Chapter 5: Address

Tauriel had to note that Idhrenion looked more frustrated and fretful as she treated her royal patient this time. The healer was very gentle with the king, handling him tenderly, prompting him unwearyingly, shushing him kindly. The other elleth made sure Thranduil was comfortable and she even waited till he fell asleep before she rose. If Tauriel didn't already suspect, it would've given her a clue that something was really wrong and therefore she rushed after the healer and called her out on it in her direct manner, "what happened in there? What changed? How bad is he?"

Idhrenion gave her an encouraging smile this time, seeing her fretfulness. "He will recover."

"Why were you were so different with him than other times!"

"I couldn't ignore his suffering. The cramps were bad."

"But you took care of it, right?"

"Yes and no. I would have the command to take away his pain completely, his physical pain that is, but I am not going to as I have not done in the past either. He will never stop drinking if I make symptomatic consequences disappear."

Tauriel's eyes went wide and on instinct checked that the bedroom's door was closed, "does he know this?"

"He never asked, but I am certain he knows," the healer nodded, "His Majesty isn't foolish."

"And he does not order you otherwise…" Tauriel sighed. It didn't really surprise her that the king was intentionally torturing himself. "I am so sorry, I apologise for not being able to follow your advice and slow his drinking." She added after a pause and some reflection.

The healer tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, "well, I wouldn't say that. In point of fact he has been consuming less since you assumed duties here."

Tauriel reeled back internally. So Thranduil had often been even more intoxicated than she was used to. "Are you sure?" She asked horrified.

"Yes. Therefore, please keep doing whatever you are doing. His servants could not deny him and made no difference, so we thank Valar for your presence."

"I cannot deny his orders either, Idhrenion, you know that." Tauriel argued.

"Maybe so, but you are doing something. It's either that you cheer him up, or that he doesn't feel like drinking in your absence for some reason. I do not know why. He does not care for pretences any longer, but he perhaps doesn't want to appear inconsiderate or foolish in your presence, whether it is a conscious decision or an unconscious desire. I do not mean to pry, but can you guess the reason? Because you must capitalise on it, he is getting worse even with drinking less."

Tauriel stood clueless, "I am very sorry, but I have no idea."

Idhrenion nodded, acknowledging. "Then you should care for him, be there for him. I do not want to come often, as a ploy. I left him a few vials to help him sleep and lessen cravings for the eventuality he even gets to a stage where withdrawals are a concern, nonetheless I do not wish to give him many pain relievers or anything to calm his stomach habitually. It might sound harsh, but we want him to suffer with it because the more he ails, the more likely he is to realise he can't go on like this."

"I understand," Tauriel agreed with a heavy heart.

"I am confident to leave him in your care," the healer assured, considering the conversation over.

Tbc