I've been using Aradan more often than Malach, I'd guess that's how Elves called him since that's his Sindarin name.
Chapter 13
Gilmiel felt dizzy and she barely could make out what the Elf was telling her.
- My Lady, I will have to remove this arrow before we move, he was explaining. This will hurt, for I will pull it out at once and then put pressure on your shoulder to stop the bleeding...
The rest was lost to her. There was a loud crack, a sharp pain, the smell of blood. And Gilmiel fainted, whispering:
- The children, we have to get the children...
At first Adanel and Magor stayed in the small corner they had deemed the best to hide in, curled up together. They had walked during long minutes, turning left, turning right, until they could not tell anymore where they were exactly. The cavern was not a vast one, indeed, but its corridors were intricate enough, and the children thought Orcs would have a hard time tracking them if they ever venture that far. Yet when a whole hour had passed, or so they reckoned, silence and darkness grew heavy and the children, restless.
- Ought we have a look around? asked Magor, in a low voice. Shouldn't lady Gilmiel be here by now?
- We might have gone too deep in the cave...
- What if...?
Adanel shrugged. She was hugely worried about the Lady, but she tried to conceal it from her little brother.
- Oh, you are right, Magor, she whispered at last. We can not just sit here, this is a most cowardly posture we are in!
Magor was glad to get up, as his feet and legs had gone numb, and he paced around, stretching. Adanel took his hand and together they sought a way out, but soon they faced a three-way crossroad. None of them could remember from where they had emerged and after much debate, they chose the left road for they thought the air smelled fresher on that side. They wander further, heartened by a light wind they felt caressing their face, and the passage became narrower and narrower, till Adanel had to bend and Magor's head brushed against the ceiling. At some point Adanel abruptly stopped, her brother stumbled into her, and with a quick gesture she ordered him to stay still.
- Do you hear it?
Magor had expected heavy steps, armour clashes or even hoarse laughters - for he had been told Orcs often sniggered - but it was a much more ordinary sound he heard: somewhere ahead of them water was flowing. Perhaps outside rain was falling, or there might just be a river, in the depth of the mountains. Slowly they proceeded forward, fumbling the walls, and at some point the corridor opened on a large hall, whose grounds were partly covered with high stalagmites, and between these flowed water, its dark surface reflecting the light of a few torches.
- Who could live here? said Magor, crouched, as they found themselves on a ledge.
Adanel pointed at a cloaked shape who had kneeled on the rocky bank of the river. Due to the dim light, they could not exactly perceive whether it was an Elf, a Man or even an Orc, nor what it was doing. But finally the creature rose and the children saw the Elf beautiful face and long smooth brown hair, cascading on his back.
- It is one of the Sindar! exclaimed Adanel. He could help us!
- The Lady said we could not reveal ourselves unless we were told the password!
- He wouldn't know it, obviously, yet he is no enemy of ours.
- Could we make him guess, then?
- Do you think we have time for your silly games? We don't know what happened to Lady Gilmiel, she could... she...
- It can't be, muttered Magor, his voice wavering. But... do you think we can trust him?
- Good question, young master, and I, could I trust you? For you speak well my tongue, yet you are not of my folk.
Adanel and Magor were startled to notice that the stranger had come near, unbeknownst of them, and he was standing a couple of yards below them, a smile lighting up his lean face.
- I am Magor, son of Malach, and this is my sister Adanel. We are from the people of Marach, our grand-father who crossed the Blue Mountains...
- Do you intend on exposing all about our ancestry? cut in Adanel, nudging him.
- Oh, you are right, the boy breathed. Could you tell me what the password is, sir? he added in a louder voice.
The Elf burst in a merry laughter that echoed throughout the hall and filled the children's hearts with warmth.
- I'm afraid I know of no password, Magor son of Malach.
- Do not mind him, my Lord, said Adanel, the truth is we've had quite a strenuous night...
- I am no lord, please call me Arastor. Would that be too impolite to inquire about how you two ended up here? Usually your kind does not wander in the caverns, especially young ones.
He paused and gauging the distance between them, he said:
- But please come down first.
Adanel and Magor climbed down with the help of Arastor and the Elf guided them through the stalagmites. Once they reached the river bank, they saw a small wooden bark floating on the water.
- This is the fastest way to reach the dwellings of my people, said Arastor. You can tell me your story on the way.
- But... but we cannot go that far, Arastor, protested Adanel. We were a party of three, and the Lady is still in there, she might...
- Who is that lady? What happened to her?
- We were on a stroll with lady Gilmiel of the Noldor and we came across Orcs...
- Orcs? Orcs came in the caves? And they attacked lady Gilmiel, the wife of lord Fingon?
- We do not know for sure, but when we—
- Arastor! I need help! bellowed an Elf who was coming forward them, walking along the river.
- Belegorn? What... said Arastor, bewildered.
The
newcomer was carrying someone in his arms, hence his slow pace, and the children recognized instantly the long wavy blonde hair of the unconscious Elf.
- Lady Gilmiel! they cried together.
For a few moments great confusion reigned, Belegorn was startled by Adanel and Magor's presence, Arastor was bemused his little excursion had turned into a rescue mission and the children were grieved by the sight of the blood staining the Lady's garbs. Everyone tried to talk at the same time, creating an meaningless babble, and to add to the general state of bewilderment, it also happened that Arastor and Belegorn were twins. They shared identical features, beautiful pale green eyes, and their voice had the same tone, and it took Adanel and Maglor several minutes to realize it, for they felt stricken and weary.
- Will she be alright? asked Adanel, helping the brothers to transfer the lady on the bark.
- Her injury needs to be well tended, but this is nothing she can not overcome, said Arastor probing closely Gilmiel's shoulder. Hopefully, the arrow was not poisoned... Was she passed out when you found her, Belegorn?
- No, she lost consciousness after I remove the arrow from her flesh, said Belegorn who was still holding Gilmiel against him.
He eyed the children and added:
- I'm afraid she bled a lot.
- Well, sighed Arastor, let's row as fast as we can back to our dwellings. Adanel, Magor, would you lend me a hand?
And the three of them did their best with the oars, sparing no efforts, and Arastor sang a song to give the children strength. It was only minutes later that Magor's voice was heard, for something had been bothering him since their departure.
- Lord Belegorn, would the Lady have told anything about a secret password before she fainted?
Gilmiel laid in a bed around which airy white curtains had been drawn. She saw nothing past them, yet she could sense she was not in Aradan's village nor at Barad Eithel. One deep breath told her she probably was still in a cavern, for it smelled of rock and dampness, but there was also a light pine scent that she found appeasing. She also noticed she had been well taken care for, her left shoulder was covered with a neat bandage and a pomade had been applied on the scratches on her arms. This was obviously Elven work and as she rose slowly from the bed, she presumed the Grey Elf who had saved had brought her where his people lived.
- This is an aeglos, was saying a vaguely familiar male voice, it grows around the hill of Amon Rûdh, west of Doriath and far south from here.
- Aeglos? Its petals are immaculate, they make everything around seemed bland...
Gilmiel opened the curtains, almost laughing with relief.
- Adanel! she cried. Adanel, my dear, you are unharmed!
- My Lady woke up!
The girl jumped on her feet, and putting aside all convenience, she threw herself on Gilmiel and hugged her tight. The Elven lady kissed her on the forehead, gleeful.
- You also met the friend who saved me from the Orcs, said Gilmiel beaming at Arastor who had put aside the herbarium he was showing Adanel and was standing a few feet away from them, a benevolent smile on his face.
- I am Arastor, and it is my brother Belegorn you met briefly this morning, my Lady, he corrected, coming forth. I on the other side found the children, or rather I should say they found me.
- Your brother? Please forgive me, I was far from being in my usual state last I laid my eyes on him.
Araster laughed, his green eyes sparkled.
- Belegorn and I are twins, my Lady, your confusion is but natural.
- Is that so? Well, Arastor, I found myself owing you and your brother a debt of gratitude, for had you not crossed our path in the caves, the children and I would probably have met a dreadful fate at the hands of these Orcs, said Gilmiel who had passed her valid arm around Adanel's shoulders. I'm afraid I have nothing but grateful words to repay you with, as of now.
She had taken hold of one of Arastor's hand and was pressing it.
- My Lady, you should not worry about such trivial details, my brother and I are only too happy we could be of any help.
- Is Magor here also?
Adanel giggled.
- He was starving and is more than likely raiding the food stores as we speak.
- I'm glad his little adventure has not affected his ravenousness, said Gilmiel, chuckling. Have I been long asleep? It seems I have completely lost track of time...
- Barely a few hours, my Lady, answered Arastor. You were brought here during early morning, and it is now two after noon.
- Have the children's parents, my husband or any of his kin been told where to find us?
She thought that by then Fingon had surely been back from hunting and knew Orcs had been roaming the woods around the village.
- Belegorn and some others went to seek them, there is good hope that they will reach our halls before dusk, Arastor told her. My Lady, you should sit, you still need to rest.
Indeed, Gilmiel felt heavy and although her wound did not ache as much as she had expected, occasional stinging sensations made her wince. With the help of Adanel, she sat in an armchair from where she could admire the splendid collections of plants that had been gathered in the room. And when she gazed upon the fire blazing in the hearth, she muttered to herself, flexing her right hand:
- It's a shame my sewings were lost to these foul beasts...
Belegorn, before reaching the village, had made his way to the small cavern where he had found Gilmiel at dawn, and his foresight served well, for there he found a gathering of Elves and Men, among which lord Fingon himself, as well as Aradan and Meldis. They had burned the Orcish corpses and seemed to get ready to depart when Belegorn came, bringing the good tidings they did not dare hoope for.
- Your tale is a most surprising one, said Maedhros, when the Grey Elf was done with his recounting of the morning events. Your bravery honours you, truly.
- It was luck, nothing more, my Lord, if I could save the Lady from the Orcs, for I had seen the dark creatures, yet I deemed wiser not to deal with them alone, and planned to ambush them with fellows of mine. But for lady Gilmiel's cry I would not have known someone was is in danger... Varda Elentári, she shouted...
Fingon, who had been staring intently at Belegorn, eased up a bit upon hearing these words.
- She would have, he said. Are the dwellings of you people far from here, Belegorn?
- Merely a league from here, my Lord, by horseback you shall be there in no time.
Everyone around was unleashing their mount, yet Fingon lingered at Belegorn's side, till he finally found his words.
- I owe you much, Belegorn, he said, putting both hands on the Elf's shoulders. I might be more concerned by my wife'swell-being than anything else for the moment, yet rest assured your deed will not go by unnoticed and I shall thank you in due form once this... little episode is over.
- I not doubt your thankfulness, my Lord, and I do not seek any reward.
- Yet your brother and you saved the day, said Fingon, mounting his steed.
And fast they galloped towards the halls of Arastor and Belegorn.
Fingon had barely heard the screams of joy Aradan and his family let out when they were finally reunited, in the great hall that had been carved within the mountainside. Belegorn - or was it his brother, Arastor? - had lead him to the room where his wife was resting and Fingon had opened the door with such force, it left a notch in the wood. And there she was, seated in an armchair, her eyes half-closed.
- Gilmiel! he called out.
She spun around, gasping. This was the voice she had yearn to hear, the handsome silhouette she had hoped to see stride toward her. Fingon nearly ran, but he feared his gestures would be too harsh for his wife's face was pale and weary and she looked more fragile than he had ever seen her be. Although she was clad in a grey cloak, her ripped and stained dresses were still visible, and moreover her left arm was stiff and strapped, and so Fingon proceeded smoothly.
- Gilmiel, my sweet Gilmiel, he said in a low voice, hugging her with great caution. I came late, forgive me.
She stared at him, tears gleaming in her eyes, and her right hand was clenched on his vest, as if she feared he might vanished any second. Fingon held her tighter, planting a kiss on her forehead, and he wiped away the tears that rolled on her cheeks with his thumb.
- Don't cry, he whispered, brushing her hair. I am not letting you go.
But she did sob, her face buried in his chest, as he rubbed her back patiently. So far, she had held everything in, for the children's sake, and because she too was proud. But in her husband's arms, Gilmiel let all her fears go away, for there she finally felt safe.
- I love you, she finally managed to say in a strangled voice.
- I love you too, Glíves, he said fervently. I love you more than my own life.
Gilmiel lifted her head and standing on the tip of her toes she placed a kiss on his lips, a soft caress that send shivers down Fingon's spine. He kissed her back, feverish, and their embrace became rushed, and quite pleasing, as Fingon pressed her closer to him, one hand on her lower back, the other stroking her nape. At some point though, overwhelmed by desire, he motioned too roughly and Gilmiel winced as the pain in her shoulder had awakened.
- Does the wound hurt a lot? he asked, alarmed. Shall we sit down?
- There is no need for you to worry, she assured him with that brave smile she put on whenever she meant to hide him any trouble she went through. It feels much better than it did.
Cupping her face, Fingon was about to kiss her again when the room's doors flew opened and made way to two Elven maidens who were carrying a large brass basin.
-The bath is ready, my Lady! announced one of them, stepping in. Would you prefer to... Oh! I beg your pardon, I did not... We... we could fetch the water later if you would rather...
They both looked flustered and uttered more excuses as they were backing up.
- Please, bring it in here, said Fingon. And do not apologize for you only did well your duty.
Leaving Gilmiel on a seat, he went to lend them a hand to carry the buckets and soon steam filled the room. The maidens threw salts in the water whose color turned light blue and exuded fresh scents of a summer night, and after their work was done, they stood awkwardly by the basin.
- We also were told to help the Lady clean herself, shyly blurted one of them.
- I thank you, but I trust I can handle even such delicate business, said Fingon, smiling.
After they had exited the room, he turned to his wife and helped her undressing, taking off her cloak and then her white robes - these were a complete loss, the left sleeve had been entirely cut off. He inspected her bandages, making sure they were clean and well in place, and his fingers trailed on her bare skin where there were scratches and bruises. Gilmiel too was surprised by all these small injuries as she did not remember the fight had been so brutal, after all it had lasted but a few minutes.
- What have they done to you... he sighed, as he guided her into the basin.
- Would you believe I killed one? she said, staring at her hands. Gilmiel the Orc Slayer, they shall call me...
It made Fingon smile just as he was pouring water on her hair to wash it.
- I heard the master at arms who trained was outstanding, was he not?
She chuckled softly, tilting her head back so her husband could apply a lotion, from the roots to the tip of her hair. He gave her a very welcome scalp massage and she closed her eyes.
- I'm afraid I did not listen very well to his lessons, for I might have gotten distracted by his stunning looks.
- He sure is handsome, laughed Fingon, rinsing each strand with great care. Yet, in an ideal word, ought you not stroll around the woods without having to worry about Orcs, or some other foul creatures?
Part of him still felt grim and as he helped his wife dressing up, he promised himself next time he would hunt, he would go after Orcs.
Arastor, Belegorn and their people were able to accommodate all of their guests for the night and a large dinner was held in the main hall where torches and a vast fireplace pleasantly heated the air. A few more Men had arrived from the village and they had brought with them some of the hunt's best prizes, much to the delight of everyone. The smell of roasting deer and fresh bread drew all guests to the tables faster than any call could have and a merry gathering took place, leading to many discussions.
Adanel and her mother were asking Arastor about his concoctions, and a few other of his teas and broths, and the Elf happily obliged them, promising to come visit them during Spring when the plants he used would be blooming. Aegnor and Aradan were telling Belegorn of their hunt party - their account might have been a bit biased, but hopefully neither Maedhros nor Fingon overheard them. The former was answering Magor's questions about the proper tending of horses, while the latter pampered his wife, cutting her meat and worrying about the warmth of her draught. The bath and the food had given Gilmiel some colors back and bundled up as she was in a woolen grey cloak and fox furs, she felt a bit too hot, yet said nothing about it to Fingon who still feared the caverns were too damp for her condition.
- Your cheeks have gone red, are you perhaps running a fever?
- The mulled wine is to be blamed, for sure, she reassured him with a smile.
Frowning, Fingon put a hand on her forehead, then sniffed her cup. As much as his wife tried to act normally, he had noticed she stood much closer to him than usual and she kept casting him furtive looks, as if too make sure he was well by her side. And so his left hand rested firmly on her knee and he considered everything around them to be a possible threat to his wife's health, from what was in their dish to the rugs on the stony floor.
- If my Lady does not like her mulled wine, would I be allowed to finish her cup? asked Magor who had been denied the privilege of a grown-up drink, unlike his sister Adanel who had had two fingers of miruvor.
His parents were too deeply immersed in discussion to pay attention to his request and in fact Magor was hoping that lady Gilmiel would prove more lenient than them on the specific matter of drinking.
- A sip could not hurt you, I suppose, she admitted.
- And what will you give the Lady in exchange for her permission and her wine, young Magor? teased Maedhros.
- Does my Lady like marbles? I do have a large collection of them and Adanel gave me hers also, for she fancies it is too childish now for her, was Magor answer.
- I will consider your generous offer, Magor, said Gilmiel, chuckling. But the wine could also be a rightly earned reward, as I have spoken with Arastor and Belegorn and both confirmed me you have not uttered a word about what our secret password could be.
A hand on his heart, Magor declared solemnly:
- My Lady, we shared an adventure, and you shall find in me an ever faithful friend.
Gilmiel, Fingon and Maedhros laughed joyfully, but the boy was not quite done yet, for something else had been bothering him.
- I overheard my father and lord Aegnor saying their team had done best at the hunting party, is it true that they even managed to catch one of these silver fox who are barely ever seen south of lake Mithrim?
Maedhros scowled at Aegnor, while Fingon exclaimed forthwith:
- It was no fox, just a weasel!
His voice was loud enough that Aradan and Aegnor heard it, and the bickering started all over again, a sure sign that everything was back to normal.
- Magor, you woke up the bears, said Gilmiel, before emptying her cup of mulled wine.
In the morning, it was time for partings, although everyone was sure to meet again soon, and there was much more merriment than sadness in the words exchanged then. Gilmiel and Fingon thanked anew Belegorn, bidding him to come stay at Barad Eithel with his brother whenever he would wish to. Fingon also offered him the wide antlers of the stag he had been so proud to catch, a gesture that did not go by unseen and long after would Maedhros and Aegnor tease him about this. And Arastor had prepared a small gift for Adanel, as he handed her over his package they all noticed she blushed furiously.
- Well, thank you, my Lord, she said, unfolding the wrapping paper with great care, it is most gracious of you.
- I told you I am no lord, Adanel, said the Elf, amused.
- Oh! But this is the herbarium we had a look at yesterday! cried the young girl, pressing the book against her chest.
At that moment, Gilmiel felt a small hand squeezing hers and found Magor who, oblivious of his sister's joy, had sneaked by her side.
- My Lady, he muttered and she had to bend over to hear him well, I think Arastor and Belegorn are brave and noble enough to be told our password.
- If you think so, go tell them, Magor.
And the boy made his way to Belegorn first, who smiled when the mysterious words were whispered in his ear, and then to Arastor who was too busy receiving endless thanks from Adanel to notice Magor was pulling his cloak.
- Elbereth Gilthoniel! ended up shouting the young one, before realizing he had disclosed outloud his precious password.
It doesn't bring much to the story that Belegorn and Arastor are twins, but I just imagined them like that... Belegorn means 'mighty tree' and Arastor 'deer brother' (sounds weird, I'd say it's more like 'the brother who is associated with deers'), names plainly related to the forest.
I assumed they would know who Gilmiel was, they could easily guess from her appearance she was one of the Exiles, and also she's married to the prince of Hithlum, it's more than likely that they have seen her before or heard about her.
Magor stole the show, I meant for Adanel to be more present, but somehow the little brother took more place.
And I kept geography really vague, because I'm quite confused about it myself.