Chapter Three

Letter from Athelas to Arwen

My dearest Arwen,

I was so glad to receive your letter today. I fear that this may be a short reply, as I am being driven to distraction by the creature today. At present she is in my sitting room with me and will remain so until Laernis is ready to stay with her.

Forgive me if I sound impatient with her, but really, Arwen, how much can one take? I was disappointed that so far no family has claimed her, but I still hold out hope. Is there any way you could encourage your father's messengers to be a little quicker in their search?

Today's uproar is but the last in a month of difficult challenges. Gilon tells me that she has no skill with the bow, and refused to pay attention to his instruction. She preferred to try and dally with him. She continues sullen. But let me begin at the beginning, I fear I am confusing you.

As I reported to you before, the child is hideously marked with black ink. I can find no way of removing these marks of her captivity. Instead, I have made sure that she is provided with clothing that will cover them. I see no point in shaming her or having such a thing advertised. However, she came to me a few weeks back, insisting that she be given "proper" attire. I did not understand her at first, her speech, Arwen, would make your teeth grind against each other, and it took a few moments for her to make me realize that she wanted to wear trousers. That was fine, in fact I prefer it, for she is as careless with her belongings as with everything else and Nimeth and I were hard pressed to keep her gowns mended. She was supplied with what she asked for. She proceeded to have Nimeth alter her garments, creating rags that would suit an orc very well. I was not impressed with the changes, as her arms were bared, and the sight of what had been done to her was troubling to others. I called her to me, and explained the situation, sure that she would not wish to be the cause of distress to those she must live with.

Her reaction was anger, naturally, and from what I can gather, horror that I would not only try to correct improper behavior, but try to stop her from expressing herself! For now, it seems, she is proud of what she calls her "tattoos". What can have been done to her, Arwen, that she could be so warped and yet survive? Yet she cannot live among us with these savage ways. I tell myself daily, and constantly explain to others that her trauma must be great, and we must help her through it. But it seems very hard at times.

I explained to her as gently as I could, that the sight of her disfigurement caused pain to those who felt the pain she must have gone through. I then forbid her, yes, Arwen, I forbid her to bare the markings in public. I then removed all her inappropriate clothing.

This caused a day or two of sulking, and then she began to warm up to me again. Legolas had been home quite frequently, and was often in my company. He has a strange effect on her. Either she tries very diligently to speak and behave properly, or she is extremely pert. Generally, if he attempts to correct some fault in her pronunciation or grammar, or gives her a gentle hint about her conduct, she turns on him with rage. He is beginning to lose his temper with her, and I am glad that her communication is not at a stage where she would understand his somewhat sardonic remarks.

Finally, on a day when she was more impertinent than usual, he had endured enough and sent her to Nimeth. She was very displeased to be dismissed, but certainly Legolas had the right to send her off. I agreed with him completely, and I must say it was very enjoyable to spend the afternoon without either her bad manners or her simpering.

She then began to tarry with Gilon. It went on for some weeks. I wondered if there might be some real attraction there, as he is noticeably patient with her, and often comes to check on her when she is not having an archery lesson. I asked Nimeth, discreetly of course, if there was any real feeling between them. Perhaps, I thought, (foolishly it turned out), that she would improve in her efforts if she felt connected to someone.

Nimeth, dear girl that she is, told me that she was confused regarding Daewen's actions, as she would alternately be very endearing t0 Gilon and then practically insulting towards him. Yesterday, she brought the subject up with Daewen. Daewen, in a rage, and as inarticulate as ever, managed to impress upon her that she was most emphatically not attracted to Gilon, but was using him to entertain herself! Arwen, I have never heard anything so repulsive in my life! Poor Nimeth, who has always had a high regard for Gilon, was in tears as she told me.

I admit I lost my temper. I was not kind, and I told her exactly what I thought of her games. If she understood half of what I said it was by accident, for I was livid, and did not speak slowly. But I stopped her archery lessons immediately, and informed Gilon of what had been happening. Thankfully, although he was confused by her actions, he was motivated by pity for her and not affection.

That was yesterday, and today, upon finding out it was Nimeth who had informed me of the situation, the creature slapped her in the face! What kind of monster have we unleashed on Mirkwood! I had hoped that she would befriend Nimeth as they are of an age, but Nimeth cannot be abused this way. So now Daewen is in my custody, alternating between sniveling that I don't understand her and ranting that I am cruel. I am doing my best to ignore her. As I cannot keep her with me at all times, Legolas would be furious, I have decided that I shall put her in the care of Laernis, who, being older and wiser, will not be impressed by her antics. I must speak of this with Thranduil tonight.

I blame myself in part, for mishandling the girl, but I had no idea that she would be so uncivilized. I fear that she may never be able to take her place with us, but must be kept apart. Can an elf be mad? I am beginning to wonder.

Forgive my preoccupation with this subject, my dearest friend. I am almost at wits end with her. Fortunately, I do not believe there is much more she can do. How I wish I had my Lord Elrond's skill with healing. Perhaps, you could mention the situation to him? Any suggestions he might have would be most appreciated. If Gandalf should happen to wander by Imladris in his travels, I would be grateful for his advice as well.

My best love to you, Arwen, as always. I miss your gentle humor and your positive outlook. Give my respects and love to Aragorn and your father, if you would. Legolas and I are well, if a little out of sorts lately, and he and Thranduil join me in wishing to see you soon.

Athelas