For the Love of a Maia
For the Love of a Maia
Chapter 5: Why Love Is Complicated
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 5 - Why Love is Complicated
While Haldir and Elyen rested under the canopy of their lovemaking, Ulric was pacing the Herber, deep in thought.
He needed to speak to Anysse, to discover what was in her mind, to try to make her understand she was placing her life in jeopardy, both from Almeric and from her own parents.
He left the Herber making sure he was not seen and entered Rowan Bold via the dining room where the kitchen staff was busy wiping, dusting and moping away the traces of the night's festivities.
He climbed the stone stair, carefully approaching Anysse's chamber. No one was about this side of the Tower and he guessed that even at midmorning, everyone was still asleep.
Ulric knew what he was doing was inappropriate, although not exactly dangerous. He was considered Elyen's betrothed and a good friend to Godfrey, but still, he was nervous as he approached the chamber Ulric knew Anysse shared with Melissant. He did not fear discovery by the young girl, for he knew she had forsaken her chamber that night for fear of her parents and had instead slept in one of the rooms close to Wyat's room, and these were at least ten doors away from Anysse's chamber.
Gently, he knocked on the door and waited. In moments, he heard a muffled voice, "Who is it?"
Ulric did not answer, but knocked again. This time he heard Anysse's soft footfalls. The door was cracked open and Ulric saw Anysse's tear-stained face peep at him. Suddenly she stepped back from the door and opened it wide. Her eyes were luminous.
"Are you mad?" She whispered, looking past him.
Ulric felt his knees would buckle under his weight from love and desire, "Aye! I am!" He answered her with a touch of anger in his voice. "But no more than you!"
Anysse dragged him inside the room and closed the door behind him. "You cannot stay but a moment."
Ulric snorted, "A moment is all I need."
Anysse cocked her head and crossed her arms. She turned from Ulric and sat at the side of her bed. "I do not need admonishments from you. Not today." She raised her dark eyes to Ulric's face.
Seeing the distress openly shown on her face, Ulric's anger and frustration melted away and he came to kneel before her.
"Sweetheart," he began, not realizing he had used the endearment. "What possessed you to speak about the Priory? Do you not realize the lie will be given away as soon as you reach Sempringham?
Anysse looked in wonder at Ulric's face, hearing little of what he had to say, knowing only he had called her his sweetheart. Of its own accord, her hand raised to his clean-shaven face and she caressed the smooth jaw, following the trail to his eyebrows and then down his nose, stopping at his lips.
Ulric had allowed this intimate exploration of his face only because he did not have the strength to stand and leave as he knew he should. They were both treading on dangerous waters and she knew it as well.
Instead, he closed his eyes, his breathing ragged and he whispered, "For the love of all the angels, Anysse, don't make this harder than it is." His eyes opened and he saw her vulnerability for the first time. Large unshed tears brimmed in her eyes.
"But it is you I love," Anysse brokenly whispered. "Why cannot we be given leave to love each other and marry as we wont?" Her hands now caressed his cheek and Ulric pressed his face further into her touch.
"Because you are the daughter of Godfrey Fitzwalter and bring the Northern lands as your dowry and I am but the nephew of an Earl. Wyat will inherit your father's title as Lord of York and all of its outlying shires, but marriage to you opens the way until Wyat inherits. Your father will not oppose this match to Almeric, do you not see this? Even if I wanted to, marriage to you cannot be." His eyes rose to her face.
"Then," Anysse whispered, leaning close to his face, "you are not betrothed to Elyen?"
Ulric knew he had to proceed with care here. "That is an arrangement which is very complicated." His eyes studied Anysse's face.
Abruptly she dropped her hand away from his face. "Then you have plighted your troth to her!" Her eyes watched him, a pained expression spreading from her eyes to the rest of her body and she slumped away from him.
"Go, Ulric, Duke of Ormsby," she said bitterly, turning her face from him. "Go and marry your arrangement. I shall think of you no more!"
Ulric stood, frustration plainly written on his face. "Anysse..." he began, but was cut short when voices sounded in the hall outside the door.
Anysse reacted in a moment, flinging herself off the bed and listening at the door. "'Tis my Lady Mother!" she hissed at Ulric.
Ulric looked about him, but the chamber offered no place to hide, save the open window.
Without looking back, he jumped to the window ledge, entrusted his care to the highest powers and grasped a protruding brick to his left. In a moment, he had swung his legs out of the ledge and was trying desperately to gain a foothold without being seen by the Tower archers.
~*~*~*~*~
Elyen and Haldir were slowly strolling out of the forest canopy, their eyes only for each other, their arms entwined about each other's waist.They spoke in hushed tones as lovers do, braiding the air of intimacy like a mantle of silverlight which nothing can penetrate.
They had spoken long about themselves, their feelings for each other. Haldir knew now what Elyen's strange words had meant. She was not only reinforcing their union, but also bidding goodbye to this world. When the time came for her to go, she would, with Haldir at her side. He knew now that she loved him and would forsake all others for him, as he knew he had done with her long ago.
Their first joining had been sweet and impassioned but Haldir knew there were many more to come and he looked forward to spending his life by the side of this great lady.
Just then, a small robin flew close to Elyen and perched on her shoulder.
Amazed by the bird's boldness, Haldir stopped and turned to look at Elyen, a frown creasing his smooth forehead. "What magic is this?"
Elyen laughed and reached for the tiny bird, which promptly jumped on her finger and then turned to eye Haldir. "She's but my eyes in the forest." Elyen crinkled her nose and whispered to the bird. What it was Haldir knew not, for Sindarin it was not.
The bird shook itself and flew off. Elyen turned to look at Haldir and laughed at the open look of confusion on his face.
"Let's return to the Bold, for there is much I need to discuss with Ulric." Draping her arm around Haldir's she began to walk slowly toward the House.
But as they neared the rear drawbridge, Haldir put a hand over Elyen's arm and nodded to the side of the House, his own eyes never wavering from it.
"What is your betrothed doing dangling from the sides of Rowan Bold, Elyen Variëntari?" His blonde eyebrows arched in utter amazement and he shook his head.
Elyen gasped but did not call out Ulric's name for fear the archers would spot him. "He's very near Anysse's chamber window."
Haldir gave Elyen a brief glance but said nothing.
"Can you help him, Haldir?" Elyen asked.
Haldir frowned for a moment. "If I had my rope it would be an easy task." He turned his eyes to Elyen. "Can you not weave a spell for him?"
Elyen frowned, "Weave a spell? What sort of spell?" She asked in mock frustration. "I cannot make a tree grow in the middle of this field! And that would be his best escape, would it not?"
Haldir nodded, "No ents about, eh?"
Elyen gave him a withering look.
"Did not Melian raise a girdle of mountains once?" Haldir asked Elyen.
"What?" Exclaimed Elyen, shaking her head. "I do not think it is wise for me to raise an entire mountain range in the midst of the York moors."
Haldir frowned and crossed his arms. "The good thing is that the archers have not seen him yet." Haldir had a thought.
"Elyen?" He turned to her.
"Yes?" she answered, taking her eyes off Ulric who still dangled precariously on a small brick overhang.
"Fog, mist." Haldir suggested.
Elyen took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. As she did, she raised her arms and began to speak slowly. Again, it was a language Haldir did not understand but he waited, watching the trees of the woods behind them suddenly disappear behind a creeping thick fog that rolled quickly and steadily toward them.
The mist coiled itself about the House nearly swallowing it. Haldir turned to Elyen and whispered, "That's it...I will only require a few minutes..." and with that, he moved off toward the House, disappearing into the thick fog.
Inside the fog, it was hot and humid but Haldir's elven eyes were able to see past it and in seconds, he had reached the side of the House.
With nimble agility, Haldir climbed the sides of the stone and brick building, reaching Ulric in a matter of moments.
"Ulric!" Haldir whispered above him.
Unable to see in the fog, Ulric still heard Haldir's voice and he answered it, "Aye?"
"I am below you. Place your right foot upon my shoulder and I shall grab you."
Ulric was not sure. "I cannot see you, how is it that you can see me?"
From the fog came a derisive snort, "No time for that. Do as I say and drop your right foot, you shall find my shoulder waiting."
Having no other choice, Ulric obeyed Haldir and when he dropped his right foot from the brick overhang, he found it resting upon a solidly built body.
Strong hands grasped Ulric's leg, "Now the left."
Still holding on with his hands, Ulric dropped his left leg. Again, it was grasped tightly.
"Now, as much as I dislike doing this, Atani," Haldir said dryly, "You must sit yourself upon my shoulder. I will lower you from there."
Ulric was not very certain of this next move, but he carefully lowered his buttocks until they were met with a strong body and this time he understood the curse that escaped from Haldir's lips. In a moment, a strong arm had draped itself over his waist and he was being inexplicably pulled down by a strength he had never known another being could possess.
Though the fog was still thickly blanketing everything, Haldir was still able to see well and with Ulric in tow, he climbed down the side of the House and placed the out of breath human upon the ground.
Turning to Elyen, Haldir nodded, "He is unharmed."
Both Ulric and Haldir heard Elyen utter strange sounding words and in moments, the fog began to recoil as if it were a living thing, twirling back upon itself, until it was only visible in the top of the dark woods and soon after that, it was gone from sight.
Ulric turned to Haldir, "Thank you!" he was breathing hard and he doubled over to better catch his breath. Haldir nodded and walked a few feet away, standing directly behind Elyen.
Elyen watched Ulric with a serious look, "Precisely, what were you doing perched up there?"
Ulric turned his face to look at Elyen, "I will tell you as soon as I catch my breath and my wits."
Elyen harrumphed in discontent and crossed her arms. Behind her, Haldir smiled in amusement. What the man was doing was obvious to him, but he wondered how much of Elyen's plan was already in the making, even if she had not yet lifted a single finger. The two Atani were determined to be caught in their secret romance and far would it be for him to tell Elyen that what she was planning for Ulric and Anysse was probably already well under way. Chuckling softly, he crossed his arms and waited.
~*~*~*~*~
When at last Ulric recovered, Elyen suggested that they all go to her chambers and there speak privately about the pressing issues of Almeric Atteford.
By now, the breakfast hours had passed and the House was stirring. The kitchens were once again gearing up for supper, which would probably take a few more hours.
Once the group reached Elyen's chamber, she made sure to bolt it from the inside.
She motioned for Ulric to sit. His deep brown eyes studied her quietly.
Haldir had taken a place close to the window, closing it but leaving a crack open so he could see and hear what was going on outside. It was obvious that the House was going to be slow to rise on this day for only a few of the guests milled about outside and some were already saddling their horses, obviously deciding to not remain for the evening supper.
Haldir turned his cool eyes as Elyen began to speak. His sword, bow, quiver and other weapons were already in place, having stopped briefly in his room to gather his belongings. His provisions bag was also neatly slung about his back.
"Ulric," Elyen began, she came to stand before the man. "I know that Anysse is very important to you." She came to sit beside him. "How and why I missed this, I do not know, but believe me, my friend, it was never my intention to stand in the way of your happiness."
Ulric smiled wanly, "I know this, Elyen."
"But the truth of it is, and I see it clearly now, that had you been free to woo and marry Anysse we would not be where we are today. Almeric would not dare raise a hand against your uncle or Anstig Mote." She said solemnly referring to the great northern fortress that was Ulric's ancestral home. Her eyes left Ulric's face and fixed on a distant spot.
Haldir listened to all of this, instantly fascinated. His eyes traveled to the window and he saw several riders cross the drawbridge and pull away from the House. A few still lingered in conversation and one of these was Gilbert de Poynes, the bright red cross of his tunic flaming in the June light like a roaring dragon.
"I've pondered on our situation, Ulric and there is only one thing for it." She crossed her arms and quietly regarded the younger man.
Ulric frowned, "What would you do?"
Elyen smiled, "It is not what I would do, but what you will do." Was her enigmatic reply.
Ulric was instantly on the alert and rose to his feet. "Well, then, what I am to do?"
Elyen smiled, "I want you to intercept Anysse's escort to Sempringham."
Ulric's eyes widened with disbelief, "You want me to what?" He walked away from her, turned and took a step forward, only to stop and rub his face with both his hands. When he dropped his hands from his face, he seemed composed and a slight smile played about his lips.
Ulric turned to Haldir, who was watching everything with a great interest. "For a moment, I thought she said she wanted me to kidnap Anysse!" Ulric laughed nervously.
In response, Haldir arched on eyebrow but said nothing.
Seeing the serious look in the elf's eyes, Ulric turned to Elyen. "Elyen," he began reasonably, "do you expect me to fight off fifteen armed knights?"
Elyen did not answer but merely sat on the bed and stared at Ulric.
Ulric groaned, "Oh by all that's holy! I can't think on an empty stomach!"
Abruptly, a large leather bag hit Ulric in the face and he caught it quickly. Confused, he saw that it had come from Haldir.
"Eat," the elf said.
Nodding his gratitude, Ulric opened the bag and extracted a dark flask with a silver top and some dry bread. He began eating and after a moment felt full and well. He threw the bag toward Haldir, who deftly caught it with one hand and reslung it around his back.
Elyen had waited patiently and now she wanted to resume their conversation. "Will you do it?" She asked Ulric.
Ulric sighed, "Elyen, tell me how I can overcome fifteen well-trained, armed knights?!" His face was beginning to flush with frustration.
"I will help you fight off the Atani guards." Haldir said quietly.
Ulric's eyes flew to the elf by the window. "No doubt you can take on one hundred armed knights single-handedly!" He saw Haldir cock his head to one side and then turn to look out the window.
"But, what I cannot understand," Ulric said this to Elyen, "is what I am supposed to do with Anysse once I have her."
Elyen took a deep breath and shifted on the bed, "You will marry her." Was her calm reply.
Ulric began to laugh but his merriment soon died down when he saw that neither Haldir nor Elyen were laughing.
Pulling out a chair from under the sturdy table, Ulric sat heavily. He shook his head. "We could all lose our heads for this."
"It is a possibility." Elyen countered and she met Ulric's gaze. "But, as you said yourself not hours ago, Almeric's hand must be forced."
Ulric snickered, "And I am that weapon you would wield?"
"Nay," replied Haldir, "the maid is the key to this."
Ulric was beginning to understand. "So you think that if I marry Anysse," he paused and scratched his ear, "a thing I must confess is not exactly contrary to my desires, then your plan is that Almeric will --- what?" He asked in exasperation.
Haldir grinned and looked at Elyen.
"Ulric," Elyen left the bed and took a chair next to Ulric. "Anysse brings the Northern realms as her dowry, does she not? Wyat has not inherited your father's title and Lordship of York, but Anysse as eldest has also a portion of these lands as her endowment." She saw Ulric nod his head. "Very well," She continued, "By refusing Almeric's offer and taking vows, whether he comes for her or not at the end of one year, he still has an excuse to lay siege to this House and its shires. You know Sir Gilbert suspects Almeric has annexed all the lands south of his own realms and naught does the King know of this. With the King's son claiming rights to the throne at the same time as the King, this land can ill afford a war on two sides." Her eyes bore into Ulric's face.
Slow understanding was coming to Ulric now. "And so you think to outwit Almeric before the King's eyes? If the Northern lands are lost to him because Anysse is unattainable, then he will show his true colors? You believe he will force Godfrey to forfeit Wyat's right to inherit?" He saw Elyen nod.
"But all we need do to thwart him is to go to Godfrey." Ulric argued.
"Nay, we cannot," said Elyen. "He wants this royal marriage as much as Almeric does but for different reasons. Godfrey is still loyal to the King; Almeric aspires to the throne. Anysse is the key for both in obtaining their goals. Godfrey will not listen to talk of treason by his possible future son-in-law. Remember, Almeric has been operating in shadows for a very long time. We need to draw him out."
"But how does marriage to me accomplish this?" Ulric asked.
"It avoids an open confrontation which could lead to a siege of Rowan Bold and York. Godfrey commands no more than five hundred at best. Almeric has thousands at his command. Your family not only is allied to the King but also to many of the Northern Barons still loyal to King Henry, and what is best, you have the element of surprise. While he thinks her kidnapped, he will divert a good deal of his attention and revenues to searching for Anysse. In the meantime, this gives us time to get a message to Henry in Normandy, or at the very least to Robert de Lacy. If you marry her, Ulric, then you are both equal in rank to Almeric by dint of your own bloodline. He will not raise a hand against the Earls of Anstig or the Dukes of Ormsby, for their ties to the rest of the kingdom is too great."
Elyen sat back in her chair and looked at Haldir before turning her blue gaze to Ulric's face. "Do you understand now?"
Ulric nodded, "Aye, I do, Elyen, but I tell ye, we might all lose our heads. Come next year's Pavement Market, they may be spiked upon Pavement Pillory."
"There is one more thing," Elyen added. She saw both Ulric and Haldir turn to gaze at her. "You must both depart Rowan Bold at once. It must be made to look as if you are journeying to meet your kinsman at the Mote, Ulric and taking Haldir with you."
"Aye," Ulric said, "and where shall we intercept Godfrey's knights?"
Haldir was following everything with a grimness to his face that underlined the seriousness of the situation. Ulric was right, Haldir thought. They could all very well lose their lives.
Elyen thought for a moment. "They will need to cross Ouse Bridge."
Ulric nodded, "Aye, they will, to leave the city itself."
"Wait two leagues from the river. Be it then."
Ulric thought for a moment. "Best make it four leagues from the river."
Haldir shifted his weight, "Why?"
Ulric turned to gaze at the composed elf. "Because there is too much travel on that bridge toward York upon the Ouse River. Further south, on the quieter roads they will need to take toward Sempringham, the trees are thickest, it is less traveled, and I would daresay you prefer the cover of deep trees, do you not?"
Haldir nodded and gave Ulric a small grin, "For an Atani, you think very quickly."
Ulric nodded but said nothing.
"Then, make your move four leagues from the river, turn and double back and head toward Anstig Mote. Do not cross the river at Ouse Bridge for Almeric's men will be watching that road. Instead, turn south, cross the River Aire and take care to not be seen by the settlement in Wortley-across-the Aire, and then north to the River Wharfe. From there you can strike toward Anstig. I will make your Lord Uncle privy to what is taking place. By the time you ride north of the River Wharfe your Uncle's men will be on the lookout for you." Elyen stood.
"Remember then Sir Gilbert's advice," Ulric said, "Use the Great Wold Road."
Elyen shook her head, "My heralds need no roads."
Ulric frowned and turned to look at Haldir. The Elf merely lifted an eyebrow but otherwise made no comment.
Elyen's face took on a grim and determined look. "I have long sought to make certain Henry stays put on the throne. It is now even more important that happens and is so. His power must be guaranteed for at least another fifteen years. After that..." she did not go on.
However, Ulric was not going to be so easily put off, not when he was being asked to risk everything and everyone dear to him. "After that, what?"
Elyen turned her bright blue eyes toward Ulric's face and met his steady brown gaze. "After that a new generation will be born, your sons and daughters, a new King will come, a new threat, but by then the shadow of uncertainty will have passed and the Lords of this land will demand a greater control over their own fates." She rose and came to stand beside Haldir. "You will not need me for that."
Ulric's eyes shifted from Elyen to Haldir. "So, you will sail for Valinor once this is done?"
Elyen nodded. "Do not harden your heart against me for it. I wish to return to the land of my people and my time here is slowly closing, I can feel it."
Ulric stood, his face softened, "Nay, I will not gainsay you nor oppose you. I am glad of it for you. You deserve much, Elyen." Ulric sighed, "I hope that your plan goes as you say."
Elyen smiled and leaned against Haldir's strong chest. Instantly, he uncrossed his arms and wrapped them about the Maia. "I hope so as well." With those words, she closed her eyes.
In a moment, she had opened her eyes and was gazing seriously at Ulric. "Go now and prepare yourself for you must both leave tonight."
"Ulric," Elyen called out quickly and Ulric stopped in mid-stride, turning a questioning glance in her direction. "May the Valar guide you my friend, for perhaps after this we may never see each other again." Her voice was heavy with unconcealed emotion.
Ulric approached Elyen, "My heart tells me we shall see each other again," he said with a small smile and then looked up, beyond Elyen, to see Haldir slowly nod. "I shall meet you in the back of the stables when the moon has risen." Ulric saw Haldir nod in consent.
Smiling down at Elyen, he squeezed one of her hands and quickly left the room.
Alone, Elyen turned in Haldir's arms and gazed upon the fair face of the Elf, "I will not say my heart goes with you."
Haldir smiled and saw the grim worry there, "There is always hope." His voice was soft.
Elyen nodded, "I know. Even if it is only the hope of a fool." She saw Haldir smile and she pressed her head against his strong chest.
~*~*~*~*~
Three days later, and it was time for Anysse to depart Rowan Bold for Sempringham Priory. Since the day she and Ulric had quarreled, they had not set eyes upon each other. She had learned not two days before that Ulric and Elyen's tall friend had ridden out of the Bold together, headed for Anstig Mote. Anysse had wished with all of her heart that she could have gone with them, and she had cried bitter tears the same night she had learned of Ulric's departure. Yet, tension in the Bold was growing thicker by the day, and Anysse for her part had much thinking and planning to do.
Finally, the day came and Anysse was going through her belongings one more time. It was early morning still and she had not eaten anything, knowing her stomach would not take kindly to food or drink. She was too nervous, too frightened. Nevertheless, she was determined. Since Ulric would not have her and she refused Almeric, as she had done already, perhaps she could still manage to somehow escape the escort to the Priory and find refuge elsewhere. She already had formulated a plan of sorts. Escaping her escort and making her way North would give her more time to decide what she should do.
She had hidden her best jewels in a small silver coffer and this she had tucked into her sleeves. They might be sold for passage out of England or perhaps to Wales or Scotland. Anywhere she thought, away from the misery of her life.
The door of her chamber abruptly slammed open and Melissant came sauntering into the room. Her intelligent blue eyes looked about the chamber and then narrowed upon her sister.
"Your silver box", she said, running her hand over the prie-dieu, "it is not here. You need no jewels where you are going."
Anysse did not respond and continued to fold some last minute items.
"Mother says I can have this room for myself and that ye shall not be coming back to claim it." Melissant studied her sister's back. Something was wrong. By now, the two should have been in an intense argument with Anysse threatening to lop off Melissant's long locks.
Concerned, Melissant came to stand by her older sister and her eyes softened when she saw the tears quietly running down Anysse's face.
"Oh sister," Melissant exclaimed, moved, "I meant it not. Of course you shall come back and this shall be your room once again." She leaned down to take a peak at Anysse's face. "I will keep everything as you like it." She promised.
Anysse suddenly straightened and Melissant pulled back. She watched her sister sit on the bed and turn a tear-stained face to her. Melissant was shocked. Never had Anysse shown weakness before her. This side of her sister was unknown and it both frightened and saddened Melissant.
"Oh, sweet, dearest, Meli," Anysse sniffed, "come," she patted the bed, "sit by my side. There is much I needs say and I must say it to someone or I shall surely die of grief." Anysse cried bitterly and Melissant, shocked beyond her years, came demurely to sit by her older sister's side.
Quietly, Melissant waited and then Anysse began to speak.
In a hushed and sad voice, Anysse told Melissant of her love for Ulric and his for her. She explained how doomed that love was and how she had turned down all offers of marriage waiting for him to declare himself to their father. However, the years came and went and he had not.
Melissant sighed then, "That is because he is bewitched by Elyen."
Anysse had cried and then calmed herself, "I had not believed it until he said their relationship was complicated. It was then I knew."
Melissant frowned, "Complicated? What is complicated about love?" She stared at her feet, "One falls in love, one marries, one couples. What is so complicated about that?" She waved her hand, "Pshew! Running Rowan Bold is more complicated than that!"
This comment drew a laugh from Anysse. "Aye, you are right." She sighed raggedly, "But, Meli, I have done a terrible thing." Here her eyes watered again but she controlled the tears and they did not flow.
Meli stared at Anysse, "What have you done?"
"I lied, sister," she began, looking into Meli's wide eyes, "there is no promise from Sempringham Priory for me to take Holy Vows."
Meli whistled, "By God's balls! Now, that is a fine mess." She stared at her sister with something akin to admiration. Who would have thought the quiet Anysse was capable of creating such a fuss? Meli dangled her feet over the edge of the bed. "So, if there is no promise, what were you thinking will happen when you reach the Priory? I do not think they will welcome you with open arms, even if you offer them all the jewels of Christendom!"
"I have no intention of reaching the Priory." Anysse had said quietly.
At this, Meli had risen from the bed and stared at her sister, her face aghast with fear. "And what are you going to do instead? Think you father's knights will allow you to merrily ride off into the wild wolds?"
Anysse shook her head, "Nay, I would steal away when we stop to make camp; I plan to ride to Baldric's Castle."
"Baldric's Castle?" Meli nearly screamed and Anysse quickly placed her hand over Meli's mouth.
"Hush, Meli!"
Melissant nodded and Anysse removed her hand, "But you cannot be serious. Baldric and his sons will eat you for supper!" She trembled at the thought.
Anysse smiled, "Nay, they are not that bad, they just smell and drink a wee too much, I will be safe there until I decide what to do."
Melissant crossed her arms, "Well, I think you ought to marry Almeric Atteford and take Ulric as your lover. That way everyone gets what they want."
Anysse stared at her sister with upraised eyebrows.
"Well, 'tis true," Meli pouted.
At last, Anysse finished folding the extra garments and she rose. "I bind you to silence, Melissant, say naught of this to anyone. My life is in your hands."
Melissant stared solemnly at her sister and suddenly her blue eyes teared.
Seeing this, Anysse smiled and smoothed the hair behind the child's head, "Oh, Meli...do not cry. All will be well." She gave her little sister a hug and noticed that for the first time ever Melissant returned the hug.
Anysse kissed Melissant on the cheek, picked up the satchel of clothes and crossed to open the chamber door. "Wish me Godspeed, Meli."
"Godspeed, Anysse," Melissant said sadly, tears now spilling down her pale cheeks. "Do not let Uncle Baldric suffer upon you anything strange to drink." She waved as Anysse looked back and smiled bravely.
~*~*~*~*~
KEY:prie-dieu = a prayer desk with a kneeling ledge and a bookshelf.
Melian = Melian, the Maia, who married the elven king, Thingol.
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