Anniversary Ball

A ball held in honor of Elessar and Nauriel's wedding anniversary was a yearly tradition. The happy couple put on several balls throughout the year, but the 'Spring Ball', as it had come to be known, was everyone's favorite. Women had new dresses made and picked out their best jewelry to show off for the evening and the men made sure their best suits were pressed and their shoes shined. There was always wonderful food and flowing wine and ale and music to set the dancing mood.

The kitchens had been preparing the food for days now and the servants had been making sure that the ballroom was clean and sparkling. There were small round tables and chairs on the perimeter of the room and each table was decorated with fresh flowers. The day had been beautiful and the night was sure to be cloudless, which would ensure the sky would be glistening with stars. Back in their rooms, Nauriel pulled her hair over her shoulder so Elessar could secure the necklace he had given her on the day of their coronation. It was a priceless piece he had found in the cave and kept hidden from her for years so he could surprise her with it. It was Nauriel's most precious piece and she wore it every year at the ball. Nauriel was still extremely beautiful, despite her age and the fact that she had given birth to, and raised four children. The elven blood that flowed through her veins maintained a more youthful look, but her eyes held the wisdom of five lifetimes. After the war, she and Elessar had settled into their new lives. Nauriel still missed the thrill of the adventures they had once had, but with the good memories came the bad. Cold, wet nights...little food...fighting for their lives...always on the run. They had sacrificed everything in order to ensure the defeat of Sauron and as a result they grew incredibly close. No one shared a bond like theirs. It was strong and filled with passionate, undying love. Even after years of living in the palace and raising four children they still desired each other as much as they had their first years together.

Nauriel smiled at her husband through a mirror that sat in front of her. He was still so handsome and strong. She still admired him and looked up to him. In her eyes there was no greater king, father, or husband.

"Can you believe how long it's been? I keep thinking that one year we should travel back to that small town where we were married and take our vows again."

He kissed her pale neck and lightly thumbed her earlobes as he took in her scent before he straightened back up. “Alas, I’m not even certain it still exists but my love and devotion to you does,” Elessar said in a smoky voice that proved to her he liked what he saw in the mirror. “No King could have a wiser queen at his side and no man a more beautiful woman,” he said and smiled at how the necklace twinkled in the dim light. “You are a trollslayer, a ranger and a fierce warrior. You are my wife and the love of my life Queen Nauriel Telcontar,” he said in that same, loving voice and he went to a knee beside her. “You are the mother of my children and wherever you go you take my heart with you,” he said and he lifted her hand to his mouth and lightly kissed her knuckles.

Times like these were rare for Elessar and Nauriel. Either he is busy running a kingdom or she is or both of them. Tonight was for them as much as for their family and friends. He smiled and whispered what he was going to do to that dress and more after the ball. When she faced him he kissed her deeply and after a few more shorter kisses he let her finish getting ready and stood. He pivoted smoothly and looked toward the door.

“This will be the first year without our Laenaya,” he said mournfully but they knew she was now in Gehenna and soon she would birth their first grandchild. “Not a day goes by that I do not miss her Nauriel,” he said and turned to half face her. “I think soon you should consider going to her in disguise,” he said half in thought. He missed his angel, his oldest. He should have never to agreed to that...farce of a marriage though her husband appeared to really care for her form what Ithilwen had wrote.

Nauriel smiled as he kissed her neck. He was so strong and yet could be so gentle. His words made her smile widen and her cheeks flush. Her heart was filled with so much love for him that she felt her heart might burst. As she turned to face him he kissed her deeply and she kissed him back. Somehow they were both able to contain their passions (for now) and he pulled away and stepped aside to let her finish getting ready. His words about Laenaya made her pause though. She knew how much he missed her. She missed her just as much and had worried so much about her. Thankfully, she was now safe in Gehenna and from Lindariel's letter it seemed to her at least that Brandt, or Cole as he was now called, truly loved her. She couldn't believe that her first grandchild would be born any day now. She wished she could be there for the birth, but she had promised Lindariel that she would come after the baby was born.

She finished getting ready and she walked over to where Elessar stood waiting by the door.

"I heard that Eldarion is not bringing Calista to the ball, which is troubling."

Elessar gave her a sidelong glance and nodded. “Aye...I should speak to him,” he said half thinking about what it was like for him at that age and how it must be for him. “He is just a young man trying to find his way, don't be too harsh on him Nauriel. I know you liked that girl,” he told her softly. With their daughters Nauriel had been the example for them to pattern themselves after. A strong, sometimes unyielding woman but also compassionate and understanding. Eldarion...having a King as a father. Elessar expected him to act out more, go against the grain or even be unruly and difficult. He had not been not really save for his lack of interest in becoming betrothed. Not really a fair standard considering Elessar himself had not right away either. It was difficult though when there was a young woman he knew Nauriel really liked like Calista. They felt Calista could...compliment him in many ways but secretly or maybe not so secretly, Elessar wondered about the wanderlust. It was in their blood and though he had been to Rohan he had not been West or South of the mountains or North of Rohan. There were still dangers in middle Earth. Places where evil lurked but nothing like when Sauron had existed. Now greed and corruption were the main threats and he hoped Eldarion walked clear of those temptations.

Nauriel shook her head a little. "I won't be harsh on him. I just wish that he would stop teasing Calista. I know she loves him...she told me so. I think she's afraid to tell him though...afraid he will reject her." She sighed a little and shook her head again. "I don't know who she's coming with tonight, but something in my gut tells me that something bad is going to happen because of it."

Elessar raised an eyebrow at her for saying that he was teasing but he held his disagreement with her back. “Perhaps it is less teasing and more that he is uncertain of what he wants. He may well want to commit himself to her and yet not be ready for that step. I think she is and truly cares for him and that is the heart of it. I could have a frank talk with him if that is what you want my love. I would deny you nothing today Nauriel,” he said quite smoothly, his desire for her still plain in his eyes as he held his arm up for her to take.

As soon as they opened the door people began to shuffle. Men and women in fancy dresses, smart suits and crisp uniforms bowed to them as they passed. Elessar smiled and nodded as they passed people he knew. The large double doors stood closed until two servants in White and Gold brocaded garb pulled them open. The large ballroom echoed with their announcement and the roar of the mass of people was near to deafening and the shuffling of clothing as they all bowed. Upon that music sprang up inside the huge space and people fluttered to get to them soon than others who were more patient as they waited for their King and Queen to reach them.

Nauriel shook her head. “No, do not speak to him about it. I do not want him to think we are forcing him into a marriage with Calista. It would make me very happy, but I want him to be happy more. This is a decision he should reach on his own.”

She then took her husband’s extended arm and together they left their rooms. As they walked they passed people outside of the ballroom who bowed to them. Nauriel smiled and nodded her head to them in return. As they approached, the doors to the ballroom were opened and their entrance was announced to much cheering and applause. As the music began, Nauriel moved with her husband to greet their guests.

Calista was already there with Hugo. She wore a beautiful emerald green dress. Her long, blonde hair was pulled half back and curled lightly down her back. Instinctively her eyes scanned the crowd for Eldarion. She was still angry at him, but she wanted to see him.

ooc- Today has been bat shit crazy K. Not sure when I'll be able to get a post in and tonight I'm supposed to go to my parents house for the evening.

OOC-That's fine. I'm actually at my parents house tonight as well. No rush

Eldarion was smartly dressed in a crisp, dark gray suit with black leather boots and belt with silver buckles. His hair was feathered back and completely free as it cascaded down his shoulders. Melainie, his date was tall in her violet gown that held just enough elegance to transcend the lower cut that showed off her ample bosom. She had long, jet black hair that was mostly up with strands that's were curled and hung down on the sides of her face. Eldarion was decidedly not looking for Calista. He was still very angry with her and Hugo as well.

With a few other friends Eldarion stood with a small plate of food in one hand, his other behind Melanie's back as he laughed at one of his friend Sebastian’s jokes.

Calista's eyes scanned the crowd and soon spotted Eldarion and Melainie. She rolled her eyes at the dress Melainie was wearing. It was clear to her what she was trying to do. She couldn't help but find Eldarion completely handsome in his suit and polished black leather boots. A twinge of pain actually went through her heart as she looked at him. Hugo then asked her to dance and she accepted and she walked with him out onto the dance floor. Her emerald dress was rather eye catching and as she danced with Hugo it would probably be difficult for Eldarion not to see her.

Eldarion had had a couple glasses of wine and Melanie to and he was having a rather good time until he saw Calista ofcourse. She was beautiful in her green dress as she turned and swayed gracefully as she danced. She smiled as Hugo took her hand and spun around himself. The color of her dressed seemed to mimic the color of his emotions as he decided that two could play at that game! He brought Melanie who smiled brightly as they filled an empty spot in the line for the dance.

It was a fairly lively dance, each partner alternated the women on one side the men on the other. The partners moved up toward one another, spun around each other, stepped and moved onto the other side then shifted one way, then another then reversed the steps back to where they started then stepped and spun to a diagonal position with another partner. After 4 such changes Calista found herself facing Eldarion. He didn’t glower at her exactly but he couldn’t manage to keep the hurt out of his eyes and the obvious jealousy. He could take no more then grabbed her hand and hauled her off toward one of the dessert tables. It was obvious she tried to pull back but he had an iron grip on her wrist. The moment they vacated their spot was taken up by others as the dance continued.

He was somewhat out of breath but still able to speak to her. “So this is how you push me into doing what you want me to do!? Hugo? Really, Hugo? You can’t possibly be serious Calista! He is my best friend and you are as well, why are you doing this really?” he asked angrily. A few older people looked over at them then whispered to one another before they stepped away. Eldarion did not seem to notice.

Calista had hoped that by dancing that she would forget about Eldarion and just have a good time. She hadn't noticed that he and his date had actually joined the line until she suddenly found herself face to face with him. She looked surprised and a sense of tension filled the space between them. Suddenly, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her away from the rest of the group and over towards one of the dessert tables. There were a few people standing there as Eldarion began talking rather loudly to her, but they quickly left.

"I...I don't know what you want from me Eldarion," she replied. "For the past two years you seem to want to be with me and then not and then want to be with me again and then not. I don't know how much more of that I can take. You didn't seem interested in asking me to go with you tonight and Hugo had...so I said yes."

He looked at her oddly and what she said seemed to irritate him further. “What are you talking about, we always go together? Always! I would have asked you like always but you distracted me!” He said in obvious exasperation. He loosened his grip but he didn’t want to let her go. She was very beautiful in that dress he noticed again but the thought faded quickly. “Calista you know I have feelings for you and I thought you were my friend. All of a sudden we have to make what there is between us official? Why? Where is this coming from? We are still young Calista and there is a whole world out there waiting for us. Do you honestly want to just get married then live here in the city? If I asked you to leave with me tomorrow...would you go? I can remember when you might and it wouldn’t have mattered where we were going. Or now would that require that we get married as well!?” He asked as his eyes searched hers. ‘Calista, it’s me...YOUR Eldarion, a ring and a promise doesn’t make that any less true,” he said.

Calista was clearly taken aback by his words. She felt tears come to her eyes as she listened to him. She was unaware that Hugo had started to come over and was not happy.

"Yes," she said without hesitation. "Yes, I would go with you." Then more gently and lovingly, "I would always go with you."

Hugo clenched his fists as he stepped up to Eldarion. "Back off Eldarion," he said rather threateningly as he glared at him. "Calista is MY date."

Melanie had not seen Eldarion leave the line and she loved to dance and just continued. Hugo however had seen Eldarion pull Calista away. He had always liked Calista but up until now Eldarion had always been there. He liked Eldarion, they had been friends since they were children. But also he held a bit of jealousy toward him. He was also a bit faster, a bit stronger, a bit better looking and ofcourse, the son of the King. He also had the most beautiful woman to dandle on his knee.

“Go away Hugo, we’re talking alright?” he said as he turned to face him then turned back to Calista. It was then that Melanie spotted them and had come over to find out why Eldarion, HER Eldarion was holding that chit Calista’s hand! Calista was always more respected, always more liked, she had many friends and was just that much more pretty than she was. “One man isn’t enough for you Calista!?” She snapped just as Hugo grabbed hold of Eldarion’s lapels and jerked him away from Calista.

Calista tried to get Hugo to step back, but he almost shoved her away and nearly into Melanie who had stormed over and started yelling in her face. By now most of the ballroom was watching them. She turned back just in time to see Hugo punch Eldarion. She gasped and started screaming at them to stop as Eldarion began to fight him back.

Nauriel looked over in horror to see her son and his best friend fighting. She looked over at Elessar as one of the tables got knocked over in the struggle.

"Do something please."

It had only took Nauriel to ask before Elessar himself nodded to her and to the two they had been talking to before he moved briskly toward them. Eldarion punched Hugo on the cheek as Hugo tried to kick his feet out of under him. The two young men had sparred many times but this time they swung their clenched fists and booted feet to hurt one another for true. Eldarion pivoted, Catching Hugo at the crook of his arm then hit him thrice in quick succession in the chest. Growling Hugo swung his thick arm and struck Eldarion in the side.

Melanie looked on with delight as the two men pummeled one another until the King himself came into her view. She saw his expression though and knew that he was angry. It was then that she looked for a way to fade back into the crowd but his gaze did cross over her briefly and her feet just refused to move. Elessar was a very tall man at 6’6” in height. And he was also very broad and strong, his thick arms moved to snatch the two men, strong hands gripping the scruff of their suit coats and hauling them up from their brawl. His knowing, displeased gaze crawled over Calista as well as the two men who seemed no more than boys were jerked upright and apart. He only had to look at them when their eyes went wide and their heads went down.

“Eldarion, you would decide that today of all days to act like a boy in the schoolyard? Your mother is very displeased with you!” He said with a stern gaze that shifted to Hugo. “And you Hugo, by the look that your father just gave me young man, you better have a good explanation for laying hands on the Prince of Gondor!” he growled. “No...no, I do not want to hear it...and don’t think that i don’t know that you two,” he turned and faced the two young women, “Don’t have a part to play in all of this!” he said as he lowered the two young men two the ground. “You will, all 4, go to the Queen and apologize to her right this instance then, you will find the nearest empty table and sit down and talk out what it is that could cause you to forget that you are men and women of Gondor!” He said and took one last angry gaze to each and every one of them. Eldarion blushed profusely as well did Hugo and Melanie.

Calista was too busy yelling at the boys to stop to notice the king walking towards them. She was angry and upset over what was happening, but when she saw the king she became rather mortified as well. She noticed that Melanie quickly tried to disappear. When the king looked at her she lowered her gaze, her face red with embarrassment as the king scolded them. She moved with the others silently over to where the queen stood, looking quite unhappy. She apologized and waited for the others to do the same. She couldn't help but glance over at Eldarion. He hadn't been able to respond to what she had said. Both he and Hugo looked a mess and she wanted to ask him if he was alright, but she remained quiet. Beside her she could feel Melanie seething.

Melanie had done nothing but try and have a good time. Why she was apologizing to the queen… THE QUEEN! While her parents watched from afar was beyond her. Eldarion was last and by the look Nauriel gave him it was a wonder she didn’t peel his hide from his back right then and there.

At the table there wasn’t a happy face among them. “Men!” Melanie sniffed audibly and stuck her nose up at them indignantly. “All you can think to do is use your muscles instead of your brains. Hugo, when I get my hands on you, you will loathe the day your mother gave your father that first kiss!” She growled. Hugo barked back at her. “Well at least I’m not exposing myself to every man in the room! If you showed any more cleavage I think you might cause some of the old men in here to pass out!” Melanie's eyes took on a dangerous light and she even rolled up the lace on her sleeves as if there was going to be another brawl very soon.

“Will you two knock it off!? It’s none of your faults, it's mine!” Eldarion nearly shouted. “It’s all my fault,” he repeated in a softer tone as he took them all in. “I’m sorry Hugo, for striking you. And I apologize to you Melanie for not attending you as I should have after inviting you. Now, will you two please shut up so I can speak to Calista?” He said in that tone he took when he was done with arguing. He turned to Calista and leaned in toward her. “I’m sorry Calista, for getting you into this and ruining the evening. I had no right and should have just let it alone until after,” he said apologetically. “I hope you will forgive me,” he said again as if he really did think it all all his fault. Eldarion often did this. He took responsibility even when it wasn’t all his fault. He felt that even if it was only partly his it was his responsibility to put everything right.

“And I heard what you said. If you think I am worth waiting for then I will ask you here and now to wait until I am ready. When I am, you will be the first person to know it,” he told her. “If you can not wait...it will break my heart in two but I will understand. The world is changing and I feel we must change with it,” he continued. As he did Melanie and Hugo had their own heads together talking in hushed tones. “For me there was never another woman but you Calista. We were friends long before we became closer. I do not mean to lead you on or presume that you will wait indefinitely. I only ask you to give me a little time….a year and a day perhaps. Long enough to see a little more of the world,” he said and then he took her gloved hand in his. Slowly he removed the one on her right hand then put it in his belt. All without taking his eyes from hers. He took her hand in his and she would feel that his was very warm.

“If it is a betrothal that will satisfy your family then I will speak to your father on the marrow and make my intentions plain enough for them to get off your back. Will that suffice?” he asked though his eyes flickered for a moment over to Hugo and Melanie who were now kissing like two dogs in heat.

Calista took a seat beside Eldarion at the table. She remained quiet as Hugo and Melanie began to argue. She sighed and nearly rolled her eyes but stopped herself. As Eldarion suddenly spoke up and began to take responsibility for everything she looked over at him and her eyes met his. It was not entirely his fault. It was partly hers as well. She remained quiet and let him speak. She never took her eyes from his. He would see her eyes water, though she held back any tears. She couldn't remember a time when Eldarion wasn't in her life. She needed him. She loved him and she knew that she would love no one else. She hadn't wanted to upset him or push him into something he wasn't ready for...or possibly didn't even want. As he took her right hand she watched him as he removed her glove and took her bare hand into his. His hand felt warm and nice in her own. She wanted to speak...to talk him privately. She glanced over at Hugo and Melanie and raised an eyebrow slightly, but then looked back at Eldarion.

"Can we go somewhere private to talk?"

He looked over at Hugo and Melanie once more then shook his head before he looked back at Calista. Wordlessly he took her hand in his and led her away from the ballroom. The Inner halls were a maze of hallways and rooms. People stood here and there but barely even took any notice of them as they passed by. He took her up one flight and down another hall then finally he closed the double doors of the massive conservatory behind them. Water from a small fountain bubbled and splashed nearby but that was the only sound in the room. He guided her over to the lounger near the fountain then waited for her to sit before he sat beside her himself. Eldarion had done all the talking until now and he wanted her to feel comfortable enough to speak to him. She was not so forward now that they were older. She used to say whatever was on her mind. Now though, she was deliberate temperance, a quality instilled in her by her mother. He sat erect, his left hand square on his left thigh.

Calista walked with Eldarion out of the ballroom. Many people watched them and began to whisper as they left, hand in hand. Neither of them spoke as he led her through the maze of hallways and then up a flight of stairs and then down another hallway. They walked into the conservatory together and she looked around slightly before following him over to the lounger, which was next to a fountain. She sat down and he took his seat beside her. He said nothing and put his hands in his lap. For a long moment the only sound in the room was from the fountain. Calista looked ahead, saying nothing. Suddenly, she turned and leaned forward and kissed him deeply and rather passionately.

Eldarion was taken by surprise by her kiss. For so long it was mostly he that initiated things and even that was only permitted seldomly. Now her lips pressed up against his and he felt all sense leave his head. He liked her lips. So full and soft and warm and she smelled clean and sweet and flowery. He kept his hands in his lap though he wanted to touch her. To put his arms around her and press her body to his and whisper how much he loved her. That would undoubtedly spark things that they both knew they might well regret later. He did take her hand in his though after her kisses became less chaste and he began to kiss her back just as passionately. His mouth seeking out hers almost hungrily and for the first time in a long time she didn’t flinch back when he tasted her tongue with his own. Oh he was in it alright. Her kisses made his skin feel as if it were on fire.

It felt wonderful to feel his lips against her own...to feel him kissing her back just as passionately as she was kissing him. She couldn't help but notice that he kept his hands in his lap, though she didn't doubt he wanted to touch her. However, she knew that for now it would probably be best that he didn't. Feeling his hands on her would probably put her over the edge. She felt his tongue against her own and she followed what he did. Her head was spinning and her heart began to beat hard in her chest. Everything about this felt so right.

Slowly, and almost reluctantly, she pulled back, but she kept her face close to his. She looked up into his eyes.

"I love you Eldarion and I will wait patiently until you are ready." She was quiet a moment before speaking gently. "I meant what I said before...I will leave with you and follow you anywhere."