Chapter 12: Anticipation and Unease
Laurelin's evening light spilled onto the long fields that stretched before Lilótëa's eyes. Her footsteps tread lightly upon the grassland as she trailed behind her mother and father. Elenwë led the way for them, dancing in twirls as if she were still an elfling child. Perhaps in Lilótëa's point of view, she still hadn't left that stage.
After receiving Nelyafinwë's letter, nothing could make Lilótëa more excited to take part in Queen Indis' begetting day celebration. He gave her a reason to be part of social gatherings, to bear the overwhelming crowds. To see Nelyafinwë would remind and reassure her that she had a friend who cared. She may have known him for less than two years, but that did not stop her from believing he was worthy of the title "friend".
"Your laggard walking— it disappoints me!" Elenwë called to her family with a tinkling laugh.
"Your ability to keep ahead of us disappoints me!" Milyon replied with a chuckle. He increased his speed and took off in a run after Elenwë, while Atheanís stayed by her elder daughter's side.
A smile further brightened the mother's face. "How fare you, Lilótëa?" she asked. "Some years have passed since we last attended the Lady Indis' begetting day celebration. Do you look forward to it?"
"I have faith it will be a time of joy for all, Amil." As long as the tension does not rise between Fëanáro and my people, she mentally added.
"I'm glad to hear. I'm sure Elenwë will enjoy herself as well, and perhaps even find time to greet the young Prince Turukáno again."
Lilótëa lowered her eyes to her feet, concentrating on the steps she made one by one. "It's no surprise she found a friend in him. Anyone would be happy to have her as a friend."
How many of her childhood friends could she still call friend? Lilótëa could count them on a single hand, and she questioned herself if even her friendship with them could be considered deep. The word inseparable certainly did not come to mind when she envisioned her with them. Lilótëa knew she struggled with holding onto friends— her weak grip on them always seemed to slip, and the blame belonged to her inept ability to keep conversations alive. One of her friends pointed that out, something she could never banish entirely from her memory. As for Elenwë, she had better luck. Lilótëa was sure that Turukáno wouldn't tire of her company anytime soon.
Atheanís sensed her daughter's silent unease. She brought Lilótëa closer by putting her arm around the girl's shoulders. "Like I've said before, don't believe your shyness has control over you." Lilótëa praised her mother's hands for their skill in calming effect and healing— the touch never failed to soothe her inner discontent. "Your father had the same insecurities when I first started to know him."
Lilótëa brushed a strand of hair out of her face. She knew her parents' story, but there could always be more to learn, especially if she wanted to compare the early days of their relationship with her and Nelyafinwë. "Did you ever think him foolish or get inattentive around him when he acted shy around you?"
"No, my daughter. It was quite the contrary. I was intrigued by his diffident personality, and it made me love him more." Atheanís squeezed her in a half embrace, and Lilótëa felt like the child she once was, seeking out her parents' love.
For the moment, Lilótëa had no further inquiries to ask. Instead, she watched Elenwë laugh in their father's arms. They had stopped running, and a blue-winged butterfly landed on Elenwë's hand as she reached out to it. It was not long before Atheanís and Lilótëa caught up with them.
As the family walked in content, Lilótëa wondered if she would have to see Elenwë with Turukáno and be reminded that her sister had more freedom than herself. It was not that she looked on them with envy— or did she? Was that another problem buried within her— subtle jealousy? Ah well, the important thing was that Nelyafinwë still appreciated her company. She would cherish the times they shared, no matter how long they would continue for.
The mere fact that they had to hide their friendship made herself further doubt that they could keep the interaction alive. With Elenwë, friendship with Turukáno could possibly last. Unfortunately, pairing a timid Vanya who spoke few words with Fëanáro's eldest son... was a whole other idea in itself.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top