Chapter Twenty-Three
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SUMMARY: We back track a bit, to see how King Bard handles his first Formal Court.
Poor Hilda takes great pains to get everyone spiffed up for the Galadhrim's arrival – with limited success.
Bain suffers from some growing pains as a young man, and Heir to the Throne.
Lots of family fluff, including a rude awakening for our Kings!
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"Sometimes people fall in love with those who do not return the same strength of feelings. It is as it is,' he said with a quiet intensity. 'What I give, I give freely. You owe me nothing, not love, not friendship, not even obligation.'"
― Sherry Thomas, Tempting the Bride
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City of Dale, 15th of September, 2942 T.A.
"Now, remember, Beanie; I can't come pick you up after school today. I'll be busy holding Court in the Great Hall. Your Guard is going to take you to Rhian's house, so you can stay with her and Sigrid, until I'm done. You'll probably eat supper there, too." Bard was holding Tilda's hand as they walked, accompanied by Turamarth, another Guard - a new one - named Meldon, and Esta.
"I won't forget. What happens at Court?"
"It's my first one, so I'll be learning, too. Mostly I will help people settle problems and complaints. Then, we want to talk to our people and tell them how the building is going, and our plans for Dale. A lot has been happening, so the people need to know what's going on. Afterward, Percy, Evan and Alun will make copies of everything we've decided, and hang it up in different places in the City so everybody can know."
"That's nice of you." She looked up at Bard. "Do I have to take a nap at Rhian's?" she asked hopefully.
"Yes, love. Elénaril said you could stay at school all day only if you rested after, remember?"
In truth, Tilda didn't need much help napping after school. The first few days after classes started, she fell asleep against Thranduil's shoulder, as he carried her home. Since then, she usually came home and fell asleep with no trouble, so she probably wouldn't put up much of a fight for Rhian.
They reached the school and Bard leaned down to give her a peck on the cheek, and handed her her lunch pail. "Be good and have fun. I love you."
"Love you too, Da! Bye! Bye, Turamarth!" She waved, and Meldon took her inside.
"Have a good day, My Lady," the Elf smiled and waved back, and they turned to go back, just as Meldon, after checking the interior of the school, took his place outside to begin his shift.
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Later that morning, the Great Hall was packed full and there was a lot on the agenda. Percy and Ben kept things organized and moving along, and Alun and Evan sat near them and recorded every decision and proclamation made that day.
Bard stood up on a table and gave a short speech, then announced the appointment of Tom and Egon as Constables. They would be assisted by Elves for now, to keep the peace.
"The sad fact is, folks, we just don't have enough men for the job yet, but that'll soon change, when others hear of Dale and want to move here. My long-term goal is still the same: to have our folk govern themselves, with our own Army, but we've got to face facts: we simply don't have the manpower yet, so we've got to be patient." He clasped his hands together, "Now let's get started. What's first, Lord Percy?"
The hours went by as the more minutiae necessary to run a City were addressed, such as the formation of a Fire Brigade, crop projections and food stores and preservation. Once done, the King of Dale heard and judged any disputes or complaints between Dale's citizens. Tom, the new Constable of Dale, along with his son, Egon, stood and gave their reports, which thankfully wasn't too serious.
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The day was long, tedious and exhausting. Bard was pleased at all they'd managed to accomplish, but at the end of the proceedings, Bard waved, mumbled a greeting to his family, and headed straight to his chambers. When Hilda went to check on him, she found him face down on top of the blankets, fully-clothed, and fast asleep. She took off his boots, and covered him with a blanket, kissed him on the brow, and looked down at his sleeping face.
"Your Mam and Da would be so proud of you, love," she whispered, she shut the door.
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City of Dale, 19th of September, 2942 T.A.
Thranduil's idea of making the Welcome Feast for the Galadhrim a small, orderly affair for invited guests was quickly thrown out the window by Hilda.
"If they're going to live here," she had reasoned, "we might as well throw them in to the deep end of the lake," And not for the last time, the Elvenking rolled his eyes and cursed her for always being right.
Word went out of the party's scheduled arrival in Dale and the folks decided to make an afternoon of it and began to line the streets. After so many years of a grey and dull existence, after so much death and destruction, these folks liked any excuse to celebrate something that could mean hope for the future.
And, they had to admit, they were curious.
Shortly before the Elves were due to arrive, Bard came out of his room dressed in his best finery, and felt his heart leap in his chest.
"Ada's coming soon, Da." Sigrid came over and smiled at him. She looked beautiful in her best afternoon dress, with her hair pinned back.
"And how do you know that, love?"
"Because you get this smile on your face every time you think of him. And you're doing it."
"Doing what?"
She pointed to his chest. "That."
He looked down and saw he was absent-mindedly rubbing over his heart. "Oh."
"Ada did it, too." She grinned up at him. "During the winter, when he would miss you."
"He did?" Bard grinned down at his smug daughter. "You notice a lot, don't you?"
"Absolutely."
"My darling girl…" Bard hugged her tight. "I know I've been too busy." he sighed into her hair. "I've no idea when things are going to slow down, either, and I'm sorry about that."
"That's all right, Da. We're all together, and we have Ada now, too."
He rested his chin on her head and sighed. "Thanks," he whispered, as he ran his hand up and down her back. "Tilda needs a lot of attention, but don't think for a minute I love you any less. I know you're growing up, but don't do it too fast, yeah? Leave some little girl for me?"
"Always." She promised, as she laid her head against his chest.
Just then, the bells rang from the Western Gate, and they both looked up and smiled. Bard walked down the corridor clapping his hands.
"Come on gang," he called cheerfully. "Ada's bringing our guests! Hurry up!"
Hilda bustled out of her room, straightening her collar and made sure her hair was pinned up properly. "Let's go, kids! Turamarth, go get others, will you?"
Soon they were assembled on the dais, in front of the curved archways of the pavilion at the top of the steps.
"Let me look at you…" Hilda checked Bard up and down, then adjusted his collar, and arranged his cloak so that it swooped up over one shoulder. "There. Now you look dashing."
"Hil, you don't need to fuss so much; I look fine!"
"And now you look better. Tilda, you've got a smudge on your cheek…" she licked her fingers and washed it off, then twirled her around readjusted a button on the back of her dress.
"Thanks Auntie Hil. Ada's coming, right?"
"Yep." Percy said.
"Where's Tauriel?" Hilda looked over at the rest of the Guard. "Isn't she –"
"Here! I am here!" The Elf ran out of the Hall.
"Well don't you look nice in your armor, lovey!"
"Auntie Hil!" Bain rolled his head. "Armor's not supposed to look nice! She's supposed to look scary and powerful!"
"Well, I think she looks nice," Tilda stuck out her tongue at her brother. Then she called over to her older sister, "You look nice, Tauriel!"
"Thank you Gwathel." The Elf called back, and took her place beside Turamarth.
"Nyah," Tilda stuck her tongue out.
"Shut up, Til," Bain hissed.
"Children!" Bard sighed, "could you pretend to act like Royalty in front of our guests?"
"You heard your Da!" Hilda said sternly, as she walked up and down in front of them, inspecting them carefully. She went over and yanked the side of Alun's tunic down, and brushed some something off Evan's shoulder, and pushed Bain's hair out of his eyes. "Now stand up straight, all of you, and by the Stars, behave!"
"Yes, Auntie Hil," everyone replied, like she was a drill sergeant, even the including the grownups. Evan snickered, but a look from Hilda wiped the smile off his face.
"Sorry, he muttered.
"Now, this is our first diplomatic visit and I want everybody on their best behavior, do you hear me?" Hilda lectured.
"Don't the Dwarves count?" Bain asked.
"Shush! You know what I mean."
"Don't worry, love," Percy smirked. "They'll know right away who really runs this Kingdom…"
"Oh, hush," she skewered Percy with a look, then put her hands on her cheeks and gasped. "Oh, my Stars! What are the dogs doing out here?"
"Thangon goes where I go." Bard frowned. "And Esta's not causing any problems!"
"But how will it look?"
"Hilda," Percy lowered his chin, "we all look great."
She rolled her eyes and heaved a sigh. "Fine! Just make sure they behave."
"Harë!" Bard ordered, and the dogs sat. "Told you," he muttered.
The cheers from the crowd signaled the party's approach.
"Here they come, folks," Percy said, of the corner of his mouth. "Put on your happy faces!"
Hilda called over to the Elves, "Go ahead, Feren; do your stuff!"
"Yes, My Lady." The Commander stepped forward. "Lîra!" He ordered in a sharp voice, and with amazing precision, every Elf present moved into formation and stood perfectly still at attention.
"Ooh! There he is!" Tilda cried, and tried to bolt, as the horses appeared.
"Oh, no you don't." Hilda grabbed her hand, "you stay right here, lovey."
"Come on, Little Bean." Percy, quickly grabbed her other arm, or she would have run right down in the midst of the horses.
"Ada! Ada!" She screamed and waved, despite Percy's iron grip on her. "Look! There's Uncle Galion, too!"
Poor Hilda's hope for decorum quickly fell by the wayside, as all the children were soon waving and calling out to Thranduil. Esta joined in the excitement, and started to bark and wag her tail.
"WOOF!" Thangon contributed his own thoughts. "WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!"
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hilda pinch the bridge of her nose, and Percy's shoulders shook with laughter.
"Oh, well." Bard put his arm around her shoulders. "This was how we are in Dale, and if the Galadhrim don't like it, they can always go back home." He kissed her cheek. "Didn't you say something about the 'deep end of the Lake?'"
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Finally, they came around and dismounted, and his tall, blonde Elvenking was in front of him. He winked at Thranduil, but greeted him formally, and of course all the proper introductions were made. The children show good manners, though Sigrid was a tiny bit tongue-tied at the sight of these handsome Elves.
But when each blonde Galadhrim, smiled down at Hilda, the Seneschal of Dale could only blush and fumble over her words. When she met Rúmil, she clasped at her chest. "My lands; you're so…tall…"
Bard had to chew the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing, and he could see Thranduil biting his lip. Bain snickered, and Percy laughed outright.
Then it was time for Bard to give a short speech to welcome them and to invite them to the Feast tonight. After a short response by Rúmil, the company were dismissed to get settled.
Percy grinned and took Hilda by the shoulders. "Come along, 'Hot Stuff.' You can flirt with the Elves later."
"Percy! I was not," she smacked his chest, "flirting!"
"Sure, you weren't. Hey Evan!" he called. "Looks like you're going to have find someone else to fuss and pamper you, lad. My girl has lost her heart to another. Which one was it, again?"
"Why you…" Hilda gasped in horror, and meant to really let her husband have it, but he grabbed her, and kissed her soundly.
"Just so you don't forget," he grinned, and from her smile, Percy could tell she hadn't.
Bard shook his head at the two of them, while Thranduil carried Tilda to the back, followed by the children. "Have you two made up?"
"You boys will be the death of me; I swear." Hilda sighed. "Now shoo, while I talk to Cook. Go on with you!"
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At the appointed hour, the people showed up in the Great Hall for the Feast, each bringing a dish to pass and their own table service (as per Dale tradition). The kitchen staff had set up buffet tables along the side wall, and Cook had made a few dishes of his own. Galion had given him recipes for some favorite dishes of the Wardens, to help them feel at home.
"So, Rúmil," Bard asked the Elf next to him. "I hope you're settling in all right. Are you comfortable with Turamarth?"
"He is much like Lieutenant Daeron, My Lord. I must admit, I am not used to living on the ground, and there is much going on. Things are much quieter in Lothlórien, but I am sure I will become accustomed to it."
"Men can be a noisy bunch, but these are good people, for the most part. I hope you like it here."
"Thank you, My Lord."
Bard smiled, as he looked at the folks laughing and talking, as they ate. There was Feren, with Dafina on his hip, and Tauriel and was taking the Galadhrim around from table to table to say hello, and help them get acquainted.
"Tomorrow, you will be taken around the city to get your bearings, then I am told Feren will give you your work assignments a few days after."
"Yes, that is my understanding," the Warden smiled. "I look forward to it."
"I hope you mean that in a good way," Bard grinned. "We're still getting our bearings, but I think we'll do all right."
"I look forward to getting to know your people this year. I have always had a curiosity to see the world, though my duties to my Lord and Lady must always come first. I was happy for the opportunity to serve both." He smiled as he took a drink, then looked down at the cup. "This wine is very good. Is it the same as what is served at the Palace?"
"Oh, yes. It's a particular favorite of my husbands, so Lady Hilda makes sure we stay stocked up. I prefer something a bit lighter, like Ale. My advice? Go easy on that stuff, until you get used to it."
"I will keep it in mind, but you should try my brother Haldir's homemade wine; it is not for the faint-hearted!"
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Later that night, Bard and Thranduil said goodnight to the children.
"I'm glad your back, Ada." Tilda told him. "Don't go away so much."
"I wish I could promise you that, but I must look after my people."
"But I'll miss you." She pouted. "I should come with you."
"No, Tithen Pen, what about all your friends at school? And Miss Eryn? I am afraid we both have responsibilities. But I am back now, and I will walk you to school, tomorrow, yes?" He kissed her forehead. "Say good night to Da while I see to your sister."
"Good night, Little Bean."
"Night, Da. Thanks for walking me to school while Ada was away."
"I hope I did a good job." He blew a raspberry on her cheek. "Ada's right. Get some sleep. You had a big day."
"I liked the party."
"I did, too, but now it's time to settle down, all right? As soon as Ada and Tauriel take the dogs for their walk, we'll bring Esta back, all right?"
After they said good night to Bain, Thranduil kissed him. "I will be back in a while, Meleth. I need to speak with Tauriel, privately."
"I'll be here, love," Bard ran his finger along the Elf's jawline.
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Bard was in bed reading, when Thranduil came in an hour later. "Well, how'd it go?"
"I think she was pleased, though she was surprised," the Elf said. "She was not expecting to ever come back to the Palace, and she still argued against a lighter sentence." The Elf smiled proudly. "I explained that that alone was reason enough to change things. The Council was persuaded she truly understood the gravity of her actions, and the extenuating circumstances."
"I thought she'd be mad it was going to be ten long years."
"You forget," Thranduil came out of the washroom and finished removing his clothes, "for Immortal beings, ten years is nothing."
Bard sighed. "Still, I can't think that way, even now."
"Why is that?" The Elvenking pulled back the covers and crawled in beside him.
"Because," Bard sighed, as he settled against his Elf's chest. "Ten years from now, Sigrid might be married. Tilda will be nearly grown, and Bain will be off in the Army."
Thranduil put his arms around Bard. "Of course, you are right. I am sorry, Meleth nîn."
They turned toward one another and kissed.
"I missed you, Bowman."
"I missed you, Elf."
Thranduil took his face in his hands, and opened their mouths with a long, hard kiss which made them both moan. The Elvenking broke the kiss only long enough reach into the drawer in his side table for the oil, and soon Bard's hand was joined by the Elf's slick one. "I cannot wait, Meleth. I have missed you too much."
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"I hate it when you go away," Bard said, sometime later as he caught his breath.
"I hate it when I leave you," Thranduil whispered, as he cleaned them both off with a towel. "But when we are together again, it is wonderful."
"It is," Bard nuzzled into his neck.
After they got up to wash, Thranduil picked up his sleeping clothes to put back on, but Bard stopped him.
"Don't," he said, when Thranduil picked up his nightshirt. "I missed you, and I need to feel you."
The Elvenking smiled. "That is well, for I like to be felt."
Bard got in bed, opened his arms and maneuvered Thranduil into their sleeping position. "Mmmm," he hummed. "I've missed holding you." He kissed the back of his Elf's neck. "You know, I don't think I've ever asked: do Elves normally need as much sleep as Men?"
"Not necessarily. But I sleep more now, because I treasure this. As much as I love making love with you, to be held this way feeds my fëa. I am warm, safe, and feel very much loved."
"I like that. I hope we still feel this way after a few hundred years."
"I will make sure of it." Bard could sense the Elf smiling in the dark.
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City of Dale, 24th of September, 2942 T.A.
A few days after Thranduil returned to Dale, he heard Bain and Tauriel yelling in the Sitting Room.
It was the first real disagreement among the siblings in their blended family; the newness of their situation was beginning to wear off, and warts were starting to show.
"I take your safety seriously, and this is what is going to happen!" Tauriel insisted, as she crossed her arms. "You can speak to Ada or your Da, but they're going to agree with me!"
"But Tauriel!" Bain tried to argue some more, "It's hard to be singled out like that!"
"And I sympathize, but you are Crown Prince of Dale, and it is my job to see that you are protected!"
"Well, it bloody well stinks!" The boy yelled.
Thranduil came out of his office into the sitting room. "That is enough! Tilda is napping, and I do not want her disturbed! What is going on?"
"Ask her." Bain angrily pointed to Tauriel.
"I am asking you!"
"I'm sick of Guards following me wherever I go!" The boy scowled.
Thranduil sighed. "Your sister is following orders, and you can argue with her for weeks, but it will change nothing, Ion nîn. Even if you did not have Tauriel or myself in the family, your Da would still assign each of you a Guard. That is not hers, or anyone's fault."
"What's going on in here?" Hilda burst into the room wiping her hands. "I can hear you from the kitchens!"
"I'm sick of being so different, Auntie! The other kids don't have guards, and it just stinks!"
"Can't do a thing about that, now, love. You're stuck with it." Hilda searched his face. "This isn't like you, Bain. What's the matter? Are you having a hard time a school?"
Bain looked down at the floor and didn't answer.
"Bain?" Thranduil asked with concern. "What is wrong?"
"Let's everybody sit down, and –" Hilda began.
"No offense Auntie Hil, but could I talk to Ada by myself?"
Thranduil blinked in surprise, but said. "If that is what you wish. Come." He motioned for the boy to follow him to the Kings' bedchamber.
"I am happy to help you in any way I can, Bain," the Elvenking told him, as they sat down by the hearth. "Are you sure you do not wish to speak to your Da?"
"He and Uncle Percy are too busy with the harvest, and he's tired. I don't really know if you can help, but I don't want to talk to Tauriel or Auntie Hil." Bain studied his fingers.
"Why not?"
"Well… they're girls!"
"Ah. In that case, I'll see what I can do." Thranduil winced inwardly. "I must tell you, I know little of what humans call 'Puberty,' and if you have questions about what changes your body might be experiencing –"
"NO!" Bain held his hands up, his eyes full of horror. "Oh, stars, no! … I mean… Da already talked to me about... that… so…"
"Fine, fine, fine…" Thranduil relaxed. "That is good…. That is very good…"
They both sat in awkward silence for a few moments, until Bain finally said, "Maybe Elves don't have this problem…"
"Perhaps you could tell me," Thranduil urged. "As Auntie Hil likes to say, 'spit it out?' If I cannot help, I will tell you so."
"All right," the boy sighed. "Just promise you won't tell the others, please?"
"I cannot keep secrets from your father, Bain."
"That's okay. Just nobody else."
"You have my solemn vow," the Elvenking put his hand over his heart. "Provided no one is in any danger."
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As it turned out, the problem was this: Some of the girls in Bain's age group had developed crushes on the Crown Prince, and he didn't like it. At all.
"These girls are flirting with you?"
Bain made a face and nodded. "It's awful. The worst part is, they don't even know me, Ada! They don't like me for me. I'm a Prince and that's all they care about! Now my friends are teasing me for a having all these 'girl friends' when I haven't even talked to them!"
"Hmmm…" Thranduil sat back, and tried not to smile. "And you think having visible Guards only encourages these girls?"
"Well, yeah… I mean, it makes me look too important and official. Maybe if I didn't have them, they'd treat me like everybody else."
"Bain, you cannot blame Tauriel or her Guard unit for this. Even if they were out of sight, those young females would still act the same."
"Why?"
"Because you are the Heir to the Throne, Ion nîn, and that is not going to change." He smiled at the boy. "You are also a very handsome young man. Naturally many are going to find you attractive. I wish I could tell you they will go away, but the truth of it is, it will only get worse from here."
"Oh, no…" Bain put his head in his hands. "Did you ever have this problem?"
"Unfortunately, yes. Like you, they were more attracted to my position, than me. A few were put up to it by their parents, to gain status in Court."
"What did you do?"
"My father advised me to avoid them whenever possible, but always be polite; rudeness would only give them leverage." He winced. "I admit, this took practice. You also need a small circle of friends you can trust. When I was young, Commander Feren and I made sure we stuck together, so neither of us were cornered. I also had my guards." Thranduil gave him a meaningful look. "Tauriel and the others can prove useful if you let them, Bain. They are not there simply to protect you from harm; they are there to help you."
"How?"
"If you find yourself in a situation, use a signal."
"A signal?"
"Yes. Sit down with Tauriel and figure out a word, or a hand gesture, that only you and your Guards know, then if you find yourself in an awkward situation, they can extricate you."
"I never thought about it that way…" Bain shook his head and moaned. "I just never thought stuff like this would be so hard…"
"Oh, my son," Thranduil chuckled, "even if you were not a Prince, learning how to deal with the opposite sex would be difficult. Or the same sex, if you are so inclined, though I do not think you are."
"I'm not." Bain was uncomfortable. "I mean… I don't think so…"
"Do not worry; there is time to figure all that out. Just know that we love you, whatever the case. But for now, keep in mind that your Guards are to help you. I also want you to know something else." Thranduil gave him a pointed look. "This bad behavior can go both ways."
"What do you mean?"
"You cannot let people take advantage of you, but do not – and I mean this, Bain – do not ever use your position as Crown Prince to take advantage of others sexually, is that clear?"
"I'd never do that!" Bain sat back, eyes wide.
"I believe you, but," Thranduil leaned forward in his chair, "you will be tempted, many times, but you cannot use anyone like that, especially a young woman. The consequences could not only devastate her, but it could threaten your reign as King for several generations."
"How?"
"As a member of the Royal Family, you must maintain the highest moral standards. Your Da is right when he says, 'We don't follow examples – we set them.' Never forget that, because if you do, you could end up with a woman completely unsuitable as Queen, and your people could suffer. At worst, you have handed your enemies a weapon with which to destroy you, and endanger your Kingdom."
Thranduil leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. "Royalty is an immense responsibility for all of you, and I am sorry for the constant weight of it." He smiled at this boy, so much like his father, and his voice grew gentle. "Having said that, I think you can do this, Bain. And your Da and I will support you every step of the way.".
At this, Bain's head shot up and met his gaze. The boy's eyes were darker than Bard's and it struck the Elvenking how much he looked like his 6th great-grandfather, Girion, though when he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, that was all Bard.
"There's so much to all this!" Bain said. "It all seemed so great when Da told us he was King..."
"It still is, Ion nîn. You must understand, growing up is difficult no matter who you are. In many ways, you have it harder than the rest, but you also have more support. On the positive side, you will have exciting adventures, Bain! You will go places and see and do things most of the other boys will not. The rewards can be worth the difficulties."
Bain chewed his lip for a moment, then gave him a small nod. "I'm sorry I yelled," he said, as he got to his feet.
"You are welcome. Now, please go and apologize to your sister, and speak to her about signals. Please also keep in mind that she does not Guard you merely because I have assigned her." He raised an eyebrow at their son. "She does it because she loves you very much. You need to remember that."
"I will." The boy put his hand on Thranduil's shoulder and squeezed it, before he left the room.
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When Thranduil related the conversation to his husband later that night, Bard sighed. "I was wondering when that was going to start. I think we should sit down and have a talk with Sigrid, too."
"I believe she and Hilda have already spoken over the winter. She was feeling unsure of things when we were at the Palace, and needed a woman's perspective."
"Ah. Well, I'm not surprised. Hilda's essentially her Mam, and I trust her." Bard made a face. "She'll have young men lining up to court her, before we know it. Tilda will, too."
"Let us be thankful our daughters are surrounded by Elves with weapons."
"They also have an Ada with a fierce reputation, and an entire Army at his disposal." Bard took off his robe and crawled into bed with him. "I'm just glad we got together right away. Can you imagine if we hadn't? Ulmo's balls, I can hardly keep up with work as it is! I don't have time to fend off attention from women who dream of being the Queen!" Bard shuddered.
"Fathers all over Middle Earth would have paraded their poor daughters to be judged like livestock." Thranduil gave him a sympathetic smile. "I felt it was my duty to save you from such a fate."
"So…" he grinned at the Elf, "you married me out of pity? I knew you were going to help me be a King, but this was quite a sacrifi- Hey!"
Bard laughed as he fended off an attack from Thranduil's pillow. "What was that for? I was just saying I was grateful!"
Thranduil smacked him once more, then pinned him on his back as he straddled his hips. "If you think I married you just to keep you out of the clutches of ambitious females, you," his mouth hovered close to Bard's, "would be absolutely correct, Bowman."
Bard's clever response was forgotten, as Thranduil kissed him thoroughly.
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30th of September, 2942 T.A.
It was hours before dawn, when the Kings' bedroom door was slammed open.
"DA! ADA!" A small voice cried at the top of her lungs, as little legs ran in place. "DA!"
"WOOH!" Bard jerked awake and sat up, swaying. "Wha? Wha?" His hair was sticking out in all directions, and he could hear the blood pounding in his ears. "Whassa matter? What happened? OOOF!"
A tiny, wiggly body landed on his stomach (and other parts), squealing like a piglet
"Amarth faeg!" Thranduil sat up, startled. "Ci vaer, Tithen Pen?"
"Tilda! Wh... whas wrong?" Bard squinted at her. "…you hurt?" Still drunk with sleep, he began to feel her arms and legs, and checked for injuries or broken bones.
"NO!" She threw her arms up in the air. "It's today, Da!"
Bard squinted at her. "Wha's today?"
"MY BIRTHDAY! I'm not seven anymore! I went to bed last night when I was SEVEN, then I woke up, and now I'm EIGHT and it's my birthday and my party is TONIGHT! A real party!"
The Elvenking groaned, flopped back down and closed his eyes. "Your daughter is awake much too early, Meleth nîn."
"Why is she my child, in the middle of the night?" Bard scrubbed his face and looked out the window. "Beanie… it's still dark out! You're supposed to be sleeping."
"Da-a! I can't sleep! I woke up and I even waited a long time, really I did! Besides," she reasoned, "if I'm awake early, then my birthday will last longer!"
Thranduil yawned, reached over and grabbed their youngest and made her lay down next to him. "You must calm yourself, my little love. You know what Daeron said about getting excited."
"I know, Ada, and I really, really tried, but I never had a real birthday party, and I'm going to have TWO of them!" Her voice was a high-pitched squeak.
"You are?"
"Uh huh!" She grinned from ear to ear. "Cook told me yesterday he wants to make cakes for my class at school to give to everybody! And Auntie Hil says we're going to have a party here, and EVERYBODY is going to come!"
"That is very nice, and you must be sure to thank Cook, but Tilda." Thranduil tried to reason with her, "it is much too early for us to be worrying about this. You are not due to get ready for school for another…" he looked at the Water Clock on the dresser by the wardrobe, "Ai! Two hours!"
"It's that early?" Bard muttered. "Bloody f—"
Thranduil jabbed him hard with his elbow. "Language, Da!"
"Well, what do you expect when I'm woken out of dead sleep? Just give me a second to put my heart back in my chest!"
Tilda became very still, and her eyes got wide. "Sorry, Da."
Thranduil gave his husband a dirty look, and gathered her close. "Da is not mad, Tithen Pen, but you startled him. In the future, you must always remember that such things are for emergencies."
"What's that?"
"It means only when someone is sick. Or bleeding," Bard laid back down and closed his eyes. "Or a fire. Or a flood. Or if the Eagles come. Stuff like that."
"Oh," she said with a small voice.
"Of course, your birthday is very important, is it not, Da?" The Elvenking took two fingers and flicked his husband on the forehead.
"Ow!" Bard sat up again and yawned, then stroked Tilda's hair. "I'm sorry, darling. I don't mean to be grumpy." He kissed her. "I'm just really tired, that's all."
"You have never had a party?" Thranduil asked.
"None of us have, except for Sigrid."
"Why not?"
"We were too poor." Bard answered for her. "But Hilda and Percy would come over and we would have a pie or something." He tugged at Tilda's braids. "Now, remember the rule: only gifts from family. We don't want gifts from the people, right?"
"Uh huh! That's why Cook is making the cakes. I want to give my friends at school presents."
Bard smiled sleepily. "I think that's wonderful Little Bean," he yawned, "but could we talk about this at breakfast?"
Thranduil got up and put on his robe. "Come, hênig. A little girl only has one eighth birthday in her life, but your Da has been working long hours and needs his rest."
He picked up the birthday girl and carried her to the door. "Let us go into the sitting room and talk quietly, until everyone wakes up, shall we? Ai!" The Elvenking exclaimed, when he saw her bare feet. "Where are your robe and slippers, hênig? Tilda, you really must not forget to put them on…"
Bard listened to his Elf whisper to Tilda, and smiled, as he snuggled down to get a few more hours of sleep.
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Ion nîn – My son
Amarth faeg – Evil fate (Elvish for "Holy Shit!")
Ci vaer, Tithen Pen – Are you well, Little One?
Hênig – My child