Open To Anyone For Anything RP Post 2

[questionablewit]

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[takesnoshit]

Haleth considers herself entirely unlikely to meet with the lady Luthien, but even if she does, she would say nothing of this. What could be said? Things that are yet to be are yet to be, and Canien herself has said that things happened differently in her own world.

Evidently so, as here Haleth has no daughter. Yet here Canien is, and Haleth believes this impossible tale. If she did not, she would have ceased to listen long before.

There is another flicker in her expression as Canien mentions re-learning laughter and playfulness, and Haleth's eyes widen as the wedding ring is revealed. Her brows narrow, and she looks up at Canien's face, then back down to the ring. Is my husband, Canien said, not was. Presumably still alive, and back in the world left behind, the world where things happened differently. Haleth frowns. "And now you are separated from him. Does this concern you? Or do you believe the wind will return you, in its time?"

The wind, or whatever else brought Canien here, for this impossible meeting.

[canien]

It is early yet. Canien can't say how long it took before her parents finally wed and had her. But she knows it's out of her hands, really. Forcing any such thing is a fool's errand, and she is no fool.

Nor does she claim that the years of hiding herself hadn't taken a toll on her. Only that Elladan and his brother helped lift her loneliness to the point of joy. Either way, she holds her husband still in her heart, as the gentle touch to the ring indicates, even as she tucks it safely back away.

"I believe I will see him again in time. Whether it be through walking these paths again until he is born anew, or if I am returned to when I was taken.

"That is one gift that comes with being what I am. The lifespan of the Eldar, just as Elladan has chosen."

[takesnoshit]

"So." Haleth looks back at the stew, contemplating this. She is silent for several minutes.

But in the end, she cannot help asking. "Tell me more of your father," she says, her voice unusually quiet. "Does he yet live, in your world? Or has his Doom finally overtaken him?"

She does not doubt Canien knows of the Oath, and the Doom foretold. If nothing else, Haleth herself would have made certain that knowledge was not kept a secret from one so likely to be directly affected by it. And neither was Caranthir himself ever inclined to keep it secret. They were both of them straightforward to the point of bluntness, she and Caranthir. One reason they dealt so well together, when others found them difficult. A trait they passed on to their daughter.

Their daughter. Haleth's heart aches. "I have no need to know grim details," she adds, a little hastily, her attention still on the stew. "Only his fate, if you know it."

[canien]

Canien falls silent, giving Haleth the chance to absorb what she's learned and guide what more she wants to know. There is time. And she doesn't know why she's been brought back.

Of course she would want to know that at some point. Canien stays quiet for a moment, thinking over how to tell the tale.

"After you died, and I was sure I wasn't needed to stay, I joined Father's forces as hunter and scout. For some years, the Oath was somewhat calm, but eventually...his brothers called on him to try and get a Silmaril they'd learned the location of. I left when we came in sight of the city. We knew it was time for me to go off on my own."

And she refused to become a kinslayer. She doesn't mention how horrible those last days were. How dark Caranthir's countenance had grown. How much pain he'd been in, except for when she was with him.

[takesnoshit]

Haleth can hear some of what is being left out, and guess at more, and it pains her. She closes her eyes for a moment. "But you, at least, were able to escape it." That is no small thing to Haleth, and she knows how much it would have meant to Caranthir also.

She does not need to ask why Canien did not remain with the Haladin. She knows what she would have chosen had she been granted this future, this daughter, a child with a heritage and fate ever divided in two. The Haladin need a leader who can devote themself entirely to their service and rulership. Haleth knows her nephew Haldan remained heir even after Canien was born. From what she has seen of Canien she suspects the girl is grateful rather than resentful that such was the choice--and knows too how it would have healed her own heart to gift such a freedom to her daughter.

It still does not explain how that daughter was born at all. For Haleth also knows herself to be barren, and has since she was a girl herself, during events that she never told Caranthir the full tale of. And what does her daughter know of those? What could heal such damage? It has never occurred to Haleth to wonder if it could be healed, for such a thing is entirely beyond the abilites of the Secondborn.

But not, it seems, beyond the Firstborn.

Haleth's hand shakes a little as she ladles a bowlful of stew out for her guest. She forces herself to calm, and hands the bowl over with a steady hand before pouring a second for herself. "How old are you?"

[canien]

"Father and I had an agreement. I would only stay so long as was safe." Feanorion safe, she means. Canien Caranthiriel is no weak woman. But she is also not foolish enough to ignore signs that she should leave.

It's a relief to note that this Haleth hasn't asked why she didn't stay with the Haladin. She hadn't been needed, because Haldan grew to be a good Man, and worthy of leadership.

But she senses there is something else on Haleth's mind. She doesn't ask though, knowing if Haleth didn't want to say, she wouldn't. Instead, she quirks a wry little grin as she accepts the bowl of stew, nodding her thanks.

"It has been a long time since anyone asked." Even Elladan hadn't dared! "It would be easier if you tell me the current year, for I have lived through two Ages of Arda."

[takesnoshit]

Haleth looks stunned for a moment, then chuckles, shaking her head. "It is the year three hundred and seventy-eight, but I withdraw the question; your answer would mean little to me. I should instead perhaps ask when you were born, the better to determine if you are from another world altogether, or simply yet to happen in mine. Though I cannot see how it would be so, for I am unable to bear children."

She leans back against the wall, eyeing Canien thoughtfully. "I would be glad to know the answer to that riddle, if you have knowledge of it."

She misses her mama ;.;

[canien]

....Eru she's missed the sound of her mother's laugh and chuckle. She tries to reign in her reaction, and it does fade back into the usual vague ache in the back of her mind where she keeps the memories of everything else she misses.

Her lips quirk again, acknowledging the retraction. And the year. "Five years from now is when I was born." Although...the knowledge that her mother at least believes herself barren is troubling. The grin fades and she considers the matter thoughtfully.

"I am not one of the best Healers, but I could examine you if you wish. See if there is aught to be done."

Sorry sweetheart she loves you really. <3 Seriously this is her dream daughter.

[takesnoshit]

Canien's reaction, subdued as it is, does not escape Haleth's notice. Foolish, foolish...of course if this story is true, Canien has her own conflicted feelings about this meeting, and Haleth should not overlook those, overwhelmed as she is herself. She does not look overwhelmed, leaning calmly against the wall and eating her stew, but nonetheless her thoughts race.

Her eyes widen at the offer, and she considers carefully. "I will think on it," she says finally. "But for now, I am being an inconsiderate host, demanding answers while giving you no opportunity to question me in return. Is there aught you would know? Ask freely," she adds. "If I do not wish to answer, I will not."

That too has always been Haleth's way. She is ever curious, ever seeking answers, and never objects if others do the same, even if the questions are most personal. There is no offense in wishing to know a thing, though there is also no obligation to answer if the answer is private.

awwww yay!

[canien]

Conflicted, yes. But she's used to working with little to make the best of whatever situation she finds herself in. Even here, in this time. Where she's faced with her long dead mother. She's counting it a blessing though. When else would she have the chance to know her mother again?

She takes a bite of her stew and savors it for a moment, silently accepting Haleth's decision to think about it. And the offer has her somewhat amused.

"The primary question I would ask is one I may yet ask once you have decided whether to accept my offer to examine you or not." Because she would want to know what happened to make Haleth believe herself unable to have children.

"Barring that, what are you willing to tell me about the last time you saw my father?"

[takesnoshit]

Haleth nods; that is a fair question, and she considers for an answer as she eats a few more bites of her stew. "He was furious with me," she says finally, certain that Caranthir's daughter will be familiar with his legendary temper. "It was the first time that had been so, but I do not blame him, for I had angered him excessively. It was not undeliberate on my part. I had decided to take my people and leave for the West, for a number of reasons, all of which he knew."

All of which Canien likely knows also, but Haleth lists them all the same. She blows on her stew, still too hot for her liking. "We were unwilling to be vassals, which would have been needful to appease others of the Firstborn--but that was the smallest part of it. His Oath already pressed him, and also the Doom of the Valar lay on him. He cared nothing for it, and in truth I would not have cared either. But my duty is to the Haladin, and them I would not risk."

Which is to say, without saying, that if it had only been a matter of Haleth and Caranthir, different choices might have been made. But it was never a matter of only Haleth and Caranthir, for she was Chieftain and he Prince, and they both had duties that could not be laid aside.

"He could respect those reasons, at least. But that I used them as a refusal of his suit also he liked not at all." Another few bites. Canien will be able to imagine how it was. Caranthir's temper is hot and black, matching his name; Haleth, even when she is angry, is cool and logical, immovable once she has set her mind on a course. "He still wished to wed me. I judged that a poor idea, living so far apart; husband and wife should share their days, not live separate. And a match between a mortal and an Eldar seemed doomed to end only in misery. He pointed out that such a doom was his predestined fate regardless, and likely that is so. But I refuse to be its instrument."

She sighs a little and shifts position. "Your story makes me wonder if perhaps I was wrong on that point, and on others. But at any rate to infuriate him enough that he would cease pressing me for an agreement I would not give, I told him that if he truly felt his duty to his own people, he would abandon his Princedom, for he could not lead well while bound by his Oath to another course."

A terrible thing to say, the more so because Haleth believes it, as he would have known; she does not speak untruths. Much as she loves and respects Caranthir--and she does, she always did--to her mind a leader must be willing and able to sacrifice all for their people, or else they cannot lead well.

She lifts the bowl to her mouth, scoops in the last few mouthfuls, wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. "So the last time I saw your father, he was storming away from me. I do not doubt he would have returned in a few days when his temper cooled, but by then we had left. Another insult, after his great hospitality to us. I know not if he has forgiven me or not, nor if he knows where my Haladin and I have settled. Likely he does, for Felagund keeps in touch with his kin in far-off lands. But I have had no word from him, and expect none."

And if she grieves that, if she mourns what to her was an unavoidable necessity, it shows only in her eyes. Her voice is as firm and her will as settled as it was the day she left.

[canien]

Oh yes, the wry twist to her lips confirms she is well aware of her father's temper. She had rarely been on the receiving end of it, and never full force. Canien is silent while she listens, taking the occasional bite of really delicious stew.

She even understands, having witnessed herself some of the heartache. And yet, neither she, nor her father would have changed a thing about her mother. Not even her lifespan, knowing Haleth's own preference, and respecting it.

But knowing her cousin Finrod, she silently agrees that her father would have been told where the Haladin had gone. She doesn't immediately speak after Haleth finishes speaking, thinking it all over while she also finishes her meal. There is no judgement in her eyes.

"I know not if this time intersects with mine own, but if it does, I was not told of this." Not that that would surprise her at all. "Whether it does or not, I think that if you wish him to come to you, all you need do is send word of invitation. He will not intrude again on you otherwise."

All of which Haleth likely suspects, of course.

[takesnoshit]

"I know," Haleth says simply. She knows he would come at a word from her, any word. She knows that he will not, if no word is given. She has always known it.

[canien]

Well then. She nods once, sharply.

"What needs done that I might lend my skills?"

She won't push Haleth to reach out to Caranthir.

okay if we time skip a little soon?

[takesnoshit]

It would do no good if Canien did. Pushing Haleth to do a thing is much like pushing against a mountain; it accomplishes nothing, and the mountain will take no notice. But even without further speech on the matter, Haleth will consider all that has been said before she chooses whether to act or not act. That much is certain. She has more questions, on many subjects. But she also has much to think on already, as a start.

Haleth too nods at the question, which seems entirely in keeping to her. "We may always use hunters and weavers, particularly the last, though we have few looms yet for weaving with. If you have skills at building or repairing the tools of your trades, that we could use above all."

Works for me!

[canien]

Much like it would with Canien herself.

There's a proud gleam to her eye. "I am Caranthiriel. All I would need are the supplies, and I can go search for them myself if necessary." Everything she has been taught to do, she also can repair or make from what she either finds in the wild, or can trade or purchase.

They've probably discussed Elladan a lot more, if Canien was willing. Haleth is very curious.

[takesnoshit]

Haleth does not wince, but there is a moment's pause at the declaration. "So you are," she says finally. "Then if you are finished with your meal, come, and I will show you what we have."

The rest of the day is taken with practical matters. Haleth introduces her guest as a visitor from their Firstborn allies, which to her mind is not an untruth, and which will also be readily accepted; they often play host to Finrod Felagund's scouts, and a few times to Finrod himself. Canien rapidly proves her skill in all respects, working at whatever she turns her hand to with quick precision, as efficient as her mother and as talented as her father.

Or so Haleth thinks, and her eyes often rest thoughtfully on this wholly unexpected daughter.

Haleth keeps to her original offer, and Canien is given a bed in her own home. Again she cooks the meal, though she permits Canien to assist. "Do the Haladin still thrive, in your time?" she asks, following on from one comment or another. She has asked many more questions about the world Canien is from, though most were less personal, and they have not touched again on the subject of Caranthir. "Or do you know?"

Canien has no problem talking about him XD

[canien]

She won't apologize for who and what she is. Ever. She will mute it, around those who don't know, ignore questions of parentage from anyone but those who know this truth. But she won't hide it from this woman.

Instead, she merely stands, indicating she is indeed finished with her meal, and follows where Haleth leads. Helping out, she is polite, if a bit distant and formal to the Haladin she remembers so well. But they don't know her. Not yet.

Canien's well aware of the frequent glances her mother shoots her way, but ignores them, knowing Haleth will speak up when she's ready. Until then, there is always work to be done. Each time Haleth asks a question, she's given an honest answer- perhaps not a full one, but it's carefully thought out before given.

But...she can never help the soft glimmer whenever she's spoken of Elladan, even if there is also often amusement or fond annoyance.

When cooking together, as she remembers they'd once done while she was growing up, she falls into the usual role she'd taken then. And there's a troubling question that has her mull over what to say. And what she has to say is not an easy thing, but Haleth will only get what truth she knows. "I have seen signs of their heritage in other tribes of Men. Peoples have been scattered and changed, merged, for survival."

Thought not. =) Does Canien have more questions of her own that she'd ask?

[takesnoshit]

Haleth has noticed the softness in Canien whenever she speaks of her husband, and it makes her very thoughtful. To her it seems to speak of a deep joy, one untroubled by their separation. It is not something she would have expected.

Neither would she have expected how easily Canien falls into the role of cook's assistant, knowing where things are kept and how Haleth would wish them prepared, before Haleth has opportunity to explain. A further, if minor, bit of evidence to support Canien's incredible tale, if evidence were wanted.

It is not. Haleth believes her, every word. In truth she has ever since she recognized Caranthir's smile on his daughter's face, a melding of familiar features haunting in their familiarity.

Haleth looks resigned at this unsatisfactory answer to her question, and nods, accepting it. "Such is the fate of Men," she murmurs. "And must be, if we are to survive in this world. So be it. We are bound by change, and perhaps that is well."

lol She asked the most important one

[canien]

It helps that no matter what happens, Canien will see Elladan again. It might not be for centuries, it might even take until they're in Valinor, but she will see her husband again. And until she is reunited with her beloved, she keeps him in her heart. She's learned patience and self-reliance. She can wait. Does she wish he were with her? Every day. She misses his laughter, his joy and fierce loyalty.

And she's used to not showing her innermost thoughts and emotions. Used to seeming untroubled by anything, to being aloof and untouchable.

But she's enjoying her time, back with the Haladin, even if they do not know her as they had in her own childhood. And spending time with her mother is a blessing she'd never expected to have again. She won't waste it.

"There are those of the Firstborn who wish they had the gift of death, of an end." Not herself though. Not that she'd been given the choice, but she doesn't really resent it. "Elves have difficulty changing sometimes. It is not always a good thing."

*hauls this muse out of whatever stubborn corner she's been hiding in*

[takesnoshit]

Haleth snorts, keeping her attention on the food they prepare. "That I know."

Caranthir she knows is a one, for he foresaw a doom both inevitable and unending. If he could have given up his place to become mortal for her, she suspects he would have.

Or perhaps not, for he loves his brothers most dearly, and she cannot blame him for that. She cannot even blame him for the choices he made as a result of that love, dire though their consequences are.

All the same...she regrets it. For she might have chosen otherwise, were it not so. If Caranthir were granted a death such as Men face, if she had some assurance that he would not spent countless years after her own demise mourning her, with no way to move on...she might have chosen otherwise.

Impossible to spend time with this daughter from another life and not think of all the choices Haleth did not make, all the paths she did not choose. Impossible not to wonder if she chose incorrectly. She does not usually second guess herself, and dislikes it, though that dislike is buried deep within. It is not Canien's fault that she is...all that she is, and Haleth will not blame her for it.

Instead she tilts her head and examines her not-daughter. "And yet you choose their path. Why? What swayed you?"

Not as stubborn as this one /sobs

[canien]

Doom and Shadow are all around. It's part of life in Middle-Earth, and Canien's learned how to survive despite the odds. Perhaps even thrive, though later. Much later.

She's...almost even glad that her father hadn't lived to be the last of his brothers alive. Seeing what being the last had done to Maglor was enough that she didn't want that misery for her beloved father. He'd lived and died and hadn't been completely over-taken by the Oath as some of his brothers had.

She doesn't stop working, hands knowing what needs doing without conscious direction. But she does glance at Haleth, before returning her gaze to her work.

"I did not have the choice presented to me. This is the life given me, and I would not call it a bad one." A hint of a shrug and she slowly continues. "I believe I would have chosen the Immortal life. It can be lonely, but there is joy to be had, and endless possibilities.

"And now I know I will see my husband again, be it in Middle-Earth or when I sail west, for that is what we promised each other to do."