By the time, they returned to Galaden's house, both were dry-eyed. Ithilwen was stoic and her face had drawn a blank. But Galaden was not that good at hiding his feelings. He was obviously disturbed.
"Are you alright, Galaden?" Aradan's concern was real and he looked at Ithilwen for an explanation. "I..I…it was my fault, Commander," Ithilwen's voice was soft as she looked down, "I..I was seeking some medication for my wounds. I believed they proved disturbing for Healer Galaden." It was a smart improvisation. Aradan turned to Galaden who nodded vigorously.
"Traitor!" Aradan thought. Galaden had chosen sides so quickly. His loyalty to Mirkwood was beyond question. Yet, he had chosen this newcomer over his dear childhood friend. "Okay, maybe not so dear, that would be Erienne, not me," Aradan excused in his mind, "but still, something was brewing."
With his mind boggling about the defence works, fortifications and military exercises, Aradan was too confused to think about it clearly. But, think about it, he would. "I believe I will turn in, Commander, Healer Galaden. I thank you for your kindness and hospitality," Ithilwen bowed and left quickly.
"She did not call upon the elements and threaten you, did she?" Aradan's voice was light and laced with humour as he questioned Galaden.
"What are you talking about, Aradan?" the commander and healer had disappeared. It was two old friends talking now. And Galaden sounded irritated. Which meant he was nervous, upset and worried. Which meant something was about.
"Nothing, nothing, Galaden. Do not be upset. I just came for dessert, actually. Thranduil is not eating well and I could not possibly have a healthy appetite in front of my lord, so I decided to have some clandestine pleasure and visited Lairiel. Feasting on her cream pudding has satiated my appetite. I believe I shall take my leave. Good night."
He looked up to see Ithilwen standing near them. "The King is not well?" she asked in that soft, silvery voice of hers again. She looked concerned and worried. This time, Aradan sighed. "He will be okay. It's just that..it's always been him and Legolas and now… but Thranduil will be fine. He always is, for he knows that the Woodlands needs him."
"I shall ensure that provisions are sent over whenever you need them. Just inform the guards." Aradan called out over his back as he walked off in the night.
Galaden and Ithilwen looked at each other. Ithilwen was looking upset. "I am feeling quite well. I think I ought to go over to the castle tomorrow. King Thranduil said that everyone has to help out in the Woodlands. I could be of some help in the kitchens."
Galaden nodded slowly, "You are right. Your help is definitely needed, melIon. I will bring you over tomorrow. It's been a pleasure having you in my house."
Ithilwen smiled at the healer's use of the word. He was such as gentle soul and so quick to accept. "Aye, its been a pleasure, Healer Galaden."
The next morning, Ithilwen was up early, earlier than usual. She bade farewell to Lairiel, thanking her for her hospitality and to Ceridwen. "It has been such a joy to be with you, henig. Do take care," she said. Lairiel was teary-eyed. "Do come often, Ithilwen. Galaden is finally showing some joy. Your coming has gladdened many hearts."
Ithilwen was surprised when Lairiel reached out and hugged her. She had not expected anyone to be willing to touch her scarred body. Bowing, she thanked her hostess and took her leave. She walked down the lane with Galaden, having earlier refused a horse.
"Are you sure you are ready to work, mellon?" This time, Galaden sounded worried.
"I will be fine, Galaden. Do not worry. I want to help out in anyway I can."
Galaden looked at her seriously. "Thranduil and Aradan hardly smile or laugh. Do not be fooled by Ceridwen's words. She is the only one whom Aradan ever laughs with. Ceridwen's spirit and youthfulness reminds Aradan of happier memories and so he is different with her. But Thranduil is the same with everyone. Serious, fierce and uncaring. It is a cover for his pain. But he won't be cruel. Not Thranduil. Most of the elves know it. They know he cares but it is difficult not be afraid of him either. Even Legolas used to be scared of him."
Ithilwen looked at Galaden with a frown. Had Thranduil been fierce with his son?
Galaden replied her silent question with a shake of his head. "No, mellon. Not fierce. Rather, Thranduil always tried to make up for Legolas' loss of a mother. But he is hurt himself. It has not been easy for him. But he never stopped trying. Legolas thinks of his Ada as fierce because he sees a stern ruler. I…"
When Galaden paused, Ithilwen looked at him, "Tell me, Galaden. I would like to know."
"Thranduil took over a failing kingdom. The Woodlands was in ruins. Many soldiers had fallen after the War of the Second Alliance. With King Oropher's death and Erienne's disappearance, the Woodlands was in chaos. Thranduil had to act quickly and decisively to reign in his elves, show them that the Woodlands could and would persevere. It took hard work and strict administration. The orderliness, the ability to care for our wounded and disabled, abundance and wealth that you see, they are a result of Thranduil's prudent planning and Aradan's tirelessly diligent execution. There was no time to mourn. In some ways, it was good for it took his mind off y..Erienne. Yet, it took a toll on Thranduil. Our King has always been rather serious. But, then, he became….he..," Galaden looked away and Ithilwen knew that Galaden was crying for his friend, "Thranduil forgot how to laugh."
Ithilwen looked away. There had been so much sorrow. Would not their Iluvatar show some mercy upon them?
"Let us go," Galaden said after he had composed himself, "Elda will be waiting for us."
As they entered the castle, they were greeted by guards, who bowed to Galaden. Commander Aradan had left for inspection but Elda was awaiting them.
Galaden led her in and whispered to her along the way, "We are walling Mirkwood, building fortresses. The north and east is already quite well-fortified. But we are focusing on the west and north now. Yet, we know not if it is enough."
Ithilwen listened intently. She was looking thoughtful.
As if in response, Galaden commented, "Once you are done with your work, you will be free to walk around."
"Will the guards be following me then, too?
Galaden smiled, "Aradan does not trust easily, mellon. But what he says and what Thranduil says is final. For we know that they will not fail us."
"Thranduil does not talk about it but he acknowledges that King Oropher's charge was ill-led. Unlike King Oropher, Thranduil is not averse to listening to his elves, high or low in rank when a wise word is spoken." Galaden looked pained as he continued, "Many had left Mirkwood when they returned from the War of the Second Alliance. They had lost faith in their King. Those who remained did so because of unquestioned loyalty to King Oropher. But it was not enough for a sense of despair and hopelessness was around. Thranduil's coronation was a simple, solemn affair. He was still mourning Erienne and Oropher. It was on that day that Aradan knelt before all of Mirkwood and pledged his allegiance to Thranduil. It was Aradan, who called forth elves to join the army. Together, Aradan and Thranduil planned their training. Today, the Elven Army of Mirkwood stands respected amongst elves. Feared amongst men and orcs. We have Aradan and Thranduil to thank for it."
"No matter how brusque or cold Thranduil is, if you need something done, approach Aradan. He will speak to Thranduil. In case, you haven't figured it out, Thranduil has deep respect for Aradan. Aradan can make decisions, he just won't, without the final word from Thranduil. That's Aradan."
As they reached the kitchens, Galaden introduced Ithilwen to Elda. The elderly elf was motherly and caring. "I can't have her working so soon, Healer Galaden. Why, she ought to rest more and eat more. There is bread pudding, hina. Do eat some." Elda was caring and kind and did not seem much disturbed with Ithilwen's veiled face.. It assured Galaden somewhat that Ithilwen would not be overworked and Galaden used his authority to ensure that she would not be. Elda introduced Ithilwen to Adilya, another of the kitchen helpers and the pair went off to look around the kitchens.
"Where will she be staying?" Galaden asked Elda as soon they were alone.
Elda looked surprised. "In the room next to mine, Healer Galaden," she replied.
"Of course. May I have a look at her quarters?"
Puzzled, Elda brought him there and Galaden looked at it. "I will be back soon, Elda. Elda," Galaden looked serious, "give her light work. She is still weak. I will speak to Aradan. Of course, if she insists on doing something herself, let her be. She covers her hands with gloves. You do know they are scarred, don't you?"
Elda nodded. "They are just scars. Her palms have no wounds though her hands have yet to heal completely. None should express shock, horror or disgust at the state of her skin. I know you will not, Elda," Galaden was quick to affirm as he saw the protest on the motherly elf, "but the younger elleths. We know their nature."
This time, Elda nodded in agreement. It was not that the young elleths were unkind. They had grown up in peace and prosperity. They had not known suffering and were more likely to unaccepting. She promised Galaden that she would take care. The Healer obviously cared for Ithilwen. Despite his gentle nature, he was the Chief Healer of Mirkwood, his instructions were not to be ignored either.
That evening, when Aradan came down to check on dinner preparations, he was informed that Galaden had come twice, bringing clothes and fittings for Ithilwen's room. Most elves went home in the evening after work. Only Ithilwen would be staying with Elda. When Aradan went to check Ithilwen's room, he was surprised. Thranduil ensured that all elves had decent quarters to live in. But Galaden had taken care that Ithilwen's room went beyond that. It might not be fit for a queen but it might do just nicely for a less than fussy one.