My apologies for all the confusion over Erienne's heritage - Thanks to the reviewers for pointing it out. Erienne could not have been King Thingol's daughter (which I had first said in Chapter 22). She would have been King Thingol's granddaughter, daughter of Luthien. In my fantasy, I am assuming that Thranduil would have married one of the heirs of Thingol since he grew up in Thingol's courts. But she is definitely more powerful and more learned than the Mirkwood elves, including Thranduil. However, I believe in Tolkien's version that Thranduil is a wise King, not proud and greedy. Therefore, he would accept his Queen's heritage and her power. I had updated Chapter 22 earlier.
Erienne was resting at Galaden's house. Despite her assurance that it was a small wound, she knew as well as Galaden that her body was still weak. It tired easily and Erienne could not merely brush off the wound. She had been glad to be able to close her eyes in peace and let sleep take her. But now that she was awake, she started to worry. It had dawned and Thranduil and Aradan would soon. No one had been informed of her injury. Airion had merely sent word that the Queen was at Healer Galaden's house.
Even if Thranduil did not sense anything amiss, Aradan would and he would invite himself for breakfast at Galaden's. "I am going to kill you, Tauriel," she mumbled to herself. Hearing a knock on the door, she called Galaden to come in. "I am so sorry to trouble you, Galaden."
Galaden frowned. Both knew that Erienne was not talking about her putting up in house. She could do that anytime. No, Erienne was talking about having put Galaden in a spot for Thranduil was sure to be upset that Galaden had not informed him. "One way or the other, you have decided to throw me into the dungeons, Erienne," he joked. Both knew that would not happen either but both Thranduil and Aradan would be upset and neither wanted that.
"I will try my best to explain, Galaden. I hope your lord heeds my words."
"He will, Erienne. 'Tis just a matter of how long he will take to cool down. Airion has told Tauriel to stay in her barracks until he comes to fetch her. He is nervous too, Erienne. Fears that he has failed his King and Commander."
Erienne looked up, "He shouldn't be, Galaden. I will talk to him. He did not do anything wrong. He left because he knew that there was no danger and the others needed help. That brings us to another problem. We ought to have more watch towers. Once danger is sighted, the watch towers should be lit. We should have troops of soldiers rotating patrol throughout the Woodlands. I will speak with Aradan about that as well."
Changing the subject, Erienne said, "I will wash, Galaden and get ready. I am hungry too. Aahh, I believe Lairiel is making breakfast. It is enough to make me hungry." Galaden laughed and helped her out of bed. She had difficulty moving her arm but managed to force herself to change into the new dress that Airion had brought from the palace.
When they sat at the breakfast table, she insisted that Airion join them. "I am sorry to put you through so much trouble, Airion. Do not worry. It was not your fault. I will talk to your King and Commander."
"It is no trouble, my lady," Airion protested, "but I do fear that I have let down my King. Commander Aradan put in charge for he felt that I would protect you from harm, yet I have failed him."
Airion gulped further, "Your words are not lost on me, my lady. 'Tis not just our King and Commander."
Erienne looked up, puzzled. What was Airion talking about?
"Word of your return has spread, my lady. We have received missives from Lothlorien and Rivendell. Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel will be visiting. I am not sure about Lady Galadriel but Lord Elrond is extremely fond of you."
Erienne stifled a groan. It was joyous news. Elrond was a dear nephew and it was really wonderful of Lady Galaderiel to offer a visit, though she knew that her coming was not just to visit. An heir of Luthien had escaped Dol Guldur; it had tipped the scales in the war. Sauron was now fearful yet victory was not near either.
Neither would be happy if they knew that she had been injured within the Woodlands. Was that not why she had protected her King's seal with more than her life in Dol Guldur? So long she lived and so long she held the seal, Sauron could not defeat the Woodlands. Erienne suddenly felt tired. Could she never stop fighting?
"My lady, are you alright?" Airion was panicking and even Galaden looked concerned.
"I am fine. Do not worry. Lairiel has prepared such a delicious breakfast. We ought not to waste her efforts. Please, let us eat first. All will be well." Everyone nodded though none felt like eating. Erienne was truly hungry and, though not so happily, munching on her scone and jam, when she saw Galaden pale. Erienne chewed cautiously. That meant only one thing. Either Thranduil or Aradan was here. Though, they would not have been informed of any injury, they would have found out for themselves.
Erienne took a sip of her milk and stood along with the rest. Not Thranduil or Aradan. Thranduil and Aradan. Before, anyone could say thing, she went to Thranduil. In truth, she felt ashamed of herself. It was not anger she saw on Thranduil but fear. Her eyes went to Aradan who was looking very relieved yet upset.
"My lord," Erienne curtsied, "I apologise for not receiving you at our home. Please, would you not join us for breakfast?" She pleaded with her eyes, not wanting Lairiel to be afraid, should Thranduil lose his temper there. Thranduil looked at her, his eyes roving to her arm.
"Anywhere else?" his voice was gruff.
"Nay, my lord. Just my arm," Erienne bit her lips, looking to Aradan for help. Though he frowned at first, he acquiesced at her pleading look and said, "We had best eat first, my lord."
As she turned, she saw Aradan looking at Airion. The look he was giving Airion was fearful even for her.
She turned to Airion, "I have kept you long enough, Lt.-General Airion. Please do not be obliged to stay. You have your family and duties to see to. I am sure Commander Aradan will be most unhappy with me if I interfered with them."
Airion looked relieved but awaited his Commander's consent. Aradan nodded gruffly and informed Airion that he would be speaking to all Lt. General's in the evening. Airion bowed thankfully and left. He would have to explain later. Oh! Could he kill Tauriel? Throw her in the dungeons? Hang her upside down? He could think of the worst punishments for her.
As Erienne watched Airion leave, she turned to Aradan. "He is under my word not to mention it to anyone, Aradan. Do not put him in a spot by asking him what happened. It was truly not his fault. All was going according to plan."
Seeking to divert their attention especially from Thranduil who had not said a word, she added, "I saw the spiders today. I have spoken with Galaden. Get the soldiers in the armory to prepare poison from the venom of snakes. We will grow aconitum as well. They will intensify the attack and kill with a single arrow."
Aradan looked interested and for a moment, his face lit up. "That would go well with the bee hives and the stepped forts. Thank you, my lady." Thranduil, however, did not say a word. He drank his milk in silence. Lairiel cleared the table and left the room, signaling to Ceridwen to follow her.
"Tauriel shot you." It was not a question. Erienne was startled. How had Thranduil known? Airion would not have said anything. No one else had seen the incident. Aradan sighed, "No one else would have done it. All the soldiers had been briefed immediately after our meeting in the study two days ago. Of all the Captains, only three were absent. The other two are not stationed at the granary. Their Lieutenant-Generals were to have relayed the message to them. Istuion, her Lieutenant-General informed me that all his Captains had received the message, except her. She had been away since the fair."
Erienne sat down, startling Thranduil. "You are not well," he panicked.
"No…no, my lord. Please, I am alright. Do not worry. It is a mere scratch."
As Thranduil looked away, Erienne pressed her lips. "'Tis not for Tauriel, my lord. She grew up without an Ada. Her Nana is not of sound mind either, is she?"
Getting no reaction from Thranduil or Aradan, she proceeded, "Her Ada, Beinion, was my guard. He was taken along with me and he fell for me, along with the rest." Erienne could feel her body trembling.
"He was one of the first to fall, my lord. When Azog…when he came unto me for the .. time, he forced all the elves watch. Beinion got emotional and tried to stop it. Azog…" Erienne was beginning to feel breathless as she remembered the events, "Azog skinned him and put him over a slow fire. He lived for more than three days before he died."
She looked up. Galaden and even Aradan had paled, their eyes shuddering. Thranduil looked away, unable to speak. When they eventually found their strength, Thranduil did not open his mouth, he merely took Erienne in his arms and hugged her.
Aradan reached for a glass of water and swallowed it in one gulp while Galaden had to leave the room. "We will leave it to you, Erienne. You would know best," Aradan said softly.
Erienne nodded and seeking to lighten the mood informed them of the missives from Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel. Thranduil pretended to be disinterested, "Well, daughter of Luthien, heir of Thingol, I trust you shall entertain them. Elrond has never forgiven me for not coming forth to save you and the Lady Galadriel considers me to be an old brood."