(no subject)
Hanild: *looks for Gorlim*
Gorlim: *lounges in a random armchair humming to himself and playing with his dagger*
Hanild: *leans over the back of the chair* Hey you.
Gorlim: *sings* Hey you, you're drivin' me cra-zy, even though I'm crazy for youuuuu...
Hanild: *smiles and kisses his cheek* I missed you.
Gorlim: I've missed you too, Hani. *sheathes his dagger and hops up to give her a bearhug*
Hanild: *hugs him tightly* I'm glad you're back.
Gorlim: Me too, Hani. How are you?
Hanild: I'm...all right. How are you though?
Gorlim: I have not been so well since before the war.
Hanild: That's wonderful *squeezes him*
Gorlim: *squeezes her tight* I saw Gram.
Hanild: ...you what?
Gorlim: I saw Gram. Wulf had him.
Hanild: I know...he still does. *frowns* He didn't mention you saw him.
Gorlim: *headtilt* Why does he still have him?
Hanild: Because he's thinking. And I'm thinking and depending on what I decide, he may not see Gram again.
Gorlim: *narrows his eyes* Why? What's happened?
Hanild: Nothing's happened. *sighs* I just...Gram needs to be safe.
Gorlim: Is he not safe with Wulf?
Hanild: Well, yes, but he can't stay there.
Gorlim: Well, obviously. Dead things stay there.
Hanild: So when he leaves, he won't be safe. With me, I mean.
Gorlim: No one is REALLY safe, Hani...
Hanild: There is someone very dangerous who wants him.
Gorlim: Who?
Hanild: Vanthene. And she'll come after him again.
Gorlim: *growls* What does SHE want him for??
Hanild: I don't know. She just does, because he's mine and Wulf's.
Gorlim: *snarls* I should have killed her when I had the chance.
Hanild: *pats his arm* She seems to have a knack for getting away. But I have to do what's best for Gram.
Gorlim: And what is that?
Hanild: I don't know.
Gorlim: Hmm. *sits down in the chair again, legs stretched out in front of him*
Hanild: The best option seems to be finding another family for him to live with. Wulf didn't like that idea, of course, but it might be the only way.
Gorlim: *nods slowly* Or learn to protect him yourself.
Hanild: I think I've proven on numerous occasions that I can't do that. And I doubt I have time to learn to do it adequately.
Gorlim: Why not? A few months, you could learn to fight her. He'd stay in Mandos, or with a new family.... OOH. I know. I know I know I know!!
Hanild: What?
Gorlim: Put him with Nadiyah. Pass him off as her child. Say she had twins...
Hanild: *considers* He's a little big for that...he's almost a year old.
Gorlim: Oh.... right.... *thinks* Maybe... he could be Nabhan's? No, his skin is too pale. *ponder* There's always Firiel, or Theo, or.... NOROLINDE.
Hanild: Yes, but those are all people Vanthene knows. He should be with someone she doesn't know and would never look for.
Gorlim: You know... there is a woman I've seen in the woods recently. If I can find her, maybe she could take him?
Hanild: Well, I'd like to meet her, at least know who she is and be sure she can look after him.
Gorlim: *nods* I'll bring her here.
Hanild: Ok. No harm in talking to her, but Firi and I will be leaving soon.
Gorlim: *nods* She said as much. Why don't we go right now? Come ride with me. We may not even need to bring the woman here and risk Vanthene seeing her at all.
Hanild: All right...
Gorlim: Come on. *takes her hand and drags her out to the stables* Have you got a horse? You can ride Montmorency with me if you like...
Hanild: That's probably best, I didn't bring a horse with me.
Gorlim: Right, then. *goes to fetch Montmorency from his stall and leads him out, an immense mountain of an animal* We'll have to ride him bareback. There are no saddles here that fit him.
Hanild: *nods* That's fine. I used to ride my ponies like that when I was younger. *climbs up with Gorlim's help*
Gorlim: *eases the horse outside and down through the city, meandering at a fairly slow pace*
Hanild: *hums softly as they go along*
Gorlim: *throws things at various people who whistle at him as he passes and shout things about Hani -- obviously all good-natured and well-acquainted with Gorlim* Forgive them, Hani. They're utter bastards, the lot of them. *but he's laughing as he says it, and calls a greeting to the guards as they ride through the gates of the city at last, rolling his eyes as they wink and nudge each other*
Hanild: *smiles and waves at them as they pass* You're quite popular, I see.
Gorlim: *shrugs* I like to have company now and then. We drink together, work together... many of them often come to the palace to do repairs or serve as guards or do other things that need doing.
Hanild: That's good. You should be out and get to know people.
Gorlim: I do. I like to get out. Causes me no end of trouble, but it's worth it. *rides towards the forest*
Hanild: I'm glad. It helps me feel not so bad about leaving you, as selfish as that may sound.
Gorlim: Naw. I'm flattered. *they finally arrive in the forest, and now Gorlim slows the horse, and pays close attention to their surroundings*
Hanild: Is this where she is? *voice drops to a whisper, though she's not really sure why*
Gorlim: I have seen her near here several times. She should be easy to spot. Her hair is the color of fire.
Hanild: *peers into the forest, trying to spot anyone*
Gorlim: *whistles as if calling a dog* LAAAAADYYYYYYY!!!!
Hanild: Doesn't she have a name?
Gorlim: Dunno. I've never spoken to her.
Gorlim: *calls again and looks around*
Hanild: You've never spoken to her?
Gorlim: Well.... no. I've only seen here wandering around here.
Hanild: ...oh. I thought you knew her.
Gorlim: Er.... *dodges the question and calls again, but cuts off in the middle of the call and peers into the brush* Look there.
Hanild: *looks* Is that her? *whispering again*
Gorlim: I think... *clears his voice* Hello? Is someone there?
Woman's Voice: Hold your horse, now, I'm COMING! *tromptromptromp* *a woman with hair which is indeed STRIKINGLY red tumbles out of a bush and looks at them with her hands on her hips* Are you finished upsetting the entire forest now?
Hanild: *looks at the woman, then turns to Gorlim* Is that her?
Gorlim: *a bit dumbstruck* Uhhh.
Gilraen: Of course it's ME. What in heavens do you WANT?
Gorlim: Actually we... uh... we would like you to... to... um... raiseababyforus.
Hanild: Maybe.
Gilraen: *raises a brow* Oh, is that all? Where is it?
Hanild: He's not here right now.
Gilraen: Oh. Well what are you doing here?
Hanild: I wanted to meet you.
Gilraen: *smiles brightly* Well! You came all the way out here just to do that?? *takes Montmorency's nose and pets him, babbling to him in baby-talk*
Hanild: Well, yes. It's my baby.
Gilraen: Mmmmm. I didn't know you'd had a child, Hanild, dear.
Hanild: *knits eyebrows* How do you know my name?
Gilraen: You're Rohan's princess. I've known you since you were no higher than this ol' beast's front hoof. *laughs*
Hanild: Yes, I am, but it's been a good 300 years since I've been that small...
Gilraen: Mmmm-hmmm. *pats Montmorency* Why don't you two come back to my place and we'll talk?
Hanild: *looks at Gorlim, a little wary* Ok...
Gorlim: It's all right, Hani. *Montmorency seems to need no encouragement to follow the woman, who leads them to a small abandoned inn some ways off, buried in the trees*
Hanild: *holds Gorlim's hand tight*
Gorlim: *helps Hani off the horse and follows the woman inside. There they find the place furnished with a vast collection of ancient furniture in a state of obvious disrepair, although it looks as if someone has been hard at work fixing it all up*
Gilraen: There are good seats on the furs by the fire. I wouldn't trust the chairs. Would you two like food or drink?
Hanild: *shakes her head, still clinging to Gorlim's hand* No, thank you.
Gilraen: All right. *sits with them* Now. What is it you need of me?
Hanild: Well, Gorlim suggested you might look after my son for me. I wanted to meet you first, of course.
Gilraen: Why do you need a caretaker for your son? And why me? *her eyes glint mischievously* I'm sure your man can't have known me for more than my habits as a recluse. I am equally sure that he is not the child's father. Come, my dear. Tell me what you've been up to. *her voice is soothing, the very embodiment of natural motherhood, and her eyes are kind*
Hanild: No, Gorlim is not the father. There is someone who wants to hurt me and my son. His father is dead and while I don't care what happens to me, I do want my son to grow up safe and happy and...I can't give that to him.
Gilraen: *nods* So you need someone to care for your son out of sight of those who would harm him.
Hanild: It's an idea, yes.
Gilraen: I will be more than happy to do it, Hanild. He would be very well cared for here.
Hanild: Do you live here alone?
Gilraen: No. There is a man here with me, though I don't know how long he will stay. I hope it will be a long time. He is very kind.
Hanild: I see. Do you have any children?
Gilraen: I had a son. He has long been grown. *though she does not look terribly old*
Hanild: So no children he could play with...
Gilraen: No... but he would be safe and happy. And who knows -- perhaps others will come. This is an inn, after all.
Hanild: *nods and bites her bottom lip*
Gilraen: Is something wrong, Hanild?
Hanild: Well...I had wanted him to be with a family. Other children, and a mother and a father.
Gilraen: I will be as a mother to him, and Thengel a father if he will stay.
Hanild: And who are you, exactly?
Hanild: Wait a minute..Thengel?
Gilraen: *smiles, her eyes laughing* Yes, Thengel is here.
Hanild: As in Thengel, father of Theoden?
Gilraen: Yes, Hanild.
Hanild: Huh. I don't know if that's a point in his favour or against him.
Gilraen: Well, I shall leave that to you to decide. So. Will your son stay here?
Hanild: I...have to think about that. It's not an easy decision. I still don't know who you are.
Gilraen: *her smile grows brighter and she laughs* Well, that would be a help to know, wouldn't it? I see you don't remember me from when you were little. My name is Gilraen.
Hanild: No, I don't. I don't even remember my own mother, and she was a redhead too. It's nice to meet you, Gilraen.
Gilraen: *grins* Tell your friend to close his mouth before he drools on the furs. Otherwise I may decide he is a little bird and feed him just so.
Gorlim: *snaps his mouth closed but continues to STARE*
Hanild: *pats Gorlim on the knee* Staring isn't polite, you know.
Gorlim: Do you know who she IS?
Hanild: Gilraen. she just said so.
Gorlim: Yes but... but... *to Gilraen* Are you THE Gilraen???
Gilraen: *laughs* I am the only one I know, dear.
Hanild: Is she someone I should know?
Gorlim: Historically speaking, she ought to be Queen of Gondor right now. *whispers to her* She's Aragorn's mother!
Hanild: Oh. *never quite grasped the concept of how important Aragorn is* That's nice.
Gorlim: @_@
Hanild: I suppose we should be going, before he embarrasses himself further.
Gilraen: Gorlim, dear, don't bother singing my songs to Hani and boring her. I'm sure she'll figure things out on her own time. In any case, neither of you came here expecting to find me. Hanild... please think about your decision. If you will it, I will keep your son and raise him for as long as he needs a safe place.
Hanild: *stands and pulls Gorlim up beside her* Thank you. I will keep you in mind.
Gilraen: *stands and curtseys to them* Thank you for visiting me. You are both welcome to come here any time. *she kisses Hanild on each cheek* My dear. You've grown to be so beautiful.
Hanild: *smiles shyly* Thank you.
Gilraen: Will you two take a drink or food before you go? I hate to see you leave without SOMETHING. Maybe sandwiches for the ride?
Hanild: That would be very kind.
Gilraen: *beams* Splendid! *rushes to prepare a meal for each of them*
Gorlim: ......You know, Hani, I think she'd be a good choice...
Hanild: We'll see. I haven't even decided if that's what I'm going to do yet.
Gorlim: *nods* But if you do, even for a little while... this is a good place.
Hanild: *nods, looking around the inn a little more*
Gilraen: *soon bustles back with two bags in her hand* Here, my darlings. That should get you through to the city at least. One has ham, and the other is chicken. You can decide among yourselves which you both prefer. Also there are fresh apples and cheese.
Hanild: *takes the bags and passes one to Gorlim* Thank you. I'll let you know if I decide anything before I leave.
Gorlim: *thanks her also* I'll come back and see you whether Hani does or not, ma'am. I would like to speak to you about some things, if I might...
Gilraen: I would be VERY happy to have you come talk to me, dear. Now off you both go! Or you won't make it back before evening!
Hanild: *smiles and then drags Gorlim back to the horse*
Gorlim: *is dragged, mounts the horse, helps Hani up, and finally leaves reluctantly, looking back to see Gilraen standing on the doorstep watching them until they disappear into the trees*