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Journey Of A Butterfly	By : Mel99Moe Category: -Fourth Age to Modern times and beyond > Het - Male/Female Views: 5714 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or places of Lord of the Rings/Tolkien. No money is being made. This is for personal enjoyment only.

Chapter List
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Chapter 31 - A Job Well Done

“Feredir, look out!” yelled Horphen.

The black haired elf swung around just in time to see an orc charging him. With no time to notch an arrow, he pulled his sword from his side and raised it. He spun around, using the momentum to speed up his strike. His blade cut deep into the flesh of the orc’s neck. With one last effort, the orc swung his dirty blade at Feredir in an attempt to take out his enemy. The tip of the blade caught the vulnerable spot of the elf’s arm, ripping his shirt and cutting his skin. This only angered the young elf and he quickly finished the job by cutting the orcs head from its miserable body.

Horphen came running to see if he was alright and saw the blood on his arm. “You’ve been hurt. You must get to the healer right away, Feredir. The blade may have been poisoned.”

Feredir ripped his sleeve even further and looked at his arm. “It is only a flesh wound and I know the feel of poison. I believe I am alright.” Horphen patted his friend on the back and laughed.

“Let’s rejoin the troops. We’ve ventured quite far. You know we should not have chased this filth into the forest,” Horphen said as he kicked the beheaded body.

Feredir looked at the orc in disgust. “They attacked our own. It will not be tolerated. You know that, Horphen.”

“Yes, and I also know it is this same behavior that got you put on guard duty. We can’t afford to lose you again Feredir. We need your strength and your stealth.”

Feredir smiled. “You are a good friend, Horphen. Come, let’s get back before we are missed.” The sooner they took care of their enemies, the sooner he could get back to the city and see Terrwyn. She was a constant on his mind. The longer he was away from her, the more he longed for her.

Horphen paid close attention to the change in his friend. He had seen that look before, but never on Feredir’s face. He was his own elf, never letting his heart get involved. He had his regular ladies he would visit when he needed a reprieve, but never once did he get serious about them. If there was one that could change this elf, it was that barmaid at the Hollowed Leg. Horphen knew his friend always had a soft spot for the girl and she was his first guess.

“So who is she?” Horphen asked as they made their way through the thick forest on their way back to their camp.

“Who is who?” Feredir was playing dumb when actually he was cringing to think that his feelings were showing so easily.

“Come now, my friend. I know a love starved elf when I see one.” Horphen ruffled Feredir’s hair and the dark elf batted his hand away.

“You are mad,” Feredir retorted. “Besides, what would you know about love? Let me see. There’s that pretty little thing that you like to visit once a month. Then there’s that vixen that you lock yourself away with when the Captain gives you leave for a while. Oh, and let’s not forget the one whose father almost shot your bare ass with an arrow as you were fleeing from her bedroom window that night.”

Horphen laughed. “And she was well worth it too. How was I supposed to know her parents were home? She gave me the signal. I thought we were safe.”

“It is like I said. You are mad,” Feredir teased.

“I am in my prime is all,” Horphen argued. “And so are you. Don’t go wasting your youth on just one beauty. These are our final days in Middle-earth. You can settle down when we reach the Undying Lands.”

“Perhaps you’re right Horphen, but I assure you that there is no need to worry about me. You on the other hand, will not make it to the far off shores, especially if that elleth’s father catches you again.”

The two elves laughed and headed back to their camp. Feredir put on a good show, but his friend had made him think about something. Terrwyn was mortal and he still had a choice to make as a Peredhil. In his mind, there was only one choice. He would sail with the rest of his kin. Terrwyn made him rethink this possibility. If he returned to her and proved to himself that he was in love with her, could he abandon everything he had ever told himself? This was too much to think about right now and so he pushed these thoughts from his mind. Perhaps he agreed with Horphen. These were good days for a young elf. Terrwyn was beautiful and smart. She was a challenge to him. Maybe this was all it was. He tried very hard to convince himself of this until his hand came up and touched something hidden inside the pocket of his tunic. With him he carried the wooden butterfly. If he didn’t care, then why did he keep it so close to him, protecting it, anxious for the day he could return it to her.

Word came that their duty was done. Feredir’s border guard battalion would return to the city. In just a few short days, he could deliver this letter to the Captain, seek out Terrwyn, return her prized possession and win her heart. He no longer wanted to keep his distance from her. He knew what he felt and thought she felt the same.

* * *

Master Curuven was getting ready to change the bandages on Orthorien’s thigh. Limil had to go into town and only Terrwyn was there to help. He explained what needed to be done and Terrwyn nodded. “Will he be asleep while we do this?”

“He is still medicated, though not as heavily. You have nothing to worry about. The poison has left his system. He is no longer a danger.” Curuven looked down at Terrwyn and something occurred to him. “And if you are worried about . . . seeing him, I promise to keep him covered. We need only to expose the thigh, nothing more.”

Terrwyn breathed a sigh of relief and laughed nervously. “I know I am being silly, but . . . it’s just, well . . . he is an elf and I’ve never seen--.”

“If you are going to become a healer, you cannot let that bother you, Terrwyn. In a life or death situation, you will not have time to think about such things. It is only part of the body, nothing more.”

Terrwyn smiled. “I understand, Master Curuven. Well, let’s do this then.”

They entered the room and the elf seemed to be resting comfortably. Master Curuven pulled the sheet up, exposing the leg and nothing more. Terrwyn lifted it so he could unwrap the old bandage and see the wound. It was healing nicely, but still looked red and irritated. It must have been very painful, she thought. She was amazed at how easily she forgot all about vanity and only focused on the injury. Curuven showed her how to carefully clean the wound and apply the healing slave. As he was whispering his instructions, Terrwyn glanced up at the sleeping elf. As if he knew she was watching him, his eyes cracked open. He smiled and gave her a wink. Then he closed his eyes just as quickly, but the smile remained. Terrwyn contained a gasp, not wanting to alarm the Healer. The name Limil used to describe the elf came back to her, ‘draug’. Indeed, this one was a wolf and he had her in his sights.

Terrwyn ignored the exchange. They finished up with the bandages and covered the elf back up. Curuven informed her that she had done a good job assisting. They were just about to leave the room when the Healer reminded her to collect the used bandages from the side table. Curuven left the room, but Terrwyn went back to the bedside. She quietly picked up the dirty cloths and turned to leave quickly, but suddenly felt a hand gently grab her wrist. She gasped.

“Will you come back later and sit with me a while, my lady. I could use the company.”

Terrwyn blushed. “Well, I don’t know if--.”

“Please, it would do my heart good to have someone as beautiful as you to talk with. I find you very intriguing, Lady Terrwyn,” he pleaded.

She looked into his blue eyes. How could she say no? He only wanted someone to talk to and she could do that much. “I will be back later with the midday meal. I will join you then.” She didn’t wait around for him to say any more and quickly left the room. She felt that if she stayed, she would fall under some spell of his. He was very captivating, especially his eyes. Terrwyn remembered Limil’s warning. Still, her curiosity was much stronger. Yes, a meal and some conversation, that was all.

* * *

Orthorien turned out to be very charming and Terrwyn enjoyed their time together. He ate well and seemed to be recovering quickly. When they were done with their meal and visit, Terrwyn gathered the tray of empty dishes and then smiled down at her patient. “This was very enjoyable, Orthorien. I am glad you are feeling better. Perhaps the Healer will let you get out of bed soon.”

“I would like that very much. I have been lying here for so long that I’m beginning to think I will never walk again.”

“Oh, don’t be silly. Soon you will be out of the healing house and off to--.” She paused. “Why have you come to Ithilien in the first place?”

“I have only come to visit someone I have not seen in a long time,” he answered with a smile.

Terrwyn returned a shy smile and made for the door.

“Terrwyn,” he called to her. “If the Master Healer allows, will you walk with me?”

“I would enjoy that. Let me talk to him and see if it can be arranged.”

Later, after a thorough examination, Curuven gave Orthorien permission to start walking again. Terrwyn was there and helped steady him as he stood for the first time in a week. He was a little wobbly at first, but soon regained his legs and had no troubles.

“Now, don’t go for very long. You don’t want to open that wound. Take it slow and don’t go far and soon you will be on your way again,” Curuven informed the elf.

Terrwyn and Orthorien had a nice walk. He held her arm as they went, asking her many questions about Rohan and its people. She learned a bit more about Mirkwood, though most she had learned from Feredir. The thought of him made her pause and Orthorien sensed her worry.

“Something bothers you,” he said as a statement rather than a question.

“I am worried about a friend who has been away longer than I expected.” She smiled and pushed Feredir from her thoughts, sure she was the last thing on his mind any more. “I am sure everything will be alright.”

“Good. I do not like seeing you troubled. It takes away from your beauty.” As he spoke, he turned her to face him and captured her in his stare once again. He caught her off guard as he leaned towards her, stopping just short of touching her lips. Terrwyn’s heart raced. She was unsure of what to do. Orthorien was a charmer and hard to resist. He showed his desire easily, which frightened her, but also made her pulse race. She knew it was not proper, but couldn’t help but wonder what he could do to her. Just when she was ready to accept a kiss from him, Orthorien pulled away, leaving her wanting more. He smiled slyly, as if he had just proven a point. “I’m afraid I have behaved improperly, my lady. We hardly know each other. This is what you are thinking, is it not?” His eyes penetrated hers, further seducing her. “You search for something. Perhaps I can help you find what you are looking for.” His voice was merely a whisper, but it sounded as if he were right inside her head. She closed her eyes and let him carry her into his world. “I can show you many things. I can make you forget your troubles, forget this . . . friend.”

He frightened Terrwyn the way he spoke to her, looked at her, knew her thoughts. She was not in control of herself. Orthorien dominated her mind, her moves, her feelings. Even with her eyes closed and standing in such close proximity to him made her body come to life and she realized she wanted him. Trying as hard as she could, Terrwyn remembered Limil’s warning to be careful of elves such as him, but his warm breath on her ear made it difficult to sway her thoughts. How long had she been drawn to elf-kind? How long had she wanted to know their touch? Orthorien could give her all that she sought. She would finally know that strength, that wildness and freedom that was elvish. She realized just how much she longed for it, how many years she had searched for it. It would finally be revealed to her, if only she gave into Orthorien and his wicked charm. Yes, she would give herself to him. It mattered not that he was still a stranger. He was an elf. What more did she need? Terrwyn would fall into his secret world and submit to him and then she would finally know what it was that she searched for.

His scent filled her head. His warm breath caressed her neck. Terrwyn envisioned a world very much like the one in her dream. This was Orthorien’s world and she was alone with him amongst the ferns and thick growing trees. How easy it would be to disappear with him and never be found again. As he said, he could take her away from her troubles, from this disparaging life full of worry and unknown future. Oh how she wanted everyone to forget about her and just vanish forever from everything and everyone.

She could have sworn she felt the slightest brush of soft but masculine lips upon hers when suddenly there was a single word spoken deep in the furthest reaches of her mind. This one word was what kept Terrwyn from going any further. It kept her from falling under Orthorien’s spell. She fought hard against that desperate whisper, that voice that she knew better than her own.

“Naru,” it said in a long drawn out breath, and she knew. She knew who it was that called her back from this other world.

“Feredir,” she answered and her heart filled with something other than desire. That was when Terrwyn realized she did not want to disappear for there would always be someone searching for her.

Terrwyn opened her eyes, expecting to be lost amongst the trees with this strikingly handsome elf holding her in his arms and kissing her. What she found was Orthorien standing by her at an arm’s length away, observing her but not touching her. She was confused, her thoughts muddled.

“Is everything alright, my lady,” Orthorien asked innocently, as if there had been no exchange.

Terrwyn looked around at her surroundings. They were still in the garden that was not far from the healing house. People walked by, but no one paid them any attention. She had been drawn so far away from this place, she could have sworn her and Orthorien were alone. Whatever had just occurred had her in a daze. “What . . . happened?”

Orthorien took her arm for she seemed as if she would sway. It was true that he tried to seduce her with his words, his touch, but something or someone came between them. It was something strong, stronger than he had ever felt before and something he had never experienced from a human. There was another force at work and it already had a hold of her. “You seem to have been lost in your thoughts, my lady,” he answered. Orthorien would not tell her what he felt. It was obvious she was unsure also.

Terrwyn gathered herself and came back to focus on Orthorien. She could tell by the placement of the shadows cast upon the garden floor that they had been gone longer than she would have liked. Her concern turned to him. “You have been gone for too long. Master Curuven will be wondering where you are. We must get you back to the Healing House and rest. You are not fully healed yet.”

The mystic elf nodded in agreement with her and they headed back. All the while, Terrwyn kept trying to figure out the exchange that had happened. She had a sudden need to know how Feredir was. It had been too long since she heard anything from him.

* * *

Feredir sniffed the air. Ah, the smells and sounds of the city, he thought. After a hard battle, there was nothing like coming back to the things that others took for granted. For the first time in a long time, Feredir felt himself again. He fought once again, his bow and sword renewed for they had been put in service. He had protected his people and sought revenge against those that would bring them harm. He needed to get to Master Curuven’s healing house and meet with his kin. They had traveled far from Mirkwood and any word of his home was greatly appreciated. He also needed to check on the injured ellon, for this was someone he knew, someone he had not seen in a long time, someone he was not sure was here to bring him good news.

And then there was Terrwyn. Feredir had time to think about all they had shared and how they had grown. He wanted to start new and he prayed there was something in this letter that would help her.

That was where Feredir headed first, Captain Glandur’s office. It was his first duty upon arrival. The Captain would be expecting him before he could go anywhere else, and the young elf wanted to show him how he had changed. He approached the door to his office and knocked. His Captain’s voice commanded him to enter.

The golden officer stood proudly from behind his desk. “Your commander has informed me of a job well done, Feredir. It seems you have proved yourself and your talents once again. You were greatly missed, I hear.”

Feredir smiled. “That is what I was told. It felt good to be amongst my brothers again, Captain.” As he spoke, he took out the sealed parchment and handed it to Glandur. “For days I have kept this tucked safely away. If you don’t mind, Captain, I would like to know what information it holds.”

Glandur looked at Feredir curiously. “This is unexpected. I thought you considered the prisoner a nuisance.”

“Well, she may very well still be that, sir, but she is also lonely and anxious to know what will happen to her. I do not want her to be left in the dark much longer and would like to deliver the news to her personally, good or bad, sir.”

“Very well, let’s see what the letter holds,” Glandur said breaking the wax seal and carefully unfolding the parchment. He read silently and thoroughly then lifted his eyes to look at Feredir, who was waiting patiently. “Well, it seems the two men testifying against her are no strangers of Rohirrim law. They have been accused before of robbery and attempted assault against women, but there is nothing to say that they were involved on the night in question.”

Feredir released a breath he was holding, which turned into a disappointed sigh.

“However,” Glandur continued. “There is evidence that the nobleman’s son sent quite a few messages by winged delivery to somewhere on the outskirts of the land of Rohan, but nowhere does it say exactly where or to whom the messages were delivered.”

“Was that not where she said these men meant to take her, just outside of Rohan?” Feredir asked.

“If these messages were sent to where I think they were, I would say there is a very good chance they ended up in the hands of the Haradrim. It is an area well known to the Southrons,” Glandur answered.

“There is something here, something that we can use, but not enough. These men know, but they are not talking. What of the carrier service? Someone had to have known were these messages were being sent.”

Glandur laid the letter down on the edge of his desk. “Just days after Terrwyn fled, the old man who owned the dovecote was in a terrible accident that took his life. It seems a wheel came off his cart, throwing him from the wagon. The fall was fatal.”

Feredir felt the wind knocked from his hopeful sails. “Is there nothing else? These scouts were in Rohan for how long and this was all they could find?” His voice rose in anger. “I should have been the one to go. I could have found something that would clear her name.”

Feredir’s protective manor did not go unnoticed by the Captain. “You would not have gone then, even if I commanded it of you. I believe I see what it is that bothers you so. You feel for Terrwyn, don’t you? Your heart has been touched.”

The young elf understood the rules and it was forbidden for a guard to become involved with his charge, no matter what the circumstances. Instead of defending himself, Feredir said nothing.

Glandur smiled. “I understand your predicament more than you might think. I too was in a similar position, before I became Captain, before Ithilien. I too was a border guard and was occasionally asked to train new students. Any kind of interaction besides professionalism was prohibited with a student. Yet, I met someone that I could not turn away from. I did my job and I did it well, but I had to bury my feelings deep. That was the most difficult thing I ever had to do and it almost cost me my happiness, but in the end it all worked out.” Glandur moved closer to Feredir. “We will not stop searching for evidence. There is someone out there who can help us clear her name.”

“I would go to the ends of the earth to find this person, if it would mean Terrwyn could have her life back, whether she wanted me or not. I know deep in my soul that she is innocent.” Feredir said.

Glandur patted Feredir’s back. “Well, I was ready to reenlist you permanently to your guard unit. You have no doubt proven your maturity. I will send you back to your troops if that is what you want.”

Feredir looked to the ground and took a deep breath. This was what he wanted for so long and he finally got the recognition he felt he deserved, but some things change and for Feredir it was Terrwyn. “My Captain, I would greatly appreciate being sent back to the border. I do not want to waste my talents.” He lifted his head and came to meet Glandur in the eyes. “However, my job as a prison guard has not been completely fulfilled. I have yet to finish what I have started. I will remain in the city until my ward is released.”

“Very well,” Glandur smiled. “Head to the Master Healers house and continue your duty. Oh, and while you are there, check on our injured guest. I believe he has been expecting you for a while now.”

“Yes, Captain,” Feredir answered. He knew who the injured guest was and he was in no hurry to see him. How long had it been? Not long enough, he thought. When he left Mirkwood, he was told that this was his life to live now. This elf would not have come if it were not something important. The last person he wanted to see right now was him. Still, he needed to know his reason for traveling so far. First Terrwyn, that was who he needed to see. Then he would deal with his past.
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Journey Of A Butterfly