The Twisted Web of Fate. 17?
(Gwî Norn Ned Amarth)
By the Sinister Sindar Sisters (M. Cross and B. Kennedy)
Disclaimer: Try as we might, we still don't own any part of the wondrous world created by the genius of J.R.R. Tolkien, so we just visit it and borrow a few characters for these stories. We only write them for our own entertainment and we surely don't make any money off them.
Beta: Barbara Kennedy
Rating: R (see warnings) Action/adventure/angst
Feedback: michelemichelecross. or on list.
Spoilers: for Tolkien's works in general (?)
Summary: Thranduil and his young son must travel to a trade meeting very soon after the death of their wife and mother. Unknown to them, dire danger and darkness follows them. Will they survive to return to their beloved home alive?
WARNINGS - First of all, we are writing this story for our own amusement, but we hope you enjoy it too.
There is a lot of angst and hurt/care throughout this story. Shell (M. Cross) is a stickler for medical accuracy and we are following the viewpoints of a lot of healers. Violence, graphic illness and injury descriptions as well as references to adult behaviours, physical or mental infliction of torture, and possible character deaths may be found here. It may be disturbing to some. If that is not your interest, you might want to look elsewhere. The story is Alternate Universe to begin with, though heavily structured on Middle-earth history, research and medical fact.
Story Cast: Thranduil, Legolas, Elrond, Elrohir, Elladan, Arwen, Erestor, Glorfindel, Galadriel, Celeborn, Haldir, Rumil, Orophin, Mithrandir (Gandalf), the Valar, Gwaihir, OMCs, OFCs, OCCs (Other creature characters)
Pairings: Rumil/OFC, OMC/OFC. (Eventually)
Timeline: Pre-LotR, Third Age - around the Days of Dearth (2758 – 2760)
Author's Notes: We could find no definitive information on the brothers Haldir, Rumil and Orophin, so we are taking matters into our own hands.
Archive: Please ask first. We would like to know where it is.
Also posted at …
http/ Sindarin vocabulary ----
References: Dragon Flame Sindarin Dictionary, Thain's Book, Council of Elrond and Encyclopedia of Arda
Adan, Edain … (The race of) man, men
Adar, ada … Father, dad
Amarth … Fate, doom
Anor … the sun
Arda … The world
Aur maer … good morning
Caun … Prince
DaerAda, DaerNana … (Roughly) Grandfather, Grandmother
Elleth, ellith … Elf-maiden, elf-maidens
Ellon, ellyn … Elf, elves (male)
Eru ... Ilúvatar, The One, leader of the Valar
Estë … Vala associated with healing, wife of Irmo
Fëa … Spirit, soul
Gon … Captain
Gwador, gwedeir… Brother, brothers (by adoption or association.)
Gweston. ... I swear.
Gwî ... Web
Hannon le … Thank you
Hennad … Thanks
Hír, Hír-nin … Lord, my Lord
Híril, Híril-nin … Lady, my Lady
Iaur … old
Imladris … Rivendell
Ion-nin … My son
Irmo … Vala of dreams and visions, also known as Lórien
Laes … babe
Meleth … (My) Love
Mellon-iaur … Old friend
Mellon-nin, mellyn-nin … My friend, my friends
Miruvor … Cordial of the Elves. Miruvor was a warm and fragrant clear liquid. Its special property was to give the drinker renewed strength and vitality. – Source: The Thain's Book site.
Muindor … brother (blood relation)
Námo … True name of the Valar Mandos
Naneth, Nana … Mother, Mom, Mum, Mama, etc.
Ned … Of
Norn … Twisted
Penneth, pennyth … Young one, young ones
Saes … Please
Sîdh … Peace
Westron … Common language, the language of men.
/ Text / indicates thought, dream or visions
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Chapter Seventeen
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"Have you even slept?"
The voice made Ivorhen jump. He had been so lost in his thoughts that he had not even heard her approach. That would not do. He would have to get this distraction sorted and out of the way. A warrior could die from such inattention.
He turned to see Gytha watching him seriously, hands on hips. It brought a small smile to his face.
"I slept well enough." He kept his voice soft.
"Really? Well then, Ivorhen, can you tell me why you have been awake since just before midnight, but trying to fool the others here into thinking that you have slept?" Her voice was soft and yet hard at the same time, so like Elrond's.
His smile failed, just the mere thought of his friend…
"I was resting." His voice went even softer. Gytha had to strain to hear him.
"But not sleeping." She sat beside him, her face showing her compassion. Gytha had watched him, and could see that he was worried about something, keeping him from resting. "Ivorhen, what is wrong?"
He looked down and shook his head. "It is nothing." The people of Bree had enough to worry about without him adding to it.
Gytha gazed at him closely. This was more than mere nothing. Why did these blasted elves have to be so blasted proud! She glanced over to Celeborn where he rested, eyes opened and yet lost in sleep.
"If it is nothing you would be asleep and not worrying. If you won't tell me I can't help you." Gytha kept her voice kind.
Ivorhen sighed and lifted his left hand to brush at his exhausted eyes. He realised what he was doing and swiftly changed hands, making himself use the shaky right one. He was very tired, yet when he closed his eyes he felt as if he was drowning in darkness.
"Ivorhen!" Gytha's voice was sharp and made him jump. He had drifted again.
"Sorry." He had the grace to look embarrassed.
"Please, let me help. Just talking about what bothers you may help." Gytha was aware that Celeborn turned his head to listen. Yes, the sneaky Lord of Lothlórien was awake and listening. Still, that would save time repeating it later on.
"There is not much to talk about." Actually, there was, Ivorhen just did not know how to put it into words.
"I do not believe that. I know that you are finding it difficult to sleep. It does not take a witch to know there is a cause." She actually did not believe in such creatures. She was too well-grounded to believe in such things. Yes, evil existed, but it was what humans made it to be.
Ivorhen sighed. He would not get out of this one. He would have to tell her a little of what was happening, but not all, as he was not sure of all of it himself, but he could tell enough to satisfy her.
"I do not know how to tell you and it will sound strange." He was glad that with the small amount of rest he had taken this afternoon, his speech had improved and was almost back to normal. He was slurring slightly now only because he was tired, as if he were 'deep in his cups', as Glorfindel would say.
"Try me. I have until morning." Her joke was lost on him and she sighed. This was deep, she could tell.
How could he explain? "I… I have this feeling."
"A feeling?" She reached to reassure him. She could tell he was finding this hard.
He nodded gently, careful not to jolt his head.
"What type of feeling?" She figured she should go gently here, almost as if with a terrified child. She had to stop her smile. She doubted that Ivorhen would appreciate being likened to Tiera.
"I feel… as if something watches me, as if there is something waiting just out of sight to nab someone that I hold dear." He would not meet her eyes.
"What do you think it is?" Gytha actually looked around and had to stop herself when she sensed how uncomfortable Ivorhen was. If there was still a threat, they would know.
"It is not here… at least, I do not think it is here. When can I travel?" His mind was made up about this.
Gytha sighed. Not this old chestnut again! How many times did they have to speak about this? She opened her mouth, only to close it when she heard another voice speak.
"Who is this threat leveled at?" Celeborn had given up all pretence of sleep. He sat up now, wide awake.
If Ivorhen was surprised, he did not show even a flicker of it.
"I cannot say. I just feel that it is leveled at Imladris… that I need to return there." Ivorhen felt as if a great black cloud of doom hung over him. The feeling was almost suffocating.
"I see." Celeborn watched Ivorhen thoughtfully for a minute. Then he turned to Gytha. "I agree with Ivorhen. As much as I know that this is probably not the best time to travel, but I too feel that we should not procrastinate. We need to leave now."
Gytha warily pursed her lips, watching them both closely. She had a feeling that she was being taken as a fool… But then she saw the total honesty that they both turned towards her. They truly believed that they needed to go.
She sighed. "Very well, but I want to check for myself that you are both fit enough to travel. I will make sure that Bethany knows what to look for while she cares for you on the trip. I do not want either of you to arrive in Imladris in a worse condition than you left here. I will not tolerate it. You will both eat and then I will check you both over. But for now, it is too early and you had better rest. Try to sleep a little longer if you really wish to travel. If you do not…" She left the threat hanging.
Ivorhen grinned wanly as he gave a one-sided shrug. "I cannot promise, but I will try."
"That is all I ask." Gytha heaved a resigned sigh again. "I had better ready some herbs in a pack for you to take with you and warn the kitchens to prepare some food and provisions for you. I do not think I have any hope of keeping you here." She continued to grumble as she walked away, causing the elves to share a smile.
They knew that she did not mean anything by it. They had realised over the last few days that this was just her gruff way of showing affection.
Celeborn turned back to Ivorhen. "What are your fears, mellon nin?"
Ivorhen looked away, suddenly unable to meet his eyes. "I just sense that something dire is going to happen. I have this feeling of trepidation, as if something is stalking those I love and cherish. I cannot stay here!" There was a note of desperation in his voice.
"I agree." Celeborn nodded quietly.
"I have to go, I have to… what?" He gaped at Celeborn. He had expected the need to justify why he wanted to leave.
"I said I agree. I can see how this worries you. Tell me, have you ever had premonitions before?" Celeborn's blue eyes caught and held his.
"No, never before. Is that what you think this is?" Ivorhen's voice was low as his brown eyes widened in surprise. "I do not know. I do not think so. No one has ever said anything." He tried to recall any incident of premonition but could only come up with a blank.
"Good, it may be that your head injury has heightened an ability that has been lying dormant. I have seen it before. If that is so, you will find that it eases as you recover." Celeborn hoped to calm his obviously worried friend.
He was telling the truth, but only partially. He had seen this before. That was no lie. Half of those that had suffered this effect had recovered and had no further premonitions, but some had not and had never fully recovered. Many of that number had sailed, unable to come to terms with the change to their perception of the world. They grew weary of seeing danger and death all around them.
He was so glad that this had not happened with Galadriel and Elrond. Their abilities had been recognized from an early age and nurtured for what they were. They had grown into them rather than suddenly having them thrust upon them unprepared.
That caused Celeborn another worry, Elrohir. The sudden appearance of his visions was worrying. While the twins had been with him in Fornost, they could at least help and guide Elrohir. But he had chosen to run, desiring to bring aid to his father, far away from his family and the support that they could give him. Celeborn could only pray that the twins told Elrond what had happened.
Perhaps, when he next spoke with Galadriel, he could strongly hint that she should inform Elrond of this little fact. He could do that later, when he spoke with her before they left Bree, as he planned to do, once these blasted sleep-inducing herbs were out of his system!
"You think so?" There was new hope in Ivorhen's voice. It was enough to make him glad that he had discussed it with the Lothlórien Lord.
Yes, I think so." Celeborn could practically see the tension ease from the Imladris Captain.
"I feared that I was going mad." Ivorhen's voice was soft as he spoke, mostly to himself.
"No, you are not mad, mellon nin. There has to be some latent ability or you would not suddenly be having these premonitions. We will speak with Elrond and Galadriel when we arrive at Imladris. I am sure you will find that the feelings will ease as you recover." Ivorhen's smile was the brightest that he had seen on his friend's face in days. He was pleased. He would certainly speak to Elrond and Galadriel about this.
"Good, I do not think that I can deal with this for much longer." Ivorhen admitted, rather ashamed.
"I can understand that." Celeborn actually did understand, much more than Ivorhen would ever know. It was not widely known, but he also had some empathic ability. Ivorhen's deep distress was what had woken him from his deep sleep. He had known that the younger elf was suffering and even the sleeping herbs Celeborn had been given could not keep him asleep.
"You can?" There was great relief showing in Ivorhen's eyes and voice.
Celeborn grinned lightly. "Aye, I can. I live with Galadriel and deal often with Elrond."
"True." Ivorhen felt more relaxed now that he had voiced his worries and concerns about the fear that seemed to hover ominously above him like a summer thundercloud.
That made Celeborn smile and then frown.
"You should rest, penneth. If you wish to travel with me when I leave here this afternoon, you should be better rested." Celeborn was now determined to leave, no matter what Gytha said. If there was a possible threat to his family, he would be there to help them face it. "Gytha will not let you leave otherwise. The rest will help you heal. As she pointed out, it is still very early." It was still a couple of hours before dawn and they were both tired, no matter if they tried to convince themselves otherwise.
The sudden yawn that cracked Ivorhen's face embarrassed him and yet he could not hide it.
"Come, sleep. We will speak again when we wake." Celeborn's voice was gentle.
"I agree," Suddenly it was hard for Ivorhen to keep his eyes open. He lay back, aware of the little warm body that snuggled into his. He was pleased that Tiera had not wakened. He would have felt most guilty had that happened.
Celeborn watched the innocent pair across the way. They made such a sweet pair, yet they both worried him greatly. He had watched them with growing affection over the last few days. To him it seemed that they were both so young, trying to pretend they were older.
It would never work. Celeborn knew the truth.
He lay back with a welcome sigh. He truly was tired and he had yet to speak with Galadriel. She would not be best pleased, yet he knew that she would eventually understand. He closed his eyes without realising it.
The next thing Celeborn knew there was the sound of movement and soft voices around him and he blinked his eyes. He then realised that Anor's glow was lighting the chamber. He felt much better for the sleep as he pushed himself upright.
"So you have finally woke up!" Gytha appeared beside him, a wry expression on her face. "I was beginning to think that you would sleep the day away!" Her voice was sharp and yet he could sense the worry behind it.
"I feel much better." Celeborn's eyes sought the windows to see where Anor sat in the sky. To his relief, it was only mid-morning and the pain from his leg was even less than it had been in the night.
"Good, you slept well, as has Ivorhen. He woke a while ago. Are you hungry?" She watched him with sharp eyes.
"Yes, I am." Celeborn was surprised to realise that it had been a while, since before the battle, that he had truly felt this hungry.
Celeborn looked over to Ivorhen who was in deep conversation with Bethany. Tiera was playing happily with Helf Elf on the bed beside them.
"I am glad he managed to rest." Celeborn's words were sincere and Gytha smiled at him.
"Yes, so am I. It seems our talk has reassured him. It is time you both had something to eat. I will be right back." She crossed to leave the chamber, her attention now on getting her patients their morning meal. The others had eaten, but Ivorhen had insisted that he wait and eat with Celeborn.
"Good morrow, Celeborn." Ivorhen's bright smile was heartwarming and he looked a lot less strained than he had in recent days.
"Good morrow. You slept?" Despite Gytha's assurance, Celeborn had to ask.
"My Elf better." Tiera's wide smile reassured him.
"Good, and did you sleep well, Tiera?" Celeborn smiled at her.
"Yes, Big Elf, me and Helf Elf sleep good. I happy." She looked happier and more rested.
"Good, that is nice to hear." Celeborn had also lost his heart to this little girl. She and Legolas would get on well.
"I have been speaking to Bethany about leaving today and she is agreeable. She spoke with her husband, Hallam, this morning and he is agreeable. It has been arranged with Caric that as soon as things have calmed here, he will join her in Imladris." Ivorhen was much better than he had been. Celeborn could see it in his bright eyes and even his voice was stronger than it had been.
"Good." He smiled at Bethany. "You can be ready to leave by early afternoon?"
"You are that sure that Gytha will let you leave?" She was surprised. She knew Gytha quite well.
"Yes, we will be leaving." There was certainty in Celeborn's voice. "I will be giving my men their orders once we have eaten. Some will be staying to aid Bree and the rest will travel with us."
"You are brave." There was wonder in her voice. "If Gytha is not happy…" Bethany knew how stubborn the elder healer and soldier could be, and she had a temper to match.
"She will be happy." Even if he had to suppress a scream and smile through the pain, he would not let her see it. He was going and it was as simple as that. If there was something threatening his family, he wanted to be there. Also, he had a few choice words in mind for two very silly elflings. They would learn that they should not be so irresponsible in future. They were still young, they would learn… or he would kill them, either way they would learn. Not that he actually would, he loved them too much and it would all but kill Elrond to lose the pair of them as well. Celebrían's departure had caused much heartache.
He sighed with the memory of his beautiful daughter. He missed her bright smile and laughter, her gentle nature and sweet kindness, but most of all he missed his beloved Tithen Sell-nin. His little Ada's Girl who ran to meet him each night and woke with a smile every morning.
Yes, they had Arwen as a reminder and she was almost as sweet, but she would never be able to take Celebrían's place.
"Celeborn?" There was worry in Ivorhen's voice. Celeborn blinked and looked at them. He had not realised that he had been so lost in his memories.
"I was thinking. I am well." He smiled but was aware that his eyes would have remained unsmiling.
"You are sure?" Bethany sounded worried.
"Yes." It was succinct. Clearly he would not be drawn further into a discussion on this.
"You miss her." Small hazel eyes looked into his with such kindness that his breath caught. How could…? Of course, how silly of him to forget.
"Yes, I do. But we will meet again one day." He assured her.
"Who?" Bethany was confused. She hated feeling confused. She would never admit it though.
"Little one." Tiera had turned back to play with Helf Elf. "Tithen sell."
Ivorhen gasped and looked at Celeborn, who just nodded. The fact that Tiera had spoken Elvish did not even surprise him. She had felt him after all, why not actually understand what he was feeling? It was a pity that Bethany was not the same.
"Tiera, what is this Tut… what you just said?"
"Bethany, it is 'tithen sell' and it means 'little daughter' in the Westron language. I called my daughter that." Celeborn's smile was sad.
"You will talk with her again." Tiera's voice sounded certain.
"Yes, I know I will, but not for a long time." Celeborn had that hope, at least.
"Soon, you will see, where My Elf lives. She talked to him. He is happy." Tiera was concentrating on rubbing the rabbit fur. It felt so good beneath her hands, calming.
All of the adults looked confused at this.
"Tiera, who is happy?" Ivorhen gently asked.
"Las. He is happy that they talked. He hurts so much but won't tell." Tiera looked up with sad eyes.
"Las?" Celeborn's eyes were wide. "Legolas? But, you have never met Legolas."
Ivorhen looked just as startled. How could she know of the Prince? They had never once mentioned Legolas anywhere near her. There had been no need to.
"I feel him. He is sad and hurt. I will help him." It was simply said.
"We will see about that, penneth." Ivorhen would not let Tiera over-stretch herself again. Once was more than enough, hennad. He was sure that Elrond and the others would not leave Legolas in pain.
Tiera just smiled at him and he found himself swallowing, it was such an old smile, so knowing, as if she knew more than he did, even with her young age. As he looked into those old/young eyes, he was not sure that she did not.
The tableau was broken by Gytha's return. "Here we are, food for the breaking of your fast!"
She was laden with food. More than they could eat.
She smiled at their wide eyes. "Bethany and I have yet to eat and I thought we would join you. I brought some fresh, creamy milk for you, Tiera. I know that you like that."
Her reward was a happy smile as she began to hand out the food. "It is not much, but it is better than having an empty belly."
"True." Celeborn agreed. "And we are most grateful. You will soon have plenty of food I am sure." In fact, he knew so. They would not leave them like this and once they got to the bottom of what the idiot former Mayor had truly been up to or who his Master truly was.
"We would be most grateful for that, Celeborn." Caric had hobbled into the hall. He looked much better today. Celeborn eyed him with knowing eyes, yes he was even moving much easier today and his colour was almost back to normal. "Wolraven says that you hope to leave today." It was not a question.
"Aye, with the Valar's wish." Celeborn was eyeing the porridge, it looked good.
"We will see." Was Gytha's acerbic rejoinder. "That will do you no good in the bowl, Celeborn, eat!"
He gave sheepish smile and then began to eat.
Once they had finished discussing anything and everything other than the coming journey, Gytha cleared away the plates and turned towards the waiting and expectant elves.
"I guess it is time to find out how the pair of you are doing. Will you stay, Caric?" She turned to the Mayor.
"Course, I wouldn't miss this for the world!" Caric had come to the hall to see this especially. Nothing would make him move from his spot.
His obvious pleasure in this came across perhaps a little too clearly and it earned him a glare from Gytha and he flushed with embarrassment and had the grace to look away.
Her face softened as she realised that he was regretful and her voice was unusually kind.
"You may stay but on one condition."
"What is that?" His eyes were sharp. He knew that the wily old healer would come out with something like this.
"You make no move and leave when I say so." She watched him closely as he nodded his agreement.
"I agree to your terms." There was a twinkle in his eyes that caught her attention though, a look that she knew of old. Caric was up to something. This was not good and the ones who would suffer were the two elves with her, she was sure.
"Very well." Her eyes were sharp on him once more and then she shrugged, she would find out in time what he had planned she was sure. She turned to the Elves. "Who goes first?"
"I will." That rather surprised all of them. They were somehow expecting Celeborn to try and draw out the inevitable.
"As you wish." But Gytha was puzzled, he could not be that eager to hear his fate. Could he?
"I do so wish." Celeborn pushed the bed clothes down and gently moved his leg out from under them, careful to hide the wince of pain that the movement caused.
"Very well." Gytha moved to wash her hands. She was not like Irfan, who she was convinced was terrified of any water in any state.
Then she moved to remove the bandages, leaving them loose so that Bethany could remove that as she was about to begin and then she moved to wash her hands once again, just as Elrond had taught her all those years ago.
Gytha mused on the time past as she washed, so long ago now, when she had been young, with black hair and everything to live for, a family with a future, family of her own. It was strange how fate moved sometimes. Yet she was happy with her lot now. There was a man who cared for her and made her feel special. A pity really, that he was so shy.
Then she moved back into the bed space and began to ready the herbs and dressings she would need, setting aside her reminiscing.
"Bethany, would you?" The younger woman nodded and did so.
They both gasped aloud in amazement at what they saw.
The wound was healing incredibly well. Yes, it was still red with slight infection showing, but not as bad as it had been. The stitches no longer pulled as if they would tear away from the skin and the wound was healing over and granulating at a much faster rate than either of the woman would have expected.
"How can this be?" Bethany exclaimed as she looked at Celeborn's thigh. "That was the worst wound. You said as much, Gytha!"
"Yes, I did and it does look something like a miracle." Gytha sounded amused.
"It is! But this should not be possible!" Bethany was shaking her head.
"Ma?" A worried voice sounded from beside Ivorhen.
"I'm alright, darling." Bethany tried to reassure her daughter.
"They are elves, Bethany. Elves heal much faster than men do." Bethany was washing the wound calmly. It did look much better.
"That is a myth! It could never…" She stopped as she saw their amused looks. "It is true?"
"Aye, it is true." Gytha turned back to Celeborn. "How does it feel?" She could see all of the wounds properly now.
"Better, there is no pain." Celeborn told her easily.
"Hmm" She looked at him suspiciously. "You are sure?"
"I am sure." He smiled and met her eyes guilelessly.
"We shall see." She replied tartly as she bent once more to examine him. This time she gently pressed on the once-bruised and swollen skin around his knee. She looked up while she gave it a good poke and looked down when he did not react. She missed seeing Caric's amused grin. He knew what Celeborn was doing.
"There is no pain, Gytha." It took a lot to keep his voice calm and without a sign of pain, but Celeborn somehow managed it.
"Really? Then you will not mind standing and walking for me?" Her sharp eyes speared him.
"I thought you would never ask!" Celeborn smiled brightly. If this been his grandsons or even Legolas doing this, he would castigate them for hiding the truth. Perhaps he could understand their reasoning now. Maybe he would not be so hard on them… next time. He knew that with those three there would be a next time… He hoped. Galadriel had foreseen that they would be friends in the times to come. He had a feeling that Middle-earth would be both grateful and yet tremble for that.
He moved quickly to the side of the bed, keeping his face tranquil and then placed his foot against the floor.
Gytha watched his every move as Celeborn stood.
How he did not scream, he would never know. It took every ounce of strength and determination to keep the weight on his leg. And he somehow even kept his smile natural-looking. He could do nothing about the pallor of his face.
"See?" His voice was light and easy when he spoke. He thought it would be pained and strained. Strange what he could do when he really put his mind to it.
"Yes, I see. But it is just one of my conditions that you have met." She would not let him off lightly with this one.
"I know. I must walk as well." He grinned at her. It made his youthful face look even younger.
"So… when will you?" Gytha grinned back, her old face smug.
Celeborn's answer was simple. He took a faltering step forward. Somehow he managed to keep the limp down to a minimum.
"Good, and another one, please." Gytha watched closely, certain she had seen a wince cross his face, slight though it might have been. She wanted to make sure that she had seen rightly.
Celeborn gritted his teeth. Gytha would have to make it more difficult.
He took another step and then another before turning to smile widely. With each step, the pain seemed to recede and he could move with greater ease.
Gytha nodded, satisfied. "Good, back to your bed then!" She would have to give him this one. He seemed to be moving with relative ease. She then seemed to turn her attention totally to Ivorhen.
Celeborn gave a silent sigh of relief. He had won this round. He gave Ivorhen a triumphant grin but froze when he realised that a certain little girl was watching him with worry-filled eyes. He had not counted on Tiera and her empathy. She could spoil everything with one innocent comment, a comment that no child this young could resist.
But, then Tiera gave him a wide smile and, to his great shock, a wink before turning away to watch Gytha speak to Ivorhen.
Celeborn blinked. He could not have seen what he thought he had just seen? Tiera acted as if she knew exactly what he was thinking.
Then he mused, perhaps she did fully understand after all.
He had other things to ponder and he could speak with Tiera on the journey to Imladris. He could find out exactly what she had felt.
"Lift your right hand for me, Ivorhen." Gytha instructed Ivorhen as Celeborn turned back to watch them. Ivorhen strained to lift his hand. Celeborn could see the effort in his pale face.
Yet slowly and surely the hand rose from its position on the bed. It shook and rose slowly, but he did finally manage to lift it.
Celeborn nodded approval. He knew that Ivorhen would do all in his power to go with him to Imladris.
"Good, is there any pain?" Gytha observed Ivorhen closely.
"No." There was nothing but the ring of truth in Ivorhen's words.
"Good." Her smile was one of relief. "Make a fist for me?"
Again, it was slow, but Ivorhen did make a fist. He would not admit this was not easy at all.
"Good, you are doing well. Open your hand." He did so and she took it in her hand. "Now squeeze?"
Brow knit with the effort, Ivorhen concentrated and slowly he managed to squeeze her hand, although a lot weaker than his usual grip.
"That is much better!" Gytha was glad to see he could do even that much. Celeborn settled back with relief to watch as Ivorhen's examination continued.
Perhaps things just may go their way after all. It continued that way until Ivorhen had to stand unaided, something he had yet to do successfully.
It was a little more problematic. His right leg was still much weaker than he would like, but Ivorhen did eventually take a couple of staggering steps. He hoped it was enough to convince Gytha that he was well enough to leave.
Finally, Gytha sat back with a pensive look. She moved so she could see their faces clearly.
"I doubt that telling you leaving is not a good idea, that neither of you are well enough to leave these beds, let alone Bree, would make a bit of difference?"
They both shook their heads.
"I had a feeling that you would both say that. This goes against my better judgment…" Gytha was resigned.
"But?" Ivorhen could wait no longer.
"But… if you agree to follow Bethany's instructions and follow every order that she gives you, then you can go. I do have instructions for both of you!" Gytha's voice hardened as she crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "I expect you to follow every one of them! If I hear you have not done exactly as I tell you, the next time I see you there will be more trouble than either of you can handle. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Healer Gytha, we understand. Wait… does that mean we can go?" Ivorhen could not believe what he heard. He had been certain that Gytha would say no.
"Yes, young one, you can go." Gytha knew he was far older than her and, yes, she knew that he hated being called that, but for her, it was a term of endearment.
"Thank the Valar." Celeborn breathed out in a relieved sigh.
Gytha wagged a finger in Celeborn's direction. "And don't you think that I didn't notice that you were in pain. Just try to deny it and I may change my mind about allowing you to leave!" Her voice held stern warning..
Celeborn would not chance an argument, but just nodded. He knew what Gytha was like when her temper was up, from old.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Early mid-afternoon found the mixed group of elves and men of Fornost mounted, ready to leave. Much to Ivorhen's annoyance and embarrassment, he was made to ride with another, rather than astride his own mount.
He tried to argue the point that he was well enough to ride on his own horse alone, without any aid, but Gytha had looked at him, eyes narrowed and her lips so thin that they barely showed in her face. Her voice was stern, emphasizing each word clearly. "You. Will. Ride. With. Another!"
"Or?" He saw Celeborn wince as he dared to ask.
"Or you do not go. It is as simple at that." Her arms were crossed in a no-nonsense stance.
Ivorhen gaped at her, knowing that she meant every word. Reluctantly he nodded. He would have to accept this, at least until they left Bree. Then he would make certain that he rode his own horse, on his own.
"Good, you are being sensible then." She then turned her attention to Celeborn. "Celeborn, if I hear that Ivorhen has ridden alone at any point in this journey, you and I will have words." The set of her jaw promised those words would not be sweet.
"I will not let him ride." Celeborn knew when they were beaten.
Ivorhen could not believe it! Had she known what he was planning? Was she always one step ahead of them! All his plans had just gone up in flames. This was unbearable!
"My Elf?" Tiera's voice came from beside him.
Ivorhen turned to see that Tiera was perched before Gildor. He had planned to have her ride with him as well.
"Yes, Penneth?" He smiled at her, in spite of his disappointment.
"You are alright?" Worried hazel eyes watched him.
"Yes, penneth, I am alright. You have Helf Elf?" Every time he said the toy's name, he had to smile, it certainly brightened him up.
She nodded and pulled the rabbit up to show him.
"Good, you will stay beside me? I want to look after you at all times." For Ivorhen that had become one of the more important things on Arda.
"I stay." Was the simple promise. "You stay, no pain?" Gildor wisely ignored their conversation, or seemed to.
"I will stay near you, penneth. I am in no pain." He reassured her, even though his leg was already throbbing.
A snort sounded from the other side of the horse he shared. Ivorhen turned to see Gytha watching him with amusement. "No pain? Really?"
"Yes, really!" He snapped, slightly sharper than intended.
"I see." Gytha turned back to Celeborn, ignoring Ivorhen's brief spark of temper. "I made certain that you have as many herbs as I can spare you. I have the children out gathering more as we speak. They have made a game of hide and seek of the job. I have also made certain that you have a couple of strong tree limbs and a strong piece of sacking so that if it becomes necessary you can make a litter." She turned gimlet eyes to Ivorhen. "Some are just foolish enough to believe that they are invincible. I fully expect that it will be used before you get to Imladris."
Ivorhen blushed and frowned slightly, aware of the implication that it would be him who would need the litter.
"Thank you, Gytha. I cannot thank you enough…"
"Enough? After all you have done for us? I doubt that Bree would still be here if it were not for you and your aid." Her smile and reassurance was more than enough and Celeborn nodded. Nothing more needed to be said, they both knew that.
"Then it is time that we were away. I wish to be clear of Bree before nightfall. That way we can make good progress with an earlier start tomorrow. The sooner we get to Imladris the happier I will be!"
Celeborn nodded to his guard and they set off, the Galadhrim proud in their red capes as they rode ahead. "We will meet very soon, dear friend." He bowed from his horse and Gytha blushed.
"Oh, away with you!" She was pleased and touched under her gruff reaction. Perhaps a good long-standing friendship had been made these last few days. "Look after Amaruvdor as well. He will turn out alright, you watch." Gytha walked with them a short distance.
"Yes, I believe he will." He turned to look at the Heir of Fornost. Despite his highborn standing, he was willing to try his hand at anything, if it would help the people around him. Celeborn thought he was trying a little too hard at first, but now he realised that he was just eager to help, trying to make amends. "Lord Bainen and Lady Banwen will be most pleased. I am sure that we will meet again, Gytha. Look after Caric for me?"
"I will. Safe journey." Gytha watched with worry and sadness as they rode off into the afternoon.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
They made good time, given how late they had left. It was early dusk before Celeborn called a halt for the night and they began to prepare the camp.
To Ivorhen's embarrassment, he had needed help to dismount
It only lessened when he realised that he was not the only one in this situation.
For over from him Celeborn was also being helped from the horse, his face white and pinched with pain.
Bethany was doing an amazing impersonation of Gytha as she hovered around him. "I knew you were not well enough to leave Bree! But would you listen! Would you, heck! And to ride all this way without a break." She shook her head.
"I am just stiff." Celeborn hissed through clenched teeth. "We also have not had any herbs since before we left."
Bethany gasped with horror. How could she forget something like this? Gytha had told her how important it was to keep them as pain-free as possible, that this was going to be hard enough on them as it was without letting them be in agony, and what had she done? Forgotten on the very first day!
"I will organise that tea!" She left her children with Ivorhen, and gathered the huge pack that Gytha had sent with her. She appeared to think of everything.
"We can wait a few moments." Celeborn assured her as he sat with a sigh beside the area that they had decided to use for the camp fire. "We have waited this long, rushing the tea will not help." He smiled to take the sting out of his words.
She smiled back in relief. And then nodded and began to make the tea a little less guilty and a lot happier than she had been a moment before.
"How do you feel, seriously?" Ivorhen worriedly asked in a quiet voice, meant for Celeborn alone.
"Tired and sore, you?" The answering grin was answer enough and he smiled back, what a pair they made! "Then rest, mellon nin, tomorrow is going to be longer and harder on both of us."
"True, it is worrying that today was not even a full days riding and yet I am exhausted." Was the wry admission from the Noldor elf.
"My Elf alright?" Tiera sleepily watched the fire, sucking her thumb.
"Yes, Tiera, I am alright, are you?" His answer was a sleepy nod. "Good. Rest before we eat and then you can sleep."
Tiera nodded happily. She was warm and so tired.
"Good, you will rest as well, Celeborn?" He looked across the fire towards his friend, only to pause.
Celeborn was staring into the fire as if mesmerised. His eyes blank.
"Celeborn?" He kept his voice low. There was no response. "Celeborn?"
His words made Bethany look up. "Is there something wrong with Celeborn?"
"No, I am sure he will be alright eventually." She could hear the worry in his voice.
"Do you want me to check him?" Bethany could see his worry.
"Would you mind?" Ivorhen would have done it himself but he was not sure he could even make it over to Celeborn's side.
"I would not ask if I minded!" She smiled at him.
He had the grace to look embarrassed. "Thank you, I think he is only tired" Then he said under his breath. "I hope he is only tired." He had a funny feeling that he knew what this was, and he just hoped he was wrong.
Bethany nodded and moved over next to the Lothlórien Lord. She stepped before his line of sight as she bent over him. He did not move or look at her.
"Ivorhen, there may be something wrong with him. He is not responding to me!" There was a hint of panic in her voice.
"How does he look?" How he wished he could go over there!
"His eyes are wide and staring. His pulse is good though." She told him somewhat calmed by Ivorhen's calm unruffled tone.
Ivorhen sighed, it was as he thought.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Celeborn let his leg rest out in front of him, trying to ease the cramping muscles as Bethany moved about preparing the herbs for them. He was tired and sore, but he would not let them know just how bad this pain really was.
There would be only one person who could tell how much pain he was in, and she was miles away. Then his heart dropped. Galadriel could feel him, as he could feel her. She would know…
/Celeborn./ Oh how he knew that tone of voice, all too well. Only it was not normally leveled at him.
/Galadriel, how are you/ He tried to keep the pain from his voice, tried to keep it light.
/Do not use that tone with me, Celeborn/ He winced at the icy tone of her voice.
/What do you mean/ He kept his tone innocent, though he did not think he would get away with it.
/You know exactly what I mean, Celeborn Silvertree! Where exactly are you/ Oh no, she was most decidedly unhappy.
It was time to face the truth, although he had hoped that they would be further into the journey before he had to face this.
/Uh, why do you ask that, Meleth/ That would buy him a short time to think.
Silence met his question and he winced. Oh yes, Galadriel, Lady of Light, was far from being happy. She would not tolerate any pretense of being obtuse or trying to hide from her.
/I am in Bree./ It was not exactly a lie, they were in the outskirts of Bree and almost on the border, but technically they were still in Bree.
/You really expect me to believe that/ There was open incredulity in her voice.
/Yes, I am still in…"
/Bree by a mere technicality! I have seen what you are up to, Celeborn. Seen it and felt every bit of your pain/ Galadriel's voice was sharp. She was angry with him, perhaps rightly.
What could he say? There was nothing and so he kept quiet, better to say nothing than make the situation worse. He knew what Galadriel was like in this type of angry situation. It was better to let her get it out of her system, to let her blow off the anger.
/Did you think that the moment you put weight on your leg and moved I would not know what was happening! I felt every one of those steps that you took, but then you have to ride a horse!" There was outright indignation in her voice. If it had not been so serious it might have been hysterically funny, but it was serious and there was nothing to find funny in this situation. Nothing at all.
/Have you taken leave of your senses! Has Gytha/ The anger in her voice was growing not easing and he realised how upset she really was. More upset than he had seen her in a good many millennia.
/Galadriel/ He kept his voice low. Low and calm.
/She let you leave! Valar forbid that she let Ivorhen accompany you/ Yes, Galadriel was working herself up nicely. /The pair of you should be tied to the bed! Believe me when I say that Gytha and I will be having words with her about this as soon as I see her, believe me I will be seeing her/
/Galadriel./ Calm and easy, that was the way to do it.
/A healer acting so irresponsibly/
/Galadriel/ Still calm but a little more forceful.
/If the level of pain I feel is right, then you should still be resting…/
/Galadriel!.../
/What/ Her exasperation was clear in her tone.
He explained calmly. /I am well. Bethany is making us both some tea for the pain and then I will sleep once we have eaten. They will not let us do anything, but we had to leave for Imladris./
/So you just ignored all that Gytha advised! I would expect that of our impetuous grandsons but not their DaerAda! I cannot think what has come over you since… what do you mean you had to get to Imladris/ When she realized what he had actually said it took the anger from her in an instant.
She could hear and feel the sigh through their link. He was worried, now that she took the time to feel past the dreadful pain he was feeling and the tiredness that seemed to be dragging him down, she could sense the worry. A worry she had been too angry to acknowledge when she thought he had just ignored Gytha.
/I did tell you that Ivorhen had a head injury/ He was so tired he could not truly recall what he had said, he really needed to get some rest and have some pain herbs.
/Yes, yes you did. He is better/ Galadriel had calmed considerably.
/Yes and no./ he could feel what he was feeling and all she wanted was to hug him.
/What do you mean/ She was now as worried, was there something wrong with the Noldor?
/Ivorhen is recovering from his head injury, but he is also having what I think is prophetic dreams. The same recurring dream. Something is threatening Imladris something bad. But he cannot see what or who it is nor who it is after. We decided that it would be better to leave now, and with Gytha's permission. She checked us over before we left and gave us permission. I would have left without it, but I preferred to leave with it./
/Even if you did not tell her the whole truth/ was the sly rejoinder.
/I told her the truth/
/Yes, I can imagine. Your version of the truth that says that the inside of your mouth is raw from stopping the moans of pain that I felt from you when you stood and walked that first time/ All traces of amusement fled as she recalled dropping the bread she had been eating and grabbing hold of her leg. The pain had made her feel physically sick.
The silence that met her words said volumes. She sighed. This was what she had been afraid of. /Saes be careful, Meleth? Make certain you take plenty of pain herbs or you will never be able to make this trip./
/I know, but I was more interested in making some progress today. I will be speaking to Bethany so that we have some tea ready so that we can have it without the need to stop./ Celeborn admitted, today, more specifically this afternoon had been hard on them
/You will make frequent stops, will you not? You cannot ride without a break for hours at a time/ She was worried once more.
/We will have stops, I promise you. Now will you tell me what is worrying you. Meleth/ It was time to turn the tables and ask what she was worried about, apart from him and Ivorhen.
There was nothing forthcoming for a few seconds and then he caught the tired, worried filled sigh.
/I cannot hide it from you either. The trial is about to start this morning. I am not looking forward to the outcome and I am worried about our loved ones in Imladris. I was hoping that we had finally given Thranduil and Legolas a break from the Great Deceiver, but the growing threat to all of them tells me it may have only been temporary, I fear that his minions are continuing his wishes. And I am worried about you and Ivorhen./ Galadriel told him.
Celeborn neatly side stepped the latter statement and concentrated on the former admissions. /Aye, I gathered as much from the little Ivorhen could tell me. That is why we will travel and get there as soon as possible. The thought of leaving them all alone like this and injured… Have you had any news on their condition/
/Yes, Elrond has recovered his sight and is finally healing. It will take some time but he will recover. Thranduil is better also and as for Legolas. I get such wonderful flashes of joy from him! Wonder at the world around him. Joy at being with his Father and Friend's. Despite what has happened the trip is helping him. Thranduil's Pellin seems to have eased a great deal since he spoke with Minerella. That will also help Legolas. The others are all continuing to heal also./ He could picture her smile and smiled also, this was wonderful news. /But there is a great threat that is still over them and we must not forget that./
/I will not forget that./ How could he? For some reason Sauron felt that Legolas was a great threat and had to be eliminated. The fact that he was an Elfling and no great danger to him did not seem to matter. /The trial is going ahead? How is Orophin? What has Bainen said/
/Orophin has all but healed, much to Mellroth's shock. As for the trial. Not much has been said, the people seem genuinely upset This will be hard for them all and with the evidence that has been uncovered…/ Celeborn felt her shudder through their link.
/Evidence/
/We have found two pits with bodies in. Some have been identified as having been with the accused/ She would not use his given name, to think that he had planned to have Banwen killed like that and HAD killed his own Step Mother showed him for the coward that he truly was. /Some could only be identified by the little personal effects that He left on them. I think that Bainen is going to ask for the death sentence to be considered. He considers his actions to be that heinous. I think there is far more going on than that. /
/This will be hard on everyone. You can at least tell Banwen and Bainen that I am bringing Amaruvdor home with us. He has become a great credit to them. Willing to help with everything he can. I think he likes the healing art./ Celeborn had been watching the Heir of Fornost with great interest after the awful start he had had in Bree.
He had noticed that the Young Man seemed to like helping on the healing ward and had listened to all that Gytha had said, asking pertinent questions about what herbs that they used. He would be speaking with Elrond about this, perhaps Fornost had a new healer in the making.
/Bainen and Banwen will be encouraged to hear that. They have been most worried about what has been happening with him. Perhaps his leaving Fornost, whilst not for the best intentions was actually one of the best things he could have done./ His bonded sounded thoughtful.
/Yes his attitude did not help when he arrived, but that soon settled. What else is happening with you, Melleth? I know there is more./ He could sense it as they spoke, the feeling of worry and nagging fear.
/I cannot hide it from you can I/ Her voice was soft.
/As I cannot hide from you/ Was the rejoinder to that.
Galadriel laughed feeling a little more settled for having spoken with Celeborn, she always did feel better once she had done so. Not that that was surprising, he was in effect the other half of her Fea. /I would not wish it any other way/
/I know what you mean, so saes tell me what the problem is/ Celeborn would not be drawn from what he wanted to know.
Her frustrated sigh made him smile.
/Very well! I have spoken with Elrond and what he has said has me… worried and unsure./
/He and our Grandson's are alright? Thranduil and Legolas/ They were his first thoughts.
/I am unsure. Apparently they walked Legolas in the gardens, carried him out through Celebrían's retreat./
/He would have liked that./ Celeborn's voice was soft.
/Yes he did apparently. But that is not the issue. Apparently, Legolas has had his awakening as you may know/ So much had happened that she was not clear on what she had told him.
/He has? But that is so early, he is still a babe/ Celeborn was shocked.
/That was my initial reaction, he saw his father talking to the trees and when Thranduil was distracted tried to emulate him and did as he had done./ Galadriel explained.
/But we could have lost him/ Celeborn was both shocked and amazed.
/I know. I think the only one who did not know that was Legolas himself/ Galadriel was still amazed at that.
/What happened/ Celeborn was caught in the awful position of both wanting to know the outcome and dreading it.
/To everyone's surprise Legolas seemed to know instinctively what to do. He pulled back with out being told what to do. But there is more./ How could she tell him what was happening?
/He did? That is incredible/ Celeborn did not think he had ever heard anything mentioned about this before.
/My dreams have stopped./ The change of subject confused him for the minute.
/Dreams? All of them/ Galadriel could feel his shock.
/No, Meleth, not all of them. The ones I have been having for years, about the elf with a total link to nature./ She shook her head.
/Oh, those! When did they stop/ How could he have forgotten that?
/After I helped Thranduil and Legolas escape the 'Master'. It is almost as if they… / Galadriel paused. /No, not they, but I have met him. The need for those dreams has passed./
/Do you think it is Legolas/ For Celeborn, it was the only answer that fit.
/Yes, I do. I have never seen his face, only his hands as he fires a bow. He could surpass Glorfindel with his prowess. And when I saw him fight with his knives…/
Galadriel was still a little stunned at what she had seen of this elf in the future. She knew Legolas had a great and good life ahead of him. She had seen many glimpses, both good and bad. She had seen quick images of Legolas with a young Adan with curly black hair. The Ring of Barahir sat upon the young man's right index finger. She had seen them fighting and joking together, had seen Elladan and Elrohir with the pair of them, and then she had seen them surrounded by orcs, deep in battle.
But the thing that so closely linked Legolas to her prophetic dreams was the leaf that he had worn on his cloak. It was a Lothlórien leaf and cloak at that, the same one that she had seen Legolas wear in the dream with the orc battle.
/We already know that Legolas has a great future with his skill with the bow, but knives? It is rare to see a fighter with two knives. You have to be very dexterous for those, not even Glorfindel can do that/ Celeborn told her.
/I can only tell you what I have seen, that Legolas has one of the greatest links to the Song that I have ever known/
/There is more/ He ignored her sharpened tone.
/Aye, there is more. Do you recall the last time that we visited Imladris, when we went for a walk by the river/ It was a favourite pastime when they visited the valley haven.
/Yes I do. It was a beautiful night./ There was fondness in his voice.
/Yes, it was. Do you recall that I told you that I thought I had heard a voice that evening/ Galadriel's voice was tentative.
/Yes, I do, but we decided that you had heard some other elf across the river./ Celeborn sounded puzzled.
/No Meleth, you decided that I had heard things./ There was no sting in her words. At the time, she had thought she was hearing things as well. /I was not hearing things after all./
/Who was it/
/Well, they took Legolas outside to feel Anor's rays and he heard the same voice. / She had to smile at his huff of impatience.
/Who was it, saes, Meleth/
/It was Celebrían, she has been trying to contact us from Valinor and all have ignored her./ She told him the truth.
/No! This cannot be. You can have no contact with Valinor/ Once a person sailed it was very rare to have contact with Middle-earth, so rare he could only think of one instance and that had been recent. Minerella being allowed to appear help her son and husband was very unusual. If only… Hope began to beat in his heart. He could speak with his tithen sell once more?
/ I will be the first to admit that I do not understand it, but Elrond did speak with Celebrían. He sounded better than he has since Celebrían sailed, more at peace./ That had been a comfort. Elrond had long carried a burden of self-imposed guilt that he was unable to help Celebrían after the orcs had poisoned her. If the Lord of Imladris could gain some peace, it would benefit them all.
/I could talk once more with my tithen sell/ That was all Celeborn could think of. /I will go to Imladris as fast as I can/ It would be tomorrow if he had his way.
/Celeborn, that is not necessary, and if I find that you have ignored your injuries or the warnings that your body gives to you, then you will be in more trouble than you have seen in centuries./ He knew that tone! It was not one you ignored if you wished to stay out of trouble. An angry Galadriel was not a pleasant experience, as he knew quite well.
/I will be sensible. I do not believe that Bethany would allow me to do any other, and as for Ivorhen… He needs to pace himself as much as I do./ It was plain truth.
/Good, be assured, I will know./ There was certainty in her words.
/Valar protect me, in that case/ She could feel his gentle smile through their bond.
/If you do not do as Bethany tells you on your journey even the Valar will not be able to protect you from me/ Galadriel was joking but there was a hint of warning in her tone. /You had better go and have those herbs for your pain and sleep. I can feel your exhaustion from here./
/Yes, I will. Bethany and Tiera will be worried. I would not want that. Oh, before I go. One last little piece of information that has just made complete sense/ Tired and hurting as he was, he had just recalled the conversation with Tiera before they left Bree.
/What is that, Meleth/ He could feel her curiosity.
/She knew that Legolas was worried about someone calling to him. She knew about Legolas by the name of Las. We had not mentioned him to her at all, and certainly not by that name./
/That is most interesting. Who do you think Legolas was worried about/ Galadriel did not dare to hope. This could be confirmation of all they had just been talking about. She held her breath praying what she hoped would be so.
/Celebrían! It had to be. Think. Someone was calling to Legolas, needing his help to contact her loved ones/ There was excitement in his voice. Something that had been missing since his daughter had been captured by the fell creatures.
Galadriel felt her own excitement, when she had spoken with Elrond about this, she had been worried about what she was hearing, but if there was someone else who could confirm it… Maybe she had been worrying for nothing. Maybe she would get to speak with her daughter again. She could live in hope, a hope that had long been dampened.
/You are right. It has to be. Celeborn/ Her voice was lighter.
/Yes, Meleth/
/I wish to stop in Imladris for a time on our way home. I would like to witness this miracle for myself./ They would know then, once and for all.
/I was hoping you would say that! Yes, we can. I think we must./ He sounded contented and happy.
/I agree. Now go. You need that tea and I have a trial to attend. Pray that I do not have to call on my Ring once again. Once was bad enough even if Banwen is treating me different/ Her laughter was like music to his ears and the last thing that he heard as she withdrew. /I will speak with you tomorrow evening, please take care? I love you./
And then she was gone, leaving behind the tingle that always remained to show their link. He felt better, not so tired, almost invigorated as he opened his eyes to see worried brown eyes looking down at him.
"Bethany?" He blinked away the aftermath of his talk with Galadriel.
"I was becoming worried. You would not answer me. I have the tea for you." The frown between her eyes eased as he answered her.
"I would have thought that Ivorhen would have…" He stopped as he realised that Ivorhen was fast asleep with Tiera curled against his side, cuddling Helf Elf. "Ahh, I see."
"They were both asleep before I finished making the tea." Bethany's voice was soft with fond amusement.
"They are exhausted." Celeborn's voice was just as soft. "I was talking with my bonded. That was why I did not answer. I am sorry if I worried you."
"Your bonded?" The word sounded foreign to her.
"My wife, my beloved, who says I must listen and do all that you tell me or she will make my life miserable for the rest of eternity." Celeborn spoke quite seriously.
Bethany laughed briefly at that but then stopped when Celeborn did not join in with the laughter.
"The awful thing is that I know Galadriel, and she would do it as well. She will make my life more miserable than you could ever know. Needless to say, I will do as she wishes." Celeborn eyes held a twinkle then.
"But, how would she know?" Bethany was amazed that such a mighty Elf Lord like Celeborn could be terrified of his wife.
"Bethany, have you ever met any elves, properly met them, not just seen them?" Celeborn peered closely at her as he sipped the pain-relieving tea.
"Not really. I have seen Lord Elrond and Lord Thranduil from afar, but you and Ivorhen are the first elves I have ever spoken to or come to know." Bethany told him honestly.
"Then take a seat while I explain. I am sure the day has been hard on you as well." Celeborn gestured for her to sit.
"Yes, it has. The others have found some rabbits and one has sighted some does that we may catch tomorrow for the evening meal. It seems sad and harsh…" Bethany finished with a shrug.
"But it is the way of the world and my men will thank her for her sacrifice and she will know she is loved before she dies." That was the elven way after all.
"That is nice. They will do that?" Her eyes had brightened.
"Yes, they will. They always do. It is the way of my people. You will learn more about our ways as we travel together. It will be my pleasure to teach you." Celeborn told her gently.
"You would do that for me?" Bethany's eyes were wide and, in that moment, she looked just like her daughter.
"Yes, I would do that for you and more if I can. Would you like that?" Celeborn smiled in encouragement.
"I would love that, I have always wanted to learn more of the elves…" She stopped and blushed.
"That is well. I will teach you all I can of my people and their ways." Celeborn told her.
"Thank you. What does it mean, 'bonded'?" She had bright eyes as she watched him and settled down to listen to what he had to say.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Galadriel sighed and pulled back from her link with Celeborn. This time she had been alone. Mellroth had decided he wanted to examine Orophin one more time before letting him appear at the trial. For sake of future relations they would humor the healer.
At least there was no one to trying to mother her and get her to rest. She did not have time to even think of that. Some miruvor would help and she would ask for some sweetened tea before the trial started. But first, she had to finish getting ready.
She picked up the brush that she had used for years. It had been a bonding gift from Celeborn. How she missed him when they were apart, even though she could reach him within seconds. At least she had that chance, unlike Elrond and Thranduil. Her heart went out to both of them as she brushed her bright hair.
A knock at the door disturbed her musing. "Naneth?"
"Come in, Orophin." She smiled at the reflection of her youngest foster son. "How did it go?"
"Mellroth has declared that I am fit to attend. He was amazed at how well I have recovered." His smile was bright.
"Good, I am most pleased with that. I must say I was worried when we found you. They had intended for you to be found by the orcs. I cannot forgive Tarlanc for that." Galadriel would be tempted to kill him with her own two hands given five minutes alone with him.
"Naneth, that did not happen. The Valar led you to me. Keep thinking of that. But I fear Lord Malthenel needs our support to deal with this. This ordeal will be the hardest on him." Orophin hurried to hug her and then he paused. "Have you had any miruvor?"
"No, why?" She blinked at the change of subject.
"Because you need it, and now. Did you have another vision?" He was already moving to where the skin rested for just such emergencies.
Galadriel smiled ruefully. She should have realised that her foster son would notice.
"It was not a vision, I spoke with Celeborn." She smiled gently.
"How is Ada?" He poured the dose of miruvor that he knew she needed. The pallid colour of her face told him something had happened.
"On his way to Imladris." Galadriel comment wryly as she took the goblet and began to sip.
"Healer Gytha allowed him to go!" There was astonishment in his voice. Galadriel had told him how badly injured Adar was. It was unlikely he should be traveling yet.
"Yes, but only under duress I think. You know your Ada. He will not stop when he gets a stubborn idea in his head. He decided he was needed in Imladris, so to Imladris he and Ivorhen have gone. I will contact him again tomorrow evening to make sure he is well and following Bethany's directions." Galadriel shook her head with fond amusement.
"You will need to do that, Nana!" They shared a small smile. They knew Celeborn all too well. "Drink!"
"Yes, ion nin." She did as she was told with another grin of amusement at being ordered by her son.
"Good, now it is time to finish getting ready." He was pleased that Galadriel had done as she was told.
"I know, but I am not looking forward to this." Galadriel admitted. "You are sure you feel up to doing this, Orophin?" She was worried about her foster son. In spite of his assurances, she knew this would be hard on him as well.
"Yes, Nana, I want to do this." It meant a lot to him. To think that someone could want to harm one hair on Lady Banwen's head! It was beyond him.
"Only if you are sure, ion-nin. If you begin to feel any discomfort you are to say so. We can do this another time, as Bainen has told you." Galadriel warned him. She would watch him closely.
"Yes, Naneth." He smiled, as always warmed by her loving concern. He faced much harder challenges often on his patrols, but he understood her worry.
"Good, we understand each other." Her smile was gentle. "We had better be on our way."
They left the chamber together as usual.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
To be continued…
Phew finally another chapter. Just so that you all know, we have decided to break down the chapters to around the size of this one. This means that you will be getting more frequent updates than you have. In fact Barbara is already at work on the next part as wespeak and I am on page 101!
I hope you will all be happy with this? Please let us know if you like it or even hate it. As long as it is constructive it will be taken onboard.
Thanks as always...
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