Chapter Fifty-Six
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SUMMARY: Gandalf pays the Kings a visit and brings them some news that will change a lot of things in Middle Earth—and beyond...
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The Woodland Realm, 18th of May 2942 T.A.
"Uncle Percy?"
"What is it, my Little Bean?" The Steward of Dale lifted Tilda into his lap. "What's on your mind?"
They were all gathered in Thranduil's chambers for the evening, enjoying their visit with Uncle Percy. The boys were sitting on the floor around the low table fletching arrows under Daeron's tutelage, while Sigrid was working on her current project – she was making a quilt of leftover Elven silk for her bed.
"Da's birthday is today, and we didn't get to see him!" Tilda was worried. "Is he really all right
"You're Da will be all right, I promise. He'll need to still rest some, but he's anxious to see you kids, and Ada is jumping out of his skin, he's that tired of waiting."
"I'll bet they're grumpy." Bain observed. "I know I would be, if I had to spend a month and a half in bed."
Percy threw his head back and laughed. "you have no idea! Both your fathers have been a handful, but we got back at them! You wanna hear about it?"
"Yeah!" Bain looked up from his feathers with a grin. "What did you do?"
He gave them a blow-by-blow description of their "comeuppance" from Hilda, then chortled, "Your Auntie Hil scared the bejeepers out of them, and they've been good ever since!"
"She didn't!" Sigrid laughed.
Bain shook his head. "I feel sorry for them."
"Me too," Tilda said. "Was Auntie Hil really scary? Cause she gets scary when she's mad."
"Oh, she wasn't really mad. She just let them think she was, because they didn't want to behave and do what Master Ermon said. They were so anxious to be up to help get Dale ready for you all, they were driving the Healers and me out of our minds!"
"But they wouldn't get better if they didn't listen to Ermon." Sigrid said, knowingly. "Elénaril said her husband was really worried about them. I'm glad she yelled at them, if that's the only thing to keep them staying put."
"That's what they needed, all right." Percy agreed. "Your Auntie Hil will be back tomorrow, then I'm leaving the next day with supplies. It's all coming together kids! Before you know it, we'll all be under the same roof again!"
"Yay!" Rhys exclaimed, and Esta got up from her place on the hearth to kiss the boy's cheek. "See? Esta's excited to meet Lord Bard's dog, and Lady Tauriel's cat!"
"Oh, I think Farien's too busy to meet anybody these days," Percy gave them all a knowing grin.
"Why?" Tilda asked.
"Because, Beanie," Percy booped her nose. "Tauriel's cat is busy with her kittens!"
"REALLY?" she yelped, "how many?"
"She had six, and they were born about three weeks ago. Farien's looking after them in Tauriel's room, and from what I understand, the little mother is pretty protective, so don't be rushing in there; you'll see them soon enough."
The little girl clapped her hands in delight. "Kittens! I can't wait!" Tilda glanced over at Galion, who was fingering the material of Sigrid's blanket. "Uncle Galion? You're coming too, right?"
The Elf grinned. "I am absolutely coming. I will be riding in the wagon with you, as well as Rhian and baby Darryn."
"Oh, good," the little girl sighed with relief. "I would miss you too much."
"We would all miss you," Sigrid assured him. "You're just as important as Auntie Hil and Uncle Percy." She sighed, and made a sour face. "We've all been apart long enough."
"I agree," Galion told her, with a pat on her hand.
Indeed, everyone's long visit in the Palace was coming to a close. The classes at school were due to finish three days before their departure, so the children would have time to help their mothers pack, or play outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Not all the children would be leaving, of course, much to the relief of the Palace Elves, who had grown very attached to their guests. The adopted orphans who were staying had settled into their new homes beautifully, and there was enough that no one would suffer from lack of playmates. In the Fall, classes for those remaining would resume and Lady Hilda and Mistress Bronwyn would be traveling back to the Palace on a regular basis to check on their welfare.
Among the Elves who were getting ready for the move, was Glélindë, the girls and Gruffudd. Their furniture had already been sent ahead to Feren to set up their house, so Rhian invited her and the girls to stay in Indis' former room, while Gruffudd bunked with one of his friends.
Amongst the citizens of Dale, there was great excitement and anticipation. This winter had been a wonderful experience, which they all would look back on with great fondness. The Elves had helped most of them learn to read and write, taught them completely new trades, and did everything they could to help them prepare for a new life, even empowering the women to defend themselves.
The Elves would be very sorry to see them go. Taking in the refugees had been the most excitement many of them had had for centuries, and most of them had never had the chance to understand the race of Men on such a deep level, and they had learned a great deal about these good folk, as well as themselves. In turn, the people of Dale held a deep respect for the Firstborn, and this understanding would serve to continue the culture of tolerance and acceptance that was practiced in Laketown. The latter had been borne out of necessity to simply survive, but now this tradition would be carried on from a place of love.
Lifelong friendships had been forged here, and would continue to remain strong through letters and visits, and many, many books will be written about this remarkable Long Winter.
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City of Dale, 20th of May, 2942 T.A.
Two days after Bard's birthday celebration, they had an unexpected, but very welcome visitor.
"My Lords," Turamarth knocked on their bedroom door.
"You can come in, Lieutenant," Bard called, as he finished tying his hair back. "We're ready for breakfast." Thranduil was fastening the last buttons of his robe, and getting ready to pull on his boots.
"Mithrandir is here to see you both." The Guard told them. "He is waiting in your study, Lord Bard."
Bard and his husband gave each other meaningful looks, then gave Turamarth instructions. "See to it that our meal is brought there, and bring enough for the Wizard. Then see to it we are not disturbed."
The Guard saluted them and left.
"Well, this will be interesting," Bard went over to wrap his arms around Thranduil's waist and kissed him. "I'm anxious to find out about my 'dream' when I was out of it."
Thranduil return his kiss, as he finished brushing his own hair. "I am as well."
"Should we send for Dáin, do you think?"
"Let us see what Mithrandir wants, first." Thranduil suggested. "Wait a moment, please." Thranduil went to his wardrobe and pulled out the wooden box with Legolas's book. "I want to make sure he takes this with him. It is finally finished."
"Good thinking." Bard nodded and smoothed down his tunic, grabbed his cane, and together with his Elf, went into the study.
"Hello! You both look wonderful, all things considered. How's the leg, Bard?"
"Very weak, but otherwise perfect; I just need to work the muscles to get them strong again. We've been working with it, and I'll be using the cane for a bit, but believe me; I'll take that over losing it altogether, which I very nearly did."
Gandalf smiled and clapped his hands together. "Excellent!" He turned to Thranduil, "And how are you, my good friend?"
"Growing stronger every day, Mithrandir." The tall Elf smiled down at the Wizard, "and I am ever grateful for your help. Tell me: how is Bilbo? Is he still staying with Beorn?"
"He is. I offered to take him to Lothlórien with me, but he declined, as Beorn had just finished carving a small Stratagem set so they could play. Bilbo is determined to beat the Skinchanger least once, before he goes back to the Shire!" Gandalf chuckled. "The two of them make an odd sight, when they walk through Beorn's Garden, but they are now fast friends. To be honest, I think Bilbo is worried that he is too lonely living by himself."
"That is kind of the Halfling." Thranduil commented.
A knock on the door announced the arrival of their food, so all talk ceased, while their meals were passed around, and the pot of strong tea was poured out. After the door was closed, Bard gave the Wizard a thoughtful look.
"I should tell you right off, Gandalf: I remember what happened."
Of course, the Wizard wasn't surprised. "I take it you do, too?" he asked Thranduil, who nodded.
"That's excellent news, as well."
"Thing is,' Bard asked him warily, "is there something we're supposed to do with all that?"
"Not really. Just cherish the memories, and think of them, whenever you doubt yourselves, or your purpose in this life here." He smiled at them.
Bard sat back, and took a sip of his tea. "I joke with Thranduil about our lives being tumultuous, and so far it's been true: we've been separated, Tilda got so ill, and we both nearly died. I hope it won't always be that way."
"I can tell you that while no life is free from incident, I think the worst is over for a long while. Make no mistake: War is coming, but not for many years, so I advise you to use this time to enjoy what peace you may. I must say, Dale looks wonderful, Bard! You'll have it looking better than the days of old, if this is any indication!"
"Thank you," Bard told him. "The best part is so many worked together on it. Dale is to be the center of the North, so we've all got a vested interest in it. I hope to have the same culture of acceptance that the Laketown folk have. From what I understand, the good relations between the Elves and Dwarves here is unprecedented, thanks to your help with Dáin. Speaking of the Dwarf, do we need to send for him?"
"No, that won't be necessary, I am going there myself, after this. The caravan from the Blue Mountains arrived yesterday, and I want to speak with Dis."
"Dis?" Bard tried to place the name. "That's Thorin's sister, right?"
Gandalf nodded gravely. "She is ruler of the Blue Mountains now, but will spend the summer here, close to her brother and sons."
Thranduil nodded, "Tauriel wrote me several months ago about the Lady's visit. My daughter is a bit nervous about meeting her, in light of her feelings toward Kili."
"Tauriel has little to fear, but I advise her to wait until she is summoned. Dis will visit the tombs, of course, and pay tribute; she may need some time after to collect herself, and it will give the Dwarves a chance to tell her more about Tauriel's actions to save the Dwarves and her son."
"I will advise her as such. I have faith that Dáin will persuade the Lady that Tauriel is truly a friend of Erebor."
Gandalf shook his head thoughtfully. "While I deeply grieve the loss of Thorin and his nephews, I am glad it was Dáin who became King Under the Mountain. Perhaps it meant to be so; I think Thorin would have wrestled with the Sickness throughout his life, however much he overcame it before the Battle."
"You could be right." Bard agreed. "The only comfort is that they all are in a place where such struggles no longer exist. Do you think Dís will suffer from Gold Sickness?"
"I doubt it. It seems to affect the males of that line, but Dáin has written me of his observations, which I am more and more inclined to agree with, as I think on it."
"Which is what?"
"It wasn't so much the gold, as it was the Arkenstone itself."
The two Kings looked at each other. Bard was surprised, but Thranduil was not.
"I was alarmed when Bilbo brought the stone to us; when I put my hand near to touch it, I fell at strange 'pull' toward it. This is why I asked Bard to carry it. I could not be sure, but I did not want to take a chance."
"What are you talking about?" Bard was taken aback. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was not sure. Then we became too busy with other things, and it slipped my mind." The Elvenking shrugged. "At any rate, the Stone is deep in the bottomless pit of the Tombs, so thankfully it is not a danger to anyone."
"True." Bard nodded. "Good to know."
Getting back to the subject at hand, Thranduil told the Wizard, "Mírelen told me that Kili loves Tauriel still, and will watch over her always."
"Really? Have you told her this?" Mithrandir's eyebrows raised, but he was pleased.
Thranduil nodded. "I hesitated, at first. I did not know if it would stir up her grief, but when we spoke, she found a great deal of comfort from it. I was supposed to tell her, I think."
"I agree." Gandalf nodded. "It will bring her peace, and when the time is right, she will move on with a full and peaceful heart." Then he changed the subject, "How are you two getting along with the King Under the Mountain?"
"Unexpectedly well." Thranduil nodded his head. "It would seem 'Mordor has frozen over,' as I have begun to regard King Dáin as a friend."
Gandalf burst out in loud guffaws. "Frozen over indeed! The best I'd ever hoped for was that you would tolerate each other well enough, but when you both were flirting with death, the frantic messages I received were not about his fears for the North. He's got a soft spot for Bard here, but he has grown to like you."
"Dáin has not turned out to be the crude buffoon I thought he was, and apparently I am no longer a mere – what did he call me? A "Faithless Woodland Sprite.'" Thranduil smiled. "In all seriousness, he has earned my trust, Mithrandir, and that is something I do not say lightly, given our history with Dwarves."
"Why is that?"
"When Bard and I were incapacitated, that would have been a perfect opportunity to grasp Dale for his own, and he did not. I have heard from several people that his only concern was for the territory as a whole, and he was especially concerned for Bain's safety and inheritance. I think Tauriel had much to do with this, and I hope the Lady Dís understands that. The Dwarves have learned much about our kind, through her genuine friendship with them."
"That much is true. I have heard as much from the Dwarves. She makes an effective ambassador." Gandalf had finished his breakfast and was setting up his pipe.
"Let me make this clear to you and to anyone else who asks: my daughter is no ambassador. I will not allow that friendship to be exploited for political gain, and both Bard and Dáin agree with me. Tauriel is no pawn in any game played on the world's stage, and I am determined to keep it that way."
The Wizard considered the Elvenking's words and nodded his head in agreement. "Still, one cannot deny Tauriel's influence. She is no ruler or politician, but her friendship with the Dwarves is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when we make the effort. Keeping her out of the politics is the best way for her to serve the North."
"That is my hope as well." Thranduil nodded.
Bard spoke up. "I'd like to thank you for answering Dáin's message , and for all you've done. I'm sure Thranduil feels the same way, but since I… spoke with you…in that 'place,' I feel better about a lot of things. I still had doubts about myself, but now…"
Gandalf smiled, "I'm happy for you both, but I didn't come here just to talk about this. I have important news to bring you, concerning Eärendil's Blessing, last December. 1
"Really?" The Elvenking leaned forward anxiously. "You know what what it all means?"
"I do."
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NOTES:
1 What Makes a King, Ch. 22: /works/10838010/chapters/26202933