Xanderian slipped into the cottage out of the rising dawn carrying a tray of oatcakes, still steaming in the wintry air. As she walked past the fireplace in the makeshift parlor, she heard Addie's voice carrying from the bedroom, brimming with weariness and frustration. "If I would have known that I would have been moving around so much after coming to Bree... that I would have to deal with such matters...kidnapping, being hunted.. I would have let Grima take me."
The huntress stepped into the bedroom, finding the Lady Ahmo holding Addie's hand, comforting her while sitting on the bed. "It would have been less painful I think.." Feeling Xanderian entering, the older elleth brightened as she turned. ''Rian! And you have brought treats. Well look at you! How beautiful you are with your basket of tea cakes."
Xanderian looked down...but smiled..."My lady is too kind...and hail friend Addie.Come and eat."
Addiela huffed a bit petulantly, "No offense to the cook, but I'd rather starve right now.." She leaned back against the headboard and turned her face away from the two elves.
The Lady Ahmo sighed and looked over to Nethrida, slumbering in the other bed. "Well, she at least will be hungry as a bear when she awakens. Rian keeps taking her out for walks and swims, tiring her out." She winked at Xan, then leaned forward and gave a sweet kiss on the check. Blushing slightly, the huntress kissed the Lady's hands reverently.
As the two exchanged greetings while Addie sulked at the extravagance of elves, Masin entered the cottage and heard the voices so was assured that at least one of the women was already awake. He stopped in the doorway to the bedroom and leaned there for a moment.
Xanderian looked up and stepped back from the bed. "Ah good..the Paramour...he should improve your demeanor, dear one...now explain how starving to death might improve things?"
Glaring at Xan, Addie threw her hands up in frustration. "Kill me.. don't kill me.. I am tired of running and hiding."
'We are not running...and we are certainly not hiding...it seems all of Breeland know where we are." Xan looked back at Masin. "Come eat, Paramour." She set a cake down for Addie anyway.
The Lady Ahmo cleared her throat, after it became clear Addie felt she had said her last word on the subject. "Xanderian, the reason for Addie's upset is...well, Cesistya who you know spoke aloud what I have thought since the beginning of all this. namely that the last stage of their recovery should be in Mithlond. They should stay in the estate of the Lady Arahen and all the might of Lindon shall guard them"
Masin looked to Ahmo, "How far is Lindon?" Addie took the cake set down for her and began to eat, seeming to be hungry despite her foul mood. She narrowed her eyes toward Masin as he asked that question.
Ahmo munched a cake as she spoke. "It is only a couple days travel. I know where I can arrange a coach which will be more comfortable than the rough cart"
Masin seemed oblivious to Addie's aggravation. 'May I join you at least to guard the trip?'
Ahmo nodded enthusiastically, "I think you ought to. If Eduwiges may be found, I shall ask her as well. She is a maid of Rohan who I chanced to meet in Eregion once upon a time. A trusty sort and sharp eyed as the Rohirrim are'
Seeming pleased, Masin looked to Addie again, seeing the frustration on her face and wondering what caused it as he continued speaking to the Lady Ahmo. "I do wish to stay with you and make sure both Neth and Addie stay safe, as well as you and Xanderian."
Ahmo smiled graciously, "Masin I believe, my good friend, that your company is necessary."
In response, Masin bowed this head, "At your service." Her words had clearly meant a great deal to him.
Xanderian bit her lip quietly...and looked at Addie. The girl was looking to the fire, watching it while she broodingly ate the teacake. When Xanderian finally spoke, her tone was filled with uncertainty. "There will be no thanks for drawing the Dourhand to Mithlond...over a matter that concerns our kin not at all."
"The Dourhands would not dare encroach the lands of Lindon. The Dourhands roused our folk to anger once before and felt the sting. I'll invoke my right to an audience with the shipwright to ensure they do again." The Lady Ahmo said blithely as she took another cake assuming the matter closed.
Xanderian, however, was unconvinced. 'My lady overestimates the vigilance and concern of our folk...and underestimates the malice of the Dourhand' She cleared her throat. "My Lady, I am inclined to agree with friend Addie."
Addiela looked back to Rian, more than a bit surprised. "What?" The Lady Ahmo looked at Xanderian as well, equally surprised.
Setting her shoulders, the young huntress continued, meeting Ahmo's eyes. "We must choose our ground, and take our stand...and the less we move, the less we betray of our plans and condition. Even should our folk, out of deference to you, Lady Ahmo, shelter us...the Dourhand are patient as death...and like death, they will wait. If I felt that this matter could truly be resolved by withdrawing we would be in Belfalas today, on a secure island, with my own guards defending the keep. All of that is in readiness at this very moment if I or Xandilif thought it required."
Ahmo sounded a bit cross as she replied, 'If we muster our army, they will stand down. If we and the dwarves both muster, then they will wail and beg for terms. At any rate, Neth would likely not agree to Belfalas. Let us not give her more cause for worry"
Xan shook her head. "No my lady they will not...the Dourhand will melt away like water and await the next high tide...and I have already discussed the possibility with Nethrida...and when it is time for her to see to the Justice of Gondor it will be from the security of Tol Lochul and The House of Three Graces. But at this moment, we gain nothing but a delay by moving to a more secure location....'
The Lady Ahmo stood resolutely. "The delay would see our friends restored to their full measure of health. But like this, hiding in damp cold houses, one after another..
Addiela interrupted, "If I were of sound body, I would bring the fight to them.. now."
Ahmo patted her hand. 'When you can run and ride,dear Addie. Until then you need safety above all else.
"They make great progress...and the nature of the hiding place is of little matter my lady. Xanderian remained adamant. "And...I do not think sheltering with our people will serve either Addie or Nethrida well'
The Lady Ahmo was becoming truly annoyed now., 'Why say you so? What is amiss about a place where they can enjoy an open garden and sweet fruits and the welcome conversation of neighbors whose hand will not be raised against them in treachery for any sack of silver."
Xan was becoming just as heated. "...And who view them with polite disdain as lateborn seeking their protection and charity yet again. They will be treated with hospitality for YOUR sake, while you are watching..but when you are not? There are many kinds of benign betrayal that need no coins to buy. I KNOW what our people can be...in ways, with all due deference my esteemed lady does not.
Ahmo stared at her young protege. "You are saying nothing, child. The folk of Bree treat outsiders with polite disdain as well but for different reasons'
Rian met her glare. 'Yes..but both Nethrida and Addie are viewed as local here, whatever the truth is....they have connection to the folk of this land...in Lindon they have none..less than none in fact.'
Masin leaned on the bed frame, eating a tea cake thoughtfully, then finally says, trying to bring the argument to a close between the two elves, "So If we go to Lindon? What are we hoping the outcome is? Versus the other options?"
The huntress sighed and turned...considered for a moment then spoke. "In Lindon the women will not face, most likely, direct attack, but assassination by other means will still be possible, and certainly attempted whatever the Lady Ahmo assumes. And as soon as they leave Lindon, then the Dourhand will fall upon them."
Ahmo frowned in disbelief at her insolence but Xan continued. "Here, we have the ability to choose our ground and prepare our defense...and lull the Dourhand into a sense of complacency...they feel they have the upper hand now and we can exploit that."
Ahmo would not hear of it. "No, there is no real alternative save for fortifying this house and waiting two and a half more months, hoping our foes remain at bay."
Addie looked at Rian, one word still ringing in her ears. "Hmm.. Assassination? If they truly wanted to kill us, would they not have done it by now?" Ahmo nodded once curtly at Addie, whispering "Indeed!", now openly exasperated by Xan's argument.
The huntress nodded as well. "Yes, but there is no need now for them to do so friend Addie, they feel we await their pleasure. That will change if we bring you into Lindon. Their needs and approach will change accordingly. If they have no other recourse, they will strike at us from hiding...since that will also serve to embarrass the lords of Lindon."
Ahmo shook her head violently, 'Nay, THAT they will not suffer! There is no place for a naugrim to hide in Lindon."
Xanderian sighed. 'I know my esteemed lady has great confidence in the better nature of our people...but I do not....I know the petty nature that even the most wise hold within, and how this is simply not the problem of the first born in their eyes. I...I know the Lady is wise and has only the best for her sisters in her mind...'
The Lady Ahmo shook her head again with authority. "Enough, it is for Addie and Nethrida to decide, not myself and not you, Xanderian. Our tales are all entangled. All of us here. Yet this decision must lay with them. Let us speak again on the morrow, when heads are perhaps clearer." She looked pointedly at Rian, who looked at the floor. "I have matters to attend to now..'
Xanderian dropped to one knee. "As my lady wills', and the Lady Ahmo departed with a regal step, still clearly annoyed with the young huntress' obstinacy.
An awkward silence lingered until Xanderian whispered to herself, still kneeling. "She will not see...she does not wish to see..."
Xanderian rose and took a tea cake sadly. "She is filled with the grace of the ages, when she meets their gaze, she sees their respect and deference to her birth and the great deeds of her forebears and nothing else.'
Addiela looked at Rian, "You might find that that two of you have more in common than you think.."
Xanderian bit into the cake. "I say this not against the Lady Ahmo...I have nothing but love and respect for her and the kindness she has shown me makes my heart sing with gratitude...But she cannot see...she cannot know"
"You are wrong' Addie spoke abruptly, as she watched the normally optimistic huntress with sympathy. "Regardless.. How vote each of you?'
Xanderian looked at her, returning her mind to martial matters. "'If I thought it best I would spirit you both away to tall towers of stone and keep you safe and well for all your lives, but I do not think that would serve either of you well. I vote we remain.'
Addie nodded at Rian's answer and then looked to Masin. "You should know where this began. Miss Cesistya came to visit today and suggested to both myself and Ahmo that we relocate.. if not to Buckland then to her family in Lindon. Ahmo stated that she had suggested this before, but that we were unwilling. The two seemed set on relocation..however between going and staying there may be a third option."
Masin nodded. "I am unsure about relocating, but the idea of this place was to have a haven no one knew of, but clearly many do now. What is this third option?"
Addiela steeled herself and spoke, her voice breaking a little. 'We go to Kheledul, the very home of these Dourhands. These twelve that seek us gather there now, do they not? Why not strike while they are still preparing?"
Xanderian tilted her head. Masin raised a brow and glanced to Rian then back to Addie, "Clever lass. Might not be a bad idea, but you and Neth can not fight, and I do not know what kind of force we can muster."
Addiela bristled a bit, 'I may not be able to swing a blade, but I can throw fire over the walls..."
Xanderian smiled slowly..."But they need not know that friend Addie and Nethrida cannot fight. Just their presence at their gates would throw them into confusion."
Masin looked over to Rian, "The more I think about it the more I like it. But what if they are not all there yet? How can we be sure? We do not want one we missed coming when our guard is down."
The huntress smiled. "We do not wish them to be fully assembled...we wish to disrupt their plans before they are ready to be sprung."
Addie looked at the two, suddenly feeling shy and uncertain, 'I am not experienced in battle.. and, therefore, will not make this call.. I only wished for us to consider all options.'
However Xanderian smiled at her. 'Your instincts do your heritage credit, dear one...I think it is the best course. Both the Banshee and I know that fortress well, and know where we will be able to strike and take refuge within...'
For a moment a prideful smile crept into the corner of Addie's lips, but she quickly cleared her throat and supressed it with a nod. "That is fortunate indeed.. And your intel that spoke to you of the gathering? They shall be able to tell us more?"
"I will go at nightfall and see for myself, daughter of the Riddermark.' Xanderian rose.
"I will trust no spy with your safety or that of my darling Nethrida. I thank you for your confidence...I shall do as you command and as I think best."
Addie seemed to waver now, "Nay.. I wish not to command any. I would have it be your choice."
The elleth simply looked at her, 'You know my choice....you knew my choice when first you laid eyes upon me in Bree...and you know my choice now and always. I shall do what needs be done...and so shall you....And you will survive this"
The blonde woman chuckled darkly. "Aye, I have no plans on dying yet, by starvation or otherwise.."
'That is more like it!" Xanderian smiled broadly. "By Elbereth...the hardest part of protecting you or my sweet Nethrida is making you see you SHOULD be protected...She has learned, now you must as well it seems'
Addie looked away, 'Imagine not being able to fight for yourself.. imagine being told that you cannot do anything.. imagine having to let others do for you.. Then you will see how hard of a pill that is to swallow."
'Nay you mistake me" Xanderian touched her face before she pulled back. "I do not say you MUST be protected...you are wounded, you will recover and grow strong..you will need no protection then....I say you SHOULD be protected...for such as you or Nethrida...you are why such as I, as Masin, exist...you are all that is best in us, and best in the world...and one day, this land will be yours. If you should not be protected...then nothing should be protected and it should all be left to the spawn of Morgoth."
Addiela looked to be confused. "What.. what do you mean? All can be good.'
The elleth nodded, her hand still but a few inches from cupping Addie's face. "Good...yes...Masin and I are good as you say...but we are killers, through and through, whatever our motives...You, Nethrida, others...you are the hope that we kill to preserve and you are what should be protected...'
Masin nodded, listening "I would protect that hope with my dying breath...but like you I have no plans on dying yet."
'Good.. for if any of you were to fall.. especially at this being my suggestion.. I would follow in mourning' Addie nearly teared up looking at the knights earnest, tender expression. Looking back and forth between the two of them, Addie shook her head. "I do not think you only to be killers.. and if that be the case, I would wager that Neth has also killed her fair share. Destroying the shadow only serves to make you the champion for light.. "
Xanderian smiled, watching them both. 'I did not say we were not such champions...and yes, Nethrida is a soldier..she has killed and will kill more, I will see to it...but none of that changes what I have said..the spark of hope within your breast, within Nethrida's, within my Cyndwin's, and Fille's, and Hawke's and so many others...that is what I fight for, what Masin fights for..so when you bridle at being protected, remember that.'
Addie nodded, taking in the words, but not seeming fully accepting of them. "I hear your words and I thank you for them... And I have hope that we will prevail....but now I must sleep, the travel today took a toll on me." She then curled into her bedding, and in a moment was sound asleep from exhaustion and tension.
Listening to her even breathing, Xanderian drew Masin out into the parlor. "If indeed we seek to bring the fight to our foes..there is much to be seen to...'
Masin nodded, "It would take a well thought out plan. the fact that you know the place we seek to enter and overthrow makes that much easier.'
'And very precise timing...' Xanderian warmed her hands at the fire. "We will not overthrow it...but we can disrupt it, and make it clear this pursuit is no longer worth the cost. We will need to be certain our allies in Bree will be able to come with us"
Masin nodded slowly, realizing suddenly he was not even sure of how big Kheledul was, "Yes there is much to plan. We also need to talk to Ahmo and Neth."
'I will do both of those things...' Noting his expression of confusion, the elleth smiled."You have no experience of our target. Kheledul is first and foremost a port, not large but well appointed and defended, with several levels beneath the fortress....we will need to strike it and be away before reinforcements can be brought from the corsair ships'
Masin nodded in understanding, "Hard and fast, In and out as quickly as we can."
Glancing back at the bedroom door, Xanderian lowered her voice...."But I have other questions for you Paramour, before we plan for war...Friend Addie tells me she has told you of her "arrangement"...what is that arrangement?'
Masin looked away awkwardly, 'You do not know of it?'
'She was circumspect...she says her hand is promised and nothing more' Xan met his eyes. 'To who and in what circumstances?'
Masin does not seem happy about the topic, but does not shy away from it, "She pledged to her father that she would marry the man he picked for her. And she intends to keep her word."
The elleth nodded slowly. 'Ahhh..I suspected as much...a promise to a dead man is never easily broken.,..or easily kept. What man might this be?'
Masin shrugged, his voice harsh despite himself., 'A lord of Rohan'
"And considering her modesty, she keeps herself chaste and tightly constrained until those bands may be read, to this man she knows not?' Xanderian's gaze could not be avoiding.
Masin blushed and sidestepped the question."She wishes to be what her father wanted."
The elleth was unrelenting, 'And WHAT is it her father wanted?'
Masin looked over to her, his eyes dark, "Do you know much of the way of the Horse Lords? He wanted to give his pure daughter to which ever Lord helps their family ties the most. That is the way most nobles work. It is not about who she might love or want to love."
Xan nodded...'I know the horse lords well, for my beloved Cyndwin is of the Westfold, though not of the lofty family it seems our Addie was born into...I know well the expectations she faces, or thinks she faces. And so despite your love...and her favor unto your nature and form, you are trapped by her promises now locked in stone by death?'
Masin kicked the fireplace, trying to keep his voice down but not entirely successfully. 'What I do NOT understand is why she is here and not with this lord now and under his protection. Instead she is here alone? I have told her I will stand by her side and make sure she is safe, until she day she wishes me not to...but still she insists that this man has the right to her hand."
Petting his armored shoulder to sooth his sudden burst of temper, Xan asked carefully 'Has she spoken to you of her reasons for leaving the Mark?'
Masin smoothed his beard to calm himself. 'I know she is hunted by an evil lord and servant of the King, but I know very little details on the matter.'
Nodding she looked into the fire. 'Then that should tell you of why she is not protected by this lord she is to wed, if he even still remembers the pact...I would be very surprised if she is ever wed to this lord.'
Masin still could not understand., 'But it does not tell me why she is not with him, how can he look out for her here, when he is there?"
'Why would he have interest to look out for her?' Xanderian raised an eyebrow and looked back at him. 'If you know of such matters as you say, you know then there was no emotion on his part either beyond the lust any comely blond virgin may raise in a man'
Masin looked over at the bedroom door, whispering, "There is so much more to her than that."
Xan nodded. "Indeed...For him it was also a matter of political gain..of which there is none now...If he took her to his side now, there would be no gain, only trouble. I would not be surprised if he has already wed another wishing this "evil lord" forgets he ever had a pact with Addie's fallen house.'
Masin looked over to her with a raised brow. He had never even imagined that the lord may no longer wish her. "Could this be true?"
'She has no way to know...perhaps if I know of the Lord I could find out...' the huntress leaned against the mantle. "Did she give you his name?'
Masin struggled to think back, "No...but she said he was from...." He thought harder, "I was raised near Faldham and I thought she said the lord was from Cliving, but I could be mistaken. Does she not wish to tell you?"
Xanderian shrugged, 'I did not ask...but I shall...and I shall find out what I might concerning Cliving's Jarl. If her intended has married in her absence, then she is freed from her promise unless she would become his mistress."
Masin snorted.dismissively. "She would not be a mistress. I believe she just wants to carry out the wishes of her fathers, she feels as if she let him down. She is always too hard on herself.'
"She is indeed that...but we will see what might be done about that." Xan rested a slim hand on his muscled shoulder again.'Let us first of all find out if the road is indeed clear for you to press your suit for her love.'
Masin looked down at Rian, his eyes filled with concern. "But no matter what might come I will still be here to protect her."
'I know your love for her is true...I knew that since first I saw you together. I would that she be happy, so I will do all I can to ease your path to her." Xanderian kissed his cheek softly, causing him to blush "If I thought your aid in this Dourhand matter required her to marry or bed you...then I would have already slain you.'
Masin looked away, "She does not wish my love for the moment, but if she did, I would be hers until my last breath and beyond."
Xanderian laughed lightly. "What she wishes, and what she allows herself..are two different things. This is true of any woman but even more so of Addie.'
Masin nodded knowing that was true, "I would be grateful if you were able to free her of her bonds."
She gathered her gear to depart. 'Then I will do what I may, Paramour'
Masin stroked his beard in thought again. 'Without this oath, then she will be free to be happy with whomever she finds is the right person for her. If she should feel that were me, I would be lucky indeed.'
Xanderian kissed his cheek again, 'Indeed you would be...and I believe, so would she.'
Masin dipped his head and closed his eyes, a slight smile spreading over his lips at the unexpected praise. "Thank you."
When he opened his eyes a moment later, she was gone as if she had never been there. With a nod, he settled himself before the fire, preparing for the day's long labor as sentry, nursemaid and dogsbody.
"A small price to pay to be this close to Addie..", he thought to himself...."A small price to pay indeed."
