Chapter Twenty-Nine
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SUMMARY: The Harad children seem to be doing well, but there are questions that need to be settled.
Poor Hilda is running herself ragged, so Percy and the Kings find her an Aide of her own.
Now that Evan and Rhian have been "stepping out," a few of her friends decide to have a bit of a chat…
And Letters from Dale (with good news and not-so-good news…)
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***TRIGGER WARNING*** Mentions of miscarriage and teen pregnancy.
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"My heart only ever had one thought, one want. One need. Despite all, in spite of all...
All my heart has ever wanted is you."
― Stephanie Laurens, The Edge of Desire
City of Dale, 8thof November 2942 T.A.
The Elven Healers had done a remarkable job with the Haradhrim children at Erebor, and they were all feeling much better. Indis and her staff arrived several days earlier, and went straight to Lonely Mountain, to stay with them, and ease their transition to Dale.
The King of Dale requested a meeting with all the Elves, Dwarves and Men involved in the care of these children, in the newly-completed Orphanage.
Adila and Hilda led the large group through the rooms, pointing out the snug beds, the bright walls, and cheerful curtains hanging in the windows. Their classroom was set up and ready with supplies, along with several books on loan from Thranduil's library.
In the Common Room, they gathered around the tables that had been set up, and Bard called the meeting to order. After discussing all aspects of their care, both in Erebor and in Dale, Bard took a deep breath, and tackle the subject that was uppermost on everyone's mind. "This is an issue that can cause tension and even arguments in some societies of Middle Earth, so I think it's important that we all come to a common agreement, or the discord could affect the children's recovery. We all agree, they've been hurt enough, so will these girls suffer emotionally from it? And we must think of the unborn children, too. What will become of them, if their mothers are too young to raise them? Do we adopt them? There are some societies in Middle Earth who question whether these girls should give birth in the first place, and prescribe herbs to end the pregnancy. Do you see what I mean?" He spread his arms with a worried sigh.
"Before we get to the moral questions, let's address the first issue of physical health, please. Ermon?"
The Chief Healer of the Woodland Realm stood and addressed the room. "It is true that the original assessment of the children was grim, but we have put forth considerable effort, and have restored all of them to good health. The girls who miscarried did so while sleeping, and they were completely healed, before they woke up.
"It is also true that there was much concern expressed for the girls, and different ideas as to what should be done. Mistress Hannah was correct, when she said that someone so young could be seriously injured or die should she give birth"
The Healer addressed the Dwarves. "Lieutenant Daeron, who is currently working in Lothlórien, spent two hundred years working in Old Dale, before the Dragon came, and is one of the most gifted Nestennin –that is our term for midwife - in Middle Earth. He has presided over more human births than any Elf alive, and he has left thorough and specific notes on how this can be accomplished. Should these girls be able to carry their infants to term, it can be done painlessly, and with no distress."
Bard leaned forward and folded his hands. "I spent daysagonizing over all this, as I'm sure you have, until I realized the solution wasn't really within my power to decide."
"What do you mean?" Queen Dilna asked.
"It doesn't matter what any of us think." Bard's hand swept around the room. "These children are Haradhrim, and as their guardians, it is our obligation to learn and respect the customs of their land, not ours.
"There's a lot at stake here, and it's no secret relations between the Far East and the Western lands have not been good. Sauron has worked hard to seduce those lands into believing that we are their Enemy! If we bend over backward to prove to them we're not, it could help us. "To that end, I've asked Adila to speak, and hopefully, it will settle the matter once and for all."
Adila stood, and graciously bowed her head. "My Lords, My Ladies: It is important to understand what family means to the Haradhrim. There is a word we use, 'Gosa,'which means 'more than family.' A typical Harad Gosa is large and extended, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many children who grow up like brothers and sisters, rather than cousins. We also 'adopt' others who would otherwise be alone." She turned to the Dwarves. "I believe in your culture, you call them 'Clans?'"
"Aye, we do," Dís said.
Adila smiled at her. "There is a saying about what it means to be part of a Gosa: 'One is cut, all bleed.'"
"So… what were to happen if an unmarried girl in a - what do you call it? Gosa? - were to fall pregnant?" Hilda asked. "What about the family honor?"
"Honor, to the Harad, is notbased on how we or our family adheres to social rules, but how we love our family, how we care for each other, how we respect and revere our elderly, or give affection to our children. To neglect any of these, is to dishonor ourselves, our Gosa, and the Varinēri – our word for the Valar. If we are diligent about those things, much trouble is prevented.
"Every Gosa has a Leader, or as we call them, a Rasi, who serves as our spiritual guide, as well as settles any dispute that may arise. If a Rasicannot settle the matter, then he or she will bring them to the King, to decide their fate. But more important than obedience, it is the Rasi's job to encourage a culture of love and respect in his Gosa, for to do otherwise, brings great shame."
"I'm sorry, but we've got to be sure about this, Adila." Bard asked a more direct question. "What will happen to these girls when they return with their babies?"
"It would not occur to these pregnant mothers, or to any member of their Gosa to see them or their babies as 'soiled,' or 'unclean' in any way. We are taught every child is sent from Vaka, Queen of Stars. The Elves refer to her as…" she looked at Thranduil.
"We call her Elbereth, Mistress." The Elvenking offered.
"Thank you, My Lord." She smiled and continued. "All children belong Īru Īlivitari,according to our beliefs; we are only given loan to them, and charged with raising them well, so they can fulfill their purpose in this life."
"What about the fact that these children are so young?" Hilda was anxious. "They're not equipped to be mothers!"
"It is not uncommon for an older aunt or grandmother to carry out most of the responsibility, with the help and support of the rest of the Gosa, to allow the girl to be free to grow. No child brought into our families are ever treated as 'wrong,' because to do so would dishonor not only the child, but the entire Gosa, and would displease the Varinēri,and Īruhimself.
"I must stress this, because, to do otherwise would damage the very foundations of their faith, which is already precarious, because of what they've been forced to endure."
Hilda sat back and shook her head in wonder. "I think we all could learn a lot from your people, Adila."
"Mistress Adila, I can't thank you enough for all your help." Bard looked around the room and stood up. "Right; now we know what we'll do, then. Thank you everyone for coming."
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Everyone had begun to worry about Hilda, lately.
As usual, she worked from morning till night, but she'd begun to look tired, and there were dark circles under her eyes.
"She can't do all this alone anymore, Bard. I'm not risking my wife's health," Percy gave Hilda a pointed look, "no matter how stubborn she is."
"I'm fine, I tell you –" Hilda protested
"I'm sure you are," Bard said, gently, "but suppose something happened to you, and we needed to get our hands on it? I don't have time to rifle through stacks of documents, Hil, and neither does Percy. We're buried with our own work, as it is."
"I have a suggestion, if you would permit me," Thranduil interjected.
"Who?"
"Rhian. Since her education began at the Palace, she has proven to be very intelligent and organized. As your close friend, she also has a basic understanding of your responsibilities. I do not think you will find anyone better."
"And she's used to you," Percy added, helpfully.
"'Used to me?' What in blazes does that mean?" Hilda snapped at her husband. "No one needs to get 'used to me!' I –"
Percy pointed to his wife, with a grin. "See what I mean? You can be scary, sometimes, but Rhian doesn't take it personally."
"I am not scary!"
"Oh no?" Percy raised his eyebrows and pointed to the Kings. "Just who was it then, who gave these two an earful, last May when they wouldn't cooperate with Ermon? Hmmm?"
"I never saw Thranduil so cowed," Bard chuckled.
"What about you?" The Elvenking retorted. "Did you not have to wear your cast an extra day, because of your temper?" 1
"Boys! That's enough!"
Galion started to laugh. "I believe you have made your point, Percy."
"Fine," She rolled her eyes and threw up her hands. "But what about Darryn?"
"We could arrange for a caretaker, even if she could only work part of the day." Thranduil asked Bard. "Did not your Mattie teach while your children were young?"
"Aye. Hilda helped out, and another mother kept them, too." Bard nodded. "If it's all right with you, Hil, let's send for her and see what she says, yeah?"
Hilda sighed. "But –"
"Wonderful!" Percy cut her off before she could get going. "We'll get her over here now!" And before she could say a word, got up to send a Guard to fetch her.
A short time later, Rhian, who was a bit nervous at being summoned, was escorted into the Conference room. "Is something wrong, My Lord?"
"Not a thing. Where's Darryn?"
"Anna has him. We were taking the babies for a walk, when Ivran gave me the message." She looked around the room.
Bard began, "Well, we've got a bit of a situation and I'm hoping –"
"We're hoping," Percy gave Hilda a firm look.
"- we're hoping you can help us out. You see, Hilda needs an Aide, and we think you're the one for the job."
"Me, My Lord?" Rhian's eyes grew wide. "Why me?"
"Because your Da brags to the nines how brilliant you are, and we've noticed it, too. He also says how your house is neat as a pin, and he never has to search for things. You're organized, and you have a real eye for details, which is what she needs. Dale grows every day, and Hilda's duties are growing with it."
Percy turned to his wife. "Go ahead, tell her what all you do, love."
Hilda took a deep breath, then began. "Well, first of all, I'm in charge of the staff here at the Castle, making sure the cleaning is done, the laundry is kept up, the sewing, and the mending," she gave Bard and Thranduil a withering look.
At that, both Kings' faces turned beet red. Bard jabbed Thranduil with his elbow. "Told you to quit ripping my drawers off," he whispered.
"Shh!" Thranduil hissed.
"Anyway," Hilda continued. "Cook is in charge of everything in the kitchen, but I make out the menu and see to it that he has the supplies he needs. I also organize the help for banquets and all the cleanup.
"Mistress Bronwyn is in charge of the school system here, but I oversee that, and meet with her once a month, to make sure she or the buildings get what they need. She and I vet the teachers and go over the curriculum, and lets me know how the kids are doing. When the time comes, I need to recruit teachers willing to come here to educate them in other cultures, and teach languages.
"I meet with Alun a lot, to go over the budgets for the running of the Castle, which isn't much right now, but when we start restoring it, the salaries for the staff and maintenance are going to go way up. He and I work out budgets for just about everything that has to do with public property in the City.
"I'm also in charge of the Parks – not the children's play equipment, mind you; that's Ben's job - but I need to plan all the Gardens, along with the flower beds around the street lamps, the Bell Towers, the Fountains, and the Monuments and Cemetery.
"I'm in charge of diplomatic visits, and make sure everyone knows the protocol involved, and keeping all the ceremonies running smoothly. For example, before our visit to Erebor, Balin and Ori came here to set things up, and Galion and I went there, to smooth over any snafus or possible problems.
"Then there's the Widows and Orphans. We've got plenty of widows right now, though no orphans, thanks to the Elves and others. But I need to keep up with all those Mams who don't have husbands, and make sure they and the kids have what they need. And now, we've got those poor kids at Erebor! They'll be coming here soon, and the budget for running the Orphanage is mostly donations from the Dale folk, because the Widows and Orphans fund needs to be kept for our people. So, I'm in charge of recruiting supplies, monies and whatever else."
Hilda sat back with a sigh. Well, that's about it. Can you think of anything else? Percy? Bard?"
The room was shocked into silence, as everyone stared at her with their mouths open.
"Ulmo's balls, woman!" Percy said with awe in his voice. "No wonder you're so tired!"
"Elo…" Galion shook his head.
Bard muttered. "You do all that? Bloody f- "
"Language!" Hilda rebuked him, then sighed at Rhian. "I'm also in charge of making sure 'Royal decorum,' is observed, and all these boys behave themselves!"
"This is true," Thranduil grinned. "Bard and I have our Aides, and we need them, Rhian, but it is past time we give the 'Mother of Dale' some help of her own."
"So…" Bard asked her. "Will you do it?
"That sounds wonderful, to be honest," Rhian told them. "I love Darryn, I really do, but I've been feeling at loose ends, lately. Everything in the house was put in order ages ago, and I can't do anything with the garden until spring, I still like to read a lot, but, I've got time on my hands…"
"See?" Percy jabbed Hilda.
"- and Da's hardly home, he's so busy –"
"You can eat your lunches or dinners from our Kitchens on days you work." Hilda interjected. "That would save you having to prepare meals after you get home."
"- and I'd need someone to watch Darryn –"
"We can help you find a caretaker. Maybe Anna is looking to make some extra money…" Thranduil suggested.
"Which we would pay for, of course," Bard added. "Sigrid would love to help after classes, and you know Thranduil likes to get his paws on the boy every chance he gets…"
"This is true," Thranduil agreed. "If need be, we could set up his playpen here in the Lounge."
"I still visit with Hannah, every few weeks; would I be allowed to still do that?" Rhian asked, shyly.
"You must absolutelykeep up with that." Bard answered her for everyone. "And as far as I can see, Hilda will be dealing with people and crowds, so you won't have to do anything like that unless you're ready."
"He's right, love." Hilda assured her. "I'm out a lot, so I need someone to organize my life, and get all the paperwork done. You'd be here most of the time dealing with schedules, lists, taking notes at meetings, and writing letters for me to sign. I hate to admit it, but it is a mess in there," she nodded her head in the direction of her study. "I just haven't had time to clean it up, and it's all gotten away from me."
"And if you have any problems or worries, you just let one of us know, and we'll help you." Percy promised.
"All right," Rhian accepted with a shy smile. "I think I'd like to try."
It was settled, Anna took care of Darryn every afternoon, and Rhian was set up Hilda's study with her own desk, began making sense of the piles of work that needed to be done.
Within weeks, everyone in the Corridor became used to hearing Hilda ask, "Rhian, where am I going now?" or, "Rhian, can I do that today?"
And they smiled, when they heard things like, "No, you can't do that today, Hilda. You meet with Ermon in twenty minutes, then you need to go inspect the school, but don't stay for more than one hour, because Cook wants to see you right after the midday meal, and don't forget to drop of the list for the Baker on your way to the Healing House…"
At first Hilda found it unsettling to be handed things she needed before she even thought to ask, or given answers to questions that had barely popped into her own mind. But she learned to love it soon enough.
"I don't know how I got on without you, love!" She told her Aide one day. "I don't know how I did it!"
Everyone living in the Corridor breathed a sigh of relief, because when Hilda wasn't happy, nobodywas happy.
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Now that Rhian was working in the Castle, she and Evan saw a great deal of each other, and their growing friendship was apparent to everyone working in both Corridors behind the Great Hall.
Ben, of course was fine with it, and so was Alun, who liked the young man a lot. In fact, everyone liked Evan…
…but there were a few that felt a "discussion" was in order.
Evan was looking at the papers in his hand, as he left his study with his coat on arm. He was due to meet with Mistress Bronwyn and gather information regarding the schools' financial needs.
"Evan!" Bard smiled, as he Percy came out of their study. "Fancy meeting you here!"
"Good morning, My Lord," the man smiled back. "Can I do something for you?"
"Not a thing. Are you headed out?"
"Uh… Yes. I've got to see Mistress Br –"
"I see… Why don't we just walk you out, then?" Lord Bard's smile was wide and friendly, but the hand on his shoulder felt firm, as Evan was steered through the doorway and into the Great Hall.
Suddenly, Evan found himself surrounded. There was Lord Bard walking on his left, King Thranduil to his right, and Percy and Turamarth had fallen into step beside them.
As the loud clatter of their boots echoed in the empty Hall, Evan felt a bit confused, and when they all stopped before the big double-doors, and stood before him in a semi-circle, he felt downright frightened.
"Um… Have I done something wrong, My Lord?"
"What? Oh no, no…nothing like that, lad," Bard grinned. "We," he gestured to the others, "my friends and I, just wanted to have a little talk, that's all."
"Nice and friendly," the Elvenking seconded.
"Just a chat," Percy added.
Turamarth didn't say anything; he just crossed his arms.
"You see, Evan," Bard smiled serenely, and gripped his shoulder again. "You seem like a nice chap, and we like you a lot, we really do. Don't we fellas?"
"I like him." Was Thranduil's assessment.
"Lad's got both oars in the water." Percy agreed. "Hil thinks he's cute."
Turamarth just stared.
The King of Dale squeezed his shoulder. "Now, we wanted to have a little word, because we've noticed you've taken an interest in our friend, Rhian. You've been spending time with her, haven't you?"
"Well… yes, but," he admitted. "I asked Lord Ben's permission..."
"Course you did, lad," Bard nodded. "See? He asked Old Ben! Isn't that grand? Because in Dale, a nice young man asks the father's permission to come calling, and if you hadn't, we would have found out about it, and we wouldn't be pleased at all..."
"Very displeased," Thranduil said.
"Downright annoyed," added Percy.
Turamarth growled.
"But My Lords, I have asked Ben's permission, and he approves, so," Evan declared, feebly, "I'm at a loss why you all would be upset with me…"
"Upset? Who us? We're not upset, Evan," Bard said soothingly. "Are you upset, Thranduil?"
"Absolutely not," the Elvenking replied. "Are you upset, Percy?"
"Nope," Percy tilted his head, and turned to Turamarth. "You?"
"Hmmm…"
"What we," Bard's hand swept around the semi-circle, "all of us, want youto know is that we're very fondof Rhian, you understand?"
"A sweet young woman," said the Elvenking.
"Love her to bits," was Percy's comment. "She's like a sister to Tur, isn't that right?"
"Umm hmmm…"
The King of Dale continued, "Now, you've heard she's been through a lot, right?"
"Y-yes…" Evan tried to appear calm. "She told me some of it, and I was very sorry to hear about it..."
"So, you know, that you must show her respect, and treat her with great care…"
"Extreme care," the Elvenking looked pointedly at him.
"Like a delicate flower," Percy told him, with a straight face.
Tur's eyes narrowed.
"Because…" Bard made a sad face, "if we found out Rhian was used, or disrespected, or hurt, or even unhappy in any way,"he sighed, "then we wouldget upset…"
"I would be angry," Thranduil raised an eyebrow.
"Downright pissed off." Percy shook his head. "Tur?"
"No one would find your body."
"Please!" Evan held his hands up. "Please, please, all of you! I promise, my intentions with Rhian are completely honorable! I've nothing but respect for her, and I'd never push her or pressure her into anything she's not ready for, all right? We're good friends, and –"
"Excellent!" Bard patted him on the back. "So glad we had this little talk." He sighed, "Whew! I feel much better, don't you?"
"I am overjoyed," said Thranduil.
"Feel like dancing, myself." Percy deadpanned.
"I shall let you live." Turamarth told him. "But I will be watching."
"Good to know," Evan said, not sure if the Guard was joking or not. "I'm really sorry, but I need to get to the school; I'm late…"
"Of course, of course. Sorry to hold you up." Bard said, as the Guards opened the door for him, and the group walked out with him on the dais. "It's getting nippy out there; make sure you button our coat, son."
"I will, thanks. I'll…er… just be going, then."
The group waved him off. "See you soon. Evan!"
Evan tentatively waved back at them. It took a gargantuan effort not to break into a dead run, as he crossed the courtyard.
As soon as the Great Hall was out of sight, he ducked into an alley, and leaned against the wall, with his eyes closed. "Holy buckets of goat shit…" He mumbled.
Then he shook his head, and felt sorry for anyone in the future who might try to court the Princesses of Dale…
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LETTERS FROM DALE
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To Daeron from Hannah:
Hello, Daeron!
Though my days are full, it still seems to drag without my good friend and partner here, love. I've been spending most of my days seeing patients at the Healing House – seems Lord Bard will be greeting lots of new subjects next year! So far, all is well with the women of Dale, but…
…I don't know how much any of them has told you about these refugees, but we've got some very young patients that Ermon and I will be helping, if you understand my meaning. Earlier this week, Lord Bard met with all of us and the Adila, the Blacksmith's wife - remember her? We sat up all night with her daughter when she gave birth, remember?
Anyway, she's from Harad and Lord Bard is making sure we respect their religion and beliefs, so that's how we're going to handle it. I must say, I agree. I'm also relieved, to be honest. Our job now, is to let them be kids! Oh, you should've seen them, when we first brought them to Dale! They love their rooms and the women and Elves have set them up with plenty of warm clothes, and the older kids help cook in the kitchens.
Just like last year in the Children's Tent, the Elves come to visit when they're off duty, and they are learning each other's languages faster than you can shake a stick. It's wonderful.
I see Rhian as a patient, every two weeks now, but otherwise she's either at the Castle working (she's an Aide to Hilda now) or when I see her out and about with her Da or Evan.
There; I've said it.
I don't know how you're going to take all this, and don't be mad at Turamarth; he just didn't know how to tell you, love, but we both wanted you to hear about this from someone whoreally caresabout you, which youknow I do. Tur and I need to hear from you, and know that you're all right!
Evan has completely honorable intentions (Lord Bard and some others put the fear of Mordor in him, to make sure), though Ihonestly don't knowif she's interested in him back, or only sees him as a friend. For now, they just seem to enjoy each other's company.
I wish I could tell you what's going to happen, love. What Ido knowis that Rhian cares aboutyou very much. I know, because she still talks about you all the time!
Breathe in and out, like you always tell me. Hope for the best, and trust that the Valar know and understand what you and I don't. That's all any of us can do, yeah?
Please, PLEASE, look after yourself, my dear boy, and never forget how many people love you...
Hannah
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To Daeron from Rhian:
Oh, Daeron!
I hardly have any time to write, so this will be short. I want to tell you two things: First, Darryn is walking! Our little boy walks now! Oh, he is so proud of himself!
He can say, "Mama," and he calls Ben "Dada" for Granddad, too! You should see how his face lights up when Da walks in the room.
The second thing is: I've got a job! I'm Hilda's Aide at the Castle. The poor dear was getting stubborn about doing all those things on her own, but Lord Percy insisted she get some help.
It's only three days a week, and while she's off meeting with whoever, I spend my time getting her study in order and keeping her on a schedule and organizing all her lists and correspondence. No one had any idea just how much the poor dear does around Dale! Lord Bard was flabbergasted, and so was everybody else!
So far, it's only been three weeks, but she seems to think I'm doing a good job, and I like it a lot. I love being with Darryn, but sometimes it's good to get out of the house and around grownups.
The third thing is this: I think my Da and Hannah really like each other, if you get my drift. She's come over some evenings for dinner and she and Da talk for hours! Her husband died a long time ago, and her three sons are grown with their own families. Only one of them lives in Dale; the other two live near their wives' families. I'll keep you posted on that front, because I don't think it could happen to two nicer people.
Now for the fourth thing. Do you remember Evan? The man who works with Alun? He and I have become good friends, and we've been spending some time together. To be honest, my only other relationship like that was with Garth, so I've never had any of the normal 'courting' that other girls my age have had. I have no idea where all this is going, but he's so kind, and I really like him. Keep your fingers crossed!
Oh! You're going to love this! It seems that King Bard, King Thranduil, Lord Percy and your cousin Turamarth cornered him in the Great Hall last week and put the fear of Mordor in him, to make sure he's treating me right! Can you believe it? Da and I thought it was hilarious! And I know if you'd been here, you'd be right there with them, making sure Evan treats me like a queen, wouldn't you?
You've always been the best friend I could ever have, and I couldn't ask for a better one. Tur does his best to fill the void, but we both miss you sooooo much.
Darryn does, too. He still looks for you when I take him to the Castle to see Da, and now he jumps at Tur, because he looks so much like you!
Speaking of Darryn, did you get the package I sent? Thranduil painted the picture of Darryn, so you could have it. Did you see how his little face is changing? And look how much his hair has grown! I know you'll love it!
I've got to tell you the cutest thing: When we were at the Castle, and Lord Thranduil was drawing Darryn, he also drew a picture ofyou! Everyone was amazed at how well he captured your likeness, and he gave it to me, because he knows how much Darryn and I miss you.
Butyou'll never believe what Darryn said when I showed it to him!
I held it up to him and said, "See? Here's Daeron!"
And he pointed to it and said,"Ada!"
I hung it up in his room and home and he points to it and says, "Ada!"
Isn't that cute? I don't see why it would be strange, because you are more like his father than anyone else, and I'm proud he thinks of you as his father. No matter what happens, Daeron, I'll always consider Darryn "our son," because you saved us both, and no man or Ellon could love him more.
I'm sorry I can't write more – I'm sitting at my desk and I've got to get to work!
Love from me and Darryn,
Rhian
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To Galadriel from Tilda:
Deer LadyGaderl Gallerdil:
I am not a good speller yet, but Miss Erin, my teecher says I have to pracktis more. I have been doing wat you said and lauffing and smiling, but Da told me I cant try too hard. HE sad to think about nice things.
I have a good dog. I love her. I love my Ada. He is nice and gives me hugs. Da is grate too. I love my big sister. Her name is Sigrid and she is alot older than me, but she is nice to me alot. My brother BAne can be a pain somtimes. But I like him.
Did I tell you aboot Auntie Hil? She is nice. She takes care of us and maks sure we behave and take a bath at night. I love Uncle Galyaon too. He gave me my own desk. He helps take care of us to.
Da says I can smile and bee happpy if I think of that, and it would help me get better. He says my heart got week when I was sick. I wassaidsad when I got sick becaase Ada and Da cried. It made me feel bad.
But Ada saad thay cried becase they love me, and Da said that shood make me happy. It gets confussing.
Anyway. How are you? Do you have kids? Pleese write back and tell me if you have kids, or if you have animals. You are my firend.
Love,
Tilda.
P.s. Did I tell you that everrybody calls me Little Been? You can call me it if you want.
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To Daeron, from Elénaril:
Suilad, Mellon:
I hope this letter finds you well in the beautiful woods of Lothlórien! I have never been, nor have I met the Lord and Lady, but Ermon has, on several occasions, and has many stories to tell of that magical land and the people who dwell there.
I have thought a great deal about the Lady, and her courage in banishing much of the evil in our land last year. In fact, I give thanks for her almost daily, and have written her to tell her so.
Mellon nîn, I am anxious to give you the most joyous news - Ermon and I are going to be parents! And to our great delight, we are having twins – a boy and a girl! Aftercountless years, we had lost all hope of having a child of our own, and the joy I feel is indescribable, Daeron!
They should arrive at the end of next September, which means my best pupil and good friend can preside over their birth, for I want no one else but you to see to the care and safety of our children.
I do not have to ask if you are happy for me, for we have talked many times of my hopes and dreams...
I pray one day to meet the Lady of Light, to thank her for this blessing she made possible.
Thank you, Mellon nîn for all your support, and please know I pray for you daily.
With much affection,
Elenaril
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Suilad - Greetings
Gwathellion - Nephew (lit. "Sister-son")
NOTES:
The Harad words in this story are actually Amheric (an Ethiopian Semetic Language, which I swiped from Google Translate). If I have any readers from that region, pleaseforgive me for butchering it!
Gosa – a large extended family ("More than family")
Nefisi –the Soul, which the Elves would call the Fëa.
Kewakibiti Nigišiti– Queen of Stars (Varda, Elbereth)
Varinēri – Valar
īru īlivatari – Eru Ilúvatar
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NOTES:
-The 'Undead' is mentioned in the Tolkien Legendarium: "Undead were beings whom once had been alive (often Men) but which had been bestowed with an unnaturally prolonged existence. All such creatures seem to have been associated with Evil."
/wiki/Undead.
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PLEASE NOTE: While I understand and respect that the issue of unwanted pregnancy is passionately argued about in our world, my story reflects the traditions and attitudes of Middle Earth. Thank you. :-)
1 And Winter Came…, Ch. 37: /works/12026709/chapters/31879389
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