Lady of Battle

‘ ‘ = thoughts or thought-speaking

Proposition


It would have seemed that her mood had set the weather on this day as she walked from her quarters toward the great talan of her Lady. She had lived in the royal guest suites, reserved for the visitors from other realms, for several centuries and despite her Lady's offer to move to the Grand Talan, she preferred to remain closer to the outskirts of the city. This made it easier for her to take her leave of her duties and find sanctuary with her ancient friends.

It was a mildly long distance to the Lady's Talan, giving her some fresh air and time to gather her wits for this day. She had been summoned by the Lady and hadn't expected the request. And after her sleepless night, she wasn't sure she would be able to keep her usually calm and serene ore during some petty meeting of which she had been finding herself loathing as of late.

Usually able and up to any task asked of her, lately she had been finding herself easily aggravated by the simplest duties and knew it was the endless struggles the recent nights had been bringing her.

She slowly made her way through the path, calmly glancing around and mentally preparing herself as she began to walk up the stairs to the Lady's talan. The golden elves were busy at work all over the city and as she climbed she looked about the scenery, watching the servants busily hurry along and perform their daily tasks and she found pleasure in what she saw. There was something therapeutic about seeing this beloved realm so busy at work. She had always loved the sight.

But she noticed the servants glancing at her suspiciously and she wondered at their change. They had always in the past gone to great lengths to avoid looking in her direction at all. For even though she was nearly as mystical and fair as the Lady herself, her ferociousness equaling the Lady Galadriel’s serenity, there was a balanced yet fearsome power within her that kept all in wonder and misunderstanding. Since she had always enjoyed her privacy, she left it as is and cared not for changing their minds.

As she reached the landing at the entrance, the guards, who had been casually speaking, stopped their conversation and turned to face her, they stared at her with an odd studying and one stepped forward and spoke.

"The Lady awaits you, Lady Brenauth."

"Thank you.", she replied and walked proudly past them as they cautiously watched her.

She entered the talan and was met by one of the Lady's personal servants.
"Please, follow me." The servant motioned gently for her to follow. They walked through the large sitting room into the study and the servant instructed her to wait.
"My Lady will come shortly."

She sat calmly and studied the room. It was somewhat large and in the center was a simple desk made of wood with beautiful carvings of ivy and Gardenias in bloom. It was delicately thin and truly showed the talent of the elven carvers. Next to it a beautiful bench that matched with a royal blue cushion, On the wall, were wall to wall bookshelves packed to there capacity with books and scrolls. She smiled inside for she believed she had probably borrowed and read every single one over the years.

The sheer drapes covering the doorway were blowing gently and she decided to step out onto the Lady's private patio. It was where they usually held conference since the Lady understood that she thought much clearer in the open air rather than locked in a study.

As she passed through the doorway she heard the Lady's voice in her mind.
‘I can feel that you are weary’, it inquired.

"Yes, my lady." As Brenauth spoke aloud, she turned to find Galadriel standing just beside the door. Her light was as warm as the sun and she immediately felt at peace in the lady's presence.

"I hear your cries in my thoughts. Is there something you would like to say?" Galadriel spoke calmly without hesitation.

‘Why do you not speak to me in riddles as you do to the others?’ Brenauth thought to herself and then replied.

‘You and I haven't passed riddles since the second age.’ Galadriel thought after hearing Brenauth's thought.


"Always straight to the point,” replied Brenauth. Galadriel smiled and walked toward her as they both turned to face out toward the trees and came to stand side by side. Neither looking toward the other, the Lady continued their conversation.

"Always,” spoke Galadriel.

So they stood for a while; it was apparent that something troubled the Lady Galadriel and this lady seneschal wondered what could be causing the usually confident leader to be pausing with restraint. Galadriel had never been as good at hiding her feelings as her Seneschal, so she waited patiently.

"Brenauth, I need to discuss something with you." Galadriel's voice showed concern and her seneschal knew that when the Lady spoke her name, it was an important matter. Brenauth faced Galadriel and showed no hastiness, as if letting her know to take her time. Whatever trouble the realm was facing, she would do her duty and see to it that all was mended.

Galadriel took a short breath and decided to speak. She knew this Brenauth and knew better than to procrastinate.

"An issue has come into my attention and although it should be a joyful circumstance, I believe you will find it quite vexing."

Brenauth showed no change but simply raised an eyebrow to let her Lady know she was indeed curious.

Galadriel laughed within herself at this. In the long while she had know this lady, the warrior inside her personal seneschal still caused her to be intrigued by these responses she had come to expect. They were like siblings and had always been close, or as close as Brenauth would let anyone. Galadriel considered her a friend and knew very little about her servant's past; only that there was pain, for Galadriel was unable to reach inside her friend and see her injuries and was only allowed to pass her own thoughts to her when Brenauth allowed it.

"An unexpected request has come unto me and your Lord; I was quite surprised by it."

Brenauth nodded in understanding. And the Lady continued.

"Brenauth, a complicated matter; I know you wish to abide by the ancient laws and as you know, ancient royal customs require any male to request permission for pursuance before attempting to gain a Lady in standing and permission is usually given by the father. But since you have none, an elf has asked our permission as your Lord and Lady, in his stead."

Galadriel stood speechless at what her eyes beheld. She couldn't believe it but she thought she had registered the look of distress in Brenauth’s face, though no one else would have noticed. She knew that her friend had lost her usual control for a brief moment and seeing that after having been friends this long, sorrowed her for having been the one to reveal the information that had caused it.

But quickly, Brenauth had resumed her continence and turned to face out toward the trees. And there she remained for a long while. Galadriel knew that this would be a difficult day for her friend.

After several moments, Galadriel placed her hand near her friends shoulder and barely allowed it to touch the gown Brenauth was wearing. Although her friend revealed nothing, Galadriel knew that there was an emotional battle going on within her friends mind and only wanted to offer any comfort she could.

Today, Brenauth would have yet another chance to live up to her name...TBC


Authors Note: For the name Brenauth, I combined the Sindarin terms for lady (Brennil) and for battle (auth). I know that this is an incorrect combination but couldn't find the correct translation. Brenauth, in my story, is meant to mean Lady of Battle.
By the way, please review as I have lots in mind for this little thing and want to know if it’s worth it to you all to keep going. My warnings will surface, but just so you know I like *built up*. Call it foreplay. :) Cheiron