The atmosphere seemed frozen for a time and the three men just looked at each other, Ronald looking into the bright blue eyes of the man gripping his hand.
Bill was the first to speak saying " Ronny I'd like you to meet my father, Maehsos the Ainur!"
Maehsos rolled his eyes slightly and turning to his son said " William, there is no need to be so dramatic! "
Bill laughed and clapped his father on the back. " But Dad, you know darn well that hardly anyone has ever had the chance to meet a real live Ainur!"
Ron, snapping out of a daze said "I think the chances of meeting a Ainur at all are even smaller. I am pleased to meet you…but are you really.. ya know?"
Maehsos smiled and slung his suitcase onto the couch.
" Shall we sit? It's so much more comfortable don't you think?"
Moving like an automaton Ron sat across from the ….the man and waited for him to say something. However Maehsos was not in a hurry to say anything and simply sat there staring at Ron. The clock ticked loudly in the silence of the living room. Bill sat perched on the end of the couch and looked from his father to Ron and back to his father. Ron looked at the two.
Bill, with ash blond hair brushing his shoulders and slouchy posture looked supremely unlike the child of a heavenly being. Maehsos on the other hand looked every inch the part. His bizarrely youthful face and expression was a sharp contrast to his son. Both, however possessed the same bright blue eyes and in this alone could their relation be seen.
" So you're Bill's father?"
" That's right, the one and only."
" But how can you be…..ya know, who you are and be his father?"
Maehsos sighed and pushed a few strands of hair out his eyes before answering. " Ronald, what we need to focus on is finding Lady Aeroniel and defeating Sauron."
" How do you know about it?" asked Ron his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
" I told him about it dude." interjected Bill. At the use of the word "dude" Maehsos winced.
" William, must you insist on using that kind of language? Honestly you would think that you were raised in the ghetto from the slang that you spout!"
Bill answered in a stream of elvish of a kind that Ron had never heard before. It was an odd experience to say the very least to see a "young" man of seemingly twenty scolding a forty year old man like a child. Several minutes went by before he said " Look, I'm glad you're getting along, but can we speak the same language please?"
" Sorry dude…sorry Atar." said Bill catching himself. " I think I'll just go and make some more tea."
"Well, Ronald how are you?"
" Fine, but who cares? I'd like …"
" I do." Maehsos said suddenly " How have you been sleeping? Any disturbing dreams?"
" How the heck did you know?"
Maehsos smiled in an irritating manner and said " It's in the job description. But come, you haven't answered my question."
" Yes, I have been sleeping fine and well…uh… I did have one odd dream, but that has nothing to do with the problem at hand. How can we rescue the Lady Aeroniel?"
" Exactly my point, but I need you to answer my questions first before we can precede to that. If Sauron has been active in this time I need to know it and of what nature it is taking. Now I repeat, what kind of dream?"
" Dang it! Who cares! I want to find out what you intend to do about Lady Aeroniel! She's in danger and I can't waste time in recounting stupid dreams! Geez, I thought you were divine or something, can't you simply read my thoughts and have done with it?"
At the challenge Maehsos stood and said " Fine, you want me to read your thoughts? I will, now sit still you idiot!"
Ron looked up at the youthful face above him and suddenly a cold wave washed over his body and a foreign presence seemed to be sifting through his mind. It was rough and in his mind's eye he saw past experiences flash by. His wife on their first date, his graduation from college, his father's death, his first lost tooth and many more. His wedding day and looking into Laura's eyes and seeing the love reflected there.
Suddenly it was over and he lay limp, covered in sweat and exhausted in the armchair. Maehsos, his lips pressed tightly together sat across from him.
" Satisfied?" he asked, his voice was tired and weary sounding. He looked as fresh as a daisy, but his eyes were dim as if spent from the ordeal.
" I'm sorry I asked." shuddered Ron. " Did you get what you needed?"
" Yes, it's not as bad as I thought, but we need to act before things get worse and I have no doubt they will get worse. Now I'm going to ask you to go back to the hospital and apologize to Sauron for your undue outburst. And this is the hard part, you have to give him the portfolio."
" What! Atar that's like suicide! Or assisting in murder! You know what he'll do to the children if he knows where they are!" burst out Bill balancing three mugs in his hands.
Ron agreed " I don't get it, I mean that's what we punched him out for in the first place. Now I'm going it to give it to him?"
Maehsos shook his head the sun catching the glint of the orange hue. " You have to go in and make peace, so hopefully you can find out something about Aeroniel. And I never said that we'd give him the thing with the original portraits in it! What we must, I repeat must do is get on his "good" side if we hope to find Aeroniel."
" But if the pictures give some kind of secret away..?" Ron trailed off.
" He won't have them, I'll make copies with a few slight changes to throw him off. Are you willing to help?" Maehsos addressed the question to Ron.
" Where do we start?"
-
" Ahhhh! It's good to be away from the court!" sighed the Prince as they pulled up the horses in the assigned cluster of trees.
" Does it plague you so? I should think after the harsh life of the barracks you would be glad to rest at ease among the people." said Aeroniel. She loved the way the wind was toying with his hair, playing little blue shadows along the braided lengths.
" I enjoy peace and quiet but not endless fawning and petting from those anxious for social or military advancement. That is why I couldn't wait to get away. Besides the fact that Father wished to pen me up with visiting dignitaries." Fingon laughed ruefully.
" I am flattered you should choose to spend it with me. Though your Atar would give me little thanks for it."
Fingon looked at Aeroniel and said seriously. " I don't think so, the way in which he praised your progress in each dispatch leads me to think otherwise."
" Dispatch? I never knew that he mentioned me. At least he never told me so. I always assumed that he was too busy to really notice me." Aeroniel said, thinking of this news.
" Yes, but he wrote only of what good and worthy thing you did. I must admit you had become a bit angelic after a while. And now I find you almost more then he wrote." Fingon smiled as she blushed.
" I would hardly agree I am not the patient and kindly woman I would wish. But if my King is satisfied it is enough for me." And Aeroniel's chin went up and her dark eyes flashed a spark of pride.
Fingon chuckled softly at the look.
" What do you find so amusing my Prince?" she asked, curious now.
" Nothing really , just the expression on your face when you spoke just now. I'll swear that it was exactly like one of Lady Bethriel's!"
" Well, I like that! You could not have insulted me more if you had tried!" laughed Aeroniel.
" Shall I really try?"
" No, indeed! If you can be so brutal at a whim than concentrated effort might blight my young heart forever."
" What? Blight whose heart?"
Maedhros came out from under some nearby evergreens a few stray pine needles clinging among the mass of his copper hair.
" Mine, my Lord." answered Aeroniel as they joined together and headed up a gently sloping path. " Your Prince threatens to insult me till my spirit is broken and my heart lies dead among the ashes."
Maedhros looked aghast at his friend who smiled broadly in return. " And see how shamelessly he confirms my deepest fears!" pointed out the giant elf. " I declare myself shocked, and disappointed in you Findekáno, surely this is unworthy of your noble character?"
Pouting Fingon said testily. " You cannot know how difficult it is to maintain a spotless reputation! I am allowed a little devilry every hundred years or so! While there are others I could mention who may do as they please and receive every kind of praise for it!"
Maedhros fained misunderstanding and turning to Aeroniel said " Indeed I can agree with him without hesitation. You are terrible spoiled Lady Aeroniel."
" No, you idiot I was talking about you!" said Fingon. He brought his horse up to his friends and said " And I mean to defend my Lady with a challenge."
Maedhros looked interested and said " Very well, I accept your challenge. Call for what you will, I know that I shall win."
Fingon raised his eyebrows at Aeroniel and said " Then we'll see, who can reach that great oak and back the fastest."
" Right! Fair Lady, will you consent to give the signal?" asked Maedhros reigning in the massive animal beside Sargon. The chestnut was dwarfed by the larger animal, but the Prince's horse seemed to realize it was a challenge and he chomped at the bit, anxious to be off.
Holding a little square of cambric in her hand Aeroniel rode clear of the field and at the right moment dropped it. Away they shot as the material fluttered to the ground unnoticed. Pounding hooves and flying manes the animals ran, kicking up great chucks of earth and grass.
Aeroniel silently cheered for Fingon as he rode. She reflected briefly on the last day. How odd it was that after three long years of absence Fingon could behave as if no time had passed. It many ways it was a relief not to feel that barrier of years between them. And yet a nagging fear of his indifference toward her was ever present in her mind.
She loved him, yes, there was no doubt about that. She had always loved him from the first day. But he was a Prince and therefore his wife would be of the highest family, an Elven family. And she did not figure in that equation, unless he would…no, that was impossible.
" Fine ,Aeroniel, you have faced it, now just live with it. He will marry, you will serve him as you can and one day you can die and have relief."
She nodded to herself as if to affirm it, but a heavy weight settled in her chest. And as she watched the two friends racing she felt the burden of being with them.
"Come away child."
She jumped as the thought was whispered in the wind passed her ear. She looked around and to find the source but there was no one, just the silent trees. Come away? And go where and with who? Hithlum was her home! How could she leave it and all her family?
A bit of laughter from across the field drew her gaze and her heart leapt a little at the sight of her beloved Prince enjoying the day and life. How could she leave him?
" Well Lady Aeroniel, who won?" inquired Maedhros as they rode up arguing over the turn out.
Snapping out of her reverie she spoke " I am sorry I wasn't paying attention. I am sure you both did wonderfully. we go back now?"
Surprise flickered across Fingon's face and his smile faltered. And Maedhros interjected saying " Oh come now it's, too early to return And Lady Bethriel will be on the war path after our escape." But he turned his horse around and called to his friend. " I'll race you back and defeat you in front of everyone including the guard, who are probably still looking for you."
Casting a glance in Aeroniel's direction Fingon agreed only this time she said " Only if I can race as well!"
" No, surely it isn't safe!" Maedhros protested.
Fingon looked at the young woman and saw a determination there that was almost amusing in its intensity.
" I say let her race. After all you're not afraid of being beaten by a woman are you Maedhros?" taunted Fingon. It worked, the Feanorian at once began to protest and finally with a toss of his head he consented.
" I just hope you don't kill yourself." he said grumpily.
"I see only one way in which I could do that and it would be bruising your pride enough for you to kill me. I am a proficient horse woman my Lord and not afraid of a little gallop! See you both back at the camp!"
And with a word to her horse she was off and away across the field. The two elves were so surprised for a few seconds that they sat in shock. Then glancing at one another they shouted after her " We're coming!"
-
The guard were, in fact, still searching for the Prince and his company, and were startled to see the three missing people burst out of the trees in full gallop. The trio spanned the distance of the field in record time and thundered around the encampment and pulled up in right beside the horse field. Fingolfin was just emerging from a council with Finrod and Cirdan when the three came to a sudden halt before the gate.
Laughing, with rosy cheeks from the wind and happiness of companionship was radiant on their faces and smiling, the Havens Lord turned to Fingolfin.
" It is a wonderful thing to see the bitterness of past years forgotten in the present times. I cannot express my joy this in this reunion of elves and men. Finally Arda is coming to what the Valar intended it to be."
" Indeed Cirdan, I agree." But Fingolfin's smile was forced as he looked upon the girl as Fingon helped her down from her horse. He wasn't blind the rosy blush on her cheek was enough and light in his son face was enough. This was what he feared the most and he must stop it now.
Cirdan was watching him and he smiled saying " Shall we join them?" He moved to go and Cirdan's hand on his arm stopped him. Speaking low enough for Fingolfin's ears only the Shipwright said " Let well enough alone Fingolfin, you'll do more harm then good. Let them be, it is right."
Fingolfin stepped away a few feet and said " Do not try to tell me how to protect my son Shipwright, I will not lose him."
He walked on and the voice of the Shipwright followed him. " And will you not heed council as Feanor did?"
Fingolfin's back stiffened and he whirled his eyes ablaze with silver fire. Like low thunder his voice came to the pale Lord of Havens.
"I am not Feanor and nor will I ever be. You over step your ground Cirdan and I will not have your interference."
" You will drive them away from your affections if you do this thing Sire." The shipwright answered his gentle voice upraised in reply a bitter note creeping into the last word. " And if you do this thing, this needless thing you will awaken everything we have worked so hard to bring about."
Fingolfin's glance went from the Shipwright to his son who was speaking to the girl and tucking a strand of her nut hair behind her round ear.
" But she is mortal!" he hissed desperately. " She will die and he will follow, I cannot bear anymore separation!"
" It is out of your hands now Fingolfin. Be what your brother was not, and tread softly."
For a moment the King's eyes softened and the fire died, he opened his mouth to speak but something checked his words. Then the emotionless mask of royalty slipped over his face. " I won't do anything rash Cirdan. But I am not going to let this happen."
And he swept away his expression suddenly amiable as he greeted yet another of his subjects.
-
" And I thought my apartment was a dump!" Ron said as they climbed the stairs hemmed in by yellowed walls.
" You live in the Taj Mahal compared to this place." agreed Maehsos as he rubbed his hand off on his slacks.
Grim lay thick on the handrail, and the dimly lit stairwell was slightly creepy. They had gotten in touch with Serena the head nurse, and she had said to " Come right on over!" And so here they were, standing in front of apartment 6 or 9 they couldn't tell which because the number hung loosely.
Maehsos reached out a hand to knock and then pulled his sleeve up over his hand and knocked.
" Yeah? What do you want?" a cranky voice called.
" Umm Serena? It's me, Ron Hadhafang."
The door was jerked open and the number fell with a clank to the floor. Swearing softly Serena picked it up and eyed the other two men. Hitting around 5.6, Serena had shoulder length grey/blond hair with a small, slightly pouty mouth from which a cigarette was continually drooping.
" Come in."
They filed in and Maehsos immediately began to gasp and choke. It was small wonder, as the apartment was clocked in a haze of cigarette smoke and all the windows tightly closed. Maehsos rushed over to one of the windows and throw open the sash and stuck his head out drawing in huge lungfuls of air.
Serena watched this performance in a little bewilderment and turned to Ron said. " Is he asthmatic or what? Oh don't tell me, he's one of those second-hand-smoke fanatics!"
Ronald smiling for the first time in days said " No he's just very sensitive to smoke. Serena this is Bill Macintosh and one of his.. uh…….friends." Ron had decided it wouldn't really work to have introduced Maehsos as Bill's father when he looked twenty years younger. Bill was smacking his father on the back and asking him if he was alright.
" I will be when the world is rid of those ghastly things." was the answer and Maehsos pulled his head in. He came forward with a forced smile and said " I am pleased to meet you Miss Serena, my name is Michael ………Smith."
Bill winced at this obvious alias, his father was divine but not infallible. Serena was not quite taken in but Maehsos's smile was blameless and she was won over in a second.
" You're not from around here are you?" she said stubbing out the cigarette in a tray.
" No, not originally. I hail from Aman as a matter of fact." was the honest reply.
" Well I've never heard of Aman before except in church and I have a feeling that's not what you mean. But I like you , you're cute. Sit down you all, and let me know what's on your minds."
Sitting gingerly on the sagging couch they explained their problem as "Michael" went around opening windows and emptying overflowing ash trays.
" I remember he was pretty mad about you punching him like you did. But I think you can make it up if you're nice. But I'm telling you right now Ron I don't like him. There's something fishy about the way he works. It's all oily and smooth like a tricky democrat. I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him." said Serena firmly.
She watched Maehsos working for a minute and said " When are you going to tell me your real name Michael?"
Maehsos, always the actor, smiled and said " Who, me? Michael, like I said. Do I look like a crook to you?"
She smiled and smacked his hand gently. " You know darn well what I mean You ol' charmer! I want to know if you're going to help Ron here? He's a good man and I'd feel better if I knew you were helping him."
Maehsos set down the ash trays and said seriously " Then put all your fears aside my dear, I'll stick with him like glue. But I need you to help me to do it, it could be painful and perhaps frightening."
She eyed him warily and said " I can't believe I'm saying yes to this. I haven't known you for more then five minutes and I'm agreeing to go along with all this. But like I said before, I like you and if you try anything, I can still give you a crack over the head you won't forget."
" I suppose that I'll have to watch my step dear Lady. Now just …well I could tell you to look in my eyes but that would send off little red flags. So just do what you feel comfortable doing but don't think about anything."
" Okay, you're the boss."
She leant back and closed her eyes and Maehsos folded his hands and looked at the floor in front of him. Bill and Ron watched and all they saw was Serena breathing a little more rapidly while Maehsos ceased to breath all together. It was strange to say the very least, and Ron was beginning to get a little worried when Serena opened her eyes and said shakily " Thank you."
Maehsos patted her hand and said " You have beautiful memories, I am glad I could know you."
She smacked his hand again and "Ol' charmer."
-
Annie789: I am such a crowd pleaser! I really should go into acting! Thanks for your faithful reviews. I love hearing back from you!
Annamariah: I loved writing for Maedhros because I am tried of the angst/slashy elf people always make him. I think he was a great guy and wanted to show him so. You should be happy because he will figure even more in the coming chapters!