Chapter Thirty-Five
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SUMMARY:
Everyone in the Royal Chambers eagerly awaits the arrival of Uncle Percy, and…
Letters! More letters!
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The Woodland Realm, 4rd of March, 2942, T.A.
"Is he here, yet?" Sigrid asked anxiously, as she, Bain and Rhys hurried into Thranduil's chambers for lunch.
"I am sorry, but the wagons have not arrived, yet." Galion said, as he set the table. "They should be here any moment."
"Where's Ada?" Bain asked the Elf.
"He has gone to the Main Doors, to greet your Uncle Percy and the rest of the visitors. Your Auntie Hil is with him. Now, please put your books away and wash your hands…"
Meriel wheeled Tilda out from the nursery. "He'll be here soon?" the little girl asked.
"Very soon, hênig. Have you washed up for lunch?"
"Yep, I'm all clean."
"She did it all by herself, today." Meriel smiled down at her.
Sigrid came over and kissed her cheek. "That's wonderful, Til!"
"That's great!" Rhys smiled at her.
Galion looked at all their anxious excited faces. He was looking forward to seeing his friend, Percy, too.
Once their things were put away, and they washed, the children all sat down to lunch, but before anyone could eat, the door opened, and they could hear a mischievous voice call out:
"Where are those Sea Monsters, at? Where are they?"
"UNCLE PERCY!" Sigrid and Bain shot up out of their chairs like a shot, and pounced on the man, nearly knocking him down. He held them close to him for several moments, and hugged them back.
"We missed you!" Bain said.
"And I missed you, too. I hate how quiet it is, back home without all you kids." Percy ruffled Rhys's hair. "Hello there, son! Your Da gave me a letter to give to you." He pulled the sealed envelope out of his pocket."
"Thanks! I'll go and read it after lunch." Rhys put the letter in his pocket and smiled up at him.
"Please, Percy, sit and have something to eat; I'm sure you must be hungry." Thranduil urged him farther into the room, followed by Hilda, who was beaming.
"I will, but first…" Percy walked around the table, and got down on one knee in front of Tilda. "Hello, Little Bean." He smiled at her, and kissed her hand. "How do you feel?"
Tilda held out her arms and Uncle Percy picked her up and in his arms, hugging her tight. "I was so worried about you, sweetheart." He whispered. "I'm so glad you're going to be all right." There were tears in his eyes, and his voice wavered.
"I really missed you, Uncle Percy." Tilda said, as she laid her head on his shoulder and put her arms around him. I'm so happy you're here."
"Oh, where else would I be? Now that your Da's back to work, Wild Wargs couldn't keep me away, love."
"Da told me I have to show you around, and help Auntie Hil keep you out of trouble."
"Oh, I don't know if anyone can do that!" Sigrid laughed.
"Well, I'll need someone to keep an eye on me, while everyone's at work; what do you say, Beanie, do you want to be my babysitter?"
"Yes!" Tilda smiled.
Percy did eventually sit and eat, but he wouldn't put Tilda back in her chair. Instead, he ate his lunch with a petite little girl in his lap, and helped her with hers.
It was a wonderful afternoon. The children skipped their afternoon lessons, so they could visit with him, but he insisted that Tilda keep up with her afternoon session in the pool.
"I promised your Da that you'd keep to your schedule, so I'll peek in and see you swimming around like a fish, how's that?"
"My swimsuit is pink!"
"I'll bet you look cute." He booped her nose. "Now, you go with…Meriel, is it?"
"It is, Lord Percy, and it is a pleasure to meet you, Tilda has told me a great deal about you."
He grinned down at Tilda slyly, "Well, don't you believe a word of it; I'm really a nice man."
"Uncle Percy!" Tilda laughed.
Later, Hilda came over to stand beside Percy and put her arm around his waist, and smiled up at him. "He's a scoundrel, but I think I'll keep him."
"Will you have supper here, Uncle Percy?" Bain asked hopefully.
Galion looked on with a smile and he and Thranduil saw the look Percy and Hilda were giving each other.
"We have arranged for dinner to be brought to your rooms, Hilda." Thranduil told them. "After such a long ride this morning, I am sure your husband could use a quiet meal and some rest, do you not think?" He added, hiding a smile.
"Come to think on it, he does look pretty tired…" Hilda looked at her husband with a critical eye.
Percy winked at her. "Yep. I'm pooped. Come on; I need an evening with my best girl."
After they left, and Galion went to see about dinner, Rhys went to read his letter from Alun, and Tilda moped.
"Uncle Percy could have had dinner with us!"
Thranduil sat beside her on the couch and put his arm around her. "You will understand when you are older." He said, as he kissed the top of her head.
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LETTERS TO THE WOODLAND REALM FROM DALE
From Bard to Thranduil:
Hello, love;
Well; I'm here. I can't tell you how hard it was to leave you, Thranduil, and to tell you the truth, I hope, in time, that will get easier.
I know how that sounds, and I know that's not what you want to hear, but think about it: we are Kings, with Realms of our own, and neither of us should expect the other to neglect his duties. We will be separated a lot of the time, and that's just the way it's going to be. I have to find a way to deal with the sadness, or I can't function, and I won't let my personal problems affect my commitment to my people, and I'd never want that for you, either.
I suppose I'll get the hang of all these separations, eventually. Our "No More Than Two Weeks" rule was a good idea. Believe it or not, Thangon really helps. He knocked me to the ground; he was so happy to see me! He really makes me laugh, love.
I sat down with Alun when I arrived and explained to him about his Mother and his Aunt. I offered to let him go see Rhys to make sure he's all right. I offered to send him to check on his boy, and he gladly accepted. He'll be arriving with the wagons next week.
We had originally thought to send him with Percy, but he decided, with Percy gone, he could wait; Rhys is all right, but as a father, I know he needs to check on his boy for himself, especially after the trauma of a death in the family, and this is affecting him a bit harder than he thought it would.
I've urged him not to try and see Ina, just yet. Even if he was up to it, I have to wonder if she is. Regardless of how much of a monster Iola was, she's still dealing with the separation and death of someone who's been by her side all her life. It was a toxic situation, but she's feeling the loss keenly, and I doubt she's up to much more, right now.
Maybe I'm wrong about all this, though. There's no way to know, but if he asks, I want everyone to follow Írimë's directive on this matter and that is the final word – now and in the future. I would truly like to see a reunion of some kind, but she's so fragile right now.
I've met with Dáin, too. He wanted a full and complete update on our Tilda, as well as the other children. I thanked him formally for the use of the Ravens, and discussed the possibility of continuing with this practice between our Realms.
He also spoke about Tauriel's week-long stay in Erebor. I don't know what she'll say to you herself, but she took Tilda's illness hard, so Percy sent a Raven to Dáin, and the King Under the Mountain himself came and made her go. That's all I can really say, but Dáin said the Dwarves from the Original Company took good care of her, and did their best to cheer her up.
She misses you so much, love. She misses all of you.
Tell me; how is our Tilda? I know they were about to start her in the bathing pool, and get her on her feet more. Please; tell me everything.
Enjoy the time with Percy; I know Galion and the children will, but no one will be happier than Hilda. She's been stoic during their separation, but I know she misses him, and vice-versa.
It as just as I feared; the nights are long, and I hate not being with you, but you're right; I'll see you in a week and a half, and it really helps.
Love,
Bard
P.S. I just thought of something: could you draw some pictures of our room, here, and of me and Thangon? I think it might make Tilda less lonesome if she "sees" me at work in my study, and of Tauriel and all the others going about our daily lives here. Maybe you can have someone bring a relative of Thangon's to our Chambers, so Tilda could be reminded of the kind of dog I have.
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From Bard to Bain:
Hello son,
I'm sorry I didn't get to spend as much time as I would like, when I was there. Life won't always be this tumultuous, and Tilda needed me. But never, ever think you and Sigrid aren't every bit as important to me.
I'm so incredibly proud of you, Bain, for looking out for your sisters, and looking out for Rhys when his Aunt died. You're a good friend, and I'm happy to see you two get along so well. Thranduil thinks, if things continue like this, Rhys will be a wonderful asset to you, when the time comes for you to be King. You'll need people around you that you absolutely trust to tell you the truth; even when you don't want to hear it.
Keep up with your studies and our practice, and be as much help as you can to Ada and Galion.
Have fun with Uncle Percy!
Love,
Your Da
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From Bard to Sigrid:
Hello, My Dear Girl!
It was so wonderful to see you, and like I told your brother, I hated that I couldn't spend much time with you. Are you looking after yourself, and making sure to have fun with your friends? I couldn't be prouder of you for always looking for ways to help; and Ada is, too, but we both want you to make time to be a young girl!
I heard you're going to be starting self-defense lessons with Ruvyn and Ivran, and I'm pleased. It will do your Old Da good to know his girl is that much safer!
How are things in the Healing Hall? Has Dior been released yet?
Please take care of yourself, and make sure to give your Ada lots of hugs, because he hates it when we're apart. I'm counting on you guys to keep him busy and make sure he smiles.
I love you so much, my girl; no father could ask for a better daughter than you.
Love,
Your Da
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From Bard to Tilda:
Hey, Little Bean,
So, how have you been doing? Do you like the bathing outfit the Elves made for you? I hope the water will help you get your exercises done and all the pictures your Ada made for you are fun to play with.
You'll laugh to hear that when I first went into the Great Hall, Thangon was so excited to see me, he knocked me down and began to wash my face! I'm so anxious for you to meet him, and I know he and Esta will be very good friends, when you can come back.
Have you been coloring the pictures of Dale Ada made for you? It's fun to think of how our home will look, when it's all done, won't it. I'll ask Ada to draw a picture for you of our corridor, so you can think of me being there, working to get Dale ready for all of you.
I know writing is a bit tricky right at the moment, so if you want to have Sigrid or Ada write for you, I'd LOVE to hear from you, Beanie. I want to know how you are feeling and all the things you are doing – ESPECIALLY all the fun you're having with Uncle Percy!
Remember what I said: you take him all over the place, so he can see Ada's wonderful Palace!
I love you so much, sweetheart, and I will see you in twelve days!
Love,
Your Da
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From Bard to Hilda:
Dear Hilda:
I'll keep this short, because I know you'll want to spend every moment you can with Percy. I know how much you've missed him, but let me tell you, it can't compare with how much he's missed his best girl. You should have seen him the morning the wagons left! He was as giddy as a young lad.
I'll never be able to thank you two enough for all the work you're doing to bring Dale back, and for looking after me and our children. Eru himself brought you and Pers into my life, and I thank him every single day.
If you have time, I'd like an update as how the orphans are all doing, now that they've settled into their homes, and I'd like you, Thranduil, and Írimë to sit down in his study and prepare a report of her progress, but this needs to be kept private.
At this point, I'm discouraging visits between Alun and Ian, when he comes. However ready he might be, the woman is not well, and it could do more harm than good.
Now, take this week, and enjoy your time with your husband. You and he need each other, and we need you both.
Love,
Bard
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To Rhys from Alun:
Hello, son;
I'm sorry to hear of your experience with your Aunt. I know you're fine; Lord Bard and King Thranduil promise me you're doing well, but humor your old Da, will you? I need to see you for myself.
King Thranduil has written me and told me of your good behavior and I couldn't be prouder of my boy! He told me that you were very brave to answer Lord Bard's questions, and you're doing well at school and what a help you've been to the children, when Princess Tilda got so sick. He tells me how much they all enjoy having you with them, and what a good friend you've been to Bain.
Lord Bard told me about their questions about your grandmother and your aunt, and I'm proud of you for wanting to help, but if you ever feel bad about any of that, I want you to make sure you tell King Thranduil right away. He will help you.
I'll see you in a week, son.
Love,
Your Da
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To Sigrid, Bain and Tilda, from Tauriel:
Suilad, children,
My heart sings to hear that you're all doing well! I know it was hard for your Da to leave you, but he has been very busy catching up on work here.
While he was there in the Palace, I went to Erebor and spent a week with my friends there. I spent much time sparring with Dwalin, if you can believe it, and we have learned much from each other.
Bain and Rhys, Ada and Bard tell me what good friends you two are, and I am glad to hear it. Legolas was my best friend my entire life, and I would never have accomplished as much as I have, without his support and encouragement.
Sigrid, I also hear that you and Rhian have become excellent friends. I look forward to spending more time with her and baby Darryn, when you all come back. Old Ben talks about them continually, ever since he got back here, and everyone is pleased for all of them.
Tilda, I also hear you've been doing some swimming in the pool! That is excellent. The water will help you get strong, and the warm water will soothe your muscles. Your Da tells me how much you like Meriel, and you named your new doll after her! I have known her for a long time, and I, too, think she is very nice, and certainly worthy of such a great honor!
Besides arranging the schedule for your father's guards, I spend a great deal of time sparring and practicing archery with Bard, and help the construction crews with the building. I find that I enjoy it very much; especially working on the rooftops. Dale is beginning to look like a beautiful city, and you all will be pleased, when late spring comes.
Please, look after yourselves, and Ada. I miss you all, more than you can you know. I am counting the days, until we are reunited again.
Cuio vae a no veren,
Tauriel, your Gwathel
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To Rhian, from Old Ben:
To my Daughter and Grandson,
I had a wonderful time on my visit, and everyone here has been congratulating me on my new family. When I arrived in Dale, Bard led a toast, and everyone shook my hand to congratulate me.
It's a wonderful thing, my dear. When you and that boy of yours return to Dale, you'll have a safe home and can put all that unpleasantness behind you and start a new life! You've been doing so well with your lessons, and Hilda told me you're taking to your schooling like a genius. She's real pleased about it, and says you've got a knack for organization.
Building here is going well. We've finished the marketplace, and about two-thirds of the homes we planned for. We're also working on the Healing Hall and we'll build the school over the summer months. King Dáin will be delivering stone within the next several weeks to begin to rebuild the towers soon. The Walls and ramparts have been completely repaired, much to everyone's relief.
Please keep taking care of your lovely self, and that beautiful boy of yours, until we can be together again.
Your loving Da
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To Thranduil from Tauriel:
Gi suilannon, Ada,
As you know, Bard came back to us safely, and no one was happier to see him than Thangon, who gave us quite a display of his affection for him, when he first arrived.
I spent a very nice week in Erebor and King Dáin was very considerate. General Dwalin was a worthy opponent in the sparring arena and I even spent some time with Oin in the infirmary there, as we discussed herbs and remedies. He told me he had been very impressed with Kili's healing at Bard's house, and we had quite the discussion about the different uses for Athelas, or Kingsfoil, as they call it. It is hard to believe that it is thought of as a weed in many places.
I am so happy to hear Tilda's getting better, and how well the children are getting along. I miss them more than I ever thought possible, and it broke my heart when our Tithen Pen became so ill. It is hard to be so far away, and I am feeling the separation keenly.
You were right, Ada, when you said that I would feel the pain of my sentence keenly, after some time has passed. I think about the trees I miss, and all my friends in the Palace. I can understand if many of them, and my former colleagues think less of me, after what I did during the Battle, but I miss them nonetheless.
Feren has been very respectful, and that is a comfort. I know he was angry and felt I had betrayed you all, but I think he understands now, and I am grateful to continue our friendship. I do feel like I belong in Dale, so please do not feel guilty. You did the right thing, Ada, and if you had not done something I would have insisted on a self-imposed punishment which would have been much more severe.
But, even more than sorrow for what I have lost, I feel gratitude. I have your love and open affection, and that is a treasure beyond price. I also have a new family in Bard, the children, Percy and Hilda. Besides difficult moments, which we both knew would happen, I have much to be grateful for.
Every day that passes, brings us closer to the day of your return, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Cuio vae a galu,
Tauriel
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Cuio vae, a no vero – Farewell, and enjoy yourselves
Tauriel, Gwathel - Tauriel, Your Sworn Sister
Gi suilannon, Ada – I give you greetings, Ada