Two More At Table

Einor has been sizing Boraden up since he saw him ride in. ‘So that’s the Northman she married...He doesn’t look like a Northman...accept the clothes.’ He thought silently as he approached Kressara and her new husband with his guard of 3 who held their shields and fingered the hilts of their swords as if Boraden might harm the princess at any moment.

“It is good to see you Kressara. The King and Queen are in the hall of nobles, not holding court exactly,” he said with a smirk. He had had reports from a couple of the guards that the King and Queen were...canoodling on the throne. It didn’t matter to Einor nor the guards what the King and Queen did but he doubted they’d want to meet this...this new man like that.

“If you would allow me to announce your coming I’m certain they would be happy to see you,” he said diplomatically and bowed to them both in turn then turned and led them up across the stable yard to the main hall doors that two more guards were positioned. Once they saw them coming the guards shifted and opened the doors for them. Kressara saw two more inside, double what there normally were at any time that she had lived in the palace. Further in there were a pair of guards at each intersection and they saluted fist to heart when they passed them. “Prince Eldarion arrived just a while ago. It was quite the fanfare but he didn’t seem very...happy about it,” Einor offered as they passed another intersection of halls and turned left toward the nobles lounge. Beyond the lounge and reception room was the nobles hall. Einor halted them several yards from the doors to the chamber and moved up and through the doors.

He bowed to the Queen and King who were...being quite affectionate toward one another. Einor cleared his throat loud enough that the sound echoed through the large hall. “My King...visitors of note have arrived,” he said not wanting to spoil the surprise. “May I show them in?” He asked politely and gestured toward the door to denote that they were right outside. Elessar sighed and gave Nauriel one more kiss on the lips before he helped her down off of his lap and down again into her throne. He sat back down in his and straightened his crown and brushed off his tunic. Impatiently he gestured to Einor then turned to nod at Nauriel though he did so with a smile.

“May I present Princess Kessara and her husband, Boraden,” he announced loudly and the doors to the chamber opened. He heard Nauriel gasp and felt his own eyes want to grow as large as teacups but he managed to remain straight faced save for his smile.

Nauriel had been rather enjoying the moment. Though they were always loving towards one another, moments like this were few and far between. They rarely had the time. They were quietly reminiscing between kisses and savoring this intimate moment. Suddenly, she heard someone in the room and she looked over to see Einor. When he announced that there was someone to see them she glanced at her husband and held back a sigh as the moment was now over. She returned his final kiss and then took a seat back on her throne and smoothed out her dress. She was curious as to who this person might be. As he announced that it was their daughter Kressara and her new husband, Boraden, she couldn't hold back her gasp.

Kressara stepped into the room with Boraden at her side. She wanted him beside her as her husband instead of slightly behind her as he tended to walk. She saw tears fill her mother's eyes as she stood up and stepped down to greet her youngest daughter. Kressara stepped up to her and felt her mother place her hands on the sides of her cheeks in a loving and affectionate manner.

"Hello Mother," she said as her own tears filled her eyes.

Nauriel couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. "Oh, how I have missed you."

Elessar rose from his throne as well but he eyed Boraden warily as he descended the dais to join the two women. He hugged them both and kissed Kressara on the side of her head. “You’ve come home to us...a hero...we couldn’t be more proud of you,” he said as he hugged her. It was clear that Nauriel wouldn’t let her out of her grasp anytime soon so Elessar decided to size up this man she had married.

Boraden stood calmly and watched the emotional
exchange with his hands clasped behind him. It wasn’t until her father...the King stepped away from them that he drew himself up and brought his hands to his sides. Boraden was a tall man, slightly taller than Elessar and a bit broader. He stood his ground and looked at Elessar eye to eye. To anyone that watched the two men it was clear that they were not just ordinary men. The confidence in their gaze, how they stood so proud and tall and they both seemed to drip with an uncanny presence that common men did not possess.

“So what makes you think your good enough for my daughter,” Elessar said with narrowed eyes. “Kressara is not like other women, she needs a man who won’t just bow his head when he doesn’t agree like some sycophant,” he said and pressed two fingers hard into his chest as if daring Boraden to do something to stop him. “I don’t recall giving you permission to marry Kressara,” he said and poked him again. Boraden was trying to be respectful and not lose his temper but the King, Kressara’s father was really making him angry.

“Will you STOP that!” Borden growled. “I you think it’s been easy keeping Kressara out of danger? She runs to the fight not away from one. We watch each other’s backs and keep one another alive,” he said plainly. “But...it would be nice to see her in a dress!” He snapped as he gazed over at the queen. Boraden blinked when he saw her. She was older ofcourse but every bit as beautiful as Kressara herself. A defined, mature radiance. If she was as old as Kressara had said then he was indeed a very lucky man. As he looked at them together side by side, he decided he was ‘very’ lucky indeed.

Kressara could feel the tension in the room rise dramatically as her father began to "size up" her husband. Seeing them together and watching as the two men confidently stared one another down like predators staring at their prey really began to confirm that Boraden was of the Dunedain blood. The only other man confident enough to do such a thing besides her grandfather was her brother-in-law Deshane, who apparently had gotten into a shouting match with her father upon meeting him when he requested Calene's hand in marriage. After her father had cooled down and the two men had spoken again more calmly she was told by her mother that her father's respect of Deshane rose dramatically. Like the strong women in this family, there were also strong willed men, which could cause...tension at times.

Kressara wanted to point out to her father that technically he hadn't asked her grandfather for his permission before marrying her mother. In fact, the two of them had already been married for a few years before the two men even met. However, she held her tongue against saying that and instead stepped forward and stood at Boraden's side again and looked at her father.

"Boraden is more than good enough for me Father," she said in an even, but direct tone. "He is the man I was always destined to marry and be with. We share a bond much like you and mother and you both know how rare those truly are. He loves me and I love him and I will not allow anyone to make him feel that he does not belong at my side."

Nauriel couldn't help but smile a little because Kressara's words reminded her of what she said to her father when he met Elessar for the first time and found out they were married. That first meeting had not...gone well. But today they were very close and she hoped the same would be true of these two.

Anger rose up in the bond at her words and Boraden turned toward her and had an angry look upon his face,” I don’t need you to defend our union Kressara,” Boraden snapped then turned back to face Elessar. Nauriel had a much different take about Elessar’s emotions. She felt...amusement through the bond. Elessar was only testing this man. Trying to get his back up to see if he would balk or stand his ground. “Annulments are not unheard of daughter,” Elessar said grimly and Boraden’s eyes grew wide with fury. Elessar himself could cast the marriage down as unlawful and have Boraden flogged and banished if he commanded it. Boraden took a step toward Elessar and moved in front of Kressara. “Nobody is going to take my wife from me, nobody!” He growled dangerously. “So you think that you could cut your way through me and my guards?” Elessar asked mockingly. “Try it and we’ll find out!” Boraden growled threatening like a wolf ready to strike. Elessar’s eyes suddenly softened and he turned back to face Nauriel. “Oh I like him,” He said and grinned. Then turned back to Boraden and Kressara who had confused looks upon their faces. “It’s about time we had some new blood in this family,” Elessar said elegantly as if the last few moments had never happened. Boraden looked at Kressara as if asking her ‘What the hell just happened?’

Elessar’s expression did change then though. He had a more serious cast in his eyes. “If you were willing to give your oaths to her, will you give them to me?” He asked Boraden and then looked over at Einor who stood near the doors they came in from. “Einor, bring my sword,” Elessar said smoothly and grinned at Kressara.

Kressara had only been trying to help and she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest at her husband's words towards her. She sighed and looked away, but then looked sharply back over at her father when he spoke about an annulment. She drew in a sharp breath and opened her mouth to say something, but before she could Boraden stepped in front of her and more directly confronted her father. She had been hoping for a much smoother introduction of the two men and this was quickly starting to take a downward turn.

She looked over at her mother and found her...relaxed about this situation. She had almost a smile on her face. What was going on? At that moment she saw her father turn to her mother and announce that he liked him. Kressara looked at Boraden and then at her parents with an extremely confused look before she realized that her father was only testing him and clearly he had passed...so much so that her father now wanted Boraden to take an oath to him. She looked over at Boraden, unsure of what he was going to say or do, but she decided to stay out of it. Nauriel gave Boraden an approving look with a soft smile, thinking that he reminded her a lot of her husband. Needless to say she liked him quite a bit.

Boraden had...mixed feelings about what was going to happen. The loss...his killing of his adopted father was still raw in his heart. His brain knew that this was supposed to happen. He could not expect to split allegiances. Not now when he wanted to be apart of Kessara in as many ways as he could be. But oaths were not always easy to keep. The oaths to his people were given first but superseded by the oaths he had given to Kressara. He wasn’t certain if he wanted to be linked to Gondor and sometimes oaths could be coiled around a man’s neck to strangle him before he even knew they were there. He flashed an unhappy look at Kressara and the Kressara would feel it even more strongly through the bond. He had not agreed to this when he had married her. Nor did she say he would have to do this if he did. It just wasn’t something they had talked about. But it was happening now and it was plain her father wanted this. Nauriel moved up to them when she saw the uncomfortable look pass between her daughter and Boraden. She took hold of Kressara’s arm and drew her back a few feet to talk to her.

“If there is a problem you should speak up now,” Nauriel said but Boraden had heard them. He looked back and for the first time since she had known him, Boraden looked...nervous? The bond certainly felt that way. “No...say nothing,” Boraden mouthed then turned back to where Einor handed Anduril to Elessar and he lifted it up and took a moment to revel in its splendor. He didn’t often carry it anymore while at court. “Kressara?” Nauriel whispered questioningly. And more and more the nervousness that came theouhjmthe bond was replaced with relenting resolve. Boraden was going to be what he needed to be for her. And clearly it was a sacrifice he was willing to make...for her.

Kressara could feel Boraden’s mixed feelings about what was about to happen. He had just recently killed his own adopted father and slaughtered many from his clan. And now he was being asked by a man he had just met to pledge his allegiance to him. She felt as if she was being pulled in two different directions suddenly. All of her other brothers-in-law had had to do the same, but she didn’t want Boraden to feel pressured to do this. If he didn’t pledge an allegiance to her father then she would love him no less. She wanted him to be his own man and to do what made him happy. She knew her father wanted this, but she wasn’t sure if this was the right choice for Boraden and herself.

She struggled and knew her mother could sense it. She felt her grab her arm and pull her aside as Einor came back with her father’s sword. She looked over at Boraden and saw him mouth to her to say nothing and so she kept her mouth shut. She had already interfered enough with the introduction and decided to stay back. She looked over at her mother and gave a little nod to let her know it was alright. She looked back at Boraden with a look in her eyes though that told him that she would support him no matter what his choice was. Her first allegiance was to him.

Love was not always easy Boraden thought as Elessar stepped up to him. Northmen did not require a man to kneel before them. An oath spoken was best on their feet...or so his adopted father always said. But Elessar’s gesture was plain and Boraden, for the second time in his life, knelt. The first was for Kressara. He didn’t know why he was doing it now but Elessar’s will seemed to press in on him and he just did it without thinking.

“Boraden, under the light and by the authority bestowed upon me by the line of Kings of Gondor, I Elessar Telcontar grant you the title of Lord. With this title I grant you the right to bear arms within the border of Gondor and to dispense justice to the people under Gondorian rule. Under the light so I have spoken,” He said and touched Boraden’s left shoulder with the flat of his blade. “So it will be so,” He said and touched his right shoulder then lifted the blade up. This was a very rare occurrence. And even Einor had not been given this boon. He was a Captain of the King’s personal guard but he was not made a Lord. Nor was Deshane or Gulbrandt. Elessar stepped back. “Rise Lord Boraden and draw your sword,” Elessar said. Boraden didn’t know why but he felt...a sense of pride. An odd sensation considering he had never met this man before today. He drew out his large blade. Elessar made contact with it with his own as if they parried one another’s blades. “Now, sheath it and claim your new station,” He said and Boraden reached up and sheathed his sword.

Now it was done and Kressara’s husband was now Lord Boraden. Seeing how the guards saluted. Boraden saluted fist to chest with a slight bow for the King and then he spun and gave a slight bow to the women. He could see Kressara’s delight but he also felt her love gushing through the bond for him. “Well, that wasn’t so bad,” He said with a grin. Boraden looked at Nauriel but wasn’t certain if he should do anything or not.

Kressara very nearly gasped when she realized her father was making Boraden a lord. This was no small thing. Her father had only just met Boraden, but clearly he had seen something in him that caused him to want to grant her husband this title. She felt a feeling of pride from Boraden that matched her own and as well as an overwhelming feeling of love for this man. None of her other sisters could say that their husband was a lord, but she could. However, Boraden had just made a great sacrifice in siding with Gondor during the war and killing his own adopted father. That alone spoke volumes about the kind of man he was and she was proud to call him her husband.

Nauriel was also proud of Boraden. He had swallowed his pride and in return he was granted a high ranking title that would benefit him greatly. She didn't know where he and Kressara would end up, but that title would be with him forever. Along with Kressara's title it made them an extremely powerful couple. Nauriel gave Boraden a small smile of approval and bowed her head ever so slightly as a sign of respect.

"Congratulations Lord Boraden and welcome to our family. May you always feel welcome in our home."

Dinner that night was a special affair and Boraden had been given a cloak with the livery of the King upon it. Unlike the green and white of the soldiers though this one was dark gray fringed in a dark green and lined with black wolf fur. He was still in bed their bed watching Kressara get dressed...in a dress of all things. He had never seen her in a dress and he was quite interested in watching her put on her undergarments.

“Tis a shame to cover up that beautiful body,” he remarked with a pleased and quite satiated grin. He had done things to her...well, she had ‘let’ him do things to her that perhaps were likely not proper for a ‘Lord and lady’ to do. But she seemed to enjoy it and he certainly did. He should be getting ready but he just lay there watching her.

“I hope this doesn’t...cause any problems,” Boraden said wondering if any of her siblings will take issue with this. The whole event was just so surreal.

Elessar gave Nauriel one final kiss and then left their bed. After so many months making without love to her, being able to make love to her, albeit more gently than he usually did, had been on his mind for quite some time. He let her lay there and rest while he rose to get a drink and think about what he was going to wear tonight. The unspoken question was obvious. ‘Why did he make Boarden a Lord?’ He was certain there was a legitimate answer but it didn’t come to him immediately. It just felt...right he supposed. “Do you think our daughters will take issue with what I’ve done? Or Eldarion?” He asked her as he decided on a light gray shirt with black embroidery.

Kressara glanced around her old rooms and found that everything was exactly as she had left it years before. There were a few childhood objects that she had kept out of sentimentality but she wanted to update the rooms to reflect both Boraden and herself. She could never have imagined in her youth doing some of the things she and Boraden had just done in her old bed. She actually grinned at the thought.

She glanced over at her husband, Lord Boraden, as she got dressed. She had chosen a dark green dress from her closet that matched the green in Boraden’s new cloak. She couldn’t remember the last time she had worn it, but it still fit, though she would much rather still be wearing nothing at all.

“This was my father’s decision. You did not petition him for the title. My father makes every decision for a reason. I believe he saw what I see in you which is greatness Boraden and a good heart.” She grinned a little as she grabbed her hair brush. “You clearly impressed him though by my standing up for yourself.”

Nauriel wanted to just stay in bed with her husband all night, but knew she needed to get up and begin getting ready for dinner. After not being able to make love for so long tonight had been extremely special for them both. The effects of the antidote were already visible but she would continue to improve over time.

“You are their father and King,” she replied as she finally got out of bed and walked over to her closet to choose a dress. “Your decision is your decision and that is final.” She was quiet a moment before looking at him. “However, if I may ask, why did you make that decision? Not that I think it was at all the wrong choice, quite the opposite in fact. I am simply curious.”

“I saw Galadriel’s eyes...her face, an approving look,” he said suddenly before he could stop himself. “As soon as I first laid eyes on him it was as if I were looking into a mirror with her face looking back at me. An entirely odd sensation but it was as if I knew what I would do before I did it,” He said and rubbed the back of his neck. He would not say what Galadriel said to him…

“Boraden...Lord Boraden will change Kressara’s heart and she will bare him a King,” She had said but he would not speak those words aloud. In the bond it was clear he was holding something back, something very important.

“I ask for nothing, only your love and perhaps your body when I wish it,” he said grinning like a boy who had just had a sweet. And right then he turned onto his back and yelled. “I love you Kressara!” And laughed a deep, hearty laugh. He had just been given a title and a Lordship and it seemed to pale in comparison to her making love to him just a few minutes ago. She made him feel so very good that he could barely contain the feeling. His head was mostly off of the bed and he tilted his head back to look at her upside down. He sighed when he saw her looking him over. Her body always got him going. Just to look at her knowing she was his made him want her. If he managed to get her back in bed which he doubted would take much effort they would be very late to dinner. He knew she would do it if he asked but he was a ‘Lord’ now and ‘Lord’s he supposed had to keep some level of Decorum. He finally got up out of bed but stopped a moment to let her take all of him in. He was all leg and shoulder. ‘Oh yes, you’ll have this again tonight,’ He thought as she grinned appreciatively. He would miss his furs but he assumed that ‘Bloody Lords’ don’t wear furs. Her father gave him a few of his coats and pants though his white shirt was clean so he decided to wear that tonight. Black pants bloused over his large, black boots with a long-sleeved white shirt and a dark gray embroidered coat. It was a bit tight but appeared to fit him well. Boraden washed his face, brushed his hair and dabbed a fingertip of the cologne he had brought with him but had never used before.

No one else besides Einor and the King and Queen knew about Kressara's arrival with her new husband. All they knew was that they had all been asked to dinner for a great importance. The young children were all being watched by a nanny together while the adults gathered in the grand dining room. Laenaya had visited the healer that morning and it was confirmed by the healer that she was indeed pregnant again. She and Brandt were thrilled with the news and a room in their apartments was going to be transformed into a nursery. Calene had composed a letter earlier that day to Deshane to let him know that she and Kaled were well and that they missed him. She did not yet reveal that she was pregnant as she wanted to wait until they were home to tell him in person. She also did not yet know if the pregnancy would last.

She and Laenaya were chatting while Ariana stood with Einor. She could see in his eyes that he knew something she didn't. She wanted to question him about it, but before she could the doors opened and the King and Queen were announced. They stepped in together in attire that complemented one another as usual. Everyone turned and bowed or curtsied to them, but the King and Queen did not move any further into the room. It was clear that an announcement was going to be made.

Outside in the hallway Kressara stood next to Boraden. She smiled over at him. "Are you nervous, Lord Boraden?"

Eldarion had not wanted to come but with Calista’s urging and her particular brand of ‘diplomacy’ he reluctantly agreed to go to dinner. He was curious as well as everyone else as to what was so important that his father couldn’t have told him earlier. He was about to ask his father that very question but was quickly lavashed with hugs and kisses by his sisters. Calista looked ravishing in dark blue velvet and lace with her dark hair done up and only a few strands of curls that hung down on the sides. As soon as she and Eldarion arrived Laenaya and Calene practically mauled him. Calista had told them of his darkened mood and they seemed to have taken it upon themselves to drench him in sisterly love and concern which he appeared to soak up like a bone dry sponge. Gulbrandt spoke to Ariana while Einor moved to speak to Nauriel. Serethiel and Conleth had decided not to join them tonight, Conleth wasn’t feeling well and she had said he was resting comfortably.

“Everything has been arranged my queen,” he said softly though Ariana was watching him with narrowed, suspicious eyes. “I told the soldiers and the staff that knew that if word got out that they’d be running laps around the city until they fell from exhaustion,” He said and smiled at her then saw Ariana looking at them and he nodded a bow and stepped back toward her.

In the hall Boraden was sweating. He could hear them all in the entryway but here was no call yet for them to enter. “I think I’d rather be invited to a dinner with wolves,” He said honestly and was about to wipe his brow with his sleeve until he saw Kressara’s grimace. Hastily he snatched out a small cloth handkerchief and dabbed at his forehead. “Its this bloody coat...its confining and hot,” he lied. But the bond told her all that she needed to know. Elessar was oddly...silent thus far and seemed to be taking particular enjoyment with just having his family there. His gaze finally rested on Einor and Gulbrandt and he wondered if they would take this as a slight to them. At least Einor did not seem to but he knew Ariana might. He could not guess what Eldarion would say about it, but it was done in any event and he would not take it back. He decided that everyone had waited enough.

“I’d like to thank everyone for coming. I know we are all busy people. But seeing you all here...together, warms my heart,” he began then his eyes sought out Calene who wore an off white dress of silk with peach colored embroidery that showed a little of her bosom but not excessively so. “Calene, we regret that Deshane could not be here with you,” He said apologetically as if it were his doing. “We miss him as we miss you each time you leave us,” he said honestly. There were murmurs among her brothers and sisters of the same and Eldarion reached out and touched Calene’s shoulder. And then with some theatrics Eldarion looked around the room in an obvious manner.

“Hmm, it appears that someone is missing,” he said and a few of them, looked around with puzzled looks on their faces. “Oh, I think I know who I’m forgetting…” He began then moved up to the doors. With a hard pull they opened to reveal Kressara and Boraden. “May I present Princess Kressara...your wayward sister and her new husband Lord Boraden,” he said then stepped lightly out of the way to avoid being trampled.

Kressara knew that Boraden was nervous and she couldn't blame him. Theirs was a large family and he was now the newcomer and had just been made a Lord no less. He had also been raised by the Northmen and there was definitely still some open wounds there. However, despite this he had more than proved himself in Kressara's eyes and she was happy to be able to return home and show off her husband, whom she loved very much. That love pulsed through their bond as well as memories of what had just taken place between them back in her bedroom not that long ago and anticipation of what was to come later.

She heard her father begin to make their announcement and she reached over and took his hand and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze before releasing it as the doors were opened by her father. She stepped in beside Boraden to gasps of surprise and then cheers of delight Laenaya, Calene, and Ariana saw their youngest sister. They rushed over and engulfed her in their arms and began peppering her with questions. Kressara began to try to answer one question but then another one of them asked another question before she could finish what she was saying. The shock of seeing her had outweighed the fact that she had her new husband with her, but suddenly Laenaya took an interest in him.

"Did Father say 'Lord Boraden'?"

Kressara glanced at Boraden and then looked at her eldest sister. "Yes, he did."

"I didn't realize he was a Lord," Ariana commented.

"Well, he wasn't...until this afternoon when Father made him one."

Boraden wasn’t ready for all of this. The Northmen were so different in so many ways. His adopted mother had taught him a few things. Including how to eat and hold himself at table. He now knew that perhaps she knew what he was too. He returned Her squeeze as several faces looked at them with wide-eyed surprise. His grin was forced but it was the best he could manage right then.

How close of a family they were became apparent when Kressara was surrounded by her sisters in a half a heartbeat. It was the men who were looking at him though and he stared right back at them defiantly. Kressara would feel the bond quiver with wariness as if he were a stray dog being accosted by other stray dogs. The feeling grew and the looks of open indignation when she said her father had made him a lord.

Eldarion looked positively poleaxed. Ariana looked angry and offended while Laenaya and Calene looked thoughtful. Calista was what was happening and she decided to put a stop to it before someone embarrassed themselves or did themselves an injury by gawking so hard at him.

“Lord Boraden, let me introduce you to Princess Laenaya and her husband Gulbrandt. Princess Calene, Princess Ariana and her husband, Captain Einor of the Royal guard. I assume you already met my husband Prince Eldarion and I am Lady Calista. We are regretful that Lord Conleth, Kressara’s grandfather was ill and could not be here to greet you, and her grandmother Lady Serethiel,” she said properly. She smiled and approached him. Kressara felt...anticipation from him through the bod now. Calista held outbher hand for him to take it and Eldarion folded his arms across his chest and gave him a wry smirk. ‘I doubt he even knows how to greet a lady’ he thought but he was taken aback when Boraden, having seen it done before, took her hand by his and bent forward to kiss her knuckle. Calista smiled warmly at him and so did Nauriel and Elessar.

“I thank you all for the warm welcome,” he said and sketched a bow to them then held up his hand toward Kressara for her to take and rejoin his person.

Boraden would feel nothing but pride, love, and a feeling of protection from Kressara through the bond. She was not going to let him feel anything but welcome and she was grateful when Calista finally decided to put a stop to the forthcoming argument that Kressara could sense was coming. She watched as Borden took her hand and bowed down over it and kissed her knuckles while keeping his other hand behind his back. He did the move far more elegantly than some men she had seen before.

As Borden straightened up and then held his hand out towards her she took it and gave him a loving smile. Nauriel was proud of Boraden and she gave him an approving nod before looking at her husband. "Shall we retire to the dining room?"

The King helped Nauriel sit before he sat and then everyone else sat though the women before the men. Eldarion was to the King’s left and Calista was next then Calene and Laenaya and Gulbrandt. On the right was Nauriel with Einor next to her then Ariana then Kressara with Boraden on the end. The soup was a butternut squash soup and there was a large chunk of soft bread in the center of the bowl. The glasses were filled with white wine and Elessar lifted his. Once everyone saw they did did as well.

“To my son Eldarion and my daughter Kressara for bringing victory to our people so that we might have peace and prosperity for generations to come,” he said proudly. “Here here!” Einor chanted with enthusiasm. Boraden and a few others tapped the table with their palms in reverence to the toast and the dinner began.

“It was difficult to keep Kressara perched on the hill and not charge down into the fighting. She held herself back and led like the commander she was raised to be. Eldarion and Kressara both,” he amended.

Kressara didn't blush easily, but hearing her father's toast and the cheers from the others did bring some color to her cheeks and a rather bashful smile. She wasn't one to brag or boast about her accomplishments or skills and it didn't make it any easier when someone else did it to her. She just felt she did what she needed to do and that was it.

"Are you ever scared when you are in the middle of a battle?' Ariana asked with genuine curiosity.

Kressara took a spoonful of her soup and then dabbed the corner of her lips with her napkin before smoothing it back onto her lap. "I'm always scared to a degree and any man who says he isn't scared in a battle is lying. How can one not be? The trick is not to let that fear overcome you. You have to control it. I've long since come to terms with death. Death is...inevitable and when that day comes I plan to die with honor."

Eldarion seemed to bristle at Kressara’s comment and Ariana looked at him. “Were you afraid Eldarion? I will admit I don’t know much about military tactics but until half your forces were engaged you were outnumbered,” She said but Eldarion was looking right at Kressara. A reproachful look as if she had offended him in some way. ‘She never had to order people to be cut down like dogs.’ He thought to himself. “Fear is what keeps a soldier alive. Fear and luck is his courage holds true but they didn’t help the Northmen,” He said and grin darkly at Boraden. Boraden had heard the comment but had not been looking at Eldarion. He was distracted by the soup. He wasn’t certain how to eat the bread without getting his hands in the soup. Normally the bread was on the side, not in it.

“Like this Lord Boraden,” Calene said and demonstrated with her knife and spoon how to slice the bread and eat it on the spoon as it soaked up the soup. She smiled warmly at Boraden who nodded thanks to her. Her gaze lingered on him as she watched him do what she suggested and her cheeks colored even more so. Her eyes shifted to Kressara when she noticed her looking at her and her eyes shifted down to her bowl as her cheeks darkened even more for a moment before returning to normal.

“Kressara, have you told Lord Boraden about your uncle Beren and his wife Ithilwen?” Nauriel asked trying to pull attentions away from...whatever was happening at the other end of the table. She could sense something but couldn’t see it very well from where she was.  Boraden didn’t really think they needed to call him a Lord every time they spoke his name. It sounded odd to his ears, far too formal.

“Uh...just Boraden will do...if we are just...uh...family here,” He said uneasily. This time everyone paused to look at him and all of Kressara’s sisters appeared to be sizing him up now, not just Calene. It would be obvious to Kressara because they were trying to be circumspect in their observations. He was a very attractive man like their father and each time he spoke his voice drew attention to him. Einor and Gulbrandt were not completely oblivious but they held their tongues and looked and spoke to one another in low tones from across the table.

Kressara could sense some growing hostility from Eldarion towards her. She didn't know what she had done wrong, but she didn't care for the way he looked at her when she spoke about fear. She would need to speak to him in private later to figure out what the problem was. She didn't like having this tension between them...not after all they had recently been through.

As her eyes shifted back over to her husband she saw Calene instructing him quietly on how to eat the bread that was floating in the soup. She saw Calene's cheeks color as Boraden looked at her and her gaze narrowed slightly at her sister. She suddenly felt like they were two cats surrounded by a pack of dogs. Thankfully, her mother seemed to sense the growing tension and brought up Uncle Beren and Aunt Ithilwen.

"Uncle Beren is mother's twin brother," she told Boraden as everyone's eyes continued to remain on them. "He married an elf princess from Mirkwood named Ithilwen and they are now the Lord and Lady of Gehenna. Uncle Beren and Mother spent time in Lothlorien when they were growing up and were instructed by Lady Galadriel herself."

“Aye, your grandmother, my mother Serethiel decided to take us to receive our education and training in Lothlorien with the elves when Beren and I were very young. Your grandfather, my father...Conleth was so vehemently against it, he was loath to be separated from his children, it created a rift between them for years. Galadriel apparently has had a hand in several such instances however,” She began and her eyes flickered over to Elessar who was looking at her interestedly as he chewed on a piece of bread,

“When she interfered, no that is not the right word...intervened in the happenings of the world. She was particularly instrumental of your father coming to Gehenna as well and had ‘suggested’ me to remain in Gehenna as well,” She added and touched Elessar’s wrist lightly then drew her hand away as if it were some cue for him to begin. Elessar so far had said little during dinner besides his toast and appeared content with only observing his family. He didn’t want to use gatherings like this one as an avenue to get them together and then ‘bludgeon’ them with his words. He had been watching his children and their spouses for quite some time. He spoke now do to the small touch that Nauriel had given him. It was all the incitement he needed to speak.

“Do to her interest in humankind, there was a powerful marital link between Gehenna and Minas Tirith and between Minas Tirith and Edoras. Gondor and Rohan were poised to wipe out the Orc armies but there was some friction between the two nations as well as Saromon, the Mithandriel who lived in the tower of Orthanc who had become...untrustworthy of late. Your mother and queen and I discovered part of his treacherous activities while we were together,” he said and paused to see their reactions.

Boraden looked interested and thoughtful. The others had heard some of what he said now but not all. “And well..the rest is history. I still sometimes wonder about Bilbo and my Friend Frodo though I suspect that they have both passed by now. Two hobbits who were tossed into a roiling bonfire and did what they had to do to save Middle Earth because it was the right thing to do. Not because they had anything to gain from it, Frodo would have preferred to remain in his house at Bag End and be left alone I suspect. But he, just a hobbit understood that Evil was allowed to walk this world just because good men and women,” He said and nodded to Nauriel. “Sat back in their comfortable lives and chose to do nothing,” he said and those lasts words were spoken in irritation. He paused and smoothed his expression.

“I do love all of my children...all of you more than I can ever express...so do not take this the wrong way but there is much that has happened in this new age. And you’ve all spent a great deal of time trying to find yourselves and your own happiness without looking around yourselves. I do not say this to discourage or discredit any of you nor your accomplishments. I say this to remind you that peace ...requires alot of work and sacrifice and unfortunately...death. Eldarion, I commend you on taking on the burdens you now carry on your shoulders. As a man I once knew said, ‘You carry a heavy burden, don’t carry the weight of the dead,’ Good advice I think,” he said then turned to Ariana.

“Ariana, I was uncertain if you’d ever find your way home. Now that you have I am pleased that you have embraced your station. Seeing you at court more days than not makes me a proud and happy father,” he said then looked over at Laenaya and his expression changed slightly. And not in a good way. “Laenaya, Gulbrandt, I can not lay the full blame of our troubles with the North at your feet but your contribution to it helped bring about a war that Gondor should have been able to avoid. No one here at this table is without some fault in that and there is so much to spread around as well but ultimately I blame myself most of all,” he said as Nauriel looked over at him. Elessar paused, looked down and sighed then nodded as if he had decided to continue but didn’t really want to.

“Yes, myself and Nauriel with me,” He amended. “However you’ve embraced your station here and that gives me hope,” he said and smiled at her. Then looked over at Kressara. He stared at her a long while then sighed.

“Kressara, you’ve proven yourself here and abroad. You fought in the Harad, discovered the assassin and neutralized her, found a husband worthy of you and your station and commanded an army to aid your brother against the Northmen,” He began and then a memory hit him of a woman he knew long ago. Vanya, an Elf and Ranger who Kressara reminded him so much of. He had loved her but she died and he didn’t want that for his daughter.

“It’s time we saw you put those abilities of yours here at court. Now that you have a husband suited for your station it's time to become the Princess you are and manage your household. I can not force you to do this, but I do ask it of you. For Gondor, for our family,” he said plainly. He knew speaking of this so soon after he raised Boraden might allude to the trap he had set for her. Kressara was an intelligent woman but he and Nauriel were experts in politics and manipulation. Doing it to her like this against Nauriel’s advice, blind-siding her into this trap in his mind was a necessary evil. One woman with a sword can help win a battle but a strong leader with a nation behind her can win a war or in this case, maintain a peace that so many had paid for with their lives.

Of Calene, he said absolutely nothing.

The table was silent for a few moments after Elessar finished speaking. Everyone was considering what he had said. Laenaya had wanted to open her mouth and defend Gulbrandt and herself against the accusation of the supposed role they had played in bringing this war about, but she felt him take her hand under the table and she decided against it. They had done what they thought was best for their unborn child and Laenaya would always believe that. In her mind the war had been inevitable. It would have happened no matter if she and Brandt had stayed with the clan or not. However, the war was over and tonight was supposed to be a happy occasion of her sister's homecoming so she kept her feelings to herself.

Kressara for her part wasn't ready to remain permanently in the city and she sensed that it was the same for Boraden. She was still young and not ready to settle down in one place. She wanted to travel beyond Gondor and Rohan's borders and see Middle Earth. She felt in her heart that there was still more she could do. She sensed the trap that her father had set for them in order to keep her in the palace but wasn't walking into it quite yet. She glanced over at her husband and decided that they would need to discuss this tonight.

Nauriel supported everything her husband had said. His words were spoken in honesty and truly out of love, though perhaps it didn't always feel that way. Their children had grown up in a relatively sheltered, protective environment. They were just now truly starting to understand the outside world beyond the palace walls and the effects of their actions. She glanced over at Calene, who was alone without her husband, and could see that the fact that her father had not said anything to her was upsetting to her.

The remainder of the dinner was quieter at first, though conversation finally began to pick back up. After dessert was finished Calene saw her father get up and step outside onto the balcony. She excused herself and walked out there after him. She could see him half glance back at her and she was quiet a moment before breaking the silence.

"Have I done something to upset you so that you couldn't even think of something to say to me earlier?"

Her words were spoken gently, but her father would be able to hear the pain in her voice.

Elessar stopped and paused a moment then turned back to face her. He smiled warmly at her and stepped up to her. He looked down and his eyes were soft and inviting. He loved Calene and he could remember the moments with her as both a small child and a young girl. She loved flowers and dresses and quiet moments as he or Nauriel read to her in the gardens. He lifted up his hand and shifted a few of her curls.

“My beautiful Calene,” He said and smiled that warm smile he held only for her. “I did not mention you because you’ve gone a different path than your siblings. You and Deshane. I can not fault you for your decisions nor the life that you have chosen to lead. You are a good wife and mother. That life is just as worthy as any other but it wasn’t something that I’d speak about at that moment. Your other siblings have chosen a different life. Not more important than yours to our family.but perhaps to our people. If they choose to be leaders of us then they must understand that they have to make sacrifices,” he said and lightly touched her cheek. He missed those quiet times with Calene. There wa so much he missed these days.

“Our enemies are not so easy to see as they once were. And peace has a way of helping people see their discontent with the quality of their lives and with one another,” he said and once again noticed the healthy, vibrant look in her face. The picture of a flower in full bloom. “Kaled is a wonderful boy and I look forward to meeting your newest edition to our family,” he said and smiled at her again. “I’m as proud of you as a father can be,” he said finally then leaned forward and kissed her cheek though he could tell she was on the verge of crying.