The Young Prince

Elfwine looked at Asterin as if she were being purposefully dense and a knowing smile grew upon his face. “Why, the palace ofcourse,” He said as if she should have known that already. It was odd to think Asterin was afraid of anything but her eyes had grown large and her face had a look of uncertainty. She certainly handled those boys without even an ounce of fear. “So...which do you like?” He asked and lifted his hand from his pocket. He counted out 5 silver and then handed then coins to the woman who looked at him wide-eyed.

“Oh...young prince, I’ll not take your coin. Choose and you shall have it,” She said as if she were being given a great gift for him just being there. “Oh no mistress Olivia, please take my offering in trade,” Elfwine said as if he knew what he was supposed to say. “You honor me young prince,” She said and nodded a bow to him. “I have some of the finest silks, cloth and wool,” She said and Elfwine reach to touch one of the wool fabrics. “So...one silk and 2 wool or do you prefer cloth Asterin?” He said as he waved the fabric she brought down to him away. He hadn’t noticed that across the street a guard watched him and was joined by another who ran off after he had told him that they found who they were looking for.

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Einor ran through the hall eager to depart his news. He passed several guards who saluted him as he ran past and they looked about and put their hands to their swords in case there was trouble about that they could not see yet. He paused and straightened himself before he entered. He nodded to the guards and then they opened the doors for him.

Aragorn had come to dote upon Nauriel after he had been in conference most of the morning and afternoon. He was tired but even so the queen looked far more tired than he and likely was. He made her tea by his own hand, the way he knew she liked it and brought that and a few biscuits out on a silvered tray to her as she sat looking out on the terrace. She had a blanket upon her lap even though it was fairly warm still as the sun began its long descent back down behind the trees on the horizon. He set down the tray, poured her tea then brought it to her hands. As she accepted it he leaned down as she tilted her head up and gave her a long, passionate kiss. “I missed you,” he whispered and his eyes took on that same adoring light they always took on when he looked at her. He heard the doors open from the hall but did not break eye contact with her.

Asterin was still rather overwhelmed and unsure. She couldn't imagine a single scenario where she might find herself at the palace. She was a drunken seamstress assistant's daughter. She had no place in the home of Gondor's King and Queen. However, Elfwine seemed so excited that she didn't want to crush that excitement and who knows when she might get new clothing again.

"Well, I guess one of each if that's alright," she said, not wanting to take advantage of him. She saw a beautiful blue silk and she reached out and touched it gently. It was the most incredible thing she had ever touched. "What do you think of this color?"

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Nauriel had decided to spend the afternoon out on the terrace since it was such a beautiful day. She was still incredibly worried about Elfwine and hoped that the guards and soldiers would find him soon. She wanted to talk to him and be sure that he was alright and understood that they still loved him as much as if he had been born to her. He was apart of their family and always would be.

She heard the door to their apartments open and looked over to see her husband. Despite the worries and stresses he was under he would still come to check on her everyday. She wished she could be doing more to help, but the healers did not want her to overly stress herself as her strength was returning. She knew her full strength would never come back, but she wanted to be doing more.

She gave him a loving smile as he brought out a cup of tea to her and some biscuits. She accepted the cup he handed her, but paused as she felt him tilt her head up into a kiss. She closed her eyes and kissed him back just as passionately. Everyday she felt she loved him even more than the day before. "I missed you too," she whispered back to him as she looked lovingly into his eyes. She heard the doors open again and did not break eye contact with her husband until Einor stepped out onto the terrace.

"Did you find him?"

Einor did not expect to see Elessar there and as if by habit, he saluted fist to chest then cleared his throat audibly. Elessar had a puzzled look on his face and his smile slipped into mild concern as his eyes shifted from Nauriel to Einor back to Nauriel. “Did we lose someone?” he asked and then thought for a moment and looked around the room briefly. ‘I haven’t seen Elfwine in a day? Longer?’ He thought. “Elfwine, where is he?” He asked before Einor could answer. “We have my queen. At present he is in the market square,” he said and Elessar pursed his lips and quirked an eyebrow quizzically. “The market? What’s he doing there?” He asked though he decided the question was redundant. Einor looked at Nauriel and hesitated but then answered.

“He’s...with a young girl...buying...silk,” Einor said as if he had to force the words out. Elessar frowned at that and gazed over at Nauriel expectantly. ‘I hate not knowing what is going on in my own household!’ He thought but would not make any assumptions.

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Elfwine was about to say that blue would look beautiful on her but he bit his lip and his cheeks colored. “Uh...it...uh...matches your eyes,” He said bashfully then looked down at the ground and toed around a small stone that was not there with his foot. The old woman chuckled at that and nodded. “Blue will look lovely on you girl,” She said and began rolling out silk, cloth and wool. Enough to make at least 3 dresses or ribbons or whatever she wanted. She folded it all carefully and included a few spools of different colored threads.

“My aunt Calista...uh...she has...uh…” He began but found it difficult to talk with Asterin looking at him with those large, blue eyes. “She has a seamstress, a good one whose also her house maid. She’ll help us...uh...if you want...I mean,” He said.

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The messenger nodded when Kressara leaned down from her horse and handed him the message. It included Boraden’s remedy for the Whitesnake root poisoning for the queen. He knuckled his forehead, mounted and sped off on his horse that kicked dust up into the air. It was a windy day with a gray haze in the sky that promised alot of humidity if not rain and perhaps even thunder and lightning. Boraden had finished cinching the last saddle bag that bulged with provisions for their journey east toward the fighting. He selected a fairly stout mule to carry their gear instead of the large, brown quarter horse that Kressara had suggested. WIth a long, rope tether he moved and tethered it to his horses saddle then moved up to Kressara’s horse and doubled checked the saddle girth. Her mare tended to keep air in her lungs while she was saddled but it seemed tight this time and he patted her on the side as he looked up at Kressara.

“You are certain you want to do this Kressara?” he asked in a low tone. Men and women moved about the stables and the courtyard where their horses and mule stood. While in public, Boraden did not seem to like to engage in public displays of affection and he reached up and squeezed her gloved hand. “If you are recognized it is likely you will become a target,” he said gravely. “An archers arrow if unseen can kill you just as easily as a sword,” He said though he knew she knew that. They had just been wed and she had not answered him when he suggested they spend some time together on a holiday of sorts.

Nauriel could sense her husband's growing concern and frustration through the bond. She had hoped to have this Elfwine situation sorted out before he realized Elfwine was missing. She reached out and took her husband's hand into her own and gave it a gentle, loving squeeze. "Elfwine apparently left the palace this morning before breakfast. When I found out I had Einor take charge to locate him. I think he's still upset over what we told him and unfortunately I did not get the opportunity to speak to him last night. I did not want to worry you since you were with your generals this morning. Once I had more information I was going to speak to you. He's alright...although I'm not sure who this girl could be. He's never mentioned anyone before." She looked over at Einor. "Did any of the guards recognize her?"

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Asterin's entire face went red at Elfwine's compliment. She had never been complimented before and it was sad for her to realize that her friendship with Elfwine was going to be better than her relationship with her mother.

"Are you sure that won't be taking away from her other duties?" she said when Elfwine suggested they ask Calista's housemaid to make the dresses for her.

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Kressara had written the remedy as quickly as she could in a message for her parents. She knew her mother's life was ultimately no longer in grave danger, but this remedy would help to bring back her strength. She knew her mother well enough to know that she was probably going stir crazy. She also knew that her father relied quite a bit on her mother's strength during trying times. He would need her strength and council during this war.

She watched as the message sped towards the South on his horse. Part of her wished she could go herself and see her parents and family, but she knew that she and Boraden were ultimately needed elsewhere. Her gaze turned to the east as Boraden checked their bags and her horse's girth. She knew the fighting was getting bad there and she felt herself being pulled that way. It wasn't until she felt her husband take her hand and give it a squeeze that she realized he was speaking to her. She looked over at him as he voiced his concern for her. She squeezed his hand back and thought for a moment about his suggestion that they spend some time together as newly weds. "You don't find fighting side by side to be romantic?" she joked with a little smile to lighten to mood.

Elfwine tilted his head at Asterin as if he didn’t understand what she was asking. “C’mon, lets go!” He said and took her hand once more. They skipped together as they walked but it was the 2 guards he noticed that were following them at a distance. He just shrugged at them though, he wasn’t doing anything wrong after all. After a bit of skipping, running and laughing they eventually made it up to his brother’s apartments that were just outside the main keep on the top level. There were more guards nearby and they all glanced at them but did not pay them much mind. “It’s ok, there are always guards here,” Elfwine said when he saw Asterin’s worried face. He stepped up to the door and gave it a good knock. A guard opened it and with her in tow, they walked right in.

The house was decorated very much like the palace but a smaller version of it. Tapestries, paintings, statuettes and vases were here and there about the entry hall and the tile was a speckled marble that that had a sheen upon it that reflected the sunlight that came in through the windows. A middle-aged woman came to greet them and Elfwine cupped his hand to Asterin’s ear and whispered, “That’s Mistress Joralin, you can curtsy to her if you want,” He said then bowed to her himself. “Mistress Joralin, this is my friend Asterin,” He said formally.

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“Uh...no my queen. And she appeared to be about his age,” He said and Elessar rubbed the scruff on his chin as he thought about all of this. He decided to let Nauriel handle this since she had wanted to keep him out of it. Now that there was no more worry especially. She had set the guards to find him and all appeared to be well but he didn’t expect Elfwine to consort with children they did not know. “Shall we...ask him to return?” Einor asked.

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Boraden only grunted as he let go of her hand then went to mount his large, black warhorse. Together they rode out of the city as the shadowed sun rose up behind them. Her dappled mare had a precise step and gallup that Boraden had never seen before. He knew horseflesh a good deal but he had never seen an animal like Kressara’s. It was sleek yet had the strong forelegs to run up steep hills without an issue. They rode for a while then walked their horses and alternated most of the morning. They stopped at a small stream to water the horses. While the two horses and the mule drank Boraden produced a canteen and a bit of yellow cheese. He unwrapped the cheese and handed it to her. He wasn’t normally so...subservient but he didn’t seem to mind it. That and she ‘was’a princess.

Asterin became more and more nervous as they got closer to the palace. Though they didn't go into the palace itself, they did stop at Prince Eldarion's house, which did little to ease her nerves. She felt entirely out of place and dirty being this near to the heir to the throne's house...let alone going inside. Elfwine seemed right at home walking straight in, but Asterin felt anything but relaxed. She shouldn't be here, she kept thinking to herself. She was going to get caught by a guard and Elfwine was going to get in trouble.

Suddenly, a woman appeared dressed in a house-maid's attire and she smiled in greeting at Elfwine. Asterin did as Elfwine suggested and curtsied, well attempted it anyway. She had never been formally taught how to curtsy, but had seen it done many times. Her's was a little unbalanced and awkward, but she didn't fall over which was something at least.

Joralin looked at Elfwine and then at the young girl he had introduced as Asterin. She was clearly from a poorer family simply judging by the state of her clothes and hair. She appeared to be about Elfwine's age, though she was unsure how Elfwine might have met this girl.

"Prince Eldarion is at court today," Joralin told him, thinking that he had come to see his brother.

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Nauriel glanced at Elessar before looking back at Einor. "Yes, please bring him back. I think we should talk to him and find out what is going on." She wanted Elfwine to have friends, but she didn't know who this girl was or what he was doing. She also wanted to be sure he wasn't still upset about what she and Elessar had told him the other day.

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Kressara, like most in her family, loved horses and loved to ride. It seemed to just be in their blood. Kressara loved the feel of the wind in her hair and on her skin and the freedom riding gave. She could almost forget all of her worries on the back of her horse. After a while of riding they stopped to allow their horses and the mule to drink. Kressara accepted the cheese and then broke off some and handed it to Boraden. She took a bite of the cheese and was quiet a moment before looking at Boraden.

"If we could go anywhere for a Honeymoon, where would you like to go?"

Elfwine grinned and wondered if his aunt and cousins were here. He peered around the woman but didn’t see anyone though he knew Eldarion’s apartments had many rooms and they could be just about anywhere. He looked up at Joralin. “Actually, I’m here for you Joralin and he gestured toward Asterin. He noticed her face and cheeks were red and he snickered at her. “My friend Asterin needs some dresses made and I know how good you are at that. I don’t think I’d trust anyone else,” He said plainly and his words held his ernesty in them. “Could you...help us?” he asked meekly with a hopeful grin. Adults sometimes were not so easy to talk to but he liked Joralin and hoped she could do this for him. Joralin pursed her lips as she looked over at the girl. She was obviously disheveled and unwashed. A commoner to be certain but it was a rare thing to see the young master like this regardless if this was out of the ordinary or not. She was a busy woman, what servant wasn’t but she caught a glimpse of some of the blue silk that peeked out from the package Asterin held.

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Boraden smiled at the question though it was brief as he thought about the place he had heard about. “There is an Island off the coast of Le bennin,” he said as he took the cheese. “I’ve heard it is an unspoiled paradise. Warm, with white sands and endless sunrises and sunsets. Fruits on trees, sweet, crisp and juicy. Waterfalls and hot springs to bathe in,” he said and smiled again thinking about ‘her’ bathing while he watched her from the rocks. “Yes...I’d like to see it...someday,” He said and looked down as if just remembering the cheese he held and he took a small bite.

Asterin clutched the package for fear of losing any of the expensive fabrics Elfwine had just purchased for her. Her mother never used fabrics like this. She wasn't sure where she would even hide these dresses in the house, but she would have to hide them. If her mother found them she would question her and she would be in so much trouble. However, Elfwine seemed insistent on doing this for her and she didn't want to appear ungrateful.

Joralin gestured for the package of fabrics and Asterin handed it to her. However, just as the exchange was made she heard the door of the Prince's house open and in walked a finely dressed guard captain (Einor) with two other guards. Asterin wanted to run away, but felt frozen to the spot and didn't move.

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Kressara smiled as she listened to Boraden tell her where he would like for them to go someday. It sounded magical to her. She could see them laying together on the warm sand, while listening to the birds and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. "I would very much like to make that happen."

She took a drink from the canteen before handing it back to him. "What made you come to Rohan looking for information about your parents?"

Einor surveyed those in the room as he entered and scrutinized the young girl that was there. After a few moments his gaze left her and decided that she was just a young girl, Elfwine’s friend? And nothing more. Calista who had just laid down the twins had heard the talking and had moved from the bedroom up to see what was happening. To her surprise The Captain of the guard, Einor, her brother-in-law was with 2 other guardsmen and was speaking to her house maid Joralin. When she drew closer she saw Elfwine and a young girl who she did not recognize. She nodded a small bow to Einor.

“It is good to see you Einor...and Elfwine, I did not hear you come in, is everything...alright?” She asked and her gaze shifted back up to Einor though she noticed the young girl looked decidedly...uncomfortable. Einor bowed regally to her. “The queen, your lady mother, has requested Elfwine return to her at once under escort,” He said in quick, sharp words. Elfwine narrowed his eyes at Einor and crossed his arms over his chest and his face took on a peevish, defiant look. ‘She’s NOT my mother!’ He thought and just thinking that brought him both anger and sadness together. But he wasn’t going to cry. No, no he was not! Not in front of Asterin! He decidedly ‘ignored’ Einor as if he hadn’t spoken at all.

“Auntie Calista...this is my good friend Asterin,” He began and gestured to her. “I came to ask Joralin to fit her for a few new dresses is all,” He said honestly. Though it was improper to command or proposition someone else's servants. Elfwine wasn’t aware of that particular fopa. Joralin didn’t cringe exactly but she looked at Calista and awaited her words about Elfwine’s request.

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Boraden had not expected that question and after he thought about it for a moment, a flash of bitter sadness came across his face. It was gone quickly but his eyes maintained a sad, distant look about them. At first it seemed that he wasn’t going to speak at all but after he took a step and half turned away from her he did speak, though his words sounded reluctant to come out.

“A few years ago, my mother was dying. A slow, withering kind of death by some disease the healers knew little about. She was in quite alot of pain but each day she seemed to cling to life with a strength that belied her thin, frail appearance. One morning I had come to visit her at her bedside. We were talking about...simple things and then the topic of discussion changed. In the next hours she told me everything. Where I was found and that I was not of those of the North. The people that they found me with that they slew were from gondor. There were gondorian soldiers with them and my real mother had tried to run with me in her arms. She was shot in the back and it was a surprise when they turned her over and found a babe in her arms. Even in death she had not dropped me it was said. That and she was dressed in silks and fine jewelry as a noble might be,” he said and he paused then turned back and face Kressara. His face looked calm but his eyes had a dark cast to them as if speaking of this was difficult.

“I have little hope to find out who my birth parents were...so much time has passed but I said that I would look and so I intend to,” He said, no longer feeling hungry. He wrapped the cheese back up then looked over at her with more than a little uncertainty in his eyes.

Calista had not been expecting such a large crowd in her main room. It appeared that something was happening by the fact that her brother-in-law, Einor, was present with two other guards. Once she knew everyone was safe she relaxed and her gaze suddenly fell upon Elfwine and a young girl she did not recognize. The girl was clearly from a poor family and seemed extremely uncomfortable at the moment. She was about Elfwine's age and so she wondered if she wasn't a friend of his. She listened as Einor spoke and told Elfwine that his parents were expecting him. To her surprise, Elfwine ignored Einor and turned to her to introduce his friend. Something was going on. Elfwine did not normally behave this way. She knew that she needed to handle this situation carefully.

"It is lovely to meet you Asterin," she said to the young girl who attempted another curtsy. She was clearly in need of some practice, but the gesture was appreciated all the same. "Elfwine, I think you should go see your parents and talk to them. I promise we will get the dresses made, but clearly your parents are worried about you," she said in a gentle, soothing voice.

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Kressara listened carefully as her husband spoke and she realized that she could actually sense his sadness through their bond. It seeped into her very soul and caused her to be sad as well. She loved Boraden very much and hated feeling this sadness from him. She wanted to help him. She gave him a moment of space after he finished the tale before walking over to him and wrapping her arms around him lovingly. "I will help you figure out who they were," she told him. "There must be documentation in the Gondor archives. When there is a break in the fighting we will both go to Minas Tirth together. I have not seen my family in some time and I know they will want to meet you. We can then spend time in the archives and see what information we can find."

Elfwine looked taken aback by Calista’s words but despite how much he felt like acting out, doing so in front of Asterin just would not do. He looked at her, then Einor, then Joralin, then back up to meet Calista’s eyes. Obviously the Captain had been given an order which meant if he had to be carried kicking and screaming he would conduct him to his mother. Acting out wouldn’t help and Asterin was already worried by her face and expression. How will he get her out of this mess he put her in?

“Auntie, uh...may I wait for Asterin to be fitted? I’d like mother and father to meet Asterin. Perhaps if we had a chance to freshen. Please, Just the fitting?” He asked and licked his lips nervously. Einor met Calista’s eyes and only shrugged as if it didn’t matter to him. That and bringing Elfwine home without a fuss was far more desirable than him fighting them the whole way.

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Boraden accepted Kressara’s empathy and thought he felt...something from her. A warmth as if she were touching his heart directly. It was an odd sensation and at first he had thought to push it away. Turn away from it like closing his eyes against the sun. He did not however. He ‘opened’ himself to it and to her. Sensation and warmth flooded into him and with it an awareness of Kressara who put her arms around him. The warmth from her bloomed and flowed like the sweetest wine he had ever tasted. He embraced Kressara back and took in the scent of her dark hair. In that moment, in that embrace her love filled him and, without knowing what he was doing, he sent his love for her into that same, pulsing light.

“I think wherever you lead me, Kressara of Gondor, I will follow you and love you with all my heart,” He whispered. When she lifted up her face to look at him his lips found hers and their kiss lingered as if neither of them really wanted it to end. With that he brought back their horses and they were off once more due East.

Calista sighed at Elfwine's request, but since Einor didn't seem to have any objections she decided to allow it. She looked over at Joralin. "Do you have the time to do Asterin's fitting right now?" Joralin nodded. "Yes, M'lady." Calista looked back at Elfwine. "Alright, you wait here with Captain Einor until we have finished the fitting. You may both make yourself comfortable while you wait."

Calista and Joralin then led the young and rather terrified girl back into another room to conduct the fitting. She was measured from top to bottom and measured in a multitude of directions. Asterin knew generally what happened during a fitting since her mother was an assistant seamstress, but she had really never been properly fitted herself. Joralin decided to give the girl some growing room in each dress so she could keep them longer.

Once the fitting had been completed Calista directed the girl into the washroom. If Elfwine's intentions were for her to meet his parents then she wanted the girl to look as presentable as possible. There was little she could do about the state of her clothing or shoes, but she had the girl wash her face, arms, and hands with a lavender scented soap and then she sat the girl down while she brushed out her hair. The girl's golden hair was full of knots and in need of a trim, but for now she brushed it out and then pinned it half back so it wasn't falling in her face. With that complete she instructed the girl on a proper curtsy and had Asterin practice a few times in her presence before she sent her back out to Elfwine and Einor.

"The fitting has been completed. It will take Joralin a few weeks to make the dresses. For now though you shouldn't keep your parents waiting too much longer."

Elfwine thanked Joralin and Calista and as they were led back out into the street Elfwine looked at Asterin and then Captain Einor. “Captain, may I have a word with Asterin please?” He asked. He was quite proud of how he was speaking. He was trying to be like Eldarion and mimicked how he talked. It seemed to work well with people, especially other nobles, guards and soldiers. Asterin looked...good he decided. Her hair was freshly brushed and it had a sheen that picked up the light of the sun in it. Her face was actually fairly fair and her large blue eyes looked at him concernedly. Einor nodded. “For a moment Elfwine,” He said and then gestured for the guards to step away from them. Elfwine turned and faced Asterin.

“Ya don’t have to come if ya don’t want to,” Elfwine said as he looked down at the street. “You’re doing well though...my aunt...I can tell that she likes ya and that was a pretty good curtsy too,” he said. “I’d like you to meet my parents, it would be my honor to introduce you,” he said and braved a look up into her eyes. He didn’t know why but her eyes made his face feel warm and his heart beat like he had been running for a long while. “I know they’ll like you, will you come?” he asked sheepishly and tried to put on his best smile for her.

Asterin was still quite unsure of herself in this situation. Under other circumstances she was always much more confident and comfortable but this was far outside of anything she was used to. However, Elfwine was her friend and he wanted to introduce her to his parents. She knew she wasn’t dressed properly but he didn’t seem to care.

“Alright, I’ll go with you,” she finally said.

Meanwhile, Nauriel was waiting with Elessar in their sitting room. She heard the main door to their apartments open and she looked over to see Einor escort Elfwine in, but they weren’t alone. There was a girl with them that was about Elfwine’s age. She was in a well mended dress and well worn shoes. However, her face and hands were clean and her hair was brushed and pulled half back. The girl seemed unsure in this situation but did a little curtsy and waited with her eyes downcast out of respect and her hands folded in front of her. This must have been the girl that was spotted with Elfwine at the market stall.

“Who have you brought with you Elfwine?”

Einor quickly saluted and then departed. Elessar sat in his chair next to Nauriel. He rubbed his beard as he watched Einor leave and the children come in. This was completely out of character for Elfwine. He was an outgoing boy but leaving like he did without a bye or leave...he hoped Elfwine had a good explanation. He could understand that he had been dealt a blow. Perhaps a life-changing one but there were still rules that had to be followed. Rules that kept his family safe...or safer anyway. Elfwine decidedly avoided his father’s gaze though he bowed to them both.

“Mother, my I present Asterin,” He said and stepped aside so that they could both see her clearly. “Asterin, This is my mother and father, the Queen and King of Gondor,” he said then turned back to face them. After Asterin curtsied to each of them and stammered...something he wasn’t certain what that squeak was he turned to face Nauriel. “Asterin is my friend mother. I’ve offered her our hospit...al..ity,” he said though it was difficult to get all of that out. His eyes did flash over to Elessar and Elessar had a look of mild amusement as he sat back on his chair and looked at Nauriel. He could tell she wanted to talk to him but he doubted she’d get the children apart so easily. Nauriel would feel amusement through the bond.

Nauriel's eyes examined the girl more closely and she glanced from Asterin, to Elfwine, to Elessar. She and Elessar needed to speak to Elfwine, but she wouldn't do so in front of the girl. He claimed she was his friend and she and Elessar had wanted him to make some friends his own age but she and her husband had expected his friends to be boys. It wasn't a problem for him to have a female friend, but it was rather unexpected. The girl was clearly malnourished and in need of some proper care. She was worried about what her home life was like. Elfwine clearly had a good heart and wanted to help the girl. She began to think that perhaps she and her husband could find a job for her around the palace to make a little extra money.

Nauriel looked over at one of the servants and asked her to bring in an extra chair for Asterin since they hadn't expected a fourth person. Sarin quickly brought in another chair and put it next to Elfwine's.

"Thank you Sarin," she said as the maid curtsied and left the room. "Please, have a seat."

Elessar stood after the chairs and a little refreshment had been brought to the children. “Asterin...it has been a while since we’ve had a guest. I was wondering...if you’d like a short tour of the palace?” He said. “If you’d like,” He added not wanting to pressure the girl.

Asterin was staring at the solid silver tray that had been brought out with some cookies and biscuits on it. It probably cost more than the house she lived in. The tea cups were exquisitely painted and was the finest porcelain she had ever seen. She reached out and took a cookie from the tray. She looked over at the King when he offered to take her on a tour of the palace. She had never dreamed of setting foot in the palace and now the King was offering to take her on a tour! She didn't know what to say and she finally had to force herself to speak.

"I would like that M'lord."

As Elfwine waved to Asterin he saw that at least she was smiling. A genuine smile that he loved to see. When he turned back toward his mother when they left...there was no smile there and he lowered his gaze. “Are you...angry with me mother?” He asked still looking at the floor.

Nauriel was grateful to her husband for taking Asterin on a tour of the palace. She needed to talk to Elfwine and figure out what was going on. She sighed when he asked if she was angry at him and she moved closer to him and touched his cheek and raised his chin up to look at her. "I'm not angry. I'm just concerned is all. Your father and I told you something you weren't expecting and you seemed quite upset. Then when you disappeared this morning I grew very worried. I feared something might have happened to you. It's not like you to just leave like that. I understand why you are upset, but I want you to know how much we love you. I can't tell you that enough," she said as tears came to her eyes. "You mean so much to us and we are so proud of you."

For Elfwine, his mother’s voice was always something he knew and recognized. She almost never was angry with him nor could he even recall a time when she raised her voice to him. Even from the beginning he remembered her smile and the feel of her soft touch. The thought of losing her, she had been poisoned, was something that terrified him. He was not happy that he was not a Dunedain as they were but after spending time with Asterin he had learned that he had to take all the good that he had and not fret over what he did not have. “Oh mother!” he cried and he leapt from his chair onto her and wrapped his arms around her neck as he wept in her arms.

After Nauriel was able to calm him down...well, calm both of them down, he sat there on her lap. “Asterin’s da is a soldier and rarely at home. Her ma is a seamstress I think and barely cares for her. There are alot of children that...need help and forced to care for themselves. “Asterin goes hungry most days and even so, she has a good heart,” he said as he leaned into Nauriel’s chest.

Nauriel held Elfwine in her arms and couldn't believe how big he was getting. She still remembered finding him that day. He had been so small and cold. She hadn't been sure he would survive the ride back to Minas Tirith. But he had. He was strong and compassionate and rarely thought of himself. You couldn't teach someone to have a good heart. They either had it, or they didn't. Elfwine had one of the best hearts she had ever seen. It made her proud to be his mother.

She considered what Elfwine said and was quiet a moment before speaking. "Unfortunately, life is hard for some people, but I think the strongest people come out of those situations. I wish we could help all of those children, but we cannot. However, I think there is something we can do for Asterin. Something about her drew you to her initially and I can sense that there is something special about her as well. The fact that you have taken her as a friend speaks a lot to me and so I want to help her. The other day the Head of the Houses of Healing mentioned to me that they are in need of a new apprentice. She's a bit young, but there is a lot to learn and I think she would strive to succeed. She would be paid and therefore would be able to start saving up some money. Do you think she would agree to this?"

Elfwine thought about what his mother had said. It wasn’t easy to grasp all these ‘adult’ concepts but he knew Asterin was a survivor. Someone who took care of herself when no one else would. She hadn’t asked for any help. Infact, she tried to stop him from helping her but Elfwine was a stubborn boy and helped her anyway. Not because he wanted anything in return and not out of pity. It was impossible to pity someone like Asterin who could still smile regardless of the hardships in her life. He didn’t know if she wanted to become a healer but an opportunity was just that. A place to start. Elfwine nodded and twisted to look up at his mother’s face. “I think that’s a great idea mother. She can’t change who her mother is but she can change her situation, if she had a little help,” He said and smiled up at her.

It wasn’t very long before Elessar brought Asterin back. He smiled as he opened the door for her and she was smiling too. As soon as he saw her Elfwine got down off of Nauriel’s lap. Asterin’s eyes grew large and she ran up to him with something that glinted silver in her hand. “Elwfine! Look!” She said and held up what she had in her hand. It was made out of silver and shaped like an oval. It was thin like a coin but depicted Elessar’s profile on one side and the one tree on the other. “The King’s seal!” She said excitedly. “The King said that if I showed this to a soldier or guard that they would come to my aid. And if I showed this to someone in the palace or to another noble, I would have guest rite!” She said. Elfwine’s eyes bulged and he smiled from ear to ear. “Wow! I can count on one hand how many of those I’ve seen!” he said then looked over at his father. With a quick lurch and a short run he rammed into Elessar’s leg and hugged him. “Oh thank you father...this really means alot to me!” Elfwine said.