[Iavas 52, Imladris reckoning. September 23, Gregorian]
She awoke shortly after dawn the following morning to an empty bed; Thranduil had already departed. Sighing, she rose and went to the sideboard, where a candle-heated teapot stood, the water cheerfully steaming.
On Earth she and Michael and always started their day in their hot tub. He'd rise first and prepare coffee, and she would doze on a bit. She liked to wait until she was sure he'd gone to the tub, before getting up herself. Reasoning that since she enjoyed some solitude, it was only fair to give him the same. After he'd had time to himself, she'd join him. They'd converse and make plans, or sometimes just watch the antics of the many birds that roamed their farm. Then Michael would leave, to go inside. She'd linger there in the water; it was where she did some of her best thinking. New ideas seemed to blaze down from above, as well as solutions to complex problems.
Don't mess with success, she thought, and shuffled to the pool, cup of tea in hand. Wanting to enjoy the view, she opened the double doors, situated herself, and began to let her mind meander. Today, she'd make her first serious experimentations in the garden. But before she started down that potentially consuming pathway, she had another task to which she should attend. She hadn't forgotten the idea she'd had, whilst looking at his wardrobe yesterday. The ellon is a clothes horse. What he liked, seemed fairly obvious. That he had strong sense of style, and liked luxury, was equally obvious. She smirked to herself, he's a bit of a peacock. Nenni missed the big birds. They'd had a small army of them, at the farm. There were times when all the din in hell must have been less annoying, with their nonstop screaming for half the year, but the sight of them on display in just about every corner of the yard...a friend once called them Yard Art. Sometimes they'd be in the hot tub, and some of the tamer males would come to within three feet of them, uncaring of their proximity. Nenni would watch their fans shimmer and scintillate in the morning sun. Anyone who could be unmoved by that much raw beauty, she'd no use for.
Her mind drifted further, remembering their white peacocks. Not albino, white, and their trains were the most beautiful of all. She'd named her first one Dazzle, because, Dazzle. Some white peacocks even had the iridescence in their feathers, absent the colors. Those birds were like diamonds, but with legs.
She sat bolt upright. Nenni had no idea if it could be done, but if she drew out carefully the feathers and the fan of the bird, could they make a robe for him that incorporated the exquisite design? So that the train of the garment patterned the train of the bird? It'll be hell, she thought...that would take anyone a phenomenal degree of artistry. She could draw well, but just sketching something that complex, from memory, might well be beyond her skill. And what made more sense, something with a white peacock, or the India blues? Those iridescent colors seemed like they would be beyond the means of craftspeople here, but... you don't know until you ask. It's probably a mad waste of time, and it will take a conspiracy of help...but she thought it would please him a great deal, if she could pull it off. Ardethwis...she needed Tinivel and Ardethwis. She immediately swigged the last of her tea, left the water and dressed. She rang for Galion. Swiftly, the knock at the door came.
"Good morning, Galion, come in please" Nenni beamed at him. 'How are you today?" Galion suppressed his open astonishment. In millennia of serving his King, not once had Thranduil ever asked him how he was. He recovered quickly.
"I am well, thank you, Lady. How may I serve?"
Nenni replied, "Can you sit for a moment? Would you like some tea?"
Galion's eyes bulged. "Lady, thank you, no, I have already had my morning beverage." It was the politest evasion he could manage. He was not eager to discover the consequences of the King returning to his chambers, to discover his steward sipping tea with...he froze, just a little, suddenly catching sight of the ring she wore. Galion knew full well what that might mean, but as no announcement had been made, he did not dare presume.
Nenni smiled at him, oblivious. "I would very much like to see Tinivel here, if it is possible? I'm so sorry to have bothered you, but I don't know who else to ask."
"Lady, I will send for her immediately. Is there anything else you require?" he asked.
"No, thank you. This is much appreciated", she beamed. Galion departed speedily, his thoughts in significant disarray. Whatever else, she is lovely inside and out.
While she waited, Nenni found a quill and parchment, and did her best to focus. Regrettably, her memory was not fully photographic. She decided, first a feather. Three feathers, actually. She carefully traced out the three main feather types in a peacock train. She didn't know their actual taxonomy, but she'd always called them fringes, eyes, and ends. There were also fringes with eyes, but she'd worry about that later. The fringes framed the bottom border of the fan. The eyes were the most numerous, and had shaft lengths ranging from short to very long. Ends were what graced the top edges of the fan, like open V-shaped accent marks. She managed to execute a passable drawing of those three, plus a rough drawing of the bird itself, when she heard a knock at the door.
She admitted Tinivel, and was glad to see her. Nenni offered Tinivel tea, which she also politely declined. Nenni bade her sit, and quickly outlined the nature of her scheme and inquiries. Tinivel also dissembled well, as she mentally added up Nenni's continued presence here, the exquisite ring that could only have come from one place, and the nature of the request. Tinivel also noticed, as they conversed, that just since the last time she'd seen her, Nenni's ears were looking distinctly elven. Tinivel realized, soberly, that change had come to the Realm.
"On Earth, this would be achieved by a weaver of uncommon skill, or someone who can screen designs into silk. And of course a seamstress to aid in the design and actually make the garment...but here I am at a loss. And I very badly want this to be a complete surprise for the King. Can you please help me?"
Tinivel thought. "I shall take the sketches, with your permission, and make some inquiries."
Nenni added, "I should like to prepare a better drawing of the bird, but they come in different colors...white and a kind with many exquisite colors. I have only the black ink, and no supplies by which to color in a drawing. But perhaps such detail is not needed? And, I have a second favor to ask, if I may. I am going to be working on a ...project...for the King. I may need assorted supplies with which to complete this task. Would it be possible for you to meet with me at this time, each morning, unless it is a day the King remains here? It is also a surprise, and I'd very much like to keep it as quiet if possible. I promise, I will not request anything expensive. Er, more expensive than this robe...and please let me know if there are things I must understand about payment or compensation."
Tinivel assured her that she'd would have more information by tomorrow morning, and departed. Without wasting a moment, Nenni gathered her few fruits she'd secreted in her desk, and searched for an inkpot, quill and writing mat. As an afterthought, she gave the sideboard a second look, and plucked an apple from the breakfast tray.
Arriving in the garden, she took a hard look at the place. Using her materials, she roughly outlined the shape of its border, and divisions to indicate the microclimates. Visiting each site, she paced off and recorded their approximate dimensions, counting her strides as a measuring tool...she'd calculate the distance into feet later. She chose which section she felt was best suited to an orchard, and brought her fruits...this is the moment of truth. She estimated the approximate layout and tree spacing, and chose a spot for the first tree. She breathed very deeply, and pressed the almond firmly into the moist earth, but not covering it. She stepped back several paces, and focused with all her ability on the little nut and what she wished, and began to sing. She held it in her mind, as the nut sprouted and erupted into a tree, the trunk thickening and twisting as it raced toward the sky. She willed strong scaffolds and roots, the spread canopy, and then an eruption of buds that blossomed. Nenni stopped, flushed and breathless with the effort. She felt triumphant. She wanted to push on to the nuts and the harvest, but she thought ahead...she'd need sheets and baskets to hold the crop.
She next selected a place for the apple as she munched at the fruit she'd brought, to get at the seeds. As she chewed, she decided she would try this time to take it straight to harvest. She repeated the process, slowing down greatly as the fruits reddened and shone, and succeeded. She flopped back on the ground to recover her senses, blinking back tears of happiness. This gift enthralled her. She'd loved nothing more than growing things and sharing the results of her labor with others...to come here and be able to work like this was beyond any daydream, ever. Give or take having Thranduil for my own, she thought. She stood, and chose an apple. Always it had been a momentous event to her, the taste of the first fruits. That first bite of fruit from a new tree marked the fulfillment of the years spent tending, training, protecting and and caring. She bit down, and her eyes widened. Sweeter than honey, the crisp and firm flesh set off a riot in her mouth. Her mouth was having an orgasm. The spicy and floral hints washed through the robust flavor, with the merest hint of acidity. This was an apple, and one of the finest she'd ever tasted. She laughed for joy.
The plum was next, and then she gave thought to vines, since the grape was the last thing in her pocket. Grapes required trellising. She thought a moment. There was no lumber here, nor metal for posts, nor wires. But she did have other plants. Searched the areas that had vining vegetation, she saw wisteria, or something very much like it. She snapped off a few inches of growing tip and return to her chosen area. Placing the cut end into the soil, she tamped it firmly. She stepped back and took several deep breaths...this would be the hardest one of all. She sang to it, directing roots, and shoots, and more shoots. She guided them to become a living post, as they wrapped and twisted around and through each other in an ever thickening mass, tender stems growing gnarled and woody. Perspiring with the effort, she sent tendrils sideways to form the trellis. When it had reached about eight feet in a twisting mass, she sent some of it back down to the earth, forming and rooting the next post. She continued on to complete four posts, nearly spent with the effort. The last of her strength she used to thicken and add mass to the entire living structure. Falling to her knees, she flopped down on the sunny grass, exhausted.
She allowed herself to relax and doze, for the better part of an hour, finally rising. She reviewed her work, shaking it as hard as she could, and it would not budge; it should be enough to support eight trained grapevines. And it just so happened, that was the precise number of grapes on the bunch she'd taken. Each grape she shoved into the soil, like before. She knew she had no strength left to command, and left them be. She tottered to where she had seen the roses, most grateful that the stems snapped easily in her hands. Returning to her chamber, she tucked her sketches into a drawer. She stripped off the underclothes she'd soaked through with perspiration, determining to set them to dry in a far corner of the room. Still gross, even in Middle Earth. She'd dry and re-use these until they were truly unsuitable. Otherwise, she'd be generating a suspicious amount of washing. Grinning from ear to ear, she thought, you can take the farmer out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the farmer.
Thranduil met with Legolas that morning, privately, where they would not be disturbed by the nobles and councillors determined to claw for his attention on various matters like a pack of starved wolves.
"Ionneg, good morning. I have...far more to discuss with you, and not much time. Did the news of Lady Galadriel's visit reach your ears?"
Legolas nodded. "Yes, Ada."
It figures, Thranduil thought. "She met with Adonnenniel and I, in my private chambers. She...guided...the conversation by which Adonnenniel was told...everything. Nothing was spared. It was difficult in the extreme, and painful, for Adonnenniel to hear." He paused, breathing deeply.
"After her initial shock subsided, Adonnenniel stood, and faced me. She asked me if I was her husband, which I affirmed. And then, unbidden, Adonnenniel declared vows to me before Eru. She wished me to understand that in spite of all that has happened to her, in spite of her scarcely knowing me in this form, she accepts me. We have reunited, spirit and body. I have been given a gift beyond measure, Ionneg." Legolas saw his father struggle to govern his emotions.
"Ada", Legolas said, rising to embrace him, "I am joyous for you both. The Valar have blessed you greatly."
"Ionneg, I not only wished to tell you of my joy, but to ask your counsel and aid. Adonnenniel will need time to adjust to many new things. A changed body, the bonds of marriage, life in the Realm, a new world. It would be an intimidating task for anyone. She does not yet fully understand the extent to which...everything about her... will make her an object of gossip and curiosity to all the Palace, and beyond. She is extremely intuitive, and cannot suffer being made to feel that she is some sort of spectacle for the entertainment of others." He continued, his voice growing colder and more forceful.
"I will not allow her to be...traumatized...unnecessarily by idle curiosity. I will declare to all that she will not be mobbed, nor made to feel uncomfortable. No staring, no pointing, no whispers in the passageways. I find she is in the company of more than three other persons without it being her explicit wish, my... displeasure... will be very great. She is to be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy, treated as they would treat me. The only question is, do I achieve this by making a personal formal announcement in the Great Hall, or do I send this through the authority of the councillors and let the gossip network of this Palace do its usual work?"
Legolas reflected for some moments. "Ada, when the chime rings for the midday meal, appear in the Great Hall. I will instruct the Steward to ring the bell sequence calling all to hear a declaration at the next mealtime. I will stand at your side. By this it will be understood that our family unites on this matter, and that it is beyond question or discussion. It has been long, since you have spoken thus. The message will be clearest, and have the greatest impact, if you do this." Legolas added, bemused, "I believe I can say with accuracy that within an hour, the farmers at the outer reaches of the Realm will have heard the news."
She freshened her appearance and donned clean clothes, and tottered over to the balcony to think. She heard the faint sound of the timekeeping chimes, but had no hunger. Nor was she remotely likely to wish to leave these rooms alone. She felt ragingly thirsty, having forgotten to bring her flask outdoors...she wouldn't make that mistake twice. After guzzling all the water she could stomach in a completely un-queenly manner, she flopped back into a chair. She sat quietly for long minutes, taking joy in her morning's work, when a knock was heard at the door. Figures, she thought, and rose to open it.
To her surprise, it was Legolas. "Good afternoon, Nenni", he said warmly. Ada wished me to tell you that he cannot return to eat a midday meal with you, he is very sorry. He asked if I would take you riding, if that would please you?" Nenni's mind crowded with thoughts, the two most predominant being I so want to go but I'm dead tired and how incredibly sweet that Thranduil remembered what I'd asked.
She thought a moment and replied. "I very much wish to go, but I should first tell you something. My last time on a horse, many years ago, ended in a serious accident. It was...a regrettable experience. I have always wished to ride again, but...I did not. As much as it embarrasses me to say this, I believe the only way I can safely manage is to be on the same horse with you." Nenni said, red-faced. "I apologize for my incompetence," she added.
"It is not a difficulty at all," Legolas said warmly "and thank you for confiding in me. Shall we?" She willed her legs to follow him through the winding halls, passing parts of the Palace she'd not yet seen; what appeared to be training yards, and courtyards. Legalos noted, to his extreme satisfaction, that the King's declaration seemed to have worked to marvelous effect. Nobody gave the least indication that they were even noticed, though Nenni's gray eyes and deep red hair made her very easy to identify.
They came to the stables, which housed a fair number of horses. She smiled, to smell the familiar bouquet of straw and hay, leather, and manure. She'd missed this badly, she realized. He introduced her to Féla, his steed. "He is beautiful, Legolas. Look at his fine conformation, and his beautiful coat." Féla turned to look at her. Her eyes flew open. "Does he...understand my words?" she asked breathlessly. Féla turned further toward her, bobbing his head. Nenni automatically brought her nose to his, breathing his air while she breathed hers. She had always done this. It was how they greeted each other, and seemed only polite. "May I touch you?" she asked the horse. He brought his nose up under her partially outstretched hand, in reply. She blinked back tears, stroking his muzzle. There is so much here that is utterly wonderful, she thought.
Legolas watched her, seeing her to be exquisitely sensitive, and kind. Ada was right to protect her.
She was indulged to groom Féla for a time. She found extra energy in her happiness, thankfully. Legolas asked the animal to follow them out, and Nenni faced the first hurdle. Flushing, she confessed, "I'm rubbish at mounting without a block or stirrups. The only way I can get up there without a hoist is if you give me a leg-up." Legolas looked confused, and she demonstrated the technique. She sincerely hoped she would not kick Féla in clumsiness. She twined her left hand in his mane and was tossed upward, managing to settle with more grace than she'd expected. That could have been a lot worse, she mused. Legolas sprang up behind her. Féla never even twitched. "I wish I could learn that", she muttered.
Legolas laughed. "You shall. Do not be anxious, we will aid you to train your body."
She tried to remember her seat, and relax. She knew Legolas would not let her come to harm. "Please instruct away, Legolas. Pretend I have never done this." They walked off. Out of habit, she kept her heels down, and rested her right hand on her thigh. It seemed wise to keep a handhold on the mane, though. Nenni gazed in awe at the forest, and the auras she saw around the trees and plants. There was still beauty, even though something still felt wrong here.
"Legolas, why do the woods feel...not as they should or could be? I know nothing of the world outside of the Halls." Legolas told her of the troubles, though not in great detail. "How long ago was the Battle of the Five Armies?," she asked. "It was in the year 2941, of the Third Age. We are now in year 3013."
Nenni couldn't say why, but she'd memorized some of the dates from the books. She remembered that the events of the War of the Ring began...five years from now. In spring, 3018, Gandalf will tell Frodo to remove the Ring from the Shire, she intoned her head. She swallowed hard. Did her knowledge of their timeline matter? What if it was wrong? She kept silent. It was unwise, to impart information that might not be accurate.
"Legolas, how are people fed here, in times of war?"
"Always our Realm has contended with that; Ada calls it One of His Many Headaches. Our Realm does raise some food, and we have much space in which to store it, but trade can affect our supplies. We trade for much...too much. In times of peace there is always plenty, but always Ada and those charged with this duty struggle to increase our stores against times of trial." Nenni's eyebrows shot up, but she said nothing.
Legolas patiently answered more questions, and Nenni tried not to ask too many. Legolas asked the horse to trot and canter, pleased that Nenni largely sat very well and seemed comfortable. They returned, whereupon Nenni found a severe and entirely expected case of Saddle Jelly Legs. Wait until tomorrow, she groaned to herself. Legolas insisted on escorting Nenni back to her chamber. She thanked him, then paused. "Legolas, I am still struggling to learn many things here. But you...you are my family now. Where I come from, family hug each other upon greeting and parting. May I hug you, if it would not displease you?"
"Of course," he said.
Nenni reached up to hug him warmly, explaining to him that he should simply return the embrace. She smiled and said,"I very much look forward to knowing you better."
As Legolas took his leave, it occurred to him that however odd the events surrounding Nenni were, that he'd been shown affection by his mother, or at least an aspect of her. He was content, and certain that he'd enjoyed her company greatly.
"Always our Realm has contended with that; Ada calls it One of His Many Headaches. Our realm does raise some food, and we have much space in which to store it, but trade can affect our supplies. We trade for much...too much. In times of peace there is always plenty, but always Ada and those charged with this duty struggle to increase our stores against times of trial." Nenni's eyebrows shot up, but she said nothing.
Legolas patiently answered more questions, and Nenni tried not to ask too many. Legolas asked the horse to trot and canter, pleased that Nenni largely sat very well and seemed comfortable. They returned, whereupon Nenni found a severe and entirely expected case of Saddle Jelly Legs. Wait until tomorrow, she groaned to herself. Legolas insisted on escorting Nenni back to her chamber. She thanked him, then paused. "Legolas, I am still struggling to learn many things here. But you...you are my family now. Where I come from, family hug each other upon greeting and parting. May I hug you, if it would not displease you?"
"Of course," he said. Nenni reached up to hug him warmly, explaining to him that he should simply return the embrace. She smiled and said,"I very much look forward to knowing you better."
As Legolas took his leave, it occurred to him that however odd the events surrounding Nenni were, that he'd been shown affection by his mother, or at least an aspect of her. He was content, and certain that he'd enjoyed her company greatly.