(Archive) Court Politics at Barad Nimothan

A knock from outside sounds on the door of the room where Anborn currently is staying in, \"Excuse me, milord? Are you still awake?\"

A high oak door this one the ancient wood is worn and the handle creaks noisily as it is turned, before the portal swings open, squeaking on its hinges. Still dressed, and still with scant finery, Anborn stands on the threshold between the hall and the comparative opulence within: thick, soft carpet. An open fire, roaring merrily oil lamps with fragrant flames to light the suite. \"It seems I am,\" He says, stepping out to greet the speaker.

Gweneth stands before Anborn, dressed in an orante gown of midnight blue satin with gold patterns woven into the material. She nods her head, \"Milord, could I speak with you a momment?\"

\"Certainly,\" Says Anborn, ushering the lady in out of the cold. \"Come in, please. But, forgive me, M\'lady...\" He falls silent, though manages a somewhat winsome smile \"I fear I am at a loss as to your name.\"

The lady steps into the room, the train of her gown following behind her. She then pauses in the center of the room and turns, waiting for the Lord to close the door while saying, \"I am Gweneth of the Noble Bragollach, Chamberlain to Prince Imrahil.\"

The door latch clicks shut, \"Gweneth,\" Anborn mouths the word and thinks on it, \"There is a name I have heard much spoken recently, and now at last I meet the lady to match it.\" He walks over, ducks to an acceptable bow but rather thinks better of taking her hand and kissing it, as might be thought scandalous in private quarters by its implication \"Sit, if it please you.\" He motions to a supple divan, \"Pray tell me, what is it that a humble soldier does to deserve such auspicious company, m\'lady chamberlain?\"

A wide smile plays upon Gweneth\'s lips, \"No, I will stand, I should not take much of your time. I have come to request something of you, and I fear it is something you will not wish to do.\"

\"As you wish,\" Allows the Ranger he turns, walking to a sideboard to decant himself a glass of Brandy. As it seems she will not stay, the lady is not proferred the offer of one to match \"Tell me what it is you wish done, Lady. As your most humble servant I shall endeavour to perform the task\" A smile, \"Although I must admit you have my rapt curiosity and attention. What is this thing I shall not wish to do?\"

\"Young Caladrielind spoke to me of your words to her at the banquet, Lord Anborn,\" Gweneth begins, her voice serene and friendly, \"I am sorry, but she may not join you on a walk and I must request you to end any further attempts to court the young girl.\"

\"I\'m Sorry?\" Anborn turns, incredulity apparent. \"I fear you were quite right in your assumption that I might take this ill sooth, if I were a lesser man, I might take offence. Pray, tell why I must do this thing?\" He asks, then \"My intention with the young lady is nought if not honourable. In truth I find her quite endearing, and her company thorougly enjoyable.\" He waves his hands expansively, brandy sloshing in its glass. \"This is quite...\" He frowns, and seems at a loss for words.

Gweneth inclines her head, \"Indeed, milord, it is an usually request and if it was made to myself I think I would be insulted as well.\" She pauses, \"I have no doubt that your intentions are honorable, but the young woman has for some time been under my eye in her education and sadly, matters of love have not yet entered it because of their distracting value. I ask this of you only out of her well being, she cannot be distracted with such things while on the cusp of being a true lady. I ask, if nothing, patience to hold off your motions of love until her time is her own.\"

\"Lady,\" Anborn explains \"I am no longer young, by the reckoning of the highest houses nor, by any means am I like to live longer than I have.\" A bittersweet smile, \"We live in dangerous times, you understand.\" But he waves a hand dismissively, \"This vexes me... is she not indeed a lady? Most surely, she is full come to adulthood. Whilst her manners seem somewhat lacking at times, I say that may be forgiven and understood having experienced those lacking of those of her kinsfolk,\" He demands \"On the cusp, you say? When is a lady a lady?!\"

\"Caladrielinde still stands in Waiting for Lady Aearwen, Lord Anborn and is of but eighteen years, not older than any of the other maids under my eye. Indeed, compared to many she is a great deal younger,\" Gweneth continues, \"Like a squire to a knight, she must serve her time learning her lessons and protocal. The qualities you enjoy her, and in other woman, intelligence, manners, poise are all things taught, not born into a woman. Caladrielinde is not done learning these things, and I am sure you can understand the importance of learning them, yes?\"

\"This does not sit well with me,\" Grates Anborn, \"Gladly I would court her with whatsoever... \'rough edges\' she yet may have.\" He shakes his head, \"I fear I cannot in good conscience do as you ask. Although\" He shakes his head, \"Perhaps it will suit your intent that I come into Anorien infrequent at best still though, I shall be here yet a while.\"

Gweneth\'s brow furrows slightly, \"I do understand why it does not sit with you well. Surely, it is unpleasent, but if one of your young scouts began to slip in his duties. Stopped paying attention to his work because he had a young woman on his mind? Would you not intravine? It is of this that I fear,that is why I ask you not to end your interest, but to delay it. At this time, Caladrielind cannot be distracted.\"

\"I should think I would show some consideration to the lad in question.\" Says Anborn, then shakes his head \"But that is different... ladies are not like to die before their time as are scouts, nor suffer much hurt from the distraction, so have certainly less constraint when it comes to such matters.\"

Gweneth lets out a sigh, \"Please, Lord Anborn, I do not wish to fight about this. I have worked with her long and hard and do not ask something out of protocal. I wish her to finish her studies, unhindered. If you cannot agree to aid in this in a gentlemanly way, I do not wish to, but then I must do what I can to disrupt your influence. Do not cause the time she has spent to be a waste for your own interest. It is a simple enough and proper request. She is but too young yet.\"

\"Then I shall agree to disagree with you, so to speak.\" The Ranger says, walking to the door. \"For your purpose though, you will be helped by the fact that I soon leave and may not return. What you ask is not a gentlemanly thing, nor even is discussing this matter\" He opens the door, \"I am reminded though, of the tale of Beren and Luthien, for my education was as complete as I am sure you shall have the young ladies perhaps you should have her remind you of how caged birds are often wont to fly the coop when they catch a whiff of the fresh air without.\" He politely, but rather curtly ushers the lady Chamberlain out

Gweneth says no more and walks out the door, her demenour turned quite cold as she steps into the hallway, \"Please think on my words, Lord Anborn,\" and says no more , instead continuing down the hall in silence.