I just realized that several folks have gone back and reviewed some of my earlier stories. Thank you! I don't always immediately realize when someone has reviewed one of the stories I'm not currently working on because my e-mail notification does not seem to be working. So I'd like to thank the following folks for those reviews of older stories: Eryn Lasgalen, Kelly Kragen, Mo, Terreis (many!), and Vicki Turner. I hope I didn't leave out anyone, and my apologies in advance if I did! I truly appreciate these reviews.
Uinen Waterlily: I
see that you have just posted a review of Chapter 1. Mae
govannen! I hope that you stay with the story long enough to
arrive at this chapter and see this greeting.
Mo: Yes, I think Edwen Nana is one of my most popular creations. I'm glad, though, that you also like my versions of Legolas, Gandalf, and Glorfindel.
Grumpy: At long last Thranduil is acting out of empathy for others rather than out of self-pity.
The Essence of popsicles: I am leaning a little bit toward not having him jealous. Haldir will be wistful, yes, but not jealous.
Farflung: Yes, the Helms Deep episode, when Legolas tried but failed to kill the Uruk-hai with the torch, provided the model for the similar scene in the previous chapter. About Legolas learning more about his Adar: I wrote a scene (I can't remember which chapter or even which story!) in which Thranduil shared with Tawarmaenas his memories of Tawarmaenas' mother, Thranduil's sister. I need to create such a scene between Legolas and Thranduil in which the King reminisces about Legolas' mother.
Dragonfly: I can't see Legolas staying put, either. Actually, I won't let him stay put—it would shut down the story, and I can't allow that!
Kelly Kragen: Yes, I borrowed the Uruk-hai scene from TTT, complete with Aragorn's lines. The tale cycle I had Thranduil allude to is sometimes called The Arabian Nights, sometimes The 1001 Nights, and sometimes The 1001 Arabian Nights. It's all the same collection.
Joee: I have begun work on a story in which Legolas will tell the Hobbits about Gandalf's amatory conquests, and Gandalf will retaliate with his own tales of Legolas' elfling years.
Legosgurl: I included a reference to Haldir using the line in Dol Guldur (at least I think it was Dol Guldur—I'm going to have to start indexing my own stories). So the line is kind of getting batted back and forth as a joke amongst these friends.
Masha: I have begun working on the 'nappy' story (see note to Joee). I would like to do a story set after Moria in which Legolas mourns for Gandalf, and I have begun to imagine bits and pieces of a story set years before that time in which Gandalf will mourn for an Anomen whom he believes lost, only to have Anomen reappear. And, no, you don't have to give way to depression. Of course I'll bring the friends together again, and under exciting circumstances, too.
Chapter 52: Bathtime
Within two days of their departure from Lothlórien, the Imladris Elves realized that they were being followed by a large company of Orcs.
"It is probable," said Elrohir, "that our leave-taking from Lothlórien was observed by one of the Orc scouts Haldir referred to."
"Yes," agreed Elladan. "Indeed, it is possible that our arrival was observed as well and that Orcs began gathering at once against the time when we should depart. Judging from the reports of our scouts, this band of Orcs is certainly a large one."
"Aye, larger than the band we confronted on our way to Lórien."
As usual, the Elves were desirous of fighting the Orcs on their own terms, and they began to lay their plans.
"We should attack during full daylight, of course," said Elladan, "for our foes barely tolerate the sunlight."
"Agreed. In the waning hours of the night, we should double back and so take them unawares at the most opportune moment."
"When we begin to double back, we must take out their scouts," observed Elladan, "so that no warning will be carried to their commander."
"Yes. Each of their scouts must be shadowed by one of ours so that we will be in position to do away with our foes when the signal is given."
"What of Arwen?" asked Elladan.
"When our forces double back, she must remain behind with as many guards as can be spared."
When they told Arwen of this plan, however, she would have none it.
"You should not divide your forces," she declared vehemently. "The number of warriors that you would leave behind is not large enough to withstand a determined assault by Orcs, yet it is large enough to weaken the force that you would lead into battle. No one will benefit."
"But, Arwen," exclaimed Elrohir, "we are going into battle."
Arwen stared at him levelly.
"Elrohir, it is not necessary to state the obvious."
Elrohir colored and studied his feet.
Elladan tried again.
"Arwen, you have not trained as a warrior."
"I am not altogether helpless, Elladan. Moreover, I am not proposing that I take a place on the front line. I will stay in the midst of your forces—as I would if you left me behind with a guard. I will be no more exposed that I would be otherwise."
Elladan and Elrohir continued to argue with Arwen for a time, but at length it became obvious that there was no persuading her to remain behind. Unless they wished to tie her hand and foot—not an option!—she was going to accompany them into battle.
As dawn neared, the Elves broke camp, laded the horses, and resumed riding in the direction of Imladris. A short time later, however, Thoron signaled to his scouts with a birdcall, and all their Orc counterparts were slain simultaneously, none having an opportunity to shout an alarm to his fellows. The Elves in the main party dismounted, and their horses, having already been instructed, continued trotting toward Rivendell, thus making it all the less likely that the Orcs would realize that the company had in fact interrupted its progress. Then the Elves commenced their stealthy approach toward the Orc band, which was beginning to lag in energy and enthusiasm as the sun arose above the horizon."
"Ain't we gonna stop?" whined one of the Orcs.
"Chief says we gotta press on a little in daylight so's the pointy-ears don't draw too far ahead," replied one of his fellows.
"Be noon soon," whined the first Orc.
"Idjit!" scoffed the second goblin. "Sun jist now rose. Noon's several hours off. Anyways, the Chief in't gonna make us march under the noonday sun. I hear tell that any goblin wot is out at noon is turned into a rock—kinder like a Troll wot is caught outside 'is cave at sunrise."
This was, of course, nothing but arrant folklore. While Trolls—until Sauron tampered with them, that is—were indeed petrified if they were unlucky or foolish enough to be out at sunrise, Orcs labored under no such disability. It is true that they were most comfortable in dark and noisome places, but they could labor or march in the sunlight if driven to it by the threats of their masters.
Still, these Orcs believed the tale, and the longer they marched under the morning sun, the more agitated and unhappy they grew. Soon their grumbling was audible to the Chief, who began to curse and lay about with his whip. The Orc column was thrown into confusion.
It was at that moment that the Elves struck.
Several minutes passed before the Orcs even realized they were under attack. As Orcs fell to the silent elven fusillade, their fellows at first assumed that they had been knocked down in the ongoing scuffle. At last one of the Orcs, struck in the leg by an arrow, stared stupidly at it for a bit but at last bellowed, "'N'arrow! I bin hit by 'n'arrow!"
At once the Orcs broke off brawling and reached for their weapons. It was indeed a large band of Orcs, and, even though the Elves had killed and injured several in those first volleys, there were plenty of Orcs left to go around. The Elves braced for a fierce battle. Their foes were undisciplined, but their numbers and their very heedlessness made them dangerous. They stormed toward the hidden Elves, some swinging scimitars, some firing their bows as they ran. They were of course not aiming carefully, but so many missiles did they shoot, that it was inevitable that some should find a mark.
Thoron was one who was unlucky enough to be hit by an Orc arrow. Struck in the shoulder, he fumbled with his bow and dropped it. In a trice, Arwen had sprung forward from her relatively safe position and retrieved the weapon. It was obvious that Thoron would not be able to draw the bow, and Arwen began to fire in his place. One after another she nocked the arrows that Thoron drew from his quiver with his good arm. She wasted none of these shafts, for each found its target.
Outnumbered though they were at the outset, in the end the superior discipline and skills of the Elves more than counterbalanced the superior numbers of their foes. The Elves fought until they reached parity with their foes, and from that point onward, their enemies were doomed. At last the remaining goblins broke and ran, pursued by Elves who were determined not to leave one Orc living.
After Elrohir was sure that the field was secure, he allowed himself a moment to gaze upon his sister with renewed respect. He had never dreamed that she would be such an excellent archer. Nor had he understood how steady she would be under fire. He did not long indulge himself in such thoughts, however, for there was much to be done. Of greatest importance, the wounded Elves needed to be seen to. In addition, the Orc bodies would have to be disposed off.
Several Elves had been hurt, but Thoron's wound, although not life-threatening, seemed to be the most serious. Arwen herself took it upon herself to tend to his injury. She carefully cut away his tunic and gently drew forth the arrow, inflicting remarkably little additional damage as she did so. The elleth then set about thoroughly rinsing out the wound. Finally, after applying a healing poultice, she bound Thoron's shoulder gently but securely.
Several of the other Elves stood about watching as Arwen ministered to Thoron. It must be said that these Elves looked as if they wished that they, too, had been struck by arrows. Elrohir had to speak to them several times before they at last snapped out of their reveries and went to collect wood for the burning of the Orc carcasses.
As soon as they could, the Elves retrieved their horses and rode away from the battlefield. They traveled many miles before they stopped for a repast at mid-afternoon, for Elves do not like to linger near scenes of death. During this halt in their journey, Elrohir seized the opportunity to express his awe at Arwen's talent with the bow.
"Arwen, I never knew you to be an archer!"
"When I left Rivendell, I was not. Haldir has been giving me lessons."
"Haldir?"
"Haldir is an excellent archer, Elrohir."
"Have you been spending much time with Haldir?" asked Elrohir, suddenly jealous on behalf of his sister.
Arwen smiled provokingly at her brother.
"And what if I have, Elrohir?"
"But, but, but, well, Haldir, of all Elves!"
"Whatever do you have against Haldir?"
"Well, for one thing, he is so serious."
"Not always," teased Arwen.
"Arwen!"
"Oh, and you have not been spending time with anyone, I suppose?"
"That's different!" spluttered Elrohir.
"You talk just like a Man," Arwen chided. "They freely bestow their attentions wherever they will, but let their sisters behave in the same fashion, and the Men rebuke them. Why may I not while away the hours with Haldir in the same manner in which you while away your time with your many ellith?"
"Oh, surely not the same manner!" exclaimed Elrohir, thoroughly alarmed.
Arwen laughed.
"No, I suppose I have not whiled away my time in exactly the same manner as you have."
"The Valar be praised," Elrohir breathed in relief.
"But if I had," Arwen continued, "you are the last person who would have the right to chide me!"
Shamefaced, Elrohir had to concede this point. Arwen laughed gently at his confusion and kissed him upon the forehead.
"Come, brother. Our companions are ready to ride on. Let us rejoin them."
Later that day, when the Elves had camped for the night, Elrohir sought out Elladan for a serious discussion about their sister.
"Elladan, have you noticed how much Arwen has changed in these past several years?"
"Oh, yes. She is no longer such a hellion—notwithstanding that water she dumped upon us the other night!"
"Perhaps not a hellion, but she is an excellent archer."
"Yes," agreed Elladan, "and she is a superb rider, as well—but then she always was."
"Yet it is not," Elrohir mused, "her archery or riding skills of which I speak. Have you noticed any other changes?"
"I hadn't," said Elladan, "until I realized that Haldir had."
"My point exactly," Elrohir said earnestly. "Do you suppose anyone else has noticed?"
"Elrohir, you troll-brain," retorted Elladan, "didn't you see the expressions on the faces of the Elves who were watching as she bandaged Thoron? Of course other folk have noticed!"
"She seems to like Haldir," Elrohir said thoughtfully.
"Haldir is a fine Elf. Our Ada would be pleased if she allied herself with someone of his character."
"But she is the daughter of an elf lord," protested Elrohir. "Don't you think she should marry someone of equivalent station?"
Elladan stared amazed at his brother.
"Elrohir, I have never known you to care overmuch about our family's position. And even if Haldir is no elf lord now, he may be one someday, for one can achieve that status regardless of birth through courage and wisdom. Haldir has plenty of the first, and for all his sententiousness, he will doubtless develop the latter."
"I suppose it's not so much that Haldir is not an elf lord; it's that, well, I had hoped, well, I, that is to say." Elrohir paused but then continued in a rush. "Haven't you ever thought that it would be fitting if Legolas were formally allied with our family? He is so much a part of the family as it is."
"Which," replied Elladan, "is exactly why he will never marry Arwen, if that's what you are trying to suggest."
"Why ever not!?"
"Elrohir, what is Legolas to you?"
"He is like a brother, Elladan."
"Exactly. And he is also like a brother to Arwen, and she a sister to him."
"Meaning?"
"In case you hadn't noticed," Elladan said dryly, "it is not the custom for brothers and sisters to marry."
"But," argued Elrohir, "although they are siblings in sentiment, they are not blood kin."
"Elrohir, in this case, I assure you that it is the sentiment that matters. Before we left Lórien, I sounded out Legolas on the subject of Arwen."
"What did he say?" asked Elrohir anxiously.
"It wasn't so much what he said as the expression on his face!"
Elladan launched into an account of his conversation with Legolas. It had taken place as the two had been returning from an unsuccessful foray on the glade where the wine stocks were kept. To their chagrin, they had discovered that this beverage was as well guarded as if Galadriel and Celeborn had been expecting a full-blown Orc assault upon the bottles. Commiserating one with the other, Elladan and Legolas had strolled back in the direction of Haldir's flet.
"Legolas," said Elladan, "have you noticed how grown-up Arwen looks?"
"Yes."
"Aren't you surprised?"
"Why should I be? As she is grown-up, why shouldn't she look grown up?"
"Oh. Yes. Of course."
Elladan tried another tack.
"The Elves hereabouts seem very fond of her."
"Certainly. As well they should be."
"Are you fond of her, Legolas?"
"Elladan, perhaps it is good that we could not filch anymore wine. That question suggests that your brains are already sufficiently addled for one evening. Of course I am fond of Arwen!"
Elladan's face lit up.
"I am sure she is fond of you as well, Legolas!"
"I should hope so! We always got along very well. I remember," he reminisced, "how tiny she was when we first met. Do you remember that on occasion I had the care of her in the evenings when Elrond was entertaining embassies from afar? She was such a dear little thing. 'Help me wit' my gown', she would beg when she got all tangled up in it as she tried to pull it off for her bath. And I would help her out of it and lift her into the tub. She would always insist on washing her hair by herself, and inevitably she would get soap in her eyes and start flailing her arms about and dancing in the tub. Just imagine trying to rinse off a whirlwind! In the end I would always be as wet as she! At last I would get her out of the tub and towel her off. Ai! It was not over yet! She would insist on putting on her own nightgown, and I would have to wait patiently until once again she would cry, 'Help me wit' my gown!' Then she would 'braid' her hair whilst she listened to a story. When she would at last fall asleep, I always had a dreadful number of knots to comb out with the greatest of care before I could properly do up her hair. How stubborn she was! But it was never out of contrariness. No, it was that she always had a great desire to be independent."
"So you enjoyed giving Arwen her bath."
"Oh, yes. I enjoyed all my time with Arwen."
"Would you enjoy giving her a bath today?"
Legolas looked at Elladan in bewilderment.
"Your brains truly are addled. I told you that Arwen always had an independent spirit. Now she needs no assistance in the bath and would be highly indignant if I offered any!"
"Oh," said Elladan hastily. "I didn't mean that she would need any assistance. Perhaps you would simply like to bathe with her."
"Elladan!"
"You don't think that would be fun?"
"Fun!? I should probably end up drowning myself, for I would submerge myself out of embarrassment! Grown Elves and ellith do not bathe together!"
"That is not altogether true," argued Elladan. "Many are the Elves and ellith who bathe together."
"Yes, but only if they are espoused one to the other. Oh!"
Legolas had finally caught Elladan's drift.
"Elladan, you, you don't mean to suggest, that, that—why, Arwen is like a sister to me! I could never—the very idea!"
"But you would make such a lovely couple," insisted Elladan.
"Elladan! Brothers-and-sisters-do-not-marry!"
"Oh, well if you feel that way," Elladan said quickly, backing down and stepping away from his incensed foster-brother. "I just thought, well, never mind."
"Yes, you had better never mind," said Legolas dangerously.
"Really, Legolas, I merely wished to forge ties between us that would be even closer than the ones that exist now."
"We are brothers, Elladan. I do not think we could be any closer than that. And Arwen is my sister. The bond between husband and wife is a close one, but no closer than that between sister and brother. The matrimonial bond is of a different sort, true, but not one superior to the bond we already have, an attachment that I cherish."
"I am sorry, Legolas," Elladan said humbly. "I did not mean to offend you."
By now Legolas had recovered himself, and he laid a hand on Elladan's shoulder.
"Do not be troubled, Elladan," he said kindly. "I understand why you spoke as you did, and I bear you no ill will. You spoke through a surfeit of love rather than out of a lack of sensitivity."
The two friends resumed their stroll toward Haldir's talan.
"I wonder," mused Elladan, "whom she will marry in the end, as it obviously will not be you!"
Legolas shrugged calmly.
"You may be sure that he will be someone of great worth. I think we can trust Arwen not to choose anyone of lesser dignity."
"True," agreed Elladan. "Arwen, for all she is young, is already very astute and knows herself as well or better than many an older Elf. She will choose wisely."
"Yes," said Legolas, "and whomever she chooses, he will have my blessing."
"Mine as well," nodded Elladan. "Anyone beloved of Arwen will be beloved of me!"
This conversation Elladan now repeated to Elrohir, who sighed in disappointment.
"So we must not expect Legolas to bind himself to Arwen?"
"Say rather," replied Elladan, "that Legolas is already bound to Arwen and has no desire to replace the one bond with another."
"I suppose," said Elrohir slowly, "that we should not take it amiss."
"No, indeed, Elrohir! For we will still have Legolas as our brother, and someday we will have another brother of equal worth! So in the end it is probably a good thing that Legolas and Arwen will not be espoused."
Elrohir brightened.
"Of course! Now you put it that way, I see that it is all for the best!"
"Yes, I agree: all for the best. And now let us give over talking about the matter. We shall simply have to wait patiently until Arwen reveals her mind on this matter."
Content that Arwen was safe that night both from Orcs and inappropriate suitors, the two brothers unrolled their blankets and stretched out under the stars.
"If only Aragorn were here," murmured Elladan as he drifted off to sleep. "He would have reveled in today's battle, and he would have been impressed at our sister's prowess as an archer."
"Mmmhuh," muttered Elrohir, "Arwen impress Aragorn. Pity they missed seeing each other. Well, later."
"Yes," yawned Elladan. "Later."
With that, they both slept.