[Gil'dae Cheb] An Extended Sojourn (Cala, Pre-Veil & GF'd)

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

Imperos 35

The majestic splendor of Starshadow Keep had slowly revealed itself to the bastard son of Quinnor Gil'dae. He had nervously resided within it's walls enveloped by the masterful architecture for four brightenings, which was precisely four brightenings longer than he had originally anticipated his visit there would last. He had come to the place on a frivolous whim to meet face-to-face with his father, although he suddenly realized that he was barren of any idea of what he was going to say the moment he arrived. He had been so enraptured with the need to get there that he had paid no mind to what he would do when he did.

It was of no consequence now. Quinnor had not been seen for many an era, and instead he had come to meet someone of almost of as much importance as Quinnor himself would of been. A worthy consolation. He had a half-sister. As illegitimate as himself, and accepted by those peculiar Gil'daes. Not scorned or removed from sight, but embraced and loved he had deduced. Such things he had never known in a capacity as he saw here. Eraisuithon's mother, his sole parent, had died a month before and so went with her surely last loving voice he would ever hear part from lips for him. It was truth. One hundred and twenty nine eras left him invisible to his maternal family and in lack of paternal. Isolation had left him with few people more than acquaintances. He was alone.

The gaunt elf had come to the library entirely by chance. Funny how one when given the opportunity and the time could wander aimlessly in a cozy place and feel completely content. Since his departure from the embrace of his mother when she was well a few seasons before he now had leisure time that was not restrained. As Senior Aedile of Imperia he had come to work fifteen- even twenty candlemark work brightenings. It was a great rush and hurry, more so than the elf had ever experienced before he was warranted with the position. Then, following his mother's death, it had been all a tumult too. He had left the province with nowhere in mind as a destination, and although he had nothing in particular to occupy his time his thoughts were either frantic and overburdened with grief or sorrowful and depressed.

His life had finally begun to fall to a slower pace now. Slow, but steady and sure. Emotions evened out, his concentration he could maintain and focus keep. The raven-haired elf stood before a tapestry depicting an ancient lord, some relative greater than he, receiving his title of nobility. It's quality was remarkable, it's beauty undeniable. Like everything around him it was contrary to himself. Thin, unhealthy (Fenn had thought he was struck by a plague) and entirely insignificant he was nothing alike these people who had showed a fleeting moment of mercy but would surely hope for him to leave soon. He was better suited as a servant of House Gil'dae than a member.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

The Lady of Starshadow had heard rumors of a new Gil’dae roaming about. It was a situation that she was familiar with but in her experience, it was better to let them come to her instead of the other way around. She didn’t want to be pushy and wished only the best for her family.

But when they -did- come to her, she would do everything she could for them.

Thus, gliding down a hallway one brightening, she came across a gentleman that looked -very- much like her cousin Larien. He seemed to be wrapped up in looking at one of the tapestries that adorned the hallways. Sometimes, she found herself doing the same thing….so she really couldn’t blame him. However, it -did- give her the opportunity to study -him- a bit. Too thin for her liking…which could be easily remedied…but there was something about him that was most definitely Gil’dae.

Clad in a flowing amethyst gown, she smiled and approached him slowly. Her long silver hair was braided around her temple but cascaded gently down her back and shoulders, and her silver eyes gazed curiously at him. Her voice was soft but sure.

“ Vedui. I presume you are the one I’ve heard about. The newest Gil’dae to come home? My name is Calairiel and I am Arwen of House Gil’dae. You bear a striking resemblance to my beloved cousin, Larien. Can I presume that you are related to her somehow?”

The elf ‘s words were kind and gentle…but she was extremely sure of herself. Very much the personality of a leader. As well, as his eyes took her in, he would notice that her belly protruded slightly from her form…indicating that she was with child.

So much to learn about his family…-His- family. What an odd term…but true.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

The elf's outward focus remained on the ancient tapestry that his eyes lay fixated upon, although his thoughts were lost elsewhere. He had spent no more than a few brightenings within the Cheb yet he felt totally at ease within it's confines like he had lived there for months. From the first darkening that he spent to the present brightening he had only been welcomed and cared for by the family which he had expected to quietly turn him away and shun him. And he could of accepted that, he might have to yet, but he was beginning to think that the dark thought that he had been harboring within himself was a falsity conjured by a misguided mind. Could it be that he wouldn't be turned away? That perhaps he would be accepted too? He unconsciously shook his head. It was a grand notion, but he would relish all the time he had in the grand house.

Only then did he realize the presence of another and hear the words of one that he had heard much about himself. He turned towards the voice and his sight was consumed with the gentle and beautiful features of the Arwen of House Gil'dae. Tiny hairs on the back of the elf's neck stood on end and a shiver wracked his form as each of her words penetrated his ears. The newest Gil'dae, home.. His breath caught and he offered slight bow, all he could offer for a moment. He did not know what reaction would be proper in response to the few words that delivered a message that he had yearned to hear since he had first arrived alone on the doorstep of Gil'dae Cheb. Words of importance because they came from the lady of the family herself.

"My Lady Calairiel" he said softly, nodding graciously in response to her query. "It is indeed so. Larien, it has been found, is my half sister. We are by the same father- Quinnor Gil'dae". He would not of known what more to say if his eyes had not strayed to her bloated stomach. A thin smile creased his lips. Children were a blessing greater than any other. "When are you expecting your child, Arwen Calairiel?"

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Smiling softly at him, she nodded her head in greeting and listened to his story regarding Larien and his found heritage.

“Then that would make you my cousin…so I welcome you home.”

The conversation turned to her and Nimavel’s child. Giving him a smile, she caressed the small bump that had appeared in her lower abdomen and replied.

“ Many months. I am but a few seasons pregnant. I know that eventually the pregnancy will begin to wear on me…but for now, I am content. Please, come in and let us have some tea and talk. “

She took his arm and led him to a nearby sitting room with a comfortable couch and chairs. After asking one of the nearby workers to bring them a platter with tea and two cups, she glided over to the couch and lowered herself to a comfortable sitting position, patting the place next to her.

“ I promise, I don’t bite hard…although I’m not sure what Larien has told you about me. Tell me all about yourself...and please, Calairiel...or Cala. We don't stand on ceremony here."

Calairiel gave him an encouraging smile, waiting for him to begin. She truly was interested to learn about her newest relative.

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

The elf could not help but maintain a pleasant grin for a few moments as they spoke of her child. His eyes darted to the small bulge a few times, and he gave a knowing nod despite a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of pregnancy on female elves. "Tea would be very nice, I think" he replied kindly to her offer. While he was not all too excited about the offer of talk, he realized that this would be the time for that to occur if it was ever to happen. He would be gone to Imperia before too long.

Eraisuithon allowed his arm to be taken, and moved lightly to where the elfin lady intended to take him. He sat beside her, feeling momentarily awkward beside her, but he soon felt at ease. He chuckled softly to himself. "Larien and Fenn only seem to have the deepest respect and love for you Calairiel, I already had a fond impression of yourself before I met you." He wearily shifted in cushions of the couch, trying to frame in his mind a decent reply that would not hurt too much to recount. He eyed the tea.

"I suppose you're interested in my family and such... I fear there is not much to tell you." His face had become more morose than before and he sighed. "We've-" He paused and shook his head ever so lightly. "..I've never never had much of a relationship with them. None of them, aside from my mother, and she is gone now." He swallowed. He didn't want to explain. It still hurt. "I'm one hundred and twenty nine eras old, and you might of heard through the channels that I'm the Senior Aedile of Imperia.. I moved away from Syl'rosya in the spring.. and surprisingly I found myself with the position after a short meeting with the Thane. I'll be returning very soon.. I've been away." He voice was shaky and next word came very low but somehow at a significantly higher pitch. "Grieving."

He was unsure whether it had come to Calairiel that his mother had died about a month prior, but he did not have any desire to speak of it either. He made a forced smile. "I'm afraid I don't make much of a story."

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

She –had- to grin at his last statement. Calairiel had known –far- too many people that thought the same on themselves…but –she- thought their stories to be quite interesting. including his.

“ Oh come now, cousin….perhaps you don’t believe it to be interesting but then again, you live it. I don’t feel that my story is much to tell…but here I am. I grew up away from here…far away….with people that I believed to be my parents. Later on, I found out that instead, I had a twin brother…and that they were in actuality, my uncle and aunt. I came to Syl and met my twin brother, Motito, and learned what it was to be an elf. Now, I’m the head of this amazing House, a sorceress, warrior, wife and mother to be. It’s all happened so fast…incredible to think of where the time has gone. I’ve had my share of adventures….my –own- political adventure in Imperia as Lt. Governor….and many others, but I’ve found that nothing is more rewarding then home and being a part of this family. Romanticized ideas…I know…but true.”

Grinning a bit at herself, she smiled and nodded to the girl that brought them tea…offering a cup to both Calairiel and Eraisuithon. After taking a sip, the silver haired elf regarded her cousin again.

“So, tell me…what do you see in your future, cousin….and how can we help?”

[Eraisuithon Gil'dae]

The newest Gil'dae listened quietly motionless as stone as Calairiel recounted a brief account of her own history for his ears. Unlike his, Calairiel's actually did possess some interesting qualities. It seemed to him that she had done many great things and had lived through many good and happy times. It was pleasing to get to know someone Calairiel like this with all formalities aside.

He smiled. "Romanticized ideas or not, they speak greatly for your heart and yourself as a person.. There must be nothing greater than family, especially with a family like this.. You all amaze me beyond words." Having a screwed up family that ignored your existence in the literal meaning of the word could do that to someone. Leave them amazed by the simplest expressions of love and cohesion.

The raven haired elf faintly sipped the subtle flavors of the elven tea, and set it down shaking his head. He wanted nothing from them. The could not help him or offer him anything of greater value than they already had. Acceptance.

"My lady.. I foresee many potential paths ahead of me in my future, but I wish nothing in particular from you or House Gil'dae.. What you have already given and shown is enough, and I am content with these things that you have offered without a second thought.."

His speech was more passionate than he would of liked, but he could not maintain the reserve that he hoped to conduct himself with. He steadied the exuberance of his speech, choosing to share with Cala some of the particular things he hoped to do.

"Someday I think I would like to step up another rung on the ladder of politics.. But right now I am.. content, I think. In Imperia I was investigating business and such, and will continue to do likewise. The future as a whole for me is unclear.. I don't have some grand dream to strive towards, but like I said before, there are many paths before my feet."

He raised the next topic cautiously, hoping not to seem overly curios or snoopy. He was more curios than anything. "I understand that most houses maintain businesses of their own and political initiatives and the like..I will admit I am unversed in those types of matters. But what exactly is the future like for you Cala, and for House Gil'dae?"

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

Their conversation was progressing quite well and she was finding him to be excellent company. He had a quick mind…a trait that would serve him well in his chosen field. It was funny when she thought about it. Most of their lines tried their hand in politics at one time or another. Most didn’t last…but perhaps he had the right temperament to finally get the job done.

“ We are your family. Never forget that. There will always be a welcome place for you with us. If you ever need anything, all you need to do is ask.”

Being content with simply having a family was something Calairiel could relate to. There was very little in the world that she required to be happy. In truth, -all- she required was her family. Nimavel…her children…those in her immediate family.

That’s all she really needed.


“ House Gil’dae isn’t on a set path. Life moves in mysterious ways. We have several businesses that fund the activities of the House but I’d prefer to see us move in a direction that helps benefit others. Perhaps that is something you can help us with?”