The Music in My Heart
folder
Lord of the Rings Movies › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
3,785
Reviews:
11
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Lord of the Rings Movies › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
3,785
Reviews:
11
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings book series and movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 33 Rosemary for Remembrance
Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 33
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating:.PG-13, but rating will increase in future chapters
Warning: AU (Story set 770 years after ROTK); Slash and het.
Feedback: This is my first fanfic, so constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive:
Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Alex Cat for her help in betaing this fic. Thanks also to Lady Victoria for her comments and support.
Disclaimer: Any of the residents of Middle-earth and Aman that you recognize belong to Prof. Tolkien’s estate. The same is true about Middle-earth and Aman. I’m only visiting and admiring the “views”.
Summary: Sauron may be gone, but his legacy of evil still lingers. As Middle-earth faces the threat of another dark lord, a party of elves departs Aman on a mission for the Valar, a mission of mercy long delayed.
Chapter 33 --- Rosemary for Remembrance
"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance-pray you, love, remember."
William Shakespeare
*****
Elrond paused at the doorway leading into the apothecary of the Healing House. His heart began to race at the sight of Seere standing before the herb drying ranks, sorting their contents. The morning light lent a soft golden glow to her skin and caused the kindred tones in her hair to blaze brightly against the deep auburn of her tresses. The loose cotton tunic of deep purple she was wearing molded to her breasts, as she lifted her arms and retrieved a bundle of dried rosemary from over her head. The cloth of her black leggings clung to her hips and legs, clearly outlining their lush shape as she strained to free the bundle from a snarled bit of twine used to secure the bundles for drying.
/Ai! She is glorious! My senses did not need another reminder of how enticing she is. I still remember my reminder from last night quite well!/
Taking a deep breath to get his reactions under control, he took a moment to study Seere. /Over seven-thousand years old and I have butterflies in my stomach at the thought of seeing her; an elleth of less than one-thousand no less! Eru is indeed a comedian and I am far too nervous to laugh!*/
Needing a moment to settle his emotions, Elrond leaned against the doorframe and watched Seere tug at the herb bundle. /How to get her to talk to me of things she would prefer to avoid? That tells me much in itself; those dreams trouble her and she is unsure of my reaction, I suspect. I must tread softly here, but keep enough pressure on her to encourage her to talk./
/Discussing her dreams is, however, not my main objective this day. I need to confirm if she shares my affections. How do I find out if she is truly agreeable to my courtship? Ai! Who would believe Elrond Peredhel unsure of how to pursue a courtship with a much younger elleth and is at a loss for words, no less! No one that has sat through one of my council meetings, I am sure,/ he thought, smiling at his unexpected predicament.
Pushing away from the door, Elrond entered the room and offered, “Quel amrun, Seere. How fair you this morning?” (Good morning)
Startled, Seere let out a gasp and dropped the bundle of rosemary onto the worktable as she spun to face the smiling elf lord. “Ai! Elrond! I did not hear you arrive. Quel amrun to you as well.”
/Oh my! He looks so handsome this morning! He is wearing that burgundy tunic I like so much. He looks so strong and viral dressed like this! The color brings out the deep red tones to his black hair. It makes his eyes… Ai! What are you doing, you fool? Quite daydreaming, for he is standing there looking at you as if you have lost your reason!/
Turning quickly back to the drying herbs, she began to chatter about the quality of the herbs and the quantities available for collection in the herb garden. She missed the pleased and hopeful spark that sprang to life in the silver eyes she had been admiring. He had seen her regard and felt renewed confidence that he would have a positive outcome as a result of their coming talk.
Smiling at her back, he moved to join her at the worktable and gently retrieved the bundle of herbs from her clinched fingers before they were crushed beyond use, the rich scent of rosemary drifting around them. “Since you have already identified what herbs we need to harvest from the garden, I will make a list of the wild plants we will need to gather. While I am doing that, perhaps you could select baskets, twine, and gloves for us to use. Also a couple of pairs of shears and small trowels should be all we need. Oh, perhaps some squares of cloth to bundle rootballs should we find samples we wish to add to the garden.”
Picking up the list she had begun, he began to review the available stock of herbs and noted items in short supply, as well as, items not currently stocked that he would like to find in the woods and along the riverbanks. As he wrote, he commented, “I asked the kitchens to pack us a lunch. I expect the necessary gathering will take many days and we will be out until dark if we are to make a good start today. Lindir will bring it to us in the herb garden before we leave for the woods.”
*****
They spent a companionable few hours in the herb garden pruning and tending the medicinal plants growing there. Both had an affinity for growing plants of all types, but both found special joy in the work associated to the care of these vital cultivars. Elrond had invested a great deal of time in the early years of Imladris gathering the root stock for most of the plants growing in the medicinal garden. The varying life spans of these plants required yearly reseeding, rooting of cuttings, and regular tending for a garden to survive for thousands of years. He was pleased to see this space had been properly maintained during his absence, the soil rich and properly amended.
Elrond was intrigued to find several new varieties of various plants, as well as, a couple of plants he did not recognize. Studying one such plant in the bed before him, he noted it had the spicy scent commonly associated to sage and that the leaves had the hallmark elongated oval shape. /But sage is not purple./
Looking up to see if Seere was close, he found her standing a dozen feet away selecting leaves from an ancient bay laurel. “Seere? Is this sage? If so, how did we come by a purple-leaved variety?”
A brilliant smile lit her face as she turned to face him. “That is Imladrian purple sage. Órecalo and I developed it almost two hundred years ago from our old variety, crossed with several varieties we got from Mirkwood, Gondor, and the Shire. It took us several decades to get the color to stay true. The color intensifies the potency of the leaf threefold and is far more effective in treating delirium caused by fever, than any of the green varieties I have seen. We have several large beds of it sown on the western terrace, along with the other medicinal herbs we now sell. It is highly prized by our customers and brings a fine return.”
Turning back to the bay laurel, she continued, “We still plant some of each of the root stock to keep them viable should we need to strengthen the purple strain and they are still useful to have for certain tonics and ointments, as well as, for culinary use. Also, the oils I make from each have subtle differences and have many uses as do their dried forms.”
“Your father has briefed me on our sale of medicinal herbs, but I have not had time to explore the new gardens you have developed. He indicated medicinals are an important revenue source these days. I have not had an opportunity to visit the western terrace. What else are we growing there?” Elrond asked, pleased to have found a topic of conversation that interested them both and one that put Seere at ease.
“We grow all of the herbs we have here in this garden… if not on the western terrace where most of our new beds are planted, then in a number of outlying sites. We decided to offer a full range of herbs, hoping to benefit from the reputation Imladris has with healers. Many trained healers practicing in Middle-earth today studied here and are familiar with our medicinals. Added to that, we have found that this valley produces higher potency plants than many other locations, so we offer a very good value to our customers. I think that is a lasting legacy of Vilya as I can still feel her magic. In any case, our annual sales continue to grow and represent, along with the fees we receive from training perspective healers, a very significant part of annual revenues.”
Elrond sat back on his heels to listen to her answer, intrigued by her comment that she could feel Vilya’s magic. /You are indeed Mithrandir’s granddaughter! I thought I was the only one that could still feel her magic./ Deciding to save that topic for another time, he asked, “How was it possible for the small number of eldar that lived here in recent years to do all of this?”
Reaching up to push a loose strand of hair behind her ears, she mused, “It is a large operation to be sure. Ada told me such was long your dream, but events kept you from having the time to undertake the effort.”
Seeing his nod of acknowledgement, she continued. “Since herbs, mushrooms, and bees do not require the amount of labor to tend as row or orchard crops, we have been able to do them with our reduced population. Órecalo, Celeborn, and I did much of the work initially with help from Ada, Elrohir, and the students studying to be healers... we made it part of their mandatory training and conscripted their labor!” she smirked. “Azeriel joined us after she arrived last year. Still, it is a blessing to have quite a few of the returned elves working with us now. Ada has also found many farmers from among the refugees.”
“As you know, they have agreed to help tend and harvest this year for a wage with the promise of their own plots to work next season …assuming they are still living here.” Sighing at the thought of the ongoing troubles, she shook her head to clear it of the dark thoughts that had risen unbidden.
“Órecalo and I oversee their work and make sure they understand the methods for collection, drying, and such. In fact, I need to stop by the terrace shortly to get them started on the harvesting one of the periodic gatherings of sage, rosemary, and several types of mint. I can show you around then if you would like?” she concluded.
“Aye, that sounds like a good idea. We can leave for the woods from there. Where else are we growing the medicinals beyond the terrace?” He looked up and smiled at Seere, enjoying her animated expression.
“I can show you those, as well, as we will need to go to all of the other sites to collect our supplies… not all today of course, but over the next few weeks as we gather our supplies. Most are on the edges of the woods or along the riverbanks, where the plants grow naturally. We have given them a little extra protection so they can thrive, but have been careful not to let the balance get out of harmony with the rest of the glade or deep woods. We also have several dozen sites in the deep woods and several areas near the cliffs on the other side of the river.” Pausing, she stopped to review the quantity of bay leaves she had gathered, trying to decide if she had picked enough.
“We also use caves in the cliffs to grow several types of mushrooms for culinary and medicinal use. Several other types are grown on impregnated logs under the trees near the terrace herbs beds. I keep a crop of the most vital medicinal ones growing year-round in some of the dark corners of the root cellars under the kitchens and in the dungeons. The demand for our dried mushrooms is quite high, as we grow several varieties that are hard to find and have great flavor and potency.” Smiling at Elrond, she lifted her now full basket and moved to place it near the garden gate with the others they had already filled.
Picking up an empty one, she moved to join him in the herb beds. “We even have a market for ramps and truffles, as we are one of the few places where they grow in Middle-earth. In past years, Celeborn has organized a two-day family picnic as an excuse to get us all into the woods to gather both. Elladan complains, but he is usually the first out the door on those mornings. It makes for a nice change.” Looking over at him, she asked, “Has Celeborn mentioned doing it this year… the time grows close?”
Grinning, Elrond looked up to meet her eyes. “Nay, but if there is profit to be had and my sons actually get their hands dirty grubbing about in the dirt, I will remind him!”
Amused by his comment, she nodded her head before continuing. “There is obviously a very good one if Ada’s smile when he sees the receipts is any indication.” Her smile became a smirk as Elrond chuckled at her remark.
“Finally, we have added several bee farms in different locations around the valley. In addition to the benefits this has given to the orchards and our other crops, it has allowed us to produce a lot more honey for sale along with bee pollen. We keep all of the wax we collect for our own use,” Seere concluded.
“A large operation indeed. I am looking forward to seeing it,” Elrond commented.
/I am also looking forward to spending time with you away from the study and the ever curious eyes of Imladris. Fresh air and exercise will do us both a lot of good, after the strain of recent weeks. It will also give me a chance to talk to you in private, Lirimaer./ (lovely one)
*****
By mid-morning, they had filled over a dozen large baskets with herbs and plants from the garden. Their stores had been greatly depleted by the steady flow of wounded into the Healing House over the past year. The demands of the Council and the Convocation had limited Seere’s time to restock. Much of what they had gathered that morning was needed to fill that need. Both were hoping the winter would hold off long enough for several additional harvests of key herbs, so that sufficient stores would be available to see them through to spring.
Once Azeriel and Órecalo had completed the daily rounds of the recovery wards, the two healers had joined them to continue the gathering. They planned to finish gathering what was needed from the garden and begin the time consuming process of readying most of the herbs for the drying racks while Elrond and Seere ventured into the woods for other items. Any that required special preparations were Seere’s responsibility and would be set aside for her return.
After Lindir delivered a knack-sack with their lunch and the other two healers had added their requests for raw items to their list, Elrond and Seere left to meet the farmers at the western terrace. Elrond wandered through the neat rows of plants, studying the layout and content of the beds. Several large beds had been devoted to herbs they had heavily harvested from their garden that morning. He made a mental note to find out what quantities were available to supplement their supplies, as he shared Seere’s concern over the state of their winter stores.
/Tis an impressive array of plantings and in very good condition. Seere has earned the right to her enthusiasm for this work. I always wanted to do this, but time and events kept me from finding the time. I shall enjoy taking an active role in helping this enterprise. I cannot wait to see how they have established the growing areas in the woods and by the river. The mushroom caves are a fascinating concept; the beehives are a natural expansion of our earlier program. Perhaps a new greenhouse is needed? I am looking forward to this day!/
Turning to listen as Seere answered a question from one of the farmers, he watched as she knelt by rosemary bush and illustrated where to make a cutting. One of the farmers cut a sample and gave it to her to approve. Nodding her head in satisfaction, she tucked the sprig of the herb behind her ear. The gentle smile on her face only added to her beauty.
/Aye, I am indeed looking forward to this day!/
*****
As they would need several weeks and numerous trips to gather all they would need, they decided to start by hiking to the furthest point on their planned collect route, a glade under the cliffs on the eastern side of the Bruinen. Elrond had long ago established a small thicket of ginseng in a stand of oaks near the cliff wall. Their conversation on the walk had been about the medicinals operation or the rarer plants they would like to find. Now, Elrond judged, it was time to turn the talk to more serious matters.
“Tell me, Seere… how long have you been dreaming as Gil-Galad?”
She had known he had not forgotten about her dream, but she had not expected him to ask the question he had… or at least not phrased as it was. /”dreaming as Gil-Galad”!!! Ai! He knows that!/ At a loss for words, she concentrated on carefully digging around the root of the ginseng plant she was harvesting, taking care not to burse the flesh.
“Seere? Will you not answer my question?”
She stopped digging as her hands began to tremble. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his. “I know, Seere. I recognized Ereinion’s manner of speech… the air of command and the way he spoke… it was all there in your voice. Your words were his; I remembered it all so clearly once I realized what you were saying.”
Holding her gaze, he again asked “How long, Seere?”
“Most of my life… since shortly after my majority,” she whispered.
Elrond felt the ground shift under his feet. /So long?! Ai! What does this mean? Is it possible after all?/
“Are they always so… graphic?”
A sad smile came to her face. “I do not know what you mean by graphic, but if you mean vivid and detailed… aye, they are. I cannot explain why I am visited by these dreams in this manner… I have long wondered.”
“Did you… have you dreamed… are the dreams always of big events, battles and the like or are they more… personal?” he asked.
“Both… events great and small. I have experienced scenes of childhood when he played with his sister and friends in the gardens of his family home. I have felt the loss of people he held dear. Some have been intimate and very private moments,” she whispered, a blush stealing up her cheeks. “Only a few have been the events that make history books.”
“You say you had dreams of his childhood… so they are not just of his time as King?”
Seere sighed and reached down to pick up the sprig of rosemary that had fallen from her hair. Nervous fingers began to rub the leaves between her thumb and index finger, releasing the scent of the aromatic oils. “My dreams span his entire life, and yes, I have dreamed of times he spent with you and your brother, Ada, Celeborn… my Naneth’s adar’ra, Cirdan. I know his thoughts on those occasions, his thoughts when he was alone and contemplating some matter… I … I think I am dreaming his memories!” (my mother’s grandfather)
Her eyes filled with worries as she faced her private fears. “I know what happened to him, we all do. It terrifies me … the thought of his death. I have always managed to wake before Sauron … I very nearly did not last night!”
Her breath began to come in ragged gasps. The crushed rosemary perfumed the air. “I know what will happen … once the dream takes hold… I become Ereinion Gil-Galad! I will feel what he felt in that final moment… and I do not know… I do not know if I can bear… losing him… seeing him die for he is as dear to me as family …or…. “
“Or what, Seere?” he whispered.
“Or if I will… can… survive for it will be like… dying myself!”
*****
A/N --- *As you may have noticed, I love quotes. Apparently, so does Elrond as he is paraphrasing Voltaire. "God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh."
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating:.PG-13, but rating will increase in future chapters
Warning: AU (Story set 770 years after ROTK); Slash and het.
Feedback: This is my first fanfic, so constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive:
Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Alex Cat for her help in betaing this fic. Thanks also to Lady Victoria for her comments and support.
Disclaimer: Any of the residents of Middle-earth and Aman that you recognize belong to Prof. Tolkien’s estate. The same is true about Middle-earth and Aman. I’m only visiting and admiring the “views”.
Summary: Sauron may be gone, but his legacy of evil still lingers. As Middle-earth faces the threat of another dark lord, a party of elves departs Aman on a mission for the Valar, a mission of mercy long delayed.
Chapter 33 --- Rosemary for Remembrance
"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance-pray you, love, remember."
William Shakespeare
*****
Elrond paused at the doorway leading into the apothecary of the Healing House. His heart began to race at the sight of Seere standing before the herb drying ranks, sorting their contents. The morning light lent a soft golden glow to her skin and caused the kindred tones in her hair to blaze brightly against the deep auburn of her tresses. The loose cotton tunic of deep purple she was wearing molded to her breasts, as she lifted her arms and retrieved a bundle of dried rosemary from over her head. The cloth of her black leggings clung to her hips and legs, clearly outlining their lush shape as she strained to free the bundle from a snarled bit of twine used to secure the bundles for drying.
/Ai! She is glorious! My senses did not need another reminder of how enticing she is. I still remember my reminder from last night quite well!/
Taking a deep breath to get his reactions under control, he took a moment to study Seere. /Over seven-thousand years old and I have butterflies in my stomach at the thought of seeing her; an elleth of less than one-thousand no less! Eru is indeed a comedian and I am far too nervous to laugh!*/
Needing a moment to settle his emotions, Elrond leaned against the doorframe and watched Seere tug at the herb bundle. /How to get her to talk to me of things she would prefer to avoid? That tells me much in itself; those dreams trouble her and she is unsure of my reaction, I suspect. I must tread softly here, but keep enough pressure on her to encourage her to talk./
/Discussing her dreams is, however, not my main objective this day. I need to confirm if she shares my affections. How do I find out if she is truly agreeable to my courtship? Ai! Who would believe Elrond Peredhel unsure of how to pursue a courtship with a much younger elleth and is at a loss for words, no less! No one that has sat through one of my council meetings, I am sure,/ he thought, smiling at his unexpected predicament.
Pushing away from the door, Elrond entered the room and offered, “Quel amrun, Seere. How fair you this morning?” (Good morning)
Startled, Seere let out a gasp and dropped the bundle of rosemary onto the worktable as she spun to face the smiling elf lord. “Ai! Elrond! I did not hear you arrive. Quel amrun to you as well.”
/Oh my! He looks so handsome this morning! He is wearing that burgundy tunic I like so much. He looks so strong and viral dressed like this! The color brings out the deep red tones to his black hair. It makes his eyes… Ai! What are you doing, you fool? Quite daydreaming, for he is standing there looking at you as if you have lost your reason!/
Turning quickly back to the drying herbs, she began to chatter about the quality of the herbs and the quantities available for collection in the herb garden. She missed the pleased and hopeful spark that sprang to life in the silver eyes she had been admiring. He had seen her regard and felt renewed confidence that he would have a positive outcome as a result of their coming talk.
Smiling at her back, he moved to join her at the worktable and gently retrieved the bundle of herbs from her clinched fingers before they were crushed beyond use, the rich scent of rosemary drifting around them. “Since you have already identified what herbs we need to harvest from the garden, I will make a list of the wild plants we will need to gather. While I am doing that, perhaps you could select baskets, twine, and gloves for us to use. Also a couple of pairs of shears and small trowels should be all we need. Oh, perhaps some squares of cloth to bundle rootballs should we find samples we wish to add to the garden.”
Picking up the list she had begun, he began to review the available stock of herbs and noted items in short supply, as well as, items not currently stocked that he would like to find in the woods and along the riverbanks. As he wrote, he commented, “I asked the kitchens to pack us a lunch. I expect the necessary gathering will take many days and we will be out until dark if we are to make a good start today. Lindir will bring it to us in the herb garden before we leave for the woods.”
*****
They spent a companionable few hours in the herb garden pruning and tending the medicinal plants growing there. Both had an affinity for growing plants of all types, but both found special joy in the work associated to the care of these vital cultivars. Elrond had invested a great deal of time in the early years of Imladris gathering the root stock for most of the plants growing in the medicinal garden. The varying life spans of these plants required yearly reseeding, rooting of cuttings, and regular tending for a garden to survive for thousands of years. He was pleased to see this space had been properly maintained during his absence, the soil rich and properly amended.
Elrond was intrigued to find several new varieties of various plants, as well as, a couple of plants he did not recognize. Studying one such plant in the bed before him, he noted it had the spicy scent commonly associated to sage and that the leaves had the hallmark elongated oval shape. /But sage is not purple./
Looking up to see if Seere was close, he found her standing a dozen feet away selecting leaves from an ancient bay laurel. “Seere? Is this sage? If so, how did we come by a purple-leaved variety?”
A brilliant smile lit her face as she turned to face him. “That is Imladrian purple sage. Órecalo and I developed it almost two hundred years ago from our old variety, crossed with several varieties we got from Mirkwood, Gondor, and the Shire. It took us several decades to get the color to stay true. The color intensifies the potency of the leaf threefold and is far more effective in treating delirium caused by fever, than any of the green varieties I have seen. We have several large beds of it sown on the western terrace, along with the other medicinal herbs we now sell. It is highly prized by our customers and brings a fine return.”
Turning back to the bay laurel, she continued, “We still plant some of each of the root stock to keep them viable should we need to strengthen the purple strain and they are still useful to have for certain tonics and ointments, as well as, for culinary use. Also, the oils I make from each have subtle differences and have many uses as do their dried forms.”
“Your father has briefed me on our sale of medicinal herbs, but I have not had time to explore the new gardens you have developed. He indicated medicinals are an important revenue source these days. I have not had an opportunity to visit the western terrace. What else are we growing there?” Elrond asked, pleased to have found a topic of conversation that interested them both and one that put Seere at ease.
“We grow all of the herbs we have here in this garden… if not on the western terrace where most of our new beds are planted, then in a number of outlying sites. We decided to offer a full range of herbs, hoping to benefit from the reputation Imladris has with healers. Many trained healers practicing in Middle-earth today studied here and are familiar with our medicinals. Added to that, we have found that this valley produces higher potency plants than many other locations, so we offer a very good value to our customers. I think that is a lasting legacy of Vilya as I can still feel her magic. In any case, our annual sales continue to grow and represent, along with the fees we receive from training perspective healers, a very significant part of annual revenues.”
Elrond sat back on his heels to listen to her answer, intrigued by her comment that she could feel Vilya’s magic. /You are indeed Mithrandir’s granddaughter! I thought I was the only one that could still feel her magic./ Deciding to save that topic for another time, he asked, “How was it possible for the small number of eldar that lived here in recent years to do all of this?”
Reaching up to push a loose strand of hair behind her ears, she mused, “It is a large operation to be sure. Ada told me such was long your dream, but events kept you from having the time to undertake the effort.”
Seeing his nod of acknowledgement, she continued. “Since herbs, mushrooms, and bees do not require the amount of labor to tend as row or orchard crops, we have been able to do them with our reduced population. Órecalo, Celeborn, and I did much of the work initially with help from Ada, Elrohir, and the students studying to be healers... we made it part of their mandatory training and conscripted their labor!” she smirked. “Azeriel joined us after she arrived last year. Still, it is a blessing to have quite a few of the returned elves working with us now. Ada has also found many farmers from among the refugees.”
“As you know, they have agreed to help tend and harvest this year for a wage with the promise of their own plots to work next season …assuming they are still living here.” Sighing at the thought of the ongoing troubles, she shook her head to clear it of the dark thoughts that had risen unbidden.
“Órecalo and I oversee their work and make sure they understand the methods for collection, drying, and such. In fact, I need to stop by the terrace shortly to get them started on the harvesting one of the periodic gatherings of sage, rosemary, and several types of mint. I can show you around then if you would like?” she concluded.
“Aye, that sounds like a good idea. We can leave for the woods from there. Where else are we growing the medicinals beyond the terrace?” He looked up and smiled at Seere, enjoying her animated expression.
“I can show you those, as well, as we will need to go to all of the other sites to collect our supplies… not all today of course, but over the next few weeks as we gather our supplies. Most are on the edges of the woods or along the riverbanks, where the plants grow naturally. We have given them a little extra protection so they can thrive, but have been careful not to let the balance get out of harmony with the rest of the glade or deep woods. We also have several dozen sites in the deep woods and several areas near the cliffs on the other side of the river.” Pausing, she stopped to review the quantity of bay leaves she had gathered, trying to decide if she had picked enough.
“We also use caves in the cliffs to grow several types of mushrooms for culinary and medicinal use. Several other types are grown on impregnated logs under the trees near the terrace herbs beds. I keep a crop of the most vital medicinal ones growing year-round in some of the dark corners of the root cellars under the kitchens and in the dungeons. The demand for our dried mushrooms is quite high, as we grow several varieties that are hard to find and have great flavor and potency.” Smiling at Elrond, she lifted her now full basket and moved to place it near the garden gate with the others they had already filled.
Picking up an empty one, she moved to join him in the herb beds. “We even have a market for ramps and truffles, as we are one of the few places where they grow in Middle-earth. In past years, Celeborn has organized a two-day family picnic as an excuse to get us all into the woods to gather both. Elladan complains, but he is usually the first out the door on those mornings. It makes for a nice change.” Looking over at him, she asked, “Has Celeborn mentioned doing it this year… the time grows close?”
Grinning, Elrond looked up to meet her eyes. “Nay, but if there is profit to be had and my sons actually get their hands dirty grubbing about in the dirt, I will remind him!”
Amused by his comment, she nodded her head before continuing. “There is obviously a very good one if Ada’s smile when he sees the receipts is any indication.” Her smile became a smirk as Elrond chuckled at her remark.
“Finally, we have added several bee farms in different locations around the valley. In addition to the benefits this has given to the orchards and our other crops, it has allowed us to produce a lot more honey for sale along with bee pollen. We keep all of the wax we collect for our own use,” Seere concluded.
“A large operation indeed. I am looking forward to seeing it,” Elrond commented.
/I am also looking forward to spending time with you away from the study and the ever curious eyes of Imladris. Fresh air and exercise will do us both a lot of good, after the strain of recent weeks. It will also give me a chance to talk to you in private, Lirimaer./ (lovely one)
*****
By mid-morning, they had filled over a dozen large baskets with herbs and plants from the garden. Their stores had been greatly depleted by the steady flow of wounded into the Healing House over the past year. The demands of the Council and the Convocation had limited Seere’s time to restock. Much of what they had gathered that morning was needed to fill that need. Both were hoping the winter would hold off long enough for several additional harvests of key herbs, so that sufficient stores would be available to see them through to spring.
Once Azeriel and Órecalo had completed the daily rounds of the recovery wards, the two healers had joined them to continue the gathering. They planned to finish gathering what was needed from the garden and begin the time consuming process of readying most of the herbs for the drying racks while Elrond and Seere ventured into the woods for other items. Any that required special preparations were Seere’s responsibility and would be set aside for her return.
After Lindir delivered a knack-sack with their lunch and the other two healers had added their requests for raw items to their list, Elrond and Seere left to meet the farmers at the western terrace. Elrond wandered through the neat rows of plants, studying the layout and content of the beds. Several large beds had been devoted to herbs they had heavily harvested from their garden that morning. He made a mental note to find out what quantities were available to supplement their supplies, as he shared Seere’s concern over the state of their winter stores.
/Tis an impressive array of plantings and in very good condition. Seere has earned the right to her enthusiasm for this work. I always wanted to do this, but time and events kept me from finding the time. I shall enjoy taking an active role in helping this enterprise. I cannot wait to see how they have established the growing areas in the woods and by the river. The mushroom caves are a fascinating concept; the beehives are a natural expansion of our earlier program. Perhaps a new greenhouse is needed? I am looking forward to this day!/
Turning to listen as Seere answered a question from one of the farmers, he watched as she knelt by rosemary bush and illustrated where to make a cutting. One of the farmers cut a sample and gave it to her to approve. Nodding her head in satisfaction, she tucked the sprig of the herb behind her ear. The gentle smile on her face only added to her beauty.
/Aye, I am indeed looking forward to this day!/
*****
As they would need several weeks and numerous trips to gather all they would need, they decided to start by hiking to the furthest point on their planned collect route, a glade under the cliffs on the eastern side of the Bruinen. Elrond had long ago established a small thicket of ginseng in a stand of oaks near the cliff wall. Their conversation on the walk had been about the medicinals operation or the rarer plants they would like to find. Now, Elrond judged, it was time to turn the talk to more serious matters.
“Tell me, Seere… how long have you been dreaming as Gil-Galad?”
She had known he had not forgotten about her dream, but she had not expected him to ask the question he had… or at least not phrased as it was. /”dreaming as Gil-Galad”!!! Ai! He knows that!/ At a loss for words, she concentrated on carefully digging around the root of the ginseng plant she was harvesting, taking care not to burse the flesh.
“Seere? Will you not answer my question?”
She stopped digging as her hands began to tremble. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his. “I know, Seere. I recognized Ereinion’s manner of speech… the air of command and the way he spoke… it was all there in your voice. Your words were his; I remembered it all so clearly once I realized what you were saying.”
Holding her gaze, he again asked “How long, Seere?”
“Most of my life… since shortly after my majority,” she whispered.
Elrond felt the ground shift under his feet. /So long?! Ai! What does this mean? Is it possible after all?/
“Are they always so… graphic?”
A sad smile came to her face. “I do not know what you mean by graphic, but if you mean vivid and detailed… aye, they are. I cannot explain why I am visited by these dreams in this manner… I have long wondered.”
“Did you… have you dreamed… are the dreams always of big events, battles and the like or are they more… personal?” he asked.
“Both… events great and small. I have experienced scenes of childhood when he played with his sister and friends in the gardens of his family home. I have felt the loss of people he held dear. Some have been intimate and very private moments,” she whispered, a blush stealing up her cheeks. “Only a few have been the events that make history books.”
“You say you had dreams of his childhood… so they are not just of his time as King?”
Seere sighed and reached down to pick up the sprig of rosemary that had fallen from her hair. Nervous fingers began to rub the leaves between her thumb and index finger, releasing the scent of the aromatic oils. “My dreams span his entire life, and yes, I have dreamed of times he spent with you and your brother, Ada, Celeborn… my Naneth’s adar’ra, Cirdan. I know his thoughts on those occasions, his thoughts when he was alone and contemplating some matter… I … I think I am dreaming his memories!” (my mother’s grandfather)
Her eyes filled with worries as she faced her private fears. “I know what happened to him, we all do. It terrifies me … the thought of his death. I have always managed to wake before Sauron … I very nearly did not last night!”
Her breath began to come in ragged gasps. The crushed rosemary perfumed the air. “I know what will happen … once the dream takes hold… I become Ereinion Gil-Galad! I will feel what he felt in that final moment… and I do not know… I do not know if I can bear… losing him… seeing him die for he is as dear to me as family …or…. “
“Or what, Seere?” he whispered.
“Or if I will… can… survive for it will be like… dying myself!”
*****
A/N --- *As you may have noticed, I love quotes. Apparently, so does Elrond as he is paraphrasing Voltaire. "God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh."