Chapter Two

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SUMMARY: Bard and Daeron take Bowen and little Maddox to their mother, and discover more than they expected.

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City of Dale; Late afternoon, 17th of July 2942 T.A.

"Your son tells me you have been feeling badly for a while." Daeron said to Ellyn. "Are you in any pain?"

"I'm fine, really," Ellyn sighed. "I'm just tired from the baby and have a headache or two."

"You have headaches all the time, Mam, and they're getting worse." Bowen interjected. "Now, let the Elf take a look at you, please?" The boy took her hand and pleaded with her.

"Well, I don't see what…" She began, but at her son's worried, determined look, she relented. "Oh, all right; fine."

Daeron and Bard led her a chair at the table, and asked Bowen, "Could you open the curtains, please?"

Bard stood by as Daeron turned her chair to face the light and noticed that she squinted. "The light bothers you?" At her nod, he asked her to sit still, then covered her eyes with his hands for a minute or two, then took them away. "Please try your best to keep your eyes open," then he watched, and his stomach flipped when he saw one pupil react slower than the other. "Have you been stumbling lately?"

"Aye. I feel like I've got two left feet. I'm just tired, from the baby. She's colicky you see."

"I understand, Mistress; please be still, while I listen to your heart –"

Just then a lusty wail was heard in from the back bedroom, and Ellyn started.

When Bowen got up to get his sister, Bard noticed the concern on the boy's face. "No, son," he put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "You look after your Mam; I'll get the child."

"Are you sure, My Lord?" Ellyn asked.

"Course I'm sure," he grinned at the woman. "I had three of my own, so I know my way around a wee babinod. Do you have nappies and such handy?"

"Aye, their stacked right by her crib. I've got a covered bucket in the privy to keep them till washday."

"Good enough," he nodded. "I'll be right back."

Bard made his way down the passage and opened the door to find little Owena sitting up in her crib, chewing her finger, and feeling sorry for herself. The bed looked rumpled; Ellyn had been sleeping before they came, and while things were orderly, the thin layer of dust indicated the woman clearly hadn't been well enough to clean her house properly. He had noticed the kitchen area was clean, so it was apparent Bowen had been doing a great deal of the domestic chores.

This family needed help; there was no doubt about it.

Bard sighed, then looked down at the dark-haired little girl, with a smile. "Now, what's all this noise, eh?" he picked her up. "Come now, let's see if you need a clean nappy, love." Then his nose told him that, indeed, she needed changing.

"So that's why you're unhappy. Come on then," he took her over to a dresser, which had been made into a changing table, and cleaned her up and got her set up with a new nappy and a clean, dry little gown and socks. Grabbing an extra nappy to throw over his shoulder, and small blanket – he brought the baby out to the kitchen/sitter, where Daeron was finishing up his examination.

"Well, Lieutenant? What did we find?"

As soon as the Elven Guard/Healer met his eyes, he regretted asking with such a light, airy manner. Or perhaps, considering the concerned look on Daeron's face, Bard had the right attitude. There was no point in upsetting the children needlessly.

Plastering a smile on his face, the Elf said, in a tone matching the King of Dale's, "Her heart and lungs sound very good, My Lord. However, I think, just to be sure, I would like Mistress Ellyn to be seen by Ermon at the Healing Hall. I am sure there is little to worry about," he smiled at Bowen, "but we want to be sure, is that not right?"

"But My Lord, I can't. Maddox is sleeping, and I've got the baby –"

Bard regarded the boy. "What do you think, son?"

"If Mam needs to go, then I'll look after the others. She's tired all the time, and her headaches are getting worse!" All the indignation and bravado that Bowen had displayed at the park left him; his shoulders drooped with a weight that should never be placed on one so young.

"How old are you, son?" Bard asked him.

"I'm eleven, My Lord. My birthday was two weeks ago." The façade was back, and he stuck his chest out proudly. "I'm old enough to take care of my family."

"You've a fine job of it," Bard told him seriously. "Bowen, I think you should go with your Mam to the Healing Hall; would it be all right with you if I send some one over to look after your brother and sister?"

Bowen nodded. "Aye," he quickly wiped away a tear, "Thank you, My Lord."

"Good lad. Now, your sister's been washed and changed, and if you need to feed her, Mistress, please do so before the carriage comes. Daeron will be back for the two of you, as soon as we can arrange for the sitter." Bard handed the baby to her brother. "Would you like some company while you're waiting at the Healer's?"

"Aye, I'd like that, but it's okay if you can't; I know you're busy."

"I'll be there as soon as I can, son. Don't get up, Mistress," He waved Ellyn back down to her chair. "just try to relax until the carriage gets here."

Once the King and his Guard made their way down the steps, and into the sunshine, Bard turned and asked Daeron, "All right. What's going on with that woman?"

"I searched her thoroughly, and…" he stopped. "Forgive me, My Lord; I hesitate to state my worry until Ermon himself has had a look."

"That bad?"

The Elf sighed, and pursed his lips. "Best to be certain, at this point."

"I understand."

They reached the Healing Hall, and went into the waiting area, to find Ermon's assistant behind the desk. "Good afternoon, My Lord," he got up and bowed, as Bard and Daeron explained the basics of the situation.

"I'm arranging for transportation to bring the woman here, along with her oldest son. He'll want to go in the treatment room with her, but don't; he's only eleven. Daeron will accompany them in the carriage, and as soon as I can get away from the Castle, I'll stop in."

"Of course; we will be ready, My Lord."

When they reached the doors of the Great Hall, Bard spoke to one of the Guards and ordered the carriage. "Have it brought here immediately. Lieutenant Daeron has the address and will be accompanying the patient."

"Right away. My Lord." The Elven Guard saluted and ran to get things ready.

The entered through the tall double-doors, the sound of Bard's boots echoing in the empty hall. Up ahead, he spied Hilda exiting the kitchen.

"Where have you been?" She asked with a smile.

"Enjoying my afternoon off, then something came up. Listen: do you know of a woman called Ellyn, wife of Owen?"

"Aye, I do." A pained expression spread across her face. "Her husband died of wounds from the Battle, and the poor mite gave birth only a few weeks later. She's got two other boys, right?"

"That's the one. She's sick, Hil, and we're going to get her to the Healing Hall, but I need somebody to watch the younger two. Can you do it?"

"Sorry, love; can't right now," she told him, "but I could go in an hour or so. Would that help?"

Bard shook his head. "I really want her to be taken now. Who else, do you think?"

"Sigrid and Tauriel are still out with Percy, but Ben's in his office, and I think Rhian's with him. I can see if she's available?"

"Lead the way." Bard held the door for her, and Daeron followed, though his momentary hesitation didn't escape his notice.

The trio turned right to the corridor opposite the Royal Family's rooms and headed to the third office on the left.

"Oh, good; you're still here," Hilda said, as they reached Ben's study door. Rhian was sitting in the chair in front of the City Planner's desk chatting with her Da.

The girl got up and curtsied as best she could with Darryn in her arms. "Hello, My Lord." Her face brightened at when she saw Elf. "Daeron! Where have you been hiding? I've hardly seen you lately!"

"I am sorry, Rhian." The Guardian bowed his head. "We have been working very hard to get things settled, and I simply have not had the time."

That wasn't quite true, but Bard held his tongue. He and Thranduil had discussed the situation last night, and decided the time was right for Thranduil meet with Daeron.

But for the moment, Ellyn was the priority. Bard turned his attention to Hilda, who was explaining the situation.

"We need to get her to the Healer's and the oldest boy won't be parted from her, so if you could watch her five-year-old and the baby, it would be a help."

"Well, I've got Darryn's things in a bag with me, so I could ride over with you," Rhian's emerald eyes found the Elf's, "if that's all right?"

"Of course, it is," The Elf inclined his head slightly.

"When will we leave?"

"Right now," Bard told the girl. "A carriage will be here in a few minutes, and if things run late, we'll put the kids up here."

"That's a good idea," Rhian nodded. "Do you know if there's food in the house? If Ellyn's been sick, she may not have been able to go to the Market."

"Tell you what, love," Hilda gestured toward the kitchen, "I'll go put together a basket to take over."

"I'll help you. Here," Rhian handed her son to Daeron. "Have a visit with your namesake." With a quick smile, she followed the older woman.

Darryn turned his blue eyes lifted and gave Daeron a huge grin, and the Elf's face lit up. It was more than affection; it was the same bond Bard shared with his own children, from the moment they'd been placed in his arms.

"Gwannas lû and, Darryn! Look at you, Pînig; you have four teeth now!" He laughed as the baby pulled his hair. "Naeg!" he laughed softly. "I see you have learned a few tricks!" Daeron disengaged the tiny fingers fisted in his hair, "No, no; you must not chew it," and lovingly kissed Darryn's forehead. "Pînig muin."

Bard enjoyed the scene for a few minutes, then patted the Elf's back. "Come on."

The women had the food ready by the time Bard, Daeron and Darryn caught up with them, and they heard the carriage arrive outside.

"If you folks run late," Hilda instructed, "don't wait; have the little ones brought over here, and I'll get them settled."

"Thank you My Lady." Daeron bowed his head, "I fear this will be quite involved."

Hilda carried the basket to the carriage and set it inside. Bard helped Rhian get in, then Daeron handed the baby over and sat down beside her, after giving the address to the driver.

"We'll keep a good thought and send our prayers," Hilda waved them off. "Bye!"

Bard sighed as they walked back toward their living quarters. "I have a bad feeling about this."

"Do you mean Ellyn, or poor Daeron?"

The King of Dale laughed. "You don't miss a thing, do you? I was speaking of Ellyn, though. As far as our friend Daeron, please don't let on – he doesn't want Rhian to know. It's too soon after everything, and he'd die before he'd put her in a position she isn't ready for."

Hilda nodded in silent agreement.

"Do you think the girl sees him as more than a friend, Hil?"

Hilda considered. "No, to be honest. She's too excited about her new life, and Bronwyn tells me she's plowing through her studies like nobody's business. Her mind is where it should be, and I admire the boy for knowing that." She sighed. "But that's another problem for another time. Now, tell me what's going on with Ellyn?"

"I know it's not good, Hil. If it was something trivial, Daeron would say right off, but he's waiting for Ermon to give his opinion."

"Oh, no…" Hilda put her hand over her heart. "They're barely getting by without Owen…"

"Are they in need?" Bard stiffened. "You know I don't want any of the widows to go without!"

"And you also know Alun and I have set up a pension for all the widows, including Ellyn!" She snapped back at him. "I had no idea she was poorly, or I would have come to you straight off!" Hilda rubbed her forehead and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, love; we're all working long hours, and when something like this happens…what will become of the kids, if…"

"I know." The King of Dale put his arm around her. "Let's take it as it comes, until we know what we're dealing with, yeah? I need to take care of a few things in my study, then I'm heading over to the Healing Hall to sit with Ellen's boy. I don't know how long we'll be, so don't wait supper, but could you ask cook to set something aside in case the kids come home with me?"

"Sounds good." Hilda reached up, took hand on her shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze, and they both went set to work.

As the carriage wound it's way through the cobblestone streets of the city, Daeron's heart skipped a beat as he glanced at the young girl out of the corner of his eye. Rhian's hair was pinned up, and his fingers longed to touch the back of her smooth neck. Some of her thick brown curls had escaped from their trappings and framed her face like a halo.

She turned in her seat and smiled up at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What?"

"It is nothing," Daeron swallowed and shifted his gaze to the baby. "May I hold him?"

"Of course you can!" her features softened, as she handed Darryn over. "He's practically your child, too."

His heart swelled with love and pride. "I do love him, Rhian; very much," the Elf ran his fingers through Darryn's dark curls. "I am sorry I have not seen the both of you. There is so much to do here, and Bard is..."

"I know. I didn't mean to make you feel bad. Did you see his new teeth?"

The Elf kissed the boys forehead. "I did."

Darryn showed off his recent accomplishments with a huge grin, and his mother quickly wiped the drool escaping the corners of his mouth.

"He lights up a room, doesn't he?" Rhian stroked the baby's cheek with her finger. "I still can't believe he's mine, sometimes…" She sighed and leaned her head on Daeron's shoulder. "I'll never forget the day he was born…"

"I will not either." Daeron agreed with a slight shudder. "It is not an adventure I wish to repeat, but I am glad we did not lose either of you."

"Thanks to you. You've looked after me since we first met."

"It is what friends do, Mellon nîn." The Elf smiled down at her but avoided meeting her eyes. Before he could become melancholy, he changed the subject. "How do you like your new home? Do you enjoy your new father?"

"Oh, I love it! Da is so kind, and he and Darryn adore each other. It's a bit rough, compared to the Palace, of course, but I enjoy keeping house. We don't get to see Da that much; he's still working with Lord Bard to get the City finished, but hopefully that'll settle down in a while."

"Do you spend a great deal of time alone?"

"Oh, it's fine; I get books from the school and Lord Thranduil loans me as many books as I want. I work on them while Darryn's asleep."

"I do not doubt it." Daeron closed his eyes, leaned his cheek on the top of her head and allowed himself lose himself in the softness her skin and the scent of her hair. "My aunt told me you are exceptionally bright."

Rhian beamed and her smile reached her eyes. "She really said that?"

"She did. I'm sure learning all those new things helped your recovery. You still see Hannah, yes?"

"Aye," every other week, now, but if I have a bad day, I can talk with her sooner."

"Have you?"

"A few times." Rhian's face grew somber. "It was crowded in the Market Square a few weeks ago, and I just... felt like I was going to die unless I got out of there…" A sigh escaped her lips. "Hannah took me back a couple of times since then, and talked me through it."

"And now?"

"It's gets easier."

Darryn blew a raspberry at him, and he laughed softly. "You have made remarkable progress, Hind Calen," "I see little of the depressed, injured girl who was carrying water that day."

"I look back on that time, and I…" Rhian mouth formed a thin line, as she wiped Darryn's mouth again. "I remember thinking I would always feel that bad, you know?"

Daeron's eyes held hers and he became serious. "It took courage to face it, and you should be proud of yourself."

"I am trying to be. Hannah says I've been so busy trying survive, I never had the chance to know what I'm good at, or what I even like! Does that makes sense?"

"It makes perfect sense. A cocoon will make you feel safe, you cannot know what is to breathe the free air and to fly." He shifted the baby to his other arm, lifted his arm and put it around her. "You are only beginning to know all that you can be."

"It's sounds ridiculous to say I've had a hard time learning how to be happy, but there it is. It takes to trust the good things - the bad stuff is easier to believe."

"It will become easier, and if you can have faith in yourself, no one can take away from you."

"Do you?"

Daeron paused a moment, to consider his answer. "Rhian, no one feels wonderful about themselves all the time, so do not expect that. Do not be afraid of failure, because they will help you the most."

"How?" Rhian laughed.

"Everyone falls, Hind Calen. Not everyone learns to forgive themselves and get back up."

"I think Hannah's been trying to tell me the same thing. She also tells me not to make any big decisions or changes in my life until I'm better."

"That is wise advice. This is an important time for you, and you must not allow yourself to become distracted until you can make decisions for the right reasons."

She looked up at him with a smile that made his heart thump against his ribs.. "You're my best friend, you know that?"

"You are a special friend to me as well. And you, Pînig," he grinned at Darryn, "bring me much joy!"

"I owe you everything, you know," she lifted her brows as her mouth curved upwards.

"No, Rhian," He shook his head firmly. "There is no debt, except to your own possibilities."

"Wait to thank me when you feel whole, Mellon nîn."

"When will that be?"

Baby Darryn chose that moment to grab the Elf's nose, and he crossed his eyes and made a honking noise.

"You will know." He laughed.

The carriage slowed and came to a stop in front of Ellen's building. After the driver set the brake, he jumped down to speak with them.

The man was medium height and appeared to be in his early forties, with kind eyes and and dark hair generously peppered with grey. "Begging your pardon, but I know this family, sir. Owen was a good friend, and my missus just said to me the other day how we haven't hardly seen his wife out and about. If you don't mind, I'd like to go up with you and say hello."

"What is your name?" Daeron asked, as settled the baby against his hip..

"Daffyd, son of Lloyd." He held out his hand. "I've seen you out and about with the King and his consort, though haven't had a chance to make acquaintance."

The Elf clasped his wrist with an approving nod. "I am please to meet you, Daffyd, son of Lloyd."

"It's nice of you to want to come up with us," Rhian told him. "I don't know Mistress Ellyn, but I am here to look after the two younger children so Daeron can take her to the Healing Hall."

The man inhaled sharply. "She's sick?"

"She has not felt well for a while, so we need to have her checked over." Daeron explained.

"Oh, my… That would explain why Bowen's been doin' the marketing. Here," Daffyd held out his hand and took the large basket. "Allow me to help, ma'am."

So the three of them brought the basket of food and the baby up the stairs and knocked on the door.

Bowen opened the door. "Hello Daeron."

"Hello, my young friend. This is Rhian, and baby Darryn; she will be staying with your brother and sister, will that be all right?"

Rhian smiled at the boy. "I've seen your family at the Palace." She smiled. "Hello, Bowen."

"Pleased to meet you," Bowen answered, then noticed the familiar man beside her. "Hi Daffyd!"

The man tousled the boy's hair. "Hello, lad. Hear your Mam's doing a bit poorly, so I'll help you get her there."

Bowen looked enormously relieved, then told Daeron, "She's lying down with Mad and Sister's with her." He and Rhian went in the back and soon reappeared with the rest of the family.

"…I just fed Owena, so she should need changed in about half hour," Ellyn was explaining to Rhian. "Maddox is a good boy and shouldn't give you any trouble..."

"Oh, I'm sure he'll be a good boy. Your little girl is just beautiful!"

Ellyn returned Rhian's smile, then noticed the Man in their sitting room. "Daffyd!"

The carriage driver walked over and grabbed her hand, "How long have you been sick, Ellyn?"

"Oh, it's nothing; just a headache. How's Anna?"

"She's fine, but she'll not be happy to find out how poorly you've been. Why didn't you send for us, love? Well, never mind that now," he walked over and took her elbow. "Let's get you gone quick, so we can get you back quick. Come on; I'll help."

Soon they had the younger children settled in Rhian's care, and Daeron, Ellyn and Bowen were on their way to see Ermon.

Daeron watched the boy put his arm protectively around his exhausted-looking mother, "It'll be fine, Mam. They'll make you better, you'll see. These Elves are magic."

"I'm sure they are," she smiled. "You're a good boy."

"He certainly is," Daeron agreed, before his gaze moved back to Ellyn. Her face assumed a ghostly pallor and beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. "Do you feel sick, Mistress?"

She gave a slight a short nod, then she became violently ill. Daeron just managed to jump out of the way as it projected against the opposite wall of the carriage and the padded red upholstery. Ai,

The poor woman was horrified. "I'm so sorry…" she mumbled.

"The the motion is not something you are used to," he said in soothing tones, as he grabbed a cloth from his kit, wiped her mouth and handed her a small skin of water. "Now I want you to concentrate on taking deep breaths; it helps. Bowen?" He gave the boy a quick glance. "Are you all right?"

Between the sight of his mother and the foul odor in the enclosed space, the boy was not doing well; his light blue eyes were wide with fright. "Will King Bard be there to wait with me?"

"If he is not there when we arrive, I will send for him immediately." Daeron assured him. "Breath through your mouth and look out the window; it will help. Can you be brave for just a while longer?"

"Aye," he answered in a small voice.

At last they arrived at the Healing Hall, where Elves were waiting to open the door and help them inside. Daeron called up to the driver. "I am afraid Mistress Ellyn was sick, so you will need to scrub it down. King Bard will pay for the cost."

"There'll be no cost, sir. Just look after her and those kids." The driver tipped his cap. "I'll clean things up, then come back to take her home. If you folks need anything at all, come to the Livery and ask for me personally, you hear?"

"I will pass along your best wishes, Daffyd. Thank you," Daeron waved his hand and he and Bowen help the woman inside.

"This is Ellyn; Master Ermon is expecting her." He quietly addressed the girl at the desk. "Please send a message to King Bard that we have arrived," he nodded in the direction of the Bowen.

"Of course," and she went to see it done. After Elénaril appeared and escorted the woman to the back, Daeron took a seat beside Bowen. "If you want me to wait with you, I will."

"Could you just… go help my Mam?" The boy's back was straight and determined, but his shaky voice and the tear forming in his eye betrayed his terror.

Daeron pretended not to notice. "Of course, hênig." He patted the boy's knee and rose. "And as soon as I know anything, I will come back, yes?"

Bowen nodded, his eyes remaining unfocused.

Daeron sighed and went to the second room on the right, and knocked twice before he came in. "I am sorry to be late; I had to make some quick arrangements."

Ermon had Ellyn sitting on a table with a bowl next to her. She had been changed into a clean gown and Elénaril was helping her to clean up. "I'm sorry," she said, "I'm afraid a frightful mess."

"Please; it is of no consequence," Ermon told her. "We have seen much worse."

Elénaril was put the dirty clothing into a tin bowl and joked, "Ermon is much older than me, so when he tells you he has seen worse, you can believe him." She smiled at the woman and patted her hand, as she took the items from the room.

Ermon stepped forward. "Now that you feel nice and clean, I would like you to squeeze my hands, if you would…" she did so. "Very good. Push my hands up; that's right. Now push them down…" Her right side was noticeably weaker.

Ermon tilted her face up at him. "Can you stick out your tongue as far as you can?"

Ellen's tongue listed to the side.

The headaches, the nausea, the fatigue… Nai…. Please, no.

Ermon's face reflected his thoughts, as did that of his wife's. "Mistress," his voice was gentle, "has your nausea passed?"

"I think so." Ellyn said. "I just wasn't used to the carriage is all. I'll be fine."

"Perhaps it is best if we see for ourselves, do you not think?" Ermon smiled at her. "Now, I am going to ask my wife to hold your head still, and I will place my hands on the top. It is how we Elves 'see' what problems there are. I may take on a glow, so if that happens do not be alarmed."

"It will not hurt," Elénaril gently patted her back. "It is better if you can stay awake, but we can have you to sleep if you wish."

"No; I'll try to stay awake."

"If you become at all uncomfortable, please let me know." Ermon went behind her, as his wife took Ellyn's hands. "Daeron would you stand here, and place your hands atop mine?"

So they began and within seconds, the fingers of fear and sadness Daeron been trying to hold off grabbed at his heart and squeezed. He had prayed he was wrong, but there it was: dark, menacing and unconcerned about the person it was poisoning, holding no consideration for the life she was trying to make for her family.

Ellyn had a brain tumor.

ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:

Gwannas lû and, Darryn - It has been too long, Darryn

Adan Pîn - Little Man

Naeg! – Ouch!

Pînig muin - My little dear

Hind Calen - "Green-eyes" (Daeron's personal pet name for Rhian)

Nai… - Alas…

NOTE: As I have said before I am not a doctor/medical person, but I see them on TV, and I can Google with the best of them, so there's lots of artistic license here with Ellyn's illness. I will always wish that the real world could have the benefit of Elven magic when it comes to illness...