Osgiliath (10 days later)
All of Osgiliath was in a frenzy; two days after Jon left for the Hills of Emyn Arnen, the Dome of the Stars received a message from Belfalas that the Ladies Galadriel and Írimë wished to abide in Osgiliath evermore.
They would be accompanied by a retinue of Elvish knights and dozens of servants eager to serve their mistresses wherever they may go.
It was Azrubên who had received the missive in the early hours just after breakfast, much to his bewilderment though perhaps he shouldn't have doubted the tales of Jon's courting of the two maidens; indeed, the ring of Maltagil should've told him as much. Still, he hadn't expected their arrival so early in the year.
The Noldorian Princesses seemed wholly eager to spend time with his Lord, something that the old Numenorean could scarcely imagine... The first Kings of Númenor would have been delighted with the prospect of marrying a Noldorian Princess ... perhaps if a third union between Elves and Men had happened in times after the rule of Tar-Ciryatán, mayhaps the shadow wouldn't take hold, and the thought of death wouldn't have soured the heart of his kin.
And yet this young man from a distant land with strange customs managed to capture the hearts of the wisest and fairest of the firstborn daughters of the Valar… Even Azrubên must acknowledge that is an impressive feat.
Undoubtedly once it was learned that the shrewdest of the Noldor endeavoured to dwell in their city, many hundreds had journeyed to Osgiliath, hoping to catch a glimpse of the daughter of Finarfin. However, they were outnumbered by the many scholars and loremasters who now invaded every tavern and alehouse from the tower of stars to the harbour district. Indeed, Azrubên was confident that the realm would be low on parchment and ink by the years' end.
But not everyone was pleased with the coming of Finwë's descendants; Arianne, Rhaenys, Shiera and Ashara were vexed to learn that their foes were venturing here much earlier than they had planned.
They had already resolved to call the Princesses of the Noldor to ask for their help in eliminating the peril that bothersome elixir posed to their love for their dearest, yet the Princesses saw fit to dispatch a messenger to Azrubên rather than themselves the cheek of those two knew no bounds.
Indeed the swiftness with which those two arrived was especially queer; no doubt they learned about the elixir and endeavoured to come as soon as they were able; the only query is how they could have known as they hadn't spoken to them since coming South, Írimë and Galadriel must have spies within the city.
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"This is the cruellest of japes," Rhaenys growled as she awaited the coming of Lady Galadriel and Írimë. Her loathing for the daughter of Finwë was only equalled by her displeasure of wearing a dress, but she had little choice in the matter as Ashara had threatened to tell her grandmother if she insulted their guest with poor decorum.
"Worry not, Princess, it is an occasion of great importance... After this, I daresay you won't have to wear one until Jon returns," said Ashara, who was wearing an elegant gown of jet and the tiara of amethyst Jon had gifted her.
"You will pay for this, Ashara", Rhaenys growled.
"We'll see, Princess..." Ashara said, disparaging Rhaenys's tantrum before turning her gaze to Shiera, who wore a gown of blue silk adorned with gems and seashells. It seemed she found their conversation amusing as the Targaryen giggled like a madwoman, so naturally, Ashara reached over and pinched her lover's cheek.
"Auuh", Shiera whined, stroking her right cheek.
"You deserve it…." Ashara replied only for Shiera to pinch her cheek in revenge.
"And you too… That hurt me, Ash," Shiera growled.
They would have continued their quarrel had Lord Azrubên not eyed them evilly; undoubtedly displeased by them acting like children, she had the decency to blush while Shiera merely laughed good humouredly.
Seeing that put a smile on the faces of those present, Azrubên was about to reprimand them, but he was swiftly silenced when Hallatan spoke.
"Galadriel," Hallatan said; "Galadriel the fair, the Lady of Edhellond... Hurrah! Here she is. The blessed Lady has come to our fair city!"
Indeed, Hallatan spoke truly; in the distance, they spied a train of carriages, the largest of which was wrought of oiled Mallorn and gold, and upon its doors was the flaming flower of Finwë.
"So, she's come", Rhaenys growled bitterly, wholly displeased to see the Elves again.
"I would like to know why Írimë and Galadriel came so soon…." Shiera said, baffled.
"Something tells me that soon we will know… Although I'm confident we all presume the reason," Arianne sighed resignedly.
"Sansa… Arya… They've become rather secretive as of late," Ashara thought, worried for her protégés, who were unusually silent.
Ashara thought this queer, especially as Arya had cast aside her traditional leathers and corset for a dress of white silk; truly, her adoptive daughter was fair as the stars of winter's gloaming.
While Sansa... was a dream of the splendour of Westernesse clad in soft grey raiment that flowed like the eve of twilight, she was lofty and fair; her eyes were blue and bright, and her hair gleamed as the autumn sun. For a moment, it seemed to the eyes of all that a red flame flickered on the brows of the She-Wolf like a shining crown.
"Neither of them dare to meet my gaze... So those two are either up to something or have already perpetrated something," Ashara supposed.
However, all was forgotten when single trumpet rang... Then forth came many Elves clad in mail of gold, with silvered banners bearing the token of the Houses of Finwë and Finarfin and a company of knights in full harness riding grey steeds; and behind them, seven hundreds of stout bowmen, lofty as kings, grey-eyed, dark-haired, singing as they came.
At last, they stood before Azrubên and the assembled lords dipping their banners in respect for their distant kin.
The old Lord smiled and was about to offer his greetings but was swiftly silenced when one of the Elves approached the great carriage; before opening the door and out stepped the ladies, Galadriel and Írimë.
Írimë wore a raiment of gold, and her bodice was set with many gems that formed the sigil of her house; her golden tresses hung loosely and upon her brow a crown of wildflowers though the thing of remarkable loveliness lay around her neck a beautiful necklace of Maltagil shaped to resemble two rearing dragons at its heart sat a remarkable stone of a clear green that flashed like the sun shining through the leaves of spring.
And beside her was Galadriel, clad in a robe girt with silver, her golden locks akin to that of her aunt but richer and more radiant, of its gold was touched by some memory of the starlike silver of her mother.
Undoubtedly the Lady of Edhellond was fair as the maidens of ancient legends; many were struck by her beauty and gladdened by her coming; indeed, some had fallen to their knees in reverence as if Yvanna herself had crossed the Great Sea and stood before them in splendour.
Both Princesses of the Noldor had a regal bearing and a beautiful and dazzling smile on their faces… Which quickly disappeared to the satisfaction of the Westerosi Ladies as they could guess the reason.
Jon wasn't there to greet them as they expected. It was a dishonour to clothe as such for mere nobles when the one they desired wasn't here.
"Oh, it seems our dearest shall face the ire of the Elves," The ladies thought in amusement.
"Well met, Lady Galadriel, Lady Írimë on behalf of Prince Baelon as well as our Kings Isildur and Anárion... I welcome you both to our beautiful City of Osgiliath..." Lord Azrubên said, bowing.
"Your greetings are accepted, my Lord. It gives me great pleasure to be among the Dúnedain who remained faithful to the Valar", Galadriel responded merrily.
"You will have to forgive such a humble reception, but we could hardly ready ourselves with the promptness of your arrival; we could scarcely prepare ourselves…." Lord Azrubên said apologetically.
"We understand, my Lord... Our visit is... Sudden," Írimë said in a cold tone.
"Where is Prince Baelon?... We thought he would be there to greet us..." Galadriel asked; her countenance soured.
"Artanis?" Írimë asked.
"It seems that Jon did not receive our letter and left for the Hills of Emyn Arnen... a few days ago," Galadriel said dangerously while Írimë did little to conceal her anger.
"Oh, dear, it seems the eyes of elves do not see all ends then?" Rhaenys questioned, happy as a cat in cream to see her rival vexed.
"You haven't changed at all, Rhaenys..." Írimë snarled defiantly, and the Targaryen Princess smiled ruefully.
"Rhaenys..." Arianne growled.
"Aunt..." Galadriel groaned in admonishment.
"Perhaps we should proceed with your reception, my Lady…." Lord Azrubên proposed, anxious to avoid clashing between the Rhaenys and Írimë Princesses.
"Yes, perhaps that is for the best…." Galadriel answered calmly though many gleaned that the daughter of Finarfin was wholly furious.
"I will see that your companions are shown to lodgings befitting their status, my Lady ", Lord Azrubên said respectfully.
"I thank you, Azrubên, Galadriel said with sincerity.
"In that case, my Lady, come, I'm sure you'll want to rest after the long and hurried trip... We've prepared some rooms for you and Lady Írimë; I'm certain they will be to your liking," Lord Azrubên said with a mysterious smile, and after a few moments, Galadriel smiled once more.
"Come, my Ladies…" Lord Azrubên said, offering himself as an escort while Írimë and Galadriel pursued Azrubên Jon's companions eyed each other warily; these Elves were up to something.
But unbeknownst to them, Sansa and Arya were quite nervous since it was, they who summoned Galadriel and her aunt.
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A few days ago
Since they came to live in Osgiliath, the Stark sisters had sorrowed from the doldrums of the Southern Realm; well, truthfully, it wasn't a burden to dwell in a city as fair as Osgiliath to live among such excellent and commendable fellows, yet the maidens of the South were of a greater craftiness than those of Annúminas preferring trickery and guile to entice their cousin.
All this trouble for a filthy elixir, since Azrubên told them of it, they were afraid that some treacherous maiden would try to tempt Jon with its foul temptations, so they endeavoured to procure every gift sent to Jon an act of love certainly but one that left them weary.
But things had taken a surprising turn when one night after they had concluded their obligations, they overheard a heated argument between Jon's lady loves. It seemed they had grown weary of thwarting gifts, so Ashara and Shiera had proposed summoning the Ladies Galadriel and Írimë to aid them, but Rhaenys would hear none of it.
Sansa and Arya listened to the whole discussion with great curiousness since neither Rhaenys nor Arianne desired to have the Elves come here, but like the others, they were engulfed by paranoia and jealousy.
They looked at each other but said nothing, continuing to their chambers, eager to rest for the day was long and tiring.
The next day after thwarting another shipment of wine, she and Sansa decided to spend the evening in the Gardens.
"And what do you plan to do?" Arya asked as she practised with needle while her elder sister sat against a tree of birch knitting a doolie or some other nonsense. Arya never cared to take an interest in Sansa's activities.
"I don't know… As long as there's any of that pesky elixir in the City… Jon will always be hounded by those upstarts," Sansa said spitefully.
"But many of them are your friends... Can't you ask them to cease their petty games?" Said Arya angrily.
"I doubt they'll listen to me, Arya... but I'm wearied of disposing of all these wines and foods," Sansa replied, annoyed.
"Me too… what are we going to do?" Arya said, sheathing needle.
"I don't know… Arya, It's not as if we can read the minds of these Maidens," Sansa said, disheartened.
"Well, mayhaps you could ask Galadriel to instruct you?" Arya asked calmly, and Sansa looked at her in surprise, feeling an utter fool for forgetting that.
"The Lady of Light could read the minds of all those present and know who will try to get Jon with that horrible elixir..." Sansa thought with surprise and emotion, believing that she had found the solution to her problem.
"But if what you have heard is true, she and the Lady Írimë are likewise lovers of Jon," Sansa thought, her expression swiftly souring as she wondered dearly the Elves loved Jon.
"Yes, like her," Sansa said, returning to knitting.
"And why don't you call her?... She will help us safeguard Jon," Arya said naively, and Sansa soughed.
"Because at the moment, the Lady Galadriel is occupied with her Kingdom, and she would scarcely aid us; most presumably, she would horde Jon as a dragon does gold, claiming him for herself," Sansa said jealously.
"Is that why the others don't call her for help?" Arya asked, envious of Galadriel.
"Yes..." Sansa replied.
"That's a problem... We can't go on like this forever... But I don't want her or Írimë to take Jon away from us," Arya said, envious of the lovely elves.
"I know... That's why the others haven't told them about the elixir... If they knew... They two would come immediately to Osgiliath; despite their beauty and wisdom, the Ladies Írimë and Galadriel are as jealous as the others..." Sansa said.
"I'd rather deal with the two of them than with that evil elixir," Arya said with a shrug.
"Arya is right; though they are covetous, those two shall not implore such foul methods to ensnare Jon, and our list of allies is thin since his Lady Loves are content arguing about what could be done. rather, than doing anything of note… Mmmm… Maybe Arya and I should do something and take matters into our own hands," thought Sansa, angrily.
She had already resigned herself to the fact that Jon had many beauties in his bed, yet the thought of him marrying some insipid slattern to appease her family's honour well... It aroused in her a fit of anger so deep that for a moment, she thought to cast her embroideries into the Anduin.
"I think you're right, Arya… Maybe we should do something…." Sansa said though she knew her manner was icy and cruel.
"That is all well and good, but what can be done shy of rounding up every maiden in the city and questioning them?" Arya asked curiously.
"Mmmm… Perhaps… We should inform the Ladies Írimë and Galadriel what has arisen, " Sansa said nervously.
"Ooh… Are you certain?" Arya said, astonished.
"No… But there is little we can do with those hens clucking and squabbling," Sansa said, reddening.
Arya looked at her warily. "If they discover our intent, Rhaenys wrath will be terrible to behold", And she knew Arya spoke truly. If those Elves set foot in this city, they would never hear the end of it.
"But what recourse do we have," Sansa thought.
After that conversation with her sister, Sansa giddily went in search of Jon, hoping to give him the new doublet she had made for him; it was styled in the colours of House Stark as she thought her beloved cousin had neglected his heritage as a Wolf.
Then she saw a gaggle of maidens acting rather queer they carried no linens nor wine, and it seemed as if they were looking for an empty room; naturally, she followed them swift as shadow after pursuing them for several minutes, the maids turned right and ducked into a larder.
Sansa pressed herself against the door and began to listen to them. They firstly spoke of her cousin, not peculiar, mind you, her dearest was the most desirable man in Gondor since he had not wed these clucking hens though him a man to be courted though it explains nothing of their secretiveness, so she thought it best to remain and find out what they were scheming.
That was when the eldest daughter of Winterfell glimpsed a maiden unlike the others; she was beautiful, lofty, with honey blonde hair and grey eyes.
She was rather peculiar for a maid; her cloth was poor, yet her bearing kingly, and Sansa spied a necklace of great beauty concealed beneath her shirt.
"How does a maid come by a bauble of such beauty?" Sansa wondered.
"Was Prince Baelon what my Lady expected?" One of the maids asked the honey blonde girl.
"Much more... Although he was accompanied..." Said the mysterious maiden.
"Yes, his concubines have relentlessly pursued him ever since they arrived… They won't permit any maidens to be near him," Another maid said ruefully.
"It's natural, Henna... They know about the elixir of love... They're not foolish...," said the mysterious maiden.
"And what shall my Lady Fíriel do then?" Asked the third and last of the maidens of that woman Fíriel.
"She's a noblewoman disguised as a maid," Sansa thought in surprise.
Fíriel said nothing for a few moments, content to fiddle with the bauble around her neck. Then after some contemplation, she spoke.
"I don't know… I don't want to risk facing the wrath of Prince Jon's lovers… chiefly his sister Rhaenys…." Fíriel said fearfully.
"Yes, that woman is as wild as she is beautiful… I don't want to be cut down by Dramboleg," Fíriel said, afraid of Rhaenys' character.
"You cannot give up… You are the last of your line, and your family has fallen far since your father followed Amandil to Valinor," Another servant said.
"This maiden is near in age to Elendils children, yet she seems a woman freshly flowered!" Sansa understood immediately, amazed at Numenorean longevity.
"Perhaps it is not necessary for me to wed Prince Baelon… Perhaps I can acquire his favour in another way; he seems a generous and fair sort; I am certain that if I tell him of the plight of my house, he shall aid me." Fíriel said, slipping out of her peasants' garb and into a dress of fine satin.
"And if he cares not for your plight, what then?" asked the second maid.
"First of all, what was your opinion of Prince Baelon's?" Said the maiden Henna.
"From a distance, he seems like a man who is ever ill-tempered, fierce and wild, but he is kind, dashing and quite beautiful," Fíriel replied.
"And wouldn't he make you a fine husband?" asked the third maiden.
"Yes... I've no doubt our union would be long and happy, yet he is already taken. I went to his room to wake him and found him abed with two of those women," Fíriel said, blushing as she recalled the beauty of those two women.
"If you feel that Prince Baelon would make a good husband for you… Perhaps this will help you," the maiden said, and Sansa could see that Fíriel was suddenly frightened.
In that moment, the three glanced at each other nervously before one of them reached into her pocket and brought forth a vial of libations the colour of crushed berries.
"Elenna… This is…" The scandalized Noble Lady said.
"The elixir that was concocted from the plants of Harad... I acquired several bottles before they," the maiden said nervously.
"Put that away; if they see us with that, they'll accuse us of being witches and flog us!" Fíriel shouted, shocked.
"Calm down, my Lady, we would never ask you to do something that would put your honour in question... It was just a thought," Elenna said, quickly putting the bottle away, and Sansa became angry with those maids... as soon as she was able, she would have Jon banish them from court.
"I don't want to use that elixir… I don't even know if I want to seduce Prince Baelon… He would make a splendid husband… Despite his longing for women, but seldom desire to fight a horde of scorned women… So, I think it's fairer to court him as I would any other man…." The maiden said sadly.
"If that is what you wish, my Lady, we will support you, but we believe you should not give up so soon… The prince may have lovers, yet he is not married… You are not the only one who desires him, and certainly, many of his suitors will not have the honour you showed..." The maiden Hanna said, and Fíriel pondered this in silence.
"Then I have my answer… I know what I must do… I won't let anyone take advantage of my Jon with that damn concoction," Sansa thought, wholly vexed by the gall of these insipid slatterns.
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"Really?" Arya asked that same night when they were on their lot getting ready for bed. The little wolf was very upset by what her sister told her; those fools dared harm her cousin.
"Yes, that noble Lady posed as a servant to get closer to Jon, she needs a husband to save her House from ruin, but she doesn't desire to wed some brutish noble", Sansa said, putting on her nightgown.
"And she will use that evil elixir!" Arya yelled furiously.
"Seemingly not though I've no such faith in the other servants Arya, I think... We ought to summon the Ladies Galadriel and Írimë after all..." Sansa said, making a face, and Arya looked at her questioningly.
"Why don't we just tell Ashara and the others?" asked the little wolf.
"That does little for us, Arya. If we do not cut the rot from the vine, it is merely treating a wound with dirt... And few among us are so skilled to reads the minds of these maidens. We need help..." Sansa said, lighting a candle and taking out a piece of parchment and a bottle of ink.
Arya sat next to her older sister as she began to write the letter to the Princesses of the Noldor.
To the Ladies Galadriel and Írimë of the Royal House of Finarfin and Finwë
My Ladies, by means of this letter, I send a cordial greeting to you both, but I am afraid that I am sending you this letter at a time of uncertainty… A vile potion filled the streets of Osgiliath shortly before the arrival of my cousin Baelon; that potion is a love potion, and many noble Ladies used it to marry husbands of their choice, causing troubles among the nobles of Gondor. Fortunately, the steward of Osgiliath banned the elixir from the markets, but considerable ladies, both dignified and common, still own a little of that wretched concoction, and we have reason to think that they might use it on my beloved cousin.
Jon's lovers have kept the gifts that could contain the potion away from him, but it is clear to me that this will not stop, which is why I ask for your aid to find out which women have that elixir in their possession and take it from them before they use against my cousin as his sense of honour could be used by those women to demand a marriage.
I am sending this letter clandestinely since my caretaker Ashara and the others don't know I penned it... I know you have matters of great importance to resolve in your Kingdom, but I don't want my beloved cousin to be taken away from us for such a low trick.
Sincerely, Sansa and Arya of House Stark.
After writing the letter, Sansa read it several times to check for mistakes, then placed it in a large envelope and sealed it with wax.
"Are we going to get in trouble, Sansa, Sansa?" Arya asked nervously.
"Indeed, though only if we get caught", Sansa answered nervously.
The next day Sansa sent the letter through the envoys of Osgiliath, who were emissaries in the allied Kingdoms; Sansa bribed him to carry that letter in secret, although the Stark she-wolf hesitated before doing so in the end, her desire to rid of that horrid elixir outweighed the fear of reprisal, and so she sent him on his way hoping for the best.
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And now her efforts were rewarded… The Ladies Galadriel and Írimë had come as swiftly as able.
Sansa and Arya eyed each other nervously, hoping that their judgment was proper. After all, if Ashara finds out what they did, a slap on the wrist will be the least of their worries.
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As part of the reception, there was a celebration for the Ladies and their companions; although everything was lovely and the food especially good, though Jon's absence was a bitter poison.
"And what is my Nin Mel doing in those hills?" Írimë asked while devouring a piece of honeyed bread.
"Our Prince is heeding a suspicion... He hopes to find something of value in them..." Lord Azrubên said, and Finwë's daughter snorted in annoyance.
"My Nin Mel is always so adventurous..." The elf said bitterly, and none could deny her. She was wearing one of her most alluring dresses to entice Jon... And her silly dragon wasn't even present.
"Though I feel you're not convinced, my Lord…." Lady Galadriel said after taking a draught of her wine.
Her Wild Wolf best no tarry in those Hills... Otherwise, she would make good on her promise to geld him.
"I am afraid, my Lady, that my Prince is only wasting his time…" Lord Azrubên said dryly.
"My Nin Mel has always been especially adventurous; oh, I miss him and laying in his arms," Írimë said sadly.
Hearing the elf speak with such misery, Rhaenys smiled, thinking it best to settle the score with her elven foe.
"Oh, well, that's rather unfortunate Baelon will be in Emyn Arnen for a few more days, and then he will be joining my grandmother and aunt at the Havens of Pelargir... So, you will have to endure his absence for a while longer... Unlike me who still remembers the warmth of his embrace after our night together," Said Rhaenys mocking Írimë, who looked at her with scorn.
"Enough, Rhaenys, nothing is gained by your foolish tantrums", Shiera growled.
"You've no power over me", Rhaenys growled at the elder Targaryen.
"But we'll tell your grandmother and Jon of your insolence when they return, and I'm certain they won't be amused by that…." Ashara seconded; Rhaenys said nothing, preferring to down several goblets of wine.
"Well… if it's not too much trouble, my ladies, I'd like to know how long you shall abide here? … your letter was somewhat unclear…." Lord Azrubên asked, and Írimë reddened, much to the ire of Jon's lady loves.
And it was clear that the Steward knew it too and only wanted to hear it from the Princesses of the Noldor.
Írimë took a sip of wine and then addressed the old Steward. "We have important matters to resolve with your Prince, my Lord, and until they are resolved, we shall remain here."
"I see… In that case, I hope you enjoy the chambers we set aside for you," Lord Azrubên said with a mischievous smile, and both elves returned his smile in kind, arousing the suspicions of the Westerosi women.
"In fact, they are lovely… My niece and I thank you very much, my Lord," Írimë said, giggling.
The Princess of the Noldor glanced at Rhaenys with delight, greatly angering the young dragon.
Verily they would've begun their quarrel again and persisted until the very foundations of the Dark Tower had withered, but both parties were silenced when they heard the melodious voice of Galadriel in their minds.
We have much to speak of though I shall say no more. Though I suspect you've already supposed my and my aunt's reason for being here so soon… seek us in our chambers when the Moon hangs heavy of the sky… The Lady of the Light said courteously, yet there was no kindness in her words… On the contrary, she was enraged, just as her aunt Írimë.
"Very well, my Ladies, we shall speak on the matter later…." Arianne answered apprehensively.
"I hope all is well in Rivendell and Edhellond…." Lord Azrubên said, eager to know the comings and goings of the Elven strongholds.
"Very well, my Lord… I have newly appointed a new Castilian, who is skilled in the art of governance; while I am away, my Kingdom will be in exemplary hands…." Galadriel said with satisfaction.
The Steward smiled. "It gladdens my heart to hear that,".
"Imladris has grown fairer than Ost-in-Edhil in her glory. Thanks to Nin Mel, Lord Elrond's forges ring with the hammers of many Elves… what's more, my beloved, forged a brazier for Elrond so that he may learn the properties of dragon's fire…." Írimë said, remembering the look of wonderment upon the old Elf's face when he gazed upon the flames of Vhagar.
"I suppose that Lord Elrond will reveal the secrets of those creatures with time…" Lord Azrubên said, intrigued as he too had witnessed the marvels wrought of dragon's fire.
The remainder of the dinner was uneventful save that Sansa and Arya glanced at Lady Galadriel, who merely smiled in kindness.
"Thank you for letting my aunt and me know what was happening here, my little ones… We will take care of it now…." Galadriel said as Sansa and Arya were surprised to hear it in their minds and nodded nervously.
"Thank you, my Lady" Sansa thought.
"You're welcome, my child, and worry not, I will not reveal that you and your sister called us here…" Galadriel said gently, and then Lady of Light turned to the Steward of Osgiliath.
"I beg your pardon, Lord Azrubên... But there is something that troubles me greatly," Galadriel said coldly.
"What is it, my Lady?" Lord Azrubên asked.
"Troubling news has reached my halls in Edhellond of a queer elixir that may ensnare a man's heart," The Lady of Light asked; though she smiled, her eyes were cold and perilous like the deeps of a hurricane upon a summers day.
As Galadriel said this, the hall fell silent.
"I see that my Lady is well informed of the comings and goings of this City..." The Steward said, quickly recovering his composure, but the Lady of Light did not answer.
"We know this elixir has been used by many a maiden to ensnare a husband of their choosing and the misery it has brought upon many", Írimë said icely.
"You speak truly, my ladies. Many families have lamented insults to their honour, but we've rounded up every last barrel we can find, and none can be bought at market, I assure you," Said Lord Azrubên.
"But it hasn't been wholly removed; many maids still keep a vial or two should they find a suitable husband," Galadriel said penetratingly, glancing at the maids present who seemed fearful of the Elven Queen.
"Yes, although I promise you that most of that irksome potion has already been removed from Osgiliath, soon there will be no trace of it..." Lord Azrubên replied cheerfully, but the Westerosi Ladies groaned wearily, remembering their endeavours to keep Jon safe from it.
No one said anything for a moment, and then Ashara spoke.
"What does my Lady propose?" Ashara asked suspiciously.
"Well, since we shall abide here, I wish to help you..." Galadriel said, downing a goblet of juice.
"Aid us?" Shiera asked suspiciously.
"We can concoct a remedy against that elixir… But we need a bit of the strange plant from which it was made," Írimë said with a cold smile.
For a few moments, the room was silent as they pondered the proposal of the Elven Maidens, a remedy against that elixir would be a great boon... yet they did not trust the heirs of Finwë, no doubt once Jon was free of that burden, they would spirit him away.
Indeed, Galadriel's smile and the twinkle in her eyes said many things the Lady of Light was challenging them.
"Praise be to Eru and the Valar for sending us such gracious guest…." Lord Azrubên said courteously, bowing showily but without humour, raising a glass to his visitors.
Although it was clear to everyone in the hall that the Steward did not believe in the supposed benevolence of Írimë and Galadriel since he had already guessed their true intentions.
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Later that night, just as the moon was creeping over the mountains, the Westerosi maiden adjourned to Galadriel's and Írimë's shared chambers and to their horror, the Elves' rooms were nearest to Jon's own. Not even their lots were so close to their lover's... it seems Azrubên wished to win the Elves' favour.
In front of the door sat guards with drawn swords laid upon their knees. Their golden hair was braided on their shoulders, the sun was blazoned upon their green shields, their long corslets were burnished bright, and when they rose taller, they seemed than the Noldorin of old. The guard saw them draw near and nodded, lifting the heavy bars of the doors and swung them slowly inwards, grumbling on their great hinges.
And when they entered, they all were enraptured by the beauty of her chambers. It was a spacious room… nearly as spacious as Jon's, and all the sheets, curtains and fabrics were a rich white upon which was embroidered the heraldry of Finarfin.
There was a balcony also that shone like crystal in the pale light of the moon for a few moments; the Ladies thought Galadriel had deceived them and rode to meet Jon; it was then Galadriel spoke.
They all heard Lady Galadriel's ethereal voice come from the terrace. "Welcome…" And as they stepped onto the balcony, they saw Galadriel brushing her aunt's golden tresses.
She and her aunt were clad in raiment's of white with little to distinguish them save Írimë's was embroidered with golden flowers; indeed, they were pleased Jon wasn't among them, for he would have been ensnared by the beauty of the Elves.
"We have arrived, my Ladies…." Ashara said wearily.
"Thanks for coming… And yes, it's a pity that Jon isn't here…" Galadriel said amusedly, and they glared at her, undoubtedly displeased she had read their minds.
"We've come now; what do you desire of us? Speak quickly," Rhaenys questioned, vexed by the haughtiness of the elves.
"Patience…" Írimë said condescendingly, infuriating the Targaryen Princess.
"Why are you here? … Witch," Rhaenys asked happily, seeing Írimë's face reddened.
"You are a…." The Princess of the Noldor began her aunt swiftly silenced her.
"We know all news concerning this elixir and came to protect our dearest wolf from these upstarts," Galadriel said.
"So they don't steal Jon from you, my Lady. Is that not the truth of the matter, " Growled Shiera, and Galadriel didn't deny it.
"Hmm, perhaps though, I'm not greedy as you deem me to be", The Lady of Light said softly.
"At least they'll help us stop this threat…." Arianne said wearily.
"If you had summoned us earlier, this vexing elixir wouldn't have taken hold as it did... Yet your pridefulness came before good sense wishing to keep us from our beloved," Írimë said reproachfully.
"We would only have exchanged one evil for another, my Lady... You would have taken the opportunity to seduce our foolish dragon," Shiera said defiantly, looking at the Elves.
"Shiera..." Ashara said reproachfully.
Galadriel said nothing settled to goad the Westerosi, so she went to a small table next to her bed and took out a fine leather-bound book arousing the curiosity of the Westerosi.
The book was plain but beautifully adorned, yet the care Galadriel showed when holding it was rather queer; doubtless, it was just a journal, but it seemed of greater worth than gold or jewels to the Lady Light.
"What is that book?" Arianne asked suspiciously.
"A gift from my beloved Wolf... A book of songs and poems he penned for me," Galadriel declared, feeling great satisfaction at seeing the look of jealousy and fury of the mortal concubines of her Wild Wolf.
She smiled before opening the book and reciting the Eldamar and Namárië; after many verses, she ceased her recitation and looked at the maidens before her with a subtle haughtiness she had learned from her father.
"Beautiful, is it not Lady Shiera?" Galadriel asked proudly, clearly amused by Shiera's reddening face even Ashara, the mildest among them, was furious at her sheer gall.
"That worm... he'll pay for this", Rhaenys growled, envious of Galadriel's gift.
"No, if I get my hands on him first, cousin..." Arianne said, swearing revenge.
"Though their haughtiness amuses me, it is not right that my dearest hasn't gifted me a book of sonnets," Írimë thought, likewise envious of the book of poems, while her aunt laughed a fruity laugh as if she had performed a rather marvellous party favour.
"When was it that Jon gave that book to my Lady?" Ashara inquired jealously.
"There is a story behind it though it is not mine to tell, and I daresay we should be here all night if I must recount my romance with Jon in full", Galadriel responded gaily.
"Perhaps, and I think we know a great deal already", Arianne growled, thinking of the many ways she could discipline Jon when he returns.
"Do not fret; my sisters, Írimë and I shall brew a remedy to the elixir, and we shan't worry of Jon being taken from us by such an undignified trick..." Galadriel said thoughtfully, nevertheless furious with them for not summoning her earlier.
"Indeed, had you summoned us sooner, all this meanness would've been settled, yet your pride is greater than even my brother still; there are good tidings as well soon, all shall be as it was, and we shall never be parted from our beloved again," Írimë said, giggling merrily.
"We'll see..." Arianne said defiantly towards Finwë's descendants.
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