At the Mercy of a Burning Coal

Disclaimer; My friends would murder me out of envy if I owned Tolkien. I’m typing this right now, so therefore I cannot be dead, which means my friends haven’t murdered me because I don’t own Tolkien.
Note: I don’t really like the vows I made for their ceremony…I might change them in the future.

As soon as the others were out of sight, Lathwen slumped against the wall, breathing hard again. But soon the panic gave way to disgust. Stupid man. He had no right to handle her the way he did! She a guest of Lord Elrond and all…honestly. The sooner they left Imladris the better!

Lathwen let out one more shaky breath before standing up again. Quickly she brushed off her skirts and smoothed out invisible wrinkles. Footsteps echoed behind her, and she turned, knowing that her plans to head for the kitchens were being deviated at every turn.

Lily was limping as fast as she could. Lathwen hurried toward her friend to make it easier for her. Lily brushed back loose strands of her hair impatiently and said, “This-may-not-be-the-best-time-but-there’s-two-girls-I-mean-elves-and-they-want-to-join-the-Outlaw-Maidens-so-I-told-them-that-you-would-be-there-in-a-few-minutes-and-Nestariel’s-busy-holding-back-the-stampede-of-elves-who-are-friends-of-Lord-Elrond-and-Glorfindel-who-want-to-get-revenge-on-the-guy-who-hurt-er…-I-mean-*tried*-to-hurt-you—.”

Lily took a deep breath and started again, “And-Edhelwen-and-Beinion-are-helping-Erestor-deal-with-a-bunch-of-rangers-who-have-escorted-another-group-of-all-women-here-to-Imladris-and-last-I-checked-Edhelwen-was-telling-them-about-the-Outlaw-Maidens-and-they-seemed-quite-interested-you-know-but-I-didn’t-stay-to-chat-because-I-had-to-find-you-and-you’ll-never-believe-this-Bessie! I LOST MY DAGGER BECAUSE SOME ELF STOLE IT AND WON’T GIVE IT BACK! He says its his but its really not and so I tried to find it but he hid it apparently and now I can’t find him to ask where he put it so—”

Lathwen barked, “STOP AND BREATHE GIRL!” Lily halted her flow of words and put a hand to her head as if to ward off a headache. Lathwen sighed and said impatiently, “Am I supposed to deal with this all NOW?!”

Lily nodded warily, “Um…please?” Lathwen scowled but stalked off.

***
Lathwen had made two trips already. One was to the dining room to yell at the people trying to rip the drunk to shreds. Not that she minded what they were doing to punish the guy, but she told them to stop because it was pestering Nestariel. And they did, therefore relieving Nestariel as the exhausting role of an elven nanny.

Then she and Lily went down to Edhelwen and Beinion’s post, and exchanged a few polite words with the group of women. (There were five, and Edhelwen whispered that they had no intention of joining the Outlaw Maiden’s at the moment so Lathwen and Lily left after a few more polite exchanges)

And THEN Lily brought her down to the library where two dark haired elven maidens sat, conversing softly. Both were delicate things really, but Lathwen could tell there was an iron will and hard muscle underneath their calm visages.

The first one had dark hair and green eyes, and introduced herself as Saerwen. The second one stood and towered over the first. Her name was Elenniel, an orphan who had midnight black hair and ice blue eyes. Lathwen sat down with them, and Lily discreetly left them to their own devices.

“Can you tell us about the Outlaw Maidens?” Elenniel said patiently, “We’ve only heard rumor and we can hardly separate truth from gossip these days.”

Lathwen grinned and sat back in her chair, “There’s much to tell. Perhaps I should start off with how it was founded then.” Saerwen nodded and the two elven maidens sat forward in their seats, eager for a good tale.

Lathwen started, “Lily…that’s the girl who was with me before…she and I came from abusive families, and we needed to escape for that reason. We have three…well, four others in the group…one currently is a messenger and so resides in Lothlorien until there is a need. Her name is Manwathiel. Also in Lothlorien, we have another elf maiden named Sarethiel…she’s our connection to whatever is going on in Lorien and the rest of the outside world.”

Elenniel nodded, “Ah yes. Sarethiel is with child now, they are doing well I hear.”

Lathwen grinned, “Good. Anyway, the other two come from Lorien, and their names are Nestariel and Edhelwen. Edhelwen has a beau here named Beinion. Lily, Nestariel, Edhelwen and I have built a home in a forest not far from Minas Tirith. It has no name, for it is small and secluded…but when we speak of it, we call it Tanglewood. Okay?”

Elenniel nodded and exclaimed, “Minas Tirith you say. Such a far way from here!” Lathwen shrugged, “Small prices to pay if we can save a few lives here and there.” The leader of the Outlaw Maidens looked the two square in the eye and asked, “Can you tell me why you two want to join?”

The quiet Saerwen spoke up in a firm voice, “We are tired of having boundaries to life. Women are expected to be meek and humble, never to venture outside of the guidelines laid down by man. I am tired of living like this…I’d like men to realize that women can be strong to. I want a chance to make a difference.”

Elenniel looked fairly impressed and she added, “Exactly. I would like to show everyone that women do not need to be controlled. We can be strong like men. I want adventure, a chance to do good.”

Lathwen broke into a grin and said, “Those are the exact same reasons Edhelwen and Nestariel joined.” Elenniel smiled wryly, “Your verdict?”

“Innocent. Welcome to the Outlaw Maiden’s girls…your second family.”

***
Lily bounced up and down on Lathwen’s bed on her knees while the leader reported the interview.

She had just returned from the library with a grin on her face, and was instantly sabotaged by Edhelwen who was shouting something about a group meeting in Lathwen’s room. By now all of Imladris knew what had happened pertaining to Elenniel and Saerwen’s joining the group.

“I must say, that wasn’t half bad. Elenniel and Saerwen will be a lovely addition to our group.” Lathwen said reminiscently. Edhelwen nodded and said, “So how’s it going with ignoring Glorfy?”

“That name irritates him to no end you know.” Called a voice from the window. Lathwen looked up in surprise and saw Beinion there, swinging his legs innocently. Edhelwen was the only one who didn’t look shocked.

“I take it he does this a lot?” Nestariel asked dryly. Edhelwen shrugged and said, “Maybe a little…but I asked him to come here for a reason.” Lathwen raised her eyebrow as Beinion slid off the windowsill and stood by Edhelwen’s side.

The elf maiden broke out into a grin that nearly spit her face, “We’ve decided to bond!”

Nestariel let out a shriek of joy and rushed to congratulate the couple. Lathwen didn’t know what bonding meant, but she had the vague idea that it was like getting married. She two let out a whoop, but Lily however started dancing around the room shouting, “IT’S ABOUT TIME! FINALLY!”

Lathwen wiped her eyes, which were getting moist. “When’s the ceremony?” She asked. Edhelwen sighed and said, “Lathwen, we…well, us really…us elves have a different way of doing things. You see…we call it a Bonding Ceremony, and it’s a bit different than the mortals way of celebrating things.”

Lathwen raised an eyebrow, “Eh? I’m afraid Erestor did not explain that when teaching me elven protocol.” Edhelwen winced and muttered something about ‘of course he wouldn’t’.

“Bessie…we celebrate what we call ‘bonding’ because we’re bonding our souls and hearts and minds to put it lyrically…we celebrate it by…er…um…” Edhelwen shrugged helplessly.

Nestariel saved her friend by saying, “What normally follows after a mortals wedding.” Lathwen held up her hand, “Okay. That’s enough thank you. So there’s no ceremony or celebration to attend?”

Edhelwen shook her head, “Of course there is…but it takes place the whole afternoon before the actual bonding process. First we say the vows…because yes, we do have vows…and then there’s a celebration that lasts seemingly forever. Come dusk, and its all over.”

Beinion wrapped an arm around Edhelwen’s waist and said to the others, “We spoke to Lord Elrond. We are having the celebration in a week.” Lathwen smiled sadly, “A week. We can stay that long…but I suppose Edhelwen, that you won’t be coming back to Tanglewood with us?”

Edhelwen shook her head, the light in her eyes dimmed, “No.” She whispered sorrowfully, but then she perked up, “But I’ll be your connection to Imladris the way Manwathiel is to Lorien. Beinion and I can ride to Tanglewood once in a while to visit and give messages. This way if you or Imladris are in danger, you can help one another.”

Lathwen felt a heavy veil cover her heart…blocking all else out but sadness. “We still have a week left Bessie. And we have the rest of our lives to.” Nestariel reminded her.

Apparently she wasn’t that upset…but then again, she had all the time in the world left to see Edhelwen…who knew how long Lathwen had left?

“Yes,” Lathwen said faintly, “I suppose we do.”

***
The week flew by quickly without any more mishaps. Lathwen had managed to avoid Glorfindel for a whole three days before she saw him in the gardens. (Drat that elf!)

Lathwen now looked back at those stress free days and relished the thought of walking someplace outside of her room without being stampeded by visitors and guests from Lorien who had come to celebrate Edhelwen and Beinion’s bonding, the various cooks who were cursing while waving their ladles chasing Lord Elrond’s twin sons down the halls, and her own Outlaw Maidens trying to drag her into decorating, cooking, baking, cleaning (To which Lathwen had said absolutely not. She had seen how many shelves, statues, and tapestries needed to be cleaned) or trying on various dresses.

Honestly, was there no more peace in the world at all anymore?! Imladris of all places!

Even the normally calm Erestor was rushing down the halls, his robes billowing impressively as he barked orders to the servants who instantly ducked their heads and scurried off, afraid of incurring the wrath of a librarian who still had the muscles from the days in which he was a warrior.

Lathwen sat up in a flash as a knock on her door echoed through her chambers. “WHAT kind of fool would wake me up at this time in the morning I wonder?” She whispered to herself. “COME IN!” She shouted then resumed her grumbling, knowing very well that it would be someone she knew very well and saw very often. One of the Outlaw Maidens come to that…

Lily slammed open the doors with a bang, causing Lathwen to wince. She bounced over to her leaders bed and sang, “Guess what time it is Bessie?”

Thanks to another visit with Lord Elrond, Lily’s leg was fully healed and she was taking advantage of it.

“Time for you to get out of this room and leave me in peace!”
“Nope! Time for Edhelwen and Beinion—.”

Lathwen flew out of bed and began brushing her hair furiously, “I completely forgot!” She wailed as she tugged at the snarls in her hair. Lily grinned, “We thought you might have.”

Lathwen halted her annihilation of her hair and looked at Lily, “We?” Lily grinned and sang back, “Yes ‘we’. Nestariel and I! So we decided to get ready early so you could get ready on time for once in your life.”

“Hey!”
“You can’t say it’s a lie.”

Lathwen sighed and rolled her eyes. “Fine then,” Lathwen said, “But please hurry! I cannot be late! Edhelwen will murder me with her bare hands.” Lily wiped away an imaginary tear, “I’ll put flowers on your grave, have no fear.”

Lily rushed Lathwen to the baths, and then brought her back to her rooms where Nestariel was waiting. They helped her into a beautiful dark blue dress with silver lace on the bodice, sleeves, hem, and neckline. Lathwen gasped when she looked in the mirror, but Nestariel gave her no time to wonder at the transformation.

She attacked Lathwen’s hair, brushing and twisting it into an intricate low bun at the nape of her neck with little braids woven into it. At last, she placed the circlet Lathwen had inherited on her head, and helped her put on the necklace.

Lathwen sat down on a hard chair with a sigh, “Are we done?” She asked wearily. Nestariel nodded after eyeing her critically one last time, “Yes. And there’s only one more hour till noon…I’d better go to get ready.”

As soon as Nestariel rushed out, Lily rushed in. She wore a petal pink gown that complimented her nicely. She to, had a circlet in her hair, but it was plain beaten gold.

“You look good Bessie! This’ll give Glorfy something to look at tonight…” She said with a smirk. Lathwen glared at her friend, “And after this night…we leave. I’m giving him no more chances to gawk at me.”

Lily shrugged and sat down on the bed, careful not to muss her gown. “You know he can’t help it Bessie. Everyone acts young when they’re in love. Except you of course, you’re the exception. You just try denying it.”

“I am not in love Lily! How many times do I have to tell you?!”
“A lot more before I’m convinced.”

Lathwen rolled her eyes but let the subject drop, knowing very well that Lily was prepared to defend her reasoning. And Lathwen knew that she would loose. Lily was good at arguing…it was to bad she didn’t like diplomats.

***
Lathwen gasped at the sight she saw upon walking into the clearing with Nestariel and Lily. The leaves on the trees were tinted with orange and red, creating a fiery display of colors. The sky was bright blue without a cloud in the sky. The healthy green grass was like a soft cushion beneath their feet.

At the left side of the clearing stood a few tables piled high with all sorts of food. Soups, meat, salads, stews, cookies, cakes, and other sweets filled the tables to the extent where Lathwen was sure the table would crack underneath the weight.

Nestariel nudged her and hissed, “Come on! It’s beginning!” Lathwen cheered silently and followed Lily and Nestariel toward a group of people who were standing near Edhelwen and Beinion who were facing each other with Lord Elrond standing off to the side.

Lathwen watched as Lord Elrond stood by as the witness while Edhelwen and Beinion recited their vows.

Beinion began, “Tell me of thy fears love, and I will cast them all away. Tell me of thy wishes love, and I will fulfill them in every way. Tell me of thy dreams love, and I will make them all come true. Tell me what you want from me, and I will give myself to you.”

Edhelwen smiled and entwined their hands while responding, “Tell me of thy worries love, and I will help you get through. Tell me of thy hopes love, and I will make them all come true. Tell me of thy desire love, and I will satisfy them for you. Tell me what you want from me, and I will give myself to you.”

“Through dark and light…”
“Through wind and snow…”
“I will protect and love you…”
“Though safety may be miles to go.”
“I love you my darling, and I will always keep you…”
“I love you my heart, I will stay with you forever.”

Lathwen winced as a bright light intertwined the couple’s hands. Lathwen heard Lily gasp, but other than that there were no noises of surprise. The rope of light blazed brighter before disappearing altogether. The mob broke out in cheers and Lathwen heard Edhelwen laugh merrily as Beinion swept her into an embrace.

The crowd thinned as few by few the elves offered their congratulations to the couple and headed toward the food tables. The throng was huge though, and it would be a few minutes before they reached Edhelwen and Beinion, giving Lathwen time to examine the various partygoers.

There was a group of elves from Lorien, she could tell by their silver-blonde hair. Lathwen knew that Edhelwen’s mother and father must be there if they hadn’t sailed for Valinor yet.

Oh wait…Lathwen remembered the conversation they had long ago.

*Flashback*

/Edhelwen sighed, “ It’s a bit odd without having tunics to wash though. And I miss my friends back in Lorien…all my family has sailed away to the Undying Lands.”/

*End of Flashback*

Lathwen blinked…so she didn’t have any family here. Only friends. Pity threatened to overcome her, but she pushed the feeling back, knowing Edhelwen wouldn’t appreciate it.

“Bessie! I was afraid you would be late!” Edhelwen’s voice said, cutting through the fog of Lathwen’s reverie. She smiled and stepped forward to embrace her friend, “So little faith in me Edhelwen!”

Lathwen heard Beinion chuckle…they all knew it was exactly the opposite. She looked at Beinion and said, “You’d better take care of her Beinion of Imladris…or you’ll have the Outlaw Maiden’s to answer to.”

Beinion mocked a gasp of fear, “Dear me! And I won’t even have Nestaron and Glorfindel to protect me!” Lily cocked an eyebrow, “What do you mean?” Lathwen frowned inwardly, but maintained her polite façade in front of everyone else.

Beinion answered, “They’re leaving after the celebration ends.” This time Lathwen really did frown, “But so are we.”

Nestariel shot her a warning look, “That doesn’t mean anything Lathwen.” The leader of the Outlaw Maiden’s scowled but said nothing in return.