill in some gaps in your story. He also told me something, but I am frightened to ask as I do not wish to upset you."
She could only guess what Celebrimbor said, but she just nodded in encouragement for him to keep going. He coughed awkwardly and said, "Celebrimbor told me you might desire a night of pleasure and release in the future. I do not know how this conversation came up between you too, but I would not say no if that is what you need. I haven't done that with anyone, and I would like to experience it with a friend. I admit I am not interested right now, as I need time and some space, but Celebrimbor said it wouldn't be for a while. Part of me longs to know what it is like, and I would like my first experience to be with a friend and someone I trust. You do not have to do that, and I won't ever ask again, but I thought I would offer."
Kiera was going to kill Celebrimbor, but Voronwë was so sweet and thoughtful. She didn't know what to do, so she just replied, "that means a lot to me that you are comfortable enough to ask. For humans, we desire a release and the comfort of another more than an elf. I have no idea if I will meet someone in the city, and I'm not sure marriage would ever work between an elf and me."
"In the future, I might desire a night like that or perhaps something more frequent. I told Celebrimbor I didn't want to do that with my friend because I didn't want to ruin a friendship or make it awkward after. I have no desire right now, but I know I will in the future. I will think about what you have said, and I will consider it. If we end up together, please know that I will make sure your first experiences are wonderful, and I wouldn't pressure you into anything. If I ask, and you have changed your mind or don't think it would be good for our friendship, please tell me."
He let out a breath and nodded. She smiled back at him, and he looked relieved to have gotten that off of his chest. Happy that their friendship survived this, she hoped that they could continue to be open and honest with one another in the future. Kiera also planned to have a very long and stern talk with Celebrimbor.
Grinning, she looked at Voronwë and asked, "friends?"
"Definitely," he smiled a radiant smile at her and asked, "would you like to join Tuor and Idril now and see the rest of the city?"
She agreed, and they left the garden to find their friends. Voronwë knew the way, and they fell into step next to each other. When they reached the courtyard, Tuor and Idril were sitting at the main fountain while Lord Penlod was hovering nearby.
"Lady Kiera, it is nice to see you again," Penlod waved at her. "I was hoping we could talk for a moment?"
"Sure."
Lord Penlod looked a bit awkward as he glanced hesitantly at her friends. "I know during our previous conversations, I offered to show you around the city. I know you expressed an interest in hearing how we built this city. While I would love to have you meet some of my fellow builders in my house, I have to rescind my previous offer."
His hands were pulling on his tunic roughly as he gave her a sheepish frown. "Please know that it has nothing to do with you, but my hands are tied. The king has conveyed his concern to me about letting you know the inner workings of the city. While I don't believe you to be an enemy spy, we have agreed that we would rather not risk it anyway. I truly am sorry, as I know you were looking forward to it."
What a load of horseshit, she thought. Kiera's dislike for the king was growing, but she replied, "It's fine,"
Everyone was looking at her now and were waiting for her to say more. She didn't know what else to say, really. She sort of already had to give up her architectural degree when she ended up in this world. There were no computers or modern buildings for her to work on. The designs and structures steam more towards an artistic approach, which her world definitely lacked for building design.
"Not sure what else to say," she commented. "I am disappointed, but I understand the reasoning. The buildings and styles in the city are nothing like what I am used to. I gave up my passion when I ended up in this world and this city. It sucks to start over, but I think it is for the best. It gives me a chance to learn something new and explore the crafts in the city."
Penlod visibly relaxed and said, "I am truly sorry again. Perhaps it is for the best anyway, as we have no real building work needing to be done. I have to get to a house gathering, but please feel free to stop at either of my houses."
He said goodbye to everyone and left. As she watched his receding back, she said goodbye to her previous career. All of her friends were looking at her with sad expressions, but she didn't want to talk about it anymore. Instead, she suggested, "can we start our tour now? I really want to explore the rest of the city."
Tuor leapt up off the fountain excitedly. "Of course, let's start."
Tuor and Idril led the way as she and Voronwë followed. They were all a bit subdued after their morning gathering, but they took the road to their new house. Instead of turning right to the house, they went left this time.
It wasn't long before they came upon a market square. There were less than twenty shops and stalls around the square. People were buying and trading items all over, and Kiera followed behind everyone as she spun around to look at everything. Most of the vendors were for food and household supplies, but there were a handful of jewelry and fabric shops.
Voronwë waved his hand around, "this is the lesser market. It is mainly for food and everyday items. A few vendors here sell their hobby creations. The craftsmen of the city all have permanent stalls in the great market that they share. We will see the great market in a little while."
Her eyes wandered over everything and all of the stalls in the square. There was a main fountain in the center where many elves sat around eating. Idril led them over to a stall with baked goods and bought them all a pastry. Kiera devoured hers as it was a crisp tart with strawberry filling.
After they finished their treat, they returned to the main road and kept walking. Idril stopped and pointed out Glorfindel's house.
The house was ginormous, with three levels. His courtyard out front was sprawling, with some people sparing in an area while others lounged near the fountains and gardens. The area was detailed with gold and golden flowers. Kiera admired it all, but she knew she would tour it at a later date. She would be training there in the spring, after all.
Idril pointed out a few things as she walked and told them, "Glorfindel's house is one of the largest in the city. He is in charge of training all the guards, so his house is mainly for soldiers. A few of his followers are part Vanyar, like himself. My mother was the only full Vanyar that left Valinor with the Noldor. However, we have a few of mixed descent, and they prefer to make Glorfindel their lord. You will be able to spot them around the city as they have golden hair."
She chuckled, "Glorfindel prefers to train the soldiers and slacks on his paperwork duties. Ecthelion takes over much of the paperwork and logistics side of their houses. They make a good team, and I feel safe in the city with them in charge. I won't give you a tour of his house today, but this corner of the city belongs to the house of the Golden Flower."
They kept walking and came around a large bend where the great market was spread out in front of them. While it was bustling with people, she expected it to be bigger. Five rows of stalls on each side were arranged in a square with a break in the middle that led to the palace. As they walked around the first rows of stalls, Kiera noticed the layout of the market and that most people shared the space.
The first row was for jewelry, and they stopped to say hello to Rhuidhen, who was selling some pieces. Kiera didn't look at much as she still needed to pick up jewelry from Celebrimbor. The second row held all the clothing stalls. It was incredible to see all the handmade pieces and the intricate lace works. The next row was for the wood craftsmen and furniture. They all looked greedily at the pieces for the house, and Tuor ended up buying quite a bit. Kiera only picked out a small side table and bookshelf for her room. There was already a bed and dresser, which she was more than happy to keep. The next row was for armor and weapons. None of them really needed anything from that row, but she browsed a few stalls for swords and knives for upcoming training. The last row was for other vendors, and they spent the most time there looking at everything. There were decorative pieces, toys, games, books, supplies, and more. Idril bought a few things for herself, but nothing jumped out at her that she needed yet.
They left the market on the other side, and Idril pointed out two large towers and houses. "Penlod houses are both towers. He typically resides in the first one, and his chief of the builders resides in the other." The towers were taller than the wall but not as tall as the king's tower. At the bottom of each tower was a large house with no courtyard. Instead, the gate outside the city lay between each. There were a few other houses next to the towers but nothing else.
They kept walking along another large bend and came upon a beautiful green courtyard. Kiera spotted roses on the other side and knew they had made it around the back half of the city. There were tall trees in the open courtyard, and the houses all lined up around the gardens. "This is the house of the swallow. They are the city's archers, and they need quick access to the northern gate. They often help the house of the tree with the animals and hunt meat for the city."
Now that they made it back to an area that she knew, Kiera tuned out Tuor and Idril as they talked. Eventually, they parted ways as she made her way to the workshop while the others headed to the folkwell.
It didn't take her long to walk down the alley to the shop, and she knocked on the door eagerly. A voice called out to come in, and she stepped inside. Celebrimbor was the only one in the workshop, and he was sitting at the table with some hand tools.
"The others and I have been exploring the city, but they are headed to the folkwell now." She commented as she took a seat across from him. "I promised we would explore it together, and I wanted to pick up any finished jewelry. I hope you and Maeglin discussed payment last night after I left."
He didn't look up from his work as he said, "yes, he paid me in advance. I'm working on a few more." He raised the piece he is working on. "Tell me how your morning went. Then we can leave for the folkwell."
Kiera watched him work for a few minutes before she laid into him. "So," she drawled. "I had an interesting conversation with Voronwë today. We talked about our relationship, and then he asked me about a future night between us. Why would you tell him that? I asked you not to say anything."
Celebrimbor noticed her tone and put down his tools immediately. He gave her a strong disapproving look, "my cousin is not someone you want to spend a night with. I have heard the rumors around the city that he takes but doesn't give. Is that the kind of night you want? Where you do all the work and then get kicked out before you even get a chance to enjoy yourself? You need to be with someone who will give back to you in return. Voronwë has yet to experience that with anyone, and I think it would be best if you do it together. I'm sorry I talked to him about it, but he cares for you, and I know you feel the same. I understand you don't want any feelings involved or lead anyone on, but Voronwë knows now that you are not meant to be."
He shot her a goofy grin as he added, "I know you said it might be a few years before you think about it, but I'm guessing it will be sooner than that. I have been around my fair share of mortals, and all of them give in to their desires more than elves do. You should give it a chance with Voronwë, as he wants that first time to be with someone that he trusts."
Kiera glared at him, but all he did was look at her with a puppy dog expression. The corners of her mouth twitched as she tried and failed to fight off the grin. She finally burst out laughing at his face.
"We call that the puppy dog face, as many dogs look like that when they beg. Did that ever work for your family? I can't imagine you giving them that look, and they just give in to your demands."
Celebrimbor bellowed out a hearty laugh. "It always worked with my mother, but not so much with my father. Perhaps he got used to Haun's face around the house. I was hoping you would not be too cross with me. I am just trying to look out for your best interests. Let me get the pieces that you can take with you today."
In an instant, he left the table for the back room. He came back a few minutes later, carrying jewelry pieces in his hands. He set them all down on the table, and she counted eight completed pieces. It was a shock to see that he managed to get so many done quickly. However, all the pieces were simple-looking.
"I noticed you picked the simpler ones the other day." Celebrimbor grinned smugly as he said, "The pieces might be simple, but I made them with more expensive gems. Personally, I think some of the more extravagant pieces that many in the city wear are hideous."
Kiera smiled at him and agreed. He handed her the first piece, which was a small necklace with a sun and moon connected. The moon was a crescent made with diamonds and silver, with a sun made from yellow jewels and gold. The sun and moon were joined at the tips of the crescent.
The following two pieces were necklaces. The designs were the same for both. The first was made from gold with pendants made with red, orange, and yellow jewels dangling from the chain. The other was silver with pendants made with green, blue, and purple jewels. Each would complement many outfits, and Kiera was blown by the simple designs but delicate craftsmanship.
The next two were bracelets that match the two necklaces. The pendants hung from the bracelet, and it reminded her of a charm bracelet. The last three were rings: one gold, one silver, and one copper. The gold one was simple, with a ruby centered in a large star. Kiera chuckled at the design, and he nodded sheepishly at her. She was happy to see that he hadn't wholly dismissed his family.
The silver one was made to look like leaves wrapping around her finger, and it was her favorite piece so far. The last copper piece was made to look like autumn leaves with a few orange and red gems.
All the pieces were stunning, beautiful, and unique. It was easy to see that Celebrimbor was known for his work. Kiera admired them all on the table, "I love the simple designs. They are so incredible, and you are a fantastic craftsman. Thank you for making them. I hope Maeglin paid you well.
Celebrimbor's eyes twinkled at the praise but chuckled. "Yes, I charged him a lot. He doesn't mind now, as it is coming out of Salgant's pocket. I am glad you like them. I have four more that I'm still working on, so come back in a few days to pick them up. Let me get you a box to put these in, and then we can leave."
After cleaning up his workstation, he took the pieces he was working on to the back room. He locked the door behind him, but he came back with a box to carry her jewelry in. Once they were finished, they headed out of the shop and started their walk to the folkwell. It was mid-afternoon, so they had plenty of time before dinner.
The gardens were breathtaking, and they began to walk along the paths to the trees. The entrance to the folkwell was an interesting sight as the steps led up under a small bridge in the forest. Beyond the entrance, there were no more cobblestone paths. Instead, it was dirt, and many were covered with leaves.
The place was soothing and quiet, as if she had stepped into another realm. Wildflowers grew all along the forest floor, and there was a wild and unkempt beauty to it all. Everywhere she looked, it was hard to imagine that the forest was in the center of a city.
She and Celebrimbor stopped many times to admire everything and also to rest. There were wooden benches hidden among the undergrowth and large tree stumps to sit on. They wandered for a few hours down the winding paths, only passing by a handful of people.
Most of the elves gave Celebrimbor dirty looks, which she responded to in kind by glaring back at them. They scampered off quickly after, and Celebrimbor laughed at her.
"It does not bother me. You will be fighting the majority of the city, as many cannot stand the sight of me. The Sindar of the city don't like me, especially after what my father and uncle tried to do. I do not blame them in the slightest, as I do not approve of their actions either. Please do not pick fights on my account."
Kiera huffed, "fine. I can still glare at them if I want. Let's find the others as it is getting close to dinner time. Did you want to join us for dinner?"
"Sure, the palace food is better than what we prepare."
They kept wandering, but with a purpose to find the others. They were almost to the edge of the forest when they came upon them as they spoke to Galdor. A large group of elves was scattered around him, sitting on the grass and forest floor. They waited patiently for them to finish speaking, but they joined.
Idril said, "we have explored most of the folkwell, and Galdor invited us to join his house for dinner. You are welcome to join us at his house, or you may eat at the palace. We would be dining at his main table with his wife and son. You haven't met them yet, but his son's beloved will also be there."
She looked at Celebrimbor for direction, who just shrugged. "Free food and wine, who could say no."
Their group laughed, and they decided to join them. While Idril left to tell Galdor, Kiera watched the group. The elves looked like statues as they sat perfectly still on the forest floor. She leaned over and whispered to Voronwë, "what are they doing?"
He smiled, "they are connecting with nature and with the plants and trees. Galdor teaches some of his house how to reach out and feel what the plants and trees are feeling. This is the only area in the city that is separated enough for them to practice. They could go out into the plains, but their house is nearby, so it is easier to practice here. I have tried it once, but I am not very good at it. Most Noldor struggle with it unless they have some Teleri blood in their veins. They have a deeper connection to the sea and nature. I tried for my mother's sake, but I can only connect with the sea."
Intrigued, Kiera watched them closer now. They were all relaxed, with their eyes closed and speaking softly to themselves. Perhaps they were singing or talking to the trees and plants, but she couldn't tell. Part of her wished she could connect like them, but she knew humans couldn't.
Galdor finally broke up his circle, and he walked over to them with a tall woman. "It is nice to finally meet everyone. I am Emlineth, Lord Galdor's wife. We are honored to have you all join us for dinner."
She and her husband were both wearing green clothing, and her brown hair and brown eyes complimented the green in her dress. They both looked slightly tan, which was strange for an elf, but they might be outside more than others. They seemed very happy together, and his wife was pleasant to all of them.
They trailed after them out of the forest to the road. Idril and Tuor spoke the most as she hung back. Kiera noticed Maeglin's house as they walked into Galdor's courtyard. It had the same layout as Maeglin's, and she guessed they built these two houses the same.
After they walked inside, the dining room was to the right. Most of the house was already seated, and there were hardly any open seats. Galdor waved for them to follow as he led them to his main table. She sat between Voronwë and Celebrimbor at the end of the table and were introduced to two more people.
A younger elf with brown hair and green eyes smiled at us as they sat. "Welcome. I am honored to meet everyone. I am Glordil and Lord Galdor is my father. This is my beloved Tithessel, who is Lord Egalmoth's daughter. We are happy to have you all for dinner."
Tithessel spoke now, and Kiera saw she had the same black hair and blue eyes as her father. She smiles at them, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I am honored to meet everyone. I have heard so much about our new arrivals." Her eyes linger at their end of the table, and Kiera knew Tithessel meant her. "I look forward to getting to know everyone better."
She played the part of a lord's daughter very well, and she didn't spare her another glance. Celebrimbor touched her arm to get her attention. Once he did, he shook his head ever so slightly. Kiera understood and ignored her.
Thankfully, Tuor and Idril led the conversation at their end of the table with Galdor and his family. The three of them had some small conversations as the food was brought in. They all ate quickly and thanked the Lord and the Lady for dinner. They left Idril and Tuor, as they seem to be in their element.
The minute they were out of the house, they all came to a halt near the courtyard's edge by the road. Kiera glanced around to see if anyone was nearby, but it was deserted.
Celebrimbor snorted loudly, "lady Tithessel is good friends with Lord Salgant's daughters and Amara. While some people think she is kind, she can be really petty. She plays her part well, as most in the city believe she would never do such things, but I know where her true motives lie. She won't be outright cruel or do anything to tarnish her reputation, but I wouldn't put it past her to gossip about you. It would be best for you to speak with her sparingly or just ignore her unless she speaks to you first."
Frustrated, Kiera snapped, "is there anyone in the city that actually fucking likes me? I feel like, besides a few handful of people, everyone else is just waiting for me to fuck up, so they can gossip or spread more rumors. Don't they have anything better to do with their time?"
Both Celebrimbor and Voronwë burst out laughing. They were both laughing hard as if she had said the funniest thing they have ever heard. Kiera rolled her eyes at them as they hunched over from laughing.
A voice called out behind her, "what are those two laughing about?"
Maeglin stood behind her with a glint in his eye. Neither one could form a sentence as they laughed, so she answered him. "I asked them if elves had anything better to do with their time than gossip and spread rumors. They are acting like what I said was the funniest thing ever. By the way, do you like me? I don't think I am well-liked in the city, and I want to know."
The corners of his mouth turned up ever so slightly. Maeglin was trying hard not to laugh, but he couldn't stop the grin from forming on his face. "I don't like anybody. To answer your question, no, elves have nothing better to do. I thought you didn't care what people thought of you. Now you are worried about what the elves in the city think?"
Kiera huffed at him, "I don't care, but I can't even have a nice dinner without some salty ass bitch throwing some shade at me. Since I arrived, I have been friendly to everyone I've met, excluding you. I'm just tired of being the bigger person and having to ignore them. My pouty mouth is starting to come out as I lose my patience. I desperately want to call these fucking bitches out, but I know it won't do me any good."
Maeglin chuckled as he said, "I understood about half of what you said. Could you break down some of your words for me, so I can understand you better in the future?" His eyes were glinting, and he grins at her. "I would like to have a few bad words saved, so I may insult people who annoy me. It would make me feel better to insult them without their knowledge."
The tension broke, and she started laughing with the rest of them. Maeglin looked between the three of them and rolled his eyes. She wiped a few stray tears and told him, "salty means someone who can't let go of something—a person who stews in their problems and lingers on gossip. An ass is another name for your butt and a donkey. It can be used in a good way or a bad way. Like you are acting like an ass today, or your ass looks fine in those pants today."
Maeglin's face instantly colored as Celebrimbor roared with laughter and flops to the ground. Kiera looked at the scene amused and let him roll around laughing. When she glanced at Voronwë, he had a slight pink tinge on his cheeks which made her grin.
"Bitch is an insult or another name for a female dog. Throwing shade means adding hurtful comments toward a person while you talk. They could be outright insulting, or they could be more subtle in their comments. Potty mouth means you say a lot of bad words all the time. I am usually pretty good at keeping my comments and words to myself, but I lost my patience today."
Kiera paused and thought about the last words she had said. "Oh yeah, fucking is another word for sex. It could be used negatively, like when you are angry, or as a way to insult someone. You can shout out fuck! Or fuck you! You can use it positively like I really want to fuck you right now."
Both Maeglin and Voronwë were blushing like crazy, and Celebrimbor managed to sit up long enough to laugh at them both. Maeglin coughed awkwardly, "well, thank you for the explanation. I have learned a few more insults today and a few words I would have rather not known. If you will excuse me, I have some duties to attend to."
"Bye," Kiera said happily as she waved at him. Maeglin didn't look back as he rushed away from them down the road. She looked down at Celebrimbor, who was still chuckling to himself. "I wish I knew that he doesn't like sexual words from my world. That could have saved me a lot of trouble the other night at the festival. Oh, well."
She reached out her hand and helped pull Celebrimbor up while Voronwë watched with a blush on his face.
As Celebrimbor dusted himself off, he said, "I am going to use those words now. You will have to tell me more. I am eager to learn, but another time. It is late, and I would like to return to the shop to work on a few projects before retiring. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
He waved and left. Her eyes met Voronwë's, and they both burst out laughing. Kiera felt much better with the two of them around, and she was happy to have them as friends.
Voronwë said, "I am getting tired as well. We can head back to the palace. I can carry your jewelry if you would like."
"Sure." She handed him the box and then linked their arms together. They made their way back through the city to the palace. It had been a long day, and she just wanted to sleep. Voronwë left her at her door and handed her the box before giving her a small hug. After dropping the box on her vanity, she changed quickly and snuggled under the covers to sleep.