[Gil'dae Cheb] The Morning Before (Calairiel, Pre-Veil & GF'd)

[Fenn Gil'dae]

End of the First Month of Summer, Era XIV

The new brightening's sun broke through the evergreen tree tops of the forest, glittering down defined rays of light upon the Gil'dae Cheb's glass-pan windows. Fenn had awoken early to the sound of his lute being struck by his left foot, he having fallen asleep next to it like so many darkenings before. Ever since his daughter had been born, Fenn had felt an odd sense of loneliness at night, as if he were supposed to be with someone other than the latest trophy. Sometimes he sank in it for awhile, trying to figure it out while all the while becoming more and more depressed. Other times, like this particular brightening, he just shook it off.

Now in the study, he sat near a window gazing out upon the world of green around him. No matter how much of a free spirit he had always been, Fenn could never find it in himself to leave Sylrosia for long. The very roots of the trees seemed to call to him. The grass asked him to come and walk about it, the air whispered sweet nothings into his ear. Yes, Sylrosia was home, very much home and while he vacationed here and there, the truth was that Sylrosia would always be where he hung his hat in the end.

Just moments ago a maid had brought him hot tea, his choice early-brightening drink regardless of the season. And even in the heat of summer, the northern reaches of Arakmat were colder than most. And if that weren't enough, the Cheb always seemed to stay cool thanks to the canopy of forest surrouding it. He sat at the window and silently prayed for direction. Fenn have never been much of a religious person, but he would at times speak to the ancients as if they were with him, conversing with the woodland spirits and those of elves long dead. It was a beautiful history he felt that he shared with the world around him.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Calairiel was a busy girl.

It never seemed to end…the sheer amount of work requiring her approval, help, advice or even just signature. She didn’t complain because in a very real sense, it was responsibility she had asked for. Overseeing everything in the Cheb…everyone’s well being as well as the safety and security of those residing within the walls of the Cheb.

But no matter how busy she was, when family came home, they became her priority. As such, she made a visit to Fenn her first priority of the brightening.

Gliding down the halls in a long sapphire gown, she located her brother in one of the many studies that littered Starshadow Keep. Knocking on the wall softly to get his attention, she gave him a soft smile.

“May I join you?"

[Fenn Gil'dae]

Fenn heard the pitter-patter of lady elven feet just a quick moment before Cala popped her head into the room. He turned and smiled at his older sister. She was radiant, truly she was, and Cala always made him think of his daughter Katerynn, who favored his older sister greatly. She was off becoming the elven maiden hero she had always been made to be and Fenn was here still trying to get his mess of a life in order.

"I'm glad that you will," Fenn said in reply. He had only been back at the keep for a cycle now, though he hadn't been gone long before that... maybe a month off in Nexus Prime. Still, Fenn felt like this was a homecoming to say the least. It had been the first time since he'd arrived home that he'd seem his big sister - she was quite the busy head of house.

"Tea?" he asked with a grin, "Not to rush business on you this morning or anything sister, but I must tell you of some thoughts I had while visiting Nexus Prime for the last month. While there, I realized that perhaps the House's grasp on a few more businesses wouldn't hurt our influence outside of Syl'rosia."

He poured her a cup of tea from a large tea pot that had been prepared for him just moments before she arrived. "These businesses are centers of influence in and of themselves in their own way, which could only help to pull support for House Gil'dae in those areas and therefore universally. With your blessing, I am considering riding up to Imperia to discuss one such idea with the senior Aedile there. Imperia is still very much rebuilding and this would be a wonderful time to plant Gil'dae seeds there."

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Cala smiled and accepted the tea gratefully, listening to the words her brother offered. Always happy to include her family in matters that pertained to them all, she was intrigued as to what his thoughts were.

And then he mentioned Imperia…and Calairiel’s heart went cold. Ugh…Imperia. Why Imperia?

Fenn wouldn’t have known so she couldn’t blame him…but Imperia was a place that held bad memories for the Lady of Gil’dae. As its former vice-governor, she had been there for a time attempting to help in the aftermath of the destruction the meteors had reigned upon it. The citizens, however, had been none to pleased at her appointment or the help she tried to give. They had called her horrible names and thought of her as nothing more then an elven spy intent on their destruction.

Time had passed and it seemed almost a lifetime ago but the memories and emotions were still fresh in her mind. Sipping her tea, her silver gaze fell to Fenn again, smiling a bit.

“ I fear that Imperia holds no love for Gil’dae…or at least didn’t when I was vice-Governess there, but you are certainly welcome to try. What type of business are you thinking of starting?”

While her thoughts were clouded in emotion, she kept her eye on the matter of business. Fenn hadn’t come to listen to her whine about who did and did not like her or to hear of her past.

[Fenn Gil'dae]

Fenn listened. Her words were like ice on his plans, but he accepted them none the less. If she knew something about Imperia he didn't know, it would make all the difference in the world as to how he approached things there. Fenn was fairly certain it was a good place to plant seeds, but perhaps planting them quietly would be the safest bet if "Imperia holds no love for Gil'dae."

"I see. Perhaps going about something quietly would be the best bet than?" He sipped his tea. "I've actually been considering several business models. I was planning on inquiring about breweries in the city, do you know of any? Exporting a local beer or wine could bring in income from several outlets."

He leaned back in his chair, "Also, I considered investing in the arts in Imperia, but now I can't seem how that would be possible without the Gil'dae name getting attention. Buying or starting businesses with local managerial staff is the safest bet. Or perhaps I should be discussing city defense plans with the government there, considering our arcana canons are in full production."

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Calairiel considered his words, tilting her head in quiet contemplation.

“Local management staff would be most likely the best bet and I like the idea of beer and wine. I know of no outlets for those particular commodities so I’m sure they would be well received.”

“ If you wish to gather the information on those specific areas, I would be more then happy to review the numbers and we can come to a logical conclusion together as if they would benefit the House. If you need any information regarding Imperia itself, Nimavel would be an excellent source. He does a lot of business within Imperia and seems to know the right people.”

Of course, Nimavel’s –business- were things that Calairiel didn’t like thinking about, although she could guess as to what he was up to. Her husband was a very complex elf…but very intelligent. If someone wanted to know the best way to go about things in Imperia, he would be the one to talk to.

[Fenn Gil'dae]

"Sounds good sister," he said to her, "I will be leaving this brightening, which is why I am glad we are getting to speak." He sipped his tea. "I will go and come back researched as you suggest, then we can discuss possibility. A visit to the bank and Imperia might be a good idea as well, so I shall do that and discuss loan possibilities there."

He thought about his brother in that instant and his heart fell sad. Fenn looked to Cala and spoke earnestly, "I miss him, you know. It's quiet mornings when I miss him the most."

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Calairiel smiled at her brother, nodded her head and looking off into the distance, letting her thoughts settle.

“Me too…but the one thing I learned from Motito is that we all have a life to live…and he lived his the way he wished. He wouldn’t want us feeling bad…so I’ve put my energy into making Gil’dae grand again…and it seems like you’ve got a few ideas to that end as well. Maybe we can all make something of this.”

Motito and Cala hadn’t parted ways in the best of circumstances but that didn’t keep her from loving her brother and respecting his wishes. She had built a life for herself in Syl’rosya…which now included a husband and children…and she couldn’t have been happier.

[Fenn Gil'dae]

Fenn grinned and sipped his tea once more. "I believe this House will be great in our life times, Sister." Of course, they would each live for hundreds of eras more, but with how long it takes elven houses to rise in the combine, this was still quite the proposal. "Our heart is in our House, much like it is in our bodies. We all are House Gil'dae, more so than this keep."

He was being quite sentimental at the moment, thoughts of his brother flooding his mind. But it didn't last for long, his mind eventually pushing out such memories so that he may return to business. He smiled, his face flush, and pushed back a tear. Then he looked at the floor and took a long breath. When he looked up again, he was looking right into Cala's eyes with a grin.

"Have you any business arrangements on your plate at the moment? I could help you with something when I return perhaps?" He could tell she was pregnant, even if she hadn't said anything to him about it, and he wanted to help where he could.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Calairiel’s mind quickly flipped through all the business arrangements she has going on at the moment. Syl…Chelseanna…Nexus Prime….so many things to do, never enough time.

“ In fact, I do. The Silver Moon is doing well here in Syl’rosya and I’ve recently looked into expanding it into other cities. I’ve bought places in Chelseanna and Nexus Prime and will be beginning renovations soon. However, once they are up and going, I’m going to need someone to overlook one or both of the businesses. “

No, she’s not made a formal announcement of her condition for one very good reason. She wasn’t sure how Nimaval was feeling about the impending birth of their child and she really didn’t want to weigh him down with the entire Cheb celebrating while he was contemplating his feelings. Better to wait until she knew his mind and heart.

“Thank you for the offer. I’m in the middle of purchasing another piece of property in Iefferon for the family. A vacation house, so to speak. I’ve seen it and it is amazing with a spectacular view of the sea. I think it will be perfect when we need time away from Syl’rosya. I’m contemplating taking the children and spending a goodly amount of time there in the near future.”

Upon saying the word ‘children’…she realized that Fenn had not yet met his new nieces and nephews. Her fault entirely. Too much traffic in the Cheb these days.

“ Forgive me…you’ve not yet met the newest Gil’daes, have you? No time better then the present I suppose.”

Rising carefully, she smiled and led Fenn up the stairwell and down the hallway to the very busy nursery. The Gil’dae nursery had always had one or two little ones running around at any given time but the sturdiness of the place was currently being tested with its four new inhabitants and one small little girl.

And one could tell so from way, way, waaaaayyy down the hallway.

Opening the door, Cala led Fenn into what could only be described as organized chaos.

Nursery assistants chasing small little people who were running as fast as they could on chubby little legs…a few having morning meal, or more to the point -painting- with morning meal…and one small little girl standing there, wide-eyed as confusion reigned supreme.

Grinning, Cala entered the room to a chorus of what sounded like little mocking birds. In actuality, all four of the little elves were trying their best at saying Cala’s name…

“ CalaCalaCalaCala….”

Kneeling down to the ground, all five children began to make their way towards the elven Arwen, be it by walking, stumbling or crawling. Giggling, she wrapped as many of them up into her arms as she could.

“ Good Morning, my loves. I want you to meet someone…Uncle Fenn. He’s come to see us for awhile.”

The chorus changed a bit, turning into “FennFennFennFenn”….seemingly enjoying the new word their adoptive mother had given them. The small girl had managed to wiggle herself into Cala’s lap, staring at Fenn with a steely look in her blue eyes, as if daring the elvish stranger to try something.

They were all beautiful. The two babies who were currently fighting for position near Cala with chubby arms and hands were precious. Both had dark hair, however one was a girl and the other a boy…and the girl had much darker eyes. Smiling, she pointed out the two to Fenn.

"Arandron is the little boy…never shy that one…and little Miss Caladwen. She is much quieter but doesn’t let anyone push her around. "

The toddlers then made their presence known, tugging on Cala’s hair and loving on her, trying to get her attention away from the adorable babies. Laughing, she gave them both kisses and introduced them to Fenn, starting with the small boy with blond hair and sharp lavender eyes who was trying to hide behind Cala.

“This sweetheart is Saerwen…and this act of his is -only- because Nimavel isn’t here. Those two are peas in a pod, and Saerwen won’t acknowledge anyone else if Nimavel is around."

The little girl was as well hiding behind Cala, but she was more curious about the stranger, giving him a curious look. Like Saerwen, she had blond hair, but her eyes were instead of shade of soft green.

“This is Nariel. She’s not as shy as the others but takes a bit to warm up to new people.”

Finally, her attentions returned to the red-haired little Medonian elf with those daring blue eyes riveted on him. Kissing the girl on her forehead, Calairiel made the introductions.

“Fenn, this is Alassiel. She’s a very good big sister and helps out a lot. I believe that she will be the finest Gil’dae yet.”

Cheeks flushing, the little girl turned away from Fenn just a bit, but if he looked, he would notice that she was keeping an eye on him out of the corner of her eye.

Smiling at them all, Cala continued to speak to Fenn, giving him a little background on her small tribe.

“ I wanted to do something to help our people. By adopting this elven orphans, I’m ensuring that they are raised as elves and educated as such. Besides, there is so much love in this family that it seems a shame not to share it. We have the money and resources to ensure their well-being and I’ve never regretted the decision.”

She was beaming at the children…and it was easy to tell that she was very serious about her devotion to them.

[Fenn Gil'dae]

Fenn listened intently as she spoke of foreign business. Yes, these opportunities sounded good to him, very good. It would give him the chance to travel, as well as, satisfy his need to act in a managerial capacity. He nodded to her and smiled when she had finished. The idea of a summer home that she would be visiting for some time quite soon made Fenn grin. She would likely be going there to spend her pregnancy, which made sense... it would be relaxing and she could leave House Matters in the hand of someone not-pregnant for awhile.

"I could take those posts Cala," he said with a grin, "From Nexus Prime I could travel the road south-east to Krois and sail from there to Chelseanna, I believe they may even have a ferry." He raised his hand to his chin and in a moment of thought queried, "For how long will I be needed in each location?"

He placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled, "We will miss you while you are away. Do you plan to leave someone in charge of affairs?" He was of course suggesting himself, though he understood if she chose another. She would not be gone for sure he reckoned and "handling" family affairs would only mean making sure no one rocked the boat too much.

Their trip upstairs seemed to grow louder and louder as they approached the nursery. The adolescent maelstrom of shouts and uncoordinated running was enough to drive anyone mad, or at the least make them smile. Fenn grinned, happy that none of them were his and that he wasn't in there working to keep them in order. He had fathered a daughter, though not as well as he should have, but she turned out to be noble and good none the less. Katerynn, he loved her dear.

"Well, vendui!" he said to the children, squatting down to be closer to their heights, "Nice to meet you." He spoke in a jovial tone, smiling from ear to ear and looking at each of them in the eyes. As Cala introduced each of them, he would nod to them and mouth "Vendui!" before looking up to Cala and smiling. They were beautiful and seemed to be quite the handful.

"They're beautiful," he said with a toothy smile, "Where did you adopt them from?"

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

The Arwen of Gil’dae thought over his question for a moment. She wanted someone to keep a fairly close eye upon the businesses to make sure things were going well. She wasn’t content to simply buy the businesses and let happen what may. That would have been a poor investment of the House’s money to do that.

“ Truthfully, I would want to make sure that the businesses are well cared for so I fear the post would involved a goodly amount of time, Fenn. Perhaps a few cycles every season to make sure things are running properly. Of course, I’ll be checking in as well considering I can just teleport to the locations…but as you can see, I have some responsibilities here as well.”

Smiling at her small tribe, she gave them each kisses and let them go back to what they were doing…under her watchful eye of course, as she continued her conversation.

“Medonia. After the pox, hundreds of elven children were orphaned. We may not be able to take them all…but we can help a good portion of them. Nimavel and I adopted these five and I donated a large sum of money to the orphanage. We agreed that after a time, we would return and adopt more. There is no reason why we shouldn’t and obviously, we have the ability to do so. I’d like nothing more then to see the halls of this House filled with beautiful little elves. I’m hoping eventually to convince other Houses of the Combine to do the same thing…to ensure the future and customs of Sylrosya…our legacy. For now, however, I am content with what I have. Perhaps after the baby comes…”

Calairiel was a very patient girl but then again, elves had more time then most races.

[Fenn Gil'dae]

Fenn nodded, the time seemed necessary though definitely a bit more than he had expected. He wasn't one-hundred percent he was the elf for the job, but he would give two-hundred percent to do what it took for the sake of the house. He would do anything for the House, now that he had realized just how important it was to him and the other elves of the Empire (regardless if they knew it or not). Cala's adoption decisions further cemented this in his mind.

"They are beautiful," he said with a grin, looking at the children who were being escorted together by the nursery helper. "And I believe I am ready to watch over your stores. When shall I leave?"

He smiled and put his hand on Cala's shoulder, looking her in the eyes. "You are a warm maiden, and you shall be an even warmer mother."

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Smiling, Calairiel placed her hand over her brother’s. She dearly missed having her siblings around…even though she hadn’t grown up with them. There was just something about a familial connection that she needed.

“Thank you for your kind words. Truly, it’s been easy to love these children. In essence, we are ensuring the Gil’dae name goes on…as will the legacy of Syl’rosya. Ensuring the future is a responsibility I take seriously. As for when you should leave, stay and rest for a while….and perhaps towards the beginning of Winter. I can take care of things for now. I’m still getting things set up and running but I’ll be getting a bit tired towards winter and I’m sure Nimavel will want me to stay closer to home with the ill weather. Does that sound okay?”

She had every faith in her brother but still…she wanted to make sure everything was running smoothly before handing over things to him.

“ Shall we discuss your wages? I don‘t expect you to do this for free.”

[Fenn Gil'dae]

He smiled, "Very well, winter it is and wages it is." He couldn't afford to say no to the idea of a steady salary, not at all. He took her hand and held it tight, leading her away from the nursery and down the hall to a sitting room just opposite an old fireplace rarely used any more. Fenn invited her to sit and then sat himself next to her on the couch, staring out the windows that looked over a small clearing and then to the woods.

"I love her sister, Syl will always have my heart." He took a deep breath, the kind a lover makes when thinking about his significant other, the kind of breath that leaves you more breathless than before. "It's the forest floor, as soft as a petal."

He looked to her, his pregnant older sister. He didn't know her as well as he had wanted to, but this would be correct. In time he would come to know Cala in such a deep, familial way, that he would surely cry when she returned from a long trip. He laughed at the thought of laughing with her one day, true happiness seemed not so far off after all.

"Now about that salary," he said with a grin, "Let's have it! What are you thinking?"