Chapter Forty-Eight
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The Woodland Realm, 17th of April 2942 T.A.
Captain Adamar stood outside the Main Gates, of the Woodland Realm, and watched the Raven approach, anxious for news. Two days earlier, he'd watched, as much of the Army marched to the secure borders of the Realm, while several units of the elite Woodland Guard units disappeared into the trees.
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As much as the Army of the Woodland Realm was meant to be a visible, intimidating force, the Guardians prided themselves on invisibility and stealth. For millennia, many residents of the small villages of Elves and Men had no idea of the troops nestled in the trees – they just enjoyed the sounds of bird calls, as their children laughed and played without fear. They'd never known the names or faces of their silent protectors, and that's the way the Guardians wanted it. Adamar's son, Daeron, and his nephew, Turamarth were Lieutenants in this specialized and talented branch of the military, and although Daeron was here in the Palace taking care of the Royal Family in the King's absence, Adamar knew Turamarth would soon be ensconced in the trees somewhere outside of Dale, to make sure no one took advantage of their invalid Kings.
Two days ago, he and the other Captains had been summoned to King Thranduil's study, and under Seal of Silence; Lady Emëldir and Galion informed them of the tragedy that had befallen their King and his husband. The protection in the Woodland Realm would be doubled until further notice, and several additional Guardian units will be placed in the surrounding villages. Once all was in place, a statement will be released to the public, concerning the fate of the two Kings, but not before they could ensure everyone's safety.
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~o0o~
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Now, as the Raven came near, his heart began to pound, in anticipation. Was there good news, or would life in the Woodland Realm tragically change forever?
At last the Raven alighted on his arm, and he took the message from his leg. After sending the bird off to get some food and rest, he turned to one of his subordinates. "I will deliver this message personally. Send for Lady Emëldir at once, and ask her to meet me in Lord Thranduil's study immediately."
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After winding his way through the paths and walkways, he reached the door to Galion's study, and knocked.
"Neledho!" was Galion's weary reply.
Adamar opened the door to find the Chief Aide sitting at his desk, which was in complete disarray, and this worried the Captain, as this was uncharacteristic for his King's Chief Aide. Galion was always meticulous in everything he did, and was one of the most organized Elves he'd ever met.
"Are you well, My Lord?" He asked, with great concern.
Galion sighed, and gave Adamar a weak smile. "I… cannot seem to concentrate, I am afraid." His eyes lowered to the note in the Captain's hand. "I hope it is better news today."
"That is my earnest hope as well, My Lord." Adamar nodded his head. "I have sent for Lady Emëldir; she will be here in a few minutes. Do you know where Lady Hilda is?"
"She is in her rooms, lying down. She is not getting much rest either: it is draining to keep up a good front for the children."
"I understand. I will go get her, if you like."
The Aide shook his head. "No; please go into Thranduil's study and await Emëldir. I will fetch Hilda myself."
"As you wish."
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"Hilda? Brennil Vuin?"
She felt a hand gently shaking her arm, and she opened her eyes to see Galion hovering over her. Hilda sat up and blinked. "What is it? How long have I been sleeping?"
"Approximately three hours. Another message has just arrived from Dale."
"Well? What does it say?" Hilda threw back the covers and pulled her shoes on quickly.
Galion gave her a grim smile. "I confess I am afraid to open it, without you."
"I know you you feel, love." She looked over at her good friend, and put her hand on his arm. "Where are the children?"
"Sigrid is in the Healing Hall, Bain is riding with his class in the forest, and Tilda is playing in the Garden with Meriel and some of her friends."
"Good." Hilda heaved a sigh, and smoothed her hair. "Come one, love. Let's face whatever this is together."
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As soon as Lady Emëldir arrived and sat down, Galion broke the seal on the message and read:
"Am happy to report Lord Bard's condition has stabilized, and is expected to live. Is currently still in a Healing sleep, but heart and lung function much stronger –"
"Oh, thank Ulmo and all the Valar!" Hilda collapsed against the back of the couch and covered her face, as she burst into tears. "Oh, my boy…"
Galion quickly handed her a handkerchief and put his arm around her. "This is wonderful news, Mellon nîn. Wonderful."
Hilda nodded vigorously, but it was a few minutes before she could calm down, but the others patiently waited, as she wiped her eyes. "What about Thranduil? Do they say how he's doing?"
Galion held up the paper and finished reading it:
"King Thranduil's condition unchanged, but he is still with us, and attended constantly. Please continue prayers, as we wait. Will send back thorough reports with wagons. -Feren"
No one spoke for several minutes, until finally Hilda piped up. "Well, where there's life, there's hope, I say. He hasn't left us yet, so we'll just have to keep believing he'll make it!"
Lady Emëldir met Hilda's eyes. "I believe it is time to make an announcement to the Palace residents, and allow them to offer up their prayers, to add to our own."
Galion looked at Hilda. "I think we should tell the children something, do you not agree?"
"I'm hate to say it, but I do. They deserve to know, and now that the Kingdoms are safer, we need to sit down with them. Let's make sure Daeron and Meriel are with us when we tell them."
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City of Dale, 17th through 19th of April, 2942 T.A.
Feren refused to leave his King's side, just as Thangon refused to leave Bard's. He ate his meals there, and when he slept, it was with Thranduil's hand in his, keeping Thranduil connected to life here. He talked constantly, telling Thranduil over and over, that Bard will recover, that he had saved his Bowman, so it was time to awaken, and share this joy.
Tauriel joined him, whenever she wasn't sitting with Bard, or when the Dwarves convinced her to get some air outside. Since all this happened, she'd been like a living ghost from shock and fear, so Bofur and Óin had taken steps to make sure she ate enough, and made her go to bed when she needed sleep. Feren was glad they were looking after her; Ermon, and Percy were worried about her.
Feren refused to be idle as he waited on his friend and King to wake up. He set out to remind Thranduil of all his connections to Middle Earth, by singing songs, and sharing memories of their thousands of years together in the Woodland Realm. He particularly wanted Thranduil to remember the good times, and all the trouble they got into as Elflings:
"Do you remember the time you and I crept into the kitchens and stole six cherry pies? We were almost out the back door when the Cook saw us and chased us with a broom? I thought he was going thrash us within an inch of our lives, if he caught us! Stars, Thranduil; I still remember how he shouted…" he laughed as he stroked Thranduil's hair. "Then our Adars found us up in your favorite tree – I kept telling you that would be the first place they looked, didn't I? How many times did I tell you we should find a different spot? - They made us sit at the table right in front of Cook, and eat every single one of them..." Feren sighed, and shook his head. "Ai! We were so sick, were we not? I spent that entire night doubled over with stomach pains…"
"And even that was not as bad as when we stole the keys to the wine cellar, do you remember that? Again - you stubborn, ridiculous Elf - I was the one who told you we shouldn't take the bottles behind the barn, but no; you wouldn't listen to me… It was your fault our Adars found us so easily! If we had taken the bottles somewhere else, you fool, we could have just slept it off, but there we were, passed out with the empty bottles just lying there…"
"Then there was that horrid swill your Nana made us drink!" Feren shuddered. "Galion swore it was a 'hangover remedy,' but all I remember is vomiting for days, and having the flaming shits! Even without that awful stuff, we were sick as dogs... It is a wonder we survived to adulthood, is it not?"
At this, Feren laughed heartily, and tried to pretend Thranduil was laughing with him, but the Elvenking was cold and still, on the bed beside him.
He also spoke of courting his wife, Glélindë:
"For months I was making excuses to see her, pretending I needed more clothes, just to see that dimple in her cheek, when she smiled. I even tore holes in some tunics and leggings myself, so I could take them to her for mending, did I ever tell you that? If she suspected something, she never said; she just…smiled at me - and there was that dimple - and took them." He grinned. "Personally, I think 'Lindë did a poor job of mending, just so I would come back…" Then Feren laughed. "If that is not love, then I do not know what is.
"You were so happy with your Queen, Thranduil. She was so remarkable, and you were so good to her. She knew how much you loved her, and she does now; I know it."
Feren became serious then. "I was grateful you insisted on presiding at our marriage feast, Thranduil; though I know it was hard for you. I had wanted to cancel it, as it was so soon after Mírelen's death, but you insisted. Do you remember what you told me? 'I am your best friend, and I want to be there for you. Love is a precious thing, Mellon nîn. Do not waste time you might later regret, Feren; make her your wife and cherish each moment you have.'
"I argued with you, because I thought the sight of Glélindë and I so happy seemed cruel, as if we were rubbing it in your face; I did not want to hurt you. I kept saying we could simply marry without the ceremony, but you were determined. 'Mírelen would want me to do this. After all, it was she who helped you two get together,' you said. Then you showed me these," Feren held up his hand, showing Thranduil the gold ring. "The rings you gave us were so beautiful. Galion told us that Mírelen had picked them out long before I started to court her. She knew we were meant to be together."
He talked about his men; about Turamarth, who was almost fluent in Westron now, and his antics when his cousin Daeron came to visit.
"Those two were driving everyone mad, Thranduil! I thought Lord Percy was the one who like to play pranks, but you know how those two are, when they get together… But do not worry; it was all in good fun, and no one was really angry, because Tauriel had a great deal of fun, with them laughing, and we all knew you would want that. Still, one could hardly sleep at night from the laughter and noise coming out of their room, so one night, I went and got Ermon, and he went to their door, and threw a losta-luith on the both of them! They were out for half a day!"
But mostly, he talked about Bard and Tauriel.
"I knew you were falling in love with him, the moment you saw him, Thranduil. I'll never forget the look on your face, when we first rode into Dale that day, and Bard came up to you to thank us for the food and supplies. You looked like you had been struck by lightning. Everyone else thought you were rude and haughty, when you spoke of reclaiming your possessions, but I know you too well! You, my dear Thranduil, were flustered, and though you did not know why, I did! When you two first looked at each other, he rattled you, because he fascinated you, and you did not know how to handle it.
"I admit, I was against it, at first. I felt it was your duty to keep your commitment to the Realm, but when you told me of Bard's fate, I saw how foolish I had been. I do not think I have apologized to you for that.
You had found love again, Thranduil, and even if Bard had stayed Mortal, I had no right to keep you from a chance to be happy. There is no one on Middle Earth who is more deserving; you have proven your loyalty to our people again and again and and if loving him meant you would eventually leave us, you were entitled to the happiness you had found.
"I have enjoyed getting to know Bard, and I can see why you love him. He's a good and trustworthy man, and worthy of you. Just to see your face light up when he is around, is a joy to me. And anyone can see how much Bard loves you…
"I was so glad Galion suggested you adopt Tauriel," he smiled, "our little Gwinïg caused almost as many headaches as you and I did! She was so good for you, Mellon. There was much weighing you down, but when Tauriel was nearby, you were... lighter; we all could see it. Even as a young Elleth, Tauriel understood you were sad, and wanted to help you feel better.
She misses you Thranduil. She misses you and Galion and Legolas more than she'll admit, and I am worried for her. Tauriel like an outsider; she feels left behind, and you must wake up, so you can tell her how wrong she is!"
Then there were times when Feren couldn't keep up a cheerful countenance, and tears of frustration fell from his eyes, as he pleaded with his friend not to leave them:
"Please, Thranduil! Remember how much you love Bard and the children! Please do not leave them. Lady Tilda is doing better and better, but she needs her beloved Ada. Bain needs you to help him learn how to be a King, and Sigrid depends upon you more than she lets on.
"And Tauriel… Long has she waited for her father to show her love and affection! You cannot leave her; not after losing her parents, then Kili, and Legolas! She is terrified she will be left alone again, and we are worried for her, Thranduil. The Dwarves have been looking after her, but she needs her Ada. She needs you!"
"But more important than anything," Feren, said as squeezed Thranduil's hand and stroked his brow. "Is that you must come back for Bard, Thranduil! He has stabilized and Ermon is sure he will get well! You saved him, Mellon nîn, so you must come back so you can be with your husband, your bond-mate! If for no other reason, please... You must come back for Bard...
"You are my best friend, Thranduil. Do you think I will not suffer from your loss? I have been by your side all my life! I do not remember a time when you were not there!" Feren began to weep. "Please... please do not leave me..." He lay his head against Thranduil's side and sobbed. "We all need you... I need you..."
But there was no change. He was still cold, his heart was barely beating, and his fëa remained ever-distant, on the brink of leaving Middle Earth behind forever…
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The children were sitting on a couch in the Royal Chambers, looking at Hilda and Galion expectantly. Meriel stood by Tilda's chair, while Daeron stood behind the couch, ready to help.
"What is it?" Sigrid asked Galion and Hilda. "I know there's more to the story than just Da breaking his leg. We want to know, whatever it is."
"Aye, you're right, love." Hilda admitted. "But the good news is that your Da will be fine; we know this for certain, now."
"You mean, he could have died?" Bain asked, his eyes like saucers. "Was he hurt that badly?"
"And you knew this?" Sigrid became angry. "Our Da almost died and you didn't tell us? How could you?"
Galion tried to appease her. "We were under strict orders not to divulge the true condition of your fathers, until certain things took place to ensure everyone's safety. We could not risk word getting out, until we sure our Kingdoms were fully protected."
"I don't understand," Tilda said, her eyes beginning to water. "Why do we need that?"
"Because," Bain answered for Galion. "If word got out that something happened to Da, it means anyone could try to steal Dale from us, am I right?"
"You are correct. The Royal Council decreed that no one be told, until the guard was doubled, here and in Dale, and to protect you, Bain. If anything were to happen to your Da, you would be King, and we needed to put a plan in place to protect you and your birthright, for the sake of all your people."
"But, that's just a place!" Sigrid stood up, outraged. "He is our father, and we had a right to know!"
"Stop it, Sigrid!" Bain shouted at her angrily. "What Galion means is Dale could be attacked, and people could die, don't you get it? They were making sure no one got killed!"
"I know you are upset," Daeron interjected, "but you both must calm down, right now." The Elven Guard gestured toward Tilda. "We do not need to make things worse, do we?"
They looked at each other, then looked down. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, Sigrid."
"Me too," she told Bain, and sat down again. "And you're right; what they did made sense."
"But… you said Da was getting better, right?" Tilda wasn't convinced.
Hilda nodded. "Your Da is still in a Healing Sleep, and will be for a couple days more. This will give his body a chance to get stronger."
"Oh, thank the Valar." Sigrid took a minute or two for that to sink in, but then – "Wait a minute; you said 'fathers…' What does that mean?" she demanded. "Has something happened to Ada?
Tilda's eyes got very wide. "What's wrong with Ada?" She asked in a small, frightened voice. "Is he sick, too?"
Galion and Hilda turned to Daeron, who went around and squatted in front of Sigrid. "Do you remember how hard I worked to save Rhian and the baby?"
"Yes…" Sigrid said, warily.
"And do you remember how much it took out of me?"
"But all you needed was some rest! You slept for a few days, and you were fine!" The girl's lower lip began to tremble.
"What's wrong with Ada?" Tilda asked, again, becoming agitated, "Can you go wake him, Daeron?" The little girl began to cry. "You have to go tell him to get up!"
Meriel picked her up, and sat down in the overstuffed chair, with the little girl on her lap. "My Lady, I am afraid your Ada cannot wake up, but he is still alive, so we are going to pray very hard that he comes back to us."
"But why?" Tilda asked sobbed. "I want him to wake up! Can't someone wake him up?"
Daeron sighed, and said, "He gave Bard too much of his strength, and now…"
Sigrid began to cry, too, as well as Bain and Rhys. "Why would Ada do something like that?"
"He did it because he loves you all so much." Hilda came over and put her arms around the young girl. "Ada wanted to make sure you didn't lose your Da, lovey. He saved Bard's life for all of you."
"He did?" Tilda leaned her head on Meriel's chest. "Da would have died?"
"Yes, Tithen Pen," Galion told the children. "Your Da was very badly injured, and even the Chief Healer could not help him. When your Ada arrived in Dale, he wanted to save Bard, whatever the cost, so your Da could still be with you."
"But I don't want him to go…" Tilda wailed as she burst into tears. "I w-want Ada to stay! He can't leave…" Meriel held her and murmured soft, comforting words, as the little girl's body shook with sobs.
Bain wiped his eyes, as Rhys put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "That was a brave thing Lord Thranduil did."
"Aye," Bain said, as he sniffed. "It was..." he shook his head. "NO! I won't talk as if Ada's already gone!" he said, angrily. "He saved Da and he's still alive, and I won't think different!"
"You're right, love." Hilda leaned over and squeezed Bain's hand. "We'll all do that, all right?" She looked around the room, determined. "We've all been through hard times before, and we'll get through this, together; are we agreed? We'll keep hope in our hearts until the bitter end, right? No one is gone, and we've all got each other."
One by one, each child nodded his or her head.
Even Tilda managed to dry her tears and stood up straighter. "I could draw Da and Ada lots of pictures."
"That would be wonderful, hênig." Galion smiled at her. "They would love that."
"And I'm going to write some long letters," Sigrid announced, "so Tauriel can read them to Da and Ada. I don't want either of them to forget why they're fighting so hard."
"Me too." Bain said.
"I want to help, too." Rhys said. "Lord Thranduil's been really nice to me, and..." The boy began to rub his eyes, so Hilda went over and put her arms around him, "Shh... Thranduil thinks the world of you, Rhys; we all do."
"I want you to remember something else." Hilda looked around the room at all the children. "No matter what happens, now or ever, you kids will all be safe, and well looked after for your whole lives. We will always take good care of you, so you don't ever have be afraid of that, do you understand?"
"That is correct, children," Galion smiled and nodded his head. "We will never leave you alone, I hope you know that."
Sigrid got up and hugged the Aide. "Thanks Uncle Galion. I love you."
"And I love you, child."
"So, that's that," Hilda wiped her eyes and stood, and with her usual flair, put everyone to work. "We've got a few hours until dinner, so what do you say we gather around the table and get some things ready to send to Dale, aye? Tilda, go with Meriel to get your colored pencils; Sigrid, fetch the inkwell and some extra pens. Rhys? Could you go and fetch lots of paper? We're going to cover the walls of that room in Dale with so many things, they can't forget us!"
Daeron stood up. "Galion and I will go and help Lady Emëldir announce the news to the Palace."
"You do that, but then come back for dinner, both of you."
"Auntie Hil?" Sigrid asked. "Can Rhian and the baby come this evening?"
"I think that would be grand. The more the merrier, I say, and little Darryn will surely lift everyone's spirits." Hilda told her.
"I'm sorry for getting mad." Sigrid went to her and Galion and embraced them both. "It must've been torture, keeping all this to yourself."
Galion stroked her hair. "More than you can possibly know, My Lady. It still is."
"I know," the young girl told him. "But this time, we'll do it together, and whatever comes…"
"I think tonight, we'll all go outside and talk to the stars," Hilda suggested. "We'll ask Varda to look after your Ada."
"We'll do that." Sigrid agreed. "I hope it helps."
So after the letters and drawings were ready, and dinner was over, the group went out into the starlight. Looking up, the Elves sang songs and they all prayed together for the Kings they loved.
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Brennil Vuin – Beloved Lady
Neledho - Enter