Chapter Thirteen
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After a couple of days rest, Turamarth takes Bowen to the House of Healing to see his Mam, and makes her acquaintance.
Daeron runs into Rhian and Darryn while doing some shopping, and in the Market Square, things get exciting, but not in a good way.
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There was a man who loved the moon, but whenever he tried to embrace her, she broke into a thousand pieces and left him drenched, with empty arms."
― Laini Taylor, Strange the Dreamer
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City of Dale; 22ndof July 2942 T.A.
"Bowen? Are you ready?"
The boy was dressed, but sitting on the bed, staring blankly ahead. Turamarth sat down beside him as Thangon sat in front of the boy and nudged his hand.
"Bowen?" The Elf asked again, gently.
Bowen shrugged, and stroked the dog's head absently. "I want to see Mam, but –"
"But what, Adanneth?"
"I don't want the hurt to start again." He held his middle. "What if I start to feel bad?"
Turamarth rubbed the boy's back. "I do not think you will suffer like that, today. You have had a couple of days to rest, Daeron is helping the problem in your stomach, and you have been eating a little more, have you not? He has made sure you sleep, as well. As far as your heart hurting, let me ask you this: would it hurt you more later, if you did not see your mother when you could have?"
"I know I shouldn't feel like this..."
"You shouldfeel however you feel, Bowen."
"Can Thangon come?"
"I am afraid not. We need to drop him off at the Castle, on our way."
"He can't stay with me?"
"Just while we are visiting your mother. King Bard said he could come back when we are finished."
"That's nice of him."
"It is. Did you know we will be keeping him while the Royal Family is in Erebor, next week? They will stay for four days, so Thangon will be here, is that all right with you?
Bowen rested his hand on the dog's broad head. "I wish this wasn't happening."
"Everyone wishes that when hard times come, Adanneth."
"What if I can't do it?"
"But you can, child. We will help you." Turamarth held out his hand. "One step at a time, together."
After he helped Bowen stand up, the boy didn't let go.
"Thanks for being my friend."
Turamarth, smiled, squeezed his fingers, then took him through the streets of Dale, and to the courtyard of the Great Hall, where Bowen met a familiar face.
"Greetings, Bowen!" Ivran smiled down at the boy.
"Hi," he said with a small smile. "I have to bring Thangon back before we go visit my Mam."
Ivran got down on one knee and grasped the boy's shoulders. "I am sorry I have not seen much of you, Bowen, but I would like to remedy that, if you are willing."
The boy's shoulders relaxed a little. "That…would be nice."
"Come hênig, we must be going." Turamarth said, putting his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Bye, Thangon." Bowen hugged the big dog, then handed his leash to Ivran, who patted his shoulder. "King Bard says we can come back to get him. Bye!"
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At the Healing House, Turamarth and Bowen paused before Ellyn's door. "Are you ready?"
Bowen rubbed his chest. "I don't know."
"If it does not feel like it, now, you will find that his time with your mother will bring happy memories, later." Turamarth put his hand on the boy's shoulder and squeezed it.
"I'm really scared."
"That is all right. No emotion is right or wrong, Adanneth;but what you do with them is what matters. Come, child; you will not regret this."
As soon as the woman saw her son, she opened her arms, "Oh, my boy! I'm so glad you're here!"
Bowen slowly over to her and let himself be held. He gradually relaxed, and, then finally spoke. "I'm sorry Mam; I'm really sorry," and he began to cry. "I didn't mean to yell and get mad."
"Shh…" Ellyn placed a kiss in his hair.
"Mistress, allow me to introduce myself, I am Turamarth," he bowed and kissed her hand.
"Anna and Daffyd told me about you." Ellyn smiled up at him. "Thank you for looking after my son."
"The pleasure is mine," he said with a smile.
"Tur and Daeron want me to stay with them. Is that all right?"
"Of course it is, love. Now," she held his face in her hands, "tell me how you are."
"I'm… okay." Bowen looked down, and couldn't meet her eyes.
Ellyn sighed and brushed the hair from his forehead. "No, you're not, but you will be. We're blessed to have friends who will make sure all you kids will be taken care of."
"Da told me I was 'the man of the house,' and I tried so hard!" A large tear fell from the boy's eye.
"Yes, he did, but he never meant for you to do it all by yourself, Bowen, or to feel like it was your fault, if something went wrong." She tilted her head and gave him a loving, sad smile. "Oh, sweetheart, sometimes things just happen, sad things we can't stop, no matter how hard we try."
"But it's not fair!" Bowen's lips wobbled.
"Listen to me, sweetheart: everyone goes through terrible things. If they tell you they haven't, it only means they are lying, or it hasn't happened to them yet. These things happen, and we get through them, because we lean on those who want to help us."
"I don't want you to go, Mam." His voice wobbled. "I really don't."
"Oh, I don't want to leave you. But let's spend our time talking about things that make us smile, so when you remember me, it will be good memories, yeah?" she rubbed their noses together.
"What do you want to talk about?"
"Well, I was thinking about the day you were born. Did you know what your Da said the first time he saw you?"
"No."
"Now that's a story! Your Da and Grandad and..."
As mother and son talked, Turamarth tiptoed out of the room and quietly shut the door and let them visit, and he went and found a seat in the Waiting Room.
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A while later, Bowen came out. "Mam wants to see you."
The Elf rose to return with Bowen, but the boy stopped. "She wants to speak to you by herself."
"Will you be all right out here?"
"Uh huh." The boy nodded. "She said she wouldn't be long."
Turamarth made his way back to the residential area, but not before speaking to the attendant in the waiting room in Sindarin, asking that she please keep the boy company. He went to her door, which was open and took a seat beside Ellyn.
"How is he, really?"
"His stomach problems are getting better, and slept much yesterday. Even so, we will be carefully watching him."
"They told me that you'll be looking after Bowen for a while."
"I am happy to do it, Good Lady. Please be at ease."
"Is he really that bad off?"
Turamarth took her hand. "He would have been, if he were left to cope with all this alone. But he will not be."
"I never meant for him to do any of that." Ellyn told him. "I don't want anyone to think I expected this from him."
"We do not, nor do we think your late husband intended this either. One day, your son will know this, and understand they were spoken from love." The Elf squeezed her fingers. "But, please; just as you do not wish Bowen to think about his upset, you must not allow your thoughts to tarry on what cannot be changed."
The woman tried to smile, but became teary. "I don't want to leave them. I really don't." she wiped her eyes.
"I am sorry," the Elf brushed his thumb over her knuckles, "we will make sure you know everything about how the children will be looked after, and I have met Anna and Daffyd, and you can be assured that you will not be forgotten, and neither will your husband."
"Thank you," she smiled, "thank you all so much."
Turamarth got up from his chair. "Shall I send Bowen back in?"
"Yes, please; and could you stay, too?"
"I would be honored, Mistress."
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City of Dale, 24thof July, 2742 T.A.
"Daeron!"
The Elf turned at the voice calling out to him on the street. Rhian was approaching, with Darryn wrapped in a sling to her front, and carrying a shopping basket.
"Good morning, Hind Calen!" Daeron smiled at her, then teased the baby's nose. "Darryn, is that another tooth I see?"
"It is," Rhian rolled her eyes, "and he's getting weaned and quick! He bites now!"
"Very common, as I am sure Hannah has told you. How are your studies?"
"Oh, Lord Thranduil brings me a lot of books from his library and I can't get enough of them. I think my favorites are about history. Even if I wasn't studying, I'd read the history ones anyway!"
"To know your history, is to know yourself. How are things at your home?"
"We've ordered some comfortable furniture like they have at the Castle, but that will take a while. The Kings keep offering to send for some from the Palace, but Da wants to pay our own way, and help put money into the city. Our stove is finished, finally, but since the weather's been so hot, I haven't used it much. Mostly we have sandwiches and raw vegetables, which is easy to pack for Da when he goes to work. I'm on my way to shop; want to come?"
"I am headed there myself. My shift at the Healing House starts later, and we are low on food."
"I heard Bowen is staying with you and Turamarth."
"He is, as well as Lord Bard's big dog. That animal is eating us out of house and home! Here," He took her basket and held out his elbow, "allow me, My Lady."
Rhian giggled and took his arm, but that didn't last long, as Darryn became cranky and held his arms up for Daeron to take him.
"Here," Rhian handed him the ring of stuffed beads. "This is favorite toy this week. Did I tell you he's sitting up by himself, now?"
"No!" The Elf held the baby over his head. "You sit up and you did not think to tell me? Ai!What is to be done with you, child?"
Darryn grinned as he chewed on his finger. Elf kissed his head, and gathered him close, but not before he swept his dark auburn hair quickly to the other shoulder so Darryn couldn't pull it.
"He really loves you, Daeron," Rhian laughed. "It's like magic when you're around."
Daeron blushed and looked at the ground quickly, as his insides did a somersault. "I love him, too."
They reached the Market Square and their first stop was the butcher. "Lady Rhian!" the portly man approached them. "I vow, that boy gets bigger every week! Now, what can I get you?"
"Good morning! We need some ham for Da's lunch tomorrow, and I think we'll have a roast chicken for tonight," she told him. "I'll use the leftovers for soup."
"Coming right up." The butcher grinned at Daeron. "Aren't you the Elf who treated my youngest when he got into some Poison Oak last week?"
"I am. How is he?"
"Right as rain. Those kids haven't been around plants, to know better. It was kind of your Commander sent his boys out to the woods and cleared the area of all that stuff."
"I have heard Mistress Bronwyn has samples to educate the children during the school year."
"Can't ask for more than that. And here you go, young lady!" the butcher said, as he wrapped Rhian's order in paper and string, then handed it to her with a grin, "and what can I get for your young man, today?"
Rhian looked at Daeron and laughed. "Oh, no no no… He's a friend." She looped her arm through his. "More like a brother, really."
The Guard did his best to appear casual. "I need a rather large order of beef for the next week or so. Lord Bard's dog is staying with us, until they return from Erebor."
"Thangon? Good gravy, lad!" he burst out laughing. "Is your pantry big enough?"
"Barely," the Elf grinned. "If you would, please send the bill to the Castle; the King insists on paying for his keep."
"Good thing, too; you couldn't afford what that beastie eats." The butcher tickled the baby under his chin, making him giggle. "Looks like you've got your hands full, Miss. Tell you what: let me send my oldest boy over to your place with your order."
"That would be perfect, thanks!" Rhian's smile made the Man blush with pride. "Bye!" she waved, as Daeron insisted on carrying her basket and the baby out the door.
They went to the baker's next, then to the produce stand. Daeron put his purchases in the cloth bag he brought, as did Rhian. She put her eggs in a knitted large square with small pockets, so they wouldn't break.
"That is a clever idea, Hind Calen."
"Thank you; I saw it in one of the books, and Lady Hilda and Sigrid worked out the pattern, I could make you and Tur one, if you like."
"You are very kind."
They continued chatting about trivial things, until they came to the front of the Potter's store. A man was standing outside, with his wife, but the way he was speaking with her was hardly loving – it was cruel and domineering.
Daeron handed her the basket and the baby. "Stay here, Rhian.."
The man screamed obscenities at the woman, and he raised his hand to slap her, but his forearm was caught in a crushing grip.
"AAH!" the man gasped. "You're hurting me, you bastard!" And tried to pull away.
Everyone in the Market Square fell silent, and watched the Guardian subdue the man easily, but did not know how to take the furious look on Daeron's face. He was calm and clearly in control, but no one had ever seen the popular, friendly Elf look this way at anyone.
Luckily, Daeron was facing away from Rhian, so she didn't see it.
Daeron squeezed even harder and whispered low, so no one could hear. "If you utter a sound," he whispered, "just one more sound, I will break your arm, do you understand me?"
Though it was before noon, the man's breath reeked of alcohol. He looked at Daeron with gritted teeth, and opened his mouth to say something, but then shut it with a grimace of pain.
In the next moment, Tom the Potter, and his three sons came running out of the shop and surrounded the man.
"Egon," the Potter said to his eldest son, "get that length of rope in back, and tie him up. We're taking this piece of shit to the King. Right now." The son soon returned with it, accompanied by Maggie, the Potter's wife and daughter, who quickly took charge of the poor woman, and spoke in soothing tones.
"Come on inside, dearie. Let's get you a nice cuppa, and it will be all right. Come along, now."
The entire crowd came closer and circled the man, who was still staring at the Guard defiantly, as his hands were tied behind his back.
"Fucking, Elf." The man spit at him.
Daeron gave him a disgusted look, turned to the butcher and clasped his wrist. "He is all yours, Tom, provided you take him to the Castle straight away."
"Sure thing, lad. Thank you kindly."
The Potter addressed his two oldest sons. "Boys, take him to the Castle and bring him before King Bard!"
The crowd applauded at this, and when two of his sons dragged the man away, they meant to follow, but the Potter raised his hands and shouted. "Nothing more to see here, folks; just let Lord Bard handle it, while me and the missus look after his wife, yeah? Now let's all go about business like before."
Daeron had noticed a few Elven troops had come to the scene and were escorting the men, but at a distance. This was a good thing. Until these last few months, these folks had been dependent on either the Elves or Dwarves for policing, but he saw that they were beginning to govern themselves and were establishing high standards for their culture.
He'd have to send for Hannah to talk to the wife immediately, he decided, as he turned back to Rhian. "Come, Hind Calen–"
Ai, Nergon…
Rhian and the baby were nowhere in sight, and her basket had been dropped on the cobblestone, it's contents spilled out on the ground. Two of the eggs had smashed, an orange rolled out toward the small carousel.
The Elf picked up the items and looked around the area, but did not see her, so he walked through the town to Hannah's house, where woman had just closed her door and was carrying her bag.
"Daeron?" Her brows furrowed. "What's wrong?"
"I'm afraid there was a situation in the Market Square this morning." Daeron described the scene in front of the Pottery Shop. "The wife may need your services. She is with Tom's wife at their place."
"I'll get right over there." She turned and locked her front door.
"I am afraid we have another problem: Rhian and the baby were with me when it happened, and I fear this might cause a setback."
Hannah winced. "Oh, dear."
"I believe she has just gone home, so I will check there. You must see to this woman first, so I will look after Rhian until you can speak with her."
"But what about your shift? It starts in an hour."
"If you would stop on your way and explain, I would be grateful."
"I'll have to bring the wife there straightaway for examination, so I'll tell them then." Hannah's look was worried. "You take all the time you need for that girl. She trusts you, love, and so do I. I don't want to see her lose what she's gained."
Hannah left for the Marketplace, and the Elf went toward the Castle to the City Planner's house. As he approached the Courtyard in front of the Great Hall, he saw the man being dragged up the steps amid much shouting and swearing.
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"What in blazes is going on out here?" Percy shouted over the explosion of noise that echoed throughout the Great Hall. He took in the sight of a man being dragged in by two of Tom the Potter's sons, his hands bound behind his back, shouting and struggling and spouting vulgarities at the top of his voice.
"These fucking bastards don't want to mind their own business, that's what! What I say and do with my wife is my own fucking business and none of yours!"
"You're speaking to the Steward of Dale; show some respect!" Egon shook the man's arm. "Begging your pardon, Lord Percy, but this man needs to be brought before the King."
Behind him, Percy heard a thud, and the clink of keys. The doors to the back rooms had been shut and locked. No doubt there were more guards behind that, too. He didn't need to turn his head to know he was flanked on either side by the Elven guards.
"Stay here with him," he told one of the Elves, then to the other, he said, in sotto voce, "The children are with Lord Thranduil and Tauriel. Find them and keep them away, until we give the all-clear."
"Yes, My Lord," the Elf saluted and ran out the door.
The guards opened the doors to the back halls as soon as Percy identified himself.
"Everyone is locked in their rooms and offices, My Lord."
"Excellent. Keep these doors shut, and I want four of you to flank us when King Bard and I go back out."
"Yes, My Lord," the Elf saluted.
Bard scowled, when he unlocked his door to admit Percy. "I don't like hiding like this!"
Percy crooked an eyebrow. "This protocol is there for a reason. And you wouldn't be whining if the kids were back here."
"True," the Bowman admitted. "So, what's up?"
"I've no idea what the man did, but he's drunk and out of control. He's unarmed and bound, but I'm ordering the corridors to remain sealed, all the same. I also sent a messenger out to waylay the rest of the family."
"Shit!"Bard ran his hand over his face. "I'll have to tell Ben to get the dungeons finished and quick. It was stupid to think we wouldn't need them yet."
"Honeymoon's over, kid. If we need to lock him up, send him to that shack near the ice-house. It's far enough away from everybody and would be easy to guard and easy to spot, if he got out." Percy looked at him and shook his head. "Tom's boys brought him in, and it got me thinking: It's time Dale had its own sheriff, Bard. We don't have an Army, but that's no reason why we can keep the peace with our own."
"You're right, but there isn't anything I get caught up after all this traveling is done." Bard sighed, then turned to Ruvyn. "Come on; let's go see what we're dealing with."
"My Lord, you are not going without your sword and knife." The Lieutenant was firm.
"I had to arm myself, too," Percy raised his arms and turned to his side to show him. "I wear it well, for an old man, eh?"
"Stop it, you." Bard buckled his belt with his scabbard and knife. "I've got to pretend to be official and scary out there."
Ruvyn hid a smile, as Thangon rose and shook himself. "Do not forget your 'other guard,' My Lord."
"We're lucky Bowen brought him over." Bard addressed his dog. Ma nálde férime, Thangon? Tulë!"
The beast got up and went immediately to Bard's side.
When they approached the double doors leading to the Great Hall, the doors opened before them, and they saw the man still furious and struggling, though it seemed Tom's boys had him well in hand.
As they approached, the man lip curled, and he began to strain and kick with all his might, then-
Percy had to smile, at the man's reaction, as he watched the hair on Thangon's back rise straight up, and a low, menacing growl rumbled in his chest.
Bard walked up to the man, stood toe to toe, and stared into his face. Without taking his eyes from him, the King of Dale, said in a voice that dripped with governance and authority, "Thangon; Undu; serë!"
Instantly the dog dropped to the ground facing the man, but his normally lolling tongue was gone, as he gave the prisoner a look that meant business.
There was no doubt the King of Dale was in charge of this room. Well done, my boy, Percy thought to himself.
"Tell me everything that happened, Egon; keep to the facts, if you would." Bard still stared at the man, who had the good sense to lower his gaze.
"But –" the prisoner began.
The dog didn't move a muscle, but growled again, and narrowed his eyes, and offender fell silent.
"Rhian? Are you here?" Daeron set down the basket she had dropped, and knocked on the front door of her house.
No answer. He stepped down off the stone porch and looked up at the large house. Where could she be?
The Guard walked around the back, to the house's expansive garden. As with housekeeping, Rhian kept the grounds of their home with her usual meticulousness and eye for detail and found it relaxing to spend time digging in her flower beds, while Darryn took his afternoon nap on a blanket. There was a large the shade tree, that somehow managed to thrive in the ruins, and Ben had placed outdoor furniture underneath it.
As he suspected, she was out there, only instead of playing in the dirt, she was sitting on one of the outdoor chairs looking out at nothing. The back door was open, probably so she could hear the baby when he woke, so Elf went inside and set the food on the counter, and returned to the backyard and took the other chair.
"Your flowers are doing well," he said casually. "I especially like the irises. I think they are my favorite flower."
"Mine, too." Rhian looked down at her lap, but said, "I sent the bulbs to Da in the early spring. I don't know how he found the time to plant them, and I didn't think they'd bloom this year at all."
"I am glad they did, Hind Calen."
Rhian sighed, but didn't look up. "I saw them at the Palace, and Lord Thranduil's gardener was kind enough to let me have some."
Daeron looked at the cheerful yellow blooms. "These are cheerful, but I have to confess, like purple irises the best."
"Purple is my favorite color, too."
"Then I will have to make sure you plant some in the fall. Hilda tells me you have big plans for your garden, next year."
"Aye." The girl swallowed, and quickly wiped her eye. "I want lots of colors. I want pink lilies, too. Tons of them."
"Lady Tilda will like that. Pink is her favorite color."
Rhian worried the fabric in her skirt for several minutes, then said, quietly, "Thank you for bringing my basket." Her lower lip wobbled. "I'm sorry I dropped it, but…"
"I understand why you left so suddenly," his voice was gentle, as he went to kneel in front of her. "How do you feel?"
She paused for a few moments, then said, "Like…my chest was crushing me, and I couldn't breathe." She wiped her eyes again. "I've been doing so well around people lately, and I was almost feeling normal again. Then this happened, and now…" she swallowed. "I don't know."
Daeron took her hand, but remained silent, waiting.
"I know how sick I was at the Palace," Rhian's voice shook. "At least, now I do. It's like, when I look back, only now can I see how bad off I was! I'm scared, Daeron! What if I go back to that?"
"Do you have those bad feelings now?"
She nodded as her gaze fell to her lap. "I'm a mess, and I'll never get better!"
"Yes, you will. You are better off than you think."
"How can you say that?"
"Because it is true. Rhian, no onegets through life unscathed. I have my own share of memories I struggle with. You are reliving feelings of your past trauma, but you are much better, and I can prove it."
"How?" The hopeless look on her face tugged at his heart.
He held out his hand, and slowly she took it.
"Would you have let me hold your hand, before this, without flinching?"
"Well…. no?"
"You are feeling badly, yet you are allowing someone to touch you. Do you see that? It is one thing to feel good and do this, but look," he squeezed her hand, as she looked at them. "You feel stress and anxiety, but what about the other feelings that kept you away from others?"
"Like when I felt like I had bugs crawling all over me…"
"Yes. Do you feel like that, now?"
"Well, no," she said in a small voice. "But that's because I trust you."
"What about your Da? And Darryn?"
"I trust them, too."
"Hannah? Sigrid? Hilda? Even Lord Bard has hugged you, has he not?" He smiled at her.
She nodded her head. "But what about everyone else?"
"Rhian," he told her seriously, "it is normal to only allow a certain circle of loved ones to come close. If you are waiting to trust every person you meet to decide you are better, then you will be disappointed."
"Why didn't I know that?"
"When did you ever have the chance to learn?" he took both her hands in his and kissed them. "You are feeling better already. I can see that, can you?"
She stared to smile a little. "I think so. I mean, it will take a bit, but…"
"I spoke with Hannah, and she will come later. She was going to examine the man's wife, then she will come here when she is done."
Rhian sighed in relief. "That's brilliant." Then she looked into his eyes and laughed, "I must be such a bother."
Daeron's brows drew together. "Why do you say such foolish things?"
"You're always so good to Darryn and me. Why?"
...Because you deserve the very best that life has to offer, and I want to be the one to give that to you.
...Because I want to marry you, and give up this eternal loneliness and grow old with you.
...Because I love your son like he is my own, and want us to have more children, and bring them up together.
...Because I want to die in your arms and share your afterlife, and never be apart from you.
...Because you are utterly beautiful, and you set me on fire whenever I look at you, and when I close my eyes and dream, it is always about you.
...Because, Rhian, daughter of Ben, mother of Darryn, I am hopelessly, desperately, eternally in love with you…
"Because I have never had a sister." Daeron swallowed, plastered a casual smile on his face, and shrugged. "This is what big brothers do, I am told. I am to pull your hair and dip it in ink, play pranks and tease you mercilessly, but beat the stuffing out of anyone who even thinks about doing the same thing."
Despite her mood, Rhian giggled. "I think that's how it works."
"It is also my job to be a shoulder to lean on, when you need it. Now, come on." He stood up, and held out his hand. "I will make some lunch, and you will eat every crumb, is that clear?"
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An hour later, Hannah came, and Daeron made ready to leave. "I must start my shift at the Healing House; I will leave you and Hannah to talk." He picked up the baby and tickled his belly, which made him laugh.
Rhian walked him to the door, and said goodbye, but not before throwing her arms around him.
"Thank you," she whispered, and kissed his cheek. "I like having a big brother."
He mustered a smile, kissed her brow, and said, "I am honored, Rhian. Now, have a nice chat with Hannah, look after Darryn, then make the rest of this day whatever you want it to be, yes?"
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Before he turned to go to the center of the City, he stopped at the Castle and asked to see King Thranduil.
"How soon could I leave Dale, My Lord?"
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Adanneth– Young Man
Hind Calen– "Green Eyes" (Daeron's pet name for Rhian)
Ai, nergon…- Oh, no… (lit. Oh, lament…)
Ma nálde férime, Thangon? Tulë! - (Quenya) Are you ready, Thangon? Come!"
Thangon; Undu, serë!– Thangon: Down, stay.