Chapter 15

Learning and curiosity of others

Suddenly I woke. It was still early morning and the day after we came home to Imladris from Khazad Dum. All I could think of was the time spent with Elwen, her Ada, and the other elves on the trip. For me, the meeting with the dwarves was less horrible than I thought it would be. But still not a situation I'd like to be repeated soon. I knew in my heart Lord Elrond would want to bring up that during our lesson today. As I started to think sleep left me and I got out of bed. Still dark I lit some of the lamps in what was my room or long-stay guest quarters.

My long red hair was a mess and I braided it the best I could myself after I found pants, a shirt corset to wear. My new boots were by the door and they felt like they fit perfectly from the moment I tried them on. I then left the room and walked quietly out of the house towards the main entrance and saw a few servants. They just bowed to me and smiled. That was the hardest thing to get used to for me. Being treated as Lady-like as they saw Elwen or Celebrian… I did not feel like so in any way.

Elves were waking up and starting their daily chores and to say I felt out of place for that as well. That had been my life up to this point and now whenever I tried to aid or be of use I was dismissed and said it was handled. To me, it felt wrong, but I had lived that life since little. That is when I heard the cries.

"Ionien… You fool… if Ruineth sees me spilling this again she will be so disappointed in me"

Hurrying over I saw the apples spilled all over and the berries crushed under their weight as the elf must have carried them all in one go to save time.

"I will help you. Ruineth does not need to know" I said simply as we hurried to clean up the spilled goods.

"Thank you. I cannot make more mistakes now. If I do, I am sure Ruineth will have me re-assigned or ask the lord to talk to me.

"Nana" Cried a young voice at the door.

I smiled seeing the little elfling. She must have come to help her Nana as I did when I had a family so long ago.

"Lanneth. Are you done putting out the table clothes in the dining hall* The elf maid said to her little one.

"Yes, Nana….." The elfling stopped speaking for a bit looking at me curiously. "Nana? Who is she?" The elfling said and kept looking.

"It is a friend, she helped me when I lost the apples and berries, sweet Lanneth…."

That was the first time she looked at me and her face paled some as she got up quickly.

"My lady Tauriel… Please forgive my rudeness and you should not be doing such tasks… I… I please lady please do not tell Ruineth about this she will be so very cross and I have heard stories from other elves…" Seeing her Nana so worried the elfling came over hugging her leg. As if she needed to protect her from me.

I felt bad about how worried the Nana got and how worried the little one got as well. Holding her Nana's leg hard.

"I…" The moment I tried to speak we all heard the voice of the head of the kitchen elf Ruineth.

"Ionien where are you? I sent you out ages ago to get the apples and berries for the cakes and pies we will serve the Lord and his family for their safe return…" That was the moment Ruineth saw us all me on my knees in front of a horrified Ionien and her little elfling.

"My lady…" Ruineth cried horrified as she came over to help me up. "Ionien if you have run into the lady I will make sure the lord hears of it!" She cried out in disbelief. At this point, I stood up and brushed off my pants.

"There is no need Ruineth. It was I that ran into dear Ionien and her elfling. As it was all my fault it would be only right if I helped her pick it up."

Looking at Ionien and blinking with the eye Ruineth could not see she caught on to what I was doing.

"Yes… Yes Ruineth. The lady came out of nowhere and I did not manage to get out of the way… thankfully she is as gracious as she is kind and wanted to aid me"

At that, I just smiled and bowed my head to the maiden.

"You do me great honor maiden of Imladris. As I am sure you serve Ruineth well. I will when appropriate mention your kindness to the lord and lady"

After all, I could not let such a sweet elleth and her elfling get chewed out by a very demanding elf like Ruineth.

"You are too kind lady Tauriel. My staff is indeed exceptional, but I fear…"

"Fear nothing. Ruineth." I interrupted and lifted my hand. "If anything I would like to ask if Ionien may help me around the valley. I am still not very familiar with it and she seems like a dedicated elf don't you think?"

Then the elf Mistress again started to try and talk against me, but again I would have nothing of it.

"Lady Tauriel. Ionien is staff in the food hall not a servant of the lord's household. May I…"

This time I was going to make sure my opinion was heard even if I felt very uncomfortable doing so, Lord Elrond had said I had authority and so had my love Elwen. For once I was going to use it.

"So I have no right to ask for her aid? Maybe I should get Lady Celebrian or perhaps Lord Elrond…."

Now that stung and Ruineth bowed her head.

"I did not mean it so lady… I only wished to explain there may be better choices…"

Getting on my nerves I was going to end this.

"So you have a better understanding of my needs than I? Is that what you are saying?"

Her eyes widened and she bowed again.

"Lady I did not mean to offend…"

Perhaps she meant not, but to me, she seemed like an elf who was used to getting her way no matter what and not for the better of others.

"But it is, saying I have less knowledge of my own needs than an elf I have barely met. Now I will take Ionien with me and I will speak to Lindir about a replacement for her position. Thank you" I said and started to walk as I looked back at the Elf maiden and her elfling.

Within my first few steps, Ruineth was shocked by my comment and I think Ionien and Lanneth were too.

"My lady I assure you there is no need to speak to Steward Lindir. I will…"

At this, I stopped and had enough of her ways of trying to deflect my will.

"It is no bother; I am to speak with him with other matters. Now come. Ionien and Lanneth"

I said firmly to Ruineth and sweetly to Ionien and Lanneth. Before I was done speaking they came up to me and we walked away. I was shaking as I had never been in such a position before to command anyone. When we were out of hearing distance Ionien said very low to me.

"Thank you, my lady" and the elfling followed her Nana's footsteps. "Thank you Lady Tauriel" looking up at me.

"You are very welcome both of you. If I can ask you both is Ruineth always that eager to punish and talk her elves down? If so something has to be done."

Lanneth wanted to speak up, but Nana stopped her.

"She is very dedicated my lady…. But has very little time for those she deems not perfect…"

At this, Lanneth had enough.

"Lady Tauriel…" She asked before her Nana stopped her.

"Yes, little one?" I said simply as we walked.

The little one did not speak at first and just looked at her Nana.

"Well, sometimes Nana comes home so sad when doing her chores Lady. She sends me to my room and she talks to Ada for ages… and when I can come out her eyes are red…"

That was it Lindir was the next stop for us. Ionien tried to stop me, but I was determined. Ney I was angry. Injustice was not something I would ever tolerate. Several elves bowed and let me through, yet I had no time but simple bows in return as we came to the office of Lindir and I knocked simply and waited for a firm "Enter"

The moment he saw me he stood and bowed his head like it was a natural reflex for him. Early as it was he was already at work.

"Lady Tauriel… Is something wrong?"

I returned the bow and he saw my insecurity, but I told him what I had done, what had happened, and what Lanneth had said. As he heard it Ionien spoke up to.

After all, had been said it was clearly not a matter of physical abuse. But that of a power-hungry elf that had some authority over others and for that very reason had been sent to Imladris from the havens. Her standing there was clearly ruined by it and it was hoped she would learn from her transfer. But it had not gone as hoped.

After a bit, Lindir walked out and we sat there alone. Lanneth had found something to play with and was happy with that.

Ionien said she was clumsy at times and that it got no better having a hawk watching over her shoulder. The way she felt made her day long and even miserable. She was clearly an elf who loved her duty and the kitchen, decoration of the food hall, and aiding the chefs. But all she had over the last years was nothing but bullying and that we would not stand for.

The door opened again and in came Lord Elrond and Lindir behind him. I stood up as quickly as I could and he came to me as I bowed his hand came under my chin.

"Tauriel. You were late for our lessons and I got worried. Are you well?"

I nodded and smiled.

"I am My lord. I could not sleep after our journey to the mountain and I went for a morning walk alone. As it was so early, I did not want to wake Elwen…" And so I retold him the story and Lanneth and Ionien told their parts. After their bowing of being in the room with the lord of Imladris.

As they retold the incident as small as it were he only listened and seemed stern. When it was all done he said nothing and I felt I had to speak.

"My lord. I felt like I had to step in, I did not want to use any of the authority given to me in wain or misuse it. But seeing how Lanneth reacted and when we got away from the elf she said it all to me even to her Nana's dismay. I…"

He stopped me and looked at me.

"No Tauriel you did right. I do not want any of our people to be mistreated or to be sad after their chores are done. I gave you the authority for a reason. Elwen trusts you and so do I"

"My lord," I said with a bow and he stopped me and hugged me.

"You will be family Tauriel. In this family, we hug."

Smiling as wide as I was he held me tight and I him.

He then let me go and asked for us all to follow him as he led me by the arm and we headed out for the dining area/kitchens.

At our arrival, Ruineth was clearly ready for what was coming.

She stood in front of him and asked for forgiveness and he brushed it off easily.

"Ruineth, you know why you were sent to Imladris. Your attitude towards others has not changed and yet again we see the same problem arise here. Now what to do with you? Lindir. Tell me, how has Ionien done her chores and duties before Ruineth came to live here?"

Lindir just perked up and looked at Lord Elrond.

"She had no complaints against her. No reports of poor work ethics. Well-liked and respected by chefs and elves of the valley." He responded simply and factually.

To this Lord Elrond just nodded and listened.

I could see on Ruineth's face she was worried and if she treated others poorly she should be. I did not know Lord Elrond well. But I knew his lovely daughter and if she was anything to go by on him then I knew he would be just.

"I find it so that you are not worthy of your position Ruineth. Sending you here as a warning and to prove you could behave has not worked. There for I take your duties of you and set you to be a simple maid in the food hall and without any privilege or title." He said and looked at Ionien.

"You my dear have long served our people and my family. I therefore give you charge of the food hall from now on and to be my contact there. I know you will do me proud." Lord Elrond said to Ionien's mouth dropped. Her elfling smiled and cried in happiness. "Nana, you did it. Ada will be so proud of you" I could do naught but smile at them and then I saw the stare of Ruineth… Right at me. There was no love in those eyes. Cold even they were… For it seemed I had taken something away from her. Then I felt Lord Elrond take my arm and lead me off. Lindir stayed behind to make sure nothing would go out of sorts and I could breathe freely again as soon as we got outside. The air in Imladris was truly magical. My skin crawled and I could do nothing but to smile. Birds were waking up and then I noticed Lord Elrond speaking.

"You do well, Tauriel. For as short a time as you have been with us you are taking to your role. Even if we had our discussion around the dwarves that is nothing, but to be expected. You care for others and I find a good quality for someone that will lead our people one day" At that I felt shocked. I lead the people? I must have heard wrong.

"My lord, I am sure you must have…" At this, he stopped walking and smiled.

"Tauriel, what I say I mean. You are to be a leader of our people in peace and war. You are showing good qualities for it and we will let them evolve. For whatever happens I know my daughter will have a worthy mate and love to support her if those times will come and I will not be here to rule."

His words stung me deeply as a guard of a leader of elves.

"If thus times comes lord… I will lie fallen with you in your defense…" I said without thinking and he took my hands and held them.

"That is not your duty or will I ever have that as your duty again. You Tauriel are to be my daughter's mate. I can feel it and it is my duty as Ada to keep you and her safe. So you and her can take over when or if that time ever comes" He said and hugged me in front of all the elves that had stood up and started work. Tears were in my eyes for I could not remember such a feeling of care or love since my own family had been lost.

"My lord I…" At this, he stopped me and we walked into the great house and his office. There my tears could flow as I had become close with the family of Elwen and thus I wanted none to happen to any of them. He then let me compose myself again and our lesson started.

From that moment on and until midday we were speaking and about the topic of our lessons and my leadership skills. Sometimes he was not fully in agreement of my choices, but neither were they wrong either. Most were in fact right and he was happy about it.

The sun then came up to midday meal and a knock came on the door.

"Enter," Lord Elrond said and I felt a fea dance on the other side. As it opened I let out "Elwen" Ever so slowly.

"Ada, Tauriel," she said smiling, and entered.

My heart skipped a beat if not several and I stood up as she hugged Lord Elrond and came to me. Slowly holding me and giving me a kiss on my lips. Slow, warm, and loving it were. The moment we stopped I blushed as she had done it in front of her Ada. While I looked at him he only smiled.

"Ada" Elwen then said. "May I take Tauriel out for a midday meal? I will have her back in time for your next lesson of the day" She said so sweetly and I doubt Lord Elrond could say no.

"You elleths go and have fun. But be back at late midday at the latest." He said with a nod.

"Thank you, Ada." She said and by then I knew not what would happen as she pulled me out of the office and down the hall before I could say "Goodbye" her Ada.

"Elwen!" I cried and she slowed down some, but yet moved quite quickly.

"Yes, my love?" She said looking at me with her hand still gripping mine hard.

"What is it that has you so excited?" I said looking at her, she was so beautiful in her dark blue outfit, with green spread out in it and silvery light shining, leggings, boots, and a simple corset with the symbols of Imladris perfectly spread with one made larger and more decorated and a dark blue tunic under it.

"A surprise," she said with her eyes glowing with a small fire in them.

I could not ask much more as we passed everyone we met at a great speed. Then the pieces started falling to their places.

The workshop of the Master Smith of Eregion. She barely knocked and we were inside as she could not wait even for a moment.

"Ent….." Meachon tried to say before we were indoors.

"My ladies" Was the first he said as he bowed.

"Is it true?" Elwen said so excited I had not seen it before.

"Yes, it is done, my lady. Will the lady T…"

"Yes, she will!" Elwen said before I could even register what they spoke of.

Meachon simply smiled and looked over at me.

"If the lady pleases." He said.

"Your armor… it is done, my love." Elwen then said with a huge smile and i was pulling me to the back.

"My lady I have no maid to aid the lady. Shall I call for…" even at this she was too excited.

"I will aid her Meachon," she said, and before I knew I was behind the blinds with orders to undress and put the armor underclothes on. It took me some time, but I was used to it from my Silvan Ranger days.

"My lady…" I started to say to Elwen, but she would have none of it.

"It is Elwen to you, my love, when will you learn?" she said with a smile and made me stand still.

"I know not… to me you are still a lady… I am not that…" I said shaky in my voice. At this, no response came. Other than the breastplate she helped me take it on. Slowly she tightened the straps. And from there it was the shoulder guards, vambraces, leggings protection, and chin protection. With every piece, she took her time and fastened it to me. Slowly and delicately she was. No parts were rushed and yet when she was done she looked at me and handed me a typical sword that all the warriors of the valley wore. She slowly put it around my waist and tightened it to the armor and a blue long cape she fastened to the points at the top of the breastplate. Then she stopped and looked at me. Her eyes went wide and her jaw dropped some.

"Meachon, you have outdone yourself again," She said and I tried to look at myself, but there were no mirrors there.

"Come Tauriel," she said with a large grin on her face. She took my hand again and led me out into the workshop. Now Estelwen was there too as she had been summoned by Meachon to aid me. To no need.

All three of them looked at me and their jaws dropped and smiles everlasting were on me.

Meachon then spoke.

"Your movement is not hindered? You can use your arms without any feeling of being restrained?"

As he spoke I tried to move as much as I could, but no I felt not restrained in any way. Legs arms and body I could move freely as the armor worked with me and not against me. The cape was new and larger than any I had worn before, but I liked it.

"It is not. I feel like I can move as I did with my old ranger armor from the woodland realm." I responded with a smile.

"Let us go outside so you can try it out sparing the lady Elwen if she agrees?" Meachon said and she nodded eagerly. Why she did not wear a dress I guessed.

"I full-heartedly agree to that Meachon" She then responded and was handed a sword by Estelwen.

Several elves could see it from the paths around the workshop and as I drew my blade something changed in me. Here I was a simple silvan elf. Dressed in the armor of the Noldor. Standing ready to spar with a lady of their valley. An elleth I love and I could not see myself in any other place.

"Are you ready my love?" Elwen then asked me and as I nodded to her and smiled she charged me. I went into defense mode and blocked every charge. The cape was something I was not used to, but it did not stop me. At any moment I could be offensive against her I was. Our blades clashed hard and we did not stop. Block charge parry and so we went on. Our swords screamed as they clashed it felt like she was chanting it or in some was focusing her skill. After all, she was taught by Lord Glorfindel and Lord Elrond. So her skill was not in question.

The armor was perfect to wear into combat and It wasn't until we were stopped by Meachon we wanted to. It was like a dance to us and we both enjoyed it so very much.

I smiled at the Master Smith and Elwen's handmaiden, but as my sword was back in its sheath I could only think about holding her, and I did. Slowly I kissed her, not caring who saw. I love her and I want her and everyone to see it.

After the first gasp, cheers came from the crowd and we could do naught but smile at each other I went to change back to my everyday clothes so we could eat.

She and Estelwen had planned a very nice lunch for us with newly baked bread, butter, eggs, salad, meat, and wine. I found myself carrying the basket and holding her hand. Little did we say until we got to the cove by the water and we put a blanket on the ground and sat down beside each other. Her so close to me I could feel her body on mine and whenever she could she leaned on me.

"How is it going with you and Ada?" She asked as she looked up at me.

"I think it goes well. He is a devoted scholar and a great teacher to me." I responded with a smile at my cute elleth.

"Good I knew Ada would like you when he got to spend some time with you Tauriel" She responded and kissed me on the cheek.

"Ohh and did you hear about Ruineth?" She scolded some lady of the valley, Nana did not hear what lady, but she got removed from her position and one of the maid elves that has been with us forever was given her role…." That was when she saw me smiling and blushing some. "Tauriel are you well?" She asked worriedly.

"Yes, I am my love… I just know who the lady was or rather elleth…" I said and bowed my head some.

"It was you!" Elwen then laughed and smiled. "You stood up to Ruineth? Ohh by Elbereth am I proud of you. You stood up to the rudest elf I have ever known?" I looked down at her and nodded.

"I did, she was being rude and unfair towards one of the servants and her elfling. It was not right and I could not stand by and watch it." I said firmly.

"So you are able to use your new title and role then," Elwen said with a grin as she took a berry and ate it.

"I guess I can. I never believed so, but it felt nice to aid them and your Ada was so supportive and even said proud of what I had done" I spoke and reached for a cup of wine.

"Ada sees who you truly are my love. I am so proud of you" Elwen then responded and reached for another berry to feed me with.

As I accepted the berry and ate it and took a sip of wine I knew in my heart I had never been happier than in this moment. Here I was in a safe home, an elf I love on my shoulder, her family seemed to accept me. I am home.

When lunch was done we packed back up everything and we started our walk back to the kitchen every elf we met looked at us and talked about us. From what I had done with Ruineth to how I had returned to Imladris. Of how close me and Elwen were. It was their curiosity and many had seen us kiss and spar several times and clearly, they were curious about all that was to it. Lord Elrond had said I was a lady here and every elf respected it. But some were also curious about our match.

Me a Silvan elf interested in their Noldor princess. Of some thinking it would not be a good match I am sure. Or even her elleth love in the first place. But they are all so ever curious.

We handed off the empty basket to Ionien and Lanneth and thanked them for the meal and then Elwen said she was having to help her Nana with Arwen and talk to some of the ladies. But before she left she came over to me and kissed me yet again in front of all that was around. Not a care in her world. Her warmth and love filled my fuel and I could not ever understand how I could deserve an elf like her.

Our parting as always was hard and I looked at her as she did me as we walked in different directions. Her to her Nana and the ladies. Me to her Ada and lessons of rule and command. Never had I believed I would be in such a position and it was hard on me. To lead elves into battle and death. Or to make choices in peace that also could result in the death of elves I care for… Even if Lord Elrond said I couldn't think of it too much I couldn't not do it either. For respect for life and nature was one of the bases for our existence in the world.

The door to Lord Elrond's office was open so I knocked carefully on it and walked in. There he sat waiting on me.

"I have returned my lord," I said and bowed. He on the other hand just sat there looking at me and bowed his head somewhat and shook it after.

"Will you ever see me as more than your lord Tauriel?" He said and a smile came on his face.

"You will forever be my lord. But also if the Valar permits it. My Ada in-law. I will forever show you the respect you deserve lord."

They just smiled and knew I would be a handful when it came to such things and we went back to the books and my studies continued. Dinner was served to us in his office and we ate it there. He asked me questions about my life in more detail as he seemed very curious about the woodland realm and me. Who Tauriel was. I had never enjoyed talking about myself. But if there was one I hoped to like me it was Lord Elrond. For he was kind and supportive. Yes, he pushed me to learn and become what I needed to be for Elwen. But he also cared for me.

He clearly had warmed up to me now compared to the day after I arrived. And thus went the days until a trip we wanted to take for ourselves.