Not Quite What They Expected

They'd had no choice. Arina loved Lucas. It wasn't just a passing crush...she truly loved him and she knew that he loved her as well. It had angered her greatly when her parents refused to see that, nor to even give Lucas a chance. Then when she discovered she was pregnant they knew that in order for them to be together and happy that they would have to elope. They hadn't planned on her becoming pregnant and it had come as quite a surprise to them both, but Lucas had stepped up and taken responsibility. He had given up everything in Minas Tirith, knowing that he would not be able to return. They had made a plan and fled under the cover of darkness. They knew that her parents would have someone come after them so they tried to move as quickly as possible, without putting her or the baby at risk. Once they got far enough outside of the city that they knew she wouldn't be recognized they were married in a small village and spent their first night there as husband and wife. They planned to go to Bree and make a life for themselves there. As they lay in bed together that night they had dreamed of what their new life would be like...

Bree had not been quite what they had expected. After three months of travel, and nearly being robbed of everything they had, they had finally reached the large wooden gates of the village. Arina had had images of Gehenna in her head and Bree turned out to be nothing even close to her grandparent's village. It was small and crowded and dirty, but they were determined to make it work...they had to. Lucas had taken a job in a stable. It had broken Arina's heart to see her soldier mucking out stalls, but she knew he was doing it for her and their expected child. Lucas hadn't wanted her to work, but they had no choice. They needed as much money as they could before the baby came. Arina had sold some of her jewelry and other items on the way to Bree and they had had enough money to buy a very small house, but they still needed to furnish the house and obtain items for the baby and so she had taken a job in a small Inn. Arina hadn't told Lucas, but she was quite terrified of not having her mother's help with the baby. She was just 17 years old and knew nothing of how to care for a baby...nor did she know much about keeping a house or cooking, but she did her best.

She was in the kitchen finishing up dinner while she waited for Lucas to come home. The house was barely big enough for the two of them, but Arina had done her best to soothe Lucas' worries, telling him that everything would be alright. The meal wasn't grand, but it was what they could afford...a small chicken with some potatoes and carrots. She knew that Lucas could have eaten the entire chicken himself, but he would not eat much and give her more because she was pregnant. The thought alone brought tears to her eyes.

Lucas had loved Arina as soon as he first saw her. A palace guard should focus on his duty but every time he had been asked to watch over her he had found it difficult to concentrate on anything ‘but’ her. Obviously she had noticed and it wasn’t long before they’d sneak away for short little romantic interludes. The first time he had made love to her was under the poplar trees that were in bloom in early spring. He had tried to walk away from her but each time he had she was there to bring him back. Her telling him of her pregnancy was not the usual happy event it should have been. It was clear what would happen if they stayed and as far as the kingdom was concerned they were properly married though the king could annul that if he wanted. Arina decided eloping was the only way that they could be together and so Lucas obliged her.

Now though, as he looked at her...their leaky roof making drip sounds into various pots and pans here and there, this was not where he wanted to be right then. Arina deserved so much better yet whenever he spoke of going back she put her back up and that was that. She always had a smile and a kiss for him but mucking out stalls and doing odd jobs was not going to keep feeding them now that they were out of money. He was so hungry and yet he could not have Arina eating less than he now that she ate for two. He came up behind her as he saw her once more wiping her tears away. “I love you Arina,” he told her as he put his arms around her growing middle. “But...after dinner...we...we need to talk,” he said in that ‘ominous’ voice he used when he was going to talk about going back so that she could have the baby in safety. Soon it would be too late for them to travel.

Arina hadn’t heard Lucas come in. She had been so preoccupied in her thoughts that she hadn’t realized he had come up behind her. She jumped a little when she felt his arms slide around her, but immediately relaxed. She felt him wipe away her tears and sighed a little to herself. She hadn’t wanted him to see those tears. She never wanted him to see her cry over their situation because then he would want her to return home...and she wasn’t going to do that. However, hearing his words and the tone in his voice she knew that that was what he was going to want to talk about again after dinner. She wanted to tell him ‘no’ now, but she didn’t want to argue before dinner. Hearing his stomach grumble she glanced over at the chicken she had carved and sighed softly. She then took his plate and filled it up with most of the meat and carrots and potatoes, leaving a much smaller amount for her, but tonight she didn’t care. She wanted him to have a better meal than he had been having lately. He worked very hard and needed to keep his strength up.

She placed the plate in front of him and when she saw his look she decided to lie.

“I had some leftovers at the Inn,” she told him.

He tried not to wince when she said that but Arina was a good liar and he could not tell if she were lying now. But he did perk up right then, how could have he forgotten about the bread! He miled as he stood. “I got a surprise for you...Mrs. Ghellson,” her husband ran the stables where Lucas worked and he brought out a large parcel wrapped in a yellow cloth. He came back from where his shoulder bag was laid then set it down before her. When she opened it she’d find an entire loaf of cinnamon raisin bread. It smelled delicious and he had saved the entire thing for her even though she knew he was practically starving himself. Already he had lost weight, his clothes hung off of him but he still always managed to smile. “I’ll toast it in the mornin to have with your eggs,” he said as he touched her face. He leaned in and kissed her and his hand moved down to rub at her belly. “Make love to me tonight,” he asked her sweetly when their lips parted.

Arina hoped her stomach wasn’t going to start growling and give her away. Suddenly, Lucas smiled and told her that he had a surprise for her. She momentarily forgot about dinner and grinned at his excitement. She wondered what it was until he brought out a parcel wrapped in a yellow cloth. As she unwrapped it she could smell the freshly baked cinnamon raisin bread and her mouth practically started to water. She immediately knew he meant for it to be just for her, but was going to share it with him.

“I want you to have some as well,” she told him. It would certainly be a treat for them. She hadn’t had anything like it since leaving Minas Tirith.

As he leaned in and kissed her she closed her eyes and kissed him back. She felt a wave of love come over her as she breathed in his scent. She loved him more than she could ever have made her parents understand...if they had chosen to understand any of it. She wasn’t going to give him up...ever.

His request made her smile a little. “I was already planning on it.”

Bree wasn’t a huge town but it ‘was’ big enough for them not to have a clue where they should look. They had been in town for two days and there had been no hide nor hair of Arina or Lucas. They weren’t staying at the Inns they had checked most of those in the evening that they arrived. Now he and Calista stayed at the Stag and Lion. An Inn he had heard his parents talk about once during their adventures. It had some nice rooms, Eldarion had bought the best and it was known primarily for its Honey Mead and Venison stew. A hearty stew in a brown sauce with root vegetables, potatoes and lightly spiced with a touch of cinnamon. The Innkeeper, an older, thin, boney man named Torrin owned and ran the place along with his wife Cedra, almost as tall as he but twice as portly. She had a motherly way about her and was an excellent cook besides. He hadn’t seen Calista eat like that in a long time but they had been on the road for nearly 2 months and warm meals and a warm bed had its advantages.


Right then as they ate supper a dark haired woman sang bawdy songs in the small stage the Inn had for performers. She was slightly plump with a large bosom that threatened to fall out of her low cut white blouse and dark red skirt. Eldarion was ‘decidedly’ obvious in ‘not’ looking in her direction. He could tell Calista, or he thought he could tell that she was watching him to see if he’d look more than she wanted him to. He focused on his mug of mead that was actually quite good. Even Calista had a mug in front of her.


“I..I thought we’d have found them by now,” he said soft enough so that others nearby just a few seats down from them could not hear. “I’m open to suggestions?” he asked. He’d take anything she had to offer right then. He didn’t want to remain here to long and fear that they might be recognized.

Calista had lost some weight during the journey and her muscles had begun to become more toned. Dressed as she was with her hair in a braid she looked a lot like Nauriel, apart from the blonde hair. Thankfully, most of the journey had been uneventful. However, they had had to endure several very stormy nights and fend off some wild animals. However, during this journey they had learned to work together as a team and Calista could feel their marriage healing itself everyday.

They had tracked the couple to Bree, but unfortunately had not yet located them. She could tell Eldarion was becoming anxious about the situation. They had been looking for two days now without any sign of them. It was already after dark on their second day and they had finally just come back to the Inn to rest and eat. After two months of travel with little food and sleeping on dirt, Calista welcomed the warm, soft bed and the hot food. She ate more in those two days than Eldarion had ever seen her eat before. She had also accepted a mug of mead, which she actually liked quite a bit. She sighed a little at his question and looked at him.

"Perhaps we should ask the Innkeeper if he's noticed anyone new in the village," she suggested quietly. "I'm sure if anyone knew anything it would be him."

OOC-I think after we finish with this we should probably head back to Narisa and Eagan...I'd almost forgotten about them lol

Eldarion nodded at her suggestion then looked over to where the Innkeeper was. “I’ll be right back,” he said as he slid his mug forward a few inches so he’d not spill it by getting up off the bench seat. The Innkeeper was talking with one of the patrons, a tall, heavyset man with a massive mustache and beard. He was about to nod a bow to him but he stopped himself at the last moment. They both sized him up as he came over.


“I’m looking for someone,” he said as he set two silver coins on the counter. Both men looked at the coins and Eldarion gave them a slight smile. “Whomever can...help me first can keep these...A young girl, new in town. Pregnant, with a young man, about yay tall, with dark hair and the stature of a soldier,” he said then leaned up against the counter more casually then he saw when he first arrived. The Innkeeper shook his head then stepped away to help another customer. The man however, he gave the coins another look and pulled at his mustaches.


“I know them...they’re livin at the Gunther’s old place, near the mill close to the river. Ya can’t miss it, the place is so rundown it looks ta wanna fall over,” he told him with a grin. “The lass works at the White Boar up a ways and a bit in the mornins waitin table. She a..friend o yurs..kin?” he asked giving Eldarion another long, scrutinizing look. Eldarion looked away quickly. “Thanks friend,” Eldarion said and nodded toward the door to Calista. When she came up he told her what he learned and they headed that way right off. It was late but now that he knew where they were he’d watch the house until he saw her then he’d speak to her or take her if he could.

Calista sat quietly and watched as Eldarion walked over to the counter to speak to the Innkeeper. There was another man there and she saw Eldarion take out two silver coins and discreetly place them on the counter. She could see him speaking and a moment later the Innkeeper shook his head and stepped away. The other man, however, stayed and began to speak to Eldarion. It was clear that he knew where they were. As Eldarion stepped away and motioned towards the door she stood up and casually followed him out. She listened intently as he told her what he had learned. Together, they walked down towards the river even though it was dark. However, even in the darkness they could see how rundown the building they were living in was. One would think it was abandoned if not for the dim glow of a fire burning inside. They stayed out of sight and a few moments later she heard the door open and saw a man, presumably Lucas, exit the house. He seemed to be going to collect more wood for the fire.

“I’m going to take him...you go for her,” he said as he watched Lucas. He paused then turned back to her. Now that he was so close he just wanted to get her away from him. “You good with that wife?” He asked. He wanted Calista’s approval. The whole trip, this entire thing with his sister made him hate this Lucas and he wanted to hurt him. He held his fist in his hand and he hadn’t noticed Calista looking at him.

Calista could sense Eldarion tensing up. She knew if she let him he might possibly kill Lucas. She didn't think his idea was rational. It would only make things worse...so much worse.

"We need to talk to them Eldarion...together...and calmly. If you beat up Lucas and we force Arina to go with us it will only make things worse."

He sighed knowing Calista was right. Why did she always ‘have’ to be right? “Fine,” he said annoyedly. “We’ll do it your way but I really wanted to hurt him for what he’s done!” he said as he visibly relented. “I suppose we’ll need to call them out...but, maybe just hurt him….you know, just a little?” He asked.

Calista knew Eldarion didn't like her answer, but nothing good was going to come from him hurting Lucas and kidnapping his sister. She shook her head at his last comment and stepped out of the brush and approached Lucas.

"Lucas...we need to talk."

He sighed knowing Calista was right. Why did she always ‘have’ to be right? “Fine,” he said annoyedly. “We’ll do it your way but I really wanted to hurt him for what he’s done!” he said as he visibly relented. “I suppose we’ll need to call them out...but, maybe just hurt him….you know, just a little?” He asked but he shrugged when she only just shook her head. He made the count of three then they ran up toward the house. Lucas saw them just as they hit the door. He picked up the axe he had started to use to chop wood as he gave chase. Eldarion opened the door and he allowed Calista to hop in then he turned and shut the door behind him. “Arina!” Lucas yelled from the outside.


Arina was in a light gray dress heavily mended and her baby bump very prominent on her belly. Her hair was up in a bun and she was cleaning up the dinner dishes he supposed when their eyes met. Hers went large when she realized what was happening and he saw real fear in them. Eldarion put his foot at the base of the door to jam it shut. He saw her look back toward the back door. “Don’t...you’re caught Arina!” He said as he pointed at her. His voice was angry and commanding. Lucas threw himself up against the door as he howled over and over. The door shook and dust fluttered down from the roof just above it.

This was not the situation Calista had hoped for. She had wanted to talk to both Lucas and Arina calmly, but clearly that was not going to happen now. She could now only try and keep Eldarion from doing anything rash. Even before Arina turned around Calista could tell that she was pregnant. This had been the King and Queen and Eldarions' worst fear. As Arina turned around in surprise, what shocked her, however, was just how far along she seemed to be. It became quite clear...very quickly that she had been pregnant before the pair had even left Minas Tirith...which would explain a lot.

Arina's eyes grew wide with fear when she saw her brother. Lucas was trapped outside and she could hear him desperately trying to get in. Despite the commanding tone to her brother's voice, however, she stayed right where she was and even raised her chin a little as she looked at him.

"I'm not going with you Eldarion. I'm staying here...with my husband."

Edarion’s temper flashed. He loved and cared for Arina, but seeing her like this, very pregnant and living practically in squalor infuriated him. That and lucas obviously had had his way with her. She was just a girl in his eyes. “Don’t you take that tone with me! You will sit in that chair,” he pointed to the chair nearest to her. “Or I will shackle this...this...man you call husband and take him back to face justice as a deserter!” he said in a low, dangerous voice. The one he took when he meant what he said. Both Calista and Arina knew full well that when he made his mind up about something it was done and he was more stubborn than a pack of mules that all decided to sit all at once. “Arina!” Lucas yelled again as he shouldered at the door but Eldarion shouldered it right back.

Arina was trying to remain strong and defiant, but she was quite honestly scared of what her brother might do to Lucas. She didn't want anything to happen to him. She loved him deeply and would do anything to keep him safe. She glanced over at the chair before slowly walking over and sitting down. She then looked at her brother. "Now, please let my husband in."

Calista looked at Eldarion, hoping to calm this situation.

"Please let him in Eldarion...Arina did as you instructed."

Eldarion narrowed his eyes at Arina knowing full well she might be trying to pull something on him. He opened the door then, with his sword parried Lucas’s axe and pinned his right hand using the axe to the wall. “Drop it bumpkin or I will take your hand...though i should anyway for touching my sister!” he growled angrily. Lucas’s eyes looked worried and desperate but one look from Arina and he let go of the Axe haft. Eldarion took it from him. He was about to lower his sword hand and then feeling unusually spiteful he smacked him in the nose with the pommel. His nose began to bleed and he brought his hands up to stem the blood. His eyes began to water profusely and Eldarion stepped back a bit more satisfied now.

Arina watched in horror as Lucas charged in through the door with an axe. Her brother was quick to respond and quickly gained the upper hand. Her mouth went dry as she saw her brother hold his sword up against her husband's right wrist. She knew Lucas had become desperate, but she wasn't going to allow him to lose a hand...not for her. She was relieved when he dropped the axe. She began to relax slightly, but when Eldarion then smacked Lucas in the nose with the handle of his sword she gasped. She got up, not carrying what Eldarion said and rushed over to him. She looked at her husband's bleeding nose and tears came to her eyes. She looked at her brother then with disappointment and anger in her eyes as Calista went to get a rag they could use to stem the bleeding.

"I hate you."

Eldarion’s eyes shot up at hearing that she hated him. If Calista hadn’t known him better she might think he was actually hurt by that. It hadn’t lasted long though before anger came back into his face. “Yeah? Why? Because I care enough about you to go after you? We risked our lives to come here...the life of my wife. How ‘dare’ you run off like this. You’ve only known this man for what, a year? And me for ‘only’ your entire life!” he said as he took a step toward them. I stuck up for you when I knew you were up to no good and helped you when you were in trouble and this is the thanks I get? Just cut out of your life like it means nothing? I guess maybe you do hate me if you can do this to me,” he said and tried not to let the tears that wanted to fill his eyes come out right then. She didn’t deserve them.

Arina felt tears come to her own eyes. She didn't hate Eldarion. She had just said that out of anger. She looked at him with a much softer expression. A few tears slipped down her cheeks.

"I just want to be with the man I love," she told him. "How would you feel if you were told you couldn't be with Calista? You would do everything you could to be with her. If you drag me home Eldarion know that I will find a way to leave again to be with Lucas. I would have to be locked away in my room for the rest of my life. Please Eldarion...let me be happy."

He understood to a degree but she had made so many bad decisions that they made a large pile and it seemed her baby bump represented those which made him feel both angry and sick at the same time. Arina was his little sister. His inner need to protect her made everything that was happening all that much more difficult. He looked over at Lucas as his nose seemed to have stopped bleeding.


“Your ‘man’ has made himself a criminal by deserting. A prison awaits him,” he said as he looked at the man. He could not get it in his head why this was happening. “The King has demanded his arrest Arina. What will you do if he is found after the baby is born? The best thing is to return with us now. He can answer for his crimes while you can safely have the baby and live...comfortably until his release. Running is no life for a child and do not forget that you ‘are’ a noble. You have a duty to this world no less than I. By doing what you did you’ve thrown that responsibility away. Your haste, your...need to rebel has brought you to this and your…’Lucas’ is going to pay the price for it. Don’t compound that by making your child pay as well,” he said in a saddened voice.

Arina looked from Eldarion to Lucas for a long moment with tears in her eyes. She was quiet a long moment before slowly beginning to shake her head. She then looked back at her brother as tears slipped down her cheeks. "If Lucas were to return to Minas Tirith, he would be separated from me forever and severely punished. He has only ever tried to protect me. When he found out I was pregnant he wanted to try talking to Father, but I wouldn't let me. I was terrified of what he would do. Lucas gave up everything...his family and his life for me to do the right thing and marry me. I cannot let him suffer for that. Please...just leave him....if you have to take me...leave him..."

She then wrapped her arms around Lucas and buried her head in his chest and sobbed. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry. I love you so much...I...I cannot let them hurt you."

Her tears really did bother him. He hated that it was him, making her sad. He wanted to do what his father had asked. He wanted to be the son that Elessar needed him to be. But right then, right now it was not something he would have wished on anyone. He saw how calista looked at him. Her gaze was neutral but not completely and it was that tiny little furl of her brow. The disapproval was plain. He stubbornly continued on though. “Then I will have your oath on it not to go looking for him or him you,” he said though the words bit deep into his belly.