Chapter Fifty
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SUMMARY: Gandalf has a chat with some of the Valar. The Palace gets the good news about Thranduil, and everyone there celebrates.
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The Halls of Mandos, 20th April, 2942, T.A.
"My Lord, My Lady," Gandalf bowed low before Námo and Vairë, who were sitting on their thrones in the halls of Mandos. "Pardon the intrusion, but I wanted to thank you for your help, and to ask, if I could speak with the Lady Vairë for just a moment."
"Of course," the Lord of Mandos nodded his head, but made no move to leave, which amused his wife.
"I am glad of King Thranduil's choice," she got up from her throne and walked toward him. "I must tell you that in his case, it was also a close call."
"It was," added Mandos. "I was sure he would go with Queen Mírelen; I underestimated his feelings for the King of Dale, it seems."
"I did not; they are true bond-mates, My Lord." Gandalf told Námo. "Did you not know of Mírelen's petition to King Manwë and Queen Varda?"
"You must excuse my husband, Mithrandir." Vairë laughed. "He despises paperwork, and will do almost anything to get out of reading the reports from Valinor."
"I am afraid that is true," Námo admitted, sheepishly. "What did she ask of them?"
"To release them from their bond. She cited the precedent for those who have killed a creature of Morgoth and reminded them that both Thranduil and Bard deserve a special reward."
"That was clever of her," Mandos agreed. "When she was with us, she had some rather radical ideas about changes that should be made, and she was strident her beliefs, particularly regarding relationships between Elves and Men. Personally, I think she was a breath of fresh air."
"I remember that," Vairë laughed. "Some saw her as rebellious, most blamed Lord Elrond for her ecumenical ideas, but I believe she made a great deal of sense. These ideas could help guarantee Sauron's defeat. There is much that can be accomplished if Manwë will take them seriously."
"That is true," Námo agreed. "But Eru must agree to this, before things change."
"I believe the Ilúvatar has seriously considered her proposals. In fact, he allowed Bard's wife to contact him – something that has never happened before. Her name was Matilda of Laketown."
"He did?" Both the Lord and Lady were taken aback, and looked at each other in wonder.
"You are correct in your assessment that times are changing, My Lord," Gandalf advised. "I would strongly suggest you start reading those reports, so you can keep up."
"I will do that." Námo shook his head. "For millennia those reports were dull and predictable; it will be good to shake things up."
"We must keep up with the times, since Sauron's final challenge in Middle Earth is fast approaching." Gandalf warned. "If it is true that the rules are changing, you are about to be very busy." He turned to Vairë, "My Lady, could I possibly see the thread from the future Thranduil chose?"
"Of course, Mithrandir; you are just in time - I was going to put it in his tapestry this afternoon."
She held out a purple thread. "The other was also red, but disintegrated a few minutes after Thranduil left Mírelen."
They both looked down, and were relieved to see that, much like Bard's blue thread, it grew in length and circumference.
"Unbreakable!" Gandalf leaned heavily against his staff in relief. "They both will be all right; that is truly wonderful news."
"They will." She smiled. "They will face many dangers, but they will leave Middle Earth together on a ship at the Grey Havens. It is not known when, but rest assured, neither will be a resident in my husband's halls."
"Thank you," Gandalf bowed low, again. "I must take my leave of you, and I thank you for your time." He turned to leave.
"Mithrandir?" Námo called out to him.
"Yes, My Lord?"
The Lord of Mandos stepped down from the dais, and came to the Wizard with a smirk. "Is it true you took my wife for a walk amongst the stars?"
Oh, Námo, really!" Vairë laughed. "Surely you are not jealous?"
Gandalf smiled, "I assure you, my intentions were honorable; it was a lovely Starscape, and I am sure your wife would have much rather gone with you."
"In that case, I will make a point to take her more often." The Lord of Mandos promised, looking down at his wife, with a loving smile.
"Good," Vairë stood up and tiptoe and kissed his cheek.
Gandalf laughed at the two of them. "I would love to stay and visit, but I'm afraid I must take my leave. I must make ready to go to Rivendell very soon."
"Please give Lord Elrond our best, Mithrandir." Námo told him.
"Farewell, my friends." And with that, the Wizard left, to go back to work.
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The Woodland Realm, 21st April 2942 T.A.
Hilda crashed into Galion's office. "What does it say?" She demanded. "I saw the Messenger run in here…"
Galion clutched the paper in his hand. "Should we send for the children?"
"No. If it's bad news, I won't let them find out like that; we'll need to prepare ourselves, first."
"True," Galion agreed, then sent the Messenger to fetch the head of the Council.
"I'm not waiting," Hilda declared. "Open that thing up and tell me what it says!"
Galion broke the seal, and his lips moved silently as he read the Tengwar script. Then he grasped the arm of his chair and fell into it, weeping.
"Oh, no…" Hilda grabbed her chest, in terror. "Oh, Gods…"
Galion was quickly on his feet. "No… you do not understand…" he tried his best to get the words out. And she grabbed both his arms. "He… w-woke up… Thranduil will be all right!"
"Are you sure?"
He nodded, then they fell into an embrace and finally, after five long days, allowed themselves to weep, and let their sorrows go. Neither one of them could let down, for fear they couldn't keep strong for the children, and as each day wore on, it became harder and harder, as they comforted frightened and weeping children, and tried to keep their minds busy.
Lady Emëldir entered and saw them, and quickly went over to them. Galion still couldn't talk, but he handed the paper to her. She took it, and once she understood, she went over to the couch and sighed in relief, as she covered her mouth. "Na vedui! De fael a vilui, Belain," she murmured. "De athae, Eru Ilúvatar, a Elbereth Gilthoniel …"
Daeron came rushing in, and looked alarmed. "Is he…"
"No, thank the all the stars in the sky, and Varda who created them," Hilda said, as she finally got herself under control. "He woke up, and the Healer says he'll recover, too."
The Guard heaved a huge sigh of relief, then looked at Emëldir. "Are you well, My Lady?"
"Yes, I am; I am very relieved. I will sit here for a moment or two, then the announcement must be made to the Palace. I suggest you get the children from their classes, to give them the good news in person."
Daeron looked at Hilda, who nodded her assent. "Those kids need a holiday, and we're going to celebrate all day."
"Did the message say anything about Lord Bard?" the Guard asked.
"Just that he is still in his Sleep, but his vital signs continue to improve." Galion replied. "I do not know when they will wake him."
"I am sure it will be soon."
"As long as he'll be all right; that's all I care about. They've got his whole side in a splint, and he's going to be a miserable cuss when he wakes up and finds he can't move." Hilda shook her head and laughed. "I'd say 'poor Bard,' but I really feel sorry for anyone who has to try to keep him abed."
No one argued with that.
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The entire Palace was celebrating the good news, but in the Royal Chambers it turned into a real party.
Daeron had rushed to the Dining Hall to get the children from their classes. "Galion and Lady Hilda need to speak with you right away." He told them.
Their first reaction was fright. "What is it?"
He said, "Let us hurry, and you will find out. Come on, Tilda," he went to pick her up. "We need to make haste, and you cannot run." The little girl was hardly using her chair now, but she was not allowed to exert herself, so after Daeron put her on his hip, they all jogged to the door of the chambers and ran in, where Hilda and Galion were waiting.
"What? What happened?" Sigrid demanded.
Galion was going to have the children sit, but at the sight of their frightened faces, he thought better of it. "Your Ada woke up this morning, children, and he will recover, although it will take a bit of time. Your father is still in a Healing Sleep, but the message says he grows stronger yet. Neither is in any danger."
Sigrid burst into tears, as Hilda rushed to hold her. Daeron hugged little Tilda, and the boys ran to Galion.
"It's really true?" Bain asked him. "They really will be okay?"
"Yes. It is true." Galion said. On impulse, he held Bain to him, "I know we were all frightened, but we do not need to worry."
Rhys stood beside his friend, smiling, and Galion reached out to hug him, too. "King Thranduil means a lot to you, I know."
"He does," Rhys said. "I'm so glad he's going to be all right."
Hilda let go of Sigrid, and dried her eyes. "Lady Emëldir is arranging a feast in the Dining Hall tonight, and we'll all go."
"Aye," Bain said. "The people need to see us."
"You are thinking like a future King, Gwiôn." Galion smiled down at the boy. "Yes, we will all attend this feast and lead our people in celebrating this wonderful news."
Bain looked up at him, seriously. "You must have felt awful."
"I did, but your Da and Ada wanted me to look after you children, and I wanted to honor their wishes. It helped a great deal."
"I'm glad you did. It would have been too hard on Tilda, especially."
Tilda, still in Daeron's arms suggested. "We should have a party here."
"Wonderful idea!" Hilda agreed, and went to the door, to find Ruvyn and Ivran standing outside. "You've looked after Thranduil since before even my great-grandmother was born. Get in here," she ordered. "This is just as much your good news as everyone else's."
"Thank you, My Lady," Ivran bowed to her. "Shall I get Rhian and baby Darryn, first?"
"Excellent idea. Do that, but then come right back. Come on in, Ruvyn."
"I'll go see about some food and drinks," Galion said, and left.
Everyone was chatting and laughing happily, when there was a knock on the door.
"Rhian! Come in!" Sigrid opened the door wide, to allow the girl, along with Indis and, of course, baby Darryn.
Rhian embraced her friend. "We heard the good news, and wanted to tell you how happy we were for you."
"For us all," Indis added. "Mê g'ovannen, Daeron," she said to her nephew, who was with Tilda and Meriel.
"Suil, Tîrana Indis!" Daeron came over and kissed his Aunt's cheek, and smiled at Rhian and Darryn. "It is wonderful news, is it not?"
"It is." Rhian smiled up at the handsome Guard. "I can't begin to think how hard this must have been for you." She impulsively handed Darryn to Sigrid, and to his great surprise, she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug.
Rhian didn't flinch anymore from contact with those she trusted, but still, Daeron froze in shock and amazement at her impulsive show of affection. After a second, Daeron hugged her back, and couldn't stop himself from burying his face in her neck, and inhaling the sweet smell of her hair. It was the first time he'd ever touched her, outside of his capacity as Healer, and he reveled in the feel of her. She felt so solid and warm in his arms, and it took all his effort to step back and remain casual, and he struggled to find his voice.
"It is a good day for all of us, is it not?"
"A wonderful day, especially for the children." She looked up at him with her bright green eyes. What is Lord Bard's condition, do you know?"
"He remains asleep, but that is the normal course of treatment, just as you were put under after Darryn's birth. His body needs complete rest."
"I know I've thanked you for helping me with Darryn, but I feel like I can't say it enough." Rhian smiled up at him. "You're our hero." She caressed his cheek, before nodding her head toward the Royal Family. "You're their hero, too."
Daeron took her hand from his face and kissed it then held it in both of his. "I am honored by your words, Mellon nîn, but you must believe me when I tell you the honor is mine. It is a joy to see you so much happier, and baby Darryn thrive so. He is a joy."
Rhian smiled, before she walked over to Hilda, to offer her congratulations.
Daeron noticed Indis looking at him. "What?" he asked her.
The Elleth put her hand on his arm and squeezed. "You are a hero, thêliôn, and not just because of that."
"Oh?" he did his best to smile and make light of things. "Why am I so exalted in your eyes, today?"
Indis leaned in and whispered. "Because Rhian's welfare means more to you than your own feelings. Because you are not selfish."
His eyes widened. "I –"
"De melig, Daeron?"
He hesitated, and his smile became forced, as he looked across the room at Rhian, who was seated on the couch, chatting with Sigrid and Hilda, who was cuddling the baby. "Thand, Tîrana; n'air" he finally admitted.
"Ni dem angin." She said with serious eyes, full of sympathy. "Have you spoken to Lord Thranduil?"
"Yes," he nodded. "He agrees that her recovery should come first. I admit, though, it becomes increasingly difficult, as I see her emerge and grow into herself…"
"…like a butterfly who has just come out of her cocoon." Indis said, softly. "She is lovely, but needs to learn to fly on her own."
Daeron swallowed, and whispered, "Ma..." He didn't want to worry his aunt, so he put on a brave face, but he had to admit the pretense was becoming nearly impossible, despite his best efforts.
"A, Daeron," she kissed his cheek. "This is a day to celebrate; we have not lost our King, nor have we lost his consort. Let us join in their joy."
Daeron shook himself, as if waking from a dream. "You are right."
A few minutes later, Galion returned with a small cart of food and drink, accompanied by Idril, Daeron's mother.
"Nana!" The Elf went to kiss her cheek. "Lady Tilda," the little girl came over to Daeron and held her arms up, so he scooped her up, "you remember my mother, Idril, do you not?"
The little girl nodded her head. "She looks just like your aunt Indis!"
"Hello, My Lady." Idril came over. "Is my son looking after you properly?"
"Daeron is my friend," she smiled, "so is Meriel."
"They are good friends to have." Idril told her, seriously, then asked Daeron, "Where is Meriel, today?"
"Lady Tilda is becoming more and more independent, so Meriel only comes in the afternoons now, to help her with her exercises." He smiled and booped Tilda's nose. "Today, however, she is surely spending time with Dior. Did I tell you he proposed to her?"
"No!" Idril clapped her hands together. "That is wonderful news! I am sure they will be seeing me soon to arrange for their marriage feast." She sighed. "I have so enjoyed the children this winter. It will be sad to see so many of them leave next month."
"But some kids are staying here with you," Tilda reminded her. "You won't be too lonely, will you?"
"Perhaps not," the elleth smiled at her. "Are you going to stay?" she teased.
"No! I need to go be with my Da."
"Well, I shall miss you, My Lady. I will also miss my son, who will be going with you."
"Can't you come, too? It will be very nice; we have new houses and everything! And the kitchen is in the Great Hall. You could cook there."
"I wish I could, but my job is here, and so is my husband. Who would cook for the Elves and children in the Palace?"
"Oh, that's right." Tilda wilted. "Your food is very good."
Idril smiled. "That is high praise indeed, Lady Tilda."
"But will you come visit?" Tilda was earnest. "Daeron will miss you, so you have to come see him, and you can visit me then."
"Thank you for your invitation, My Lady; I would be honored." Idril smiled.
There was another knock at the door, and Meriel and Dior entered, to offer their congratulations to the Royal Family.
Tilda excused herself from Idril and ran over to her caretaker. "Meriel!"
"Hello, My Lady! I am very happy to hear about your fathers, are you not?" At Tilda's enthusiastic nod, Meriel smiled down at the little girl. "Have you met Dior, yet?"
"Hello, Dior. Are you going to marry Meriel?"
The tall, handsome Elf smiled nodded to Tilda. "Yes, I am. With your permission, of course," he gave her an amused smile. Meriel speaks of you often and things very highly of the Princess of Dale."
"I like her a lot; she's really nice, and she helps me at school. When are you going to get married?" She asked the black-haired Elves.
"As soon as our Kings are well enough," Meriel told her. "I was wondering, Lady Tilda, if you would be a part of our bonding ceremony."
"Really? Me?" Tilda squealed loud enough that the others in the room stopped their conversation and looked over at them. "Yes!"
"Looks like we've got another reason to celebrate," Hilda said, before she toasted the couple.
It was a good day for the North.
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS (In alphabetical order):
A, Daeron – Oh, Daeron
De athae, Eru Ilúvatar, a Elbereth Gilthoniel – Thank you, Eru Ilúvatar, and Queen of the Stars
De melig, Daeron? – Do you love her, Daeron?
Gwiôn – Honorary nephew; Gwador = sworn brother, Iôn = descendant of
Ma… - Yes…
Mê g'ovannen, Daeron – Well met (hello), Daeron
Na vedui! De fael a vilui, Belain – At last! You and kind and generous, Valar
Ni dem angin – I am sorry for you
Suil, Tîrana Indis! – Hello, Aunt Indis!
Thand; n'uir – It is true; for eternity
Thêliôn – nephew (lit. 'sister-son)