Chapter Twenty-Seven
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SUMMARY: Rhian and the Healers travel to Erebor to see if they can help the refugees. Later Bard meets with them to see what they find, and further plans are made.
Tilda needs to learn a lesson, though the Royal Family is a bit surprised at who does the teaching.
Daeron fills his days with activity, but at night his sorrows find him...
Letters from the Golden Wood arrive!
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NOTE: ***TRIGGER WARNING*** Graphic descriptions of injuries stemming from sexual abuse, and unwanted pregnancy.
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Oh why rebuke you him that loves you so? / Lay breath so bitter on your bitter foe."
― William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
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Erebor, 28thof October, 2942 T.A.
While riding in the wagon to Erebor after learning of the rescued children, Rhian listened carefully, as Elénaril gave the group instructions on what they might expect, and the kind of care and behavior these children needed.
"Be kind, yes, but above all, you must remain calm, do you understand? Yes, their story is heartbreaking, but you will help them best if you are confident, thus helping the child to feel more secure. Focus on the child, and only what you can do for them now. If you become overwhelmed, no one will judge you, but you mustleave the room before you project your sadness onto them. We are there to comfort them, not bleed for them. Is that clear?"
As resolved as all the ladies had been in the wagon, no one was fully prepared to see these frightened little ones. Rhian straightened her shoulders and resolved to give them what the needed, not what she felt.
Like Adila, these children had smooth, brown complexions, huge eyes of brown velvet, and thick hair the same shade as Adila's: deep, deep black, with blue undertones when the light reflected in it.
Some of them smiled when they walked in, and the contrast between their dark skin and the shining white of their teeth only added to their exotic looks. But no smile could hide the haunted, frightened look in their eyes.
Regardless, Rhian thought they were precious, and absolutely beautiful.
"Selami yibelu!" Adila stepped forward with a smile.
As soon as the children heard her speak Haradish to them, they swarmed around her, and began to speak at once.
"Inatē yeti nati?"
"Welajochē yeti ālu?"
"Bēti litiwesidilini tichilalehi?"
"Wede bēti mehēdi ifeligalehu!"
The Blacksmith's wife froze, then plastered a smile on her face as she began to stroke their heads and caress their cheeks as she offered quick words of comfort to them, and ask them to settle down.
The others helped gather them together, and with Adila serving as an interpreter, Hannah began to speak to the group, telling them a place was being prepared for them in Dale.
One of the older children raised his hand. "Are there Men there, Miss?"
At once, the group sobered up and looked nervous.
"Yes, lovey," Hannah smiled, "but no one is going to expect you to do the things those terrible people wanted. I promise."
"Can we go home?"
"We will do everything we can to get you there. Adila will be sitting down with each one of you and my friend Rhian," Hannah gestured toward her, "so you can tell us about your families, and the villages you came from, so I want you try to remember as much as you can, and tell us. King Bard will then send a list of your names to the King of your land –"
"He is King Abdullon, Miss." The boy told her.
"Very good!" Hannah smiled at the lad. "That's the kind of stuff we need to know. Now, I know you've been taken far away from your homes, and it's going to take some time for us to get a message to your King and tell him. You've got to be patient, all right?"
"How long?"
"I won't lie to you, children. Our messengers will travel as fast as they can, but it's a long way –"
"We rode in a wagon for many, many days, Miss!"
"I'm sure you did. That's why you must try to tell us all about yourselves, so King Abdullon can find your parents. As soon as we hear anything, we'll make sure to come right away and tell you."
Once Hannah was finished speaking, things were organized to begin their physical examinations. Ori and Óin had set up some privacy screens and tables, then left the room, so Elénaril could get to work. Adila interpreted where needed, and Hannah assisted and recorded their findings on each child's injuries.
While the others worked, Rhian and Tauriel sat on the mats with rest of the children and sang songs and poured out as much affection and smiles as they could. Queen Dilna and Dís came in after a while and joined them, and the mood became rather jovial.
They marveled at Rhian's curly brown hair, and smiled into her green eyes, fingered Queen Dilna and Dís' jewelry on their fingers and wrists, and played with the beads in their hair. They found the Dwarrow's beards fascinating, and liked the bright colors of their clothing. They found the color of Tauriel's hair attractive, and giggled over her "pretty" pointed ears.
A little girl who looked to be about Princess Tilda's age, crawled into Rhian's lap and began to suck her thumb.
Oh, stars… Rhian chest tightened painfully and blinked back tears, as stroked her black hair and rocked her to and fro.
"Iwi selami newi," An older girl came and sat down beside her.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what that means," she smiled.
To Rhian's surprise, the girl responded in Westron. "It means 'hello' in my language."
"Hello! What's your name?"
"My slave name was Sadie." The girl said.
"What is the name your mother and father gave you?"
"It is Yara. It means 'butterfly.'"
"That's lovely!" ashe said. "Can you tell me this little one's name?"
"Her name is Nayla. She's my little sister."
Rhian looked down at the large eyes of the child in her lap. "How old is she?"
"She is eight."
Rhian instinctively held the child tighter. "I see you love your sister very much. Have you seen the Healer yet?"
The girl shook her head, and looked worried. "Could we stay together?"
"Of course. If you like, I can go with you."
"Please, Miss," Yara sighed in relief. "What will happen to us now?"
"Our friends in Dale are fixing nice, warm place for you to stay, while we wait for the messages to reach your King."
Yara's head tilted slightly, and her eyes narrowed. "Why would you do this?"
"King Bard wants to keep you safe."
"Is he a good King, like Abdullon?"
"All the Kings here are nice. You're in King Dain's Palace, and the Dwarves helped you get away, right? King Thranduil will also will help protect you. He is an Elf."
"Like her?" she pointed to Elénaril.
"Yes. And like my friend Tauriel, do you see?" Rhian looked over to where the Elleth was surrounded by a small group and laughing. "And like my friend Turamarth, who came with us."
"I do not see her."
"Turamarth is a male Elf. He is out in the Hall," Rhian pointed through the doorway to where the Elf was standing with Óin and Ori. When he caught her eye, she gestured for him to approach. "Would you like to meet him?"
"Yes. But…"
"Yara," Rhian said softly, "you never ever, have to feel frightened of Elves, or of the Dwarves, or any of my friends."They watched the tall, auburn-haired Elf approach them and sat down cross-legged beside her.
"Hi, Tur!," Rhian grinned. "This is Yara who is… how old are you, sweetheart?"
"I am thirteen," she bowed her head, touched her chest then her forehead, in a gesture of greeting. "Iwi selami newi."
Tur copied the gesture. "Mae g'ovannen, Yara," he said. "That means 'hello' in my language. I am very happy to meet you. And who is this lovely little one?"
"This is Nayla." Rhian snuggled the child closer.
"I did not know Elves before." Yara said. "I like your ears."
"Thank you. I like them, too." Tur grinned, then turned to the young boy that spoke to Hannah earlier. "What is your name?"
"My name is Fasih, Miss."
"Oh, no," the Elf chuckled. "Do not let the long hair fool you." He winked. "I am not a Miss. I am Turamarth."
The evening went thus, until all the children had been examined and interviewed. Tauriel and Adila decided to stay the night with them, so after many hugs and goodbyes, it was time to travel back to Dale.
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During the ride home, Hannah put her arm around Rhian. "Are you all right, love? You good with all this?"
"I'm tired," Rhian leaned her head on the woman's shoulder, "but I'm good. I really am."
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"My Lords, the wagons have returned from Erebor."
"Good." Bard got up and put his book away. "Let see what happened, you lot."
The children had long since gone to bed. Galion offered to stay with them, so Thranduil, Hilda and Percy could join others in the conference room.
"My Lord, I hope you do not mind, but Rhian asked to be dropped off at her home to see to Darryn." Turamarth said, as soon as they entered. "But here is the information she recorded for each child." He handed the King of Dale a stack of papers full of Rhian's neat handwriting
"Oh, that's fine. How did she do?"
"So far, so good," Hannah smiled. "I'm keeping a close eye, but I'm proud of her."
"Tauriel and Adila decided to stay overnight with the children, to offer them some security." Turamarth informed them. "I was asked to cover her shift with the children tomorrow, and a message has been sent to Adila's husband, but she told me he was expecting her to stay."
"Good idea." Bard turned to Thranduil. "Can you asked Feren to rearrange the schedule? I'd rather keep all this within a small group of people right now, and I need Turamarth available. Would that be a problem?"
"We can do that." Thranduil agreed.
"Let's all sit down then. What did we find out, Elénaril?"
The Healer began her report. "I believe it is well that Lord Thranduil will arrange for Elven caretakers to live in the shelter with the children. Elves are not Men; therefore, the children do not perceive them as a threat, even unconsciously."
"How are the children physically?" Bard asked.
The Healer's mouth thinned into a grim line. "Of the twenty-seven children we saw, eighteen of them were female, and nine were male. The boys ranged in ages from fifteen years of age to as young as ten. All of them have scarring around their rectal openings, but three of the youngest ones have suffered serious damage which will require surgery. Of those nine boys, two suffer from infections which involve ulcers in their mouths, and on their genitals which we can stop, but we do not yet know the damage already done, nor if we can reverse it."
Bard's throat tightened painfully. Beside him, Thranduil was stoic, but rested a comforting hand on his thigh and gave it a squeeze.
"Oh, bloody fuck…" Percy murmured in a rough voice. Hilda's eyes filled and she grabbed his hand.
"What else?" Bard managed to say. "What about the girls?"
"Of the eighteen girls, ranging in ages from sixteen to eight, seven are suffering from the same types of diseases. Again, we do not know if we can reverse the damage, but we will try. As for the younger ones, they have suffered… physical injuries. My Lord, I admit I have little experience with this, so I will need more time to learn the extent of the damage done." The Elleth took a breath, then said, "My fear is that these injuries affect their ability to have children."
Hilda let out a strangled cry and covered her mouth.
Hannah and sighed, gave her friend a reassuring pat on her arm. "Do you want me to tell them, Elén?"
The Healer shook her head sadly, "Thank you, but I will do it." She then met the eyes of both Kings. "Six of the girls are pregnant. The youngest of these is twelve."
Oh, please Eru… Bard's stomach dropped, as wave of nausea washed over him. "Oh no…"
"Bard," Thranduil leaned toward him. "Whatever happens, we will get them through it."
"Who all knows about…" Bard gestured toward the medical report, "that?"
"No one but those in this room, My Lord. I thought it best that we tell you first, although we need to confer with Adila, regarding the beliefs and traditions of their country."
"What do you mean?"
"Two of these pregnant girls are infected with these diseases. It can cause terrible harm to the unborn child, as well as threaten the lives of the mothers. In all probability, they will miscarry. However," Elénaril swallowed. "The child who is twelve…"
"…My Lord," Hannah finished for her. "This poor child doesn't seem to be infected, and that's good, but it's important to remember that just because a girl begins her courses doesn't mean her body is ready to carry children. We don't know what to do, because carrying a child to term could ruin her insides, and birth might kill her."
"Oh, holy stars…" Percy whispered, and ran his hand over his face, and Hilda shoulders shook with silent tears.
"Surely you cannot mean to…" Thranduil was aghast. "Elves cannot –"
"No, My Lord," Elénaril said quietly. "Elves cannot."
"What does that mean?" Hilda asked.
"An Elf who purposely takes the life of an innocent is banned from Valinor," the Elvenking explained. "An Elf's fëa is damaged by such acts, and would not survive in the light of Aman."
"For now, all we'll treat the injures best we can." Hannah said with a defeated sigh. "Stars, I'd give anything if Daeron were here! He would know how to handle all this!"
"We'll send a message, first thing tomorrow," Bard promised.
The Elven Healer self-control began to crumble; lips trembled and her eyes grew shiny. "This is the most tragic thing I have ever encountered…" she said as she fought to collect herself. "Forgive me—"
"Mae garnen, Elénaril." Thranduil said softly. "Athof savo amdir, ma?"
The Healer met his gaze and gave him a small smile. "Ci athae."
Bard cleared his throat as his eyes swept around the room. "I'm placing this report under Seal. All the people need to know is that the Dwarves found them, and rescued them. I'll make sure the rest of them know first thing tomorrow."
Everyone nodded their agreement.
"Now," Bard rested his elbows on the table and leaned forward, "it could take weeks to get a suitable place for them to live here, but those kids shouldn't wait even a day for treatment. Elénaril, I'll see if Dáin and Dilna will allow us to set up things in Erebor and they can physically recover there. If they do better with Elves, let's ask for volunteers to stay with them."
"I like that," Hilda said. "It'll give us time to get get a building ready, and gather some warm clothes. Glélindë can cget them measured up for good winter coats and such."
"Excellent."
"I would like to oversee this, Bard." Thranduil told him.
"I was hoping you'd say that," his shoulders relaxed a bit. "I've got to get ready for the Remembrance ceremony in three days, so I'll leave you to that, and to gather some Elves to come. Can you get all this arranged for first thing in the morning?"
"I will."
"That's it, then." Bard adjourned the meeting and stood up. "Thank you everyone, and let's try to get some sleep, if we can. There's lots to do."
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City of Dale, 29thof October, 2942 T.A.
The next morning there were lots of questions at breakfast.
"Why are you so dressed up, Ada?" Tilda asked.
"I have to go to Erebor, Tithen Pen. Tauriel will be there for a couple of days and I must help her with some things. I will take you to school this morning, but your Da will fetch you this afternoon."
"Can't I go, too? I want to see Tauriel!"
"Your sister is working, and you must go to school." The Elvenking replied absently, then turned to her siblings. "Sigrid and Bain, Rúmil and Ivran will be taking you to school this morning. Ruvyn will stay with Tilda and Turamarth will be working closely with me in Erebor for the next several days."
Tilda's voice took on a whiny tone. "Butwhy-y? I want to go to Erebor!"
"No, hênig."
"I don't get to do anything!"the little girl snapped, threw down her napkin and crossed her arms.
"Tilda! Stop pouting, this instant!" Thranduil reprimanded her. "You will go to school, and that is that!"
Tilda's eyes widened in shock.
The Elvenking wasn't finished. "How many children do not have families, to share a nice breakfast, to walk them to school, or to tuck them in at night with a story and a kiss? I am disappointed at this behavior, and it will stop, now!"
There was utter silence at the table, as everyone froze, and looked at their plates.
They had neverheard Thranduil speak sharply to their youngest; normally it fell to Bard or Hilda, to be the disciplinarian. They all knew how much Ada loved to pet and fuss over his Tithen Pen,and they forgave him for indulging her, because she was still delicate and needed to be carefully watched. They also knew Thranduil still suffered from anxiety from nearly losing her last winter.
Even so, it wasn't good to allow their Little Bean to turn into a spoiled brat, and though no one said it aloud, everyone was relieved to see that Ada had finally realized it, too.
It was Bard who broke the silence. "Could you please pass the butter?" he said nonchalantly. Then he added in a pleasant voice, "Little Bean, I think you owe your Ada an apology, don't you?"
Tilda turned beet red, her lips wobbled, and her eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, Ada," she mumbled.
"Apology accepted." Thranduil said casually. "Here is the butter, Bard. Now, Bain, tell me about this examination in history you have this week. What do you need to study?"
And in a few minutes, things were back to normal in the Royal Family…
…and Princess Tilda, still teary, had learned an important lesson.
When it was time to walk her to school, the little girl was very quiet, as Thranduil helped her into her coat and her blue hat and mittens that Hilda had made.
"Ada?" She finally said, as they crossed the courtyard, with Esta trotting beside them.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Are you still mad at me?" She looked up at him with big eyes.
"Of course I am not, Tithen Pen," he smiled. "Tell me: are you happy with how you behaved at breakfast?"
"No, I guess not." she picked at the sleeve of the Elvenking's tunic. "I didn't mean to be stupid."
Thranduil stopped at the fountain, sat down and pulled her into his lap.
"You are not stupid, Tilda. But there is no excuse for getting so caught up in our troubles, we forget the good things we have, is there?"
"No. I feel bad, though." Her eyes filled with tears, and she wiped her eyes. "I'm mad at me, and I don't like it."
"Learning from our mistakes can be difficult, hênig."
"But you never make mistakes!"
Thranduil laughed. "I wish that were true! I have made some terriblemistakes. And like you, I get very angry with myself." He sighed. "But," he booped her nose, "every mistake has taught me an important lesson, so I will not make it again."
"Like what?"
"Well, do you remember the story I told about Feren and me, when I told a lie and tried to ride my father's warhorse?"
"Uh huh. And your Da's made you clean the barns. And your bottoms hurt."
"Right. So, what did I learn, Tithen Pen?"
"To do as your Da says, and stay away from his horse. And don't tell fibs."
"And what did you learn this morning?"
"To be glad I have you and Da and everybody. And when you say no, you mean no, and don't argue."
"Very good." He kissed her cheek. "I am proud of you. Now, we must hurry, or you will be late for school."
He stood up and carried her as he and Ruvyn walked briskly through the streets.
"Ada?" Tilda laid her head on his shoulder.
"Yes?"
"You're my best friend."
"I love you." He kissed her hair.
Thranduil dreaded what he was going to be doing today; it was the darkest side of human nature that he knew existed. But he also knew that beautiful, ordinary things, such as a typical breakfast with his family, and taking his daughter to school, would get him through it.
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LETTERS FROM THE GOLDEN WOOD
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To Thranduil from Daeron:
Suilad, Aran nîn,
I thank you for the news concerning your children, and give thanks for their continued good health. I must tell you I received an amusing note from Princess Tilda full of cheerful news about her school and her friends, which brought a smile to my face.
The Lord and Lady sent for me, and showed me the letter they received from the Princess. It seems she asked them the same thing she wanted from me: permission to increase her physical activity, to keep up with her friends!
They very much enjoyed hearing about all the children, but especially wanted to know the details of Tilda's illness and her subsequent recovery. Though saddened to hear of her struggles, you may rest assured that they plan to respond and encourage her to listen to her parents and her healers. I must say, it was rather clever of her to be sneaky like that, and I see it as an encouraging sign!
I have recently returned from the borders after my first tour and Marchwarden Haldir was pleased with all of us. Warden Orophin will supervise Elion's group and I expect pass along the same good news.
Before that, I went with the Healers to a village called Langhold, to begin serving the Men, and successfully treated many of them. In fact, my midwifery skills were put to good use, as we made a late-night dash back to the village to deliver a healthy baby girl to a young mother there.
Through this experience, I was able to win over one of the opponents of our exchange program! Penlod, a Healer who trained under Lord Elrond, overcame his doubts and I am happy to say we are now working together better as colleagues and slowly becoming friends.
Thank you, Lord Thranduil, for encouraging me to take advantage of this opportunity.
Your humble servant,
Daeron Adamarion, Lieutenant
Guardian of the Woodland Realm
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To Turamarth from Daeron:
Suilad, Gwador:
Alas! I can see how difficult it is to live with an Elf who does nothing but make your life easier! How difficult it must be to do half the washing, half the dishes and half the chores! Maybe you could spend all that extra time in the sparring ring, so you might just once beat me with swords.
I should also tell you that I have received my very own Galadhrim bow, and you will never best me on the Archery Range again! These are made by wood that only grows here in Lothlórien, are famous all over Middle Earth.
Tur, you would be speechless (and that would be something to see, with the way you talk) to see what these Galadhrim can do with their Longbows!
Yes, my bow is longer than yours, (but you knew this already, didn't you? That is why you have always been jealous of me!) but you will be green with envy when you see the ones given to Elinel and Ranuin! They passed their tests and now possess bows nearly as tall as they are, and their flight arrows hit the center of a target at 550 yards! Can you imagine it!
My medical practice proceeds apace, and you will be relieved to know that I have resolved my difficulties with my fellow Healer, Penlod. It seems his trepidation had to do with something in his past, but we have spoken at length and are now becoming friends.
Thank you for the update on Rhian's progress. I do think of her, cousin, though it is only at night when it becomes difficult. I miss her so much, that every part of me aches to jump back on Aegis and race home to be with her! I wish I knew why the Lady asked for me, and what her message meant.
She told me at our first meeting that when the time is right, she will "send for me." I have no idea what that means, but I do not feel afraid. Something about her tells me she only intends good things, and I trust her, Tur, I really do.
I doubt you will be surprised to know how often I think of Sellwen these days, though I wish I understood it myself. I wonder now, as I have many times over the years, what happened to my little Daughter of Joy? I remember asking Aunt Indis, what Eru does with a beautiful little soul like hers, who never had the chance to be born… I think that is a question I will pray about for the rest of my existence, whether it be here in Middle Earth, in Valinor, or in the Halls of Mandos, if it is my fate to go there.
Of all the things I wish you could see here, evenings are my favorite. I go out on the balcony to await the twilight, and watch the Elves carry their long, tapered candles, and sing the most beautiful song, as they light the lamps on the many walkways and staircases, and Oh! To see the City thus is a sight I will never forget. I sit either alone, or with my housemates and sip wine and breath the peaceful and feel the day's cares lift from my shoulders.
On that thought, I can think of no better way to close this letter, except to say how blessed I am to have you as my dearer-than-brother.
Be well, and write soon,
Daeron
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To Tilda from Daeron:
Hello, my dear Princess,
I was very happy to receive your letter, and rejoiced to hear how much you like your new school. I am also happy to hear about your new friend Gwen. Does she come from Dale? I do not remember seeing a little girl by that name at the Palace. You must tell me all about her, and please tell her I am glad you have such a nice friend.
Your Ada is correct, when he says we live high in the treetops here. Can you imagine it? In the Golden Wood, the trees are even bigger around than a house, and so tall that to look up, you could not see the tops!
But once you walk up the stairs, the houses here are very beautiful and comfortable! We have the same kind of walkways that you see at the Palace, which saves us from continually climbing up and down the trees. I am told your Ada drew some pictures and you can believe him, as he has visited this place many times.
Now, to answer your question, Miss Tilda, I cannot tell you if you can run, because Elénaril is your Healer now. You must ask her, and promise to do exactly what she says. I know you wish your body would hurry up and be strong again, and if I knew of a way to make that happen, I promise you I would.
In the meantime, please do your best at school, have fun with your friends, and allow Esta to look after you. Remember how blessed you are to have a family who love you as much as they do, and want only for you to be well and happy.
With much affection,
Daeron
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To Bard from Celeborn:
Greetings to the honorable King of Dale:
We were deeply saddened to hear the news you had sent, and of course, we will do what we can. I am familiar with most of the rulers of the villages nearby and have asked to meet with them as soon as possible to decide on a plan of action.
I will also write to King Fengel in Rohan, though sadly, I do not know how effective that will be. A ray of hope in this would be the Lord Leód, Marshal of the Wold. I have met with him several times, and find him to possess everything a Rohirrim aspires to be. Very little goes on in his territory that he does not know about, and while he will never slander his King, he cares deeply for the welfare of his people, as well as those who seek safe passage through his territory.
Sadly, I believe you may be correct in your suspicions about this, and I greatly fear that the fight will be a difficult one. You will find that the Eastern lands, such as Harad have a history of falling under the seductive speech of our Great Enemy, encouraging their hatred toward us. I think your discovery may be the most compelling reason why these Easterling fall prey to the lies of the Evil One, for what worse way can a people be hurt than to steal their children? And naturally, this monstrous activity will serve as fodder to convince them, we are at fault?
If we can prove to the leaders of these lands that we value the same things they do, such as a loving family, a safe home and meaningful work, we can achieve a peace this might have a direct impact on future events, if you understand my meaning.
I will send more information as soon as I can. I look forward to working with you, and continue to wish you and my cousin a continued success with your family, as well as all your endeavors.
With warmest regards,
Lord Celeborn
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To Tilda from Lady Galadriel:
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Greetings to young Tilda, Princess of Dale:
I was pleased to receive your letter and take great delight in the wonderful picture you drew of your home!
Your friend Daeron has told Lord Celeborn and me many stories of you and your family. He also tells me you have a dog named Esta who helps you. Could you draw me a picture of her?
I would like to help you with your request, my dear, but I am afraid I cannot. I am told your Healer is very skilled, and you must trust her to know what is best for you.
In the meantime, enjoy your family, and friends, and remember: laughter and a cheerful heart can do much to heal the body.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Your friend,
Galadriel
Lady of Lothlórien
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To Rhian from Daeron:
Hind Calen, my sweet friend,
Word has reached me of your brave deeds with those poor children, and my heart swelled with pride for you. Your compassion for others is no surprise to me, Rhian. I have seen you with the Royal Family and of course your patience with little Darryn.
Is it true he can pull himself up now? Has his hair gotten any longer? I do not need to ask if he is still full of smiles and sunshine – I doubt that has changed.
I imagine your Da is still working long hours getting things ready for your second winter in Dale. It is hard to believe a year has gone by, is it not? And yet, look how much things have changed for us all! Sometimes it is good to look back, only to measure how far we all have come.
In that respect, my dear Rhian, you have so much to be proud of and to be thankful for! You are better than you have ever been, and you have a good life to look forward to. Darryn is a beautiful healthy little boy, whose smile makes everyone feel like the sun shines a bit warmer.
And you have a Da who loves you! I am blessed with a loving family, and it does my heart good to see you now have the same, as well as many friends.
Lothlórien is one of the most beautiful places in Middle Earth! Please be sure to ask King Thranduil what it looks like at night, because only someone who has seen it, can understand describe the beautiful music while the lamps are lit.
I wish I could write more this time, but I have just been told I must make ready to leave; a fever has swept through another village near here, and we must go and give them aid.
Be sweet as you always are, and return my kisses to our beautiful boy. I think of you both constantly, as I do all who are dear to me, though far away.
Affectionately yours,
Daeron.
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HARAD TRANSLATIONS:(which actually is Amharic – I sorta just closed my eyes & picked where my finger landed…
Selami yibelu! – Hello, children!
Inatē yeti nati? – Where is my mother?
Welajochē yeti ālu? – Where are my parents?
Ahuni wede bēti memelesi inichilaleni? – Can we go home now?
Ābakishini! Wede bēti mehēdi ifeligalehu! – Please! I want to go home!
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Mae garnen, Elénaril – Well done, Elénaril.
Athof savo amdir, ma? – Let us have hope, yes?
Ci athae – Thank you.
Gi melin, hervess nîn bain, Tolen dhron le uireb… - I love you, my beautiful wife. I will always want you…
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NOTES:
*****While I understand the issue of unwanted pregnancy is passionately argued about in our world, my story Only reflects the traditions and attitudes of Middle Earth. Thank you. :-)
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