The Village Life

Conleth flew down the stairs and together he and Serethiel greeted Eldarion and Calista. Conleth shook Eldarion’s hand but he completely mauled Calista with his strong fatherly hug he gave all the women in his life. She was the newest and so she now got one to. Serethiel also hugged her and complimented her on her choice of clothing and how beautiful she was. Her clothes were a very modern style that made riding far easier. She hugged Eldarion to but he got no such compliments.

An older man Eldarion didn’t know came and got the horses. He told them that there was alot in that pannier that was brought for the family. Conleth told him that he’d have it all brought to the guest house and unpacked if he wanted. Eldarion nodded and thanked his grandfather and they moved inside to allow them...or more specifically, ‘her’ to freshen up before the evening meal. Calista graciously asked if she could help but Serethiel politely refused her offer.

The dinner was comprised of Roasted lamb with a green apple chutney, smashed potatoes, peas with tiny onions mixed in and a thick, crusted bread. They served it with a ‘robust’ red wine, it had made Eldarion’s head spin a little before he began to eat but it went well with the lamb.

“So Calista, have you been keeping Eldarion out of trouble?” Serethiel asked as if she knew something Calista didn’t about what kind of trouble he might or could get into. “You know what happens when you put a sword in a man’s hands...I’m sure,” she added to Conleth’s “Harumpf,” at her comment. “Oh yes, we all become witless fools who think with our muscles, is that about right?” Conleth responded. Eldarion grinned at that but Serethiel only just looked over at Calista as if her husband had only added more to her question and not deterred it at all.

Serethiel was thrilled to see Calista. She hadn’t seen her since the wedding and thought she only looked more beautiful every time she saw her. She also greeted Eldarion, but her focus was mostly on her new granddaughter in law. Calista was quite surprised when Conleth also hugged her, nearly picking her up off the ground in the process. They both made her feel quite welcome in their home.

It had been a long trip so she did take some time to freshen up before dinner. She tried to help Serethiel, but she made sure the girl sat down and relaxed. The dinner was delicious. Calista had heard that Serethiel was a wonderful cook, but had never tasted anything she had made and so this was quite the treat for her.The wine was also very good, but very strong and so Calista politely refused a second glass. When Serethiel asked her if she had been keeping Eldarion out of trouble she smiled slightly and glanced over at Eldarion.

“Actually, he just got back from a two week scouting trip to Minas Morgul. He apparently killed a Troll. Scared me half to death when the group didn’t come back on time. I actually rode out to Osgilith hoping to meet up with them along the way.”

Conleth beamed at Eldarion as Serethiel glared at him. “Foolish boy,” she snapped as Conleth asked, “How big was it, full grown?” She glared at him next but she had a slight curve to her mouth that might give Calista the idea that she wasn’t completely disappointed in their grandson nor her for that matter. “Your mother in law killed two Trolls while Elessar, well, he was Aragorn then, was trying to pick himself up off the ground!” Conleth said proudly. “And your grandmother…” He pointed, “went into Dol Guldur thinking she could take on an entire host of orcs and goblins by herself,” he said and smiled brightly as he took a sip from his wine.

For the next three hours Calista sat listening to stories about her new family. Some of the stories she had already heard, but many she had not. It was amazing for her to think about everything the family had accomplished. Serethiel and Conleth had both believed that they were destined to go through their lives alone and now they had two daughters who were Queens, one grand-daughter who was married to a Lord, and their son Beren had married a princess of Mirkwood. They had fought during the war and each of them had been willing to sacrifice everything to ensure the freedom of others. For her it was an honor to be apart of this family.

Later that night as she and Eldarion settled into the guest house she looked over at Eldarion as she got ready for bed.

"I think I want to learn swordsmanship and archery."

Eldarion did not speak for a long time as he began to brush out her hair like she liked him to do often. It was a very personal thing for them both, a sensual, intimate thing that almost always brought about sex sometime after. Her words though made him pause. After a few moments he began again and he had lost count on how many strokes with the brush he had made so he began again.

“I realize that my grandparents and the stories can be...alluring but I can tell you from experience, adventuring is not so glamorous as they make it sound. There is still evil out there and it will try to claim your life if you are not prepared for it. They began to learn barely out of their cradles. You and I...we are grown and married, do you not like taking care of our home Calista? I thought that you did,” he said almost worriedly. If she had only just did it because he had assumed she would...it made him want to wince if that were true.

Calista always enjoyed the feeling of him brushing out her hair. She never asked him to do it. He always did it on his own, and when he had been gone it had been something she had greatly missed. At his words she turned around though to look at him.

"Of course I like doing those things Eldarion. I don't want to learn so I can leave and go out and kill orcs and trolls. I want to learn because I have always wanted to learn. I thought it could be something you could teach me."

He continued to softly and carefully brush out her hair. It was silky and glistened in the dim light of the lanterns and candles. “Time is the problem there Calista, you know that just as much as I do,” he said delicately as if he were afraid to hurt her feelings and indeed he was. He didn’t know how important this was for her and to speak against her desire...any desire was to be handled carefully lest he did manage to hurt her feelings. But then a thought did come to him, one he didn’t like but he tossed it out there anyway.

“If you really wanted to learn, you’d have to stay here for a time. My Grandparents could teach you, they are the best...maybe the best in the world with the sword and the bow,” he told her but telling her this did make his mouth go dry. He would not be able to stay here, he had responsibilities in Minas Tirith.

Calista did not hesitate to shake her head. She looked up into her husband's eyes.

"No, I go where you go. I am your wife and I wouldn't trade that for the world," she said gently. She was upset but she did her best not to let it show. He didn't deserve that. She turned back around to let him finish.

He stopped then bent down to his knees beside her and set down the brush. He knew Calista, and though he would miss her...terribly, the training, though it might be grueling would be nearly one on one. He knew if he asked them that his grandparents would do it. They’d probably enjoy it a great deal. And she likely would as well.

“Calista...we will have time to be together...we have the rest of our lives. But this...if it is your wish to learn you should do it. I would not be the one to whom you aim your regrets to. That would not do my love. We will miss one another but it won't be for long. Half a year at most and I could come and visit you a few times in that time. The sword and the bow are perishable skills my darling. They can make you into what you wish to be if it is truly what you desire. No gift could I give the woman I love could be better than that,” he explained in a soft, loving voice. “I have many in Minas Tirith to keep me out of trouble...do this thing if it is your wish,” he said.

Calista felt a few tears come to her eyes as she looked at her husband. She loved him even more than she had a few moments ago. She didn't know how to thank him in words that would sufficiently express everything she was feeling. Instead, she slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.

“We can...finish brushing your hair in bed,” he whispered as he felt his desire for her grow rapidly within him…

The next day Eldarion had them rise early to break their fast with his sister who now went by Aviana. Her and this Gulbrandt fellow, who now went by Cole, had left the North to settle here in Gehenna in anonymity. He had argued tooth and nail against her marriage. Argued, petitioned and argued some more to his father and mother. But ultimately she had agreed to marry Cole and that was that. It was she that came to the door, a babe that could not have been older than a few months old on her hip. The babe and country life had added a bit of weight on her but otherwise she was as he remembered her. Her eyes grew large and she hugged her brother, unable to contain the tears that fell down her cheeks.

“Lets go inside sister, we’d like to visit with you for a while,” he said softly. She nodded, her cheeks going red with embarrassment now that she realized they were coming in. She hadn’t cleaned since the day before and had been setting up to start breakfast it seemed. “La...Aviana,” he caught himself, “It is my pleasure to introduce to you the Lady Calista Telcontar, wife of shieldmaiden of Prince Eldarion Telcontar...that’s me,” he quipped and gave her a wink, “And holder of my heart,” he said with a flourished bow. To his surprise and amusement she curtsied to Calista, “I know who she is you pompous ass!” she gave right back and shoved him out of her way and hugged Calista then gave her a warm kiss on her cheek. “I truly wish I could have warned you off of him but we all love him...though sometimes I do not know why!” she snapped then slapped his shoulder and pointed her finger warningly at him when he was about to make a face. Eldarion raised his hands in protest. “This is Aslan,” she said and before Calista could say anything she held him up for her to take.

ooc: I was thinking, because your characters are always doing things to get into trouble with their male counterparts I was thinking of finally having Eldarion do something foolish and sleep with someone while they are apart. What do you think?

The following morning Calista rose early with Eldarion and dressed before heading to his sister's house. They had to wear plain cloaks to disguise themselves. Calista was anxious to see the baby and his sister, whom she had been friends with. She hadn't yet met her husband, who now went by the name Cole, but had heard things from Eldarion...not many of them were good. However, she was planning to meet him with an open mind and heart.

As the door opened she nearly cried upon seeing her friend. She thought she looked beautiful, even though she knew that she must have been so tired. After the rather dramatic, and completely unnecessary introduction, by Eldarion the two women embraced with a little laugh. She immediately took Aslan into her arms and rocked him gently. She smiled at Aviana.

"He's so handsome. And you look wonderful," she said as she took a seat with the baby still in her arms.

OOC-Sorry, it was insane at work today. I only sat down to eat lunch. I think that your idea could be very interesting. Calista will be furious and very upset and I'm not sure how he will fix things. I'm thinking Calista may actually move out for a while afterwards because she's so upset.

Ooc: I'm at the Dream Cruise right now waiting for the cars to start parading past.

OOC-is everything alright? I haven't heard from you since yesterday. How was the dream cruise?

Ooc: it was really cool, I enjoy classic cars and it's really all weekend but I've have been helping my parents set up for an estate sale of all my Grandma's things. It's been a rough dsy

That's fine. I just wanted to be sure you were alright. I've been running around today too.

Aviana got up to begin making breakfast, “Cole should be along soon, he has to get up early to tend horses and the like, I will say I am very jealous that you are living near everyone. Not that I can complain, The grandparents come by often to see us,” she said as the baby grinned contentedly at Calista. “Living in Rhovannion...was not quite what anyone would expect. Cole did much to try and make a home for us...but in the end...I think he knew what was best for all 3 of us,” she said as she looked at Calista with Aslan and smiled.

“Will you be traveling on to Rohan to visit your Aunt and cousins or will you stay long?” She asked hopefully. She missed her brother and Calista’s friendship.

Calista carefully handed Aslan over to Eldarion before getting up to help her sister-in-law by setting the table. She smiled as she looked over to see Eldarion with the baby. Maybe after she returned to Minas Tirith when her training was complete they would be ready to start a family of their own.

"We planned to stay here for a few weeks, but I may actually be staying a little longer than that. I was talking to Eldarion last night about wanting to learn how to use a sword and a bow and he suggested that I remain here for a while to be trained by his grandparents."

She smiled at him because she was still so happy that he was willing to do that for her.

Eldarion made funny noises then mock munched on the baby's neck. Aslan giggled crazily each time he did that as they waited for the two women to finish breakfast. The temporary split was not something he was happy about but the end result would make them a stronger coupler and not only in combat might alone. He could use 6 months here as well he knew but he had duties in Gondor and for the city.

Cole finally entered the house. He took off his boots at the entrance and then stepped into the kitchen. He recognized Eldarion but his eyes were hard for a moment at the sight of him holding his son. “Ah, Prince Eldarion,” he said then took in the two women as he gave him a nod of a bow, “And...I do not know you,” he said and gave a polite, embarrassed smile. “Be welcome in our home, mylord,” he said and then he went over to Aviana. In front of the others she tried to fend off his kisses but he got them from her anyway, with her whispering about having company! Unfettered by her words he got what he sought then nodded and smiled again at Calista.

Calista looked over when she heard someone enter the kitchen and immediately guessed that the strong looking man was Gulbrandt, now known as Cole. She couldn't help but notice the hard look he gave her husband and could only assume that it probably had something to do with Aviana, as she was now called. Based on what Eldarion had told her of him, she was expecting him to be rather hard towards Aviana and so she was surprised when he walked over to her and began kissing her...or at least trying to. She could see Aviana blushing and smiling and could hear her giggles and soft whispers. They were a couple completely in love.

Aviana finally gave in to what he wanted and then gently pushed him away with a smile. She looked at Cole and then at Calista.

"Cole, this is Calista, my brother's wife, and a good friend of mine. Hopefully she's been keeping him out of trouble."

Calista smiled a little and glanced at Eldarion. "I've been trying."

Half playing with Aslan, half answering the question about keeping him out of trouble, “Yes she has, oh yes she has,” he said as the baby giggled again. Eldarion loved children, he and his sisters were to close in age for him to be able to watch them. They’d have children of their own though...he wanted several and thought Calista did as well.

Eldarion as well took in the exchange between cole and his sister. An affectionate man who was not putting on airs. He could like that he thought as he sat the baby up on his knee. “Apparently it takes a woman having a child to settle them down...I’ll have to...remember that for the future,” he said not looking at Calista who would know full well what he meant. “Thank you Cole for taking care of Aviana, you’ve done well sir in that regard,” he said plainly. “Before we leave Aviana…” He paused as he wanted to say sister, “I brought you our old chess board. “Perhaps you will fancy me a game if you are able,” He continued. “Calista is not so good in Chess as she is in stones,” he added as he looked at them all evenly. Cole was not good at most games. He didn’t have the attention span for them. He came then slid the chair across from Eldarion back then sat down as the women finished preparing breakfast.

Calista helped Aviana finish preparing breakfast and the two women served. Calista took her seat as Aviana took Aslan and put him in his bassinet next to the table before sitting down herself next to Cole. She was glad that Cole had not tried to start anything with her brother, which she feared might happen. She reached under the table and took his hand and gave it a little loving squeeze before releasing it.

Calista looked at Aviana and Cole and smiled a little. "Eldarion killed a Troll."

Aviana looked sharply over at her brother when Calista said that. "What?"

Eldarion smiled when the breakfast was served and they were all seated. At mention of the Troll...again he didn’t exactly stiffen but he did wonder why she had mentioned that. His eyes glanced quickly toward her then away again and he smiled when he saw his sister’s reaction. “It wasn’t a full grown one and I had alot of help,” he added in modestly though he did take in the odd look that passed between Aviana and Cole as if Cole wanted to add in something but he had no idea what. He did give Calista’s hand a tight, quick squeeze in retaliation though and he saw her lips curl as she tried to stifle a yelp. He would have to be satisfied with that...for now until he could get her alone.

“The beast picked me up and I...talked it out of eating me with my sword in its eye,” he said as if it were no big deal.’Two of my men ran and I had to go further in to Minas Morgul to get them out,” he added. “Fear can confound the wits if it happens suddenly.”

Calista was actually proud of Eldarion for what he had done, but also had wanted to see his sister's reaction. Aviana tried to look upset, but was also rather proud of him. She did shake her head and tried to give him a stern look.

"You shouldn't try to be a hero Eldarion. You could have been killed and you just got married!"