Journey Of A Butterfly

Chapter 61 - Coming Home

 

 

It had been a very, very long journey from Rohan to Mirkwood, but they were finally approaching the gates to the woodland city of the elves. Feredir explained the history of Mirkwood to Terrwyn, who knew little about it. He told her about the Teleri who originally settled in the vast forest, then known as Eryn Galen, the Greenwood. He told her about Oropher who established a colony in the south and how Sauron eventually chased them to the northern part of the forest, where they lived today. When the King perished in the Last War of the Alliance, his son Thranduil became their new King and still ruled this realm. It was the spreading of evil during the dark days that earned the forest its name of Mirkwood and for a long time this was its name. Many humans still referred to it as such, though soon after the Ring War and the downfall of Sauron, Lady Galadriel destroyed the dark lord’s doings, casting down all his works, cleansing the forest and renaming it Eryn Lasgalen, Wood of Green Leaves. The forest was divided into three sections. The south belonged to Lothlorien and was governed by Lord Celeborn. The north remained Thranduil’s realm and belonged to the wood elves. The land between the two elven realms was given to the Beornings and the Woodsmen. All lived in peace with one another and came to the other’s aid should it be needed. The important thing they all shared was to maintain the beauty and mystery of the land of Rhovanion.

 

The three elves’ hearts were racing as they finally stepped onto the path that led to the Great Gates. Beech trees lined either side of the path like giant soldiers welcoming home their troops. Terrwyn heard the sound of rushing water and knew it was the Forest River. Feredir had given her a detailed explanation of this place. A sturdy bridge crossed over the fast flowing river and on the other side was the Gate that led to Thranduil’s palace and the home of the wood elves.

 

As they got closer, Terrwyn’s heart thrummed with excitement. “Do all of the elves live here?” she asked from behind Feredir. For most of the journey, she rode in front of him, but now she was glad to be sitting behind him, feeling as if she needed to stay hidden.

 

“Thranduil and his family live here along with the members of the court and other nobles. But there are those who choose to live in the open forest as opposed to under the wooded hill. This is the only way into the city. Once inside, there are passages and doorways that lead to other parts of the woods. It is all well protected and our borders go far.” Feredir felt her stiffen behind him. “You have nothing to fear.”

 

“I know, but as children growing up in Rohan, we were told many stories of the ruthless King and to look at his home now does not make me think any different. It seems so secluded and secretive,” she answered.

 

“It is supposed to look that way. You must remember that we lived for many long years surrounded by evil, having to keep all kinds of fell creatures at bay. It is not supposed to look inviting or magnificent like Meduseld or Minas Tirith.”

 

They approached the bridge and Orthorien went first. He leapt down from his horse and approached two guards standing on either side of the bridge. While he spoke to them, Feredir dismounted and helped Terrwyn down. Horphen did the same and took their packs that contained their personal belongings. Someone would come for the horses and take them to the stables.

 

Terrwyn tightly wrapped her cloak around her, bringing the hood down low. She was not sure what to think of things just yet. She was an outsider and knew of the King’s dislike of strangers. Her eyes caught movement across the bridge. There were other guards standing in the shadows waiting to speak to the travelers.

 

Orthorien turned to his companions and waved them over. They all proceeded across the bridge, Terrwyn noticing how wide, and fast moving the river flowed at this part. The land sloped down from here, powering the water to move quickly. It was a rather ingenious design really. There was no other way across but by the bridge. One could not swim or ferry across the dangerous rapids below.

 

When they crossed, they came to a set of stairs, steep but wide. Orthorien went first with Feredir and Terrwyn behind him. Last was Horphen. It seemed like they were bringing a prisoner to the cells, the way they were lined up. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, they met the gate guards, weapons in hand and held as their sides. Orthorien spoke in Sindarin to the two very tall and dangerous looking guards. Their faces were stern as they looked over Orthorien’s shoulder to the other members of the company. Terrwyn felt Feredir straighten as he lifted his head. Horphen did the same as he stood on the other side of her. She thought it was taking longer than what seemed usual to gain entry into the palace and her nerves rattled. Finally, Orthorien turned and came back to where the others stood.

 

“They would like to speak to you, Feredir and they ask that you bring Terrwyn with you,” the golden warrior said.

 

“You are a captain are you not?” Terrwyn said nervously. “Can’t you command them to allow us entry?”

 

“I am a captain, yes, but I have no authority over those that guard the gates. They are governed by another outfit of the elven army and they only take orders from their commanders.” Orthorien answered.

 

Feredir took her arm in his and pulled her close. “It is alright, Naru. You are with me.” He whispered into her ear, his warm breath relaxing her a bit. She nodded and allowed him to lead her to the guards. They stood still as stone, their eyes watching every step the couple took as they advanced. Feredir took a step in front of Terrwyn and spoke in his native tongue. The guard on the left answered in short but demanding words and she wished she understood what they were saying. Feredir took a step back and turned to her, seemingly defeated. “They will only speak to you. The rest of us they know and will allow entry.”

 

Terrwyn took a deep breath and released it with newfound confidence. She lowered her hood and removed her cloak, then adjusted the bodice of her riding outfit. A quick shake of her head was enough to fix her hair. She handed the cloak to Feredir and walked up to the guards, back straight, head held high and a new light in her green eyes. The soldiers regarded her a moment, observing her features and seeing her very long red hair. There was no mistaking her heritage. Elvish father or not, she was Rohirrim first and foremost.

 

“I do hope you speak the common language, for I know little Sindarin except for what my company has taught me.” As she spoke, her words were coated with a very heavy Rohirrim accent. Feredir and the others were surprised to hear this. They had never known her to speak this way before.

 

The guard on the right, who was much taller than Terrwyn, lowered his eyes to meet hers. “Who are you and what business do you have in Eryn Lasgalen?”

 

“I am Terrwyn, daughter of Rohan and I travel with these elves. They come to see family after a long absence. Feredir is my bond mate,” she said firmly. “I want nothing but to stay with him.”

 

“Regardless of your binding, you are a stranger to our land and have not sought proper permission from the courts.” The guard was not going to allow her entry.

 

Feredir went back to them and bowed in proper elvish fashion. “Please, she is my wife. I cannot ask her to stay outside the gates least I stay with her. I will vouch for her, but you need not worry. She poses no threat to the kingdom.”

 

The guard looked to his companion, who nodded silently. Then he turned his attention back to Feredir. “You must understand that we have been given strict orders for who we allow to pass into the city. We have no qualms with you or the others, but the girl is a stranger. However, since Captain Orthorien accompanies you, we will allow it.”

 

Orthorien came forward at the mention of his name. “Thank you,” he agreed.

 

The guard who spoke focused on Feredir a moment. “We apologize, Feredir. We did not intend to refuse you entry to your own home, but you know the rules. Strangers must be looked at closely, especially those that come uninvited.”

 

Feredir took offence to the elf guard’s statement. “She is hardly a stranger and the fact that she is bound to me should be enough proof that she means no harm. The world is changing and if we as wood elves do not change with it, then we are missing out on a very exciting age.”

 

“That may be the general feeling in Ithilien, but in Thranduil’s realm not much has changed.” The guards said no more, but stepped aside to allow the travelers entry. Terrwyn avoided any more eye contact with the guards and held Feredir’s arm tightly. As they continued past the gate, she peered into the dark entrance. It looked more like the mouth of a cave instead of a gate. There were no iron bars, no wooden slats, just never ending blackness. They walked through and Terrwyn felt a rush of air as the dark swallowed her and the others. Instantly, there was light, bright torches illuminating an enclosed passageway. She turned back, expecting to see the gate guards or the sunlight, but it was black as pitch, no sign of any of the outside world.

 

“Where are the doors?” she whispered to Feredir.

 

“They are enchanted. The darkness is the door, so to speak,” Feredir said nonchalantly, as if it were common information. Terrwyn asked no more questions and stayed close to the others as they walked down the long hallway.

 

There were many passageways leading off from the main hall. Horphen said they went to other halls that housed rooms for the residents. In some cases, there were stairways leading to higher levels, all safely hidden beneath the large hill. There was plenty of room to accommodate every wood elf in Eryn Lasgalen, though a good portion of them preferred to live outside now that most of the perils of the Third Age had been destroyed. Terrwyn laughed to herself and thought this must be how it felt to live inside an anthill. Even the community seemed well ordered in the same fashion. However, it had worked to the elves’ advantage for thousands of years and it was a system well worth it.

 

“Does your family live here, Horphen?” Terrwyn asked.

 

“No, they live outside of the caverns. They always have. I must admit that I too much prefer to be out amongst the trees as opposed to underground. During the attacks from Dol Guldur, my parents came to live here with my sisters. It was difficult for them, but they managed and were happy to give up their quarters for a family that preferred the caverns.”

 

“I did not know you had sisters,” Terrwyn commented as they walked along the passageways. “That would explain a lot.”

 

“What do you mean?” Horphen asked.

 

“Oh, I mean no disrespect. I just think you have a kind spirit and hold women in high regard. I have never heard you say an unkind thing or treat a lady in any other way than the way she should be treated,” Terrwyn explained.

 

“I suppose you are right. I regard women as things of beauty and grace, but also of holding great power over men.” He laughed aloud. “Well, at least my sister, anyways.”

 

Orthorien raised an eyebrow as his attention was drawn to Horphen’s conversation. “Do any of them remain unattached?”

 

“It’s too late, Orthorien. Avorniel is being courted and Seldes is betrothed.”

 

“And Irneth?” Orthorien interrupted. He had known her better than Horphen’s other sisters. They were close in age and had been more than friends once in the past, a secret they had kept even to this day.

 

 “As I said, it is too late. She knows all about you. It seems your reputation has a slight blemish,” Horphen replied.

 

Feredir, who walked behind the others, laughed a little too loud at his brother’s expense. Orthorien glared at him then continued in his arrogant tone. “It’s a shame really. I might have been the one ellon that would have allowed them to hold their power over me.”

 

“It is obvious that Orthorien has no sisters,” Terrwyn countered. “He only has a mind for fighting and lust.”

 

Orthorien accepted her challenge. “It has worked for me so far. I have received no complaints.”

 

Feredir leaned into her ear. “You are fighting a losing battle, Naru.”

 

“I may have lost this round, but I still say that one day, Orthorien, you will meet the woman . . . or man that will finally calm the wild beast within.” She smiled at the golden warrior. “Just wait, it will happen . . . one day.”

 

“Spoken like a true strong headed elleth,” Horphen boasted.

 

“I believe that is the fiery Rohirric woman who has just spoken,” Feredir said, stopping her and pulling her to him. He looked deep in her eyes. “And the woman I fell madly in love with.” He lowered his head and crushed his lips upon hers.

 

Orthorien and Horphen looked at each other, shrugging their shoulders. “There will be no peace in the caves tonight,” Horphen said. Orthorien nodded in agreement.

 

* * *

 

They finally came to a junction in the passageway. One way led to the resident’s quarters, one led to Thranduil’s throne room and the third led to the upper level halls. Horphen clasped forearms with Feredir and gave a gentle smile. “I am off to visit with my family. Why don’t you take this time and show Terrwyn around. I’m sure she would like to see our home.”

 

Feredir bowed his head. “We will get to that. There is much to see, but first Orthorien and I should see our mother. If she gets word that we have arrived and have not met her yet, she will have our heads.”

 

Horphen laughed. “You better be off then. I will look for you later.” He went off towards the area where the tunnels led out to the woods and the outside colony where he would go to his parents’ home and spend some well-earned rest.

 

“You’re going to see your mother now?” Terrwyn said with a panicky voice.

 

Feredir smiled. “Well, yes she will be expecting us and I know she will want to meet you.”

 

“I want to meet her too, but not right now. You have not seen her in a very long time. This moment should be about you two and your mother.”



“Nonsense,” Feredir countered.

 

“No, you need to see your mother without any outside complications. Just go to her and be with her. Catch up on days long passed and when you have had your fill, then I will meet her.”

 

“And where will you go? You do not know your way around the caverns.” Feredir gave her a stern look.

 

“You can show me to the feasting hall or the kitchens. I would dearly love to have something to eat that has not been cooked on a stick,” she laughed.

 

“Alright, Naru you will have your way yet again.” Feredir took her by the arm.

 

“I will check on a few things myself and meet you back here shortly.” Orthorien bowed and went his own way.

 

Feredir and Terrwyn went through the winding corridors passing many wood elves along the way. Most were polite and bowed their heads respectfully as they passed the couple. Only a few took notice of Terrwyn’s appearance. She stood out quite predominantly with her red hair just as Feredir did with his thick black mane. The way they walked together, arm in arm with a hungry stare between them, turned many heads. Terrwyn was a bit self-conscious and felt out of place, but Feredir was proud to show her on his arm. She was his wife now. She belonged here just as much as he did and no one could change that. Terrwyn felt his confidence and relaxed at his side.

 

They turned another corner and approached a set of stairs that led to a second level of the caverns that held the feasting halls and meeting rooms, when they were stopped by an elleth, tall and sleek with light brown honey colored hair. She smiled infectiously at Feredir as her brown eyes sparkled with surprise.

 

“Feredir,” she exclaimed.

 

 The dark haired elf released Terrwyn and captured the elleth’s outstretched hands. “Irneth, long has it been. What are you doing within the palace?”

 

“I finished my training and have found employment. I passed Horphen in the halls and he told me you were here.” Irneth turned to Terrwyn giving her a warm smile. “And this must be your lovely new bride.”

 

“Terrwyn,” Feredir said. “This is Horphen’s youngest sister, Irneth.”

 

Terrwyn had been questioning silently who she was and was pleased to know it was a family member. “It is so nice to meet you. I just recently learned that Horphen had sisters.”

 

Irneth rolled her eyes. “That’s my brother, always trying to separate himself from the girls. And I guess he did not tell you that he is the youngest sibling either.”

 

“Why no.”

 

Feredir laughed. “He was always teased for being the youngest and the only male.”

 

“Yes, and we loved having a baby brother to take care of, but I’m afraid Horphen did not think much of it, especially as he got older. Still, he will always be our baby brother,” Irneth went on.

 

Terrwyn smiled as she thought of Horphen as an elfling having three older sisters fussing over him. “Well, he is a very respectable elf and so you have done your job well.”

 

Irneth turned to Feredir, her expression turning more motherly. “Now, I believe there is somewhere you should be. Laveth has been waiting a while. Do not make her wait a minute more.” She paused and looked down the long hall, past Feredir’s shoulder. “And where is that brother of yours? Hopefully he will put off visiting his acquaintances until after he sees your mother.”

 

Feredir blushed slightly. Terrwyn took notice and realized she had never seen this side of him before. It was quite becoming. The more she listened to and watched Irneth, the more she liked her. Anyone who could turn Feredir’s pointed ears pink was someone she could become friends with.

 

“Orthorien is probably waiting for me,” Feredir answered.

 

“Well, why don’t you let me take Terrwyn from you, just for a little while? You go on then,” Irneth demanded.

 

Feredir observed Terrwyn, waiting to see what she would say. They had only just arrived at the palace and he worried she would not be comfortable. Terrwyn smiled and kissed his cheek. It was true that she was very nervous with her new accommodations. The caverns were a very overwhelming place for someone who had never seen them before, but she felt quite safe and welcomed with Irneth.

 

“I will be fine, my love. You go on and see your mother. I will be here when you get back, if Irneth does not mind the company.”

 

“Of course not,” Irneth said joyfully. “I look forward to getting to know you and I cannot wait to hear how you and Feredir met.”

 

Feredir gave Irneth a warning look. “Do not divulge too much information or Irneth may use it against me someday.”

 

“It’s the only way to keep you in line sometimes,” Irneth countered.

 

Feredir pulled Terrwyn to him and kissed her slow and passionately upon her lips. “I will be back soon.”

 

“Don’t worry hervenn. I will be fine until you return.” Terrwyn reached for his hair, combing her fingers through it. She smiled as she looked into his silver eyes and then he was off.

 

Irneth took Terrwyn’s arm and pulled her close in a sisterly fashion. “You must be starving after such a long journey from Rohan. Come along and I’ll let you sample some of Eryn Lasgalen’s finest treats. One of our specialties is our sweet rolls.”

 

“It sounds delicious. I’ve had my share of wild game and elven way bread to last a lifetime. Something sweet would suit me just fine.” Terrwyn let Irneth lead her upstairs to the feasting hall. It was nice to be in the company of another female for once and the two would have plenty to talk about.