Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness	By : MPB Category: -Multi-Age > General Views: 26421 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 31
- 32
- 33
Chapter XXXI

Whether out of pique or dejection, Aewithen stayed away from her royal lover for nigh a week. Mayhap she thought to prick his conscience enough for him to summon her back to his side. But if that was her intent, it did not quite come to pass as she hoped. Galvreth did send word to her but only to express his regret for causing her pain. No plea for her return accompanied the missive.

Her father chided her for forsaking the prince. And to what end, Hisael demanded. In the hope that he would miss her? A fool's hope that, he told her, when one with a prior claim and a greater one now sought to win his heart anew. That was the gossip that pervaded the halls of the delved palace and if she did not desire for them to become fact, she had best take herself back to Galvreth's bedside. Alarmed, Aewithen hastened to reclaim her place only to discover that said place had all but vanished.

She returned to the prince's apartment the morning after her father's scolding. But Galvreth was not there and neither was Elladan. What was there thoroughly took her aback. For neatly gathered on the sitting room couch were her belongings - her rolled up pallet, what clothing and toiletries she had stored in the prince's apartment, various books and scrolls and even a shirt she had been embroidering for Galvreth. In her absence, Elladan had not only appropriated her former position at the prince's bedside, he had also quite shamelessly rid the sleeping chamber of every trace of her presence.

Angered, she hurried forth to discover the prince and the Elf-lord's whereabouts. Servants informed her that Elladan had taken Galvreth to the late queen's garden where Elivorn's children were frolicking. She hurried down the circular stairs to the ground level of the pavilion and swiftly traversed the corridor to the porch leading out to the garden. But to her surprise, when she neared the porch, two sentries suddenly barred her way. They took no heed of her complaints but kept her from proceeding further while a third guard disappeared in the direction of the garden.

Needless to say, she was more than indignant when the guard returned with Elladan. That indignation quickly spiraled into umbrage when the Elf-lord dismissed the sentries and they readily obeyed him.

“You ordered them to keep me away?” she fumed. “You overreach yourself, my lord!”

“Nay, I only took measures to ensure that you would not upset Galvreth,” Elladan calmly informed her. When she gaped at him in bewilderment, he added, “I was informed that you had gone to his rooms and I guessed just how you would react when you saw the changes within.”

Aewithen was incensed. “Changes?” she barely managed to keep from screeching. “No gallant are you to take advantage of my troubles! I should have known you would allow the ill will you bear me to dictate your actions.”

“No ill feelings toward you dictated my actions,” Elladan said. “Verily, I deemed you far more worthy of him than I ever could be. I was ready to step aside for you. Indeed, I even went so far as to take my leave of him in the belief that I was endangering his health.” He paused to allow her to absorb this information. “But he made it plain that I would displease him further if I forsook him,” he continued with some asperity. “And so I stayed. I bear you no ill will, Aewithen, even despite your attempt to persuade me that I was a bane to him.”

Aewithen had the grace to flush with embarrassment. “I was angry,” she admitted in a hushed voice. When Elladan said nothing, she stared at him entreatingly. “Why now? You had already turned his love away, why seek it again when he has already bestowed it elsewhere?”

“You are bold to claim that when you know nothing of what has passed between him and me since,” Elladan pointed out. “I fear the prince was more forthcoming about the truth.”

“The truth?”

“That what he shared with you was but a fraction of what I once knew.”

Her pained gasp moved him but not enough to make him relent. In this primal struggle to reclaim his woodland lover, he cast chivalry aside. Though Galvreth had not overtly rejected his suit, he was not going to take the outcome for granted. That the prince had admitted that he did not love Aewithen enough to take her as his mate did not necessarily mean that Elladan had won that privilege. But he did not admit that to her even when she made the assertion herself.

“And you think his heart is still with you?” she countered. “You did not see his bitterness and anger these three years. He heartily regretted his liaison with you and confided in me his grief at having been swayed by your blandishments. If he stays you now 'tis only because he is ailing. He seeks your healer's soothing touch and tongue and no more. I assure you, your claim on him is hardly certain.”

“I know my claim on him is uncertain,” Elladan quietly answered. He could not know if all she said was true but he did not permit even a flicker of hurt to show on his face. “But as uncertain as I am of my place in his heart, of yours I have no doubt.” His eyes glittered in challenge while hers widened in apprehension. “I may not be sure that he will deem me enough for his needs. But I do know that you are not and never will be.”

It must have been a blow to the Elf-maid to hear such a verdict spoken by her rival. And spoken with a confidence that bespoke its founding on truth. Yet she rallied if only to salve her tattered pride.

“If you think I will forsake him as you once did, you are sadly mistaken, my lord,” she snapped.

Elladan shrugged. “I did not say you could no longer tend to him,” replied. “You are most welcome to use the couch in the sitting room. It is quite comfortable, to that I can attest.” Before she could reply, he half turned and gestured toward the garden. “I believe you wished to see him?”

Aewithen stared at him, shaken by his audacity. But when he began to walk away, she collected herself and caught up with him.

Galvreth reclined on a low daybed beneath the near barren boughs of a tall beech. On his lap was Elivorn's youngest daughter who plied him with sweetmeats from a small bowl she cradled. On the grass beside the bed, her winsome elder sister sat with her skirts pooling about her, reciting to her uncle the latest compositions of Mirkwood's bards. Their three brothers, rambunctious Elflings all, were engaged in a game of tag and their laughter provided a merry counterpoint to the young princess' recital. Their mother shushed them fondly when they became too noisy for comfort but, for the most part, she and Elivorn were content to let them be for in their joy Galvreth could be seen to find some of his own.

Elrohir and Legolas were also present, settled on the grass a few paces away. Elrohir had laid his long frame down, his head on Legolas' lap. As she and Elladan approached, Aewithen saw the Elf-knight pluck a burnished leaf out of the air as it floated down from the shedding branches above. With a grin, he reached up and tickled Legolas' nose with it. The archer batted his hand away in mock ire whereupon his spouse pulled him down into a spuriously repentant kiss. Aewithen's mouth tightened at their display of true affection. In contrast, Elladan smiled having known it himself once upon a short time ago. Seeing his felicity did not improve the Elf-maid's mood in the least but when Galvreth glanced up and saw them she strove to put on a cheerful mien.

Her heart sank when he greeted her. For though the words were for her, she could not deny that Galvreth's first instinct was to seek Elladan. However, she could not fault Elladan's manners for the older twin, after meeting Galvreth's gaze, coaxed the young princesses to play with their brothers then joined Elivorn and his lady that Aewithen might have a discreet word with the prince.

They did not speak long. Though Galvreth was unfailingly kind and apologetic, he did not retract what he had told her a sennight back. Yet he did not outright command her to no longer seek him out either. Heartened, she sought Elladan's attention with an almost smug smile. It faded however when he met her eyes with unflinching equanimity. The upshot of the encounter was that Aewithen would once more join Elladan in caring for the prince.

But she immediately came up against the unyielding wall of his implacable will. Though she pleaded and protested, he refused to budge in the matter of their sleeping arrangements. Thus she found herself relegated to the couch he had frequented before this turnaround. He would not give way either when she attempted to resume her nursing duties. In her brief absence, he had taken on the role of principal caregiver and now performed the lion's share of any service to the prince, rendering her quite redundant. With dismay, Aewithen found herself all but marginalized as the days marched on.

What Galvreth made of his former lover's methods of dealing with the competition, he kept to himself. On occasion his father or brothers would glimpse an amused smile curving his lips or espy a mirthful glint in his eyes. But otherwise he simply stayed out of the fray and concentrated on getting better.

And better he seemed to get as autumn gave way to winter. Elladan did not dare make any claims as to what had bolstered the prince's fortitude. Not even to Elrohir did he confide his hopes and fears though it was too much to ask that his twin not guess the truth. Likewise, the Elf-knight held his tongue, wary of voicing something that might yet go wrong. Instead, he watched the drama of his brother's fledgling courtship unfold with bated breath and many a finger crossed.

Matters finally came to a head in midwinter. Though Galvreth was still prone to bouts of weariness, his father decided to celebrate his begetting day with a great feast. For what better reason could there be to joyfully mark the fourth prince's day of conception than his continued survival of an experience that had claimed the lives of hardier Elves?

For the event, Elladan gave way to the princes and 'twas they who merrily arrayed their brother for the fête in his honor. While Legolas plaited his hair, Aelluin and Elivorn fussed over his garments and Lalorn polished his circlet of intertwined silver and gold to a fine sheen. When he made his appearance in the main hall beside his father, he was greeted with a most appreciative gasp. His fine wool tunic and breeches and asymmetrically arranged mantle artfully concealed his illness-induced lack of girth. Clad in ice blue and white, he truly looked a child of the season, his argent locks lending his already delicate countenance a stunning ethereality that was breathtaking to behold. Many had coveted their king's fourth-born son even before this day but his centuries-long affair with Elrond's son had inhibited most from aspiring to more than occasionally warming his bed. Those many now rued even further their lack of luck with the silver-haired prince.

Owing to Galvreth's still evident frailness of body, a cushioned chair was placed beside his father's tall seat on the low dais at the far end of the hall. If he should feel weary he could sit down whilst receiving the guests and well-wishers. Never one to favor pomp, a common trait it seemed amongst Thranduil's sons, Galvreth had resisted a formal feast. Thus, long tables had been set up on either side of the hall and any and all could sit and dine where they wished if they wished while retainers passed around heaping trays of roast meats, game and vegetable pasties, herbed breads and savory custards and footmen dispensed wine and ale and cider. Sweets would follow - wild fruit tarts, honey glazed buns, dense nut cakes and the cream filled pastries topped with chocolate favored by the royal family. For entertainment, a large space in the middle of the hall alternately allowed myriad performers to ply their arts and guests to take to the floor to dance.

There was much speculation as to what would come of the increasingly feeble truce between the two who vied for Galvreth's heart. Aewithen made it a point to enter the hall in company with Elivorn and Lalorn's wives as if to assert her belief that she would one day enter their ranks. She was undoubtedly a lovely sight and Galvreth was seen to look her over admiringly when she dutifully made obeisance to Thranduil before turning to offer him her greetings. But many noted how his eyes roamed the hall in obvious search of something. Or rather someone, many an Elf whispered.

There was a tense moment when Gilthalion appeared with several of his soldiers. For in their ranks was Fervanel whose unwitting revelation of the princes' identities to the orcs had directly led to their near maiming. The young Elf looked on the verge of tears when he was presented to Thranduil and Galvreth and could not quite summon his soldiery bearing before them. Dropping down on bended knee before his lieges he could not stiffen his shoulders or lift his head in his shame.

“My lords, forgive me my treachery!” Fervanel stuttered in his misery. “Ah, I am not worthy to serve you! I did not think that-”

Thranduil glanced at his son and nodded almost imperceptibly. Galvreth swiftly held up a hand to stop the flow of words. King and prince were aware that Fervanel had already begged forgiveness from Legolas but though the archer had assured him that he was not to blame the warrior had not been able to set aside his feelings of guilt. They knew he had many times looked in on Galvreth while he lay unconscious in the healing halls and each time had left wracked with remorse and self-loathing despite Gilthalion's admonitions to the contrary.

“You are no traitor, pen neth”-young one-Galvreth gently chastened. “You could not know the consequences of your courteousness to us. 'Twas your first patrol, wasn't it?” Fervanel swallowed then nodded, unable to speak. “You could not know,” Galvreth repeated. “But now you do and I expect you to learn all you can from every reversal or advance in fortune you reap from hereon. Do I have your pledge in this, Fervanel?”

This time Fervanel did shed tears and would have bent to kiss Galvreth's feet had the prince not stopped him. Rising at Gilthalion's behest, he fervently vowed to fulfill his lord's wishes once he could speak past the constriction in his throat.

“Well done,” Thranduil softly said as the young Elf moved off surrounded by his companions.

The king's other sons were the last to appear. Elivorn and Lalorn at once claimed their wives after they greeted their father and brother. Aelluin lured Gilthalion to his side with a come hither gaze and a warm smile. But Legolas surprised everyone when he arrived. For he entered the hall flanked by the sons of Elrond who in turn entranced one and all by dressing identically from the argent circlets on their dark crowns to their silver grey tunics, formal hose and ankle-high shoes to the long coal-hued mantles fastened at their shoulders. Only two things distinguished one twin from the other. The first was the gold wedding band that graced Elrohir's right forefinger. The second was the beauteous mithril brooch that secured Elladan's mantle.

Galvreth could not help a sharp intake of breath when he espied the jewel at Elladan's shoulder. His father glanced at him then looked carefully at the older twin. Recognizing the brooch, Thranduil's eyes widened fractionally ere he looked at his now flushed son.

“Has he the right to make any claim?” he inquired.

“I made no declaration,” Galvreth replied.

“In words mayhap. But in deed?”

Galvreth's blush deepened. Thranduil shook his head. “You had best settle this affair once and for all, iônen”-my son-he commented. He nodded toward an ashen-faced Aewithen. “I trust she knows where she stands?”

The prince sighed and said, “I told her I had no more to give her beyond what she had already received. I had hoped she would take her cue from that but…”

“But she refuses to accept the truth?”

“That is the toll of it.” Galvreth glanced sideways at the maiden, a slight frown marring his brow. “I suppose I should have been more direct,” he murmured. “My error. I will right it soonest, Ada.”

“Aye, you should,” Thranduil dryly remarked. “And if she treasures her pride at all she will know enough to bow out with as much grace as she can muster.”

They turned to receive the youngest prince and the brethren.

Legolas refused to stand on ceremony and swept Galvreth into a tight embrace. He apparently whispered a lot more than greetings to his brother for Galvreth huffed a chuckle then swatted his arm with an amused grin. He glanced over Legolas' shoulder at Elrohir who winked at him with much mirth. A similar glance at Elladan netted a different response.

The older twin for all the utter correctness of his behavior before the Elven-king and his son did not bother to conceal his feelings for said son but laid openly desirous eyes on him. Galvreth's blush returned at this reappearance of the raffish Peredhel who had ensnared him so many centuries ago. Yet Elladan did nothing more and certainly naught that might bring censure down upon his head.

He did his duty and mingled and danced and made merry with the guests. But his eyes never wandered for very long from the argent-haired prince. Nor did the look of wanting abate as the evening wore on. No, not even when the king himself engaged him in conversation in an attempt to gain his son some respite from that compelling stare.

For try as he might to resist it, Galvreth found himself as if under enchantment whenever Elladan's dusky gaze fell on him. No matter where he was or whom he was with, he knew when the older twin was looking at him and could not stop himself from meeting his eyes be it at close quarters or across the length and breadth of the entire hall. It was enough to disconcert those who sought his favor and even more so the Elf who had once thought herself the Half-elven lord's successor.

Aewithen decided enough was enough and, in a blatant attempt to remove Galvreth from the spell Elladan had apparently cast on him, she coaxed him to join her for a breath of fresh air on the long balcony where long ago Elrohir had espied Legolas up in the branches of the ancient tree that shaded it. Out of sympathy and also perhaps to free himself for a while from the relentless regard that discomfited him, he acquiesced and accompanied her thence.

But scarcely did they step onto the balcony when she pleaded with him to take Elladan to task for usurping her place at his side. In her distress, she did not notice the signs of encroaching weariness in Galvreth's considerably slowed stride or his suddenly wan appearance.

Galvreth dearly wanted to return to the warmth of the great hall for in his less than hale state, he was susceptible to the frigid bite of the wintry night's air. But he was reluctant to leave the matter unaddressed and forced himself to endure the cold a little longer.

“Aewithen, I have asked your pardon more than once for having hurt you,” he softly said. “And now it seems I will have to beg your pardon once again ere the evening is done.”

She stared at him, her anxiety rising at his choice of words. “My lord, you have done naught to me to warrant my pardon,” she protested. “I am still ever at your service and-”

“You know full well that I have,” he gently cut her off. “I would that you accepted my apology and the cause for it.”

Tears sprang to her eyes and she flung herself into his arms, clinging stubbornly to him. “Nay, I cannot believe that you felt so little for me,” she said imploringly. “I was your comfort, my lord. Surely you have not forgotten how I succored you.”

“Nay, I have not forgotten,” he told her. “And I will always be grateful to you for that. But neither gratitude nor the affection of mere lovers are enough reason to commit to wedlock.”

“But they could be a start,” she desperately insisted. “Surely they could be!”

He started when she lifted her lips to his and drew him into a kiss. By now he was nigh chilled to the bone. With a gasp he broke away from her, his body a-shiver and his limbs almost leaden from exhaustion. He turned in a bid to retreat to the hall behind but one knee suddenly buckled and he began to fall. He vaguely heard Aewithen's muffled scream or the alarmed cries of those within the hall who witnessed his stumble.

What registered with clarity were the strong arms that caught him and held him steady. He woozily looked into Elladan's concerned countenance. The older twin said naught either to scold the Elf-maid for her carelessness or to chasten the prince for braving the cold out of his typical kindness. Instead, he flung one side of his cloak about Galvreth, infusing him with the combined warmth of the thick material and his own body.

The king and his other sons were overwrought with worry but Galvreth assured them that no lasting harm had been done. Still, there was no mistaking his fatigue and Thranduil insisted that he retire and take his rest and requested Elladan, perhaps unnecessarily, to conduct his son to his quarters. The Elf-lord agreed with alacrity and, after Galvreth had bidden his sire and brothers good night and extended his apologies to the guests who had neared him to offer their aid, led the prince away.

Tired beyond bearing, Galvreth forgot about Aewithen. And Elladan spared little thought for her in his hurry to get the prince to the comfort of his apartment soonest. She forlornly watched them go, her heart heavy with final acceptance of the truth. When they disappeared from sight, she, too, left the hall. Legolas and Elrohir noted her departure with pity but also with some relief. Perhaps now Galvreth would be able to get on with the business of healing in earnest.

Meanwhile, Elladan attended to his beloved as swiftly as possible. He summoned two of Galvreth's retainers and bade them build a goodly fire in the hearth. While they did, he fetched mulled wine for the prince to drink. Only awaiting the servants' departure, he then helped Galvreth shed his formal raiment and don a loose but warm shirt and bed-trousers.

As he tucked the prince into bed, the latter caught sight of the brooch at his shoulder. He lifted his hand and smoothed a finger over the jewel.

“You presume overmuch, Peredhel, to flaunt your claim so boldly,” he softly remarked.

A faint blush stained Elladan's cheeks but he only murmured: “I did not wear this to make any claim on your love. Only to proclaim my intent to win it anew.”

He met Galvreth's gaze squarely. “You are brave,” the prince said. “What if you do not succeed?”

Elladan sighed and shrugged. “Then your people will know me for the fool I am,” he replied with resigned frankness.

“You are too harsh with yourself,” Galvreth said a shade reprovingly while the older twin doffed his mantle and tunic and carefully laid the brooch on the bedside table.

“And you are too kind,” Elladan countered mildly, as he seated himself in his accustomed place by the prince's bed.

Galvreth eyed him intently. His brown eyes gleamed golden in the light cast by the fire in the hearth. “Tell me the truth, Elladan,” he suddenly said. “Were we to couple, would I be able to take you into my body again?”

Elladan was startled by the unexpected and almost brutally blunt query. After a moment's hesitation, he said: “If it is simply your body and naught else that you ask about, aye, you should be able. But whether your mind will accept such an intrusion again, that I cannot say. Indeed, no healer of worth would make such a promise.”

“Then it is quite possible that I am forever ruined for that particular act between us,” Galvreth persisted.

Again, Elladan hesitated. But at length he said: “Aye, it is possible.”

“How can you want me then?” the prince challenged.

Elladan stared at him. “How can I want you?” he repeated somewhat incredulously. “How can I not want you, the most beautiful and gallant Elf I have ever had the fortune to know?” he fervently declared. “The most valiant, the kindest. The great heart who dared to love one as unworthy as I.”

It was Galvreth's turn to protest. “You are not unworthy.”

Perceiving the other's softening, Elladan seized his chance. “Then do not refuse me,” he pleaded. “I would place my heart in your keeping as you asked of me. Not for your sake alone but also for mine. If you deny me your love, you will deny me joy. And life everlasting.”

Galvreth's eyes widened at the implicit threat. “You would choose the Doom of Men?” he demanded.

“If I cannot have the gift of your hand in wedlock,” Elladan affirmed. He caught Galvreth's hand between his palms and grasped it imploringly. “I was a fool to decline what you offered me. I would be an even greater one now if I do not try to win you back. Reject my suit if you truly care no longer for me; I deserve every bitter drop of your scorn. But know that I will forsake our kindred forevermore if you do.” He gazed at Galvreth, his eyes glistening. “What good is eternity if I must live it without you?”

For the longest time Galvreth studied him in silence. Elladan stoically endured his searching regard. He staunchly met Galvreth's gaze, allowing the prince to peer into his very heart and soul where hope and fear and the beginnings of sorrow mingled.

Unexpectedly the smallest smile graced Galvreth's mouth. “That sounds like extortion, rogue,” he wryly commented.

Elladan caught his breath. Hope surged and shoved aside his fear. “Did it succeed?” he asked in a hushed voice.

Galvreth's smile brightened and Elladan thought he had never looked more comely than he did now. “Help me then, seronen vell.”-my beloved-the silver-haired prince murmured. “I would bind to you whole and well.”

Elladan's heart soared. Heedless of the tears that moistened his eyes, jubilation limning his voice, he said, “I will help you. I will love you to haleness however long it takes.”

Galvreth sighed as his lips were claimed in a tender yet consuming kiss. His heart serene with the knowledge of Elladan's claim on him, he returned the kiss with equal fervor if not strength. Elated by his response, Elladan could not stop himself from deepening the kiss, pushing past Galvreth's lips to taste the sweetness he'd so missed all these years. Galvreth's soft moan was as music to him and he looked forward to drawing forth more of that beauteous melody.

But he recalled of a sudden that Galvreth was weary. Breaking the kiss reluctantly, Elladan said: “You must rest, melethen. Do lie down and sleep.”

The prince clung to his arm, apprehension shadowing his countenance. “I do not dream when you hold me,” he whispered.

His eyes agleam with joy, Elladan kicked off his shoes and clambered onto the bed to lie facing Galvreth. He curled his arms around the prince and drew him close, sheltering him within his embrace and soothing him with gentle kisses to his pale brow and cheeks. Secure in his arms, Galvreth drifted into peaceful slumber.

It was long before Elladan found his own repose. For verily he was loath to lose sight of the treasure he'd feared taken from him forever. He did not know if he merited this wondrous restoration but he was grateful beyond measure for its granting. And this he voiced in the prayer he whispered as he gazed at his prince deep into that auspicious winter night.

***************************

Glossary:

sennight - abbreviation of seven nights; defunct Middle English term for a week

Ada - Papa

Peredhel (pl. Peredhil) - Half-elf/Half-elven

melethen - my love

To be continued…
- 31
- 32
- 33
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness