Chapter Six

Letter to Arwen from Athelas

My kindest and dearest of friends,

Arwen, I can never thank you enough for dispatching Gandalf to us! That he was in Rivendell at that particular moment I shall always consider a gift from the Valar.

Your rooms are prepared and I am busy ensuring that everything is in order for your visit with your escort. Legolas and I are both eager to see you and Aragorn.

It is so pleasant to have one's home to oneself again. I shall be sure to give you every detail in the conclusion of our trouble.

Gandalf arrived so precipitately yesterday that I scarce believed that my message had time to get to you. Forgive my haste on that occasion, I was sorely disturbed. Gandalf wasted no time, but headed to the dungeons to observe Daewen for himself. He looked at her sternly for a few moments, then asked that the door be opened. He went in and placed a hand on her head, muttering to him. She recognized him, and I hoped that meant there was still a glimmer of sanity in that fevered mind. He finished with her, and left the dungeons, motioning Thranduil and I to follow. Legolas had not accompanied us, as the sight of him made her worse, and once she even began to disrobe in front of him!

In Thranduil's study, I passed around the wine and seated myself. Isn't it wonderful, dear friend, how Gandalf's very presence seems to calm one? From the moment he arrived, I ceased to fret, knowing that he would be able to solve our dilemma.

I asked him if there was any hope of a cure for Daewen. He shook his head, and lighting his pipe, told us a tale that would be absurd, if we had not just seen it happen before us.

Daewen was not of Arda. She was an immature being from another world who had come to plague us, driven by lust for Legolas. My poor husband squirmed at this and looked embarrassed. Gandalf was careful to explain that no blame for this should fall on anyone, it was an unfortunate disaster, such as earthquakes or forest fire. Legolas cheered a bit at that.

Thranduil asked what was to be done with her. Would she need to be locked up and cared for, the rest of her life? Gandalf laughed at that and said we need not be disrupted by Daewen any longer. He would make sure that she was returned to her rightful place.

Arwen, I was so happy at that I cried. Tears of real joy. To have our lives, our home, again be peaceful, without the capriciousness of that creature.

Gandalf removed Daewen from her prison and took her off with him this morning at dawn. I was overjoyed. Gone were the feeling of heartache and guilt. She was beyond our help when she arrived, and nothing we could have done would have cured her.

So this morning I sit outside the Hall, enjoying the sunshine, listening to the forest without straining to hear that strident voice issuing commands. When I have finished this letter, Legolas and I shall go spider hunting, he wants me to have some enjoyment. I will try to leave a few for Aragorn for your visit!

There are only two things that disturbed me about Gandalf's leaving this morning. He had such a determined look on his face as he regarded Daewen that I wonder if he considers her proper place a spider hole. I hope not, as there might be some chance she could escape. I would prefer a more permanent solution.

The other thing that troubles me, Arwen, is that he told us not to wait so long to send for him next time. Next time?

I am anxious to see you, my friend.

Athelas