A Nobles Feast

Eldarion couldn’t say he was really ‘nervous’ but his confidence was not what it once was. He had done the unthinkable and went on doing it while Calista was away. They both needed to get through this dinner, needed all those who thought to see him and his family brought down a peg or three go back into the grimey holes they came from. Every year the King holds a special event, not quite a ball though there is much feasting and dancing and the like, to remind the nobles that there are those less fortunate than themselves. Attendees have to pay a purse in gold to attend and the gold is doled out to the poor.

Since the war of the ring, many small villages that had been raided or nearly burnt to the ground had had a difficult time rebuilding. Blight had destroyed several fields, a lingering gift from Sauron. As a result many people were spread out and what community existed was replaced by small clusters of families that tried to hack out a life for themselves. Many though had had a much more difficult time for it than others. Eldarion had spoken to his father at length about this and he volunteered to travel as an Emissary for the throne to meet these people and give them a share of the coin they gather here today. He had not told Calista yet. Nor the part where she’d be coming with him.

He wore his green and white dress uniform. It had a bit of silver threaded embroidery on the lapels and shoulders. He looked altogether dashing with his sword and silver tassel under his left arm. He hadn’t seen Calista yet. She had not wanted him to see her until she was fully made up. None of the women did. They were all together in the queen's sitting room, drinking mint tea to calm their stomachs, sometimes the rich food was to much and the tea helped and also did much for their nerves as well. Especially now that Calene was stepping out for the first time. She was extremely nervous and already there were 4 suitors that had officially requested permission to court her. What this meant was that she’d be very busy tonight, while 4 young men jockeyed for dances and her attention. She was positively stunning in her dark blue dress, cut fairly low with just enough lace to cover her in places that bordered on revealing too much flesh. Daring for someone her age but times were changing and fashion usually led the way.

Calista knew how important tonight was. Not just in order to collect money for those less fortunate than themselves, but for Eldarion and herself to show the nobles that their relationship was strong enough to survive this...bump. As the future king and queen of Gondor they needed to project a strong appearance together, otherwise they might be viewed as weak, which in turn could be devastating for Gondor.

Although Calista and Eldarion had slept together since his affair, it had so far only been the once and they still slept in separate bedrooms. However, this was a big step for them...for Calista especially. Appearing with him tonight would mean that she was truly going to stay with him and support him. She knew that ultimately they were going to be the focus tonight...albeit silently. People had been talking about the affair since word had gotten out and many rumors had since begun to circulate. Tonight was going to be tense, there was no doubt about that.

Calista picked out a silver dress for tonight. She had asked a servant to tell her what Eldarion was wearing and picked out the dress accordingly. She wouldn't match him...but would complement his suit. The dress was long and ever so lightly fitted. She wore a beautiful diamond necklace and her hair was pulled half back so her tiara could be put on. She was stunning in the dress and secretly she hoped that Eldarion would like it.

Calene and her sisters were closest to the door when the servants opened it. The King strode in first then Eldarion. When he saw Calista though, everyone else in the room suddenly faded away though his youngest sister Kressara had spoken to him. She was amazing in her silver dress. So much so his mouth had suddenly gone dry. Kressara looked at him expectantly then snickered looking from Calista back to him when he seemed not to have heard her. She was joined by his other sisters who crowded around him, all remarking at how handsome he and their father looked. The King and Queen smoke softly to one another just out of earshot. Each looked at the other with soft, adoring eyes.

“Eldarion?” Calene finally asked then hit him in the head with her fan. “Oh...what did you say? I’m sorry, I didn’t hear…” he stammered. Calene only shook her head then turned to wink at Calista. Finally they stepped out of his way, Arlina giving him a gentle push toward Calista. He moved as if partly dazed and came to stand before her. His hands moving to take hers into his hands. “You look,” his mouth worked as if he tried to bring out the right words to say, “beautiful,” he finally managed. He leaned forward and chastely kissed her on the cheek.

Calista had been speaking to the queen, but looked up when the doors opened. She looked over to see Eldarion and couldn't help but think him rather handsome in his suit. Her eyes met his for a long moment. She then glanced over to see the king and queen engaged in a rather intimate conversation. She knew that today would have been the birthday of their second son, but due to complications surrounding his birth he was stillborn and Nauriel nearly died as well. The following year they decided that instead of being sad that they would remember how blessed they were and created this day to be held each year on what would have been his birthday.

Calista looked back at Eldarion and watched as one of his sisters pushed him towards her. She looked at him and smiled a little at his compliment.

"Thank you. You look very handsome as well."

“I have a surprise for you...one I will not divulge until after the dinner,” he said softly as he looked deeply into her eyes. At the same time Elessar wiped a tear from Nauriel’s face while the other girls remarked about one another’s dresses and gossiped about the 4 young men who had asked to court Calene.

“Are you as nervous as I am?” Eldarion admitted. “I already feel as if I’m smoldering in this coat,” he said. It was clear he was looking for sympathy or at least, a bit for commiseration. Even though he was the root cause of their troubles there had been talk about her long stay in Gehenna. “She had been banished because she insulted the queen,” “No, she had been ill and went there to convalesce. There were worse rumors and even though what Eldarion had done was plain on people's tongues, what people made up in their heads about her seemed much worse. There was no real way he could apologize for that. Her honor had been sullied and there would be little anyone could do about that. The only way to go now was forward and set distance away from that time and from those horrible rumors. He kissed her knuckles then rubbed them lovingly on his cheek.

Nauriel looked back into Elessar’s eyes. Today was always a happy and sad occasion. She knew how much he had wanted another son, but it seemed that they had only be destined to have one. Of course they loved each of their children deeply and felt extremely blessed to have them, but deep down Nauriel still felt as if she had failed her husband that day (even though there was nothing she could have done differently).

“A surprise?” she asked as her curiosity was peaked.

Calista nodded a little in response to Eldarion’s question. “Yes, I’m quite nervous actually.” She knew what people had been saying about her. Many people had ultimately blamed her for Eldarion’s actions and vicious rumors had begun to circulate about the state of their marriage. “I just want to get this entire event over with. I wish I could say that I didn’t care about what people think but...I do.”

Eldarion smiled at her. “Oh? And you won’t wish to stay and dance with me?” He said in a questioning tone. He knew she liked to dance and he would as much as she wanted. Most all women did but he also liked to dance and was very good at it. He had many sisters who also liked to dance and often he was their partners. While they got to change off, he had 4, now only 3 to dance with. Add in Calista and even sometimes his mother and it was 5. He really missed Laenaya. He would make certain he found time to visit her and her new family on their journey. He knew full well Gehenna needed no coin. He actually planned to stop there to be given gold by his grandfather who could not make this dinner but wanted to contribute. Under his Lordship, Gehenna had become one of the most productive and wealthy towns that existed. With the beer, cider and wines they produced, it was also one of the happiest that rivalled even The Shire it was said.

Now that they were all ready the family led by the King and Queen strode up to their gilded coach led by a team of six, large elven bred white horses. Another thing his grandfather was responsible for. He really was an amazing man he thought as the coach lurched forward when they were all inside. The King and queen and Calene were on one side, himself, Calista, Arlina and Kressara on the other side. Poofy dresses made up most of the space, shimmering silk and lace all around them.

Open their exit, the footman opened the doors and they filed out to lines of soldiers and servants. On either side of the golden carpet that had been laid out for them. A mass of applause, hoots and hollers resounded around the courtyard, a people’s affections for their king and queen. Eldarion squeezed Calista’s hand as they waved and endured the disapproving eyes of some who were there to greet them all.

Calista walked with Eldarion out to the carriage behind the king and queen. The rest of the family followed behind them. She took her seat next to her husband and tried to steady her nerves as the carriage lurched forward. The king and queen spoke quietly to one another in elvish while the other girls chatted amongst themselves. Calista could see how nervous Calene was and she gave her a supportive smile. She knew the kind of pressure Calene was starting to come under and would help her in any way she could. She hoped tonight that Calene could just relax and enjoy herself and the attention she was going to receive (not only from the young men, but also from their families hoping to impress her).

As the carriage stopped Calista waited for the king and queen to exit first and then they let the other girls exit before stepping out themselves. She stepped out first, followed by Eldarion. She felt him take her hand and she took a big, deep breath before smiling and waving to the crowd. She could see people whispering and pointing, but she ignored them.

Inside the grand entrance hall was brightly lit and heavily laden with flower arrangements of almost every color one might imagine a flower could have. There were people in suits, uniforms and dresses that milled about the room. Some held small, silvered plates of appetizing food or crystal goblets of wine or punch. Children, a boy in a navy blue suit and a girl in a pink dress ran past them further into the ballroom. Already the King and Queen were pulled aside as they spoke to one of the greater nobles that Eldarion hadn’t known very well. Calene was already approached by three of the young men. Tall, thin and lean they were. Three sets of eager blue eyes that vied for her attention. Eldarion flashed a suspicious glare as them but their eyes fluttered to Calista as well though Eldarion could not see her expression from where he was. He pulled her along with him as the hall opened up into the high ceilinged, well lit ballroom. The chandeliers were massive, crystal things with oil lamps that numbered in the hundreds he was sure. Servants in white lined the walls, tables covered in white linens were heavily laden with silver trays of food or glasses, several varieties of each but Eldarion was not hungry right then. A drink though, he pulled her toward a table with small, aperitif cordial glasses where he knew they’d be filled with the stronger alcohols he craved. He let go of her hand and took up two filled with a dark, maple flavored liquor. He clinked the small glass to hers then he tossed his back. He set down his glass and picked up another before Calista even tasted hers. It burned when it flowed down into his stomach but already he felt his muscles begin to relax. He smiled as she tasted the strong drink then took a large sip, half of what his glass contained.

“We are going to enjoy ourselves tonight Calista,” he said as he felt the immediate flutter of his senses. “Fancy a dance or two before dinner?” he asked as he tossed back the rest of his glass.

Calista stepped inside the entrance hall with Eldarion. The nobles who lingered there bowed to them as they passed, but Calista felt their eyes burning into the back of her head as they walked away. As they walked further into the ballroom, Calista spied Calene already surrounded by three of her suitors. Each of them jockeying for her attention. Calene appeared to be relaxed and quite enjoying the attention. Make them work a little Calista thought to herself with a little smile. People were already dancing and many others stood around drinking or eating some of the small appetizers that were being passed around by servants. The king and queen were already occupied themselves and Calista doubted they would get much time to breathe. She knew that at some point in the future that that would be Eldarion and herself. The thought made her stomach tighten a little.

She let Eldarion pull her along and soon she found that they had ended up on the other side of the ballroom next to a small table containing some cordials. Eldarion always preferred stronger alcohol than she did, but she accepted a small glass anyway. She watched as he downed the first one and took a small sip of hers. It was strong, but she enjoyed the taste. She had just finished hers when she realized he had already downed another. He seemed relaxed already, but she hoped he wouldn’t drink too much tonight. The last thing they needed was to be talked about again.

“I would like to dance, yes.”

With the drinks in him he found that his motions were much more fluid and graceful than he felt. He had seen the eyes and disapproving faces, even here as he and Calista danced. He felt like apologizing again but he held his tongue as he focused on his line and leading Calista into the waltz. The music was wonderful and the woman who followed his motions was beautiful. He saw her begin to relax a little as she to began to focus on the steps.

They glided along the floor, graceful with only a few flourishes but he smiled at her as he began to enjoy just being there, with her. He mouthed the words, ‘I Love You’, to her as they shifted backward in nearly perfect time together. And at least for a while he didn’t think about anything but her and the dance.

After it ended he clapped for the musicians. It was far to short for himself though he did have beads of sweat on his forehead. Calista did not, for all of her she seemed as cool as a cucumber to him. Her hand had not trembled once and he took it up again to lead her to the King’s table where several nobles had already taken their seat. He felt Calista shift as she craned her neck to find Calene, she’d have to go to her and make sure she was alright. He surprised her with a kiss on the cheek. “Go ahead, I will remain here until you return,” he whispered in her ear.

Calista allowed Eldarion to escort her out onto the dance floor and together they began to dance. For the first time in many weeks Calista felt relaxed and almost happy. She felt as if she had her husband and best friend back...or that she had never lost him. She actually smiled as they danced and moved gracefully across the floor with him. For the first time that night she didn’t care if people were looking at them. She only saw Eldarion.

As the music ended she smiled and clapped along with him for the musicians. She then walked with Eldarion towards the King’s table. The king and queen were not yet seated, but Calista noticed that neither was Calene. She craned her neck to try and spot her, hoping that those young men were behaving themselves with her. She was grateful when Eldarion told her it was alright if she went to check on her. She gave him a little smile before walking off to find Calene and bring her to the table.

Dermont Caldaren, the son of Gregoran Caldaren, one of the wealthiest men in Gondor never really liked Eldarion. He also never disliked him enough to say that he despised him. He thought Eldarion was weak-minded. A simpleton of a son for someone like Elessar. To him Eldarion always managed to do ‘sufficient’ work, never really excelling at much of anything. Add to that his ‘adultery’ and what was left was a lecher that sucked off the teets of his betters.

“Your….wife dances well Eldarion,” he said in a labored tone that sounded to Eldarion as if he could honestly care less for him. If the man added in a sneer to his face his intention would be much easier to decypher. “Thank you,” he said though he never looked toward the man. Dermont was an arrogant bully. He had been so when they were children and he hadn’t changed much now. “So, does she stay with you for your wealth or your titles?” He asked in the same, apathetic way of speaking that irritated Eldarion. Eldarion did turn to look at him now. “Dermont...mind your tongue!” His mother chided and gave him a warning look. “My pardons milord Eldarion, my son obviously needs to be taught better ‘manners’ she said in a warning tone. Demont held up his hands in retreat but Eldarion knew that he’d say more should his mother not be close enough to hear him. He only shook his head and looked back at the crowd.

Calene was up against a white pillar, Havron, one of her suitors had been talking to her and standing quite close to her. Calista saw her cheeks flush more than once and she felt at any moment he was going to try and kiss her. For an outing like this, such a thing was very inappropriate. That and it could incite a brawl by how two other suitors glared toward them.

Calista walked through the crowd alone. Once again she felt eyes on her and could hear the whispers, but she paid them no mind. She knew that many people had come specifically to gawk at Eldarion and herself and so she wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing her become upset. What went on between Eldarion and herself was no one’s business but theirs. She knew that soon enough something else would happen and people would forget about Eldarion and herself.

She finally spotted Calene and was quite shocked by how brazen Havron was being. Should her father see what he was doing he would be thrown out and not allowed to come within 100 yards of her for the rest of his life. She walked over and cleared her throat rather loudly to get his attention.

“Calene, it is time for dinner,” she said to her sister-in-law, ignoring Havron all together.

Havron did not seem to enjoy being interrupted, he was close to making a move. He figured if he could kiss her before the others got their chances, she’d lay awake thinking about him and that would be that. Havron rolled his eyes at Calista’s interruption. He quite nearly scoffed at her. He did sigh however, “Well...mylady Calista,” he said as if surprised to see her. Calene quirked an eyebrow at Havron, not sure how to feel about his apparent lack of respect.

“Well, I see you are alone Dermont, a surprise to be sure….with the winning way you have with people,” he said sarcastically. Demont raised his brows at the sarcasm. A silent promise that there would be words spoken for certain sure. Finally he saw Calista with Calene in tow and let out a breath of relief.

Calista knew that Havron wasn’t happy being interrupted, but she didn’t care. However, what she didn’t like was the disrespect he was showing her. It didn’t sit well with her and she could tell that it didn’t sit well with Calene either. It showed what kind of a man he was and Calista didn’t like him...at all.

She walked with Calene back towards the table and spoke quietly to her.

“You should not let a man treat you like that. A good man is respectful and not pushy. Havron looked far too pushy for my liking. Remember that you are a princess and the daughter of the king...and don’t be afraid to remind them of that too.”

“I have no idea what I’m doing and I’m afraid of offending them. Mother says men are far more afraid of rejection and failure than we are. I don’t like Havron either but I thought that discounting him right off would discourage the others and I didn’t want to do that,” she said quietly as she stole glances over toward them. Most everyone was moving to their seats now. As they arrived the King and Queen were about to arrive at their table. The queen was supposed to give the opening oratory, thanking everyone for coming and whatever else she wished to say before turning it all over to the King. Calene sat quickly and Eldarion smiled as Calista arrived at her seat. He kissed her cheek again before he scooched her chair in for her then sat down himself. The entire room got very quiet when Nauriel stood to speak.

“That is certainly a nice way of thinking, but you shouldn’t allow these men to try and take advantage of you. Just be yourself and the right man will come along, I promise,” she said with a smile. Calista took her seat and smiled a little at Eldarion when he kissed her cheek and pushed in her chair for her. She then turned her eyes towards her mother-in-law, the queen, as she stood up to speak.

Nauriel was quiet a moment before finally beginning to speak. “Tonight is always both a happy and sad occasion for me. What many don’t know is that this event was born out of a tragic day...a day when my husband and I lost our second son before he even drew his first breath. I was heartbroken and felt a tremendous amount of guilt. The loss was rather overwhelming for us both. However, one day as we were out visiting some of the villages we realized just how lucky we were. We have five beautiful children and now a son and daughter-in-law. We also have so much more than many others do. For a while we had forgotten this...but no more. That is how this night was born. It is our way of giving back to those less fortunate than ourselves and being eternally grateful for what we have...not what we do not have. For there are always those that have far less. Thank you all so much for coming and for making a contribution to help those in need. May their days shine a little brighter and their nights be a little warmer.”

At mention of their loss a gasp of shock and surprise resonated briefly around the room. Birth mortality was not uncommon and many women besides the queen knew how losing a child like that felt. There was commiseration among women during such times. And now that they all knew it, their nods and more importantly, their tears spoke volumes. For the rest when Nauriel stopped talking the ballroom exploded in applause. Every woman in the room stood for her as their applause continued. Eldarion beamed with pride for his mother. He had often wondered what having a little brother might have felt like. He loved his sisters dearly. He’d give up his life for any of them, his wife, mother or father as well. He was fiercely loyal to them, save for his mountain of a slip with Calista. They survived the fall though and he leaned over and kissed her cheek lovingly once more as the clapping continued. Elessar stood clapping then gave Nauriel a kiss and a big hug. He backed away to his chair and then he raised his arms. Once more the entire room fell into silence almost immediately.

“Indeed what my darling wife and queen has said is truth. But though we have lost a son, we have also gained a daughter. Calista and her family have lived in Gondor for generations. Her fathers and brothers have fought against the shadow and not all, like so many, returned from that fight. Stand up Calista,” he said as he turned to face her and gestured. “One day, not soon I hope, my son Eldarion will become King and Calista will become your queen,” he said as he moved over toward them. His crown gleaming in the bright light. He gestured for Eldarion to stand along side Calista. It was difficult not to blush but Eldarion managed it...mostly. Elessar hugged them both and the crowd sighed in adoration. He ended it with a peck on the cheek for them both and as they sat back down he slided out away from the table. Eldarion held Calista’s hand and gave it a loving squeeze

“This war has claimed the lives of many we held and still hold dear to our hearts. The forces of darkness in their attempt to swallow up Middle Earth left in their wake of evil; injury, death, disease, blight and many of our people homeless. On this sad day of remembrance,” he said and he paused as his lips worked to maintain his composure. “We remember those who we can help. To turn our backs on our own people is to do those that have sacrificed everything a grave injustice,” he said in a loud, rumbling voice. “Today!” he said and he drew out his sword and then held it high. I would ask all who are willing, to join me in this fight to ensure every family of Gondor and Rohan have enough to live on for another year!” he shouted and his voice was heard throughout the room. His blade suddenly burst into flames and then the sound of many other swords being unsheathed resounded around the room as every man stood and drew out his own blade to hold it high. “To the honored dead!” The men and some of the women as well said in response.

It was nearly dawn when the guests finally left. Nauriel had sent her girls to bed long before, but she and Elessar remained to the very end...as they always did. Before returning to their room they walked together to a small, private spot next to the King's House. There they stood before a small grave. Nauriel held a single flower in her hand. She knelt down and gently placed it in the middle of the grave. She then stood in his arms and they watched as the sun began to come up over the horizon.

Calista was exhausted, but it was done and she and Eldarion had survived. For the first time in what felt like a very long time she felt truly happy. She felt as if things between them had finally healed enough that they could move forward. As she looked over at Eldarion she felt love again and that feeling alone brought tears to her eyes. As he turned to head into guest room she lightly grabbed his arm. She looked at him when he turned around.

"I don't want you sleeping in the guest room anymore...I want you back with me. It's...it's hard to sleep without you next to me..."

Eldarion stopped lowered his head a moment then turned and embraced his wife. “I’m sorry about...everything. I know today could not have been easy for you,” he said softly. All the looks and the rudeness toward them, even on the dance floor almost caused him to fight. Calista stopped him though before he did something he’d likely regret. And then he remembered. With a spark of new vigor he looked into her eyes.

“Oh...I almost forgot, you need to pack,” he said as an inquisitive look came over her face. He smiled at that and continued. “We’re taking the gold...you, me and four guardsmen. We’re taking the gold that was donated today across Gondor and Rohan with a brief stop in the villages and towns we can travel to,” he said as he saw her excitement growing. He looked back toward their bed then back toward her. “We may not have a real bed for some time,” he said in a soft, smokey voice.

Calista could never forgive Eldarion, but she wanted to move past it. She knew nothing like that would ever happen again. She missed her best friend...her husband. She wanted to start a family soon and did not want them to raise a child from separate rooms.

However, what he said next surprised her. She needed to pack? For what? When he went on to explain that they would be taking the gold and distributing it she couldn't help but smile. That was quite an honor and doing something like that could only strengthen their marriage. When he went on to mention that they probably wouldn't have a real bed for a while she felt her cheeks start to flush. She looked back over at him and into his eyes.

"Well...we should make the most of the one we have now...shouldn't we?"

ooc: New thread?

OOC-Sure

ooc: Also, Sophia Loren...awesome!