6

Chapter Four

SUMMARY: Hannah is determined to help Rhian, but she'll need some help from Hilda and the Elvenking...

***WARNING: Mentions of past domestic violence, and rape.***

The Woodland Realm, 4th of January 2942 T.A.

It was early afternoon, and Thranduil was in his study, when the two women who had requested a meeting with him arrived.

He got up and bowed, "Welcome, Lady Hilda and Mistress Hannah. Please; let us sit here, where it is more comfortable." He motioned to the small grouping of furniture in his study. "Can I get you something? Wine, or tea, perhaps?"

"Well, I've had a busy day, so some tea sounds wonderful. How about you, Hannah?" Hilda asked the midwife.

"I'd love some; you're very kind."

The Elvenking went to the doorway to Galion's office, "Would you please arrange for some tea and refreshments, and see that we're not disturbed?"

"Of course, My Lord." Galion got up from his desk, and left.

Thranduil closed the door, then sat down across from them. "I assume you are here to share your concerns about young Rhian and her child?"

The two women looked at each other, "Yes, we are." Hilda said. "Hannah spent some time with her, this morning, and this girl's in bad shape, Thranduil."

"Mistress Hannah, would you care to share your thoughts? What do you see?"

The midwife told the Elvenking everything that she and Rhian had talked about that morning, and her eyes misted over at her despondency. "My Lord, women who have recently given birth can sometimes suffer from depression. Giving birth takes their bodies nine months to prepare for, then it tries to scramble back to normal in a matter of weeks. It doesn't always go well; I've seen it before."

"Does not the child help to ease her depression?"

"It honestly has nothing to do with how much a mother cares for her child. In fact, the mother often feels guilty for feeling so sad, as if she's a weak or a terrible person."

Thranduil steepled his fingers, and looked concerned. "When King Bard and I visited her, and he judged her to be innocent of any crime, she seemed happy enough to meet her son. Are you saying she has deteriorated since then? Is she or the child in danger?"

Hannah struggled to explain, "To answer your question, yes. I don't think she'd harm her child; nothing I see so far has indicated that. But she is… she's been abused, and badly, My Lord. All the signs are there that she has not only been neglected by her father, not only has she been beaten by her husband, but that Garth forced himself on her against her will-probably more than once."

Hilda closed her eyes, and shook her head. "That poor baby. Thranduil, do you realize she's only a few years older than Sigrid? That could be our girl in there, in that condition!"

Thranduil raised his hand. "I understand your anger and your outrage, and I share it, you must believe me. But, as Elénaril has stressed to everyone, she must be treated with the utmost gentleness and kindness. It is important we keep such emotions between us, and not display them in front of this young girl, and never, do we speak of this to Sigrid, or anyone else, except for Elénaril and Daeron."

At the mention of the Elven Guard's name, the women looked surprised.

Thranduil explained. "It was Hilda who brought Rhian's abuse to our attention, but it was Daeron, who realized the girl had been raped, and informed King Bard and myself. He recognized the signs from his training in Dale, back when Girion was King."

There was a knock at the door. "Come!" Thranduil said. Galion entered with another servant, bearing a tray with refreshments. Once they were settled on the low table between them, they bowed and exited. Hilda poured out and passed the plate of small cakes around, causing Thranduil to smile to himself. She was good at taking care of everyone, and he had to admit it was a comfort. She knew he was missing Bard terribly, and this was her way of showing it.

Hannah took a sip, and asked, said, "May I speak frankly?"

"Of course. I am relying on your candor and expertise, in this matter. Please, what do you need to know?"

"What exactly is Daeron's interest in this young girl? Please understand; I'm not accusing him of anything, and we haven't seen or heard anything untoward. In fact, if it weren't for him, I couldn't have gotten near her, in Dale. But, she's in a delicate emotional state, My Lord, and I must know your thoughts. She's my patient, and I must be sure she'll come to no harm, even from those who are well-intentioned."

Thranduil nodded. "I understand you concerns, and you are wise to ask these things. Perhaps I can offer you some perspective."

Thranduil placed his cup and saucer on the table, sat back, and crossed his long legs. "What I am about to tell you, must go no further than this room, do you understand?"

The two women agreed.

"Daeron is one of the most talented Elves in my Realm. He is among the fastest with the swords, fighting knives, and is an excellent archer, as is his cousin, Turamarth. But he is also an extraordinarily gifted Healer.

"Elénaril's job, when she is not working here in the Healing Halls, is to train members of our military in the basics of the Healing Arts, and she does it well. Long ago, she suggested to me that some Elves in my Army be trained fully as Healers, to serve the medical needs of our villages in the Kingdom, which our Guardians protect as diligently as we can. Daeron was among those who volunteered.

"Some Elves are given special gifts from the Valar, and, as it turned out, Daeron's is a powerful and unique Healer. He is first and foremost a Soldier, of course, but his combined talents are why I assigned him to guard King Bard and his children.

"Before this, his abilities in combat made it safer for him to travel in our forest and to aid those in our villages, and for many centuries, he traveled throughout our Kingdom, caring for those who needed him, particularly expectant mothers. Daeron has always had a special interest in childbirth."

Hannah was fascinated. "So… he's an Elven midwife! That explains a lot. He was something during Rhian's delivery, and no mistake. Rhian and the baby were in real trouble, and would've died. It took almost everything he had, but he saved them both; he really did! So, not all Elves can do this?"

"No, they cannot. Daeron is a Silvan Elf, and they do not all possess such abilities, and generally are not as powerful as we Sindar Elves, but Daeron is an exception. My adopted daughter, Tauriel, is also Silvan, and possesses some Healing gifts, but not nearly to the degree as Daeron. Even so, it can be draining to do this, because it requires the use of strength from the Elf's fëa, or spirit. Usually an Elf requires rest afterward, until they are restored."

Hannah recalled. "I was glad to see you, because I didn't know what was going on when he collapsed, and I had to take care of Rhian and the baby. I'm glad he's all right!"

"He used an enormous amount of his strength to save them, but aside from needing a healing-sleep, and rest, he is recovering nicely."

"How did Daeron come to work with the people of Dale, or Dwarves even?" Hannah asked.

"This is the part of my story that may explain Daeron's interest in helping Rhian. Once he finished his initial training with Elénaril, he was sent to Dale for many years, to further his education. While he was there, he was very busy treating not only injuries, but he gained experience with illness and disease. He helped make changes in the Healing Halls there, so fewer died of infection and fever. He also treated several Dwarves, and helped bring many of Dale's citizens into the world. He also attended the births of the several generations of the Royal family, including the grandson of Girion. That child was the only survivor of the Royal family, when Smaug first came to the North and destroyed Dale."

"Imagine that!" Hilda said. "That Elf who guards our Bard, delivered his Grandfather!" She shook her head.

Thranduil smiled. "His Sixth Great-Grandfather, to be precise. During his time in Dale, Daeron encountered a pregnant patient who had been brutalized by her husband in the same ways young Rhian suffered - including rape, I am sorry to say. He became particularly concerned for the woman - her name was Miriam - and the child..." he struggled for words. "Was very special to him."

"Other Elves can determine the sex of the child, and see if there are physical problems, but they can only communicate with them as one normally would with an infant." He said. "Daeron has the ability to... 'connect' with unborn babes in a way I've never seen before. Their fëas - their souls - understand each other, without words, or even conscious thought."

"Really?" Hannah's eyes grew large. "That's amazing! And you say most Elves can't do that?"

"No other Elf that we know of can do what he does. It does not matter what race the child is from, either."

"And you said he worried about this Miriam and her pregnancy?"

"Yes. This little one - a girl - touched his heart, and he grew attached to her."

"What happened to them?" Hilda asked.

"The woman would not name her attacker - she gave excuses about falling - and they had no choice but to allow her to go home with her husband. Still, King Girion had them watched, and one night..." he sighed, "by the time the soldiers broke into the house, they were too late. The husband had broken Miriam's neck, and Daeron tried valiantly to save the child, but she died. She never took a breath in this world."

"Oh, the poor things..." Hilda's hand went to her mouth. "How did Daeron take it?"

"He was was devastated at their loss, and..." Thranduil shook his head sadly. "King Girion was frightened for him, and sent me an urgent message. I arranged for him to be brought back to the Woodland Realm, where we could look after him. He recovered, with his family's support."

"Oh, my lands…" Hannah uttered.

"What happened to that husband?" Hilda asked, her eyes blazing.

"He was dealt with… effectively, let us just say that."

"Well, that explains why Daeron was so concerned with Rhian..." Hannah mused.

"Daeron met her when we first came to Dale, and he saw that she was pregnant, and tried to assist her, but she was too frightened to allow him to touch her. Daeron saw the bruises, and recognized the signs of a rape in Rhian, and he knew she needed help. Perhaps he also sensed the unborn child would need him as well."

Hannah nodded. "That makes sense. He's very gentle with her, and he's careful about crowding her or touching her. I'm grateful to him for that, but I still need to make sure he has no ulterior motive. She's in no shape to be thinking about anything but taking care of her baby, and coming back to herself."

"I applaud your caution. You say, you see no evidence of his feelings for her, besides friendship?"

"I haven't, and I've been watching. I'm also watching to see if she develops feelings for him, too. She's not ready for that, My Lord. Not at all."

"I agree, but be at ease: Daeron is honorable, and would never do or say anything to jeopardize Rhian's recovery. He is a Healer, and knows the well-being of the patient supersedes any personal feelings. I have known Daeron since he was a small child, Mistress Hannah. He is honorable, as are his parents, who work here at the Palace."

Thranduil assured both women. "I suggest we put the issue aside, unless you observe a problem. Does Rhian still have trouble leaving her room, or being around noise and crowds?"

Hannah nodded. "She does. I've dealt with abused women before, and this happens. She has some good moments, to be sure, but she's still struggling."

"Then I am glad she is in such good hands." Thranduil bowed his head to her. "I have a solution to this matter, if you would indulge me. I propose we set her up in a guest suite here, in the Royal Wing, where it is quieter, and there is much less traffic. The added Guards provided here, will be a visible sign of protection, and she may take comfort in that."

"I think it would be perfect, but I'm afraid to have her stay alone. She's too physically weak to care for her baby and an apartment, and it could make her depression worse. Herbs and special teas could help, but she's a nursing mother, and those things would get to the baby."

"What do you suggest?" asked the Elvenking.

"Could she stay with you?" Hannah asked Hilda.

"I don't think I'd be the best roommate," Hilda said. "As much as I want to help, I'm too busy, and won't be around much. The bigger problem is, I don't have the right temperament. I'm a 'doer,' and can't keep still. She needs calm, gentleness, and lots of patience, and that's just not me." She looked at Thranduil. "I'm sorry; I hope you understand."

"I do, Lady Hilda. It is wise of you to consider this." Inwardly, Thranduil heaved a sigh of relief. If Hilda had actually wanted to have the girl stay with her, he had no idea how to talk her out of it. He had much affection for the Seneschal of Dale, but he knew how hard everyone worked to avoid her wrath.

He turned to the midwife. "Mistress, are you in a position to move to in with her?"

"I could, My Lord, but it wouldn't be a good idea. I plan on seeing Rhian several times a week, to help her talk things out, and it could get intense. Between talks with me, her mind needs to rest, and be occupied with other things, until I see her again. If I were living there with her, she'd never get away from it."

"That is a good point. May I suggest, that one of my own subjects stay with her this winter? She would receive constant care and companionship, and you could visit her as you need, but not neglect your other duties."

"Excellent, My Lord!" Hannah brightened. "I plan to release her in about a week. Normally, my mothers would be up and around, but her body won't fight off infection until she is stronger, and I want her watched closely."

"Excellent. I shall have Galion set up her rooms and look into someone to stay with her. You will give final approval, of course."

"Thank you, Lord Thranduil. I appreciate it."

"The pleasure is mine."

Hilda smiled at her friend. "I told you Thranduil would help! He's a good egg, this one."

Thranduil laughed. "A compliment, indeed. Mistress Hannah, may I ask that you update me regularly as to the Rhian's progress? During this winter, I am responsible for her, as with everyone from Dale, but she and the child are of special concern to me."

The women and the Elvenking stood and said their goodbyes. The ladies left for their respective duties, but not before Hilda came back in to place her hand on his arm, "Our Bard is the luckiest man in the world to have you, you know that don't you?"

The Elvenking took her hand and kissed it. "On the contrary. He is a gift, and so are you."

He meant it.