Grin and Bare
it
·
T
Would you like
to go swimming this afternoon with Legolas, Gimli and myself while the weather
is so fine?” Aragorn enquired of Faramir as they were about to go to lunch
after an especially arduous Council Meeting that morning.
Faramir hesitated;
he enjoyed swimming but had only ever done so alone with Boromir.
Although he
felt more confident, now his old scars had faded, he was embarrassed at the
idea of disrobing completely in front of others.
Aragorn,
guessing the reason for his hesitation, added. ”I know of a pleasant secluded
spot and there is no need to disrobe completely. Given the positions we hold we
have to be careful how we are seen.”
Faramir smiled
that the other could read him so well.” I think I will then, thank you. It will
be pleasant to relax for a while away from the paperwork. My new secretary
insists on tidying everything away which means it takes twice as long to find
whatever I am working on!”
Aragorn smiled
ruefully. “Why are good secretaries or rather secretaries that suit us so hard
to find? I am glad you will come with us later, the water should be most
refreshing at this time of year.” The King clapped Faramir on the shoulder.
Legolas and
Gimli were paying a brief visit to Minas Tirith on their way to the Elf’s home to
Mirkwood .As they was due to depart on the morrow; Aragorn had invited them to
join the swimming party, so they could spend the last day of their visit
together.
Legolas was
eager to go but the dwarf declined the invitation saying, “Swimming was all very
well for fishes but not for dwarfs.”
They rode down
the levels of the city and across the Pelennor to the River Anduin at a
leisurely pace, enjoying the summer sunshine. The people going about their
business in the streets cheered their King, his Steward and the handsome Elven
prince as they passed by.
Aragorn smiled
and waved as the people cried “Hail to the King and his Steward!” Faramir
smiled shyly in response to their adoration. Even after almost two and a half
years, it still felt strange to him to hold his father’s title.
He often
wondered what Denethor would think if he could see him now. He knew Boromir
would be proud of his success but his father had always been impossible to
please and he was certain he would just be waiting for him to make some
dreadful mistake.
Faramir
inwardly vowed that was not going to happen, as he was conscientious in
performing his duties and he was determined never to disappoint his King who
had given him so much.
They reached a
pleasant secluded spot by the river and desiring privacy for their swim,
Aragorn dismissed the guards, telling them to enjoy a free afternoon. He loved
Minas Tirith but after so many years in the wild, sometimes it felt like a cage
to him and he needed to get out into the open countryside.
Often he would
go riding, usually with Faramir at his side, now Arwen was pregnant though the
Steward having spent most of his life in the City would tease his King about
his ambivalent attitude towards it, which Aragorn took in good part.
They tethered
the horses and as soon as the guards had gone, sought the cover of some bushes
and started to undress, shedding their tunics, shirts and breeches and placing
them in a heap by the side of the river with their towels on top.
Legolas, with
the supreme confidence of the Eldar, swiftly removed all his garments and
stretched his lithe body under a tree as he waited for the others. The dappled
sunlight only served to emphasise the lean contours of his body and perfect
skin.
He laughed as
Aragorn and Faramir, both naturally modest and rather shy, made their way to
the water’s edge, still clad in their drawers. They cautiously dipped their
toes in the river, testing the temperature.
He ran past
them and dived in, graceful as a seabird, and seemingly oblivious to the chill
of the water.
“The water is
pleasant today. Hurry up undressing and come on in!”
“We are
undressed!” Aragorn replied as he slid into the water, closely followed by
Faramir, who was relieved not to be the sole brunt of Legolas’ teasing.
“You mortals
are so shy!” The Elf teased.” Maybe it is because you lack our perfection?”
Aragorn’s only
reply was to duck him under the surface. Having grown up with elves, he was
accustomed to their flawless skin and perfectly proportioned bodies and felt no
envy, though his own shyness had developed from being compared with such
perfection and found wanting.
He should
still remember being teased over a spot on his nose when he was about fourteen,
as no elf ever suffered from such an unsightly affliction. Much as he loved
elves, it had not been easy being so different from those around him as he grew
to maturity. The day he had started to grow a beard, had been the most
traumatic of his young life, as it had marked him out as irrevocably different
from his foster family.
Faramir kicked
out from the shallows. He was fine swimmer and had used to enjoy swimming here
near the same spot with his brother. He still missed Boromir and always would,
yet he had found happiness again now in the brotherly companionship of his King
and his marriage to Eowyn. He wondered if Boromir were watching from the
afterlife and smiling at how well his little brother had done.
Legolas
emerged spluttering and met Aragorn’s laughing eyes.
“We mortals
can hardly bear to see your brilliance!” he teased.” I meanwhile must maintain
my dignity as King for what if a subject were to bow to me unclad? They would
not know where to look!”
Legolas tossed
his now sodden golden locks and dived under again, pulling the King down with
him. Faramir swam towards them and joined in the fun.
Wearying
faster than the immortal elf, Aragorn and Faramir clambered on the bank for a
short rest, while Legolas circled round, as at home in the water as a fish.
Faramir was
unable to resist watching him as all his life he had been curious about the
Eldar and had never in his wildest dreams have ever expected to be in such
close proximity to them.
He realised
that their perfection was no myth, though to a human eye the smooth
hairlessness of their skin appeared somewhat strange. Not for the first time,
Faramir wondered how Aragorn must have felt growing up amongst such as these
and decided to ask him when he had the chance.
Tiring of
watching Legolas’ acrobatics, Faramir leaned back against a tree stretching out
his arms and playfully chasing the dragonflies with his fingers as they whirled
overhead. It was a perfect summer’s afternoon .It was hard to believe they were
only a short distance from the city as the only sign of civilisation was a herd
of goats grazing nearby .Of the goatherd, there was no sign. The King wondered
if he were playing truant by swimming too, further downstream from them.
Aragorn sighed
with contentment. It gladdened his heart to see Faramir healed, confident, and
contented.
It seemed that
once Aragorn had healed the physical scars of Faramir’s old life, the mental
scars had faded too and the Steward had finally come into his own, much to his
King’s joy. At long last, Faramir was relaxed, healthy and enjoying the
happiness he had long deserved.
Faramir dived
in again, calling “Come on in again unless you are too worn out!”
“Youth has no
respect for their elders nowadays!” Aragorn teased as he dived in beside him.
Although he was now ninety years old, a passer by would have taken the two men
to be much of an age.
“I will race
you to the far bank!” Legolas challenged, setting off at a fast pace. The
others followed, though they had no chance of catching the swift elf.
They clambered
out on the other bank and saw the sun was starting to sink.
“I think it is
time we returned to the city,” said Aragorn. The others agreed, but loath to
leave the refreshing water, all three swam back slowly.
The goats had
come down almost to the water’s edge.
“They must be
thirsty. ” Legolas commented.
“Or hungry. ”
Faramir added. ”They seem to be grazing.”
Aragorn was
the first to leave the water. He reached for his towel. It had vanished, as had
his clothes.
Aragorn looked
more closely at the goats and suddenly realised what they were eating.
“You are not
having these too!” He yelled as a bearded Billy goat made a grab for the leg of
his drawers. The animal retreated, carrying a piece of the fabric in his mouth.
“What has
happened?” Faramir asked anxiously, as he scrambled out of the water.
“The goats
appear to have eaten our clothes and towels.” the King replied grimly.” It even
took my white tree!” He gestured to the torn leg of his drawers where before
there had been an embroidered White Tree of Gondor, one of his few vanities.
“No!” Legolas
cried, scampering after a goat, which had a piece of his tunic hanging from its
mouth but by the time he had reached the animal it had devoured the cloth
completely.
“They have
bitten through the ropes and the horses have strayed! ” Faramir announced,
unable to conceal the rising panic in his voice.
“They cannot
have gone far.” Aragorn tried to sound soothing. "Roheryn is Elvish and
they are very loyal to their masters."
Legolas
returned from his futile chase, looking totally dejected.” Whatever am I going
to do? ” He wailed.” I suppose one of you wouldn’t lend me… ”
Faramir
blanched. He had a great admiration and respect for the Eldar, but the prospect
of walking back to Minas Tirith stark naked was the stuff of his worse
nightmares.
“The King and
the Steward of Gondor have their dignity to maintain. Maybe the goatherd will
return and be able to help us.” Aragorn said firmly, placing a protective hand
on Faramir’s shoulder.
“Very well.” Legolas sighed .He wandered back
to the bank to look for something to cover himself with and alighted upon some
gigantic leaves which he started to gather.
“Do not touch
those!” Aragorn called. ” They are poisonous and cause a painful rash!”
“To mortals
maybe but surely not for elves?” Legolas dismissed his concerns airily.
” I have not
seen an Elf affected, but then these plants do not grow in the Elven realms.”
Aragorn conceded.
Legolas walked
back up the back, clutching a bouquet of the giant leaves round his middle. He
brushed his long golden hair back from his face with his free hand.
“You worry too
much, Aragorn. “he said, ”These leaves will serve as covering until we find
something better. I think they are just the right size to cover me.”
“Bad goats
come back!” a shout heralded the belated appearance of the goatherd, a young
boy of about eleven summers. He was roughly but more than adequately clad in
rough breeches, a tunic and a cloak
Legolas ducked
behind Aragorn at the boy’s appearance, while Faramir shivered and crossed his
arms defensively across his chest.
The boy
stopped when he saw them and stared with eyes wide as saucers.
“Please could
you help us? ” Aragorn asked politely.” We need some of your clothes from you,
we will pay of course!”
The boy looked
him up and down for a mere second them with a piercing scream fled.
Aragorn sighed
with dismay.” I fear he misunderstood our predicament. Either that or he took
some of the clothing himself as it was a lot for goats to devour!” he said.
“Come we had better try and find our horses and someone who will help us.”
They started
to run across the Pelennor .The meadows were green again after the carnage of
the battle fought there, maybe made even more lush now they were fertilised
with the blood of so many. The only reminder of what had occurred was a bare
patch where the remains of the fell beast had been burned and nothing would
grow on that spot now.
Aragorn and
Faramir soon found themselves tiring, for although both had spent many years
wandering in the wild, they had little such exercise since Aragorn had become
King. Their pace slackened and they walked in dejected silence with Legolas
bringing up the rear, for although the elf was tireless, he preferred to stay
close to his human companions in his current predicament.
Much to their
relief eventually they reached a farmhouse where a plump young woman was
hanging some washing out on a clothesline. Their eyes brightened at the sight
of several shirts, a pair of breeches, and some bed sheets.
“Stay behind
us! ” Aragorn instructed Legolas as the three made their way to the woman. He
was blushing scarlet at the prospect of letting a woman see him so inadequately
clad, while Faramir’s expression suggested that had he not been loyal to
Aragorn he would have turned and fled. As it was he stood huddled miserably,
trying to cover himself with his arms.
“Your pardon,
Lady, but we wondered if you would help us, as we are in dire need of your
clothing. “ Aragorn said politely, gesturing towards the washing line.
The woman
reacted by giving him a resounding slap across the face.
“How dare you,
you impudent knave!” She shrieked. “Be gone or I’ll set the dogs on you! I
hoped now the King has returned that things would get better here, but they
have gone worst! ”
“But Madam, I
am the King.” Aragorn said with as much dignity as he could muster, as he
rubbed his reddening cheek before crossing his arms defensively across his bare
chest.
“King indeed,
a lunatic more like!” She snapped. “ Obviously the three of you have escaped
from the asylum. You need locking up forever!”
Much to their
dismay, she snatched her washing from the line and ran inside, slamming the
door behind her.
“We should
have waited and helped ourselves to the washing when she had gone. “ Faramir
said woefully. “We could have paid for it later. Has she hurt you? “
Aragorn rubbed
his face ruefully.
“ It could
have been worse, she could have punched me in the eye! Whatever did I say to
upset her so?”
“You asked for
her clothes. ” Faramir answered with a mirthless laugh, I think she thought you
meant what she wore, not the washing!”
Aragorn
flushed slightly at the implication.
“ How dare she
strike you that is treason? Whatever can we do now?” Faramir lamented.
“ I can hardly
blame the poor woman, she could hardly recognise me in only my drawers and we
must have frightened her.” Aragorn replied.
He looked
around him and spied a mill a short distance away.
“Let us try
that mill. “ He suggested.
They set up at
a fair pace, Legolas having to slow down to keep up with the two humans. He had
now wedged himself between Aragorn and Faramir as the leaves were starting to
wilt and he had lost several of them on the way. Both men were wary though and
did their best not to get close enough for the leaves to touch their skin.
The mill door
was open and much to Aragorn and Faramir’s delight, a pile of flour sacks were
neatly folded behind the door. They picked them up and started tearing holes in
them to make makeshift clothing.
“Just what we
need!” Faramir sighed with relief, as he was cold as well as miserable and
embarrassed by their plight.
“What use are
flour sacks? ” asked Legolas. ”We need clothing!”
“We can wear
them. “ Aragorn was already pulling one over his head. Like Faramir he was
starting to feel cold and his flesh was covered with goose bumps.
“These? ” the
Elf was horrified. “But the material is so coarse!”
Aragorn had
already torn a strip off a second sack. He then made a hole in the bottom of
it, stepped into it, and secured it round his waist. The outfit was far from
being either elegant or comfortable, but it was at least decent.
Faramir had
likewise made a similar outfit for himself.
“Can’t one of
you at least let me borrow your drawers now?” Legolas pleaded.
“We itch as
much as you, maybe more so as we are mere mortals! “ Aragorn retorted. “You had
better put on a sack or remain naked and treat the citizens of Minas Tirith to
a glimpse of your elven perfection! ”
“Mortals would
be unable to appreciate elven beauty! ” Legolas retorted as he reluctantly
followed the others’ example. “It itches. “he moaned as the sackcloth irritated
his fair flesh.
“ And just
what do you think you are doing! ” A plump middle-aged man, with greying hair
and beard entered the mill, his face flushed with anger. “Stealing my flour
sacks, I’ll report you to the King’s justices!”
“We will
recompense you fully, Master Miller. “ Aragorn said. “I am the King.”
The Miller
threw back his head and laughed.
“King indeed!
“ He snorted. “How can you be the King? If you were, you would be wearing fine
silks and velvets not sackcloth stolen from me! “ He gestured towards Faramir.”
I suppose you’ll be claiming next that this ragamuffin is the Lord Steward?”
” I am
actually.” Faramir looked as if he wished the ground would open and swallow
him.” We were swimming and some goats …”
“Be off with
you!” The Miller snapped, quickly suppressing his laugher.” If I catch you
still here when my wife returns from market, you will be very sorry! I’m not
listening to any more lies or slandering the good name of our King!”
The three
sackcloth clad companions fled sheepishly from the mill leaving the Miller
staring after them. They were obviously lunatics and yet there was something
about the eldest man that intrigued him, it was as if he had an almost regal
air about him, despite his appearance, something, which had stopped him from
giving the impudent fellow a sound thrashing. Shaking his head at such
thoughts, the Miller tidied up the scattered pile of sacks.
Aragorn and
Faramir felt slightly more relaxed now they had acquired some clothing, however
makeshift, while Legolas complained incessantly about how the rough sacking
chafed his fair skin. It seemed a very long way back to the city.
“Look! “ cried
Legolas suddenly. “There are our horses! “
They craned
their necks in the direction the Elf pointed and could just make out three
specks on the horizon.
“They’ve
strayed into a hayfield! ” Legolas explained, his keen elven eyesight noting
the details.
“Iavas loves
fresh hay! It will be difficult to retrieve them. “Faramir groaned.
Aragorn gave
his companions an enigmatic smile and then raised two fingers to his lips and
gave a piercing whistle, paused for a moment and then whistled again.
Faramir
regarded Aragorn doubtfully. Surely losing his clothes had not caused him to
lose his wits as well? By contrast, Legolas, having unlimited faith in the
King’s abilities, waited hopefully, certain that Aragorn knew what he was
doing, however odd it might appear.
“They are
coming!” Legolas said joyfully, as the horses started galloping towards them.
“However did
you do that? ” Faramir asked.
“ I still
remember a few tricks I learned as a Ranger. “ Aragorn grinned as he swung
himself up upon Roheryn’s broad back.
“We never
learned that in Ilithien” Faramir told him, as he mounted Iavas, patting the
chestnut’s neck as he settled himself in the saddle.
Meanwhile,
Legolas had realised there was no way he could ride astride, without incurring
the mirth of the populace, not to mention breaking several laws regarding
public decency and breaching the peace so he had to mount side-saddle and ride
like a lady, a feat he found took some mastering as he had never sat on a horse
in such a manner before. It took all his Elven agility just to keep his
balance.
Faramir and
Aragorn struggled to contain their mirth.
“Your golden
locks are even fairer than my wife’s!” Faramir chortled.
“ Don’t let
your Lady hear you saying that or you will be wearing sackcloth for a long time
to come!” Aragorn teased, ignoring the Elf’s furious expression.
They urged the
horses towards the city gates and were there within minutes only to be halted
by the stern faced Guard.
“What have we
here?” he asked. “Vagabonds on stolen horses!”
“We own these
horses.” Aragorn said coldly. He was weary, cold and itching from wearing the
sackcloth. All he wanted now was a hot bath and some comfortable clothing.
The Guard
shook his head.
”Those are fine beasts, fit for the King and his Nobles, not for the likes of
you!” He drew his sword and levelled it at Aragorn’s chest. “I’m arresting you
in the name of the King!”
“I am the
King.” Aragorn’s tone was at its most commanding as he glared at the Guard.”
Release us this instant!”
The Guard
flinched at the authority in Aragorn’s voice but continued undeterred. “I’ve no
time for your impudence, you rascal! You cannot be the King, not dressed like
that! I saw him at his coronation and he wore finery that a ragamuffin like you
couldn’t imagine in your dreams!”
Aragorn
groaned inwardly, he was cold weary and uncomfortable and was in no mood for a
lengthy argument. The prospect of being locked in a cell and hoping someone
would be allowed to identify him was growing alarming. They could overpower the
Guard, but the King was reluctant to harm someone who was only doing their job.
He was about
to urge Roheryn into a gallop and hope the others had the wits to follow, when
he remembered he was wearing the Ring of Barahir, the heirloom of the Heirs of
Isildur.
“Do you
recognise this ring?” he asked the man.
The Guard
shook his head. “It looks as if you stole that too!” he said grimly.
“Send for the
Captain of the Tower Guard!” Aragorn ordered. “He will know this ring and its owner!”
He could only hope that whoever was on duty would recognise him or Faramir in
such unorthodox attire.
He was
becoming increasingly worried, especially about his companions. Faramir had
endured so much in the past that Aragorn feared being locked in the dungeons
could badly damage his newly acquired self-confidence. Then there was Legolas,
a woodland Elf, one of a species attuned to Nature, who might react very badly
if confined in a stone walled cell.
The man
hesitated, he had a good mind to march these ruffians through the street to the
dungeons, but it was a long walk and he was due to be relieved soon. Then what
was to be done with the horses?
Aragorn,
Faramir and Legolas could only wait and endure the stares and titters of the
passers by. A queue was building up behind them impatiently waiting to enter
the city.
“Whatever do
you three, think you are doing?”
Aragorn heard
a familiar and querulous voice, shouting almost in his ear.
“Dame Ioreth!”
He was so relieved to see her that he could have kissed her!
“If that is
your idea of the latest fashion, Lord Elfstone, I am not impressed!” Ioreth
said tartly.” You look like beggars and ought to be ashamed of yourself
encouraging Lord Faramir to dress like that to go out riding!” She turned to
Faramir, ”As for you, young man, your father would be ashamed of you to see you
looking like this! He had his faults, did Lord Denethor, but he did at least
see his sons were properly dressed!”
Faramir opened
his mouth to protest but before he could do so, Ioreth continued,
“I just don’t
know what this city is coming to! Highborn Lords riding around wearing
sackcloth! I don’t care if it’s some new fashion or even a new fangled
religion, but it is not at all seemly. Maybe it’s the fault of the Elf, I never
could abide them, you cannot tell what gender they are! I thought this one was
male, but as it rides like a maid, it must be a she!
Legolas turned
the colour of a beetroot.
“Dame Ioreth,
I assure you that.” Aragorn began but was promptly interrupted.
“And why is
there such a queue at the city gates, I would like to know? It was never like
this in Lord Denethor’s time! I’ve spent a long tiring day visiting my cousin
from Lossarnach, who is staying at a farm near here. And I want to get home and
put my feet up not stand here talking. Why my cousin was telling me…”
Aragorn gently
but firmly placed his hand over her mouth to stem the ceaseless flow. She
glared at him with a look, which would have proved fatal if looks could kill.
“ My pardon,
Dame Ioreth but I want to put to put my feet up too but cannot get a word in
edgeways!”
Seeing the
Guard advancing menacing, he removed his hand, only just in time to avoid being
bitten, he guessed.
“Please, Dame
Ioreth, tell the Guard, who were are, then we can all be on our way!” he pleaded.
“Is that
ruffian annoying you, madam?” asked the Guard.
Aragorn held
his breath.
“Yes, he is.”
she replied.”
Aragorn
sighed. It looked as if the prospect of shedding the sackcloth followed by a
warm bath and a meal were receding into a distant prospect.
“But he is no
ruffian and should know better!” Ioreth continued. “That is the King himself,
Lord Elfstone, and the Steward, Lord Faramir and one of those elves that the
Lord Elfstone seems to favour!”
A look of
horror spread over the Guard’s face as he dropped to his knees.
“My Lord King,
forgive me, I did not know!” he gasped.
“ Rise! You
were only doing your duty.” Aragorn said without rancour.” Now will you be so
kind as to lend me your cloak? I will see that it is returned to you.”
The man rose
to his feet, and with trembling fingers, unfastened his cloak and handed it to
the King.
Aragorn
immediately passed it to Faramir. “You had better take this, as you have been
known far longer than I in this city!” he said, knowing that Faramir was
probably the most upset by the day’s events.
“There is no
need, he can have my cloak!” Ioreth volunteered surprisingly, handing the
garment to the Steward.
“Why, thank
you!” Faramir was touched by the usually fierce old woman’s kindness.
“It is a warm
day, I will get home all the faster without!” She said briskly.” Now don’t you
dare ride around the streets like this again, whatever that Lord Elfstone says!
You will catch cold, and then who will have to tend you?”
“I promise I
will dress properly in future.” Faramir said meekly, as he wrapped the grey
woollen cloak closely round him.
“Has no one a
cloak for the Elf?” Ioreth demanded loudly.” Decent folks like us, don’t want
to see it riding through the streets like that!”
A man, who
looked like a rich merchant came forward and offered Legolas his fur trimmed
garment much to the Elf’s grateful relief.
“All the
cloaks will be returned.” Aragorn promised in a voice all could hear as the
Guard opened the city gates and let them through.
They urged the
horses to a trot and rode without stopping through the city streets. To their
great relief, the citizens failed to recognise them.
Aragorn and
his companions managed to enter the royal apartments unnoticed, using a secret
way that Faramir knew from his childhood. They were anxious to avoid their
wives until they looked presentable, knowing the ladies would tease them
mercilessly if they were spotted sporting sackcloth. They parted and went their
several ways, promising to meet for dinner once bathed and changed.
After a hot
bath and now dressed in fine woollen breeches and a velvet tunic, Aragorn was
about to enquire whether Arwen and his guests were ready for dinner when Gimli
hurried up to him, an expression of great anxiety on his face.
“Please come
quickly as Legolas feels most unwell and is unable to even dress for dinner! I
have never seen him like this before! What if the poor wee Elf is dying?”
Aragorn raced
to Legolas’ room, closely followed by the panting dwarf. He knocked on the door
and on getting no reply, entered and approached the bed where he discovered the
Elf lying on top of the covers, dressed only in a loose nightshirt.
A painful and
unsightly looking red blotch across his cheek disfigured his fair features.
Legolas struggled to sit up as his friend approached but fell back against the
pillows with a groan.
“What ails
you, Mellon Nin?” Aragorn asked, although he already thought he knew the
answer.” I was told you were unable to dress to come to dinner.”
“Those leaves,
I fear you were right!” Legolas replied.” I feel as if my skin is on fire, it
is too painful to endure anything rubbing against it!”
“Why didn’t
you tell me about the leaves, Master Elf?” Gimli exclaimed, “I thought you were
dying from some dreadful poison!”
Aragorn placed
his hand on the Elf’s forehead.” You do not have a fever.” He pronounced.” The
rash produces a painful burning sensation, though it affects humans slightly
differently. Their symptoms take a few hours longer to develop. Luckily, I have
a salve, which should help. Where is the rash?”
Legolas
flushed slightly and held out his hands without much conviction.” Here, where I
touched it. ” He replied. ” And on my face.”
Aragorn
carefully applied the salve to the Elf’s reddened palms and fingers, trying to
suppress a wry smile. He then waited patiently for Legolas to elaborate
further. A long uncomfortable silence followed, during which, Legolas shifted
uneasily on the bed and winched
“And where
else?” the King asked finally to end the Elf’s torment.
“It is rather
embarrassing.” Legolas sputtered.
“Unless you
will show me, I cannot tend you, so if you would prefer I take my leave?”
Aragorn gathered up the jar of salve and pretended to make for the door.
“If you don’t
tell him, I will!” Gimli exclaimed, placing himself in front of the door. “I
have noticed where you have been scratching, Master Elf!”
“Maybe if you
were to take a little walk?” Aragorn suggested to Gimli, ”The gardens are
pleasant at this time of year.”
“And of what
interest are flowers to dwarfs?” Gimli huffed indignantly, “We don’t go around
smelling them like yon prissy Elf and a fine mess it’s left him in!”
“I meant that
I need to ….” Aragorn bent to whisper in Gimli’s ear. The dwarf laughed out
loud.
“I hardly
think so, the laddie is fond of taking off all his clothes and jumping in the
river to bathe in front of me when we are journeying together. He even suggests
I should join him, just think of the damage it would do to my beard, not to
mention anything else! A dwarf and his garments are not easily parted and that
makes more sense than going diving in freezing cold rivers and getting a nasty
rash as result!”
“The river was
not the cause of it. It was some poisonous leaves.” Aragorn explained
patiently.
“Well it would
never have happened it he had kept his clothes on. A dwarf would never …”
The chatter
was making Legolas aching head feel worse “Stay, please!” he interjected
halting Gimli’s endless chatter.
With
surprising tact, Gimli smiled at his friend and went across the room to look
out of the window, where he remained standing as Aragorn approached the bed.
Blushing
scarlet, Legolas reluctantly pulled his nightshirt up to above his waist,
revealing large areas of red and blistered skin between waist and thigh marring
the otherwise perfect elven skin.
With the calm
detachment of an experienced healer, Aragorn applied the salve in liberal
amounts, plastering it thickly over the affected areas.
Legolas sighed
as the cooling ointment took effect.
“Turn over!”
Aragorn instructed him.
This is so
mortifying! “ Legolas wailed as his friend continued to tend him.
Glad that
Legolas couldn’t see the expression of barely suppressed mirth on his face
Aragorn asked with mock gravity.” I thought Elves were so perfect they had no
need to be shy and delighted in revealing their perfection? You implied only
this afternoon modesty was a trait only mortals shared!”
Unable to
think of a good answer, Legolas changed the subject.” Why do mortals grow such
plants?” He asked
“ They do not
as it grows wild in the lands of the Harad.” Aragorn told him.” Most likely,
their soldiers brought the seeds here during the war.
He finished
applying the salve, smoothed down the Elf’s nightshirt, and went over to where
a basin and ewer stood on a table near the bed and poured some water into the
basin to wash his hands.
“Is the poison
deadly? My skin feels as if it is about to fall off! Am I going to die?”
Legolas groaned.
Aragorn calmly
dried his hands and started to mix some herbs in a goblet of wine.
“I have been
stung with it many times and I live still!” he told the Elf.” It should be much
better by morning and you should be able to return to Mirkwood as you planned
for you have the fast healing abilities of the Eldar.”
“I will never
be able to sit on a horse!” Legolas moaned.” Then how can I let anyone see me,
my looks are ruined!”
“You can of
course stay longer, if you wish.” Aragorn replied handing him the goblet.”
Drink this; it will help you get some rest! I think though, you will find you
are fully recovered by morning. I will have to go now, as the others are
waiting for me to begin dinner. I will have some food sent to you later when
you are rested.”
“Don’t leave
me, I feel very ill!” Legolas pleaded.
“That is
something we mortals often feel!” Aragorn told him.” You have no cause to fear,
as you will live! Be comforted.”
“I will stay
with him.” Gimli offered, finally losing interest in the view from the window
and moving to Legolas’ side.” Please give your Lady my apologies that I cannot
come to dinner as yon wee Elf needs a nursemaid!”
Legolas opened
his mouth to retort but only a yawn emerged as the sleeping draught started to
take effect.
Gimli settled
himself by the bedside and patted his friend’s hand, the gesture belying his
somewhat scathing comments.
Aragorn drew
the coverlet over the unhappy Elf and left to join his wife and friends for
dinner. He was going to enjoy relating the latest turn of events to his
Steward!
When Aragorn
entered the dining room of his private apartments, he found his wife together
with Faramir and Eowyn already there and waiting for him.
Arwen was now
so advanced in her first pregnancy, she had difficulty sitting at the table,
though she was in good spirits and chattering to Eowyn in an animated fashion,
while Faramir looked on uneasily.
“Eowyn and I
have heard such tales from the city today!” she said. ”Three naked madmen are
on the loose! It is said they attacked a boy and then a woman and stole all her
clothes, then helped themselves to some of the horses from the Royal stables
before beating up and robbing a miller!”
“Well I heard
they merely stole some sacks from the miller.” Eowyn added,” Then the latest
rumour was they escaped wearing stolen cloaks!”
“How are you
going to punish these villains when you catch them?” Arwen asked with a gleam
in her eye.
“Surely the
King won’t let them run amok in the city?” Eowyn commented earnestly.
Aragorn opened
his mouth to speak and then closed it again while Faramir blushed scarlet.
“The most
interesting thing I heard was the description of the lunatics.” Arwen’s tone
was like honey.” I was told two were dark haired with grey eyes, one older and
slightly taller than the other, while the third was fair to look upon with long
golden locks that any maid would envy! That sounds somewhat familiar!”
“ How strange
that my husband should go swimming this afternoon with two that fitted that
description !” Eowyn could now barely contain her mirth.
Arwen burst
out laughing, not the usual musical laugher of Elves but very human guffaws,
which she had obviously learned from Eowyn as the two women shook with helpless
mirth.
“If only we
could have seen the three of you!” Eowyn roared. “What a sight that would have
been!”
“We were not
naked, we were wearing our drawers, that is Aragorn and myself were.” Faramir
said with as much dignity as he could muster, somewhat ill at ease to be even
mentioning underwear in the presence the Queen.
He was fond of
Arwen and admired her greatly, but always felt slightly awestruck in the
presence of one of the Eldar, even at the best of times.
“How did you
find out?” Aragorn asked. He had hoped for some sympathy from his wife, but
realised that to an observer, their plight must have seemed hilarious .It was
good to see Arwen so cheerful as her advanced pregnancy was starting to dampen
her spirits as the delivery time drew nearer.
“Ioreth came
to see me and told me most of the story.” Arwen explained once she could
control her mirth.” The rest I heard from my maid, whose brother’s wife is the
miller’s sister. He had come to report the theft of the flour sacks to the
guard and also had spoken to his neighbours. The tale seems to have been
embroidered in the telling, though.”
“We never
attacked anyone, only asked for some clothing and were forced into stealing
some flour sacks when no one would give us any.” Aragorn explained. ”They
failed to understand our motives I think!”
“You have
certainly entertained us!” Eowyn chortled.
“Though the
bruise on your cheek looks painful.” Arwen added.” Though maybe you deserved it
from what I have heard!”
“He did not!”
Faramir said indignantly.” None of us did anything wrong!”
“Where are
Legolas and Gimli?” Arwen asked.” I thought they were joining us.”
“Legolas is
weary after all that happened this afternoon and decided to eat in his room and
Gimli wanted to stay to keep him company.” Aragorn said diplomatically, to
spare the Elf the ladies’ teasing, though he fully intended to tell Faramir the
full story, once they were alone.
The next
morning, Legolas appeared completely recovered as Aragorn had predicted and no
sign of the rash could be seen on his face or hands, and as he sat comfortably
upon his horse, it had presumably disappeared from everywhere else as well.
His health and
spirits restored, he cheerfully bade Aragorn and Faramir farewell as he set off
to visit Mirkwood with Gimli.
The End