The White Horse Inn, Act III

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

As Saeryn led the girl to the Inn's back doors, she chatted with her quietly. "Do not worry about any payment, dear... All I ask for is what I did before... a small bit of company that isn't worried about marriage." She rolled her eyes in an obviously friendly way and continued. "As for the clothes... if you do not object, you may take something of mine. You may not believe me, but I daresay I have too many clothes for my own good. After all, you can only wear one dress at a time, and I rarely wear them at all." The girl's eyes widened, not sure if she should laugh. Saeryn gestured to her garb, the breeches knicked as she left her home, the blouse borrowed unknowingly from her brother.

"Come, this way." Saeryn had taken the quiet route intentionally, ignoring the loud voices from the great hall. The girls padded through the halls making as much noise as so many ghosts. They reached her door and she pushed it open, beckoning the girl forward. She motioned toward an already open bag with its contents slightly strewn laying upon her bed. A beautifully embroidered gown lay at the bottom, but Saeryn hoped the girl would not reach far enough to discover it. Though she was as welcome to wear that, should she choose, as anything else, it spoke of nobility and gold, and that was not particularly the introduction that Saeryn desired of herself. She would have to find a way to discreetly discard anything that spoke of her parentage. She scolded herself briefly for coming so very close again to a stranger discovering her identity. She much preferred the role of mysterious peasant girl than run-away noble.

"Anything you like from there. I'll wait for you outside."
She closed the door behind her and closed her eyes. Please, she thought, if the lass has the wit to learn my secrets, let her keep them close.

[Nerindel]

As the door closed behind her Æòelhild’s rich brown eyes swept around the modest room, finally returning to the very inviting looking bed upon which Saeryn’s possessions where partially strewn. She dare not touch anything for fear of soiling them with her dirt covered hands, so turning slightly she walked over to a rather ordinary looking dressing table upon which sat a very large and very flowery basin with matching pitcher. Thankfully the pitcher was still full of fresh clear water, So carefully putting down the object cradled under her shawl against the side of the dresser, she slowly lifted it. It felt unordinary heavy to her thin weak arms, but she managed to pour the water into the basin without much difficulty. Returning the pitcher she then unravelled herself from her shawl and removed what was left of her dress, so that she stood only in a very grey looking petticoat.

She washed hurriedly, the water cold against her pale white skin. Catching her reflection in a large dressing mirror to her right she gasped and stared in disbelief at the face looking back at her. Thin and drawn, pale like snow she barely believed it was her own reflection. Nothing like the vibrant young girl who had once skipped gaily through Gondor’s city streets, carefree and oblivious to the horrors in the world, a world she had once thought would never touch her. Believing Her father a captain of Gondor would always be there to keep her and Gondor safe from such evils. With a pained sigh at the memory of her father she purposely turned away and moved towards the bed and the assortment of clothes Saeryn had kindly said that she could choose from.

Remembering what Saeryn had said in the stables about her rather manly appearance and her own need to remain unnoticed Æòelhild rummaged though the garments and the bag looking to see if the woman owned a second pair of breeches that she could borrow. But alas none could be found only an assortment of simple every day dresses and skirts and a few brightly coloured blouses. Slightly disappointed Æòelhild let the bag slip from her hands to the floor, but as it did she thought she saw something, a glint of light. Reaching into the bottom of the bag she pulled out the most beautiful dress she had ever seen, light and soft like gossamer it almost shone in the sparse sunlight that filtered in through the open window. Holding it carefully against her body she looked again in the mirror it was beautiful and the fine gold embroidery told her that it belonged to someone of some importance or wealth. But again remembering Saeryn’s odd appearance she looked to the closed door with a puzzled frown. She did not look like any noble woman that she had ever met and she had met a fair few, vain creatures concerned with beauty and wealth and always looking to snare a wealthy husband or so her father had always described them. “Never allow yourself my little Æòel to fall into the deceitful webs of court with all it‘s trappings, always be yourself my little one” her eyes closed as she remembered her fathers words, his wide loving grin and the way he would playfully press her nose when giving good advice. Opening her eyes and shaking her head she turned back to the mirror. “I guess we all have our secrets” she sighed deciding not to dwell on how the woman came to have such a fine garment, instead opting with care to return it to the bottom of the bag where she found it. She wished to avoid any talk of nobility or court that could eventually lead to her dark secret being discovered.

Hearing the shifting of feet outside the door and realising how much time had already passed she picked out a clean petticoat and the first dress that came to hand and hurriedly dressed . It was a simple garment and plain to the eye which suited Æòelhild just fine, It fitted well and the rich brown of the fabric seemed to match her eyes beautifully. It felt good to be clean again and even though her hair was still a tangled mess Æòelhild did not care it had been nearly a year since she had left with nothing but the dress that now lay heaped on the floor, what little gold was in her pocket and her fathers swor…. Suddenly as if only remembering that she had put it down, she crossed the room to where she had set it down . A little of the wrapping had slipped to reveal a ornately engraved pommel at the centre of which sat a beautiful white stag, quickly she covered it, before calling in her small voice that she ready.

As the door opened and Saeryn walked in ,she stood nervously chewing on her lower lip and hugging her fathers sword in her arms. “well, what do you think?” she whispered hoping for the woman’s approval.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Saeryn smiled to see the girl clean and dressed. Her eyes carried a question and unwittingly, Saeryn answered it. "You look very pretty. The color becomes you." She glanced inside for a moment, eyes sweeping the room undetectably. She sighed with relief that her revealing gown was not in sight. The girl had not detected it. It had been foolish to allow a stranger, no matter how much she trusted the mysterious girl, to come so close to her. Though those who had been at the Inn when she arrived tired and hungry some days before had found out her story... or at least parts, she interrupted herself... it would not do to leave a clear and public trail for anyone to follow who would. Especially this half-forgotten brother that Degas insisted was of importance. Where was Degas anyhow?

Saeryn looked at the girl who stood patiently before her. Her fingers itched to style her hair but she was afraid that the suggestion, though entirely selfish, would be taken as an insult rather than a request. As children, Saeryn and Caeli never grew tired of elaborately braiding each other's tresses into styles that served no point or purpose besides looking pretty. It had been years since Saeryn had seen her only sister. Her eyes grew wet at the thought that she would never see her again. Ignoring her own emotions as well as she could, she spoke again.

"Would you like to join those barbarions" she smiled, indicating the jest, "in the hall? Or would you like to head to the kitchens? I dare say it would be quieter in the kitchens, but I'm sure it would be far more interesting that way." She cocked her head toward the great hall in a way entirely reminiscent of a dog who's just caught the quiet scratching gate of a cat on the winds. Æòelhild giggled and Saeryn smiled.

[Bêthberry]

The Innkeeper stood at the door, listening to murmur of conversation that the door muffled. She waited until the moment when she would not be interrupting the girls in any state that might embarass them and then placed her hand on the door.

Before Æòelhild could do more than giggle and answer Saeryn, the door to the room creaked open and in walked Bethberry, surprising both young girls.

"Saeryn, I caught sight of you two leaving the stable and was expecting to see you in the Great Hall, or at least be called to your service. That you would sneak behind my back, even with good intentions, is very disappointing to me.

Saeryn looked up at the woman and blushed, unaware of how her actions would have been seen.

"I am not a parent who objects to a child's wishes and who then incurs the child's deceitful misrepresentations. I am an Innkeeper who runs a decent, honest establishment--one which provides sanctuary when needed and fellowship and mirth and good company. How am I to protect my patrons if people think they can sneak into the rooms of my inn without my knowledge? "

Then, seeing the face of the strange young girl turn frightful, Bethberry spoke to her: "Be not afraid of my words to one who broke my trust. If you need food and shelter speak up honestly to me of your need. If you lack coin to pay, you can earn your food by helping out with some labour about the place. But do not play the shifty sneak with me, however much you might be fearful. The town has too many villains and briggands for me to look the other way. I must know who walks about my Inn."

"Well, Saeryn, what do you have to say for yourself?"

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

At the Innkeeper's reprimand, Saeryn's face grew hot. Quick tears sprang to her eyes at the insinuation that she had anything less than honorable intentions. All she had meant was to spare the hungry girl public attention that she may not be comfortable in...

Her mouth worked fruitlessly for a moment before the tears let loose. "Mistress Bethberry, I am so sorry. I did not mean for it to look... however it looked." Saeryn looked terrified, Æòelhild even more so. "I just... I found her... in the stable. And thought she might like to join me for breakfast. And then... I thought she might like something else to wear maybe... so I brought her to my room. I didn't mean to seem deceitful, ma'am." Her lower lip trembled as she tried to hastily blink away the tears that she had not known she had.

She felt like she had been caught in the midst of a terrible crime, and had not expected it in the least. All she wanted was for Bethberry to say that all was well, but how could she be sure all was when the Innkeeper who had so swiftly earned her respect was looking at her in such a disappointed way.

"I'm sorry ma'am... I... didn't think. Please don't think it was Æòel's fault... I invited her. If there is blame..." more tears leaked. After all, Saeryn was just a girl, though just barely... she was nearly alone in the world and was still very confused as to just where her place in it was. "Blame me."

[Bêthberry]

"My goodness, don't the tears flow! Quick, quick, take my hankie. Oh, wait, it will be drenched and fail to stop the torrent. Here, take up the bedsheets quickly before we all are drowned."

Despite herself, Saeryn's mouth turned up slightly with grins at this remark, which she desperately attempted to hide.

"I hadn't realised what girlish practices you maintained, despite your eagerness to wear those breeches, Saeryn," said Bethberry with a melodious timbre to her voice which considerably lightened the bathetic tone which Saeryn had struck. "If you wish to climb out of the gilded cage, leave the gilded behaviours behind as well, and think more seriously about the consequences of your behaviour."

Saeryn looked at Bethberry inquisitively, as if asking for clarification.

"You had implored us to harbour you safely from strangers and intruders yet here you have brought a stranger to your room yourself without anyone's knowledge. I'm sure your intentions were kindly and well meant--here Bethberry smiled at the forelorn younger girl who seemed rooted to the spot--but you need to think more circumspectly as well."

Saeryn said nothing, chestfallen as she was that her heroic ideals of her actions were dashed.

"Come now," said the Innkeeper, " is this small, wee girl Æòel? How do you do, young miss? And you were hiding in the stable? I'll warrent it wasn't warm enough for you, for you are shivering and look very pale and wan. I am Bethberry, the Innkeeper here at The White Horse."

She put out her hand to shake with Æòel, an action the young girl could barely believe. Never before had anyone respected her well enough to shake her hand, except for her father and family. It was a timid shake, yet the touch cleared the air of any hard feelings and fears.

"You have dressed yourself sensibly, however, and look more than presentable to any group of people, either here or at the Golden Hall."

Here, Æòel's eyes widened with fearful thought of powerful groups of people and fancy lords and ladies. Bethberry noted the sign and responded accordingly.

"Nay, be not so afraid. We are but common folk here, minding our own ways and seeking some bit of cheer at times to lighten our days. We turn no deserving soul away, unless it is by the eagerness of our young lads to speak of marriage."

Bethberry winked at Saeryn and then turned back to young Æòel.

"Come, I think the kitchen has finished serving the meal, but I'm sure I can find something for you, if you wish to a quiet spot by the warmth of the fire and away from prying eyes." The smile on the Innkeeper's face fell warmly upon Æòel's heart as she prepared to reply.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Saeryn was glad to see that Bethberry did not mean to turn the girl away, or to subject her to company she was uncomfortable with. She should have guessed as much, but the circumstances hadn't seemed to warrant any actions other than finding the girl clothes and getting her food. Any cost would have been attributed to Saeryn, and with luck, nobody would think enough to ask where the girl had come from. Surely it was frowned upon to hide in a stable... She hastily wiped her tears and scolded herself for her maidenly display. Tripping slightly over her own feet, she caught up with the Innkeeper and the girl. She caught Bethberry lightly by the arm and the older woman stopped, looking down slightly to meet her eyes.
"I'm very sorry, ma'am. I wasn't thinking. She seemed to offer no harm and I thought I could help her." She spoke more to the Innkeeper's chin than her eyes, but it was a brave effort when she had so unexpectedly suffered the woman's disappointment. "And..." she fell silent. Bethberry afforded her a kind gaze.

"And?" she prodded gently.

"Could... could Eodwine and Gudryn and the twins and... and everyone... and especially Degas... could they not know..." she paused again. "Could we not let them know I acted so... could we not tell them that I cried?"

At this, the woman and the girl both smiled. Saeryn looked up beseechingly.

"I just... when someone cries... everyone thinks they're weak. And it's bad enough to be alone," she spoke quickly, nervous. "but to be alone and perceived as unable... I know my brother is here somewhere... but I would much rather not be seen as... well... as a helpless girl." She finished lamely, sure that this request would be met with another rebuke. It seemed that nothing she said or did, no matter how noble or honorable she thought it, would sit right today.

[littlemanpoet]

While Garreth is gone up the hallway...

"Found your tongue," grumbled Harreld to Garreth's departing back, "I never lost it, brother o' mine, 'tisn't pointed enough to stick in edgewise between all your blathering." He glanced at the Lady Giedd. "Your pardon, please," he said, nodding, "for my grumbling words, lady. 'Tis just that compared to my brother, a jester would seem shy."

Eodwine smiled. "Harreld, I deem you a good man, and deserving of a good wife. Maybe you need to spend more of your time away from your brother, for the good of both of you."

Harreld looked at Eodwine as if struck with an unheard of notion; then he tilted his head. "Why have I never thought of that?"

"Twins will twine in thought and deed, as the saying goes," said Falco.

"Aye," Harreld replied, "'tis true enough what you say, Master Falco. I think I will do as you suggest, Eodwine, my friend, starting right this moment. I've finished breaking my fast at any rate. Tell my brother that he will find me at the smithy, for I mean to work ahead and have some extra time come evening." He stood and bowed to the lady. "Good day to you." Harreld left the inn.

"Well there's a wonder and no mistake," said Falco. "Let's see what Garreth thinks, eh?"

Eodwine laughed, then turned to Gudryn. "What would you say, my daughter, to giving the good lady company on the way back to her fair home, if she does not mind?"

Gudryn nodded her head with delight. "I would like that!"

Both daughter and father looked to Giedd to see what she would say to his offer.

[VanimaEdhel]

Giedd felt Gudryn and Eodwine’s eyes turn in her direction. She looked briefly out the window – at the sun growing steadily higher in the heavens. Giedd still had not rinsed her cup – and it should soon be time for her to engage in her other chores. At the same time, Giedd wished she would not have to leave this man and the dear girl. His words made it evident that some sort of parting was to some degree necessary, however. She paused a moment before voicing her opinion.

“Well,” she began, “You have made the morning more enjoyable than many I have endured as of late, if I may speak candidly. But, I should be getting back to my house. And,” she added, “I would very much delight in having both of you accompany me back.”

A voice in the back of Giedd’s head whispered, mentioning how very small her house was, and how little it appeared to be from the outside, cozy though it was once one entered the door. Giedd pushed that voice even farther back, until it was unintelligible, reminding herself what a kind man this Eodwine was. He would not take offense at her modest living style. It struck Giedd as rather odd that she would even think to care what he thought of her abode. Much of the town – man, woman and child – knew exactly where to find Giedd should her presence be necessary.

Trying to disguise her thoughts, Giedd rose and put on what she hoped was a sincere smile. Gudryn returned with the smile that only a child – no matter how jaded the child – can give. Giedd felt her heart lift again within her chest.

Graciously, the trio bid Falco farewell and moved towards the door of the Inn. Once out in the fresh air, Giedd once again examined the position of the sun.

“It is not so late as I thought,” she said with surprise. “The sun indicated that it was later when we were inside the Inn.”

“That is good, then,” Eodwine said, smiling, “We don’t have to run through the streets to get you home.”

Giedd laughed a little, imagining the three of them sprinting through the streets, upending carts and knocking into people. As the day had worn on a bit since she entered the Inn, there were more people in the avenues now – a few even greeted Giedd as they walked by and looked curiously at her escorts. Giedd smiled and wondered if Eodwine would notice the extra attention he was getting as he walked with her. It was so rare that a man would walk with Giedd, she realized, that it must certainly be a novelty to the people of the town. If Giedd were ever accompanied by another on her walks, it was almost certainly a woman in most cases, especially if they had a child with them. She kept one eye on Eodwine, waiting to see if he questioned or even mentioned his curious treatment.