TRYING TO PUSH THE PAST AWAY
BOOK TWO
DISCLAIMER: I do not own „Lord Of The Rings". Whole recognizable belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien. Written only for fun, no money made.
WARNINGS: None for this chapter.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Haha! I am officially past any exams I had to resit and I serve you with still warm chapter no.2. I hope you'll like it, for it has a merry, funny content, as you deserve something nice before another disaster comes. I wanted to thank you so much for your kind words and all the interest I received. You are all great.
And please more! ^^
Chapter 2 : THE BIRTHDAY, THE HORSE, THE DANCING
/*/
It was a pale glowing afternoon when the four friends and Neremiel were sitting on Verién's loft. The twins were lying on the bed, exhausted and unresponsive after a full day of politics, which bored and exhausted them, while Legolas was trying to make a trap door from the boards which were still left. He was holding some nails between his teeth and was briskly joining the broads. Neremiel and Verién were bustling around the place and decorating the window with long lace curtains. The room was slowly getting a beautiful look: it was a pleasure to hang around there.
"You are a real handyman, Legolas," Neremiel praised him, passing by. He smiled and started work on the hinges and the lock.
"I have a question, Legolas." Verién jumped off the window sill and smoothed the curtains. "When is your begetting day anyway?"
Legolas froze and glanced at her. Finally he sighed and smiled, returning to the door.
"I don't know," he said simply. "I have never celebrated my birthday."
"A high time to start," Elladan said, sitting up on the bed. "We only have to find you a proper date, if you don't know it."
"Exactly," Elrohir sat too. "When you would wish to be born?"
"Are you serious?" Legolas asked, totally surprised. A nod from all of them including the girls convinced him that they weren't joking. "First tell me when are your begetting days," he asked.
Verién approached the wall between painted Elladan and Neremiel's swan. She took a brush and dipped it in the black paint, which was still standing near the wall.
"Mine is at the eleventh day of Summer. (1) Elrohir?"
"The thirty seventh day of Fading, eight thirty at the morning," he said. "And you, brother?" he asked ironically.
"Eight forty," he giggled. "You are older than me."
"Neremiel?" Verién wrote the date down and glanced behind her shoulder.
"The twenty eighth of Spring," she smiled. "Now your turn. I suppose you have no wish to have birthday in Winter," she turned to Legolas and his brow furrowed.
"No, I would rather not…" he supported his chin on his hands. "The snow is too cold. But I like the rain… I would prefer to be born in Fading."
"It is Fading ," winked Verién. "And today we have…?"
"The eighteenth," the twins said. In unison.
"So I'm writing the nineteenth day of Fading. Agree?" Verién dipped the brush once again.
"T-tomorrow?" Legolas dropped the trap door and it shut closed.
"And why not? We will celebrate and tell you best wishes. The begetting day is a very pleasant day." She said. "There is also the tradition of giving small presents to a person who is celebrating birthday."
"Look, friends," Legolas said slowly. "I really don't want to bother you with this. You are my friends, that's all I need. Presents are something I…"
"…am not used to," Elrohir ended.
"But that's not the point, please…" he tried to convince them.
"To be honest, I don't like being given presents too," Verién said, putting the paint aside. "Sometimes I cannot repay someone with the same generosity he or she bestowed upon me. But in your case it will be your first birthday ever, so I suppose you should simply let us give you something." She sat near him and embraced her legs by her hands.
"You know what? I recalled something," Neremiel said. "Tomorrow the dancing will be held in the inn in the village, as every Orbelain . You could go there and show Legolas something more than only Imladris," she said. "And it would be a great way to celebrate!"
Legolas went red. He felt more and more embarrassed by the whole situation. He was not used to so much attention and kindness and it made him feel uneasy.
"Ooh… how long it is since I've danced in the village…" sighed Verién. "Splendid idea. The first birthday and the first real party for you."
"And there will be beautiful girls, sweet wine and loud music," Elrohir said. His eyes were sparkling and Legolas already knew that he would be forced to go with them; if Elrohir's or Elladan's eyes were sparkling like this, there was no chance to deny them.
"Do you want to go?" Verién asked Legolas. He hung his head, curling the nail between his fingers. He wanted to tell them he really doesn't. He felt trapped in the crowd. He could not dance and was deeply afraid of alcohol. And drunk people. But he knew it would sound like whining, so he kept silent and nodded, gluing a smile to his lips. Unluckily for him, no one fell for it.
"You do not," Verién stated the obvious. "Why?"
"I… just… don't," he whispered, afraid of their reaction, but they seemed only disappointed.
"Why? There is nothing to be afraid of. You spend too much time indoors, confined by walls and the city. You keep to your room if we don't drag you outside. Tell me, have you ever been to the market alone…? Ah, don't say anything, from your expression I see you haven't. Legolas, we need to introduce you into a normality of sorts. Allow us to help."
"Verién, I will try… just… not so soon…"
"What are you afraid of?" Elrohir bridled up. "You will be with us all the time."
Yesterday evening I was alone, Legolas' first thought was, but he dismissed it. Last evening turned out to be all right, eventually.
"I can't dance, I don't drink, I don't feel good in the crowd. I would only spoil your fun if I went. I don't want to be a burden." Legolas shook his blond head.
"If you won't go, we are staying here, there's no point in having fun without you. You are one of us and should know it by now," Elrohir commented from the bed. Legolas' face shrunk at that and he opened his mouth to protest, but Verién stopped him.
"That's right. Legolas, trust us in that. You will have some fun, see something more than the safe confines of your chamber, experience something new. You will not be alone for a minute. Just relax, you will like it! Trust us. Please." She smiled pleadingly, taking his hand in hers.
"We know you don't like meeting new people and you feel insecure in any kind of new surroundings. But that feeling will lessen and then disappear when you start socializing. You will even come to like it as soon as you feel more comfortable with the thought that nobody is going to hurt you, even if you're surrounded by strangers. It's a next step you simply need to do." Elladan came closer to sit beside the abandoned trap door and looked Legolas in the eye.
"Oh, alright…" the Elf sighed, half-irritated, half-touched by their concern. "But… Lord Elrond will not approve of it."
Elrohir laughed shortly from the bed and jumped up.
"Of course he won't, that's the point! We will sneak out in the night and return at dawn, so that nobody can track us. It will be your first adventure."
"No! Not against Master's will." Legolas shook his head and pursed his lips tight in silent determination.
"He is not your Master," the three said aloud, but Legolas refused to even look at them, taking the hammer again. "Legolas, he would not allow us to go out of genuine concern of our stomachs and heads and because he needs us at court and doesn't believe we would return early enough to attend the council. And even if he allowed, he would send with us guards or something like that. We certainly don't want guards with us. We wouldn't be let into the dancing. And besides, what fun it is when your father knows where you are?" Elladan explained. Legolas raised his eyebrows, completely unconvinced. "He would not be furious and order you a punishment even if he found out. You are free and have a right to decide. We are going without his knowledge, but it's not a crime." Elrohir explained.
"Besides, he will never know," Verién said. "And we are old enough to take care of ourselves. We are taking you with us. You will have some fun." She gave him a cheerful smile. "Uncle needs to know nothing. We will sneak out and return at dawn, when the gates will be opened, and then we will sneak in quietly through the kitchen door."
"So you've done this before." Legolas assumed.
"Of course! We wouldn't take you to a dangerous place." Elladan yawned. "So? Convinced?"
The three puppy-eyed looks made Legolas sigh and nod despite himself. What am I doing, Legolas thought, observing Verién, who jumped up to dance in the middle of the room with her eyes closed, humming a merry melody. What am I doing.
"Neremiel? Will you go with us?" Elladan asked politely.
"I cannot," the girl responded proudly.
"Mum will not let you?" he asked.
"No, she maybe would… but I cannot because of another reason." Neremiel blushed slightly.
Verién stopped the dance abruptly and stared at her. "Don't tell me… I'll guess. That hazel eyed sweetie with guitar asked you for a date."
"How did you know?" Neremiel asked, causing everyone to snort.
"I didn't, I just know you, Neremiel" Verién laughed. "Decided! It's gonna be a lovely, lovely night!"
/*/
The next day came and strange things started to happen after midday, leaving Legolas in a state of shock.
Firstly Erestor congratulated him and wished him everything best before he walked away to his own work. Later Lady Arwen handed him a small pack, kissing him on both cheeks and saying her best wishes as well. In the pack there was a quill; a really beautiful quill made of an eagle feather and a bottle of the best ink. Legolas went red and he thanked Elrond's daughter much longer and much more fervently than needed, but Arwen knew what it was about. It was the first birthday gift he had ever got.
Neremiel and Verién kissed Legolas warmly, said huge amount of wishes and handed him the biggest bouquet of flowers he had ever seen. Moreover, they made him a huge birthday cake with candied cherries and chocolate letters on top. Legolas placed the gifts in his room; he wanted to eat the cake with his friends on the loft, and was looking forward to taste it as the smell was fantastic. Later that day, when he had a spare moment, he was looking at the flowers and the cake and smiling. He could not help it.
The twins made him a big surprise. Both of them gave him a knife, but a special one. They were twin blades; really beautiful craftsmanship. One had a blade turned to the left, and Legolas knew it was Elrohir's gift, as he has always been "the left brother". The knife with a right blade was Elladan's present. Legolas took them and almost started to cry from happiness. The twins admitted they had the knives made for him for quite a while, as they wanted to start teaching Legolas to fight.
But the gift from the Elf Lords amazed him the most.
In the afternoon Verién and the twins took him out from the kitchens and Elladan covered his eyes with a sash.
"W-wait, what are you doing…?" Legolas started to struggle at such unpleasant handling.
"Calm down… We are taking you to Adar and Lord Glorfindel, but you cannot see what they have prepared for you," Elrohir said. "Trust us, we will catch you if you stumble."
"Lord Elrond and Lord Glorfindel… prepared a gift for me…?" Legolas whispered.
"Of course. It is your birthday," Verién smiled, as if it was the most normal thing in the world to have birthdays and receive gifts from friends. Or Elf Lords.
They walked, holding Legolas' elbows to lead him. He stumbled a few times inside the building when walking through the thresholds, but they held him fiercely. Soon Legolas felt a gust of wind on his face and understood that they had entered the pavement. He heard birdsong and slowly he realized where he was, recalling the image of the pavement and its surroundings. They turned left, so they must have walked under Lord Elrond's balcony. Then a few steps straight, to the crossroads. And right. They were going to the stables.
"Where are you taking me?" he asked his friends to check if they would tell him the truth.
"You will see." Elrohir said. "Slowly now, the road gets rocky… that's it. Keep going."
The road seemed to be longer than normally due to the lack of sight. Just when he started to feel uncomfortable with it, he heard Elladan's voice in his ear: "Only a few meters more."
Soon after that the blindfold was removed. He saw that he really was in the stables; Glorfindel was standing on the other side of the big paddock fenced with wooden barriers, talking with Elrond. Legolas' Master stood stiffly in his formal robes, trying to avoid the fountains of dirt that were splattering from under the hooves of the young colt running in big circles inside the paddock. The horse seemed to pay no attention to Elrond's appearance and kept sending new missiles into the air, tossing the thick mane and frisking happily.
It was a young, brownish horse called Aerandir, Legolas knew him well and had often fed him with apples, as the animal had a friendly character and was really likeable. Lord Elrond smiled brightly when he saw Legolas in the stable doors; he called him to his side with a gesture and Legolas obeyed, following the horse with his eyes as if hypnotized.
"Master…?" he asked silently, confused beyond imagination.
"Happy begetting day, dear boy," Elrond smiled and made Glorfindel some space, for the Lord came closer to envelope Legolas in a brief hug.
"We've been wondering what would make you happy, and we came up with an idea of giving you a horse on your own," Glorfindel said, patting his back. "You are learning how to ride, but you need a real mount. You cannot borrow Verién's mare for ever, after all."
"We chose Aerandir; he is gentle and will listen to an inexperienced rider. It will be a great horse one day. You will be proud of him yet." Elrond added, looking at the horse. The animal stopped circling and was now coming their way, probably curious or counting on a dainty.
"A horse," Legolas choked out the obvious after a longer while.
"Yes," Glorfindel raised his eyebrows, totally amused with the disbelief on his face.
"For me?" the Elf asked, still staring at his Master.
"Yes, for you." Elrond laughed. "He is yours. Our best wishes, little leaf."
Legolas' eyes watered immediately, as was to be expected, but what he did next was a little surprise. He closed the distance between him and Elrond in two quick steps and encircled his Master's neck with both arms, clinging to him like a child would.
One could say that Elrond expected it from his peaceful and content expression when he hugged his elfling close.
Legolas spent the whole afternoon with his new charge, combing the horse, petting his nose and talking to him friendly. He could not believe in his luck; and the day was not over yet.
/*/
The quiet hours of early night stretched and the twins and Verién were waiting on the loft until the last sounds of commotion downstairs die down. Finally, an hour before midnight, they sneaked out and crept to Legolas' door. He was ready and waiting for the sign, even if panicking about defying his Master's unwritten order. Something distracted him from opposing again, though; he stopped in his tracks as he beheld Verién. She looked different than usual, wearing a long, red skirt.
"What have you got in your hair?" Legolas asked, finally finding the cause of her unusual appearance. She looked like… a girl.
"Ribbons," she snapped. "They made me wear them." She pointed the twins with her chin, and they giggled demonically. Legolas shook his head and followed his friends down the stairs, to a secret passage behind a tapestry to avoid the guard, through the corridors and then through the opened window in the kitchens.
"This is the 'kitchen door'?" Legolas asked quietly. Elladan looked back and grinned at him.
They moved like shadows, walking near the walls and hiding behind the trees and bushes while passing under Elrond's opened balcony. They ran to the stables, hoping they won't be noticed by any Erestor-like creature, hiding in the darkness; Legolas could feel the first sparks of excitement coming to life in his chest as he ran ahead, flanked with the twins. When they entered the stables, they saddled Roachie and Elrohir's stallion.
Elrohir held the reins and Elladan held his brother's back, while Verién was opening the doors. Legolas mounted Roachie and followed the twins out of the stable; Verién closed the door and ran to them. She jumped on the saddle in front of his friend and in a minute they were gone.
The ride through the green fields in the middle of the night, through the cool air and the slight drizzle was unbelievably refreshing. Legolas loved the wind on his face that made his eyes water and held Verién's waist firmly, when Roachie ran fast and free after so long a stay in the stable. Her hooves were hitting the ground silently until they left Imladris' borders, and she could not go with the full speed as they were moving through the forest, but as soon as they met a plain ground she sensed her lady's excitement and dared to neigh happily, quickening. Verién's fingers entangled in her mane as she urged her faster even more, uncaring of keeping quiet. Legolas glanced at the twins. They were riding side by side with Roachie, their cheeks red from the wind and excitement.
Soon they saw a town. One more ride down the slope and they would enter it. On the outskirts of the town there was a small inn, full of candlelight and sounds, crowded with dancing people. Legolas heard a violin, guitar, flute and drums, creating a merry, quick melody. Somebody was singing, mostly out of tune, but no one seemed to care, because laughter and cheers exploded from the inn when the song ended. The four friends approached the inn and tied the reins to the fence surrounding the porch. Some people were standing there, sipping at their beers and smoking long pipes. One of them, very old man with silvery white hair and the same moustache, supporting on his walking stick, waved a hand to Verién.
"I see, my girl, that you decided to visit Old Tom's inn, right?" he said, his voice jerky and husky, yet friendly.
"Right, dear Grandpa. I missed you," she smiled and kissed the old man in the forehead. He chuckled and patted Verién's bottom, just because he could not reach any higher. Then, slowly walking with his stick, he ushered them into the inn.
"Grandpa…?" Legolas asked, puzzled.
"No, of course not. We all call him Grandpa. He is over eighty, but he still runs the best inn in town," she said, holding the door open for her friends. The room was bright, full of lights. People were dancing in the middle or sitting near the tables placed under the walls, drinking alcohol and eating various dishes. They were singing and rocking back and forth, obviously happy. Near the entrance, on their left a huge counter was situated, behind which stood Old Tom. There were many beer casks full of the barley liquid and a back door to the kitchens. A few girls in green aprons were carrying the trays with huge tankards. In the corner some sailors in striped shirts were sitting, stealing pats and glances on the waitresses and women in brightly colored dresses, walking around the room, giving kisses to those interested. One of them was sitting on a sailor's lap, other dancing with a slightly drunk farmer, who was kneading her left breast. She didn't seem to mind.
"Well, before we dance, let's drink something, shall we?" Elladan guided his friends and his brother through the noisy crowd to the first free table, a little more on the left, near the sailors. A young girl approached them quickly to take their order.
"Four beers," Elrohir said. "Thank you, pretty. Can I ask you for a dance later?"
The girl blushed deeply red and nodded, happy because of the affection from a handsome, unknown Elf. She quickly returned and brought a full tray.
"I will find you later, pretty," Elrohir said, taking her hand and kissing it. "Huge thanks." The girl giggled and ran away, blushing.
Verién and Legolas exchanged looks. Elladan pulled his brother's sleeve.
"What?" Elrohir asked.
"Look at this blond one in the corner," Elladan whispered.
"She is red, dear brother." Elrohir looked at him with pity.
"Not this one, that one near the beer cask. See?"
"Hmmm… beautiful girl…" Elrohir's eyes widened. "Alright, I'll talk to her for you, but we will change later, deal?"
"Deal," Elladan said and they knocked the tankards in agreement. Verién sighed and stared into depths of her own tankard, as if it was hiding the biggest mysteries of Middle Earth.
"Two womanizers," she muttered. She finished her beer surprisingly quickly and started to asses the boys in the tavern. Finally she sighed and started to play with her empty tankard.
"Small choice today," she said.
"It is early yet, more boys will come." Elladan said, observing the door.
"Maybe one of us?" one sailor shouted to her. Verién bent over the table and assessed them.
"Which one said that?" she asked. A young and pretty handsome fellow stood up, ignoring one of the prostitutes sending him longing looks, when his colleagues started cheers and whistles. Unfortunately for him, Verién shook her head.
"Go back to your mother, boy. Maybe I will dance with you when you'll get older… or I'll get drunk," she said.
"In that case I will buy you a drink," he offered.
"Well, that you're welcome." Verién smiled and the sailor disappeared in the crowd to get to the counter.
"Vixen", the twins said. She shrugged and when the sailor came with another beer, she thanked and promised him a dance later. Legolas could not help but chuckle.
"Now your turn. Pick up someone," Elrohir said to Legolas.
"No, I won't. Maybe later." He said and bent his head.
"So dance with me," Verién suggested, drying the second mug today. "Do you want to?" she asked.
"Well… yes?" he muttered and rose, taking her hand in his. Loud whistles came from the sailor's corner, but Verién ignored them totally; they went nearer the band on the other side of the room. Legolas turned her to himself and imitating the dancers he saw in the Hall of Fire stood straight with the fine arm arrangement. Verién could not fight a snort of laughter at that.
"You're on a dancing in the inn, not on a solemn dinner," she said and moved close to him. "Come on, embrace me. Don't be so scared, it's only a dance, it means nothing," she reassured him as he slightly moved back. She wrapped one hand around his neck and the second one gave to him. "Now just move, it's not really important how, just lead me how you wish and I will follow, alright?"
He saw her happy smile and could not deny her. First slowly, they made a few steps on the left to turn around and make a few steps on the right. And it was enough as far. Soon, without thinking about the steps anymore, Legolas led Verién through the whole room's length, and her hair waved behind her like a veil. She looked nice with that blue ribbons on the two sides of her head.
Elrohir pulled Elladan's sleeve and they went to the waitresses. After a quick small talk both girls landed in a strong embrace of the twin brothers and started dancing across the room in the violin accompaniment. Legolas was getting more and more relaxed, the beer and the cheerful mood starting to affect him; the music drummed in his ears. The hot body next to him felt good as they jumped and turned together, in the crowd of many other couples, who were cheering and laughing. The last pangs of guilt dissolved into nothing; he moved quicker and more surely than at the beginning, and when the first song ended, the girl came and shyly asked him for a dance. Verién pushed him towards her, and the young sailor approached her.
Elladan and Elrohir decided to change their partners. Both brothers undid their braids on the one side of the head and changed the belt location on their shoulders. They were identical, so it made no difference to the girls at all: it seemed that they are gloriously blind. Verién giggled in the sailor's embrace.
A few more songs and the band stopped playing; they grew tired and wanted to drink something. A groan went through the crowd, but the dancers slowly returned to their places at tables and focused on drinking, eating and talking.
The four friends ordered one more beer. Legolas was a little tipsy, so he refused; Elladan and Elrohir were getting drunk systematically.
Suddenly someone called loudly from behind, addressing the Elven company.
"Hey, bonny lass! Yes, you Elf with long hair in front of me!" the man was not very polite, as Legolas noticed, but Verién was accustomed and answered in comparable style.
"What do you want, my mortal, humble fellow?"
"You are carrying violin with you. Play us something if you can!" he demanded. Verién snorted.
"Of course I can," she said and took the bow and the instrument. "Will somebody lift me up on the table?" The sailors come immediately and helped her up. "Good. Any requests about the song?"
"Sing something about home," one sailor said. "Sing of home and play the melody of homeland." He had a distant voice, and she looked on him longer before starting. A smile lit on her face, though.
A few movements of the bow and the crowd started to gather around their table, clapping hands. Verién started to sing. It was a little dirty song, but it seemed to be even better; Old Tom was laughing and tossing his walking stick up, waving his foot in the air.
Oh well, who wouldn't be a sailor lad and sailin' on the main,
To gain the good will of his captain's good name?
He came ashore one evening for to see
And that was the beginning of my own true love and me.
And it's home, boys, home…
Home I'd like to be, home for a while in my own country
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all agrowin' green in my North country!
I asked her for a candle to light me way to bed,
And likewise for a handkerchief to tie around my head.
She tended to my needs like a young maid ought to do,
So then I said to her: 'why don't you jump in with me too?'
People started laughing and coming closer to the table, clapping hands more urgently. Verién was turning on the table, sending her skirt flying. When one drunk man tried to look underneath the skirt, she delicately moved him away with her foot and he landed on the floor, too drunk to get up, only causing everyone to laugh louder. He did not even try to get up, only fell asleep with a wide, drunk smile.
She jumped into bed, making no alarm,
Thinking that young sailor lad would do to her no harm.
Well, I hugged her and I kissed her the whole night long
'Till she wished the short night had been seven years long!
And it's home, boys, home…
The sailors were grinning widely, as if they remembered something similar that happened to them during their journeys. The song about home has awakened old memories, but it was not a sad moment. It was good to have such memories.
Early in next morning the sailor lad arose
And into Mary's apron threw a handful of gold,
Saying: 'take this, my dear, for the mischief that I've done,
For tonight I fear I left you with a daughter or a son'.
And it's home, boys, home…
Home I'd like to be, home for a while in my old country,
Where the oak and the ash and the bonny rowan tree
Are all agrowin' green in the North country.
'If it be a girl child, send her out to nurse,
With gold in her pocket and with silver in her purse.
And if it be a boy child, he'll wear a jacket blue
And go climbing on the rigging, like his daddy used to do!'
Oh and for all of you, fair maidens, the warning take by me:
Never let a sailor lad an inch above your knee!
For I trusted one and he beguiled me,
He left me with a pair of twins to dangle on my knee!
A great laughter arose from the crowd as she pointed Elladan and Elrohir, and Old Tom was holding his stomach with his hands. The sailors were cheering the loudest. Legolas knew his friends were slightly tipsy and being sober they would immediately start a banter with her, but it was fun, so great fun! Old Tom gave them one free beer more, and Legolas was sure they will return to Imladris totally drunk.
Verién was still standing on the table and bowing in thanks, when something wrong started to happen. The doors slammed open and the people jumped away hurriedly to let six people in. A murmur of fear went through the room; Legolas soon understood why.
The six looked like typical bandits, festooned with weapons: long knives, bows, swords. They were wearing colorful, rich clothes, although dirty and worn out. Their faces were painted with dark blue or red paints in stripes running from the eye corners to their necks. One man at the front, probably the ringleader, was tall and well built. He was red haired and could be even considered as handsome, but his eyes were narrow and evil. He scrubbed his chin, covered with a fair stubble, and focused at Verién standing on the table. He grinned, but rather unfriendly; the room was very silent now.
"We don't want any fight," the leader said, not letting his eyes leave the girl. "We are here for some music, some dance and some beer."
He signaled at his fellows and they left all their weapons near the wall. The knives, swords, bows, arrows, one axe, and a countless number of hidden little blades were tossed on the floor and the group, now unarmed, glanced towards Old Tom. He seemed to know them, because he nodded his head in agreement and allowed to enter. The atmosphere lightened at the sight of the weapons being yielded, but people were still looking at the bandits uncertainly.
The red haired man stepped forward, approaching the table. The twins wanted to shield Verién, but she pushed their hands aside and jumped on the floor; Legolas was just as puzzled and terrified as Elladan and Elrohir, but they all said nothing, observing the scene.
They met in the middle of the room and slowly the two evil grins broke, replaced by teasing smiles. The ringleader touched her elbows tentatively, leaned forward and when he saw permission in the girl's eyes, he delicately covered her lips with his. It was only for a brief moment, and he moved away to see her reaction. Legolas saw Verién smile more beautifully than ever before, and she suddenly wrapped her arms around the bandit's neck. He lifted her up and turned around.
"Music!" he shouted and kissed the girl passionately. Finally the people relaxed; cheers were heard as the bandits glanced on the kissing couple, and the musicians picked up their instruments to play another melody.
"I missed you," the ringleader whispered to Verién's ear. "I was looking for you."
"I know," she said.
"Now what is that?" He grabbed a ribbon and started to play with it; she only smiled and pulled him closer, searching to kiss him again.
"Who are your fellows?" the bandit asked, glancing at the twins and Legolas.
"Come," she grasped his hand and led him to the table. "This is Elrohir and Elladan, my brothers, and this is my friend Legolas."
"You have never told me that you have brothers," the ringleader smiled and shook Elladan's hand.
"Cousins, actually," the twin said, "but we treat her as if she was our sister."
"I'm glad to meet you. My name is Galinhorn," he said, shaking Legolas' and then Elrohir's hand.
"And… you and Verién are… a couple?" Elrohir asked, squeezing the man's hand much more fiercely than needed. The red haired looked in his eyes and put more pressure on Elrohir's fingers as well.
"Yes, we are."
"Since when?" Elrohir still refused to let go of the bandit's hand. Verién hissed warningly.
"Since one spring day many years ago," Galinhorn said. They looked at each other as if they wanted to break each other's fingers. Suddenly Galinhorn smiled friendly. "I suppose you did not know about me, while I did not know about you. Verién likes to hide the truth."
"Oh she likes, doesn't she?" Elrohir let go of his hand and stared at his sister angrily. Verién turned on her heel and went to her other friends, aware that Elrohir after two beers can be easily provoked. Elladan laid a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder, but he himself was rather shaky; Legolas just stared and said nothing. They all realized where and with whom Verién spends time after an escape from Imladris. Lord Elrond will be mad, Legolas thought. In fact, I have never seen him mad, but this time I will certainly see…
The bandits greeted the Elf warmly, sharing kisses and handshakes and exchanging teasing comments. A skinny human girl, maybe fifteen years old, ran to Verién and they hugged fiercely; one man with black hair and moustache, but still young and extraordinarily handsome, patted the elf's shoulder, then whispered something to her ear that made her push him on his chest and laugh. She bowed her head to the two men standing little away from the group, blocking the entrance with their massive shoulders. The last one from the pack was rather short and plump, and he looked like over fifty years old. He laughed, making his long whiskers to tremble, hugged Verién fiercely, and then let her go with Galinhorn, who asked her for a dance. The pack occupied one of the tables and ordered some beer.
Elrohir glanced at his sister dancing with the strange man and his mood was shattered utterly, when he saw the huge smile on her face, reddened cheeks and glowing eyes.
"Look at her, brother," Elrohir hissed. "She is… she is…"
"She is happy," Elladan said, drying his mug.
"But who the hell is he, anyway? Oh, just… Look at the guy, he must really adore her eyes, he is staring in their green depths as if he was some prince charming." Elrohir couldn't stop the bitter irony in his voice.
"He must really adore her lower back area also," Elladan noted. Legolas couldn't help a snort, and he earned himself two malicious, twin looks.
"I'm sorry," he muttered. "I just… don't know what to think."
"Elrond will be mad."
Old Tom went to their table to take away the empty mugs. He was hobbling and supporting on his staff, but he held the trey perfectly still. First he glanced at the violin left forgotten on the table, and then on the untouched Legolas' beer.
"Why not dried yet?" he asked with his amusing accent. " 'Tis a perfect night for drinking and dancing. I see you do neither."
Legolas forced himself to stop looking at the ribbons in Verién's hair and decided to finally find out something, as the twins were busy drowning their anger in beer.
"I think I have had enough. Sir, drink my beer and maybe you will agree to tell us a story?" he offered. Old Tom put the tray with mugs on the table and sat down eagerly; Legolas moved the beer towards him. Once he drank something, he smiled with his toothless grin and asked:
"What story, Elven lad?"
"Their story," Legolas pointed the ring of bandits by his finger. "Why do you tolerate bandits in your inn?"
"These are good lads. They're helping," Tom responded, ignoring the twin's snorts. "Now, laddie. Look at this one black, handsome guy in the corner. See?" when Legolas nodded and twins moved closer to hear better, Old Tom began the story. "He is Kohun, the ringleader's best friend. Hunted in pretty much whole of Middle Earth. Half of the depredations he did not commit, and the other three quarters I do not believe, but the legend remains. There is a dashing and brilliant tale of his greatest robbery of the Dwarvish bank. Now Old Grandpa shall tell you all about it. It was in the beginning of Spring, when…"
"No, no adventure tales and no legends, we want facts," Elrohir moaned. "It is important, Sir; tell us what you know for certain. And a condensed form please."
Old Tom seemed disappointed, but began introducing. "Galinhorn himself is a horse thief. He escaped from home full of sisters and a tyrant father. They met somewhere in Rohan, as the gossip says, and they helped each other to escape the death penalty. They were running for two months, but the Rohirrims never managed to catch them. That's why Galinhorn's nickname is 'Summer Wind'. Your friend likes to call him that," the man chuckled, but seeing the three mournful expressions, he stopped.
"Later they met Emir, that is this fat one… an exile. He escaped from four prisons already. He has a wife in Gondor and a daughter. She must look like that teenage girl next to him; her name is Fanny, she is an orphan. Emir had found her on the road, when she escaped from the fire of her hometown, in which she lost her parents and a brother. Somebody tried to violate her; the gossip says she let him start, and then she stabbed him by his own knife, as he was preoccupied with something else entirely. Emir saw that and decided to take care of her, because she had a talent and the courage needed in the bandit pack. She is a funny girl." The man laughed over his beer; Legolas dreaded the thought that the word 'funny' could have had more than one meaning.
"Well, they stumbled on Galinhorn and Kohun somewhere near Bree, they tried to rob the same merchant and in a result they helped each other to escape." Old Tom continued; Legolas and the twins exchanged disorientated looks. As far they found nothing which could make them believe in that they were 'good lads'.
"Later, this one black with bushy eyebrows is Trelanir," Tom continued. "This one really is dangerous. He was a soldier, and all we know for certain is that he deserted. But he likes burning buildings down and he is damned skilled with knives. Once I saw him killing a man and I hope I will never see again."
"And this big guy?" Elrohir asked and hiccupped.
"Nordig. I don't know much about him. He walks with an axe and he seems to like Trelanir's company, but from where he comes from or whether he has a family I do not know. It is dangerous to anger him. He infuriates quickly. And… there was one more, Welfern… he died two years ago… But as I said, these are good lads," Old Tom said and emptied Legolas' tankard.
"Good lads?" Elladan exclaimed. "They are a pack of bloody bandits, for Elbereth's sake!"
"Well, yes, but they are helping," Old Tom said, putting the mug on the table.
"Helping in what?" Legolas asked.
The man suddenly looked troubled. He lowered his voice and they had to lean in.
"Orcs are invading here often. Small packs, too small for armies or troops of Elves to take interest. When they attack, however, the whole village is seriously damaged. They are burning, killing children, stealing cattle, poisoning water, destroying our homes and fields. They take away our food, our crops! Galinhorn's ring always defended us from orcs and wargs. And… when taxes are too high to pay, they would always bring some gold pieces. They are robbing the royalties and then come here as long as the debt is paid. The noblemen can be vicious if they won't get all that is their due… and the serfdom gets worse systematically. And…"
"And what, Grandpa?" Legolas encouraged Old Tom to speaking by moving near him another beer.
"Don't tell anybody…" Tom stammered.
"We won't," the twins said in unison.
"When paid enough, they will rescue people from death penalty or prison…" Grandpa scrubbed his chin, uneasy. "They saved many good people from unjust sentences. And they are carrying messages or parcels into places other people avoid, like dungeons, hidden caves behind the marshes… in comparison with this, their past and habits is nothing," he said with confidence. "It's normal that they want to drink, run free, taste love and prank around instead of working at the fields all of their lives. They are young and much more spirited than us, farmers. They are different spirits; without them we would be all but lost!"
"Talkin' 'bout us, we heard?" Kohun said, leaning forward. "Maybe instead of pestering yer Old Grandpa, ye all should ask us?"
Tom wanted to walk away, but the others stopped him.
"Sit with us, Grandpa. We have somethin' for ya," Kohun said. Emir took out a big purse from his pack and handed it to Tom. Something was clanking metallically inside it; possibly money. The old man nodded and smiled thankfully.
"My good lads. You're saving my life," he said with even more jerky voice, filled with emotion.
"We would never let you close this inn," Kohun said. "Such a tax is a piece of cake for us."
"Whom have you robbed?" Elrohir asked in a sweet voice, crossing arms on his chest, totally unaware of that he may actually pick up a fight.
"Ye better ask whom we haven't!" the fat bandit said, eliciting the loud laugh from his companions and Elladan as well. Elrohir glanced at him with anger, but his twin half was far too drunk to notice. More, he invited the bandits to their table, and they of course agreed. Old Tom called at one waitress and she brought them a tray full of fresh bread and meat in a thick stew; Legolas reached for the brought beer and removed it from the range of Elladan's hands, to prevent him getting more drunk. It was a doomed quest, but at least he could watch that he remained conscious.
Emir and Fanny sat on both Legolas' sides; the girl assessed him from head to toe and smiled seductively, but he turned his eyes away, slightly embarrassed. He wished Verién was here to chase the girl away, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Kohun noticed his searching look and glanced around to look for his leader too. He was slightly amused.
"Have ya an idea where our chief is?" he asked.
"I guess he's busy," Trelanir said. Laughter erupted from the group again. "I bet when they will come back that lovely ribbons in her hair would appear tousled allright."
"What do you want to say by that?" Elrohir turned to the black haired bandit and narrowed his eyes.
"Only that the girl with whom you came is already someone else's girl and 'tis no use even trying something with her," came the reply in a malicious voice.
"Listen, I don't know what do you want from our sister, but in any case…" Elrohir started, but was interrupted. Galinhorn and Verién came close to the table, both tired, panting, with glowing eyes and noticeably happy. One ribbon hung on the side of the girl's head, and the bandit wore an opened shirt. He laid a hand on Trelanir's shoulder warningly.
"Don't tease, friend. Family," he said.
"You've never said anything about your family." Trelanir muttered to Verién, who sat on the table and grabbed a beer to drink something.
"The same as you," she answered, gulping down the liquid. "And I don't remember any of us asking you questions."
Trelanir bowed slightly, accepting her reasoning. Elladan waved a hand as if dismissing something and laid his head on the table, muttering slightly to himself; Verién stroked his shoulder.
"You all right, brother?" she asked with concern and he nodded, trying very hard to focus.
"He will be alright," Legolas said. "Too much beer."
"This I see…" she sighed. Fanny came closer to her and climbed on her lap, encircling her neck.
"I missed you, 'Rien," she said. Verién hugged her close.
"Oh, someone is sleepy," she whispered to her ear and kissed her gently in the temple. The girl laid her head on Verién's breast and closed her eyes, letting her Elven companion play with her hair.
"Ya talk to 'tis girl," Kohun said. "She's impossible lately. Misses ya."
Verién stroked the side of the girl's small face.
"My little Fanny… My little, poor, lost Fanny." Galinhorn was looking at Verién cradling the small human girl on her lap with an unreadable expression. Their eyes met and they both smiled; all bandits snorted with laughter.
"Exactly, how did you guys met our Verién?" Elrohir asked. "How did she became one of you?"
"I know you're annoyed," Verién said.
"I'm not annoyed. I'm just curious now," he stretched on the chair and urged the girl to speak. Old Tom came closer, knocking with the walking stick; he was listening greedily to every word to put the story into his tale book later. Verién glanced at Legolas. He raised his eyebrows; your story cannot be worse than mine, his look said. Even Elladan lifted his head a bit from the table.
"Maybe I will start," Emir spoke. Verién agreed with a smile; his talent to telling stories was comparable only to Erestor's.
Soon they found themselves listening to every detail and laughing as Verién kept adding little fragments, correcting Emir. Galinhorn was rather silent, but with time and the beer loss even Elrohir had to admit he gained a sort of liking to the red bandit; he was intelligent and his responses were sharp yet funny when asked or teased about something.
They found out that the ring met with their sister on the second trip on her own. She had been looking for some loneliness and silence; instead she had found thieves who robbed her and left without a horse. She followed them in a reckless attempt to take her things back and that way she met Galinhorn, who had been lying on a sickbed at the time. Having seen some of Elrond's work, Verién helped; unreasonably and hopelessly they fell in love, and their relationship lasted through years. When she felt she cannot bear the bandits any more, she used to return to Imladris. When she felt she can't stand her friends' and beloved's absence any more, she escaped from her uncle into wilderness.
The twins were a little shocked, but they knew their little sister. She never really shook off the rejections in her life and did not fit at court. The twins' anger ceased as they heard from Old Tom what the bandits really do; they could understand the appeal it had. But they also knew that Elrond would not calm so quickly. Hundreds of questions were still unanswered. They were seriously worried.
But now it was no use to make a scene. She would flee with her bandit friends and they would have to tell Adar about the trip to the inn. Moreover, none of the questions would be answered. Only taking her home and a calm talk would help and this they knew.
In the meantime Elladan sobered and Verién got drunk in his stead. They all had light moods, and were having great fun. The ring proved to be a pack of fine young people, who loved fun, music and dance, good stories of heroic deeds, adventures and danger. It was difficult for the farmers to understand them, but not for the warriors that the twins were. Legolas had no idea whatsoever about such a way of life, but it fascinated him; it intrigued him to the point of admiring these people.
When the inn emptied a little, beer and other spirits lost their appeal. On the table appeared some strange leaves and a small amount of white powder; some of the bandits took their part, some refused, some were groggy already. But when Kohun reached for one small, brown, dry leaf to chew it, Galinhorn interfered and hit him hard in the back of his head with the empty bottle. He fell on the floor, unconscious.
"Sleep well, my friend." Galinhorn said and stormed on Nordig, who had put the leaves on the table before. "Get the Coffin Nail out of my sight, immediately."
Before the tall man could take the drug away, Legolas recognized it and quickly snatched one leaf to take a closer look. Verién turned to him instantly, worry written all over her face.
"I know this leaf," he said. "I remember. Moreth was giving it to me on the way from Mirkwood."
"You come from Mirkwood?" Galinhorn said, when Verién took the leaf away from her friend, giving him a glance that meant no discussion.
"Yes. What is this?" he asked, pointing the drug.
"Coffin Nail. It's a dangerous drug. You cannot imagine how one suffers from an overdose," Verién said. "It affects the nervous system; by that, it dulls the pain, relaxes the muscles and eases breathing. But a heart is also a muscle. And it can be stopped." She sighed. "Uncle told me that you were being given this through a longer period of time. Were you a man, you would be all but lost to us. Even with your Elven strength, you had been through withdrawal. Legolas, you must never ever take it again; no one really knows how your system would react, you may die."
"I didn't want to take it," Legolas shook his head. "I just wanted to see… Gaps in the memory." He smiled sadly and she stroked his arm in a comforting gesture.
"But if you come from Mirkwood, well… Because you're not royalty, are you? We heard stories about…" Galinhorn started, but Verién laid a finger over her mouth.
"Don't ask him about anything, Summer Wind," she said. "Simply don't."
"Understood," he agreed and smiled to Legolas. The Elf was very thankful not to be forced to answer any questions. He doubted that he would ever be able to talk about it steadily to anyone, but answered Galinhorn with a small smile too. In the bandits' presence he felt quite good. Almost like with Verién.
One of the women walking around approached their table. The bandits glanced at her and moaned irritatingly.
"Oh no, not again, Merle! What do you want this time?" Galinhorn snapped.
"I want to help you," the woman said. She had a strange accent, prompting different place of birth. Her dark carnation and black hair were also a bit exotic in these lands. "The fortune teller shall tell you the truth, you shall see, you shall see…" she hummed.
"Merle, your prophecies never ever come true. Even if you told me I will get stoned this evening I would have doubts, just because it was you who said that. You are not a fortune teller, only..." Emir hesitated.
"…just a witch," someone added. Laughter erupted from the table. Undaunted Merle came closer to Verién and took her hand.
"I don't have any money," the girl said annoyed, accenting each word.
"I don't want money." Merle smiled.
"Oh, that's something new. What do you want, then?"
The woman was silent a short while, tracing the lines at Verien's palm with a long finger.
"You worry about a choice. But the choice will disappear with the kiss of the arrow," she said deadly serious. The little crowd snorted with laughter again; Verién shrugged. Merle moved to Galinhorn.
"You should avoid Elves, at least in this week," she announced, frowning. The red ringleader glanced at Verién and they both laughed. The woman told Emir to throw away his pipe and his tobacco, because it will bring him a disaster, and said something about wheels and fire to Nordig, who could barely restrain himself not to throw her out of the warm inn.
Suddenly Merle stopped before Legolas and her eyes widened. She grabbed his hand quickly and pulled fiercely near her to see better. Legolas tried to wrench his hand out, but Verién stopped him.
"It's alright, Legolas. Don't mind her, it's just for fun," she laughed. The blonde slowly sat back in his chair.
"Listen carefully," Merle whispered threateningly. "You are in danger. This what you fear the most shall return from the oblivion to invade your heart, to attack what you called peace. In the next few days a green man will bring you harm. Beware of a green man!" she exclaimed and started to wail silently, turning around in circles and threading her fingers through her hair.
A strange silence hung above the table. Legolas blinked rapidly; was this a threat or a stupid joke? Was the woman insane?
"Eerm… but there are no green people in Arda, are there?" he asked. She stopped and stared at him with her unusual eyes with an unreadable expression.
"Well, that was quite a show, Merle," Galinhorn said with a definite underlining. "We're all very thankful for the prophecies, but I think you should ask Old Tom to give you a room and lay down in a clean, warm bed today. Here," he put some gold into her hand and started to push her towards the counter. She slipped out of his hold with grace that was totally unexpected and went straight to Elrohir.
"You are ancient, yet young as for your race. There are ones whom you love more than you are willing to admit. Your acceptance will matter on some things; so I give you an advice not to judge with a son's eyes." Merle patted his cheek and started circling again. Galinhorn stopped her in mid-turn.
"I don't want any money, I said."
"Take it," the ringleader insisted. "Take it or I shall feel offended."
Merle took the money and sighed deeply.
"Thank you. You are good." She announced.
Galinhorn snorted. "I know, dear old witch, I know."
Merle turned on her heel and laid a hand upon Galinhorn's chest; her brow furrowed and she muttered something under her breath.
"Be blessed and safe from any traps and betrayals. One more advice, brave man," she said. "Don't mount a brown horse, or else you'll fail when you most needed to success. Remember."
With that she went away.
"Strange person," Emir muttered, standing up from the floor. The bandits nodded and Elladan stared at the dark figure, saying nothing. Legolas sighed deeply; his heart has long stopped feeling dread with every step and being afraid of mere shadows behind a corner. This fake prophecy could not scare him this easily. But even he could detect the sudden strangeness in the bandit's demeanor, as if everybody was secretly thinking about what he has heard.
Elrohir' shoved his brother in the arm to wake him up.
Suddenly shouting and sounds of a fight erupted from the other end of the inn. Some fight started and several bandits went there, to help Tom turn the drunk and angry people out from the inn. For them it was great fun, but Tom, old and enfeebled, thought otherwise. He had not the strength to conquer a drunk, young man.
Kohun stirred on the floor and rose on his wobbly legs, holding on the table. He looked around rather unfocusedly and finally managed to glance at Verién.
"Did ya hit me before?" he asked.
"Nay. It wasn't me, but it was a good thing, too." She replied. "Fellow, you're groggy enough, sit nicely and don't mess around, will you?" she held him up and sat him down at the table. She turned to the twins to tell them that they should be coming back, but a limp Kohun fell off the bench, grabbing one of the sailors by his legs. The man pushed him on another passer-by, who held a tray with beer tankards. The liquid was spilled on the floor, tables and men, and one very angry and very wet sailor hit the waiter with a tray in the jaw. He fell on the ground, pushing more people.
A few curses and two more backhands later the fight started thoroughly, and the band in the corner started to play vigorously now, making a merry background. Elladan and Elrohir quickly slid under the table, grabbing Legolas with them.
Verién did not react on the urgent calls of her brothers to join them. She was determined to get her friend out from the centre of the fight, especially if he was totally disoriented. She grabbed him by the collar and pulled him out from the fighting human mess; one tall sailor dared to stand on her way, but when he swiped on her, she grabbed a chair from behind and shattered it on his back. He grabbed the edge of Kohun's shirt, falling; the bandit slipped and during his flight to meet the ground he kicked the table, which covered the twins and Legolas, with enough force to knock it over.
In a second Galinhorn was near Verién to protect her, and it was a wise idea, because the sailor got up and clenched his hands on Verién's waist. She reached a hand and Galinhorn handed her the first thing he grabbed: a huge frying pan from the wall behind the counter. After the hit the man sat on the floor, supported his back on the fallen table and smiled with an absent smile, utterly happy.
"Boys, time to go," Verién said hurriedly and grabbed Legolas' elbow to pull him up; Elrohir helped his brother, Galinhorn punched one more drunk sailor and Kohun obediently stumbled behind them.
Outside the inn Verién came closer to the well, put both her hands in the icy water and wetted her face and neck to sober up. The twins followed her example, then went to the fence to retrieve the horses, leaving marks of footsteps in the first snow that managed to cover the ground with a thin layer throughout the night.
The girl turned to her love.
"I have to go. You know it. Tell the others…" she started, but he cut her off.
"I will tell them. I know."
She kissed him gently, stroked the side of his face and turned to mount Roachie. He assisted with his arm. Roach knew him, she nuzzled his chest with her velvety nose, snorted and pushed him with her head lightly.
"You remember me, old lady," the bandit teased. Legolas mounted the mare and held the reins; he suspected this time he would be leading instead of Verién.
"This night was a stolen one," Verién sighed. "We weren't meant to see each other so quickly."
"You regret?" Galinhorn asked, reaching for her for the last time.
"No. I already miss you," she whispered. The twins waved their hands to the bandit and he bowed his head to them, then to Legolas, who did the same.
And it was all. No long and touching farewells of lovers. But still, when the three Elves glanced at Verién, they knew that something beautiful, something moving and something totally tragic happened already and they were not able to help in any way. The Elf loved a mortal; a noble house reached for a bandit.
"You seem to have a disaster flowing in your blood, little sister," Elladan remarked. "And no, I do not like him."
"Sure." Legolas muttered to himself.
(1) I was wondering long how to put the date down, I finally decided on this way. Names of all the Elven 'months'/ 'seasons' can be found in previous chapters, if you wish to check. The number of days in each 'season' I adopted from some lvish calendar information webpage.^^ I hope this is clear enough.