The rest of the day had been busy for the elves as they had seen to their unpacking, cleaning and storing of weapons. Aradan went off to ride through Mirkwood, for a general surveillance as well as to observe its fortifications. They would have to start building up its fortifications. They could not continue fighting like this. Aradan had much to discuss with Thranduil.
When he returned to the palace, he saw the light in the study and knew that Thranduil was staying up the night. The latter had probably not eaten as well. Going to the kitchens, he sought the head cook, Elda, an elderly elf of nearly five thousand years, she had been around since King Oropher. Like most other elves, Mirkwood was her home and she has deep respect for Thranduil despite being fearful of him. Aradan did not want her toiling too much in the kitchen for nothing as he knew that Thranduil would not eat much today.
"Commander," Elda said meeting him with a bow. "I have prepared bread and vegetable stew for dinner. The King sent word that he did not want dinner. I have prepared some milk pudding for him, if he would have it."
"Prepare a tray for two, Elda. I will bring it up. Make sure that everyone else has their dinner."
When Aradan entered the study, he found Thranduil pouring through the maps of the fortifications. "We need something more, Aradan. With the number of our elves and Sauron's power, I doubt if it will be an equal fight."
"I just rode through our fortifications, Thranduil. We will need to think of something but I know not what it is. But about the way we fight. I was thinking," Aradan paused as he set the tray near Thranduil and insisted he eat first, "the Orcs are big and strong. If we could stand our ground, stand three to an Orc. As two soldiers fight the Orc, the third should focus on killing it by driving a dagger up its belly."
"We could step the forts as well. So that the archers stand on an elevated platform. The cavalry would be at the back. Pikemen in front with shield and lance. Let the archers fire first. Cavalry can flank from the sides once the enemy is within range. By then, at least part of them should be taken down by the arrows."
The plan sounded good and Aradan ate with more enthusiasm, forcing Thranduil as well. It always worked. Even if he refused food, he would eat once Aradan insisted on it. Aradan's ploy was quite simple, a King ought to eat if he needed to rule. They could not afford to waste resources, looking after a weak King. As they ate, a guard entered and announced that Healer Galaden was here. Thranduil nodded.
"I asked him to come. We need an update of the medical supplies and the injured soldiers."
As Galaden updated them on medical supplies, Aradan listened intently, his eyes noting Galaden. The healer was looking at the ground, his eyes not meeting Thranduil's. What was the Healer nervous about? He knew them from young, was aware of his place and authority and Thranduil's respect for him. Yet, he was worried about something and not voicing it.
He remembered the Healer bowing to Ithilwen. Perhaps, Galaden was just being polite to a stranger, a guest. He had informed Galaden of the help she had rendered. "You look happier, Galaden. Would you not share your joy with us?" Galaden looked startled. He did look happier, that long-drawn sorrow in his eyes was not there, a sorrow that had been present since King Oropher's fall and Erienne's disappearance.
"I..There is no particular joy, Aradan. I am just glad the two of you are back safe." Aradan nodded. He did not doubt that Galaden was glad that they were safe but that was not the source of his joy. Galaden did not know how to lie. He was not a rascal like Thranduil and himself, which was why they had bullied him so easily when they were elflings. "How is Ithilwen?" he asked casually. The Healer blinked for a moment. "Oh...Ithilwen, our …guest. She is resting."
"She is strong. Some of her injuries still need healing but she will be alright."
"You are aware of her powers? She can hear you and can get information out of animals. She has helped us..still, keep an eye on her." Thranduil was advising caution and Galaden nodded obediently.
"I had best get going, my lord. There is much work to be done." Galaden appeared to be in a hurry to leave though Thranduil was unaware of it. He was too preoccupied with looking at his fortifications and he trusted Galaden. Aradan watched as Galaden took their trays, saying he would drop it off at the kitchen before he left.
Awhile later, he excused himself and went to the kitchen himself. "Commander," Elda addressed him respectfully, as he looked through the kitchens. As Elda waited expectantly, Aradan felt foolish. He did not know what to say. He certainly did not want anyone to think that he was spying on Galaden or that he did not trust the Healer. Still, something was amiss.
Looking at Elda, he just asked for some water. Elda must have been surprised but she did not show it. He could have just sent a guard down for the water. "Galaden was here. He mentioned that he needed something from the kitchen," Aradan's casual tone worked for Elda answered him without hesitation. "Aye, Commander. He wanted food. Some fresh cream, milk and eggs. Said his supplies would only be coming in next week."
Aradan nodded and left the kitchen with the water. Galaden was well-paid, not that he could not take food from the kitchen. Any elf in Mirkwood could come to the kitchen for food though they would be asked to explain why they were unable to provide for themselves. No one went hungry but laziness was not tolerated either. Galaden was not lazy. Then, Aradan remembered the rationing. Winter was coming and food was stored in the central larder. All elves had to contribute. Galaden had obviously only kept the essentials bringing the rest to the infirmary for storage for elves in need of food.
Now, with the injured soldiers, the food must have been used. Milk and cream at least, for the soldiers were usually well-nourished. Aradan mused. He had eaten dinner. He would have dessert at Galaden's.
He gave himself time, arriving at Galaden's place only an hour later. Lairiel was surprised to see him. "Commander," she welcomed with a bow again. "Ithilwen is well. She has taken a walk with Galaden. Oh, would you like some cream pudding?" Lairiel set herself busy to see to Aradan's comfort as the latter sat down.
"Cream pudding? What is the occasion, Lairiel?"
"Galaden is very happy, Commander. I know not why. Perhaps, he was anxious about the King and you returning safely. But, it is not just that. He is happy about something else," Lairiel paused, "he seems to be much happier all of a sudden, Aradan, in a long while."
Aradan's voice was softer as he replied, "Anything, Lairiel, if it makes Galaden happy." Lairiel looked at her Commander and nodded. A part of everyone had been taken away with Erienne's disappearance. They had never recovered from it.
"Commander!" an eager voice greeted Aradan, bowing low. It was Galaden's youngest and brightest, Ceridwen. She was a strong and spirited elf, who took after neither her parents. She was certainly not gentle as Galaden or timid and homely as Lairiel. Ceridwen longed for adventure and made it clear that she wanted to be a soldier. Galaden did not refuse nor did Lairiel but complained that she was hard to control and would have difficulty finding a mate.
"Been a long while, henig, how have you been? Have you not sought a mate?"
"Alas, commander. I can find none as fair and noble as you. Will you not accept me?"
Aradan laughed. It was an old joke between them for Galaden had threatened to throw her into Aradan's dungeons after being exasperated with her mischief and terribly unladylike behaviour. Aradan had valiantly promised to rescue her from that terrible fate.
"Ada is with our guest, Commander. They are walking down towards home now. Our guest seems to be very special. Ada insisted that we change new sheets and give her the master room, though she begged him not to bother. She sought to help Nana after dinner but Ada firmly refused as well. Else, I need not have to do the washing."
"Now, Ceridwen. That is enough. Go to your room before your Ada returns. I have left dessert for you," Lairiel sent off her young elleth.
"I am sorry, Commander. Please excuse her chatter. Here come Galaden and Ithilwen now, down the lane. Oh, they are climbing the old willow tree. Your mellon, Commander, seems to think he is still a young elf."
Lairiel went in shaking her head. Aradan went out and stood by the steps. Galaden was not climbing the tree. He was helping Ithilwen up, onto one of its long, snaking branches that hung over the stream. Settling herself, Ithilwen was smiling at Galaden. It was not a joyous smile, no, it was a smile of longing and pain too, probably. Had she been crying? Galaden certainly was for he had turned and dabbed his eyes using his sleeves.