[alaklondewen]

After the Luncheon...

Pelien sighed with relief as she watched the last of her guests depart. The luncheon had provided a nice time for visiting with the ladies, but she was glad it was all over. What the younger ladies discussed concerning Finduilas’ identity and ancestry had given her much to think about. The idea of the Steward’s family not knowing the lady’s full history seemed a bit unrealistic, but if Finduilas’ name could be scarred in some way, the family might get rid of her anyway.

As her daughter questioned her thoughts, Pelien thought it best to agree with the expressed doubts. She, of all people, would not want to stand up for that wretched little princess, even to Adrama.

Pelien walked slowly deep in thought as she returned to her bedroom. Sador would be home soon, and she wasn’t sure what to tell him yet. On one hand, she’d love to share the new information concerning Finduilas with her husband, but on the other hand, she knew he wouldn’t stand for that kind of rumor coming from his wife. Maybe she should wait for him to hear it elsewhere…yes, then she would be so surprised when he told her. A clever smile crept across her face. She hated keeping things from Sador, but sometimes a man just can’t handle some information like a woman can.

Once in her private rooms, Pelien freshened up a bit before changing into a more casual, simple dress. She checked her reflection once more before going back down the stairs to ensure that the servants were cleaning up after the ladies. Pelien would not stand for a house that was anything less than immaculate.

An hour later, the front door opened and Pelien watched her weary soldier slip quietly through the door. She sat in her favorite chair in the sitting room and waited for him to find her. Sador unconsciously smiled when his eyes met his wife's, and Pelien stood to meet him. Rummel came and took his rolled up guard’s uniform to clean, and Sador crossed the room with his head tipped to one side.

“How was your day, Dear?” Pelien loved this time of day when Sador came home, but she masked her joy in a serious, unfeeling tone.

“It’s much better now,” Sador said as he kissed his wife on the cheek. Then without warning he hugged his wife and picked her up swinging her in a circle. Pelien was horrified and smacked at his back trying to get down. Sador just laughed and set her down.

“Sador! Wh..I never!” Being out of breath, Pelien could not verbalize the indignity she felt, so she straightened her skirt and hair and stormed away.