Chapter Seven
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SUMMARY: It's the morning after Bowen and his siblings spend the night in the Castle. Some issues are settled, but they still must wait for answers to other important questions. Thranduil and his Tithen Pen have a fun day together.
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"I want him to see the flowers in my eyes and hear the songs in my hands."
― Francesca Lia Block, Dangerous Angels
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City of Dale; Morning, 18th of June 2942 T.A.
Bowen hardly slept that night, but King Bard's big dog sat beside him and nudged his arm, to have his ears scratched. When he started to cry, Thangon jumped up on the bed and settled beside him, so he could bury his head in the fawn-colored fur to muffle his sobs.
He was frightened for his Mam, and worried about his brother and sister.
But mostly, he missed his Da so bad he could hardly breathe.
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Da was big and brave and strong. He was funny and loved to laugh, and could make everything better. Even though they hardly had enough to live on in Laketown, Da and Mam made it feel like riches.
When the Dragon came, Bowen knew Da would keep their family safe.
"Da?" When he shook him awake, Bowen sat up and rubbed his eyes. Mam was running to and fro, and throwing things in burlap sacks as fast as she could.
"Get up son, and grab all the blankets from the bed." Da said, in a tone he never heard before.
"Mad?" Da shook his brother, who was sleeping next to him. "Come on, lad; get up. I want you both to dress in as many layers as you can, and hurry!"
In minutes, Da had their skiff loaded with as much essentials as they could grab. Then he covered his wife and small son with blankets then soaking another one in water.
"Maddox, look after your Mam. Bowen, if the flames get near us, take that and throw it over them and get underneath and don't come out, no matter what you see or hear, do you hear me?"
"Yes, Da."
"Ellyn, make sure Maddie covers his ears and don't let him look. Bowen, grab your pole and help me, son; we need to move, fast!"
Bowen would never forget that night: the screams, the heat of fire, and the black shadows against the bright flames. He'd never forget how the Dragon's roars were so loud, they made the water shake from the noise.
"Look!" Da pointed up at the bell tower. "Bard's going to kill it!"
Bowen didn't know him personally, but everyone in Laketown knew who Bard was. He was kinder than the Master, and helped folks when he could, Da would say. Sometimes, when an extra helping of meat was on the table, his parents would be thankful, because Bard had sent it. Once, when he was really sick, Mam told him Bard had gathered some Feverfew along the Forest River, and it helped him get well.
The night of the Dragon, Bowen saw the man for the first time, but only as a darkened silhouette against an orange sky. A tall, impossible hero with bow in hand. Bard was almost as wonderful as Da. And he wasn't scared, because he knew they both would look after him.
But on the 23rd of November, Bowen learned that even someone like Da was was no match for the Orcs, when they invaded Dale.
He learned what it was like to have the bottom fall out of your life.
He learned that nobody could cheat Death, when it came to call.
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In a curtained enclosure in the Healing Tent, Owen said his goodbyes. When Bowen got up to follow his Mam and brother, Da grabbed his hand and asked him to stay.
"You're the man of the house now, son." He told him.
"I don't want you to go, Da," Bowen sobbed. "Please, get better! Make them save you. You can't leave…"
"Oh, my brave boy…." Da's reassuring hand gently stroked his head. "The last thing I want to do is leave you, but life is like that, sometimes. I know it's not right to put so much on your shoulders, but your Mam needs help with Maddie, and especially when your new brother or sister comes. Can you to do this for your Da?"
Bowen lifted his tear-stained head, and nodded. "Aye," he promised.
"That's my boy."
"I'll miss you so much, Da."
"I'll miss you, more than I can say. I'll be watching over you, best I can. If you need me, look up at the stars, tell me your troubles, and I'll ask Ulmo to send you help. Remember that."
"I will." Bowen sniffled and wiped his eyes on his sleeve.
"Now, kiss your Da and go take your Mam and Mad home."
"Can't I stay," Bowen begged. "Just a little while?"
"No, son. You want a good memory to keep for all your days. Oh, my precious boy…" Owen smiled and caressed his cheek. "I love you, Bowen. Every man prays for a son he can be proud of, and you've been that, and more. I want you to grow into good, strong man, never be afraid to do what's right. And we see each other again, I want to hear all about the good life you made for yourself. Now, give me a big smile, so I can take it with me."
Bowen kissed his father's cheek and gave Da his best smile. "I love you, Da."
"And I love you, my beautiful boy..." Owen's breath caught in pain, and his smile wavered. "Run along now. Your Mam and brother are waiting."
Bowen walked through the curtains, just as a black-haired Elf entered, holding a cup. Despite what Da said, he turned and watched the Healer help his Da drink, then stroked his brow.
"This will ease your journey, Mellon. Rest now." When Da's eyes closed, the Elf stood over him, raised his palms to the sky and prayed, "Savo hîdh nen gurth, a govano i nothrim în ah i mellyn în mi Mannos" 1
Bowen's last memory of his Da was the peaceful look on his face, as his soul left Middle Earth forever. 2
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Since then, Bowen often talked to his Da, when the Stars came out. Just last week, he opened his bedroom window, and looked up at the night sky. Then he tearfully told Da how Mam was sick, she just wasn't getting better, and he didn't know what do do anymore.
Da must have told Ulmo about it, because yesterday, his little brother twisted his ankle in the Park, and made two new friends: an Elf Healer, and the great Bard himself, Dragonslayer and King of Dale.
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At the breakfast table, the next morning, Bard nudged Bowen, who was watching his siblings. "Food tastes a lot better when it's hot, you know."
The boy looked down at his plate of eggs and ham as if he'd only noticed them, and soon began to devour it.
"Are we staying here for good?" Maddox asked Bard, blue eyes wide.
The Kings were silent, as all the adults at the table looked to one another, as Bard carefully chose his words.
"I'm not exactly sure how long you'll be here, son, but we're going to look after you and your Mam as best we can." He smiled and changed the subject. "It's a bit early to visit your Mam, so maybe Sigrid and Tilda could take you to the barns, to see the horses, would you like that?"
"Can you come?" the little boy asked hopefully.
"I wish I could, but King Thranduil needs to look after your sister, and I've got work to do. Dale is still a new place, and it takes a lot to get it up and running."
Tauriel came in to breakfast just then, with her long hair braided down her back.
"Good morning Gwinïg," Thranduil returned her greeting. "Would you take the children to the barns this morning?"
"Of course. We could go for a ride, if you like."
"Could we?" Bowen sat up straight and his face brightened. "Really? Daffyd lets us pet his horses sometimes, but I've only ridden one twice."
"Did you not learn to at the Palace?" Thranduil's brow furrowed slightly.
"There was no time," Bowen said with a shrug. "Mam had just had Owena and needed help with Maddie when I wasn't at school."
"Tauriel, stop and pick up Bain and Rhys, too. They find any excuse to be in the saddle."
"What about me?" Maddox asked, wide-eyed.
"You could ride in front of me, or Rhys." Sigrid looked over Owena's head.
"You children should learn to ride." Thranduil assured them. "Dale is not like Laketown, and horses are a part of your lives now."
"Daffyd's horses are big and heavy." Bowen said.
"The horses at the Livery are bred to haul wagons, carriages and such. The farmers also rent them, to plow the fields. The children's horses are made to ride."
"Are they mean?" Mad was wary. "Daffyd has one horse who likes to bite, and we're not allowed near him, when we visit."
"Perhaps we need to send an Elf over to talk with him." Thranduil said, winking at him.
"Our horses are friendly, Maddox." Tilda told them. "The Elves trained them, so they won't let us fall off."
"Then it is settled," Bard was glad to see the boys feel more at ease. "Come on, gang," he got up. "You kids go have fun."
"Lord Bard? Can Thangon come with us?" Bowen asked him shyly.
"Oh, sure. Just don't let him roll around in anything that smells." Then he leaned down to whisper conspiratorially in the boy's ear. "And whatever you do, don't let Lord Percy feed him."
"Why?" the boy whispered back.
"Because he likes to make the dog fart and stink up the place."
"Who, me?" Percy was the picture of innocence, "I'd never do that!" But his wink to the boys told a different story.
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After the children took off, Bard and Percy went into their office to get some work done, and short time later, a guard knocked at their door.
"My Lord, a Master Daffyd and Mistress Anna are here to see you."
"Thank you. Percy, could you show them to the dining room, and I'll get Thranduil and meet you there. Send for some tea for everyone."
"Sure thing."
Bard entered his bedroom, to find Thranduil and Galion sitting in the chairs with a stack of papers on the table between them, and Owena sleeping in the middle of the bed. "Could I steal you for a minute, love? We might have a solution for Ellyn's children."
"Of course." Thranduil checked on the sleeping child, then followed him.
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Daffyd looked to be about Percy's age, with a thick head of salt-and-pepper hair, a ruddy complexion and a quick and eager smile, as he stood with his hat in hand. Anna, his wife, was short, pleasingly plump with bright blue eyes and a kind face. Her blond hair was streaked with grey, and swept up in a bun with wisps framing her face.
"Thank you for seeing us, My Lord." Daffyd bowed.
"Please, sit." Bard took the chair at the head of the table.
"You know Lord Percy, of course, But have you met King Thranduil?"
"We're honored by your presence, My Lord."
"The honor is mine." Thranduil politely said, as they all took their seats.
Bard put his hands together on the table. "I'm told you're friends of Ellyn and her late husband?"
"Aye," Daffyd answered. "We've known them for years. Me and Anna stood up for them when they married." He took his wife's hand. "Begging your pardon, sir, but me and the missus have been talking, and we'd like to take the kids in."
"We've known them all their lives," Anna added, "and we've looked after them plenty of times."
"We feel terrible for neglecting them like we have." Daffyd said. "My family's been busy getting the Livery up and running, and she's been helping at the Tailor's. We've hardly had the time to turn around and say boo, but still, My Lord, that's no excuse for losing track of them."
Anna's eyes filled with tears. "I knew Bowen was doing the marketing, but I just thought it was because of the baby. If Ellyn had only said something..."
"Mistress Anna," Thranduil said, gently. "No one realized she was ill, not even Ellyn herself until yesterday. Please, let us not waste time in self-recrimination, for I do not think that is what she would want."
The woman composed herself. "You're right. What's important is looking after them now."
"Do you have room?" Bard wanted to know. "How would you manage your job and look after them?"
"We'll make room. As for everything else, we've talked about that," Daffyd offered, "Anna wants to quit her job, and we'll manage on my pay best we can."
"You won't have to manage. Percy?"
"Ellyn has been given a widow's pension for herself and the children." The Steward of Dale told them. "Beyond that, Lord Bard wants to make sure their expenses are covered."
"That's good to know, sir." Daffyd nodded. "It's kind that you look after the widows."
"It's not a matter of kindness," Bard said firmly. "I think Bowen and Maddox will do better with familiar faces, but it's Ellyn who has the final say."
"Of course, My Lord." Daffyd agreed, and Anna nodded. "We're headed over to see her after this, so we could ask her."
"Tell you what," When Bard stood up, and everyone else rose. "I'll go with you. The boys are out riding with our children, and it would be good to get them settled quickly."
"I agree," Thranduil added. "If you wait a moment, I will fetch the baby and bring her myself."
Bard laughed at Anna's surprised look. "It's true Elves have a soft spot for children, but Lord Thranduil is nuts about the babies."
"I remember when he first came into Dale with the Elves that day." Anna laughed and shook her head. "I never dreamed he had such a kindness inside, but I'm glad of it, and happy for you, My Lord."
"Oh, he's still terrifying when he needs to be. But thank you; I do feel blessed."
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Daffyd and Anna came in one of his carriages, so once Thranduil gathered Owena and her things, they rode together to the Healing Hall.
Ermon came out to meet them. "Good morning, My Lords," he bowed.
Bard introduced the older couple, then asked. "How is Ellyn?"
"She has just finished breakfast, and I am sure she is anxious to see her daughter. If you would come with me, please?"
They followed the tall, black-haired Healer to the residential portion of the Healing House, and stopped at the fourth door to the right. "Ellyn? You have visitors, if you are up to it."
"Oh, please!" they heard a tired voice.
Ermon ushered them in, then sent an attendant for chairs.
"Owena!" Ellyn reached eagerly for her daughter and kissed her blonde head. "I've missed you… Where are the boys?"
"On horses," Bard took the chair beside her and smiled. "Between our children and dogs, I don't think they've had a minute to be worried."
"Oh, that's good." She finally took her eyes off her baby and noticed Daffyd and Anna standing beside the Elvenking. "Anna!" her lips trembled, and when she held out one arm, the older woman came rushing over to hold her. "I'm so glad you're here!"
"Of course, I came; where else would I be? Why didn't you send for me, love?"
"I just thought I was getting headaches from being so tired… I've been missing Owen so, and the baby cries so much from her teeth, and… Oh, gods, Anna, I'm so scared…" Ellyn began to cry. "I'm so scared…"
Thranduil stepped forward and quietly took the baby so the women could comfort each other, murmuring soothing noises to settle her.
As Anna held her friend, and let her cry, Bard swallowed the painful lump in his own throat. His Elf was calming the baby, probably to mask his own anguish.
"Mistress?" Ermon stepped forward and spoke quietly, "Your friends have asked permission to be informed of your condition. Will you grant this?"
Ellyn nodded into Anna's shoulder. "Please. But… I can't…"
"You would like me to tell them elsewhere."
"Aye." She whispered, gratefully.
"I understand." The Chief Healer nodded. "I will meet with them after your visit. In the meantime, enjoy the comfort they offer." He turned to leave, but not before addressing Daffyd. "Ask any of my attendants, and they will find me. Please excuse me."
Anna stroked her friend's head gently. "Lord Bard took the kids last night, but Daffyd and I want them to stay with us. Would you like that?"
"Oh, I was hoping you would!" Ellyn began to cry again. "I never wanted to impose on you, Lord Bard."
"It was our pleasure, Ellyn. As you can see, my husband enjoys taking care of Owena."
Ellyn lifted her head up from Anna's shoulder. "Was she good last night?"
"She was fine," Thranduil lied. "The midwife is supervising her conversion to goat's milk, and she is doing well with a bottle."
Ellyn sat up and wiped her eyes. "Can I have her again?"
"Certainly." Owena smiled and reached for her mother, and the Elvenking handed her over. "She is a delightful child."
"She's kept me going on days when I didn't think I could get through… She's got Owen's eyes, and when I see them, I feel like he's not really gone…" Ellyn sniffed as she nuzzled against the baby's cheek.
"We're here for as long as you need us, love." Daffyd leaned over and kissed Ellyn's cheek. "Lord Bard is going to help us look after you all."
"That's right," Bard seconded. "It looks like your children will be in good hands, and you have my personal guarantee they'll want for nothing."
"That they won't," Anna promised her friend. "I'm going to quit my job and look after them."
"But you liked the work!" Ellyn protested.
"You and those babinods are what's important. Glélindë does some her work at home while she looks after her girls, and I'll just do the same. Her little Alis and Maddox are friends, so we'll work something out, don't worry. All you have to do is get better, you hear?"
At those last words, Daffyd caught the look that went between Bard and Thranduil and went a bit pale, but kept his silence.
Bard stood up. "We'll arrange to have someone bring beds and a crib to the Livery, and make sure Hannah knows where Owena will be." He took her hand and kissed it. "The boys will be back come to see you for lunch and Hilda and Cook want to send a basket from my kitchens."
"Oh, that would be wonderful!" She looked up at Anna. "Could you stay for a while?"
"Whatever you need." The woman patted her cheek. "Daffyd, could you get the apartment ready?"
"Sure thing. Let's go meet with the Healer, Anna, then you can come back." He helped his wife to her feet and they exited the room.
"We can stay with you, while you wait." Bard offered.
Ellyn shook her head and smiled at her baby. "As long as I've got my little sweetheart here, I'll be fine." She sighed. "I don't want to think about it, until we know for sure."
"That's the spirit." Bard patted her hand, as Thranduil set the rest of the baby's things on a nearby table.
"Goodbye, Owena," The Elvenking ran a finger over her little cheek. "I hope to see you soon. Mistress, I share in your hope for good news,."
Ellyn looked up at him with a tearful smile, and nodded.
"I'll send Hilda along with Daffyd to help get things set up." Bard said. "Hopefully soon, the children will be back to visit with your lunch."
Owena gave her mom a loud squeal and a smile, so they left while Ellyn had a smile on her face.
It was the best that could be done, for now.
On their way out, they passed the closed door of one of the treatment rooms, and they could hear Ermon's low voice, along with the sound of Anna's weeping, and Daffyd's attempts to comfort her.
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When they were back outside, Bard heaved a sigh. "Damn. I had this idiotic idea that once the Battle was over, we'd be done with senseless death for a while."
"It is the impossible wish we all must cling to – a necessary lie to help us go on."
"I suppose."
"Come Meleth." Thranduil took his hand. "Let us not grieve until we must. There is much about this day that will make us happy."
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A few hours later, all was settled, the carriage was in front of the steps in the courtyard, and the Kings and their family said farewell to their guests.
"Thank you, My Lord." Bowen let go of Anna's hand to give Bard a hug. "You've been real nice to us, and I'm sorry I thought you were a crook before."
Bain laughed. "I don't blame you. Da looks like a criminal, especially in the morning, until he gets his hair under control. Anytime you want to ride or whatever, you come find Rhys and me, okay?"
"Sure! When Mam gets better, maybe she'll let me learn to shoot!"
Daffyd tousled the boy's hair. "We'll see what we can do, lad. Now, pay courtesy to our Kings, and help Anna get in, will you?"
After Bowen bowed, Bard bent down and met his eyes. "You did a great job looking after your family, and did your Da proud, but let the grownups handle the tough stuff now, yeah?"
"I'll try, My Lord." Bowen nodded. "Where's Daeron?"
"He had to go somewhere today; he'll be back on duty tomorrow. Don't worry; you haven't seen the last of him."
Hilda kissed the boy's cheek and handed him the basket. "Take this to your Mam, and have a good lunch. Don't forget to visit us!"
"I won't, Lady Hilda. Goodbye!"
They stood and waved, as the carriage left.
"Will their Mam be all right, Da?" Tilda asked, when they went back inside.
"I sure hope so, Beanie." He took her hand. "Come on; let's eat."
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After lunch, everyone got ready to disperse for the afternoon, but Tilda was not happy.
"I don't know what to do, Da! Tauriel needs to go with Bain and Rhys to the practice yards, and Sigrid wants to help at the Healing House."
"So, I hear." Bard noticed his Elf coming out of their bedroom in his paint-stained tunic and leggings, and said to Tilda, "If anyone had told me your Ada be walking through Dale in ratty old clothes, I'd accuse them of fibbing."
"My clothing is neither old, nor 'ratty.' Thranduil said with dignity. "They are simply accented with... 'unique design features.'"
"Whatever," he kissed Thranduil. "Will you be back for dinner?"
"Probably not. Roderic would like the scaffolding taken down as soon as possible. He is afraid children will try to climb it and get hurt."
"Ada?" Tilda looked up at him. "Can I come with you? I still have my play clothes on."
"Certainly. And if you are a good helper, I will even buy you supper. Of course, we must make sure your Da says it is all right?"
He took Tilda's hand, and they both gave Bard their best pleading, puppy-dog faces.
"Oh, for pity's sake! Go play, you two. Just make sure she doesn't get too filthy, and if you get tired, Beanie, you must tell Ada, so he can bring you home."
"I will! Come on!" She took off, dragging Thranduil along. "Bye, Da!"
"Be careful on the scaffold!" he called after them. "And make sure she eats a good supper! And don't let her have too many sweets! And keep her out of the sun! And don't let her fall, Ada!"
"Yes, yes, yes," the Elvenking waved absently, then he picked Tilda up. "Let us hurry, Tithen Pen, to get away from your Da's nagging."
"Shh!" Tilda whispered. "I think he can hear you."
"I know he can, hênig." Thranduil whispered back.
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"Will you look at those two?" Hilda came out and stood beside Bard and watched Ada and daughter walk through the big doors and into the sunshine. "One is twice as tall as the other, but it's hard to tell which is the grownup."
"Two peas in a pod, they are."
Bard put his arm around her.
"Thranduil needs that little one, just as much as she needs him." Hilda leaned her head on Bard's shoulder.
"Funny how life can change when you least expect it - this time last year, could you have imagined we'd be here, now?"
"Not a clue, love." She elbowed him. "Come on, let's get back to work."
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Just after the sun went down, the Elvenking returned, carrying a sleeping, paint-spattered Tilda, followed by Esta bearing a big green splotch on her head.
"How in the world did Esta get paint on her?" Bard asked.
"She insisted upon sitting under the platform while we worked."
"To break Tilda's fall, I'll bet."
"I tied a rope around her waist, so there was no danger of that."
"Small mercies." Bard put his hands on his hips. "Did the Little Bean have a good time?"
"She did." The Elf grinned. "She waved and greeted everyone who walked past. Roderic told her she was bringing him business, and could come back anytime. She also took a short nap on an old blanket he brought out for her."
"Sorry I missed that. Did you eat?"
"We did. Rod's wife made a fuss and put extra cream on her strawberries. She fell asleep about halfway home."
Tilda looked sweet, asleep on her Ada's shoulder. "I hate to wake her, but she can't go to bed like this."
Just then, Percy and Hilda came out of the lounge.
"My Lands…" She covered her mouth and began to laugh, then whispered into the sitting room. "Galion, you've got to come and see what Thranduil did to our baby."
"What is it?" The Aide came out and gasped in horror, "Nae gorgor! What did you do to her? She is covered!"
"Not quite, but close enough." Hilda smiled. "Stay here, while I get her bath ready. And don't sit down on anything, until you get your own bath."
Hilda and Sigrid managed to get the sleepy little girl into the tub and cleaned off. Thank the stars they got the paint out of her hair – if Hilda had to cut it, she warned, Thranduil would be losing his, too.
Tilda fell asleep again, before her head hit the pillow.
"I hope she did not overexerted herself," Thranduil whispered as he kissed her brow. "She did not run around, and I carried her up the scaffold myself."
"We'll ask Daeron, but I think she's fine." Bard closed her door, leaving it open a crack, "She had a fun day with her favorite Elf, that's all."
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After their good nights to the family, the Kings went into their room and shut the door.
"What do you smile at, Meleth nîn?"
"You." Bard leered at him, and after he locked the door, started walking toward him.
"Oh?" Thranduil stepped backward. "And why would that be, My King?"
"I like watching you fuss over a baby," he continued his approach. "I like seeing you fuss over our daughter."
"You like it?" Thranduil stepped back, just out of Bard's reach.
"I like it." Bard swiped his arms out, trying to catch him.
"How much do you like it?" the Elvenking chortled, as he hopped back again.
"I like it a lot."
"I like you liking it. A lot." Thranduil jumped on the bed and off the other side, and the chase continued.
"I like you liking how I like it." Bard grinned, and after final lunge, grabbed his Elf, picked him up and tossed him on the bed with a triumphant shout. "A lot!"
Thranduil whooped and laughed with delight, and soon it was a race to see who could get each other's clothes off first.
"Don't tear this tunic, you. It's my favorite," Bard warned the Elf, as it was yanked off his arms.
"You like it when I tear your clothes off," Thranduil said, against his lips, as he made short work of his boots and leggings, then ripped Bard's underclothes to shreds. "You think you can get the better of me, Bowman?" Thranduil teased as he grabbed the oil. "We shall see about that. You are not at all hard to conquer, Bowman."
"That depends," Bard panted.
"On what?" Thranduil grinned down at him.
"Whether this is Love," the Bowman grinned, "or War!" He grabbed his husband and flipped them over until he was on top. The couple's wrestling match soon turned into passion, and laughter turned into moans.
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"Well?" Bard panted. "Who won?"
"I did." Thranduil kissed him smugly.
"But I conquered you."
"But I am the one you conquered."
"How can I argue with that logic?" Bard protested. "Even if I win, I lose!"
"You cannot. I have three thousand years' experience in diplomacy."
"Show off." Bard kissed his nose.
"Any time you would like." Thranduil closed his eyes and snuggled into his husband. "Forever, if you wish."
"Works for me." Bard held out his hand to help him up, so they could wash. After crawling back into bed with a satisfied sigh, he closed his eyes, as they settled down for the night.
Thranduil's shoulder's shook with silent laughter.
"What's so funny, Elf?"
"I am grateful you are much stronger. I enjoy our wrestling matches."
"Me too." After a minute or two, Bard spoke again. "Thranduil? Could you do something for me?"
"What do you need, Meleth nîn?"
"I want you to draw a picture of you and Tilda, when you came back tonight, when she was sleeping on your shoulder."
"But we were a mess!"
"Yes, you were, and I don't want to forget it. I don't want to forget anything about our lives, especially as the children grow up."
"It is a good idea."
"I was thinking… If you could make a book for us, like the one you made for Legolas, and fill it with stories and pictures… I think it would help, later…." Bard whispered. "...when we're missing them…"
Thranduil raised his head and stroked Bard's cheek. "I will make several, and we will take them to Valinor, when we sail."
"I love my life with you," Bard whispered, and kissed him.
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Savo hîdh nen gurth, a govano i nothrim în ah i mellyn în mi Mannos. – May you have peace in death, and may you join your family and friends in the afterlife.
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NOTES:
1 The Elf was actually Master Ermon, Chief Healer of the Woodland Realm. The cup he gave Owen was an overdose of poppy juice. Bowen was too upset to recognize him, when the Elf was examining his Mam.
2 Concerning Owen's death: It is not unheard of, in wartime, for soldiers to ease a friend's passing when there is no hope of recovery. In fact, Professor Tolkien himself wrote about shooting a friend WWI to spare him agony.