Double Edged Swords
Winter was finally ending, its cold icy winds giving way to a hint of flowers budding in the fields of Bree and Cardolan, the lavender and red buds just starting to pull skyward to greet the sun. Between playing music and tending Cygnus, whose wing had grown stronger, she had grown used to the hectic rhythm of her life. It was on one frantic day that many things changed.
Guri, liked to believe her life was well ordered, in truth it was a mad dash between prepping songs or writing new ones, she and Elezzra sitting in the gazebo, chaotic was an understatement! She had worked to mending old hurt feelings and that was slowly healing, taking on yet another person to mentor, this time a sweet red haired young woman, Aureliane, and working with Elezzra filled her days. Between prepping for music performances and doing them became a normal pattern of her days. Her partner, who was ever a buzz, creating songs and wrangling his band’s many and still increasing numbers. The two of them loved practices and choosing songs, and they grew to appreciate each other's talents. Ele, as she called him, providing the music, though she also played her harp and she singing to complete the song. They delighted in playing songs that meant something and bought others to dance. And while people not knowing them might think they were involved, they still felt their music was a thing, but they were not. But they were close and shared, about everything, music being the glue that held them together. Each a muse for the other.
It was during an impromptu party in Bree that he first appeared. As an armor smith herself, well-made armor always had held her eye and she spotted the red mail he wore, as he sat listening. He was in her kin, yet few of her kin were as rabid about music as she was, and they never ever really had stayed exceptionally long to listen. This one was different, she thought using her advantage of the rock to watch the people below as she sang. She noticed trivial things about him that made him intriguing. His kindness and sense of humor made her laugh more that she had in a long time. His face covered in freckles, which she remembered her father has called kisses of the Valar. That though made her smile. He was chatting with some as if they were already dear friends, as if he wanted to be included. He even made Aureliane comfortable it seemed, which was never an easy task for a man to do. Suddenly it was as if she was seeing things through new eyes.
Now all of this was book ended by a trip south, to Dol Amroth where she had promised to help Frimsi Gembeard and his crafters, set up in the market. Knowing she was going back to the city she had found Cygnus, and via her own ship, she decided to let the ungainly swan come. He was ready, and the sheer number of swans there, would be the best place to see if he could find another mate.
The trip was eventful since the crew repelled some halfhearted Corsair wise to the fact that a well-dressed dwarf might have treasure worth taking, but the interlopers were vanquished easily and ship only sustained minor damage. There was also some sea sickness on board, something she had prepared for since dwarves are not usually of the sailing sort and Guri armed with some remedies, urged them to look out the horizon and drink plenty of water. Thinking to herself Guri thought “I sound like that funny Hobbit Flodard, preaching the values of a non-alcoholic beverage. “
Keeping the swan close enough and unfortunately drawing some odd looks from the shop keepers and artisans, she listened to Frimsi regale everyone about how their ship was attacked by pirate’s intent on taking the treasures of fine gems, gold jewelry, fine weapons and armor. The shrewd dwarf used the story to bring people in, and Guri marveled at his sage business acumen.
It was just after introductions that Guri heard a sheepish whisper “Hello there. I am not sure I should have come, but here I am.” It was the same man, from before now standing under Cygnus's curious gaze, the big bird standing firmly between the young man and his mistress. “I am not sure if I should just wait here or join you?” He asked, his expression clearly ill at ease,
“Nonsense come, no one here one bites, Guri replied pulling the dark-haired guardian forward and introducing him as a Kinsman, adding “He seems to have followed me here. “Everyone this is Alairif.” Standing back she let Frimsi, ever a social person greet her new friend, and as the others stepped in for introductions, she concluded by trying to explain Cygnus, who was clearly more intent to go swimming or look down his long beak at Alrif. After a few moments, the water won out and the armorers quench bucket was too close.
“Cygnus that is oily water, you will be fifthly,” she admonished the swan and stepped between he and the bucket in emphasis. Shaking his head as if to say, “I do not care,” she patted him and assuring he would get a swim later.
Answering questions, about the swan and how she came by him were harder, since some of the men attending lived in Dol Amroth. It was clear their respect for the birds as a sign of purity and hope were clear and Guri could not help but think she was doing the right thing bringing the swan, now fully healed, back. Cygnus on the other hand and totally been won over by Alairif, and the guardian was accepting the swans' sometime hard mouth nibbles the same way one might play with a kitten trying to claw up your clothing to sit on your shoulder.
Bidding goodnight and good trading to her friend, Frimsi and the other caravan dwarves knowing good ale and food were also in their sights. Not wanting to do what she has set out to in darkness Guri thankfully accepted a tour of Dol Amroth from one of the guard. She was pleasantly surprised when Alairif followed, their progress slow as the land-bound awkward swan waddled slowly behind, his now plaintive cries for a swim like a spoiled child on a hot summer day. Once at long palace steps Guri and her two followers ascended slowly until just outside of the heavy palace doors where she turned heading instead to one of the open ponds.
Nodding to the young gardener she had talked to almost six months ag and who seemed to have grown over a foot, he indicated the pond. She hefted the swan up and trying to hug the sleek bird who was much more intent on swimming with others of his kind, and placed him into the water.
It was harder than she imagined it would be, and the memories of the near death bloodied bird she had rescued came tumbling back. Only this time there was happy whistling and seeing him swim, dipping his head in greeting other swans there eventually made her smile. Cygnus looked back a moment at her and paused, is if unsure what to do...and then was gone, mixed into the flock of white feathers, once again the Prince’s swan. It was only then she felt his hand on her shoulder and turned to smile at the kind young man standing next to her.
“It will be all right he said conviction in his voice.” His brown eyes gazed at her in concern, the warmth of them drawing her up.
Yes, I think perhaps they will, after all, she thought, Perhaps they will.
