Living on Their Own

Life for Ariana and Lucas was tough. They had secretly married when they discovered she was pregnant and then fled Gondor, knowing that her parents would be against the marriage. She was young and inexperienced in most things. She had lived a life of luxury in the palace, but had given it all up to be with the man she loved. Together, they had settled in Bree and had managed to purchase a small home together. Four months after moving to Bree, Ariana gave birth to a daughter, whom they had named Meliara. Her labor had been long and difficult, but Lucas had remained by her side the entire time. Ariana didn't know the first thing about being a mother, but learned quickly either through mistakes made or through advice given by other mothers in the village. Ariana loved her daughter dearly and sacrificed in order to ensure she was well taken care of.

Often, Lucas would try to talk Ariana into returning back to Gondor without him, but every time Ariana refused. They made do with the little they had and every night Ariana would lay in Lucas' arms, listening to his heartbeat. Overtime, Ariana learned to cook and take care of the house. She turned out to be a pretty decent cook and quickly learned what her husband liked and didn't like. Tonight, she was preparing a stew of leftover meat and vegetables from the night before. In their house they never wasted any leftovers because food was never abundant for them. Meliara was five months old now and sat in her highchair chewing on her fist as Ariana cooked. She was singing softly to herself as she chopped up the vegetables and put them into the pot. Tomorrow night was their 1st wedding anniversary and Ariana was looking forward to it. She couldn't believe a year had already passed. Despite the little that they had, Ariana was truly happy with Lucas.

OOC-I dont know their last name so ill make one up.

It was a dark night and the constable wasn’t certain if this was the place but they had disturbed 4 other families already and his men were getting tired. He held a torch and wore a long, dark coat to keep out the chill. He had a stern face and he smelled of ale and cheese as he knocked on the door. Beside him was another man in a wide-brimmed hat that looked black in the firelight. He had a pale, gaunt face and when she opened the door he took off his hat and smiled politely at her. Unfortunately the smile was spoiled by the fact that several teeth were missing and those that remained were mostly half eaten and black from rot. Behind them was a man that rested his arms from pulling his cart. There was a man-sized lump in the cart and another man that pushed it but there was not enough light right then to make them out.

“So sorry to disturb you ma’am,” the constable said though he didnt take his hat off. He was rather rotund around the middle and breathed heavily like walking was a chore for him. “I am Constable Tierney...But are you Mrs. Bonselet?” he asked as he held the torch close to get a good look at her.

When Lucas didn't come home at his usual time Ariana became worried. She kept the stew warm and eventually just ate her portion, saving a larger amount for Lucas. There was some leftover bread that, while stale, softened up when dipped into the stew. She had just fed Meliara and put her to bed when she suddenly heard a knock at the door. She walked over to the door and opened it and was surprised to see two men standing outside her door. A little ways behind them she spotted another man with a cart. A sudden feeling of dread filled her heart when the constable asked her her name.

"...Yes...I am. What is this about?"

The sudden look of relief filled the constable's eyes, he was late for his dinner and finally he could be done with this nasty business at get back to it. “I’m afraid I have some ill news Mrs...uhh, Bonselet,” he just barely managed. He had almost forgot what her last name was and he checked the small paper that he held in his hand then gave his chubby jowls a shake when he thought that he had gotten it right. He took a step back then shifted the torch over toward the cart. “A man was killed today as he tried to intervene in a brawl at the mill,” he said and then nodded for his man to lift the blanket to reveal the man’s face. To her horror it was her husband’s pale, lifeless face that was revealed to her.

Ariana felt the blood drain out of her face at the word 'killed'. She didn't hear anything else the man said. She wanted to scream out to the other man not the lift up the blanket, but he did. She felt violently ill and as if her heart had just been ripped out of her chest. Lucas' lifeless face was now burned forever into her brain. It would be something that would haunt her for the rest of her life. How could this be happening?! Their anniversary was tomorrow. His present sat wrapped underneath their bed.

Ariana began to shake her head and step backwards away from her husband's body. She didn't realize it, but she was nearly sobbing.

"No...No! That cannot be him! No! No!"

The gaunt man winced and his hand began to shake as he leaned forward to try to calm her. “Uhh, Mrs. Bonselet, get ahold of yourself,” he said in a forceful tone. He pressed a piece of paper into her hand but he doubted that she’d even be in any kind of state to read it anytime soon. The constable helped hold her upright as he began barking orders for his men to carry the body inside. Unceremoniously they left him on the floor by the kitchen table and even took back the blanket they had covered him in.

“Now I will need that paid in full prior to the burial...uhh, Mrs. Bonselet,” the gaunt man said before the constable closed the door and left her to her sorrow.

To say that the entire event was traumatic for Ariana would be an understatement. Left alone with the deceased body of her husband she sank down to the kitchen floor and sobbed so violently that she became sick. A neighbor heard her wails of despair and came to check on her and was shocked to see Lucas' body lying on the floor near the kitchen table. She quickly went to get her husband and together they got a blanket and moved his body to a back room where Ariana wouldn't see it. The neighbors then remained with Ariana through the night, doing their best to comfort her and take care of Meliara.

The following morning Ariana went to her dresser drawer and pulled out a small velvet bag. Inside was the last piece of jewelry she had left. It was a piece she had taken with her from Minas Tirith and she had been planning on giving it to her daughter when she was old enough. It was worth 20 times more than the cost of Lucas' burial, but it was the only thing she had and so reluctantly she gave it over to the undertaker and then watched as the man she loved and sacrificed for was buried in a small grave site near the village. Once it was done she sank down to her knees and cried until she had no tears left.

She knew that she could not stay. She had no means of caring for her daughter here. Meliara was too young to be left on her own while she worked and that left only one option. She sold off most of the items in the house and then the house itself. Nothing had been worth much, but it would be enough money to get Meliara and herself back to Gondor. Returning was going to be difficult. She wasn't even sure if her father would allow her to come back. She would be forced to beg and plead for Meliara's sake. She was going to do whatever it took to ensure her daughter was taken care of.

Early one foggy morning she set out with Meliara in tow and bid farewell to the place where she had been truly happy. She walked by Lucas' gave one more time and said goodbye to him one last time before leaving Bree. The journey took weeks. Ariana used part of the money she had made in procuring a horse which she rode while carrying Meliara. She only had a few possessions left and they all fit into a small bag, which she attached to the horses' saddle. The journey was long and rough. Ariana was barely sleeping. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Lucas' dead face staring back at her. Nothing she did would erase that image from her mind. When she ran out of money she was forced to sell the horse, but thankfully a nice couple with a wagon agreed to let her ride with them the rest of the way to Minas Tirith. It was well past midnight when they finally arrived. No one would have guessed that Ariana was actually a princess of Gondor based on how she looked. She was dirty and thin and the exhaustion she felt seemed to add years to her face, even though she was only 17. At the first city gate she was stopped by a guard who did not recognize her. Meliara sucked on her fist while she slept in her mother's arms against her shoulder.

"I am Princess Ariana, daughter of King Elessar and Queen Nauriel. Please have my parent's informed that I am here and wish to speak to them."

She knew then that two things could happen. One, her parents could agree to see her and let her in. Or two, they could refuse and send her back out of Gondor.

There was obvious skepticism and doubt on the guard's face but he sent the note anyway with one of the others who were posted there. It was late which added to that but they were kind and polite to her as they were with everyone. Taffin, one of the guardsmen offered her hot tea and biscuits that he had intended for the attendant who commanded the night watch. That and some warm water and soap to clean up with incase her claims were true.

----------------------

Smartly, the guard knocked on Cassien’s door and did not bother the royal family. Cassien was the voice of the King and has known the family for over a decade. Sleepily, news of Ariana’s return sobered him up quick enough though. He and his wife Edaina rose and got themselves dressed enough to see for themselves who this woman was.

It had taken the better part of an hour but he arrived with the young guard that rousted him from his bed. Cassien had a lantern in his hand and he handed it to his wife who was much more likely to recognize Ariana than he would. She stepped forward and held the lantern up to Ariana. Gently she reached out and tilted her face up so she could see her clearly. It was obvious she was underfed, barely a slip of a girl but the eyes, nose and cheeks were unmistakably Nauriel’s.

“Oh...Ariana!” She said as tears began to fall from her eyes.She turned and looked up at her husband. “It is her,” she said and Cassien all but winced. “Well uh...well let us take her in. I’ll not have her meet the King and Queen like this,” he said softly. “Welcome home Ariana and who is this now?” He asked as he gestured to her babe.

Ariana wasn't surprised when Cassien appeared an hour later instead of her father. It was very late and her parents would be in bed asleep and no one would want to rouse them unless necessary. Meliara continued to sleep in her arms and Ariana gratefully accepted the cup of tea and a biscuit. She was very hungry and ate the biscuit quickly before shamefully taking another. She hadn't had a proper meal in over a year and the thought of a hot meal and a warm bed brought tears to her eyes. She still missed Lucas dreadfully and had to keep her mind busy to keep herself from thinking too much about him lest she break down. Cassien's wife approached her and Ariana remained quiet. She allowed her to look at her, knowing that she must look quite the sight. Thankfully, Cassien's wife did recognize her. She wanted to be inside where it was warmer. Meliara was starting to get cold and she didn't want her getting sick.

"This is my daughter, Meliara."

Edaina smiled brightly and asked if she could hold her daughter. When Ariana nodded her consent Edaina picked up the child and smiled down at her. “A wonderful name Ariana,” She said then seemed to remember where they were. “Come Ariana...we shall get you a warm bath, proper clothes and all the food you can hold...come, please,” she said then turned to face her husband who yawned and hadn’t really been paying any attention to the exchange. “Now Cassien!” She barked and looked at him annoyed. Cassien started then moved to lead them out.

Their house was high up in the city. A large, expansive home, suitable for his station. A bath was prepared for her and a warm bowl of oats with a bit of honey and as much milk as she could drink. Edaina didn’t want her getting sick on too much rich food so she kept it simple, but tasty for her. She was left alone in the warm bathing room and the steam from the hot water constantly heated by a small oil stove under the bathtub made all the stress and strain from her journey leak out of her chilled bones.

Edaina cleaned and redressed the baby and also looked for dresses to be hastily altered for Ariana so that she could be properly presented to the King. Edaina knocked on the door before she opened it. “Adaina? I brought fresh towels for you,” she said as she set them down on a small bench near the tub. “I...can’t imagine what you’ve been through, if you wish to talk about it...I am a good listener,” she said as she sat down. The babe cooed in her arms and was sleeping in her arms.

Ariana was quiet as she followed Edaina and Cassien to their house. Meliara continued to sleep in Edaina's arms. Once inside, she was given some food while a bath was drawn. Ariana was hungry still and ate the bowl of oats rather quickly. She felt like she could constantly eat for days and would still be hungry. However, she knew that if she ate too much that she would likely become sick. Since Meliara seemed content with Edaina, Ariana went into the bathroom and slipped into the tub. Almost immediately she began to relax. Slowly the dirt and grim was removed from her skin and her natural ivory colored skin began to show again. Ariana also washed her long, dark hair, which hadn't been properly washed in weeks. The tub felt so good that she didn't know if she would ever leave.

A little while later she heard a knock on the door and Edaina announced that she had fresh towels. She granted her permission to enter and was glad to see that Meliara was still sleeping. She knew that she would awaken soon and need to be fed though. She looked at Edaina slightly when she told her that she would listen if she wanted to talk about what happened and she would be able to see tears start to well up in her eyes. Slowly, she began to tell her the entire story. By the time she got to the end she was nearly sobbing.

"They just dumped his body in the kitchen and left him there like he was a bag of potatoes. I didn't know what to do. How could they have treated him like that?"

Edaina was horrified at Ariana’s tale. To barely enjoy life and to have the one thing she had left her life of safety and comfort for snuffed out suddenly and left on her doorstep. She had tears in her eyes too. “Oh Ariana, that’s horrible. Sometimes men do not know or care of what they do,” she said consolingly. “And no matter what you think, I know your mother and father will be so happy you and your daughter are here and safe,” she added reassuringly. There was silence for several minutes until Edaina spoke again.

“Ariana...I’ve selected some fine dresses for you, they are being altered as we speak. Try and remember who you are when you address your parents. Be as strong as you can be,” she said softly.

Ariana felt lost without Lucas and she didn't know what she was going to do. She was now a single mother and only 17. She knew her parents would want her to be married and at this point she was willing to marry whoever they chose if they would agree to let her stay. She needed their help. She wasn't going to be able to survive on her own without them or a husband. Slowly, she nodded, though she was quite terrified at the thought of seeing them. She had betrayed their trust and couldn't even imagine what her father was going to say. She had gotten pregnant outside of marriage and then had run off with Lucas. Word had certainly spread about this and she wondered what people said about her.

Edaina set her up in their spare bedroom but she could only allow a few hours for Ariana to rest. The guards would most likely talk and rumor traveled fast in this city. He helped her get dressed and her attendants helped with her hair. She loaned her a simple tiara, a necklace, bracelets and several rings to adorn herself with. She looked every bit the princess when she was done and Edaina handed her Meliara. “You’ll be alright Ariana, just keep your chin up and be the princess you are,” she said.

Edaina could not go with her though she wanted to, Cassien did though and he instructed her to step forward when he announced her. Early that morning Ariana and Meliara were taken by coach up to the top level where they were escorted by the royal guards there. Cassien was waiting for them and before the nobles and commoners had been allowed to enter the main hall to be heard he stepped up to announce her.

The King wasn’t there but Nauriel was. Dressed in a very elegant deep blue dress she wore her golden and mithril crown that the King had had made for her. She held a gold cup of juice in her hand as she read the listing of those that would be heard today. It was a long list, much too long...as usual...to get through in a day but Cassien was a taskmaster and a good one by her account.

“My queen,” he said as he bowed to her. He was dressed in his usual white suit. “Good morning Cassien, my aren’t you here earl?” She said with a smirk on her face. “My...queen, I have one early announcement to make before today's listing,” he said then waved for the guards to bring Ariana in. “May I present...your daughter, Ariana and your granddaughter, Meliara,” he said uneasily.

Ariana allowed Edaina to help her dress and stood quietly as her hair was fixed and a tiara and jewelry were put on. She had not worn such things in a over a year and felt rather awkward in them, even though she had once worn them everyday. She wished that Edaina could go with her, but she knew she could not. She hugged her and thanked her for everything she had done and then followed her husband, Cassien, to the palace. She could see the line of people forming to speak to her parents and was glad to know that she wasn't going to have to wait until the end of the day to see them. Looking in, she could see it was just her mother and silently she was glad for that fact. She wasn't sure she could face her father just yet. She heard Cassien announce her and she slowly walked in with Meliara in her arms. She did her best keeping her head held high, but she was struggling. She curtsied and was quiet a moment before speaking.

"Hello Mother."

The shock in the queen’s face was obvious and she dropped her cup and the dark, red liquid spilled onto the floor by her throne. When the metal cup hit the floor tiles the sound of it echoed in the room. The queen stood up and signalled to send those that had come early today to be led out...immediately. When people began to complain the queen turned to face them and her face was so hard right then they all suddenly quieted as they filed back out. Those that could not see still complained but after the doors were shut their voices became muffled and inaudible.

“Ariana?” She said though it came out as a gasp and her left hand went to her chest. Cassien nodded silently and showed himself out to leave them alone. Nauriel glanced down at the sleeping baby then took a step down off of the small dais. Her upper lip quivered and indeed she looked angry. “Where is he!?” She asked in a forceful tone though she doubted he’d have the courage to come in person. Naturally she blamed everything on him but each time her eyes glanced down at the babe she seemed to lose that angry look in her eyes.

Ariana winced when her mother dropped the cup of tea onto the floor. She was afraid that Meliara would awaken, but thankfully she did not. The last thing she needed was for her daughter to awaken and start to cry. She stood quietly as her mother ordered the others in the room out. She held her breath, unsure of what her mother was going to say. When she demanded to know where Lucas was tears came to her eyes. She didn't want to cry in front of her, but she wasn't sure she was going to be able to hold back the tears.

"He's...he's dead. He was killed attempting to break up a fight and his body was dumped into our kitchen the day before our first anniversary."

The “He’s dead,” part of what she said seemed to affect the Queen visibly. She lowered her gaze and rubbed at her brow and temple. After a moment she lifted her eyes back up and kept a hand over her mouth not completely certain what to do or say right then. The man that had taken her daughter was now gone but she knew it wasn’t just him. Ariana must take some responsibility for her actions.

“I don’t know where I went wrong with you Ariana. You broke our hearts,” she said as her eyes began to moisten. She shook her head to try and stem the emotions that threatened to spill out of her. “And the King...your father...has not been the same since you left,” she said but more angry this time. She stepped up to her and tried to avoid looking down at the babe. Her brow furled when she didn’t even hear an apology. And then her hand moved and she struck her hard across the face. She wanted to beat her silly but she did have a babe in her arms and so she stayed her hand...for now. Instead she wiped the tears from her eyes and rubbed her nose. Surprisingly she smiled down at the child she held in her arms.

“Whats...whats her name?” She asked and all the anger she had felt melted away as she looked down at her baby.

Ariana kept her eyes down, but answered her mother. "Her name is Meliara. She's almost 8 months old." She became quiet for a long while before speaking again. "I know that I have no right to come back after leaving like I did, but I had no choice. With Lucas gone I had no way of taking care of Meliara. I have already sold all of the possessions I took with me and had to sell the last piece of jewelry I owned and wanted to give to Meliara to pay for Lucas' burial. I will do whatever you and Father want. I will marry whoever you choose without a word if you will just let me stay."

The queen waved off her concerns as she focused on the babe. “She has my eyes,” she said with a smile and the question of where she would go was no longer uncertain. “May I hold her?” Nauriel asked as if the conversation they just had had not been so grim. When Ariana handed her over Nauriel smiled and touched the child’s cheek. “Oh...she’s beautiful,” she said. “Your father is in his study going over finances...Why don’t we go see him?” She said and it wasn’t really a question. Now...now with a child, the situation was as good as settled as far as Nauriel was concerned but Elessar wasn’t always so...amenable to such surprises. She highly doubted that he’d turn them out though even if there were no child.

They had a while to talk as they walked out of the hall and headed back into the royal apartments. Several of the servants who remembered her were quite surprised to see her and Nauriel did find it in her heart to tell Ariana how sorry she was to lose her husband like that. She had spent some time telling her of currents events but then they had arrived and Nauriel suggested the child remain with her.

Ariana carefully handed over Meliara to her mother. Meliara had just woken up, but seemed content for the moment. She feared seeing her father, but knew there was little choice in the matter. She needed to face him and could only hope he would see it in his heart not to turn her away. She quietly followed her mother down the hall towards the royal apartments. Along the way several servants spotted her and she nodded her head to them in greeting. She tried to listen as her mother told her about the goings on during the time she had been away, but her mind was too busy wondering how her father was going to react. As they reached her parent's apartments she felt her nervous grow. She knew she needed to be strong in front of him, but these past few months had rendered her almost unable to do so. She looked over at her mother slightly and nodded a little.

With half done large books on his desk Elessar looked up to see Ariana standing there. His eyes grew large as he looked her over and he noticed immediately that the life that she had been leading was not a prosperous one. She was thin, too thin and looked...sad and forlorn. For a moment he had forgotten all about the pain of her leaving and how angry and hurt he had been. Joy seeped into his heart and he stood abruptly which caused his chair to fall backward behind him. He could not see his own expression but Ariana did and it didn’t look to her like he was pleased to see her. Though that could be no further than the truth he stepped up to her and looked down at her. “Ariana?” He said in obvious awe and surprise. When she looked down at the floor he tilted her face up with a finger under her chin. She had begun to cry but as she did he grabbed hold of her and whisked her up into his arms and hugged her tightly. He kissed her face and cheek over and over. “Oh Ariana, I’ve missed you!” he said desperately. He saw Nauriel just outside the doorway. “We’ve all missed you,” he added and would not let her down.

Ariana walked slowly into the room. She could see her father sitting at his desk, his brow furled as he looked over something. She knew he hated doing finances, but it was unfortunately a job he had to do. Suddenly, he sensed she was there and looked over at her. He looked surprised and then stood up so suddenly that he knocked over his chair. At first, Ariana wasn't sure he was pleased to see her and she took a small step back. She looked down as he approached her, but he tilted her chin up to look at him. Tears had come to her eyes and suddenly he picked her up and hugged her tightly. She was so surprised by this that at first she wasn't sure what to do. But then she wrapped her arms around him and began to cry against him.

"I've missed you Ada."

“And I you daughter!” He said as he held her tightly to him. Tears were in his eyes as well and as Nauriel stepped into the room he paused and said, “Now who is that?” “This...is your granddaughter Elessar,” she replied and presented the babe to him. “She is named Meliara,” she added as the three of them looked a her. Elessar held the  baby gingerly and he smiled down at her. “She’s perfect,” he said softly. The conversation eventually turned into what had happened and how Ariana was now alone, with a babe but Elessar assured her that everything would be alright. Ariana would be given back her rooms and there would be no more to say on it.

Later that evening she was fitted for dresses and food was provided for her around the clock. She was invited to dinner along with Edaina and Cassien, who had shown a great deal of discreteness and respect in this time. Eldarion and his wife could not put the baby down. They bounced her on their knees. In many ways it was like Ariana had never left and the family took her back into the fold without a second glance though Nauriel had a few things to say to her...in private.