[alaklondewen]

Minas Tirith’s most prominent people moved toward a long table that was lavished with beautiful tableware. Pelien allowed her husband to guide her to their seats. Sador graciously pulled a high-backed chair out, and taking his hand Pelien sat down.

The couple had spent most of the evening speaking with the men in Sador’s Company and their wives. Opinions of Denethor’s lovely bride-to-be was on everyone’s lips, and although Pelien was bitter about the fact that the Steward’s son was not marrying her darling Adrama, she smiled politely when Finduilas’ name was mentioned keeping her mouth shut. She refused to lower herself in front of the ladies in the court, so without saying anything negative, she chose to say nothing at all.

In her heart, Pelien believe all the attention should be focused on Adrama. Sador, after all, was one of the most respectable men in the community, and she had worked for many years putting their family in society’s limelight. All the parties and luncheons she hosted…they had earned the right to have their daughter marry Denethor, not some…some, outsider, she thought as she gazed over toward Finduilas. She’s nothing special.

As she thought of Adrama, Pelien realized she had not seen her daughter for quite some time. “Have you seen, Adrama?” Pelien whispered to Sador as she leaned toward him. He glanced around and over both shoulders, and then shook his head. “Where is she? I will not have the court think my daughter is off doing anything inappropriate,” she hissed through her teeth as she unfolded her cloth napkin and placed it on her lap.

“Pelien, it’s good to see you this evening.” Pelien stiffened slightly hoping no one had heard her, and then produced her most charming smile. Turning gradually she met the gaze of the Steward’s eldest daughter, Tiriel, who surprisingly was taking the seat across from her. The women’s husbands exchanged a few words, and immediately fell into talk of politics.

“And you, Lady Tiriel, you look lovely. You must be thrilled by the way the event has turned out.” Pelien sat back in her chair and crossed her hands in her lap.

“Yes, everything has turned out beautifully.” Tiriel opened her mouth to continue, but paused as her sister took the seat next to her.

Pelien smiled courteously at Siriel. “Why, Siriel, your gown is absolutely divine.” I cannot believe a woman her age still dresses like a young woman, Pelien thought as she took a glass of wine from a young servant. In fact, she had always disapproved of Siriel’s behavior, thinking she conducted herself rather inappropriately…flirting and dating like a girl in her twenties. Needless to say, Pelien never voiced this to anyone with the exception of her husband, and the woman was careful to make Siriel comfortable…she was, of course, the Steward’s daughter.

“Oh, thank you, Pelien. You look striking as always.” Siriel smiled cheerfully.

“I am having some ladies over for lunch tomorrow. It’s nothing extravagant, just a casual meal without the men.” As she finished her sentence, Pelien leaned over the table and winked at the sisters. “I do hope you will join us.”

_____________________________________________

Novnarwen's post

Sador and Pelien walked towards the long table for Minas Tirith’s most prominent people. "Darling," he whispered in her ear while he lead his wife to their seats. As he pulled the chair out for her she gave a smile and sat down. The two of them had been talking to the men is Sador's company and their wives pretty much all evening. The conversation was of course all about Denethor's bride-to-be, Finduilas.

Sador had watched his wife when they talked about the newcomer. She didn't seem to be pleased at all. His wife had tried to smile, while they had mentioned Finduilas' name, but Sador knew better. Pelien was not happy about this situation, and would rather have their daughter, Adrama, to marry the coming Steward. He didn't exactly know what he was thinking himself. Denethor had chosen Finduilas, and they all just had to respect that. It was unusual, no doubt about that, but if that was his choise, so be it, he thought.

It seemed to be that all had drawn conclusions about weather she was a fit match for Denethor. Sador himself had no idea about that. He was actually pleased when they finally sat down.

"Have you seen Adrama?" Pelien asked. She looked quite worried, as if she was hoping Adrama wasn't up to anything. Sador hadn't seen her himself. And after intense eye searching, around in the room, he shook his head. "Where is she?" she continued. And then she said exactly what Sador had thought she would say, in a situation like this. It was something about: not hoping their daughter was off doing something inappropriate.

Her worried voice lowered when the Steward's oldest daughter greeted her. Sador gave a smile. Tiriel and her husband had seated themselves across of them. "Gerlin," Sador burst out. Finally someone to talk politics with, he thought. And moments later they were in a huge friendly discussion about today's critical situasions around in the area.

[ July 06, 2003: Message edited by: piosenniel ]