I'd like to take a moment and thank everyone who has read and reviewed my story so far. Your positive comments were really instrumental in me going on with the story. Thanks to all.
Notes: Elvish translations.
Ava pusta- Don't stop
Amin n'rangwa edanea- I do not understand these humans
Mellon- friend
Tanya farnuva- That will suffice
Manka lle merna- As you wish
hama sinome- Have a seat
Lar ho- Listen to him
Er an lle mellon- Only for you my friend
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Chapter 8
Legolas took her home while Aragorn stayed behind to make arrangements for Beriel. She had stopped crying and just lay with her head on his chest and her arms clasped around his neck. When they reached the house, he carried her into the bedroom. He tried to lay her on the bed, but she would not let go so he sat on the bed and rocked her gently. He could feel her trembling, and sensing her turmoil he began to sing to her. Gradually, he felt her stop trembling and he looked down at her. She was looking up at him, and her silver eyes brimmed with tears that did not fall. Legolas was again reminded that for all her adult decisions and manners, she was still a child. Aragorn came in carrying tea and Legolas stopped singing.
"Ava pusta Legolas," she whispered.
"Drink your tea and I'll continue." He put her on the bed and she dutifully drank her tea. Legolas sang to her until her breathing evened out and they knew she was sleeping. They cleaned and dressed the wounds on her back, then went to sit in the living room.
"I made the tea extra strong. She'll sleep through the day," Aragorn told Legolas. "That's good. She needs sleep after her ordeals." He jumped up and started pacing. Aragorn watched him for a moment. He had never seen the elf this upset about anything before, but he said nothing. He knew Legolas would speak eventually."
"Do you think we can leave tonight? I want to get Thariel as far away from this damned city as soon as possible."
"Legolas, show reason. She is injured, and we must have a funeral for Beriel. What is it? What has you so upset." Legolas sat down heavily.
"I don't know. It's just everything. She's only a child and she's been through so much. First her mother then her father are killed right in front of her. She gets whipped in front of the townspeople that claim to love her and none of them do anything. Do you know that I heard some of the villagers wagering on when she'd scream. Amin n'rangwa edanea," he finished softly. Aragorn looked sick.
"Legolas, do not let the actions of a few humans cloud your judgment of them. Not all the people in this village are evil. I know you did not see it, but Jocen had his men surround Tolon and Coniel as well as Beriel. They had no chance to act for her either." Legolas looked surprised.
"You are right Aragorn. In my concern for Thariel I did not notice that. I stand corrected mellon." They looked as someone knocked on the door. Legolas drew his bow. Aragorn opened the door slowly. Standing there was one of the Elders.
"My name is Piloch. I've come to talk about Thariel. May I come in?" Aragorn stepped aside and he entered.
He came in and sat on the chair. "You can lower your bow. I am unarmed." Legolas did not waver. To Aragorn he said, "Call off your guard."
"Legolas is not my guard, he is my friend," Aragorn replied coldly. To Legolas he said, "Tanya farnuva."
"Manka lle merna," he replied and lowered his bow.
"Now, what do you wish to say.?"
"I wanted to see how Thariel is."
"Your concern at this late date is touching," Legolas spat out.
"Quiet impudent Elf," Piloch said. "I am not your enemy, any more than I am Thariel's." Aragorn stepped in, knowing his friend's quick temper when he felt that someone was wronged.
"Legolas hama sinome. Lar ho."
"Er an lle mellon," he replied and sat down. Piloch resumed speaking.
"Whether you chose to believe me or not, I have Thariel's best interests at heart. Beriel was my friend, and I would hate to see his daughter killed. I've come to warn you about Jocen. He was seen leaving the village, but none that I have spoken to know where he is. I think he is in hiding in this vicinity, for he has left his son here, and Jonen is nothing if not his father's son. Jocen has never been one to forgive a grudge, and he bears a strong one against Thariel. In his eyes she is the one responsible for his downfall. I would not put it past him to retaliate in some way." He stood, went to the door, and opened it. He turned back towards them.
"My advice is to get her far away from Conath as soon as possible. Until then, I would not leave her alone." He left.
The silence he left behind was broken by Legolas.
"What do you think Aragorn?" Aragorn thought it over for a minute then said, "I believe him. He has nothing to gain by coming to us. We told him naught of our plans, and from what Beriel told us, Conath is a village that is living on borrowed time. All were present, all heard Thariel tell of the breaking of the pact. All know that we will be taking her away. What of you? What do you think?" Legolas gazed into the fireplace.
"I do not trust any in this village, however that is beside the point. Piloch did not tell us anything new. We already know that Jocen may try to cause more trouble for Thariel. How many times have we met such as him in our travels? As for keeping Thariel safe," he broke off and met Aragorn's eyes with his own.
"I will kill the next person who lays an unfriendly hand on her."
