She awoke famished and attacked the evening meal with vigor. They had not stopped that day. Traveling had changed her diet due to necessity. She now ate travel rations which meant dried meats and smoked cheese as well as lembas and porridge. Tonight however a large stew was in a pot and made from rabbits that had been gotten along the way they foraged for vegetables which made this stew delicious. She cradled the bowl close and spooned mouthful after mouthful past her lips. The voracity of her appetite became something to stare at before she realized she was being watched by a few of her companions. Elthian most of all.
"This is what happens when you don't stop to allow me to eat properly." She muttered and turned a bit to try and hide her bowl.
There was a chuckle heard from behind her, then the smooth somewhat deep smooth voice of Curufin reached her ears. "Personally I find a healthy appetite in a female attractive."
Elthian scowled and rolled his eyes. His look of shock was for a much different reason. Juniper looked to him to see the look on his face. She began to giggle and Curufin found a wide smile for her. Which just made Elthian even more uncomfortable.
Soon they were joined by many of the second party. She found herself being doted on by several rather pretty elves. The sons of Feanor were quite attractive themselves. Those absent were of course the Human and his Elven companion. Even Minol stayed near by.
"Where is Adanedhel and his friend. I am unsure of his name.. is it Belag?" She asked casually and looked to Curufin.
"Beleg." He corrected gently. " I am sure they are around. They tend to stay to themselves. Please do not take that as them being rude. I assure you they do not wish to slight you in the least my Lady."
She smiled and shook her head softly. "I did not think that at all I am just curious and would like to get to know everyone better while we are traveling together."
Elthian sat there letting these names roll about in his thoughts. There was something about them nagging at him and he could not place it. He was now only half listening to the conversation all thoughts he had about Junipers appetite were lost and he was trying to figure out where he knew these names from.
"Why do you call him Elf Man?" She asked Curufin and continued to eat.
Elthian now looked over when she asked the same question she has asked Vorondil the day before. Curufin looked down into his bowl and let out a long sigh. "He lived among elves for a long time. He began to behave more like an elf than a human. He and Beleg have been friends for ages. Adanedhel's story is tragic and because of what had been done to him and his entire family he was granted a place in aman. He is no longer a human really. "
As Curufin told her a vague story about Adanedhel the realization of just who he really was began to take hold in Elthian's mind and now the look in his eyes told that he knew the truth now. "He is Turin is he not?" He asked Curufin who answered with a gentle nod.
Juniper gasped and slapped a hand over her mouth. She knew the story of the children of Hurin. It was a sad tale and now she was in the company of one who had been tormented so griviously much. She lost her appetite and passed her bowl to Curufin. "I need a moment please excuse me." Her voice lifted barely above a whisper as she rose and wandered off towards the small tent that was for her and Elthian.
"She is rather sensitive." Elthian explained. "I am sure she hurts for him and his family at the moment."
"Empathy is a strong gift Elthian. Let's hope she never looses it."
Elthian rose then and followed her, trying to catch her before she ducked inside but failed. He ended up crawling in behind her.
Celegorm watched as Elthian followed after his Queen then sat himself beside his brother. "Is something bothering the Queen?" He asked and lifted a wine skin to his lips.
"She found out who Adanedhel really is, she became upset for him." He said and looked to his brother. He smiled and said nothing.
That morning as they were making ready to leave she pulled her cloak around herself tightly and stood near a dying fire. Her attention drawn to Adanedhel. She could herself unable to look away and studied him in her silence. He would glance in her direction off and on and still she stared and did not even try to hide it.
Celegorm stepped closer to him and spoke with his back to the Queen. "She knows who you are Turin. She feels pain for you."
Turin looked to Celegorm then towards the eyes of the fae. "I do not wish any to feel sorry for me."
"I did not say that, I said she feels pain for you." Celegorm said lowly. " She knows your story and she feels the hurt from it. I think she now fully understands why you are here gwanur (kins man) You are both connected deeply in this."
Elthian walked closer to her and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in closely. Turin watched their interaction and how she turned in his embrace finally taking her eyes off him. How she clung to the sindar elf and how he lifted her up and just held onto her.
"Such a small, kind hearted thing to have such a terrible task." Turin said softly.
They rode hard that morning. This was not a slow leisurely trip. Though thankfully they did stop for the mid day meal. She sought out Minol, wanting to ride the rest of the day with him. Even Elthian had noticed how quiet and with drawn he had become as they continued on. She took him food and while at first he refused it her persistence paid off and together they ate.
Her smile was warm for the demon and her concern genuine. Vondoril watched them as he sat beside Elthian. "Well you promised to tell me how you and she came to be together. Especially with her being the Queen." When Elthian turned to scowl at Vorondil he was met with a bright eyed curious gaze and a wide smile.
Elthian would sigh and let his shoulder relax. "Very well. Since she is riding today with Minol and I will tell you our story." Vorondil was quite pleased to hear this and Elthian rolled his eyes a bit. "I, at that time was the captain of the King's Guard." He began.
The pace of the afternoon was a bit slower. Minol rode with her wrapped in the safety of his wings. Her small form clinging to him with slender arms and legs wrapped around his torso. Her eyes pressed to his chest she listened to the sound of his breaths and the best of his heart. Her being so near calmed him and she was confused by his growing tension. Yes they were riding into danger but he had up until now been calm and relaxed about the whole thing.
She did not ask why instead she tried to be a source of comfort for him. "I wonder what Gallion and Ninnel are doing right now." She spoke against his chest. Trying to get him to think about happy things.
"Gallion having to run the kingdom is probably right in his element." Minol said. "It's probably never been run on such a proper and strict schedule." He laughed. "Ninnel is busy with the children. She is trying to make sure Orist is getting his lessons and struggling with a toddler who is more than likely sprouting her wings by now. When you return You will be busy with flying lessons and chasing a rambunctious Orist about the garden."
"You mean when we return." She corrected him and his arms wrapped around her then and held her tightly.
"Of course Little Flower." He whispered against the top of her head.
"I hope you will marry Gallion." She spoke dreamily then as he held her. "You deserve to be happy Minol. With all you have sacrificed You deserve happiness and I get the sense that Gallion makes you happy."
Minol felt the lump rise in his throat but he forced it down. "He does Little Flower. He is one of those things that I did not see. He is a wonderful surprise. Much like Elthian is for you. "
The group came to the top of a rather large hill and stopped. Below them was a brown plain. The grasses that should be turning green seemed lifeless. Even the trees seemed sickly here and In the distance they could see a dark cloud over the area and the glow of a volcano. While still many miles away the sense of foreboding was felt by all.
She turned with the help of Minol and looked out towards the darkness. "The land is blighted by him." She whispered. "All that is green and good withers in his presence."
"Look there." Celegorm called out and pointed towards a moving dark line. Curufin lifted in his saddle and looked out of the rolling plain in the distance as did all the others. Juniper shrank back against Minol's chest and went quiet.
"They are heading towards our forces." Beleg growled. "They need to be warned."
"Who will go?" Minogos asked.
"No one." Juniper spoke up. "I can warn them. Jeven and the ancients are still with them I can reach out to them."
Now all the elvish eyes were on her. "Well I can." She added.
"How?" Curufin asked.
Minol grinned a but smugly. "Communion." He said then looked down to the small but mighty bundle in his arms.
The battles continued on and Thranduil's Alliance advanced but slowly. He had grown to rely on Yarth and the first Orcs a great deal. In fact he and Yarth were becoming friends. They learned from each other. Finding the differences between them less and less as time went on.
He wrote letters to Gallion when he had time knowing it would be some time before they would reach home he understood the need for these communications.
Gallion Mellon Nin,
The going has been slow since she left us. The battles continue almost daily. Though something happened that gives us a ray of hope. He is dividing his troops. His eye is being drawn to the east now. There is more to this but I can not say but the story I will tell you upon our return will shock you and leave you breathless.
We are suffering losses but fewer than before. It seems our Lady is helping us even when she is not with us and I am beginning to believe Minol's rederict. Funny as that sounds this far into his plan I am finally beginning to believe him.
Even as old as I am I can still learn Gallion. These first Orc that Minol brought to us are truly amazing. Their commander Yarth and I have become friends. We learn more and more about each other everyday and in turn I am learning that there are not as many differences in out peoples as I thought.
They are more like elves than I could have imagined, with their own magics that are very similar to ours. While they are called orc they are really nothing like the common ones we have been fighting for ages. They are smart and kind and so very brave. I am proud to count them amongst my people.
On a more personal note mellon, I miss her. The loniliness I feel grows with each day. I can feel her. I know she is well but to feel her in my arms again is what I need. Do not judge me but Elrohir has taken it upon himself to ease my heart as much as he can. I am sure Elrond will not be pleased but if I am honest I am not sure I could have made it this far without him.
I never thought I would say such things about one of Elrond's spawn but here I sit being grateful for him. Please so not share that news with Ninnel. I am sure she would scold me.
I need to hear word about my children. How is Orist fairing with his studies? I know he is very young and more than likely is more keen on learning the bow than he is learning quenya or history. He is so bright, Russ ion nin (my red haired son).
How is Gil-estel nin (My beautiful star)? Taking after her naneth I hope. Does she have wings now? Does she speak? I close my eyes and and I see her chubby cheeks and her bright smile. How I long to have my family as one again. All of us together under one roof. All of us Gallion. You, Ninnel, Juniper, Elthian, Legolas, Ryu, Finnola, Tauriel, Jeven, my children and even Minol. I would bring Minol into my house and call him family for I know you hold him dear.
I must end this letter now. I need to find some rest and I hope my dreams are filled with visions of happier times and the joy that is to come when this is all done. Give my love to Ninnel and my children. Keep up the good work I know you are doing.
Thranduil
He sealed his letter and sighed. He would send it out that night with a messenger. His fingers traced along the wax seal once it cooled. His gaze lifted when he felt a cool breeze brush against he flesh. Elrohir was entering his tent.
The sun was setting on Juniper's party. They all gathered together near a small fire. The elves curious about this 'communion' Minol spoke of.
"How does it work?" Celegorm asked Elthian as they stood watching Minol and Juniper prepare.
"I am not entirely sure but they seem to use the power within each other to reach out to others with similar abilities they also use it as a way to gain strength. I would sit and watch Juniper and Ryu embrace for hours when it was very cold. They unmoving or speaking. It was hard to tell if they even breathed. It's one of those mysterious things about the fae."
Minol sat on a blanket Juniper straddling his lap her legs around him. She smiled to the demon and he smiled back to her. Her small hands lifting to caress his cheeks then slowly he lowered his forehead to hers. Then within seconds they seemed as if they were stone. Unmoving not even the breeze moved their hair.
Elthian could feel the barrier Minol surrounded them in and knew to stay back. "Do not go near them. You will not like what happens."
The others looked to him with questioning eyes. "The barrier they sit in now will put you all on your backsides should you touch it. " He explained.
She was with Minol in his garden. The one he made to look like Thingol's. "Why are we here Minol?" she asked and looked around them. He reached out and took her hand into his and she turned to look up into his eyes.
"We will get them the message Little Flower, but please allow me some time with you here. Just us." She could see tears beginning to form in his eyes. Ones he fought back. Then swiftly she was in his embrace. Her small warm body against his. Her head on his shoulder. "To embrace you like this would surely bring the others to anger should they see and here they can not. The comfort you bring me is so great right now. His weight is beginning to crush me. He is always looking and I stay hidden but its beginning to wear upon me and I need you even more now than any need to know."
Now she knew why he had become so detached from everyone else. He was struggling even more than she.
"I love you Minol." She said softly to him. "I do love you. I am not afraid to say it in front of anyone. I have said it. Please remember it Minol. My love for you is deeper than anything physical. It's bigger than all of this. You and I are connected in ways they will never understand. I know that now. I am sorry it took me so long to fully understand it."
He pushed her back a bit and looked into her eyes. "All that I have. Right down to my husbands and children. These things that bring me such joy are because of you. Everything I will have will be because of you. While they may never fully grasp that it is not lost on me. Thank you melleth. When we go home you will live in my house with us all. You are my family too."
He kissed her then. His lips pressing softly to herself a first. Sweetly tasting them. His hands on her soft cheeks, tears fell from his eyes and mingled with hers. Then deeper his drew her. Then kiss descending into passion, with dancing tongues and soft moans and he struggled to pull back even when everything within him told him to just let this follow the natural course it wished to take. He could not afford to break his word now.
"Oh Little Flower how I wish I could let this go the way of passion." He whispered against her lips. "Alas, we have a job to do and I have my word to keep."
She nodded and together they walked to the center of the garden. Passing fragrant flowers and blossoming fruit trees and there where his soul was the strongest they embraced once more and together they began to drift towards the brightest spots in their vision. Seeking out their comrades.
Within the camp of Thingol's army they were setting up for the night. Jeven and Tauriel were helping tend to those that were still being held within the healing tents. Jeven was getting some fresh water for one of his patients when suddenly he fell to his knees, dropping the bowl of water he was holding Tauriel gasped and hurried to him. She lowered down . Her hand on his back as his hands made fists on the ground.
"Find Hannibal." He managed to squeak out before he lay on his side and fell silent.
Tauriel ran from the healing tents. Several elves were tending to Jeven as she began to search for Hannibal . Then much to her relief she saw him and Hiroc coming towards her. "Where is Jeven?" Hannibal asked and she turned on her heel.
"This way please hurry." She was nearly in tears as she lead then running back towards the healing tents.
Patients and healers alike looked to the to large ancient beings as they entered the tent. Those tending Jeven backed away as Hannibal approached. He crouched down and lifted the Avanati into his massive arms and cradled him like a child.
"Usstan'bal dos waelin uss jous uns'aa vel'bol dos kyorl (I have you young one show me what you see.)" Hannibal spoke gently to Jeven as Hiroc stepped closer and placed his hand on Hannibals shoulder.
It was several moments where Tauriel held her breath and watched them. She not understanding what had happened. "Dos inbal xunor al Jeven nin v'dre (you have done well Jeven now rest)"
Jeven's eyes were opened just slightly as Hannibal carried him to one of the cots and lay him down. "Get him willow bark tea and a bit of food. He will be fine Tauriel. She sent him a vision. We felt her call on him." Hannibal caressed a large warm hand over Jeven forehead. "Now we need to see the King." Hannibal said softly and straightened up. Tauriel nodded as relief began to fill her eyes.
As the ancients left the healing tents Hiroc looked to Hannibal. "I will go and see. Tell the Lord I will return before the dawn."
"Yes my brother. Take great care." Hannibal said lowly then watched Hiroc move off towards the edge of camp.
Hannibal pushed passed the guards at the tent. Once inside he was met with swords pulled and pointed towards him. He chuckled a bit and looked to Thingol, Caranthir and Maedhros. "I am bring you a most important message from my Queen. Please so stand down I have no desire to hurt any of you." His deep voice was calm and smooth.
With a nod of his head the swords were sheathed and Hannibal prowled forward. "There is a large force heading towards us. Much larger than the last. She saw it this afternoon. It was hard to make out numbers and what kind of force it was though. Hiroc has gone to see for himself and will be back before morning. I suggest you make ready for battle tonight."
She went limp in Minol's arms and He looked to Elthian. "Take her Elthian. Warm her and give her some willow bark tea." He said as Elthian hurried to lift her into his arms. Minol rose and staggered back a bit. Much unlike himself Elthian looked to him concerned.
"Father?" Minogos came forward and steadied the demon.
"I will be fine." He assured his son. "That was just a bit more difficult that I had thought it would be. She took a lot from me on this."
Minogos lead his father away to tend to him as Elthian began to wrap Juniper in his cloak and huddled down near the fire. It was Turin that brought the tea a few minutes later and he sat next to them.
"I added some honey to help with the bitterness." He said softly and passed the cup to Elthian.
She stirred a bit as he began to help her drink. "Did she get the message to Thingol?" Turin asked.
"I believe she did." Elthian spoke calmly and smiled as she began to sip.
Turin now looked on the fae for the first time up close. Marveling at her as her color shifted from golden to silver with the loss of the suns light and the rising of the moon. "She seems to sacrifice so much." He said and caressed his hand over her head gently.
"You have no idea how much." Elthian's tone was somber and he sighed. "Yet she is stronger than she appears."
"Please forgive me for being so distant with you both." Turin spoke and looked to Elthian. "I am always fearful of harsh judgement when it is learned who I am."
"Why would I judge you?" She asked in a weak voice . Her eyes opening to look on Turin. He smiled to her weakly.
"You know my tale little fae."
"Indeed, and I will not judge you harshly for it Turin. Love is love and you did not know she was your sister. It was a cruel trick that was played on you by him but you should not feel guilt though I know that must be hard." She reached out with a small trebling hand and took his into her grasp and smiled for him. "With all of this let your heart heal. It appears that Beleg holds no ill will towards you."
He lifted her hand to his lips and kiss the back of it. "No he does not. It was too a cruel trick that caused his fate at my hand. He forgave me long ago."
Elthian watched this exchange and smiled. "I do not judge you either Turin and I hope you do not judge us either."
Turin shook his head. "Never, All that trouble when you first arrived was pointless and she was right. These old ways should fade. " His brows raised when he looked back on the pixie and found her asleep.