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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
- 43
- 44
- 45
Chapter 44 - A Sense Of Community

The day had finally arrived, Terrwyn’s last day in Ithilien. She spent the morning watching Master Curuven prepare a kit full of several healing herbs and solutions. He meticulously placed them in their proper bottles and satchels, then packed it all into a wooden box about the size of a book. Golden elvish runes decorated the top, indicating that this was a healer’s kit. He handed it to her when he was finished and told her to give it to Feredir so he could safely pack it away with their other supplies. Limil took care of the food, picking only supplies that would last during their long journey to Rohan, dried meats and elvish flat breads. She gave them only enough fruit that they could eat in a couple days’ time. It would be wasteful to send any more for it would ripen too quickly and turn bad.

After a quiet morning and a decent breakfast, Terrwyn went back to her room. She opened her closet and stared at the collection of dresses she had obtained during her stay in Ithilien. They were all so beautiful. It was a shame she had to leave them behind. It saddened her to leave everything behind. Ithilien now held a special place in her heart. Everything she had wished for seemed to come true in this wondrous land. Once she was alone and now she had a family with the elves she had met here. Her longing to meet the one she loved was answered in the form of a black haired warrior. Strength, power, gentleness and still a touch stubborn, Feredir was all she had ever dreamed of. Not a day would go by that she would not think of him.

And then there is the little wooden butterfly with its elegantly carved wings and intricate detail. She thought it was gone forever, but it came back to her. She could not keep it with her in Rohan though. She would be stripped of all her possessions but for the clothes on her back. It was ironic actually. She came from nothing and found a new world and new hope. Now it would be taken away from her once more. Why did it seem that she could not keep these things that made her happy and brought her comfort?

Terrwyn touched the pearls on the peach dress one more time, feeling their uneven edges and then the softness of the dress. “Perhaps someone else will come along who will need a new start on life. May these things bring her the same joy that I have found,” she said and then closed the closet doors.

Downstairs, Terrwyn found Feredir sitting in the workroom, talking to Limil. They were speaking so quietly, she could not hear a word they said. His silver eyes lifted and he caught sight of Terrwyn over Limil’s shoulder. A smile grew in the corners of his mouth, a smile that was meant for her alone. Terrwyn’s heart sung out to him, never wanting to forget those eyes or that smile.

Limil noticed that Feredir was distracted and turned around. “I knew you were there by the way Feredir’s face lit up. How are you my dear?”

“I am well,” she answered unconvincingly.

“May I take Terrwyn for an outing?” Feredir chimed in. “She seems to need a distraction.”

Limil smiled sweetly. “I think that is a good idea.”

Feredir stood and went to Terrwyn, offering her his arm. “Come Naru, there is something I would like to show you before we leave.”

* * *

He led her to a part of Ithilien she had never seen before. Here was an open plain with tall grass still brown from the winter. When Terrwyn looked closely, she could see tiny sprouts of green just breaking the dry ground.

“At the height of spring, this whole field is filled with yellow flowers that smell so sweet you feel as though you are drunk on their scent,” Feredir informed her.

“It must be beautiful. Reminds me of Rohan in the summer when the plains are alive with the smell of grass.” Terrwyn closed her eyes and remembered the days long past when she used to play with her brother there.

She looked beyond the field to where the land sloped up and just beyond that where the tops of trees just peeked over the crest of the land. “What is on the other side?”

Feredir smiled as he breathed deep. “That is what I want to show you. Come.” He took her hand in his and they hurried across the field and up the hill. When they breached the top, Terrwyn’s eyes grew wide with amazement. The land descended into a valley where below giant trees grew, massive trees with smooth white bark. Their branches grew far above the ground and spread out wide, seeming to connect with each other and make the canopy quite dense.

“I have never seen trees like this before. What are they?” she inquired.

“They are a type of rare beech tree. It is said that they are distantly related to a type of tree that grew in ancient Doriath. Perhaps you have heard of it. Hirilorn it was called, meaning ‘tree of the lady’.

“I’m afraid I do not know of it.” Terrwyn loved hearing the old stories of the elves of long ago.

Feredir led her to a path that descended into the valley. As they carefully walked, Feredir told her the story of Hirilorn. “It was a magnificent tree in Doriath during the First Age. It very much grew in the same fashion as these here, but it had three great trunks to support its massive branches. King Thingol had a house built high in its canopy in which he sent his daughter Luthien to live. She was imprisoned there to keep her from running off to find Beren. Of course she escaped and . . . well, I am sure you know their story.”

Terrwyn nodded and gazed into the enormous forest. “And these are distant cousins of that tree?”

“It is only said in legend. I do not know if it is true, but there are no other trees that grow like these, not even the beech trees of Mirkwood.”

As they got closer to the forest, the trunks of the trees seemed so much larger than they did from the top of the hill. Finally reaching the edge of this land, Terrwyn looked up. They were like massive guardians, indestructible pillars. Above them was a canopy of green. “They are beautiful.”

“I believe they were untouched by the orcs because of their immense size. Now, some of the elves have decided to build a colony here and live as we once did when the world was wilder. They will build houses high up in the branches, circular houses in which the trunk of the tree will be their center. Rope bridges will connect the trees and buildings. Stairs will spiral to the ground and welcome all visitors, Men and elf alike.” Feredir paused as if looking for something. “Come this way. I will show you.”

They walked a little ways, following a stony path through the forest and soon came to a tree with a staircase like the one Feredir mentioned. It was wide enough that someone could pass easily. They ascended the stairs and came to a platform that completely encircled the trunk of the tree. Beyond this was another flight of stairs in the beginning stages of being built. They could go no further. The platform was not very big, only wide enough to let another pass or stop and rest before carrying on. Feredir watched as Terrwyn had a look around from their elevated position, about the height of a three-story building. From here, Terrwyn felt as if she were standing on air. It was quite a drop to the ground below and still very far up to the treetops above.

Feredir pointed up into the tree. “From this platform there will be one more set of stairs and then a house at the top. I know it is hard to picture now, but eventually more homes will be built in this area and they will fill the trees. There will be bridges that take you to other talans and meeting halls, pulley systems to raise and lower supplies so that they won’t have to be carried up the steps. It will be a complete community of wood elves once it is done.” He ran his hand along the edge of the platform railing. “This one here that we are standing on, I built myself. This will be my home. I would have done more if I had more time, but . . . Well, now you know where it was that I went when Master Curuven did not need me.”

Terrwyn was amazed to know this. “And here I thought you were off drinking and doing other activities,” she blushed.

“It’s nice to know you think so highly of me,” he teased. The elf laughed with submission. “No, I was here helping to build the new colony. Further down the other way, houses are already built, but this is a new area . . . where my home will be and I felt it was my duty to help in the building of the new community.”

“You still manage to surprise me, Feredir. When I first met you, I never would have imagined you to be so compassionate. You were arrogant and aloof, thinking only of yourself and--.” She was silenced by a fiery kiss. When he released her, he stood back with a smirk on his face, looking rather mischievous.

“And what do you think of me now, Naru,” he boasted.

“You are arrogant and aloof, thinking only of yourself and--.” Again, he cut her off with another kiss even more passionate than the one before it.

Again, he released her and stood back. “I can keep this up all day and I will until you tell me what you really think,” he jested.

Terrwyn stepped close to him, wrapped her arms around his firm waist and pulled him to her. Feredir lowered his head to kiss her, his lips almost touching hers. Then she teased by dodging his kiss, making him work for his reward. He forced her to move back until she was pinned against the smooth tree, then he pressed against her. “You have not answered me yet. What is it that you really think, my beauty?”

She looked longingly into his silver eyes. “I think that you are arrogant because you are proud, aloof because you are protecting your home, and think only of yourself because you put your life in danger for those you love. All of these things will always be a part of you Feredir. You will not change for anyone and I would not want you to. I love you for everything you are and everything you are yet to be.” She finally captured his mouth with her own and savored the taste of his breath and the scent of his skin.

When they parted, she laid her head against his chest and listened to his heartbeat. After a long moment of silence, she whispered quietly. “I am frightened, Feredir. After today, my life will be upturned once more, only this time I know how one scenario will play out.”

Feredir sighed heavily. “I will not let that happen. I will do whatever it takes to set you free, even if I have to tear through the stone walls of your cell with my bare hands. I want you back with me, Terrwyn and leaving you in the hands of anyone else will surely rip my heart from my chest. Still, we must abide by their laws and I know that, but I will resort to desperate measures only as a final plan.”

“Let us pray it will not come to that,” Terrwyn sighed. She lifted her head from his chest and looked around at the forest and the new pathways. “Why did you bring me here?”

“Something you said a long time ago has stayed with me. You asked why the elves did not seem so elvish anymore. You said it seemed that we were just biding our time until we heard the call to sail. I wanted you to know that not all of us are anxious to leave Middle-earth. These elves here are ready and willing to build an entirely new community for our kin. Many of those who helped with the rebuilding plan on staying for a while yet. If we were all in a hurry to leave, we would not take the time to build our homes and live as we once did.”

Terrwyn looked up and caught a gleam in his eye as he gazed out over the giant forest. “You want to be one of those elves, don’t you? I can see it in your face. You do not look forward to leaving Middle-earth, yet you want to follow your kin.”

Feredir nodded. “I have never known a peaceful life as an elf and maybe that is the reason I am able to live in the city amongst men so easily. Most elves long to get back to peace. I long to experience it for the first time. This place,” he said lifting his arms. “This is what I want to do before I sail. I want to live freely as the elves were always meant to.” He pulled her by the waist into his strong embrace, tilting her head up and meeting her eyes. “And I want you with me, not in some cell in Rohan, not even here in the city. I want you with me.”

“There are so many things that could keep up apart. I am afraid to wish for this for I fear it may never happen,” she said sadly.

“Just leave things to me, Naru. I am going to find this man in Rhûn and when I do, you will be back in my arms.” Feredir kissed her, all his love and passion pouring from his lips. This was as much as either of them could hope for.

* * *

They returned to the city and to the healing house. After an emotional day, there was nowhere else Terrwyn wanted to be but in his strong loving arms. That night Feredir made love to her slowly and passionately as never before. He took his time with her, never being forceful, but rather deliberate and graceful, rekindling their love many times throughout the night. Then he gathered her up in his arms and cradled her while she slept, keeping loving vigilance over her until the sun began to rise.

Feredir laid the gentlest of kisses upon her shoulder and neck, rousing her slowly. Terrwyn awakened to find his eyes like the stars in the heavens shining brightly upon her. “Wake my little fox, my sweet Naru,” he whispered between blissful kisses. “It is time to start the day.”

Together they washed and dressed. Before leaving her room, Terrwyn took one more look around. She breathed deep, feeling as if she would never see this place again. She said a few words in her native tongue, a farewell prayer, then followed Feredir down the hall. Curuven and Limil were ready with a hearty breakfast. They all ate and reminisced a little, but there was not much time left. They needed to get on the road as quickly as possible. The first day would be long indeed.

Feredir and Terrwyn said their goodbyes to the Healer and his wife. Terrwyn shed a tear as Limil hugged her tightly. “May your journey be safe and may you come back to us one day,” the elleth sang in her beautiful elvish language. “We will say a lament for you every day that you are not here and we will sing with joy when you are with us once more.”

As they made their way to the Captains headquarters, Feredir took her through the center of town. They stopped briefly at the elvish fountain with its beautiful ladies looking to the sky. “This was the first thing I noticed when I came here. It is still the most beautiful thing I have seen. So many things seemed to happen around this fountain. It is a symbol of Ithilien and I will always remember it.” She dipped her hand into the water and watched it pool in her palm, letting it slowly seep through her fingers and drip back into the basin. Again, they walked on to their destination.

They came to the Captain’s headquarters and found their horse saddled and packs ready, waiting in front of the building. Feredir had yet to learn who the other elves were that would meet him in Rohan and was anxious to know. Just as he and Terrwyn ascended the stairs, Feredir’s best friend Horphen emerged from the doors of the building. He smiled wide and went to his friend.

“Feredir, how good it is to see you,” he greeted with hand over heart. Then he pulled Feredir in for a brotherly hug. Terrwyn stood to the side and watched the two friends smile, yet again another side to Feredir’s personality she had not seen.

Horphen stepped back and allowed his eyes to fall upon the red haired woman. “So this is who has kept you from the borders,” he commented, observing her from head to toe. “I think that I too might have a change of heart had there been someone as beautiful waiting for me to return.”

“Behave yourself, Horphen,” Feredir teased. “The lady is spoken for.”

“Oh, I would not dare cross your path, my friend,” Horphen answered.

Terrwyn stepped forward, coming to stand beside Feredir. “It is not his path that you need to worry about crossing,” she said with a sly look.

“Well taken,” Horphen said then bowed. “So, it seems we are on quite an adventure,” he said turning to Feredir.

Feredir raised his eyebrows, surprised. “Of what do you speak?”

“Why, this trip to Rohan of course. The Captain has chosen me as one of the travelers. He has informed me of the situation and of our urgent need to travel Rhûn.” He spoke in hushed tones.

“You?” Feredir said quite taken aback. “I don’t think I like the idea of my best friend going into the heart of danger while my lady too is challenged back in her homeland. Is there no one left behind that I can feel sure are safe during this time?” Feredir said frustrated.

A new voice entered the conversation. “I’m afraid you will just have to get used to it, brother.”

Feredir turned to see Orthorien standing behind them. He instantly built a wall as he usually did when the golden elf approached him, but Orthorien smiled warmly and placed a hand on his young brother’s shoulder. “I am not here to make qualms. The Captain asked that I too join this venture.”

Feredir started to protest again, but it was Terrwyn that stifled his words. “It is obvious that Glandur only wanted the best and I think I feel much better knowing whose company you will keep,” she said looking at the other two elves.

Feredir brought his attention back to Orthorien. “And what about Feona?”

Orthorien bowed his head as if remembering her as the corners of his mouth upturned. “She understands more than anyone how important this task is. Feona can hold her own. You know that Feredir. I am not breaking any hearts if that is what you are worried about.”

Feredir looked from Orthorien to Horphen and back to Terrwyn. He shook his head, still not happy with the arrangement but knowing there was nothing to do about it. “Very well, but I still don’t like it.”

They met with Glandur, who informed them of the last bits of information. Feredir and Terrwyn would travel to Rohan, the elf speaking with Eomer on behalf of Lord Legolas, asking that he delay Terrwyn’s hearing until the elves returned with some evidence that might help free her. Knowing that Eomer was fair and just, he would wait to carry out his laws. He was a dear friend of Legolas, as well as having a sister married to the Lord and Prince of Emyn Arnen, Lord Faramir. Eomer was already aware of the kindness that the elves showed towards Terrwyn and they were sure the King would extend his ruling. Orthorien and Horphen would come along, arriving about a week or so after Terrwyn and Feredir. Then the elves would don their costumes and travel to Rhûn.

With their plans well laid out, bags packed and ready to go, Feredir helped Terrwyn onto his horse. He was dressed in full Ithilien guard uniform, black tunic and leggings with silver embroidery of the tree of Gondor upon the chest. Terrwyn was dressed in prisoner attire, tan shirt and leggings and fully covered by a dark green cloak and hood. This was how the elves transported prisoners, keeping their identity a secret out of respect. They did not like to make a mockery of anyone, even someone accused of a crime.

Terrwyn was thankful for this small blessing. Not only did it keep her from feeling as though she was being paraded around in public, it also allowed her to be close to Feredir as they traveled. Her small frame contoured against his body while the cloak hid her.

Off they rode, through the cobblestone streets of Ithilien and out of the gate. There was someone familiar waiting by the iron gate of the city. As they passed by, Terrwyn recognized him as her childhood hero, Antien. He stood there, hands crossed and watching them leave. He managed to catch Terrwyn by her green eyes beneath her hood. He smiled slightly and bowed his head, closing his eyes as he did. Terrwyn returned the smile, though he could not see her in the shadow of the cloak. She wondered if she would ever meet him again.

* * *

The weather was turning warmer, but the nights were still very cold. Feredir and Terrwyn traveled as long as the sun was up, but when nighttime set in, they would not risk the young woman’s vulnerability to the cold. They looked for the occasional inn or farmhouse to stay, but there were not many places like this along the road so most of the time they made due in the wild.

The couple spent the nights in each other’s arms The closer they got to Rohan, the more nervous Terrwyn became and she found that just having Feredir hold her through the night was enough. Feredir comforted her every moment of the journey. He knew there was a good possibility that these may be their last moments together and he memorized each one with precision. He meant what he said though. If there were nothing else to be done, he would steal her away and live as an outlaw for the rest of his time rather than see her put to death. If something happened to Terrwyn, he would surely lose all desire to live. Escorting her to Rohan, to her death sentence, went against everything the elf believed in, but he knew there was no other way just yet. Getting to Rhûn and finding the one named Mazzin was his only hope in saving her for now. He just had get Terrwyn settled in and speak to her King. Once Orthorien and Horphen arrived, they would carry out their mission, if the dark haired elf could wait that long.
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Journey Of A Butterfly