[Nurumaiel]

Leofan and Liornung

Maercwen and Frodides were still sleeping when Leofan crept from their little room. Bending down, he gently kissed Maercwen's forehead and then silently slipped out, determined to find where Liornung had spent the night. As he stepped outside a cold breeze brought the color swiftly to his cheeks, and his eyes widened at surprise when he saw the burnt wood of the stable. The memory of what had happened the day before came to him and he ground his teeth together.

"I wish you wouldn't do that," a soft voice said behind him. It was Liornung. His eyes had a very gentle look in them. "Our mother always did dislike it, but it was a terrible habit of yours." He paused, and then touched his brother's stiff back. "It never does seem as bad until the next day, does it? It takes such a long while to actually realize what's happened."

Leofan relaxed a bit and let loose a long sigh. "I feel very much to blame," he murmured. "I feel as though I could have kept the fire from starting if I had been in the stable... I feel as though I could have saved more of the horses." His head dropped low. "I saw two young men fighting... one of them had lost his horse. I feel responsible for that, too."

"You would," Liornung replied. "But you must realize you aren't, simply because you aren't." There was a silence, and then he added, "I'm going to ask Bethberry if we might put on a small dance tonight... Nothing much, just sitting by the fire singing and dancing and telling stories and having a good time... like we used to do at home. I want to see how many visitors I can attract."

The dark shadows left Leofan's face and smiled widely. "You think they'll come to see what we did at home?"

"Well, it's more enjoyable, isn't it? I mean, I could stand up on a table, sit them all down, bid them stay silent and play them some tunes then wait for their grateful applause, but I think they'd enjoy it more if they could join in. Besides, I have a feeling that your darling daughter could dance very sweetly if we could persuade her." His eyebrows raised a bit. "Perhaps... little Eruvalde? You know how fathers feel about that, I'm sure, and I think it would cheer him up immensely." He frowned. "Only it seems as though it would be difficult for the children to find partners... how many little boys are here that would actually dance?"

"My young lad who works in the stable might. But, here, Liornung, do you really intend to hold a dance?"

"No... not really. I just thought the idea might cheer you a bit... however, if it was considered a good idea, we might carry through. I know I'll play music tonight, at any rate. Who knows, you mightn't even need to ask. My fiddle and I carry the magic to bring lightness to the feet and brightness to the eye. They'll probably start dancing on their own accord." He unstrapped his fiddle from his back and gave a little bow. "And now, my dear brother, I shall play a tune for you."