| AerhÃril |
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| Vanalosswen |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| Narbeleth |
 RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: December 05, 2004 10:54
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((Co-writen by me and Ireth. Enjoy  ))
Rethe had spent the rest of the morning at the Pantry sorting out the food rations with Athele and the other women. When she was done she went home and made a pot of broth that she could take over to Anneis. When it was done she left right away, not wishing for the broth to cool too much before she got there. She held the steaming pot precariously in one hand while she knocked on Bacall's door with the other. She hoped he would answer it quickly, she was afraid of burning herself any second.
Bacall had finished with the herbs and cleaned up the mess in the kitchen. He was just about to go check on Anneis when he heard a knock at the door. Wondering who would be visiting this time, he went to the front and opened the door to find Rethe holding a shaky pot with one hand. "Well, Rethe," he declared, "oh, be careful." The pot shifted and almost spilled its contents as Bacall reached for it and caught it before it was lost.
Rethe caught her breath, then let it out in a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank you," she said. "I thought I would bring some hot broth over for Anneis. Is it a bad time?"
Bacall smiled, grateful for her thoughtfulness. He moved back to allow Rethe entry. "It is never a bad time these days. Please, come in." The two went into the kitchen where Bacall put the pot on the table. "How are you doing today?" he asked, a pointless question, but one that always seemed necessary to start a conversation.
"I'm alright," Rethe said. "But I would like to know how you have been." She looked up at him, slight worry showing in her eyes.
Bacall sighed. "Not much different from yesterday I'm afraid. I went out again early this morning, long before the sun rose, to find new herbs, couldn't sleep anyway. I just finished working them. I won't use them yet, give the others a chance to work, but I am afraid to delay trying what I can." He lifted the lid of the pot and took a breath of the steam that rose. The broth smelled good, and Bacall was thankful beyond words that Rethe would make it for his sister, even with the shortage of food.
"I'm sorry, Bacall," Rethe said, placing her hand on his arm. "I wish there was something I could do..."
"It is alright, Rethe, your being a friend is enough, to me and Anneis." He gave her hand a pat. After a pause, he moved across the kitchen and drew out a bowl and a ladle. "Well, what say we try some of this good looking broth. Anneis will love it, it smells wonderful." He spooned some of the warm liquid into the bowl and picked up a spoon. Heading toward Anneis' room, he realized Rethe was hanging back. He turned to her with an encouraging smile. "It is alright, Rethe, you can come. Your last visit lifted her spirits so. Come on." He went down the short hall and slowly opened the door to the dark room. Knowing every part of the room by heart, he set the bowl on the table and lit the candle, casting a bit of golden light in the space.
Rethe followed Bacall, but once she reached the room she stopped in the doorway, still a bit hesitant. If Anneis was asleep she didn't want to be the one to disturb her.
Bacall sat on the bedside stool and looked at his sister, her face and neck were wet with sweat, and he mopped her off with a wet rag. She shifted fitfully and made quiet groans of pain as if every movement hurt. Once she settled, Bacall ran a hand lightly over her forehead and hair, whispering, "Anneis, dear, I have something for you. Look, Rethe has come again, and she has brought you a surprise. She made you some good warm broth to make you well." Her eyes opened slowly and lingered on Bacall, then moved to Rethe at the door. A tear came to her eye, but on her lips was a smile. A weak hand gestured to a chair in the corner, bidding Rethe to sit. Bacall then helped her sit up slightly so she could eat.
Rethe offered a weak smile, then sat in the chair Anneis indicated. "Good afternoon, Anneis," she said softly. "You look a little better today." It wasn't really true, but Rethe wanted to encourage her if she could.
Anneis gave a slight puffing scoff at Rethe's comment. "I don't feel better, so I doubt that I look it. But thank you," she smiled. Bacall lifted the bowl from the table and slowly spooned the broth into Anneis' mouth. She sighed as the warm liquid traveled down her throat. "This is good," she complimented.
As she ate, Bacall spoke. "So Rethe, I hear there is to be a meeting tonight? You will be there I assume?"
Rethe nodded. "Yes, of course I will. I'm just glad something is finally going to be done about this Blight. For too long we have not been able to do anything. I suddenly feel like we might be able to take our future into our own hands for once."
"What do you think of the idea that the elves are to be held responsible for it all?" Bacall was curious to get some other opinions on the accusations.
"Well, I think it kind of makes sense," Rethe said, shrugging her shoulders. "I mean, who else would be able to do it? And really, I'm glad we have someone to blame it on."
"Hmm," Bacall mused, he still wasn't sure what to think of the idea himself. He looked at a yawning Anneis and smiled. "Tired, my dear? Well, get some more rest. I will save the rest of the broth for you later." He rose with bowl in hand and kissed her forehead ashe sank back down on the bed. "Feel better, my dear sister," he whispered against her skin. Anneis sighed and almost started crying at Bacall's comment, his tone was more desperate then he realized. She looked to Rethe, who came to stand beside Bacall, in silence a moment then held out her hand to her friend.
"Thank you for you kind gesture, the broth was wonderful. It warms me inside. I will see you again soon, Rethe."
"Yes, you will," Rethe said, clasping Anneis' hand in hers. "I will come by tomorrow if you like."
Anneis had her eyes closed, barely hearing Rethe, she simply nodded. Bacall then opened the door, extinguished the candle and left the room, Rethe behind him. "Let us hope that it does help her. It was very kind of you to bring it, with the current situation I know how hard it is to share food with others outside the family. I appreciate any sacrifice you made on Anneis' behalf more then words could express."
"Oh, it is the least I could do, Bacall. Anneis is my friend, I want to help in any way I can." She paused. "But do you need any help? I would love to come over and help out around the house. I know you haven't really been worried about that kind of thing lately," she said, looking around at the messes that had accumulated over the last few days. Messes no one had bothered to pick up.
Bacall ran a hand through his wavy locks as he noted Rethe scanning the slightly unkempt house. "Well, I have been so busy trying to find new medicines that some of the chores have been...overlooked. But you really don't have to, I can manage, really. I kept my own house in Gondor, even though it was smaller then this. He looked at the pot on the table that was Rethe's. "Here, you will be needing this for supper won't you? I will put the broth in one of our pots and wash this so you can have it for tonight." As he finished, he set to doing just that.
But Rethe took the pot from him. "I'll do it, Bacall, why don't you sit down for a while, rest." She found another pot and poured the broth into it, then began washing out the dirty one. "I would love to come over and help out a bit, Bacall," she said. "Really, I don't mind. And I would like to visit Anneis everyday anyway. I wouldn't mind doing a bit of tidying while I'm here. I know you could stand to have your dishes washed and your laundry done. Sure, you did your own cleaning before, but, Bacall, that was just for you, and you were not so preoccupied. But your father and brother live here too, and I know that they are used to Anneis doing most of that kind of work. So please let me help?"
Bacall sighed and relented. "I don't feel right to impose when you have your own father and brother to keep house for. But if you absolutely insist, what choice do I have? But I won't have you doing it all, I will help a great deal and that is that." He smiled at her. Then his expression changed as he wished to alter the topic. "So, have you seen Thearl today? He was here earlier. How is he feeling now?"
Rethe nodded. "I saw him this morning." She sighed. "He is...distracted. Of course, I don't blame him, after all that is happening with the Blight and all. He has a lot to do. But I've been missing him. He is hardly ever at home any more."
"Yes, he has a lot on his mind." Bacall shook his head. "And he won't turn to anyone. It's not good to keep thoughts locked inside. That never does any good for anyone."
Rethe nodded, then stopped, looking at Bacall. "What do you mean he won't turn to anyone?" she asked.
The hard error of his words struck him just after he said them, but there was no undoing what he had said. His mind scrambled for a way to alter his meaning. "Oh, just that...he's not sure what to think about the idea of the elves being responsible for the Blight. He won't speak about the doubt to anyone." Bacall struggled in his mind, but hoped that perhaps he had delivered his words well enough to draw off Rethe's suspicion, however, part of him thought it was hoping too much.
Rethe narrowed her eyes ever further. "Then how do you know he doubts it at all?" she asked.
"I read it in his body language and the tone of his voice. He didn't need to come out and say it, it was clear in the way he acted that he wasn't sure," Bacall replied. "I might not have been around these many years, but I can still read your brother pretty well." Bacall clenched his fists under the table hoping that would be the end of that.
"Well, he told me," Rethe said. "He told me that he wasn't too sure about the whole idea. So he's not holding it back all the way. And he didn't seem too upset about it. Are you sure that's all it is?"
"Truly?" Bacall acted shocked. "Well, perhaps not then, but I know not what else it could be. I simply assumed," Bacall claimed innocently.
Rethe set the pot down and went over to the table where he was sitting. Something was not right. "Bacall," she said, drawing out his name in a warning tone. "What's going on? You know more than you're letting on, I can tell. You may have been gone for a long time, but I can still tell when you're hiding something. So what is it?"
"Rethe, I am hiding nothing from you. I have no reason to hide anything from you. Believe me," Bacall tried.
Rethe put her hands on her hips. She used to do the same thing when she was little if she didn't get her way. It was comical then, but now she was able to strike a bit of fear into the hearts of men who saw her that way, for now her temper was well known in the village. Her eyes flashed and her jaw was set. "Bacall, I don't believe you. And I have a right to know if there's anything going on if it involves my brother. What are you hiding?"
Bacall sighed, he was found out, he knew. But he still knew that Thearl would kill him for telling Rethe what he had tried so hard to keep from her. He decided to try something else. He ran a hand across his brow. "Rethe, I can't be the one to tell you. Please, don't make me. Thearl only kept his secret for your sake. I should not be the one to tell you anything," He pleaded.
"His secret?" she said. "So there is something? What? Bacall, what is it?" She stepped a little bit closer to him, her hands still on her hips.
"Rethe....I...I can't, I just can't. I promised him. It's not right that I should tell. Don't...." Bacall's sentence fell off with a heavy sigh. He was afraid that she might not let it go, he knew she wouldn't, but he desperately didn't want to be the one to tell her about Thearl's hidden past. "You should really go speak to your brother."
Rethe's gaze hardened. "Thearl doesn't have time for me lately," she said, more bitterness coming out in her voice than she intended. "He's too busy. Bacall, tell me what it is, please! I am worried now."
Rethe's voice rose, Bacall grabbed her arm and looked in the direction of Anneis' room, "Rethe..." he begged, falling off. He paused and looked at her, she wasn't going to let him off without hearing what he had to tell her. Tears of betrayal rose and brimmed his eyes, he was betraying his age old friend, but he had no choice it seemed. "I shouldn't," he said with a shake of his head. His gaze averted, he sighed and looked hurt at her. "Sit," he relented, and she did. He paused for a long time, getting his thoughts in order before he spoke.
"I will only tell you the basics, for details you have to speak to Thearl," he started. Another pause. "Have you ever really wondered why your brother and father don't get along at all? There is a reason for that. When Thearl was a little boy...your father...your father used to beat him for no reason. It happened a lot. He only told me, I helped him keep if from everyone else." He saw Rethe's face and said the rest in a rush. "Thearl has never forgiven him and is ever afraid that it will start again. He didn't want you to know because he didn't want you to hate your father for what he did to Thearl, there was no reason for you to. You needed your father." Bacall hung his head. He couldn't look at Rethe. Tears leaked from his eyes, he couldn't believe what he had done.
Rethe just stared at him in shock, not able to form a single clear thought in her head. How could any of that be true? Her father could never have done that. He was so kind and loving to her. How could he actually have beaten Thearl? Why would he have done such a thing? Tears stung Rethe's eyes as she glared at Bacall's bowed head. "You're lying," she said quietly, her voice bitter.
Bacall flinched at her words as if she had struck him and his crying grew heavier, not so that he was sobbing out loud, but his shoulders began to shake. He couldn't say anything, and figured that by his actions Rethe would know he wasn't lying.
Rethe stared at him more a moment longer. "It can't be true!" she said, her own tears sliding down her cheeks. "Bacall...no...tell me it's not true."
Bacall pressed his hands to his eyes, finding his voice, he spoke, his words choked by his tears. "I'm so sorry Rethe...I told...you. I didn't want to be the one to...tell you the truth...I'm so very sorry." His urge to run was so great that he had to clench his fists to keep himself from bolting. He dug his fingers into his palms so hard that he thought he might even draw blood.
Rethe stood up shakily, backing away from the table, shaking her head. "My father...would never...he would never do that!" she said, still backing away. "And why would Thearl keep it from me?"
Bacall shook his head desperately, he didn't want to say anymore, his betrayal left a bad taste in his mouth, but he held his hands out and pleaded, "Thearl didn't tell you because he didn't want you to hate your father. You love your father, and you need to love him. Thearl loves you so, and didn't want you to have to deal with that pain. It's not your pain, it's his pain. He didn't want to put that upon you."
Rethe still shook her head, not able to believe it. A sob escaped her throat, and by this time she had backed all the way to the wall and was startled when she went up against it. That prompted her to move forward, and the only place she could go was out the door. She began to stumble forward, as if blinded. "It's...it's not true," she muttered. She stumbled out the kitchen door on her way to the main door of the house. She just had to get out of there.
By now, Bacall had his head enough about him, and he reached to stop her. He couldn't let her go out into the city in this state, if he did, everyone would know by the time the meeting came around that night. Bacall just couldn't do that to Rethe. He caught her and wrapped one arm across her chest, up near her shoulders, and pulled her toward him in a tight embrace. Dazed, she fell back into him and they both sank slowly to the floor. Bacall wasn't going to let her go, he clung to her as she clung to him and he wasn't even aware of what he was now saying. He kept repeating over, "Oh God, Thearl is never going to forgive me."
Rethe was sobbing hard by now. She gripped Bacall for a moment. But her mind was shocked, and she still didn't really believe it, she couldn't believe it, not unless Thearl confirmed it to her. She needed to find him. She needed him to answer her questions, to put her mind at ease. So, after a moment in Bacall's arms, Rethe began to struggle to get free. "Let me go," she said weakly.
Bacall snapped back as Rethe struggled to free herself. "I won't let you go anywhere until you collect yourself. If you go out there like this everyone will know something is wrong. This town does not need to know about this. It is between you, Thearl, and your father only." He shifted his hold on her, extending her at arms length with hands tight on her shoulders and looking into her eyes, all seriousness on his face. "Yes, you do need to go speak to Thearl, but not until you have collected yourself enough not to give away anything to anyone else. Do you understand me, Rethe?"
Rethe looked at him for a moment, her sobs stilled while he was talking. But as soon as he was finished they came again and she collapsed, unwilling to hold herself up. Had it not been for Bacall's hands on her shoulders she would have fallen forward on her face, but she wouldn't have cared. Her whole word had just been proven false, and the realization of that was more than she could bear.
Bacall's own tears and guilt for himself had slowed, and he pulled Rethe into his embrace, wrapping his arms around her small frame. He let her cry, he understood her sorrow and hated that he had been the cause for it. He lowered his head until his forehead rested lightly on the back of Rethe's head and he whispered, "I'm sorry, Rethe, I'm so sorry," as he absently began to slowly rock her in his arms.
Rethe just sat there, not willing to think, she tried to close off her mind from everything, but the one thing she wanted the most to close off refused to leave her alone. But the attempt made something else grow inside her. That was anger. Anger towards Thearl for keeping it from her all these years. Why hadn't he told her about it before now? Why? She clenched her jaw tightly, forcing her sobs to stop, though her body still trembled slightly. But she would cry no more over this.
Bacall released Rethe when her sobs stopped, and held her back. Her eyes would not meet with his, and he could see anger rise in place of sorrow. He let her go and sat back. "I think you should go speak to Thearl now, Rethe. And don't be to hard on him, you have no idea how much he has suffered through alone. All the times they fought and you didn't understand...he wanted to tell you, but couldn't. He wouldn't let you hate him too. Try to understand that." He paused and continued with a pointless request. "Tell Thearl I'm sorry," he asked, knowing it would do no good. He would expect to hear from Thearl soon about his actions, and was assuming that their friendship might even be over because of this. He felt simply awful for it all.
Rethe stood up numbly, wiping her tears away with both hands. She didn't move from her spot at first. She felt very bad for Bacall, she really did, but at that moment she just couldn't focus her mind well enough to express it. She nodded curtly at his words, but said nothing, then turned slowly and headed for the door again. Though this time she walked, slowly and straight, without stumbling.
Bacall followed her to the door and saw her out. No words were exchanged between them, no farewells. There was nothing to be said. Bacall watched as she made her way collectedly down the streets. He ran a hand through his hair and leaned his head against the door frame. Only when he couldn't see her anymore did he then go inside, back to the kitchen, and the quiet house. He spied the broth pot of Rethe's on the table and sighed, he would have to return it later...not now....he couldn't face any of them now. Resting his hands on the table edge, he didn't know what to do now, he was at a loss.
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| eireen |
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| Narbeleth |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: December 06, 2004 05:53
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((Co-writen by eireen and myself. ))
After leaving Bacall's, Rethe walked deliberately down the street, her anger continuing to build as she thought about Thearl's secret. After she rounded a corner and was out of sight from Bacall's watching eyes, she began to let her tears fall again, even though she had told herself she would not cry any more, but she couldn't help it. By the time she reached her house she was sobbing openly again and still very upset. She ran the last few yards to the house and burst through the door none to quietly, then began tearing through the house looking for Thearl. "Thearl!" she called loudly and desperately. "Thearl, where are you!" If anyone else heard her they would have thought a great emergency happened by the way she was acting. Rethe went into the kitchen. He wasn't there. She went into the parlor. He wasn't there. "Thearl!" she called again, heading for his room...
Thearl was in his room, lying on his bed and thinking, when urgent calls from his sister reached his ears. And even though he could not see her, he could swear she was crying and was really desperate. Something must have happened. Thearl was out of his room in less than a second, running towards the voice. “Rethe?” he called out, trying to see where she was now. He was very worried and afraid that something might have happened to her.
Rethe saw Thearl coming down the hall. She stormed up to him, sobbing, tears streaming down her face. Before he could do or say anything she was pounding her fists against his chest. "Why?" she sobbed. "Why, Thearl?"
Thearl was stunned, unable to think for a moment, being totally surprised by Rethe's behaviour. Finally, he asked worriedly, “Rethe? What has happened?” as he tried to stop her from hitting him and pull her into his embrace.
Rethe struggled, trying to break free so she could hit him some more. "You—Why? Why didn't you tell me, Thearl?" she sobbed, still trying to squirm free of his embrace.
“Shh, calm down...what's wrong?” Thearl said, easily holding her in his arms, even though she struggled. “What's wrong?” he asked again, unable to understand why she was behaving so. What did he not tell her? What could make her so upset? The sight alone was hurting Thearl deeply, as he loved his sister very much and could see that she was hurt.
Rethe struggled for a moment more, then finally collapsed in her brother's embrace, as if she was too exhausted to hold herself up any more. She kept sobbing, and it made it difficult for her to talk. "Why...why didn't you tell me?" she asked again. "About...about...daddy...and...and...why?"
“About daddy and what?” he asked patiently, hugging his sister and trying to comfort her, even though he still did not know what was wrong.
"You!" Rethe sobbed. "About daddy and you! How come you never told me? All this time...Thearl, why!" New sobs came if that were possible, and she tried hitting him one more time.
Thearl's hands simply fell down limp as the full realization hit him. His mind was blank for a moment as he was trying to understand what Rethe had just said. His sister knew! She knew! But how could that be? How? And so Thearl stood there, in a state of shock, unable to say or do anything.
And finally Rethe was able to hit him one more time, but then she just clung to him and sobbed. "Why?" she whispered against his neck.
Thearl still stood there, but now thousands of thoughts were storming through his head, images of the past...he was feeling so confused. And he was trying to think of a good answer to Rethe's question. He tried to hug her, comfort her, but his arms would not move. How could she find out? How was that possible?
Rethe still clung to him, but her sobs gradually lessened, though they did not stop. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked again quietly.
“I...I only sought to protect you...” he said very quietly, when he managed to find his voice. He carefully took his sister into his arms, wishing to hold her close in that difficult moment. He could feel tears welling up in his own eyes, he was getting far too emotional lately...
Rethe sobbed again. "Protect me?" she said. "How did it protect me? Protect me from what? The truth?"
“Yes, from the truth. And from the pain and loneliness, my little sister,“ Thearl said very quietly.
"From the pain..." Rethe said, scoffing slightly. "And what do you think I'm feeling now? Did you ever consider what it would do to me if I were to find out? Did you ever consider that it might be worse than if I had grown up with the knowledge?" Her voice was bitter by now, and no longer pleading.
"Yes, I did, believe me I did. Every time when you thought it was my fault that he and I were fighting, you always put all the blame on my shoulders...Don't you know how hard it was for me to be quiet? But it was for your sake. For I believed that knowing would cause more damage than shielding you from the truth...“
Rethe shook her head. "But it didn't," she said, beginning to cry again. "It didn't, Thearl! I know now...and it hurts so bad...I can't believe that daddy could actually do that—I can't...can't..." she sobbed again, burying her face in Thearl's shoulder.
Thearl just hugged her, tears slowly sliding down his cheeks. “It's past...he's a different man now...shh..." he soothed her softly.
Rethe sobbed for a moment longer before finding her voice again. "What happened?" she asked. "How could he do such a thing? How...?" She pulled away and her pain-filled eyes met Thearl's. "How could such a thing happen?" she asked.
Thearl did not answer her question, casting his gaze down. He was in pain now, how could he answer that question?
Rethe nodded, then walked away, wrapping her arms around herself. She wandered into Thearl's' room and collapsed on the bed, her sobs coming again as she buried her face in the pillow.
Thearl followed his sister slowly, then closed the door behind him. He sat down on the bed, and gently began to run his hand through her hair. “Don't cry, my little sister, please...I really did not want to hurt you..."
"But you did," she said through her tears, her voice muffled by the pillow. "It hurts a lot. All this time...after asking you so many times what was wrong, and you never told me. And I would find out eventually," she added. "It was inevitable, Thearl. Secrets always come out eventually. How I wish I could have heard it from you instead. It would have hurt less..."
Thearl was silent for a while, briefly wondering who betrayed him so. “I'm sorry, Rethe, but I believed what I had been doing was right. And I still do...because...because...“
"Because why?" Rethe asked. When he didn't answer right away she turned over and looked at him. "Because why?" she asked again.
“Because it has given you something beautiful...for all those years you had your father whom you dearly loved...I did it because I wanted at least one of us to have a parent...we lost our mother, the only person who really loved me...and I knew that the day she died I had no parents left. But it was not the same with you. You had your chance to have a parent who would love you, and I was willing to sacrifice everything just to give you this chance...for all these years you had something I have longed to have all my life...I saw how you both were happy together, and was not willing to do anything to destroy that. I wouldn't rob you from something that precious, ever...because I know the best how that feels when you lack that kind of love...“ Thearl's voice faltered, and tears streamed down his cheeks anew. What he was saying was tearing open the wounds existing in his heart. But he knew he had to talk truthfully with Rethe now that she had found out, so that she could understand why he was silent through all those years.
Rethe's tears flowed freely while she listened to Thearl's words. When he stopped talking she reached up and put her hand on his cheek. "I love you, Thearl," she said softly. "I have been happy...except at those times when you and daddy argued and I had no idea why you hated each other so. At those times I...I resented you for not telling me. I couldn't understand what could be so bad...I think...I'm not sure...but I think that I would have liked to know..."
“But I didn't want you to know,” Thearl said quietly. “It's the past now, my little sister...it still hurts me, but I don't want it to hurt anyone else...no one can undo what has been done, but we can try to keep it in the past, without destroying our future...I'm sorry for not telling you, but this is the one thing I don't want to share with anyone, I just want to forget...bringing it back hurts me, and I...don't be surprised that I wanted to avoid it.“
Rethe shook her head, then put her arms around Thearl's neck. "No, I do understand," she said softly. "I do. I'm glad that you didn't want to see me hurt...I'm glad you thought of me...It will stay in the past, Thearl. I won't tell anyone else..."
"Thank you,” Thearl said quietly, hugging his sister. “And I'm very sorry you did not find out about it from me...I...I wanted to tell you when the right time had come, but as the years went by, I slowly began to realize that some things are best when they are left in the past...And I really regret that you had to find out about it..."
"It was my fault that I did," Rethe said quietly. "I should have left well enough alone..."
Thearl just hugged her tighter. “You know what, my little sister, you have always been too curious..." he said, smiling weakly. ”But I regret it, because a chance appeared that...that maybe in some time everything will be all right again, as it should have always been...“
She pulled away and looked at him. "What do you mean?"
Thearl smiled slightly. “You remember Andy? I told you about him just yesterday...“
"Yes...?" Rethe said, still not understanding.
“Well, I did not tell you the entire truth yesterday, since I could not...I was terribly hurt after what our father said to me yesterday when I was with Devin...Devin found out about everything then...but I was so much broken that I did not even care then. I just ran somewhere into the fields, and was kneeling there sobbing, so broken...I was so hurt and wanted to die..." Thearl said very quietly, recalling the events of the previous day. “And it was how Andy found me...”
Rethe just stared at him for a moment, slightly shocked to see how much he had been hurt by their father. She shook her head slightly. "And...and what did Andy do?" she asked.
Thearl swallowed, then continued. “He took me to his home and treated me in such a way...he was so good and kind to me...as my own father has never been...and he talked with me a lot, and it really helped me much...I understood some things, and then...last night we talked...I mean me and...you know...our father...and there is a chance that maybe...maybe someday all will be well...“ he said quietly.
Rethe began to cry again, only this time it was from joy. "Thearl..." she said, putting her arms around him again. "I'm so glad for you..."
Thearl smiled. “And I'm glad for us all, because maybe someday we'll become a real family and you won't have to be sad anymore..." Then, after a moment, he added softly. "But I hope that you know how much I love you...for all those years it's you who kept me sane where everything seemed bad and without a way out...I have been living for you, and for you only..."
Rethe sobbed again and held Thearl even tighter. "I do know," she said. "And I am so grateful to you, Thearl. I don't know what I would have done all these years without you. You have been my life..."
Thearl was silent for a moment, just holding her close and memorizing this moment. Because this, this was what was worth living for. It was worth all the suffering and pain...what would he do without Rethe? He loved her so much. Thearl kissed her on her cheek, and still held her close, trying to calm down a little, since his emotions were so strong. Then, after a moment, he smiled, looking at Rethe. “But you know what, my little sister, try to stop crying, hmm? Everything is all right now, and if you don't stop, then I'll have to call you my little crying sister...“
Rethe laughed and wiped her eyes, looking up at her brother. "Now what?" she asked.
"Well, I have told you I have the rest of the afternoon until the Council reserved for you...though I guess we could start with a cup of tea," he said, gently wiping away the tears Rethe had missed.
Rethe smiled. "Did you really mean that?" she asked, a little surprised. "I...for some reason I thought you were just saying it. But I wasn't really expecting you to actually go through with it..."
"I really mean it, my little sister. I've been missing us spending more time together too..." Thearl said, smiling. His sister could be so funny at times.
Rethe smiled wider and hugged him again. "I love you, Thearl," she whispered into his ear.
Thearl smiled, and hugged her tightly. "I love you to, Rethe..." he said quietly.
Rethe pulled away and was about to get up off the bed so they could go have tea, but then she hesitated. She didn't tell him that it was Bacall who let her in on the secret. Should she tell him? What would Thearl do? Most likely Bacall would end up regretting it a lot more than he was now. She couldn't decide...
What's wrong?" Thearl looked at Rethe, concerned when she did not make a move to follow him to the kitchen to have tea as they planned. She seemed to be troubled by something else. Seeing that, Thearl turned to her and sat back on the bed. "You didn't tell me everything...what else troubles you, my little sister?" he asked in a caring voice.
Rethe thought for a moment longer, but finally she shook her head and looked up at him, forcing a smile. "It's nothing," she said. She slid off the bed and grabbed his hand, pulling her with him. "Let's go get tea."
"No, wait," Thearl said softly, stopping her. He wanted to have this entire case over when they left the room, and preferably never mentioned again. Therefor he wanted to clear all the questions and doubts that Rethe might have before they left for the kitchen. And he could see that whatever troubled his sister was definitely not 'nothing,' and very likely connected to the secret. "My little sister, please tell me. I can see that there is something that's troubling you..."
Rethe sighed and sat back on the bed. After a moment of silence she asked. "Will you promise not to fly off the wall if I tell you?"
Thearl smiled. "You know full well that I never do that unless there's a serious reason behind it, and even if there is, it rarely happens...what is it?"
Rethe frowned. "That didn't sound like a promise," she said. "I'm serious, Thearl. I...I'm afraid to tell you. Afraid of what you might do..."
"Rethe," Thearl said in a serious voice, "I can't tell you what I will do or won't do unless I know what that is...but the fact that you say that you are afraid to tell me worries and saddens me...how can you be?"
"I...I just know you, Thearl. You're temper...sometimes it scares me...that's all..."
"Rethe, please," Thearl said quietly. He was worried now...what else could his sister know that could trouble her so? "If you already began telling me, you should finish now."
More tears filled Rethe's eyes. How could there still be any left? She picked absently at the blanket on the bed, then began, not looking up at her brother. "It, uh...it was Bacall...Thearl, it was Bacall. He's the one who told me..." She looked up hesitantly, a little fearfully, into his eyes.
Thearl closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. There was no change in his expression or his eyes, though the blow he had just received was very strong. So it was one of his best friends who had betrayed him so. How could he? After all they had survived together, after being best friends for so long...after Bacall's promise that he would not tell anyone, ever. "Let's go get tea," Thearl said calmly. He would deal with Bacall as soon as he had some time to do so.
Rethe didn't move. Thearl's expression didn't change, but she knew her brother well enough to recognize what was happening beneath the surface. "Thearl, it was my fault. I forced him to tell me, he didn't want to. He begged me to let him off the hook about it, but I didn't. He didn't want to betray you, Thearl. Please, don't be hard on him. I...I think it hurt him a lot...I feel so bad that I made him do it..." she looked at her brother, her eyes pleading with him to listen.
"Listen, my dear sister. If he had chosen not to tell you, then he would have not. The fact that he did, means that he agreed to tell you, deciding to break the promise he had given to me a long time ago. And now he may be sorry, Rethe, but he should have thought about the consequences before he told you, isn't that true?" Thearl said quietly.
"Thearl, really, he didn't want to, he begged me not to make him. I was hard on him though. And I wouldn't have left his house until he did. Because by that time I was very worried and wanted to know. He begged me to go to you first, that you should be the one to tell me. But I wouldn't listen. I wanted to know then...if I had known what it was...I wouldn't have...I would...I would have..." she couldn't finish her sentence because a sob suddenly grabbed her throat. Why was she crying again? She wasn't normally this emotional. In fact, she was rarely emotional at all. But lately she was having a really hard time holding it all in.
Thearl sighed quietly, then hugged his sister, kissing her on the top of her head. He could imagine how hard it was for Bacall to try not to tell Rethe, since he knew how persistent his sister could be if she wanted, but still, he believed that if Bacall really wanted, he could not give in. He would have to go to talk to his former best friend as soon as he could, besides, he guessed that Bacall would want to talk to him as well, even if he was afraid of this conversation. "Shh...it's alright," Thearl said softly, holding his sister close.
"I'm sorry, Thearl. I'm so sorry! I...I didn't mean to ruin your friendship with Bacall. Tell me I haven't...tell me you won't disown him for this. I couldn't bear it. Bacall has been such a good friend you us—to you."
"Rethe, please allow that I will discuss it with Bacall and with Bacall alone, alright?" Thearl said softly, not wishing to discuss his possible reactions with his sister. He had to think about it carefully before making anything, because it was very easy to destroy valuable friendship, but what Bacall did was almost unambiguous—it looked like it was Bacall who decided to end their friendship...Thearl was still too shocked to think about it now, still unable to believe that Bacall told Rethe about his greatest and most protected secret, and he needed some time for this painful knowledge to sink in.
Rethe just stared at her brother for a moment, then she broke down in sobs again, putting her hands over her face in shame. "I—I'm so sorry, Thearl. I'm so sorry..." She felt so terrible for what she had done. The fact that such a long friendship might be over because of her, hurt her almost worse than the knowledge she had gained in the process. Maybe it would have all been better for everyone if she had just kept her big mouth shut about the whole thing and minded her own business.
"It's alright, Rethe, we all make mistakes sometimes..." Thearl said quietly, taking her in his arms again. He was not angry with her, he was not able to. He loved Rethe so much, that he was ready to blame everyone, including himself, but not her. "It's alright now..."
Rethe shook her head. "No...it's not, Thearl. It's not alright. How could it be?"
Thearl looked at Rethe sadly. "Then what should I say to you, my little sister?"
She looked up at him through her tearstained eyes. "Say that you will do everything you can to save your friendship with Bacall. Say you won't just throw it away so easily. That is all that matters to me right now. Finding out about you and daddy is nothing compared with the knowledge that I might be the reason for the end of something one does not often have in life. Promise me, Thearl...please?"
"Rethe, what Bacall did was...it was as if he decided to end our friendship without giving any explanation. He lost my trust...now all I want to know is why he did that, and I cannot promise you anything, my little sister, no matter how much I would like to. I have to think about it, then talk to Bacall himself. And then...then we will see what happens," Thearl said quietly, not willing to talk about it all any longer.
Rethe sobbed some more, pulling away from Thearl and hiding her face in her hands. She felt so bad, and she was tired of crying! But she couldn't stop. How was their life ever going to be back to normal again?
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| eireen |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: December 06, 2004 11:23
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(( Please welcome a new family into the thread The post was co-written by Narbeleth and myself. Please enjoy  ))
Enid was standing by the window in the parlour, looking out at the path leading to their house. She was hoping to see Elden, her beloved husband, coming back home. He had gone for their food rations to the Pantry earlier that day, and had not yet returned.
“Maybe he has met someone,” Enid thought absently as one of her hands began to play with her long, braided hair. She stood so for a moment longer, watching out for her husband, but the man did not appear. The woman turned to the fireplace where the warm fire was buzzing pleasantly, offering much warmth. Enid added a few more branches to the fire to keep it going, and the turned to the couch standing in the middle of the room.
When she approached it, she could hear clearly the loud and shallow breathing of her sleeping child, Cailan. The sound was tearing her heart apart, as she could easily recognize that the condition of her little son had not improved at all, and he had trouble with breathing.
“Sleep well, my sweet child,” she said softly, carefully tucking Cai in, so that he was warm enough. Then she took a small teddy bear, her son's favourite toy, into her hand, and then set it down beside her little boy. Without any conscious thought she began to hum an old Rohirric lullaby, the one her own mother used to hum when she was a child.
After a while she moved towards the window to see if Elden was coming back. There was no sight of the man, but Enid noticed that the sky was turning grey, covered with heavy clouds. It was going to rain, and the woman hoped that her husband would come back before the rain started.
She decided that she would get some water boiling so that Elden and she could drink some tea when he was back. Enid quickly filled the kettle with the water, and then put it on the stove. Having done this, she returned to her place by the window, only to see her husband coming back. A smile lit her face as she opened the front door, and then she ran the short distance to meet him. When she did, she hugged him.
“Elden, you're back...I was worried...” she said softly, kissing her husband on his lips. Had someone else been here, other than her family, the woman would have never run to meet her husband; she was too shy for that. But since only they were here, she did not care what someone else could have thought about it. She loved her husband very much, and even though they had been married for thirty years, she still loved him so passionately as she had when she was eighteen.
Elden took his wife into his arms and held her close, kissing her back deeply. "I'm sorry," he said softly once they had parted. "I was delayed at the Pantry." He put an arm around Enid's shoulders and began leading her back to the house. "Come, let's go in...I'll tell you all about it."
Enid nodded. “We can talk while having tea, I have the water boiling," she said, looking at him. "I was hoping that you'd be back before the rain started..."
"It looks like I just made it," Elden said, looking up at the dark clouds. Thunder could be heard in the distance. "How are you doing?" he asked her as they went into the house. "And how is Cai?"
“He fell asleep about an hour ago...he was waiting for you,“ Enid said softly as they entered the house, not willing to wake up the sleeping child. “I'll go and make the tea, then we can sit and talk.“
"I think I'll go see him," Elden said. "Is he in his bed?"
“No, he's sleeping on the couch, he wouldn't go to his bed,“ Enid said, smiling weakly. ”He was having trouble with breathing again,“ she added, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Poor child," Elden whispered, then made his way to the parlor where the boy was sleeping fitfully. He knelt down next to the couch and placed his hand on Cailan's chest and kissed him gently on his forehead. "My sweet son," he whispered quietly. "Sleep well..."
In the meantime Enid went to the kitchen and prepared the tea quickly. She was wondering what news Elden had brought from the Pantry. When the tea was ready, she poured it into two cups and set them down on the table in the kitchen. They could talk in here so that they would not disturb their little son. When she was ready, she went to stand in the door frame of the parlour, watching her beloved husband and son together.
"I love you, my son," Elden was whispering. He kissed the sleeping boy one more time, then stood and only just then realized his wife was watching. He smiled grimly at her, then came over and wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close against him. "I will carry him to his own bed a little later," he said softly.
She hugged her husband tightly. “I don't think he'll be sleeping too long...” she whispered quietly. After a moment she added, "The tea's done. We can go and talk in the kitchen so we won't wake him up.”
Elden nodded and led his wife into the kitchen. He pulled a chair out for her to sit at the table, then he sat himself. He rubbed his eyes and sighed tiredly before absently stirring his tea with a spoon.
“So, what happened at the Pantry?” Enid asked, gently touching one of his hands.
"Well, when I arived there were many people gathered around the door. I wondered about it, and then saw that they were all looking at a sign that was posted there. It was announcing a free council meeting in the town hall tonight. Everyone is encouraged to come. There was much talk amongst the people on what it could be for, since the sign didn't say the reason. But they all know it has to do with ending the Blight."
“Ending the Blight?” Enid repeated, a tinny shred of hope appearing in her voice.
"Yes, it said nothing more than that. But it is a rumour that someone has found the reason for the Blight, and a way to stop it. So we are to meet and discuss it all. Would you want to go?" he asked, looking at his wife.
“Wouldn't you?” she asked, looking at Elden. “If it is true, if there is a solution...just think what that would mean for Cai, for all of us..." she said quietly, but emotions were filling her voice. “I think we should go...do you?”
"Yes, I would like to go..." Elden said. "But are you sure you should? What about Cai? Do you think it would be good for him to be out amongst all those people?"
Enid looked at her husband. “You know how much Cai will be excited about going to the town. He always loved it when you were taking him to the town, he was always so happy...and lately...lately you know how sad he is. I think we could go together and take him with us...you could carry him, and I'll dress him up warmly, and we'll take the blanket...what do you think?“ she asked softly, asking him to consider what she said.
Elden nodded thoughtfully. "I guess we could make an evening of it, he said finally. And if it is any good news that we hear at the meeting, then we may have reason to celebrate." He looked up at his wife again and offered a slight smile, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand.
She smiled at him and squeezed back her hand. “I'm sure Cai will be very happy...and I hope the news will be good...I hope for it so much..." she said quietly, trying to hide the tiredness from her voice.
Elden looked at her closely. "Are you doing alright, my love?" he asked with concern. "How are you feeling?"
“I'm all right,” she said quietly, smiling weakly at him.
"Are you sure? You look extra tired today. I'm sorry I wasn't here most of the time. I got involved with the conversations at the Pantry."
“It's all right,” she said quietly. “I'm only a little bit tired...but it's nothing more than that. And what do people say about it all?“
"No one really knows," Elden admitted with a shrug. "There are all kinds of rumours of course. Everything from the Dragon to black magic. But who knows for sure?"
“A dragon...” Enid repeated, shaking her head slightly. “And to think there are people who believe this...”
Elden shrugged again. "Well, you know the Dragon has been blamed for things before. It makes sense, since he has always been a distant threat to us here. But I do not see how the Dragon could cause the Blight..."
“Of course he wouldn't! If he wanted to destroy our crops he could just burn them down as well as the entire town of Esgaroth..." Enid said softly.
"And I did make that point today at the Pantry," Elden said. "Most agreed with me. But the pervading rumour is black magic."
“Black magic...but that's a terrible thing...who could possibly do that to us? And why? There aren't any wizards here..." she said, looking at Elden. ”Did they sat who could do that?“
"No," Elden shook his head. "But there was talk of strange people in the fields and chanting in a strange tongue. I don't know if that is true, or what kind of people they would be, but that is what people are talking about."
“Oh...” she said quietly. “I hope we'll get some more news during the Council..." she added, sighing heavily.
"I think we will," Elden replied. "The note seemed positive. I think they may know who is actually responsible, if anyone. They would just like to tell everyone at once, to prevent the spreading of rumours, and also to decide what to do about it."
“It'd be so great,” Enid said, standing up, and coming over to her sitting husband. Then she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
Elden put his arms around his wife and pulled her onto his lap, kissing her tenderly. "Things will be back to normal again, my love. We must just keep believing that."
“They will be,” she whispered quietly, resting her head against his shoulder and closing her eyes. She was feeling very tired, as she was often lately, and taking care of Cai was wearing her out.
"Are you sure you want to go tonight?" Elden asked. "The meeting is at seven, and it may go late. Maybe you should consider staying home and going to bed early."
“No, I want to go with you. I think I'll just take a short nap before we go..." she said quietly.
Elden nodded. "Alright." Then he stood, lifting his wife up into his arms. He kissed her gently. "I will put you to bed," he said softly as he began walking in the direction of their bedroom.
“I could walk,” she said, protesting quietly, not willing to tire her husband. “You should save your strength to carry Cai.”
Elden smiled slightly. "But I want to carry you," he said, kissing her again. "I am fine." They reached the bedroom and Elden laid his wife gently on the bed, but he didn't stand back up straight, instead he stayed down there with her, lying gently atop her and kissing her tenderly.
“I love you so much, so much,” Enid said quietly, kissing him back, and clinging to him. She closed her eyes, holding him tightly, and feeling so safe...
Elden raised himself up on one elbow and looked at her, smiling. "I love you," he said. Then he began to undo the braids in her long golden hair. He loved to see her hair loose, though she almost always wore it bound. Once her wavy tresses were free and spread about her shoulders, he bent down and buried his face at the base of her neck, breathing in deeply her sweet sent and kissing her lovingly.
Enid still held him in her arms, though she was falling asleep quickly, she just could not help it. But right now she was feeling safe, knowing that Elden was there, and she could go to sleep without fear.
And Elden let his wife sleep, knowing how exhausted she was. So he laid next to her and absently played with a lock of her hair as he watched her slowly drift into the land of dreams. He smiled slightly. "I love you, my sweet Enid," he whispered.
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| AerhÃril |
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| kellymulder |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: December 07, 2004 08:44
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((this one is cowritten by me and Raynn , enjoy!))
Devin entered the kitchen but it was completely empty, also the living room was deserted. He decided to skip breakfast and went outside to look for his cousin. He put on his coat and left the house. Nobody was to be seen on the streets, Devin just decided to take a look at the Pantry, for he was most likely to find Athele there. But suddenly he saw a small figure at the other side of the road, leaving the town. He recognized her at once and sprinted towards her.
Athele was standing next to Devin's horse which was hitched to Thearl's old cart. She had led the horse out of town by its bridle, and she was a little afraid of getting up into the cart to drive through the countryside.
As Devin approached Athele he saw she was not alone...his horse Merdian was with her. He felt a little curious what she was going to do with him and the cart he was pulling. "Hey Athele!" he called to her as soon as he was next to her. "Where are you going with my old horse?"
Athele looked up when she heard Devin's voice. She flashed him a grin. "I'm trying to gain enough courage to get in the cart. I want to take food to people out of town."
"That is very sweet of you, my dear cousin," Devin said while he grinned back at her. "Wait, let me help you..." As he spoke the last words he lifted her with his strong arms and put her on the cart, after which he jumped on it himself. "Was that so scary?" he asked, smiling broadly
Athele laughed. "It's not that. I was afraid of driving it! What if the horse runs off and I can't stop him?"
"Are you afraid Merdian is going to run off?" Devin chuckled softly. "Merdian never runs off, he's too old for that, and too soft. But I can go with you and drive it for you if you'd like..." Devin offered. "Merdian and I have been good friends since my youth, so..."
Athele smiled sheepishly. "Thank you," she sighed with relief.
"Ahh...it's no problem, little one." Devin said friendly.
Athele sat back as the cart began to move forward. "Um...could you, maybe...teach me how to drive?" she asked hesitantly.
"Surely I can..." Devin said, picking up the reigns. "It's not difficult...it's easier then horse riding itself. When you let the reigns fall on the horse's back it will start walking, do it again and it will walk faster. Pull the reigns towards you and it will stop. Pull it a little to the left and the right if you want to change the direction. Come next to me, then I'll show you..."
Athele scooted closer to him and looked up nervously. "Thank you, Devin," she said quietly. "I want to learn because I want to go out every day and take food to people. I don't want you to have to drive me every time."
"You are too good for this world, Athele," Devin said seriously and then handed her the reigns. "Here, take a try yourself, be careful and don't pull to hard, Merdian won't like that."
Athele took the reigns from him. Her heart started beating faster, since she was quite nervous, and her palms began to sweat. She gripped the reigns tightly. "What do I do now?" she asked.
"Relax your hands a little, there is no need to squeeze them," Devin replied. "The only thing you can accomplish now is that the horse will be frightened of your fear; horses can feel that."
Athele tried calming herself, closing her eyes and taking several deep breaths. She consciously loosened her grip on the reigns, then she looked up at Devin. "Okay...is that better?"
"It is...you see the horse's ears moving? He feels you are more comfortable now."
Athele smiled. "Now what?" she asked.
"I don't know where you want to go," Devin said. "You can make him go in whatever direction you like, you can try..."
"Linden's farm is closest," she said. "It's to the left...I think. So, I just pull the reigns to the left? Is that all?" she asked.
"Yes, that's all, just a little pull to the left with your left reign and it will happen," Devin said, smiling.
Athele did so, and was pleased to see the horse respond positively. She grinned up at him, then concentrated on the road for a while in silence. Finally she said, "Have you heard the news?"
Devin looked at her a little surprised. "What news, Athele? I haven't been out today so I guess I haven't..."
"Rethe just told me. Dwelian thinks that the elves are responsible for the Blight. They're the ones performing the black magic."
"Dwelian thinks that the elves are responsible?" Devin replied. "That's an interesting thought...it sure is..." he said, frowning. "But how does he know this? Is there any proof?"
"I don't know..." she admitted. "Strangely he doesn't have any real proof—at least none that I know about. The mayor is holding a town council tonight to discuss it."
"Really? Well, that might be very interesting to hear. The elves...yeah...why not? It would explain things and everyone knows they've lived here longer then we did. They probably want their lands back...or more food to themselves..."
"Yeah, that's what Rethe and I thought," Athele said. "That's part of the reason I'm going out today, to tell all the people about the council and ask them to come."
"That's a good idea," Devin said, a little surprised by Athele's cleverness.
"It was Rethe's idea," she admitted.
"Well, I'm happy you have found something useful to do so you don't have to stick around with grandfather all day at home...Though promise to be careful, you are a woman alone..."
"Yeah, I know. But I just feel just so useless. Everyone else is doing something to help...I just thought this would be a good thing for me to do."
"It sure is, Athele, it sure is..." Devin said. "But still, can't you ask someone to do it with you? I would feel a lot happier if I knew you weren't alone."
"Who would go with me?" she asked, a little surprised at his concern.
"Can't you ask Rethe? Or any of the other girls from the Pantry, Anneis maybe?"
Athele shook her head. "Rethe's too busy." She paused. "And Anneis is sick..."
"Anneis is sick? How come?" Devin asked in a worried tone. "What's wrong with her?"
"Nobody knows why she's sick, it's just this Blight. It's causing people to become sick. And I don't know if you know, but...Arian, Dugan's wife, died yesterday..."
"What? Arian died?" Devin said, shocked, his face turned sad and his eyes darkened. "So much bad news, and all at the cause of this stupid Blight! It really has to end now, Athele, it has to. I don't know what I would do if something happened to you or to any of our friends..."
Athele was silent for a moment. "I know...I am...afraid something might happen to you, too. That you might get sick..." She looked up him, a little worry showing in her eyes.
"Don't worry for me, Athele, I won't get sick..." He said, casting his gaze at his feet. He didn't want her to worry, there was no need to, he was perfectly healthy...
"But you will get sick, Devin," she said. "If you don't take care of yourself." She paused. "I know how you've been giving us some of your share of the rations. And if you keep on doing that you'll weaken, with all the hard work you do..."
"But I can't eat when I know that there are other people that are more hungry and need it more then I do. And...I don't do that much fieldwork anymore so...I'm fine, honestly..."
"But it worries me," she said softly, glancing up at him.
"There is no reason to it, Athele...I'm fine, I'm fine." He said, grabbing her by her shoulders and looking her straight in the eyes. "Don't worry for me, please?"
"Devin," she said. "Just because I don't show it all the time doesn't mean I don't care about you. I have every right to worry, just as you worry about me."
"I am happy you care about me, Athele..." Devin said sincerely, it was true. He always felt like she never totally appreciated his help and love. She had always kept some distance like she didn't trust him. "And you must know that I care very much for you too..."
"I know..." she said softly, giving him a reassuring smile. "And...I'm sorry I've been so distant...I've just always had a hard time expressing how I feel...But I do love you..."
"I am very happy to hear that, Athele, you don't know how much that means to me. You are more a sister to me then you are a cousin. You and your mother mean the world to me. I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't have stayed with you after...after everything that happened," he said in a pained voice.
Athele hesitated, then leaned her head against Devin's shoulder. "But I'm glad you came," she whispered.
Devin said nothing and just put his arms around her and embraced her tightly.
The two were quiet for a while, and Athele was surprised that she actually felt rather good in Devin's embrace. Eventually, though, they reached Linden's farm and Athele started to get a little nervous. "Um...Devin, what do I do to stop the horse?"
Devin looked up and smiled at the sight of Athele's anxious face. "Pull the reigns slowly towards you, gentle, not too hard, otherwise you will hurt the horse in its mouth."
Athele did as Devin said, then watched with satisfaction as Merdian slowed, then stopped. "I did it!" she said, quite happy with herself.
Devin grinned. "I knew you could do it, little one. You are a relative to me so in some way you must have gotten some Rohiric blood in your veins.
Athele laughed. "Yeah, right." She paused, handing him the reigns. "Here, you stay here, I'll be right back..."
"Ok..." Devin said, but instead of staying on the cart he jumped off and walked towards Merdian. He gently patted the horse on the shoulder and whispered soft words into his ear. It had been a long time since he had seen his old friend.
Athele took a small bundle from out of the back of the cart, then walked up to the door of the house and knocked. The man Athele knew to be Linden opened the door. He was small and severely under weight, with a bad case of what she liked to call bad posture. He stood staring at her then he broke in to a big grin that showed many unhealthy teeth. Athele cringed inside.
"Well, bless my trousers," he said, "it's Daroth's mite...what is your name...Athaga?"
"Hello, It's Athele, Linden, I trust you are well? May I come in please?" she asked, peering into the small, dark house.
"Sure, sure, come on in, you can join me and my boy for tea. Afraid there's no bread though."
"Thank you, but no thank you, I have many things to do today, I just dropped by to give your family this," she held out a bundle. "It's enough food for three people for two meals, I'm going to be going around to all the outlying farms and delivering food to the families that live too far to come and fetch it themselves. I plan to come once a day, hopefully around this time."
Linden took the small bundle with reverence and held it like it was a giant piece of gold. "Thank you, lass, I can't say how much this means to me, and to the boy and my wife—She's down sick today, expecting another young'un any day now." He added to reassure her when he saw Athele's worried look.
"Well, congratulations, and give my best to your wife." Athele turned to go, but turned back around. "Oh, and Also, the Mayor called a town council meeting, he asks that everyone come. They are going to talk about the Blight, and someone thinks they know who is causing it," Athele said, eager to get going, she had many things to do today, and this house smelled.
"Well, if I get me a chance to stop this Blight I am definitely coming," he said with determination. Athele nodded and they headed towards the door. "Athele, You know that a man's pride can get big and ugly, and there use to be a time when I would not accept charity, but not now, a man would be a fool to risk loosing his loved ones because of his pride. I refuse to, I love them too much." He stopped as he pulled his small son close to his side. Athele had not noticed the boy before then. "Thank ye so much," Linden said as Athele smiled at the boy, who promptly hid behind his father's legs.
Linden tried to change the subject, he could see Athele was not use to affection or she didn't know how to respond to it he thought. "Well, l guess were going to be there then, see you around, Little Athele. Thank you so much for the food, we will dine like a king tonight," he said with a big happy grin.
"You're welcome, Linden," Athele smiled again as the door closed. She headed back to the cart. "I'm back," she announced as she walked up and stroked Merdian on the nose. "You're such a good boy," she whispered to the horse. "I wish I had a carrot for you."
Devin smiled. "He's a fortunate fellow, he can eat grass instead of carrots. Wouldn't it be nice if we all could do that?"
Athele wrinkled her nose. "Grass? I'd prefer mice," she said jokingly.
"Well, I honestly think you'd better eat a rat, they're bigger," Devin said laughing.
Athele grinned. "Well, thank you, Devin. Now I have an idea for supper tonight." Then she giggled to show she didn't mean it.
Devin sighed and became more serious. "Well, if the situation doesn't change we are most likely to start eating mice and rats." He sighed again and climbed on the cart. "But let's talk about something happier."
"Like what?" she asked, reaching up her hand so he could help her up into the cart.
"Err..." Devin said a little hesitatingly as he grabbed her hand and helped her into the cart. "Good question..." he said finally, shrugging his shoulders.
"Well, there was something I wanted to asked you..." she hesitated and blushed slightly. "But you'll think it's silly."
"Well, ask and you might be surprised," Devin replied cheerfully while he got up the reigns and got Merdian to walk. "By the way, which way do we have to go?"
"Michel's house is a couple miles down that way," she said, pointing down the road. She wasn't sure if she wanted to ask him her question.
"Off we go then!" Devin replied. "But what was it you wanted to ask? You made me curious, little one."
"Uh...I was just wondering...could....could grandfather...force me to marry somebody...like a father can do?" she finally said, ducking her head and blushing.
Devin turned around with a surprised look on his face. "First of all I will never let grandfather force you to marry anyone against your will. And secondly, I don't believe he has the right to do so, though I am not sure about that. But never should you worry about that, if he ever suggests anything like that I will make sure he'll regret it!" Devin said furiously.
Athele breathed a sigh of relief. And there were tears in her eyes. "Thank you," she said quietly. "I have been worried about it for days, and I didn't know how to ask anybody..."
"Aww... Silly girl, come here. Never be afraid to ask me anything ok? There is no such thing as a stupid question," he said, stretching out his arms towards her.
Athele leaned against her cousin and smiled up at him. "I'll try and remember that," she said. "Thank you for putting my mind at ease."
"No problem," he said, grinning back at her, he felt a hot stream flow through his body. He was so lucky to have a family like this, he really loved his cousin and aunt.
Athele sighed in contentment. She was happy for the first time in a long time. She had many more stops to make that day, and she was glad to have Devin with her.
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| kellymulder |
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| Vanalosswen |
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| AerhÃril |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Vanalosswen |
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| Narbeleth |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| AerhÃril |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| Vanalosswen |
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| kellymulder |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: December 09, 2004 09:17
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((here comes a very long post, I wanted to divide it into two pieces but the first part takes place before they'll go to the council, and as the council has already started it won't be chronological any more. Anyway, Raynn I hope you are ok with this (the way I dropped Athele off) but I needed to make haste with this post so I didn't have the time to check with you first. I can edit if you want to of course ))
Caelyn carried Amanda out of their father’s bedroom into the kitchen. The little girl snuggled herself between Caelyn’s breasts as if she wanted to be protected from everything bad that was happening to her.
Caelyn sat down at the kitchen table clutching Amanda tightly against her own body. Absently she stroke some loose strings of red hair that had fallen out of Amanda’s braid while she remained singing softly. She had always done that when Amanda had been very upset and in someway it always comforted the girl. Even now, Caelyn could feel Amanda loosen her grip and relax a little, she could feel the pain that had been cropped up in the small body fade away as she sang of distant lands and pleasant dreams.
They might have been sitting like that for over an hour but suddenly Amanda had enough of it. She pulled back and jumped out of her sisters lap. Amanda saw her doll lying on the floor, quickly she got it up and started to play, totally forgetting about the things that had bothered her earlier.
Caelyn remained sitting on the kitchen table, massaging her temples with the tips of her fingers, she had a headache of all the difficult decisions she had to take and of all the sorrows that had been hunting her lately. Caelyn knew she couldn’t work the fields on her own and watch Amanda at the same time, it was simply to much, and to heavy work. She had taken Amanda with her a couple of times but she couldn’t work when she had to look around constantly to see where her sister had gone to.
If her father didn’t get better and even passed away or remained ill for a long amount of time she had to find some kind of solution. –Maybe she should marry so her husband could look after the fields, but then, there were no singles living in the surrounding farms. She heard that there lived some unmarried men in the village itself, but that would go a little to far. The idea of some strange man becoming her husband made her shudder. She had always imagined marriage to be beautiful. Caelyn smile at herself, she was desperately romantic and old-fashioned about that; she wanted true love and a husband that could protect her…
At that moment somebody knocked on the door.
****
It was already afternoon when Devin and Athele reached the bridge that lead into the town. They had been busy visiting all the farms in the area and had been giving them their rations of food and had been telling them about the council meeting that night. Many people had decided to come as everyone was curious what the news would be, council meetings were not often to be held.
There was one last farm they needed to visit but that one lay at the other side of the town, Devin told Athele to go home and to prepare dinner so they won’t get to late for the meeting. He would visit the last farm alone, after that he could put Merdian back to the stable and go right to the council meeting.
So Devin dropped Athele at the bridge and then turned the cart towards the west. His stomach rumbled, he hadn’t eaten anything for the whole day, saving his food for Athele and Dora. He couldn’t eat himself as he watched them starve. So Devin got up the reigns again and made Merdian walk a little faster, ignoring the hunger. Instead he thought of the past day, he couldn’t remember being more comfortable and friendly with Athele then the past hours, they’d had so much fun together. He didn’t know what had changed his cousin but she acted much more free and caring towards him. Anyway, it was a good change, Devin thought smiling; humming softly and not really thinking about anything he rode on.
After fifteen minutes he reached the last farm. Merrily Devin jumped of the cart and tied Merdian to a near tree. He reached for the last bag with food and then went to the front door and gave a firm knock on it.
***
Caelyn stood up to answer the door in great surprise, it was nearly dinnertime; who would come to visit their farm at such an hour? she wondered. Nobody ever visited the farm, as they had no other living relatives or friends that visited without making an appointment. Quickly she walked out of the kitchen, patting Amanda softly on the head as she passed her by. ‘It’s such a sweet kid.’ she thought.
She opened the door and to her immense surprise she saw a long, very handsome man standing in front of it. She recognised him vaguely, he probably lived in Esgaroth.
Devin looked at the small young woman that opened the door. She had ginger red hair that curled among her shoulders and a lot of freckles around her nose. Though her appearance was happy he could read great sorrow in her eyes. “Hello, I’m Devin, I come from the town but I have news…I am sorry to bother you, I hope I didn’t disturb you at dinner. I came here with two reasons, maybe I can come in, it would be easier to explain when me fingers were not freezing off.” He smiled at her, hoping she would not consider him rude.
Caelyn smiled back at him “Hi, I am Caelyn.” She replied “sure come in, I noticed it’s already very cold outside…” Curiously she looked at the bag the man was holding in his left hand but she didn’t ask anything until they got into the warm kitchen. She was very well aware of her baggy clothes and she blushed slightly as she met Devin’s face, she mustn’t be looking very attractive with her messy hair and filthy hands. She had been very busy the past days with looking after Amanda and her father and she didn’t have the time to take care of herself…
“Please sit down.” She finally said, gesturing towards an empty chair. “So, what is the reason for your visit?” Caelyn asked curiously as she sat herself down at another chair.
The bright light in the kitchen made him a little dizzy and he suddenly realised he hadn’t eaten anything the whole day, he was happy he could sit down. “First” he said smiling, not letting her know something was wrong “I came to give you this…” he handed her the package with food “it’s your food ration for today. I’m sorry to deliver it this late. Anyway, it contains enough food for three persons each three meals.”
Caelyn was taken aback by this nice gesture. “Thank you so much for this!” she said gratefully. “You don’t know how much this means to us. My father is very ill at the moment and I don’t have the time or the opportunity to go to the village to get our rations. I have to take care of him and my little sister, you see. Our mum died five years ago and since then it has not been very easy to us, but now that my father is this ill… I can hardly manage to keep my head up” Caelyn didn’t know why she was so open to this stranger, perhaps it was just the fact that she had someone to talk to that was of her own age. She blushed slightly and looked away from Devin.
Devin rubbed his hand over his forehead, his headache and dizziness were getting worse; though he was able to listen to her story and to smile encouragingly when she was finished. ‘Another tragedy’ he thought ‘another family in great trouble at the cause of the Blight.’ Hot anger filled him, it was time that this Blight should end. He was looking forward to tonight, he really hoped Dwelian had the right solution in his hands. This thought brought him to the second thing he had to tell her. “I’m sorry for you, but I think I’ll have a solution to your food rations-problem… I believe that my cousin Athele is going to deliver the food rations every day to the farms outside Esgaroth. I hope that will help you.”
Caelyn’s face lightened up with enthusiasm at the thought of someone delivering her food every day. “Tell your cousin I already love her, it would make such a difference. Things are going to be a lot easier from now on.” She jumped from her seat and run over to Devin and embraced him tightly.
Devin flushed when the girl hugged him so suddenly, he wasn’t used to have close contact with women, and this one he barely knew. “Err…. I will tell her…” Devin said softly, not really knowing what to say.
Caelyn pulled back quickly as she felt Devin petrify under her arms, clearly he wasn’t used to physical contact. Her face reddened also as she was ashamed of what she just did, in her family it was very normal to have a lot of physical contact, but she had just hugged a man she didn’t know. “So… err… the other thing you wanted to tell me?” She said sitting back at her own chair “what is it about?”
“O…. that…” Devin said, recovering slowly from his bemusement. “Yes, I don’t know if you’ve already heard about this but, tonight at seven pm a council meeting is being held in the Town Hall. Everyone that lives in or around Esgaroth is invited.”
“Oh…” Caelyn answered “That sounds interesting, do you know were the council is about?”
“Well, I have heard a lot of rumours but I know nothing for sure, though…” Devin rubbed with his hand over his forehead, his headache was getting heavier. “Someone seems to think that he has found a solution to end the Blight. Anyway, the Mayor is wanting to discuss something with all of us tonight; will you come?”
Caelyn thought about this “I would like to come…” she said slowly “but I don’t know how I will be able to arrange it. I can’t leave Amanda alone with my father at this moment. And she has not the strength to come with me and to walk the whole road to the Town Hall.”
Before he realised what he said Devin replied to her. “I could take you and Amanda to it and bring the two of you back afterwards. I have a horse and a cart, so it will be no problem at all.”
“Really would you do that for me? Ohw, thank you, thank you! I owe you big time!” Caelyn called out, she nearly hung herself around his neck again but could stop herself before she did it.
Devin smiled at her and grinned to himself about her enthusiasm, it was a strange figure, this Caelyn; kind but very weird. “It’s nothing…” he said softly. “Shall I pick you up at 6:15?” he asked.
“Yeah.. sure. And thanks again!” Caelyn said
“You’re welcome.” Devin said getting to his feet. “I will see you in…” At that moment the room began to spin and he could just see Caelyn’s face before everything went dark…
Caelyn quickly spun towards Devin when she saw him fall, she was just in time to catch him before his head would slam to the ground. Carefully she put him down and then hurried outside to get some fresh water. Her heart beat against her throat, she was very shocked but she hoped he would be alright soon.
***
Devin opened his eyes and groaned softly, he couldn’t see sharp and everything seemed to move around him. He tried to sit but his muscles didn’t reply to him. He groaned another time, not remembering what had happened, he didn’t recognise the place though he appeared to be laying on some sort of bed.
Caelyn hurried over to Devin as she heard him groan, finally he’s waking! She thought happily, when he hadn’t reacted on her calls or on the water she had put on his face she had carried him to her own bedroom and had laid him on the bed.
He had been unconscious for over an hour and she had became more worried with every second, desperately hoping that he would wake up. She had wondered if she should warn someone but she didn’t know to what family he belonged and plus, she couldn’t leave Amanda and her father alone with him. So instead she had cooked a small dinner for her and Amanda, had given her father some soup and had played hide and seek with her little sister.
Devin saw a woman gently touching his face and suddenly he recognised her. Caelyn. It all came back to him, he had fainted when he was about to leave! “I am so… sorry.” He mumbled softly “I think I haven’t eaten enough today.” He sat up and noticed the sky was already turning grey. He stared out of the window and said “” How long have I been out? It’s already darkening…”
“I am so glad you woke up, you have been unconscious for an hour, it’s nearly six o’clock right now.” Caelyn smiled at Devin’s face and then added: “shall I get you some soup, I have some leftovers from dinner and I think you will need it if you still want to go to the council…”
“I cannot take that, Caelyn, it’s very sweet of yours, but I cannot eat your food… I think we should leave for the council right now, if you are ready of course…”
“You are not leaving this house without eating young man; if you do not want to take it I will squeeze your nose and put it into your mouth as I did when my sister was young and didn’t want to eat.” Caelyn said severely though worries could be heard in her voice. She didn’t know Devin but still she didn’t want anything to happen to him. “Plus… you will ride me to the council and back, see this as my favour to you for doing it…”
Devin sighed “Ok then, but be quick; we need to get in time for the council and I want to see a friend before it starts… And Caelyn… Thank you for doing this to me, for taking care of me like that.” he ended in a grateful tone.
Caelyn walked out of the room, but stopped as she approached the door. “I was happy to do it Devin…” she said softly with a little smile playing around her lips.
***
A quarter of an hour later everyone was ready to go; Devin who felt a little stronger because of the food untied Merdian from the tree and put him in front of the cart again as Caelyn closed the farm and made sure her father had everything he needed. Then everyone stepped onto the cart, Amanda in the middle and rode into the direction of the Town Hall.
[Edited on 9/12/2004 by kellymulder]
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| AerhÃril |
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| Raynn |
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| Ireth_elfmaiden |
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| Raynn |
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| eireen |
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| Narbeleth |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: December 10, 2004 01:32
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((And this one is also co-written by the two of us. Though much longer  ))
Elden peaked into the bedroom to see that his wife was still sleeping soundly. He smiled fondly at her as he made his way to the bed. He knelt by the edge of the bed and put his face close to hers, smoothing some of her hair away from her face. He kissed her softly on the cheek. "Enid, my dear...time to wake...we must get ready to go to the council..."
Enid woke up, hearing her husbands voice, and opened her eyes slowly. She smiled when the first thing she saw was Elden's face. But then his words sank in, and she sat up quickly. “Did I really sleep so long?” she asked, surprised. To her it seemed that she had slept no more than a few minutes. “Are we really so late? Cai should eat something before we leave...“
Elden smiled and shushed his wife. "No, we're not late. That's why I'm waking you now, so we have time to get ready and do what needs done before we need to leave. You go ahead and fix a bite of food for Cai, and I'll go wake him and get him dressed. Alright?" he leaned forward and kissed her softly on the cheek one more time.
“Thank you,” she said softly, hugging him briefly, and then stood up. “I'll go to the kitchen then. And will you eat something too? I could prepare something...“
"Yes, thank you, maybe something small, I'm not really that hungry right now."
Enid smiled at him, and then moved to the door, but before she left, she turned to look at Elden. “When you're dressing Cai, maybe you could make him wear one of your sweaters on the top of his own clothes...so that he won't be cold...could you?“
Elden smiled and stood up. "Yes, I will," he said. Then he moved into the parlor where Cai was still sound asleep on the couch. Elden sat on the edge of the couch next to his son and gently stroked the boy's curly blond hair. He kissed him on the forehead. "Cai? Cai, sweetie...time to wake up..." he said softly, close to the boy's ear.
The boy's eyes snapped open at once, and he smiled, seeing his father. “Daddy! You're back!” the boy exclaimed happily, and then sat up, hugging Elden. His movements, even though considerably slowed down by the weakness of his body caused by the sickness, were still quite fast. “I was waiting for you, and mummy said that you'd be back when I wake up! And here you are!“
Elden laughed and held his son in his arms. "And here I am," he said. "Did you have a good sleep?"
“Yes, I did. Where's mummy?” the boy asked, rubbing his eyes.
"She's in the kitchen fixing you something to eat." Elden stood up with his son still in his arms, propping him on one hip. "I've got a question for you, young man. How would you like to go into town with mummy and I, hm?"
"The town? Could I?!“ the child exclaimed, excited. ”Are we really going to into town?“ Cai asked, with his cheeks flushed and eyes shining at the prospect.
Elden laughed. "Yes, you really can," he said. "But first we must get you changed into some nicer clothes, and then we need to eat before we go." He carried Cailan into his and Enid's room where they kept the boy's clothes, then he set him on the edge of the bed and went to the wardrobe to pick out something nice.
Cai was watching his father who was looking for some clothes for him. But then suddenly the boy's eyes grew wider as he could feel that something was happening to him. He knew that sensation, he had felt it many times before, but he was always scared when he felt it, because he knew what was coming next. He would not be able to breath. Cai opened his mouth to call out for his father, but before he could, he began to cough very hard.
Elden turned around when heard the dry hacking cough. He sat down on the bed next to his son and began rubbing Cai's back, and also pounding on it gently. "Okay, it's alright," he said in a soothing voice. "Breath...breath slowly...slow breaths...easy now...don't panic..."
But the little boy was already panicking, afraid that he would not be able to breath at all. He was trying to get some air, but this only made his cough get worse. As he coughed, small droplets of blood stained his clothes and hands with which he was trying to cover his mouth. And the sight of blood made Cai panic even more.
"Shh...it's alright," Elden soothed, taking a handkerchief out of his pocket and holding it over his son's mouth. "Just breath...breath..." he said as he stood up, taking his son in his arms. He went into the kitchen where Enid was busy preparing some food. "Do you have any boiling water ready?" Elden asked quickly, the boy still coughing.
Enid turned around, hearing her son's coughing even before Elden entered the kitchen. Her heart was tearing apart at the sight of her little child in her husband's arms, coughing very hard. “I have,” she nodded quickly at Elden's question, and took the tea kettle in her hand. It contained freshly boiled water she intended to use to prepare some tea.
"Pour some in a bowel with mint leaves," Elden said softly, setting Cai down in a chair at the table, still patting the boy's back gently.
Enid went to do as her husband asked, quickly finding a bowel, and putting a couple of mint leaves into it, before pouring some boiling water into it. Cai's cough was subsiding slightly, and the boy was trying to get some air into his starved lungs.
Elden took the bowel from his wife once she brought it over and then he put it under Cai's face, letting the seam rise and fill the little boy's nostrils and lungs. "Breath this, my son...breath as deeply as you can..." He looked up at Enid. "Thank you," he whispered. It was something they had done many times. A quick remedy to help calm Cai's breathing when he had these coughing fits.
The boy breathed in deeply, finally free of his coughs. He was calming down gradually, knowing that he was safe with his parents at his side. Cai's little hands were clutching his chest, as the muscles hurt, painfully abused by the coughing fit.
Enid was just standing beside her son and husband, tears shining in her eyes. If she only could, she would have taken this sickness on herself to spare her little son. Why was fate so cruel, to make such a little child suffer so?
Elden rubbed Cai's back, then bent down and looked at the boy's face. He used the handkerchief to wipe a bit of blood from Cai's lips. "There...that's better...All over now," he said, putting his arms around his son. He glanced up at Enid and gave her a slightly worried look. "Maybe it would be best if he stayed here with you," he said softly.
“No, daddy, I want to go...” the boy said quietly, tears welling up in his eyes. He was so happy that he would go into town with his parents, and now they would not let him. “I'm sorry, I didn't want to cough...”
Elden smiled slightly to his wife, then kissed the top of his son's head. "So you still want to go, eh?" he said in a lighthearted voice.
“Yes, very much. Daddy, please let me go,” Cai said, looking up hopefully at his father. Enid just smiled weakly, and then turned around to finish preparing the food, though instead she just wiped away her tears with the edge of her apron.
"Well, if you're going to go anywhere at all, then I guess we better get you into some nicer cloths..." Elden said, smiling slightly to his son.
“Thank you, Daddy!” the boy said, smiling, and then hugged his father tightly. “Will we go and get dressed then?”
Elden smiled and then stood back up, taking his son in his arms again. "Yes, we will," he said, carrying him back into the bedroom and setting him back on the bed. He brought out the clothing he had picked out before, then sat down on the edge of the bed next to his son. He took the bottom of Cai's shirt in his hands. "Lift your arms," he said.
“Like that?” Cai asked, lifting his arms. He liked it very much when one of his parents was changing his clothes, it was always fun.
"Like that," Elden said, lifting Cai's shirt up over the boy's head. Then he bent down and kissed his son's bare stomach several times. "Uh oh..." he said, looking at Cai's stomach and feigning seriousness.
The boy's eyes grew wider. “What is it?” he asked, trying to find what his father was looking at.
"Uh oh," Elden repeated. "I think...I think I see a tickle spot..." he opened his eyes wide and slowly began reaching his hand out towards Cai's stomach, getting ready for the imminent reaction that was the same every time...and Elden loved it.
The boy began to giggle merrily even before his father's hand touched him. Then Elden began to tickle Cai a little bit, teasing him, then he tickled a bit harder, laughing. Cai was trying to catch his father's hand, though he was not very intent on it, since he enjoyed his father tickling him. The boy laughed happily for a moment, but then stopped, trying to catch his breath. His coughing fits made him afraid of being unable to breathe, and even now, during the play, the boy was too afraid to keep laughing all the time.
Elden noticed the slight change, so he switched his tactic slightly. He caught the boy around his middle and lifted him upside down, making dramatic growling noises. At the same time he ran his mouth across Cai's stomach, pretending to be a bear that was eating him up. It was a favorite game of theirs, and Cai didn't usually laugh as much from it as he did from straight tickling.
The boy laughed at that, his eyes shining with happiness, as he was swinging his arms in the air, trying to catch his father's head. Finally the little hands caught a few tufts of his father's hair. “I caught you, I caught you!” the boy exclaimed happily, giggling.
In the meantime in the kitchen Enid finished preparing a small snack for her family, and
after having the tea done as well, she took off her apron and sat down in a chair at the table. She just could not stop her tears from falling, even though she was trying hard. She could hear her son's and husband's merry laughter, and that made her cry even harder. What if they lost their sweetest child? No, she should not even dare to think this way...
"Aarrgg! You caught me!" Elden roared in his best bear voice. Then he dropped Cai onto the bed and collapsed onto it himself, pretending defeat.
“I won! I won! Mummy, I won!” Cai exclaimed loudly, grinning madly, and then tried to climb onto his father.
Enid got up, hearing that, and wiping out her tears, she went to the room to see how her husband was doing dressing Cai. From what she could hear, the boy probably was not even half dressed yet.
Elden was laughing happily and lifted the little boy onto his stomach. "Yes, you won," he said. "The old bear was no match for you this time." He glanced up and saw his wife standing in the doorway. He noticed that she had been crying, but he didn't react except to send her a brief smile, then he turned his attention back to their son.
“No wonder I won, I'm getting bigger all the time,” the boy laughed softly, tickling his father on his stomach. Enid smiled back weakly at her husband. “I think you both should get dressed, otherwise we'll be too late...“
Elden's eyes widened. "We'll be late!" he said in pretend shock. Then he sat up quickly and grabbed his son's shirt. "Arms in," he said, holding the shirt out ready.
The little boy giggled, and then put his arms into the shirt. “Where are we going?” he asked curiously, since he guessed they were going somewhere if his mum was telling that they would be late.
"We are going to a meeting at the Town Hall," Elden said, tucking Cai's shirt into the boy's pants. "There will be a lot of people there, and much talking."
“Oh...” Cai murmured, trying to look as if he understood what this was all about, even though he did not. “So we'd better hurry, we shouldn't be late...” he said, touching his father's nose with his hand, and smiling.
Elden smiled. "No, we don't want to be late," he said. "But mummy has some food fixed for us, so we better eat it before we leave." Elden glanced up at his wife and gave her a smile to try and lighten her mood. He hated to see her so sad.
“Food...ok, I'm hungry,” the boy decided, and smiled at his mother, who could do nothing else but smile back at both her husband and her son. “Let's go to the kitchen then,” she said.
"Alright," Elden said, then grabbed his son before the boy had a chance to get off the bed. "Wait a minute, you." He went to the wardrobe and took out one of his own sweaters that his wife had made. Very thick and warm. He put it over Cailan's head, then rolled up the sleeves so they wouldn't drag. The sweater itself went down past the boy's knees. "So you don't get cold on the way there," he explained, winking at Enid.
“Yay, I get to wear your sweater, thank you, daddy!” the little boy exclaimed happily, looking down at the sweater. He ran his hands over it just to enjoy the nice, soft wool. “I won't get cold now for sure,” he added, grinning. Enid smiled watching the scene, and then turned to walk back to the kitchen, hoping that Elden and Cai would follow her there.
"Well, I hope not," Elden said. Then he grabbed Cai around the waist with his arm and lifted him into the air. "Off we go, to the kitchen!" he said, and then he marched like a soldier out of the room and down the hall, still carrying Cai under his arm.
Cai giggled slightly when his father carried him to the kitchen, and once he was sitting in his chair, he looked at his plate. Two potatoes and a piece of bread. As usual... The boy sighed quietly, but then smiled. He knew that there was not much food now, and that they had to be grateful for each piece of it they had. “Look, Daddy, we got some baked potatoes to eat!” he exclaimed with his childish enthusiasm.
"Ah, more baked potatoes," Elden said, coming up behind his wife and wrapping his arms around her. "But your mummy knows how to cook them better than anyone I think..." he said, kissing Enid on the cheek. "Thank you, my dear," he whispered.
“Yes, mummy knows best,” Cai agreed quickly, having already half of his mouth full with the bread, and working hard on crushing potatoes with his fork. And since it was not an easy task, the boy helped himself using his other hand as well.
Enid smiled slightly, when she felt her husband standing behind her, and she placed her hands on his, while still watching Cai for a moment. Then she turned her head slightly and looked at Elden, placing one of her hands on his cheek. “You should eat your potatoes,” she said softly, smiling slightly.
Elden smiled and kissed her cheek again, then let her go and sat down at the table, taking up his own fork. "Here, let me help you there, son," he said, reaching over to help Cai mash up his potato. He looked up at Enid while he did that. "My dear, aren't you going to eat anything too?"
Cai was watching as his father mush up his potato, and after saying a quick 'thank you' when he had finished, the boy began to eat it slowly. Enid sat down in her chair, taking her cup of tea in her hands and shook her head slightly. “I'm not hungry,” she said softly.
Elden furrowed his brow. "Have you eaten already?" he asked, worry clearly written on his face.
“Yes, I have. Don't worry,” Enid said softly, smiling at Cai, who paused his eating to look at his parents.
Elden gazed worriedly at his wife for a moment longer, then bowed his head and concentrated on eating his own food. After a moment he finally spoke again. "We need to get going or we'll be late," he said.
“I am ready, I...” but suddenly Cai stopped speaking, and slipped out of his chair. “I only...Daddy, can I take my teddy with me?” the boy asked, ready to run to his room to fetch his most favourite toy.
Elden smiled, then stood up. "Yes...can't leave your teddy...hurry now."
Cai smiled brightly, and left the kitchen to go for his teddy. Enid stood up and collected the plates of her son and husband.
Elden watched his wife closely, his face clouded with worry. "Smile for me," he said softly. "I miss your smile." He went to her and took the plates, setting them back down on the table. Then he put his hands on her arms and looked into her eyes.
Enid looked at him, but then she gazed away, tears shining in her eyes. “I'm sorry, I...I'm sorry,” she whispered softly, struggling to stop her tears from falling, feeling guilty at the same time. She did not want to add to his worries, he had enough problems without the need of worrying for her.
Elden took his wife into his arms and rubbed her back gently. "What is wrong, my love? Why do you cry?"
“I'm sorry...” she whispered, clinging to him. “I'm sorry, I just...I didn't mean to...”
"What's wrong?" Elden asked, still rubbing her back. "Hm? You can tell me..."
“I'm just so worried for Cai...” she whispered quietly.
"Oh..." Elden said, nodding his head. He should have guessed. "He'll be alright, Enid. He's so full of life, full of joy. He has such a will to go on...nothing can dampen his spirits. The two of us can learn a lot from him."
Enid smiled slightly, and then kissed her husband gently on his lips. He had always been able to make her worries seem smaller.
Elden returned the kiss, then smiled. "Shall we go?" he asked. "We don't want to be late."
“Yes, we...” but Enid stopped as he caught a glimpse of their son. The little boy was standing a few steps away from them, his clothes and hair disheveled, and his cheeks were slightly flushed. Enid looked at the boy and asked surprised, “Cai, child, what happened to you?”
The boy smiled at his parents, and then showed his teddy to them with obvious pride and triumph in his eyes. “My teddy fell down under my bed! I couldn't leave him alone, so I went under the bed to save him...and we almost stuck there! And it was so dark there!“ Cai exclaimed excited.
Elden smiled. "And did you find those monsters under there? Were you able to fight them off this time?"
“I haven't seen anyone...even my hands,” the boy explained as his mother knelt down beside him and tried to straighten his clothes and make him presentable again.
"Oh, well, next time I guess, eh?" Elden said. Then he went and got his and Enid's cloaks. He put his own around his shoulders, then put his wife's over her shoulders. He picked Cai up into his arms. "Alright, are we all ready then?"
“Yes, we are,” Cai said, smiling, and clung to his father, holding his teddy close.
Enid smiled at her husband and nodded. “Let's go then.”
Elden put his other arm around his wife's waist, then he led his family from the house and down the street. It took them only a few minutes to get to the village. And when they arrived they could see the crowds of people heading to the Town Hall.
“It looks like we're just on time,” Enid said, smiling. She had not seen so many people in one place for a long time, but then, council meetings open for everyone had not been happening very often either.
Cai was watching everything from the safety of his father's arms with his mouth slightly open. “Wow...so many people...” he whispered quietly.
"Yes," Elden agreed. "You never realize this many people live in Esgaroth. Come, let's go in and find seats before they are all taken." He led the way through the crowed entry way and into the main room. There were still some seats left, way in the back, so Elden headed in that direction, keeping a hold of his wife's hand so they wouldn't get separated. He found them two seats, thinking that Cai would just sit on his lap.
Enid took her seat, and when her husband sat beside her, she smiled slightly. It looked like the Council would begin in a few minutes, since talking groups of people were slowly finishing their discussions to take their places. The Mayor was already preparing himself to begin, looking through some papers. Cai was sitting on his father's lap, looking around, trying to take in everything at once.
Elden took his wife's hand in his and smiled at her. "Maybe some solutions will be made tonight," he said softly to her.
“I certainly hope so,” she answered, squeezing his hand, and not letting go off it. People were already sitting and waiting for the Council to begin, exchanging last remarks with their neighbours. The door of the Town Hall opened once again, and the Mayor's son, Thearl, entered the Hall with another man right behind him. She did not know the other man, in fact she did not know Thearl well either—but she knew who he was all the same. And by the look on his face she could see that he was against everything that was to be said, even before the Council started. But before she could think any longer about it, the Mayor stood up and began to ask people for silence.
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| eireen |
RE: Overcoming (scripted)
on: December 10, 2004 02:07
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((The longest part of this post is co-written by Kelly and myself, while the end was written by Nar and eireen, lol))
Thearl went as quickly as he could through the crowd of people, politely refusing the invitations to join some of the talking groups. There was still a little time before the Council started, and he desperately wanted to use this time to talk to his best friend. After spending most of the day in Rethe's company, Thearl could see that his sister was coping quite well with the entire issue, after her initial shock had gone. But Thearl could not tell the same thing about himself. He needed a talk with his best friend, he needed some comfort. The man knew that they would not have much time, but then, even a short talk was better than none. And besides, he hoped that Devin would agree to meet with him after the Council was over, or on the next day. Finally, when he was just beside his friend, Thearl cleared his throat and asked softly. “Devin, could we talk for a minute, please?”
Devin spotted his friend Thearl between all the people, something seemed to be wrong about him. He appeared very upset and pale. "Sure Thearl, do you want us to go outside?" He looked over his shoulder to make sure that Caelyn and Amanda had found there friends, but he couldn't find them. He quickly looked back at Thearl, waiting for him to answer.
"Yes, please,“ Thearl answered, glad that they would go outside, away from the crowd. The last thing he needed was someone else finding out about his personal troubles. “We have a couple of minutes before the Council starts, and I really need to talk to you," he explained, placing his palm on Devin's forearm, and indicating to the door.
"Sure" Devin answered following Thearl out into the fresh air. "So, what's wrong my friend?" he asked when they found a quiet place.
Thearl sighed heavily as soon as the door of the Town Hall closed behind them. How was he supposed to answer to Devin's question? So many things had happened since this morning...
Thearl's proud shoulders, which he had kept straight while he was among people, sagged slightly, as he saw no need to pretend any longer that everything was all right. Right then, he seemed to have become a small child who had just been terribly hurt, and was totally lost. Thearl rubbed his temples, but still had no idea what to say to answer Devin's question, and so he remained quiet.
"You seem really upset, is it your father again?" Devin asked, hurt by the pain in Thearl's eyes. He really wished he could do something for him, he hated seeing his friend broken like this.
"My world is falling apart..." Thearl said softly, as it was the first thing that came into his mind. And it was true, he really felt that the world he had lived in for so many years was gone never to come back again. There was no hope that the things would be as they used to be.
"What has happened?" Devin whispered worriedly.
“So many things happened that I even don't know what to begin with...“ Thearl murmured softly. But he had to begin with something if he wanted to talk with Devin. Thearl thought for a moment longer, and then finally said. “To start with, this Council and that crazy idea about the elves being guilty of the Blight gave me no rest, and I spent all the night thinking about it. And then, in the morning, I met this man, Dwelian...the talk with him did not go as well as I had hoped it would. And in the end he threatened me...“
"What do you mean; crazy idea? And you say what?! ... he threatened you?" Devin said surprised, not comprehending the whole thing. He had thought that Thearl would consider the idea of the elves being guilty for the Blight very believable as he had always talked about blaming someone for it. He had thought Thearl would have the same opinion as he would have…
"Yes, he did,“ Thearl confirmed absently, not really noticing Devin's surprise. “But it's so unimportant," he continued, sighing quietly, and then collapsing heavily to sit on the ground. Right now the problems connected with the Blight did not seem so important to him, as his mind was filled with thoughts concerning his private life.
Devin sat himself to the ground as well. "There is something else, tell me Thearl..."
"It's about Rethe..." Thearl whispered, and pain appeared in his eyes. "She knows...she knows..." That was all he was able to say, before his throat seemed to have clenched, cutting off all his attempts of saying anything else. The memories of Rethe angry, and crying, trying to hit him on his chest still were so painfully clear in his mind...
'She knows...' echoed in Devin's ears. What did she know, would she know about him...? No that was ridiculous even Thearl didn't know and besides why would Thearl be so upset about knowing that Rethe knew that Devin was in love with her. Suddenly it clicked in his mind, of course! How could he have been so blind? he wondered briefly. But then he put his arm around Thearl, this must be so difficult for him...
"Bacall has told her everything...can you imagine this? To be so betrayed by a friend..." Thearl said in a hurt voice, looking at Devin. He was grateful for the support Devin offered to him.
Devin was shocked; Bacall told her? "Why..." was all he could say for that moment, he had never known Bacall very well but he knew that he and Thearl had been very good friends in the past, this was not something you did to a friend.
"I don't know...he just told her...she wanted to know and he just did..." Thearl said quietly, pain written all over his face. “And he did so without even talking to me first...I just can't understand this...“
Devin didn't know what to say but then he spoke again. "I'm so sorry for you my friend, I think you'll need to talk to Bacall as soon as you're ready for it..." he stopped and then added softly. "And how is Rethe under all this?"
"She was...so upset, hurt, sad and angry with me...it hurt so much...so much. I spent all the day with her, calming her down, and I think she understood it finally. It'll take some time for her to get used to it I guess, but she's doing just fine. So unlike me..." the man said quietly.
"Yes I can imagine..." Devin replied in a whisper "but how are you under all of this? Can you still manage Thearl, you seem so worn... I… I am worried about you."
"I don't know...I'm just...I..." Thearl murmured softly, suddenly feeling terribly tired. Now that Rethe was not around him, he had no one to try to be strong for, and his psychical, as well as emotional exhaustion, were catching up with him.
"you are just...?"
"I just feel like I won't be able to carry on any longer... everything has to be happening right now, right in this moment..." Thearl said, rubbing his temples again. He could feel his head hurting, and briefly wondered if the pain was real, or only in his imagination.
"Ohw Thearl.... I know, I know... Is there anything I can do for you, my friend?"
"Just be with me? " Thearl answered softly. Right now, after being betrayed by one of his closest friends, Thearl desperately needed support of his other best friend, and the knowledge that Devin was still there for him.
"If I can help you in that way, I will be happy to do so Thearl..."
"You will be able to help so, more than you can ever know," Thearl said quietly. He wanted to be able to talk about everything, but he did not want to do that in rush. "I wish we had some more time to talk, but the Council is about to begin, I believe..." he added reluctantly.
"Yes, you are right,” Devin answered, "we will talk about it after the council, ok?"
"Thank you,“ Thearl said, looking at Devin, and giving a small squeeze to his friend's arm. He was very grateful that Devin had offered to hear him out later. But right at that moment Thearl remembered there was one more thing he wanted to talk to Devin about before the Council began. “Listen Devin, there is one more thing..." he began, looking at his friend.
"More?" Devin repeated, looking questioningly at Thearl, could there be more bad news. What has happened that was so urgent that it couldn’t wait until after the council?
"It's about the Council..." Thearl began, standing up. "Will you back me up there?" he asked openly. He wanted to know if he could count on Devin, since he suspected that the discussion during the Council would not be an easy one, especially after what Dwelian had said.
"Back you up with what?"
"With opposing Dwelian, and his stupid idea," Thearl explained with a slight irritation showing in his voice at the thought of the man. He knew he should not allow his personal dislikes to affect his choices, especially not in such an important case, but he just could not help it this time.
"Stupid idea? You mean about the elves? I cannot see what is so stupid about it..." Devin said raising his eyebrows... "and I thought you would think the same way about it. Finally there's someone to blame. Maybe there will be a solution to the problem Thearl... I don't say Dwelian is speaking the truth but we can hear him out at least..."
"Yes, hear him out. If he doesn't show me a real proof, he's going to regret it. I don't believe him at all, especially after how he talked to me in the morning. And as much as I want to have someone to blame for the Blight, I'm not going to stand by and do nothing if I think the man isn't right. I won't allow to attack innocent beings if their guilt isn't proved," Thearl said in a low tone, indicating that he did mean what he said.
"Why should he regret not showing real proof, I don't understand... He is just uttering a possible option... No one wants to hurt innocents, and I didn’t say I will believe him no matter what… The odds are just in favour of him at the moment, at least, that’s how I see it. But why should you be so hard on him, even if he didn’t have prove?"
"Because that will make him a liar! Devin, this man isn't talking about a possible reason of the Blight. He claims he's positive that the elves are guilty," Thearl said through his clenched teeth. Why was Devin so stubbornly protecting this man?
"Offering a suggestion that proves to be untrue is not the same as lying Thearl" Devin said frowning.
"It's not a suggestion, Devin. He's not guessing. He claims his words to be true," Thearl said, sighing quietly. He was slightly hurt by Devin's words, but did not allow it to show.
"But still... he has nothing with this town but he still wants to help us, I don't think you should be to hard on him..."
Thearl looked at Devin, moving away slightly. "Well then, I guess I needn't have asked... You can always join him and oppose me," he said quietly, clearly hurt.
"I will never oppose you in public Thearl, you know that. You are a great friend to me and I don't know what has happened between you and Dwelian. All I say is that I don't think Dwelian is a lair; nothing more, nothing less."
"It's your right to have your own opinion on the matter, and you can feel free to oppose me," Thearl said quietly. "I don't care any longer." He had enough problems that were already draining all the strengths he had left from him. He definitely did not need an argument with his friend to add to it.
"You don't care....?" Devin said looking hurt, pain filling his body "You don't care?"
"I just don't know what to think any more. And I've this strange feeling that everybody is opposing me..." Thearl said quietly. And he was really feeling this way, especially now. He had hoped that his friend would back him up, but right now he already knew that Devin would not. And that hurt.
"I'm not opposing you as I've said before, we have just different opinions on this matter.." Devin said trying to stay calm, he felt light in his head again, he really needed to relax a little.
Thearl shook his head slightly- he was taking that conversation too much to himself. Devin did not agree, but still was his friend. "I know, I'm sorry...“ Thearl said softly, looking at Devin. ”I think I should probably get some rest..." he added.
"Yes, you should..." Devin nodded "Try to get some sleep tonight Thearl..."
"I hope I'll be able to..." Thearl said hesitantly. He was not really sure if he would be able to sleep if the Council brought some important information, or something he would have to think of.
"I hope so too Thearl, I really do." Devin said. He was really worried for his friend who seemed to be at the end of his powers, emotionally and physically. 'That this all should happen at this moment...' Devin thought, it was a little to much.
"Let's go back inside...“ Thearl said finally, unwilling to ponder over the matter of Dwelian any longer. “I really hope I'll manage to survive this Council without biting someone's head off..." Thearl murmured.
"I will hold will slam your mouth shut to prevent you from doing it." Devin joked. He tried to get up but as soon as he moved his head the world seemed to spin. He tried to keep his balance but he failed and fell to the ground again.
"Devin, what's wrong?" Thearl was back on the ground by his friend in less than a second. One of his palms was already on Devin's forehead to check for fever.
"Nothing..." Devin murmured "just a little dizzy..." Luckily he didn’t pass out as he had done before.
"Are you sick?" Thearl asked, looking at Devin worriedly. Suddenly he began to feel strong fear inside of his heart. What if his best friend was sick?
"No... Thearl, I'm just fine..." Devin answered. He got up slowly to show that nothing was wrong with him. "I just stood up a little to quickly, that's all." He didn't dare to look Thearl in the eyes, afraid that he might read the truth in it, he didn't want his friend to worry for him. It was the second time it happened to him today.... But he really wanted to attend the council meeting and he was sure that there was nothing wrong, it was only the fact that he hadn't eaten enough... Only a bit of soup at Caelyn’s.
"It's from not eating, isn't it?" Thearl asked, knowing too well how that felt like. He felt slight relief knowing that at least Devin was not sick, but he also became aware of slight anger deep inside of him. Anger that his friend was risking his health, not able to take a good care of himself.
Devin sighed “I think so…” he answered quietly “though I don’t understand… I ate something an hour ago…”
"Well then, let's go," Thearl said, making up his mind in less than a second. He put his arm around Devin's shoulders, and began to lead him towards his own home, that was only a few blocks away from the Town Hall.
"no... Thearl... the council...."Devin protested weakly "... I'm fine again... I swear..."
"Oh no, I don't believe you," the man answered, supporting his friend. "I can see myself how well you are feeling," he added, and led Devin towards his house. He could understand the way in which Devin was behaving quite well, but right then it irritated him slightly, since he knew very well how Devin was feeling.
"No... we are missing it... we need to go to the Town Hall, and besides, I cannot eat your food..." Devin said struggling to get back to the council.
"Yes, yes...there's no council for you tonight, my friend. You are going to eat something, and then sleep," Thearl repeated, and opened the door of his house. "Let's get you upstairs."
Devin stopped struggling "Thearl please, I need to be there, plus I promised Caelyn to bring her back to her house with the cart. I don't want to miss it. Just give me some tea and I'll be fine again."
"Caelyn?" Thearl repeated, as he led Devin to his room. He could not remember anyone with that name, and certainly not anyone Devin knew. Unless Devin made some new friends, Thearl thought, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
"Yes, she lives out of town and I met her when I brought her the food ration for today. She really wanted to come to the council meeting but she couldn't walk the whole distance so I offered to drive her and her sister to town and back again."
"Something can be done about it, don't worry. Right now I want you to sit here while I go downstairs. And don't dare to move, or I'll tie you down to the bed," Thearl said, and then moved to leave the room. But just as he was closing the door, he looked inside. "You are welcome to lie down if you want to."
"Thearl!" Devin protested "I need to go to the council, do you think that I can rest not knowing what's happening there?“
"Yes, you can and you will. I'll be right back," Thearl said, and closed the door behind himself, going to the kitchen. Once he was there, he took a couple of backed potatoes and a piece of bread, which was everything he had for the day, but he had not eaten it, and made a cup of warm tea. Then he placed everything on a tray and went upstairs.
Devin looked around, but there was no way to escape from the small room, the window was to tiny to get through with his large body. He sighed, why was Thearl so stubborn? He was perfectly healthy again.
Thearl entered the room, bringing the food and tea in. "Here you go," he said softly, setting the tray down in front of Devin.
Gratefully Devin took up the mug of tea but he didn't touch the food. He just couldn't, it belonged to Thearl, and to Rethe, not to him.
"Devin..." Thearl said quietly. He knew he did not have to finish the sentence, since he was sure that Devin knew what he meant.
"What?" Devin said innocently.
"Should I feed you?“ Thearl asked quietly, though there was no humour in his question. He was irritated and hurt that Devin refused to eat the food he had offered.
"No..." he said, "but I'm not hungry at the moment Thearl; plus it's your food, you and Rethe need it more then I do, I have my own food at home."
"Devin, in this way you can try to convince Athele, but not me. And I know that you are hungry. Not eating enough is one thing, but making yourself sick because of it is another. So..." Thearl gestured to the food he had brought. "Eat it. Besides you can't honestly believe I am giving you my sister's food, eh?"
"No..." Devin grinned "but still, my friend, I'm not going to eat yours... You can try whatever you want, but you're never going to make me eat this. Besides I ate some soup an hour ago, it can’t be that."
"Devin please...don't make me beg you," Thearl was softly. If Devin thought that he would relent in that matter then he was seriously wrong.
"Even if you go on your knees..." Devin said deadly serious "I mean it Thearl..."
Thearl's eyes flashed. "I know, I've been stupid. I have such a wonderful idea Why should I humiliate myself begging you to eat the food..." the man said softly. Right then an idea popped up in his head- it might have been cruel, Thearl was ready to admit it, but his friend's health was far more important.
Devin narrowed his eyes, wondering what Thearl meant by those words.
"You've got your last chance, Devin. Think quickly," Thearl said quietly.
"I don't understand..." Devin said slowly...
"Well, I give you the last chance to change your mind, and eat it, or your obstinate behaviour will land you in huge trouble," Thearl said, smiling. He might be cruel, but it was for his friend's sake.
"As I said before I'm not going to eat this, whatever you try." Devin said narrowing his eyes even more looking very dangerous.
"And now let's go, we're both missing the council!
"As you wish,“ Thearl said, shrugging his shoulders. ”So, let's go, I'll walk you back home and have a short talk with your aunt and Athele. I'll tell them how you fainted... that should help..." the man said softly, and he really meant what he said. If only Athele and her mother were at least a little similar to Rethe, and if they cared about Devin- and he knew they did- then this should be enough to make sure that Devin ate regular meals. His aunt and Athele would make sure of this. Thearl could not just stand idly and do nothing, watching as his friend was ruining his health.
"It should..." Devin said, not very frightened by this threat.
"So, will you eat something, or should I have a talk with them? And I can swear that I will,“ Thearl said seriously. He was not making an empty threat right then.
"Go and have your talk if you must, but if you don't mind; I will go back to the council right now. Are you coming with me or not?" It was true what he said, he really didn’t mind, there were enough ways how he could play his aunt and his cousin so they would believe him…
Thearl looked at Devin for a moment, clearly hurt. Why did his friend have to be so stubborn? "Go then, I think I don't care anymore," he said weakly. He was tired, hurt, irritated, and by now he was sure his head hurt him.
"Thearl... please... don't you understand? You do, don't you? You wouldn't eat this if you were me, would you? It's very sweet of you to offer but I can't take it, not now. Not when this Blight is still going on..."
"Stop it, Devin. I give you this food because I want you to eat it. I won't see you get ill. Is it so hard to understand? I'm trying to be your friend, but you're denying this to me...and it hurts," Thearl said quietly.
"And I refuse this food because I don't want you to sacrifice yourself over me, I was stupid not to eat enough food today but I don't want you to pay for it. Would you take this food Thearl, if you were me, tell me the truth."
"I would. Even if only so that I wouldn't hurt you..." Thearl said quietly. He was not sure if he would really eat the food if he was in Devin's shoes, but right now it did not matter. It was not about him, only about Devin.
Tears stood in Devin’s eyes.... why did he refuse to understand? "Well if it means so much to you I will get home and eat a carrot." He whispered quietly
"It won't solve the problem. Please don't be so stubborn,“ Thearl said softly. How could Devin not understand why it meant so much to him?
Devin sighed. "I will bring food back to you tomorrow Thearl." he said sitting down and getting a potato.
"You don't need to..." Thearl said quietly. He would really have to be out of his mind to accept the food from Devin tomorrow. And he was sure that once he talked to Rethe about him, his sister would not accept the food either, if Devin tried to give it to her.
"I do."
"Well, if it makes you feel better, then you may bring it back. And then just try to give it to Rethe," Thearl said, lying down on his bed heavily. If Devin was so stubborn, then why not to let him try. Though Rethe, his little sister was the second most stubborn person he knew in this world, apart from himself, and therefore really doubted if Devin had even the smallest chance of success.
"Thearl.... Thank you...."
"There's nothing to thank me for, Devin..." Thearl said softly, closing his eyes. He was feeling so tired.
"There is my friend..." Devin said, finishing his last potato. Though he had been literally starving he didn't like the food. It wasn't that the taste was bad or anything, it was the guilt that made him almost throw up. He was eating the food of his best friend, because of him, Thearl wouldn't have a breakfast tomorrow morning.
"No, there isn't. I wouldn't have eaten it anyway..." Thearl said, sighing quietly.
"Then somebody else would have eaten it." Devin said stubbornly. "Do you still want to attend the council?" He then added.
"Oh Devin, my little sister has her food secured. And my father has his rations, hasn't he?“ Thearl said, wishing that Devin would not worry so about it. Then he thought about Devin's question for a moment. "I guess I should go... it's almost my duty I could say. Though I don't really feel like going there, I'd rather stayed in my bed and rested.“
"You are the leader of our town Thearl, if you are not there, who should the people then follow? I hate to say it but you are needed there." Devin said softly.
"I know you're right... I think we should be going. Though I honestly couldn't have had a worse day..." Thearl said, sighing, and standing up.
Devin nodded and stood up as well, he could feel that his body was more balanced and a little stronger then before though his spirit was lower then it had been in a long time.
"We must look terribly, Devin," Thearl said as they were walking back towards the Town Hall. He did not add that he was feeling terribly inside as well.
"We do." Devin grinned back, but the grin was weak, guilt was filling him. Why was he so long? Why did he need so much food?
"It's not really funny, you know, Devin..." Thearl said. "I hope that I have already used up my limit for troubles at least for the entire year..."
"I know," Devin said quietly. "I know my friend. after all these troubles we should deserve a lifetime of happiness, don't you think?"
"Yes, we deserve it. Though somehow I can't believe that we'll be so lucky...I can already feel trouble coming during this Council," Thearl said softly, meaning Dwelian. He chose not to mention the difference in their opinions.
"Yes, I can smell the thunder already." Devin replied.
"Not good," Thearl said. As they approached the door he turned to Devin, and asked. "Will you sit with me and Rethe?"
"Sure, I will. Do you know what time it is, are we to late already?"
"Probably," Thearl said quietly. "But then, knowing my father, he mixed up all the papers, and got busy with something, and etc., and so we should make it on time," Thearl said, taking a deep breath, and then opened the door.
Devin followed Thearl to the open door and saw the large round Town Hall filled with people, The mayor was standing on a stage behind his lectern; coughing and trying to get everyone's attention.
Thearl smiled. "Looks like we're just on time, let's go," the man inclined his head towards where Rethe was sitting, waiting for him to be back. On his way there, Thearl bowed his head slightly a couple of times in answer to the greetings, and then sat down next to Rethe with Devin at his side. “I'm back,” he said softly, offering a slight smile to his sister. Then he turned and smiled slightly at Andy, glad that the man was close.
Rethe looked closely at her brother's face. "What's wrong?" she whispered.
“It's nothing,” Thearl said softly, rubbing his temples, and then cast a worried look at Devin.
"Are you sure?" Rethe asked, casting a quick glance at Andy. The other man was watching Thearl closely.
“I'm just tired. But there's something wrong with Devin...“ Thearl murmured quietly, trying to smile weakly at Andy.
"Something wrong with him?" Rethe said. "Anything serious?"
“I'm afraid so...I'll need to talk with you about it later, all right? And maybe Athele...I don't know myself...“ Thearl whispered quietly so that Devin would not hear.
Rethe just looked at her brother with worry on her face, then glanced at Devin. He seemed to be very pale and a lot thinner than the last time she had seen him. She hoped he wasn't sick. Rethe held on to Thearl's arm, glad that he had made it back in time, since she had begun to worry that he wouldn't come.
“Have you seen Athele somewhere?” Thearl asked, looking up at the Mayor who was making a lot of annoying noise trying to get everybody's attention.
Rethe shook her head. "No, I haven't seen her. Maybe she has decided not to come. Or I may have just missed her in the crowd."
Thearl just nodded. Well, that could wait, maybe they would look for Athele later. “Wish me luck, my little sister,” Thearl said softly, as the Mayor finally began speaking.
"Good luck," Rethe whispered, giving her brother's hand a gentle squeeze.
“Thanks,” he answered quietly, looking at her. “So it begins...”
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