SUMMARY: Bard gets some very disturbing news, and asks his Elvenking for help.
It was a very trying day, but Thranduil, the children, and canine nursemaid, Esta, do their best. Bain learns an important lesson about promises and secrets, and keeping his friends safe.
City of Dale, 15th of January 2942, T.A.
Bard put down his letters with a worried look. He and Percy were sitting at the table in his study, going over the paperwork, and sorting the box of letters that just arrived.
"What?" Percy looked over at him.
"I just read from Galion, that your wife had to go to the Healers because she's working too hard. Did she tell you that? It says here she had 'a bit of a collapse!' And we're not supposed to worry?"
"Give me that!" Percy snatch the paper from him, and read, his lips moving silently, as he slowly shook his head. "For months, she's been going at full speed from the minute she gets up in the morning, till she hits the bed. And even then, she'd toss and turn and worry."
"I feel terrible, Pers. I know a lot of people depend on her, but I never wanted her to risk her health!"
Percy directed a look at Bard. "We've all been pushing ourselves, but it couldn't be helped. There's just too much to do, and not enough time to do it in. It just pains me to hear about this, so far away."
"I'll tell Tilda to make sure she naps with her Auntie Hil. She won't argue with the Little Bean."
"She'll try, but Tilda will win." He smiled, and they got back to business.
Then Bard read the letter from Hilda, his smile disappearing. "What the…"
Percy looked up again, "What now?"
"Here, read this! Where is that other letter that came…" Bard pawed around at the stacks and piles, digging through them, until he grabbed a rather thick, sealed envelope. "Here it is." He quickly broke the seal, of the letter from Ina and Iola. He opened it, with his brow furrowed with worry.
If Bard was angry before, he was positively purple with rage when he was done, and he slammed his fist down on the table. "Shit!"
Without bothering to ask, Percy grabbed the letter from him to see for himself. Normally, Percy was unflappable, and known for his calm, in the face of chaos, but today, the man looked upset, and angrier than Bard had ever seen him.
The Aide's voice was dangerously quiet. "What do you want to do?"
"Go find Alun and bring him here; he needs to see this. This is his son, and he should have a say in what we decide. If you see Feren, ask if he can come, too."
Percy gave him an approving nod, and left to find the men.
Tauriel came, and knocked on the open door. "Bard?"
"What is it?"
"I came off duty an hour ago, and I was just reading my letters. There is one from Bain I think you need to see." Bard motioned for her to come in, and she handed Bain's letter to him to read.
"This is… Bloody fuck! Tauriel, I need you to stay here for this meeting, if you would. Hang on to this for now, but I'd like to keep this for our records, when we're done." He handed it back to her. "Percy's on his way back with Alun and hopefully Feren, too."
After a few minutes, Alun and Percy appeared, immediately followed by Feren.
The man looked worried. "Is there something wrong, My Lord?" Alun asked, once they were seated.
"I'm afraid there is, Alun. Have you gotten letters from the Woodland Realm?"
Percy said, "He has one, but I haven't had a chance to give it to him, yet; he's been gone since early morning, working at a building site."
Alun became very pale. "Oh, no… Is Rhys…"
Bard raised his hands quickly. "No, no; nothing like that. Rhys isn't seriously hurt, but I think you might want to read your son's letter, before we continue." Percy handed the man the sealed note. "Would you like to go and read it in private?"
"No, thank you, My Lord. Please; just tell me what's going on."
And so, Bard read aloud the portions of his letters regarding the situation with the boy, Percy opened his letter from his wife, and read his version, and finally, Tauriel shared Bain's words, about Rhys's bruises. When they were finished, Alun went from pale to red from fury.
"That bitch!" His teeth clenched. "Those fucking bitches…" Then he looked contrite. "Begging your pardon, My Lord, My Lady." He nodded to Tauriel.
"Not to worry," Bard nodded. "My comments were just as bad."
Alun rubbed his forehead and tried to control himself. "I didn't want to let them take him, but I had no one else to look after him!" His eyes began to water. "I had no one, except them, and they wheedled at me and promised me he would be all right." He blew out a breath. "I should have known better. I should have… My wife died when Rhys was ten, and he had to go with someone!" The man was shaking. "I never should've... Oh, Valar… I… I'm sorry, Lord Bard, but that boy is all I have, and I made such a mistake…" His voice broke. "I should have known… Oh, gods…"
"Sometimes, it's a lousy choice, but it's all you can do."
"I knew how she was with me, but like an idiot, I told myself she'd never hurt my son. My aunt was even worse, but I still told myself… I don't know what would even make me believe she'd be good to him!" Alun's shoulders slumped. "She's hardly seen Rhys since he was born; they would always pester me, but I wouldn't allow it. Valar, how could I be so stupid?"
"I don't mean to make you feel worse, but I can I ask why you didn't think you come to me before they left? We would've gladly helped you make other arrangements."
"I should have, and no mistake." Alun moaned. "You're a new King, My Lord, and there's so much to be done, and I didn't know if you'd have time for this, or even if you'd want to help me.
"Begging your pardon, but I'm still used to the way the Master was; we all are. After so many years of being ignored, it's hard to remember, sometimes, that anyone really cares. I'm sorry if that angers you, and I should have known better. Forgive me."
Bard sat back, surprised, for a moment, then said. "No… I think I understand. It makes sense that our people aren't so quick to hand over their trust, not after so many years of neglect. We've been taught to pay attention to actions, not words, and you're right to point that out.
"The important thing right now, is to help your son, yeah? We'll get him out of there and make sure your boy is safe there, don't worry."
"Thank you, My Lord." The man let out a sigh of relief.
"I want to warn you: your mother and your aunt have committed some serious offenses against your son, and my children, and they're going to face consequences. There'll be no avoiding that."
"Oh, don't worry. I've had nothing to do with those women since I left home. It was a misery, growing up in that house! My aunt beat me more times that I care to remember, and my mother did nothing to stop her. Their tongues are like poison, and if you want my opinion, I say, get them away from everyone!"
"I guarantee you, the minute King Thranduil receives my letter, Rhys will be out of their hands. I doubt he's in as much danger as he was a week ago; your mother and aunt have caught his attention, and he'll be having them watched closely; they won't even know it. Those two won't say 'boo' without him knowing about it, and what Thranduil doesn't do, Hilda will."
Percy added, "That's true; I guarantee it."
Alun looked around the table at their confident faces. "What are we going to do?"
Bard put his hand in the man's shoulder and squeezed it. "Do you trust me?"
The man regarded his King. "Aye; tell me what you need from me and you'll have it."
"Good! I'll need something written from you, giving King Thranduil permission to take the boy from your mother and aunt, and you will need to name a legal guardian. Everyone at this table will witness it, and I'll sign it into law, so there will be no dispute. There are some other things we'll need to send with your document that will keep Rhys and everyone else affected by this safe, until the ladies can be brought back here in the spring."
Bard turned to Feren, and said to the Commander. "It will take us the rest of the day to write out everything we'll need, and make several copies of it, so I want a messenger ready to leave, first thing tomorrow morning."
"As you wish, My Lord."
Bard tried to reassure the father. "We'll get them there tomorrow, I promise, and by the time the midday meal is served, he'll be safe. How's your handwriting?"
"Excellent, My Lord. It was one of the reasons the Master hired me. I did his accounts and wrote his proclamations," Alun looked sheepish, "even if I didn't agree with them."
"Wonderful! Once we finalize these documents, we'll need several copies of everything, if you would. I'll rely on your expertise to make the wording ironclad. Is that something you can do?"
"I can do that, My Lord." Then Alun looked at Bard anxiously. "How soon can I see my son?"
"I can't let you go with the messengers, tomorrow, because we'll need them to rush to the Palace as fast as possible. Elves on horses are much quicker than we are." He turned to Percy, "when is Alun's visit scheduled?"
Percy got up and went to his room, and came back with a paper. Not till next month."
Alun looked deflated.
Bard asked, "Who's on the list for the first trip?"
"I see a couple, who might switch. I'm sure if they understood the circumstances…."
Alun felt uncomfortable. "Please; I'd rather not have everyone know about this."
"I agree." Bard nodded.
"Wait." Percy said. "Old Ben is listed, so let's send for him, so we can discuss this in confidence."
Feren stood up. "I am afraid I need to go back to my duties, but I shall send someone to retrieve Master Ben, and tell him you need him, My Lord."
Bard nodded. "Thank you, Commander. I'll need you to come back later to witness these documents, so I'll need to send for you, again." Feren nodded in consent, and left.
Bard turned to Tauriel. "Would you send someone for tea and a meal? The three of us are going to be in here the rest of the day. And send a message to the crew Alun was working on, that he won't be back until tomorrow, all right?"
Tauriel nodded, then put her hand reassuringly on Alun's shoulder. "Lord Bard is right about King Thranduil. He will look after your son as his very own. Please do not worry."
.
The Woodland Realm, 16th of January 2942, T.A.
Thranduil heard the voices of the children in the Hall, and put his pen back into its holder, and blotted the ink on his signature. Esta got up from her bed and wagged her tail, as they walked across the hall to the children's apartment.
"Hello, children! How was school, today?"
Tilda gave him a gap-toothed smile. "I learned a new song, and we learned the story of how the castle in Dale was built, and we worked on our numbers and pluses and minuses and I know how to say hello in Sindarin!"
Thranduil raised his eyebrows. "That is quite a lot for one morning. How do you say 'hello' in Sindarin?"
"You say 'Mae g'ovannen,' and that means 'Well met,' but it really means 'hello.'"
"Very good, Tithen Pen. And do you know how to say goodbye?"
The little girl nodded. "You say, 'Cuio vae.' But that doesn't exactly say 'goodbye, though. What it really means is, 'farewell,' which is supposed to be the same thing."
Sigrid came out of their room. "Good, Tilda!"
"It is very good, and so is your pronunciation." The Elvenking grinned down at her. "Can you spell it, yet?" he teased.
"No…" Then Tilda made a face. "Ada, you're silly!" She rolled her eyes and went to go get Charlotte.
"Alas, I have been accused of worse things. Where is Bain? Is he here, yet?"
"He stayed behind to talk to Rhys." Sigrid said, as she went to wash up for lunch.
Thranduil would have thought nothing of it, except for the concerned look on her face. He tousled Tilda's hair, as she came out of her room, "Could you please help Galion with our luncheon? Sigrid will be along to help you in a minute or two."
The little girl scampered off, and he turned back to the teenaged girl. "Is something wrong with Bain?"
Sigrid shook her head. "I don't know. He's worried about something, but he won't talk about it."
"Perhaps he misses your Da."
"Could be," she shrugged, and they went to have lunch.
Just as the children were dispersing for their afternoon activities, a messenger arrived, and saluted. "Mae de 'ovannen, Aran nîn. These are urgent messages from Dale."
"De athae."
What could Bard want? he wondered, as Thranduil unlocked the door to his study, and the Elven Messenger set the box on his desk, saluted and left.
He unlocked the box and saw a packet of scrolls, accompanied by two sealed letters. One was addressed to Rhys, Bain's friend, and the other was from his husband, but it was formally addressed:
"Thranduil, Son of Oropher, King of the Woodland Realm."
He heard some noise in the adjoining room, as he saw Galion and Tilda enter ready for their afternoon, with Esta. The Elvenking smiled at the little girl, as she sat in her chair, ready to work on her letters, chatting to Galion about her day, and what kind of book she would like from the library.
Thranduil sat down, broke the seal of Bard's letter, and began to read:
City of Dale, 15th of January 2942, T.A.
Greetings Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm:
I'm afraid we've got an urgent situation, and I need your help. Rhys, son of Alun, is now living with the very same women that you had to call into your Throne Room the other day. I have evidence to suggest that he's being abused by these two women, and for his own safety, I need you to remove him from their custody immediately!
I am enclosing the original copy of a letter those two women wrote me, and as you can see, there is much reason to be concerned. The minute I received their letter, I called Ina's son, and Rhys's father, Alun into my study, with Percy, Tauriel, and Feren present.
Alun does not get along with his mother and his aunt, and the only reason Rhys is with them, is because Alun had to stay here in Dale. The boy is only twelve years old, so he had to go with the children. I had no idea what these ladies were like, or I would have helped Alun arrange something.
During the meeting, Alun showed me a letter from his son. The boy didn't say outright that he was being beaten, but clearly, he's unhappy. What is the most troubling, was a letter Bain wrote to Tauriel! He'd seen some bruises on Rhys, and wanted help him, but the boy made Bain promise he would say nothing to you or me, so he wrote to Tauriel, for advice.
I have enclosed several copies of documents; the most important is a Statement of Consent, granting you permission to have the boy removed from his grandmother and aunt, and naming you as Rhys's temporary guardian.
I don't know where you and Hilda can place him, but I trust that you'll make sure he's safe, from here on out.
I am also enclosing, as King of Dale an indictment against Ina and Iola, for Rhys's abuse, which I will not permit, and also their physical and verbal assault against Sigrid and Bain. These indictments set a legal precedence in my Kingdom, and help to guarantee the safety of all our children, present or future.
They will face trial when we are reunited in the spring, but until then I have enclosed instructions as to their fate, for the rest of their stay. Please let me know how this works out.
With the highest of regards,
Bard, Son of Brand, Heir of Girion, King of Dale
Thranduil took a moment to calm himself, before he called through the adjoining doorway. "Galion, would you step in here, please?"
Tilda looked up from her scribbling, and he gave her a reassuring smile, as Galion walked over to his desk.
"There has been a development regarding the two women I reprimanded," he whispered, "and I must get some answers from the woman's grandson." He handed the letter to his Aide for him to read.
Galion said nothing, but his mouth in a thin, angry line when he handed the paper back.
"Have Bain, and his friend Rhys, brought here, immediately." Thranduil told him. Then he thought of something. "Rhys does not know me very well, but he and Bain like their teacher, Mistress Bronwyn, and would feel more comfortable if she were there. Take her aside, and give her a brief explanation, then ask her to come as well."
Galion nodded, "Yes, My Lord." Galion nodded. "Might I suggest that, perhaps they would be more at ease in your chambers? You might have a better result."
"An excellent thought. Thank you."
The Aide went back to his own desk and said to Tilda, "I have been told that Lady Hilda is tired today, so we need your help to make sure she rests; can you help us with that?" Galion bent down to scribble a quick note of explanation for Hilda, folded it up, and held out his hand to the little girl.
She nodded, then got up. "Bye, Ada," she called. "I have to go take care of Auntie Hil."
"That is nice of you, Tithen Pen. Make sure to take Charlotte and Daisy, so they can help you."
Tilda took Galion's hand, and went out, while Thranduil read through all the documents in the box, an noticed that Esta was sitting beside his chair, expectantly.
"You are right, Esta," he patted her head. "We could use your help."
Several minutes later, the dog followed him into the Royal Chambers, where Bain, Bronwyn and Galion were waiting on the couches with a nervous-looking Rhys. He was affable-looking boy, who was slightly shorter than Bain, with hints of the tall, strong young man he would become. His hair was thick and blonde, a shade or two darker than Legolas, and looked out at the world with wide, intelligent brown eyes.
"Good afternoon, everyone," he smiled, as Esta went over and put her head on Rhys's knee.
Good dog, he thought.
After Galion excused himself, Thranduil sat down in the stuffed chair, facing them with a smile. "Thank you for coming. I know you are wondering why I called you here, but do not be alarmed; no one is in any trouble, I assure you."
"I am pleased to finally meet you, Rhys, son of Alun. I am King Thranduil. Bain has spoken highly of you, and your prowess in archery."
"Am I here, because of what my grandmother did?" he asked timidly. Esta whined, and jumped up on the couch beside him, wagging her tail, and put her head in his lap, and the boy absent-mindedly scratched behind her ears.
"In a manner of speaking, Rhys, but please remember that I am only concerned with your well-being, and want to make sure you are safe." There was no way to approach the subject, except to ask outright. "Rhys, have your grandmother and your aunt harmed you in any way?"
Using a calm, soothing voice, Bronwyn encouraged the boy. "It's all right, love. We just want you to be all right."
The boy stared down at dog, trying hard not to cry. His lips trembled, and his chest rose up and down, rapidly. He was very still for a minute or two, then he turned to Bain, with a frightened, accusing look.
"You promised!" he whispered. "You promised you wouldn't tell them, and now it's going to get worse!"
Bain looked stricken, "I didn't! You asked me not to tell Thranduil or Da, and I didn't!"
"So, who did you tell? You promised! I thought you were my friend!" Rhys's face reddened, and he began to wipe his eyes. Esta pawed at him, and jumped up to lick his face. "I trusted you, and now there isn't anybody…"
"But—" Bain was wide-eyed, and clearly upset.
"Please boys, calm down," Thranduil interjected, gently. "You should know, Nîth, that your father wants you removed from your grandmother's custody immediately. No one is going to harm you anymore, or make you feel frightened. I hope that you will tell me the truth, because we must make sure you are well."
"I won't have to go back?" Rhys asked in a small voice.
"No." He assured the boy. "Your father has given me permission to take you away from them, and has placed me as your temporary guardian. I would like to look after you, Rhys, while you are here at the Palace. Is that all right with you?" Thranduil took Alun's letter from his pocket. "Your father sent me this to give to you, right away."
Rhys sat back, and read the letter:
Rhys, my son:
I'm sorrier than I can ever say! I should have seen this coming, my boy; I made a terrible, terrible mistake, and I hope you don't hate me for it.
You don't have to stay with your grandmother anymore, and the minute the Elf King gets the letters from me and King Bard, King Thranduil will be looking after you himself, so you can be sure that no one will ever hurt you again!
I'm glad Prince Bain is your best friend. He has been a better friend to you than you might think right now. Don't be angry with him, Rhys; he cares about you very much. No one wants you safe more than I do, and we should be glad King Bard and King Thranduil want what's best for you, too.
I will be coming to the Palace in a few weeks, and make sure you're all right. Until then, we must be brave, and do our best to keep going, so when spring comes, you and I will have a proper home to live in!
Please write me soon and let me know how you are doing, and make a list of all the things you want to show me.
I miss you, and I love you very much,
Your Da
Rhys wiped away a tear, then looked at the Elvenking. "My Da says I don't have to see them anymore, and he's going to come visit real soon."
Bronwyn came over and sat next to him, "That's wonderful, love! So, things will be better, yeah?"
He nodded, then looked back at Thranduil. "Thank you, My Lord."
"You are most welcome," he said, with an encouraging smile, "I hope you can trust me enough to tell me the truth; have you been hurt in any way?"
"I don't want to get anybody in trouble…" Rhys still looked skeptical.
"I promise you, Rhys," Thranduil told him, "no physical harm will come to either your grandmother or your aunt. But right now, my only concern is you."
He asked again, very gently. "Can you tell us if you are hurt, so we can make you well, again?"
Bain nudged him. "Show him, Rhys. It'll be all right."
The boy slowly rolled up his sleeve, to reveal several bruises on his upper arm; some fresh and purple, among older, yellowed marks.
Thranduil silently thanked his years of experience and did not react, except to smile. "I thank you for trusting me with the truth. Now, I must to take you to the Healing Halls, so you can be examined fully, and if you are in any pain, we will take care of it." He stood and held out his arm. "Will you come with me, please?"
The boys stood up, and Bain made to follow Rhys, but the blonde boy cast a pleading look at Thranduil.
"Bain, I'd like you to take Esta out for some exercise." When the boy opened his mouth to protest, he gave him a reassuring smile. "We will not take long, and when we return, your friend will be feeling much better." He looked at Rhys, "Would you like Lady Bronwyn to accompany us?"
The boy's eyes widened.
"That's all right, love. I'll stay here and help Bain with Esta." She patted Rhys's cheek. "It's going to be all right, love. It really is."
As they were walking to the Healing Halls, Thranduil purposely kept up a trivial, cheerful chatter, to ease Rhys's nervousness, but was surprised when the boy asked if he be there when Elénaril examined him.
"I didn't want Mistress Bronwyn or Bain to see," he explained, looking ashamed. "It's just that, they'll get upset, and they'll want to say something, and... they'll keep wanting to talk, and I just want to forget about it."
"I understand. Are you sure?"
"No… I mean… Yes... I don't want to be by myself." Rhys looked at his feet. "But if you don't want to…"
"I would be happy to. Let us see what can be done, yes?" Thranduil put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "I give you my solemn vow, Rhys: whatever we find in there will not be made public."
The child looked relieved. "I'd like that." He turned to the doorway where Elénaril was waiting and sighed. Then he hesitated.
"Come, child," he said, gently. "It will be all right."
The next issue was where to put the boy, but that was quickly settled. Upon their return to his chambers, the children approached Thranduil, asking if he could stay with them, in the spare room. Thranduil was touched by their invitation, but left the choice up to Rhys. The boy seemed relieved and comfortable with the idea, so Guards were dispatched to bring all of Rhys's things, and he was installed in the children's apartment, in time for dinner.
To help ease Rhys's transition, the family spent the evening quietly in Thranduil's chambers. The boys tried to play Stratagem, but Rhys had a hard time concentrating, so they settled for Draughts instead. Sigrid read aloud from a book of stories, and everyone listened, while Hilda helped Tilda learn to sew.
Once they were all bathed and settled in, Thranduil and Hilda came to say good night to them. After leaving Hilda with the girls, Thranduil went in to speak with Bain.
"Are you mad at me?" the boy asked.
"Why would I be angry at you, Ion nîn?" Thranduil was taken aback by the question, as he sat down on the side of the bed, facing him.
"Because I didn't tell you about Rhys right away. He made me promise, and I really didn't know what to do."
Thranduil looked at the boy thoughtfully. "You were faced with a difficult situation, and I am glad you are the kind of child that takes his promises seriously. It is often hard to know how to handle such things. Did he tell you outright that he was being hurt?"
"No. He just said he fell. When I kept asking questions, he made me promise not to say anything."
"I see. You did not want Rhys to stop trusting you, yet you thought he was in danger. There were no easy answers, and no matter what you chose to do."
Bain let out a relieved breath. "It was so hard, and I'm sorry if you're mad…"
Thranduil put his hand on Bain's arm. "Not at all. I am very, very angry that your friend was hurt, but you helped to rescue him. If not, he could have had much more serious injuries."
The boy nodded. "What would you do?"
"I think, if I were presented with a problem such as this, I would have to decide what is more important, and why. I have no doubt that you honestly meant to keep your promise, but when you thought about it more, you knew something had to be done, am I correct?"
Bain nodded, eyes down.
"There are times, Bain, when a secret clearly should not be kept. It does not happen often, but when the ones we care about are in any kind of danger, we must always think about their safety, even if it means they will be angry. Now, let me ask you: What would you do, if something like this happened again?"
"I definitely I would come and tell you, or Da, or even Bronwyn. Rhys is my friend, and I did make a promise, but if it turned out he could really be hurt, I would break my promise to keep him safe."
"What if Rhys became angry, and no longer wished to be your friend?" The Elvenking asked, tilting his head. "What if he never forgave you, even though he would be safe?"
"Well, I was really afraid of that, but… I think I would still tell. It's more important that he doesn't get hurt, even if we weren't friends anymore. I'd be upset, but I think it would be the right thing to do." Bain decided.
"Then you have learned something important, from this. I would also point out, that you did find a way to let your Da and me know, did you not?"
"Aye, but I don't think that was good enough, because it took too much time. What if something really bad happened? It would be my fault!"
"Let us be thankful that it did not, Bain. In any case, none of this was your fault. All the blame lies at the feet of the persons who caused the harm." Thranduil brushed the hair away from the boy's brow. He looked so much like Bard, it almost hurt. "Forgive yourself, Bain. Now that you know better, you will do better, yes?"
"Aye," Bain snuggled down and turned on his side. "Goodnight."
"Sleep well."
Thranduil made his way to the other boy's room. Esta had decided that her place was with their newest resident, and was on the bed, jammed up against him, with her head on his stomach.
"I see you made a friend," he smiled.
"I like her." He stroked her head.
"She seems to like you, too. Do you have everything you need? Are you still free of pain?"
"I feel a lot better, My Lord. The Healer lady helped a lot!"
"I am glad. I want you to be comfortable here, Rhys. If you feel unhappy for any reason, I want you to speak with me, or Lady Bronwyn, or Lady Hilda. We're all here to help you. Do you understand?"
He nodded. Then he looked up and smiled, for the first time since he arrived. "Thank you."
"You are most welcome." He shut the door, leaving it open a crack. "Have a good sleep."
Throughout Elénaril's examination of the boy, the Healer met his gaze several times, when they saw the bruises and marks all over his back, his bottom, and across the back of his legs; everywhere clothing would normally cover.
Yet she remained calm, and kept up a light-hearted tone of voice, as if her only worry was the weather. She asked Rhys many questions, somehow managing to put them across in a non-threatening way. After carefully explaining everything she was doing, Elénaril inspected Rhys thoroughly, until she determined the extent of his injuries, and managed to heal most of what pained him.
Thank the Stars and all the Valar, there was no sign of sexual abuse.
For lingering soreness, she prescribed Athelas oil in his bath, and gave Thranduil a salve, to be administered twice a day, to speed the disappearance of the marks, and to prevent any scarring.
A detailed report of Rhys's injuries was prepared for their records, and Galion made two copies in Westron, so it could be attached to both the indictment against the ladies, and another to be sent back to Alun.
He was able to maintain his countenance through dinner, and all the rest of the evening, even privately, when he helped Rhys after his bath to put the salve in the places the boy couldn't reach, and asked the boy questions about his archery, and his schoolwork, to distract him.
Now that Thranduil was able to drop the cheerful façade, he couldn't settle down enough to write his nightly installment in Legolas's book; he could only lay in bed, and stare up at the ceiling with the sparkling stars.
He had been King for almost three millennia, and had a lot of practice at keeping the inner workings of his mind to himself.
There have been times, though, when staying calm required a gargantuan effort.
This day was one of them.
LEGAL DOCUMENTS Re: THE INCIDENT INVOLVING INA AND IOLA
Kingdom of Dale
VS.
Ina, a subject of Dale, formerly of Laketown, defendant
Iola, a subject of Dale, formerly of Laketown, defendant
The above defendants are hereby accused, by this indictment, of physical and verbal assault upon the following persons:
Rhys, son of Alun, subject of Dale, age twelve.
Bain, Crown Prince of Dale, son of Bard, King of Dale, age thirteen.
Sigrid, Princess of Dale, daughter of Bard, King of Dale, age fifteen.
By their own admission, as stated in their letter to Bard, King of Dale, dated the 10th of January 2942 T.A.; they have physically assaulted Rhys, son of Alun, grandson and great-nephew, respectively. In said letter it was stated by the defendant, Ina of Dale: "I don't hesitate to cuff him about the ears, to make sure he behaves."
In the same letter, it was also stated by the defendants, their open admission to physically putting hands upon the Crown Prince and Princess of Dale: "He [Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm] had the nerve to tell me that those children are his and I had no right to lay hands on them. I have every right, and I did not hesitate to set those children straight."
Also, in the same letter, it was stated by the defendants, their open admission to verbally assaulting the same Prince and Princess of Dale: "If they [Sigrid, Princess of Dale, and Bain, Crown Prince of Dale] were my children, they would have gotten slapped, and I told them so, and I don't mind telling you, either."
In a written statement by Bain, Crown Prince of Dale, he attests to this unlawful physical contact: "Rhys's grandma and great-aunt grabbed me and Sigrid in the hall last week…"
In the same statement, Prince Bain refers to the verbal assault and threats of physical harm, as well: "Rhys's grandma said she'd slap us silly if we thought we could speak to them like that! She said we deserved it for being mouthy brats."
I decree, by my signature on this document, with the approval and cooperation of Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm, which is the temporary residence of the defendants, that Ina and Iola of Dale be separated from the rest of the population, and be prevented access to them for the remainder of their stay.
They are to receive no letters or correspondence of any kind, no gifts of any kind, and they are not to be approached by, nor are they permitted to approach, any subject of Dale, for the remainder of their stay.
I also request of Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm, that the defendants be placed under armed guard, and that only the Elven Language of Sindarin be spoken around them.
I hereby grant Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm my full permission to issue whatever edict he deems fit, with the assistance of Lady Hilda, Chief Administrator and Seneschal of Dale, should any of my commands concerning the defendants be broken, during their stay in his Halls.
I affix my seal and signature to this document on this, the 15th day of January, in the year 2942, T.A.
Bard, son of Brand, Heir of Girion, King of Dale
Witness: Percy, son of Daffyd, Chief Administrator and Steward of Dale
Witness: Tauriel Neldor-Thranduillion, Chief Guard to Prince and Princesses of Dale
Witness: Feren Imrahillion, Commander of the Army of the Woodland Realm
(Thranduil: I have enclosed some releases to give to the servants of the ladies in question. Please tell them to keep them in a safe place, should Ina and Iola try to legally pursue their former servants for any reason.)
I, Bard, Son of Brand, Heir of Girion, King of Dale, do hereby decree that:
Lynne of Dale, formerly of Laketown, who, at one time were the servants of Ina of Dale, formerly of Laketown, and Iola of Dale, formerly of Laketown, be officially free of any and all obligations, physical, monetary or in any other way, to their former employers and she will be free to pursue any livelihood she wishes.
By affixing and assigning my seal and signature to this document, on this, the 15th day of January, in the year 2942, T.A., I declare this edict to be in effect immediately and permanently.
As King of Dale, I wish her well, as I do all the citizens of my Kingdom.
Bard, Son of Brand, Heir of Girion, King of Dale
Witness: Percy, son of Daffyd, Chief Administrator and Steward of Dale
Witness: Tauriel Neldor-Thranduillion, Chief Guard to Prince and Princesses of Dale
I, Bard, Son of Brand, Heir of Girion, King of Dale, do hereby decree that:
Mona of Dale, formerly of Laketown, who, at one time were the servants of Ina of Dale, formerly of Laketown, and Iola of Dale, formerly of Laketown, be officially free of any and all obligations, physical, monetary, or in any other way, real or imagined, to their former employers and she will be free to pursue any livelihood she wishes.
By affixing and assigning my seal and signature to this document, on this, the 15th day of January, in the year 2942, T.A., I declare this edict to be in effect immediately and permanently.
As King of Dale, I wish her well, as I do all the citizens of my Kingdom.
Bard, Son of Brand, Heir of Girion, King of Dale
Witness: Percy, son of Daffyd, Chief Administrator and Steward of Dale
Witness: Tauriel, Neldor-Thranduillion, Chief Guard to Prince and Princesses of Dale
ELVISH TRANSLATIONS:
Cuio vae - Farewell
De athae - Thank you/You were helpful (formal)
Mae de 'ovannen, Aran nîn – Well met, My King (formal)
Mae g'ovannen – Well met (informal)
Nîth – Young man
NOTES:
Strategem – Dale's version of chess. The Elves call it Dagornaw.
Draughts - Checkers
-I am only guessing at the legal wording of the documents, so please, be kind... :D
-Thanks to this website for help with all the Sindarin!
/phrasebooks/sindarin/doriath/#hi