On the eleventh day of Hrive 'Isia
They arrived late in the evening. The celebration of Hrive 'Isia seemed to have stalled due to all the chaos of the Princess's abduction. She felt guilty over all the fuss that had been made over her. She was helped from her horse and quickly surrounded by the strong, feminine grip of Madrician. "Oh sister!" the young girl cried, and wept into her chest. Gilraen kissed the top of her head, and pulled her back. She stared into her sister's gaze and knew she was reading her thoughts.
Madrician paled, and tears slipped silently from her puffy eyes. When she hugged her sister again, Gilraen knew that she had no reason to worry. Her sister did love her and did not blame her for their mother's death. "Father asks for you," Madrician whispered, tugging on sister's arm.
"He speaks?" Gilraen asked, then turned to Turgon.
"I knew nothing of this," he promised.
Círdan appeared at Madrician's side. "He began to form sentences yesterday morning, and as of this morning has become quite demanding. Insisting on being in top form when he binds his daughter to her life-mate; he does wish to speak to Turgon before the ceremony."
"Of course," Turgon answered. "What other progress has he made?"
"Oh Lord Turgon," Madrician interjected, "He is walking with assistance, and is trying to feed himself. It is a miracle, a gift from the goddess that she has smiled down on him, found favor in him and he works to make her proud," the young girl turned her gaze upon Círdan, "with the goddesses steady hand leading him, Círdan has brought him back to us."
Gilraen could not help but notice the way her sister's features changed when she spoke to Círdan. Her sister seemed to be developing a crush on the elven warrior. It would be several years before Madrician could act on those growing desires, but if she chose to Círdan would certainly be a worthy mate. She promised herself to think more on the possible binding between her sister and her betrothed's friend later, for now she needed to see for herself this "miracle" her sister spoke of.
The small cluster moved together, leaving Lord Séregon to inform Turgon's parents, Priest Huro, and the council of the events that had transpired during Gilraen's abduction. Madrician insisted her sister rest, but Gilraen refused. She hurried to her father's chambers and when she heard a weakened "enter" a smile spread across her face. Her gaze held Turgon's as she opened the door and stepped into her father's room. "Papa?"
The old man, had been groomed. His face still showed age, and weakness from the drugged state he'd been kept in, but he wore clothes that had been sewn to fit his slender frame; his hair had been cut, and his beard freshly trimmed. He rose slowly from the bench in which he was sitting. A cane was gripped in his hand. Gilraen ran to him, and gently hugged him, before she pressed him back into his seat. She claimed the space beside him. "Oh papa!"
He reached out and caressed her face, pulled her close and kissed her forehead. He stroked her hair. "I have learned much from the little one. She holds you so high on a pedestal, I feared you weren't real."
Gilraen blushed. "She is so special father, so very much my sister, if not your daughter."
King Lúinwë squeezed Gilraen's hand. "She is my daughter. She is not her mother, I see that and will strive to clear her mind of the ugly thoughts I had when I found out who she was in the beginning."
"I am glad to hear this."
"Your betrothal is still firm? And he is the elf you wish to bind with?"
She lowered her head, and shook it gently. "Yes, father. He is. I want nothing but to lie with him and give you many, many grandchildren."
Her sire laughed. The sound was music to Gilraen's ears. "I knew you would still feel this way," he said, "and though I have not been able to do much for you, I have ordered your wedding to be the grandest of all events. There is not much time – I wonder if I could convince you to wait another month before binding yourself to him?
Gilraen chewed her lip.
"I guessed not. Your sister shared with me that you were very much in love with this young elf Lord, even if you had not been ready to accept it."
"She is too wise for her age," Gilraen answered. "Father, her gift, mother spoke that Madrician's father had it."
King Lúinwë seemed to chew on the knowledge. "She most likely did. He was a magician, and his tricks seemed more real than those of other entertainers. I will need to guard her well. I was going to keep her here, but perhaps sending her to Círdan's keep is the best thing. Her gift will be a secret to those in that land."
"I would not rush though, father. Let you both bond with each other. I do not wish to leave too soon after my wedding either. I wish to remain here with you. Do you think Turgon will allow it?"
"He will have little say. His father has not yet relinquished control of Celebrindal to his son. His father can rule for another year before he gives all to Lord Turgon." King Lúinwë sighed, and stifled a yawn. "I must sleep daughter. Círdan's herbs have helped beyond any of us dared hope, but they also cause this once great leader to yearn a healing rest unlike any other."