Chapter Eleven
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SUMMARY: Sigrid celebrates her sixteenth birthday, with a party and some very special gifts, and even
Rhian had a small surprise for her friend!
The only thing to put a damper on her special day is Ada's worry over little Tilda, who seems unusually tired...
Letters arrive in Dale with all the latest news.
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The Woodland Realm, 31st of January, 2942, T.A. (Sigrid's birthday)
Thranduil rolled over in his big bed, and contemplated his ceiling full of stars, as he woke up. He closed his eyes and turned inward, as he did every morning, to feel Bard's presence in his heart. And it was there. It wasn't possible to feel Bard's emotions, from this distance, but there was no aching void. It had only been three months since he and Bard had met again, and only six weeks since they joined in marriage, yet his heart had shifted around so easily to accommodate all that life with Bard meant.
Three more children had easily moved into his life and carved out permanent places in his heart. They were giving him joy, and he was quickly learning how much delight could be found in the most ordinary moments of their lives: helping Sigrid with her Sindarin lessons, watching Tilda's sweet face, as she napped, and talking with Bain.
Since the night of Bain's nightmare, the boy sought him out more, and asked many questions about leadership and soldiering, and Thranduil was happy to share his wisdom and advice with both him, and Rhys.
Tilda had a habit of biting on the corner of her lower lip when she was really concentrating, and he found it adorable. Yesterday, she ran up to him after classes, jumping up and down with excitement so she could show him the beginnings of two "grownup teeth" that were coming in. He and Galion made a big show of admiration, and predicted that they would be the finest teeth the Woodland Realm.
Sigrid was a wonder to him. Thranduil admired her tenacity and intelligence, but he also admired her compassion. She was a "doer" like Hilda, but she was softer; the perfect combination to be an effective Healer. He enjoyed reading aloud in the evenings, while she sat beside him with her knitting or her sewing. Every once in a while, she would stop and lean her head on his shoulder and smile.
The best part of parenting, he found, was when he made his nighttime "rounds." Thranduil made a point each night, to check all the children before he retired, to put Bain's book away and turn down his lamp, to make sure Rhys was tucked in with Esta, and to pull up Tilda's covers, and make sure Charlotte and Daisy were in her arms. Sigrid would always sleep on her side, snuggled in the blankets up to her nose, so he would lightly kiss her brow, close their door, and make sure the lamp was lit in their privy, before went to his own bedchamber.
Thranduil smiled once more at the ceiling, then quickly threw back the covers to wash and dress; there was no more time for contemplation; today was Sigrid's birthday! Once finished with his morning ablutions, Thranduil made his way to the front of his apartment.
Galion was already there, getting the breakfast table laid out.
"Good morning, My Lord. I believe the children are still asleep, but I plan to get them up momentarily."
"Thank you, Galion, but I shall do it, this morning. I want to get our 'birthday child' up."
Galion smiled back. "It is difficult to get used to, is it not? Elven children are still very small at the age of sixteen, yet Sigrid is almost grown!"
"The race of Men know how to make the most of their time on Middle Earth, and do not run from life. There is much we can learn from that."
He opened the door to the children's apartment, and found Bain, sitting on the couch, dressed, but barely awake. "Good morning; did you sleep well?"
"Aye." Bain's eyes were bleary. "I'm trying to wake up so I can take Esta outside."
Thranduil patted his head. "Please hurry, Ionneg; we have a busy day ahead."
Bain opened the Hallway door, where Daeron met him, grinning. "I see you are finally out of bed, Lord Bain! We need to hurry, or you will be late for breakfast." Daeron saluted Thranduil, "Good morning, My Lord."
"Good morn to you. We are having a small breakfast celebration, so please do not allow the Bain and Esta to linger."
"As you wish." The Elf whistled, "Tulë, Esta!" and the sheep dog ran out to him, and into the hallway, as the Guard shut the door behind them.
Thranduil went to the girls' bedroom door and knocked.
"Come in," said a small, sleepy voice.
He opened the door to find Sigrid dressed, and brushing out her hair, and Tilda, sitting up in her bed and yawning, as she stretched her arms. "Morning, Ada."
"Good morning to you, Tithen Pen! It is not like you to still be in your night clothes; did you sleep well?"
"I think I slept good. I don't remember." She rubbed her eyes, then crawled out of bed with Charlotte and held up her arms to be picked up, which, of course, he did.
"I think that is a sign that you had a good night's sleep." He kissed her cheek and booped her nose. Then he turned to Sigrid. "How are you feeling, now that you are older?"
The young lady smiled, "I don't feel any different, really. Maybe it'll hit me at the party tonight."
"I feel older!" piped up Tilda. "It'll be so much fun! Am I going to dance?"
Thranduil nodded. "You are. I hope you will save a dance for me?" Then he put the girl down. "Go to the necessary and then wash. Bain is taking the dog out, and Galion is getting breakfast ready for us." He patted her head, and steered her in the right direction.
After Tilda handed Charlotte to him and took off, Thranduil went to Sigrid and kissed the top of her head. "You seem grown up to me."
Sigrid turned around and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Thanks, Ada. I suppose I'll feel older when I'm all dressed up tonight. Can't I have a hint about my dress?"
"I have no hints to give you. The Tailor's Guild has kept your dresses secret, even from me."
She asked him, "Why won't they tell you, at least?"
"Perhaps they know if you ask me nicely, I can refuse you nothing, Iellig." He quirked an eyebrow at her.
Sigrid sighed, and leaned her head against him. "I wish Da was here."
"We will write and tell him all about it. He will be anxious to get those letters, I am sure, so we must work very hard to enjoy ourselves, yes?"
"So, we'll have good things to write about?" She smiled up at him.
"Exactly. And he will be happy to get them." He turned her around to face the mirror. "Come, let me help you with your hair. Yours is so much easier than your Da's. At least you don't look like a wild, black Warg in the mornings."
Sigrid giggled, as Thranduil brushed and braided it. Once Tilda was dressed, and he helped her with her hair, Bain came back with Esta, so they all went in to breakfast.
Tilda ran to Galion, "Good morning Uncle Galion! Today is Sigrid birthday!" and she gave him a hug.
"Indeed! Is that not wonderful? Many happy returns, Lady Sigrid."
Sigrid went over and kissed Galion's cheek. "Thank you," she smiled at him.
Just then, the door opened, and in walked Hilda, who enveloped Sigrid in a hug. "Oh, my girl! Sixteen today!" She stepped back and looked at the girl up and down. "I don't know how this happened – it seems like you were only a baby an hour ago!"
Tilda rolled her eyes. "That can't be true, Auntie Hil."
"Well, it feels true." Hilda replied smoothly. "Hello everybody. Ready to face the day?"
Bain said, hopefully, "Since it's Sigrid's birthday, does that mean we still have to go to school?"
All three adults, and the birthday girl answered, "YES!"
"I told you," Tilda whispered to him, jabbing him with her elbow.
They all sat down as breakfast was served. Since this was a special occasion, the guards brought the food, and Galion sat and ate with them, next to Tilda and Charlotte.
During the meal, everyone was talking about the party. Sigrid was especially excited, and her eyes danced when she talked about the special arrangements she made for all other birthdays this month.
Thranduil had originally planned a party just for her in the Dining Hall, but last week she approached him with an idea: She wanted the party to be for everyone from Dale who was celebrating a birthday in January. Touched by her generosity, he, of course agreed.
"Tonight will be great! I just want food and dancing and everyone to have a good time. I hope they believed me when I said, 'No Presents.'"
Tilda looked at her like she had lost her mind. "Sigrid! The reason you have birthdays is so you can get presents!"
Thranduil noticed Tilda still looked a little tired, and her cheeks were a bit flushed. Hilda was scrutinizing their little one, as well.
When their eyes met, Hilda shrugged. Tilda seemed cheery enough, so perhaps there was no reason to worry.
"Well, I don't want anyone to get me anything." Sigrid had been explaining. "It would be selfish to expect gifts from people who hardly have anything."
Hilda smiled, "That's my girl. Spoken like a good Princess."
Thranduil wiped his mouth and put his napkin down, then stood. "Excuse me for a moment." He went into his bedchamber and retrieved an ornate wooden box from a shelf in his dressing room, then returned to the table. He set it in front of a wide-eyed Sigrid, saying,
"Fathers are exempt from this 'no-gifts' rule, of course. Happy Birthday, Iellig."
She looked up at him in shock, "But… Wh…"
Thranduil laughed. "I am often told you resemble your mother, but when you are bemused, you look just like your Da!"
"Open it!" squealed Tilda. "Let me see!"
"First, you must read this." Thranduil handed her a letter.
Sigrid broke the seal and began to read:
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Happy birthday, my beautiful girl!
How does it feel to be sixteen! I still remember when they first put you in my arms… You were just so beautiful and tiny and, I must tell you, you were screaming your head off, not quite sure what to make of this new world you were born into, and so far, you didn't like it much.
You must promise me something, love. I want you to go to your party tonight, and have the time of your life; I want you to smile, laugh, and dance your feet off! You have to do this for me, so you can write and tell me all about it!
I love you,
Your Da
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"You guys are so mushy," Bain commented, rolling his eyes, and breaking the spell. Everyone started to laugh and wipe their eyes.
Finally, Tilda couldn't stand it anymore, and said, "Open it, Sig! What's in it?"
Sigrid looked up at Thranduil. "Go on," he urged, and Tilda got down off of her chair and stood beside her, so she could see.
She lifted the lid, and saw, in a bed of dark velvet, a beautiful gold necklace, with small garnets and diamonds, a matching bracelet, and a small, delicate tiara done in beautiful golden swirls, accented with the same jewels.
"Oh…" Sigrid clapped her hands over her mouth. Everyone else stepped forward to see, and gasped.
"Ooh! They're so pretty!" Tilda said. "They're just so pretty!"
Hilda had her hand to her heart. "They're perfect! They're just the thing for a young Princess, Thranduil!"
Even Bain was taken aback. "They're sparkly, aren't they?"
Sigrid shot up out of her chair, and threw her arms around the Elvenking's middle. "Thank you, Ada! Oh… They're beautiful! I can't believe it!"
Thranduil held his daughter tight and kissed her hair. "You are most welcome, child."
After everyone finished their breakfast, the box was put back into Thranduil's closet for safekeeping, and they dispersed to their various morning activities.
The Elvenking was a bit concerned about Tilda, because she still looked fatigued. He checked, and found no fever, and she didn't hurt anywhere, but he and Galion had her drink a cup of hot herbal tea with honey, just in case, and made sure she took a good, long nap that afternoon.
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When everyone's day was through, Thranduil took Tilda back to his chambers, just as the dresses for the party arrived. Glélindë smiled proudly, and her dimple was showing, as she brought in the garments.
"Good afternoon, My Lord, Lady Sigrid." The Elleth smiled.
"Hi, 'Lindë!" Sigrid rushed in from her room. "Ooh! What do they look like?"
Thranduil grinned at Glélindë, then said, "Perhaps you could open the package and find out?"
"Here, help me, Til; there's one for you, too!"
They were done in Elven fashion, with long, flowing lines. Sigrid's dress was a lovely red to match her new jewelry, and Tilda's, also a gift from the Elves, was a lovely shade of dark blue. Bain was given a new outfit as well, in dark green with black leggings.
"Thank you!" Sigrid hugged Glélindë. "It's beautiful!"
"You are most welcome, My Lady. Many happy returns of day."
Once they were done fussing over the new clothes, Thranduil made sure the older children finished their homework, then ate an early dinner, so they could get ready for the evening's festivities.
Once the girls were dressed, Thranduil took them to his own dressing room, and helped them to braid and arrange their hair.
"How did you learn to do that, Ada?" Tilda asked, as she sat on a stool, and watched him do Sigrid's hair.
"My wife had long, wavy hair, and I used to enjoy brushing it out for her. She often needed help to arrange it, and the maids usually helped her, but whenever possible, I liked to do it."
"I'll bet she was pretty." The little girl said.
"Oh, she was!" Sigrid turned to her sister. "Ada took me to see some paintings of her, and you should see them! She was beautiful! He's right; her hair was long, almost down to here." she indicated past her hips. "And really dark and curly."
"How come I didn't see the pictures?" Tilda frowned. "I want to see them!"
"You were taking your nap on Galion's couch when I showed her, Tithen Pen, but they will all be rehung soon. If you take a good nap tomorrow, I might take you to the storage room, so you can see Queen Mírelen for yourself. Would that be suitable?"
Tilda nodded. "I'll be good."
"I know you will. Now," he addressed Sigrid, "your hair is done; all we need are the finishing touches, and you will be ready for your birthday."
He opened the carved wooden box, and stood behind her, so he could put her necklace on, then her bracelet, and finally, put the tiara on her head, carefully placed before the hair he had artfully pinned on her head in a swirling mass of curls.
"Oh, Ada!" she breathed. "They're so beautiful! I still can't believe they're for me!" The girl moved her head back and forth, watching the jewels sparkle in the light.
"Oh, but they are for you, Iellig. Fit for a Princess. Although," he smiled down her, "I do not think they do you justice." He gently lifted her chin, "You look truly lovely, Sigrid." He kissed her forehead.
She smiled up at him, and melted his heart with her blue eyes. Then she asked, "What tradition was Da talking about in his letter?"
"When Erebor was established, long ago, it became tradition to bestow such gifts to the Princesses of Dale. Erebor provides all the crown jewels for Dale, so the tiaras for the Princesses are traditionally also the from the Dwarves. My Kingdom provides the bracelet, and the King of Dale gives his daughter the necklace. So, you see, these are not just birthday gifts, they are part of history and tradition. You are a daughter of Kings, and you will need such things as a Princess."
"I want to write to King Dáin and tell him thank you." Sigrid admired the swirls of gold and sparkle of jewels nestled in her hair. "Why did he choose the red stones?"
"Those are garnets, Iellig. They symbolize the month of January."
"Why does just the oldest girl get them?" Despite her long nap, Tilda still seemed off and cranky, "I want some too!"
"You, will get something like this, when it is your turn, but yours will not look like your sister's. Your Da tells me your birthday is the last day of September, so you will have sapphires, in your jewelry. I am sure King Dáin will fashion something equally beautiful."
"What do sapphires look like?"
"They are the same color as your dress. Here; I will show you." He stepped over to a shelf, and took down another carved wooden box. In it was the Elven diadem Thranduil usually wore to banquets and other formal occasions. He took it out of the box, and showed the girls the dark blue stones and diamonds, against the silver sheen of mithril. "I plan to wear this for the party, this evening. Do you like them?"
"They're pretty! I'm glad they're dark blue. I don't like light blue at all! Why is your crown silver and not gold, like Sigrid's?" Tilda asked.
"Dale's crown jewels and such have always been in gold, so it is tradition that their Princesses have the same thing. Yours, will also be gold and sapphire."
"Ooh, that'll be pretty, won't it, Til?" Sigrid pulled her sister in her lap.
Tilda finally smiled, and nodded her head. "I can't wait, till I'm bigger."
"Do not be in such a hurry to grow up, Tithen Pen. You must allow me time to enjoy having a little girl, again."
"It was nice of King Dáin to make these himself. He could have had someone else do it."
"He could have, yes, but I think he was proud to continue the tradition." He kissed her temple.
"Will the Dwarves do anything for Bain?" Tilda asked.
"An excellent question. At your father's coronation, the Crown of Dale is placed upon his head, but he will only use it for formal ceremonies, as it is quite heavy. For every other occasion, he will wear a smaller, lighter version of it. Normally the King would receive that when he would be named Crown Prince, but, since your Da was never a prince, his will be presented with this later."
"When will Bain get that?" Tilda asked.
"At age eighteen, Dale's Crown Prince is given a smaller, lighter version of your father's Ceremonial one. It will also be adorned with gems reflecting the month of his birth. Each is unique to the future king, and cannot be passed down."
"Bain's birthday is in August." Sigrid said, and Tilda nodded in agreement.
"So your Da has said. Bain's crown will feature Peridots, which is a light green stone. He will wear it throughout his life - when he holds court, when he rides to battle, and, eventually, he will be buried in it. Since your father was never named Crown Prince, the Dwarves will fashion something like this for him. Most likely, his archery skills will be reflected in the design.
"Like the Black arrowhead on your wedding rings?"
He held up his hand, where the black onyx and emerald leaves shone against the mithril. "Very likely. These were also a gift from King Dáin himself." He smiled.
"Do you know when Da's birthday is?"
"I do. Your Auntie Hil told me. The eighteenth day of May, so he will have emeralds. Also, the same month as my own Begetting Day. So our wedding rings symbolize much more than the Black Arrow, does it not?"
Sigrid grinned. "So, is King Dáin our Royal Jeweler?"
"It would seem so. I think he finds it a relaxing hobby, in the same way I find solace in drawing and painting. It's a creative outlet that eases the pressure of Kingship. Your Da finds solace in shooting, and Bain will soon find his own interests."
"Just like my knitting. It relaxes me, and I love working with all the colors; I saw your Guild make some really lacy shawls, and I'd love to learn to do that!" Sigrid said, as she stood up and patted the chair. "Come on, Tilda, your turn."
Once she was seated in front of the mirror, Thranduil began to brush out the little girl's hair. "Would you like it down, or up, Tithen Pen?"
"I don't know…" she hesitated.
"How about this?" he pulled half of her hair back and let the rest fall down upon her shoulders. "You remind me of your Da when your hair is like this."
Tilda nodded. "I like that. Can you make the top part swirly, like Sigrid's?"
"Of course, I can." He quickly arranged the top into a nice little bun, then added a surprise little touch: a small silver dragonfly pin was added. He took a small mirror and showed it to her, "Is that suitable, hênig?"
"I love it!" She stood up on the chair and kissed his cheek, then he helped her down.
"Shall we join the others? I know Galion is anxious to see how lovely you look."
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They went out to the living room, where the others were waiting, and Galion kissed Sigrid's hand, and offered to escort the birthday girl. Thranduil picked up Tilda, to carry her, then Bain bowed, then gallantly offered his arm to Auntie Hil, who proudly took it. The boy was almost Bard's height, and promised to be just as handsome.
And off they went to the party, which turned out to be a merry gathering. Everyone gasped at Sigrid's new jewelry, and crowded around her to compliment her, as her proud Ada looked on, as she explained the history behind her gifts.
The highlight of the evening for Thranduil, was his dance with Sigrid. He indicated for the musicians to play a lovely, but slower song, and escorted her into the middle of the floor. "Are you having a good time?"
She smiled up at him, her eyes shining, and whispered, "I feel like I'm in a dream, Ada; this is all so wonderful. I can't believe it! Thank you!"
"It is I who must thank you, Iellig; it is a privilege to dance with the loveliest girl here." He smiled down at Sigrid and kissed her brow. She was strong, determined, and truly wanted to serve her people. No amount of heritage or teaching can produce that in a young woman. It all came from her, and she deserved the best he could give her. She truly looked a princess, and he was proud to call her his daughter.
"Ada?"
"Yes?" He smiled down at her, as her face turned thoughtful.
"It's hard not to think of my Mam at times like this."
"Of course, you do, Sigrid. You should always honor her in the special moments of your life. Do you think she's happy for us?"
Sigrid considered this, as they gently swirled around the dance floor. "Yes, I do."
"I think so, too. It is a privilege to love and care for those she left behind. I am grateful to her, for such a blessing."
"I love you, Ada." She leaned her head on his chest, as they swirled around.
"And I, you, Iellig." He kissed the top of her head.
They danced for a moment or two, then Sigrid's face lit up. "Look!" she gasped, and Thranduil followed her gaze.
There, in the wide doorway to the Dining Hall, stood Hannah, with Rhian on her arm. The girl gave Sigrid a small smile and a wave, and looked uncomfortable, but determined. Thranduil watched as Hannah whispered some words of encouragement, and he graced them both with a smile and a nod.
He knew Rhian wouldn't be joining the party, but this was real progress.
"I'm so proud of her." Sigrid was smiling up at him.
"Perhaps this was her way of giving you a birthday gift?"
Sigrid thought about this, and nodded. "I think you're right."
The song ended, and he bowed, as she curtsied perfectly amid applause. Then the dancing started in earnest, along with the rest of the party. Thranduil went to Tilda and picked her up to take her around the floor, as she giggled.
Tilda still seemed all right, but she fell asleep in Hilda's lap toward the end of the party.
"Is she all right?" Thranduil asked her.
"Whatever is going on with her, love, it's probably nothing serious, and a good night's sleep or two will help." Then, with Tilda's head nestled on the guard's shoulder, the trio left.
Thranduil stayed with Sigrid until the end of the party, and together, they offered their best wishes to others celebrating birthdays, and then went from table to table to thank everyone personally for coming.
When the party was over at last, Bain and Rhys walked ahead of them with Alun, as they made their way back to the Royal Apartments.
Sigrid took her Ada's arm, and leaned against him. "I had a wonderful time."
"I am so glad, Iellig. And now, you will have much to tell your Da, will you not?"
"I'm going to tell him every little detail," she grinned up at him.
"Tomorrow, if you can, I would like you to skip your afternoon activities, so you can sit for me. We shall provide your Da with a painting of you, in your birthday finery, before the next wagons go to Dale."
"Oh, he would love that!"
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LETTERS FROM WOODLAND REALM
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4th of February, 2942, T.A.
To Bard from Thranduil:
Suilad, Meleth nîn,
I have enclosed a parcel, that should make you feel better about being so far away for Sigrid's birthday. I hope you like it, though it does not do her justice. She was a vision that night, and it was an honor to escort her to her very own ball.
As you can see from his return, Alun enjoyed his visit with his son, and both are feeling better. He did not stay with Hilda, as her rooms are used for her frequent meetings, but have no fear. Galion set him up with another set of rooms, and for the week, Rhys stayed with him.
Alun requested to see his mother and aunt, but I could not permit it, as per your edict, and you had sent no instructions for making an exception in his case. He was unhappy with my answer, but after he calmed down, he understood. He confirmed what you had said regarding his assistance with their sentence. He was not a man who gave into anger often, he said, and this should be no exception.
I have seen the anger and resentment from your people here: A child was abused, and I doubt there will be a chance at redemption for them amongst your good people. Time will tell, and they may say something different when the spring comes, but perhaps a solution to your problem might be to make arrangements for them to leave Dale entirely and set them up in a neighboring community.
On a personal note, my talks with Galion continue. It is by no means easy, and it is too soon to know if our efforts are fruitful. At this point, I feel worse off, but he assures me that this is normal, as I am facing difficult things that have been buried for many, many years.
I have the same difficulties as you, with idleness; I do not have physical work to help distract me, but my sparring sessions are more frequent, and longer, much to Bain's delight, as he enjoys watching them with his friends.
I have a request to make of you, Bard, so please consider: The ladies of your Kingdom have met with Hilda (as I am sure she will tell you) and requested to be trained in weaponry. The courageous efforts of your women during the Battle will never be forgotten, and it is my firm belief that anyone who wishes such training should be granted, but I shall defer to your decision.
We speak in every letter, Meleth nîn, of our loneliness and longing for each other, and it gets too hard to think about, so I will say little this time. It seems to make things worse…
Gi melin, Bard. Always.
Thranduil
P.S. You will find, in the sealed envelope enclosed, the sketch of me, as requested. I hope you enjoy it, as you are in it, too.
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To Bard from Sigrid:
Dearest Da,
I had a wonderful birthday! I'm sure the others told you of our party in the Main Dining Hall. It only made sense that others who have birthdays in January could celebrate too, don't you think? But we all had such a great time!
Oh, Da! Thank you for my beautiful necklace! Ada gave it to me when we had breakfast that morning, and I was just telling everyone that I wanted no presents. He smiled and set the box in front of me. I could hardly breathe when I opened the box. I'm writing King Dain a thank-you note, so please make sure you send it to him, for me, please?
Ada helped me put the jewelry on and the Tiara, and he carried Tilda down to the Dining Hall. Ada had the musicians play a special song, and he took me out on the dance floor for a special dance, all by ourselves, and it was the best night of my life!
I hated that you weren't there, Da, and I thought about you every second. But you wanted me to have a good time, so I could tell you all about it.
I love my life, now, but you have to know, I'll always adore my Da more than anyone else in the world! Don't ever forget that.
I'm gushing, I know. I never gush. But Da, I'm sixteen!
Love you forever,
Sigrid
P.S. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. Rhian even came to the party! She didn't come in, and she only stayed in the doorway for a few minutes, but she did it! She looks so much better, these days, and I think she's going to be all right, Da. She's got a ways to go, but she's on her way. Little Darryn is a month old, and boy is he cute!
P.P.S. I love you. We all do.
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To Bard from Bain:
Da!
I hit a bullseye in archery practice this week!
Then my friends and I got to watch Ada and Daeron spar, then Ada had a go at someone else, and you wouldn't believe how fast he is! I've only ever seen him with his swords before, but he's really good with fighting knives, too! And he's really good at archery, though he said Legolas is better.
He told me some stories of sparring with King Girion, and what kind of a soldier and fighter he was. It isn't a matter of strength, he says, as much as knowing how my body works and making the most of it, just like Elves and Dwarves do.
Me and Ada took Rhys and his Da around the Palace to show him around and he was really impressed. We all had dinner in the Main Dining Hall that night, so Alun and Rhys could visit with everyone, then he got to see the school and everything else.
Gotta go! Its dinner time and I'm hungry!
Love,
Bain
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To Bard from Tilda:
Deer Da,
I love you. I miss you. We had a party. It was nise. My spelling is better. Charlot is good and so is Daisy. She rides him.
We had a party. Sigrid and Ada dansed.
My throt hurts a little bit. I miss you. I wish yoo were here. I took a nap.
Love,
Tilda
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To Bard from Hilda,
Greetings King of Dale:
As you can see, Alun survived his trip to the Palace, and has been returned in halfway decent shape! Thanks for sending him along with the mail caravan. I don't mind telling you, I've been worried about Rhys. He's been so down in the dumps since the whole affair with his Gran that I didn't know what to do. Thranduil tried talking to the boy, and it did help some, but what he needed most was his Da.
They had a wonderful time while he was here. He sat with Thranduil and me while the kids were in school and told us about the building and other goings on. The man put up quite a fuss to see our "prisoners," but your Elf forbade it, in the nicest way. He simply urged him to focus on his son while he was here, and said that no one was being mistreated, and you would handle the situation. After some thought, Alun saw the wisdom in this.
Our Sigrid threw quite the party, did you hear? I loved seeing her tear around with her friends and just be a carefree girl. That jewelry you all gave her made her feel like a real Princess for the first time since she got the title, and I'll tell you, she glowed the entire night.
It's funny you should mention colds…. It's like you jinxed us! Just this morning, Tilda told your husband her throat hurt and I thought the world was ending the way he tore through the halls to get her to the Healing Wing! She had been tired and cranky since Sigrid's party, but it wasn't until this morning that any real symptoms appeared. Hannah and the other healer from Dale knew just what to do, and Daeron eased the symptoms a bit.
Seems Elves can do wonders for injuries, but they haven't had much luck with things like this. Daeron, wanted her separated from the rest of the children, so within an hour, Thranduil had that spare room off the bedroom made up for her, and stated that he would nurse her himself. Good gracious… He insists on sitting right next to her and holding her hand while she took her nap.
We've got handkerchiefs and medicines all ready for the onslaught. I honestly don't think it will be as bad this year, Bard. These kids have had lots of healthy food lately and I think it will prevent much sickness. Don't worry, love; just take care of you, Tauriel and that husband of mine.
Love,
Hilda
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To Percy from Sigrid and Bain:
Hi, Uncle Percy,
It's just Bain and me writing this time, because this morning Tilda went to Ada and told him her throat hurt. Tell Da that if he thought Ada had a fit when she lost a tooth, it was nothing to this! Within an hour, the room off Ada's room was set up as her sick room and he hasn't left her side for hardly a second. Hilda has been doing her best to reassure him that she just has the beginnings of a cold.
So far, Bain and I feel fine, so tell Da not to worry. Tilda has always been susceptible so we'll probably be all right.
I had a wonderful birthday, except you, Da and Tauriel weren't there. That would have made it perfect.
Alun told us about all the building you're doing. With so many Men, Elves and Dwarves working on different houses at once, I can see how fast Dale is growing up out of the ground!
Are you looking after Da? Is Da looking after you? How is Tauriel? I know she always says she's doing okay, but I know she's lonely. Please look after our new sister…
I've got to go, sorry. I'm helping Hannah and Elénaril get things ready for the onslaught of winter colds and sneezes.
Love,
Your Sigrid
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Uncle Percy!
Did Da tell you I hit the bullseye! I did!
We got to play outside some when the weather broke and we had this big snowball fight! All the kids went outside were on one side, and the Elves were on the other! Rhys and his Da were on our team! We've always lived on water, so we didn't know too much about things like this. It was so much fun!
The really little kids got to learn how to make a snowman! Ada helped Tilda with hers, but he could only stay for a little bit because he had lots of meetings.
Right now, Auntie Hil is having it out with Ada, because Tilda's getting a cold, and he thinks it's because she played outside with the rest of us. Don't worry, he just doesn't understand these things and she'll set him straight. She told him that the kids will actually be healthier because we're not on the water anymore and we're eating a lot better, so she tells him not to worry.
I don't know if he really believes her, or if he's just afraid to argue with her, but don't tell him I said that!
Love,
Bain
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To Tauriel from Sigrid:
Dear Tauriel,
Hello big sister! I hope you've been looking after Da and Uncle Percy, but mostly I'm hoping you're taking care of YOU! I love having a big sister! I just hate that, as soon as I got you, we had to leave! But we've been here six weeks already, so there's proof that at least part of this endless winter has passed.
As I'm sure you've heard, Tilda has a bit of a cold. Poor Ada's not taking it very well. I feel bad for him – he's never been around sickness, but it's so cute to see him fussing over her, and trust me, she is eating it up. She's got him wrapped around her little finger! Ada wanted to cancel his meetings until she was better, but Auntie Hil put her foot down and order Galion to drag him to his study, and make him stay there so Tilda could get her rest.
I think Galion loves Auntie Hil and Uncle Percy as much as we do. He loves watching her boss Ada around, and I think Ada likes it too, although he pretends not to.
It's nice being part of a big family, and I can't wait for us all to be together again.
Love, Sigrid
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To Percy from Hilda:
Hello my husband,
Life has settled into a routine, as much as it can be. The winter is in full swing, and some of the children have colds. I'm not worried. These bairns have filled out and their cheeks are rosy from all the good food the Elves have given them, and they are warm, now. Really warm! How could anyone miss the constant chill of living over a frozen Lake? And the ache in the bones from all that damp? Nope. Never again for me. My hips have not hurt nearly as much and neither do my hands.
The orphans seem to be settling in, too. I go and see each new family about once a week, to make sure, and Thranduil's little "spy" has been sure to pass on any comment to us, so we're sure the kids are adjusting. Bronwyn has a desk in my quarters, now, She's busy overseeing the school, and planning for when we move back in the spring. I oversee our people and I oversee the supplies needed for the Dale folk. She only works with me part-time, as she also teaches the older group of children.
We've also organized several meetings for the new Elven parents, to teach them about human children, and to let them ask questions about things that have come up. The little ones seem happy in their new homes, but they still miss their birth parents, and these Elves want to know how to help them with that, bless them. Galion has been a big help with this, and even gave a lecture on helping children through grief. He urged the Foster-Parents to allow the children to refer to them however they were comfortable, not to insist on "Ada and Nana" but to allow them to come to it naturally.
Our kids call Galion "Uncle" now, and I swear, love, if that Elf had buttons on his chest, they'd be popping off! He pretends it doesn't mean much, but you should see his face when no one's looking.
Oh, good gravy! I've got to go-Tilda has a cold and she just sneezed again. Every time she lets out a peep, Thranduil tears out of his study to her room like something's on fire. How many times do I have to tell him she's not dying?
If it wasn't so ridiculous it would be cute…
I love you and miss you,
Your Hil