A Farewell Feast

At dinner that evening, nauriel and Eldarion were leaving the next morning, Calaren insisted that she went and it was an informal affair. Nauriel was the guest of honor on the opposite side of the table and to her left Eldarion sat. To Conleth’s right at the other end, Serethiel sat and to her right Beren and Ithilwen. To Conleth’s left was Brandt and then Linaya with the babe in a high chair. Narisa sat between the babe and Nauriel’s right.

There was the last of the sweet summer white flowing around and the lamb was prepared in a light brown sauce that smelled both sweet and sharp and it tasted just like it smelled. Fresh bread was provided to sop up the sauce and serve as a medium for the chunks of meat. There were three conversations happening right then. Ithilwen and Beren had a small argument and were trying to get Linaya to take a side and Conleth and Brandt were discussing a new foal that had just been born. Nauriel smiled at Narisa and leaned over toward her. Eldarion was enjoying his food he had never tasted anything like it and was already on his second plate.

“How’d we do?” She said in a soft voice.

Narisa was hesitant to leave Calaren, but he insisted that she go say goodbye to her aunt and cousin. She reluctantly dressed and left him, promising him that she wouldn't be gone too long. She walked up the hill to her grandparent's manor and she could smell the food the moment she walked through the doors. In the dining room she found everyone already gathered and she found her spot next to her aunt and Laenaya's baby. She took her seat and immediately the wine was poured. It was sweet and cool and slowly Narisa began to relax. As the food was brought out she realized how hungry she was and she felt her stomach give a little growl. She had been so busy taking care of Calaren that day that she hadn't really gotten a chance to eat. She began to eat almost the moment her plate was placed before her and had to force herself to slow down. All around her conversations were happening and it felt good to be among family, although she wished Calaren could have been there with them. After a while her aunt leaned over towards her and asked her about Calaren. She smiled at her a little.

"It worked."

“Good, very good,” She said in the same low tones. “Now, I know from speaking to Serethiel that you will be tempted to...come clean about your indiscretion but I recommend that you don’t,” she said as she took a sip of the wine. Eldarion couldn’t hear what was being said and he smiled and nodded to Narisa then went back to focusing on his plate again. “Some things you will need to bear on your own Narisa. If your goal is to keep him happy than that is the path you must take,” she added.

Narisa listened to her aunt and looked at her slightly when she told her that she shouldn't tell Calaren the truth. She didn't want to keep things from him, but she knew he probably wouldn't be happy if he found out the truth. The only thing that mattered at this point was that he was starting to get better. She slowly nodded.

"I understand."