Frera was silent as she measured up Callie's speech. Her eyes grew narrow, almost menacing. Thoril chewed on his lip, staring at his mother. He had not really introduced girlfriends to his mother. He knew there was no one that could measure up to her standards. In saying that, he was sure Callie had a fighting chance.
"I have done the best I can," Frera finally said smiling. "Thank you. I like when my work goes noticed. Why don't you both come in? It looks like you have both had a long journey. Besides..." she grinned, bearing her teeth. "I want to know more about the girl who has captured the heart of my son." Frera walked back and into her house, holding the door open for the duo.

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Callie's grin grew. "I can assure you," she stepped through the door. "It is he who has captured my heart." she looked around the homey place, feeling a happiness and comfort that was reminiscent of her own mother, house, and home.

Frera's home was modest. She had no want for things she did not need in her reception room. It was her kitchen and bedroom that housed her love for all things strange and wonderful. Thoril looked around the reception area of his mothers house. He noticed it had become much like a shrine to his father. Photographs of his father adorned each and every table and shelf. His medals were pinned to the wall along with his certificates. He bowed his head respectfully to the photograph of his father on the mantlepiece. "How have you been keeping?" He asked his mother. Suddenly the roles of parent and child were reversed. Thoril had never seen his mother upset and was not sure what to look for.
Frera smiled faintly. "I make do with everyday I am blessed with Thoril. Now can I get you both anything to eat or drink? Or perhaps you would like to get yourselves settled first?" Her hands knotted around her apron. She had grown accustomed to having company on a daily basis. It was nice that her friends were concerned, but she was insulted. She was a strong woman and had proven that often enough.

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"No, thank you. We can get settled and then perhaps I could help you with something? Cooking, maybe?" Callie asked hopefully. She wished to get to know Frera, Callie already adored the woman in re first few moments that they had met.

"You are so kind to offer Callie," Frera's sharp features softened briefly. "I shall let you know if anything needs doing when you come down. Frera walked to the foot of the stairs. There is fresh linen on the bed for you both. Fresh towels are in the cupboard should you wish to wash before you come down. Let me know if you need anything." She walked past the couple, briefly stroking his sons arm as she passed.
"Thanks, ma'" Thoril spoke softly, watching as she disappeared into the living room. He could hear the faint sound of her pottering around, doing cleaning that did not need to be done. He smiled faintly to Callie as he led her upstairs to his room with their belongings. Thoril's room was also modest. He had not spent much time in it as a child. The single bed had been exchanged for a double bed. Thoril pondered how his mother had managed such a task, but dismissed the thought moments later. "The bathroom is across the hall if you wish to refresh yourself love." He looked around at Callie. "Not that you need it off course." He smiled warmly.

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She chuckled. "Good save." she looked around. "Are we both staying in this room?" from what she had heard of his mother, this surprised her greatly. She crossed to the bed and began unbraiding her hair, loosening the locks which threatened to give her a headache.

Thoril chuckled faintly. "I shouldn't think so. No doubt I have the sofa in the living room. I cannot imagine my mother would allow that in her house." Thoril stretched his back. "So how are you feeling? Want to go home yet?" He asked as he turned to face Callie.

"I do not hear any running water Thoril Pegason. Be warned there will be ramifications!" Came Frera's voice from down stairs.

Thoril laughed as he rolled his eyes. "Yes ma'!" He called back, passing Callie some towels. "That is the mystery of our sleeping arrangements straightened out then..."

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She chuckled. "That is fine." she winked and took the towels. "I am feeling wonderful! A bit tired, and I think she would be very offended if we left as soon as we arrived." she stepped to the bathroom, and turned on the tap, splashing the water on her face to wash away the grime.

Thoril began to unpack their belongings. Callie was right as much as his mother was putting on this facade she was bound to be hurting. She would want to be around family for a while. Thoril could tell that his mother liked Callie. Frera rarely let anyone she disliked beyond her front door. Was Callie had refreshed herself, Thoril took his turn to clean up. He paused at the top of the stairs. He could hear his mother in the kitchen. A delicious smell began to wind its way up the stairs.

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Callie stepped down the stairs and approached the kitchen. "Is there anything I can help you with?" she offered quietly as she stood by the table.

Frera gasped slightly. "Oh dear, I did not hear you coming down the stairs," she regained her nerves and handed Callie an apron from behind the door. "You could start by peeling some potatoes for the stew...That is if you don't mind?" She added, just remembering her manners. She was pleased that Thoril had finally brought a girl home to meet her, but she wasn't sure what to do now. Frera returned to stirring the stew, tasting it occasionally and adding an ingredient she thought it needed. "So...tell me about yourself Callie. Where are you from?"

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"I am from Rivendell, actually." Callie took the potatoes and began making swift work of them. "I moved out when I was but a young elfling."

Absentmindedly Frera filled a pot of water and set it on the stove to boil. "Any particular reason for leaving so young?" She asked quietly as she focused on the stew. "Thoril left when he was young too. I wish he hadn't...Perhaps your parents feel the same..." she glanced to Callie, offering her a soft smile.

Thoril appeared in the doorway, fresh and alert. "Playing nice?" He asked, glancing at his mother as he crossed over to Callie, laying an arm around her waist.

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Callie's smile was slightly strained as she looked back at Frera. "My parents are gone..." she leaned into Thoril, the answer seeming to have drained her of some of her life. "I would have stayed longer, had fate allowed."

"Mother," Thoril cautioned. "Lets not pry. After all you would not appreciate it if Callie were to do the same." Thoril looked to Callie, offering her a small smile. "Will you come and help me set the table love?" He asked politely. He knew Callie would want a break from Frera. Frera was an overwhelming woman at times.

Frera paled as she listened to Callie's answer. "I am so sorry for your loss." She glanced over at Thoril, almost scowling. "Forgive me. I often misplace my manners in my old age. Why don't you both relax? I can handle dinner on my own..."

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"It is fine, really...I do not mind helping at all." she hesitated in her steps towards Thoril. "Are you sure, my lady?" Callie questioned. She didn't want to stop helping...