Clinging to Hope

After Conleth had drifted off to sleep Serethiel cried. Since the beginning of his sickness she had tried to be strong, but that night being so close to him and not being able to touch him was too much for her to take. She cried long and hard, while desperately clinging to any hope she could muster. Finally, just before dawn, overcome by exhaustion, she fell into a deep sleep and did not awaken until the healers came in to check on Conleth.

Nauriel was up before Elessar that morning. She had barely been able to sleep and as soon as she saw the first light of dawn she was up and dressed. She checked on Elfwine and made sure he was fed before giving him to his nanny to be watched after for the day. She then went to the kitchens and hand prepared a tray of tea, fruit and bread to bring to her mother. When Elessar finally awoke he would find Nauriel's side of the bed long cold and her nowhere to be found.

Elessar woke but knew where Nauriel had gone...to her mother and father. He had work to do...the Kingdom didn't stop needing its ruler for anyone and was pleased to see Calene join him. She looked tired like everyone else and he kissed her and asked after Kaled and Deshane. Deshane had left this morning to go and continue the work on their home. He has hired builders to help him make their house a bit larger and more accommodating. She had given him a list of things she wanted but he only took it and politely nodded to her. His forced smile toward her when she asked for a walk in closet meant that she doubted he'd entertain everything on her list. She bounced Kaled on her knee as people began to move in to form a line.

"Where can we go?" Conleth asked. He was talking in his sleep but it appeared he had taken a turn for the better. The sisters were far more enthusiastic then they had been hours before but Conleth's dreams looked unsettling even now. If Nauriel tried to delve him she'd see what he saw. The darkness and horror of the mountains. He fighting for his life against foes he could barely see. He fought by his other senses and was barely more than an animal himself. "I won't give them up...Serethiel...don't do...this," he said. The intense amount of sadness flooded into her as she felt what he felt when Serethiel asked him to give them up. It was so long ago and yet his emotions were raw like it all just happened.

"Nauriel...what is it?" Serethiel asked. She had taken some of the food Nauriel brought and found she was actually starving.

Nauriel was glad to learn that her father had taken a turn for the better. She knew that her parent's would not live forever, but she was not ready to give them up quite yet. She set down the tray of tea and food for her mother and prepared two cups. As she was pouring the tea she heard her father mumbling in his sleep. Curious as to what he was seeing, she allowed her mind to delve into his own. She had heard the story of what had happened to him when he was still a soldier of Rohan, but seeing his dreams was something else all together. She could see his hopelessness and sense his fear. But then the feeling shifted to one of intense sadness. She heard him mumble again and realized he was now dreaming about when she and her brother had been taken to Lothlorien. She could not imagine how difficult that must have been for both of her parents. However, she knew that if she and Beren hadn't gone to Lothlorien she would not have received the training she needed to go with Aragorn and they never would have married. She pulled her mind from his own and looked over at her mother quickly when she heard her speak.

"Oh...nothing...I'm just tired is all," she replied as she handed her a cup of tea.

As a noble began with his explanation about what his issue was Elessar looked over at Calene and saw how her thoughts seemed to be elsewhere. He whispered to Calene. "I've seen your grandfather in battle. Whatever this is he will defeat it," he told her as he ruffled Kaled's hair and smiled. "He was on his horse...a tall, black horse surrounded by orcs. Each time his sword moved an Orc died...And his horse trampled and bit at them like some wild beast. Man and horse were one that day and he came out of it like he'll come out of this. Take heart Calene and have hope for your mother and your grandmother," he told her.

Calene was trying to pay attention in court, but her mind was very much pre-occupied. Between her concern for her grandfather and her thoughts about leaving Minas Tirith and the only home she had ever known she found it hard to concentrate. She jumped a little when her father leaned over and began to whisper to her. As he spoke about her grandfather she felt a few tears come to her eyes. She forced them back and nodded a little. She was quiet a moment or two before leaning back over to her father and whispering to him.

"I over heard Mother and Uncle Beren speaking last night and I heard them say that if Grandfather dies that Grandmother will as well because of their bond. Would...would that happen with you and Mother?"

He smiled and nodded sufficiently though he had heard his daughter. He waved the next forward and he began to speak though he leaned toward her. "She is half elf so I am not certain. But do not think so of such things daughter," he said as he touched Kaled. "Think about love and life for that is what you are destined to have Calene. ANd hopefully more children as well," he said as he smiled at how silly Kaled was being.

Serethiel began to eat and thanked her again for the tea. "We've been together so long I can't remember a time where we weren't. The first moment he opened the door to the house he built for me and the tree house...I had never felt so much love for anyone as I did for your father. Never in all my travels have I met a man so completely selfless. Which was saying something considering her actual age. "Human men live and learn so fast and furiously do they not?" She asked.

Nauriel nodded a little and looked at her mother. "I don't know what I would do if something happened to Elessar. I feel like he's become apart of me...or maybe always was. He pushed me to always be better, but was willing to sacrifice his life for me if needed. It's hard enough for me to sleep when he isn't there. I don't know what I would do without him. I feel so lucky that I found someone who makes me as happy as father does for you. I have always looked up to you both."

"And I am envious of you as you watch your children grow and have children of their own. It is a very rewarding feeling Nauriel. Have you heard from Eldarion or Arina?" She asked. Not perhaps the best time to bring them up but she needed distraction and wanted to know about her wayward grandchildren.

Nauriel took a small sip of her tea and was quiet a moment before responding. "Eldarion and Calista will be home soon. They are talking about wanting to start a family soon, but she hasn't become pregnant yet. As for Arina...we haven't heard anything from her. Eldarion wrote to us and confirmed that she was pregnant. She would have had the baby by now. I...I don't even know if it's a boy or girl...or if she's alright..."

Serethiel reached and touched her hand. "Eldarion and Calista would have made certain she was...don't you think?" Serethiel had trained Calista herself and knew her sensibilities. She had a mind to slap Eldarion on account of what he had done to her, stepping out with another woman like that though it was old news now it still bothered her. It actually made her feel better to be able to offer comfort to her daughter.

"How is little Elfwine? Is he happy? I have missed holding him...maybe I could see him soon?" She asked. She never could have enough time with her grandchildren and he was as much her grandchild as the others.

Nauriel looked at her mother and nodded a little. "Yes, Eldarion wrote to us that they were married. I have a strong suspicion that they were married because she was pregnant, but there is little I can do about it now. I just hope that she is happy and he is taking very good care of her."

She took another sip of her tea and then took a piece of fruit from the tray. She smiled when her mother mentioned Elfwine. "He is getting so big. I had forgotten how quickly they grow. He's walking a little and trying to talk. I will bring him out later today for you if you would like."

As Serethiel played with Elfwine Conleth turned his head and looked at her. Nauriel, Calene and Kaled were also there and Kaled listened to Elfwine as he tried to talk to his younger nephew. His eyes looked over everyone and he blinked slowly as he took them all in. He smiled as he watched the children playing and carrying on. It gave him hope and warmed his heart to see them. He groaned and then fell asleep again as pain wracked his body once more.

That evening Conleth was awake and just looked at Serethiel when she read a book Nauriel gave her. "What's it about?" He asked in a raspy voice. His eyes were bloodshot but his color looked better. It appeared he was taking a turn for the better.

Serethiel was glad to be able to spend time with her grandson and great grandson. She had not yet met Kaled and was thrilled to be able to hold him. He was still very small, but getting bigger and stronger everyday. Again that night she refused to leave her husband's side. It was late and everyone else had gone to bed, but Serethiel remained awake, reading a book Nauriel had brought for her from the library. She heard Conleth stir and she looked up to see him looking at her. He still looked ill, but was looking better than he had been two days ago. She desperately wanted to go to him, but remained where she was.

"It's a history of Gondor," she told him. "I told Nauriel earlier that I didn't know much of the history of this kingdom, other than what has happened since the end of the war. She told me that she had read this book when she first became Queen because she had known little herself, other than what she had learned from Elessar."

She put the book down. "How are you feeling? Would you like some water or tea?"

"Wwater," he said uneasily. As she fed it to him he coughed but managed to get a little down. "My stomach feels like its on fire," He said. "What...what have the healers said?" he asked. When she told him he only nodded as if what the cause was didn't really matter. What was was for Conleth in most things. His simplicity was one of the reasons Serethiel loved him. It was easy to like Conleth for he never discounted people due to their shortcomings and gave every chance for everyone to succeed where they may have failed before.

"It was Elaine...most likely," he said simply. He knew who had done this to him. She was one of Serethiel's good friends. A healer in Gehenna. "When you were hurt she tried to comfort me. I let thing...go to far. Since then she has been...obsessed I think. "I could be wrong but I am fairly certain I am right in this.

Elaine did have a mean streak sometimes. When people affronted her she did things, usually with herbs. Red Fennel mixed into tea and other things. Itch Oak, Grey Ivy and other weeds that didn't kill but caused irritation and allergic reactions. "She wanted more but I am who I am," he said. "I...didn't tell you because you were such good friends and I didn't want to ruin that. Recently...there was...a moment in the stable. She tried to seduce me and I embarrassed her. I know now that that had been a mistake. But...but I was angry and shamefully tempted at the same time. I'm...sorry wife...being a man is not always easy," he said woefully and winced as the water began to burn in his belly.

Serethiel immediately got up and got him a cup of water. She handed it to him and then helped him to drink a little. When he asked what the healers had said she told him without hesitation. She didn't want to lie to him. He needed to know the truth. However, what she was not expecting was for him to tell her he knew who had done it. She listened quietly as he told her it was Elaine, her good friend. She remained silent as he told her what had happened between them. She let him speak and was quiet for a long moment afterward. She knew that most women would have been angry and hurt, but she didn't feel that way. She trusted in Conleth's love for her and knew that he had been very upset. She could sense Conleth's intense guilt and she reached over and gently took his hand in her own.

"I'm not angry," she told him honestly. "You were upset. I do not blame you for that. However, I do blame Elaine for this. What would you like to have done with her?"

OOC-I'm going to be out of town for the day. I'll be back tonight.

ooc:Im working today and tomorrow too. Crappers. Enjoy your outing!

OOC-I'm back. I hope you aren't still at work

Conleth tried to think about that but he really didn’t care anymore. “You...you deal with her as you will,” he said. He partially blamed himself. He had kissed her back after all. For a ‘brief’ few moments he wanted to give her what she seemed to need. When his senses kicked in though it was like a switch that had been toggled. He didn’t love nor want her...well, perhaps he wanted her as any man might lust after a beautiful woman but he didn’t really want her. Serethiel was his everything. Even now, when he was in pain he had desire for her. She was so beautiful, with her gray eyes and pale skin. He knew he needed to get better...for her for his family. He wasn’t ready yet to surrender into the darkness. He felt the warmth of her inner light. Even when his eyes closed.


Beren began to dress. He had made, crazy passionate love to Ithilwen again and he had actually exhausted her. She seemed content to just lay there on her side naked as the day she was born. He had only allowed her a little sleep. The last day had seemed like his need for her had been constant. The blonde mass between her legs still glistened in the dim light and her flesh was still red in places where their bodies had rubbed together vigorously a moment ago. Ithilwen’s hair was damp as well. He had actually worked her into a sweat and moisture still beaded on her head and stomach. She gave off this scent that still made him want her again but if he didn’t go now he’d never leave that bed and he very much wanted to see his mother and father.


“You are sure you do not mind me going for a little while?” He asked. When she was in that time of the month when she was ripe for conception as she was now being apart from her was difficult. Even if they weren’t having sex.

Ithilwen hadn't felt this exhausted in a very long time, but she felt wonderful. Somehow, as she had with her other children, she knew it had happened and that thought made her smile. She knew it was going to be hard work, but she desperately missed the sounds of children in their home.

As she lay on her side on the damp sheets she felt Beren eyeing her hungrily again. The way he would look at her....at any time...made her feel incredible. She had never seen him ever look at another woman the way he did her.

"For the fifth time...no, I do not mind...in fact I rather insist on it at this point," she said with a grin. "I'm just going to relax here for a little while before bathing and dressing and then I will join you and your family."

Beren was about to ask if he could help bathe her but she huffed and pointed toward the door. "Out!" she said barely able to maintain her serious look. Beren only held up his hands and left as he was told. he arrived quickly just as Calene sidled up beside him as he made his way down the hall. They never spoke much...infact, they rarely had ever had a conversation just the two of them that he could remember.

"Good morning Calene...and Kaled," he said as he tilted his head to look at him. Kaled just laid there and looked up at his mother's face. "It appears your grandfather has taken a turn for the better," he said as he walked with his hands clasped smartly behind his back. Beren actually looked no older than she yet his demeanor was that of someone much older and wiser.

"You should go to him," he said sensing her surface thoughts about Deshane and how much she missed him. "I am certain all that can be done here will be," he added not really realizing what he had just done. Ithilwen had taught him how to do this but he hadn't mastered the art of not commenting about it yet. he hadn't noticed the look of surprise on her face.

Calene missed Deshane greatly. He had left to go continue working on their new home and she had been dealing with her emotions over her ill grandfather on her own. Deshane was her rock and no matter what she was feeling he was always there for her...even if it was just holding her at night in their bed. It had been difficult going to bed the past few nights knowing that she would be alone. The night before she had stayed up for most the night just reading because she couldn't fall asleep. All of these thoughts and feelings were fresh in her mind as she walked down the hallway beside her uncle with her son in her arms. She had said nothing about Deshane and was thus surprised when her uncle suddenly told her she should go to him. She looked over at him and for a long moment was unable to say anything.

"You...you can read minds?" she finally asked, still in shock.

Beren looked at her surprised himself but he shook free of his thoughts quickly. "In a fashion," he said as an explanation. "Ith...your aunt taught me something of how to do it," he said honestly. he was never really good at it but hers were easy that time. Probably because he wasn't really trying. He coughed at what she was thinking right then. Now that he was 'linked' to her mind he wasn't certain how to stop it. When her eyes saw his she blushed and he did a little as well. He smiled back at her. "Well...I suppose we'll just...move on, shall we?" he asked.

Luckily they arrived quickly and stood and gave her a hug. "Oh, you didn't need to come again Calene...but i am happy you are here," she said in a motherly fashion.

OOC-Are we ready to start a new thread here or was there anything else you wanted to do?

ooc: I think it might be fun to do something where people come to Conleth to tell him their troubles maybe for a next thread?

OOC-What troubles were you thinking?