Chapter Fifty-Four
SUMMARY: Hilda makes the Kings aware of the good that came out of their near-death experiences, and it surprised them both. Bard gets some relief.
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City of Dale, 8th of May 2942 T.A.
Later, after their nap, things calmed down, somewhat.
Hilda returned with some snacks on tray and a glass of milk for Bard. "Now that we've got that nasty business out of the way," she said, "we can get down to more important things." She went to Bard first. "Come here," and held him tight in her arms and whispered, "We were so worried for you, lovey."
"I know, Hil." Bard hugged her back. "I'm glad you came; really." It was true; he didn't realize how much he'd needed her, until she arrived.
Hilda sniffed, and blinked back tears. "Don't you ever do anything like that again!" She stroked his hair. "You're the nearest I've got to a son. I couldn't love you more if you were my own flesh and blood, and I can't lose you. I just can't…"
"Oh, Hil," Bard buried his head in her shoulder as his throat tightened. The enormity of how close he came to losing all this hit him in a hard wave, and he held on to Hilda even tighter. "I'm so sorry…" I'm so glad you're here…" he whispered, as he felt her arms around him.
"Where else would I be? I needed to see you for myself, and make sure you were all right." She kissed his hair.
"Thank you," Bard managed to say, "Thank you for taking care of the children."
"As long as there's a breath in my body, I'll look after all of you, love. But you both need to stick around."
After Bard settled a bit, she kissed him on the brow, then went over Thranduil.
"What you did," she whispered, "was the bravest, most wonderful thing I've ever heard of," her arms went around him. "But I can't lose you either!" She pulled back and looked him over carefully. "We were so worried when you were… Stars, I can't even say it! Are you all right, pet?"
Thranduil smiled. "I am, Hilda; or rather I will be."
"You're sure now?" She unconsciously ran her hands down his arms, to make sure. "Ermon said it was a miracle you didn't die; he still can't figure out how you're even still here!" Hilda sniffled, then took Thranduil's face in her hands. "You look tired, and your skin is a bit dull, yet... Are you sleeping enough?"
"It seems all I do is sleep." He smiled at her. "I am sorry we have been hard to live with,"
"Not as sorry as you'll be if you keep it up." She laughed, as she wiped her eyes, and shook her finger at him. "I meant what I said. You'll behave, or you're going to know what true misery is."
"I know," Thranduil smiled.
"I'm sorry, too, Hilda." Bard finally told her. "I've been acting like a Warg – we both have."
"Look boys, I understand what you're going through; I really do. I would probably be worse if it were me."
"I can't hardly stand this, Hil; this cast is so uncomfortable, and I hate not seeing the work done!"
"Your cast will be taken from your waist tomorrow so you can sit up proper, and there is lots you can do from this bed, as long as you get enough rest. The only difference is you can't go out and pound nails."
Bard sighed. "I wanted to help."
"Your heart isn't quite strong yet, love. Ermon explained it to me, about your blood needing to be built back up, and if you push it, you could do real harm. You can't injure yourself at all. If you begin to bleed for any reason right now, you may not be able to stop."
Hilda raised her eyebrow and asked them, "If this were Tilda, and she refused to do what the Healers told her, what would you tell her?"
She had them, there. Of course, they would make sure she did what she was told, and they were setting a terrible example, by their boorish behavior.
"When Ermon said you two were being selfish, he was telling the truth." She raised her hand to stop the protests. "I know it galls you both that things are going on without you, but you've been so busy whining and moaning, neither one of you bothered to find out what's been happening with your people."
"What do you mean?" Thranduil asked, looking Bard.
"Things are going on without you, don't you get it?"
"I don't understand," Bard said.
"Did you ever stop to think what this was like for everyone out there?" She pointed toward the direction of the Great Hall. "Hasn't Ben been telling you that the building is actually ahead of schedule?"
"Well, yes, but –" Bard said.
"Don't you understand why?"
"They miss their families, I know that much." Bard said, and Thranduil nodded his agreement.
"You're still not getting it, boys." Hilda shook her head. "Your accident forced them to see that it's up to them to make the Northern Kingdoms work, not just the three Kings."
"Really?"
"Did you know that while you two were asleep, those building and field crews nearly worked themselves into exhaustion? The Market Square is done, the Healing Hall is done, and most of the houses are finished! The fields have been plowed and the planting's already started! The folks back at the Palace did the same thing, with furniture and other supplies, doubling the Guards, looking after the folks in the villages… Everyone - Men, Elves and Dwarves - are working together, like never before!
"That is wonderful!" Thranduil exclaimed.
"And best of all, they're doing it without you!"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Bard asked, a bit miffed. "We don't want them to do it without us!"
"Of course, you don't, love. But remember what lives we had under the old Master, Bard? How hopeless it all was? These folks wanted to believe in you, Bard; they were really trying, but it's hard after watching so many of their dreams die in Laketown. Then you nearly died, they lost hope again, until they realized what you've been wanting for them all along."
"Which is what?"
"A Kingdom where these people could be in charge of their own destiny; where you're there to help them and protect them, not exploit them. Well, they really believe in your vision now, and they trust Thranduil and Daín to continue protect us."
The Kings sat back and digested all this for a minute or two.
"So… you're saying that our near-death was a good thing?" Bard was still a bit skeptical.
Hilda shrugged. "Nothing brings people together faster than a tragedy. Your job is to figure out how to keep the momentum going."
"She is right, Bard. We should make sure our people get the credit they are due."
"How long can you stay, Hil?" Bard asked her.
"Well, as much as you two would love me waiting on you hand and foot, I can only be away from our folks a week or so, but I'll be here for your birthday. I'm really here to inspect the homes for myself, and list what each family needs. The Wagons will be coming every day, now, because I want them all set up before they return."
"That's a good idea. Don't you need help?"
"I've got it; the single women and moms without kids will be coming before the rest of them. Once we know where everyone's going, they'll be working to set the houses in order. The Men and Elves will be moving out of the Great Hall any day now."
"Really?"
Hilda nodded. "Ben and Percy thought it would be the best way to report leaky roofs, or smoky fireplaces, and things like that, and make repairs in plenty of time."
"That's a great idea!" Bard propped himself on his elbows. "I want the houses for the older folks nearest to the Market Square and the Healing Halls, and extra railings on the stairs and along the walls."
"Already on that, too." Hilda nodded. "By the way, Percy will be going to the Palace with the wagons tomorrow. I don't want to leave the kids without one of us, and he could use the break, don't you think?"
Thranduil and Bard looked at each other, and at Hilda. "Is he all right?"
"He is, but… He was frightened, too, love, and it took a lot out of him… He needs to get some rest, and a visit with our kids will do him good. I've also told Tauriel to stay in Erebor for an extra couple of days. She looks terrible, Thranduil."
The Elvenking looked stricken. "I did not mean to –"
"Oh, I'm sure you didn't, lovey. This all got to be too much, and she needs some rest and quiet. The boys in Erebor will give her some pampering, and Dwalin will help her work out her frustrations. The poor girl has seen too much death, and she's still grieving over Kili, so when she thought the both of you might leave her… Tauriel misses the children and Galion, and she can't go see them, can she?"
"No, she can't." Bard sighed. "Galion's just as much a parent to her as Thranduil."
"Even more so." Thranduil said, thoughtfully. "When I return to the Palace, I will discuss the matter with the Council." Thranduil promised. "This is definitely a matter which needs revisiting."
Hilda got up and gave them each a peck on the cheek. "Well, I'm going to go spend some time with Percy, before he leaves, if you don't need anything else. Make sure you finish that milk," she told Bard, "it will help your leg."
After she left, Thranduil leaned over and gave Bard a deep kiss.
"What was that for?"
"Not everything happens for a reason, but the Valar can bring reason into everything that happens." Thranduil told him, with a relieved smile, before he kissed him again.
"So you've said." Bard laughed, and kissed him back.
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Hilda shut the door to Bard and Thranduil's room with a smile.
It was great fun throwing a tantrum at those two, but most important, she'd finally gotten a chance to hold them both and love on them like she'd been wanting to since the accident.
Bard and Thranduil could run their respective Kingdoms well enough, but it was Hilda who ran their ever-expanding family, and they all knew it. When it came to domestic matters, everyone deferred to her, and they trusted her to keep them all flowing in the right direction, and in loving harmony.
She was amazed at how easily Thranduil, Tauriel and Galion fit in with the rest of them. These creatures were practically ageless, but they found Hilda's motherly ways a comfort, particularly Thranduil himself. After long days full of heavy responsibilities, he reveled in the chance to let someone else be in charge, so he could just relax and enjoy himself.
Over these past months, she'd become incredibly close to these Elves, and was glad of it. It was one thing to care about them, because Bard did, but she now loved them for who they were, and now the family wouldn't be complete without them. Of course, she didn't know Legolas very well, but like Thranduil, she prayed that would be remedied when the Prince returned.
All the possibilities for Dale were exciting, and they owed the Elves and the Dwarves a great deal of thanks, but very soon, it would be time for their citizens to bring their country into its own. It was time for children to come home, for families to be reunited, for shops to open for business.
Yes: it was time for Dale to start.
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City of Dale, 9th of May 2942 T.A.
Oh, praise Ulmo and all the Valar, Bard could sit up!
After breakfast, Ermon and his assistant carefully removed his cast, then replaced it with a splint around his thigh.
"Your leg is healing faster than I anticipated, but I am keeping this on for at least another week, Bard. There were too many pieces of broken bone, and I am not taking a chance."
"Oh, trust me; right now, I'll take what I can get! Stars that feels so good…" Bard scratched his skin where the cast was.
"Now, let's get you sitting up a bit…" Ermon pulled Bard up against the headboard and propped him up with pillows. "My Lord?"
"I'm fine…" Bard began to say, but his voice was thin and weak.
Thranduil was sitting beside his husband, became concerned. "Bard?"
"Do not worry. Bard is a bit light-headed but he will feel better in a few moments." Ermon assured him. After a few minutes, the Healers asked, "How do you feel?"
"A little better. I've got my bearings now."
"You've been lying flat for several weeks, plus you are still recovering from blood loss, My Lord. Can you lean forward?"
Bard did so, and the Healer began to massage the muscles of his back. "Oh, stars…" he moaned. "That feels soooo good."
"I can imagine. Your muscles are weak after such inactivity, so I am going to prescribe a series of exercises, which will continue after the cast is removed. Thranduil can help you with them, as long as he is recuperating."
The morning was spent teaching Thranduil and Bard how to do the exercises the Healer wanted done, then letting Bard enjoy eating off a tray. During this time, Hilda popped in briefly to see them, before she went back to her inspections for the rest of the day. That evening she ate dinner with them and they went over all the last-minute things that needed to be done. As the Seneschal of Dale, she'd been busy assigning permanent offices in the Castle for its officials.
"Feren, Alun and Ben have already moved out of this corridor, so we're getting those rooms ready for the children. Feren's office is set up in the barracks, but Alun's and Ben's have been moved across the main hallway into the East corridor. In fact, I've set up a meeting place over there, too. Your private study stays here, Bard, and Thranduil, you'll be set up again in the room Ben used, so Galion and you can work from here. This entire corridor is reserved for the Royal Family, so if you need to meet with someone, here – she pointed to where the infirmary used to be – is where they will be brought. Feren and Tauriel tell me it will be much easier to keep you all well-guarded, if only certain people are allowed to enter the West Corridor. How does that sound?"
"That's good," Bard said. "This gives our people the freedom to come and go as needed if they need to see any of us, but I don't want lots of people roaming near the children. Plus, it would be too hard for Alun, and especially Ben, to work out of their houses."
"That's exactly what I say. He can't have all those people at his house; it will upset the baby, and I think it would be too hard on Rhian."
"I am glad Hannah will still be helping her." Thranduil said. "She is still doing well?"
"Oh, aye! Indis moved out two weeks ago, and Rhian's doing fine on her own. She's even joined the other ladies in self-defense training with Ruvyn and Ivran. Sigrid's been going with her, while Galion and I look after baby Darryn."
"When are the children coming?"
"Probably on the 25th, if the weather's good." Hilda answered, then said. "Now that you're both a bit better, I'd like to meet with you two, Feren and King Dáin, to plan the trip.
"Good idea. How soon can we do that?" Bard asked her.
"I'll set it up." Hilda got up with her papers. "I've got a lot to do, so we'll get together at dinner." She smiled, then went over to pet Thangon, before she left the room.
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City of Dale, 13th of May 2942 T.A.
Bard still had to stay in bed, but many details concerning the return of the women and children of Dale needed to be worked out, so extra chairs were set up on their bedroom, for the meeting between the Three Kings, Feren, Hilda and Dwalin, who requested to be there. Galion was also present to record the notes.
No one needed to state the obvious: these wagons would be carrying the most precious cargo North possessed; these children carried the future hopes of their people.
"There are things to consider before we undertake the transport of the families back to Dale," Thranduil began. "When we took them to the Palace, it was already winter, and there was little chance of spiders or Orc attacks, so the guard we had was more than sufficient. However, the weather is much improved and those dangers must be considered."
"Would it be better to bring them in smaller groups?" Bard suggested.
"I do not think so," Feren said. "The childless women and the men will be coming in three days, to get the moving started. I think it would be safer to bring all the children at once, under heavy guard." He turned to the Dwarven Commander. "Do you agree?"
"Aye; I do." Dwalin said. "Better to make one trip, with extra protection. We could help with that."
"But you don't have enough ponies yet to ride with the Elves, do you?" Bard asked. "If you marched, you wouldn't keep up with the wagons, even if the horses walk the entire way."
"We've thought o' that." Dáin agreed. "We could set up small camps along the road ahead o' time, make sure the area's clear, then keep watch as the bairns pass."
"I like that!" Hilda was enthused. "The children will need to stop for nature breaks, so if we could have something set up for them ahead of time with the Dwarves there, I know I'd feel better."
"I hate that I can't be there," Bard sighed and gritted his teeth. "I could –"
"Hold it right there," Dáin stopped that thought in its tracks. "You're no' goin' an' that's that." He turned to the Elvenking, who was about to open his mouth. "An' tha' goes fer you, too."
"Look," Hilda added, "you either trust your troops or you don't, and I for one have complete faith in them. I know you'd rather be there, but since there's no getting around it, move on to other things."
"So," Feren unrolled a map over the foot of their bed. "Here are some strategic places your troops could set up," he pointed. "You'll want to be where the clearings are smaller and the forest is closer to the road. Over here," he pointed, "as you can see there are large clearings so we Elves will easily see them coming, but here, here and here," he showed them several spots, "are problem areas."
"I see," Dwalin scrutinized. "That leaves a large gap in this area; we'll set up there, too, I think."
"In addition to the troops, we will have several Guardians stationed in the trees."
"Guardians?" Dáin look puzzled.
"The Guardians of the Woodland Realm," Thranduil explained, "are an elite branch of my military that rely on stealth to achieve their goals. They will keep watch and signal us if they spot trouble, and will try to head it off before it can even reach the road. Most foes only know a Guardian is there, when they drop dead from an arrow out of nowhere."
"Thranduil?" Bard asked. "What about a sleeping spell?"
"I think we should be prepared to do that for at least the last two hours." The Elvenking said.
"Sooner, even." Hilda mused. "Remember, the good weather will make them energetic."
"Excellent point, Hilda." Thranduil told her. "I know Daeron will be coming, as well as Elénaril."
"Send Ermon to the Palace to accompany them, too." Bard advised. "The more Healers the better; if nothing else, they can work together to get the kids asleep. You won't be there Thranduil, and Ermon is a powerful Sindar."
"Good idea."
So, it was settled. The Dwarven troop will leave five days before the first wagons arrive, and get their stations and privies set up, and use that time to scour the woods for Orcs and spiders. Each Dwarven unit will be accompanied by an Elf from the Woodland Guardians to help interpret the signals from the trees for them, to help their hunt. So once the plans were set, Feren and Dwalin left the room with a bow, and got back to work, leaving the the Kings and Hilda.
Bard found this gratifying. "Thank you for this," He told Dáin. "I'll rest easier, once I know everyone's home where they should be."
"Ah ken ah will," Dáin agreed.
"When is your family coming? Shouldn't they be here soon? Could we help?" The King of Dale offered.
"I thank ye. I've been waitin' a long while to see my missus and the bairns, so I know how ye feel, Bard." The King Under the Mountain told him.
"You have four children, is that correct?" Thranduil asked.
"Tha's right. My son, Thorin – I named 'im after Oakenshield – will be stayin' in the Iron Hills as the ruler. He's got a family of his own now, but we've got three daughters who'll be comin' with my wife, Dilna. Dis, Oakenshield's sister, is comin' along."
"I remember Tauriel writing something about that." Thranduil remembered. "I imagine she will want to pay tribute to her sons and her brother."
"That she will. They're due to come soon."
"Really?" Bard sat up straighter. "I had no idea."
"Well, you boys have been a bit preoccupied, haven' ye?" The Dwarf King laughed. "Seriously, though, I think my folks will need a bit o' time to get settled in, and used to the idea of how things are here. Gandalf's supposed to come sooner, and he'll be talkin' to Dis about things."
"So, she doesn't know about Thorin's Gold Sickness?"
"Aye, she knows, but it'll take a bit o' convincin' to get her to change her mind about this fella," he pointed his thumb at Thranduil. "Remember, Thorins's convinced everybody in the Blue Mountains the Elf turned 'is back on 'em."
"But didn't the Dwarves who received aid when Smaug came tell anybody? Surely Dis must know about that."
"She heard about it, Bard, but it's one thing to read a missive; it's another to see fer yerself. She's takin' their deaths hard, so I'm hopin' bein' here and meetin' Tauriel will convince her to think otherwise."
Thranduil felt he had to be protective. "I hope things go well, Dáin, but I will not allow my daughter to be exposed to any kind of anger or abuse. While one can understand Lady Dis's feelings, I ask you be sensitive to my daughter's state right now."
"I hear wha' yer sayin' and I agree. She won' be meetin' Tauriel until I know she'll be a' least respectful, so ye don' need te worry."
"Speaking of Tauriel, thanks for looking after her." Bard said, sheepishly. "We didn't mean to upset her."
To their surprise, Dáin cackled with glee. "Ye didn' really make her cry - Percy was ayankin' yer chains."
"Hilda!" Bard was shocked. "You all lied to us!"
"No, we just… exaggerated," Hilda crossed her arms smugly. "And you boys started minding yourselves, so it worked."
Dáin laughed at her. "I wish I coulda been here te see tha'!" he slapped his knee. "But as it was, I won a fair bit on the pools."
Bard rolled his eyes. "I'm going to take a wild stab in the dark, and say Percy oversaw that?"
"Don' look a' me," Dáin raised his hands in the air. "He's yer friend." When he was done chortling, he added with some seriousness, "Ye've got te give the man credit, Bard. Percy's had the right idea, ye ken. That lad kept everybody's spirits up, through all the grievin' and missin' our families. He's done just as much to help relations, as we did wi' our treaty!"
"I agree." Thranduil said.
"You said Gandalf is coming?" Bard asked. "When?"
"Not sure, but when 'e does, I've gotta bone to pick wi' him. I sent a Corbie to 'im when ye had yer mishap, and never heard a blessed thing back." Dáin shook his head.
Bard looked at his husband, then looked at Hilda and Dáin. "Shut the door, will you, Hil? We need to tell you two something."
So, the next hour or so was spent explaining to the Seneschal and the Dwarf King just how Gandalf helped them both. When they were finished telling their tale, both were flabbergasted.
When Thranduil related Mirelen's words about Kili, the King Under the Mountain sat up straighter, and his jaw dropped. "Durin's dick!" Dáin exclaimed, and shook his head. "Tha's…" he could find no words.
"This shouldn't be made public." Bard told him, "but I don't think it's a problem if a few people know. Besides, I remember it, and I figure if no one was supposed to know, Gandalf would have made sure I forgot it, as soon as I came to."
"Hmmm…" Dáin stroked his beard, then asked Thranduil. "And yer wife said we'd be getting' help wi' the war wi' Sauron?"
"She did, but couldn't give me details. I've written to my kin in Lothlórien and to Mithrandir and Elrond for some insights, and I am hoping for news soon."
Hilda was speechless. "So… Mírelen was all right about Bard?"
"Yes. In fact, she told me she looks forward to meeting him." The Elf answered her with a smile.
"Oh, lovey," she got up and kissed Bard's cheek. "That's wonderful!" She smiled at Thranduil, and fussed over their covers. "Can I get you anything?"
"No right now, Hil. Thanks."
"Oh! I almost forgot! The wagons will be bringing your new mattress; we'll be setting up your big bed again."
"Praise Ulmo!" Bard groaned. "I'm grateful to the Dwarves for bringing these beds, but…" The Bowman was rejoicing. "I'll be able to get out of bed and sit on a chair!"
"Aye, and you'll be getting right back in it, too." She kissed his cheek. "I'll check back in a couple of hours."
Once the couple was left alone, Thranduil smiled at Bard. "Here, Meleth nîn." He carefully rolled Bard onto his stomach.
"That feels good…" Bard sighed into his pillow, when Thranduil began to massage his back muscles. "Oh…" he moaned in bliss. "This is better than sex…" the bowman's eyes rolled into the back of his head. "I can't believe how good that feels!"
"If you truly think this is better than sex," his husband quipped, "then you have been without for far too long."
"You won't get an argument from me," Bard closed his eyes, and was nearly asleep by the time Thranduil had worked all the knots and stiffness from his muscles. His Bowman looked comfortable, so Thranduil curled around him, and after several long kisses, they settled down for a nap in each other's arms.