Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

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
- 61
- 62
- 63
Chapter 62 - Silver Silk

Feredir and Orthorien stood outside the door to one of the courts, the room where their mother, Laveth worked. Before they even entered, they were surprised to hear her speaking in a raised tone. They had never heard her address someone, other than them as elflings, with such authority.

“Are you sure this is the right place?” Feredir questioned in a whisper. The hall of courts was a passageway that branched off from Thranduil’s throne room. There were many rooms here for all the different court advisors. This one happened to belong to the trade negotiators and it seemed their mother was reprimanding someone for not doing a proper job. The brothers stood just outside of the open door and listened.

“The agreement was for ten crates . . . ten not seven,” Laveth said in a stern voice.

“And that is what I told him, Lady Laveth, but he informed me that this was all he could manage right now.” The voice was that of a young ellon, probably just learning the ways of a trade delegate.

“Now let me get this straight. We agreed upon ten, but because he could not manage to deliver the full amount, we should just pat him on the back and tell him not to worry about it. Is this what you’re telling me?” Laveth spoke in a very calm manner.

The youth said nothing, but sat still as a stone with his eyes wide as a frightened doe. Whenever his mentor’s tone was this pacifying, it usually meant a harsh reprimand was not far away. This was not going to turn out well he thought as he braced himself.

“And I suppose if I let every deal fall short, that would be alright also,” Laveth continued. She moved to the front of his desk, her palms firmly planted on the smooth wooden top, and leaned towards the young ellon sitting on the opposite side. “You will send him correspondence telling him to deliver the rest of our trade and that we should receive it within the next few days or he will have an array of fully armed wood elves knocking on his front door.” Laveth shook her head. “Honestly, if this is how you expect to do business then I suggest you either grow a bigger set of balls or find work in the kitchens. You have to be tough with these men or they will cheat you. They will always try to short you the amount you agreed upon. Sometimes threats are necessary. Is this understood?”

The youthful ellon merely nodded as Laveth taught him an important lesson in trade negotiating. He was relieved, the punishment not being as arduous as he expected, at least this time anyways. Then he caught movement in the doorway and smiled as he watched Feredir and Orthorien enter the office. He didn’t know if he was glad to see the brothers or glad for the interruption. Either way it was a welcomed distraction. “Lady Laveth,” he said and gestured towards the door.

Laveth turned to see a most welcomed site. There were her two sons, statuesque, athletic build, beautiful, the epitome of a wood elf. They stood shoulder to shoulder, gold and black, both very handsome, one a polished warrior and the other more rugged as the half man he was. She turned back to her understudy and nodded. “You may go, but fix this before I fill out my reports.”

The youth nodded quickly, glad for the diversion and hurried from the room. As he passed the brothers, he stopped and smiled giving a slight welcoming bow. “It is good to see you both back in Eryn Lasgalen.” He slipped past them and left the room.

Orthorien cocked an eyebrow as he addressed his mother. “A bigger set of balls? I have never heard you use such vulgarity before, Mother.”

“Well, you’ve never had to train a negotiator before. Besides, it’s something I heard your father say many times when talking about his troops. I got my point across, didn’t I?” Her face softened as she outstretched her arms, her mood changing immediately.

Orthorien and Feredir smiled as Laveth rushed to them. “Oh, my sons have returned,” she sang and then hugged each one. She took a step back to look them over. “Orthorien, I was beginning to worry. You sent no word. You should know better.” Then she looked at Feredir. “And you, have you been so busy in Ithilien that you cannot send correspondence? I thought I raised both of you better than that.” She smiled again and hugged them. “I am so glad you are here, both of you.”

“We have missed you too, Mother,” they said in unison.

Laveth released her sons and took a few steps back, looking them over very carefully. She eyed them, one and then the other. Feredir and Orthorien could not stifle a quiet laugh as they looked at each other. Then Laveth smiled wide as she made her realization. “You have reconciled haven’t you? Oh, I knew this day would come. You could not have given me a better gift than this.”

“You are correct, Mother,” Feredir said. “Orthorien and I have laid everything out and dealt with our pasts. I think we have come to an accord.”

“I agree,” Orthorien spoke up. “We have made our peace.”

Laveth was beside herself with joy. The one thing she wanted above all before she sailed from Middle-earth was to see her two sons regarding each other as equals. The only thing she wanted more was to see them both settled. Again she regarded them carefully starting with Orthorien.

“How I wish you would find someone, Orthorien. You know that most who sail to Valinor have already committed and are either leaving together or joining their mate once they reach the Undying Lands,” Laveth said disappointedly.

“I know you would rather see me settled, but I am truly happy with things the way they are. Do not worry for me, Mother. If it is meant to happen it will, but I am not going to force it to happen.” Orthorien answered respectfully, hoping to ease her mind. He understood just how much she wanted to see her sons bonded before she sailed.

Laveth kissed Orthorien’s cheek and straightened the front of his tunic, patting it when she was done. “You have always followed your own path. You are of a strong will just like your father. I should know better than to worry.”

Next, she turned her attention to Feredir, looking him over and bringing her attention to his eyes. “There is something different and it’s not just this new life you have made for yourself in Ithilien,” she said curiously.

Feredir dropped his sight to the floor as a slight smile curled the corners of his mouth. Then he looked to Orthorien, signaling for him to go and let him have a moment alone with Laveth.

Orthorien nodded and leaned towards his mother, kissing her cheek. “I believe I will take my leave for now.” He turned to the door, patting Feredir on the shoulder before he left.

Laveth smiled, her eyes lighting up with delight. “So, who is she?”

“Why is it you have always been so intuitive?” Feredir teased.

“You have a look in your eyes that I have not seen since you met your father. It was the only time I saw that spark . . . until now.”

“Well, you are right. I have met someone.” Feredir paused.

“And she is human, isn’t she?”

“She is Rohirrim, but--.”

Laveth interrupted as if she had not heard him answer. “I knew deep within my heart that you would choose a human woman.” She spoke not with disappointment, but with relief in finally having an answer to her question. Laveth reached out and touched the side of her youngest son’s face. “You have your father’s eyes and you have his warmth and caring. This is all I ever wanted for you, to find love everlasting.”

Feredir covered his mother’s hand with his, lowering it and holding it within his grasp. “Did you love him?” he asked softly. As Feredir grew, his mother did not speak often of his father. Only when she looked at her son and recognized something familiar, did she talk about Callo. She looked at him with that same gaze now.

“No one has ever asked me this before,” she answered. Laveth looked down at their joined hands, noticing the rough callouses on his palms from years of fighting. “I did not go looking for this, you know. This was my first real experience as a new negotiator and my mind was on my work. Callo took an interest to me right away. It’s difficult to admit, but I used that fact to my advantage. Securing a trade for his rare silk was the only thing on my mind.” Laveth smiled as she remembered and laughed to herself. “I think I was the one being taken advantage of. Callo knew my intentions were only for completing my task.”

“So, I was only part of the bargain,” Feredir whispered disappointedly.

Laveth looked up into her son’s eyes. “No Feredir, that is the furthest thing from the truth. I did not see Callo as anything but a quest, an associate. He, however, was smitten upon our first meeting. I felt it, but chose to ignore it. I had to. I was bound to Alagon and despite our differences at the time, I loved him with all my heart. An elf can only love once, they say and this is true, but I was not prepared to find someone who would fill that empty space left in my soul. Callo saw that weakness. It was the only chance he had of revealing himself to me and he touched on it when we were alone one evening. He saw the longing and helped me to open up to him. I felt very comfortable around him. This trust was something I had not experienced with anyone but Orthorien’s father.” Laveth released Feredir’s hands and turned to her desk. She ran a finger along the dark grain as she walked around to the side. Keeping her attention focused on the desk, she continued.

“Alagon and I loved each other very much, but there was one thing I wanted that he would not give me. I wanted another child. Please do not misunderstand me. I love Orthorien and I am so proud of the ellon he has become, but . . .” She paused to find the right words. “Orthorien was his father’s son first. Alagon was a driven warrior and what he wanted more was for his son to have those same qualities. He did a fine job raising your brother, but often those goals and milestones did not include my teachings. Before I knew it, Orthorien had reached his majority and then some. I was left with this small emptiness in my soul, one that I had repeatedly asked Alagon to fulfill. The times were dark and dangerous then. He could not see a reason to bring a new life into the world when it was full of such uncertainty. So, I let Alagon have the final decision, but I would not sit by waiting and worrying when they were fighting at the borders. Thus, I found employment in King Thranduil’s court. Eventually that led me to Gondor where I met Callo. For a brief time, I lived in someone else’s eyes. I felt his heart and it filled the empty space in mine. And I remember the exact moment this took place, for it was the moment you were conceived.” Laveth opened a drawer to her desk and pulled something out, which she held in her closed hand. She brought it up to her chest, against her heart and continued. “So your answer is yes, Feredir. I did love your father if only for a brief period of time.”

Feredir gave his mother a sincere smile. “I should never have doubted you, Mother, but I am glad to hear you say these words.”

Laveth left her desk and went back to her son. “And what about you? Does this Rohirrim woman fill every last place in your soul?”

“Completely,” he answered.

Laveth kissed her son’s cheek, then handed him the treasure she held in her hand. Feredir looked down to find a small ribbon of silver silk. His mother explained. “The morning after your father and I were . . . together, I awoke to find him sitting at his loom. He was deep into his work and I did not want to disturb him. I watched how quickly he spun this silk, how carefully he mastered his craft. Callo took great pride in his creations. He made me this ribbon as I watched and when he was done, he apologized for it being such a small thing, but there was not enough time for him to make anything else. He said he would dye it to match any color I so desired, but I told him to leave it in it’s pure form, for it matched the color of his eyes and every time I looked at it, I would see him.” She took the ribbon and tied it around Feredir’s wrist. “The day you were born I put this ribbon away for safe keeping. I no longer needed to look at it to remind me of your father. I had you. Now I want you to keep this small token and remember that it was made from love, just as you were, my son.”

Feredir was glad to have something else of his father’s to keep with him. Ever since being captured in Rhûn and having the honorary marking singed from his skin, he felt he had lost the only thing that connected him to the man who gave him life. This small token was made by Callo’s own hands and Feredir would treasure it always.

“So come now, tell me all about this new lady in your life. She must be very special to have captured such a stubborn ellon,” Laveth said, interrupting Feredir’s thoughts.

“It was not easy,” he smiled. “. . . for either of us. We did not exactly see eye to eye upon our first meeting. In fact it was quite the opposite.” From here, Feredir told his mother about Terrwyn’s story of where she came from and how she came to Ithilien. He left nothing out. Laveth needed to know as much as he did about Terrwyn and her troubles and triumphs. He left out a few details, mainly his capture in Rhûn. There were some things his mother did not need to fret over. What’s done was done and he survived. However, Feredir did tell her about finding Mazzin, who turned out to be Terrwyn’s lost brother, which led to him to the part of his story he had not had a chance to tell Laveth yet, that Terrwyn was fathered by an elf.

Laveth was stunned to say the least. “But this information is so new to her,” she said with concern. “Is she not confused . . . frightened even?”

“She was in deep dismay at first. Not even I could comfort her and I’m not so sure she has come to terms with it yet. I fear she is ignoring it all. I do not know what this means for her.”

“I wish we knew who this elf was, but as you said, he sailed before Terrwyn was born.” Laveth led Feredir to a small table with two chairs, probably where she took her tea during the day. “Terrwyn was born to a human mother which means she will naturally favor those traits, but she has elvish blood and will exhibit some of our qualities also. Had she known from the beginning of her half-heritage, she could have nurtured both. I’m afraid that being raised as wholly human, she might never fully understand her elvishness.”

“She has taught me about being human and now I will teach her about the elves,” Feredir stated proudly.

Laveth smiled. “She is very lucky to have you. I can see how you both need one another. Nothing could make me happier, Feredir.” She paused and gave him a sheepish smile. “Except to know that you have--.” She stopped short of finishing her sentence as she watched her son slowly nod his head.

“We are bound. That was what I wanted to tell you next.”

Tears came to Laveth’s eyes. “Ai, I knew it or at least I had a feeling it was so,” she sang.

“We have not had a proper ceremony though. Now that I am home I thought that maybe you could--.” He was interrupted by his mother pulling him into her arms.

“Of course we will have a ceremony. As a matter of fact, I will talk to the King and ask if we can have it in the palace. Everyone will come. There will be beautiful flowers all around and food and drink will be plentiful. Only the best for my son and his new bride. Oh and I know just who to make trades with for the best . . .” Laveth lost herself in the moment as she envisioned it all, the planning already well underway as she rambled on.

Feredir called to her twice before she stopped talking and turned to him. “Mother, I do not want all this attention. I do not think Terrwyn will either. I would rather just have a small ceremony with our close friends and family. Those are the only people that matter to us.”

Laveth sighed as the disappointment of a celebration of grand scale slipped through her fingers, but she would not force anything upon Feredir that he did not want. “Are you sure Terrwyn would not like this?”

Feredir went to his mother and took her hands. “I am quite sure. I do not mean to ruin this for you, but we prefer a quiet and simple ceremony. I think we have both had enough excitement to last us the rest of our days.”

Just then, Orthorien knocked and entered the office. Feredir looked over his shoulder and smiled when he saw his brother. “Here is who you should save the grand affair for,” he teased.

Orthorien creased his brow, looking from his mother to Feredir with curiosity. “What affair? What are you planning?”

Laveth laughed. “Now that will definitely be a celebration worth having.”

Still confused Orthorien crossed his arms and took a stance. “A celebration for what?” he said with an accusatory tone.

Feredir walked to his brother and slapped him rather hard on the back. “I suggest you plan on marrying after Mother sails or you will be up to your elbows in yellow and white flowers,” Feredir whispered.

* * *

Terrwyn and Irneth became better acquainted over a delicious home cooked meal of quail and roasted vegetables. Irneth enjoyed Terrwyn’s company and told her stories of Horphen and Feredir when they were just elflings. The two new friends laughed until their sides ached and Terrwyn stored away some of the new information to use to her advantage at a later time.

“They really were quite a pair weren’t they?” Terrwyn commented at the finish of yet another story.

“They were inseparable from the moment they first met. I was glad to see their friendship blossom as it did. As a youth, the others tried Feredir harshly, but Horphen was ever faithful. The day Feredir decided to train for our army Horphen was right there volunteering with him. In a way, they were brothers more so than Feredir and Orthorien.”

“I have seen that bond between them,” Terrwyn admitted. “Your brother is very sweet and a good man. I am surprised he has not found someone yet.”

Irneth laughed. “Oh, he is young yet and has much more to experience before he will be giving his heart away, but it will happen so long as his sisters all agree.” The elleth stopped to wave over a servant carrying a flask of wine. The pretty young maiden filled their glasses and floated off to the next table. Terrwyn watched her a moment and realized that her dream of finally being amongst the wood elves had come true. Her past was behind her now. The cocoon was splitting and her wings were emerging. Soon, Terrwyn would come full circle as her new life began. She sighed and a little sparkle danced in the corner of her eye.

Irneth noticed the look of contentment and felt a real connection with Terrwyn. “Now, what of you and Feredir? I’m afraid I have dominated our conversation and I still do not know anything about you. Tell me how you met?”

“Oh, it is a long story and there are details that I do not feel I can speak of just yet, but I will tell you this much. The day Feredir and I met I had never seen such a pompous, arrogant, selfish person in all my young life.” Terrwyn stopped to laugh.

“So it was love at first sight then,” Irneth said jokingly. “That sounds just like the Feredir I have always known, always too proud.”

Terrwyn went on telling Irneth about her time in Ithilien, always skirting around the real reason she was there. Telling someone she was accused and acquitted of murder was not exactly the way she wanted to start a conversation. It would all come out eventually, but for now, Terrwyn was enjoying the comfort of getting to know someone new without her tragic past being a part of it.

As she spoke, she noticed an ellon sitting across the dining hall who kept stealing glances at her. Finally, she was too distracted to continue with her story and interrupted herself. “Tell me Irneth, who is that elf across the way? He has been watching us ever since he sat down.”

Irneth started to turn but Terrwyn stopped her. “Don’t look now or he will know we are talking about him.”

Irneth looked around and nudged a cloth napkin until it fell to the floor. Then as she bent down to retrieve it, she took the opportunity to glance at the ellon Terrwyn inquired about. She picked up the napkin, shaking it out and placing it properly on her lap before turning to Terrwyn. “That would be Remlas. He is one of the healers here in the palace, one of the head healers to be precise. He is a very quiet ellon, has kept to himself for many years. He lost his wife some time ago during one of the spider attacks. It was a devastating battle. Many good residents perished. Remlas put aside healing for a long time afterwards. His grief over the loss of his wife almost took his own. His only option was to sail and we thought he would take the next scheduled ship at the time, but he came back to Mirkwood after a long absence. He never told anyone the reason why he stayed and has kept to himself ever since. He is one of Thranduil’s most trusted healers and cared for our Prince many times during his youth.” Irneth paused to laugh. “Even elves fall from trees from time to time.”

“Lord Legolas is so graceful, I find it hard to believe there was ever a time he was not, but I supposed he was not so much like that in his youth,” Terrwyn responded.

“Oh, so you have met Prince Legolas,” Irneth said surprised.

“I first met him when I was selling flowers on the streets of Minas Tirith. I had an accident with a runaway horse and cart. Legolas sat with me in the healing house until I was better.” Terrwyn stopped and looked down to her lap. “That seems like such a long time ago. My life was much different then, so many difficulties and unknowns.” Her mind began to drift off to that distant time. When Terrwyn noticed Irneth looking at her questioningly, she shook the moment from her mind and smiled, changing the subject abruptly. “So he is a healer you say? I was for the time I lived in Ithilien. Well, I was in training for healing. Master Curuven and his wife Limil took me into their home and taught me much. I find that I greatly enjoy it.”

“Curuven and Limil, now there are two names I have not heard in a very long time,” Irneth commented.

“So you know of them?” Terrwyn asked.

“Master Curuven and his wife helped deliver all of us. Horphen and Feredir were the last elflings they helped to bring into the world before they decided to join the colony in Ithilien.” Irneth stopped a moment and regarded Terrwyn with a raised eyebrow. “My, it seems you know quite a few of our kin, the Prince and the Master Healer,” she said curiously.

“I was very fortunate, I guess you could say.”

Irneth could see Terrwyn was not yet willing to divulge any more information. She sat back in her chair and glanced over her shoulder to see Remlas still sitting alone at his table when an idea came to her. “How long will you be staying in Eryn Lasgalen, Terrwyn?”

“I am not sure. Feredir is here to see that his mother sets sail safely, but I do not know how long that will be,” Terrwyn answered.

“I’m afraid no one but Laveth will know when that time comes. My guess is that you will be with us for a while and if that is the case, then we better find something for you to do during your stay. You say healing interests you?” Irneth inquired.

“Very much so. Master Curuven taught me much, but I know there is still more to learn,” Terrwyn said.

“What would you think about working with Remlas?” Irneth said excitedly.

Terrwyn folded her hands and placed them in her lap. “Oh, I’m not sure. You said he has not socialized with anyone for many years. What makes you think he would want anything to do with a stranger?”

“You have a certain energy about you, Terrwyn. I feel it and I think all the other elves you have met feel it too. Maybe you are just what Master Remlas needs now.” Both women looked towards the table where the healer was sitting only to find that he had left. “Let me talk to him. I think it’s time he had an apprentice.”
- 61
- 62
- 63
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

Journey Of A Butterfly