Chapter Forty-Three
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SUMMARY: Our boys return home from the Lodge, and slay a "monster."
Thranduil helps Dale celebrate Tarnin Austa - Summer Solstice - but this is no ordinary Summer Solstice, kids. The stars are aligned like this only once every thousand years, and the skies will be perfectly clear, and on such a night, the Ancient legends say that remarkable things can happen.
These legends prove to be true, especially for a young woman of Dale, when the stars help her finally understand what's truly in her heart...
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"I've learned that waiting is the most difficult bit, and I want to get used to the feeling, knowing that you're with me, even when you're not by my side."
― Paulo Coelho, Eleven Minutes
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City of Dale, 11th of June 2943 T.A.
The family had just finished their midday meal when the bells sounded from the West Gate.
"They're back!" Tilda put down her spoon, as Galion pulled her chair back, so she could get down, and they all rushed through the Great Hall to meet the returning Kings.
"You look a lot better, Ada." Bain said.
"Well, thank you, Ionneg; I was not aware I looked so terrible." The Elvenking smirked.
"Come on, let me through…" Hilda came through the small crowd surrounding them, and looked both King's over. "Yep. Much better." She kissed them both. "You don't look ragged, anymore."
"That bad, huh?" Bard laughed.
"Hideous." She hugged him. After the Harad King comes, Percy and I are going to go back to that Lodge and have a real vacation."
"Sure thing, Hil. We were thinking of taking the family to the Palace next month, so why don't you go then?"
"Really?" Bain asked hopefully.
"Yes," Thranduil said, to the boy. "It will be good for us, and we need to purchase another horse for you."
Bain became quieter. "I miss Bregolas a lot, but…"
"I know, Ion." the Elvenking put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "I do know."
"Did you get some rest?" Sigrid kissed both their cheeks.
"We did, Iellig. How are you?"
"I'm good, honest."
"I am glad." He kissed her brow, then turned and gave Tauriel a hug. "Ci maer, Gwinïg?"
"Mae g'ovannen, Ada! Ni maer, a gin?"
He smiled down at her. "Ai, ni maer eithro."
"Aren't you going to ask me if I'm good, too?" Tilda became impatient.
"Of course." The Elvenking took her hand and kissed it. "Ci maer, Tithen Pen?"
"Ni maer, Ada!" she replied, with a proud grin.
"Very good! I am told you and Sigrid help Da with his Sindarin. How is that going?"
"Ugh." Tilda rolled her eyes. "He's sooooo slow and he doesn't say the words right."
Sigrid giggles. "It's true."
"Hey!" Bard made a face.
The girls grabbed the Kings' hands, and dragged them back toward their living quarters. "Come and see what we did!" Tilda said with a grin.
"Uh oh… Should we be worried?"
"Not at all, Bard." Tauriel walked with them. "Sigrid was saying they changed some things in Ben and Rhian's house to… help get over things…"
"…so, I had this idea…" Sigrid began, "and—"
"…we switched rooms!" Tilda finished. "Lookee!"
They were led to the room on the right side of the Corridor, just before the doors to the King's bedchamber, and saw that Sigrid and Tilda had indeed moved across the hall, to occupy Tauriel's former room. The beds were neatly arranged, and made, and there were new spreads, and all of Tilda's toys, including Charlotte, were resting comfortably on her pillow.
"I told Charlotte I was sorry, and she isn't mad at me for not playing with her, and now she sleeps with me, again." Tilda said, proudly.
"I am glad, Tithen Pen!" Thranduil patted her head. "Tauriel? Are you comfortable as well?"
"I am," the Elleth assured him. "I think Farien is unhappy, but she will get used to it."
"She's always cranky when she's pregnant." Bain rolled his eyes.
"Can't say I blame her." Bard agreed. "Come on, you lot. Let's get our gear put away and you can tell Ada about Thangon's puppies.
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City of Dale, 13th of June 2943 T.A.
Two nights after their return from the Hunting Lodge, Thranduil's eyes flew open, as Tilda came screeching into their room and scrambled into his side of the bed, Charlotte and Daisy in tow.
"What is it, Tithen Pen? Did you have a nightmare?"
"Nuh-uh. There's a monster under my bed!"
Bard rolled over with a groan, and mumbled, "It's just a dream, Beanie…"
"No, It's really not, Da! I heard it after I woke up!" She began to cry. "Can I stay here?"
"Tilda, you must learn to sleep in your own bed." Thranduil rubbed her back. "Did you not go to all that trouble to switch rooms, so you would not be afraid?"
"I do like it," she wailed, "but there's really something under my bed!" The little girl crawled over Ada, settled in between them, and declared, "I am not going back in there!"
"She's not fibbing, you know." They looked up and saw Sigrid standing in their doorway, with a shawl wrapped around her. "There is a noise, Da, and it sounds awful."
Tilda crossed her arms, in vindication. "Told you."
"Fine," Bard sighed. He grabbed his robe and lit his bedside lamp. "Stay here with your sister, and we'll see what's going on. Come on, Ada. Let's slay some monsters."
The Kings opened the door to the girls' new room, and heard a low, unholy growl.
"Well that's creepy," Bard's eyes widened, as he grabbed an andiron from the fireplace.
They both got down on their hands and knees, as Bard set the lamp on the floor, and lifted the side of the bedspread. "Can you see?"
Thranduil's eyes narrowed, and his Elven eyes took in the sight. Two eyes reflected against the light, and he saw the outline of a creature, lying on its side…
"The mystery is solved, Meleth nîn. Look."
Bard stuck his head underneath, and was met with an angry hiss, and another growl. "I'll be damned…"
The King's smiled at each other, then went back, where they found the girls huddled in the middle of the big bed.
"Well ?" Tilda asked, with wide eyes.
"It looks like Farien forgot to switch rooms, Little Bean. She's stuck under there, and I think she's in labor."
"She is?" Instantly her terror was replaced with delighted squeals. "Can I watch?"
"Well, first you need to get T—"
"TAURIEL!" Tilda was off the bed like a shot, and slammed her sister's door open. "Tauriel! You'll never guess what in a million years!"
Tauriel woke up, and quickly grabbed the nesting box she had prepared. After urging Tilda to not make a sound, Bard and Thranduil went back into the room and lifted each end of her bed, so Tauriel could transferr the laboring cat into the soft blankets. Almost as soon as as the box was carried into Tauriel's room, Farien gave birth to her first kitten, a little calico.
"He's so cute!" Tilda, whispered.
"She is," Tauriel smiled. "It is only the females that have three colors."
"Why?"
"Don't know, Little Bean, it's just always been that way." Bard said in a soft voice. He yawned and stood up straight. "I'm going back to bed. Coming Ada?"
"In a moment." He kissed his daughters. "Enjoy the miracle of life, Ill nîn, then make sure you all get some rest."
Before Thranduil left, he turned around and smiled at the sight of the three girls cuddled together in front of the hearth, smiling into the tall, wooden box. He quietly closed the door behind him, but before he went back to join Bard, he went into his study, picked up the book he had been working on, and turned to a fresh page.
For the next hour, he carefully sketched the scene he had just witnessed, and wrote down the date and the story behind it.
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The next morning, the Kings found the girls snuggled together in Tauriel's bed, fast asleep. They silently crept into the room, and counted a total of six kittens.
"Let the girls sleep," Bard whispered. "They had a long night, and this might be the thing that gets Tilda back to normal."
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City of Dale, 15th of June 2943 T.A.
Just after lunch, Thranduil's messages from the Palace arrived, and he read one missive with great excitement.
"Bard! We must celebrate the Summer Solstice this year, Meleth nîn! It is the Elenion Panilwë Húmë, and the skies will be clear!"
"What is an Elennin… and why is it so important?"
"Elves always celebrate the First Day of Summer." The Elvenking sat down in front of Bard's desk and tried to contain his excitement. "Last year, I was in my Palace during the Tarnin Austa."1
Bard tried to work out the Sindarin. "'Summer Gate?'"
"Close, Meleth. 'Gates of Summer.' The night before, there is a Silent Vigil held under the stars, and songs are sung as the sun arises. It rained last year, so I did not mention it."
"And you'd like to do this here?"
"Yes! This is no ordinary Tarnin Austa, Bard! It is the same night as Elenion Panilwë, in which the stars and planets are aligned in a special way. This only happens once every thousand years or so." Thranduil was as thrilled as a child. "Do you not see? If the stars are aligned so, and if the night is clear, the legends say remarkable things can happen!"
"Remarkable how, exactly?" Bard's eyes narrowed. "Your Elves aren't going to start dancing around naked, are they? Because I don't think…"
"Nothing like that!" Thranduil laughed. "I have only lived through three of the Elenion Panilwë, but two of those nights were cloudy, and the other occurred when I was recovering from the Dragon during the War."
"So… You don't know what can happen, then? Which means there really could be naked dancing…"
"Galion has seen it twice, Bard." Thranduil smirked. "Can you picture him doing that?"
"No; you're right. How would you go about this, without upsetting my people's sensibilities?"
Thranduil smiled. "We gather outdoors under the stars, usually in a clearing, facing East. You could sit on blankets, to be comfortable. At midnight, the Sacred Silence begins, and we greet the sun with prayers and song. I think you will enjoy it, Bard. The experience is different for everyone, but if one fully prepares himself to participate, it can be quite powerful."
"All right; I'm game. Let's do it." The King of Dale agreed. "Where do you want to gather?"
"There is that grassy knoll just outside the East Wall, that would be comfortable, and we could watch the sunrise from there."
"What about Guards that night?"
"I could ask for volunteers, or ask the Dwarves." Thranduil suggested. "I would personally see to it they were fully compensated, of course."
"Doesn't hurt to ask. Let's spread the word, and see who wants to come." Bard got up and kissed him. "Just one thing: if anyone ends up dancing naked, you'll be the one dealing with Hilda, not me."
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City of Dale, 20th of June 2943 T.A. (Evening)
"Rhian! Over here!" Sigrid was sitting on a blanket, next to Tauriel. Each carried a silver lamp. "Hi! I wasn't sure you could make it!"
Rhian set her basket down, and spread out her blanket next to them. It was an hour before midnight, and everyone was chatting and laughing, in anticipation for the Night Vigil. A group of Dwarves with instruments were playing merry tunes, and a stand was set up to sell food and drink.
"Ada and Da are coming any minute, but they'll be down there." Sigrid pointed to a place on the hill, that had been prepared. "Ada will lead the ceremony, and prayers, and I asked Tauriel to sit with us, to explain everything. Ada said he'll speak in Westron, but the prayers are in Sindarin, so she'll interpret. Oh! There's Nualë!" She waved. "Come over and sit with us!"
The brown-haired Elf waved back and settled herself with the group. "Gielu i tir dû laer lîn!"
Rhian smiled at the Elf, as she settled herself. "I know we haven't had much of a chance to get to know each other, yet. It's been really hectic lately."
"I understand, My Lady. How is your son? Darryn is his name?"
"He's fine. My Da's staying with him tonight, so I could get out. Do you like it here in Dale, so far?"
"Very much, although, we all miss Meldon; he was a good friend."
"I'm sorry." Rhian said. "Do you know how his family is coping?"
"They returned to their village a few days ago. His sister is due to give birth in October, and I think the child will cheer them all greatly."
"Good evening!" Ivran walked through the crowd, and saluted their group, with a smile. "Gielu i tir dû laer lîn."
"Gielu i tir dû laer lîn," Nualë and Tauriel returned the traditional greeting, as they smiled up at the Elf.
Sigrid interpreted for Rhian. "That means, 'Blessings on your Vigil,'"
"Can you join us, tonight?" Tauriel moved over, and patted the place between herself and Nualë.
"I would be honored." He sat down with them, and set his lamp down.
"Where is Cwën tonight."
"She is on duty in the Great Hall, but will gather in the Courtyard."
"How are you, Ivran?" Sigrid asked.
"I am much better, though Ermon will not let me report for duty until the beginning of July." He grinned. "I am lucky he allowed me to take part in the Vigil, if I am to be honest, but I promised I would rest tomorrow."
"He's right; you lost a lot of blood," Sigrid nodded her agreement. "Are you sure you're taking it easy?"
"Please, My Lady!" he laughed. "I am under strict orders from my King to follow instructions, or he threatened to send me back."
"See that you do, Lieutenant." Sigrid smirked.
The group continued to laugh and talk, until the music slowed down into a reverent, slow cadence, and everyone settled down.
Just before midnight, Lord Thranduil appeared, wearing a silver robe, with a diadem with small, sparkling diamonds on his brow. Rhian also saw Lord Bard, dressed in black, with silver trim. They walked over the place on the hill set up for them, and everyone rose to their feet, and paid courtesy to the Kings.
The Thranduil began the Ceremony:
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"Please, be seated, and welcome to the Vigil for the "Gates of Summer" or, as we call it, the Tarnin Austa, to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Tonight, we are blessed with clear skies, so our view of the Stars will not be impeded, which is an occasion for great joy.
"It is a Sacred Tradition that there be absolute Silence between Midnight and Dawn, for our people find great comfort in the Stars. It is not unusual for friends to gather on this night, yet choose not to stay for the Vigil, so do not feel badly if some take their leave. If you cannot commit to the Silence, for any reason, please take your leave now. If, during the night, you find you must leave, please do so silently, so as not to disturb the others.
"When the Silence begins, breathe deeply, relax and think of things that have always brought you joy. This is a night to ponder all the good things the Valar have brought us, and for our friends and loved ones. Breathe, and be thankful, and you will may be surprised at what you find. Tonight, is perfect; the skies are clear and cool and many of us will be blessed."
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As Rhian and the others listened, Tauriel leaned over and said quietly, "If you can allow yourself to be open to the Tarnin Austa it is not unusual to find yourself holding hands with someone, or to be in a different position than you were when the Vigil began."
"But we're not Elves," Rhian asked. "Would that even happen?"
"You might be surprised. One gets out of the Vigil, what one brings into it."
Then the Elvenking led the Elves in the Hymn of Varda, invoking the sacred name of Elbereth Gilthoniel, which Ivran interpreted for Rhian and Sigrid. It was a lovely tune, and the harmonies drifted through the night air and seemed to calm the souls of everyone present. Rhian's shoulders relaxed further, and she felt a sense of calm, and peace.
Thranduil called for everyone to turn to the East, to await the rising of the Sun, and after leading the Elves in a Prayer to Varda, Queen of the Stars, the lamps were put out, then the Sacred Silence began.
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~o0o~
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Lothlórien, 20th of June 2943 T.A. (Evening)
"Mellon nîn; I have an extra lamp for you, should you need it." Haldir offered, after he knocked on the doorway to Daeron's room.
"Thank you, but I do not, thanks to my organized cousin. Turamarth thought ahead, and packed mine." The Guardian grinned, as he continued to dig around the bottom of his trunk. "I know I saw it… Ah!" He pulled it out and smiled. "Here it is! It was wrapped in my fur-lined cloak." Daeron held up the ornate object, decorated with silver vines, with colored glass leaves.
"That is quite beautiful." Haldir admired the handiwork of the lamp, and read the engraving, in flowing Tengwar. "Are they all decorated thus?"
"They are. It is an important Rite of Passage, to experience one's first Vigil, is it not? It seems only right to celebrate it. In my country, when an Elf reaches his majority, he is permitted to attend the Tarnin Austa for the first time, and we receive our Silver Lamp as a begetting day gift."
"I remember my first…" Haldir mused. "My parents were with me, and Orophin was just an infant, so I particularly enjoyed the quiet that night!" he laughed. "It was not long after that I moved into my own house."
"I do not blame you, though I enjoy children. I especially like children of Men, and I admit it is terribly quiet here, since our refugees returned home."
"I feel the same way," Haldir agreed. "The silence is deafening, I think. But my people will have more children, and our forest will once again be filled with their laughter."
"May they be blessed," Daeron smiled at his friend. "Come; I am eager to join the festivities."
Oh, the Golden Wood was beautiful this night! Caras Galadhon had their usual song at dusk to light the lamps around the city, but on Tarnin Austa, once everyone was gathered and settled in their places, there was another song, as those lamps were put out. Then the trees were alight with many different colors and the Elves lit their silver lamps, and began their Silence.
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~o0o~
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Haldir's Sacred Silence was always spent remembering the loves ones no longer with him.
The Marchwarden missed his parents but sometimes during the Vigils, he could feel the comfort and peace of their presence. He was always thankful for this, of course, but there was one person who's loving presence always eluded him.
He had longed to see his beloved Itaril,2 and on this special night, his wishes were granted.
Haldir had enjoyed walking with her through the giant Mallorn trees in the evenings, hand-in-hand, and he pictured these nights in his mind…
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…and there she was… Itaril was as lovely as he remembered her, with eyes that pierced his heart, and a smile that made him weak in the knees…
"Gielu i tir dû laer lîn," the Marchwarden's breath caught. "You seem so near, Meleth."
"Gwannas lû and, Haldir." Itaril said with a smile. "Gielu i tir dû laer lîn."
"I am always near, because you have kept me in your heart."
"But why have I not seen you, before this?" he couldn't his frustration. "All those years, I have longed to feel your presence! I do not understand…"
"You have brought me closer by bringing me out from the shadows of your heart, Meleth nîn. You have allowed yourself to feel your love for me, once again."
"That was difficult, because I made a terrible mistake and I turned you away. Can you ever forgive me?" Haldir whispered sadly. "I never stopped loving you, Itaril! I was overwhelmed when I lost my parents, and afraid…"
"Shh…" She put her fingers on his lips. "I have never blamed you, Haldir. And I understood your fears."
"He took her hand, and kissed it's palm. "You feel so… real."
"It is the magic of the Elenion Panilwë, and it will not last. Do not give up hope, beloved. We will have the life we dream of, Haldir, but first, you must play your part in the last War against Evil, and when it is done, I will be waiting, ready to greet you with open arms."
"Itaril? Can I…" he hesitated. "Can I hold you? Just for a moment?"
She stepped toward him, and he reached for her, and enveloped her in his arms. For just a fleeting second, he could feel the solid warmth of her, and just before she drifted away, she reached up and kissed him.
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When the morning sun arose in the East, and the Songs began, he still felt the warmth and softness of her body, her kiss on his lips.
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~o0o~
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Galadriel often held hands with Celeborn during the Vigil, and of course, she thought of their daughter, Celebrian, and sent her their love. She did this night as well, but the clear skies and bright stars of this year's Tarnin Austa brought something else.
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Finarfin, King of the Noldor in Valinor3 was coming toward her, and she gasped with joy,
"Aran nîn," she curtsied in respect, then ran into his arms. "Ada! Long have I wished to see you!"
Finarfin smiled, and lifted her chin. "As I have you, hênig. As happy as I am to see you, I come with news and a warning; the time is drawing near for final battle for Middle Earth. Will evil triumph to the ruin of all?"
"I will fight to the end, Ada, and so will my people; you know this."
"I do. Still, this is a War we all must win, or even the Undying Lands will be made to suffer. To that end, a request has been made to the Valar, and they, in turn, petitioned Eru Ilúvatar, that help should be given."
"Such as?"
"I cannot say, child, and you must not repeat what little you hear. But this I ask of you: When the time comes, you must look past long-held grievances, and learn to trust what comes. For if you and the others cannot, then the Enemy will profit from it, but if you can forgive, and learn, the Evil One can be destroyed. You must be ready to do this, Galadriel."
"I will, My Lord."
"In addition, you personally will face a perilous test, Iellig, and you must be ready for that, as well."
"How do I do this, Adar?"
"What was your desire, when you came to Middle Earth? And what have you truly learned from your life here? If you do not know the answer, you will fall to temptation, and you will diminish, and all you have worked for will come to nothing."
"And if I pass the test?"
Finarfin smiled, and caressed her cheek. "Then you will diminish, and all you have worked for will come to nothing."
"But Ada! I—"
"Ponder my words carefully, Iellig, for I can tell you no more." Her father took her hands and kissed her knuckles.
"How is Celebrian?"
"She lives with your mother and me, and though she misses you all, I am glad to tell you she is healed from her sorrows."
"Are my mother and brothers well?"
"Your mother is happy to be with her sons," Finarfin smiled. "Finrod returned from Mandos' Halls long ago, and wed his beloved Amarië, and they have three children. Angrod and his wife are reunited, and your nephew, Ordoreth has given us two more grandchildren."
"And Aegnor? Surely he would be released from Mandos by this time!"
"He… wishes to remain, hênig. His grief for Andreth will not diminish, so he wishes to stay, and find what comfort he can. 4
"Can no one help him?" Galadriel loved all her brothers, but Aegnor was her favorite, and this news pierced her heart. "Surely there must be something!"
"It would take a miracle, hênig, but we live in miraculous times, do we not? Things are changing…" he chuckled, "Vairë and Nienna have spoken at length on his behalf, so who knows?" Finarfin lowered his eyes. "If Aegnor is ever granted his deepest desire, I fear he will be sundered from us, forever."
"Yet, I would still wish for his happiness." Galadriel said, bravely. "I have always wished him joy."
"That is all we can wish for any of our children." Finarfin took his daughter in his arms. "I must go. Remember my words, and help your people to be ready."
"I will, Ada." She kissed his cheek.
"Farewell, my dearest daughter."
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When the singing of the sunrise softly began, Galadriel opened her eyes in wonder, and spent many days in solitude, as she searched her heart for an answer to King Finfarfin's riddle.
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City of Dale, June 21st, 2943 T.A. (Just before dawn)
Bard's Vigil was difficult at first; the Bowman was used to a constant flurry of activity. The idea of sitting still for hours at a time seemed foreign to him, and he couldn't seem to stop fidgeting.
Bard considered peaceful scenes in his mind, but the one he settled on was a winter day on the Forest River, when it was quiet. There had been an ice storm, and all the trees were glittering in the sunshine, Like hundreds of thousands of diamonds. All was quiet, except for the soft sound of the water flowing past him, as he steered around the curves of the river.
With a sigh of satisfaction, he lowered his gaze and opened his eyes…
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…and there, sitting on the deck of his old barge was his father.
"Hello, son." Brand said, with a smile, and pointed to an upended crate beside him. "Have a seat."
Dumbfounded, Bard did as his father ordered. "Da? How came you to be here?"
"Do you really need to ask?" His father tilted his head and looked at his son with a smile. "There are lines on your face, and you have the look of your Grandad; he couldn't grow a decent beard, either."
Bard couldn't help but chuckle. "It's true. I miss you, Da."
"Me, too, but you've done me proud, son. I see your mother's namesake is almost grown up, and the spit of her Mam. Does she act like Mattie?"
"In every way. I just wish my…" his voice caught. "I wish my kids could know you, Da."
"They will someday, son."
"I got married again, did you know?"
"Mattie came and told us. That's quite a husband you've got there - the Elf King himself, eh?" He tilted his head at Bard. "Does he love you? And the children?"
"He adores them, but he doesn't want them to forget their mother. He - Thranduil - saved us all, when the Dragon came, and things just…happened... We love each other very much, Da."
It occurred to Bard that he could have spoken about killing Smaug, or becoming King, but those things...
"...aren't important to me, you're right, lad." Brand finished his thought. "Any man who can't love his family, would make a shit King anyway. You're a good father, Bard. That's what's important. Everything else will follow."
"I can't be with you and Mam, Da. I'm going with Thranduil, in the end."
"Your Mam and I know that, Bard, but you've done the right thing." Brand reached over and put his hand on Bard's knee and squeezed it. "We'll miss you, I won't lie about that, but you're meant to do this."
A small dock appeared along the side of the river, and the barge drifted over to it, of its own volition. Brand stood up. "This is where I get off, son."
Bard helped his father onto land, but not before he caught him in an embrace. "I love you, Da." Tears fell from his eyes.
"As I love you, my wonderful boy. Brand kissed his cheek. "Goodbye, son."
"Bye, Da." Bard wiped his eyes, and tried to smile. "Be good to the kids, when you see them, yeah?"
"Course we will, lad!" Brand waved, with a laugh. "Your Mam and I plan to spoil 'em rotten!"
Bard sighed, opened his eyes, and saw that his hand was still raised in farewell.
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~o0o~
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Thranduil closed his eyes, and felt the soft breeze on his face, as he settled himself for the Vigil. It took a while to calm his senses, and follow the same advice he gave to Bard. All his life, he'd wondered about this special night; what would happen?
He took several deep breaths, and cleared his mind…
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…he was in the Forest, at the foot of his favorite tree, and it looked just as it did when he was a child.
"Galu,Mellonnîn…" The Elvenking pressed his hands on the bark and communed with his dear friend. "I have not seen you much, of late. Forgive me."
"I remember when you sneaked out of the Palace to climb it," a low voice said behind him. "You broke your leg in two places, as I recall."
Thranduil knew that voice, and turned to see Oropher, appear before him.
"Ada!" He threw his arms around his father. "Êl síla erin lû e-govaned 'wîn…" he whispered. "My heart sings to see you."
"As mine does to see you, Ion nîn." Oropher smiled serenely. "Especially now that you have found happiness, again. Your mother is pleased."
"How is Nana?"
"She likes this Bowman of yours. His children are a delight, as well as your Tauriel. They have changed you, and it brings me joy to see it."
"Bard has helped me to open my heart again, and though it be brief, I treasure this time with his children. I love them, Ada."
"We are happy for you, Thranduil." Then Oropher grew serious. "I must speak to you about your new children, Ion."
Thranduil's heart began to pound. "Will they be all right?"
"The boy will be a great King, and will prosper, but his heir will face an impossible challenge, and when the time comes, you and Bard must help him, or the North will be lost before the War even begins."
"Can you tell me more?"
"The Enemy will send a messenger before the Throne of Dale, and the King will need aide, to resist this minion of the Dark Lord."
"Surely not!"
"Thranduil, this is the final, and most terrible Battle for control of Middle Earth. Our Creator and the Ainur are using this Elenion Panilwë to send wisdom to those who can save it. Cirdan, Elrond and Galadriel are being given similar messages, so there will be no need to speak of it, lest these words be overheard by the Evil One and be used against you. Say nothing, do you understand?"
"I will not, My Lord."
"In the coming years, there will be some who will come to help, to make reparation for deeds done in the past. You will see them for who they really are, but you must not reveal their true names. You will be tempted to turn them away, as you recall old grudges and past hurts, but I am asking you to accept them, and learn to trust them, Thranduil. For when the time comes, they will show themselves, and help you save your Kingdom."
Oropher put his hand on Thranduil's shoulder. "Do you vow to do this?"
"Yes, Ada."
Oropher smiled at his son. "I know you miss Legolas, Ion nîn. He still bears love for you, but needs time; do not rush him. He will return when he is ready, but remember Mírelen's warning: You have to let him go and play his part, when the time comes, even if it is to his death. I am sorry; there is no other way."
At this the Elvenking could only nod his head.
"You are a good father, Ion. Your Tithen Pen has been of particular interest to the powers that be."
"Tilda? Is there something I should know?"
"Are you aware that Lady Galadriel used the Light of Eärendil to heal your child?"
"Eärendil?" Thranduil was astounded. "What will this mean for her?"
"She will certainly remain healthy, but beyond that is difficult to predict."
"What should I do?"
"Love and care for her, as with all your children." Oropher smiled. "Allow her to be a little girl, and watch her grow. I foresee that from young Tilda's line will come an answer to a long and fervent prayer."
Oropher placed his hand on Thranduil's cheek. "You have been a excellent King, Thranduil. Your mother and I are proud of you, and we love you very much."
"Please tell her how much I miss her."
"I will."
Thranduil couldn't answer; his throat grew tight. "I love you, Ada."
"As I love you, Ion. We will see each other again on the White Shores, and will be eager to meet this Bowman of yours."
They embraced for several minutes, then the first King of the Woodland Realm turned to walk down the path, and vanished.
.
Thranduil felt the sun begin to rise, opened his eyes, and began to lead his people in song. And he never spoke of Oropher's words, but he kept them close to his heart, and when the time came, kept every one of those promises.
At first, Rhian simply concentrated on her breathing, and pictured memories of all the things she loved:
…the day Lord Thranduil carried her tiny, newborn son into the room and placed him in her arms… She relived the joy, when the Elvenking blessed the baby, and declared his name to be Darryn.
The day she received that letter from Ben, asking if he could adopt her and be her Da… Standing in the King's study at the Palace as Lord Bard performed the ceremony, making the three of them into a real family…
Rhian offered a prayer of thanksgiving for her new, wonderful life here in Dale, for her beautiful, healthy son, and for all her friends. She thought of Lord Bard, and Lord Thranduil, and their family, of Hannah, and her Da, of Evan, and Sigrid…
.
She was sitting in her Garden, on the bench in front of Daeron's flowers.
There was someone coming.
"Rhian?"
There, on the stone path, was her closest, and dearest friend.
"Daeron!" She jumped up and ran to him. "How…"
The Elf smiled, and shrugged. "It is the magic of the Elenion Panilwë." He laughed with joy. "I am happy to see you, Hind Calen!"
"I miss you!" She threw her arms around him, and hugged him tight.
"And I you, Hind Calen." Daeron hugged her back, then looked over her shoulder. "Your Gardens look beautiful. I see you have pink lilies, as you said you would."
"I do," She was suddenly shy. "And lots of other things. Come and see?"
"Of course." He stepped back, and took her hand. "Show me what you have done."
The two of them walked around the various beds, as she showed him her designs and plans. When they came to one, Rhian said, "I planted all your bulbs together, see?"
"They are coming in nicely."
"They're purple Irises, our favorite." Rhian was suddenly nervous, and she was flustered. "You know that already. I mean..."
"They are." He smiled down at her. "Please, do not be nervous. Are you well, Rhian? Truly?"
"I… am. So much has happened, and I feel different, but in a good way. I don't know how to describe it, except to say I feel like…me."
"And this is good?"
"It's wonderful! I feel free, Daeron. I don't wake up dreading the day anymore; I'm excited about it! I really like my life," she grinned, "even when Darryn is screaming his head off, and I'm changing his smelly clouts."
"I do not think I would miss that," the Elf joined in her laughter. "How is he? Is he truly well?"
"Oh, he's so beautiful! He looks at your picture every day, you know. It's next to his crib, and he still points to it and calls you 'Ada.'" Rhian smiled up at him.
"That makes me happy, Hind Calen. Youhave blossomed, just like your flowers. I have always thought you beautiful, but now, you shine, and you have never looked lovelier." He gently lifted a strand of wavy hair in front of her face. "At last, my Rhian, your heart is whole."
As she looked up into the Elf's face, and listened to his words, she began to understand why Evan was not the one for her, why no one else could ever be for her...
...and that he had always loved her.
"Oh…" She reached up and cupped his cheek.
Daeron's eyes filled, and she could see him swallow.
"All this time… Why didn't you say anything, before?"
"Because you were not ready, Rhian."
"And you gave me time." Her eyes swam, and a tear rolled down her cheek. "You were patient, and kind, and gentle, and you did all that for me; not asking for anything in return..."
Daeron caressed her face, wiping her tears with his thumbs. "I wanted to, Hind Calen. You needed to be free, even if your heart turned to someone else," he swallowed, "I wanted that for you."
He was right. She was ready to love freely, and the truth of her heart made itself known.
Rhian loved Daeron. She did.
This dear, beautiful Elf had sacrificed much for her, and was still waiting, and Rhian understood he needed her to say it, first. And she desperately wanted to say the words, not because he wanted to hear them, but because she knew they were true.
"I...love you, Daeron."
"Oh, Meleth nîn." His breath caught, and he searched her eyes.
"It's you..." she said, crying again. "It was always you. And I don't love you, because you were kind to me, or patient, although I'm grateful for that. I don't love you because you've been my friend, but I love you because you are beautiful, and wonderful and I can't be anywhere but by your side. I want you, Daeron."
His eyes filled with joyful tears. "I love you, so much."
He leaned down slowly, and his lips hovered over hers, in nervous anticipation. Rhian had never wanted anything so much in her life as this kiss, so she met him the rest of the way, and captured his mouth, to show him that her words were true.
This patient, wonderful Elf was kissing her, and she was kissing him, and it was the most wonderful thing she'd ever felt.
.
When the sun rose in the East, Rhian opened her eyes, and felt the beginnings of a whole new life.
Because at last, she found a home for her heart, and it was with Daeron, son of Adamar, Guardian of the Woodland Realm.
.
.
ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Ci maer, Gwinïg?- Are you well, Little Fingers?
Mae g'ovannen, Ada! Ni maer, a gin? – Hello, Ada! I'm good, and you?
Ai, ni maer eithro. – Ah, I am well, also.
Ill nîn – My daughters
Elenion Panilwë Húmë – (Q.) "Walk among the Stars" is a special alignment of the stars and planets, which only happens on Tarnin Austa once every thousand years. Legends say that if the skies are clear on this night, the veil between worlds can be lifted for a time, but only for those whose hearts have no malice.
Gielu i tir dû laer lîn – Blessings on your Summer Vigil.
Hind Calen – "Green Eyes," Daeron's nickname for Rhian
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Gwannas lû and, Meleth nîn – It has been too long, my love
Êl síla erin lû e-govaned 'wîn – A star shines on the hour of our meeting