The Thieves of Tharbad by AliceNWonder000137  

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Innocence Awakened

Princess Nirnadel got herself into a pickle and her friends are searching for her as a remnant of the past manifests.  In the aftermath of the expedition, politics of the realm creep back in.  Nirnadel continues to grow into an adult.

Warning - this chapter has some sensuality.  I want to give a character arc for the young women and men, showing them maturing, meeting new challenges and discovering life as well as their duties and responsibilities.  I also want to show the difference in maturity between Firiel and the younger women.

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58) The Houses of Healing - Narbeleth (October) 2^nd, 1410

Kaile

It was a panicked wagon ride from the Bar Aran to the Houses of Healing.  The horror of the vampire, Thuringwethil, still haunted them in some fashion.  She clenched her fists, feeling foolish that she believed the terror was behind them.  This absolutely explained Nirnadel’s odd, aggressive and cruel behavior in the Council.  The idea that she would have a man flogged and cut off his hand because he did something stupid for his sick daughter was beyond reason.  Nirnadel had always been a beacon of courage, intelligence and compassion to her.

At least she was able to snap the Princess out of it for a time.  As the wagon bounced along the ancient Menetar Road past other wagons and pedestrians she racked her brains for a cause and solution.  It was definitely the apple that the vampire fed her, lying dormant for the right moment to cause chaos.  But what was it, exactly?  Was it actually Thuringwethil possessing Nirnadel’s body or was it just some spiritual residue that was influencing her?

And how would they cure it?  It felt similar to the recent curse that had nearly consumed the Houses and threatened people that she held dear.  But Nirnadel wasn’t being turned into a wight, she was being used. A list of herbs flowed through Kaile’s mind, trying to see what would be the best treatment.  Here she was, the daughter of a weaver who played in the streets of the Common Quarter of the city, who was teased mercilessly for her weight as a child, now holding the fate of Cardolan in her hands.  It was overwhelming.

Whatever she had to do to save her friend, she was going to do.  While holding the struggling Princess down in the wagon, her mind wandered back to helping her mother birth the children of noble and commoner alike and her father bringing home luxurious textiles to show his family before they would be sold to the Royal House.  Then, there was the day that her mother, Galrien, had her run to the Houses of Healing to bring Firiel for a woman who was fading fast because of a miscarriage. She and the Healer rushed back to the Midwife’s residence and saved the woman, restoring her to health.  Kaile felt enormous satisfaction at having helped. The Midwife, Almiel Vanatari, had worked for and trained under Firiel and it was suggested that the young lady be employed at the Houses where she learned as much as she could, rising to the level of chief nurse through skill, study and dedication.

Kaile thought about the war and Nel bringing critical supplies and money to the Houses, believing that the young woman was some crusading daughter of a nobleman until it was revealed that she was the future ruler of the kingdom.  Few things would rival the overwhelming sense of stunned surprise that she felt.  And then, to become a Lady of the Royal Court, granted an entry into the world of the nobility and finery.  She and her parents could not have been prouder, and she never neglected to send food and silver to them.  And they never failed to mention their noble daughter at social gatherings, calling her Lady Kaile.

The things that she had seen and experienced would never be believed by the few childhood friends that she had growing up.  How could they possibly understand the battle in the snow of Annúminas against a dog man sorcerer, trolls and orcs or the siege of Castle Amrodan or the terror of Thuringwethil, a demon of the Elder Days? She could barely believe it herself.

And Nirnadel had been kind and accepting, giving her everything that she could possibly dream of.  She was given free rein to help at the Houses, her fiancé, Jonu was brought into the Bar Aran and treated like an equal and her wedding would be held in the capital of Arthedain, alongside the Royal Wedding, admired and honored by the high and low alike.  At no time did the Princess or the Royal House make her feel like a commoner, an inferior.  She had to save her friend.  There was no other option.

The wagon pulled up to the Houses and Valandil flung open the door, calling for Firiel, who rushed out.  They whisked Nirnadel to a private stateroom where Kaile explained the malady.

“I don’t have much to go on,” Firiel said, “but I think we need to bring Silmarien here with her…concoction.  That seemed to do the trick with the Blood-Wights.  Valandil, you Jonu and Pelemeth go.  Kaile, Neldis and I will stay here.  It doesn’t seem as if she is being harmed in any physical way, so that’s a blessing.  As long as we keep her safe, we have time.  She seems almost…almost drunk if I had to say,” she surmised as Valandil led the others right back out the door.

Kaile immediately knew what to do and opened Firiel’s pack to pull out some paper strips, handing them to the Healer.  She still had the healer’s touch.  Firiel ran one along Nirnadel’s tongue and the strip glowed green.  “Yeah…she’s drunk.  Uh, Kaile, she didn’t consume any alcohol, did she?”

The lady shook her head.  “Absolutely not.  Galadel, Anariel and I were with her the whole morning.  She was complaining of indigestion and the taste of apples.  She coughed up an apple in the Council before we brought her here and she said that she hadn’t eaten one in a week.”

Neldis put another strip on the Princess’ forehead and then felt the skin with her hand.  “She’s running a bit of a fever,” she said, holding up the paper which was glowing orange.  “Her pupils are like pinpoints too.”

Firiel sighed with a nod.  “Whatever this is, it’s manifesting as if she is drunk…uncoordinated, lacking of inhibition, lacking of grounding in reality.  Let me try something,” she said as Neldis brought a cup of some concoction and poured it into Nirnadel’s mouth.  “This should address the symptoms and act as a sedative.” As the Princess nodded off, they all relaxed a little.  “Is there anything else going on in her life that would impact this?” Firiel asked Kaile.

The lady nodded.  “Well, first, we need to keep this whole thing secret for the good of the kingdom,” she said, feeling overwhelmed, trying poorly to sound official. “If someone like Hir Girithlin caught wind of this, he’d use it against her.  So, I’m sorry, but I have to swear you all to secrecy,” she added, feeling guilty for demanding something from the woman who showed her nothing but love and kindness.  But it had to be done.  Chancellor Nimhir would demand it.

“Easy,” Firiel answered.  “I swear my secrecy of this event.  You two were never here,” she said and Neldis did the same.

Kaile nodded.  Thank Varda that part was not hard.  It still didn’t make her feel any better though.  For the first time, she felt torn between two worlds, her love of healing and her duty as a lady of the Royal Court.  This was so much more difficult than she though.  She took a breath and put her healer hat back on, trying her best to be clinical and provide only useful information.  “If I had to say, Nirnadel has been feeling emotions that young women go through.  She’s been fertile since I’ve known her and she wants to…experience things. She’s been worried that King Araphor will not accept her as a woman because she doesn’t know what to do.  She was worried about her physical shape, but she filled out a bit since we returned from Rhudaur.  She felt like a child, anxious that the King would reject her or see her as less than a woman.”

“She shared some of that with me,” Neldis added.  “And she asked me questions about…sex.”

“I feel awful speaking about this, but I think that it could be part of what is happening,” Kaile continued.  “I told her about some…things to do with a guy and she’s had this sensual side ever since.  Then, there was this time in her bath where she…experienced her first…you know, and she was consumed with guilt.  It was like a war between what she wanted and who she felt she needed to be.  I just wonder if it’s a…a place where the demon could influence her, you know.”

Firiel pursed her lips.  “I understand,” she said with a smile.  “You two are still very young but I will tell you that I went through that too.  You two are what…Eighteen?  I’m sure you’re both going through it as well.  That’s why I’m here, to keep guiding you.”

“Wait, you were young once?” Kaile quipped with a wink.

Firiel snickered.  “Oh, you wound me, dear lady,” she said with a curtsey.  “I’m only Sixty-Four, young for a half elf.  And oh, trust me, I explored.  I dallied with a knight from the Tinarë fief…ummm before Valandil was even born,” she said with a fake cough.  “And, just so you know, I heard you and Jonu going at it on the fur rug in front of the fireplace,” she said, winking back.

Kaile turned red.  “What?  We…we tried to be quiet.  You…you heard us?”

“Uh, which time?” the Healer added.  “Well, that just meant that Valandil and I had to catch up. I couldn’t let you youngsters best me,” she said with a laugh.

Neldis seemed sad.  “I wish I knew romance…love.  For me, it was money…survival.  I find myself envious of you both, but there are few people more deserving of it than you two.  I am happy to be part of your lives.”

Kaile felt bad.  Neldis had a hard life.  She grasped her hand.  “You will find that when you are ready, I’m sure.  I will say that the Houses are a great place to meet men…good ones too.”

The nurse narrowed one eye.  “Well, I may have…umm, I don’t know.  I don’t hold out hope.  Mercatur…I like him.”

Firiel smiled.  “I had a feeling.  You spent a lot of time with him before the expedition.  I didn’t like him at first, all blustery and self-centered, but he’s grown. He’s a good man and I’m so sorry about what happened to him.  I do hope that we hear from Lord Elrond soon.”

Kaile gave the nurse a lookover.  “I know that you’ve heard this, but you are a dead ringer for Nirnadel,” she said and Neldis turned white.

“I…I don’t know if I should say this,” the nurse began. “It’s probably not even true.  When I was with Mercatur, pursuing the vampire, she tempted me…showed me a vision.  She showed me in Royal attire, ruling the kingdom, beloved by all.  She showed my mother with the King…she told me that Nirnadel and I are half-sisters.”  She shook her head.  “No, I know it was a lie.  It can’t be true.”

Firiel sighed.  “No, it’s true.  I’ve had a feeling about that for a while.  You see, I knew King Ostoher.  He could be…could be driven by urges.  I’ve served as the Royal Healer since before his coronation…twenty-eight years ago, serving King Minalcar before.  King Minalcar warned me about his son’s proclivities.  When Ostoher became King, he rarely missed an opportunity to express his interest in me.”  The two other women’s eyes opened in horror.

The Healer sat down, facing the door to wait for Valandil’s return.  “Now, don’t get me wrong, Ostoher loved Lossien, but he loved women.  He was a good King to be sure, and he was devastated when she passed in childbirth.  It is one of my greatest failures that we couldn’t save her, but she was too far gone…lost too much blood.”

Kaile remembered that.  They ran with all haste to the Bar Aran once then Lieutenant Baranor summoned them but she was beyond all care that the Houses could provide.  Maybe if they had saved her, the war wouldn’t have been so devastating.  Firiel shared how King Ostoher was so mentally weak by the war that his decisions were truly questionable.

Firiel wiped her nose.  It was not a pleasant memory.  She sighed and continued, “King Ostoher did care for the realm and was always looking after his people.  But I sometimes had to cover for his dalliances, frequently giving other mistresses herbs and providing him with potions to enhance his…virility and stamina. And the Crown Prince, Thôrdaer was cut from the same mold, always chasing the next pretty girl in his sights. They never forced anyone and were always good to me, but had I said yes, neither of them would have blinked.  Now Prince Braegil was a true gentleman.  He took after Lossien.”

Neldis’ mouth fell open and she staggered, being caught by Kaile.  “Oh my, oh my,” the nurse stuttered.  “I don’t want it to be true.  How could this be true?  Is everything about me a lie?”

Kaile held her.  “No…no, there is a better purpose to this,” she said and then gestured around the room.  “This is real.  Your life here is real.  You help people, you save people, your life matters here.”

Neldis’ eyes were watery.  “How will this change things?  What will happen to us?  I would give my life for any of you.  I don’t want things to change.”

The lady could feel her anxiety growing, and this could change many things.  She didn’t know enough about Cardolan Law to know how a bastard daughter would affect the line of succession.  What if she were a boy?  Cardolan Law favored a male heir.  And then Neldis was older by maybe half a year to a year.  Could she assert a claim for the throne?  This was heavy.  “Well, Neldis, if you choose to say nothing, I will not speak of this,” she said. “Then, nothing changes other than our knowledge of it.  But if you wish to let this be known, I honestly don’t know.  I suspect that it may place you in the line of succession to be Queen as there are no other known children of King Ostoher.”

Neldis shook her head emphatically.  “No, no, I don’t want to be a queen.  I don’t.  The Hiri wouldn’t accept an Arthedanian Queen after Calimendil was killed.  Who would accept a whore as a queen?  No one.  We would end up with another civil war and I won’t have that.  Please, we will not tell anyone, please.”

Firiel came and embraced them both.  “Neldis, you are not a whore.  You are a healer in the Houses.  You and Pelemeth will one day replace me or do whatever you wish to do, and you will be great at it.”  The nurse shook in their arms, sniffling.

The door opened and Valandil came in with the others, followed by Silmarien.  “We brought her and she has a dose of Silima.  We’re ready…but where is the Princess?” he asked, pointing to the empty bed.

Kaile jumped back to see that Nirnadel was not where they thought she’d be.  In a panic, she searched high and low and saw that the window was still closed and there was no way that she got out the door past them.  “Oh no!  Where is she? What happened?” she cried out, consumed by guilt.

Everyone began turning over the bed, opening closets and checking out the window.  “There are footprints in the dirt outside,” Neldis called out.  “They lead north.”  She looked back, a light in her eyes.  “Call it a feeling, but I think I may know where she’s headed.”  She rushed to the front entrance.  “Follow me and hurry.  We’ll need a couple of things.”

Galadel was at the door holding three of Nirnadel’s cats in a basket.  “Kaile! I had a feeling you’d need me…and them considering what you told me.”

Kaile pointed to the wagon.  “Get in!”  They hopped onto the back and Firiel snapped the reins, dashing up the Menetar towards the Merchant Quarter, directed by Neldis.  She pointed to Artan’s House and Baths of Delight, the famous brothel in Tharbad that catered to the high and low alike.

Kaile’s eyes went wide.  “Here?  Why do you think that she’s here?” she asked as they leapt out.  There was a panicked edge to her voice.  “Oh, no good could come from a place like this.”

Neldis shrugged.  “It was purely a hunch from my encounter with Thuringwethil.  She kept showing me visions of Her Highness and I trading places.”

“I just hope that nothing crazy has happened so far,” Kaile added as the ladies rushed into the reception area where they were greeted by the scents of perfume and spice along with the faint sounds of running water, singing and women giggling.  Her stomach churned, imagining all sorts of things happening to Nirnadel.

A bouncer at the desk held his hand out.  “Good afternoon, ladies.  How can we help you?” he asked politely but with a hard edge of warning not to make trouble.

A very attractive woman with auburn hair poked her head up from the desk.  “Yes, welcome to Artan’s House and Baths of Delight, I’m Ancalimë the pro- Neldis?  Wait…how are you…you’re back there?  And wait…two of you?” she asked, pointing to Galadel.

“It’s a long story, Ancalimë, but I’m not returning to work here and there’s been a mix up.  I just have to get my sister.”

Ancalimë was the owner and proprietress, having taken over for her mother, Artan, who retired to the countryside as a wealthy woman. She wore a gossamer black lace outfit that left little to the imagination with perfect makeup, ruby lips and dark, smoky eyes, the image of a seductress.  “Oh, well, I’m sorry to hear that.  You were one of my stars, Neldis.  I am sorry for some of the earlier clients.  I have added more security now…if you ever want to come back. And we screen more carefully, trust me. I intend to rival the Silken Veils one day.  But yes, let’s get your sister.  But perhaps she might need to be employed here.  We pay well as you know.”  She checked her logbook.  “She’ll be back in Room Eleven.”

They rushed down the hallway behind Neldis and flung open the door.

Artan’s House and Baths of Delight

Nirnadel

Her brain was working overtime.  How on Middle Earth did she get here like this?  Did she black out?  Wait, Kaile mentioned something about Thuringwethil and how she ate the apple.  Was that it? But wasn’t the vampire destroyed for good?  Still, whatever it was, it didn’t help her now.  “Oh…oh, kind sir, praythee, who are you?”  She couldn’t help but look down below his stomach and she inhaled deeply.

He looked hurt.  “Oh Neldis…you don’t remember me?  I’m hurt.  I’m your boyfriend, you said so.”  He paused for a moment and then smiled.  “Oh wait…your accent, how strange and delightful.  You’re doing a role play.  Oh, I love it.  I, the lowly merchant, seduces the lovely noblewoman.  You minx, I love it!  Well, Lady Neldis, I am humble merchant Aladil, the apothecary.  I fell on hard times before the war and had to close. But I just reopened Herbs of Quality,” he said with a far off look.  “And I am here to celebrate.  I know, I know, I drowned my sorrows in your arms, but today, we rejoice.”

Nirnadel made a smile that was almost more a grimace. How would she delay him?  How long could she put him off?  Would it be terrible if she just gave in?  “That is so wonderful, good Aladil.  We are pleased as a peach.”  She glided away from his touch, still covering herself as best as she could.

Aladil gasped in delight.  “Oh my, you’re playing a princess today!  Oh my, I am so excited.  I get to lie with royalty today.  You’ve made my whole week, pretending to be the wonderful Princess Nirnadel.  I’ve never even seen her but I’m sure you play her so well.”  He moved to hold her again and she spun away with a giggle.

“Now, good Aladil, We thought that Dirhavel the Alchemist was the only apothecary in the city,” she said, remembering her run to the man for herbs.  Keep him talking.  

“Well, he was…while we were closed down.  But the economy is on the rise, and I was able to reopen. We offer better prices and I hope to secure a contract with the Houses of Healing.  Now, didn’t you go there?  Why did you come back?  Oh, to be with me.  I get it now.”  He caught her and ran his hand down her side to her hips and she gasped.

“Yes, yes, We returned for you, good Aladil.  You know, We could help you secure that contract. We are good friends with Lady Firiel.” That was it.  Keep talking.  She had to admit that her body was feeling warm though.

His eyes opened wide.  “Really, you’d do that for me, Neld…I mean, Your Highness,” he said with a conspiratorial smile.  “That is so kind.”

Nirnadel almost laughed out loud.  Here she was, pretending to be Neldis, pretending to be her.  But she smiled as she looked around, seeing a bed with silk crimson sheets and a brass tub of steaming water.  “We would absolutely do that for you, dear merchant. You can count on our influence.  We are so glad that you are prospering under our reign,” she said, trying to play it up and it was actually a good thing for the Houses.  Still, she searched for a possible way out and kept calm, letting her brain figure a way out.  But even if she were able to get out with her honor intact, she had no idea where in the city Artan’s even was.  She would just be wandering the streets with nothing on.  She touched his face and then spun away again with a giggle.  An idea came to her.  “Uhh, shall I dance for you, good Aladil.  It would be my royal duty to entertain you.”

“That would be magnificent!” he gushed as he sat down on a plush cherry red seat.  He was still quite excited and Nirnadel couldn’t take her eyes off of it.  “What will you dance for me?” he asked, full of curiosity.

She racked her brain for something that would be tame but entertaining.  She remembered the dance that she had learned from Haedorial, the Lay of Leithian.  Maybe she could put Aladil to sleep.  She had never done that before but if Lúthien did it how hard could it be?  Reluctantly, she removed her hands from covering her body and raised them to begin as the man gasped again, watching her intently.  Oddly, the few items of clothing that she had on made her feel…she didn’t have the words for it.

“My Princess, you are a vision of loveliness that I have never seen,” he said as she slowly spun, motioning as if passing monsters to enter Angband.

"Oh stars, your light I send,
Oh dark heart, I will weave your rest,
Remain shadow, your breath shall fade,
The star shines in the land at night," she sang as she moved her hands slowly, pretending to enchant the Dark Lord himself.  Aladil was transfixed.

“This is the tale of Lúthien, is it not?” he asked.  “And so, I shall be Beren for you tonight,” he said as he rose and embraced her, holding her tightly.

She could feel him against her and she gulped.  “Oh, good sir, We had not yet finished.  Would…would you like us to continue?” she asked, her voice trembling.  As a Dúnadan with a fair amount of the blood of Elendil, she was as tall as he was.

“Please, please, just let me hold you.  It’s been so long.  I thought I’d lost you forever.  No one else is as good to me,” he said with sniffle.

“We could just talk if you like?” she asked hopefully.

“Mmmm yes, but let me hold you.  I was so worried about the future, but you made me feel safe.  I dreamed of having you in my arms again.”

Nirnadel began to tremble.  “Well…ummm, dream no more.  Hold me as long as you want,” she said, feeling him against her.  It felt good.  It was something that she wanted.  His skin was warm and he smelled fresh.  If it stayed like this, she would be content.

“I know others didn’t treat you well.  I wanted to hurt them back.  I wish that it could just be you and me, but I understand what you do.” He nuzzled her neck, his nose and lips brushing her skin.  “Could we lie down together?”

She nodded.  This poor man was lonely and she felt for him.  She took his hand and guided him to the bed.  She had no idea what she was doing or how it would turn out but her heart guided her.  But how long could she hold out?  Her resistance was rapidly fading.  They lay down together and he stroked her hair and her cheek, tracing patterns on her skin.  Her breathing quickened and she felt tingly.  He touched her lips lightly, then let his finger brush along her neck, tugging at the velvet choker.  Nirnadel was melting and she kissed him.  What was she doing?  This couldn’t go any farther.  She had to stop now.  She reached down and held him in her hand like a pickle.  He shuddered and gasped and his hand touched her too as she pushed her hips into his fingers.  She thought her body would explode as she scrunched her face in an almost pained expression.  “Oh, I missed this,” he whispered as the door flung open.  

It was Neldis, followed by Kaile, Firiel and Galadel, holding her cats.  The two both bolted up.  “What? Who are you?” Aladil asked frantically, trying to shield Nirnadel with his hands and body.  He shook his head, looking at the ladies.  “Uh…Neldis?” he asked, his head whipping back and forth between Neldis and Nirnadel and then adding in Galadel.  “I…I’m seeing triple.  What’s…what’s going on here?”

Neldis made an awkward smile.  “Hi…uh…Aladil, yeah…ummm, that,” she said, pointing at Nirnadel, “is my sister…Nel…Nelris.  Yes. Nelris.  We have to take her home, you see.  I swear, I will make it up to you,” she said as they went to get the Princess and wrapped her up in a robe.  “I’m really sorry, Aladil.  I will make it up to you.  Come Nelris, let’s get you home.”

Nirnadel held her hand up for a moment.  There was still some business to conduct, and she didn’t want to go back on her word.  “Good Firiel, this man is an apothecary and has reopened his shop.  He wishes to make a contract with you for herbs. Would you kindly approve it?”

Firiel pulled her chin in and narrowed one eye, unsure of what was happening now.  “Ummm, sure, Your Highness.”

Aladil nodded and then looked down, putting his hands over himself.  “Why thank you!  I was actually hoping we could make an agreement.  Neldis here said she would do that.”  Then, he also narrowed an eye.  “Your Highness?  Wait… No…it couldn’t be.”

Nirnadel gave an awkward smile.  She wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or disappointed at the interruption.  “Uhhh, yes, good Aladil.  I am actually Princess Nirnadel and this is actually Neldis of the Houses of Healing.  We just…look alike.  And my cousin, good Lady Galadel Tinarë along with good Lady Kaile of the Royal Court. We have had a bit of a…an unusual adventure today but I do have to go,” she said, kissing him again.

Firiel leaned in.  “Not a word of this to anyone and the contract will be at your shop today,” she said forcefully and he nodded.

He looked halfway between stunned and thinking that this was an elaborate prank.  “I…no, not a word.  Ummm, thank you?  This isn’t a joke, is it?”

Nirnadel shook her head as Galadel placed Queen Lossien’s necklace around her neck along with the Princess’ bejeweled hood and Aladil’s eyes got even bigger.  “Oh my, you…you…you weren’t joking.  How did you…no nevermind.  I will always treasure this day, Your Highness and remember how you kissed me. This was strange…but thank you.”

As they whisked her from the room, she looked back. “Consider yourself invited to the Yüle Festival.  Bye!”

Ancalimë waved as they rushed past the front desk. “Come back any time if you need a job, both of you…all of you!”

Kaile gave the Princess a stern look as she put the kitten in her arms.  “How did you get here?  How did you get past us?  Thank Varda that Neldis had an idea where you were.

Neldis shrugged.  “It was purely a hunch from my encounter with Thuringwethil.”

“Well, it was a good hunch,” Kaile continued.  “And were you about to…you know…with that guy?”

Nirnadel turned red and made an awkward smile. “Ummm.  Well, let me start from when I got the sedative herb,” she said as the wagon bounced along, Firiel snapping the reins.  “Someone took me from the room…as if in a dream so I thought it wasn’t real, but I remember it vividly.  We flew high above Middle Earth.  I could see the Hithaeglir and even the great rivers looked tiny.  Then we flew barely above the crashing waves of the coast.  Yes…yes, she tempted me.  She wanted me to experience love so I would know and then I…woke up in that room.” She took several deep breaths to calm herself.  “When I could focus, Aladil was standing there ready…ready for me and I was only wearing this,” she said, gesturing to her stockings.

“But you didn’t…?” Kaile asked again.

Nirnadel shook her head.  “No…but…but I wanted to.  He is just a poor, lonely man.  Most of it was just talk.”

Neldis agreed.  “He is really a good, lonely man.  We spent many of our sessions just talking.  He was devastated when he had to close shop and so I did my best to help him through it.  He’s desperately shy and can’t meet women on his own.  He would never hurt you, Your Highness.  He was…a gentle lover.”

Nirnadel had to agree with that.  “I just danced for him, let him hold me…and it was truly odd making him think that I was you, pretending to be me,” she told Neldis.  “That has to be one for Haedorial’s book.  But we laid down and he started…touching me and I did want it.  Had you not come when you did…I don’t know.”

Kaile put some smelling salts beneath her nose. “Breathe deeply.  Silmarien is waiting for us with a dose of Silima. I’m not sure how that works but we will get you straightened out.”  She sighed. “Normally, I would say that we just need to get you…a man for a bit, but you are not a normal person.  I don’t know.  We’ll figure it out.”

They rushed back into the stateroom where Firiel barred the door.  “Someone needs to keep an eye on her at all times.  We’re not letting this happen again.  I’m sorry, Your Highness, but we lost track of you while talking.  But in all fairness, we didn’t expect you to be whisked away into some dream world by spirit.  That’s not something that happens a lot.”

Silmarien came over to the bed, holding a vial of glowing, silver liquid.  “I’ll need to rub this on your skin.  It will draw any demonic or undead residue from you,” she said as she removed the robe and Valandil spun around to face away.  “Oh!  You were…nevermind.  Let’s begin,” the mage said, easing Nirnadel to lie down.  She poured the substance into her hands and rubbed them together before applying it on her chest, arms and stomach.  The Silima felt warm and soothing like an expensive lotion from Osgiliath.  It even had a very pleasant, arousing scent.  If it weren’t so costly to produce, they could market it and make a fortune.  Call it, demon be gone.  Little Gîliel sat by her head as Galadel put the other two cats on the table.  They paced, eyeing the Princess suspiciously, Calarmë even hissing.  They would help to draw out any darkness in her from the vampire.

The mage held her staff in front of her.  “Ladies, stand with me.  I need your energy.  You too, Valandil.”  They gathered around Silmarien, putting their hands on her body and Valandil tried to look up.  Her staff began to glow, a ball of light shining brightly at the tip.  “We know you’re in there.  Come out,” she said forcefully and Nirnadel grimaced, scrunching her face, bucking her hips up.  Something was caught in her throat, and she fought to bring it up and the Silima glowed furiously on her body.  Silmarien lifted her arms and a dark shape emerged from the Princess’ form as the cats yowled.  Kaile and Neldis gasped in horror.  “Stay with me, people,” Silmarien said, groaning from the strain.  Tendrils of energy poured into her from the others, giving her the power to fight this.  She focused her essence on the dark cloud and lifted it away from Nirnadel and it growled at her.  Silmarien growled right back, baring her teeth.  “I’m sick of you!  Begone!” she yelled and thrust her staff right into the mouth of the cloud and it shrieked as the cats hissed and arched their backs.

“Far less powerful than before, huh?  Just a shadow now, only able to cause mischief!  You’ve had your fun, now fly away, creature of no substance,” the mage continued with barely veiled hate.  Everyone in the room glowed fiercely with a golden aura and the mage closed her fist, making the cloud howl in pain.

The dark form coalesced into a that of a woman with fangs and then recoiled from the cats and shrieked at her.  “I will be back!  And you all will serve me!”

“Suffer, bitch and rot in the void!” Silmarien cried and a flash burst from her staff, shredding the dark cloud into nothingness. The mage dropped to one knee, panting and sweating from the spiritual battle.  

Firiel grabbed her, steadying her form.  “Are you alright?  Is it gone?”

Nirnadel sat up and began hacking, coughing up bits of apple as Neldis held a bowl under her mouth.  The Princess then vomited, filling the bowl with what looked like rotten, half-digested apple.  “Water…please,” she said between gags.  Neldis set the bowl down and ran to fill a cup, Nirnadel rinsing her mouth out and then swallowing gulps.  “Oh, that’s disgusting.  I’m so sorry everyone.  Thank you. Thank you, Silmarien…everyone. Looks like we’re even, dear Neldis.” What she threw up was far worse than the nurse’s phlegm.

Kaile and Neldis held her.  “Oh, thank you,” they said.  “You’re alright.  This was so stressful,” Kaile added.  “She was going to have this woman thrown in the dungeon and have a man’s hand cutoff in the Council,” she told the others of the Council.  “She was this cold tyrant.  I was like, this isn’t Nirnadel.  Well, the woman was a shrew, but still,” she said, now smiling.

Valandil looked up at the ceiling and pointed to the Princess. “Umm, can someone cover her already. I’m getting tired trying not to look.”

Neldis wrapped her back up in the robe.  “Sorry,” she said, “forgot that there was a man in here.”

Nirnadel touched the nurse on the arm, and she saw flashes of memory.  The power was still within her but was it just a residual thing?  Then she saw it, her father with another woman…it was Neldis’ mother.  She gasped and then forcibly calmed herself.  She always knew deep down.  There were too many coincidences to ignore.  She wasn’t sure what to feel at first: anger, sorrow, sympathy?  As she grew up, she was learning that her father was not the perfect man that she believed him to be.  Still, he was a good King and good father to her, imperfect though he was.  She grasped Neldis’ hand.  “Thank you for coming for me, good Neldis…my sister.  Yes, I know.  And we need not speak any further of it, should you wish.”

The nurse’s mouth fell open.  “How did you…  Oh no, please don’t let this change anything between us.  I don’t want this to be known outside of us.  Please.”

Nirnadel smiled reassuringly.  “The only thing that has changed is that I have gained an older sister. You will be in my life as much or as little as you choose,” she said, not caring about any political consequences.

Neldis squeezed her hand.  “I want you to know, in no uncertain terms, that I don’t want to be in the line of succession.  I don’t want to be recognized in any way.  You will be Queen.  I will be a nurse.  That will be that.”

The Princess nodded and then snickered.  “Oh, I was just about to hand you the Sceptre of Thalion and run back to Aladil,” she said with a wink.  “No, all mirth aside, I respect that.  But know that you have a younger sister who cares about you and will always support you.”  She then became serious.  “I want you to know that I went to the Archives as we discussed.  This was yesterday so I did not have time to speak to you before the Council.  I found your mother…or who she was.”

The nurse’s eyes shot open.  “What do you mean?  Like records of her?”

“Yes.  She was the daughter of Cannor, Hir Tyrn Gorthad, the lord of that land.  She was thrown out and dispossessed before the war, though I don’t know why.  It is said that she moved to Squall’s End and passed from the fever.  The dates and locations match.  Hir Tyrn Gorthad perished in the war with his entire family. My Lady Neldis, you are a noblewoman and just as royal as I am.  You are the heir to Tyrn Gorthad.  I wanted you to know.”

Neldis staggered for a moment before collapsing to the ground, holding her hands over her mouth.  Nirnadel dove down to catch her and sat with her.  The nurse tried to speak several times before she was able to. “What?  No, no…I don’t know what to say.  Thank you.  I…I appreciate this, I do, but I’m not you, Nirnadel.  I’m afraid of nearly everything.  I don’t have your courage or your inner strength.  I’m nobody…how can I be this?”

The Princess squeezed her hands.  Her old self was returning though she could still sense thoughts and emotions better than before.  “Nonsense, good nurse.  You have shown me the courage of a knight, the strength of a lioness and good sense of a wizard.  Who would have been brave and mad enough to walk into Blogath’s Sanctuary of her own free will and fight.  You refused the demon’s temptations, stuffing them right back in her face.  My good nurse, you are who you want to be.  In my…no, in our kingdom, your good works…your heart can determine who you will be.  If you wish to be a healer, you will be a healer.  If you wish to be a minstrel, it will happen.  If you wish to be Hir Tyrn Gorthad, I will stand beside you.”

“I…I don’t know,” Neldis said, trying to avoid eye contact though she grabbed the Princess’ hands tightly.  “You…you think that?  Really?”

“I don’t just think that, I believe that.  After all, no kin of mine is a sluggard,” she said jokingly with a smile.  “Do you trust me?”

“You raised me up from the gutter.  I would die for you.”

Nirnadel waved one hand dismissively.  “There is no need for that, believe me.  You have earned my respect.  I mean it,” she said, putting her fingers beneath the nurse’s chin and raising her head.  “You be who you want to be in our kingdom.  I don’t care who you were before.  That is my vision for our future.”

Neldis looked as she would burst into tears, but she held her hand over her nose and mouth.  “I will be strong…for you.  For us. I will be strong.”

“You already are.  I know that the old guard nobles will give me more resistance than I can handle, but this is the world that I want to create in Cardolan.  It will go against a lot of the tradition of the old Kingdom of Arnor, where birth was destiny, so I need everyone’s help.  I can already hear old Ladies Feotar and Eredoriath screeching at me about Isildur this and Isildur that.”

Galadel rolled her eyes.  “Blessed Eru, their screeching hurts my ears.  I am with you, my Princess.  Forward to a new world.”  Then, she knelt and bowed her head to Neldis.  “Lady Tyrn Gorthad.”

Neldis blushed but also knelt.  “Lady Tinarë.  I am here to serve the Crown with all of my strength and courage.”  There was a fire in her eyes and her body seemed straighter, filled with energy.

Nirnadel stood.  She felt no trace of the offending apple or spirit within her though her senses still felt heightened, like sparks of electricity along her skin. But more importantly, she was starving. “Well, it’s settled then.  Lady Neldis, I will have this recorded by Haedorial, but it changes nothing.  You will serve in the Houses for as long as you wish, guided by our good friends, Firiel and Kaile.  You will be named Hir Tyrn Gorthad only if you wish it.  And I expect to see you for dance practice on the morrow.  Now, if we are all content, I think that it is time to eat supper.  I am positively famished, but absolutely no apples, please.  Not for a while,” she said to laughter.  She held the nurse’s and Lady Galadel’s hands.  “You are the only blood family that I have left.  I cherish each of you.”  She then motioned everyone in the room to join, and they all placed their hands on hers.  “And this right here, you people right here are my family, and I shall never, never forget you or this moment.”

Firiel

It had been quite a day and she was exhausted. Still, she glanced around the common room after everyone had gone to bed and then sat down with Valandil as the fire crackled in the hearth.  “We’re going to need a bit of a break,” she told him.  “I’m still worn down from the expedition,” she said as she lay back on the fur rug, feeling the heat from the flame, inhaling the musky scent of the burning logs.  It was getting cooler as Fall progressed.  Damp fogs were notorious in Tharbad in Spring and Fall.  “We should visit my mother in Imladris and check in on Mercatur.  I hope he is recovering.  You know Neldis is kind of sweet on him.  I think that they would be good for each other.  He needs a calming influence and she needs some confidence.”

“Yeah, we need to see how he’s doing.  I’ve been a bit worried since we haven’t heard anything. He’s definitely calmed down a lot since we first met on Tyrn Gorthad.  I really saw him come together at the siege.  He took being a captain seriously.  But still, you’re right.  It would do them both good,” he said, putting the palms of his hands out towards the flame. He then stood and poured them each a cup of juice, which she drained in a couple of gulps.  There wasn’t much time to eat or drink the whole day.

“It’s settled then.  I’ll make sure Pelemeth is set up and she can take over as chief nurse again. We need to stay for a bit though as she ran the Houses the whole time we were on the expedition.  It wouldn’t be fair if we just up and left her so soon. She’s quiet but effective and I’ve been impressed by her.  You don’t really see or hear her, but everything gets done.  And we need to honor Coru too.  I still feel it.  She’s the first person I’ve lost here.”

“Baranor says that there will be a large ceremony for those who sacrificed themselves.  We still feel the loss of Sergeant Cedhron.”

Firiel sighed.  “Don’t get me wrong because this year has been far better than last year, but it seems like everything has changed.  The old Cardolan is gone…forever, I think.  Sometimes it feels unsettling.  Up until the war I knew what to expect.  My life changed little, day to day.  Now, I have almost no idea what will happen.”

Valandil wrapped his arm around her waist.  “Well, you have me.  That will never change.  I like to think that we live in a realm now where your deeds determine your worth.  I went from sergeant in the King’s Army to a knight of the Tirrim Aran.  Kaile is the daughter of a weaver in the Common Quarter, now a lady of the Royal House. Neldis…a desperate, starving girl who could be the next Hir of Tyrn Gorthad.  None of this would likely have happened under King Ostoher and Queen Lossien. She was from Arthedain and a stickler for tradition and protocol.”

Firiel chuckled.  “Yeah, Nirnadel is a force to be reckoned with.  There have been so many what ifs.  What if Lossien had lived?  I believe that King Ostoher would have been of much better mental capacity. Maybe then he would have lived.  Nirnadel would have just been married off to some noble or even a king somewhere to seal an alliance.  Would that have been better?  I really don’t know but I do like where we are now.”  She snuggled her head into the crook of his neck.  “Not to change the subject, but I saw you glancing at her.”

He blushed a little bit.  “Well, guilty as charged.  She’s gorgeous, you know that.  Ummm, I mean, not more than you, of course.”

“Smart man,” she said, tapping the point of her finger on his forehead.

“Yeah, I mean and she was just lying there, wearing only that…yeah, that was so…ummm, I’m just going to shut up now.”  He blew out a long breath.

Firiel snickered, poking him again.  “Smart man.”  She started to pull off her robe.  “Well, I have a treat for you then,” she said, showing that she was wearing only stockings and a velvet choker.

Nirnadel

She lay, quivering in her bed in the Bar Aran.  It had been an insane day.  Using the senses that she had gained, she knew that the darkness of Thuringwethil had completely passed and there was no angle that the vampire had to influence them now.  But she was left with a lot of pent-up feelings.  After the encounter with Aladil, she wanted to be held…wanted to be loved.  She could still feel his warmth, smell his skin.  It was this gnawing feeling in her.  Could she wait a year to be married?  This was almost as difficult as a Council meeting.

Before leaving the Houses, she talked with the other ladies. She told them about her encounter with Aladil and how badly she wanted to experience life…the fullness of life. It felt so unfair that she had to deprive herself when others could enjoy things.  Is this what it meant to be Royal?  Always putting the needs of the realm first?  Had her father or her brothers lived, no one would care who she dallied with.  It was so confusing.  She was closing in on her Eighteenth Birthday and still felt like a child much of the time. Even as a Dúnadan, 18 was still considered an adult but she would have a very long time as a young woman.  As they left the Houses, Firiel gave her an…object that looked like a pickle.  It had the shape and color of…well, she just had to giggle.

After the ladies bathed her and dressed her in her night clothes, she stared at it for a long time, torn between curiosity and guilt. She held it for a time, thinking of her vision of Araphor and how Aladil was ready for her and she felt a tingle along her body.  She thought about what Kaile and Neldis told her about men, and she needed to try it. She was hesitant at first.  Was she even doing it right?  Then, it just felt perfect.  Again, it was intense, her breath and rhythm fierce as she pounded her head into her pillow, losing all ability to think.  Her heightened senses were like a lightning bolt through her body, the smell of her own sweat, the ripple of breeze over her skin.  She lay there, quivering, her voice squeaking like a mouse, muscles taut, unable to move at her own will.

As her body relaxed, she smiled, knowing that she was not a freak.  But was it truly satisfying?  Her skin glistened with perspiration and there were still teeth marks on the back of her hand but she wanted to be held by a real person.  This was so confusing and an old pang of guilt floated through her heart.  Did she fail Araphor?  What would he think if he found out?  Did she inherit her father’s urges?  Why would she have these feelings if they were so bad?  For as confident as she tried to portray herself it was a façade, one that she had to portray for the people.

She bit her lower lip, thinking, how much had changed in little over a year?  She had never had these thoughts…these feelings then.  Life was all for her family and then all for the realm.  And now she had a sister, someone else with her bloodline.  If she had doubts about herself, she had none about Neldis.  Come what may, she would support her, help her to grow.  The nurse would need protection though.  If it were found out that they were sisters, there was no doubt that it would used against them.

But all of that could wait.  She could still feel Firiel’s gift on her body and her breathing caught in her throat as she moved her hips against it.  Could it be done more than once at a time?  She would have to find out.

Mablung Girithlin

The Hir sat in his luxurious carriage along with Thangar, Hir Eredoriath and Annael, Hir Feotar.  He stared out the window as they passed under the Annon Harn or South Gate of the city and continued down the Thraden Harn or Great South Road.  Rain came as a steady drizzle with fog floating up from the Gwathló.  Steady hoofbeats pounded as the horses of their escort cavalry accelerated along with the carriage.  He touched the inner walls of the cabin, running his fingers along the expensive gold foil.  Amber was his gold and the amber mines in Girithlin had made his ancestors rich.  Gems were another source of great income for the family, and the carriage was adorned with sapphires, emeralds and rubies, crafted by Nomrel the Cartwright some years ago.

He was pensive after the Council.  Something strange had happened and he couldn’t put his finger on it. It took a visit to the Silken Veils to sate his lust and focus his mind.  That wife of his was useless, always moping around, mumbling and crying. He had half a mind to send her packing back to Arthedain.  Still, the arrangement was beneficial.  He had gained some land and had an inside track into trade with Fornost.  Well, as long as she didn’t interfere with his life she would be safe.  He could barely remember the last time they spoke.

He inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of the woman in the Silken Veils.  She always left him with an article of her intimate clothing.  Nidiel had become his favorite; tall, lean, a Dúnadan with dark hair, just like he preferred.  None of the lesser folk for him.  Northrons were too rustic and Dunlendings disgusted him.  He thought about the woman at Artan’s, the tall Dúnadan who looked like she might have noble blood.  He’d only had her once and it was good, very good.  She took a punch well and didn’t whine too much when he did other things.  He was disappointed when Artan told him that she had left.  Still, the Silken Veils was more his style, classy, discreet, no riff raff.  He got what he paid for.

“You boys will have to join me next time,” he declared to the other Hiri, tossing the intimate item at them as a jape.  “Especially you, Annael.  No offense, but you have a face only a mother would love,” he said, slapping the other man on the back and laughing.  Annael gave a couple of chuckles and then stopped.  He was not an attractive man with a piglike nose and rough, meaty features with a wild mop of orange hair.  “Young man like you.  I’ll bet you’re still a virgin…both of you.  I saw you courting the Princess like two puppy dogs.”  He loved keeping people off balance and making himself feel superior.

Thangar nodded, clearly embarrassed.  “I…no, I’ve never been with a woman.”

Mablung cackled, his big belly jiggling under his luxurious robes.  “It’s settled then.  Next time in the city, I’m paying.  I still owe you all from that ridiculous charge that Nimhir made.  So, I’ll make men out of you two.  Oh, Nidiel will make you weak for days.  But we’ll see if I feel like sharing her.  Myldes is another one, pure Dúnadan.  We don’t want any lesser children if…you know what I mean. We don’t want half breed babies running around.  And that one girl…from Artan’s though.  Pure Dúnadan, likely with noble blood.  She was something.  Once I put a hood over her head…mmm.  She did everything that I wanted.  Never learned her name though.  Too bad. I’d keep her in a room at Barad Girithlin.”

Annael seemed interested.  “I will take you up on that, Mablung.”

The deeper into his world that he could draw these two in, the better it would be for him in the future.  He watched the two men and his son pine for Nirnadel, so pure, so beautiful and so innocent.  He would pay a lot for a night with her.  For as smart as the man was, Mablung knew that Annael was desperately lonely and insecure about his looks.  That was the hook.  “Excellent, my good man.  With a hood and rope, they don’t care what you look like.”

Then, something else came to him.  “Say, I thought Nirnadel was acting weird today, don’t you think?” he said.  “I guess she wasn’t feeling well.  Still, after the recess, she said almost nothing.  And did you notice that Lady Galadel was absent after?  Well, let’s get some answers, shall we?”

He banged on the wall, and the carriage came to a halt where he opened the door.  A man in a wet hooded cloak got in and the carriage continued on.  “My lord, I’ve had a change of heart,” he said.  “I don’t want to do this anymore.”  He was young, probably in his late teens.

“Oh no,” Girithlin said in mock sympathy.  “You’ve found a conscience, have you?”

“Her Highness has been good to me.  I don’t want to speak about her.”

“That’s terrible, my boy.  But let me tell you that I’ve had a change of heart too.  I want what’s best for the realm and that means what’s best for her.”  He patted the man on the knee.  “I was nothing but supportive of her in the Council, you know.  You can check with the other stewards who were there.  They will tell you the same thing.  I wished she would have jailed that shrew and cut that lowlife’s hand off, but she has a soft heart.  Still, she put the fear of Eru in them.  It’s a start,” he said and then put a sack of coins in his lap.  “This will help your father in the guild.  Take it, son.  I’m not asking for much.  Just tell me the truth.”

The young man sighed and pocketed the coins.  “Fine.  Only if this helps her.  So, that wasn’t Nirnadel who returned to the Council, that was Lady Galadel, wearing her clothing.  That’s all I know, my lord.”

Mablung smiled broadly through his goatee.  “Ah, see, was that so hard, son?  See, that doesn’t hurt Her Highness in any way, and you are far better off because of it.”  He banged on the wall again and the carriage stopped.  He opened the door.  “You’ll find your way back, won’t you?  Here, have a tart for the road,” he said as the man got back out into the light rain. “No wolves this close to the city, you’ll be fine.”  The carriage continued on.

He pointed to the two other Hiri.  “Dig…find out more.  I’m happy to pay.  You see, Nirnadel needs guidance…a steady hand.  She showed promise today, but she’ll need to stiffen her spine if she’s to rule well.  Jailing shrews and cutting off hands will just be the start.  Now, if we find something useful, we will have the ability to bring that guidance to her.  As Falathar’s Queen or…better still, my Queen, she will get just that,” he said with a snicker as he popped a raspberry tart into his mouth.  It would take some…problem solving at home but innocent Nirnadel as his wife would make him the most powerful man in Cardolan.

CODEX

Weapons:

Poleaxe – a pole weapon that is topped by a spear at the tip and an axeblade and a spike just below.

Glaive – a polearm with a long chopping blade.

Flail – a spiked ball on a chain that attaches to a stick.  Also called a morning star.

Falchion – a thick sword with a blade more like a machete. Also makes for a good tool.

Anket – a longsword.

Eket – a shortsword akin to a Roman Gladius, mostly used for stabbing.

Nêl-i-fingel – a wide bladed dagger, akin to the Spanish Cinquedea.

Armor:

Pauldron – plate armor that covers the shoulder.

Couter – plate armor over the elbow.

Cuirass – solid breastplate

Basinet – a conical helm with varying movable visors, some elegant, some grotesque.

Barbute – a conical helmet with a T shaped opening for vision and breathing.

Sallet – a squat helmet that may have a movable visor and a flange that protects the back of the neck.

Spangenhelm – A conical helm that has a fixed visor and sometimes ear protection.  Akin to a Viking or Rohirric helm.

Bevor – the throat protector that goes with the sallet.

Pikeman’s Pot – a morion helmet.

Clothing:

Bycocket hat – Robin Hood hat.

Hood – pieces of stiff fabric that fits over a noblewoman’s head from ear to ear, often with gems, jewels and other decorations.

Kirtle – a gown.

Placket – a stiff piece of fabric that fits over the kirtle over the breasts.

Foresleeves – removable sleeves that are usually extravagant, made of fur, cloth of gold of brocade.

Battle Formations:

Thangail – shield wall formation.

Dírnaith – wedge formation.

Tûrtan – turtle formation with shields all around and held high.

Other terms:

Fëa – spirit

Hröa – body

Ernil – prince

Hir - earl

Line of Cardolan Rulers:

Thorondur the Magnificent – 861-936;

Turambar – 936-1001;

Ciryon – 1001-1079;

Tarandil – 1079-1153;

Calimendil the Minstrel – 1153-1235, slain by Gundabad orcs;

Civil War – 1235-1248;

Tarcil the Mariner – 1248-1287, elected King;

Tarastor – 1287-1332;

Minalcar – 1332-1381;

Ostoher – 1381-1409, slain in the 1409 War;

Nimhir (Regent) – 1409-

Line of Rhudauran Rulers:

Aldarion – 861-951;

Orodreth – 951-988;

Eldathorn – 988-1031, slain in battle against Arthedain and Cardolan;

Eldarion – 1031-1107;

Forodacil – 1107-1176;

Rhugga the Usurper – 1176-1231, slain in battle against Cardolan and Elewen;

Various claimants – 1231-1235;

Elewen – 1235-1307;

Aldor the Addled – 1307-1347;

Elegost – 1347-1355, assassinated;

Various claimants – 1355-