For the Love of a Maia
For the Love of a Maia
Chapter 12 - The Romance of Melissant
A story by Sienna Dawn
Pairing: Haldir/OFC Heterosexual
Rating: NC17 for sexualitySummary: The Valar send Haldir to Arda in order to bring a stranded Maia back to Valinor. When he arrives, the possibility of civil war looms large. Will the Maia forsake Middle Earth and return to Valinor? A period romance set against the backdrop of Norman England.
Disclaimer: Based on characters from The Silmarillion and the Lord of the Rings, by JRR Tolkien, (used here without permission), as well as historical events which occurred in York, England, 1173-1175 AD, during the reign of Henry II. Copyright remains with JRR Tolkien. For entertainment purposes only. No profit is being made from this work. All original characters are the creation of Sienna Dawn.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 12 - The Romance of Melissant
Sir Hugh strode into the quiet Hall of Rowan Bold, passing a few squires along the way. Turning into several chambers he failed to locate Sir Godfrey and grew impatient.
Walking back to the Hall itself, Sir Hugh singled out the first squire he saw and called out in a great voice, “You!’ A youth of about thirteen stopped abruptly and faced the towering knight with a cowering expression. “Where is the Lord Godfrey?’
The squire pointed toward the back of the Hall, toward the kitchens.
Without a further comment, Sir Hugh turned and quickly walked in the direction the squire had indicated. In moments Sir Godfrey´s voice was clearly audible. Following it, Sir Hugh came to the open area where the Bold´s meals were prepared. He saw Sir Godfrey engaged in a heated conversation with the Lady Matilda. Sir Hugh frowned. Never before had he witnessed discord between the two and to witness it now disturbed him greatly. He needed his lord to be focused on the siege at hand and not on matters that obviously were the concern of the women.
Though he did not think that Sir Godfrey had seen him, Sir Hugh observed that his lord separated himself from his lady wife and turned toward him. Matilda, seeing herself dismissed, turned back to the kitchen maids and the food to be prepared for all in the Bold.
“Ah, Malet, what news?’ Sir Godfrey asked.
“Nothing that bodes well for us, my Lord.’ Sir Hugh answered.
Godfrey frowned. “And how is this? What comes now?’
Sir Hugh looked beyond Sir Godfrey toward the women and lowered his voice. “My Lord what needs be said must be said where no ears other than yours may hear.’
Understanding, Godfrey led Sir Hugh out of the kitchens and to the small chamber he used as a private place of study. It was a little room with little comforts but it would do.
“What now, Sir Hugh?’
Sir Hugh turned to close the chamber door. “Almeric Atteford prepares for siege before Lammastide. His force of near one thousand is strengthened by trebuchets…..’
“But, this we already know, Malet,’ Sir Godfrey interrupted, a frown of displeasure darkening his face. “Methought you had portends we knew nothing of.’
Sir Hugh held his tongue and swallowed the sardonic retort that played upon his lips, and instead replied, “My Lord, Almeric Atteford is mining his way to the Bold! The trenches are being lit as we speak. Lord Haldir believes we have no more than two days to prepare.’ Sir Hugh placed his large hand upon the pommel of his great sword. He watched the emotions play upon Godfrey´s face. What was happening to the Lord of Rowan Bold? Sir Hugh watched Godfrey carefully. Was Godfrey Fitzwalter cowering in the face of battle? A cold hand gripped Sir Hugh´s heart.
“Aye, Malet,’ began Sir Godfrey slowly, “then you do well.’ He averted his face slightly and said no more.
But for Sir Hugh this was all the verification he needed. The Lord of Rowan Bold was cowering ‘neath the onslaught of siege! He shook his head, “My Lord we must move the women and the children to the lower portions of the Bold, to the secret rooms the Lady Elyen bade us build. There at least they can know some safety should the house itself be overrun.’
Sir Godfrey nodded. “Be it done as you say, though to what good use are secret rooms if the enemy comes at us from beneath the earth?’ His voice was flat.
“Sire, you forget the moat. They cannot tunnel under the water.’ Sir Hugh was beginning to worry about Sir Godfrey.
“Yes, it is said, but these are strange times, Malet, made for strange things. Who can say that none can mine ‘neath the water?’ He raised his eyes to Sir Hugh´s face. “Are you so certain that they cannot?’
Sir Hugh was about to reply but a loud clanging of spurs outside the chamber stilled both men into silence. Quickly, Sir Hugh opened the door and at once located the source of the sound.
“My Lord!’ Called out a young knight. “My Lord, the enemy ranks have broken and three lone riders approach the main gate!’
Sir Hugh briefly turned to give Sir Godfrey a meaningful look and then walked toward the house´s open doors. Bright afternoon sunshine spilled into the Hall itself. Stepping outside Sir Hugh walked toward the front gates, where a narrow series of stone steps were carved onto the wall of the gatehouse itself. Climbing to the top he looked up and saw three riders galloping toward the Bold. The royal standard of the House of Borgounnais openly displayed.
“Cunning bastard!’ Sir Hugh whispered fiercely. Scurrying back down the steps, he jumped onto the hard earth and turned to the young knight who still waited on his command. “Guichard, fetch the steeds, prepare them. Warn the Lord Haldir and bade him meet with me. We must ride to see what that bastard wants.’
Guichard nodded and ran off. Sir Hugh looked back toward the wide doors of the Bold. Lord Godfrey was nowhere in sight.
~*~*~*~*~
Sir Hugh and Haldir guided their steeds toward Almeric and his men. Haldir could see Almeric Atteford quite clearly though he did not recognize the other two riders.
“I do not believe it is wise for me to accompany you.’ Haldir spoke softly to Sir Hugh. Behind them rode Guichard and he carried the standard of Rowan Bold.
“I have need of your powers and abilities.’ Sir Hugh replied. “Stay behind me. Say nothing but observe all. I will ask you later what you have seen and heard.’
Haldir nodded and as bidden, dropped his steed behind Sir Hugh.
It took no more than a few minutes to bridge the space between them and Almeric.
They saw him, the Earl of Borgounnais, Almeric Atteford, sitting proudly atop a fine black steed. His face was shaven, his bearing proud and regal. It seemed to Sir Hugh that already Almeric carried himself as lord and master of the Bold.
“Not by God´s blood!’ He muttered under his breath.
Hearing the curse, Haldir narrowed his eyes and set his lips in a fine line.
The horses broke into a slow canter and finally came to a stop. Each side eyed the other with open distrust and hostility. Several moments of silence ensued. Only the impatient snorting of the steeds broke the stillness of the afternoon. From the Bold no sounds came.
It was finally Almeric Atteford who spoke first. His voice was unhurried and much assured. “Sir, it seems to us that our words were dismissed. Know ye then that whensoever it shall please us we shall cause a part of the wall to fall into the moat, whereby we shall enter into this house at our ease."
Sir Hugh bristled at the taunt but maintained his composure. “Then, Sir, show forth and execute your work. We shall be ready that ye will not enter this house save to be shriven of thy soul!’ Sir Hugh´s eyes flashed in anger.
Almeric laughed thinly. “Such taunts do not bide well for thee. Ours are the superior numbers and advantage. Surrender that which is mine and I shall depart in peace to this house and all within it.’
“There cannot be peace lest you retract your claim.’ Sir Hugh exclaimed.
Almeric looked once at Sir Hugh and then looked about him and then at the lands that he already considered his. For no matter if the Lady Anysse was lost to him now, he still carried the day to victory. Turning his steed about, Almeric spoke. “The Lady Anysse concerns me not. The seat of power rests not between that wench´s legs.’
Sir Hugh sucked in his breath at the open insult but stayed his anger. “Then ride off and receive the thanks and godspeed of the Lord of Rowan Bold.’
Sir Almeric frowned at Sir Hugh. “Ride off? Godspeed?’ He exclaimed in mock surprise. “Know you that I am come to press my claim. Not long ago, in that very house, seated at the very table of he whom you call the Lord of Rowan Bold, I was promised the daughter of Godfrey Fitzwalter in holy matrimony. That promise made before lawful witnesses of these lands, subjects of King Henry. Do you now gainsay it and claim it as an untruth?’ Almeric´s eyes studied Sir Hugh carefully.
Sir Hugh shifted atop his steed. He was no politician, simply a soldier and was uncomfortable in these negotiations. He sensed Almeric toyed with him. “Nay, I do not gainsay thy words, my Lord. Simply, the Lady is not here. We cannot deliver that which we do not possess nor know where we may obtain it.’
Almeric smiled, the rabbit was too easily led down the path to the snare. “Yet, you do possess that which may fulfill the lawfully made promise. Is there not a second daughter? Does she not claim the same blood flows through her veins as your own Lord´s?’ Almeric´s voice was triumphant. He had them now. Perhaps the way to these lands and Anstig was not through the older female, but the younger. “Is she not of a marriageable age?’ His eyes flickered once with a strange light.
The enormity of what Almeric intended left Sir Hugh speechless for a moment. Yet he recovered well enough to tender a terse reply. “I am not that maid´s sire and cannot speak for that. Yet I will say that the Lords of this house will not surrender that maid to you. Be she ready for the marriage bed or not.’
Almeric laughed. “What care I for the maid in the marriage bed? Wenches aplenty there are for serious pursuits. Nay,’ he leaned closer to Sir Hugh and lowered his voice. “Know you that what I pursue is not the maid, but do you know already of it, do you not?’
Sir Hugh nodded, “Aye, we know what it is you desire, Almeric Atteford. And King Henry shall have your head for it! You will not have the maid, nor York, for that matter!’
With this Sir Hugh turned his steed about.
“Calmly, man, calmly speak or else forfeit all and I take the maid nevertheless. No matter to me how she comes, only that she comes to me as wife. The manner in which I proclaim victory is yours. Choose then,’ Almeric offered, “siege or marriage. One more pleasant than the other. But choose carefully and let not pride carry the day. For with siege there shall be none spared, perhaps not even the maid; but with matrimony comes hope of allegiance and life to see another day.’
Sir Hugh snorted. “Allegiance to whom? To you?’ His voice dropped menacingly, “You have indeed set your sights high, Almeric Atteford. Do the Earls of Borgounnais know that you plot murder?’
Almeric laughed but the smile did not touch his eyes. “I offered to wait until Lammastide.’ His voice was now cold. “That offer no longer stands. Ride back to your master and give to him the choices before him.’ Almeric bore his eyes into Sir Hugh´s gaze. “Make him understand. Henry is in Normandy. I rule here.’ With that Almeric tugged on his steed´s reins and galloped away, leaving a stunned Hugh Malet to watch as the three riders disappeared into the green forest beyond.
Slowly, Sir Hugh turned his own steed, passing Haldir and Guichard and made his way to the Bold.
Behind him neither Haldir or Guichard made comment. Each locked within the privacy of their own thoughts.
~*~*~*~*~
Hours later, back at the Bold, Haldir sat at the western edge of the tower keep, beneath the glowing lights of an early evening sky. His keen ears made him an uncomfortable witness to the heated discussion inside the house itself. Hoping to put as much distance between himself and their conversation, he had chosen this lonely spot inside the Bold´s garrison. But to no avail. The argument was far too loud and their voices carried upon the stillness of the night.
Upon learning of Almeric´s intentions, Sir Godfrey had erupted in a fierce anger, while the Lady Matilda had remained strangely quiet. Haldir had much preferred to sit by himself, while the sounds of metal and the muted voices of men drifted on the evening air. Now, quite clearly, he could hear the sounds of digging coming from deep beneath the earth and his eyes caught the light of many campfires dotting the horizon beyond the wood.
True to his word, Sir Hugh had questioned Haldir before turning to Sir Godfrey. But Haldir could not offer much other than what Sir Hugh already suspected: Almeric Atteford was playing a winning hand and none but a near miracle could save them.
It had then fallen to Sir Hugh to deliver Almeric´s stunning offer.
The elf sat back and listened to the humans arguing below him. Had Melissant been his child would he feel otherwise? Nay, he decided. He would not give any maid nor innocent into the hands of such a man. But what of Matilda, Haldir thought. Why was her silence so disturbing?
Just now the voices of Godfrey and Matilda raised themselves. Haldir could hear them quite clearly.
“This offer is naught but a trap, Godfrey.’ Matilda´s voice carried over the clanging of the smithy below Haldir. “Yet, it is an offer we should do well to study before refusing. The lives of everyone here is forfeit otherwise.’
Haldir frowned. He was uneasy in this and wished for once that Matilda did not speak so loudly.
“Wife,’ began Godfrey, in his voice there was exasperation. “We must not given in to this man´s folly. Have you heard naught Sir Hugh has said? Almeric proclaimed kingship over these lands!’
Matilda snorted loudly, “Nay, he said Henry rules in Normandy and that he, Almeric, rules these lands.’ Haldir could hear Matilda pacing about. “This is not a falsehood, for good King Henry is truly in Normandy.’
It was here that Sir Hugh interjected. “But, my Lady, it is not Almeric Atteford who rules these lands, but the King´s regent, Robert de Lacy. Such a thing cannot escape Almeric´s notice.’
Matilda clucked her tongue in impatience. “I do not see Robert de Lacy standing here beside us with his men-at-arms ready to defend this house. Formalities. I say we take Almeric´s offer of marriage to Melissant as a peace offering and accept it as such. Then we shall surely be aligned to the royal house of the Borgounnais.’
“But wife,’ Haldir heard Godfrery exclaim, “are we certain we know to whom are the Borgounnais aligned? To the king or to Almeric?’
“My Lord Godfrey has a point, my Lady. If we are rash into this offer, we may find our heads quickly separated from our necks.’
Haldir moved away from his position, uncomfortable in being a witness to such a private conversation. He wished to make a great noise to alert them he was nearby, yet, he knew no matter where in the Bold he hid, Matilda´s voice would carry. Grimly, he decided to make an effort to close his ears to any further discourse from the Atani below him.
And yet, though Haldir knew it not, there was one set of ears that listened intently.
~*~*~*~*~
Melissant crouched behind the staircase that led to the small chamber where her Lady mother, Lord father and Sir Hugh met in secret. She had listened at first with growing dread, knowing all too well what was at stake for her home and its people, feeling a terrible dread for Anysse if that braggard Almeric ever caught up with her. But as the conversation flowed, her heart soon knew a great fear. Never had she considered that Almeric would come for her in her sister´s stead. She clutched her skirt and felt her heart give a lurch. Why was her Lady mother sounding as if she was willing to give her away to Almeric? She continued to listen until she was satisfied she had heard enough.
Stealing away to her room, she sat at the edge of her bed, thinking desperate thoughts. Could she run? How? Where? Melissant looked about her chamber, the chamber that had once belonged to Anysse. She tried to think back to something her sister had said before she had left Rowan Bold. Melissant forced her mind to remember. What was it? It was then that she remembered the words uttered in this very chamber. Not words spoken by her sister, Melissant now recalled, but words she herself had uttered. Little had she known how prophetic those words would be.
She came to stand by the little window in the chamber which was nothing more than a slit in the wall and she planned until she thought her plans could be no more perfect than they were. She would wait until one hour before matins and then make her move.
Turning about her chamber, she began to collect the items she would need. As she worked she thought back to her mother´s insistence that she would be better off wedded to Almeric Atteford. In her heart she knew for the first time a great pain, one she could not identify, and one that would in the long run serve her well, though now she knew it not.
~*~*~*~*~
Sunrise of that day came and it found Haldir watching beyond the ramparts of the Western Gate. He heard Hugh Malet approach below him but he did not acknowledge the Atani until the man spoke.“Any portends different than those of before?’ Sir Hugh asked.
Haldir lowered his gaze, “Nay, nothing moves, all is still though from below the earth there is a great noise.’
Sir Hugh nodded and then commented quietly. “The Lady Matilda is in a mind to accept Almeric´s offer.’
Haldir made no comment and raised his eyes back to the green wood.
Sir Hugh spoke again. “The Lord Godfrey is against it, though his protestations sound weak and feeble to my ears.’
Haldir dropped hiz gaze to Sir Hugh, who still stood beneath the killing hole. “You cannot influence them, my friend.’ His voice was gentle. He, along with the young Guichard, knew how fiercely Sir Hugh had contested Almeric´s offer to Almeric´s very face. The man had risked his own life in defense of Melissant only to hear her own parents offer feeble arguments against it.
Sir Hugh sighed. “Aye, I know it. But were she mine own….’ Here his voice trailed away.
Haldir said nothing further and resumed his uneasy watch.
~*~*~*~*~
Hours passed before the discovery was made. By then it was too late to do much, though there came a great weeping from the Lady Matilda.
All who could be spared where called into the great Hall of Rowan Bold where the announcement was made known. Haldir, seated discreetly within a dark corner, listened but offered no comment.
Everyone was questioned but none could offer much. All that was known was that Melissant had been last seen shortly after last meal on the night before and had not come to matins or to break her fast. Now, close to midday, her whereabouts was still a mystery.
“This is the work of Almeric Atteford!’ Said one of the serving maids.
A chorus of “ayes’ and “who else?’ rose from the gathered group.
Sir Hugh turned and spied Haldir in the corner, yet he said nothing, offered no advice. Sir Godfrey sat slumped in a chair, looking defeated and very ancient.
It was Lady Matilda who spoke next. “This is the handywork of that witch, Elyen of York!’ Matilda´s eyes flashed. “First it is my own Anysse and now Melissant!’ She turned to her husband, “I warned ye no good would come from that woman´s meddling in the affairs of this land!’
Haldir listening to all of this had a great desire to speak on his own lady´s behalf but he held steadfast to his word to Eonwe. He would not interfere, say nothing, do nothing, that would jeapardize Elyen´s work in this land.
“What to do then?’ Asked Matilda of her husband. “Husband? What is to be done?’ She waited a moment and then pressed again. “Ye must ride out to Almeric´s camp.’
“And if she is not there, what then?’ Sir Hugh answered Matilda with a question of his own. “What then, my Lady?’
Not having thought things through, Matilda had no answer and instead swept up her skirts and left the room.
Sir Hugh turned to Sir Godfrey. “My Lord, what do you counsel now?’
Sir Godfrey shook his head. “I cannot say. I do not know.’
Haldir winced. This was not a turn of events he had considered. Standing away from his corner he came to the great doors of the Bold and walked outside toward the main gatehouse. Several pages passed him, some staring in open awe, but Haldir did not acknowledge this, so deep was he lost in his own thoughts. Reaching the main gate, which had been locked tightly, secured and reinforced for the past three weeks, Haldir placed his hand directly over the heavy wooden doors of the gate itself. Stilling his thoughts, he concentrated. After a moment, he dropped his hand and turning about, he saw the lone figure of Hugh Malet heading in the opposite direction.
With a purpose Haldir followed after the Atani.
~*~*~*~*~
“What say you?’ Asked Hugh Malet incredulously. “The chit left the Bold of her own accord? Why?’ Sir Hugh chewed a piece of cold mutton and washed it down with water.
“I cannot say why,’ Haldir replied, “but I am certain that she was not taken against her will. She walked out of this house.’
Sir Hugh pondered this for a moment. “But how? The gates are watched day and night. There is no way out.’
Haldir looked away for a moment. “There must be.’ Was his quiet reply.
Sir Hugh wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his tunic. “And how do you know this?’ He asked, suspicion snaking into his voice.
Haldir gave Sir Hugh a stern look. “I know.’ Was all he would offer the Atani.
Sir Hugh cleared his throat, “Aye, well, strange things abound whenever the Lady Elyen is attached to a thing, and this is no diferent. I will not question you further. But you are certain?’
Haldir nodded, “Certain.’
Sir Hugh cast about for his chain mail and began to pull it on. A squire came to his aid, but Sir Hugh waved him off. “Then it must be said that there is a secret passage in and out of this house that none save Melissant is aware of.’ He looked at Haldir and saw the elf nod slightly. “This is not a good thing.’
Haldir silently agreed.
~*~*~*~*~Almeric Atteford awakened to a feeling that to-day would take him one more step closer to the throne. Just one more step and York would be his.
He stretched in his cot and swung his legs around. Standing within the richly decorated royal tent he began to dress and turned as a young page entered to bring him a tray of food. Silently, the servant placed the food on a nearby table and then left his Lord to break his fast alone, as was Almeric´s custom.
Slowly, Almeric ate all the while pondering whether he should spare the residents of Rowan Bold or make an example of them all. He chewed thoughtfully, barely registering the entry of Lord Geoffrey Chatwyn, his own aide-de-campe.
Almeric nodded to Sir Geoffrey. “What news this day? Have they capitulated?’ He spoke between bites.
Sir Geoffrey shook his head. “Nay, my Lord, not exactly.’
Almeric raised his eyes to Sir Geoffrey´s face. “What mean you?’
By way of a response, Sir Geoffrey motioned to a knight waiting outside the tent. Almeric frowned but waited. In a moment, a small child was brought before him. He was fragile for a lad, and wore a dark brown cape to cover his colors, with a hood that covered his head and almost all of his face. Sir Geoffrey held on tightly to the lad´s shoulders while the child attempted vigorously to escape the vice-like grip the older Norman had on him.
“What is this, Chatwyn?’ Almeric laughed and lounged back in his chair. “They are sending children to fight us?’
Just then the lad broke free of Sir Geoffrey´s grasp but not before Sir Geoffrey managed to pull the hood off the lad´s head.
Glorious blonde locks spilled from beneath the hood and a pair of viciously intelligent blue eyes stared into Almeric´s astonished gaze.
“What is this?’ Almeric repeated again and laughed despite his surprise. He remembered this one. The younger female Fitzwalter. The one he had offered for. Suspicion immediately clouded his eyes.
“We caught him…I mean, her…’Sir Geoffrey began, “wandering about the outskirts of the camp. Twiddling about the mine shaft she was.’
Melissant turned and aimed a furious gaze in Sir Geoffrey´s direction. “I was not twiddling, you twit! I have business with Lord Almeric and not for your ears!’
At these words, Almeric burst out laughing while Sir Geoffrey turned a bright shade of red. “Watch your mouth, bitch.’ Geoffrey´s tone broke no further insults and he reached for her again, this time capturing a slim shoulder.
“Leave her with me.’ Almeric ordered, curious as to why she would be here at all.
Sir Geoffrey released his hold on Melissant and turned to go but not before giving her a warning glance.
Turning away from the towering Norman as he exited the tent, Melissant mustered all of her resolved and commended herself to all the saints of Christendom, for what she had in mind would certainly require all the divine interception that they could muster.
Smiling, Almeric rose and offered Melissant a chair.
~*~*~*~*~Key
Matins – morning prayers, usually said at sunrise.
Aide-de-campe - Military assistant; second in command.
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Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No monies are being made from this work.
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