Single Handedly - - Chapter 9

Title: Single Handedly
Genre: Romance, Angst
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Maedhros/OFC
Time: First Age 346 – Fourth Age
Chapter(s): 9/?
Chapter Summary: Kalin had truly cared for him from the beginning. And now he was slowly returning it.
Author: Codi Lyn (a.k.a. i_luv_obiwan91)
Disclaimer: J.R.R. Tolkien and his family are the sole owners of his works including the Silmarillion and his Lord of the Rings series. I'm just inspired by his works and thought of different ways for different things to end as another option. It's his music; I'm just playing it on a ukulele, not a guitar. ಠ_ಠ
Chapter Nine – When Love's Shining in Your Eyes

"Kalin, I think you've won if there were a competition for bringing in the most berries! Wherever did you find so many this early in the year?" Calanon's sister, Eäryendë, asked her in pleasant surprise as she sampled a ripe blueberry from the basket.
Kalin laughed at her expression while tasting a plump berry herself, reasoning. "I have just been going farther, I suppose. It seemed natural to do so. But I know there are many more, I only had no room left to gather them. I'll be back with a basket-full of first fruits by nightfall, I promise."
Eäryendë swallowed quickly and looked dumbfounded upon her friend. "Nightfall? Kalin, the celebration begins before the sun's wane, you'll miss the best of the dances! No, we have plenty of fruit, I assure you, and there is no need for you to go out again."
Bending to reach beneath the kitchen counter, Kalin heedlessly took out another leather-strapped basket and put it over her shoulder. "My friend, I know how much an assembled group of elves eats, especially the young ones. I will be back before nightfall, as I've said. Don't worry." Before any further rebuttal could be made, she was out in the courtyard on her way.
Remethiel came up to her friend in the kitchen and also took a berry to taste, advising Eäryendë as they watched the fair elleth make her way to the gates. "Kalin is one that needs a bit of meditation for herself. She'll be all right without a few dances, don't you fret." With a sigh, the she-elf nodded and went to aid in the festival preparations for the evening.

Mîrluiniel sang gently to herself and the birds above her, almost summoning the last of the berries to be piled into her brimming basket. Her true intention for going out once more had been to keep from idleness before both the celebration and Maedhros' return. Would he acknowledge her? Comment again upon her dancing? What if he chose to refrain from dancing all night? Her thoughts raced over every scenario she could conjure; yet she could hardly bring herself to hope for more than his safety upon returning to Himring.
With no clouds and only the trees to hinder the sunset's bright goodbye, Kalin complimented Laurelin's beautiful rays and bid her farewell as her lover, Telperion, shed his light on the elleth's path home. Following her song, a young stag came into her way and eyed the elleth curiously, coming closer until he could smell the gathering of fruit in her outstretched palm. It took but a moment, however, before the young creature was alerted to a sound more startling and grew tense, an instant later fleeing from her and the foreboding noise. Frowning slightly at the skittish beast, Kalin turned then to hear with her own ears the beat of many hooves against the earth, growing in intensity as they neared her.
Swiftly Mîrluiniel got off the trail and out of sight of the elven procession galloping the last few miles to Himring's Hill. Their argent armor glinted and shone with the moon's illumination, each elf's panoply glowing heroically as he rode. In front she barely caught the auburn strands of her lord fly by, leading his rout home. As they sped onwards, and well after they had passed, Kalin could hardly keep her heart from beating as fast as their horses' feet, nor the fire flies from floating in her belly at her excitement.
Taking her full basket, she attempted piteously to calm herself and continued, without song, onto the fort and the festivities there.

Maedhros galloped into the keep to the happy shouts and cheers of his people surrounding his men. He was in better spirits than in many a year for what his conscience had finally accepted over the weeks. Dismounting Rúnyadal without pain enough to grimace at, he greeted his brother with reasonable good-humor. "Let them have their dancing, Maglor, I will join everyone after something of a bath. Tell me only where I should take it, my brother."
"Where else but your own chambers, Maedhros? The water has already been drawn for you."
He looked at the younger in confusion. "You are mistaken, those are Kalin's chambers now. Lead me someplace else."
The brunette sibling shook his head and explained, "No, she has already moved her things to another room and prepared yours for you once again. I was in your opinion that you had meant them to be her chambers permanently, but she insisted." Understanding, but a little let down by this, Maedhros quickly gave off Rúnya's reins and went to clean himself for the feasting.
Maglor weaved through the soldiers returned and their families, at last finding Remethiel. He took her arm and asked in an urgent tone beneath the din of revelry. "Where is Kalin? She should have been here long ago."
Quickly looking around, the woman gave him her only answer. "I'm sorry, my lord, I've not seen her, either. She told us she would return by nightfall…"
"I'll grant a half hour more, then I'm going after her." He spoke hastily and went to search further through the keep for the elleth. Worry clouded his expression and those he passed were uncertain as to why their lord was so out of spirits on such a night for singing and dancing. Anywhere he might find her with an occupation, he looked, knowing her nature and willingness to blend in more than be seen by all. At length he came to the kitchens. An hour had passed and by now he was praying that her dying figure would not be found outside the fortress walls.
He entered the house-like building and almost cried out when he saw her pouring a basket of fruit into serving bowls. She looked up and smiled until he ran to her and crushed her in his arms, causing the basket to drop and scatter berries across the floor. "Mîrluiniel…" He sighed against her hair and continued to hold her against him.
"Maglor, you're ruining the fruit…"
He pulled away and held her by the arms to look at her. "I don't care about the berries! I thought… I didn't know what had happened to you. Please never go out alone like that again. Please." He held her gaze until she understood and nodded, then pulled her to him again in relief.
The elleth wrapped her arms around him as well and sighed. "I'm sorry, Maglor." She apologized as his hand cradled her snow-blonde head against his shoulder.
"I don't want anything to happen to you again. You must understand my worry." Once more, he looked at her and they smiled. But a certain one did not smile, and the flame of his hair was reflected in the heat of vivid green eyes as he watched his brother bestowing affection upon this maiden.
Maedhros had seen Kalin entering the kitchens from afar and gone to ask of her a dance, when such a sight as his brother and this elleth was brought before him. How could his own brother do such a thing? And so cowardly, choosing while he was away on the March to be courting her without his knowledge.
The eldest Fëanorian stormed away to seclusion between the stables and the wall of his keep to fume. As he paced, he heard Maglor ask someone nearby where his brother had gone and was informed correctly. Just as the younger turned the corner, he was met with Maedhros' stone strong fist in his face, instantly receiving a cut and swelling lip.
Incredulously, he looked at the elder son and shouted with a hand on the bleeding tissue. "What is wrong with you? Why…" He was silenced with a lunge from Maedhros, shoving him up against the rock wall of the stronghold.
Two lambent green eyes thirled him accusingly. "You think I am too slow and blind to descry your attentions to her? I am not the dotard you mistake me to be." His voice was low and powerfully threatening as his vambrace came close to choking his kin on the stonewall.
Maglor pulled at it fruitlessly and struggled to speak. "Maedhros, please… I have done nothing more than what you undoubtedly saw just now. I have done nothing to take her from you, on my honor!"
Suddenly, the eldest let him free and paced away, spinning back on him. "What do you mean?"
Coughing with a hand on his throat, Maglor sought to explain. "It is true, I have feelings for her… one cannot escape it. But her heart is inexorably yours."
This last statement astonished Maedhros momentarily and he questioned in shock as the other elf slowly rose to his feet. "What? How… how can you know this, if it is even the truth?"
"She has never said it out right, but I see her regard for you every day, even in your absence. I am no more than her friend, Maedhros. When I gave her the letter you sent me this winter, she stayed that entire night up pouring over your words. I am certain of her choice, and I respect it." They were both silent for some moments before Maglor felt the need to further clarify. "When you saw us in the kitchen, she had just come from gathering early fruits outside the walls. Her promise had been to return much earlier. I was ready to ride out and search for her when I found her in there. I embraced her in relief, nothing more." He seemed to gain his breath at last. "In sooth, I knew you would have torn me apart if I let anything happen to her."
Maedhros did not look up as his brother spoke and waited a little longer afterward to sort out his thoughts before speaking himself. "I love her." The siblings looked at one another, then, Maedhros with satisfaction and the zeal of realization, Maglor with the bittersweet happiness for a brother who granted himself nothing. "I love Kalin, and yet I don't know what shall come of it."
The warrior's eyes seemed to search his brother's for answers, but Maglor only smiled. "I pray only good things, my brother. Go to her now, and enjoy your festival." Before he left, the eldest took his brother's arm and grasped it in good will, once more strengthening their bond.

Maedhros blended with his people and soon found the maiden he was searching for in the arms of one of his soldiers, dancing in time with the music and gracefully out-stepping him with ease. Her curls were free from restraint, glowing in the light of the moon and the fires as another dance found her twirling from elf to elf. A dress of cream linens and brown leather belts fit perfectly about her waist and came sleeveless, displaying without inhibition the scars of her attack all along her left arm. Yet even with such blemishes—as some would call them-- he could find no elleth any lovelier.
Soon the Noldo saw her begin to tire and made his way to where two of his men were attempting to bring her onto the dance floor once more, close to making her relent between the two of them. Maedhros came between and spoke with his authoritative tone. "That's enough, lads. Let her have a rest." Their eyes met for the first time in months and he held out his hand, which she took gladly, allowing herself to be led away to a refreshment table.
He gave her a glass of wine, seeing her flushed, and took some stronger miruvor for himself as they stood side by side, observing the others enjoying themselves. "I hope you will not cease your dancing for tonight, the music shall not end until dawn and I should like to see you perform so again. There is nothing quite like it."
She smiled with a quiet thanks before asking of him inquisitively. "I am curious to know if you think I've found a partner whom I cannot outshine, my lord. Is there an edhel here who can do it?"
He pretended to survey the elves around him and informed her with a smirk. "I think not. And with the partners I've seen you take thus far, I know not. I would admit, to my delight, I believe it impossible to find one to match you in ability and litheness to music."
She laughed at this compliment and looked toward him after setting aside her glass. "What of you, my lord?"
He smiled and set down his drink, also. "Now, you would most certainly outshine me, my lady, for I have not danced in many decades."
Mîrluiniel glanced to the musicians who had just begun a gentle, easier-paced, tune. "Nothing a slow song cannot remedy, I'm sure."
With a grin to her method, he accepted, though on his terms. "Only do not pain me by displaying my novice to everyone this moment. Let us dance here first, so that in the darkness only few may see my inability." Taking her hand through his arm, Maedhros led her behind the rows of tables and farther from the torches so that they would draw less attention. Turning her smoothly to face him, he bowed, as one would in a much grander setting, and likewise she curtsied elegantly to match him. It was perfect that her right hand fit into his left, and with his arm he pulled her close against him in a secure dance structure.
His placement with her signaled for a regal dance her atar had taught her long ago for one of the King's feasts. Only significant events called for such a dance because of the intricacy of steps. Kalin recalled that the physical immediacy of partners depended on the devotion of the elves involved, increasingly closer proximity as one held more regard for the other.
Maedhros held her very close. "You know this dance?" He asked softly of her, and it was then she realized that only a lady of the court, or royalty, would know such a dance or so readily recognize its cues.
Mîrluiniel had immediately stepped into place with him. 'I am a member of my uncle's court, but should I reveal such a telling part of my identity? He knows it because he is a Noldorin prince, at one time he could have been High King!' And here he was, dancing with her in his fortress on the eve of spring. She would not lie. She could not lie to him. "Yes, my lord, I do." She did not see, but instead felt, his approving smile as he led her through the beginning steps, letting their music come to time. Kalin was already certain he had cruelly belied his skill, but was ignorant as to how truly proficient and strong he was in such a dance. 'His guidance makes it effortless, he moves so well that his partner works very little.' Her thoughts praised him and she enjoyed his arms around her, leading her, as the masculine role dictates.
In the dark Mîrluiniel could see little of his specific raiment aside from a deeply colored doublet and breeches. His vambraces shone in their mithril designs and she caught the glint of firelight reflecting off his leather boots. When Maedhros' intense eyes met hers, she could always discern their color and expression from the light of the Trees within that gaze. Her bare arm resting delicately upon his shoulder allowed her to feel the long straight hair that only just stained red in the dismal glow. His strong jaw clenched during the more complicated sequences, but his posture and form remained steadfast, even when it commanded him to grasp her more tightly, he did not withdraw.
A flourish of his partner pressed her back against his chest, completing the dance, and indicated for him to bow in gratitude to his partner with her hand still in his. The smile he wore became him, and she knew full well that she had just experienced a very exclusive side of his character. He trusted her. "Now be honest, how terrible was I?" The Noldo prince asked of her, partly in play, and she put her arm through his, slowly leading him back to where the others danced.
"It's been how many decades?"
He chuckled, inclining his head. "More than I care to recall."
Kalin pressed his arm receptively. "One would never have guessed that. Indeed, you remembered well all the steps including mine when I forgot which way to turn. I've never had a better partner for the dance, I can promise it to you." She succeeded in making him laugh, but despite its being a different effect than she had hoped, the sound of it delighted her.
"Now, one thing I will not accept is that sort of jest. Tell me really, you hated it."
"No! I refuse to lie to you. I challenge you never to hear me do so." He looked at her then, the laughter in his face fading away; but as he sought the truth of such words, it became a deeply pleased expression. Her eyes remained clear, in color and meaning, and he read her by them.
"Would my lord chance to display his novice with me for a second dance?" The elleth's soft request was impossible to refuse as he gazed into those eyes.
"But this is to be our first dance, you must remember, my lady. Before the eyes of so many, it must be." With a wink he corrected her and then spun her about as the music began and the couples arranged themselves.
To be sure, the eyes of many were upon them as they watched their lord of Himring-- whom many had never seen dance in their waking hours-- bring the vibrant young maiden out to twirl and hold in the patterns of song. They were something to behold, dark and light, as they moved together, around each other and between couples. Theirs was the dance, and those in such company paled in comparison as if echoes of a true sound.
It was with reluctance that Maedhros allowed other elves to stand up with her, and he watched her closely, grinning every time her eyes searched for his during dances where she was free to do so. He danced with her twice more before the sun came close to making its appearance, and knew it would be impossible to duplicate the feelings that arose in him when she held on to his frame or laid her cheek against his shoulder as a dance called for. Each moment with her was like the sun warming his cold figure. It was right.
From a distance, he saw Kalin holding young Pili who slept against her shoulder while she spoke with Remethiel, her oldest daughter standing sleepily beside them. He approached and heard their conversation. "Remethiel, you and Mornefindon stay and enjoy the feast! I will take the children and put them to bed."
"I just don't feel right keeping you from the festival, Kalin, you are having such a good time and it isn't fair…"
It was then that Maedhros came up to them, pulling little Dessui into his arms before she fell asleep standing up. "Take your husband and dance, Remethiel. Kalin and I will care for the little ones." He told the woman and, bowing, she thanked them, leaving with a parting kiss for both her children. Dessuithiel wrapped her arms around his neck as they walked from the celebration to their home, giving a little sigh before her tired eyes gave out. "Did you enjoy the festival, Kalin?" His deep Noldorin voice inquired of the elleth at his side.
Rubbing Pilindiel's back soothingly, she smiled and whispered her reply. "I did, very much. And you?"
"I think Himring has not held a merrier one since the fortress was built." Once they entered the house and went into the girls' room Kalin laid her burden down carefully and brushed her lips over the toddler's brow before moving so Maedhros could lay his dozing child alongside her sister.
Happily, Mîrluiniel could not help but notice how natural the elfling had looked in his arms, nor how easily he had taken her up in the first place. Removing a garland from Dessui's head and pulling a blanket over them both, Kalin then clarified her question. "But did you enjoy the festival, Maedhros?"
A few curls had fallen over her eyes from bending over and he put them from her face before she could reach to do it herself, his fingers lingering in her soft white hair. "I did…" He looked at her admiringly. "Very much." His fingers threaded through the length of her curls and stopped when they touched the flesh of her shoulder, scarred by that horrific day now far gone. "Must we remain with the children?" Maedhros' question was whispered and asked with eyes averted to the sleeping young ones behind her.
She shook her head. "They should sleep for a long time, yet."
He nodded and returned his eyes to her inquisitive ones. "May I show you something? It's not far from Himring, but we'll need to leave soon if we are to see it." Kalin hesitated little longer than a moment before saying yes and allowing her lord to lead her-- unseen by the merry-making couples who crowded around the fire-- to the stables. Rúnya roused easily, used to obeying the call of his master at any moment, and was pleased to see the elleth who accompanied him. A bridle was quickly fitted and, led out of the stall, Maedhros carefully lifted Kalin to sit atop his withers, mounting himself behind her without issue.
Again she was reminded of how dearly she loved this animal, and the wonderful security of being between its power and the strength of his owner. They galloped out and east of the fortress, a place she had never been or ventured as far as she had in the other directions. Firs and pines flew by them as timid gleams of the rising sun began to peek through their narrow trunks. "Nearly there…" Maedhros murmured agin her ear as their breathing deepened to match the stallion's beneath them. It grew increasingly uphill as the last mile became rocky and steep, a ridge lined with tall trees coming into view, their silhouettes like bastions looming over them.
Mounting the crest at last, Rúnyadal pranced in place at being stopped but stilled at a word from his master, allowing his passengers to safely dismount. Maedhros whispered something to the great horse in Quenyan before he took the bridle off and let him trot away along the ridge and down.
Kalin could not help but ask as the elf returned to where she stood. "Where is he going?"
The Noldo smiled. "You will see. Come, I have been here many times, there is a place where we can sit this way." He took her by the hand through the enormous trees and at length to a formation of boulders, which he skillfully led her up, until a good flat one offered them both a seat. "Here, it is almost time." He settled down beside her, one knee propped up to rest his right arm on. Subtly, he watched as she patiently waited for whatever he had brought her for, to happen, knees drawn up to her chest and her bare feet peeking out where the linen dress didn't reach.
The stars of winter's last night were all but vanished and the elves' eyes, too strong to really be affected by its radiance, met the eastern sun in all its glory as it rose with pride to awaken the spring. Already it was mesmerizing to her, and she was about to say as much when Maedhros leaned close to her and pointed out something else below the horizon, whispering to her as if it would all vanish if he spoke any louder. "They're coming… See, Rúnya is out to meet them." Closely, she studied where he directed her attention until keen eyes sought and found Rúnyadal's majestic galloping figure making his way east where at last she descried more horses, a large herd, running just as swiftly toward him. They circled each other with whinnies and neighs, bringing Kalin almost to tears by the sheer delight that such a scene afforded.
With pleasure, Maedhros diligently observed her emotions, gaining more than he had hoped for in her reaction. He knew, already, she was a deeply feeling elf, and it was only another quality that brought him to love her all the more.
Before long she turned and looked at him, her beautiful eyes shining with happiness, and her hand moved to rest atop his on the stone beneath them. "Thank you." Her voice was soft to match the moment.
For a breath-taking instant he could only gaze at her lovely face and the sun-lit curls that blew in the wind. But then his surprise grew shocked to feel her gentle hand press his and he looked down between them at the sight, his fingers, almost of their own accord, rising up to lace between hers and hesitantly press in response. 'Her skin is so soft.' He thought, enthralled that so quickly she was showing him affection. 'But this is not the first time she has done such a thing.' He realized, and remembered all the times she had healed his wounds in Himlad, soothing his hurt in more ways than simple physical ease. Kalin had truly cared for him from the beginning. And now he was slowly returning it.
After some moments more of watching the group of horses below them, she inquired. "Was Rúnya a part of this herd?"
He followed her eyes down to his steed and smiled. "He still is. We get all our horses from this herd, and Rúnyadal remains a leading stud among them. Many of the foals and colts you see are sired from his stock, there are several this year."
Her fingers moved a little and threaded with his in her excitement. "Can we go and see them?"
He tilted his head in thought, but at length decided against it, looking to her with an encouraging grin. "Let them be with their family a little longer, yet. I promise to take you with me when I come to document them." She smiled in response and nodded, turning away to look again with longing at the herd grazing in the early light. He knew that longing. He had experienced it enough after his rescue to recognize it easily. "Perhaps by then we can look for you your own horse. You'll have the best to choose from, I assure you…"
"Oh! That is more generous than I could ever hope, but…"
He held her hand more securely and stopped her. "There is no rush. I am certain whichever one we choose will need maturing, and that leaves us plenty of time."
Tentatively, she pressed. "Time for what?"
"I see your passion for horses, and relate to it with my own love for the creatures. I also know of, and perfectly understand, your inhibitions to ride again. I mean to teach you to do so once more, Kalin." She sat speechless and couldn't bring herself to make a sound before he continued, more gently this time. "I believe that waiting any longer to begin will only be to your detriment. However, I shall not force you to do this." He was patient for her answer and finally received it, with some mustered courage on her part, he was sure.
"If you'll teach me, if you'll help me in any way, then yes. Yes, I want to learn again."
He grinned, proud of her for this accomplishment, for it was a great one. "You're ready, I'm sure of it." His hand left hers reluctantly but moved it only to brush away the golden-white hair that blocked her eyes from view. Innocently, Kalin turned away from his intense gaze, concerned that she might have been too forward thus far. Yet Maedhros paid no heed to her measure of forwardness in that moment, nor his, as his only desire was to look at her as unabashedly as he chose.

They talked until late morning upon the ridge before Maedhros decided they should not be gone much longer and stood, giving her his hand so that she might do the same. While she awaited him, his agile body took him up to the highest boulder and, spying Rúnyadal among the complacent herd, let out a powerfully shrill whistle, which alerted the stallion to return.
"How often do you let him blend with the herd?" Kalin asked him as he jumped down from the formation and assisted her back to the ground with him.
"As often as I can. Now that I am here again, at Himring, I will leave him for longer periods while I train other young horses." He bent down to pick up the bridle from where he left it and handed it to her as the great steed trotted up to them through the trees. "You remember this, I am sure?  Put it on Rúnya for me?"
She took it from him and momentarily admired the beautifully detailed leatherwork within her fingers. "My lesson begins now?" He inclined his head with a comely smirk that brought light to his eyes. Turning to Rúnyadal as he stood before them, Kalin spoke in a familiar way to the tall animal that she had missed along with the master who'd taken him. Stepping before him, the elleth stopped when she couldn't figure out how to go about fitting it over his head.
Noticing the slight issue, Maedhros stepped forward and changed the position of the bridle in her grasp, explaining as he did so. "It will be opposite for you than it is for me, but you must use your arm to lift the crown of the bridle and utilize your fingers to place the bit within his mouth properly. See, it doesn't take much to situate it around his ears, no dexterity in any case." Guided correctly, and with only a little difficulty at the ears, she succeeded and pulled the reins around his neck, ready to mount. Grinning, she looked to Maedhros for approval and he nodded, giving her praise enough before continuing with his 'lesson.' "Good. Now can you mount bareback?"
Kalin measured the height of the stallion's back with her eyes and then looked around the immediate area for something to step onto, but found none. Realizing she was on the wrong side, Kalin stepped around the front of the horse and positioned herself to Rúnya's right. Reins and mane in her fist, she jumped and tried to swing her left leg over in vain, even attempting a second and third time, which seemed only to prove her lack of success. Maedhros stood with arms crossed in observance, waiting until she had tried completely before volunteering any assistance. He watched in amusement as she did finally lead Rúnya over to the boulders they had climbed down only a moment ago. Stepping first onto the lower of these, it was easy to simply sit down upon his back. With a grin of satisfaction, Kalin led the steed with her feet back over to Maedhros.
He laughed good-humoredly and walked up to lay a hand on his animal's neck. "What do you do if there are no such boulders to climb upon?" Kalin could find no answer, and, before she knew it, he had grabbed her ankle and slung it over the other side, effectively dismounting her with no fall and in her place he jumped upon Rúnyadal, trotting a little ways off to escape her reproach. Again he laughed once a safe distance away and began walking back toward her annoyed, yet smiling, expression. "Granted, I am taller, but it really makes little difference. How did I get on?"
She crossed her arms as he rode up beside her. "You have more arm strength than I do." The elleth answered simply, a little put out at having so easily been un-horsed.
"Yes, but I also used my arms differently. You pulled, I pushed."
She thought about the concept and then understood what he meant by it. "You used his back like a platform, then?"
Her quick comprehension pleased him and he dismounted at her side to allow her one more try. As she jumped, he directed her. "Lay your chest upon him and swing your leg over with the momentum." Kalin did so and, scooting up higher to his withers, she laughed with success. "Well done." He commended and then leapt to Rúnya's back behind her. "Do you remember the path home?"
Her beautiful laugh met his ears once more and she answered truthfully. "You took no path at all! And with the daylight, I should hardly recognize it better."
The prince smiled when she turned to look at him and found their faces uncommonly close. "Ride west and I shall tell you if we need turn." His confidence rubbed off on Mîrluiniel and she turned forward again to direct Rúnyadal on. Maedhros kept his hand on her waist, resting on one of her leather belts, and moved it only to push away interfering branches and boughs that tangled in their way.
"I don't recall galloping through all these, earlier." She remarked as he leaned against her, making sure they missed a low-hanging limb.
"That's because we didn't." He replied plainly and evoked her laughter.
"Then you take the reins. I haven't a clue where we're going, probably to a bog so you might jest at my horrid smell."
He gathered the reins from her and shifted a little so that he had more control of the stallion. "Now why would I lead you to a bog? For then I would smell just as badly!" She giggled all the while as he spoke and he enjoyed the exposure to such fresh gaiety. "No, I see no reason to take you to the bog today." At his conclusion he chuckled also and led his horse through an unobtrusive deer path so that twigs and leaves no longer hindered them.
Kalin sat quietly before him and inquired at length as she studied little deer tracks and paw prints leading to and fro on wandering trails. "Do you know every step of these lands? You find your way so easily…"
He shrugged just enough for her to feel and answered humbly. "No, my lady, not every step. But many miles I know by heart through these oaks and pines. Perhaps soon you will know them better than I, but I beg you not to go alone into the east. Though surely beautiful, it holds many hiding places where enemies often sleep and spy. The west I trust more for your safety." He saw her nod, but received no other reply to such requests, and in his heart he prayed that she would never wander these lands to her harm. If something happened to her and he could have prevented it… he dared not to think.
Mîrluiniel sensed the gravity of his comments and hoped she would never give him cause to worry. There was already more than enough to distress him. Even in that moment, after all the enjoyment they had shared, his posture was tense. Would he always be so? Darker thoughts crept into her awareness. The tortures of Morgoth had doubtless taken more than she could ever return to, or give him. If ever they were to bind, would their fëar ever be wholly united? There was a part of him, she felt, that he might never share with her, never want her exposed to.
Looking down to her arm where once the twin of her other hand would have rested, she flexed he invisible digits and grimaced as she always did. How much more did it pain his entire body from the force and hatred of the Enemy's thralldom? Her wounds were still mending further, hurting her less with the passing of time. Would his ever fully heal? "Maedhros?" Her voice sounded weaker than its usual cheer. He acknowledged her with a movement and waited for her to continue. "Do your wounds… do they still pain you?" She was anxious that this might test the waters too soon after his greatest breakthrough, but could not remain silent.
Behind her, the muscles of his torso grew rigid and his arms around her tightened so that she laid her hand over his wrist to try and calm him, thankful that it worked to a small degree. "Yes." He breathed.
Still, her tongue would not be still. "Will they ever heal?"
Again, he waited and at last let out a long breath. "I do not… No. I must endure them… as I endure many things." She wondered at his ending statement, but finally quelled her painful curiosity and squeezed his wrist gently.
'Why is she asking that?' Maedhros thought and a seed of doubt quickly cultivated in his mind, causing him to grow fearful that she would not be able to accept the scars, deep and gruesome as they were, that tainted his body. 'But she has already seen the marring of my back and chest…' He sought desperately to encourage himself. 'And from those she did not blench or cry out.' Yet, put away for too long, the darker side of his conscience came out at last. 'She still has not seen half of them, and you know they only grow worse. They will scar her… her pure eyes have never touched anything so grotesque. Only look into her gaze and one is certain of this truth.' Disturbed now on things much more physical than the principles and decisions he had finally resolved on the night before, Maedhros knew that he still had many obstacles to overcome before his heart could ever completely reside in her care.
They neared his stronghold before long, its lack of noise betraying the sleep-deprived inhabitants. Guards at all the necessary stations nodded to him, many with ellith by their sides, and opened the only entrance to the keep which resided on the western wall. Maedhros trotted through the signs of revelry and partiers from the night before and brought them to where the main dwelling quarters were, housing for his brothers and a few families of his higher officers. "I meant for you to remain in the room that was given to you upon arrival, my lady. It is a gift that I beg you receive, for I am away much too often to utilize such a space. I believe it better suited to your needs." He clarified the situation with the chamber as he helped her dismount, remaining upon Rúnyadal, himself.
"I thank you greatly for it, my lord." Reluctantly, she assumed her more formal regard to match his, hoping that the reason for the change was only because of their being within sight of others, not because she had estranged him in anyway. Before he turned to ride away they looked upon one another for a precious minute, a spark in his gaze returning with his admiration of her while Kalin's remained ever clear and readable so that he might see how much she cared for him. When her eyes did not avert from his, she came near and gently put her hand on his booted ankle, pressing just enough for him to really feel before letting go and backing away to remove into the inner keep.

Maedhros thought of Kalin as he cooled down his stallion and finally brought the beast into the stall to rub his muscles down. How perfect the maiden had looked high upon Rúnya's back, her fair legs exposed just above the knee as her dress hiked up enough to straddle his horse's girth. Her seat was praise-worthy and posture upon him, even at a walk, was all that he had expected in her horsemanship. Once she was brave enough to accept her own mount, he could not wait to experience simply riding at her side.
Rúnyadal nudged the Noldo with his nose as Maedhros stilled his hand upon the animal's flank, fully absorbed for a moment in his thoughts. "Forgive me, lad. You cannot blame me when you know the subject of my reflection." He spoke familiarly to the great steed and continued to massage the strong legs the creature bore.
"What subject might that be, my lord? If I may inquire…" An edhel's voice came from outside the stall and Maedhros turned to see Calanon propped nonchalantly against the doorframe. "May one humbly guess it's being the lovely elleth our captain took such pleasure in dancing with, last eve? I must confess, my lord, it was good to see you enjoying your own feast once again." Maedhros looked away and said nothing directly, but his body language communicated that Calanon's assumptions were indeed correct. "Where is she now?" He pressed, still receiving no eye contact.
"Kalin is no doubt resting still from last night. Don't think I didn't notice you and the men asking for her hand at every moment. You exhausted her." Maedhros reprimanded him with a stern look, yet Calanon did nothing but smile.
"I hope you'll forgive me if I did, I took her for only two dances. And I didn't exactly order the men to dance with her. She's a beautiful young maiden, why should she not be asked for?" The last comment made the captain's jaw clench in jealously and silently, he willed the elf to choose a different topic. Calanon felt him bristling and began on a point that he knew never depressed the prince, spoken of, or seen. "I noticed you took Dessui to bed last night. Did she go down easy for you?"
Maedhros relaxed now that his wish had been granted and smirked at the though of the little one. "She was fast asleep before I took three steps together. Do your children still play together with those two?"
The proud father laughed as he though of his young ones. "Bellethiel does, I know it, but I think Lainadan believes himself too old to be playing with little girls. Belle told me she's been teaching them to braid. Apparently they had lady Kalin's hair full of them a day not long ago. I remember when Lain and Belle took to my hair, I couldn't get the knots out for a week! Perhaps Kalin had a better time with just girls. She certainly loves our little ones."
Smiling at the remembrances of Kalin with his nephew, Maedhros remarked. "Yes, she was very good for Celebrimbor. I am certain she will be for all of them…" A sudden vision passed before his eyes at that moment… Weary and breathless, with tears streaming down a pained expression, Kalin laid back against something and was handed a squalling newborn, hairless yet but with eyes of the clearest green... Shaking his head, Maedhros looked to his lone hand and saw it trembling against Rúnyadal's coat. Quickly, he clenched the fist to quell such a reaction and turned away from Calanon so that he would not perceive his distress. "Calanon, leave me. Go to your children and rest." Sensing he'd stayed overlong, the elf did as he was asked with a 'yes, my lord' and was on his way.
Maedhros passed a hand over his eyes and leaned heavily against the wall, sliding down until he met the floor desolately. 'Bearing my children will cause so much pain…' He thought after reviewing the vision in his mind, seeing primarily her weak exhaustion as opposed to the elfling baby with his eyes.
'Bearing children to any elf brings pain, my son. Some more than others, granted, but that is what makes life all the more precious.' The sweetness of Nerdanel's voice sought to comfort him, and he desired to receive it, but was reminded of harsh facts.
"Kalin's mother died the night she bore her. If ever we were to… she could die." His voice was tense with the reality of the situation. "If I take her as my wife, I must never allow her to become with child."
'Maedhros, don't ever say such a thing!' His naneth corrected him across their bond. 'It cannot be the decision of only one … You must understand that depriving your wife from bearing your children could very well lead her to fade. To never give birth, a life created by you and your mate out of love, it is too severe a punishment to be tried at will. I beg you, my son, never inflict such a hurt intentionally upon her.'
In frustration, her eldest drove his fist against the resistant ground. "Then to keep her safe… I can do nothing but cease my pursuance of Kalin." He concluded, taking a great fall back from the small steps he had only just made forward.
'No. Dear one, listen carefully to my advice: Do as your heart guides you, for unlike many, you have a good and caring heart. Your life has been, and always will be, fraught with risk, as those connected to you will be as well. Only let those who are willing to take that risk, do so. When your love is desired in faith, bestow it completely and without restraint.' Maedhros felt a warmth of hope rise within him at his mother's words and closed his eyes in exhaustion, and at last, in peace.