Chapter Fifteen
SUMMARY: Thranduil gets a message from a very unexpected source, which turns out to be very useful.
Tilda is still stable, and is slightly improved, so Auntie Hil and Galion spend some time with her...
...and that means that Bard and Thranduil can get some much-needed alone time...
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Early afternoon, 9th of February, 2942, T.A.; The Woodland Realm
While Bard napped with Tilda in his arms, and the children were kept busy with their lessons and such, Thranduil went into his study, and sat for a few minutes with his eyes closed. Despite his sleep last night, he was still drained. He really didn't want to be here, but couldn't neglect his duties as King. Dale still needed the supplies to arrive on time, there were reports and requests that couldn't be put off.
He took a few moments, and enjoyed the solitude, then heaved a sigh, and got to work.
News of Tilda's illness spread quickly throughout the Palace, and messages were sent to him of good wishes and offers of prayer. Some of his Council members sent messages offering to take care of matters for him in other parts of the Palace, while he attended their sick child, which he gratefully accepted. The Council also offered to cancel tomorrow's meeting, which he also agreed to.
There were also updates as to the rest of Dale's population. Bronwyn had indeed cancelled school. He read details of the flurry of activity to quarantine the families to their quarters, and was pleased at their cooperation.
All the mothers were to observe their children carefully, and were told to alerting the Healers, if needed, who were to make house calls. Feren made himself useful during his visit, and had ordered several of his men from the barracks to come and assist; they were stationed throughout the Visitor's wing, ready to fetch a Healer to examine any child showing symptoms, and they assisted in distributing meals to their homes.
Thranduil smiled when he read his friend's note, there was a post script that stated his men were to help keep the children busy, to aid their mother's frazzled nerves. As long as they observed the terms of the quarantine, and washed and changed, the mothers were grateful.
Thranduil had sent a message to Indis and Rhian to explain about Tilda's illness. Darryn, as a new infant, was especially vulnerable, so no one from the Royal Household would be visiting for a week, to ensure of his safety.
Thranduil was still buried in his work, when a guard knocked on his office door, and saluted. "My Lord, I have a message from Erebor."
"Erebor?" Thranduil asked the Guard.
"It came by…Raven, My Lord." The Guard looked just as surprised as Thranduil felt.
Thranduil blinked. "Really?" He held out his hand. He was worried; this could be catastrophic news, on top of everything else they were trying to cope with here…
He unfolded the small piece of paper. It was much thinner than he normally used, and bore no seal. In Dáin's distinctive writing, he read:
Kings T & B-Offering service of Ravens for messages regarding Princess Tilda. Much quicker than horse. Reply with news - bird is waiting, so are we! All is well here. Ready to assist Percy, if need arises-Dáin
Thranduil looked up at the Guard. "Is the bird still here?"
"Yes, My Lord. It will not leave; it seems to indicate it we should send a response."
"'Indicate?'"
"It... holds out one leg and squawks. Loudly," the Elf winced.
"Ah." Thranduil gave him a wry smile. "Lord Percy and King Dáin must be frantic for news."
Thranduil got up, and quickly dug around in his credenza in for the paper he kept handy for tracing maps and such, and quickly penned a reply.
Dáin— Tilda suffered Lung & Brain Fever. Out of danger-first signs good, but must observe. Other children healthy – Precautions taken to prevent spread. Look for full report via messenger. Thank you for Raven—Thranduil & Bard
The Elvenking used the first message as an example to fold the paper properly, and gave it to the Guard.
Once the messenger was gone, Thranduil sat down and wrote the details of all that had occurred, plus the precautions taken to protect the other children. Once signed and sealed, he sent for the same messenger that had come earlier.
"I'm afraid the letter box is still in Dale, but give this to Lord Percy as soon as you get there. Tell him to share this with King Dáin as well. Also, please bring the box back with you, when you come. I do not know when King Bard can return, but we can exchange correspondence as usual with Dale, and we will be using Erebor's Ravens for updates."
The messenger left again, as Feren stopped in.
"Hello, Mellon nîn." The Commander smiled, but had a concerned look on his face.
Thranduil got up around his desk, and they embraced, not as King and Commander, but as life-long friends. "I am so glad you are here." He said. "Thank you for sending extra troops to Dale."
"No thanks are needed, Thranduil. They volunteered. How is Lady Tilda?"
Thranduil released his embrace, and invited him to sit. "She… came close to death, but she sleeps now, and we are encouraged. When she is awake, she does not speak much, but she knows us, and where she is." He swallowed. "For now, it is enough."
"My family keeps you in our thoughts, Mellon nîn. Glélindë is busy with the Guild, making more clean robes for you to wear in her sick room, and she has personally cleaned her toys. She's even making a little surprise for your Tilda."
The Elvenking smiled. "That is kind of her. Please extend our thanks."
"I think I should leave with the wagons tomorrow, to help Percy, so King Bard can stay as long as he is needed."
"No. You will stay and visit with your family, and leave in four days' time, as scheduled. I have just received a message from King Dáin, and he and his army are at Dale's disposal. Do not forget, Tauriel is also at Percy's side, and Captain Mablung is more than capable to command in your stead. I thank you for your offer, but I think it will be fine."
He changed the subject. "Now, tell me about your girls, Feren," he smiled. "I need to think of happy things. How is your new family?"
A grin spread across the Commander's face. "My family is noisy, active, messy, and completely wonderful." He laughed, and shook his head. "Our home is a bit crowded now, with the girls and Gruffudd, but my wife is happy, and our children are very attached to her, even in the short time they have been with her."
"I would imagine they were happy to see their Ada, Mellon."
"Oh, yes," Feren's smile got even wider. "I have a child in my lap every time I sit down. We have separate beds for them, but Glélindë told me they always end up sleeping together, or with her."
"I imagine they were used to doing so, in the camp with the other orphans."
"Very likely," Feren answered. "It makes them feel secure, so my wife has no problem with it. I, on the other hand, am not quite used to waking up with small, squirmy children."
"I have the same dilemma, but I do not complain. Well, I do not complain now." Thranduil, leaned forward conspiratorially. "I learned the hard way, the value of a strategically placed pillow or two. My Tithen Pen likes to, as Bard puts it, 'run a race in her sleep,' and I have been the ill-fated victim of one of her kicks."
"Oh, no!" The Commander laughed. "What did you do?"
"What could I do? I am glad she did not wake, or she would have learned that her Ada has just as much of a foul mouth as her Da."
After they both had a good laugh, Thranduil said. "It feels almost strange to laugh, after everything." Then he said, "Feren, when I saw our Tilda lying on her back, so still, I would have given anything, to have her thrash around and kick her covers off, again."
The Commander looked at him with compassion and concern. "Can you tell me what exactly happened?"
As Thranduil shared with his childhood friend the horrors of that night, Feren's face reflected his distress.
"But you say, so far, the signs are good?"
"I…have to remain hopeful." Thranduil sighed. "Have your daughters been sick at all?"
"Dafina has a bit of a cold, and her ear was bothering her a little, so we had it taken care of. We are implementing the routine Daeron recommended, and I plan to wash and change before I go near the girls, today. They will be safe."
"Tilda's illness is very rare, and all these precautions may be unnecessary, but I will spare no effort if only to prevent one child from this." The Elvenking said, ruefully. Then he said, "This is part of raising humans, is it not?"
"But it is an adventure worth pursuing, do you not think?" Then Feren asked him, quietly. "Thranduil, how do you fare with this?"
Thranduil knew what he was asking. "At the worst of it, when I was sure Tilda was dying, it was…" He struggled for words. "Someday, Bard and I will say farewell to her; to all of them. I had told myself that, when the time came, we would be ready. But no one is ever ready to lose someone we love."
Feren looked at Thranduil thoughtfully. "We can prepare ourselves, but will that really help us, when the time comes?"
"I do not think so." The Elvenking sighed. "I thought my father's and Mírelen's death hurt so badly because it was so unexpected." He rubbed his forehead. "Now I know it is more than that."
Feren said, "King Bard spoke to me of the girls' mortality, and I thought a great deal about what he said. If Glélindë and I allowed that to stop us, we would have an eternity to regret it. We would be failing them and ourselves, if we turned away from this kind of love."
Thranduil nodded in understanding.
Feren regarded his face. "Thranduil, one of the reasons I'm here was to make sure you were not withdrawing. I will not let you hurt yourself like that again."
"I would expect nothing less, as I would do the same for you." Thranduil got up and clasped forearms with Feren. "Now, please get back and enjoy your time with your family, as I am about to. Send them my best. When all is well again, tell your wife to bring the girls to visit. Tilda would enjoy it."
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City of Dale, Mid-day, 9th of February, 2942, T.A.
In King Bard's study, Percy, and Tauriel were nervously pacing the floor, and Old Ben, Alun and King Dáin were sitting, and waiting, along with Ermon, the Chief Healer. There was a large pitcher of ale, and several mugs, which were put to good use, and with a tray of food, that remained untouched.
All were waiting to hear news about Princess Tilda. All was silent in the Great Hall, as fathers wondered and worried about their own children, who were far away.
"Where is it that bird? It's been hours!" Percy wondered, and swore under his breath, not for the first time. "If she… Oh, Valar… Maybe it's bad news, and they would never send that with a bird; they would send someone to tell us in person, wouldn't they? Maybe the bird won't come back."
King Dáin did his best to reassure the Steward of Dale. "Dunna fash yerself; the corbie'll get here. I dinna ken when exactly, but either way, Bard'll tell us what's up wit' the lass. Sit down, lad," he told Percy. "Worryin' and pacin' won't get ye anywheres, 'cept get ye frazzled."
"Lord Percy," the Chief Healer said, "Princess Tilda has the advantage of Elven medicine. Rest assured that I have full confidence in my staff there and Lieutenant Daeron is highly trained in diseases of the race of Men. Tilda is in the best place she could possibly be, and King Thranduil will spare no effort."
"He's right, Pers," Old Ben urged. "Sit, and try to eat."
He and Tauriel sat, but all they could manage to do was break the bread on their plates in little pieces.
King Dáin patted Tauriel's hand reassuringly. "There, now, lass. 'Twon't be long, now."
The Elf covered her eyes, and sighed. All around the table, everyone sat in sober silence.
Suddenly Tauriel lifted her head. "The horns! The sentry is shouting something."
They all got up and tore into the Great Hall, just in time for the big doors to open. The large, black bird swooped in and landed on a table near King Dáin, cawed loudly, then extended its leg to the King Under the Mountain.
Dáin took the message, unfolded it and read it aloud for everyone to hear, and a loud cheer of relief went up all over the building. Tauriel and Percy embraced with enormous relief. He wiped his eyes and said, "Thanks to Ulmo and all the Valar... Our baby's going to be all right."
Alun put his arm around Old Ben to steady him, as he wiped his eyes, while King Dáin harrumphed and cleared his throat for several minutes.
Every father in the Great Hall heaved a sigh of relief that their own children hadn't been affected, and were genuinely glad for their new King.
And everybody drank several rounds of ale, before they got back to work.
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After Feren left his office, Thranduil quickly finished up, then stepped across the Hall, to his rooms, where everyone was waiting. The children were happy to see him, and Sigrid came and hugged him tight. He sat down with them, so they could tell him about their day. Then he told them Feren had stopped by, and surprise visit from the Raven! He was sure Dale had gotten the good news by now, and the details would probably arrive in an hour or so.
The children were intrigued, to hear about the bird as was Galion.
"Now we can tell them every day how Tilda is! And Da won't have to worry so much about Dale, won't he?"
"That is true, Sigrid. I have asked King Dáin in my letter if he would consider continuing with messages this way."
"That was nice of him. Uncle Percy must be going crazy." Bain observed.
"I know I would be." Sigrid agreed. "It was hard enough to be here, but can you imagine what that's like?"
"I am glad we have a way to help them," Thranduil said. "Did Esta get her bath?"
Then they told him about giving Esta a bath, and how they ended up just as soaked as she was. As he listened and laughed, he felt affection flooding his heart.
Feren and Galion were right; it's always a risk allowing such love into his life, and he'd never be ready to lose them, but he wanted each moment like this to imbed itself into his memory, to relive and take with him wherever he went.
As he sat and watched them talk with him, and each other, he made a decision.
Once his book for Legolas was done, he would begin another; this one would chronicle the family he has now, with pictures of these young faces, and anecdotes of their daily life, as they grew up and lived their own lives. He wanted to record this, to have a way to keep these lovely people alive and with them forever.
There would come a day, when he will be forced to say farewell to every child here, but he vowed to immerse himself in every moment with them. And, when the time came to leave Middle Earth forever, he and Bard could sit in the evenings, and read these stories, and laugh, perhaps cry a little, and nurture the parts of their hearts where they would always reside.
He looked over at Galion, and remembered his words: It was times like these that reminded them how much they all loved each other.
"Where is your Da?" he asked the children. "Is he still in with Tilda?"
"No. He's in bed. Auntie Hil went in there a couple of hours ago, and ordered him to get some real sleep. She's in with Tilda now."
"I think she is right, your Da needs sleep. How do you all feel? Are you all right?"
Rhys answered. "We're good; honest." Sigrid and Bain nodded in agreement.
There was a knock at the door, and a lovely elleth entered. "Good afternoon, My Lord," she curtsied. I bring you the items that were washed for Lady Tilda, and wish to take the other laundry." She handed him a bundle, wrapped in a cloth.
"I thank you. Galion, would you please bring the basket out for her?"
"Of course, My Lord. Just a moment." Galion quietly entered the bedchamber, so as not to wake up Bard, and brought the basket to her. After another polite curtsy, she left.
"I would like visit with your father and Tilda, until it is dinnertime." He got up, then turned back toward them.
"Children," he said, "I am immensely proud of all of you. You have been helpful, thoughtful, and supportive of each other, considering how little attention you have had from me or your Da. I do not know what will be involved with looking after Tilda, and this may take a great deal of our time and attention. Please, never think for a moment, we do not care about you any less."
The children looked at each other, then Sigrid said, "Right now, Tilda needs you a lot more than we do." Sigrid said.
"Don't worry, Ada, we know you haven't forgotten about us!" Bain added, with Rhys nodding in agreement.
"Thank you." He looked at Rhys, "King Bard and I appreciate your support and help, as well. I am very glad to have you with us."
The boy smiled. "Thank you, My Lord. I want to help."
"And you are. Bain needs you now, and so does Sigrid, so do not doubt your presence here. I am your guardian, yes, but for now, you are part of my family."
Thranduil looked at the three children. "What are your plans this evening?"
"Rhys and me are going to fletch some arrows over at the table." Bain said. Rúvyn brought some for us to work on."
"Rhys and I," Thranduil corrected with a smile. "And you, Sigrid?"
"Tauriel said Old Ben needed some socks, so I need to finish those."
"Very good. I will talk to you later, yes?" He got up, and went into his bedchamber, to find Bard on his stomach, fast asleep, fully clothed. He looked tired, but still, a wonderful sight. Although he had come for a serious reason, his heart jumped in his chest at having his husband and bond-mate so near. Valar, the man was so beautiful.
Thrandiul gently sat on the bed, and lifted a small lock of hair from his face. He watched Bard sleep for a few minutes, then placed a whisper of a kiss on his cheek before going to wash, gown up and see his Tithen Pen, bringing the wrapped bundle with him.
He stepped in, and saw Daeron checking Tilda's heart, and her head for fever, again.
Hilda looked up, her eyes smiling above her mask. "So far, so good. Did you see Bard?"
He nodded, smiling. "Thank you for forcing him to get some rest."
"He only had a couple of hours last night, and he's been here all day. It'll do him good."
"How do you fare, My Lady?" he smiled fondly down at her.
"I'm…" Even though he couldn't see most of her face, her eyes spoke volumes, and words were no longer needed.
He patted her shoulder. "What is it your Percy says? 'One foot in front of the other,' yes? I am now sending you to your rooms to rest, as well. You, Brennil Vuin, must not exhaust yourself, either. Go now, and sleep."
Hilda nodded, then went out. Esta wagged her tail and tilted her head back and forth.
"Good afternoon, Esta. How is our patient?"
The dog smiled at him, and wagged her tail rapidly.
"Well, that is good news. Thank you very much."
Esta stretched out, yawned, and left to be taken out.
Thranduil and Daeron moved to the doorway and had a whispered conversation.
"We have many good wishes from others in the Palace, and Erebor as well. A Raven brought them."
"A Raven?" The Guard was surprised.
"I would not be shocked, Mellon nîn. King Dáin has a soft spot for our little Princess, and it does expedite urgent messages." Thranduil turned back to gaze at Tilda. "How was her day?"
"She woke up a couple of times, and took some more liquids, so that is encouraging. Her heartbeat is steady, and no fever. This afternoon, I started her with some breathing exercises to help her lungs."
"How so?"
"There is most likely scarring, so we need to help her, by making her take very deep breaths, then blow out as hard and as long as she can. This also might cause her to cough, which is good, because it will get rid of anything left.
The Elvenking nodded. "How will the scarring affect her?"
"That cannot be known now, but she will be sensitive to cold air for a long time, and must have a scarf over her mouth. This could affect her for well over a year, My Lord."
Thranduil raised his eyebrows. "A year is a very long time for a little girl to be so delicate." He sighed.
"It does not stop there, My Lord. Things like this could also weaken the valves in her heart. For now, it is steady and stable, but we must monitor her closely throughout her life. If we find damage, we must repair it, or it could shorten her lifespan."
He gasped, as he let those words register. "Can anything be done now?"
"Like other things, it may not be apparent for a while. But we shall be watchful, My Lord. It is to our favor that Tilda is so young. Her body is still growing, and could overcome much that hinders her, at this point. If her brain has been affected, it will be easier for her to compensate. We can help her brain to learn new ways of doing things. I cannot say this is true for every child that has been damaged, but our initial signs from Tilda are encouraging."
Thranduil sucked in a breath, and closed her eyes. "When King Bard awakens, please make sure you tell him all of this. And thank you for not sparing any details. We must know everything."
Daeron looked at his King thoughtfully, and nodded.
Just then, there was a stirring from the bed. Tilda was awake again, so he went to sit on her bed.
"Hello, Tithen Pen." He smiled at her. "I am glad to see you awake."
"Ada." She said.
"Yes, it is Ada. I have two people who are anxious to see you." He unwrapped the bundle, and presented two clean stuffed toys. "They have taken their baths, and were anxious to get back to you." he held up Charlotte.
She smiled. "Doll."
"You are very smart. Now, who is this?"
Tilda looked at it and her mouth was moving. "Flower?"
"You are not entirely wrong, Tilda. His name is a flower you like."
She considered this. "D… "
"You are very close. The flower has a yellow center, with many white petals, and it begins with a 'D.' You like them very much, so you wanted to give your friend a happy name."
"I did?"
"Oh, yes, Tithen Pen. You do not like the names I give to my horses or my Elk, because they are scary, warrior names."
Tilda perked up. "Elk." And pointed to it.
"You are very smart. And his name begins with 'D." Let us think of flowers that start with that letter…"
Just then, Esta came back in, so Daeron quickly cleaned her paws, and wiped down her fur, so she could get back on the bed. Esta yipped a little and nuzzled her head under Tilda's right hand.
As Tilda began to stroke her head, she looked back at the toy Elk. "D… Daisy!"
"Yes, his name is Daisy! Very good!" Thranduil reached over and kissed her cheek.
He handed both toys to her, and watched her as she gazed down upon them. "Doll," she said, pointing to Charlotte. "Charlotte!"
"That is right. What is Daisy, is he a horse?"
She shook her head. "He's a Elk."
Daeron moved closer. "Hello Tilda." He held up one finger and asked, "Can you look at my finger, please? Do not move your head, just follow it with your eyes, if you would." He slowly moved his finger up and down, back and forth, and she was able to perform the task.
"You are a very good girl." He took her hands, "Can you squeeze my hands? Good… Now, try squeezing them as hard as you can." She did try, but it was plain to see that her grip was very weak. "Excellent." He turned her hands face up, then put his on top. "How about if try to push my hands up? Very good." He flipped their hands over. "Try to push them down now, as hard as you can." And she did.
In Sindarin, Daeron told Thranduil, "Her eyes are focusing very well, and her speech is not slurred, and that is an excellent sign, but her hands have lost much of their strength. Her left hand is weaker than her right."
Thranduil nodded to him, then moved to put his arm around Tilda. "I am so proud of you, Tithen Pen." He kissed her hair, as Daeron handed him a cup of water. "Now, let us drink our water. It is good for you."
She nodded, then loosely put her hands over his on the cup, as she drank.
"You are thirsty, Tilda, are you not?" She nodded to Daeron's question. "Do you hurt, anywhere?"
She thought for a moment. Then nodded yes.
"Where do you hurt? Can you take your finger and point to it?"
They waited as she pointed to her arms, legs and her stomach, and back. Daeron and Thranduil's eyes met, in alarm, then quickly conversed in Sindarin to discern what was wrong.
"Could her muscles be sore? Not just from her seizure, but from lying so still?"
"It's a possibility. She is already being given Willow Bark tea, but we can massage her muscles, that should help." He reached for the bottle of Athelas oil, and they lifted up her night gown and massaged it on her legs, then her back, arms and tummy.
"Is this better, is it not?" He rearranged her nightie and settled her back in bed with his arms around her.
She nodded, then relaxed into him. "Ada?"
"Yes, child?"
"I got sick."
"Yes, hênig, you became sick, but we are happy you are getting better."
"Da came."
"Yes, he did, Tithen Pen." He gathered her to him. "He is taking a nap at the moment."
Daeron stepped out to send for more tea and broth, as Thranduil held her in his lap. He held up Charlotte and pretended the she was talking to Tilda, which made her smile.
"I got sick." She said again.
"Yes, you did."
"Hey Little Bean, care for another visitor?" Bard stuck his head in, and Tilda's face brightened.
"Da's here." She said, with a little smile.
Bard smiled at her, and met Thranduil's gaze and held it for a few moments, and he felt his heart jump. As hard as all this was, it was so wonderful to have his husband so near.
The Elvenking stroked Tilda's hair. "Bard, our Tilda has talked quite a bit."
"That's my Little Bean, always the chatterbox." He came over to her and kissed her cheek. "You look a little better."
Tilda looked at him, and pointed to his light blue robe, then to Daeron's and Thranduil's. "You're the same," she said, and frowned.
Bard laughed. "That we are, Beanie. I know how much you hate this color, but I love hearing you tell me about it."
Thranduil asked her. "Do you not like light blue? I did not know this, hênig."
She frowned, and looked at her Da.
"Nobody knows why, but even when she was tiny, she hated it." He shook his head, and said to her, "We're going to have new ones made, right? I've asked Galion to take care of it. Can you tall Ada what color you want them to be?"
She thought for a second, as she played with Charlotte's hair, and nodded. "P..." She looked up at Thranduil. "I like p..."
"Pink?"
"Uh huh."
"That is good to know." Thranduil told her, as Galion came to the doorway, with the tray of tea and broth. Bard took it from him and thanked him.
Tilda smiled.
The Chief Aide stuck his head in. "Hello, Tilda. I am glad to see you awake."
She held out her arms to him, and Aide was visibly touched. "I must wash and put a robe on, but I will be in shortly, little one."
The little girl looked at her Da. "He's nice."
"So, I've heard, love."
"I have a… " Tilda paused and looked down at Charlotte, but couldn't think of the word she wanted to say. She looked up at Bard and Thranduil, hoping they could help her, but neither one knew what she wanted.
She struggled for a second or two, and started to get upset, so Thranduil made soothing noises and hugged her to him.
"Never mind, love. It's all right. You've been sick, and you're still tired out." Bard kissed her temple, "You'll think of it tomorrow."
Galion, washed and robed, so Bard stepped back to let Elf could step up to the bed, and give her a hug. "I am happy to see you, Tilda."
"Perhaps Galion could give you your tea and broth. Would you like that?" Thranduil asked. "I need to speak to your Da."
"Uh huh."
So, the fathers stepped out as Uncle Galion sat down to give her dinner, such as it was, and they left the door open a crack.
.
.
Thranduil pulled Bard farther into their bedroom, and into his dressing room, closing the door behind them. In the dark, he gathered Bard into his arms and they just held each other tight.
Bard reveled in the smell and feel of his Elf, and buried his nose into Thranduil's neck for many silent minutes.
"Please forgive me, Meleth nîn." Thranduil's voice trembled. "I know Tilda needs us, and so do the other children. But… I need you... in my arms." Thranduil whispered. "I need to hold you, for just a moment."
"Oh, love, I know. Stars, I've missed you." Bard's throat tightened as he burrowed into his husband. This was what he needed; it was what they both needed.
Bard's lips found Thranduil's and as they kissed, there were tears on their faces. As they held and caressed each other, Bard began to feel solid ground under his feet, for the first time since he arrived. As their embrace tightened, his heart began to settle. He no longer felt like he was constantly falling, and scrabbling for a foothold. They were here together, now.
"Oh, yes…" he breathed. "I love you so much, Thranduil..."
He heard Thranduil's small whimper, as their mouths opened, and their kiss deepened. Valar this felt so good… Life flowed faster and faster through them, and between them, and their touches soothed the pain and fear in their hearts.
Soon he felt long, smooth fingers undo his laces, and a hand gripping his member. Involuntarily, he groaned softly and thrust his hips forward. Bard quickly pulled away and yanked Thranduil's robes open and soon, they were held together under both of their hands and they thrust against each other.
This was not just an act of love, it was a release from the deep fear and pain they felt. This pleasure soothed them, and steadied them for whatever came next. This was two bond-mates, coming together again, so they could be stronger as a whole, more than they ever could be apart. This was deep need, and this was a reminder of what loving each other meant.
Bard tried his best to stifle the noises he made into Thranduil's shoulder, but when he began to feel his orgasm, he couldn't stop the moans and he scrunched his eyes shut, and bit Thranduil's shoulder, hard, to stifle his scream. The pain mixed with pleasure sent his Elf over the edge, and he heard Thranduil gasp loudly, as the warm milky liquid left streaks on both of their hands, stomachs and chests. Once again, Bard saw the stars and the sun, and the pure joy of being with his husband. They continued to thrust together in the dark until at last they were spent, and panting.
Bard ran his hands through his soft, silky hair, and sighed. "We both needed that." He kept whispering to his husband. "I missed you, so much."
"I feel whole, when you are near, Meleth nîn. I feel stronger."
Bard put Thranduil's hand on his heart. You're in here, but I can feel more, when you when you're nearby.
Thranduil put Bard's hand over his own heart. "I love you"
"Thanks for dragging me in here."
"It is terrible to say how much I want you?" Thranduil didn't want to let go of him, and wrapped his arms around Bard again. "I cannot help it." he whispered into Bard's neck. "I need to be with you, Meleth nîn. I need to feel you inside of me."
"No, love, it's not. I need you, too. We'll figure out something." Bard kissed him, again, long and hard. "But for now, we need to get out there for our family." He stroked the Elvenking's cheeks.
They stepped back and cleaned each other up, and put themselves back together. Then they went back out and checked the nursery, again.
Galion had finished giving Tilda her tea, which she didn't like, and getting ready to give her some more broth. They saw her smile at Galion, and from the look on his face, he was grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with her.
Daeron was still there, and nodded to them. "She is responding well, and has kept down the liquids, so I want to start her tomorrow on some soft, bland food. It will help her get strong again."
Bard smiled at his Little Bean. "Will you be all right with Galion, while I go visit with your sister and brother? I'll be back in a little while."
She nodded, and smiled at Galion. "He's nice."
Bard grinned. "So, you've said in all your letters, Little Bean. Ada's going to come too, because I think your Uncle Galion wants you all to himself for a little while."
Galion looked to Tilda, "I know this is not your favorite couch, but you have Charlotte, and Daisy, and Esta, so perhaps you could take a nap when we are finished?"
She nodded, but then her brow furrowed. "I need a girl."
"Why is that, love?"
"I have to pee."
Ah. "I'm sorry, Beanie, but Auntie Hil is sleeping, and Sigrid isn't allowed to come in, right now. I'll take you. I used to when you were little."
She didn't like it, but there was nothing for it, and they got through it. Soon she was ensconced back in bed, with her toys, and Galion was telling her a story.
Finally, the Kings made it out to the living room, and relaxed with Sigrid, Bain and Rhys. Hilda came in after a while, and told Galion, to enjoy his visit; she'd get him his dinner.
They spent the evening catching up around the dinner table, then relaxing on the couches, while the children had their chance to be with their Da, who had needed him just as much.
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After dinner, the two Kings took turns with Tilda, again.
"My Lord, Meriel is here," Galion said to Thranduil, who was snuggling with the little girl and singing to her.
Daeron stood up to greet the other Healer. "She has had a good day; and I think she'll sleep through the night." The Guard couldn't help himself from stretching. "If you will excuse me, I will say good night."
After Daeron left to sleep in Rhys's room, the elleth smiled down at Tilda, and began to examine her. "How are you feeling, Lady Tilda? Your face has a little more color, I see."
Thranduil looked down at his daughter, "Daeron said that too, did he not?"
"He is a smart Elf." She said, as she felt the glands in Tilda's throat, and listened to her heart. "Can you squeeze both of my hands? Excellent. Now, can you push them up? Down? Good! Please follow my finger and keep you head still for me, if you would…"
As she did all this, Tilda asked, "Why?"
"Oh, it is a silly game we Healers like to play," Meriel grinned conspiratorially.
Once Tilda was done with necessities and her nighttime medicine, she was ready for a good night kiss from her fathers and Uncle Galion. Bard stayed with her, until she fell asleep.
The others got through their baths and bed, and once his duties were done, Galion exited, taking Hilda with him.
Thranduil was alone with his husband.
"Unfortunately, we have little privacy in our room, Meleth nîn," he whispered into Bard's ear, as he nibbled on his earlobe.
"That won't do at all, love. I have no intention of being quiet." Bard's hands traveled from his waist, down to his buttocks, to massage them, and rub their hips together, sending thrills all throughout the Elf. His cock responded accordingly, and Thranduil thrust his hips against Bard, hard, as he plundered his mouth.
"Valar I've missed this," Bard breathed, as he fisted his hands in Thranduil's hair to pull his head back.
Thranduil gasped with delight, as Bard placed soft, wet kisses all along his neck. "A, ma…" he breathed. "Ci velethron e-guil nîn, Bard."
"If I have to wait another minute to have you, I think I'll die."
Thranduil lightly kissed his lips, then pushed Bard away, reluctantly. "Just a moment; wait here." Leaving Bard standing there, with his mouth agape, the Elvenking dashed into their bedroom and grabbed the bottle of oil from his nightstand, and a towel from his closet.
Hurrying through the living room, he grabbed Bard's wrist. "Come with me," and dragged him out of their chambers, and into his study across the hall. Slamming and locking the door behind him, he quickly threw up a silencing spell and turned back to his husband, who quickly manhandled him against the door.
"Bard…" He grabbed his husband's tunic and practically ripped it off of him, before he began to suckle on a nipple. Thranduil felt Bard's fingers in his hair and heard him gasp loudly.
"Oh, bloody fuck, Thran…" Bard said, panting. "I forgot how good you feel…"
Thranduil quickly undid Bard's laces and plunged his hands into his breeches. They both moaned, as Bard thrust up to meet his touches. Thranduil moved over to the other nipple, and bit it.
"Aaah!" His husband cried out, then Thranduil started on the fastenings holding his robe together.
"Here, let me." Bard removed the rest of the Elvenking's clothing. Once his own were gone, Bard pushed Thranduil against the closed door, slicked his fingers and knelt before the Elvenking, taking him into this warm, wet mouth. The Elf threw his head back and let out a long, low moan, squirming.
Finally, Bard stood up and wrapped Thranduil's legs around him, and entered the Elf with one long, stroke, as the Elf let out a loud groan of pleasure. His Bard was around him, in him, and the world disappeared completely, except for them and how it felt.
Bard moaned as he began to thrust into him, holding him up against the wall with his hands gripping his arse, "Gods I've missed you; I love you so much."
"Please go slow. I love how you feel inside me. I need to feel everything! I've waited so long…"
"You feel so good, Thranduil. This was all I could think about; I thought about fucking you all the time… I could hardly sleep, from wanting you."
Thranduil wrapped his arms and legs tighter around Bard, and kissed him hard. He closed his eyes and reveled in the feel of Bard's mouth, the warm skin against his, and lavender scent of the oil. He moaned again as Bard's thrust came deeper and faster.
"Look at me, Bard. Let me see your eyes." Thranduil gazed into those forest-green depths and lost himself, as he worked his hand between them, and stroked himself.
"Aaah! Ah, Ma, Meleth nîn!" He could feel the lightning bolts flow through him and knew Bard was close, too.
"I'm gonna come, love" Bard's voice was no more than a hoarse whisper. "Come with me. Do it, love. Come with me."
It was more than they both could contain, and tears fell from their eyes, as they climaxed together, with loud cries of joy. Bard continued to thrust into him as they worked through their orgasms, moaning and panting, until at last they stopped. Once Bard was soft enough to pull out of Thranduil, he carried him over to the couch. Thank the Valar, Thranduil had thrown his robe over it. It would probably be ruined from the stains of their lovemaking, and Thranduil honestly didn't care.
They lay there for some minutes, still breathing heavy, and exchanging loving caresses and languid kisses, as they held each other. Just to lay next to each other skin to skin was glorious.
"I wish we could stay like this." Thranduil kissed his husband's hair.
Bard shifted into a more comfortable position, then laid his head on the Elvenking's shoulder and snuggled into him. "It was even better than I remembered, or what I dreamed of, and let me tell you, I was dreaming of you a lot." he said with a contented sigh.
"I have imagined you, as well; it mattered little whether I was asleep or awake." Thranduil whispered, with his eyes closed, feeling relaxed and content, for the first time in over a month. "I am sorry for what brought you here, but I am not sorry to hold you in my arms."
"Mmmm…. You feel so good. Everything feels better, when I have you.
"We cannot stay here long, Meleth nîn, although I hate to leave."
"Oh, I know. Thanks for thinking of this. I really didn't want to make love with you with my small daughter within earshot, and Meriel listening in."
"We will be making use of my office frequently while you are here."
He could feel Bard's smile against his chest. "Good. Sneaking around makes me feel like a naughty young lad."
"Hmmmm... I did not think of it that way, but I find that exciting. Perhaps we can find other places to sneak off to."
"Oooh... Like the Throne Room?" Bard asked hopefully.
"Please, please, no. Every time I am in there, I can still see my father. I doubt I could even kiss you in that room."
"Ugh." Bard shuddered. Then he lifted his head at looked at Thranduil's face. "There's always the walk-in closet," he grinned.
"If you only knew how often I sat in there with my necklace on…" the Elf groaned.
"In front of the mirror?" He could feel Bard's grin, along with his snicker.
"Oh, yes…"
"I meant what I said in my letter, love. After this, I don't want us separate for more than a week or two. This has been agony."
"I agree. The only benefit is my time alone with the children, and for that, I am grateful. It has helped our relationship a great deal. Galion and I have loved all the small moments and joys of parenting."
"Such as?"
"Making sure they are dressed warmly, or helping with their lessons, or playing in the snow." Thranduil mused. "The best so far, has been dancing with Sigrid at her party. It was good to be an Ada, that night. She was so beautiful and gracious; I thought my heart would burst with love and pride."
"I'm glad you could have that with her. Your painting of her means the world to me, love." Bard traced his fingers in small circles on Thranduil's chest, and snuggled closer to him. "But I especially loved the other picture you sent with it."
"So, you liked it?" Thranduil grinned wickedly in the dark.
"Let's just say I made good use of it, and it's well-hidden. I don't how you captured that moment of our joining, but it was all there. That was one of the most beautiful moments of my entire life."
I feel the same way." Thranduil kissed Bard's hair again, then began to move. "We need to get back to our Tithen Pen, in case she wakes."
"That we do. Let's go." They cleaned up, got dressed, then Thranduil picked up his stained robe from the couch and they went back to their apartment, where all seemed quiet.
They checked the nursery, and saw Tilda sleeping, tucked in with her toys.
"Is she all right?" Bard asked Meriel.
"Her sleep is becoming more natural, My Lord." Meriel told them. "Another good sign. I still need to wake her, for her dose of medicine, but if she continues this way, she will sleep all night, very soon."
"She looks sweet lying there, does she not?" Thranduil whispered, smiling.
Meriel nodded her head. "Yes. I am glad to see she is improving."
Bard told the Healer. "I'll be back, as soon as I've had a bath."
They both went to bathe and change into sleeping clothes and robes. "You go on to bed, love. You're still recovering from everything. I'll be in later."
"Of course, Meleth nîn." He put his arms around Bard and kissed him. "Go be with our daughter."
Once Bard went into the nursery, Thranduil gratefully crawled into bed. Bard had been right; he still struggled with exhaustion after all his efforts in the bathing room. As he lay his head on the pillow, he pulled the covers up and smiled.
Bard was here. And Tilda would live. These two thoughts sent him into a deep, restful sleep.
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Brennil Vuin – Beloved Lady
Ci velethron e-guil nîn, Bard – You are the love of my life, Bard
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NOTES:
A Corbie is a Scottish/Celtic word for Raven.