Chapter Twelve

Daeron gives Bard an update about Bowen, then a meeting is held to discuss ways to help.

Later, the Kings and family receive important visitors, and after an enjoyable dinner, they learn of a special tribute for their eldest daughter, hopefully to be performed during their upcoming visit to Erebor...

Hopefully.

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Tell me someday we will be together, somehow, some way. Tell me that this love we have can survive being together as well as we've survived being apart. Tell me we are more than the chasm of our divide."

― Jacqueline Simon Gunn

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City of Dale; 21st of June, 2942 T.A.

"Good morning, My Lord," Daeron appeared in the doorway to Bard's study with a salute.

"Have a seat." The King of Dale indicated the leather-upholstered chair opposite his desk. How is the boy?"

"He was still sleeping when we left. With your permission, I'd like to keep the dog there today. I did not want him to wake up and find him gone, especially after so much upset. Now that we have changed Bowen to a bland diet, I will use a sleeping spell tonight."

"You made a good call. How long do you think you'll be keeping the boy?"

"At least a couple of weeks. He is in a vulnerable state right now..." Daeron gave Bard a serious look. "I do not think he should be left alone, for any period of time, right now."

"Are you afraid he'll hurt himself?"

"If he does not get the support he needs, he could lose his way. At best, I do not want to see him become an angry delinquent. At worst, I do not want him to lose his will to even live."

"Aye, we've had our share of those in Laketown. Boys and girls who had no one to take them in hand, like to look for trouble. I know his father asked him to take care of the family, but I know Owen didn't mean this."

"I agree. I think Bowen threw himself into this frantic state, to avoid facing his father's loss, and when he learned he was also going to lose his mother…"

"… it slammed into him all at once." Bard blew out his breath. "So now, he's dealing with everything."

"He is. Running their family was his way of 'bargaining.'"

"What do you mean?"

"To his young mind, he thought if he did a good enough job, nothing bad would ever happen to any of them. You recall him saying that he 'prayed to the stars' like his father instructed? He took that literally, so for him, there was little reason to feel the pain of his loss, because he didn't think his Da really was gone."

"Do you think he'll be all right, in the end?"

"Who can say? Much of it will be up to him, and we must be careful. I would normally admit him to the Healing House, but his mother is there – a big source of his anxiety. If he returns to his brother and sister too soon, he'll fall back into that pressure to take care of them. Of course, we will take him to see his mother and family, but he must to go back to somewhere quiet."

"Turamarth can take a couple of days off, but what do we do when he has to go back to work?"

"If you remember, My Lord, Bowen told us Ivran was his weapons instructor during the winter. I also know Ruvyn assisted them, so I was thinking they could all work together."

"Can you two can coordinate your shifts so that one of you is with the boy?"

"I would be happy to, My Lord."

"What about Ruvyn?" Bard suggested. "Could he be of help?"

Daeron considered this. "Ruvyn is also is known to the boy, and would be good for him."

"Don't forget our Bain and Rhys made friends with him. It's not like he'll be a recluse in Daeron's apartment the whole time. School will start, and we can all make sure the child keeps busy."

"He may not be starting school with the others." Bard sighed. "Ellyn will probably pass away right about then, and we'll be right back where we started as far as his emotional state."

"All the more reason for Bowen to have friends his own age. Anna and Daffyd will adopt the children of course, but we'll all work together. Hilda always says, 'It takes a village—' Hey, Thranduil," Bard called time the Elvenking who happened to pass by in the hall. "Could you come in here, please?"

"Of course," he entered the office as Daeron stood and saluted. "Hello, Lieutenant."

Bard relayed the gist of their conversation so far, then asked Daeron, "What do you think we should do from here?"

"Our immediate concern is getting Bowen through this dangerous stage, before and after he loses his mother, then widening his circle when he is strong enough. I cannot say when he will be well enough to go back with Anna and Daffyd, but when he does, Turamarth and Ivran can spend time with him regularly."

"Thranduil spoke up. "I would also like to suggest something, if I may."

"Of course, you can," Bard told him.

"I propose sending for a similar animal from my Kingdom for the child to keep as his own – yet another means of support."

"Perfect!" Bard said, and everyone around the table agreed.

"I will send a message tomorrow, and ask the breeder to select one with a suitable temperament, and have it brought here within the next two weeks, but in the meantime, perhaps Thangon could stay with the boy while we are at Erebor?"

"I'm fine with that." Bard looked around the table. "So, the plan is to get Bowen to bond with Turamarth, and Ivran will start spending time at their apartment too. Ask Ruvyn for his help, but," Bard told them seriously, "this is voluntary, and I'm not forcing anyone to do this, but, once the commitment is made, I expect you all to follow through, so think carefully before you agree."

"Provided it does not interfere with their duties, I see little difficulty," Thranduil said. "Both Ivran and Ruvyn are unattached, and I am sure they will be happy to help."

"Good," Bard nodded. "So, we're agreed Daeron will back off a bit, but keep an eye on him as a healer, until you leave in two months. I want regular updates as to his progress. This might be a good idea for other orphans who are having difficulty adjusting."

After everyone dispersed, Thranduil walked over to him and kissed his cheek. "You did well, My King."

"A lot of people went out of their way to help me, when I needed it." Bard told him. "My Da always told me to 'pass it on,' and I've tried to remember that." Bard put his arms around Thranduil. "I like how you and I can work together."

"I am only here in Dale to advise and enjoy our children; the rest is your problem." The Elvenking kissed his nose. "Come, Meleth nîn. It is almost time for lunch, and our guests will arrive later this afternoon."

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Just before the dinner bell rang, the wagon from Erebor Came, as expected.

Earlier that spring, during Bard and Thranduil's convalescence, Dáin's wife Dilna, the new Queen Under the Mountain, arrived from the Iron Hills with their three daughters (one heavy with child), their sons-in-law and seven grandchildren. The were accompanied by the families of the Dwarven soldiers who had decided to settle in the Lonely Mountain. Two weeks before that, Lady Dís, sister of the late King Thorin, and mother of the fallen Princes, came from the Blue Mountains with a caravan of her people. Word was, she would stay a year, then return home to rule their people near the Shire and the Grey Havens.

When Balin suggested a formal introduction between the Dwarves and the other rulers of the North, Dáin agreed it would be a good idea, but not without meticulous preparation on both sides. Hilda and Galion were to travel to the Lonely Mountain, to instruct the Dwarves of the nature and culture of the Elves and Men, while Balin and Ori were to come to Dale to do the same, for the Kings and their family.

"Greetings, Lord Balin of Erebor," Bard formally bowed low, "And to you, Master Ori," he bowed again.

"We are happy to be here," Balin clasped wrists with Bard, as did Ori. After they paid courtesy to the Elvenking, Balin said, "Greetings to you, Lady Hilda, and Lord Galion. Your rooms are ready in the Mountain and we hope you enjoy your stay."

"I'm sure we will, Lord Balin," Galion bowed graciously.

They helped Hilda and Galion get settled in the wagon, waved them off, as servants brought the Dwarves' luggage to their room.

"I hope you don't mind sharing, Balin. It will be a while before the work begins on the Castle, so we've set you up in here," he showed them Sigrid and Tilda's room.

"Och, no; I've slept soundly on dirt, rocks in caves and even in the freezing rain. This'll be fine, laddie." Balin smiled up at the King of Dale. "It's good that you want to see to your people first. It shows your quality."

Thranduil looked at his husband proudly. "I agree, Lord Balin, although it does make things a bit crowded."

"I'm sure it's not what you're used to, Lord Thranduil. I seem to remember your Halls were very open and spacious," Balin raised his eyebrow. "Even your cells in the dungeons!"

"Ah, yes." The Elvenking laughed. "Still, I enjoy living in such close proximity to our loved ones, and will miss it, when Lord Bard moves us to more spacious quarters, upstairs."

"I hope we're not putting anyone out." Ori worried.

"Not at all." Bard assured him. "Sigrid will be joining Tauriel across the hall, and we have set up a cot for Tilda in our room."

"Are you sure that's not too inconvenient?"

"Trust me," Bard smirked, "she spends half her nights in with us anyway. Tilda's still at that age where she needs reassurance at night, so it's not unusual for her to crawl between us and kick us black and blue in her sleep."

Balin laughed. "Bairns don't stay little for long, do they?"

"Every moment is precious," Thranduil agreed.

"Don't mind him," Bard teased. "Tilda has her Ada wrapped around her little finger, and he'd spoil her rotten, if Hilda would let him."

"As I would for all of them."

"I hope you're hungry. Dinner's just about ready."

"I won't turn down a good meal, Bard," Balin smiled, when Tauriel came down the corridor toward them.

"Lord Balin, Master Ori!" she gave them a formal salute, then hugged them. "It is good to see you!" Then she turned to the Kings. "The children have finished their ride, and I am sending them to wash for dinner. Rhys had asked to be present for this, as well."

As soon as she said that, the noise from four kids and a sheep dog filled the air, as they talked and laughed their way toward them.

"Da!" Tilda rushed over to them. "I rode Blossom and did the reins the whole time, and my hands did good!"

"That's wonderful, Beanie! Do you have a proper greeting for our guests?"

"Uh huh." She paid courtesy to the Dwarves. "Hello and welcome to Dale."

"You are very polite, Princess Tilda." Balin nodded to her and tousled her hair.

"Ada helps me practice," she smiled at Thranduil proudly and took his hand.

"Well, you are doing a good job." Ori grinned. "Hello Lady Sigrid, Lord Bain."

The older children bowed and curtsied to the Dwarf Lords, then smiled back.

"Let's dispense with the titles, yeah? Back here, we try to keep it informal." Bard clapped his hands. "Okay, Sea Monsters; get yourselves clean and to the table. We've got a lot to go over the next couple of days, yeah?"

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Supper was a casual affair, where everyone exchanged recent news of themselves, and asked after other friends in Dale and Erebor. Once the meal was over, the family and the Dwarves gathered in the Living Room, to begin to their instruction in the traditions and formalities of a Dwarven Court Ceremony.

Tilda was a bit confused, "Why is this visit so different?"

"King Dáin will be holding a "Formal Court," and we must be ready to observe their customs and traditions," Thranduil told her. It is an honor, and we must show our respect."

"Why?" Tilda wanted to know.

"Every Kingdom in Middle Earth is different, and we need to know what these differences are. We must adhere to the traditions of the country we are visiting."

"Like what?"

"Well, well one of the ways Elves show respect at Court in my Kingdom, is this," Thranduil touched his right hand to his heart, then extended it out to her with this palm up. "You've seen me, Tauriel, and Galion do this, but it takes practice, and it must be done correctly. You try it."

So Tilda stood up straight and imitated him.

"That is good, but you must slow down your movements, and make your movements slow and graceful. To make a hurried gesture is considered an insult, and you would not want to do that. Now, slow down and keep your movements smooth, and make sure your palm is up, with your fingers are together, like so. Try again, please."

Her second attempt showed great improvement. "Did I do it right?"

"You did great, Little Bean." Bard said, "ready for any Elven Court on Middle Earth."

"What about you, Da?"

"I won't hold my first Royal Court until right before the Harvest, so we've got time to learn, but it's not that different than what we already do. The men bow, to their King like this," Bard bent at a forty-five-degree angle and looked at the ground.. "However, if you are a ruler of your land and come to my Court, you bow like this," he lowered to the same angle, but held her gaze. "A King does not have to look down, because he is of equal status to the King of Dale. Also, gifts are presented to the King, which represent the visiting country. This is true of many Royal courts."

"Like what?"

"Well, if the country is famous for its silks, then bolts of their finest fabrics would be given. Rohan is famous for their horses, so perhaps they would bring a stallion or a mare. If King Dáin comes to my Royal Court, he would perhaps bring something made in their forges, or a jewel."

"Is the Woodland Realm bringing anything?" Bain asked.

"Yes. Three small horses, and an ancient ceremonial weapon, from my vaults."

"What would Dale bring?"

"Good question. We're still new, so we'll bring different things from our Marketplace, such as baked goods, pottery, woven blankets, things like that."

"That's a good idea," Sigrid said.

"What's a Lady supposed to do if she's in Dale?" Tilda wanted to know.

"Excellent question, Little Bean. You would curtsy like you did for Balin, only go much lower."

Rhys stood up. "I've seen that, when my Da used to work for the Master of Laketown!"

"Well, don't just stand there with your teeth in your mouth," Bain teased. "Show us!"

Rhys narrowed his eyes, and gave a demonstration. "So there! Your turn, Bain."

"Aye, Bain!" Tilda giggled. "You have to do it, now!"

The boy made a face, then threw himself into the spirit of things. He curtsied nearly to the ground, then spoke in high falsetto, "It's pleasure to meet you, My Lady," then lost his balance and fell on his arse. "That's harder than it looks!"

Percy happened to come into the sitting room just then, and caught the scene. "What in the world are you doing, boy?"

Bain answered in his high squeaky voice. "I'm showing them how girls curtsy to the King of Dale!"

Sigrid had no sympathy. "And we have to that in heels. We also have to dance backwards, so quit your whining."

Tilda's hand flew to her mouth to stifle her giggles, Bain was hiding his face in embarrassment, and Tauriel looked at Bain like he had three heads.

"Ai, gorgor!" The Elleth got up and shoved Bain back down beside Bard. "You will give me nightmares if you keep up that nonsense. Sigrid; let us us show these clumsy oafs how it is done."

Sigrid did a perfect formal curtsy almost down to the ground, "See, Til? You look down before the King, but if you you are showing courtesy to another prince or princess from another land, you look up at them!" she did it again.

"Perfect!" Percy clapped. "You girls are going to prevent a war."

"Do girls really have to dance backwards?" Tilda mused as she crawled in Ada's lap. "That doesn't seem fair."

"Just be thankful you do not live in Gondor, Tithen Pen. The social customs there very difficult to navigate, especially for women."

"Ew," she wrinkled her nose. "I like it better here."

"I agree," Bard said. "But the day will come when we have to visit, so we'll have to learn that, too."

"But not today." She said, relieved.

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Everyone was laughing and relaxed, which made the lesson on Dwarvish etiquette go much smoother. Balin started out by telling them about the different members of Dáin's family they will meet, while Percy sat beside Bard and took notes.

All the kids were curious, but Tilda asked a ton of questions, which the Dwarves answered with great patience.

"You see, Tilda, Dwarves age differently, just like Elves, so even though Princess Alda looks to be your age, she is actually sixteen, like Sigrid."

"Wow…" the little girl mused. "What kind of things does she like?"

"Many of the same things you do: flowers, pretty dresses, animals, and such."

"I'll bring Charlotte and Daisy then. Maybe she'll have dolls, too, and we could have a tea party."

"I think that would be nice." Then Balin addressed Bain, "Prince Náin, is at the same level of maturity as you are, enjoys riding, archery and weapons." He smiled, "You will be interested to know that he also likes Stratagem and Draughts and gives Bifur a run for his money."

"Do we always have to use their titles?" Bain asked.

"It's the same as Dale or the Woodland Realm; formal titles in public, but you must wait until your hosts gives permission to drop them in private."

"This is helpful Balin, really." Bard told him. "I'm familiar enough with Dwarves, but what can you tell me about your, what's the word?"

"Dwarrowdams?"

"Those are the women, right?" Sigrid asked.

"Yes. Mostly we refer to them as simply 'Dams.' You do know that our Dams have facial hair, do you not?"

"Really?" Tilda was wide-eyed. "Like beards?"

"Yes," Balin smiled at the little girl. "It might take a bit of getting used to, so I do not want you to act shocked, because this could be perceived as an insult. Our women take great care with their hair and beards and you will see them decorated with jewels and beads and intricate braids."

"Like Elves do with their hair?" Sigrid asked. "I think its beautiful at all the styles they can come up with!"

"Every bead a Dwarf or Dam wears means something special. In fact, you would be paying a Dwarrowdam the highest compliment if you take ask about her hair and beard, and its decoration."

"I'll do that, thanks."

"Balin," Thranduil asked, "I am not passing judgment on now Dwarves raise their children, but our children are not used to such physicality, and our Tilda is still fragile, and I am sure no one wants them to be accidentally hurt."

Balin laughed. "You'll be glad to know that the King and Queen have expressed the same concern. This trip will be a good chance for all our children to learn about the other races. In this manner, our young often show wisdom that we adults seem to lack."

"This is true," Thranduil agreed. "It is our hope that the work of our generation will be taken for granted, as our young ones grow up alongside each other. If you would make sure that they know that Tilda is not to physically exert herself, and can tire easily, we would greatly appreciate it."

"So they don't think I'm being snobby?" Tilda said.

"Yes, hênig." Thranduil stroked her hair, and said to to Balin. "I am hoping we can take Esta with us. She assists us in looking after Tilda."

"Yes, of course you can." Balin nodded.

"My husband is anxious to meet the newest addition to Erebor's Royal family," Bard said. "A little girl, right?"

"Yes, a Dam born to Dáin and Dilna's youngest daughter, Vís, and her husband. They named the child in honor of Prince Fili and Kili's mother."

"That's nice of them," Sigrid exclaimed. "I'd like to bring the baby a gift if that's okay. I just finished a blanket."

"I'm sure she'd like that."

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The rest of the evening was spent going over Dwarven formal greetings.

"Now, it is traditional for Dwarves to knock foreheads together, but we will not require this for you. Simply press your foreheads together, while looking in one another's eyes."

"What is the reason behind that?" Sigrid asked.

"It is believed, in our culture that a person must see into another's soul, and 'breath each other's air," for a true friendship to begin."

"Wow… I really like that." Sigrid said thoughtfully.

Balin and Ori continued their instruction until it was time for the children to get ready for bed, amidst some minor moaning and protest.

Sigrid got up, "I'll get Tilda into her bath," and held out her hand.

"But I'm learning important stuff!" Tilda pouted.

"And you'll learn more tomorrow, Beanie. Now go with your sister, Beanie."

When Tilda tried to appeal to Thranduil for more time, the Elvenking shook his head. "Your Da is right, Tithen Pen, if you get sick, you cannot go, and you would be disappointed, would you not? You can come back and say good night when you are done."

"Okay." The little girl frowned, but left with her sister.

Tauriel got up. "Bain and I will take Rhys home with Esta, then I will read a Tilda a story."

"Thank you Gwinïg," Thranduil said, as she kissed his cheek.

Bain got up with a wave. "See you tomorrow!"

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Once the children left, Bard approached another subject.

"There's another matter which I think is important to talk about." Bard said, "What about Lady Dís? I know she deeply grieves her family, and we want to be sensitive to that. Is she ready to meet Tauriel?"

"I think, if Lady Tauriel is willing, and if she feels ready, she should go. It may do both ladies some good."

"What does Dís say about it? I do not want our daughter to be hurt in anyway," Thranduil told him. "Even if Lady Dís's intentions are honorable, my daughter is also in mourning and we must look after her."

Balin gave the Elvenking an understanding nod. "Dís has expressed a wish to meet with you all, and especially Tauriel. I cannot guarantee that she will keep her composure, but you have nothing else to fear. She is eager to know the maid who captured her son's heart and helped save her people."

Thranduil smiled. "She did, and I freely admit it. It was Tauriel's actions during the Battle that helped set the stage for all the good that is happening today."

"You'll be happy to know the Dwarves of Erebor know that, too. In fact, I would not be surprised if they gave Tauriel a hero's welcome."

"Really?" Thranduil exclaimed.

"Balin," Bard smiled slyly. "Unless I'm mistaken, there's a story behind your words."

"There is... a bit of a tale, yes," the Dwarf tapped the side of his nose. "In fact, you both should know about this."

Bard got up and refilled his tankard with ale. "You'll need to wet your whistle, if you're going to tell it."

"Keep this coming, and I'll be glad to." And so, Balin, the great storyteller of Erebor began his tale:

"When the other settlers came to the Lonely Mountain, Dáin knew it would take some doing to convince them that the Alliance of the North was a good thing." The Dwarf addressed Thranduil. The stories of Thorin Oakenshield's Gold Sickness was common knowledge, of course, but many had no idea how you tried to warn Thror he was becoming ill, and of your surreptitious aid to our folk after the Dragon came."

"I was happy to help, Balin." The Elvenking bowed his head.

The Dwarf continued. "The remaining members of the Original Company regaled our comrades with the tale of our journey, and they were shocked and saddened, at the terrible change in Thorin, but cheered to learn how he overcame the Sickness (many weren't surprised because, after all, this was the great Thorin Oakenshield!). They heard the tale of his and the Princes' demise on Ravenhill, were all deeply saddened at their loss.

"These things were all well and good, but Dáin and I were surprised at what really convinced these Dwarves to accept and support diplomacy was something very simple…" Balin said with a smile.

"What was that?" Bard asked.

"A song!" Ori answered him with a smile.

"Not just any song, though," Balin told them. "The song. Bofur wrote and sang it at the first gathering, and…" he shook his head in wonder. "I'll never forget it."

"It must have been some song."

"Oh, it was, and I need to tell you about it."

Bard picked up the pitcher of ale. "We're all ears."

Balin held out his mug again for Bard to fill, and resumed his story:

"Many had heard rumors that Prince Kili had lost his heart to an Elven maid, but of course they were just rumors, weren't they? Most didn't really believe it, but that night in the Hall of Kings, Bofur and some of his musicians of the Original Company stood on the dais before the Golden Floor, and they performed a ballad he had written of the doomed love between Kili the Dwarven Prince, and Tauriel, adopted daughter of the Elvenking."

Bard sat forward with interest. "Really?"

"It's long and varied, but it's beautiful. I'm not going try to sing it for you, because I couldn't possibly do it justice, so I will tell you about it…"

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Many minutes later, when Balin finally finished the tale, the room was quiet and sober.

"Thank you, Balin," the Thranduil said, quietly. "I am honored to have the brave deeds of my my children celebrated. Please extend my thanks to Master Bofur."

Bard took Thranduil's hand and squeezed it. "It is really nice of them."

But the Dwarf had told them of this song for a good reason.

"Thranduil, King Daín has requested your permission to have it sung at one of the banquets during your visit." Balin told them. "Most of it will be sung in Khuzdul and hasn't been translated yet. However, the last portion, which is sung by Ori," Balin smiled at his companion, "is sung in Westron, and I think you should hear it, now."

This made the shy young dwarf blush a deep red, but Ori stood up straight and sang his portion in a soft voice, so as not to wake the children.

When the last note faded, and Ori sat back down, all was silent for a moment, and Thranduil sat very still, staring off into space, as Ori finished. "That was… haunting, but lovely. I do believe you have captured the workings of my daughter's heart, Mellon nîn."

"Thank you," Ori said, shyly. "Would it distress you or Tauriel?"

Bard looked concerned and studied his husband's face. "I don't know…"

"This is a wise idea," Thranduil said. "Our presence while this song is performed, would demonstrate the possibilities for the North."

"You really think it won't upset you?"

Thranduil gave Bard a reassuring smile. "It will always upset me to relive these memories, but what better way to deal with them, than to know they will serve the future?"

"I suppose I can understand that. But what if it's too much for Tauriel?"

"I appreciate your consideration in asking." Thranduil addressed the Dwarves, "But I cannot speak for Tauriel, you understand. We will meet with her privately tomorrow, so you can tell her all this. If she feels she cannot endure it, then I must either decline, or make arrangements for her to leave before it is sung.

"I understand," Balin told the Elvenking. "I hope you can hear it, at some point. It's a masterpiece, in both languages."

"I'm sure it is." Thranduil smiled.

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After they bid their guests good night, Bard kept his arm around Thranduil, as they quietly went into their bedchamber, and checked on Tilda, asleep on her cot. As usual, her toys and half of her blankets were kicked onto the floor, and her leg and arm were hanging over the side.

Bard wasn't surprised at all, when his Elf picked the sleeping child up, took her over to their bed, and sat against the headboard with her in his lap.

"Hey," Bard got in beside him and cupped his cheek. "Are you all right?"

Thranduil nodded, but didn't stop looking at Tilda.

"We wouldn't be here now, if those things hadn't happened." He whispered to the Elvenking.

"I know."

Bard smoothed his hair. "And because of all those things, you've got your daughter back, and a real chance and making things right with Legolas. You also have three more children, and a husband who shares your soul."

"I know that, too." Thranduil smiled. "You love me very much."

"And you love me very much." Bard kissed his temple, and held out his arms. "Come here."

Thranduil put Tilda to his right, so the Bowman could gather the Elf to his chest.

"I was right, you know." he whispered.

"About what, Meleth nîn?"

Bard kissed his shoulder and snuggled into the back of his neck. "You and Tilda need each other."

"We do," Thranduil said quietly. "But I need you the most."

"You'll always have me, love." Bard intertwined their fingers and held their hands over Thranduil's heart, as they both drifted off to sleep.

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NOTES:

Stratagem and Draughts – Chess and Checkers