Chapter 23
Travel home
The days after the arrival of Mithrandir we had several long talks together. Of what I had seen, how I did read those sights, and how to best make a plan on how to fight Angmar and in the end Mordor when that foul realm would return.
Mithrandir did very little talking at first. Mostly listened to me and Tauriel what we had met all those years ago just before we got betrothed and the outcome I had seen of that war. It was not the most ideal outcome. But if we could trick the enemy into believing they destroyed the northern Dunedain we would save many, and perhaps have an advantage in the later great war. But finally, he spoke.
"Many long years of work we have ahead of us, but I am glad to have such elves as you all to aid me…" he stopped himself. Not let on what he felt, but I think both Tauriel and I picked up on it and she spoke first.
"You are afraid are you, not Mithrandir?" she said and looked at him with pity.
He did not speak at first and looked down on his lap and back up at Glorfindel, Ciridan, me, and then Tauriel.
"I am, my lady. There is no hiding it. But you two give me hope and of what I will do will be of aid" he said and smiled very grandfatherly.
"As do you us, Mithrandir," I said and smiled back at him.
Ciridan had been very quiet the entire time and only looked at the one speaking. It was like he took everything in and looked at those outcomes he could see be a possibility. But he revealed little to any of us.
"I see now that the war we fought against the nameless one and all we lost was not as worthy a cost as I would hope. Evil will return and his trinket is still lost… That being said lady Elwen's sights give me hope and confirm what I have seen. We will need to aid the Arnorians when their realm falls and take in everyone we can. But still, fight the servants of darkness so hard they believe they have won and destroyed the northern Dunedain."
We all nodded in agreement and I spoke.
"Darkness will soon fall upon Eriador again. Greenwood the Great will diminish and Lothlorien will be tested like never before. The strength of the elves is diminishing. Yet we are not weak. Our time might come to an end in Middle Earth. But we will not leave the Edain to fight the darkness alone. My ada asks that all Eldar that has decided to go west will be asked if they are willing to aid the free people again. That war will come and without the great warriors of old we will have a harder time withstanding evil"
I looked at each one as Glorfindel nodded and my wife stood up too.
"It is not an easy thing to ask as we know many feel the calling of the sea and to go to Valinor. I am not of the Noldor other than by marriage and I hope one day to sail with my wife and lady. But we must aid those who cannot defend themselves. War is returning to Middle Earth. We can all smell it in the air, feel it in the water, and see it in the faces of those we meet on the road. Bandits assault remote homes of peaceful people. Orcs are moving off the mountain. Dark souls of what I do not know move in the woods not 20 leagues from Imladris. We must all prepare"
She ended and sat by me and took my hand.
"I fear the ladies are right" Mithrandir spoke and Glorfindel nodded and said "They rarely are not right when it comes to such things. Even lord Elrond trusts their views and Lady Elwen's sightings more than any others."
We thanked them for their trust in us and I for one was proud Ada trusted my views too.
Ciridan played with the ring he had on his finger and it seemed he was in deep thought. He listened but did not add much to the convocation before we started to finish up.
We had decided to leave for Imladris that same morning and Mithrandir would come with us to meet Ada and further discuss the plans and what we had agreed to here. Lindon would prepare any forces they could muster of those that were still willing to fight and not leave for the undying lands yet. But we would never fault anyone for leaving as they had all served with honor in the great war.
As we walked out of the hall servants stood ready to help us with our armor and as they did so we thanked them. The last meeting with Ciridan was over and Idril and our company were ready to depart and Mithrandir was given an elven horse for his journeys and thanked Ciridan for the warm welcome.
"My ladies," Idril said and bowed to us and we smiled.
"Captain." We both responded in unison.
"The company is ready to depart my ladies" she responded and smiled at the idea of going home.
"Good, as soon as we say goodbye we will ride out" Tauriel responded and I loved how natural she was about it all after all these years.
We then turned and gave Ciridan our hugs Glorfindel came up to us and smiled. Not in his armor.
"Are you not coming, my friend?" I asked and looked at him.
"Ney not yet. I will stay here for a moment and help Ciridan with talking to those who are set on leaving, hopefully, I can get a few more swords and bows to our cause" he said as he reached out and hugged me.
"We will miss you on the road home," Tauriel said a little sad as he had been going with us for most of our travels.
"I will be back soon Tauriel" he smiled and hugged her too. "Look after Elwen and you Elwen look after Tauriel." He said with a smile and I frowned as I did not wish to leave him here, but I knew he was right and as we stood there Tauriel grabbed my hand and smiled and it was all I needed in that moment.
"We always do" we responded as if one spoke and Ciridan and Mithrandir came over to us and then Ciridan gifted Mithrandir a truly precious gift.
"Mithrandir," He said and the grey-clothed Istari stopped and looked at him. "To you I gift Narya. The ring of fire. For I as Elwen did see great labors and perils lie before you and lest your task prove too great and wearisome, take this ring for your aid and comfort with the blessing of all elves" he said and reached out the ring.
Mithrandir stood there for a moment like he was of stone and then reached out and took the ring in his hand.
"I thank you, lord of the heavens. I will keep it safe and use it to the best of my abilities for the betterment of the world. Yet I fear your notions of my time being that of great labor and perils I will do what I can" he said and slowly put the ring on his finger and it fit perfectly and as he turned to us I could do little but to bow my head and so did Tauriel.
"We are honored to see your courage, Mithrandir," I said with my head bowed.
"Few have the strength to stand against their fears and go even if their heart is not set in it" Tauriel added and we raised our heads.
He smiled under his grey beard and held his brown staff.
"Your praise is much to live up to my ladies, but I hope I will be able to complete my task," he said somewhat sternly and we mounted our horses. We said quickly goodbye and rode off east. Tauriel and I did have a very everyday chat about what we wished to do when home. Of what meals to get, of simple everyday things and Mithrandir was deep in thought. Days passed quickly and little we said ever all. Many of the people of Arnor saw us pass their countryside and looked at us in awe. Even though still the blood of Numenor was in some of them pure elven blood was something else and they could see it.
The weather of the world was changing and a dark gust came from the north. To me, it was as a sign of a war that was soon to start. Tauriel too felt it and looked at me, yet none of the others acted on it. We camped in the wild mostly and talked little to the Arnorians. Mostly our warriors kept them away from us being our guard. But it was clear we were an interesting sight.
We passed Bree, Amon Sûl, the bridge that was the border point between the lone lands and the trollshaws to the northeast, and home was just directly east from here. Elven patrols came on us and we greeted them and rode off. Soon we heard the bruninen and crossed it as elven magic could be felt by us all yet again. It was the feeling of home.
Mithrandir was curious about Imladris and we rode slowly down the hills towards the last homely house east of the sea. Our banner carriers blew their horns and as we came to the bridge Ada, Nana, Arwen, and the twins stood there waiting for us.
"Elwen! Tauriel!" they all cried as we had been away for well over a month. Mostly due to the long road and not rushing it.
I dismounted my horse as did Tauriel and we both got hugs and kisses from our family and they held us tight. That was when Ada gave more of his attention to Mithrandir.
The grey-clothed Maia looked at him and bowed his head before he spoke.
"My Lord Elrond," he said very formally.
"I take it you are Mithrandir" Ada simply responded.
"I am as your daughter named me so" he responded with a smile.
"This is he?" My siblings asked and Nana looked at him too.
"This is he," I said firmly. "Glorfindel remembered him as he disembarked the ship even if he is in another form than when he saw him last" I explained.
"How so?" Nana asked.
"The one did not send Mithrandir to us as a warrior with his full powers. But as a guide to aid us in defeating the darkness itself. As we are here now to aid the Edain before we leave these shores" I said and smiled.
I felt Tauriel's arm around me and she smiled.
"We have spoken in length with Mithrandir. Of both hope and what the future might bring. We have much to tell you my lord" she added.
"My Lady Celebrian, Lords Elladan and Elrohir, and The Lady Arwen" Mithrandir said and bowed. As they all greeted him.
Our family then showed us in and we all sat down talking of what was to come what we had talked to Ciridan about and why Glorfindel stayed behind in the havens. His reputation would for sure aid in more elves staying we hoped.
"So me and my daughters' foresight has been correct," Ada asked Mithrandir.
"It has My Lord" Mithrandir simply responded.
"Darkness was not defeated when Sauron fell at the slopes of Orodurin, but he fled to the east we think and from there he will one day return" He Added.
"As we have seen" Ada responded and looked at me.
"I take it you know, not either when his return will happen?" Ada asked.
"Ney" Mithrandir simply responded. "Why I and others have been dispatched here to learn all we can and be guides and helpers for the free people." He took a breath. "We are not strong enough to fight Sauron himself on the field of battle. But with tact and smarts, we might still have victory. For I am not here to fight Sauron, but to help defeat him when the time comes." Mithrandir Finished.
"Then we have much to prepare for," Ada said and looked at us all and Nana.
"We do husband," Nana said and looked at me, Tauriel, and my siblings "We must prepare for all the evils of the world to come to our home"
That same night preparations started. Plans were made for how to defend Imladris if the enemy attacked. How we would get to Arnor and get them to prepare as well. Nana was talking to Grand Nana about what we had learned.
Riders were sent out; scouts were dispatched to the north. War would come to the northern lands again.
Before bed that night Tauriel and I got a moment alone and we walked arm in arm to our spot by the falls. I stood behind her, holding my lovely Silvan wife and my chin rested on her shoulder. We did not speak for a long time and just let our hearts beat for each other. Our love had just grown stronger over the years we had become one after our marriage. We knew all that could be known of each other and could not hide even the smallest thing anymore and whispered into her ear.
"I love you so much daughter of the forest" and kissed her on her big beautiful ear. She then turned towards me and started to kiss me on my lips and neither wanted to stop. Her lips told me a whole story of her feelings at that moment. We had felt the cold gust of the north when we rode home and for us, it was a sign that war would come and she and I felt worried for all that we might lose in that war or wars to come.
Our hearts could not hide that we were both scared for each other as we would neither stay at home during a conflict where we could be of aid and protect those who could not protect themselves. But fear was also over us at that moment. Fear of what might happen to her or me. Fear of loss. Sorrow and grief that would follow if such would come to pass. But we did not dwell on it more than our feelings were shared in the kiss and as we broke it and looked into each other's eyes.
"I love you too, my wife, my love, daughter of stars, and lady of Imladris and Gondolin" As she spoke I could not hold back and kissed her again. Never would I tire of her lips and the love she gave me as it was unending as our lives were. For truly I could not have a better mate than my wife.
Little more was said during the moments we spent on the top by the waterfall and we returned to our room. There Estelwen stood and waited for us she was smiling as she saw us and gave us both hugs after the formal bow she would not stop performing.
"I am truly happy you are home my ladies, if not I would lose my mind and that of my dear husband." She said with a smile on her face.
"Ohh?" Tauriel asked and looked at her.
"Ahh yes, my lady. I like things to be done my way and he also has a strong will on how he likes things to be done and does not get me started on our young. They have both our stubbornness and does not make anything easier because of it" Estelwen rambled and was clearly getting some frustrations out.
"So you praise your time with us only due to getting away from it all?" I asked with a smile on my face hidden under a hurt tone as if that was her only reason to spend time with us.
"Ohh nay my lady I did not mean it so, I love my husband and kids, but I also adore my ladies and I do love…" and that I turned so she could see my smile and Tauriel giggled too.
"Ohh that is so mean my lady" She stopped and looked at me with a strict face.
"I could not help it, dear friend," I said and hugged her. "little joys are important in life and that comes with teasing those we love" I added.
She looked at me smiled and turned back to folding clothes that had been washed after our journey.
"I knew I should have asked to be the maid of the little lords" and I felt her eying us a little as I looked at my wife and we both came up on her and kissed a cheek each.
"Not allowed Estelwen, we love our handmaiden too much to ever let you go," we both said and gave her a long hug.
Estelwen hugged us back and then got back to her chores and finished them before she bid us good night and left.
Now this was a moment we had both wished for. We were finally at home and alone. Not some strange guest room in the havens or a camp between here and there. It did not take long before I felt my Silvan wife's hands on me. Her gaze was that of love, lust, and need. For indeed we were no less affectionate now than the day we got married. If anything we were more so and our needs to mate with each other had grown in need and intensity.
We both liked to be in control and both of us liked the struggle to see who would lead that time of mating and this time it was going to be me.
As I pulled my wife in I slowly started to unknot the robe she wore under her armor. For no, we had not yet come out of that even, just the heavy plated parts. And as the padded layer of the robe fell her shape became even more clear to me. Her beautiful lines. Her fitness. Her perfect feminine traits. As we kissed greedy as it was as I undressed her and her me in desperation as it had been so long since we had shown our love. Not even in the havens did we do so, not out of shame or fear. But out of the discomfort of if any could hear us. In Imladris, we knew most likely someone would but we were so used to it and so were they.
That was when I opened my eyes and pushed the last layer of the undercoat shirt of my wife. Her naked upper body was in full view of my gaze and never had I seen someone as beautiful as her. To me, she was Luthien reborn for me and my hands felt her soft skin and her perky bosom. I lost my breath looking at her and she smiled as she saw my face and undid the undercoat shirt I wore as well and pushed it off me.
Her smile was as large as the first time, she saw me undressed and we reached for each other as our bosoms squeezed on each other.
Words had no place now as we showed instead of saying how we felt. The rest of our clothing fell or was thrown to the side and we fell onto our large bed and I was on top of her. Our hands moved, our kisses greedy and needed badly. Neither could stay quiet as we showed our love long into the night and not just once but several times before we fell asleep in each other's arms.
As the sun rose again we heard our handmaiden prepare a bath for us and I woke naked as I was under the sheet and Tauriel's head on my breast. She was not shy to show that belonged to her now and as I moved I felt her lips take hold of it and her eyes opened with a happy smile on her mouth.
I brought my free hand to my lips and gave them a quick clean to tease her as I yumed by the taste and then Estelwen came out of the bath. Her smile was wide and she giggled some.
"Good morning my ladies, the bath is ready for you both" she said and something was going on and we could not pinpoint it.
"Good morning Estelwen," We both said and got out of bed and did not cover up as she had seen us like this many times and we rushed into the bath. She did as always help us clean up and put dresses ready for us on the chair. That was when she could not hold back anymore.
"My ladies had a good night?" she asked as innocently as she could.
Tauriel picked up on it more than I.
"We did. Why do you ask?" I wondered as I said so.
"Ohh no reason. It is just good to have you home" She responded and I looked at my wife who was blushing hard at this moment.
"my love? Are you well?" I asked worriedly seeing her so.
"I am my love, I might fear we spoke loudly last night" she responded to me and blushed even harder and now Estelwen was giggling more.
"spoke too loudly?" I asked and looked at her with curious eyes when it dawned on me…
"Ohhh spoke…." Then I changed my gaze to our handmaiden.
"How many did hear it?" I worriedly asked.
"I fear everyone did in the valley my lady," Estelwen said, yet still smiled.
Not even Tauriel believed that so her jaw dropped and her blush got even worse.
She turned and looked at us and saw us both red as wine.
"It is not a bad thing my ladies. The valley just knows your love is still strong. That is nothing to be ashamed of" she said like a mother scolding her young for doing something so natural when feelings are right.
"How can we now look the people or family in the eyes" I asked my wife and she came over to me in the tub kissed me and said.
"With our heads held high."
After that, we got out of the tub dried off each other and dressed as we bid Estelwen goodbye and left for the breakfast table of the family.
Each servant we met smiled at us and giggled and I did as my wife had said and kept my head high as she did while holding my hand firm. The moment we got into the living room all of the family looked at us and smiled.
"It is good to have you two home," Ada said with a cheeky smile.
"Yes it is good to have you home daughters" Nana added before saying "But maybe mind the hour of your lovemaking? Others tried to sleep," she said and gave us the grin we were so used to.
Arwen and the twins on the other hand laughed and we all blushed even more as we sat to eat with them.