Chapter 3 ~ The Dúnedain
Túveren healed quickly, the elf's intervention having helped considerably. He was indeed healthy and strong, as Legolas had said, and that had stood him in good stead.
When three days had passed and the company returned from Isengard late in the night, bringing the news of its ruin and fall, Túveren was up and walking, and even insisting on helping prepare for the return to Edoras the next day.
Aragorn found him sharpening swords in the hall of the Keep. "Mae govannen, Túveren. It cheers my heart to see you healing and strong once more. You were sore wounded."
"I know full well, my lord. My sister has taken good care of me, though she would fain have me rest still. But how can I rest when I know what is asked of us at this hour?" Aragorn smiled and nodded.
Túveren stood as Legolas approached them. "I believe you have need of my thanks, my lord Legolas. My sister told me what you did for me. I do not think I can ever repay your kindness."
"It was nothing," murmured Legolas, "I am simply glad to see you well."
Aragorn grabbed the young man by the shoulder. "Come, lay aside your work for a while, there are some people I would have you meet."
He indicated the group of men, standing to one side, their clothes dark and grey, weather-worn but strong and tall, they surveyed the business before them. "These are your father's kin, come to us in our darkest hour. Some you know already, I believe."
"Indeed," said Túveren smiling broadly and stepping forward to grasp Halbarad by the forearm, "Mae govannen, Halbarad."
Halbarad grinned and drew the young man into an embrace, "You rascal! Thought you could scare us by getting yourself injured? I'll have none of it I tell you." Then he pulled back and stared into the young man's face and spoke in a more gentle and serious tone, "I am glad you are well and were not too badly injured, or at least have healed so quickly."
Túveren winced slightly in the older man's grasp, "Not so entirely healed as yet, but enough. Enough that I may ride to the spearmuster at Edoras at least, and so on to war."
His eyes blazed as he spoke, and Halbarad beamed. "Your father would be proud."
Another Dúnedan, Halbarad's brother Calloneb, stepped forward as Halbarad spoke, "He would indeed, brother. Túveren, it is good indeed to see you and see you well."
Túveren grinned, "Calloneb! Mae govannen," and the two embraced as old friends.
Halbarad's brother continued, "And what of your sister? Where is she and how does she fare, she whom we have not seen since she was small?"
Túveren's eyes searched the hall for her, "She is here somewhere, I believe. She is tending those more seriously injured than I."
"Come, let us find her. I would fain see your father's daughter now full grown." Túveren led Halbarad and Calloneb away and Aragorn, smiling, watched them go.
After some time Calloneb returned. "You know he would ride with us, Aragorn? I do not know if we should allow him to do so or insist he return to Edoras with the king. I know we may not tread the same path as they, and he is still weak, though he hides it well."
Aragorn nodded. He looked towards Túveren, still deep in conversation with his sister and Halbarad amongst the crowd, as he spoke, "I suspected as much I must admit. He wishes to fight or fall beside his father's kin, and that I can understand. Let me think on it, we have some time before a decision is to be made."
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Túveren and Fuineth were sitting together, sharing some soup and bread, as Legolas approached them. Fuineth rose just before he reached them. "I must go and tend to the others, Túveren. Please eat – you will need your strength." She laid a hand on his shoulder and leaned forward to kiss his head.
His hand covered hers, and he looked round to her as she stood behind him. "Do not worry, sister. I am feeling strong again, I assure you."
She smiled, but shook her head slightly, laughing quietly. "Túveren, will you not be told?"
She turned to go, and found herself facing Legolas. He bowed slightly, "Lady Fuineth." he murmured.
She smiled, inclined her head. "Lord Legolas. You must forgive me, but I needs must attend to the others."
He nodded courteously and stepped back to allow her passage past him. Then he turned to Túveren, "Would you permit me to sit with you, there is something I wish to discuss with you."
Túveren indicated the bench he was seated on, "Please, my lord."
Legolas sat and, after a brief silence, said, "I hear you have asked to ride with the Dúnedain, your father's kin?"
Túveren nodded. "It is a hard decision, but I feel it is more beholden to me to ride with the Dúnedain than my mother's kin. I have fought and sustained injury for Rohan, now Arnor deserves my sword."
Legolas nodded. He could understand that and would possibly have made the same decision had he been in the young soldier's place. "And what of your sister?"
Túveren, spoon held half way to his mouth, stopped and looked at Legolas, "She will not be neglected, my lord."
Hastily Legolas tried to reassure him. "Do not misunderstand me, Túveren. I am not suggesting that by riding with us you would neglect her. It's just... we may not be riding back to Edoras, you do know that?"
Túveren put down his spoon, but did not turn towards the elf. "No," he said simply, "I did not know."
"Is there one among the company returning to Edoras that you may trust with your sister's care?"
Túveren nodded. "I have a cousin. His father fell here by my side, my mother's brother."
But Legolas could hear the uncertainty in his voice now. "I do not tell you which path to choose, nor indeed is there any certainty that we and the Rohirrim will part company for now, but I thought you should know."
Túveren nodded and pushed his bowl away from him. "Thankyou, Lord Legolas. You were right to tell me."
Legolas inclined his head. "I will leave you to your meal. Forgive my intrusion, Túveren of the Dúnedain."
Túveren smiled thinly at this title, not looking up as the elf rose and left the hall.
Fuineth had been watching them talk. She had seen the change in her brother's demeanour. She wondered what it was the elf had said to him, though she had seen nothing but gentle concern in Legolas's eyes when he had come to speak to him. It may be, she hoped, that he is advising him against riding to war. He is too weak still, and yet... She knew her brother of old. There was nothing that would stop him, nor would she try to do so: he was his father's son. She would gently remind him of his needing to rest and eat and nothing more.
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Later that day, those that remained were only those that would ride with the King, those left to guard Helm's Deep and those wounded that were too ill to ride. Of this last group, the Westfold women would take care of them until they were sufficiently healed to return home.
Túveren had tried to persuade his sister to return with the thousand spears that had set off to Edoras the night before, but she had refused. She was nervous to return as it was, even though it was now clear she had no choice, but to do so without her brother or her cousin (who would be riding with the king) was unthinkable. Late the previous night Lord Eomer had agreed she could be included in the king's company, though she was to ride at the back with the boys and supplies once more.
The hour to leave was drawing close. Fuineth insisted her brother sit for a while and regain his strength a little, while she took the opportunity to rebandage his wound.
As she was tying off the ends of the cloth, he took her hand, and looked gently into her eyes. "Fuineth, I need to talk to you."
She nodded, stopped, and sat on the floor beside him, looking up into his face. He reached a hand to her cheek and tenderly wiped away a tendril of her dark hair. "You know that I wish to ride with our father's kin." She nodded. "Well there is a possibility that they will not be riding to Edoras with the king." She gasped. "I do not know the path they may be taking, but I have thought long and hard as to my decision. I was concerned to not come with you, especially given the circumstances under which you left ..."
Her head dropped and she could feel the tears rising once more. "Please, Túveren, do not speak of it."
He raised her chin so he could see her, "I will not, but know this: this is a hard decision for me." He sighed and turned his face away, letting her chin fall once more. "What would you advise me, Fuineth?"
He knew his decision, but wished to know if she thought the same before he told her. She suspected this and knew it mattered little what she would tell him, so she opened her heart to him honestly. "You should ride with the Dúnedain. Often you have travelled to them and learnt from them. They are more our kin, than these men of Rohan, no matter their kindness to us or that they are of our mother's blood. Our hearts are more those of the Northern people, this you know, Túveren, nor do you need me to tell you." He was looking at her now, his eyes wet. "I have my cousin's company, and he will protect me, you know this. I shall stay at Edoras if I may .." her voice caught, "..and I will await your return there."
He nodded. "I had already decided to go," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I know," she replied. She squeezed his hand. "Now rest, before you ride, brother. You will need your strength."
He smiled, "As you do not tire of telling me, sister." She returned his smile, but turned away and busied herself so he could not see her tears.
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The company of the King were readying themselves and mounting their charges. Legolas and Gimli sat on the steps of the Burg, watching them in silence.
Then he saw her, pushing her way through the crowds of men in her desperation to find her brother. She was turning this way and that. "Lady Fuineth," Legolas stood and called to her.
She turned at the sound of her name, and came over to them running. "Forgive me, my lord, Master Dwarf," Gimli stood and bowed. "Have you seen my brother?"
"He is in the Hornburg, my lady. Do you wish me to fetch him for you?"
But even as Legolas spoke Túveren was coming down the steps towards her, sword at his side, black hair pushed back from his face. His face filled with concern when he saw his sister. "Fuineth?" and he drew her to one side so they were no longer in earshot.
"That is a brave young man, there, Master Elf," muttered Gimli. "I saw him hew down several of those Uruks before he was caught by a spear. He was fortunate it wasn't a deeper blow."
"Indeed," Legolas agreed, but he was intently watching the scene below him now. She had tears streaming down her face, and Túveren was holding her to him, stroking her hair and talking in a low voice to her. She was nodding, though the pain of what he was telling her was evident.
He pulled away, both hands upon her shoulders, and looked into her eyes. "Fuineth. I will see you in Edoras. Have no fear. I am with my own; our own. No matter what may lie ahead I will find the courage in their company. Know this and let you heart be eased."
She nodded, desperately hoping against hope that he might change his mind, but knowing it was too late. His mind was set.
He kissed her once upon the brow. "Go. Go and get ready. They are about to leave."
She flung her arms about him once, held him close, and then, unable to look at him, she turned and pushed her way back through the throng of men and horses once more.
And as she fled she was terrified. Terrified she may never see him again, but also that ignominy and false slander may await her in Edoras and that she may have to face it all alone.
King Theoden turned to Eomer who lifted his hand and cried aloud. The horses started to move.
Legolas stood, watching them file past. Then he saw her, riding forward on her brown mare, tall and noble, her face impassive, though her eyes were ringed with red from her weeping. He was concerned she was having to travel back to Edoras without her brother. Especially given that Lady Eowyn would be there too. He tried not to show anything other than matter- of-fact courtesy in his features.
"My lady," Legolas nodded to her as she came towards him though she was unable to meet his gaze. 'She is fearful too,' he thought. 'And not just for her brother, I would warrant.'
She pulled her horse away from the throng and stopped. "My Lord Legolas. I would ask of you a small favour if I do not make too bold."
He briefly knotted his brows together and looked at her quizzically, but she did not raise her head nor indeed her voice as she continued.
"My brother. He is still weak. I.."
He could hear the sob catch in her throat, and knew what she would ask. "Have no fear, my lady. He rides forth in good company. You have my word I will do whatever is in my power to make sure no harm comes to him."
She lifted her head at those words, and gave him a level gaze, only the second time she had ever looked him straight in the face. Her thankfulness was clear and she did not need to utter it, nor indeed could she have spoken, straining as she was to stop the tears from falling. But even as they looked at one another for a moment she felt a tear spill over on to her cheek. She nodded her head once in farewell and gratitude.
"It is the least I can do, my lady," added Legolas to her retreating back as she joined the company heading down the hill towards the Deeping Wall.
Mae govannen = well met
Túveren healed quickly, the elf's intervention having helped considerably. He was indeed healthy and strong, as Legolas had said, and that had stood him in good stead.
When three days had passed and the company returned from Isengard late in the night, bringing the news of its ruin and fall, Túveren was up and walking, and even insisting on helping prepare for the return to Edoras the next day.
Aragorn found him sharpening swords in the hall of the Keep. "Mae govannen, Túveren. It cheers my heart to see you healing and strong once more. You were sore wounded."
"I know full well, my lord. My sister has taken good care of me, though she would fain have me rest still. But how can I rest when I know what is asked of us at this hour?" Aragorn smiled and nodded.
Túveren stood as Legolas approached them. "I believe you have need of my thanks, my lord Legolas. My sister told me what you did for me. I do not think I can ever repay your kindness."
"It was nothing," murmured Legolas, "I am simply glad to see you well."
Aragorn grabbed the young man by the shoulder. "Come, lay aside your work for a while, there are some people I would have you meet."
He indicated the group of men, standing to one side, their clothes dark and grey, weather-worn but strong and tall, they surveyed the business before them. "These are your father's kin, come to us in our darkest hour. Some you know already, I believe."
"Indeed," said Túveren smiling broadly and stepping forward to grasp Halbarad by the forearm, "Mae govannen, Halbarad."
Halbarad grinned and drew the young man into an embrace, "You rascal! Thought you could scare us by getting yourself injured? I'll have none of it I tell you." Then he pulled back and stared into the young man's face and spoke in a more gentle and serious tone, "I am glad you are well and were not too badly injured, or at least have healed so quickly."
Túveren winced slightly in the older man's grasp, "Not so entirely healed as yet, but enough. Enough that I may ride to the spearmuster at Edoras at least, and so on to war."
His eyes blazed as he spoke, and Halbarad beamed. "Your father would be proud."
Another Dúnedan, Halbarad's brother Calloneb, stepped forward as Halbarad spoke, "He would indeed, brother. Túveren, it is good indeed to see you and see you well."
Túveren grinned, "Calloneb! Mae govannen," and the two embraced as old friends.
Halbarad's brother continued, "And what of your sister? Where is she and how does she fare, she whom we have not seen since she was small?"
Túveren's eyes searched the hall for her, "She is here somewhere, I believe. She is tending those more seriously injured than I."
"Come, let us find her. I would fain see your father's daughter now full grown." Túveren led Halbarad and Calloneb away and Aragorn, smiling, watched them go.
After some time Calloneb returned. "You know he would ride with us, Aragorn? I do not know if we should allow him to do so or insist he return to Edoras with the king. I know we may not tread the same path as they, and he is still weak, though he hides it well."
Aragorn nodded. He looked towards Túveren, still deep in conversation with his sister and Halbarad amongst the crowd, as he spoke, "I suspected as much I must admit. He wishes to fight or fall beside his father's kin, and that I can understand. Let me think on it, we have some time before a decision is to be made."
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Túveren and Fuineth were sitting together, sharing some soup and bread, as Legolas approached them. Fuineth rose just before he reached them. "I must go and tend to the others, Túveren. Please eat – you will need your strength." She laid a hand on his shoulder and leaned forward to kiss his head.
His hand covered hers, and he looked round to her as she stood behind him. "Do not worry, sister. I am feeling strong again, I assure you."
She smiled, but shook her head slightly, laughing quietly. "Túveren, will you not be told?"
She turned to go, and found herself facing Legolas. He bowed slightly, "Lady Fuineth." he murmured.
She smiled, inclined her head. "Lord Legolas. You must forgive me, but I needs must attend to the others."
He nodded courteously and stepped back to allow her passage past him. Then he turned to Túveren, "Would you permit me to sit with you, there is something I wish to discuss with you."
Túveren indicated the bench he was seated on, "Please, my lord."
Legolas sat and, after a brief silence, said, "I hear you have asked to ride with the Dúnedain, your father's kin?"
Túveren nodded. "It is a hard decision, but I feel it is more beholden to me to ride with the Dúnedain than my mother's kin. I have fought and sustained injury for Rohan, now Arnor deserves my sword."
Legolas nodded. He could understand that and would possibly have made the same decision had he been in the young soldier's place. "And what of your sister?"
Túveren, spoon held half way to his mouth, stopped and looked at Legolas, "She will not be neglected, my lord."
Hastily Legolas tried to reassure him. "Do not misunderstand me, Túveren. I am not suggesting that by riding with us you would neglect her. It's just... we may not be riding back to Edoras, you do know that?"
Túveren put down his spoon, but did not turn towards the elf. "No," he said simply, "I did not know."
"Is there one among the company returning to Edoras that you may trust with your sister's care?"
Túveren nodded. "I have a cousin. His father fell here by my side, my mother's brother."
But Legolas could hear the uncertainty in his voice now. "I do not tell you which path to choose, nor indeed is there any certainty that we and the Rohirrim will part company for now, but I thought you should know."
Túveren nodded and pushed his bowl away from him. "Thankyou, Lord Legolas. You were right to tell me."
Legolas inclined his head. "I will leave you to your meal. Forgive my intrusion, Túveren of the Dúnedain."
Túveren smiled thinly at this title, not looking up as the elf rose and left the hall.
Fuineth had been watching them talk. She had seen the change in her brother's demeanour. She wondered what it was the elf had said to him, though she had seen nothing but gentle concern in Legolas's eyes when he had come to speak to him. It may be, she hoped, that he is advising him against riding to war. He is too weak still, and yet... She knew her brother of old. There was nothing that would stop him, nor would she try to do so: he was his father's son. She would gently remind him of his needing to rest and eat and nothing more.
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Later that day, those that remained were only those that would ride with the King, those left to guard Helm's Deep and those wounded that were too ill to ride. Of this last group, the Westfold women would take care of them until they were sufficiently healed to return home.
Túveren had tried to persuade his sister to return with the thousand spears that had set off to Edoras the night before, but she had refused. She was nervous to return as it was, even though it was now clear she had no choice, but to do so without her brother or her cousin (who would be riding with the king) was unthinkable. Late the previous night Lord Eomer had agreed she could be included in the king's company, though she was to ride at the back with the boys and supplies once more.
The hour to leave was drawing close. Fuineth insisted her brother sit for a while and regain his strength a little, while she took the opportunity to rebandage his wound.
As she was tying off the ends of the cloth, he took her hand, and looked gently into her eyes. "Fuineth, I need to talk to you."
She nodded, stopped, and sat on the floor beside him, looking up into his face. He reached a hand to her cheek and tenderly wiped away a tendril of her dark hair. "You know that I wish to ride with our father's kin." She nodded. "Well there is a possibility that they will not be riding to Edoras with the king." She gasped. "I do not know the path they may be taking, but I have thought long and hard as to my decision. I was concerned to not come with you, especially given the circumstances under which you left ..."
Her head dropped and she could feel the tears rising once more. "Please, Túveren, do not speak of it."
He raised her chin so he could see her, "I will not, but know this: this is a hard decision for me." He sighed and turned his face away, letting her chin fall once more. "What would you advise me, Fuineth?"
He knew his decision, but wished to know if she thought the same before he told her. She suspected this and knew it mattered little what she would tell him, so she opened her heart to him honestly. "You should ride with the Dúnedain. Often you have travelled to them and learnt from them. They are more our kin, than these men of Rohan, no matter their kindness to us or that they are of our mother's blood. Our hearts are more those of the Northern people, this you know, Túveren, nor do you need me to tell you." He was looking at her now, his eyes wet. "I have my cousin's company, and he will protect me, you know this. I shall stay at Edoras if I may .." her voice caught, "..and I will await your return there."
He nodded. "I had already decided to go," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I know," she replied. She squeezed his hand. "Now rest, before you ride, brother. You will need your strength."
He smiled, "As you do not tire of telling me, sister." She returned his smile, but turned away and busied herself so he could not see her tears.
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The company of the King were readying themselves and mounting their charges. Legolas and Gimli sat on the steps of the Burg, watching them in silence.
Then he saw her, pushing her way through the crowds of men in her desperation to find her brother. She was turning this way and that. "Lady Fuineth," Legolas stood and called to her.
She turned at the sound of her name, and came over to them running. "Forgive me, my lord, Master Dwarf," Gimli stood and bowed. "Have you seen my brother?"
"He is in the Hornburg, my lady. Do you wish me to fetch him for you?"
But even as Legolas spoke Túveren was coming down the steps towards her, sword at his side, black hair pushed back from his face. His face filled with concern when he saw his sister. "Fuineth?" and he drew her to one side so they were no longer in earshot.
"That is a brave young man, there, Master Elf," muttered Gimli. "I saw him hew down several of those Uruks before he was caught by a spear. He was fortunate it wasn't a deeper blow."
"Indeed," Legolas agreed, but he was intently watching the scene below him now. She had tears streaming down her face, and Túveren was holding her to him, stroking her hair and talking in a low voice to her. She was nodding, though the pain of what he was telling her was evident.
He pulled away, both hands upon her shoulders, and looked into her eyes. "Fuineth. I will see you in Edoras. Have no fear. I am with my own; our own. No matter what may lie ahead I will find the courage in their company. Know this and let you heart be eased."
She nodded, desperately hoping against hope that he might change his mind, but knowing it was too late. His mind was set.
He kissed her once upon the brow. "Go. Go and get ready. They are about to leave."
She flung her arms about him once, held him close, and then, unable to look at him, she turned and pushed her way back through the throng of men and horses once more.
And as she fled she was terrified. Terrified she may never see him again, but also that ignominy and false slander may await her in Edoras and that she may have to face it all alone.
King Theoden turned to Eomer who lifted his hand and cried aloud. The horses started to move.
Legolas stood, watching them file past. Then he saw her, riding forward on her brown mare, tall and noble, her face impassive, though her eyes were ringed with red from her weeping. He was concerned she was having to travel back to Edoras without her brother. Especially given that Lady Eowyn would be there too. He tried not to show anything other than matter- of-fact courtesy in his features.
"My lady," Legolas nodded to her as she came towards him though she was unable to meet his gaze. 'She is fearful too,' he thought. 'And not just for her brother, I would warrant.'
She pulled her horse away from the throng and stopped. "My Lord Legolas. I would ask of you a small favour if I do not make too bold."
He briefly knotted his brows together and looked at her quizzically, but she did not raise her head nor indeed her voice as she continued.
"My brother. He is still weak. I.."
He could hear the sob catch in her throat, and knew what she would ask. "Have no fear, my lady. He rides forth in good company. You have my word I will do whatever is in my power to make sure no harm comes to him."
She lifted her head at those words, and gave him a level gaze, only the second time she had ever looked him straight in the face. Her thankfulness was clear and she did not need to utter it, nor indeed could she have spoken, straining as she was to stop the tears from falling. But even as they looked at one another for a moment she felt a tear spill over on to her cheek. She nodded her head once in farewell and gratitude.
"It is the least I can do, my lady," added Legolas to her retreating back as she joined the company heading down the hill towards the Deeping Wall.
Mae govannen = well met