Ithilion

Part 2


He knew they were still talking to him, but he didn’t listen anymore. For some moments, the world around him ceased existing.
A child – Celeborn’s child! What did this mean for him? Could he bring up a child? No, he didn’t want that. He couldn’t care for an elfling – could he? A child! A bastard! Everyone would call it just that! A bastard....
And how would Celeborn react? Would he accept this little being in his family? No – surely he wouldn’t do that. But then again, hadn’t he just lost his only child Celebrian in an orc attack some years ago?
But Galadriel? No, she could never accept this child...What would he do now... The young elf was full of despair.

“Melpomaen!” Galadriel touched his shoulders and shook the young elf slightly. “Melpomaen – have you heard, what I said?”
Melpomaen woke from his trance like state and looked at his lady. There had been a change in her face. Her normaly warm and sparkling eyes now shone like two cold ice crystals, her lips were pressed together thight.
“I’m sorry, my Lady!” Melpomaen said. “I – I was just lost in my thoughts for a moment. Maybe you can repeat...?”
“I said that you have to leave the Golden wood!”
Melpomaen’s eyes became wide.
“But, my Lady – where should I go. The golden wood is my home.”
“You were allowed to stay here for a while, yes – but you are not at home here. You do not belong here and I won’t have my husbands bastard running around in Caras Galadhon!”
“I – I will tell no one, whose child this is... please, let me stay!”
“Don’t you think my husband would recognize his own child? No, you cannot stay here, you must leave!”
“But where do I go?”
“My Lady, “ the healer tried to intervene, “don’t you want to think this over? You know how dangerous a male pregnancy can be. Who will care for him, when the time has come? He needs a healer at the birth!”
“I don’t care. If you care for him that much, you can leave with him!”
“You know, I cannot do this. My wife and my daughters...”
“Howsoever – that’s my decision. You will leave us, Melpomaen - on this very day! Start to pack your belongings. I’ll send one of my marchwardens later to accompany you to the borders!”
With that, Galadriel turned and left.
Melpomaen sat on the cot completely in shock. The healer gently touched his arm and he looked up and saw pity in the other elfs eyes.
“She’s hurt because of her husbands infidelity. Go to Celeborn, my young friend. Tell him that you carry his child – he won’t cast you out!”
Melpomaen took some moments to think about that, but then he came to a decision.
“No! I do not want him to go against his wifes wishes. I already betrayed his trust, because now she knows, he had been with me. I will leave Lorien... “
The healer wanted to reply something but Melpomaen silenced him with a gesture.
“No, my friend. I made up my mind. I will go. I know how humans treat a whore, when she is pregnant and I should be thankful, I don’t live with them. The lady is right to send me away. I know, she didn’t want me here in the first place... no one wants a whore. And no one wants a little bastard child. I won’t burden my Lord Celeborn with that. I’ll leave!”
“You will need help, when time for you comes to give birth to your child. Maybe you can try to find Lord Gildor. There are some healers among his wanderers...”
Melpomaen’s features flinched at the mention of that particular name, but it made sense to him. He really should try to find Gildor and travel with him again. Maybe he would show mercy with him and allow Melpomaen to stay until his child was born.

***

Back in his talan, Melpomaen packed some of his belongings. He regretted that he would have to leave his books behind. Just a small one full of poetry of the first age he would take with him... He couldn’t burden himself with heavy pack. So he stuffed some clothes, his brush and soap and a warm blanket in a bag, and bound his dagger, the only weapon he posessed, and the pouch, filled with the money, he had put aside over the years, to his waistbelt.
A knock at is door announced the arrival of the lady’s marchwarden. Melpomaen opened and found Haldir standing at the threshold of his talan.
“Ah, my sweet little Melpomaen – I heard you will leave us today. What a pity... Whom do I ask for those special ‘services’ now? Well, however – I’m here to escort you to the border of Lorien. If you would please follow me now!”
Melpomaen followed Haldir with his head bowed. He knew the Galadhrim, knew him well for Haldir had been one of his customers. In all those years, he had asked often for the young elves ‘services’, but always, he had treated him badly. Haldir seemed to enjoy to see others in pain. //What a pleasure it must be for him to be the one to cast me out!// Melpomaen thought.
When they walked through the city, the young healer, Deleros, suddenly appeared in front of them.
“Marchwarden Haldir – I have to talk to Melpomaen before you leave. In private.” he said with determination.
“Three minutes, not one second longer – understand?” the marchwarden hissed and walked some steps away.
“My friend, are you still sure, you do not want to talk with Lord Celeborn?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I’ll thank you for your concern though.”
“Ok, here, take this!” the healer handed him a pouch. “You may feel sick in the mornings – chew these herbs then. It may help you a little. Make sure you eat enough, that’s most important. You have to keep up your strenght. When you start to show, avoid confrontations with humans or hide your condition. You cannot know, how they would react upon seeing a pregnant male elf!”
Melpomaen nodded.
“You should also keep in mind to protect your belly from blows or anything like that. Don’t carry heavy things around – and whenever you feel tired, find yourself a safe place and rest. I can tell that your time will come, when winter is upon us. You will need someone around, when you give birth, someone, who has at least some experience in delivering a child.”
“I’ll try and do as you say.”
“I wish I could do more for you! Send word when your child is born – let me know if you are well.”
The young elf nodded. Haldir approached them again and Melpomaen quickly said:
“I’ll have to go now. Thank you! For everything you did. I will not forget your kindness. Never.”
With that, Melpomaen bowed quickly and left the healer standing alone.

***

He had followed Haldir for some hours and now the border was near.
“So, my duty ends here now.” He handed Melpomaen a small bag, he had carried. “Proviant. Lembas, a filled waterskin... the Lady don’t want you to starve. I have no idea, what you have done to displease her...”
He gazed at Melpomaen, maybe expecting an explanation, but the young elf stayed silent.
“Anyway, “ Haldir said, “I’m not to question my Lady’s orders. You are to leave these woods and never return here again. But maybe you want to grant me your service one last time?”
And Haldir grabbed Melpomaen at his waist and pressed his lips upon the younger elf mouth. Melpomaen struggeld and could break free. He slapped the marchwarden hard in the face. Haldir held his lip, that started to bleed at once.
“You should better go now very quick, before I forget myself. GO! No, you’d better RUN!”
And that was exactly what Melpomaen did. He ran through the woods, blinded by his own tears, that were now flowing freely until he had left the Golden wood behind.


Tbc.

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Maelle: hope you like this chapter as well. I'm sorry, but a soon update is sometimes not possible - I had to much 'real life', urgh! I'll try to be quicker next time, just for you....


Everyone who read this - hope you enjoyed it... So, drop me a line, yes? *grin*


Greetings,

Githoniel