Title: Luthien's flute
Author: B-witched83uk (bwitched83uk@aol.com)
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Aragorn, Arwen and the family travel to Lothlorien after receiving a mysterious letter from Celeborn.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Lord of the Rings. The whole of Middle Earth belongs to Tolkien
Chapter 4
Reunited
Aragorn and Eldarion had not left Galadwen's side since they had arrived at the golden hall of Meduseld. The healer had been in and informed them that she was on the mend and her strength was returning. Aragorn sat beside her and stroked her cheek, something he used to do when she could not sleep as a child.
"Riders have been sent out to inform your Naneth of where you are and that you are well," Aragorn's voice was not the calm tones Galadwen was used to but that of a worried father.
Galadwen then sat upright, the memories now hitting her hard. "There is no need for them Ada. She already knows where I am, she was there with me. I know not how, but she was there inside my head; she saved me."
Aragorn would find out more about this later, for now he simply wanted his daughter to lie back down and find peace. "Hush Galadwen, be still. We will speak more of this once you are rested."
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Eldarion had been sent out to get some fresh air His inability to keep still was making the other two nervous. He had sought out the company of King Eomer, a man Eldarion had always liked and respected. They were taking a walk around the fields and discussing the King's lands.
"Your plains have grown plush this year, my Lord. Your horses must be thriving."
Eomer, never having had any sons of his own, was very fond of Eldarion. He was impressed by the boy he had once known and the young man he had now become. "We will ride out together before you take leave, give you a chance to ride one of our thriving beasts."
A pretty young woman was walking, ungracefully, towards them. Her silken wave of flaxen hair reminded Eldarion of that of the lady Eowyn, though her face now appeared a lot less gentle. Eomer eyed his daughter's scowl, a look he had not seen her wear since last she and Eldarion had met.
"Ithiliwen, what has taken you so long to come and great our guests?"
"I saw no reason for haste as it was to greet no one of great importance." Ithiliwen scanned the face of the bully she had once known well. It had been at least four years since they last saw each other and still she despised him. Although he had now grown into a man, a tall, dark, striking man, Ithiliwen remembered him as the boy who had hid frogs and slugs and all manner of horrible things in her bed whilst she slept. He had also once set fire to her hair, an action she could never forgive.
"Ithiliwen, I see you are as pleasant as ever. And how well you look; I am glad to see your hair grew back so nicely."
Ithiliwen stood enraged, desperately trying to think of a witty and hurtful comeback, but could not. Her cheeks were red with anger and her frown was wrinkling her pretty face.
"I should have known it was you who had come from the graying clouds overhead." Ithiliwen stomped off, back to the hall, full of hatred.
"If you and my daughter ever exchanged kind words, I would lie down and die with shock." Eomer clasped Eldarion on the shoulder and also left to walk back to the hall. Eldarion's eyes couldn't help but turn towards Ithiliwen. He watched her walk with a new sensation playing inside him.
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Arwen arrived at Meduseld just before nightfall. She, with her two youngest, ran straight to Galadwen's room.
"Oh my darling, what did they do to you?" Arwen was clearly distraught at her daughter's capture. Aragorn took her in his arms, aware that the last thing Galadwen needed was to get into it now at such a late hour.
"Mela, she is tired. She will tell you all when morning comes." He held his wife so close he could feel her frantic heart beat right into his chest. She found comfort in Aragorn's arms and with her free hand she held on to her daughters for dear life.
Luthien stood quietly behind her parents, afraid that if she spoke too loudly, she would somehow hurt her now fragile looking sister. Celebriel, on the other hand, launched herself across the bed and into Galadwen's embrace. Galadwen laughed and held on to her. "Selerai, you will squeeze the life from me." *Sister small*
Aragorn let go of his wife and said good night to Galadwen. "Come my tinuealisse, it is time for bed." *Sweet daughters*
Once alone, Arwen sat on the bed with her daughter's head resting on her lap. Galadwen was in the middle of telling her mother everything that had happened and everything that the man Tibias had said to her.
"I was so afraid Naneth. I felt as though I may never see you again. Then when all hope was lost and I was surrounded, I heard your voice telling me what to do." Galadwen's throat tightened and she swallowed hard.
"I know not what that man intended for Valinor. I know not of the evil he would bring there, but now you are safe and the man dead. That is all that matters now vanima wende nin." *My beautiful maiden*
Arwen's voice was soft and soothing, it eased her daughters aching. Softly, Arwen began to sing the way she would when Galadwen was a child. Soon she found sleep and sweet dreams filled her heart.
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The next evening everyone's hearts were light. Eomer and his wife Lothiriel held a feast in honor of their unexpected guests. Galadwen found enough strength to join them and she too was in high spirits. Arwen had mixed her a brew of chamomile and clove, to calm the body and lift her soul.
Aragorn and Arwen sat with Eomer and Lothiriel at the head of the table, the two women discussing whatever it was women discussed when they got together. Aragorn watched his son, no prouder could he be on this day. His family surrounded him: all safe, all happy.
Eldarion was standing on the floor where couples danced. He was enjoying himself; a mug of ale in his hand and plenty of female attention. The young women surrounded him, listening to his tales of adventures and laughing at all of his jokes. He was a Prince, future King, after all.
"Eldarion, it is good that you recognize that they are laughing at you, not with you." He hadn't heard Ithiliwen walk beside him; he couldn't help but smile.
'Ah so we are to play games again are we,' he thought to himself. Despite himself, he enjoyed the constant insults the two exchanged.
"Ithiliwen, do not fret. We will find a gentleman for you to dance with, one that can match your grace and recognize your beauty . . . " He placed his hand against her back as he leaned in affectionately, "I believe I saw a deaf, blind, mute around here somewhere." He smiled warmly and despite herself, she too smiled a little.
"My lord, I thought you were going to offer me your company on the floor." Eldarion had not expected this, should he ask her to dance?
When she continued he was glad he had not. "Certainly you describe yourself for I have often seen you ride on horse back, albeit through the dust from my horse." Eldarion's heart was beating faster then ever it had. He didn't understand this. Here were many beautiful women all seeking his attention, all longing to tell him how wonderful he was, and instead he preferred the company of a brat who did nothing but insult him.
"My Lady, I could never match the speed of the daughter of a great horse lord," Eldarion bowed slightly. Ithiliwen waited for the comeback but it never came, instead he turned back to his companions and joined in with their talk.
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Galadwen sat quite content with Eldarion and her youngest sister, who was shying away from any who asked her to dance. Celebriel had not sat down all evening. She had by now danced with the entire room, her checks flushed and her hair disheveled from the exercise. Galadwen had not felt strong enough to join in with the dance so had a good excuse for all that asked. Aragorn and Arwen dolled out worried glances towards their daughter every now and then but were soon eased by the look upon her face.
Ithiliwen walked towards their table and stopped when she heard her name. "The reason no man has asked her to dance, my dear sister, is simply because they do not wish others to think they are dancing with another man," Eldarion laughed. "She is better with swords and horses then dresses and dances." Eldarion followed Galadwen's gaze to where Ithiliwen was standing. He stood up to make more jokes, this time to her face, but was surprised when she ran out of the hall.
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Alone outside, Ithiliwen felt a single tear streak her pale cheek. Why was she crying? Why did she care what he thought of her? He was just some horrid bully who had never been kind in his life. She hated him. She wished he would go on his way and leave her and her family alone.
"Ithiliwen?" She heard footsteps behind her and a hand tightened on her shoulder. Eldarion had followed her out, shocked that he had hurt her so easily.
"Ithiliwen, I am sorry. I knew not that my words would hurt you so. They were made in jest. I thought you would come back with words twice as harsh." His voice was soft and caring and it made her angry.
"Are you so blind that you cannot see?"
Tears ran to her lips and she lightly licked them away. He put his hands at her waist and turned her to face him. Seeing the tears made Eldarion's heart plummet. How could he hurt such a pure thing? He reached up his hand and brushed the tears away with the back of his fingers.
"I am no mind reader, Ithiliwen. Will not you tell me why my words hurt you so much, so that I might set it right?" When her eyes fixed on him, he suddenly noticed how green they were, the colour of a meadow in deepest spring.
"Has the jewelry you wanted not been made in time? Will your father not let you have a new pony?" Eldarion mocked her for her princess-like behaviour. She laughed a little, brightening her eyes even more so.
Eldarion was relieved at this; he went on to tease her gently about her behaviour. "Perhaps it is jewels, did you want--" Eldarion was cut off by the feel of her lips on his. Ithiliwen pushed her mouth gently against his own, her hands cupping the sides of his face. Eldarion knew not what to do. This was Ithiliwen -- and he was kissing her!
It felt nice, warm. Eldarion's arms tightened around her, pulling her against his body. It was a sweet kiss but one with real passion. Ithiliwen pulled away and looked up shyly into his face for reassurance. She could not read his face; he looked a little shocked as he continued simply to look back at her.
"Eldarion, say something, you look in shock." Ithiliwen was nervous as she waited for his reply. Now not only did he think her ugly but also forward and improper.
"I am shocked," his strong arms tightened around her waist and he smiled at her gently, "To find your mouth so sweet despite your sharp tongue." Ithiliwen laughed, happy from the affirmation that he had enjoyed it as much as she. His mouth came to hers once more, this time more urgent, more in need of each other.
