Lady's Honor

​Gwaedhiell arrived at the Prancing Pony yet again, it was morning the sun just coming over the horizon.  Where she had been during the night was a mystery to patrons and friends alike.   Approaching the hearth near the door the woman stood in silence immediately wrestling with her thoughts.  Sometimes the greatest enemy she had was her own mind, the flames dancing on her blue orbs like candlelight in a darkened room.   Her thoughts started out pleasant, she thought of spring making it's way into full bloom.  Bree-land was rustic but it had a beauty like no other in this season.   But soon she was taken to a childhood memory.   The garden she had at home at the estate, filled with marigolds and almost every flower she could imagine.   But that is when the memory became sour.  She was but ten years old and had been seated there with her tutor Marlowe, he had been teaching her how to read and write Sindarin.  Why she had to learn a tongue that wasn't  even her own, she couldn't fathom.  A child is a child regardless of their upbringing, she was frightfully bored.  In the middle of the lesson her Mother had approached, garbed in a crimson gown, that was made of none other than fine silk.  Her hair cropped into a beautiful if not exaggerated bun, she stood tall and with elegance if anyone saw her, the resemblance between the two females would be striking.  "M'lady Erthriel I did not expect you here.  What can I do for you?"  Inquired the tutor.  The young Gwaedhiell immediately lowered her head upon her Mother's approach she felt something had been coming.  And it would not be to her liking.  The lady of the house pursed her lips and stood there silently for a moment, then saying "When you are finished with this lesson.  I would suggest you go to our library and take out Lady's Honor.  That book could serve her as a guide to manners in the court, Eru knows that with that bold tongue of her's it will surely be a stain on our family.   It is best that she learns the courtly graces before it is too late."   The tutor bowed his head "Yes your grace as you wish."  Gwaedhiell had walked over to her Mother after this was said, her small frame reaching out to hug the woman.   But had been reprimanded for such an action "Gwaedhiell return to your studies.  We cannot waste our time on displays of affection, a curious mind grows.  But a dull one dies, bask in every lesson my child.  For a lady is not witless."   She left the garden and the child was reminded at that moment, with birthright there is no love.   It is all duty and courtly graces.   Stepping out of the memory, Gwaedhiell departed from the common room and descended into the corridor.