A Mother's Request

The following few days had Theodred unable to focus. He was distracted in his work, distracted in his practice. He had not been able to get away or to even plan to get away to see Elisa again. He only saw her once, at a distance when her father sat beside her in their cart filled with horse shoes, spikes, dowels and other things to be delivered to the Ferriers. He barely ate, barely spoke and both Narisa and Lindariel had noticed but had not a clue of the reason. His mother had summoned him to her lounging chambers and once he passed into the entrance hall she dismissed her ladies of court and even the two servants.

He was dressed in gold and blue today, his coat was long as most of his house coats were, gold fringed with fancy embroidery. She liked to see him dress nice. He bowed respectfully to the ladies, one paused to curtsy, Dinalla, she was a few years older than he but had grown to have strong feelings for him. She was his mother’s youngest retainer. Her husband had died and taking her on was something she did for her family. People who knew Eomer’s uncle well. She was about to speak to him but the others moving away quickly spurned her to abandon her words and leave. Theodred ofcourse had not really noticed. He thought Danilla very pretty with long, dark curls and large blue-green eyes. He bowed to his mother.

“You have summoned me mother and so I have come. Was there something you need of me?” he said formerly though even now his thoughts were elsewhere. He thought of Elisa, her breath on his chest and the worried look in her eyes. He hated this...hated all of it. Hated not being able to speak her name for fear someone might hear the affection he held for her. Each day he could not get away to see her was pain. His heart was sick with it but he had responsibilities and to them he held true if only mentally. He had seen the Commander’s van arrive and he knew full well who came with him.

His wife even with graying hair was a very pretty woman. More handsome than beautiful but the epitome of stiff properness that Theodred just couldn’t bring himself to appreciate. Her daughter, Brianne was a much younger version of her. Beautiful, with long, golden hair, bright blue eyes and fair skin, she never learned how to have ‘fun’ as he could see it. As children she never wanted to get dirty or ride horses though she had had lessons. She was the perfect lady to a perfect, well-mannered, well ‘trained’ prince she would someday wed. Now that they were both of age he knew full well where this might lead but he didn’t believe his mother would chivvy him like a stallion led into the pasture to have at a mare. He had found his mate, the trick was actually being able to have who he really wanted. He’d need to check his tongue he knew. It had gotten him into trouble before when he didn’t think before he spoke.

ooc: The idea here is that she might be worried about him but also wishes to ask him to try and get to know Brianne. she will not wish to force him into anything but to give it all a chance at least and see where it might lead. Tonight is a dinner, full dress to receive her and her family. Eomer is counting on him to make a good impression. Also, im leaving work soonish. *cries*

Lindariel had been deeply worried about her son. He had been completely distracted both at home and at his duties and it troubled her. This was out of character for him. He was devoted to his duties and to those that followed him, but lately his mind had seemed...elsewhere. He seemed happy one moment in his thoughts and then unhappy the next. Despite his attempts to hide his emotions around her and always appear strong, like his father, she could tell that there was something weighing heavily on his mind. She wanted to question him about it, but she knew her son well and knew that he would tell her when he was ready and not a moment before.

Ever since Theodred had come of age, she and Eomer had been discussing young women who might be suitable for him to marry. Eomer wished to simply have something arranged and be done with it, but Lindariel did not want to give in to such a thought. It seemed a harsh, impersonal way to marry and she reminded him that they had married out of pure love. However, since he had not come forward with any potential brides, she had given in to Eomer's wishes to have him get to know the Commander's daughter, Brianne, better with the hopes that they might fall in love on their own.

With Brianne due to arrive with her parents for dinner, Lindariel had requested her son's presence. Despite her worries about him, she smiled when she saw him come in. He looked quite handsome in the gold and blue and he reminded her so much of Eomer when she had first met him.

"Your father and I have invited the Commander, his wife, and their daughter to dinner tonight. We...we would very much like for you to try and get to Brianne better. She seems like such a lovely girl and is quite beautiful, don't you think so?"

What Theodred was about to say suddenly flew from his head. He took a step forward in surprise at what she was asking. “Mother, you don’t mean for me to marry...Brianne Remaltaire…” He said in a simpering tone. His mother’s eyes widened in surprise herself and it was all he could do to regain some of his composure back and what was left of his self respect. He cast his eyes down, so desperately wanting to confide his heart to he but he wasn’t certain she would even take him serious now. He clasped his hands behind his back and drew himself up.

“Mother...even as children she was incapable of anything that might get dirt on her dress. Not...Brianne!” He said worriedly as if all was already arranged between her and Brianne’s family.

Lindariel was quite surprised by her son's rather strong reaction. That was very much out of character for him, and only added to her worry. She wasn't entirely sure what to say at first and so she remained quiet for a long moment before finally speaking in a gentle voice.

"Nothing has been formalized Theodred. We only wish for you to try. Perhaps she's changed or perhaps it won't bother you now that you both are adults. Unfortunately, you've shown no interest in anyone suitable. Please...just talk to her tonight."

His mouth worked but he could not say it out. He had a good relationship with his mother bit this...Elisa...he doubted she would understand. He loved Elisa...she was his everything. He stepped toward her then came down upon his knees before her. His face was troubled and yet his confidence in her understanding faltered.

“We are not friends, we are not anything,” he said though her eyes, soft and endearing had an affect upon him. She always seemed to be able to do that. He loved his mother dearly. “Oh very well...I shall...talk to her,” he agreed reluctantly. “But, does what I want matter?” He asked then cursed himself for letting his tongue run away from him.

Lindariel wished her son would talk to her. When he was younger he used to talk to tell her everything. However, as he grew older he became to confide less and less in her and now she felt she knew little of what he was thinking or what he truly wanted.

"Of course what you want matters," she replied. She was quiet a moment before adding, "You just don't tell us what you want."

She hoped that maybe he would talk to her then, but he didn't and she sighed.

"Please, just keep an open mind and heart with regards to Brianne. She would make a wonderful wife and mother."

He listened to his mother but his eyes darkened at her words. He reasoned that a clean dress and proper speech do not always make a person better than another. It was what was inside that mattered. He had learned that himself with Elisa.

“Mother, you of all people have taught me that it's not always what you wear or how you act...I...want...I need...I will do as you ask,” he said. The feeling of confiding in his mother had faded at the end. But the disappointment in himself was palpable. He leaned forward and hugged her tightly. He had missed this. His father wasn’t there to call him down for being weak or emotional. He was an affectionate boy and it carried over into manhood for him at least.

Lindariel could see that there was something her son desperately wanted to tell her, but once again he held back. She sighed, but did not push him. She hated seeing him like this. She wanted to know what he was thinking, but she could only hope that he would tell her eventually.

She was surprised when he suddenly leaned forward and hugged her tightly, but she hugged him back. She held him for a long moment before gently pulling back. She looked at him.

"Dinner will be at the usual time."

Theodred nodded then stood. He needed to see Elisa now he knew. He needed to see her, touch her, tell her that he thought about her constantly. Why couldn’t he just bring it all out? But even before he thought it he knew why. He’d disappoint his father, greatly. And he wasn’t even certain if he’d be disappointed in Elisa. She was strong, skilled and wonderful. It was that Theodred had let things go on without talking to him. He bowed then left his mother sitting there, a knowing look on her face.

ooc: new thread incoming.