Artistic Design
Chapter 4
In spite of Theomund's attitude about the whole thing, it took quite a while for Fele to begin behaving toward him the way she had before it had happened. Likely it had helped when his mother made it a point to visit the shop less than a week afterwards. She treated Fele the same as ever, which caused the woman to inquire, after the queen was gone, whether Lothiriel had learned of the incident.
Theomund assured her that there was little that escaped his mother's notice, but explained that she didn't bother dignifying gossip with any kind of public response. She preferred to let her actions make her view plain. Only then did Fele realize that the shop visit was intended as a public statement of support. Even so, Fele could not quite bring herself to relax with Theomund, ever fearful that 'the next time' would tax his patience too far.
It dismayed Theomund that Fele was more reserved around him now. She had never been entirely comfortable with him, but this whole matter seemed to have made her more determined to keep him at a distance. She did not prevent his seeing Eledher, but neither did she encourage it, despite her son's pleas.
On one occasion, Theomund had had the opportunity to speak with Frideswide privately and inquired about Eledher's father. She confessed that he had been abusive toward her daughter, so they were not entirely sorry he was gone, but both regretted the impact it had on Eledher; and she explained that while he still lived, her own husband had filled in. Then Frideswide thanked Theomund warmly for his interest in her family, and his many kindnesses.
The whole conversation had left Theomund with mixed emotions. The little family seemed trapped in a hopeless future, not knowing of the husband's whereabouts, but not being free of him either. He was glad he had allowed himself to be pulled into their situation at that first meeting with Fele, and was pleased that his efforts had at least benefitted them financially. If he could not do more, it was some consolation that they were provided for in their basic needs.
When he inadvertently learned that Fele had been saving as much as she could, in hopes of perhaps renting a house so that Eledher would have a yard in which to play, he made it a point to find out how much she was paying in rent. A few years earlier, he had bought some rundown cottages, which he and his brother-in-law Freawine had worked to renovate and make livable. Of the six, four had been completed and were now rented to small, low income families. Two others were still being repaired, and he offered to let her have one when it became ready, at a rent only slightly more than what she was presently paying at the boarding house.
At first she had balked at accepting more aid from him, but he pressed her on it, assuring her that the rent would only be slightly less than what he was asking for the others currently occupied, and if business stayed good and she felt she could afford it, he would allow her to pay more later on. Torn between longing and uncertainty, eventually Theomund wore down her resistance to the idea, enlisting Frideswide's help in achieving it. Even so, it would not be until spring came, and the two men were able to finish the repair work, that a cottage would even be available anyway.
And so they continued their somewhat uneasy alliance over the next few months. In mid-April, as Fele sat working at a ring that had been ordered, she suddenly heard a crash and a yelp of pain from Theomund's work area. Bolting up from her seat, she dashed to the other room to find him clutching at his left hand, in obvious discomfort. The redness of his palm suggested a burn and she hurried over to examine it. When she reached and caught hold of his arm, though, he let out a yell and snatched his hand up and away from her, fighting for control of the pain with deep gulps of breath.
As he turned back to Fele, to apologize for his reaction, he found she had recoiled from him and was cringing in terror, watching him with dread. His brow knit and he reached for her with his good hand, forgetting his injury momentarily, but she lurched backwards, her eyes wide with panic. In an instant, he understood. She thought he was going to harm her!
Mortified at the very thought, he stood staring at her with a tormented expression. At last, he turned on his heel and strode out the door, headed for Meduseld. A healer had soon been sent for, and Lothiriel helped get her son's injury treated and bandaged. Once the healer had departed, she turned to find him sitting gazing into the fire, a lost expression on his face.
"What troubles you, dearest?" she asked, taking a seat near him. He had briefly told her what had happened, including his having yelled when Fele tried to look at his hand, and she suspected his distress was somehow related.
For several moments he did not speak, and she allowed him his private thoughts. Finally, he murmured in a hollow voice, "She is afraid of me. She thought I was going to strike her. How could she think I would ever do that?"
He turned tortured eyes to his mother, pleading for an explanation.
"She does not fear you, dearest. She fears what she has learned – that an angry man means pain and hurt. She cannot help but flinch. A man angrily berating a woman, or striking her, can cause far more problems than just in that instant. She will come to dread making a mistake, she will question everything she says and does – worrying that it might provoke his anger. Eventually, if it goes on long enough, she may even come to believe she deserves the 'punishment' she receives from him." Lothiriel fell silent, her own introspection taking her attention.
At length, Theomund asked quietly, "How is it you know so much about it, Mother? Surely, Father has never..."
"No. Your Father would cut off his own arm before he would strike me or any other woman in anger. No, I sadly learned of such things many years ago, as an unmarried woman in Dol Amroth. One of our servants behaved much as Fele does, always fearful of others' reactions, especially men. We sometimes saw bruises, but she claimed she was clumsy and always had an excuse for them. Not until she was found dead in her home, beaten almost beyond recognition and her husband fled, did we find out the truth. Her neighbors had known, but feared him as well, so no one said anything, and nothing was done to help her. I recognized the signs in Fele, but since he had abandoned her, I had hoped she was free of that torment."
Theomund wiped at the tears flowing down his face, then admitted softly, "I love her, Mother."
Lothiriel nodded, though he didn't look up to see it. "I know. But, dearest, does she love you?"
His head came up in surprise at the question. He realized he had never even considered it before. "I...do not know. I just assumed if I loved her, she would love me in return."
"Alas, that is not always the case. I am certain she is grateful to you, for all you have done for her and her family, but that does not necessarily equal love. You...must prepare yourself for the possibility that your feelings are not shared. And, even if she does care for you, it could take a very long time for all of this to ever truly be in her past."
Theomund moved over next to his mother and leaned his head against her shoulder as he had done when he was a child, and she wrapped her arms around him, kissing his head.
"I did not think it would be so hard. All these years when I did not find a woman I could love and want to share my life with, I never considered the possibility that I would find her and..." He fell silent, choked with emotion.
"I will not give you false hope, my love, but do not despair just yet. Give it time, and perhaps eventually she will think of you as more than a friend. I believe her mother would be willing to help you in any way that she can. But you must keep in mind that Fele has much to overcome, dearest. Her lowly birth, for one."
Theomund's eyes darkened in amazement that his mother would make such a comment. "I do not care about that – you know I do not! How could you–"
Lothiriel cut him off. "I know you do not care, dearest, nor do I, but Fele does. It has been a part of her all her life, as well as affecting the way she was treated and the way she sees herself. It will take a great deal for her to even imagine she could ever be allowed to love the son of a king, much less believe he could ever love her."
Theomund did not return to the shop. He knew Fele would lock up for him, and he chose to stay at Meduseld for the night. While his family enjoyed having him back in their midst, they could readily discern his dispirited attitude. Not sure how to help him, or even the cause since he did not confide it to anyone but his mother, they settled for keeping the atmosphere general and lighthearted.
He knew that Fele would probably be concerned when he did not come back, but as yet he could not bring himself to face her. He was still struggling to come to grips with all of this – his own feelings, what had happened and what might or might not come of it in the future.
The next day, it was even easier to find reasons not to go to the shop. He could not work anyway, and it had been a while since he had spent much time with his family. But if he thought to avoid the situation, he was mistaken. At mid-day, Fele put in appearance at the door and was given admittance by the guards. Hesitantly she asked Gamling if the queen might have a moment to speak with her.
When Lothiriel appeared, she almost lost her nerve, but resolutely she cleared her throat and said, "My lady…I am wondering if Theomund is here. He was injured at the shop yesterday and left. I have not seen him since and I am afraid…" She fell silent, unsure what more to say.
Lothiriel smiled reassuringly at the woman. "Do not fret. He is here, and doing well. The healer treated him yesterday and he chose to spend the night here rather than go to his home. Without the use of his hand, he would find it difficult doing for himself, but he does not employ any household servants."
Fele nodded and thanked the queen, then excusing herself she turned to go, but Lothiriel stopped her. "Will you sit with me for a bit?"
Uncertainly, Fele eyed her, but did not dare refuse. "Of course, my lady. If you wish."
Lothiriel gestured to her right, then turned and led the way to her sitting room. Once they were seated, Lothiriel sent for dinner to be brought there to the two of them, and then focused her attention on Fele.
"I wanted to let you know that Theomund is quite upset about what happened yesterday. He did not entirely understand why you reacted as you did when he yelled in pain." Fele blushed very red with embarrassment at her words.
Continuing, Lothiriel explained, "Theomund has always been my gentlest son. He never made a particularly good soldier primarily because he had no interest in fighting. He is more even-tempered than any of the rest of us, even his sisters, and so the very idea that someone would fear he would do them bodily injury, especially a woman, was mortifying to him."
"My lady, I am very sorry to have caused him such distress –" Fele anxiously offered, but Lothiriel silenced her.
"Fele, do not apologize. You could not help your natural reaction. I just wanted to make certain you understood that you never need fear him in any way. He may become impatient with you, but he rarely raises his voice and he would never raise his hand to you. Of that you may have no doubt whatsoever. He is struggling with all of this right now, but in a day or so he will come and apologize personally for any fright he may have caused you."
Fele eyed her in disbelief. Theomund thought he needed to apologize to her? He had done nothing wrong – it was all her fault.
"But, my lady, he must not think –"
Again, Lothiriel cut her off. "No, Fele. You cannot take the blame for what happened. Indeed, others are to blame altogether. What happened yesterday had nothing to do with either you or Theomund – of that I am quite certain. But you need not speak of it. Just know that you are safe here with us at Edoras."
Fele nodded hesitantly, still not entirely comfortable with Lothiriel's view of the situation. Just then the servant arrived with their food and conversation lapsed. When they had filled their plates and were eating, Lothiriel turned the discussion to more innocuous topics and the rest of the meal passed rather pleasantly.
After Fele left, nearly an hour later, Theomund stepped from the shadows where he had concealed himself. He had glimpsed her walking with his mother back to the Golden Hall, and he kept out of sight until she was gone. Now he approached his mother to discover the reason for her presence there.
"She was concerned about you, dearest. You ran off after being hurt and she has heard nothing of you since. Did you think she would not worry?"
He gave a sigh of acknowledgement. "I suppose I cannot postpone this. I must go and see her." Turning, he kissed his mother goodbye and made for the exit.
It felt strange to be reluctant to enter his own shop, but still he stood in the street for several minutes before purposefully striding inside. Fele looked up at the sound of entry, and moved slowly to the door of her work area, eyeing him cautiously.
He stared at her a moment, then dropped his eyes, and murmured, "I am sorry that I frightened you, Fele. And that I worried you by not sending word that I was well."
"You need not apologize!" she hastened to assure him, but he was insistent.
"Yes, I do need to do it. It was thoughtless of me. And I am sorry that I yelled yesterday when you were trying to help me. It was extremely tender and you accidentally touched a very sore spot. The pain caused my rather violent reaction, and it took a moment before I could control the discomfort enough to speak calmly."
"I…should not have touched you," she mumbled softly, keeping her eyes averted from him.
"Why not? You were only trying to help me. And I appreciate that. It is good that you were here. If the injury had been more severe, I might have needed someone to go for aid."
She gave him a tentative smile and he weakly returned it. After a moment, he explained, "I will not be able to work for a few days, until the bandage comes off, but I will still come into the shop at least part of the day in case any customers come in. Renward and I can catch up on organizing things around here. I tend to let them get in disarray when he is not looking."
She gave a small laugh, and it eased the tension considerably. Then she suggested, "If there is anything I can do for you, I hope you will feel free to ask. You have done so very much for me that it is the least I can do in return."
He nodded agreeably. "Thank you."
xxxxx
Though they had gotten past the upheaval that had taken place, and things largely returned to normal, that was not entirely to Theomund's satisfaction. It still left him pining for a woman who was presently unattainable. She was still married, and he dared not even make his feelings known or seek to know hers under the circumstances. And so, their lives continued on separate, but parallel, courses.
Eventually, Theomund's hand was healed sufficiently for him to return to his metalwork. Since it had been his left hand, he had spent the idle time working on some building ideas, sketching possible devices to build to ease work burdens, and even just indulging in a rare opportunity to draw for pleasure. The spring weather was bringing nature out in abundance so there was much to catch his artistic eye.
Eledher had turned four while Theomund's hand was still healing, but that did not stop the boy from pestering his mother to get Theomund to teach him to use a sword. Though still reluctant to impose on him, she did not see how she could avoid this. Sooner or later, Eledher would see Theomund himself and mention it, and she thought it unlikely that Theomund had forgotten. Therefore, it did not surprise her very much when he put in appearance one day with a small wooden sword and shield in hand.
Grinning very much like a large child, he asked to see Eledher, and within minutes, Theomund was showing the boy the basics of handling the sword and shield. He explained that he had kept them since he was a boy, because the one Elfwine had used was passed to Theodwyn and then to Theodred. Theodwyn had not been willing to relinquish it to him, so his father had another one made for Theomund.
Fele almost objected to Theomund giving these mementos of his childhood to her son, thinking surely he would want to keep them for his own son one day, but before she could say anything, she thought better of arguing. She had never won when opposing such things with Theomund. He was always perfectly insistent that he wanted to do the things he did.
xxxxx
The excellent weather of May brought more customers out. April had been on the rainy side, and the ladies were not terribly inclined to muddy their dresses walking about the streets. Now the various feasts and get-togethers would begin in earnest, and the noblewomen were quite eager to find a new stock of finery for the occasions. Fele again found herself hard pressed to keep up with the demand for her work.
But all her hard work meant she at last felt like she had enough saved to afford to move to the cottage Theomund had offered. The good weather had enabled Theomund and Freawine to complete their repairs, and she was hoping to make the move within the next week. The cottage would have few furnishings at first, but it would be a home.
Theomund had been spending part of the past few days finishing up small details at the cottage, and then coming to the shop a little later in the morning.
Today, as Theomund entered the shop, he heard an angry male voice coming from Fele's work area. He hesitated a moment, then heard a woman gasp in pain and what sounded very much like someone being hit. Immediately, he moved over to the door and demanded, "What is going on here?"
Fele stood cowering in the tight grasp of a man's hand, his other hand raised to strike her. A red mark on her cheek indicated he had already done so at least once. In the corner, Eledher sat crying piteously. An image flashed in Theomund's mind of just a few months back when something similar had taken place in this shop. Now it was evident why Fele had responded to his actions the way she had. For several moments, everyone in the room stood frozen and staring at one another. Then Theomund hissed, "Release her!"
The man gave him a sneer and retorted, "This is between me and my wife, and it is none of your business. Get out!"
Theomund advanced threateningly toward him. "I am making it my business. This is my shop and she works for me. I will not allow you to harm her. Release her!"
The man shoved Fele roughly from him and haughtily crossed his arms. "Works for you, does she? Keeping your bed warm?"
Orgel never even registered what was happening, Theomund moved so quickly, but an instant later he found himself pinned to the wall, with a hand crushing off his air supply. "She is a lady, and I will not allow you to suggest such things of her. She conducts herself with the utmost propriety. The only thing I find her lacking in is good judgment, else there is no explaining her ever marrying you!"
Struggling to get his breath, Orgel replied, "You have no right! She is my wife and I will do as I please with her."
His hand still firmly around the man's throat, Theomund dragged him unceremoniously toward the door. "We will see about that!" Moving quickly toward the blacksmith shop, he called to two men working there and thrust Orgel in their direction. "Bring him!"
The men hastily caught Orgel's arms, easily restraining him, and followed Theomund back into the shop. Scooping up Eledher, Theomund said gently to Fele, "Come."
Fighting for control of her tears, and more than a little frightened of what would happen now, she fell in beside him as he led the way to Meduseld. Gamling looked up at the odd party accompanying Theomund and came toward them to investigate. Tersely, Theomund told him, "I must see my father on a pressing matter."
Nodding, Gamling moved away and returned moments later with Eomer. Formally, Theomund bowed to his father. "My lord, forgive this interruption to your morning. There is an urgent matter that requires your counsel."
Eomer knew his son was not given to doing things frivolously, and just from the looks of the situation he could tell it was serious. He stepped to the throne and took his seat, gesturing to Theomund. "Speak."
"This man..." he began, then looked at Fele questioningly.
She understood he wanted a name and supplied, "Orgel, my lord."
"This man, Orgel, is the husband of Fele and the father of Eledher. Two years ago, he abandoned them in Aldburg and left them to fend for themselves. Now he comes to Edoras to find her and I discovered him striking her. I seek the King's protection for this woman and her child."
Orgel found his voice and protested. "It is not so, Eomer-King! It is I who have been wronged by this woman! She left me and stole my son, sneaking away to Edoras – no doubt to take up with her new lover!" He cast a sneering eye at Theomund.
Through the entire exchange, Fele stood with her head bowed, her face flaming in humiliation and shame at the accusations.
"You are from Aldburg, you say?" Eomer asked, almost conversationally, of Orgel.
"Yes, my lord. Of a fine, upstanding family, I assure you."
Signaling Gamling to him, Eomer whispered something to his Doorward, who nodded and moved quickly away. "Have a seat. We will wait a few moments before we proceed."
Theomund moved to a nearby bench and saw Fele settled on it. Eledher had calmed in his arms and patting the boy's back, he handed him to his mother, then took a seat beside her. The two blacksmiths pulled Orgel over, shoved him down on a separate bench and flanked him, each keeping a hand on one of his arms, much to his annoyance.
Less than ten minutes later, the doors to Meduseld opened again and Elfhelm slowly made his way toward the throne, accompanied by his wife, Freyda. Coming to a stop in front of Eomer, he smiled and said, "You sent for us, my lord?"
Eomer nodded, and gestured for the others to rejoin them. Looking at the two new arrivals, he asked, "This is Orgel and Fele of Aldburg, and their son. What do you know of them?"
The pair turned to study the other three and then put their heads together in conference. A moment later, Elfhelm indicated his wife would speak for them.
"My lord," she began, a bit hesitantly, "I do not know much of Orgel other than by word of mouth. Some two years ago, I believe it was, he left the city, without his wife and child, and giving them no indication of his whereabouts. The woman was left to care for herself and the child, and moved in with her parents. Her father died last year, and I had heard that Fele had come to Edoras in hopes of making a better living to provide for her mother and child."
Eomer questioned, "And what did you hear of Orgel's character, other than the abandonment?"
Looking uncomfortable, Freyda admitted, "It was said that he had a bad temper, my lord, and Fele was often seen with bruises that suggested he had struck her."
"You have no proof of that! Or of anything else! Why would you take the word of these people over me? I am an upstanding citizen of Aldburg!" Orgel protested.
"So upstanding a citizen that you do not recognize Elfhelm, former Marshal of the East-mark, and his wife? These people are those I know to be true and loyal subjects, and I can count on them to be honest and truthful in all their dealings with me. I will readily take their word over yours!"
Eomer rose and stepped down to face Fele, and asked, "Fele, are these things true that I have been told about you and your situation by Theomund, Elfhelm and Freyda?"
Casting a fearful glance at Orgel, who glared threateningly at her, she hesitated responding. Noticing the look exchanged, Eomer reached out a hand and lifted her chin, turning her to face him. "Do not fear him. You are now under the protection of the King of Rohan. Answer me honestly, are these things true?"
A tear slipped down her cheek and she averted her gaze though he kept her facing him, but at length she hoarsely whispered, "They are true, my lord."
Eomer moved over to stand before the outraged Orgel, who was struggling against his captors' hold, shouting, "She lies!"
"Silence!" Eomer bellowed and Orgel was stunned into submission. The king might be somewhat advanced in years, but he was still an imposing figure. "She does not lie. And I am ashamed to know there are men in the Riddermark such as you! You do not deserve to be called Eorlinga! I am forthwith cancelling your marriage to this woman. You will never again go near her or the child. You will leave Edoras and never return to this city. If you do, I will have you imprisoned. If you make any attempt to harm either of them, I will have you put to death. Do I make myself clear?"
"You cannot do this! I have –" Orgel argued, but was cut off by an enraged King.
"I asked if you understood! I am not interested in the opinion of a spineless worm like you who would dare lay a hand on a woman. Answer me!"
Realizing his tenuous position and thinking better of further argument, Orgel nodded reluctantly.
"You will be out of Edoras within the hour. If I do not receive confirmation of that from the guards at the gate, I will send men to find you and throw you in the dungeon. Do not ever come back here." Turning to Fele, he added, "You will remain here at Meduseld until he is gone. My wife will attend you." He cast a glance at Gamling who went to fetch Lothiriel.
Eyeing Theomund, Eomer asked, "Do your men have time to escort Orgel to the gates?"
With a slow smile, Theomund answered. "They will make time, Father. Thank you!"
Eomer stepped toward his son and gripped his shoulder, "I am glad you brought this to me, though it saddens me that such was necessary."
Lothiriel appeared at his side and he quietly offered a brief explanation to her. Nodding her understanding, Lothiriel moved to Fele's side and put an arm around her. "Come with me, Fele."
Theomund watched the various parties exiting the hall in different directions. He was pulled from his thoughts by his father asking, "You care a great deal for her, do you not?"
Startled by the question, Theomund blinked in surprise. He had not realized that his father knew of his feelings, but he might as well acknowledge the truth of it. "Yes, I do. For both of them."
"Did you know about Orgel before today?"
"She had confessed the matter to me right at the outset, when she sought workspace in my shop. I just did not expect it to ever come to this. But, in a way, I am glad that it did. Now she is free of him and can move on with her life."
With a mischievous grin, Eomer asked, "And does that mean we will be seeing more of her and Eledher, when you come to visit us?"
Blushing slightly, Theomund shrugged. "It might!"
THE END
2/24/06 – 3/3/06
A/N: Clarification: Even though I have painted Theomund as "gentle" and "an artist", that is not to say that he is a wimp. Certainly his metalwork has involved a blacksmith hammer on occasion, and I envision him as being rather muscular, though his strength has been developed in the pursuit of making things rather than practicing with swords, spears and the like. Whilehe may be gentle, but that doesn't mean he won't protect those he cares about - physically, if necessary. In terms of looks, I see him as opting for the clean-shaven style of Gondorian men and wearing his hair in their somewhat shorter style - only to the shoulder. And for whatever reason, I see the boys as all having brown hair and the girls both being the Rohirric blond. So the kids have inherited a mix from the parents.
