9
Chapter Twenty-Nine
.
.
SUMMARY: Our Kings help Ina have some closure, so she can begin her new life.
.
Rhian has a visitor, and she's very excited to introduce her son to him.
.
King Dain and Uncle Percy send a gift to for Tilda, and while it's deeply appreciated, Bard finds it unsettling.
.
.
The Woodland Realm; 22nd February, 2942, T.A.
Bard was the first to wake up, and despite the vigorous activity the evening before, he felt rested.
Thranduil was sleeping beside him, on his stomach, looking splendid in his black silk pajamas. His blond hair contrasted beautifully with the shiny dark fabric, which only served to make the Elf seem even more exotic and otherworldly.
After a loving look, and a sigh, Bard carefully eased his way out of bed, and after washing and other things, went to dress.
Oh, Stars… Bard laughed to himself, when he saw the remains of Thranduil's chair. He didn't realize he'd smashed the thing to pieces.
Bard was still gauging his own strength, and it was a difficult process. Last night, however… He shook his head and chuckled, as he put the mess in a neater pile, and reached for an everyday tunic and leggings, then tried to tame his hair, which could only be accomplished if he just pulled it all back in a ponytail, and called it a day.
He sat and looked at himself in the mirror, pensively. They hadn't owned one, in Laketown, and who had time for anything like that in Dale, yet?
As he studied the image before him, the thought struck him: he'd never look any different than he did now. Never!
His hair might grow, but it would never go grey, or white. He decided the few silver strands on his temples, the lines on his brow, around his mouth, and in the corners of his eyes were a good thing. His skin was weather-worn; it made him look older than a man of thirty-nine years. If he looked youthful and never changed, it could cause difficulty, and he wanted to wait as long as possible before he abdicated the throne to Bain.
After a few minutes, Bard heaved a sigh. All that could wait; there were other, more pressing matters to worry about, and it did no good to sit in here, giving himself excuses to avoid them.
After standing up, he put his shoulders back, and left the room.
After the family, breakfasted together, and went off to their activities, Thranduil went to help Tilda with her exercises.
She was not having a good morning.
"Lift your leg, again, Tithen Pen; would you like to count with me?"
"No! I don't like it!" Tilda face pinched with a sudden explosion of fury.
"I know, hênig," he remained calm, but we need to get you strong, so you can run and play again. You want to do this, yes?"
Tilda looked at Thranduil with wide, eyes that were starting to fill with tears. "I got really really sick."
The Elvenking put her leg back down, and sat on the bed. He took her hand and said, "Yes, I am afraid you did."
Her lower lip trembled. "I don't like…"
"What is it, sweet one?" Thranduil put his arm around her shoulders. "Tell Ada what is bothering you."
Tilda started to cry. "I don't like this," she said again. "I don't like this!" and she became and frantic, and repeated it over and over, as she raged on. "I don't like this!" Her body began to stiffen, and thrash, as she said the words over and over. Esta jumped on the bed, pawed at her arm, and tried to nuzzle her head under her hand.
"Shhh… Come now, Tithen Pen, let us take some deep breaths." Thranduil held her in his arms, and put his hand over hers, to help her pet the dog. "When you get upset, it is hard to think, and to do things, and we must keep you relaxed, so you can get better. See how Esta wants to help? If you feel bad, let us remember to pet her." He murmured soothingly to her, as he helped her run her hand over the dog's head.
After she calmed down, he asked her, "Can you tell me what you are feeling, so I can help you?"
She looked up at Thranduil with a sad face, and her eyes were bright with tears. "I c-can't do things! I want… to be… me, Ada." Her lips wobbled. "I don't feel like me." And she began to cry in earnest. "I'm s-scared!"
He held her in his arms again, and was silent for a moment or two, as he looked up and rapidly blinked away his own tears. "I know you are afraid, and I am sorry it will take so much work." He kissed the top of her head. "But sometimes, my Tilda, we must face things that frighten us." He grabbed a small towel and dipped it into some water, to clean off her face. "Do you remember when we were all back at Dale, and the Orcs came?"
He felt her nod her head. "Uh huh. Bain made us hide."
"Yes, he did. He told me he covered you with his coat, so you could not see them."
Again she nodded her head.
"That was nice of him. Bain was very afraid, but he faced his fears so he could take care of you."
Tilda considered this. "I was really scared."
"I know." He stroked her hair. "Did you know I was very afraid, that day?"
She pulled back and looked up at him. "You were scared?"
"Oh, yes. I was very upset and afraid, for many reasons. But I had to face my fears, because I wanted to keep us safe. I did not want to, but I had to. We all worked together to fight them, and we won. And now, your Da is King, and we are still working hard, to make a home for your people."
"Will Dale be pretty?"
"Yes, but it will take a lot of work, and there will be many, many days when your Da doesn't like it. He would rather stay here, with all of us."
"He came when I got sick." Tilda sniffed, and hiccuped a little.
"Yes, he did. And he will not like it at all, when he has to go back. He will be very sad to leave us."
Tilda looked into Thranduil's eyes. "He has to go."
"You know your Da would never leave you, if he didn't have to, Tithen Pen. But we are fortunate. We not only have a nice home, here, but we have nice rooms in Dale. Many of your people have nothing, so he needs to make sure enough houses are built by the time summer comes. Your friends from school would like homes to live in, with their Mams and Das, do you not think?"
She nodded.
"Do you not think your Da should help make sure they have places to keep warm and safe and dry?"
"He has to work."
"Yes, hênig. He is a King, Tilda, and there are times he does not like it, but it is work that needs to be done. Many people depend upon him, and he needs to help them be safe. It is not just Da; everyone in Dale is working hard, and away from their families to build the city."
Tilda thought about this. "I have to work, too."
"Yes, you do, Tithen Pen. But you have many people who love you and want to help you."
"I want…" herface crumbled with self loathing and fear, "to be me, Ada."
"Oh, I know, my little love." He kissed her hair. "You are becoming more you every day, did you know that?" Thranduil tucked her under his chin. "You are making a great deal of progress, Tilda."
"How?"
Thranduil got up to get her exercise chart. "See how it was when you started," He pointed to the first day, "and look at how many you can do, now!" He smiled down at her, "You speak in sentences. Your memory gets better all the time, you are getting stronger, and you are eating more. It might not seem so to you, but we all can see it. And tomorrow, you can leave this room, and be out with us!"
"I will?"
Thranduil pulled his head back and smiled down at her, as he stroked his thumb against her cheek. "Yes, hênig, you will, and it makes me very happy. You are doing wonderfully. You simply need to be patient."
"I have to work."
That is exactly right. Even when you do not like it, or do not want to. We will not give up, and we will not let you," he booped her nose, "give up either."
"You help Da. Like that?"
"Yes. Now, I want you to listen to me." Thranduil took her little face in his hands and said, "You will get better. You need to do what Daeron and Meriel tell you, and yes, you must work very hard, and be patient." Thranduil kissed her brow. "Now, can you work hard at your exercises with me?"
She nodded, and so, they did.
.
Later, Thranduil, Galion and Elion sang at the gravesite of Iola of Dale, to send her soul to Eru and wish her peace, if she could find it. Ina was visibly moved at the beauty of their voices, and her companion, Írimë was there to support her, while Bard stood next to Hilda.
When it was time, Bard stepped forward to say a few general words, asking the Valar and Eru Ilúvitar to grant her peace and forgiveness in her new life.
Then Ina stepped forward, and threw some soil on the new mound of dirt. "Wherever you are, Iola, I wish you well. I wish myself well, too, and I hope both of our lives will be better."
Thranduil raised his palms skyward, and after some words in Quenya, the small service was over.
"Thank you, My Lord." Ina said shyly. "My sister is better off. I'm sorry for all the hurt she caused, but this is much better than prison. I'd never wish her to do away with herself, but maybe this was how it was supposed to end up."
Thranduil nodded to her politely. "This was a situation with no easy answers, Ina. I doubt there ever will be. For now, Lord Bard and I urge you to make the most of the new life you've been given, and to speak to Írimë if you feel confused or upset. The Valar has a purpose for your life; it is up to you to find it."
"You've both been kinder than I ever deserved." Ina looked very pale, and began to cry.
Írimë put her arm around the woman's shoulders. "Mistress Ina is fatigued; I must return her to her quarters."
It was true. As they walked away, Ina leaned heavily on the Healer, and they could see she was unsteady on her feet.
.
As the two Kings made their way back to the Palace, they saw the wagons from Dale arriving, so they stood to greet the men who were there to visit.
"Hello, King Thranduil, Lord Bard," Old Ben walked over and bowed to them. "Fancy setup you have here." The man looked around in wonder at the architecture in the caves. "Valar preserve us; this is genius!"
"That is indeed a compliment, from someone such as yourself." Thranduil told the City Planner. "My father came from Doriath, and he styled the cave after Menegroth, his former home. King Elu Thingol ultimately deserves the credit for its design. Sometime during your stay, I would be happy to give you a tour."
"Aye, I'd like that. First, I need to arrange for my rooms…"
"Oh, that is taken care of," Thranduil gestured toward the wagons, where several Elves were unloading the luggage. "I have set you up in a suite on the Royal Wing. It is close to Rhian and baby Darryn; I thought you might enjoy that."
"I would, and I thank you very much, My Lord." Ben looked around some more. "Beggin' your pardon, where is…."
"As it happens, we're headed that way ourselves." Bard grinned. "Rhian's expecting you, and she's anxious to introduce you to the baby. He's something, I tell you."
The three of them made their way through the halls and pathways and walkways to their part of the Palace and into the wide hallway of the Royal quarters.
"This is really impressive," The man said. "Do you know how long it took to carve all of this out?"
"My father told me it took seventy-five years to finish the basic structure, and the carvings and decorations, are ongoing. It will always be so, I expect; my people like to express themselves."
They showed him the door to his rooms, next to Galion's. "Your bags are not here yet, but a servant will bring them, and unpack your things. Rhian's rooms are just down the hall, on the other side. Allow us to show you –"
"Ben!"
The Elvenking couldn't finish his sentence, because Rhian's door opened, and she rushed over to him, followed by Indis, who was carrying little Darryn.
"There's my beautiful girl!" Ben went to her and threw his arms around her. "You look wonderful, love!"
Bard and Thranduil cringed inwardly, as they both knew Rhian hated to be touched, but for some reason, the older man was able to hug the young girl with little difficulty. They saw Rhian's face, and while there was a little bit of nervousness, she was mostly thrilled. Eventually, she laid her head on his shoulder.
"I'm so glad to see you," she told him.
"Not nearly as happy as I am to see you, dear." He held her at arm's length. "Now, let me look at you… By my beard, look at those healthy, pink cheeks, all filled out; and your eyes are sparkling. You were always a lovely girl, but now that you've got some happiness inside, you're just stunning, my girl!"
Rhian's smile grew wider. "I missed you."
Ben hugged her again. "And I you, my dear girl. It does my heart good to see you like this. You're prettier than a rose, love. I always told my Cristyn how much you looked like her. You've got her beautiful eyes, and no mistake." He kissed her brow. "There's a smile on your face again. Does it have anything to do with a certain young man Lord Bard's been telling me about?"
"Aye, Ben. He's so wonderful!" Rhian wiped her eyes and turned to take the baby from a smiling Indis. "This is my Darryn." She said, proudly.
Ben had to clear his throat as he peered down at the boy, who was curious about this new person.
"Go on, he won't break." Rhian handed him over. "He likes people a lot."
"Oh, my…" Ben face was priceless; full of wonder, "Well, now, young man. Just look at you... all that dark hair; aren't you the image of your Mam... Rhian, he's the very spit of you, when you were a babinod…"
Darryn waved his arms, kicked his legs and gave Old Ben a wide grin.
The older man was positively giddy. "Aren't you a clever lad!"
"I am sure you would all be more comfortable in Rhian's apartment; do you not think?" Thranduil gently guided the small group to her door. "Have the refreshments arrived from the kitchens?"
"Aye, My Lord; thank you kindly."
"Lord Galion and Lady Hilda deserve the credit, so I will be sure to pass along your thanks. Now, go and enjoy your reunion."
Rhian went in, followed by Ben, who looked like he was holding the most precious treasure on Middle Earth, while Indis brought up the rear.
Once they were alone in the Hallway, Bard took Thranduil's hand and squeezed it. "I'm glad we got to see that. Makes me think of when we hold our grandchildren, someday."
Thranduil's face lit up. "Grandchildren… What a wonderful thought, Meleth nîn. Yet another gift you will bring into my life."
"I know how much you love babies," Bard kissed their joined hands. "The problem is finding someone that's good enough to marry our kids."
The Elvenking's face fell. "I see what you mean. No one will be good enough to marry our Sigrid; she is our Princess. And Bain must find someone well-suited to be Queen, someday. Our Tilda –"
"Don't say it." Bard flinched. "Our Little Bean can't be allowed to grow up and leave us; she's our baby."
"Perish the thought." Thranduil shuddered. "Speaking of our baby, let us see if she is awake."
They continued to hold hands on their way to the King's chambers, to take advantage of every minute, because Bard would be returning to Dale in two days.
"My Lord!" A guard came up to them a saluted. "King Dáin sent something with the wagons for Lady Tilda."
"Do you have it with you?" Bard asked.
"I am afraid it is too big for me to carry, but it will be here, momentarily."
Thranduil and Bard looked at each other. "Good gravy… he didn't send her a pony to ride, did he? I know he's attached to her, but… Oh, Valar, do you think he sent a pig? Or a goat?"
The Elven guard grinned. "He sent this message, Lord Bard. It should explain things." He handed a note over bearing the King Under the Mountain's seal.
Bard took it, broke the seal, and read out loud:
Bard:
Heard your wee one will be getting out of her room soon. Percy came to me with an idea to help her get around, until she's fully back on her feet.
.
Best wishes to Lady Tilda for a swift recovery, and please tell her we're all thinking of her here in Erebor. I hope the little star I caught is helping her feel better.
Dáin II
.
Bard and Thranduil shrugged at each other, and looked to the guard for clues, but he would give none.
After a few minutes her present arrived. It was a special, cushioned chair on wheels, so Tilda could get around without being carried, or tiring herself out.
It was a wonderful gesture and it would surely be put into use. This would help Tilda to be a part of things, and to go places in the Palace. It was the perfect for her.
"That's wonderful; it really is." Bard said, as he cleared his throat, and blinked rapidly. "It'll come in handy, and she'll love zooming around in it." He forced a smile. "If you'll excuse me, there's something in the study I need to..."
Thranduil told the guards. "It is indeed a very thoughtful gift, and will be put to good use. Please take it to my chambers and explain to Galion about it, but do not let Lady Tilda know. We will surprise her later. Thank you."
He turned and went to his study, and when he closed the door behind him, he found Bard sitting on one of the white couches, with his head in his hand.
Thranduil sat and put his arms around him, and pulled him close. "It was a clever idea, Meleth nîn."
"I know." Bard put his head on Thranduil's shoulder.
"And it will help her a great deal."
"I know."
"It will cheer her tremendously to be out and about, again."
"I know."
"But, it is a shock to think of our daughter in such a chair."
He felt Bard sigh.
"And you are afraid she might need it for the rest of her life."
Bard said nothing. He just swallowed.
"I know, Meleth nîn, I know."