Elendor
More Dwarven Soap Opera - Making Amends
Hildis and Ranol talk about their anger. They use their words.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Erebor
Description: It's been over a day and a half since the spat between Hildis and Ranol, and the huskarl has been very busy with his work, preparing his gift for the wedding, and generally finding things to do to keep his mind off the fight. It's mid-afternoon and the sun is warm as it beats down on the open courtyard. He's sitting on a bench, slowly sharpening his blade. Methodically the whetstone works across the steel, smoothing out dents, mars, and imperfections from use, honing the edge to deadly sharpness.
[Hildis(#23062)] A hooded dwarf stands in the doorway, a silhouette against the dark tranquil interior of the temple. The darkness exhales incense, a peaceful aroma - cool as stone, inviting as a well-made cavern, the faint sound of water falling from a great height, drop by drop can be heard.
Hildis pushes back her hood and blinks in the bright light of day. Her face is solemn and turned inward, the tranquility of the temple still has a deep hold on her as she closes the great ornate door behind her and steps out into the courtyard. The sound of metal on stone catches her attention. A subtle change darkens her green eyes when she sees Ranol. She stops in place, lips pressed together as she consults herself then with a quiet step walks across the courtyard towards him.
Ranol looks up as the movement of someone approaching catches the edge of his vision. He looks up and the sound of the scraping metal ceases. The huskarl sets the sword to the side on the bench and stands. "Good day, Hildis." He says politely.
[Hildis(#23062)]
Hildis swallows and nods deeply, not quite a bow, "Good day, Ranol." She takes a step back and turns, pulling her hood up so she cannot be seen.
"Hildis.. I'm sorry about being short with you. I was angry and feared that I was going to say things I did not mean." Ranol sounds honest, his voice soft and sincere.
[Hildis(#23062)] The maiden dwarf stops, head bowed, she does not turn right away. Her hood hides the struggle she is going through relief at his voice, hurt at his cool tone of politeness and confusion about whether she is still angry herself or has let it go. She makes herself turn and retrace the few steps back to him. "Thank you then for that."
Ranol nods quietly, watching her with concern. But there's something else as well, a restlessness that clings to his person. He runs his hand through his hair and frowns, obviously battling something.
[Hildis(#23062)]
She returns his nod and waits, her expression soft but without expectation. In a neutral tone she offers, "Frarin and Thari's marriage is very soon."
"Yes.. a couple days." Ranol says, his gaze wandering to the water falling, watching it hit the stream and flow away. "Can I ask you something.." His words are quiet and sounding mildly distressed.
[Hildis(#23062)]
Her forehead creases as she puzzles at his request, she hesitates and assents very quietly. "Yes, of course, Ranol."
Ranol looks back at her, pain on his face. "Why did you tell Frarin right after I asked you not to? Why ask if I mind something and disregard my decision?"
[Hildis(#23062)]
"Yes, you are right. I will leave you strictly alone and see how far you go with things." Her words come out in a rush and she begins to turn away then turns back and says in low, icy voice, "But, I think it would be better if you do not pursue the effort."
Ranol gazes at her and what seemed a bit of hope on his face melts away at her short response. Disappointment replaces it, obvious and unguarded. "You do not trust me." He says softly, then asks, "And you do not wish me to try and convince your father?"
[Hildis(#23062)]
"Trust you," she tests the words. "I believe it is the contrary. You do not trust me. I know my father. he would set whatever price so high you would always fail, so he could be right. You would need the help of others in my clan. But you would not even talk to me about it." She stands looking at him, her face tight with tension.
"It isn't about -that-.. Hildis. You did not give me the chance to speak with you about it. You wanted to tell Frarin about something that I did not want him to know about and -certainly- not Thari.. You asked me if I minded and I said that I did and you told him anyway!" Ranol's patience slips and the volume of his voice rises.
"Yes, I understand what you're saying and I will consider it, but the fact is.. this is between me and your father! If I had followed the rules you wouldn't have known at all, but I wanted to ask your feelings on the matter first. I do not want Frarin going to talk to him.. Or Thari.. of Mahal forbid Thari's -father-, and these are things that concern me!"
Ranol takes a breath, his brows drawn together in frustration, "Believe it or not, I am not beyond asking for help in things but I told you that I was working on and asked you to be patient.. You didn't wait more than five minutes!"
[Hildis(#23062)]
"Then work on it. But do not expect me to be there when you have resolved whatever it is. Because it obviously does not concern me." Her voice has begun to rise to match his. "Rules. I am so sick and tired of the rules and being told what to do by men. I am not a piece of property to be bought and sold. Or someone's private mania. Yes, you asked for me to keep it to myself. I see that I was wrong. It was a bad error on my part but then I think all of this is." Instead of storming away, she flushes bright red, tears standing in her eyes that she fights so hard that she trembles.
"I never said that you were." Ranol responds immediately, frowning. "And I don't feel that way, but I also want to learn from the mistakes that Frarin and Thari made." He's not speaking so loudly anymore but he's far from at peace. "You father doesn't like me, and doesn't want me involved with you. He pointed out some very specific things he was not happy with, and I have already found solutions for most of them. When I have worked out everything, I will go back to him and show him, on my own, what I have accomplished."
The huskarl pauses, letting her hear this, then continues, "If he comes up with new issues, I will deal with those next. I vowed to him that I.. -me-.. I would do whatever it took for him to understand that I am devoted. I want his approval and I want his respect. I don't want to live the rest of my life wondering if he only agreed because someone else spoke to him or influenced him."
[Hildis(#23062)]
Something in his words causes her face to drain of blood, she is white lipped she is so furious at him. She crosses her arms tightly and swallows, it is an effort not to shout. In a very quiet voice she says, "You are still talking as though I were not involved. My father told me what he said but you have not. What are you devoted to Ranol? Me? Or your reputation?"
She takes a long deep breath but her nostrils pinch in the effort she makes to keep her voice low. "Why wouldn't you want your clan kin to know what was involved? And again, I have no idea what mistakes Frarin and Thari made. None. You are acting as if I was some prize you are going collect after you have proven yourself, Ranol."
"Are you not listening? I am trying to prove to your father that I am devoted to YOU. If he says rude things about me, or insults me, or criticizes what I do, I don't want you to hear that. No. I don't. Why would I?!" Ranol looks down at the ground, thinking hard for a long time, then answers in a quieter voice. "I want to prove to you that I will fight for you. I.. I'm not good at saying how I feel, but if I can -do- things.. "
He looks up, "This is who I am. I am the son of a dwarf that has made grave mistakes and horrible decisions. I come from a poor family. Thari and I were friends when we were small, and then after we moved here to Erebor, we did not speak again, for decades. I don't want her to know because she won't understand. She'll get angry and want to run over to your house right away and speak to Hilvar."
"I am listening. I want to listen, the more you tell me about what it is then the more I can help. But I feel like you are not listening to me, either. But hear this," her voice is low and modulated to a calm key. "I understand that my father has been unspeakably rude. He has a knack for finding the chinks in most everyone's guard but he does not see his own weakness. Do you understand I need to be involved in this? I am not the dragon's gold to fought for but someone to be loved. I am sorry for having offended you. But unless we understand this about each other, we will not be good for one another." Tears stand bright in her eyes but her expression does not ask to be coddled or given in to.
Ranol seems to calm down tremendously when she speaks now, his frustration melting away. "Your father's rudeness does not trouble me. I told him directly that I would never put a price on you, and I wouldn't. But he is right. I need to show that I can at least offer a life of stability and basic wealth." The huskarl rubs the back of his neck, looking around again. "I am not in debt anymore. Lord Braldor has cleared me of all financial obligations. I have told no one else of this. I'm going to talk to Thari's father about some investment opportunities, it's something I've spoken to him about before and now I'll have the money to put into it. Give me a few days, and I will talk to you about it before I approach your father again. Okay?"
[Hildis(#23062)]
"I will trust you in this. Please speak to me before you go to my father again. Do you understand how it feels to be dickered about as though I /did/ have a price on my head? I believe I want the same thing that you do: to know you. I am very glad for what Lord Braldor has done. I am very proud of /you/, Ranol. Please talk to me, include me so that I won't be dargon's gold or fool's gold but myself."
Ranol nods, a look of apology on his face. "I am sorry.. that was never my intent. I think that the reason I am so fond of you is because you are independent and strong. I will come see you, I promise."
The tension has drained from her face, the tranquility that her eyes held as she left the temple has returned and something else. "I believe it was not your intent. Thank you for including me, " Hildis smiles gently and turns without another word.
[Hildis(#23062)] A hooded dwarf stands in the doorway, a silhouette against the dark tranquil interior of the temple. The darkness exhales incense, a peaceful aroma - cool as stone, inviting as a well-made cavern, the faint sound of water falling from a great height, drop by drop can be heard.
Hildis pushes back her hood and blinks in the bright light of day. Her face is solemn and turned inward, the tranquility of the temple still has a deep hold on her as she closes the great ornate door behind her and steps out into the courtyard. The sound of metal on stone catches her attention. A subtle change darkens her green eyes when she sees Ranol. She stops in place, lips pressed together as she consults herself then with a quiet step walks across the courtyard towards him.
Ranol looks up as the movement of someone approaching catches the edge of his vision. He looks up and the sound of the scraping metal ceases. The huskarl sets the sword to the side on the bench and stands. "Good day, Hildis." He says politely.
[Hildis(#23062)]
Hildis swallows and nods deeply, not quite a bow, "Good day, Ranol." She takes a step back and turns, pulling her hood up so she cannot be seen.
"Hildis.. I'm sorry about being short with you. I was angry and feared that I was going to say things I did not mean." Ranol sounds honest, his voice soft and sincere.
[Hildis(#23062)] The maiden dwarf stops, head bowed, she does not turn right away. Her hood hides the struggle she is going through relief at his voice, hurt at his cool tone of politeness and confusion about whether she is still angry herself or has let it go. She makes herself turn and retrace the few steps back to him. "Thank you then for that."
Ranol nods quietly, watching her with concern. But there's something else as well, a restlessness that clings to his person. He runs his hand through his hair and frowns, obviously battling something.
[Hildis(#23062)]
She returns his nod and waits, her expression soft but without expectation. In a neutral tone she offers, "Frarin and Thari's marriage is very soon."
"Yes.. a couple days." Ranol says, his gaze wandering to the water falling, watching it hit the stream and flow away. "Can I ask you something.." His words are quiet and sounding mildly distressed.
[Hildis(#23062)]
Her forehead creases as she puzzles at his request, she hesitates and assents very quietly. "Yes, of course, Ranol."
Ranol looks back at her, pain on his face. "Why did you tell Frarin right after I asked you not to? Why ask if I mind something and disregard my decision?"
[Hildis(#23062)]
"Yes, you are right. I will leave you strictly alone and see how far you go with things." Her words come out in a rush and she begins to turn away then turns back and says in low, icy voice, "But, I think it would be better if you do not pursue the effort."
Ranol gazes at her and what seemed a bit of hope on his face melts away at her short response. Disappointment replaces it, obvious and unguarded. "You do not trust me." He says softly, then asks, "And you do not wish me to try and convince your father?"
[Hildis(#23062)]
"Trust you," she tests the words. "I believe it is the contrary. You do not trust me. I know my father. he would set whatever price so high you would always fail, so he could be right. You would need the help of others in my clan. But you would not even talk to me about it." She stands looking at him, her face tight with tension.
"It isn't about -that-.. Hildis. You did not give me the chance to speak with you about it. You wanted to tell Frarin about something that I did not want him to know about and -certainly- not Thari.. You asked me if I minded and I said that I did and you told him anyway!" Ranol's patience slips and the volume of his voice rises.
"Yes, I understand what you're saying and I will consider it, but the fact is.. this is between me and your father! If I had followed the rules you wouldn't have known at all, but I wanted to ask your feelings on the matter first. I do not want Frarin going to talk to him.. Or Thari.. of Mahal forbid Thari's -father-, and these are things that concern me!"
Ranol takes a breath, his brows drawn together in frustration, "Believe it or not, I am not beyond asking for help in things but I told you that I was working on and asked you to be patient.. You didn't wait more than five minutes!"
[Hildis(#23062)]
"Then work on it. But do not expect me to be there when you have resolved whatever it is. Because it obviously does not concern me." Her voice has begun to rise to match his. "Rules. I am so sick and tired of the rules and being told what to do by men. I am not a piece of property to be bought and sold. Or someone's private mania. Yes, you asked for me to keep it to myself. I see that I was wrong. It was a bad error on my part but then I think all of this is." Instead of storming away, she flushes bright red, tears standing in her eyes that she fights so hard that she trembles.
"I never said that you were." Ranol responds immediately, frowning. "And I don't feel that way, but I also want to learn from the mistakes that Frarin and Thari made." He's not speaking so loudly anymore but he's far from at peace. "You father doesn't like me, and doesn't want me involved with you. He pointed out some very specific things he was not happy with, and I have already found solutions for most of them. When I have worked out everything, I will go back to him and show him, on my own, what I have accomplished."
The huskarl pauses, letting her hear this, then continues, "If he comes up with new issues, I will deal with those next. I vowed to him that I.. -me-.. I would do whatever it took for him to understand that I am devoted. I want his approval and I want his respect. I don't want to live the rest of my life wondering if he only agreed because someone else spoke to him or influenced him."
[Hildis(#23062)]
Something in his words causes her face to drain of blood, she is white lipped she is so furious at him. She crosses her arms tightly and swallows, it is an effort not to shout. In a very quiet voice she says, "You are still talking as though I were not involved. My father told me what he said but you have not. What are you devoted to Ranol? Me? Or your reputation?"
She takes a long deep breath but her nostrils pinch in the effort she makes to keep her voice low. "Why wouldn't you want your clan kin to know what was involved? And again, I have no idea what mistakes Frarin and Thari made. None. You are acting as if I was some prize you are going collect after you have proven yourself, Ranol."
"Are you not listening? I am trying to prove to your father that I am devoted to YOU. If he says rude things about me, or insults me, or criticizes what I do, I don't want you to hear that. No. I don't. Why would I?!" Ranol looks down at the ground, thinking hard for a long time, then answers in a quieter voice. "I want to prove to you that I will fight for you. I.. I'm not good at saying how I feel, but if I can -do- things.. "
He looks up, "This is who I am. I am the son of a dwarf that has made grave mistakes and horrible decisions. I come from a poor family. Thari and I were friends when we were small, and then after we moved here to Erebor, we did not speak again, for decades. I don't want her to know because she won't understand. She'll get angry and want to run over to your house right away and speak to Hilvar."
"I am listening. I want to listen, the more you tell me about what it is then the more I can help. But I feel like you are not listening to me, either. But hear this," her voice is low and modulated to a calm key. "I understand that my father has been unspeakably rude. He has a knack for finding the chinks in most everyone's guard but he does not see his own weakness. Do you understand I need to be involved in this? I am not the dragon's gold to fought for but someone to be loved. I am sorry for having offended you. But unless we understand this about each other, we will not be good for one another." Tears stand bright in her eyes but her expression does not ask to be coddled or given in to.
Ranol seems to calm down tremendously when she speaks now, his frustration melting away. "Your father's rudeness does not trouble me. I told him directly that I would never put a price on you, and I wouldn't. But he is right. I need to show that I can at least offer a life of stability and basic wealth." The huskarl rubs the back of his neck, looking around again. "I am not in debt anymore. Lord Braldor has cleared me of all financial obligations. I have told no one else of this. I'm going to talk to Thari's father about some investment opportunities, it's something I've spoken to him about before and now I'll have the money to put into it. Give me a few days, and I will talk to you about it before I approach your father again. Okay?"
[Hildis(#23062)]
"I will trust you in this. Please speak to me before you go to my father again. Do you understand how it feels to be dickered about as though I /did/ have a price on my head? I believe I want the same thing that you do: to know you. I am very glad for what Lord Braldor has done. I am very proud of /you/, Ranol. Please talk to me, include me so that I won't be dargon's gold or fool's gold but myself."
Ranol nods, a look of apology on his face. "I am sorry.. that was never my intent. I think that the reason I am so fond of you is because you are independent and strong. I will come see you, I promise."
The tension has drained from her face, the tranquility that her eyes held as she left the temple has returned and something else. "I believe it was not your intent. Thank you for including me, " Hildis smiles gently and turns without another word.
Players: Hildis, Ranol
Located in: Erebor
