SUMMARY: In Dale, Percy is keeping the men's spirit's up by playing practical jokes; oftentimes at Bard's expense.
Thranduil is catching up on paperwork in his study, when the first batch of letters arrive from Dale. Before he can enjoy letters from his husband, Hilda comes to him with a 'situation.'
Chapter Five
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City of Dale, 7th of January, 2942, T.A.
Bard was on his way back to the Great Hall, when Percy and a couple of other Elves rode up with a deer carcass tied to the back of one of the horses.
"Look! Dinner!" Percy grinned.
"Did you have fun?"
"I did. Your dog," he indicated Thangon, who had gone out with them, "was a sight to see, and no mistake!"
Bard looked down, "So, you had a good time, boy?" Thangon barked, happily and wagged his tail. "Come on; let's get back to work, yeah? Tulë!"
Bard had been in his study for about an hour, while Thangon took a nap in front of the fireplace. Suddenly, he heard a strange noise, followed by a The wave of noxious vapors that made his eyes water.
"What the… Ahhh! Thangon!"
He put his handkerchief over his nose and mouth, and marched into the Great Hall, shouting, "Who the bloody fuck fed my dog LEMBAS?"
Amidst the roar of laughter, he spied Percy, over by the fire pit, studying the flames, selectively deaf.
"Pers, you bastard!" Bard pointed at him. "It was you, wasn't it? Don't give me that look; I know it was you!"
"My King, you injure me," Percy put his hand over his heart. I am truly hurt, that you'd think I'd do such a petty, childish thing. I would love to stay and chat, but I am due at the construction site in the Marketplace, My Lord." He grinned, as he put on his hat and exited through the doors.
Bard gritted his teeth, and mumbled ti himself as he headed back to his study. He held his breath as he gathered up the papers to finish his work from his chambers.
The big dog raised his head and tilted it back and forth, wondering what his master was up to. Bard had an inspiration.
"Hey Thangon? How would you like to spend the day in Percy's room?"
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The Woodland Realm, 8th of January, 2942, T.A.
After three days, Thranduil was finally making a dent in the piles of paperwork on his desk. In his adjoining study, Galion was quickly and efficiently catching up with his own work, as Tilda chattered in her chair on the end of his desk, practicing her writing.
Life in the Palace was beginning to find a comfortable rhythm. After breakfast, the Guards would take the children to the Dining Hall for lessons, and Hilda would would go wherever her duties took her that day. Thranduil and Galion would then walk across the wide hallway to their respective offices to work, and once school was finished in the Dining Hall, they had their midday meal in Thranduil's chambers. Then Bain, Sigrid and the rest of the older children would go to the Royal Libraries for Sindarin lessons, or other various activities scheduled during the week. Once their session in the Library was finished, Bain would head to the indoor arena for his defense lessons with Daeron, and Sigrid would go to the Healing Halls to work.
Tilda was a bit teary at having to stay in the Royal Wing in the afternoons, but they had planned for this. Thranduil couldn't watch her; he had too much work and too many meetings to attend, he and Galion decided she would go to his study to spend her time. Tilda seemed happy enough; she'd swing her legs as she sat on a tall chair, practicing her writing, or drawing pictures, then Galion would have her sit on his blue couch with her stuffed toys and a blanket.
Esta, was obedient and affectionate, and did a great deal to ease the children after their Da had left. During the mornings, she lay at Thranduil's feet in his study, and after lunch, listened patiently as Tilda read to her, or snuggled with her as she took her afternoon nap. At night, Esta chose to sleep in Bain's room. A bed had been provided for her there, but she always ended up snuggled under his arm when he woke in the morning.
As Thranduil was putting his signature on yet another supply order, he heard a knock on his door.
"Neledâf," he called out.
Lieutenant Nualë entered. "Aran nîn, the wagons have returned, safely," she said, placing a wooden box on the desk. "Here are your papers and correspondence from Dale."
"Thank you. Were there any problems on the road?"
"No, Aran nîn. The road is frozen, so the trip when smoothly."
"I am glad to hear it. You may go." The Elf saluted and left.
The Elvenking smiled widely, as he unlocked the box, opened it, and saw several sealed letters with Bard's narrow, bold print in Westron, along others from Tauriel, written in her usual beautiful flowing Tengwar script.
Thranduil set them aside with a sigh. He had work to do; the letters for their family would have to wait until after dinner.
The one from Bard would wait until after he went to bed.
The sooner he got back to work, the sooner he could read his letters. Thranduil picked up his pen, but before he dipped it into the ink, he glanced into Galion's study. Tilda was asleep, with Esta curled up beside her, keeping watch. Charlotte was tucked safely under her arm, and her hand clutched one of Daisy's legs. He had grown to love Bard's children, but his Tithen Pen especially tugged at his heart. Sigrid and Bain were wonderful, but they wanted to work towards their independence, but all this little one wanted most was love and attention, which he and Galion were happy to give.
He was roused from his musings when the door suddenly slammed open, and Hilda came bursting into the room, looking upset.
No. Not upset.
Furious.
"Lady Hilda, is something amiss?"
"There certainly is! I've been having some trouble with two older ladies from Dale, and it seems they won't recognize my authority, here or anywhere."
Thranduil seemed skeptical. "Hilda, I am sure you are more than capable of handling this..."
"Normally, you're right, My Lord, but these two bitches cornered Sigrid and Bain and grabbed them—"
The Elvenking leapt to his feet, roaring, "Rhaich! Surely not!"
Galion came rushing in, closing the adjoining door behind him. "Please don't shout, My Lord! Tilda is napping!" When he saw Hilda and Thranduil's murderous faces, his eyes widened. "What is wrong?"
"We've got ourselves a real problem, Galion." Hilda said. "Our children were manhandled, and I need you to stay here with the Little Bean," and turning back to Thranduil, she ordered, "and you need to get your Royal arse to the Throne Room, right now!"
She put her hands on her hips. "The guards already have the women there, along with the children, so I need you up on that bloody high seat of yours to put the fear of Morgoth into them. Let's go!" She turned, "Oh, and don't forget to put that tall crown on. If even I can't scare them, you're going to need all the help you can get!"
Thranduil was every bit as furious as Hilda, as they rushed to the Throne Room.
"Thranduil!" He heard Hilda shout from behind him. "Slow down, will you? My legs are shorter!"
She was right, he sighed. In his haste and fury, he'd left her way behind. Thranduil stopped, and waited for her to catch up. "My apologies; I should have realized." He took her hand and put it into the crook of his elbow.
"Aye, and if I wasn't so mad, I'd laugh about it. But no one puts their hands on our babies!"
He stopped again. "Are they hurt?" Thranduil could feel his face flushed with fury.
"They're no worse for the wear, and Daeron got to them quick enough. I doubt those two ladies could have hurt them. But still, to have the nerve to even lay a finger on them… Dammit!" she stomped her foot. Then looked up at Thranduil. "Sorry for my language, but…"
"Do not be. I may be using worse language myself, before we are finished. Come. Let us make haste." He took her by the elbow and urged her forward. How could anyone not be frightened of Hilda when she was mad?
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LETTERS FROM DALE
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From Bard to Thranduil:
Hello, My King:
As you can see, I made it to Dale safely, and received your gift, probably just how you pictured it. You were right; the silence in this corridor was awful, and this behemoth you call a dog might make things easier.
The cats you sent are doing a pretty decent job. Old Ben had the shit scared out of him when Floyd – that's what he named the big orange one – first jumped out of the basket and attacked him. The men are still laughing about it, but he doesn't seem to care. He and the cat are fast friends now. When Floyd isn't hunting mice, or sitting by the fire pit, he's on Ben's lap, and sleeps with him in his room at night.
We've made some changes here in this part of the Castle. Old Ben has been named our City Planner, and uses your study to now. We've moved Tilda's bed in there for him, and the extra heat from the fireplace helps his joints. Ermon has been treating his arthritis, and he gets around better than he has in years! He's made the most of his renewed health, and is busy meeting the building crews, from all three Kingdoms - I've no doubt the construction will commence in a few days.
Ben asked after Rhian, seems her father was just as much of a bastard as her husband. Ben's wife was a cousin to Rhian's mother, so Ben and his late wife tried to keep an eye on her as much as possible, but Phylip treated his wife like dirt, and married his daughter off to that horse's arse just to get rid of her.
Ben was distraught at the extent of her injuries, but was relieved we could help her. He had some choice words for that husband - the man swears worse than I do, if you can believe it!
Please relay the message to Rhian that Ben bears no ill will and he's proud of what she did to save herself and the child. Hopefully, this might ease her.
Feren has taken over Bain's room, for the winter, and we've moved a table in there for his paperwork. It's a lot easier than Percy and I always hunting him down. He's begun the weapons training with me, and so enough said about that. Tauriel will be working with me, too.
We've moved a man named Alun into the girl's room. He used to work for the Master and manage his accounts, but has a reputation for being an honest and good man, and did his best to allocate as much funds as he could for the people of Laketown, before the Master and Alfrid could prevent it. He's assisting Ben and Percy with the costs involved in the rebuilding, and will work with Gloin from Erebor to manage our Treasury there.
Alun's son, Rhys, is currently with you, and he's staying with his grandmother, Ina, and her sister, Iola. He and Bain are friends, so you might come across him now and again. The boy's a good lad; we've had him at the house in Laketown a few times, and he's got good manners and seems to be a good influence on our boy.
I should warn you: those two ladies are not the easiest to get along with. I'm sure Hilda can tell you all about it, because those two gave her trouble in the camp, before they left. Alun tells me they were personal friends of the Master, and Ina was the one who had the Master give Alun the job.
Tauriel loves the grey tabby cat and named her Farien, which she tells me, means "Huntress." Aside from missing her Ada, I think life in Dale suits her. You were right when you told me she wasn't made to stay in your Kingdom forever.
My mornings are spent in meetings, then we all head out and start building, where and when we can. The Dwarves do the stonework, the Elves do the roofing while my Men work in the inside. The hard work helps to keep everyone's spirit's up, and evenings are spent with with games, and those with instruments usually play something or other.
And Thangon follows me wherever I go, and he's getting plenty to eat, between what I give him, and what the others sneak to him under the tables.
I should tell you he's taken up residence on your side of the bed, so good luck convincing him to give up his space when you come back! Serves you right for surprising me with him, Ha Ha.
See you soon. I miss you more than I can say.
Gi melin, Thranduil. Always.
Bard
P.S. That damned dog snores loud enough to wake the dead!
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From Percy to Hilda:
To My Dear Wife:
How are you faring there? How are the children?
The Great Hall is looking pretty good. Those cats Thranduil sent are always on the job, and I don't mind telling you I'm glad they're here – no more mice running around. Remind me to tell you how Old Ben met one of them, when I see you. We all nearly busted a gut laughing!
There's plenty of work to do, but on our off hours, the Elves train us in weaponry. We found a place in the Castle ruins that's fairly weatherproof for our lessons, and it keeps us fit, I'll tell you that! Bard insists on working with Feren and Tauriel work with Bard privately, and he doesn't say why, but I guess that's his business.
We also go out hunting a lot, which is a nice break from our routine. When we were out in the woods, one of the Elves gave me some of their special bread, to eat. It tasted good, and I was surprised at how full I was, after only a little.
I made the mistake of tossing Bard's dog one one of those biscuits, and later that day, Bard came into the Great Hall, yelling his head off. Seems that Elvish bread made that great bloody beast fart all over Bard's study, and it nearly knocked him over, it smelled so bad! Valar, it was funny! I'll be sure to remember that, when our boy gets too full of himself, and needs to be taken down a peg or two.
We play a lot of Stratagem and Draughts a night, and the Dwarves often stay in the evenings to play. Would you believe the one called Bifur is wiping the floor with all of us! Remember him? He was the Dwarf that went around with that piece of axe stuck in his head? He'll be going up against Feren in a few days,, and the bets are about 50/50 on that one.
I'll write more as soon as I can. Must get to bed. We've got to work more on the buildings on the Market tomorrow, so it will be a long day.
Your husband,
Percy
P.S. Oh, bloody balls! Bard locked that damned, farting beast in my room all day, and I can't get the smell out!
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From Bard to Sigrid:
Hello, My Sweet Girl,
I don't need to ask if you're behaving yourself, and I don't need to ask if you're keeping yourself busy, either. Knowing my girl, you are constantly at it, attacking the day with as much energy and determination that your mother had.
I am wearing the latest pair of socks you made me, and my feet are toastywarm. I love them, and am looking forward to more. Uncle Percy says he's jealous, and wants you find some nice blue wool and make him a pair!
Did Ada tell you he sent us some animals? Yep! He sure did. We've got some cats running around, and he also gave me a personal pet, which I think is a cross between a dog and and an Olyphant! I can't wait for you to meet him. Commander Feren tells me that several dogs like him have been bred to help the Elves hunt and protect them in the forest at night. He looks scary; he's really a big bowl of mush - Tauriel's cat orders him around all the time.
How are Rhian and the baby? I know I told you how proud I am of you for helping her, but I want to say it again; you behaved like a true Princess of Dale, and you did not only your old Da proud, but your country, as well.
Tauriel has been giving us Sindarin lessons, and I'm sure you'll do better than me, though. You're sharp like your Ma.
I hope Bain and Tilda are doing well. I know you will look after them, whether I remind you too, or not, but please, take some time to be a young girl and have some fun.
I will see you soon, darling. Before you know it, your Ada will be bringing you all back to me.
Love,
Your old Da
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To Hilda, from Bard:
Dear Hil,
Greetings from the Great Hall of Dale! As I am writing this to you, I am sitting along one of the long tables in the center, having just worked my shift in the kitchens. I sure miss your cooking, love. These men are doing their best with your recipes, and trying to follow them to the letter, but no one can do a good Fish Pie like you. It just doesn't taste the same. Tomorrow is chicken soup, with your special biscuits, and the day after, they'll do their best to attempt your chowder.
Hilda, I could never begin to think of doing all this in Dale if I didn't have you or Percy. I hardly remember a time when I didn't know you! When Mattie and I were married, you were the best friend she ever had, and you always were mine.
He misses you terribly, but you'd be proud of Percy, Hil. He's put himself in charge of keeping our spirits up, so he's arranging tournaments and competitions in archery, Stratagem, and even Draughts. Somebody was talking about Darts, but they'll have to see the Dwarves about making them.
When that fails, "someone" plays pranks to entertain the us, usually at my expense. I make a big fuss, but really I don't mind. Too many of them have lost loved ones, and missing their wives and children could make things worse. Thank the Valar, our Pers knows the value of laughter. As long as they can laugh, they're not fighting or being sad.
I won't ask you to look after our children, because I know you already are. I also know you've taken Thranduil and Galion into your heart, just as you did Mattie, and me.
Please let me know of her progress. She can't seem to handle unexpected noise of any kind. Sigrid spoke to me about placing her away from the hubbub of the Visitor's Wings. I think she's right.
Well, I'll close for now, but I'll write again, as soon as I can.
Love always,
Bard
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From Feren to Glélindë:
To my Dearest Wife,
I think of you there in our home, and it brings warmth to my heart. We have suffered many separations in our life together, and I am grateful for your support and patience, while I'm away, and the loving embrace I receive when I'm home.
Now, when I picture our home, I see you, Gruffudd, and little Alis and Dafina. I am glad you wanted to meet the girls, and I could see within moments, you felt the same way about them.
I'm sure you are already hard at work, making sure those girls and their grandfather have plenty of warm clothes. And it makes me thinks of when we first met, do you remember? I had bought several pairs of leggings and a new cloak from the Guild, and they were so well done, I asked Taenya if she would introduce me to the tailor who made them.
From the first moment I saw you, I thought you beautiful. How could I not, with your lovely auburn hair and those beautiful eyes? But when you smiled, and I saw your dimple, I felt the stir of the Ehtë Raumo, and fell I love with you then and there. Yet instead of feeling joy, it brought me distress…
I know it seemed I didn't like you, at first, but that was only because my life as a soldier can be very harsh. I could easily lose my life; I could not put anyone through that! At best, a soldier's life is not easy, but with the ever-growing evil in the forest, it was selfish!.
For a long time, I told myself that, if I could not marry you, I could at least dedicate my life to making you safe.
Sometimes it was enough. Most of the time, it was not.
Then, the Queen sent for me and persuaded me to tell her of my affection for you. I tried to explain I was doing you a kindness, but she would hear none of it. "Life can be dangerous in the best of times, Commander," she told me, "but that is no reason to turn away a chance a happiness."
Queen Mírelen had arranged for you to be in the King's Gardens, and after I finally mustered my courage, I went to find you, and after a few moments, it seemed like we had known each other forever!
Since then, you have only brought happiness to me. It is too sad to think that the Darkness in the Forest kept us from conceiving our own child, but perhaps, Alis and Dafina, Will give us that joy, even if only for a short time.
Meleth nîn, I pray that this will come to pass. I only had to see the love in your eyes, when you met the little ones, to know that they belong nowhere else.
I shall write again soon. Please take care of yourself and our new family.
Gi Melin,
Feren
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From Bard to Bain:
Hi Son,
So… How are things in the Woodland Ream? I don't have to ask if you're practicing your sword work. My question is, are you keeping up with your lessons? I promise, someday all that stuff you're learning will be useful to you.
Have you started with your bow, yet? Please let me know how you're doing with it. I can't wait to shoot with you, come spring. I don't brag, as a rule, but you get your natural talent from your Da and your Grandad Brand. You'll do us both proud. Practice your Draughts and Stratagem moves, too. I've played it so much, I should be able to be honest competition for you and Thranduil when you get back.
I will always love you and be proud of you.
Love,
Da
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From Tauriel to Thranduil:
Gi suilannon, Ada,
As you know, Bard arrived safely and so did the supply caravan. I wanted to write you this letter right away, so it will be ready when wagons return to you.
Thank you so much for the cat! Farien, sleeps on my bed at night, and her purrs easily help me sleep. I am glad of it, because without you, Galion, and the children, I am lonely. I look forward to seeing you all again, soon.
The weeks I spent with our family in Dale before you left, have been some of my happiest times. The best things in life are ordinary peaceful times spent with loved ones. I hope I never forget that, wherever life takes me.
Ada, I know you think you were a terrible father to me. I promise, you were not! I always knew you wanted to be closer to Legolas and me. You must believe me; between you and Galion, I truly wanted for nothing, except to see joy in your eyes. Now that you have that, I know the Valar has answered my prayer.
I know in my heart Legolas loves you, too, and I pray to the stars he will find his way back to his home, and to you.
My heart belongs here now, Ada. I do not think I would have found purpose or contentment with life in the Woodland Realm, so you blessed me by releasing me.
Bard and I sit in his study in the evenings, speak of many things. He is becoming a good friend, and I can see the qualities in him that you find appealing. He is a good man, and will be a fine, compassionate King for his people. After so much loss and devastation here, it is good to be working on the many possibilities that lie ahead.
Please write and tell me how the children and Galion are doing. And tell me how you are, Ada.
Mil, Tauriel
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From Bard to Tilda:
Hi, Little Bean,
I hope you're being good. Have your teeth started growing in, yet? I don't know if you'll lose anymore while I'm here, but, if you do, and Thrandool has a fit, don't worry. He's just being an Ada, and he's never had little human girls. He's funny when he starts talking in Elvish and gets excited, isn't he?
I'll bet he's sitting right there, while Sigrid is reading this to you, and has one of those 'looks' on his face, doesn't he? If he is, just look at him and give him one of your big, sunny smiles, which is now even cuter with your missing teeth!
I hope you're taking good care of Charlotte and Daisy. Are you making sure she's kept warm, and always wears her Guard's uniform when Bain is practicing?
Tauriel says to tell you hello and she misses her little sister. She just got back from Erebor, where she was visiting her friends. Bofur says hello, and hope you and all the children are enjoying their toys. King Dáin was asking about all of you, too.
I hope you're having a good time there, and make sure you listen to Thrandool and Galion and do what they tell you. Oh, and listen to Auntie Hil, too. You know she loves her Beanie as much as everyone else does.
See you before you know it, darling.
Love,
Your Da
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To Sigrid, Bain, and Tilda, from Tauriel:
Greetings from Dale,
I miss you all!. Bain, are you practicing with Daeron every day? You must keep up with your studies, or Galion will not permit you to have your lessons. "Studies must always come first," he always told me, and do not be stubborn (like I was), because it will do you no good.
Galion is the finest of teachers, and I know he has grown fond of you all. He is the kindest of Uncles; loving to me as a child, and someone to go to with my thoughts and troubles when I was older.
So, Sigrid and Tilda, how do you like my room? I haven't thought of it in years, but if you look behind the dresser along the bottom of the south wall, you will find my Secret Hiding Place. It was a little compartment I made to hide special things I liked when I was little. I doubt there is anything in it, but you are welcome to use it!
Bain, you are staying in Legolas's bed, are you not? Isn't it beautiful? It was a gift to his mother and father from his grandparents in Rivendell.
I have visited the Dwarves, they were nice enough to give me a permanent apartment for my very own. Wasn't that nice?
I love my new cat. Her name is Farien, and she hunts mice much better than the big orange male cat here, who tends to be lazy. Since most of the mice have been caught now, he just sits around, wanting to be fed fish. He will get fat, if they don't watch it.
Your Da likes the big dog Ada gave him, but everyone here has learned the hard way never to give him Lembas. Your father has posted an Official Decree in the Great Hall, that whoever gives him our Elven bread, must be locked in a small room with him for rest of the day!
Please write me soon, and tell me how you all are.
Your sister and friend,
Tauriel
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To Tilda from Bofur:
Dear Lady Tilda,
Greetings from your Dwarf friends!
I hope you are having a good time this winter. I must tell you, King Dáin and all of us here in Erebor, will be glad when you all return.
We're working to get Dale ready for you and your families when you return. Many houses are being built and I hope you like them.
Are you being a good girl for Thranduil? I'm sure you are, and your Da says so too. He says you lost another tooth. Mahal left you a gold coin, when you put it under your pillow, didn't he? Just like I told you he would!
Please be good and work on your Sindarin, because next, you should be learning to speak Khuzdul, so you can understand us! Don't worry, it will be fun.
Your friend,
Bofur
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To Rhian, from Ben, City Planner of Dale:
My Dear Girl,
When Feren came back from the Palace and told me about your little boy, I was so proud of you I almost busted my buttons! I know Cristyn and your Mam are looking down on you sweetheart.
Lord Bard has told me everything, and you, dear girl, did nothing wrong. I'm proud of you for doing what you did! You helped save lives that night, and when you look down and see baby Darryn, just you think on that.
I'm glad that Elf Guard is your friend. They tell me he saved your life and the baby's, so you tell him thank you, will you, love?
Please write and tell me about that son of yours. Maybe, if he's lucky, he'll grow up to be a handsome as me!
The very kindest regards to you,
"Old" Ben
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To Sigrid, Bain, and Tilda, from Percy:
Hello, Sea Monsters!
Are you looking after your Auntie Hil, for me? Tilda, make sure she gets enough rest, will you? She doesn't like to slow down, so you might have to crawl in her lap, and make her read you some stories.
Bain, see if Thranduil can get you another small knife, so you can practice whittling again. That was my favorite thing to do with you; even more than fishing. You're much better than your father – he was always rubbish at it – so I look forward to seeing what you can make when you come back.
Sigrid, my girl. Just stay as beautiful as you always are, and I imagine you'll be even smarter when you come back. I know everybody tells you you're just like your Ma, but I promise you, you've got a lot of your Da in you, too, and you do him proud. But don't tell your Da that, or he'll get a big head, and there'll be no living with him! Most of all, though, you are yourself, and I hope you never change.
Oh, and if your Da tells you that I like to play pranks on him, don't believe him! He's just whining!
See you all soon. Be good, but don't be too good! And don't tell your Auntie Hil I said that!
Love,
Uncle Percy
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Ada – Dad
Aran nîn – My king
Brannon nîn – My Lord
Ehtë Raumo – (Q.) Lightning Bolt (lit. "Storm Spear") Sometimes, when an Elf first encounters his or her bond-mate, they can feel a powerful, emotional response, like lightning.
Gi suilannon, Ada – I bring you greetings, Dad
Lembas – Elvish waybread; one bite is as much as a meal. (It also gives Thangon terrible gas.)
Neledâf – Come in (Lit. "Permission to Enter")
Rhaich - Curses
Tirhûtaw– Collie (Lit. "Wool Guard Dog")
Tulë - (Quenya) Come
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NOTES:
Draughts – Checkers
Stratagem – Chess. In the Elves call it Dagornaw.
- The earliest known game of chess goes back to the 6th century in India, although Persia, after it was conquered by the Arabs, developed it into the version we know today. Some historians believe that the Chinese had a part in this as well. Either way, the game is ancient, so I see no reason why Middle Earth wouldn't have its own. Besides, it's my fantasy verse, and I can do what I want, so there.