Chapter 23 - Requests
Vez bowed her head respectfully to Aragorn as a commoner should to a king when greeting him later that afternoon in the grand citadel on the seventh level of Minas Tirith. She noted in her thoughts that the man had proven himself worthy in war and of such respect that she now allotted him with her gesture.
Yet he had not deemed such deference necessary and he greeted her as a fellow warrior and friend, walking over to her and placing her hand on her forearm, "It is good to see your health returned."
"As it is to see all companions returned safely from enemy's gate," she replied pleasantly.
Aragorn, Faramir, Eomer, and Gandalf had been in council discussing the resettling of Western territories, now that the Shadow had been rescinded. It would be a reunited kingdom, since a strong alliance between Gondor and Rohan had been forged. Rights to certain territories would be provided, such as Faramir would keep his title as Steward to the King, and be given rule as Prince over the region of Ithilien. The Steward's only surviving son and Captain of Gondor had been managing Minas Tirith in Aragorn's leave. He had taken up the office of Steward prior leaving the Houses of Healing, finding himself bombarded with issues. There was much to be managed in this transition period, the least of which was the upcoming coronation.
Looking less rugged than usual, though with his face characteristically stern and eyes narrowed upon her, Eomer approached from the side; his demeanor made Vez unsure if his intentions were amicable though she nodded respectfully to him for he also now stood a king. He extended his hand towards her, saying steadily, "You lived up to expectations."
She smirked, recalling his final request to her before the battle. Holding her head high, she grabbed his wrist and gave it a solid shake, "As did you and your eored, it was an honor to fight at your side."
He appreciated the words, adding, "Rohan shall deem you enemy no more. And for my life and that of your horse, you will be provided one from my own stock."
"That is not necessary," Vez replied quickly, shaking her head, for she could not accept such a grand gift.
"It is already decided," he dismissed her refusal; he would ride to Edoras the following day and return in a few weeks time for the coronation with her horse in tow.
"Gratitude," Vez thanked graciously, for being provided one of the king's horses in a land of horse lords could not have been a light gesture.
"And a horse will soon be of use," Gandalf also greeted her, pleased when noting her changed state, the light of the Eldar within her, before adding knowingly, "When will you leave?"
"As soon as I am of strength," she replied, smiling upon the white wizard who tended know things before all others.
"Good," Gandalf rejoined assuredly, with a small smile, "You are needed there."
"You leave?" Aragorn asked uncertain.
"I return to Rhun, where much is now unsettled," she replied resolutely, hiding her regret for having to depart from them.
Aragorn's eyes shifted to Legolas's momentarily, who stood beside her, realizing with his friend's exchanged glance that he knew of this departure and had come to terms with it.
"Vez's part in this war is not done," Gandalf then added, making a motion to leave, "Now, I will leave you to council on local matters while I check on Frodo;" which made Vez curious what they needed to council her on.
"It is a blessing then to have you within these walls a little longer," Faramir chimed as Gandalf departed, coming closer to the group; adding amused when referring to their prior lock down state in the infirmary, "And free from healer's bonds. If you are of strength, we could use your assistance."
Vezely turned toward the new Steward, wondering, "If I can be of any assistance?"
He added, "There are a number of men from Rhun who have survived the battle outside these gates and are now being held as prisoners. If you can assist us in negotiations of release, it would be most appreciated."
"For release?" she raised an eyebrow, for releasing enemies had never been her style, saying surprised, "You show them mercy?"
Respectfully gaining leave from Faramir to speak, since only at the coronation would the official change in leadership begin, Aragorn added, "We were all victims of Sauron in this war. I would have peace restored between our borders. And this could be aided by release of prisoners."
"It is optimistic to think so," Vez added truthfully. She then wondered, her eyes questioning the men before her, "I had not expected survivors."
"They were brought back to health when found on the field," Faramir added, most had sustained injuries and were knocked unconscious before the ghost armies dealt their massacre.
"I see," she smirked slightly, then explaining her reaction, "They may not be amenable to such treatment, even if you consider it mercy. Especially not the Variags, it is shameful to survive defeat."
Aragorn understood this, but added his hope for doing so, "Yet if you can persuade them that our intentions are honorable, that they will be provided escort to their lands in hopes they will rebuild a prosperous civilization, that the West is merciful to their enemies and would prefer them as allies, then perhaps, it is a start towards this optimistic future."
Vezely was unsure of this tactic, and her demeanor showed it as she looked at him skeptically for he had not the knowledge of Rhun's politics or its inhabitant's hatred of the West, or of the growing erosion of the environment many of Rhun's civilizations were having difficulty surviving on. It was not simply Sauron that made them desire the West's lands. While she undoubtedly could assist, she wondered something else first, "You have not yet held council with those of rank? If any ranked officer survived, they should speak basic Westron."
"Noted," Faramir acknowledge this, for they had all intentions to dissolve this matter without Vez's aid. "But none among them desire to reveal rank or suggest knowledge of our tongue."
"Ah," Vez smirked, finding it typical of Variag culture, but she refrained from adding explanation. They probably did not deem those that would hold council with them worthy of engagement. She then glanced at Legolas, who noted her skepticism in this task and wondered as others of her hesitancy. By just looking at him she gathered reassurance, seeing this as an opportunity to be a bridge between the two cultures; a role which Legolas knew she could embrace. Saying assuredly, "I will assist in negotiations then, but do not expect them to trust your mercy or for my involvement not to raise certain complications."
"Your abilities are not in doubt," Aragorn added encouragingly, not reading into the mention of complications.
She bowed her head in gratitude of the remark, hoping to brush off being hesitant just prior. Then adding, "Though I am of no strength today to prove this assumption."
"Of course," Aragorn had not intended for it to be done today. "Perhaps tomorrow morning, if you are ready?"
Having accepted to do so, Faramir spoke to Vez about desired preparations, "We can provide you what guards you need, or any other precautions."
Vezely responded confidently, "Guards are not necessary," seeming to know something they did not, "I would council them alone, though you are certainly welcome behind the gate." They all looked at her as if she was mad. "I will know who is of rank and be able to pull them into council," adding with a smirk at Aragorn, "Perhaps even get them to show some form of gratitude towards your mercy."
"It is appreciated. And now I should apologize for pulling you into this business so soon after our return," Aragorn stated sincerely.
"Not at all, it needs to be done, and," Vez added truthfully, "I am grateful I can yet be of assistance to the West."
The talk of the next day's business would be ended for more leisurely pleasantries amongst her companions, including Eowyn who would leave with Eomer the following morning for Edoras and return in a few weeks for the coronation. She immediately noted the relationship between her and Faramir, amused that the small blush she witnessed on the gentleman's face upon mention of the shield maiden in the Houses of Healing spoke to their budding courtship. It was good to see her female friend in high spirits, having her brother returned to her side unharmed and for settling on love with a good man, who was also evidently well-matched in terms of ranking. For Eowyn was a daughter of kings and Faramir, Steward's son and now prince of the region of Ithilien, stood as a proper suitor for her class.
Vez wondered of the importance of rank in the settling of such bonds in the West, her curiosity mainly centered on Legolas and what spousal expectations he held, if any. Now with their relationship public, she did wonder about others' perceptions, and with the coronation approaching and members of the Elven delegation attending, including those from the Woodland Realm, she knew not how her presence by Thranduil's son's side would be gauged. She wondered if Legolas queried the same thing about their relationship; if he had worries about its revelation to his people. He was an honorable Elf of Sindar blood, son of King Thranduil, Prince of Mirkwood, Elven representative of the fellowship, close friend and confident of King Elessar; would not entering into partnership with Sauron's former ally and once general of the Easterling Coalition cause ill repute? And despite being of a noted bloodline, she was currently deemed unfit to cross the great sea into the Undying Lands. Certainly their partnership would not be expected, but would it even be deemed improper? Yet she also doubted Legolas would tell her if he had these concerns, for he said she should not be ashamed of being with him.
The evening sun had finally settled and the two Elves strolled side-by-side to their guest rooms in the light of lit torches. They were speaking in Elvish, which Legolas continued to appreciate hearing her voice using. She had a rare accent when speaking it, and he had become fond of hearing her form new words. For Vez, Legolas's voice was even more soothing when speaking Elvish, for the language was lyrical to her and very different from Eastern tongues. She would miss hearing and using it when she was gone.
"...You are positive tomorrow poses no concern?" Legolas asked about her appointment with the prisoners, knowing she had hesitated upon first request and then desired no precautions or protection.
Vez smiled halfheartedly, "It will depend on the group itself, if there is a leader amongst them, I may have some sway." He wondered what she meant by sway, before she added considering, "But they will not expect mercy or to be released to their homeland. They may even take such words as jest, but I will try my best to make them see the truth behind Aragorn's promise."
Legolas noted some optimism in her words, which helped calm his queries, and since they had come upon their rooms, it prompted them to stop their steps and conversation.
"You should rest," he told her softly.
"I should, but I am not yet of mind to," a pleasant smile stretched across her face and she took his hand by his side, tugging it slightly towards her doorway, "Come in and sit by my side a little longer."
He hesitated, for it was evening and to enter her sleeping quarters even if for conversation, seemed to hinge on improper conduct for their courtship.
She noted this hesitation, causing her to realize the request may have seemed somewhat forward and that it made him uncomfortable. "Ah, apologies," she bit her lip, then rushing her speech slightly, "I am not versed in this..." she did not know the correct phrase, "The proper etiquette. I did not mean for you to come to my bed," she added boldly, at first unashamed to point out what he may have thought, but having done so inevitably caused him to blush, and her to regret saying it. "Not that I wouldn't...I mean, I meant only to share in conversation, as I have missed such nights doing so."
He immediately felt apologetic for acting embarrassed by this exchange, for he had now caused her discomfort, "It is my fault, for appearing to think such thoughts."
She smiled at his politeness, but she knew she needed to correct him, saying assuredly, "No, I do not know how to act properly, nor do I know what to call us."
Legolas mouth opened but he was unsure how to answer. They had not given a proper title to their pairing, nor had he formally asked her as he should have for her hand in marriage. They had fallen in love so unexpectedly in a time where it was not simply their cultural differences that let proper rituals fall by the wayside. He finally spoke, "We should have a conversation."
Since she did not want to force him into her room again, Vez added, "If tonight is agreeable to you, we could go and sit on the veranda?"
Legolas agreed to this location and offered her his arm to walk, there finding a bench which sat on the stone terrace's edge; an intricate wrought iron fence gave an undeterred view to the mountains beyond. The stars were clear in the sky above and the weather was mild, making it a perfect evening to be outside. They sat next to each other, and Vez formed words to her immediate thoughts, "The fortune to yet be by your side and to have these few weeks to continue to be so, it will sustain me until we are back together."
The sweetness of her words stole Legolas's tongue, and he placed an arm around her back, encouraging her to lean into him. "Absent only in touch," Legolas rested his temple against hers, "For you will not be wrested from my heart while away."
She took his hand and intertwined her fingers with his. But when looking upon their clasped hands, it brought thoughts of attempting to wash her hands of blood during her healing sleep. She realized it metaphorically referred to the debt she had to pay. While her hands were cleansed, she was not.
Unaware that these thoughts were consuming her, Legolas turned towards her, engaging her with more serious eyes, "As you said, we have not formed official words to our future together."
"There have been more pressing concerns," Vez responded with a small smile.
"Yet, it needs to be spoken," his gaze remained serious as he spoke, "I would have you as my life partner, if you so desire to be."
The small smile stretched bigger across Vez's face, "I do. Of course I do."
Such words made Legolas relieved, even if he had no reason to doubt her intentions. "And I would make our bond official," Legolas stated, for they were both of age and free to consent to marriage, making it possible to forgo a ceremony or witness, as many lesser Elves could if desired, yet he was not a lesser Elf. "If not..." he stalled, unsure how to phrase his reasoning.
Vezely kindly finished his sentence, "If not for your position and the formalities that making such a commitment requires." As his eyes seemed to apologize to her for this, she reassured him, "It is alright, I respect your desire to uphold tradition; to deem our partnership proper in the eyes of your people;" words which changed his gaze into one that displayed relieved appreciation for understanding, but she then added concerned, "But that is the least of what worries me about the effect this will have on your reputation."
"That does not concern me," Legolas was quick to reply, for his reputation mattered little to him.
"It should. Perhaps we have not placed official words to that either," she was determined to make him consider it, "For undoubtedly expectations on who you should marry exist."
"You are of respected lineage," noting her heritage on her father's side perhaps outshined his own.
Vez smiled halfheartedly, "That is perhaps the only obstacle crossed in a sea of others more controversial. In the eyes of your people I remain Nwalmaer (tormented one), an Elf barred from Valinor, once allied with Sauron, slayer of your own kin, corrupted in mind and body. I do not want to instill shame when your people will look to you during this time of restoration and transition." Legolas was unsure what she was getting at, until she added, "You do not need to announce our partnership upon coronation."
"You are asking me to deny my commitment to you?" Legolas restated her request, appearing slightly offended by it.
"To your people, yes," Vez spoke carefully, "And upon the day when I am return West, then perhaps," she stopped suddenly unsure of her words, for he looked displeased by such talk.
He shook his head, disappointed that she believed this an option, "To deny what we have would be to deny the changed state of my being," he told her, bringing his hands to her forearms, "You are no longer Nwalmaer, but Vezely, descendent of the High King of the Sindar and Melian the Maia, warrior of the Easterling resistance, ally of King Elessar, friend of Rohan, and soon to be restorer of peace in the lands East of Rhovanion. I hold no shame in announcing my partnership with you."
Listening to such respected titles from a loving companion made Vezely's eyes well over slightly, and she shook her head, "I do not deserve a partner such as you."
"Nor am I deserving of your love, which is pure and true," he cupped her face lightly, noting the glistening of her eyes in the starlight, "You are untainted in my eyes." He noted her hesitancy as she spoke these words, but not letting her respond, he said sternly, "Do not question this and do not concern yourself with others' reactions. Besides," he smirked, "I am not known for following expectations."
She smiled at his heartfelt rebuke of her skepticism, "I guess you are not. Then I shall not worry." Then adding with feigned seriousness, "But there is another question I now seek answer to." He looked at her curiously. "Is it improper during our courtship, to kiss you without immediate desire of ceasing?" She had noted they had not kissed since their departure from Dunharrow weeks prior.
Legolas's answer would not come in the form of words, however. His amused smile quickly answered her lips with a kiss that left both of them breathless and dizzy. And that evening, when both went to their beds alone, the feeling just experienced did not dissipate, nor had the comfort of putting formal words to their partnership.
The second level of Minas Tirith held the guarded quarters of the enemies who were found unconscious on the battlefield and brought back to health by Gondor's skilled healers. The following morning, Vezely would ride behind Legolas on top of the horse that he and Gimli had been using since they entered the kingdom of Rohan. She jumped up behind him, slightly aggravated by the need to adjust the long skirt of her dress, which reminded her of the annoyance of having to confront these soldiers in such a garment. But she would forgo complaint this morning, however, for she had rested well and awoke that morning feeling more alive than she had in the past weeks. She knew that seeing her companions returned alive and having those necessary conversations did much to lift her spirits.
As they began their trip, she placed her hands around his waist and leaned forward to rest her chin on his shoulder, saying amused softly in his ear, "I feel quite privileged to be as Gimli, and have you as my escort."
"I am not the Dwarf's escort," feeling displeased to be called so, while the closeness of her body to his, and the feel of her breath on his ear made heat immediately rush to his cheeks.
She laughed having received the desired retort to her play. Sitting straight again, she noted as she moved her face from the side of his head that his hair smelled of flowers and felt as silk against her cheek. She was quite impressed by his hygiene, perhaps because she could only compare him to men who were typically not as well put together. She wondered if such bodily perfection was an Elven trait, and then noted her own need to be cleanlier now that the traveling and fighting had ceased. Another bath could do her well, she thought, as they left the fifth level. While she of course had more complex questions pertaining to Elvish customs, the simple everyday life questions were also perplexing and unfortunately more awkward to ask about.
It was the first time Vez saw Minas Tirith from street level, and while the battle did some minor damage near the top, as they got farther down, she witnessed the true extent of destruction. The streets had fortunately been cleared of debris, but many building fronts remained gutted and burnt. Restoration crews had started rebuilding some areas, though it would take some time before the city regained its former wholeness or glory.
"I have never seen a city built such as this, carved from the mountain itself," Vez mused on their journey.
"None stand in such high regard in Middle Earth," Legolas replied.
"Or as high," Vez scoffed sarcastically, as they only passed the fourth level, "Your kingdom is mostly underground now?" she wondered.
Surprised to be asked, Legolas explained some history, "About a millennium into the Third Age my father built an underground fortress on the north bank of the Forest River, following the example of your great great grandfather's realm in Doriath. It was not to be more than his palace and treasury vault, but it's become the living quarters of many since Shadow fell upon Mirkwood."
"My parents lived farther north," Vezely revealed, thinking through her newly restored childhood history, "I believe my father desired his anonymity, and thus refused to move into your father's halls."
"He was not the only Elf to decline relocation during those times, though more recent events have led to none dwelling outside them," he told her regretfully, "Hopefully when you return, the forest will be restored to its former glory and we can walk through it freely without fear of encroachment. There is much I wish to show you."
Vez smiled, consumed with joy at the optimistic thought of returning to where she was born. It led her to hugging him; something she could not help, nor during it could she resist taking the opportunity to again breathe in the scent of his hair.
Legolas laughed slightly at her manner, "Such words bring joy?"
"They do," she replied amused, "As do you."
Legolas took her one hand upon his waist, and kissed the back of it, as appreciation for her sweet words. Soon after they came upon the prison grounds; meeting Faramir and Aragorn at the gates.
Inside was a troop of thirty-four men, a majority of which were of Variag descent, since their legions had come to the battlefield late. Many of them had sustained injuries by being knocked from their chariots. For prisoners, they were given the utmost kindness. The prison was a large, open-air square courtyard with several inside sleeping quarters lining the sides. Only one gate allowed entrance, while guards armed with bows and arrows patrolled from a high, second-story terrace. This was where Legolas, Faramir, and Aragorn would position themselves during the negotiations, which Vez continued to demand she do alone, without guards at her side.
Upon entering the grounds, Vezely was greeted by Derufin, who was Gondor's chief translator and the negotiator who attempted to, but failed to converse with the prisoners beforehand.
"Greetings," the studious man spoke to her in proper Easterling, even placing his fist to his chest and bowing his head down as was custom.
"Greetings," Vez replied, doing the same but with her eyebrow raised in mild amusement of this man's ability to speak her familiar tongue.
He would transition his speech back into Westron, explaining to her and the others as they walked towards the courtyard's entrance gate of the difficulties and rude responses he had in the prior days, saying to her in caution, "You will want to step softly, for they have not taken kindly to my exchanges despite the benevolence that is being offered."
Vez smirked, realizing the man spoke Easterling but knew not how to deal with some of the land's most hardened warriors. Stopping to the side of the gate, she looked at him sternly, speaking as if providing much needed cultural lesson, "This is not an arena where you step softly." Then turning to her three companions, she offered a request, "I ask again that you do not interfere without my consent, even if it appears negotiations turn south."
Though finding it an odd request, Faramir noted her determination in seeing things through, "Fair enough, we will be stationed on the second level terrace. Legolas and other guards will have bows in hand if aid is deemed necessary."
Vez nodded to him, "Gratitude." She then turned towards a guard who was stationed against the wall behind them, "Guard!" she called stepping his way, "Give me your dagger," she held out her upturned palm to him. While he hesitated, even looking at Faramir for approval, she added, "The belt to," desiring both instruments. Taking it from his hand, she planted her foot on the wall next to him, lifting her skirt, and attaching it to her thigh. The guard remained stationary, but noticeably wandered his eyes over to her, surprised by where his dagger was being attached, but enjoying the view of her leg she momentarily allotted him.
"I thought protection was unnecessary," Faramir asked a bit uncomfortable, for he was not used to Vez's abruptness or unladylike manners, though Legolas and Aragorn were and seemed unfazed.
She smirked, turning back towards them, "A simple precaution," then shrugging, slightly amused by the revelation, "Sometimes there are advantages to wearing a dress."
Aragorn smirked at her strangeness, but told her in confidence, "Good luck."
Faramir also provided a nod of confidence, as did Derufin who wanted to appear present; the man would follow them to the second level terrace and translate the negotiations as they proceeded.
Legolas lingered a moment longer, displaying concern for her in his eyes, saying to her in Elvish, "My arrows will not miss if called upon."
"I know," she replied grateful, telling him with her eyes to not worry. As he started to walk away, she called to him, suddenly worried of the impression she might make, "Legolas, if this goes as planned, I may appear as one unfamiliar to your eyes."
"Do what needs to be done," he replied, though not entirely sure what she meant.
She waited a moment before the gates, allotting enough time for her companions to position themselves on the terrace above, and in the meanwhile getting a look at the men inside. Many were resting on the stone floor, or leaning against the courtyard's walls. Several had their heads wrapped in bandages, others with arms in splints; most did not look up to posing any threat. They also appeared to mostly be Variags, which for Vez was advantageous. Their culture was similar to the Balchoth, and from her years spent with their leader Öldür, she knew how they would be treated as soldiers.
As the guards opened the creaky gates, Vez found her demeanor shift as she marched in, for she was now amongst her cultural equals and she would act accordingly - the general in her had returned.