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
- 64
- 65
- 66
Chapter 65 - Progress and Pillow Talk

The injured soldier was resting comfortably in one of the many beds of the healing house. Terrwyn had assisted in the cleaning and bandaging of the leg wound. Though she had learned and practiced this sort of thing in Ithilien, Master Remlas showed her his personal techniques for attending such wounds. She watched and listened carefully, pleasing her teacher. He worked quickly, maybe a little too quickly for Terrwyn’s taste. As soon as Remlas was through with his patient, he left the soldier and returned to his office to record the accident as well as the treatment. Terrwyn stayed by the bed watching the healer dash off. She was about to follow when the soldier took hold of her arm lightly.

“My lady, this happened so fast I did not get a chance to discover the outcome of my training,” he said.

Terrwyn was confused. “You took an injury. I would say you lost the duel or am I mistaken about such challenges amongst wood elves.”

The elf smiled as he winced trying to sit up. “There is more than one duel fought and each one is graded by points. It is possible to lose the last battle and still win the challenge. I beat my other two opponents. Depending on my technique, I might have won after all. Please, this may determine whether I will be a border guard or not. If it’s not too much trouble, could you find out for me? I really must know.”

Terrwyn nodded. “Let me see what I can do.” She patted his hand where it lay on her arm, smiled warmly and made sure there was nothing else he needed before she left his side. When she returned to the workroom, Remlas was sitting at his desk, nose buried in his ledger. Without saying a word, she reached for her cloak that hung by the door. Remlas observed her from behind his book.

“And just where do you think you are off too?” he said, catching Terrwyn off guard.

“Oh, well the soldier asked a favor of me. He is worried about his grades and I thought since there is nothing else to be done at the moment I would--.”

“You are not his servant, therefore the boy can wait,” Remlas interrupted.

Terrwyn froze with her hand still on the hanging cloak. “It is really no trouble and--.”

“I said . . . he can wait.” The healer’s tone was one of authority. “You have work to do here or have you already forgotten that you are my student. You cannot just come and go as you please without my permission. The young elf will find out soon enough whether he passed or not. Let him wait.”

Terrwyn did not agree with this, but there was nothing she could do about it. Now she looked around for an excuse to go back and tell the young soldier that she could not help him. “I believe I left some dirty rags in the healing room.”

Remlas glanced up at her again, obviously perturbed by another interruption. After an uncomfortable amount of time, he spoke. “Well go retrieve them. You’ll need to clean and sterilize all of them and quickly.”

Terrwyn scooted out the door without hesitation and went back to the injured elf. She noticed that the maiden who came to them for help was here now, stroking the young trainee’s forehead and smiling down at him. Terrwyn understood why the elleth seemed so worried and upset earlier. She knew him.

“I am sorry, but I am needed here at the moment and I cannot do as you ask. I’m sure you did quite well today. You should not worry,” Terrwyn informed him. She looked to the maiden and got an idea. “Or perhaps you could do this for me since I cannot leave.”

“I would be glad to, my lady,” said the elleth excitedly.

“Could you go back to the practice grounds and find out how my patient fared today?” Terrwyn asked.

“Oh of course, I’d be happy to.” She was a very enthusiastic elf and darted off to run her errand.

Terrwyn turned back to her patient. “She seems quite fond of you.”

“She is my best friend’s sister and she is very sweet . . . but very young,” he answered.

Terrwyn smiled. “Well, you never can tell what the future holds now can you.” She gave the soldier a wink before she continued. “I am sorry I could not go, but I have work to do and--.”

“Say no more. I know all about Master Remlas. Tough old elf he is.”

Terrwyn laughed. “That’s putting it nicely.” She looked over her shoulder just to make sure Remlas had not come out of his office. Then she bent down and whispered. “He has such a thick wall around him, it makes Helm’s Deep look like a boxwood hedge.”

The elf laughed and motioned for her to come closer again. “I heard he actually met the famous Glorfindel once. He thought that the balrog he slayed had been reincarnated as the Master Healer.”

Terrwyn laughed until tears streamed from her eyes. “I am glad I’m not the only one who thinks this.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, how is it you are Master Remlas’ student? I think there are a few of us curious about this. The healer has not taught anyone in many long years.”

“With the help of a new friend, we just asked,” said Terrwyn shrugging her shoulders. “And after a long interview, he agreed. But if I don’t get back in there soon, I won’t be his pupil much longer.”

“I understand. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”

Terrwyn patted his arm. “If you need anything, just ask.”

* * *

Terrwyn lay curled up in Feredir’s arms that night. He twirled a strand of her red hair between his fingers and listened to her breathe softly against his chest. It was not long ago that he thought he would never experience this comfort again and silently thanked the Valar for their new life together.

Feredir thought she was adjusting quickly to life in Eryn Lasgalen. They had been there for three months now and already she was quite busy training with the Master healer. One thing Feredir worried about was her avoidance to talk about her heritage. Ever since learning that she was sired by an elf, Terrwyn managed to dodge any questions or discussion about it. He thought she just needed time at first, but she still shied away from the mere mention of it. However, it was still all very new to her so Feredir let her be. Maybe after the wedding and after she felt more comfortable with her position in the healing houses he would try to get her to open up again.

Terrwyn gave a heavy sigh and Feredir sensed something bothering her. “What is wrong?”

“It’s nothing I’m sure. It’s just something I’ve noticed lately about Master Remlas. He just . . . well . . . he seems very distant with his patients.”

“Distant?” Feredir questioned.

“Don’t misunderstand me, he takes care of them to the best of his abilities. He knows his craft better than anyone I’ve ever seen. It’s the time after he treats them that he seems to shy away. There is no patient/healer relationship. I may be mistaken and it could just be the way he was taught to behave, but I think he should at least spend a few moments getting to know a little about them. I believe it makes the patient feel better about the one who is taking care of them. For instance, a young soldier came to the healing house today with a very deep cut. After we cleaned and bandaged the wound and he was resting, Remlas dashed back to his office without any further concern for the ellon, no smile, not even a pat on the arm. He just gave the injured soldier instructions to stay in bed and call when he needed to go relieve himself. Remlas hardly gave the young man a chance to ask any questions. And when the soldier asked me to help him receive word of his grades from earlier that day, Remlas scolded me and told me I was not a servant and that the boy could wait.”

“Remlas yelled at you?” Feredir asked concerned.

“He did not yell, but he was a little harsh. It is nothing I am not already used to.”

Feredir didn’t like to know that Terrwyn might be treated poorly. This did not sit well with the dark haired elf, but he also knew this was part of her training. He would not interfere. Terrwyn could fend for herself. She needed to prove to Remlas as well as other elves that she could get along quite well on her own. It would do her no good to have him coming to her rescue every time someone disagreed with her. Still, there was no rule saying he could not give her his opinion. “Well, I don’t like to hear of Remlas being so strict with you.”

“Feredir,” she started to correct him, but he held his fingers to her lips.

“But I understand. I would never step in when I was not needed.” He moved so that he could capture her lips and kissed her lovingly. Terrwyn smiled to herself, glad that he understood and settled into his arms once again. They lay together for a while, comfortable and warm, before she broke the silence.

“Feredir?” she whispered.

“Yes, Naru,”

“What do you know about Master Remlas, about his life before the end of the war and the darkness?”

“Well,” said Feredir as he sat up a little. Terrwyn moved along with him. “If I understand correctly, Remlas came to Greenwood the Great along with King Oropher and Thranduil as well as with some of the others that left Doriath. He marched into war with Oropher’s army during the Last Alliance of Men and Elves and marched home with his defeated brothers in arms to witness the crowning of Thranduil after Oropher fell in the battle. The times turned to happier days for a while and Remlas met a Silvan elf by the name of Lorneth. They supposedly had a very long courtship before their betrothal. During that time, Remlas established himself as a head healer and eventually Master healer to Thranduil. He then married his longtime love and they lived here in the palace. Those who knew Remlas then speak of his liveliness and mirth and his ability to bring others closer together.” Feredir paused to let the information sink in.

“Remlas . . . liveliness and mirth?” Terrwyn said loudly before she burst into a fit of giggles. “Oh come now, Feredir.”

“So I have been told, mind you. I never actually witnessed it.”

When she contained her laughter, Terrwyn went on. “So what does the name Remlas mean anyways?”

Feredir knew his answer would have her laughing again. “Are you sure you want to know?”

“Yes, so tell me.”

“It means ‘joy net’.”

Terrwyn kept a straight face for as long as she could handle, which was not very long at all, and broke out into another round of laughs. “Oh Feredir, why must you tease? Do you really expect me to believe any of this?”

Feredir unexpectedly rolled them both over so that he was lying on top of her. The sudden move by the wood elf made Terrwyn gasp. “Do you not believe me, Naru?”

Terrwyn took notice of the position he had her in and would play along. “And if I do not believe you, what will you do?”

He nipped at her neck making her squirm. “Oh I have my ways of convincing the weak.” Strong hands surrounded her waist and he began to tickle her mercilessly. Terrwyn writhed and twisted until she gave up.

“Alright, alright I believe you,” she laughed and Feredir let up on his torture. “But I have no choice do I, since you are an elf and you cannot lie.”

“So are you, Terrwyn,” he replied seeing an opportunity to bring up the subject.

Instantly her demeanor changed and she seemed to retreat. “Feredir,” she said quietly, not wanting to continue in this direction.

“Why do you avoid this?” he asked. It was time for her to give him some reason and stop running from the subject.

“I’m just not ready to--.”

“Terrwyn, we are bound as elves. We are about to bless our marriage in the eyes of the Valar. Why will you not talk about being part elvish?” he interrupted.

“Feredir, I was raised to be a proud Rohirrim. I love my country. I love its people and our beliefs. I don’t want to lose that part of me. Sometimes I feel I don’t know anything about elves and I’m afraid if I learn too much, that part that makes me Rohirric will disappear. Rohan is my home, my family. I can’t lose that.”

Feredir was relieved that this was all it was. Sometimes he feared she felt she made a mistake by binding to him, especially when she would not speak of her heritage. He smiled and sighed. “Terrwyn, you will always be Rohirric above all else. It is strong within your personality, within your veins. The blood of the horse lords runs deep, just as that of the elves runs deep within me. But that does not change the fact that another blood courses alongside it. Accepting your true heritage will not change who you are. It will not change how I feel about you or anyone else for that matter. Maybe you will feel better if you talk to someone else about it, Irneth perhaps. Ask questions, learn about our race and I think it will help you understand yourself better.”

He always had a way of making her feel better. Terrwyn realized she was not helping herself by running away from the facts. There was nothing to be afraid of. Besides, she didn’t feel any different. Even being in Eryn Lasgalen had not made her feel more or less elvish as well as Rohirric. However, not knowing and not understanding elves were part of her reluctance. She kissed him sweetly. “I am sorry, Feredir. I did not mean to worry you. I love you above all else and I would have things no other way. I think I will do as you say and have Irneth teach me that which I do not know.”

He nuzzled her neck. “All in good time, Naru.” He came to rest at her side once more and they settled into silence for a little while.

“I received a letter from Hathmund today,” Terrwyn said when it became too quiet. “He says his information about Rhûn and the Haradrim has helped tremendously. Rohan and Gondor will join forces and send troops into the deserts. They want to try to come to terms with them and flush out those who will not conform. Their means of slavery must stop. Hathmund is living proof of that.”

“This could mean that Eryn Lasgalen will be called upon to aid them in their plight,” Feredir stated.

Terrwyn shook her head. “This battle is between Men, not elves.”

“It’s too bad. I would very much have liked to have gone back and found that wretched slave trader,” Feredir claimed as memories of his capture resurfaced.

“I am glad you are not,” Terrwyn stated. “I would not want to see you go back there. Once was enough. Besides, Abdan is probably dead by now. Since you and Orthorien ousted his name, I’m sure the chieftains of the clans he deceived have caught up to him and executed him by now.”

“Let us hope so.” Feredir let these horrid thoughts seep back into the depths of his mind. Each of them was deep in their own cognitions.

“I miss my brother,” Terrwyn whispered, a waiver in her voice. “Sometimes I feel as if he is still missing and I must remind myself that he is safe in Rohan. I desperately want us to be close to each other again. He is my only blood family now.”

“I am sure you will be together again. He must do what he feels is right for the moment and he is needed in your homeland. Give it time and you will be with him again. I only knew him briefly, but I can’t help but feel he is a brother to me also, though you are our connecting factor.”

Terrwyn sighed. “Maybe someday, that is always the answer.”

“Yes, and look at us. We said ‘maybe someday’ we would be together and here we are. “’Maybe someday’ you would get to see my woodland home and that is exactly where we are now.”

“Again, you are right.” She laughed. “I will say ‘maybe someday’ a thousand times if it means seeing my brother soon.”

With that last comment, an idea etched itself into Feredir’s mind. He tucked it safely away for tomorrow and scooped Terrwyn into his arms. “I know of one thing we no longer have to wait for,” he growled in her ear as he rolled on top of her, his naked body already thrumming for her attention.

“Oh Feredir,” she moaned as he wasted no time plunging into her depths.

* * *

The next day while Terrwyn was off to report to Master Remlas for another grueling day, Feredir paid his mother a visit at her office. It was time to set his newfound idea into motion. “How close are we to the ceremony and feast?” he asked after they said their greetings.

“Well, maybe closer than we think. Why do you ask?” Laveth said curiously.

“There is someone who I think must be here that day. Terrwyn’s brother remained behind in Rohan. I want to send correspondence and have him come here as soon as he can.”

“That is a long journey and didn’t you say he was injured?” Laveth asked.

“Terrwyn received a letter stating he was in good health. She misses him, Mother. I think he should be here. Hathmund is her only living family,” Feredir pleaded.

“This may not sit well with Thranduil. He still keeps his lands closed to outsiders.”

“That is why I come to you now. Speak with him and I am sure he will understand the importance of this visit.”

Laveth smiled. “Put together a letter that I can show to the King and I will speak with him.” Feredir gave her a hug and dashed off to find a scribe.

* * *

Another month had passed in Eryn Lasgalen. Terrwyn continued her work with Master Remlas and was becoming quite an experienced healer. He would not admit to it, but Terrwyn impressed him. Of course, she had previously studied under Master Curuven, but Remlas considered his form of teachings to be rather lenient. Remlas pushed Terrwyn as far as he could, challenging her often and pointing out her mistakes quickly. He was not the easiest person to get along with, but Terrwyn managed and saved her venting for Feredir or whichever elf was willing to hear her complaints. It helped and the others did not seem to mind.

When she was not busy with the Master Healer, she spent time with Horphen’s sister, Irneth. They had developed quite a friendly bond and became very close. Now the elleth was in the process of teaching Terrwyn simple elvish so that she could communicate better with those who did not speak the common tongue. Most did not in Eryn Lasgalen. Having no dealings with outsiders for many long years, they had no reason to speak anything other than Sindarin. There was the exception, those who needed to communicate with other realms for the good of the city. Terrwyn found herself associating with these elves more than other’s and at first did not see a reason to learn more than the simple elvish words to help her get along in Eryn Lasgalen. As Irneth taught her about elvish customs and rituals, Terrwyn began to realize she needed to know more than she thought. One reason was that no elvish wedding had ever been spoken in any language but for that of the elves and one very important part of the ceremony were the vows between the bride and groom. She decided she too needed to do this. She was, after all, half elvish and she had come to accept that recently. It was time to grasp that side of her she had yet to become familiar with and live fully as she was meant to. There would always be unanswered questions about her true heritage and never knowing who her elvish relatives were was a distraction at times. She knew nothing of her elvish father except that he was handsome and tall, blond hair, blue eyes. That described most elves in Eryn Lasgalen alone. Then there was Lothlorien and Rivendell. Terrwyn accepted the fact that she would never know, his secrets vanishing along with her mother when she died as well as with the elf himself as he sailed so long ago.

While Terrwyn went about her busy days, Feredir divided his time between Orthorien and his mother. Orthorien liked to show his young brother the changes Eryn Lasgalen had put in place since Feredir left his home. The older warrior shared strategies and other military maneuvers with him, all very helpful and some could be incorporated into the Ithilien army. Feredir would remember these things and bring them back with him, if that day would ever come. For now, Eryn Lasgalen was his home. He was glad to be back, but it was not the same as Ithilien. In Gondor, he had established himself where in Eryn Lasgalen he felt held back in a way. He had not advanced very far in the army before he set out on his own and so he did not feel he could participate with the other soldiers here. The dark haired elf discovered that Ithilien had become his real home where he felt comfortable, useful. He often wished he and Terrwyn could go back as soon as the ceremony was done, but for one factor. He would not leave until his mother was ready to sail. He had promised her once that he would be there for her and he meant to keep it.

Feredir could already see signs of his mother’s longing. She seemed to daydream more lately. Sometimes he would catch her outside of the palace, her face tilted to the wind, an assenting smile upon her lovely face. Their secret lands were calling her home. It saddened his heart to think of this day. Laveth was an important figure in his life. His mother helped shape him and make him who he was today. Still, he knew his mother looked forward to it. She would be happy to dwell with those who had gone before her and that gave Feredir comfort. He had recently discussed this with Orthorien and they both agreed that she was likely to sail soon after the wedding ceremony. Word reached Eryn Lasgalen of a ship leaving by summer’s end. Laveth would need to set out soon if she was to make it there in time. She had not said anything yet, but both of her sons sensed that this would be the opportunity she was waiting for.

“And what will you do then?” Orthorien asked as he and Feredir visited.

“Once Mother leaves, Terrwyn and I will return to Ithilien.”

“Are you sure you would not rather stay here? I could use your talent, Feredir and not just as a soldier. I am in need of a new captain. You would be in charge of the troops in the east, all of them. They would be under your command.”

Feredir was surprised by his brother’s offer. “You strike a hard bargain, Orthorien. This is something I have always wanted.” He took a sip of his wine and contemplated the proposal. “But I cannot abandon my position in Ithilien. I have worked long and hard to get there and to maintain my standing with Captain Glandur.” He swirled the wine in his glass and laughed to himself. “It’s funny isn’t it. When I left Eryn Lasgalen, I was running away. Now I return to Ithilien of my own free will, because it is where I feel I belong.”

“It is your true calling, brother,” Orthorien said as he poured more wine. They sat back in their chairs by the fire and let the quiet and calm seize their minds and souls.

“So, the ceremony is in a few short days. Is everything set?” Orthorien asked.

“There is only one matter left, the arrival of Terrwyn’s brother. If everything goes as planned, he will be here in the next day or two.”

“And you have not told Terrwyn?”

“I want this to be a surprise. Besides, if she knew Hathmund was coming she would be too distracted to concentrate on the final preparations. Do not worry, brother. It will all work out.”

Orthorien creased his brows. “And if he is delayed and you have to postpone the ceremony, she will definitely become suspicious.”

Feredir laughed. “I’ll just tell her I need a little more time . . . cold feet . . . you know.”

“And your lifeless body will be sent back to Ithilien,” Orthorien jested.

“Either that or certain parts of my anatomy will be missing,” teased Feredir in return.

The brothers shared in a laugh, something they did more of these days. Then Orthorien’s eyes fell upon his young brother. “You have come far, Feredir and I am proud of you. I wish you would stay, but I understand your reason for leaving and I respect that. I will miss you though.”

Feredir nodded and smiled into his wine glass. “I will miss you too, Orthorien.”

That was all they needed to say to each other. The unspoken words left mingling in the air were well understood between the brothers.
- 64
- 65
- 66
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