Ups and Downs Part I
To say that Ataria was distressed would be an understatement. She wasn't in a state of agitation, no, she was beside herself.
Her mood had changed from being up one minute to down the next. Just because…
Looking at the person responsible for her bad mood her eyes narrowed to slits. Standing beside Gabron with his arms crossed Beros was currently facing down both Gabron and the Marchwarden.
If the situation had been different Ataria would have rubbed her eyes in disbelief. Beros was a peace-loving man. Such behaviour was unlike him.
How did that come about?
Scraps of conversation reached her ears while tears flooded her eyes. Ataria took a deep breath and tried in vain to calm down. Maybe she could make sense of Beros' reaction by reflecting about what had happened beforehand with a sober mind? Maybe she had missed something crucial which could give her a hint as to why Beros was behaving like that? No, it didn't get her anywhere. Beros' behaviour was beyond her comprehension. But there was one thing Ataria was absolutely certain of: she wasn't to blame.
***Flashback***
You are hereby invited to visit Lothlorien.
The announcement shocked her. The invitation, its meaning for the people of this village, was most unexpected and overwhelming. Ataria wasn't the only one stunned into silence. For a moment not a sound could be heard. Then, as the implications of the elves' offer dawned on her and elation put an end to her state of shock, the room erupted with a babble of voices. Gabron had to make his voice heard. When he finally accomplished that, he sent all people present out of the room except for Ataria, her family and the elves. Many looked resentfully at her and the other 'lucky ones', startling Ataria deeply. She had nothing to do with Gabron's decision but she feared to evoke further annoyance towards her by this apparent 'privilege' nonetheless. It didn't take much to antagonise certain people. Ataria had learned that the hard way.
Feeling uneasy she sat down on the nearest bench. Manara, who stubbornly refused to leave, immediately crawled into her lap and wrapped her arms around her neck, making Ataria smile slightly. When Rúmil and his brother sat down beside and opposite her respectively, her unease subsided, prompting other feelings which Ataria preferred to enjoy rather than reflect on them at this moment in time. Gabron's decision to let her participate in this conversation honoured her. Thus, she gave him and the Marchwarden her undivided attention. If possible at least for she caught herself darting covert glances at Rúmil time and again. He, in turn, beamed at her, making it even more difficult for her to concentrate. More than once she had to acknowledge to herself that she hadn't payed attention to what was being said.
Ataria listened with half an ear when Belan nervously told what exactly had happened upon their departure from the Golden Wood. She was glad to be spared from having to tell her part of the story. Yet. The look on Beros' face made it quite clear to her that it would be her turn soon. For the moment, however, he contented himself with giving his son a withering look.
"I thought we had an agreement, Belan?" he said gruffly and scowled.
Embarrassed, Belan looked down while Gabron grabbed his nephew's arm, trying to distract Beros' attention away from his miserable offspring. In the meantime, Haldir was looking quite annoyed from one to the other. The reaction of this human astonished him for it contrasted strongly with what he had expected them to do upon learning of Lord Celeborn's and Lady Galadriel's generous offer.
Demanding answers he looked at Gabron. The old man smiled apologetically and opened his mouth to speak but then closed it again. He pondered his words carefully before he started anew.
"You must excuse us, Lord Marchwarden. This is an issue that caused some…dispute…in the past already." He looked at Beros insistently who understood the silent request and added, "Indeed. This issue was settled a long time ago. To be honest, the fact that one of the remnants would result in such a situation has surprised me greatly." He paused for a moment. Drawing a deep breath his features relaxed. He looked straight in Haldir's face but his words were directed at Belan. "I should be angry with my son but I have to admit being grateful for the opportunity this presents."
Ruefully, he bowed his head, muttering, "I apologize for my rude behaviour, Lord Marchwarden. I hope you can forgive me."
Haldir scrutinised him coolly, appraisingly, before giving a short nod. It made all of them relax considerably.
Addressing Haldir, Gabron began to speak once again, "What is to be done now? You said the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien request us to send a representative of this village. I dare to say that this is impossible."
"What do you mean by that?" Startled by this statement Haldir lost his composure, staring at the old man disbelievingly. If he had looked around he would have noticed the bystanders react just like him.
Their bewildered faces caused Gabron to grin broadly. Laughing, he explained, "It's impossible for us to send one representative only. It ought to be two. No, when I come to consider it, it ought to be three."
He pointed at himself, at Belan and…
"As leader of this village it's my responsibility to go but I won't go without the creators of those works of art - Belan and Ataria."
Whatever he might have wanted to add was drowned by the reaction of the two persons concerned. While Belan gasped with dismay Ataria shouted with joy. If Manara hadn't been sitting on her lap she would have leaped to her feet impulsively. As it was, she remained seated. Looking sheepishly, she snapped her mouth shut.
Gabron smiled at her amused while Manara put her hands over her ears. Her indignant expression didn't faze Ataria in the slightest. Nor did it faze her that Rúmil and his brother were giving her baffled looks for they hadn't understood a word that had been said.
Ataria was happy. She was overjoyed…
"No!", a voice suddenly boomed, "I won't allow it!"
Elation abruptly came to an end. This tone of voice… Surely, he didn't mean her. He didn't…
But Beros meant her and none other. Her eyes widened with shock. Beros adamant expression was virtually pinning her down to her seat.
Ataria was at a loss of words. She felt numb inside.
'How dare he?!'
That was the only thought she was capable of thinking at this moment. It raised anger so intense she was frightened with herself but she was unable to fight this feeling. The man who was like a father to her was ruining her happiness without blinking an eye.
She didn't realize that her hands clenched to fists. But then her mind started working again, forcing the fury down. Struggling to maintain her composure she poignantly looked at Beros – one question burning in her eyes.
'Why are you doing this?'
For a moment it seemed as if Beros' stony expression would soften but then he slowly turned away from her, facing Gabron and Haldir and missing Ataria's pained expression.
***End of Flashback***
While Ataria was fighting back her tears Haldir furrowed his brow.
"What does this mean? Did you not just tell me that your grandnephew made this bird? You did not say a single word about this young woman."
Gabron nodded in agreement. "You're right. Forgive me, I have been remiss but you can take my word for it that Ataria made a major contribution to those works of art. That's why I think it to be indispensable that she…"
"It doesn't matter, Gabron. Ataria won't accompany you," Beros interrupted him testily. He shot Gabron a warning glance before he left the room without another word.
Becoming irritated Haldir snapped at an embarrassed looking Gabron, "Well?"
Gabron winced but Haldir didn't care about it. His patience was beginning to wear thin. The situation was turning into a farce. He was willing to believe the old man, thus allowing the two young mortals to accompany him. Especially as he was having the feeling that Lady Galadriel had knowledge of those two. It was then that he realized what she and Celeborn expected of him all along. For the benefit of the trade relationship, which seemed so important to them, the attendance of both Belan and Ataria in Lothlorien was not only preferable but indispensable. As Haldir was inclined to concede, Beros' negative attitude towards this proposal enraged him.
Due to past encounters with humans Haldir knew he had an intimitading effect on them when adopting this tone. But Gabron astonished him for the old man drew himself up and looked Haldir straight in the eye.
"On behalf of this village I accept the invitation gratefully. Naturally, we will comply with Lord Celeborn's and Lady Galadriel's request," standing tall and proud he spoke with a powerful voice. To all those present it seemed as if they were dipping into the past, being faced person-to-person with Gabron in the prime of his life. Then, slowly but surely, the appearance began to fade, leaving behind the old man bowed down by age.
Suddenly seeming weary he added quietly, "I'm sorry for this situation. Please accept my sincerest apologies. I guarantee that the representatives will set out for Lothlorien as soon as possible. Rest assured that I will do everything in my power so that Ataria may accompany us as well."
His words were sincere so Haldir gave him a complaisant nod.
"How much time will you require to make the necessary preparations?"
Gabron laughed softly. "The preparations themselves wouldn't take that much time but changing Beros' mind…" He hesitated a moment before continuing, "To be honest, Lord Marchwarden, I don't know for sure. Beros can be quite stubborn. I'm sorry to say that I've never seen him act this way before. Therefore…"
He shrugged his shoulders. Haldir understood.
"I must admit I didn't expect something like this to happen. It was my intention to escort you to Lothlorien personally. I regret to say that staying here indefinitely is not an option."
"I understand. So you'll take your leave now?"
Haldir nodded. "I have no other choice as your departure, according to you, is going to be delayed for an indefinite period of time. Unfortunately, I can't take the liberty of prolonging our stay here beyond the appropriate timeframe."
Having said this he addressed the elves, "Our work here is done. We are leaving."
While Eanar left the room obediently Rúmil and Orophin merely looked at their brother with surprise.
"We have just arrived and yet you want to leave already?" Orophin asked astonished. "I may not be experienced in those things but is this not most impolite?"
Rúmil said nothing, glancing at the young woman at his side. Jolted out of her black thoughts she was darting questioning glances at him and Orophin. She was undoubtedly wondering at the sudden change of mood. Needless to say that he was far from happy with Haldir's decision but he knew that he had already tried his brother's patience to the utmost. For that reason he refrained from protesting, no matter how hard it was to do so. Instead, he questioned Haldir about his discussion with the village's leader.
What he learned made his heart leap for joy. Not only did the humans accept the invitation to come to Lothlorien, chances were that Ataria would be among them. Haldir's summary was brief and kept to the essential points but it satisfied Rúmil for the time being. He would coax the details out of his brother on their way back. As untimely as their impending departure seemed to Rúmil, the thought of seeing Ataria again soon comforted him.
Gazing wistfully at her, he tried to tell her with his eyes what he couldn't tell her in her tongue.
Ataria smiled dreamily at him until Gabron brought her back to the here and now. He stepped up to her and considered Rúmil and her attentively with raised eyebrows before touching her shoulder. Giving her a deploring look he told her, "Ataria, it's time for the elves to leave."
"What?!" Ataria exclaimed.
Gabron forestalled further protest on her part by raising his hands in a placating manner. Ataria's indignant expression made him grin quietly to himself but he regained his composure quickly and explained patiently, "Calm yourself, dear one, and do not worry. You will most certainly see each other again. Now come, let us bid them farewell."
Reluctantly, Ataria wanted to seize the proffered hand when Manara suddenly freed herself from Ataria's arms and clung to Rúmil's tunic.
"Nooooooo", she sobbed, "don't go, don't go…"
Rúmil, who was caught off guard at first, smiled leniently when Haldir translated her words.
Ataria, however, didn't feel like smiling. Blushing crimson, she tried to loosen Manara's grip on Rúmil's tunic and some strands of his long hair.
"Oh, Valar." Due to her embarassment her voice was a mere whisper. "I'm so sorry. I'm really sorry."
She fell silent when a strong hand gently but firmly took hold of her trembling ones. Wondering, Ataria raised her eyes and caught sight of the Marchwarden. He was gazing stonily at her, causing Ataria to swallow hard. Finally, he broke his silence.
"Do not worry for my brother has managed to emerge unscathed from situations far more difficult than this before. He will find a way. If not, I may have to consider transferring him…to the kitchens, perhaps?"
The corners of Haldir's mouth twitched and Ataria raised her eyebrows in disbelief. Could it really be that the seemingly aloof and distant Marchwarden was joking?
A smile played on her lips then she laughed out loud. She wasn't mistaken as the twinkle in Haldir's eyes showed.
She let him help her stand up and together they watched highly amused Rúmil's attempts to get Manara to let go of him.
Orophin had fun at this sight as well. Needless to say that he just had to let his little brother know.
"It seems she likes you very much, Rúmil," he teased him.
Rúmil snorted, then he grinned broadly and said, "Well, who can blame her?"
In a flowing movement he rose from his seat, lifted Manara up and gently set her down onto the ground. He took her by the hand and said, "Come, little one, let us go."
Naturally, Manara didn't understand a word he said but she seemed to be very happy with Rúmil taking her by the hand. With head held high she ran beside her new friend eagerly.
Amused, Ataria shook her head as she followed them to the door. She gave Rúmil a warm smile when he let her go first.
xyxyxyxy
It appeared as if nothing much had changed on the village square in the meantime. Jesa, who was standing next to the well with three elves by now, seemed to be enjoying herself. She waved cheerfully at Ataria when she saw her leaving the longhouse. Ataria returned the gesture.
Some of the villagers who were requested to leave earlier were waiting nearby. Curiosity was written all over their faces. Merith had joined them. Manara, who spotted her mother instantly, dashed to her while dragging Rúmil along behind her. Good-natured, he let her do it as Ataria noticed with relief. She was still feeling bad about the whole issue of Manara clinging to Rúmil but it seemed as if it didn't bother him in the least.
Excitement made Manara call out to her mother across the whole village square, "Mother, mother, look. This is an elf and he's my friend."
Taken by surprise Merith looked at her daughter's beaming face, then at the elf who smiled at her. She exhaled audibly, seemingly sending up a quick prayer, before returning Rúmil's smile timidly. At the same time she reached out for Manara. The child hesitated for a moment then she reluctantly let go of Rúmil and clasped her mother's hand. Nervously, Manara chewed on her bottom lip. She was unsure if she had done something wrong, giving her mother reason to scold her.
Merith remained silent for a long time. She wasn't thinking about reprimanding her daughter, no, simply put she was speechless. Merith was an ordinary person who led an ordinary life. So how was she supposed to react when her five-year-old daughter came up to her at an elf's hand, calling him her friend? Elves simply weren't part of her life. She knew they existed but to know about those exceptional beings and standing before one of them was something else entirely.
Awestruck, Merith hesitated but when she saw Manara giving her a questioning look she pulled herself together.
"It…it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Merith, Manara's mother." Merith paused, stroking her daughter's hair affectionately before continuing, "I hope Manara hasn't bothered you. She's a bit of a handful at times."
Rúmil grinned. He hadn't understood Merith's words but due to Manara's indignant expression he could imagine what she had said. Laughing, he crouched down, pleased to see a smile light up Manara's face when he lightly nudged her nose.
"Namarie tithen pen," he said kindly. Then he straightened up, nodded to Merith and caught up with the others at a leisurely pace.
His companions had been watching the incident but to Rúmil's surprise Haldir didn't comment on it but took hold of the reins and mounted his horse. The other elves followed suit. Rúmil stepped up to his horse but then he turned towards Ataria who, together with Gabron, was standing a couple of steps away. He swiftly closed the distance between them. With a pounding heart he looked into her eyes, which were brimming with emotions. It made Rúmil wonder if it was her feelings he was seeing or if his own were being reflected in her eyes.
With great effort he averted his gaze from hers. With a beseeching look in his eyes he turned to Haldir, hoarsely asking him, "Haldir, would you translate for me, please?"
Haldir screwed up his face as if he wanted to say, 'I'd rather not especially since it is to be feared that, Valar forbid, you want to utter oaths of love and the like'. He said none of these things but nodded resigned, albeit grudgingly.
Upon hearing the words intended for Ataria Haldir rolled his eyes. Struggling to keep a blank expression he addressed the young woman, "My brother would like to inform you that your hopefully early arrival in Lothlorien fills him with great joy and that he will await you at the border and, I quote, 'I will not abandon my post until you have arrived'."
Ataria's eyes widened. Delighted by this promise while grieving over the imminent parting her emotions threatened to choke her. Shaken by sobs she clamped her hand over her mouth to suppress them. Once again tears flooded her eyes but this time for some other reason as Rúmil gently took her hand and raised it to his lips in order to place a chaste kiss on it.
It was obviously difficult for him to say goodbye to her but he willed himself to smile. "Namarie gwend velwain," he whispered to her. Then he stepped up to his horse and mounted it determinedly.
'Gwend velwain?'
Ataria gave Haldir a questioning look but this time he gave no answer.
She stepped back when the horses began to move. Looking at Rúmil unceasingly she escorted the elves together with Gabron and some of the villagers to the gate where they parted from each other.
Again and again Rúmil turned around until he disappeared over the horizon.
Namarie - Goodbye
Tithen pen - Little One
Gwend velwain - Fair Maiden
THANK YOU dear readers!
Thank you for keeping faith with me. I know you had to wait for this chapter a long time. The truth is that for quite some time I severely lacked the motivation to write. I'm sorry about that but I'm just human after all… When I started writing this chapter I was quite shocked to learn how long it has been since the last update. Time flies… Despite that I decided against rushing it as there are several key moments in this chapter and I wanted it to be as well-elaborated as possible. I can only hope that this chapter is worth the wait.
Since the original chapter is quite long and the translation progress is steady but a little slow I decided to split it so that you don't have to wait for an update even longer. As I'm already working on translating the second part it's no empty promise when I tell you that the next update won't be long in coming.
I'd like to thank you all for your continued support.
THANK YOU
for reviews, favs, and follows. I also thank those readers that silently support me just by reading this story. It shows me that you enjoy it enough to not abandon it even if that requires enormous patience on your part :-)
To all new readers of this story: WELCOME AND ENJOY!
Alfirineth: I took your advice concerning punctuation to heart. I hope I did it right this time ;)