[VanimaEdhel]

Menelya awoke with a start. The sun shone through her window and across her bed. The Elf sat up, already forgetting why she awoke with such violence. It was probably just a bad dream.

Menelya arose and pulled a gown from the closet. She pulled it over her still-slim frame and opened the door of her room into the hallway. She quietly slipped out and made her way to breakfast.

Imladris was its usual self, Menelya saw on the way to breakfast. There was a small amount of bustle, but a gentle calm still held over the haven. It was one of the most beautiful places Menelya had lived, she thought.

Anwaelme was already sitting at the table. The two nodded to each other, and Menelya sat at the table, silently reaching for some food.

The two ate in awkward silence. Finally, Menelya could no longer take the deadly quiet. She tried to make conversation.

"I trust you rested well, dear daughter?" she asked the cold form of Anwaelme at the other side of the table. Her voice had an equal chill to it.

"Yes, Menelya," Anwaelme said, still with a cold tone in her voice.

Menelya ignored the tone and continued, "What do you plan to do on this day?"

"Mother," Anwaelme finally said, after a pause, "I do not tell you my plans only because I do not want you with me. I only want to be alone." She kept her voice quiet and cool, "Please, Mother, if you love me, you will leave me alone for this day."

Menelya's blood boiled and she felt a flush come over her. She took a breath, trying to steady her temper, but it was to no avail.

"Anwaelme, I expect more respect from you! I am your mother, and you deserve to treat me with more reverance than you do!"

"Why should I, Mother, when you do nothing to earn that respect?" Anwaelme countered, still keeping her cool. Menelya jumped out of her chair, knocking it backwards in her rage.

"You will respect me, Daughter," she said, pulling her voice back down to a low hiss, "For what I have been through for you...for your survival...I deserve your attention."

Anwaelme looked up at Menelya coldly. "You will have respect on my part when you deserve it. Before then, it would be best for you not to push, Mother. It would be the wisest choice, I believe."

Menelya felt that, if the fight went on much longer, she would most likely strike out at her daughter, so she quietly took her leave. People stared at her on the way back to her room, obviously hearing the brief display, but Menelya payed them no attention.

A while later she heard Anwaelme return, then leave again. Menelya put her book down, went to her door, and silently left, following Anwaelme, always remaining a bit behind her...

[ April 13, 2003: Message edited by: VanimaEdhel ]