Whoever Boromir had taken to that afternoon on the practice field looked as if they had been the one giving the beating. Boromir came back to my room later that afternoon sporting an impressive bruise on his cheek. His good humour was back though and he spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening entertaining me. By the time he had finished describing Rivendell in each inch of details I was itching to get out of bed. My body saved me from the frustration of not being able to move. Boromir had dinner brought to my room and soon after dinner I was fast asleep again.
The next morning it was Lord Elrond himself waking me up. I groggily stirred as I heard the door click shut softly. I was still blinking sleepily when he stood beside my bed.
"My apologises for waking you."
"No need to apologise." I managed to wiggle myself into a sitting position without using my hand. "I feel like I've slept enough for a lifetime."
"It is just your body's way of telling you that you need to heal," Elrond said with a faint smile. I couldn't help but let the snort of amusement escape me. Elrond simply looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Your son, Elrohir said you tell him the exact same thing to me yesterday," I explained. I should have been more polite in my manners. But my brain was too foggy to even think about it right now.
"Ah," Elrond said, nodding at my explanation."Then I am glad one of my son's has listened to me, even if it was only once in his life."
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. Many conversations with Ina suddenly came flooding back to me about the tales of her two children. It made me feel terribly homesick all of a sudden. All this time away and I hadn't missed the confines of the great white city. Now all I wanted to go was to go back there and settle into the life I knew. How different things would have been if I hadn't come north with Boromir. Right now I would probably be making one of my regular trips to Dol Amroth. Or staying with Eowyn in Rohan.
"I'm going to check your stitches on you leg." Elrond cut into my fast growing gloomy thoughts. "Taking the bandage off may be very uncomfortable."
"I'm sure I can manage it," I said but I was already flinching readying myself for the pain to follow. Lord Elrond seemed not to notice as he gently lifted my foot onto a small box so he could access the bandages easily. The small motion was enough to make me flinch in pain for real this time. The constant stabbing throb seemed to intensify with every movement. As Elrond started to undo the bandage I flinched at every movement on my leg.
"Tell me about your horse, Axis I believe his name is?" Elrond said suddenly.
The question surprised me enough to take my mind off my leg for a moment.
"Yes, his name is Axis," I said through gritted teeth "I brought him a few years ago as a young horse when I was 20, no 19. I hadn't had my birthday yet and my father threatened it would be the last birthday I would ever have unless I took that beast back to where he came from."
"Obviously that didn't happen," Elrond said. I couldn't see his face but I could clearly hear the amusement in his voice.
"No, it didn't, the horse trader had already left." I couldn't hold back the snort of amusement at the memory of the look on my father's face when I to explain it to him" Axis had been a monster as a young horse. The only reason I had managed to buy him for such a low price was I was the only rider to stick out his bad behaviour. The trader had near given him to me after I sat out his bucks and tantrums while laughing at him. When I proudly showed my father him Axis had latched onto his shoulder and wouldn't let go. Until his death I had never heard my Father swear so loudly or colourfully."
"Your father is dead?" Elrond said gently.
"He died two springs ago." I explained with a small shrug "Minas Tirith had a terrible year for sickness. A fever ripped through the city. I think my father was ready to go, he missed my mother terribly."
"Perhaps you can start at the beginning of your story?" Elrond asked with a smile. "Tell me from the start how you came to Minas Tirith and as a woman end up at the personal messenger to the Steward."
I started to tell him how my Father had whisked me off to Minas Tirith as a young child, and ended up as personal weapons tutor to Boromir and Faramir. By the time I had reached the part of my life where I had officially became the personal messenger the bandage was clean off my leg. My voice trailed off as I stared down at the limb. It was terribly swollen and sporting several shades of purple and black up my entire leg. A neat row of stitches ran up the outside of my leg and stopped halfway up my calf.
"It looks clean, no sign of infection," Elrond gently probed at the stitches. The area around the stitches was strangely numb. I barely felt him touch them. He moved down towards my foot and gently ran his hand up my foot. I resisted the urge to jerk it away, only just.
"You can feel that?" he asked looking hopeful.
"Yes, it tickles," I said slightly breathlessly.
"That is a good sign." Elrond picked up a fresh change of bandages. "It means you will still have use of your leg when it heals."
"And how long will that be?" I asked.
"At least 2 months, I expect you to stay abed for another few weeks yet," Elrond said in a firm tone as he started working on bandaging my leg again. The news made me want to groan in frustration. What was I going to do for the next few weeks to keep myself occupied? I tried to keep a scowl from forming on my face but I was largely unsuccessful. Elrond glanced up briefly from his work to see the stormy look written all over my face.
"I have a daughter who would be the equivalent of near your age if she was human," Elrond said while he worked. "Many Elves are leaving for the Undying Lands so she lacks female company. When you are up to it I will introduce you."
"That would be lovely, thank you," I said as politely as I could manage. Although in a cranky mood about my bed ridden state for the next few weeks, part of me would be glad for some female company.
"Do you like to read?" Elrond questioned me further completely ignoring my mood. At those words it did actually make me perk up.
"I love to read, although it is a rare opportunity I get to do so," I said feeling cautiously brighter. It was true. I rarely got a chance to read while I was in Minas Tirith. However when I would travel to Dol Amroth in winter there would be storms roll in off the ocean quite frequently. It was terrible weather to travel in so I was be delayed for a few days. Those few days I would always spent curled up in front of the fireplace with my nose buried in a book. Imrahil always made sure I was never disturbed and even sent meals up to me instead of waiting for me to come down. Unlike Rohan where I was treated according to my station, Dol Amroth was a lot different. Imrahil and his family had grown quite fond of me over the years. He always made me feel welcome and his wife Miriel always made sure my every need was looked after while I was there. The library in Dol Amroth was alive with old books of history which I eagerly devoured in my mind while I was there.
"What kind of books?" Elrond asked.
"History mostly, I love reading about all the battles from the First and Second ages," I said feeling a slight smile tug on my lips.
"Ah of course, I did not think you to be one for tales of love and poetry," Elrond said lightly, amusement clear in his voice.
Not unless you could count the rather erotic Haradrim poetry I had found hidden deep in the library one day in Dol Amroth. It was enough to make me blush. And I was used to the bawdy behaviour of soldiers when their mouth's got carried away with them after too much drink. Their stories had nothing on those words written in delicate slanted writing on in a very old book. With Elrond staring at me I just found myself shaking my head to clear that particular memory away.
"Lord Glorfindel has quite a collection of history books," Elrond continued when I didn't say anything. "I shall ask him if he can spare a few."
"Lord Glorfindel?" I asked. The name was so glaringly familiar but I couldn't place it. Somewhere in the back of my mind the writing in a book now long forgotten by me was jumping to the front of my mind.
"If you like history then you should know his name," Elrond said lightly glancing up at me while he worked.
I frowned lightly thinking hard back to the many books I had read. For some reason thinking of that name always kept the city of Gondolin popping into my head.
"Lord Glorfindel was from Gondolin?" I asked Elrond. He nodded his head and I felt a rush of silly delight at remembering such a thing. All too quickly the history came racing to the front of my mind.
"He was Chief of the House of the Golden Flower." I bit my lip lightly in concentration "He held the rear guard when Gondolin was attacked by Morgoth. He died slaying a Balrog in the pass of Cirith Thoronath."
"Very good Devera," Elrond said as he finished tying the last of my bandage on "You have a keen mind. That history is from long ago and has said to be long forgotten in the minds of everyone but the Elves."
I felt myself flush with pleasure at his words. But then I frowned lightly. It made no sense. Lord Glorfindel had died thousands of years ago. Why would there be a book collection of his here?
"But," I started not quite sure how to form the question I wanted to ask.
"But why would he have a book collection here?" Elrond finished the sentence for me. "Lord Glorfindel was sent back by the Valar themselves in the Second Age, I think it was close to the year 1600."
"Oh," I said feeling a bit foolish. "That I hadn't read in any books."
"No indeed you would not have," Elrond took my leg off the small box and gently settled the blankets over me again. "I'm happy with the progress of your leg, but you will need to keep off it for a while longer yet."
I sighed in defeat at the firmness of his words. There would be no smiling prettily to get my way around this one. I would have to suffer my fate of being bed ridden for a few more weeks. My eyes slid to a corner of my room where a pair of crutches lent against the wall. All too quickly my mind was starting to form a plan.
"I will send some books for you," Elrond said as he gathered his supplies and left.
True to this word, Lord Elrond sent me more books than I could possibly ever read in a short amount of time. Boromir visited me every afternoon after he spent every morning at the practice fields. Every so often I saw Elladan and Elrohir as well, though their visits were brief. It was enough to keep me entertained for only a week and a half before I began to chafe at the restraint of my confinement. Every day I asked how much longer I got the same reply of soon. If I drank the horrible brew that was presented with me every morning and night I found I could deal with the pain. Surely if my leg was beginning to feel better I could walk soon?
When Boromir next visited me I asked him about Axis. More than anything I wanted to see my horse. Even though I had been assured he was being looked after, I still wanted to see it for my very own eyes. Boromir told me he hadn't visited him that morning and I lost my temper in a spectacular way. Fortunately Boromir was in a good mood and all he did was stand there with his arms crossed and an amused smirk on his face. I spat every vicious insult at him I knew in my native tongue and all he did was laugh at me. When he left I sat there brooding. My plan that had been in the back of my mind for the last week and a half came roaring back to me. I barely slept in anticipation of pulling it off.
I peeked out of my door and checked the hallway was clear for the 3rd time. My courage wavered every time I stuck my head out the door. Finally I took a deep breath and unsteadily hobbled out on my crutches. It was an uneasy clump as my wrist ached every time I put too much pressure on it. However I managed to make it down the tapestry lined walls to the door of Boromir's room. Turning the doorknob gently I was relieved when it didn't squeak. Cautiously I poked my head inside and I was greeted by the gentle snores of Boromir. Even though I couldn't see him in the dark room his snoring was enough to assure me he wouldn't wake anytime soon.
Gleefully I swung around on my crutches and thumped heavily down the hallway. The early morning sun was just enough light to give off so I didn't fall over every piece of furniture along the way. It seemed to take forever but I finally burst into the cold morning light without running into a single person. Or Elf.
I had a rough idea of where the stables were thanks to Boromir describing nearly every inch of Rivendell to me in detail. Like Gondor they were positioned close enough for riders to get there quickly if needed. Yet far away enough so the horses didn't disturb the general population. By the time I reached there I was out of breath, sweating heavily and in serious amounts of pain. My leg felt as it someone had stuck a hot knife in it and twisted continuously. Yet I didn't let that deter me as I swung down the stable aisle in search of my beloved Axis. I reached his stable just as he limped to the door to greet me. Taking in the sight of him I felt tears well in my eyes.
"Oh my friend I'm so sorry," I murmured in Rohirric as I slipped into his stall. I lent heavily against the door trying to catch my breath as I took in inventory of him.
His leg hind leg was bandaged from hoof to hock and above that was covered in deep gashes all the way up to his rump. His shoulder had been stitched neatly but he would still bear a great scar from it. Together we made one great big mess. But we were alive, stitched and bandaged together but alive. I wrapped my arms around his neck and clung onto him fighting back the tears that kept threatening. He seemed to enjoy my embrace as he sighed deeply and rested his head against my shoulder. I inhaled deeply drinking in the scent I had missed so much over the last week and a half as I lay in my own bed agonising over how he was. Even though his smell was mixed with healing salve it was still heaven to me. As I stroked his neck murmuring to him in Rohirric a flash of gold caught my eye. It was so surreal that flash of gold, just like in my dreams.
"Lady Devera?" an accented voice was questioning from the doorway. I peered around to see an Elf I didn't know standing at the door. He was dressed for travel and wore a look of astonishment on his face. His hair was golden with a handsome face that seemed to be standard for all the Elves in Rivendell. Yet the way he carried himself I knew he was different somehow. The words he spoke had a tinged accent to them. While most of the Elves I had seen were beautiful and ethereal, he seemed to be lithe and deadly. A true Elven warrior. It wasn't hard to imagine him dressed in armour swinging a sword. Or standing in the distance firing a bow. Yet mentally I frowned, he looked so familiar yet I couldn't place him. I could feel a blush creeping up my neck as he openly stared me up and down.
"Yes?" I raised an eyebrow trying to sound a nonchalant as possible. As if I was allowed to be out of my room, let alone down at the stables on crutches I wasn't allowed to use for who knew how long yet.
A knowing smile crept onto his face as he let himself into Axis stable.
"Forgive my rudeness but I'm sure I heard Lord Elrond firmly say you were bed ridden for another week at least."
"Your rudeness is forgiven, however I think you must have misunderstood your Lord." My wit was sharp as I tried to plaster a serene smile on my face. I knew I was about to be in trouble.
"Ah I may be old but my Elven hearing is still capable," the Elf smirked leaning against the door as he crossed his arms. "And I know my ears heard that you were to be abed for a while longer yet."
I snorted with contained laughter and buried my face into Axis mane to hide my smile. I felt the Elf move and stroke Axis on the face. The stallion let out a content sigh and seemed to lean into the Elf's hand. I look up and nearly frowned at the sight. Axis hated everyone except for me. Both Elladan and Elrohir had sported bruises from his snapping teeth. Yet here he was leaning into the Elf's hand as if he'd known him forever.
"A brave horse for a brave rider," the Elf said quietly stroking his neck. His sapphire blue eyes met my own blue eyes and I could feel the blush creeping up to my cheeks at the compliment.
"I'm sorry my Lord but you are?" I asked politely. That face was so familiar, but as if it belonged in a dream. A dream full of nightmares and blackness, yet that golden hair and blue eyes chased away both.
The elf smiled almost sadly for a moment but then it was gone. On his face smoothed a perfectly practised face reserved usually only for the courtiers of Gondor.
"Forgive me my Lady Devera how rude of me," he took my hand and bowed deeply. "Lord Glorfindel at your service."
"A pleasure Lord Glorfindel," I smiled politely. "I would curtsy however I think you could end up with a crutch in an unfortunate place."
"Indeed." a grin spread on his handsome face. It was a grin that would melt even the iciest heart of the coldest lady at court.
That cursed blush was making its way up my face feel hot and I turned back to Axis neck to hide my face.
"Are you travelling far my lord?" I enquired politely as I began to untangle small knots in Axis mane. There weren't many. My stallion was impeccably groomed. His mane and tail were free from any tangles or straw. His copper coat glistened in the early morning light. Despite his injuries he looked magnificent. I idly wondered who had taken the time out to get him looking so clean.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Glorfindel cock his head to the side slightly, his grin now replaced with the sad smile that was on his face before he introduced himself.
"You don't remember me do you?" Glorfindel asked softly "You were so far gone in your pain but I thought you had some lucid moments."
I don't know why but those words made me gulp heavily. I could hear back to Lord Elrond's words telling me how lucky I was to be alive. An infection had quickly set into my leg and if it hadn't of been for the hunting party of Elves that found me I would have been dead within a day. The last thing I had vividly remembered was the flash of gold that killed the Orc that was on top of me ready to rape me and slit my throat afterwards. After that it was only blackness with the flashes of gold in my memory. There were vague memories of me screaming so loud I thought my voice would cut off. And the rocking motion that made me feel sick.
"You were with one of the hunting party of Elves that rescued me?" I asked and turned to face him. It was a guess, but an easy one.
"I was the one who set your leg and rode you back to Rivendell." Glorfindel shuddered as if some dark memory had overcome him. "And I killed the Orc that was on top of you. I watched as your brave stallion tried to defend his fallen rider despite the Warg trying to eat him. I watched you kill those two Orcs despite laying helpless on the ground before I could reach you. There was no hunting party, just myself. And I am sorry for not being able to reach you sooner"
I could only stare at the Elf Lord with wide eyes. My heart was pounding and my mouth was dry. There was so little I could remember of what happened after the Orc on top of me fell away dead. The rest I remembered far to vividly. I'm sure if it wasn't for the strong painkillers Lord Elrond kept me on the nightmares I would be having would be horrendous. Still, I was alive and I had the Elf in front of me to thank for that. A dim memory sprung to my mind. The rocking sensation I had been feeling wasn't a dream. I grimaced at the thought.
"And I am sorry for throwing up on you on the way back," I tried to smile. Despite my best intentions it came out awfully wobbly. But it lightened the dark mood, an easy smile slipped onto Glorfindel's lips.
"Thankfully it was not my favourite tunic in the world and I had no hesitation in burning it." His blue eyes sparkled with mirth. My wobbly smile turned into a real smile at his humour. My heart ceased pounding and I could breath properly again.
"I am glad for it," I said suddenly feeling strangely shy. I turned back to Axis to pick at tiny bits of imaginary straw in his mane.
"To answer your previous question, I'm looking for a friend and travelling companions," Glorfindel said leaning back against the stable door "They left Bree and Lord Elrond fears they may have run into trouble on the road."
"I shan't keep you any longer then my Lord," I tried not to shudder at the memories that threatened to flood my mind danced before my eyes at the thought of those last words.
"A 5 minute delay is hardly going to make a difference to my trip Lady Devera," Glorfindel frowned thoughtfully for a moment before that easy smile came back onto his face. "Would you like to meet my horse?"
"A girl from Rohan is hardly going to turn down the opportunity to meet and Elvish horse," I grinned with childish delight. I had always wanted to see a true Elven steed. I had seen many that claimed to have some Elvish blood. But if the horse had any Elvish blood it would have been generations back.
"Here." Glorfindel came forward to help me support my weight. His strong arm slipped around my waist allowing me to walk comfortably without hurting my wrist. It was still a long slow limp to only 3 stalls down. However when I laid eyes on his horse to ache in my leg was more than worth it. The grey stallion had his head over the stall door. He nickered softly at the sight of his owner.
"His name is Asfaloth," Glorfindel said quietly as he reached up to stroke the horses ears affectionately.
"Asfaloth," I said just as quietly stroking the magnificent animal. He was unlike anything I had seen before. Taller than Axis but built as powerful as a war horse. When he moved his coat rippled over his muscles like liquid silver. Peering into the stable showed me his strong legs, well arched neck and short back built for speed. He looked just like his owner, deadly and powerful. Yet those huge brown eyes were loyal and gentle. He nuzzled my hand delicately as if he was looking for a treat. His whiskers and warm breath tickled my head, bringing a smile to my face.
"No begging sugar cubes my friend," Glorfindel laughed as he patted the stallion's forehead.
"If I had some he would have to compete with Axis for them", I laughed. Almost as if he heard his name Axis banged on the stable door and let out a demanding whinny. I shook my head at my horse. I was about the hobble my way back to Axis door before I jumped from a loud bang on the main stable door opening.
"Devera!" Boromir hollered.
I cringed at the sound of his voice. He sounded furious and when I caught sight of him stomping down the aisle he looked as angry as his voice sounded. I smiled sweetly and put on my best defence. Beside me Glorfindel looked like he was trying his best not to laugh.
"Hello Boromir, I was just saying good morning to Axis," I said as sweetly as the smile on my face. Beside me Glorfindel managed a weak cough and scratched at his ear. Boromir's temper only quelled when he saw who was standing beside me.
"Forgive me Lord Glorfindel," he ground out at politely as he could managed in the situation. "For I woke up to find Lady Devera missing when she was told to stay in bed."
He punctuated the last 3 words with such force I knew he was very, very mad. Still I kept my sweet smile on my face and I knew he'd melt sooner rather than later.
"There is nothing to forgive Lord Boromir," Glorfindel glanced at me with wicked grin crossing his face. "Perhaps Lady Devera should be tied to her bed to prevent further escapes."
If looks could kill he would be one dead Elf Lord right that very instant. However the comment seem to dampen Boromir's temper. His own wicked grin flicked onto his lips. I could see the thoughts running through his head and none of them were to be spoken of in polite company.
"Come back to bed Devera." Boromir finally sighed in defeat as he held his hand out to me. I took his hand and went to take a step towards him. My broken leg gave way and with a curse I nearly crashed to the stable floor. However Boromir leapt forward at the right time and managed to catch me before I could do much more damage to my leg or wrist. Before I could protest he scooped me up into his arms as if I weighed no more than his own sword. As a matter of fact with how skinny I am that probably wouldn't be hard. I couldn't even lift Boromir's sword, let alone swing it.
"Back to bed," Boromir murmured into my hair before turning to Glorfindel. "Safe journey my Lord."
"Thank you," I said to Glorfindel who simply smiled a brilliant smile at me.
"You're most welcome my Lady."
I didn't realise how exhausted my little trip had left me. I was asleep before we left the stables. I only stirred when Boromir put me back into bed. My leg was aching terribly and I could feel a headache starting to drum in my head. I clung onto Boromir's shirt as he tucked me in.
"Stay with me please," I whispered. Too many memories of that day were already swimming around in my head. Behind my closed eyes I could still see those pale yellow eyes and snarling teeth on top of me. Boromir didn't say anything, he simply kicked off his boots and climbed under the blankets with me. Pulling me into his arms I lay my head on his chest.
"Your safe Devera, nothing will ever hurt you again" Boromir murmured to me as he stroked my hair. My eyelids were drooping again as I faded back to sleep.
The sound of screaming woke me up. It took me half a second before I realised it was me screaming. A second later I was wrapped in Boromir's arms as he rocked me back and forth soothingly. I clung to him with tears pouring down my face and sobbing uncontrollably. I don't remember what I was dreaming about, it had already gone from my memory but I couldn't stop my hysterical tears.
"Your safe Devera, Axis is safe, nothing will ever hurt you again," Boromir's voice was choked as he rocked me gently. "I swear I will be there for you always and nothing will ever touch you again."
Sobs racked through my body and I couldn't speak. I just clung onto Boromir's shirt, soaking it with my tears. Dimly through my sobs I heard someone else enter asking if I was all right.
"Just a nightmare Lord Elrond," Boromir said quietly. "I couldn't wake her from it."
"Nor should you," Lord Elrond said not unkindly. "They will pass in time."
The door closed a few moments later and I was left alone with Boromir. Already the tears were drying on my face and my sobs quietened down. Still I clung to him like my life depended on it.
"Stubborn woman," Boromir said softly as he kissed my forehead. "More worried about your horse than yourself, even in your dreams."
I couldn't help but laugh weakly.
"See this is what happens when I get stuck in bed for too long," I said, my voice muffled by speaking into Boromir's chest.
I could feel Boromir sigh heavily. I dare not look up incase I had pushed him too far yet again.
"I will talk to Lord Elrond and see what he will permit you to do," Boromir said with an overly dramatic sigh. I dared to peek up at him and I could see a small smile on his lips.
"If my leg wasn't aching so much I would show you how much I appreciate it," I said feeling slightly triumphant. I could feel my own smile start to creep onto my lips. Boromir chuckled and kissed my forehead before getting up.
"No promises," he warned before leaving the room.
Authors Note
Wheeee this was a quick update! Normally I don't get an update in so quickly but I had most of the part where Devera sneaks out into the stable already written. It was just a case of filling in the rest.
Please excuse any spelling/grammar errors in this chapter especially. I normally get my husband to beta for me. However silly me gave him this chapter just after he finished downloading the X-Men cartoon series. So it was a very quick skim through!
Thank you to those who have reviewed. It makes me day getting reviews.