Erienne stirred before dawn, looking around blearily at first, unsure of where she was. It took a few minutes to recall the events of the previous day. She was in Thranduil's chambers, her chambers. Without even opening her eyes, she could feel the warm woolen sheets upon which she lay. Smooth elven silk caressed her body. What was the elven silk? Confused, Erienne looked around and realised that she was no longer wearing her tunic. That meant …that Thranduil must have changed her.
Erienne bit her lips for a moment. He must have seen her entire body. What would he have thought? She turned and realised that he was not there. Disappointed, Erienne sat up in bed. She looked at herself. Seeing that she was wearing a full night gown, she stood up and looked around the room. There was a light in their private study.
She peeked in to see the two elves stretched out on the oak chairs. There were maps, parchment, quills and ink spread on the table. Thranduil and Aradan must have been working very late into the night. Careful not to disturb them, she leaned over and studied their maps and plans. Taking the quill, she made a few scribbles beside some of their plans. Turning over to the map, she made a few annotations there as well. Musing, she stood by the dying flames of the candle, picturing Sauron's attack. She sat down, this time more focused, as she took a new parchment and wrote down detailed archer volleys, suggested improvements to the forts and the weapons. When she was done, she put it down, satisfied. Bee hives and poisoned arrows – they ought to bring the Orcs and wildmen down. The Orcs and wildmen outnumbered the elves. With this strategy, they could minimize their casualties. "What else?" Erienne mused. After awhile, she scribbled something else – watchtowers. They needed more of them. Satisfied, Erienne put down the parchment. Thranduil and Aradan would go over it when they woke up. She did not want to disturb them now.
She knew Thranduil's room led to a private washroom. It ought to still be there. And it was, located conspicuously behind the wardrobe. Erienne slipped into the smooth, beech walls. It was clean and fresh, smelling of foxtail and winter rose. All her favourite fragrances were there but Erienne was no longer surprised. Thranduil must have seen to everything when he realised that she was back.
The early blooms of autumn must have come in. With a sigh of delight, Erienne washed herself. She was used to cold water, if she had the luck of any water at all, it having been all she had, sun or snow, in these past years. But, this pristine, cool water, aye, it felt so luxurious, like a ..Queen. My Queen, Queen Erienne of Mirkwood. Thranduil had called her that. The Queen of Mirkwood is back. Galaden had not said it with emotion but the fresh hopes for happiness that laced his words were not lost on her. She had duties beckoning.
An earlier peek at the cupboards had told her that Thranduil had also arranged for her dresses. How he had done it within these few hours, she did not know. But there were at least three there. Drying her hair with the smoke of frankincense, she made for her wardrobe. She was going to ride out. She needed something simple but elegant. Looking through she chose one – a lovely aquamarine made of elven silk. With some trepidation, she came out and glanced at the mirror. She was far too skinny but it was apparent that care had been taken for the dress to fit her well. Its sleeves only reached her elbows but there were gloves to match. The dress had a high cut and covered her scars too. She could cover her hair with a hood. Satisfied, Erienne wore her boots and tucked her dagger into place. Ignoring the sudden queasiness in her stomach, Erienne decided to leave before she could change her mind and cower back. "Meleth," Thranduil's voice beckoned her. Erienne turned to meet his approving eyes, full of pride.
Erienne turned partly anxious, "Did I wake you, my lord? You must have slept late yesterday."
As Thranduil shook his head, Erienne walked towards him.
"My lord," she said as she dropped to a curtsy.
Thranduil was surprised. "Nay, Erienne. You and I are one. I do not have to tell you that."
"I know, my lord. Still, it is my duty to bow to my ruler. 'Tis is one thing to be a King, my lord, yet another to have the right to rule. Kings are born but the right to rule has to be earned. To be a King respected but not feared. To live in a land where peace reigns and all have a share in its beauty and bounty. I bow to a ruler who has made that possible."
Thranduil came nearer to her. "'Tis high praise you give me, Erienne," he muttered. "But totally true, if you be honest with yourself, my lord." Erienne replied.
Standing up, she raised her hood over her head and turned to leave when she was stopped once again.
"My lady, Queen Erienne of Mirkwood, the Commander at your service," Aradan bowed to her gallantly.
Erienne laughed. "You are such a rascal, Aradan."
"With my Queen back, now I can be more of that," he replied softly.
"You look beautiful, my lady," he added. Turning to Thranduil, he added, "You can't let such beauty go unappreciated. Why, my lady is sure to be offended. We have to rectify this immediately."
Turning back to Erienne, he said, "My lord's generosity has left me with a gift worthy of a Queen. Will you accept this, Your Highness?"
Erienne looked at the box that Aradan was holding. It was what Thranduil had presented him at the fair. The Queen's jewels. It was a small oblong box. Made of the wood of red cedar, it was a box with neither latch nor clasp. On its lid, it bore the emblem of Mirkwood. Erienne did not have to ask what it was.
"You ought to do the honours, my lord," Aradan turned to Thranduil.
Thranduil shook his head and raised his hand, signaling Aradan to proceed. Aradan met Thranduil's eyes, "I am honoured, my lord," he replied softly, bowing. Deftly he pressed down the hidden springs of the box and released it open to reveal an elegant circlet set with red beryl and jadeite. Erienne looked at Thranduil and Aradan, "Are you sure..?"
"Was it not you, Erienne, who so succinctly yet subtly reminded me of my duties as King of this realm? I need not preach unto you what you already know and embody. All these long years, I have had to carry this burden alone and not all the times have made the wisest of decisions. I can tell you, Erienne, that your elves will love you, respect you and follow you even if it is to their death."
"But it is not to death that we shall lead them. We shall brave these times, Erienne, even as darkness threatens. Whether we be of Silvan, Sindar or Doriath, we shall stand as one of Mirkwood and defend what is ours – the right to live in peace." Erienne listened to Thranduil's low whisper, verbalized in Doriathrin, her heart stirring, her eyes glistening.
Aradan nodded, "'Tis as if all darkness has lifted, a new dawn replacing it. The Woodland Realm is honoured to have you lead by our King's side, my lady. We await your guidance. We shall stand together as one and face what may come." Placing the circlet on her head, Aradan bowed to her once again.
Thranduil smiled, raising Erienne's chin to look at him, "The crown of Mirkwood will find you soon. For now, accept this, Queen Erienne. Go forth your duties with confidence. You will not fail. Falter perhaps, but fail you will not. And should you falter, as I have, your King and Commander will stand by you to correct it as my Queen and Commander have done for me."
Erienne looked at them, humbled by their confidence in her, as Thranduil brushed his lips over hers. Lifting the hood over her head, she took her bow and arrows and left the room.
Aradan must have informed everyone for none showed any surprise. Erienne walked down the steps acknowledging their bows and greetings with a slight bow of her own. Her first stop was to the kitchen where Elda and the other elven women were busy with the preparations for winter. When Erienne entered, Elda was the first to greet her with a tearful bow. "My lady, forgive me for I had been foolish. I did not realise it was you, working and sweating along with me in the kitchen."
Erienne gently coxed the elf to rise. "What is this, Elda? You had shown me kindness when I was naught but a homeless stranger. I have seen your loyalty to your king and steadfastness to your duty." Turning to the other elves who had been standing behind Elda, she added, "To clothe and feed a stranger whilst reserving caution for the safety of your land. 'Tis a fine and delicate balance. Your King will be sure to approve."
Turning back to Elda, she continued, "I will come by tomorrow, Elda, to help you with the preparations for winter. We need to check what stocks we have and what is yet to be prepared. Do think of what we might need to buy and I will review them with you tomorrow."
"Aye, my lady. It will be ready by tomorrow. We are pickling the meat and some vegetables now." Erienne nodded with a smile. Thanking the elves for their hardwork, she left the kitchen and walked to the palace gates. Her mare was waiting for her. Climbing unto it, she rode out to the gates where she saw the soldiers who had been guarding the Eastern fort. Aradan must be rotating his soldiers around.
She nodded to the Captain who came up to bow to her. "Your horse awaits, my lady," he said. Erienne turned. It was a beautiful mare.
"Thank you, Captain," she said, mounting it, "I trust that all is well."
"All is well, my lady. The Commander has given specific instructions for rotating guard. Those who are not on duty are practicing their war exercises with the Commander."
Listening, Erienne continued, "Should any message be sent to the contrary of standing instructions, it will bear the seal of the King along with our own seal. There are only three such seals – one with the King, the other with me and the last with Commander Aradan. If there is cause for doubt, send a runner to check as quickly as possible. Commander Aradan will brief all soldiers on this by tomorrow. You are trained soldiers. Above all else, you are expected to exercise your own prudence and act in the best interests of Mirkwood under all circumstances. I hope all are agreeable to it."
"Aye, my lady. We will not fail our land," the soldiers nodded acquiescence. As Erienne rode off, she heard the soldiers murmuring, "We'd best be on our toes. Our lady's more task-driven than the King or the Commander. We have to be ready for her." Smiling, Erienne picked up speed and galloped off into the night. Her paths were lit by lamps glowing at even intervals to light the way of the night traveler. Erienne rode on enjoying the autumn breeze until she came to her first stop, the home of her dear friend and the gentle healer, Galaden. He came running up to meet her, his joy apparent on his face. ""Tis a joy to be able to see your fair face again, my lady," he said with a bow.
Smiling, Erienne got off her horse and followed him where she was met by Lairiel and Ceridwen. "My lady," Ceridwen bowed, "I apologise if I have been rude with you. Ada will be most displeased with me if I have hurt your feelings in anyway."
Erienne was surprised, "Why, Ceridwen, you are such a joy to be with. Do not worry. Your Ada knows that I have been glad for your company, and for your kindness, Lairiel," Erienne added turning to Galaden's mate. The latter was overcome with emotion and as they hugged, Lairiel whispered, "My lady, you do not know what joy your return brings us. We are indeed blessed," wiping her tears, she continued, "look at me, prattling away. May I offer you some tea, my lady?"
"Erienne, Lairiel," Erienne whispered, "I will always be Erienne to Galaden. And it is I who has to thank you. For I know how you have supported my lord and Commander Aradan all these years."
"Ada, look who is here?" Ceridwen's enthusiastic call to Galaden had Erienne smiling. Galaden was running up the path and greeted her with a bow and a smile. As Lairiel hurried Ceriwen to the kitchen, Erienne insisted that they not trouble themselves too much. "Just some tea, then," Lairiel replied beckoning Ceridwen to follow her. Galaden smiled, glad that his mate was allowing him privacy with Erienne.
Erienne remained quiet at first, thanking Lairiel as she handed her a steaming cup. "Is Ceridwen better, Galaden?" she asked, "She ought not to be troubling herself in the kitchen."
"Don't worry, Erienne. At least, in the kitchen, I can be assured that Lairiel is there to watch out for her. She is quite a handful," he replied, his pride mixed with his exasperation of her unladylike behavior.
"You are being too harsh, Galaden. Why, I was much like her. My Ada always praised me. Were you exasperated with me as well?" Erienne asked in mock horror. Galaden laughed, "If Ceridwen would turn out half of what you are, my lady, I would be an extremely proud Ada." Gazing proudly at the circlet upon her head, he added, "Our Queen is back. I am not sure whether you can feel it, Erienne. It is almost as if Mirkwood has been born again. The shroud of unhappiness that lurked beneath has disappeared. Our elves now speak of hope and purpose."
"You mean it, Galaden?" Erienne sounded doubtful although she had been determined not to. "They accept me as their Queen? Scarred and fallen as I am?" All of her fears came to the fore on her face. "Thranduil and Aradan have had to bear much alone. Thranduil appears fearful that he has let down his elves, especially due to Legolas' departure. Aradan, he remains stoic and valiant but how does he really feel inside. I worry that he is harbouring everything inside. 'Tis my fault they has been left to struggle on his own."
Erienne paused, "I did not share anything more with Thranduil or Aradan for it would have hurt them. Azog is dead now but he would often boast of annihilating the Woodlands. My refusal to cry despite all his torture really angered him. He killed all the other elves in the worst possible manner – burnt, drawn, quartered, worse," Erienne bit her lips, "they would not succumb to his torture and become Orcs so he made sure they suffered. Each died in pain. Each died taking the King's and Prince's name upon their lips."
Erienne shuddered, "None from the Woodlands should ever suffer in that hell again, Galaden. Yet, the shadow of fear and threat loom as a darkness over our home. Azog mocked me, just a few days before my escape that soon the Woodlands would fall. That was why I ..I gave myself to the Wildman so that I could kill him. I was desperate to escape. Now, all the elves bow to me, respect me. Will I be worthy of them? They do not know my true nature."
Galaden looked at Erienne's trembling hands and waited for her to continue. It was best that she got the burden out of her heart. "I did not miscarry, Galaden. I killed my babe. With my own hands. Took the milk of the cactus that grew there and swallowed it. It did not kill me but cleaned out my womb, it did." Galaden knelt before her. Putting her cup down, he took her palms into his. "Mellon, do you honestly believe that your babe would have had a better chance born there? You know what you did was for the best. The malice of hardened hearts and the cruelty of greed know no bounds. Neither the young nor the innocent is visible before their eyes. You saved your elfling from a fate worse than death. A grieving mother I cannot comfort but a wise Queen will be sure to heed this counsel. Do not harbor hatred where there is cause for none. You showed your strength when you escaped, returned to the Woodlands and served so humbly. Forgive yourself, Erienne. What you did was for the best of your babe."
The pain and hurt that Erienne masked before all others stood uncloaked in her eyes as they met Galaden's, "Your wise words are not unheeded, Galaden but my heart still fears. What will become of us? Will the morrow dawn upon us or be eclipsed? For all the courage that I show to your King, in truth, my heart shudders, Galaden."
"The future is not ours to see, Erienne. We will prepare for it but it is the present that we behold. And do not ever say that you are scarred or fallen. That are those whose hearts take joy in the sufferings of innocents. I need not speak of your greatness with sugarcoated words. You know your worth. Whilst no words can console the pain of a mother grieving for her child, know that your other born is healthy and safe. A summer child, he may be now but he is sure to realise his responsibilities soon. In the meantime, your realm awaits you, your elves seek you. Render your duty upon them to your best. What may come, we will face together as one family."
Erienne smiled, this time more brightly, "Your words are certainly cause for comfort, Galaden. Tis a joy to be with family and friends. Always there to catch us when we fall." Then, seeking to lighten the mood, she added, "Lairiel's mint tea is delicious. Perhaps you could offer some to the soldiers. Aradan and Thranduil have no doubt instructed them to follow me around."
This time, Galaden grinned, "Erudraithe already has. They refused with a smile and a bow, as expected. They would not accept food or drinks, Erienne, not whilst on duty."
Erienne laughed more cheerfully as she stood up, "Thranduil and Aradan will be there to do the ordering and the ruling. We, my friend, can do the cheering and the caring. I will come by tomorrow, Galaden. Do tell me what I can do to help. I have asked Thranduil for permission to use the herb garden. We could go there together tomorrow." Looking at the sky, she added, "I had best be going. I want to ride out to the villages as well."
Thanking Lairiel and Ceridwen as well, she insisted to Lairiel that she bring Ceridwen to the palace one day. Before, she mounted her mare, she turned to Galaden once more. He was too old a friend to thank and sometimes words were neither appropriate nor enough. Their fingers intertwined for a moment and he gave them a gentle squeeze before he patted her horse and bid her a good night.