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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
- 68
- 69
- 70
Chapter 69 - Motherly Advice

“She is leaving so soon?” Terrwyn cried at the news Feredir had just given her about his mother. “But it has only been a few months since the wedding. I thought she would stay longer, much longer.”

“This day has been coming for a long time now, Terrwyn. The next ship will be leaving soon and she has decided to sail,” Feredir said, calming his wife.

Terrwyn hung her head. “I know this. I have known it for a while now, but I just thought--. Laveth has been wonderful to me and I love her as I love my own mother. It saddens my heart to see her go now.”

“There are still a couple weeks before she must make the journey, still some time left to spend together. Trust me, I am just as weakened by the news, even though I knew this day would arrive soon. My mother has always been the strength in our family and I will miss her greatly, but this is a joyous time too. She is answering the call and going home. Every elf longs for the comforts of the blessed realm eventually. She will be welcomed with open arms and surrounded by the Valar’s love for the return of their children.”

“You make it sound wondrous.”

“That’s what I have been told at least,” he continued. “So do not despair another moment more for my mother’s parting, but rather celebrate her homecoming.”

Feredir held Terrwyn’s arm as they walked through the gardens outside of the palace. Today was her day off from training and she always spent it outside in the fresh forest air with her husband taking long walks or romantic picnics.

They stopped next to a very large oak tree and Feredir leaned his back against it, looking up into its canopy. He was acting rather peculiar.

“Well, what is it?” she demanded. “I can always tell when you have something weighing on your mind.”

“Orthorien and I are going to escort the next company of elves who set out for Lindon, since Mother will be among them.” His head lowered back down to meet her countenance, waiting for her response.

“You are leaving? For how long?”

“My guess is three weeks, maybe a few days more . We only escort them to the outermost borders of the forest, not for the entire journey, but the elves travel slowly on foot. Horses carry supplies, not people.”

“Oh,” she answered softly, unaware of any of this. Since arriving in Eryn Lasgalen, she had not been without Feredir, at least not more than a day.

“Will you be alright?” he asked, tilting her head up as his fingers touched her chin.

Terrwyn wasn’t sure why she was worried and shoved those feeling to the deepest part of her mind. She smiled. “I will be quite fine. I’m sure Remlas will keep me busy and Irneth will probably move into our home while you are gone,” she laughed.

“As long as she is gone when I return. I want a proper welcome home from you,” he said with a wink.

“Is that right?” she questioned as she leaned against him, his back still to the tree. “Maybe you should leave more often.”

“Hmm,” he moaned against her neck. “Maybe we will start with a proper sendoff first.” He nipped at her neck and then lower. It would be late before they came back from their ‘walk’.

* * *

Terrwyn stood at the gates with Feredir, Orthorien and Laveth. Today was the day the company of elves left for Lindon. Horphen and Irneth were there to say their goodbyes too. From here, Feredir and Orthorien would leave and guard the group until they reached the borders.

Terrwyn went to Laveth and hugged her tight. “You have made me feel so comfortable, Laveth. Thank you for all that you have done. I am going to miss you so much.”

Laveth released her and captured her attention. “I love you as I love my own flesh and blood. You are a very lovely and determined young woman. I know my son is in good hands with you by his side. Take care of each other and live your lives to the fullest. Enjoy what Middle-earth has to offer.” She leaned towards Terrwyn to whisper quietly. “And have lots of little elflings.”

Terrwyn blushed and giggled at Laveth’s boldness. Then she stepped aside to allow the others to give their send-off.

Horphen and Irneth hugged her and gave their well wishes along with a farewell message from the rest of their family. Laveth thanked them and promised they would meet again someday. She gave them each a bit of motherly advice, something she had always done in the past, then went to join the rest of the travelers.

Horphen patted Feredir on the shoulder. “We’ll see you back here soon, my friend. Stay safe and don’t get into too much trouble. Remember, I am not there to drag you from danger,” he said companionably.

Feredir laughed and gave his friend a good punch in the arm. Then on a more serious note he added, “Keep an eye on Terrwyn. I know she will be fine on her own, but it will make me feel better to know she has friends around her.”

“Don’t worry. As usual, I will not let anything happen to her,” Horphen answered.

While the two friends spoke, Orthorien advanced upon Irneth who decided to stay away from the others to let them have their moments alone. He strolled up to her, a mischievous look on his face. Irneth immediately crossed her arms in a protective stance, but she did not back down from him either.

“Will you miss me?” he asked with an air of arrogant teasing.

“Of course not. As a matter of fact, Eryn Lasgalen will be much safer with you gone, or at least the women will be,” she answered. “We will not have to watch our backsides.”

Orthorien leaned to the side and looked behind Irneth. “One of their best attributes.”

“You are a pig, you know that?”

As he stood back up, he whispered near her ear. “Oink.”

Irneth let his foolishness roll off her instead of playing into his bantering, as she was usually coaxed into doing.

“Are you sure you are not ready now, Irneth? You could join the travelers to Lindon and we could fulfill that promise we made at Feredir’s wedding.”

“Quite sure, thank you. And as I remember, there was something in the clause about ‘last ellon on earth’. Last I looked there were many, many elves left to choose from.”

“Very well then, have it your way,” Orthorien laughed. He was about to leave, but stopped and turned once more. Irneth was sure he had at least one more brazen thing to say. Instead, he looked less pompous and more humble. “I know you and Terrwyn have become good friends. Just make sure she’s alright while Feredir is gone.”

Irneth was surprised by his concern. Maybe there really was some part of Orthorien that was not a warg, she thought and smiled slightly. “You know I will. She’ll be just fine. And you do the same for Feredir.”

Orthorien laughed. “Ai, the children are all grown but we still worry for them don’t we?”

Irneth actually laughed aloud at his silly comment then threw her hand over her mouth lest someone thought she found Orthorien funny. She shook her head, still giggling quietly and physically turned the warrior around, shoving him towards his duty. “Go on now. They will be wanting to leave. Stay safe.”

Orthorien walked to where his mother stood with the others. As he did, he looked back over his shoulder to find Irneth watching him. She looked away quickly, hoping he did not notice. The ellon laughed to himself. Perhaps she was just the slightest bit interested in him. So far, his teasing seemed to strike a chord with her and if he played his game flawlessly, he just might have her again as he did when they were younger.

Terrwyn and Feredir held each other, her head upon his chest as he kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him. “I’ll miss you while you are away.”

“I’ll miss you too, Naru. It won’t be long and I’ll be home.”

“I know you will and I’m sure I’ll be very busy in the meantime.” She kissed him once more. “Be careful, my husband.”

Feredir cupped the side of her face before putting his gloves on. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she said with only a glimmer of a tear in her eyes. “Now go. Orthorien is waiting.” She had noticed the warrior watching his brother and looking a little anxious to be on their way. Feredir joined the rest of the group and they were off, crossing the bridge as they exited the safety of Eryn Lasgalen’s gates.

* * *

After a brief hiatus, Terrwyn went back to working with Master Remlas and enjoyed it very much, even with his harsh criticisms. He was tough on her because he knew she could handle it. All of this would be well worth it when she returned to Ithilien. Terrwyn planned on helping Master Curuven more, allowing him extra time to spend with Limil. This was the least she could do to repay them for all the kindness they showed her.

Terrwyn was helping Remlas prepare some medicines. The workroom was quiet and the healing house was even more so. Today, her only patients were an elfling boy with a sprained ankle and a cook with a burned hand. The boy would spend the night and the cook could leave as soon as she finished the medicine she was making. Of course, it would have been easier and faster to use the salve that was already prepared, but Remlas wanted her to make up a fresh batch. He said it was practice for her, in times when salve was not handy. He even timed her as he peered around her shoulder, keeping a close eye on her choice of herbs and preparation. When she was done, she smiled at her teacher. Remlas kept a straight face, picked up the jar, sniffed it and dabbed his fingertip in it, swirling it around between this forefinger and thumb as he checked for the correct consistency. He nodded his approval and pointed to the door. Terrwyn went out to see her patient so she could bandage him up and get him on his way. When she was finished, she came back to the workroom, quite pleased with herself. Remlas was busy at his desk and did not look up from his work. She was a little disappointed that he had not commented on her technique, critical or not. Well, what did she expect? Remlas did not hand out praise easily. Still, she thought she had worked very hard and did particularly well with the salve. Terrwyn felt comfortable with it so she gave herself praise for a job well done and went back to work.

After a while, Remlas finished whatever it was he was doing and leaned back in his chair, stretching his muscles. He looked over to the young Rohirrim woman, studying her a moment before he spoke. Terrwyn was one of the most resilient students he’d ever worked with. She was very bright and a quick learner, but most importantly, she loved her work. The patients who came in always left happy and well taken care of. And those who came back for whatever reason were always glad to see her again and to have her help.

“So, Feredir will be away for a while I hear,” Remlas said starting a conversation, not one of his strong points.

“Oh, yes,” she answered, surprised by his sudden interest. “Three, maybe four weeks.”

“He escorts his mother to the borders. I knew she was leaving soon, but I hadn’t known it would be now.”

“I was a little surprised too, but Feredir says she has been longing for some time now.”

“It will happen for every elf eventually,” he added.

“Some say that you heard the call too, but chose to ignore it,” Terrwyn went on. Since Remlas started the conversation, she figured she’d see how far she could take it and maybe learn a little more about her teacher.

“Yes, I heard the call a long time ago. I heard it when I lost my wife, but despair was stronger than the longing. Eventually, I decided to just go, but . . . well, some things change and I did not feel the urgency, so I stayed.”

Terrwyn was surprised he said as much as he did. Remlas was very quiet about his personal life. She decided it was best not to ask any more questions.

“Well now, since Feredir’s mother is leaving what are your plans? Will you stay in Eryn Lasgalen?” Remlas asked, changing the subject back to her.

“It is a wondrous place and I have enjoyed my time here. It has been wonderful getting to know everyone, a dream come true you could say. Still, my heart belongs in Ithilien. It is where I was given a second chance and I feel I owe my gratitude to the city as well as those who supported me. Feredir feels the same. He has made a name for himself in their elvish army and I believe they await his return.”

The room became silent again except for the sound of a pot bubbling away on the stove. Finally, Remlas broke the silence with a surprising compliment. “Ithilien will be lucky to have you amongst their healers. You have done well.”

“Thank you, Remlas,” she said without turning to face him. She knew how difficult it was for him to give praise and decided not to make a noticeable scene.

“Besides, I think I have corrected all of those quirks that Master Curuven taught you. Hmph, Master! Never thought I’d see the day.” This last part Remlas said under his breath. “He was quite a difficult student once he set his eyes upon Limil. Always daydreaming that one, but he soon learned that if he wanted to capture her heart he would have to do well at his schooling also. Limil is Noldor and they do not marry for love alone. She needed to know that he was serious about his studies and so he straightened up and I did not have to dismiss him from my class.”

Terrwyn was amused to think of Limil scolding Curuven, but she also knew of their great love for each other. “Even if Curuven chose to quit medicine and live in a cave, I do not think Limil would have abandoned him,” she commented, thinking of her recent conversation with Feredir and taking up residence in a dark damp hole in the ground. She laughed. “Love will always find a way to draw someone in, steady their feet and keep them bound.”

Remlas looked across the room to Terrwyn, watching her work, the way she held her posture, the way she always had a smile upon her lips, the sensibility of her thoughts. She was a Rohirrim, true enough, but there was something unmistakably elvish about her. “Ai, that is does, young one. That it does,” he agreed.

* * *

After a slow journey, Feredir, Orthorien and Laveth arrived with the others at the outermost borders of Thranduil’s realm. From here, the elvish company would continue west, finishing their campaign at the shores of the Gulf of Lune. Some would take up residence in Lindon and wait for loved ones to join them. Others would set sail on the next ship. Many elves did not leave right away, but lived in the seaside town. They were more reluctant to leave, the longing not being loud to their ears just yet. Being so close to the sea at the westernmost point and the last elvish haven in Middle-earth, they felt closer to their far off home. It made their hearts rest so that they could enjoy these last days, weeks or years before leaving for Valinor. Most found it to be a very enjoyable place to dwell and worked as well as lived in Lindon. Each elf would go when they were ready and this place gave them peace and comfort among others of the same mind.

Feredir and Orthorien spent these last few moments with their mother. She reminisced with them, reminding them of where they came from, who brought them into the world and to make sure they each followed out their purpose. Then she took each one aside and spoke to them.

“Behave yourself,” she started as she spoke first with Orthorien. “You have a lot going for you. You are handsome and strong, a great warrior and caring when you want to be. Find someone, Orthorien. Find someone who will tame that wild soul of yours. And when you do, never let go. It will take a special person to know how to be with you and love you for all that you are. Ever have you been a difficult ellon.” She pulled him to her and surrounded him with her arms. “And I love you very much. Keep safe my son. I will be on the shores waiting for you when you come home.”

“I love you too, Mother. I may not have told you this before, but every lesson, every word of advice I have taken with me. If I have ever disappointed you, then I am sorry. And now that you are sailing, I will look to your words even more often.”

A few more words between mother and son, and Orthorien stepped aside to let Feredir say goodbye. Laveth cupped his face with her hands and smiled as she looked into his bright eyes. “You have made me so proud, Feredir. Even with so many obstacles before you, you have matured into such a wonderful man and elf.”

“You taught me to change,” Feredir told his mother.

“I taught you to recognize when change was necessary,” she corrected him. “The rest you did on your own with no help from me.” Laveth paused and smiled to herself. “It is very fitting that you and Terrwyn should cross paths, don’t you think? You are unique, both of you. During one brief meeting between lost souls, you were both created as if you were supposed to be on this earth to find each other. It is almost as if neither one of you should have existed, but at the last moment, the Valar blessed each of you with life.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way before,” Feredir wondered aloud.

“Just keep that in mind when it comes time for you and Terrwyn to decide what path to follow, now and in the future,” Laveth smiled. She reached out her arms, calling both sons to her and the three of them held each other one last time.

Orthorien and Feredir stood just at the forest’s edge, watching the elves slowly make their way west. As they walked, they sang a lament, their voices carrying on the breeze and reaching the brothers’ ears. When they could not see the elves anymore, they mounted their horses and turned for home. Neither one spoke for a very long time, each left to their own to dwell on their mother’s words. When the forest path opened up wide enough to ride abreast, Orthorien urged his horse to move up alongside Feredir.

“I guess it won’t be long now before Terrwyn and I return to Ithilien,” Feredir mentioned. “We will miss Eryn Lasgalen. It is always good to come home.”

“And it was good having you home again, brother, but I know where your heart lies. You belong in Ithilien with men and elves. It is who you are, and Terrwyn too for that matter. Besides, the army there needs you.” Orthorien paused a moment and fell back behind Feredir when the path narrowed. “I assume Horphen will travel back with you?” he asked.

“Yes, last I heard he was. There are a few others that will make the journey with us.” Feredir laughed. “Horphen has become an official Ithilien recruiter I believe.”

“Are any of his family going?” Orthorien asked curiously, but trying not to sound it.

“I wouldn’t think so. Two of them are planning to marry and I doubt they would leave.”

“And Irneth?”

The path opened back up and this time, Feredir slowed to let Orthorien come up beside him. “Why the sudden interest in Horphen’s sisters?”

Orthorien smiled nervously. “No reason at all.”

Feredir regarded his brother a moment and saw the slightest quirk. Whenever Orthorien was fishing for information and did not want anyone to know, his head tilted slightly to one side. It was nothing anyone would have noticed, but for Feredir it was like a beacon. “Oh, so it’s not his sisters, just Irneth you want to know about isn’t it?”

Orthorien said nothing at first, trying to think of a way out of this conversation. He should have known better than to ask in the first place. “I know how close Horphen is to Irneth and I was only wondering.”

Feredir laughed. “Forget it, Orthorien. She despises you or have you forgotten how poorly you treated her. No elleth would give you a second chance after you used her like that.”

“And how do you know about that? Irneth and I happened before you were born,” he said on the defensive.

“You used to brag to your friends about an elleth who you so cleverly stole her innocence from. You did not think I was listening, but I heard your stories, though I’m sure you added your own flare to them,” Feredir answered.

“You don’t know that it was Irneth. I never gave her name away when I spoke of it,” Orthorien retaliated.

“You didn’t have to. Over the years I noticed how Irneth was the only one who would go out of her way not to have to walk by you. Or when we would enter the dining hall and she was there, she would abandon a full plate of food just so she didn’t have to be in the same room as you. Irneth always avoided you like a disease.”

“So you noticed that too,” Orthorien mumbled.

“And do not think that I didn’t take note of the fact that you shared a dance at my wedding. I think that is the first time she did not disappear at the sight of you,” Feredir went on.

“I knew she would not leave the ceremony,” Orthorien admitted. “Well, it was all for naught. She still hates me. Besides, there are plenty of other’s who would come to my bed. I care nothing for Irneth and after that dance I’ve found that she cares nothing for me either.”

Feredir went on. “It is a shame though, I do like Irneth. She is very beautiful is she not, with her long flaxen hair and the touch of crimson that always colors her cheeks? And she is very intelligent too. She is nothing like the ellith that you usually chase after. You know what I think? Irneth poses as a challenge for you. I think you are becoming bored with all of the others, the young beauties who just want to claim that they have been in your bed. They all throw themselves at your feet and that is too easy for you. Irneth is the only elleth that will not stand and listen to your charming words and that is what attracts you to her. I saw a slight twinkle in her eye before we parted on this journey. There just may be hope for you yet, dear brother.”

Orthorien did not like when someone knew more of his business than himself. Brother or no, it was too personal. Time to change the subject, he thought. “So, how soon will you be leaving for Ithilien?” he asked a little too eagerly.

Feredir laughed aloud. “Alright, I will not mention it again. Have your fun then. Enjoy your liaisons. You will never change, Orthorien.” Maybe for the first time, Feredir had one over on his brother. The smooth talking elf was left without some snide remark. It felt good to be in this overshadowing position for once. Of course, he would not bring it up again or use it against Orthorien, but this bit of power could be useful should the need ever arrive.

Not another word was spoken about Orthorien’s love life and the two settled back into their quiet thoughts. A few more days and they would be back at the palace.
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Journey Of A Butterfly