Return to Jorgaldur Volume V: Reunion (2)

Family visit (I)

When Mideltya, Ted, Liodon, Lidia, and Melingor arrived at Mideltya's family residence, they all frowned. Asondor, her ex-fiancé, was there, looking at them with a cocky smile.

They had already met him among the allies, and had hoped not to have to deal with him again. Apparently, they wouldn't be so lucky. He was in the main hall, talking to Guideknor, Mideltya's brother. There were two women with them, whom neither of them knew.

The elf nodded at her brother's gaze, even though their relationship had long since broken down. Nonetheless, inside her family mansion, she had to at least keep up appearances. As for the other elf, her ex-fiancé, she completely ignored him. She continued on her way with her companions, and was taking Ted by the hand.

They sat on some sofas, waiting for their hosts. They were soon served drinks and food.

"Welcome, young lady," a middle-aged elven servant greeted, in other words, she was a few hundred years old.

Mideltya didn't return her greeting, but stood up and hugged her tightly, lovingly. That elf had been her nanny. She was almost a second mother to her.

"Rildy! I'm glad to see you!" she held back her tears.

"The young lady hasn't yet learned manners," she scolded her, although her voice revealed deep affection.

After letting her go, Mideltya took a step back and executed an elegant greeting.

"It's a pleasure to see you again," Mideltya smiled.

"You still remember..." her nanny said, half scolding her.

She wanted to seem serious, but a smile escaped her. Mideltya was like a daughter to her. In fact, her daughter and Mideltya were close friends, they had grown up together, almost like sisters.

"Let me introduce them to you," the elf introduced her companions.

Rildy stared at Ted, who felt uncomfortable under her penetrating gaze. However, the nanny's attitude was cordial. At no time did she criticize or censure her choice, although she didn't bless it either.

Rildy could feel Mideltya's joy when introducing him, the deep love she felt. Therefore, inside, the nanny looked at him favorably. What worried her was the reaction of the family, especially Mideltya's brother. His attitude seemed suspicious.

However, she relaxed and was surprised to discover the identity of the companions. One of them was Melingor, who was also Ted's father. He was quite famous, and was well respected. That was good news, it could ease the problems.

Although she was more surprised by the identity of Ted's mother and his uncle. Lidia and Liodon were children of Eldi Hnefa, someone who was recognized despite not being an elf. His fame came from the kingdom of Engenak, and from his contribution to the great victory against the corruption. This was as unexpected as it was exciting. She didn't say it out loud, but wondered if she could meet him. She was curious.

"Mom..." Mideltya stood up suddenly.

She ran to hug her mother. That intended to have a serious and solemn attitude, but was unable to maintain it in front of her daughter. She hugged her with great affection, and only let go because they weren't alone.

She smiled at her mother as they parted. However, the smile was wiped from her face when her gaze met the person accompanying her mother.

"Father," she ceremoniously greeted Mideknor with respect, but without familiarity.

They had been very close in the past, but the friction between them had been too intense. Her father had arranged a marriage without her consent, and had pressured her to accept it. Mideltya had refused.

Her mother had wanted to mediate, which had distanced her from her husband a little, and brought her closer to her daughter. Her brother was on their father's side, which had put him at odds with his sister. In fact, it was he who had proposed the marriage, as the chosen fiancé was his friend Asondor.

His friend had been infatuated with Mideltya in the past, but she hadn't reacted positively to his advances. Therefore, he had wanted to force the marriage through his friend, by offering attractive gifts to the family. Asondor had gained the support of the patriarch, and also the hatred of Mideltya.

"Mideltya," her father replied coldly.

Nonetheless, he felt pained by his daughter's indifference. He had always thought that he was doing what was best for her and the family. The marriage would provide them with important benefits, and his daughter would have a husband of noble lineage. Mideltya's refusal had made him angry, disappointed and frustrated.

"Let me introduce you. This is Ted, my fiancé," the elf began.

Mideknor frowned as he looked at him with hostility. Despite this, Ted greeted as his fiancée had taught him, visibly nervous.

"This is Lidia, Ted's mother."

"This is Melingor, Ted's father. You already know each other."

"This is Liodon, Lidia's brother."

She introduced them one by one. There was no need to mention Eldi Hnefa, since everyone knew. He and his friendship with Goldmi and Elendnas had finally made the patriarch agree to receive them. Although it wasn't what he wanted for his daughter, he had no choice but to accept. They couldn't afford to offend all of them. At least, that was the case until recently.

"It is an honor to receive you all. However, I'm afraid that the situation has changed. I can't accept this engagement. Mideltya, you must accept Asondor," the patriarch announced.

That surprised, disconcerted and infuriated them. Although they didn't expect him to receive them with open arms, that was an affront to his guests, as well as going back on his word. Making that announcement in front of them was a provocation.

"Father! What does this mean?!" Mideltya demanded, as surprised as she was furious.

Her mother looked at her husband, surprised. She knew nothing of all this. She thought that they could finally make up with her daughter.

Instead of answering, Mideknor made a sign to her son, who approached with Asondor and the two women. Mideltya looked at them with obvious hostility.

As they came closer, they discovered that both were half-dryads, and looked quite similar. After all, they were sisters.

"You better have a good explanation," Lidia threatened then, irritated.

Until then, she had kept out of the way, but the situation had become too unpleasant. They seemed to want to humiliate them.

In addition, she was the daughter of a dryad and Eldi Hnefa, and had fought for years against kings and nobles. Neither the presence of the half-dryads nor being in the mansion of a high elven noble intimidated her.

"Of course. Guideknor, please," he asked his son.