[Maikadilwen]

Anwanelme felt as though she was trapped in an evil dream and she simply followed the others as they made halt for the night. Someone gently took the reins from her and let her horse away but she didn't see who did it, nor did she care.
Turning, she saw Melost leave his horse with Thelian and disappear into a tent and Arthain stood gazing after him. He seemed less than surprised about what had happened and Anwanelme couldn't help but wonder why.
Did he know? Had Melost told him what had been on his mind? Did he approve?
After seeing to his horse, Arthain left and disappeared into another tent and Anwanelme sighed and turned to walk away after casting a glance on Melost's tent.

She found a spot away from the others and there she sat down brooding, her expression so dark that even her mother kept her distance.
The pain inside had been replaced by a numb feeling and only anger remained.
She had lost not only her future but also someone she had considered a friend. Her only friend. He had taken it all from her with his words and now she had nothing.

Barely noticing the rest of the camp withdrawing for the night, Anwanelme remained where she was, sitting alone in the dark, thinking of her ill fortune.
So much time had been wasted. For so long she had been waiting for him. He had promised he would wed her when he came back. And now that he had finally come back, he had rejected and dishonoured her instead. So much time... He had promised...

The sound of voices nearby ripped her out of her thoughts and and she noticed a yawning Dorlas leaving the tent he, as his squire, shared with Arthain. A vague smile appeared on Anwanelme's lips. so, the boy had been called on duty to guard the camp. That meant Arthain was alone.
Slowly she rose, having decided to seek out Arthain. Perhaps he could cast some light on Melost's decision and she had to admit to herself that his company was much to prefer over that of her mother. Her mother...
Menelya would hate to know that her daughter sought the company of a mortal, a man even, over that of her own mother and that knowledge made her smile to herself as she went to Arthain's tent and softly pushed the flap aside and looked inside.

Arthain was sound asleep and Anwanelme stood for a moment watching him. She knew she should leave, that it was wrong to stand here, shamelessly watching him as he slept.
Turning her head, she looked toward the tent where she knew Melost were and she suddenly remembered his words and suspicions and she wondered if there had been something about it. She thought she had seen something in Arthains eyes the few times they had spoken but she had thought no more about it. Could it be...?
She looked back at the sleeping form of the man. How would he react if...

Arthain suddenly opened his eyes a little, startling her and she turned to leave, but before she managed to move, his sleepy voice stopped her.

"Yilsa?"

Anwanelme stood for a moment, unable to move but then she regained her composure and she turned toward him, flashing him a smile. He was obviously still half asleep.

"You should sleep some more, Arthain. I shall leave. Forgive me for waking you up."

She turned to leave, but he spoke again and this time she was unprepared for what was coming.

"I had a terrible dream, beloved. I dreamed that you were dead."

Arthain has had a wife? And now he thinks that I am her...?

Slowly Anwanelme turned back toward the man in the bed and she saw that he had reached out his hand for her to take.
It would be so easy....
Suddenly feeling a plan forming in her mind, she looked once more toward Melost's tent, then smiled and released the flap.
Taking Arthain's hand she sat down next to him, smiling as she stroked his unruly hair.

"You should sleep, Arthain!"

"I don't want to sleep, Yilsa!" he said and kissed her.

Anwanelme wondered for a moment whether Arthain really saw his wife or if he only wanted to think he did, but then she thought better of it.
Little difference does it make! she thought as she answered his kiss and allowed him to draw her down into the bed with him as he pulled her close.

[ July 05, 2003: Message edited by: Maikadilwen ]