A Day In The Life...

The next morning was much like the others. Meliara fidgeted during her morning meal and made the mundane event far more laborious than she would have wished. For herself she had oats with honey, wild strawberries and fresh milk. It tasted...unusually good today as the sun only just began to crest above the horizon. Her second floor terrace off of her bedroom faced Eastward and each morning the world presented her with a sunrise that she swore was completely unique from the last one. She had no maids in waiting yet but she had been provided several servants. All younger women save for the house mistress who was old enough to have gray in her hair that was always bound up into a large, single bun on the back of her head. White and gray birds flew past against the warm, spring breeze that brought with it the scents of pine, Lindon and Lilac. Fresh wild flowers sat in a shiny, white clay vase on the table in front of her for her to enjoy though she knew she’d not see them or Meliara again until she returned this afternoon to change for supper with her family. Unless she requested for her daughter to be brought to her at court.
As they ate Nauriel had come into her rooms and now stood silently as she watched her daughter and granddaughter break their fast. Nauriel more than her husband had not weathered Ariana’s ‘mistakes’ well. In the queen’s social circles her daughters actions and behavior were considered her domain. It would have been better if they had had more sons but she had daughters and Ariana had caused her more than a little bit of strife. Still, watching them like this. Watching a mother tend her own daughter was something that nearly brought tears to her eyes. Meliara looked alot like Ariana did when she had been that young. And she was just as difficult at meal times.
“I see that you are getting a taste of what you were like as a child. You never liked to eat at mealtimes and complained about being hungry. Your brother had gotten his bottom tanned more than a few times stealing food and sweets for you when he was explicitly told NOT to,” she said almost fondly as she glided onto the terrace. She paused near the doorwall with her hands clasped in front of her as she watched them.

Try as she might, Ariana could not get Einar out of her mind that night. She scolded herself for it, reminding herself that he was nearly engaged to a good woman, but he reminded firmly planted in her brain all the same. She went to bed that night with thoughts of him and awoke with those same thoughts. She told herself she was just lonely and missing Lucas, but she could not shake the feeling that perhaps her feelings were deeper than she had initially thought. However, even if they were she would do nothing about it. She had ruined one man's life, she would not do it again.

Meliara awoke soon after she did and Ariana bathed and dressed her before breakfast. She was pleasantly surprised when her mother made a visit, as she was usually busy in the mornings. However, she was glad to have her there. Ariana had been working very hard to repair her relationship with her parents, especially her mother. She knew that her mother probably had to endure questions about her absence at court and she felt guilty about it. Her time in Bree and becoming a mother had matured Ariana beyond her years. She no longer behaved like a child and did not question anything her parent's told her to do. She was determined to get back into their good graces, if only for the sake of her daughter who had become Ariana's entire world.

The one and a half year old was a difficult eater, though not particularly picky. It took a lot of coaxing to get Meliara to eat, though she never seemed to dislike any of the food she was eating. She finally got Meliara to eat a spoonful of oats with honey before looking over at her mother.

"I wonder how Eldarion will fare with twins," she mused with a little smile. "I cannot believe that Calista's due date is less than two months away."

Smoothly Nauriel moved to take a seat between them at the oval table. With a gesture she asked Ariana for the bowl and spoon with an obvious intent to take over feeding Meliara. “They will make him busy I should hope. That boy needs his time spent for him I think. As do you,” she said plainly as she scooped up some of the oats. They were far from close as of yet but it wasn’t in Nauriel’s nature to hold a grudge. Ariana had learned a very valuable lesson. Though Nauriel could not have wanted her husband to die for it.
“I’ve invited someone to sup with us this evening Ariana. I’d like you to wear something...quite lovely for him,” she said as she coaxed Meliara to eat. Meliara giggled at the faces Nauriel made to her. “His name is Floran Guthale. I know I said you could do whatever you wanted, see whomever you wanted but I’d like you to be cordial to Floran. Talk to him and such. Will you do this?’ she asked and slid a spoon of food into Meliara’s mouth but it was clear what she was implying. Nauriel smiled with her own mouth gaping to elicit the same from Meliara. The King would not be pleased at all to know what Nauriel was doing but Nauriel had long since learned that what the King didn’t know couldn’t hurt him for the most part. Ariana’s status needed to change and it wasn’t easy to find a Widower among the nobility.

Ariana was more than happy to hand over Meliara's feeding to her mother. She was growing quite hungry herself, but could not eat properly if she was trying to feed her daughter. She couldn't help but smile a little as she thought about her brother with twins. That was certainly going to be a change for him, although he seemed ready for it. He and Calista were quite prepared for their arrivals and she had overheard the servants making quiet bets on what the sexes were going to be.

Ariana took a few bites of her oats with honey as her stomach began to grumble slightly. However, as her mother mentioned inviting someone to dinner she slowly stopped and looked at her. She of course knew why he had been invited. For a moment her thoughts once again drifted to Einar, but she forced them away. He was taken and she needed to find someone to help take care of her daughter. She could not live forever under her parent's care. They had already done much for her and her mother deserved this after what she had done.

"Of course Mother," she said after a moment. "What does he do?"

Nauriel still wasn’t looking at her as she prepared another spoonful and her tone was calm as if they were discussing something lighter than they were.
“I think you’ll have to ask him that. I’ll not give you anything more to chew on than that though he is a few years older, he is kind and generous,” she said trying not to poison the fruit before it’s time. Floran was a well known trade negotiator and the crown had just cherry picked him from Bree. They were to give him his own apartments there in the city and set him to begin work immediately.
“I also came to warn you, Albereth Conwell will be appearing again today...this morning. Her ‘issues’ I leave to you this time,” she said as Meliara took in another mouthful and gurgled happily. Nauriel used her handkerchief to wiper her chin and she smiled at her granddaughters happiness.
Albereth came often to court. Mostly to complain. Her lands were sandwiched between 3 farmers whose livestock often wandered onto her lands. She married a much older man that died a few years back and the rumor was that the only reason she married was for his money and his lands. Her house was far too large and gaudy for the area but everything about Albereth was ‘large’ and gaudy including her girth.

Ariana nodded a little when her mother refused to give her any other information. She was now curious, though thoughts of Einar continued to linger in the back of her mind. Her priority was her daughter's well being and she was going to do whatever it took to ensure she was taken care of. If she agreed to marry someone it would only be after knowing that Meliara wasn't going to be tossed aside. Most men would not even think of raising a child that wasn't their own. Ariana needed a man who thought differently and would treat Meliara as if she was his daughter.

However, when her mother warned her about Albereth Conwell all thoughts of men left her head. She had to force herself not to roll her eyes, though her unhappiness was not completely hidden. Albereth was a frequent court visitor and no one in the family wanted to deal with her anymore. She always brought forth the same complaint and there was nothing any of them could do except listen...or try to at this point.

"Well, that should make the morning...interesting," Ariana replied.

“Who was the young officer you were talking to in the market yesterday?” Nauriel asked out of the blue. One of her guardsmen was ‘her’ man and he reported everything that Ariana did. The guardsmen were not among the army. They were specially selected and trained for what they did and each man had to prove his ability or he wouldn’t make the required grade. Elessar was a hard man to please and Ariana had some of the most skilled watching over her right now but Nauriel didn’t tell her that.
She turned this time to look at Ariana’s reaction to her question.

Ariana took another bite of her breakfast and glanced at her mother when she asked her who it was she was talking to in the market yesterday afternoon. She realized then that one of the guardsmen from yesterday actually belonged to her mother. She wasn't entirely surprised that she was being watched, though she wished that she weren't.

"It was Captain Einor Colevand. He is a friend of mine," she replied, attempting to keep her face as neutral as possible. However, Nauriel's keen senses might detect faint traces that perhaps there might be more to her feelings than mere friendship.

Nauriel’s lips curled into a slight smile. This was...good, she decided then turned her attention back to Meliara. She knew Captain Colevand, not well but enough to know he was a good man.
“Isn’t he due to be betrothed?” She asked the wracked her brain for the name that was on the tip of her tongue. “Merylan yes?” She asked and turned back to get Ariana’s agreement. She nodded and turned back to the clapping child. “She is a lovely woman but she does have a temper,” she said and made a clicking noise with her tongue. She shouldn’t say such things but being near Ariana made her more bolder than she normally was.
“It would set my worries a bit if you’d make more friends however,” she said as she began to twirl the spoon in a corkscrew motion and made a buzzing sound that delighted Meliara.

Ariana was surprised by her mother's reaction. It was clear that she remembered him and approved of her friendship with him. When she asked about his near betrothal to Merylan she only nodded. Deep inside her gut she felt as if it were being twisted and she suddenly lost her appetite and pushed away her bowl of oats. She looked at her mother slightly when she pointed out Merylan's temper. She had heard such things, but of course she wasn't going to mention it to Einor. His choice was his own and she was going to stay far away from his relationship to her. The last thing she needed was to cause more problems and begin more rumors.

"No one wants anything to do with me Mother," Ariana slowly replied with a quiver in her voice. She was lonely, but dared not complain about it to her family. In fact, she continued to walk on eggshells around them. She felt very lucky that they took her back in with her daughter after what she had done. She was afraid of saying the wrong thing so she mostly remained quiet, which was not how she had been before.

"Everyone avoids me. All of my old friends have abandoned me. But...but I shall try."

“Do not despair Ariana. You have much to be thankful for...we all do,” she said as the bowl was now empty. She turned to look at her then reached up and with her fingers brushed her hair away from her face. “Some people go along with what others say for fear that they will be singled out just like you are. Look for such as them and you might find a friend or two,” she suggested. “Invite Captain Colevand to Meliara’s dedication as a friend,” she said knowing that she obviously liked the man.
“Oh and I almost forgot, ladies in waiting will be here day after tomorrow. You’ll need to make your final decisions on them,” she said then shifted her hand to cup her chin and lift it up so that her eyes looked at her directly.
“You are a Princess Ariana. You are important to Gondor and those who live here. Choose well for they will be with you for years to come,” she reminded her and let her go. Ariana was quite the lovely woman but it was time she stopped mourning for Lucas and threw herself back into the world of the living.

After her mother left, Ariana finished dressing before taking Meliara to her nanny. She couldn't believe how quickly her daughter was growing up and she felt a little pain in her heart knowing that Lucas would never experience any of it. She vowed that she would ensure that her daughter grew up knowing of him and how much he had loved her. Returning to her room, she sat down at her desk and thought about what her mother had said about inviting Einor to Meliara's introduction. She feared that continuing to see him would only continue to confuse her, but she did not want to lose him as a friend. She took out a piece of parchment and composed a letter in her elegant script to him, formally inviting him to the event. She folded up the invitation and placed it inside an envelope before sealing it with her family's official White Tree seal.

With the invitation on it's way to Einor, Ariana knew it was time for her to go to court. She carefully placed her tiara on her head and allowed her guards to escort her to court. Already a long line had formed and Ariana spotted Albereth in line. Everyone stepped aside and bowed as she passed. She took her seat and a servant brought her a cup of tea before she called in the first person of the day.

Several long hours later the task was done and Ariana could breathe a sigh of relief. Albereth had been utterly exhausting today, but Ariana had somehow managed to soothe her and she had left quietly. She considered this a great accomplishment. She had been so busy that she had nearly forgotten about the man her parent's had invited to dinner. She knew nothing about him, not even his name. She changed into a silver dress and her servant pulled her hair half back, letting the rest cascade down her shoulders and back. Ariana found herself feeling...nervous. It was clear her mother wanted her to try and connect with this man and she did not want to bring any more scandal to the family.

The main hall just outside of dining room was filled with family. Eldarion was clothed in a dark gray suit coat and britches light fitted to show his well formed backside and turned out calves. He had high black boots and wore a belt knife. Calista, with her large baby belly in tow, wore a low cut cream colored dress that showed a bit much of her ever growing bosom and her dark hair was up in curls that spilled down the sides of her head onto her shoulders. They were talking to Kressara who wore a dark green dress, a bit more demurely cut than Calista’s. Nauriel who was in a silver and lavender dress that almost shimmered when she moved was among them and held a glass of golden spring wine. Elessar was also in a dark suit coat and britches much like Eldarion’s though his had the white, embroidered tree of the king on the lapels. He held Elfwine who was whispering into his left ear and giggling. Floran was over a hand shorter than Elessar, almost as tall as Eldarion with short dark hair with bits of gray on the sides which gave him an experienced look more than aged. Especially with his large dark brown eyes that had a look of keeness to them. He wore a dark suit coat and britches as well, if not plainer made with black boots much like Eldarion wore.
It was Nauriel who spotted her first and nodded to her appreciatively. She held out an arm to her and when she came up to her she leaned in and kissed her cheek. “You look lovely Ariana,” she whispered before she let her go. “Go to Eldarion...he’ll introduce you to our guest,” she added and tapped her arm and smiled at her.

With every day that passed, Calista felt more and more tired. Her belly grew ever larger every week and she knew that both twins were healthy because they were both quite active. It was becoming more difficult for her to sleep and she had begun to spend less and less time in court and more time resting. She felt self-conscious in everything she wore, but Eldarion had assured her that she had looked wonderful that evening.

Kressara was growing up much too quickly for Nauriel's liking. She was their youngest natural born child and last daughter and so Elessar was more protective of her. She and her father shared a special relationship and she could make him laugh and smile when no one else could. However, as she matured Nauriel had begun to notice a change in Kressara. She could sense the wanderlust that ran deep in her family's blood, but it was stronger in Kressara than any of her other children. Kressara not only looked more like her than any of her other daughters, but was starting to behave more like a younger version of herself as well. She hoped that perhaps it would fade in time, but sensed that this would not be the case...in fact she sensed that the exact opposite was bound to happen. For now, at least, she still had her there with them and was proud of the strong young woman she was becoming.

Ariana had decided to leave her daughter with the nanny tonight. Her mother intended for her to get to know their guest better and she could not do so if she was focused on her instead. Looking over at him, she could not deny he was handsome as he stood there talking to her father. He was clearly older than herself, but in a distinguished way. She began to feel nervous again and took a sip of her wine in an attempt to calm her nerves as she walked over towards her mother. She listened to her and glanced over at her brother. She nodded slightly and drew in a deep, calming breath before slowly making her way over to her brother who was now speaking with their guest.

Eldarion was quite excited about Calista having twins but also anxious. It was a huge responsibility being a father. His own father, the king had done an excellent job of running an entire kingdom though and retaining the love and respect of all of his siblings including himself. He knew he could never replace Elessar, only secede him. Far from encouraging but he loved Calista more than anything and even now, even with her round belly he found her absolutely ravishing. He had had at her just under 2 hours ago and yet seeing her in that dress made him desire her again. Thoughts of that left him quickly though as Ariana stepped up to them.

“Oh, Ariana!” He said with more than a little endearment. Eldarion loved all of his sisters dearly and now that she was once again with them he doted on her as much as his time allowed. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Your dress is magnificent sister!” He said honestly. “You brighten the hall,” he added but then paused when he saw her and Floran looking at one another.

“Ariana, please let me introduce Floran Guthale,” he said and gestured. Spots of color grew in Floran’s cheeks almost immediately as he pivoted smartly then bowed to her.

“It is indeed a pleasure Princess Ariana to meet you,” he said formally but also somewhat hastily as if seeing her or more correctly, seeing how beautiful she was had unsettled him. He held out his hand and when she took it he bent further and lightly kissed her knuckles. “I am truly charmed,” he said as he kept his eyes down respectfully. Obviously he had had dealings with nobles and leaders before. He straightened and released her hand. Eldarion saw Kressara trying to be seclusive again and decided to stop that right away. “Pardon me, I have a sister to torment, please excuse me,” he said with a grin and left them alone to talk.

Not much had been said to Floran. He knew of the royal family but being a man out of social circles he hadn’t really paid much attention to rumor. He knew names but little else of Gondor’s ruling family. Besides the king and queen ofcourse. And Eldarion. Ariana was a surprise though. A very beautiful one he thought as he tried not to meet her eyes for fear that untoward thoughts about the Princess would enter into his mind.

Ariana blushed ever so slightly at her brother's compliment. She and her brother had had a close relationship before she had left with Lucas. She had feared that perhaps their relationship would never be what it had been, but slowly things were beginning to return to normal between them. She stood quietly and waited for her brother to introduce her to their guest. His name was not familiar to her, but he behaved in a gentlemanly way and was very polite. As he held out his hand she extended her own and allowed him to take it and kiss her knuckles. For a brief moment thoughts of Einor from the day before came into her mind as she remembered him doing the same thing. However, she somehow managed to push those thoughts aside.

"Likewise Mr. Guthale," Ariana replied politely. She glanced over at her brother as he stepped away, leaving her alone with Floran. She felt a wave of nervousness come over her again, although outwardly she appeared confident (as a royal should).

"What brings you to Gondor?" she asked before taking a small sip of her wine.

“Your father, the King ofcourse,” he replied in a softer tone. Not quite as low as a conspirator might but noticeably softer. “Saying no to him is undoubtedly much like trying to stop a wild boar mid charge,” he quipped as he lifted up his gaze. When he saw that she seemed to not take offense he continued.
“His man had me ‘rousted’ from my bed to attend him as if my arrival was of ‘dire’ importance or the like. I know things have been ‘tense’ of late but…” He suddenly paused realizing that this was hardly appropriate conversation. “Forgive me Princess, I forget myself,” he said respectfully and color bloomed in his cheeks once more.
“Your dress is quite lovely Princess, you have exquisite taste,” he complimented. His eyes did scan over her shape but he did it briefly and tried not to linger on her breasts. “The palace is amazing, is it not?” He said trying to keep his eyes on hers. Obviously he had not been in the company of women lately. Especially women draped in the finest dresses money could buy.

"What is taking so long?" Elessar asked just loud enough for everyone to hear. "Shall I get my bow and find us a deer to roast?" he asked. Nauriel glared at him and Floran and Ariana heard him as well. Floran bit his lip as he stifled a laugh.

Ariana listened quietly as Floran began to speak. She wasn't entirely sure what to say when he began to speak of things being "tense" of late and thus she was grateful when he switched the conversation. As he complimented her dress she blushed slightly and unconsciously smoothed out her skirt. "Thank you Mr. Guthale. It's one of my favorites." She could see his eyes taking in her shape, but not in an unseemly way as some men did. He was much more discrete about it and did not linger on any area in particular. As he mentioned the palace she smiled and nodded. "Yes, it certainly is. One can become a little jaded living here, but I try to remind myself how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful building."

Nauriel was standing near her husband and looked at him slightly when he rather loudly commented on the dinner taking so long. She could tell he was joking, or at least partially, but she felt rather embarrassed with Floran in the room.

"I'm sure it will only be a few minutes longer."

“Would you take me father!?” Kressara asked. She shifted from around Eldarion and had the look of excitement on her face. Eldarion was in mid sentence but paused when she picked up her skirts to move up to Elessar and Nauriel. Elessar grinned at her eagerness. “Me too!” Elfwine said excitedly. “My new bow shoots wonderfully!” Kressara said.
“Just Floren if it please you Princess Ariana,” he said graciously. “Perhaps...after we sup, you might...uh...show me around the palace?” he asked with even more red coming to his cheeks. For someone who had a bit of gray in his hair he certainly didn’t act if he were older than she at all. “I mean...if you...uh, have no previous engagements,” he said giving her a clear way to refuse him without making it seem like a rejection.
Just then the doors opened to the great dining room and Viaren stepped out into the hall. He bowed to the group then stepped aside and gestured. “Dinnuh, is served,” He said as he bowed. Obviously there had been some issue, his face and neck were red and his forehead beaded with sweat. However the dining room looked as glorious as it ever had. Crystal goblets and candlesticks gleamed in the light of the lanterns and reflected flames danced all about the room from a fireplace so tall almost every but Elessar could walk into it. As people entered ushers came to guide them to their seats though most everyone knew where they were to sit. Usually beside Ariana though Meliara’s chair was removed and a regular chair was now there. To her surprise, or not Floran was seated next to her.

Nauriel could not help but smile slightly at Kressara's eagerness. Kressara, more than her other sisters, had taken to archery and had quite the talent for it. Had her mother's shoulder not been injured by that wolf she would have considered sending her to Gehenna for an intensive training. That girl was going to get herself into trouble if she didn't keep busy. Ariana looked back over at Floran after hearing his request to show him around the palace. She could tell he was nervous. She was nervous as well, though she did her best to hide it.

"Of course," she replied. "It would be my pleasure to do so."

Just then the main doors to the dining room opened and Viaren stepped in and announced that dinner was ready. There was a certain order to how the family entered the dining room and Ariana stayed back with Floran as her parents with Elfwine in tow entered first, followed by Eldarion and Calista. She then stepped in with Floren behind her. Kressara brought up the rear. She was not entirely surprised to see that Floran's place had been situated by her. That had been her mother's doing of course. Ariana moved over to her chair and as Floran pulled it out she sat down. She waited until he took his seat before looking at him.

"What is that you do Mr. Guthale?"

As two women in black and white uniforms began to ladle vegetable soup into their bowls Floran turned to look at her. He would prefer her to use his first name but if calling him by his surname made her more comfortable, he could live with it.
“I gather data from all over the realm...well, it is brought to me anyway. And then use it to negotiate fair prices from Almonds to Zucchini,” he said and then tried not to wince. “Not very exciting. Not like being an Officer or soldier but someone has to do it and be completely impartial as well. There have been those before me that have tried to hedge certain prices for personal gain. As cowardice might be looked at unfavorably by soldiers, greed is looked at just as unfavorably by those who work their hands to the bone to just put food on their tables,” he explained. He looked at her eyes as he spoke. Most people that he explains all that to begin to get that ‘glossy’ eyed look. A clear sign that they really had no interest in what he was saying.

Ariana listened closely as Floran spoke about his job. It was not a job she had heard of before and so she was curious and listened with genuine interest. While it wasn't like the duties of a soldier, it was still important and needed. She picked up her crisp, white napkin that had been expertly folded and placed upon her plate and gently unfolded it and placed it upon her lap.

"That sounds interesting," she replied as she picked up her soup spoon. "With such a job I would imagine that you have been to quite a few places. Do you travel a lot?"

Floran was surprised that Ariana sounded interested in what he did. He wasn’t a coward and he knew how to use a sword and ride but not as well as a trained soldier ofcourse. He was an intelligent man who could remember alot which made him very good at what he did. The soup was hot and tasty. It took real effort not to eat quickly. He rarely had food so good. He was wealthy but nothing like this kind of wealth and extravagance.
“I do sometimes but there are several people who pass down information that they collect to me. However when something doesn’t satisfy I have been known to travel to proof out what I feel is wrong. Its not often though. Most information is cross-referenced by others in other cities,” he explained.
“What about you Ariana, are you content as a Princess holding court?” He asked. “That has to be a trying existence at times. I find when people have a face to complain too, they often will instead of handling their own troubles,” Floran said and dunked a piece of bread into the soup and ate it.

Ariana took her soup spoon and lightly dipped it into the vegetable soup. She skimmed a small amount and then lifted the spoon up to her mouth. Her back was straight but not stiff and she did not spill a single drop, nor did she make a sound as she ate. When Florian asked her if she was content holding court she gave a small shrug and rested her spoon on the plate beneath the bowl. She then picked up her napkin from her lap and lightly dabbed the corners of her mouth before placing the napkin back on her lap.

“It is one of my duties,” she said rather diplomatically. She was quite a moment before looking at him. “In truth I would rather be spending more time with my daughter than listening to people complain about petty things.”

Her words seemed to affect Floran. As he lifted another spoonful of the delicious soup to his mouth he paused. Nauriel had been talking with Calista about what to expect with childbirth but also her keen, elven ears were listening to Ariana and Floran.
He dropped his spoon and picked up his napkin then lightly wiped his lips with it. He knew she wasn’t married but he didn’t know she had a child. Did she ‘have’ a husband? Had she lost him? He knew she wasn’t old, she was a young woman. All sorts of questions came to him but he knew he had to be careful here, for several reasons.
Floran had lost his wife two years ago during childbirth. And his eyes scanned over her again though briefly. ‘Whats her name?” He asked softly. He guessed she must have been rather young or likely she would be here.