Chapter Forty-Two
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SUMMARY: Bard and Thranduil's mini-vacay continues, Rhian and Evan have an important conversation. Haldir returns from his tour at the fences, to some interesting news…
…and letters from Dale!
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"Without you in my arms, I feel an emptiness in my soul. I find myself searching the crowds for your face - I know it's an impossibility, but I cannot help myself."
- Nicholas Sparks, Message in a Bottle
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Bard's Hunting Lodge, 10th of June 2943 T.A.
After breakfast, Bard was feeling a bit restless. "You know I love laying around naked with you, but I'd like to stretch my legs for a bit. What do you say we go down to the river and go swimming?"
"I would like that. It looks like it will rain later, so we should go now."
They grabbed some towels and soaps and walked barefoot through the trees, where they shed their leggings and spent the next hour wading naked in the cool water and splashing each other. Then they settled down and helped each other wash and shampoo their hair.
"Mmm…" Bard sighed, as Thranduil worked the lather into his thick curls, and massaged his scalp and the back of his neck. "You know, I'm so used to being stiff on my right shoulder, I forget that it's really not supposed to hurt."
"My poor Bowman," Thranduil made a face and rubbed his shoulders and upper back. "Now, rinse off."
Bard ducked below the water a few times, and came back up sputtering and shaking the water out of his hair. "I miss the bathing pool in your Palace. This is nice, too, but the water's too cold to relax and lounge in it. Now, come here, you." Bard picked up the soap and shampoo and began to wash his husband. "Your turn."
Thranduil closed his eyes and hummed, as enjoyed his husband's ministrations. "I always enjoy it when you wash my hair…"
Bard leaned Thranduil's head back and kissed him. "Me, too. I love any excuse to put my hands on you."
The Elvenking smiled, eyes still closed. "I would suggest we make love in the grass, but I think that would upset our Guard's sensibilities."
"It would, indeed." Bard chuckled. "They might fall out of the trees, and that'd be awkward. I don't mind bathing in front of them, but I'm not eager to let them see my 'Little Bowman' in all his glory…"
Thranduil gave a wicked laugh. "It is rather glorious, Bard."
"Stop; you're making me blush." Bard moved around to face him, then with a smile, he pushed the Elvenking backwards and dunked him under the water to rinse him off. As Thranduil was wiping the water out of his eyes, the Bowman then took off for the river bank and grabbed the towels.
"Catch me if you can, Elf!"
Thranduil let out a whoop and chased his husband as he dashed around the trees. Finally, he caught up to him, grabbed him around the waist and tried wrestled him to the ground, but it wasn't easy because they were both laughing so hard. By the time he finally managed to pin Bard down, with his hands over his head, they were covered in dirt and mud.
"We're all filthy." Bard laughed.
"So, we are. I find it rather exciting." Thranduil laughed down at him, and kissed him several times. "We also ruined the towels. How are we supposed to dry off?"
"Let me up, and we'll clean up again, then head back inside." Bard reached up and captured his mouth in another kiss. "We don't have to dress until we leave tomorrow, you know."
After they washed again, they rinsed out their muddy towels, and hung them over the railing on the porch to dry, then went inside to spend the rest of the day enjoying their privacy.
That evening after dinner, they lay in bed and enjoyed each other's warmth, as they listened to the rain outside. "Do you know, I have never have bothered by the flames in the fireplace; is that not strange?"
"I wouldn't question it." Bard kissed his shoulder. "We'd have real problems if you were."
"Are you all right, Bard? You suffered, as well."
"I've had moments, I admit that, but this helped me, too." He shrugged. "Still, I had an easier time, plus I had the children with me."
"Bard, can we find time to take the family back to my Palace, soon? I need to help Bain pick out a new horse, plus I've never had a chance to ride with you in my forest."
"That's a good idea, love. Tell you what: as soon as the Harad children leave with their King, we'll all go for a week or so."
"I would like that." He sighed. "I have barely seen our children, since before all this happened."
"Tilda was tearing after Darryn the other day. I still can't believe how bouncy she is!"
"I still cannot believe she is well! Does she still sleep in our bed?"
"Yes, but I think Hilda's going to put a stop to that. Sigrid was telling me how they're changing around Rhian's house to help her get over things, so I think they'll be doing the same thing with the girls' room. Maybe once that's done, our Little Bean will feel better and want Charlotte again."
"I hope so." Thranduil ran his hand up and down Bard's forearms. "It is strange to see her without her doll. And Sigrid is well?"
"She's determined to bounce back. She's spent a lot of time talking with Tauriel, and I think all this has brought them even closer."
"Really?"
"Well, it makes sense, if you think about it. Tauriel's a soldier, and has experience with violence. It's only natural that she and Bain would ask how she copes with the things she's said and done. From what I've seen, Tauriel is getting a lot out of it, too. They see her as a lot more than a protector, now, and she feels loved for herself."
"That… makes sense." Thranduil smiled. "I like that. I hope she does not feel hurt when we take the children to the Palace."
"Can't be helped. Why don't you see if she wants to spend some time in the Mountain, while we're gone?"
"I will do that." Thranduil snuggled into his husband. "What have the children been doing, while I was gone?"
"Well, the girls have watched baby Darryn for a few days, while they get Ben's house put back together, and brights the place up. Tauriel took the kids to see Thangon and Beriel's puppies right before you got home. They didn't want to go…"
"Why not?"
Bard sighed. "They're still a bit skittish about leaving the Castle. That will take a while, I think, but Hilda made them go, and they were in a better mood when they came back."
"Tilda did not ask for a puppy?" Thranduil mused.
"I noticed that, too. It's not like her. At any rate, there's just no room for another huge dog in that Corridor."
"Our Tithen Pen needs time to mourn Esta. How is Bain?"
"Rhys and Tauriel aren't going to let him stay down for long. A new horse will get him out and about, soon enough."
"How is Tilda's new Guard, working out? Feren has a great deal of confidence in her, but that does not mean our family will feel comfortable with her."
"Oh, she's great. Nualë knows she's replacing Meldon, and tries to be sensitive about it. She spent a couple of evenings with us, so the kids could get to know her, and so far, so good. The Little Bean likes having a female guard, though she's always adored Ruvyn, and vice-versa. Between the two of them, I think she'll be back to her old sassy self, soon enough."
"That is a relief." Thranduil sat up and stretched, then reached for the plate of fruit and cheese and offered his husband a snack. They nibbled and drank for a while, then settled back down and, after several kisses, they settled down for the night.
"Bard?"
"What, love?"
"I know we planned to stay until tomorrow afternoon, but could we return earlier? I miss the children."
"Sounds good to me. On one condition."
"What is that?"
"Tomorrow morning, you help me do that thingy with the trees, again."
"What 'thingy?'"
"You know: when you helped me 'hear' them." Bard grinned. "That was great!"
Thranduil smiled, sleepily. "On one condition, Meleth nîn."
"Yes?"
"You watch your tongue." He jabbed his Bowman. "The trees do not like your foul language."
"It's a deal." He heard Bard's soft chuckle, and felt a kiss on the side of his neck. "Good night, love."
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City of Dale, 11th of June 2943 T.A.
The windows and doors at Old Ben's house had been repaired and Hannah, Sigrid and Hilda came a few days ago, to help Rhian finally get the house in order.
"That was a great idea to change things around, Hannah." Rhian told her gratefully. "It helps a lot."
It was true. Hannah had suggested painting the walls a different, brighter color, and the new curtains and furniture were of a different style, which made it even easier to forget the violence which took place weeks ago. The house looked cheerful and welcoming, and ready to be lived in, again.
"I'm glad." Hannah went over and put her arm around Sigrid's shoulders. "How are you doing, love? Are you all right?"
"I… will be." Sigrid smiled, and gave her a determined look. "I agree with Rhian: those monsters don't get any more of my life than they must."
"That's right," Rhian came over and put her arm through hers. "We'll get there."
"We all will." Hilda added, with determination.
"How is Tilda?" Hannah asked her.
Hilda sighed. "Losing Esta broke her heart, so I don't think she'll be coming around for quite a while, no matter how different it looks. She only leaves the Great Hall when we make her, but I'm hoping that will get better."
"Oh, the poor dear…" Hannah sighed. "Well, maybe you could do the same thing to your room, as we're doing here, Sigrid? Maybe you could your room and even switch the beds around; what do you think?"
"I'll come and help," Rhian offered. "Tilda could help paint, and we could work on some different bedspreads…"
"You know, that just might be the thing!" Hilda agreed with a grin. "Let's do it!
As the women put the finishing touches on Ben and Rhian's house, they discussed the idea at length, and all agreed that Tilda should help decide on the new décor as much as possible.
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It was a warm, sunny afternoon, so Rhian put Darryn down for a nap in his playpen, and went to sit in the garden. Her eyes gravitated toward the flower bed with the bulbs Daeron sent her, last fall. Now the greenery was peeking through the soil, and would probably bloom within another month.
Rhian found herself eagerly looking forward to seeing the flowers. Of course, they were Irises; they had to be! Last summer, after that man was arrested in the Market, she ran home, full of anxiety, and Daeron had come, and settled her down, by talking to her about their favorite flower…. 1
During that long, terrible night, locked in the back of the wagon, she thought about Darryn, of course, and about Da, and she will never forget how brave Evan was, or how he risked his life for her and her son. She also thought about that afternoon in the Garden, with Daeron.
Rhian's time in captivity had clarified what was in her heart: As wonderful as Evan was, she simply didn't love him. There was no reason not to, but those feelings just weren't there, and she felt terrible about it. How could she do this to someone who saved her son's life?
As if by magic, a deep male voice broke her out of her reverie.
"Hello, Rhian."
She turned with a gasp. Evan was limping, his arm was in a sling, but he was smiling down at her, as he lean on his cane.
"Evan!" She jumped up and ran over to him. "Oh, are you in pain? Sit down, please!" She helped him to the bench. "Can I get you anything? Wait here!" She quickly ran into the house and came back with a carafe of wine and two glasses on a tray, and a pillow, which she put behind his back. "Are you comfortable?"
"I'm doing fine." He grinned, and took a glass. "Thanks."
"It's the least I can do. We owe you our lives, you know."
"Where is Darryn? How is he?"
"Sleeping in his playpen in the living room. He's fine, to be honest; I'm the one with the problem, though I think switching things around makes a difference." She smiled at him, shyly. "I know I've said it a dozen times, but thank you, so much, Evan. If it weren't for you..."
"You don't need to keep thanking me, Rhian. I'd never want anything to happen to either one of you."
"I know…"
They both stared down at their drinks for several minutes in silence, then they both began to talk at once.
"Evan-–"
"Rhian—"
Both of them chuckled nervously, until Evan said, "Ladies first. You go."
Rhian began to fumble with the edge of her shawl nervously. "I'm so glad you and I got to be such friends, Evan, and I've had a wonderful time. You're sweet and kind and brave and…"
"But you don't love me." He said matter-of-factly, his face was unreadable.
"I… I want to tell you what you want to hear, I really do. And I hate that… I mean, you're the last person in the world I'd ever want to disappoint, because you really are the best-–"
"Rhian, that's not something you can help." Evan spoke gently. "And I could never be disappointed with you."
Her eyes filled with tears. "But I can't stand the idea of hurting you! Not after you nearly died… Oh, gods… what is wrong with me? Maybe I'm so messed up I'll never be able to love anyone!"
Evan turned toward her and put his fingers under her chin. "It's is my turn to talk, if you would let me."
"Oh… I'm sorry. Go ahead." She took a deep breath and steeled herself. Whatever she had coming, she would bear, to spare him any guilt. This was her fault, and she owed him that much.
"Rhian, I wish you had known my parents. I know I've told you dozens of stories about them, but I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was to grow up and watch what two people who are truly in love are like. I suppose the best example I can think of now, are Lord Bard and Lord Thranduil. Theirs is not a marriage of politics or duty, is it? They adore and respect each other."
"I know. It's like they shine brighter when the other one is in the room. I think Da and Hannah are the same."
"Right. That's what it was like with my Momma and Papa! I was a fool, and took it for granted that everyone else grew up with that. Of course, when I got older, I learned not everyone is that lucky." He smiled at her, as he shook his head. "I didn't realize what a rare gift I had been given, Rhian, and I promised myself that when I married and had children – and I want tons of children, mind you – I'd never settle for anything less than what my parents had. As much as I want a family, Rhian, I'd rather go without than settle."
"Oh, Evan…" she closed her eyes, and felt utterly wretched. "I'm so sorry, but I'm just not the girl for you." She sniffed, and more tears fell. "I'm not good enough for somebody like you."
"Don't ever, ever think that! Come on, now." Evan was quick to reach into his pocket and grab his handkerchief, and began to dab her eyes. "I realized something from all this, too. You like me a lot and I like you, but I don't think it would work out. Yes, I find you utterly beautiful and you have all the same qualities you say you admire about me. But," he sighed, and smoothed her hair away from her brow, "that 'spark' is not there, for me, either. I want real passion with the woman I marry, and I don't see that happening between us."
"I don't know if I'm capable of that kind of passion…" Rhian swallowed. "Not after what Garth put me through. Maybe I'm better off just staying single."
"Oh, ho ho!" Evan laughed. "That's not true at all! Not at all! You are full of passion for what you believe in, and for your family and your friends, including me! You and I care about each other, but if we settled for that, it would turn into a dull, complacent existence, and we'd end up hating each other for it."
He lifted her chin gently and smiled down at her. "And as your friend, I will not let you consider marrying me, or anyone because you think you owe them something. You will marry again one day, Rhian, daughter of Ben, but promise me something, before you do."
"What?" She hiccuped, and took the kerchief from him to wipe her eyes.
"You must promise me that when you do marry, it's because you burn for him. Because you know deep in your bones that you can't live without him. You deserve it."
"You really think I can?"
"I do. And when you marry, I will shake his hand, and kiss your cheek and wish you both every happiness. Hopefully, you will do the same for me."
"O-Okay." She sniffed, and blew her nose.
He turned back and together they looked at the still-awakening flower garden, then he nudged her with his shoulder. "You okay?"
"I think so." She sniffed. "Are you sure you're not upset with me?"
"Who me? I'm fine. You're not the only pretty girl in Dale, you know," he grinned playfully. "In fact, now that I'm back 'on the Market shelves,' the women will be lined up for miles, waiting to feed me grapes, and rub my feet."
Rhian laughed, in spite of herself. "Well, if any of them doesn't treat you right, they'll have to answer to me! I'll bet you'll be married by next year. In fact, I've noticed the way Tilda's teacher looks at you. She likes you, I think."
"You mean Eryn?" he smiled. "Hmmm… She's really pretty, and smart, too. Now, she could rub my feet… What?"
"You're incorrigible!" She smacked him on his good arm, then sighed. "Seriously, I think that's when I first realized I wasn't in love with you. I saw her look at you a while back, and I didn't feel threatened or possessive at all. You should go talk to her."
"Oh, I get it now…" He jostled her shoulder. "You just want me out of the way to make room for all your other suitors, yeah? Sneaky!"
"Evan!" she laughed. "I don't think I'll ever have suitors. Not dozens of them, like you say." She sighed. "I can't think that far ahead."
Evan saw her eyes repeatedly travel toward the flower bed to the left. "I think your heart knows exactly what it wants, Rhian." He smiled at her. "It's just waiting for your head to catch up. I'll bet you'll be the one married by this time, next year."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It'll come to you," he winked at her cryptically. "You know what they say, 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.'"
"I don't understa –"
"Mama! Mam! Mamamama!" Inside the house, Darryn begin to shout from his playpen.
"Oops! There he goes…" Evan stood up, and Rhian handed him his cane. "Do you want to come in?"
"Mmmm… Another time, maybe."
She couldn't help but get choked up a little. "I'm sorry if I hurt you Evan. I never meant to lead you on. I really didn't."
"I know that." he smiled down at her.
"I hope you know you can come and see Darryn anytime."
"That's good, because I think the world of that little guy." He took her hand. "I'm glad I got to know you, Rhian, and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. No regrets, right?" He lifted her chin to make her look into his eyes. "Right?"
Rhian sighed and gave him a brave smile. "Right. No regrets."
He sighed, and said sincerely, "Rhian, I wish you every happiness, which, if I'm guessing right, should be headed your way sooner than you think. All you need to do, is be brave enough to see it."
Evan gave her a peck on the cheek, he turned and began to whistle, as he took his cane, walked down the stone path around the side of the house, and to the street.
Rhian watched him go, with a sigh, and went to tend to her son.
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A few days later, she and Ben were sitting outside, watch Darryn walk around the stone paths, and talk to the bushes. She looked over at Daeron's flower bed, and saw a small splash of purple amongst the green blades. She got up and walked over, then, in impulse, grabbed her small knife and cut the bud from it's stem, and fingered it thoughtfully.
The bulbs Daeron had sent were her favorite flower, in her favorite color. Then she laughed. Of course, it was; they were his favorite, too!
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Lothlórien, 12th of June 2943 T.A
Two days ago, a party from Harad had arrived, and after offering the Lord and Lady proof of their identity and intentions, the homesick children were joyously returned to their countrymen (and some kinsmen, who had come along to see their little ones, and ensure their well-being), were waved off toward home this morning.
The Elves, who had not had children in their midst for many centuries, were sad to see them go, and the forest floor was was strangely quiet and empty. Yet they could not help but be happy for those families who would once again be reunited, and all would earnestly pray for their well-being.
This evening, Daeron was sitting on the balcony of Haldir's house, enjoying some wine with Elion, his Second-in-Command, who had asked to meet with him regarding some rather important, though personal, news.
"I am fairly sure why you are here, Lieutenant," Daeron smiled, as he poured him another glass. "It is hardly a secret that you and Airen have been seeing each other, and I am happy for you both. I like her very much."
Elion grinned. "She is wonderful, is she not?"
"Have you asked for her hand, yet?"
"No. That is why I am here, Mellon. Obviously, one of us is going to have to relocate, on a permanent basis…"
"Who are Airen's parents? Do they live here?"
"They do, and Airen is close to them."
"Where do the two of you plan to live?"
"Airen has expressed a desire to come home with me to the Woodland Realm, if the Lord and Lady would allow it, and if King Thranduil approves, of course. She loves her home here, but we both agree that the greater need to serve is in the North. I have enjoyed living in such a beautiful place, and I will miss the songs of the trees here, but there is not much to do at the fences, besides watch and wait. That is a compliment to the Wardens to be sure, but…"
"…you're finding it a bit dull?" Daeron asked with a grin.
"Yes," Elion finally admitted. "I have been used to duties that are… rigorous, and I miss that sense of immediacy and satisfaction. Airen looks forward to the challenges."
"I have no doubt that novelty will wear off, soon enough." Daeron said wryly. "She has yet to encounter the spiders that plague our land. But it is nice to see that others appreciate how formidable a task we have." He grinned at Elion. "I like Airen, a great deal. I remember when she helped us clean off the statue of Queen Mírelen when we left the Realm. She was a good friend, and sought me out when I was having a difficult time here. I think there were even speculations of a romance between us, but I hope you do not think that is true."
"I do not. I know your affections lie elsewhere, and I am only glad that Airen was a friend when you needed it. We are both fond of you."
Daeron raised his glass to toast. "If my approval means anything, you have it. I will write a letter to Lord Thranduil recommending her transfer. The only thing missing is Airen's consent to marry you. Do you not think it is time to ask her?" he smirked.
"It is," Elion laughed. "I owe you a great deal, Mellon."
"Just name your firstborn after me, and we shall call it even, yes?" Daeron chuckled, then drank his wine. "Now," he took Elion's glass, "go and propose to your beautiful Elleth, before the day is done."
Elion stood up and saluted. "Thank you, Lieutenant." Then he left to seek out his future wife.
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The Guardian was still on the balcony, when Haldir came into the talon, and found him in a pensive mood. "Are you well, Daeron?" he asked.
"I am… better than I have been in a long, long time." He smiled up at the Marchwarden. "Welcome home from the fences."
"I am glad to be here." Haldir smirked. "An advantage to being a Marchwarden is scheduling myself to be here for the Vigil of Tarnin Austa. You have much to look forward to, Mellon; our Summer Solstice celebrations are famous."
"So I hear. How was your tour?"
"Only a small skirmish two weeks ago, which was easily dispatched. Was that Elion I passed just now?"
"It was. Has Airen spoken to you, yet?"
"She has not."
"I am afraid you may lose one of your Wardens."
"Oh, that. So Airen has agreed to marry Elion?"
"You knew?"
"I make it my business to know." Haldir smiled. "You have been busy in the Healing Halls to see much of it, but it is an open secret to everyone else."
"She has expressed a desire to come home with us. Do you object to this?"
"Daeron, I am the last person alive who would stand in the way of love. If they are fortunate enough to find each other, then I will give them all the support I can." The Marchwarden then studied his friend, closely. "You seem… different, since I left. What has happened?"
"A miracle. Several of them, to be precise." The Lieutenant went on to explain about the session with Galadriel's mirror and Celeborn's role in helping Thranduil and Tilda.
"That is remarkable, Mellon, though I am not surprised. Lord Celeborn has always been fond of Thranduil since he was small, and terrorized the Golden Wood, when King Oropher brought him. He was saddened when the Queen was killed, and rejoiced when he remarried. Lady Galadriel had been much amused with the letters from their youngest."
"There is more." Daeron swallowed and blew out a breath.
Haldir searched his face. "Has something happened?"
"Yes. Well, not yet, but the Lady has given me reason to hope that Rhian's feelings have changed towards me."
"That is wonderful news! Wait here," Haldir dashed into the kitchen and grabbed another bottle of wine. "We are going to celebrate."
"Is that not a bit premature? It has not happened, yet!"
"Nonsense. Galadriel would never trifle with something like that. Trust me, Mellon: If the Lady tells you something is going to happen, it will." He filled Daeron's glass to the brim. "It is good you do not have a shift tomorrow." He laughed. "Now, drink up and tell me what happened."
After Daeron recounted the events of that night, he said, "It was not much, really, but she allowed me to see her, and little Darryn in her mirror and then told me to be at peace. Rhian's heart will find me."
"So," Haldir asked, "what do you do now?"
"I have no idea!" Daeron shook his head. "What would you do?"
Haldir sat back and propped his legs up on the low table. "I would remain patient, Mellon, and let her come to you. If she does not write to you and tell you how she feels, then stick with your original plan. Wait until you see her face-to-face, then tell her everything.
"It is going to be a very long summer, Haldir." Daeron moaned in frustration. "I am aching to see her. I ache to see them both!"
"A beautiful agony, yes?" Haldir laughed, and refilled their cups. "Now, drink up," he ordered, "you have even more reason to celebrate, Mellon nîn." He pulled a packet of sealed letters out of his inside pockets. "These came today for you!"
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LETTERS FROM DALE
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From Thranduil to Celeborn:
Suilad, Ettā:
At the risk of sounding redundant, I must, must thank you once again for my life, and the life of my family. I must warn you, I plan to repeat this for as long as I live, but you have given me more time with my loved ones, and you have restored our little Tithen Pen, and added years to her life, with is indeed precious gift.
In the short time I have had so far, with my new family, I have learned much about the ways of love, Ettā, and I am the better for it. I am truly ashamed to think that I once thought the race of Men perhaps slightly inferior! I am sure you are not surprised by this, as too many Elves are rather strident in this opinion. But I am happy to admit my mistake and, as my daughter Sigrid puts it, "take my medicine."
Our Tilda speaks of you often, and I feel it is my duty to inform you, that you and Galadriel are now considered "Aunt" and "Uncle," in much the same way she thinks of our Galion. I hope you find this as pleasing as my Aide does.
Bard and I have had some struggles, but (well, we have all had difficult moments since the attack), Galion and Hilda shipped us off for a couple of days alone, and I have managed to shake off much of the horrors of the fire.
Our children are well on their way back. Tilda struggles a bit with the memories, but the wisdom you shared with her during your visit helps her perspective a great deal. And she is processing all this much better than she had in the Battle of the Five Armies.
I must close now, Ettā. Please, please give your beloved Lady Wife my deepest affection and I look forward to seeing you in person as soon as it can be arranged.
With highest regards,
Thranduil
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To Galadriel and Celeborn from Tilda:
Deer Gallerdil and Kelebornd:
How are you. I am good. I am very, very very good! I can run and play, and I have lots of fun. Ada says my cheeks are pink. The Heelers told Da that I didnt grow hardly at all wen I was sick, so he says I will grow again.
Ada went home to bury Meldin. We were all sad. A couple others died too and I was very sad.
We buried Esta. Cook gave her a bone to chew when she's with Mam. Uncle Dane make a pretty stone for her, and Uncle Gallion put a seat neer it, so I tell Esta things to tell Mam. I still miss her a lot.
We changed rooms. It helps at night, when I miss Esta. And guess what. Tarriel's cat, Farien had six kittns yesterday! She still thinks it's Tarriels room, so she forgot, and had them under my bed! Ada says I have to leeve them alone, or Farien will get mad and scratch me.
Our other dog Thangon had 8 puppies. Well he dident really. His wife Beriel did. But she lives with Bane's friend and we visit.
How are you. I wish I could see you, Gallerdil. And Darron. I miss him. Can you come visit?
Love,
Tilda
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To Galadriel and Celeborn from Bard:
To the esteemed and miraculous Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood:
How does one say "thank you" for giving me back my life? Indeed, do not doubt you have done this, because my husband is my life, and so are my beloved children, and if I were to lose any of them, I would be as a shell, going through the motions of duty, for the rest of my days.
We now have a happy, increasingly-healthy child, and I wish you could see how my husband's eyes shine to see it.
When Tilda first became ill, she had a pronounced weakness on her left side, and with special exercises and rest, it was a bit better, but would show when she became overtaxed. She also had short-term memory loss, and it would frustrate her terribly, and become upset.
Since that terrible night, our little girl has hardly been still, and her Ada, who used to spend a great deal of time keeping her from getting tired out, now enjoys trying to keep up with her.
She makes a point to never walk anywhere she can run, and Ermon, her Healer (filling in for Daeron, of course) encourages it. He has prescribed a natural course of activities, so Thranduil takes her to special play yards we have here in Dale, and climbs, swings, jumps and is learning to skip rope with her friends, and she is doing very well.
Thank you again, as I will thank you thousands of times.
With my best regards,
Bard, son of Brand
King of Dale
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To Daeron from Tilda:
Deer Darron.
Thank you for helping lady Gallerdil make me better. I am not sick anymore. I run, and climb on the bars at the park. Alis and made up a game. Unkle Dane send us chalk, and we draw stuff on the Cortyard and hop on them. Even on one foot! I can do that now.
Miss Eryn says I can remember things better, and Ada and I do things that he says helps my "cordinayshun." Ermon said to do it, and he says I will be strong real soon.
I miss you. I drew a pickshure of me playing on the swings. That is Ada pushing me.
I miss Esta. She was my best friend, and I cry sometimes. I even put Charlot away for a bit, but Auntee Hil and unkle Galion told me it wasnt her fault, and I should talk to her. So I do. I tell her all the stuff I used to tell Esta and it is better.
Unkle Galion takes me to visit where we put Esta and I talk to her too. I think Mam likes her.
I love you. Come back soon.
Tilda
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To Daeron from Rhian:
Hello, Daeron, Mellon nîn (Turamarth told me what that means):
I know you've heard we've been through a bad time, and trust me – it was! Oh, I wish you'd been there, but believe me when I tell you we're all going to be fine. Several people lost their lives, and Da says we must go on the way they would want, or it would be a waste of their sacrifice. He's right.
We are back in our house, and you'll be proud of me. I still think of that terrible day, but I love my house and the gardens and will not allow anyone to ruin it for me. You'll be happy to know that my flower beds, your flower beds are fine (thank Ruvyn for that – he didn't let the bandits trample them too badly!).
Daeron, so much of my life has been spent living inside my imagination, just to put distance between me and a reality that was hardly bearable. Then in a matter of weeks, I lost everything – my home, my husband, my father and all that had been familiar, and I needed to put even more distance between myself and anything that could make me feel anything other than the grey veil of numbness I was hiding in.
Hiding… that's a good word for it, right?
But in losing everything, I gained everything too!
I realized I could rebuild myself, and my life, to the way I wanted!And I did!I really did! And I know it sounds arrogant, but I am proud of myself. Why not? I worked hard to make all the things I dreamed of a reality, so there would be no reason to hide anymore. I have a beautiful, son, who helped me understand what love can mean. I have a true father, who shows me the same. And I have friends. Honest, loving friends who are precious to me.
Recently, Evan and I had a long talk, and while he is a dear man, he's not the one for me, nor am I the one for him, and we parted as friends. I'm glad I spent time with him, because I learned that I do want to marry again, someday, but I don't want to settle for just a way out, or to just be comfortable. I want a deep, true, ardent kind of love, but if I never have that, then I think I will be content alone.
I have enclosed in this envelope the very first buds from the bulbs you gave me.
I feel like it is me, in a way, beginning to really bloom, and ready to shine in the sun. I admit when I saw the purple color of this Iris, I cried, because it made me miss you more than I ever thought possible.
Please accept this gift, Daeron, and know that when I sit in my Garden and look at these flowers, it makes me feel like you're not so far away, and that the time will pass quickly.
And when you look at this, please think kindly on a woman and a little boy who are very anxious to see you again.
With much affection,
Rhian
ENDNOTES:
[1] From "An Invincible Summer" CH 12: /works/14127870/chapters/34011417
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**The Guardians of the Woodland Realm are the primary Special Operations force made up of the Kingdom's most talented soldiers. Any Elf must have achieved the rank of Lieutenant, before being considered for this branch of the military, which is why you see so many of the Elves being addressed as such. Only Guardians are permitted to protect the Royal Family, both in Dale and in the Woodland Realm.
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